Managing our Avida unit here in Paranaque has become a surprisingly demanding task, particularly when it involves coordinating fixtures and renovations. It's not just about approving plans; it's the constant back-and-forth with contractors, sourcing materials, and ensuring everything adheres to the building's regulations. This entire property management overhead has consistently eaten up a significant chunk of my workday—I'd estimate at least 15-20% of my time is diverted to it. I'm really hoping to delegate this responsibility to a professional property manager or even a trusted assistant before we eventually make our big move to another place. The goal is to offload this entirely so I can fully focus on my primary work.
On a more personal note, we've made significant strides with Joyce's orthodontic journey. This has been a long-term plan, going back a couple of years, and we're finally seeing it come to fruition. After extensive teeth preparations, which involved several visits to the orthodontist for detailed assessments and minor procedures, she's now all set. She's scheduled to receive her expanders, braces, and retainers in stages throughout this year, starting very soon. We're all excited for her to have that confident smile.
Separately, I've been on the hunt for a high-quality AI voice text-to-speech converter for a new project. My requirements are pretty specific: it needs to sound natural, have a good range of voices, and offer flexible integration. After testing several options, Kokoro TTS really stands out. It seems to meet most of my needs, particularly its realistic intonation and ability to handle various speaking styles, which is crucial for the content I'm developing.
The early onset of the May rains this year in Metro Manila is proving to be quite disruptive. It started pouring around the first week of May, much earlier than the usual full swing of the rainy season. This is a significant concern because it's already impacting our ongoing construction and renovation projects. The constant downpours are causing delays, especially with outdoor work like concrete pouring and roofing, and also creating logistical challenges for material deliveries. We're now having to adjust timelines and work around the weather, which adds complexity and potential cost increases to these projects.
This Month's Quote
If you only move, you can definitely reach a new world. But if you stop, nothing will change.
― L from Death Note
Rental Management
Managing rentals means constant oversight...
Overseeing the Avida unit in Pasig has become an unexpectedly arduous undertaking. The coordination of necessary fixtures and renovations alone demands substantial effort. Beyond mere plan approvals, it involves a continuous dialogue with contractors, meticulous material procurement, and strict adherence to building codes. This administrative burden of property management regularly consumes a significant portion of my professional hours—a discernible 15-20% of my weekly work output. My ambition is to soon transfer this responsibility to a specialized property manager or a capable assistant, ideally before our eventual relocation. Relinquishing this task would allow for an undivided focus on my core professional responsibilities.
Joyce Braces
Braces, a temporary journey for a lifetime of smiles...
Switching to a personal update, significant progress has been made regarding Joyce's orthodontic treatment. This initiative, contemplated for some time, is now materializing. Following thorough dental preparations—a process entailing multiple consultations with the orthodontist for precise evaluations and minor interventions—she is now ready. The forthcoming stages involve the phased application of expanders, braces, and retainers over the course of this year, commencing shortly. The anticipation for her achieving a more confident smile is palpable within the family.
Kokoro TTS
Kokoro TTS, The clarity of voice, redefined...
On a separate note, my search for a superior AI voice text-to-speech converter for an upcoming endeavor has been ongoing. My criteria are rather precise: the output must possess natural vocal qualities, offer a diverse selection of voices, and allow for adaptable integration. Following trials of numerous platforms, Kokoro TTS has distinguished itself. It appears to fulfill the majority of my prerequisites, notably its authentic intonation and capacity to render various speaking styles—attributes essential for the material I am currently producing.
Raining
May rains, early start, project delays...
The premature arrival of May's precipitation in Metro Manila this year is proving considerably problematic. Beginning around the first week of the month, the rainfall commenced well in advance of the typical rainy season's peak. This early start raises substantial concern as it is already affecting our various construction and renovation endeavors. The persistent deluges are instigating delays, particularly for exterior tasks such as concrete work and roofing, while simultaneously posing logistical hurdles for material transport. Consequently, we are compelled to revise project timelines and adapt our operations to the inclement weather, thereby introducing additional complexities and potential cost escalations to these undertakings.
Minor Fixtures and Renovations
Minor fixes, major impact...
Fixture and renovations, In any endeavor, it's often the seemingly minor adjustments and routine maintenance that collectively create a profound effect. Think of it this way: consistently sharpening your skills through daily practice, fixing a small glitch in a process before it escalates, or even just regularly decluttering your workspace. Each of these individual "minor fixes" might appear insignificant on its own.However, the cumulative result is a major impact on overall efficiency, quality, and long-term success. Neglecting these small details can lead to compounded problems, increased costs, and ultimately, missed opportunities. Conversely, a proactive approach to addressing the small stuff not only prevents larger issues but also fosters continuous improvement and resilience. It's the philosophy that a stitch in time saves nine, demonstrating how seemingly insignificant efforts can dramatically shape outcomes.