While Waiting...
What do you usually do *while you wait* for anything? Waiting for the person you are meeting up with? Waiting for your food to be served? Waiting for a miracle, anything?
The following are the usual things I do while waiting.
**Playing Mobile Games**
Well, normally, I would be *playing mobile games*. Unless it is Grab that I am waiting for, I would be playing Mobile Legends thinking "one rank game" will be fine. But then if you do the same, start to panic when what you are waiting for arrives. If it is a person you are waiting for, you would not want to be rude and be playing so you struggle between keeping in game and being in the present.
If it is Grab Food that I am waiting for, to avoid that interruptions of calls, I play other games like Einstein Riddles. I love puzzles and Einstein Riddles are fun to toy with. I also play Sudoku. This way it is easier to let the game go when I need to be back in the present world.
**Read a book if I brought one**
Way, way before, I'd flip open a pocket book or any reading material while waiting. At least that way I progress in my reading tasks. But that was way, way, before we are easily distracted by so many things social and within a thumb's click.
**Bother my friends who I see online**
This one's done seldom these days. I am a bit off and on on soc med. Mostly off. Just read and like some and interact to only very few chats - mostly family and some close friends.
**Daydream**
Kidding. It would be a little too weird to be seeing someone smiling while staring off into space. So I have no intention to weird out anyone else around me. So if I daydream I make sure I am not in a weird spot.
*Trying something different.*
For now though, I am waiting for my Grab snack. But I also was just done reading @meitanteikudo 's most dangerous writing app. And though I do have the Random Word Generator open in another tab, I decided to try this new one instead. I have been avoiding writing fictions lately. Not that I cannot and not that my imagination ran out. I just try to avoid. No reason.
So while waiting let's cook up something from the prompt from Kudo's latest find.
And I am doing it wrong. Every time I click on the box, the prompt changes. I thought I can copy and paste it here. So one final click and ending with a few lines from this prompt. I will be doing the much more complicated time-bound later on.
*He knew he must keep very still while he waited. He heard the heavy boots of the unknown people who barged into his house as they go slowly up the stairs. He counted three people. His wife sure did put up a good fight from the kitchen as he saw it in the security cameras. She is now lying unconscious on the kitchen floor. His wife trained for this as well. He knows in his heart she is still alive and just regaining strength.*
*As for him, he is still recuperating from the bullet wound on his left side. He is unsure if he can survive the hand-to-hand combat that he is picturing and planning in his head. His panic, his situation, seeing his wife on the floor is fogging his composure. Through the slits of the cabinet he threw himself in, he saw one enemy coming in through their bedroom. Three steps and the man was facing him through the other side of the cabinet's door. He held his breath. He can see the eye of the man through the mask he was wearing.*
*He was thinking, "just go away... just go away, please..."*
*He was wishing that if they think he is not there. They will just go away.*
*Then just as the man was walking away. And he was almost relieved of the thought that they are leaving.*
*His stomach started to growl.*
*The bad people came in just when they were about to have dinner. And he was already really hungry. He froze cold as the man stopped while walking out the door.*
*He's dead meat.*
*But the enemy called out to his companions and asked if they want pizza. They decided to look for him again next time but for now, they need to eat dinner.*
Grab's here. I have to go and eat. That was quite a story to day dream in though. Might really go and go on a full story for it. Huh.. But will try the time-bound freewrite first. I have not tried that I guess..
*What is your story?*
© Pichi28 | `#ClubBrokeBCH`
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Toying with the Idea
Who loves reading? Raise your hands! How may books have you finished so far in the glorious two years of being locked down?
Me? I love reading. But for some reason, I do not have that drive to really finish any book. Pre-pandemic I had a one novel or book a month goal. And to really get me to do it, I also challenged myself to write about a summary and review of the story. It worked - for few months and then for a few months before the year ended also when I remembered I have that self-challenge.
It has been a struggle to finish any book lately. It feels like if I want to finish one book at all, I'd have to be locked in a room with bed, sofa, view, lots of coffee, air conditioning, water, food, the book, a pen and a paper and *nothing more.* **Yes no cellphones and no laptop.** These days, I bounce from all things off to other new stuff to do. I get to finish other things but not reading the book.
Also I have this knack of mincing and chewing the words on the book and then drifting off to my own fiction. Leaving the book and floating to my own set of events and stories. Like say, for example, this book I'm reading. It talks about the New World Order.
It is timely.
It is interesting.
It is exciting.
And I am re-starting reading it because I parked it for a long time already and I had to review what it first said in the first parts. Seems the book was published 1996 which means the content of the book may have been laid out earlier. A lot has happened since 1996, I think, and I am curious if the author would still see the world now as he saw it before. Remember 1996 was four years *before* the Y2k.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VT_GG7q3vhs
*Millenium bug. Y2k glitch.* The stuff. I remember we were on top of a hill-top park waiting for the zeroes to drop and watching the fireworks. Waiting for the shutdown that did not happen. We were crazy. No glitch happened. Glitch happened well just recently.. year 2020. Agree?
Anyway back to the book. So technology was fast-changing then as it is now. And a lot of fear and excitement is full in terms of when microchips were brought up then as it is now, as well. This fear was tagged *Future Shock* by some author way back 1970 from a futurist's book of same title referring to *that uncertainty and stress because of too many things happening and changing in too short a period of time regarding technology that one no longer has a time to mince it, let it set in, wrap their minds around it, etcetera.*
You know that when our parents first started learning email, Facebook and all that and we see the frustration in their faces and we in turn gets frustrated when they cannot seem to grasp it? Future shock. And soon, I think, I will have it, too. Even though I work in one of the facets that feed the rapid change - IT.
The tech things that were brought up in the book I'm reading is probably no longer news to most of us but is still bringing in the Future Shock to most. The things it mentioned:
1.) Biochip RFID Technology
2.) Biochip the size of a Grain of Rice
3.) RFID implants
4.) New Biochips of living Proteins
That last part was that button that got me into my own world of stories and what ifs. That led me to, well, pause from reading the book farther. And yes as of now, my brain is still there.
It said that these new living proteins will live inside a biochip even smaller than rice grain and, get this, *if implanted in the brain, it will make it possible for anyone to upload any amount of information without a book*. Some Neo and matrix stuff! Cool, right?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_8NsPQBdV0
I mean I could use that these days.
My mind shot off from remembering Matrix and then noting to self that I need to watch that again. It also brought my mind to Locke and Key series! The *Head Key!* Throw in any book in there and boom you've learned everything about it. Imagine the vast conversations you will have with any people you meet. How exciting!
The dating scene can have a ton of benefit on that one. No boring and uninteresting conversations. Imagine!
Out of all the others mentioned this one excited me. I may be a little hesitant on the chips stuff. But this one, I really do not mind having my mind filled with stuff with just an upload.
I am not sure though, if the internet connection matters because I wonder how long "in a jiffy" is converted to our internet speed.
Allow me to go back to my daydreaming for now...
And oh just in.. that "knowing everything" part sounds about similar to the same bait the serpent used on Eve. .. or it could just be my playful, hyperactive brain.
*Tata again...*
*What is your story?*
© Pichi28 | `#ClubBrokeBCH`
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Unless specified otherwise... those taken from youtube are not from me. They ARE from Youtube posters.
Unbelievable : Love?
*With the intention of cleaning out whatever drafts I have, this one's on top. The prompt goes:*
(Prompt was from this link: https://writingexercises.co.uk/plotgenerator.php)
Except that, instead of doing what the prompt says, I get distracted by a similar story I recently watched. So I get a different story in my head. It is something that I found myself saying "Unbelievable.. is it really love?" So let's mesh it up a bit.
Or let me *mess* it up a bit.
**Alex**. Not his real name. A con artist. But he does not know he is a con artist. Is that possible? Maybe? So let us make him the dishonest character from the prompt. No, he is not in his seventies. Let us put him in his late thirties.
**Ruth**. Not her real name. Successful. Thriving with her business. Achiever of dreams. Was able to make a huge businessman and investor bet on her instead of her other partner in keeping a business he supported. But a little unsuccessful on the side of love. Rebellious? At some point, socially she can be tagged as one. What with not following school's mandate about no hair dyes, skirt lengths, gum-chewing, etcetera? Traditionally, she will be called a rebel of some sort. Then again that kind of thing gets easily overlooked once a person starts presenting herself "normal". Dresses normally for occasions, not-so-anti-social, not goth, etcetera. No, she is not in her sixties either. Let us put her near Alex's age. Thirties as well.
How do people get conned? The main weapon would always be: words.
How do people fall for another person? The main ingredient would be : words.
Yes, yes. Some may argue that they look for actions. Ok but words do come out first. But how does one get convinced over and over, right? Words.
Alex and Ruth met on social media. See there is not much of an action there except that the words that get exchanged need to be - attentive to details. Eventually, this *story about friendship* catches or tugs Ruth with the feeling that she is falling in love to which Alex reciprocated. Things were fun. Ruth was drawn to Alex because of his sweet assurances. Ruth loves a dog and Alex loves what Ruth loves. The dog loves Alex, too. Alex knows how make Ruth feel he is game with supporting her career.
Career. Alex never really gave Ruth any story about what he does for living. He is rather flashy. he has posts in social media of meeting up with some celebrities, he wears Rolex, he has a driver, he has a beamer, so from surface, he is quite rich. So what does he do for a living? Black ops. Special agent of some sort. To which Ruth did not dare ask for further explanation. Besides secrecy will protect both of them in that line of duty, right? Nothing suspicious there, right? Kind of exciting, actually. Imagine Tom Cruise. Mission Impossible.
