We All Do It – the multi-tasking bug

Multitasking defined by the Merriam Webster Dictionary:

Main Entry: mul·ti·task·ing

Pronunciation: \-ˌtas-kiŋ\

Function: noun

Usage: often attributive

Date: 1966

1 : the concurrent performance of several jobs by a computer
2 : the performance of multiple tasks at one time

Now I don’t care who you are, we all multi-task (hell, I’m doing it now), but have we given any thought to what this is doing to our society or ourselves? Sure, I’ve heard that it’s bad for ADD or that it affects the quality of work you could be doing instead of the work we’re producing because we’re not focusing specifically on one thing. I, myself, have noticed a significant turn in my production of homework. It’s almost impossible for me to sit down for a straight hour and study something – to read, to take notes, to do anything without checking my phone, facebook, twitter or getting up to walk around and get something to eat. It leads to more procrastination, rushed work, and eventually forgotten homework – which happened on Wednesday, unfortunately. ha.

Now there are two types of multi-tasking. Ones that I’m very skilled at.

1. Doing multiples tasks at once i.e. homework, watching tv, listening to music, chatting, etc.
2. Taking on too much at one time i.e. school, work, projects, internship, etc.

I don’t know how I get anything done. EVAR. :)

The social trend is even noticeable. In Johns Hopkins Magazine, an article, “Multitasking State of Mind” by Joanne Cavanaugh Simpson reflects upon how students in college are becoming more detached from their education. Ruder, shorter emails are being sent to professors requesting an adjustment to grades and leniency.

Simpson takes an excerpt from Time, “I’m not the only one noticing. Time magazine, the American trend meter, ran a cover story in March titled ‘Are Kids Too Wired for Their Own Good?’ As the story notes, ‘media multitasking’ has hit warp speed in the past few years: ‘The mental habit of dividing one’s attention into many small slices has significant implications for the way young people learn, reason, socialize, do creative work, and understand the world.’ Apparently, the brain can ‘toggle’ quickly from one task to another. Many of these students are master togglers. As Time points out, ‘Decades of research (not to mention common sense) indicate that the quality of one’s output and depth of thought deteriorate as one tends to ever more tasks.’”

Technology is probably the biggest factor for my generation. Being raised with the internet and in the technological age with our rapidly advancing products puts us at the center of everything that’s now. Everything is accessible to us in an instant and while that’s a great value to us, it can also put us at a disadvantage. For instance, cheating and plagiarism are way easier than they used to be. Copy and paste has become synonymous words for plagiarism in a lot of professors minds.

Anyway, going back to topic, multitasking is literally affecting our brains by making it significantly harder to concentrate on one thing. It becomes habit to many people and they don’t see it as a negative quality. Focusing on one thing, even a conversation with another human being gets interrupted with a text message or drowned out by music or our surroundings.

I took this out of a paper I wrote a year ago about multitasking in college students, “Multi-tasking, if done too much for too long, can lead to depression, anxiety, lower grades, and the feeling of being overwhelmed. While people don’t typically associate multi-tasking with depression or anxiety, it’s a common result of being too overwhelmed by too many tasks. A general consensus is that if one is becoming moody or agitated, than it’s a sign that they are taking on too many responsibilities and that they need to slow down. Joan Quinn author of “Should You Multi-task?” states, ‘feeling crabby … could be a sign that this double duty is stressing you out’ (2). Having depression gives you a lack of concentration, irritability, sleep irregularity, and loss or gain of appetite. It can link to dropping grades because of laziness.”

It not only affects productivity, but your body as well. It disconnects you from your work as a whole and as a result from yourself and society.

I’m not saying to drop everything you’re doing to focus on one thing. By all means, take on all that you can. I’m just suggesting that you slow down and reflect on how you do things. Instead of talking on the phone with someone while working on a paper, maybe commit to one thing? The paper would turn out better and that friend you’re on the phone with might feel a little more appreciative that you’re actually focusing on the conversation.

From one multi-tasker to another, it might be worth a shot :)

Only listen to reason

I’ve always had a problem with relationships – being in one, being around them, witnessing them – they just don’t seem like a good idea to me. The biggest reason is probably loss of individual identity. I don’t want to become part of another person, I don’t want to be dependent on another person, and I don’t want to have to rely on another person. I think enabling that leads to weakness and addiction.

It’s probably a negative way of thinking of it, but that’s what I don’t want to lose – my individual identity. I like relying on myself, I like to know that I am who I am because of me, not because of anyone else, and I like having the freedom to do anything and be anywhere I want whenever I want to.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy being in a relationship, I enjoy dating. I love experiencing the beginning of getting to know another human being, the butterflies that come with excitement, and learning who that person is. I love being lost in another person. There is no other feeling like it – I’ll agree. But I don’t believe that the sacrifice of individual self is worth it most of the time. Everything I’ve seen ends badly.

