nicksaiz65 Odyssey

[GrowingPains]

Just dropping in to say crush that test today, brother.

I would say 'good luck' but luck is just when preparation meets opportunity, as they say.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Just dropping in to say crush that test today, brother.

I would say 'good luck' but luck is just when preparation meets opportunity, as they say.

Thanks! I'd say that I feel pretty ready for it.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Databases Test Update

Meh! That’s about all I have to say! Honestly, I don’t know if I passed.

I killed the matching and vocabulary part. Thank God I read the book. It helped me out so much. But the Relational Algebra aspect of the test really tripped me up. I had to bullshyt a lot of answers.

But you know what? At the very least, I did better than last semester. When I took this last semester not only could I not finish the first homework at all, but I made literally a 12 on the test. LMAO. Lowest score I’ve ever made in my life. So at the very least, I know I did better than that.

Even if I failed the test, I’m still in a good position to make a B overall in the class.

Now the big issues tomorrow are a Unix Lab Quiz, Calculus 2 Test, and a Lab in Unix Due tomorrow. So I’ll be working on those.

Additionally, I bought the book SQL All in One for Dummies. I think it could help me out with this class, and it’ll be a good resource for my programming future in general.

Today, I need to do my Object Oriented Programming Daily Assignment and go to the lab so I can get credit for that. As soon as that is done, I’m going straight back home to start preparing for tomorrow’s mess of things. This is gonna be tough.

After that, school will calm down just a bit and I can actually get back on a normal studying schedule.

I also picked up a copy of Day Bang and Mystery Method just for fun. I’ll read those this weekend though. I think I’ll finally have a nice and solid framework for doing these approaches(which I need to get back to.)

Once this flurry to tests is over, I need to get my lazy butt back in the gym as well.

 

[nicksaiz65]

How did it go Nick?
Regardless of how it went, are you busy studying for tomorrow's already?
Keep to your priorities.

Haha we both updated this journal at nearly the exact same time

 

[nicksaiz65]

You have the rest of the day/evening to show your focus and discipline. Tomorrow will show your results. Give it your best today! No regrets!

For sure! As soon as I get out of this lab, I’ll give it my all and make sure that I continue to make good grades tomorrow.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Oh I forgot to mention, my black bomber jacket from Forever 21 came in today. It’s sexy af

 

[nicksaiz65]

Random but relevant thought I had while on my study break: Hoes will be the most superficial people ever judging men, but then they’ll be the main ones talking about “I’m more than just a body, respect me for my mind too”

 

[nicksaiz65]

2/19/19: Hell Week is Over, Let's Talk Math, Let's Talk Game, Let's Talk Life

School has been trying to murder me back to back with deadlines lately. But it's finally over, I took my Math Test today and that was the last of my deadlines. Now from now on I need to be working 24/7 to make sure that I'm never up against the wire like this again. I've never been so stressed out in my life. Working on SOMETHING 24/7 is just gonna have to be a theme in my life from now on now that I'm getting older. I really don't have a second to waste anymore. Speaking of that, now that this hell week has passed I need to go clean up my room and then go to the gym after the last of my classes.

As I said, I had my test in Calculus 2 today. I feel pretty good about it. I know I passed, I just don't know how well exactly. Now I need to start doing this homework. My teacher has been chastising me about having not done it. He said that if I refuse to do the homework, I have a 0% chance of passing. So I need to do that along with this Object Oriented Programming Lab(I'll probably need to go to the TA Hours for this one, it's due in like 3 days) and I need to start early on my Databases homework as well. If I start early, I can make a 100 on it.

I need to drop a couple of classes. Taking 20 hours is just fvcking ridiculous. It could be done if I had perfect time management skills, but I sure didn't at the start of this semester. As long as I take classes this summer and take a big semester next Fall, I'm still on track to graduating.

I'm putting together a comprehensive Cold Approach flowchart. I'll never get stuck or not know what to say in Game ever again. This month though, regarding my dating, I just want to keep improving myself and get these two prospects out on dates(or get rejected/flaked on, whichever happens. It's fine, the victory is in the trying.) Then I'm about to start going in on these Cold Approaches again. And some Daygame too! Now that I know how to do it correctly.

