Procrastination: how to control it.

I am a really bad procrastinator. It's not like I don't get things done, I do. I just don't know how to prioritize what needs to get done first.

Over the many years of being a student, I felt like I had a pretty good handle on procrastination. Due dates would come up and I would plan when my assignments should be started and when they should be done. It was similar with exams. As exams would approach I would start studying somewhat ahead of time and be well-ish prepared for the exam. But now it's a different story. Studying for a Master's degree there isn't really a deadline (other than graduating at some point). For Master's you have 2 years to do your experiments, write up your research, prepare for your defense, and publish. Somewhere in there you'll get "progress report" type of affairs such as proposal committee meetings, your supervisor might randomly ask to see your progress, people will ask how you are doing, and well the school/ your supervisor will be eager to know when you've done enough to graduate.

So starting my Master's I have realized that I procrastinate a lot more when there isn't a true deadline approaching. So I've found way to help myself stay on track, some of which may help other people. 

1. Make very specific to do lists

I realized I procrastinate with things that take a while to accomplish. I really enjoy getting things done and ticking that box on my to do list, but this becomes difficult when my to do list simply says "Finish writing Chapter 1 of Thesis". This is because it's a big job that will take a lot of time, [days], to accomplish. So I learned to make more specific to do lists. So instead of writing something general I make sure it is things that I could definitely get done in one day such as "Do statistics for survival data" or "Write 3 paragraphs for Introduction". These are definitely do-able in a couple of hours, I'll get the feeling of accomplishment, and I'll progress in my work. I really like the momentum extension in Google Chrome as it opens my "to-do list" every time I open a new tab. It also has a beautiful picture and quote to go along side it. 

2. Get-off Social Media

I find that if I am bored or stuck on a writing block I'll scan Instagram or Facebook. This in no way helps me to think about my work, and I'll come out of it probably losing whatever train of thought I may have had. I usually recommend the self control app. It's free and really easy to use. Just indicate what websites you shouldn't be on and set a time limit (I usually go for 1.5 hours). The app will prevent your browser from loading the website you indicate. The only way to stop the app is by going through a whole process of uninstalling it. I've been using this app since 3rd year Undergrad (especially during exam time) and it's really helped especially during those days that I just feel super unproductive. Over time you get used to not going on these websites and the app will be unnecessary (unless you just hit one of those days when you have no motivation). 

3. Just write

Rather than taking a break on Social Media - which you actually can't do anymore because of Pt#2, just continue writing. Most of the time if I have a writing block I'll just write whatever comes to my mind, no matter how awful it is (but obviously staying on topic). At least I've started a thought process and I can edit it into something better later. At times when I have hit a really bad writing block I'll tend to write point form and start sentences that can be utilized later, but at least the ideas are there. 

4. Change up your environment 

Sometimes I start feeling unmotivated just because I've been sitting at my desk for hours. So I'll get up and move to do my work elsewhere. I've had times where I'll just take my computer into the lab to work or I'll move to the couch that's in our lab which is only a meter or so from my desk, but at least it's something. 

5. Take a break to think

Sometimes a break where you can just think is the best thing for you. I personally like to go for a walk to organize my thoughts. Sometimes I'll go to the gym, or I'll go out to grab a coffee. Usually this helps me stretch my body and helps my mind re-organize so that I can go back to being more productive. 

6. If things are really bad, work on something else

If I've been working on something for so long or the process is so frustrating that I'd want to throw my computer out the window... it's time to do something else. Whether it's work on another project that's on your "to-do list" or in my case it could be wet-lab work. Just something that is still progressing your work and ticking things off of your to-do list, but is also keeping you sane. 

7. Friends or Colleagues can help too

Sometimes talking about my ideas to friends or colleagues helps me get back on track after a writing block or figure something out that I may have been stuck on for a while. Sometimes you just need to hear yourself speak. 

