Marking the shortest day of the year this evening, celebrating with the ‘council of the gays’. Braced for a long evening of conversation, music and cocktails.

Waiting on a phone call from my doctor (he’s late, of course) and now my whole afternoon is on pause because they’ll inevitably call as soon as I decide to go out, be in a lift, or go to the toilet. Or any of the other countless places I don’t want to take a call from my GP.

📆 It’s my last full working day of the year and I’m very, very ready for it. A webinar and two coaching sessions, and then I’m done.

🍺 Had a lovely working lunch with a friend/colleague, giving us the chance to sneak in some delicious Paulaner to our meeting. Perfect.

In Manchester overnight for a work trip. For once, I’m pleasantly surprised with the hotel room I’ve secured.

Really feeling like the countdown to Christmas has started. Only four full days of work left before I shut the office and take a break until January 6th.

I’ve somehow managed to spend all afternoon on the sofa, reading, listening to podcasts and actually relaxing. Just as well: dinner with the sister-in-law and nieces in just a couple of hours! I’ll need all my wits about me.

☀️ Enjoying all this unexpected Winter sunshine! It’s warming up the apartment nicely, so I don’t have to get dressed yet. Though I know I’m just putting off the inevitable…

Working through my Christmas admin, checking shopping lists, writing cards, wrapping gifts. I’m absolutely lousy at wrapping, so I keep reminding friends and family that it’s the thought that counts. Yes, your gift looks like a suspect package in a railway station, but it was wrapped …

🍺 Happy Friday! Relaxing on the couch with some Star Trek (re-watching ST: Discovery) and a delicious glass of Spanish beer. Awaiting arrival of two Dutch nieces and my sister-in-law and the beginning of what I’m sure is going to be a very busy (and noisy) weekend.

⏰ I somehow fell back asleep after this morning’s alarm. Now I feel a sickening combination of panic and exhaustion, even though I had a good eight hours sleep. Good thing I’m working from home today!

📸 And now the festive wreath is hanging on our apartment’s front door. 🏳️‍🌈

🍹 A new taste experience. While in Porto last weekend, I thought it would be rude not to try some port! This was a port and tonic, with a dash of raspberry liquor, over lots of ice. Absolutely delicious and I definitely had more than one!

🎄 It’s that time of year. The tree is up and the lights are on. The countdown to Christmas has officially begun in our apartment…

The first day back in the office after a long weekend in European sunshine is… challenging. Absolutely loved my few days in Porto and really feeling the lack of sun up here in London.

✈️ I’m Porto bound. 🇵🇹 I just turned on my ‘out of office’ notification and I’m heading home to pack my bag. Tomorrow afternoon, we fly to Porto for our first ever visit and I can’t wait. 

Today is my Friday, as we’re off on our long weekend trip to Porto tomorrow. Only a few (dozen) things to get off my todo list, before I can pack and ease into weekend mode. Including a two-hour workshop this afternoon. I really have to have a word with whoever plans my schedule. That would be …

📸 A welcoming seat? Snapped these in Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf, on my way home this afternoon. And yes, they’re illuminated from the inside.

Momentum: I wrapped up work a little early this afternoon and, instead of heading straight to the sofa with a drink and a snack, I went downstairs to our apartment building’s gym for a workout. I’ve realised that as long as my ass doesn’t hit a comfy chair, I can keep going to get some …

🎥 Went to see Gladiator II after work and it was… meh. Some great scenes, lots of padding, and a ton of violence. Pedro Pascal was amazing, as always. Space Daddy doing a turn as Roman Daddy. But I think I could have waited to watch it on TV at home next year.

I made it to the gym after work and spent my time on the elliptical watching the latest episode of ‘Dune: Prophecy’. This series just keeps getting better and better. Plus, it keeps me on the machine for an hour at a time!

📸 The weather is atrocious, so it’s a day for comfort food. Just inhaled a most delicious fried egg sandwich (finished before I could snap a pic!), and now relaxing with a big mug of tea.

Watching Ireland’s election coverage via the RTE Player app, only for Bertie Ahern to pop up on screen and cause me a few moments of absolute nausea slash fury.

Awake far too early for a Sunday morning. So back in bed it is, with a coffee and my laptop, to catch up on all the election news from Ireland. Looks like it’s going to be a big steaming pile of ‘More of the Same’. 🙄

📸 Feet up, sweatpants on, glass of beaujolais nouveau in hand. Keeping an eye on the Irish election results while catching up on last night’s “Have I got news for you”.

✏️ Just spent a very pleasant time setting up my new Hobonichi for the year ahead. Mostly adding a plethora of birthdays, anniversaries and trips abroad. The real detail kicks off in January with daily notes.

☕️ Up with a coffee and reading coverage of yesterday’s Irish election. It will be very interesting to see what kind of coalition government emerges from this virtual stalemate, and whether it has the guts/competence to make the significant changes the country needs. I’m fearful …

🍷 After socialising the last couple of nights (I know! On a school night!), we’re having a quiet night in. I’m making meatballs and pasta and we’re going to watch some more of the excellent ‘Day of the Jackal’ series. While enjoying some of the lovely Beaujolais nouveau …

📸 Golden hour reflected beautifully in the building next door. Gently easing into Friday evening and enjoying the views from my living room.

📸 Incredibly clear and blue skies over Canary Wharf just now. No filters or other edits. Absolutely gorgeous.

📸 Lovely blue skies over West India Quay this morning.

🥪 Just bought my first Christmas sandwich of the season. As part of a Tesco meal deal. Watch this space for seasonal sandwich updates…

👟 The lightning sale at AllBirds was just too good to pass on. And I got these replacements for some very, very old trainers at less than half price. It’s safe to say I’m sorted for shoes for some time…

📸 A gorgeous, pink hue to the City of London this morning. On the flip side, it’s only 1C outside 🥶

💪🏼 Survived another trip to the gym. Used my time on the elliptical trainer to watch episode two of Dune: Prophecy. I’m loving it so far. Just gorgeous to look at. Epic design and some lovely performances.

⏰ A Monday morning in November when you wake up to find the hot water heater has failed overnight. Cue a cold shower. Now wishing great misery on everyone playing videos without headphones on this train to work. Absolute twats.

💪🏼 Survived my first gym visit since coming back from Japan. 45mins on the elliptical machine while watching ‘The Pengun’. (And attempting to ignore the weights-dropping, mouth-breathing dullards who make the gym such a chore…)

📸 Another quick snap from last week’s wander around Shinjuku san-chome, on our way to Shinjuku gyoen. Missing all that sunshine a lot today.

🧐 Why am I not the least bit surprised? Tory MP Danny Kruger investigated by standards watchdog over assisted dying funds One of the UK’s most high-profile campaigners against assisted dying is being investigated over funding to a parliamentary group that received £55,000 from lobbyists linked to …

📸 This time last week, I was enjoying a wander around a very warm and sunny Tokyo.

📺 Settling in to watch the first episode of ‘Dune: Prophecy’. I’ve been looking forward to this since the first trailer landed.

I’m on the couch, under my weighted blanket, with a hot water bottle at my feet. It is blowing an absolute gale outside and I’m not budging from here until biological necessity requires it.

🧠 It finally feels like I might be over my jet lag… Jet lag: vanquished!

🧠 Seems like I’m not over the post-Japan jet lag just yet. Wide awake at 5am. So I made a coffee and brought it back to bed. Just flicking through all the photos I took in Osaka and Tokyo and smiling.

📸 I’m loving this bowl we picked up as a memento in Osaka on our last visit earlier this month. Seeing our keepsakes from Japan dotted around the apartment always makes me smile.

✈️ Ninety-one days and counting I flew back to London from Tokyo on Tuesday and, true to form, I’ve already organised my next visit. Pleased don’t judge. I’m helpless and find myself in the grip of Japan’s beauty!

✈️ In a surprise to absolutely nobody, I’ve booked my next trip to Tokyo. I’ll be spending my next birthday - in February - up to my eyes in ramen, neon and karaoke. So, so excited.

📸 No edits or filters required. This sunset over London is perfection.

📸 I missed this view for the last couple of weeks!

📸 Forgot I took this yesterday! Sitting on my BA plane awaiting departure from Tokyo Haneda, while earnestly wishing I was on the Japan Airlines flight across the runway instead. And I didn’t even know where it was headed…

📸 The exchange rate with the yen was just too appealing. I upgraded to an Apple Watch series 10 while in Tokyo.

📸 My first office commute in two weeks… and it’s freezing 🥶 Can’t believe I was sitting in the Tokyo sunshine wearing just a T-shirt just three days ago.

✈️ Finally arrived back in London. To some abysmal weather. The BA flight wasn’t a complete disaster but I’m definitely glad I brought my own food. Awful, awful food on board. Looking forward to a shower and sleeping in my own bed tonight!

Wondering how so many people reach adulthood without developing an ‘inside voice’, or the capacity to read the room. A woman in this airline lounge can be heard the length of the room and I’m sincerely hoping she’s not on my flight. Possibly related: I only had five hours …

🥘 Just me enjoying a delicious JAL beef curry and a glass of champagne for my breakfast. This first class lounge is simply amazing. I’m determined to squeeze out every moment of joy from this holiday I can!

📸 One final glance out at this incredible view before we leave Tokyo again.

⏰ Up at 5am to get our taxi out to Haneda Airport. The long journey back to London begins now. 😭 But such incredible memories of our latest visit to Japan to bring back with us.

📸 This cute little bus in Shibuya this afternoon… I would love if this was my morning commute. Hachiko forever!

📸 Not a bad effort for a Monday lunchtime…

📸 Enjoying some cheap and cheerful conveyor-belt sushi fun in Shibuya this afternoon.

📙 Still wondering if I just do it and buy a Hobonichi planner while I’m here. Much cheaper than in London. I’d use it as a journal rather than a planner - I’m all digital for that. Plus they’re beautiful 😍

📸 Another random Tokyo snap, this time from Shinjuku San-Chome.

📸 Yesterday’s view of a gorgeous Tokyo sunset from our hotel’s executive lounge. And yes, that’s Mt. Fuji in the distance.

Our last full day in Tokyo so we’re planning a walk down to Shibuya for a mooch. The bags are basically packed, so no opportunity for me to stock up on even more stationery at Loft/Hands. Probably a good thing lol! We have a very early start tomorrow, so no clubbing tonight. Maybe some onsen …

🍻 It’s our last ‘night out’ in Tokyo, as Tuesday’s flight is at 0930am and we still need to pack. Summoning the energy for one last hurrah in Shinjuku Ni-Chome, but it’s safe to assume I won’t be sharing any more 4am photos. First stop: Eagle Tokyo, my number one …

📸 It was 23C and very sunny today, so we (and most of Tokyo it seems) headed to Shinjuku Gyoen for a walk in the sunshine. Such a lovely, peaceful spot in the heart of an always-on city. I’m no botanist, but I was surprised to see several trees with fresh blossoms. Confused by the weather?

📸 I took this on my walk home in the early hours of this morning. Or the late hours? All I know is that it was after 4am, Shinjuku was still busy, and this sign seemed to burn through the darkness.

😱 It’s 4:40am here in Tokyo and I’m finally crawling into my hotel bed. Had a great night but it wouldn’t be complete without a late visit to 7-11 for an egg mayo sando for the walk home. And now, hopefully, some sleep.

🏳️‍🌈🍺 I once again (shocked face) find myself in a Tokyo gay bar. Where (honest face) the staff have never met me, don’t know my name, or anticipate my drinks order… 😉

👟 The very advantageous Yen/Pound exchange rate has made it almost impossible to resist some bargains while visiting this time. Case in point: AllBirds shoes. Massively cheaper here anyway, plus a great exchange rate and tax-free shopping make for some easy purchasing decisions.

📸 Another quick snap from one of our very long walks across Tokyo this week. This one taken in Ginza, yesterday. I love how this charming building seems snuggled under a massive, ugly flyover.

🍜 Went for an incredible lunch of delicious ramen at Ippudo in Ginza this afternoon. It was everything I’d hoped for and really helped my recovery from last night!

The Muji store in Ginza is my spiritual home and I want my ashes scattered here. It also seems to be the only place in Japan not currently playing Christmas music. Hashtag grateful.

🍺 I’m ever so slightly wrecked this morning. But last night was so much fun, I have no regrets. Off to Ginza later, for some shopping. And possibly (yet another) evening bar-hopping in Shinjuku Ni-Chome.

Back to the hotel at just after 3am. A whopper of a night out in Shinjuku Ni-Chome. I’m full of excellent Vietnamese food and Japanese beer. May need a Power Nap at some point tomorrow afternoon…

Heading out for a wander on our favourite Tokyo walk: Shinjuku to Shibuya, via Yoyogi Park and Harajuku.

✈️ All settled in to our favourite ever hotel: the Hilton Tokyo. Got our usual room and unpacked before coming up to the executive lounge for some refreshments. As ever, enjoying the view is a big part of the experience. The sunsets from this lounge are often incredible.

✈️ Made it to Tokyo! Now on the train to Shinagawa, then on to Shinjuku and a short walk to our hotel. And guys? The sun is shining ☀️☀️☀️

✈️ Our plane for the flight to Tokyo is being prepped. And conveniently, at a very nearby gate.

✈️ The Japan Airlines Lounge at Itami is such an oasis of calm and silence. Basically the opposite of every other airline lounge I’ve visited. No mobile phone calls, no annoying notifications. No shouting or loud announcements. Peaceful. Everyone being a respectful grownup. Paradise.

✈️ Enjoying a cold drink in the Japan Airlines Lounge at Osaka Itami airport. Check-in and security so, so smooth. Next stop: Tokyo Haneda.

☀️ Good morning! A very early start - especially given last night’s fun - to get ready for our flight to Tokyo. Plus a final hotel breakfast and bus to Itami airport. Looks like the weather is going to be nice in Tokyo for at least a couple of days. Can’t wait to be there again. 🗼

📸 Back to our hotel after another great night out in Osaka. Big thanks to the crew at Eagle Osaka! Would have been even later but we have a flight to catch tomorrow morning. And then, Tokyo!!! But for now, this little hobbit needs some sleep. Good night from Japan.

📸 A very good evening from Osaka. Heading out for our final evening here. Tomorrow: Tokyo!

♨️ Off to the onsen again for another couple of hours of soaking and sweating. The weather in Osaka is phenomenal today, so I’ll be out on the rooftop baths to catch some sun. ☀️

🍑 With what can only be described as perfect timing, my husband returned from the gym, opened our hotel room door, just as I stepped out of the bathroom, naked. The elderly couple behind him in the corridor watched in horror as I completely failed in my attempt to cover up. Good morning from Osaka!

📸 Taking time out from the relentless fun to relax and enjoy the sunshine in Kobe this afternoon. And I have the tan lines to prove it!

📸 I snapped this, with a phone, while walking and not even looking at the focus straight on. I think it turned out okay. And there’s no shortage of interesting and fun things to photograph here in Osaka.

📸 Yes, I’ve finally reached that age where I find myself taking photos of drain covers that interest me. In my defence, this one has a googly-eyed monster on it. The mascot of next year’s Expo in Osaka, apparently.

🍺 Trying something a little different in the lounge this evening. Asahi Black - and it’s bloody good. Googling whether I can get it again once I’m back in the UK.

👣 Today was all about 15,00 steps around Kobe. Beautiful city. Blue skies, a cable car and waterfront views. And yes, there was beef. Now back in Osaka to refresh before going out tonight.

🚂 Next stop: Kobe. We actually ditched plans for the Shinkansen. There was a rapid train service for just ¥420 (about £2.00!!) and it only takes 20mins. Filming from the train window and enjoying the sunshine.

🚄 Starting slightly earlier today. We’re taking a day trip to Kobe, so I’ll get to enjoy a (very short!) Shinkansen journey and some delicious beef! It looks like it’s going to be anotherr beautiful day, weather-wise. ☀️☀️☀️

📸 Exploring the lights, sounds and aromas of Dotonbori last night. Can you tell I’m incredibly full of delicious food?

📸 Exploring Osaka yesterday with my onsen buddy, Sho. He used to live near me in London, so it was nice to catch up while soaking in the baths.

📸 This evening was all about the comfort food: takoyaki, okonomiyaki, karaage and beautiful grilled chicken. All washed down with crisp, cold Asahi beer.

📸 This afternoon’s post-onsen lunch. Absolutely delicious!

♨️ I had the most wonderful few hours soaking in outdoor baths and melting in saunas today. No photos, obviously, but nobody needs to see my hobbit form sweating anyway. I felt absolutely wonderful adterwards and enjoyed a delicious lunch with a local friend. And then a solid and very deep nap.

🧠 Sitting down in the executive lounge of our hotel, hoping this caffeine will activate my brain. I made the mistake of taking a nap after we came back from Namba and feel like I set my jet lag back to square one! We had a lovely wander of the area, bought some mementos, and I made onsen plans for …

Enjoying a wander around Namba, under some very welcome sunshine and blue skies. It’s 20C here right now! Only slightly ruined by the relentless and awful Christmas music playing virtually everywhere.

☕️ Sitting down to a hotel breakfast after a fun night out in Osaka. Somehow managed to walk 21,400 steps yesterday and I have to say I’m feeling it now. I’m not sure of today’s plan but it’ll definitely involve more coffee.

🍽️ I’ll never not be amazed just how much some adults completely lose the run of themselves when presented with a buffet. Some people here behaving like they’ve not seen food in a week. None of them are Japanese, obviously. Just badly behaved tourists…

☕️ Currently relaxing in the hotel’s executive lounge, re-fuelling with some Diet Coke, and getting ready for the hotel’s free ‘cocktail hour’. Once we’ve had our fill, we’ll head out and do some more exploring. It’s been a very chilled out day as hubby was …

📸 Enjoyed a gorgeous walk to Osaka Castle this morning. Blue skies and sunshine all over. The perfect start to our visit. You know you’re visiting Japan when you hit 12,000 steps before lunch!

✈️ Eating my way to Tokyo: I flew to Japan with Japan Airlines on Wednesday, luxuriating in their First Class service. And without any exaggeration, I can say hands down, it was the best aviation experience of my life. Read on…

✈️ Managed to snap this incredible view of Mount Fuji on our approach to Tokyo yesterday. The last thirty minutes of the flight were spent taking in the sunset over Tokyo and it was just beautiful.

📸 Breakfast in Osaka

✈️ We made it to Tokyo in one piece, after a predictably wonderful flight with JAL. Then a smooth transfer to Osaka and a superb night’s sleep. Just had breakfast in our hotel before going out for a wander. It’s so nice to be back in Japan.

📸 Ready for my 14hrs of lovely pampering with Japan Airlines. Next stop: Tokyo.

📸 Enjoying a meal in the BA First lounge before our flight to Tokyo. The holiday starts here! ✈️

Waking up to these US election numbers is deeply, deeply depressing.

Barely able to keep my eyes open. So it’s time for a shower and an early night. And hopefully a full night’s sleep. There’s no way I’m staying up to watch all this breathless - and pointless - US election coverage. Far too early…

✈️ All packed for tomorrow’s flight to Tokyo and then on to Osaka. So, so excited to be heading back to Japan. And looking forward to the luxury of Japan Airlines…

Awake since 4:30am and my last client appointment doesn’t finish until 5pm. Today is going to feel like a very long day indeed.

I’ve no idea why I have been wide awake since 4:30am, but no doubt it’s something to do with the Orange Clown and his fascist supports attempting to turn the US into Gilead. Like most people I know, I just want the whole thing to be over, so we can deal with the outcome. It has felt like …

😬 I got home from work with a headache that would floor a bull. So it’s time for a quick, early dinner, a shower, some painkillers and an early night with some new comics. I want to be feeling tip top by the time we depart for Japan, no ifs no buts.

📸 Someone got new shoes! Managed to get these Oliver Sweeney boots 50% off in the sale. So comfortable and with all the added inches a short fellow like me needs!

📸 Canary Wharf reflections earlier this morning.

📸 Just where I want to be on a Sunday morning…

📸 Travel memories: 3rd November, 2022 - ✈️ en route to Tokyo Haneda with Japan Airlines.

🔗 I’m considering buying the new Apple Watch… once I get to Japan

📸 Travel memories: 2nd of November, 2016. I was enjoying myself in Odaiba, Tokyo.

🍑 Baring it all in Japan: This could be a tiny decades-old bath in Kyoto, or a ‘super onsen’ in Tokyo. The experience is similar: long periods of time spent soaking in communal baths and letting my cares disappear and the aches on my muscles vanish. Read on…

I used to love Halloween 🎃: 🎃 I used to love Halloween We’d also go trick or treating, ringing on neighbours’ doorbells and looking for sweets. Not the kind of armed robbery you see now. We’d be supervised by an adult, always thank the neighbours (even the ones we absolutely hated) and walk from door to door like a very short …

Analogue Tokyo memories...: ✈️ It’s eight years since my first visit to the Traveler’s Factory shop in Meguro, Tokyo. I geeked out on lovely notebooks and assorted stationery. Tucked away in a side street in Meguro, it was slightly tricky to track down at first. But the effort was well worth it. What I found was a …

No thanks, Apple. Not yet, anyway,: While I’m enjoying Apple’s product announcements this week, I’m in no way tempted to part with my cash. I’m typing this on a nearly new MacBook Pro with an M3 chip, and in the bag to my right is an iPad Pro bought just a couple of months ago. So, I have absolutely no need for …

📸 The groceries just got delivered and I’m all kinds of excited to try this!

Gym is habit, repeat: A productive day, all in all. With my eyes firmly on the prize (our departure for Tokyo next week) I got the head down and tore through my task list in work this morning. I actually got so much done that I managed to leave the office early and get to the gym. I know, I was shocked too. It has been …

Engage focus mode!: Another week rolls round. And this is my last full working week before I head to Japan, so there’s a lot to pack in. Including lining up some podcast content to go live while I’m away. I’d much rather not fiddle with podcasting while I’m trying to enjoy Osaka and Japan. And …

📸 Love this pic I took of my partner at dinner last night. 😍

📸 The sunshine this morning has heated up my living room to 24.5C and I am loving it. Not planning on moving from here for a while!

🥂 Last night’s meal at Marceline was phenomenal. The service is friendly, attentive and authentically nice. The food has been consistently excellent. The prices are very reasonable and I leave feeling it was a fair exchange. Finally, the physical environment is cute and the ambience is just …

📸 Good morning from a very calm and peaceful London.

📸 Another view of the new installation here in Canary Wharf. Eerie and lovely at the same time.

📸 23 years ago today, I met this wonderful guy for the first time. We’ve been a couple ever since. Here’s to the next 23 years my lieverd. Love is love. 🏳️‍🌈

📸 Three years ago today, I was avoiding the cold and dark of London with a last-minute trip to Sitges for some sunshine. I even got some time on my all-time favourite naturist beach. I would love a little sunshine and beach time today…

📸 This is a sin against god and man. An abomination. A reckless, immoral experiment. And tastes exactly like mint choc chip ice-cream. So I may be having another. 🍵

📸 Nothing special here, I just thought the combination of building angles was nice.

