One good thing that happened today
I got patience. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
Yes, that is the one good thing that I could say summed up all that happened today.
I got patience to go out and have my morning walk. I was thinking that once I got to the area that I do my jogging sometimes that I would stop and go back home. That's some 2 kilometers I think from our unit. However, I was patient enough to go to the park instead. Not everyone are able to go for a walk.
Then I had the patience to finish my tasks today. That's another productive time that I am grateful for. Not everyone has a job they can rely on.
I also had the patience to do a blog in Hive today. That was supposed to be my entry for a contest but it turns out I have already submitted an entry to that. You are allowed to submit one entry per week. I would have wanted to delete the post but decided against it so I just edited that one and did not submit it for the contest.
The photo I used as my lead image is just one of the photos that I posted there. You can check more here. https://hive.blog/hive-179017/@leeart/boat-and-sky-at-lake-tufob-for-reflection-hunters-contest-round-70
I also had patience with a brother of mine who was so demanding and feeling entitled such that whatever he wants to be done seems easy and can be accomplished with a snap of a finger.
I had patience with my partner today for things that my partner does which irritates me lol!
It's so easy to explode and lash out if we don't have patience and understanding. You need patience to be patient meaning you need lots of patience. When you think you are patient enough, think again. Are you really?
This takes us to forgiving others and being grateful. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
First of all, forgive yourself first. Don't be too hard on yourself. It's okay not to be okay. It's okay to feel what you feel. It's okay.
I remember a friend of mine back when we were in school. She was so excited one day that she was so giddy the whole time. I kept asking her what's the matter but she just kept smiling and there is that twinkle in her eyes. I have my suspicion then.
After one of our classes, as we were going to next one, she told me that one of our classmates confessed his love to her. I knew it! Although she likes the guy, she was holding back because one of the girls in class likes the guy. Talk about love triangle.
Anyway, I was happy for her and I was actually honored and pleased that my friend trusted me that much as a friend, a confidant, to share such personal and joyous moment. She told me that I am the only person she's telling me that. So that's a secret between us. I felt special. I felt like I'm holding the best secret in the world.
That lasted for a few days unfortunately for I found out later that a lot of our friends knew about the said "secret." I felt like a fool!
What did I learn from that? It's about controlling my emotions. Should I be mad to my friend for tricking me, making me believe that I was the only one who she confided with, making me special, playing with my feelings, in short, lying to me?
No.
What others do to you is upon them. What you do, how would you react tells how much of a character you are.
I talked to my friend in a calm manner, maybe a joke here and there, about what she did and how it made me feel. I told her I was hurt but that I understand where she is coming from. It was all about the excitement that made her do what she did.
All is forgiven. It's no big deal I said.
She and that guy got together but didn't last for long. He ended up with the girl who likes him. The villain, at least for us lol!
If I didn't have the patience and understanding, our friendship would have been broken and thankfully we still remain friends to this day. I still have some money to collect from her so I have to keep the friendship, right? lol!
Humility, forgiveness and prayer
The topic for this challenge is a teacher or mentor that I am grateful for. I have already talked about my first grade teacher who taught me a lot not only in terms of academics but also in being patient and kind. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Another teacher I am grateful for is our choir director. I used to belong in a singing group back then in school when I was younger. I am grateful of the opportunity to serve through music. We would travel to different provinces and cities here in the northern part of the Philippines and we share The Word through our songs.
Sometimes we would give comfort to bereaved families. At a young age, I am glad that we can be of comfort just by singing alone. We may not be able to share financially but we uplift them through music and then the words of comfort from our choir master/teacher or someone like a pastor maybe or another teacher who would was with us that time.
I remember an incident where some of us in the singing group, deliberately missed a planned trip. We had fun with our other friends, enjoying ourselves. On our next choir practice, we were reprimanded by our director of course. We were taught the importance of keeping our word. During the planning of that trip, we all agreed to go. Thus, our director was confident of having a complete group. We practiced the songs we were going to sing and everything went well not until the day itself when we went AWOL.
Because of that, we were punished by not being allowed to go on a road trip with the group. We have been looking forward to going to that road trip. We were sad but we had to accept that. We already had that prescience that our actions will have no consequence but this is not what we imagined.
As the day of that road trip draws near, I talked to my other fellows who were punished and told them that we ask for forgiveness for what we have done and could we please join the road trip.
The director was firm in his decision. Before we parted that night, I asked for him to pray for with us and for us.
God answers prayers indeed for a few days after that our director had a change of heart and allowed us to join the trip and everyone was happy!
There was a lesson of humility and forgiveness and prayer. Those are the things that I always remember whenever I think of that director/teacher. The last time we saw each other was the death of another teacher. He was still teaching then but I'm not sure now as that burial was many years ago.
Now, to answer the guilty pleasure question, sweets and food in general. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
This photo and the lead image were both creations of my former boss' daughter. The lead image is a choco lanay donuts while these ones above are ensaymada.
I have been seeing lots of baked stuff from the page of her that is just all too good I had to give in. I was sold at her cakes that we ordered last year. What I like about them is that they are not that sweet. That lessens the guilt lol!
Just looking at these photos make me want to order again but unfortunately, she is on training for two weeks because she is planning to work abroad again. Thinking about that makes me feel sad for I am going to miss her baking for sure. I have grown fond of what she bakes and have grown to love them.
These are pre-ordered stuff so you have to watch out for her page and check her posts for she doesn't do these often. Orders fill up really quickly. That's how good they are.
She had been posting before but I chose to ignore them. It was during the visit of my aunt and family that I decided to give these a try. I was looking for food to bring when I visit my aunt. It is a common thing for visitors to bring anything when we go visiting. I have always witnessed that when we have visitors be it family or friends or relatives or strangers. It's not always though that they have something but almost always they have gifts and the most common is food most especially bread. Food is something that everyone can share.
So that's how I ended up buying other baked stuff from my former boss' daughter.
How about you? What food have you tried lately that you have learned to love?
Of sleeping and parks. Sleeping in the park? Why not?
What part of the evening am I grateful for? That is the question for this prompt. As mentioned in my previous post, I am done with one prompt but I still have two more to go. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
I used to be work night shift. It was exciting during the first few days and weeks but it does have a toll on me. I know it's not for me. What I was grateful then was the learning process, the excitement for working and doing something out of my comfort zone. Then the nature of work became dragging and stressful. The only thing I was grateful then was breaks and naps that I can get. Those naps are the most complete sleep and rest that I can get. Working in a BPO and night shift at that disrupts your sleep. So I left.
Now that I work during the day and in a different work environment, it's not as stressful. I can get enough sleep at night.
So sleeping is that I am grateful for the evenings. I do like the coolness too. It may be warm on a hot weather but at least it's cooler than during the daytime.
I also like the darkness. That signifies sleep and rest. That's why I am comfortable in the dark.
I also like the fact that evenings are time to reflect and be grateful for the day that had happened no matter how bad or good it is.
I can rest from the worries and let the next day take care of those.
I like the fact that I surrender myself into peace and nothingness.
The second prompt is about a public service or organization that I am grateful for. An example it gave was parks. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Have you ever taken a nap at the park? I have.
We used to do that when we were younger when our family would go to the park for a picnic. The last time I did that was some years ago, maybe 3 or 4 years ago in one of the parks here. It was just a beautiful day, warm and sunny but still enough clouds to shade us from the sun.
We visit one of the parks, found a space enough to give us privacy, shady with cool breeze blowing. Our bed was the earth carpeted with grass.
Parks are breathing spaces. One of the reasons I like my city are the parks that we have here. They are maintained well enough. One can easily go any of these parks and relax.
That's why nature is important. It nourishes us. It nurtures us. We should take care more of nature because of the benefits we get from it.
I appreciate the flowers that beautify our parks. The trees that give us shade. The respite we get from the busyness of the day. We also get recreation and it's a good place for exercise.
Go to a park and sit there and observe. Let your senses work. Be more appreciative of what you see, hear, feel, smell and touch.
So there goes my gratitude post for the day.
To all father's out there, Happy Father's Day!
Ending my first 30-day writing prompt challenge
To know more about this prompt, you can check it here. It's not technically a one-a-day article for 30 days because most of the topics I have already talked about. You might get bored of me talking about the same thing over and over again much like what I will do here so bear with me. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
What are my goals and what do I feel when I write. These are the things that have already been answered before. I'll try to talk about something that I haven't said regarding those topics.
My ultimate goal was to retire early and have a farm of my own or a piece of land where I can live a peaceful life or as close to that as possible. The other thing is to travel. Those are at the top of my list. I am not really setting goals other than what I call regular ones like doing your job or simply waking up every day like being in the moment. Things that are already part of life.
Goal setting is just one step up the ladder. It never ends. You can't stop once you have attained a certain goal. It can get cyclic and routinary but that is just the way it is.
Don't be hard on yourself if you didn't meet those goals. You have the choice to try again if you really want it that badly. However, learn also to let go and set your eyes on other better goals.
I like writing to pass the time. I like writing to tickle my mind and see what I can come up with. It's like a challenge, a goal.
I just started doing the word of the day challenge as was Sequioa suggested. You can Google "word of the day" and whatever the results show, then use that. Don't cheat. That defeats the purpose. Be challenged to learn. I use whatever is the first shown result which is usually from Webster's Dictionary.
Yesterday's word was oblige. (I'm not sure if it was yesterday or the other day) However, I wasn't here for the laziness got the best of me. So what you do is use the word in your post. I'm not obliging you to do it but you can use it in your comments as well. This kind of exercise helps to learn new words and use them and hopefully we get to remember them.
Writing is a mental exercise. It taps your creativity. A lot of us don't know what to write the first time and sometimes we are at a loss of what to say. However, when we write, we can write just about anything. Talk about your day, your emotions, your memories. The hardest part is to overcome the laziness and the writer's block. We have to ready ourselves when we want to write. We come up blank because of other factors like being tired which is the number one reason. That's why its' important to take a break so we don't have to be annoyed doing the things that we like.
It's still best to write personal experiences for that is more relatable. If you get the hang of it, then try exploring new topics and write about those. Find the audience you like. For me, aside from personal stories, I like travel and photography. That's where I connect the most.
I like writing because it is a form of expression. Yes, words fail us. I have to admit, I always have a hard time coming up with what to say or how to describe things. For someone who is not that expressive, it's a challenge. That's why I like writing for it gives me freedom. I know you can relate to it too.
One way to control your emotions is to write what you feel at that moment. Why do feel that emotion? Write your frustrations and then do nothing else. Do not react. Then you can go back to what you wrote and read them. You'll be surprised how thankful you would be that you didn't react to that right away. Well done. You are learning self-control. Think about it and next time you'll know how to deal with such emotions and situations.
Platforms like this have become our journal, our diary. We pour our hearts out here and find comfort from each other. We find encouragement. We find relief. We find escape. That's why I like writing.
It is indeed a community for we have formed bonds with strangers and that's beautiful. We connect in certain levels. It's a humbling experience.
So keep writing. Look at how far you have come. Read on your previous works and see the improvement that you have attained. You did it and you are doing it.
That teacher who taught me how to read
I know some of you are familiar with Adele, the singer. You might have seen a footage circulating online about her being surprised by a particular teacher of hers during her concert. She was asked by somebody in the audience who inspired her and Adele told of a teacher who taught her and made her love English even more. Little did she know that that teacher was in the audience and was surprised to know that. Of course she was overwhelmed much more so when the teacher went to the stage.
Day 26-27 of this writing challenge is about my school, someone who inspired me and about loving someone. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
One thing I appreciate about my mother is her strong faith. We studied in private institutions which was the same as the religion we belonged to and grew up with. We all know how private schools are. They are expensive. Because of my mom's desire for us to learn and within our own denomination.
I can still clearly remember my first grade teacher who taught me how to read better. She would sit with a student one a time and patiently teaches us how to read. It struck me then how much she wanted her students to learn. She would do that even on break times. The other students would be playing in the classroom but she was oblivious of that. What matters to her is to teach and make sure that the student she is teaching will finish and learn.
At that young age, I valued then her time and she earned my respect. That's why I was eager to be my turn to be taught by her. She made me want to go to school. She inspired me to learn and if I was to become a teacher, I want to be like her. I guess I became one of her favorites for she would invite us and other students to have lunch with her during school days or even on some weekends. She was there with me when I had an accident outside of school. She even brought me along to a religious group she attended and we stayed there overnight or maybe two days which I learned later on through my mom that that was her downfall. She quit teaching because of that religion which almost destroyed her. The details are hazy.
