Facebook De-activation Experiment (pt. 2)

Day 3:
     - Found a profound and moving TEDx video, and felt compelled to share it with people. I didn't have an active facebook, so it went unshared. The video was brought to my attention through an email from my girlfriend. Thanks Mi ;)

Here's that video though:

     - I also want to express outrage for the cop who gunned down the unarmed father of 4 who was running away from him. That's outrageous. I wonder why I feel the urge to express that to others. Ended up doing that in face-to-face interaction eating with a friend. Better than being a computer screen.





Day 5 of detox:
     - Early start to my day. I got the urge to complain yesterday when I got 2 shots in the butt at the doctor. It was very unpleasant, and an annoying pain (literally) in the butt. I guess funny stories are fun to share on social media. The doctor diagnosed me with Bronchitis and ordered my leave from work until Monday.

(I didn't write much that day, went to Doctor's, pharmacy, bank, errands, etc.)


Day 7: The proceeding Sunday (4/12) after Detox

Conclusions:
     - Though I've been doing other activities, I find myself no more productive than normal. If I don't distract myself with facebook, I distract myself with something else, and work is procrastinated and rushed eventually. That needs a fix, and I don't think it's a problem with FB. It's a problem with me, I've been feeling so much in a funk, not depressed, but I feel unmotivated to work, along with sadness and longing... also tired lately. I feel burned out from work. Reflections reflections... I gotta push through.

    -  The main benefits of social media, for me, are:
1) Being updated and connected to events - Knowing event details, FB events is helpful for that. Getting invited and inviting people to events, sessions.
2) Sharing media, engaging in discourse about current events, topics of concern

Essentially, it's a tool for connection with the world around you. Not disconnection. Social media can be both, and causes many to be disconnected. Gotta be aware of the borders.


   - The main benefits of not being on a screen, for me, are:
1) Enjoying the present moment, awareness of surroundings;
2) Alignment of the mental and physical states (mind is in the moment, connected, not distracted by cyberthoughts);
3) Allowing the moment the happen without judgment; taking in the nuances of the immediate environment and finding joy from simple observation. That's pretty much it.

Facebook De-activation Experiment (pt. 1)

Last Sunday (4/5) I deactivated my Facebook! I was out for a week, and it felt great! It was the first time I had done that in the 9 years I've been on Facebook. I found some other things to do. These are the notes I took on Day 2 of 7.

4/7 Blog: Facebook de-activation experiment (pt. 1)

    Why:
    ⁃    Someone introduced the idea of a "social media detox" to me a few months ago. I liked the idea, because it implied that social media, like water, can be a toxin at high enough levels, though useful at moderate levels.
    ⁃    More recently, I've felt my interest in facebook decreasing, yet time spent on it continued. My posts have felt half-assed, and my productivity has stagnated. Facebook thus became less useful and more of a timezap. Detox was in order.


        Results:
    ⁃    Immediately after de-activation, it felt like a weight off my shoulders. No notifications to anticipate or wonder about (is that even normal? or a sign of disorder?). No need to update people with stati (though I enjoy doing that because of my geographical separation from home)
    ⁃    My deactivation began on Sunday, for 7 days. But on the same day, I needed to reactivate it because there was an event I wanted to attend, but didn't know the address! First incident where I needed facebook.
    ⁃    Also, I wanted to invite people to join me for an event, and I found facebook to be the easiest way to invite a bunch of people. Don't gotta pick up the phone or anything.
    ⁃    Also noting a change in my web-use, because one option (facebook) was eliminated, it allowed me to focus on other things. That's why you see a new blog. I should keep off facebook so that I can keep up with other things.
    ⁃    Though I find my motivation to get things done has not changed, still don't enjoy doing unenjoyable work, BUT my ability to get things done HAS changed due to a decrease in time/energy allocation toward facebook.


Findings:
    ⁃    I found the most useful thing about facebook is quick and easy communication with my network. Whether that's inviting, updating, or direct messaging...I only wish this communication was more in MY control (i.e. sending a message to everyone in a 20 miles radius, or to everyone in my SoCal networks), rather than relying on facebook's algorithm for what appears on someone's feed. I don't trust that algorithm, but I do enjoy the communicative infrastructure that facebook allows.
    ⁃    In the instance where I needed to find an address to an event, I found facebook to be necessary. In another instance, I wanted to search for someone, to see if they have a facebook. I could not access the search databases because my account was deactivated.
    ⁃    But damn, I got more shit done, and thankful just 2 days in, so far.
    

Photo Journal: Home-made Fish Tacos!

I'll probably never publish a cookbook in my lifetime. But if I were to, it might look like this:

I cooked up some fish (which is normal) then turned them into fish tacos (which is new, for me). I'll show you how. It's Eeasy!

