Cooking

“There’s no guarantee we can pull it off. Here’s one thing I know for sure, though. I know that the day I raise my right hand and take the oath to be president of the United States, the world will start looking at America differently. I know that kids all around this country—Black kids, Hispanic kids, kids who don’t fit in—they’ll see themselves differently, too, their horizons lifted, their possibilities expanded. And that alone…that would be worth it.” - Barack Obama convincing Michelle on why he needs to be president

I am finally feeling slightly better after my spine procedure, that I decide to do some simple cooking. Other than the occasionally instant noodles, I never cook. But as I have been feeling down from my past year of health issues, I decided to do something different for a change of mood. Bought some simple ingredient and made some pork jerky pizza for dinner.

Before

After

bb sick for the first time this week.

Last hospitalization, I hope

“Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about. Be kind, always.”

I have been having so much pain over the past few weeks, that it woke me up just 4 hours into my sleep. Waited till I have some free time from work to get it thoroughly checked. Was shocked to find that I have 2 slipped disc, 1 fracture and flare up inflammation on my spine. With these number of injuries, it was no wonder I was in so much pain, and I really can’t help, but sigh on the never-ending bad luck of my health again.

I am born with AS condition and have been on-and-off a strong pain killer medication for the past 10+ years. This time, it gets complicated, as I have tried a month of strong pain killers and anti-inflammatory medication but didn’t solve the problem. Thus, for the first time, I need to resort to surgical procedures. A ‘Radiofrequency Ablation’ was done to burn off the nerves which send pain signals to my brain. In addition, i need to be on ‘Simponi’ to block a protein in my body’s immune system that causes swelling and damage. All these were very overwhelming, but apparently, I was told I do not have much of a choice. From what I am reading, ‘Simponi’ changes part of my body’s DNA and lowers the body’s ability to fight infections. Honestly, it really scares me, especially with this Covid situation. I can only hope that with all this bad luck, my lowest point in life has been reached and things will turn for the better going forward.

First time, staying in such a luxurious ward

Radiofrequency Ablation done on me

Before the surgery, drop by this interesting lamp post. ‘LP1’, the 1st lamp post on the west end of Singapore.

Ice cream hype

“You don't have to make the whole world like you, and you don't need to like the whole world. The faster u reach that conclusion, the happier you become.” - Jenn Chia

So, I drove half of Singapore (All the way to Jewel @ Changi Airport) today just so I can finally satisfy my hype for the ‘Michelin Recommended’ ice-cream from Birds of Paradise. I pass by this ice cream store so many times and every single time, the queue would be so long that I had to give up. I ordered a double scoop white chrysanthemum and hazelnut cone. It was good, although my favourite is still the Macadamia Nut from Haagen Dazs.

The homestay from my lovely nephews during the end of 2020. An annual event which we all look forward to.

Goodbye 2020, hello 2021

“Failure is simply the opportunity to begin again, this time more intelligently.” – Henry Ford

Probably everyone would agree, it has been a crazy 2020. For almost the whole of 2020. Covid19 took most of the headline. Our life has been affected one way or another. I know of a colleague of mine, and a colleague’s parent, got infected by Covid.

As oppose to the pass few years, I felt 2020 passed by very slowly. Summarising my 2020 in one word, it would be ‘illnesses’. Both physically, emotionally and mentally, this is the year which took a heavy toll on myself and some of my family members. I went for 2 surgeries, in and out of hospital afew times, lost most of the hearing on my left ear, and my mum is currently still hospitalised. Stress at work was also at it’s peak; to the point where I am questioning myself if I still can or want to do this. To most of us, 2020 will be an unforgettable year. To me, it is a year which I want to forget.

A recap of my 2020:

1. Lost about 5kg of weight. (At one part of the year, i actually lost 13kg)

2. Achieved 1 professional certifications. I passed VCAP DC 2020 and maintained my vExpert 2020

3. Bought my first car

4. Took 3 months of sabbatical leave from work

5. Went for 2 surgeries, and my mum is currently still hospitalised

Status of my goals set for 2020:

1. Settle down and be better at ‘dad duties’ - I felt I did ok

2. Pass at least 2 IT professional certification, or 1 advance IT certification - Passing VCAP would count as 1 advance cert. So, yes, i achieved this.

3. Reducing my weight to less than 80kg (I really hope there will not be any more excuses this year) - I did achieved this as well. Although I could have done way better

4. Continue with my personal and professional website - Not as active as I would like to. But these 2 websites are definitely still alive.

Generally, this has been a year full of illnesses woes. I am mostly at stress over something in life. Lots of self doubts. It’s been taxing for me mentally and emotionally. Although i’m not a superstitious person, but 2020 was suppose to be a good year for me base on my zodiac. I can say with confidence, it has been a pretty bad year.

The average lifespan of a guy in Singapore is 81.4; I am at my mid-life now, an important milestone. In 2021, I will not be ambitious, but to focus on getting the fundamentals right. This will be the first year which I will not set any goals on professional certifications, but to sort out that I want to do with my career and my life going forward. Finding strength spiritually, emotionally, mentally would be a focus.

My goals for 2021:

1. Re-think about my career

2. Be stronger emotional and mentally

3. Continue and be better at ‘dad duties’

4. Reduce and maintaining my weight to less than 75kg

5. Continue with my personal and professional website