Simple Living

Building My Sneaker Collection There are so many options and choices in sneakers, and I want to build a simple collection of all the great basics. Here’s what I’m considering: Basic Sneaker Selection Converse - Chuck Taylor - All Stars White/Red Stripe Adidas - Superstar - White/Black Stripes Nike Cortez - White/Red Logo Onitsuka Tiger Mexico 66 - White/Red/Blue Nike Air Force 1 Low Cut - All White Puma Suede - Black/White Stripe Color Distribution I’m aiming for five white sneakers and one black shoe for the basics. However, I may reduce this count to three white and one black to simplify my collection. Additional Colorways Additional colorways will be handled by my two Onitsuka Tiger Serrano's (in Blue and Red). When they are retired, I’ll replace them with comparable shoes, likely a Burgundy Red New Balance and possibly all-black Converse, Adidas Superstar, or Air Force 1's. Collection Timeline I’m in no rush; it will likely take 2-3 years to fill out this collection s...

Transitioning to Verizon Prepaid For over two years, I was on a Verizon Postpaid family plan, paying about $140 per month (approximately $153 including tax) for two lines with unlimited data. However, I recently reassessed my needs and made the switch to Verizon Prepaid. New Plan Details Monthly Cost: ~$90 for two lines (about $93 including tax) Line 1: 16GB of data Line 2: Unlimited data Significant Savings This change has led to a monthly savings of roughly $60 , which is quite significant! Limitations of Prepaid While the savings are great, there are three limitations to keep in mind: Video Quality: Video streams at a lower 480p resolution. However, since I mostly watch on a small screen and stream over WiFi, this isn't a major concern. Data Usage During Calls: I cannot use data while on the phone, which can be a slight inconvenience if I need to search the web during a call. Disney+: The prepaid plan does not include Disney+ for free. I already purchased it at a low price...

Upgrading from iPhone 6s After owning my iPhone 6s since 2016, I've decided it’s time to upgrade due to deteriorating battery life and the impending release of iOS 14. I've evaluated several options: Options Considered iPhone XR iPhone SE (2nd generation) iPhone 11 iPhone 12 Battery Replacement In February 2020, I replaced the battery on my 6s to extend its lifespan and have been using it as a backup phone. The new battery made a significant difference, allowing the phone to last a full day instead of requiring constant recharges. iOS 14 Concerns One of the primary reasons for the upgrade is the potential lack of support for iOS 14 on the 6s, which may force my hand to upgrade in September when the iPhone 12 is likely released. Long-Term Considerations I'm leaning towards the SE or 11 because both feature the newer A13 chip, which I believe will ensure my next iPhone remains relevant for 4-5 years. Scenarios If iOS 14 supports the 6s: I might consider waiting for the iPhon...

Ideal Wardrobe Update for 2020 I'm getting closer to achieving my ideal wardrobe with a few adjustments planned for 2020. I'm finding that Earth Tones (dark green, light brown/tan), burgundy red , and dark purple complement my style well. I'm planning to reduce my reliance on dark blue in favor of these colors to create a better balance with my black and white basics. Brand Preferences Uniqlo and Adidas I'm increasingly pleased with Uniqlo, which is becoming a larger part of my wardrobe. Adidas is also a favorite for sneakers and sporty jackets. I envision that in a few years, 50-60% of my 51 main clothing items will be from Uniqlo and Adidas. Focus Areas Shoes and Jackets I'll keep my shirts and pants basic, dedicating most of my budget to shoes and jackets. Shoe Choices I'm starting simply to find the ideal shoes and plan to stick with: Converse All Star Adidas Superstar Adidas Samba Nike or Air Jordan Possibly a Puma or Onitsuka 66 . Outerwear I'm con...

The Sidecar I've recently discovered that the Sidecar is becoming my favorite coffee drink. It has a delightful blend of flavors and is perfect for when I have time to truly savor it. When I'm on the go, my go-to is still the cappuccino . I've noticed that while the espresso has remained consistent, the preparation of the cappuccino and macchiato can vary slightly with each barista. Since I only indulge in the Sidecar a few times a year, the differences in taste might be influenced by various factors, including the seasonal ingredients or the specific café atmosphere. I'm excited to keep exploring these flavors and refining my coffee experience!

