I haven’t been so active in here! Omg just when I said I’ll be more active or try to post at least one update per day (on my Noise Cash account) 😅
But as a life update it’s been a busy couple of days and wow January truly feels like the longest month!
My first batch of sideline job (technically not the first but this one’s from a proper company and not on an online job website/app sideline) is complete! So I am free at least my nights are.
The day job has been pretty demanding workload wise but that’s how it usually is when it’s winter in the US. Not that i’m complaining because more jobs mean a stable company and we will be able to provide more to our respective family despite, you know, this kind of wfh setup. Not everyone is privileged of which I am glad that somehow I am allowed to stay at home. It’s still scary out there tbh
Long “short” post is long. I hope you’re all doing great! :) will try to be more active soon
It is the first Christmas that we will spending without my grandfather and I don’t know what to feel about it. It’s nostalgic and sad but I take comfort in the fact that Christmases spent with the family have always been fun and that we made him happy in his days on Earth.
Cherish those moments with your loved pnes because you never know when it’ll last or until when you’d get to show it to them. 🤍 Spread the love all year round!
#Christmas
Hey all! I hope you’re all doing well, my friends. I wonder when I’ll be able to publish my draft on readcash hahaha it’s been sitting in there for the longest time. Well…. actually, the reason is I don’t wanna post a half-hearted article, that’s why I can’t get myself to post it right away. My perfectionist side is somewhat showing.
In other news, I have been knitting and have finished a lot of projects during my writing hiatus of sorts. hehe I am going to give them away as gifts this coming Christmas. The items aren’t perfectly made but they are made with love hahaha. I still have a lot to improve on, but I am happy with these results. Hopefully I will be less procrastinating in the coming days. ☺️ I want to knit a cross/shoulder bag next and maybe finish the Kore sweater that I have started for my jumbo RJ doll. And hopefully write again! See you all soon! Take care always
11.11 Shopping Spree… ?
I didn’t check out anything on 11.11 but still, I guess I wasn’t marked safe… not really.
*(….because I have already checked out some of my purchases prior the festive date.)*
A little background: **11.11 is not an official holiday** like the Black Friday/weekend sale in the US but this more of a holiday driven by capitalism and consumerism. Either way it is both a win-win for sellers and buyers on dates where the numbers are being repeated, say 01.01 or the New Year Sale, 02.02, 03.03 and so on. *(So basically monthly temptation to splurge)* Usually the deals are more convenient during the midyear sale and obviously, towards the end of the year too. *(Because most employees are having their thirteenth month bonus and other benefits so they have money to spend)*
For sellers, it is an opportunity to earn more. For buyers, it is a chance to score items, gadgets, etc. on a discounted price, free of shipping and extra charges.
I used to be so apprehensive about shopping online knowing how unsecured some transactions especially locally making it prone for hacking and scamming. But the pros defeated the cons at the end of the day.
Buying things online…
Saves me time and effort than actually going to shops especially during the pandemic
Buying in bulk (say for my cats’ food) saves me some money than buying it in smaller amount as I can get them at a discounted prices
Free shipping vouchers and the COD (cash on delivery) option are so convenient (although I still prefer to pay for my items online beforehand)
So I gave in a couple of years back and I’ve been utilizing it since.
Here I am going to list down some of my purchases and why I decided to take advantage of the 11.11 sale.
1. Polymer Action Figure
Okay, technically I placed this order prior to the 11.11 date but I was able to utilize the coins cashback for my recent purchase which is a polymer clay figure of my cousin and her future husband. It is so hard to think of a good wedding gift, to be totally honest. They are to be married in December and now is the best time to purchase the gift so the production will be done by then so I thought, I should really have this checked out.
I could have opted to get them something practical but then I think this customized gift will give them joy everytime that they will see it. I didn’t post the actual image so as to keep it a surprise (also because the production is still on-going), but the seller who customizes everything personally is very kind and accommodating. I had a hassle-free transaction with her before so basically this is a re-order because I was truly satisfied with the output from last time (I got a Taehyung and Jimin chibi figurine from the Friends performance at the Bangbangcon the Live online concert)
A couple (bighead figurine like mine) costs 950php and you just need to add some if you sill be requesting additional details. I even scored free shipping and a coin cashback so I spent even less than that. For a great quality item, this is such a steal. I would definitely recommend **Meow Crafts on Shopee** for your personalized polymer clay art needs. https://shopee.ph/carmelajoy24?smtt=0.0.9
2. Photo printed on a Sintra board (5x7 in size)
In connection to the previous entry, I also ordered a printed photo on sintra board with the same photo that was used as reference for the polymer clay figure to complete the whole look, also to show how amazing the figure turned out (I’m positive that it will look really nice and I cannot wait to see the final product, to be honest.)
3. A K-pop album
I was so excited because one of my cousins recently got hooked to a K-pop girl group and so I decided to get him an album. Wish me luck on not spilling the secret until Christmas, though! I cannot wait for him to unbox it
4. Journal Notebook Set
Of couse we have to be practical and think of a gift that would be of good use. So I thought, maybe a journal would do for my younger cousins who are currently in senior high school.
I also love the quality of the items from **Thundernotes Ph** so I am also excited for it to arrive. I have previously ordered my own useful notebook from the same shop so rest assured that they have amazing items. https://shopee.ph/product/406998214/5182756340?smtt=0.95447392-1636801895.9
5. Green Tea Almond spread hoard
I have a cousin who also loves matcha so I am contemplating on giving it as a gift to her come Christmas. Should I change my mind, I can keep it for myself anyway.
*(Good purchase.)*
Last but not the least,
6. Cat food
It is so convenient to buy cat food online and I’ve been doing this for quite a while now. Usually it is more costly to get the same brand on the grocery so I chose to buy them online instead.
Whew. So that was a lot huh. I was able to cover most of the essentials and also, I already ticked off some on my gifting list. Even though life is tough, I look forward to seeing their happy faces when they receive these little treats from me. That, already, is what real happiness for me — seeing them happy.
It is indeed the **season of giving.** Speaking of, I don’t get to comment a lot on some of my friends’ posts in here but I make it a point to kudos and tip them a little amount. I do read your posts, but sometimes I am not much into small talks and prefer to not say anything at all so I hope you understand. I do appreciate all of you a a lot.
Maybe gifting is one of my love languages, hmm?
What are your 11.11 hoards (if there are any)?
Remember to shop responsibly!
Thank you sponsors! I currently am on a roll, having articles posted back to back. I hope you enjoyed reading my random things inasmuch as I enjoyed writing and sharing them.
See you around!
A
*End Note: Photos are all mine unless credited otherwise.*
Joining the Prompt Factory
**P**icking a specific topic can be quite an arduous task.
Inasmuch that one doesn’t really have to and should not feel too pressured about coming up with a post as it is not a requirement and such, with the vast selection of possible stuff to discuss and share in an online journal, writing can be quite challenging. Don’t get me wrong, though, writing is something that I actually enjoy too despite the occasional struggle of coming up with something pretty decent and cohesive.
The lengths to which our words can take us is actually the best part of writing. It takes us places and it introduces us to a part of a world that we would not be even aware that is existing. It opens a lot of possibilities and opportunities to help us learn the ropes of life and grow…. and live.
At first it may seem like we are only rambling but writing is very cathartic… especially at present when it is one of our forms of release.
**R**ight now, I have a couple of drafts that I am yet to revisit but I am glad to FINALLY have the time to do so. Work can be quite demanding at times (not that I am complaining because I do think that I am one of the privileged ones who get to work from home and I am grateful to still have a job despite the situation that not only the country, but the world is facing). It may not be always a taxing day but one day, you are chilling and the other you are rushing to finish a requirement.
It just so happened that it feels like every workload amps up on a Friday when your mind is basically set to just spending your weekend resting and in extension, we even had to render work on a weekend. *(It’s paid work and we get to earn extra, but still, the idea of working on your rest day is not quite appealing as it is blurring the line between work and life balance.)*
**O**ver the past few days, it even feels like everything is a routine. You get up in the morning, refresh and then go to work. You rest and sleep and reset the other day. (I am not the only one feeling like this, eh?) It even gets harder to track which day of the week it is already. And yes, it did happen to me back on the early days of the quarantine. I was so out of it and felt like doing the same things every single day and you cannot even go out for leisure. And being an extrovert who enjoys being out there makes the situation extra challenging. However, it also gave me time to think and learn more about myself. See, it even made me take up on new hobbies that I would not have expected (but secretly wishing) to learn doing. (One of which is crocheting)
**M**aking up for the lost time with the family surely is one of the best things that came up in this pandemic situation. We might be living precariously and previously we only get to see our families over the weekend making every moment precious, but the time spent together these days are even more special. Spending the whole day with them can get too much to deal with but still, a great opportunity to do stuff that we are not able to do back when we are busy living outside and on our own. Homemade meals are truly appreciated more. Getting to eat together at home is a blessing that not everyone is privileged to have. If anything we’ve been closer and I am grateful for that. Also because the oldies are not getting any younger and staying at home with them gives us opportunities to show how we care and to treat them with only the best options possible. We lost our grandfather not so long ago, just this year too but we were able to show him that we truly care for him up to his last days on Earth.
**P**aying attention to your surroundings — I think the situation told us that not everything is going to be all about us. It reminds us that everyone is struggling and it won’t hurt to be more passionate and caring to people around you. We get to be each other’s lights, per se. And that is the most beautiful thing.
**T**reat every moment as if it’s your last and you would get to appreciate what you have even more instead of looking for what you lack. You will realise that you already probably have what you need but you have been too busy chasing for what you want.
**F**riendships and other relationships didn’t suffer, surprisingly. We may have lost the physical aspect of bonding but it is nice to know that we still get to discover different ways to spend time together albeit only online. One time, we even had a virtual Christmas and karaoke party thru WeSing (it is a virtual karaoke app in which you can take turns in singing and all that). It was unusual but we still had fun.
These are some of the **core memories*** that we got that are worth treasuring.
*(*with reference to the film “Inside Out” if you have already seen that. If you still have not, this is your cue to consider it on your next movie night)*
**A**fter all of this is done, as optimistic as ever, I look forward to spending time with them again. I miss traveling and discovering new places with them. We still get to watch virtual concerts together but nothing beats the euphoria of being in the crowd, singing along with your favourite musicians, dancing along with your fellow spectators.
**C**ats are one of my sources of happiness in the past few months. too. The pandemic situation gave me time to fully tend to them and see them grow (as opposed to the pre-pandemic days in which I only get to stay at home on the weekend)
One of them even gave birth already. Two of the four kittens unfortunately didn’t survive.
**T**oday, I just enjoy each day, to be honest. It is when you are not expecting anything grand that life gives you bits that would make you feel genuine happiness. The little things are even more priceless in the long run.
