Do Not Argue with Old People

I received my (third) study permit extension last Friday, so today I went to renew my (third) SIN card. The clerk that received me is an old woman, as in old, and she has this habit of shaking her head every time. After she looked at my documents she began typing on her computer, which took her a long time. Then she printed something, it's a manual from the website on how to renew a SIN card. She kept insisting that I need to have a work permit. FYI, a study permit allows one to work within the campus and this includes teaching and research assistantships which BTW pays my tuition and fees. To cut the story short, I did not succeed today. So I went to McDonalds and ordered myself a quarter-pounder.

Food Food Food

Yesterday I went with my sister-in-law's family to their friends Christmas party.

Here are some of the food they serve:

Lechon - epic crunchy
Chicken sesame
Lumpiang sariwa
Atsara
Ribs
Lasagna
Chopsuey

Burp!

Shoeses

I got my 2 pairs of shoes today.



One is a size 10 from Puma. I just tried it and was surprised it fits well. I'm size 9 by the way. I got it when they have a 40%-off promo plus an additional $10-off. Sweetness! Around 30 bucks all in.



The second pair is from Adidas. Got it for $45, half price using a 50%-off code, plus tax. Flint is like a hiking shoes. Have not opened it yet.

Edit: Apparently the Adidas hiking shoes are a bit different from what is on the photo. Not impressed! Boo Adidas!

Sunday Shopping

I just picked up my second PlayBook from Staples. They have it since November 28 but I have not received any notice to pick it up though they have charged my CC already. Anyways, I just finished setting it up. This one is for my wife.

I bought another lipstick for my wife. It is from CG's new line with two color one on each end. I got her the one named Snap. I used a $4-off coupon from P&G plus the 2k BP from SDM. Couple of weeks ago I got her the Tease and Pucker using my points at SDM.

Next stop was Zellers. BOGO 1/2 on Ben 10 toys. Got my son 2 - Fourarms and Clockwork. I guess these two are new released. I missed Eatle. Anyways, Zellers' price is $10 while Walmart's is $7, so the promo is not really great. They have 10%-off promo too this weekend so that makes up for the overpricing. I forgot to print some coupons though. The ones that make my points x5 etc. Oh well.

Redeemed

I just made my first SDM points mega redemptiom. My 50,000 points translate to $125. I got my wife a few make-up sets, and body spray. Nutella and digital thermometer for the kids, and for me, a facial wash and packs of frozen veggies. Tomorrow, I'll do another redemption. I have 30,000 more points that is good for $60. Hmmm.. what to buy for myself? Maybe food? Haha..

Snow

It finally snowed on the last day of November.

Reminds me I need to buy a pair of warm winter boots.

Setting Up My New BB PlayBook

Yahoo!

Day

I just sold my Rotring pen and pencil set. It is a rare set meaning old meaning W. Germany. I got $140 for it, the buyer is good enough to send his Paypal payment as gift so no fucking Paypal fee. It was my last Artpencil set. The last one I sold to a Japanese before that great quake. It's kinna hard to say goodbye to my artpencil but knowing it is traveling half way around the globe to Australia and will be used by someone in the graphic design sector makes me feel good anyways.

Next stop haircut. At 1 degree temperature plus wind chill and freezing rain is the best day to get one.

Last stop, I returned the item Chapters had sent me. I ordered a Lego and got a Playmobil. Damn Chapters! Damn!

Sick

I'm not feeling well. #hatewinter

Sushi Overload

Last Wednesday I joined my supervisor for a dinner at Kakemoto. Eat all you can sushi. *burp*

Playbook

I just ordered 2 Blackberry Playbook 16GB at $200 each. #BlackFriday

Chances

So I went to Zellers last Thursday and it was their last day of the BOGO 1/2 price for Ben 10 toys. Their price for the specific item I'm looking for is $20 (Cad MSRP). Chapters have the same item for $15. I guess this is the US MSRP. However, it is only available online and is currently OOS. So I thought it's good to get 2 for like $15 each. The next day, Chapters have the item available. They have a $5-off online coupon plus free shipping for purchases $25 and up.

