In somewhat of a public diary, let’s take a look at the things we’ve done, the things we still want to do, and the things we have put to the side. Why do I talk about myself in the third person in the overview, but first person in the actual writing? Who is to say.
Quick H1 life updates
Started work at Spotify
After a frustratingly painful time in eCommerce, I’m remarkably thankful to be back in Tech. It’s comfortable, my senior manager is superb, and I’m challenged. 10/10 upgrade, and I’m not looking back. It’s nice to have trajectory.
Got the ‘Rony
It wasn’t awful, but still quite a nuisance. Very grateful I got it out of the way before Italy, though.
Italy trip
Unbelievably grateful to have experienced that with my closest friends, celebrating our former roommate as he got married.
Let’s take a look at what we’ve accomplished
Done, as of July 11th , 2022
take subjective risks
go on (a) date(s)
Gone on three first-dates. To be honest, I’m really proud of myself for this one, as it’s been a lesser priority for the past four or five years. While the people I’ve met have been wholesome, kind, and brilliant, I haven’t felt much chemistry with anyone in particular yet.
push my body to reach maximums in the gym
I’ve benched a new maximum, squatted a new maximum, and am definitely hitting the gym on the most consistent basis than I have since college.
While I haven’t lost a significant amount of weight, I feel (and AM) stronger physically.
specific conscious savings
consciously start to save for a future wedding ring (? lmao)
Continual journey, but putting aside a few investments every now and then in hopes of selling them for when I need to buy a ring.
Also did a poll within friends of how much someone in their late-twenties in a large metropolis can expect to spend on a ring. The median and mode answers were $10K USD. Zoinks, scoobs!
be my best self in Italy (June 2022)
mentally, physically, emotionally at a peak
Arguably, yes. Definitely comfortable with where I am and proud of who I am, whilst in Italy.
record Italy in film, both 35MM, 120MM, and Super 8
The highlight of my time in Italy was being asked to give a speech with my two best friends, at the wedding of our former roommate. I can’t articulate words how much that meant to me.
narrow down the card collection
Soto, Curry, Griffey, Leclerc/Ferrari
This has been relatively easy because of the economy. Selling has been easy, though not at the prices I ideally want. Still working on acquiring some nice JRods and Trouts, but Leclerc, Griffey, Soto, and Curry anchor my personal collection.
get to know my neighbors and doormen/women
really i just want them to know that i care for them and value them
tbd on how to show this
This is also an ongoing effort. I celebrated my two favorite late-night doormen/women by making Lemon Bars for their birthday. They thoroughly enjoyed that, and I hope to do things like that more. I actively will continue to make an effort to say “hello” and go beyond the quick formalities when walking by.
continue active effort into further understanding the following concepts, (continue work w therapist, close friends on these)
feminism from a male pov
wealth privilege
male privilege
why i so often feel the need to be contrarian
All of the above are continually in progress and ongoing discussions, but the fact that I’ve brought them up in therapy and with close friends has been (to me) a mark of success.
commit to building relationships in the Church
Ongoing
solo travel to a new country again
keep countries visited > age
Visited Colombia
Will be traveling to Sweden for work at Spotify (as well as Barcelona, again).
write more
Does this count? lol.
what I won’t do
withdraw any cryptocurrency or index funds
Holding pat, even in current economic situation
lyft/uber sober. make time a priority
Consciously apply this, though I still do Uber/Lyft sober occasionally. I’m very happy with my progress on this one.
be disappointed if I fail.
Not beating myself up on this, even though I ended up doing most of the “what I won’t do”s.
nutty stretch goals
pitch four 0 ERA innings in a row, between a maximum of two games
No, but we made the playoffs. I call that a win. I am having a horrendous season at the plate, but am contributing defensively, so I don’t feel like I’m complete dead weight to my team.
find a way to perform
Somewhat done through visual arts and media