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How do you de-stress?
- Different people have different stress tolerance level.
- Some can handle the pressure better than others. That’s why some become managers, while the rest are “foot soldiers” per se.
- It also boils down to preference. For some, working 9-5, home by 6 and surrounded by family members.
- To some others, the jetsetting lifestyle is what they have been looking for. Always on the road, or leaving home before sunrise and coming back near midnight.
- Sometimes it not their preference, but the hardship and tough situation pushes them to be on the move, working 2-3 shifts in a day.
- There are certain activities that I do to de-stress. At times, the effects is like removing a heavy burden from my back. One of them for me is washing a car.
- There’s something about watching the dirt gets washed away, or when the chemical sprayed on the wheels turns purple (reacting to the iron/dust), or when applying a layer or spray wax/ceramic layer, or the thick microfiber towel gulping the water during drying process.
- I could go on and on about all the process that brings me joy during the car washing process.
- A friend, whose father was a Mathematics professor, said that her father does maths equations to de-stress. I’m pretty sure that’s the opposite for 99% of population.
- I wonder what unique activities are others doing to de-stress.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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Learning from your parents
- I have a friend who speaks to his kids in a gentle manner. Never once have I seen him raised his voice when he’s around us.
- When asked, he said that was how his father spoke to him.I guess it’s true that kids would pickup what the parents does, not what they are instructed to do.
- I guess it’s true that kids would pickup what the parents/adults does, not what they are instructed to do.
- Ramit Sethi said that in terms of financial thinking, we are heavily influenced by our parents.
- The way they handle their finances, either being too cautious (we can’t afford this) or overspending (spending more than their means).
- Personally, I think it’s ideal that you pickup something from your parent, make improvements and pass them on to your kids. Be it as an advice or stopping a negative attitude.
- For example, I have seen someone who had hot-headed parents while growing up. But when they had their own kids, they were the gentlest, nicest person to the kids and their wife.
- I have seen people growing up dirt poor, who struggled to make the best for their kids. Eventually the kids grew up doing better, providing more to the next generation.
- There’s always a positive side we could search for in our life, in our darkest hour. We just keep striving and never give up.
- …“Who would despair of the mercy of their Lord except the misguided?”
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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My way of dealing with consistency
- If you are trying to achieve something meaningful in life, there is no short cut around it. You have to be consistent – day in, day out.
- Professional marathoners runs hundreds of kilometers a week, academicians spends countless hours researching. Musicians spends their waking hour perfecting their skills with their instrument of choice.
- Despite this, at one point, your regular activity becomes a chore and boring.
- For example, I am currently trying to eat healthy by way of fasting twice a week (15-20 hours per day without food or water).
- I noticed that I feel different – my tummy feel tighter, I don’t crave junk food as much as before.
- But the past 3 days I have been eating more than usual. Its not that I am hungry, just the craving + habit of eating/snacking even though my tummy is saying “Hey, I’m not hungry”.
- Felt frustrated at times, but I kept telling myself – this is what being human is.
- There are ups and downs. There are days where we want to stop doing the hard thing and get back to the not so positive routine. Sofa, soda and binge TV doesn’t sound bad, does it?
- What do I do? You can either fight it and soldier on. Or, cut yourself some slack, and just stick to the system.
- I chose the latter – to not be too hard on myself, enjoy the life God has given me (within moderation) and most importantly, look up and move forward.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms : book vs TV series
- This is the title of the book written by George RR Martin – same author of the famous Games of Thrones series.
- The story revolves around the beginnings of Ser Duncan the Tall and his squire, Egg.
- In my previous post, I mentioned that for TV series/movies that are adapted from books, I prefer to watch them first before reading.
- That way I won’t have any initial expectation. Else I will not enjoy it on TV much. Or worse, despise them
like Game of Thrones season 8. - I have started to read about 20 pages and watched the second episode today. So far it has been enjoyable on both TV and book.
- In the TV series, I am quite impressed with the efforts to recreate the world. A quick search says it cost $10 million per episode.
- No spoiler here, but be warned of the graphic scene the first few seconds/minutes into each episode. You’d either cringe of have a gag reflex.
- There was a jousting scene which made me think,”So this is entertainment for people back then, before radio/TV/Internet/gadgets”.
- I accidentally look up at Wikipedia minutes ago – dang it! Now I pretty much have an idea of who /what the main characters are 😀
- Too late now – guess I’ll just enjoy it as I can.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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“One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This”
- This is the title of a book published in 2025, written by Omar El Akkad
- My Kindle history shows that I am at page 98 of 172. I wonder when I would be able to finish it.
- The book revolves around the Palestinian struggle and the continuing genocide since the inception of the state of Israel.
- Omar also shares his experience living/working in a Western country and the double standards of Western imperialism.
- At the time of writing, a ceasefire has been announced – unfortunately just on the surface.
- Palestinians are still murdered in cold blood and broad daylight (including journalists), illegal settlers are still clearing villages.
- For an everyday Muslim like me, it bleeds my heart seeing this continously happening.
- I applaud those who stood up to this at the detriment of their career/status – be it you a politician, movie star, influencer, role models. You know who you are – you will be remembered.
- Just like any other history chapters we read, this will come to an end. And when that happens, we will rejoice.
- “Do not think ˹O Prophet˺ that Allah is unaware of what the wrongdoers do. He only delays them until a Day when ˹their˺ eyes will stare in horror…. rushing forth, heads raised, never blinking, hearts void”
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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Cheapest and easiest weight loss program – FASTING
- I stumbled upon an interesting video by Dr Pradip Jamnadas, explaining the benefits of fasting.