8. Re-energize

There has to be a time when you finally stop and relax doing work for a longer time. This is of course a luxury if you don't have something due the next day, but it can be done if you plan your time out correctly. Your brain really does need to re-organize all your thoughts and rest. Usually I take this time later in the evening, say 2 hours before I head to bed. I take this time to just relax and not think about work. This really helps me stay less stressed, keeps me motivated for the next day, and keeps me enjoying my work because it doesn't take over every minute of my every day.  

In addition, while this isn't something I personally found works for me, but some may like, is the Pomodoro Method. You work for 30 minutes, take a 5 minutes break, and cycle through this 10 times during the day. There are several apps for this, I believe I've found a random free one on my Mac called Pomodoro Time, but there's also online version like this where you don't need to download anything. 

Here's a TED talk on procrastination for all your procrastination needs:

Better late than never.

It has been a while since I have wrote a blog post, almost-ish 2 years ago. I actually really enjoy it, I just tend to convince myself I do not have the time, priorities, you know. But I am restarting the blog. This year I have some great ideas, which will hopefully pan out this time. I plan to make sure they do.

So let's quickly recap what happened last year. The months I skipped means nothing really happened or I've forgotten whether something significant happened (clearly it wasn't significant enough to remember).

Year 2016

January
New year, new you, new me, you know the gist.. We all know it isn't true and truthfully I don't really make resolutions. Why do we need a New Year to make ourselves this better version of ourselves. I do like to set goals at the beginning of the year though. Obviously I do not remember them one year later, but I am pretty satisfied with 2016 (despite what actually happened in the world).

February
Took a trip to New York City! Although it wasn't as exciting as I thought it would be. I had this romanticized idea of New York City after watching so many movies and tv-shows featuring it as a setting. Then again I didn't really manage to see the museums and cafes I was hoping to, and I learned going on trips with people that have similar interests is very important!

New York City - Times Square

March-July
Truthfully nothing extremely exciting happened. I worked a lot on my research, I got 3rd place in Ontario 3 Minute Thesis which was a really cool, yet a stressful experience, and I worked more on my research. Science.

Being Sciencey.

Just talking about some big fruit fly testes. 

August - September
First half of August I worked some more. Damn virgin collections aren't fun with Drosophila (aka fruit flies). Especially when they are every 6 hours. 6 hours is not enough to sleep... for me anyways...
BUT the later half of August and part of September Den and I took a trip through Portugal and Spain!

Lightning round in pictures of the places we went and things we did:

Conquering Lisbon - Portugal

We were really pleasantly surprised by Lisbon. We did not get to spend much time here

but the time we did spend was really lovely. Except that one time they forgot my food at

the restaurant and overcharged us for the wine...Apart from that, beautiful city!

Lagos - Portugal

The city we came to "relax" in. This was also the only city were we did not have our own 

room in the hostel. But it was so worth it! We had a really great time meeting people, drinking, eating, and relaxing on the beach. Funny thing about Lagos: if you want to go to the good, secluded,

non-touristy beache you will have to climb down their cliffs-of-death. 

There is a beach down there, and yes, we climbed down. I have a fear of heights so you can imagine

my excitement. Unfortunately, when we were in Lagos (3 nights), it was the ONLY 3 nights that Lagos was so wavy! Lagos usually has very calm beaches. Nope, not when we were there. We still greatly enjoyed our time, it just would have been even better if any time you'd want to go swimming

you wouldn't have to fear for your life that waves would take you deeper into the ocean/ shoot 1 

meter waves of salty water in your face. 

Seville - Spain

Why the 34 degree Celsius weather Seville?? Why?? It also did not help that our airbnb had no air conditioning and it's only window opened into the a weird opening that the buildings were all built around (area where people would hang their clothes and talk to each other from the windows). 

But Seville was so beautiful! Their history, their architecture, THEIR FOOD! Wow! Probably my 

favourite city that we went to. Do not miss it if you are ever in Spain. But maybe go when it's a bit cooler. Otherwise be like the Spanish, take your siesta (because in such heat you don't want to do anything anyways, and there's only so much shade you can find). 

