Do you really need all of these? 10:48 AM

For us to stay in budget and not ending up with stacks of junk at home, I have summarized some key mind tricks and tips on when to pass and not buy stuff:

1) You are always in a diet!

You do not need the excuse of being overweight to start eating healthy (normally less). Pass on the soda and fries. Just keep the burger. I don't care if the happy meal will get you the latest Twilight mug. We spend for food at least thrice a day. Cutting back here will help your wallet and your thighs in the long run.

2) Just because it's new doesn't mean you need to have it!

It is only nice and shiny in the first 2 weeks. After which, the credit card bill arrives. iPad 2, Galaxy S2, Blackberry Bold 9900. You know they put the numbers in there to tell you that you will only have the latest until the next one comes along, right? Wait a month or two before buying really new stuff. You and the prices would probably be more reasonable.

3) Do you really need another?

Another bag, another pair of shoes... Practicality dictates 'Do not replace if it is not broken.' Fashion suggests 'Beauty should be timeless.' With this, we should then go for pieces that are durable and would go with anything. If all else fails... Here's a good formula to live by:

Underwear > Socks > Shirts > Jeans > Shoes > Jackets > Bags > Belts > Hats > Girlfriends

4) Life is a sit-down meal, not a buffet!

Much like a sit-down meal, you need to decide carefully what you want in buying stuff. It is not practical spending to get everything and ending up just liking/finishing 1 or 2 of what is served. Buy one. Finish it. Spend time with it. If you need more, then buy again. You are not a collector. You don't have taste.

The North Station 11:31 PM

Untitled, originally uploaded by audiOscience!.

Being stationed in the north has it's share of pros and cons. Let me break them down.

PROS

1. Trinoma & SM North EDSA - An MRT station away. They will be the new Shang and Megamall.
2. Tomas Morato - The new Metrowalk slash City Golf
3. MRT - Park anywhere in the other stations and head to work via train. Convenience, yes.
4. Close to UP & Ateneo. - Masterals and boarding options
5. ABS-CBN & GMA are across the street - My dream to break into the industry is a stone throw away.

CONS

1. EDSA is unavoidable - You get everything that comes with it. Busses, pollution, noise and... yes... masa juice.
2. Everybody else is somewhere south - Do you know anyone who works north of Ortigas? That's right.... me too.
3. No Chicken Wings within a 15 mile radius - Will need to travel a bit to get to a decent wing place. Bye bye Charlies & Hooters.
4. Where will our visitors stay? - Eurotel? Sogo? Well... I guess if it's that short of a visit then...
5. It is as north as north goes - Just to put things in perspective, let's say you live in Muntinlupa, Parañaque or Las Pinas. You'll probably have better luck getting to Tagaytay in 1 hour.

Everything is so Random (part deux) 12:52 PM

I got a random phone call this afternoon from a Singapore number. Prepared to be dragged into an escalation call, I answered just to be greeted by that wh*r8 b!t@h Danuel (love him to bits). He was asking for some random video that I showed him sometime a few years back. It was just so random...

A Life Less Ordinary 9:48 AM

Sleeping cat, originally uploaded by Dr. Hemmert.

I sometimes wish I had the life of a cat. Domesticated, collared, groomed and well-fed. I get to sleep the afternoons away. Chase everything shiny and smaller than I am. Be lazy.

I'd climb up trees and watch cars go by. I'd hiss and air-claw the neighbor's cowardly dog. I'd occasionally swipe at goldfish in the pond. I'd show my master trophies of dead birds and insects I'll sneak indoors.

I'd look outside the window and wish the rain away. I'd hang up the curtains and tumble onto the sofa below. I'd run up and down the stairs just because I can. I'd ignore every other guest that my master brings home.

I'd sometimes look into my master's weary eyes. I'd wonder what happened during his day. I'd meow and ask why he seems lonely at times. I'd ponder why he's been in bed all day.

I'd do stupid acrobatics to just get a laugh. I'd stretch and lie on his face when he doesn't want to get up. I'd do this for I suffer the expectations of being an ordinary. He suffers this for being a lonely man with a cat.