Empty streets during these times and over the summer holidays let me able to stroll around more. I had not really noticed some of these places below before. Really noticed. There’s something so retro, haunting, glam and hidden.
I guess these places are now historical after having played such a big scene within Sydney in their lifetime.
Kelly’s Discount Books on George Street. I can’t remember when this book store was actually open. Maybe about 10 years ago yet it still remains decked out with faded posters and faded book covers. What Audrey would have seen, once a traffic nightmare, George St here is now pedestrianised with trams running up and down.
The Grace Building Neo gothic heritage listed building that was built in the late 1920s and opened in 1930 by the Grace Brothers as their headquarters. Grace Brothers was a department store chain which was bought and rebranded by Myer. It’s currently The Grace Hotel.
Old Train Timetable at the Powerhouse Museum Not that old if I can remember something similar when I was still at school.
Comic Kingdom The store opened in 1986 and closed its doors in 2016, however is still there today in 2022.
Sir John Young Hotelon George St Potentially a casualty of 2020, this pub is now closed but sports these old school tiling on columns outside.
Bank of Australasia Building I realise now that as I am writing this that this is a side view of the building. Built in 1904 in a Federation Romanesque style, this heritage listed building is now owned by Paspaley.
General Post Office, Martin Place Constructed between 1866-1891, this neo classic sandstone building was previously the headquarters of Australia Post but now contains cafes, restaurants and bars.
From thinking of my habits that I want to keep in 2022, I started to think if there was anything that I was doing in 2021 or previously that I need to change. It’s a lot harder because habits tend to die hard and maybe I do get a little defensive if I start questioning what I normally do. But, in order to try out new ways and maybe better ways of thinking and living, I will give this a go this year.
1. Stop reading books that are a struggle To past me, there is just something offensive about starting a book and not finishing it. I have always tried to push through to honour the book and author because I might as well, if I had already started. I don’t really skim read either. But I recently came across a quote said:
I don’t believe in delayed gratification when there are an infinite number of books out there to read. There are so many great books.
Naval Ravikant
Reflecting on this, it’s true. I won’t be able to read all the books I want to read in my lifetime so I need to be selective. Firstly by selecting of the books I want to read, which ones should I prioritise? I’m also going to skim more books that can be skimmed so I can take away the message of the book without having to read it cover to cover (already did this for my first book of 2022). And I’m going to stop reading books that don’t capture my attention. Reading should be pleasurable so I’m going to try and keep it this way.
2. Feel bad about spending money on things that invest in myself I think this one will be hard initially. You may have previously read about how I don’t purchase books anymore that I only intend on reading once. Of course, some books aren’t easy to find in libraries or 2nd hand book stores so there are times when you would need to purchase a book not knowing whether you will like it or not. Cue, my overthinking brain trying to justify whether I should buy or not. Of the 5/6 books that I’ve purchased and read in 2021, in hindsight, I’ve considered them valuable beyond money. They’ve really changed the way I’ve thought about life, money and learning that I would otherwise be none the wiser without. This goes for experiences, food and courses as well.
3. Stop delaying These panini times have really made so many of us reflect. For me, I realised that there were things that I wanted to do 10 years ago that I never did, forgot about and then only in lockdowns remembered (and then I couldn’t do them). I think when inspiration strikes, it’s time to take action. We will change as we live out more years but time doesn’t wait and so when the opportunity and ideas happen, it’s best to ride that wave and make it happen. There will be new ideas and inspirations later down the track that will take up their own time.
4. Feeling like I need to consumeonline I previously wrote about how I had logged off Instagram during this summer break. It’s been quite a head clearing accidently exercise. I don’t spend any time scrolling reels most of which is pointless although some informative. I just wanted to follow the people I wanted to follow but this soon blew to about 500 accounts that I was following. Let’s face it, I don’t have time to keep up with 500 accounts. It became clutter for my mind. During the holidays, I’ve also unsubscribed from a few emails that I was no longer interested in receiving. Similarly, I took a break from watching my favourite youtubers and also unsubscribed to a few who’s videos I didn’t watch anyway.
