Showing posts with label taking stock. Show all posts
Showing posts with label taking stock. Show all posts
Making: A new home. I moved in right at the beginning of September 2023. It is a really picturesque attic\loft apartment. The pictures are what lead me to request a visit. It has taken me a while to settle in. Now I am slowly adding bits and pieces of me to it. I am reflecting on a more permanent home and what that would look like. Seems I am ready to create one....
Reading: Pachinko, Someday maybe, Ministry of Utmost Happiness
Watched: The unusual suspects, My Happy Marriage, Marriage Contract, Fisk, Wellmania, Under the Queen's Umbrella, Painkiller, Survival of the Thickest, Five Star Chef, The Glory, Selling Sunset Season 7 and 8, Yumi Cells 1 and 2, Crown Season 6, , The Double, Business Proposal, A Man called Otto, Orion and the dark, The Perfect Couple, Nobody wants this, Bridgerton Season 3, Queen Charlotte, The Woman King, Selling the OC , Daily Dose of Sunshine, Cast Away Diva, Blue Eyed Samurai, Leo, Where the crawdads sing(Making this list made me realize I have enjoyed some really good content...take your pick and enjoy.)
Listening: I have on repeat Burdens Down, For Your Glory and I surrender by Tasha Cobb Leanard and All things by Kirk Franklin
Writing: I have been working on academic assignments since the end of May 2024. They still confuse and frighten me.
Loving: Cooking with Doenjang and Gochujang
Eating: Had the best pizza of my life in Napoli and wrote about it.
Drinking: It is the season for ginger lemon chamomile tea
Learning: To comfortably take up space. Yes still working on this.
Giggling: Tiktokers are hilarious for all the right reasons and sometimes the wrong ones too! I love curling up in bed, watching and scrolling away....
Making: Time for change again. There are many who may not understand the motivation behind my choices this year. so here is a mini explanation.... My life is running me yet I am meant to run my life. This is starting to show on my body. I have gained weight, my anxiety and sleeping patterns are running a muck. Last year I accepted that I am also a worker bee, I like to have purpose, office politics can't be avoided but it should not take up 80% of my workload, so I am moving to where I can be more productive. Being productive is good for my soul. Taking control of my life means having good work-life balance, progressing through my masters, losing weight, sleeping better and worrying less. Let me stress again I want to run my life.
Reading: Africa is not a country by Dipo Faloyne, Spare by Prince Harry, 23 things they don't tell you about capitalism by Ha Joon Chang.
Watching(and Watched) : Little Women, Next in Fashion S2, Crash Course in Romance, Love is Blind Brazil (S2), Love is blind (S3) Meet yourself, Move to Heaven, Little Nyonya, Glitch, Firefly Lane S1 , The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko Home, The King's Affection, Cafe Minambang, Ginny and Georgia (S2) , The World's Most Amazing Rentals, Your Place or Mine, From Scratch, Vatican Girl, The Two Popes, New Life Begins, The Watcher, Ancient Apocalypse, Emily in Paris (S3) Dubai Bling, Bing Empire (S3), Bling Empire -New York, The Empress, Blood and Water (S3) She and her Perfect Husband , MH370: the plane that disappeared, Harry and Meghan
Listening: Unpopular Opinion UG, Daily Routine
Writing: For my new job and this blog. very excited about this.
Loving: The Ordinary's Retinol 0.2% in Squalene , Victoria Secret's Overnight Lip Mask
Eating: I am still making progress with my intermittent fasting journey and this week I tried Melatonin to help my sleeping pattern recover and wow... forgive me for the cliché but I slept like a baby
Drinking: More water and no alcohol for the next three months. Wish me luck
Learning & listening: Four new languages and this podcast episode changed my life...
Noticing & Feeling: I am the best version of self right now. I am enjoying thriving in my technical expertise. I am more assertive than the Maria of ten years ago. Maybe I will write about this in more detail on the blog, not sure yet....
Knowing: The only two people who really love me in this world are my niece and my nephew. When I returned from Zambia they were the happiest to see me. They just enjoy my company and it is vice visa for me too. My niece is was so upset when she found out I was leaving again. It made me feel really sad and slightly torn about my decision to move.... but I reminded her that I will return and we will have so many stories for each other when I do. Aside from family connection, for most of my life I have been trying to avoid being alone. Looking for friendships and even sometimes romantic love, it is starting to occur to me that maybe those are things that I need to accept I may have failed at doing. I have to stop running from being alone. I have to accept the kind of love that is available to me. Love wins because love is such a vast big thing.
