#life-update — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #life-update, aggregated by home.social.
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hello everybody here in #mastodon & #fediverse I hope y'all are surving & winning ur silent battles.🫂😢
Tbh I am not okay & i feel so down lately💔which I hate whenever this happens coz I just lose all interests in my life.. Just imagining im drifting away into the further...Im sorry guys.. I should have not vented out.😣🥺
PLEASE TAKE CARE EVERYONE,STAY SAFE & CHECK UR FRIENDS ONLINE.#tuesday #boost #lifeupdate #communitysupport #cyberplace #social #internet
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hello everybody here in #mastodon & #fediverse I hope y'all are surving & winning ur silent battles.🫂😢
Tbh I am not okay & i feel so down lately💔which I hate whenever this happens coz I just lose all interests in my life.. Just imagining im drifting away into the further...Im sorry guys.. I should have not vented out.😣🥺
PLEASE TAKE CARE EVERYONE,STAY SAFE & CHECK UR FRIENDS ONLINE.#tuesday #boost #lifeupdate #communitysupport #cyberplace #social #internet
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1. Had the bathroom and kitchen professionally cleaned on Monday, including all the ceiling fans. The difference is remarkable.
2. Had the grass mowed this morning by a local fellow. It hadn’t been cut since last September when my brother last took care of it.
3. Coming here for two months to sort through things was absolutely the right decision. While I can’t move the heavy items, I’ve been able to bag, box, and donate many useful things to local charities.
Bonus: The cooler Upper Michigan weather has been a welcome change, though we’re expecting a high of 99°F next Monday. With no air conditioning, those freshly cleaned fans are about to earn their keep!
#ThreeGoodThings #3goodthings #UpperMichigan #Decluttering #Donation #HomeImprovement #LifeUpdate
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1. Had the bathroom and kitchen professionally cleaned on Monday, including all the ceiling fans. The difference is remarkable.
2. Had the grass mowed this morning by a local fellow. It hadn’t been cut since last September when my brother last took care of it.
3. Coming here for two months to sort through things was absolutely the right decision. While I can’t move the heavy items, I’ve been able to bag, box, and donate many useful things to local charities.
Bonus: The cooler Upper Michigan weather has been a welcome change, though we’re expecting a high of 99°F next Monday. With no air conditioning, those freshly cleaned fans are about to earn their keep!
#ThreeGoodThings #3goodthings #UpperMichigan #Decluttering #Donation #HomeImprovement #LifeUpdate
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22 June 2026
Writing a few words to get back in blogging shape. There’s been a lot keeping me busy and as soon as I sat down to write, my dog starting puking on the floor. For the last month I’ve been recovering from the acupuncture cure of Alpha Gal and don’t know how long before then I was dealing with the symptoms of meat allergy. For months I was complaining about the quality of ground beef at the grocery store, in reality I was probably having allergic reactions. The first time I got Alpha gal, it hit so hard that my entire life shut down. When it was cured, I acted like it never happened. Mentally I couldn’t acknowledge what happened. At the same time I was struggling with some mystery illnesses for years, now I believe those were allergic reactions from eating meat. Now that the acupuncture is out and I’m feeling better, I don’t plan to eat beef, pork, or lamb ever again with hopes that will give me new life. These are my first days back and I’m making plans for my future. In the Fall, for the first time all kids will be in daycare and I’ll get another part of my life back. My show has been going well and I’m proud of how the interviews came out. My plan is to turn my recording into an AI self that can read my blog writings as a script to create daily videos. One attempt at AI cloning was already made and failed, my thinking was that everything was too complicated, so I’ve been figuring out how to simplify things for take two.