I think I'm going to pick up a Cal Newport book after my payday so I can save more money before I buy new stuff. I don't mind reading it physically. Which one will help improve my time management skills the best, guys? I really have no freaking idea which one I should get.

 

[marmel75]

I appreciate it. I’ll postpone the date. Because of my procrastination I’m really gonna have to cram this material. I hope it sticks.

I’ll do my absolute best henceforth and I’ll let you know once I make those great grades.

Stop talking about doing it and do it. Or don't. But stop saying how you are going to keep doing something not do it and then come back and say "No this time I REALLY am going to do it!"

Very counterproductive and you are only foolng yourself, IMHO.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Stop talking about doing it and do it. Or don't. But stop saying how you are going to keep doing something not do it and then come back and say "No this time I REALLY am going to do it!"

Very counterproductive and you are only foolng yourself, IMHO.

To my credit though I’m doing better, did way better on these last 3 tests than I did last semester. I can tell because I was able to answer the questions this time and last semester I was like wtf is this

 

[GrowingPains]

Which one will help improve my time management skills the best, guys?

How to Become a Straight A Student - known to Study Hacks (his blog) readers as 'the red book'.

You can view the table of contents here. I think you'll find the topics relevant.

The key to any self improvement book isn't to try and do all of the things it suggests at once. You'll become frustrated. Cal's book will suggest MANY ideas that you can use to be better. You must pick 1 or 2 that can improve your life, master them, then pick another 2.

This is the idea of another self help book called the One Thing. There is one thing that you can do that will significantly improve your results. You may be familiar with the 80/20 rule. That's what this is. 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. So picking the One Thing is picking the 20%.

 

[nicksaiz65]

How to Become a Straight A Student - known to Study Hacks (his blog) readers as 'the red book'.

You can view the table of contents here. I think you'll find the topics relevant.

The key to any self improvement book isn't to try and do all of the things it suggests at once. You'll become frustrated. Cal's book will suggest MANY ideas that you can use to be better. You must pick 1 or 2 that can improve your life, master them, then pick another 2.

This is the idea of another self help book called the One Thing. There is one thing that you can do that will significantly improve your results. You may be familiar with the 80/20 rule. That's what this is. 80% of your results come from 20% of your efforts. So picking the One Thing is picking the 20%.

Okay, I’ll try and keep my goals small and realistic.

How to Win at College seemed pretty cool too. I’ll try to pick up both funds permitting.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Cold Approach 30 & Dating Prospects

Since we've been talking exclusively about school lately, let's change gears and talk about dating. I have 3 prospects at the moment.

I totally forgot to put this in the journal because I was so overwhelmed by school. But I saw a cute new server at the bar that I work at last week. I struck up a conversation with her, and it turns out that we have a ton of mutual friends. She's even a music nerd like me. I've been texting her lately, and she's been responding very positively. So I'm gonna get her out as soon as I get a chance. I will do that next week when school calms down because I still have a lot of schoolwork haunting my life. If I can get her out on a date, bringing her back to my place for a second date would be insanely easy. All I have to do is say "wanna hear some of my music originals?" We can go to a bar first. And then boom, sex. Of course, that would require me actually writing some music that doesn't suck...

Here's how I know she's been responding well:
She always responds to my texts within 5 minutes
She'll engage in the flirty dialogue that I'm having with her
She asks me questions about myself
She was at an event on campus and she actually invited me to it the day after I got her number. I was busy, so I couldn't go but we'll hang out at some point.
After her statements, she'll send me stuff like two blushing emojis in a row

There's that one girl with a boyfriend that I'm pretty sure likes me lol. Been getting lots of IOIs. She has a white boyfriend but we were hanging out and she told me "I like my coffee like I like my men, black." That's hilarious lol. She was legit busy last week but I'll just ask her out again this weekend. We'll go get drinks and then go back to my place.

And then there's that other girl that I already went out and got coffee with. I tried to set up another date with her so that I could go for the lay. She said "Maybe not this week cause I have work today, and I'm going home tomorrow, but definitely sometime next week?" And then that smiling halo emoji. Since she gave me a counteroffer, I think it's pretty safe to assume she's at least somewhat interested. If she weren't she would've just blown me off.

I use a Two Strikes Rule when it comes to this kind of stuff.

