Simple Living

Liquor Consumption and Future Plans 2018 Overview In 2018, I purchased about 12 bottles of liquor , totaling 8 liters for $404 (with an estimated $65 value for a gift of Johnnie Walker Blue). This averages out to roughly 1 bottle per month , which aligns with my expectations. Bourbon Exploration I decided to increase my bourbon consumption to 33% of my total liquor intake to broaden my horizons. Initially, I found bourbons to be a bit too sweet, which sometimes overpowered the tasting experience I prefer with Scotch whisky. However, after regularly sampling bourbon, I realized I wanted to keep a bottle on hand to enjoy a dram now and then, balancing it with my whisky pours. House of Johnnie It's no surprise that I lean heavily towards Johnnie Walker . About 25% of my total consumption this year came from Johnnie Walker Red and Black , my go-to favorites. I also discovered that Monkey Shoulder and Jameson are excellent alternatives worth considering. 2019 Goals For the upcom

Weight Management Journey: Tracking Progress and Diet Changes My weight has held steady at 173 lbs for the past five years. I started gaining weight from 2004 to 2010, reaching above 170 lbs, which roughly coincided with my decision to stop long-distance running, where I used to run 25-30 miles per week. My Diet (2019 - 2022) In the years following, I explored dietary changes, particularly considering a keto diet due to my research on the issues with processed sugar. I was concerned about potential side effects like feeling tired or sluggish during ketosis. Instead, I decided to focus on reducing my carbohydrate intake by avoiding processed sugar while increasing my protein and fat intake. To simplify my approach, I made four specific changes to my diet: Breakfast: Opted for an egg or tuna salad sandwich. Vegetable Intake: Aimed to eat 8 oz of veggies daily (celery, carrots, cucumbers, etc.). Hydration: Increased water intake to 48 oz daily. Sugar Reduction: Avoided processed sugar

Holiday Surprises: Bluetooth Gifts at the Company Party At a recent company party, I received two surprise gifts: a Bluetooth Sony speaker, the SRS-XB10, and a pair of Apple AirPods. I’m quite pleased, as I’ve been wanting some Bluetooth audio gear for a while. Sony SRS-XB10 Bluetooth Speaker The Sony SRS-XB10 is a fairly decent speaker for its size, and it will be especially useful at outdoor parties and events thanks to its impressive 12+ hour battery life. It’s compact and portable, making it easy to take along wherever I go. Apple AirPods The AirPods are proving to be even more interesting. After several days of regular use, I find them very convenient compared to conventional wired earbuds, particularly due to the freedom from tangled cables. To enhance my experience, I ordered a silicone case with a clip for added security and convenience, as I didn’t feel comfortable carrying the charging case in my pocket. A clip or some method to securely tether the AirPods is almost a necessi

Reflections on My Technical and Non-Technical Studies In regard to my technical domains, I've encountered quite a few 'dead ends' where I chose to quit at some point or have taken considerable time to complete my studies, often stopping and starting. This is not necessarily a bad thing; it demonstrates my ability to recognize when to pivot and change paths. Whatever insights I can glean from these studies remain valuable, even if they don’t reach the levels of depth I initially desired. Conversely, my non-technical domains are thriving. I have read numerous books over the years to keep my mind fresh and stimulated, as purely technical pursuits can become repetitive and dull. My Past Study Patterns in Technical Domains 2014 T-SQL Pro: Quit MCSA - SQL Server: Stop/Start for years 2016 MCSA - Windows Server: Quit MCSA - SQL Server: Success! 2017 MCSA - Web Apps: Quit 2018 MCSE - R: Stop/Start Art of R - Matloff Book: Completed MTA - Python: Stop/Start Python - Lutz: Completed

My Enduring iPad 2 Experience I am quite impressed that my original iPad 2, purchased seven years ago in 2011, is still going strong. I recently checked the battery health, and it is at 85% useful life, which is quite impressive. The iPad 2 is likely one of the oldest pieces of technology that has survived and continues to work as designed. While it is a bit laggy compared to my more modern laptops and iPhones, it remains fully functional. I rely on it for its size, weight, and form factor, which are unparalleled for reading PDF documents, especially with the handy bookmarking feature. Maintaining a set of old charging cables has been necessary, but the battery life allows me to use this tablet for several days between charges, so I am not overly concerned. Perhaps in 3 to 5 years, I will finally retire this device and upgrade to a new iPad or a relevant tablet. Update - August 2023: Digital Photo Frame Now in its twelfth year, I have repurposed the iPad 2 to become a digital photo fra

