VOCAB LESSON

I know you can't tell because I use such extensive and varied vocabulary in my posts, but I actually possess the most limited vocabulary this side of anything. I've been trying to be better about documenting my ignorance.

(from my copy of "The Mysteries of Pittsburg" by Michael Chabon. Yes, you should read it.)

I'm taking a class called "Personal Informatics" which is about motivating people to change their habits, mainly by collecting data. Resources to help you delve more deeply into the subject should you feel so inclined: Quantified Self (and a NYT article), and Switch.  (My preferred method for designing for un-motivated people is... shaming. You shame them. It works wonders for parenting. ASK MY MOTHER.)

Have I changed any habits lately? No. This vocab post-it note is not a new phenomenon for me. I started doing it in college when I read something by Margaret Atwood that contained the word "vestibule" and I had no idea what it was (turns out: a hallway); it made me feel sort of dumb, to be honest, not knowing and so I started writing down words I didn't know.

I've always been a neurotic note taker and planner, which apparently, is half of what these data people are all about. Collecting data, adjusting for change, and recalibrating.  For the past six years, I've owned planners where I write down social, personal, and academic goals and events (even grocery lists and meal ideas go in this planner), along with any current feelings regarding what I've accomplished in the margins. And then, I go back and read what I've managed to accomplish and reach the goals I'v set. I know,  right. It's like you can't wait to be my friend.

It's St. Patrick's Day. Let me go head and consult my 2010-2011 calendar to find my soda bread recipe.... jk. Sort of.

xo,
t