Author Archives: bookjunkie

About bookjunkie

Blogging about life in Singapore & recently cancer too.

An Introvert Who Likes People

I am not a good conversationalist. I like it when friendly strangers speak to me, but I always feel like I respond in an awkward manner. My partner tells me that I look approachable unlike him. I think I am … Continue reading

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No More Masks on Trains or Buses

I was nervous when I heard the news that from Valentines Eve, no less, the rule to wear masks was being removed. You’d think I should be jumping for joy. Back when the rule was imposed, old me would have … Continue reading

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I’m Concerned About Injuries

I wish I could push myself to the extreme the way I did without worry in my twenties. That’s one of the hardest parts about aging. I used to walk long distances and swim countless laps in the University pool. … Continue reading

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I Hope I Can Keep this Up

Finally woke up early again and was able to do my morning walk. Been feeling panicky lately, as I feel that with the psoriasis, it indicates that my immune system is not doing well. The steroids are not working and … Continue reading

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#19. Simple Joys: A Glimpse of Thaipusam and Devotees carrying Kavadis and Milk Pots

So glad my partner agreed to drive through Little India even with the traffic crunch. I really wanted a glimpse of the festivities. I truly respect the devotion of the devotees and was looking out for my cousin and her … Continue reading

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Finally Living Again in 2023 Post Covid

By living, I mean taking the bus and train more regularly as opposed to being stuck at home where you tend to be too sedentary. I honestly prefer these modes of transport to a taxi or car if I’m not … Continue reading

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#18. Simple Joys: A Dragon Dance

Just when I was thinking my life is so humdrum, I heard a cacophony of cymbals and drums and headed towards it. I felt so uplifted and blessed to be perfectly on time for a dragon dance. And in my … Continue reading

Posted in Culture & Society, Midlife Musings, Simple Joys, Singapore Living | Tagged , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Feel Like I Have Nothing Significant to Share Right Now

It is why I hardly write. I only write when I feel the compulsion. It can’t really be forced especially with regards to matters of the heart. Also I am now extremely self conscious about the oversharing I did shortly … Continue reading

Posted in Anxiety, Cancer, Midlife Musings, Trauma | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

13 Days Into the New Year

This post will be all over the place as I cram thoughts about these several days into one post. I’m getting used to the psoriosis. I also now realise that the daivobet steroid gel has worked after a month. Some … Continue reading

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It’s Another New Year & I’m Feeling Hopeful

That’s exactly what I love about the start of the year. It gives me the possibility of renewal and hope. It was lovely to wake up to sweet new year texts from my aunties uncle and partner. Texts of today … Continue reading

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Psoriosis is Consuming Me

I know it’s tiresome to keep reading about this, but it is the bane of my existence right now. I couldn’t sleep the whole night. Why? Well, after the bleeding incident, I tried not to touch my scalp psoriosis scales … Continue reading

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Psoriosis Update: December 2022

Blood under my nails from half consciously peeling at my psoriosis plagued skin all night. Mostly my scalp and to my horror I feel a bald spot now. I’m doing this to myself and against my will. My only goal … Continue reading

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It’s So Easy to Fall Out of a Routine of Good Habits

I fell out of my routine since my last holiday. You see, my routine was very much a forced thing. I was waking up pre dawn, as early as 4.30am, even though I’m naturally a night owl, and going to … Continue reading

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Psoriosis November Update

It just keeps getting worse. Red rashes on my knees seem to have appeared overnight and I have red rashes all over my operation scars now. Encroaching onto my face too at the hairline and one on my forehead which … Continue reading

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Thankful for My Anxiety for One Reason

I never ever thought I’d actually be thankful for my anxiety. But there’s one reason. It confirms that I’m not a psychopath. If you can’t tell, I’ve been watching a lot of true crime. I’m fascinated by what would prompt … Continue reading

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Been Almost 7 Years Since that Cancer Diagnosis in 2016

My oncologist is so pleased every time I get a good tumour marker reading. She always tells me well done, although I honestly feel like I’ve done nothing. I just lay there. Everyone else did everything. Well I did try … Continue reading

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Confused & Conflicted (Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder)

I don’t feel old, but I feel old in comparison to those under 30 especially. Grateful to learn from them as they introduce me to a new world. New terms and new ways of looking at the world. A kind … Continue reading

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Curious about Natural Menopause

I wonder when I would have actually had menopause if not for the surgical one at 45. My friend at 52 hasn’t reached menopause yet. And my mum thinks she had menopause in her mid fifties. Honestly I feel robbed … Continue reading

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Have Not Been Writing

I don’t feel an urge to write when I feel I can’t be completely honest. It’s like – what’s the point? In my entire life I have never lied other than doing it to spare someone’s feelings. Like an insecure … Continue reading

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Thinking of My Uncle A Today & Wishing him All the Joy in the World

He looks way younger than his years and I have always admired how he works hard at being active. He has always been adventurous in his youth so perhaps it’s no surprise that he still has the stamina. He has … Continue reading

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Time in a Bottle by Jim Croce

I have been obsessed by this song from 1973 lately. It has the perfect haunting melody, and most poignantly beautiful lyrics. Poetry in fact. In my opinion, pure genious. I feel every single word and you will too, if you … Continue reading

Posted in Grief, Music | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

What I Dreamt

It was very vivid. I was desperately trying to text my dad. I wanted to text him that I miss him so much, because he’s been away for two weeks and also that I love him so much. The desperation … Continue reading

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