My parents are planning to put up a car wash business, so a family friend suggested if this will push through, he’d like to put up a car repair shop beside it. It would be a good partnership as they can share on the cost of some equipment, such as ranger tire changer, lift, etc among others.

My brother is currently designing the building (car wash on the ground floor, office on the second floor), but I’m excited to do my part: design the interior of the office.

My father is a simple man. He enjoys simple activities such as playing chess or his (digital) Sudoku. That’s his quiet time. He is also a collector. He started with umbrellas (he might probably deny this but we secretly smile whenever he gets home with another one), then clocks, and moved on to coins. I think he enjoyed coin collecting the most as he hasn’t stopped since he started, and his collection is growing. He even has a military challenge coin. He had given me, my sister and brother (both married) 13 old yet very shiny silver coins each that we used as our wedding unity coins. Unfortunately, he lost some (not in their home though) last year from a thief. I think he decided to keep most of them in the bank. Good.

Last Saturday, we attended a really nice wedding. There are many factors that made the wedding really amazing. First, I guess, because the couple had been civilly married for years now and their guests somehow knew and at ease with each other. Second, their kids are included in their entourage, making it definitely a great family event. Third, the couple rendered a very sexy/provocative “first dance” (as opposed to the traditional) which the oldies won’t find indecent as the couple had long been married and with kids.

And lastly, there’s a photo booth that we so enjoyed!

Because of the photos we got from events like this that I want to venture into the photo booth business. I’d probably add something else like photo coverage or direct mail marketing products such as business cards and postcards on the side. I can always design invitation layouts too. But I guess I’m too busy to even conduct a feasibility study on this, much more to maintain the business.

I’ll be going back to office starting Monday. I know there were changes while I had been away. Not really away, just working from home. I just hope it’s no longer dusty (building is less than 2 years old). I don’t like to have sty or sore throat again from all those dusts.

I hope all bathroom faucets are working, the toilets no longer smell (I’m pertaining to the smell of rusting pipes. Ugh!), and floors are dry. I opted not to mention the name of the developer but I heard that all the buildings (offices and condos alike) they have developed, it’s always the bathrooms that are faulty. I’m just happy husband and I didn’t buy any unit from them.

This is one good reason to browse forums where current owners of the condo units or houses (from the same developer as the property one is interested in) actively participate in. You get to read the rants and raves, and compare between developers and decide on your own which is the best. I have observed that it’s not only a matter of the property’s location, how good the work is, but also if the turnover is on time and sometimes, even the banks they are affiliated with. Less hassles, the better.

Few weeks ago, I was told my parents are planning to go Singapore sometime this year. My dad doesn’t like riding airplanes so I was surprised that my mom was able to convince him to go. But come to think of it, my dad, being a coin collector, is probably going to buy gold coins there so that is motivation enough for him. Because I remember him asking me about coin bidding in Singapore but since I’m not a collector, I just advised him to research for the exact area and place where that is held. Then I can give him directions which are easy to find online anyway. That’s good about visiting Singapore, one can research for the directions, what MRT to ride, what’s the best time to take a cab, etc online in preparation for the trip.

But anyway, after the recent earthquakes in Baguio, Manila and NZ, my mom told me they are holding off any out-of-the-country trips for now. This she told me even if I informed her that PAL might be having a sale this March. Oh well.

Sometimes I wonder what “money” would look like in the future. When I was young girl, money means all the coins that I was able to collect and paper money from Christmas. Now, money has taken a lot of forms, even digital. I was hesitant at first to use paypal. Now I use it on most of my online transactions.

I noticed though that when investing, the old but trusted forms are the best like gold coins. Gold has continued to preserve its owner’s wealth and purchasing power. While my mom invests on her jewelry, my dad does so in his coin collection. His coins at home are his collectibles, while he got gold coin investment at the bank. Quite a coin enthusiast, isn’t he?

It saddens me to see or hears news of people being victimized by scams. Most of the time, victims are former overseas workers hoping to invest their hard earned money on something that gives quick returns that would help continue supporting the family.

I have this impression that most earn-quick promises are just a sham. For me, it’s either I invest on a business I myself would manage, or invest on something long term such as buying gold bars. It’s a matter of choosing the right dealer. Why not opt for a reputable dealer such as United States Gold Bureau? You can count on their expertise, and their clients’ confidence in them.

Honestly, it used to be that if I see the word bullion, it reminded me of cooking and chicken broth. I have mistaken it for word bouillon, French for broth. Nevertheless, I wasn’t aware of what bullion really is. It was only few years ago that the husband informed me of gold bullion, and what great investment it is.

Whatever current price of gold, you can purchase in bullion form in that rate, plus a minimal cost for refining it and shipping it (among others). Bullion buying has become easier and easier over the years, that one can order online. And now, there are experts who can help in one’s gold investment needs.

As early as now, I’ve started on my wish list, as well as our Christmas shopping list. I want to start shopping for gifts on the first week of November, but I need to decide soon whether I really want a new digicam for Christmas (and birthday present for myself) or I should just buy gold for investment purposes. It is so easy I can order online. I know buying gold would be a good decision but it’s Christmas, I want a new toy and I’m being a brat. Kidding.

Speaking of Christmas shopping, I should start thinking of what to sell on one of those Christmas bazaars.

For months now, we are on a lookout for a small business opportunity that best suit us. I know there are businesses that are known to have quick returns but I want something that husband and I would enjoy managing.

I’m imagining we would do well with food and/or services. For now, I’m researching more about mini grocery business. Once decided, I’ll start making the business plan.