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

Last updated: 2025-07-27

💻 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 🚀
    • RAM: GSkill Trident Z 32GB @ 3600 MHz
    • Motherboard: ASUS TUF GAMING B550M-PLUS
    • Disks: WD Black SN750 NVMe SSD 1TB + Toshiba 16TB HDD x2 💾
  • Samsung Galaxy S23+ – ChatGPT conversations and social media
  • Walking pad – for staying active during podcasts, learning, and some coding sessions
  • Headphones – 1MORE SonoFlow PRO

🧰 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

🧠 Workflows & Systems

  • Daily structure:
    • 3 days/week Python (5–6h/day), 3 days/week cybersecurity (TryHackMe + books)
    • Nightly blog writing (aim: publish each Sunday)
  • Progress tracking – simple notes + self-feedback
  • Frequent setup changes – rotate workspaces (desk, floor, farmhouse, park) to reduce pain
  • Smoke-free since summer 2025 – tracking nicotine pouches and health changes

🔐 Cybersecurity Stack (Learning)

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

🧠 Mental Systems

  • Builder-first mindset — not into PR or social media
  • Thrive on structure; avoid small goals unless part of a bigger mission
  • Identity reset post-PhD 🤓 – shifting from academic to practical, creative, and independent
  • Blogging as grounding ritual – 15–30 mins/night
  • Short-term plan: freelance + projects; long-term: remote cybersecurity role + freedom