**O**pportunities and provisions keep on coming when we least expect it, so try to improve and ready ourselves for the goodness that is to come.
Every struggle is valid. Every emotion that you feel is a part of who you truly are. Never let anyone make you feel otherwise.
**R**ead cash and Noise cash are blessings in disguise and I am glad that my friend has introduced me to it. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank @King_Gozie (my newest sponsor and @FarmGirl for renewing the sponsorship. It still baffles me up to this day thinking why I deserve their goodness. But I am grateful and glad and I also try to be a blessing to others in return, even in the smallest ways that I can.
Check out their works! They are truly amazing too (and they are very active!)
**Y**ou deserve just as much energy that you are giving out to the world and don’t let anyone make you feel any less. I would never get tired of reminding you that.
—
This post is all over the place and it doesn’t have a specific theme. I don’t really know what I’d like it to be and haven’t planned anything except for some random life updates; just random ramblings trying to come up with acrostic paragraphs leading to **PROMPT FACTORY** (put in bold).
This idea is from @meitanteikudo actually. She has so many prompt ideas that can fire up the sleeping writer in you. One of these days I’m going to try to write more and apply the topics on my posts but like I said, no pressure. Take everything in your own time, too. Just enjoy!
See you all around!
A
*End Note: Photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
I was supposed to finish two of my drafts over the weekend but life happened — we had some urgent stuff at work and I had to report for work on a Saturday (supposed rest day); we celebrated my cousin and aunt’s birthday at home, also, I kind of procrastinated and binge watch Atashin’chi episodes on Youtube instead.
Sometimes life is like that, eh? Things don’t go according to plan but we get to enjoy and experience life in full either way.
Just wanna give a huge shout out to @King_Gozie, my newest generous sponsor. I am still reeling from happiness when I saw the notification. I am not so active and yet here’s this lovely person showing support. It inspires me to do even better and maybe be more active in the following day. I am truly grateful for you!! I hope I won’t bore you with my random articles and stories. Let’s grow together!
And here’s what you can expect from me this week (if I can manage to finish them)
- a rundown of my vaccination experience (i got fully vaccinated last week)
- a travel blog (Bohol)
- and some random life updates
Please look forward! Thank you and happy Monday to all!
Would You Try These Peculiar Treats? Yay or Nay?
If you have known me long enough, you would probably notice by now how I am really fond of anything that’s **matcha green tea**. I even have posted a couple of matcha-related articles in here, from my recent finds to those that I have discovered as I travel here in the neighboring Asian countries.
*ICYMI, here are the links:*
**Matcha-dventures in Japan** **🇯🇵** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-japan-28ddfb57
**Matcha-dventures in Taiwan** **🇹🇼** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-in-taiwan-8e475815
**Matcha-dventures at Home** **🏠** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/matcha-dventures-at-home-ff8da040
I love matcha to the point that I judge a good milk tea shop or any tea house by the authenticity of the matcha latte and other matcha concoctions that they offer. It is also usually the first thing that I check whenever I view the menu for drinks or desserts in particular.
Loving matcha is not just a fad that would eventually go away, at least for me, but I am aware that liking it is such an acquired taste and not everyone really gets to appreciate its leafy aftertaste (that can be described as bitter to some but to be honest, they might be just consuming a low-grade matcha powder). Some even despise its fame, but yes. to each their own. In my mind, whenever I hear such comments I am like, *“Sure, I don’t really mind because you are not the one who’s going to be satisfied consuming all these matcha, anyway.”* And we all have our favourite comfort food. Say, I don’t even eat crabs while my best friends are so into it. In the end, it’s all about what’s making us full and contented with whatever we eat and consume.
Not only was I on the minority (of those who actually genuinely like matcha), I also am so fond of trying out those that you can call the most random and the weirdest snacks/dishes. This post is all about that. They are not even really weird, but they are a bit unusual especially if you are not from Japan.
**Oh, Japan.** What a matcha heaven. God-willing, I really want to come back and try every matcha that I can get a hand on. The said food originated from that lovely country that’s why I am so fond of the place (and a whole lot of other reasons).
Anyway, let us start the short list, shall we?
MATCHA TONKATSU
Yes, you read that right. A *tonkatsu* with matcha.
*Tonkatsu* is a Japanese dish of fried, breaded pork. Usually there’s a side dish of grated cabbage and a slice of fruit (a pineapple or watermelon) that go along with a serving of it. This particular dish can be found in Osaka Osho restaurant (if you are curious and if you want to try.)
**The verdict:** To be honest it just might sound weird because who would have thought you can season your pork or chicken chop with matcha, right? But it is indeed edible and possible. There’s a faint hint of matcha in it but it is still fried pork and it tasted exactly just like that. But nothing out of the ordinary and I just ordered it for the sake of trying it. Tonkatsu is already good as it is, anyway (especially the cheese-filled ones). Now I am getting hungry.
———
MATCHA PASTA
If there’s a pork dish, there’s also a pasta dish that could go along with it from the same restaurant.
**The verdict:** The garnish and overall appearance look so appetizing! The pasta came with a side *tonkatsu* dish (that isn’t matcha flavoured because that would be overkill, I think.)
But taste-wise, it is…. pasta. Hehe. Aside from the colour which would be the evidence of mixing matcha with the standard pasta noodle and you know how all noodles kind of taste the same and usually just differ in texture? There isn’t really much difference, to be honest. But I’ll still order and eat it again, if it is back in their menu, for the ‘gram. Nah, because the price is almost the same as the usual combo meal, so why not go for something grand, right?
———
BANANA WITH MATCHA ALMOND
This banana with matcha almond is home-made and an experiment made by me, that’s why it doesn’t look too appetizing (at least like something that would be coming from a resto or whatever but I think it’s pretty decent?)
I recently bought a **Feliz Green Tea Almond Spread** online (it is a Korean brand) and it tasted so good (might be the best one yet!!!) on pastries and so I decided why not put it in a banana as well. We used to put Nutella chocolate and peanut butter on bananas as well and it isn’t any different than that.
**The verdict:** Well. Bananas gotta banana and do their thing. I don’t know what’s up with this fruit but anything that is being mixed with banana will turn up tasting like a banana, let’s say on milkshakes, fruit shakes and other concoctions. Not that I am complaining, though because banana is full of fiber and it is healthy to be eaten. So yeah, with a small hint of matcha and just enough crunch from the almonds, it tasted real well. Can’t wait to do one again!
Bonus:
This isn’t really weird or anything but I am just amused by the name: a wordplay mixing green tea and mamon (a kind of a fluffy bread), hence, **Greenteamon from Pan de Manila.**
I used to buy one every morning as there’s a Pan De Manila neat our office. I miss it sometimes but I am grateful for the work from home setup now as I can just order any matcha powder and try them at home (and even bake my own matcha pastries when I have the time).
WHAT’S YOUR ULTIMATE COMFORT FOOD?
Let me know!
——
This is by far one of the easiest prompts ever with me being a foodie and all. Although I did have a hard time trying to figure out what food that I can share and expound on. So in the end I chose the one that I truly love the most.
If you want to do your own take, here are the simple rules that you may follow:
Write anything about **food**
Write **100% original** content
**Join and submit** your story to **PromptlyJonica**
**Tag** : @JonicaBradley
**Have fun!**
You can read her original post **here**. https://read.cash/@JonicaBradley/writing-prompt-20-food-46d50a1e
See you around!
A
*End Note: All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
Cheers to the Weekend
I was looking forward to the past weekend because: **(1) BTS is having another online concert and (2) it is another opportunity to bond with my friends** albeit only through videocalls and endless messages as we cannot really meet and hangout together because of the pandemic situation.
Anyway it should not stop us from having our kind of fun, right?
But first let us do a quick rundown of the things that happened prior to that lovely weekend.
VIVI FINALLY GAVE BIRTH
My cat’s been pregnant for too long. But to be honest since we didn’t get to go to the vet, I have no idea how far along she is. I do know that she’s almost due to give birth because her tummy is so huge and I just can sense that it is going to happen soon.
Soon enough, she became restless around Friday afternoon. She’s been everywhere in the house trying to locate a specific area in which she’s suppose to give birth. I made at least three forts on different locations for her to rest into.
And then it’s time. And the kittens were being birthed into the universe one by one.
There is one. (A calico cat like Vivi)
Two. (A white cutie)
Three. (Another while little creature)
And… FOUR. (A tabby cat like Jingle. So that answered who the dad really was. lol)
What a brave little baby momma giving birth to four healthy offsprings. I couldn’t be any prouder.
I wish she won’t get pregnat anytime sooner, though. If the plan would push through, I’ll bring her to the spay and neuter vet because it’ll be hard to keep a lot of cats in the house (also because they won’t really allow me to have more that what I already have now. I have three.) The four kittens are all going for adoption when they can already fend for themselves at least. But for npw Vivi is being a truly responsible momma tending to her kittens.
On an unfortunate note, my grandmother’s been sickly in the past few days so we are keeping an eye on her and constantly tending to her needs. She’s already 79 so it is expected for her to not be as lively and healthy as before as old age really drains the energy in all of us. Her blood pressure and sugar count are our major concerns at the moment. We cannot bring her vitality back to its fullness but with proper supplements and medication she is getting better and we are grateful for that.
One a brighter note: here comes D-DAY: the day that we’ve been waiting for —the Permission to Dance On Stage online concert.
D-DAY (CONCERT)
We purchased the tier with the multi-view and soundcheck and I can say that it is worth it, even if it meant staying up all night for our friends in the West (the soundcheck is scheduled at 3:00 PM KST while the concert proper is 6:30 PM KST).
Since I had extra time, I even prepared a simple snack set from my stash of Korean noodles that I am yet to consume because I was not allowed to eat spicy foods back when I have been diagnosed with lower right lobe pneumonia.
*Concert snack: rabokki (ramyeon noodles + cheesy tteokbokki) with egg, an orange, milk and vanilla coffee.*
The soundcheck has lasted for 15 minutes and the group sang a total of three songs: Life Goes On, Telepathy and Dis-ease. It is a quick overview of what is to come. To be honest, no one’s really sure about the set list prior to the concert night but we are not worrying about it much because BTS’ discography is too diverse that they can put up anything and it will still fit someone’s taste in music, be it hiphop, rap, rock, pop alternative and so on.
The downtime while waiting for the concert gave me and my friends time to catch up with each other and take our “concert” selfies through our video calls. It’s been like this for the past six online event that BTS had and while it seems like the new normal, here’s to hoping that we’ll finally get to see them perform on stage together when the situation allows.
