Sunday, April 6, 2008

Resolutions

I have been feeling quite lackadaisical lately. I think it is because I've been neglecting to do certain things. I have a photo essay of things I hope to accomplish this month.


Make better use of my time:

I feel like a lot of the time I'm just moping around, not really doing anything (hey, like now!). I did land a job with the city of Bellevue, which I started last week. Instead of sleeping in Wednesdays and snoozing all Monday afternoon, I'll be on the eastside playing with maps and GIS all while earning a decent dime. My maps job appears to have been resurrected, which will mean more work for docwong. Next month is also the ITE competition, which my partner and I placed second in last year. School will also keep me quite busy; 17 credits featuring Environmental Chemistry, Foundation Design, Water Resources, Surveying, Surveying Lab, and Fluids Lab. It just comes down to how I manage my time.



Read more books!

I have yet to finish a book this year. I read something like twenty books in 2007 and here we are, three months into 2008 and I have yet to finish one. I'm almost done reading a history of the Bronx and I've started Love in the Time of Cholera, but just haven't had the motivation to read. I feel like my writing suffers as a result. I apologize for the simplicity of my blog.

Exercise more.

I really don't do anything besides walk to school or walk from the grocery store. Last summer I actually tried to jog two miles every weeknight, a habit I've been trying to establish for years. Biking around Capitol Hill doesn't really count; it's less effort than walking. Once the weather gets warmer I'll start to ride to Lake Washington and maybe on Mondays I'll bike all the way to downtown Bellevue for work. That's ambitious though.


Write more letters.

I'm usually really good at getting back to Hollie (within a week or so. Her, not so much; within the month, at best). This photo is of my ubiquitous legal paper. The letter is to Annie, my cousin in Lenox. She wrote me right after Christmas day and I am just now getting back to her. I'm sending her two CDs and a bunch of junk from London and Paris. I need to write my grandmother, Nate Dittman, and my mom. It's been too long for them.

Research more music. Be diverse.

I feel like I'm stuck in a rut with music. This happens every so often. It always happens when I don't listen to KEXP or Sirius very often. I need to check out Atlas Sound and make the rounds on my music blogs more instead of just browsing for tours.


Eat better.

Tonight I bought two apples and two oranges. This is a step in the right direction for me. I'm going to cut down on soda (one can per day, if that) and eat more fruits. I also bought turkey breast and wheat bread for lunches. This will also save me money instead of always going out. I have to save for New York!



London, quiet down

I suppose it is time to show some of my photos to my audience (which is who? Emie?). The weather wasn't very nice, my health was pretty poor, yet nevertheless, it was quite the experience to visit Europe for the first time in nine years (Germany in 1999). The age, the soot coated buildings, the tube, the war museums. London was like no other place I have ever seen. It had a distinct feel to it; this town has been through a lot and not only still on its feet, but prospering, economically and culturally. More photos from my short jaunt to Paris soon.



The ubiquitous London photo


From the steps of the National Gallery, Trafalgar Square.


On the South Bank of the Thames.


The British Museum


The Battersea Power Station.

Friday, April 4, 2008

Great Britain

I spent six days in England, two of which were travel days (in from Phoenix, out to Paris) so really only four. My dad and I hit as many museums as possible. Yet we couldn't make the most of our time because we were both sick for most of the time there, struggling to get up some days. The highlight of the trip? Well, there was no real defining event or moment. I wish I wasn't so sick so I could have enjoyed it a little more. The weather was also similar to Seattle; not freezing cold, but cold and wet. That isn't very comfortable to schelp around in.




Final Approach over Scotland



Boeing 747



Arrival at Heathrow

Okay, so this post is only going to feature the journey to London. Enjoy!