One thing I can definitely work on though is knowing when to shut up once I've set the date on my texts. I messed up with that. I'm pretty sure that AMS has a video on that which I need to watch. And no, I don't believe in only texting for logistics...

But anyways, I think I'm doing pretty well! What do you guys think? I'm about to go finish this lab/homework so I can get help from the TAs tomorrow and make sure it's done correctly. I'd like to get a 100 on this Lab 4.

SIDENOTE: I’ve learned that hoes really don’t care about what kind of date you do when you move towards fvcking them. Just hanging out, and drinking A BIT(make sure the girl doesn’t get too drunk) and listening to music at a friends house then coming back to my place to hear my original music(which I reeeeeally need to work on by the way cause I kinda suck) and fvck is totally fine. You don’t have to go out if you don’t want to: although you can if you choose. So I’m not even stressing it! I’m gonna try this on these 3 prospects then post the field reports back here. Ya boi has options now!!!

 

[GrowingPains]

Yo who's mans is this?? Office hours to get help from the TA???

Go 'head bro. Get yours. I'm right there with ya.

I bet these hoes can smell the purpose seeping outta your pores. Lmfao

I've been listening to a lot of David Goggins today. Check him out. Bought his book on Audible but here's a clip Ive played probably 20 times because it's funny and goes hard af.

 

[nicksaiz65]

Yo who's mans is this?? Office hours to get help from the TA???

Go 'head bro. Get yours. I'm right there with ya.

I bet these hoes can smell the purpose serving outta your pores. Lmfao

I've been listening to a lot of David Goggins today. Check him out. Bought his book on Audible but here's a clip Ive played probably 20 times because it's funny and goes hard af.

Haha I’ve been going in man. I went to every single class today and I’ve been making good progress on my lab.

More books for my Audible list! I’m always down for new audiobooks cause the more I brush to them the wavier I’ll get.

And yeah man. Speaking of purpose, I’m about to invest $100 in some actual producing speakers. It’ll help me make better music, and the hoes will love it I’m sure. Girls love a thicc bassline

 

[nicksaiz65]

Oh by the way @GrowingPains I wanted to ask you since you seem like a good student what do you do to combat tiredness during the school day or in general? This morning I went to run on the treadmill for a half hour. By the time I got out of Object Oriented Programming, I was tired as dirt. I had to go get some French Vanilla coffee(black but with zero calorie Equal so I didn’t undo my morning run) to keep me pushing through the rest of the day.

Is coffee every single time I’m tired realistic? Like every single day? I never really drank coffee that much so I’m not sure.

Just wondering if you had any tips since this seems like a key aspect of productivity

 

[GrowingPains]

Mannnn... You're asking the wrong right questions right now. I got 3 minutes left in this break between pomodoro's so let's see what I can crank out.

I've been having an internal dialogue with myself about coffee/caffeine/tea lately. It's been going on for a while.

I am conflicted. I hate the way coffee tastes. And I always say that it tastes like crap and that's why people add so much stuff to it. With that being said, I love the way it makes me feel. I had some today and when I say I was laser focused... But I told myself that I need to find another solution because I don't like the idea of consuming drugs regularly. Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant. And as with any drug, you can build up a tolerance and need more and more over time.

I recently figured out why this is. It's because caffeine is a similar shape to adenosine (a byproduct of using ATP as fuel) and it fits in the same receptors as adenosine. Therefore it competes with adenosine (which makes you tired) for those receptor sites. But over time, your body creates more adenosine receptors which describes the 'caffeine tolerance' because now you need more caffeine to compete with the adenosine your body produces to stop it from getting into those receptors and making you tired.

I'll come back to this in 25 minutes lol... I went over, but I've been brewing these thoughts up over a couple weeks and the chance to finally let it it out presented itself...

 

[nicksaiz65]

Mannnn... You're asking the wrong right questions right now. I got 3 minutes left in this break between pomodoro's so let's see what I can crank out.

I've been having an internal dialogue with myself about coffee/caffeine/tea lately. It's been going on for a while.

I am conflicted. I hate the way coffee tastes. And I always say that it tastes like crap and that's why people add so much stuff to it. With that being said, I love the way it makes me feel. I had some today and when I say I was laser focused... But I told myself that I need to find another solution because I don't like the idea of consuming drugs regularly. Caffeine is a psychoactive stimulant. And as with any drug, you can build up a tolerance and need more and more over time.

