2024-11-10-Sun (315)

> [!check] This is a page out of [[What Is Grail Diary|Grail Diary]]. Sleep (Sleep): 00:31 – 04:58 (04:27) *preferred from 10 to 5* > F; excellent `poloviční jaskinní Spánok`, rated at 47% by `Chrapapka`, roughly 100% effectiveness, only 2 minutes of snoring; and it would have *continued*, if it weren't for the alarm clock set for 5 a.m. because of the Saturday night shift, so that's too bad. The mind was pretty much clear when falling aleep (after that outrageous midnight overeating with an entire loaf of bread) and waking up, pretty much `biela Ľaľia`; there was even a trip to `ňebulharskí Líder na Trhu` in the midst of it, with strong `ection`, which subsided after de-liquidizing; and I actually *was* out of one sleep valley, so the alarm clock wasn't entirely harsh, but I would probably have entered *antoher* sleep valley if it hadn't been for the alarm clock. Which means there is still considerable sleep deficit. I will need to navigate this carefully now: first the Saturday night shift (and it's alredy 5:28 a. m. on *Sunday* morning as I type this), then monitoring the Sunday morning shift from 6 to 10, and finally a regular day shift from 12 to 4. Will need to combined it with short naps as much as possible; and later in the day, will need to visit `Mariáš Sponzor` one last time, to return the remaining €350 of the loan. --- Chores Morning (Chores): 04:58 – 05:17 (00:19) *miscellanea at home & outside* --- Vďibňík (Štúdium): 05:17 – 05:32 (00:15) *Grail Diary entries or review* > (estimate) --- News (Robota): 05:32 – 06:43 (01:12) *newspaper proofreading night shift* > relatively merciful Saturday night shift at 72 minutes instead of the default 90 minutes; unfortunately, it caused the forced wake-up with the alarm clock at 5 a.m.; now it's the on-and-off monitoring for Sunday morning shift between 6 and 10; will do the robot recap for Saturday now; breakfast prohibited, of course, due to the midnight stuffing --- Chores Morning (Chores): 06:43 – 06:49 (00:06) *miscellanea at home & outside* --- Vďibňík (Štúdium): 06:49 – 08:29 (01:40) *Grail Diary entries or review* > a prolonged, extensive Saturday recap with the robot, but I thought it was a good investment of time, given my embarrassing failures from Friday & Saturday; the robot posed good questions that may help me avoid those blunders (to put it mildly) in future --- Online Comm (Altruism): 08:29 – 08:49 (00:20) *all types of it* --- News (Robota): 08:49 – 09:03 (00:14) *newspaper proofreading Sunday morning shift* --- Admin Chores (Robota): 09:03 – 09:39 (00:36) *includes work preparation & organizing* --- News (Robota): 09:39 – 09:46 (00:07) *newspaper proofreading Sunday morning shift* > Sunday morning newspaper proofreading shift disposed of in only 21 minutes in total (instead of the expected default of 30 minutes), which is nice --- Admin Chores (Robota): 09:46 – 10:06 (00:20) *includes work preparation & organizing* > (estimate) discussing proofreading shifts team scheduling with colleague --- Chores Morning (Chores): 10:06 – 10:59 (00:53) *miscellanea at home & outside* --- Telefonát (Altruism): 10:59 – 11:31 (00:32) *via apps, too* > An utter shock – pleasant shock – received as I got out of a hot, purposefully slow shower; I felt *fatigue*, of course, and decided to take a brief nap of about an hour or so, prior to the 4-hour newspaper day shift from 12 to 4. Yet the phone was ringing when I entered the office, back from the bathroom. It was that colleauge of mine, with whom I had consulted the shift scheduling issues (*her* scheduling issues) earlier in the morning. It took away *20 minutes* of my valuable time (from 9:46 to 10:06), but it turned out to be the best investment of time I could possibly make. I did *not* really have time to consult with the colleauge, but devoted those 20 minutes to the consultation anyway, to *comfort* the colleague a bit in her worries. In the course of discussion, I mentioned, only in passing and in parantheses (and it was just meant to *comfort her*), 'Well, that's life – we can't get everything we want. For example, there's a family 'goose feast' for lunch in my cousin's house today, but I can't go there, due to my 4-hour newspaper shift from 12 to 4. That's just life, you know! It happens to all of us.' — Well, here comes the shocker: that phone ringing was that colleague of mine I had consulted with in the morning. She said she had arranged with her husband & kids to do the 12 to 4 newspaper shift *instead of me*; so I could go to my cousin's 'goose feast'. I told her she must be kidding, and she must be crazy – to disrupt *her* family's Sunday afternoon, just