This October I got to make my way back to Europe for the first time in almost three years. I got to spend the week exploring Vienna and Bratislava, along with taking some drives through the Slovak country-side. I loved all of the public transportation, and it was extremely refreshing compared to my usual car-centric life.

I put a hold on all existing and new projects a few weeks ago so I could clear up some time to think about my long term goals. I have been struggling with trying to balance too many interests, and not enough time. The conclusion of this repose was clarity of direction. I have simplified what I want to work on over the coming winter months:

1. (Olympic) Lifting: I have been enjoying my time lifting, and am getting back to the shape I have been in the past. I want to try making a run for 2027 nationals, and see where I end up. There is a local competition at the end of the month where I hope to qualify, and a national meet at the end of the year where I plan on furthering my total to end up in the top twelve in the nation. (The top twelve gets to compete on the main stage, while the rest competes at a different competition venue.)
2. Programming: I did some soul searching, and I still love computers. Even with everything that is going on in the world, I want to understand how they work at the lowest level. To do that, I will be starting some new projects I plan on seeing to completion, and posting about on this site. More updates to come.
3. Reading and Writing: I have been slacking on reading in 2026, I was on a roll in 2024 and 2025. I want to pick that pace back up and continue on into 2027. Along with reading, I want to write; I have picked up a pretty good schedule of posting here, which I am proud of. I enjoy clarifying my thoughts on the content I consume.
4. Learning Slovak: I have been learning Slovak off-and-on for a few years now, and I am going to take another serious attempt at it. I purchased some grammar books (Križom Kražom A1-B2) which I plan on using to build a foundation I can use whenever I am visiting.

You can read older updates in the archive.

The Wise Man’s Fear by Patrick Rothfuss. I finished up with The Name of the Wind last month, and I have to say it was one of the best books I have ever read.

More about books.