level 99 Summoning in RuneScape

I just reached 99 Summoning in RuneScape while grinding Yak Track tasks. Here is the picture. I now only have Archaeology and Invention to go before I can get the max cape!

Summoning is a slow skill at first because charms cannot be traded. However, the new goods is that it becomes much easier to obtain charms at higher levels. I actually have well over 30,000 charms left over. That's probably enough to get me to virtual level 110 or so. :D

Update: I just got the Summoning pet too. It feels like RNGesus is congratulating me on reaching this milestone.

Currently listening to: "Angel" by Aerosmith

giving the shot a shot

For those in the United States, the COVID-19 vaccine has been out for some time. Because my state recently opened up the vaccine to everyone 16 and older, this makes me eligible.

I've admittedly been on the fence about getting the vaccine due to potential side effects. At the risk of sounding like an anti-vaxxer, there is a common concern that the COVID-19 vaccines are being rushed out the door. I'm not worried about the flu shot as it's been around for many decades. We know it's safe because it has stood the test of time. However, the same cannot be said for COVID-19 vaccines.

But a few things made me reconsider. I ultimately figured it's worth a shot — pardon the pun — after some convincing from my parents. For one, everyone has a duty to do their part to put an end to this crisis. I also haven't seen many reports of adverse events even though the U.S. has already given out over 200 million doses. We would know by now if the vaccine is harmful.

Perhaps the biggest reason is that these are mRNA vaccines that "teach" our cells to make a protein that triggers an immune response. It's my understanding that these vaccines don't contain live virus. Your cells then produce antibodies that act against pathogens. Of course, my medical school friends probably know a lot better than I do. The experts are free to correct me. :-)

In any case, my appointment was at a site run by El Camino Health. The queue was long as there were probably around a hundred people. I was also wait-listed and had to remain in line for a bit longer. However, the actual shot took only about five minutes. We were told to wait in an observation area to ensure there were no adverse reactions. About 20 minutes later, they let me go after seeing there were no problems.

I also had some funny moments while getting the vaccine. It turned there was a health worker also named Danny at the vaccination site. So when his co-workers called him into the office, both of us tried to enter before they stopped me. Of note is that there was another guy at the clinic who had the same name. He even had a very similar last name as mine. What are the chances?

For those curious, the vaccine I received was from Pfizer. One thing I've heard is that this one has less severe side effects. I do have a sore arm but nothing too terrible. Let's hope this is as bad as it gets.

It's still going to be some time before life returns to normal. We don't know if vaccinated people can still spread the virus, and no vaccine is 100% effective. So we're going to have to continue practicing social distancing for the foreseeable future. But one thing for sure is that this nightmare is almost over. I can finally see hope on the horizon. The light at the end of the tunnel.

Currently listening to: "Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" by Starship

three more 99's in RuneScape

It's been another productive double XP week in RuneScape as I just got level 99 in three more skills. :-)

I reached 99 Strength this morning and Defense and Ranged in the afternoon. The elite combat training dummies are certainly quite nice. Now I only need three more 99's before I get my max cape. :-)

Currently watching: Green Lantern: The Animated Series

the year the earth stood still

As you're probably aware, this was an awful year for so many obvious reasons. I'm relieved 2020 is finally over. Here's to what is hopefully a brighter future.

For the past five years, my family has celebrated the New Year by ourselves. This was especially the case due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the nice thing is that Dad made us a nice dinner. You read that right — he's just as good of a cook as my mother. On the whole, New Year's Eve wasn't too bad despite ongoing events.

2020 in review

I don't think anyone is going to disagree that 2020 was a terrible year. For one, the pandemic has affected so many of our lives. Although I don't know anyone who caught the virus, there has been other awful things. You may remember that my classmate Corinne from LAHS passed away last summer. Losing beloved celebrities – such as Kobe Bryant and Chadwick Boseman – was also tragic.

Besides the deaths, there has been other challenges. Being laid off from Intel really sucked even though it had nothing to do with my performance. Of course, that's not even going into the missed social opportunities. Our last time eating at a restaurant was well over 11 months ago.

However, the year also had its highlights. Working from home means I don't have to commute. It certainly gives me a lot more free time. Another great thing that happened is that I got a job at Silicon Labs as a senior software QA engineer. It's no doubt a major milestone in my life.

A new year comes with new hope. I'm extremely confident that things have already started to get better. Let's hope things will be back to normal in the near future. As for New Year's resolutions, my biggest goal for 2021 is to do well at my new job. I'm also hoping to max my RuneScape account this year. :-)

Currently listening to: "Sweet Caroline" by Neil Diamond

level 99 Constitution and 138 combat in RuneScape

I just got level 99 Constitution and 138 combat in RuneScape after putting it off for a while. Here is a picture of me leveling up. Only three more skills to go until I max all combat skills!

Although thing have been tough due to the pandemic, the nice thing about staying home is that it gives me more time for games. I'm definitely hoping to get level 99 in all skills this year. :-)

Currently listening to: New Super Mario Bros. U – overworld theme

a very different Thanksgiving

As you could imagine, Thanksgiving was very different this year. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was our first time in six years without any gatherings. I've also been pretty busy for the past four days. Because I just started a new job in November, this was a good time to study our documentation and catch up.

Even though we're all in this together, things have been tough at times. But one nice thing is that I received a care package from Silicon Labs. It contains some coffee, a mug and all sorts of snacks. I definitely appreciate this gesture.

Of course, there are many other things to be thankful for. Although life has been tough for us, the support from my parents has been invaluable. I'm also grateful for my current job. Silicon Labs is really one of the best companies out there. Let's hope things start getting better soon!

Currently listening to: "Heroes Tonight" by Janji

first day at Silicon Labs

I'm excited to announce that I've started a new position at Silicon Labs as a senior software QA engineer. It also counts as a promotion because this is my first senior role. :-)

Silicon Labs is a leading manufacturer of semiconductors and IoT devices. For those curious, my job is to expand test automation for their wireless products. I definitely hope to put the knowledge I gained from previous jobs to good use. Also worth mentioning is that everyone is very friendly and helpful. I work from home at the moment but certainly hope to meet them in person soon enough.

But there's also a challenge: as mentioned earlier, the team is based in Boston. Although they're letting me work remotely during the pandemic, the company expects me to move to the East Coast in the future. This is going to be a huge change in my life for sure. I guess I'll worry about that when the time comes.

Currently listening to: New Super Mario Bros. overworld theme