Haiku of the Day:
On our building's roof
we cut wood for a pine shelf
Sawdust in the wind
Tuesday, June 30, 2015
Monday, June 29, 2015
Sunday, June 28, 2015
Midsummer Nights
Haiku of the Day:
Some drunken Shakespeare
livens up the night and we
stay up past bedtime
Saturday, June 27, 2015
Escape from the Island!
Haiku of the Day:
Escaping the rain
we flee north on a ferry
to the warmth of home
Friday, June 26, 2015
Thursday, June 25, 2015
Welcome to Round Two...
So I've completed my project...now what?
On to the next thing!
So I already posted this a week ago, but I'm going to reiterate it here because I still like it and want to try it out:
All of the goals will be based on 50. I will post them as I finish them (either in photo or written form.) This gives me a "once a week" sort of requirement with a bit more flexibility than the "everyday" requirements of last year. I may call these goals "The Big Ten".
I have 5 Lifestyle Goals (with potential peak goals):
-50 instances of 50 consecutive push-ups Peak goal: 100 consecutive
-50 runs over 5 miles in length Peak goal: Run a half-marathon at a 8:00 min/mile pace.
-50 days of rest (Where the only thing I do that is blog related is post a haiku) Peak goal: Learn how to nap effectively
-50 day streak of Duolingo in Spanish. This was something I put on for last year's goals and it fell off the wagon on day 15 or so. Peak goal: Complete the all the Spanish lessons they provide
-50 dates (Go on 50 dates with my wife for being so wonderful and patient during the whole process) Peak Goal: Go on a date in another country
And 5 Creative Goals:
-50 drawn comics (for the segment I'm calling "The Vagus Strip")
-50 "revised" works from last year's project (either a written, draw or crafted project. Basically make whatever it is better in some way.)
-50 pieces of poetry or free writing (can be revised from above goal)
-50 collaborative works (can be anything as simple as cooking a large meal or as complex as a full production of a play. Most probably won't be easily represented here, but I'll at least provide some pictures or something)
-50 homemade constructions (They can range from simple to complex)
I also have a few of annual goals:
-Write a haiku a day until the end of time
Update days will probably be Thursdays now because that's when it began!
So without further ado, I'll post my haiku to start this sucker rolling! I will be camping for the next three days so the first few posts will be sparse.
On to the next thing!
So I already posted this a week ago, but I'm going to reiterate it here because I still like it and want to try it out:
All of the goals will be based on 50. I will post them as I finish them (either in photo or written form.) This gives me a "once a week" sort of requirement with a bit more flexibility than the "everyday" requirements of last year. I may call these goals "The Big Ten".
I have 5 Lifestyle Goals (with potential peak goals):
-50 instances of 50 consecutive push-ups Peak goal: 100 consecutive
-50 runs over 5 miles in length Peak goal: Run a half-marathon at a 8:00 min/mile pace.
-50 days of rest (Where the only thing I do that is blog related is post a haiku) Peak goal: Learn how to nap effectively
-50 day streak of Duolingo in Spanish. This was something I put on for last year's goals and it fell off the wagon on day 15 or so. Peak goal: Complete the all the Spanish lessons they provide
-50 dates (Go on 50 dates with my wife for being so wonderful and patient during the whole process) Peak Goal: Go on a date in another country
And 5 Creative Goals:
-50 drawn comics (for the segment I'm calling "The Vagus Strip")
-50 "revised" works from last year's project (either a written, draw or crafted project. Basically make whatever it is better in some way.)
-50 pieces of poetry or free writing (can be revised from above goal)
-50 collaborative works (can be anything as simple as cooking a large meal or as complex as a full production of a play. Most probably won't be easily represented here, but I'll at least provide some pictures or something)
-50 homemade constructions (They can range from simple to complex)
I also have a few of annual goals:
-Quit one thing every year indefinitely. Here's the list so far:
Age 25: Cigarettes
Age 26: Energy Drinks
Age 27: Ground Beef
And this year is:
Potato Chips
(As with my ground beef abstinence, the only exception is when I make it myself. Tortilla Chips are exempt if used as a vessel for other foods.)
-Read a number of books equal to my age (This year it's 28. Obviously what constitutes a "book" is crazy all over the place, but I'm going with anything over 100 pages.)
-Write a haiku a day until the end of time
Update days will probably be Thursdays now because that's when it began!
So without further ado, I'll post my haiku to start this sucker rolling! I will be camping for the next three days so the first few posts will be sparse.
Haiku of the Day:
28 years old
I revel in the deluge
of birthday wishes
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
ONE YEAR DONE!!
IT'S OVER!!
And there it is. An entire year of weird drawings, of quippy haikus, of crafty projects and faces in food. A year of reading and running and writing. It's the year I got married, the year I lost a grandfather, the year I played a silent Russian clown and a contorted, slimy Leech. This year I've visited Maine, Hawaii, North Carolina, Baltimore and Michigan. It was the year of The Horrible Winter, the year we moved to the third floor of the Jewish community center and had to dissemble our bed spring at midnight. A year of new and old friends coming together, a year of board games and plants, of crying in the kitchen. It's been a long hard wonderful year. And I would do it all again.
But not quite yet because I need to rest a bit.
So here are a few acknowledgments:
Thank you to all the friends who sent in guest posts and continue to read and give me feedback and support. And thank you for the miles! Especially those few who gave so much...both in effort and in shear numbers. You inspire me.
A special shout-out and thank you to my old friend, flatmate and abroad companion Gavin, who has his own blog here and was kind enough to feature my blog on his sidebar. Gavin is one of the smartest, most thoughtful and globally conscious individuals I have had the pleasure of knowing.