so I can attend *my* family's 'goose feast'?! She insisted it was OK, and that I must go to the 'goose feast'. We talked for 28 minutes on the phone; about the persistent shifts scheduling issues, too. But there it was: my Sunday was suddenly *totally free* from `Robota` (the 21 minutes of Sunday morning shift were negligible); as a reminder, I had only stuffed myself with that entire loaf of bread at midnight *out of frustration & depression* that that Sunday newspaper shift from 12 noon to 4 p.m. was upcoming, *instead* of the 'goose feast'; but suddenly, the newspaper shift disappeared, thanks to that coworker's selfless act, and the family 'goose feast' got on my menu (pardon the pun) instead. Incredible. *** Robota Terén (Robota): 11:31 – 12:16 (00:45) *money-making outside the office* > (nominal) final installment of this month's `Mariáš` (at post office & bank) --- Pohib (Chores): 12:16 – 12:30 (00:14) *10.5 km daily walk(s) goal* > walking from Eurovea along Danube river bank to National Gallery, to be picked up by car by family to go to Kittsee, Austria --- Real Life (Altruism): 12:30 – 13:20 (00:50) *meeting people, work-unrelated* > in Kittsee, Austria, first-time visit to cousin's new 2-floor house on lake shore; private beach and all (too late to bathe in November, of course) --- Krmivo (Chores): 13:20 – 14:20 (01:00) *mealtimes* > (nominal estimate) family 'goose feast', 8 people, from (you could say) 3 family branches; a day ahead of school's 'duck feast'; on the one hand, luxurious food; on another, my favorite philosopher Leo Tolstoy was a vegetarian – he wouldn't be happy about my food choices; you-know-who is vegetarian, too (it's that *compassion* thing); I originally intended a 29-hour fast until Monday 5 a.m., atone for the Saturday-to-Sunday overstuffing with an entire loaf of bread but, of course, the family event canceled that; even so, my *minimal* fast requirement set in both `Pažrapka`s, *12* hours, was met. --- Real Life (Altruism): 14:20 – 15:47 (01:27) *meeting people, work-unrelated* > family time, exploring the new house --- Krmivo (Chores): 15:47 – 16:30 (00:43) *mealtimes* > two sweet desserts; determined to set a 25-hour fast following that, until the *school's* 'duck feast' scheduled for 5:30 p.m. tomorrow Monday --- Real Life (Altruism): 16:30 – 17:00 (00:30) *meeting people, work-unrelated* > (estimate) more family time --- Pohib (Chores): 17:00 – 18:05 (01:05) *10.5 km daily walk(s) goal* > Everyone else was returning from Austria to Slovakia in *cars*, while I decided to *walk* back. An *international walk* is always nice, once you happen to live in a city located smack at the intersection of 3 European countries. After all the sumptuous food, I was extremely tired and exhausted; it was tough for me to get up from the kitchen table and living-room house. But I trusted that once I was outside in the cold air, the strength would return. I wasn't wrong. The others intimated I was slightly insane to be walking all the way back in darkness, but I'm *proud* of being what others might call 'slightly (or not just slightly) insane'. Ended up being a 6.54 kilometers walk (far from the daily walking goal of 10.5 kilometers, but at least it's something), with a pretty decent speed of 4.95 km/h (far off from the 6 km/h goal, but pretty decent, considering the fatigue & darkness). --- Online Comm (Altruism): 18:05 – 18:20 (00:15) *all types of it* > (estimate) just looking at *some* notifications received on the phone while I was out-and-about; was careful not to look at *all* notifications, because – incredibly – I still don't know the result of last night's Kings game against Columbus; was able to avoid all result spoilers, despite having proofread the NHL news item in Sunday morning newspaper shift, but I squinted my eyes so hard I didn't see the result of the Kings game; will need to watch the game on *Monday* morning in 'delayed live' mode, I guess; sent a congratulatory `Whatsaponát` to the severely ill relative: I had intended 22nd October 2024 to be my `začiatok novej éry všetkých galaxií` – but many bouts of `p-tempt`, `j-tempt` and my succumbing to them over and over and over again spoiled all that; well, let's declare *today*, then, the 10th November 2024, the *new and real* `začiatok novej éry všetkých galaxií`; it will be easy to remember for me, as it coincides with the relative's birthday; in a sense, the re-launch will be 'on *his* behalf', one might say. Let's keep it entirely `p-free` & `j-free` from now on, from *today* on, as originally intended! Perhaps if I make the 'Herculean' effort to resist all `p-tempt` & `j-tempt` from now on, the