Difference between revisions of "Life Hacks"

From Eugene Eric Kim
(Project Repat)
(Updated goals and Work Big sections)
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== Goal Tracking ==
== Goal Tracking ==


Inspired by [http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/12/how_you_too_can.html Gretchen Rubin], who was inspired by [http://www.flamebright.com/PTPages/Benjamin.asp Benjamin Franklin], I've started using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.
Inspired by [http://www.happiness-project.com/happiness_project/2006/12/how_you_too_can.html Gretchen Rubin], who was inspired by [http://www.flamebright.com/PTPages/Benjamin.asp Benjamin Franklin], I've been using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.


== Work Big ==
The most success I've had was with a personal goal tracking dashboard for Groupaya. Each week, I give myself a point for:


Dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and an old Sony Multiscan G400 (19" CRT). In 2001, I converted my desk into a standing desk, using a couple of IKEA platforms. I like it so much, I've gotten rid of my chair. When I get tired, I switch to my laptop and sit down somewhere comfortable.
* Playing basketball (or simply shooting around)
* Taking a long walk (1+ hours), going for a run, or generally working out
* Taking a [ play day]. I include holidays here.
* Turning off my work email before dinner on weeknights
* Not checking my work email on Saturday or Sunday during the day


Ergotron makes [http://www.ergotron.com/Products/tabid/65/language/en-US/Default.aspx?FID=34,37 convertible standing desks].
I track weekly points, yearly averages, and a rolling four-week average.


Whiteboards are expensive. I ended up buying a barely used, magnetic whiteboard, which I love. I seriously considered [http://chrismetcalf.net/blog/archives/2007/06/16/how-to-dirt-cheap-wall-sized-whiteboards/ this hack], but the whiteboard paint got poor reviews. Jessica recently pointed me to [http://inhabitat.com/2010/06/17/eco-friendly-whiteboard-paint-turns-any-wall-into-an-artistic-canvas/ this whiteboard paint], which sounds better. I also considered [http://lifehacker.com/5319114/the-whiteboard-lovers-lair#c14357395 "Bath Board,"] but it was too much trouble, and I wanted magnetic. Recently read about [http://www.google.com/products/catalog?q=go+write+contact+dry+erase+paper&um=1&ie=UTF-8&cid=8421690560030488631&sa=X&ei=7dVqTfKiCZSosAPNvMimBA&ved=0CC4Q8wIwAw#ps-sellers Go Write Dry Erase paper]. Mixed reviews, but seems like a good option for portable, even temporary whiteboard surfaces. Another option is [http://www.davidcdean.com/6-impromptu-dry-erase-board/ lexan sheets].
== Work Big ==


Converting my [[MacBook Pro]] into a whiteboard using [http://thedrawtop.com/ DrawTop].
I have a dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and a Dell 24" monitor. In 2011, I converted my desk into a [[standing desk]] using a couple of IKEA platforms. When I get tired, I switch to my laptop and sit down somewhere comfortable.
 
Whiteboards are expensive. I ended up buying a barely used, magnetic [[whiteboard]], which I love.


== Task Management ==
== Task Management ==
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Using Hamster on Linux. Experimenting with [http://www.kedisoft.com/iclockr/ Lumina] on the Mac; would need to write some scripts to merge the information. Or, I could use [http://slimtimer.com/ SlimTimer].
Using Hamster on Linux. Experimenting with [http://www.kedisoft.com/iclockr/ Lumina] on the Mac; would need to write some scripts to merge the information. Or, I could use [http://slimtimer.com/ SlimTimer].


[http://www.rescuetime.com/ RescueTime] for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support. Should also look at [http://www.timesnapper.com/ TimeSnapper] for Mac.
[http://www.rescuetime.com/ RescueTime] for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support. Should also
 
[http://lightfield.com/ William Croft] [http://twitter.com/wjcroft/status/15726784922 recommended] the [http://www.invisibleclock.com/ Invisible Clock] timer.
 
I'm experimenting with the [[Pomodoro Technique]] using the open source [http://pomodoro.ugolandini.com/ Pomodoro] app on my [[MacBook Pro]].
 
