This is what most of us often do.

We tend to be thrifty on items we deem necessary and can be thrifty on.

True, instead of constantly buying your meal from restaurants or fast foods, you can bring your own lunchbox. Instead of being at the mall every weekend to watch a movie, you could wait for the DVD version to come out and watch from the comforts of your home. That way, you will not be tempted to go elsewhere in the mall and possibly spend more than what you intended. Instead of buying sodas outside, you could settle for healthy H2O. Instead of buying that new game you’ve been wanting, try to search online for a torrent download. I know, the method is illegal but let’s face it, it happens.

Bottomline, there are ways to get what we need and want with the cheapest alternative we can find.

BUT.

With all the income saved from being thrifty, I bet that money goes somewhere else we could call “luxury”.

Remember the lunch and movie savings? I bet they go to fine dining experience every weekend. Or maybe, the money is spent on some new clothes and shoes. Or maybe, to some new gadget you’ve been eyeing upon but do not necessarily need.

Bottomline, the money saved goes elsewhere where it WILL NOT earn. This is saying goodbye to savings and investments.

True economy consists in making the income exceed the expenses.

If your clothes are in good condition, then you don’t need more to cramp your closet. You don’t need branded labels to cloth yourself. You will not die from eating plainer, if not healthier food. Mend old items if they could still be mended. Live simpler and save so that, in whatever circumstances, unless some accident happens (I hope not. Knocks on wood), there will be a margin in favor of the income. The money saved can be placed in some form of investment so it could go on accumulating, and in this way, a great turnabout can happen.

Such attitude will require training but once you get used to it there will be a great feeling of rational saving than in irrational spending.

There is a simple cure against extravagance and for mistaken economy.

1. Get a notebook. Create two columns. One notebook labeled “necessities” and the other “luxuries” or “Wants”.

2. Everyday, write down every expenditure you have.

By the end of the week (or even month, if you prefer to total everyhing at this timeframe), you WILL see that necessities take only a small portion of what most of us can earn.

According to a quote from a personality named Dr. Franklin,

“it is the eyes of others and not our own eyes which ruin us. If all the world were blind except myself I should not care for fine clothes or furniture.”

We are often driven by what society dictates is cool and necessary when in fact, we can live without the “hip” and the “new”. Trends are good but constantly following the trend can lead to an individual’s economic downfall.

Basically, each one of us have to concentrate on what is “necessary” for our existence. Being aware of this will help us achieve the concept of True Economy.

Talk about a loooooooong time to rest. LOL

Not that I’m complaining but it comes to a point when too much rest can also bore you out and the brain is asking for some point of stimuli to have it functioning again.

So a result of this “boredom” cause, a good friend, Erwin Cruz, suggested I make a blog about the things I do (and can do) when bored. I must say, this is one blog post which does not require much research and thinking, so why not? It will be fun too!

Let’s start off with the usual things I do when bored at home:

1. Pester someone online. Favorite victim, Erwin Cruz. Pester each other. Call each other names. Throw senseless smilies. Trade anecdotes and insults. In short, have fun.

2. Of course you can’t pester everyone in your chat list. Not all are born on the same level of tolerance for “pests”. LOL. Just greet everyone on your chat list. See how they are. Catch up on your lives. Be a “confidante” if they are down. Rejoice in their joys, etc. If you feel like you are wasting time from boredom, then do something worthwhile for friends.

3. Social networking. You have no idea how much social networking can take up your time, IF you are an active user. Friend updates, chats, applications, games, articles to read, etc. There are just so many things to do and friend gossips to catch up on!

4. Do what I do, blog about anything and everything under the sun.

5. Read ebooks or books, which you had a hard time catching up on because of time constraints. Why not feed the brain with some knowledge or opinion on a story? Your brain might go dead if you let it go bored. Would you believe I even read some textbooks (que horror!). I know. Probably why most see me as a geek. But I’m still proud of it!

6. See those stacks of DVDs? Watch some of them again. Or if you haven’t seen some of them, now is the right time.

7. Clean my room. There are times when my side of my room is messy and I’m too lazy to clean. But if there’s nothing else to do. Why not. Might as well organize my closet too. I suddenly realize I have lots of clothes!

