Streak 137: 2027 Reading Challenge voting

Article: Vote for a 2027 Prompts

September was the time to vote for the prompts for the 2027 reading challenge. We could vote for up to three prompts each week, and the finalists have finally been announced: the top two prompts from each week move on to the final round. On October 10, the final results will be announced on YouTube.

Of the eight finalists, four prompts will be chosen and appear in the 2027 challenge. I hope these prompts make it into next year's reading challenge:

  • Name of a colour in the title
  • Published when you were 20
  • Title in ten letters or less
  • Read in a "-ber" month
reddit.com
u/nanigashinanashi — 10 days ago

Streak 132: The benefits of talking to strangers

Article: What Happened When I Started a Conversation with a Stranger Every Day for a Week

A few days ago, I heard on a podcast that talking to strangers on a bus can make us feel better. I was really doubtful about that because I thought having small talk with strangers would make me feel pressured.

On the other hand, what if someone talked to me? If I were already in a good mood, I might enjoy having a conversation. On the other hand, I would be annoyed if it happened when my social energy was low.

The article mentioned that it's worth stepping outside your comfort zone, but to be honest, I rarely feel lonely. So, I'm not sure if it's really worth it.

u/nanigashinanashi — 15 days ago

Streak 131: Ciabatta vs. Focaccia

Article: What Makes Ciabatta Different From Focaccia?

I made ciabatta last weekend, and I realized the process is similar to making focaccia That brought up a question for me: what's the difference between ciabatta and focaccia?

According to the article, ciabatta needs a much longer fermentation time, whereas focaccia is generously coated with olive oil and typically topped with olive oil, a sprinkle of salt, herbs, etc. I've never thought that dimpling the dough with my fingers when making focaccia creates such a unique texture and flavorful pockets for olive oil.

The article said it's easier to make focaccia than ciabatta, but I feel like ciabatta is easer to make for me.

u/nanigashinanashi — 16 days ago

Streak 123: Vote for 2027 Prompts — Week 3

Article: Vote for 2027 Prompts

Now it's time to vote for the third week of the 2027 prompts on The 52 Book Club. When I voted last time, in Week 2, I thought I could vote for two prompts on each platfom, It turned out that I can vote for only one prompt per platform, up to three votes in total: one on Facebook, one on Instagram, and one on Goodreads.

For Week 3, we can choose from the 15 prompts that come from the 2023 Challenge. This time, there weren't many prompts that I was interested in. I'll choose either of these:

  • #2. A city or country name in the title
  • #14. Time in the title
reddit.com
u/nanigashinanashi — 24 days ago

Streak 122: 2020 Challenge Journal

Article: 2020 Challenge Journal

The 52 Book Club released The 52 Book Club's 2020 Challenge Journal. I didn't participate in the challenge in 2020, so it's not really relevant to me.

Since my handwriting is messy, I don't like writing in a journal on paper. I wish there were a digital edition so that I could type on my laptop and keep my journal neat.

reddit.com
u/nanigashinanashi — 25 days ago

Streak 121: Simple habits for a longer life

Article: Habits to Form Now for a Longer Life

The article suggested setting aside 30 minutes to spend on a hobby. I feel like 30 minutes isn't enough for me to enjoy my hobbies, but it's true that spending a lot of time on my hobbies after work at night is causing me to get less sleep. I aim to sleep for 7 hours, but I often end up sleeping for 6 hours or sometimes even less.

From today, I'll try to limit the amount of time I spend on my hobbies and prioritize going to bed early. My plan is to finish my chores and hobbies by 8:30 p.m., then spend 30 minutes reading and doing yoga before going to bed at 9:00 p.m.

u/nanigashinanashi — 26 days ago

Streak 117: Healthy eating after 60

Article: How to Eat After Age 60

According to the article, we may require fewer calories after the age of 60 because we begin to have a lower total daily energy expenditure. But I'm far from that age yet.

