The allure of the night… Weekly Recap 12/2/2024

I’ve never been particularly inspired during the morning. Actually, I find it rather hard to even think clearly until at least 10am.

I usually wake up with a quiet mind. As the day goes on, I hear more and more music in my head. And by the night time, my brain is in overdrive with melodies and ideas.

Out of all the songs I’ve ever written, none of them were ever conceived early in the day. And I try, as much as possible anyway, to write the bulk of these posts during the evening. There is just something alluring about the night that my causes my creative processes to respond.

If I had to sum it up in one word, I suppose it would be “stillness.”

It’s always been this way for me, even during years where I completely flipped my schedule and worked the night shift (11pm – 7am) for a tech company. The darkness is interesting. The moon is inviting.

I think this is one of the most simplistic energetic correspondences that people can start to get behind. The sun’s energy is very different from the moon’s energy. Night time feels very different from day time.

And as much as I love sunlight, I’m definitely more of a night person.

Good morning and happy Monday, friends! And happy start of December to you all!

Selene had some time off from work, so we had a nice and peaceful past week. And by “nice and peaceful,” what I really mean is filled with cooking and food.

If you celebrate Thanksgiving, I hope you had a wonderful time. We’re still chowing down on leftovers.

Look at that turkey! All of the dishes were made by my wife and kids… except for the sweet potatoes — that’s my one thing. Also, not pictured: pie.

Guys, I found out that Selene had never tasted pumpkin pie. Yes, for years my wife has been making me pumpkin pie and telling me that she does not pumpkin pie… but she had never actually had pumpkin pie.

So we remedied that.

And the final verdict? She does not like pumpkin pie.

Oh well. It shall still remain as one of my favorite pies of all time.

Amongst the holiday festivities, I also posted a write-up for Part 2 of my Agatha All Along series… and continued the StaarCon 5 spotlight with Cardsy B. More StaarCon presenters will be featured soon!

Selene found an awesome Black Friday deal on a pre-lit Christmas tree, so like all the other chumps in the USA, we found ourselves shopping… in person… during the most crowded and terrible shopping day of the entire year.

But the tree itself is pretty kickass. It looks awesome! This is the first year we haven’t gone with a real ChristmaYule tree. I do miss the fresh pine scent filling the house, but I will not miss constantly vacuuming to clean up fallen pine needles.

And we got this really cool ornament at Walmart. We try to add a new one each year.

I think I’ll keep it short and sweet today. It’s going to be a pretty busy week, so as usual… stay tuned for more!

#dailyprompt #dailyprompt2140 #food #holidays #night #thanksgiving #tree #updates

Relato «Citas Madrid, Alfonso Y Gabriela»

Imagen generada por IA

Escena 1 «Introducción»

Narrador (Voz en off): «En una ciudad donde el amor y la vida se cruzan en cada esquina, hoy te contamos la historia de Alfonso y Gabriela, dos madrileños que se encuentran en un mundo de posibilidades.»

La historía comienza en una típica cafetería moderna del barrio madrileño de Malasaña

Alfonso, es un chico treintañero, hipster, con una barba bien cuidada y gafas de pasta, es escritor y profesor de literatura, Gabriela es un mujer de unos 40 años, muy guapa y elegante, clásica y a la vez moderna.

Alfonso: (Mirando su libro) Perdona, ¿Me puedes pasar el sobrecito de azúcar, por favor?

Gabriela: (Sonriendo) Por supuesto, aquí tienes

Alfonso: Muy amable, muchas gracias.

Gabriela: Disculpa la indiscreción, ¿Estas leyendo el Romancero gitano de Lorca? Es que lo he visto por casualidad y debo decir que me encanta.

Alfonso: Exactamente, que bien, ¿Te gusta la poesía de Lorca?

Gabriela: Me fascina.

Alfonso: Por cierto, me llamo Alfonso.

Gabriela: Yo me llamo Gabriela, un placer

(Se dan dos besos)

Alfonso: El placer es mío.

Escena 2: La Conversación

• Ambos charlan sobre poesía, literatura, sus trabajos (Alfonso trabaja en una pequeña editorial, Gabriela es galerista de arte).
• La conversación fluye con naturalidad, descubriendo afinidades y diferencias.
• De fondo, se escucha la música en vivo de un grupo indie.

Gabriela: Me gusta mucho tu punto de vista sobre la poesía. Creo que a veces nos olvidamos de la belleza de las palabras simples.

Alfonso: Totalmente de acuerdo. Y tú, con tu galería, estás promoviendo el arte contemporáneo de una manera muy interesante.

Gabriela y Alfonso comenzaron a hablar y a conocerse mejor. Alfonso habla de su pasión por la poesía, también la menciona que el también escribe y también la menciona que le encanta el Ateneo de Madrid y está al tanto de sus actividades. Gabriela es galerista de arte.

