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Micro.blog Cards Theme 1.0.8
I made some minor updates to the Cards Theme for Micro.blog.
- Removed some unused CSS from the main.css file.
- Added some additional padding above the footer.
- Added some additional padding around the text with the cards.
- Removed the custom 404.html page. I had problems loading the page content because the body text would fade the opacity from 0 to 1, but the 404 page wouldn’t load this CSS to do the transition. You can add your own custom 404 page instead (if you choose). It is more flexible this way.
If you have applied custom colors through the plugin settings, you may want to open your config.json and make a copy before updating. I believe a bug in Micro.blog will override your settings during the update. Go to Design > Edit Custom Themes, Select the Cards Theme, open the config.json and copy the content. Upgrade the theme, then go back and paste the content back into the config.json to save your previous customizations.
Let me know if you have any problems.
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Using a working memory file to stay productive during the day
I created a Working Memory file that I’ll use throughout the day. I learned this from Cal Newport, although I’m sure he didn’t invent the idea.
The idea is to have a single text file open all day that you use to write all of your notes, today’s tasks, etc. Similar to a Daily Note available in some applications, like Roam Research, Logseq, or Obsidian, except this file persists from day to day.
I clean up the file daily, move tasks to my task system, and save important notes into my note application. My Working Memory file also has a list of active projects with the current status that I keep up to date, as well as a short list of things I want to remember.
The purpose is not to jump in and out of applications all day, which is one of my struggles.
I’m on Windows (for work), and Notepad was too basic; I tried iAWriter, but while I like writing with Markdown, I don’t want to see the Markdown. Now, I’m trying Typora, which uses Markdown, but with a live preview.
So far, I love this approach. It keeps everything within easy reach and forces me to review every day.
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I finally published my new Cards theme for Micro.blog. It is a simple theme, and you can easily customize all colors, providing endless options. It’s also optimized for performance and SEO.
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I received my invitation to try out Lex today. While I’m opposed to the idea of AI writing for me, I certainly don’t mind some assistance when I get stuck. Kind of like a writing partner. I doubt I will use it, but I’m interested in the tech.
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I made some delicious smoked pulled pork today.
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UpNote - A beautiful, cross-platform app for notes
When it comes to my note-taking app, I have a few criteria.
- Can I write in it? I’m talking about simple, distraction-free writing. Markdown support is necessary to write and add some basic formatting without leaving the keyboard.
- Can I get my notes out of it? I don’t want to use any application where I’ll struggle to move my notes elsewhere.
- Is it available everywhere? As a user of Windows, Mac, and iOS, I need an app that will work everywhere.
- Is it flexible? Can I organize my notes by folders or tags? I don’t organize much and rely on search to find what I need. Some simple tags and a couple of folders suit my workflow.
- Can I easily publish my notes elsewhere? Sometimes it’s my blog. Sometimes it is to a PDF or some other application.
If I were only using a Mac, I’d probably use Bear for my notes. I love its clean and simple interface, speed, and export capabilities. But I’m also using Windows, so I’ve been searching for an app that will meet my requirements.
I have been using Evernote for years, and it checks some of the boxes. The biggest downside to Evernote is the note editor is not as clean as I would like, and getting notes out of Evernote can be a pain Although many apps import from Evernote, it’s not a great experience.
Then I discovered UpNote, a notes app similar to Bear. UpNote supports markdown and has a focus mode, making it a pleasure to write in. The sync is fast and reliable. It has plenty of features. I can organize by folder and tags. And it’s available on macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and even Linux. I can export to various formats, including Markdown or PDF.
What is UpNote missing? Well, on paper, it’s not missing much. In reality, a few things would make it perfect (for me). One is the ability to drag and drop notes into folders. Not a big deal. Since folders can be organized in any order, you can create sub-folders and even add colors and images to folder thumbnails, I’ll let it slide. Maybe some more explore options and better Markdown export. When I copy Markdown into other apps, sometimes I have to fix some things.
There is also something else that is missing that I can’t quite put my finger on. You may get some level of polish from apps like Bear or Ulysses. UpNote is a beautiful app, but if I were to compare the UI, Bear might be a 9 or 10, while UpNote is an 8 or 9. UpNote’s UI is beautiful but safe and not as exciting to use as other premium apps.
I will stick with UpNote for a while and see if it meets my needs long-term. Let me know if you use the app yourself or know of any similar apps!
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I’ve been making some final tweaks on my new Micro.blog theme. I have a few more fixes before I publish (maybe this weekend?). You’ll be able to set your colors through the plugin settings. Here are some samples.
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The goal is the target we want to achieve, while the aim is the course we set to reach that target. A goal fixates on the finish line, while an aim considers the trajectory. When we focus on our aims, the process becomes the goal. And we’re more likely to reach our goal when we become fully aware of our aim. (Anne-Laure Le Cunff, Everything Is Aiming: Forget the Target and Focus on Your Aim) 💬
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I don’t know if the Lighthouse tool in Chromium browsers is worth much; I have used it to test my sites for performance, accessibility, and SEO. Of all the platforms and themes I’ve used, I have never achieved a near-perfect score. Hosted on Micro.blog using my new “Cards” theme.
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Bending Spoons purchased Evernote
Evernote announced they had been acquired by Bending Spoons, a developer of mobile apps. Bending Spoons is known for (or not known for) its mobile apps, including, Splice, Remini, and 30 Day Fitness.
