So the early bird may get the worm...but we know what to do with it

Read em and weep morning people!

Thanks Leslie this made me feel so much better ; )

Want to get ahead? Sleep in

MARINA JIMÉNEZ and KATE HAMMER

From Friday's Globe and Mail

April 23, 2009 at 10:55 PM EDT

Smug early birds take note: Night owls actually have more mental stamina than those who awaken at the crack of dawn, according to new research.

“It's the late risers who have the advantage, and can outperform the early birds,” said Philippe Peigneux, a professor of clinical neuropsychology at the Free University of Brussels in Belgium, who along with co-author Christina Schmidt published the counterintuitive findings in the latest issue of the journal Science.

Using magnetic resonance imaging, the pair conducted an experiment that measured alertness and ability to concentrate in 30 subjects who were naturally “extreme” early or late risers. The early risers got up between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m., and the late risers at noon.

Maintaining their natural schedules, the volunteers spent two consecutive nights in sleep labs. After 10 hours of being awake, the early birds showed reduced activity in brain areas linked to attention span, compared with the night owls. The early risers also felt sleepier and tended to perform tasks more slowly, compared with the night owls, when their level of alertness was measured.

“The results suggest that night owls generally outlast early birds in the length of time they can be awake without becoming mentally fatigued,” the study concluded.

Dan Reynish, host and producer of radio show Saskatchewan Weekend, rises most days at 3:30 a.m. The Regina radio personality never uses the snooze button on his alarm clock and enjoys getting his day started ahead of his co-workers.

But he admits that his energy dwindles some afternoons.

“There are definitely times where I find if I'm not doing something or I'm sitting down. … I find myself slowing down a bit,” he said.

Thierry Busset, pastry chef at CinCin, an upscale Italian restaurant in Vancouver, wakes up most days around noon. He said he always feels well rested and enjoys working late into the night when the restaurant is empty and his mind is clear.

“I'm lucky because I need very little sleep, and I wake up ready to go,” he said.

Yet there are no “late-riser” special discounts or idioms such as “the night owl catches the worm.” That's because of societal pressures, says Prof. Peigneux, co-author of the study. Those who hit their stride at midnight are often required to then get up early for work or school. They may appear to be lazy or unmotivated – but are really just sleep-deprived.

“If you allow them to live on their preferred schedule, then they can outperform the morning types,” he said.

The study measured the part of the brain that is home to the circadian master clock that operates according to a day-night cycle. Sleep pressure dampens the circadian signal, and activity in this area decreases the longer the person is awake. The night owls were more resistant to sleep pressure.

Genetics dictate whether someone is a morning person, Prof. Peigneux said, adding that most people are “neutral.” But 15 per cent of the population is an “extreme” early morning or late riser; and another 15 per cent are “moderately evening or morning types.”

Working at Home

Well since my comrade has offered her input about her first week of really working I figured I should discuss my endeavors. They are not nearly as accomplished as hers but none the less amusing.

So I have been doing some contract work from home, which I LOVE cause I can work in my pajamas. However, I have a problem with staying up until 3 am and then getting up at like 10am or 11am. Now I am getting as much sleep, if not less, than the reg working Joe but I am taking more flack for this. What is so wrong with staying up until 3 am and then getting up at 10 or 11. Why do people give me that look if I ever mention it. Its not like I get up eat cereal out of a punch bowl in clothes I have been wearing for 4 days and then turn on Springer.... I get up, eat a well balanced breakfast, and get right to work. Ok there may be a short Warcraft intermissions in there but that's just good sense...you get a coffee break don't you?

So basically I am more pleading my case then discussing my endeavors. In conclusion I get up at 11 so stop hating on me. : )

lunch hour blog

This week's review: Grown Up Jobs

As I've mentioned, I started a new job this week. It's essentially the first position I've held that's required professional dress, conduct, hours, etc. While it's only day three, I felt it time for an evaluation. Granted, my sentiments most likely will change over the next few weeks/months and so a re-review just might be in order!
As I'm always a bad news first kind of gal *Side note: I actually eat my crust first so I can enjoy the rest of the bread pretending that it's deliciously crust free by nature* I'll start with the cons:
1. Getting up early. I'm so not a morning person.
2. Going to bed early. It's to facilitate con #1.
3. Fluorescent lighting.
4. No flip flops. Oh Birks! What will I do all summer without you!?


