Some Good News

So I had a bit of a health scare recently. 

Just before the Chinese New Year I caught a cold and had a swelling on the chest right below the collarbone. It was quite painful but the swelling soon went down but there appeared to be bone spur/ lump, which I'd never noticed before (mind you, I seldom look into the mirror so for all we know it has probably been there for ages).

Anyway, my GP recommended me to see an orthopedic surgeon so I went to this guy who drained my knee about a year ago (these doctors are on my company's medical care plan). Wish I didn't though cos without lifting a single finger he just asked me to have a X-ray and MRI (!) scan ... in case it's something serious. Like, shouldn't he at least examine my frozen shoulder, which could well be the cause? 

So that kinda freaked me out during my two-week holiday and throughout the whole CNY period (doing the scans and then waiting for the report)... finally, I received a clean bill of health today, which is a big relief (and, no, the clinic didn't even call me up to follow up). The orthopedic surgeon just told me Good News, everything is fine -- but didn't explain to me why this bone is protruding ... only said that a muscle has pushed it forward (like, what does THAT mean?) 

This was the first time I actually got this strong sense of mortality... and for a few days I felt extremely depressed. The sense of uncertainly was daunting ... and I turned to my yoga practice as a form of refuge (focusing just on the present). Let's have no illusion about this though, it was difficult.

Now that the cloud that has been hovering my head is cleared, it really does make me appreciate life more. 

And I am so glad I won't have to see this orthopedic surgeon again! 

A Decade of Blogging

... or slacking (?!) Okay, it hasn't been quite 10 years but am quite amazed that I've kept this blog going (kinda ... on/off) for almost that long. And how the world has changed since. Not that *I* have changed much though (cause for alarm?) I'm STILL into gaming (currently playing The World of Final Fantasy on the PS Vita, Final Fantasy XV on PlayStation 4, and Final Fantasy XV: A New Empire on my mobile), yoga and mobile phones (BlackBerry, LG, Samsung and Sony). 

Mobile phones I have stopped buying as many (my contribution to environmental protection by cutting digital waste) partly because they are just not as fun & creative as they were in the past (design-wise anyway) and partly cos I get to sample them as part of my day job now (which is pretty neat). Most smartphones now pretty much offer the same functions and features (other than calling in and out) I just don't get excited about them anymore. 

Voice activation/ assistance (OK Google) still my favourite/ geeky feature and it's amazing how this function has evolved so much with artificial intelligence. Camera functions I am not so keen (never into taking photos/ videos other than the occasional posts for Instagram) but you can pretty much take very clear snaps in the dark now -- also thanks to AI. My current favourite phone is the Sony Xperia XZ1 Compact, which is small and versatile. It also takes 3D images but that is just a gimmick. The slow-mo function I also like.

I'm still practising yoga -- as a student and teacher -- but recently I realised I have been neglecting my practice a little ... hence my tight hamstring and this IG post:

(Hmm, still cannot cut and paste an image straight onto the blog page!!)  So I am looking forward to spending more time yoga-ing (and less time at my desk at work!!!)

Life is not just about phones, yoga and gaming though. Just finished reading a much-hyped book by Sally Rooney called Normal People. Not sure why it got such raving reviews; it's very well written for sure but what is it trying to say? The two main characters are like-able but not relate-able ... or maybe it's a generation gap thing (perhaps the story appeals more to Millennials.  

Okay, it's Chinese New Year today (Year of the Pig) and I'm wishing everyone Good Health. Even if you do have all the wealth in the world, without health, all would be quite meaningless.