Thank you to my family, for your constant support with all the crazy things I've done over the years. It's been so nice to learn you've been following and reading throughout the process; it's a huge help in making this feel a little less like screaming into a void.
And of course, a massive thank you to my wife Emily. Your patience, love and understanding know no limits. I'm so glad to have you along for this crazy ride.
All that being said, tune in tomorrow for the rules for next year's adventure!!
FINAL SCORE WITH ALL GOALS COMPLETED!! (52 Weeks)
Stats:
Running Mileage: 750.12/750
Running Mileage (With Friends): 1,089.76/1,000
Push-ups: 10,000/10,000
Sit-ups: 10,000/10,000
Pages Read: 10,128/10,000
Books Read: 29/25
Words Written: 100,150/100,000
Fasts (Days without)
Internet: 101/100
TV: 146/100
Gaming: 261/100
Meat: 109/100
Junk Food: 104/100
Booze: 102/100
Haiku of the Day:
Gazing distantly
a fondness softens my face
as the year flies by
a fondness softens my face
as the year flies by
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Success" spoken by Emily Kuehn!)
Today's "365" Project (Do something loud and make sure everyone knows it's your last day! WOOO!)
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
And here are the kick-ass runners who joined me for the final run (1.63 miles):
THE DYNAMIC MICHAEL UNDERHILL
THE VIGOROUS KIKI SAMKO
THE INEXORABLE WILLIAM SCHULLER
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 10
FINAL FRIEND MILE TOTAL (Since May 17th): 339.64 !!!
Take a bow guys. This is amazing!!!
For those interested, here are the books I read this year. I've bolded a few of my favorites. (I counted a third of the pages for the graphic novels. Also please understand I wasn't aware of Orson Scott Card's homophobic views until halfway through his fourth book):
The Four Agreements by don Miguel Ruiz
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
Speaker for the Dead by Orson Scott Card
Ender's Shadow by Orson Scott Card
The Locke and Key Series (Graphic Novel) by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez
Shadow of the Hegemon by Orson Scott Card
Shadow Puppets by Orson Scott Card
Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
Datacylsm by Christian Rudder
The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
Do androids dream of electric sheep? by Philip K Dick
Dune by Frank Herbert
The Art of Asking by Amanda Palmer
Consider Phlebas by Iain Banks
The Graveyard Book (Graphic Novel) by Neil Gaimen
Black Hole (Graphic Novel) by Charles Burns
The Autobiography of Red by Anne Carson
The Man in the High Castle by Phillip K. Dick
Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
An Artist in a Floating World by Kazuo Ishiguro
Ready Player One by Ernest Cline
No Mud No Lotus by Thich Nhat Hanh
How to Build Self-Discipline: Resist Temptations and Reach Your Long-Term Goals by Martin Meadows
The Upside of Irrationality by Dan Ariely
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
Salt Sugar Fat: How the Food Giants Hooked Us by Michael Moss
The Collected Works of Lydia Davis by Lydia Davis (Duh)
The Martian by Andy Weir
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Penultimate Post
-Everything has been completed, with the exception of word count and mileage. I've nearly done it. All I've got to do is the final picture, project and write up and this stage of the journey will be over. We're planning a camping trip this weekend and I plan to not have to do anything. It's a nice feeling. Peaceful. Hopefully we'll have decent weather.
-When I was younger, my brothers and I would spend our weekends sleeping in our basement, watching television and playing video games. Often we would play early into the morning, eating horrible food and basking in the glow of the screen. It felt like an ancient space, a damp sunless primordial cave where we huddled together and shared in these wild and supernatural stories. It was ritualistic and magical down there. We inhabited these vast and inspiring worlds where we had power and it was clear who were the heroes and who were the villains. I don't think I'll ever recover from the memory of that time and place. Such is the dark and comforting hold of nostalgia. This is what I get for listening to the Nobuo Uematsu Pandora station.
-A delinquent wrote "Butthole" in the dust of a storefront under construction. What's the compulsion there? What is it about the term "butthole" that tickled the artist so? Where does the compulsion to write out vulgarities in public space stem from? Is it a vesting of control? Why does it feel so good to vandalize, to make your mark? Expletives and declarations of love are, by far, the most popular.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Gotcha!" from journalism or something)
Today's "365" Project (Make a brand new birthday tradition. This one's a bit on the nose with how close my birthday is, so I'm definitely doing something I can implement on the 25th. A brief musing below!)
So there are a few traditions I've had for birthdays over the years:
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "60 degrees, low cloud and fog cover, still and very humid. Slow but I felt that I could have gone longer." You've gone so long already Joe. What a guy!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.01
-When I was younger, my brothers and I would spend our weekends sleeping in our basement, watching television and playing video games. Often we would play early into the morning, eating horrible food and basking in the glow of the screen. It felt like an ancient space, a damp sunless primordial cave where we huddled together and shared in these wild and supernatural stories. It was ritualistic and magical down there. We inhabited these vast and inspiring worlds where we had power and it was clear who were the heroes and who were the villains. I don't think I'll ever recover from the memory of that time and place. Such is the dark and comforting hold of nostalgia. This is what I get for listening to the Nobuo Uematsu Pandora station.
-A delinquent wrote "Butthole" in the dust of a storefront under construction. What's the compulsion there? What is it about the term "butthole" that tickled the artist so? Where does the compulsion to write out vulgarities in public space stem from? Is it a vesting of control? Why does it feel so good to vandalize, to make your mark? Expletives and declarations of love are, by far, the most popular.