Gabriela: Sin duda tus versos están muy bien escritos, utilizas el lenguaje metafórico con mucha maestría, muchas felicidades, Alfonso.

Alfonso: Muchas gracias, Gabriela, ¿Dónde me dijiste que estaba tu galería de arte?

Gabriela: Está cerca de aquí, si quieres nos pasamos, además expongo obras propías.

Alfonso: ¿En serio? No quiero perdermelo, luego vamos para allá, ¿Sería posible?

Gabriela: Por supuesto, ahora mismo está abierto.

Alfonso: Además, déjame decirte que me encanta el arte contemporaneo.

Gabriela: Que bien, Alfonso, me alegra saberlo, me alegra conocerte, parece que te conozco de toda la vida, me das mucha confianza.

Alfonso: Muchas gracias, Gabriela, igual te digo.

Narrador (Voz en off): «Dos mundos diferentes, pero una conexión inmediata.»

Escena 3: En la galeria de arte

La conversación se torna mas personal

Alfonso: Son unos cuadros impresionantes, Gabriela, no he visto nada igual, sin duda valen mucho.

Gabriela: Aún no has visto mi obra estrella.

Alfonso: A ver, me pica la curiosidad.

(Le enseña su obra estrella)

Alfonso: Wow, es impresionante, me encanta, eres una crack, Gabriela.

Gabriela: Muchas gracias jeejee tu también.

(Se cruzan miradas complices) La conversación se torna más personal.

Alfonso: Gabriela, me encantaría muy mucho invitarte a una exposición que voy a organizar en unos días. Es de un joven poeta que admiro mucho.

Gabriela: Me encantaría. Y ya que estamos… ¿qué te parece si después vamos a tomar algo por el Barrio de las Letras?

Alfonso: (Sonriendo) Me parece una excelente idea, la verdad que si, te tomo la palabra.

Narrador (Voz en off): Las mariposas revolotearon en sus estómagos, en estos instantes.

Escena 4: Una cena en el Barrio de las Letras

Narrador (Voz en off): «La cena se convierte en un momento de conexión profunda, donde las barreras se derrumban y el amor comienza a florecer.»

• Ambos se dirigen a un restaurante tradicional madrileño en el Barrio de las Letras.
• La atmósfera es más íntima, con una luz tenue y música clásica de fondo.

Gabriela: (Mientras prueban un plato típico) Me encanta este barrio. Tiene tanto encanto.

Alfonso: A mí también. Y tú, con tu elegancia, le das un toque aún más especial

Gabriela: Que bonito eso que me has dicho, Alfonso.

Alfonso: Eres bonita en general.

Gabriela: Tu también, Alfonso

(Se miran y se besan apasionadamente).

Escena 5: El amor triunfó

Narrador (Voz en off): «En Madrid, donde cada día es una nueva oportunidad, Alfonso y Gabriela descubren que el amor puede surgir en el lugar menos esperado.»

Alfonso: Gabriela, esta noche ha sido maravillosa, me encantó

Gabriela: Para mí también, Alfonso. ¿Te parece si vamos a mi apartamento a continuar con nuestra conversación?

Alfonso: (Con sonrisa risueña) Por supuesto, conversemos jejeje

(Se besan apasionadamente)

(Llegan al apartamento, y lo que no hay es conversación, mas bien hablan sus cuerpos)

Gabriela: Me encantas, Alfonso, ha sido una noche mágica.

Alfonso: Lo mismo te digo, amor, te amo, Gabriela.

Gabriela: Y yo también.

Narrador (Voz en off): «El amor triunfó, ¿No es bonito? Para mi lo es, uno que es así, un romántico y un sentimental, que se le va a hacer, esta es la historia de hoy en Citas Madrid: donde el amor es una ciudad en sí misma.»

#AlfonsoYGabriela #amor #arte #cultura #dailyprompt #dailyprompt2140 #poesía

Here’s Why I Embrace the Nightlife

Are you more of a night or morning person?

The world is often divided into two types of people: morning birds and night owls. While the early risers thrive on morning sunshine and a structured start to the day, night owls like me find comfort, creativity, and productivity under the blanket of stars.

Being a night person isn’t just about staying up late—it’s a lifestyle and mindset that suits my personality and energy flow. Let me share why the quiet hours of the night resonate deeply with me and how it shapes my life.

1. The Calmness of the Night

The world slows down at night. There are fewer distractions, no honking cars, and no buzzing notifications. It’s my time to breathe and think clearly without the interruptions of daytime chaos.

2. Enhanced Creativity

There’s something magical about the stillness of the night. For me, creativity thrives in this solitude. Whether it’s brainstorming blog ideas, sketching designs, or simply reflecting on my day, I feel my best ideas come alive when the world is asleep.

3. A Personal Productivity Peak

My brain seems to reach its peak performance during late hours. Tasks that felt overwhelming in the morning become manageable and even enjoyable at night. From planning projects to writing blogs, the quiet energy of the night fuels my focus.

