Fitness

Notes on: Exercise: Physical activities, fitness routines, and sports participation. Sleep: Sleep habits, sleep hygiene, and rest routines. Self-care rituals: Spa treatments, skincare, and personal grooming. Exercise Quantified Self: Daily step count Distance walked or run Calories burned Exercise duration and intensity Heart rate Blood pressure Blood sugar levels Body weight Body fat percentage Muscle mass Hydration levels Sleep duration Sleep quality (measured by sleep cycles) Sleep interruptions Resting heart rate Active minutes per day Exercise type (e.g., cardio, strength training, yoga) Workout frequency Flexibility (measured by stretching routines) Recovery time after workouts Number of workouts per week Maximum weight lifted (for strength training) Personal bests in various exercises Fitness goals progress (e.g., achieving a certain weight or body fat percentage) Time spent standing versus sitting Blood oxygen saturation levels (SpO2) Breathing rate Waist circumference Hip circumference Body mass index (BMI) Water intake Alcohol consumption Caffeine intake Vitamins and supplements taken Bowel movements (frequency and consistency) Exercise routines followed Workouts completed Physical progress tracked Nutrition intake monitored Weight managed Sleep patterns observed Mental health checked Stress levels managed Hydration levels maintained Flexibility improved Strength gains achieved Endurance built Recovery optimised Injury prevention strategies implemented Wellness habits established Health screenings attended Doctor’s appointments kept Medications taken Supplements consumed Self-care practices embraced Cardiovascular Running Interval Training High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) Fartlek Training Endurance Running Marathon Training Ultra Running Cycling Road Cycling Racing Touring Mountain Biking Cross-country Downhill Swimming Freestyle Competitive Swimming Open Water Swimming Breaststroke Synchronized Swimming Underwater Hockey Strength Training Weightlifting Powerlifting Squat Bench Press Deadlift Olympic Weightlifting Snatch Clean and Jerk Bodyweight Exercises Calisthenics Push-ups Pull-ups Dips Plyometrics Box Jumps Depth Jumps Resistance Training Bands Loop Bands Tube Bands Machines Cable Machines Smith Machines Flexibility Yoga Hatha Yoga Iyengar Yoga Kundalini Yoga Vinyasa Yoga Power Yoga Hot Yoga Ashtanga Yoga Primary Series Intermediate Series Restorative Yoga Yin Yoga Yoga Nidra Stretching Static Stretching Passive Stretching Active Stretching Dynamic Stretching Leg Swings Arm Circles Pilates Mat Pilates Classical Pilates Contemporary Pilates Reformer Pilates Reformer Jumpboard Reformer Tower Clinical Pilates Rehabilitation Pilates Pre-natal Pilates Nutrition Quantified Self: ...

