Summary of 2020

2020 is truly a year of ups and downs.

I never liked setting resolutions for a new year because resolutions hardly come true. If anyone ever ask me what my resolution is, my answer is mostly just "to be a better version of myself, to be better than I was". Which may sound generic but is generally what I really am aiming for.

I remember there was a time when I was felt distraught and miserable over work and Boon was counselling (or rather, coaching) me. Throughout the whole coaching, he kept asking me this one question which stayed until now.

"What's stopping you from reaching what you want?"

So... 2020 is a year where I finally decided to do something about what I don't like about my life, as well as trying things that I have never done before!

COVID-19 came in to join the 2020 party uninvited. While it made a mess of everything, it gave me a time-out to sort out my quarter-life crisis. The time-out also allowed me to make a few upgrades in my life.

Computer

Since we were unable to head out nor travel much due to Circuit Breaker measures, Lenson and I decided to have our own battle stations. We bought 2 sets of CPUs from Carousell and it turned out wonky. Not sure if it's due to my touch FML.

Originally, Lenson seeked Ivan's advice on the rectifications. Slowly, he went to read up more on it and he managed to build us two new battle stations after numerous changes and upgrades.

Sadly, he sold away his battle station after concluding that he doesn't need it. I am satisfied with mine though! Loving every moment that I am spending with my set up hehehe!

Streaming for ANL

On 8th March, Audition Next Level held an event at Bountie Arena. The venue has one of the professional esports settings I have ever seen. The venue was large and spacious. There's a area with a big screen specially for people to watch esports tournaments.

For a game like Audition, it was considered magnificent considering how we are always hosting our events at simple LAN shops where space was tight and air conditioning was sometimes an issue.

Dorothy and I had the honour to be the first streamers where we sat in a glass box and did commentary on the game and walk audience through the tournament.

From hosting/ emceeing to streaming, Audition (and Remy) has given me so many opportunities to do what I like and want to do. I am so ever grateful to the game and knowing Remy.

Streaming on Facebook and Twitch

The streaming experience at Bountie got me thinking about continuing to do streaming at my own time. Firstly because I believe I was gonna be the permanent resident streamer of the subsequent events, so I wanna practise on my own time to get better at it. Secondly because I enjoyed it and I wanna continue doing it.

Thus, I started my own Facebook page! As ModHyunette. I figured it would be easier to check in on the other ANL streamers and see how they usually do their stream. I managed to kinda collaborate with a PH streamer (RV) and once, with Doro! HAHAHA.

Subsequently, I also finished polishing up my Twitch page and streamed once playing L4D2 with Lotti, Jessu and Aeons. Between Facebook Page and Twitch, I honestly prefer using Facebook Page. Maybe because I am unfamiliar with Twitch...? But I really like how Facebook Page keeps the stream. It works like a diary.

I've went on hiatus on the stream at the point of typing this. However, if I were to start actively streaming, it will definitely be on Facebook page!

Chopping Off My Hair

HAHAHAH no, I did not literally take a parang and sever my hair. For a period of time, I felt like I was balding... So I went to the hair salon and reduce my hair length by 1/4 and absolutely love the new hair length! It's about collar-bone length. People said I do look younger with that so I'm glad I made the decision!

Gained New Friends

Earlier on this year, Telegram came up with a Nearby Feature. The curious me went to set up a random group where people in the vicinity of the group were able to join. Through this group, I got to make three friends -- Desmond, Amy and Alissa (I think this is how her name is spelled). We've went out once together. But on their own they went out a few more times on their own. Glad to have known them cuz they feel genuine!

Also earlier on this year, I got to join a FAM called Kopfkino, which eventually led me to join a FAM called SOURCE. Through Kopfkino, I've also got to know a few others like Soba, Rila, YF. I remembered how I left Kopfkino cuz I felt left out but Bruce led a few members to find me at my workplace, bringing me birthday cake and small gifts.

The FAM leaders of both FAMs have been very accommodating and nice. Aeons and I had dinner with the two FAM leaders and I enjoyed the chit-chats. I've also invited Rila and YF to come over to my house just to catch up.

Genuine friendship are so precious.

Catching Up With Friends That I've Neglected For So Long

Chong Ren -- It was supposed to be a meet up with CR and Jessu. But Jessu overslept that day so it ended up being just CR and myself. He brought me to Robertson Quay, to his friend's restaurant. I enjoyed the food, the drink and the company! Next time, it would be CR, Jessu, Lenson and myself! In all honesty, we both found it funny how it was Alee who got us to know each other, and we ended up being better friends with each other.

Dominic -- It was affinity that created this friendship. To be honest, it was really unexpected that we would still keep in contact after graduating out of SIM-UB. Occasionally, we would catch up on WhatsApp, Facebook. This year, he came to find me when he came back to Singapore. We hung out for dinner and he shared about his life with me. I feel honoured to be able to be someone he confide in (kinda confide in I guess?). Grateful to have this senior!

Aeons -- Words cannot describe how much he means to me. For the past 1 year plus, he has evolved from an online acquaintance to one of my most treasured confidant in life. For the past 1 year plus, he's shared my joy, my woes and cheered me up. For the past 1 year plus, he's accompanied me play games that I am committed to, and games that I just wanna try. Yet, for the past 1 years, we've never met up much. I call him my best friend but it felt like I didn't treat him as one. This year, finally, we managed to meet a few times. Hopefully, it's not too late for him to know that I actually cherish him a lot. Thank you Universe for letting our paths cross!

