I need to get back to doing this.

An online tool I’m using: Milanote - I discovered this platform last year when I started a branding project for a couple of clients. I love it. I can organise and plan everything visually in one place. There’s even a Mac app. Though I wish they mad an iPad app. There are plenty of mood boarding tools online but this one really works for me. It’s like Pinterest and Evernote rolled into one designed for creatives and project managers. It’s a digital way to make sense of ideas.

What I’m learning: I don’t need to be so ridiculously “productive” or “busy” during this time. If anything, I feel exhausted and unmotivated. I don’t know what to focus on. All of a sudden there’s a tonne of stuff I want to achieve or complete because I think I have so much time now. I feel guilty for not doing enough. But being cooped up at home and not seeing other people (other than my own family) for extended periods of time is diminishing for the soul. Hanging out with people online is not quite the same. The simple act of sitting in a café with other humans around (even if don’t talk to them) is really nourishing! I miss that. I also miss taking photos of people. I’ve hardly picked up my camera these days.

What I’m reading: I saw this book on our shelves and have just start reading it. The Slap by Christos Tsiolkas.

What I’m listening to: Directions in Groove (DIG) - The Favourite is my fave.

What I’m watching: Treadstone - I’m a fan of the Bourne movie saga with Matt Damon. This spin-off TV series has enough energy and good quality action to keep me interested. It does lose momentum every now and again but the action is pretty good (because that’s why I watch it) and it’s complex enough to keep me going. I haven’t finished season 1 yet. There’s so much to watch right now.

A quote I’m pondering on: “The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them.” – Ida B. Wells

I started a thing: I’m learning to use Procreate. I want to learn calligraphy and do more doodling and drawing. And I don’t normally play a lot of shooting games on a console but I wanted to try something new and started playing The Division 2 on Xbox and I’m hooked. I’m totally confused and I don’t know what I’m doing. I can only manage 1-2 sessions a week.

What I’ve discovered: Coffee is infinitely better with cream than milk. OMG.

What I’m listening to: 488 Rules for Life - I’m a big fan of Kitty Flanagan. I thought instead of reading her book that it’d be better to listen to her read her book. And it’s awesome! I’m constantly giggling to myself as I do the chores around the house.

What I’m watching: Tales from the Loop - This show is beautiful to watch. The light and colour palette is gorgeous like witnessing a painting in motion. It’s a slow burn and you will not want to be in a hurry when sitting to watch this. Solemn, intriguing, depressing but full of warmth and humanity. 

A quote I’m pondering on: “I have not special talents. I am only passionately curious.” – Albert Einstein

A useful app I’ve discovered: Markup This markup and feedback platform is easy to use and looks beautiful. I haven’t used it for anything yet but have added it to my list of productivity tools to explore.

What I’m learning/practicing: Piano lessons on Udemy. I’m struggling. Not because it’s technically hard but I’m so bored! I’d prefer to do lunges or push ups instead. I haven’t been to the gym in over 4 weeks.

What I’m listening to: Atkins Labcast is a new podcast by the wonderful people at Atkins Lab, an Australian photo lab that I use for my client work. It’s refreshing to listen to the owners Kate and Paul Atkins talk about photo industry stuff. Kate in particular is loud and funny.

What I’m watching: Future Man. This is a surprisingly amusing show albeit a tad unsuitable for my 14 year old son. I hold my breath and hide under my oodie whenever the dick and cum jokes appear. It goes away quickly enough. I had no idea Future Man is already up to season 3! I love that each episode is a bite sized 19 minutes of silly but clever absurdity.

A quote I’m pondering on: “The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.” – Leo Tolstoy

What I’m reading: We started subscribing to the Guardian Weekly magazine late last year. We all read it in the house including my 14 year old son. It’s a really great way to get a global perspective on what’s happening in the world in a “slow” way by reading it in print. You don’t get digital distractions like ads popping up.

What I’m learning/practicing: Piano lessons on Udemy. I used to play piano when I was in high school and I completed up to Grade 3 AMEB. But it’s been a long time and I’ve forgotten how to read music and I’ve had no practice. So I’m starting from scratch. The lessons are a tad boring at the moment but I’m going to stick with it. We have a piano at home and it doesn’t get played at all. I have no excuse.

What I’m listening to: 7am podcast

What I’m watching: Star Trek: Picard - It requires some effort and a few episodes to get into the multiple mysterious plot lines. I’m up to the last episode and I’ve enjoyed it overall so far.

A quote I’m pondering on: “Do what you can, with what you have, where you are.” — Theodore Roosevelt