- As with other proponents of fasting, the effects it has is down to the cellular level.
- Different cultures and religions practices fasting in their on way for thousands of years.
- In modern times, it is presented as IF (Intermittent Fasting).
- For Muslims, fasting means not eating, drinking and performing activities that would break your fast (ie intercourse), from sunrise to sunset.
- The 9th month of the Islamic calendar, Ramadhan is when we would fast for the whole month.
- Growing up as a Malaysian Muslim, I recall vividly how we would wake up around 5am to have breakfast, before start of fasting.
- I am a firm believer of using fasting as a means to control one’s craving and weight loss program. Compared to the craze with pills such as Ozempic.
- Key word is gradual – start with a few hours, and increase it overtime. Water, coffee, tea (without sugar of course) would be your friend.
- “O believers! Fasting is prescribed for you—as it was for those before you—so perhaps you will become mindful ˹of Allah˺.”
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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1km to 7km running – what I’d learned
- In my adult years (after high school), I was not a fan of running.
- I hated the pacing, trying to catch my breath with every steps.
- Even when I joined the local gym after Covid, running on a treadmill was only resorted to warmups, 5-10mins. No more, no less.
- Out of curiosity late last year, I asked myself, what’s the harm in increasing the distance, right?
- So I increased it, gradually and over several sessions. 1km to 2km, then 3km, then 5km.
Joined Strava on standalone. Not following or followed is refreshing:) - At times, I tried varying the speed and elevation on the treadmill. Just to add some fun.
- I increased the running time gradually as well; from 30 mins, then 60 mins, then 90 minutes.
- Eventually I got bored running on the treadmill. Feels like a lab rat running the wheel. I wanted more exciting view.
- My current Sunday morning routine is once a week 7-8km run, alternating between running and walking, with the end point a cafe that I could get coffee and pastries:D
- Key take away is gradual increase and doing something I enjoy. I aim to eventually increase to a regular 10km and then improve the timing.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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Reminiscing my youth through comics
- In 1993 while in high school, I was introduced to Chinese/Hong Kong comics.
- These comics weren’t only translated to Malay language, but also went through the Malaysian prints censorship board.
- Any compromising part (ahem) in the comics would be blurred out or just scratched out to make it less obvious.
- Majority of these comics themes were based on Chinese martial arts + history + super
- It costs MYR1.20 (approx AUD0.40) per comic back then.
Alam Perwira (Legend of Emperors). I would have done better in my History subject if I channelled the correct energy/attitude). 
Pendekar Laut (Sea Tiger). Spoiler alert – the fight on the moon is just out of this world (pun intended). - There were shops that rents them out, I think about 20cents per comic. So a few of us would rent a few comics each, sat at the same table and swap reading comics.
- Personally, no matter how cool or light the subject matter is, especially as they are just comics, there was only a certain amount of comics I could read in one sitting.
- Past a certain number of comics, my brain starts getting fried. Not a pleasant experience.
- Maybe it’s just me. I wasn’t a studious person back then.
- I wonder if they sell/make a digital version of it. Would be nice to get hold of a physical copy and sit around the table like old times.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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I used AMEX Platinum Card for a year; was it worth it?
- Backstory – my previous credit card provider increased the yearly fee from $0 to $9/month.
- I tried applying for a new one (with extra benefits) and cancelled my old one. New application didn’t get through so I was “down” with 1 credit card.
- A bank rep I met suggested applying for Amex. After much contemplating, I decided to go ahead and applied. Success.
Disclaimer – everyone financial situation is different. Best if you check if getting an AMEX is suitable for you.
- First and foremost, the annual fee is high (especially if you are on minimum wage like me). The current yearly fee is $1,450 (Australian Dollars)
- However, there is a welcome bonus points. Successful applicant is required to make a certain amount spending within a timeframe (say $6K in 3 months).
- Among the perks that we received was :
- $450 towards your travel spending (flights, hotel)
- $400 dining credit ($200 local in Australia, $200 international). We used ours during a trip to Singapore.
- Lounge Access (via membership of Priority Pass). You can bring a guest with you.
- Hotel membership (Accor, Marriot Bonvoy, ++)
- There were other perks we received (Amazon subscription, travel insurance etc)
- If you calculate the perks value (vs) the fee you pay, I personally feel it was worth it. Especially if you travel a lot.
- Was this for me? In 2025, a definite YES because I was travelling internationally about 7 times. The accumulated value in perks ie hotel, flights, dining, lounge, travel insurance
- 2026 – I see a reduced number of travelling. Might look into an alternative.
Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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Tempting life of a (ex) toy collector
- An email came in to my inbox this morning, advertising a new line of Lego with the discounted price.
- I have stopped buying Lego for a while; but this one is really tempting.
- The world we lived in now are full of noises – “Buy this”, “Travel there”, “Don’t miss out”
- Current modern men have a term for this – FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out).
- Walking around at the toy fair last week, I saw a guy with multiples of the same Transformers figure. Asked him how/why he had so many, his answer was, “I was trying to build an army”.
- I was in his position before – spent nearly 1K just to grab a bunch of Lego heads, body and legs. I don’t know where they are now.
- Logical thinking says that the best way to save money is actually to refrain yourself from buying unnecessary item. But we are humans – we have needs and wants.
- There is nothing wrong if you have worked hard and wanted something as a reward. The challenge comes when we cannot differentiate between needs and wants.
- It becomes a problem once you decide you are going to get all and everything at once.
- “If Adam’s son had a valley full of gold, he would like to have two valleys, for nothing fills his mouth except dust.”
Super tempting! Until then, stay hungry, stay sane.
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Kammys Musing 