Haiku of the Day:
The remnants of man
cast in shreds of wrought iron
rest lonesome on stilts
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Gotcha!" from journalism or something)
Today's "365" Project (Make a brand new birthday tradition. This one's a bit on the nose with how close my birthday is, so I'm definitely doing something I can implement on the 25th. A brief musing below!)
So there are a few traditions I've had for birthdays over the years:
- I worked on my birthday from the ages of 15 to 24...will be working this year too.
-as I've mentioned before, I've quit something every year since turning 25
-I am trying to start the tradition of reading a number of books equal to my age
-also cheesecake is my tradition birthday cake of choice.
-I tradition my father started was playing 18 by Alice cooper at midnight on mine and my brother's 18th birthday.
-When I turned 24 I got 24 punches in the arm from my former bartender at the Owl Bar. He was a gorilla of a man and I had bruises for a month.
So this little bit being said, I think I'll try to start up the Birthday Run: Getting dressed up somehow and running a short distance with a bunch of friends. We'll see how it goes! You'll see more on it tomorrow.
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "60 degrees, low cloud and fog cover, still and very humid. Slow but I felt that I could have gone longer." You've gone so long already Joe. What a guy!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.01
Monday, June 22, 2015
Demon Day
-If I could go back to the beginning, I would call this space "The Flypaper Wall" because each day is about what horrible things stick.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the phrase "Cheeky Monkey" from an English stereotype)
Today's "365" Project (Take a painting or photo and extend it outward)
"Monster!"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 4.3
-Today's a Demon Day, when the spirit swoops in and takes over the body, breathing fresh salty life and all is oblivion and bliss and sin. Sin in the pleasure of it, sin in the rooted base, sin in the fleety escape, sin in the end is near and there is nothing else to do. It is sin in the forbidden, in the peering behind thin wooden slats to wet earth. Sin in the righteous guilt, the pious afterglow of knowing right from wrong. Sin in the sloshing of time, the clock's intoxicated revelries at the expense if its own delicate parts.
-A scientist did an experiment to measure happiness over time by giving her subjects beepers and then at random intervals asking the subjects status questions like "how angry are you?" Or "how sad do you feel?" This experiment went on for years. How bizarre to be those subjects with the $5 therapist on their belts, blurting vague open questions on a whim.
-Saw a great show today called The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin. Wonderful script, beautifully acted and masterfully directed, it was a real joy from start to finish. I can't tell you how nice and palate cleansing it is to see theater come together like that; it just clicks.
-Saw a great show today called The Farnsworth Invention by Aaron Sorkin. Wonderful script, beautifully acted and masterfully directed, it was a real joy from start to finish. I can't tell you how nice and palate cleansing it is to see theater come together like that; it just clicks.
Haiku of the Day:
Pupils dilate
to the quick passage of light
from bone to finger
to the quick passage of light
from bone to finger
Today's Drawing (inspired by the phrase "Cheeky Monkey" from an English stereotype)
Today's "365" Project (Take a painting or photo and extend it outward)
"Monster!"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 4.3
Sunday, June 21, 2015
Father's Day
Here's a list of things my father taught me (Thanks Dad!):
-The key to a well told story is detail and enthusiasm.
-Tradition is important, especially during the holiday season.
-There's nothing quite as satisfying as building something with your own hands.
-That if you take a shower, the dry boogers in your nose soften up and you can blow your nose normal and not have to pick it!
-If you work hard and show up on time, you will be fairly compensated.
-It's ok to not know what you want to be when you grow up, even when you are grown up.
-Vacation time is precious; enjoy every minute of it!
-Nature is sacred and beautiful and should be treated with respect and reverence.
-Never underestimate the power of throwing a great party.
-Sometimes you've got to throw your kids in the pool, even if they're too big and your back hurts like hell.
Today's Drawing (inspired by Father's Day)
Today's "365" Project (Make a rainbow with something. I went through and got objects from past projects!)
"Shades of the Year"
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "It was raining hard this morning. They said it would let up in the afternoon. They were right. Went out at 5pm to cloudy no rain"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 6.01
-The key to a well told story is detail and enthusiasm.
-Tradition is important, especially during the holiday season.
-There's nothing quite as satisfying as building something with your own hands.
-That if you take a shower, the dry boogers in your nose soften up and you can blow your nose normal and not have to pick it!
-If you work hard and show up on time, you will be fairly compensated.
-It's ok to not know what you want to be when you grow up, even when you are grown up.
-Vacation time is precious; enjoy every minute of it!
-Nature is sacred and beautiful and should be treated with respect and reverence.
-Never underestimate the power of throwing a great party.
-Sometimes you've got to throw your kids in the pool, even if they're too big and your back hurts like hell.
Haiku of the Day:
Dale David Chodos
Deft woodsman and trailblazer
Sage father of three
Today's Drawing (inspired by Father's Day)
Today's "365" Project (Make a rainbow with something. I went through and got objects from past projects!)
"Shades of the Year"
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "It was raining hard this morning. They said it would let up in the afternoon. They were right. Went out at 5pm to cloudy no rain"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 6.01
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Second Life
-Late night sounds of rain on our skylight. It leaks on our steps, warping the wood. I like to think it's watering the ancient spirit of the step, giving it a taste of the life it led as a tree, when it was a complete organism with leaves and roots and capillary action. For a moment, it is no longer a mutilated bone, stripped and stained and fasted by forged iron and grubby human hands. It gets to return to it's glory days. And the memory becomes such a powerful force that it shifts, it wells and reaches out to that old life from the step, and in that effort the step cracks and is rent open. The rending would have been painful for the living tree, back before, but now that pain is just a ghost, a glossy remnant that also breathes new life - for pain is essential for life. And the step that was a tree, in it's broken and crooked state, becomes whole again.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Signage" from a podcast dust storm)
Today's "365" Project (Use bleach to drain the color out of something)
"Horse Crap Nebula"
Today's Runner
THE FORMIDABLE EMILY KUEHN 2.67 miles that we ran together!!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 2.67
Haiku of the Day:
Egg with double yolk
A surprise on the skillet
Omen for the week
Egg with double yolk
A surprise on the skillet
Omen for the week
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Signage" from a podcast dust storm)
Today's "365" Project (Use bleach to drain the color out of something)
"Horse Crap Nebula"
Today's Runner
THE FORMIDABLE EMILY KUEHN 2.67 miles that we ran together!!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 2.67
Friday, June 19, 2015
Wharfing
-Another glorious half day. Went to the aquarium to check out a new turtle hospital exhibit. Considering changing my career path so it has more turtles in it because seriously that sounds pretty awesome.
