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mangosteen5-2-1 is not the combination on my luggage. It's just a good idea.
One rule of thumb that has made its way around science fiction conventions (e.g. Arisia) is the "5-2-1 rule". That is, in a setting where stuff is going on around the clock, and you don't want to miss any of it, you must get:
Wednesday and Thursday were proof that that applies to extended forays into constant-lighting/low-humidity datacenters as well, particularly on "you leave when you're done and no sooner" assignments. On Thursday, I pulled the same stunt as I did on Wednesday. That is, many hours in a very dry datacenter, standing in front of a monitor for several hours at a time without eating or drinking, puzzling over why something wasn't working quite right, and futzing with it until it did. I was in a fugue state. There is no other explanation. A human in a non-altered state of consciousness wouldn't willfully do that. However, considering that most really good programming is done in a similar fugue state, I guess I'm not surprised; just a little bothered that I managed to abuse my body as much as I did.
For the record, I've never had an alcohol-related hangover. I just never drink that much. However, considering the state I woke up in on Friday, I think I have some inkling of what they must feel like. Massive headache, achy, vaguely nauseous, totally dehydrated, etc. The fact that I knew why I was in this state was the most aggravating part. I worked myself sick. As I write this, I'm mostly recovered. Then again, I stayed home on Friday, rested, drank lots of fluids, etc., etc.
So I looked back on what I did and said "only two 14-hour days and I worked myself sick? I'm such a wimp." But that's not true. I probably could have done more days like that if I had to, at least for a very limited time. I just have to listen to my body more. But when I'm in a fugue state, it's not really saying anything. Time to rig up a set of Clever External Stimuli.
As for the whole "work smarter, not harder" thing, there's some stuff that just takes time, no matter how smart you work. Climbing up a learning curve is one of those things.
All told, it is good to know that I have some vague semblance of a work ethic, though.
One rule of thumb that has made its way around science fiction conventions (e.g. Arisia) is the "5-2-1 rule". That is, in a setting where stuff is going on around the clock, and you don't want to miss any of it, you must get:
- 5 hours of sleep (contiguously, if possible)
- 2 real meals (i.e. sit down, take a break, and actually digest your food)
- ...and 1 shower (for your benefit, and the benefit of everyone around you)
Wednesday and Thursday were proof that that applies to extended forays into constant-lighting/low-humidity datacenters as well, particularly on "you leave when you're done and no sooner" assignments. On Thursday, I pulled the same stunt as I did on Wednesday. That is, many hours in a very dry datacenter, standing in front of a monitor for several hours at a time without eating or drinking, puzzling over why something wasn't working quite right, and futzing with it until it did. I was in a fugue state. There is no other explanation. A human in a non-altered state of consciousness wouldn't willfully do that. However, considering that most really good programming is done in a similar fugue state, I guess I'm not surprised; just a little bothered that I managed to abuse my body as much as I did.
For the record, I've never had an alcohol-related hangover. I just never drink that much. However, considering the state I woke up in on Friday, I think I have some inkling of what they must feel like. Massive headache, achy, vaguely nauseous, totally dehydrated, etc. The fact that I knew why I was in this state was the most aggravating part. I worked myself sick. As I write this, I'm mostly recovered. Then again, I stayed home on Friday, rested, drank lots of fluids, etc., etc.
So I looked back on what I did and said "only two 14-hour days and I worked myself sick? I'm such a wimp." But that's not true. I probably could have done more days like that if I had to, at least for a very limited time. I just have to listen to my body more. But when I'm in a fugue state, it's not really saying anything. Time to rig up a set of Clever External Stimuli.
As for the whole "work smarter, not harder" thing, there's some stuff that just takes time, no matter how smart you work. Climbing up a learning curve is one of those things.
All told, it is good to know that I have some vague semblance of a work ethic, though.
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Date: 2002-02-24 12:31 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2002-02-24 02:05 am (UTC)i second hammercock's suggestion about water bottles. (nice safe resealable plastic bottles...)