It seems I might be drifting back to Ulysses for my writing, despite its Markdown foibles. The ability to publish to Wordpress and have an External folder linked to Blot, with great cross-platform syncing, is very nice.
@twelvety Is there a way I can get your email address? I would like to reach out to you about something.
‘I’m Busy’ Isn’t a Badge of Honour
It’s common within Australian business culture for people, when asked the question of ‘How are you going?’, to respond with something along the lines of, ‘I’m really busy’, or ‘flat out’.
This might be a reflexive response to avoid having to provide a more substantive answer, or it may be bluster to hide the fact they are anything but busy. Mostly, I think the response is given in the belief that “busy-ness” implies importance, worth and value. I think this is misguided.
When I hear somebody say they are busy, I tend to interpret it as:
- I don’t know how to delegate, so I’m doing everything myself.
- I’m disorganised and can’t structure my days.
- I’ve failed to prioritise and eliminate extraneous activity.
- I’ve actually got nothing to do, but I don’t want anybody to find out.
Being busy is not a badge of honour. It’s a cry for help. Either you’ve got too much going on, or not nearly enough. Either way, there’s going to be a lack of focus on the projects and activities that really matter, and deliver true value.
Customers don’t pay for busy-ness; they pay for value provided. A customer doesn’t care how much work went into something; they care if it solves their problem.
If you find yourself busy all the time, don’t accept it, and don’t feel good about it. Identify how to eliminate, automate or simplify the tasks that are eating away your days. Gain back some time that can be put to better use, such as long-term planning, blue-sky thinking, or relaxing by the pool.
People are not machines. Our lives should be balanced. Sacrificing some busy time for a chance to pursue enjoyment, self-development, or diversification is a trade worth making. If you’re not busy, these alternative activities will fill your time in productive ways and build knowledge and capability over time. If you’re too busy, rebalancing and jettisoning the things that don’t add value will help you to concentrate on the things that matter.
I put my name down to volunteer at the school canteen this morning. I’m breaking down the gender norms - I was the only guy on the list.
When reconstructing a soup your wife has previously made, don’t get the ratios wrong. Using too much broth, thereby not leaving enough for future servings, will get you in trouble.
I cannot sleep. So frustrating.
The more I use Notebooks app, the more impressed I am. It destroyed Agenda in my head-to-head test. It’s much nicer on iOS than DEVONthink is. Very impressive software.
The Modern Trap of Feeling Obligated to Turn Hobbies Into Hustles
The cult of busyness is one of the most toxic aspects of our culture, but it’s also a defense mechanism.
I hate that in working society the default response to a question of how one is, is so often, “busy”.
@martinfeld I enjoyed your latest rumination on hyphens. I don’t always get it right, but I try.
My holiday plan sounds like a Tinder profile: long walks on the beach, exercise, reading…
“Tim Apple”. Carrot is up with the latest Trump news!
CARROT Weather's forecast 🤣
Dice Roll: The Phantom Gambler
And just like that, the man won over $1.5 million. He calmly filled the empty suitcase with his winnings, exited Binion’s into the desert afternoon, and drove off. It was the largest amount ever bet on a dice roll in America.
Park Within the Lines
Knowing Mark, this doesn’t surprise me, but it does impress me! Off-duty Premier Mark McGowan becomes unexpected hero in stingray accident
That moment when you show up to the event you are hosting… only to realise it’s on tomorrow.
Gingerbread House Cubicle
Roaming through my Flickr history, I came across this gem.
We really smashed the Christmas decorating out of the park this year, as my cubicle was transformed into a gingerbread house.
Gingerbread House Cubicle
Just found this photo of my desk from 2008! I am still using the keyboard today. Apple used to have the ability to make long-lived keyboards.
One last visit to Wikitown, then off to bed. It’s past midnight!
I’ve been typing away on the keyboard form my 2013 MacBook Pro tonight. I love this keyboard. No failing keys to be found on this workhorse.
Bluey
One of the joys of parenting is being exposed to children’s television. Much of it is as you would expect, which is to say, execrable.
A new Australian Show, Bluey, bucks the trend. It successfully encapsulates typical family life within modern Australia.
This article with the show’s creator goes into great detail about what makes the father character particularly great:
Equally refreshing is Bluey’s take on fatherhood. Bandit is a laid-back but resourceful dad who’s heavily involved in the day-to-day childcare. In his home office, he sits on a yoga ball at his desk because, as he explains to Bluey, “I wrecked my back changing your nappies”. From cleaning to washing to school runs, Bandit navigates the drudgery of household life with calm assurance. “He’s actually really competent,” Brumm says. “He’s a good dad.”