To some, it is actually coming soon as they will embark to an offline concert series in the US towards the end of November and early December. The world is healing. Let’s keep going until we can see each other again, we keep on saying like a mantra.
And so the night has started. As expected, the group gave it their all. It is personally the most satisfying setlist that they’ve had with a mix of their latest releases and a medley of their old ones.
Taehyung (my bias) unfortunately had an injury and had to sit through the performances with extreme movements. He kept on reassuring the fans that it is nothing serious and that they are only doing it for preventive measures. I do hope that he’ll be in his 100% come the in-person concert dates because being the passionate performer that he is, he is just as eager to perform as much as we are excited to see him on-stage. But it did not stop him to exude such stage power that only he can pull off. Even while sitting he delivered (even though later he felt like he lacked, through a social media post, but to be honest he also gave his all and we all felt that).
Anyway, here are some of my favourite moments:
— When Jimin danced in lieu of Taehyung (V) in the latter’s part in DNA
Of course, his soulmate will come to his aide, even though it is just a casual moment, it is still heartwarming to see. Jimin also came to check on him and go to him whenever he can and I think that what they have is truly one of a kind. (*Sheesh, I want a soulmate, too*)
— The impressive wardrobes/outfits
You’d think they have shown their all only to be surprised with what they can still come up with. The staff and stylists really did impressive takes on the concepts on this particular event, much to everyone’s amazement.
— The dancebreak and song transitions/arrangements
They always give their 613% in their every performances so one would think it’s nothing new to seeing them giving it their all everytime but the most exhilarating part of their live shows are the song arrangements and new choreography that they show. Sometimes I wish they would release some of it on the streaming platforms too so we can listen to it whenever we wanted to.
— THE SETLIST
Like what I previously said, this is probably one of their most satisfying setlists to date because they threw everything in the mix.
01. ON
02. FIRE
03. DOPE
04. DNA
VCR
05. BLUE & GREY
06. BLACK SWAN
07. BLOOD SWEAT & TEARS
08. FAKE LOVE
09. LIFE GOES ON
10. BOY WITH LUV
11. DYNAMITE
12. BUTTER
VCR
13. AIRPLANE PT 2
14. SILVER SPOON (BAEPSAE)
15. DIS-EASE
16. TELEPATHY
17. STAY
18. SO WHAT
19. I NEED U
20. SAVE ME
21. IDOL
ENCORE:
22. EPILOGUE: YOUNG FOREVER
23. SPRING DAY
24. PERMISSION TO DANCE
The ending feels so nostalgic. I just miss the feeling of getting to watch these music events in the flesh. Online can be fun but the euphoria of getting to experience everything as it is happening right before your very eye is truly something.
Someday soon.
***
Thank you to the sponsors who are always there to support me. I hope you all are doing well. Here’s to enjoying the things that brings happiness to your heart without feeling too guilty about it.
Live well and enjoy life! And be reminded that you don’t need permission…. to dance (with the rhythm of life)
See you around. x
A
*All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
Talking Dreams
`"I think we dream so we don’t have to be apart for so long. If we’re in each other’s dreams, we can be together all the time."`
`— A. A. Milne, Winnie The Pooh`
***
Our subconscious minds play tricks sometimes. One night you can remember every single detail that has happened in your dreams… while most nights can be fitful and vague that you can’t seem to remember right away even after waking up.
Some wishes to see their deceased loved ones in their dreams so as to speak to them one last time. Some would like to meet people that they haven’t really met in real life (only to be awake during the most interesting part of the dream).
Some dreams within a dream, ***Inception*** style. (If you have seen that iconic Leonardo Di Caprio film) It does happen, right?
I have always been fascinated with our dreams that sometimes I would search its psychological meaning online. And while there isn’t any scientific proof attached to it, some are just… fitting to the situation, eh? I’m not sure if you can relate or if I am making any sense but it has happened to me every once in a while. It could also be like I am subconsciously programming my mind into thinking that this could possibly the reason and then ended up actually manifesting the dream.
Say, you’ve dreamt of a snake. I read before that it could mean that something is bothering you and a change (as depicted by the shedding of the snake’s skin) is about to happen in your life. It could also mean just like what snakes usually depict: you are worrying about someone doing you dirty and you find it hard to trust them fully.
Also, if you have dreamt about being stark naked — it could mean vulnerability in your present situation, something that you are dreading of. It could also mean that whatever change that may occur, you are bothered and there is a struggle to willingly embrace said change and so on.
Pretty interesting, right? Our psych is impressive. Every little detail has its own interpretation and meaning. It always piques my interest even though my field of work is no way related to the topic. I think I am just plain curious about a lot of things in life and I am always willing to learn about the things that are happening around me.
My cats love to sleep. Usually I would just feed them in the morning and then they would play around and the next thing that you’ll notice, they’ll calm down and find them sleeping in their corner. The dream life. lol. Sometimes I wonder what is on their minds.
As for me? These days I am grateful for having enough rest/sleep even though I can’t seem to remember what my dream the previous night is about.
I used to have 4-5 hours of sleep pre-pandemic days. That is because most of the time that I could be spending sleeping is being redirected to the commute on the way home. Traffic in the city is at its worse so you have to allot two to three hours allowance on your time so you won’t be late for work. There are also a lot of distractions like staying online til past midnight, watching films on Netflix among others. Luckily, we are allowed to have a work-from-home setup and it saved me of the time time that I get to spend outside and on the road. Because of it I get to pick up new hobbies on my free time and I get 5-6 hours of sleep per day, which is somewhat already a great improvement.
I also make it a point to drink my vitamins and supplements that help me recharge through the night. And by staying healthy, I can now **dream awake, figuratively.**
Dreaming while sleeping is good, more so, ***dreaming awake*** is even better.
Dreaming awake and making things happen. I can be awake enough to pursue things that would help me achieve my goals in the long run. To realise what you want or where you want your life to lead is such an accomplishment, why? Because not everyone is privileged to experience that. Even I am clueless as to what I truly want at times. But we can always aim to improve and work on it. Not realising your dream in not a bad thing, per se. If anything it makes you focus on the now, and improve what you have at present.
We all have dreams and goals, whether it would be as small as getting enough rest, having our favourite food for dinner, or earning extra income OR as huge and as long-term as buying a house and lot, a car or having financial security. And you can achieve it, one-by-one, because you are awake… and you are doing something about it.
I don’t think I have listed my long-term goals here yet but it’s always nice to look back at our written goals and see how we are all able to achieve them, the provisions that we received and the help that we got from the community and our personal support system.
Cheers to your dreams and to making them happen!
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This is just a long overdue article about one of @JonicaBradley ‘s interesting prompts. It’s been on my draft for quite some time that I am glad to have finally wrapped it up.
You can check out her original post **here** and if you want to do your own take and join the fun writing experience as well, here’s a a few instructions that you could follow: https://read.cash/@JonicaBradley/writing-prompt-16-dreams-c50c0464
Write anything on **Dreams**
Write 100% **original** content
Write at least **600** words to please Rusty
Join and submit your stories to**PromptlyJonica**
Tag @JonicaBradley
Have fun!
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Thank you, sponsors! Hope you are all having a great weekend x
Under The Southern Lights
Inasmuch as I love exploring different places, I am not one to actively pursue travel especially locally which is kind of a bummer knowing how beautiful the provinces and beaches in the countries are. The reasons?
There is that mindset that there will always be opportunities to travel locally since it is geographically closer to the area of residence.
Plane tickets can be quite expensive! Sometimes you can travel abroad with the same amount of money so practically you would choose to experience different localities and culture first. One major example of this is Batanes. **THE ISLAND IS A PIECE OF HEAVEN.** I would also like to explore it given the chance. It is one of my local travel goals to be totally honest but it still yet to push through. It is so secluded that there are special plane trips for it and the prices are quite a number. Hopefully when travel for leisure is allowed without the constant worry of getting inflicted with diseases we can go there too.
Friends are unavailable or busy and they tend to prioritize dream travels abroad as well so those plans are most likely to push through than the local travels.
With my mundane but probably comprehensible reasons, I am grateful to be able to tick off some of the dream local travels through our company outings. And I get to even travel and experience basic tourist packages because of it. Through the amazing efforts of the company I was able to go to Cebu and Bohol with my colleagues. It is different from traveling with your friends because you would have more liberty when you are planning on your own but luckily somehow the company gave us free time in which we can spend it the way that we want. And so of course I made the best of what we have then and tried to delve in with the wonders of the said places.
For this article update I will be showing you some of the ethereal gems of the Queen City of the South, Cebu City.
HELLO, Cebu!
Cebu is said to be the oldest city in the country being established in the time when the Spaniards are still colonizing the country. No wonder the Spanish influences are still remnant even on the language/local dialect in there (but actually this is speaking about the Philippines in general).
We stayed for three days over the weekend and it might feel like it is too short but to be honest, it is quite enough as we also get to experience the nuances of the city while we are in there.
Cebu feels homey and it's developed that it will remind you of Manila. Driving for a few hours though, you'd already get to experience the beautiful nature and other breathtaking sceneries that would make you want to lose yourself in even for just a moment.
One of the iconic tourist places that you should not miss is the **Magellan's Cross** which is very well-known for its historical background.
*From time immemorial this spot has been set aside to commemorate the erection of the cross in Cebu by the expedition of Magellan, when King Humabon of Cebu and his queen, son and daughters, together with some 800 of their subjects were baptized by Father Pedro Valderrama. This hallowed site was improved in 1976 by Rev. Juan Albarran,Prior of San Agustin and in 1834 by Rt. Rev. Santos Gomez Marañon, Bishop of Cebu.*
*The image of the Santo Niño found by the expedition of the Legaspi in a house near the present site of the cathedral of Cebu is venerated by the faithful in the nearby church of San Agustin*. -- **Magellan's Cross marker**
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Another iconic location that we visited is the Temple of Leah. It is quite a drive from the city but the scenery is so worth it. We rented a van that took us places and planned our local itinerary on our free time properly that's why we did get to explore despite given only a little time to do so.
Basically, the Temple of Leah will give you a glimpse of Italy or Greece with its structures. The place was built in honor of someone's wife (hence the name of the place).
The place is so aesthetic so we didn't miss the chance to take some snaps.
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10,000 Roses
As the day comes to a close, the digital flowers come in full bloom and it is such a sight to see. There are a lot of people visiting the said location at that time that it was such a struggle to find an angle that is not being blocked by the mass of people but it didn't stop us from enjoying the beautiful spread of white roses right in front of us.
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One with Nature
Because of the limited time we opted not to try water sports but we did go to Mantayupan Falls and some beaches near the place. It rained the day prior to our visit though so we only took pictures at the falls after our quick hike leading to it.
I particularly enjoyed the scenery because the sea kind of calms me.
