Optimization Metrics
Clara and I have to take a written exam in order to transfer our driver’s licenses to Minnesota, so we’re studying the Minnesota driver’s manual. In the section on crosswalks I found this instruction: The problem is that you can’t leave an intersection both as quickly as possible AND as safely as possible. To leave […]
Turning token actions into keystone habits
Last time, I talked about the idea of encouraging big life changes by making small changes to your environment: become a writer → keep a journal nearby at all times take charge of your health → put the cookies at the back of the cupboard organize your household → dedicate a spot for give-away things to live until you […]
Soak the nut
Growing up in my family, my sister and I took turns with the chore of washing dishes every evening. This was not a job I liked, and there were many ways I tried to get out of it: Before dinner, I would do some other extra chore, so that when the calendar was checked to […]
The quest for a dresser
We are making great strides in moving in. We have a books on our shelves, hooks for our keys, and cookies in the cookie jar. But one of the things that was surprisingly difficult for us was finding a dresser. Most of our furniture came from IKEA, and we were able to check out the […]
The unexpected things you need when you move in
This is the week we finally made the move to Minnesota, and so far it’s gone wonderfully. We completed the two-day drive without incident, we’ve assembled six carts’ worth of Ikea furniture (just the desk is left!)—we’ve even gone to the state fair: That’s right: all-you-can-drink milk for just $2. There have been a few […]