3.2.2026 Tuesday - more needles

The doctor is convincing and confident about the issues troubling me, and he proposes a series of steroid injections straight into the ankles. Before that, he tests (mock-ups) by injecting anaesthetics into the inflamed spots - one is in between two tendons. He tells me that I am on the mend, and I can 'lean' into working my ankles harder - which is good to hear. 

I feel better immediately. 

2.2.2026 Monday - lunch with George

A working/ non-working day, a spare day before the doctor's appointment so I decide to do a bit of work. With George, who suggested BALA - an Indian place in Bangsar - very nice, ate too much. We talked about what we can do after he passes his professional exams; set up a sole prop, continue as a director in our firm - have freedom and support at the same time. He can team up with Sean, although I feel that that they are too alike in character - so their team up can be like SML and us. A loose collaboration for projects - although GL might have other contacts if the project is in KL.

We can provide them with a basic wage until their firm is on steady feet, and they can still work with us on our larger projects and earn a fee share like Freddie. 

He tells me that he has not thought about it yet, and we ask him if JianMing has thought about it.

After eating, we talk about K2 - and arrive at some firm ideas, we agree that I will start the planning while he does the massing.

After lunch, Sam provides me with exercise by taking me to Ikea to shop for easy chairs for Marc's visit. She assembles them while I finish the planning for Kensington with GL. Later, she orders some small pizza which we eat on the floor like students, and enjoy a lovely evening after that - we work well together.

 

1.2.2026 Sunday - Prudence's Pink birthday

Looking for reasons to travel to KL, to see the doctor, to see Dad (which we did not this time) and to spend time with Sam, like how we did during the university days; albeit with a larger food budget.

We use this trip to see friends as well, this time Sam's high school friends, some of whom seems to have taken me into the fold.

31.1.2026 Saturday - dinner postponed luckily

 I meant to cook dinner for friends and family at No. 40 - but instead spend the morning collecting presents for Prudence's birthday and having kolo-mee and laksa in nan old kopi tiam that we have not been before.

leftovers for dinner, after getting work done with Sean's steel drawings

30.1.2026 Friday - Taiwan collaboration

 

29.1.2026 Thursday - safe harbour

The same sky

The settlers arrive by sea; they look for safe harbour.

An overhanging rock, clump of trees, a cave

to set up 'home'.

The settlers look for a refuge with a prospect;

high ground with a view of the water that carried them,

ripples of memories fading already.

This cave-like home is present but temporary.

It has a low door, for safety

and for heads to bow in gratitude.

and only then to look up at the same sky,

whose rain falls with voices from home.

28.1.2026 Wednesday - K2