Hello.

I've had this cough for eight days now, but it's not as bad as last week (not as thunderous and frequent). However, I did feel like I was short of breath (and more easily exhausted) during this week's muay thai class. So that was a bit of a struggle... it just feels like there's some kind of trapped air somewhere between the base of my neck and my entire chest. I can't even do full deep breaths without coughing as I try to exhale.

Despite the chest discomfort, I did make it to my sculpt yogilates class this week. Last time, I was able to hold crow pose for about six full breaths with the support of a yoga brick (for the head). This time, I was able to hold the position without a yoga brick albeit for a shorter period. Slow and steady, I am really enjoying my progress. I love it when my teacher says that I am now able to actually activate my core hihi. Also, I can now do "hundreds" (mat pilates) without breaking down lol, yay!

I've been feeling pretty swamped with work as of late, so tonight I attended a hatha vinyasa class. I feel like I really needed today's class, absolutely loved everything my body felt and went through haha.

Last Sunday, I made a big batch of beef curry and it has been sustaining me these past few days lol. I ate up its final serving today for lunch, turning it into an udon bowl.

Thank you, beef curry, you fed me well lol.

For tonight's dinner, I made doenjang-jjigae (soybean paste stew), complete with bokchoy, tofu, shimeji mushrooms, scallions, and veggie dumplings. 

It's PMS week so my cravings have been quite eclectic, tee-hee. The other day, I had some baked scallops and oysters delivered. I was debating whether I should go out and have them at the restaurant or to just feast at home while in my PJs. I think I made the right decision there, ha! Also got some vegan gyoza (for takeout) after muay thai. They're made of shiitake mushrooms, cabbage, tofu, and cilantro. And as a pre-yoga snack, I was craving for some crepe!

I haven't practiced playing the harmonica in a while. Once my cough completely clears, I'm hoping to learn some new pieces. 

Before bed, I had a 1.5-hour catch-up video call with a friend. Mostly I just do video calls with friends based in other countries/timezones. It feels refreshing to do the same with friends who are actually just a short Grab ride away. I do miss those days when I would twirl the landline telephone cord with my fingers as I listened to a classmate go on and on on about a level they cleared on a PS1 game we're both crazy about (lol). 

Isn't it quite amusing how I am searching for guidance on how to navigate modern life from a philosopher who lived nearly 2,000 years ago. Life is funny like that.

Revisiting this passage on caution and confidence from the Discourses of Epictetus (The HarperCollins 2024 edition - The Teachings of a Stoic: Selected Discourses and the Encheiridion) [Now I am doing a second reading with the 2025 Penguin Classics edition -  Discourses and Selected Writings):

In simpler terms, do not put too much worry over things beyond your control ("externals"); be extra careful in deciding over things which are actually within your control (your response to externals).

Good night.