On my way to first day working from a co-working space. Got a membership for 5 days a month. Packed my bfast / lunch / snacks, and got dressed in something other than slum WFH clothes. Felt nice, I’m excited for this change up in my routine. Hope it’s worth the $$.

My neighbour started his Harley at 6am this morning. It’s like starting a chainsaw at that time - you don’t do it. Took me a while to fall back asleep and now I’m tired and grumpy. I’m up and sitting in the sun to get this bad mood out of me.

I had an accident trimming my beard last night, the length attachment fell off while using and took a huge chunk of it out. Didn't have any other option but to trim it all off. I kept the mo and some of the "soul patch" (had to look up what that's called, strange name). I haven't been hairless on my face like this for years, it's an adjustment. Feeling wind on my cheeks this morning was weird and kinda nice. Maybe this was divine intervention to change it up.

I’m going to the snow at the end of the month and have been messaging a friend I let borrow my ski clothes and equipment two years ago. They just never gave me back my stuff and I forgot about it to now. I’m a bit annoyed they just kept my things, and now my goggles are missing and I don’t remember if I let them borrow. It shouldn’t be up to me to remember and ask for my stuff back, you should give it back once you are done with it without prompt.

Got a case of the downers today. Feeling a bit isolated, the honeymoon period of being self employed is ending and I'm starting to feel like I did when I was WFH full time during lockdowns (which is not good). I'm making the effort to fill my social battery during the week in other ways, which helps but these kinds of down days from the isolation and lack of forced structure still pop up. I saw a photo my old workplace at some event together on LinkedIn and that's made me miss being employed (although I don't regret leaving that hellish place for one second). Just went for a walk and while it was freezing, I already feel better.

Took a pretty heavy call from a friend this afternoon that is going through a rough time. She had an altercation with some friends in our group which I think set her off into a spiral. I had no idea about any of this. It takes a lot of courage to reach out to someone.

I used to get affected by the same friends too, but then learned to stop putting disappointing people on a pedestal, thinking they do the same, and rely on them for emotional support and wellbeing which was always one way. I made some new friends. I discovered that healthy adult friendships actually exist and instead of being upset about certain behaviours from those people, I learned to pity that behaviour. I hope she learns this too.

Taken from my backyard using iPhone 3 second exposure. Can’t really see it to the naked eye but insane on camera.

Yet another day of constant dog barking to put up with. The owners are getting some roof works done to their house and the entire time the trades are there on the roof, the dog is in the backyard barking at them. Obviously this dog is very territorial and in distress, let it inside.

These are the same people who went overseas for 3 months last year and left their dog outside and alone to bark all day long, so I'm not surprised that they think the current situation is completely fine.

Sometimes I wish I lived in the country far away from any moronic neighbours.

Found out yesterday morning that was going to be my last working day. Cue frantic tying up of loose ends and organising a handover. And that was it. Handed over my laptop. Now on gardening leave for 4 weeks. Emails and Teams already cut off. I’m not upset at this situation, just in shock that it was all so sudden.

Thinking of doing a short trip somewhere during this time. Otherwise there will be a lot of catching up on sleep, time for cooking, relaxing and preparing for what’s next.

Wrote my resignation letter ahead of sending it tomorrow (employer already knows it’s coming). That’s probably the most enjoyable letter that I’ve ever written. A little bit of sentiment thrown in there, thank you for the opportunity yadda yadda.

So so glad this day has come. The shit they put me through since asking me to move on, honestly I don’t remember a time I had to face so many situations so quickly where I felt like throwing up from nerves and anxiety each time. But I got through it.

There’s talk of putting me on gardening leave, which I think I’m ok with. They were saying they were happy for me to finish early so I can start my contractor role sooner, but I’d have to agree to shorten my notice pay. I think I’ll take the pay for doing nothing.

I turned down the kitten that was up for adoption through a friend of a friend. As cute as it is, after doing some research, I think I'm better off adopting an adult cat. I was worried about single kitten syndrome and all of the work involved in caring for a high energy kitten. Plus I'm about to make a big career change and want to settle with that before I adopt. UGH responsible decision making.

Been trying to remember my password for the last few days, I’ve given up so new account.

Found out I have asthma today and that’s the reason for my cough that just won’t let up. I didn’t know you could develop it as an adult? What a nice Christmas present.