Here's what's new and what's been happening with me over the past year.
Last Updated: 2026-01-25
##Major happenings Moved to Canada after moving to New York state with my common-law spouse (Canada says so!). Still establishing residency, but the process is moving forward.
Once I have safer credentials to go back and forth, I will finish packing up the woodshop and finish building my workbench.
I've also given up video games and uninstalled Steam.
The Big Five Projects
Buddhism: Strive for regular meditation and sutta reading/reflection every day, along with joining Satipañña more formally and attending their sessions. Focusing my reading on the Khandha Samyutta.
Woodworking: Starting study of design geometry using the book By Hand and Eye, while the rest of my woodworking stuff gets brought over across the border slowly. Once it's all here, I will resume building my Moravian workbench, and then build the bookcase I need and continue moving with Semester 1 of the Hand Tool School.
Health: I want my weight back to 193, regain my resting squat, and be able to sit in half or full lotus comfortably with either leg on top. I'm using Happy Body for strength and diet, and the Stay Flexy guy on YouTube to help with the mobility. Currently at 211
Language Learning: Still learning Pāli, but considering learning some French once my status in Canada is a little more secure. Doing level 3 of the OCBS course on Pāli, and will move to Reading the Buddha's Discourse in Pāli by Ven. Bodhi once that is done.
Music: The new one to round out the five, since I'm not constantly doing/playing MTG for it to be one of them. I want to learn several songs cold on my baritone ukulele and maybe do duets with my partner for filk circles and general enjoyment.
Entertainment
Magic The Gathering: I'm playing more often as a social outlet, but I am fine with my current cards right now. I will change the decks I have until they are where I like them to be first.
What I'm Watching: YouTube. A lot of chateau/villa renovation videos, Buddhist material, science information, and stuff on Magic: The Gathering.