== New People ==
 
When I meet someone new in a biz context, I add them to my [[Forge:CiviCRM]] database. If I'm curious enough, I'll find their blog and add them to my aggregator under "Recently Met."
 
== Travel ==
 
I used to put together a text file itinerary for all of my trips, which gave me a one page sheet that I could fold up and keep in my pocket. It was nice, because I could add notes, it was portable, etc.
 
I'm starting to experiment with [http://www.tripit.com/ TripIt] [http://getsatisfaction.com/dopplr/topics/tripit_and_dopplr_work_together integrated] with [http://dopplr.com/ Dopplr]. The nice thing about this is that I can just forward my travel info to TripIt, which will automatically read it, and I have a TripIt app for Droid.
 
Since 2008, I've used a Tom Bihn Brain Bag and a TravelPro rollerbag. I use Eagle Creek packing cubes, which are a lifesaver. I have a Tom Bihn [http://www.tombihn.com/page/001/PROD/200/TB0202 Medium Cafe Bag] which serves as a day bag, both for regular life and travel.
 
== Gadgets ==
 
Mobile phone: I currently own a [[Motorola Droid]] running [[Android]]. I used to own a [[Motorola KRZR]].
 
My parents got me a [[Kindle]] for Christmas 2010.
 
I use a homemade hack for my earphones, but I'd like to get a [http://smartwrap.net/ Smartwrap].
 
Considering an [http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/005345.php Obi100 VoIP adapter] so that I can plug my phone into a Google Voice line.
 
== Real Things ==
 
[http://lifehacker.com/5640718/turn-3+ring-binders-into-the-ultimate-small-parts-storage Turn 3-Ring Binders into the Ultimate Small Parts Storage].
 
=== Filing ===
 
One file per hanging folder.
 
Two-thirds rule.  This applies to all containers, not just file cabinets.  For example, your refrigerator (for those inclined to fill those up).
 
Use a label maker.  It really does make a difference.
 
=== Managing Paper ===
 
I own a Fujitsu [[Scan Snap]], which works with [http://www.awe.com/mark/blog/200709161530.html Linux]. There's also [http://www.officedrop.com/ OfficeDrop], which will scan your docs for you and export them into [[Evernote]].
 
I'm also going to try [http://www.scancafe.com/ Scan Cafe] for preserving my film photographs.
 
[http://unclutterer.com/2008/05/01/how-to-digitally-encode-vhs-home-movies/ "How to digitally encode home movies."]
 
=== Snail Mail ===
 
[http://www.catalogchoice.org/ Catalog Choice] lets you easily unsubscribe to unwanted catalogs.
 
=== T-Shirts ===
 
Ordered a T-shirt blanket from [http://www.projectrepat.com/ Project Repat] on October 9, 2012.
 
== Digital Things ==
 
See [[Digital Video]], [[Digital Images]], [[Digital Photography]], [[Digital Music]], and [[Note Taking]].
 
Possibilities for digital workflow management:
 
* [http://tarpipe.com/ Tarpipe]. See [http://blog.evernote.com/2008/11/10/tarpipe-integration/ Evernote post] about Tarpipe.
 
Hardware:
 
* [[MacBook Pro]]
 
Software:
 
* [[Firefox]]. Transitioning to [[Google Chrome]].
* Thinking about using [[LastPass]] for password management.
* Adina recommends [http://www.witopia.net/ Witopia] for personal VPN. Could also set up my own VPN using [http://lifehacker.com/#!5763170/how-to-secure-and-encrypt-your-web-browsing-on-public-networks-with-hamachi-and-privoxy Hamachi and Privoxy]
 
=== Blog Reading ===
 
Organized by:
 
* Frequently (check at least once a day)
* Daily
* Weekly
* Monthly
 
* Wikis
* Software Development (Subversion commit feeds)
* Recently Met
* Old Blogs (inactive blogs with bookmarked entries)
 
See my [http://www.bloglines.com/public/eekim Blogline feeds].
 