Sort of forgot about our conquering plan, but remembered in Malaga- Spain

Also a beautiful city! And some really nice people. We had no idea how to get around the city when we got off the train into Malaga. We also could not figure out how to buy the bus tickets when no bus terminals were available and it's impossible to do it at any bus stop. We went to this lovely Spanish man who luckily spoke French (my French came in handy in Spain, more so than English sometimes). He tried to find us some change for our 20 euros, then told us the bus driver might let us go and break the 20 euro bill. Turns out he tricked us and ended up paying for us instead! What a wonderful man! Thank you kind stranger. 

Malaga was one of our favourites for Tapas. We found our favourite place there and would go there every day for lunch. If you are every in Malaga check this place out:

Best price, best quality, and tons of food! It's small, they only speak Spanish, and their food is so delicious; Especially if you like seafood! 

Conquering Barcelona in style - Spain

Barcelona is a really great place to visit, but because of it's touristy nature you really did not get to feel like you were in Spain. Mainly it felt like we were in Russia... because Russians were everywhere. But we did meet a lovely Russian couple that we got to hang out with after our free walking tour (always suggested in every country)! 

In Barcelona, similarly to Malaga, we got ourselves our own little restaurant that we'd go to for lunch and our own server! The place was tiny and served Pinchos (similar to Tapas but you pay for each small individual item) and our server was seriously the best. We connected over a song and then we danced and sang some more. It was such an amazing way to finish the trip. 

I cannot live without adventure of some kind in my life. I cannot sit in one place at all. I love change. I even love moving apartments because to me that is a new exciting change!

September-December
We have made some lovely friends from Germany who are just some of the most wonderful people to hang out with. We celebrated the New Year at their house and it was a really great send of to 2016 and beginning to 2017. Although all 4 of us have noticed when ever we all hang out, our rendez-vous will always last past 2am in the morning. December was a great month for all the Christmas parties we attended/hosted. Just a lot of drinking and dressing up in December.

Christmas with Cleo is the best Christmas. 

Den was there too. Oh and also we won the grand prize at this Christmas Party! It was hilarious because we were the "plus two" and did not know anyone at this party... yet happened to win their Grand Prize. There were a lot of jealous people... 

So that was a fast wrap up and so on to 2017! I already have my first adventure booked and good to go. Mexico in February. Not only is this the perfect time to get out of bi-polar weathered Canada, but also it's my first travel of the year. I predict more, but we shall see how life pans out. Not going to lie a little freaked out about this whole graduating Masters thing and starting a life... oh wait... or just going back to school for further studying, because who doesn't love school?! (I'm serious).

Happy New Year!

Russia: приехали домой

I figured it would only be fair to actually finish writing about Europe before the New Year, only makes sense.

After taking a plane from Krakow to Berlin, and waiting for 4 hours at the airport where the only food stand had closed for 2 hours, we finally made it to Moscow! 

Fun fact about me: I spent most of my childhood in Volgograd, so in all my time in Russia I had never visited Moscow. 

It's much better than I imagined! It is such a beautiful city! I can't wait till I see St. Petersburg, from what I hear, it's more glorious! 

I got to meet some of Den den's family, there was vodka (but unfortunately no bears, sorry guys). 

We first went to explore the park Kolomenskoye (Колoменское), which used to be a royal estate. 
The architecture in the park (as well as all of Moscow) is just beautiful! 

I don't remember if I've ever had Tarhun (Тархун) in my life, but oddly enough the green colour intrigued me. It isn't Kvas, but it is good. 

Our second day we got to go and explore downtown! We took the beautiful metro that Moscow is very famous for (definitely a huge step-up from the Parisian, urine-smelling, metro's). 

