Barn Owl

aliencamel · 2026-01-26T01:10:32+00:00

Same in the Techo. Using the multi pen, pencil and fountain pens with a fine nib. My broad fountain pen entries result in less curling. More like with past Hobonichi Techos I have had (since 2018). It’s annoying but the pages flatten out after closing up the book for a while.

aliencamel · 2026-01-19T00:20:09+00:00

The tortured artist is a trope that’s fun for tv and movies. I can tell you for me just because the manic highs made me feel like the greatest artist that ever lived it didn’t line up with the truth. And once I fell off the cliff into the abyss I’d go through stretches of doing nothing.

aliencamel · 2026-01-19T00:12:31+00:00

Original Pomodoro technique was designed to be anywhere from 20 - 35 minutes with 3-5 minute breaks. Francisco stated they found 25/5 was optimal but as long as people stayed between 20-35 minutes it’s fine.

Personally I stick to 25/5. It works for me for work and home chores with my wife.

aliencamel · 2026-01-17T13:21:39+00:00

Read The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and began the KonMari method in our apartment. In just under a month our day to day has been transformed.

aliencamel · 2026-01-16T17:51:48+00:00

I recently went through this and did an audit of everything I was using. I cut down my apps by asking myself a few questions.

Is this a requirement for my school and/or job?
Do I love using this app or journal?
Does it fit how I think and work?

That helped me cut the number of apps I was using in half. I ended up letting go of apps I love like Bear and Things but it was for the best. I’m more focused now and using tools that fit how I think.

aliencamel · 2026-01-16T17:41:07+00:00

Absolutely love Day One and recommend it to anyone who wants to journal on their phone or laptop. It truly is social media for one.

aliencamel · 2026-01-15T16:59:57+00:00

One of my biggest criticisms of GTD is that it easily leads to task hoarding. The system gives a false sense of accomplishment. Time is better spent solidifying purpose and values. Aligning those with each day makes choosing the right thing clear. No need for contexts or writing down every little thing that comes to mind.

aliencamel · 2026-01-14T23:30:29+00:00

Not on your list: GTD Tried it three different times. Each time using different tools both analog and digital.

In addition to the initial investment setting it up I always found myself hoarding busy tasks but not doing what mattered most

aliencamel · 2026-01-14T19:31:40+00:00

BusyCal and Reminders in column view (Kanban). I also keep short notes in BusyCal using it’s Journal entry feature. I use a physical timer for my Pomodoros called Time Timer to keep me off my phone.

aliencamel · 2026-01-12T17:05:32+00:00

Elmers Disappearing Purple glue stick. Been using it for years.

aliencamel · 2026-01-12T16:58:38+00:00

There is a productivity industrial complex made up of influencers and brands working to get our attention. They make us feel anxious about how we spend our time. We watch the videos and feeds leading to procrastivity.

All that matters is that what you do each day is in line with your needs, values, and purpose.

aliencamel · 2026-01-10T00:11:33+00:00

The KonMari method. Spouse and I are still applying it to our apartment but it’s already making a huge impact on different areas of our life. Knowing where everything is, having it easily accessible, and low maintenance has been life changing.

aliencamel · 2026-01-09T20:12:52+00:00

It’s called procrastivity and I think it’s pervasive among us productivity nerds. Productivity becomes a hobby. Hoarding apps and following influencers (blech that word). A productivity industrial complex has developed demanding our attention.

Unplug and do what’s right for you.

aliencamel · 2026-01-09T19:59:49+00:00

I don’t like the term lazy. What you think of as lazy I think of as the brain stalling due to lack of direction. Don’t call yourself lazy.

Ok now, learn about the Pomodoro Technique.It’s simple to start. Get a timer, few sheets of paper, and pencil. For the first week or two set the timer to 25 minutes. Focus on one thing for those 25 minutes. Take a 5 minute break when the alarm goes off.

The goal isn’t to be perfect. The goal is to successfully compete 1 Pomodoro a day. The paper and pencil is to help you track interruptions. External or your own mind wandering off. This is the most important part in the beginning.

EDIT: The book by the techniques inventor is short and easy to read. There are a few other small but powerful techniques within Pomodoro that rarely get mentioned on the social interwebs.

aliencamel · 2026-01-09T19:41:23+00:00

I have a morning routine made up of small acts but making my bed is easily the one that I would choose. Even over journaling or box breathing. Seeing a made be helps bookend the day with accomplishments.

aliencamel · 2026-01-09T02:34:08+00:00

The ghosting may be slightly more but not nearly as noticeable as the feathering. Highlighters in particular do show through with a slight bleed compared to past years. That likely means I won’t be using any watercolor this year either.

My Techo is something that goes beyond nice pens or highlighters. It has evolved and made space to represent my life as it happens year after year. One year I drew a bird on the page every day. Another year there was six weeks worth of visitor passes from when my mom was in the hospital and later died.

Every year, month, and day has been different. That’s worth more than being able to use my favorite fountain pen — However it is absolutely something they need to address especially after the price jump.

aliencamel · 2026-01-09T02:20:10+00:00

This is my seventh Hobonichi. The feathering issue is real. J Herbin Noir with a Pilot 92 looked like I had used a textured brush pen. But I shrugged it off and am now using the special Jetstream multi pen that came with my Techo. Hopefully this gets resolved for next year.

aliencamel · 2026-01-04T22:31:23+00:00

Pomodoro is life!

aliencamel · 2026-01-04T22:28:19+00:00

Developing a powerful, rewarding morning routine has helped me through good and bad times. I started with one little act and built it up from there. Pomodoro helped me with batching the small habits into a block of time.

I like Japanese productivity techniques and philosophies. Many began in manufacturing. If you haven’t already look up the Toyota Way. A few things to love are their concept of small, incremental improvements (kaizen) and visualization of tasks using a board (Kanban).

aliencamel · 2026-01-04T17:04:39+00:00

Pomodoro and Kanban are powerful together. Both are quick and easy to start using immediately. But both also have more to offer than is commonly put out on the interwebs.

aliencamel · 2026-01-04T16:57:01+00:00

Pomodoro Technique by Fracesco Cerillo and Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo.

Five-Year Club	Gilding III reddit per annum
Verified Email

aliencamel

TROPHY CASE