I quit my QA jobs & started training as a school teacher; May 8 2026 Farm Update!

The author reflects on their past decision to transition from food inspection to education at OISE/UT, highlighting valuable skills gained through various experiences. Although they faced challenges in the YRDSB, working with students remained rewarding. They now pursue interests in forestry, farming, and community engagement. {{{AI-generated, edited by a human}}}

Being Teacher Man.

Frank McCourt wrote a 2005 memoir about being a high school teacher. It resonated with me. Thank you for trusting your teenagers with me!

Nobody gets out of this circus alive! February 6-7/26 Snow Report.

The post reflects on how the awareness of mortality can reshape one's perspective on life. The author expresses disdain for triviality and finds solace in meditation and music. Death influences thoughts profoundly, prompting deep appreciation for cherished songs that may serve as emotional anchors. The narrative highlights personal experiences and reflections intertwined with creative expression. {{{{AI-generated; human vetted}}}

Cinnamon snails baked December 27, 2025.

DiY-ing, power puttering and modding. Vinyl vs Digital. Dec. 24-27/25 ROCK FARM UPDATE.

The author finds happiness in contentment over fleeting joy, enjoying DIY projects in a calm atmosphere. They detail a recent audio rack project utilizing various materials on a budget, sharing mixed feelings on audio quality debates. The post reflects on personal experiences, family loss, and creative endeavors amid daily challenges and reflections on life {{AI-generated, human vetted}}

meditation end card from headspace online meditation application

Why, yes. Yes, I am. But first, let’s talk about mid-September/25 on the farm.

PN acknowledges his grudges and shares local happenings around the rock farm.

JULY 22/25: AFTER the summer heat. Musings before tomorrow’s Tobermory Market.

PN poses with his completed wood bins and uses non-toxic fungicides on pea plants.

Friday October 18, 2024 farm report {{updated later that day}}

Seeking fuel vendors! PM us.

Take 5, Cerebral & grunt-mediation. Oh and listening to unhinged audio essays!

Paul ponders what the phrase "self-care" means to him. He also finds surprisingly deep and coherent analysis of a popular board game.

A more thoughtful answer…

Upon first blush, I answered today’s writing prompt like this: https://blackdogbiscuits.ca/2024/06/16/like-this/ All true. Moreover… I’m enjoying the flexibility of working some days, and walking away others. I find I now have the fortitude to stick with tasks, as time constraints are now less for me. I don’t worry about a cohort of young adults - … Continue reading A more thoughtful answer…

This question screams GOTCHA… sigh. Fortunately, WikiVoyage is a thing.

Act locally!

My anxiety. My temper.

Daily writing promptWhat is one thing you would change about yourself?View all responses I understand the question asked me to muse about "one thing", however, my teacher-brain didn't want to hypenate anxiety-temper-WTF-is-going-on mood. It is one of the reasons I've taken to the meditation program offered by Headspace. Does it make me feel better? Not … Continue reading My anxiety. My temper.