Watch Me Entertain Myself!

Sacha Guitry once said, "You can pretend to be serious, but you can't pretend to be witty." Oh yes, I'm the great pretender.
(pilot episode: 20 January 2004)

Thursday, December 14, 2006

Simply McVie

For most people, their philosophy in life is to “upgrade.” To be honest I really believed that I too am one of those people. But for some strange reason, recently I’ve been choosing to “downgrade” instead.

From a Sony Ericsson Z600 with camera, Bluetooth, infrared and other bells and whistles, I chose to go with a Motorola W220. No camera, no Bluetooth, no infrared. According to its brochure, its special feature is the built-in FM radio. Wow, I’m overwhelmed. But I really, really love my new phone.

I recently replaced my 4G iPod mini to a 2G iPod nano—remastered lang nga, ehehehe. I realize I don’t need all that gigabytes. I’m bequeathing my old iPod to my younger brother.

I also changed my goals in the gym. From wanting to be hunk-a-licious, I’ve revised my goals; now I’m more interested in achieving a healthy-looking body than in becoming Mr. Body Beautiful.

For years I’ve always wanted to be in a relationship. But this year I’m even more thankful that my life is simpler without a boyfriend.

And for several years now I’ve been reducing my list of people who’ll receive Christmas gifts from me. This year is no exception. Maybe it’s because I always leave my Christmas shopping to the last minute. When you have no time, you just choose the really important ones whom you’ll give gifts to. It’s a great exercise—you really realize who are the ones whom you’re closest to, the ones whom you care for the most, the ones who’ll understand if you don’t give them anything and will think nothing of it, the ones who’ll understand if you don’t give them anything but will resent it behind your back… and those people in your life who feel they’re entitled to a gift from you but really don’t deserve any. Hey, why should I be grateful for what you do for me? That’s a job, not a favor, you’re doing. Heck, it’s your job.

And because we’re leaving for Bohol on the 18th already, I have a total of about 24 hours to do all of my Christmas shopping.

Thank god I’ve simplified my life. Thank god I’ve downsized.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow, my sentiments exactly. We are at a confluence. I can't wait for our EB. One thing I might add, though: simplifying and downsizing can lead to the upsizing of those elements in our life that truly matter.

And I can't help but agree with you how silly the whole thing about giving gifts to every Tom, Dick and Harry. Living in a predominantly Buddhist country has given me a whole new perspective on Christmas.

joelmcvie said...

BONG: Actually I'm just being Scrooge-y and barat, hahaha. I need all my Christmas bonus for our Bohol trip.

For many years now Christmas for me has always been about family and friends. On the work front, it has always been about thanksgiving and a celebration for the year that was. The gift-giiving is just the commercial side of Christmas. I can easily give in to that if I have extra money, but if I need it allocated to my more important priorities, then the gifts are the first to go.

Nelson said...

Gosh I've been wanting a phone that doesn't have a camera! Too bad your Motorola isn't available here....

Nelson said...

Gosh I've been wanting a phone that doesn't have a camera! Too bad your Motorola isn't available here....