Friday, September 13, 2013

My Decision Rant

Can't make up your mind?  I often second guess my decisions and feel like I need to validate its accuracy beforehand.  My introversion expresses this by not giving anyone feedback until I've thought it over and then doing so quietly.  Whether I am mulling it over by myself or with a friend, my mind wants to please myself, plus everyone else.  While I'm caught up in trivial worries, most people have made up their mind.  I'm not talking about work or big life decisions - those are easier than these small ones.  These are the inferior, daily decisions we face regarding the type of food you are going to eat, what you are going to plan to do after work, or what movie you are going to see.

I am logical, however I still hold on to the "what if I make the wrong choice" worry that I take forever in deciding if I want chicken or beef on my nachos.  Of course I'm striving for self happiness, but it is not worth the tedious thought process, especially if it impacts the plan of others.  It can be a complete waste of time waiting for someone for something so trivial.  People rely on other people and I cannot be so passive 100% of the time.  It is one thing to be introverted and to not contribute to a social situation, but to be this held back about making a small decision is a bit unhealthy.  Confidence is something achieved overtime, and it helps to have reassurance from others.  It makes it harder when I get negative feedback about something I've already decided.  If they are not directly involved in the situation, I try my hardest to ignore it!  I'm getting better at making decisions quicker and sticking with it.  I do a little happy dance when the outcome is positive!

So, what is a good salad ingredient to bring along for a party, or the correct choice for dinner tonight? (Yes, always thinking about food)  Is it right to dwell on these decisions?  I say not to an excessive degree, but I cannot help my worries.  What if no one takes a helping of baby corn for their salad?  Is this even a topping for salad?  I've seen these at select salad bars, but does anyone but me take some?  These are just some thoughts that roll around in my mind, but in the end it does not matter.  The baby corn was loved after all by at least 1/4 of the group.  Even if it was just me digging in to my own ingredient, at least there will be more for me.  Optimism is hard to keep up, but it ultimately helps in social situations.

So my gut reaction of baby corn for the salad party and beef nachos for dinner? YES!  Go with what you know and like!  The key is to stick with your interest and be confident in it.  There's a good chance that others will like your decision too.  Making a quick and accurate decision boosts future confidence and also leaves room for more fun in your free time.

You have to pick your battles with yourself because you do not want to get tripped up on whether you want to wear a polka dot or blue shirt today.  You'll be late for work!  Focus on what is most important in life and embrace it.

Friday, March 22, 2013

Science Fiction vs Fantasy


   While searching for new books, I gravitate towards the science fiction section.  On particular books found in the library, there is a "Fantasy" sticker on the spine on those in the sci-fi area.  What makes these stories fantasy?  Where is the boundary between science fiction and fantasy?

   "It is said that science fiction and fantasy are two different things. Science fiction is the improbable made possible, and fantasy is the impossible made probable."
-Rod Serling, 1962

Here are my comparisons between the two genres:


Science FictionFantasy
TechnologyMagic
ScientificSupernatural
Facts in real lifeImaginary
AliensWizards
RobotsUnicorns
SpaceMiddle Earth
A world that could beGood vs Evil



     Science fiction offers a scientific rationale for the phenomenon.  There is some kind of technology, whether it's possible or impossible in real life, that alters our known world.  In Fantasy, a unicorn will just appear, and yay, that’s just the way things are.  There are alternative realities and worlds, where you can live in an enchanted forest or a cursed castle.  Most of the time, the conclusion of a science fiction story is a new way of doing things.  In fantasy, the good, from its good vs evil theme, wins.

     This started to make me think of certain story examples.  Where would Star Trek and Star Wars fit in?  Science fiction - Most things are based on a technology or aliens from different planets.  The only thing I had a hard time accepting it is science fiction is The Force.  It is a paranormal ability which is altered in a human or creature, but it could be mistaken for magic.  A few other issues, such as shapeshifters not being technologically explained would be fantasy.  Elements could be used in both genres.  What about time travel?  Science fiction.  Ghosts?  Gods?  Fantasy.

The more I read or watch these stories, the better I can pick out which category they fall into.

Source: Difference Between Science Fiction and Fantasy, Prabhat. and updated on July 28, 2011 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net

photo credit: balt-arts via photopin cc
photo credit: Gilderic Photography via photopin cc

Friday, March 15, 2013

Soft Drinks - Part 2

Coke or Pepsi?  Yes, this is the Ultimate Cola Taste Test!


I bought 6 different brands of cola:  Pepsi, Pepsi Throwback, America's Choice (Pathmark brand) cola, Giant brand cola, Coke and Mexican Coke.  Both the Mexican Coke and Pepsi Throwback are made without high fructose corn syrup.

Three participants and I taste tested each one and gave our preference of cola before and after.  Before tasting and looking at the lineup, the before preference was chosen by each tester based on what they thought they liked the most.  Then, instead of sloppily blindfolding everyone, the cups were numbered, and only I knew what they were drinking.  I had someone test me separately. These were all cooled and freshly opened.


