the monthly archive

November 1125

Written by

Lucky Stripe Designs

in

what I’ve created –

what I’ve watched – 

  • Fantastic Mr. Fox – Super fun, definitely adding to the list of films to show my kids
  • The Martian – Captivating and consuming, not airtight but solid. This was excellent and a fun new setting to watch a survival story.
  • Frankenstein – Exceptionally done. Just re-read the book so it was easy to pick apart where it wasn’t true but overall I’m pleased with how authentically to its origins it was. My biggest complaint was around the creature’s plea for a companion, in the book that conversation takes all day and breathes a lot of light and nuance to his story. It brings the reader into the decision and the ethical dilemma. The film is strong but had a bit more room to dwell on the challenge both men faced. This will definitely age into an all time classic.
  • The Running Man – Great theater watch, game night, or plane popcorn. Characters felt a bit one dimensional especially at the beginning but maybe that’s how it had to be(?) Ending felt a little weak / expedited but still a very fun very gripping film. Minus a point for gore / unexpected gore. Plus a point for Glen & Edgar Wright.
  • Blade Runner 2049 – Villenueve’s films don’t feel like sci-fi action gun fights they feel like walking in a museum in a world you’ve never been to. Been a while since the first time I saw this and in a radically different life stage- first time related to Joe a lot but this time felt sympathy but no connection. There’s a handful of loose ends that would be perfect to build a sequel with which noted the 4/5 but otherwise a fantastic film and the twists are just so good and unexpected. Visual style and light is one of my all time favorites and most stunning. Forgot about how much nudity was in this tho- wouldn’t watch with under 21. Jared Leto’s God role felt overly gross and didn’t have closure but maybe that’s the point? While I loved Ana’s character and her presence in the story I really did love that we don’t see her humanized and her life is snuffed quickly and unexpectedly. I think there’s a strong mirror between her and porn/onlyfans. Men hear the voice say “you look lonely, I can fix that” and try to fill that void with something that isn’t real and the further in you look and deeper you go the more “personal” or “real” it seems. But it can in an instant evaporate because it isn’t real. And I like that there’s some symbolism there. All in all— easily top 100 all time best

what I’ve listened to –

travel hack –

For any trip less than 2 weeks, pack 1 or 2 sets of workout clothes. There’s no need for more and it’s easy to recycle.

what I ate –

Gabriela’s Homemade Cinnamon Rolls with cream cheese frosting. To die for.

Shake Shack & Five Guys are the perfect post-move burger.

Tried and true, Toppers Hot Honey pizza is one of the best in the world.

quote I liked –

“Documenting little details of your everyday life becomes a celebration of who you are” – Carolyn V. Hamilton

“My high school wrestling coach used to say, ‘I’m not a doctor, but you might want to rub some toughness on that.’ I’ve found that it applies to almost everything in life.” – Nate Gomez

“No scarcity with wanting. In the world of wanting, there’s no scarcity, because it’s a world of innovation– not of taking. Wanters are creating things that didn’t exist before” – Dan Sullivan

“Shiny paint causes stress” – bumper sticker on a rusty truck I saw in Texas

“You have to run your own race. Problems begin the moment you start comparing your results to someone who is playing under different conditions.

  • The 40-year-old entrepreneur with three kids has different constraints than the single 27-year-old.
  • A painter with 20 years of practice shouldn’t be the benchmark for someone in year two.
  • Someone caring for aging parents is not in the same position as someone with no obligations outside work.

Play your own game. Emphasize gradual progress and keep the comparison internal. Are you getting a little better today?” – James Clear

“Take care of the minutes; the hours will take care of themselves.” – The 4th Earl of Chesterfield, Philip Dormer Stanhope Source: Letter to his son (November 6, 1747) 

“No need to hurry. No need to sparkle. No need to be anybody but oneself.” – Virginia Woolf Source: A Room of One’s Own 

“I like to make promises that I’m not sure I can keep and then figure out how to keep them” – Sophia Amoruso

“Anytime I’m telling myself ‘but I’m making so much money’ that’s a warning sign that I’m doing the wrong thing.” – BJ Novak

“Feelings are the prophets of the body” — Jake Zeigler 

“There’s a difference between what we value and what we attend to. That is the core of the pain we’re feeling. This dichotomy between what I spend my time doing vs what I intend to spend my time doing is a real gut-check.” — Mother J 

“All self discipline begins with the body… Dress for yourself- we look sharp to stay sharp because we are sharp” – Ryan Holiday 

what I’ve learned –

  • Run in the rain. Feel cold and wet. The modern American lifestyle does not allow us to feel certain sensations that are part of primal existence. Feel your heart beat hard. Feel sweat drip into your eye. Feel cold drops of water hit your face. Get scared. Run far. Feel strong. Run free.
  • The older you get, the more critical it is to say no. What you say yes to matters much more than what you say no to. Protect your peace, protect your time.
  • Running a half marathon makes you feel great and accomplished. Do it often. The race day feeling is incredible and impossible to replicate. Get up early for a challenge.
  • Doing 160flights of stairs is easier than expected. Controlling heart rate is key. Pacing is crucial. Doing it with others is of the most importance.
  • AFM is a wild experience, lots to love and learn.

what I wouldn’t try again –

Moving isn’t hard, settling in is. Always allocate more time to settle in than you’d expect to need. It just takes time.

Make sure to sign up for whatever you want to do. It sucks to be half way through marathon training to realize the race had already sold out a month ago.

Melatonin and Magnesium can cause very weird dreams and / or sleep walking. I don’t particularly think the juice is worth the squeeze with either.

Find the line. Then take ten steps back. That’s where you should be. Walking on the edge is not problematic till you slip.

Measure twice, purchase once. Take an extra week to decide what you want for your new home. That light fixture or table or accessory might not be the right fit. That couch may be too big. Don’t rush the settling in.

Don’t rush. Don’t split time trying to be in two places at once. It may be better to focus on one thing, relationship, or moment than it is to try to cram lots into one day.

how life is beautiful –

Surprise your loved ones. Seeing their faces and getting to hold them close is an amazing thing we can do.

Take time to pause. Say goodbye to the places you loved. Say hi to new faces. Always take time to pray and do it away from your phone, watch, or distractions.

Lifting / working out with old friends can bring some of the most joy. There’s a familiarity and a confidence. It’s good to go back to things like they never changed.

Sitting in my new home with my brother and father after an unexpected move in the rain was so good. Old friends and family truly are above all else.

Playing with kids is one of the best ways to reset. It’s akin to spending time in nature or the mountains– a reminder that things are bigger than us and it’s good to step out of our skin long enough to see what’s around us. To watch someone learn, to watch them struggle, to watch them grow.

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