A morning exercise, not so heavy, but at least I have done something. The weather is constantly changing, making it difficult to plan the day or routine. However, the lesson is not to yield, but to do what you want or need to do, regardless!

The big news is that I have bought a Google smartwatch 2!!! This is my gift to myself. I can count on one hand the number of presents I have given myself in the last ten years or so, so this one is for me.

The new drone and video camera could be regarded as presents, and I like these kinds of things very much, but they are primarily for work and to boost productivity in the future. I generally enjoy watches and find them very appealing. I wouldn’t want to build a collection of watches, but having three or four good ones would be nice.

Purists might see the Google Watch as a fake; it is more an electronic device than a traditional, analogue watch with a movement crafted and assembled by an artisan watchmaker. It is considerably cheaper than a handcrafted watch. However, this new Google Watch 2 is beautiful, functional, and, more importantly, I will wear it all the time.

To me, a watch is somewhat like a car, particularly a good one, where you need to use it regularly. If you buy a Ferrari, you have to drive it every day; you can’t leave it in the garage because if you do, it will eventually break down.

What’s the point of having it if you don’t use it?

The same goes for a watch; you have to use it and wear it. A watch is more of an accessory, like a gold chain or ring, than a tool for telling the time. Nowadays, we have many other means and devices to tell the time, other than a watch, but a watch is still used. I like a watch, as it is helpful for me, and I will use it all the time.

Besides being a watch and telling time, the Google Watch is a smart watch, so it has features I can use to help me with my daily routine, such as synchronising with my mobile phone and seeing which emails or messages are most important to attend to. It also confirms payments and, most importantly for me, it has a pedometer to track my steps, which for the last three or four years has been a minimum of 10,000 steps every day.

Regarding other accessories or jewellery for men, I mainly like watches and bracelets; I am not interested in rings or chains. One of the few lasting images I have of my father is of him always wearing an onyx ring, which was quite charming. My father had his own style and was very charming; the ring he wore was the cherry on top.

I have never worn a ring; perhaps one reason I have never married is unconscious — I would have to wear one, especially in Brazil, where Roman Catholicism is prominent. Necklaces or chains aren’t really my style. Depending on the type, they could look quite nice, but I’ve never been interested in them.

I also think it is missing the point for a man if he becomes overzealous, vain about what he should wear, and keeps chopping and changing, wasting precious time and mental energy on deciding what to wear on different occasions or situations.

I believe it’s just a waste of time and energy for a man, as that should not be his role!

Because of this mindset, I have limited my wardrobe to only a few clothes and accessories, almost like a Steve Jobs syndrome, which was not planned; it just happened naturally. Jeans, long black-sleeve pullovers, and UV shirts, and that’s about all.

On a sunny day, especially in a place like Rio, I like to wear a Panama hat, which is more practical and valuable than just fashionable. And my bracelets, well, they’ve been with me since forever.

I think I was born wearing two bracelets.

It is also a great exercise to be content with what you have. You don’t need a lot to feel good; you don’t need a walk-in wardrobe to be beautiful and happy.

I have classes for the rest of the day, and I am pleased with the present I received today, which I will also receive tomorrow.

How good is that!!!

In bed by midnight.

Thank you.

Thanks for reading this blog post. Please explore my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments section.

Richard

Photos by Richard George Photography

The post Friday the 1st of March 2024: “Embracing Simplicity and its Beauty”!!! first appeared on The Long Gringo.