One example is a couple I’ve known for years and they just split up. They were almost entirely reliant on each other, were usually found with each other, and were a really good match – looking in from the outside. But the girl felt trapped in the relationship for a long time and couldn’t handle it anymore. They ignored everything for so long that it built up and they couldn’t or didn’t want to fix it.

Another, and the prime, example is one of my former best friends. He was the typical good guy – one that let girls walk all over him, ending up with a broken heart and resentment toward the female race. And every time this happened me and my friends would talk him out of it. That’s who we were – we were always there after every single broken heart, after every nasty phone call, and every bad experience. He starts to date this one girl and while they hit it off perfectly fine, everyone else is happy for them but skeptical. All of his time was spent with her, all of his devotion was focused on her, and all of his dignity was robbed by her. I have never once seen this girl legitimately happy. NEVER. While I saw man of her flaws immediately, no one else really did and had to come to them on their own times – which proves that it’s not all in my head. She’s more than two faced, but rather five-faced. She’s over dramatic about pretty much everything and is always, ALWAYS, playing the victim. She talks shit behind everyone’s back and thinks that the entire world is against her. While I don’t have any really big reasons to dislike her, its just a feeling that I get and can’t get rid of. She’s taken over my ‘friends’ life and shes got him on such a tight leash that he can’t step back and take a look to see what’s going on. Even if he does, she guilts him into staying. His entire identity is gone. His clothes are different, his attitude has changed, and even his habits. This girl has driven away all of his closets friends and many of his other ones. He gave up our ten year relationship and one of the best friendships he’s ever had for this burden and doesn’t realize what’s going on. He refuses to listen to reason, claiming that we’re attacking him, that we don’t like her and that’s why were doing this. “Well yes, ” I want to say, “that is a major part of the reason.” When you look at a situation and everyone is against you, you have to step back and re-examine the facts. It reminds me of a quote that my Communications professor quoted. It goes something like, if you run into one defensive person today I would say you ran into one defensive person today, if you ran into two defensive people today I would say you rain into two defensive people today, but if everyone you ran into was being defensive I would say to step back and look into a mirror. Or something to that effect. It basically means that if you keep running into the same problem, chances are that it’s not other people – its you. I just wish that he would look at our points of view instead of clinging to his warped view of what she wants him to see.

This kind of turned into a rant. But I had to get this out. After tonight, we’re officially no longer friends. I can only hope that it never happens to me – to be so blinded by another person that I can’t see my dignity in front of me.

Be who you are. Don’t be influenced by anything – not a partner, a friend, a co-worker, NO ONE. Feel out what you want. Only listen to reason. Reason is the only definite.

Do photos define you? A photographic look through reflective times

I’m in a blogging/procrastinating mood tonight. New topic. Change. Specifically mine. I’m being self centered tonight. :)

When I was in high school, I was a very lost individual.

Like a lot of people in high school, I didn't know who I was or who I wanted to be.

So I liked to try on different personas, make up, anything to make me feel more beautiful, more complete, dangerous, anything to change or find out who I was.

I experimented with colors, faces, clothing, and anything else you could think of.

This is probably my favorite persona.

Washed out coloring was also a favorite of mine. I really started getting into photo editing, graphics, and photoshop with these ways of expressing myself.

I blame my hormonal teenage years on what I think of as artistic depression. I took a lot - and I mean A LOT - of depressing photographs like this one. Edited for dramatic effect and ridiculously embarassing when I look back at them.

Some photos were plain black and white, glasses only, no make up, probably when I was feeling lazy.

Other times i experimented with bright colors - which I love - and odd expressions.

I went through a lot of phases in high school trying to find what fit me best, I guess. I have to admit I like the grunge look a little.

I was consistently changing my look - even dying my hair purple once (I'm hiding that picture forever).

I started to relax a bit about who I was, realizing I was still young and had plenty of time to define myself.

I started to smile more in the random pictures that I took.

And started having more fun with all the pictures I took.

Peace signs are a favorite I've maintained for years :)

But while I'm still trying to find out who I am

While I still don't know where I belong.

The pictures that I take now

Are more out of boredom

and procrastination, and lack of sleep than anything else.

My pictures have become more about me and my friends

and the awesome times we have together more than anything else.

While I still have triggers of memory that turn into needs for expression

I don't feel a constant need for expression, mostly an outlet for boredom,

Because while others may judge and define who they think I am, I don't define myself anymore by what I wear or how I dress. I am undefinable. Because I am me. And I'm just trying to have fun.

