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...