Thinking: Set the intention. Tell God. Start the journey. I have a prayer commitment this year to complete.
Giggling Over: Elyse Myers, just discovered her on you tube and enjoying her videos.
And yourself? What are you taking stock of in this new year?
Drinking: I had this Sangria at Lilayi Lodge. Y'all look at the size of this Sangria! Definitely worth the price. It was the perfect afternoon cocktail to signal the commencement of four-days-no-work
Reading: I bought two books a while back. Everything is f*cked by Mark Manson and Africa is not a country by Dipo Faloyin. Have you read any of these books? Comment below and tell me what you think.
Watching: Wow...hehehe... where to begin? The list is below. Aside from my usual themes, I really enjoyed three British mysteries that I completed on Netflix.
Listening: Waiting patiently for Beyoncé's new album. I've also got Somebody's Son on repeat these last few weeks.
Wishing: To take more real vacations. Taking time to visit the Lilayi Elephant Nursery, Lilayi Lodge and Chaminuka Lodge was just the mini break my mind needed. It wasn't a long journey, just an hour drive from the city, still I felt like I had left my busy life behind. It was nice to spend time, laugh and eat with a colleague and her family.
Loving: All the scenery at the lodges. My room at Chaminuka Lodge was delightful; they turned the heating on in the evening so that when we returned to our rooms after diner it was warm. They even left two thick blankets just in case the cold was too intense at night. There was a cute little work station which I could have taken advantage of but I vowed not to work for 72 hours. We took a mini game drive in the evening to see the animals; lions, cheetahs, zebra, puku, water buck, elephants, wildebeest , lechwe, sable antelope, bush buck etc.. There was a lively band playing while we ate our buffet lunch and dinner; we sang along and enjoyed our meals . It was refreshing! Looking forward to seeing more of Zambia.
Knowing: I love my work. I love what I do.
Thinking: Can't wait to take some proper leave soon.
Giggling over: Mark Dasascos' masterful facial expressions on Iron Chef. Probably the main reason I continued watching the show!
Till the next adventure!
Making: A new life. I did it. Packed my bags, got on a plane and I moved to a new country during a pandemic. I started a new job. Now let's see what I make of this year...
Drinking: I am trying to return to my two-litres-of-water-a-day routine.
I am taking it slow because I want it to become the norm again.
Reading: I have started my masters studies in public administration- social and public policy .
I spend most of my time reading for coursework.
It has crossed my mind to write about my experience on the blog, not yet sure if I will.
Watching: Wow...where to begin? I have been watching a lot on Netflix and Viki.
Here's my complete list so far
Trust No-one : The Hunt For The Crypto King
Listening: Not much to report here. My podcast game is sadly lacking. Do the ones I listen to as part of my coursework count? The most recent one was about mixed methodologies in policy research.
Wishing: For healing.
Loving: Having a washer and a dryer. Laundry days are so easy and enjoyable!
Eating: The best French toast and blueberry jam instead of birthday cake at 3 Trees Cafe
.jpg "French toast at 3 three Cafe in Lusaka Zambia")
Knowing: I am getting older and it is scary sometimes.
Thinking: I am getting older and it is scary sometimes.
Giggling Over: True Beauty...it wonderfully written fun #Kdrama that shows the awkwardness of being a teenager so well.
MAKING: Time for family before I leave Uganda. I am cooking with my nieces and nephews. We are slowly getting used to each other again, and creating our routine . Tis the season! I am banishing the bad and the worry for the rest of the year. No...nope... they are not welcome here. Four days ago, I started my new job; I was going to get on a plane and go spend Christmas in a new country, probably on quarantine in a lonely hotel room, but the pandemic had other plans; There is a new Omicron variant and like the super bug that COVID 19 is, it is spreading fasting than the Delta variant. I have been granted the opportunity to work remotely till January. Now I guess we wait and see how this latest wave will treat us...so I am here.
DRINKING: water, peppermint tea, home-made dawa tea... I am just trying to keep myself hydrated in this sticky stifling Kampala heat.... also ginger works amazing wonders on my hay fever allergies!
READING: All About Love by bell hooks, Kololo Hill by Neema Shah, This is Marketing by Seth Godin and Red Dust Road by Jackie Kay
WATCHING: The Smart Money Lady, Start Up, Mystic Pop Up Bar and The King's Affection. Dear Netflix, I apologize for not appreciating you until now.
