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Setup

Foundation. With the compass set, build the plumbing. Setup is the physical and digital scaffolding of a working day — the tools, spaces, and defaults that run without thinking, so attention is free for the work itself.

1 - Macbook​

Setup your macbook.

1.1 - Settings​

  • Trackpad: Click instead of tap.
  • Scroll direction: Natural (scrolling up moves page up, per Chromebook default).
  • Modifier keys: Map fn to cmd for Windows interoperability.
  • Dock: Auto-hide on the left.
  • Pinned apps: None.
  • App recommendations: Remove from dock.
  • Focus modes: Alarms override silence.
    • Work
      • Google Calendar
      • Allow repeat callers
      • Reminders
    • Default
      • Phone calls
      • Google Calendar
      • Reminders
      • Teams: Calls.
    • Sleep: Nothing interrupts.

1.2 - Apps​

  • Imessage (messenger): Use ctrl + tab to move between unread messages.
  • Notes: Add "Notepad" note as digital notepad.
  • Reminders: Every 3 hours.
    • "Chimes": Hydration + Calibration reminders.
      • (7 am Alarm: Morning prayers)
      • 10 am
      • 1 pm: Afternoon prayers.
      • 4 pm
      • 7 pm: Evening prayers.
  • Contacts
    • Convention is {first_name} {last_name} ({detail}) (e.g. "John Smith (Banker)").
    • Run get_recent_contacts.sh to get recently added contacts (useful to maintain personal CRM after meeting someone).
    • Use "lists" for party invites and
  • Chrome (browser): Keep in dock.
  • Homebrew (package manager)
  • Python (scripting language)
  • Git (version control)
  • Calibre (file format converter)
  • 4K Video Downloader (YouTube video and audio downloader)
  • Resolve Studio: 300 USD for lifetime use.
  • Voice Memo: Use ~/Library/Group Containers/group.com.apple.VoiceMemos.shared/Recordings to view recordings in finder.
  • Image Capture: For moving assets from iPhone to Macbook.
  • Finder: Use snake case for file naming. See file_types.md.
Macintosh HD/
├── Applications/
├── Library/
├── System/
└── Users/
    └── {username}/
        ├── Downloads/
        ├── github/       # Github repos
        └── local/        # Local storage
  • Signal (private messager)
  • iPhone Mirroring
  • Preview: Useful for signing documents.
  • Siri: Useful for texting somone something one off ("Text Dad: See you later today.")
  • VS Code (code editor): Keep in dock. See VS Code.

1.3 - Shortcuts​

Macbook to Windows mapping:

  • cmd = ctrl
  • opt = alt

Tabs and Windows​

  • Close tab: cmd + w
  • Close group: cmd + opt + w
  • New tab: cmd + t
  • New window: cmd + n
  • Open link in new tab: cmd + <click>
  • Open new LLM chat (GPT): cmd + shift + o
  • Hide bookmarks/explorer: cmd + shift + b
  • Search: cmd + k
  • Page search: cmd + f
  • Global search: cmd + shift + f
  • Find and replace: cmd + shift + h
  • Command palette: cmd + shift + p
    • Menu (Google Sheets): option + /
  • Spotlight search: cmd + space
  • Find by path (Finder): cmd + shift + g
  • Siri: cmd + cmd

Editing​

  • Increase indent: cmd + ]
  • Decrease indent: cmd + [
  • Fold all: cmd + shift + [
  • Split editor: cmd + \
  • Paste match destination: cmd + shift + v
  • Paste formatting (Google Sheets): cmd + opt + v
  • Jump to next line: cmd + enter
  • Delete: cmd + delete
  • New File: cmd + n
  • New Folder: cmd + shift + n (like Finder)
  • Edit File Name: enter
  • Move Line: opt + <arrow_key>
  • Link: cmd + k
  • Spell check: cmd + opt + x (from Google Docs)
  • Print: cmd + p
  • Toggle lock group: cmd + shift + l
  • Import from Finder: cmd + i
  • Toggle languages: ctrl + opt + space
  • Switch app windows: cmd + ~
  • Switch apps: cmd + tab (use q to quit)
  • Move between tabs: cmd + opt + <arrow_key>
  • New tab: cmd + t
  • Close other tabs: cmd + opt + t
  • Open recently closed tab: cmd + shift + t
  • New window: cmd + shift + n
  • Copy path: cmd + opt + c
  • Jump to top/bottom: cmd + <arrow_key>
  • Toggle word wrap: opt + z
  • Copilot: cmd + i
  • Copilot chat: cmd + shift + i
  • Reveal in Finder: cmd + opt + r
  • Toggle dark mode: cmd + shift + d
  • View preview: cmd + opt + p
  • Snap left/right: ctrl + opt + <arrow_key>
  • Fill screen: ctrl + opt + up_arrow
  • Switch workspace: four_finger_swipe.