Polo Shirt Journey After years of experimenting with various brands, I finally found the perfect Polo shirts . I initially relied on Ralph Lauren exclusively, but their quality has declined, prompting me to explore other options. Brands I've Tried: American Eagle Abercrombie & Fitch Old Navy GAP Banana Republic Foot Locker Armani Exchange Ralph Lauren Tommy Hilfiger Nautica LZOD Moncler Burberry While the higher-priced shirts often boasted better quality, I wasn't keen on spending $50 to $200 per shirt, especially since I needed about 5 to 7 polos. That's when I discovered Uniqlo , which offers excellent options at just $20 each. Initially, I was hesitant about the Uniqlo polos because they have two buttons on the collar, whereas I'm used to three. However, I decided to give them a try, and they fit perfectly. Quality Concerns The big question is whether the collars will hold up over time. This has been a common issue I've faced with most polo shirts. I’ll check...

Vegas Work Trip Review I spent a week in Las Vegas for work and stayed at the Venetian on the Strip . I’ve always wanted to check out this hotel, and while it was enjoyable, it didn’t quite live up to my expectations. Overall, my experiences with other casinos like Bellagio, Mirage, Paris, and Caesars felt similar. Thankfully, there's something for everyone at nearly every price point, which was a plus. Highlights from the Trip Beer Prices: I finally found decent beers for $2-5 without having to resort to CVS or Walgreens. Craps: I learned how to play Craps ! Although I lost money, it was fun to try. Hotel Room: The Venetian hotel room featured double single beds with a very nice and spacious layout. 🤗 Drinks and Dining Experiences Old Fashioned at the Casino Bar: Rating: Meh 😑 I always seek the best Old Fashioned wherever I go. Using a 2-for-1 coupon at the Venetian, I tried the round casino bar, but it was underwhelming. Strong drinks, but not amazing for $18.75 . I l...

Exploring the Amazon Fire HD8 Tablet After owning my Apple iPad 2 for nearly eight years, I still love it. However, I decided it was time to try an Android tablet and found the Amazon Fire HD8 (2018 Model) for just $50 —too tempting to pass up! Budget-Friendly Design Accepting the Fire HD8 as a budget device really helps in appreciating what Amazon has accomplished. They made thoughtful sacrifices in terms of screen resolution, speed, capacity, and design to create an excellent value for the price. Google Play Store: A Must-Have One critical feature I needed was the ability to install the Google Play Store . This addition significantly enhances usability, allowing access to apps like Chrome , YouTube , and others. Without Google Play, the HD8 would feel quite limited. With Google Play installed, the HD8 truly shines! I've only used it for a few days, but I’m already satisfied with the purchase. I plan to take it on several upcoming business trips to see how it performs. I'm...

The Search for Mr. Brown Coffee Lately, I've noticed it’s becoming increasingly difficult to find Mr. Brown Coffee . In my area, I know of only two locations that still carry it. A friend mentioned a local specialty grocer that might have some in stock, so I decided to check it out. New Flavor Discovery At this new location, they offered four flavors, but instead of my favorite Cappuccino , I discovered a new option: Caramel Latte . Curious, I bought two cans of each flavor to give them a try. Disappointing Experience Unfortunately, the Caramel Latte didn’t live up to my expectations. While I appreciate trying new flavors, it seems my heart still belongs to the classic Cappuccino . Sticking to Favorites Going forward, I’ll have to stick to the known locations that still carry Mr. Brown Coffee and make sure to stock up on my favorite flavor. For now, these new offerings aren’t half bad and serve as a nice morning treat, but they just don’t compare to my beloved Cappuccino. ...

