December still matters!

We are barely four days into the month of December, and it seems like everyone has written the rest of the month off? I’m already seeing the usual year-end lists and reflection articles popping up online, even though as of this post there’s still 28(!) days left to this year. On twitter, people are already saying goodbye to 2019 and talking about plans and whatnot for 2020, wishing each other well in the new year. It’s madness: this is worst than moving out the Christmas decorations before Thanksgiving (looking at you, America).

Question: why are you guys throwing away the month of December? Last I check, there are 12 months to a year. Hang on to your top 10 lists for just a moment! Things can yet change: what if there’s a movie that will blow your mind later this month? Or a brand new song release that entrances you? I think it’s entirely premature to be writing conclusions about 2019, and an affront to what is my favorite month of the year.

To be fair, not much does go on during December, other than the super slow burn towards Christmas vacation. The weather’s too cold, the skies' too dark, and people stay inside too often for excitement to occur. Besides, like everyone else I also have the urge to begin concluding down the year (I too have my own year-end reflection to write), because the allure of a “fresh start” to a new year is so strong that we want to turn the new leaf earlier and earlier. As always, it’s very misleading: there’s nothing you’re going to do in 2020 that you can’t do right now, or at least start. Why wait?

Lots can still happen in the next 28 days - if we allow it, so let’s not treat 2019 as if it’s over already. Don’t wait for the 2020 if there’s something you want to start or do: get after it now.

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A deserted Market Street on Thanksgiving day.

Back from the sickness

You know how when people survive a serious illness like cancer, it’s as if they receive a new lease on life? All the fake trappings and responsibilities imposed by others fade to the background and the healed person instead focuses on what’s most important.

One doesn’t necessarily have to beat a big disease in order to feel this way. For the sum total of last week I was sick with the usual cold. It explains why there weren’t any updates on here. I basically slept for 10+ hours each day, and for the rest of the time it was eight hours at work (gutted it out) and then lots of lounging around at home watching Youtube videos.

Good news: I’m all caught up on Mighty Car Mods episodes.

I’ve recovered now, obviously (and thankfully), and I do feel a modicum like the guy who’ve conquered cancer: a new opportunity at this game of life. It’s so easy to take health for granted, even for someone like me who is super health conscious and exercises on a regular basis. The common cold doesn’t discriminate however and in those hours of feeling like shit and viscous fluids keeps coming out the nose, I resolved to be even more carpe diem as soon as I recover.

So there’s much to catch up on, and much to write about on this blog. My initial impressions on the iPhone XS Max (ridiculous name remains ridiculous) will be tomorrow, so please look out for that. In the meantime, a happy Monday to you all, let’s be healthy and get after it.

Now that’s a good color combination on this classic light-rail train. I wish SF MUNI would have kept it.