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The constant search for the perfect (and cheap) earphones

Published by Justine

Being someone who always has music revolved around her literally 24/7, I really need a good pair of earphones. Not only good, they also have to be cheap because I suck at earphone maintenance. I’m not saying I keep a low disregard of my things (let’s just say, selectively) but there’s just something about earphones—I always have bad luck because they break so fast. That alone makes me discouraged and I feel that it’s a waste if I buy expensive ones because, what if they break again right?

I’ve probably tried almost all the recommended brands out there. Sony, Philips, Creative, the Apple ones which come with my iPods, Sennheiser, Koss, JBL, Audio-Technica.. I’ve had all of those in my 7-year span of extensive music listening. I’ve yet to try the more expensive brands like Shure but I feel like right now it’s not worth my money because I’m a girl and I have other needs you know? SHOES BAGS CLOTHES WINE AND DINE scream out my name all the time. I’m beginning to have personal finance issues, I swear.

I’m currently using a Sennheiser MX 471 which I got as a gift and has lasted for more than a year now (GASP), the longest I’ve ever had working earphones. I usually only get the entry to middle level products from each brand because yeah, I’m very clumsy with them. Apple earphones are standard and produce a fairly good sound but the thing with them is, they break too easily, so fragile and basically have low durability.  The thing with me is I’m really picky with sound. My 471’s are great but only with ear foams. I lose ear foams all the time and I hate it! My Koss Jams were really cheap and I had a good run with them, they sounded good despite the price but due to the price too, they didn’t last very long. My Audio-Technica C500M on the other hand, the sound was too thin in my ear and felt like tin cans, and the durability wasn’t very good either–it barely lasted for 2 months. Crazy, my cheaper Koss’ lasted more than it.

If there’s one thing about earphones I don’t like, it’s those in-ear ones. The thought of sticking something into the depths of my ears is horrendous and kind of gross. I think it’s also the reason why I’m having a hard time finding the right earphones these days because most of the ones in the market right now are in-ears. I hope they don’t make the earbud types obsolete. What will become of me and my listening habits? If you could recommend me good and affordable earphones, that would be great! 🙂

Things I Love Thursday, #2

Published by Justine

It’s been a while! I’ve been meaning to write another TILT but I keep on forgetting and when I get the idea it’s not Thursday anymore plus when I feel like drafting a post and it’s not Thursday I feel like I’m cheating. So here’s the 2nd edition!

1. My new MacBook Pro

Fresh two nights ago, I finally replaced my 4 year old white MacBook. It was with me all throughout my college/university life and not to mention my first Mac so there’s definitely a sentimental value attached to it. I’m passing it on to my little sister and hopefully getting some kinks fixed like the random LCD quirks that’s been bugging me the past couple of months. As for this new baby, I’m beyond happy! No more hindrances to work and fangirling.

2. Running

I’ve been consistently running for about a month now and I love it! No form of exercise since dancing has made me this motivated until this one. I’ve always enjoyed running and won 1st place in a few races back when I was in high school but I always regarded it as just wanting to get over the whole sports meet so I can hang with my friends after (lol). I’m back to beginner stage now, I started with walking, then sprinting then jogging and now here I am tracking my progress with adidas miCoach (but ironically wearing Nike shoes). My running goals are still all over the place but hopefully I break the 3km soon. So far my average for about 3-5 times a week is only around 1.5km and pushing myself to do better! There’s just something about the night breeze that calms me because I can only run when I get home from work and I sleep better.

3. Teen Wolf & The Borgias

Ya I know, they’re two really different shows but I’ve been hooked! My love for Teen Wolf started because of a free iTunes download and forcing my sister to watch with me. Even though we were both hesitant, we didn’t want to let a free download go to waste. Fast forward 12 episodes later we’re totally fangirls of the series. I guess it goes with my surprise about how good it is despite being an MTV production (low expectations, okay). The storyline is actually simple, not overdone and the characters are convincing, not to mention the effects aren’t all that bad. I’m not even surprised it’s doing so well that it’s been picked up for another season and on every tween’s radar these days, mine included. Yeah, I’m forever a tween.

I admit I started looking into The Borgias because Luke Pasqualino [ side note: I MISS SKINS!!! ] is one of the recurring cast but when I watched the pilot and the episodes after I just couldn’t get over how great the production is, the cast, the stories, the subtle evil that comes out of all their actions. Having the best History teacher in high school made me a History buff so the stories behind the Borgia family really fascinated me and until now I can’t stop reading about them and what they did to the Christian society. Pretty deep stuff.. definitely one of a kind.

