A running list of the tools, gear, workflows, and mental states I rely on daily β€” updated regularly as my life evolves.

Last updated: 2025-09-25

πŸ’» Hardware

  • MacBook Air 15 M4 – used for study, quiet coding with Python, and light automation
  • Gaming Rig
    • Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
    • GPU: RTX 3060Ti πŸš€
    • RAM: GSkill Trident Z 32GB @ 3600 MHz
    • Motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING B550M-PLUS
    • Disks: WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD 1TB + Toshiba 16TB HDD x2 πŸ’Ύ
  • Samsung Galaxy S23+ – ChatGPT conversations and social media
  • Walking pad – for staying active during podcasts, learning, and some coding sessions
  • Headphones – AirPods Pro2

🧰 Software & Tools

  • Terminal – zsh
  • Git & GitHub – for code, blog repo, and project logs
  • ChatGPT – daily assistant, project feedback, Python help
  • Tunnelblick – VPN client for connecting to TryHackMe labs
  • Remote Desktop (Windows App) – for RDP access to TryHackMe machines or my desktop PC

πŸ” Cybersecurity Stack (Learning)

  • TryHackMe – Cyber Security 101 path
  • The Web Application Hacker’s Handbook – theory + lab work
  • Next phase: build mini red-team simulations and automate scans with Python

🧠 Mental Systems

  • Builder-first mindset β€” not into PR or social media
  • Thrive on structure; avoid small goals unless part of a bigger mission
  • Identity reset post-PhD πŸ€“ – shifting from academic to practical, creative, and independent
  • Skating as grounding ritual
  • Short-term plan: freelance + projects; long-term: remote cybersecurity role + freedom