I'm A Work In Progress

The “getting it done in an unconventional way” method.

The “it’s not cheating to do it the easy way” method.

The “fuck what you’re supposed to do” method.

The “get stuff done while you wait” method.

The “you don’t have to do everything at once” method.

The “it doesn’t have to be permanent to be helpful” method.

The “break the task into smaller steps” method.

The “treat yourself like a pet” method.

The “it doesn’t have to be all or nothing” method.

The “put on a persona” method.

The “act like you’re filming a tutorial” method.

The “you don’t have to do it perfectly” method.

The “wait for a trigger” method.

The “do it for your future self” method.

The “might as well” method.

The “when self discipline doesn’t cut it” method.

The “taking care of yourself to take care of your pet” method.

The “make it easy” method.

The “junebugging” method.

The “just show up” method.

The “accept when you need help” method.

The “make it into a game” method.

The “everything worth doing is worth doing poorly” method.

The “trick yourself” method.

The “break it into even smaller steps” method.

The “let go of should” method.

The “your body is an animal you have to take care of” method.

The “fork theory” method.

2025. 01. 31 | Featuring the younger child.

It's been kind of a rough month but I think things are looking up.

I have some intense dental work to be done to keep my teeth healthy (bad genetics :/), but I won't lose any of them. I also have good dental insurance to cover a lot of the cost.

My Dutch course is considering switching to one three-hour class per week instead of two, which requires more self-study, but something that'll make my weekly schedule less hectic once I start my PhD.

One of my arms have healed and I'll consult a physio for my other one. I also have health insurance that will cover six sessions this year.

HR has finally sent over the documents I needed to fill out and send, meaning Feb 15 may be a likely start date for my contract! This is such a relief and brings me a lot of joy.

I haven't needed to touch my savings since Jan 2 and I'm hoping to keep it this way.

I couldn't have managed this on my own and have a lot of gratitude for my partner to get me through these rough moments honestly.

Speaking of partner, our application for marriage has been officially set for a nice date this summer! :)

The days are starting to lengthen, which is giving me Life.

I didn't realize my body was under so much stress and it's coming out in injuries/infection, which are all gradually healing. I haven't done any intensive exercise for a few weeks and have been prioritizing rest and sleep, so I'm hoping to be in shape for the start of my contract. I guess this happens when you hit your 30s.

"Are you mad at me?" asked a student recently, regarding poor communication around deadlines. Because (obviously) we have a good relationship and I like the kid, I kept myself from scoffing at the notion when I said "Of course I'm not mad at you; here is what better communication would look like, and why it's desirable." We are not mad at you. We are not your parents. I cannot emphasize enough: we are not your parents.