Then he is this ideal guy who says, money is not super important over their love for each other. Red flag starts though was when he tests her that she is on the same page - money is not super important - by making her wire him some money. To me, a spectator of their story, that is one hint already. Well, aside from the fact that I am pre-briefed that the story was about getting conned. Maybe if I was not, maybe if it is just the usual story, then maybe I would even think that the "test" was a valid call. Gradually, things get more serious between them. And the guy was supportive of her dreams. She has a debt that he is willing to fish her out of and promised to give her the money to pay off the debt. Some side joke from her colleague led her to marry Alex so that the money he would be giving her will not get taxed.
Fast forward, the money never came. Alex just started to ask her for more money. When confronted, Alex would go on and on about money is not a big thing and that it should not be an issue between them, etcetera. It was crazy. What's crazier is that even though she sounded suspicious, she still buys everything he says. She follows every instruction . And believes that after whatever Alex was trying to finish, they will get a huge amount of dollars from it. There is also the part where Alex says if she does not give him money, he will be in some sort of danger.
Maybe for Ruth, that was part of an adventure, yeah? Finding the one who knows the right words to say when you need it. A little conflict on the side. A "mature" test of whether the relationship is more important over money - something she is game for as to why I am not sure. Some sort of financial security with some project that he needs to pull off clean and they are secured.
In fairness to Alex, he knows how to go about his con business. He had Ruth go some place under the threat that they are in danger, while he does a dirty work with her business. He was cleaning out the money from Ruth's business. All the while, Ruth was out somewhere in Europe "in hiding" but not quite. So her business suffers, her husband cleans her out. Her friends and colleagues are telling her what's happening and she just keeps mum about it.
And oh there was an inheritance at some point. It was a story Alex sold her ex-wife. Yes, he used to be married and same con thing happened.
I am not sure how their story ends but I am still wrapping my head around the story. Why not put your feet down hard already and call it quits?
Was it really love? - Believing every single story the other was saying? Turning a blind eye despite the red flags and the warnings and the news from what friends, family and colleagues gathered?
or was it really love? - for her self because she has waited a long time for this type of romantic relationship. She got assurances. Big words like : *destiny* and *fated to be together.* For herself because she cannot believe she picked the wrong choice?
Words. Powerful. That sometimes even actions get ignored.
Was it love?
*My mind keeps saying it is Thursday. And I wish to tell it it's right but only after some thirty minutes more. . .*
*By the time I hit the Publish button, it is already Thursday.*
***Brain spill.. Stay chill...don't get conned ! :)***
© Pichi28 | #ClubBrokeBCH
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How do you know?
Trusting people. Do you find it easy to trust people? Or do you not trust them for a long time but warm up to them after few hang outs? Maybe looking for some keywords that turns your trust switch on and your gut and your brain agrees, "Ah, this fella can be trusted."
I know my answer to the first question varies. I am not a very friendly person but I am accommodating to some degree. In my mind, anyone needs a friend some times even for just a moment.
Reason I ask is that I heard one person said, "You do be careful trusting these guys. There have been a lot of scams lately and you can see that in the facebook group posts. Trust them and give them the down payment, next thing you know, you will no longer be able to contact them."
I have been putting myself in the shoes of the one on the receiving end of that advise, warning or well-meaning precaution. And I have been playing scenarios in my head to which I always end up with the question,
How will I know?
Profilers might say certain "tells" but the "tells" are not entirely true for all persons. An honest salesperson would always say good stuff about their products as would a skilled person would sell themselves "knowledgeable" in doing something for a certain price and that you would not need to worry about anything at all. But a con artist would be doing the same.
Both honest and dishonest person will appeal to your interest, concern, desperation, need, curiosity and good side so they can ease their way into a conversation convincing you along the way that placing your bet on them, and they will make your money worth the product you are paying them for.
I have seen people express their mistrust through challenging the suspicious creature's claims and experiences. I imagine that works for some inquisitive individual. But not everyone is as inquisitive and courageous enough to fence up their trust and communicate the distrust in indirect words but really painting it,
"I don't trust you."
"You are not who you say you are."
And through that, they in turn build a cushion for them to bargain not giving in to the conditions of the suspicious person turning the table around the "appeal to interest, need, want, etcetera " to turn to the suspicious person because this time, the suspicious person selling skills or product is forced in a position to start proving themselves.
It must be some skill or something.
That makes me wonder even further. Why are there people who would take advantage of other people? Why can't we all just play nice and right and finish the buy and sell or service without celebrating that we have one-upped another person?
I find it tiring to always be suspicious of people's motive but then again we should be aware and alert, right?
But how does one know? Scams done on a personal transaction is far harder to screen compared to the current vishers and phishers. Red flags can be detected.
***How do you know?***
Hey everyone! Crossing Sunday! Hope you guys had awesome saturday!
© Pichi28 | #ClubBrokeBCH
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Hump Day Wrap up : Wait it Out
I should have been out of the house three hours ago. I have some place to be and need to meet some people early tomorrow morning before engaging in a regular nine o' clock meeting. So I plan to be there like tonight instead of waking up early tomorrow morning.
But some things need to be waited out a bit. For sanity's sake maybe. Or in my case, safety and to stay away from possibility of hassles.
My dad called my attention this afternoon regarding my possibly busted reverse lights. He already told me that months ago. But who gets a ticket for a reverse light that winked, right? He also told me that one of my brake lights is not lighting up. Now that is a concern.
I went on with my daily agenda. Bringing the bike out to do some errands since by traffic rule, I cannot drive my car today. Finally got my bike washed. I can do that stuff on my own but I wanted try. I was so happy to see it super squeaky clean. Got back home to go pack up and finish up some work. Had an awesome dinner.
And then dilly dallied a bit more. Watched a few Manifest episodes, brewed coffee because I said I want to have caffeine in my system before I drive. Then my brother called me up to tell me he did not like the way I parked my car.
I grabbed the opportunity to let him help me validate what my dad saw. Tail lights, check. Reverse light, thumbs down. Break lights, thumbs down. And the good thing about this dilly dally thing I did, I checked my park light and then my head lights. Park lights not good, head lights good.
Wear and tear.
My brother said it might be a good idea to leave in the morning instead. I did not like the idea. But then again what harm would waiting it out a bit do, right? Leave in the morning when there are lesser vehicles in the road and most likely no need for the lights and a mechanic and shop may be available. Good idea.
Delays sometimes lead to protection.
I already had my work laptop stowed in the car. So that means I gave myself a forced break. See? The plan plus the delay caused me to take a break.
Pause.
Wait it out a bit. Not everything has to be done right away because taking a pause, taking a break is also a must-do.
Now I am breathing.
I will probably get that nth cup of black joe. I will probably continue with the Manifest series.
And hopefully, my body clock cooperates with waking up earlier than usual to drive out for the Thursday agenda.
Made it this far? Salute to you!
What's your story?
© Pichi28 | #ClubBrokeBCH
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Tuesday Thoughts Thrown
My brain is hyperactive into imagining things, planning things, and maybe playing along with whatever is going on around the world. If I do not give it a chance to leak a bit, however too soon or too preposterous at the moment, I swear the grey matter will wrinkle themselves even more into a prune. What?
Since the pandemic I have had this slight excitement-fear every now and then easing its way in and out the crevices of my thoughts. Are we finally in the end days? Are we at the borderline of the tribulation days? Is it the end of the world?
It was a glitch.
It definitely seemed a glitch. All of a sudden everything is going haywire, right?
But I have made some research and read some stuff I am now convinced we are still far from that day. Yes, we will see far worse.
But maybe I will cut that thought for a while and then move on to something else. I will lodge that leak to some other article some other time, what do you say?
Meanwhile, let us frame our thoughts to just today (or yesterday).
I started my day really early. I remembered because after taking a break from work for a while around 6:30PM to play card games with my niece, after losing and she has to go home, I decided to go back to what I was working on. I answered few queries and then found myself lying on the bed. And then snoozing off to dreamland. That's when I remembered I went out earlier today to do some errands involving the government hoping to get it done in less than an hour and be back before I clock in for work.
***Paved Paradise to Put up a Parking Lot . .where?***
Government offices need to have some parking space. Somehow, if you live in a progressing city, space gets cramped up and there is no space for law-abiding, tax-paying citizens to park. The reason I drove out early is to chance on a spot. But no, when I got there, of course, all spaces were reserved for the judges. That means me finding some dude in the street willing to guard my car for short period of time, pay him 50 pesos( a dollar give or take) , make sure I will not get towed. I so pray the 50 pesos goes to his tummy and family budget and not drugs. Sorry. Brain flying in all directions.
***Too Early to be Pissed.. also Uncaffeinated***
I got there really early. Before the traffic build ups in the main streets, before people mill in. Government offices start at 8am I was there before the second hand hit 59th second on the clock before that. When I got there the particular office I was going in was still locked. Would have taken pictures but not sure if that is allowed.
Except for this one. I had to take her picture. She was that happy spark I needed at that time.
So, benefit of the doubt, maybe traffic? Maybe some thing at home? Maybe just a few more minutes? The office was not opened until 8:25-ish. Besides, I was there to just pick up the doc I submitted to them to process seven days prior . I was told to come pick them up today supposedly. Pick up should be less than 30 minutes, right? So there, I waited for my turn. There was just one other guy before my turn. I got serviced in less than thirty minutes, alright - to be told that my document is not yet ready.
In slow motion, I watched in my imagination as my 50 pesos wave goodbye at me, in faded and overlapping images, the toll fee and the gas fees were also doing the same thing.