Screenshots and Recording​

  • Screenshot - clipboard: cmd + shift + 4
  • Screenshot - download: cmd + ctrl+ shift + 4
  • Record screen: cmd + shift + 5

System​

  • Force quit: cmd + opt + esc
  • Copy file path: cmd + opt + c

1.4 - Chrome​

Pinned​

  • Google Calendar
    • Calendars
      • Ariel's Calendar
      • Ariel's Birthdays: Important birthdays.
    • Features
      • Shared calendars
      • Gemini integration: Used to create events from screenshots.
      • People search: Use the "Search for People" bar (left pane middle) to quickly view people's schedules.
      • Notification default: 2 minutes.
    • Views: Week (w). Month (m).
    • Colors: See calendar_colors.png.
      • ■ Calibration
      • ■ Connection
      • ■ Wellness
      • ■ Exploration
      • ■ Movement
      • ■ Work
      • ■ Art
      • ■ Travel
    • Abbreviations
      • Unverified event: ?
      • Weekly repeating event: ^
      • With: w
      • Regarding: re
  • GPT

Social​

  • WhatsApp
    • Create a chat directly from a phone number using the following URL format: https://wa.me/{phone_number} (e.g., https://wa.me/1234567890)
    • Broadcasts lists: Settings > Broadcast Lists.
  • Instagram Inbox
  • Gmail
    • Enable auto advance and nudges.
    • Mention directly (Gmail mentions are static so ensure proper naming in Google Contacts) and use numbered system.
    @{name}

    1) First point. 

    2) Second point.
    • Bold CTAs as needed.
    • Use URLs to reference threads by topic.
    • Use labels to organize (e.g. status).
    • Snooze as needed.
  • LinkedIn Inbox
  • Facebook Messenger
  • Google Voice
  • Ariel's Social.docx
    • imessage

Morning​

Tools​

  • Google Remote Desktop
  • Mermaid: Use to visualize .mmd files.
  • Figma: Use drafts for unlimited boards.
  • Google Family: Setup family plan here (can invite up to 5 members).
    • Family Recovery: Share Google account backup code (Security > Backup Codes) in Google Passwords (site is backup.com) with designated family member in case of emergency (think spare key). See share_backup.png.
    • Personal Recovery: Store backup code on password protected SSD in encrypted image (via Disk Utility Sparse Bundle Image (UDSB) + AES-256) to ensure quick access to account without carrier friction ({recovery_drive}/backup_code.txt). See ssd_recovery.png.
    • Recovery: To recover, go to Account Recovery and enter backup code.
  • GitHub: To backup repos, use backup_repos.py.
├── planner.md          # Plan today/tomorrow; track paused projects
├── queue.md            # Queue of "Later"-stage projects
└── projects/
    ├── taxes/
    │   └── _taxes.md
    ├── secrets/
    │   └── _secrets.md
    └── life/
        ├── _life.md    # Life details
        └── journal.md  # Journal: Events / Feelings / Mussar
  • GPT
  • Claude: See ai_writing_levels.md.
  • Google Docs: Use "Pageless". Great for collaboratoin.
  • Gemini: Useful for Google workspace actions (e.g. "Add this event to my Google Cal").
  • US Mobile: 25 USD a month.
  • Telegram
  • Google Drive
ariels_drive/
├── shared/
├── private/
│   ├── recovery/       # Backup codes for logins
│   ├── identity/       # Passport, ID, birth certificate
│   └── medical/
└── {project_name}/

Entertainment​

Features​

  • Pinned: Keep frequently used tabs always accessible by pinning them.
  • Bookmarks: Save and organize your favorite websites for quick access. Bookmark above apps by category.
  • Passwords: Manage and autofill your saved passwords securely at chrome://password-manager/passwords.
  • PDFs: Use {pdf_file_path}#page={page_number} to bookmark PDFs with page number.
  • Extensions: chrome://extensions/
  • Groups: Organize tabs into groups for better workflow and focus.

