Things of the week

Routine returns, school is back, energy follows.

Another quiet week, not the worst. Taking the whip away feels good. The kids went back to school and the routine snapped back into place. Thank God for that. I do not handle life without structure, not after the flu, visitors and a run of bad weather. Good to be back at it.

The twins ran a birthday relay. Two parties in one day. Trampoline park into sleepover. It sounded like a lot, but it just worked. Everyone was well behaved, no hiccups, and the whole thing wrapped inside twenty four hours. That is how you do it.

I made it to the gym once and it was great. DOMS for days and I didn’t mind. Was great to have that feeling where you know you’ve done some work. The cough is still hanging around, so running took a back seat. Early morning strolls with Bob instead. Easy and slow, the cold on our faces. No rush, no distances or paces to chase, just the morning opening up. Bliss.

I also made it back into the office for the first time in just over a month. Loved it. It took a bit to get moving, pack lunch, load the backpack, get the kids to school, find a parking spot. Worth it. Being around people brings a proper zing of energy, and I got more done in two days at a desk than I did all last week.

Japan prep is in full swing. I have been deep in Google Maps, dropping pins and wandering Street View like a ghost. Exploring neighbourhoods, working out the trains, saving ramen counters and curry joints, old school coffee houses and bakeries, plus every convenience store within a few blocks of where we are staying. I booked a capybara cafe and the kids are pumped. I have been watching YouTube on konbini snacks and a bit of vintage shopping, building a list of things to see and do and just general inspo. I even pulled out the old Yashica T4 for some film prints. Surprised it still works. I also found an old disposable Ilford camera that is out of date, so the results should be interesting. How good are photos. It is going to be a great trip. Just over a week to go. It is going to be fun. I cannot wait.

Big week in music. Tyler, the Creator dropped a new album not long after Chromakopia. Do not Tap the Glass is a lot of fun, very danceable, great vibe. Tyler has somehow become one of my favourite hip hop artists. A long way from his early days, and I have a vague memory of him being banned from coming into the country at one point. I wonder if he still has polarising views. Either way, every album since Flower Boy has been great. What a talent.

Tame Impala also released a new single. About bloody time, Kevin. It is another epic that grows with each listen. Layers on layers. The more you sit with it, the more it gives. He has come a long way since we saw him back in Sydney around 2008, playing with Van She and Ladyhawk. That was a great weekend. Ahh, memories.