procrastination

Sometimes in the river of my psyche a project gets trapped by an underflow. A current of cold water drags this project deep under water and pushes it up against a log. And the project sits. and sits. While the rest of life keeps coursing over and beyond it. The project sits.

It develops sedentary properties; it grow a little moss – and other smaller projects tumble upon it and make it grow in size. The project sits for so long that it becomes part of the general landscape. The project just sits.

I thought that GTD might help me and my projects from getting caught by sucker currents like that, but it turns out that procrastination is different from organization. GTD does help me find and retrieve old stuck projects, but now new projects keep floating out of my grasp. Or perhaps it’s just a new sense of balance and I’m falling in and out of practice with it.

Am presently working on wedding thank you cards.

It is a difficult, but rewarding task. It’s also twice as difficult now than it would have been two months ago when my memory of the wedding was so much fresher.

Have we really only been married 3 1/2 months?

Cake by Wendy Edwards. Photo by Stephanie Fowler of rosewaterstudio.com.

Posted in organization, procrastination | Leave a comment

Is it just me?

Am I the only one who finds it appealing when artwork is accessed by an inconspicuous door on the street on the Lower East Side? and described as an “amusement park dreamed up by squatters” in this week’s New Yorker?

If you live in NYC, will you please drop by 117 Delancey Street before October 28 and tell me what London-based Mike Nelson’s first major American installation is like?

For a sneak preview and short interview, check this story at Gothamist.com.

I might also want to see Kohei Yoshiyuki’s photographs of couples making out in the parks of Toyko – and the peeping Toms who were spying on them. (Milo, 525 W. 25th st)

And Andrea Zittel’s dresses at Inglett, 534 W.  22nd St. We saw Zittel this weekend – having breakfast at Crossroads in Joshua Tree like we were. She was wearing one of her dresses – one that you wear exclusively for one entire season. Zittel has a great motto: Liberation through limitation.

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Songbae's 100 Things About Me

Songbae is my brother and for those of you who know my family, you know that he is known as the “crazy Lee” (Sue’s the “mean Lee” and I’m the “nice Lee”). Sue doesn’t look so mean, does she?

1. conceived in korea
2. born in Cleveland
3. was told I was afraid of grass as a baby
4. name on birth certificate is songbae
5. best friend was named david
6. when he moved, I told my parents I wanted to be called david
7. I have two sisters
8. one was conceived and born in korea
9. the other was born in Chicago
10. the older one used to beat me up
11. I used to beat up the younger one
12. then I had my growth spurt and beat both of them up
13. I feel bad about that now
14. one of my favorite childhood memories is playing flashlight tag
15. and catching fireflies
16. my favorite july 4th was the first time we got sparklers
17. favorite car we had was a blue VW bug
18. we also had a station wagon
19. I think my head got caught in the back window at least twice
20. I broke my leg the first time I went skiing
21. coming off the ski lift
22. once ran under a slide and hit my head
23. mom carried me to the hospital
24. they said I needed stitches so my mom took me home instead
25. loved the beach when I was in high school
26. now I love the mountains
27. crashed three cars before I got my driver’s license
28. voted worst driver senior year
29. was also voted class skipper
30. dad also said to travel alone to poor countries
31. “they may be poor in material wealth but are rich in cultural wealth”
32. at dinner, dad used to ask us things like “do you know what NASA stands for?”
33. mom used to make me read books aloud at the kitchen table before going out to play
34. we had Chinese food every Sunday after church
35. I’m not a big fan of Chinese food anymore
36. spend a summer picking apples on a kibbutz
37. looked into joining peace corps when graduating from college
38. wanted to go to former soviet union and they said I needed an MBA
39. sold encyclopedias in boston
40. ran marine corps marathon
41. planned a trip around the world
42. went through mexico, central America and asia
43. got tired of country hopping and taught English in Korea for one year
44. came back to DC and worked for an insurance company
45. got written up for coming in late too often
46. found next job at hotel company through classifieds
47. decided wanted to become an investment banker
48. my dad said go to grad school before my brain hardens
49. applied to two bschools
50. didn’t get into the one I wanted
51. applied to peace corps
52. Dad said I could help people after I retire
53. became a business development volunteer in Ukraine
54. was accused of being a spy
55. came back to US a year early
56. volunteered for a homeless resource center
57. applied to three bschools
58. didn’t get into the ones I wanted
59. got a job in microenterprise lending
60. first job I quit because I didn’t like my boss
61. became washingon director for an immigration advocacy organization
62. applied to 11 business schools
63. got into one I wanted
64. decided I didn’t want to do banking anymore
65. got to school and everyone was applying to banks
66. got an summer internship at a bank
67. got an offer
68. didn’t want to interview anymore so accepted
69. worked there for two years after graduation
70. got another banking job in SF
71. fit everything i took with me in my car
72. this was my third cross country trip
73. first one was a family trip in a camper
74. favorite stop was graceland
75.

He’s still working on it – but it’s a good start, wouldn’t you say?

For those of you who haven’t seen my own 100 things list, you can read it here.