-Fabricating arias while doing the dishes.
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make a cover for a favorite book. Either you get it or you don't.)
"So it goes"
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Here is your 20 miles for the week. #joeyouinfor200? #whynot? #inforapennyinforapound"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 3.56
-Fabricating arias while doing the dishes.
Haiku of the Day:
Cold beers on a wharf
sailboats and fat folks drift by
full of summer air
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make a cover for a favorite book. Either you get it or you don't.)
"So it goes"
Today's Runner
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Here is your 20 miles for the week. #joeyouinfor200? #whynot? #inforapennyinforapound"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 3.56
Thursday, June 18, 2015
That's Crazy Talk!
-Click click. Grind. Click click. Grind. Syncopating my teeth gnashing is the only way to keep from going insane. I'm afraid of I stop, the silence will descend with the force of a garbage truck. I pick the brown flaky residue on the lid of my portable cup. I ponder the history of the sip, of what the man before had tasted and if it brought him joy. I sip myself and add to the archaeology and feel warm and cavernous. I can practically feel the infusion trickling down the layers of silt and sand, seeping and soaking in its progress. I consider how deep it goes and get vertigo. For a moment I am free of sensation, free of any outside force and I see ungodly multitudes at my feet. Unburdened, I reach out and extend into the soft night like poured water.
-My new favorite thing is my silver ringed hand clutching the top of a cup like a hawk grasps a rabbit's neck.
Haiku of the Day:
Thank you alcohol
my social panacea
provider of ease
my social panacea
provider of ease
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Caparision" from MW's word of the day. It's an ornamental covering for a horse or an adorned harness of sorts)
Today's "365" Project (Make something look like it is frozen in time. I decided to do one last entry for my paper clip series! It's free standing!)
"Pour Quality"
"Pour Quality"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA ~5.4 mi, ~7 min/mi. #gpsfail #moremilesformichael
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 9.5
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA ~5.4 mi, ~7 min/mi. #gpsfail #moremilesformichael
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 9.5
Wednesday, June 17, 2015
A Single Week
ONE. WEEK. REMAINING.
Week 51
Stats:
Running Mileage: 732.8/750
Running Mileage (With Friends): COMPLETE 1,023.89/1,000
Push-ups: 9,820/10,000
Sit-ups: 9,820/10,000
Pages Read: COMPLETE 10,128/10,000
Books Read: COMPLETE 29/25
Words Written: 97,104/100,000
Fasts (Days without) COMPLETE!!!
Internet: COMPLETE 101/100
TV: COMPLETE 143/100
Gaming: COMPLETE 257/100
Meat: COMPLETE 108/100
Junk: COMPLETE 103/100
Booze: COMPLETE 100/100
Here we are. The end is nigh. I completed a few of the big ones this week. I reached my reading goal. I finally got those 100 days without alcohol...crazy how hard that one was to kick. And of course the big one: we got that running challenge kicked! I'm still accepting and posting runners because why not? It's fun and inspiring.
So I'm still doing a check in for next year but it will run a bit differently. The check in will keep happening once a week, but all of the goals will be based on 50. This gives me a "once a week" sort of requirement with a bit more flexibility than the "everyday" requirements of last year. I may call these goals "The Big Ten".
I have 5 Lifestyle Goals (with potential peak goals):
-50 instances of 50 consecutive push-ups Peak goal: 100 consecutive
-50 runs over 5 miles in length Peak goal: Run a half-marathon at a 8:00 min/mile pace.
-50 days of rest (Where the only thing I do that is blog related is post a haiku) Peak goal: Learn how to nap effectively
-50 day streak of Duolingo in Spanish. This was something I put on for last year's goals and it fell off the wagon on day 15 or so. Peak goal: Complete the all the Spanish lessons they provide
-50 dates (Go on 50 dates with my wife for being so wonderful and patient during the whole process) Peak Goal: Go on a date in another country
And 5 Creative Goals:
-50 drawn comics (for the segment I'm calling "The Vagus Strip")
-50 "revised" works from last year's project (either a written, draw or crafted project. Basically make whatever it is better in some way.)
-50 pieces of poetry or free writing (can be revised from above goal)
-50 collaborative works (can be anything as simple as cooking a large meal or as complex as a full production of a play. Most probably won't be easily represented here, but I'll at least provide some pictures or something)
-50 homemade constructions (They can range from simple to complex)
I also have a few of annual goals:
-Write a haiku a day until the end of time
Update days will probably by Thursdays now because that's when the second round begins!
(DISCLAIMER: These goals are tentative. I'm going to sit with them this week and chew over if it's at all possible/something I'd like to do. The final goal decision will be posted on the first day of the second year, June 25th)
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make something natural appear digital. I used a series of 1's and 0's)
"Code Monkey in the Rain"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Whoowee! What a run! Susan slept through the whole thing."