Part 2

There is this short that I wanted to give to my wife. AE has it on sale for $20 plus additional 30%-off (clearance sale), plus additional 20%-off for purchasing it via their iPod app. To get free shipping I added a cheap but nice looking tshirt for my son, which I don't really need to buy but it is $4.50 and without it the shipping is $7. The next day AE has a free shipping promo.

Conclusion

When I think if it, my decisions are not that bad at all. However, and yes, good things come to those who wait. But how does one play the waiting game? At some point, as someone says, you have to pull the trigger.

11/11/11

It's just another day without.

Diabetes

I think I have diabetes.
Blurry sight, frequent numbness on hands and feet, frequent urination, thirst and hunger, dry skin.
The only exception is my cuts heal fast.

Big Toe

Having an aching left big toe today.. damn it!

Fall

What is inspiring about leaves falling,
of cold weather, of shorter daylight?
My skin drying, my nails brittle, and yes dandruff.

Saturday

I woke up at 4 AM and left at 8 AM going to Toronto. One hour bus ride to Ajax then another hour by train to TO. Had a breakfast sandwich at Tims corner of Yonge and College. Then I checked out some shops. Nothing cheap eh on this part of Canada.

Visited a Chapter store, and lo and behold, no Kobo Vox in sight. Bummer. Then proceeded at a Swatch kiosk. Watches look cheap but price are otherwise. Nothing shocking earth shaking on these watches' design nowadays. But to be fair I like 3 of them. One is the metal black watch with skull on the dial, then a plastic watch with see-through case and melting design on the dial, and the last one a plastic watch with a see-through light pink case with a cat on the dial. The rest of the new lines are dead cheap looking or trying hard to be a piece of art or to look cool at least to the youngsters.

At around noon I took the subway to Pape. I sent my monthly obligation to my wife. God knows that that is my food money. I can't touch my tuition and rent money, so I starve myself, and while doing so do my PhD. That's life for me. Noodles and sardines. It pains me to hear my wife saying that the amount I'm sending is not enough. Though I know it wasn't her but her Mom who's living with them now. That bitch!

Anyways, next stop is the new Lego store at Fairview mall. This is how I maximize my day pass and train fares. I bought the minifig ice tray, a discounted ref magnet, and two HP magnet sets that the store staff said are not glued. Then Hollister has a 40% off promo on discounted items. I wasted another 20 bucks, damn!

Then the last stop to my sister-in-law at Scarborough to pick my letters up. I got some coupons and a refund cheque. Not bad. Plus they're having a Haloween party (Read: FOOD)! It's like a light in a tiring tunnel. Baked salmon. Heaven on earth.

Now I just missed the hourly train by 5 minutes. I don't mind waiting early. Rather than rushing in the cold. Temperature is now hitting single digits. Winter us just around the corner, waiting for me to buy to cheap boots to survive its cold.

Wistlish

So I want to give my wife the new $199 iPod touch in white as a Holiday present, and Kobo Vox for my kids for games and color books.

And the list grows..

Relief

After a discussion with my supervisor yesterday, finally the last of my worries on my thesis has come to an end. It is such a major result that would have left my dissertation incomplete. Anyways it's done now. It's now about writing it down. I have exactly 1 week. Damn!

Strange Email

Just today I started receiving someone else's emails. I already sent an email to the correct owner of the messages. Let's see. Tomorrow I will block all messages sent to this email address that are being forewarded to me.

Gmail crap.

I'm Dead

Can't get out of bed
Can't sleep at night
Too tired in the morning
Too hungry too eat

Poor Me

I went to the grocery store today. A lot of stuffs are on sale. Sad thing is I can't fucking afford them still. I need some coupons.

Hello Blogger! Where have you been?

I can't believe I'm writing this from my iPod touch. Its about time eh blogger.

Sleepless

That's been me this past week.

