It’s the end of the month, and you know what that means—time to take a trip down memory lane and see what’s been going on over the last few weeks. Honestly, my brain is like a sieve when it comes to remembering things, so this little routine really helps.
Every week, usually on a lazy Sunday afternoon, I like to sit down and look back at everything that’s happened. It’s a nice way to wrap up the week and get myself organised for the next one. I jot down my thoughts and highlights in a draft version of these posts.
So, here it is, my monthly round-up. You’re more than welcome to dive in and read as much or as little as you fancy. Maybe grab a cuppa, or since it’s warm out, an iced drink might be more refreshing. Enjoy!
Life
I got a new keyboard. The MCHOSE K99, it’s so creamy and thockity, I just love typing on it. I have found that it’s quite challenging to find a 95% mechanical keyboard (that is not massively expensive) that has a nice typing experience. Plus, this scratches my brain in just the right way.
I passed my theory test! I actually scored a lot better on the test than I did the mock tests that I was doing. Which I’m supper chuffed about, as I thought that I would have to take it again. But passed the first time and I have got my practical booked for the 7th of August. My instructor thinks we’ll be able to bing that forward. So all the good vibes appreciated.
Roll for initiative! I have a standing drinking session on a Friday with some friends, and we have been talking about starting up a DnD session. Some have never played before, and others have with Jono and me. I’m looking forward to getting this sorted as I have a rough idea as to what character I want to play as.
And of course, it was WordCamp Europe this month that I really enjoyed catching up with people, and brainstorming some shenanigans. For contributor day, I was at the Photos table, I’m a mod, so I was lending a hand really to Michelle and Topher.
Work
I have to say that the work-life balance is really starting to get into the swing of things and I once I have my licence it may swing more towards life for a little bit. But anyway:
If you haven’t seen already, I’m working with Emilia Capital on their new WordPress Plugin that I’m having a lot of fun with. It’s called Progress Planner, and it’s here to help you with website maintenance procrastination. Which is something that I very much need help with.
I finished a deck for Jono that is for one of our clients. He’ll be visiting them next month to give the talk. I enjoyed putting this one together as it made me work with templates in Google Slides, which is something that I have never done before.
Following numerous conversations with people at WCEU, I had some thoughts about the Photos Directory and when we got back home I spent the Monday afterwards writing a blog post about the WP Photo Directory. I would love to know your thoughts.
Culture darling
Because you have to get some culture in somewhere!
Season 3 of Bridgerton dropped, and I have watched the first half up to the carriage scene. I know there is the rest to watch, but Jono doesn’t like it, so I need to wait for him to be away before I can finish the season. He is away the first week of July, so I will be catching up!
We also signed up for Apple TV and have watched all of WeCrashed, which is all about the rise and fall of WeWork. It was fascinating and terrifying as to how they are as people and the amount of money that they managed to get out of people. We also started to watch Severance, which I’m neither loving nor hating. It’s interesting, but I’m just not sure how I feel about it yet.
The art gallery in York currently has Monet’s lilies and bridge. I thought that it was going to be the size of the Mona Lisa (which is surprisingly small) but this was a really nice size. The details were astonishingly beautiful and to be able to walk right up to it and see the brush details were just beautiful!
We also went to see Mostly Autumn at The Crescent in York. This would be the 4th time I have seen them there and the sound was superb. Thought I did have my Loop earplugs in as it was really loud. The first half was a selection of excellent songs, the second half, while still wonderful, just felt a bit b-side.
Home improvements
This will be a kitchen heavy section! We have had so much movement in the kitchen. We got the layout finalized, the white base layer when down. Lights are on the ceiling, the sink is in, and we got a big sink. Cupboards have started to go up on the walls and the corner cupboard is in.
There is still a lot to do, but it’s starting to look like a kitchen again, which is great, and I can’t wait to cook in this. Also get the cupboards and drawers filled with things.
With me learning to drive, the garden has very much taken a back seat (see what I did there) this year and has got into a right state. It is needing a lot of love and I think I have found someone that would be able to help get it back into shape and evolve it further. I think that they will also help with the front, which would be nice.
Interesting links
Games
Some games that I’m playing and looking forward to.
- Fable will be hitting our consoles once again!
- There is a new Anno on its way. Currently playing 1800 with Jono.
- Tiny Glade demo was release this month, very chill game.
Books
That I have bought this month and samples that I have downloaded.
- Create Once, Distribute Forever – Halfway through this and enjoying!
- Slow productivity – highly recommend
- Fourth Wing – re-reading this.
- Painted Man – finished
- Hyperfocus – Not originally what, I thought, it was going to be about
- The Temptation of Magic – just got the sample of this.
Looking forwards
We have a holiday booked for 10 days in Bordeaux for our anniversary. I’m very much looking forward to it. Sun, sea and a pile of books! I can’t wait, Jono has so many tours booked.
Then we have a holiday with the family coming up as well in August, so look out for those pictures.
