2024.W45: Needles, upvotes, trains
Got the flu vaccine on Monday. It’s one of those things I’m not sure I believe in 100%. But as they say, listen to the elders.
On Tuesday, I brought my father to an orthopedic to have his frozen shoulder checked. Fortunately, xrays came back negative and he was advised to visit a therapist. It hurts witnessing the pain and discomfort he feels while nursing his injury. It’s one of those moments where I get reminded that my parents are aging as I do. Be more empathetic.
On a blog-related note, I posted an essay titled Nobody reads your blog, where I shared how my writing is personal and how unplanned connection still feels nice. Not that it matters, but it’s become my most upvoted post. Unbelievable.
Got excellent results from my blood chemistry test. It should tell me I’m generally healthy, but I feel otherwise. I don’t know.
Finished Dark Matter by Blake Crouch. Enjoyable, thrilling, thought-provoking. I liked that while it obviously leans towards science-fiction, it isn’t shy to explore life themes especially the consequential aspects of the decisions we make. It’s also the only fiction book where I had several highlighted lines. I think I love the author’s style.
On Saturday, I brought my son to a toy warehouse sale, something I regretted faster than anything in my life. The chaos peekabood in our faces the second we arrived at the venue. The pathways were crowded with people and their carts, slowly moving like ants stopping by every bit of food they found along their path. At least, ants were organized. The arrows (for direction) on the floor did not matter. It felt like a survival show out there. The price discounts were big, as it should be, so that’s one positive. And there were a lot of cashiers on the exit so checking out was somewhat tolerable. We got a few toys and stuff and did not stay for too long. Note to self: Never again. Next time, go during weekdays.
In the afternoon, I did a little reminiscing during my train ride to watch a basketball game. I used to ride trains when I was a student and during my early adult life. As I passed through the main throughway, the trip felt both familiar and different. A lot has changed. It’s like I know the places but I also don’t.
My alma mater lost the game. It was action-packed and one couldn’t deny the intensity in the atmosphere during these live basketball games. I nearly lost my voice again.