Family – The Diary of The Deranged Writer

20-Minute Warning II

Start time: 5:58pm.

So, what can I share in under 20 minutes?

Firstly, I believe there’s a special circle of hell for those who use phone or laptop speakers in public. I encountered such a sinner early on the way to Oversight, and it was incredibly annoying because I could still hear the video call even with my earphones on full volume. (I was listening to an aggressive industrial rock song, “Starfuckers, Inc.” by Nine Inch Nails. Unbelievable.) Also, from the looks on everyone’s faces during the call, I knew that I was not the only one who was annoyed.

Moving on, September is drawing near, and some of the things needed for my December plan are already cleared out. But last weekend, I had a moment of doubt because a crucial part of the plan depends on timing. I already have a plan B just in case the timing isn’t feasible, but honestly, I would love for plan A to continue because it’s… sincere.

What the hell am I talking about? That’s the point of the December plan.

Anyway, I also started a new diet today because I want to lose weight in time for an upcoming family trip. I’ve been eating with such gusto (primarily because of a recent rough patch), and my stomach feels (and looks) fuller. I hate it. I’m not the most conventionally handsome devil in the world, so I try to control what I can: physical fitness and wearing good clothes. I hope the new diet gets rid of my beer belly before vacation time.

And now my time is almost up. See you in the next post.

End time: 6:15pm.

Header image: Sandeep Singh.

Watch X: Foo Fighters’ First Tiny Desk Concert

One of the extraordinary traits of my favorite band, Foo Fighters, is their ability to turn even the smallest venues into stadiums with their rawest rock performances and Dave Grohl’s infectious charisma, which captivates every crowd. (In fact, they even toured in garages during their Wasting Light era, even though they had reached legendary status.)

Still, while the places the Foos have rocked at have varied in terms of capacity and intimacy, I never imagined they would step into a cramped yet iconic spot like NPR Music’s Tiny Desk Concerts. But here we are. (Pun intended.)

10-Minute Warning CCII

Good grief. I didn’t expect to have an incredibly busy day at work, and my battery’s drained in the process. So, here’s a post written under ten minutes.

I’ve been working in the same job (in the family business) for three years and counting. In the first year, I’ve gotten used to the processes I learned. But when this year started, I thought I should improve those processes and even the company’s design materials. With those improvements, I made the processes fast and more efficient, and the materials sleeker and more professional. If ever I resign, at least I have a few legacies to leave behind.

But I couldn’t resign. Not yet, anyway. What I do need is another part-time graphic design job so I can push through the plans for the remainder of 2026. I’ve mentioned looking for such a job (and ranting about it) so many times here in The Diary, and I still haven’t found one that I can handle and perhaps juggle alongside my current one… which is frustrating. I’m considering making adjustments like searching for full-time jobs (even if I need to take a graveyard shift) while keeping my current one. I truly don’t want to, but with my situation now, I think I have to.

I feel fulfilled working for (and improving) the family business for many reasons. But I can’t gain financial security, financial freedom, and, more importantly, I can’t push through with my plans for this year if I only have one job. Quite frankly, the current job doesn’t pay well, and now that it’s almost half of the year, I feel like I’m running out of time. I seriously need to work harder (and smarter) and find another job soon.

Wish me luck, and see you in the next post.

Header image: Samer Daboul of Pexels. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2025.