I had intentions of following just the people I wanted to follow but somehow this ballooned quickly once I got alittle too subscribe or follow happy. Maybe I will go back and curate my accounts abit more but I’ll do that later.
I wonder if this will make a difference in my inner narrative of “I don’t have time” to I actually do have time. Maybe now, I can even blog more, read more, exercise more or learn more.
5. Saving the goods things for another time In my cleaning adventures, I came across some gifted pens. The ones that you can reuse if you change the pen refill. I remember when I first got one, it was like I was holding a trophy. The heaviness, the width making it so comfortable to hold and the shininess. So of course, I stashed it in my drawer and didn’t use it. I recently refound it and have placed it on my table. What’s the point of having things you aren’t going to use?
Is there anything that you are no longer going to be doing in 2022?
The start to 2022 has been quite lack lustre. I’m currently doing my last self isolation day after testing positive. Luckily, symptoms were managable at home and I’m happy to report that I have almost completely recovered 3 seasons of Manifest and in the middle of a Harry Potter movie marathon later.
This holiday period, marked the first 3 weeks I’ve had off work since 2019. I really wanted to do the whole introspective journey, meditation and having many aha moments. But instead, spent alot of it avoiding getting sick and then actually getting sick.
One of the things I did do was log out of my instagram accounts which was at first an accident when my phone broke and I never re-downloaded instagram. It’s been a while and I’ve decided that I won’t be logging back in for some time. It’s one of those social media platforms from the very beginning I knew I didn’t want to have a personal account on and don’t know how it would add to my life. The same thing has happend with my twitter account now collecting cobwebs somewhere in the virtual world.
I’ve felt like the end of 2021 was making me reconsider everything that I do (and have) and this whole notion of out with the old and in with the new kept coming about. I don’t know, I just felt like these were not fun to be on anymore and was just information overload. Maybe I needed to be more of an active rather than passive user?
Has social media lost it’s appeal? Is there any social media you’re not carrying on with in 2022?
First off, Happy New Year! I hope you’ve had a relaxing Christmas holiday period filled with love and good health.
I’m a New Years resolutions person. I love having a fresh page of goals that I want to work towards in that year or experiences I want to try and despite not always achieving my goals, I still like to have them to keep me steering in the life direction that I have (or had) in mind.
I thought it would be nice to reflect on things that I had started to do in 2021 or did better in 2021 and want to keep doing in 2022, so here they are.
1. Reading I re-became a bookworm during lockdown. It’s been years since I read this much but somehow I found solace in books during these times. I had forgotten what it was like to be swept into another world, another time or someone else’s consciousness. They kept me entertained, growing, words gave me comfort, characters and stories captured my imagination. I even spent some money on books (gasp shock horror- see here).
2. Exercising I think 2021 was the fittest I had been in a while and I’d like to keep this momentum up as best as I can. Even if it’s just a walk or some at home strength exercises, it helped me sleep better, made me feel stronger and well. I’d also like to help my future self by doing the best I can at making myself mobile and nimble enough for more adventures in the future.
3. Keep exploring grocery stores As we weren’t allowed to travel, staying within our city was the only thing to do. And so was exploring different types of foods in different grocery stores. Sydney is quite multicultural and there are many different grocery stores around, each stocking a variety of foods from their respective countries. It’s been great actively trying to mix up the home cooking, try out new receipes and try some different snacks and drinks regularly. It was almost like travelling.
4. Making mornings me time I sometimes get so annoyed that by the end of the day, I want to focus on language learning or other hobbies but I am just too tired to process anything. I was thinking about how I could rearrange my day and decided that I should try and dedicate time in the mornings before work instead. It sounds great in theory but trying to shift my day and routine has been abit of work. Going through motivation slumps this year, I thought it might even get me out of bed rather than wanting to sleep in. It has worked to varying degrees but I could improve.
