Went for a long easy run in the morning. The programme called for a ~24km run, but I just decided to run slowly and easily, as much as I can, in the time that I have. I ran a new route, which was mostly flat. Briefly popped by to Fo Guang Shan temple on the way back.

The boys and I played hide and seek in the afternoon. It’s been ages and ages since we played hide and seek, and they were so good, that I gave up on the last round.

Did some more tidying and decluttering this afternoon. Threw out some old clothes, shoes, pillows, bits and bobs, including the kids’ old bike helmets, a Lowe Alpine lumbar pack I had for years, which I used for my early travels. I asked the kids if they thought I should throw away the old pillows, and they just blithely yelled out, “Throw!” But it was really difficult for me again. Throwing things out felt like I’m throwing out pieces of me. It doesn’t even make sense, because really… the pillows are even a hygiene thing! But I need to let go of the past to move forward. I also need to declutter so I have more space – mentally, and to live in.

Since it’s holiday / the weekend, I told the kids we could watch a movie. O opted to watch the “Cobra Kai” series instead. A friend had mentioned he was watching it a few years ago, but I passed. I didn’t realise that the original actors from the “OG” Karate Kid were acting in this series and reprising their characters as grown ups. And the starting scene of the series was the famous final fight scene between La Russo and Johnny Lawrence.

I’m glad my boys are back. I miss hugs and cuddles, and need my oxytocin hit.

F wanted to read me a Grimm’s Fairy Tale, which he said is a “very Grimm’s Fairy Tale”, and so he read me “The death of the little hen”, which is indeed, quite grim and dark.

Song of the day, “Up”.