Friday, February 23, 2007

Desperada

Gosh, just sounded a teeny bit desperate there.

Those boxing classes may have caused my vital organs to shift a little, which led to my temporary insanity.

Money Matters

Ugh. It's so disappointing when you don't get something that you've been expecting for a long time. Been daydreaming about the day I'll get it, what I'll be doing with it, who I'm sharing it with--- quite sad, actually.

Contrary to the news being spread by naughty rumor-mongers (you know who you are!) , I'm finding myself to be in quite a bind, definitely not feeling donyatic right now. Although knocking on passing cars' windows, singing desperately with a corned beef can in front of me, or buying used bottles and newspapers, are still in my faraway future, I'm still wishing I got that extra moolah! Just thinking about what could've been... huhuhu.

When that singer said "Mo' money, mo' problems", I'm thinking he was never really in a "no money, more problems" situation.

I have just got to start practising what I preach and start saving MORE. Argh.

100 Rules of Wealth

Somebody just shared this with us, which I REALLY feel is applicable to my present dire state. Huhu. So now I'm sharing these rules to everyone (forgive me if it's too long). They're theorized by Richard Templar in his book of the same title.

Thinking Wealthy
1. Anybody can make money - it isn't selective or discriminatory
2. Decide on your definition of wealth
3. Set your objectives
4. Keep it under your hat
5. Most people are too lazy to be wealthy --- (ako yata, 'to)
6. Understand your money beliefs and where they come from
7. Understand that wealth is a consequence, not a reward
8. See wealth as a friend, not the enemy
9. Decide what you want money for
10. Understand that money begets money
11. If you see money as the solution you'll find it becomes the problem
12. You can make lots of money, you can enjoy your job, and you can sleep nights
13. Don't make money by being bad
14. Money and happiness - understand their relationship
15. Know the difference between price and value
16. Know how the wealthy think
17. Don't envy what others have
18. It's harder to manage yourself than it is to manage your money

Getting Wealthy
19. You've got to know where you are before you start
20. You've got to have a plan
21. Get your finances under control
22. Only by looking wealthy can you become wealthy
23. Speculate to accumulate (no, this isn't gambling)
24. Decide your attitude to risk
25. If you don't trust someone, don't do business with them
26. It's never too late to start getting wealthy
27. Start saving young (or teach your kids this one if it's too late for you)
28. Understand that your financial needs change at different stages of your life
29. You have to work hard to get rich enough not to have to work hard
30. Learn the art of deal making
31. Learn the art of negotiating
32. Small economies won't make you wealthy but they will make you miserable
33. Understand that working for others won't necessarily make you rich - but it might
34. Don't waste time procrastinating - make money decisions quickly
35. Work as if you didn't need the money
36. Spend less than you earn
37. Don't borrow money - unless you really, really have to
38. Consider consolidating debts
39. Cultivate a skill and it'll repay you over and over again
40. Pay off your loans and debts as a priority
41. Don't be too busy earning a living to make some money
42. Save in big chunks - or should you?
43. Don't rent, buy
44. Understand what investing really means
45. Build a bit of capital then invest it wisely
46. Understand that property, in the long run, will not outpace shares
47. Master the art of selling
48. Don't believe you can always win
49. Understand how the stock market really works
50. Only buy shares (or anything) you can understand
51. By all means, use the investment professionals
52. If you're going to get financial advice, pay for it
53. Don't fiddle
54. Think long term
55. Have a set time of day to work on your wealth strategy
56. Pay attention to detail
57. Create new income streams
58. Learn to play 'What if?'
59. Control spending impulses
60. Don't answer ads that promise get-rich-quick-schemes - it won't be you who gets rich quick 61. There are no secrets
62. Don't just read this - do something

Get Even Wealthier
63. Carry out a finance health check regularly
64. Get some money mentors
65. Play your hunches
66. Don't sit back
67. Get someone to do the stuff you can't
68. Know yourself - solo, duet or team player
69. Look for the hidden asset/opportunity
70. Don't try to get rich too quickly
71. Always ask what's in it for them
72. Make your money work for you
73. Know when to let go of investments
74. Don't chase bad luck runs
75. Know why you should be able to read a balance sheet - and how
76. Be one step ahead of your tax collector
77. Learn how to make your assets work for you
78. Don't ever believe you're only worth what you are being paid ---- (yes!!!)
79. Don't follow the same route as everyone else

Staying Wealthy
80. Shop for quality
81. Check the small print
82. Don't spend it before you've got it
83. Put something aside for your old age - no, more than that!
84. Put something aside for emergencies/rainy days - the contingency fund
85. You paid what for it? How to shop around
86. Never borrow money from friends or family (but you can allow them to invest)
87. Don't surrender equity
88. Know when to stop

Sharing Your Wealth
89. Use your wealth wisely
90. Never lend money to friends or family unless you are prepared to write it off
91. Don't lend, take equities
92. You really, really can't take it with you
93. Know when/how to say no - and yes
94. Find ways to give people money without them feeling they are in your debt
95. Don't over-protect your children from the valuable experience of poverty
96. Know how to choose charities/good causes
97. Spend your own money because no one will spend it as wisely as you
98. Take responsibility before you take advice
99. Once you've got it, don't flaunt it
100. Realize the giving is really better than receiving

Monday, February 19, 2007

Blush Blush

Was mildly shocked to know that there are actually people out there reading my blog. Two people to be exact, haha!

