zzzz's

Sorry for my long absence from blogging. I've been uncharacteristically disciplined with reading, writing, and school work lately. I'm determined to stay on top of things my final semester of grad school, and I decided to start with the last deadline for my third semester.

Three weeks ago, I sent my advisor a revision of a short story called "The Pond," and a rewritten and polished version of my craft essay on nature in fiction (see these - three - pages I wrote having to do with this essay). And one week ago I put the finishing touches on (and forced myself to quit tweaking) my translation of a Spanish short story by Samanta Schweblin. Here's something I wrote at the beginning while learning so much about the process of translation.

So aside from that news, this here note has nothing to do with writing, except that, being busy doing so lately, I needed to make sure I got enough sleep. That and, being a writer, I don't particularly gravitate toward mathematical skills, as you'll see later. Also I feel compelled to, in any order possible, finish my April A-to-Z blogging challenge.

So I found this sleepyti.me bedtime calculator and boasted about it one night to Andrew, who after looking at it on my iPod said, "Why don't you just count either 6, 7.5, or 9 hours from now?"

Oh, so it's that easy?

Well, for someone who doesn't have a brain wired for calculation, or who doesn't want to have to think very hard right before they want to fall asleep, this is awesome!

Tell it what time you need to wake up and it will give you four times you could go to sleep to get a good night's rest. For example, if I know I need to wake up at 7:30 tomorrow, it tells me I should try to fall asleep by 10:30pm, 12am, 1:30am, or 3 am.

Or, you can click a button to find out when to wake up if you go to bed now. The screen displays six times, with your best two highlighted in bright green.

The concept is based on 90-minute sleep cycles, plus an average of 14 minutes to fall asleep. For a good night's rest, you need 5-6 complete sleep cycles, (7.5 or 9 hours of sleep).

When I use it, I usually wake up without the foggy, brain-dead, need-more-sleep feeling. Usually. I'm not convinced it can make me into a morning person, but maybe it is helping me feel more rested.

Now I just can't decide if I need 7.5 hours of sleep or 9. Nine seems too much, but several days of 7.5 leaves me feeling like I need to sleep in on Saturday. I heard recently that introverts need more sleep than extroverts because we have to function in such an extrovert-friendly society. I know this whole thing seems inane, but I'm really curious about the physical and psychological effects of sleep.

So how much sleep do you all usually need, if you know?

Tabs

I'm bending the rules a bit--need to be good and put school work before blogging, since I have a big deadline in a week! So I'm not going to finish this A-to-Z challenge in April. But I will finish. Aiming for posting every other day now. On to my topic!

Who else out there opens their internet browser--Chrome for me--with the sole intention of checking their email and ends up with a dozen or more tabs open? Just say the magic words, Open link in new tab, or Ctrl+t. And follow the rabbit down the hole.

Borrowing the idea from someone else's blog, I'm going to share what tabs I currently have open (or cheated and bookmarked on Friday when I came up with the idea). I think your browser tabs tell a kind of story, maybe about you, about your day, about what's happening in the world.

Most of my tabs have something to do with writing and books, which is unsurprising. Other pages relate to my other interests, like food and travel. The last tab is a little surprising, especially because I don't remember how I got there.

* * *

First there's my Gmail tab. Gotta take care of FreeCycle digests and school emails and friends' emails and, oh yeah, the endless stream of articles I send myself to read later, which I don't usually get to but I feel better knowing they're there.

Then Twitter. Between gmail and twitter came all the sites below.

A WSJ interview with Jennifer Egan, who just won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction for her novel A Visit from the Good Squad.

Next is a peek at a creative ad campaign for a bookstore in Vilnius, Lithuania that specializes in classic books.

A Rumpus article on Self-Publishing Dos and Don'ts--haven't read it yet, but I'm curious since the "literary" world is pretty biased against self-publishing, from what I've seen. The Rumpus seems to tread an admirable line between the indie literary arts and "serious" literature, whatever that means for sure.

A YouTube video of record-setting mountain climber Ueli Steck speed-climbing an Alpine mountain face. Maybe I'll use this for a story. Apparently I like writing about extreme sports I've never tried. I already wrote one on freediving underwater based pretty much on research and watching YouTube videos.

My friend Erika's blog (chambanachik), on which an epigraph for a certain entry quotes Anais Nin: "If you do not breathe through writing, if you do not cry out in writing, or sing in writing, then don't write." I went to high school with this girl but because we were a few years apart, I never really got to know her until I found her blog and realized what a talented writer she is. Go Erika!

Another one of the many blogs I enjoy following: clock&bell. A lovely writer, photographer, daydreamer, currently residing in Toronto, Canada. I found her through a story of hers that was published on Storychord, which I found when I read my friend Lindsey's story on that online literary magazine. Lovely people, they.

Next is a "Blogger of the Moment" feature on ModCloth.com, highlighting fashionable and crafty blogger Little Chief Honeybee.