We were very happy to find that even Moscow has the "free-walking tours", so we signed up for it, and headed over. The girl who was presenting the tour was really lovely, recommending nice places to eat, things to see, and things to avoid. We of course ended up at the Red square, which was even more beautiful than I imagined! 

The St. Basil's Church (Собор Василия Блаженного). Constructed by Ivan IV, and believed that he blinded the architects in fear of them constructions another more beautiful church. I think it cost about 10 euros (? +/- a couple of euros) to get inside, however we were told that the inside was small, and not as magnificent as the outside may make it seems. We were also on limited time in Moscow, so we decided to admire the church from the outside. 

Inside the "GUM" (pronounced "Goom"). It's a huge department store, that used to be the main department store during the Soviet Union. It is very beautifully constructed inside and out! We also kept coming back here for Kvas and Plombir (пломбир). We would overhear some english-tourists really disliking the Kvas. When I was younger I remember I really hated Kvas, and this was a problem because walking around extremely hot Volgograd you'd get really thirsty... and guess unfortunately for me there were only "kvas" stands everywhere (which was cheaper than water at that time), so while my whole family would satisfy their thirst with 20 cents Kvas (obviously not "cents" in Russia, but it's less confusing this way), we would have to search around for water for me. 

We were recommended a nice "cafe" or "cafeteria" (in Russian it's called a Столовоя)which was the best food ever! It was like home-cooked meals. So you walk through and get whatever you want. So Den den and I just relived our childhood but taking pretty much anything our eyes could see (salads, main course, soup, drinks, dessert...), and it came out to about 12CAD$ for both of us. Best and cheapest meal we had the whole trip (EXCEPT for the food we had at our families... nothing beats a home-cooked Russian meal, nothing!) 

Fun fact #2: this statue refers to an old Russian tale of the gold-fish that would grant wishes. As any child that grew up in a Russian family, in Russia, I would have to memorize poems and stories. This was one of them, and I would always forget this one verse of it! I, unfortunately, no longer remember the tale, but I do remember how much I struggled with it, and hope my mom wouldn't notice the missing verse... she did... every time. 

The State History Museum we went to. Learning some history. 

We paid the really expensive amount (that I cannot remember any more... sorry) to go into the Kremlin. 

The Tsar Cannon

The Tsar Bell... had some misfortune when it crashed during a fire. 

Can you tell how awkward I am! Yeah... The chick who did it after me go into a lot of trouble by the police. I was too cool not to be noticed. 

The Triumphal Arch of Moscow, built in order to commemorate the triumph over Napoleon. 

Our last touristy spot of Moscow was the Поклoнная горa (Polkonaya Gora (?), I don't think there's an english name for it), which is part of the Victory Park, commemorate the end of The World Wars.  

We then went to check out the War Museum. As usual Den den spent one million years there, extensively looking over every piece of equipment. 

After a long day of walking around the Red Square, the metro, and then the park, I was exhausted.

But I figured I could at least have some fun, while Den den took pictures of everything, and I mean everything...

The lowest and longest metro in Moscow. Now as a human who is afraid of heights this wasn't my favourite part. I was actually freaking out quite a bit... 

The fat kitty at Den den's families house. 

Our last stop of the trip, and in Russia was my grandparents house in Volgograd (formerly known as Stalingrad, because Stalin thought he needed a city named after him). Unfortunately my first day was spent crying, as people would come over to tell me things about how much I was loved by my grandpa, how much he couldn't wait to see me, and how every one remembers how him and I would go for walks in the park together when I was younger. 9 days. That was all that was left of the trip before I made it home. 9 days. Unfortunately such is life. 

But I was just happy to be with my amazing family! However... I then got some kind of flu, or sun stroke, or too-much-vodka-flu, that on the night of my first full day I woke up feeling very ill. I then got a fever, and couldn't keep anything down. This lasted for 4 days.... I was in Volgograd for 5 days.... You can imagine how disappointed I was with my body. On the fourth day I got the courage to go outside and show Den den all my childhood memories of where I used to play, where I would buy ice-cream, and where we used to go to pick fruits. We also went to our "Dacha" (дaча) so I could at least spend some time not sitting at home. 