After reading the article. I remembered that I need to try to eat more fish. It mentioned that people who don't eat fatty fish 2-3 times a week might be better to consider speaking with a healthcare professional about whether taking omega-3 supplements would be beneficial. I'll try to start eating more fish tomorrow.

I understand how important a balanced diet is. Now I want to know what to do after overeating. I ate too much last night, and I regret it.

u/nanigashinanashi — 30 days ago

Streak 112: A healthy aging guide to strenght training and stretching at home

Article: Strength Training and Stretching for Seniors: An At-Home Guide

I've been trying to do yoga before bed when I have time, usually for just 10-15 minutes. I started doing yoga to help prevent back pain. I wonder whether yoga and stretching are basically the same.

I didn't expect stretching to be helpful for supporting flexibility, balance, posture, and everyday movements.

u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 111: The 52 Book Club's 2027 prompts

Article: Vote for 2027 Prompts!

I've been doing The 52 Book Club's reading challenge. Even though my goal for this year is just five books, I believe the important thing is to have fun with reading.

It seems that September is the time to vote for next year's challenge. We can vote up to three times for each week on Facebook, Goodreads, and Instagram. We can vote for the same prompt multiple times or choose different prompts. I want to vote for one of these three:

  • Includes time travel
  • Name of a colour in the title
  • Discuss mental health

I'll think about which one to vote for throughout the day and vote for just one prompt by the end of today.

reddit.com
u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 110: Supplements

Article: Supplements for Older Adults

I have zero interest in taking supplements right now. I wonder if that will change as I get older.

I've been taking allergy medication since this spiring. After hearing about the side effects of supplements, I'm starting to wonder whether it's safe to take my medication all year round. I used to take it only during spring and early summer, but this year, my allergy symptoms haven't gone away, even though summer is almost over.

u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 107: How to keep your brain sharp

Article: Understanding Cognitive Decline: How Your Brain Changes as You Age

According to one study, women experienced cogntive impairment for the first time at around age 73, while men experienced it at around age 70. Then, some of them developed dementia, with women around age 83 and men around age 79. However, not everyone who experiences congitive decline develops demeitia or Alzheimer's disease.

Even though genes and family history are major risk factors for cognitive decline, it's important to try keep our brains sharp by earing a nutritious diet and exercising regularly.

u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 105: The stages of aging

Article: A Guide to the Stages of Aging

According to the article, there are various ways to define the stages of aging. I don't think the stages that are divided by age are that important. I believe the biological and physiological changes matter more.

It seems that many people over 65 start to face some health problems. I want to try exercising regularly and eating a balanced diet to maintain my health.

u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 103: Korean Listening Practice

Article: Korean Listening Practice — Strategies, Experience, and Audio Training

Since my goal is to be able to watch K-dramas in Korean without subtitles, it's important for me to practice listening to Korean.

The article recommends practice listeing to Korean for at least 15-30 minutes everyday. It says that even passive listening helps. Doing active listening practice for 15-30 minutes a day feels a bit stressful to me. I wonder if watching a K-drama for 20-30 minutes every day counts as Korean listening practice.

u/nanigashinanashi — 1 month ago

Streak 102: Korean podcasts

Article: Learn Korean Podcast — Top 7 Picks to Boost Your Language Skills

I listen to podcasts in English while cooking or washing the dishes. However, I've never thought of listening to Korean podcasts to learn Korean.

I've just started learning the Korean alphabet, and I haven't started studying vocabulary yet. I feel like I'm at an early stage of learning Korean through podcasts, but I'll give it a shot anyway.

u/nanigashinanashi — 2 months ago

Streak 101: Konglish

Article: Konglish — Unique Korean-English Words You'll Hear Every Day

I learned that there are two categories of words adapted from English: Korean loanwords and Konglish words. Korean loarnwords have the same emaning as the English words, while Konglish words have meanings that differ from their English counterparts.

Studying Korean loanwords could serve a dual purpose by helping me build my vocabulary and memorize Hangul. I'll set Konglish words aside for a while and focus on Korean loanwords.

u/nanigashinanashi — 2 months ago