Now That 2018 has Come to an End
How was your 2018, now that the curtains are drawn? My chronic illnesses evolve every year, and it seems like my brain was the main interest to them in 2018, what with the seizures, brain fog and mixed psychological states.
My Christmas and New Year holidays were pretty much low key affairs, but they were still a lovely week full of good food and cosy gatherings. Here's a list of things I liked in December 2018. I'd love to hear what your favourite things were as well, what with the surge of giving and receiving that is often linked with the holiday season!
Here's wishing you and your loved ones a brilliant, beautiful and meaningful 2019!
*Disclaimer: This article is meant for educational purposes, and is based on my personal experiences as a patient. I am not a doctor, and nothing in this article should be substituted for medical advice. Please consult your own doctor before changing or adding any new treatment protocols. This post may also contain affiliate links. It will cost you nothing to click on them. I will get a small referral fee from purchases you make, which helps with the maintenance of this blog. Read our Privacy Policy page for more information. Thank you!
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1. Family Dinner and Dear Little Snuffles
I had an early Christmas dinner with my family this year, because my sister claimed that her tree was dying (thank you, tropical weather!). It was beautifully decorated, and dinner was fit for a king. It was a fusion of Japanese, Western, Russian, French cuisines and more. My sister is a serious foodie and even blogs about it on Instagram, so she went to great lengths to prepare this meal.
It was the first time I tried uni (sea urchin), and ate caviar the Russian way (with a mother of pearl spoon, on your wrist, and on blinis). Then there were cakes and macarons for dessert, which is my favourite part of any meal š
Whilst the food was divine, I think the best part of the whole gathering, besides seeing my family of course, was cuddling our dog, Snuffles, the whole time. I remember bringing her home as a baby, and her loyalty is just heart wrenching. Sheās 13 now, survived cancer, yet is constantly itchy and her skin is mottled with age spots. Sheās such a dear little thing š
2. Rockin'1000 "Smells Like Teen Spirit" Cover, Live in Firenze
Smells Like Teen Spirit - Rockin'1000 That's Live Official
This sounds like an interesting band concept, with 1000 musicians in it! I enjoyed this cover of Nirvanaās āSmells Like Teen Spiritā. It just makes me think how Kurt Cobainās spirit lives on, sadly only after death.
Also, how much this song inspires life, despite his deep depression. Anyway it wasnāt just the song in itself that I liked, but watching everyone having a collective blast of a time celebrating life. (P.s. Re-reading this post and re-watching this video still makes me so happy, even after 7 years!)
3. Achilles and the Uniqueness of Life
Achilles has been with us for 2 months now, and I got him because I missed Archer I (our first feisty parrotlet which we hand raised). But that was a mistake, because you can never really replace one life with another, even if the characteristics are the āsameā for each breed. Life is always unique, even with something as small as a parrotlet (approx. 26g/0.9oz).
Archer I was a curious boy who liked to hang with one claw from my glasses as I went about doing my chores, whilst Achilles is independent and enjoys sitting alone, chirping away to music. He isnāt friendly, except during the nights. Iāve been watching Chinese dramas of late, and have been bonding with him by giving him head rubs for up to an hour. Spending time with life is always worth it š
4. Antipodes Skin Brightening Serum
I didnāt like this serum so much at first, as I thought it was ineffective. But it seems like my skin was dry and stressed out for other reasons. My current skincare routine consists of using one bottle of serum until it is done, but applying a different one with alternative properties every 3 - 4 days.
For example, this particular serum touts a skin brightening effect, so I use an ultra nourishing one every couple days. I like to try those free sample packs during this time š Anyway, it seems to nourish and boost my skin better this way. Experimenting with new skincare products is something I find interesting for some reason. Also, better prevention than cure š
5. My Celadon Mug from Taiwan
Okay so this is not new anymore, but I still enjoy looking at it and using it. It includes a strainer for tea leaves and a lid to keep it warm - a teapot mug?
The older I get, the more Iām turning into my mum, even in terms of the objects that I admire. She loves her desserts and pottery, and so do I. I enjoy picking out a nice mug to use every day, and displaying pottery for aesthetic purposes. From rough, imperfect, minimalistic craftwork, but especially intricate, complicated, oriental styles.
6. My Friend, Julie, and Her Girls
My friend, Julie, and I were free over Christmas, so we met up for a simple lunch at my place. She has a pair of 4 year old twins, and I am filled with joy whenever I see them. They are full of life, and her girls are especially affectionate and expressive ā just like their mother š
As it was Christmas, more good food was to be had š We enjoyed a good foie gras, and the girls were so excited just because there were snowflakes on the log cake. Whilst I am always exhausted after spending time with them (which makes me wonder how Iāll manage my own kids in future, if ever), it is always a contented, happy tiredness. Iām already looking forward to meeting them again ā¤
7. Gin Wigmore
Holding On To Hell (Audio) - Gin Wigmore
Whilst I havenāt gone through too many of her songs, I like what Iāve heard so far. I find her rough vocals very interesting, and was surprised to see how she looked like when I googled her. It just wasnāt what I was expecting, but in a good way! Iām still exploring, but another song I like is "Holding on to Hell".
8. Story of Yanxi Palace Chinese Drama
Story Of Yanxi Palace - Official Trailer | Nie Yuan, Qin Lan, Charmaine Sheh, Wu Jin Yan
The girl at the hair loss specialist centre told me that this Chinese drama is extremely popular at the moment, and that everyone was watching it. I decided to watch it out of curiosity, and have finished all 70 episodes!
Whilst I wouldnāt say that it was the bestest ever, it was still a fairly interesting storyline, if the typical Qing dynasty concubine drama. I just wished that for once, star-crossed lovers could be together in the end. Nothing Iāve watched so far has had a happy ending in that aspect.
9. Olympian Labs Complete Prebiotic and Probiotic
Iāve started on this brand of probiotics for a month or so now, and think itās been pretty good for my own body so far. It comes with prebiotics, which is basically food for the good bacteria. (Tip: if you have Antiphospholipid Syndrome or are on blood thinners like me, always remember to check the ingredients for Vitamin K or blood thinning agents!).
With 25 billion live cultures it is a little overpowering for my feeble gut, so Iāve reduced the dosage and take it on alternate days now, which seems to work better. What is ābetterā? I donāt really know, to be honest. Iām just basing this on the subtle changes Iāve noticed after my breakfast (or whatever little I eat).
Figuring Out the Best Dosage and Time to Take the Probiotics
My medications can be rather laxative in effect, but my stool quality seems to have improved, which also means better absorption of nutrients. This also happened after I switched from taking them in the morning to night. The time when you take probiotics can make a difference, too, although consistency is key.
In terms of whether I feel better in terms of physical or mental health, I haven't noticed much of anything. Probiotics aren't a silver bullet, but I think it's safe enough for me to proceed with my next baby step towards hopefully better health. I'll be adding new protocols in first, before doing the harder work of subtracting unhealthy habits and foods š
10. Top Blog Posts
Iām not sure how Iāve hit 10 favourite things for December already, so Iāll separate this bit into a new, more targeted post!
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