"And a partridge in a Pear Tree"

“And so this is Christmas,

And what have you done?

Another Year over,

A new one just begun”.

John Lennon

I’ve always been fond of Christmas for some reason. Probably a relic from another life, or a little more likely, the influence of certain TV shows and movies from my early childhood (more in depth here). Still, I’ve never actually lived in a place that celebrated it as fully – until now. True, it’s no Festivus with its idiosyncratic traditions, but the overall cheer pervading the air does get to you, even when you don’t take into account the accompanying days off. It’s not going to be a white Christmas, sadly, (thanks climate change), but it should do.

A misty morning in Tenafly

 I thought I’d try some traditional holiday cuisine like honeyed sliced ham, and found a kit to make it in the grocery store, but it’s for an entire family and I’m not that big an eater. Besides, I understand that the more fitting tradition is going out to a Chinese restaurant. There’s also the likeliest scenario of finally seeing the new Star Wars movie. I can’t keep dodging spoilers forever.

The coming year is going to be very busy. How big corporate America and I are going to treat each other is still a mystery. But I am ready for it.

“A very merry Christmas, and a happy New Year
Let's hope it's a good one, without any fear”.

Washington: the first day

It has been a very long day. I've arrived in the City (the "other "City") at around 11am and immediately began the tourist frenzy. After waving hello to my new neighbors at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, I proceeded to the Holocaust Memorial Museum. I don't know why I chose to start my tour there. 

The museum is highly recommended, especially if you haven't been to other similar museums (like Yad v'Shem). I definitely got flashbacks from my trip to Poland all those years ago, and I had a few rough minutes. 

After that I needed to clear my head a bit and strolled around the US Capitol. 

From there, I continued to two personally important sites: the Supreme Court of Justice and the Library of Congress. 

Righteously inspired again, I visited the National Museum of the American Indian, where again I saw people dispossessed and persecuted. 

I hate to end on a grim note, but see below. I still have quite a few museums and other things to see and do, but I should have enough time. 

(Half) first anniversary

Today, if I'm not mistaken, I mark six months in this exciting chapter of my life. 184 days. A month of this was spent in the East, and the rest in the West.
Are these the first few months out of a greater and longer expedition? Or, am I already feeling the cold winds of change blowing? I cannot say. All I know, is that if it were up to me, it would never end.

I am learning and changing everyday, in some ways, I hope, for the better. Although I have not traveled yet far and wide, I feel more comfortable with the idea and can begin to explore the options.
Some things have not changed, and that's unfortunate, but perhaps they also serve to grant perspective, or even depth of some sort.

Next month I will be visiting "home", a place I couldn't be far enough away from on many issues, while can never really be torn apart from either.

My focus is still work and the insatiable project that has no chance in hell to be on time or according to my quality standards, and I can't imagine my life without it. But occasionally, I try to take a quick peek sideways, to see how normal people live. It's not all bad.

Adventures in the East pt. 2: The Rain Song, Brothers

I've been in the East for almost a week now, and it looks like I'm expecting another week. This trip was supposed to have been a week of focused work so I can go back home and proceed with work there, but I've been requested by our partners here to stay a while and listen help. This means I will need to make some plans for the weekend (other than laundry). However, as a typhoon is expected to lick the shores during this same weekend, my options might be a little limited.

This post's title refers to two great songs that started my Spotify playlist today: Brothers in Arms (thanks, Barry!) and The Rain Song. It's a bit disorienting to listen to them sitting on the 16th floor in a City I know next to nothing about its inhabitants, language or culture, but I'm thankful for every sliver of WiFi I can get.

This is actually from the 8th floor

Breaking news: 2.6%, baby!

A few weeks ago I sent a saliva sample to be analyzed for genetic information. A few minutes ago I've received the initial results - more detailed analysis is coming in the next few weeks.
I have to say, the results are a bit uninteresting in their uniformity and don't hold any major surprises or mysteries. Or do they?

I do wonder what's this 0.1% unassigned. Martian?

The above is the most speculative analysis of the results so far. A more conservative estimate put it at around 84% Ashkenazi, 14% broadly European and 1.1% unassigned. Being only 0.2% Middle Eastern is rather interesting and that 0.1% East Asian is also most curious. It couldn't have been too many contributes and probably a very long time ago, but still.

What I was also very interested to find, and am admittedly rather proud of, was that my genes are 2.6% Neanderthal (the European average is 2.7%).