#Acupuncture #AIContentCreation #AIVideo #AllergyAwareness #AlphaGal #AlphaGalSyndrome #ArtificialIntelligence #blogging #ChronicIllness #communityMedia #contentCreation #ContentCreator #Creativity #daycare #digitalMedia #FaithAndLife #family #familyLife #futurePlans #healthAndWellness #HealthJourney #interviews #JournalEntry #LifeAfterAlphaGal #LifeUpdate #MeatAllergy #newBeginnings #newChapter #personalGrowth #personalReflections #PersonalUpdate #Podcast #podcasting #recovery #stayAtHomeDad #technology #TickBorneIllness #wellness #writing -
22 June 2026
Writing a few words to get back in blogging shape. There’s been a lot keeping me busy and as soon as I sat down to write, my dog starting puking on the floor. For the last month I’ve been recovering from the acupuncture cure of Alpha Gal and don’t know how long before then I was dealing with the symptoms of meat allergy. For months I was complaining about the quality of ground beef at the grocery store, in reality I was probably having allergic reactions. The first time I got Alpha gal, it hit so hard that my entire life shut down. When it was cured, I acted like it never happened. Mentally I couldn’t acknowledge what happened. At the same time I was struggling with some mystery illnesses for years, now I believe those were allergic reactions from eating meat. Now that the acupuncture is out and I’m feeling better, I don’t plan to eat beef, pork, or lamb ever again with hopes that will give me new life. These are my first days back and I’m making plans for my future. In the Fall, for the first time all kids will be in daycare and I’ll get another part of my life back. My show has been going well and I’m proud of how the interviews came out. My plan is to turn my recording into an AI self that can read my blog writings as a script to create daily videos. One attempt at AI cloning was already made and failed, my thinking was that everything was too complicated, so I’ve been figuring out how to simplify things for take two.
#Acupuncture #AIContentCreation #AIVideo #AllergyAwareness #AlphaGal #AlphaGalSyndrome #ArtificialIntelligence #blogging #ChronicIllness #communityMedia #contentCreation #ContentCreator #Creativity #daycare #digitalMedia #FaithAndLife #family #familyLife #futurePlans #healthAndWellness #HealthJourney #interviews #JournalEntry #LifeAfterAlphaGal #LifeUpdate #MeatAllergy #newBeginnings #newChapter #personalGrowth #personalReflections #PersonalUpdate #Podcast #podcasting #recovery #stayAtHomeDad #technology #TickBorneIllness #wellness #writing -
So, here's the plan.......
Due to work again going to 8 PM tonight, I will not have any Stanley Cup live updates and posting like normal.
If game does go into overtime, I will be doing delayed live reaction.
Sorry, but work is priority right now.
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So, here's the plan.......
Due to work again going to 8 PM tonight, I will not have any Stanley Cup live updates and posting like normal.
If game does go into overtime, I will be doing delayed live reaction.
Sorry, but work is priority right now.
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music & miles & maintenance
didn’t get any freeCodeCamp (fCC) done this afternoon, but honestly the day still got used up pretty well, so i’m not exactly filing a complaint with the universe. i’ve been cleaning my room, rearranging a bunch of stuff, and doing that weird domestic shuffle where everything looks slightly worse before it looks better, but it's finally feigning more towards that latter half. the kind of progress that makes you question your own decisions for a minute and then, somehow, still feels […] -
music & miles & maintenance
didn’t get any freeCodeCamp (fCC) done this afternoon, but honestly the day still got used up pretty well, so i’m not exactly filing a complaint with the universe. i’ve been cleaning my room, rearranging a bunch of stuff, and doing that weird domestic shuffle where everything looks slightly worse before it looks better, but it's finally feigning more towards that latter half. the kind of progress that makes you question your own decisions for a minute and then, somehow, still feels […] -
humble chaos
medical transporter this morning was amazing. looks like a Vinny Raffa Jr though lol. he had dope music blasting when he picked me up — Smoking Popes, “Days Just Wave Goodbye” — which is already a pretty strong way to start the day before TMS.i’m on my way to my TMS session now, then i’ve got freeCodeCamp(fCC)’s Absolute and Relative Units Quiz, and then onto Pseudo Classes and Elements next. probably going to take a pause after the Design A Greeting Card Workshop, because […] -
humble chaos
medical transporter this morning was amazing. looks like a Vinny Raffa Jr though lol. he had dope music blasting when he picked me up — Smoking Popes, “Days Just Wave Goodbye” — which is already a pretty strong way to start the day before TMS.i’m on my way to my TMS session now, then i’ve got freeCodeCamp(fCC)’s Absolute and Relative Units Quiz, and then onto Pseudo Classes and Elements next. probably going to take a pause after the Design A Greeting Card Workshop, because […] -
My June 2026 Goals
Photo by Marina Endzhirgli on Pexels.com So it has been a plethora of fiascos the last few months but life is starting to stabilize again. This is a good thing cause I have about 8 blog posts in drafts and I need to finish them and get them published. Sadly our boy, my cat Da Storm passed away on March 10th. We had him almost 13 yrs and he was just under 15 yrs old. I miss him daily and will always miss him. He was my first real pet and love him very much. He saved me a ton over the years […] -