Guess should be more careful now of what I write here... Always thought that this was more for my personal consumption, hehe.

Sunday, February 18, 2007

Two Firsts

Experienced 2 "firsts" today:

One- I was able to visit the MV Doulos, which they say is the oldest active ship in the world and that it's even older than the Titanic (or was that a bit younger?). Missionaries and volunteers of different nationalities live on the ship and they go around the world to spread God's word. It also boasts of a wide selection of books, from Children's Lit to Dictionaries to the Classics. It docks here in the Philippines every few years only, so when I heard that it's here in Cebu, I had to check it out.

There were indeed lots of books, but there were also lots of people on board. The ship was jam-packed with visitors, that it was hard to browse through the bookshelves. We ended up leaving after a few minutes of looking around, because it was so hot and suffocating inside.

Anyway, that short taste of history was enough for me.

Two- On the way to the pier where MV Doulos was docked, we missed a turn and we ended up going through the SRP. It's the new road that makes it faster and easier to reach Talisay City. It was my first time to drive down that road and I found it really beautiful. The road was smooth, there's virtually no traffic, and you have an amazing view of the ocean. It reminded me of Hong Kong and intensified my recently awakened wanderlust.

So despite the impending doom of Monday hovering above my head, I'd say today was a good day.

P.S. I was able to share my Princess Hours obsession with Pia, which added to the "goodness" of this day

Ode to Ailee

I'm so proud of my college friend, Ailee, who now has 3 published Oscar pieces for BBC! She's one of the few select people who were given the chance to give their views on Oscar-noteworthy films this year. She's even the only Asian among the group! Congrats, Aileesa! =)

Check out her articles through this link: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6364487.stm

Monday, February 12, 2007

wanderlust

my wanderlust is acting up again...

i'm feeling kinda trapped and aching to be travelling.

i'm missing the noisy buzz of people going about in the airport, heaving luggages, eating plane food, smelling strange smells...

haaaayyyy....

Sunday, February 11, 2007

Mad About Princess Hours- Part 2

OK, still not over it. Put on your headphones and sing along. Here are 2 more songs part of the OST:

Dang Shineun (basta that other sad song sung by a guy)

nan baboyeosseotjyo. naega baboyeosseotjyo
huhoehaedo neujeotjyo aljyo dorikilsun eopjyo
geuldael bolsun eopseoyo, nado algo isseoyo
naega jeongmal jalmotaesseoyo
jeongmeol mianhaeyo

geuttaen aegi haji motaetjyo neomu eoriseogeotjyo
ijewaseo ireoke aetaeumyeo na yongseoreul bireoyo

dangsineun naneun baboimnida jajonsimttaemune
sulgwa sseun dambae yeongiro manggajigo itjyo
dangsineun naneun baboimnida ajik saranghagie
haru jongil peongpeong ulgoman itjyo
geudaedo nado babocheoreom

geureoji marayo, dasi saenggakhaebwayo
uri eotteoke yeogikkaji himdeulgewanneunde
dasi saenggakhaebwayo, huhoehasilkkeoeyo
naega jeongmal jalmotaesseoyo
jeongmal mianhaeyo

geuttaen aegi haji motaetjyo neomu eoriseogeotjyo
ijewaseo ireoke aetaeumyeo na yongseoreul bireoyo

dangsineun naneun baboimnida jajonsimttaemune
sulgwa sseun dambae yeongiro manggajigo itjyo
dangsineun naneun baboimnida ajik saranghagie
haru jongil peongpeong ulgoman itjyo
geudaedo nado babocheoreom

geudae eopsi dan hansungando nan salsueopseoyo
meorireul jallado sureul masyeodo
nunmulman heureujyo

dangsineun naneun baboimnida jajonsimttaemune
sulgwa sseun dambae yeongiro manggajigo itjyo
dangsineun naneun baboimnida ajik saranghagie
haru jongil peongpeong ulgoman itjyo
geudaedo nado babocheoreom

ije deoisang manggajiji maryo
--------------


Du Ghaji Mal (the one with a sort-of boyzone intro "chukachak")

sarangin jool molaseo
salmyoshi naeryoanja geunareui haesareul deulmeun misoro geureohge
dagaon neoinde

(yoori seutori)
sarangil geora haeso
gamani seumyodeureo on
oneun naldalbitheul dameun nooneuro geureohge
ooseojoon neoraneun geol