Distant cousins everywhere! Useful for couch surfing on the next trip

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - No one is Fa

I thought about writing this post before; in fact, I may have. It's difficult to say for certain these days.
I'm involved in a few cases that one of them, it is deemed, is important enough as to invoke a wide state of panic. I and others have dedicated many hours and days to it and will continue to until its inevitable resolution (or dissipation; like I said, it's hard to say). This means, of course, back to the sleep disrupted nights of old, having strange dreams and basically being tired to the bones.

But what is "Fa", you may wonder? Wikipedia will explain it better, but what I remember of it from university (because, really, memory of things is more important than the facts of those things, right?) is that it is a kind of a model. It was used by the ancient Mohists, my favorite school of old Chinese philosophy as a tool, to demonstrate and to think logically by analogy. One of the models or concepts that should be emulated is the Ren, the idealized or higher person.

Taking it to its simplistic extremes, it is having a person as a role model. However, it's demonstrated repeatedly that no one person is perfect and can be used as a role model for everyone, for all situations, for all times and experiences. Everyone is flawed. Even if that person was not flawed somehow, odds are that you and your perception are.

Can people be trusted then? How can we learn from something that we know to be wrong? The obvious answer is that we have no "real" choice. We can try to learn from many different sources many different things and hope that somehow we'll get the "right" idea. We need to assume nothing, and strip away our misconceptions. But, in the end, the truth is unknowable, and all we can get is increasingly educated guesses.

This has deviated significantly from what I wanted to say. I am tired and suspect my kitchen is haunted (the microwave turns itself on in odd hours).

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - To the Lighthouse

I love Virginia Woolf. I'm currently reading "To the Lighthouse" and it is an amazing reading experience. I imagine listening to a professional reading of it a-la "Selected Shorts" would be even better. I won't go into spoilers, but on the second part of the book Woolf goes through a string of events fans of "Game of Thrones" might find painfully familiar. Or just painful.


In other, possibly less distressing news, I have sent a sample of saliva to be genetically analyzed. I am interested in genealogy and history, and it could be interesting to find out more about my ancestry. I can choose whatever cultural heritage and philosophy to follow or create, but I cannot repudiate my genes (at least not with the current technology). It will take a couple of months to find out the answers. In the meantime, I'm hoping for significant neanderthal traces or remains. I've never felt fully human anyway.

The sky on my way to the post office. Must be an omen, right?

Lastly, it looks like I'll be going East again, probably in early August. Can't wait for those flights.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - A weekend with the Underwoods

Last weekend I binged my way through House of Cards all the way to the third season. This was my first Netflix binge, and I can understand why it's termed "binge" along with the associated medical disorders. I did get a tad of an overdose. Or more than a tad, if the ear-worm of the show's opening sequence is any indication. But it is a great opening, isn't it? The music and the images are amazingly synced and reflect the show's spirit very well.



And what is the spirit of the show? I think that it has shifted as the seasons progressed. In the first and second seasons, especially the first, there was a very tangible dark presence around the Underwoods. One would almost expect to see them wearing a cape or a black robe while performing dark rites. And yet, the viewers empathizes with the corrupt, murdering, power hungry couple over the freedom fighting journalists. Perhaps it is them, the journalists, who are the foreign element in D. C.

Things change in the third season as, spoilers, Frank becomes president. Somehow the ultimate power does not corrupt him ultimately, but both Underwoods seem to develop some kind of "morality", or certain feelings. It feels like an unnatural development, and this season seems weaker somehow. Perhaps the hunt is more exciting than the dissection of the prey. And the inevitable fall is still to come.

Chapter 2: the grind and the rewind - Coming home (?)

Parting is such sweet sorrow, they say, and leaving Taiwan was no exception. The hot and humid weather, creative cuisine and language barrier have in the end become part of the experience instead of being obstacles in its path and the truly remarkable people of the place have more than made up for the long and sleepless flights*.

Plus they have amazing bakeries

I landed on Saturday night and after almost two hours of waiting in line for the passport checkup finally got re-admitted to the country. I got home** after 1AM and went to sleep. Two hours later I was already up. Sunday itself was very busy with multiple laundry cycles, grocery shopping, cleaning and whatnot, till I finally collapsed around 19:30. This time I managed to wake up around 3AM, leading to a hazy day at work which ended a little earlier than usual because I couldn't take it anymore. I slept through most of last night, though there's a thick layer of headache separating me and the rest of the world. I'm tired.