Only then did they give me a contact number to ring up and message to check on the status of the paper *next time* before going to them. Oh yey! Brilliant idea that they should have done long time ago. Had it been that I was free the rest of the morning, I would have waited and wanted to see that person who missed out his one duty - to sign the papers so we can all have a smooth progressive, productive and un-wasted use of someone else's time.
My Sys-Anal and Dev self is already marking this one part of the system that they CAN migrate to be done online. A little upgrade to the system will be good. Putting them online, even better. But we seem to be very far from upgrading, maximizing or adapting that kind of system.
I let that pass. Because why not? At that point I can raise hell. But also I don't want hell. I wanted to go back home to get my much-needed coffee.
But I did leave a message to the number they gave.
This is that part that saddens me. Or maybe just makes me think a lot.
***Some rusty weak chain link***
I think, maybe, just maybe. We are far too ambitious to want for better governance but we are not quite ready or willing to accept that good governance comes with great responsibility not only to those in power but also down the line to mere citizens. No I'm not talking about mere *exposing what is wrong* but also *mere doing what is good and right* - your duty.
I mean that one guy who missed out signing my papers on time, he forgot maybe that his powerful signature speaks volume about himself , the organization he represents, etcetera. But the thing is, if I'd allow myself to be raging mad at that time, my blame with be on his boss , and then his boss's boss and then up to the mayor and if I do want to take it farther up the chain, and go even crazier (remember I am uncaffeinated, that can happen) I'd even blame the president for allowing to have that during his term.
When you think about it, the president no longer has anything to do with that. The mayor sure does not either. Maybe, by affinity and line of responsibility, his boss may take responsibility. It was that thought that lingers in my head now.
Maybe just maybe we look too much at the seat of those in power and blame them for every woes we can think of but we forgot that maybe just maybe...
*someone in the office forgot to take his service seriously and thought maybe it is just one paper, just one signature, just one citizen that he affects.*
... but it echoes. It ripples.
Thomas Reid said, "a chain is no stronger than its weakest link."
Andrew Eifler said, "a team is only as strong as its weakest player."
So maybe the problem is not the lead per se, but the player.
*The war happening is an entirely different subject. This is just mere thoughts of what happened to my Tuesday. I am yet to get to that part but maybe some other time.*
*What is your story?*
© Pichi28 | `#ClubBrokeBCH`
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Today on Reverse
Watching the ending credits of the movie, The Tomorrow War. Interesting movie this is. Let me put up an image of its title for a little visual. Here you go.
This movie stars Chris Pratt. Seeing him kind of made me want to see Groot show up or something.
Because he did star with Pratt in Guardians of the Galaxy, right? Part of me was also anticipating dinosaurs maybe. Because Pratt also starred in a Jurassic Park movie.
Before all this happened, I was fidgeting with an HBO code my friend gave me months ago. I have not tried using it because I do not understand how that should work. The thing is I was working with some sort of android box so "typing" things in with a remote control is kind of tiring. So that made me land on Prime Videos instead. It was already set up in this box so I only need to launch the app. No sign ins and sign ups needed.
Before that, I was facing work laptop making it do what it needs to do - my task. My shift ended a good two hours before that. I am just tinkering with some stuff I would want to get done but never gets done like we always do. I had to pull myself away from it and hence the Tomorrow War.
The word that caught my eye was "Tomorrow" because I started a series when I was in Japan but never got to finish it because I went back to Manila already. It was the "The Tomorrow People". I cannot seem to find that in any of where I was and am watching. So "tomorrow" caught my eye. And since there is an ongoing war, so why not that, right?
Before that, I went out for a short trip to the convenience store. I was staring out through my front door screen and I could see from afar the building rain clouds. Or so I thought it was. It could be just night time coming in strong, right? Nonetheless I entertained the thought that it might rain. The thought made me panic. Just a slight bit. And I was asking myself why do I need to panic? So it was panic that had me driving to a convenience store. When I got there, I cannot even remember what I was planning to buy. I am pretty much covered for breakfast. I did have a heavy celebratory snack which can be dinner already. Worst case scenario, if I get hungry or stressed in the middle of the night I have the instant cereals and oatmeal for a quick fix. So not to waste the trip, I grabbed a lemon juice, and I bought ice tubes as well. I do not have a fridge yet. And since I am not a cold water person I do not need much of cold water on standby. But I was thinking IF this rain is going to fall, I'd have all my windows shut and that would be a hot night and a soothing water on ice, iced coffee, iced brewed tea can be nice.
I also bought Off Lotion to keep the mosquitoes at bay. For some reason they like buzzing around. Not biting but just really flying around. Troops of 'em. I was telling them "No Fly Zone" but hey I haven't learned their language.
Before that, too, I was in deep conversation with my work laptop. We had a pretty much interesting things lined up. I am so happy it is Friday (just saw the clock and it says 12:07am) already. I am even happier that I am no longer tied to thinking about that task that I have been facing since last year. Finally done with it, on to the next stuff.
Before that, since I think I have done a pretty good job hanging on to that setup task I did even though I felt it should no longer be within my scope, I had to celebrate. We HAVE to celebrate , right? Small wins, to at least give ourselves a pat on the shoulder for showing up, not breaking down (too much), giving our best, and finishing it!
I just gotta sushi and fun shot my way through that celebration. What was lacking in my celebration was something to drink. I forgot to order some drinks to go with my bites.
Before that, I was contemplating about those untiring ants rallying in and out of my kitchen window not breaking the soldier's line. I planned on mixing up borax candy balls for them so they can take it with them to their queen, yeah? But I do not have my borax powder with me. It is with my brother. Hopefully he remembers where he stashed it because I am going to need it. But i bought some ant powder and the chalk for now. Let's see how long that takes effect for stopping the ant invasion.
Before that, I fixed myself up a healthy instant oatmeal for breakfast and emptied a sachet of Energen to go with it and my usual cup of joe.
Before that, I struggled with "five minutes more please?". Not with my alarm clock surprisingly. My body clock seems to know it has to be awake already and it was complying to my five-minute pleas. Until I remembered I have a morning meeting to which I needed to rush setting up for.
Before that five-minute pleas, I prayed a thankful prayer for a good night's rest. Safekeeping. And also prayed for a great and productive Thursday.
..and looking at today backwards, I'd say. Oh hey, today was awesome!
*How is everybody...? I am yet to write down my thoughts about this war, the pandemic, the upcoming elections and the end of the world. But you know what, though all that is unclear... One thing I know is clear:*
***God loves you and He is in control.***
What's your story?
©️ Pichi28
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Thank you so much sis @LykeLyca!! saw saw that :D...
Not So Deep Conversations with Myself
*Talking to myself here. This one's been brewing in my drafts and I know at some point I did say this is never going to get published. What was I thinking?*
Date written: *I have no idea.. a little edited or updated.*
Ok. So here is my attempt to be deep and serious on a Wednesday when my brain cells decided today is Saturday and it is their rest day. They did help me with my 9 to 6 but now they do not want to give me anything to write about except this "deep conversation topics". There is another one which Eylz2021 mentioned before and will do that soon, too. But for now, I would want to surprise even my self. https://conversationstartersworld.com/deep-conversation-topics/ https://conversationstartersworld.com/philosophical-questions/
I will try my very best.
The set of questions were categorized and I do not want to pick just one category. So I copied everything in an excel file and then will use google's random number generator (I assume it is Google's?) to pick one for me. https://www.google.com/search?q=random+number+generator&rlz=1C1CHBD_enPH878PH881&oq=random+nuimber&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i10i433j0i10i131i433j0i10l7.3482j0j7&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8
Here we go:
5. How have your strengths help you to succeed? How have your faults hindered you?
Abort. Abort mission! What strength? Who's successful? It's not my fault!
I am not sure my brain cells are up for such questions. All I know is both strengths and faults are essential to the person I am right now. Now success is subjective and depending on which category are you aiming for. Career? Relationships?
Overall, I am successful at the moment for showing up today and facing my every day responsibilities. Fault is that I may be facing it with a frown like I always do and then a smirk and then a smile after. The works.
Don't get me wrong I do start the day smiling. Can't end your AMEN prayers with a sad face, right. But also that's a conscious effort. I'm rambling... so do scroll down now.
13. What are the most important factors in maintaining a well functioning society? What does it mean for a society to function well?
There is no such thing as a well-functioning society. Only a society who do know they are all dysfunctional but finds a way to live alongside each other harmoniously. So that's *AWARENESS*. Most of the time we tend to compare and we forget that one's seemingly well functioning society did undergo some *ADJUSTMENTS* to accommodate and work thru differences. That involves a lot of ideals being sacrificed as well to weigh which ones will benefit the many.
Self-sacrifice and stripping off of "entitlement". That revolves and requires a conscious effort. And us individually we know we fail in being conscious with that so we fail every once in a while or a lot.
Theoretically, the single origin of "well-functioning" society evolves at a granular scale of group of people we call - family and then the community.
7. What is the most uplifting thing happening in the world right now? What is the most tragic thing?
For both questions, I think the pandemic is the central answer. I've seen people who were willing to help out and prayers were spilled and declaration of God's greatness have been all over as well. It was that kind of shaking that wakes us up and arrests our trust.
**(*****Numbering jeopardized somehow*****)** What is a miracle that happens every day?
This is a good question. I sometimes get a little too swallowed up with my daily woes that I forget that every single second is a miracle and a result of God's grace.
Among other things I have the following on top of my head:
Child birth.
Another soul turning to Christ (miracle of a changed life) or believing in God. That is a supernatural thing.
Me. Alive. Breathing and well every morning I wake up.
You. Same argument. Alive, breathing, reading, having a job, sustaining a family and commitments.
1. Where’s your life headed?
No freakin' thinking where. Heading straight that is for sure.