My June 2026 Goals
Photo by Marina Endzhirgli on Pexels.com So it has been a plethora of fiascos the last few months but life is starting to stabilize again. This is a good thing cause I have about 8 blog posts in drafts and I need to finish them and get them published. Sadly our boy, my cat Da Storm passed away on March 10th. We had him almost 13 yrs and he was just under 15 yrs old. I miss him daily and will always miss him. He was my first real pet and love him very much. He saved me a ton over the years […] -
design quiz complete, ramen loading, [fake] flyer pending
blew through the rest of freeCodeCamp (fCC)’s Design Fundamentals, took the Quiz, and aced it, then finished out the rest of Design like it was just another thing on the checklist (which it was) and not just a small victory disguised as a daily task (which it was not). there’s something weirdly satisfying about getting through a whole chunk of theory and then realizing you actually kept your brain in the room the entire time. that feels like a win. a real one. not the fake “i opened the […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/06/02/design-quiz-complete-ramen-loading-fake-flyer-pending/
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design quiz complete, ramen loading, [fake] flyer pending
blew through the rest of freeCodeCamp (fCC)’s Design Fundamentals, took the Quiz, and aced it, then finished out the rest of Design like it was just another thing on the checklist (which it was) and not just a small victory disguised as a daily task (which it was not). there’s something weirdly satisfying about getting through a whole chunk of theory and then realizing you actually kept your brain in the room the entire time. that feels like a win. a real one. not the fake “i opened the […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/06/02/design-quiz-complete-ramen-loading-fake-flyer-pending/
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less foggy, more forward-y
tonight was a decent little victory lap. i finished the rest of freeCodeCamp’s User Interface Design Fundamentals, and tomorrow i’m stepping into the first stretch of User-Centered Design. the brain is clocking out, but the momentum is still doing laps around the block like it pays rent. Empty Apartment Satellite-Parking Lot on a Cold, Brisk Night i also got a bunch of real-life nonsense handled, which is always suspiciously satisfying. room cleaning and rearranging got knocked down a […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/06/01/less-foggy-more-forward-y/
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less foggy, more forward-y
tonight was a decent little victory lap. i finished the rest of freeCodeCamp’s User Interface Design Fundamentals, and tomorrow i’m stepping into the first stretch of User-Centered Design. the brain is clocking out, but the momentum is still doing laps around the block like it pays rent. Empty Apartment Satellite-Parking Lot on a Cold, Brisk Night i also got a bunch of real-life nonsense handled, which is always suspiciously satisfying. room cleaning and rearranging got knocked down a […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/06/01/less-foggy-more-forward-y/
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pause unpaused. postcard is live. pause again. then, back to it!
glad i took another break after shipping the blog postcard. it’s live now! which still feels good every time i say it out loud. i posted the screenshot, linked it back to the postcard, and let the whole thing close the loop properly and all. right now, i’m just stepping away for a minute. gonna go on a walk, bounce my racquetball around, and keep my hand coordination alive while the rest of me cools off. little things like that matter more than they look like they should. they keep me […] -
pause unpaused. postcard is live. pause again. then, back to it!
glad i took another break after shipping the blog postcard. it’s live now! which still feels good every time i say it out loud. i posted the screenshot, linked it back to the postcard, and let the whole thing close the loop properly and all. right now, i’m just stepping away for a minute. gonna go on a walk, bounce my racquetball around, and keep my hand coordination alive while the rest of me cools off. little things like that matter more than they look like they should. they keep me […] -
the postcard is still alive (but not live yet), the lessons were easier than expected, and i’m still moving [and alive]
today is turning into one of those days where the work is moving slower than the thoughts, but that’s not the same thing as falling behind. i’ve already pushed through the first chunk of fCC theory and quizzes, and honestly the first three lessons were easier than i expected; that felt good! not in some dramatic, life-changing way, just in that quiet little “oh, i’m actually getting this” kind of way that makes the rest of the day feel a little more possible. right now, i’m on […] -
the postcard is still alive (but not live yet), the lessons were easier than expected, and i’m still moving [and alive]