5. Keep minimising These weird times have meant that I didn’t need new clothes and had more time to re-evaluate my existing wardrobe. I did one of those mandory lockdown wardrobe cleaning sessions and got to donate some unworn clothes that were from 10 years ago and also finally got rid of those items that really needed to be thrown out. I came to 2 conclusions: 1) Items are suppose to be worn until they wear out and not ‘saved’ for a better occasion and 2) I don’t need so many options.
What are some things that you will keep doing in 2022?
How do you break free from the moulds that have shaped the way you’ve been thinking?
I’ve had somewhat a productive time overthinking during lockdowns you might say. One of these informative reads was The Tipping Point by Malcolm Gladwell.
I had previously read Outliers by Malcom so already had in mind that this book would be an interesting read. The Tipping Point looks at the phenomena of how social epidemics occur such as ideas, trends, messages and behaviours. How does a fashion trend become trendy? How does a brand become so popular compared to their competitors? Why crime rates rise and fall in certain areas? How does ‘word of mouth’ work?
I had always thought that these occurred when popularity reaches the masses or are a result of very good marketing campaigns. Turns out it is way more complicated that this.
There are 3 laws of epidemics:
The Law of the Few There are a few exceptional key people in society who are capable of starting social epidemics and they are:
Connectors: These are the people who just seem to know everyone else in a few steps and occupy different social circles across different worlds in society. They have a knack of making friends and acquaintances easily and have these contacts in different social worlds and are therefore effective at bringing these people together.
Mavens: These people are information specialists and keep the marketplace honest. They know a good sale is on and spread the word to all their friends and family. Similarly, if a store tried to pull a sale stunt and the Mavens found out- this would also spread to all their family and friends. They want to help others for no other reason than because they like to.
Salesmen: These people have mastery over persuasion and are great at having conversations and creating a conversation rhythm.
The 2nd law of epidemics is to find a simple way to package information that, under the right circumstances, can make it irresistible. The book looks at Sesame Street and Blues Clues as examples on how both these shows were engineered to kids through a lot of trial and error. Teach the kids how to think in the same way that kids teach themselves how to think- in the form of a story.
The 3rd law of epidmics is the power of context. Epidemics are sensitive to the conditions and circumstances of the times and places in which they occur because behaviour is a function of social context. As such, epidemics can be reversed, can be tipped, by tinkering with the smallest details of the immediate environment. An example mentioned in this book is how cleaning up crime in a neighbourhood just by scrubbing graffiti and arresting fare-beaters was able to reduce crime rate.
Another power of context is groups. Once we’re in groups, we become susceptible to a range of social norms and peer pressure. This brings us to the rule of 150. 150 seems to be represent the maximum number of individuals with whom we can have a genuinely social relationship, the kind of relationship that goes with knowing who they are and how theyare related to us. Keeping things under 150 seems to be the best and most efficient way to manage a group of people. The paradox of epidemics? In order to create one contagious movement, you often have to create many small movements.
I thought this was another interest book by Malcolm which ties in together different psychological concepts worth reading if you’re interested in this sort of thing. Have you read this or other similar books?
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This seems like such a cliche blog post but I’m going to write it anyway. After much introspection from our most recent over 100 days in lockdown and the others starting in 2020 that have occurred, I’ve rounded up my 5 lessons that I’ve learnt from being in lockdown. Possibly as a way in my mind to say goodbye to these times and look towards a better 2022.
So cheers, to all of us for making it through these past 2 years. Some of us might be barely hanging on, happily returning to normal, going back into lockdowns or have chosen to remain oblivious to it all. Whichever way, I hope that a new spring day is around the corner for all of us.
1. Time does not stop It might seem obvious but as much as I felt life stop, time did not. We did another trip or 2 around the sun and our cells have registered another year passing. We’re each given our 24 hours and it’s very much the case of use it, lose it or revel in it? It was really frustrating to see days pass but not quite get to do all the activities that we wanted to or perhaps it was just harder with more hurdles to do. Some of us perhaps changed goals or took on hobbies again now that we finally had more time and because we had to. But perhaps you were also languishing, I was too. It was a good reminder that time is precious and not guaranteed, that our usual activities should not be taken for granted and you should probably do that thing that you’ve been wanting to do for a while.
