The Adventures of Kate F.

Ballpen and yellow paper

2009-09-22T01:31:00.001+08:00

Always with me...

Sapatos

2009-09-21T20:31:00.001+08:00

Kailan kaya makakarating muli ang aking mga sapatos sa ibang bahagi ng Pilipinas?

Fight!

2009-09-14T03:00:00.002+08:00

Kung natalo ng UP ang ADMU sa men's basketball sa round 1,

Kung natalo naman ng NU ang DLSU sa round 2,

Kung nanalo ang ADMU sa cheerdance competition (1st runner up),

Kung sa wakas nag-champion na (muli) ang FEU sa CDC,

Kaya kong mapasa ang Econ 202.

Exam on Friday. I have just started studying. Basic stuff first. Elasticity of demand, super basic! How can I survive this?!

I think I've already lost some 8-10 pounds already since entering graduate school. Ugh! I am so thin! My watch now feels like a bracelet (although it did not really fit me before, anyway).

I'm losing sense already - writing here, at least. Must go back studying. Resist Mafia Wars. Focus. Eat. Sleep. Relax. Enjoy. Pray.

Sa totoo lang, natatakot na ako. Pero, fight pa rin! (a la UP FIGHT!)

A six to nine in the evening exam

2009-09-09T00:23:00.000+08:00

Tomorrow. A very lovely day.

Thankfully, no discussion class in the morning, and problem set submission moved to Thursday.

Then, a 12:00 AM - 2:00 PM lecture class on macro.

Then, a 3:00-6:00 PM lecture class on micro.

Then, a 6:00-9:00 PM exam on macro.

I haven't really studied enough.

So there, good luck.

Tokyo Cafe

2009-08-22T22:25:00.003+08:00

Tokyo Cafe

SM North EDSA (The Block)

August 6, 2009

Finally! Creamy Shrimp Ebiko Pasta, Gyoza Burger, Vanilla Milkshake, and a coffee with ice cream (some coffee specialty). Love it!

Shei and Kate on a food trip!

First Starbucks Session

2009-08-18T19:26:00.004+08:00

Honey-glazed doughnut and mint tea: Starbucks in Matalino Street

I like that place! One of the few Starbucks shops that I like (what other branch do I like, by the way?). Relaxed ambiance, peaceful, conducive for studying, no unnecessary perkiness, no stress (except for my own studying to do). It feels like a coffee shop, and not a gimmick place. Nice.

I would have wanted to go there again tonight to study (and I'm not even fond of studying in an expensive place because of budget constraints), but it's already late and I won't be getting the best value out of a cup of tea if I went there at this time, and somebody demanding me to go home by 11:30 PM.

Now, an update, musts/deadlines for the week:
- 201hw/231ps discussion (Wed, AM)
- 202 make-up class (Wed, 1-6 PM)
- 201 homework (Thu)
- 231 problem set (Thu)
- 206 group study (Fri, AM)
- 206 problem set (Sat, AM)
- 206 exam (Sat, AM)

What a week!

A Bad Day for Headache

2009-08-15T21:28:00.003+08:00

The road between the main mall and the old SM Cyberzone building, now closed, but with the carpark still operational.

I was there yesterday to buy a chair so I could properly study, not slumped on my bed, which is very conducive for sleeping and net surfing instead.

So now, I should be studying, right?

*** Post title is such because I had a headache yesterday, which did not subside after a single dose of the common paracetamol, so I needed another 500 mg after three hours. That was unusual, as a single table usually works for me. A really bad time for headache, especially with a homework due tomorrow, problem sets due on Thursday and Friday, an exam on Saturday, an exam on the following Wednesday, and a day-long (six hours, actually) lecture this Wednesday (a holiday).

I SHOULD NOW BE STUDYING! Good luck!

Graduate School Updates

2009-08-15T01:22:00.003+08:00

Life: MA life

When I am not in front of my computer, I wanted to write about things on MA and my life. I guess now's not the right time for such "reflections." Just an update. And some insights, perhaps.

Seven weeks to go before finals week. We haven't even had a single midterm examination yet. The first fury of the exam will land on our paths on Saturday, August 22 for our math econ class. Followed by the stat exam on August 26. Then macro and micro, whichever comes first.

I wish to say that I am doing great. I hope I am. Even "okay." I really want to think that way.