Study Plan for Data Science One of the biggest eye-openers in my journey has been the realization that Data Science fundamentally revolves around Statistics . There’s a well-established college major focused on statistics, and data science isn't entirely new; it’s a combination of traditional statistical methods with modern computing technologies, utilizing software like R and SAS for analysis. To truly grasp data science, it's essential not only to learn programming languages but also to understand the underlying principles. As such, I've decided to revise my study plan for 2019, shifting from a language/platform-specific focus to a more theory-based approach that emphasizes core concepts and techniques. Eventual Skillset I. Domain: Statistics DW/BI (Data Warehouse / Business Intelligence) Math II. Tools: SQL Tableau R Python I. Domain A. Statistics Statistics and Data Analysis (WMU - Statistics 160 Textbook) A solid introduction to key concepts. Basics of Statistics

Primary Collections Overview I currently have about 92 items in my primary collections. By treating them as 'collections,' I can focus on carefully selecting which items to add, replace, or keep. Value Estimation Total Items : 91 Total Value : $12,000 Ten items constitute the bulk of the valuation at about $8,000 , with the Rolex and Omega making up most of that amount. The remainder of my possessions totals around $4,000 . I used a combination of depreciated and replacement costs to determine the valuation; for instance, I found my Rolex Explorer online for about $3,700 and used that as the basis for its value. It’s surprising how much money I’ve spent over the years accumulating these items, especially since it amounts to just 91 pieces. Reflecting on this, I realize that none of these are my 'primary' expenditures. I spend significantly more on food, housing, and transportation each year. My car expenses alone—including insurance, registration/taxes, gas, mainte

Minimalist Wardrobe Journey Several years ago, I adopted a minimalist wardrobe approach, reducing my clothing collection from 175 articles to under 38 pieces . Since then, I have been fine-tuning that number and currently own 45 items as of 2018, with a plan to increase to 48 items in 2019. Transitioning to Minimalism My initial focus was on reducing the total count of clothing items. Now, I am in the process of fine-tuning my wardrobe by identifying specific colors and types of clothing. This ensures a balanced and versatile wardrobe ensemble. Core Colors I have settled on three core colors : Black, Blue, and White . These colors constitute roughly 70% of my total wardrobe. In 2019, I plan to gradually introduce more color choices, notably incorporating a Red Adidas Track Jacket into my collection. Brand Quality In my journey, I have been experimenting with various types of clothing and color choices. Once I am satisfied with a particular type or color, I seek out the best bra

Review of Beats Urbeats Earbuds I recently scored a pair of Beats Urbeats Earbuds from a friend who switched to Bluetooth-only headsets. Initially, I was skeptical since I had previously owned a pair of Series 1 Beats Studio headphones and was disappointed with their performance. However, after trying on these earbuds, I was surprised and impressed by their sound quality. Sound Quality Comparison The bass on the Beats Urbeats was toned down, which is unusual for Beats products, while the mids and treble were tuned to be a bit brighter. I had to compare them against my Klipsch R6i earbuds to see how they measured up. Environment Sound Source : iPhone 6s Volume : 50% Klipsch R6i Specs Drivers : 6.5mm Frequency Range : 10 ~ 19,000 Hz Sensitivity : 110 dB/mW Impedance : 18 Ohms Noise Isolation : -22 dB Plug : 3.5mm (Gold) Cable : Flat (Tangle Free) Microphone : Yes In-Line Control : Volume Up/Down, Start/Pause Price : $60 @ Amazon Beats Urbeats Specs Drivers : 9mm Frequency Range : 10 Hz

Liquor Cabinet Update I stocked up my liquor cabinet with two bottles: Basil Hayden Bourbon Jameson Irish Whiskey Whiskey Front The Jameson is decent and on par with Johnnie Walker Red Label. It is excellent on the rocks and will be in rotation with JW Red and Monkey Shoulder for my standard whiskey. Bourbon: Still Trying I am really trying to develop a taste for bourbon. Buffalo Trace was decent, and Basil Hayden has always been on my list to try. Generally, most bourbons I drink are part of an Old Fashioned. I found it interesting to learn that Basil Hayden is part of Jim Beam and one of four brands they are segmenting, along with Bakers, Bookers, and Knob Creek. I plan to try them all eventually. Thoughts So Far As a Scotch drinker, I took almost ten minutes to decide whether to pick up Laphroaig or Basil Hayden. I recently had a dram of Johnnie Walker Black Label on the rocks at a bar, and it tasted delicious. I have a bottle of JW Black (Jane Walker Edition) but am hesitant to ope