🇯🇵 Japan here we come! But with the judicious use of a gazillion Avios, tenacity with an incredibly unhelpful BA Customer Service Assistance ‘professional’ and an in-depth knowledge of airline timetables and customer rights, my partner was able to get us flights to Tokyo with Japan Airlines - going …

🚨 A fire alert and evacuation of my office building was the perfect excuse to wrap up my Friday early and head home. In unrelated news, I dearly hope I never have to rely on anyone else in that building in a real emergency. All the collective common sense of a herd of sheep.

📸 Down at the Southbank Centre for a meeting.

📸 Looking out on a very misty/foggy London this morning.

📸 I know I’ve been moaning a lot about the weather lately, so let me go on the record and say I’m absolutely loving this October sunshine. It has kept me positive and energised all day today.

📸 This day, eight years ago, I was wandering around Dotobori in Osaka. I think I ate my bodyweight in takoyaki and okonomiyaki that week. It’s such an incredible city and I can’t wait to get back there in just a couple of weeks.

✈️ Looking forward to this evening, when I’ll finally find out if my talented other half has definitely managed to get us off a crappy British Airways flight to Tokyo and onto an incredible First Class Japan Airlines flight to Tokyo. Please keep your fingers and toes crossed for me.

It’s been another day when I’ve had to remind some people about the kind of psychologist I am. Not the type they see on TV or at the movies. I don’t mind at all, and I love what I do for a living. But I always wonder if other professions get the same volume of questions.

I’m working from home today and need to edit three instructional videos I’ve created for a training course, plan a couple of podcast episodes about workplace wellbeing, and write a blog post about the importance of sleep. But first, another coffee. ☕️

📺 We’ve started to watch season one of ‘Pachinko’ and, while it’s excellent tv, the doom, grief and misery mean I can only watch one episode per sitting. It’s compelling stuff and incredibly sad. Had to balance it out last night with an episode of Bob’s Burgers …

📸 Enjoying the view from here, selfie edition… Glad to be home before sunset once again. It’s getting more and more difficult! And seeing as I was in the office by 7:30am this morning, I don’t feel bad for leaving when I did.

📸 Another shot of last night’s stunning sunset over London.

📸 A stunning view while I cook tonight’s dinner.

📸 Unpacking the good stuff for TV this evening. I picked this up in Dublin last weekend and I enjoyed every single mouthful.

✏️ The week that was, 14th to 20th October: I’ve remembered to write up my weekly note, even if the week isn’t strictly speaking over. This week was mostly about travel, work and fun, with a big helping of delicious food. 👉🏻 Read on here

📸 I took this shot of the Canary Wharf skyline from my mum’s hotel room, a little after 6pm yesterday. I couldn’t get over how amazing the sky looked at that time of day. We enjoyed watching the sunset, then headed to the executive lounge for quite a few glasses of bubbles 🥂

🍽️ We had the most incredble meal at a new local restaurant last night. Marceline, in Canary Wharf. From start to finish, it was a wonderful experience. Food, service, ambience. I had the biggest and best serving of Moules Frites in my life. Thoroughly recommended if you’re in the …

📸 The difference a few hours can make! We headed into town for some shopping, a beer in Soho and some lunch. Enjoyed a fab lunch at Ben’s on Brewer Street. Accompanied by sunshine all the way. And now it’s time to recharge the batteries before cocktails and then dinner here in Canary …

📸 This weather is not sparking joy. But I’m bringing my visiting mum into the West End later for some shopping and then drinks in Soho. So there’s no time to mope!

🎥 I’m currently loving this video from JR, celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Shinkansen. The most civilised and relaxing mode of public transport I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. 👉🏻 Watch here

☕️ Washed, dressed and caffeinated all before 9am on a Saturday morning. Who even am I anymore? I’m someone who’s braced for a groceries delivery, who always managed to turn up when I’m naked, and I’m determined not to be caught out this time.

✈️ Only 19 days to go till I leave for Japan once again. So much to get done (work and life) between now and then, but that doesn’t matter. In less than three weeks, I’ll be sipping a beer in Osaka. 🍺🇯🇵

✏️ I added a ‘Now’ page on my blog (seems all the kids are doing it these days…) https://www.macpsych.blog/pages/now

📸 Good evening from a beautifully sunny London.

🇮🇪 I just stumbled across this article from 2017. Made me smile as I realised where so many of our (Hiberno-English) words come from! From the Irish Times: Up to 90: The best Irish words and phrases

🎧 It’s seven years to the day since I started my podcast. It was dreadful to begin with - I can’t bear to listen to early episodes - but I think I’ve improved over the years. It’s something I’m glad I’ve continued and allows me to flex my creativity at work.

👾 Space invaders These guys - and it’s always guys - are a nightmare. Taking up as much space as they can, everywhere they go. Speaking louder than everyone else. Ignoring the social cues all around them. 👉🏻 Read on…

✈️ Settling in to another bland hotel… To put this in context, it’s a soulless chain hotel, one that I would usually avoid if the decision were mine. It has all the charisma of a very old hire car. And a standard of service that even Ryanair would look down on. 👉🏻 Read on…

📸 Last weekend: angles and textures in Trinity College Dublin.

⚠️ Another business trip where the client has chosen the hotel and it's one of my least favourite in Dublin. Possibly all of Europe. I've had trouble every time I've stayed here. And once again, true to form, they couldn't find my booking at reception, and somehow attempted to make it my fault. …

✈️ A very hazy approach into Dublin this morning.

✈️ I’m flying back over to Dublin for work tomorrow morning. I’ve just packed my bag, basically on autopilot, thanks to a checklist in Apple Notes. Why rely on my (awful) memory when I can just follow clear instructions left by past me? And that backpack? The best I’ve bought in …

📸 Throwback to last weekend, in Dublin. Had to stop and take a pic of this impressive shutter outside ‘The Rag Trader’ on Drury Street.

🍏 Oooh… new iPad mini announcement. I’m very tempted, but it’ll be so much cheaper in Japan. And I’m going to be in Osaka in less than the month. The difference makes it definitely worthwhile to hold off on ordering until then.

🇮🇪 “Ireland’s peacekeepers in Lebanon are putting their lives on the line. I know – I was one of them” Since 1958, Ireland has sent troops to global conflicts on almost every continent. We have had a peacekeeping battalion with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) in …

📺 Still thinking about last night’s episodes of ‘Tokyo Vice’. For me, it’s up there with ‘Shogun’ in terms of quality TV experiences this year. And just like ‘Shogun’, it’s something I could see myself watching all over again.

📺 Finished season two of Tokyo Vice this evening. Wow. Stellar tv, incredibly story-telling. The tension in the last couple of episodes was something else. I kept holding my breath! Please, please let them make a season three.

The plan for this evening is very simple. Hubbie is making us steaks, we’re watching the last couple of episodes of Tokyo Vice, and then I’m going to bed early with an iPad and a bunch of digital comics. Simple pleasures. A perfect combination for an evening like this.

🥶 I’m feeling chilled to the bone today. I’m in the office, but all I want to do is run home, put on my sweatpants and crawl under my duvet. When is Spring again?

🏡 Finally home! No thanks to British Airways and the inevitable almost hour-long delay to departure. And then no DLR at City Airport, so I had to deal with the awful and cramped ‘Rail Replacement Bus Service’. Anyway. I’m now on the sofa, in my sweatpants, and easing into Sunday …

✈️ Making my way to my flight (unfortunately, I’m flying BA)

✈️ I’m in the Aer Lingus lounge, waiting for my flight to London City. I would dearly love to close my eyes and snooze for a bit, but I’m just too scared I’ll fall into a deep sleep and completely miss my flight. Plan B: drink Diet Coke until I can hear colours and taste the …

📸 Another shot from Trinity College Dublin. I took this just before the heavens opened and I got caught in the most incredible rain shower. Some things never change…

📸 Popped into my alma mater while in Dublin and enjoyed a wander around the campus. Lots of happy memories of my time there. But it blows my mind to realise I started my psychology degree thirty years ago!

There’s a very slight chance that I may have had too much Guinness at my university reunion last night. Having been woken up at 4am and again at 5am by the fuckers in the adjoining rooms hasn’t really helped my general disposition.

📸 Enjoying a wander round Dublin. 8km and counting!

☕️ Shortly heading out to meet a local friend for some coffee, catching-up and inevitable discussions about the state of the world. Looking forward to seeing him. I always learn a lot, and leave our chats with a face sore from laughing. Also: trying a new (to me) coffee place here in Dublin.

After eventually getting to sleep, once the Americans had turned off their music, I was woken up at 1:15am by a maintenance guy opening an electrical cabinet in the corridor outside my room. Rather than some kind of repair or emergency, he appeared to be given a lesson in basics to his colleague. …

Wishing all kinds of plagues on the revolting American tourists in the hotel rooms opposite and next to me. After gathering in the corridor and swapping endless inane bullshit and “Night y’all!” at the top of their voices, they’re now in their respective rooms, blaring their music and TVs. Oblivious …

🇮🇪 When in Rome… It’s crucial to enjoy a Guinness when back home in Dublin. It’s practically the law!

🏳️‍🌈 It’s National Coming Out Day. I’ve previously explained that ‘coming out’ isn’t so much an event as an ongoing process. Every official who wants to know the details of your next of kin. Every form looking for your marital status. Every stranger at a party who asks …

📸 Looking down on Howth as we approach Dublin Airport All in all, a pleasant flight over from London City. Passed the time with some political podcasts, a bit of planning, and a healthy dose of daydreaming. Before I knew it, it was time to prepare for landing in Dublin.

✈️ Next stop: Dublin

📸 An early start this morning! The scene as I left home to make my way to London City Airport for my flight by to Dublin. Beautiful clear blue skies, so I’m hoping for a smooth flight.

📸 The sun did, in fact, eventually make an appearance over London today. I snapped this as soon as I got in from the office and it reminded me to sit down, take a moment and be grateful. There were lots of items left on my task list, but there’s always time to sit and taken in this view. There …

🍽️ Busy preparing dinner, then the next episode of ‘Agatha All Along’. Tonight’s feast: homemade roasted vegetables, some humous, and a two-people helping of falafels. I’m using my weekend trip as an excuse to eat all the perishable (lovely) things in the fridge. Such a good, …

✈️ Staring the weekend in the face Present day me would love nothing more than to cancel the whole thing and spend the weekend lying down somewhere comfortable. 👉🏻 Read on…

🧠 Another evening when my thoughts turn to simplifying my life and deleting some social media accounts. There are just too many of them for me to maintain, too many subscriptions, too much…hassle.

📺 Finally settling down to watch the season finale of Slow Horses. So, so excited. Without a doubt the best thing on TV right now.

📸 Just arrived home to this view. Dropped everything to enjoy it for a few moments.

🇯🇵 Giving up on Japanese classes I’ve tried to learn Japanese several times over the last few years. I’m determined to be able to navigate Japan in Japanese. But after several attempts, I’ve finally decided to give up on live classes. That doesn’t sound like the kind of thing someone who loves …

📸 Just passing through…

📸 What’s that? Nothing. Just a giant rubber dock floating by West India Quay…

✏️ The week that was… Another attempt at writing a weekly summary

🍿 Off to see “Joker: Folie à Deux” shortly. If I can peel myself off this sofa, that is.

📸 One of the new Nature Rising installations in Jubilee Park, Canary Wharf. It’s giving a lot of Doctor Who vibes…

⚡️ Looks like I can finally update my M4 iPad Pro to iPadOS 18. While I’m glad I didn’t get caught up in all the ‘bricking’ of iPads that was going on, it’s still nuts that the latest iPad Pro can only be updated nearly three weeks after the OS is released. Anyway. I …

📸 I wasn’t expecting to, but I’ve just spent a very pleasant couple of hours in the sunshine on my balcony. Writing, planning for the week ahead, and doing some basic admin. All the time enjoying the view, while trying to ignore the noise coming from the building site below. But …

The irony that I’m writing about wellbeing and self-care on my professional blog, while sitting here with a head cold, isn’t lost on me! Still, I’m feeling a lot better this morning, and I don’t have to leave the apartment. And you can bet that my weekend will be starting …

👋🏼 Don’t let the door hit you on the way out… West Ham owner says non-dom crackdown is driving wealthy from the UK: David Sullivan, the British businessman who co-owns West Ham United football club, has cut the asking price of his London house by £10m and has blamed the promised …

📸 I stepped out onto the balcony to check out the beautiful sunset. It’s strangely quiet outside, considering it’s London in rush hour. No complaints from me - I’ll take it!

I miss my sauna: I’m wishing I could sweat out this cold in the sauna in my old apartment building. My routine was simple. I’d bring a book or a magazine, an alcohol-free beer (chilled to the max in preparation), and toddle down to the sauna for about an hour. Several sessions in the heat. Several very cold …

📸 There are blue skies… right above the mass of clouds.

That's not how you shift the border: 🗺️ Oh, they appear to be at it again… The graphic appeared on a 1 minute 25 second video clip which featured Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer attending the UN General Assembly in New York last week. Under the caption “global challenges rebound on us at home”, a map of the British Isles …

Nine hours of sleep later...: I truly believe that sleep cures all. Yes, I’m still feeling decidedly grim, my throat still hurts and I have the most annoying ticklish cough. But I don’t have a headache, I’m not aching all over, and I don’t have the urge to curl up in bed and hide under the duvet. …

📸 After a day marked by grey skies, torrential rain and some very, very low mood, London has come up trumps and delivered me a beautiful sunset. I’m currently watching the sky change colour while sipping another honey and lemon infused hot drink, and planning my retirement to bed with a hot …

This was supposed to be convenient...: 🛒 Sainsbury’s really excelling at groceries delivery this evening: Substituting vegetarian sausages instead of falafel. Substituting ‘baby courgettes’ for two large aubergines. Substituting pre-cooked ‘chicken bites’ (I dread to think) for an entire chicken. Delivering …

📸 The new seating area in Middle Dock, Canary Wharf has finally opened. And yes, it would have been better during the summer, it’s still nice to have another space to sit by the water. I hope it’s the first of a few similar projects in the area. The whole neighbourhood is desperately in …

The scratching continues: So I made it through this morning’s must-do online meeting with a client. My voice held up - just. Now I can relax with a hot drink until 3pm. Then, it’s a webinar I need to run for a different client. As soon as that’s done - should be about 30mins - I’ll be heading home for …

Scratchy scratchy: I woke with one of them yesterday morning: a tiny scratch at the back of my throat. Not painful, just noticeable. It got worse throughout the day - bearing in mind I had several calls and a podcast interview to record - until after work, when my voice began to disintegrate completely. 👉🏻 Read …

📺 Time for another episode of the excellent Tokyo Vice. My favourite show right now.

The darkness: I woke to complete darkness this morning, a rough reminder that we’re now in October. I didn’t grow up in tropical climes. Unless you consder Dublin a haven of sunshine and warm breezes. (It is not). But even now, in the midst of my forty-eighth year on this planet, I’m still not …

🧠 I guess that 7:30am start at work eventually took its toll. You cant really create more time in a day. You’re merely borrowing it from your future self. After getting a whole chunk of my todo list sorted today, come 4:30pm my brain basically shut down. I had just wrapped up a client meeting …

🎥 In the office by 7:30am this morning, to record some video for a new course I’m launching this week. I managed to get what I needed done just before work started on a building site next door, and the noise levels went through the roof. Now to go through the footage and see what I can salvage …

📺 Settling in to start season two of Tokyo Vice. Such good TV.

🇭🇰 Doing some research…

When Sunday means 'pause'. : 📸 The view from here. Definitely having a lazy afternoon today. I’m researching a planned visit to Hong Kong and Taipei next year. Doing some online shopping. Planning for the work week ahead. All from my armchair. With no plans to leave the apartment whatsoever. I’ve a slightly quieter …

This is turning into one of those Sundays where I just don’t get dressed at all. I’m showered, have done some housework, and had brunch. But there’s still no good reason to get dressed - I’m not planning on leaving the apartment today.

☕️ Time for brunch. Smoked salmon bagels. 🥯

📸 Amazing! I’m actually sitting in the sunshine on our balcony. So nice of the sun to appear at the same time as the weekend.

📸 Intrigued by the new floating islands in Canary Wharf. And the new ‘residents’ who’ve take up residence in Middle Dock. Hope the local wildlife leave them be…

⏰ I suppose, compared to 5am, 6:30am is an improvement. But it’s still far too early to be awake on a Saturday morning. At least the weather seems a lot better today. And I nowhere to be anytime soon. So I can enjoy this coffee and catch up with the news.

📸 Another stunning London sunset. No filters or edits. Shot on an iPhone 15 Pro. I could look at this view for the rest of my life and not get bored.

📸 The sun coming through my bedroom window is making my bed extra gay!

📸 After a morning of wind and torrential rain, the sun has reappeared over London. The perfect start to the weekend.

🔗 I’m a tad tired… I had fully intended to have a lie on this morning, with my first appointment not until 9am. But no, my brain sabotaged my plans and left me sitting up in bed well before dawn, sipping coffee and cursing my luck.  Read on: Nothing left

Oh. Maggie Smith. What an incredible talent. We were lucky to have her. RIP.

📸 This lady just sailed gracefully past my apartment building, heading into Central London.

🔗 Flexibility. Autonomy. Creativity. Variety. Of course I know not every day can be like this. For a variety of reasons. But it’s also important to note it when it happens, so I can be grateful and appreciate the experience.  👉🏻 Keep reading…

🪩 The good news continues! My other half managed to get us tickets to see Kylie when she comes to London next May.

☕️ The client webinar went really well and had some great participant interaction. A super start to the work day. And now it’s time for some more coffee before I launch into admin mode.

⏰ A 5:30am start this morning, as I’m running an 8am webinar for some international clients. I will definitely be finishing up early today, that’s for sure.

🛠️ A productivity recipe?: I’ve been more productive than usual… I’m feeling very on top of my workload, pleased with progress and looking forward to launching my new course next month. No distractions, little to no procrastination, and lots of time to think. Maybe I’ve found a productivity recipe that works for …

👟 New shoes have arrived! Muji Court Trainers. And I love them!

✈️ A propos of nothing, just 44 days until my next trip to Japan. Could I be more excited? I’m already making a todo list for the visit, taking in Osaka (again) and Tokyo (again!!!). Right now, it mostly consists of places to go and soak in a hot public bath with strangers, but I’ll be …

📱 Another iOS update where I’m loving the updates to the Reminders app, yet still don’t see it as a suitable replacement for Things 3. For me, at least. Wish we could select our own default reminders app. Maybe it’s on Margrethe Vesteger’s todo list for the year ahead… …

🛠️ The double-whammy of an impending deadline and accountability to a peer I respect have turned this morning into a productivity power-house. Really can’t believe how much progress I’ve made on the biggest project on my list right now. I might even be able to to bring the go-live …

📸 Wow, this beauty just sailed past our apartment, at quite an impressive speed! Now I need to look up what it is and why it’s here.

🎥 Morning! Hitting the ground running today. I’ve already completed editing a client video for a wellbeing programme I’m running, putting me well ahead of schedule for the day. Let’s hope this kind of momentum continues through the week.

Love this, from the Guardian: Sometimes, however, the translations are truly beautiful. Lasairfhíona, for example, derives from the Irish for ‘flame of wine’, meant to evoke the play of light one gets when swirling wine or whiskey in a glass. Why Irish names are tongue-twisters for English …

📺 Against my better judgment, I’m watching this BBC ‘drama’ about the hijacked train. After a couple of episodes, it’s now the perfect background noise while I do chores around the apartment. Connected via my AirPods, listening as the cliches just whizz by like an out of …

🥗 That moment when you open the fridge and realise you still have last night’s delicious leftovers available for lunch. Few things come close.

📸 I had a vegan friend over for dinner last night, so I obviously had to prepare something appropriate. And this passed, with flying colours, apparently! Veggie fritters, slow roasted peppers and aubergine, garlic courgette and a side salad (which he brought along). We ate very well indeed.

📱 Please don’t yuck other people’s yum: You do you, let me do me. We can’t all like the same things, nor should we. But at the risk of boring repetition, please pause before you hit ‘post’. You might be yucking someone else’s yum and take just a little bit of spark out of their day.  👉🏻 …

📸 Looking forward to this being opened to the public soon. The whole project has changed the face of most people’s first experience of Canary Wharf: the space outside the tube station.

📸 Nice new signage in Canary Wharf. Loving all the new developments in Middle Dock and can’t wait for the walkway to be open.

🎬 Just spent a couple of very productive hours in the office, recording video for a couple of client projects - and of course, my YouTube channel. So nice to work in peace, uninterrupted and with no door slamming or people wandering round using speakerphone. Now, back to my weekend!

🍺 Enjoying a beer out on the balcony and slowly relaxing into weekend mode. Soaking up all this sunshine before it’s gone!

📤 A fire alarm and office evacuation was just what I needed to convince me to finish my working day at home, from the comfort of my sofa. Easing into the weekend…

📸 A gorgeous, if slightly hazy, view over London this evening.

📸 When you realise it was your neighbour flying you home from Edinburgh!

📱 Once again attempting to update my Apple Watch to the latest OS. Thoughts and prayers…

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 After a lovely dinner and wander round town last night, my Edinburgh visit took a sour turn. An almost sleepless night in possibly the noisiest hotel I’ve ever stayed in. And I’ve been in a few! Slamming doors, guests shouting, people running down corridors. Yes, best to avoid …

🍜 Found a fab little ramen place minutes from my hotel. Had a delicious bowl of Tonkotsu ramen and a heaping dish of Takoyaki 🐙

📸 Beautiful evening light over Edinburgh.

📸 Gorgeous blue skies over Edinburgh today.

📱 I’ve updated my iPhone 15 Pro and my iPad mini. The MacBook Pro will need to wait until I’m back in London, as there’s work to be done! Haven’t had time to dive deeply into the new functionality of iOS yet, but noticed a few nice interface and design changes. So far, so …

📱 Updating to iOS18… see you on the other side.

📸 Soaking up some Scottish sunshine ☀️ Carpe diem and all that.

☀️ Amazing but true: I’m wearing shorts and sitting out in the sun here in Fife this afternoon. Most unexpected and very welcome!

🐈 Still in Scotland and just back from the vet with my Mum’s cat. Thankfully he’s been given a clean bill of health after a few worrying days. Vet thinks he just ate something that disagreed with him.

📱 So I’m assuming that those of us in Europe will have to wait until much later in the day before iOS18 is available for download?

🇪🇪 A photo-filled summary of my visit to Tallinn back in May: I was quickly sucked in by the hardcore coffee and pastries videos, clips of medieval city walls and cute bars. And so we planned a long weekend – and enjoyed every single minute. 👉🏻 Baltic Adventures

🦌 A travel memory from Japan back in 2017: You only need to let your guard down for the moment and you’ll have a deer stealing the entire bag, or attempting to chew a hole in your shorts. 👉🏻 Visiting Nara: Deer me

🍽️ I am full of delicious roast chicken. There’s nothing like the roast dinner your own mother makes for you!