Ingredients:
-Cooking oil (I used olive)
-Pre-chopped onions
-Pre-minced garlic
-Spinach leaves
-Red/Black pepper
-Garlic Salt
-Any other seasonings you want (I used Tony Chachare's and cayenne pepper)
-Any fish you want (I used tilapia)

-1 egg (optional)
-Tortillas
-Leftover rice

Mostly basic stuff. I don't have tomato, but that could work too.
So let's get started!!


Step 1. Pour oil radially in a golden ratio shape to ensure best distribution on the frying pan.

2. Throw some pre-chopped onions on there.
Tip: I chop up 1-2 onions at some time in the past I don't even remember,
then keep them ziplocked in my fridge for easy access.

3. Add pre-minced garlic and some salt and pepper.

4. Lay some spinach leaves on top.

5. Then put the fish on top of the bed of spinach, and season the fish!
I put cayenne and Tony Chachare's, and the garlic salt and red/black pepper.
Let the fish cook for however long feels right.

6. Flip the fish when it's ready. This was 2/3rds the way through my flips.
I regret not taking the picture of all the fish post-seasoned but pre-flipped. It was a delicious sight.

7. Once the fish are flipped, let the other side cook.

 Starting to look good!

8. Meanwhile, season the white side.
I also split each of the 3 fish into 6 half-fishes. Better sized for tacos.

9. Flip them again and now it's beautifully seared.

Fish cooked! That's it. Move them elsewhere.

Then....

Split an egg up.

Throw some leftover rice on it.

I noticed the rice was starting to dry, so I added water. 
I season the rice with Tony Chachare's too.

Heat up the tortillas!

Find some leftover sauces.

Fish.

Served!

Don't forget to have a drink. Stay hydrated.

haha what's it look like?

Fire sauce.

My last and most delicious taco.

Enough for future eats!

So all's well that ends well.

I've been saving some money cooking and eating in this past month (August 2014). I learned a thing or two about cooking too. And I used to be terrible at cooking. It goes to show that anything can be learned for those who are willing to learn and practice. Then it can be transformed and personalized into your own.

Independence Day... celebrate being single??

Happy Day of Independence,
I am... watchin the pen dance...
Just getting my write on.
Using my left and my right arm.
Right on.

Just having some pun to start my day.
Goodness, I've been on vacation from this blog! Summer started over a month ago for me, and I've been spending time with the girl, with the family, and back in Cali. Summer Break for teachers is lovely, I don't feel tied down by work; I got no strings!

So Independence Day...usually associated with the Declaration of Independence, 1776, America's separation from the British Crown, and fireworks (cuz they sound like bombs bursting in air?).

Sometimes associated with alien attacks

That's cool, but the day got me thinking about independent people that I know, and how we should celebrate them as well. We should celebrate the free-thinkers, the creatives, the artists, the entrepreneurs, the (r)evolutionaries, those who initiate their own projects and are unafraid to walk alone. And, saving the best for last, the SINGLE people!

Being single is the definition of independence. Untethered, like a slave liberated. Like a dog off its leash. Not having to shoulder other people's burden. I haven't been single in a while, but it was those days when I was single (2008-2009ish) that I made a lot of changes in my life; I got my personal shit together, and I was able to learn more about myself.

This is me when I was single. aka, Tom in his Prime.

Single years are transformative! Whether it transforms a person positively or negatively is up to them.

It wasn't from some class or book (though classes and books certainly guided me in the right direction*), but it was from that self-knowledge, uncovered from being independent and single, that I strengthened my sense of self, my belief in my own gifts. I saw my potential to elevate BEFORE stepping on the elevator. I perceived my ability to climb, from the bottom of the mountain. And I love my life now. Still growing and trying to change up my routine so I don't stagnate. The past year in New Orleans has definitely been a good change and a move up. And even though I was still with my gf, we were 2000+ miles apart and I spent a lot of time alone, which is valuable. I look forward to more of that.

It's not easy being single/independent, but it's not good being stagnant. In fact, stagnant water stinks.

On the topic of independence, is also the topic of dependence. What are you dependent on? Whether it is a person, an object, an organization, or a substance... Can you free yourself from that dependence?

Sometimes, I think spending too much time with OTHER PEOPLE can hinder my productivity and inclination to create and write. I've been out so much, on this summer vacation, that I totally neglected my blog, my website, and other projects that I have to do. I've still be journalizing though, and writing when the inspiration hits.

But still, this is a day to celebrate INDEPENDENCE! Freedom!

Don't feel held back by your shackles, whatever those may be.

I'm reminded of Elizabeth Cady Stanton, who wrote in her essay, "The Solitude of Self," about the solitude and uniqueness of each person. You are special and should not allow yourself to be held down by invisible chains or glass ceilings.


Independence Day: A great day to break up with your domineering boyfriend/girlfriend.


