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Polymerase chain reaction is a cornerstone of molecular biology research. Using short pieces of single-stranded DNA called primers the previously invisible becomes tangible.

Friday, January 04, 2008

Resolved

Some say that lefties don’t work well within structure. I find that I’m too inconsistent when I’m not. So, with that in mind here are my resolutions. They are more organizing principles than specific goals, but you know me. Typical lefty.

  • Eat more meals with company
  • Drink more water
  • Sleep more consistently
Even the shortest list can occupy the longest of days. Once you make headway on one item, other dependencies emerge.

Actually I should have listed the sleep resolution first. I was trying to get cute with the whole “eat, drink and be merry” theme. The evidence supporting both more sleep and a more consistent sleep pattern is compelling. Quantity, quality and variety of endeavors increase when I get 6-8 hours of sleep a night as compared to 3-5 hours. It will require a slavish commitment to prioritization and organization. I will have to identify and eliminate some dead time.

Drink more water. I stole this idea. By the time I got it, it was at least third-hand. However despite its lack of originality and recent evidence that the 8 glasses a day rule should be taken more as a suggestion, I need to hydrate better. Specifically, I can get almost a fifth of my hydration needs satisfied by adding more (any) fruits and vegetables to my diet. The word “hyponatremia” is more commonly spoken. I’ve felt the effects, being one of those 4+ hour marathoners. Glass after glass of water may be expedient, but it is sounding less and less sensible. And why take a salt tab when food is so much more fun?

And there it is. Food. The last two years have been a resurrection of sorts for me. Prior to that, disappointments and life’s setbacks made it easy for me to withdraw. In order for me to eat more meals with company, I will have to invite, accept and cook more often. Those are three things I enjoy, but haven’t done much lately.

That’s my list. I’ll flesh it out as projects come together. What does your list look like?

Wishing everyone peace, joy and success.

3 comments:

Bill Braine said...

We're thinking of renting a cabin with Elbow Prettybow one weekend this winter...why not come along? We'll eat together, drink water with the meal, and go to sleep early.

Bill Braine said...

Also, on setting goals. http://www.topachievement.com/smart.html

Primer1 said...

I like the typo in Elbow's name. Evolution proceeds.