* Saw three films on the flight back. Julianne Moore and Jeff Bridges, what the hell were you thinking when you agreed to be in Seventh Son? Such a bad movie.

** I had all kinds of philosophical and other thoughts about what home is for me on the way back through the traffic jams of New York. Do I have a home or just an apartment? What does it mean to be at home? There are some place I'd rather not call home and others that look more inviting, but as I experience more and see things from different points of view, I begin to wonder. Will I ever feel at home anywhere? Stay tuned.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Steaming

I'm finally adjusting to the time and food difference, or at least making some progress on the latter item, which means it's time to go back "home" soon. I was taken today for lunch to a place specializing in Xiaolongbao (a kind of dim sum; they have a michelin star) and it was quite the experience. I haven't really enjoyed food in a long time, but this came close. I tried chicken, pork & truffle and shrimp & squash. Obviously, I took some of it for supper later.

This is the "doggy bag" containing some of the food

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Cultural institutions

There are all kinds of cultural institutions; some of them physical, others are created, maintained and destroyed in the relations between people. Over this weekend I have visited a few of the physical ones and was reminded of some of the transparent ones.

You may not think of 7-Eleven as an institution, least of all a cultural one, but it is one here. For one thing, this chain and other similar establishments, are more prevalent here than in my little piece of the USA. They are used like any other convenience shop but also have the added benefit of supplying office workers with quick lunches, cheap family outings and even serve as places to ship mail and packages to. 

A shrine on the way

I have also been to the Natural Museum of Natural Science (http://www.nmns.edu.tw/index_eng.html), which made me wonder what kind of science is unnatural, and the National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts (https://www.ntmofa.gov.tw/english/), that I highly recommend. In particular, it had two exhibitions that attracted me: one was titled "Finish and Unfinish",dealing with works of arts at different stages and about when you can actually call a work of art "finished" and why. The other was of painting by Hwang Chao-Mo, a local artist that has spent a lot of his life in Europe, and painted the vistas there, particularly around Belgium.
I also took my first selfie there, but the less that is discussed the better.

The entrance to the museum of art

The science museum

The rainforest pavilion of the botanical gardens, part of the science museum

I've encountered a few westerners during this trip, and they have always smiled, nodded or said hello. I don't know if this is an influence of the local friendliness and politeness or just seeing a supposedly more familiar face, but it does make me wonder. How similar are we? How different? I've come to realize that understanding, like learning, is an ongoing and changing process, and that "bottom lines" are temporary at best. Is that a paradox or an oxymoron? The world is a strange place, as it should be.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - The end of the week

I've had an uneasy night as a result of a late meal by McDonald's. I did not "love it", neither did my poor digestive system. I also had the usual wake up at 3am, made a mistake of reading an infuriating email from work, and unable to resist the temptation, also answered it. The next thing I knew it was four, and then five, and since it was almost six I might as well get out of bed. Needless to say I'm very tired, and somehow need to break this habit of waking up at ungodly hours.

I've been moved, again, to a new room at the hotel, this time to the 25th floor. I've decided to give it the weekend and if the net problems continue (or I get noisy neighbors again), I'll change hotels.

View from the new room

There's also been a change in the project I'm working on that gives us more time, so I hope it will also give me a chance to calm down and reduce my stress levels. I'm almost at the end of a week here but it feels like weeks already. I can't say how well I'm adjusted, but the food is a definite issue.
I've made plans to tour the City over the weekend, so it should be a nice change of pace.

Chapter 2: the grind and the rewind - Pearl Milk Tea

I've just received Pearl Milk Tea from my colleagues here. As far as I understand, it's tea with milk and yam (or something similar), served hot. I've just tasted it. It's a little like this place - a strange mixture of tastes, of old and new, west and east, spices and customs. I don't usually take milk in my tea, but this one's alright.

The tea

I was going to visit a factory near the Capital and spend the weekend there (at the Capital, not the factory), but plans have changed, so I will remain in this City. I checked around and there are a few things to see and do around.

The building where I work

View from my floor

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - A dungeon on the 16th floor

OK, so it's not an actual dungeon, but it does remind me of certain cellar-like "apartments" one inevitably runs into while apartment hunting in the greater Tel Aviv area. I've arrived to this City yesterday, and this is where I'll do most of my work. The people are very friendly and kind, and the language barrier on both sides can be bridged in most cases.

