[1109] The Weather

During November the Philippines has been, or will be, hit by six typhoons. We've been fortunate enough that Metro Manila hasn't been hit dead on by the typhoons passing the Philippines.

That doesn't mean all is good, since other places in the country are suffering from strong winds and huge amounts of rainfall. The place where I studied, Naga in Camarines Sur, had already been devastated by Typhoon Kristine (international name Trami) earlier in November and is also feeling the effects of the current typhoon known locally as Pepito.

So far based on news reports I've read it's mostly been the Bicol Region and the northern Luzon areas being hit by the typhoons. Apparently, based on the first link, the increase in the number of typhoons is because of global warming.

As I grow older these things become more anxiety inducing since I do worry about the safety of my family, as well as the safety of friends and of course material things. Hopefully everyone can stay as safe as possible.

Out.

[1108] "Toy Car"

I know it's stupid to own a "toy car" (aka project car) when I can barely afford taking care of one car. I still want one, and it doesn't hurt to dream.

So with that being said, I've always blogged about a Japan surplus kei van. Chatting with my friend, who also happens to be a car guy like me, always brings me back to reality. For the price of a Japan surplus Suzuki Every specced out to my preferences it would probably be more practical to get a used, locally sold car that I like.

Cars like the gen 1 or gen 2 Honda Jazz, the gen 2 Toyota Yaris, heck even the Suzuki Swift. Notice I'm still looking for a "small car" to own. Because that's probably the best I can afford if I could save up another batch of money for a car.

I have checked out different cars on FB Marketplace. I was seriously considering the old Toyota Echo Verso (aka Yaris Versso) that was briefly sold here in the Philippines in the early 2000s. I just don't know how other people can still own twenty-plus year old cars without them having major issues like what's going on with our 2001 Toyota Rav4 now. Maybe it's because we never did proactive maintenance and only did oil changes, I honestly have no idea.

Anyway, yeah. I still want a small hatchback to be my toy car if I can ever afford to buy and maintain one properly.

Out. 

[1107] Really Crazy Japan Surplus Idea Part X

In an older blog post I wrote about basically transplanting the innards of a Japan surplus kei van into an existing body of a locally sold Suzuki Super Carry. Well now I have yet another crazy idea.

It basically involves buying a Japan surplus DA17 Suzuki Every Van. Then adding a roll cage.

That's basically it. To compensate for the structural integrity. Though I've seen an FB reel/Tiktok video saying there are different classes of Japan surplus kei vans so I guess the higher the class the less the structural integrity is affected?

Anyway it's just that. Buy a higher class Japan surplus Suzuki Every Van (or Wagong depending on budget and preference) and add a roll cage inside or outside. And yes, it is a crazy idea.

Out.

[1106] I Am My Own Worst Enemy

As I grow older, and watch lots and lots of motivational videos (whether accidentally or intentionally) on social media, I come to the hard conclusion that I am my own worst enemy.

Some videos say that it is up to yourself to control how you feel and how you respond to your day-to-day situation. Sad to say I am very much a negatron. I am aware of this and I am doing my best to improve, though.

I do try to change perspectives and find something that'll make me improve my thinking, but it is a daily challenge. There are days I can overcome it, and being human, there are days I cannot. I guess that is normal. What I'm trying to build upon is to consistently try not to be frustrated and not be so emotionally reactive. Take a chill pill, Will, as I used to say in high school.

Out.

[1105] Breaking Routines

I took the week off to relax. However I wouldn't be doing anything too different from my normal routine. Sure I went out to get my physical exam one day, and then I went with my wife and daughter to get the latter's braces adjusted another. But aside from that it was just me "vegetating at home."

Until today. Halloween would have an event where trick-or-treating kids would pass by the house and we would give some treats. My wife volunteered. Unfortunately the weather did not cooperate so the organizers decided to have it held in the village's covered court. They asked us to bring our treats there which I did.

I was not expecting them to ask us to have someone help distribute, and in a very impulsive and unexpected turn of events, I volunteered.

So I spent an hour or so hanging out and giving out our treats. There was supposed to be a second round after some magic show and other stuff in the program but honestly I was sort of bored already and so I decided to head home.

So did I break my routine? Yes. Normally I'd be hanging out at home. Or in today's case, hanging out at home handing out treats. Instead I went out and did something I don't normally do.

It felt sort of good, I enjoyed the short time I was there. And at least I did something different.

Out.