201, 202/365 - The Benefits of Walking

Let sleeping dogs lie.

I let the noodles cook for over ten minutes to absorb the soup.

The biggest benefit I get from walking to work and back to my wife's office is not the health benefit. It's the me-time I get.

I have all the  time to think whatever I want. As long as I still maintain a certain awareness of my surroundings so I don't get run over or something.

But I do love the time I take to walk briskly. It gives me time to think about whatever randomness I want. Usually I daydream about where I want my life to go. Usually that ends up with me coming up with plans on how to achieve my goals. Or I just use it as time to see if I have any opportunities I can take advantage of.

Out.

200/365 - A Good Day

8 - 10 days, they said. I think they meant ONE MONTH plus 8 - 10 days.

Today was a relatively good day, not just for me but for my wife. I'm glad things are happening the way they are, and I can only hope to be a catalyst for positive change not only for my wife but also for my daughter.

I'm still one and a half steps forward and one step back, but I do honestly believe I am progressing. Part of it is probably being surrounded by new people with different perspectives in life. I am thankful I have the opportunity to meet different people with different mindsets. I can learn from anyone and anything, I just have to keep an open mind and an empty stomach.

Out.

197, 198, 199/365 - Weekend Roundup

Watching food shows on Food Network Asia...

... leads me to ordering the hamburger set at Pancake House the next day...

... and thouroughly enjoying this short, but busy weekend.

The six-day work week is still a big adjustment for me. Nowadays I'm yearning for that extra free day to rest, hang out, or do whatever I please. Still, I can't really complain yet. Sacrifices have to be made in order to get one step closer to the goals I am setting for myself.

I also keep repeating that in order to keep my focus. This is the new path I have chosen, and I am taking all the necessary steps to prevent myself from getting to impatient and frustrated.

Alas, other things are starting to take motion. I have no idea what will happen, but I will be doing my best to make sure myself and whoever needs my help will succeed.

Out.

195, 196/365 - Opportunities

Our flower horn fish.

About to eat this. And extremely worried.

Forgive me for feeling very introspective right now. I'm here to discuss opportunities.

Do not let the opportunities you wasted or let go drag you down. Learn from the opportunities you missed, but always keep an eye open for opportunities you will encounter. The whole world is one big opportunity, you just have to seize it.

And never think that you are alone in this world, someone will always, always help you.

Out.

194/365 - Cars

Not a bad tasting cupcake.

I've been daydreaming a lot about cars as usual. But I realized most of my wish lists were a bit unrealistic. So I decided to scour the internet and find out five cars for under Php1 million that would also be good family cars. Here they are in order of preference.

1. Toyota Avanza 1.5E A/T - The Toyota Avanza takes the top spot because it has the biggest size of the cars I chose. It can seat up to seven, or five adults comfortably with enough room in the rear for a lot of luggage or groceries. My biggest concern is fuel consumption. I read somewhere the Avanza gets around 6km/L in the city, which is basically what my current ride (2001 Toyota Rav4) is getting. I'd rather keep my Rav4 than replace it with an Avanza.
2. Ford New Fiesta Hatchback 1.0L Sport+ PS - Yup. I've been curious about the EcoBoost engine for the longest time, and it's available on the Ford Fiesta. A 1.0L engine that has the performance of a 1.6L? I want to try it out. Despite the lack of size, I do think the Fiesta is a decent small family vehicle. Looks good, and as an added bonus I can actually upgrade the front disc brakes on it and use it as a mobile platform to advertise the product of the company I currently work for.
3. Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4L A/T - On looks alone the Kia Rio takes the third spot. That's basically it. Same hatchback argument - decent family ride for a small size family. Plus the smaller displacement engine means I hopefully will have better fuel consumption than my Rav4. Did I say I think it looks nice? Yes, yes I did.
4. Honda Jazz 1.3L A/T - Yes, not the top-of-the-line version. Why? I honestly don't know. My logic here is, do I really need all the power of a 1.5L engine when I usually drive in moderate to heavy traffic? Besides, the current 1.3L engine is now VTEC also. What I love about the Jazz is the practicality it has. You can configure the rear seats to carry almost any size cargo that can fit. It could be long, it could be tall. As long as you are patient, it can fit.
5. Suzuki SX4 1.6L A/T - Surprise! Yes, I like the SX4. It looks nice, it has decent size, and it is, in my opinion, the second biggest ride in this list of mine. I could have gone for the Suzuki APV, but I just really don't like that car that much. I think it's too underpowered for such a big ride. Sorta like the Avanza, except I like the Avanza. So it's the SX4 in fifth place for me.

That's it. Five rides for under Php1 million that I wouldn't mind owning. Again, this list is subject to change depending on my mood and depending on what car comes out in the Philippine market.

Out.