commit 6b5ccaa0fd5cdadef92cea58ebf3c092dd4b8880
parent 34c2b7bba98b5e1a16b29961c8411910049f6023
Author: FIGBERT <figbert@figbert.com>
Date: Wed, 25 Dec 2024 21:11:36 -0800
Add Stanford Quarterly Reflection Y1Q4
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diff --git a/content/posts/stanford-quarterly-reflection-04.md b/content/posts/stanford-quarterly-reflection-04.md
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+title = "Stanford Quarterly Reflection (Y1Q4)"
+date = 2024-12-25
+[extra]
+type = "post"
++++
+
+I continue to set new records in how long-overdue something can be.
+Nevertheless, I refuse to let this summery meditation slip away.
+
+<!-- more -->
+
+I have written already at length about my [internship]. This can, for
+the most part, take the place of the usual section on academics. Too
+much time has passed for me to recall any other projects I pursued that
+might be grouped in with my work to some alternative "productivity"
+category. I met with [Adam Nash]? But that wasn't really work. It's hard
+to say.
+
+I lived in two apartments. The first was in the Marina: it had a little
+backyard that was wonderful to sit in, and heated floors in the bathroom
+that made walking around in the early mornings significantly more
+pleasant. The second was in Cow Hollow: it was masterfully decorated,
+had the most excellent kitchen I've ever lived with, and was situated
+literally one block from Union Street. I think I've come to witness,
+within my lifetime, the fall of Union Street and the rise of Chestnut,
+and now the rebirth of Union as Chestnut grows stale. Which is to say
+that though both were lovely, the latter apartment was a far more lively
+neighborhood.
+
+Living somewhere, for the first time, on my own and with a kitchen, I
+was able to participate in perhaps my favorite tradition: Shabbat. I
+hosted about seven in all, dashing out of work early on Fridays to the
+grocery store and then to the stove to throw together the week's menu by
+the time the guests would arrive. I had high-minded and silly
+[inspirations] in mind while throwing them, and they largely lived up to
+those expectations. I placed an inordinate amount of weight on and thus
+care toward crafting cover images and descriptions for each [Partiful]
+invitation. And I was honored that people came! To have had you eat of
+my food and drink of my drink and be together in one place, laughing
+late into the evening, was the greatest reward and made me quite happy.
+I am also particularly fond of one story, in which Zach arrived an hour
+late—he drove up from Stanford—and came through the door to hear,
+"You're just in time! We're bringing out the food now. Come sit!" I was
+not always the most punctual.
+
+I also got away ever so briefly to New York, Oregon, and Mexico. I spent
+the first running around seeing everyone who was available—which meant
+quite a few people, given that Stanford basically splits in two between
+San Francisco and New York for the summer. In Oregon I lived in lakes
+and rivers, which was great because it might be impossible to have a bad
+time in the water. In Mexico, I had costras de queso for the first time,
+which was a life-changing experience I can highly recommend. The ant
+larvae at La Gruta were a life-changing experience I am less
+enthusiastic about.
+
+Of course, people were the most influential in making my summer
+wonderful. My whole family came to every Shabbat, baking the challot and
+creating amusing Partiful personas. Daniel and Emily were on the couch
+of my apartment waiting for me when I came back from my first day of
+real work ever. Daniel also hosted me in New York—the city where we
+first became friends—which was extraordinarily kind. Davita, Hasan, and
+Zach were the most consistent Shabbat attendees and thus gave shape to
+the most influential institution of those months. Odin crashed on my
+couch for ten days during the one period in which I was working remote
+and proceeded to induce The Most Fun and get me on creatine. Kelly and
+Joven I will thank for foolishly jumping on a plane with me time and
+time again, and Longhair for hosting us (and calmly weathering
+anaphylaxis). Trun for our meal at Lavash. Vivek and Nate for tolerating
+my god-awful tennis. Sophia for her rooftop DJ set, and Jordan and her
+mother for a great Effy's brunch. Guy the locksmith for his
+locksmithing, though he will never ever read this post.
+
+Now I will immediately begin writing the next reflection, so that I can
+hopefully have it done before I return from winter break. If I'm lucky.
+
+Great revelry awaits!
+
+[internship]: @/work/envelope/index.md
+[Adam Nash]: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adam_Nash_(executive)
+[inspirations]: @/reading/great-gatsby.md
+[Partiful]: https://partiful.com