2. Life is about human connection It was hard being separated from friends and family and was so important to remain connected despite not being able to see other. Perhaps you, like I, turned to the arts to enjoy the fruits of human thought and creation. I started reading heavily again which is something I had not really done in the past few years. I turned to online courses to learn languages and culture. I rediscovered my love for music, painted and even read up on some artist’s life. Is the meaning of life human connection?
3. Physical and mental health is most important One thing that shouldn’t ever be taken for granted, is our health. Turns out mental health also requires some TLC (tender loving care) too and home workouts became a thing. I read a meme in 2020 that stated you could come out of lockdown: a hunk, a chunk or a drunk. So I obviously picked a drunk a hunk. I included a walk every day and think honestly, this is probably the most fit I have been in a long time. Mental health wise, I liked the stillness that came with lockdowns and no expectations to be anywhere. It was time to slow down, a change of pace and more cause for introspection.
4. Hack your environment In keeping with coming out of lockdown as a hunk, one of the first things I did was stop buying snacks. There’s nothing more easy than working from home, getting bored and then going to find some snacks multiple times a day. It was time for that spring clean that never happend and a chance to think about our wardrobes. Home renovations was apparently one of the top activities here in 2020 (and to keep the economy afloat). I had many a minimalism epiphanies during lockdown. So hacking your environment to meet your goals was something I really took away from being in lockdown.
5. Resilience It was challenging times, a lot of people lost loved ones, their jobs, had to work even more, had to homeschool kids, were cut off socially or have a difficult living arrangement. It’s easy to pass it off as other people had it harder, but we all struggled one way or another. I think it’s important to realise and actually commend ourselves. They were not normal times and despite it all- you’re still hear today- maybe alittle battered, hair blown in the wrong direction or have your clothes on back to front but you did it.
I’ve just over 2 weeks of work left for the year and I’m clawing at the walls ready for my break. This is the first time I’ll have more than 2 weeks break since 2019 and I am tired! It’s probably why my brain is still stuck there.
Unfortunately, we’re reached La Nina here so are expecting a more rainy and mild summer. Our spring was more like autumn conditions but at least the spiders and their countless webs everywhere seem to be having fun. On a positive note, there won’t be many bushfires.
Christmas decorations were a little delayed in going up this year and likewise for those supermarket Christmas treats but it’s all out on display now. There’s a lack of something in the air though. Maybe it’s the weather, maybe we’re all just over this year or maybe we’re still all being careful in planning events.
How much do you pay attention to what fabric your clothes are made out of?
With my long journey in learning and finding out about ethical fashion, aside from thinking about the company’s production ethos and “green alternatives“, fabrics is something to also keep in mind.
A polyester shirt can take between 20-200 years to decompose
With more awareness now and more fabric choices, the consumer is now faced with more decisions and options to make “better” choices (if one wishes).
In my younger years, I didn’t care so much. A cotton/polyester mix was fine, that acrylic jumper was fine (despite getting an electric shock everytime I touched something) and 100% polyester dresses were fine. Different fabrics are used for different clothing looks or uses.
But how I have become such a picky fabric warrior since. I’m not sure if it came with age or experience but I feel so uncomfortable with certain materials now. A cotton/polyester tshirt just rubs me up the wrong way when I wear it now and I become frustrated from this unbreathable combination. Similarly, a jumper made from synthetics makes me feel the same way with the added bonus of shocking me everytime I touch metal.
I’m still learning and still have to always google what rayon actually is but the words modal and lyocell actually mean something to me now. Now, I try to pick as much natural fibres as I can not only because they feel good to wear (more likely to keep wearing) but also have a chance at breaking down once discarded.
Our summers here are painfully warm so I like to stick to 100% (comfortable) cotton and rayon/viscose. I find good quality linen clothing hard to find and also hate ironing so tend to stay away from these.
