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Sign of Getting Old – LA Freeway
Posted by: | April 3, 2010
| 1 Comment
| Personal
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Another sign of getting old

Took place on Saturday, March 27, 2010

I just finished an engagement photography job and was on my way back home. The Sun was setting in front of me. I was minding my own business. Just driving…

Then one slow-moving BMW cut me off and cleaned his windshield with soapy water. His fluid hit my windshield. That got me so angry.

I’ve been driving for 20+ years and I have a perfect driving record.

All my life, when somebody washes windshield in front of me, I would always cut him off and give him the same treatment. Now that rich booger in BMW was going to get it. I was ready to pay him back. I took my time and waited for the right moment. The traffic was heavy.

I followed him for about 4-5 minutes, and I got the perfect setting for me to cut him off and give him the squirt of justice.

I changed into the fast lane and started to pass him.

Then I took a look at the driver.

The driver was a young dude. 

He looked miserable. He was struggling because the setting sun was on his face. The poor guy cleaned his windshield, hoping that will fix the glare.

At that moment, I felt ashamed that I thought about paying back to this guy.

Using a windshield wiper while driving is an annoying act. But people who do that are clueless, just like my parents. All they think about is, “Oh my God, I cannot see anything. I don’t want to die.”

I believe my days of “payback” are over. I’m getting old.

I hope the rich booger in the BMW reached his destination OK.

Capital One Savings Account – Best Interest Rate I Know Of
Posted by: | March 4, 2010
| 5 Comments
| Personal
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I have three savings accounts including Ing Direct & Emigrant Direct.

Ing Direct & Emigrant Direct are known for their high-interest rate. But, with today’s economy, their current interest rate is 1.1%. This is still a lot better than the 0.5% you can get from your local banks.

I just noticed that Capital One has a savings account only for Costco members. And the interest rate is even better at 1.5%.

I should move all my money to Capital One ASAP. They will even pay me $20.00 for opening an account.

*You have to keep a minimum balance of $5k. I have no problem there.

** I hope the interest rate will go up soon. I miss the day when I used to earn 2.5 – 3% interest.

Costco Savings Account

February Saving – 66%
Posted by: | March 1, 2010
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| Personal
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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. 

### 

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
Posted by: | February 27, 2010
| 2 Comments
| Christmas, Personal
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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
Posted by: | February 24, 2010
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| Personal
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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
Posted by: | February 9, 2010
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| Personal
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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
Posted by: | December 25, 2009
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| Personal
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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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