📸 Went for a walk around the lovely Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline earlier and got quite up close and personal with some of the local peacocks. They have freedom of the entire park and go where they like.

Having a very lazing, relaxing morning here in Fife. I might go for a walk while it’s dry. Then it’s time for a roast dinner, followed by taking my mum to the cinema to see Alien: Romulus. I’m sure we’ll all sleep soundly tonight!

✈️ On approach to Edinburgh. I snapped this Friday evening as we flew over the Firth of Forth, just a few short minutes before landing in Edinburgh. If it’s not too cloudy, the views for the last ten minutes of this flight are always stunning.

📸 The view from take-off. Friday evening, London City Airport, just before departure for Edinburgh. I thought the light looked incredible. And for once, the plane window wasn’t too filthy to take a pic through.

📱 Still naked Over a week ago, I took off my case to clean the phone and didn’t put it back on. 👉🏻 Read on…

🏡 I’ve popped home for a couple of hours to a) grab a quick post-lunch nap and b) get changed for this evening’s celebratory cocktail reception. I’ve invited clients and friends to celebrate ten years of my business. So I’ll need all my energy, hence the battery-recharging …

🧠 It seems like normal brain service has resumed. Feeling an awful lot better this morning!

🧠 It was one of those days when my brain just didn’t cooperate. It hasn’t happened in quite a while, but today I had an epileptic seizure at work. I’m lucky, in that most of my seizures tend to take the form of ‘absences’ - where I just zone out while my brain basically reboots. 👉🏻 A brain …

📸 Some very welcome sunshine and blue skies over London this morning.

📸 Our new Samsung TV displaying a very beautiful Japanese triptych. The whole thing is just so much more visually appealing than the monstrous Sky Glass we had previously.

📸 Taking a moment away from the Apple Event to snap the view over my shoulder. I love the view down the river at this time in the evening. And my iPhone 15 Pro captures it just fine. No need to upgrade, right?

📸 Settling in at home to watch the Apple event.

📱 Preoccupied with today’s Apple announcements. 👉🏻 Apple event expectations. I’m hoping to spend absolutely nothing (none of my gadgets need upgrading) and just get excited about the OS updates.

🍿 Saw ‘Beetlejuice Beetlejuice’ tonight and it was a riot. Again, Michael Keaton is just the best. Excellent use of practical effects and the music is the cherry on top.

📘 Dipping my toe back into bullet journalling. 👉🏻 Paper, again

📸 Another grey day here in London

💻 A summary of what I did, thought and experienced this week: 👉🏻 That was the week that was…002

📸 This beauty sailed past my apartment yesterday afternoon. The Thames never disappoints. Always something to see and enjoy.

🦮 I got to spend yesterday afternoon with these lovely girls. The best behaved, most affectionate dogs I know. There’s nothing quite like a Labrador snuggling up against your legs to go to sleep. Beautiful creatures.

⚡️🌩️⛈️ Ooof. That’s some impressive thunder and lightning over London right now. 😬 A little too close to home here on the 35th floor.

📺 In preparation for tomorrow’s trip to the cinema to watch the sequel, I watched the original Beetlejuice last night. Seeing it for the first time in at least a decade was quite the experience! 👉🏻 Just the one Beetlejuice

📺 My partner and I settled in to watch the first episode of Slow Horses S4 last night. And we barely spoke once, except to declare our undying love for Kristin Scott Thomas. I would watch anything she’s in.

📸 I snapped this out the window of my flight from Dublin to London on Wednesday. At the time, I thought the clouds looked impressive and a little weird. But that may have been my jet-lag addled brain seeing what wasn’t actually there…

✈️ I arrived back from Singapore on Monday morning, but I still feel like someone has injected sludge into my brain. Even after getting an incredible night’s sleep last night, I woke up this morning feeling like I’d run a marathon overnight. Jet lag hits hard when you’re …

✈️ My first day back at work since our break in Singapore. And so of course I’ve been wide awake since 3am, and now find myself in London City Airport, about to fly to Dublin for work. Who manages my schedule?!??! Oh. Right. 😳

✈️ There’s no experience more likely to bring my holiday vibes crashing to earth than arriving at the soul-destroying pit that is Heathrow Airport.

✈️ Arrived in Helsinki 45mins early after a super flight with Finnair. Now it’s time for a much neededed shower in the Finnair lounge, followed by all the coffee… ☕️

✈️ All boarded and settled in. Leaving Singapore shortly and heading for Helsinki with Finnair. Looking forward toward to another lovely, relaxing flight with one of my favourite airlines. First glass of champagne in hand 🥂 See you on the other side.

📸 Enjoying some hospitality in the BA lounge at Singapore Airport. I’ve been inhaling the chicken curry and supping generously at the champagne bar. It woud be rude not to partake.

📸 Obligatory pic of the waterfall in The Jewel, Changi Airport, Singapore. I love this airport so much!

📸 A final selfie at the doors of the hotel as we wait on our taxi to the airport. And a wonderful goodbye from the hotel staff as we checked out. They even booked and paid for our taxi!

📸 Final poolside pic before we finish packing and head to Changi Airport.

📸 Enjoying my last breakfast in this hotel, while taking in the views over Singapore. Next up: packing. We fly back to London (via Helsinki) this evening. But I’m also hoping to squeeze in a couple of hours by the pool before we check out.

☀️ Back by the hotel pool, waiting for my post-shopping beer.

📸 Hitting the shops on Orchard Road, Singapore. Dads on Tour, the movie. 🤣

📸 Spotted in Chinatown last night. I looked, but Barbie was nowhere to be found 🤣

☀️ The tan lines resulting from yesterday’s epic bike ride throughgh East Coast Park are something else. My arms look like I’ve been toiling in the fields… And yes, perfect lines around my ankles too 😢

🇸🇬 Last full day here in Singapore. After a big hotel breakfast, it’s time to head to Orchard Road for some shopping. Grateful as always for the air-conditioned MRT to get us there. 🚇

🍜 Heading into Chinatown to meet a local Singaporean friend for dinner. We’re absolutely ravenous!

♨️ A couple of hours soaking, steaming and sauna-ing in the local onsen and I feel like a new man. Now chowing down on some dim sum back at the hotel and making plans for the evening ahead.

🚇 Anyone who’s visited will know, but one of the best things about Singapore is its public transit. The MRT is foolproof and makes it so easy to get pretty much anywhere. Air-conditioned and scrupulously clean. I love it!

☕️ Enjoying breakfast from 31 floors up and planning another day in Singapore. Later: exploring Little India. Then: a soak in an onsen and dinner with friends. I’ve been walking over 17,000 steps per day so far. Will today be the day I hit 18k? Quite possibly…

📸 On our way out to dinner earlier this evening…

📸 Now back at the pool for some downtime and, potentially, a nap.

📸 Went walkabout to the Gardens by the Bay this morning. This is before I melted and wilted in the heat!

💀 A night of horrendous jet lag means I’m horribly sleep-deprived this morning. Thankfully, Singapore has one or two coffee shops to keep me caffeinated…

📸 Gratuitous poolside selfie

📸 The sun has made an appearance here in Singapore. So it’s straight out to the pool to work on my tan. Absolutely loving this hotel so far!

📸 Just waking up in Singapore. Managed a very respectable six hours sleep.

✈️ Arrrived safely in Singapore. Now to get a taxi to the hotel, shower and get all the sleeps!

✈️ It’s my first time in Hong Kong so I was glued to the window on approach. What incredible views! Already planning a proper visit here, rather than just a layover.

✈️ A superb and comfortable flight with Finnair to Hong Kong. Aside from eating my own body weight, I got five hours sleep! Now relaxing in the Cathay lounge, before our final flight: Singapore. Just had a wonderful (and much needed) shower, and then tucked into a wagyu beef burger.

📸 Enjoying the Finnair Executive Lounge in Helsinki Airport 🍾🥂🇫🇮

✈️ Arrived in Helsinki after a predictably lovely flight with Finnair. Enjoyed a tasty dinner and some lovely bubbles on board. Now a couple of hours in the Finnair lounger before our next flight…

📸 Ready for take-off ✈️

✈️ Awaiting boarding for our next flight: Budapest to Helsinki.

💀 That 3am start is beginning to catch up with me… Plus the nearly 20,000 steps around Budapest. More Diet Coke required, before I fall asleep and miss my flight.

✈️ Enjoyed a lovely few hours in a very hot and sunny Budapest. My first visit to the city and I’ll definitely be back. Now back at the airport, waiting for our flight to Helsinki. Which I suspect might be a little bit cooler…

📸 St. Stephen’s Basilica, Budapest

📸 Greetings from Budapest, where we’re sheltering from the heat and enjoying ice cold drinks by the Danube. First impressions: what an incredibly beautiful city!

📸 Next stop: Budapest ✈️

✈️ The first stop on our epic journey to Singapore: Heathrow Terminal 3. Currently having breakfast in the Amex lounge, after which we’ll fly to Budapest. We have a few hours to kill there, so we’re going to head into the city for a quick mooch about before catching our onward connection.

✅ Firing on all cylinders in the office this morning! There’s nothing like an impending holiday to focus the mind and ensure all the important things are done. Video and audio of next week’s podcast completed, about to upload today’s coaching video, and a ton of client admin …

📸 Umm… what happened to summer in London? Hard to see in this photo, but in addition to the grey/brown sky, it’s also raining.

🧐 Pub quiz update: our team came second! Amazed I was able to wrench some of the answers from the recesses of my memory. We shall return!

✈️ Considering airborne productivity: A brief layover at home before heading out after dinner to a local pub quiz. If I’m honest, I’d much prefer to stay in and get some more work done ahead of this weekend’s holidays. But I’ve agreed, so I’ll have to make the most of it. It’s a nice bunch of friends …

📸 Absolutely loving London’s sky this evening.

🏃‍♂️ A slow and steady loop of the neighbourhood before dinner.

🍿 I went to the see the new Alien​ movie yesterday evening and really enjoyed it. Satisfying jump-scares, nice references to the original movie, and some lovely details filling out the Alien universe, particularly around Weyland-Yutani. All in all, good stuff.

📸 London’s skyline is very… Star Wars this evening. We’re just missing a second sun.

💻 New blog post: The week that was… Am I committing to doing this every Sunday? I am not. There’s basically nothing in my life that happens with that level of consistency, so consider yourself warned.

✈️ So this time next week, we’ll be on final approach to the beautiful city of Singapore. I can’t wait to be back again - I have such fond memories (mostly food-related lol) of previous visits and always enjoy my time there. 🇸🇬 Busy checking out the menu options on my flight with …

🪴 Arrived in the office this morning to discover there’d been a murder at some point since Friday afternoon 😱

🌶️ Cooking up a big pot of my chilli con carne for this evening’s dinner. It’s been a while since I made it and we both fancied something spicy!

🎥 Heading into the office for a couple of hours, to record some video for a new course I’m creating. It’s the only time in the weekk when the place is quiet!

💻 Currently setting up my new Macbook Pro

🏃‍♂️ A slow and steady run around the neighbourhood, before it gets too warm.

📸 Another stunner of a sunset this evening.

📸 Cheers from a beautifully sunny and warm London. Here’s to an excellent weekend!

📸 Enjoying a delicious Erdinger alcohol-free beer out on the balcony this evening.

📸 Despite not being in the Sitges sunshine, today was a good day. Productive at work, some yoga and a gym workout done, and an excellent couple of episodes of Bob’s Burgers enjoyed. Plus our new TV arrives tomorrow. Lots to smile about.

💻 First day back at work after my break in Sitges. I’m working from home today, to ease into things. Not terribly enthused by London’s grey skies this morning… bring on the coffee!

📸 Arrived back in London, just in time to snap this skyline from the balcony.

📸 Enjoying one last tostada 0% beer here in the Sala VIP at Barcelona Airport. I love this stuff and wish I could find it in the UK.

📸 “Dealing with other people in the airport” face.

💡 New blog post: A relaxing interlude This isn’t a ‘New Year, New Me’ announcement or anything. Just the stark realisation that I’ve for some work to do before I can feel comfortable in these shorts again.

☀️ Well, my break is nearly over. I’m all packed up, checked out and now relaxing at the hotel bar with my laptop and some delightfully chilled sparkling water. My taxi is booked for Barcelona Airport, after which it’s back to life in ‘normal mode’.

📸 It’s only 9:30pm local time, but I’m already contemplating getting into bed. I’m full of dinner and have just been hit by the kind of delicious sleepiness you get after a day spent in the sunshine. Seeing as I’m flying home tomorrow, I don’t think one early night will …

📸 Last night in Sitges. Back to the reality of London tomorrow. But for now, the sun’s still shining, I’m still on holidays and there’s delicious food to be eaten.

📸 Enjoying my last full day here in Sitges. Already thinking about where I’ll go for dinner later. Food is never far from my thoughts when I’m in Spain.

📸 Last full day here in Sitges, so I’m soaking up as much sunshine as possible!

📸 Sitting down to order an early (by Spanish standards) dinner. But first, a bottle of this delicious alcohol-free beer. One of my favourites.

📸 Back by my hotel pool with a cold drink. After two and half hours on the beach, I needed some shade. It’s 32C and there’s not a cloud in the sky, so it’s pretty toasty! Now cooling down and enjoying a book on my Kindle.

🏖️ On the beach this morning. My happy place. And surprisingly quiet…so far! Now to work on dealing with those pesky tan lines. 🍑

📸 I come to Sitges so regularly that they’ve named a bar after me!

☀️ Had to take a break from the sun! It’s 31C without a cloud in the sky. Back in my room to cool down, enjoy the AC and rehydrate!

📸 The cute little mobile coffee shop / bar near the pool at my hotel.

✈️ En route to Heathrow for my flight to Barcelona. And then a train to Sitges. But first, a big breakfast in the BA lounge 🍳

📸 Enjoying a few peaceful minutes taking in this view. Now it’s time for a shower and an early night.

☀️ Heading into the office early this morning, as I’ve a lot to finish before I fly to Sitges tomorrow. Blue skies and sunshine over London, which I’m taking as a positive omen for productivity. A podcast to record, a workshopp to attend and a bunch of people to chase. 🤞🏻

💻 New blog post: Retreating to Sitges I return to London feeling lots better, with a ton of notes and plans for personal and professional life. I experience a kind of inspiration there that I don’t get anywhere else. It just works, which is why I go back every year.

📸 Enjoying this sunset with a pornstar martini 🍸

📸 Decided on an al fresco lunch today, trying a new restaurant here in Canary Wharf: Oysteria.

🏳️‍🌈 Off out in that there Soho for gay-themed shenanigans (i.e. beers with a friend in Rupert Street 😉)

📸 Some new critical infrastructure installed in the office this morning. Much needed and a lovely relief from the heat.

🍺 It appears to be beer o’clock once again. Doing a little bit of work while I sip…

☀️ An early start in the office this morning, so I can wrap up early and enjoy some more sunshine. Who knows when Beer o’clock will strike! I just need to run a webinar, publish a YouTube video, deal with insurance admin and edit a podcast episode first. Whew.

📸 Good evening from a very warm London.

🍺 It’s 30C and it’s beer o’clock. These things may or may not be related. Cheers!

📸 My little desk fan from Muji is working overtime this morning! But every little bit helps. It’s already 27C and it’s not even midday.

🇮🇪 Nice to see Ireland on the Olympics medal table. An incredible bronze medal for Mona McSharry in the 100m breaststroke.

🍿 Thoroughly enjoyed yesterday’s viewing of ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’. I laughed pretty much all the way through, and lost count of all the easter eggs and in-jokes. Which means I’ll have to go back and watch it again. You know, for science.

📸 Spotted: a trio of helicopters making their way along the Thames earlier. Impressive, if noisy!

📸 Enjoying an hour in the sun on our balcony. It’s toasty out there!

📸 An absolutely gorgeous sunset over London this evening.

📸 Just been for a pint at the Munich Cricket Club, enjoying the evening sunshine over West India Quay.

📸 Brunch out on the balcony today. Smoked salmon and cream cheese on bagels 🥯

☀️ It’s set to be a beautiful day here in London. Just slapped on some sunscreen and will shortly head out for some coffee in the sun.

🍕 Enjoyed some phenomenal pizza and delicious beer at Crate Brewery last night. 10/10 would recommend.

🤯 Waking up to so much news about Star Trek series and a new Marvel Avengers film have my geeky heart all a flutter. So exciting!

📸 Enjoying an iced coffee in the park before I head into the office for a couple of hours.

📸 Good morning from a lovely, sunny London ☀️

🥇 New post: An Olympic effort To me, it was such a refreshing change to have the ceremony away from the enclosure of a stadium. Why wouldn’t you use the beauty of Paris - one of the most stunning cities in the world - as your backdrop, when you know the world is watching?

☕️ It’s Saturday morning and I’ve been wide awake since 6:30am. No alarm, I just woke up naturally. A hugely busy day ahead, so I’m happy I’m getting some peaceful time to sit, drink my coffee, and catch up on the news. Then to to the office to record a ton of video…

🥂 New blog post: Easing into the weekend Someone cancelled dinner plans, and I couldn’t be more relieved!

📸 My “Happy Friday working from home” face

📸 It’s a little bit cloudy over London this morning, but I have some sunshine in front of me on the kitchen table until the weather improves.

📸 Post-webinar face. I think it went well - lots of questions and interaction. Now time to get back to writing that journal article. The deadline for submission is looming…

☕️ An early start this morning as I’m running an 8am webinar for some international clients. And I have a 5pm appointment at the other end of the day. Already looking forwarded to that post-lunch nap.

🏋🏼 Made it to the gym again after work this evening. A much nicer elliptical workout, while watching some ‘Tokyo Vice’'. Why though, do some people go to the gym for the sole purpose of making phone calls? Not while exercising, while sitting on machines and not moving a muscle. Puzzling.

📸 Lunchtime walk, followed by a power nap on my office sofa… This is the way.

📸 Missing Malaga’s blue skies and sunshine this morning!

💻 New blog post: Getting shit done At work as a psychologist, I coach and train professionals in ways to be more productive and focus on their priorities. But as I find myself saying quite often, knowing is not the same as doing.

📺 Aaaand…. that’s enough news about elections for today. I’m out.

🏋🏼 Made it to the gym for a very half-hearted workout on the elliptical. Brought me to a total of 10km of walking today, which isn’t bad. Let’s see what I manage tomorrow. I’m back on the beach in Sitges in two weeks, so every little helps. Right?

📸 Spotted this in Soho this afternoon, on my way to a meeting.

🗑️ Got a reminder from Amazon that Prime was going to renew in just a few days. The perfect opportunity to cancel! I barely use the video service, am actively trying to buy less junk online, and never touched any of the other Prime ‘benefits’. A very easy way to save £95 per year.

🚨 Finally, they’re going to investigate the fraud committed during the pandemic. From The Guardian: Chancellor understood to believe £2.6bn of public money lost to fraudsters during pandemic could be recouped

🪫 My Airpods Pro charging woes: I pop the AirPods into their sleek, minimalist case and I pray to the battery gods above that they will both charge. Because, as often as not, one will charge perfectly, while the other will act as if I’ve tried to charge it by inserting it up my left nostril.

☕️ This morning in the office has been fuelled by caffeine. Flight delays meant I didn’t get home until after 10pm last night. And then it took quite some time for me to feel relaxed enough to get some sleep. Add to that this morning’s 6am alarm, and it’s been a tough few hours.

📸 Just been to the Picasso Museum here in Malaga. Stunning pieces housed in a beautiful building.

📸 I spent most of yesterday day afternoon like this. Sitting by the hotel pool, with occasional forays into the pool, with lots of people-watching thrown in for good measure. The Tan™️ has come on nicely as a result.

📸 We enjoyed a bite or two last night. The most delicious prawns and some very pungent chorizo!

📸 Enjoying Malaga with my travel partner-in-crime… The best and most low-maintenance friend I have for city breaks!

☀️ A little quiet on here as I’ve been enjoying Malaga so much! It’s so much nicer than I’d imagined and the weather is stellar. I’ll share some pics once I’m back in London…

✈️ En route to Spain…

✈️ Almost ready for take-off…

✈️ Enjoying the hospitality at the British Airways First lounge… 🥂🍾

✈️ En route to the airport…

✈️ I’m all packed for Malaga, no thanks to British Airways. A couple of weeks ago, British Airways cancelled my flight and, after a brain-melting telephone battle with their poorly named ‘customer support’ team, I was moved onto a flight going out at about the same time - but with Vueling. 

Disappointed to see no mention of “banning speakerphone in public” in this morning’s King’s Speech to parliament. Time to start a petition, I think…

Oof. Lots to do today. Podcast edits, an evidence-based practice presentation to prepare, and a couple of coaching sessions later on.

💻 One month of blogging with Pika: a review If a blogging platform’s success is measured in how many posts you write, then Pika is the best platform I’ve used in an age! I’ve been writing almost daily (or sometimes more than once per day) as there’s zero friction. 

🍿 Just been to see ‘Despicable Me 4’ and it was as fun as I had hoped. Just can’t get enough minions. Banana.

🎧 Just recorded a podcast interview with a super interesting guest. Someone who is passionate and knowledgeable about their topic and keen to share their insights with the world. It’s on days like this - with conversations like this - that I really love my job.

A pretty full-on day at the psychology coalface today. I’m going to the cinema straight after I leave the office, which is something to look forward to. But the first order of business: coffee ☕️

✈️ I have one or two travel plans for the next few months. New blog post: Travel plans

💡 I spent the weekend intentionally disconnecting from work and instead spending time with family. And you know what? I came back to London feeling great! New blog post: Disconnecting.

✈️ Flying back to London this afternoon and, if I’m honest, Edinburgh Airport is the last place I want to deal with today. But needs must. It’ll be nice to be home this evening.

☀️ Some unexpected sunshine in Scotland! https://www.macpsych.blog/posts/sunbathing-in-fife

☀️ I didn’t have “Sunbathing in Fife” on my bingo card for this weekend, but here we are. Wearing shorts and lying back in some glorious(if sporadic) Scottish sunshine.

📸 I interrupted someone while he was taking a bath

✈️ Made it to Edinburgh in one piece. Landed 17:02. Out of the airport and on the tram by 17:20. Now waiting for my train to Dunfermline.

✈️ Next stop: Edinburgh

☀️ I’m working from home this morning, which means I get to enjoy the view over the river. And the sun has reappeared, making everything look wonderful. Then I need to pack my bag and head to City Airport: off to Scotland for the weekend, to see family.

⚽️ I’ve just been informed by my Dutch husband, that we are, in fact, watching “the football” this evening. Shook. I’ve no idea where all this football enthusiasm has come from, but I’ll need to stamp it out ASAP.

