30.12.2025 Tuesday - new works

Isaac's people arrive to start on our house renovation and repair works. I am quite looking forward to tidying the house up and making use of all the spaces we have created in the past 30 years. 

Looking back, I am surprised at the energy we had - to design, build and use these spaces. 

At the same time this morning, Sarah texts to say that her grandfather has passed away, we offer to collect her from the airport. She accepts, and at 7p.m. we pick her up from the airport and go to the wake. Their family and friends are there, most of whom we know and we easily pick up the conversation where we left off (years ago, for some of them).

I still have difficulty making eye contact with WK, I don't like looking at him - it makes me recall the falsehoods he has told. Recently I have the same issue with another 'friend' - after I realise that she has different faces for different folks and different occasions. Silly of me really as I have nothing to hide, I will look at them properly the next time they speak to me. 

 

 

29.12.2025 Monday - sitting and talking to people

 BP 121/88

In the past few weeks, we have not had our Monday morning meetings. Instead, I gather my thoughts (and ideas) and sit with the various groupings on current projects, and have a chat with them. This morning, I speak to Ricco and Clarissa - first about BAJ contacts, and photoshoot packages. Then I tell R that his theatre scheme has gone to the client (well done) and that I ll get him to work with FL on another project concept (this time for a school renovation). Clarissa and I agree that she could do with a diversion from the current ID job, and will speak to JY about finishing the HSL BP set. We chat a bit about R coming in late (I ask him about things at home - he says he overslept) - how we deal with time at work without using clock-in machines. Then I talk to FL about our work split, we agree that I will work on the school renovation and finish the frame detail for PD. Then Sean and I decide what he needs help with, he will go to the site and discuss the planter (see above) with Marvin, HP will finish the BP draft for print out tomorrow. Melvin will collect. Settled by 11 am - takes longer that a sit-down meeting, but I feel better about this type of interaction. 

At noon, while I am preparing my lunch, the Power-puff girl rings up and asks me out for lunch. I bike over and we have a good chat. As usual, they have work things to discuss amidst the naan and thosai - I like their energy, more folks should work this way. Freddie thinks the work problems are simply means to train ourselves to be more vigilant with records, careful with advice and thoughtful with our designs. 

An important outcome of the lunch chat, and as predicted SY has invited me for lunch on Wednesday

28.12.2025 Sunday - more 'things' find a new home

Early morning, writing - diary as well as to people about contributing to the Journal. Sam and mom still asleep. SY is up, we talk about his article, and as we are prone to do - talk about people. I think it's likely that we'll have lunch soon, his writing is getting better - it is a subject close to his heart involving people who are close to him. 

I go to the gym, kettlebells 25 minutes 2 movements: swings and clean&jerk - 16kg. But too much for lunch, rice and thosai. 

The planters are ready for topsoil, we buy some tarps and a poonkey. I'll start sifting the compost when the sun stays until late afternoons. Sam can plant her vegetables then, I'll help her keep on track. 

Inside of ankles still painful. 11 days since the PRP injections. 

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.

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...

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

 

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

20.12.2025 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.

 

17.12.2025 Wednesday - another project activated

 

16.12.2025 Tuesday

 

15.12.2025 Monday - hiccups and coughs

 

14.12.2025 Sunday - breakfast with Andrew and Tim

 

13.12.2025 Saturday - everyone is getting tired

 

12.12.2025 Friday - birthday dinner and a slight worry at the end of the evening

 

11.12.2025 Thursday - I think I'll stop playing squash

 

10.12.2025 Wednesday - meeting Andrew and Helen

 

9.12.2025 Tuesday - nice work today

 

8.12.2025 Monday - running slowly for now.

 Building competence is the things that equips us to be able to be safe in what we do. I think it builds confidence as well. I am better in a team - when PH is here to stand in for meetings and inspections, I am relieved to work on design issues and deadlines with the rest of the team. Interestingly, the 3 of us, including Leong are the earliest in the office each morning, the young ones tumble into the office according to age, (almost) with Clarissa coming in after 9a.m.

Most employers would take issue with this, but I let is pass - they give back their hours by staying back, and doing work as needed on the weekends. We don't talk about it, and everyone works around each others routines, they make arrangements to suit their projects and deadlines. It takes another tasks from the 'management's' plate, one less role to patrol. The last person to arrive at the office comes in at 2p.m. sometimes later. I have no say in her routine, but mentally object to it, not as a 'boss' or leader of a team. It sets a poor example for her team, and put added pressure on her partner - who is already over-worked doing projects from both practices.

I start with a slow-ish run this evening at the gym, after hearing a fellow architect talk about 'running' - it motivated me to start running again. I realise that I can give up most of the racket sports, but running - I would like to be able to do again, out in the open.