February 6

1. Stay smitten. That is what will carry me through the next 3+ years. I had this thought last week upon realizing that the microfluidic setup Remi's capstone team is developing could also be adapted for use in the AHTF project. It propelled me forward. I still struggled to maintain focus after that. But I felt something stirring within me when I found that part out. Like we might have something here.
2. Also, after playing the gig at Truro today, I felt a sense of calm and equanimity. I've been thinking about how a leader should act. I think that showing calm in the face of adversity is a good start. A quiet sense of determination to get through difficult times. That, but also having a very low tolerance for bullshit. And ruthlessly calling it out when I see it. That's a critical part of good science. Remember De Magnete.
3. I remember watching a video (produced by Red Bull, no doubt) of some guys BASE jumping off some massive structure, I think somewhere in the Middle East. Right as they were about to fall, I remember one of them exuberantly doing pull-ups on the structure they were about to jump off of. Probably it was at least partially a way to let off some nervous energy that was building up in the guy's head. But it might also be a hint at the right attitude to take. While playing some bass tonight, I felt like my best playing tonight was when I imitated those jumpers. Although of course my life isn't on the line the way theirs was, I'm still in a somewhat risky situation, career-wise. Why not have fun with it? Why not get zany and bold and risk-taking? When you are willing to take risks and enjoy the ride along the way. 

This week, I will do some pull-ups.