We ate seafood freshly captured from a pond and I may not have photos to back it up now but the food is great! We also ate the specialty of the place, the authentic Cebu Lechon (pork).
As a bonus, we also visited a local café that is Pokémon-themed. We were able to even wear hoodies and try their Pokémon-inspired conconction and shakes and that was quite an experience. I also like how the staff is wearing Pokémon-character dresses. One is even wearing a Nurse Joy outfit and that is pretty cool!
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We also went to some other temples and tried out authentic dishes on some restaurants that are not mentioned here. I would like to come back given the chance and maybe explore some tourist spots that we may have missed.
Thank you, lovely sponsors! I am forever grateful to you. I hope somehow I get to show this amazing place to you that it would inspire you to check out those lovely places near you, too. Sometimes we look too far ahead that we get to forget to appreciate those that we have. Here's to going back to our roots.
I am slowly easing in to writing but it's been a busy couple of days. Also, I may have started playing Axie Infinity and I am still learning the ropes and taking my time to master my cards. Wish me luck!
See you all around.
A
*Note: All photos are taken by me unless noted otherwise.*
Huge shoutout to @renren16 for renewing your sponsorship. I am beyond grateful. I may not have much but you guys have been very supportive and i truly appreciate it
Vaccination Diaries
New technologies make us apprehensive about everything in a way or another. There’s always that worry at the back of our minds that is hard to totally get rid of, and that is understandable because **the unknown can be scary.**
But personally, the anxiety of the **“what if’s”** is just as frightening that is why I try to just embrace a given situation inasmuch as I can (and worry about them later…. I guess. Half-kidding).
I live with a mindset of getting to do something than not be able to do anything at all; The embodiment of YOLO-ing (You Only Live Once) without forgetting to be a responsible individual especially when it comes to my actions. We can explore but we should always hold ourselves accountable of our every action.
This is maybe one of the reasons why I am grateful that I did make the best of what I have when I still have it. Say, I was able to pursue some of my dream travels before any of these travel restrictions due to the pandemic have happened. I work hard but I also make it a point to enjoy my hard-earned fruits of my labor. I am glad that I have spent more time with my loved ones back when you would not worry about gathering and getting inflicting with certain diseases. I am somehow happy that I did show them and continuously show them that I care, especially those who are not with us anymore. I am not really vocal about how I care (at least in person) and I don't say "I love you" all the time, but I try to show it through my actions, little notes and giving them bits of my time (despite you know, being busy with life and all).
So I live with the **now**, and so, when the vaccination idea has been presented with the team, I was one of those who said yes without having second thoughts -- because I think I've lived with all my might even at 30 and there'll be no regrets. If anything, I will be safer as it can prevent getting severe complications because of the virus. You just got to trust the whole process.
I remember seeing viral posts about the old vaccination passes from the Americans during the height of the polio outbreak. And even then, if they didn't trust the medical solutions, the medical technologies would not be where it is right now. Polio, influenza and other outbreaks that are fatal back in the day are all treatable at present. All because they took the risk and trusted the medical experts of their time.
It will be too naive of us to think that everything will be back to the normal that we know after all of this COVID scare is gone, but we can always look forward and be at ease with the new normal.
Going back to the main topic, I would have been already vaccinated as early as August but something that I never would have expected happened: I got sick with cold and cough just a week before the expected vaccination schedule. Imagine managing to be healthy for the whole lockdown period only to be sick on the week before the schedule? Such a bummer, right?
It is the first time ever that I had colds so bad that I lost my sense of smell for a day. But thank the heavens it's nothing really as serious as COVID and it is treatable, so I only had the usual cough medicines and every natural remedy known to man. I drank ginger, turmeric and lemon tea. I did try steam inhalation or "suob". I only drank warm water and stayed away from chocolate and sweets. I kept hydrated with two liters of water everyday at the least.
But almost a month has passed and my cough (mild as it is) still won't be healed. And so I went to a doctor for a checkup. She recommended for me to have my x-ray taken and as it turned out, I had right lower lobe pneumonia. Apparently this is also the reason why even though I have been taking cough medicines, nothing is happening and I am not getting better: because cough medicines won't work on this case. The doctor then gave me prescription of antibiotics and other vitamins and so after two weeks, I am now completely healed.
It is also such a blessing that my work setup during the whole pandemic season is work-from-home. I still get to be paid and get to accomplish my tasks as I am receiving medications. It also prevented me from getting to interact and get in contact with too many people (so the risk of getting inflicted with the virus is lower).
And just this Friday, through our LGU and my aunt's help, I was able to secure a vaccination schedule/slot and finally I had my first dose of the Pfizer brand. Luckily, I only had the common side effects such as having heavy arm and a slight pain near the shoulder area which lasted for two days. I drank some paracetamol just to be safe. I didn't get severe fever or chills of sort in which I am grateful.
They say that the second dose is stronger and it may lead to more side effects but I think I will be ready.
I hope you are all doing well and are healthy. Our health is truly a wealth these days especially.
Thank you to my lovely sponsors especially to @Bloghound and @gertu13 who have recently renewed their sponsorships. I don't have a lot and I am not even too active but I hope I am not boring you with my contents. I think with the recent improvement of my health I will be able to be more active in here too.
Praying for your good health!
See you all around x
@Bloghound, you are a gift from above. Thank you so much for renewing the sponsorship! Take care always and i look forward to your future articles and stories
Huge thank you to @gertu13 for renewing your sponsorship! I truly appreciate it. I hope you’re doing well and i hope you’ll get to achieve your goals!
A little side note: I got my first dose of vaccine today. Thank You, Lord for the provision
Taking this opportunity to thank @Bloghound for the continuous support and for renewing the sponsorship 🥺 I wasn’t very active but thank you for still believing in me. May God bless you even more and may you receive more sponsorships in return!
TMI but after being sick for so long, i’ve finally been healed and tomorrow, I am having my first dose of vaccine. I’m anxious but still hopeful that all will turn out alright.
Have you guys gotten your vaccine shots already?
PS: thank you all for your well-wishes and prayers. I’ve not been so active in here in the past few weeks and I haven’t written a lot of articles too, but I really appreciate the love and support 💛
Mobile Games to Play When You’re Bored
Disclaimer: Just because I am playing it doesn’t mean that I am good at it, but the most important thing is that it is serving its purpose — and that is to keep you occupied and hooked for the time being, and somehow make you happy. I am no expert at these games but I will only get to share my experiences while playing them.
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Why do we play games?
Personally, I play games when I am bored or if I don’t have any other things to do. My preference is either roleplaying games (the one which don’t require much effort as you’d only have to accomplish tasks and them come back whenever you want) or puzzle games. I only play the combat type when I am playing with my cousins (they are good at it) but mostly, I am into laidback ones. I think you don’t need to be the expert especially if you are only playing a game for fun. (Also because it is just free, so no pressure, really)
Here are some of my favourites:
*(A little side note: Photos that are included here are screenshots from the ones that I have on my phone)*
ANIMAL CROSSING: POCKET CAMP
I truly appreciate some Nintendo games that are also available for mobile because (1) you can access them even though you don’t have a Switch or DS and (2) it is very handy because you are using just your phone.
So when Animal Crossing went huge in the past year (the Nintendo Switch’s sales boosted up because more people are staying at home because of the pandemic), I checked if it is available for mobile as well and found out that yes, there’s a version available for mobile. For some reasons I am not sure of, the game is not available in the SE Asia region so I used my US Apple ID to download it. And so the fun has started!
The gameplay is simple, you just have to do tasks that would make you earn Leaf and coins that you could use to buy various clothes and camp furnitures to decorate and improve your little home even more. There are a vast of options to choose from. You would also need to interact to your Animal Camper friends (my favourites are Piper the bird, because she shares the same birthday as me, and Shari the monkey).
The Camper/villagers are full of cuteness as they utilize the furniture and other items like musical instruments and food. It’s like a virtual life that you can organize with every customization that you prefer.
Adorable Home
Another game who has become such a hit in the early pandemic lockdown days is this RPG game called **Adorable Home.** It was such a hit that you can see your social media feed full of these virtual customized lounge areas and bedroom. That, in addition to getting to pet and feed a maximum of twelve cats. In an alternate world, this is ***the perfect*** life: having to live with a partner, getting to have cats, prepare their food and all that.
New updates allow players to plant in a farm and then use the vegetables for dishes that will be prepared for the husband who is working as the wife stays at home.
It is also one of the few known games to be LGBTQIA+ friendly as you can select the gender of your partner beforehand.
To be honest, the interface is pretty simple but I think people are into these kind of games because it gives us an allusion to being in control because real life can get quite tough and challenging.
SLAM DUNK
If you are a fan of the anime and basketball in general, this game is quite a treat! You could opt to do the story mode or go battling with your friends in the ranked matches. Yes, you can add your friends and play 3-on-3 half or full court basketball game with them. You can also score baskets like your favourite Shohoku or other team’s players.
My go-to player is Kiminobu Kogure. He is a forward and is known for the buzzer-beating 3-point shot.
The UI is quite cool as the players are the chibi version of the characters and you can unlock the special moves as you play, too!
Oh, and the OST’s are so nostalgic!
AMONG US / Granny’s House
I learned about Discord because of these two games. My cousins and I used to play while having voice calls and it’s even more fun! We played it way before it’s gotten the hype that previously there are only four letter combination for the codes but now there are six. Playing mafia games with cousins are fun!
Granny’s house is a mafia kind of game too but a more morbid as there’s the zombie granny looking for the kids and once caught, the kids will be put in a cell until someone can free them or after the keys are found, the time limit is up and the game would end.
Because of these games, I get to appreciate technology even more because it allows us to bond even though we are far away from each other.
EVERDALE
Everdale is the most recent game that me and my cousins are playing together. Think of farming and residing in the same valley? It’s nice to do the tasks as well. It can get quite tedious to gather woods, clay, wool and other stuff but the gameplay is simple. And it will run for as long as the villagers are well-fed and not running out of soup, too.
MARIOKART
Another Nintendo game that’s available on mobile is Mariokart. While there is a limited track options, I truly enjoy this one! You can also gain a lot of free items and treats while playing.
Pokémon Games
I used to play Pokémon Go a lot back when traveling is still allowed and public commuting won’t stress you out because of the anxiety of getting the virus. I still play but not as much. PoGo is enjoyable if you can visit the actual gym and Pokéstop locations.
Recently, Pokémon released a Mobile Legend-like game called Pokémon Unite and that’s what’s occupying my time as of recent.
So yes, those are just some of the games that I usually play. I’ll do another list of the puzzle games that I play some other time!
What are the games the you love playing on your free time?
Let me know!
Shout out to the sponsors! You are all lovely!