However, I will never forget her and she is one of my best teachers.
This was taken yesterday.
I forgot to write an article here because I got busy with hive.
The other prompt here is something beautiful I saw today. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
I brought out our garbage yesterday for it was our schedule for collection and saw rainbow around the moon. It was mesmerizing to see. I then took a photo of it. I also shared that in my actifit report.
We all know that water particles in the sky are the reasons why there are rainbows around the moon or the sun. However, superstitious beliefs would suggest otherwise. Whatever we believe in, science or fiction, it is undeniable that that is beautiful.
Are you credulous to believe that rainbows around the sun or moon signifies that elves are getting married? That's the belief we would tell ourselves when we were kids. What is your belief on this phenomenon?
What am I grateful for about my career? https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
I couldn't say that I have a career per se. More like something that gets me by day by day and that's what I am thankful for. It's tough getting a job especially when you don't have much skill. That's why it is important to learn as much skill as possible so you can have more choices. That is what I want the young ones to know. Learn as much as you can. The not so young like me will have a hard time but it is not too late. We still can learn.
To the young ones, don't be lazy for you will regret it later in life. Be as passionate as you can be in gaining knowledge and skill so that you will know what you really want to do in life or the career you would want to take. It's not about what your parents want, what others want but it is more of what you are happy about.
Learn a lot so you have different choices and through that you can choose what you really want.
This is my post for today. As I mentioned above, I got busy with hive. Once you got started there, there are so many things to learn it's overwhelming. Lots of opportunities for sure.
The 11th image
The prompt for the writing challenge is the 11th image in my phone. I have already posted that here. After posting photos, I would then delete some to give space for new ones as my phone's memory is at its limit. https://hive.blog/hive-127788/@leeart/independence-day-hike-time-to
What made me take this photo? To show you that this was once a natural landscape. Meaning, natural growth and not farms. You will pass these gardens as you go up the mountain. Sooner or later, the mountain will be claimed by those who bought their lands there.
Making memory https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
In spite of that, I still made a memory with my sister and my nephews with our hike last Sunday. We sure had fun trying out the new trail to get to the top of the mountain. It was wet, slippery and at times dangerous for one slip will find you at the bottom of a cliff still alive but badly bruised for sure. When we got to the top and arrived at the registration area, the staff there told us that a group who came before us earlier that day took the same route that we did and they were riddle with leeches. Although the ground was still wet when we climbed, thankfully we didn't encounter leeches.
I'm grateful for the artists before me. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
As I mentioned before, I don't have particular favorites when it comes to authors or artists or musicians. I like music in general. I like reading in general. I do appreciate arts in general. The world is full of them and you might be one of them. That's why I appreciate you all and thank you for sharing your story, your music, your art, your life.
One way or the other, you inspire people. You may not see it for you may consider it insignificant but you are making an impact. Keep making your words matter, your actions speak.
I got this from CrazyWrites. You can read more about it here. The challenge says to tag someone but I can't do that so I just try to share some of my experiences. https://read.cash/@CrazyWrites/skipped-class-work-together-prompt-5ef522c7
I have talked about life and cried and that during my drunken days. I was young. I was full of expectations and disappointments. I have lots of angst. I am failed myself, my family and the people around me. I have a lot to take out to the world. Those days, alcohol is the panacea to all my problems. Those were the days.
I didn't dance in the rain but played and had fun for sure. It was in high school when one afternoon we boys in the dorm were bored. It was raining hard and one thing led to another and we found ourselves playing football in the field. We don't really know how but we just started kicking a ball and chasing each other. Yeah, I guess we danced in our own way.
The only reason I would skip class is to watch something on tv. When I was younger, I'd reason out headache or stomachache. When I was in high school, that's the time when we started exploring things for the first time. I was away from home. I was in a new environment. I have freedom. When I started working, I won't go to work because I really hate the nature of work. It came to a point that I cried because of stress because of work. It gave me anxiety attacks, not eating/sleeping regularly. It's not healthy anymore. I do love the people though and some of them are my friends to this day.
I can't remember if I was ever lost and I don't go to the gym.
JustMaryel posted another set of questions. You can check out her post here. https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849
**What Animal Do You Think You're Most Like?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#what-animal-do-you-think-you039re-most-like
Maybe a cat. I can be aloof or I can be affectionate.
**What Are Your Favorite Fruits?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#what-are-your-favorite-fruits
Citrus and sour fruits. I can eat a whole pomelo. I can eat a lot of mangos in one go without salt. I even like starfruit or tree sorrel fruit. However, although I can still eat these but not as plenty as before. I like kiwi and honeydew together.
**What Color Are Most of Your Wardrobe?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#what-color-are-most-of-your-wardrobe
Blue, gray and red. I like plain clothes nothing that is festooned much with prints or anything.
**Favorite Fictional Character?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#favorite-fictional-character
Right now, I'm thinking Snape from Harry Potter. He is the most misunderstood character but has the biggest heart.
**Do You Take a Lot of Naps?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#do-you-take-a-lot-of-naps
Sometimes I take naps in between my work especially when I am waiting for tasks. A lot? No, I don't.
**What Did You Dress Up As For Halloween Last Year?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#what-did-you-dress-up-as-for-halloween-last-year
I don't celebrate Halloween so I have never dressed up for Halloween or for any other occasion.
**Do You Have Any Kinks?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#do-you-have-any-kinks
Like a kink in the neck? I do get those sometimes when I slept in a wrong way.
**How Tall Are You?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/im-into-vampire-not-in-avocado-19b71849#how-tall-are-you
Just the average Filipino height.
There goes some of the questions today. Another random stuff for you.
How was your Tuesday so far?
A letter to you and to myself
Some of the thoughts that I share here whether in my post or my comments are my letters to you. It may not be that apparent but it is. Same goes with you.
I have read a lot of articles just like you. I have written a lot. Throughout my journey here, we have shared common ideas. We echo each other. We may not speak the same language but we share the same thoughts. That is how we are connected. Our minds are connected even though we are strangers.
With that said, I think I have to skip this letter writing part. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
The toilet and shower. That's one of my favorites areas at home. The bedroom or kitchen seems to be obvious choices so I'd choose something else. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
I have mentioned this before that if you can manage to keep your toilet and bath that clean, then the rest of the other areas in the house is clean as well.
The toilet is where we are most vulnerable too and were we can relax and think so better make sure that it is clean.
I am grateful for a house I can call home. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Not everyone can say that. We all know that there some things in some household that don't go well. Some don't feel safe at all because of abuse that people don't talk about.
Imagine when pandemic hit? Everyone had to stay home. While others find comfort in their homes, some live in fear because there is no more escape.
That's why I find it offensive and improper when others say that it is easier for students now for they are just inside their homes. Just because you don't see it, it doesn't mean everything goes well.
It's sad to think that people suffer in a place they should find refuge, love and care.
blackdoll challenged me to post 5-6 photos in my gallery. You definitely should visit her post about it if you haven't yet. You can check it here. Go now and be wowed by her photography skills and join in the fun too! https://read.cash/@Theblackdoll/gallery-raid-most-beautiful-pics-in-my-phone-d6d0a4e4
I have shared these photos in multiple other sites before and some of you might be familiar with them. For this challenge, I chose to look into the cover photos that I have used in the past.
This is the first owl photo and the last that I really like. We have owls coming to our yard back then but I couldn't take a decent photo for they always flew away. I don't know why this particular night that I took this photo that this owl decided to stay long enough and near enough for me to capture it. The red eye effect is because of the flash. I do remember not to point the flash directly at it because it does hurt their eyes and to avoid the red eye effect but still I still got that kind of effect. However, I am satisfied with this shot and grateful for this owl.
Soon, they stopped coming or maybe they have but didn't let their presence known. If my memory serve me right, they come to our yard around January that's why I was attentive for their hoots at night during this month.
The other day, I was ecstatic to find out an owl paid a visit to our yard again. After so many years, finally, a night visitor! My sister chatted me about it. They tried taking a photo but of course phone camera does no justice.
This is what I miss doing with my camera before, shooting photos like this. Find spots with lots of action and use a slow shutter speed to come up with this silky effect.
Another photo opportunity that I like is this kind of shot. Ever since I saw one photo in a National Geographic magazine wherein the landscape was awesome but what made it more stunning is a particular area that a ray of light is focused on. I always look out for things that like whenever I capture landscapes. This is the closest that I have come up with.
Who hasn't tried a jump shot? Is it still a thing though? This was one time when we went for a hike at Mt. Yangbew.
Sometimes you just have to be at the right place at the right time to be able to capture photos that you like. Such is the case with this one. I was already on my way back home from an morning walk. I just like the warmth in this photo.
The last two photos were taken using my phone. Camera phones have gone a long way and they continue to improve and evolve.
There goes my random post for today. Looking back on those photos, I am grateful for them because of the memory attached to them. For someone who forgets a lot, I have these photos to remind me of moments.
The lead image was a photo that I took during our hike yesterday. That is included in my entry for a photo competition in hive. You can check it out here. My previous entry was one of the lucky winners. I hope I can be lucky this time around. https://hive.blog/hive-179017/@leeart/joining-the-reflection-hunters-contest-round-69
So what moments would you like to share?
New trail conquered
Yesterday, I was supposed to talk about celebrity crush as per the writing prompt but forgot about it. I do like Zoe Saldana in all of the movies I saw her. I saw her first in Center Stage but I admired her the most in Colombiana. That girl can kick a$$! You can also witness there how good an actress she is.
Today the challenge is about love but I have been talking about it always so I decided to move on to the next topic which is talking about TODAY.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iJ5-8yiFezs
That video sums up my day today. You can read more about it here too where I wrote about that. https://ecency.com/hive-127788/@leeart/independence-day-hike-time-to
I woke up early to do the laundry (I find it funny that that rhymes). I thought I would be done before the sun is up for I do plan on going out for an early morning walk before the sun is up. The days are longer now so that by 5:00 a.m. it is already bright.
However, I was done by past 7 a.m. So I had to change plans.
I then decided to go for a hike together with my sister and my nephews so I went home to our house to fetch them. Of course, since it is a Sunday, it's natural that they woke up late. I played with our dogs.
Meet one of the puppies. This is just two of the five puppies we originally had. Sadly, one died. The other two have been adopted. They are now three months old and this one right here is the more affectionate than the two. I hope this one and his surviving siblings will live a long and healthy lives.
Because my companions were taking too long to prepare, I took a nap while waiting for them.
Once they were ready, we headed out and had a tiring but great time at Mt. Yangbew.
The lead image I used is taken in one of the spots I like where I get to see the other places in our town. Everything seems small and I feel like I am on top of the world!
Some positive news that I have gotten recently https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
One of my nephews graduated from elementary although he didn't have any awards, it's still an achievement on his part for being able to finish stage in his life. His brother on the other hand which is a year lower than him did receive an award. So both of them deserves congratulations.
Just the other day, a batchmate of mine just reached her 2k+ subscribers in YT. I have been in YT longer than her but I couldn't even get 1k lol! Do check her channel. She is giving away prices in celebration of her 2k followers. Although I'm not sure if it's still ongoing.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hy-prEf0uQA
With that, I would also like to ask for your support to help grow my channel if you are not subscribed yet. Thank you in advance! If you have YT channels, I'll support you too. Just let me know :) Let us help each other :) https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSrTy7x0rctpRtEgTF59mfg
Another friend of mine chatted me last week asking for recommendations regarding photography and videography to cover a wedding event. As we were chatting, it came to light that it was she who will be getting married next year. Finally! She invited me to attend which I gladly accepted. She lives in another province that's why I don't know anyone there in terms of photographers. What I did was ask for recommendations from friends there and thankfully had one right away. I hope my friend who is getting married will find it to her liking.
I can't seem to think of someone that is hard to get along with. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Over the years, I have avoided a lot of people and only stick with a selected few. I have decided to work from home because socializing is not my forte and I'd rather be left alone. I also don't like the way people treat each other especially in working environment where there is hate and animosity. Everyone seems to be too pretentious it makes me sick.
We often judge other people right away because of the influence of others. We tend to build an idea out of what others have said about them. However, if we truly understand them and learn to see beyond the nuances, then we will learn to appreciate them more as a person.
I can feel the burden of writing these days. Because of so many platforms, too many communities, too many prompts, it's overwhelming I don't know where to start or end. That's why I can't even visit much here in read. I don't do noise that regularly as well. It is affecting my earnings. However, I think it's a needed break anyway.
I hope soon I can do more here in read.
I'm excited about BCH pumping up!
