Alcides Fonseca

Although I don’t agree with all she says (she’s a bit extreme in some points) the general idea is true and I guess people should see this movie and think about it.

Here at home my folks do buy a lot of stuff that aren’t needed, and accumulate somewhere until we change houses… Or trash them. I don’t. I simply don’t like buying and carrying stuff around. I buy only what I do need and I’m very happy about it :) You should try it too (and you do save some money you can spend in ephemeral good stuff like dinners and going to the movies or travels or so).

I don’t care much about the end of the fiscal year (or the beginning of a new one) since nothing changes in my daily life. There is however big differences for me when I change semesters. I have a small holiday between them (this year was just a weekend…) and I start having a new schedule and different stuff to do. So my Second Term main resolution is to pay more attention to my health.

Since I have felt some pains in my wrists, I am now more aware of office ergonomics: sitting correctly and having my hands in the right position. I also borrowed a Trackball from a friend, since I’ve read it’s better than mouse, but although after one hour I was completely used to it, I actually work with two computers, so having a trackball and a mouse confuses me. I guess I’ll stick to mouses for the time being. Oh and that white wired trackball doesn’t fit my black wireless desktop.

Another big change is that I am walking everyday to school. I used to take a bus or take a friends ride, but now even if I have it, I’m walking… And I’m not even taking the shortest path (I never liked Dijkstra anyway). And my faithful TyTN with a 2GB filled with MP3s is my dearest friend every morning.

Following Pedro’s post on the meme “8 things you might not know about me”. Just like him, I’m not a fan of this kind of fashions, but I was thinking of writing about some of this stuff in the last months so I guess I’ll take the shot:

1 – For a few years now, I’ve wanted to be Prime-Minister. There was even a Teacher’s meeting 3 years ago where they discussed this?! I don’t like Portugal the way it is. But unlike those people who just rant about it, I am willing to do something about it. I’m in politics now and I still want to change our country. I’m just not sure if it deserves me… (Pretty cocky of me, I know… But I might go over this later).

2 – I’m emo. NOT that emo. I don’t fucking paint my nails nor dye my hair nor dress that way. But I do not jump around when I go to shows, I do listen a lot of emocore and I do feel depressed by society a lot.

3 – I am also straight edge, meaning I don’t drink alcohol, smoke, do drugs and I even don’t drink caffeine and I do hate medication. That’s because I am a person who like to be in control and those stuff just won’t let you be sober.

4 – Since 4th grade I don’t like studying. It’s just not interesting anymore, and I could use all that time to do other stuff. yeah, I know that basics are important, but I can learn them in another ways. I believe I am a very autodidact person.

5 – (Those who follow me on twitter already know this, but) I like to watch soap operas. There’s nothing more relaxing that laying around on the couch hearing soap operas while resting your eyes from the computer.

6 – I don’t dance. (I know it’s disappoint girls, but I do have another attributes!) I just don’t feel like it. And I’m not interesting in learning.

7 – I am an avid reader. I read a 400-pages book in a matter of hours. Almost only scifi and fantasy. I could spend my days reading-only.

8 – I want to start up my own company and launch a product or service that improves everone’s lifestyle.

Ok, now I also want to learn some hidden secrets of your life. Go ahead and post about the 8 things I do not know about you!

Xmas is coming up and stores are marketing it sooner and sooner each year. I don’t like the you-have-to-buy-gifts-to-everyone thing, I’m more of a give-gifts-whenever-you-feel-like-it guy since I came out with cooler presents when I do not have to get it than in that specific date.

Well, it seems like I’m not the only one against this consumerist state of mind going on this time of the year, and it appears that BUY NOTHING DAY is a pretty cool initiative to make people think of their need for buying. I not a big fan of SOMETHING DAY, like the Car Free Day, but this time I’m going up for it, and I encourage you to do the same.

Of course I know our economy and people’s jobs depend on commerce, but I don’t thing one day will harm them so much… and if people learn how to buy only what they need instead of superfluous stuff, it will be a big lesson.

Now, a small challenge: Today (24th November) not only is the International Buy Nothing Day as is also my 19th birthday (not that I am proud of...) and I am expecting a gift from you. And remember what day is today!