A Day in a Life
Life in a pandemic can be quite taxing and routine-y because there isn’t a lot to be done while just staying at home (or is it?) but it should not stop us from getting to enjoy the time that we have and spicing it up. You’re actually going to be surprised as there are a lot that you can do with the privilege of getting to stay at home (not everyone has the same opportunity, sadly) that you might opt to just do nothing at all.
Anyway, here’s how my day goes like on a normal work week:
I am a morning person.
Always have been. You’d think a change of scenery would change that but it’s become a habit that is hard to let go and I don’t really mind keeping.
When I was still in the city, I used to wake up so early in anticipation of the traffic that one may encounter on a daily commute to the office. A supposed 45 minutes to one hour commute can go as long as 2-3 hours if you are not on your luckiest days. I would leave our house at 5:30 AM only to arrive in the office before 8 AM.
Now that I am staying in our permanent residence in the province, my body clock is so used to waking up early and I don’t really mind. I don’t even need an alarm clock. My cats would usually “knock” and “meow” loudly on my bedroom door wanting to be fed and so I would get up early to feed them. Vivi is always hungry because she is pregnant so I try to feed her for as much as she needs to, whenever she’s hungry. That includes my other babies, Jingle Bell and Silver Bell (they are male cats but they also eat a lot).
I would also prepare a simple breakfast for my grandmother and prepare her morning milk drink.
Today I cooked garlic longganisa (a kind of sausage) for breakfast.
I am not really a good cook per se, and I could only prepare simple dishes, most especially breakfast dishes (I mean, fried food and all). I also enjoy a bit of baking but I am yet to go back to baking again after my pneumonia diagnosis.
I may have already mentioned the things that occupy my free time on my previous blogs, one of which is available and you could read here. https://read.cash/@aaskelter/celebrating-small-victories-da0d2ddc
I used to bake sweet treats, cookies and cake. I do crochet and simple amigurumi projects. I am learning to play several instruments like the ukelele, the piano and kalimba. I used to play these mobile games along with my cousins and I enjoy that a lot. All that while having a 9-hour day job (sometimes even longer when we have urgent submittals).
Today, since I am on a noon shift and my work won’t start until 10AM, I had the time to go back to my roots and have a quick morning walk around our place. Mainly, the reason is that I am visiting one of my grandmothers who is kind of feeling sick (not of COVID but you know how delicate our bodies can be as we grow older? Added to the fact that we are prone to having these age-related weaknesses) and I am bringing the milk supplement that I got her.
I don’t really go out because as you may all know and as I have previously mentioned, I got diagnosed with lower right lobe pneumonia so I only stay indoors, drink my meds and rest if I am not working or doing said newly learned hobbies. Anyway, I am feeling extra better (only coughing mildly occasionally still but overall, feeling better than usual) and almost healed. My antibiotic medication ends today too and I’ll only be continuing the cough allergy med and other Vitamin C supplements. Thank You, Lord!
So going back, after feeding my cats, I went ot off to walk around and it is very refreshing. There’s a slight drizzle because of the storm in the past days but nothing that we cannot manage. Seeing green calms my heart and soul.
(So here’s a little photo spam from my walk, I guess)
You can see huge trees and old, widely used roads that reminded me of my childhood as this is the place where I grew up. There’s also a fish pond and several ornamental plants as this is one of the sources of living of the people living in our area. We used to sell ornamental plants too, but that was when my grandparents are still young and strong (and alive, as my grandfather isn’t here with us anymore).
Everything feels different and yet the same. There are newly renovated houses and structures that are not there before, but the core still remains. The place still brings peace in my heart.
It is still what I call my home.
Sometimes we look too far ahead that we fail to appreciate the **now**. It feels nice to be back.
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Let me just grab the opportunity to thank all my sponsors who are still here, supporting me through and through. May you be blessed with every great thing that the universe may give you.
I am still finding it hard to think of a certain topic to write about that’s why this post is so random. But I’ll try to write about the prompts that I may have missed during my writing *hiatus* of sorts. Or, do you have any suggestions, maybe?
To a world that is yet to be explored and to staying grounded,
A
*All photos are taken by me.*
Catching Up
Hello, it’s been a while. I missed writing so I thought I’ll give you updates about what’s going on with my life in the past few weeks of inactivity in this writing platform. I am still not 100% though, but I think I’ve found enough energy and motivation to write again… and this is a start, I am getting back there.
Health is Wealth
I guess you never really truly appreciate your good health until it starts deteriorating. Not that I am taking mine for granted before, but age comes into play when it comes to our body’s wellness and that is a known fact. One day you’ll reach a certain age and the soreness and body pain is not as tolerable as when you are younger. You’ll understand why people have pain relieving body rubs and oils all the time and no wonder everyone on the feed are into the scented oil diffuser packages. I used to think that no, I am not into that kind of thing, but I have always been a fan of the old school scented candles myself and those indeed help boost my mood after a very long day. Having these things is a good investment to your being too.
I have been sick for the past month but somehow I am grateful that it is not as serious as getting to be confined in a hospital or too worse that will be needing expensive treatment. I am grateful that it isn’t COVID (four of my friends have gotten the virus and tested positive on different occasions and it’s worrisome. They are all fully vaccinated and has fully recovered already. Meanwhile, I am yet to have my vaccine shot as you’d need to be cleared of any related symptoms or illness so as not to trigger any serious side effects of the vaccine.)
What I thought was a simple cough turned out to be lower right lobe pneumonia in which I don’t even know how I got it. At first they thought I am just having allergies because of cat furs but it turned out to be a little different per x-ray findings.
I have tried every natural remedy possible from turmeric tea with lemon, fresh ginger and lemongrass concoction and drank my cough meds religiously but it did not work. And apparently upon research, cough medicines don’t really work with people with pneumonia.
Luckily it could be treated with antibiotics, proper sleep and less oily food intake, increase of water intake (the doctor says to drink two liters or more per day), more fresh fruits and enough rest. I am instructed to stop drinking coffee, tea and chocolate at the moment and how I miss having my matcha fix and everything sweet. I can’t even bake cookies and cupcakes as they have a huge sugar component. But then, not being able to bake gave me time to focus on some of my other hobbies like crocheting.
Today I still have mild cough but it only happens occasionally. Since I am getting better and I am on my last week of antibiotics medication, the doctor has instructed for me to take Montelukast sodium for a few more weeks and use the Salbutamol inhaler if the cough still persist. I don’t even know how to use an inhaler that I had to search Youtube on how to use it properly. Anyway, I am so grateful for the better health that I am having. Soon I will be able to have my vaccine shot and I am kind of looking forward to that.
Crocheting and more
Crocheting is truly cathartic. I am glad that I picked up on it this pandemic. What I thought was hard is actually doable given the tutorial of choice that would work for you. These days, tutorial videos are everywhere too so it makes everything easier and accessible. I am doing whale **amigurumi** which is the Japanese art of knitting stuff creatures/animals. Practice makes perfect too so I have been doing whales for quite a while. At first I was only using tissue as fillers but luckily the cotton fillers that I ordered online has arrived.
One thing that I enjoyed spending my time is playing the newly released Pokémon game and Everdale with my cousins. It made me appreciate technology even more because even though we can’t be physically together, we can still bond through these games.
Pokémon Unite is like Mobile Legends, they say but I don’t play ML so I am not really sure but it allows us to battle together so I find it interesting. Meanwhile, Everdale is like a virtual farm that you would have to develop. You also get to be situated in the same valley and accomplish tasks together. My cousins have been playing for quite some time so their farms are already great. Mine is still on a lower level but you can easily can get the hang of it too.
An Update about my Cats and other pets
Yssa Bell (Vivi’s daughter) went missing a couple of weeks ago. Yssa is this sweet little kitten and one morning she didn’t come back and respond whenever I am calling her. Usually when they are nowhere to be found I just call out their names and they would come running back to me. I’ve grown attached to that sweet little baby. I just hope she’s somewhere nice and that she is being taken care of.
In other news, the baby mama is pregnant again and she might be giving birth in a couple of weeks time. We might not keep them and just give them off for adoption but I am excited to see the kittens again.
One of my cousins’ chowchows has died. He’s encountered parasite in the blood and had cardiac arrest. He’s only nine months. It’s quite hard as we get attached to our pet companions as well. But King (along with Queen who ran through the rainbow bridgen when she was only one month old) are in a better place now.
Music
I am such a music enthusiast and I am glad that there are a lot of new releases that I get to consume and enjoy. One of which is the collaboration of Coldplay and BTS entitled “My Universe”. Who would have thought that they would actually get to collab? Two legends of their own right. Music truly transcends any language and it warms my heart.
BTS also went to New York to give a speech about sustainable energy in the United Nations general assembly. They were appointed as Diplomatic Envoys by no less than the President of the Republic of South Korea himself. Truly a legendary moment. I love that they are using their platform for such important advocacies and are inspiring their fans to advocate the same.
Family Matters
Coincidentally, today is the 40th day since my grandfather has died and as an old tradition, families usually have a simple gathering to commemorate the day (just like the 9th day). There are traditions that I cannot understand nor could not be explained but there is no harm in following them anyway.
I miss my grandfather sometimes. His final days may have been tough with the Alzheimer’s/Parkinson’s symptoms kicking in but he’s lived a full, happy life and we are grateful to have him.
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With me being gone, I’ve only been active on noise cash so I have kept track of the BCH market and apparently we’ve been on a dip for too long. The market is slowly but surely recovering though (just like me). I look forward to the days to come.
And woo! October! It’s almost halloween and soon it’ll be Christmas. Despite everything I am still excited and it is still my favourite special occasion. We usually put up Christmas decors after the November 1 festivities (All Saint’s Day) but Christmas season in the country starts as soon as the -ber months kick in.
There are a lot of other things but that’s about it in general. I hope you all are doing well and are all healthy. Let me know about your day!
I’ll try to be more active and interact with your posts more again. I actually miss reading different takes and stories by you guys, too.
Thank you to all of the sponsors who are still believing in my capacity despite the inactivity. And thank you for reading!
Cheers to the future,
A
*The lead photo is Yssa (the missing kitten). All photos are mine unless credited otherwise.*
Good morning, lovely read cash friends! I’m doing well (though not yet fully healed). I am the type who either gives my all or nothing at all, I usually don’t like doing anything half-arsed. Or if I can’t give my 100% to it. That’s why I still opt not to write, in addition to being busy at work.
Anyway, i settled some of the sponsorships that are expiring soon because it always feels good to be able to give back. Take it also as a sign of my gratitude for showing me love despite my inactivity.