I recently figured out why this is. It's because caffeine is a similar shape to adenosine (a byproduct of using ATP as fuel) and it fits in the same receptors as adenosine. Therefore it competes with adenosine (which makes you tired) for those receptor sites. But over time, your body creates more adenosine receptors which describes the 'caffeine tolerance' because now you need more caffeine to compete with the adenosine your body produces to stop it from getting into those receptors and making you tired.

I'll come back to this in 25 minutes lol... I went over, but I've been brewing these thoughts up over a couple weeks and the chance to finally let it it out presented itself...

Yeah this has been something I've been thinking about a lot too. I was super productive after I drank that coffee. But I don't want to build a tolerance for it. Like I don't want to have to drink a gallon a day to get the same effects.

Maybe the smartest thing to do would be to use it in moderation for a boost when you think you need it? So that your body doesn't have a chance to get too used to it.

And if you can't rely on caffeine to function on your work, what are you supposed to do?

Hey @Papa_smu I think you had mentioned coffee in an earlier post? I was wondering if you had an opinion on this as well.

 

[GrowingPains]

Now that I think about it, this is something that I've been teetering back and forth on over the past few years. And in the last ... 6 months, I've allowed myself to drink coffee. I'm glad I did this, because the whole time I realized that I didn't really like it. But when you add all that sh!t to it... you love it. I used to drink tea before. It doesn't have as strong as an effect as coffee obviously, because it's not as much caffeine. And I think that adding stuff to either of them really decreases their effectiveness. When you consume calories, carbs specifically, it will turn into glucose then ATP which releases that adenosine I was talking about.

But If you drink it straight up... you're probably going to reap maximal benefit (compared to adding stuff to it). But most things taste like trassssshhhh without stuff added. I can't stand the bitter taste. And light roast/correct steeping times only aids that so much.

Recently I've been trying to do teas more. Because I'm at a point where I really need to succeed in school and I want to give it everything I've got. In those moments of tiredness while studying, I start to feel like 'Man can I make it through this?' and I just go get coffee because it'll snap me right out of that.

But, as you might be able to tell, I research tf outta things. And I've found with personal nutrition, you really have to use what's out there as a guide and try it for yourself. So I think I'm going to try packing some flip flops and taking quick cold showers maybe twice a day instead of caffeine. Ideally, I'd like to not have to drink caffeine at all. I think unlocking energy comes down to these things:

- Diet & hydration - following a diet that keeps your blood glucose low (like a low carb diet). Maybe I'll start doing One Meal A Day to save time and to keep myself from feeling tired from food during the day. I eat A LOT. So even if it is low carb, the amount of food I eat at one time will make me tired. A short term solution is to drink tea right before I eat so the caffeine gets in my system before my body can start producing adenosine and keep the food coma from happening but... I don't like that option so much.

- Exercise - Earlier today, between my pomodoro's I would go for a quick walk and attempt some handstands. I've been slacking lately so it's a good way to get some frequent practice in and keep blood flowing which keeps you from getting tired. I also need to get back on a frequent routine. My problem, in most areas of my life is that I know what to do, but don't always execute well and I'm working on that demon.

- Proper sleep & Siestas - 20 minute nap around mid day where the 'afternoon slump hits'. I read a book on sleeping a while back and listened to Joe Rogan's podcast where he had Matthew Walker, PhD on the show discussing sleep. He talks about siestas and a host of other things that I found incredible. I've found that 7.5 hours works for me. Maybe if I did 9 I wouldn't need coffee.... hmm... It is hard to bring myself to do that though losing that 1.5 hours is a hindering thought.

- Being able to focus - this one of the biggest ones. And this one comes with practice. Focus is a skill, not a natural ability. And being able to get into this zone regularly to perform deep work (Cal Newport plug again) will allow you to naturally be engaged in your work. Some people call it flow. There's a lot of research on how beneficial it is to get into flow and on how to get into it. It ain't easy, but it's like a natural high.

I've been really thinking about all of these things lately and I'm figuring out how I can make them all work for me because they support my #1 goal: Absolutely demolishing finals.

