Saturday, December 27, 2025

27.12.2025 Saturday - some things find a new home

talking about aging parents and grandparents, and about their recent Bali trip, and about clocking in and working styles, about treating people like adults. They are curious, and we are surprised how well some of our unorthodox ways have worked so well for so long.


No exercise today - but I find out that we sleep and eat better than many of our peers. We were eating a later breakfast which turned into lunch when Ivy and then EH and Sarah joined us, followed by Sean 30 minutes later. I learnt two things from Ivy, who assumed we struggle to sleep and perhaps get the 4 hours that she gets. I was surprised to hear that, I sleep early at 10pm until 530-6am - I wake up without an alarm and usually roll out of bed and go to the gym. I would like to go for a run but those days are not here yet. My ankles are still recovering, they are not recovering soon enough for me, perhaps I am being impatient.

The other thing I learnt was that the PAMSC committee is going to Hoi Ann after their Gala dinner in late January. SC was passing by - and asked if we were all going to Hoi Ann next year - 'no, it's the committee only' was the reply. Some of the committee have worked hard and deserved this, and they must have made loads of money this year, so a trip is a nice culmination of the 2025 term. 

I suggested to Sean that he can test out amah's pots and pans in the man cave, to see if they cook on an induction cooker - if if so - adopt them for his new place. And just like that, the mess in the man cave has been cleared up just a little bit. Work needs to be done consistently and with intent, small steps daily work best.



Thursday, December 25, 2025

26.12.2025 Friday - un-Boxing Day

highlight of the day - Sean took us out for a Vietnamese dinner and everyone including Judy and Rudy were able to attend

 We had another 'discussion' yesterday - I was seated in the living room; full of our stuff, work stuff, food stuff, medication, remotes, and so forth. Half the mess is mine, and I try to clear up once in a while but it gets messy again. I add to the mess and that in turn propagate the mess.

It's a small thing to complain about, but I am tired of coming home to this. Often, I wish to work but have to clear up first. Other folks we know have a study, and a tidy living room so that one can return home and 'flop'. This is why I like our new look apartment in KL; I feel that I have control over the space. Because there are only 2 of us, but guess what next year, there will be only 2 of us at home too...


Wednesday, December 24, 2025

25.12.2025 Thursday - going the extra mile

SL is very pleased with the photos Sean and Ricco took, I am very pleased that these 2 young people took the extra mile to get good results

 This morning, I received a message from EH wishing me blessings for the good work that I do with young people. This means a lot to me, Sam and I feel that we have done more in recent years to enrich the lives of the people around us, especially the young ones. And we can see how some of the former staff have returned to our social events, to catch up with their friends, and to see how we are doing. We have given them our time and they are returning the favour - they are invited via the office lunch group in which no one is ever removed (they can leave voluntarily of course) so folks from years ago still get up to date news about our office dinners and lunches.

24.12.2025 Wednesday - new routine







 

23.12.2025 Tuesday - growing young people




 

22.12.2025 Monday - working out for the school


 


Saturday, December 20, 2025

21.12.2025 Sunday - 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

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