Stay safe and healthy, everyone! See you around soon
Hello read cash friends, I hope you are all doing well. I’ve been sick recently (not covid but my cough’s been bothering me and apparently I had acquired lower right lobe pneumonia per x-ray) and I haven’t been in the mood to write so I am not so active in here in the past few days. (Still on meds and hopeful to feel better soon. Antibiotic’s too strong it makes me nauseous at times. But nothing that I can’t managed. This girl is strong-willed 😌) It feels like I could not focus a lot so I don’t get to proceed to writing. Anyway, I could opt to write but I feel like I won’t be able to give it my all and I am not one to give half-arsed results so… yeah. I’ve been active on noise though (for short posts). See you around!
Omg I just saw it, thank you @renren16 for the sponsorship renewal. You are amazing! Grateful for you
Thank you for your generosity, @CoquiCoin. I truly appreciate you and your support. I also look forward to your every content in here! May you be blessed even more :)
Moonchild, you shine…
It’s September 12th and it’s raining. And it’s reminded me of someone who’s celebrating his birthday today — **Kim Namjoon**, commonly known as **RM**, the leader of the global superstars, **BTS**.
Aside from his pretty chill being, passion for nature & arts , fondness of small objects and insects (which is so cute because he’s this tall, kind of intimidating guy), his wide English vocabulary and impressive leadership, I have always admire his lyricism and wordplay and it is what’s gotten my full respect. There are also 177 songs credited onto his name per KOMCA (Korean Music Copyright Association). And so today I decided to share some of his wisdom as shown through the songs that he’s written over the years. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from the lyrics that he wrote.
“I was just a *person*, but you eroded my edges and turned me into *love*.” — Trivia 承: Love
When I learned about this, I was totally impressed because it is just so cool how he was able to do wordplays that would make sense in his own language (Korean) as well as if you are going to translate it in English.
When you write “Person” in hangul, it is (사람) saram. As you may have noticed, the last consonant is "ㅁ" like a square. When you “erode its edges/corners” it will become "ㅇ" like a circle. Writing the term in hangul again using the circle, it becomes love (사랑) sarang.
But wait there’s more!
It's a long way from I to U
Fuck, JKLMNO PQRST
I crossed all the letters and I reached you
In an electrodiagram of a person's heartbeat, the waves are labelled PQRST. Somehow, Namjoon included a cardiology reference in a song about love where I and U maybe far from each other alphabetically but the distance is only a “heartbeat” away.
“You're my Miss Right, Miss Right. If I lose you, it’s a miss, right? Miss Right? ” — Miss Right
I just love how he used the same words but in a different context. The first “miss right” being a noun/referring to a person, and in “it’s a miss, right?” as an expression of losing someone.
“Treat me like a comma, I'll take you to a new phrase” — Waste It On Me (Steve Aoki ft. BTS)
We all know that comma usually puts a stop/pause to a sentence and then you can start a new statement. In this line’s context, in order to start a new life, he appeals for the other person to treat him like a comma so they can start a new phrase (can both apply to relationships or life as a whole).
Namjoon’s verses from the two songs **Save Me** and **I’m Fine** are like an ambigram with lyrics with inverse meaning and this is one of my ultimate favourites.
I just…. I am at a loss for words of how he’s able to come up with those impressive lines? Him having 148 IQ might be a factor because he’s so cool!
In **Save Me** it feels like it is from the perspective of someone who’s needing to depend on someone else to survive, while in **I’m Fine** there is a realisation that you cannot expect people to always be on your side so you got to be your own person. You have to find your own strength and push yourself to improve even without that other person as your aide.
The lyrics go like this:
**Thank you for letting me be myself**
*Even if I end up becoming someone other than myself, it’s okay because I am my own salvation*
**For enabling me to fly**
**For giving me wings**
*and my wings get torn*
**For straightening me out, who was wrinkled**
**For breaking me out when I was feeling suffocated/boxed in**
*and get wrinkled an endless amount of tim*e
**For waking me up when I was solely living in a dream**
*Even if I’m in an endless dream*
**Because when I think of you, the sky clears**
*and dark cloud comes again*
**I’ve given away a thing such us sadness**
*Even if sadness erases me*
**Thank you for becoming “us”**
*It’s okay even if we aren’t us*
(**Save Me** in Bold, *I’m Fine* in Italics)
Mindblown.
MOONCHILD, from the EP, “mono”
On the song, “moonchild” from his solo EP, “mono”, he used the Korean word 가시 (ga-shi) in two meanings: thorn and visibility. ‘thorn' symbolizes a negative trait while 'visibility' is referring to perspectives or views.
It means that people may say bad things towards you and people will have different views of you, but there will also be a person out there who will find comfort in your fatal thorns. What others see as a problem maybe a solution to some depending on their perspective.
Another favourite line from this song goes like, ***“it’s okay to shed tears but don’t you tear yourself.”*** where he used the two meanings of the word “tear”. I find it very relatable. It is like reminding us how it is okay to embrace the sadness when it is knocking on our doors, but don’t let it eat you up long enough that you would get to lose yourself in the process of hurting/grieving.
“I run and stumble and fall again, honestly. Even it repeats forever, I'll keep running. " — Jamais Vu
There is no wordplay here but I just find the line inspiring. We should keep on *running* even if life gets hard and we always encounter hindrances along the way.
Uh good
My ideal and reality–
They are too far apart
But, I still want to cross the bridge
and reach me
the real me
Even in that desert, it might rain
But, I’m sorry, ***I can’t give up on myself***
Just like in **Jamais Vu**, these couple of lines from the song **uh good** feels like an encouragement to not give up on ourselves even when every situation is pointing to failure and disappointment. It is okay if you are not *yet* the *real* you or if you feel like you are still too far from achieving your goals, but don’t you ever give up.
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Personally, his EP called **mono** is one of my go-to feel-good, healing albums especially when I am feeling down or when it’s raining because not only are the vibes just perfect, but the lyrics are a good reminder of what’s to come, even if it doesn’t feel like life is working in your favor at that certain moment.
Anyway, happiest of birthdays, Namjoonie. Thank you for spreading your talent and for sharing your light. Cheers to the future!
*Living so I love**,
A
*(*reference from Trivia: Love)*
Thank you to the wonderful sponsors! I am not really very active in here but I appreciate it everytime you drop by my occasional articles/blogs.
Do you have that one go-to album to make you feel better when you’re feeling off as well? Please do share them so we can also check it out.
Meanwhile, you may also read these other stuff that I previously wrote:
**Soul Searching in South Korea** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/soul-searching-in-seoul-south-korea-6a6e9ed1
**Seven BTS Lyrics That Will Hit You Right With The Feels** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/seven-bts-lyrics-that-will-definitely-hit-you-with-the-feels-4946d831
**Permission To Dance** https://read.cash/@aaskelter/spreading-love-through-permission-to-dance-and-why-it-is-impactful-b1362bbb
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*Lead photo is taken by me. Photos are mine unless credited otherwise.*
Learning to Trust
So we had our virtual team building last week and it is one of the company’s activities to keep the employees engaged and bonded despite the distance and the work from home situation that prevents us from actually communicating in person.
We still see each other via Zoom and Google Meet but… How I missed saying hello whenever bumping with colleagues in the office, drinking coffee from the pantry or having a lunch out with my office friends but this is what we have now and we must make the best of the time that we have.
Anyway, so this team building activity has focused on one of the important values that we all should have as a department and that is **TRUST**. Being trustworthy is also a vital trait that one should aim to be.
The Human Resources officer shared the acronym version of TRUST so that we can remember to inculcate this value in our minds and action and so I will be sharing them here and hopefully it could help you and you’ll learn a thing or two as well.
T — Transparent with our team
Transparency in any business or organization is very important. We should be straightforward but at the same time respectful (more on this later).
How can we be transparent, though? First thing: **practice honesty**. In everything that we do, we must focus on our integrity and to be honest in our job and on how we deal with other people. We should be honest in doing our actual tasks even when there is no superior that is monitoring us. We should honestly admit to our faults instead of pointing fingers.
**Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.** Sometimes we worry about being coined as weak and vulnerable so we tend to hide our weaknesses. We won’t ask for help when facing difficulties because we are full of pride. And it gives more problem instead of solution in general so we must be open to admitting that we will be needing our colleagues’ help and support. By asking for help early on, we can manage to find the answers to the mishaps ahead of the deadlines.
Third thing to remember is to **always give feedback.** This way people would know whether they are doing something accurately and spectacularly, or if they are busting on a job. This will also encourage people to do better should they be lacking on some aspects (but of course this should be done with *respect*).
Lastly, we must **state our expectations.** If we are not going to voice it all out loud, then there won’t be a proper communication between the team. It doesn’t matter if the expectations are high or low, it has to be known so the team could work on a solution that could actually work.
R — Respect
R stands for **Respect**, which is to be earned, not imposed. Seniority doesn’t always equate to greatness and you cannot expect people to respect you just because you are ahead in years… but that is not always the case.
Maybe this is why people tend to pretend in front of others, the term we call “***plastic***”, because you cannot exactly call out a misconduct of a superior in as much as you can easily talk it out with a friend. However, here’s to hoping that they can see what they are actually doing wrong and realise the things that they have to change for a better harmony and relationship in the working space.
I totally appreciate having colleagues who are older than me and are acting their age: being mature and trustworthy. I had a team leader once who was one of the best that I could hope to have. He always cheers his team. He knows when to spout compliments and doesn’t blame an employee should they come up lacking or if they would make mistakes in their tasks. Rather, he always finds a way for the team to work as one and initiate to work on a solution instead of pointing fingers. He also is not afraid to admit when he himself has committed some mistakes. He also is willing to learn from his team. He is the epitome of ***“there is no I in team”*** . No wonder he has everyone’s respect and it is a blessing to be included in his roster of subordinates.
In the end, it still boils down into how you are actually treating the people around you, and if you are brimming with kindness and thoughtfulness then it would reflect on your being and to how other people would treat you as well.
As the golden rule goes, ***“Do not do unto others what you don’t want others to do unto you.”*** You cannot expect people to give what you yourself is not willing to give out. While you cannot always expect people to treat you like how you treat them, choose to be compassionate and kind but at the same time, don’t lose your impeccable work ethics and personal principles.
And if you cannot respect the people around you…. I guess you know what comes after. That is what you have to learn to change and improve.
U — Unity
The HR officer also reminded us of the technicalities of why we should be bonded and how we can still be united in this time. They discussed how they choose newly hired employees that would “vibe” with the personal values and goals of the team beforehand so they can easily blend in.
To be united as one team, these are some things that we need to remember:
To have one vision
To have one mission
To have the same core values
To have department objectives
To have same personal values
It happens all the time and you cannot expect a team to be perfect. Someone won’t be able to grasp and remember the standards of practice of every task. We all work differently. Some can be efficient while some would feel like a burden to a team. But still, we should still try to keep it together and be more compassionate towards each other. We should also inspire each member to be better.
