🌈 1380 – Thursday, 13 November 2025 23:59
London
Raining outside.
Just sitting down now, just before the day ends at midnight. The laptop battery hit 0%, but managed to plug it in quickly and post this before it becomes tomorrow – Friday.
Noticed an ad pop-up at the top of my site. I’m not sure how another website managed to run ads on my page without me setting up AdSense or giving permission. That’s something I need to figure out this weekend. AdSense is Google’s advertising program.
I need to go to bed soon; it’s been a long day. I have the next three days off, and every time I get time off, I tell myself this break will be different, that I’ll be productive. But then the days pass, and I end up exactly where I started, just letting events take their own course.
Maybe this time will really be different. I’m consciously choosing to use the time to do the things I want to do, instead of letting people or circumstances dictate my days. Either way, I’m sure I’ll end up doing something worthwhile.
Today was a good day. I woke up early and had planned to go to the gym before work, but ended up having a proper lie-in. I only got up in time to get ready for work.
While still in bed, feeling good, I read a Rukuh of Surah Kahf, then Dad’s morning prayer message on the WhatsApp group. Checked messages – family all okay. I did the gratitude prayer, then sat at the edge of the bed and meditated with 40 affirmations and Surah Fatihah. Then I showered, offered 2 raka’ahs of Fajr Salah and 2 raka’ahs of Salat-ul-Hajat.
Ironed a cream check shirt, brown trousers, put on my formal brown shoes, took out the bike, and left for work. It was a beautiful, beautiful, beautiful day outside. I was glad I had checked the weather – 14 degrees – so just the corduroy jacket was perfect.
Got to work okay. The day went well, spent most of it working on some open PO tasks. For lunch, I went up to Victoria Street and bought a box of sushi from Itsu. Still felt hungry after eating it, so I walked to Subway and got a sandwich. Ate, walked back to work, and the rest of the afternoon went smoothly.
Checked the parents’ camera a few times to see what they were up to. Saw them at the dining table having an early dinner. Then Dad stayed at the table for two hours watching TV, checking his phone, speaking to someone, while Mum did some work. It was nice to see them and have the flexibility to check in on the camera.
Logged off work around 17:45 and called Mum while leaving. When I got outside, everything was wet – it had rained in the afternoon. Had a quick chat with her and wished her goodnight.
Got home, and the feeling of having the next three days free settled in. First thing I want to do is make a plan for what I hope to finish over the next three days. I’ll start by tidying the flat, getting things organised, and then sitting at the desk to work.
I had booked some tickets for myself last week, but ended up not going. Tomorrow, after lunch, I’m meeting a mate to see The Art of Sumo exhibition at the Embassy of Japan.
It’s almost past midnight now, and it’s still raining – light, steady, cozy. I thought most people would be asleep, but some are still awake.
A good mate, feeling poetic at this hour, sent me this writing about his day:
“A quiet, uneventful day, draws to a close. More precious time, which may never be lived again, has run its course. The great wheel of time turns its steady and relentless cycle, never to alter its speed or return to revisit its course. Turn, turn, turn; Time proceeds at its own serene and confident pace, Bringing us out of sorrow into new chances, into growth and opportunity. I wish you a good night.”
3 things I felt grateful for today:
Grateful for technology, for being able to see my parents and loved ones on the camera.
Grateful it rained, but I didn’t get wet going to or returning from work.
Grateful to have the next couple of days off, to own my time, and to be accountable to myself.
Around the rest of the world today:
Ukraine struck back with long-range missiles and drones (including the domestically produced “Flamingo” system) targeting sites inside Russia and Russian-occupied territories, signalling a growing Ukrainian offensive capability.(The Guardian)
Researchers coined a new concept, “AIdeology”, describing how AI isn’t just a tool but is evolving into a system of values, beliefs and distributed influence across society.
What would it take for me and for you to wake up 10 x times bigger, thicker, muscular, leaner, more energetic, confident, happy, grateful, wake up early, make it to workout, everything okay to be with family, friends and everyone around, then have a relaxing, relaxing, relaxing yet a productive day tomorrow?
Sign up to the monthly letter below.
Goodnight, good luck!
Ash Khaleem