Entering the City

This City has a different vibe than the Capital, or maybe it's just the small area I've been to so far. It's slower and a little warmer somehow, though it lacks the fancy and amazing MRT system.

I wrote a post two days ago that got redacted. I may publish it one day, but I hope I won't have to.
Initially I got a room in the 24th floor, but I ran into some serious net issues (which are a showstopper at this point as I need to work from the hotel as well), plus some very noisy neighbors, so I moved to the 16th floor, this "dungeon". The room literally stinks, but it's only until Friday morning. Then, it's back to the Capital for the weekend, and after that back here.

My little piece of a dungeon in the sky

But who knows what tomorrow brings

Update: I took an hour or so break at the hotel at noon. Insomnia is finally catching up with me and I'm very tired. I think I'll take a sleeping pill tonight, though it might leave me groggy in the morning.
While I'm slowly adjusting to being here (still), I can't help but also feel as though I'm constantly bombarded by smells, tastes and "otherness" of the place, with the undecipherable language always in the background. My digestive system is delicate at the best of times, and I wouldn't consider flying half way around the world, alone, to a strange place with strange food, insomnia and a heavy feeling of responsibility, the best of times.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Adventures in the East, pt. 1

After a long flight of about 15 hours, I've landed at my destination in the East. It's warm and rainy and I am very tired. The sleeping pills failed me, and though I've managed to sleep through the first quarter to a third of the flight, the rest of it was spent with eyes closed, constantly nodding and hopelessly trying to find a comfortable position.

View from the hotel

The room at the hotel is small, but I've been told it's going to be upgraded to a larger room, so I expect to move out later. I'm trying to prepare for my first meeting tomorrow, but it's difficult to concentrate. I'll turn in early tonight, after I move to the new room. A shower wouldn't hurt either.

Update: I have moved to another room down the hall, and it is somewhat bigger and has a grander view of this part of the city. Ironically, I think some of the fatigue I'm feeling now is due to the sleeping pills still in my system, though the rather significant jet lag is a factor as well (12 hours difference...). It's definitely time for a shower. 

From the new room

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Going places

Exciting news: looks like I'll be going East in another week or so for a fun packed two weeks of work. I can't wait for the 15 and a half hours long flights*, unrecognizable sea food delicacies and working non-stop around the clock. Seriously though, this needs to be done and it will be an interesting and challenging experience. I've been there before, but this time I'm going to a new place with new people. It should be interesting.

* Sadly, I'm not likely to earn any frequent miles because these are different airlines. On the other hand, probably better food and service because, you know, different airlines.

Updates to come.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refind - Only slightly, really

I can feel my self going slightly mad with lack of sleep, or proper sleep (tonight it was the heat; I turned the A/C on and that helped, but my sleep was already disrupted). My memory is degrading, I'm having trouble focusing at times, constant dim headaches. But I'm still locked on the target. Still manically desperate to complete this project on time, when all tell-tale signs indicate that the deadline is going to go whoosh by without the project being completed. I try to do many things, and to my own judgmental eyes my efforts are shallow and in vain.

Perhaps this is a bit more dramatic than it is or ought to be. But what's life without a bit of drama?

And it's not all bad. The stillness at night brought me some crazy and interesting ideas...

Chapter 2: The grind and the refined - The heat is on

Actually, I should probably turn on the air conditioning. It's been very warm these past few days and the next week is also expected to be hot (32 degrees on Tuesday!). Given that, I went out shopping yesterday and came back with some spring/summer oriented clothes.

I thought about going to the City today, but my continuing insomnia means I'm tired, hazy and with a constant headache, so I opted to stay home. Yes, I tried Diablo 3 (get that smirk off of your face), and it does seem kinda fun (even with the poor laptop), but I have no time to dedicate to it beyond the Starter edition.

This afternoon I'm working from home, after being continually bombarded by emails. I'm using the dining area for work, and it's actually not so bad.

What you can't see is the sounds of music (not the musical) coming on Spotify

Chapter 2:the grind, 'cause let's face it, there's nothing else

Hi, my name is Oded and I'm a workaholic. I'm also exhausted. I got to the office at 6:30am for a call, which meant I had to get up at 4:30. I left the office just after 6:30pm, trusting my few remaining neurons to guide me home. 

Tomorrow I'll go easy on myself and get to work by 7:30am. 

I need some sleep. 

