2025: Week 42
Mountains, mountains, I woke up on the mountains
Notes from the day
Mon, Oct 13
Coffee after dinner is always a good thing. Especially coming from what might be the worst product demo I have ever been a part of. The moment I was about to put a stop to it, my internet connection got cut.
Also, CONAN O’BRIEN IS IN FREAKING MANILA!
Tue, Oct 14
The store I usually buy lunch from replaced their chili garlic sauce with something that’s like 10x spicier. If you’re in the food business, please do not do this without putting up a disclaimer. I was sweating my ass off in an office that’s constantly 19 degrees cold.
Wed, Oct 15
Today is payday. Another reminder to be grateful for everything including, or rather especially, the little things. I remember not too long ago, I rarely got a good night’s sleep (or any sleep at all) because of anxiety over where to get next month’s rent. Now I’ve got a stable job and haven’t thought about that phase in a while. God has been and is always good.
Thu, Oct 16
Woke up this morning with a realization that I’m not built for corporate (I mean, no shit). Climbing the ladder doesn’t excite me. Dressing up for work doesn’t either. And bureaucracy? Hard pass.
I find joy in chaos but the kind where you feel like everyone is rooting for one another. The kind that feels exciting, not exhausting.
I like being able to wear comfortable clothes without getting reprimanded for it. I like a flat hierarchy where no one walks into a room thinking they’re more important than everyone else.
Exciting, not exhausting. Comfort over formality. Respect over hierarchy.
Fri, Oct 17
On leave from work today to go to Baguio over the weekend. My wife is once again celebrating her birthday (in advance) in the most physically exhausting way possible.
One thing I hate: her tiny bladder. Every car I’ve passed on the expressway eventually catches up while I watch and wait from the gas stop. 😩
Sat, Oct 18
Crazy hike where I sustained a back and probably a knee injury. We should probably stop half-assing these hikes and really prepare for them in advance. Strava recorded 11.55 kilometers with a 516-meter elevation gain. 18,608 total steps and an elapsed time of 7 hours.
Sun, Oct 19
It rained the entire day today and it was such a blessing to look back at yesterday and the perfect weather we experienced while hiking. We tried a new cafe for breakfast and went to a Baguio institution for a second breakfast. We then drove around, introducing our kids to the places that shaped our very own childhoods.
Other things
The Case Against Generative AI — Loved reading this piece from Ed Zitron especially as organizations continue pushing for “AI-related initiatives.” Good to have this perspective especially before investing a shit ton of money on what could disintegrate when the bubble eventually bursts.
Previous weeks
Interesting how your week compiles. That corporate 'bug' realization rezonates deeply, as always.