The question is, what future event am I excited about? That explains my title. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
I mean, who wouldn't want the price of BCH going up in value? If not BCH then maybe all the crypto in general especially those that we are holding on to.
I can imagine the happy faces and smiles. I can imagine the relief. Surely we would convert and make headlong purchasing decisions especially the value of BCH shoots up to the moon!
That's the kind of wishful thinking I'm sure you can all relate to.
Bloghound is a great friend of mine that I am grateful about. We used to work in BPO companies before. I'm sure you all can relate for how down to earth she is, approachable with a great outlook in life, a wonderful mom to her lovely daughter. She was the one who introduced me to the world of blogging dating back to Bubblews and then to other sites and even hear in read. That's why I'm always grateful of her not only as a friend but as a person in general. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Thank you, @Bloghound! Missing you and Yani.
I just want to make it short and sweet.
These questions are from mommykim. You can read about that here. I'm just going to answer it straight away without any explanations. https://read.cash/@mommykim/all-i-want-now-is-to-rest-and-sleep-a907e0cf
I always carry ****an eco bag, tissue, alcohol, pen, money and my cards**** in my bag**.**
I wish I could ****finish my tasks right away so I can watch something or maybe go back to sleep. My internet is acting up that's why I can't do what I want to do.****
Sometimes I ****want to drink and be wasted.****
I'd eat ****bread**** everyday if I could. However, I almost do that anyway.
A talent I have is ****ignoring other people lol******!**
Everyone says I'm **_____.** ****Still leaving that blank. Everyone? Really?****
Today I will ****do nothing. I caught up with sleep that's why when I came home from my morning walk, I slept all day.****
A talent I wish I had ****is being sociable****.
Currently I am ****sleepy and a bit tipsy. Same with mommykim's answer but I still want to watch something later on once my task is done. I'm just finished a glass of wine. I might be having my second later on.****
Here's another one from CrazyWrites. You check it out here. https://read.cash/@CrazyWrites/this-that-prompt-to-save-the-day-bb521685
Although I live in the city, I'd prefer the beach. I dream of having my own island, having my own beach. Maybe make it an exclusive destination. I can dream on and on.
I'd still go for sweet. Even though I have cut off from such or at least I think so, it would still be a taste that I would want to choose..
I'm a dog person. It's not that I am obsessed but I do respect them more than cats. However, I'm okay with cats. It's just that I prefer the sweetness and affection of dogs.
I'd go for adventure once in a while because I have been in a comfort zone all my life.
Definitely nights in but nights out can be adventurous depending on the company you are with.
I want to experience winter but I don't want to live through a season of winter. As a kid, living in the tropics, it's fascinating to see winter in other places and I did wish that we had one. As I grow older, I'm okay with the cold months that we have.
Absolutely coffee. Enough said.
I'm an early bird. I like mornings. I used to stay up all night when I was younger, even working night shifts, enjoying the feel of the night. I even go out for walks back then even during rainy days. However, I am not that young anymore.
Definitely pizza. I don't eat pizza often.
Europe. It's been a dream of mine to travel Europe and probably live in one of the countries there for a while.
Spring. I just like everything coming to life. Spring is more hopeful. Spring is about starting a new.
Breakfast. I like eating big breakfast. I skip dinner these days but going out for dinner with friends once in a while is fine.
I felt I have answered these questions before. They do sound familiar. Anyway, it's time to end this article for now.
Have a happy weekend!
My first love
When you read the title, what comes to your mind? Does it have to be the person you fell in love with? Your passion? A movie? A song? A place? Everyone can fall in love, even a lout, even the young. Love knows no gender or age.
This makes me think what made me fall in love with waterfall and what was my first waterfall that I fell in love with. There are so many things that nature can offer and one can easily fall in love with nature over and over again. Waterfall is my body of water. I somehow relate to it in the sense that there is a rushing force within us that is thunderous, noisy, chaotic, destructive but at the same time there's beauty, grandeur, power and if you are lucky, a rainbow. We don't easily fall in love with it but it takes a deeper appreciation for us to love a waterfall.
Photography is one of my hobbies. I used to take photos when phones started having a camera feature even when there was no smartphone yet. When I had purchased a camera, I like freedom of being behind the lens and capturing the world in a photo. I like how one can evolve and one can be creative with this kind of hobby and you get express yourself through this means.
My first love was just a crush, an admiration for a classmate of mine back when I was little. You might call it puppy love or just a crush and nothing serious but love comes in different forms and different intensity. In my young mind and what I can fathom then, that is love for me. We get to be teased a lot back then. She had to transfer to a different province and I didn't get to see her again. I had moved on and my interests were diverted to others. I get to know about her through a friend but I was indifferent about it all. During college days, we had the chance to meet again. One thing led to another and we found ourselves together. Unfortunately, that was short lived. We both realized we were not meant to be.
I have moved on from that and had other relationships but I am glad to have met my partner right now and I can say that that is one of the biggest gift in my life right now. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
Opposites attract they say but it's not always that way. We find common ground when we are in a relationship be it romantic or not. We may not always agree and that's okay. Our personalities may clash but that's the fun of it. We compromise, we sacrifice, but we find a point where we meet all in the name of love.
Know that there is no such thing as equality in life and that applies to love. One will always love more or less and we have to understand that and learn to accept it. If we keep expecting to receive the amount of love that we are giving, then that's not love at all. Be more patient and understanding and learn to be content. The world doesn't revolve around you alone.
These are the things that made me realize when I met my partner and being together is a learning experience. It still is.
Three things that I own right now that I am grateful for: laptop, cellphone and credit card. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
I really don't own anything. I don't have any property. I don't even have money in the bank or any investments. I only live from paycheck to paycheck and sometimes that's not cutting it.
However, I can purchase some things like my laptop that I use for work and other online stuff. I have my phone which is more for entertainment now as my contacts are mostly through the internet. I used my credit card to purchase those and I am grateful for I have pain those on an installment basis without interests. For a long time, I couldn't qualify for credit card because I have no stable job and online job is not recognized by the bank. It was my friend who told me about a program of a certain bank where you can open an account and use that as collateral to apply for a credit card. What happens is that you are only given a limited credit limit which at that time was PHP10,000 (around USD189.00 as of this writing) but you can't use all of that. You are only allowed PHP8,000 maximum credit limit. What you do is to prove to the bank that you have the capacity to pay meaning keep spending using your credit card but you have to pay on time. This will help build your credibility and increase your credit limit as well.
I was able to increase my credit limit quickly and that gave me purchasing power. However, due to some circumstances, I was not able to pay on time and then pandemic hit which made it harder even more for me to pay. Thankfully, I was able to pay off everything and now I am wiser and only use my credit card when necessary. I almost decided to close it when I have paid off everything but then I saw the benefit of it when tragedy came upon our family. So I am keeping it for now.
For today's photo, let me share this Choco Lanay Donut that I just bought from my former boss' daughter who bakes.
It was so good I had to order again.
For my lead image, that was also posted here. You want to see how I look, then head on there lol! https://hive.blog/hive-179017/@leeart/my-entry-for-reflection-hunters-contest-round-68
Anyway, I hope your weekend rocks! Whatever you do, wherever you go, keep safe.
30 facts about me
This is the topic for this 30-day writing challenge for today.
Let's start with what you already know:
I like long walks.
I am a morning person.
Photography is one of my hobbies.
I'm not a pro, but I can carry a tune.
Coffee loves me!
I love anything that is made of sticky rice be it rice delicacies or rice cakes, etc.
I'm an introvert.
I like wearing caps.
I do like growing my hair. My hair is now just below my shoulders.
I am a sweet tooth.
I write here in read, Steemit and in hive. I'm almost a year here in read. I am in Steemit for a long time then stopped when it forked to hive and now I am back writing there again.
My phone is more than four years old.
Indonesia had been my first travel outside of the country.
Thailand and Myanmar are the other countries I have been to.
I have lost at least five or more of my nine lives because I had been involved in accidents when I was younger.
I am not a fan of strawberries or any strawberry-flavored food and drinks.
Pinakbet is my favorite vegetable dish. It's a combination of bitter gourd, string beans, pumpkin/squash, lady finger, tomatoes, onions, some meat cooked with fish paste and seasoned with salt.
I am now on Day 18 of this 30-day writing challenge. (This is fact #18)
I used to love cold drinks and food but not anymore for my teeth have become sensitive.
I grew with dogs as pets in our house and we always name the oldest female Cindy and the male Jango.
I have yet to ride a horse.
When I was younger, I thought the word "external" meant every other day. I encountered that word a lot whenever the curious me would go checking things in our medicine cabinet.
I accidentally punched a classmate. He was ahead of me and I was feeling like an action star then. I thought he would move by the time I punched the air but for whatever reason, he stopped, thus it was too late and I ended up hitting him. He had to suffer for a couple of days because of that. I was sorry but I really didn't mean it.
The first time I experienced an earthquake was when I was young and it was one of the strongest and deadliest at 7.7 killing thousands and injuring more.
I like the colors blue and green the most. Refreshing colors!
I like spicy food.
Fruits like mango and citrus fruits are my fave.
October to February are my fave months for it is the coldest. Also, it's when everything seems to be in bloom. Perfect time to go for a walk on the trails or hike a mountain around here.
I used to answer crossword puzzles to pass the time.
I like some wine every now and then and this rainy night sounds like a perfect time for that.
There are lots of lessons that we learn every day. Mostly it is in our mistakes that we learn the most. Also, it's when we are at a peak in our emotions that we can't control ourselves thus we commit errors that we would regret later on but that is how it is. We are not perfect but we can learn and improve.
One time, there were new preferences that our client wanted us to do in our job. Change is one of the things that are inevitable and a challenge to adjust to or to adopt/adapt to it. That is one of my weaknesses - adopting/adapting to change.
So our client implemented some changes. Once I got the hang of things, I can be efficient with my tasks and I can do it quickly. Because of the said changes, it slowed me down and that's what frustrated me. Our boss had to monitor us and would give feedback every now and then which added to my stress because to me it seems like I am not doing anything right. I am not performing to the best that I can because of these mistakes.
Out of frustration, I chatted our group saying that I have been following the instructions as per our client's preference. I am doing my job. What else do they want?
Because I let my emotion rule over me, I made a fool of myself. My boss then pointed out that I have committed errors. Our job requires us to be close to 100% accurate that's why my boss had to monitor us that time and it is the right thing to do because these errors could jeopardize our work and would make us lose our client.
I realized then that it is normal to be pressured because of work but don't let it get to you. Take a break. Clear your head. Go grab something to eat. Do anything that would take your mind off from the things that stresses you and then come back when you have calmed down.
That's one of the life lessons I have learned and still being reminded all the time. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
My mom raised seven kids mostly on her own. Our dad was away most of the time because that is what his job entails. She has to be strict in order to discipline us. Of course I didn't realize that right away when I was younger. It's when I was an adult did I understood why she needs to be strict. Imagine raising five boys and two girls. Not all of us are saints. We all have our troubled times. Our mom would be the source of strength and comfort and compassion. She sacrificed a lot, struggled a lot hoping to give us a better life. I remember when our dad was laid off, it was she who had to work and even to this day she has to do what needs to be done. She taught us to be independent as much as possible and taught us the way she knows best.
Words fail to describe what moms have to go through for the sake of the family that's why I respect and admire my mom.
I will always be grateful for my mom. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Got these questions from Aimure. You can check out her post here. https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647
**Intelligent or funny?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#intelligent-or-funny
I believe these go hand in hand. It takes a lot of intelligence to be funny. Intelligence is broad and we could be intelligent about one thing such as being funny.
**Freedom or hope?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#freedom-or-hope
Freedom to have hope. Imagine not having the freedom to choose what you feel. That would be the scariest thing. There is no sense living if we are like machines, like robots.
**Success or happiness?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#success-or-happiness
I have mentioned before that happiness is a state of mind. To be happy is success in itself. The happiest people have achieved the most in life.
**Money or free time?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#money-or-free-time
Free time. No amount of money can buy time. Can you buy the time that you should be spending with your loved ones or doing other important things?
**Handmade gifts or expensive gifts?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#handmade-gifts-or-expensive-gifts
Handmade are more personal. Those are more valuable because of the love of coming up with that kind of gift and then the love in doing it.
**Hunting or saving?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#hunting-or-saving
Save for the rainy day. We don't know what happens in the future. We may not even have the ability to hunt anymore for whatever we want to hunt for.
**Trip or staycation?** https://read.cash/@Aimure/hope-and-freedom-b2a44647#trip-or-staycation
Road trip. We have had staycation for like three years already because of this pandemic. Let's go on a trip!