LISTENING: Christmas Carols!!! What else would we be listening to this time of year? "Santa baby, so hurry down the chimney tonight, Santa cutie, and fill my stocking with a duplex and checks..."
WISHING: No wishes, just being present this month and blocking the triggers of stress.
LOVING: My new matching fancy pajama suits that I will be rocking for 2022 < insert that awkward red dressed dance emoji... >
EATING: No favorites at the moment.
KNOWING: I am still learning that I can't fix everything for family members...no matter how much I want too. It's a whole process this learning thing. I remain committed.
THINKING: Officially starting my masters degree in January. Wow. I am actually going to do this!? I am not going to procrastinate any more.... eh. Dear Mum, I finally enrolled!
GIGGLING OVER: On Selling Tampa the ladies look professional but they didn't capture much of the listed houses being sold, yet on Selling Sunset it's all about the personalities, the fashions and the office clashes but the houses are selling. Atleast they show us that 'sold' clip more often. Can someone tell me why? For the record I enjoyed both shows.
In the comments share what you are taking stock of....
It's nearly the end of 2021...can you believe it?!
photo credit: Unsplash
MAKING: Day 234,675 of the 42 day lockdown in Uganda, and I am using my free time outside work to get the creative juices going. I have started painting again. Inspired by Minnie Small's tiny house painting series I am making some of my own mini master pieces.
DRINKING: Well let's just say I make my own cocktails and drink at home. A new habit of lockdown.... Gordon's Premium Pink Distilled Gin is a staple.
READING: I am re-reading Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert and Question for Ada by Ijeoma Umebinyuo because I want to write about them on the blog.
PLAYING: A lot of lofi beat mixes while working at home. My favorite three so far are Rooftop Dreams, Let your mind drift and Deep Within The Forest
WISHING: We are in our second lockdown, a measure that had to be taken, deaths are being reported on a daily basis both publicly and privately. I don't know about you, but I find myself often having wishful -thoughts about pre-pandemic life. And yes, I know that's unlikely to happen. More and more online articles and journals confirm that such measures save lives, but make us vulnerable to mental health issues ...like these two: BBC's COVID: Lockdown had 'major impact' on mental health and The good, the bad and the ugly of lockdowns during Covid 19.
LOVING: Vogue Visionaries. Damon Dominique. Kara and Nate Adella Afadi Linda Sun Captain Sinbad Johnny Harris The Endless Adventure and Aba and Preach Please go watch and thank me later
EATING: disciplined and healthy again. Lockdowns make me do that. I make salads and get happy. I am not sure who I am anymore.
NEEDING: To start reading properly again. My unread books are gathering dust.
WEARING: Pyjamas all day every day!
KNOWING: Burnout is real and not a temporary thing which can be cured by a villa -with-a-beachfront vacation. One needs a self care long term treatment plan and a permanent change in lifestyle and daily habits to recover. I keep saying we really need to discuss this more and raise thoughtful awareness amongst the active workforce. The judgement from the baby boomer generation needs to be addressed too. Two weeks ago, I watched Donna''s You Tube video on content creators and now I am inspired to write another post about my experience. The first post is here, in case you'd like to read it.
THINKING: Not sharing here.
GIGGLING OVER: The fact that my Purito Vitamin C serum is in the fridge. I want it to laaaaast. I need to get my money's worth! I have become one of those women tehehehehehe. Are you a Korean skincare addict too? Do share your experience below. Thank you dh beauty for the deliveries and great customer service .
Making: Time. I am constantly struggling with time for all the things, people and tasks that I need to give attention to. Due to grief, my prioritization skills are seriously lacking right now. I suspect the end of last year brought on another bout of undiagnosed burnout. I have learnt that grief generally disorganizes me for two years at most. I think we need to discuss grief with all the spectrum of emotions that it comes with, it is not just deep sorrow or drowning sadness. It can include a cold numbness, raging anger, forgetfulness, depression, anxiety and hopeful denial. My gut tells me it must vary from person to person depending on what type of relationship the deceased left them with. Overwhelmed, is the one experience 2020 came heavy with, and followed me right into 2021. My leave has allowed my mind to start clearing A LOT of mental clutter. I can now safely and successfully work on time management, renewing boundaries and getting my priorities straight in all areas of life.
Drinking: Water. One litre of water every morning after breakfast.
Reading: Honestly, I have gone off reading right now. I have several new good books around me but I am not interested. For the next taking stock I might be back to my bookworm ways but for now we are on hiatus...
