The Silent Patient - Alex Michaelides

I've never read a book that is so riveting, fast-paced, and very intriguing. I have read a lot of psychological thrillers, but this one was one of the best books I've read for ages. The Silent Patient is Alex Michaelides's first novel, and boy it did not disappoint! I first saw it on a book website and it claimed as one of the best books of the year 2019. Fascinated by its premise, I looked for a copy of it, but only to find out that it wasn't available at Fully Booked that time. Sad life. Anyway, I was strolling around Chadstone Shopping Centre in Melbourne, and I finally found a copy of it. And yup, truth be told, the book did not disappoint.

The story is about a famous painter who murdered his husband and ended up at a psych hospital, unable to talk. A criminal psychotherapist got mesmerized by her case and decided to help her talk again.

A fast read, and a true definition of a page-turner. I am still reeling from that ending because it was totally mindblowing!!! It's like reading Gillian Flynn's Gone Girl, but on steroids. It was THAT intense.

Not The Right Time

Yup, I didn't make it to the final round. But like I said, it is okay. I am okay. Heck, I didn't break down or what. I humbly accepted the outcome. I'm still proud of myself for doing it. No what-ifs in the future. Maybe today's not the perfect time for it. The Big Man from above surely has greater plans for me. No regrets, just love.

Actually, it was a blessing in disguise. I just realized that I still have a lot of things to accomplished in my sector to promote the safety culture. Also, I still have a job that pays well, and I can now plan my trips up to the end of the year. Australia for my birthday? Or Vancouver? It'll be summer, but why not? Or another trip to Korea with my BFFs and do some serious shopping? See? I am still blessed. Nothing to worry about.

Speaking of Canada, due to the ongoing nCov crisis, I rebooked my flight this May 21. My friends in Toronto got overjoyed upon learning my plans. There are SOOOOO MANY THINGS TO DO IN CANADA DURING SUMMER. Excited is an understatement.

Now, time to tone down my expenses, and focus on my travel goals this year. Work hard, travel harder! Love you all!

In Advance

Okay, after almost three years of using my 2015 Macbook Pro Retina 13.3" laptop, I've upgraded to the 2019 model of it. I bought the space gray color, and man! No. Fuckin'. Regrets. I think one of the factors was the need to upgrade to a faster machine for my productivity apps (Photoshop, Lightroom, and Final Cut Pro). Don't get me wrong, my previous laptop still works fine but the dents, scratches, and the staingate screen annoyed the hell out of me. I learned my lesson the hardest way. So, I bought the hardshell case (transparent color) to give my new toy (and expensive) toy some protection as early as day one. I should have bought a screen protector but it wasn't available and I've been to a lot of Apple Stores around Greenbelt and Glorietta. Maybe when I go to Melbourne, I might buy a screen protector there. Anyway, so far, so good. The new Macbook Pro 2019 is a beast, well, based on my needs. The third-generation butterfly keyboard was kinda new to me since it's quite flat, but I love it. Also, the touch bar was also a game-changer. You really get what you paid for! I am so happy.

Actually, I told myself to buy a new laptop if I pass the cadet pilot exam of Cebu Pacific. The results aren't out yet, but I already bought a new laptop. Confident? No. I just can't wait to buy a new one. Also, people were saying that I should've waited for the 14" model, or better yet the 16" model. Well, I don't use my laptop for heavy rendering works. Probably the heaviest apps that I have right now are Final Cut Pro X, Lightroom, and Photoshop. Not to mention that my new laptop is now running in quad-core. I am not familiar with the technicals and numbers, but one thing's for sure, it had doubled its speed from my previous laptop.

Anyway, in a few days, I'll be flying to Melbourne again, this time with my mom. It'll be her first time visiting the State of Victoria. Hopefully, the weather wouldn't be that super hot, but I think it'll be sunny for the entire duration of our stay.

I am still anxious about the result. Whatever the result is, I tried. No regrets.