Posted in says Songbae | Tagged | 2 Comments

A Moment for Megan

Last week Chad and I were doing our regular route around the lake in Laguna Niguel Regional Park, which is partially on the same 3-mile trail the local high school cross country teams use for competition, when I pointed out the track meet. There were nearly a 100 kids milling about under one of the larger shelters – maybe a little on the quiet side – but it looked like a normal track meet and I just refrained myself from shouting out and asking who had won.

Then we passed the ambulance and police cars.

Nervously, I turned towards Chad and puffed out, “I hope everything’s okay.”

It wasn’t.

Last Wednesday an apparently healthy high school freshman collapsed during her race and died. On the same course my own freshman was going to run the next day. That Wednesday Megan’s parents sent Megan to school without knowing they would never see her alive again.

An emotional shock wave of sympathy has rippled through the community.

I feel like I should DO something – today is the fourth morning Megan’s mother woke up without Megan. It hurts my chest even to think about it.

There is no known cause of death at this time. You can read the short article in the OC Register here.

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A Bushel of Apples for Fall

You can have the endless sunny days and T-shirt weather in October; I miss fall. I miss crisp air, crackling leaves, raking – yes, I miss raking! I miss those huge smell good piles that were good for a few jumps before bagging. I miss proper hand-sized oak tree leaves turning yellow from one end to the other. I miss apples – those crisp apples with so much juice that you couldn’t help but squirt or dribble a little with every satisfying crack of a bite.

So every year when school would start, and the temperature would still be in the 90’s – I would pack Bella (and a sundry collection of other people’s kids) up for the day and head down to Oak Glen, about an hour from Joshua Tree, and up in the mountains from Beaumont. We would always head straight for Oak Knoll Park, a little-known oak grove park, located far behind Los Rios Ranch. We would pass milling throngs around the front entrances of a half dozen other orchards – pumpkin piles spilling over with kids – turn into Los Rios, which was always just as busy because of their famous apple pies, pull into the far back parking lot, follow a little gravel road over a stone bridge, to its end and park. Despite the crowds elsewhere, Oak Knoll Park is nearly always empty and serene. (It’s amazing how few steps off the beaten path it takes to get away from the crowds.)

I’m sitting at a picnic table. My immediate view is sun-dappled grass and the trunks of evenly scattered old oaks. Just beyond I can see the tops of the trees on the side of the next ridge. The leaves haven’t started turning yet, but the air is chilly and turning my fingers stiff. I can hear an intermittent woodpecker – not too industrious – and the occasional chuckle from the only other group taking advantage of this park; an older group having a BBQ and picnic.

I don’t have much time; I’m picking up a couple apple pies and bag of apples for a friend and getting a bushel for my own household. I can’t wait for the pleasure of cutting and serving a fresh Oak Glen apple after dinner tonight; my mouth is watering in anticipation.

I love this place and every year I swear I’m coming back several times before Halloween, but I’ve rarely made it more than once a season. Better go and take a few deep breaths, because I might not be back again until next year.

Posted in SoCal attractions | 1 Comment

There is a pleasure in the pathless woods – Lord Byron

We caught the 1:30 show of Into the Wild (imdb 8.4/10.0) today and the theater was full – midday on a weekday! Yes, it was the only local theater where it was playing, but still they had it playing on two screens starting at 11:15 am. Written and directed by my old favorite bad boy, Sean Penn, this movie was surprisingly creative and original.

It’s about a kid who’s just graduated from Emory, scoffs at civilized society, and makes for the Alaskan wilderness. Who hasn’t wanted to do what this guy dared to really do? Burn money and follow his dream? Run into amazing people on the road? Read favorite authors over and over again while camping in Slab City? Discover truths…

Good film – and heart-wrenching. Nice performances by Catherine Keener and William Hurt too. Chad and I give it an A-.

Posted in movies | 2 Comments

Jeannie Lee, Freelance Writer

After dozens and dozens and dozens of job applications, I finally got a reply. A genuine, honest-to-goodness reply:

“Hi Jeannie Lee

Neeet name, you have, Miss Lee.Nice Web Page also…. This is a small time Pet Publication. I have people doing Dog and Cat care articles. I need human Interest story’s.. I just did one on the guy in Tokyo that was selling Austrian Lambs, for Poodles, “The cutest animal on earth” Over 2000 customers. Interesting yes?? Can’t find out if it’s true or not so you can get funny with it and embellish, much…. It will be just Orange County. A free bee droped off at the Petsmarts and Petcos, etc. Do 500 words do 1500. Most that contact me are Collage Students that just want to get Published locally. I pay $20.00 Sounds like fun, yes?? Do one do 5, I pay quick. Paypal Money Order or Check.”

Despite the creative spelling and suspicious punctuation, it was the ONLY reply I had received, so I sent back a polite email asking where I could find a copy of the publication.

No response to where I might find this free bee.

So I sent out more applications.

Finally two days ago I heard back from somebody at iloveinns.com; a form letter explaining that because of the large quantity of inquiries (for the position of blogger reviewing bed and breakfast inns) that they were asking all applicants to write a press release promoting B & B gift certificates. If it was selected I would be paid $50. And I might have a job reviewing up to twenty B & B’s throughout the States.