Recap: I'm having a difficult time with graduate school

To say that it is not easy is an understatement. It's not just a test of intellectual capacity. It is more of a challenge to learn all "those" things in a short span of time with tons of exercises, problem sets and homeworks to do. "Those" things being lessons that really require a student to not just read articles or books, but to sit down and work out what really they were saying, how and why and whatever else that would matter. Too much for my impatience.

Yet, I find comfort that I still find it exciting. Even if the downside means that I am now somehow accustomed to a staggered pattern of sleeping -- take a "nap" when I get home (after preparing some food or having a snack), then eat dinner when I wake up, then study (or pretend at least), and then sleep again. The good thing from this bad exercise is that it is now becoming a habit to get out of the bed early enough to get to class on time (or maybe just 5 minutes late) and still have time for breakfast.

Graduate school is difficult that I sometimes doubt I'd survive it. Fortunately, we have a professor who gives me hope that I'd survive. It is a compliment that she finds my work "neat." I do not really know what she means by that, but hey, it is a good thing that she likes how I do my work. Even if I am sometimes lost to the intuition behind what I am writing. And, add a bonus that she thinks I could survive learning the dynamic models. I hope so!

But then, that's some pressure to really do good. Honestly, I do not feel I know enough to pass her class. Then, she learned of my grade in her undergraduate class! That was a class during my second year in college, during a time when I was more hardworking, my mind more active, my math fresher, and when a 17-unit load was easy and I still had time for a social life. No, make that social lives between the econ building, math building, manila, and zambales.

Now, I am missing some social life. My MA life is my social life. Yet, still thrilled with it. Great people in my class! I am fortunate to have met them, really. I'm loving my time with them, and some (classroom) chats with professors, too.

I am missing some other things, too. I miss that someone I love (but which the MA program really is of little consequence to that situation). I miss using my camera, even before I have even got to learn how to use it effectively. I miss going out of towns, even on a rainy day. I miss my little sisters, who I think miss me, too, so much. I miss, well, basically those top things.

But I am loving my life, despite all those things. I just have to deal with it. And I still am devoting time for my love and my friends.

I want this. I am going to give my best. Yes. I can. I will. Cheers! :)

Isang gabi ng kabaliwan

2009-07-26T14:33:00.001+08:00

Madaling araw ng Hulyo 26, 2009

Habang pinilipilit mag-aral at na-miss ang camera

* * *

On another note, thank you Lord for making things a bit easier for me.

Thank you for postponing the John Nye lecture tomorrow (which I do not really want to miss). It's bad that he got sick, but I need those extra hours to study. Hope he gets well soon, though.

Thank you that the deadline for the macroeconomics homework has been moved to Friday instead of Wednesday.

Thank you, too, that the stat problem set is manageable, though I still need to learn covariance and correlation.

I want to earn my master's degree in economics.

Thank you.

A post at 2:46 AM about what else...

2009-07-25T02:45:00.003+08:00

...but graduate school.

About what else, but nothing.

I would have wanted to rant, but no, I'll take a positive attitude.

But then...

Really, I am having an extremely difficult time with school.

I seem to have forgotten how to study. I seem to have lost my intellectual capacity to understand what I should understand. I seem to have lost the desire to take my masters.

Why again am I taking M.A. Economics?

Have faith, Kate. Have faith.

And, give your best.

I MISS U

2009-07-20T01:08:00.001+08:00

Graduate School: Never a Dull Moment

2009-07-15T21:11:00.004+08:00

Happy Monthsary!

Yeah, cheezy. Tomorrow's going to be the official first month of my (our batch's) graduate school life. What a life! Never a dull moment, no doubt. Fun.

When I say fun, I'm not kidding. New people, new acquaintances, new friends - a new bunch of people to share smiles and laughter. Young blood to put fresh life to my existence. Mature minds to help me grow. Challenges, not short of it, to push me further. Full of vibrancy, never a dull moment, full of life.

Oh, yeah. Life of a graduate student. Full of activities - problem sets, homeworks, readings, discussion classes, yellow pad destruction. I'm still bad at time management, so I don't how I would survive.

Full of life --- in the end, it would still be my choice whether I would have a life just full of school work, or a life full of the meaningful stuff while gaining new knowledge in graduate school. Never a dull moment in graduate school, full of life in everything. Cheers! Smile and laugh!

And now for our (the) first monthsary, can I request for a box of chocolates, please? :)

Whipped!

2009-07-10T10:33:00.002+08:00

I love the whipped cream in those expensive drinks.

