commute – 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.

Song of the Moment LXXII: Velvet Revolver’s “Slither”

Because I was so tired from yesterday’s happenings, I spent today at home watching episodes of Daredevil (Season 1), the iconic Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit (one of Elder Brother’s favorite movies), and the entire Season 3 of Marvel’s What If…?. I love weekends like this.

And to cap off the night, I’m drinking my favorite Jack and Coke Zero while listening to “Slither”, my favorite song from the hard rock supergroup Velvet Revolver. The band consists of Guns N’ Roses’ Slash, Duff McKagan, and Matt Sorum, Wasted Youth’s Dave Kushner, and Stone Temple Pilots’ Scott Weiland (God rest his soul), and they are my favorite supergroup next to Them Crooked Vultures. (I mentioned the Vultures in a previous Song of the Moment.)

Oh, man… I should listen to Velvet Revolver’s studio albums Contraband and Libertad after listening to “Slither” on repeat. Their albums are simply fantastic and nostalgic. (They are nostalgic because they were a part of my “college commute” playlist when I was a sophomore. Damn. I miss my iPod Nano and the good times. The commute during rush hour… not so much.)

The music video of Velvet Revolver’s “Slither”.

Until the next post.

This post’s header image is made by Adobe Photoshop 2025’s Generative Fill.

30-Minute Warning IX

Last time, I said that I feel tired physically and mentally. What about today?

Well, physically I’m still tired. I went out at 1pm and I was supposed to pay for a traffic ticket at a specific bank. But then the clerk and security guard told me to go to a payment center 2 km away from the bank. I had a hard time looking for a jeepney, so I walked from the bank to the payment center. And then when I arrived at the payment center and inquired if I could pay for the ticket, I was told that I need to go to the city where the ticket was issued.

Good grief. My heart sank and my legs are sore because I was walking and inquiring all around from 1 to 3pm. I told my family on the phone what happened and that I can’t pay for the ticket today, and they understood. Thank you, family.

As for how I am mentally, I feel better now. After running errands, I went to my favorite cafe Oversight and I had my late lunch: a tasty BLT and a refreshing house blend iced tea. I’m sure I said it before, but let me say this again: One of my favorite weekly habits is hanging out, dining, and writing at Oversight. Thank you, my favorite spot and safe space.

After that, I went home via FX. And then the rain poured heavily. Crap. I can hear the heavy rain punching the car roof even if I have my earphones on. Good thing I have my foldable umbrella so I can brave the rain somehow. An hour after the FX ride, I arrived home safely. My slacks and shoes got wet, but at least I’m home now.