Start to Change

I feel the situation starts to change from this week on. I will become more efficient at work gradually. Here I list the tasks to do for this week (20140519-20140525):

• Submit the abstract by Monday;
• Interview (QQ msgs) Li and Dad for setting up the ABM; 
• Finalize the ABM of peer effects among smallholders;
• Complete the statistical analysis on the simulation data;
• Complete a first draft paper for peer effects (including all sections);
• Start to do the daily recaps (new words, paper(s) read, being honesty, etc.);
• Figure out how to import the map to NetLogo;
• Email to a prof.

Living beside the Sea

My current living place is 2 minutes walk to the sea. Every morning I cycle along the seaside to my work, and every evening I cycle back along the seaside. Every weekend morning I practise Tai Chi facing the sea.

I once had a strong expectation to the sea. I grew up in a very inland place. To see the sea was one of my dreams when I was a child. The dream had not been realised until I was 25 years old. Now I am so close to the sea. I can see it when I lay on the bed. I can hear and smell it on my way to work and on my way home.

Sea is often compared to the board minds or deep thoughts, which I am short of. A Chinese saying goes: "the wise delight in water, the benevolent delight in mountains". Water is flexible and profound. 

Sea is also linked to boldness and tenacity. People obtain such qualities in the fight with sea. This seems true. People living in the coastal places appear more adventurous than those dwelling in inland places. For example, the southerners in China are more likely to do business than the northerners.