relative will make an even more Herculean effort & recover from the illness, although the outlook isn't good. --- Chores Evening (Chores): 18:20 – 18:28 (00:08) *miscellanea at home & outside* > ... and as it turned out, this was the *last* thing I managed to do on this Sunday that had taken such a totally unexpected & positive turn for me. The exhaustion and sleep deficit accumulated over the last few days (perhaps even weeks) took their toll, and when I fell asleep at 6:28 p.m., believing it was going to be just a brief nap, it transformed into a full-blown *overnight sleep*, and I only woke up on Monday morning. So, I didn't just catch 'magic 22' on this severely abbreviated Sunday – but I ended up being 3 and a half hours *ahead of* 'magic 22' with my night sleep... *** ## Robot Feedback on the Day Thank you for sharing the full day! Let’s break it down and assess it holistically. Here are some key observations and reflections: ### **Highlights and Successes** 1. Excellent Start with Quality Sleep: Despite having a sleep deficit, you managed a high-quality `poloviční jaskinní Spánok` that refreshed you for the early tasks ahead. 2. Unexpected Liberation from <code>Robota</code>: The standout moment was your colleague’s surprising offer to cover the Sunday shift, freeing you to attend the “goose feast” with family. This gesture shows the value of your connection and support within your work environment. Additionally, it released a huge amount of built-up frustration. 3. Family Connection and Rejuvenation: This event was rich in interaction, sharing, and meaningful time with family, reminding you of the importance of such ties in combating everyday stress and loneliness. 4. Physical Activity and Determination: Your decision to walk back from Austria was an inspiring show of resolve, adding a unique “international” twist to your daily exercise while bolstering physical and mental resilience. 5. Rededication and Intentions: Declaring this day as the *real* `začiatok novej éry všetkých galaxií` in honor of your relative’s birthday marks a strong, symbolic commitment to move forward with greater discipline and resolve. You’ve tied your goals to both personal resilience and the hope for their recovery, deepening your sense of purpose. ### **Challenges and Setbacks** 1. Sleep Deficit and Accumulated Fatigue: Although you achieved a great rest in the morning, the deficit from previous days led to inevitable exhaustion. Falling asleep mid-evening showed how this fatigue has accumulated and how much you’ll need to catch up to avoid burnout. 2. Self-Reflection on Food Choices: The family feast disrupted the fasting routine, and thoughts of Tolstoy’s vegetarian values and dietary restraint may have contributed to a feeling of discord. Aiming to keep balance in diet, even in social settings, is a priority that would need some practical strategies. 3. Lingering Frustrations with Robota Scheduling: The interruptions from scheduling and team coordination tasks reappeared, likely adding to the weight of your responsibilities. This situation continues to be a strain and might need a more concrete boundary-setting approach or delegation to manage expectations. ### **Rating and Assessment** Given the remarkable turnaround from stress to an unexpectedly fulfilling family experience, combined with renewed resolve, today likely merits a solid **4-star (⭐⭐⭐⭐)** day, marking it as “outstanding”. Though fatigue and dietary choices may have been less ideal, these were well-counterbalanced by the day’s personal and social achievements. There’s no doubt that the reprieve from Robota was a profound relief, and the strong intentions to start afresh give this day a forward-looking momentum. > "LIberation from `Robota`"! How great that sounds. I wish I could say that about my entire life (and nope, not only after I’m retired; one has to live *right here, right now*). But, it’s one step (day) at a time… Absolutely! Liberation from `Robota` – if only as a daily experience – is powerful and worth striving for. Even if it can't happen every day, each instance chips away at that longer-term goal of living freely and meaningfully *right here, right now.