This Will Make You Think: Are You Accountable?
Hello everyone! Another week has passed and cheers for another week to come full of goals and hopes. Do you have any plans for this coming week?
My plan for this week is to be mindful of all my actions. It's been weeks of sleeping at 3am in the morning then waking up past 10am. My head hurts in that kind of lifestyle and I want to change it this coming week.
Anyway, in this article I will not talk about my plans, rather, I'll ask you a question. Maybe you already have an idea of what it is because of the title of this article.
Are you accountable?
Accountability is a big responsibility and we play this role more often than not. Let me share with you why I am asking this question.
My high school friend who now lives in Australia came back for a short vacation here in the Philippines and he invited us (his close friends in high school) for a get together and of course, to celebrate his birthday. We were almost 50 students in a class then but he invited only a few because we're not that close anymore with the others.
In any high school class setting, there will always be a group or a circle of friends, usually we have a name hahaha like Mean Girls, The BackStreet Boys, and so on but we don't use that one, I was just setting some examples. Let me introduce to you the groups we have:
**Tropang Mini-Stop (TMS)**
This is my circle of friends, consists of 8 people. We are the ones who were always at the top or honors in our class, the slots for Top 1 to Top 7 are reserved already for us because of our grades. Our other friend struggles to make it to the top but he's the life of the party.
**Bgirls**
If I was not in TMS, I might be here. These four girls are my besties. They always talk about fashion. The kikay girls, the pretty ones. Since I already have my own group, I can't commit to them full time but you can find me hanging out with them most of the time.
**Tropang Rain or Shine (TROS)**
These are the boys' circle of friends. If I remembered it correctly, they're all 12 boys. I can say all of them are my close friends, and most of them tried to court me back in high school until college. They're the sweetest set of friends I have because they support me whenever I venture into something new.
**Tropang Plastic Labo (TPL)**
This group was created because of our Science Fair. We competed for the fair and ended up creating a new set of friends. This is my wholesome set of friends, the green-minded ones, if you know what I mean.
...and the rest are nameless group of friends.
Because of these friendships, we became one. Whenever there are birthday celebrations, we invite each group through their representatives, our close ones.
Back to when we gathered for Al's birthday (the one from Australia). We were talking of what happened to each other's lives. You know, back when I was younger, I always question why the adults are afraid of reunions. I mean, you'll get to see your friends, aren't you excited? But when I encountered gatherings, I noticed the same set of questions. ***What's your job now? How's your family? Are you married already? Why?*** These kind of questions are anxiety-inducing ones.
That's why when we attended his birthday, all I did was to ask if my friends are happy with the lives they have now. You'll see it in their faces if they are or not. No need to ask how much money they are making, or if they're already married and got kids at an early age. We are all struggling and facing our own battles.
Talking about life, we talked about our classmate who died last year due to kidney failure. One of my friends from Bgirls was suspicious back then because our classmate keep on going to the hospital where she works for laboratory tests. It's been months, she said. She informed our friend from TROS about our classmate's situation but she did not disclose everything for he is a patient. Sadly, our friend from TROS did not mention it to the others.
We didn't know he needed blood donations. We didn't know he was struggling financially. We didn't know about his situation. Not until we heard the news from his family, that he was gone.
Now, the question is, are we accountable for our friend's life?
As a friend, we could have done something to help him. We could've donated some blood. We could've helped him financially but we didn't. One thing I learned from this is to always check on my friends. It seems impossible for them to open up when we ask the question ***How are you?*** but we shouldn't stop there.
We may or may not be accountable for our friends' lives but for me it's a loss if I lost a friend, knowing I didn't even do a single thing to help them when they're struggling.
What's your two cents about this? Are we accountable?
Special thanks to @Expelliarmus30 for the renewal of sponsorship 💖
June 26, 2022
The Fundamentals of My Morning (as a Teacher)
Here I am again, back to the Gratitude Challenge. It's already the 3rd article among the 30 prompts. I am torn which one to upload today but I am glad my hand and mind had chosen this one.