Starbucks 6750 with blockmates
July 3, 2009

...Sometimes I wish to study in those expensive cafes at night so I could concentrate and stay away from distractions. But no, they are expensive beyond my budget. So better be firm and focus on studying. Good luck!

;)

M11 Dinner Meeting

2009-07-09T18:28:00.001+08:00

July 3, 2009
Glorietta 5, Makati City

Bing, Joseph, Gemma, Marcie, Mandy, Kate, Zolah and Yasser, with special appearance by Alelie and Chester

Lessons for the Day

2009-07-08T19:41:00.003+08:00

My Wednesday involves a three-hour class in the afternoon. A boring microeconomics subject, but is, as our professor usually tells us, a necessary thing to learn for "branding" of economists. The lecture is fortunately injected with interesting exchange of thoughts and knowledge about the more vibrant real world issues.

Earlier, Ms. Sarah Daway, probably a legend in recent UPSE history, dropped by the class to share some words of wisdom as requested by our professor, and we were given the chance to ask her questions about some things. She is currently taking her PhD in the US (I forgot the school, just a slight recall of the name but better not mention it since I'm not really sure hehe). Most of the questions from my classmates were about getting in the graduate program of schools abroad, and how economics was taught there. Apparently, despite UPSE being already mathematical (my thought), US economic schools are more mathematical in their approach. Better brush up your math and calculus if you want to go there.

What struck me more was her faith. She said something like this (paraphrased, hope I got it right), "Pray. Sometimes, it is as if things are going against you, but if you believe Him, things will turn out right."

In the "class proper," Prof. Fabella also gave some words of wisdom. He said that, though Ms. Daway would never say this, she is a very hardworking woman. She reads all the suggested readings and more! He further added that some people are simply bright, but what is more important is how hard you work. Nobody should outwork you.

After the class, in a (unintended) chat, he added, regarding graduate schools abroad, that the name of the school does not matter very much anymore. Some people are aiming for the Ivy league schools, but what is more important is your network.

He further added that enrolling in a non-Ivy league school also allows you to be very productive. And as to expanding your network, one way would be to write authors of journal articles or other economists whose work you got interested in. Why not? I remember I did that while writing our undergraduate thesis. The author of the original work where we based our thesis replied to our e-mail, and we responded. However, it was already late when I realized that it remained in my Drafts folder and never got sent. I was not Internet-savvy yet that time, unlike now when I think I am already addicted to the online world.

So what economic concept did I learn today? Oh, some stuff. ;)

The first stack of books

2009-07-06T17:08:00.001+08:00

The first stack of books in the bookshelf in our new place in Quezon City, and my first post of a photo in this blog. :)

I should be studying...

2009-07-06T16:52:00.002+08:00

...but I'm here blogging again. Just to say that I'm merging my other blog with this blog, then make that other blog devoted solely to my trips (lengthy stories of trips). I wish I could do a lot of trips this year, but I'm unemployed and studying, living in poverty for now. I hope something great will happen after graduate school. :)

That's it for now. And a photo post later. Back to reality (homework, food and/or household chores).

Yours truly,
fickle-minded Kate, who could not decide what to do with her blogs

Must study. Must study. Must study.

2009-07-05T10:36:00.003+08:00

I got out of the bed at around 8:30 in the morning. Prepared (re-heated) food for breakfast. Then ate it around 9:30. At around 10:00 AM, I called home. Played Mafia Wars, checked Plurk, and checked Multiply in-between. Now I'm chatting with Mon.

I should have started studying yesterday, but I slept in the afternoon after doing laundry and cleaning some of stuff. Then was so sleepy to even read the problem set last night.

I should have again started studying earlier. But the lure of the online world tempted me, and succeeded in doing so. Now I'm blogging while chatting with Mon.

And I still have a long list of studying to do:

MACRO
- HW 3
- HW 2
- Review/study/read

MICRO
- HW 1
- Study

E206
- Convexity, concavity, etc.

E231
- PS 3, (# 5)

Now, what?

Good luck. ;)

P.S.

I felt like a whiner after reading my post. Oh, I don't want to be a whiner. So what am I going to do?

First, release this excess online world energy to this blog. And I'm now doing it. :)

Then, get my study lamp on. I should get excited about doing that problem set. And other school stuff.

Then, eat. It's almost lunch. I'll be eating the burger, the probably get out of the house to eat more food around snack time. Or cook another corned beef and rice. I'm not the typical Filipino who eats rice every meal time, anyway, for I sometimes eat rice even during snack time. Haha. At least when I'm not at home.