today is turning into one of those days where the work is moving slower than the thoughts, but that’s not the same thing as falling behind. i’ve already pushed through the first chunk of fCC theory and quizzes, and honestly the first three lessons were easier than i expected; that felt good! not in some dramatic, life-changing way, just in that quiet little “oh, i’m actually getting this” kind of way that makes the rest of the day feel a little more possible. right now, i’m on […] -
BEC SPK 4 NY
i was just about to hit "Start Streaming" in OBS to go live on Twitch, but then i got an e-mail notification that New York! E-mail notification: New York reposted my blog Sooo, i just HAD to take a fast break, and cook up a quick BEC SPK to represent 😎 🥯 if u kno, u know; if u don’t; then u just haven’t been around New York Delis enough lol and for my NY Pinoy Gang, u kno i had to put that Jufran Banana Ketchup on em 🇵🇭 🍌 🌺 and for anybody who’s all gonna say, […] -
BEC SPK 4 NY
i was just about to hit "Start Streaming" in OBS to go live on Twitch, but then i got an e-mail notification that New York! E-mail notification: New York reposted my blog Sooo, i just HAD to take a fast break, and cook up a quick BEC SPK to represent 😎 🥯 if u kno, u know; if u don’t; then u just haven’t been around New York Delis enough lol and for my NY Pinoy Gang, u kno i had to put that Jufran Banana Ketchup on em 🇵🇭 🍌 🌺 and for anybody who’s all gonna say, […] -
the view got wider, and so did the build lately
something has shifted in the way i’m moving through my own mind.for a while, i thought i was getting more focused. more disciplined. more locked in. but i’m starting to realize that what i called focus was sometimes just tunnel vision wearing a serious face. it looked productive from the inside because i was staring hard at one thing. but staring hard is not the same as seeing clearly. now the view feels broader; it palatial. i’m noticing more — the edges, the peripheries, the stuff […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/05/31/the-view-got-wider-and-so-did-the-build-lately/
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the view got wider, and so did the build lately
something has shifted in the way i’m moving through my own mind.for a while, i thought i was getting more focused. more disciplined. more locked in. but i’m starting to realize that what i called focus was sometimes just tunnel vision wearing a serious face. it looked productive from the inside because i was staring hard at one thing. but staring hard is not the same as seeing clearly. now the view feels broader; it palatial. i’m noticing more — the edges, the peripheries, the stuff […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/05/31/the-view-got-wider-and-so-did-the-build-lately/
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week 3 day 6→7: i did the lab and i’m pausing
tonight i: finished the freeCodeCamp styling lists & links lectures built the fCC stylized to-do list lab took long walks at a leisurely paces as my PomoGuerzo breaks did some “room cleaning” as a separate activity than “breaks”, because i believe that having them as a combined activity previously was really draining me, and honestly, doing it this way seems a lot better stopped before i got cooked. Being more hyperware of my state of being and my state of energy level plus state […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/05/31/week-3-day-6%e2%86%927-i-did-the-lab-and-im-pausing/
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week 3 day 6→7: i did the lab and i’m pausing
tonight i: finished the freeCodeCamp styling lists & links lectures built the fCC stylized to-do list lab took long walks at a leisurely paces as my PomoGuerzo breaks did some “room cleaning” as a separate activity than “breaks”, because i believe that having them as a combined activity previously was really draining me, and honestly, doing it this way seems a lot better stopped before i got cooked. Being more hyperware of my state of being and my state of energy level plus state […]https://blogguerz.wordpress.com/2026/05/31/week-3-day-6%e2%86%927-i-did-the-lab-and-im-pausing/
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So apologies for very delayed gap, and game is over, but I have no idea who won.
We’re selling the place, we had a showing that was late already, (which lead to late posting), and another late showing that was supposed to happen at 7:15, didn’t happen till 7:40.
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So apologies for very delayed gap, and game is over, but I have no idea who won.
We’re selling the place, we had a showing that was late already, (which lead to late posting), and another late showing that was supposed to happen at 7:15, didn’t happen till 7:40.
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Just a small life update.
After losing my good phone in the robbery, I currently have to rely on my old device again, and it’s struggling badly. The battery barely lasts anymore, so I need to reduce power usage and keep things as lightweight and minimal as possible. Because of that, I’m stepping away from some platforms and rethinking which communication networks I truly want to depend on in the future.
What I will continue using and keeping are open and decentralized networks like XMPP, Matrix, SimpleX, Nostr, and the Fediverse. Those spaces feel far more independent, resilient, and aligned with the kind of digital future I want to support.
Step by step I’m rebuilding my setup, simplifying things, and focusing more on privacy-friendly and decentralized technology again. Sometimes losing a device really changes the way you think about communication, ownership, and dependence on centralized platforms.
