For the Love of Lists

Engineering life one step at a time

Archives for May 2015

10 Ways to Clear Your Head When You Feel Overwhelmed

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Raise your hand if you’ve got too much on your mind.  Well, I can’t see you, but I’m going to take an educated guess that you know the feeling of being overwhelmed.  When things start to get crazy, try one of these methods to break through the mental stress and recover your focus.

Clear Your Head

1) journal – use an old fashioned journal to document your thoughts and daily events
2) brain dump – take 60 seconds to write down everything and anything that comes to mind to review later
3) write a letter – if you’re frustrated with someone, write a letter explaining how you feel (but don’t send it)
4) doodle – take a mental break and sketch out whatever comes to mind
5) record yourself – practice a presentation or song so you’re not replaying it in your head all day
6) mind map – get a handle on your various priorities by mapping out tasks and thoughts
7) create a flow chart – if you’re stuck on a decision or planning, a flow chart can help you organize your thoughts
8) answer questions – to solve a problem, ask yourself the “5 why’s” until you can find a root cause
9) vent – sometimes it’s best to find a good friend (or pet) who you can vent with (just be sure to give warning)
10) write a list! – whether it’s a strategic list or a list of fun things to pass the time, lists are an excellent mind-clearing tool

Of this list, my favorite is the brain dump (mine usually end up in the form of lists anyway).  So give these a try and see which is your favorite.  Once your mind is clear, try simple meditation techniques or a motivating playlist to get back on track.

Do you have any other tools you use when you feel overwhelmed?  Please share in the comments!

The Longest Day: Commemorating Our Military in Film

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Memorial Day

“Those who have long enjoyed such privileges as we enjoy forget in time that men have died to win them.”
– President Franklin D. Roosevelt, 27 November 1941

Each Memorial Day it is important to take a moment to reflect on our history and remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.  While Veterans Day celebrates the contributions of all those who have chosen to serve in our nation’s armed forces, Memorial Day honors those who gave their lives so that our freedoms and rights could be preserved.  For this we should be forever grateful.

While this weekend is popular for barbecues, it is also a time we can revisit the fields upon which this nation was grown.  Here is a collection of American military films categorized by conflict:

American Revolution
– The Spirit of ’76 (1917)
– America (1924)
– Drums Along the Mohawk (1939)
– The Scarlet Coat (1955)
– Johnny Tremain (1957)
– The Devil’s Disciple (1959)
– 1776 (1972)
– Revolution (1985)
– April Morning (1988)
– Mary Silliman’s War (1994)
– The Patriot (2000)
– The Crossing (2003)
– John Adams (2008)
– All For Liberty (2009)

War of 1812
– Old Ironsides (1926)
– Brave Warrior (1952)
– Mutiny (1952)
– The Buccaneer (1958)
– First Invasion: The War of 1812 (2004)

Mexican-American War
– North and South (1985)
– One Man’s Hero (1999)

American Civil War
– Gone with the Wind (1939)
– The Red Badge of Courage (1951)
– How the West Was Won (1963)
– Shenandoah (1965)
– North and South (1985)
– Glory (1989)
– Dances with Wolves (1990)
– Gettysburg (1993)
– Cold Mountain (2003)
– Gods and Generals (2003)
– Lincoln (2012)

Spanish-American War
– A Message to Garcia (1936)
– Santiago (1956)
– This Bloody Blundering Business (1971)
– Rough Riders (1997)
– Baler (2008)

World War I
– The Lost Battalion (1919)
– All Quiet on the Western Front (1930)
– A Farewell to Arms (1932)
– The Fighting 69th (1940)
– Sergeant York (1941)
– Paths of Glory (1957)
– Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
– The Blue Max (1966)
– The Red Baron (1971)
– Gallipoli (1981)
– A Very Long Engagement (2004)
– Flyboys (2006)
– My Boy Jack (2007)
– War Horse (2011)

World War II
– Casablanca (1942)
– Sands of Iwo Jima (1949)
– The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)
– The Longest Day (1962)
– The Great Escape (1963)
– Battle of the Bulge (1965)
– The Dirty Dozen (1967)
– Patton (1970)
– Tora! Tora! Tora! (1970)
– A Bridge Too Far (1977)
– The Big Red One (1980)
– Saving Private Ryan (1998)
– The Thin Red Line (1998)
– U-571 (2000)
– Band of Brothers (2001)
– Pearl Harbor (2001)
– Flags of Our Fathers (2006)
– Letters from Iwo Jima (2006)
– The Pacific (2010)

