2017 reflection

What an eventful year it has been, not just what's been happening across the globe but around me.

A year of loss

We lost our beloved M-T this year. It was sudden, quick and shock for everyone. M-T had been in decline. We all could see how time can do cruel things to human physical shells, but not to the minds. We still talk about M-T as she's still around. Now she lives in a separate corner of my heart. Never forgotten, always there.

A number of friends whom we came to know quite well this year also left to find a greener pasture somewhere else. It's unavoidable. Forward and upward, that's what people do. All the best wishes for I&A, D, Y and S.

A year of self-challenges

I decided to start a weekly diary (weekary?) on the outset of 2017 to commemorate my re-found friends dated decades(!) ago. I was truly moved by the number of people who came to meet me. What did I do to deserve all their kindness? That's how I decided to start my 2017 weekly to help me remember how my life goes a little bit better than before. 

And you know what? Not only did I finish the series, but also I will start my 2018 weekly! I got so much out of writing my weekary that I want to continue. For me, the effect is most therapeutic and it gives me a purpose and reason to write. It also makes me examine myself more honestly and deeply. It doesn't matter whether every entry is a well thought through philosophical piece. Sometimes just one liner is enough to capture the moment.

The two other challenges are fitness related. One is to complete 5000 meters under 41 minutes. Ticked. I did it twice during the last two trips to the gym. And the other is to continue lunch time classes as long as I could. Ticked. I love my Zumba and HIIT classes. My instructors are both doing wonder to me. Thank you, D and S.

The last one is to restart learning French. I had reached a pretty decent level perhaps 10 years ago with my French but then I stopped. And my French has predictably become very not usable again. Autumn 2017, I enrolled into a class with an aim to be certified in the future. I've been enjoying the learning and the language. I hope to keep the same energy for the 2018.

Another year working in Suburbicon

I hate to devote any more of my time and space to Suburbicon but keeping a weekary has helped me on this regard to see what's good in my life. And there are a lot to celebrate. Grateful.

A year of friendship

2017 is a special year to remember because we reconnected with many long lost friends. They are not really lost but just haven't seen each other since, say, the day we got married? M&T came to our wedding 14 years ago and we haven't seen each other since! But you know you are truly good friends with each other is the minute you see each other it's as if all the missing years has been compressed into 1 second. Because we are able to pick up where we left as if no time has lapsed. Sometimes life does not count in minutes.

Well, those were highlights of my 2017. I hope you at least enjoyed part of yours? If not, hey, 2018 is just a few hours away. Let's make it a memorable one, shall we?

2017 Weekly - Week 52

30/12/2017

My temperature has finally come down, after in bed for 5 days. I probably got a flu this time, with every cold symptoms multiplied by 10. Feel so good not to be heavy headed, nose congested, endless coughing and overall body fatigued. Good health is the best thing one can wish for anyone.

I wish you good health for the coming new year.

2017 Boxing day dinner

For her: Root vegetable soup with borlotti beans and fried egg

Garlic croutons

For him: Grilled rib eye steak

Crushed potatoes with green onions

For us: Pralines from Piedmont

ps. I think I am winning over the bugs. Came down with a fever and sore throat in an overly heated house at the end of Christmas eve but feeling much better now today.

2017 Christmas dinner

Home cured salmon with smoked tea leaves

Celeriac remoulade

Cream cheese

Cranberry and walnut bread

Roast beef

Braised red cabbage

Chestnuts

Mousse au chocolat

2017 Christmas eve dinner

Home cured salmon with smoked tea leaves

Celeriac Remoulade

Roast beef and shallot gravy

Brussels sprouts and chestnuts in lightly blued cream

Braised red cabbage with balsamic vinegar and cranberries

Chocolate mousse with raspberries

There are two stars tonight, salmon and red cabbage! More details on the salmon can be found in the link. I am really pleased with the recipe. The red cabbage was tangy, lightly sweet and savory, so good and addictive that I had every bite of my beef with it. 

Happy holidays.

2017 Weekly - Week 51

21/12/2017

Our six-day Rome visit was deep in history, culture and full of drama. Maybe I tell you a little about it when I recover from the whole thing. As always, it's good to be at home, no matter how beautiful and unforgettable another place can be.

Here are some snaps. Ciao for now.

2017 Weekly - Week 50

10/12/2017

Biggest snow since 2010 or 2011? No gym. La, la, la.

13/12/2017

Failed to go to the fitness classes completely this week. I did mean to go but the zero temperature and the rain etc. Excuses. I guess my mind was no longer on the gym since I achieved my running goal (twice!). Well, December is for Mariah Carey and Mince pies. Let's save gym for January.

2017 Weekly - Week 49

03/12/2017

It's official. I've reached my goal of 5000 meters. I finished it at 40 minutes and 30 seconds, just under 41 minutes set by myself a year ago. I have stuck at just over 41 minutes a few times, thinking that this may be it. But tonight I gave it a final push, thinking again that it's my last chance this year to reach my goal. I started this year at 44 minutes and now I finish 2017 with three minutes better. This is by no means a great running record but I said it before and I will say it again that running or fitness is a competition with oneself. We are all different, of different build, biology and daily lives. As long as I am better than myself a year ago, then it's a real and meaningful self-improvement.

04/12/2017

As entering the last month of 2017, I feel I need more motivation to finish everything, at least at work. A few weeks of holidays are waiting for me, I know. I just need to summon up courage to finish a few things off.

06/12/2017

I am still waiting for 10 Downing Street or TM to say the sensible things after this outrageous statement across the pond.

07/12/2017

Once my french teacher said to us about not drinking water after having couscous. I began to understand (painfully) what she meant tonight.

08/12/2017

5000 meters at 40 minutes and 27 seconds! I did it again, 5000 meters under 41 minutes, twice in a row! Beyond excited. What a nice way to end this year.

2017 Weekly - Week 48

29/11/2017

I just saw the panto this year which my second ever and I think I am getting to like this ritual. The one I go to is produced by ADC in Cambridge. It's just getting better and better.

The title of the panto this year is Hunchback of Notre Dame. Before I went, I was not sure how they are going to adapt Victor Hugo's masterpiece (one of) into a lighthearted family Christmas entertainment and also without feeling cliche. Wow, the troupe did not disappoint. The scripts are witty, full of puns as always. But the play also feels timely, relevant and well resonated with what's going on in the world. It made me laugh and think at the same time. I came home with lots of joy and gratitude in my heart. At the end of the show, they were asking for donations for the refugee charities. I didn't have money with me but I did go online and donate to two charities. This is the true spirit of Christmas, even though I am not religious. Time to reflect, share and be grateful.

I hope you are well.