1.5 - VS Code​

  • Setup
    • Explorer
    • Planner
    • Working File
    • Claude
  • Github
    • IMPORTANT Always run backup script to save work.
  • Markdown
    • Sync Markdown with Docs for collaboration — run sync_markdown_to_gdoc.py to mirror the Markdown SOT into a commentable Doc.
    • Convert to PDF for contract signing via Dochub.
    • Padd markdown tables for easier viewing.
    • Don't have line breaks - just use wrapping.
  • Python
    • Use top level constants for pre-run config.
  • Extensions: See vs_code_extensions.md.
  • Source control: Use to review diffs pre commit.
  • Search files: {folder_name}/{file_name} to find a file in a specific folder/project.
  • Zoom: -1.

2 - iPhone​

Setup your iPhone.

2.1 - Settings​

  • Action button: Map to open "Notepad" note. Most used feature on phone. Think "queue to address on Macbook".
  • Grayscale: Setup grayscale color filter.
  • Keyboard: Keyboard Feedback haptic on sound off.
  • Text: Set text to 2/6 size.
  • Autofill: From chrome.
  • iCloud: Turn off iCloud documents and photos sync. Upgrade to 50 GB to support message backups.
  • Time limit: Disable Safari and Chrome via Time Limit app.
  • iMessage: Enable "Text message forwarding" (so SMS forwards to Macbook app).
  • NameDrop
  • Controls
    • Notifications: Top left corner.
    • Control panel: Top right corner.
    • Double tap side button: Wallet.
    • Action button: Camera.
  • Search: Swipe up to search phone.
  • Siri: Enable talking to assistant. Hold down side button to trigger.
  • Screenshot: Save to photos to sync to morning process.

2.2 - Apps​

Homescreen​

LTR-TTB.

Screen 1

  • Google Calendar: Calendar.
  • Maps: Navigation. Enable "Always Allow" location tracking to maintain an accurate timeline history.
  • Phone: Calling. Badges enable quick follow-up on phone calls.
  • GPT

Screen 2

  • Book Player
    • Download via 4K Downloader.
    • Airdrop to iphone.
    • Import into Book Player library.
  • YT Music
  • Books
    • Download, airdrop, and import.
  • Songbook Pro
    • Control over song chord chart.
    • Import on Macbook.
    • Lyrics only mode.

Primary - Hidden​

  • Contacts
  • WhatsApp: Enable voice message transcripts. Disable "Read receipts". Set "Last seen and online" to "Nobody".
  • Messages: Disable "Send read receipts" and "Show typing indicators".
  • Recorder
  • Google Photos: Set to auto sync.
  • Teams: Call notifications allowed. Quiet hours set 5 pm - 7 am.
  • Camera: Disable live photo.
  • Interval Timer

Secondary - Hidden​

  • Tabs
  • GitHub
  • Venmo
  • Capital One
  • Gmail
  • Weather
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Translate
  • Duo
  • Picture This

Hidden — Authentication​

  • Microsoft
    • School
    • Work
    • Github work
  • Google
    • Personal
    • Work

2.3 - Apple Watch​

  • Grayscale
  • Notifications: Prominent. Google Calendar mirrors iphone.
  • Face: Minimalist.
    • Date
    • Timer
    • Camera
    • Temperature
  • Siri: Reminders and timers.
  • Control Center: Set Theater mode to On.
  • Water mode: Use to disable touch and clear speakers of water.

3 - Things​

Setup your things.

3.1 - Person​

  • Wrist
    • Apple Watch
  • Pockets
    • iPhone
    • Wallet
      • Card pocket
        • Drivers license
        • Credit card
        • Debit card
        • Backup credit card
        • Cash = $100
        • Breath strips
        • Airtag
      • Keys pocket
        • Keys
    • AirPods: See AirPod setting defaults here. Disable bluetooth to record voice messages. Use control center iphone mic during windy condition phone calls.

3.2 - Backpack​

3.3 - Bedroom​

3.4 - Gear​

3.5 - Closet​

  • Shelves: Use woven tote grocery bags for "bucket" storage.

Bottoms

Tops

Winter

Misc

3.6 - Bathroom​

Shower

Cabinet: LTR-TTB.

Counter

Cleaning

3.7 - Kitchen​

#clean tag means that item should be cleaned right away for next reuse.