The lead image that I used here is a photo of one of the puppies of our host during our trip in Buscalan, Kalinga.
I want to go on a road trip again. I really miss traveling.
Anyway, it's now time to call it a day and bid you all good night.
I'm a very simple guy. Read on to know more.
Or less.
The prompt question is ways to win my heart. If you have been following my posts here in read or in noise or other platforms, you should know by now the things I like the most. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Take me on a hike or to the beach. Let's go hunt for new places to eat. Be kind, be considerate, be helpful in any way you can, be respectful. I don't need a lot of company. I just need a few who are true. Don't boast. You don't have to be an angel. You don't need to be perfect. Don't be judgmental. Be that and you'll a friend in me.
Simple, right? You don't need to be complicated. I don't need people with lots of money. I like those who are rich in character.
There really is no such thing as one favorite. There could be a favorite song for a while and then another one comes along. So my favorite song varies from time to time. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
What make me like a song depends on the melody, the message of the song or at times when I connect with it emotionally. There are songs that make me feel happy or comfort me during times that I feel down. The songs from The Greatest Showman really bring out that inner desire of hoping I could sing like that or at least be part of something like that. I find This is Me and From Now On moving and powerful.
I remember Angel by Robbie Williams had been a favorite of mine for a long time same goes with Amazed by Lonestar.
I remember listening a lot to songs of Josh Groban and Il Divo.
I have listened to a lot of pop songs as well from boy bands to alternative rock to country to folk song. I told you there is nothing in particular that I am focused on. I even like some Korean songs and even Mongolian music like The HU that were heavily influenced by Metallica. I like how they mix traditional and present music.
Talking about OPM, I do like Sige by Quest. I love the message of that song. I also like Dati by Sam Concepcion and Tippy Dos Santos.
I have mentioned David Phelps and The Gaither Vocal Band and other Christian songs.
There are so much more that I can list.
**Talking about my dad.** https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
That is how he tried his best to provide for us. He had to sacrifice being away from the family for a very long time just so we, the family he left behind, will survive, to be able to provide for us a better life.
That's why throughout my younger years, we didn't have a father figure. It was our mom who raised us.
I value what my dad did to provide for the family. Nothing can replace that.
This was from joydigitalsolutions. You can read more about that here. https://read.cash/@joydigitalsolutions/school-struggles-can-you-relate-cfddbcfd
Note that this photo was copied from that post.
These are some of the school struggles that kids face.
I remember when we were kids it was a struggle to wake up early in the morning. We had to wake up 4:00 a.m. or earlier. Commuting from home to school takes a lot of effort. We also had to carry big bags filled with lots of books and notebooks and other school stuff. We had to race riding a jeepney for there were only a few back then. We have to walk another kilometer or so to get to the school because back then the road is being constructed. However, we didn't have to worry about walking once the road was completed but we still have to deal with riding a jeepney.
I haven't had experienced being bullied or having had a mean teacher.
The most struggle I had was being away from home. When I entered high school, I studied in another province. It was an 8-hour bus ride at least and we only had to go home during long vacations mostly Christmas break and semestral breaks. The first year was the hardest. I have been away from home but only for a few days when I had to vacation with relatives or some school activities. I haven't been away for months and months.
Our parents didn't put a lot of pressure on us in regard to studying but of course they have expectations to at least maintain good grades and finish our studies. I'm just your average student but never failed any subjects.
It's nice to reminisce those days. Brings back the childhood and youthful days.
It's now the middle of the week again. The weather here is crazy. It started like there was a storm but then it became sunny then back to being gloomy. I am craving for some bulalo (beef bone marrow soup) right now. That is what the lead image is all about. I made a blog about that here. https://liketu.com/@leeart/lunch-at-bulalo-joint
Good thing I have coffee as my company.
How is your day going so far?
Of losses and wins
I was just talking about him in my previous blog. My paternal grandpa. I got used to seeing him in our parents' home whenever I visit. During the last days of his life, he got spend it at home. He really would have wanted to go to his own home but nobody can take care of him fully there. My sister and family would bring him there sometimes when he really insists or if there is free time.
As most of you know, our grandpa died last January. It's still hard to accept. I still miss him. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I also miss one of by best mates. We used to hang out a lot but since moving away and working overseas, we haven't had the time to bond. Whenever he comes home, he would spend at least a day here in the city. It would just be a surprise really. He would inform if he is already here and I would have to drop everything that I'm doing to go meet him.
I also miss my brother and family. It's been three years since they left home and moved some place else.
I also miss another friend who got stuck in another country since pandemic.
It's inevitable that people move away but what's important is that we remain friends.
We are all given opportunities but it's not the same with everyone. What matters is what we do with those opportunities that come our way. If we choose to grab those opportunities, we should be grateful with whatever we get from them be it small or great.
I am grateful for platforms like read where I can earn and express myself freely through writing, photography and sometimes videos. I also get to meet different people virtually and be awed and inspired by what they share.
I posted about Steemit contests and I have been joining them. This is my entry for another contest with the theme of cityscape. You can read more about that here. That is an opportunity that won me 2 Steem as a reward. https://steemit.com/hive-185836/@axeman/the-world-of-xpilar-cityscape-photography-and-art-contest-week-125-14steem-in-prizes-submissions-post
Because of what I earn from these platforms, more opportunities have been opened for us. We now have the opportunity to take care of ourselves more through our own efforts and to share those blessings to others.
What opportunities are you grateful for? https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
Time with family. That is one thing I am grateful for that I didn't have last year. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
We all know what was the effect of the pandemic to us all. Everything was restricted including travel. Thus, we haven't had the chance to spend more time with family. Not only travel but some lost their source of income, some had to give up their vocation and in effect it limited our resources.
When our grandpa died, it was a huge loss to us all. You can feel the sadness from everyone.
Heartbreaking that may be, it is quite ironic that it was during tragic times like this that family, friends and relatives come together. It's an opportune time that travel was eased such that people have the chance to pay their respects to our grandpa. Therefore, we have had more time to bond with our relatives and family.
Everything in this world has balance. We lost some, we win some. Yes, it's terrible and sad and lonely and frustrating to lose someone or something. However, life still gives us opportunities to make our life worthwhile.
So cheer up! Have a change of perspective. Have a change of heart and live!
I wanted to answer these questions that JustMaryel posted. You can check her post here. https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/how-much-your-pocket-money-beb0e26e
**Do you have a job? Is it full-time or part-time? Do you make a lot of money?**
Yes. Yes. Yes. No.
Yes, I have a job which I can do full time or part time. That depends on my mood or when I have some errands that needs to be done. It's a production basis so you are free to work or not work. That's why I say it can be full time or part time. Makes sense?
However, it's not a high paying job. It's just enough to sustain myself.
I consider read and other platforms as my part time.
**How do you usually pay when you go shopping?**
Credit card. I prefer that because I am only after the points plus it's easier and more convenient so that I don't have to bring a lot of cash. The only issue I have is that it is not widely acceptable so I have to go to places where I can use it.
**What was the thing you bought? Where did you buy it? Talk about it.**
Cakes!
Today is one of my niblings graduation that's why it's a bit busy day for us. I was in charge of cakes. I was impressed for how much improvement this shop had in terms of their cakes. The ones at the bottom are sweet potato cakes but it was the mango cake that caught my eye. We used to go to their main branch for cakes and other food. Good thing they opened a shop near our parents' house and that's where I bought one. I also bought another cake from one of the newer shops across but I didn't manage to take a photo.
**What's the most you have ever spent on a gift? What was it? Who was it for?**
I think it was shoes about $30.00 each. I bought my partner and my brother shoes from a friend. It was a bargain actually. It was almost half the original price. She said that they had been stuck for a long time and she just can't sell them. That's why she decided to mark down the price.
I honestly thought that I already made an article for today here in read. I got busy earlier and when I got home, I relaxed a bit not realizing that I have not made an entry here in this platform.
I got busy also trying to think what entries should I submit for the other platforms.
Anyway, I'll try to maximize my time her by checking your articles and sharing some BCH. I'll most probably not leave a comment for now.
Not Japan this time but New Zealand
Just for the sake of traveling and to see the beauty of New Zealand.
That is my answer to the question where will I go if I could run away. I don't know why for the past few days The Lord of the Rings had been in my mind. Nothing in particular though just that some snippets and scenes of the movie seem to hover over my head. I think it started when I posted my answer to my fave movie which is LOTR. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I want to visit Hobbiton and the mountains of New Zealand. Sunsethunter in noise posted a lot about NZ and I am in awe of the majesty of NZ. I actually considered beekeeping before because it is one of the highest paying jobs there. I even trained for the basics but then didn't pursue the second training. A center here in the city have already sent lots of trainees to different countries but mostly NZ, Australia, Canada and US. Lots of success stories. That's why it was one of the things I considered but found out it was not my passion.
As most of you know, Japan is top Asian destination. This time, let's get out of Asia.
**A hidden blessing in a difficult situation** https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
Courage and strength and faith. These may sound inane to you but I consider these three things to have helped our family during difficult situations we have recently faced. Firstly, when our house was razed to the ground and secondly, the day our grandfather died. We couldn't have made it through if we didn't took courage amongst ourselves, if we didn't draw strength together as a family and we would have been lost if we didn't lift everything to Him who knows best.
It was during these moments that I was grateful for Steemit. I left that platform maybe six years ago, not being as active as I used to be. I was able to accumulate some SBD there that I just left it there and almost forgot all about it. We didn't have savings or investments or insurance to rely on when our house burned down that's why what little I have in Steemit, I converted those to fiat so we can have something to sustain us.
That's where read and noise also came in. Both of these platforms were blessings, maybe not really hidden for it is already out there, but still whatever I earn from these platforms, they are used for our family's finances.
I started joining contests in Steemit again and I was lucky to be chosen as one of the winners for food photography contest.
For more photos, you can check it here. https://liketu.com/@leeart/what-i-do-with-pretty-bottle-and-chocolates
Little wins like this are hidden blessings worth revealing.
**A beautiful place in nature I am grateful for.** https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
Any tree covered areas. Take me there and I will be the happiest. Of course I want something with a view of verdant vistas, different hues of greens - just like Barlig.
Or take me to pristine lakes and islands like those in Coron.
These two places are my ideal place to be.
This is what I am grateful for about nature. It gives and gives and gives. Humans take that for granted and just take and take to the point of being greedy never thinking about the consequences of the destruction they do with nature. When nature retaliates, we don't want to be blamed by how much wreckage we have to deal with.
I am grateful to be able to breath fresh air and drink potable water and be nourished by what nature can give. It worries me what of the next generation?
Now it's the start of a new week. How ready are you to face another week?
Praying that you all have the strength, the right attitude, a healthy body and mind as you go on with your week.
Casual and comfy. That's my style.
According to Google, style could mean the manner that you do something/s and it could also mean your fashion sense.
**This is my style.** https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Day 14, here we go!
When it comes to work, I am that focused and hard working. I could have the sense of initiating something but I am more of someone who learn from others. I learn more from doing it rather than being lectured upon, in other words, application more than theory.
The previous jobs that I had, there is a general idea of what my job entails and what needs to be done but we all know that what we know is not enough or it may not be applicable anymore when the job really starts. Once needs to learn and adapt and acquire skills as you go along. That's why I am one with those who are open to accepting newbies and inexperienced applicants. It's all about attitude and the willingness to learn. Skills can be taught. People can be trained but attitude is harder to change.
When it comes to my get up, I used to go for formal to semi-formal and casual as the work entails but I don't find myself that comfortable with formal attire. Since working from home, I am more now on joggers and shirts, hoodies, rubber shoes/trainers and caps. You get the picture. I occasionally go for jeans but I am most comfortable with jogging pants.
This is a tough question for me: An accomplishment I am proud of. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
This is one of the reasons why I lack self-confidence. I really haven't accomplished anything that I can say I am proud of whether educationally, financially/materialistically, personally.
Should I talk about the photo contests that I have won? I used to join photo contests online only and I have won some of them.
Should I talk about the mountains that I have scaled around our place? They are not Mt. Everest but it had been hours and hours of hike to get to the top. The view is amazing!
Honestly, I don't have an answer for this question.
My hands. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
These are the two things in my body that I am grateful for they are working well. They are the ones that do most of the work. Without them or if they are not working that well, then I don't know what kind of job I will have. I'm pretty sure there will be available jobs out there but it's a huge adjustment.
Sometimes because of too much use of my hands, I am pained by the repetitive and excessive use of them. That's why rest is a must and we should not abuse our bodies.
