Notes

We car-camped for the first time in Huntsville State Park. It was a fun experience! More photos on my facebook page post.

I came from a country where "not knowing" is frowned upon but you're kind-of worshipped if you've known something that others don't--same concept applies to tenured employees and "just because" politicians. As I become more aware and less pretentious (lol), I find the culture ridiculous, it builds a false facade of strength on a weak foundation. How can you possibly know everything or worse pretend to know a plethora of topic without any help? I strive to learn everyday, but learning also entails asking questions. You grow by asking them too, it's not weakness, it is actually a strength. Coming…

In this year I made major adjustments on my investment approach. I made this change because of the painful experience of losing a lot of money in 2022. And I realized that life has a lot more to offer than constantly checking on the positions I hold and trade them multiple times per month. I got sucked into the idea that trading is the better way to make it big in the stock market. As a trader in the Philippines, I never thought of tax implications that come with trading equities. It's a very different experience in the US. There…

Your time is precious, choose not to spend it with inherently stupid people. When provoked, you don't have to retaliate, let them drown in their ignorance.

Until 11/30/2023, Chase Ultimate Rewards Points is worth 25% more if you buy selected Apple products through the Chase Portal. This promo was so timely since I needed to upgrade my phone that dies after 2 hours of light use. This is a deal I could not afford to pass. I just found this out by accident when I was exploring for deals inside the Chase's website. I was so stoked that I just needed to document this. It literally blew my mind. I have never thought that my credit card points would buy me a new iPhone let alone…

We upgraded from our handy-dandy Aeropress to this. I finally pulled the trigger on this one because it was on sale during Prime week. This was a gift for us, from us. Pulled a double shot earlier and by the taste of it I instantly knew that I was a noob. Lol To more trial and errors with this machine! ☕️

Chase Sapphire Preferred (Points for Food and Travel*) Chase Freedom Flex (5% Categories) Discover It (5% Categories) Bank of America Customized Cash (Back-up Cash Back--3%) Amex Blue Cash Preferred (Main Cash Back--6% Groceries and Streaming, 3% Transit and Gas) - this one I still need to apply Amex Gold Card (Points for Food and Travel*) - this too I still need to apply BILT Card (Rent payments) - this I need to apply as well Reviewing my credit card strategies because I was distracted by trash cards that are mediocre at best. This disruption on my credit card strategy was…

Many of the people here in the US do not understand how fortunate they are to be in this country. My face flush with hate when I hear them complain about small inconveniences and pain. Let's talk about pain a little more. No one likes to be in pain, but our reaction towards pain is in our control. It's the 5th vital sign but it's the only parameter that is subjective among the five. Even if we put numbers to measure it, we get different levels on the same type of pain on different people. I noticed that people here…

The more efficient way to live life is to live it with intent, to live it the way you specifically wanted it. Acknowledge that people--especially those who are around you, your friends or loved-ones, may have their own opinions, but their opinions should not hinder you from standing for your own. By all means follow your way, it'll make you feel better. And if at some point you noticed that "yours" did not work, take full responsibility and learn from it. Experience pays better than trepidation. They may follow you if they want to, but for you, the easier path…