Simple Living

Revisiting My 2014 Trip to South Korea and Japan I recently found myself thinking about my 2014 travels to South Korea and Japan—a journey that I had once documented on this very blog, only to delete it later during one of my routine purges to keep things feeling tidy. In hindsight, I regret erasing that post. Maybe it felt like clutter at the time, but it was a memory—one that deserved a place here, even among all the noise. That trip stands out more than most. I remember wandering through lively streets, sipping coffee in quiet cafes tucked away in Seoul and Tokyo, and tasting dishes that seemed to somehow have more depth, more soul, than anything I’ve had on more recent visits. Things were cheaper, quieter, and honestly, just better back then. Whether that’s nostalgia talking or the magic of experiencing something for the first time, I’m not sure—but I’ve learned not to dismiss those feelings so quickly. Looking back, I’m ...

My 2011 Toyota Corolla: First Toyota Experience The 2011 Toyota Corolla marked my entry into the Toyota brand, having previously owned only Hondas and Nissans. I found a pre-owned 2011 Corolla in 2013 for a fair price of $11,500.  Although I only kept the car for four years before trading it in for my 2016 Highlander, the Corolla provided worry-free ownership throughout my time with it. I was genuinely impressed by Toyota's reliability, requiring only routine oil changes, a battery replacement, and a new set of tires. While I briefly considered purchasing another Corolla to complement the Highlander, I decided instead for a Camry.  And in hindsight, if I could do it all over again I'd likely have gotten a Camry instead of the Corolla, but it was still a valuable experience. Specs and Performance Engine : 1.8L I4 - 2ZR-FE Horsepower: 132 @ 6000 RPM Torque: 128 lb-ft @ 4400 RPM Transmission : 4-speed automatic Performance : 0-60 mph: 9.8 seconds Quarter-mile: 17.8 seconds @ 81 m...