[1110] Highly Improbable Christmas Wishlist

Obviously a filler blog post, but still somewhat relevant. Christmas is just around the corner and here's a list of things I'd want to have, but I doubt I can receive as a gift. Simply because they're either too expensive or too hard to find. Mostly the former. So here we go.

1. A nice two-bedroom condominium unit with two car parking slots. I've been doing a lot of browsing for condominium units here in Metro Manila and currently the best bang for the buck location I can think of that is relatively closer to where my wife works and where my daughter studies is some location in Pasig. Pasig units are around 50 sq m or so for the same price as a 40 sq m or so unit in Makati or BGC, and this is a big reason why I think Pasig is the way to go. I just don't know how bad traffic is going to and from the place.
2. Another car. Yes, we already own a Toyota Wigo G. Number coding is still in effect here in Metro Manila and I think we still need a relatively bigger car for road trips and when the Wigo can't be used. I've already blogged about options, and they still haven't changed. My dream choices are either the Toyota Avanza 1.5 G CVT (because spacious, relatively affordable, and fuel efficient), the Toyota Zenix 2.0 Q Hybrid CVT (because hybrid), and possibly the Honda BR-V VX CVT (because Honda, similar size to the Avanza, and looks nice).
3. A new, custom gravel bike built to my specs. I'd rather not blog about this now but I do want a more modern gravel bike using through axles and the more well-known brands. This also makes my current bike a full-time bike trainer. On that note.
4. If I can't get a new bike then one of those smart bike trainers would be nice. Maybe I can afford a Zwift subscription or one of the other well known virtual bike apps. It might help me spend longer times on the bike trainer.

That's it actually. Just stuff I know I can't afford, and stuff that's basically a luxury and not a need.

Merry Christmas.

Out.

[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.