Now
What I’m currently doing when I should be working
Building This Website
I bought the jillmetcalfe.com domain in 1999 and since then it’s just been parked, waiting for me to decide what it’s for. Well, turns out it doesn’t really need to be for anything.
Playing Clues by Sam
What small thing is making everyday life better?
A pair of brown plastic Birkenstock Bostons that were too small for my husband, so he gave them to me. They’re basically slippers that you can also wear outdoors. You can wear them with or without socks. They stay on even if you walk briskly. They don’t rub the top of my foot like my last pair of Crocs did.
Brown is not the colour I would have chosen but I might try painting a design on them.
What am I reading?
See Bookshelf but I’m in a bit of a reading slump. I feel like I might have read all the good sci-fi and fantasy. I hope not.
I recently tried rereading one of my favourite sci-fi series, but the first book I picked up was full of casual misogyny that hadn’t even registered the first time around. Turns out I can’t stomach it any more. Sorry Iain M. Banks.
Once I’ve finished the one I’m currently reading I’m going to give Dombey & Son a go. I love Dickens but haven’t ready any for years so it will be interesting to see if I can still hack it.
What am I learning?
Ultraspeaking
I’m working my way through the Ultraspeaking courses – currently on Fundamentals 2. When I started out, I remember saying that my main problem was that, whenever I had to perform in front of an audience, 90% of my brain would fill up with “AAAAAAAAAAGH!!!” leaving me with only 10% to operate basic life support functions and give the presentation. I realised recently that that feeling has almost entirely disappeared. It’s like magic. ✨
Irish fiddle
When I’m old I want to be able to play tunes in a pub with other musicians. So I’m starting now.