In this piece, I will talk about the fundamentals of my morning. ***I used to hate mornings***, ***especially the early ones*** when I must get up early to do a certain task, like going to school or to work in times of being lazy. I know we all have those moments. But there are also days when I feel like morning is my favorite part of the day, these are the times when I want to go to school, hoping to see my crush, the times when I felt so excited to ace the exams because I studied, and the days where I am excited to see my friends again.
I should state here which part of the mornings I like the most but I really can't choose which one. I have different favorites as a child, as a sister, as a teacher, as a partner, and in my own solitude way.
Here, I will start talking about my favorite part as a teacher.
As a teacher
I have my favorite part of the morning as a teacher. I teach as early as **6:30am** so I must get ready before that time. I am the person who doesn't want to be late. It feels like I'm always anxious when there's no much time left to prepare so I always make sure to go to school as early as 5:40 to 5:50am. In those idle times, I make sure I'm already prepared to face my students.
By the time I face them, I usually receive compliments from my students.
***I like your hairstyle today, teacher.***
***You're so pretty, teacher.***
Some would greet me good morning, some would greet me by hugging me. Some would ask if I had eaten my breakfast already and what I had eaten.
There are times when I came to school without having my breakfast because I was running late when my student asked if I had eaten my breakfast already. *Let's talk about consistency!* It was the same student who asks me everyday. When I told him I haven't eaten yet, he rushed into his lunch bag and gave me a cupcake *(the lemon square cheesecake)*, the cupcake I love. He offered it to me. I refused at first because I thought it was his only snack but his response made me melt.
***Teacher, I'm always asking if you have eaten your breakfast already because I always bring with me the cupcake you like. I'm waiting for the time I'd share it with you.***
Whenever I refuse, he gives it to his classmates. to those who don't have their snacks. That day, he was so glad he helped me through that cupcake. I couldn't thank him enough. I shared that anecdote with this parents when I met them for a meeting. I was once again reminded of how great of a kid he is and of course, part of his kindness is his parents' way of parenting.
These small gestures from my students are already a big impact to my day. There were times when I felt like I wasn't ready enough to face them because of personal reasons, (heck we're not always ready, are we? We are not robots. We get tired too.) but still, their gestures make me want to be strong enough to teach and do my best everyday.
In these mornings, I don't need any motivational quote for me to get through the day, although I might be needing a cup of coffee or two.
I may not be having a good morning when I wake up and when I left my house but they made me feel that there is always something good in the morning and I should be thankful for that.
These small moments may be just little things for you but they're actually my favorite part of the morning as a teacher. Well, not just because of the food! Haha it's part of it of course, but it's how wholesome my experiences are whenever I get to be with my students every morning.
📸 Image Source https://www.philvending.com.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/ITLEMO003A-2-1024x683.jpg
I already shared my favorite part as a teacher. I will make another part of this article but in a different perspective.
How about you, what is your favorite part of the morning?
Related articles:
**Something I Find Comfort In and The Reasons Why** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/something-i-find-comfort-in-and-the-reasons-why-0725a5bf
**The Amazing Person I'm Glad I Have In My Life** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/the-amazing-person-im-glad-i-have-in-my-life-3a0ffd9e
Special thanks to ate @Micontingsabit for the renewal 🥳🥰
June 25, 2022
Random Things That Make My Memory Full
I was sitting while sipping a bottle of coke when I realized I haven't written anything yet here and I haven't updated my noise yet as well. I thought it was Saturday today because both of my sisters are at home. That's when I realized even if it is Friday, my siblings are already on their school break. Time flies so fast.
As of this writing, I looked at my gallery, trying to find some inspiration on what to write. Looking at pictures is one of my ways of brainstorming. This time, I think it worked.
I realized I already have a lot of pictures saved once again on my phone. It was just last month when I paid for **Google subscription** for the drive storage. Even if I have 2 email, one for personal use and the other one is for professional things, both storage are already full. In each email, we were given **15gb storage**. Imagine, I stored 30gb already! What are those things I stored there? Well, most of them are videos and photos of travel and some are important documents.