Oh, food. I should also be doing grocery anytime soon. Eating out is so expensive.

Positive energy, come on! =D

Beautiful Scenery

2009-06-28T11:18:00.002+08:00

Green grasses, highlighted by the soft rays of the sun. A touch of brownish green somethings glistening the road. Repetitive light posts lining the island. Rain putting drama in the scenery. Fields looking fresh because of the rain.

Towering orange lights lining up the circular road, giving a sense of "development" in this crazy country. Cut mountains towering between the excellently paved road (this was, of course, not really good in terms of "destroying nature"). Insects battering the windshield as if they were rain, telling me that I am so close to nature even with the engineered road and car (this was also not really good as their population might exponentially dwindle as more cars pass by that road.)

Yet anyway, I enjoyed my drive yesterday, even if I was sleepy most of the time. Alone. Though driving alone was not really new to me. But after a car trouble two weeks ago, the beautiful scenery along NLEX and SCTEX took my mind of the troubles of possibly stalling in expressway.

Top my trip with a halo-halo and palabok from Razon's in Petron Lakeshore. Yum. By the way, the P74 Razon's halo-halo in malls in SM Makati and Trinoma was only P57 in NLEX (Petron Lakeshore or Caltex NLEX San Fernando).

On another note, stopping by Petron Lakeshore gave me a warm feeling. See, this was where Mon and I usually had our stopover when we used to go home together (oh well, he's in Vietnam right now, so I had no choice but to drive alone.)

Later, or tomorrow, I won't be bringing my car to Manila. I'm hoping to catch the bus that will pass through SCTEX. SCTEX scenery in a bus is more fabulous, I think, since I get a more elevated view from the road. Whatever. ;)

What a beautiful day. Hihi.

June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T17:31:00.003+08:00

Where do I start?

I want to say something, but do not know how to say it. Or at least how to present it or start it. Here's the thing: I want to enjoy my life, I want to have a worthwhile life, and I want to share my life with the world. But life is short, so I don't want to waste time and hence I want to start living a life worth living and sharing now.

How do I share my life?

Start small. Here I write again to share my life through writing. I hope that I could write and be able to inspire someone, somewhere, sometime.

Of course, I wish I could do more. I hope I could do more to share my life. I want to teach, and inspire kids (or just kids at heart) to live a wonderful life and to share their lives, too.

But then, "sharing your life" is a concept that's rather vague. It could mean a whole lot of range of different things. Ha, just be happy and share a worthwhile life with others. ;)

What's a life worth living?

No answer. Shouldn't the answer really be on a case-to-case basis? I'm different from you are, anyway, and what's worthwhile for you may not be for me, or vice versa.

As for me, I just want to inspire others, teach, and if I could, work for some economic progress (of some sort).

Now, here I am again saying I hope to write here regularly and share the stuff I'm loving (and not?). But, I've also wanted to take photos to show snippets of my life through my other blog. I wish I could do it this time.

So what am I up to?

Master of Arts in Economics student. Loving it, but I'm not yet sure if the program is loving me. I'm actually surprised with myself. I find myself excited to study, to solve problems, to find out how to work out that problem, to understand basic economic concepts, and to use the library properly (i.e., not for chatting.)

Yet again, I have a problem in discipline and my fitness. Even if I am excited, I still haven't studied properly. It has been just spurts of studying, not really a sustained effort. And I still get tired easily, but my excitement somehow offsets that to enable me to have energy in my classes.

Hmm... so far, I'm loving school. New challenges, renewed brain activity, new acquaintances (and hopefully to be real friends), new chapter. That feels just right. Maybe my enthusiasm with this new "routine" made me embrace my turning 25. I was even more in denial when I turned 24. Now at 25, I am happy and looking forward to a LIFE.

:)

Screwed up priorities; or tired; or simply lazy

2009-05-12T01:39:00.002+08:00

A couple of weeks ago, I started a piece about my "laziness" - I hypothesized that I many not really be lazy after all. It may just be that I get tired easily. Really easily.

I was not able to finish and post that piece for I got sick. And as I was about to go out of the airport that week, I refrained from working so I could get better fast and soon.

But really, I easily get tired. Make me work for a couple of hours straight and I'd feel as if I had worked for eight hours already. Allow me to take breaks in between and I'd abuse it and get distracted. Let me just copy the paragraph I was able to write:

Subject me to two hours straight of work and I'd get tired as if I'm already working for eight hours. Then the next day, I'd feel the hangover of getting tired (I'm not sure what this is, but it's something like I recall how tired I became to the point that my mind already repels the idea of work.) That's how unfit I am.