*Classes that helped me from 2008-2009:
History of Southeast Asia
History of Vietnam
History of Hip Hop Dances
American Intellectual History
History of Science
History of Religions
America in the 1960s
History of Social Change

Books that helped me from 2008-2009:
Chang, Jeff. Can't Stop Won't Stop.
Asante, MK. It's Bigger Than Hip Hop.
RZA. The Wu-Tang Manual.
Miyakawa, Felicia. Five Percenter Rap.

Took a walk, blew my mind.

Definition of mindfulness: 1. a mental state achieved by focusing one's awareness on the present moment, while calmly acknowledging and accepting one's feelings, thoughts, and bodily sensations, used as a therapeutic technique. [Google]

2. a state of active, open attention on the present. When you're mindful, you observe your thoughts and feelings from a distance, without judging them good or bad. Instead of letting your life pass you by, mindfulness means living in the moment and awakening to experience [Psychology Today]


I. Went for a walk...

In a mindfulness practice, I left my phone at home and went for a walk around my block yesterday (Sunday). It was a beautiful afternoon, cloudy, kinda wet with the morning rain.

I would normally post a picture here, but I didn't take any pictures during this walk.

I wanted to get away from any texts, snapchats, or phone notifications. I felt the warmth of the sun, smelled the (swampy) air, and enjoyed the variety of houses and cars on my block. Colorful. Overall, it cost me a few minutes, which I did not mind investing.

Even though I feel busy all the time with my teaching work, I figure a few minutes of walking wouldn't hurt. And besides, most people FEEL more busy than they actually are. See: Students who play all the time and complain about being busy. HAHAHAHA.

After the walk, I felt a lift in my mood, energy, and mental clarity. I did my laundry, cleaned my room, and made a cherry-mango smoothie. I was getting it all done with deliberate attention on the moment and experience. That mindful type of attention made even the most menial of tasks more enjoyable.

I don't remember who put me on the tip of mindfulness and being extra present, in the moment, but I OWE them! Awesome people... probably Helene or Mi.

II. Then did some research...

So I'm thinking a lot of us could use mindfulness exercises. It would probably benefit our lives. After getting some things done, I started reading about all these benefits to having mindfulness (well-being, lowered blood pressure, savor more pleasure, etc.), and thinking my STUDENTS would benefit from this. They need it more than I do. These are some articles I found on the subject...

PsychologyToday: The Art of Now: 6 Steps to Living in the Moment
HelpGuide.com/Harvard: Benefits of Mindfulness
Reader's Digest: 10 Steps to Mindfulness

And, Eckhart Tolle's The Power of Now is a seminal work on the topic.

III. In Conclusion, ...

As a teacher, (not trynna hate, but) I see an appalling LACK of mindfulness in today's students, the majority having to constantly check their phones for texts and instagram updates, resulting in a distracted mental state, not suited for robust learning to take place. So it's apparent to me that I can't just teach math lessons; I have to show these students how to be attentive, conscious, and adopt the habits of more productive students. To FOCUS!

I'm trynna teach these kids math, but they don't even know how to harness their energy or concentrate!
BUT if you learn to focus, harness, and concentrate your energy, it's one of the most powerful things you can do for your life.

Potential unbounded!

There seems to be a push toward teaching mindfulness in schools.
See: http://mindfulnessinschools.org/ -
Their tagline: Mindfulness in Schools: For the flourishing of young minds

And here's a recent article, dated January 17th, 2014: Low-Income Schools See Big Benefits in Teaching Mindfulness


Such recent interest in the topic tells me I'm not the only on this tip at the moment. I bet it's trending. #Post2012

Things You Can Do This Summer 2013

Check it out... this list contains NOTHING that you HAVE to do, just things you CAN do, because it's summer!

jumping off a rock in Hawaii screaming WU-TANG!!! (2007)

1. See something new - Travel!
One great thing about traveling is, you don't have to travel far. And it doesn't have to cost much money. A Google search can give you access to all the info you need. You can go to another side of town and have a local vacation (called a "staycation", look it up). Walk, skate, bike, or drive to an area of town you haven't been, and see something new. Just be safe!

this was on a staycation in Long Beach @the Grand Prix!

And for the more "monetarily-inclined," another great thing about traveling is, you can travel far!

Traveling to different places will help you understand the world in ways that books and videos cannot. Experience new things, see new communities, meet new people, shop/eat at new places! Shopping and eating at new places might sound funny, but don't take it lightly, because you're actually re-routing your money into another local economy! $400 in America can go quickly, but over in another country, it might help a few families! If you have time off from work or school this summer, then you can travel! Vegas doesn't count!

For more on why traveling is great, see Lena Desmond: Date a Boy (or Girl) Who Travels


2. Learn something new - Practice!
The best things are learned outside of school. How many people do you know would agree with that?