#Nostr #Fediverse #Matrix #XMPP #SimpleX #Decentralization #OpenSource #Privacy #DigitalFreedom #IndieWeb #FOSS #Minimalism #TechLife #Resilience #Communication #DigitalIndependence #SelfHosting #lifeupdate
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Just a small life update.
After losing my good phone in the robbery, I currently have to rely on my old device again, and it’s struggling badly. The battery barely lasts anymore, so I need to reduce power usage and keep things as lightweight and minimal as possible. Because of that, I’m stepping away from some platforms and rethinking which communication networks I truly want to depend on in the future.
What I will continue using and keeping are open and decentralized networks like XMPP, Matrix, SimpleX, Nostr, and the Fediverse. Those spaces feel far more independent, resilient, and aligned with the kind of digital future I want to support.
Step by step I’m rebuilding my setup, simplifying things, and focusing more on privacy-friendly and decentralized technology again. Sometimes losing a device really changes the way you think about communication, ownership, and dependence on centralized platforms.
#Nostr #Fediverse #Matrix #XMPP #SimpleX #Decentralization #OpenSource #Privacy #DigitalFreedom #IndieWeb #FOSS #Minimalism #TechLife #Resilience #Communication #DigitalIndependence #SelfHosting #lifeupdate
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Taking Stock: 26 Little Snapshots of My Life and the Blogging World
‘ Taking Stock‘ is a fun, clever way to capture what’s happening in your life right now, using each letter of the alphabet as a prompt. I’m not sure how long this idea has been around, but when I read Debbie’s post on her blog, Deb’s World, it instantly caught my imagination, and I knew I had to give it a try myself.
In her latest ‘Taking Stock’ post, Debbie says she likes to pause every few months to take stock of the little things in her life, as they are sometimes the best bits. I agree!
To answer the prompts, she likes to give herself a few moments to process the words and avoid overthinking them. She then finds suitable photos to add. Debbie does these posts every 3-4 months.
Here goes – my first ‘Taking Stock’ post.
Admiring: Those bloggers who followed me by changing their blog’s theme to a Block theme. I haven’t come across anyone yet who has reverted to a Classic theme. Well done to the bloggers who have made the switch.
Believing in myself: Because of my dyslexia, I don’t usually accept beta-reading offers. But when Marsha Ingrao told me her book was about blogging, I jumped at the chance to beta-read it. It boosted my confidence big time. Thank you, Marsha.
Curious by: I’ve seen some great cloud formations recently. I love that all my photos and information are stored in the clouds. But what happens when it rains?
Is this where all my photos are stored?Decluttering: I love decluttering and have been doing a lot of it over the last few months. It leaves me feeling calm and positive. And look at all that free space! Wow! Not even my blog has escaped. Do you enjoy decluttering?
Excited by: It’s that time of year again. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place on 16 May in Vienna. I’m not sure about the United Kingdom’s entry this year. It’s different, and different can deliver good results, but how many points would you give it?
https://youtu.be/niMKvJ-Itq8?si=ySzj5mWS4W0S_MNJ&t=7
Flabbergasted: I’ve finally convinced myself I don’t need to keep up with fashion trends after seeing this. How do they sit down in some of those outfits?
https://youtu.be/zXCHO7lpCfQ?si=WN71VgrLLVch3Xzn
Grateful for outdoor space. I’m not green-fingered. Thankfully, I have a partner who is.
Horrified by the recent election results in parts of the UK. What on earth is going on? Some parts of society seem to want to go back to the 1930s.
Ironing: My best ideas for blog posts and flash fiction come to me when I’m standing in front of an ironing board. That’s why I enjoy ironing. Where do you get your best ideas?
Juggling time between blogging and life can be difficult. I see bloggers struggling with it all the time. Finding the perfect balance can be challenging, but it can be done. Step back, and you’ll soon see how to do it.
Kindness: This quote struck a chord when I saw it on Bluesky recently. If only all humans were like this. Please be kind to one another.
https://bsky.app/profile/chriswriter.bsky.social/post/3mlazbkfgj223
Listening to music, I used to play when I was a DJ in various pubs and nightclubs in London, where I loved filling dance floors. It was an achievement I loved. Now, some of that music helps me write. Do you have a music playlist?
Mood: I’ve always been a positive person. The glass is always half full. Don’t let others drag you down with their negativity. They aren’t worth your time.
Noticing: The nights. They are getting much shorter in the UK. On June 21st, the sun doesn’t set where I live until 21:37, so we will have over 18 hours of daylight. I still find it strange to go to bed when it’s not pitch dark.