3 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Self Care

Notes on: Fashion: Developing a personal style, curating a wardrobe, and exploring fashion trends. Grooming: Hair care, skincare, makeup, and personal hygiene routines. Self-presentation: Body language, posture, and non-verbal communication. Personal branding: Creating a consistent and authentic personal brand across online and offline platforms. Quantified Self Outfits worn per week Items purchased (clothing, accessories, grooming products) Money spent on fashion and grooming Skincare routine consistency (days followed) Haircare products used Gym clothes vs. casual clothes ratio Outfit changes per day Laundry cycles completed Dry cleaning visits Tailoring or alterations done Perfume/cologne bottles owned Shoes owned vs. shoes worn Capsules or coordinated outfits created Seasonal wardrobe updates completed Thrifted or second-hand items purchased Impulse fashion purchases tracked Clothing returns made Donation boxes filled Fashion Developing a Personal Style Identifying colour palettes that suit your skin tone Understanding body types and what flatters them Building a capsule wardrobe Mixing high and low street pieces Learning when to follow trends and when to ignore them Wardrobe Essentials The Basics Well-fitting white t-shirts Dark denim jeans Black or navy chinos A fitted blazer A quality leather jacket White sneakers Black boots A neutral knit sweater Seasonal Additions Lightweight coat for spring Waterproof jacket for rain Wool overcoat for winter Linen shirts for summer Shopping Smart Buying less, buying better Knowing your measurements before shopping online Checking fabric composition (natural fibres tend to last longer) Looking for sales and end-of-season clearances Investing in tailoring — a £20 alteration can transform a £50 garment Caring for Your Clothes Washing less frequently (jeans, knitwear) Using garment bags for storage Learning basic sewing — button replacement, hemming Proper shoe care (polishing, waterproofing) Rotating shoes to extend their life Grooming Skincare The Basics Cleanser — morning and night Moisturiser — suited to your skin type Sunscreen — every day, even when it’s cloudy Exfoliator — once or twice a week Going Further Serums (vitamin C, retinol, hyaluronic acid) Eye cream Face mask (clay, hydrating, exfoliating) Lip balm Hand cream Skin Types and What Works Oily skin: gel-based cleansers, oil-free moisturisers Dry skin: cream cleansers, richer moisturisers, facial oils Combination skin: balancing products, targeted treatment Sensitive skin: fragrance-free, minimal ingredient lists Haircare Finding a barber or stylist you trust Understanding your hair type (straight, wavy, curly, coily) Washing frequency — most people wash too often Conditioner is not optional Scalp health matters — dry scalp means itchy scalp Trimming regularly even if you’re growing it out Product selection — pomade, clay, cream, sea salt spray Personal Hygiene Daily shower or bath Deodorant — clinical strength if needed Nail care — trimmed, clean, under control Nose and ear hair trimming Oral hygiene — flossing, tongue scraping, mouthwash Foot care — exfoliation, moisturising, proper socks Makeup (for Those Who Wear It) Skincare first — makeup sits better on healthy skin Less is more for everyday Setting spray extends wear Removing makeup properly before bed Self-Presentation Posture Shoulders back, chin level Standing with weight evenly distributed Sitting without slouching — core engaged The wall test: heels, calves, shoulders, head against a wall Body Language Eye contact — confident but not staring Open gestures — avoid crossing arms defensively Handshakes — firm, brief, dry Mirroring — subtly matching the other person’s energy Personal space — respecting boundaries Voice and Speech Speaking clearly and at a moderate pace Avoiding vocal fry and uptalk Pausing instead of filling silence with “um” Matching your tone to the situation Dressing for the Occasion Knowing the dress code before you arrive When in doubt, slightly overdressed beats underdressed Fit matters more than brand Clean, intact shoes go a long way Personal Branding Online Presence LinkedIn — professional, updated, with a proper photo Social media — what would you want a potential employer to find? Consistent name and photo across platforms A personal website or portfolio if relevant Offline Presence How you introduce yourself Your email signature Business cards (yes, still) Consistency between what you say and how you present yourself The Throughline Your personal brand isn’t something you manufacture — it’s the consistent thread between who you are and how you show up. It emerges from repeated actions, not a single curated moment. ...

4 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Ansible for Windows

Ansible Preface Who is this book for? Introduction What is the purpose of Configuration Management What is Ansible Who Should Use Ansible Why you should use Ansible for Windows Configuration Management When to use Ansible for Windows Configuration Management How to Install Ansible: Step-by-step Guide to Setup Ansible on your development machine Windows MacOS Linux Local Infrastructure Development: Ansible and Vagrant Prototyping and testing with local virtual machines Your first local server: Setting up Vagrant Using Ansible with Vagrant Your first Ansible playbook Cleaning Up Summary Understanding Ansible Architecture Overview Diagram Playbook Introduction: Structure, Tasks, Plays and Handlers Writing Your First Playbook for Windows: Step-by-step Guide with Examples Running Playbooks on Windows Hosts: Execution, Debugging, and Error Handling Modules Roles Managing Secrets and Credentials Summary The Basics of Ansible for Windows Configuration Management Configuring Windows Hosts for Ansible AWS, Azure Configuring Ansible Inventory for Windows Hosts: Static and Dynamic Inventories Configuring Ansible Command Using Ad-hoc Commands for Quick Tasks Summary Windows Modules in Ansible Ansible.Windows: Ansible collection for core Windows plugins Community.Windows: Ansible collection for community Windows plugins Chocolatey.Chocolatey: Manage packages using Chocolatey Troubleshooting Common Issues Debugging Ansible Playbook Execution Errors Troubleshooting WinRM and Connectivity Problems Implementing DevOps Practices Summary Testing in Ansible Community Engagement and Contribution Paths Appendix Glossary of Terms References and Useful Links All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embedded in critical articles or reviews. ...

