Category Archives: Happiness

Narcissistic navel-gazing on how to make myself happy and how I’ve succeeded and where I’m struggling.

Two things I’ve done lately that made life better. YMMV

By | March 1, 2019

YMMV means “your mileage may vary.” It’s a disclaimer of sorts. Your specific outcome, if you try these things, might not make your life better. I’m never sure what internet lingo is mainstream enough to use that most people reading it would understand.* On to the things! 1. Cut way back on the social medias… Read More: Two things I’ve done lately that made life better. YMMV »

How to decide if a salary bump is worth the move or another article from years ago that I never published because you know all this stuff already and it’s too much excruciating detail that nobody but me cares about.

By | February 22, 2019

My friend Mimi is contemplating relocating from Chicago, Illinois to Sydney, Australia for her job. The assignment would last anywhere from 18-24 months and comes with a cost of living increase. She asked me, since I’m trying to impersonate a personal finance guru, if the move was “worth it.” So I asked her some questions… Read More: How to decide if a salary bump is worth the… »

Brad’s Status

By | February 18, 2019

Have you seen Brad’s Status? Yeah, I had never heard of it either before I saw it. It’s a movie starring Ben Stiller and, since it’s my policy to always say yes to people who ask me to do things when I’m free, I ended up seeing it in the theater. Our protagonist, Brad, lives with… Read More: Brad’s Status »

On meditation

By | October 25, 2018

Every single self-help book that I’ve ever read recommends meditation. Oh, I guess mine doesn’t. Dammit. But anyway, I finally took everyone’s advice a couple of months ago and started meditating daily for 24 minutes. Yeah, 24 minutes is an odd amount of time, but I read that suggestion in a book and the number spoke… Read More: On meditation »

On teetotalism

By | September 14, 2018

Indian weddings are a merry affair. At least in my family. Everyone flies in from everywhere and we create a giant reunion with food and activity and laughter that lasts for more than a few days. They’re pretty fun. In August 2018, I went to the wedding of a close cousin. On the final day… Read More: On teetotalism »