8. Worse case scenario when I’m bored because there is no electricity (black out) I will be forced to clean the whole house. Top to bottom. Throw out unnecessary items. Flush out the debris. Make everything spic-and-span. I become an obsessive compulsive neat freak. But this is rare. XD

9. Hang out with friends if time, money and company permits. Watch a movie. Shop. Dine out. Bond.

10. If nothing else suits me, then SLEEP! The weekdays can be so hectic we deprive ourselves of the much needed sleep. When boredom steps in maybe its the brain telling us to give it some rest.

Well the above list are MY LIST. How about I suggest a few more items anyone can do when they are bored.

11. Go bunjee jumping without a bunjee rope. Now that is EXTREME SPORTS!

12. Balance your checkbook.

13. Go to the beach. Swim. To make it more exciting. Swim with sharks. Now that adds up to the thrill!

14. Become a paparazzi for your friends, follow them around with a camera.

15. Boil ice cream. Eeeew?

16. Call a wrong number and talk to whoever answers. A bit old school but hey, it still works I’ve heard.

17. Check out the weather forecast for other parts of the world.

18. Read a magazine upside down.

19. Listen to a type of music that you don’t normally listen to. I consider this a good thing. It’s like expanding your horizons to other genre and culture.

20. Make a spontaneous party.

21. Master the art of cherry-stem tongue-tying. Good luck on that.

22. Pretend to be sick.

23. Recite romantic poetry… to an appliance. Oh god, I remember a party I went to once wherein the birthday celebrant, already tipsy from too much beer, serenaded and seduced the refrigerator.

24. Make a scrapbook. Digital or otherwise. Give a theme for it then share it to everyone.

25. Say everything twice. If it doesn’t annoy the person you are talking too, say them more than twice.

26. Scream. Just be sure to be ready when stones are being thrown at you afterwards.

27. Turn everything into a photo-op. Even your neighbor’s garbage can or the dog’s poo.

28. Use a kick me sign. As a challenge, see how many people you can put a kick me sign on without them knowing it.

29. Walk around a public park, every so often pretend to trip on a ‘invisible’ wire.

30. Watch a film that will terrify or paranoid you for the rest of the day. Let’s see if that bores you still (or make you sleep at night).

I believe there are more but I’m running out of ideas! LOL

Anyone wants to add on these?

First, the Philippine hostage taking, which started with Rolando Mendosa, a fired police officer armed with a M16 rifle and pistol, seized a busload of 21 Hongkong tourists and four locals to demand his reinstatement on the force.

The ordeal ended in bloodshed with police storming the bus and killing the gunman after he opened fire on the tourists, killing eight of them.

I have seen the videos and I found one from youtube. Too view what happened, play the video below.

Here are my takes on what I’ve read and seen:

1. Yes, I admit the way the hostage taking was handled badly by the Philippine police and media was wrong. They weren’t trained that well, which leads to…

2. Can you really blame the Philippine Police if they weren’t trained that well? Blame it on whoever is not giving the right training.

3. The Media has to be given the right ‘filter’ on what to show on cam and not. Especially, if we know what will happen to the country nationwide. There goes our ‘tourism’.

4. What?! Philippines has been banned as travel destination from other countries?! *goes up a platform* Well, excuuuuuuuuse me! Before you point any fingers on the Philippines as an unsafe haven for travelers, can you at least show us the statistics that no crimes, hijacking, rapes, terrorist attacks happen in YOUR country? I mean really! The nerve! As if YOUR country is SO PURE and paradise-like that no such things happen?! These things happen around anywhere the world!

Whew! That last one really got on my nerves!

But I think the Philippines had underwent similar and worse situations that this, and yet we’re still here. Despite the bad image this incident has brought my country, there still many open-minded people out there taking the side of the Philippines, that we are not fit to be banned and called us such because of this incident.

On a lighter note, even with its comedic factor of grammatical usage, with Miss Universe Philippines representative, Venus Raj, gaining a place within the Top 5 finalists is already a blessing and great honor for the country after the Philippine hostage taking incident.

When actor William Baldwin asked her to mention one biggest mistake in her life and what did she do to make it right, many were dismayed when she answered that she had made no “major, major” mistake during her “22 years of existence.”

Yes, I believe I will side with everyone saying her answer was probably a reason why she lost the chance to win the coveted title.