Then yesterday or today, I thought maybe I just have a screwed up sense of priorities. Work is not a priority (ooh, very bold for me to say it here). I thought school is a priority but I haven't really studied yet to prepare for graduate school. Maybe family is the priority. Far ahead of work. And school.

And maybe I should have had stuck to taking a break. Since a couple of hours work equal eight hours in my perception, maybe a couple of years working is like eight years of working already.

Or am I just justifying my laziness? I hate being lazy. But this has been my laziest state so far. My most irresponsible me. I may have done something irresponsible big time before, but I could say it was also a factor of ignorance or innocence or stubbornness. This time, I could say irresponsible a factor simply of stubbornness.

Oh, help me. Crazy me. Now, I'm stressed out again.

Updates, Un-Progress and Progress

2009-04-14T16:14:00.000+08:00

It has almost been smooth sailing a while back, but then boom, insanity broke loose.

I don't know when it really started. I guess that was around the MA Econ qualifying exam period.

The Devastatingly Difficult Exam

Around the week of that momentous exam, I had a lot of backlog in work. I needed to work as if it was not a part time work. Then the exam period came. I had to at least review and prepare for it. But then I was overwhelmed with the tons of knowledge I almost forgot. Friday was another unproductive day.

March 28. The exam day. S***! That was so difficult. I could remember murmuring bad words to my dear friend who said it was an easy exam that needs no preparation. My essay was poor. Math was the easiest subject, which I wasn't even able to finish. It was a miracle if I even got 50% in the economics section. That was just simply one of the most horrible exams I've had (aside probably the 17% or so Math 17 exam I got in my freshman year.)

Disappointment. Confusion. Near depression.

I was almost set to taking my masters in economics this June, and make a thesis on property rights or even tourism as a development strategy for Zambales. Afterward, I imagine myself applying for a teaching position in Ramon Magsaysay Technological University or a university just outside Zambales (near a beach or some nature tripping destination.) I was not so keen on research, but I guess I had to deal with it.

With the kind of exam I had, my mind started drifting to other things.

Research? Or Adventure?

Though my interview went well, and I was hoping that my referees (and mentors) gave me a good recommendation, I was still haunted by the idea of not qualifying for the MA. It would be a disappointment for me, and that would be an embarrassing reality since I graduated from that school with honors. So I thought of an alternative plan, or at least an idea of an alternative plan, which later made me not feel bad about failing and may even feel good about it.

My desire to go to an adventure re-surfaced.

During my stay in my previous work, when the project was ending, and with life and career talks with my boss, I resolved that I wanted to do an adventure before taking my masters this June. Maybe volunteer, do some work in another province, teach, explore other culture. It was exciting.

However, that was easy to say and difficult to execute. Then I got a call to do assistant research work, which I accepted. One project, then it became two.

The research work was not the primary reason why I did not pursue that adventure route. It was only secondary. I was prevented from doing it mainly because (1) I did not know where to go; (2) I did not know how to do it; and (3) I did not even know exactly what I want to do. Then there was a third reason - somebody's against this idea of going solo to another place. Ho-hum.

With the then overwhelming feeling of not going to pass for the MA Econ program, I started planning (or just thinking) about my adventure trip. I even included going abroad as an option. Go abroad and earn tons of money. Go somewhere else and apply for a really different job. Go to a culturally rich society and indulge myself in their rich traditions. Or simply teach. Start fresh. For not making it to the program would really be devastating, even if I say I'd feel good about pursuing an adventure plan.

Besides, I did not think I was even good in research. I may even suck at research. Honestly, it's not my comfort zone. After my undergraduate thesis, research was not a good thing to me anymore.

I was even thinking about quitting.

Incoming Call from 029205460

I thought it was Devie from the La Salle Institute of Governance. I've got a potential part time work with the Institute again, not really an academic research, which I like. However, with the turmoil going in my head, I was not ready to accept a third project. How could I handle three projects when I can't even manage to do my job with only two? I was anxious (was that the right word?)

Then I recognized it was not Devie. Oh, could that be Ms. Chilly (of the graduate program in UPSE)? Yes it was.

She was asking if I'd take the economics refresher course that starts this Saturday, and if I got the letter already. I did not get the letter, but I'd take the refresher. Apparently (or maybe?), I passed. (They wouldn't call me about the course if I did not pass, right? Still doubting that I am qualified.)

