§ At work this week I experimented with CNCing foam into small modular ‘topographical’ panels for an exhibit I’m prototyping. Previously, I’ve only really CNC’d plywood so foam is a fun change—it feels like carving a sculpture out of butter when all you’re used to is stone.
§ When Overcast launched its Listening Stats feature this time last year I had logged 678 hours of podcast listening time. So far this year I’ve listened to 472 hours of podcasts.
This averages out to just under 1.5 hours a day which is a lot, yes, but meaningfully less than the over 2 hours a day average last year. I can’t say for sure but I like to think that this is extra half an hour each day has gone to reading books, which I’ve done significantly more of this year.
§ Speaking of how long I spend listening to podcasts… For a while I’ve been bothered about how much time I spend on my phone in general. Over time I’ve tried a number of things to curb my usage including setting Screen Time app limits and making the entire phone grayscale while I’m at home.
Recently, I realized that the majority of the time I pull out my phone it isn’t really a conscious decision but more of a subconscious reflex. All I really need to do is interrupt that reflex so that I am forced to make a conscious choice each time.
To that end, my current experiment is swapping the pants pocket that I typically keep my phone in. Now, when my left hand unconsciously reaches into my pocket for my phone it isn’t there which gives me a crucial moment to re-evaluate. Yes, this will only be effective until my muscle memory readjusts but then I can just swap again?
§ On Friday I ate a persimmon for what I think is probably the first time ever. Like the maypop it’s another fruit with a slightly unappetizing texture that tastes truly great. It would be fun to try growing a persimmon tree one day—another one for my currently imaginary fruit tree orchard.
§ After watching the most recent episode of Pluribus, episode 4, the show finally feels like it might be building some momentum. It’s just a shame it has taken so long to get here. I have a sneaking suspicion the season will end on an abrupt, unsatisfying cliffhanger. I’m looking at you, Severance season 1.
§ Finally, in less than a month the days will start getting longer again. One day we will all wake up and realize permanent daylight saving time is the way to go.