I got the idea for this organization from [[Bill De Hora]]'s [http://www.dehora.net/journal/2006/04/information_underload_part_i_feed_by_time_1.html post]. It's worked very well for me; my blog reading is much more efficient. It's important to prune regularly.
 
=== Email ===
 
Thunderbird.  Extensions:
 
* [http://mailredirect.mozdev.org/index.html mailredirect]
* [http://enigmail.mozdev.org/ Enigmail]
* [http://cweiske.de/misc_extensions.htm#dispMUA dispMUA]
* [http://extensions.hesslow.se/extension/4/Quicktext/ Quicktext]
* [http://www.zindus.com/faq-thunderbird-google/ Google Contacts Sync]
 
[[Getting Things Done]]:
 
* http://www.katywhitton.com/flipping/index.asp?view=display&ID=579
* http://entropicprincipal.blogspot.com/2005/09/using-thunderbird-to-get-things-done.html
* http://www.metagrrrl.com/metagrrrl/2005/10/getting_things__1.html
* http://www.summersault.com/community/weblog/2006/07/20/five-power-tips-for-thunderbird.html
 
=== Microblogging ===
 
I want to post to both [http://identi.ca/eekim Identi.ca] and [http://twitter.com/eekim Twitter] simultaneously. I want to be able to queue up posts. I also want to be able to follow both (on all accounts) without getting completely overwhelmed. The solution has to be compatible with both Linux, Mac, and [[Android]].
 
For [[Android]], I'm using Twidroid, which is great.
 
For posting from my computers, I'm converging toward the command-line [http://software.complete.org/software/projects/show/twidge twidge]. I've got the following aliases:
 
<pre>alias tweet="twidge -c ~/.twidgerc-twitter-eekim"
alias dent="twidge -c ~/.twidgerc-identica-eekim"
alias recent="(tweet lsrecent -su; dent lsrecent -su) | less -EX"
alias replies="(tweet lsreplies -su; dent lsreplies -su) | less -EX"</pre>
 
I also have a script called <tt>tad</tt>, which lets me post to both accounts simultaneously:
 
<pre>#!/bin/bash
echo "---------|---------|---------|---------|--------=|=--------|---------|---------|---------|--------=|=--------|---------|---------|---------|"
read TXT
twidge -c ${HOME}/.twidgerc-twitter-eekim update "${TXT}"
twidge -c ${HOME}/.twidgerc-identica-eekim update "${TXT}"</pre>
 
I'm planning on using <tt>at</tt> to [http://software.complete.org/software/wiki/twidge/HOWTOs#Posting-updates-in-the-future queue posts].
 
For following posts, I was inspired by GNOME Do's Twitter plugin, which shows new posts using GNOME's notification system. If I glance at it, I'll see a tweet, but otherwise, I'm not checking old posts. However, although the plugin works with Identi.ca also, it won't work with both simultaneously. Plugins are written in Mono/C#, which means the likelihood I'll get around to hacking it is low.
 
I was able to recreate a similar feature on my MacBook Pro using a Perl script called [http://www.echo-technology.co.uk/2009/01/26/twitter-growl-trowel-v10/ trowel]. I have one instance set up for Twitter and another for Identi.ca. It works great, and my plan now is to hack it to run on Linux using [http://geekblok.com/2008/09/09/fun-with-libnotify/ libnotify]:
 
* [http://search.cpan.org/~flora/Gtk2-Notify-0.05/ Gtk2::Notify]
* [http://search.cpan.org/~bluet/Jaipo-0.21/lib/Jaipo/Notify/LibNotify.pm Jaipo::Notify]
 
=== Synchronizing Data ===
 
My [[Motorola Droid]] automatically syncs with my various Google services, which is great.
 
I have Apple iCal synchronizing with both Google Calendar and [[Remember The Milk]].
 
I used a [http://lifehacker.com/393855/enable-google-contact-sync-without-an-iphoneipod-touch hack] to get Apple Address Book synchronizing with Google Contacts, but I don't have it working.
 
Still exploring good syncing solutions.
 