Ordering less online: It’s convenient, but when I do go to the local high street and see how many shops are vacant, it makes me feel that I have been part of the problem. Support your local high street shops.
Puzzled by: I’m still trying to work out why WordPress changed the name of ‘Reusable Blocks’ to ‘Patterns’. It doesn’t make sense. If you’re still using the Classic editor, you won’t have any idea what I’m talking about.
Questioning bloggers: I’m delighted with the response to the questions I asked in my previous post. The main question was ‘How often should you publish blog posts?’ The responses make interesting reading and have many bloggers thinking. Why not join them?
Reading: I’m reading my first book of 2026. Dyslexia means I prefer to watch rather than read, but this book has sparked my interest, especially when I spotted myself on the front cover. It’s non-fiction, fascinating, with some humour thrown in. What are you reading?
Still pleased that I started cutting my own hair in 2013. The hair clippers cost me £49.99. When a barber last cut my hair that year, it cost £7.50. Now that’s what I call a satisfying cost saving. Do you cut your own hair?
Thankful to be able to smile again after having two front teeth replaced with implants. The two offending teeth were removed last July. It’s been a long wait for the bone to fill the gaps and grow around the implant sockets. Now I can share smiles with others again.
Understanding that not everyone will agree with me. But please try to disagree in a professional and friendly manner.
Very thankful that bloggers continue to share my blog posts. Whether it’s on social media, by linking to one of my posts, or simply by mentioning me by name, I’m always delighted when people tell me that reading one of my posts has helped.
Wondering how I won a pair of boxer shorts in a competition I entered to win a year’s supply of teabags. But I guess I should be pleased to have won something. Have you won anything recently?
eXtra special: Yeah, I cheated here, as I couldn’t think of anything that begins with the letter X. As Debbie says in her post, ‘don’t overthink it!’ So here’s a photo of Austin, who is eXtra special to me.
Yearning for you to read my latest story for the Story Chat feature on Marsha’s blog. Honestly, it’s very different from what I usually write and from the other stories I’ve written for Story Chat. It goes live in September.
Zooming in on how good it is to be part of the writing world, given that I have dyslexia. Your support and encouragement have been a big part of the journey. Thank you!
As you can see, this little “Taking Stock” exercise has given me plenty to think about, smile about, and even scratch my head over. I’d love to hear how life is looking from where you are right now. Which of my answers resonated with you most? If you picked just one prompt from this list—Admiring, Believing, Decluttering, Grateful, Wondering, or any of the others, what would your answer be today?
My thanks to Debbie at Deb’s World for the inspiration to write this post.
The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress image generator. AI was used to check for grammar and spelling mistakes and to help with the layout of the post.
You can follow me at the following sites.
Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#BlogTips #BloggingTips #Corgi #Decluttering #Dyslexia #Eurovision #LifeUpdate #Music #PersonalReflections #reading #TakingStock -
Taking Stock: 26 Little Snapshots of My Life and the Blogging World
‘ Taking Stock‘ is a fun, clever way to capture what’s happening in your life right now, using each letter of the alphabet as a prompt. I’m not sure how long this idea has been around, but when I read Debbie’s post on her blog, Deb’s World, it instantly caught my imagination, and I knew I had to give it a try myself.
In her latest ‘Taking Stock’ post, Debbie says she likes to pause every few months to take stock of the little things in her life, as they are sometimes the best bits. I agree!
To answer the prompts, she likes to give herself a few moments to process the words and avoid overthinking them. She then finds suitable photos to add. Debbie does these posts every 3-4 months.
Here goes – my first ‘Taking Stock’ post.
Admiring: Those bloggers who followed me by changing their blog’s theme to a Block theme. I haven’t come across anyone yet who has reverted to a Classic theme. Well done to the bloggers who have made the switch.
Believing in myself: Because of my dyslexia, I don’t usually accept beta-reading offers. But when Marsha Ingrao told me her book was about blogging, I jumped at the chance to beta-read it. It boosted my confidence big time. Thank you, Marsha.
Curious by: I’ve seen some great cloud formations recently. I love that all my photos and information are stored in the clouds. But what happens when it rains?
Is this where all my photos are stored?Decluttering: I love decluttering and have been doing a lot of it over the last few months. It leaves me feeling calm and positive. And look at all that free space! Wow! Not even my blog has escaped. Do you enjoy decluttering?
