Author Archives: Alec
English as the common language
One of the most wonderful experiences of my life happened many years ago when I was doing a big rock climb in Switzerland. My climbing partner and I met and chatted with two Swiss climbers on the route. They spoke … Continue reading
Motivation, part 2: Goals and Sacrifice
Like many people, I have a problem with my weight. I’m not what you would call fat, but my favorite outdoor activities have always involved fighting gravity: rock climbing, hiking up mountains, cycling up hills. So weight has always been … Continue reading
Posted in Habits, Measurement
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Motivation, part 1: Obsession
“Actually, I jade very quickly. Once is usually enough. Either once only, or every day. If you do something once it’s exciting, and if you do it every day it’s exciting. But if you do it, say, twice or just … Continue reading
Posted in Habits, Measurement
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Artistic Autism
We were standing by the coffee machine at work talking when my friend Cynthia said she thought I was artistic. I was of course flattered and asked her to explain more. Was she saying the software I wrote was artistic? … Continue reading
Posted in Habits, Relationships
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No Facebook for a Month
I won’t be looking at Facebook for a month. It’s part of my program to not spend waste so much time on the Internet. I’ve always had a bit of a love-hate relationship with Facebook. Or rather, a “I don’t exist … Continue reading
Posted in Measurement, Time Management
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Resisting the Infinity Machine
I feel the pull as soon as I pick it up. Normally I don’t have the strength to resist but today I will. Today is when I start the transformation of me. Yesterday Tanya really got on my case about … Continue reading
Posted in Engagement, Retirement
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Unsettled
It’s pouring rain today but I feel settled and content. For almost a week though, Tanya and I were both very unsettled. We’d flown into Queenstown, New Zealand, and only one of our four bags arrived with us – Tanya’s … Continue reading
Things Change
Today Tanya and I head to New Zealand for 3 months, then back to Tucson for a few days, then on to Europe for 4 months. But this was not the original plan. Things change. Our original plan was based … Continue reading
Posted in Travel, Vacations
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Uncommittedly Committed
Yesterday, Tanya and I bought a home in Tucson. A mobile home. We’ve been in Tucson for about fifteen months and have agonized over whether Tucson is the right place to be, whether to buy a house here, and where such … Continue reading
Posted in Retirement
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American Exceptionalism – The Vacations We Take
When I was in Moab in October, 2012, to ride the White Rim, I drove up to Island in the Sky in Canyonlands National Park. At the Visitor Center I saw this incredible off-road RV. I’d never seen anything like it … Continue reading
Posted in Retirement, Travel, Vacations
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Cycle Uphill 