prime gods

Christmas break is almost over and all I have ever done is just read Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged” (I’m not even halfway the book and I’ve been reading it for days… I can’t wait to finish it.) and clean my room. Not that I’m complaining, I love doing those; especially the reading part. I missed reading. I missed having the luxury of time to read. Without a blink, I’d trade a weekend in a Westgate Resort for reading a good book such as “Atlas Shrugged”. Oh… to be propped up on my pillows, left alone with no other thought but to read… it’s heaven. 0:D

I’m really impressed by Ayn Rand. Her philosophical stand is somewhat similar to mine that reading her book is like reading my own thoughts put into words. Amazing. After reading “The Fountainhead” and “Atlas Shrugged”, is there anyone who’d like to recommend another of Ayn Rand’s exquisite book?

After more than two years, I finally saw JC again this December 27. We had dinner at a cozy Italian restaurant near his place, and I finally got to meet (and interview) his fiancée Hiroko.

I had a fascinating time talking with them, or rather, trying my still-inadequate Nihongo skills with Hiroko. We got to the topic of their wedding details of course, and since they’re going back to Japan on January 2, JC asked me to get our Kendo friends’ addresses and email them to him for the wedding invitations. Since he knows that I’m not that fond of some of the Kendo people, he gave me the freedom to just get the addresses of the Kendo people I wanted to invite. ^_^ Isn’t it sweet?

Although JC generally had to translate most of the conversation for us during dinner, I got the impression that she’s really nice and is perfect for JC as I had imagined when JC used to talk to me about her before they even became a couple. I’m happy for both of them. ^^; I did vow afterwards that I should be able to speak coherent Nihongo before their wedding in July.

When I was in elementary and high school, I was labeled as “bookworm” by my friends, classmates, and relatives. I took that as a compliment. ^_^ I love books!

I can get too engrossed with a book that I actually skip meals unintentionally. Time seems to be nonexistent when I get caught up reading. There’s just too much to learn with one book. In fact, I’ve had several life changing experiences after reading a book.

This Christmas break, I intend to buy Ayn Rand’s “Atlas Shrugged”. My friend Romar recommended it to me and told me I’ll be able to relate with the characters there. I can’t wait to get hold of that book, especially since Ayn Rand’s one of my favorite authors.

Hmmmm… I just remembered that I have an 11-day straight break ^^; care to recommend other Christmas readings?

It seems the most popular products in the market today are diet pills (yeah, not i-phones). I can’t believe that every website popup I see is about weight loss. I guess it’s because of the holiday season that people tend to become conscious about their figure.

I have nothing against fat people or diet pills for that matter, but I am just concerned about those who want instant results. People tend to try pills without even consulting a doctor. This is very unsafe even if the pills claim that they are FDA approved. Taking these medications may have unknown side effects and it is not worth the risk. I know some diet pills really work, yet I strongly suggest checking with the doctor first before taking this drug.

Alvin invited me last month to a free surfing lesson. He said all I have to do is set a date and he’ll find someone to teach me how to surf. I contacted him last week to schedule our trip/lesson this coming three-day weekend so that I can also maximize my stay at the beach.

Everything’s all set, now I’m just packing my things for the three-day escapade. Hmmmm… I just realized that I don’t have a camera for the trip. I’ve been planning to get one but I always had the perfect excuse why not to buy one. I guess now’s the time to buy a digital camera. After all, it is my first surfing lesson and I want it documented strikingly.

My friend, Alvin, recommended the camera brand Olympus. I browsed the net and fell in love with Olympus Stylus 770 SW digital camera. Who wouldn’t? It is not only shockproof (will still function even if you drop it at 5 ft.), freeze proof (it can function at -10°C/14°F), and crushproof, it is also waterproof (very handy for people who love the beach)! To cap it off, it has a bright 2.5″ Hypercrystal LCD which allows you to easily compose, view and share your images while swimming underwater. I ought to start saving up for this camera.

My friend JC will be getting married July 11 next year. I’m currently helping him with the wedding preparations since he and his fiancée are currently in Japan and will be just visiting this December to finalize their wedding here. Their next return after December will be for the wedding week on July.

I had always thought that weddings are nice, but they’re way too much of a hassle in preparation, especially if you have a big wedding like JC’s (his expected guests are around 150). The tiniest details can set you off. Which is why, I definitely vie for civil or intimate weddings. It’s more special, less stressful, more practical, and definitely more romantic and solemn since the attendees are just a selected few – the closest to your heart.

Anyhow, I’m still thinking on whether to get them the conventional dinnerware, microwaves, and the likes, or go for the more exciting stuff like body stockings and edible underwear to make their honeymoon more special. 0;) Hmmmm… what do you think?

Yesterday I have received my Christmas bonus. I’m planning to start a small business or just get a franchise. The nightly news about economic slowdown has made me think twice on spending my cash bonus. I consulted friends of mine who were professionals in marketing management and asked them about tips on starting a small business. I also asked what type of businesses are still feasible knowing that we are in economic crisis.

The best investment for my money – settle all my debts first. This is the best way to begin investing they said. If I have no more interest-earning debts, all the profit in my business can be used to expand it. I haven’t thought of this but it really makes sense, not that I have much debt. They also suggested that I get an in-depth training about the franchise first before I get into it. They also added that I must be completely educated on the terms and conditions of the franchise of my interest. Having a business of your own can really be stressful if you are not fully aware on how to run it. I thought of hiring someone who can manage the business but they said that will only add to expenses. And so I decided that I’ll just save the plan for later until I have paid all my credit card bills and have studied about the details of my planned business.

Aside from sleeping and drinking, I love watching movies. But sometimes when I’m already stressed out with work, I don’t like to line up for the movie tickets anymore. I’d rather stay home and watch TV. So this gave me the idea of building my own movie room! You can make one too.

It’s pretty easy. For starters, you’ll need a spare room with air-conditioning to get that movie house feel; a home theater system, or just a DVD player with a TV and subwoofer; and most importantly, a good set of home theater furniture. The furniture is essential to make your room look like a real movie house. You may also add some thick curtains on all the walls to reduce the sound reflections inside the room (and to keep the room dark).

Now after your tiring day at work, you can just grab some fries and a burger on your way home and watch a movie in your very own movie room! You can even invite some friends over so they can provide the free food and drinks.

In my family and among my friends, I must admit I deserve the label “hazardous driver”. Yep, I hit sidewalks and signage occasionally. It’s not that I’m NOT careful; I just have this carefree attitude not suitable for drivers.

I know that not taking a formal driving lesson where you learn the different car parts (from inconspicuous coilovers to the obvious wheels) and ALL driving safety guidelines is not an excuse for my haphazard driving. After all, my siblings didn’t go to a driving school as well but they drive fabulously.

Anyhow, to un-label myself, I decided to practice driving more and be a defensive driver. Nowadays, I get driving compliments from my passengers. I still ask them to wear seat belts though. You never know… Hehehe 0;)