Summer Learning is the BEST learning! Practice something. My best summers are ALL about practicing something new. It's when I learned to swim, and when I learned to break. Summer was the time I had AWAY from school that allowed me to focus on something else and learn something new!

This was what I learned one summer!

If you already found a passion, art, sport, or hobby that you like to do, PRACTICE! Get those 10,000 hours of deliberate practice in, you'll be in good shape!

MOST PEOPLE have wasted summers. I've had it too, the summers where you don't learn anything, and just get really bored! Turn your boredom into fascination. Go find a hero, role model, or competitor/enemy to motivate you to practice something! Have a goal or greater vision in mind!

You don't necessarily have to take a class... just be OPEN to learning. Position yourself to grow and get help from others.

I learned this from a gas station!

I learn stuff all the time just by keeping my eyes and ears open.


3. Help someone new - Teach!
This might be the most inexpensive and meaningful thing to do this summer. But don't teach before you get enough practice or experience.

"Approach tests like a warrior,
And ATTACK each problem!"

Knowledge is powerful, and throughout the years of your life, you might LEARN something that other people don't know. Not only is knowledge powerful, it's useful and beneficial to other people's lives. If you're in a position to teach, give advice, or mentor someone... can be a younger sister, brother, FRIEND, or colleague... then not only will you have a positive impact on someone else's life, but you can also build a great relationship. Help someone new.

Some people combine traveling WITH teaching, as I know a few friends who are on English-Teaching and Mission Trips abroad, doing excellent work that I highly commend! And AT THE SAME TIME, by traveling, they are spending money locally and circulating it back into another country's local economy!


4. Do/Feel/Try something new - Experience!
Hey, if your idea of having fun is climbing a mountain, or going camping, or anything else experimental (but safe), then go for it! I know technically, everything's an experience, but I mean experience something NEW. TRY something new. Step out of your comfort zone.

You might make a mistake... Turn it into a learning experience. You can do something adventurous. Or do something awesome. Just DO something. And enjoy it! Live in the now, take in each precious and unique moment. Appreciate this temporary life.

5. Make something new - Create!
Go do something that no one else can do.
Everything you make will be unique to you.

We all have a unique fingerprint, but no one will see it unless we make a mark. Once you make something, it's yourself forever. Write, sing, record, put something together that you want to be remembered for. Think of the future, you can make something for your kids and grandkids. Think of the present, you can make something for your friends and family.

Current example: This blog post.

Elections Are Over! Now what?

Thought this picture was hilarious:

Here's my intro:

4 more years of Barack-racy! Some Americans are elated, while some want to secede from the union!

Others don't care, retreating from politics altogether. And... Maybe they have a good reason not to care! I will actually argue for this position, to an extent. 

Who's living in the White House? And how much does that matter to the person living in YOUR house? Sure, their White House policies might affect you, but not as much as how YOUR OWN policies and philosophies affect you, your relationships, your bank account, and your quality of living.

^that's my thesis. Let me support that:

As with most Presidential campaigns, both sides made hard-to-keep promises to garner support! The winning side has done it twice in a row. Hope, Change, and Progress... Yes we can! Yeah, that's all good, BUT... There's a lot of political friction... and that's not supposed to be a gross double-entendre about government officials type-of-thing, but it could be... either way, it means that change from Washington happens pretty slowly, and is met with resistance. Institutions are slow-moving. Their changes can take anywhere from months to years to have an effect on society. 

Not to mention, there will ALWAYS be people in America, by way of democracy and freedom, fighting adamantly against whoever's in office. Like I say, "when you have a top position, you'll also have opposition."

From the home-owners to the homeless...

As much as Americans want change, there's a lot standing (or possibly sitting comfortably) in the way of that change. At least from the top. But for me and my friends, change starts from the bottom. Change starts where the people are.... The people change, the politicians respond. The businesses respond. The institutions respond. And the nation changes.

What's wrong in your life? If you don't like where you are, change that! Do something different in the next 4 years, so that you end up somewhere you'd prefer to be. Exercise your imagination. Change can be fun, it doesn't have to be torture! In your house, you are the commander-in-chief!

All I'm saying is: Take Responsibility! 

Your actions (and inactions) yield your results.

Your situation is your creation. The solution is you, friend.

When you take more responsibility, you receive more direct control.

Don't rely on anyone else for the specific matters of your own life.

Here's my conclusion:

Candidates saying they'd do this and do that.

But when they get elected, well they can't do jack.

Change within the office hardly matter, that's a fact.

Change within the self is where the power's really at.

-Tom T. N.

2012

(the topic of this post has been on my mind, but I wasn't compelled to write about it until I got THIS in my email)
(and I got the picture from disappearingromney.com)