So, let’s have it!

Bad luck gets worse as you get older.

Ok. Now I’ll qualify this statement.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but for a majority of people (in America), childhood was a relatively care-free time in our lives – compared to adulthood. It seems that the older I get (not that I’m very old) the worse my luck gets. Now, I know that’s on account of having more responsibilities, over dramatizing, cultural influences, and my own personal thinking, buuuut being an adult blows. Instead of losing a toy, I lose my wallet; instead of breaking a plate, I total a car; and instead of falling and scraping my knee, I get shot (this one hasn’t happened… yet). Being an adult puts your life in even more present danger than it already was. You’re exposed to elements that, as a child, you have no knowledge of and (hopefully) no contact with.

When you’re a child, one bad thing doesn’t turn into a bad day, two doesn’t even merit an hour of thought in your mind, but when you’re an adult a lot of the time, one bad thing will spark a domino effect of bad events, or seemingly bad events, that turn your entire day to shit.

Now the more that I think about it, the more I seem to realize that a lot of this has to do with our culture, our attitudes, and the way we handle things. Because not everybody lets their day be ruined by a broken plate or a stolen wallet, some people brush it off and make their day better. Man, I wish I were one of those people. I’m able to let a lot of things go, but when one thing after another keeps happening sometimes I have to be in a bad mood. I like being cheered up by co-workers or I like to decompress at the end of the day. Maybe I like to do something out of the ordinary or ‘bad’ in order to make myself feel better.

The thing is that I don’t really like being in a bad mood – its just my way of throwing my hands up at the world, waving the white flag, and saying, “I give up, you win today”.

Just the other day, I had my wallet stolen and I was in an openly hostile mood with all of the people that I worked with. I could tell that I was affecting everyone, I could tell that I shouldn’t be reacting like this, and I knew that I shouldn’t be taking it out on everyone, but I couldn’t help myself – it was just easier. I didn’t want to talk to anyone, but I didn’t want to be in a bad mood either. Thankfully, one of the guys I work with started cracking some jokes which cheered me up a bit. I underestimate the people in my life, best friends, acquaintances, and co-workers alike.

Anyway, got off topic a while ago and turned it into an appreciative rant :) haha go figure. But what are your thoughts? Do you have a remedy to get rid of bad days? Do you have someone in particular that can ALWAYS cheer you up? Or do you not agree with me at all? Lets have it.

Tattoos, tattoos, tattoos

In my literature class last semester, one of the units we studied was poetry. I’ve always loved poetry, but haven’t been able to learn much about it so I was genuinely excited when we started. We came across this poem written by Kim Addonizio titled “First Poem for You” and at this point in my life I thought it readily appropriate as well as somewhat of an inspiration for one of the next big decisions in my life.

“First Poem for You” by Kim Addonizio

I like to touch your tattoos in complete
darkness, when I can’t see them. I’m sure of
where they are, know by heart the neat
lines of lightning pulsing just above
your nipple, can find, as if by instinct, the blue
swirls of water on your shoulder where a serpent
twists, facing a dragon. When I pull you
to me, taking you until we’re spent
and quiet on the sheets, I love to kiss
the pictures in your skin. They’ll last until
you’re seared to ashes; whatever persists
or turns to pain between us, they will still
be there. Such permanence is terrifying.
So I touch them in the dark; but touch them, trying.

Such a beautiful poem on a subject thought disgusting by so many people. Such a voice in this poem, makes you feel the person’s desperation and wanting to be a permanent fixture in their partner’s life like the tattoo. The imagery of the tattoos is amazing. Addonizio gives the tattoos life with her descriptions.

My rough sketch. The cherry blossoms represent life. The first kanji symbol is happiness, the second means balance, and the third is learn

My friend, an amazing artist, Rishi M., did the sample coloring! :) I really like it though i think the branches/leaves/vines need to be either more discreet or more elegant.

Though mine will never be that intricate, the design for my next tattoo is coming along surprisingly well. My sketch isn’t complete and the coloring isn’t exactly right, but I’m hoping to get it sometime in february! :) 

If you have any thoughts on either picture, let me know. I’m definitely looking to make this a fabulous tattoo that I’m going to love forever! <3

I’m also thinking about getting it on my upper back. Possibly a shoulder or spine.

Body Art knows no bounds (Day 28 – 11.30.09)

Ok. So I realize that I kind of bummed out on my 30 days thing. :( *shame* I’ve been pretty busy lately and I kind of lost all motivation to do this after I stopped running. Weird, right? I should probably start running again. :-\

Anyway, I’m back with a new quote that I came across in readings for my anthropology class.

