I almost didn’t write this roundup. Not because I was avoiding writing or procrastinating; I've actually been busy with both work and social activities. Nearly every day this week has been packed with something.
Over the past couple of months, I've been pondering how I see myself and my life. A recent conversation with Genie made me realise something new in my life: contentment. Sure, I've experienced happiness, sadness, and anger like everyone else. But I never truly savored my life. I always felt like I needed more in every aspect, never feeling satisfied or feeling like I could accomplish more.
During a coffee chat with my friend Tina, she asked me "How do you manage to do it all?" I was taken aback.
While I take pride in myself and my accomplishments, I rarely feel like they're impressive enough. There's always something more to strive for, and there's no time to rest when my days are ticking away on this earth. COVID was a turning point for many people, taking stock of what’s important in this life and choosing a path other than climbing. It wasn’t the same for me–COVID turned out to be the busiest and most hectic time in my career and my life.
It wasn't until last year that I was able to pause and reflect on my life, viewing it from an outside perspective. I realized everything I've achieved and where I truly stand in my life. It's a beautiful realisation. And like anything beautiful, it deserves to be savored, contemplated, and enjoyed.
Reading
My ventures into White Christian nationalists has been a little heavy. Honestly, I never learn my lesson; I dive headfirst into heavy topics, then wondering why I have no desire to read my books.
Instead I’ve been enjoying lighthearted stories in webcomics from South Korea.
Watching
I am actually bored of TV. Nothing is appealing to me at the moment.
Listening
Living in Sydney and learning its history, I realized I'm witnessing the real-time effects of the lockout laws. Newtown was once known for its alternative and punk venues, where any day you could catch a live show featuring a local band. Now, shows are relegated to venues with a casino corner to bypass the laws and stay open late. On Saturday, I went out to support a colleague’s show. When I mentioned the venue, The Townie, to people, I kept hearing the same response: "It's so grimy and grungy." I was excited, expecting a proper dive with the potential for a mosh pit (though I wouldn't participate, too whimpy). Instead, it was just another cookie-cutter pub with the same casino carpet, overly clean, and identical layout meant to entice people to gamble. Very unpunk.
However, the music was great. I was thrilled for show, reminiscent of The Misfits and Black Flag. I banged by head and my ears were ringing by the end. Check out ZEROZEROZERO if you’re keen.
Eating
My basil, rosemary, and thyme plants are thriving, but I haven't had the chance to use them to their fullest. The current humidity in Sydney rules out drying them. This coming week, I'll attempt a simple pesto to use up some of my abundant basil. It's become a haven for insects: praying mantises and slugs, which attract miner birds that pluck at the leaves as they attempt to get their next meal. Some sections are riddled with holes, while the rest looks picturesque. The same happened with my bird’s eye chili plants, but I couldn't figure out the cause for months. I searched the internet for plant issues and diseases, only to spot a young bird pecking away outside one day. Magpies get the bad rap here, swooping in spring, but the real troublemakers are the miner birds.