Chapter 2: the grind and the refind - Test Drive

How do you measure a test drive's success or failure? Is it enough that you got to your destination or do aspects like usability and long term practicality also factor in? Well, I managed to get to work in about an hour and ten minutes (compared to Google maps projected ~40 minutes), which is not too bad considering how out of shape I am and that I took a few wrong turns and resting points along the way.

The final stretch of the drive start along this river, which isn't bad at all

I was too tired to cycle back and I wanted to try the folding option on the bus, so I took a bus to Bergenfield and cycled the remaining mile and a half from there. I took two bus seats with the bike folded and it was quite awkward at times, but I got through. Some buses may have storage options as well.

The entrance to work - proof of concept?

I am tired and my back is killing me- it was a little bumpy on some parts of the road and there was strain involved. I think I'll use the bike for its versatility and as a getaway option when the local transit system fails me in the afternoon. That means taking the bike on the bus in the morning and using it as contingency on the critical long stretch back. It is cumbersome and awkward, but what part of my life isn't anyway?

Chapter 2: the grind and the rewind - Doomed, I tell you

So I finally bought a bicycle. It's not electric, and as a result significantly cheaper (though it turns out electric bikes Are legal in New Jersey). You might even say that they are solar (as they're powered by me and I eat other life forms that get their nourishment from the sun plus whatever is in those snacks in break-room; that stuff is certainly unnatural, some would say preternatural).

That helmet doesn't go in there, I think

They also have a distinct advantage of being light weight (almost like me) and fold-able, which means I can carry them on the bus (in theory) and deploy them in emergencies, like an escape pod. I do need to figure out exactly how to fully fold them, but I did manage to mostly fold them, which is a start. I intend to do a test drive tomorrow morning to the office, or as near as I can get, and try to divine their future that way - a useful vehicle or a post-modern environmental statue destined to reside in the living room.

Mostly folded

I tried to connect to work using the VPN as I have many, many bugs to open and firmwares to review, but, alas, I can't reach my destination or open any bugs. It looks like I'm doomed to spend this weekend as... a weekend.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Fish and Babka

It's Friday at the end of a long week that included two 5am wake up calls and the pressure is mounting. At this point, if this was one of those cliche movies, I'd turn to alcohol or other drugs, but I simply don't have the time, energy or inclination for it. One of the projects I'm working on is being seen as very important to the company, which means I'll be extra fucked for every mistake and doubly ignored for every success.

There's so much to manage and drive in this project that there's barely any time for the actual testing. I can't say I feel comfortable with any of it, but with these crazy schedules and deadlines I don't see how I can avoid compromising on things. I'm already compromising my sleep and weekend, but what if it's not enough? What if someone else could do a better job? I seem to spend too much time and effort on small fires (that are certainly part of the big picture, but still), that I wonder what I'm missing.

Today's title is a reference to an incident from last night. I was trying to make baked potatoes in the microwave (as I was tired and didn't have patience for the stove). I put the potatoes in a plastic container and switched the microwave on. When I opened the door a few minutes earlier I've discovered a tribute to a modern art work of melting green plastic (and potatoes). Fortunately, I baked the fish in the oven and still had the babka from Zabar's, so I didn't starve. It still leaves the question of what's for supper tonight...

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Payday

Finally got my first paycheck today; well, two paychecks since I didn't get the previous one. I'm still waiting on the expenses to be reimbursed, so I'm not completely leveled yet, but it's getting there. I just payed the rent for May, so the money is definitely needed.

I just checked and it seems electric bikes are illegal in New Jersey (and New York), or at least they cannot be registered by the DMV. Either way, that means my fantasies about being able to quickly get away from work will have to remain fantasies, or be converted to a sweaty, non-motorized version. I'll ask at the bike shop around the corner; I'm sure they will give me an unbiased answer.

Chapter 2:the grind and the refined- The sounds in my life

I'd say that the first sound of the day would be that of the iPhone alarm, but given my insomnia it's hardly the first. Or, to put it another way, it's not The beginning, but A beginning.*

* special wink to Stephen if he gets the reference. 

But I'm surrounded by voices and sounds in this too quiet building. My shower head makes TARDIS noises (it's either that or the Doctor keeps paying me visits while I'm in the shower). 

The faucet at the kitchen sink sounds like a light saber when it's switched on. 

The photo copying machine outside my office sounds exactly like the transporter sound effects in the old Star Trek TV series. 