Like many, my first thoughts were, “this doesn’t make sense. Evernote is doomed!”. However, Bending Spoons must have the funds and technology to take Evernote to the next level. In a way, this is kind of exciting. Let’s hope they don’t blow it.
What does this purchase mean for Evernote? It’s hard to say without knowing more about Bending Spoons. Looking through their website, it appears they’re heavily invested in AI (who isn’t these days). Adding some AI to Evernote could be pretty exciting. Evernote is already great (if not the best) at capturing and storing information. Adding AI to help connect notes, write text, update media, etc., could be a welcome addition. It’s also possible Bending Spoons does absolutely nothing with Evernote, and it’s business as usual.
I’ve been an Evernote user for over a decade and have accumulated nearly 7 thousand notes. Like many, Evernote has become a dumping ground where everything gets added to a massive black hole, never to be seen again. Don’t get me wrong, Evernote search is excellent, and with OCR, notebooks, and tags, users who like to use Evernote for their daily workflow have many options.
I keep jumping into the Evernote app to see what’s new and occasionally to grab an old note. I just haven’t been able to stick with it lately because of the bloat. There are many other simple and sleeker tools out there today.
I must admit that Evernote has come a long way in the past year or two after its massive rewrite. The app is pretty fast and responsive on all platforms. If it had better export and the ability to hide the features I don’t want to use, it would be tempting to use it full-time again. At this point, I’ll wait to see how this acquisition turns out before jumping back in.
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I tried using an Outliner
I tried using Logseq to write in throughout the day. It’s a great application, but I can’t enjoy writing in an outliner. I had the same issues when I tried Roam Research back in the day. It’s okay when I’m just jotting things down, but I become frustrated whenever I try to write anything substantial, more than a couple of paragraphs.
I’ll stick with Obsidian because of the much better writing experience (for me).
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I switched from my Logitech MX Keys Mechanical to the MX Keys Mini. I can actually type much faster, and it is quieter! The aluminum casing makes it feel premium.
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Currently reading: The Lost Metal: A Mistborn Novel by Brandon Sanderson 📚
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Finished reading: King: Fairy Tale by Stephen King 📚. A character-driven and realistic adventure into another world where many of our fairy tales began.
I’d love to see this book made into a movie!
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“It’s the stuff you leave out that matters. So constantly look for things to remove, simplify, and streamline. Be a curator. Stick to what’s truly essential. Pare things down until you’re left with only the most important stuff.” (Rework) 💬
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I’m going all-in with the Readwise Reader app for a while. I’ll see if it is enough to make me switch from Feedbin.
I’ll need some time to adjust.
Readwise has a great reading and highlighting experience with the ability to subscribe to RSS, Newsletters, and Twitter.
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Your words are wasted - Scott Hanselman’s Blog Written in 2012.
“Every developer should have a blog.” Put yourself out there and make it findable. And still you tweet giving all your life’s precious remaining keystrokes to a company and a service that doesn’t love or care about you - to a service that can’t even find a tweet you wrote a month ago.
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I have a suspicion I’ll be leaving Twitter by the end of the year. I only use it for some work-related content at the moment. After stepping away, I’ve realized how much less stress I have without the algorithm, followers, likes, retweets, etc.
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I just finished the first phase of my custom Micro.blog theme. I applied it to my live site. Next, I need to fix issues, tweak, test mobile, and package it up as a real theme to share with other Micro.blog users. I’m also not sure what to call it yet. 🤔
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I have been using my iPad as a display under my monitor while I work. It has been helpful to have quick access to my calendar and tasks.
When not in work focus, the widgets disappear, and I enjoy a nice background image.
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“Whoever best describes the problem is the one most likely to solve it. –.” — Josh Kaufman 💬
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I’m thinking about making a new theme for Micro.blog.
I’ve always enjoyed tinkering with themes. I’ve changed my current theme, which is based on Alpine, quite a bit. It would be a great way to learn how all this works under the covers. Any advice for getting started?
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A year or so ago, I needed to minister my email situation. I had so many junk emails and many email accounts. After about a year of unsubscribing and consolidating accounts, I can finally say my email is under control. It’s easy to stay at inbox zero these days! #mbnov
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Interstitial Journaling
A productivity technique created by Tony Stubblebine, Interstitial Journaling combines note-taking with time tracking. 1
To implement Interstitial Journaling, you simply write down the current time and what you’re doing or thinking at that time. Try to write in this log after completing tasks, meetings, etc.
This technique has become very popular with modern apps like Roam Research, LogSeq, and Tana, where you have a Daily Page where you dump everything into. The advantage of doing this in a digital tool is that you can easily link to other notes in your system (if your app supports it).
The Bullet Journal is a popular analog note-taking, essentially Interstitial Journaling. The difference is Bullet Journal doesn’t recommend using the current time before each of your notes. Otherwise, it’s the same system—you write brief tasks and notes throughout the day.
An example:
- 9:15 AM - Code review for XYZ app.
- 10:27 AM - Starting the estimate for ABC Corp.
- 11:32 AM - Wrapped up the estimate for ABC Corp. I think parts of this can be reused. These are always easier to do than I anticipated. I should create an archive for estimates somehow.
- 12:00 PM - Lunch
- 12:27 PM - Writing about Interstitial journaling.
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I was certain I had already posted today’s #mbnov word of the day. I’m glad I checked because I didn’t. 🤨
