> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://achronicvoice.com/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # 10 Things I Liked in December 2018 - URL: https://achronicvoice.com/december-likes-2018/ - Published: 2019-01-03T05:23:12.000Z - Updated: 2025-11-19T12:47:34.000Z - Author: Sheryl Chan - Tags: Diary Entries, Chronic Illness, Home & Lifestyle, Community, Relationships ## 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**](https://achronicvoice.com/bad-days-good-day-finally-came/). [**My Christmas and New Year holidays**](https://achronicvoice.com/de-stressing-december-2018/) 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***](https://achronicvoice.com/privacy-policy/)*page for more information. Thank you!* Pin to Your Chronic Illness & Home and Lifestyle Boards: ![10 Things I Liked in December 2018](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/10-things-liked-december-2018.jpg) --- ## 1\. Family Dinner and Dear Little Snuffles > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/BrseZ%5F2HTZG/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/p/BrseZ%5F2HTZG/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) 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 šŸ˜‰ 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. Sheā€™s 13 now, survived cancer, yet is constantly itchy and her skin is mottled with age spots. Sheā€™s such a dear little thing šŸ™‚ Read Related Posts: - [Whatā€™s it Like to be the Mother of a Sick Child? (Precious Insights from My Own Mum)](https://achronicvoice.com/mother-of-chronically-ill-child/) - [Whatā€™s it Like to be the Father of a Child with Chronic Illness? (Precious Insights from My Own Dad!)](https://achronicvoice.com/father-of-child-with-chronic-illness/) - [7 Ways to Be a Better Friend to Someone with a Chronic Illness (and 3 Things You Should Never Do)](https://achronicvoice.com/better-friend-chronic-illness/) - [Why I Moved from SiteGround to Cloudways (and Couldnā€™t be Happier). Plus Cute Puppy Pics & A New Pacing Strategy.](https://achronicvoice.com/moved-from-siteground-to-cloudways/) - [3 Important Holiday Checklists for Those with Chronic Illness (and Their Supporters)](https://achronicvoice.com/holiday-checklists-chronic-illness/) --- ## 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 Nirvanaā€™s ā€œSmells Like Teen Spiritā€. It just makes me think how Kurt Cobainā€™s spirit lives on, sadly only after death. Also, how much this song inspires life, despite his deep depression. Anyway it wasnā€™t 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 > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp1sKI2Fwzz/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Bp1sKI2Fwzz/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) 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 ā€˜sameā€™ 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 isnā€™t friendly, except during the nights. Iā€™ve 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 šŸ˜‰ Read Related Posts: - [A Car Accident & A Song Gone Silent (How Life Lessons from Chronic Illness Tide Me Through)](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-life-lessons-accident-bird/) - [Julyā€™s Supply & Demand: Learning to Maximise Wellbeing in the Midst of Stress](https://achronicvoice.com/july-maximise-wellbeing-stress/) - [April 2018 Prompts: Marvelling, Splurging, Continuing, Balancing & Investing](https://achronicvoice.com/marvelling-miracle-of-life-splurging-birthday-april-2018/) - [A Perfect Capture of Life with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/capture-life-with-chronic-illness/) - [2018 August Prompts: Figuring, Completing, Boring, Cuddling & Chatting](https://achronicvoice.com/boredom-stimulating-cuddling-birds-august-2018/) --- ## 4\. Antipodes Skin Brightening Serum [![ANTIPODES Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum, 30 ML](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31EYXA68uiL._SL500_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D7TG63C?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "ANTIPODES Glow Ritual Vitamin C Serum, 30 ML") I didnā€™t 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 šŸ˜‰ 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 šŸ˜› [Buy on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09D7TG63C?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=eb057c7ba9e091bacec4b0c80b1f964b&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) Read Related Posts: - [Veronica of Nourish Naturally Shares Her Best Skin Care Tips (Plus a Triple Discount!)](https://achronicvoice.com/nourish-naturally-skin-care-tips/) - [Wound Care & What to Wear After Knee Surgery](https://achronicvoice.com/wound-care-what-to-wear-after-knee-surgery/) - [Oral Spray Vitamins: A Quick & Easy Way to Get Your Nutrients with Chronic Illness](https://achronicvoice.com/oral-spray-vitamins/) - [After Surgery Care at Home: Hygiene Resources](https://achronicvoice.com/after-surgery-care-at-home-hygiene/) - [On Being a Decent Human Being and Other Thoughts](https://achronicvoice.com/being-decent-human-being/) --- ## 5\. My Celadon Mug from Taiwan > [ View this post on Instagram ](https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo0zq1ugRKt/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) > > [A post shared by Sheryl Chan (@achronicvoice)](https://www.instagram.com/p/Bo0zq1ugRKt/?utm%5Fsource=ig%5Fembed&utm%5Fcampaign=loading) 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 Iā€™m 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 ![Girls with bird](https://cdn.achronicvoice.com/girls-parrotlet.jpg) 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 šŸ˜‰ As it was Christmas, more good food was to be had šŸ˜‰ 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 Iā€™ll manage**](https://achronicvoice.com/bucket-list-chronic-illness/) my own kids in future, if ever), it is always a contented, happy tiredness. Iā€™m already looking forward to meeting them again ā¤ --- ## 7\. Gin Wigmore Holding On To Hell (Audio) - Gin Wigmore Whilst I havenā€™t gone through too many of her songs, I like what Iā€™ve 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 wasnā€™t what I was expecting, but in a good way! Iā€™m 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 wouldnā€™t 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 Iā€™ve watched so far has had a happy ending in that aspect. Read Related Posts: - [Fun & Productive Things to Do on Digital Devices After Knee Surgery](https://achronicvoice.com/things-to-do-on-digital-devices-after-knee-surgery/) - [Fun Things To Do While Recovering From Surgery: Hobbies, Crafts & Games](https://achronicvoice.com/fun-things-to-do-while-recovering-from-surgery/) - [What I Thought About the Award-Winning Film, ā€œUnrestā€ (vs My Healthy Movie Night Companions!)](https://achronicvoice.com/unrest-film-movie-night-healthy-companions/) - [Chronic Illness Quotes to Inspire, Motivate, Grieve, Hope & Laugh About](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-quotes/) - [#projChronicWisdom: Simple Pleasures I Can Enjoy While Stuck in Bed with Pain](https://achronicvoice.com/projchronicwisdom-simple-pleasures-enjoy-pain/) --- ## 9\. Olympian Labs Complete Prebiotic and Probiotic [![Olympian Labs Complete Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement - 25 Billion Live Shelf Stable Cultures - 30 Vegetarian Capsules, Helps Restore The Natural Balance Within The Digestive Tract.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41hUIv6XdxL._SL500_.jpg)](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TS349YI?tag=achronicvoice-20&linkCode=ogi&th=1&psc=1 "Olympian Labs Complete Prebiotic and Probiotic Supplement - 25 Billion Live Shelf Stable Cultures - 30 Vegetarian Capsules, Helps Restore The Natural Balance Within The Digestive Tract.") Iā€™ve started on this brand of probiotics for a month or so now, and think itā€™s 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**](https://achronicvoice.com/antiphospholipid-syndrome-diagnosis-a-to-z-guide/)orare on blood thinners like me, always remember to check the ingredients for [**Vitamin K or blood thinning agents**](https://achronicvoice.com/medications-and-antiphospholipid-syndrome/)!). With 25 billion live cultures it is a little overpowering for my feeble gut, so Iā€™ve reduced the dosage and take it on alternate days now, which seems to work better. What is ā€˜betterā€™? I donā€™t really know, to be honest. Iā€™m just basing this on the subtle changes Iā€™ve 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**](https://achronicvoice.com/causes-dangers-malabsorption-get-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](https://health.clevelandclinic.org/best-time-to-take-probiotics), 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 šŸ˜‰ [Buy It on iHerb](https://www.iherb.com/pr/Olympian-Labs-Inc-Complete-Prebiotic-Probiotic-30-Vegetarian-Capsules/65096?rcode=ZHK244) [Buy It on Amazon](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TS349YI?&linkCode=ll1&tag=achronicvoice-20&linkId=ace1d8c99a7a1d809a37035743e72d2d&language=en%5FUS&ref%5F=as%5Fli%5Fss%5Ftl) --- ## 10\. Top Blog Posts Iā€™m not sure how Iā€™ve hit 10 favourite things for December already, so Iā€™ll separate this bit into a new, more targeted post! ## Sign Up for My Free Newsletter Be the first to get the latest post updates in your inbox, and unlock the comments section. You will also receive an e-book full of uplifting messages, quotes and illustrations as a token of appreciation! [Browse more membership plans here](#/portal/), or [make a one-off donation](https://achronicvoice.com/#/portal/support) instead. Sign Up Email sent! Check your inbox to complete your signup. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime. Read Related Posts: - [12 Chronic Illness Bloggers Share Their Top Posts for 2020](https://achronicvoice.com/chronic-illness-bloggers-top-posts-2020/) - [Vitamin D & Vitamin K2: How They Boost Each Other in the Body](https://achronicvoice.com/vitamin-d-vitamin-k2/) - [Dysphagia & Swallowing Problems (and How Oral Vitamin Sprays Can be of Help to You)](https://achronicvoice.com/dysphagia-oral-vitamin-sprays/) - [Drink Pure Wine Review (A Product That Excites Me as a Person with Chronic Illness)](https://achronicvoice.com/drink-pure-wine-review/) - [Learn More About the Super Rare Disease ā€“ Esophageal Diverticulum](https://achronicvoice.com/rare-disease-esophageal-diverticulum/)