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I touched upon spring and daylight savings time in my last post, and since then, spring has been moving forward with an undeniable charm. The days are growing longer, the trees are budding, and the air has that fresh, earthy aroma that makes you want to step outside and soak it all in.

For reasons we don’t need to delve into (no, my license wasn’t revoked, I promise), I haven’t been driving my car for a while. Let’s just say my car and I are on a temporary break—it’s not you, it’s me. The shift to a car-less life, even briefly, was harder than I expected. It turns out, you don’t quite realize how often you rely on those four wheels until they’re out of commission. I found myself lugging groceries on foot, recalculating plans around train schedules, and hailing cabs for errands. There was a certain humbling aspect to it, though—a reminder to slow down and find gratitude in simpler ways of moving through the world.

Spring is also boat season. While I don’t own one myself (yet!), I can’t help but admire the way others are gearing up for their nautical adventures. I’ve watched neighbors scrubbing their hulls, checking engines, and stocking their vessels with supplies for leisurely days on the fjord. One friend let me join them for a prep day last weekend—there’s something thrilling about seeing a boat come to life, even if you’re just a spectator. The launch promises the first taste of freedom, the wind in your hair, and that unmistakable joy of gliding over water as spring sun kisses your skin.

Speaking of sun, ice cream season is officially upon us. I recently treated myself to a cone from my favorite shop, only to wonder if the scoops were smaller than they used to be—or maybe I just had kid-sized hands back then? Either way, one thing’s certain: you’re paying more for less these days. But hey, few things beat the nostalgia of enjoying an ice cream while strolling outside on a warm day. It’s a quintessential spring ritual, no matter the size of the scoop.

For those longing for winter’s touch, fear not—you can always drive up to the nearby ski resort to chase the powder. There’s something magical about skiing under the spring sun, the unique blend of winter’s remnants and a hint of summer. The snow reflects the rays, wrapping you in golden warmth even as you carve through the slopes.

So, whether you’re trekking on foot, cruising in a car, setting sail in a boat, or gliding down a ski slope, spring is here, gently nudging us to embrace its promises of renewal. Let’s welcome its arrival with open arms—and maybe an extra scoop of ice cream, just for good measure.

Draft article to be updated

Spring is about to knock on the door, or maybe not; it’s that time of the year here up north where the weather just doesn’t seem to be able to make up its mind. Frost one day, cloudy the next, then rain, and before you can find your raincoat - sunshine.

When the weather decide on a sunny morning you might be woken by the chirping sound of birds outside your window.

It gets brighter earlier, except for those days when the weather decides to cover everything in morning fog or heavy clouds.

Which brings us to time itself, and the ever lasting debate. Should we get rid of daylight saving time or not.

Daylight saving time is one of those things people either love or hate. Some enjoy the extra evening light during summer, while others find the clock changes a hassle—messing with sleep schedules and daily routines. It’s especially tricky when you realize Europe and the U.S. don’t even change their clocks at the same time. For a few weeks, that mismatched timing can make coordinating calls and schedules across the Atlantic a real pain.

Personally, I don’t mind it. Sure, adjusting takes a day or two, but longer summer evenings are a nice trade-off. At the end of the day, it’s one of those quirks of modern life I can live with.

It’s time for the first steam next fest of the year, as previous year I’m looking forward to diving down to see what obscure and magically whimsical demos I can find. updated

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There’s something almost comforting about the predictability of catching a cold—like an old, unwelcome friend who shows up unannounced but entirely expected. It used to be a mere blip on my radar, but lately, I’ve noticed that my immune system doesn’t rally quite like it used to. Maybe that’s just part of the journey, or perhaps a gentle nudge to pay more attention to self-care.

It all began with a modest fever, the kind that makes you feel off-kilter but doesn’t ground you entirely. Then the spasms hit—full-body shakes that turned the simplest tasks into Herculean efforts. I spent a day cocooned in bed, convinced I’d wake up renewed. And for a moment, it seemed true. But then my nose decided to betray me, turning into a relentless faucet that no amount of tissues could dam.

Determined to outwit this seasonal foe, I delved into the world of natural remedies. Ginger root was promptly transformed into spicy teas that warmed from the inside out. An arsenal of vitamins lined the kitchen counter—an eclectic mix of hopeful defenses. Chicken broth simmered gently on the stove, its aroma weaving through the house like a comforting embrace. Hydration became a mission, with bottles of Powerade adding a splash of color to the daily routine.

I even revisited some time-tested flu fighters: inhaling steam infused with eucalyptus oil, indulging in honey-laden herbal concoctions, and propping myself up with extra pillows to ease the congestion. Each remedy felt like a small victory, a way to reclaim a bit of control.

But perhaps the silver lining in this cloud of illness was the unapologetic indulgence in rest. Bundled under layers of blankets, I sipped tea and immersed myself in the latest season of *The White Lotus* on MAX. This time, the story unfolds against the stunning backdrop of Thailand—a vibrant escape from the monochrome palette of winter outside my window. As characters navigated their own complexities amidst tropical beauty, I found myself yearning for warm sands and azure waters.

