The working tools of an entered apprentice Freemason are....sorry, wrong post.
I was a Freemason once, and by the nature of the thing, I probably still am, even though it has been years since I attended a lodge. Perhaps I'll write about it one day.
Bits and pieces today, a sort of "State of the Stu".
Sport
I'm gradually migrating to Padel from golf. In part, there's a novelty factor. Padel is new to me, and I'm enjoying the different challenge.
Then, there's the fitness. Now, don't get me wrong, I played golf yesterday and walked, carrying my bag. I covered more than 12 km, and across the whole day, Fitbit tells me that I burned five and a half thousand "cal". I left home around 0730 and got home at 1430, in need of calories and a nap. On Monday, I played Padel with friends. I left home around 0800 and was at a Doctor's appointment by 1100. That day, Fitbit credits me with six thousand "cal". I ran errands, had lunch, did an airport run and generally got stuff done. I'm getting a much greater return for my time, in turns of calorie burn playing Padel than I do golfing.
I play Padel at the same resort where I often play golf. Unlimited golf costs €5,000+ a year. Unlimited Padel costs €300. That's a hefty difference.
I'll continue both sports, and I had already decided that I would play less golf when it gets really hot, I'm not sure how Padel will be in the summer - but I imagine an hour at seven in the morning should be doable, even in August.
Tech Stack
As I've written elsewhere, Trump's approach to the rest of the world has made me consider more carefully where I put data, both as storage or communication. Leaving it in the US seems an unnecessary risk. I published a post here. Life without Apple or Microsoft is going OK. I still pay to back up Mrs L's iPhone, and we have a family subscription for Microsoft Office, as a fall back, but so far, I'm managing all right using Libre Office to edit Microsoft formats. The most obvious benefit? I'm saving a fortune on subscriptions. My mobile phone is Android, and therefore Google, and some apps seem inescapable; WhatsApp is ubiquitous here. I'm off all social media, which I'm enjoying immensely. When its time to upgrade my phone, I will certainly take a look at the European options that challenge the duopoly of Apple and Google.
Books
I adore the usability of Kindle. Thousands of books in my pocket. I hate the business model though. I'm not a huge fan of any of the prevalent publishing models to be honest, but Amazon seems the worst. So, I've reverted, for the moment to old-fashioned books, purchased from a UK bookshop (I'm still waiting for delivery), and a Cypriot shop.
Writing
Several people have commented on my use of stationery this week. I'm carrying a notebook wherever I go, and often take notes. The doctor is delighted to see me taking notes as he talks. Every morning I'm writing in my journal, helping keep me focused. I've also started writing my thoughts on the thoughts of Ryan Holiday in the Daily Stoic. As David Round of William Hannah says, "because writing helps."