2007 Lexus IS250 Ownership Experience I've been enjoying my 2007 Lexus IS250 for a few months now, and it has proven to be a fun daily driver. Here’s a summary of my experience, including specs and insights on its performance, comfort, and maintenance challenges. Purchase Details Price : $11,000 Mileage at Purchase : 62,500 miles Current Mileage : ~69,500 miles (after 9 months) Specifications Engine : 2.5L V6 (4GR-FSE), RWD Horsepower : 204 @ 6,400 RPM Torque : 185 @ 4,800 RPM Transmission : 6-Speed Automatic Performance : 0-60 mph: 7.4 seconds 1/4 Mile: 15.4 seconds @ 88 mph EPA MPG : 24 City / 32 Highway Dimensions : Length: 180.1 inches Wheelbase: 107.5 inches Height: 56.1 inches Width: 70.9 inches (w/o mirrors) Driving Experience I. Highway Cruiser The IS250 shines on the open freeway, where it feels most comfortable above 60 mph. While the 0-60 time is not impressive, once you reach higher RPMs, it reveals a more spirited side. My highway MPG has averaged between 25-28 , whic

Everyday Carry (EDC) - June 2018 Here's a look at my Everyday Carry (EDC) essentials while studying: Items in My EDC iPhone 6s : My go-to device for communication and productivity. Black Leather Wallet : Sleek and practical for carrying essentials. Swiss Army Knife - Spartan : A versatile tool, although I haven't felt the need for it lately. Rolex Explorer 114270 : My reliable timepiece that adds a touch of class. Zippo Lighter (Butane Insert) : Recently upgraded for convenience and reliability. Pilot Custom 74 Fountain Pen : A smooth writing instrument that enhances my note-taking. NY Yankees Baseball Cap : Perfect for casual outings and sunny days. Not Pictured ATH-MSR7 Headphones : Excellent for music and focus while studying.

Minimalist Wardrobe Overview I’ve embraced a minimalist wardrobe for about two years and currently maintain 41 articles of clothing . Here’s a breakdown of my collection: Clothing Inventory Pants (11 Total) Slacks: 5 Jeans: 2 Shorts/Gym: 4 Shirts (20 Total) T-Shirts/Gym: 7 Short Sleeve Shirts: 8 Long Sleeve Shirts: 5 Outerwear (5 Total) Blazer: 1 Jackets: 2 Hoodies: 2 Shoes (5 Total) Dress Shoes: 2 Sneakers: 3 Future Purchases I have a few items in mind for 2018-2019 : White GAP Hoodie Denim Levi Jacket (still considering) Update (12/16/18) I successfully purchased the White GAP Hoodie but decided against the denim jacket for now. I plan to reconsider adding a jacket in 2019, but I’m still uncertain about the brand, style, or type. Closing Thoughts Maintaining a minimalist wardrobe has been rewarding, allowing me to focus on quality over quantity. I look forward to refining my collection further in the coming year.

Buffalo Trace Bourbon Review I recently picked up a 750 mL bottle of Buffalo Trace for $28 . As someone who primarily enjoys Scotch, particularly single malts and blends, I wanted to broaden my palate and appreciate bourbon more. 1st Dram: Basic Impressions Bite : Right off the bat, I noticed it has a bite similar to Johnnie Walker Red Label . It has more of a kick than I'm accustomed to as a regular Scotch drinker. Taste : The flavor profile falls somewhere between a blend (like JW Black ) and a single malt (such as Highland Park 12 ). There’s a lot going on here, and I feel I need a few more drams to fully appreciate it. The bourbon is a bit spicier and has a touch of sweetness, but it doesn’t reach the level of sweetness found in a Macallan 12 or any Cognac. Nose : The aroma is reminiscent of Hennessy VSOP , which adds another layer to the experience. Overall, I find it worth trying, especially for its price. It has a distinctive taste that contributes nicely to my liquor coll

Review of My New Watch Case After much deliberation, I finally decided to invest in a proper watch case. My previous experience with a cheap 6-slot watch case left me unsatisfied due to its poor quality, featuring a plastic clear top and glued vinyl. To avoid a repeat of that mistake, I opted for a Hardwood and Glass Case from Amazon for $53 . First Impressions Overall, I found the case to be decent. The internal cushions and partitions are on par with the cheap case I had before, but I did notice that if you pull too hard, they can pop out. Key Issues Low Height Clearance : The second tray has a very low height clearance, which posed a challenge for my G-Shocks . While the DW5600 fits just fine, larger models might scrape the bottom, which is less than ideal. Loose Tray : The second tray also feels quite loose and jiggly. You have to guide it into place, but this is a minor inconvenience. Strengths On the plus side, the solid glass top is gorgeous and really makes the watches stand

