It’s all about pi(e)

I’m not a mathematician. I breakout into a sweat and get knots in my stomach at the very thought of balancing an equation. Solving for an unknown is fun if I’m reading a mystery, but becomes terrifying if I have to assign a value to x or y.

equation

I passed algebra in junior and senior high school, but just barely. I have no idea how I got through college level algebra (with an A no less!), but when you’re paying for a class out of your own pocket, something miraculous kicks in.

On the other hand, the husband kind of likes math. He’s uses it in his work and was the one who helped me see the reason for the pesky x and y in equations. Heck, I didn’t even undertand that you didn’t have to use x or y! You can put the smiley face emoticon in the equation instead of an x or y. Wouldn’t that be more interesting? At least it would bring a little creativity to math!

So, if I’m really not that into math, why write about it? Because it’s Pi Day, the annual celebration commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi)!  I’m always surprised at how many people understand what pi is, but if you’re unfamiliar or have forgotten, here’s a pretty simple explanation from Math.com.

pi

“Pi is a name given to the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter. That means, for any circle, you can divide the circumference (the distance around the circle) by the diameter and always get exactly the same number. It doesn’t matter how big or small the circle is, Pi remains the same. Pi is often written using the symbol π and is pronounced “pie”, just like the dessert.”

For me, the last few words of the explanation are all that matter, but to properly understand why we commemorate the day on March 14, one more detail is necessary. Pi is an irrational number, meaning that the digits never end or repeat in any known way. (Irrational numbers! Imaginary numbers! Oh, the joys of math!) The first three digits are 3.14, which is why Pi Day is observed on March 14 (or 3/14 in month/day format),

The earliest known Pi Day celebration was held in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium, with staff and public marching around one of its circular spaces, followed by the eating of pi(e). On March 12, 2009, the U.S. House of Representatives (presumably because they had nothing better to do)  passed a non-binding resolution (HRES 224), recognizing March 14, 2009 as National Pi Day.

Pie_2

My background in Public/Media Relations causes me to wonder why the good folks at the American Pie Council chose Jan. 23 as their National Pie Day rather than March 14. To their credit, they do provide ideas for celebrating Pi Day with pies, but why not take advantage of the built-in promotional value of π (pi)? A missed opportunity in my opinion.

Regardless, I’ll be celebrating Pi Day with my usual running around in circles and eating a delicious piece of pi(e)!

February goal recap

It’s easy to make goals, but harder to reach them. In an effort to keep myself on track and be accountable, here’s my report card for February.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAWriting Goals – C+
Write 1000 words per week: I didn’t write 1000 words per week, but did make progress.

Post blogs three days a week:  Again, I fell short of that goal, so I’m revising my goal. (more on that topic below)

Health Goals – C
health

Research and try migraine treatments: I have been trying a new over-the-counter treatment for migraines. It doesn’t appear to be working, but I’ll give it a little longer.

Consistent exercise: Epic FAIL…

PT for tennis elbow: Improved!

Household Goals – A
Organize every room and closet in the house: I’m a little behind on this, but not too far off schedule.

Personal Goals – B+
Read two books: So sad – no progress on this item.

Document family history: I haven’t spent a lot of time on this, BUT with the help of a cousin or two, we solved a mystery!

Plan 34th anniversary trip: Nothing done this month, but still on track

Spiritual growth: This is difficult to measure, but I am being consistent with my quiet time.

So, for the month of February, I have a 3.0 GPA, which was where I wanted to be. However, I am seeing a trend with my writing goal that has caused me to make a revision.

booksMy priority is to write books. I have two started, one of which came together in a very amazing way. Every author who is unknown needs a blog and a social media presence to market their books, so I’ve been trying to build an audience while writing the books. Unfortunately, I’ve been writing posts for the blog, commenting on other blogs, commenting on the Facebook and Twitter accounts of other blogs; basically writing everything but a book.

I spoke with a coach who pointed out that unless I actually get the book finished and published, the purpose for the blog becomes purely social rather than entrepreneurial. She gave me “permission” to take a break from being social and encouraged me to post to my blog just once week (I may do twice if one post is on Wordless Wednesday). So, you’ll be seeing a little less of me for a while, but I hope to be back with a book under my belt!