Because I feel motivated to write more and answer more questions, let's move on. I have saved a lot of questions and they are piling up so let's save space by answering some of them.
I chose some of the questions posted by Bloghound. You can check it out here for more. https://read.cash/@Bloghound/the-supernatural-4a0b43ea
**"Whenever you remember "home", what comes to your mind first?"**
Comfort. That's is home for me. It doesn't have to be your own house or other people's house. It doesn't have to be house even. It could be people or places you frequent. It's the feeling of being safe, warm and comfortable.
**"What are some of the causes of broken relationships?"**
I think it all stems from expectations. We expect others to be such and such the way we want them to be or we thought they should be only to realize they are not. We only wanted to see what we want to see and when we saw someone who are better we begin to recent the others and start criticizing them to the extent of hating them. Why not be more accepting and let go of your preconceived notion and expectation of someone "perfect?" Do you still think there is a perfect man/woman? Let go of your illusions. Be more understanding of other people and know that they are not perfect just like you.
**"Do you believe in the supernatural?"**
God is supernatural. I believe in Him. So, yes, I do believe in the supernatural. There are things in life that is beyond the scope of our minds. We don't like things that are unknown. It frightens us. We like to consider ourselves superior beings while in fact we are not. That's why we like, nay want that we "know."
These are questions from Aimure. Read more about that here. https://read.cash/@Aimure/unplanned-stuff-509beb92
**...Been in Love?**
Of course. Love does not mean romantically and sexually attracted to the opposite sex or same sex or sexes, I don't judge. Love is a universal thing. It could be the food that you ate, the places you have been too, your relatives, your friends, the movie you just saw and yourself.
...Felt lonely? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#felt-lonely
I did and I still do sometimes. I have had one experience when I was younger that made an impact on me. It was when we had an accident and I was left in the common hall of the hospital alone. My mom and other relatives were with the those who were injured and rest were somewhere else. I'm not sure why I was left alone. I can't remember. With me in the waiting area were sick and injured people and the atmosphere was just so sad and pitiful that it affected that made me cry and lonely. I cried in silence. I didn't even realize that my mom came to me not until she hugged me to comfort me which made me cry even more.
...Trip to overseas? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#trip-to-overseas
Yes, twice and I loved the experience and the three countries that I went to. I have talked about Indonesia but I'm not sure if I ever talked about Thailand and Myanmar here in read but I know I have published about my trips in other platforms.
…Talk to a stranger? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#talk-to-a-stranger
When you say talk, does it mean having a deep conversation or like giving them directions or answering questions when approached by them which we do all the time? Anyway, job interviews were talking to strangers too so yes, I have talked to a lot of strangers.
...Ate a lot of ice cream? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#ate-a-lot-of-ice-cream
How a lot is a lot? Is it in one go? Maybe a pint or more is the most ice cream that I have eaten.
...Siblings fighting? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#siblings-fighting
Nope. I have never had a fight not even a spat with any of my siblings.
...Been dumped? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#been-dumped
Nope. Call me cruel but I was the one who dumped someone. My past relationships were more of falling out which were mutual, at least that's what I want to think.
...Make a joke? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#make-a-joke
Yes. I do joke all the time even if it is sarcasm.
...Unplanned stuff? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#unplanned-stuff
All the time. The unplanned plans. I'm sure you can relate to that.
...Watched a movie alone? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#watched-a-movie-alone
Always. Whenever I am in the mood, I'd watch movies online alone.
...Felt confused with life? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/have-you-ever-been-dumped-a-random-prompt-cbb77d5d#felt-confused-with-life
I'm still confused with life. I should know what to do with my life by this time but no, still here figuring out. I think that is my role in life, figuring it out until the day I die lol!
I'm really on a role here and I wanted to answer more but this has gone too long so I'd rather end it.
Thanks so much for visiting.
Shogun: The leader of a nation
I have been mentioning how fascinated I am about Japan. I think Shogun is the only novel I read about Japan and it's people that really stuck to me. This is a book by James Clavell and is my favorite book. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I used to read a lot back then. I was influenced by some friends way back in high school: Sweet Valley High, Agatha Christie, Hardy Boys. When I graduated, I would save some of my allowance to buy or rent novels. I remember a store in our neighborhood owns a lot of books. I saw them when I bought something from her store and asked about those books. She said they are for rent and I can return them anytime. I remember paying PHP5.00 for each book. Sometimes when I rent more than one, she would give me discounts. I rent books when I have not enough money saved to buy a new or old one.
I have read and bought novels over the years but not as often but I remember buying the Harry Potter paperback collection but sold that years later.
I can't remember how I cam across Shogun. It could be in one of the bookstores that I visited or from my previous employment. I might have read that twice or three times or more. Writing this makes me want to read it again.
Shogun is story during the samurai era in Japan. It talks about a foreigner (I think Dutch. I can barely recall details) that ended in Japan when their ship caught up in a storm was forced to find land. He and his crew were held captive at first and then were allowed to do what they want but under watchful eye of course and their freedom is limited. This foreigner though (I believe the captain of the ship) was "used" to help leaders in Japan bring down their enemies. It was about politics, deception, sacrifice, corruption, death. It is about power and the ways and means one has to do to be the most powerful one.
It's not all that bad for it paints a picture of how beautiful Japan is and how rich is its culture.
**My favorite part of the morning** https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
The fact that I am alive. I am grateful to be able to open my eyes still and breathing. I do like mornings and I like it when everything is still and not as noisy as the day goes on. It is the perfect time for prayers and meditation. I like waking up to the sound of the birds and yes, the crows of roosters. Then to see the sky brighten.
It's a new day and I'm blessed to be alive.
Then comes the preparation of coffee which then the aroma fills the room as it brews.
I am grateful that there is peace. I have roof above my head. I'm healthy and happy.
Simple pleasure but that makes me feel alive every morning and that is my favorite part.
***"The same wind blows on us all; the winds of disaster, opportunity and change. Therefore, it is not the blowing of the wind, but the setting of the sails that will determine our direction in life."*** - Jim Rohn https://www.azquotes.com/quote/945547
When I first came across this quote, it did make me realize that we all deal with life differently. That quote easily became one of my faves. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
It's like Invictus where it says we are the captains of our souls. We have given the choice how to live our lives. Are we content with where we are now? What are we doing in order to improve? We think we are victims of fate and we are if that is how you want it to be. Don't let your circumstance define you. Don't let your situation now define you.
Changes and opportunities happen all the time and it is up to us to recognize the chances that life throws at us.
Done with the challenges!
Any plans for this weekend? Be safe everyone.
CSI Miami, Dr. House but above all FRIENDS
Now it's time for 30-day challenges. There are three challenges that I want to incorporate in one. So let's start.
Favorite TV Series
This is the topic for the first challenge. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
There are lots of series that I have started watching before but some I have finished to the end and some not. Some I have lost interest because of the waiting. By the time the new season is available, I have already moved on to a new series. I think the earliest that I can remember is X Files. I was fascinated by the unknown world. Here are some of the other series that I have watched: Felicity, Ghost Whisperer, Smallville, Prison Break, Grey's Anatomy, Sex and the City, Lucifer, Vampire Diaries, True Blood, Blood Ties, 24, Lost, How I Met Your Mother, Big Bang Theory, Damages, Glee, Fringe, Community, Band of Brothers, CSI: New York and many more that I can't recall. Back then, one has to really wait for the scheduled time on a certain channel where you can watch these series. Then came the advent of DVDs. I would scour the DVD shops to find interesting movies and series. We have boxes and boxes of these DVDs back then. Now that we can watch them online, there are lots of choices it's overwhelming. It's easier to surf now from one series to the other.
I have also seen some Korean series like Tomorrow, All of Us Are Dead, Descendants of the Sun, etc.
As what I have stated in the title, House M.D., CSI: Miami and Friends are my favorites so far. I like how Dr. House finds what is the mysterious illness of each patient he comes across with and I like his sarcasm too. CSI Miami has an interesting way of investigating crimes. Both of these series keeps you wondering why, what, how. Friends on the other hand is pure fun and pretty relatable. The cast plays a different role yet they come together as one just like what friends do.
Something I find comfort in
For the second challenge, you can check it here. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
I have mentioned that I find comfort in nature. I find comfort in food and coffee especially on a rainy day just like today. The aroma of brewed coffee fill our apartment and it's a heaven on earth.
I find comfort in silence. Not the absence of sound but the absence of man-made noise. That's why I am comfortable being alone with nature.
I find comfort in knowing that everything is going to be okay especially with my family and loved ones. I am a worrier that's why it's a relief when I know what I fear have come to pass and didn't happen.
Above all, I find comfort in God's presence and the thought of Him always there for us and for that I am grateful.
What was your favorite smell, touch, sight, sound from today?
For the third challenge, you can read more about it here. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
Aside from brewed coffee, the smell of the earth after the rain, not the kind of horrible smell that comes out from canals and sewers. You can experience this in the province where there are more of nature. Living in the city, I miss that kind of smell.
I like the feel of nature like sands on my feet, feeling the texture of the barks of trees, feeling the hardness of rocks and stones when you go to the river, the refreshing cold water of the river, the cold breeze on your face high up in the mountains, the warmth of sun on the beach.
Both the mountains and sea are pleasant to the eyes. The lushness of mountains blanketed by clouds and fog gives nostalgia. The blue waters of the ocean gives calmness.
Anything natural is music to the ears. I like waking up to the sound of birds as they sing in the early morning hours and again later in the day but you get to experience that all day in the forest.
So there goes my answers for these challenges. For the first challenge, I am already on my 12th day. I'm glad I'm still on to it. For the other two challenges, it's now my second day for both.
Seven is a perfect number
For this 30-day writing challenge, I am now on my eleventh day and it is all about siblings. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Uhm, another personal info that I don't like sharing online lol! However, suffice it to say that we are seven in the family. That's a lot for most but my parents are of the old belief that the more children you have, the more investment they have lol! As I mentioned before, we are not rich, just your average family. Our parents don't have a lot so their investments are us, their kids.
I am the third amongst seven children. There are five of us boys and two girls but sometimes we act like all boys lol! Only the eldest and the youngest finished college.
I really don't have much info to share about my siblings so I have to end it at that.
Now on to other challenges.
There were two 30-day gratitude challenges that I have read so I plan to do both in one post. It's now the second day of June. I should have started this yesterday but better late than never.
The first one was from Jane's post. You can read about that here. https://read.cash/@Jane/30-days-of-gratitude-challenge-accepted-unblocking-writers-block-1685d73c
**The person I am glad to have in my life is my partner.**
I have mentioned before that I have had other partners in the past but they were short lived that's why most of the time I was single. While it is great to be single, we can't deny the fact that having someone to share your life with is fulfilling. Of course that should be with the person whom you share almost everything, your ideas, your dreams, your desires, your wants. You don't need a perfect one for you might end up searching for no one. Don't settle for less too.
Me and my partner don't agree on most things. There are some that we have in common but not all the time but that's the beauty of a relationship. Through that you get to know more about yourself and your partner and you grow from there.
The second gratitude challenge is from Eylz2021. https://read.cash/@Eylz2021/day-1-what-simple-thing-made-today-a-good-day-28bd6e5a
**Coffee is a simple thing that makes my day.**
Caffeine is good for you. What makes coffee bad are the additives like sugar and creamer and milk. Ask yourself, are you a coffee lover or a sugar lover? Of course, too much caffeine is bad for your health. Anything in excessive is detrimental to your health. According to studies like this one from Mayo Clinic, 400 mg a day is the limit for an adult equivalent to four cups of brewed coffee. Most don't even drink that much. More and more studies are now being published about the benefits of coffee. However, it is still up to us to believe what we read online. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/caffeine/art-20045678
Coffee is one of the simple things in life that make my day. I have been talking about a lot in my previous posts.
I'm starting my day right now writing blogs online over coffee.
JustMaryel published this post. I wanted to relate this to the first question about gratitude above. In the post of JustMaryel, the first question is **Have You Ever Been In Love?** https://read.cash/@JustMaryel/of-course-i-do-3bfe3b30
This makes me want to ask what is love to you?
Recently, a celebrity couple broke up. The guy cheated on this famous singer. I have seen a reaction video about them wherein the blogger said that "**love is not enough**."
Again, what is love to you? Why is it not enough?
For me, love is enough. In the good book, it says:
***"1 Corinthians 13:4–8a*** *(ESV) Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth."*
Source from Bethany.org. https://bethany.org/resources/love-embraces-and-resists#:~:text=1%20Corinthians%2013%3A4%E2%80%938a,but%20rejoices%20with%20the%20truth.