Excited by: It’s that time of year again. The Eurovision Song Contest takes place on 16 May in Vienna. I’m not sure about the United Kingdom’s entry this year. It’s different, and different can deliver good results, but how many points would you give it?
https://youtu.be/niMKvJ-Itq8?si=ySzj5mWS4W0S_MNJ&t=7
Flabbergasted: I’ve finally convinced myself I don’t need to keep up with fashion trends after seeing this. How do they sit down in some of those outfits?
https://youtu.be/zXCHO7lpCfQ?si=WN71VgrLLVch3Xzn
Grateful for outdoor space. I’m not green-fingered. Thankfully, I have a partner who is.
Horrified by the recent election results in parts of the UK. What on earth is going on? Some parts of society seem to want to go back to the 1930s.
Ironing: My best ideas for blog posts and flash fiction come to me when I’m standing in front of an ironing board. That’s why I enjoy ironing. Where do you get your best ideas?
Juggling time between blogging and life can be difficult. I see bloggers struggling with it all the time. Finding the perfect balance can be challenging, but it can be done. Step back, and you’ll soon see how to do it.
Kindness: This quote struck a chord when I saw it on Bluesky recently. If only all humans were like this. Please be kind to one another.
https://bsky.app/profile/chriswriter.bsky.social/post/3mlazbkfgj223
Listening to music, I used to play when I was a DJ in various pubs and nightclubs in London, where I loved filling dance floors. It was an achievement I loved. Now, some of that music helps me write. Do you have a music playlist?
Mood: I’ve always been a positive person. The glass is always half full. Don’t let others drag you down with their negativity. They aren’t worth your time.
Noticing: The nights. They are getting much shorter in the UK. On June 21st, the sun doesn’t set where I live until 21:37, so we will have over 18 hours of daylight. I still find it strange to go to bed when it’s not pitch dark.
Ordering less online: It’s convenient, but when I do go to the local high street and see how many shops are vacant, it makes me feel that I have been part of the problem. Support your local high street shops.
Puzzled by: I’m still trying to work out why WordPress changed the name of ‘Reusable Blocks’ to ‘Patterns’. It doesn’t make sense. If you’re still using the Classic editor, you won’t have any idea what I’m talking about.
Questioning bloggers: I’m delighted with the response to the questions I asked in my previous post. The main question was ‘How often should you publish blog posts?’ The responses make interesting reading and have many bloggers thinking. Why not join them?
Reading: I’m reading my first book of 2026. Dyslexia means I prefer to watch rather than read, but this book has sparked my interest, especially when I spotted myself on the front cover. It’s non-fiction, fascinating, with some humour thrown in. What are you reading?
Still pleased that I started cutting my own hair in 2013. The hair clippers cost me £49.99. When a barber last cut my hair that year, it cost £7.50. Now that’s what I call a satisfying cost saving. Do you cut your own hair?
Thankful to be able to smile again after having two front teeth replaced with implants. The two offending teeth were removed last July. It’s been a long wait for the bone to fill the gaps and grow around the implant sockets. Now I can share smiles with others again.
Understanding that not everyone will agree with me. But please try to disagree in a professional and friendly manner.
Very thankful that bloggers continue to share my blog posts. Whether it’s on social media, by linking to one of my posts, or simply by mentioning me by name, I’m always delighted when people tell me that reading one of my posts has helped.
Wondering how I won a pair of boxer shorts in a competition I entered to win a year’s supply of teabags. But I guess I should be pleased to have won something. Have you won anything recently?
eXtra special: Yeah, I cheated here, as I couldn’t think of anything that begins with the letter X. As Debbie says in her post, ‘don’t overthink it!’ So here’s a photo of Austin, who is eXtra special to me.
Yearning for you to read my latest story for the Story Chat feature on Marsha’s blog. Honestly, it’s very different from what I usually write and from the other stories I’ve written for Story Chat. It goes live in September.
Zooming in on how good it is to be part of the writing world, given that I have dyslexia. Your support and encouragement have been a big part of the journey. Thank you!
As you can see, this little “Taking Stock” exercise has given me plenty to think about, smile about, and even scratch my head over. I’d love to hear how life is looking from where you are right now. Which of my answers resonated with you most? If you picked just one prompt from this list—Admiring, Believing, Decluttering, Grateful, Wondering, or any of the others, what would your answer be today?
My thanks to Debbie at Deb’s World for the inspiration to write this post.
The featured image in this post was created using the WordPress image generator. AI was used to check for grammar and spelling mistakes and to help with the layout of the post.