Korean War
– Crusade in the Pacific: America at War (1951)
– The Bridges of Toko-Ri (1954)
– M*A*S*H (1970)
– Tae Guk Gi: The Brotherhood of War (2004)
– 71: Into the Fire (2010)
– The Front Line (2011)

Vietnam War
– The Deer Hunter (1978)
– Apocalypse Now (1979)
– Platoon (1986)
– Full Metal Jacket (1987)
– Good Morning, Vietnam (1987)
– Hamburger Hill (1987)
– Born on the Fourth of July (1989)
– Forrest Gump (1994)
– We Were Soldiers (2002)

Gulf War
– Thanks of a Grateful Nation (1998)
– Live from Baghdad (2002)
– Jarhead (2005)

Wars in Iraq & Afganistan
– In the Valley of Elah (2007)
– Generation Kill (2008)
– The Hurt Locker (2008)
– Stop-Loss (2008)
– Brothers (2009)
– Green Zone (2010)
– American Sniper (2014)

You can find additional films in this Wikipedia database.  The History Channel app and documentaries are also great sources to learn more about our military history.

Remember what this day is about.  It’s not about barbecues, nor long weekends, nor parades.  It is about our fallen, who defended our country with their lives.  They fought for the very privileges we enjoy.  Today, we think of them.  We pray for them.  We honor them.

“Dear Lord, lest I continue my complacent way, help me to remember somehow out there a man died for me today.  As long as there be war I then must ask and answer: am I worth dying for?” 
Poem Eleanor Roosevelt carried during World War II

10 Free Ways to Boost Your Disney Vacation

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Disney Celebration ButtonsIn honor of Disneyland’s Diamond Celebration and its 24-hour kickoff (which starts tomorrow at 0600), here are 10 free ways to boost your Disney vacation:

  1. Scavenger Hunt – enhance your transit/queue time with a fun scavenger adventure (like this one for the Disneyland’s 60th anniversary!)
  2. Hidden Mickeys – Mickey ears are hidden all throughout the parks and resorts, so compete to see who can find the most
  3. Celebration Buttons – go to City Hall (or equivalent) to pick up free buttons for birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, graduation, or just to celebrate
  4. Imagineering Field Guides – while you can buy park field guides at bookstores/Amazon, you can also browse Wikipedia while waiting in lines to learn fun facts about the development of the rides (could be a fun trivia game)
  5. Photo Ops – if you ask, the professional photographers will take photos of you and your family using your personal phone/camera for no cost
  6. Ride Times App – search for a simple app that will keep you updated on estimated queue lengths (so you’ll know if it’s worth it to trek across the park)
  7. Autograph Book – decorate a notebook with your child to bring when they meet all the characters in the park
  8. Ride Souvenirs – supposedly if you ask a skipper on the Jungle Cruise they will give you a free map, but otherwise you can always make your own ride tokens to give to your kids if they brave some of the larger rides (like a printable death certificate for surviving the Haunted Mansion)
  9. “Broadway” Shows – At several parks you can see a 45 min Broadway quality show (included with admission): Aladdin at California Adventures and Beauty and the Beast at Hollywood Studios
  10. “DisneyBound” – Create an outfit based on your favorite Disney themes/characters using suggestions from DisneyBound (great for kids’ outfits that are more functional than princess dresses)

For an automatic enhancement, visit Disney during one of the holiday seasons, particularly around Halloween (Sep – Nov) or Christmas (Nov – Jan).  These times include special edible treats, holiday overlays of several rides, and added shows.

10 Ways to Boost Your Disney Vacation

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Going on a Disney vacation is a treat in itself, but, if you’re looking to enhance your trip, here are 10 ways to make it truly special:

  1. Pin Trading ($10+) – buy pins at the parks or purchase a bulk package on Amazon to trade with cast members
  2. Personalized Ear Hats ($15+) – purchase a set of classic Mickey ears and have names embroidered on the back
  3. Birthday Cakes ($35+) – celebration cakes can be purchased through Disney to be delivered to table service restaurants or hotel rooms
  4. Character Dining ($15-60+pp) – from the simple fun of Plaza Inn to a formal feast at Cinderella’s Royal Table, spend time with your favorite icons
  5. Tours ($25-100+pp) – follow professional guides as they show you the highlights and secrets of the Disney parks
  6. Show/Dinner Packages ($40-65+pp) – get a package deal for Fantasmic! or World of Color, including some of the park’s best restaurants
  7. Costumes/Princess Makeovers ($60-200) – buy your own costumes or get a complete makeover at the Bippity Boppity Boutique
  8. Photo Pass CD ($70-200) – this CD lets you take unlimited photos at the parks and keep the digital copies
  9. High-End Dining ($60-150+pp) – for a memorable evening, make a reservation at the Napa Rose or Victoria & Albert’s
  10. Disney Hotels/Resorts ($100-500/night) – Disney offers a wide selection of hotels that provide early access to the parks and free transportation
World of Color - Disney California Adventure
A view of the setting for the World of Color from the Carthay Circle Dinner Package section.