THE STALWART MOLLY KIMMERLING 2.70 miles "no earbuds but I was bizarrely enjoying the door to the Zumba class behind me opening and closing because it reminded me of that pivotal scene in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.50
Week 51
Stats:
Running Mileage: 732.8/750
Running Mileage (With Friends): COMPLETE 1,023.89/1,000
Push-ups: 9,820/10,000
Sit-ups: 9,820/10,000
Pages Read: COMPLETE 10,128/10,000
Books Read: COMPLETE 29/25
Words Written: 97,104/100,000
Fasts (Days without) COMPLETE!!!
Internet: COMPLETE 101/100
TV: COMPLETE 143/100
Gaming: COMPLETE 257/100
Meat: COMPLETE 108/100
Junk: COMPLETE 103/100
Booze: COMPLETE 100/100
Here we are. The end is nigh. I completed a few of the big ones this week. I reached my reading goal. I finally got those 100 days without alcohol...crazy how hard that one was to kick. And of course the big one: we got that running challenge kicked! I'm still accepting and posting runners because why not? It's fun and inspiring.
So I'm still doing a check in for next year but it will run a bit differently. The check in will keep happening once a week, but all of the goals will be based on 50. This gives me a "once a week" sort of requirement with a bit more flexibility than the "everyday" requirements of last year. I may call these goals "The Big Ten".
I have 5 Lifestyle Goals (with potential peak goals):
-50 instances of 50 consecutive push-ups Peak goal: 100 consecutive
-50 runs over 5 miles in length Peak goal: Run a half-marathon at a 8:00 min/mile pace.
-50 days of rest (Where the only thing I do that is blog related is post a haiku) Peak goal: Learn how to nap effectively
-50 day streak of Duolingo in Spanish. This was something I put on for last year's goals and it fell off the wagon on day 15 or so. Peak goal: Complete the all the Spanish lessons they provide
-50 dates (Go on 50 dates with my wife for being so wonderful and patient during the whole process) Peak Goal: Go on a date in another country
And 5 Creative Goals:
-50 drawn comics (for the segment I'm calling "The Vagus Strip")
-50 "revised" works from last year's project (either a written, draw or crafted project. Basically make whatever it is better in some way.)
-50 pieces of poetry or free writing (can be revised from above goal)
-50 collaborative works (can be anything as simple as cooking a large meal or as complex as a full production of a play. Most probably won't be easily represented here, but I'll at least provide some pictures or something)
-50 homemade constructions (They can range from simple to complex)
I also have a few of annual goals:
-Quit one thing every year indefinitely. Here's the list so far:
Age 25: Cigarettes
Age 26: Energy Drinks
Age 27: Ground Beef
And this year is:
Potato Chips
(As with my ground beef abstinence, the only exception is when I make it myself. Tortilla Chips are exempt if used as a vessel for other foods.)
-Read a number of books equal to my age (This year it's 28. Obviously what constitutes a "book" is crazy all over the place, but I'm going with anything over 100 pages.)
-Write a haiku a day until the end of time
Update days will probably by Thursdays now because that's when the second round begins!
(DISCLAIMER: These goals are tentative. I'm going to sit with them this week and chew over if it's at all possible/something I'd like to do. The final goal decision will be posted on the first day of the second year, June 25th)
Haiku of the Day:
Nodule of hot pain
glistening at the gum's base
angry as all hell
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make something natural appear digital. I used a series of 1's and 0's)
"Code Monkey in the Rain"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Whoowee! What a run! Susan slept through the whole thing."
THE STALWART MOLLY KIMMERLING 2.70 miles "no earbuds but I was bizarrely enjoying the door to the Zumba class behind me opening and closing because it reminded me of that pivotal scene in Ace Ventura: Pet Detective."
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.50
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
City View
-Muggy run across the river to MIT's outskirts. Got some inspiring views of the city from the Cambridge side. Running in the city can be nerve racking as all hell, but sometimes with the right amount of planning and patience, you can discover whole new areas you wouldn't otherwise. I never got to explore Baltimore in this way. I'm starting to stitch these runs together and almost have a comprehensive map of the city. It's pretty neat to get to know it in this manner.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Libertine" from MW's word of the day.)
Today's "365" Project (Make a city from things nearby. One of the last in my "Office" series!)
"Cap Town"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Great morning. 55 degrees, foggy and very still."
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.11 mi, 7:08 min/mi. #moremilesformichael #joeyouinfor2000right?
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.21
Haiku of the Day:
A man in yellow
perches on his brownstone roof
surveying the streets
perches on his brownstone roof
surveying the streets
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Libertine" from MW's word of the day.)
Today's "365" Project (Make a city from things nearby. One of the last in my "Office" series!)
"Cap Town"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "Great morning. 55 degrees, foggy and very still."
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.11 mi, 7:08 min/mi. #moremilesformichael #joeyouinfor2000right?
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.21
Monday, June 15, 2015
Bursts and Seams (of Sorts)
-Emotional cleansers all morning. Weeping at the desk, keying in numbers, sipping Chai tea and feeling like I'm breaking through the atmosphere at hundreds of miles per hour.
-Mid-day fatigue hits like a solid block of concrete to the chest. I feel stretched to translucency.
-Botched the delicate caffeine dance. My head pounds a mighty fierce and my bladder has been reduced from quart to tablespoon.
-Rehearsal unleashes a release valve in the throat and heart. Strained systems droop to a dull thumpy whimper. A kitten with ram's horns purrs in the black belly and I can see gold at the horizon. Where have you been? And what fresh blossoming hell comes thrashing through the door with you?