The good thing about me being so sick was that my grandmother was kept really busy by taking care of me, and keeping her mind off of other things. 

We also got to go through all my mom's old 70-80's clothes, and got to look at hilarious baby pictures as a big family. It was even cooler to look at my grandmothers and grandfathers old photos of their childhood! 

Sexy little me. I know, please come down on how sexy I am. 

Our last day in Volgograd, my aunt had a lovely idea of taking us to see Mamayev Kurgan (Мамaев курган), considering our flight was later in the day, and we hadn't seen anything in Volgograd due to my mysterious flu. 

What a bittersweet end to such an amazing time of travel. I will never forget any of these experiences, and I really cannot wait to go back. I miss everything about Russia and I look forward to many more visits to come! 

P.S I apologize for the weird font changes... apparently when I write in Russian the keyboard gets all messed up. 

Krakow: The last stop

Unfortunately Krakow does not have many pictures, nor many stories.
After getting the new in Budapest, I was in no mood to do any more exploring. I felt guilty if I smiled or laughed, knowing the rest of my family was in mourning.

Frankly Krakow had a lot of really nice history (we went to the castle and Auswitchz), but I wasn't in the mood really for much exploring, nor did it make me feel comfortable meeting a Ukrainian tour guide who kept taking stabs at Putin... yes this is a Tour Guide who takes people from all around the world on tours, that decided to make shit politic.

Not many pictures to post, as I am uncomfortable posting pictures from Auswitchz to this blog, and we didn't really take any pictures of each other. So I'm sorry this post isn't the best.

Krakow was nice, I'm just sure it would have been better if I wasn't in the situation that I was.

Budapest: But for you I'd leave it all

Arriving to Budapest from Vienna was interesting.

The bus we got was so old! It was like Soviet Union old.

There was also a guy on the bus who did not like the fact that there were no seatbelts. So he decides he'll sit right beside the bus driver.... this is were the second bus driver sits. So obviously theres a big conflict between the primary bus driver (who actually speaks no English and all he can say is "no"). So people on the bus are getting really frustrated, as we were running late already, now there's this asshole who doesn't like the fact that he can't sit up in the front with a seatbelt. So one American on the bus makes a valid argument to the guy: "if you wanted to be safe and with seat belts why take the cheapest bus! Take the train!" Good job American guy. So the seatbelt guy see's the error of his way and finally takes a seat elsewhere.

Den den and I then make friends with the bus driver as we were the only Russian speaking people on the bus, and turns out the driver could only speak Hungarian, and a bit of Russian.

After the bumpiest bus ride we finally made it to scolding hot Budapest!

After settling into our cozy hostel we ended up exploring the far end of Pest.
We went over to the city park, which happened to be way away form the center, where there was also a castle. We did this first to try and get explore all of Budapest in 3 days, our logic here was start at the edge and work out way across.

The Buda side

The Pest side

The several days that we spent in Budapest was extremely hot...

But even so, we ended up climbing tons of stairs to get nice views. We mostly explored Budapest with our "free walking tour" guide (again I really recommend doing these! The guides are so enthusiastic!) 

After the tour we thought it would be a good idea to climb a mountain...

This is the mountain we climbed, in the hot sun. Once you get to the top there isn't much shade (or if there was there'd be tons of people in that tiny area of relief), so we only spent about 5 minutes at the top. 

Trying to get the side of Buda at night

Actually succeeding. 

Unfortunately there isn't much else I can say about Budapest. On our last night there, I got some horrible family news and spent the rest of the evening in our hostel crying until my eyes ran dry. Just a reminder to everyone, do not leave trips to see your family so late in your life, you never know when would be the last time you see them. 

Unfortunately looking back on this post, it makes me so sad.... 12 years, and all I had was 9 days left until I was home. 

Krakow next.