4. The Night Owls’ Bond

There’s a sense of camaraderie among night owls. Whether it’s a late-night call with a friend, a midnight snack shared with family, or scrolling through social media posts from other night dwellers, it’s a reminder that I’m not alone in embracing the night.

5. Freedom to Reflect and Recharge

Nighttime is also my moment for introspection. While morning people might journal with their coffee, I do it with a cup of tea under the moonlight. It’s my way of winding down and preparing for the next day.

Challenges of Being a Night Owl

Of course, being a night person has its downsides. Society often favors early risers, with schools, workplaces, and social events revolving around morning schedules. Adjusting to this can sometimes feel like swimming against the tide.

But I’ve learned to balance my natural rhythms with daily responsibilities, ensuring I get enough rest and align my nighttime habits with my goals.

Finding Your Natural Rhythm

Whether you’re a morning person, a night owl, or somewhere in between, the key is understanding your body’s natural rhythm and making it work for you. Each type has its own charm and advantages.

As for me, the night will always be my haven—a time for creativity, calmness, and connection. So, what about you? Are you more of a night person, or does the morning sun fuel your fire? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear your perspective!

#dailyprompt #dailyprompt2140 #morningPerson #morningVsEveningRoutines #NightOwl #nightPerson #nighttimeCreativity #productivityAtNight

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Working as a House Officer, I do not go out to eat much. Mainly because our days are mainly occupied with work and after work, we would be drained. Well, most of the time.

Thus, if I were to really go out, it would be during my long breaks which is when I apply for leaves.

In terms of acquiring groceries, I rarely go to the grocery store myself as I do not have a car of my own in Sarawak. I am extremely dependent on Grab and overtime can be expensive as well.

Hence, I make do with the convenience store downstairs at my apartment which doesn’t really have much in terms of fresh foods or ordering online.

Here are my Top 5 must haves in my grocery list which is available in the convenience store if I were to just shop there.

1. Coffee

As I mentioned in some of my previous articles before. It is a must have drug in my system. Personally I think I have grown rather immune to the effects of caffeine over the years from overconsumption. Thus, if I’m unable to get my grounded coffee beans, usually I’ll make do with some freeze dried coffee or a regular black coffee powder.

2. Oats

I replace rice for rolled oats when I’m living alone. Back at home, my mother would always cook rice as my parents love rice. However, I noticed that I easily crash or get sleepy easily after consuming rice. Thus, I substitute it for rolled oats and usually I would cook soups or curries and pour the oats over it and consume it just like regular rice.

3. Eggs

It is easily available. When there is nothing else stored in my pantry and everything else is closed, eggs go about well with almost everything. 

4. Noodles

Well, I’m not exactly healthy per se all the time, and I do enjoy my occasional instant noodles. Especially after work and not having a meal the whole day, I’ll just whip up a quick dish of curry instant noodles with eggs.

5. Sausages

Personally, I prefer chicken over sausages and as mentioned before, I rarely go out for my groceries. Hence, I’d go for sausage since it is easily available at the convenience store downstairs. In addition to that, I can be versatile with cooking them.

Thus, if I had to list 5 of the hat, these are my top 5 that I would shop for in any grocery stores amidst working as a House Officer.

Again, sadly, it lacks nutrition. But, oh well.

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https://theoreticaldoctor.com/2024/09/24/my-top-5-grocery-store-items/

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Are you more of a night or morning person?

Daily writing prompt

This one is sort of evolving. At least I am trying to force it to evolve.

Traditionally I am as much of a night person as one can be. I think I was in high school when I realized that I was better at studying later at night than I was in the morning. That lead to a lot of late nights with crappy sleep. It escalated wildly when I was in college the first time. I still often get a second wind around 10:00pm and that still leads to a serious lack of sleep on many nights.

I said this was evolving though and that is because I am trying very hard to change my routine. After weight loss surgery I was required to exercise daily. I barely ever exercised at all in the 50+ years prior, so that required a major lifestyle change. After a while I worked out a routine where I get up early and do all of my exercise for the day before the work day starts. As the amount of exercise I need increased, I had to start getting up earlier and earlier. I shoot for 5:00am most days even though I often (like today) don’t get out of bed until a little after 6:00am. That’s still crushingly early for me and my tiny little brain.

Is getting up stupidly early every day turning me into a morning person? Sort of. Maybe? I still feel like I am better later at night, but I am at least able to function in the pre-dawn hours and that is a notable change of pace for me. I guess the answer to the question at hand is that I am still a night person but I am doing my best to spread out when I am at my best. Let’s call it an on-going goal and put a pin in it until the daily writing prompt inevitably asks this same question again in a month or so.

https://robertjames1971.blog/2023/12/05/morning-or-night/

#dailyprompt #dailyprompt2140