One week after my worst food poisoning experience, I found myself reflecting on what happened during my Berlin work trip. I missed ITB, crawled between my bed and bathroom, and still tried to show up for company events. It was uncomfortable, but it taught me useful lessons about preparation, culinary risks, support systems, and how to turn “I could have done better” into something future-oriented.
Author Archives: Dai
The ‘Not because X. But because Y’ content is everywhere now – Is this the new “em-dash”?
The “Not because X. But because Y.” structure seems to be everywhere now — in captions, essays, marketing copy, and reflective posts. Some thoughts on why this writing pattern feels so popular, why it can sound powerful, and whether it is becoming the new overused internet style, just like the em dash.
Chapter 3: Grandpa—The River Philosopher
A chapter from my book about my grandpa, the river, childhood memories, and the different ways love can shape a life. This is a story about family, safety, old radios, flood seasons, and the kind of love that does not always speak loudly but stays forever.
…here is another chapter
This is a story about poverty, generosity, memory, and the first light that taught me to keep walking toward warmth.
…and I’m writing a book
I am writing a book about the long, honest answer to why I am the way I am — and maybe why you are the way you are too. This post shares a sneak peek into the first chapters, from growing up between three small houses to my grandma, family dynamics, childhood memories, love, hardship, and the foundations that helped shape me.
Today I read…
The Day You Became A Better Writer – by Scott Adams “Good writing is lean and confident.”
28.09.2025
I have seen this photo many times, but only today did I truly understand it. Today, I finally found the courage to run away from what made me miserable — and that “everything” was my own thoughts. This is a small turning point, a note of gratitude to myself, and the beginning of writing more freely and honestly.
Many many many years ago, I read…
These are the books, comics, magazines, and stories I read when I was a teenager, younger, a little older, or somewhere in between. From Sidney Sheldon novels and Japanese comics to fashion magazines, Chicken Soup for the Soul, Vietnamese romance novels, and books about scientists, this is a small archive of what shaped my early reading life.
Tejeda
After six months without writing, I found myself in Tejeda, a small mountain town in Gran Canaria. I went there alone to work remotely, walk, think, and simply be. Between rainy hikes, coconut pastry smells, childhood memories, and one quiet night under the stars, Tejeda became one of those places I know I will always remember.
Changes
This is a reflection on change, gratitude, support, and the small moments that make life feel lighter.