Geeks on Engament Rings
Posted on October 19, 2007
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I don’t know if being a geek equates to being cheap, but it is something that I share with my circle of friends. Just about the only thing we exercise very little discretion on are gadgets. In particular, I hold very high standards if I pay for stand alone software. But other than that, we are like most people in that we pay for the “necessities” of life; shelter, food, clothing, and essential utilities (yes, the internet). For those of us that are lucky enough to attract the opposite sex, we also spend money on going out and on little gifts. In my case, it is not a whole lot and we split the bill whenever we can. My girlfriend is such an understanding person, and we see eye to eye on these matters. But, sometimes I wonder if this would change.
So, I came across this article where one guy proposed to his girlfriend, and bought her a $48,000 engagement ring. First off, that’s a lot of money. I would buy an engagement ring, but I’d remember what its intention is: A promise to marry. Therefore, its value is irrelevant. What’s relevant is living a good life, especially if you are asking that person to join you for the rest of your life. Doesn’t it make better sense to save that money in a nice money market account, where it would earn interest? Heck, I’d rather use that money for a down payment on a house. That’s a lot better than putting it on a ring, and it would be better for both of us. What irked me is that the woman in this story is unwilling to give it back. Just goes to show you how some women really are. Stay clear of those!
Subtleties
Posted on October 18, 2007
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Invariably, surfing the internet sometimes presents to us advertising. Ads are meant to be seen, with some flashing annoyingly until they burn your retina, while others make it a game like shooting a monkey. This ad I came across recently however, caught my attention. I don’t think there is anything else to be said. For the kids out there, just look at these nice dolphins.
Don’t Give Up
Posted on October 8, 2007
Filed Under Career | 2 Comments
One thing that has really bothered me as I’ve worked my various jobs have been those co-workers who have topped out so early in their lives. I have no problem with those who have gotten an education and are working their way through the ranks. The problem I have is with those who hold petty supervisory positions and let it get to their head; especially when the reason they have those positions is because they have given up on life. I’ve known many people like this in the places I’ve worked in as I was working through college. Admittedly, there were hard times when I was performing the hard juggling act of work, school, and a decent social life. Every so often, I would look around me and think to myself that it I could just give up and work full time with the position I had. Two of the positions I held were in retail, one was in a fast food restaurant, and the other was providing technical support to a school. In each of these jobs, I could see people my age or younger not going to school, with no ambition nor any creativity. The best of them gave up on life; the worst of them made life harder on themselves by getting married and/or having kids. One glance at these individuals was enough to make me appreciate the lack of time I had; hearing about their lives made me study harder. So you can imagine the frustration I felt when people like them got promoted to be the various shift leaders and supervisors at my places of work. It wasn’t until I realized that this was the best they could do that I was perfectly accepting of them as my “superiors.” They could go right ahead and intervene when customers complain about cold fries, complain about the store’s return policy, or bitch about how they can’t open their email attachments. Fine. People like this are needed. But, I wasn’t going to become one of them.Flashing forward to today I am carefree with my college degree in one hand, no responsibilities of a wife and kids on my back, and a gleam of optimism in my eyes as I look towards my future plans in my chosen field.Don’t lose focus!
Hating Laundry with Feelings of Love
Posted on October 5, 2007
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One of the things I hate wasting time on is doing laundry. Now don’t get me wrong. I like having clean clothes, and I absolutely love going to bed at night with fresh spring smelling clothes. But, spending the time doing it seems wasteful to me. I don’t quite have the social status of hiring a housemaid, so when I need to wash my clothes I head on over to the local laundromat.
I have gone to this laundromat since I was a kid. Ever since I could remember, the music playing there has driven me nuts. Before, the default station playing was a romance station titled KOST 103.5. I would hear everything from Marvin Gaye, Luther Vandross, Celine Dion, Kenny G, etc. Sappy music fit for a night with your girl in your room; not quite the same atmosphere a laundromat exhibits. Now, upon entering, one is greeted by “Sirius Love.” Sometimes I just wish I could change it over to Channel 100 =P. So, as I sit there waiting for the rinse cycle to finish or the clothes to stop tumbling in the dryer, I couldn’t help but wonder about my love life. Happens to me everytime. My eyes started to water soon after…damn allergies.