📸 The view from here this evening. Definitely a game of two halves. The sun is fighting its way through those dark, depressing clouds.

🚶🏼 New blog: Where there’s a will, there’s a walk Over on my new MacPsych.blog endeavour, using the very lovely Pika platform.

📸 July in London. 😭

I’ve had a client webinar cancelled at the very last minute, so instead of mainlining political news all over again, I’m going to head downstairs to the gym and get some exercise. A much better use of my time.

Starting my work day on a very positive note, including some incredibly nice client feedback and an interesting new business opportunity. Think I’ll treat myself to another coffee!

📸 Just look at that sky! And it’s July?! Ugh. Counting down the days us until I’m in Spain, enjoying some actual summer sunshine.

📸 This beauty just sailed past my apartment building.

🍫 Took part in some market research earlier in the week and just received a massive box from Hotel Chocolate as a thank you. A perfect start to the weekend!

🌶️ So glad I made a massive vat of chilli last night. It kept me going for hours while watching the election coverage, and today I can have delicious leftovers for lunch. 🍛

📸 The morning after… My Apple Watch tells me I got four hours sleep last night. And that wasn’t event a solid four hours, but split across the whole night. And it shows! No regrets, though - I got to see history in the making. And now? More coffee…

🗳️ A fresh start?: So my plan to stay up night to watch the election failed miserably 🤣 My last memory is of about 2am and I woke up again at 5:30am. That said, I’m waking up to some amazing news. Not just a Labour victory - an overwhelming one - but some delicious results and the exit of some of the nastier and …

🗳️ I’ve brought my duvet and pillows out onto the sofa so I can keep watching the election results. I’m going to attempt to power through for a couple more hours. I have drinks and snacks galore and I’m enjoying a delicious Majorcan beer to celebrate the exit poll.

So, I’ve finished work for the week and I’m not sure what to do with myself between now and 10pm, when the exit polls are published. Too wound up to have a nap (yes really!) and I’m all caught up on my favourite podcasts. Maybe some comics for a bit of escapism…?

🗳️ It's finally here!: Polling stations open in 20 mins and once I’ve finished this coffee, and showered, I’ll be heading over to do my electoral duty. Then it’s a matter of keeping myself occupied until the exit poll at 10pm. I’m delivering an in-person workshop this morning, which should …

🗳️ Counting the hours: Honestly. I’m quite literally counting the hours until I can vote in the general election and then sit back and watch the results come in. It’s been a long 14 years of chaos and mismanagement under a series of weak and ineffectual Tory governments - despite their sometimes massive Commons majorities …

🗳️ After a quick scan of the news headlines, I can only conclude: Thursday can’t come soon enough. We need to bin these desperate, lying, ineffectual grifters. Vote!

🏳️‍🌈 London Pride: the morning after… I’m actually feeling surprisingly fine. Didn’t stay up too late, didn’t have too many beers, had a good dinner and rehydrated before bed. All that aside, I’m taking it very easy today.

🏳️‍🌈 Proud: Well, marching in the London Pride parade yesterday was an absolute blast. The group I walked with from LGBT Humanists were lovely, the crowds were amazing, and I don’t think I’ve ever seen so many smiles in one place. Running up and down the street, high-fiving spectators while holding …

🏳️‍🌈 I’m going to need a lot more coffee before I’m in full London Pride mode. But once I am, I’ll be unstoppable… 🤣

📸 Survived another week! Here’s to an excellent Pride weekend in London.

🏳️‍🌈 Really looking forward to marching in tomorrow’s London Pride parade. I’ll be with the LGBT Humanists. Give us a wave when you see us! I had an absolute blast the last time I marched in the parade. Such positivity, such joy. Thousands of smiling faces.

Not the gym buddy I was hoping for... : 🏋🏼 I had the gym in our building all to myself this afternoon. Until the last ten minutes of my workout, when this giant beast of a neighbour came down, dressed in street clothes, and chose the treadmill next to me for… a walk. And a telephone conversation. While on speakerphone. Loudly. I …

🗳️ I missed last night’s political debate between Sunak and Starmer, opting instead to enjoy dinner with friends. Rather than getting frustrated with an evasive, prickly and out of touch Tory laughing stock spreading outright lies about the Labour party’s plans for government, I enjoyed …

☀️ My main objective at work is to stay cool in the office. It’s going to be 28C again in London today. Hurray for shorts!

🚶🏼 As there were more delays on the DLR this afternoon, I decided to walk home from the office. Yes, it was 28C, but I was by the canal and there was a lovely breeze. And it only took me 35mins door to door. I’ll be doing that more frequently in future.

😬 I appear to have eaten something that is violently disagreeing with me.

📸 Once again, I’m very grateful for the sofa in my office. Time for a post-lunch break and potentially, a quick nap.

The fact that my local council (The Kleptocracy of Tower Hamlets) says it’s fine for building sites to start work at 8am on a Saturday is all I need to know about who’s interests they’re looking after.

🧠 Again with the anxiety dreams?! Last night’s included: Having to start university all over again, but couldn’t find my degree certificates to prove I didn’t need to. Somehow finding myself signed up for a maths and statistics degree. Not psychology. Accidentally donating all my …

🗳️ Angry and disconnected: I watched last night’s Question Time special on the BBC, where each of the four main party leaders were grilled by an audience of the public. Four very different performances. John Swinney from the SNP was calm but fighting a losing battle with a largely English audience. Ed Davey was human, polite …

😴 Last night’s sleep destroyed by a horrible dream that I was in Egypt, stuck in a hotel due to some kind of coup, and unable to find my passport. Gunfire and screams outside. It all felt so, so real. Woke in a panic and had to check it was where I always keep it. Thanks for nothing, brain.

🗳️ It’s like a game of fascist bingo… Nigel Farage has praised the misogynist influencer Andrew Tate for being an “important voice” for the “emasculated” and giving boys “perhaps a bit of confidence at school” in online interviews that appear to be aimed at young men over the past …

📸 Enjoying a lovely cool breeze out on the balcony this evening. Plus this incredible view.

☀️ Successfully avoided another game of international kickball. Popped in my Airpods and lay out in the sunshine on my balcony. The streets below were deserted as everyone went in to watch “Ingerlaaaand”…. draw with Denmark. Ahem.

🎧 Podcast edit: complete! Now it’s time to go outside and experience some of this lovely sunshine that has finally arrived.

And politicians wonder why the public has lost trust in them? Another Tory candidate has allegedly placed a bet on the date of the election. And her husband is the Tory head of campaigns. Who has just gone on a ‘leave of absence’… Tories gonna Tory. From The Guardian: The …

📸 A relaxing post-work seat on the balcony, enjoying the very welcome sun. Might summer be finally making an appearance? ☀️

Day One today reminded me that it was exactly ten years ago that I emailed my resignation to the CEO of the last company I ever worked for. An uncomfortable thing to do in the moment, but the best thing I’ve ever done for my career. Ten years of running my own business later, and I can safely …

🎹 Proofing slides for a workshop I’m running next month, while listening to some Nina Simone. What a fucking genius she was.

📸 Goodnight 😴

We’re two weeks out from a general election, but at 6pm, instead of the news, the BBC is showing (wait for it) football. Turkey vs Georgia, to be precise. This country’s obsession with football is something else.

📸 Feet up. Time for a quick post-lunch nap. Love my office sofa.

I’ve just been for a lunchtime walk around my office’s neighbourhood in East London. I was blown away by the number of drivers I saw driving while using their mobile phones. Virtually nobody had eyes on the road and both hands on the steering wheel. Narrow streets, cars parked on both …

A small milestone, but one that made me smile nonetheless: I finally made it to 500 subscribers on my tiny YouTube channel! 🎉 Thanks to everyone who has subscribed, watched, commented and recommended my videos. I’m aiming to get 1% better with each video I publish, and it’s been an …

🇹🇭 Congrats to Thailand for recognising marriage equality 🏳️‍🌈 Thailand passes historic bill recognising marriage equality. Country on track to become third in Asia – after Taiwan and Nepal – to legalise same-sex marriage More here…

🗳️ Waiting for the other shoe to drop: With a little over two weeks until the general election, I’m feeling a real mix of excitement and worry. I’m excited at the very real chance that the Tories will be decimated and kept out of office for the foreseeable. I’m worried that indifference and overconfidence will keep many away from the …

📆 A superb Monday so far! Excellent feedback from a client as we completed his coaching programme this morning My long-awaited prescription issue has been resolved and my epilepsy meds are ready for collection I completed a video edit ahead of schedule, so I’m treating myself to a walk in the …

📸 Waking up to sunshine and blue skies definitely takes the edge off a Monday morning.

📸 Managed to get an hour of uninterrupted sun on the balcony before the dark clouds came back. Definitely better than nothing.

🍾🥂 Just a light bite for brunch this Sunday morning. Out of shot: mimosas.

📺 Finally finished ‘Sugar’ on AppleTV+ last night and I have to say I loved it. Great story-telling, beautiful visuals, and twist in the tale that left me grinning from ear to ear. Colin Farrell is incredible. Thoroughly recommended. And I really hope they make a second season.

🏃‍♂️ This morning’s effort. Trying to make it back home before more “summer” rain.

🏃‍♂️ I don’t want to unduly alarm anyone, but it appears that I’m about to go for a run.

🎥 Watching ‘Godzilla Minus One’ on Netflix, as I missed it when it was in the cinema. Amazing stuff - the special effects are incredible.

🍿Re-watching “Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness”.

📸 Enjoying the Sitges Pride parade last weekend. I’m missing the sunshine so much right now.

📸 This time last week, I was lying by the pool at my hotel in Sitges, waiting for some pesky clouds to pass.

Aaaargh. My hay fever is off the scale this morning. Feeling utterly miserable and I haven’t even left the apartment yet. Eyes streaming, constant sneezing, itchy all over. Seems my meds aren’t doing a thing today.

📸 The new seating / viewing platform in the dock at Canary Wharf is really coming together. Soon it’ll be the perfect place to enjoy a coffee in the sun. If the sun ever makes an appearance this summer.

📸 London looking golden this evening.

📸 I’ve put a carefully curated (ahem) set of pics from Sitges Pride on Flicker and you can find them here.

Slowly adjusting to life back in London post-holiday. My first day back at work was made quite amazing by receiving not one, but two incredibly lovely emails from podcast listeners. It makes all the difference to know that episodes are going down well with the audience.

☀️ Let the sunbathing commence!

☀️ Poolside in the sunshine this morning

📅 The plan for today: 🍳 Breakfast ☀️ Sunbathing by the pool 🍻 Beers in town 🥗 Dinner 😍 People-watching 🕺 Dancing in the streets…

☀️ Enjoyed a fab first afternoon and evening in Sitges. 🏳️‍🌈 Had a couple of hours sunbathing on our hotel balcony. It wraps around our room completely, so we get the sun pretty much all day. Then we wandered into town for some beers and to catch up with a friend who’s also visiting. As ever, the …

✈️ All packed and ready to go! I did 90% of my packing last night, but I always leave my toiletries until the day of travel. Somehow, I believe I won’t forget anything that way 🤣 (Even though I have an incredibly well organised packing list in Apple Notes…) Heading to London City …

📤 Out of office: On ☀️ Holiday mode: Activated ✈️ Next stop: Sitges I just can’t wait for a week of uninterrupted sunshine…

Last day of work before we go to Sitges tomorrow, for Pride 🏳️‍🌈 But if I’m totally honest, I could do with another 24hrs to feel more organised and cultivate a little more calm and composure. Today’s todo list is… epic.

I knew I bought these dungarees for a reason! Loving this afternoon’s music, sunshine and beers at Mighty Hoopla!

🍺 Enjoyed a few hours wandering down the Bermondsey Beer Mile, sampling delicious beers and enjoying the sporadic sunshine.

🦷 Starting my weekend with a trip to the dentist. Nothing serious, just a check-up. But never, ever anything less than a chore.

📺 Settling in to watch the final episode of Star Trek: Discovery. End of an era and all that.

Despite being woken up by a malfunctioning fire alarm at 4am, I’ve been vaguely productive this morning! Finished the edits and published my lastest work YouTube video, survived a client call regarding a new project, and with the help of even more coffee, I’m going to run a webinar in …

I may have put too much red onion in my salad this evening… ☢️

✈️ Mmmmm… this time next week, I’ll be in Sitges. Almost certainly sitting in the square outside Parrot’s Bar, definitely enjoying the people watching. And the warmer temperatures. It’s a veritable home away from home and will eventually be my actual home. If all current …

😭 Home early from work, but it’s far from good news: my hay fever is off the scale today. Despite taking my usual antihistamines. I went for a walk in the part at lunchtime and have been suffering ever since. On the sofa, feeling very sorry for myself, trying not to rip out my own eyes.

📸 I’ve finally added selected pics from my trip to Tallinn 🇪🇪 into an album on Flickr. 👉🏻 Tallinn: May 2024

A pleasant side-effect of last weekends flights to and from Estonia was the opportunity to catch up with the latest series of Doctor Who. I’m by no means a fan, and haven’t watched it in years, but the first three episodes are great fun. I’ll definitely be watching the rest. It …

Slowly - very slowly - adjusting to life back in a drab and wet London after three days of sunshine and beauty in Tallinn 🇪🇪 On the upside, this is a four-day week, I’ve a lovely social weekend planned, and next week we head to Spain for Sitges Pride 🏳️‍🌈

Landing at Heathrow Airport after a very relaxing weekend in the sun is a lot like spending the day at a relaxing spa, only to walk out into the street and have a series of strangers punch you in the balls. All the strangers are wearing uniforms, obviously. And there’s no daylight. And it smells. …

✈️ Arrived safely back in London. Unfortunately, to Heathrow Airport, which is enough to take the sheen off a relaxing weekend in Europe. Chaos. Anyway… on a train east-bound and hope to be in Canary Wharf by 10pm.

✈️ Just boarded our flight to Helsinki. Only 20mins late due to the weather. Which has brightened up considerably!

⛈️ It’s been absolutely lashing down here at Tallinn Airport for the last hour. And I’ver just found out there are storms between here and Helsinki. Think of me as I hunker down on a tiny turbo-prop plane and tense every muscle in my body until we land.

✈️ Back at Tallinn Airport, ready for the journey home. First, a quick 15mins flight to Helsinki, then a Finnair flight back to Heathrow. I’ll miss the Estonian sunshine for sure, but I’m honestly looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

📸 Living my best nautical life here in Tallinn! 🇪🇪⚓️

📸 Enjoying the delights of Kadriorg Park in Tallinn this morning. It’s 27C and not a cloud in the sky. Perfect!

✈️ We have a final morning here in Tallinn and the weather is glorious, so we’re going to head to a local park after breakfast and enjoy the sunshine. ☀️

✈️ Another glorious day in Tallinn. So far, I’ve visited a naval museum, explored a submarine (yes, really!), pretended to be a sailor (and an admiral, obviously), visited a micro-brewery, tasted some more delicious Estonian beers, boarded an icebreaker, bought a brewery-themed baseball cap …

📸 Went to the brewery, drank the beer, bought the cap!

📸 Our bar here is a converted train carriage. Very cool! Soaking up the sunshine, but keeping hydrated too 😉

🍺 Enjoying a delicious IPA at Pōhjala Brewery and Taproom in Tallinn. Could spend the night whole afternoon here. The selection of beers is incredible.

👣 23,500 steps across Tallinn yesterday. Let’s see if we can do even more today!

📸 Loving this hotel room bed, but it’s time to get up, get breakfast and explore more of Tallinn. 🇪🇪 Today it’s all about the waterfront. And hopefully, a submarine! Plus more sunshine and blue skies.

🇪🇪 Time for a recap We spent the afternoon wandering around Tallinn’s Old Town. And unlike a lot of cities that claim to have an ‘old town’, this one’s really old! And beautifully maintained. A delicious lunch in the sunshine broke our journey, along with a cheeky beer later …

📸 Exploring Tallinn is thirsty work!

✈️ So far, absolutely loving Tallinn! 🇪🇪

✈️ My chariot awaits!

✈️ Taking one of these bad boys to Tallinn. The flight is under 20mins so it’ll do just fine. We’ll be up and down before we know it.

✈️ Next stop: Tallinn. My passport is in surprisingly good shape considered how much it gets used! 🇮🇪

✈️ At Helsinki Airport, awaiting our flight to Tallinn. This is such a clean, well-organised, and easy to navigate airport! Nice to be back after a couple of years.

🍸 Last night’s on board cocktail from Finnair. A surprisingly tasty pre-made affair.

✈️ The journey so far… We made it to Helsinki last night! Lovely Finnair cabin crew and a tasty cocktail made the journey fly by. Plus two episodes of the new Doctor Who series. Though I’ve had softer airline seats and, after 2hrs 50mins, it was beginning to take it toll! We stayed …

📸 Working from home this morning and taking in the (slightly cloudy) view from here. Shortly heading to Heathrow to catch a flight to Helsinki, from where we’ll fly to Tallinn for my first ever visit to Estonia. Very excited indeed.

📸 This morning, I restocked the most important piece of equipment in my office. ☕️ Crisis averted.

📸 Up in Oxfordshire for an overnight work trip and this is the view from my hotel bedroom.

📸 Some really beautiful London skies this evening…

☀️ Working on my tan and catching up with all my podcasts from earlier this week.

📸 Enjoying brunch out on the balcony

Big, complex plan for today: catch some rays on the balcony. And that’s about it. I’m on the road again for work tomorrow, so I’m taking it nice and easy today, while I can.

😱 An awful night’s sleep, punctuated by the worst possible nightmares. Seems like each time I went back to sleep, I slipped into another awful (imaginary) situation. Robbery, mugging, job loss… one after another. Sitting here with a coffee, reminding myself none of it was real.

🍺 Some delicious beers in the very welcome afternoon sun, at our local, the Munich Cricket Club.

🏃‍♂️ This morning’s effort. A very tough 4km.

📸 Lovely to be back in London. Looking forward to sleeping in my own bed tonight.

Back from a hectic few days at a psychology conference in Sheffield. My brain is full of new knowledge and ideas, and my heart is full of gratitude for getting to spend quality time with good friends. That just leaves my liver, which is in a very sorry state indeed.

🍛 Enjoying a chicken katsu curry here in Sheffield Accompanied by a delicious IPA from the Purity Brewing Co.

Some last-minute checking of my packing list before I head off to a three-day conference later today. I’m always afraid I’ll forget something really important. But I’m going to Sheffield, not the North Pole, so I’m sure I can buy anything I leave behind…

Psychologists for miles! : Currently packing for yet another trip - this time to go to a conference in Sheffield until Friday. Nothing but wall to wall psychologists! 😬 It’s the annual occupational psychology conference, organised by the British Psychological Society. And it looks like I’m going to be a busy bee. …

📸 The view from the balcony this evening. 😍

📸 Reflections Still enjoying the glorious sunshine out on my balcony. ☀️

🧠 My Apple Watch is telling me I got 4.5hrs of sleep last night. I’m therefore lying down in the sun on my balcony and not planning on moving any time soon. Moar sleeeeep pleaze…

📸 The whole of Canary Wharf was enveloped in thick fog this morning

📸 Made it out for a quick 5km round the neighbourhood.

📸Any excuse to get my trotters out in the sun 🤣

📸 This beast just sailed past my apartment building

📸 We may have had a couple of beers in the sunshine before the Eurovision semi-final…

📸 Snapped while in Vienna - an important message in the toilets of a bar we visited.

📸 Snapped while in Vienna last weekend. I’m not a car person (I don’t even drive) but this is a thing of beauty.

🍏 Reflecting on working with my iPad Pro: So can you do work on the iPad Pro? Of course, and I’m living proof. Can you do every kind of work – well, I certainly can’t, not without making a lot of sacrifices or incurring a lot of hassle I just don’t need when I’m at work. 👉🏻 iPad Productivity

📺 Prepping dinner in advance of this evening’s Eurovision Song Content semi-final. Can’t wait to see the stage, watch the acts, and see if Ireland makes it into the final! Really want to see the staging for Bambi Thug’s act.

I’m left pretty underwhelmed by that Apple announcement. Nothing I need / want right now. I’m just excited for the potentially huge updates to iOS and PadOS to be announced at WWDC next month.

📸 I have the gym all to myself this afternoon!

🍏 Where’s my iPad excitement? http://macpsych.me/2024/05/07/wheres-my-ipad-excitement/

📸 Good morning from Canary Wharf…

📸 I absolutely adored Vienna’s many parks

✈️ A Viennese whirl - adventure’s in Austria’s beautiful capital

The party’s over: Waiting on our flight back to London and enjoying the blue skies over Vienna. It’s been a fantastic weekend and I’ve nearly walked off my little legs! I’ll definitely be back, if only to go inside of all the beautiful museums I walked past this time. Couldn’t bear being indoors while the weather was …

My magnetic personality : I’d like to say the worst bit of yesterday’s MRI was the noisy machine. I’d like to say it was the scratching and uncomfortable line inserted awkwardly into a vein in my left arm. Indeed, it would be nice to tell people that the worst part of the experience was the half-litre of gloop they made me …

📸 11,000 steps across Vienna later, it’s time for some refreshment! Stopping for some lunch in the famous Cafe Savoy.

📸 Vienna: the view from here. Looking forward to a day of exploring, of coffee and of course, cake!

Christ on a bike this stuff is vile!!! But apparently necessary, pre-MRI. Currently fantasising about my dream lunch (I’ve been fasting) and I’m pretty sure it involves a Five Guys burger 🍔

🗳️ These local election and by-election results are giving me life this morning. Schadenfreude? Absolutely. I’m hoping the assorted thugs, bigots and idiots in Downing Street had a very, very sleepless night. Next up: Sunak calls a general election and we wipe the Tories off the map.

Another day of two halves… I’m off to Vienna this evening, to (hopefully) enjoy a Bank Holiday weekend in the sun. But first, I have to go back to hospital, for yet another test. Thankfully, it’s just an MRI, so all I have to cope with is boredom. Hopefully.

📸 Work podcasting face Recorded another podcast episode today, edited a difference episode, and created two new videos. It’s been a day and half. And now time to prep some slides for a psychology conference I’m presenting at in a couple of weeks.

🍛 Making a Japanese curry for dinner

📸 London looking beautifully green and blue this evening…

🍻 An outdoor pint, in the sun, surrounded by dogs. I may be in heaven.

Don't call us... : You know what I’m not loving? Comments on my videos, and direct messages on LinkedIn, from purported ‘professional video editors’, pointing out how shit my content is, then offering to ‘fix’ my channel for a fee. All written in the worst possible English. Lads, fuck you …

📸 The sun is streaming through our apartment’s windows and I am pretending it’s July and I’m in Spain.

📸 This day last year, I was sunbathing on our balcony in London. Absolutely no chance of that today!!

📸 A quick pint of IPA to mark the end of another weekend.

🏃‍♂️ This morning’s run Pleased with this. I really concentrated on my running form, and it turned out it was easier and faster than any run since January.