There’s a certain irony in longing for distant shores while confined to the couch. Yet, in those moments, I felt connected to the wider world, reminded that there’s more beyond the immediate discomfort. The contrast between the onscreen paradise and the chilly reality only fueled my daydreams.

Illness has a way of pressing pause on the day-to-day rush, forcing a slower pace and, with it, reflection. Amid the sneezes and shivers, I pondered the rituals we turn to for comfort. The simple act of pouring tea became a meditation; the steam rising from the cup a momentary escape. There’s something profound in these small actions, a reminder that healing is both physical and emotional.

I couldn’t help but consider the universal nature of seeking solace. In Thailand, for instance, they have traditional herbal steam baths infused with lemongrass and kaffir lime—practices that not only heal the body but also rejuvenate the spirit. Perhaps integrating global wellness traditions could add a touch of the exotic to our own remedies.

As I navigated through this bout of the flu, I found unexpected gratitude. Gratitude for the forced stillness, for the time to indulge in stories, for the nuances of taste and smell that are often overlooked. Even the winter weather, with its crisp air and quiet nights, offered a unique backdrop to this period of rest.

So here’s to the sick days that compel us to slow down. To the remedies, both familiar and newfound, that nurture us back to health. And to the stories that whisk us away, even if just for an episode or two, reminding us of the vastness of the world and the adventures that await.

Perhaps once this cold subsides, Thailand won’t just be a scene on a screen but the next destination on the horizon. After all, there’s no better cure for the winter blues than the promise of future explorations.

By the way, did you know that in some cultures, laughter is considered a healing balm? Watching comedies or sharing jokes is believed to boost the immune system. Maybe incorporating a hearty laugh into the recovery plan isn’t such a bad idea. After all, they say laughter is the best medicine.

Three years, nearly 100 episodes, and not a single one published. Welcome to the chronicles of my live-to-tape podcast about movies, series, and games I’ve been diving into each week. Yes, you read that right—I have a centurion’s worth of episodes, and yet the world remains blissfully unaware. Let me explain.

Back in 2022, I was on a mission to find a creative outlet I could genuinely stick with. Being a self-proclaimed TV junkie and having recently rekindled my love for gaming, I thought, “Why not channel this enthusiasm into some form of content?” Content creation was booming, and I wanted in.

I wasn’t a total newbie. I had dabbled in audio live streams and sporadically ventured into the wild world of Twitch. Plus, Twitter Spaces had just become a thing. So, in February 2022, I decided to dip my toes into the podcasting pool. But here’s the catch—I wasn’t ready to fully commit to publishing just yet. I wanted to make sure I could keep the momentum going before unleashing my creation onto the unsuspecting masses.

Thus, “Season 0” was born—a testing ground, a rehearsal, a safe space to find my podcasting groove. The pilot episode aired live on February 9th, 2022, followed by Episode 1 on February 16th. Fast forward to 2025, and guess what? We’re still in Season 0. Not a single episode has seen the light of day as an actual podcast.

So, Why the Prolonged Prelude?

Well, perfectionism is a fickle friend. I wanted to nail down the perfect format, ensure I could commit to a regular schedule, and, of course, upgrade my gear—because who doesn’t dream of that golden, velvety microphone that makes every word sound like audible chocolate?

Editing also proved to be a more time-consuming beast than anticipated. Who knew that removing every “um” and “uh” could take so long? And let’s not even get started on my indecisiveness about which hosting platform to use. Every time I got close to taking the plunge, a new wave of self-doubt would wash over me.

It’s like preparing for a grand dinner party—spending months perfecting the menu, ambiance, and seating arrangements—only to never send out the invitations.

Meanwhile, in the Blogosphere…

In a delightful twist of irony, this very blog you’re reading is turning 10. A whole decade! It took me years to start writing regularly here, and the design has remained comfortably vintage ever since. Back in November, brimming with inspiration, I started working on a new theme. It’s sleek, modern, and everything this blog deserves. And yet, it sits unpublished. Sound familiar?

I have a habit of second-guessing myself, of finding reasons to delay, defer, and postpone. Maybe it’s the fear of the finality that comes with hitting “publish,” or perhaps it’s the perpetual pursuit of perfection that keeps me in this loop.

Enter “Follow Up February

No more. It’s time to break the cycle. This month, I’m coining the slogan “Follow Up February.” It’s a personal challenge—a call to action to dust off those dormant projects and breathe life into them.

It’s time to apply that new blog theme, imperfections be damned. Time to choose a hosting platform, bite the bullet, and release Season 0 (or maybe we’ll jump straight to Season 1 for dramatic effect). The world may not be clamoring for another podcast about movies and games, but that’s no reason to keep it bottled up.

A Toast to Letting Go

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over these past three years (and ten, if we’re counting the blog), it’s that starting is important, but finishing—actually letting your work be seen—that’s where the magic happens. It’s okay if it’s not perfect. It’s okay if there are hiccups. The most important thing is to share, to connect, and to contribute your voice to the world.

So here’s to “Follow Up February”—to taking the plunge, embracing imperfection, and finally hitting that elusive publish button. Who knows? Maybe this time next year, I’ll be celebrating the first anniversary of the podcast that almost wasn’t.

