Flexibility at its best

Posted on July 17, 2011 by andoyitok

Growing up, I remembered how it was to construct a house from the ground up. You could say that I’ve had my share of constructions, may it be from scratch, or simple renovating our existing space. Now that Dad has his hands full with the general construction business that he manages, Borski and I get to have more exposure on this industry.

The only other time that I encountered construction that was not from the ground up, was when we had our high school classroom ‘assembled’. We called that the demountable building, which was made from many parts, majority of which are from corrugated GI sheets. The design in itself was pretty much acceptable for an easy to assemble building, but as to the soundness of the structural design, hopefully it would stand nature’s tests. That was some 15 years ago. As far as I know, the building stands till now.

But even with improvements in the flexibility of constructing buildings and homes, I have yet to see a similar adaptation of a park model rv, which is common in the USA, perhaps their solution for cost-conscious individuals wanting to own a home. Hopefully, the official in charge of housing issues can take a look at this and offer the same option in this country.

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Skyrocketting gas costs

Posted on July 12, 2011 by andoyitok

This is a sad reality and a sign of the times. Just yesterday, these was bannered in the local news. With the rising world oil prices, we are but slaves to the fluctuations of the global oil supply and demand. What good is a car during these times when, in order to buy gas, you have to mortgage your own vehicle. LoL. Sounds ironic right? But this is indeed a reality, from the news clipping I read about in the net earlier today. From that article, I also learned that indeed the internet has enroached on human life, such that it is now possible to apply for online auto title loans.

An auto title loan is a short term loan secured against your vehicle. In short, your car is the collateral for the title loan.

I wonder whatever progress has already been made for electric or hybrid vehicles. Hopefully, those will provide the long term solution for our dependence on fossil fuels.

http://www.turbotitleloan.com/loan/

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You owe me

Posted on July 12, 2011 by andoyitok

This was the opening greeting of my cousin from the States, when we met last week, as they arrived at the airport for a scheduled 3 week vacation. The reason being that she graduated from middle school (equivalent to high school in the Philippines) with flying colors. Actually, what she was asking for was just simply a treat, like dinner out, or pizza binge, in short, a bonding moment with the cousins, as was usually the case when they are here on vacation. Additionally, I was thinking of getting her something from a catalogue of 2011 graduation gifts, something simple that she can take with her when she gets back to the US.

I hope she doesn’t ask for an Ipad2. LoL.

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When it matters most

Posted on June 11, 2011 by andoyitok

Why is it that people wait for someone to be gone before they offer kind words? By then it would have been too late, and these would just have fallen on deaf ears. By then, it would be meaningless, and it would be just that – empty words. Oftentimes, our filial bond is tested time and again. Most often, it could just be something inconsequential and trivial. It is during those times that our character is truly tested, our inner personality revealed. Some lesser bonds disintegrate and the people become strangers. Still some, take that opportunity to become stronger, and strengthen their bonds even more, like diamonds being forged amidst the heat of the earth. It would be a good time to re-examine our relationships and which among the two it is progressing into. One thing is for sure though. As long as we are still breathing, we have the opportunity to make it right.

On the occasion of the upcoming Father’s Day celebration, I encourage people to show their appreciation and love for that one special person. May it be custom flowers, a greeting card, a kiss, or simply just a hug. What matters most is that you still get to show it to a living, breathing person. He may not return the same feeling of love and affection, but certainly, you are the better person for just taking the risk to reach out, and putting your feelings out there. Sure it would spare you from the possible feeling of hurt and rejection when you don’t take the risk, but when everything’s said and done, it will come down to that one moment. We have but one lifetime.  Surely the world could use more of that love and less violence.

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Mid-year rewards

Posted on June 1, 2011 by andoyitok

Back in my previous job, right around this time, I would have been excitedly already waiting for my mid-year bonus to be credited to my ATM account. LoL. What’s funny is that we still get to receive updates on our email on the goings on of our previous company, the summer outings, and mid-year bonuses, among others. It was always nice to receive those bonuses aside from the one we receive every December. The reason being, I have had my sights set on a pair of Black diamond earrings for Borski.

I remember the last piece of gift (read: jewelry) I gave her was a bracelet, which was a long time ago.

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NCIS addiction

Posted on May 22, 2011 by andoyitok

Ever since Borski had introduced me to NCIS – the latest TV series that she had her sights on, you could say I was more than immediately hooked. Prior to that, we already had our addiction to other TV series. There was 24, Grey’s Anatomy, and CSI. NCIS, like CSI, afforded us bits of trivia on crime solving, as well as a glimpse of the intricacies of forensics.

However, NCIS is unique from CSI in that they have injected quite an abundant bit of humor and witty banter on the latter, which I find to be quite enjoyable and sometimes just what is needed to spice up the show, and gives a not-too-serious feel to it. It is also not lacking in substance, as they have also injected it with episodes that affords the viewer a glimpse into the lives of each of the characters. Personally, I think I know Special Agent Gibbs so much, that when I meet him in person, I feel like giving him a hug. LoL.

How I wish I could get something of a souvenir from the show, like military coins perhaps. We were addicted to the point that my younger sister, a nurse, wants to be a forensic pathologist. LoL. Now, wouldn’t that be something?

 

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Traveling at home

Posted on May 18, 2011 by andoyitok

The post title sound a bit contradictory, right? Now that we have already undergone our company reorganization, and have in a way gotten to enjoy the fruits of our labor, majority of the guys have been scheduling family vacations, which is more frequent than we are normally used to. Credit that to extra available cash, as well as just a way to reward ourselves for hard work done until our retirement from our company.

Just last month, a colleague of mine brought his entire family on a long road trip to Iloilo aboard his new Innova, and another one has scheduled a family trip to Bohol and the famed Chocolate Hills. As they were talking about it over lunch yesterday, they were both in agreement that the trip was made more comfortable by being able to bring their own vehicle, and technically, an extension of their home. However, even with that realization, I have been wondering why we do not have more recreational vehicles (RVs) here in the Philippines. Similarly, when I asked a colleague of mine who does sideline business in insurance, he confirmed that they haven’t gotten any rv insurance applications.

Now wouldn’t that be great, to be able to have the first RV in Dumaguete, and then go on cross country vacations on board roll on-roll off (RO-RO) vessels? For now, we are still content on our upcoming Jakarta vacation come 1st week of June.

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Investing for the rainy days

Posted on May 18, 2011 by andoyitok

Though it is quite sunny as of this time, we can never be certain of what the future brings. Such is the realities of life. We just have to roll with the punches. Just like the adage, it is for the rainy days that we should be preparing for. After our whole department was retired at the end of February earlier this year, my officemates have been just up and about looking for investment options, since they were able to receive a big chunk of their separation benefits, as well as their retirement savings.

Majority of them have gotten new cars, which personally I don’t think is a necessity for Borski and myself right now (not to mention that we’d have to get a loan once again if we decide to get a car). We had just about paid off our lot loan, so we are happily debt-free as of the moment.

Just the other day, I chanced upon some officemates talking over our afternoon break time on the option to buy gold coins as another investment. Up until that time, I haven’t really given it any consideration, and personally leaning towards stock investments. I have yet to download the e-book “Stock Investing for Dummies.” But first and foremost, I have to blog some more, so that I can have something to invest with. LoL.

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