Playing: The Royal Family Dance Crew and Paris Goebel fascinates me. At such a young age she was choreographing dance moves for Justin Bieber, Ciara, Jennifer Lopez, Rihanna and Janet Jackson. It got me thinking about all our favorite music videos and live performances...Do we know and appreciate the people who put in the work to create the fun and entertaining experience we all enjoy? I don't think so.... She is a star!
Wishing: No wishes for now.
Enjoying: Lovecraft Country, The Rebel Princess, The Sword and the Brocade and Sunshine of my Life. I think I shall write about some of them on the blog... watch this space.
Writing: Blog posts , a fellowship application and about to start that journaling exercise I wanted to get to.
Loving: Fake nails by Elegant Touch. The patterns are so cool and it only takes away 15 minutes of your life.
Eating: Am I eating anything interesting? No.... just the usual... I am cooking up a storm, not quite so sure how that happened ... the pandemic has really changed things...lol....currently meal planning for the fish defrosting in the kitchen.
Needing: I just took leave for 7 days. I did nothing, except sleep, eat and watch You Tube. My brain needed to reset, I was losing my grip on things as I mentioned earlier. I feel re-energized and ready to start again. So that was the one thing I was needing.
Wearing: Sunscreen. I wear this one. It glides onto my body and leaves no white or greyish tint. I don't strictly re-apply every two hours but I have joined the protect your skin bandwagon! Apparently the ingredients of sunscreens and whether they actually do what they do is a great debate....Interested? Watch these videos by Hyram, Dr Alexis Stephens and Lab Muffin Beauty Science to learn more.
Knowing: That I need to improve my overall fitness... I am committed to five days out of the week now. I am trying out beginner abs, upper body, arms and leg workouts with Madfit and various other channels for one hour.... Update on the blog about this coming soon.
Thinking: Trying not to allow my mind to get the best of me by going off on the anxiety- inspired- thought-fueled -tangent train. Ten minute wind down yoga sessions with Adrienne are a REAL blessing! Please do try them.
Giggling Over: Hello Mr Gu. I like the style of the this drama, I have found myself laughing out loud in the middle of the night many times.
Making: This blog has a new look and a new logo. What do you think?
Drinking: A daily cup of chamomile tea, which was recommended by my favorite Dr. Aunty to help with my anxiety. First cup was hard to swallow, but five days later I am used to the taste now.
Reading: Just finished 'The First Woman' by Jennifer Nansubuga Makumbi. There is
so much to unpack, I am already working on a blog post...
Playing: Not playing anything. Any recommendations?
Wishing: Just did a 30 minute session of yoga. I wish I never
lose the energy to make time like this for myself every week.
Dear future Maria, please don't get bored with this...
Enjoying: I look forward to my one hour of exercise each day! wait... what!? I know I am also wondering who this Maria is too. It really helps though. I work away my frustration. I sleep soooo much better. I am also enjoying cooking A LOT. I am making curries, stir-frys...anything and everything I put my mind too. Maybe my wifey genes are kicking in lol... However, I burnt my hand reeeeally badly a couple weeks ago, thankfully it's healing very well. You can't tell at all now.
Writing: I want to do a #JournalingChallenge. Currently working through my procrastination issues...
Most likely I will follow Jo franco's 30 day prompts.
Loving: Skillshare. As we already know my soul relishes in learning!
Eating: Oat porridge with banana, chia seeds and honey. Very Nice!
My mum was right. I need to find some almond butter.
I want to delve into the art of making smoothies soon..
Watch this space.
Needing: To panel beat the car and spray paint it. Got into two mini accidents in January.
Knowing: The feeling of doom/dread. I am trying to accept there is not much I can do about it
when it comes. It follows me around like a shadow....
Always reminding me that I am not worthy of anything good, and that I am hopeless.
I keep telling it to do what it needs to do, but it enjoys torturing me in my head.
Thinking: Too much... all the time without stopping. Thinking and thinking and thinking about things I have no control over.
Giggling Over: The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, I don't have a favorite yet but Whitney is coming along strong. Then there's Bridgerton season one, loved the costumes!!! Probably would have appreciated it more if I was in my naïve-uninformed-early-twenties, but still
a lovely risk for Shonda Rhimes to take. Can't wait for season two.
Making: Time to reflect on what's next for this blog. Branding, branding, branding.... watch this space.
