2021 Study from Home Setup - Autumn

I started classes on Thursday, the 19th of August. I probably should have made this post way before the semester began, but here it is now. A little vent: It's kind of disappointing that my uni isn't really considering that some of their students don't live in Southern California, and I feel like I'm scrambling to live there, but we'll see how plans unfold and how manifesting works.

Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes

Monitors

I appreciate the cable management that comes with dual monitor arms, but I put my monitors back onto the original stands. I wanted to spray paint them with a matte black color to hide the red rings on them. The full motion is much more preferable for making little adjustments when something feels off with my vision or neck position. It definitely takes up more space, but the sacrifice is worth it.

Recording Equipment

After months searching for an entry-level microphone, Jacob Collier helped finish the search by advertising the Shure SM58 on 05/08. I bought the interface a couple days after I got the microphone since I was still watching review videos to help me figure out the one to buy for what I needed. The most research went into getting the boom arm and it is definitely worth the price, after I tried convincing myself it wasn't. (I tried a cheaper option off of A-Z and didn't feel it was safe for my microphone.)

Initially, I planned on using everything for recording keyboard sound tests for my non-existent YouTube channel, but have mostly used it for recording covers that are in my hidden catalog of things I'm embarrassed about. Maybe they'll see the light of day...

Trackpad

If you've read my previous post, I held off on buying a Magic Trackpad. And clearly, I've caved. I bought it in space grey because they are rare now and it was at a partially discounted price. Using this has been really helpful for quickly getting to my MacBook and multi-tasking, especially when I've been editing photos. Despite my apprehension, I'm glad I've made this purchase. I'm a little upset that my Logitech MX Master 3 hasn't been very efficient lately, switching between devices, and I've tried fixing the issues (there's probably still more to fix), but I don't want to make it worse and lose connectivity.

Case

I gave back the free case I got from my best friend. I wanted to get something smaller, hides the lighting that doesn't match, and fits (in terms of color) with the total setup. During my trip to SoCal, Edmund, David, and I went to Micro Center to pick up the case after I ordered it online. I'm extremely happy with it. I had a mini freak-out about the Windows key and switching it over because of the change in motherboard, but it worked out in the end.

SHELF

A few things have changed. Notably, I picked up the same shelf, but in a black color. It's a temporary, but possible long-term change. I should have started painting the white shelf the same as the wall color during the summer when I had more time, but the more I think about it, it may scratch the paint and not seem feasible with constantly having to take the cat on and off the shelf when I need it. But I'll get into that.

• Plant: If you love IKEA, I hope you have this faux plant. It goes with everything. Maybe I should get a pot for it, so it doesn't blend in with the shelf. I moved it from the shelf behind me (when I'm sitting at the desk) and thought it'd fit better here.
• Whiteboard: I added a new photo of the brass trio that I've been obsessed with / look up to for almost a year. I've been playing the tenor saxophone for almost three months now and I'll be getting my plastic trombone some time this week; it's exciting. I got a new postcard from the church I used to attend in SoCal that's inspiring, so I put that up there. I have this weird idea to start super gluing magnets onto bottlecaps that I think look cute, maybe I'll act on it.
• Cat piano: a.k.a the greatest instrument of all time - despite the fact that I partially broke it. I was able to play two-note chords on this, but now I can only play one note at a time, which doesn't bother me too much, but still upsetting. I use this to help me learn songs by ear and then I transpose it to saxophone. I still don't think it's a sustainable way of learning saxophone, but I'm taking my time with my growth, especially with concern that I may not have time whilst in uni.
• Calendar: This beautiful minimal perpetual calendar used to be hung near my door. It fits better here. I can't believe I've owned this for a couple years now.

SMALL CHANGES

• I moved the Horne Section poster to the wall behind me, so it can be seen when I'm in class. It's nice to look at.
• The Nintendo Switch is on top of the computer case because of the monitor stands. I played Ring Fit Adventure on it once over the summer and my feet hurt so bad, even though I used my fatigue mat whilst exercising. I am flat footed on my left foot and I'm also old.
• I got a new footrest. It's from ErgoFoam. Buy one. It'll change your life.