Highlighters

How OC are you about highlighters?

I never thought that there would be a day when I would become so particular about the highlighters I used. A few years ago, I thought that pink was pink and it didn't matter what brand I used. Now I'm trying out different highlighter brands. I've realized that some of the things I like in a highlighter are:

1. Shape - how I hold my highlighter differs if it's fat or skinny, cylindrical or box-like, long or short. It also helps to identify the different brands. Some might find it better to have highlighters all of the same shape, so they'll all be held the same way. Plus they look nicer since they're more uniform. Some might prefer to have different brands because of the different properties of the fluid.

2. Color - including consistency (especially if the paper you use is thinner), it is important to use a color/colors that you feel comfortable with. You have to think about how the shade you choose will show up on the paper you use. Different brands have different shades, with color changes that will sometimes happen depending on if it's on the early or late part of it's life.

Below are 3 different brands of pink highlighters at different parts of their lifespan. You can see that aside from the shade, in general, the evenness and thickness can differ. Note also that the brush might fray easily :(

Highlighters. Left, Artline. Middle, Faber Castell. Right, MG.

Also note that if you use more than one shade, remember to find colors that you feel are most suited to your learning style.

3. Longevity - it sucks to buy a highlighter that dries out early if left for a few moments, or one that has little ink in the first place. You might want to try brands that last longer, or those that can be left out for longer periods of time.

4. Price - some highlighters are really nice, but are super expensive. You might end up spending a lot of money in the long run.

I do have my preferred brands, but I'm always on the lookout for new ones. I also like to experiment on different colors with my own preferences for different texts :)

Water Bottle

When I was in grade school, I used to to carry a large water jug to school everyday. Inside the container was either iced tea or orange juice with a lot of ice. This habit changed when I was in high school: I replaced the sugary treat with plain water. I then used part of my lunch money to buy drinks when I needed a sugar rush. However, I graduated and soon went to college. Carrying something as bulky as a water jug was inconvenient, so I turned to water dispensers and buying drinks in the cafeteria.

I then realized that I was spending TOO much money on drinks when I got thirsty. Thus, just recently, I have begun toting around a water bottle. It's much smaller, and I can refill the contents with the water dispensers at zero cost. Because of this new habit, I have reduced my drink bill by 50% to 70%.

Looking back, I know I'd save 100% if I could stop myself from buying sweet treats, but I can't...

At least water bottles are easy on my pocket, and the environment (think of all the plastic I'm not wasting :)).