February Saving – 66%
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John

My shopping story is boring, now that I keep trying harder to save even more money. 

I set my goal to save money like crazy. And that’s exactly what I’m doing… like crazy.

In February, I transferred 66% of all my take-home paycheck to a savings account.

I haven’t established a stable pattern of saving money, so I am not sure how this will affect my finance next month. 

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I have a huge craving for salty chips, especially for Doritos.  I had this craving for over 2 weeks now.
This morning, I was THIS CLOSE to picking up a bag of Doritos at Costco. I wanted to buy a brand new coffee maker as well ($49.00). 

But I didn’t buy any of those. I bought what was absolutely needed (also healthy for me). 

I try…

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Story I wasn’t suppose to share – Christmas 2009
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John

On December 25, 2009, I woke up at 6 am and went to the public laundry room at my APT. We have 3 washers and 3 driers there. There, I put quarters on all the machines. And I left a Christmas card. So, the first person to use the laundry room on Christmas day would get a wash and dry on me.

That card in the picture was from Costco.

A week went by. And it was my turn to use the laundry room. And I saw this note.

I felt very good. This happy feeling was definitely worth of money. Actually, I spent so little money to have this much satisfaction.

I didn’t even know who wrote that note, but that was the point, doing something to people I don’t even know…

I don’t think the other person knew me as well. I didn’t give my APT number on the Christmas card.

 

3 More Signs of Getting Old
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John

Here are 3 more signs

  1. I used to hate couples figure skating. It was boring. Anyway, I was checking out Winter Olympics the other day. They showed the couple’s figure skating. As I was watching the couple’s routine, I got teary eyes. It was beautiful and touching.
  2. I fear teenagers.
  3. When I was younger, holidays such as Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving meant little. Now, I am more into the spirit of the season. Now I wear Santa’s hat during Christmas time. I have a green hat for St. Patrick’s day. I exchanged gifts on Valentine’s Day. I try to be cozy and friendly with the surrounding people. Change of season means a lot to me now. Holidays are beautiful.

* I thought I would grow old to appreciate classical music. But, no. I still hate classical music.

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Story – At Costco Tire Center
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John

This took place last month at Costco.

I went to Costco tire center for free tire maintenance. There, I saw a gentleman waiting for his car. We started to chat.

First, we talked about how many miles we drive. Then we talked about where we like to drive to. We talked about the lobster buffet at Chumash Casino. He bragged about his son and his business. I knew the area where his son’s business was, so we talked about the beautiful scenery in that area. We were talking about nothing but fun stuff (food, relatives, beautiful scenery…)

Then another gentleman (I’ll call him the “new guy”) walked in.

After a few minutes, the new guy opened his mouth. “What nationality are you?” he asked the gentleman. The gentleman revealed he was from Middle-East. And the new guy proceeded to grill the gentleman.

The new guy started by stating that he’d been to Egypt and some parts of Asia. Then he continued talking…

“Your country’s religion focuses on…. blah blah”
“Your country’s war changed… blah blah”
“Obama’s view on middle East is… blah blah”

The new guy walked in and sucked out the fun. Then he put the gentleman in the hot seat that he didn’t ask for. The gentleman was in defensive mode, explaining his position. But, according to the new guy, he knew Middle-East better than the gentleman who is actually from the Middle-East.

I walked away from that area because I didn’t want the new guy to think I was enjoying the conversation. I didn’t want him to think I was impressed. But, in fact, I was disgusted. What was wrong with this guy?

I felt sorry for the gentleman. Luckily, the conversation only lasted about 10 minutes. The gentleman’s car was ready.

I could have used an “ASS” stamp from Conan O’Brien show on the new guy.

(vid) Ass stamp in action

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Merry Christmas – Gift from Me to Me
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John

Merry Christmas, everyone.

I got my gift – from me to me.

It’s a Gibson Les Paul Studio (Fireburst with gold hardware)

My next guitar will be a Fender. But it will be 10 years later. 

Gibson Les Paul Studio

Les Paul Studio

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Thanksgiving 2009
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John

I was home alone for Thanksgiving Day.

I was not sad or felt lonely. I have mastered the art of being alone. I am perfectly fine.
I entertained myself. I was very productive. I spent a few nights working until the sun came up. It was an enjoyable weekend.

I made both turkey & ham for myself. I spent about 3 hours in the kitchen. Turkey was very tender. I glazed the ham. I watched Twilight Zone Marathon as I work in the kitchen.

Dinner came out good. I enjoyed it very much.

I had so much food leftover that I vacuum-packed half of all my food and put them in the freezer.


Thanksgiving Day


Day after Thanksgiving – Leftover

Just when I thought I would spend the entire weekend alone, one of my wedding photography clients invited me to their family dinner on Saturday. I took pictures of their wedding a few years ago.

I went to their house with a jar of “Chocolates of the World” as a gift. They had a big family. There were about 20 people. I used my usual charm, and we got along fine. It was a good time.

Although I spent most of my 4 days weekend alone, Thanksgiving 2009 turned out to be a memorable one.

I had a good time. It was so much fun working on my projects. It’s good to be alive.

Online Shopping
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John

* 79th package of the year

More shirts. I like these. Cheap.

Update 2021 – These shirts were so low quality.