OMG. Ten hours of sleep later and I feel like a new man. Glad it was just a quick (and nasty) food poisoning, rather than the start of some bug. Feeling 100% now and planning to head out for a run shortly.

Finally home from my overnight to Chichester to speak at a conference. The presentation went really well, almost making up for last night’s food poisoning and projectile vomiting at 2am. 😥 Haven’t slept since and, at this point, I think I can see sounds and taste colour.

Good evening from Chichester. My first ever visit. Overnight to speak at a conference. All I can say so far is that the Guinness is excellent. More to follow…

📸 I’m not 100% sure, but I think the City of London might have experienced the rapture yesterday evening. (It being London, I don’t think anyone was in the least bit affected, and it’s business as usual this morning.)

💾 It’s PKM love! There’s no such thing as the perfect app or method. But there is the app that works for me. The app that ticks the majority of my boxes and allows me to gather, organise and use information with the minimum of fuss and friction. 👉🏻 Read on…

Shogun-tastic: 📺 I’ve just finished watching the final episode of Shogun and, like every episode that went before, it was a masterpiece. I hope the writers and cast win all the awards, especially Anna Sawai, whose portrayal of Mariko was stunning. She had me hanging on her every word each scene she appeared …

I’ve had insufficient sleep and insufficient caffeine today and it’s taking all my self-control not to fly into a Wolverine-style berserker rage at the imbeciles who keep making so much noise in the office building. Specifically, in the corridor outside my office. Which is not the place …

I’ve been awake since 3am due to the mother of all headaches. Today at work is going to be pure joy…

🎥 The new trailer for ‘Deadpool and Wolverine’ has activated all the feelings. I can’t wait for July. For lots of reasons. But this film is very near the top of the list. Check out this masterpiece. 🍿

🥳 Birthday memories: This time, two months ago, I was having one of the best birthdays ever. I started the day with a friend in a private onsen in beautiful Hakone, Japan. A long, peaceful soak, looking out at the local forest and mountains. http://macpsych.me/2024/04/22/birthday-memories/

So this morning, I managed to slice my neck while shaving. Not ‘nick’, but slice. I didn’t notice until I was drying off and left my (white) towel looking like a crime scene. I’m recording a video podcast later, and I’m wondering how I’m going to cover it up. It …

🧠 Doing my weekly brain dump into Obsidian and feeling more organised by the moment. It’s by no means perfect, but it’s the closest thing I’ve found to a notes app that works like my brain. Zero friction. Syncs across my devices. Always available.

Bagels, cream cheese and smoked salmon for brunch. 🥯

Our apartment building is completely hemmed in by today’s London Marathon, so we’re staying in and watching it pass by from up here. It’s an incredible experience. I’ve done it twice (and never again) but nothing matches the feeling of crossing the finishing line. Good luck …

We walked to a friend’s place for after-dinner drinks yesterday evening, and I caught this amazing view looking down the Thames towards the City of London.

Two months ago, I was soaking in a fantastic private onsen in beautiful Hakone, Japan. Seems like a lifetime ago now. But less than two weeks until my next trip: Vienna!

A super chilled-out day so far. I went for a 5km run this morning, had a nice lunch at home, did some piano practice and reading. Now listening to this year’s Eurovision entries. Later, having local drinks with a couple of friends. Tomorrow, we’ll be completely blocked in by the London …

London looking stunning this evening…

Spotted these amazing yellow chairs outside a local restaurant on my way home today. A little bit of colour in an otherwise drab, corporate strip.

Started the morning with yet another medical appointment, followed by booking in yet another test. Just an MRI this time, so nothing invasive or uncomfortable. There are only so many colonoscopies a boy can handle in a single year! I’m so grateful I can access this quality healthcare, but …

This evening’s sunset is just perfect. 🔥

This morning’s exercise. I managed slightly longer than yesterday and the sunshine definitely helped.

Had a beer with this lovely chap earlier on 🐕‍🦺 His name is Klaus and he was very well behaved.

Lovely evening views over London 😍 Just home from a couple of drinks and all set for a quiet evening in with some TV.

✈️ Travel plans for 2024 http://macpsych.me/2024/04/13/travel-plans-for-2024/

🏃‍♂️ This morning’s effort. Really wasn’t feeling it…

I’m finally watching X-Men ‘97 as I’ve only heard good things about it from my fellow geeks. And the risk of having it spoiled by online comments was getting all too real. So, here we go. To me, my X-Men.

Always something to see: Putting aside the intense wind and the noise from party boats during the summer, living by the river is actually amazing. There’s always something interesting to see, even if it’s just the changing of the tides or watching the river taxis and police launches zip up and down. But today, …

Watching the rain from afar. One of the weird-slash-great things about living this high up is the ability to see weather from a distance. Sometimes we’re above the clouds, sometimes we can see the rain in the distance while we’re in the sunshine. Yesterday, I could see the showers over …

I just sat down and played piano for an hour…for the first time in months. Time was, I’d spent entire afternoons lost in playing. I need to get back into it and just make the time for it, because it’s the most relaxing and enjoyable thing.

The weather in London this morning is so horrific, I just want to get back into bed immediately. Gale force winds, sideways rain and single digit temperatures. 😫 It’s April FFS…

I had a headache earlier, which has gradually spread to my right eye and now (thanks, aging body) gone into my right ear. I was almost getting used to the headache, but the earache is a new level of fuckery. Glad I finished work early, so I can take to my fainting couch and moan…

Pow! Right in the kisser. : I started my day by having a large mug fall squarely on my head, so it’s all been an improvement since then. After emptying the dishwasher, I started to put everything away. I opened a kitchen cupboard to discover someone had balanced some mugs rather precariously and all it took was the …

🍺 Hazy Jane IPA is hazy…

📸 I forgot to post this pic from yesterday late afternoon. London’s skyline looking ominous. Again.

Suddenly inspired, I went for a run. And boy, it was tough!

I haven’t taken the boat and train between Dublin and London since I was about 19, but this article in The Guardian has been interested in trying it again. Yes, it can be cheaper than flying, but for me, it’s the chance of having the guts of a day to make the journey, take in some …

One month to go… It’s obviously time to review all of this year’s Eurovision entries and I have to say, I’m loving 🇫🇷 France, 🇪🇸 Spain and 🇮🇹 Italy so far. We’re definitely not having a Eurovision party this year, but holding out a hope that one of our neighbours will …

A change of plans: I had great plans for a healthy and productive evening at home. I was going to head down to the gym, cook a healthy dinner and do some outstanding life admin. Then, it came to my attention that the first two episodes of the new season of Star Trek: Discovery are now live on Paramount+ and so …

After this morning’s gorgeous sunshine and warmth in Mallorca, returning to London’s grim and damp atmosphere is rather a buzzkill. Time for some warming soup!

Amazingly, we took off from Mallorca on time and landed in London on time. I’m stunned. It was an uneventful journey and I passed the time getting stuck into ‘Three Body Problem’ on my iPad Mini. Now back home, all unpacked, and awaiting a groceries delivery so we can eat dinner!

Refuelling in the Sala VIP before our flight back to London. And they have one of my favourite non-alcohol beers! 🍺

Currently packing and getting ready for our return flight to London. Hoping it’s nothing like the outbound catastrophe! But first, a final delicious breakfast here in the hotel, then swinging by the in-laws' for a coffee and goodbyes.

📸 Good morning from a very sunny Mallorca. Looking forward to lying back in the sun after breakfast.

On our way back from this evening’s pizza extravaganza, I had to stop and take some photos: the sky was just spectacular.

Drove out to Puerto Portals, home of the super yachts and badly-parked German sports cars. The people are often unbearable - loud, garish and ostentatiously wealthy - but it’s the place to get the best pizza in Mallorca. So we did. And now I can barely walk. I’m approximately 98% cheese.

📸 Proof that we had some sunshine while in Mallorca (even if I’m sheltering from the rain now)

Hello from Mallorca. The sun is coming and going but I don’t mind. I have a great view and bottomless Sondheim playing in my ears. Plus a poolside bar mere steps away…

📸 I’m full of delicious mussels

📸 The view from here. Enjoying a beer out in the (inconsistent) sunshine. It’s only 16C but it’s nice to be outside, with this view of the sea.

📸 The view from here: on approach to Palma de Mallorca

📸 A damp and grim morning here in Madrid Barajas ✈️

📸 If nobody else shows up, I’m lying down for this flight. Next stop: Mallorca. Hopefully.

Another veritable nightmare of travel courtesy of British Airways. Long story short: we only made it as far as Madrid. Have to stay in an airport hotel and fly on to Mallorca 7am tomorrow morning. B.A. Obviously stands for bloody awful.

In the BA Lounge at Heathrow Terminal 5. ✈️ Absolutely demolished some delicious Beef and Guinness pie, followed by amazing ginger cake and washed down with champagne. Even if my flight is cancelled again, I’ve had a lovely lunch.

Let's try that again ✈️: Well. After three flight cancellations yesterday evening, I’m still in London. At least I got to sleep in my own bed last night, unlike many visitors who had to go and find a hotel bed in London at short notice. We’ve been booked onto a 3pm flight from Heathrow this afternoon, when we …

📸 Pre-flight IPA at London City Airport ✈️

📸 After the rain…

Keeping things neat. I’ve set up a separate micro blog (and account) to write about life as a psychologist. You can find it here. It’ll be shared to my professional Mastodon and Threads accounts too.

Turns out… These ferocious headaches I’ve had for the past three days (including this very moment) could be down to the nuclear volume of probiotics my gastro consultant prescribed. Ugh.

WWDC planning fail: I just spotted the Apple WWDC 2024 announcement and quickly opened my calendar to put the keynote in, so I can watch along live. This geek has to know immediately how Apple are introducing new bells and whistles to all my favourite apps. But horror of horrors, I’m not going to be able to watch …

Took a rake of painkillers. Had a nap. Feeling marginally better, but there’s still a dull ache all over the right hand side of my head. And my eyeball hurts when I bend over or sneeze. Just lovely. Anyway. I managed to finish the YouTube edits I was working on and got a podcast episode lined …

Yesterday’s headache is back with a bang. Thumping. And my right eye hurts like a mofo. As it hurts to look at a screen, I’m going to pack up and head home. I’m not someone who gets migraines, but it’s starting to feel that way. Time to lie down in the dark and hopefully this …

📸 Moody London sky

I’ve just enjoyed an incredibly chilled out couple of hours napping, listening to podcasts and watching YouTube videos. After this morning’s 5am start, it was just what I needed. Batteries fully recharged, I’m ready for tonight’s dinner and drinks and a friend’s place. …

📸 Enjoying a sliver of sunshine from the sofa

📸 Lying on the sofa, catching the single ray of sunshine that’s coming through the window, and pretending I’m somewhere warm and sunny…

📸 Breakfast

Our latest art acquisition, by the very talented Gerry Buxton. It’s called “Call me” and is painted on an actual iPhone. I loved it! Check out Gerry’s other works here.

Early morning travel planning: After patting myself on the back for getting a good night’s sleep each night this week, I found myself wide awake at 5am this morning. I’ve stayed in bed with coffee, watched the sun rise over London, and done some research for our upcoming weekend in Tallinn, Estonia. It’s been on …

Sipping an IPA and enjoying the view this evening. It’s reminding me of Tatooine…

A thing I’ve been working on for weeks and weeks has finally gone live and I’m very excited (and nervous). The first video in a series, all about how to develop your psychological flexibility and deal with pressure and stress more effectively. An evidence-based, effective and impactful …

All in all, a very good day at work. Enjoyed coffee and a catchup (and plans for more work) with a client in the West End and then delivery of a workplace wellbeing workshop for a new client. Now heading home to head to the gym. I know! But after all that talk about investing in our wellbeing, I can …

More gorgeous views from home this afternoon.

Ooooh… Seems my new health insurance (thanks husband, thanks husband’s new employer!) means I get a meaty discount from the local snazzy gym. And while I know we have our own gym in the basement of our apartment building, it doesn’t have a massive pool, a sauna and a steam room. …

Another day of two halves… I’ve just come upstairs to my apartment after a solid hour pumping away on the elliptical machine down in the gym. I had a pretty rough morning (medical appointment… grrr) so it was nice to take my frustrations out on an inanimate object, and burn some …

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from Fife, Scotland. I’ve managed to conjure up some Guinness to mark the occasion.

Good morning from a very wet and cold Edinburgh. I’m on the train heading out to Dunfermline to stay with my mum for the weekend and catch up with my sister and her family. Enjoyed a really nice evening with a fellow psychologist in Edinburgh last night. The Guinness was epic, though I’m feeling it …

Good evening from a very damp and cold Edinburgh. Time for some liquid refreshment.

I’ve had a much better day today Had a very productive morning in the office and an even better afternoon working from home. Just back from the gym and now it’s time to pack for tomorrow’s trip to Edinburgh.

📸 Visual proof of just how exhausted I am this evening. Still made it to the gym though, and managed 45mins on the elliptical. Whiled away the time by watching YouTube videos about life in Tokyo and doing some travel planning for later this year.

I returned to Japanese class yesterday, for the first time in three weeks, and it was a disaster. I was so behind, it felt abysmal. I really need to knuckle down and do some serious studying and practice before next Monday’s class. I never want to look that clueless again! 😬

Heading into the office after yet another weekend that felt just too short. Thankfully, this is a three day week for me and then I’m off to Scotland to see family. Better get cracking on my todo list then!

📆 2024: Week Ten: An unusual week, this one. I started it in a hospital and I’m finishing it on the sofa. Feeling fine now and looking forward to the week ahead. Wellbeing After Monday’s hospital tests, which all went to plan, I’m now waiting on my next appointment with the consultant to get some …

A busy weekend on the social front. Last night was our anniversary dinner and then drinks at a friend’s place. After lunch today, we’re going to an art show in Shoreditch with a friend. Then this evening, it’s another friend’s housewarming party. Tomorrow shall be spent on …

Celebrating 11 years since my civil partnership to this wonderful guy. Love is love. 🥰

TFI Friday It’s been quite the week and I’m feeling not one bit guilty for finishing work early today. Despite everything else that happened, I somehow managed to be insanely productive yesterday and this morning. So it’s time to get outside, get some air and move my body around.

I survived 45mins on the elliptical trainer. Fuelled by rage, as I watched coverage of today’s budget. It may have raised my heart rate but did nothing for my enjoyment of the exercise. Next time, I’ll go back to watching Battlestar Galactica. A true escape from Tory nihilism, where …

Heading downstairs to the gym. For the first time since before I went to Japan. 🙈 This’ll be fun.

📸 The combination of sunshine, clouds and the London skyline is really working this evening…

📸 A mid-afternoon treat: some delicious mini KitKats from last month’s visit to Japan.

On reflection… I should have booked today off work to recover from yesterday’s adventures. But we are where we are. So instead, I left the office early and I’m chilling at home. After some annoying work news and a general feeling of being blocked creatively, I did the only …

So this morning’s hospital tests all went to plan. A bit of discomfort, minimal pain and some lovely, caring hospital staff all made it as positive an experience as this kind of thing can be. I’m back home recovering on the sofa. And waiting on the delivery of the Five Guys burger …

📸 He lives! In and out of theatre super quick. Lovely team looked after me - couldn’t have been nicer. And now I just have to wait for the results.

So it’s D-Day. Or more accurately, C-Day. I’ve been awake since 4:30am, mind buzzing. I just want to get all of this over and get some answers about my health. To keep me going, I’ve been fantasising about the Five Guys burger I’m going to demolish later today. Wish me luck!

📸 Enjoying the view over London this evening…

Memories of last month’s trip to Japan and my visit to the Miyagi Zao Fox Village.

2024: Week Nine: After a couple of weeks off due to my visit to Japan, I’m back into the weekly habit of posting an update of the week that was. Travel and adventure The main update here is my return from Japan. It always feels like a wrench to leave Tokyo, but this was somewhat lessened due to my excellent …

Awake since 5am. No, not jet lag. At least, not mine. Husband arrived back from Japan yesterday afternoon and has been wide awake since 3am. Whereas I would read or mindlessly scroll, he’s been up doing laundry and housework. I’m exhausted just listening to it.

📸 Declaring “Sofa Saturday” and relaxing with some podcasts, YouTube and reading.

📸 The sky is finally clearing up after some abysmal rain and wind earlier.

🎬 I really, really enjoyed Dune 2. Even better than its predecessor. Incredible design and music - a totally engrossing cinema experience. The 2hrs 47mins runtime flew by.

🔗 48hrs until I’m in hospital… With just 48hrs until I have the pleasure of a combined colonoscopy and endoscopy in hospital, it’s pretty much all I can think of. And not in a good way. “Will they meet in the middle?"

📸 I got to spend an hour with this good boy yesterday… He’s called Theo and he’s the bestest of best boys. Full of affection (and muscle).

📸 This sky looks like my brain feels…

Just when I think I’ve got this jet lag beat once and for all, around comes 4pm. And my body and brain immediately go into standby mode. I’m just grateful it’s Friday and I could have a fairly quiet afternoon.

Back in the office for the first time since Japan. And I’m not going to lie, I could feel better. I slept from 9pm until 6am this morning, so it’s not a lack of sleep. It’s a lack of Tokyo!

In light of developments at Wordpress: A place on the web. Time to start afresh and not depend 100% on a company that might sell my data.

Oooof. Battling the jet lag this afternoon. After several very productive hours - unpacking my suitcase, two loads of laundry, a shower and shave, and a trip to get some groceries - I’ve hit the wall. And not even the prospect of season two of Battlestar Galactica can keep me awake. I need a …

Stay awake!: Landed at Heathrow after a wonderful flight from KL. I slept most of the way, except when I was eating delicious food and chatting with the cabin crew. Though I do wonder why so many of my fellow passengers think it’s okay to be so rude and dismissive to the crew. Blows my mind. And now… a 25mins …

Lounging about in Malaysia... : Given I was worried how I was going to spend my layover here in Kuala Lumpur Airport, I’m amazed how quickly the time has gone by. Once I was clear on what terminal I needed to be in (the same one I landed in - yay!), I headed to the Malaysian Airlines lounge and did some work admin …

I read about 60% of Tomorrow and Tomorrow and Tomorrow on my flight from Tokyo and it was so engrossing. Something about it reminds me of The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay by Michael Chabon. The creative process. The long story arc. The passion. The pain. Can’t wait to pick it up …

Three cheers for Malaysian! : Just landed in KL… And I have to gush about my flight with Malaysian Airlines. I don’t think I’ve had a friendlier or more attentive crew on any flight. They were incredible. Add to that some delicious food plentiful champagne and a comfy seat and I was all set. The seven hour …

A day of flying ahead... : About to board the first of two long-ass flights today. First, Tokyo Narita to Kuala Lumpur. Then a six-hour layover, followed by KL to London Heathrow. And while I can’t wait to enjoy some of the famous Malaysian Airlines hospitality, all I want to do as soon as I board is get some sleep. …

The morning after our last big night out in Tokyo and…I’m dying 🤕 But it was such fun, I’d do it all over again. Except I can’t. Tomorrow’s flight to Kuala Lumpur is at 10am so I have to get the first Narita Express train. At 5:55am.

On a surprisingly quiet Shinkansen back to Tokyo.

Funnily enough, having Vietnamese for lunch. Gorgeous little place in the centre of Sendai.

A deliciousus matcha latte here in Sendai. Just what I needed after wandering around town this morning.

Went to the Miyagi Zao fox village and saw some foxes! 🦊 Beautiful to look at but you can imagine how the place smelled! Up in the mountains, covered in snow. A lovely experience but now it’s time to warm up in an onsen. ♨️

Sendai, from above: Thanks to my friend’s status with the local Westin hotel, we have a room on the 34th floor here in Sendai. And the views are absolutely spectacular. After a quick rest and a shower to freshen up, we’re taking advantage of the hospitality of the executive lounge. I’m a sucker for a …

Time to brave the elements and go cause some mischief in Ni-Chome!

Rainy days in Tokyo: I have to admit that today’s weather put a bit of a dampener on things, so I didn’t get to do as much as I’d planned. We enjoyed a coffee and a wander around Meguro this morning. We visited the Traveler’s Factory shop,home of my favourite notebooks, but I didn’t buy …

I’ve no idea what we’re going to get up to in Tokyo today. The weather is a bit rubbish, so that might limit our outdoor wandering. But if there’s one thing Tokyo isn’t short of, it’s umbrellas! I’m sure we’ll survive. I have quite a few things left on my …

Nobody needs to see another photo of me in the bath! Unless it’s in a beautiful onsen in Hakone, Japan. This has to have been the most relaxed I’ve felt since… the last time I was in an onsen. An incredible experience, one I’ll miss terribly once I return to London.

Birthday bonuses ♨️🗼🥂: I spent my birthday today split between Hakone and Tokyo. And it was fabulous. I started in Hakone with a soak in the hotel’s amazing onsen. It was everything I could have hoped for. Nice and quiet, boiling hot, and with a wonderful view of the hills overlooking the hotel. Afterwards, a …

Bath time: Yesterday I spent a good chunk of the afternoon, soaking in a local onsen here in Shinjuku Tokyo. It was just what my tired and jetlagged body needed. I could switch off completely - free of my mobile phone, and any other devices - and just focus on relaxing in a series of different baths, a sauna, …

Jet lag means I’m way ahead of schedule for today so I have time to enjoy a very leisurely bath in my hotel. Another thing I’d like to bring home with me: Japanese baths. Best in the world. And onsens, of course. But can’t see it working in the UK.

My epic journey to Tokyo begins at last!

Wide awake at 5am! Sitting up in bed with a coffee and my packing list for Japan, double-checking I haven’t forgotten anything. I don’t fly until 6:30pm, so it’s going to be a long day… But I don’t care because…Japan!!! ✈️

Made it downstairs to our gym after work today. Seems there’s a new neighbour in our building. One who likes to make loud phone calls on speakerphone while walking on a treadmill. He was like something from a cheap reality show. And I hope our paths never cross again.

🎥 Yesterday, I published a new video on my professional YouTube channel, answering one of the most frequently-asked questions I get about my job as a psychologist: “Does your job ever make you sad?" .embed-container { position: relative; padding-bottom: 56.25%; height: 0; overflow: …

♨️ I wrote a little on how to navigate your first visit to a Japanese onsen over on my travel blog: Your first visit to an onsen in Japan can be daunting. Set aside your worries about being naked and get familiar with some basic rules, and your visit will be a relaxing and memorable one. You can …

2024: Week Six: Another summary of the week that was… Wellbeing I’ve had ups and down on the health front. On the one hand, I’ve stuck to my healthy diet and got to the gym after work. I’ve now lost 3kg since the beginning of the year. On the other hand, my gastro symptoms and associated …

Just spent a while writing a blog post about ‘How to navigate your first onsen visit in Japan’. Actually, I’ve titled it ‘Baring it all in the onsen’ as lots of people seem to get hung up on the nudity aspect. Scheduled to go live over on This Guy Flies on Tuesday.