-With only a handful to go, you would think I would come to this with ease. But ever-breeding difficulty has it's own plans. Dick.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Gossamer" from MW's word of the day. It means light and delicate, but it has origins relating to geese.)
Today's "365" Project (Make something with half of something else. I fudged the fractions on this one a little, taking the arms from a bowling pin monstrosity and putting it on the Boh Tower Brick!)
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "In light rain"
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA "6.60 mi, 7:03 min/mi #moremilesformichael #whynot2000" Har-har Tym. You maniac!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 11.46
-Mid-day fatigue hits like a solid block of concrete to the chest. I feel stretched to translucency.
-Botched the delicate caffeine dance. My head pounds a mighty fierce and my bladder has been reduced from quart to tablespoon.
-Rehearsal unleashes a release valve in the throat and heart. Strained systems droop to a dull thumpy whimper. A kitten with ram's horns purrs in the black belly and I can see gold at the horizon. Where have you been? And what fresh blossoming hell comes thrashing through the door with you?
-With only a handful to go, you would think I would come to this with ease. But ever-breeding difficulty has it's own plans. Dick.
Haiku of the Day:
Shredded to powder
in the aftermath of work
such horrid pressure
such horrid pressure
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Gossamer" from MW's word of the day. It means light and delicate, but it has origins relating to geese.)
Today's "365" Project (Make something with half of something else. I fudged the fractions on this one a little, taking the arms from a bowling pin monstrosity and putting it on the Boh Tower Brick!)
"It was only a matter of time until you came to my table..."
"BWAHAHAHAHAHA! IT'S ALIVE!!!"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK "In light rain"
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA "6.60 mi, 7:03 min/mi #moremilesformichael #whynot2000" Har-har Tym. You maniac!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 11.46
Sunday, June 14, 2015
Filtration
Weekend writing is tough. I'm not sure what it is about home, but writing does not come easily in the space. It could be that there are far too many distractions to keep the mind occupied. It could be that I just want to relax while I'm there because everywhere else seems so chaotic. But once out in the chaos, in the fury and pressure of other people the machine starts up like mad. especially when I'm travelling anywhere. What is that all about? It's not like it's a new problem. I never figured out how to do work at home even when I was still in school. Not like I ever had to. Maybe the first step of next year's project should be to spearhead the effort to find a space that tickles that travel fancy in my own home. The space would be for work ONLY. Perhaps set specific rules for it and spent at least a half hour a day in it doing only work. Whether it's simply returning e-mails or organizing files. It'd be good to set a habit there, especially if I end up in a more fluid job situation.
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make something inspired by organs. I already have a heart and lung drawing so I went with the next best thing)
"Kidney"
No Runners Today!
Haiku of the Day:
Deep creeping feeling
seemingly seeps peeled meaning:
Keep real fear wheeling.
seemingly seeps peeled meaning:
Keep real fear wheeling.
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Make something inspired by organs. I already have a heart and lung drawing so I went with the next best thing)
"Kidney"
No Runners Today!
Saturday, June 13, 2015
WE DID IT!!!
We reached the 1,000 mile mark with help from some fast friends! Thank you to everyone who sent in their miles. A special thanks to Joe Cook and Tym Kajstura for their very impressive contributions. You guys are amazing!
Here's a mileage tally of all the brave souls who gave their best for the cause:
ELLEN AMBROSE - 19.97 miles
MOLLY KIMMERLING - 19.59 miles
EMILY KUEHN - 2 miles
RACHEL LEIBOWITZ - 31.41 miles
ERIN O'CONNOR - 9.41 miles
KIKI SAMKO - 6.5 miles
LIBBY SCHAP - 14.5 miles
WILLIAM SCHULLER - 1.9 miles
MICHAEL UNDERHILL - 9 miles
Thank you again to everyone! I'm still going to post if people continue to give miles and we'll see how far we get.
Today's Drawing (Inspired by the word "Rambunctious" from MW's word of the day.)
Today's "365" Project (Make something with chocolate. I made an anxious brownie face!)
Today's Runners
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.6 mi, 6:23 min/mi #milesformichael #trophiesformichael Tym got first place in his 5k!!!!
THE REMARKABLE ELLEN AMBROSE 3.6 miles Ellen ran it as well! Go ELLEN!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.2
Here's a mileage tally of all the brave souls who gave their best for the cause:
ELLEN AMBROSE - 19.97 miles
JOE COOK - 79.42 miles
CAM CRONIN - 1.62 miles
TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA - 77.1 milesMOLLY KIMMERLING - 19.59 miles
EMILY KUEHN - 2 miles
RACHEL LEIBOWITZ - 31.41 miles
ERIN O'CONNOR - 9.41 miles
KIKI SAMKO - 6.5 miles
LIBBY SCHAP - 14.5 miles
WILLIAM SCHULLER - 1.9 miles
MICHAEL UNDERHILL - 9 miles
Thank you again to everyone! I'm still going to post if people continue to give miles and we'll see how far we get.
Haiku of the Day:
Salty rivulets
course down my forehead and both
eyes sting with triumph
Today's Drawing (Inspired by the word "Rambunctious" from MW's word of the day.)
Today's "365" Project (Make something with chocolate. I made an anxious brownie face!)
Today's Runners
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.6 mi, 6:23 min/mi #milesformichael #trophiesformichael Tym got first place in his 5k!!!!
THE REMARKABLE ELLEN AMBROSE 3.6 miles Ellen ran it as well! Go ELLEN!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 7.2
Friday, June 12, 2015
Chore Leave
-Just started a sleep trial through a company called Thync where I'm set up with a bracelet monitor and some impressive neural equipment that I use to run "programs" before bed every night. I also have to take two surveys everyday, one first thing in the morning and one right before bed in addition to saliva samples in the middle of the weeks. That's the bare bones of it so far. You will probably hear more about it as the trial goes on.