TesterThe Before PreferencePepsiPepsi ThrowbackCokeMexican CokeGiantPathmark
StevePepsi
:(:)
MaryCoke:)

:(

JamesMexican Coke:):(


JenCoke:)
:(


The smiley faces indicate the favorite after tasting all six colas. The frowny face is the least favorite.  Mary and I both preferred the regular Pepsi, despite our Coke before preference.  In being a Pepsi fan, Steve was right in choosing Coke as his least favorite, but then preferred Mexican Coke as the result.  James stuck with the no high fructose corn syrup as his preference, but chose Pepsi instead of Coke.  No one strongly liked or disliked the generic sodas!  None of us chose what we thought we would like the best!  Over this very small sample size, plus bonus points from the poll on my blog site, Pepsi wins as the most preferred taste.




I lined up my preferences from worst to best (left to right in picture above).  Welp, as a long time Coke lover, I have chosen Pepsi as my favorite after the test taste.  The test itself was so difficult.  At first, all of the colas tasted the same. I had to go back and forth from the cups.  One tasted like vanilla (Pepsi Throwback) and one tasted flat (Mexican Coke). 

So in the future, I will give Pepsi a chance, though I will probably still say that I like Coke better!  It could be the better branding for the product - note my shirt.
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Friday, February 1, 2013

Tips to a Happy Desk and Mind

    In taking courses in time management and improving my professional self, I've come up with a few tips on how to better your environment at work or home.

    Let's start with your workspace.  If you have a desk or office, this is easy to do.  Take a look around your desk, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place?  The paper clip that has fallen out of your tray?  Too many sticky notes?  Whatever your annoyance, fix one thing now!  Place the paper clip back where it belongs, or consolidate your notes to one piece of paper or to your electronic device.  Feel better?  Okay, now I'll ask again, what one thing is the most annoying or out of place?  Too soon?  I'll try back again in a few hours. A clean environment can help you in your day to day activities.  Seeing a mess in your own space can trigger stress.  Although your eyes glue themselves to your computer screen, you could concentrate more without the clutter in your peripheral view.  If you are the type of person who works best under pressure, stop reading...just kidding, it should be the pressure of the tasks at hand needing to get done that motivates you, never the mess.  You can have the same bazillion tasks, but still have a neat environment allowing you to think clearer.

    Start small in your organizing, concentrating on one paper or object at a time.  Focus on one area of your desk or space and place these in designated groups, such as current tasks, pending issues and research material.  Take your time; it doesn't need to get done today.  Depending on how organized your space is now depends on how long it will take.  Gradually things will become easier, and there will be a designated place for everything you come across.  Sometimes it feels like you do not have enough room for everything.  Think about decluttering (This word is not in the Merriam-Webster dictionary!) first before thinking you need more space.  Make sure you have a trash pile.  It is amazing how much you do not need after a year.


    Once your area is manageable and you are very comfortable with it, buy yourself a plant or add a colorful calendar to perk things up.  Why be boring?  Add a picture or comic that you can often look at for a smile.  Find a good place for fun knick-knacks - like my Gumby and Pokey.  Keep a piece of YOU around!  These little things can be comforting while in a monotonous flow or in tough work situations.

As I have said before in my time post, a calendar is helpful for work and personal reasons.  I would recommend getting two calendars: one visible on your desk or in your kitchen, and one on your electronic device.  Clear your mind by organizing your schedule on paper or electronically.  Once it is on the calendar, you can forget about it for the moment.   Electronic calendars are great in addition, but the old-fashioned writing in your days off or special meetings does have benefits.  Your eyes can revert away from the a screen for once and allows its own space of reference.  I find it easier to discuss dates when other people are present, viewing my wall calendar with me. 

    If your home or work environment is noisy, wear headphones and listen to your iPod or Spotify.  Avoid slow classical music as this could put you to sleep.  Upbeat music is ideal for greater productivity. 

   Already organized and have keen knowledge on these tips?  Add another knick-knack or clean out that drawer you have forgotten about.  Small changes here and there can put you in a better mood!


Friday, January 25, 2013

Fast Food Unraveled: Part 2


Hello World!  After being dormant for so long, I have tried to think of an excuse to where I was for two months...working on my book, sick, entertaining guests, out of town, out of ideas - Okay, while some of these were true, I was really eating chicken!  Continuing my fast food tour, I explored chicken nuggets.  I veered away from the top three fast food chains and compared a few other good places. 




KFC - Original Recipe Bites (10 count)





- WW points: 8
- Price: $3.99 with side and drink for a limited time






It really feels like you are eating chicken right off of the bone.  They are boneless, but could have fooled me if I had a blindfold on...(ooo I should do that for my next food post).  These nuggets are moist, and the breading is just the right amount of crisp.











Chic Fil A - Nuggets (8 count)




- WW points: 7
- Price: $4.79 with fries and drink, may vary by location




These nuggets are thinly breaded and full of flavor. The light, salty taste makes you want more.  I try to ration the chicken, but always run out with a ton of waffle fries left (yum...).  The sweetness of the Polynesian sauce compliments this.





Sonic - Jumbo Popcorn Chicken (large size, too hungry to count)





- WW points: 15
- Price: $6.50 with tots/fries and drink


These nuggets are not jumbo.  They range from small to large.  The taste is good, but nothing special.  BBQ or other sauce is needed.









Winner: Chic Fil A!  KFC is a close second.  Sonic is out in left field with points, price and taste.  What is your favorite chicky-chick?

*WW points based on PointsPlus Values.  Click here for the calculator.