October

Not quite Paris, but Café La Tartine in Redwood City will do nicely, especially during a pandemic.  Functional cappuccino.  Absolutely delicious croissant, fresh from the oven, comparable to, if not better than, one I might enjoy from a boulangerie in the 7^th arrondissement, close to La Tour Eiffel.  Yes, I had to wait ten minutes, but it was pleasant and warm outside, especially for early in the morning, and quiet, giving me time to enjoy an article in the latest issue of The Economist.  It will be hot today, but I do not mind.  October, Indian Summer, is the best time in the San Francisco Bay Area. 

It has been two years since my last international trip, to Italy.  October, shoulder season for most itineraries, is a great time to travel.  The crowds are mostly gone, the weather is still good, and rates can be lower.  Plus, as I am usually busiest from September to December, this is a much-welcomed mini-break, an opportunity to catch my breath, relax, refocus, and gather some steam for the final push in the year.  There is a certain quiet pleasure to powering off the laptop, gliding through TSA, and settling down for a quick, exorbitantly priced meal before a red eye to Europe (or Asia), in SFO’s ultramodern international terminal.  A different world awaits, following only a ten-hour flight.  I have missed this, and perhaps I can return to this normality sooner than later.  As I tell some, half-jokingly, I have a good feeling, about 2023. 

I have never been much of a planner, but the pandemic has turned me into one.  I now enjoy planning.  For one, the post-pandemic future may be more interesting, and afford more opportunities than, the pandemic present.  I plan monthly hikes for a local hiking group.  Weekend trips, sporting events, and other occasions complete the list.  For each week, I plan a (shorter) hike, boot camp workout, yoga, and/or soccer.  Per the last paragraph of this post, I help plan birthdays as well.  Planning focuses and creates structure, which in turn can lead to more meaning and purpose.  Being full of intention cannot be understated.  Pick a goal and work backwards, creating bite-size, intermediate steps.  Monitor progress regularly and celebrate the smaller wins, in advance of the bigger, and ultimate, one.  Be methodical, systematic, patient, and flexible. 

As you plan, be mindful of your toolbox.  A few weeks ago, I wrote about Tools of the Trade: https://johnpavolotsky.com/2021/09/18/tools-of-the-trade/.  Invariably, each toolbox will be different.  For example, a student’s toolbox might include textbooks, class notes, outlines, note cards, office hours, study groups, mentors and tutors, practice problems, etc.  Think of a toolbox, figuratively, as everything that can be employed to help you achieve a specific goal (excellence in a class, etc.).  The toolbox is a very simple concept, but, nonetheless, I remain very excited about its power.  Understanding what is in your toolbox already and what can be added to your toolbox are critical exercises.  

Last, but not least, my loyal and competent home office assistant, Roxy, an Australian chocolate Labradoodle, turns four today.  In her late twenties (in human years), she is independent and knows what she wants (and how to get it).  A birthday party is planned, where Roxy will have ample opportunity to play and enjoy treats with her closest neighborhood canine companions.  Social media is buzzing, with well wishes, etc., from around the world.  I enjoy birthdays of any kind, and this one should be as enjoyable as any.  The expectations for my birthday, next month, are, as one might expect, slightly more tempered.  Stay tuned, and, of course, comments welcomed.