All the good things you do is a product of your love either to someone or something else. You sacrifice things in the name of love. It's not about being martyr but it's about giving and not being selfish.
Why do people cheat? It's because of expectations and the wanting, needing for more, for something in return. It's all about selfishness and lack of self-control. If you read the verse above, it's all about being patient and kind and we lack that these days. Also, most were just for lust and the thought of being in love but not truly in love.
Have I been in love? Yes. I was in love with being single. I am in love with nature. I love my family. I love my partner. I love my life.
Think more about others. Look at the bigger picture and includes you and those that you love. Love is not just about one person. It's about everything. That's why pray for more love and keep sharing love!
With that, may you have a day full of gratitude and love. Cheers!
Of bestfriend and the month of May. Hello, June!
We do have lots of bestfriends. I do believe that. How can you measure the level of friendship?
For this 30-day writing challenge, I will only be talking about one bestfriend. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3a
This friend of mine had been my buddy since high school. There are those you get to feel comfortable with right away even on your first meeting. We instantly clicked - me and my bestfriend.
We were classmates for two years. I would go for sleepovers in their house back then for he can't do that in our dorm. Visitors are not allowed there unless they are family.
After high school, we haven't seen each other for a few years. Communication is not as easy as compared to now. I didn't know he was studying here in the city. Fortunately, there was one time that I attended a service in one particular church here in the city and he was there. From then on, we were constantly spending more time together until he graduated and eventually worked abroad.
I have seen how much he struggled during his college days, not even sleeping just to finish his projects and he did that a lot together with his mates. There are times I would sleep over in their apartment and some of his classmates would be there finishing their projects all night only taking short naps. They would then prepare early to go to school the next day.
He is a man with strong conviction and would stand his ground. He is a religious man and hard working. He values family and friends, trust and loyalty. Because of his character and beliefs, he may be misunderstood by some but that doesn't sway him. We even have disagreements sometimes because how stubborn he is but that is normal. Our families have become family friends as well that's why we consider each other siblings.
It's now time for May recap.
I intentionally did not post yesterday. I was tired and all I wanted to do is to relax that's why I was able to finish the series Tomorrow. That's one heavy drama because it deals with suicide and death, love, loss and a test of will but most importantly life.
When I finished doing a summary of my May activity here in read, I was surprised that I am three articles short. It means I didn't write anything for three days. I didn't write yesterday but I wonder what happened to the other two days that I was not able to write.
I have earned less last month as compared to April in terms of USD. Last April I earned more than USD200.00 with an average of about USD6.00 per article but I was more productive then as I have written 32 articles.
In May, the laziness got the best of me that's why I was not able to write more. The numbers of comments are much lower especially in the latter articles because I was not able to visit that often. Of my total earnings of USD171.44 last month, I was able to convert USD80.00 to fiat. That was my take away and the rest was distributed to those that I managed to visit daily.
I'm still thankful for you all for your support and taking time to visit me.
This May, I have earned 23 more subscribers. That's a huge jump.
Again, I am grateful for you all.
I have yet to see what are your progress reports for the month May.
Here's hoping for a better June!
Sharing you this photo that I took yesterday
The Philippine flag now adorns the streets in preparation for the Independence Day celebration this month of June.
You can read more about my yesterday here in this post. https://hive.blog/hive-193552/@leeart/actifit-leeart-20220531t134448903z
Contentment is the key
I saw the first few episodes of the Korean series Happiness but lost interest midway. I don't find it as exciting as All of Us Are Dead. Both are all about zombies. It's an ironic title for a series about zombies but I think in Happiness, it started with an experimental pill that is supposed to give you happiness, some energy, sets you in a good mood but the consequence is that it turns you into a zombie. Correct me if I'm wrong as I didn't watch the entire series and I was not paying attention well.
Anyway, happiness is the topic for today's 30-day writing challenge. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Someone said that success is when you are in a happy place, where you think you have accomplished something. It's about small wins. To add to that, to be content is to be fulfilled and successful. It is given that we all struggle. There is always something that comes our way that challenges us. It's not always smooth sailing. However, we learn to manage through it all and survive. We do our own way. To triumph over something no matter how insignificant it looks like to others, that brings us happiness for we did it. It was our effort, time and energy. Yes, we may have had help from others around us and we are grateful to them but that is still on you. Without your conviction to do so, your belief in yourself and the trust you have in your abilities, then that will not happen. But you did it. YOU did it. Good on you! This reminds me of the movie Pursuit of Happyness.
Happiness doesn't have to come from others. You don't need approval from others or validation to make you feel happy. You deserve the right to happy. Don't let others abuse you and bring you down.
I am currently watching another Korean series entitle Tomorrow. Grim reapers save those who want to commit suicide. I just finished the third episode and I still like how the story flows. When everything seems to go against us, there will always be those who will help us along the way. Again, the real help comes from within. It is hard to find that light, that hope, that little spark of help. However, death is not the end. We don't know what others are going through so be kind to everyone. Let us be the hope. Let us be the light to someone's darkness. To help others is to help ourselves.
Travel is one of the things that give me happiness. There is adventure and wonder when we travel. We get to learn from others as well.
With that, let me answer this prompt questions that I read from CrazyWrites. You can check about that here. https://read.cash/@CrazyWrites/to-travel-is-to-live-hans-christian-anderson-87a39d45
I might have answered some of these questions already so let's do a quick one.
I would prefer camping but that depends on where we are traveling to. If the beach or going on a hike, then camping it is. I would bring my partner with me and surely friends will tag along. I haven't been to Japan and that is where we would go. I would give anything just to learn the Japanese language. That would be helpful if I could be conversant and be able to read the language. After traveling to Japan, I would travel to every country and visit you all wherever you are in the world. By the time I would have accumulated enough resources to do that, space travel would be a common thing. I don't mind. I would still travel the world first. My partner is the one who cooks that's why I consider my partner my personal chef. I don't need riches. I just need enough to travel all the time.
I didn't plan to write that way but I think it's befitting to do incorporate all the choices in one. I guess The Carpenters made me do it. Their songs are playing in the background as I write this. I love that voice of Karen Carpenter. Soothing and relaxing. Sets me in a good mood, makes me happy. Music does affect us emotionally.
It's now another start of the week. Hope you are starting the week right. I just did my laundry today. The sun is up and shining brightly. What a good weather but that could change in an instant. For now, enjoy the moment.
I might visit a few of you before continuing watching Tomorrow.
Have a good one! Keep safe.
Music affects us all but differently
In general, I like listening to different kind of music but mostly pop. Music is the next topic for this 30-day writing challenge. Read more about it here. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I have read somewhere that those who grew up listening to religious/Christians songs tend to like country songs too and that is true at least to me. One factor also is that country music is loved by us here in the Cordilleras. I'm actually listening to country songs right now after I have listened to some Gaither Vocal Band songs. GVB is one of the Christian groups that is my go to whenever I am in the mood. I particularly like David Phelps voice, my favorite tenor. Of course Dimash is the superior of them all. He is of another level though. Nothing compares to him.
I think only the Cordillerans are the majority who listens to country music here in the country. That is one of the influence that was left by the Americans. The Americans occupied the country before. They even set up a country club here in the city for the climate here is conducive and it's something to be desired as a respite from the tropical heat. It's close to home.
Having said that, the generation now are more influenced by the introduction/invasion of Korean culture. The accessibility of music brought about by technology and internet allows the younger generation to have a myriad of choices out there.
I am not that updated to what is new these days in terms of music or who are the big names now in country music. The accessibility of music also brought about the proliferation of talented artists. Some are only after the good looks of others. I respect that. That's your choice so all is good.
Because of many choices, it's a tough competition out there. The race now is through effective marketing and branding. We tend to stick more to what we like which is good because we can continue to stay on that lane. We have the choice. However, the internet filters through our preferences and feeds us what we like. This would then ignore the other talented artists out there. Also, we can now easily skip what we don't like. We don't have that patience anymore to really listen to songs.
And I am found guilty.
That finds me staying on those that I am familiar with. Still, we have our own preference. What is good music to me may not be your cup of tea.
Talking about choices, Kacy01 wrote about this post. You only have to choose two pills. https://read.cash/@Kacy01/two-pills-money-first-95e3c2ed
I do like food. I mean who doesn't? Sounds like an easy choice. I would like to keep on eating without gaining weight. However, I would pass on that.
I am okay with my height. I am of average height. I don't have a need for additional height. Not unless I want to be an athlete where I can utilize a taller height. I do wish sometimes that I am a little taller but 5 cm doesn't seem a big impact. So it's a no for me.
I don't like reading minds as I have already stated before not even for three days or one day or one minute. I don't know what I will do with the information that I get to read. Is it something I will be comfortable with or not? Also, I respect privacy. Reading the thoughts of others is an invasion of privacy and I feel that I am taking that right away from someone.
Forget my ex. What ex? :D
To become super strong, I wonder where would I will use my strength. Is it in terms of physical strength or mental strength? There will always be something or somewhere we can use either one. I think having a strong mental health will make me always happy and happiness will make me long younger. So, yes to super strong mental health or physical strength. I can make money out of that and surely give me millions of followers. I guess that is one pill that will give me a lot more.
Final choices, **become super strong and always feel happy**.
I feel like being strong will give me opportunities to help others more. I can demonstrate my strength and have that documented and upload it online. That in return will hopefully give me millions of followers which would then help me earn a lot of money. We all know how much youtubers gain especially if you have lots of followers.
How is your day/night so far?
I just finished writing my Garahe blog in hive. You can check it here. https://hive.blog/hive-196308/@leeart/a-day-in-japan-my-first-visit-to-garahe
I'm curious as to why they named it Garahe. There must be a reason behind naming a Japanese restaurant Garahe.
I am also close to finishing this fiction novel that I have started reading last year. I used to read one book in one sitting. Now, I can't even finish one chapter lol! After posting this, I will finish the book. It's already the exciting part as it gets closer to the end. I already have another book that I plan to read after this.
Blogging and reading is my Sunday plan. It's only the middle of the day. Maybe something else will come up later on. If not, then I hope I can get back to visiting you all later.
Have a good one!
One ring to rule them all
The Lord of the Rings Trilogy is still the best trilogy of all time for me.
We are now at day seven of this 30-day writing challenge. You can click that link and check out what it is the challenge all about. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Today, we are talking about favorite movie.
I can state facts and awards about the trilogy like 400+ awards out of 800 nominations. That's why it is the most awarded films of all time. The Return of the King is one of the movies that won 11 Oscars. The series won 17 awards altogether. It holds the Guinness record of largest battle sequence of 200,000 characters. Each of those films won awards on their own. The list goes on and on.
This film brought to life the book written by J.R.R. Tolkien.
It is a fantasy but has adventure, drama, romance, horror, mystery, suspense. It has everything it seems of both the human, spiritual and the underworld. It is a saga of friendship, sacrifice, power, greed, and love. It is a journey filled with hope, desire, revenge. It is a struggle between good and evil.
I do like every single character. They are all relatable. They have played their roles well.
The cinematography, production and animation and the soundtrack are all wonderful. I'm listening to the soundtrack while writing this.
I can still remember the feeling of excitement and the roller coaster of emotions as I watched every film of this series. There is that anticipation and longing to watch the next film.
Truly it's one of the best movies of its time or maybe for all time.
The Hobbit is also another trilogy that I equally love but LOTR is my first love.
I have come across this post by CrazyWrites and I thought I'd give it a go. https://read.cash/@CrazyWrites/i-want-completely-automated-home-f7df1996
It's interesting that most questions make you choose between love and money. It guess these are the two factors that measure someone. If I was younger, I would say money which would also be a great help with that amount. I can do a lot with that especially in helping my family and myself. With that amount I can not only help my family but others as well. Now, I may sound cliche but love conquers all. Money is nothing without love. Take note there is a big difference in loving money though. Money comes second to the ones we love. If we love someone, we devote more of our time, energy and effort to them and those are priceless. If you **find your true love**, then do whatever it takes to keep that one you love.
Reading minds is tiring. Dealing with people is tiring. I have been mentioning that we are bombarded by social media especially opinions and comments from other people and it is stressful. It is toxic and you still want to read minds? Enough already. I would rather that I **be able to teleport anywhere** peaceful and free from people.
Fire and water are powerful elements. I wish I could control both. We know how destructive these two are. However, both are essential too. The sun is a ball of fire and water is nourishing. Both are equally important. How can you control one if there is a lack of either one? I would like **to be able to control water** though. The deep is something that I fear and I would like to conquer that.
