Journalled on Monday, 16 October 2023 | Flamengo, Rio de Janeiro: 29 degrees, hot, sunny with blue sky.
Today has been both productive and relaxing.
I have a light schedule on Mondays because my first class doesn’t start until midday, which leaves me the morning to do as I please.
I got up early this morning and exercised at home while everyone else was still asleep. At 5:45, I left for the Portuguese bakery, where I enjoyed two black coffees and wrote in my journal. Now, I make it a daily habit to write in my diary at the bakery. It is a responsibility I can complete early, helping me start the day positively.
I arrived home, and everyone was awake. Yasmin was in the bathroom, getting ready for school, while Nalva was ironing her clothes for work. They both leave at 7. Meanwhile, I posted on my blog. The post is usually already prepared; I just need to do a quick revision before publishing it.
It had been raining for several days, but this morning was the first without rain. I put on my shorts and trainers, took Perola, and we went to the park for my second exercise session.
We spent about an hour and a half there. On the way back home, we stopped at the gas station’s convenience store to buy some mineral water, and by 9:30 a.m., we were home.
A quick tidy-up of the flat involves sweeping the floor and wiping it with a damp cloth. I also need to do the dishes, put the clothes in the washing machine, and ensure the flat is liveable, organised, and tidy enough to work in peace.
After a quick shower and a change of clothes, I am revising the blog posts I have been working on. It is encouraging to discover new ways to improve my work. I feel that what I am creating is evolving into a craft, and I am honing it.
I made a cup of black tea with lemon juice, garlic, and ginger before my first class. I have exercised, done some housework, and worked on my blog. Although my day was light on classes, it was still quite productive.
I gave classes for the rest of the day, finishing at 8 p.m. It has been a nice day, and I hope tomorrow will be as good as today, or even better.
It is a countdown to my trip to England. Sometimes I feel anxious, but I have too much to do to dwell on it. I also want to keep my mind busy until I leave. An empty mind can be your own worst enemy at times.
In the evening, I had a light dinner because I am trying to lose weight before I go.
In bed by 9.30 p.m.
Thank you.
Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.
Richard