Drinking: cucumber, carrot, ginger, apple and orange juice
Playing: The Gift by Beyoncé, over and over again to try and catch different African musical influences, then I try and guess which country and region it comes from.
Wishing: That things were different. Someone I know just died of COVID 19, then the protests this week.... words fail me. Nothing I say could articulate my emotions and sentiments well enough.
Enjoying: Ruyi's Royal Love in the Palace and The Story of Yanxi Palace . One tragic, the later comical... some light relief from the real world.
Writing: Not much really... thinking about trying to write short stories again.
Loving: My new night time K beauty skin care routine is just fire! My skin is living its best life right now. Cosrx, Inkey List, Purito and Isntree products are doing wonders...
Eating: Salmon and Tuna nagiri from Miso Garden. Think my body was craving the nutritional Omega oils..
Needing: A proper holiday.
Wearing: Jamaican style locs...blond ombre.... Totally stepped out of my comfort zone of no loud colours
Knowing: That I must make some external and internal changes. I shall continue to step in and put wisdom to action.
Thinking: I really had some superficial thoughts on romantic relationships lol...I need to write about this.
Giggling Over: The Real Housewives of Johannesburg Season 1 and 2. My faves are 'Madam' Evodia Mogase and Mercy Mogase such a pity they left so early. We need to petition to bring them back! Mrs Mops , 'Lejoy' and Lebo are my faves from season 2.
Making: Juices! Juicing! Juicer!
Cucumber plus carrot plus ginger plus apples
plus lemon equals healthy living during a pandemic.
I have already written about my burnout-cure here.
When I say 'my' I mean it worked for me.
I don't like eating vegetables and fruits
so JUICING is my new GO TO.
And guess what?
I am making it my self!
I know...whaaaat!?
Thanks to a juicer donation from a bestie,
I am not sure who this new me is...
Drinking: Soy Milk. And my stomach says thank you.
Reading: The Ickabog by J.K. Rowling. Being a fan of Harry Potter
from childhood, I could NOT miss out on reading this even if
I am above the target audience lol...
Playing: Not playing anything...wow...
I need to find a game for fun.
Wishing: I really missed my friends during lockdown.
I have been waiting and wishing for that part of
my life to return. But so many adjustments will be made.
I spend too much unnecessary money.
Spending well and Saving Saving for the rest of 2020
We must have side incomes in 2021,
In Jesus' name Amen!
Enjoying: My new daily routine developed during full lockdown.
All the vegetables and fruits I eat,
and the 30 minute home workouts are
surprisingly fun and good for my mental and physical health.
Again....I don't know who this new me is but...
She takes two hour walks with my Bestie once a week
which is really a therapy session in disguise.
Also NOT commuting to and from work,
and working from home is mostly nice;
because Traffic with this 7.00 pm curfew is NUTS.
Writing: I have slowly started writing on this blog again.
There are many drafts tucked away
that I need to bring to fruition.
Slowly but surely!
It was encouraging to see one of my childhood friends
describe this space as 'insightful & awesome'
I just felt so appreciated
for creating and maintaining this blogging nook.
* insert happy tears*
Loving: Having my little home.
It has triggered
my own organizing cleaning schedule.
And really helped with my anxiety.
It was time.
Eating: Pork, Roast Chicken bought in my neighborhood,
and UgaRoll chapatis.....yummy!
A restaurant that has surprised me is the Olives Restaurant...
their Thai Coconut Chicken Soup and Chicken
Methi Palak with butter naan is on point!
I am still a foodie even in the Lockdown.
Needing: To be okay with fighting for myself.
Setting boundaries and sticking to them
Guidance. Wisdom. Praying for them.
Patiently waiting for them to come.
Wearing: Invested in gym clothes.
'Invested' not 'bought' because I will use them every day.
I wanted to stop using whatever clothing
I found in my cupboard that's not worn in public anymore,
and motivate myself.
Acquired 5kg weights as well, all of it from from @donealthletics,
This exercise routine must go to 2021 and 2022!
In Jesus' name amen.
Knowing: I have Martyr syndrome in my relationships.
I am learning not to sacrifice myself,
really benefiting from @themindgeek posts on Instagram
about attachments styles
Thinking: How useful making time for Headspace sessions is.
Making time to quiet the mind is important.
Even switching of your lights at night and
just sitting in silence is good for the soul.
There is too much going on sometimes.
Clearing physical and mental clutter is a must!
Giggling Over: 90 day fiance. That show is just reality gold!
All in the pursuit of love for some and 'love' for others.
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