January 3-13 Summary

Personal Training: I worked pretty diligently on studying the ACE practice test, when I tested myself on 1/ 11 got a 59/60, not bad! Towards the end of the period I also started actually read the book and writing down and defining vocabulary words. I found some good videos online explaining a few different concepts too and am on the look out for more. Reading: During this period I finished the books How to Instantly Connect with Anyone by Leil Lowndes, What the Most Successful People do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam, and The Richest Man Who Ever Lived: King Solomon's Secrets to Success, Wealth, and Happiness by Steven Scott. How to Instantly Connect was pretty good, it was 90-some "little tricks." I liked that it was practical things to try instead of general philosophy on communication. Before Breakfast was a quick little read, nothing too profound but nice motivation and I have been trying to get up earlier. Richest Man was ok, I liked the idea and the advice but I wish it had more practical applications. I also started reading Benjamin Franklin's Autobiography. Camera Surgery: A while back the tabs on the mounting ring of my DSLR lens broke. I researched the problem online and apparently it's pretty common. I finally ordered a new part during the period and attempted surgery. It didn't go so well. At first I thought I had it and then I tugged a bit too hard on a ribbon and it snapped. I figured ok, so maybe it won't auto-focus. I finished putting it back together and it went onto the camera alright. Apparently it's the wrong part though because now it won't come on. I've set it aside to work on again later. I still think it's worth it, a professional repair costs as much or more as a new lens. Definitely an interesting learning experience too. TED Talks: I wish I had discovered TED talks sooner! There are so many great ones. I enjoyed most of the playlist How to Tell a Story, as well as a few other random ones. Interesting Things Watched: I watched a lot of episodes of Shark Tank. I love seeing all the new business ideas. An interesting documentary I watched on Hulu was Erasing David. My dad is very into privacy and has gotten me into it as well somewhat. I wish there was an America version of Erasing David but I still think it would be eye opening to anyone who isn't familiar with privacy and data mining. I made a joke to a friend the other day that if someone were to look at my "Recently Watched" on Netflix they would probably assume I'm a boy. I've been watching a lot of weapons and military shows.