Via The Rumpus once again: A link regarding a writer from Pittsburgh. My husband grew up in Pittsburgh and was kind of glad to leave, hence I was curious how this writer, a self-described Pittsburgher in exile, "explains why he wrote The Metropolis Case, 'set partially in Pittsburgh, [...] largely from memory.'"

Jim Wallis of Sojourners and the God's Politics blog, on his recent Hunger Fast for a Moral Budget.

A recipe for Veggie Pad Thai. I'll leave out the egg and the fish sauce, but otherwise, YUM!

And finally, a Google map of the town of Greystones, where I stayed during a week-long visit to Ireland in the fall of 2008. 

And, of course, my Blogger tab, which makes fourteen total tabs at one time.

Thanks for joining me on the ride! What kind of tabs do you find open after getting lost in the internet?

Indecisive

This A-to-Z April blogging challenge is getting hard!

True to my nature, I wait until 11:40pm to decide what to write for the letter I, which is supposed to be published before midnight. Not that I haven't been thinking about it all day... Seriously-- Imagination. Inspiration. Inquisitiveness. Introductions. Introversion. All in the running.

Earlier tonight, Andrew and I searched our Netflix instant queue to find something to watch. He knew he wanted a light kind of movie, of which we don't have very many. So we quickly narrowed the list to either Toy Story 3 or Blazing Saddles. Then Andrew said my two least favorite words:

"You pick."

Nooooooooo! When I don't really care, and someone else is involved in the results of my decision, it's torture for me to pick between two fine options. After several iterations of "I don't care," "Either one is fine with me," and Andrew continuing to insist that I "just pick one," I soon realized I was rocking back and forth clutching my knees to my chest. "Look what you've done to me!" I said. And finally, "Fine! Toy Story 3." Meanwhile Andrew found me thoroughly amusing.

How convenient that "Indecisive" begins with today's letter. And after tossing around ideas all day, I finally realize the root of my problem and decide to go ahead and write about indecision.

Andrew asked me what I would have done if I was by myself, wanted to watch a movie, but didn't have a particular one in mind. I said it's different if no one else is affected by my decision. But when there are other people, I like to make sure everyone is happy.

In fact, I realize now, the question is irrelevant (another "I" word!), because I probably wouldn't even think to watch a movie unless I had a particular one in mind. I told him if it were just me tonight, I'd probably re-watch Anchorman. But then again, I might read or play the piano, or work on my translation, or play with the cats. I don't plan these kinds of things.

Hmmm. Maybe I'm never indecisive in my own free time because I just go with the flow--whatever I feel like doing, I do. Then again, I don't know. Maybe some other reason. You pick.

10 Great Dates for Introverts (Part 2)

Weekend is coming up! Not that you have to wait for the weekend to do something special--do it now, I say. But if you need the excuse of a weekend to get you going, I'm here for you.

I proposed finding 10 fun activities to do with your favorite introvert, or if you're the introvert, suggestions to show your friends or significant other. Look here for the first 5. Today's post will give you 5 more great ideas.


Just to recap: 1.) listen to music; 2.) read to each other; 3.) go stargazing; 4.) watch Jeopardy; 5.) take a hike.


6.) Flea Markets. I know I said I didn't like shopping, but for some reason flea markets are different to me. It's the opportunity to find some rare or unique item, an old treasure that's passed hands for generations, or something you can fix up or personalize if you're so inclined. Plus you can usually find good deals, make connections with the vendors, and get inspired for new creative projects. Find some flea markets in your state here.


7.) Museums or Galleries. Museums are nice for introverts because they usually provoke thought and they're quiet. Galleries are a great way to support local creatives. You can see what local artists are doing in photography, sculpture, painting, or textiles, and you can get involved by buying something you like and supporting them. You don't have to go into a big city to find museums and galleries, either, although those are good for getting a bigger picture of the arts or sciences. Check yahoo directories or just google "museums and galleries near [your town]" for some close-to-home artisans, or local history museums.




Autumn weather is on its way, at least here in Georgia, finally, so here are three more ideas specifically suited for the chill air and holiday spirit.


8.) Fireside Picnic. It starts getting dark earlier now, so I feel like winding down as soon as I get home from work. You could have a fireside picnic in the middle of the day, I suppose--in fact, that could be the "fun" version of this idea. But if you wanna go and get "romantic," wait until sunset, or, 5:00. Spread a flannel blanket on the floor and lay out trays of fruits, cheeses, and olives; keep a bottle of wine close by; light a fire in the fireplace; relax. 


9.) Hayrides. I grew up in central Illinois, where every harvest season there were guaranteed to be about fifty farms offering tractor-pulled or horse-drawn hayrides. Now I live in Georgia and I've been on a couple hay rides in the last few years. It's probably not too hard, no matter where you live, to find a farm within twenty or so miles that offers harvest-time hayrides. Bundle up, take a blanket. The farm will usually offer hot chocolate or cider. The bliss of hayrides is being out in the middle of the country where you can see all the stars, plus the biting cool air and the spreading warmth of a hot drink. Plus you get to cuddle with your significant other while the gentle jostling of the trailer lulls you into a peaceful state of mind. Most hayrides I've been on, everyone remains quiet, just enjoying the clean smell of country air and the sound of crickets or cicadas.