-Out and about in a wild sort of way. Helping the former upstairs neighbors do some errands while getting a few done myself. Home Depot run, Whole Foods run, run to grab a carpet, run to grab a painting. Stared at a couple creepy giant baby heads. Talked about routers and painting on wood. Spent the second half of the day in awe of all the stuff we accomplished. Busy and on the move is the way to be.
Today's Drawing (inspired by the true bliss of hand staring)
Today's "365" Project (Make a uniform for a job that typically doesn't have one. I also made up the job as well...Or did I?)
"Reality Inspector"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 1.16 mi, 7:04 min/mi #milesformichael
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.46
-Out and about in a wild sort of way. Helping the former upstairs neighbors do some errands while getting a few done myself. Home Depot run, Whole Foods run, run to grab a carpet, run to grab a painting. Stared at a couple creepy giant baby heads. Talked about routers and painting on wood. Spent the second half of the day in awe of all the stuff we accomplished. Busy and on the move is the way to be.
Haiku of the Day:
Ran errands with friends
cruisin' in a big red van
that we called Clifford
Ran errands with friends
cruisin' in a big red van
that we called Clifford
Today's Drawing (inspired by the true bliss of hand staring)
Today's "365" Project (Make a uniform for a job that typically doesn't have one. I also made up the job as well...Or did I?)
"Reality Inspector"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.46
Thursday, June 11, 2015
Labels
Listened to a talk about identity and I spent a moment sussing out who am I and what I identify with. I tried to think of it in terms of true certainty. That I could not refute if I tattooed it on my head. Here's the list of 20 I came up with. Tried to stick with positive things.
What are your identifiers?
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Inculcate" from MW's word of the day. It means to teach or impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions.)
Today's "365" Project (Make something that uses only gold things. Thank goodness we just got these golden sheets!)
Today's Runners
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.18 mi, 7:16 min/mi #milesformichael
THE REMARKABLE ELLEN AMBROSE 3.37 "but it's 90 degrees so I would count it was 33.7"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 6.55
Restless Creator
Elder Brother
Modern Vice Junkie
Stalwart Companion
Recovering Manic Depressive
Tinkerer and Fixer
Former Michigander
Easy Weeper
Unrefined Empath
Scatterbrain
Grateful Son
Skinny White Boy
Information Addict
Lover of Macabre
Adjective Abuser
Suicide Survivor
Domestic Emigrant
Helpless Gossip
Rational Optimist
Big Hugger
What are your identifiers?
Haiku of the Day:
Portabella bliss
at a place called The Shake Shack
Good food and good friends
at a place called The Shake Shack
Good food and good friends
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Inculcate" from MW's word of the day. It means to teach or impress by frequent repetitions or admonitions.)
Today's Runners
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 3.18 mi, 7:16 min/mi #milesformichael
THE REMARKABLE ELLEN AMBROSE 3.37 "but it's 90 degrees so I would count it was 33.7"
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 6.55
Wednesday, June 10, 2015
Cups and Chips
Only two weeks left! AHHHHHHH!!
Week 50
Stats:
Running Mileage: 718.47/1,000
Running Mileage (With Friends): 952.12/1,000
Push-ups: 9,580/10,000
Sit-ups: 9,580/10,000
Pages Read: 9,748/10,000
Books Read: COMPLETED 27/25
Words Written: 94,900/100,000
Fasts (Days without)
Internet: COMPLETE 100/100
TV: COMPLETE 140/100
Gaming: COMPLETE 251/100
Meat: COMPLETE 106/100
Junk: COMPLETE 101/100
Booze: 97/100
Things are certainly looking up. Mileage is on par, I've completed my food book and am now embarking on Andy Weir's The Martian as my last book to put me over for pages. As long as I can get some words out near the end here I'd say it's all very possible. And I'll probably be set on the alcohol fast by next week if things go well.
Emily and I are attempting to change many of our eating habits, cutting back on processed foods, cheese and sweets and getting the veggies in where we can. Cheese will probably be the the hardest to beat back, but I'm optimistic. Got to treat it like an addiction, in that the crappy feeling I have right now is withdrawal. It will get better. Don't jump on the bad food boat just cause it's easy. Move forward!
In addition to all this, I had a breakthrough about what to quit for this upcoming year. I swore off ground beef this year (more on that here) and I've decided that this year I will quit, drum roll please, badababdbadbadbabdabdbabBADBADBABDABDBADBADB *CRASH*
Potato Chips.
The exceptions being:
Homemade (in the same vein as ground beef...I have to SEE the process)
Tortilla chips (only as a vessel for something else, not on their own)
Today's Drawing (inspired by a convoluted understanding of minimalism)
Today's "365" Project (Do something with disposable cups. Since I rarely ever get coffee at a shop, I had to think outside the box with this one. These are all the cups I ran into on my way to work!)
"American Runs on Junkin'"
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE REMARKABLE ELLEN AMBROSE 3.3 miles!
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 9.14 mi, 6:56 min/mi. #milesformichael
THE UNYIELDING RACHEL LEIBOWITZ 4.01 miles @ 10:30 min/mi
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 19.56
Week 50
Stats:
Running Mileage: 718.47/1,000
Running Mileage (With Friends): 952.12/1,000
Push-ups: 9,580/10,000
Sit-ups: 9,580/10,000
Pages Read: 9,748/10,000
Books Read: COMPLETED 27/25
Words Written: 94,900/100,000
Fasts (Days without)
Internet: COMPLETE 100/100
TV: COMPLETE 140/100
Gaming: COMPLETE 251/100
Meat: COMPLETE 106/100
Junk: COMPLETE 101/100
Booze: 97/100
Things are certainly looking up. Mileage is on par, I've completed my food book and am now embarking on Andy Weir's The Martian as my last book to put me over for pages. As long as I can get some words out near the end here I'd say it's all very possible. And I'll probably be set on the alcohol fast by next week if things go well.