4. Hump Day Holidays

Yesterday was the Independence Day of Indonesia (FREEDOM!) and being a Wednesday, it gave me time to relax and unwind in between working days. Don’t get me wrong I love a long weekend just as much as you do but something about a break in the middle of the week is good too you know? It feels like I only have 2 working days to look forward to all the time. Can’t life be like that? Yesterday was spent having brunch at noon with the boss and lazing around for the rest of the day. Ahh, bliss.

K-pop Releases 2011: 2nd Half Favorites

Published by Justine

I can finally write about k-pop now that most of the groups that I follow are releasing stuff left and right. The first half of 2011 was kind of a dud to me. I barely kept up with k-pop and 2PM was mostly doing activities in Japan so my fangirling was a bit on the low side. For me, the only solid releases during the first half was TVXQ’s Keep Your Head Down which I followed for weeks, EPIC EPIC song and performances that were worth the time. Big Bang also released Tonight which is one of my favorite k-pop tracks for 2011 and Love Song, which was a solid melody but unfortunately had boring performances. Other than that I loved Joo’s Bad Guy single, Dalmatian‘s mini, U-Kiss surprised me with less cringe-y songs after Xander and Kibum’s departure from the group and Kahi‘s single which was melodically okay, but still kind of a dud. The most disappointing comeback for me so far is definitely 4Minute. Mirror Mirror is a horrible song and Heart to Heart does not suit them! I was expecting so much after last year’s epic with HuH and I My Me Mine. Better luck next comeback I guess.

AFTER SCHOOL – SHAMPOO

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1OSmITtaX3o

May rolled in and one of my favorite girl groups, After School, released Shampoo. It was also the last record before Bekah (one of my favorite members) “graduated” from the group. After School is the only group I really like outside of the BIG 3 (SME, YGE, JYPE) + CUBE and Bekah is one of my favorite girls in k-pop so I know this comeback counted for something. They ditched their fierce persona but unlike 4Minute (whose concept did not resonate with me at all), their replacement track was great. I genuinely loved Shampoo from the start. The soft synth mixed well with the soft feel of the song. I will miss Bekah’s flawless English rapping.. but I wish her all the best back home in Hawaii.

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Hump Day Randoms

Published by Justine

I’ve been following A Softer World for more than 3 years now, sometimes I don’t understand it but the wit is usually on point and incredible. Like the one above.

I bought these from ASOS the other day. So cute and cheap for only less than $11. I’ve become kind of an ASOS junkie lately.. I can’t resist their sales but in the end I do anyway. I recently bought a bag and another bag is on the way, it hasn’t arrived although it’s been close to a month. Patience and self-control is really what you need when it comes to online shopping.

Have you listened to Jay-Z and Kanye’s Watch The Throne? It’s automatically included in my 2011 Best Album list. The level of epic is just awesome. My favorite tracks are New Day, Lift Off (feat. Beyonce) and everything else.

Unlike 3 years ago, I didn’t get to watch Incubus in Jakarta this time. It’s a shame now because I have money to pay for concerts but no time to go because they’re on a workday/night. Back when I was a student I had all the time in the world but no money. Funny how life works. I was pretty bummed out, I had to keep myself from crying and couldn’t listen to anything Incubus for a week until I broke it with rocking out to all their David Letterman performances. So envious of my Incusisters but I live vicariously through them.

Work, Weekend & Beer

Published by Justine

One in the A.M. on a Monday and a new work week begins again and is probably going to be the most hectic week since I started in this company, blame the audit. I even worked overtime on Saturday with the team and while it was tiring and stressful to wake up at 6am while most of the people were enjoying sleeping in, being with friends later that night made all the difference. Fuck tired if you have fun after, right?

Since it was International Beer Day on Saturday the 5th of August, my friends and I (most especially myself), decided to be true to the day and spent it with good food, great laughs and beers. I rushed straight after work! While my friends only had a bottle each, I rewarded myself with three. I remember the time when I used to hate beer so much, I couldn’t stand the taste.. now it’s pretty much a part of me. I don’t drink it often but when I do I definitely enjoy it. Of course, given the food that came before it, everything depends on that. I ordered a classic gourmet burger so beer was definitely a good closing.

Dinner and drinks @ KOI

There’s just something about spending your weekend with the right people to take away all the tiredness from work. I guess the reason why last weekend was particularly great is because the past work week has been pretty full with preparing for this upcoming week. Forgot to bring a camera coz I was in a rush (I even reached the restaurant with we hair. Fail) so we took photos with our phone instead. Thank goodness for smartphones.