Very social Sunday Surprise [8-Dec-24]
The festive season in full swing
Ni hao!
If the past few weeks had to have a theme, it’d be “social activities compressed into a few weeks”. The festive season this year has felt more packed than ever. How has it been for you?
Hit “reply” and let me know! Housekeeping stuff below as usual!
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Creative update
What should you choose? ARM64 vs x86
I revisited some older videos and noticed one unexpectedly sparked tons of comments and suggestions for future content. That led me to create this new video: a simplified explainer on the two main computer chip designs (ARM64 vs x86)—complete with analogies to make the concepts more approachable.
Explainers are new territory for me, so I’d love your feedback!
They’re here! 🎉 I’ll ship the first batch tomorrow. Huge thanks to everyone who pre-ordered!
This year’s publisher truly outdid themselves. The paper quality is exceptional, and the new matte finish adds a certain “inkiness” I love.
As always, use code SURPRISE at checkout for an extra discount.
Things I’m reading
Useful, Not True - Derek Sivers
This short but impactful read from one of my favorite modern philosophers is a collection of stories designed to shift your perspective and challenge your assumptions.
Each page feels carefully curated, with all the unnecessary fluff removed. If you’re looking for a quick yet thought-provoking read, this is a great pick!tart.
Cool finds
I’m always on the hunt for compact everyday essentials that are perfect for travel. I recently bought a USB-C trimmer that is much bigger than the model I found today and more expensive too. Just for the size of these 2 things, I’ll be keeping them saved so if it breaks, these will be my go-to as future replacements!
Actionable insight
We focus so much on criticism—why not give more attention to compliments that bring us joy?
This is a little observation from the last few weeks that I haven’t fully been able to form the best thoughts around, but I think it’s ready for a first draft attempt. We’re all very impacted by criticism since it’s human nature. Compliments seem to get remembered much less, but there does seem to be some compliments that hit way harder than they should.
For me, it’s whenever it’s about a creative endeavour- if someone compliments a photo I took or a video I made or even a piece of code that I’ve written that does something useful, it seems to impact me so much more.
Not that medical compliments aren’t impactful — that’s from doing a career that I’ve spent decades training in. These other ones seem to be meaningful precisely because they’re projects that I “just dabble” in.
It made me wonder: could these moments of joy be clues about what truly fulfills us?
What about you? Do you have compliments that stick with you longer than others? I’d love to hear your examples!
Weekly Update
It has been a social week that’s been packed full of activities. And work. 😂
On the one hand, it’s winding down for the year, but I feel that this year, things are really not slowing down nearly as much. In fact, I’m already receiving requests for extra work next year!
On the social front, there were several visits to see my parents since my mum was headed overseas for a month. I also was invited to a tasting of the new summer menu at a local food space called Grazeland. It’s so close to my house, but I had never been there! It was a good occasion to catch up with some friends that I don’t see often
There were more festivities with my own medical practice Xmas party and then one of the start-ups having their party today.
Whew!
As an introvert, these past few weeks really have drained the social battery and I’m looking forward to being a hermit for the next few days to recharge! 😂
It’s amazing just how much can change in a year— i-scribe was barely an idea a year ago, and now, it’s a company with 28 people!
Quote of the week
From the author of this week’s book recommendation
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