Yesterday evening’s sky over London was something else.

✈️ The first of my Japan trip posts is live on my travel blog: https://www.thisguyflies.com/japan-i-can-almost-touch-it/

Finally got round to doing something with all the video I took of last month’s Winter Lights here in Canary Wharf. Whittled it down to two minutes, which you can find here on my fledgling YouTube channel.

I’m so excited that this day next week, I’ll be walking the streets of Shinjuku! I have so much to do on the work front before I can leave with a clear conscience, but I know I’ll get there. There’s nothing as motivating as the deadline associated with an exciting holiday. …

Thursday like a boss!: I’ve had quite a fun and productive day! I started my morning by editing a podcast episode and then edited the video version of the same. I’m now using Descript for the podcast and I’m loving it. It’s the perfect, pragmatic solution for a non-techie like me. Although I …

A good night’s sleep, a fresh perspective and a cup of coffee this morning mean I’ve cancelled my order for an iPhone 15 Pro Max. It occurs to me that squinting to read a screen indicates a need for less screen time, not a bigger phone screen! There is absolutely nothing wrong with my …

It seems age has finally caught up with me and the squinting at my iPhone screen has become a problem. I’m going to trial an iPhone 15 Pro Max as an alternative for the next week. (Or, failing that, just give up reading text on screens smaller than 12 inches). And yes, I’ll remember to …

2024: Week Five: Another summary of the week that was. Work It was a really productive week on the work front. I kicked off two new client projects, both super-interesting and with nice clients. This really makes all the difference! I recorded another couple of podcast episodes, so I don’t run out of content …

More Tokyo, please and thank you: Well now. Something wonderful just happened. My other half (the travel-obsessed aviation expert The Frank Flyer) just spotted that some First Class seats had opened up on the route I’m taking to Tokyo in a couple of weeks. And that I could extend my upcoming trip to Tokyo by flying there two …

Went out for a coffee with this gorgeous girl earlier. My friend is ‘baby-sitting’ her and her sister for his neighbour. To say they were people magnets is an understatement. Everyone wants to pet a Labrador.

Silence helps. : I’ve had a super productive morning I went into the office as soon as I was showered and dressed this morning. Yes, on a Saturday morning! I wanted to take advantage of an empty building to record some content for my podcast and YouTube channel. And what do you know, as long as nobody is …

Heading into the office shortly, to take advantage of an empty building and record some podcast and YouTube content. It’s always so much easier at the weekend! Should only take a couple of hours, then I can relax for the rest of the weekend.

I’m starting my Friday morning with an appointment with a gastroenterologist. I’ve been both dreading and counting down the days to this appointment. Fingers crossed for some clarity and a plan of action. See you on the other side!

I’m loving the view this evening. The sky is beautiful! And while I’d love to just sit here and soak it in, I have an appointment with the gym downstairs.

Went for a lovely walk at lunchtime. When I noticed the blue skies, I downed tools and headed outside. At this time of year, I’ll take sunshine whenever I can find it.

🍺 Dry January: done: Another booze-free month in the bag. Today marks the (official) end of Dry January for 2024. A thirty-one day alcohol-free challenge that was really no challenge at all. In all honesty, I only missed booze on one evening - a friend’s 40th birthday party, where the prosecco was flowing and the …

Packing up in the office, to head home and go to the gym. I slacked off yesterday as I had to meet a deadline once I got back from Japanese class. But no excuses this evening! Plus, I have a metric ton of Apple Vision Pro review videos to watch as I pump away on the elliptical.

Monday moments: I know we’re supposed to say that Mondays tend to suck, but to be honest, I quite like Mondays - and the fresh start they bring. This one, in particular, has been great. I started it in a lovely cafe on Old Street, meeting with a prospective client. The coffee was great. The conversation even …

2024: Week Four: Another summary of the week that was Wellbeing I’ve continued a real focus on my wellbeing, with several visits to the gym, my first 5km run of the year (and my second!), some long walks and - shocking to me - managing to stick to my healthier diet. Dry January continues to be a breeze, and …

Short and sweet: A quick run around the block I had planned to run another 5km this morning, but once I got out of bed, I felt quite stiff and achey after yesterday’s exertions. So I decided to reduce it to 4km. But once I was running along the Thames Path, I updated my plan to turn around sooner and so only …

Wide awake since 0520 on a Sunday morning. So obviously, I’m sitting up in bed with a coffee, creating templates for my Obsidian notes. A totally normal, non-obsessive activity. But seriously, having watched a couple of YouTube videos on Obsidian, I was inspired to open the app, create a new …

I'd call it at active day...: I started my Saturday morning with a 5km run in the sunshine, cutting a decent time off yesterday’s run. After that, a walk to the mall to run some errands, and have coffee with a friend. Immediately after that, I walked along the Thames to Wapping, to have lunch at a local market. One …

5km in the bag: My first 5km run of 2024 I didn’t intend to do 5km, but the blue skies and very welcome sunshine spurred me on. I could have gone on, but didn’t want to risk over-doing it. And I didn’t edit the photo below one bit - that’s really how blue the sky above Canary Wharf is right …

Check out that moon over London first thing this morning!

Blips and zits: Yes, it’s Friday - but let’s hope the day improves as it progresses. I woke up with a zit - a teenage style zit! - in the middle of my nose. It’s bizarre on a man my age. And it just appeared overnight - there was no sign of it after I showered last night. I’m just grateful I …

Sitting back with a cold beer. Don’t worry, it’s zero alcohol, but with all the taste. Dry January remains intact! Asahi have done a great job making a tasty alcohol-free alternative. The only other AF beer that beats it (IMHO) is Guinness Zero, which I can’t distinguish from the …

I finally realised this week that not every domain I own requires its own project! I’ve put a couple of them to good use with carrd, as one page profile sites. These point to all my other accounts and sites. For example, richardmackinnon.me. I’m going to let most other domains expire …

2024: Week Three: Another summary of the week that was… The Japanese continues The week started on a positive note, with a return to my Japanese lessons. I’m in a new class - as it’s scheduled during the afternoon - and it’s taking some getting used to. But I have the same wonderful teacher, …

Knee deep in my Japanese homework and realising just how much grammar seems to have evaporated from my brain over Christmas. Tomorrow’s class is going to be tough!

Finally realised my online presence is a mess and I have too many accounts and too much duplication. And therefore, too much time spent online. Time to strip things back to something sensible. Each account or platform needs to have a purpose. Snip snip.

Loving the sunset views over London this evening.

2024: Week Two: Yes, this is a day late, but it’s been quite the week so I hope you’ll understand. Work I had a really, really good week at work. I tore through my task list and made great progress on some important podcast and YouTube work. Plus some lovely client projects and interest from potential …

A quick update Following yesterday’s less than stellar medical update, I’ve since had a consultation with my doctor. And yes, I need an urgent referral to a specialist, followed by hospital time to get some quite unpleasant tests done. Luckily, this should all be sorted in the next two …

A game of two halves: Well, today was definitely a game of two halves. My other half had to catch an early flight to Spain, so I’ve been awake since 5am. Rather than go back to sleep, I headed into work early and got SO much done. I managed to wrap up everything on my todo list before lunchtime and then headed …

Sunset vibes After a pretty long and busy day at work today, I took some time to sit down when I got home, and watch the sun go down. It was worth every moment of my time.

2024: Week One: Welcome to the first in a (hopefully) ongoing series of posts reviewing the week that was. Two big themes spring to mind as I write this: Wellbeing One week into the new year and I’m attempting to undo some of the damage of a very lazy and overindulgent last few months of 2023. I’m …

The running continues: My second run of the year It felt a lot better than yesterday - and I’ve no doubt the sunshine and blue skies helped a lot! I was also wearing my new running gear, which I picked up yesterday afternoon. I had to get some updated gear - putting on three year old running tops made me look like a …

An absolutely beautiful morning in London And as soon as I’ve finished this coffee, I’m heading out for a run. It might not be very long, or very fast, but it’ll be a run and it’ll be better than spending the morning on the sofa wishing I’d some something energetic.

Games evening 🕹️: I had a friend over for dinner and Nintendo last night, and we had the most fun. I haven’t connected my Nintendo Switch to the TV in months and months, so had to charge everything and download some updates first. But it was worth the minor hassle. I cracked open ‘Super Mario Bros. …

First run of the year: And boy, was that hard work! It’s only…shamefully…when I look at my Strava app that I realise this was my first run since October last year. Honestly, if you’d asked me, I would have sworn I went for at least a couple of runs in November and December. But, no. I was …

Nearly Tokyo time!: Just 43 days until my next trip to Japan. And it’ll be my first solo trip. I’m so excited. And in a move that’s rather unlike me, I’ve put together quite a detailed list of experiences and locations I want to visit. While I have several friends in Tokyo, I know I’ll be …

Starting as I mean to go on 🚀: It seems like an age since New Year’s Day, which was, if I’m honest, spent on the sofa watching repeats on TV and bemoaning just how much beer I’d had at the party the night before. Since then, I’ve gone back to work, moved my office to a new building, started a new fitness …

Interesting London skies (and wind!!!) thanks to Storm Henk.

Moving. : I picked up the keys to my new office this morning. So excited to move in tomorrow. I just hope it’s all as smooth as the last time I moved, back in December 2022. It was all done and dusted in under two hours. I’m looking forward to setting it all up to be a comfortable place to get …

My Top Nine for 2023. Just the best memories of family, friends and travel. Here’s to more adventures in 2024. Wishing you all a very happy and healthy New Year and all the very best for 2024.

This year’s Christmas centrepiece, created by my other half.

Merry Christmas to all who are celebrating!

Waking up to find that Ocado aren’t actually going to deliver the turkey we ordered is not the best start to Christmas Eve. So, instead of leisurely relaxing with a mimosa and a mince pie, I have to walk to M&S and fight off all the other panicked shoppers to get a turkey. And thyme for …

My Defaults: Inspired by the ‘Defaults’ post by Robb Knight, here are my default apps for a whole host of things: Mail client: Mail.app for personal, Spark for work Calendar: Fantastical Cloud file storage: iCloud for personal, Google Drive for work Contact management: Contacts.app Browser: Safari …

Easy does it: I gingerly rolled out the yoga mat this morning and did a light routine. My first in… quite some time. It felt great to do it again, but I could also tell it’s going to take me a while to get back to my former levels of flexibility and strength. But we all have to (re)start somewhere. …

Thanks for nothing, brain: Despite being on holiday today, my brain woke me up bright and early at 0645 this morning. There’s just no need for that. Old habits die hard, I guess. I stayed in bed with a coffee and did some Japanese practice on Duolingo, caught up on the news on Threads and watched some YouTube videos …

Nearly there. As soon as I end this upcoming work call, I’m unplugging everything on my desk, putting it in a packing box and then locking up my office until Jan 3rd. I’m looking forward to zero work for almost two weeks. Instead? Instead, I’ll be eating my body weight in turkey, …

A beautiful sunny morning here in London.

Just two more scheduled work calls (one today, one tomorrow) then I’m done for this year. In terms of client work, anyway. I estimate I have about two hours' worth of office packing to finish tomorrow and then it’s holiday time until my office move on January 3rd. And then the …

Husband is looking cute this evening. We’re in the Netherlands, visiting his family. And it is so cold…

Just ordered all the packing materials for my office move. I went back to this time last year in my Amazon ordering history and just bough the same stuff. Simples. And given the upcoming holidays, I’ve worked out that everything will need to be packed up by Friday next week so I can move on …

I just spoke to camera fluently, on topic and to time for 15 minutes this evening. Sitting back, feeling very satisfied, I noticed that I hadn’t pressed record. A less than optimal situation.

Right. I put my money where my mouth is and put down a deposit on that new office. Looks like I’ll be moving in the first week of January. All I need to do between now and then is pack up the entire office into boxes and have a small nervous breakdown about where everything is going to go. …

Change is in the air: I’m just back from viewing a potential new home for my business. The office looks like it ticks all the right boxes for what I need. Plus it’ll work out cheaper than the office I have at the moment. It’s also closer to home. So I’m going to put down a holding deposit while I …

I’ve spent the day so far in the ‘recovery position’, owing to last night’s festivities. On the sofa, under a blanket, watching The Simpsons and snoozing. My 47 year old body just can’t handle it anymore. Time to avoid prosecco for a while… On a much more …

The council of the gays: We have convened the Council of the Gays™️! Our pre-Christmas open house starts at 4pm and will go on until the last person leaves (or falls asleep). I’ve been awake since before 6am due to the wind and rain battering our apartment building. So it’s going to be a toss-up as to whether …

When the day can’t end soon enough. It started so well and then ended up with massive hassle and lots of additional work. None of which was my fault, but I had to do it. Feeling a confusing mix of anger, disappointment, embarrassment and resignation. Google ‘frustration’ and …

I’m starting my Tuesday on a very positive note! I’ve just recorded the 150th episode of my podcast, something I didn’t dream of when the first episode went live back in Oct 2017. I’m really looking forward to what the next 150 episodes bring.

It’s that time of year again. Our front door is firmly in the Christmas spirit! If I had my way, I’d leave this up all year. It adds some much-needed colour to the otherwise boring and identical front doors in our building.

Today’s plan: A ton of life admin and Christmas planning. We need to visit a furniture store to pick out a new armchair for the apartment, agree our Christmas dinner menu, sort out Christmas cards and. place some online grocery orders.

This made me smile this morning: Plato, pilates and pubs: has an Irish town found the secret to the good life?

The Christmas tree is up! This year’s is small, yet perfectly formed. I just hope it survives next weekend’s party!

I’m not sure how it’s possible, but I feel even worse this morning than I did yesterday. I have some non-negotiable deadlines this week, so I’m working from bed this morning to avoid a car crash later in the week. Light admin for now. Today will be brought to you by caffeine and …

Awake with a coffee after a pretty rough night. Lots of coughing and sneezing. My heat feels like it’s throbbing and twice its usual size. And yet… I still feel much better than the last (and first) time I had Covid. So I’m grateful for that. Obviously, I’m going to stay …

Taking a break from my sick bed to make a cup of tea and take in London’s gorgeous blue skies. I’d give anything to be walking by the Thames this morning!

Furious. And sick. : So I’ve had an annoying head cold since I arrived back from Tokyo on Monday. Despite my best efforts, symptoms were getting worse. So this morning, having had a rough night of coughing, my other half suggested I take a Covid test. You can tell what happened next. So now I’m in bed, with …

Feet up, watching Netflix, and sipping some delicious prosecco. 🥂 Here comes the weekend. And I am so ready for it.

Loving the sunset views this evening. Squinting and pretending I’m still in Shinjuku!

I wrote about ‘dark side’ of holidays - dropping all my healthy habits! https://richardmackinnon.blog/2023/11/23/the-dark-side-of-holidays

Spontaneous Tokyo shopping... : One of the things that made this month’s trip to Japan even more enjoyable was the weak Yen. Everything was significantly cheaper than on our last visit, back in March. It made food and drink laughably cheap and meant I could pick up a few gifts for family, as well as some clothes, without any …

Good morning from Canary Wharf. Enjoying the beautiful skies over London as I have my morning coffee. Then, off to run a workshop and battle the remainder of my jet lag. Hope to make it an early finish this afternoon.

Back in the saddle! While it took an age to get home from Heathrow last night, we were super productive once we got to the apartment. All bags unpacked and laundry started with the hour, a delicious Thai meal ordered and all the post (mostly junk) dealt with. Once I sat down to eat, the fatigue …

This was how tired I looked before take-off. Just five hours sleep will do that. We had to be up so early to get to Haneda Airport. And having been up until 3am and 4am most evenings/mornings, it was a struggle to get to sleep until after midnight. I definitely won’t be sharing a post-landing pic!! …

Good morning from Tokyo It’s a little before 6am and while we get dressed and ready for our flight home, I thought I’d share this view from our hotel room for the last time. It’s been quite a while since I’ve seen a sunrise!

Saying goodbye to Tokyo We’ve had the most amazing few days here after our visit to Okinawa. Catching up with friends, going back to favourite places and trying new things. Now we’re packed for our return flight and have a couple of hours left to enjoy what this city has to offer. So …

A beautiful autumn afternoon here in Tokyo. Just arrived after a few lovely days in Okinawa. Back in our favourite hotel, in our favourite room, and I couldn’t be happier. Apologies in advance for the inevitabley gushing posts about everything Tokyo has to offer…

A last look at this view before leaving for Heathrow Airport. Then: ten days in Japan! ✈️

The last day of work before a holiday ✈️: Productivity time! I just have a handful of important tasks to complete this morning, after which I can start packing for Japan. I’m always amazed at what I can achieve just before I head off on a trip. The deadline-induced focus is a powerful drug! Then a dinner of “it needs to be …

It’s the very definition of a ‘First World Problem’, but the main thing I’m wrestling with now is managing to pack a suitcase with clothes for both tropical Okinawa and much cooler Tokyo. Like, I’ll definitely survive. But I don’t think I’ve ever had to do …

Tearing through Season 5 of ‘What We Do in the Shadows’ and my face hurts from laughing.

Not a fabulous start to my week, as it seems the hot water has once again broken down in our apartment building. The third time in as many days. Our management company is less than useless. On a more positive note, I have just three working days left until I hop on a plan to Japan.

I recorded another time lapse of the river with my DJI Pocket 3 this afternoon. It compresses 30mins of footage into just 2mins of video. You can check it out on YouTube: youtu.be/1DxVMLB5h… I’m already planning the similar videos I’m going to take once I get to Tokyo!

Home sweet home: Like thousands of others, my plans were obliterated this week by Storm Ciarán. For my part, I got stuck down in Exeter, where all trains northwards were cancelled due to flooding. I had to spend another night there, in another hotel, all the while feeling like death warmed up. A cough that was …

Business travel tired: I made it to Exeter, after nearly coughing up a lung on the train here. Given all the weather warnings and the predicted travel disruptions, I swapped to a train leaving London two hours earlier. I’m glad I did! Now that I’m here, I have been given what must be the smallest hotel room in Western …

I just made my first time lapse video with my new DJI camera. Lots still to learn, but I really like this very rough early result.

New toy: My new camera has just arrived! The DJI Osmo Pocket 3. And it’s a beauty. I opted for the ‘Creator Combo’, as I’m just going to end up buying all these accessories separately later anyway. I have just over a week to figure it all out, then I’m off to Japan for ten days. …

No impulse purchases : While yesterday’s Apple event was super slick, there was nothing in it to get me reaching for my wallet. Which is a very positive thing! Don’t worry, I didn’t watch it live. I’m not that dedicated to the cult of Apple. I caught up on the news this morning. The new Macbook Pro …

I spent the whole night coughing, so will be taking it very easy at home again today. I have contractors calling over any minute to investigate a leak (aaargh) from upstairs. The only reason I’m out of bed and dressed is to deal with them. Hot drinks, flu tablets and rest. It’s all I can …

Good evening from Canary Wharf. Have had to take a nap as my symptoms are getting worse. Got virtually no work done but thankfully I had no client meetings today. Sadly, I’ll have to skip Japanese class this evening. Can’t face going outside. And I definitely want to avoid coughing all over everyone …

Ugh: After going to bed last night feeling a lot better and pretty much free of my post-COVID booster symptoms, I’ve woken up this morning with a thumping headache and a cough. A proper chesty, deep cough. I just hope it’s a hangover from the immunisation. I’m going to work from home …

Organising memories: I’ve finally started organising my many years of travel photos. After looking at all the fancy and somewhat complex options, I’ve decided to put together albums in Google Photos (all my photos were backed up there anyway) and listed them on a Travel Memories page here. I’m going to …

Your (almost) daily reminder of how changeable the weather is in London. After torrential rain and winds yesterday, we’re back to clearer skies and much better visibility. We’ve put an armchair next to this window and I now spent a lot of time there, reading and watching the vista …

COVID booster ouch: I was lucky enough to get my COVID booster yesterday morning. One of the very few advantages of living with epilepsy is that I get prioritised when it comes to immunisations. And while I was incredibly grateful to get it, last night’s side-effects weren’t so welcome. The painful shoulder …

Love the shadows this afternoon sunshine casts across my apartment…

After an early start this morning, I wrapped up work early this afternoon and came home. It seems my timing was perfect. The sun came out and I’ve spent the last hour on the balcony. Fully clothed: it’s sunny, but it’s definitely not warm enough to sunbathe. It’s still incredibly nice though. …

Awake before my alarm this morning, so I did the only sensible thing and started work. (Your definition of ‘sensible’ may differ…) So far, I’ve published and promoted this week’s podcast and compelted some YouTube admin. Heading into the office soon to write this …

This evening, I got some exquisite side-eye from a Shiba. Judgement from a dog is a terrible thing.

22yrs since I met this one. And we’ve never been apart since. Happy Anniversary! 🎉

This day two years ago, enjoying some October sun on the beach in Sitges.

My latest alcohol-free experiment… And it’s delicious. I’d mistake it for an Aperol Spritz if I didn’t know any better. This is Lyle’s Amalfi Spritz and I’m going to be buying some more this weekend. 🍊

No temptation required: Given the timing, I won’t be staying up for next week’s Apple product announcement. After recent spends with Apple, that’s just as well. I don’t need any more technology temptation in my life. I’ll just enjoy reading the coverage the next morning with my coffee. I have …

Some more amazing sky over the City of London this evening.

A very ominous London skyline this morning.

Another Monday has come around too quickly. But on a positive note, I’m on my way to my Japanese class, which is always great fun. And good exercise for my brain. Regularly stepping into “novice mind” is such a positive, worthwhile experience.

I can’t quite believe it, but I’m sunbathing in London in October. After lunch, I realised our balcony was getting loads of direct sun, so I sat down. But after just ten minutes, I was too warm in my sweatshirt etc. So after a moment’s hesitation, I stripped off, grabbed a throw …

Solar attraction...: Just been for a lovely walk in the sun. No filters applied - the sky really is that blue today. It feels like we’ve skipped ahead to Spring - but obviously, there’s just no way to avoid the inevitability of the winter that’s coming. So I’ll soak up as much of this sunshine as …

Good morning from a very sunny London… It’s like a different world when compared to yesterday’s wind, rain and dark skies.

All change, please: I’ve just spent a couple of hours packing up my summer clothes and getting my winter wardrobe out of storage. Living in an apartment, there’s just not enough room to have all my clothes in the wardrobe at the same time. So for half the year, half of my clothing lives in vacuum-packed …

A place for everything... : My Bellroy Tokyo Folio arrived yesterday afternoon. It’s everything I’d hoped for. Tough, splash-proof exterior with a well-designed interior. It fits my iPad Mini, an A5 notebook and a pen. There’s also a separate external pocket for my iPhone 15 Pro. Inside, the remaining pockets …

A quick run around the block before dinner, to shake off some work-related annoyances. It definitely did the trick.