Winter clothing is much the same but I’m steering towards cashmere jumpers and away from the electricity charging and itchy fibers.
Despite all this, the production process might still not be so environmentally optimal but as with everything in the consuming space, we do the best we can with the money, information and choices we have.
Are you a picky fabric person? Do you have a favourite or any other fabric fibre facts worth sharing?
They have finally allowed Australians to leave this island! Huzzah!
Something that I have always struggled with is just how far we are from the rest of the world. Flying excitement is short lived until you realise that it’s going to be about 5 hours until you clear flying over Australia to Asia.
In the past year or 2, reasons that you could leave Australia as an Australian were if you were relocating for work or study. Other than those reasons, no family reunions, funerals or quick trips to visit family overseas were allowed. I had heard of many people who had applied to leave but were rejected multiple times.
As of the 1st Nov, we have been allowed to leave the country without having to apply to leave. So I had a peep. What does post pandemic world travel look like?
Difficult is the first word that comes to mind.
Our Government travel website finally changed from DO NOT TRAVEL to now updated information per country. First off, countries differ in whether they are welcoming international travellers or not. On further investigations, it also depends on what country you are travelling from depending on whether you meet the need to quarantine or not. Even then, quarantine times differ as well as facilities.
I’d only recently found out that we need an Australian-issued International COVID-19 Vaccination Certificate set up too prior to leaving. Information just keeps trickling in slowly, it’s alittle overwhelming.
Next up, I had a look at flights. Ooooof. I do not fancy a 41 hour flight to Europe with 2 stop overs. With the situation across countries changing quickly, the logistics around travel at the moment requires extra extra planning. PCR tests before flying and trying to find local test centres is another plan that needs to be on the itinerary.
For those also taking annual leave to travel, there is always the risk of having to delay flying back if one should test positive and have to isolate. For most, the minimum of 14 days quarantine is just not feasible to plan into a trip either. For many, family visits will not be practical yet.
It’s been interesting to see how international travel has resumed for us and let’s see what it’ll be like in a few months time.
A quite picky shoe person to ensure that I didn’t buy plastic moulds for my feet or ones that were like having concrete slabs wrapped to my feet. I like to invest in a pair that would last me years.
Of course, these then all start piling up and all of a sudden I’m looking at my many many pairs that are now all lasting me years and some even reaching a decade of service.
But if you know a thing or two about shoes, it’s that the more you wear them, the sooner you should be swapping them out. Once the shoe structures, padding and layers start getting worn into and worn down, it starts become a disservice to your feet, alignment and posture.
It’s also no surprise that I sometimes buy shoes when travelling. Some a great designs that I have never seen back at home and others are needed during the trip or for the next few months. I get so attached to these shoes that I have purchased on my travel, tying these shoes not to my feet but also a memory of this trip.
I have such a hard time letting go of these shoes. It’s as if I would also be letting go of the memory of my trip yet I know deep down that this is not the case.
During this most recent lockdown, I bid farewell to a pair of shoes that I’ve had for about a decade which I had bought on my travels. One pair of black ankle boots that I bought in Copenhagen. I still remember trying them on in the store and was amazed at how comfortable they were immediately. These have served me through many winters and well, it’s embarassing the state that they were in when I said goodbye.
The other pair that are next to go are bright orange and pink Converses which were a collaboration with Marimekko. I also remember seeing these one night in a store in Helsinki and thought that they were so funky and my first ever ‘loud’ shoes. Despite owning these for such a long time, I wanted to ‘save’ these for occasional wear only so that I could keep them forever. A decade later, I’ve learnt that many things aren’t made to last forever and especially not shoes. I’m hoping to have a last few wears until bidding farewell.
I guess this has now turned into a blog post dedicated to these two pairs of shoes.
Let’s not talk about the other 4 pairs of travel shoe purchases that I am too emotionally attached to.
Do you have items that you have a travel attachment to that you haven’t been able to part with easily?
Lingo in Transit 
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