S — Show Your Care
**Showing that we care** is a very challenging entry, especially these days when we are all going through our own battles and very far from each other, staying at home. Proximity is a hindrance but it should not stop us from showing that we care.
Back when we can still show physical appreciation, a smile would usually suffice to show that we somehow care. We could also treat them pizza or just get their coffee from the dispenser — simple things that could mean so much for a hurting and weary heart.
But since this is not possible anymore these days because of the work-from-home setup, showing that we care could be in the form of a Skype message or an email. It could also be a simple compliment or a comment of how something has reminded us of them. It could also be a simple “job well done”.
T — Trust-building activities build morale (words of affirmation)
T is somehow connected to S, but this time we actually put it into practice through **words of affirmation**. Words, as we all know, hold so much power.
*Your words can make or break someone’s day even without you knowing it*.
Complimenting your colleagues is a good practice of this. Showing gratitude after a particularly hard task is something that one will definitely appreciate at the end of the work week. Making them smile by noticing their little antics or their new Google Meet/Background can put a smile on their faces even on the roughest of days. It will help you feel at ease, likewise, as making someone happy is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
The team building ended with a call for action and hopefully we can all manage to be trustworthy enough so the department can continue to prosper.
Trust, when given should not be broken because it is hard to give it back.
Trust is important to keep a team running efficiently.
Trust is a relevant value in our daily lives.
Are you a trustworthy person?
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Thank you to all of you, lovely sponsors! Forever grateful for your generosity! And to the readers, I truly appreciate it. I hope you get to relate a thing or two and maybe get to apply it on your lives as well.
To being trustworthy,
A
Decluttering Finds
One thing that we all probably have in common: **people are so sentimental**. When we get to experience the goodness that life has to offer, there is this desire to keep it in our memories longer, sometimes in the form of physical remembrances and stuff. Sometimes we keep mementos and didn’t realise how it’s already piled up and taken a huge space in our homes until the time when we decided to **declutter**. It kind of makes living a minimalist lifestyle such a struggle.
Last week, we had extra time so we tidied up the rooms. I was surprised to find a lot of things that I don’t remember keeping, so I’ll be sharing some of them here.
When I was a bit younger and the situation still allows us to gather and attend some events without worrying about getting inflicted with diseases, I really love going to fan signings and meeting my favourite authors and musicians. So I found this signed postcard from probably a band but I am not sure because I cannot seem to remember from when and where I got it. Younger me should have probably put a marker/signage at the back but I forgot. One thing’s for sure: I had the best time then.
I also found official posters in there and signed albums and magazines! So nostalgic. It’s one thing that I truly miss. How I miss attending concerts, too. When we’d line up early to secure a nice spot at the mosh pit. That feeling when the lights will go off and the vibe of the venue will change into something truly magical. That fleeting feeling of getting to hear your favourite songs being sang by your favourite artists and musicians. That amazing experience of getting to cover your favourite musicians as a part of the media people. *(I used to write and cover events for my friend’s website pre-pandemic. The last one that I did get to cover was that Valentine concert with Boyce Avenue, December Avenue and We Belong To The Zoo)*
I also have so many magazines and *“song hits”*. I only have like 10 USD weekly alloted school allowance so it’s amusing to imagine how I was able to save up to buy those stuff. One factor could be because the items aren’t that expensive at that time (but for a student, those are already expensive, to be totally honest).
What’s even more entertaining is that the magazines are so old that most Hollywood couples if not all are already broken up or divorced and the Hollywood A-lister babies have grown up and are now teens. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt? Tom Cruise and daughter Suri Cruise? All the Harry Potter features and news about the actors/actresses? Random fashion spread and editorial pieces? Oh my gosh. *Still believing in Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively’s supremacy, though. I hope they stay together forever.*
As you may have noticed, my mindset then was and still is **“Money is being earned to be spent”** but at the same time, **we should be able to save up so we’ll have something to pull up should emergencies arise.** I’m the type to buy things that in hindsight may not seem to be very useful or practical, but one thing’s for sure, it has made me happy (it still makes me happy).
*It is okay to spend the extras for as long as you aren’t forgetting your responsibilities and that you are still alloting more for your savings.*
Going back, I am also grateful for the freebies that I got from generous individuals in the fandoms that I am also a part of. One sweet Archu-angel gave me a deluxe David Archuleta CD and another gave me a sticker all the way from America. Giving something to a person whom you barely know? I cannot help but feel extra grateful and the internet amazes me sometimes. People who love to share what they have and it becomes a domino effect as it’s made me want to share what I have to those who might want some official merchs too.
We have also unearthed old test papers, school projects and other lecture materials. AND WE HAVE A LOT. I cannot even remember the time when we did this full house plan project as a requirement in one of our drawing classes in the university, but apparently we did that before and we received a decent grade for it.
I even have kept stuff from way back in high school. I am too sentimental about the time I spent then that I got a t-shirt in which I let them sign it with their names and I still keep it. There are also old school publications and books.
We’ve also found some rare gems in the form of photographs reminiscent of our joyful childhood. It reminded me of those glory days, of receiving recognitions and of the physical reminders of the fun hangouts that we had. Life was simpler but it is just as fun. These days people love to post on social media and everyone seemed to have state of the art camera phones while back then we only have a old school film and digital camera that we have the options to have it printed as mementos.
I also saw some of my old diaries back in college. I tend to procrastinate sometimes but I am glad I was able to write some of my thoughts then though mostly it’s about the embarrassing stuff that we did. There are also quite a few old certificates, brochures from recent travels (because we love taking home a piece of the places that we’ve been to, right? Even though it might feel like trash to some) and some old notebooks and binders.
What’s amused me is seeing this old writings from a friend that I met in college. She is an exchange student from Korea who’s stayed with our class for two weeks and as the class representative, I was the one assigned to assist her and to make her feel at ease and to keep her in company. Her english name is Sunny and I think it fits her personality. Albeit being the serious type, she’s also very accommodating to our requests and she even wrote the Korean version of the “Three Bears” for me. We lost communication because we don’t have decent internet connection at home then that we had to still rent on computer shops and that is quite costly and time consuming, but I hope she had those fun memories to remember about our class.
We also found clothes that won’t fit and pairs of shoes that we don’t exactly need anymore.
And now it is time to let them go.
Turning over a new leaf doesn’t exactly mean that you’ll forget everything that has happened in the past, rather, you will be keeping those memories in the core of your existence and inside of your heart.
There are things that you will outgrow as you grow older and wiser (say, I don’t really buy magazines anymore) and that is alright, too. It gives you more opportunities to learn about other things and to focus on the more important stuff.
Maybe you’re lost and you needed that change to be back on track. A fresh start maybe is what you need so don’t be afraid to let go.
Thank you, sponsors and to those who are renewing their sponsorships! I am forever grateful for sharing this whole BCH journey with you all.
I also realized that I am at no. 102 on the tipper’s list and I am quite surprised as I wasn’t expecting that. I just tip and comment on articles that piqued my interest and it is nice to be able to give back (albeit in my own little way or contribution)
Right now I am working on finishing my entry for this week’s prompt and I also have started doing **amigurumi** (Japanese term for stuffed animal crochet) projects so I don’t get to post often/daily. I might not be very consistent in my posting schedule as the day job is also occupying my thoughts and time, but I try to write quality articles not only for you who might get to read it but for me, as writing can be therapeutic and a relaxing way to somehow unwind from the daily stress of life. It is also a great distraction from reality and it is relieving to be able to share these things and let it all out.
See you all around!
Spreading love,
A
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*All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
Thank you, @ARTicLEE for the sponsorship 🤍 may you be blessed tenfolds. I look forward to reading your blogs and seeing your awesome photos!
The Art of Skincare (and why one should pay attention early on)
When I was younger, I am not really into skincare. I would just wash my face with a papaya soap* and maybe a cleanser and that’s it. Sometimes I don’t even use anything on my face. I could stay up late because of schoolworks and not worry about a single *“friend” (pimple)* appearing on my face. There’s an occasional appearance of hormone-induced “*friends*” whenever it is that time of the month for us girls, but there is nothing really serious to worry about. Life is simpler then.
**Using papaya soap felt like a norm because of society’s “standard” and obsession for fairer skintone. Filipinos are natural morena, sometimes darker and society’s made people think that the fairer the skin tone, the better. It’s all that you can see that they are marketing in printed and other media.*
*However, growing up I learned to love my skin color even more and would not have it any other way. Those beauty products help maintain a better skin texture, though (that’s why we continue using the moisturizing kind. More on these later.)*
But have you ever heard of the **rule of seven**? Being the curious person that I am, I was reading random articles long ago and came upon this one saying that **our body’s cells replace themselves every seven to ten years** so whatever you’ve consumed or have done to your body may manifest in this particular span of time. I wasn’t paying too much attention to it until I get to experience the *change* in my body in particular. It’s the same idea of how our metabolism slows down as we grow older and it is harder to burn down calories and fats compared to when we are younger.
This is why we should start caring for our body, skin and health early as we all know, especially these days how health is (indeed) our wealth.
Going back, remember when I have a nice, smooth face? It all started to go downhill when I went back from Singapore in 2016. The usual skin care routine (if you could call it as such) does not seem enough taking into consideration the difference of weather condition affecting our skin. Like what I have mentioned on my **Singapore** blog, the weather is dry but not so humid because of its equatorial location so you will be needing more moisturizers to keep your skin nourished and moisturized (something that I didn’t know back then). So the drastic change in weather kind of triggered the acne breakouts when I came back from SG. https://read.cash/@aaskelter/land-of-opportunities-singapore-91553151
It was so bad that when I tried this rejuvenating kit, my face got swollen like Majinboo (Majinboo is a Dragonball Z character; you may search Google for reference) and I am not even exaggerating! We went to a proper dermatologist and my face went back to its normal size. The breakouts became bearable since then.
**WHAT I LEARNED FROM THAT UNFORTUNATE INCIDENT**
**Always do a skin test before applying anything straight to your face.** This was my biggest mistake. I should have applied a small amount on my arm to see if there would be any allergic reaction on the skin, but at that time I was impatient and desperate to have the breakouts gone that I would try whatever to rid my face of it.
I realised that my skin is actually sensitive so I should be mindful of the serums and cleansers that I should be using.
I became more aware of the skin care that is fitting for my skin type.
**SKIN TYPES**
One should be aware of his/her own skin type before buying and trying out different skin care products. The doctor’s prescription/advice is also helpful in the long run.