Office medusa: A very good afternoon to everyone… …except for the woman who has spent the last hour pacing up and down the corridor outside my office on a very loud, very personal phone call. After gently asking her to keep it down, she quite literally hissed at me. So that was nice. Her office is on …

Another day, another beautiful product from Bellroy. The Tokyo Folio. I have to admit, I’ve been waiting for this to launch and bought it as soon as it was live on the Bellroy site. A new home for my iPad Mini and notebook. I’ll share some pics and a review once it arrives.

Japanese class was once again great fun. Our teacher is really amazing. She manages to make complex grammar accessible and even enjoyable. She has a fantastic sense of humour and I always leave her classes with a smile. Such a great way to spend a Monday evening.

Snapped this gorgeous peacock in the middle of Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline. First time I’ve seen any of the peacocks that live there in all the years I’ve been visiting.

I’m full of a mandatory fried breakfast (sausages, bacon, eggs, tomatoes, toast and tea) and now I need to walk it all off somewhere. So we’re going to the very lovely Pittencrieff Park in Dunfermline to enjoy these blue skies while they last.

Made it safely to Edinburgh. ✈️ Some nasty weather delayed the flight for an hour, but I got here in the end. Now waiting for my train to take me to Dunfermline. 🚞

I also got an appointment for my COVID booster today, so that’s also going in the gratitude journal.

Smiling to myself as my podcast got recommended in an HR blog post about the top business-focused podcasts. I don’t think I’ve ever seen it mentioned in ‘print’ before. That’s definitely making my gratitude list for tonight’s journal.

No escape: I’m in Dublin for a very brief business trip. And despite my high hopes, I haven’t been able to escape the noise of construction. Back in London, my neighbourhood seems to be one big building site, and has been that way for over a year. The noise is truly exhausting and I live for the …

Really looking forward to my Japanese class this evening. Like a good boy, I’ve done all my homework and have been practicing daily. Though it’s just my luck that I seem to have one of the more difficult to pronounce nationalities (Irish) and occupations (psychologist) that we’re …

Another run logged in the fitness bank: Went for another 5km run this morning and managed a faster pace than yesterday. It felt good throughout and I’m once again pain-free. Hoping that I’ve finally put my achilles tendons issues behind me. I had to shame a dog walker into putting his dog’s shit into the bin. He threw it at …

I snapped this sunset from our balcony yesterday evening. And yes, while the days are getting noticeably shorter at this time of year, the sunsets are still something to enjoy from our vantage point here on the 35th floor.

Trying this for the first time time this evening - and I’m pleased to report it’s delicious! I’ll have to get some more tomorrow. The perfect evening drink after a warm day. Very refreshing.

Got (another) new plant for the apartment. Fully expect to wake up one morning to find there’s been a plant-based coup and I’m ejected onto the streets.

Just bought a slightly ginormous but beautiful plant for the apartment. Will cart it home after something suitably refreshing at Starbucks.

Good morning from an unseasonably mild London. Apparently it’s going to hit 25C later today, which is incredible for October. I’m going to head out for a run shortly, before it gets too warm. And then attack my ‘life admin’ task list.

Almost at the end of another working week. I’m feeling productive and accomplished - just got another YouTube video out the door, and prepped the edits for two more episodes of the podcast. Did my accounts admin and even did some client admin. Definitely going to enjoy this evening…

Another tough day down the psychology mines… 🤣 But, I managed to record two episodes of the podcast, have a lovely catch-up with a colleague in Seville, write next week’s professional blog post and set up the next three months of online community meet-ups. And now it’s time to …

A small landmark My little YouTube channel gained it’s 300th subscriber yesterday and I couldn’t be happier. It’s been nothing like a full-time job, but something I fit around other aspects of work. Getting a tiny bit better with each video, still enjoying the process, and learning …

The Japanese continues: I had my second Japanese language class of the current course last night. I say ‘current course’, as I’ve attempted to start learning Japanese several times, and despite my frequent visits to the country, I’m hardly making progress. Or at least, as fast as I’d like. So, …

I went to see The Creator this afternoon and really enjoyed it. A lovely story, stunning visuals and a walloping score. This sci-fi geek loved every minute. I might even have shed a tear or two.

Adventures in epilepsy: Gah! Yet another GP screw-up with my meds. Despite getting my repeat prescription signed off on Monday, the pharmacy never received it. And so I couldn’t get my meds. Thankfully, the pharmacist was happy to give me a week’s supply while the GP practice gets their act together. Every …

Some initial thoughts after 48 hours with the new iPhone 15 Pro: “After about 48 hours of use, I thought I’d note my initial impressions and spoiler: they’re all positive. Really.” Read the post here

Looking up: One of the first photos I took outdoors with my new iPhone 15 Pro. We were blessed with unseasonal blue skies and sunshine here in London, so I made sure to look up for some good angles. I took this just down the street from my apartment, here in Canary Wharf, where’s there no shortage of …

Happy iPhone day!: It just so happens I’m working from home on the day my new iPhone 15 Pro is set to be delivered. What a coincidence! Though I may have to temper my excitement if it arrives later in the afternoon. I have a friend coming over for dinner and a film later on, and it would be quite anti-social to …

Lightbulb moments in Obsidian: The second highlight of my day so far: Figuring our how to use the Dataview plug-in in Obsidian to search for client projects across disparates notes and provide me with a nicely-formatted list. I then created a ‘client’ template for pages, to bring together lists of client-specific …

The highlight of my day (so far): Getting my dispatch notification email from Apple. My iPhone 15 Pro is on the way, in all its blue titanium glory. And now the waiting game ramps up a notch. The next 24hrs is going to feel so long.

Change is in the air: It definitely feels like Autumn arrived in London today. I woke up to darkness and had to wear a sweatshirt and jacket to work, for the first time in… well, as long as I can remember. I’m looking out my office window to some very dark grey skies and some really quite strong wind. …

I’m watching endless iPhone 15 Pro review videos on YouTube, as if it will somehow speed up delivery of my new handset. I’m still very happy I upgraded. No buyer’s remorse here. I just want to get my hands on it! Roll on Friday.

Note this!: Today’s the first time in a while that I’m really jiving with Obsidian. From my daily note, through to capturing new ideas and writing new content for the business blog. On reflection, I think it’s because I’m using templates intentionally and with more forethought. As in, …

I’m very tired and really need some sleep, but… I’m loving iOS17 so far. Seems like lots and lots of very small changes which combine for a great new experience. Time to put the phone down and get ready for bed.

It’s time to update all the things…

I’m really feeling it in my hips after yesterday’s short run. More stretching required (that’ll be engraved on my tombstone…)

A very misty/hazy London this evening.

I’m watching Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country, for the umpteenth time. Christopher Plummer is marvellous as the scenery-chewing General Chang and there are some super one-liners from McCoy and Chekov. And yet… I keep unintentionally comparing it to more recent iterations of Trek …

On another note...: I’ve been tinkering with Drafts, a super-popular app that never quite stuck with me. And I’m not sure why. But after stumbling across a few enthusiastic YouTube videos and blog posts, I thought I’d give it another go. Over the last couple of days, something seems to have clicked. I …

I made it out for a run this morning! My plans for a gym visit yesterday were destroyed by my Crohn’s flare-up. As was our planned visit to the local food market. Le sigh. But I started to feel better this morning and so, before I could talk myself out of it, I threw on my gear and hit the …

Exploring ‘Dataview’ and how it can bring some structure to my notes in Obsidian. Talk about trial and error! But I’m getting there. It looks super useful. I’d never make it as a developer, but I’m willing to persist with this.

Oh. It looks like the Tories are going to fuck up another infrastructure project. What a surprise. Sunak knows he’ll never have to depend on public transport. He’s above such things. He just hops in a helicopter… “Ending the line at Old Oak Common is pretty much the definition of …

Just bought some art on impulse. This is not like me at all. But it’s beautiful and I knew I had to have it as soon as I saw it. I can’t wait to share some photos once it’s delivered.

Considering Foundation: Last night, I watched the final episode of Foundation’s second season on Apple TV+. It was a thrilling ride and the perfect close to an impressive season. If you haven’t sampled the delights of Foundation yet, let me convince you. No, it doesn’t have space wizards or laser sword …

Choosing my new iPhone wasn’t as easy as you’d think. I had gone back-and-forth in my mind about which model I wanted to go for. No question about the storage I wanted and no question about the colour. It was obviously going to be blue titanium. The tyranny of choice.

A beautiful, sunny morning here in London. Just doing some easy work admin before getting my show on the road. We’re walking to a local food market later and I’m hoping to enjoy a food truck burrito 🌯 Because I’m classy like that.

I’m not sure YouTube video editing is best done after a night of incredible brain-shrinking insomnia, but here we are. I wonder if anyone will notice…

Boom. That sound you heard was my Amex card groaning under the strain of a new iPhone 15 Pro. In Blue Titanium, obviously. I’m not a monster. I didn’t opt for Pro Max in the end. After holding a max-sized case for a while, I simply realised my hands weren’t up to the task! Roll on …

Wide awake since 3am. 90mins later, I’m out of bed, reading on the sofa and resigned to the fact that I’m going to crash and burn mid-afternoon. Insomnia is a bitch.

Enjoying the views from the balcony this evening. For some reason, it already feels like a Friday.

I felt a lot better by late this afternoon - so much, that I even made it to the gym. (Though I have no photos to prove this - so, does it count?) A quick workout on arms and shoulders and some time on the cross-trainer so I could catch up on ‘Invasion’ on my iPad. Time well spent!

Yesterday’s sunset over London. Sadly, and inevitably, it’s getting earlier and earlier.

Feeling better... : Following yesterday’s fun and games, I had a bland dinner of carbs, took a shower and got into bed at 8:30pm. I was asleep within the hour and slept right through to this morning’s alarm at 6am. As predicted, I’m feeling slightly better today, but far from 100%. I have a …

The fatigue: Back home, lying down, and feeling very sorry for myself. Crohn’s disease is no fun whatsoever. The thing that gets me the most? The soul-sucking fatigue. I’m just shattered. Exhausted. I’m sure I’ll feel a little better tomorrow, then better again the day after. But for …

Oh, I own the old phone now…: So just a couple of hours to go until Apple’s next event, where we are supposed to be seeing the launch of the iPhone 15 range. I’m sitting at my desk looking at my iPhone 13 pro with slightly sad eyes. I think having resisted the lure of the iPhone 14 pro, this may be the year that I upgrade. I’m …

Having taken six flights since Sunday, I think it’s pretty inevitable to arrive home with some kind of airborne illness. And so I greet the weekend - the hottest of the year so far in London - with the mother of all head colds. I don’t want to get on another plane for quite some time. …

Coffee and journal time, while I wait for my flight to Dublin ✈️

Morning one after returning from Singapore and I’m off again! This time, it’s to Dublin - for work. Thankfully, I packed my bag as soon as I unpacked last night, so I’m basically ready to go. I just need to inject some caffeine into my nervous system and pop my laptop in my …

Enjoying this evening’s sunset…

Back to a very sunny and warm London ☀️ While it’s nice to be back, I’ve been compiling a long mental list of things I’d like to import from Singapore.

My Bellroy Via Backpack, combined with my Rimowa spinner, has been all I’ve needed for this week in Singapore. Travelling carry-on only is extremely liberating and removes so much of the stress of long distance travel. Though it really requires focus and care when packing.

I’m frankly astounded I managed to get everything into my suitcase! Despite having carry-on luggage only, I ended up buying some new t-shirts while here. It was…a squeeze to get it all in. Next stop: Changi Airport ✈️

Last few hours in Singapore. Beginning the long journey home later today. But first, there’s a breakfast buffet to be attacked. And some packing to finish 😬

Just had a really enjoyable and enlightening visit to the National Museum of Singapore. Some very powerful exhibits about occupation during World War II and their independence movement. And now, I just really want to learn more!

Touching the merch: We popped into the Apple Store on Orchard Road to pick up some AirTags yesterday evening. They’re a lot cheaper here in Singapore than in London - plus, tax back! Anyway, I ended up fondling (there is no other word) the iPhone 14 Pro Max. I think my next iPhone is going to be a 15 Pro Max. 🤓 …

All of today and tomorrow remaining in my trip to Singapore. Plus a little of Sunday as we don’t fly until 6pm. I definitely want to make a return visit to the Japanese onsen, sample some more local food and explore some other neighbourhoods.

Just enjoyed an amazing couple of hours in a Japanese-style onsen in the heart of Singapore. Will definitely be making a return visit before flying home. It was the most perfect way to unwind after a day of walking the city.

On my way to meet a local Singaporean friend to go for a soak in the onsen ♨️ Cannot wait for a couple of very relaxing hours in the water.

Bought a little accessory for my Traveler’s Notebook to remind me of my trip to Singapore. Travelling hand baggage only means the mementos have to be tiny!

Starting the day with my travel journal from Travelers Company, capturing memories for future me. ☕️ I love my gadgets, but there’s still something amazing about committing your thoughts to paper.

Made it to Singapore! Spent the entire flight nodding off and waking up with a violent jerk. I’m sure I looked bizarre. Happy to be on the ground again, in a taxi, and heading to our hotel. No more flights for a week ✈️

Landed in Phuket after a lovely flight with Qatar Airlines. Delicious onboard food and even managed a nap. 90mins until our flight to Singapore, so now it’s time for some caffeine.

The business lounge in Sofia Airport has a smoking zone. Which means the entire lounge reeks of foul cigarette smoke. Revolting.

Bye bye, Sofia!

Well, breakfast was awful. Every single cooked offering on the buffet was stone cold. Which I discovered, obviously, after making my selection. Cold bacon doesn’t do it for me. Ended up with a healthier bowl of fruit, so it wasn’t all bad. Now, time to check out and head to the airport ✈️

Time for breakfast here in Sofia, after which we’ll head to the airport for our flight to Doha. Looking forward to getting onboard and relaxing. Once I’ve navigated all the hassles of the airport ✈️ We get a couple of hours in Doha before our flight onwards to Asia. When I’ll hopefully sleep most of …

My luggage for the next ten days. Carry-on only is the way to go ✈️ My trusty Rimowa paired with my new backpack from Bellroy. 🧳

When you’re too early for the Elizabeth Line…

My last full work day before travel. Off to Singapore tomorrow for a break and some work. Looking forward to running a wellbeing workshop for new clients while I’m there. And as soon as I’m back, it’s time to head to Dublin for more work. A busy couple of weeks ahead. ✈️

Frank is cooking us some delicious Nasi Goreng. And the smells coming from the kitchen are out of this world. I could eat my own leg I’m so hungry. It has felt like a very, very long day. But one filled with positive points.

I’m in love 😍 My new Brompton has been unpacked and assembled. And I’m so pleased I went with the blue and not the ‘matcha green’.

The eagle has landed! Proof of life has been shared by my other half. My new Brompton has been delivered. Unboxing and general fanboy behaviour will have to wait until I get home from work. 🚲

Good morning! ☀️

Relaxing in the sun in a local beer garden with some excellent alcohol free weissbier 🍺 The sun made a guest appearance, so it would have been rude to stay in the office and miss it. Right?

Without wanting to jinx things… I finally managed to find the right bike, at a great discount, last night. All going to plan, my new Brompton (not orange!) will arrive tomorrow evening. I know. I changed my mind again. I’ll share a pic of the bike if/when it arrives 🚲

Aaaaaaaargh. Despite a phone call to check everything was in order, the bike shop has just emailed to say that, in fact, now that they’ve checked, they don’t have the bike I bought from them online on Saturday. They won’t be getting it back in stock and can only offer me an …

Watching “The Diplomat” on Netflix. 📺 I’m nearly at the end of episode two and can’t tell how much it’s trying to be a comedy…versus a West Wing style drama. But frankly, I’ll watch absolutely anything featuring Rufus Sewell.

Good evening from a very sunny London.

Watching the clouds roll by as I lie out on the balcony and catch up on my podcasts.

Idly wondering why the building site down the street from us is active on a Sunday morning? Consort Place has been enough of a source of noise and filth Monday to Saturday. Don’t their neighbours deserve a break on a Sunday? Answer: the construction industry in the UK gives no fucks.

A new Brompton: So after lots of to-ing and fro-ing, I eventually pressed ‘go’ on ordering a new bike last night. I visited a couple of bike shops with my better half yesterday afternoon, just to see some of the available colours ‘in the flesh’. We also needed to buy some new lights for our …

Just been for a walk around the Isle of Dogs and Greenwich with this good boy…

It’s Brompton time!: My insurance company paid out for our stolen bikes yesterday. My other half took care of dealing with them, while I dealt with the police. It almost feels like we can draw a line under it. All in all, we’re about £250 down, each. Insurance had a capped ‘per bike’ limit. And of course the bikes …

So we’re experiencing what sounds like an absolute tropical downpour in London right now. That’s my cue to go to bed and immerse myself into some apocalyptic fiction. Starting the second book in the ‘Silo’ trilogy tonight. 📚 Hopefully we’ll get some actual summer …

My new favourite alcohol-free drink! Crodino is an Italian aperatif, reminiscent of Aperol - but without the booze, obviously. It’s perfect over a ton of ice. A refreshing, adult option for those of use steering clear of alcohol. Cheers! 🍹

Ooof. That YouTube edit took significantly longer than I’d planned. But I stuck at it, as I’m trying to make each video 1% better than the previous one. Glad I persisted. Quite happy with the final product. Now to put my feet up and start enjoying the weekend!

Entering the YouTube mines, to edit my next video. Cue a couple of hours of wincing as I have to look at, and listen to, my mistakes, stammers and screw-ups. Such fun!

Yay! My Micro.blog stickers arrived in the post. Thanks @jean! The first one went on my bullet journal immediately. 📔

Decision, decisions. Which flavour coffee to choose this morning? 🧐

Heading into my office for my first full day’s work since returning from Sitges. No doom and gloom - I’m actually feeling very enthused and full of good ideas after taking time out to reflect.

In the ‘Sala VIP’ (business lounge) at Barcelona Airport. Still impressed with how they’ve improved it since I was a monthly business commuter to Barcelona. Tucking into some tortilla and delicious salami while I wait for my flight to London. ✈️

I secured a late checkout from my hotel, so I have time for a final couple of hours by the pool. Extracting every moment of pleasure before I have to fly back to London. ✈️

My last evening in Sitges. So I’m treating myself to a nice meal out. I’ve already packed my suitcase, so no last minute rushing tomorrow morning. Time to soak up the evening rays and relaxing atmosphere before returning to…London. 🤪

Another few hours of reading in the sun. I’m nothing if not consistent!

On my way out for some food and some all-important people-watching! It’s finally cooling down. A little.

The view from here as I work through my task list… A boy could get used to this!

Enjoyed a lovely walk around Sitges this morning after breakfast. Then went for a cold drink in the shade and did some people watching. It was lovely to relax with my own thoughts, my notebook and some caffeine. Did a lot of planning, journalling and reflecting. Which is exactly why I’m here.

Really enjoying the breeze coming in off the sea this afternoon. Just another short while out here and then it’s time for a shower and a pre-dinner nap. I could really get used to this pace of life! ⛱️☀️

Four hours (so far) by the hotel pool today Engrossed in books and podcasts, occasionally repositioning myself to align with the sunshine, and topping up my AF beer at the bar. Time is both flying by (I fly home on Wednesday) but it also feels like I’ve been here for weeks. I adore Sitges.

Back to my hotel and in bed before midnight. In case I turn into a pumpkin! Also, reminding myself this break is supposed to be a retreat and a focus on my well-being, not a party (that was back in June, at Pride). So it’s time for sleep and tuning several shades browner overnight.

Taking myself out for dinner in Sitges. I never mind eating alone. I know not everyone finds it comfortable, but I enjoy the space to think. Visiting my favourite place here, Bella Ciao. It has been consistently great over the years I’ve been visiting.

Taking a break from the beach and chilling out on my hotel balcony. Enjoying the view, reading, sipping cold drinks and feeling decidedly relaxed.

I may have had a touch of sunshine today ☀️ Batteries fully recharged now, so it’s off into town to see what all the local gays are up to this evening. Don’t wait up!

Spent four delicious hours in the sun on my favourite ever beach. Snoozed, read, strolled, swam. It was just what I needed. Looking forward to more of the same tomorrow. Now it’s time for some after-sun moisturiser and a nap. Happy Friday!

The people-watching in Sitges this evening is quite something 👀. Snagged a table outside my favourite bar and enjoying all the guys promenading up and down the street.

Back at my favourite haunt, for my favourite beer. A day spent doing nothing but tanning, walking in the sun, reading, listening to podcasts and napping. It was exactly what I came here for. And tomorrow: a visit to my favourite beach to erase all tan lines ☀️

Taking a break from the sunshine and heat, and retreating to my hotel room. The air conditioning and well-stocked fridge are all I need to reset and recover. It’s 28C but feels a lot warmer for some reason. Enjoyed a lovely walk into town after breakfast. I’ll head back in this evening for dinner …

My favourite alcohol-free beer while in Spain: Estrella Galicia Tostada 0%. Perfect after a long afternoon of just lying in the sun.

A quick snack in the sun ☀️ Enjoying my afternoon on the balcony. Tanning, reading and catching up on a load of podcasts.

Sunning my trotters on my hotel room balcony ☀️🦶The sun will be in the perfect position for all-over sunbathing very shortly.

After a couple of very lazy and enjoyable hours in the sun by the pool, reception called to let me know my new hotel room was ready. So glad I moved - my old room was lovely, but looked out onto the pool. The noise from screaming kids was something else. New room looks out onto the sea.

Morning one in Sitges. A little overcast so far, so after coffee in bed, I had a slow, leisurely breakfast downstairs. Planning to move hotel rooms a little later on - status has its privileges, as they say - and have some time by the pool. And that’s as far as the plan has gone so far…

One of the few advantages of being Hobbit-sized: there’s always leg-room…

Next stop: Barcelona ✈️

The new security scanners at London City Airport are fantastic. Leave everything in your bag - no need to show electronics or toiletries - and you’re through in an instant. Except, of course, if your bag is taken to one side so they can scan your “suspicious” deodorant…

All packed and ready to head to City Airport for my flight to Barcelona. It’s once again grey, overcast and distinctly meh in London, so the Sitges sunshine will be very welcome indeed. Fingers crossed for no flight delays and a room with a view at the hotel! ✈️

Let the packing commence. This time tomorrow, I’ll be arriving in Sitges and (hopefully) stepping outside to enjoy a cold drink in the sun. It’s just a week in the sun, so I’m team “carry on luggage” this time round. Keeps things super simple.

My last day in the office before my week in Sitges. I fly to Barcelona tomorrow afternoon and I’m already looking forward to the opportunity to take a break, invest in my wellbeing and intentionally unwind. Unlike the visit for Sitges Pride back in June, I’ll actually get some sleep!