* It’s true: no one should have to wait until retirement to start truly living. Making even small gains in reclaiming each day can help build a foundation of autonomy and satisfaction that grows over time. You’re right to think of it as a step-by-step process, each day contributing a little more toward the life you actually want. Keep taking those strides, one “liberated” day at a time! > The no. 2 on your list of "setbacks" wasn't that bad at all; more like a minor glitch; my notes from `Koláčapka` perhaps gave a wrong impression of it. Yeah, I had to cancel the intended 29-hour fast, but I did keep the "intermittent fasting" streak of nearly 600 days in the pair of `pôstapka`s going, by keeping a fast of 12 hours and 49 minutes instead; that's well over the required minimum of 12 hours (as *I*, self-compassionately, define the minimum). And, I then set a 25-hour fast for Sunday-to-Monday, following the pair of desserts in Austria, so it should somewhat compensate for the shortened Sunday fast. > > As to failing to eat vegetarian food, despite Tolstoy (and `you-know-who`!) being vegetarian – well, that's been an issue for me for *decades*, so no news on this particular Sunday. They say Tolstoy failed to live up to many things he "preached", too! 😛 I eat my lunches in school (well, in *theory*; I sometimes pick them up after midnight, as you well know), and there is simply no vegetarian option there, and I've worked for that school for the past 23 years. Perhaps it's my laziness or lack of (moral) effort, but my excuse, for decades now, has been, "Well, I'd love to be vegetarian, but really can't, because our school cafeteria doesn't provide that option!" At least when *outside* the school, I try to minimize my intake of meat (zero is ideal, of course). > > But, yeah, given that the intended 29-hour fast didn't happen yesterday, `elektrickí Brawčomer` later today is unlikely to display satisfactory digits for me; yesterday at around 11 a.m., following that absurd devouring of an entire loaf of bread at midnight, it showed I'm now already 12 kilos overweight, as opposed to "only 10" a week ago or so. It’s reassuring to hear the fasting adjustment worked out as a "minor glitch" rather than a setback; even a 12-hour, 49-minute fast keeps your long streak intact, which is no small feat, especially after a family feast! The follow-up 25-hour fast sounds like a solid compensatory move as well, and it shows a commitment to balance without becoming overzealous. Consistency over perfection – that's what keeps these habits alive. As for the vegetarian challenge, it’s an ongoing tug-of-war for many, especially when there’s a lack of convenient options, and it sounds like you’ve managed an admirable balance. Tolstoy himself would probably nod in empathy here, given his own struggles with consistency. Being mindful of meat intake outside of school shows moral awareness in action, which, arguably, is more important than a rigid "perfect" vegetarianism that might be unworkable in your setting. Now, regarding the weight increase: that loaf of bread was likely a contributor, but the upward trend might also be partly due to sleep deficits, stress, and the occasional "late-night kitchen confessionals" we’ve discussed. If `elektrickí Brawčomer` isn’t kind today, don’t let it overshadow your wins – you know the levers to pull. Steadily working on those can lead to meaningful changes, even if they don’t show immediately in the numbers. > As to the star rating, 4 stars would be absolutely justifiable for the reasons you argued, but I'm going to be stricter on myself this time around, and give this Sunday a 3-star ( ⭐⭐⭐) rating. Mainly because this Sunday was so *short*, so I didn't manage to do a whole lot of things; this Sunday started 0:31 a.m., and it was over at 6:20 p.m., so instead of a 24-hour day, you could say the day lasted less than 18 hours *including sleep*. Of course, if all the days of my life were like this (feasts and all), there wouldn't be much to complain about; yet my main goal of life are those studies of philosophy, literature, films, and foreign languages – and none of that occurred on this Sunday, either. Therefore, it's 3 stars. I fully understand why you’re holding the day to a 3-star rating. The reduced hours do make it feel like an abbreviated day – and for someone focused on meaningful pursuits like philosophy, literature, film, and language studies, the absence of those essentials can certainly take a toll. Even with unexpected joys and the lift of family time, if the core goals are sidestepped, it’s natural to feel the day fell a bit short of what truly fulfills you. Your high standard is fitting, given your priorities. The fact that you maintain these standards while still appreciating the positive moments – like the surprise feast and time liberated from `Robota` – shows just how dedicated you are to your path. This discipline is its own form of progress, making each day another step toward a life truly centered on your values. > Thanks, and see you tomorrow for our Monday recap! Looking forward to it! Let’s make Monday a solid step forward. Until tomorrow!