The town itself and the people are very quiet, almost subdued. I think this stillness contributes to the feeling of "otherness", of underlying difference. 

I met a neighbor last night and confirmed with her where the rent checks go (a special mail box). She gave me a strange look when I told her I was living on the second floor. Perhaps there is something to the scratches in the wall.

Edit: I forgot, of course, my favorite sounds: emails coming in at 4am.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - The hour of the wolf

It's almost 5am and I need to get up. I've been working since around 4am, so I've been unofficially up anyway. I have a call at 7:30 which I could normally take at home, but I need to reinstall the laptop (it's possessed, don't ask) anyway.

The past hour has been amazingly productive, not just with the various contacts and relations with all kinds of East, but to nurture a new headache into the world as well. Still, I finally got responses from people I've been waiting on, so maybe I should just switch to the graveyard shift and be done with it.

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - The curse of middle management

OK, so perhaps "middle" is jumping the gun a bit in my case. I can barely contain my hubris at this point, my usual hamartia*. So the curse of low management it is then.

* "In Greek tragedy, hamartia** is commonly understood to refer to the protagonist’s error or flaw that leads to a chain of plot actions culminating in a reversal from their good fortune to bad. What qualifies as the error or flaw can include an error resulting from ignorance, an error of judgement, a flaw in character, or sin". - Wikipedia.
** It's also the name of my DK, for obvious reasons. 

The problem now is akin to being in a traffic jam in a city while painfully trying to get to the bathroom. You want to get to your destination as soon as possible and the pressure is high, but you also have to wait for others to move ahead. Attempts at communication might buy you a minute or two in the slightly faster lane, only to discover it was the wrong exit.

What I'm trying to say, using unfamiliar driving analogies, is that my job requires a lot of waiting for colleagues, customers and partners, bursts of activity (testing, writing) and even more pressure from the superiors. This often leads to wondering "what am I missing now?" while waiting for a file to download or a firmware to be prepared, or a colleague to finally forward the materials to we can finally move on with this project or...

In lieu of waiting, I should initiate more, try to anticipate and prepare for future things. On Sunday, however, after I came back from the City, I signed in for a month trial of Netflix. This will be an interesting test of willpower. 

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined: Score one for Capitalism

I'm now on the bus back from the City. You kinda have to capitalize it, it's expected. I went in for a relatively quick visit to two of its hallmarks: museums and shopping.

Till next time

My first destination was the Cloisters, a branch of the Metropolitan uptown that deals with medieval art and architecture. That is, European Christian art, mostly commissioned by and for the ruling classes. Still, it was interesting to see actual artifacts associated with the history covered in my podcasts. I do have to say though, a significant part of the art and religious artifacts was quite morbid. 

The entrance to the Cloisters

The museum is situated in the gorgeous Fort Tryon Park with a view to the Hudson and the City. It was quiet and serene, the City only occasionally intruding with the sounds of not too distant cars. A few locals were jogging in the paths.

A small sample

When I had my fill of crucifixions, I went to Zabar's, a famed deli and bakery, that is perhaps also infamous for its sponsorship ads, particularly of Selected Shorts (a literary podcast). I felt I had no choice and buy their Babka. It's smaller than I had anticipated, but I have yet to taste it. 

Yielding to incessant advertising: check

I didn't go to Walmart yesterday as it turned out they don't have electric bikes outside of the online store. I did find, however, an urban model in a store in Brooklyn, so I may get those once the paycheck rolls in. 

Chapter 2: the grind and the refined - Sushi Saturdays

It is the end of the week and I am unsurprisingly tired. Each day requires a lot of concentration, juggling projects and tasks, doing the small daily routines. Everything is work or work related. I wake up, on my own, at 04:30, just in time for a quick exchange of emails with the East, and then to wonder to myself: get the laptop and get up or maybe to try to get back to sleep.

Tomorrow I'll go to Walmart and try my luck at the bike department and maybe take look around. On Sunday I'll go to the City. There's no use avoiding it anymore.

I've been talking with people about the less glamorous aspects of life here, once the honeymoon period is over and all that is left is work and the immediate family. They say that those who have not sold their soul for the job so that they are totally consumed by it, find themselves bored and strangely lifeless and listless, missing people. They talk of getting a hobby ("if I could just find the time and energy"), of awkwardly meeting with strangers for dinners, of maintaining a work routine that is its own purpose.

I've done the laundry already, so I can start the weekend. After I finish work.