Personally, it is a major factor since NOBODY is perfect to have never made a mistake in their life. At some point, no matter how shallow or serious a mistake might have been, it is a mistake that made us who we are. Mistakes shape our personalities and without mistakes we are not human. So to answer as such is… just wrong. LOL

Even then, with Venus earning a place among the royal entourage of Miss Universe 2010, it is good news to hear after the incident the previous day.

Filipinos, we have the attitude to see the brighter side of things no matter how bleak things are. Kudos to us being as such.

I do not classify myself as an elitist nor knowledgeable on culture and the arts. What I do know is I understand the basics of many genres and I give each a chance to reach a specific part of my heart so I could understand the meaning of its lyrics, its tune and its origin.

Musicians always have this struggle to get to the top, to reach their populace and to gain awareness for their art. In the past, commercial and political pressures help in creating an atmosphere of insecurity and fear to get in the world of music. It’s different nowadays when there are so many channels, especially with the Internet included, that anyone can make their music heard. Music is celebrated like never before but the issue lies on creating music for the benefit of someone else’s script. It’s like controlled “art” or manipulated “truth”.

Have you ever wondered how much music could have possibly revealed to mankind if only given the chance to be freely articulate? It is a challenge indeed to have “real” music be heard by the majority, to hear what must be heard and for many to digest its meaning. Am I sounding like an elitist? No. I’m not shunning pop culture but I, myself am questioning the role of music to stimulate human mind and delve into the world of comprehending the world as what it is and not masking any part of it.

I am not making an advocacy to make everyone listen classical music. I know I can’t make everyone appreciate it. But I would like to ask everyone to give it a chance, to make your mind and imagination move in tune with the step and note. Close your eyes and feel each key, each rest, each jump of motion into the waves of sound. Make your own story and feel the emotion you can conjure with it. Such as the aid of classical music. It makes us understand a part of ourselves, a part of our lives, a part of our origin, a part of our culture and a part of our world.

Here are a few classical music I recommend for listening.

According to a plurk conversation I had with a friend, “We are mere vessels of what we earn”.

Ergo, no matter how much we earn, if we are to survive, the money will pass by our palms and we are left with mere quantities to satisfy our ‘wants’.

I say ‘wants’ because our needs will definitely take a priority. Utilities, mortages, bills, food, medicine, transportation to work, etc. We complain so much of the priorities for the mere reason we can’t get any of what we ‘want’.

Whoever said handling money is easy. It is EASY to earn it. Everyone can EARN it regardless of what background they have. There are many jobs to take but as human nature would dictate, we are picky on where we want to be. The more difficult thing of handling money is how to manage it according to what we need to survive. The road to wealth is easy. It is as plan as the road to the mill. In known theory, it consists of simply spending less than what we earn. But, with so many temptations around and the way media and society illustrates how a ‘cool’ or ‘affluent’ man should look like, retail takes a higher priority over savings.

I’m not dictating or preaching. I’m stating a fact based on reading, observations and personal experiences. True economy is often misunderstood. Often, the concept of saving is done in one direction and is squandered on others. Let’s place this on a simple example:

When you get your salary, you will automatically deduct a portion of it for your rent, utility bills, food, etc. Then you will set aside another portion to place it on your bank “savings” account. Then, you will take a big ‘chunk’ of your salary to get that new Ipod model when your previous one is still working fine. You are just wanting to get the new Ipod model because it looked cooler and you wanted bigger space for your files. And I for one, would only question the reason of the bigger hard disk when you won’t be able to fill all that space unless you are in the music industry and it is a neccessity to lug around thousands of mp3 for work.

I mean really.

Then you will get sick and you complain you don’t have enough money set aside for emergencies or meds. You have forgotten to pay for your insurance and your health card is nearing its renewal date.

So where are the priorities?

We know how to save on one side of the spectrum but we tend to forget the other neccesities.

To state another example, on our way home riding a taxi from my dad’s doctor for his check-up, I noticed the run-down wooden houses along this street. They were small, crowded, dilapitated looking-homes BUT, from the outside you can plainly see a 24 inch plasma TV. And I could see a kid on the doorstep looking sad and tired white eating some street-food. A kid that small should be inside the house and be taken care of than left near the street with drunk men loudly cheering from some rowdy story nearby. I bet the kid’s dad could be one of those noise drinkers.