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Copyright @ 2026 hughsviewsandnews.com – All rights reserved.
#BlogTips #BloggingTips #Corgi #Decluttering #Dyslexia #Eurovision #LifeUpdate #Music #PersonalReflections #reading #TakingStock -
From Laundry to Linux: Two Productive Days in Lusaka
Yesterday (April 30) and today (May 1), I spent some time doing laundry while also setting up my Raspberry Pi with Umbrel OS. I installed the software I need and started backing up my data today, deciding to go with Seafile for it.
I worked on all of this at the hostel, then took a walk to the university and continued in the library. Later, I went to a burger place and enjoyed a Friday deal.
Here are some photos from these two days.
#DailyLife #TravelLife #DigitalNomad #RaspberryPi #UmbrelOS #SelfHosting #Seafile #DataBackup #OpenSource #Linux #Homelab #Privacy #TechLife #HostelLife #UniversityLife #LibraryTime #FridayVibes #Foodie #BurgerTime #LifeUpdate #Lusaka #Zambia #ExploreZambia #LusakaLife #AfricaTravel #VisitZambia #ZambiaLife #LusakaDiaries #NomadInAfrica #WanderAfrica
📍 Lusaka, Zambia
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From Laundry to Linux: Two Productive Days in Lusaka
Yesterday (April 30) and today (May 1), I spent some time doing laundry while also setting up my Raspberry Pi with Umbrel OS. I installed the software I need and started backing up my data today, deciding to go with Seafile for it.
I worked on all of this at the hostel, then took a walk to the university and continued in the library. Later, I went to a burger place and enjoyed a Friday deal.
Here are some photos from these two days.
#DailyLife #TravelLife #DigitalNomad #RaspberryPi #UmbrelOS #SelfHosting #Seafile #DataBackup #OpenSource #Linux #Homelab #Privacy #TechLife #HostelLife #UniversityLife #LibraryTime #FridayVibes #Foodie #BurgerTime #LifeUpdate #Lusaka #Zambia #ExploreZambia #LusakaLife #AfricaTravel #VisitZambia #ZambiaLife #LusakaDiaries #NomadInAfrica #WanderAfrica
📍 Lusaka, Zambia
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Yesterday (April 30) and today (May 1), I spent some time doing laundry while also setting up my Raspberry Pi with Umbrel OS. I installed the software I need and started backing up my data today, deciding to go with Seafile for that.
I worked on all of this at the hostel, then took a walk over to the university and continued in the library. Later today, I headed to a burger place and took advantage of a Friday deal.
Here are a few photos from these two days.
📍 Lusaka, Zambia
#DailyLife #TravelLife #DigitalNomad #RaspberryPi #UmbrelOS #SelfHosting #Seafile #DataBackup #OpenSource #Linux #Homelab #Privacy #TechLife #HostelLife #UniversityLife #LibraryTime #FridayVibes #Foodie #BurgerTime #LifeUpdate #Lusaka #Zambia #ExploreZambia #LusakaLife #AfricaTravel #VisitZambia #ZambiaLife #LusakaDiaries #NomadInAfrica #WanderAfrica
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BIG LIFE UPDATE: I'm moving to Berlin! 🇩🇪📢
➡️ Details: https://blog.orhun.dev/moving-to-berlin/
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BIG LIFE UPDATE: I'm moving to Berlin! 🇩🇪📢
➡️ Details: https://blog.orhun.dev/moving-to-berlin/
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Hey friends! 💛 New video is up - just me, the car, and some real talk about life lately. Been getting things sorted and your messages have meant the world. Sometimes the journey takes us unexpected places (like mum's!) but having you all along for the ride makes it so much better. Link in bio!
#LifeUpdate #RealTalk #TravelCouple
Watch here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dJFlrZRH-S0
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So due to so many things happening in personal life, we are skipping ALL THE WAY TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.......
I am so sorry I skipped out on exciting UCONN/Duke Game and Final Four but at this point, no point in live posting it, we are skipping ahead, because old news doesn't work in social media.
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So due to so many things happening in personal life, we are skipping ALL THE WAY TO NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP GAME.......
I am so sorry I skipped out on exciting UCONN/Duke Game and Final Four but at this point, no point in live posting it, we are skipping ahead, because old news doesn't work in social media.
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For those wondering where my Final Four Posts are, it’s delayed. This is why.
#update #RoofRepair #delayed #LiveSportsPost #MastodonSports #LifeUpdate