37 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Saltstack

Chapter 1: SaltStack Fundamentals 1.1. Introduction to SaltStack 1.2. History of SaltStack 1.3. Key Features of SaltStack 1.4. Advantages of Using SaltStack 1.5. SaltStack Architecture 1.6. SaltStack Components 1.7. SaltStack Terminology 1.8. SaltStack Use Cases 1.9. SaltStack vs. Other Configuration Management Tools 1.10. Real-World Examples of SaltStack Implementation Chapter 2: SaltStack Installation and Configuration 2.1. Installing SaltStack on Linux 2.2. Installing SaltStack on Windows 2.3. Configuring SaltStack Master 2.4. Configuring SaltStack Minion 2.5. Setting up SaltStack Environment 2.6. Understanding SaltStack Configuration Files 2.7. Managing SaltStack Services 2.8. Troubleshooting SaltStack Installation Issues 2.9. Best Practices for SaltStack Configuration 2.10. Advanced SaltStack Configuration Options ...

677 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Social

Notes on: Communication: Effective communication strategies with partners, family, and friends. Conflict resolution: Techniques for managing disagreements and strengthening relationships. Support systems: Identifying and nurturing supportive relationships and social networks. Quantified Self Time spent with family members Quality time with spouse or partner Dates or outings with friends Social events attended Phone calls made or received Text messages sent or received Video calls made or received Gifts given or received Acts of kindness performed Social media interactions (likes, comments, shares) New friendships formed Relationship conflicts or disagreements Resolved conflicts with loved ones Family traditions upheld Relationship goals progress Love languages identified and practised Personal boundaries maintained Emotional support provided to others Social skills practised or improved Loneliness levels assessed Family and Parenting Quality Time Quality time with children, spouse, parents, siblings Family outings or activities planned Family meetings held Family traditions maintained Parent-child bonding activities Family meals enjoyed together Household responsibilities shared Family memories captured or recorded Parenting Parenting challenges overcome Parenting victories celebrated Parenting goals progress Family communication improved Child development milestones tracked Parenting resources consumed (books, podcasts, workshops) Parenting philosophies explored Parenting support networks engaged with Positive Discipline Natural Consequences Time-out Bonding Activities Family Dinners Movie Nights Communication Skills Small Talk Topics Recent movies or TV shows you’ve watched and enjoyed Books you’ve read recently or your favourite authors Hobbies or interests you both share, such as cooking, hiking, or painting Current events or news stories that have caught your attention Travel experiences or dream destinations you’d like to visit Personal goals or aspirations you’re working towards Funny anecdotes or memorable experiences from your past Music you’ve been listening to lately or concerts you’ve attended Food preferences or new recipes you’ve tried Technology trends or gadgets you find interesting Active Listening Empathy Conflict Resolution Fair Fighting Rules Compromise Sibling Dynamics Conflict Resolution Sharing Responsibilities Compromise Sibling Bonding Shared Hobbies Sibling Retreats Mutual Support Emotional Support Practical Support Friends Social Support Emotional Support Empathy Validation Practical Support Helping with Tasks Offering Advice Recreational Activities Sports Games Board Game Nights Communication Active Listening Reflective Listening Clarification Assertiveness Setting Boundaries Expressing Needs Conflict Resolution Negotiation Problem-solving Apology and Forgiveness Romantic Intimacy Emotional Intimacy Sharing Feelings Vulnerability Physical Intimacy Sensual Touch Sexual Activity Open Communication Transparency Vulnerability Trust Building Consistency Reliability Conflict Resolution Active Listening Compromise

