life-changing moment

really tired today. this is entirely a result of me chugging down coca-cola until 9:00 p.m. last night, thinking i would be able to go to be two hours later. well, that didn't happen and now feeling exhausted.

so, here is the life-changing moment: i will no longer drink caffeine after 3 p.m. because i a) can't metabolize it like i could at 24 and b) need more sleep than 5 hours a night.

needs vs. wants

yesterday i was walking into taipei 101 to do some shopping and i just happened to time it so that i walked by one of the anti-capitalist demonstrations which are taking place all over the world. i didn't really stop to pay attention to the demo, but a tiny part of me twinged with embarrassment as i walked into the shopping mecca of 101. 

like so many people out there, i have trouble seeing the difference between needs and wants, but i can see them. right now, i would like to buy a new computer, new phone, ipad, work clothes, a new suit, stuff for my apartment, and a whole lot of other stuff. however, i realize that these are wants and not needs. i know that a new computer isn't going to make me a better writer, or design better graphics. i know that a new phone will do exactly what my current phone does, and that i don't really have a good use for an ipad. i have enough work clothes and a new suit will only be worn once or twice a year. as for the stuff i want for my apartment, it's not like i'm sleeping on the floor or watching the wall so i'll survive. however, the effects that advertising, marketing and other power that corporations seem to have over me almost make them feel like wants. 

i guess where most of these feelings stem from is that we are taught that if you work hard, then you can play hard. well, at least that's what i was taught and have nearly always stuck to. still, some of the items on my list are big ticket and require some creative saving in order for them to appear in my home. so, saving up for months for things i don't really need and waiting in pining anticipation isn't really a way to go through life. i'm not saying that wanting something is a bad thing, but there is a difference between wanting a thing and wanting more for yourself. this is the real reason i think most people should be up and protesting about.

i just need to realize that a bit more and then the next time i walk by a anti-corporate protest, maybe i'll actually stop and listen rather than buy my overpriced sour cream.

P.S - my last couple posts have been mostly about my disenchantment with taiwan and i have gotten some very nice responses from friends...thank-you very much for your concern, but i promise you things are changing on that front as well.