7. Who are you really? Who is behind the mask that you show to the rest of the world?
Depends on who's asking and what you will use the information for. Haha.
4. What makes people believe absurd conspiracy theories?
Doubts. Fear. Trust issues. Reading one thing and seeing another. Concealed information. Misunderstanding.
12. If pressing a button meant you received 5 million dollars but it also killed 5 people somewhere in the world, would you press it? What if it killed only 1 person or killed 20 people? What if the people were people you knew?
I don't think I would be happy having that 5 million but killing lives, yeah?
A really hot afternoon to everyone!. Cleaning up some stuff in the drafts part and sneaking an edit..
*What is your story?*
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Thank you uncle @Tengolotodo! I saw saw saw that!!!
Thank you uncle @Tengolotodo! I saw saw saw that!!!
Oh Hurray, for Today!
*That Friday that Felt Like Monday ... or so I thought.*
***Ever had that day you thought your day was going to go wrong and yet you come out of it unscathed, happy, rested and totally the opposite of wrong?***
I have tons of these scenarios to look back to and today will be one of those days, too.
Time and time again, over and over I am amused at how quick my humanity falls short in thinking *everyday is a new adventure.* Because it is. When I have come to wrap my mind around that verse picked out from the very lonely and heart-ripping part of the good book where it still recognizes that God's mercies are *new every morning,* I realized it is something to look forward to even though "yesterday" was a wacky, weird day. *Lord, what am I going to learn today? What am I going to learn about You, today? How can I share what I know so far about You to someone else?*
`' They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. “The L ord is my portion,” says my soul, “Therefore I have hope in Him.” ' Lamentations 3:23-24 https://my.bible.com/bible/100/LAM.3.23-24`
I woke up feeling like today was a Monday. Meaning I would not want to log in and work. Guilty. Raw. Honest. Yes I do get that mood also (yes another amusement for me). I was contemplating last night what have become of me. It felt like work-wise I've drifted off. Felt. There we go again another beauty of my humanity - being overpowered by "feelings".
`'So above all, guard the affections of your heart, for they affect all that you are. Pay attention to the welfare of your innermost being, for from there flows the wellspring of life.' Proverbs 4:23 https://my.bible.com/bible/1849/PRO.4.23`
I opened my peepers and whispered a thankful prayer for a good sleep and a new day - yes there is that switch that got tripped and seconds later because I found myself whimpering, "*I don't want to log in.. . I am dead tired already."* When I shared that to @Bloghound and @Eylz2021 it was with a lot of "haha" but deep inside I did feel the dread.
Of course, like most I want everything to be green. By green, I mean all systems are up and working fine. Deadlines and plans are covered. Gears and resources are working towards the proper direction, etcetera. But I am also not blind or ignorant of the fact that some ways going there can not *feel* green most days. Hardships are needed. Tough calls are to be done and yes a lot of *waiting* and realizing that *not everything is in my control.*
`'My fellow believers, when it seems as though you are facing nothing but difficulties, see it as an invaluable opportunity to experience the greatest joy that you can! For you know that when your faith is tested it stirs up in you the power of endurance. And then as your endurance grows even stronger, it will release perfection into every part of your being until there is nothing missing and nothing lacking.' James (Jacob) 1:2-4 https://my.bible.com/bible/1849/JAS.1.2-4`
It is not exactly my fault. No one is blaming me. No one is saying that I am not doing my part because I was and am perfectly doing it (*for the last n months)*. It is just that some works require another set of team and expertise that do not fall under my, well, jurisdiction. I am bound to wait. And although that may sound calm and less tiring supposedly, it is, in reality, *equally* tiring.
It is a constant battle of wanting to want things done as soon as possible because there is still a whole nine yards to the goal and reminding myself that everything is going at its proper pace at the moment. Rushing things don't come out quite well most of the time. We all know that.
`'He has made everything appropriate in its time. He has also put eternity in their hearts, but man cannot discover the work God has done from beginning to end. ' Ecclesiastes 3:11 https://my.bible.com/bible/72/ECC.3.11`
As the day progressed on, a rushed breakfast and bringing coffee to my work desk (*trivia: coffee is the only food allowed on my desk.. I am not happy with the possibility of ants trooping in because of the smell of food.. coffee is an exception..*) and hey everything is way calm than I expected. It is actually a breather. It is clients' and counterpart's holi-yay!
So this is one part that I do not have a control of but loving it. I may still have other deliverables and that too is not on a green zone in my standards, still, a load off my shoulders. A breather. And a day to clear out my thoughts and calm my crazy heart, yeah?
`'The Lord will fight for you; you must be quiet.” ' Exodus 14:14 https://my.bible.com/bible/72/EXO.14.14`
Why in the world am I destroying my peace long before day starts, yeah? Besides, Who's on my side?
https://youtu.be/TVsRM55_jsE
It may sound *normal* and far too common, to the point that we may be blinded by the world's way of handling things. But the battles we face everyday have a spiritual and supernatural aspect to it. Getting reminded and putting it side by side God's promises helps a lot in encouraging your soul and place you in a position of *relying on God* far more than relying on our limited strength.
42nd day of 2022!
Hope check, people. Where do you put your hope?
`'Why am I so depressed? Why this turmoil within me? Put your hope in God, for I will still praise Him, my Savior and my God. ' Psalms 43:5 https://my.bible.com/bible/72/PSA.43.5`
*What is your story?*
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One Picture : a Full Reel of Memory
*Ever had that experience? Seeing one picture in your gallery and then a whole reel of the adventure attached to that picture starts replaying in your head?*
5...
4...
3...
2...
1...
Snap!
*It starts with the scenario from the picture. You feel the cold wind slap your face, no wait, it was the long hair of your friend slapping your face as the 4x4s cruise the leveled part of the dune. You start to hear the laughter and then it fades back to when it all started.*
It was the first time we planned to have a road trip. Hauling fifteen or seventeen people ranging from age three to thirty's and stashing them inside one van may be easy for one household or relatives or family. But not for us, though we are basically family. It was a summer getaway that took us I think two years to plan. Our schedules just do not match. This was a trip with friends from church.
When we finally found the perfect time we were all out and bound where else? North, of course.
I am normally a sleeper during travels. If I am not driving, I am sleeping. I mastered the art of dodging conversations but listening to every single thing exchanged. We rented a van and the conversations are hard to ignore or dodge. Specially when you have kids to entertain. My weak spot. Witty kids. I remember playing "I spy with my little eye" requiring you to be quick and looking outside. Renting a van made it easier to do stop overs and detours. Dinners or meal times were not hurried either.
I remember we had a stop over at a huge gas station where travellers normally do have stopovers. This was pre-covid days so it is easier and no danger dining in a crowded fast food where all kids will most likely enjoy the food - Jollibee.
Next stop was exploring Vigan where we had the chance to ride their horse-drawn carriages to go around the city. We were laughing because we got stuck in Vigan traffic somehow. It must be one of those days when a lot of tourists are there too.
Long ride took us to Bangui windmills. Coffee break in one of the shops there but we did not stay long. Next stop was the Burgos' lighthouse known as Cape Bojeador. Picture-taking and a side break of ice cream with the kids.
We were really aiming for Pagudpud's Hannah Resort or something but also making a point to stop over the good places on the way there. Did we make it to Hannah's? Yep. We arrived just before they closed so we never really got to hang out there. We circled back to find some other beach to stretch our legs and jave a break from our crazy long hours on the road. We ended up in some open spot and no charge - a better deal if you ask me. We had the beach to ourselves with a good view of the windmills lining up the shore across where we were.
The sand dune drive happened the next day. That and sand surfing. The reel flashes back to the heart-pumping adrenaline-filled ride. There were excited giggles escalating to laughters and then exploding to roars of screams. It was a blessing that there was a short drizzle before we arrived. The sun was not too harsh and the sand was not too loose. Else we would be choking on the sand splashing on our faces.
White knuckles, teary-eyes, smiles on our faces and bruised and a little pain in the neck. It was one hell of a fun ride we will definitely be doing again should we have another chance.
The sand surf was also fun. We thought it was totally easy. Took us some time and it was fun and not painful to fall on your butt or roll down instead of going down on the board.
Overall it was a real, real fun memory. My mind has been going over and over the screams, the laughters after the screams or that scream we gave out because we thought we were going down a steep slope.
I also remember one friend deciding to just keep screaming until we reach the beach. He was making it hard for us. He was making us feel like laughing and then screaming at the same time. There was also that one moment when one screams and everyone starts screaming when nothing is really happening. It was crazy.
Then the reel of memory stops in the same image as I started. Leaving my heart happy and thankful to God for days and opportunities of travel and adventure He granted to us.
It is still by far our top adventure travel. The next trips we had were staycations either via airbnb or some of their contacts. Still fun but this ultimate summer trip to the north was by far the number one with them.
*Nothing much for a Saturday chill. Same old same old for the last 4 weeks and hoping to break it soon when I finally get home.*
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Grandma-Approved
This prolonged vacation or visit to my grandmother's place is quite a discovery and a connection-making event. We stayed longer to dodge the Metro Manila's after-holidays infection surge. It is quite timely. I was a little agitated and pressed with a task that cannot seem to be finished (always keep hitting a wall) so the first extension was we will be staying until I get that done. That way, I would not be thinking about it on the drive back to Manila. That means we can take our time and maybe swing by some places we can chill and see. The next move was the thought that I never really had a break coming to the province. My only getaway was the weekends. And that one weekend we visited a place that had lots of tourists two weeks back with lots if activities, it was deserted.
It was a funny flip of event. Two weeks back my brother posted pictures of crazy adventure but when I got there, it was like it was not the same place. I am secretly a crowd-rejecting person so that is actually fine. Just surreal. Establishments had to adjust again because the region also got their restriction level raised up again at that time. Upside, we were able to "dine-in".
