^{Updated May 17 2025}

What I’m working on, focused on, etc these days. Based on the /now page movement created by Derek Sivers.

Life, work

Moved to Cork, Ireland at the beginning of May. Looking for work here, although I’ll be out of town a lot through the summer. Come September I’ll be really pounding the pavement to figure something out.

After teaching Chinese full time for the past 2 years, I’d love to continue that path; however I’m not sure the opportunities abound here. I’m considering a masters degree in teaching Chinese as a foreign language to develop my CV more in that area at some point.

Cork is a nice, walkable density of a city. It’s a pleasant place to be and feels easy to meet new friends and find community.

Music

Playing trumpet on I Am A Singer in China again this summer for about 6 weeks (episodes 2-7). Playing jazz gigs more often. Practicing trumpet actively again, something I wasn’t doing when teaching full time the past two years.

Occasionally creating electronic music with Ableton Live.

Health

Have completely lost my routine since moving countries. I’ll be trying to do whatever workouts I can while traveling this next few months.

Learning

Learning modern Greek since 2020. Mostly studying using Duolingo, because it’s a compelling way to spend at least a little time on it every day. Also using Anki to supplement Duolingo, which I find helps a huge amount. Have started learning German as well, and some Irish Gaelic also (gotta try while living here! It’s a tough one).

Also continuing to hone my skills as a Chinese language teacher. Have been studying and practicing teaching with TPRS.

Reading

Picks And Shovels by Cory Doctorow (audiobook)

Cory Doctorow’s email newsletter

Trying to read about US politics less than before but failing so far.