So what then is true economy?

It is understanding what we have and we work hard to make it grow. It is understanding the sacrifices of some of our ‘wants’ to be prepared for emergencies in the future. It is able to balance our needs and wants to achieve a comfortable place to live.

In short, we need to discipline ourselves on what we ‘need’ and ‘want’ and work around what we have to achieve both sides.

In theory, easy. In real life, let’s WORK on it.

I’ve seen this kind of emails before and it is just annoying how these emails seem not to die down despite the obvious indication of it being SPAM.

What is disturbing is the fact it is still going around and there might be people getting fooled by this for it to exist even at this age.

Everybody must be careful about these SPAM emails especially with money concerned. I once had a friend, who was almost fooled by this. They received an email indicating they were to get almost half a million dollars inheritance from some dying heiress and my friend’s email was randomly selected to be one of the lucky people.

They were almost going to go for the kill when they realized a few things:

1. The email started with ‘Dear Esteemed Customer’. If this were a real, it should have indicated my friend’s name or a specific name from her family. But there wasn’t.

2. They were asked to deposit a certain amount to a specified account number before any transaction can be made! What the F—!

3. There was no complete contact information to call or communicate to clarify the information. The only communication is via email.

Really suspicious indeed.

As for me, I got the same email just now and I can’t help but raise awareness on how this e-mail SCAM still exists and everyone must be careful when dealing with these emails.

Dear Esteemed Customer,

Re: YOUR IMMEDIATE TRANSFER OF A PART-PAYMENT US$5,800,000.00

We at this bank wish to congratulate and inform you that after thorough review of your Inheritance/Contract funds transfer release documents in conjunction with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund assessment report, your payment file was forwarded to us for immediate transfer of a part-payment US$5,800,000.00 to your designated bank account from their offshore account with us.

The audit reports given to us, shows that you have been going through hard times by paying a lot of money to see to the release of your funds, which has been delayed by some dubious officials.We therefore advice that you stop further communication with any correspondence outside this office since you do not have to pay any money or fee to receive
your funds as you have met up with the whole funds transfer requirements.The only thing required from you is to obtain the Non-Residential Clearance Form to enable us credit your account directly by telegraphic transfer or through any
of our corresponding banks and send copies of the funds transfer release documents to you and your bankers for confirmation.

Should you follow our directives, your funds will be credited and reflect in your bank account within five (5) bank working days from the day you obtain this Non-Residential Clearance Form.For further details and assistance on this Remittance Notification, kindly forward your information below

YOUR FULL NAME:
YOUR FULL CONTACT ADDRESS:
TELEPHONE and FAX NUMBERS:

Yours sincerely,
Mrs.Sheila Deblin.
Head,International Banking Division.
Standard Chartered Bank.

Be careful everyone, these scams are still rampant. To be more aware of online SCAMS, please visit Scamdex: The Email Scam Resource website for more information.

Wishes and wishful thinking. Indeed we shape our lives but to how long do we go against fate (if there is fate)?

Too much emo moment, I think I should start on the things that mean something and could make me happy indeed if they were to come true next month. I’m not expecting any or all to be given but it is after all a wish list.

I decided to make a wish list that would entail 29 items (the age I will turn to next month). I will categorize the items into two, tangible and non-tangible items.

NON-TANGIBLE (Personal Wishes)

1. I hope my dad would learn to lessen (because total removal is impossible) of his vices. As much as I would like to believe advices from his loved ones and prayers may help, I doubt this would come true until he realizes the importance of him letting go of his vices. His health can really scare me at times but if he wouldn’t help himself, I cannot do anything for him either. I’m leaving fate and prayers on this.

2. For my mom, wherever she is, I wish with all my heart she is doing okay. Despite the fact my parents will never be together again, I wish one day, they will be able to meet and forgive each other.

3. I wish my sister will do well on her studies and graduate. I don’t expect honors from her but I do want her to live her life as a student even with the problems at home.

4. I wish my friends good health and life. Old ones and new, those who were once in the shadows and had now come to light, thank you for just being there even if not physically. I really thank the Internet existed for us to communicate even against time constraints and distances. I just thank you for being there.