Old Old Man

While in Scarborough, I got the chance to talk to an uncle of my sister-in-law's husband. He spent his years here in Canada working, and was alone since his wife's death in the 80's. Now that he is receiving his pension, he said he wanted to back to the Philippines and spend his retirement years there. He said his $700 monthly money will not suffice if spent here.

What I don't understand is why the hell did he keep on convincing me to stay here after finishing my PhD when he himself wanted to go back to the Philippines. I gave him my reasons but he is still insisting his position. I got tired of hearing money money money. I almost asked him if he did lived a happy life working, earning but being alone just to shut him up. But I didn't. One thing I learned in life is to never argue with old people. For one they have their old ways, old beliefs, and there's nothing that could change that.

As a typical Asian, I have high respect to old people. Their years of experience is something I don't have. They view things from a perspective of the wise, polished by time. I just don't understand why I read the conversation as saying money is more important than being with your family, seeing your kids grow, kissing your wife whenever you have a chance, serving the very people that raised you.

There's no denying that life here in Canada is good, better, and maybe even great. However, it really depends to the individual what he meant by good, better, and great. For one comfort does not equate to good. I know this will sound harsh but comfort is for the weak, for those who run away, for those hiding. Moreover, one's comfort could be other people's agony. Owning a car is a comfort, some people calls it necessity. But the energy that it uses and the pollution that it produces cause harm to more people. Cheap commodities are good for those buying them but they are hell to those working day and night just keep up with the demand. In the end those cheap items ended up in the trash unconsumed and expired, someone bought a lot just because it's on sale. On the other end of the world someone is sick from too much work, too much pollution, and too many disasters.

Having lived an uncomfortable life made me strong, creative, and resourceful. Having less in life means whatever I have are only the important ones, and I learn to value them. I see the problems, and I'm not one to just turn my back, run away, and forget or ignore them. I am even surprised of how some people are so quick to reinvent themselves to become one of western world when his/her skin color, and accent scream otherwise. I am surprised that when they introduced themselves they don't mention where they come from when this alone in fact would tell much of who they are. Afraid of being judged but they themselves are prejudice to themselves.

*writer's block intervines, damn!*

Thanksgiving Day 2011

I went to my sister-in-law in Scarborough.
We had the dinner at 9PM. I'm not complaining since it's all good.
I ate all the grease I could, and was full for the next 2 days. Haha..

The next day I took the first train back.
It goes to Ajax and from there a 45-minute bus to UOIT.
The train was maddafuckin late.

Once at home I got some more sleep.
Then wake up and do the usual rush revising my thesis in time for my daily consultation with my supervisor.

Rule of Law

While I was washing my dishes, I asked myself:
'Why are there different kinds of government for different countries?'.

And my answer was:
'Because that's the kind of leadership that that certain country needs to keep their society stable. I mean a strict ruler for people who needs strict ruling.'

And now my thoughts:
As the saying goes, Government = People.
We elect the officials, we let them rule, we follow them. We dig our own shit.

Weekend

I did some shopping. American Eagle had a 50%-off promo on clearance items for the Thanksgiving weekend. I bought a polo (gray-brown) online but I'm not sure if it will ship. Let's see on Monday. I also went in store and got a sweatshirt, another polo (green) for me and one for my brother (red).

Grocery: 2 apples, 2 tomatoes, cheese spread, 5-pack of kimchi noodles.

I did a lot of sleeping on Saturday but did not feel well rested at all. It must be the changing weather, the hot air drying my throat. I got headache for days now.

Wed

I meet with my supervisor on the afternoon without sending a confirmatory email first since we use to meet in the afternoons anyways. Bad move. He seemed stressed.. and as a result we didn't had a good discussion but not bad either.

I learned my lesson.

The next day I meet him in the hallway when I'm on my way to the copier and he beg to meet on Friday instead which is cool since I need to do a lot of thinking and writing as well. Friday, he didn't sent an email so I dared not to go to his office. I did some reading.. a bit enlightening but not as with discussion with him.