After a few hours researching the website – I came up with a few marketing ideas and outlined them in an email.

And I wrote my press release and sent it shortly afterwards.

Later last night I got an email back: a bone fide real-live person response.

She liked it! I’m getting paid! More work is coming! AND SHE WANTS TO KNOW WHICH STATES I PREFER!

My first freelance writing gig!

Posted in job hunting | 4 Comments

Beauteous Basket of Bounty

Look at what I got today! My first 25 pound basket of organic fruits and veggies through the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program at South Coast Farms.

You can only see the top layer, so here’s what else is in my amazing basket: Green Romaine, Red Leaf Lettuce, Turnips, Rosemary, Curly Kale, Leeks, Valencia Oranges, Yellow Peaches, Yellow Nectarines, Apples, Carrots, Broccoli, Cucumbers, Basil, Zucchini Squash, Melons, Green Beans and Red Bell Peppers.

Wowza!

And our first meal with CSA veggies using a recipe the farm sent us.

Beef & Green Bean Stir Fry

Dairy-Free

Simple and delicious, with complementary colors as well as flavors, this robust stir-fry features crisp green beans, sweet red bell peppers, and pungent garlic from the late summer garden. Great with pork too. Try it served over Asian noodles instead of rice and add a side dish of savory marinated cucumbers.
Serves 4

* 1/4 cup tamari soy sauce
* 1/4 cup white wine
* 1 tablespoon mild honey
* 2 large cloves garlic, minced
* 1 pound lean steak, cut into cubes or thin slices
* 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
* 2 tablespoons expeller pressed peanut or sesame oil, divided
* 1 tablespoon arrowroot or cornstarch
* 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
* 1 red pepper, seeded and chopped
* sea salt, to taste
* ground black pepper, to taste
* cooked Jasmine rice or Japanese Soba noodles

Whisk together the tamari, wine, honey and garlic in large bowl. Add steak and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours.

Blanch green beans in large pot of boiling salted water for 2 minutes. Drain. Rinse under cold water; drain well.

Heat 1 tablespoon of the oil in heavy large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Drain meat well, reserving marinade. Add arrowroot to reserved marinade and stir until smooth; set aside. Add steak to wok or skillet and stir-fry until almost cooked through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove to a plate and set aside.

Add the remaining tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Add the onion, red pepper and green beans. Stir-fry until crisp-tender, about 2 to 3 minutes. Return beef to the skillet. Cook until the meat is done, another minute or two. Stir the reserved marinade and add to the skillet. Stir until sauce thickens and coats meat and vegetables, stirring constantly, about 2 minutes. Adjust seasonings to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve over rice or noodles.

Posted in food, health, recipes | 9 Comments

You know you're in OC when…

You can pole dance for fitness. According to the magazine ad, “pole dance is now mainstream,” Oprah to Kate Hudson, apparently they’re all doing it! Read an article about it SqueezeOC.com (or click the photo – it’s theirs).

Seriously, being fit in south California is the most time-consuming, obsessive recreational past time there is. Everybody does it. While it makes me feel harried about my own fitness regime, it is nice to have yoga be fully part of the local cultural awareness.

 

Looks fun, don’t it? This pole dance studio is right up the street from where I live, but being old-fashioned, I think I’d rather rollerskate, run, and yoga my way to fitness.

I added abigail the vet back to the blogroll (hover over the blogroll link to see directions on how to get into her site) after I saw her “You know you’re in California when…” post last week.

My favorite one:

“You’re sitting in a yoga pose when a 4.7 earthquake rolls the floor and your instructor calmly smiles and says ‘hello mama’.”

So true.

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the Five-Year project

Coming from a generation of folks (okay, the tail-end of that generation) who pored over the Whole Earth Catalog, every time Steward Brand‘s name comes up my interest is piqued. I’m always interested in hearing what that guy’s saying.

I found an interesting mention of him at boingboing.com today – by Wired co-founder Kevin Kelly, posted by Mark Frauenfelder.  Kelly’s talking about his life count-down clock, which is simply a web clock ticking off all his projected remaining days (8,500 days left to go) – but he says he was inspired by his friend Steward Brand:

“I am now 55 years old. Like a lot of people in middle age my late-night thoughts bend to contemplations about how short my remaining time is. Even with increasing longevity there is not enough time to do all that I want. Nowhere close. My friend Stewart Brand, who is now 69, has been arranging his life in blocks of 5 years. Five years is what he says any project worth doing will take. From moment of inception to the last good-riddance, a book, a campaign, a new job, a start-up will take 5 years to play through. So, he asks himself, how many 5 years do I have left? He can count them on one hand even if he is lucky. So this clarifies his choices. If he has less than 5 big things he can do, what will they be?”

What’s interesting is that my dad (sorry, he doesn’t have a website, but he should) has always said the exact same thing. He says it took him about five years to become a good tennis player, and then another five to master golf. He says that anything you want to do, you can do well in about five years with serious effort. The only category where five years hasn’t been enough has been the trumpet-playing.

Sorry, Dad, but it’s true.

Read the rest of the article here.

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