Life update time!
Life update time. The printer’s still broken, completely out of action, but not everything is. I got my physics test back and, honestly, I have no idea why I stressed so much. Classic me: spiral into panic, overthink every possible mistake, and still end up with something respectable. No complaints. No regrets. Just the usual lesson in trusting myself a bit more.
Now, obviously, it’s time to talk calculators. Because this blog never promised to be predictable. I had a thought earlier about how I think one of the best compliments you could give to a person is comparing them to your favourite calculator. And me being a massive nerd is very in the know when it comes to calculators, and I know some are far better than others. So I thought of a few models of calculator that come to mind that I think most people would become:
HP 48GX – Quietly powerful. No startup fanfare, no overblown branding, just raw capability. It doesn’t ask to be noticed, but once you’ve used it, you don’t forget it. Sleek, understated, timeless — if you know, you know. And there’s only one person I’d ever compare it to. She knows.
Casio fx-991 – Solid, reliable. You’re not here for the flash; you’re here for the 3am problem sets and the "just get it done" moments. Quiet MVP of every late-night cram session, and the only respectable Casio calculator that isn't in watch form. But the screen will probably fail after a year
TI Nspire – All style, no substance. You look impressive right up until you freeze mid-equation. Complex for the sake of being complex, and somehow still smug about it.
Sharp EL-W535 – You give niche energy. You probably use Arch Linux and bring up obscure syntax debates for fun. I respect the grind, even if I don’t understand half your functions.
Within the calculator community we often discuss which calculator is best to begin with and everyone's got an opinion, but HP is the only correct answer. And yes, I know I wear a Casio calculator watch. No, that doesn’t mean I respect your calculator (unless it's an HP). We are not the same.
Meanwhile, that annoyingly lovey-dovey Model UN couple? Still going strong. Public comments full of “my love <3” and coordinated Instagram captions (not that this is bad — it’s only good with the right people, no further comment). They’re living in a rom-com… one of the early-2000s ones that ends in a dramatic breakup montage scored by Coldplay (one of the ones I watch loads of because they’re basically comedy to me). Give it a few more months. Maybe less. Timing’s never been their strong suit.
And speaking of timing: I ran into one of my oldest mates today — someone who’s known me since primary school. I spotted a hair tie on his wrist, and well, you don’t need a calculator to solve that one. He’s got a girlfriend, apparently. Fair play to him, but I’m calling it now — it’ll be over before it properly starts. That’s not cynicism, just pattern recognition. I know him too well. Not everyone finds their 48GX.
Those calculators really mean something to me as I'm sure you can tell by now. And so does she. But I digress, that's more than enough for today. From now, I'll get back on the regular posts too.
73,
Daniel