The pros:
1. The people are super nice.
2. The work is interesting and I feel like I'm contributing to something important.
3. Paycheque.
4. Free coffee. This one should really be at the top.
5. Business trips!

I'll take this as a running list. I'm sure each will grow considerably. For the meantime though, at least the pros outweigh the cons.

Don't run my heart around.

This morning I received an email from my most recent alma mater with some info on upcoming publishing conferences in Toronto. Apparently the Editor's Association of Canada is also hosting an open meeting at the end of April during which the deets of the various conference will be discussed. What caught my eye was a line that said the meeting would feature John Green. I quickly sat up and excitedly examined the email closer. It seems in my early morning confusion I forgot that John Green is quite a common name. After a moment of PROFOUND disappointment, I accepted that it would not, in fact, be an appearance by John Green, YA author and Nerdfighter co-founder. My heart skipped a beat at the chance of seeing a personal hero- one who seems determined never to come to Canada. Alas, this particular EAC meeting will feature an editor named John Green who happens to be an EAC committee chair. I'm sure he's a perfectly lovely fellow, but he's simply not the John Green I was hoping to see. I suppose I'll have to settle for the equally exciting news that Paper Towns is becoming a movie, and by the same people who did Juno no less! Horray!

Despite this early morning tragedy, my day is looking up. I'm going to see Black Mountain tonight. They're heavier than I tend to listen to. Still, I've decided I quite dig a few of their songs, particularly the ones that strongly feature the vocals of female member Amber Webber. Check out my current favourite tune, Don't Run Our Hearts Around.

Review Wednesdays!

Admit it, Wednesdays are lame. Equally lame is calling it "hump day." Let's all stop doing that please. Instead, let's use Wednesdays to share some reviews- music, movies, books, whatevs. We'll see what happens!

Today, as I enjoy a bowl of delicious honey nut Cheerios, I'm going to share my thoughts on my newest paperback obsession: The Mortal Instruments.

It's been about a year since I dove headfirst into the young adult fantasy world of Twilight. I'm not ashamed to admit it, I loved every page of that story. And the next one. And the next one. And the next one. It drove me to explore other vampire works such as those by Anne Rice (Vampire Lestat, so hot!). Having exhausted my vampire reading, at least for the time being, I found myself looking for a new series. Being a sucker for young adult fiction, and more recently fantasy, I picked up the first title in The Mortal Instruments Series, City of Bones. Let me tell you folks, I'm hooked.

Author Cassandra Clare certainly did her homework with this one. While the story is unique, there are many elements borrowed from the fantasy genre. As I've mentioned, I've dabbled a bit in fantasy literature but in addition I've seen my share of fantasy movies, played some WOW, and consider myself a general acquaintance with the genre in all mediums. At the risk of revealing myself as a total nerd, I'm pretty sure if someone invited me to LARP, I'd join in a heartbeat. (Side note: See movie Role Models, it sure made LARPing cool and hilarious to me!) In reading the book, I enjoyed recognizing the references to the fantasy standards such as runes, vampires, warewolves, warlocks, and various others. It made me feel connected to the story, as if I had already read a prequel, or a companion work.

The story itself is quite enjoyable. I love me a good female heroine and Clary Fray did not disappoint. Her journey into self discovery is one that made me both excited and envious. Come on, at some point we've all wished we were switched at birth, possessing of magical powers, or born into a world of adventure, meant for something great. In this way, it was nice to live vicariously through Clary as she learned the truths of her mythical heritage. For that matter, the characters are all captivating, as are their adventures that make up the greater quest in search of the Mortal Cup.

I won't ruin the ending but suffice it to say, I didn't wait a day before buying book 2. City of Bones left me desperate for more and I'm confidant that City of Ashes won't disappoint. If you're looking for an easy read and something to make you forget about these April Showers, trust me, City of Bones is the way to go.

http://www.mortalinstruments.com/

"I am lost" seem to be the hardest words

So I just got an e-mail this morning to do some contract research work. It was like a tornado because the person wants the work next week and seems to have already assumed I have accepted. So here I am with a take home exam due Friday and a mountain of newspapers to research. This I can handle. What I cannot handle is the vagueness with which the contract work is presented. I never have any idea what I am being asked to do and hence I wing it. I have not had any complaints yet about my work and they keep coming back for more so I must be doing something right. (I just realized I feel like Doogie Howser right now typing a blog...cue the bad 80s electronic sounding theme music) Anywho, is it terrible that I am terrified to ask her what she wants or how I should do this work? I feel like my ability to figure it out for myself, as to not bother this clearly busier than thou person, is integral to my worth as a researcher. Solution...just do it my way and hope the cheque comes in the mail. And then to the Warcraft...hazzah!