Emily and I are attempting to change many of our eating habits, cutting back on processed foods, cheese and sweets and getting the veggies in where we can. Cheese will probably be the the hardest to beat back, but I'm optimistic. Got to treat it like an addiction, in that the crappy feeling I have right now is withdrawal. It will get better. Don't jump on the bad food boat just cause it's easy. Move forward!
In addition to all this, I had a breakthrough about what to quit for this upcoming year. I swore off ground beef this year (more on that here) and I've decided that this year I will quit, drum roll please, badababdbadbadbabdabdbabBADBADBABDABDBADBADB *CRASH*
Potato Chips.
The exceptions being:
Homemade (in the same vein as ground beef...I have to SEE the process)
Tortilla chips (only as a vessel for something else, not on their own)
Haiku of the Day:
Small gap at train's hinge
lighted rocks and grass abound
outside - undisturbed
Today's Drawing (inspired by a convoluted understanding of minimalism)
Today's "365" Project (Do something with disposable cups. Since I rarely ever get coffee at a shop, I had to think outside the box with this one. These are all the cups I ran into on my way to work!)
"American Runs on Junkin'"
"BAAAAHHHSTAAAHN!"
Today's RunnersTHE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 9.14 mi, 6:56 min/mi. #milesformichael
THE UNYIELDING RACHEL LEIBOWITZ 4.01 miles @ 10:30 min/mi
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 19.56
Tuesday, June 9, 2015
Bitter Plea
-I just looked at the calendar and a realized two things:
1.) Only 15 more days until the end of the project, meaning 350 posts in this space.
2.) I've just past my one year anniversary for my current job.
I feel great about one of these things. One of these things brings me joy and fulfillment and connects me with the people around me. One of these things invigorates me and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. One of these things makes me feel confident, capable and strong.
On the other hand, one of these things causes me constant mental anguish and stress. One of these things drains me of my energy and heavily sours my mood. One of these things makes me feel helpless, ineffectual and weak.
Unfortunately, only one of these things makes me money, this dumb other thing I apparently need.
Ugh.
-On a lighter note, I'm finally on par with my alcohol fasting. Here's to weaning off the sauce!
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Succubus" from a word search gone bad)
Today's "365" Project (Make a mobile! I kinda did. It wasn't until after I was done that I realized mobiles have more moving parts...it's more of a chandelier. It's made from beer bottle caps and the dead stalk of our recently passed avocado tree, Laurie.)
"Tribute to Laurie"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 6.09 miles @ 6:49 min/mi #milesformichael
THE FORMIDABLE EMILY KUEHN 2 miles!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 12.39
1.) Only 15 more days until the end of the project, meaning 350 posts in this space.
2.) I've just past my one year anniversary for my current job.
I feel great about one of these things. One of these things brings me joy and fulfillment and connects me with the people around me. One of these things invigorates me and gives me a reason to get up in the morning. One of these things makes me feel confident, capable and strong.
On the other hand, one of these things causes me constant mental anguish and stress. One of these things drains me of my energy and heavily sours my mood. One of these things makes me feel helpless, ineffectual and weak.
Unfortunately, only one of these things makes me money, this dumb other thing I apparently need.
Ugh.
-On a lighter note, I'm finally on par with my alcohol fasting. Here's to weaning off the sauce!
Haiku of the Day:
The squawking of gulls
echoes hauntingly across
the grey river's edge
Today's Drawing (inspired by the word "Succubus" from a word search gone bad)
Today's "365" Project (Make a mobile! I kinda did. It wasn't until after I was done that I realized mobiles have more moving parts...it's more of a chandelier. It's made from beer bottle caps and the dead stalk of our recently passed avocado tree, Laurie.)
"Tribute to Laurie"
Today's Runners
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
THE POWERFUL TYMOTEUSZ KAJSTURA 6.09 miles @ 6:49 min/mi #milesformichael
THE FORMIDABLE EMILY KUEHN 2 miles!
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 12.39
Monday, June 8, 2015
Coauthorship
-We're going to hit the 100 mile point sometime this week...probably the 13th at the latest (my brother Will's birthday!) Not sure what to do after that...probably just see how far we can go from there!
-A man walking down the street screamed "IDIOT!" at himself. I wondered what he thought he had done wrong to merit the outburst: Did he forget something? What compelled him to call himself that? Has he been called "idiot" by others and now parrots them back, even when they aren't there? If you see someone abusing themselves on the street, what on earth is the recourse?
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Have someone start something and then finish it. Emily once again helped me out on this one.)
"Before"
"After"
Today's Runners
THE EXUBERANT CAM CRONIN
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.72
-A man walking down the street screamed "IDIOT!" at himself. I wondered what he thought he had done wrong to merit the outburst: Did he forget something? What compelled him to call himself that? Has he been called "idiot" by others and now parrots them back, even when they aren't there? If you see someone abusing themselves on the street, what on earth is the recourse?
Haiku of the Day:
Heavy metal screech
pounds deep to the 'lectric lobe
unfounded glory
Today's Drawing and "365" Project (Have someone start something and then finish it. Emily once again helped me out on this one.)
"Before"
"After"
Today's Runners
THE EXUBERANT CAM CRONIN
THE UNSTOPPABLE JOE COOK
TOTAL DAY'S MILES: 5.72
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