Anyway, realizing that even a week-long away from work is not possible, the next and so far, the final move would be that weekend after my grandmother's checkup.
In this prolonged stay, my grandma and I found a funky bonding -Netflix. We used to watch one channel's set of evening series. One time, after those we turned to Netflix. My grandmother would frown at the TV series we were watching. She is not so much into a lot of dramas. She prefers James Bond, Jackie Chan, etcetera.
It was surprising that there is one series that I just started to play for the sake of having something play in the background while we are busy with some things. And this particular series got from her a, as *Siskel and Ebert* would say it,
***"Two very enthusiastic thumbs up!"***
The title of the series is Niña Niño. Yes, a local series and yes with bits and pieces of life's drama but with lots of comedy, too. She once said she liked it and started to ask for it and then staying up late for if even. Late like until 1 am once. And also wanting to go home ASAP when we went out for dinner in a nearby resort we used to frequent in with the rest of the pack.
She goes, "Eat quick so we can watch Niña Niño."
She is very happy with the series. I am not sure if she liked it because there was a grandma in the story, too or because each episode was light but meaty on values.
Sadly, the series in Netflix ends with 60+ episodes only. Checking on google it is aired (or was) aired in TV 5 and already had 100+ episodes. Since I cannot seem to find TV 5, she just ended up doing reruns and still liking it.
My grandma is not hearing well but she can read well still. She hates using her hearing aid so she relies on the captions and she still can read fast.
It has become her after-dinner routine to watch the series starring Maja Salvador with Empoy and Noel Comia Jr. It is one good series.
Two thumbs up and grandma-approved!
*Gosh day what is it of the year 2022? I am slacking off with what I intended to reach for Read. But we are still fighting. I just really had weird days of being too damn tired to tap a story. No recap of January earnings as I find it already late. I already renamed the wallet for Feb Noise and Feb Read and I want to say full steam ahead but I'd say, goodnight instead!*
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Sunday Slowdown
Sun is missing on this side of the earth. No, I am not saying it is lonely or sad. It is not just a sunny Sunday. Everything is grey out, yeah. But I will try to will myself to "shoot around" before burying myself with my homework. Thinking about the homework makes me wish there is another Saturday and Sunday tomorrow. Do not get me wrong. I am cool with Monday. Nah. Half-half.
Umbrella day it is. Rain poured with so much gusto around 1 in the morning. it started with a pitter patter and then relentless drumming building up on crescendo as I went and folded in on the battle against sleepiness. While the cold breeze that went with it is welcome, I am not a fan for the wet pavement. I hate after rain walks where you end up with splatters of street dirt behind your legs or your pants. Although wet pavements mean good reflection pools and puddles that I can use for good street pics.
Not moving from where I am sitting, of course, will not make that happen. Haha. I am so happy my brain is super active in the day dreaming area I can go places without spending a penny.
Daydreams do come from some other experiences -direct and indirect -so I need to put in or add more to that experience bucket. And unless I move from where I am, I will not discover other possibilities. I battle with my homebody self and my hunger for discovery and capturing things that I may only see for right that very moment. So sometimes it takes a whole day convincing myself I need to go out. And I always end up not regretting the choice - wether going out or not.
As I start typing this part, it starts to drizzle again. So I am taking that as "no going out". Unless, that glimmer of sunlight will start to push through the grey clouds. This drizzle and after rain can make me interested with shooting raindrops. Like this picture below I took some long time ago.
Yes, that is one bright idea. I might just walk around the yard and see what my grandmother's or my aunt's garden can show and surprise me with. They had a jolly trimming time clearing out debris and trunks I might just got lucky to put Groot on one of the stumps.
Switching to Netflix while planning the rest of my afternoon. I just happened to play this new series. I thought it was a movie but three episodes down now so the story keeps getting interesting. Spy stuff. So yes no going out. I got myself stuck now. This title is new on my queue. I did not see it last night after the anime I was watching ( i was using it for ear training). This one is titled *In From the Cold.*
Letting myself get drowned into the stories I get to watch makes me appreciate filmmaking and screenplay writing. I am amused at how all these gets incorporated into one work of art.
Old folks I got to talk to say photography is basic in film as well. That got my eyes searching for rule of thirds in each clips in the film. They plan this too, right? How much of the frame a character's face will fill in? At what angle their portraits will not look flat? How close should the camera zoom in to show the brow and the eye expressions? Amazing.
Well, I am amusing myself with that thought while trying to absorb the story. Multi tasking on a sunday slowdown because why not? It is, after all, in English. Not korean, not Japanese. I do not need to read the subtitles to get the story.
Down to the last word and I am running out of thoughts.
How are you spending your Sunday afternoon?
I ran out of words... And the series is getting heated. So excuse me...
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Thank you @foryoubtc09!!! My heart is fulll! :) My smile is wide!
Appreciating Diversions
The moon had me thinking last night. Well, not only the moon. But also the sun. Somehow they teamed up to put me in a position where I get my perspective a little straightened up.
Have you ever realized a sudden change in your plans that turned out to be a good diversion?
I just put writing on hold for a few days and just like that -*snap snap -* we are past middle of January in the year of Jumanji, err, version three? Anyhoo. I am or trying to talk about change of plans. Right. Well, for one, I know this pandemic is one huge plan diversion for everyone and it is not, by far, the one we would entirely call "good" break. Nonetheless, it is here. We either look for the golden good under all the rubble that keeps piling up or we pout throughout the rain of rubble.
But if we get to look at our current situations we can say it is ***not all that bad***. We still do have things to be grateful for and things we can laugh about. All in all in all, we are in the works to finishing the big picture. Yet on our way there, we appreciate the small works of art (or heart) life comes along with.
All in a Day's Work
I have come to accept that at some point work will swallow me whole again like it did before the holidays. Though I still am looking for that wonderful one long break and it seems it would not be coming anytime soon, I have thought myself equipped for the battle ahead. Besides, the change in venue is a huge help. It cut my worries from the pandemic into half. Yes. Measured.
Equipped and all, the lack of access to GRAB food is a good and bad thing. I have less expenses on food but I now have a lot of craving that will not be satisfied yet until I go home. That said, I am settling for satisfying the hunger for burger with Frank's.
The Plan
It is amusingly annoying that I find myself too engrossed with work sometimes, I only get off during meal times.
Rewarding my hard work yesterday, I decided to go for a quick grab and go.
The Diversion
For a moment I forgot I was in a different place. The quick movements of going out, walking determinedly to get to the burger station because I am famished, suddenly took on a slow motion, and a heart-warming music played in my head.
I stopped. Stared at the sky and then the battle between my hunger and my love for sunset began. I know when I try to chase that, I will not see anything anymore as it was getting dark real quick. The part of the brain that reminded me I was hungry was getting overpowered by that part of the brain that says, "Go see what is out there". Because I also know that no matter how many times you have passed by a place and thought you have seen everything there is to see in it, there are instances that you will be surprised.
So I walked. And the clouds did not frustrate me. The sun's afterglow did not disappoint. I was happy I took that chance.
It got darker and darker. The stars showed up some. And then I started to go back. Satisfied, I was finally now ready to go get that burger. I retraced my step back to the dark alley. Once in awhile looking up and loving the silhouette of the trees against the dark violet sky slowly teeming with stars.
I whispered a thank you to God for letting me see the beauty of nature once again and using it to divert my attention.
But Wait, There's More!
Already toying with the idea of reviewing my shots when I get back. Also beating myself up for not bringing the camera with me but then again I also was comforting myself with the fact that my initial agenda was just to buy the burger.
When I reached the end of the path where it meets the main road, I stopped dead in my tracks finding myself again fighting with my thoughts.
*The sunset show and the beautiful cloud show pulled me out of my thoughts for a while, diverted my thoughts , turned me about, got me liking what I was seeing in the dark and through the lens of my phone.*
*...so that when I get back to grabbing what I initially wanted to get I am faced...*
*Just at the right time.*
*Just at the right spot.*
*To see another beautiful thing.*
The moon was just rising making its presence known as it lights up the dark sky like a fireball. My phone cannot capture its beauty. I was left to stare at it. And simply be amazed. For a moment I had a thought to race back to the house and grab my camera or maybe view it from the balcony. But I know doing so, will make me miss every second of its current beauty. Worse, it might be too low to be seen properly from the balcony.
*Embrace the beauty that the current diversions and distractions we have. We may not be able to comprehend and capture everything in,* but right here, right now where you are at is that perfect spot to see the beauty in the chaos at the moment.
Stash them into your life backpack! You'll need beauties from delays every once in a while.
I got lured by the setting sun to place me at the right time and right spot..
Day 19! That was a quick, what? More than ten days? Shocks.
*How have you been?*
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Thank you and have a great week ahead @Bjorn
@Erdov
@foryoubtc09
:D
Life Meter
Life is beautiful!
It is true, right? Do you agree?
But despite that truth we also cannot deny that life is also full of strife and hardships all in different magnitude and levels depending on one's life, standpoint and experiences. At which point we sometimes also say life is tough, hard, cruel. I wonder if overall, in the end, we would say life is beautiful with all the scars and lashes it brought us.
Part of this beautiful life is that part where we "grow old". Ageing. Going grey and wrinkling.
Eventually, we will not be as physically strong as we used to be. I remember feeling the signs one time when I was not able to finish a trek during a tree-planting drive. I was partly embarrassed and hugely amused. Embarrassed because I was so set to finishing it. And everyone also did not expect me, being known to be sporty and physically active, to raise the white flag few more meters away from the area where we would be planting. Hugely amused because it is my reality. No matter how much my mind was set to finish strong and complete my body refuses to move.