Appliances

Pantry

  • Tea
  • Supplements
    • Protein
    • Creatine pills
    • Multi vitamins

Utensils

  • Forks
  • Spoons
  • Small plates
  • Big plates
  • Bowls
  • Mugs
  • Glasses

Sink

  • Top

  • Bottom

    • Dishwasher pods
    • Trash bags
    • Extra gloves
    • Diswasher magnet

Prepware

Cookware

  • Non-stick pan: #clean
    • Rubber spatula: #clean
  • Stainless pan
    • Metal spatula
  • Small pot: For pasta
  • Towels: Placed on oven door
    • Clean towel
    • Dirty towel

Containers

3.8 - Living Room​

  • TV
  • Couch
  • Fairy Lights

3.9 - Garage​

Tools

  • Drivers
    • Screw
      • Philips
      • Flathead
      • Hex

Biking

  • Biker Bag: Add structural support. Add frame bag. Remove pedals (left pedal has reverse threading). Remove tires. Remove handle bars. Remove rear derailer. Secure in bag. Bubble wrap. Add gear. Add tires. See EVOC Bike Travel Bag Demo.
  • Road Bike: Triban RC 500 Disc Road Bike.
    • Rear Bike Rack
    • Phone Holder
    • Lights
  • Bike Lock
  • Distance

3.10 - Health​

Cold

Wounds

Inflammation

  • Burn cream
  • Antihistamine

Stomach

  • Tums
  • Traveler's Diarrhea medication
  • Zofran
  • Saltines

Pain

  • Ibuprofen
  • Tylenol

OD

3.11 - Home​

  • Bedroom/Office
  • Bathroom
  • Kitchen
  • Living room
  • Dinning room
  • Music room
  • Yard

4 - Finances​

Set up finances.

4.1 - Capital One​

  • Checking Account: ~$5K liquid. Order debit card. Get checks. 
    For deposit only
    [Your signature]
  • Savings Account: ~$10K liquid. Higher APY.
  • Quicksilver Credit Card: Offers theft and travel insurance protection. Setup auto pay every month. Setup email notification for spending alerts. Order credit card. 1.5% cash back.
  • Business Account: ~$1K liquid. Order business debit card.

4.2 - Schwab​

  • Schwab Checking: Foreign ATM reimbursement. *734. ~1k liquid.
  • HSA: Max out HSA contributions ~4K. Tax deductible, tax free growth, and tax free withdraw (for medical). After 65, rolls into 401k (for non-medical). Treat HSA like a stealth retirement account.
    • HSA: 1K for medical expenses.
    • Betterment: Manages HSA investment. Remaining funds.
  • Schwab IRA: Max out $7K limit for tax advantage account (assumes present taxes will exceed future tax obligations in retirement). Tax free withdrawal. *848.
    • Schwab ROTH IRA: Use in the event that present taxes are less than future tax obligations in retirement.
  • Schwab Investment: All remaining funds invested with the strategy below. *605.
    • VOO: 80%
    • AAAU (aka Gold): 20%
  • Schwab 401K: Leverages employer match (less personal control). Tax deductible.
  • Schwab 529: Use for predicted education expenses. Can roll into IRA.

4.3 - Tiller​

Track transactions with Tiller to track in Private Spreadsheet.

  • Categories: Add categories as needed.
  • Transactions
    • Use "Transfer" category for payments between credit card and savings account.
    • Turn auto CAT off (allows for manual transaction review).
    • Tipping: Sit-down restaurants, spa, food delivery, haircuts. 20%.
  • Balances: Use extension menu option "Manual Accounts" to add manual accounts. See article here.

4.4 - Medical​

  • Health Insurance Plan
    • HDHP
  • Book appointment: Via Zocdoc and designate a PCP (primary care provider) via insurance portal.
  • Eye care: Sign up for America's Best Eye Care Club ($100) to get eye exams for 3 years.
  • Contacts: Order contact lenses with Costco.
  • MinuteClinic: Great for ear cleanings and one off visits.

5 - Meal Prep​

Prep meals.

5.1 - Plan​

Plan your meals. Think of this as your "home menu" on your fridge (see meal_menu.md).

