Tag: rant

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.

10-Minute Warning CCIV

Last June 19, Friday, weeks after dark clouds hovered above me again, I felt tired of those clouds and focused more on the glimpses of hope (as an old friend would call it). A few people actually helped me focus those glimpses through good food and warm conversation, and I truly appreciate them. And believe me: even if I’m silent and in the dark sometimes, I still appreciate even the simplest act of kindness.

After a good weekend (particularly for my mental health), this afternoon happened. I had a productive day, but then I remembered one thing that started the most recent crisis, and something in me snapped. I also remember the goals I want to achieve a week after my birthday (and the mission I have to do to achieve that), but then again, will it even undo the crisis? It’s uncertain, and somehow my blood is boiling because of it.

Fuck this. I need an affogato tonight.

Header image: Janko Ferlic of Pexels. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2026.

10-Minute Warning CCIII

One of the things that made me feel trapped in a silent, dark prison lately is missing my most important goal in the first half of the year, and that goal would’ve helped me in the second half. No one likes ruined plans, but it’s an extraordinary hurt for me because it also involves a simple birthday wish that only I can turn into reality.

Honestly, I would be fine with just following the birthday dinner tradition I started in 2019, but if you ask me what I really want, it’s… never mind. I’ll just say that it’s as simple and complicated as throwing a birthday dinner, even if it’s just for family and close friends.

I’m still not giving up on those important goals, but I need to be realistic in how to reach them before the actual deadline, which is a week after my birthday. God help me. I really wish for that blueprint to turn into a skyscraper.

Header image: Altin Rrahmani of Pexels. Edited in Adobe Photoshop 2026.