Growth

 I don't want this space to be remembered for only the bad times.  It would seem that only negative emotions generate the need to vent.

I want to start off by saying that I've been well, even when not in this space.  It only took me thousands of hours consuming podcast episodes and YouTube videos to realize that this blog is ultimately content, and that whether I acknowledge it or not, I'm also a content creator.

I suppose what I'm trying to get at is that everything I put here, it's permanent.  At least, that is my intention.  So with that, I'd rather put some positivity here versus only the lows recorded here.  The optics of my life seemed very skewed, or maybe that's just my outlook on this place.

Malaysia at this point, has poorly managed this pandemic due to this joke of a false government (we're in a second MCO due to the third wave of cases due to the Sabahan elections).  New Zealand have resumed life as normal, and remains a testament as what good leadership is.  But echoing what BFM have repeated over their radio streams, the pandemic has given us the gift of time.

So here's a list of things I've grown to love in the past year, since MCO took effect early in 2020:

1) Podcasts 

Having the workplace be forced to move towards conference calls as opposed to physical meetings meant us relying heavily on Microsoft Teams.  So with that, comes the liberty for me to plop on my earphones and work in silence.  The introvert in me relishes how I can get away with listening to podcasts and music as I work in silo.

Shoutout to Solely Singleton, a Magic: The Gathering podcast which focuses primarily on Cube, which is my main project to keep my mind occupied in these difficult times.  Long story short, MTG is a Trading Card Game and I've been slowly growing into it ever since Kevin showed Commander to me in 2016.

I believe they're the only new podcast I've been listening to.  Oh, plus EDHRec having their own podcast show (also MTG-related, this one for the Commander format).

I like how versatile podcasts can be, since I get to listen to it while at work, commuting, or even exercising.  Also, don't sleep on increasing the playback speed!  Saves a bit more time to do other things with your time.

2) Fruits!

I've been slowly trying to take charge of my personal health.  This started by experimenting eliminating most (if not all) carbs for my dinners, and that slowly transitioned to me incorporating more fruits into my diet.  The benefits became apparent when I realized that I've more energy in me the following day, and with better bowel movement.  Plus, you can feel more full without gorging down on meals.  Not that I'll turn a good meal down!

3) Shopee/Lazada

The boon of US consumerism during my uni times have finally came to Malaysia.  E-commerce made it so much easier to purchase essentials.  I've made so many quality-of-life improvements (most of them within reason, I assure you), thanks to these sites.  I upgraded my phone, laptop, got a fitness tracker, and even bought electronic skipping ropes to workout indoors, among many other things (especially gifts).

4) Family and friends

It goes without saying that my support system also grew stronger. given some absence.  After the initial MCO, I greeted my parents with a big hug.  And coming from an Asian household, physical affection towards immediate family is rare.  Jolene and I have been steadily growing as well, and that has grown me tremendously.  I love her so, so much.

So on that note, I guess I'll conclude this write-up, feeling a bit more grateful of the things I have.  Practice kindness, and stay safe.