Mon en Tue

Panic spills over. I can't find my graphs I thought I saved somewhere. Only to realized I didn't save a figure file but has saved the program.. great. And I didn't have all the graphs that I needed.

Sad to face my supervisor with nothing to discuss. I wasted time again I know I will be needing soon.

I went to the library got my card and borrow some books on Representation Theory.

Sat

11PM or 12MN or 2AM (not sure now) I continued working on the figures, and discovered there's a new case I should be considering. Ran a few programs to test that it is indeed a new one. Damn. Great.

8AM went to a nearby drug shop, bought a bread, pudding, and eggs. Funny what you can buy nowadays in a drug shop. I also used my $5-off coupon on a $10 battery charger with 2 AA batteries. Thought it was a good deal until I went home and discover it will be on sale for $7 tomorrow Sunday. Bummer.

Spent the rest of the morning til noon browsing, eating, editing my thesis, and doing the laundry. Slept til 3PM, watch and eat then slept again til 7PM(?). Work with my thesis til I got tired and watch a few episode of Skins Season 1 while having dinner.. Took a shower at 12MN.. can't sleep til now.

Friday

Went to office at 4PM. Supervisor went to my desk before that and left a copy of the chapter he commented. Went home at around 8PM. It was raining slightly. I only did a few figures that will go in second main chapter.

Thurs

I went out for dinner with the other grad students, postdocs, and profs. We dine at an Italian restaurant down Simcoe Street. Big great meal. I think I will not eat for 2 days from now. Hell yeah, it's free!

That lasagna is so memorable.

Wednesday

I went to Scarborough to pick-up an item I ordered online. Apparently the seller shipped it to my billing address which is different from my shipping address. Lame.

Tues

I woke up at 2AM as my landlord entered my room, I think the internet went out and since that damn router was in my room, so. Not only that, my room is actually a makeshift one. So inside there's water meter, exhaust pipes, and a lot of other stuffs that make noises when used. I could hear the water meter turning when someone is washing his/her hands. The loudest is when the central vacuum is being used.

It's not hell really. I got it for $390/month and is so close to the campus. My only issue really is privacy.

Anyways, since I can't go back to sleep again, I washed my clothes (2 weeks due, great!), run Microsoft's security essential on my laptop (damn 3 hours, really?!), and edit my thesis (again and again..). At 7AM I decided to sleep until the landlord's wife this time entered the room at around 1030AM and told me she'll use the central vacuum.

Went to campus at 1PM.

Eneloop

So the Eneloop batteries I ordered from dell miraculously made its way on the door of my room last night. I thought it was at Pickering like the liar old lady at White Home Hardware said. Anyways, the important thing is I got them now.

It came in a large box and inside is another box and inside is the Chinese-made charger, and the batteries are in a brown bag. Thought they were peanuts and was about to eat them when I noticed the word eneloop printed on them. Lol.

I Hate Purolator

I ordered an item from dell.ca and it was delivered by Purolator last Tuesday. Since I'm not at home (normal people go out of the house to study or work you know), they just left a notice that I could pick up the package from a nearby (2 km) store. Saturday I went to the store, and the package was not there and I was told to call Purolator. I called Sunday and they opened a trace to find out where it is. I got an email today, Monday, that it is now at the store and is ready for pick-up. I went to the store, and the package was not there. They asked me to call Purolator again. I called and got a promise that they would hold their shit together and hopefully sort things out. I hate Purolator. Sometimes they're good, sometimes they're bad. Oh well.

Lunes

Last night I slept at around 9PM, and woke up at around 2AM.
Watched the first episodes of Desperate Housewives and The Amazing Race.
Was at office by 6AM. Yeah it was hell dark when I went out of the house.
Once in the office I realized I left  my laptop's power supply.
When home, rested a little after rethinking the outline of a chapter on my thesis.
Now eating an instant lasagna while watching the local news.
Be back in the office now... Ciao!