I have quietly been observing my grandmother. I was watching a movie in Netflix one time and she was seated in the dining area and me on the chair right in front of the telly. Then I heard a loud whack on the table and I turned around to see my grandmother holding the fly swatter and turning ninja in gingerly smacking fat flies.
And I observed that she is still strong for a 92 year old. She gets tired easily though. Her hearing have faded. And all other signs of being old is there. Yet she is strong and well. Praise God.
When my cousins were still here in the province with us for the holidays, there were morning greetings with lola where she would do a little dance.
And she would also laugh at me when I show even a hint of trying to offer her my hand to walk around the house.
It is not easy getting old, though. You do become dependent on people who would take care of you. Fact. That said, I'm curious...
*Until how old would you want to live?*
Lols. That sounded rather blunt and out of nowhere. But it is one of the questions that I have a varying answers to lately.
My cousin would tell our grandma, "cheers to 100 more years, lola". To which my cousin will get a smack on the forehead or a pinch on the side. My lola would reply, "that will make things hard for me." And she laughs with us about it.
I have a close friend who said she'd like not to reach 50. To me that was a horrible thing to say. But she has her reasons.
We cannot put a hard stop or dead (oh a pun!) line on our life span we can only do our best to make the most of it until we are called back home.
I remember playing badminton one time and watching one game set of seniors on the court beside us. They were still really swift and quick on their feet! Playing against them one time and they did play well! What they cannot make up for speed, they make up for smart placing- with us the young ones ending up with aching back sides. Oh, but their smashes were still hard to hit back and return, too. We were like, *oh when we get to their age we have to be as good if not better.*
When we were walking around Paris we saw three ladies of age and we watched them slowly go up the stairs. We looked at each other (the three of us) and thought, would we still be able to travel like them when we get to their age?
However long, though, I pray I would not stop to thank God for the beauty of life - the good, the bad and the ugly - all packaged and ribboned in one huge box as a gift I am yet to enjoy every nook and cranny of.
Cheers to discovering more of our life stories as days go by, as seasons fold in and out and as years turn in. Praying we draw strength each time from God.
Day 13 lols. It is honestly hard to consistently be posting when the weather has been making the bed and under the covers the best place to spend the rest of the night in. That said... Night night!
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In Its Time
How old were you when you "realized" what you "really" want to do?
I was watching a variety show awhile ago. The hosts were interviewing one contestant. Most shows already have the few necessary life stories of each contestants even before their taping so the hosts have a few cards of facts that they would use to open a conversation with the contestant and build up a drama or humor. Eventually this helps the audience relate or get engaged.
One back story or background of the contestant was that she took up nursing because it was what was suggested to her by her mom who is also a nurse. When asked if she liked the course and how did she fair with her studies, her answer was either *fair enough* or *just ok* or *just righ*t.
Of course, included in such questions would be, "***What would you have taken had you been the one who chose your course?***"
The contestant answered honestly with, *I am not sure*. To me that is a fair and acceptable answer and I understand if for some it is amusingly scary to be in a position of not knowing what you want in life.
Curious, the hosts asked how old she is. And she answered 21 or something to which the hosts sounding concerned said at that age she should already know what she wanted in life. I got to think about that statement. I mused about it. And then laughed to myself and whispered, *not really*.
The conversation led to exploration of interests and for each possible path, the contestant was consistent with answering "just right", "that's ok", "maybe".
The contestant reminded of my blockmate way back in college. The guy was so good in learning anything and everything that it bored him eventually. His brain absorbs a lot of information, can process them and retains it. He is our saviour guy when one professor would surprise us with a recitation with a rule that if NO ONE gets to answer his question, we will all have a quiz. He is that guy who can answer even if he just came to class with a hangover and coming from all night partying . I think after engineering, he took another bachelor degree and jumped to another and then to another.
Life is an endless journey of discoveries - discovering ourselves included. Pinning on just one specially if you excel in mostly everything that comes your way anyway, will be a hard decision.
The next question, I guess would be *are you doing what you planned and thought to be doing when you were uhm... 18? 21?*
Everyone is in a process and we don't follow the same product specs. What I know is that in God's hands our dreams and plans are secured and eventually (and it is already) beautiful.
Journey on!
Day 10! Yeah missed one day. Will make up for that or need to plan still doing seven a week with Sunday being the break day.
What is your story?
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Mood Swingin' on a Saturday
**It is Saturday night and I feel like I woke up at the wrong side of bed but I oddly did not.**
I was in a good mood when I woke up super early for the early drive out to a place called Nueva Era. I was in a good mood when I woke up after my afternoon nap.
But I feel my grumpy self slowly waking up from its slumber and I am amused and at the same time unamused and annoyed. Spell confusing. I am eighty per cent amused though. Twenty percent is a whole wanton of other emotions I do not dare name as doing so would most likely make me lean on putting hundred percent "annoyed".
Was it the inactivity that made me feel this way? I did not walk around as I felt tired still even after my afternoon nap. No worries. I am checking myself for any signs of cough, cold and fever also. That three culprit that paralyzes the movement of most people I know back in Manila. What I have is just that feeling of feeling sleepy but not yet sleepy.
Retracing the whole day, I drove, I took pictures, I ate, I played (and lost a lot both on Splinterlands and Mobile Legends), checked twitter for airdrops, tried to check on my smarBCH portfolio, tried NFT stuff but my eyes were closing on their own so I took a nap, I woke up and made a few noise, I ate my mom's turnips dipped in their local vinegar (thank you, mom!), had dinner and now having coffee. I almost did not want to write but figured why should *that be affected considering I'd only be just tapping my thoughts away (so here I am!).*
The drive a while ago was crazy. I almost wanted to tell my dad to sub for me. I was not ready for the zigzag. So the first thing I had in mind when we got to our destination was to look for a sundry shop and buy mint, coke and anything to stuff my face with and disturb my other senses so I would not feel that feeling of wanting to barf.
There were good spots that I would want to stop and take some pictures of but we have a time to beat so I drove on. The only time I got to take pictures was when we were already at our destination. I dropped my passengers off so they could sit and wait for who they would be meeting with. Parked the car. Composed myself and had a silent heart to heart talk with my tummy.
Getting off the vehicle, my ears perked up at the sound of falling waters. Splashing. Gurgling. The susseration was successful in taking my mind off my current ordeal - making sure the breakfast I ate stays inside the tum tum.
There were three fountains in the area and the sound of the water does have that calming and refreshing effect. The loudest splash came from the white fountain and it is the one most visible from the main road.
I walked to the nearest store asked if they have coke. They did. Asked if they have mint they did not have any. The mint is for the drive back in case I feel the same. No mint decided to buy vanilla-filled cookies instead. That eased my crazy tummy and the feeling of dizziness.
Oh look at that! Looking back at the delightful and good things that I saw a while ago lifted the mood.
Day 8 ! How was your Saturday? News from the Metro makes me think twice about going back to Manila. Making me feel uneasy about scheduling comfort for work and balancing leisure and vacation. I just need to sleep this off and I bet I will be in a better mood to accept sudden changes in our schedule.
That said, I am not yet hitting the sack.. I will be doing what is one of my past time when traveling - hand washing clothes. Hehe. Travel light and wash your clothes instead of bringing in a bulky bag.
*How are ya?*
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First Friday Night for 2022
How did you spend your Friday Night ?
*Finally, it is Friday! She anticipated that she would be very busy the whole week so she set Friday night as a hard time out the moment the clock strikes 6pm. Meaning she will turn her back on the laptop and run away from it as fast as she could (something close to that). Included in her anticipation, she reserved a table in one of the rib bar she was eyeing since she arrived in the place. She was looking forward to a fine chill night of viewing the city lights, feeling the cold breeze of January, wine flute in hand filled with the choice wine of the place, the baby back ribs glazed with its sauce and the low cozy lamp lights giving a warm soft glow.*
*"Ah, this is the life!" She imagines herself saying this as she sips the wine...*
And that is how I partially picture how my Friday night should be. But ofcourse, the real life scenario is...
Right after shift, I sat myself down for dinner with family, a good dinner of roasted chicken, a slab I took out from that cozy restaurant I was aiming to try and the local Poqui poqui (eggplant, egg, onions and tomatoes) . Oh, plus rice of course. Half glass of coca cola too. Why half glass? Because I am not as much of an addict as I was some two to three years ago. At some point there is taste fatigue. Ah, forget it.
But before that "after shift", I decided to go out for a short walk towards Smoke - that rib shop I was eyeing to visit one time. I checked their menu before going up and was hoping their baby back ribs is available. Unfortunately, they do not have the back ribs but they do have the slab.
I have no idea what that is, really. I just want to try it anyway. As much as I want to try dine in, I am not yet comfortable with the thought of it even though they have their windows open. They are not entirely al fresco anyway. They do not have a table on their balcony area either.
There was only one group eating on the corner of the restau. That corner is where you can see the full front of Paoay Church.
I did not anticipate the waiting time. To ebb boredom, I asked if I can "look around" while I wait for my order. They asked for my vaccination card, took my temperature, had me log in to their log book.
I walked over to one of their decks over looking the church grounds but did not go near where the other group was eating.
The place did not look as lively as it did few days back. The event on the church grounds is already over so that may be the reason for lesser people at the time. I have no reference of how they were before the pandemic but it sure was obvious that they only had a portion of their place receiving guests. One part cozy, other parts dark and a lot of wild things running in my head staring off through that area.
I imagine once the pandemic is over and we are all 'back to how we used to be only this time we have masks on most of the time and a ready alcohol in our pockets", the place is nice for a live acoustic or jazz nights.
