I don’t have a computer - I just use my phone for Samsung Dex and my tablet (which I think might actually be Linux-based or something. I’m a tech noob).

Otherwise, Windows for work.

Always results in an eyeroll and a laugh/snort/grumble about it being the stupidest joke, but I love it.

I know. What I don’t know is where that came from. I can’t read much of Reddit after they now try to force you to download their app, but an basic internet search came up with things like Atomic Bomb, AfterBirth, ABortion. ☠️

I made another batch of pasta e fagioli, except it was a mix of whatever was left in my fridge. Also added freekeh, corn, and carrots. I’ve never had freekeh before, and I kind of like it!

I have asked my partner to share one with me in case I don’t like it, but he doesn’t want one unless he’s been drinking. Apparently it is a late night sort of food, which might be the equivalent to KFC and Macca’s at 3AM.

Had to look that up. It actually just looks like kebab meat.

Which triggers another food item memory: the HSP. It’s called this in Victoria, but other things in other states. I’ve not had one of these yet either.

What do you call a hen that counts her own eggs? A mathemachicken.

Not a recipe, but durian. I tried it for the first time a few weeks ago fresh in Malaysia, and though the smell was enticing, the taste was not.

Haggis. Really wasn’t keen on it when I first heard about it. Went to Scotland and tried it, and enjoyed it. Would not eat more than one portion, it is incredibly rich.

Balut. Haven’t not gone to the Philippines yet, but this is something I’m not sure I’m game to try.

Sauerkraut. I never liked anything pickled when I was younger, and when I tried it, I didn’t like it. I think it was probably because it was from a jar. I really like it now.

Edit: How could I forget this one. So I worked in the West Wimmera region for a while, and then I was told about this: The florrie. It is uniquely Horsham, Victoria. My colleague is not good as describing things so it sounded worse than it is.

I have an “anxiety first aid kit” in my bag for exactly this when I can’t get out to greenspace. I have:

• menthol cough lollies (smell, taste, feel)

• headphones (hear), and earplugs (hear, for when I’m overwhelmed and need some quiet)

• hand warmers (feel, one of my first signs is cold/numb fingers)

• a nostalgic menthol rubbing oil that my mum used to use on my neck and chest whenever I was sick as a kid (smell)

• peppermint oil for when I’m nauseous (smell)

• I wear a ring (feel).

If I resort to headphones, I also use the Balance app and pick one for dealing with anxiety. It gives me something to focus on when someone is telling me what to do.

Leftovers from the one pot paprika chicken and rice from last night. Not photo worthy since it’s mostly red frkm the paprika, but definitely going on the rotation.

Thanks so much! I’ll definitely give it a go now.

Oh… I didn’t realise that, haha. I’ve not actively seeked out female authors, perhaps I’ve just been drawn to female leads, which I think often goes hand in hand with female authors. Either way, I have enjoyed the listed books immensely.

I haven’t read anything by Tchaikovsky, but I will soon, especially with the +1s on this thread.

Deciding between a pasta soup and baked chicken and rice. Baked chicken and rice might win because I’ve got leftover tabbouleh in the fridge.

My favourites so far have been Alchemised by SenLinYu, Red City by Marie Lu, and Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros. Unashamed. Just finished the two Ali Dawson books by Elly Griffiths this week. Quick and fun crime reads.

DNF The Chronicles of Narnia nor The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu. The first being children being incredibly annoying to me (didn’t grow up with it so at my age now, I’m not the target audience), and The Grace of Kings just being far too slow.

A friend gave me Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky, but I haven’t opened it yet. Maybe it’s time I give it a crack.

Though next up is Mrs Sim is a Killer by Kang Jiyoung. Picked that up from the library so I’m on a time limit. Will try to start that tonight.

Oh gods.

I’ve been on the fence about kimchi. I tried so many in Canada and Australia, but I just don’t like the flavour. However, couldn’t stop eating it when I was in South Korea. Definitely the jar vs fresh thing. I find the jar stuff just too strong.

Then I’m happy to provide some advice :) (More info helps with the anxiety. I speak from experience 🙋🏻‍♀️)

Yup, exercise is about discipline. To see results, you have to show up for yourself, because it’s you who will benefit from you pushing yourself to do it even on the days you’d rather be on the couch.

I’ve not heard of Caliber, but keep trying different apps to see which one works best. You can also do body weights, if it starts to cost too much to get equipment. You can also use household things, too! When I first moved to Australia from Vancouver, what did I have? A 5kg bag of rice. I had a friend who squatted with a house plant. Use house things to your advantage!

I would record your sets and reps (8 dumbbell curls using 8kg weights, repeat 3 times; 10 kettle bell squats using 2kg weight, repeat 3 times; etc.) or download an app. I use an app called FitNotes. It’s no frills, no ads, no permissions, just basic workout tracking.

You start with, what you’re comfortable with, and move up in weights and reps. It is so satisfying to see the progress. Remember - progress is progress no matter how slow and small. If you slide back, it’s normal. You’ll have good days and bad days. You get sick, you slide back a bit, but your body has muscle memory and it’ll bounce back.

Re gym: I’ve also got a very flexible part time job as well, so I go around 11AM-12PM. There seems to be a bit of a lull around then and just before lunch, but find a gym that is close so you’ve no excuses.

I think the women-tax thing for gyms is that many women seem to tend to like to do classes rather than be in the gym (I used to do lots of classes for two years, and 95% of the customers were women)… So the fee will often include all of the classes. They may also have lockers, showers, sauna, hot tub, plunge pools, etc. Research what you want and what you need.

Also, not sure where you live, but in certain parts of the world, there’s something called a Class Pass. It’s a pass that gets you whatever classes you want across the city with whatever gym/studio is signed up. You pay for credits and you can try different classes (pilates, boxing, kickboxing, cycle, crossfit, F45, etc.). It’s not cheap cheap, but it’d be something to at least explore what you like if the standard gym isn’t your thing. Might be worth looking in to!

A bit of sriracha would go well, yes! And also yes, I was too excited and hungry, so I might have put a little too much pressure on the roll when cutting, haha!

What’s better than one fresh loaf? Two fresh loaves. 🤤 Well done!

I’ve never been a fan of gyms myself and the number one and two things that scared me most when. I was started was me not knowing what I was doing, and the stares from guys because I’m the only woman in the weights section. After a while, you get in the mindset of not giving a flying F about anyone else because some of them really have no clue either.

That being said, I have not tried a women-only gym myself, but I have a friend who’s in her 50s that goes regularly and enjoys it a lot. She did say that you have to book in early for classes or they fill up quickly. For me, it’s been a cost thing. I don’t really know why it costs more for women-only.

I think it is worth also to try different gyms (take advantage of free trials. Lots of big name gyms are franchises so you can do a free trial at each one). I’ve got a Snap Fitness membership and all of the Snap gyms I’ve been to have different clientele. FWIW, I’ve been to both regional and metro gyms during quiet and peak times, and it makes a difference. 2PM seems to have the male tradies in, whereas morning and lunch are more women. After 5PM is mixed bag.

Finding a trainer that suits you and understands your needs is really important. I think having one at all helps you build your confidence and teaches you right techniques. I think of them like a psychologist or GP: It might take a while to find the right one, but when you do, it’ll be great. Definitely ask if they have free trials, too.

You could also considering getting some weights and doing some gym stuff at home?

Sorry for all the info, it might be more than what you’re looking for, but when I started, I was so nervous, too. I wish I had someone to explain everything to me.