lines on paper

Saturday, December 20, 2025

21.12.2025 - Winter Solstice

...and also end of the year - time to take stock. I know I cannot cardio my way out of an undisciplined diet, and my mid-section is not fitting into my jeans. Although my weight is now below 80kgs, this might be muscle loss, so weight training have to be more structured.

After the treatment on my ankles, I am advised not to do sports for 6-8 weeks (6weeks from today is the 1 Feb 2026) - so there has to be a new exercise routine.

Things to do

swimming replaces running in the sun
rowing and swimming provides cardio training
more sets, increase weight; squats, deadlift, rows, clean and jerk, stiff leg deadlift.
no carbs at lunch (weekends only) - don't eat if not hungry
eat dinner at home
more liquids, water, fruits
nothing to eat after 8pm

21.12.2025 Saturday - 90th birthday party

This main highlight for this trip is dad's 90th birthday - there were two new surprises; samkuma who was ill until yesterday manage to show up, she is likely the only genuine person in this whole extended family. The other surprise is the appearance of Chai Ean - a friend from Deakin, she left 6 months after I started Year 1, lived in the same house Sam and I did. I tell Sean and Sara to entertain her (they were seated at the same table) - they tell me that the vibe they get from her is a cross between Yasmin and Sherlin. I also get nice vibes from Selinna's Rueben - a large bald man with a red beard - I am surprised to find out that we have met before (online) for their engagement, and that he is only 25.

Other than these, there are no redeeming qualities from this gathering - so I will no be attending any more such dinners. I do not enjoy the company, and I do not feel like making small talk. It does not help that Sam is coughing every 20 secs, her coughs take a long time to run their course.

I must get in touch with Chai Ean though.

At hup soon for birthday - an OKU man serenaded us; Sara and I tipped him, and we all applauded after his rendition of a Jackie Cheung song - nice touch by Sara I thought

19.12.2025 Friday - how did you know I was in KL? Google Earth...

Today's turns out to be a programme free day - so we decide to invite Sara and her friends, Valerie and Harold to yum-cha. They talk no end about subjects ranging from school mates to barbeques to wardrobe shopping - a sign that they are comfortable in our company.

At the Grand Harbour, where the photo of the steamed chicken rice is depicted with a claypot

upper class wonton noodles

showing off to our friends who were not there

We meet Selina for a drink, while waiting CK rings and asks contract questions while he repays me with construction watch points - so that we are even on favours exchanged.

I ask CK - eh, how did you know I am in KL, 'Google Earth', he replied.

meanwhile in Kuching...

18.12.2025 Thursday - Seanie is 31

Sean and I have been working hard on Andrew Tan's interview; it will be ready for tomorrow's release in the Borneo Architecture Journal. The first in a series of articles and interviews with the pioneer architects from Sarawak - those who were already working in the 50's, 60's and 70's - Sean and Judy have been busy interviewing Andrew in the past week. It is not an easy task especially when one is doing this on top on daily day in the office.

Si Yong observes that people understand (now) that this is important work, and it is done well. And although those looking on may want to do a similar task or undertake a likewise project, but lack the time, the commitment and are perhaps not skilled enough to do it well. It does not help that we make it look so easy to do, though what they might not realise is the some of us work very consistently and very hard.