Hi, I'm Alec.

Origami is something I have been interested in getting back into, so here I am with my first model: a mouse.

October 2026

Things are pretty busy and it looks like they will continue to pick up as the summer winds down and fall approaches. Much of life is focused on the kids right now, leaving little room for anything else.

Paternity leave until December

Our second child was born back in July, and I'm fortunate that my job offers 12 weeks (!!) of paid paternity leave. It's not fully paid, which means that I am still working a day and half a week, but still, I'm not complaining. I'm extremely lucky to be in this position and be able to spend time with my family at home.

Trying to move my body

I used to be pretty diligent about having an exercise routine and moving my body, but I fell off doing that some time ago. I'm trying to get back into it by rucking several times a week, or at least getting in 10,000 steps a day. We're getting there.

Focusing on reading and writing

My free time is limited but when a few minutes pop up, I'm trying to be intentional by filling that time with reading or writing. It's helping me learn new things and understand different perspectives, but also discover more about myself. It also makes me feel that I'm spending my free time well.

Connecting and reconnecting with friends

I struggle with maintaining friendships, but I'm working to flip that script. My wife and I are meeting new people from the activities our oldest is involved in and from around the neighborhood. I'm also trying to be deliberate about reaching out to people I haven't talked to in a while. Making friends (and keeping them) as an adult is hard. I'm starting to view it more as a skill that requires time, energy, and effort, and less as something that just happens.

Miscellany

Reading:
Platonic by Marisa G. Franco

Watching:
Quarterback (Netflix)

Dabbling:
Origami

I am just now coming across the idea of “Exploring vs Exploiting,” and it is giving me a lot to think about on a personal level. I have a tendency to gravitate towards exploration and research over delivery, but the imbalance comes with angst. I am finding a balance is necessary and so far, the suggestion I found that resonates with me is from Kevin Kelly: 1/3 time spent exploring and 2/3 time spent exploiting.