10.) Neighborhood walks. In the season between halloween and New Year's, neighborhoods and stores will be lit up with decorations. Take a cue from Lorelai and Rory and enjoy a stroll in the brisk air with your favorite friend, admiring creative decorations, privately mocking the cheesy ones, and generally enjoying the holiday spirit.

Stars Hollow in Autumn (photo courtesy of WB)

Feel free to chime in with more ideas. Introverted or not! I hope these 10 have at least given you some fresh incentive to try something different.

10 Great Dates for Introverts (Part 1 of 2)

For the introverted individual; for those with an introverted significant other; for those with introverted friends:

Hear, hear.

Too much of American dating culture revolves around activities dominated by extroverts: dinner & a movie, bowling, miniature golf, dancing, cocktail parties, sports events, concerts, bars, even shopping (according to LiveStrong.com Dating Ideas--no joke!). Most if not all of these require you to be talkative, funny, and on-your-toes socially. Not that the introvert doesn't enjoy these activities from time to time, but let's face it. There are more dating activities well-suited for the gregarious, outgoing extroverts than for the quieter, contemplative introverts. 

I happen to be an introvert married to an introvert. We go to the occasional sports event. We've been to a couple concerts. We've been shopping together (although neither of us would call those times "dates," more like the "for better or for worse" times we vowed we'd love each other through). But when it comes to date night, time and time again we've faced these options, looked at one another, and said, let's just watch a movie. Now, introverts, let's get creative. We don't always want to watch Netflix for every date night, do we? As much as I love my movie nights...

I propose 10 fun activities to do with your favorite introvert. Or if you're the introvert, suggestions to show your friends or significant other. Here's the first 5.

1.) Listen to music. Share an artist, album, or song you've recently discovered, and let your friend or special someone share one with you. Spend time listening to the songs all the way through, then talk about what was unique or innovative. Talk about what you each enjoyed about the music. Don't be afraid to say what you didn't like, as long as you do so respectfully. Differences are what make relationships interesting (in a good way, usually...hopefully).

2.) Read to each other. There are a few ways to do this. My husband doesn't particularly like to be read to. But if neither of you mind, take turns reading chapters of a good book together. Or, like we do, you can find a second copy at the library, read them simultaneously, and discuss what's going on. If it's fiction, what characters do you like or not like? What kind of tension is going on? What do you think might be cooking up behind the scenes? If it's non-fiction, what are you learning? What kinds of information or anecdotes do you relate to? If it's poetry--way to go! Talk about the imagery that struck you as original. Talk about the feelings you felt as you read the poem. Did you hear sadness coming through? Anger? Loneliness? Did you hear joy? Pride? Humor? Since this is particularly my cup of tea, pick a novel to start with from the New York Times 1001-books-to-read-before-you-die list. (http://www.listology.com/list/1001-books-you-must-read-you-die) I suggest fiction because I think good fiction takes us somewhere in our understanding of the world that all the self-help books in the world can't get us to. Of course, I also strongly believe poetry and well-wrought essays can do the same thing. Enough from my soapbox.

3.) Go stargazing. On a clear night, take a blanket or two, find a patch of ground clear of the trees and the lights of civilization, and look at the stars. The American Meteor Society (http://www.amsmeteors.org/showers.html) has a whole page about upcoming showers, so you can plan a date around wishing on some shooting stars if you want. Even without nature's fireworks, it's quiet, contemplative, and very romantic. This is also fun for a group of friends to do together. Take some hot chocolate in thermoses, some quiet tunes, and enjoy.

4.) Watch Jeopardy. This great suggestion came courtesy of a friend who enjoys this date activity with her husband when their two little ones are finally put to bed. It's not just watching TV. Oh, no. It's interactive. You can even make a little competition out of it as long as you don't get too heated and end up sleeping in different rooms. I don't think this has ever happened to my friend. Just sayin.

5.) Take a hike. Together. Find a state park nearby and spend a day or afternoon enjoying some nature. Go at your own pace--it's not the destination, it's about the journey. If you're allowed to take food in the park (always check regulations), pack a couple pbj's and apples, take a thermos of wine, and have yourself a merry little picnic under the trees, or on the beach, or in a swamp. Whatever your local habitat affords you. Just make sure you pack your trash out and leave no trace of your visit. My husband and I recently took a whole day to hike at some beautiful state parks nearby. You can read about that here.


Check back later in the week for 5 more fun things to do with introverts. I hope this is getting some idea wheels turning! If you have any other introvert-oriented date ideas, add them in the comments section! There's way more than 10 good ideas. To be continued...