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Post
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Dec 2, 2023
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random-thoughts
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thoughts
daily
life
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Life
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Scattered thoughts, no structure, but all honest.
On Speaking
When a colleague gives a bad presentation, don't say it directly. If they didn't ask, just compliment the good parts -- be specific, say something nice but harmless.
But when you see someone else's flaws, ask yourself first: am I any better?
On Eating
Eat well to live well. Sounds like a cliche, but it's the most practical one.
Made steamed pork for Mid-Autumn Festival, got great reviews. Then made scallion pancakes, curry beef, tomato beef stew -- set for the whole week with rice bowls.
Eating too many beans makes you gassy. But black beans are so good.
On Money
Life is tight mainly because of insurance payments. Wanted to buy a suit -- no money. Thought about it, old clothes will do.
Bought an Apple Watch S9 on installment. Returned it the next day -- figured earbuds would be more useful.
Finances are a bit messy, but nothing serious. Just wait for payday.
On Presentations
Everyone's presentations are rough, mine included. Need to prep better: write a script, practice without notes, run it by a friend for feedback.
On Boundaries
Academic discussions are fine, but don't mix personal life in. People have boundaries. No need to get too close -- it's useless. Basic courtesy and professionalism, that's enough.
On Research
Research is just time. Tons of time. If you lack talent, grind it out -- you'll get there eventually.
But you have to know what you're doing, what the goal is, what comes next. No on-and-off commitment.
My senior was right: time is the essential ingredient for growth. Research, swimming, everything.
Some Fragments
Didn't call home for Mid-Autumn Festival. Had dinner with friends instead.
Spent all Saturday lying at home. Sunday went grocery shopping. Days just go by like that.
Went with Yahan and her teacher to do a survey for the Paralympic Games. Those kids were really adorable.
Living in the US is basically fighting fire with fire — working the system to get what you can within the rules.
We only see people's highlight reels, never the struggles behind the scenes. Instead of staring at others, focus on what you can still improve about yourself.
Late November
Spent a whole day finally getting the homework code to run. Haven't actually done the assignment yet, but at least the code works — that's progress.
Read a paper related to my project and understood the theory. There's code too, haven't run it yet, but I have a sense of it now.
December 2
Had hotpot with friends, talked about a bunch of random stuff.
After eating, still had to go back and read papers. That's just life.
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