Is Economics for Me?

Even with that call, I don't think that question's been cleared yet. I have no interest in the money market, the stock market, the investment climate, the economic crisis, the financial market, the fiscal sector, and anything related to the economics of money, banking and financial markets. I still get lost with economic theories. I just know that I want to do my share to help my country progress from being a developing or a third-world or an underdeveloped country, and spill the benefits to my fellow Filipinos. I just know that I want to help boost tourism without abusing the environment (sustainable development, do we all understand that?). And, I still want to learn how to tie property rights (or secure property rights) with economic development.

Goodness, I've been with the property rights project for almost two years already and I still don't understand the economic aspect of that property rights thing. I understand the governance side, but I need some economic understanding of that thing! Wish me luck.

Maybe I am Simply Lazy

A good friend told me that I am capable to do what I want to do since I'm, well, good (?) and even above-average (?). Haha, maybe I'm also lacking in confidence that I don't consider myself above-average. Or maybe I'm just lazy that I don't get to see and realize my potential.

Or crazy

I want a good life, but I don't want to work. My equally crazy boyfriend supports me in my idea to not work... eventually.

Or Lacks Motivation

I have almost always wanted to teach. Maybe that's the key to my "work happiness". Since senior year, I hated research. Maybe that's why I'm not good at research.

I Need a Masters Degree

Then it all leads to taking my masters degree. I need an MA to enable me to teach. That's like the minimum requirement for almost every university or even a college.

So now, wish me luck.

For the meantime, I have work to do. It's actually an easy work, but I lack the motivation.... (here I go again...)

Now I think I should just say, force me to work and live a life!

Thank you all for reading this piece. ;)

What I Want to Do (Honestly)

2009-03-19T17:57:00.000+08:00

I know what I want to do for now.

I want to move out of Makati, go to some province (not a far-flung province, just outside Zambales and Metro Manila), and try to live there, not for a vacation, but live there.

I want to teach. I want to teach in that province.

I want to explore other work, career or profession. In that province, I also want to try other jobs, as a tour guide maybe?

But how? How about my work right now? I’ve been on it for just a few months.

How about grad school? I’ll take the qualifying exams next weekend. And in most cases, I need my master’s degree to be able to teach in college.

Now, what? What do I do now?

Lost Again: Thinking Too Much

2009-03-19T15:33:00.003+08:00

What should I be doing? What do I really want to do? What do I really want?

I'm (semi) deep in thought again as to what I want to do, what I should be doing, and if I'm doing the right thing. Too much thinking.

Sometimes I wish I'm just the typical person who's contented (or appear to be contented) with going to an office, working as an employee, and helping that company grow tons of income. (Un)Fortunately, I'm not.

Then, add the questions of how to live my life. How do I balance my crazy wants with the practical and mundane things in my world? How do I ensure that I have the resources to live my life? Then again, how do I want to live my life? Really?

Oh, I'm lost again. Help me. Please.

Improving!

2009-03-17T20:28:00.003+08:00

My progress is as little as it may seem, but I am still proud to say that I am improving based on the following grounds, which are all related to working (and yes, I'm working.)

I start at the time I tell myself to start working. Once I start working, then on to it! I even get tired working (which then makes me stop working haha.)
I'm done with the vacation/bum mode that has been crippling me the past weeks (or months.) I just feel it.
I walk around the block especially when I get tired or hungry.

So how does it fare to the four things that stood out for me to "cure my laziness" (something I've blogged about a month ago)?

(neg) I still do not sleep early and still do not get up early
(neg) I really don't have a purpose and motivation that's enough for me to make me get up early
(good) I don't think I need to keep reminding myself "to give it at most five minutes" to start a task anymore (surprisingly, I just do what has to be done, and I hope I don't jinx it by blogging about it)
(good) I walk around the block to compensate for my physical inactivity while in front of the computer (walking, no matter what kind of walking, is a form of exercise, right?)

[Legend: red is bad; green is good; yellow is somehow good but needs improvement]

What then are my next steps?

I have set my alarm once again to remind me to sleep (set it at 11:00 PM for now)
On the "purpose and motivation," it is a difficult one - I guess it is a continuing process to learn more about it and about myself, and and confusing, too
Keep up the positive vibe and work attitude
Try walking around the block early in the morning

Good luck! That's it for now. Tons of work to do (uhm, maybe not tons, but simply something significant that I cannot and should not neglect and screw up.)

:)