I paid **22 pesos** through Gcash when I had the basic subscription plan because there's a promo when I got it. I'm still thinking if I'd go for the Standard plan because it has greater storage than the basic.
Once a month, I make it to a point to clean my storage to remove unnecessary stuff. It's just like cleaning my bedroom. So this time, I rummage into my gallery and saw these random screenshots that fill in my phone's storage.
Who is this guy?
I saw this in my gallery and remembered the time when my friends and I laughed a lot! Like really! Do you know who this is?
There was a commotion in our workplace because one of the personnel used this guy's name - Mang Kanor. Now, does his name ring a bell?
Search it for yourself and you'll know! Hahaha
BCH Price
***Oh how I miss this price of BCH!*** This is a screenshot of my coinbase wallet. I still had Php 1,828 there that time, diversified in different coins. The price of BCH back then was still **Php 35,000!** *When kaya ulit?*
Penthouse Kdrama
As you all know, I love taking down notes and taking a screenshot of the lines that is really touching or inspiring whenever I watch movies/series. This was when I was still watching **The Penthouse** in Viu. It was not available in Netflix before.
This line really caught my attention. The words happy and success are two of things we desire but in this case, it is contradicting.
Have you watched The Penthouse already?
Mobile Legends
Whenever I become the MVP or the Most Valuable Player, I make sure to take a screenshot of the game and how well I played. This was the time when I only died once.
For someone like me who don't take this game seriously, it's already an achievement. I'm really not good at this one but my partner said I'm making a huge progress. *Kilig!*
A Reminder
I love scrolling now on Facebook. Mainly because I already unfollowed some of my friends therefore I don't get to see their posts. Don't get me wrong, they're still my friends but looking at their posts everyday makes me exhausted.
I wanted my Facebook feed an inspiring one where I can get motivation to do better. This screenshot is when I was scrolling on Facebook and got reminded to take action or else I'm not going anywhere.
We all need to declutter our galleries once in a while. You'll see how many of those screenshots and random pictures are not really that important. It's okay to let them go.
June 24, 2022
Something I Find Comfort In and The Reasons Why
As part of the gratitude challenge I take part of, here is something I find comfort it. As a matter of fact, I have a lot of things in mind that I find comfort it but I chose only one precisely because this one is the best among those things.
I know it is mainstream to say that **I find comfort in nature**. I think we all do. I have friends who hike every now and then because they find comfort in conquering mountains. I also have friends who live in the countryside because they like interacting with nature.
Being a city girl for almost 25 years drained the self out of me. Traffic. Chaos all over the place. Busyness. Price hike. Expensive cost of living.
***I may be a city girl, born and raised, but nature really comforts my soul.*** I don't even know when it started but every time I found myself being one with nature, it just feels different. The kind of different I keep on longing for when I am sad and happy.
When I am feeling down, all I wanted to be is with nature. I found myself thinking of going to another place I haven't been to that has beach or mountains to climb or even just a plain where I can be away from the city chaos.
Aside from all of these, why nature?
Nature taught me a lot of things when I need them the most. Funny how it is not even a teacher but it taught us about life in general.
I am not alone
In random situations, I find myself contemplating. When the pandemic started, gardening has become a habit. But I tell you, it isn't the reason why I find comfort it nature but the lesson it taught me while I'm doing it.
You see, every thing stopped when the pandemic happened and yet nature is still there. The plants are still growing. The leaves still changing their colors. The flowers are still blooming. It gave me hope that even when every single thing I treasure in life fade away, something is still there... that **I am not alone.**
Strength
When I sit under the shade of trees, I usually wonder how old the tree is and notice how strong it became despite the storms it overcame. I find comfort, not because I'm under its shade but because I know I have overcome a lot of storms in my life as well that I just didn't recognize. **Someone out there is looking at me, saying the same thing, wondering how old I am and how strong I am despite the struggles of life.**
Time, Growth, and Rhythm
Looking at the nature, being with it really had me thinking about a lot of things. Growth is one of them.