Celebrating Five Years of Blogging It’s hard to believe that I started blogging back in January 2014 —well, technically, it was November/December 2013 , but who’s counting? Now, looking back, it’s been five years since I embarked on this journey. Time flies, and it feels like just yesterday when I first hit "publish." A Shift from Social Media One of my primary goals when I began blogging was to wean myself away from social media. I’m happy to report that this effort has been successful. Blogging allows me to share whatever I want, whenever I want, without feeling the pressure or scrutiny from friends and family who might take offense to my thoughts. While I tend to write about benign, almost mundane topics, I appreciate the freedom that comes with a bit of semi-anonymity. (Of course, we’re never truly anonymous online!) Time Well Spent By freeing myself from the constant need to check social media every few minutes, I’ve likely reclaimed 2-3 hours a day —and that’s signific...

A Love for Johnnie Walker Black Label I’ve had the pleasure of enjoying many different types of whiskies throughout the years. Growing up, I leaned toward the sweeter side with bourbons, primarily Jack Daniels . Over time, I graduated to the peat smoke of a good Scotch . However, no matter my preferences at any given moment, I always find myself returning to my all-time favorite: Johnnie Walker Black Label . The Comfort of Consistency What draws me to a dram of JW Black? I can enjoy it neat, on the rocks, or even in a mixed drink, and I always find something pleasing about it. It has just enough of a taste profile to keep me intrigued. After several years of reflection, I’ve come to understand the primary reason I enjoy JW Black so much: consistency . This realization struck me when I purchased a new bottle of Macallan 12 from a reputable store, only to find it tasted utterly appalling—worse than rotgut. To date, I’ve yet to experience such a disappointment with any Johnnie Walker, re...

Progress in Data Analytics I’ve been working my way through Kimball’s 3rd Edition of Data Warehouse , and I just completed Chapter 6 . This book is undoubtedly one of the best I’ve ever read in the Data Analytics domain. A Slow Yet Rewarding Journey I started this journey back in November 2018 , and six months later, I’ve only managed to cover a portion of the book. The material is dense and packed with valuable insights, so I appreciate the time I’ve taken to digest it thoroughly. Aiming for Improvement Moving forward, I plan to improve my pace and tackle Chapter 7 on Sunday . Completing this book is a priority for me, and I recognize the need to focus on it in my life. Here’s to making steady progress and deepening my understanding of data warehousing.

The Versatility of White Sneakers White shoes are an essential item in any wardrobe, much like blue jeans or a classic black or white T-shirt. While they do require more maintenance to keep clean, their versatility makes the effort worthwhile. Building a Classic Collection Over the years, I’ve owned several pairs of white sneakers from brands like Nike, Adidas, Converse, and Reebok. However, I often only kept one pair, regardless of the color. Recently, I decided to remedy that and focus on building a basic collection of classic white sneakers. Two of the most iconic models I’ve added are: Converse All Stars Adidas Superstar These shoes come in various colorways, but investing in the classic white versions is a must before exploring other colors. Both models are widely available and often go on sale or can be found at discount retailers. Great Deals on Classics I managed to snag the Converse All Stars for about $40 and the Adidas Superstar for just $20 . Both are inexpensive options...

Welcome Back, Armani AR0585 I took the plunge and repurchased the Armani AR0585 —a model I used to own years ago and regretted selling. It served as the perfect beater watch, and I was lucky to find it again at about the same price I sold it for, but in even better condition! For $65 , this watch is an absolute steal. It’s a shame that Armani doesn’t produce watches like this anymore. Specifications Dial Size : 43mm Lug Width : 23mm Movement : Quartz (Miyota OS20) Battery : SR927W (equivalent to 395/399) Chronograph : 3 registers at 3, 6, and 9 dial positions Water Resistance : 5 ATM (50 meters) Material : Stainless steel with a deployment clasp Comparable Model : AR0527 (features a rubber strap instead of a metal bracelet) Domed vs. Flat Crystal One of the standout features of the AR0585 is its domed crystal . While this design makes it more vulnerable to chips and scratches from hard surfaces, I find that the aesthetic appeal of a domed crystal is unmatched. Visual Appeal : The curva...