2 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Terraform

Chapter 1: Introduction to Terraform 1.1 What is Terraform? 1.2 History of Terraform 1.3 Why Use Terraform? 1.4 Terraform vs. Other IaC Tools 1.5 Terraform Use Cases 1.6 Benefits of Using Terraform 1.7 Common Terraform Misconceptions 1.8 Terraform Community and Resources 1.9 Setting up Terraform for the First Time 1.10 Tips for Learning Terraform Chapter 2: Terraform Core Concepts 2.1 Infrastructure as Code (IaC) 2.2 Providers and Plugins 2.3 Resources and Data Sources 2.4 State and State Management 2.5 Configuration and Configuration Files 2.6 Modules and Module Composition 2.7 Input Variables and Output Values 2.8 Functions and Function Composition 2.9 Terraform CLI and API 2.10 Debugging and Troubleshooting Terraform Chapter 3: Terraform Configuration ...

6 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Personal Development

This is where I keep notes on the things I’m trying to figure out about myself. Self-awareness, goal-setting, habits that actually stick, the occasional crisis of direction — all of it. It’s not a particularly polished collection. Some entries are finished thoughts, others are just fragments I’m sitting with. That’s fine by me. Self-Awareness Understanding yourself isn’t about grand revelations. It’s usually the small, inconvenient things you notice about yourself when you’re not paying attention — the way you react when someone interrupts you, the tasks you consistently avoid, the people who drain you without you realising it until later. ...

8 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Self Promotion at Work

I used to think self-promotion meant bragging. Turns out it just means making sure the right people know what you’ve done. There’s a difference, and learning it changed how I move through my career. The people who get promoted aren’t always the best workers. They’re the ones whose work gets seen. That’s not a conspiracy — it’s just how organisations work. If nobody knows you shipped the thing that saved the quarter, you’re not going to get the promotion. ...

5 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Spirituality

I’ve been thinking a lot about spirituality lately. Not in the abstract, philosophical sense — more like the practical, daily kind. The kind that shows up when you’re sitting in a room full of people and feel completely alone, or when you’re walking through a forest and suddenly remember to breathe. This page is where I’m collecting my thoughts on the subject. It covers religion, philosophy, meditation, and everything in between. Some of it is personal, some of it is research, and some of it is just me trying to figure things out as I go. ...

29 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Hobbies and Leisure

Hobbies & Leisure Notes on: Travel: Vacation planning, exploring new places, cultural experiences. Entertainment: Movies, TV Series, music, reading, hobbies, sports, podcasts. Relaxation: Meditation, nature walks, down time. Creative writing: Exploring poetry, journaling, blogging. Visual arts: Painting, drawing, photography, sculpting. Performing arts: Dancing, music, public speaking. Creative pursuits: Art, music, writing, crafts, and other creative outlets. Outdoor activities: Hiking, camping, sports. Learning: Online courses, workshops. and other things that bring me joy and relaxation. ...

5 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Book Binding

Book Binding Bookbinding is a great hobby to pick up! Here are some benefits: You can create personalized gifts for your friends and family. It’s a healthy pastime that can improve your mental health. Bookbinding allows you to stay connected with people, whether through creating gifts or joining a community of bookbinders. Equipments and materials I use 50Pcs Hot Melt Glue Strips 285mm Card Making Thermal Sticky for Book Binding | eBay ...

2 min · Shafiq Alibhai

Your Playbook for an Amazing Life

Chapter 1.0 - What is an Amazing Life? As we embark on our journey of self-discovery and personal growth, one of the fundamental questions we must confront is: What is an amazing life? This question, simple as it may seem, has profound implications. The answer is not only a reflection of our beliefs, values, and priorities, but it also influences our actions and decisions. It is the lighthouse that guides us when we are lost at sea, the North Star that helps us navigate our way through the complexities of existence. ...

300 min · Shafiq Alibhai