01 / Positive Developments

  • Tried the horse with no name.
  • Running and keeping the momentum. Ran my 2024 Half Marathon in Hong Kong and completed my first full marathon in Kanazawa.
  • Returned to snowboarding after several years away.
  • Maintained a dedicated routine for physical stretching.
  • Kept the intentional practice of conducting a yearly review.
  • Finally resolved the long-standing acne problem, hopefully for good.
  • Invested in high-quality, functional gear — focusing on waterproof shoes and durable soft shells.
  • Enjoyed cooperative gaming sessions with friends.
  • Contributed by donating blood.
  • Celebrated moments by playing with fireworks and watching fireflies in summer.
  • Revisited old childhood schools and hometown spaces.
  • Explored culinary training by learning to cook seafood.
  • Committed to gym routines, working out consistently with jump ropes and kettlebells.
  • Indulged in the relaxation of long hot baths.
  • Refined my specialty coffee setup by trying the AeroPress brewing method.
  • Listened to analog vinyl records at home to unplug.
  • Completed a comprehensive physical body check-up for the first time in years.
  • Upgraded daily routines by changing the shower head.
  • Experienced the breathtaking midnight sun and walked peacefully on open moss.
  • Disconnected entirely by living in the wild surrounded by sheep.

02 / Deliberate Clearances

Reviewing the friction points and unexpected challenges that surfaced throughout the year. Acknowledging these limitations allows for sharper intention moving forward.

  • Struggled with maintaining a high level of daily motivation and strict training discipline during mid-season lulls.
  • Experienced physical obstacles, including a sprained ankle and dental pain, which required managing pacing and physical expectations.
  • Missed the sub-4 hour execution target at the Kanazawa Marathon, providing clear analytical data for subsequent running timelines.

03 / The Annual Questionnaire

What was the best book you read?

Golden Slumbers by Kōtarō Isaka

Greatest musical discovery?

Naked

Favorite film of the year?

Perfect Days

Favorite meal?

Sharing a meal with the whole family during Chinese New Year

What did you want and get?

Getting rid of the acne problem once and for all

What did you want and not get?

Finishing the full marathon within 4 hours

What did you do on your birthday?

Ate crab meat fried rice

What would have made the year immeasurably better?

More deep-seated discipline and structural motivation to achieve my goals

Describe your personal fashion this year:

Focusing heavily on the raw utility and core function of the clothes

What kept you sane?

Knowing with absolute clarity that there are people out there who need me

Public figure you admired the most?

Froggy Chiu

What political issue stirred you the most?

The ongoing US / China geopolitical conflict

Who did you miss?

My close friend currently based in Scotland

Who was the best new person you met?

This year was less about meeting new individuals and more about deeply reconnecting with old friends

Valuable life lesson learned?

The harsh reality that the people you deeply treasure can be gone in a single minute