Review of Jane Walker Series - Johnnie Walker Black Label I recently picked up the Limited Edition Jane Walker Series of Johnnie Walker Black Label . Interestingly, it retailed for less than the regular Johnnie Walker Black, which was part of the reason I decided to purchase it. From what I understand, it’s the same blend as the classic Black Label but presented in different packaging. Sales and Availability Johnnie Walker is a giant in the whisky market, selling about 230 million bottles of Black Label annually. In contrast, the Jane Walker variant has a limited run of approximately 250,000 bottles . I was surprised to see that my local liquor store still had quite a few left, indicating that they produced more than enough to meet demand. Purchase Motivation Honestly, I bought it primarily because I enjoy Johnnie Walker Black, and this variant was selling for $4 less than the standard bottle. I appreciate the brand's effort to highlight women in whisky, but I can’t help but agr

Watch Comparison: Casio MTP-4500 vs. Wenger 72803W I have a fondness for three styles of analog watches: Chronographs , Field Watches , and Divers . Typically, I find that Quartz movements work best for Chronograph complications, while Automatic/Mechanical movements can rival Quartz in Field and Dive Watches. I also like to keep a few budget Quartz watches in my collection as 'beater' watches, allowing me to enjoy some basic styling without the worry of damage. When I’m not wearing an Automatic/Mechanical, I gravitate towards 'busy' Quartz Chronographs on a metal bracelet, such as the Casio MTP-4500 . Watch Specifications [Watch #1] Brand/Model : Casio MTP-4500 Style : Chronograph (3 Register, Center Seconds) Dimensions : 41mm Case Width, 11mm Case Height, 22mm Lug Width Movement : Quartz Features : Tachymeter Rotating Bezel, No Date, Metal Bracelet Retail Price : $33 @ Amazon (MSRP $80) [Watch #2] Brand/Model : Wenger 72803W Style : Field Watch Dimensions : 41mm Case

Exploring Minimalism: Defining My Approach I’ve delved into various minimalist blogs and videos and noticed recurring themes that characterize different types of minimalism, often categorized by three main characteristics: Quantity , Quality , and Variety . Types of Minimalism Extreme Minimalist = Survivalist Extreme Minimalists live with just a few unique items, often in tiny homes or even out of their cars. They can fit their entire life into a single backpack, embodying the nomadic spirit of modern times. Quantity : LOW Quality : HIGH (ideally) Variety : LOW Casual Minimalist Casual Minimalists maintain a greater quantity than Extreme Minimalists and often fluctuate between quantity and variety. For instance, they may own multiple versions of the same item, like five white T-shirts or five T-shirts of different colors. I consider myself a Casual Minimalist, as I limit my T-shirts to three colors (white, grey, and black) with a total of seven. Quantity : MEDIUM* Quality : HIGH (ideal

Portable Battery Pack Experience I found a portable battery pack on sale at Lotte World for 11,000 Won. The price was low, likely due to its fixed adapter for Mini-USB / Lightning connections, which will soon become obsolete as USB-C becomes the standard. However, for now, most of my devices still use these connections. Initial Impressions I'm pleased with the much larger capacity of 5,000 mAh, especially since I was previously relying on a smaller 2,200 mAh battery pack. I’m not a fan of the massive 10,000 mAh or larger models, so I thought this one would be more than sufficient for my brief trips. Update (9/10/18) Unfortunately, my experience took a turn for the worse. This battery pack has proven to be quite disappointing! Other than a blinking blue light, there’s no indication of how much charge remains. It also doesn’t seem to recharge properly; after a few minutes, it just stops blinking. I found myself needing to reconnect the charging cable repeatedly, and each time it only

A Week in South Korea: Embracing the Culture and Cuisine I decided to spend a full week in South Korea rather than split my time between two countries. This turned out to be a wise decision, allowing me to relax and take a leisurely pace. In the past, I had only shorter stays of a few days in Busan, leaving me feeling like I couldn’t fully experience certain places. By spending an entire week here, I was able to truly immerse myself in the culture, and now I'm satisfied with brief visits in the future. Day 1: Incheon Hyatt I arrived in the evening and spent my first night at the Hyatt. After settling in, I ordered room service, enjoying pasta and a Caesar salad. The hotel had a mini-fridge, and I tried a Cass Beer, which was surprisingly refreshing.   Day 2: KTX (Incheon -> Seoul -> Busan) Due to the Olympics, there was no direct train connection from Incheon to Busan, so I made a brief stopover at Seoul Station. I picked up a box lunch and enjoyed my first cup of coffee in B