  • Breakfast
    • Cereal: Cornflakes, milk, banana.
    • Oatmeal: Oatmeal, butter, honey.
    • Yogurt: Yogurt, maple syrup, berries.
    • Pancake: Pancake mix, fruit, maple syrup.
    • Granola: Granola, milk.
  • Lunch
    • Egg Stirfry: Egg. Carrots, peas. Served with rice and hot sauce.
    • Sausage Stirfry: Sausage. Peppers. Served with rice and hot sauce.
    • Tuna Sandwitch/Wrap: Bread. Tuna. Lettuce. Mustard. Zchug.
    • Deli Sandwitch/Wrap: Bread. Deli. Lettuce. Mustard. Zchug.
  • Recovery
    • Fruit Smoothie: Milk, bananas, fruit, protein powder, creatine, salt.
  • Dinner (Pan)
    • Beef
      • Taco Beef: Beef, taco seasoning. Served with rice and corn. Mexican.
      • Shepherd's Pie Beef: Beef, green goddess seasoning, mashed potatoes. Served with peas. Irish.
    • Turkey
      • Bolognese Turkey: Turkey, mushrooms, marinara sauce. Serve with pasta. Italian.
    • Chicken
      • Shawarma Chicken: Chicken thighs, shawarma spice, roasted sweet potatoes, hummus. Served with rice. Middle Eastern.
      • Moroccan Chicken: Chicken thighs, Moroccan spice blend, roasted vegetables, green olives. Served with rice. North African.
      • Miso Chicken: Chicken thighs, miso sauce (miso paste, honey, soy sauce), roasted broccoli. Served with rice. Japanese. See miso_chicken_recipe.md.
      • Thai Curry Chicken: Chicken thighs, Thai curry paste, coconut milk. Served with rice. Thai.

5.2 - Shop​

Pantry

  • Snacks
    • Dates
    • Almonds
  • Protein
    • Tuna: Cans with Olive Oil
  • Fruit
    • Bananas
  • Veggies
    • Onions
    • Carrots
    • Shredded Carrots
    • Sweet Potatoes
    • Corn
  • Misc
    • Marinara sauce
    • Canned tomatoes
    • Chicken stock
    • Coconut milk
    • Peanut butter
    • Balsam viniger
    • Pasta
    • Corn starch
    • Tea
  • Seasoning
    • Taco seasoning
    • Chili seasoning
    • Curry paste
    • Miso paste
    • Chili Garlic
    • Fish sauce
    • Soy sauce
    • Moroccan spice blend

Fridge

  • Eggs
  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Mayo
  • Greek yogurt
  • Tortillas
  • Produce
    • Mushrooms
    • Lemons
    • Celery

Prep

  • Ground beef: 80/20
  • Chicken thighs
  • Chicken breasts

Frozen — for "frozen bags".

  • Sausage
  • Broccoli
  • Berries
  • Spinach

Misc

  • Olive oil
  • Honey
  • Black Beans
  • Garbanzo
  • Lentils
  • White Rice
  • Pitas
  • Toilet paper

5.3 - Prepare​

Work with an apron to keep things tidy.

  • Stage
    • Prep "frozen bags"
    • Prep pantry
    • Stage chopped veggies
    • Prep granola
  • Oven
    • Roasted Veggies: To be used in frozen bags.
      • Preheat oven to 375 F.
      • Toss in oil.
      • Add to pan.
      • Cook for 15 minutes each side.
    • Granola: 350 F for ~20 min. See granola_recipe.md.
  • Pan: Prep meat last so you can place cutting board and knife in sink after use. Preheat stainless steel pan until water "dances".
    • Beef Tacos
      • Heat oil in pan.
      • Brown meat (1 lbs).
      • Add seasoning (1 packet).
    • Chicken:
      • Make sauces (thin miso; bloom curry paste in oil + coconut milk).
      • Cube thighs, pat dry, salt.
      • If dry-spice dish, add seasoning now.
      • Sear in pan.
      • If sauce dish, finish in sauce (miso: last 2 min; curry: simmer to meld).
      • Freeze dry-spice dishes with a splash of stock so they reheat moist.
  • Pot
    • Cook pasta.
    • Cook mashed potatoes.
  • Finish
    • Cool.
    • Freeze in Souper Cubes.
    • 24+ hours later, transfer to quart sized freezer bags.
    • Wash Souper Cubes by hand and let dry.

5.4 - Stage​

Every 2-3 days, stage meals in glass tuperwear. This allows food to thaw and allowws for a simple pan meal (e.g. eggs).

5.5 - Replenish​

Order Amazon fresh as needed:

  • Avocados
  • Bananas

5.6 - Parties​

Prep for dinner parties as needed. For formats and running the room, see hosting.md.