That's probably way more than you thought you were gonna get haha. Once you get me started on something...

 

[nicksaiz65]

Now that I think about it, this is something that I've been teetering back and forth on over the past few years. And in the last ... 6 months, I've allowed myself to drink coffee. I'm glad I did this, because the whole time I realized that I didn't really like it. But when you add all that sh!t to it... you love it. I used to drink tea before. It doesn't have as strong as an effect as coffee obviously, because it's not as much caffeine. And I think that adding stuff to either of them really decreases their effectiveness. When you consume calories, carbs specifically, it will turn into glucose then ATP which releases that adenosine I was talking about.

But If you drink it straight up... you're probably going to reap maximal benefit (compared to adding stuff to it). But most things taste like trassssshhhh without stuff added. I can't stand the bitter taste. And light roast/correct steeping times only aids that so much.

Recently I've been trying to do teas more. Because I'm at a point where I really need to succeed in school and I want to give it everything I've got. In those moments of tiredness while studying, I start to feel like 'Man can I make it through this?' and I just go get coffee because it'll snap me right out of that.

But, as you might be able to tell, I research tf outta things. And I've found with personal nutrition, you really have to use what's out there as a guide and try it for yourself. So I think I'm going to try packing some flip flops and taking quick cold showers maybe twice a day instead of caffeine. Ideally, I'd like to not have to drink caffeine at all. I think unlocking energy comes down to these things:

- Diet & hydration - following a diet that keeps your blood glucose low (like a low carb diet). Maybe I'll start doing One Meal A Day to save time and to keep myself from feeling tired from food during the day. I eat A LOT. So even if it is low carb, the amount of food I eat at one time will make me tired. A short term solution is to drink tea right before I eat so the caffeine gets in my system before my body can start producing adenosine and keep the food coma from happening but... I don't like that option so much.

- Exercise - Earlier today, between my pomodoro's I would go for a quick walk and attempt some handstands. I've been slacking lately so it's a good way to get some frequent practice in and keep blood flowing which keeps you from getting tired. I also need to get back on a frequent routine. My problem, in most areas of my life is that I know what to do, but don't always execute well and I'm working on that demon.

- Proper sleep & Siestas - 20 minute nap around mid day where the 'afternoon slump hits'. I read a book on sleeping a while back and listened to Joe Rogan's podcast where he had Matthew Walker, PhD on the show discussing sleep. He talks about siestas and a host of other things that I found incredible. I've found that 7.5 hours works for me. Maybe if I did 9 I wouldn't need coffee.... hmm... It is hard to bring myself to do that though losing that 1.5 hours is a hindering thought.

- Being able to focus - this one of the biggest ones. And this one comes with practice. Focus is a skill, not a natural ability. And being able to get into this zone regularly to perform deep work (Cal Newport plug again) will allow you to naturally be engaged in your work. Some people call it flow. There's a lot of research on how beneficial it is to get into flow and on how to get into it. It ain't easy, but it's like a natural high.

I've been really thinking about all of these things lately and I'm figuring out how I can make them all work for me because they support my #1 goal: Absolutely demolishing finals.

That's probably way more than you thought you were gonna get haha. Once you get me started on something...

Thanks bro, good info in here. I think I’m gonna take advantage of the coffee. It really helps. Just maybe not every day.

I fvcked up. I wanted to stay up later and keep programming. But I took a “5 minute nap” cause I was really tired and fell asleep. I should’ve just gone to the engineering hall to study instead of in my room. I’m so frustrated cause of course everyone wants to have their dumb little meetings the day I have a program due. Idk if I can even finish it anymore. I suppose this is just willpower like you said. FML

Like you said, doing well in school is my number one priority. I didn’t waste any time today yet I still barely scratched this damn lab. I may have to use the energy drinks if it’s night and I’m in a pinch. I think it’d be better to sacrifice my health a bit and succeed in school/life, than to forego the energy drinks and coffee, fall asleep, and then lose.

I’m not gonna give up though. Even with all the BS life is gonna throw at me, I should be able to squeeze in 6 hours of programming today. I’m just gonna have to finish it in 6. I hate working under pressure like this but I’ll have to do it.

I’ll let you know once I turn it in. I’m gonna get this lab working properly if it’s the last thing I do. FML.