“Body art is about conformity and rebellion, freedom and authority.”
-Enid Schildkrout

My first tattoo - on the bottom of my foot :)

I just thought this quote was quite awesome. In the west, especially the United States, I think that we view body art – especially tattooing and piercing – as a sign of individuality and freedom, but we don’t really consider the part of conformity. Marines as well as other branches of the army get tattoos as signs of devotion, prestige, and honor. In other cultures, some get piercings, body art, or change their hair as initiation into that particular culture.

I think that it’s just amazing that body art can cover such a vast array of aspects in every culture. Makeup, clothing, hairstyles, piercings, tattoos, henna, almost everything can be considered body art.

Question: Do you have any tattoos? If not, do you want one, if yes, of what?

I’m definitely the crazy one (Day 27 – 11.17.09)

A question that sometimes drives me hazy: am I or are the others crazy?
-Albert Einstein

 

Yup. I'm definitely the crazy one :)

Well I thought this was a rather appropriate quote. I often think this at times. And then other times I’m thinking “What are these people on?”. :) But most of the time people have such opposite of the spectrum thoughts that it’s amazing we live in the same vicinity of each other.

 

Or…

Have you ever been somewhere to witness another person doing something so weird or out of the ordinary you pause to think “what are they possibly doing?” or “What could they possibly be thinking?” and then the situation could go one of two ways.

1) It turns out that the person was doing something completely sane, very well thought out, and completely logical and you feel like an idiot for second-guessing them

or

2) They actually are crazy and then you probably feel bad about making snide comments in your head.

Yeah, that’s the kind of luck I have :) So it turns out that I’m probably the crazy one in most situations. Imagine that!

OMG only 3 days left!!!

Question: Do you think that your mind thinks inside or outside of the box?

Just for myself (Day 26 – 11.16.09)

Better to write for yourself and have no public, than to write for the public and have no self.
–Cyril Connolly

Here’s another good quote from Janice Semmel. I’ve heard this quote before, but Janice brought it to my attention once again :)

Loving this quote because once again it reinforces my belief in being yourself and knowing yourself and not being influenced to a great degree by anyone else. When you start doing things for other people instead of yourself, you start to lose who you are in those action. When you’re making choices based on another person, how do you know what you truly want?

This is something I did one day just for myself. I love it and I'm designing another one to get hopefully soon :)

I don’t write this blog for anyone but myself. I don’t care how many views I get and I don’t care what you think of my opinions. I’m challenging myself to blog regularly to see if I can, and I like it – for the most part. Maybe not doing it everyday, but it gives me a goal to achieve. I think after I’m done with the 30 day quote one, I might start up one about pictures. Probably not 30 consecutive days, but 30 days total. :) Sound like a good idea? I think so! haha.

Anyway, have a good night… or morning, or afternoon :)

Questioooon: What’s something you like to do just for yourself?

Reflection and nose rings (Day 25 – 11.15.09)

Nothing helps a bad mood like spreading it around
-Bill Waterson

 

From a very interesting time of my life

So I’ve been a little bit lazy in posting. I missed yesterday and probably another day but I’m not sure. lol.

 

I’ve been kind of not myself the past week. I’ve been in a weird mood. Not a bad one, just a weird one. I’ve been reflecting a lot on myself and where my life is right now. I’ve been thinking about what I’m doing next year and the choices I’m making right now. My mood has made me a little reclusive and a bit reckless – kind of… :) but mostly reclusive. I haven’t been in the mood to hang out with some people and just sitting at home doing nothing. It’s probably half depression or something. I have a habit of having these moods once in a while. I don’t like them and like them at the same time. They make me think but at the same time I don’t like pushing people away, usually.

Anyway, this quote reminded me of my bad mood and about a certain someone I’ve especially been pushing away. When I get into bad moods, I usually try not to hang out with people because it spreads, so I push people away instead until I’m out of my mood. I usually apologize when I’m ok, but I’m sorry anyway.

So here’s my question: What do you do to help your bad mood?

Coincidence is the word (Day 24 – 11.13.09)

Coincidence is the word we use when we can’t see the lever and pulleys.

-Emma Bull

Does anyone believe in coincidence? I’m split on the subject leaning more toward the no part, but sometimes things happen that make you have to look at it in a different perspective.

Then that leads me to a question of does coincidence coincide with fate and destiny – and to go further, do those connect with religion?

Coincidence is a messy thing. But usually a lot of fun when it happens. Unexpected things, the little things, are what put high points in your day :)

So my question is any of the above. lol Opinions anyone?