This is a no brainer: **unable to use social media**. I guess we all know how toxic social media is. I use search engine a lot for work so I don't want to lose that.
**Give up internet for a month**. I use the internet for work and to contact people which is pretty useful and convenient. With the internet, we can communicate with almost everyone. There are lots of potential there and it makes our life easier. However, I am willing to give it up. I can still contact others using my phone. I can still find work someplace else that don't require the internet. There is still life out there offline. I can't bear not bathing for a month let along a week!
If I really had to choose I would probably **sell one of my organs** since I don't have any possessions to sell. What organ? That I don't know. Maybe one of my kidneys.
Recently, I have been eating more meat than vegetables. I would probably choose **never to be able to eat meat** but there is only a small percentage difference with vegetables. There are alternatives for meat like vegemeat that are said to be from vegetables that are processed to look like meat which I find ironic.
I would like to **have a self-driven car** since I don't know how to drive. An automated home is nice too but for now, I'll rather go for a car.
Today had been a heavy day, in other words, lazy day. I mentioned that I went out yesterday to check an event by one of the government agencies. Turned out, there was nothing much to see. It's a promotion of coffee and rabbit meat but there was not much of a display. I was hoping to find coffee to purchase for I don't eat rabbit meat. Rabbits have been heavily promoted by the DA as an alternative source of meat and it widely became popular for more and more people are raising rabbits either as pets, business or consumption.
Anyway, it's now late and I just came here to post this before I call it a day.
I hope you have a happy weekend!
Single and Happy
We all know how this feels like, to be single, carefree and happy but then again shared happiness is double the fun!
Here now is my sixth day for this 30-day challenge. You can read more about that in this post. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I never pressured myself finding someone, finding a partner. I trusted the universe and whatever path it led me and that goes without saying that I didn't try to win someone over. I have had some relationships in the past but they didn't last that long. I would once again find myself single and happy.
I am of the thought that I should take care of myself first before I can take care of someone other than myself or my family. Although a friend once said that when you found someone, it changes you and makes you do more to keep the relationship.
Yes, being in a relationship takes you to another level of happiness, we still need that me time. So for this topic of single and happy, I will relate it to alone but happy.
When you are single, you can do whatever you want and you only get to think more about yourself. Now that I am with my partner, whatever I will experience I want that my partner will experience it too. When I was single, I can just go with friends wherever. We can go out without having to worry. Just having fun. When I am with someone, there are boundaries that you have to set. You don't cancel yourself. You don't cancel your friends but you have to be more conscientious about your actions and the consequences.
Being single gives you the time to find what you really want. We say that our partners complete us but it is more than that. We complete each other with the people what we deal with, our friends, our family, our partner.
Take all the time you need to enjoy being single and happy. Don't rush into a relationship. Knowing yourself, loving yourself, accepting everything you are will set you in a right state and once you are in a relationship it makes you even more a better person.
I have read this post from Winx1988. I have been saving this for a long time. I believe it was last month when this was published. So let's start. https://read.cash/@Winx1988/completing-sentences-0621b72d
My favorite time of the year is **cold months.**
Here in our country, it starts after the rainy season around October until February. It is during these months that everything seems to be fresh and in bloom after being inundated with rain for so long. There are times that we still get bad weather during these months though. We don't have winter here thank goodness for we are in the tropics but it is these months that temperature drops.
I am important because **I matter.**
I may not be as smart, I don't have a lot of money, I am not that good looking, not skillful, but I know in my own way that I can do things to especially helping others.
If I can go anywhere in the world, I would go to **Japan.**
This is my ultimate Asian destination. I am amazed not only by their technology but by the discipline they have and how much value they put into their country and their people.
My favorite song is **"Water."**
I do have a lot of favorites but this one comes to mind at the moment. Water is a song by David Phelps and Maggie Beth Phelps. I consider David to be one of the best tenors of all time. Here is a video of that if you are interested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cPcg-SBsOnY
My favorite tonque twister is **"about the woodchuck."**
How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood*?*
I just like the sound of that, feels like I am rapping. I feel like I am chucking wood too.
The best way I can use my time is **working.**
That's when I feel productive the most. I feel useful when I work and I like what I do.
My favorite subject in school is **biology.**
I like knowing about things and I love memorizing. It's interesting to know the process that goes around us that we don't even know. Science and nature are fascinating and can be entertaining too. Sadly my memory had been failing over the years.
One thing I believed I do really well is **being there and a great listener.**
In short, a friend. I think that's one of the reasons why I matter. I can be there for you if you need someone to talk to. I may not be a great speaker but I know I am a great listener and a secret keeper.
One way I would like others to help me is **be the talker.**
As I have said, I'm not good with speaking. I feed off from what others are saying. I take cues from that.
My favorite thing about being in a band is **singing.**
I may not be a great singer but I can carry a tune. I know the basics of guitar so I'm okay with that as well if I don't have to play complicated piece. However, it's the singing part that I comfortable the most.
It's a Friday again and weekend is here. What are your plans for the weekend? There is an event in the city right now that I saw posted in facebook. After publishing this, I will go there and check it out and hopefully it's something I can post about.
Whatever your plans are for the weekend, stay safe.
Happy weekend!
Simple but hardworking people
That sums up my parents.
Before I go any further, this is now day five of the 30-day writing challenge. Clink on the link and check out the topics that you can write for a month, one topic a day. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
I am more close to my mom than my dad. Just like every parent, they want what's best for their children the way they now how. They would find opportunities to provide for the family. My dad found an opportunity abroad. Thus, I grew up with my mom as both the father and mother figure. She raised all seven of us on her own. My parents are the traditional kind of parents wherein it is the father who is out there working for the family bringing home the bacon so to speak. However, I still see my mom doing her own way to make ends meet since what my dad was earning was not enough.
Even now at their old age, my parents still try to do what they can.
Both of my parents came from a family of farmers. Not the commercial kind but growing what they can feed their family with. Because of poverty, they were not able to finish school. However, that did not stop them to send us to school for they do believe that education is the only inheritance they can give us. They have provided us love and care and the things we need and maybe some wants the best they could.
We may not have everything and sometimes we lack most things but I really appreciate what they have done and still do to provide for the family. The struggle they have to go through, the sacrifices they have to take even forgetting themselves and setting aside their needs and wants just to provide for us.
Now that I am older, I try my best to provide for them. It's now time to give back.
My mom is the religious type. My dad on the other hand is not that much. Mom was the one who convince our dad to be baptized to our denomination. Mom is the disciplinarian. I don't think I have seen my dad get angry. Dad is more of the silent type between the two of them. Mom knows more regarding relatives, how we are connected to somebody. I am like my dad. I am not that reliable regarding our family tree. It's confusing to me who is who.
I'm blessed to have them as my parents. They may not be the ideal parents but they are perfect for me.
This is the first time I have talked about my parents like this. This is the first time I have shared more about them. Of course I don't want to get into more details.
Anyway, this is it for today's topic - talking about my parents. I'm on the fifth day of this challenge and there is still a long way to go but I'm doing it. I hope I can finish this challenge.
I'm in the mood to answer more questions today so I want to add this set of questions that I have read from Adrielle. You can read about that here. https://read.cash/@Adrielle1214/question-and-answer-portion-efb7552b
**When was the last time you slept more than nine hours?**
Weekends are my the days I get to sleep more. It's like my days to recharge for the lack of sleep I have had during the weekdays. Weekends are my permanent off days so why not use that to recuperate. Although there are still times I am given tasks on the weekends but those are occasionally.
**What artist or band do you always recommend when someone asks for a music recommendation?**
I haven't been updated with music really. I would probably just say in general or artists that I thought are current. I don't know what kids listen to these days. There are a whole lot of artists out there because of different platforms we have that one can listen to.
**What are your most important rules when going on a date?**
I haven't been on dates. Maybe with a couple of friends but not really intimately only with my partner to which I am comfortable with whatever. Having said that, always look presentable. Always remember that first impression lasts still. Mind your manners.
**What’s your cure for hiccups?**
I try holding my breath to try to suppress the hiccup. It's not easy. I do attempt that several times whenever I have hiccups but eventually they will be gone anyway. So my cure is to ride it out.
**What animal would be cutest if scaled down to the size of a cat?**
How big is the cat thought? I would go for a hippo. I can picture them chubby and funny and cute.
**What food have you never eaten but would really like to try?**
A lot of seafood especially those with shells like oysters. Rabbits are popular these days and I see a lot of rabbit meat being sold in our city. I have never tried durian. I'm not sure I would like to try it though.
So this ends our Q&A for today. Expect for more later on lol! I do have a lot of questions saved.
Have you answered any of these?
I want to visit you
Continuing on with the 30-day challenge. You can check this post for reference about this challenge. https://read.cash/@ARTicLEE/who-me-cc8889f3
Day four is all about places I wanted to visit. As stated in my title above, I wanted to visit my fellow read cash users. If only I have the resources, I would be touring around Asia mostly for that is so far the bulk of those I get to encounter with here in read then Africa and Venezuela and other parts of the Americas and then Europe. For someone who likes being with nature, I would prefer to be away from the cities and visit the provinces where I can see more of nature just like what Jane had been posting about places you get to see and visit in Hong Kong. I honestly thought HK is all about buildings but I was wrong that's why I don't prioritize HK to visit. I would rather go to Japan or Indonesia. However, after reading the posts of Jane about HK, I would be okay traveling there just to go where she had been to.
If I am to visit India and/or Pakistan, I prefer the northern parts close to the Himalayas any maybe scale Mt. Everest.
Austria would probably be the first place I would visit in Europe but any place there is okay.
Of the English country, Scotland would be the first place I would visit then the Nordic and Scandinavian places.
Egypt or Ethiopia would probably be the first place I will visit in Africa but again, I don't mind going to other places there.
Venezuela would probably the first one I would visit in the Americas and then the other places.
There are so many places that I could list but so far, those are the places so far that is in my mind at the moment but of course, I would start with my own country, Philippines.
I used to think of traveling abroad and seeing the other countries. That was my mentality before. However, I think it is best to know more about my country than anywhere else.
That is what I can write about the fourth day of this 30-day writing challenge. I really like this challenge for I now have a topic to write about for a month. I have pending set of questions that I have read posted by others here in this platform that I have saved and now they are piling up because of this 30-day challenge.
If I have more time, I will probably write another article or probably consolidate some of those questions, hitting two birds with one stone.
So far, my account here is where I get to have more time. It's not that I am neglecting the other accounts I have but it's just that I don't have that much time. I am actually writing this in the midst of my work just so I can have something to publish else I will forget.
So if you have no idea what to write, join the prompts and challenges that others are posting about. They surely are lifesavers.
Again, thanks a lot for your time and support. Always be kind. 'Til later!
Third day of the 30-day challenge: A memory
This is a challenge that I read here. It's a writing challenge wherein you are given a topic each day to write about. You have to do that for 30 days. https://read.cash/@Ellehcim/30-days-writing-challenge-from-somewhere-day-5-50095c89
I almost forgot all about it. We had a power interruption earlier today. I wanted to do this challenge earlier but then I woke up late. By the time I decided to write, I only have a few minutes left before the power went out. Not enough time to write.
Good thing I found the time before I end my day. So on with the challenge.
A memory from eight years ago. At least that's what facebook said.
This is one of the photos in my facebook memory. I am not exactly sure if it really was eight years ago. maybe I uploaded this late. Maybe the event happened earlier. I really suck at remembering details.
Anyway, this is my first pre-nuptial photo coverage. This was when I was just starting with photography and I am just a user of DSLR for a year I think. A friend of a friend saw photos that I have uploaded in my account. I don't take photos of people that much. It's mostly landscape and food and things that interest me. That's why it's a surprise that this friend of a friend wanted me to do her prenup and wedding photos.
I did dream of putting up my own photography business that's why I took it as a personal challenge to accept this project. If I wanted to grow, I have to be more exposed.
So we traveled some hours to get to the beach. That is the client's preference.
The Reserved sign I was holding there was on one of the huts by the beach. We were waiting for the sun to set that time so that it will not be that hot to take photos of the couple.
While waiting, I asked my friend to take that photo holding that sign.
Funny thing is that, I was still single at that time. I posted that in my facebook of course and many got intrigued who am I reserved for. I didn't give in to their curiosity and let them sizzle in my silence lol! Eventually, their curiosity waned.