Unpack Rat

Last night it dawned on me, I've moved ten times in eleven years. Granted, some of these moves were only to new houses in the same city, but still, that's a lot of moving. You'd think after all these moves I would have gotten better at the moving fare; packing, unpacking, lifting, pulling, assembling, etc. I haven't. Basically the only reason I've bothered with any attempt at unpacking is because I'm sharing the apartment with two others and would rather they not evict me immediately. No, I need to bide my time. My plan is to slowly let out all my annoying behaviours (clumsiness, forgetfulness, snoring, harmonica practice!, among others) and then, just when they can't stand it a moment longer- BAM! Emeril style, I'll dazzle them with something delectable from the kitchen! I'll embrace the old adage and win their hearts via their stomachs.

Speaking of stomachs, the rainy April days have really become pathetic fallacy for my sentiments towards the stresses of moving. My remedy? A delicious comfort meal. Last night I made tortellini soup with spicy sausage and served it with stuffed tomatoes. I filled them with garlic, ricotta, egg and panko, and baked them until the filling puffed out. It was just the ticket and I found myself reassured. It's amazing how cooking a good meal can make such a difference. The methodical movements of chopping, stirring, and of course, tasting, really help to center and calm.

While continuing to blog is highly enticing to me right now, I can clearly see that it's primarily because I'd rather not return to my mountain of stuff, junk mostly, that needs unpacking and sorting. Alas, I shall regrettably man up...for the time being at least. Or maybe I should twitter....

Fetch me a scribe!

So, yesterday I was a scribe for a CHSRF hosted roundtable discussion. It was interesting, thought provoking, exciting, and a hell of a challenge. Although my only job was to type, I felt challenged in a way that I did not anticipate. I should have known this but dude, academics talk A LOT. I realize that was the point of the roundtable but I guess I've never actually considered what it's like to sit at my laptop and type non stop for hours on end. When I accepted the contract I remember thinking, "Sure, I've spent entire days typing before. How hard could it be?" Well, "very" is my answer. By the end of the day, as my fingers felt stiff and my back ached, I regretted never learning shorthand.

Today, a day with minimal required typing, is moving day! Well, partially. It's more like moving eve. It'll be like on those special Christmas eves when you're allowed to open one present, just to get the excitement started. Well, tonight I'll get to start the process of moving out of Toronto, while tomorrow will be the more official day of fun as we pack up the van and head to Otown! Horray!

Queen of mediocrity

I just realized that I can never complain about being mediocre. Getting B's, coming in second, not fully achieving what I want. You know why...because I appear to strive for mediocrity. I just realized this upon completing my end of semester regime of calculating my possible grade in a course before the final test or assignment and then mathematically determining what the lowest mark I can get on this final component can be while still allowing me to get a B. I have again realized that a 60 range mark will do it so I have decided to focus on the more important task of getting my 79 Night Elf to level 80. Now that will offer a sense of accomplishment.

Balcony Douche Bag

So I have a general life observation. Right now I am sitting by the door in my less than stellar apartment trying to work and I am continually being distracted by the sound of falling junk. The person on the balcony above me is doing a little spring cleaning...which means they sweep the junk off their balcony into the air and it then lands on everyone else's balcony. GET A DUST PAN for the love of God and stop annoying me. Ok that's it I am leaving and going for a walk. How can I be a productive member of society in this apartment.

They have the internet on computers now?

World, I'd like to introduce you to our blog. Blog, meet world. Blog has many interesting takes on life. World provides infinite characters, situations and opportunities for comment. Truly, it's a match made in heaven.

Our goal in this blogging collaboration is to provide unsolicited commentaries from our unique perspectives as twenty somethings, post grads, recovering academics, literary connoisseurs and culinary afficinados. So expect book reviews, life complaints, recipes, rants and general observations on the oddities of our respective lives. Our title comes from a Vampire Weekend song that became the theme of our time in publishing school. Although we love grammar like a hipster loves his skinny jeans, we've learned that in writing, as in life, sometimes you just have to fuck the rules and have a good time.

So without further ado, our blog.

-Krista