When I was younger, I dreamt of growing up faster so I could do the things I cannot when I was a child. Now, I want to achieve things faster than I could ever do.
**Spending some time with nature comforted and taught me that it is okay to take things slow and to enjoy the present moment.** We need to be in a specific place, in a certain situation, in order for us to grow. We must go through it all to call it a life.
I realized this when I was watching the sunrise, the sunset, basically the pacing of life according to nature. I wonder, is it better to go through days without depending on a clock for the time and we'll just rely on the sunrise, the sunset, the darkness of the night? I wonder if life back then was better when there's no clock, only the rhythm of nature.
Clock and time made a rhythm for us human beings to follow. We are pressured by the seconds, the minutes, the hours, the days, the months, and even years. We have deadlines to meet.
While for me, **nature offers a healthy pacing. A healthier rhythm.** There is no deadline for the flowers to bloom. They only have their own season, just like fruits. The other plants started to have their first flowers, while the others are late bloomers.
Just like in life, **we have our own pacing, our own rhythm.** We shouldn't depend our growth based on deadlines and urgency. We don't rely on the rhythm of the waves in the ocean for us to grow. They are waves, we are people. We are different. That's another reason why I like being with nature.
Diversity
It taught me that **nothing is wrong with me. With us.** We are all different and that's beautiful! Even the nature says it all. There are tall trees and small ones. There are skinny ones too! There are high mountains and not so high ones and yet we all adore them. There are different types of flowers and different colors too. And yet, they are all beautiful.
These are just some of the reasons why I find comfort in nature. How about you, what is something you find comfort in?
June 23, 2022
Related article:
**The Amazing Person I'm Glad I Have In My Life** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/the-amazing-person-im-glad-i-have-in-my-life-3a0ffd9e
Shopee Finds: Quick Check Out, Look What I Bought
I was once again had my impulsive day. I guess we all do have that moment in our lives. In this case, I bought several things on shopee even without budgeting for them. Omg, another wants! I better not have a lot of impulsive days or else I'll get poor.
But then again, if it makes me happy then guilty pleasure it is. **Add to cart is life, but checking them out and opening parcels are lifer!**
These are some of the things I bought impulsively.
Nonslip Bedsheet Holder
**Link:** **Nonslip Bedsheet Holder** https://invle.co/clbd6p3
My youngest sister sleeps with me these days and I get annoyed most of the time because she keeps on messing with the bedsheet. I saw this one from a friend's post and thought why not use this as well so I can reduce the days I'm annoyed lol.
Nonslip Bedsheet Holders vary. There's 4 clips and 6 clips but I chose the 6 clips because it's sturdier and holds the bedsheet as intact as it is.
The Nonslip Bedsheet Holder I bought is only Php 105.
Aesthetic Silent Keyboard and Mouse Set
**Link:** **Aesthetic Silent Keyboard and Mouse Set** https://invle.co/clbd5hc
This keyboard and mouse set is available in pastel green, pastel pink, and black. I already bought 2 sets for me and my mom so this time I bought the pastel green for my younger sister.
What I love about this set is the phone holder. You can use it as your phone stand while doing some tasks on your computer. There's also a multimedia control for the volume on the right side. Cooool!
Classic Vintage Shoulder Bag
**Link:** **Classic Vintage Shoulder Bag** https://invle.co/clbcwxl...
Having a small shoulder bag is the trend nowadays aside from the tote bags. This one is available in white and black. My wallet, alcohol, powder, tissue, and phone fits here altogether. Great buy!
Pull Over Jacket
**Link:** **Pull Over Jacket** https://invle.co/clbd73p
Just when I thought it's rainy season already when the sun starts to shine brighter as if it's summer again. I bought this with Los Angeles as the print. It's unisex. I need to wait for colder days again for me to use this one.
Korean Style Graphic Oversized Shirt
**Link:** **Korean Style Graphic Oversized Shirt** https://invle.co/clbd7jb
Since I'm into baggy clothes nowadays, I bought this Korean Oversized Shirt. I love neutral colors thus this purchase hehe. I think it's good that it's in ashgray color than in white. It also has different designs for the print. You can partner this with pants, cycling shorts, or even denim shorts.
