If you were to die and someone went into your room, would they know the type of person you are? Would they know what you’re into? Would you know who you are by what you buy? Would you be proud of how others perceive you by what they see? Would you be disgraced at yourself from all the material possessions that possibly helped create your identity? If you’ve watched Fight Club, these are some questions you will ask yourself. Although I purchase a lot of expensive items and I admit that I am a sucker to marketing, if all my materialistic possessions were to burn down in a fire, I would not care. How would I then be seen if there was nothing in my room?
“What kind of of dining set defines me as a person?” is a quote from Fight Club. This same quote can be changed to, What kind of <insert product> defines me as a person? Every product we buy is an influencing factor on how others could potentially see us and how we see ourselves. We try and fit to brands and styles that says who we are or who we want to be. Even if you don’t buy anything materialistic, your overall appearance can give out a characteristic of the type of person you are.
I’ve purchased many expensive items in my lifetime because of this materialistic identity, and as I get older, my thought process in purchasing items is always changing yet there are some products I’ve wanted for over a decade. I wonder if I will still want it the next decade. Before I make a purchase, most of the time I try to envision myself with it. I do this to provide purpose, and meaning, and if it will reflect who I am. In short, will this show who I am and what I am trying to be?
1 – Rolex Oyster Perpetual
Date planned: Probably never tbh (HAHA)
This purchase has been on my want list for years. I’ve saved up enough money several times to afford their entry level watch only to spend that money on education, travel, and fitness. Essentially, better purchases that have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and greater power to my life yet I still think of the Rolex being on my wrist. It is the year of the dragon and that’s me. This is my year. The amount of wins I’ve had this year and last year is my excuse to possibly buy it for next year. Hell, I have to save up for law school and pay the mortgage, it’ll probably just be in my thoughts. That’s it.
2. X-Lab hydration kit
Date planned: Summer 2024 (purchased)
After completing Muskoka’s 70.3 Ironman last year, I thought I witnessed the limitations of my Scott Plasma Premium 3. When I first got the bike, I loved it. It was low to the ground compared to my Scott Foil, incredibly responsive, beautiful to look at, and it picked up in speed very quickly. At one point in the race, I was releasing all my energy and I felt the limitation of the bike, specifically the bike’s speed was not as fast as I thought. I was descending and feeling fast but as much as I pushed, I felt it did not go any faster, I felt defeated. Furthermore, there was barely any area to store nutrition or have my spare kit. I had to do pit stops that lost a lot of time.
I then raced with it during IRONMAN Lake Placid and I loved it. I was much more confident on the bike from riding it so much. The speed ended up being much higher than Muskoka, I ended up being the limitation because the bike asked for more and I just didn’t have the power. The only issue now is that I need a hydration unit for it (and I need to get stronger). I believe with the hydration unit, I’ll smash new records with less stops.
I had two choices when deciding on this purchase. Buy the BMC Speedmachine Frame for $10,000 or buy the hydration kit for my Scott Plasma for $400. For BMC, I would only buy the frame and wait for the groupsets and wheels to go on sale since the full build is $16,000 whereas the hydration kit from Xlab would be less than $400.00 and I can use my hard earned money elsewhere. That’s a win for me. I also heavily considered Colnago’s TT1 but there’s no hydration option for that beautiful bike.
3. Sewing Machine
Date: TBD
Believe it or not, I am still working on my lifestyle brand. Everything takes time to complete and I’ll eventually complete my goals but love needs to be put into these things before I release my ideas into the wild. I completed a pattern design class and am currently taking sewing machine classes. I’m hoping I can release my first piece by the end of the year. The machine will be purchased much later in the future. I am still in the learning phase.
4. A plane ticket to a warm country
Possibly El Salvador.
Date: SOON
It’s going to be spontaneous, awesome, and very low-budget.
5. Paul Smith Knitted Sweater
Date: March 2025 (purchased)
I went to NYC this year to shop, run, and bike before starting my new job. Running and shopping was done but I could not bike because of the poor weather. Instead, I spent more time walking around Manhattan. I went to SOHO and visited Paul Smith’s shop. I’ve always enjoyed the brand’s releases but never owned any of their pieces. I walked into their flagship store and walked out broke from purchasing a knitted sweater from their fashion run.
After that purchase, I just ate and walked around the city thinking about how I was going to pay off the credit card. That sweater cost an arm and a leg. I do wear this sweater a lot and do not regret the purchase. The fit was perfect. It is currently my daily driver. Also, the main picture with the Paul Smith vest was amazing but I walked away because it cost too much. I’ll make my own. You’ll see.
6. IRONMAN Wind Breaker Jacket
Date: July 2025
As I prepared for my ironman race, I went to the IRONMAN store the first day they opened up to buy my family and myself some souvenirs. I have never owned a windbreaker cycling jacket and after seeing it on the rack, I had to purchase it as a memory and to use for the race. I used it when biking up whiteface mountain and using it there on its own made it worth the purchase. I am currently using it religiously on my training rides. It was a great purchase. I have also noticed that there is a lot of cycling gear I own that I do not wear and only prefer a small amount. I will make a blogpost on this.
7. More Books
Date: Jan-Sept
I am reading more to become a better writer and speaker. Increasing my reading habits will and has done this. This year I have purchased a couple of audiobooks and physical books (which I prefer). I have completed reading the Hobbit (which was surprisingly a very easy read). and I am now going through the two books I bought for $3.00. I am also reading Dune. I hope to finish these bangers by the end of the month.
8. Terrex Free Hiker 2 Cold.Rdy Hiking Shoes
Date: Summer 2025
I bought the original Terrex Free Hiker and used them for everything. They have lasted several years and have conquered the Canadian winters. I have nothing but praise for these shoes. I bought the newest model since my old ones are destroyed from years of use.
I used them fort absolutely everything. Running, hiking, at work (it passed off as a casual shoe). At the time, it had the most slim silhouette that I could find for an outdoor boot. I have purchased their updated version and hope to get the same result.
9. More suits
Date: Febuary-March
As much as I love techwear, I need suits. I also like wearing suits that fit me well. I need to save money to buy more suits for my future career. I bought this suit for a couple of job interviews I had and some events I had to attend this year. My next suit will be beige since I’m wild like that.
10. More Bags
Date: Anytime
SECRET NUKBER 10 on my list. There is no such thing as one bag to rule them. One bag will never be enough and I’m always looking for perfect bags. I didn’t say “the perfect bag” because every bag I have is perfect for a different scenario. I have several bags and I use them all. Here is a picture of my bags. I forgot to include my Hydration bags that I use on my bike rides but if you watch my youtube shorts, you’ll see me rocking them.