Join the Movement

Do you have a project that’s been languishing in the shadows? An idea you’ve been nurturing but haven’t quite set free? Consider this your invitation to join me in making “Follow Up February” a reality. Let’s turn our “almosts” and “maybes” into “did that” and “what’s next?”

After all, the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step—or in this case, the click of a button.

You blink, and suddenly it’s February. Weren’t we all just clinking glasses and making grand plans for the new year? Time’s doing that thing again where it slips through our fingers like sand. I promised myself I’d up my blogging game from a modest once a month to every Sunday. Inspired by a surprisingly productive Q4 last year, I was all set to flood your screens with wit, wisdom, and maybe a meme or two. Yet here I am, staring at the blinking cursor, searching for that elusive spark.

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As January bids us adieu, it’s time to gaze forward, but first, let’s glance back for a chuckle. Ah, remember the dawn of 2025 when we were brimming with determination and bulletproof resolutions? Fast forward a few weeks, and here we are: seasoned experts in the art of procrastination and binge-watching. But hey, let’s not forget those ambitious promises we made to ourselves. It’s not over yet!

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So, first up since my last article about TikTok, a few things have happened. As the US ban loomed closer, people started flocking to, ironically enough, an app for overseas Chinese called REDnote. This app is 100% operated out of China and didn’t even have an English interface.

Imagine a bunch of these TikTok refugees trying to navigate REDnote without an English interface. It was like watching a group of lost tourists trying to order dim sum without a menu translation. Amid the confusion, friendships were forged over shared fashion tips, beauty hacks, and, of course, the universal language of memes. REDnote users were amused and slightly baffled by the sudden influx of enthusiastic dancers and lip-syncing aficionados. In no time, there was a delightful fusion of Western dance trends and Eastern fashion inspiration, creating a whole new breed of viral content. Who knew that a potential ban could lead to such a heartwarming cross-cultural exchange?

Now, REDnote isn’t exactly a household name outside of China, but it’s hugely popular over there. Think of it as a mix between Instagram and Pinterest, with a dash of shopping magic. It’s like discovering a secret club where everyone speaks a different language and has impeccable fashion sense.

I dug a little deeper into the legislation and found that the bill actually leaves a lot of the decision-making to the president. Sunday came, and TikTok went dark for our American friends. But, like a phoenix rising from the ashes, it was up and running again 17 hours later—after guarantees from Trump that his incoming administration would not prosecute the US service providers and would extend the deadline. Fun fact: Phoenixes are mythical birds that symbolize rebirth and immortality in ancient mythology. Quite fitting for TikTok’s resurrection, don’t you think?

Which brings us to today—Martin Luther King Day and the Inauguration of the 47th president of the United States of America. Did you know that Martin Luther King Jr. was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964 for his efforts to combat racial inequality through nonviolent resistance? He was only 35 years old at the time, making him one of the youngest Nobel laureates in history.

I try not to comment much on politics, but it’s hard to ignore when it involves one of the largest economies and military forces in the world.

DC was freezing, so they had to move the ceremony inside. I can only imagine the logistical nightmare that must have been for the producers. Speaking of cold, did you know that the lowest temperature ever recorded in Washington D.C. was a bone-chilling -15°F (-26°C) on February 11, 1899? Brrr!

But hey, it was a nice ceremony, and Trump stuck to a toned-down speech. Who would’ve thought?

The signals are there that it’s going to be a very different direction than the previous four years. A lot of rhetoric and maybe some posturing.

The legacy might end up being that he was the president who saved TikTok for the US. Who knew saving dance challenges and lip-sync videos would be part of presidential duties?

The recent push to ban or force the sale of TikTok, a (owned by bytedance a Chinese-based privately held company*) social media platform, raises critical questions about the intersection of national security, free markets, and the evolving digital landscape.

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Like with many of my posts, the title may hint at something while the article may slightly stray from the topic, but that’s Iivo (me) for you - anyway…

One of my intentions has been to write more, with the tangible goal of publishing every Sunday. Sorting through my thoughts and challenging myself in Q3 last year has been an enjoyable experience.

Today is Sunday, publishing day, and I have nothing written nor much interest in writing.

Just like today is also a snow day. Actually, the snow started coming down heavy already on Saturday. I’ve been waiting for that snow, wanting that snow since before Christmas. Now I find myself thinking, “Whatever, it’s too late.”

But it’s not. The snow is here, and I like snow. I like the silence it brings, the softness of a snow-covered landscape.

It would have been a perfect opportunity to create content, especially photos and videos. Instead, I chose to be present and enjoy the fresh, cold air.

Tranquility. There’s something profoundly peaceful about simply existing in the moment, feeling the cold crisp air on my face and listening to the muffled sounds that only a snowy day can bring. It’s a reminder that not every moment needs to be captured or shared; sometimes, the best memories are the ones we keep in our memory.

We might need a snow day more often. A day to pause, reflect, and recharge. In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to forget the importance of slowing down and embracing the stillness. Snow days can be a gentle nudge from nature, reminding us to take a breath and appreciate the quiet beauty around us.