It got dark pretty quick. Sunset today wasn't as pink as yesterday. I got a little scared it might rain but it just got really dark.
I went back home with the goodies. I do not have shots of them. So maybe the next time I try it if I get another chance to. I left it on the table for dinner and went back to my work for few more touch ups. And bade my colleagues happy weekend.
No wine.
With a slab.
My back on my work laptop (takes so much effort not to check if there are no urgent emails).
Telenovela on the TV.
Talking with my grandma, my tita and my mom.
Coffee.
That is how I spent my first Friday night of 2022.
How would you spend your Friday night after this pandemic?
Day 7 and still writing! I am amused with myself. The little change in environment did help in making me feel lighter and less stressed. It may seem that I am on vacation since I am still in the province, I am still doing the nine to six work. I am just maximizing the work from anywhere setup. And also doing a little walking and sight seeing - something I seldom do back home.
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@zolabundance2 eeeyyy saw that sis!! Thank you so so much!!!!
Typical Thursday
Tiring Thursday. Not physically, or maybe it is. I feel a little sleepy already which is weird because it is still early. I woke up in time to attend my morning meeting. I made my colleagues laugh at the sound of my obviously "I literally just woke up and logged in" voice. Saying, "Good morning" to them was the first croak of my voice box for the day.
Tranquil Thursday. I had the whole house to myself some part of the afternoon. The oldies had to run some errand and they took grandma for a joyride with them. I enjoyed the silence. I turned off the tv and the only sound left for me was me tapping away on my keyboard, the steady whir of the electric fan and the occasional "My World is the Sky" from Mobile Legends' Pharsa.
Thankful Thursday. It is that start of the no shutting down day. It was bound to happen anyway. We have a deadline like we always have and I would need to be facing all the files I left open again tomorrow and I need to be able to pick up where I left off quickly. Else, I will loose my momentum.
I got to walk around and take a breather. Nope I did not get to visit the rib place yet. Saving it for when I get a little more stressed and in need of a rib fix. Haha.
Since the pandemic, I have been wanting to get a chance to re-visit this shop. This is Herencia Cafe. That shop that serves Pinakbet Pizza. Maybe I will get a chance tomorrow if I get to take an afternoon walk again. I only got to try this once or twice way, way back.
The rib place and the other shop selling the cold brew is very near this shop. I did try to buy the cold brew. I went to the store selling them, decided I will try the latte, mocha and the other one I forgot the flavor. I sanitized my hands before going in and asked if they are available. Unfortunately, not even one is available.
I walked around some more. But did not go too far. Visited Frank's finally. Oh, "Frank's" here is this one.
@bbyblacksheep mentioned a Frank's in Shangri-la in Manila but Frank's here is this stall selling burgers. Similar to Burger Machine. I had a choice of eating cheesy footlong or the cheese burgers. I chose the buy one take one cheesy burgers. Not bad for two burgers for less than a dollar.
I took the burgers home as I needed to go back to what I was working on.
I still did not walk too far to reach the spot I wanted to go to. Everytime I look at the map and the road forward, I get tired haha. Besides that, there were stray dogs.
I had the thought of waiting for sun set on this spot but then again I am too impatient to wait and just look at the greens. Besides, it ain't much of a view.
The clouds were awesome though. I watched the sky turn pink to fiery orange and then go dark as the sun set. I no longer took shots then and took time to just watch.
While that filled me with wonderful awe, current events also gave a different awe. News is crazy.
And yet we need to sift through how all these is unfolding. We are getting challenged to see through tough times and TRUST in God.
Kee safe people.
https://youtu.be/XQan9L3yXjc
Day 6. Still doing a daily post. Yay! They said 21 days to make a habit. Let's see if that works for me and read. Taking the laid back easy route for now. Typing anything.
Building up that momentum to start with the usual fiction and other things soon. Maybe I will get to write that or not. Who knows?
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Skip Day
Nope. Not skipping rope day. I decided to not walk around today. Hah! And it wasn't even 24 hours ago that I decided walking around the plaza will be good for me. I decided to take a pass on the activity because it was a gloomy day. Sloppy excuse I know. Intervals are good anyway. We take one day walking another day sitting it out.
Besides, I forgot to set out a route for my afternoon walk. So I would most likely be walking the same path I did yesterday. I still have my coffee supply and parents bought the meds we would need on standby just in case. I have no other excuse to really go out. I was thinking of buying from Frank's. But then again I did not get too hungry because I also bought bread yesterday. All needs covered. Homebody stays. Lols.
I am curious with that rib bar on the second floor of this establishment and I would like to really try it. One day I would be going up there to ask if they do take outs. Much as I want to dine in, and this part of the country seems "safe", I'd dare not risk just yet.
Some people pick spots from up there while watching the light show in front of the St. Augustine church. There is also a cold brew from one of the stores on the ground floor that I marked as "to try".
When I was there, a lot of people were inside, the light show was about to start and there are more people coming in so the quick decision was to put that mission on hold and quickly move to another spot.
I aim to walk tomorrow to this spot where I took this photo months ago.
On foot, I can brave myself to come closer. The only thing holding me back is I remember there were lots of dogs in this area and I was just fortunate I biked there with some invisibility cloak on. Lols. Dogs find me a curious hooman and a perfect playmate they have this knack of ignoring me first time I pass by them and then relentlessly running after me the second time I pass. Let us see if I can get myself to walk there.
I am making the most of the days that I can get myself away from in front of the laptop. Now that everyone is off the holiday spell, the tension is also starting to pick up. Meetings are starting to pour in as well. It was so fun to be clicking that "shut down" a while ago.
I know pretty soon I will not be shutting down the machine for days. Hehe
Also I am aiming to visit the seaside again soon. Had the chance before this week started. I did not see the ball of fire take a dip into the horizon. I was a bit late
I have to be there early. Gotta pick a spot or some sort.
I skipped walking around but I ain't skipping read day 5! No way. Not yet.
*What is your story?*
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Breaking the Habit
My brain is hungry. I cannot find any other way to describe what I started to feel two days after my cousins left for Manila. My brain started to feel hungry.
No, I did not go hungry for brains as the scenario of our zombifirication suggests discreetly because of the vaccine and stuff. Two days after the semi reunion, my introvert self folded in to find serenity within the walls of my own world. That may sound weird and absurd but that is just how it is I needed to recharge socially. I cannot people for too long.
I wanted to escape and sometimes my way of escaping would be picking up any book and diving into whatever the author was reeling me into. Unfortunately, I did not bring any paperback. I was going to bring my nephew's book but then again I would not want to risk it getting creases so I left it instead and told myself I have a gazillion of ebooks I can read and I have a lot from it as well that needs to be continued.
My mom brought a lot of books from our old place but we stacked them in one of my aunt's little walk-in cabinet and the idea of rummaging through them is not appealing. So I am still in the hunt for feed my brain with something to read. Something to read and twist the story with my own imagination. Something to read and make me think and re think of things I thought I knew about but will realize there is more to it than what I know.
Like say for examples: Rest.
From the beginning of the advent last year "rest" has been in my various quiet times. And I struggled to grab "rest" as the year ended. Busyness is crazy real and if I am not going to break it, it will eat me if it has not already.
I remember one time clocking out and telling my colleague I will be doing "early out" and then I realized I was not going for an "early out" because I have completed my day's hours already. And it sank in to both of us that we have been too engrossed and too used to putting in hours to our work that we already felt we're giving less time than what we should have when in fact, we have rendered what we need to render for the day. Lols.
Rest I guess is something we have to consciously will ourselves to do. We have to, heart, body and sould really pull ourselves away from what tires us out to give our heart, body and soul that room for recuperating. And I am for it.
That sounded like a new year's resolution but, no. Let us not jinx it by putting a label on it. Hahah. Let us just let it be a realization I would want to see myself to champion forward - for myself in the next coming days. Hopefully, I can break that habit of being busy. Put an alternate activity to it. Like say, walking around the neighborhood? Which I started a while ago. Yeah felt my muscles protest after a short walk around the area. I had to put "hunting for kopiko brown because I consumed all my aunt's coffee already" in the itinerary or agenda to get me motivated.
The sun hid early for us today. I had the idea of checking out the spot I eyed as beautiful last time I biked around. I noted to check it out come sunset or better when the stars start showing But that was when I had my bike with me. It could be far by foot so I decided to just look around and see how the establishments are slowly coping up.
It got dark quickly. Also because the surrounding is preparing for the light show to start. So yes, the lights have to be turned off by then. People were starting to mill in and I decided to scurry away before everyone crowds in on the place.
It did give me a feeling of lightness as opposed to spending all my Tuesday sitting in front of my work lappy.
Let's save some of that for tomorrow. Hahaha .
Kidding.
*Break the habit, look around! Get that rest!*
My brain is still looking for something to read. Either that or I just miss going inside a bookstore. What's your story?
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What you throw into the pond
My head is currently replaying a scene of when a pebble hits a surface of a water, let's say a pond, and it creates beautiful ripples.
I think sometimes our decisions make the same effect to our society - it creates cute ripples impacting not just the immediate area we are in but affects the next and the next and the next area. But I hope we create ripples of joy and hope rather than nuisances. Ripple effect.
It is one of the thoughts I kept thinking about while musing on that one person who cut her quarantine days to go out to party with her friends and then infecting others.
Days after the festive celebration, here we are facing a huge surge of COVID cases. I was hopeful. At least hoping that the Philippines will be a little exempted from the "expected" trend. The thought of "maybe" we have curbed the stat and have achieved *that* immunity ideal for finally getting to the "new normal".
