20-Minute Warning II

Start time: 5:58pm.

So, what can I share in under 20 minutes?

Firstly, I believe there’s a special circle of hell for those who use phone or laptop speakers in public. I encountered such a sinner early on the way to Oversight, and it was incredibly annoying because I could still hear the video call even with my earphones on full volume. (I was listening to an aggressive industrial rock song, “Starfuckers, Inc.” by Nine Inch Nails. Unbelievable.) Also, from the looks on everyone’s faces during the call, I knew that I was not the only one who was annoyed.

Moving on, September is drawing near, and some of the things needed for my December plan are already cleared out. But last weekend, I had a moment of doubt because a crucial part of the plan depends on timing. I already have a plan B just in case the timing isn’t feasible, but honestly, I would love for plan A to continue because it’s… sincere.

What the hell am I talking about? That’s the point of the December plan.

Anyway, I also started a new diet today because I want to lose weight in time for an upcoming family trip. I’ve been eating with such gusto (primarily because of a recent rough patch), and my stomach feels (and looks) fuller. I hate it. I’m not the most conventionally handsome devil in the world, so I try to control what I can: physical fitness and wearing good clothes. I hope the new diet gets rid of my beer belly before vacation time.

And now my time is almost up. See you in the next post.

End time: 6:15pm.


Header image: Sandeep Singh.

10-Minute Warning CLXVI

All right. What can I write here under 10 minutes?

Or better yet, I should answer this: How am I today?

Physically, I feel weak. It must be because I woke up feeling tired, and I started eating less rice or carbohydrates in general. I realized that I had been eating more than usual, and I felt sad about how fat I looked. I also admit that I have been lazy about working out lately. I need to be careful about what I eat and I need to exercise more as well. I’m not getting any younger.

And mentally, my mind is still all over the place. I had a bit of work to do, so that kept me distracted for a while. Now I want to go out tonight and have my favorite affogato… or maybe a different drink, any drink that will make my heart and stomach happy. (No alcohol though. It’s not the weekend yet.)

Overall, I’m not fine, and I feel that I will be like this for the rest of the week. But I hope I will be wrong about that.

To everyone, have a nice week.

Ω

30-Minute Warning XXXIII

What can I write here under 30 minutes?

Firstly, today is my Father’s birthday. After our monthly grocery shopping, Mother, Younger Brother and I surprised him with an avocado cake. Before Father blew the candle, he closed his eyes and wished for 15 seconds. He has never done that before – not in front of me anyway. But knowing him, it looks like he wished something for the family.

Anyway, happiest birthday to you, my Father! If you’re reading this, you are one of the strongest, most hardworking, and most determined people I have ever met and I aspire to be like you. The entire family and I would like to thank you for working so hard so my brothers and I can have a good education, among other things he has provided for us. I love you very much and I wish you all the best in life!

After my Father blew the candle, we had some cream cheese pepperoni pizza and fried chicken… but Father only had a bite of avocado cake because he is following a keto diet. The diet plan I mentioned is working for him so he has been preaching about it to us for months. I’m glad my Father has found a way to be healthier for his age and I would like to lose more weight, so I’m considering following the keto diet… but I don’t want to follow the way my Father started. How did he start? Right after discovering the keto diet, he immediately lowered his carbohydrate intake. And based on my experience, going cold turkey does not work for me. What works for me is the slow, gradual way. Wish me luck on my journey to a healthier self.

Speaking of getting healthier, I will start drinking less Jack and Coke/Coke Zero this weekend. I usually drink 3 or 4 cans or glasses of my favorite alcoholic drink, and I admit that getting tipsy or drunk is fun. Also, drinking and getting drunk at home fits my introverted self, it’s safer, and it does not hurt my wallet. But sometimes the morning after getting drunk, I would feel groggy. So this weekend, I will refrain from drinking more than 2 cans of Jack and Coke/Coke Zero, and from there I will lessen my intake slowly. Again, wish me luck!

Oh, I almost forgot to say… my Mother and Father bought enough Jack and Coke Zeros for October to December 2024, if I were to start drinking 1-2 cans of it weekly. My heart is so happy. Thank you and I love you, my beloved parents!

And time’s up.

Ω