5. For my relatives, abroad, I wish you still haven’t forgotten us. I do miss the times when someone in the clan will have a birthday or there is an occassion and the whole clan will just get together to celebrate. It has been many years that many of my relatives migrated abroad and only a few or us are left here in the Philippines. Please don’t forget us. I wish you health and happy life.

6. For the Winglica – Aerandria family, old and new members, despite the geographical distances, age ranges, race differences, even if the time comes when our online community would loose its online existence (not anytime soon I hope!), I wish the friendshihp still remain via other channels. The Internet has provided us the chance to be friends and most of us had underwent many things together. I wish for it (friendship) to retain as it is even when we’re already old with grey hairs ( if possible! XD )

7. I remember the times as a kid when my birthdays were really happy and great because of how much they spoiled me with gifts and attention. I don’t have grandparents with me anymore. I wish they are happy in heaven and that they continue watching over us from above.

8. For my current dog, Lia, be spritely and happy as you are. I wish you long life and see the family grow. I can’t help adding this on my list since I do love dogs. XD

9. For my neighbors, thank you for the help you have given to my family. I wish we were able to help you too when you needed aid. I wish your lives will be good and healthy.

10. Personal wishes for myself, they are for me to know

Whew! I’m really getting cheesy. I can feel tears forming in my eyes. *sniff sniff* Must be the age! *looks sharply at Licorne* And hold your toungue! Ha! I got you first! :p

TANGIBLE ITEMS (Gifts! Yay!)

As much as possible, avoid pink. XD Pink is okay but if I get drowned in pink, OMG! XD

11. A compact mirror.

12. Collection of loose beads (for my new bead making hobby!)

13. Kimmidoll!
LINK: http://kimmidoll.com/

Kimmidolls are the next items I want to have a collection! They’re so cute! The dolls embody many factors of life. I currently have ‘Akemi’ (thank you Gail!), the black-haired doll wearing an orange kimono. She embodies being “bright and beautiful”. She reminds me a lot of my transformation.

14. Colorful lady handkerchiefs (please avoid florals! I already have enough of those! Haha!) Don’t worry, I don’t believe on those superstitions that when you give handkerchiefs as gifts, the receiver will forever cry.

15. A bouquet of fresh flowers. Especially blue roses, I adore those. But I know they’re expensive. *meep!* So others will be fine.

16. I love fashion jewelries (earrings, bracelets, necklaces).

17. The Scrabble card game.

18. You could treat me in a Greenbelt resto :3 (I just had to add this up because it’s food related! Ahahaha! You guys know my food trips!)

19. I love stuff toys, especially if they’re cute or huggable.

20. Clothes will be nice. I think everybody knows my style. Even shawls, hats, belts will be great!

21. A fantasy book. Amaze me with your choice.

22. Cute pouches.

23. A loose, white polo and lady neck-tie. Trust me, I’m really going for the Korean get-up *wink* Hey, this item don’t even have to be bought. If you have one you are not wearing anymore, just give them to me! Ahaha!

The next set of list is the ‘expensive’ wish list. I don’t expect any of these but hey, it is MY WISH LIST. And wishes are free!

24. DSLR. Woot!

25. A laptop for gamers. Because these laptops have great specs and I could definitely play StarCraft 2 here without being overly consciuos of the required 12GB hard disk space! Haha!

26. Blackberry Storm :3

27. PSP

28. Someone to sponsor the glasses I would like made in EO.

29. House and Lot! WAHAHAHAHAHA!

Whew! I initially thought it will be a challenge to come up with a 29-item wish list but I did it!

Oh before I forget, there is one more wish I would really, really, really love to happen…WIN THE LOTTERY! *head spin* Yay! Ahahaha!

Come to think of it, this is the first birthday wish-list I’ve ever made in my whole life. :3 So this is how it feels like to make one.

I do hope that once my birthday comes I wouldn’t feel so low as I have felt these past few days. Too many things are happening in my life and I feel like a really lost sheep. I wish I could find the light soon…

Thank you for reading. Muwah!

I was thinking the salad maker, Michelin-starred chef Raymond Blanc, was trying to work a world record of making the biggest amount of salad ever made and would amount to such as to quantity of ingredients. But no, I was so wrong! The serving in regular size and upon observing pictures found on the internet, I think I could make it go under appetizer category. The presentation sure looks that way. Haha!