When the news that the restrictions were lifted before Christmas, I was in that pendulum of excitement and apprehension. I am not a people person but there was a certain thrill to finally see kids out, people out, families out. But that excitement also alerts me to quickly leave the area as people starts pouring in.
It is very easy to get lost in that moment of excitement and for a while, seeing nice stuff in the boutique or shops finally holding and feeling the products before buying them as opposed to getting them online, etcetera, makes you loose that sense that is supposed to be quote and quote common.
Boom! Go visit these lovely creatures!
Happy new year y'all!
The restrictions were lifted ***but the virus is still out there***. The kids can finally go out ***but the virus is still out there***.
My cousins were saying that because of the surge and the metro going back to level 3, watching Spiderman in the movie house got postponed yet again (or was it cancelled?). Spiderman made way to a local film so its showing here was moved to January and when January came, cinemas are back to being closed. Might be hearsay or a swift conclusion but the point is, *cinemas are back to being closed.*
Personally, I find closing shops and establishments are a little too harsh now. Part of what excited me when the restrictions were lifted was the thought that some huge chunk of the work force will finally get their jobs back - food on the table, you know?
It is a little too heavy to pin everything to the person who "escaped". If it was not her it would still be spreading out, anyway. She just had that unlucky break of trending in the social media space - she was not discreet with her whereabouts. She bragged about some privileges (ergo possibly dragging her connection down with her). What's with the world today, eh? We haven't even finished the Jumanji and here we are with the Prison Breakers. I hope she gets to think about the situation she placed others in - jobless and sick.
*If we would be measuring our movements and think of the possible effect of that to others, maybe we would be more careful.*
But then again, it is hard to keep still, yeah? No one wants to be infected and to cause infection, after all. I do pray everyone gets well though.
Day 3 of 365 of year 2022... Will we be three years on lockdown? I pray not.
Maybe I should list down a Miracle List. Sorta like "praying for your elephants" or "the circle maker" type of list.
*What is your story?*
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Never Been As Amazed
Do not get your hopes up. This is not an amazing writeup. And yep that is not an amazing intro either.
I am not a Korean novela fan! For real! I do not like the thought of having to read the subtitles just to understand what they are talking about. Well, that goes for Japanese anime, too. I do not like the fact that I cannot do other things and listen at the same time to the story. Growing up though, Japanese cartoons were dubbed to our local language or some in English. Hence, I was able to watch and enjoy them.
But that was two years ago. *Insert giggling emoticon here*
For a time I got myself sucked in to liking both - the Korean novelas mostly -though I can only count the few that I watched that I could say I really, really liked. I got to admit they are entertaining. I have not seen a repeat on plots so far. Also, they have never failed in making me tear up. Either they really have good story lines or I just grew super softie over time.
I am one of those who liked Crash Landing on You. But the amusement of that series was short-lived because one of my best bud kinda pointed out it is not as really nice. Lols. It was hyped. That is I guess a bit true.
Refreshing the list of korean novela series I liked just because we just finished one that I can say I was amazed with the writer.
Part of what was keeping me occupied days before this vacay trip aside from making sure I am still in line with my nine to six was the korean novela me and my mom watched together.
My mom seldom watches TV. For her, it takes so much time to watch and leaves us with a lot of chores to finish still. (I'm thinking, *Not that chores really ever gets "finished*" *or done*) So when she started to like "The King's Affection" and asked for one more similar series I started looking for one more. The same noise friend who recommended "Healer" to me also recommended, "The Last Empress".
Have you ever watched something that made you feel really annoyed with the characters?
It did not catch my attention too well on first two episodes. But the way the actors played their roles stirred up annoyance and curiosity and then eventually amusement and amazement.
You know what they say about actors playing their role of being the antagonist and making the viewers feel that feeling of wanting to punch them in the face if they see them in person? It means they did the portrayal so well.
The writer really worked so well on angles making the stories of frame ups so solid good. We ended up watching until almost 3 am just because we want to know what is the new twist or new discovery.
So far this one lingers on my top list for now. The Uncanny Counter and Healer is also part of it. At the moment, the list is shuffled. Lols. I wonder what's the next story that will amaze me.
Still on a shaky new year start, too early to say "starting to be consistent" with one post a day because it is just the second day of the year and definitely still far off from writing well. But hey! Baby steps, right? *What's your story?*
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Hello, 2022!
Dropping in the first entry for the fresh year. I am sitting down drinking the nth cup of my crazy mix of three-in-one coffee plus a sachet of an Atomy black to taper the sweetness and counter it with a little more coffee taste. I am also partly listening to my two cousins practicing the hymnal lineup for tomorrow's family devotional. Tomorrow is the first Sunday of the year, yeah?
I am in no shape to do my 2021 recall, yet. We have managed to successfully derail our body clocks. The new year's celebration and preparations had us eating in odd hours of the day and also playing Uno card games that end well almost the next day.
One thing is for sure, though. I am happy to see my grandmother walking around without her walker and also coming out of her room to sit with us cousins and have a chill chat with us about the good old days.
Another thing is this experience of once again spending holidays with relatives. Not everyone is present. But at least this is a semi revival of the days when we were crazily packed in my lola's house.
A little loose and with the responsibility of being careful with the practiced protocol for the last two years, we were also able to see current attraction in Paoay church - "Northern Symphony of Lights". I was shaking my head the first time my cousin sent it to me days before we arrived. I was thinking I had to travel to the province to see a light show. Haha.
Thankfully, the first and second time I got to see it, there were only very few people on the church grounds. Tonight when we attempted to go see and again, there were a lot of cars already parked around the side streets meaning a lot of people visited just to see it. We did not dare to go to the main ground we just watched from the street instead.
We then hopped to another event that was happening in the plaza few feet from the church- some kind of a ball was going on with some band and some few guests dancing to the music. I did not understand what else was going on so I decided to just buy ice cream with one cousin and come back for the other cousins when we were about to go home.
The other side of the plaza still displays their Christmas decors and the bright lights did bring cheer. Snapped a few on our way back from the store we bought Rocky Road and Quezo Real.
I had a simple start for January 2022. I am claiming better mindset when the new work week starts. For now, I am thankful to have spent the turn of the new year with family specially my abuela. Seeing and hearing the usual chatter makes my heart swell with how much protection God has set for my family.
Although the metro is going back to the stricter level, I am very much hopeful for 2022. Knowing full well that ..
God's promises ain't changed or altered by what seems to shake me as a human being.
So yes, with much hope, I am ready for you, 2022!
Uno days will soon be cut off tomorrow as cousins and some aunts start their journey back to the metro. The laughter and fun will surely linger.
*How's your first day of January dear read friends? What is your story?*
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Proper Reset?
I really thought my momentum started to pick up when I was able to write three days consecutive around two weeks (or less) ago. I was elated to know that I will end the last parts of December of the jumanji year of 2021 with an every day article. But. I. Was. So. Wrong. I am super laughing at myself at the thought. Howell, right? Should I put "one article a day" back to new year's resolution? It is after all, a few more hours and it is 2022. But nah, I've longed settled with myself that I am not a fan of resolutions. I am very much forgetful, seriously.
Anyhow, I have been very busy. The 9 to 6 got crazier when the holiday bug started kicking in. Tasks really have no care about the holidays, anyway. They just simply pile up. Besides the fact that I only have a few more days of leave credits, I have tons of things to list down, plan about, and make sure they are executed properly else we will have trouble come January if we are not already in that space. And again, the last thing I would want to hear or listen to in the last days of 2021 and the beginning of 2022 would be my lead's voice panicking and with endless ammo of "should's" and "why's".
For a while before 2020, I have consistently been able to pull myself away from work tasks in preparation for the new coming year. Looking back, I always can say that each start of the new year was certainly a "new, fresh, story" to unwrap. 2020 was saner. It may have been that we were not able to travel anywhere but we were complete as a family celebrating Christmas, my parents' anniversary and then the coming year 2021.
This year, was weird.
I doubt I will have the "rested" feel as I always had beginning a new year. Though we will be celebrating new year here in the province with my lola, aunties and cousins, the Monday after these celebrations, I will be swamped again by tasks.
Technically, things will just really be happening "over the weekend". There would not be that feel of distinction of the past year and the new year.
For me a proper reset would always have been:
a week before the Christmas celeb, I'm already worry-free from the 9 to 6 tasks.
I would most likely be traveling with the usual gang
Underwater fix. Putting on my rash guard, goggles, good old flippers and visiting Nemo, saying hi to blue, brown and orange Patricks (star fishes)
Away from the city and under the provincial night sky. Or out of the country.
One to three days of alone time with God looking back from the year's January to December and revisiting faith goals I have laid down before Him when the year started.
Seems the last days of 2021 will not allow me even the crucial fifth item. That would probably be reduced to a one-day and even for that I would be really grateful than not having it at all.
I guess for this time, I hope only this time, I have a modified proper reset or delayed one. Obviously, number one from above list is already scratched off. I would still need to revisit the plan tomorrow and make sure I have not missed to set anything. For number 2, I had to turn down a Batangas (supposedly item number 3) getaway to prepare for this Ilocos trip. Number 4 can be done since the night sky here still has less light pollution. The only other question is when will I be allowing myself to be looking up the night sky.
I know I said I am not up for resolutions, but I think I may put myself up for a challenge to not end the next year the same tiring way as this year.
Nonetheless, I am very thankful to God for His never ending faithfulness and care in keeping me under His care and watchful eye giving me the proper distractions to divert my attention from drowning to being uplifted. Also, physically maintaining me to be well.
What is your proper reset before a year starts? Do you have some sort of yearly year closing or year-starting musts?
*What is your story?*
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