That's if for this spontaneous splurge on shopee. No regrets though because these items are helpful (do they? lol). If you want to purchase them too, just click the links and it will direct you to the shopee app.
*📸 Images are from Shopee*
June 22, 2022
Related articles:
****Great Deals! Tiktok Made Me Buy These**** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/great-deals-tiktok-made-me-buy-these-c1c67718
****My Last Minute Shopee Spree For Summer Outing**** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/my-last-minute-shopee-spree-for-summer-outing-3a5f2bad
How We Planned Our Get-Together: The Easy Way
What makes a trip exciting? Of course, a well-planned trip! In every outing or get-togethers, there are different roles that we need to play and duties to perform.
**Are you the Financer? The Photographer? The Treasurer slash Auditor? The Joker? The Music Lover? The Planner? The Provider? The Shopper?**
I already mentioned in my previous article about the trip I've had with my high school friends in Zambales. We enjoyed the trip but how did we come up with that?
**The Financer**
Our friend from Colorado came back home in the Philippines and asked us to schedule a trip. She knew we are busy and that some struggle financially so she mentioned already that it's her treat. She sponsored Php 15,000 for this trip to happen. She did that so there's no reason for all of us to back out.
**The Planner**
I will admit, I'm the planner in every group that I belong to. I love planning - whether it's a trip or not.
Since our friend already mentioned the specific amount, I already told my other friends to look for a place they like BUT with limitations. Just like in research, for us to have the answer we're looking for, we need to be clear with the scope and limitations.
I scheduled a video-call meeting with my friends so we can set up the agreement - the date and the location. If we need to find a specific resort, we should limit first the location.
In that video-call meeting, we decided to have the trip on May 7-8. The location should be in Batangas but since there were a lot of news that time about the Taal Volcano, we decided to change the location to Zambales.
As a teacher, one of the things that I do by default is to make deadlines and assign tasks. I let my friends search for a specific resort until as early as April 20 for us to have ample time to vote which resort is the best and of course to track our expenses and to book it early. It's peak season that's why we need to hurry.
Before that, I also met them again via video-call to set up our agreements when it comes to the resort, to ask them what are our non-negotiables. This is also a part of limiting the scope of researching for the resort.
We come up with the following:
***bathroom inside the room***
***can fit 8 people inside the room***
***has cooking stove, gas, and utensils***
***has a griller***
***near the beach***
***airconditioned room***
***no-corkage fee***
These are our non-negotiables or what we call our conditions when looking for a resort for our trip, and of course it must be worth Php10,000 for May 7-8.
There are a lot of resorts we've contacted. Unfortunately, they were no rooms left for May 7-8.
These are just some of the resorts available that time:
***Gasera De Liwliwa***
***Monte Carlo***
***Tess Tinio*** *(This isn't really the name of the resort, it's just the person we've contacted, she doesn't want to disclose the name of the resort unless we already agreed to get the available room)*
***Limliwa***
***White Beach Resort***
As the planner of the group, I gathered all the pictures and information about these resorts and presented them to my friends so we can vote which one is our preferred resort for this trip.
I'll include here the photos and information I gathered for you to have a reference as well if you want to visit these places.
Gasera De Liwliwa (San Felipe, Zambales)
Fortunately, they have a griller, free of use. All we need to do is to bring charcoal. The only disadvantage of this place is that it is 5 minutes away from the beach.
Monte Carlo (Iba, Zambales)
Why we didn't choose this one?
The rooms can only accommodate 4 people. We need 2 rooms to accommodate all of us. Even if the fee is cheaper than the other resorts, we don't want to have separate rooms.
Another thing is that we need to pay for usage of gas stove and there's a corkage fee.
Tess Tinio (Olongapo, Zambales)
Although the price in this resort is cheaper, there's only 1 bed for 8 people. Sketchy! The owner said we can fit in here but I guess we can fit only if we will not sleep. Lol.