Raymond Blanc, stated he designed this salad to inspire people to experiment with exciting salad recipes and ingredients and put this delicious food in the spotlight!

He quotes:

“This was one of the most exciting projects I have been asked to work on! We had great fun sourcing the luxurious ingredients from all across the world, picking the finest quality products available – proof that salad can scale new gastronomic heights as a genuine gourmet meal.”

“We are serving a version of this salad on the menu at Le Manoir during Florette’s National Salad Week entitled ‘Salade Croustillante Terre et Mer’ – which is baby leaves in a “croustillant” of deep-fried herbs and vegetables, pan-fried squids, scallops and langoustines.”

So the next question is, what made this salad so expensive?

Well here is a run-down of the ‘the Florette Sea And Earth Salad’ salad (prices are based at the time the salad was created, which was on July 2003) :

NOTE: I am not an expert cook so if my research lacked and provided wrong information, please don’t hesitate to tell me so I male the necessary changes. Thank you!

Almas golden caviar

Not long ago even your $25,000.00 would get you a tin as it was so rare that it was reserved only for Tsars.

Almas (Russian for gold) caviar comes from a 100+ year old Beluga Sturgeon from the Caspian Sea. The roe is white in color and the older the fish, the lighter the roe is.

Florette Baby Leaf salad

A mix of carefully selected young leaves.

Beluga caviar

Beluga caviar is caviar consisting of the roe (or eggs) of the beluga sturgeon Huso huso. It is found primarily in the Caspian Sea, but can also be found in the Black Sea basin and occasionally in the Adriatic Sea.

Truffle (I’m only guessing this part since there is no mention of ‘chocolate truffles’. If I am in error, please do not hesitate to tell me so I can make make the necessary changes for correct future reference.)

A truffle is a rare, edible mushroom that is considered a delicacy in many parts of the world. Generally harvested in the wild, they are quite expensive. Truffles are often confused with chocolate-covered truffles, a confectionery that has no relation to mushroom truffles.

Gold Leaf

Edible gold is almost pure gold, but mixed with silver only, which is edible, so it is completely digestible. Edible Silver leaf is also available, and we offer Edible Silver in leaf form and in powder, or dust form.

Kreel caught langoustines

Langoustines have been a popular food in Britain since the 19th century, but it’s only as recently as the 1950s that they became important commercially in Scotland. The Irish were the first to start landing them in Dublin Bay where they were initially described as ‘prawns’ because of the similarity in their size and shape. This misnomer has since stuck and west coast Scottish fishermen continue to be known as ‘prawn’ fishermen.

Cornish crab

Several crab species are commonly found on Penwith’s shores. Their bodies come in different shapes and sizes. This is because crabs have evolved differently to fit in with different environmental niches.

Cornish lobster

Locally sourced from Newquay and sometimes from Fowey, these are delicious.

Moulin Jean Marie Cornille olive oil

Many master chefs say that this is simply the best olive oil mill in France. It is located in a 17th century building. If you visit this mill during November you can see the olive oil extraction according to old traditions. The oil is kept in vats, where the sediment settles naturally without any filtration. This method retains a maximum of natural flavours.

Red Romano Peppers

A long, narrow bright red fresh pepper, weighing around 100g, with a sweet-flavoured flesh and a tender skin.

Romano peppers are ideal for stuffing and roasting (this softens the flesh and concentrates the flavour). A variety of fillings can be used including cream cheese, butter bean and chilli; cooked rice with mushrooms, ham and red onion or cooked chicken or turkey mixed with sweetcorn, crumbled Cheshire cheese and pesto. Serve the cooked peppers with a sauce such as tomato or cheese or a tangy salsa, and salad.

Potato

The potato is a starchy, tuberous crop from the perennial Solanum tuberosum of the Solanaceae family (also known as the nightshades). The word potato may refer to the plant itself as well as the edible tuber. In the region of the Andes, there are some other closely related cultivated potato species.

30yr old Balsamic Vinegar

Aged Italian balsamic vinegar can be a great experience, but most people aren’t experienced. Much of what’s on the shelf at the supermarket isn’t real balsamic, and what’s available at specialty stores is confusing. Like buying caviar, you have to know a bit before plunking down your $20.00—or your $220.00.

Again, all in all, the time this salad was made, it costs approximately £ 635.60 Wooooo!