//(shin)
Say na algo sipeunde
neol bomyeon mami deolryeo oneun nareul
aeseodo wemyeonhaedo
anirago haedo
I'm so in love with you
geolgooken neoinde

(yool)
You're mine gajil soo obneunde
neol bomyeon mami apa oneun nareul
jiweobeoriryeo haedo
modoo da ijeodo
namaitneun my girl
gyeolgook en nan aninde //

(shin)
ijeseoya aratseo
oneuse neol dalma itneun
nol bomyeo misoreul jineun nae moseub Promise you
ije neun boyeojoolge (repeat //)

Smile again, manheun ge byeonhagejiman
baby naemoseubdo oreudwin choo okdo baby
Stay with me, himgyeo oon jiman naldeul
neomaneul wihan joonbiran geol
nohjil soo obseo

jebal nal bwajool soo itni
ireohge ne dwie seoitneun nareul
apado oogo itneun
seulpeodo miro jineun
I'm so in love with you
na yeogi itneunde

ijen neo deureul soo itni
josimseulre geonaeboneun imareul
aeseodo wemyeonhaedo
anirago haedo
honja dwenae itneun imal
nae gyeol te iseojwo stay~

Mad About Princess Hours

Forgive me if I need to write down the lyrics to the show's OST. For my personal consumption, hehe.

1. Perhaps Love

uhn jeh yuht duhn guhn jee gee uhk nah jeen ah nah
jah kkoon nae muh ree gah nuh roh uh jee ruhp duhn shee jahk
hahn doo buhn ssheek dduh oh reu duhn saeng gahk
jah kkoo neul uh gah suh joh geum dang hwang seu ruh oon ee mah eum

byuhl eel ee ah neel soo eet dah goh
sah soh hahn mah eum ee rah goh
nae gah neh geh jah koo (neh geh jah koo)
mahl eul hah neun geh uh saek hahn guhl

sarang een gah yo geu dae nah wah gaht dah myuhn shee jahk een gah yo
mahm ee jah koo geu dael
sarang hahn dae yo ohn seh sang ee deud doh rohk soh ree chee neh yo
wae ee jeh yah deul lee jyoh~ OOH~
suh rohl mahn nah gee wee hae ee jeh yah sarang chah jaht dah goh

jee geum nae mah eum eul suhl myung hah ryuh hae doh
nee gah nae gah dweh uh mahm eul neu kkee neun bang buhp ppoong een deh

ee mee nahn nee ahn eh eet neun guhl
nae ahn eh nee gah eet deu shee
oo reen suh roh eh geh (suh roh eh geh)
ee mee geel deul yuh jeen jee mohl lah

sarang een gah yo geu dae nah wah gaht dah myuhn shee jahk een gah yo
mahm ee jah koo geu dael sarang hahn dae yo
ohn seh sang ee deud doh rohk soh ree chee neh yo
wae ee jeh yah deul lee jyoh~ OOH~
suh rohl mahn nah gee wee hae ee jeh yah sarang chah jaht dah goh

saeng gahk hae boh myuhn (saeng gahk hae boh myuhn) mah neun soon gahn
sohk eh (sohk eh)
uhl mah nah mah neun (YEAH~) suhl leh eem ee ssuht neun jee
joh geum neu jeun geu mahn keum nahn duh jahl hae jool kkeh yo..

hahm kkeh hahl kkeh yo choo uhk ee dwehl gee uhk mahn suhl mool hahl kkeh yo
dah sheen nae gyuh teh suh dduh nah jee mah yo
jjahl beun soon gahn joh chah doh bool ahn hahn guhl yo
nae geh muh mool luh jwuh yo~ OOH~
geu dael ee ruh geh mah nee (geu toh rohk mah nee)
sarang hah goh ee ssuh yo (geu dae yuh yah mahn) ee mee~

Found a blog, posting a translation for this song. Dunno if it's 100% correct, but I don't speak Korean, so this'll do =)

I don’t know when it all started
When my head became dizzy with thoughts of you
These thoughts would often pop up in my mind
I feel anxious as my heart expands towards you

It’s nothing.. it’s just a little thing
Your words are awkward to me

Is it love? If you feel the same way, is it a beginning?
My heart keeps saying it loves you
It screams out for the whole world to hear
Why has it taken so long for me to hear it~?
We’ve finally met.. finally found love

If I wanted to show you how I feel
The only way would be for you to become me

I’m already inside of you
Just like you’re inside of me

To each other [to each other]
We may already be too accustomed

Is it love? If you feel the same way, is it a beginning?
My heart keeps saying it loves you
It screams out for the whole world to hear
Why has it taken so long for me to hear it~?
We’ve finally met.. finally found love

When I think about it [when I think about it]
I realize how many moments there were when my heart trembled
I’ll try as harder as I was late in realizing my feelings
I’ll be with you, I’ll only give you fond memories
Please don’t ever leave me again
Even the shortest moments without you make me uneasy
Please stay by me~

I already love you so much [you’re the only one]