Simple Pleasures: Mr. Brown Iced Coffee It's often the simple things in life that bring us the greatest joy, and for me, that includes enjoying a can of iced coffee from Mr. Brown . This Taiwanese brand has become a favorite of mine, and I can usually find these 8.12-ounce cans for about $1 at various stores around town. Flavor Variety Mr. Brown offers several flavors, but so far, my favorite has been Cappuccino . The rich, creamy taste is perfect for a quick pick-me-up! Moderation I tend to limit myself to 1 or 2 cans per week , making it a welcome treat rather than an everyday indulgence. As the hotter summer months approach, I anticipate enjoying them even more. There’s something refreshing about sipping on an iced coffee while soaking up the sunshine.

Weekend Coffee Ritual I've been savoring Cappuccinos at one of my favorite local coffee shops. Typically, I treat myself to a cup on either Saturday or Sunday , using the time to read a book or study more of the Kimball Data Warehouse material. Balancing Indulgence with Budget To manage my budget, I’m trying to limit myself to 1 or 2 cups a week , as those delightful drinks can easily run $5 each . During the week, I stick to Starbucks ground coffee at work, which costs only about 20 cents a cup . It’s a great way to balance indulgence with practicality. Weekend Enjoyment These weekend cappuccinos have become a cherished ritual, allowing me to unwind while enjoying quality coffee. Whether it's studying or simply relaxing, it's a perfect way to recharge before the week ahead.

Uniqlo Supima Cotton T-Shirt Experience I recently had a bit of an adventure with Uniqlo's Supima Cotton T-shirts . After struggling to find a Large size at my local store in the U.S., I asked a friend in Japan to pick some up for me. I was excited to order five shirts, confident that I’d finally have the perfect fit. The Disappointment However, when the shirts arrived, I was shocked to find that the Japan size Large fits more like an American size Medium . This discrepancy was frustrating, especially since I had done some research, but it turns out that vanity sizing often leads to differences in sizes between countries. After realizing that the shirts wouldn’t work for me, I gave them away to another friend. Just by luck, I decided to check my local Uniqlo store, and they had finally restocked Large sizes . I purchased five of the Supima Cotton T-shirts I originally wanted, so the experience ended on a high note. Lessons Learned This whole situation was bittersweet. While I’m ...

Review of Apple AirPods (1st Generation) The Apple AirPods have been around for several years, and I'm currently using the 1st Generation model, which I acquired about five months ago in December 2018. Overall, I've found them to be a convenient addition to my tech collection. Here’s my assessment based on five key categories: Overall Impressions The Good Battery Life : The battery life is impressive. I can get about 8 hours of listening time daily , and they last me several days without needing a recharge. Ease of Use : They sync effortlessly with my iPhone and other Apple devices, which enhances the overall user experience. Build Quality : Like most Apple products , the AirPods are well made and designed to integrate seamlessly with the Apple ecosystem. The Average Sound Quality : While the sound quality is decent for casual listening, they don't compare to wired headphones. Even the standard wired Apple Earbuds provide a better sound experience. Form Factor : The co...

Building My Fountain Pen Ink Collection I recently received a delightful gift: a 3-pack sampler of Pilot brand Iroshizuku ink . This set includes 15 mL samples of three beautiful colors: Syo-Ro Ama-Iro Fuyu-Gaki I'm thrilled to add these to my growing collection of fountain pen inks, which now includes five Iroshizuku colors : Kon-Peki and Murusaki Shikibu are already in my arsenal. First Impressions with Ama-Iro I inked one of my Pilot Metropolitan pens with Ama-Iro and was pleasantly surprised by its lighter shade of blue. Initially, it looked quite similar to Kon-Peki , but once dried, I noticed that: Ama-Iro is much lighter and fresher in appearance. In contrast, Kon-Peki starts darker but lightens up to resemble Ama-Iro after drying. Future Plans I'm looking forward to trying the other colors in the sampler. I’m also considering expanding my collection with the following 3-pack samplers: Asa-Gao, Shin-Kai, Yama-Budo Tsuki-Yo, Take-Sumi, Kon-Peki This would help me e...