Hanging Out With Psy-kicks More

On my wedding day, I thanked my "sisters" and conveniently forgot to special mention Boon, Gavin and Wilson. The trios who have been there for me directly and indirectly. It was through Boon that I got to know Gavin and Wilson and I adore them lots. The three of them are like big brothers to me.

This year, we got to go on a hike together, and we set up subsequent meet ups. I hope this tradition continues! Where we conclude each of our catch up, with a new date to catch up.

Extracting My Wisdom Teeth

Yes, I finally done it. LOL. It was scary BUT I FINALLY GOT IT DONE.

#48 was giving my headaches more and more frequently and I decided enough was enough. My father-in-law and mother-in-law managed to help arrange an appointment with an oral surgeon who they are acquainted with (Dr Lim Kheng Ann).

This Dr is absolutely amazing. Firstly, he made me felt comfortable. The way he talked to me made me felt like I am a kid (but I didn't felt small or looked down upon). It was the way he explained things slowly, and comically. Secondly, he was clear and determined to eliminate every doubt that I had.

We concluded the consultation with the decision to extract #28 and #48 with sedation.

On the day of extraction, I was given numbing cream to numb the back of my hand where the injection for sedation was going to be. During the wait, Aeons kept me company on Telegram even though he could have gone to nap. T____T gandong!

Right before the sedation, I even asked the Dr (not Dr Lim) if it was gonna work. Cuz I was so afraid that it wasn't. The Dr smiled and said, "We'll see."

Injection was scary! I felt the sharp needle slowly sliding in. The numbing cream helped a little but I could still feel it. The Dr joked that it was good I didn't pull back my hand or else he will need to do it again. The plastic tube was dangling off the back of my hand and I was unsure what to feel. Relieved that the scary part was over? Or scared about what was to come.

Before the injecting the sedation, the Dr warned that it was gonna feel a little bit cold. And then he pushed the liquid in. I didn't felt cold but about 10 seconds after that injection, I told the Dr, "Dr, it is working. I am feeling super sleepy."

My vision went blurry, my eyes closed and I went to sleep. Next moment I knew, it was over LOL.

Eating was tough and the wound hurt from time to time. It was worth it though! Sedation was fun HAHAHAHA, I felt like I had the best nap of my life wtf.

Starting A New Work Out Routine

Recently, a flight of stairs made me gasp for air and it dawned on me just how unhealthy I was.

Really? One flight of stairs was all it took to render my legs jelly.

That sudden realisation got me thinking about how I have been taking my health for granted. Consuming oily food and not exercising at all. In the past, Lenson and I would go out for walks. As we got more busy with work, date nights no longer exist and we're just at home most of the time after work, and even on weekends too.

Meanwhile, I am looking at celebrities and influences with their perfect figures. It got me thinking, "What's stopping me to achieve that good bod?"

Laziness. Laziness was what it was. Yes, I called myself out and decided that needed to change.

Lenson got me an exercise mat from Carousell. In the last week of November, I started really working out as often as I can, following YouTube videos as closely as I can. The first few days were tough. After many many years of being sedentary, my muscles were starting to be awakened. LOL. That rude awakening was unbearable as I waddled my way around daily trying to not thinking about the aching thighs.

It got easier after that. The ache got less as I grew accustomed to the intensity. And then, I started increasing it. From 15 mins of beginners' workout, I sourced for workouts that were easy to follow, but required more from myself.

On top of that, Lenson and I took Apple's advice and downloaded LumiHealth. Originally, the quests looked tough and unattainable. On a second look, the quests actually look achievable. Apparently, we can each vouchers through the app as we workout but I take more pride in completing the quests than earning the vouchers HAHAHA. The vouchers are bonuses to me!

I invited Aeons to be on this fitness journey with me. Not sure why and how but one day, he finally agreed and even came up with the idea to start a fitness/ food diary log. We're updating the log every day with our food log and workout routine logs. It actually helps me to keep in view what I have been doing and eating.

Yes, I am watching my diet now too. I've cut down on carbs and steer more towards consuming more vegetables and meat. Between vegetables and meat, I still prefer vegetables most of the time though LOL. My appetite has become smaller since. HAHA of course, I am aware that it can be a fine line between eating clean and a wrong diet. I am keeping watch on myself and will do my best to make sure I don't tread into the wrong zone!

Reading Again

I've wanted to read "Becoming" by Michelle Obama and "A Promised Land" by Barack Obama since when I heard about it. It wasn't until recently that I managed to get the e-copy of those two books and started my reading journey with the former.

As of now, I've finished "Becoming" and started on "A Promised Land". I'm glad I took up reading again because it helps me escape temporarily from reality and brings me perspective I could not have seen from my point of view.

2020 has come to an end, but the end of the year does not signify the end of the problems. Problems that exist will still be brought over to 2021. On the bright side, the good stuff will be brought over too.

As mentioned right from the start, I don't have any New Year's Resolutions. I take each day as it comes and aim for short goals that I believe take me to where I want to be eventually.

I only pray the Universe will still dote on me.