**Is your skin type oily or dry?** Mine is apparently oily so breakouts seemed to be a normal occurence. The descriptions are listed down in webmd.com along with the reasons like **puberty and hormonal imbalance** (if you are familiar with the term PCOS for women, this is so common), **stress** and **too much heat or humidity**. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/whats-your-skin-type
On the website it is noted that you have the oily skin type if you have:
Enlarged pores
Dull or shiny, thick complexion
Blackheads, pimples, or other blemishes
I used to buy green tea skin care products being a huge matcha food enthusiast that I am, but I found out that it is not complementing my skin type (no wonder it isn’t working fully in my favor) so I opted for tea tree instead. Aloe vera is also helpful.
Koreans and Japanese have such beautiful skin. One cannot help but notice how they don’t seem to have pores, (exaggeratedly speaking but) that’s how smooth they look on TV and in person. One factor that might be the reason here is the weather condition in their country. Another one is the quality of skin care products that their region can procure.
When we visited Korea last 2019, we kind of hoarded some face masks and other skin care products because they are less expensive in there and there are a lot to choose from (*Etude House, The SAEM, Nature Republic, The Face Shop and Innisfree* to name a few) especially in the shopping district (Myeongdong). https://read.cash/@aaskelter/soul-searching-in-seoul-south-korea-6a6e9ed1
**SKIN CARE PRODUCTS THAT WORKED (for me)**
It took me quite a while to find a skin care routine and products that are perfect for me so you will be needing a lot of patience and you would get to learn more about yourself.
I tried a lot of products and skin care sets but one that’s worked for me is this **intensive AC collection** of the brand **COSRX**. Initially I bought it because it is being endorsed by my ultimate oppa, favourite Korean actor Kim Soo-hyun. (Half-kidding) Upon seeing the reviews, I was encouraged and the next thing I knew, I already checked out a set online for me to try.
The set includes (in the order of application):
**Calming Foam Cleanser**
**Calming Liquid Intensive** (Toner)
**Ultimate Spot Cream** (which should be specifically applied to the acne/mark that you are trying to get rid of)
**Lightweight Soothing Moisturizer** (finishing touches!)
It feels light on the skin and it is perfect for people with sensitive skin like me.
The ultimate acne eraser/remover? I would have to recommend **Alba Botanica’s Acne Dote Oil Control Face Lotion**. This is very effective if you are trying to let the acne dry and be gone the following day.
For a less expensive counterpart, people with oily skin type can also use **Human Nature**’s tea tree products. It is locally produced and is just as effective as the former.
Treat your skin with some calming face masks and feel the difference when you wake up in the morning. It gives off a nice vibe that may last the whole day!
Lastly, when your AC collection kit has worked its wonder, you can now opt to use **Thayer’s witch hazel toner** to maintain a clear and healthy-looking skin.
One should take note that what’s working on someone doesn’t automatically mean that it would successfully work on you. Some products could work and some could be “hit and miss”.
But let me share a secret: the best skin care routine… **includes a good night sleep (proper rest) and hydration (drink more water!)**. Those never fail. *winks*
What’s your favourite skin care product?
Care to share your skin care routine?
Just comment them below and help a friend.
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This is my take on this week’s prompt by @JonicaBradley **(Beauty)**. I hope you learned a thing or two that you can also apply in yours.
https://read.cash/@JonicaBradley/writing-prompt-15-beauty-23996e36
Thank you, sponsors! Eternally grateful for you.
If you want to start writing about this week’s prompt and other previous topics, you can just follow these simple rules:
Write anything about **the prompt**
Write 100% original content
Write at least 600 words
Tag the lovely @JonicaBradley
Submit to the **PromptlyJonica** community
(most importantly) Have fun!
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*All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise. The lead photo (BT21 TATA face mask) is a gift from a friend.*
Soul Searching in Seoul, South Korea
*It is so fitting to be able to write about our Seoul trip as it nears its second anniversary. (We traveled to Korea in the first week of September, tail end of the summer, 2019)*
Two years? Has it really been that long? The pandemic has made us feel like time is a social construct that our trip feels like it just happened yesterday.
I remember this trip being my motivation to get through everyday’s toughness at work and commuting in the metro. The traffic is so worse and I was like, *is it September already?* I just wanted to unwind.
Revisiting the memory also reloads the anxiety that I’ve felt as we apply for the VISA which is even more terrifying than when we applied for Japan, along with the relief when we got approved.
I can still feel the happiness that we felt when we landed in Seoul and breathed in the same summer air.
Annyeonghasaeyo (Hello), South Korea! Another proof of God’s endless provisions.
I will be forever grateful that we were blessed to experience Korea in its glory before this pandemic situation happened.
We spent five days in Seoul! This is also a budget trip and in total, plane ticket and pre-booked itineraries included, we spent more or less 550-600USD . We managed to explore the capital and Nami Island with only 300USD (to 400USD if you want to splurge on shopping and skincare hoarding) as our pocket money on the travel date.
We planned our itinerary thoroughly, taking notes of all the estimated expenses and kept track of the k-drama locations that we would like to visit beforehand so everything is set. We only have to focus on navigating there. We got lost plenty of times but in the end, we still found our way and that’s a part of the whole fun adventure. There maybe some circumstances that we cannot anticipate like delays and the rainy weather but we are out to have the best time and that, we truly did. Part of the budget-friendly itinerary is living off 24-hour convenience stores and it is not that bad. Those 24-hour stores have better varieties of microwaveable dishes and instant noodles that are just as good, to be totally honest.
What you will be needing:
Naver Maps app (the best!) *Naver Map only works in South Korea, they are really strict with security.*
T-Money card for easy train travels, because it will come in handy as you navigate through buses and trains.
A travel buddy (your friends, your plushies or a Funko Pop)
We had a 7 AM flight to Incheon International Airport so Day 1 is our longest adventure. We availed a **Discover Seoul BTS Special Edition Passes** in the airport and a free AREX Airport Express Train ride to Seoul Station is one of the inclusions. I think this is one heck of a good deal. It also gave us free passes to some tourist spots. The ride to Seoul Station in which we booked our Airbnb gave us a glimpse of the city too.
We went to **Ehwa Women’s University, Hongik University** and the streets of **Hongdae** and it has made me miss the time when we are still in the university. Seoul is youthful and buzzing.
We then visited the outskirts of Hongdae leading to the **943 King’s Cross Harry Potter Cafe** (because Potterheads gotta Potterhead). We only took photos outside, though so we would have more time exploring other places.
We also experienced seeing the buskers on the streets where everything is just full of vibrance and energy. And what a Day 1 it is.
We explored the flagship store of **LINE in Itaewon** afterwards**.**
We went to **Nami Island/Morning Calm Arboretum Tour** and it is really nice to see beautiful and well-supervised garden. The view is something you’d wish to see often, to be honest. So calming and lovely.
****Gangnam Tour****
Because BTS’ old office/dorm is located in Gangnam, most of the places in which they frequented pre-debut can be found near each other and in one whole area of Gangnam. This is to our advantage as we get to maximize our time to explore most of them.
We get to try their favourite orders from the iconic **Yoojung Sikdang** restaurant and tried out their favourite drinks at **The Min’s Cafe** and even visited the famous comic book cafe that has been a location of some of their variety show episodes. Gangnam truly is a heaven to ARMYs (BTS fans).
Here’s a quick list of our BTS-related itinerary:
SUGA’s culvert location for Love Yourself promotional poster (Children’s Playground)
RM’s Bench at Seoul Forest (near attraction 15)
K-Star Gangnamdol Road
The MIN’s Cafe (we ordered the famous Five Berries Tea)
Old Bighit Entertainment office (we only took a glimpse because the old building is occupied by new leasers now)
Yoojung Sikdang restaurant — *Must-try: black bean & pork bibimbap (Namjoon, Seokjin, Hoseok, Jimin, Taehyung, Jungkook’s pick) and sausage stew (Yoongi’s pick)*
LINE Store — There are a lot, to be honest but we only get to visit the ones in Itaewon, Gangnam and Myeongdong
Cartoon Shop V / 만화가게 V (VMIN comic book cafe date/RUN BTS location)
Jamsil Olympic Stadium (Love Yourself/Speak Yourself The Final concert location)
Star Avenue at Lotte Department Store — this is where you can see their handprints and try the 3D feature for free
BONUS:
We also visited SM Town COEX building! (It is non-operational these days as it has transferred to another location)
The only part that I don’t really miss about Seoul is the rain (only because we aren’t too prepared). We got stuck in the palace for two hours because of it.
Anyway, we were still able to tick off reenacting our favourite k-drama shots at the **Changdeokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gyeongbokgung Palace,** the **N-Seoul Tower** and **Heo Joon Jae’s house** (Legend of the Blue Sea location)
**Here’s a list of the K-drama locations that we visited:**
Ehwa Women’s University (2 Days 1 Night)
Nami Island (Winter Sonata)
Heo Joon Jae’s house (Legend of the Blue Sea)
Bukchon Hanok Village (Goblin, The Heirs, Heartstrings)
N Seoul Tower (Boys Over Flowers, My Love From The Star, 2 Days 1 Night)
Petite France (My Love From The Star, Secret Garden)
Garden of the Morning Calm (Moonlight Drawn by the Clouds, Lovely Horribly)
The shopping district (Myeongdong) lived up to the hype and we were able to buy treats and discounted skin care items in here. They are all so affordable compared to its prices locally no wonder there are a lot of resellers and buyers for personal consumption. If you have been to Baguio City, that’s the general vibe that I got. The people are also nice.
Things we wish we could have done (also, reasons to come back):
*noraebang* (karaoke) with friends
do a proper hike in the mountains
Visit Daegu and Busan!
watch a BTS stadium concert! (Ah this will be so much fun, I am so looking forward!)
Personally, Seoul isn’t on top of my list and there are other places that I can attest are even better in so many aspects but there is just something about the place that makes it feel so intimate, friendly and safe. The place completely epitomizes the nuance of modernization and cultural heritage that will make any travel junkie more so if you are a K-drama or K-pop fanatic, feel satisfied and at peace. RM’s song “seoul” off his EP, “mono” is a perfect description of the whole vibe. I would recommend for you to listen to it as well and be lost in love and hate with the beauty of Seoul.
Til we meet again, lovely Seoul!
Thank you, lovely sponsors! I am forever grateful for you.
And thank you for your patience, readers. There’s a lot that’s going on in my life that’s why this took a while. Also, writing help me feel at ease and relaxed and somehow recharged from everything that is happening outside so here, I was able to finish this draft (finally).
May you find your kind of peace and hopefully, all your travel plans get to push through as well when things are a bit better outside.
Stay safe and healthy, until then,
A
*All photos are taken by me unless credited otherwise.*
Thank you @renren16! May God bless you even more 🤍
@aaskelter