Sometimes, all we need is silence. We don't have to give in to pressure from others. Most are just looking for something to talk about even though it is none of their concerns. It all depends upon us how we react. We have the power. We have the control.
You have the decision on what to click, what to post, what to share, what to respond and who to respond to. I know you already know this so I am just reminding you again and again. Don't be a victim of other's curiosity. Guard yourself from the prying eyes and evil intent of others.
How was your day today? I hope you have a good start of the week.
For me, not so well for the back pain resurfaced. I don't know what triggered it but it suddenly hit me again while alighting a jeepney a while ago. I almost couldn't stand up straight.
Anyway, it's an unpredictable weather that we have been having as always. Good thing it was a good weather here. We were able to go out and had a good day.
Cheers to you all and thank you for your support. Laters!
Who? Me?
I read this 30-day challenge posted by Ellehcim so I decided to join. You can read about the challenge here and feel free to join too. I know some of you have taken the challenge already. https://read.cash/@Ellehcim/30-days-writing-challenge-from-somewhere-day-5-50095c89
This photo of the list of questions is taken from that post.
Day 1 is all about my personality. I am not that good in describing myself or with self-analysis so I'll try my best. This is like another introduction about myself which I am not very good at.
I have been posting about myself here in some of my posts. As you know, I am the silent type. I am more introverted but can be outgoing with the right kind of people. Having said that, I do like being alone or with a few people I can handle. Socializing, going to parties either with family or friends is not something I look forward to. It drains me more than hiking or going for long walks. I would rather spend my time with nature.
I am very private. I don't like sharing about personal stuff but sometimes I do. If you have read some of my posts, you know that I don't like posting photos of myself or others.
We can get along with food and coffee. I am wary with what food I eat though especially if I am not familiar with it. While I do like to eat, I am not that adventurous about it.
That's about how far as I can go.
I didn't realize I was not able to come here yesterday. I have been meaning to but then laziness got the best of me. I procrastinated pushing and pushing for later to go online.
Anyway, it's a weekend so I rested from online stuff.
Today, I'll be out again so I will not be able to be here today. I'll try to visit you later one if I can.
Friday and Saturday were rainy days. Thunderstorms that I thought there was a storm. However, it's just rainy days are upon us. We haven't experienced summer.
I managed to watch some movies like Uncharted and Morbius but I don't find them as great as I was expecting.
I was able to write a blog in hive though regarding the flower sculpture competition. These will be displayed until today at the park. You can check out the photos here. I hope I can manage to drop by today and see if there are changes. Last year, they redid the sculptures at the last day of display. https://hive.blog/hive-147010/@leeart/sabsabong-ti-mayo-2022-flowers-of-may#comments
Because of the weather we have been having, I haven't had the chance to go out for walks but I did manage to do indoor exercises and walking in our unit. If we really want to be fit, there are things we can still do indoors. If there's a will, you will always find a way.
So this is me for now. Thank you for all your support. I will be checking up on you later on.
Happy weekend!
Daguitan Kan Tangkib Eco-Village
There is one museum that we went to during our road trip to the province of Kalinga. This is located in Patiking, Tabuk City.
According to what I can search about it online, this used to be a residential but now turned into agri-farm with mini museum especially for coffee and cacao. Here's an article I found published in SunStar. From what I understand, this belongs to Froilan Albert and family. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1775202/davao/lifestyle/daguitan-eco-village-farm-in-kalinga
This was along the way going to our cousins who also live in Patiking. From Bulanao, we dropped by this place and checked out the little museum that they have.
Two swimming pools on both sides of the driveway can immediately be seen. When we were there, only the pool for kids is filled. The other deeper pool is still being filled with water. There is another pool higher up but that too is still being filled. All pools are supplied by spring water. Surely that is cool and refreshing. Perfect for a hot weather if you fancy it. The place is shaded with trees and other vegetation. They do have a few rooms that you can stay overnight if you want to.
From what little I could find online, the place offers free coffee but while we were there, we weren't offered any. I didn't know they do that. I'm sure they'll willing serve us then if we have asked. There are fees for entrance, day swim and/or overnight stay. Luckily for us, we were not charged for anything when we visited the museum. I guess just by visiting the museum there is no fee.
Aside from the traditional wooden houses in the property, what I noticed right away are the masks.
Some of these were part of the walls but most were displayed in the reception and the museum on walls and posts. They are dominant influenced by Chinese I think or maybe Japanese. There are more masks but I haven't photographed them all. Mostly are scary or mean. I guess to ward off the devil. I'm just assuming here. Whatever the purpose of these are, I still do like them. I like the dark crimson or mahogany hue the one on the top right.
The mini-museum is at the center of the property it seems.
Gongs of different sizes are hung. My brothers and cousins who know how to play did try them. I believe most of the handles are from animal bones.
These more traditional houses have nipa or anahaw as roofing. These are somewhat modernized because GI sheets have been used. Notice the mortar on the ground by the steps on the second photo. If my guess is right, that was carved out from a rock. I haven't noticed a pestle though. It must have been stored somewhere.
The most interesting things are those that are inside the museum. Some of these porcelains and potteries dates back to as far as 13th century. I really didn't expect to find such inside an unassuming house like this. You more commonly find them in houses of the rich.
These were passed on from generation to generation according to the family. Read here. This is in exchange for the woven fabric of the Kalingas. Back then, barter exchange is still the widely practiced form of trade. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1775202/davao/lifestyle/daguitan-eco-village-farm-in-kalinga
Surely these porcelain costs a fortune.
These are housed at the ground floor of one of the houses. Upstairs are bare rooms. I'm guessing they are turned into guest rooms if need be.
Visiting the eco-village left me in awe of the treasures it holds - natural and man made. It's amazing that in the midst of the mountains, Chinese porcelains can be seen there stored intact for others to admire.
Whenever I'll be going back to Kalinga, I'll visit this place again. I felt there are more about this place that one needs to know.
Art, leeart, articlee
So here goes another prompt questions that HardworkingStudent posted. You can check out the post here. https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#what039s-your-name
I can't believe it is Thursday again and weekend is calling again. How fast time flies.
What's Your name? https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#what039s-your-name
You can call me Art, Leeart or Articlee. That is fine with me. I miss using the name Ako-Eto. That was the name I used in one of the blog sites I joined before. However, Leeart is the most I have used since then. You can check me in Hive and noise.
What do your BFF calls you? https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#what-do-your-bff-calls-you
They just call me by my name. I used to be called Kaps and Bestre before but both didn't stick. Bestre was from one of my friends in high school. I cannot remember where it came from. Might as well ask my friend. Back then there were no cellphones and internet is not that popular. We used to exchange notes and letters to each other, to our friends, classmates and schoolmates, our crushes and partners. That's how we give messages back then, literally texting. If I remember it right, I was sick then and my friends wrote well wishes to me and that was the first time I was named Bestre.
Kaps is short for "kapatid" which means sibling in our language but more like bro. Two of my friends and I still use to call each other that though. We have been friends that long that we have considered each other as family.
**Age + Birthday**
Should I add my age to my birthday? What for? lol!
What's best with rice? https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#what039s-best-with-rice
Anything is best with rice. Meat, veggies, soy sauce, oil, milk, sugar, choco powder :D I still do that, add milk and sugar to steamed rice. When I was younger, I'd just add sugar and water. When I was studying, I used to do that because there are times that our rations do not come on time. That's why my stock of milk and sugar are consumed during emergencies like that before.
However, now I limit my rice consumption. Sometimes, I don't eat rice at all.
Relationship Status Right Now https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#relationship-status-right-now
Taken. In a relationship. Not single. Should I go on?
Personalities U Like https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#personalities-u-like
Kind, humble, respectful and considerate. Kids these days are lack even the basic respect and courtesy, not only kids but I think in general people are like that. We should practice treating each other with kindness.
Something People Misunderstand About You https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#something-people-misunderstand-about-you
That I am not approachable. I think my wariness of people and the lack of self-confidence comes out as intimidating to most. Get to know me better and we might be friends. Or not.
Food U Can Eat Forever https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#food-u-can-eat-forever
Fruits, vegetables, meat, rice, bread, chocolates, chips, nuts but I would probably stick with nuts.
Do you Have sibling? https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#do-you-have-sibling
Not only sibling but siblings.
Define Happiness https://read.cash/@HardworkingStudent/get-to-know-me-questions-cfa05e8d#define-happiness
To be content and grateful and healthy mentally and physically. That is happiness. You'll have peace and not have a lot of stress in life.
Bear with me. My laziness is still winning most days. I can't even visit my other accounts online. Also, there are lots of tasks to be done offline so I can't manage well. Just like yesterday I went to the bank to update my information and it took me two hours, not the whole process itself in updating but also the travel time. Whenever I try to visit here, I'll end up sleeping.
Thank you still for your support and always visiting.
Unlimited wishes
So I read these questions from Aimure's post who got it from Kushyzee. https://read.cash/@Aimure/breathing-under-water-d0e92999
So it's time for a Q&A again.
Get even or get over it? https://read.cash/@Aimure/breathing-under-water-d0e92999#get-even-or-get-over-it
Both.
I want to get even with those who have done good to me. I want to return the good favor that they have done as much as possible but then again we are only limited with what we do. That's why we can give the same thing or just an equivalent or whatever or however we can.
I do believe that the universe will reward us with our actions be it good or bad. I can let go of things and forgive and forget what others have done because I know karma comes back around. Always remember the golden rule.
Have no internet or no phone? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/radom-article-to-the-rescue-51abeea2#have-no-internet-or-no-phone
I don't use my phone that much so I'm okay with having no phone. I believe I have answered this before. Since the advent of social media, almost all are already online and we can contact them that way. Even in the world of employment these days, almost everyone had gone virtual. I do get calls and SMS on my phone but that's occasionally. Only the delivery guys or scammers are contacting me on my phone when needed.
Almost all are connected now via the internet. I use my laptop the most and I needed the internet for these two are my bread and butter. Without the internet, I cannot work.
**Be invisible or read minds?** https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/radom-article-to-the-rescue-51abeea2#be-invisible-or-read-minds
I have achieved being invisible in some way. As most of you know, I am not that sociable. I'm not antisocial it's just that I don't have that social skills that others have. Yes, I can be chatty online because I have like here in read for otherwise I don't earn lol! However, in person, I am not that talkative.
Having said that, I don't want to read minds. That is stressful if you get to hear every thoughts. There could be an advantage for you get to know how to react. You get to prevent bad plans from being executed. However, you get to read all the toxicity in the world. Reading opinions of others online is a headache already how much more if you can read their minds?
So I would rather be invisible for I already am.
Being able to rewind time or being able to pause time? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/radom-article-to-the-rescue-51abeea2#being-able-to-rewind-time-or-being-able-to-pause-time
This is tricky. If I can rewind time and change the past so I can have a better future, then yes, I would choose that. However, there are many things that will be affected by just one action. It may not affect you but there would be significant effect to others. I remember in physics class, every motion has an equal and opposite action or something like that. If I can rewind time just to watch the same things happen again, then I don't want that.
We often say that we want the world to stand still. I think that is worse. Nothing is moving forward. Nothing is happening. We are just frozen in time. What's the point of pausing time? Will I be able to move when I have the ability to pause time or does it also affect me?
Sometimes these questions are not that easy. There are more questions than answers lol!
Breathe underwater or be able to fly? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/radom-article-to-the-rescue-51abeea2#breathe-underwater-or-be-able-to-fly
Fly of course. There's something about flying that is appealing. It feels like freedom. It gives you a great feeling having the wind blowing on your face while floating and flying above the clouds. Watching those birds make you wish you are like them so you can go places and sh!t on anything lol! Just kidding. But that is what flying is to me - freedom. It's a different perspective and a different world. It almost makes you feel superior if you see how small everything is but at the same time it gives you a bigger picture of how everything is connected.
Have one wish granted today or 3 wishes in ten years' time? https://read.cash/@Kushyzee/radom-article-to-the-rescue-51abeea2#have-one-wish-granted-today-or-3-wishes-in-ten-years039-time
I have answered this in a comment I think or maybe answered a similar question. My answer is one wish granted today. My wish is to have unlimited wishes lol! Greedy much? Maybe. But we don't know what the future brings. What we think is good and applicable in 10 years' time may not be so by then. It could make or break but still that depends on our wishes. That's why I'd rather have unlimited wishes.
That's about it!
Good morning or evening or whatever the time of your days is there. It's a gloomy day again. In fact it had been raining the whole night and only now did it let up.
My coffee is done brewing so it's now time for coffee to start my day. Coffee on a gloomy day, perfection!
@ARTicLEE
