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Winter Doldrums

2013 January 19
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by Stanley Quan

Temperature’s getting into the single digits.

Work is busy. The days short.

Feeling a little bit of those winter doldrums.

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Silver Linings Playbook

2013 January 14
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by Stanley Quan

silver linings playbookSilver Linings Playbook is one of the favorite movies I’ve seen in a while.

It hits on the topic of mental health and is complex, deep, emotionally-charged, and funny.

There’s a lot of crazy in this film, but the way it develops, both surprises and captivates.

Such layered and great performances by all the actors and actresses, especially Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper.

I also liked the thought that you’ll make it out okay by always looking for the silver linings in life.

Excelsior.

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Inspiration Dances With The Daring

2013 January 9
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by Stanley Quan

Heard this quote in a car commercial the other day:

“Inspiration Dances With The Daring”

dance

Chances are meant to be taken. So take one. Or two. Or all of them.

That’s one thing I’ve learned in my 22.5 years of life.

I was a shy kid back in the day… But now I dance!

Dare to inspire.

 

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Buried

2013 January 6
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by Stanley Quan

This is what I returned to in Madison after my trip home:

buried

buried2

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It took me nearly an hour to shovel and unbury my car… Easily my least favorite part of living here is the freezing cold and snowy winter.

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2012: Leaving Comfort

2012 December 31
by Stanley Quan

Although I actually left California for my new job in November 2011, I think my year 2012 was defined by the move.

Before now, my last trip home was last Christmas, a year ago. So 2012 has pretty much been me, out in Madison and other parts of the country, outside of that comfort zone.

Looking back, I still can’t quite believe I took the offer, packed up my life in four suitcases, and transplanted myself in Wisconsin.

But I loved it. Loved the chance to see another part of the world. Loved the leap it took. Loved the freshness.

If you ever get the chance to just go somewhere no strings attached, I wholeheartedly recommend it.

Put yourself out there, physically, mentally, geographically. You’ll be surprised what a little perspective will do to you.

On the work side, I’ve enjoyed my job, including the perks and drawbacks of frequent travel. Check out these stats for the year:

  • 28 trips
  • 106 days on the road
  • 52,000 miles

Being on the road for about a third of the year is pretty crazy and was unlike anything I’ve ever experienced before. It’s a weird combined feeling of both wanderlust and homelessness. It also makes for lots of priorities to juggle, creative uses of hour-long layovers in airports, and times zones to consider.

It has definitely been a fun year though. I got to explore a new place, meet new friends, and learn a new me.

And to cap it off, I got to come home for the last couple weeks of it to catch up with that old place, old friends, old me.

Here’s to an even better 2013!

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