How to Make Life Feel More Like College

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Sometimes I wish I could go back to college.  Yes, adult life is fine and dandy most of the time, but I miss the freedom and fun of college.  You get this feeling that you can learn anything, do anything, take on the world.  I think after settling into full-time jobs we start to let routine convince us that it’s not about the excitement anymore.  So if you’re missing your alma mater, check out some of these ideas on how you can make life more like college.

  • Continuous Learning
    • Open Courseware – Search online and you’ll find tons of (mostly) free courses you can take on your own time to learn nearly any subject.
    • Learning Apps – Duolingo, Memrise, and TED are just a few examples of apps that can teach you in minutes a day.
    • Library – Nothing beats walking into a room full of books knowing you can learn just about anything.
    • Night Courses – Check out your local colleges for certification or degree courses you can take part-time.
    • Summer Sessions – Colleges and professional associations offer summer and/or short courses that can advance your skills.
  • Clubs & Extracurricular Activities
    • Community Recreation – Check out local sports teams or classes you can join in your town/city.
    • Professional/Technical Associations – Many careers are represented by professional associations with local chapters that put on events.
    • Groupon/Living Social/Amazon Local (Discount Classes) – If you’re interested in trying out a new hobby, search out a good discount.
    • Local Fitness/Dance/Activity Centers – These classes aren’t just for kids; rally some friends and try something new.
    • Start a Club – Always wanted a book club?  What about a cooking club?  Send out word and see if other people share your interests.
    • Pursue a Hobby – Is there a hobby you’ve always wanted to try?  Set aside an hour or two a week and dedicate it to mastering a skill.
  • Dining Hall Buffet
    • Host an International Potluck – Invite friends to bring dishes representing different cultures for a fun party theme.
    • Search for Highly-Rated Local Buffets – Try to look past the age-old Chinese buffets and use Yelp to find a fun, casual dinner.
    • Search Out New Recipes – Recreate some old college favorites or try your hand at a dish you’ve always wanted to sample.
    • Go to a Brunch Buffet – The adult version of the dining hall, complete with food you’ll actually enjoy waking up for.
  • Social Groups
    • Start a Weekly/Monthly Social Gathering – Whether it’s a club or just for fun, schedule routine time with friends on a regular basis.
    • Keep a Running Group FB Conversation – If you’re far from your friends, set up a group chat where you can stay connected.
    • Start a Social Text for Weekend Planning – Found a festival to visit?  Spread the word quickly to your favorite friends group.
    • Attend Networking Events – Many professional associations host community networking events where you can meet those who share your career goals.

College Life

  • Advisors
    • Find a Mentor – Whether they’re from your company or elsewhere, make contact with someone and ask them to share expertise.
    • Professional/Technical Associations – These groups can help match you up with an experienced professional to offer advise.
    • Research SME Blogs – Subject Matter Experts (SME’s) are often found on popular blogs and can provide guidance and tips.
  • Campus Resources
    • Spend the Afternoon at a Park – If you’re missing lazy days hanging out on the Quad, try taking a book or frisbee to your local park.
    • Visit the Library – Yes, so important it’s on here twice.  Spend a quiet afternoon at the library to focus on your projects.
    • Set Up a Study Center – If you’re taking classes, create a study haven in your home by sectioning off a desk area and organizing it to your study habits.
    • Watch School Sporting Events – Do you wear your school colors every season?  Look for your team online or live and root for your alma mater.
  • Purpose & Goals
    • Look for Opportunities – In college, we see opportunities to do fun or advancing activities all the time.  Do your homework and brainstorm all of the opportunities you could take.  Leave nothing out – you never know when the timing will be right.
    • Write Down Your Life Plan – Maybe you had big goals in college.  Remind yourself of them by writing down your life plan from this point forward.  Be as broad or specific as you like, but be sure to start planning for your goals and taking action.
    • Allow Yourself to Dream – One of the things I miss most about college is the feeling that I could go on to do anything.  Recover that feeling by allowing yourself to picture your “dream life”: the “perfect” day, the dream job, the dream house, etc.  Use these visions to set goals to work towards.

There’s no reason we have to give up that freedom and spontaneity we felt when we were 20.  It’s just a matter of working the features that you enjoyed into your everyday life.