* [http://lifehacker.com/398775/sync-and-back-up-your-data-with-conduit-for-linux Sync and Back Up Your Data with Conduit for Linux]
* [http://gcaldaemon.sourceforge.net/ GCALDaemon] (can act as an LDAP server for Thunderbird using Google Contacts as a data source)
 
== Gift Giving ==
 
Maintain a list and add to it as you think of ideas. Don't wait until the last minute.
 
See [[BurdensLanding:Gift Ideas]].
 
== Other ==
 
* [http://www.codinghorror.com/blog/archives/001078.html battery charger]
** [http://www.kk.org/cooltools/archives/005911.php Eneloop rechargeable batteries]
* [http://sugru.com/ sugru] for hardware hacks

Revision as of 18:41, 25 November 2012

Goal Tracking

Inspired by Gretchen Rubin, who was inspired by Benjamin Franklin, I've been using a Google Spreadsheet as a dashboard for tracking personal goals and resolutions. It's similar to stuff I've used for work projects, only applied to my life.

The most success I've had was with a personal goal tracking dashboard for Groupaya. Each week, I give myself a point for:

  • Playing basketball (or simply shooting around)
  • Taking a long walk (1+ hours), going for a run, or generally working out
  • Taking a [ play day]. I include holidays here.
  • Turning off my work email before dinner on weeknights
  • Not checking my work email on Saturday or Sunday during the day

I track weekly points, yearly averages, and a rolling four-week average.

Work Big

I have a dual monitor setup: Samsung SyncMaster 204BW (20" widescreen) and a Dell 24" monitor. In 2011, I converted my desk into a standing desk using a couple of IKEA platforms. When I get tired, I switch to my laptop and sit down somewhere comfortable.

Whiteboards are expensive. I ended up buying a barely used, magnetic whiteboard, which I love.

Task Management

I use a combination of Chandler and Gmail with multiple inboxes and superstars.

I used to use todo.txt, which I still really like. I hope to write a todo.txt clone using Chandler as the backend.

The Big Picture looks really nice. Integrated task management and calendar with sharing, plus a clever visual interface. Probably doesn't have Chandler's import/export capabilities, though.

I'm starting to move away from Chandler. I am highly conflicted by this, because Chandler is still a great tool, it does things others still do not, and I'm on the board of OSAF. However, development has stalled, and there's no ecosystem right now. Specific issues:

  • Poor collaboration support. Sharing is hard with anyone other than other Chandler users, and it's hard for them too.
  • Poor mobile support. There's an Android client but it's add only, which is useless.

I looked at a lot of other tools, and I'm starting to settle on Remember The Milk and Google Calendar. Remember The Milk as a tool is okay, but they have done an amazing job on building an ecosystem. There's a great Android client, there's integration with a lot of tools that I use, etc.

I used to use todo.txt. I would sync the data files between my home server and my laptop. It consisted of a single to do list, and each item could be mapped to projects and contexts (as prescribed by Getting Things Done).

I don't use that many contexts. Things like "@computer" aren't useful for me, because I'm almost always near my computer. My main contexts are:

  • @call
  • @email
  • @write
  • @errand

I use aliases for each of these contexts, so that when I'm near my phone, I can quickly type tocall to see a list of people I need to call across all my projects.

When I'm not near my computer, I keep lists on good old paper, which I eventually transfer to my computer. I like index cards, but not for managing tasks, as the stack would quickly become unmanageable.

Time Management

Spend the first hour of your workday email-free. Finish a high-priority task first thing in the morning, then check your email.

Schedule a post-work appointment to prevent post-work lingering.

I have rudimentary calendaring software -- no meeting maker or anything of the like. When I propose a meeting (both business and personal), I'll enter it in my calendar delimited by parentheses so I don't accidentally overbook.

Time Tracking

Using Hamster on Linux. Experimenting with Lumina on the Mac; would need to write some scripts to merge the information. Or, I could use SlimTimer.

RescueTime for Mac/Windows is intriguing. May be worth it, even though there's no Linux support. Should also