I’m still fucking livid about our bikes being stolen. I’m almost more annoyed by the response from our building’s management company. “Sorry, it’s the weekend” is not a valid excuse when we’re paying for a 24/7 service. Not when I’ve gone back to point out the damage to the door to the bike room and …

Heading into the office for a couple of hours… What?! On a Sunday? The building where my office is located is basically deserted at the weekend. So it’s the perfect time to record new content for YouTube, without noise in the corridor, slamming doors or accidental fire alarm …

Not a great start to the weekend.: Providing a statement to three police officers in my kitchen is not how I envisaged this weekend starting. My other half is in Spain for the weekend and I woke up to a text message wondering why the airtags on our bikes were showing them as two miles away. I headed down to the bike room in the …

And so the weekend begins… cheers!

Just had a lovely walk around the Olympic Park with this very good boy.

Waking up to more wind and rain on the second day of August is doing nothing for my enthusiasm this morning. Still, just six days to go until I fly to Barcelona and spend a lovely week relaxing in Sitges. Plus, I’ve got some nice plans for this weekend, which are basically weather-independent. …

Another cracking sunset in London this evening.

An after-work, pre-dinner run around the neighbourhood. Slowed down by bad luck at various pedestrian crossings and the need to constantly dodge electric Deliveroo bikes flying along the pavement.

Incredibly productive in the office today. Haven’t been interrupted once, which always helps. Got stuck into various admin tasks I’d been putting off, and as usual, none of them were as painful or frustrating as I’d imagined. Our old friend procrastination was leading me astray …

Good evening from London…

Oh my. These were absolutely delicious. Will definitely be getting some more… I didn’t need a snack after my chicken salad. But I didn’t not need one either.

Much to my shame, I’ve just started watching season one of Good Omens. I’ve no idea why I’d left it so long, and I’m only half-way through episode two, but it’s such a gem. And there’s a whole second season to enjoy when I’m done with this one. David Tennant …

This has quickly turned into my favourite song of the summer (so far) - can’t get enough of it:

: I picked up my Brompton from its service earlier - glad to have it back in my possession. Less than thrilled that they left it in the bike room, unlocked, with the door to the room wedged open. I’m just glad I called by when I did. Otherwise the day could have taken a completely different …

Taking my Brompton in for a service this morning. It’s been far too long since I was a regular cyclist. That needs to change. Step one: ensure the bike is road worthy.

At the very lovely Club Soda to sample some alcohol-free drinks (and shelter from the hordes of tourists in Covent Garden). Starting with a pint of the delicious Lucky Saint to quench my thirst.

Managed a 5km run and actually quite enjoyed it. Now time for some brunch!

Today’s missions: Finish this delicious, life-giving coffee ☕️ Go out for a run by the river 🏃‍♂️ Meet a friend to sample delicious alcohol-free beers 🍻

I’m very, very full of delicious homemade Mexican food, courtesy of my friend. He’s a really excellent cook and invited us to his new apartment for dinner. A meat and bean soup, chicken mole and a flan for desert. We’re all having a lie down on the sofa to recover. Feels like Christmas Day.

Just ten days until my next trip to Sitges. Can’t wait for some sunshine, warm temperatures, ample tanning time on my favourite beach and nights out for good food. I’m traveling alone, which I did for the first time last August. It was such good fun, I committed to doing it once a year. …

This is what passes for July in London. I’d like a refund, please.

While there’s no such thing as the ‘perfect bag’, I may have found one that meets so many of my requirements, it might as well be. Currently awaiting the delivery of a Via Workpack from Bellroy. Apparently, the courier will deliver it by 2pm and I’m looking forward to putting …

A super productive morning in the office. Was a guest on a friend’s podcast and got to discuss my recent work on dealing with workplace loneliness. We recorded live and took questions from the audience who joined us. Then I edited and published my latest YouTube video, all about the myths …

So Barbie was just the most amazing experience. I could sit down and watch the whole thing over again. It exceeded all my expectations and had the entire cinema audience laughing throughout. My most fun visit to the cinema this year.

People playing music on public transport without headphones are…tiresome. This is far from news. I’m just tired and need to vent.

I was so proud of myself recording three episodes of my podcast yesterday. I was keen to get ahead of schedule and have content lined up for when I’m on holidays next month. Checking the recordings this morning, I realised that Zencastr had used the microphone in my Apple Studio Display as the …

This arrived last night… I can’t wait to try out all the air fryer recipes I’ve been researching for the last few weeks. Looks like a great way to prepare a quick, healthy meal for two without using an entire oven or a ton of cookware. As long as it’s not used for …

Seems like my overnight ritual sacrifices to the weather gods have paid off. I woke up to some sunshine here in London this morning. Unsure how long it’ll last, but I’m hoping until at least lunchtime, so I can get out for a walk and actually enjoy it. Until then, eyes down for a webinar …

Summer in London 🤨 Counting down the days until I’m back in the Spanish sunshine and dipping my hobbit feet into the sea. Until then, it’s just flicking through my photo memories and imagining the sand between my toes.

I don’t know why it is, but I’m finding it very difficult to summon up any enthusiasm for work today. I’m not sure if it’s because the weather is really appalling here in London today. I’m not sure if it’s something to do with the fact that it’s Monday. Or …

A few lovely pints with friends, after the cinema. Reliving our trip to Sitges, catching up on all the gossip and enjoying a great selection of beers and snacks. Plus plenty of laughs and a miniature schnauzer called Klaus. The perfect end to the weekend.

So, Oppenheimer was stunning. Beautiful to watch and the soundtrack was simply amazing. I could sit down and watch the whole thing again. And, personally speaking, the time just flew by.

Morning yoga complete Yesterday’s run - and ensuing stiffness and pain in my calves and Achilles tendons - reminded me of how it’s been since I rolled out the yoga mat. Nice to get back into the habit. Albeit stiffly and with more wobbles than before.

Well, this is a very welcome surprise to wake up to! There might not be any actors or big casting announcements at San Diego Comic-Con this year, but Paramount Plus did find one way to surprise fans. It’s dropping the next episode of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds five days early. The episode also …

So glad I went for that run earlier. It’s bucketing down now. Why is continental Europe melting in heatwaves, yet the UK is experiencing October-like weather in July? More ritual sacrifices to the weather gods are required, obviously.

I managed 5km this morning… It was quite the struggle, what with the very tight calves and achilles tendons, plus the wind that seemed to be blowing in my face, no matter which direction I was facing. Still, a run is a run. Now for some very delayed breakfast. And then lots more …

And now it’s time for a much-delayed run. It’s overcast and there’s a breeze in the air. Not too hot, not too cold. What I’m saying is: I have no excuse. See you on the other side.

An overwhelming plethora of choice... 🍺: After walking past it several times over the last few months, I finally paid a visit to the Craft Beer Company in Limehouse. I only had time for a quick pitstop, and a half pint of IPA, but I’m so glad I went. To say they have a choice of beers is quite the understatement. Their drinks menu is …

Just spotted that Tony Bennett has died During a career that spanned seven decades, the crooner sold millions of records and won 20 Grammys, including a lifetime achievement award. I was lucky enough to see him perform live at the Royal Albert Hall many years ago and was blown away by his energy …

Awaiting my eye test… and they’re running late. As usual.

I really, really need to get out of bed. I have a coffee meeting with a fellow psychologist in less than two hours, an appointment for an eye test and some work to do on the podcast. But it felt so warm last night, I had a very disrupted and inconsistent sleep. Finding it difficult to get started …

One more hour of work and then I can head home to collapse. Awake from 2am onwards overnight, due to my old friend insomnia. To say today was an effort would be an understatement.

Good evening from a very beautiful London.

Just booked tickets to see Oppenheimer for this Sunday lunchtime. Bringing a friend, as my partner simply doesn’t have the attention span to last three hours in the cinema. I’ll give him the summary over dinner afterwards. And yes, Barbie is booked too. But next week. I don’t think …

Like a blog, only smaller: I’ve been using Micro.blog solidly for about six weeks now, and it’s fair to say I’m hooked. I love the simplicity, the lack of overwhelming options and set-up requirements and how it just gets out of my way when I want to write and share something. I’ve lost count of the …

I have two business trips in Dublin scheduled for September and October and I can’t wait. I used to get home basically every month - but COVID put an end to that. Now nearly all my work is remote. It’ll be nice to get back and, hopefully, catch up with some friends.

Nothing to see here… Just a Royal Navy Minesweeper sailing past my apartment. I wonder if it’s headed anywhere interesting. Living this close to the Thames means there’s always something interesting to see when I look out the window.

Relaxing with an alcohol-free beer from Asahi. This is incredibly tasty and crisp. And at just £4 for four cans, a bit of a bargain. I’ll definitely be getting it again.

Wrapped up work early and headed out for a run. It’s been far too long since my last run and I always seem to forget how good I feel afterwards. Just a slow and steady jog around the neighbourhood, but every little helps. And easy to fit in at the end of the day.

My plane has finally landed at Edinburgh Airport. Now for all those passengers to get off nice and quickly, so I can board and fly back to London. How long do we reckon this will take…?

Another flight, another delay ✈️ Thankfully, I’m in the British Airways lounge, so I can charge my devices, grab a cold drink and have a snack while I’m waiting. Bearing in mind how little sleep I got last night, I could really do without this extra hour of hanging around.

Managed to get some nice family photos at last night’s birthday dinner for my mum. It’s so rare we’re all in the same place (and all in the mood for photos!). Some lovely memories created, food consumed and many, many laughs had.

About to leave Fife once again: Saying goodbye to some of the neighbours before I fly back to London this evening. ✈️ It’s been a lovely long weekend, but as with all trips up here to see family, I ate and drank far too much. So I’m more than ready for a bit of self-control, a bit more sleep, and saying …

Insomnia update. I ended up awake from about 12:30am to some time after 4:00am and boy am I feeling it now. Thankfully, no work today. Just a birthday brunch with my mum and later, my flight back to London. Today will be brought to you by caffeine and resilience.

And there we have it: the reason I don’t watch horror films that much any more. A ton of anxiety-filled nightmares, followed by several hours of insomnia. Having tried all the usual tricks, I’m just lying here, reading and cursing past me for pressing play on Netflix earlier.

Why do I ruin my own sleep like this?! I watched Insidious for the first time this evening. An endless series of jump cuts and scares. Quite exhausting and not something I’ll be watching again.

Mum’s birthday celebrations Enjoyed a lovely evening at my sister’s place to celebrate. Blessed with some very welcome evening sunshine too.

: Enjoying my coffee in bed, while catching up on the news. As ever, when visiting my mum, I slept like a baby. In no small part due to the peace and quiet here in rural Fife. No screaming police sirens, no car horns blaring, no party boats floating down the Thames. It’ll be quite a shock to the …

Logan says hi Named as a kitten for his enormous claws, he’s calmed down a lot since then. Now all he wants is belly rubs and to get under the duvet with me. One of the perks of visiting is getting to have this little fur ball on my lap for hours on end.

At Edinburgh Gateway station. Waiting for my train to Fife. Landed in Edinburgh at 10:00am and I’ll be in Dunfermline by 11:00am. Super smooth connections! ✈️🚋🚂

Next stop: Edinburgh ✈️

iOS17? Not just yet. : So it looks like the public betas of the new Apple operating systems are now available. And while I’m super interested in seeing what’s new in iOS17, iPadOS17 and watchOS17 in particular - I’m not really prepared to take a gamble with my core devices. Especially as I’m about …

Spotted on my walk around Shoreditch this morning…

Okay, just one big item left on today’s work task list. So I should still be able to make it out the door for 5pm and head home to pack my bag for my Scotland trip.

Last day in the office before a long weekend visiting family up in Scotland. Lots to finish before I can leave with a clear conscience, but I’ll get there in the end and then I can enjoy a few relaxing days up in Fife.

Good morning! On my way to run a workshop in a client office in Shoreditch, snapping photos as I go.

The doctor will see you now...: I accompanied my friend to his doctoral graduation ceremony yesterday. It was infectiously positive and joyful. Lots of applause for the grads, lots of hugs, smiles and even a few tears. It’s 11 years since I was ‘doctored’ but it all came back to me in a flash.

Feeling ever so slightly wiped out: Up since 5:15am this morning, to head down to Brighton. Ran two workshops back-to-back and then came straight back up to London. Somehow managed to walk 11,000 steps before 3pm. This evening will be a very quite one, with some catching up on TV shows, a simple dinner and an early night.

Really, really enjoyed the latest episode of ‘Smartless’, featuring an interview with Tom Holland. I could listen to his stories all day long. Like all the best podcasts, it’s like listening in to a group of friends having a chat. 🎧 You can listen here.

Things aren’t looking great for Evernote (again) The Verge: Evernote has laid off most of its US staff and will move most operations to Europe Evernote became one of the first popular note-taking apps when it launched in 2008, but has struggled since the mid-2010s as other, similar apps began …

An absolutely gorgeous morning here in London. Had a very early start to do some more preparation before this morning’s workshop at 10am. Coffee is my best friend this morning. Very much looking forward to finishing up at 12pm.

Goodnight from London. I’ve just spent a few minutes admiring the view from our balcony before getting ready for bed. Early start and a big day at work tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Falling out of love with London?: I had a conversation with someone yesterday and it’s still ringing in my ears. We shared that we both, over time, had fallen a little out of love with London. I’ve lived here for over 23 years now - and bear in mind the plan was to come here for a single year, to complete my MSc in psychology. Then …

Finally started reading The Three Body Problem and I’m thoroughly enjoying it so far. I definitely regret not reading it sooner. 📚

Just had a lovely wander round Columbia Road flower market and picked up some lovely plants and fresh flowers. Yes, it’s super busy and a bit of a tourist trap - but the prices can’t be beat and the selection is fantastic.

Considering Threads: Back in the day - in other words, before it became a bigot-filled mess - I was a huge fan of Twitter. I’ll admit to spending far too much time on the app, but I’ll also admit to enjoying myself and making some real friends along the way. Once Space Karen took over, I used it less and …

New piece of art collected from the studio this afternoon. We commissioned the artist to create this after meeting him at an exhibition. I’m absolutely in love with it. A one of a kind, made to a palette of colours we selected to blend in with our home.

I don’t know where to start with this. Of course these reactionary Tories are against anything that could improve working lives. They spread an over-simplified, fear-based message and propagate it with dark money from fascists in the US. A rightwing lobby group that doesn’t declare its donors …

Everywhere looks better in the sun. Snapped on a wander around Canary Wharf this afternoon. From this angle, I think the building looks more like a tool or a set of gears. At least it’s not an oblong box like so many of the other buildings in this neighbourhood.

Last night was absolutely horrible. I tossed and turned and coughed and sweated. But after all that, I woke up this morning feeling decidedly better. I’m still hoarse, still have a sort through, but I’m not aching and exhausted like yesterday. I’m taking it very easy today, just …

Enjoying the view over the Thames before I take my sick self to bed. Very glad I came home from work early and cancelled all tonight’s plans. It’s time for some Night Nurse capsules, honey and a hot drink. Hoping to wake up feeling hugely better tomorrow.

Enjoying the view and the sunshine…

I’m giving up and heading back to bed. Tried to brave it through another day of work and it was a very, very bad idea. The cough is getting more annoying and I’ve basically lost my voice. I don’t want to be sick all weekend, so I’m just going to focus on getting better. …

I survived a whole day of work, so that’s a win. Now for some chicken katsu curry - lovingly prepared by my better half - followed by the latest episode of “Secret Invasion”. And then, an early night.

Snapped on my way to Soho this morning to run a workshop. Despite my lurgy, the workshop went well. Now I’m back home, sipping a hot drink with honey and preparing to finish up for the day.

Heading home to lie down in comfort, take some tablets and hopefully feel a lot better tomorrow morning. 🤞🏻

Once again, we enjoyed a spectacular sunset from our balcony yesterday. Just as the winds picked up and we had to tie down all our balcony furniture before it got blown away. While it always seems to be a little breezy on the 35th floor of our building, yesterday’s winds were epic. And not in a good …

Hmmm. Scratchy throat. Tickly cough. Feeling quite exhausted. My very own personal checklist for an imminent dose of something awful. Every time I get the flu or a very bad head cold, it starts the same way. So today’s mission has changed from being uber-productive to simply getting through …

The theme for this morning’s writing sprint…

Indiana Jones and the Disappointing Finale: I’m still trying to figure out what I thought of the latest Indiana Jones movie. I watched it yesterday evening and, while there were some great moments, overall I left the cinema a bit disappointed and a little relieved it was over. There were some very strange edits, some distracting sub-par CGI …

I’ve just started watching the latest season of Black Mirror on Netflix and it’s amazing. First episode watched while doing the ironing. Need to find another household chore I can do to watch some more.

Restoring my iMac to factory settings, so I can sell it. Surplus to requirements, now that I have my new Apple Studio Display and Mac Mini. This used to be quite a painful process, but newer versions of macOS make it a lot simpler.

A year ago, today: a beautiful sunset, snapped from my balcony. I’m a sucker for a beautiful sunset.

Bracing myself for a London Pride today. : Heading into the West End to watch the parade, to wave at friends who are marching. To be followed by music, public shameless dancing and far too many delicious cold beers. I just know I’m going to be on my feet ALL DAY but probably won’t care by 5pm. Hope I remember to take some pics. Last year …

Lunchtime burger and a beer at my local BrewDog. The chicken burger is to die for. Easing into the weekend…

Spotted in a local restaurant, here in Canary Wharf.

There’s a guy on the DLR platform next to meet eating a Gregg’s sausage roll for breakfast. And I am SO jealous.

Heading into the office for a few hours of YouTube video edits and a meeting with the manager of my office building. To discuss…various shortcomings with the service they’re providing. Another case study for my talks and workshops on “difficult conversations”. Wrapping up at lunchtime as we have a …

Really, really enjoyed Star Trek: Strange New Worlds this evening. It’s by far my favourite ‘flavour’ of Star Trek right now, and I’m enjoying it a lot more than Secret Invasion. And I had such high hopes for that. Maybe it’ll improve over the next couple of episodes.

New shoes, just arrived. My favourite Allbirds in my favourite colour. And just in time for London Pride this weekend. 👟🏳️‍🌈

My new iPhone lock screen and home screen, courtesy of the very talented Basic Apple Guy. And yes, I’ve also added the appropriate versions to my Mac and my iPads too. Because matching.

Tools of the trade: One of my many, many terrible habits is jumping from app to app in the hope that there’s a magical combination of software solutions that will somehow double my productivity. Of course, I realise this is madness and is the kind of think I’d discuss with a coaching client if they brought …

Nearly there with the new office set-up: I have the new Mac mini up and running with the Apple Studio Display. I’ve done quite a bit to organise the various power cables etc behind my sit/stand desk. and I’ve moved my microphone to make it more convenient to use. I really need to buy some replacement headphones for my various …

Picturing Suella Braverman weeping into her coffee this morning: “The court heard from UNHCR that Rwanda had a record of human rights abuses towards refugees within its borders, including refoulement – forced removal to countries where they are at risk – expulsions and arbitrary detention. …

A massive sneezing attack, followed by a massive nose bleed on the train, wasn’t how I wished my morning started. Hopefully the day improves from this point on…

A quick pint in the local on the way home from work. Sunshine, beer and excellent chats. All good.

Go me. : For the first time in living memory, I’ve actually completely my monthly business expenses on time. This means I can pay myself everything my business owes me at the end of the same month I spent the money. (This may or may not have anything to do with the enormous bill I accumulated at Apple, …

Bought a case of this last weekend and it arrived this morning!: It was, for a long time, my favourite Brewdog beer. But it was only available on British Airways flights, so I could only drink it while airborne! The luxury… Now it’s on general release and I couldn’t wait to snap some up. And I can say with confidence that it tastes just as good as it did when I …

Looking up at the Arcelor Mittal Orbit in London's Olympic Park this lunchtime. : The first time I saw it, I was really disappointed - I thought it was a waste of money, space and effort. A few years alter, it seems more like a familiar landmark and really stands out from some of the more traditional, box-like buildings dotted around the park. The say familiarity breeds contempt. …

Spotted on my lunchtime walk around the Olympic Park, Stratford.: 

The view from here...: I snapped this photo from my apartment balcony on Sunday evening. I almost missed it as I was so engrossed in the coverage from Glastonbury. The sunsets are often quite lovely from our vantage point up on the 35th floor in Canary Wharf, but Sunday was quite spectacular. I’m sure it had something to …

New office setup: I’ve replaced my 24" office iMac with an Apple Studio Display and an M2 Mac mini. And I couldn’t be happier. The additional screen real estate is very welcome, as is the speedier Mac. But knowing I can plug in any Mac (or iPad Pro) to the display allows for additional flexibility - …

First day back in the office after ten days in the sun and it's quite the shock to the system. : First was the early bedtime yesterday, followed by the early alarm. I’ve spent over a week going to bed at 2am or later, then getting up whenever I felt like it. As a result, I feel like I’m jet-lagged! Definitely mentally slower, even though I had a great sleep. Next, the need to focus …

Minor airport rant…: Getting stuck behind someone at airport security who thinks the rules don’t apply to them is just the worst. Seeing Barcelona airport security take none of her shit and apply the rules without mercy is just…magical. I think a cruise just offloaded at Barcelona, as the airport is full of confused …

Enjoying our last day in Sitges: I’ve had enough time on the beach, so today is all about poolside tanning. And maybe some cocktails. We head back to London tomorrow (boo!) but if I’m honest, I’m quite looking forward to sleeping in my own bed again. A very busy week ahead, so for now, I want to focus on enjoying the peace and …

Enjoying that post-sunbathing glow after a day on the beach.

Final client call of the day was cancelled. So I’m heading home early to enjoy a cool beverage in the sunshine on my balcony.

The swans are back on the water. Nature is healing in East London…

And now down to business! : My top 3 tasks for the remainder of the day are: Edit and publish yesterday’s workshop all about workplace loneliness Edit and publish a recording of a webinar on mindfulness practices Edit and publish a recording of a workplace on ‘difficult conversations’ With all this time in …

This morning’s very welcome and very delicious cup of coffee, at Grind, Liverpool Street.

Good morning from a very overcast London: I’m a little relieved the weather is so disappointing today! I have four videos to edit today - a few webinar recordings and some new course materials - and it’s even more difficult to focus on this when the sun is shining outside. I’m such a sun worshipper, it makes concentrating …

After a truly terrible night’s sleep last night, it’s time for a hot shower and an early night. A day of video edits for the YouTube channel lies ahead.

Some 'webinar face' from earlier today: It was my first public webinar in quite some time - unfortunately taking place after a shocking night of insomnia. My Apple Watch delivered the bad news once I woke up - but I didn’t need a device to tell me I hadn’t slept enough. But I think I survived it! Add to that some workshop …

WWDC: hopes and dreams: With a just few days until WWDC, I’m interested to see what Apple is going to do with its core apps, like Reminders and Notes. I’d love to see backlinks in Notes, to support some #PKM action. And the ability to easily get a deeplink from any note to share to any other app. When it comes …