Limliwa (San Felipe, Zambales)
This one is our first option! I really love the ambiance of this place plus it is beach front! Although this is cheaper than Gasera De Liwliwa when it comes to the fee, it has a fee for using the gas stove and corkage fee as well, including the griller.
If we will tally it, we'll spend here more than in Gasera De Liwliwa.
White Beach Resort (Iba, Zambales)
This one is pretty decent too! What we love here is the pool. Unfortunately, our non-negotiable here is the corkage fee and the cooking stove. We are desperate to lessen our expenses when it comes to corkage fee because we'll bring some alcoholic beverages. A
After presenting these, I also did an overall report so we can see which one is the best.
Based on this table, we decided to go for Gasera De Liwliwa because it meets our conditions.
The Shopper
A day before the trip, our friend volunteered to shop for the needed things and food. Even though I'm a lot more near the market, they already know that I'm the one who contacted the resort and plans things. Our shopper friend bought all the needed stuff.
The Provider
Two nights before the trip, I conducted once again, a video-call meeting to list down all the things we need to pack. Two of our friends are the providers, meaning they are the ones who will bring stuff for us not to buy those things anymore. One friend is the car provider and her sister will be our driver. The other one volunteered to bring a lot of stuff like cooler, beach mat, utensils, camera, and a lot more. It feels like they can bring their house too! Haha
The Treasurer Slash Auditor
This is the one who audits every expense and also the receiver of the funds. The provider transferred the funds to him and he transferred it to me because I'm the one who contacts the resort personnel.
He also audits who has debt to whom. We're all lucky to have this kind of friend. We can just sit back and relax and just pay, thanks to them!
The Joker and The Music Lover
Well, in our friendship, the joker and the music lover is just one person. He's the one assigned to play music all the time and also the one who makes sure that no one is sleeping all throughout the trip by his funny jokes. He made our trip memorable!
I hope you liked this article. You can search the resorts on Facebook if you're planning on having a trip like ours. We chose Gasera De Liwliwa and we're happy that we had our memorable trip there. The staff are accommodating and nice.
In these roles, which one are you?
June 21, 2022
I Just Found Out My Roommate's Unusual Secret: He Is A Mermaid
What would you do if your roommate is a mermaid? and the fact that you are already eating for two (pregnant) with him? Would you still carry the child even if there's a possibility that the child would be a mermaid too? Would you marry your roommate for the sake of your 'family'?
Macie Walter's Point of View
I recently moved to **Brindleton Bay** with my pet puppy, **Peanuts**. I started decorating my place when I moved in. *1 living room, 1 kitchen with dining, 1 bathroom, and 2 bedrooms.*
My money was enough to buy all the decorations needed and also to buy the necessities of my puppy, Peanuts but I need a roommate to accompany me to pay the bills - the electricity and water consumption.
So, I posted an advertisement to find a roommate. I don't accept roommates easily.
It's been awhile since I posted it when some potential roommates came to my house. Of course, the first thing I did was to show off the room. It was quite big and spacious and with furniture already. I already designed it with table, computer, and some books for their aspirations.
Then, I happened to meet this one potential roommate who is so nice to me and to Peanuts. His name is **Paka'a Uha**. He is a **Secret Agent at S.I.M.S**. He is a goofball, and music lover. What a great tandem if ever we'll be partners in life.
I accepted him as my roommate. Eventually, we became close to each other and hit it off. We became boyfriend and girlfriend. That feeling was so nice.
***He cooks meals and even plays with Peanuts. He's such a nice guy.***
One night, we decided to **try for a baby**. I wanted to have more companion at home aside from Peanuts and also when Paka'a's away, especially if he's on a mission.
The next day, I bought a pregnancy test kit to know if we succeeded. Luckily, we did!! I am already eating for two.. or three!
Fast forward when I was about to labor, I noticed something while living with Paka'a. He always wanted to go to the bathtub, and that made our water consumption bill so expensive!
One night, **I saw a mermaid in the bath tub!**
Scared, I was looking for Paka'a to tell that someone trespassed our residence but I couldn't find him anywhere. That's the time I discovered that he is the mermaid in the bathtub.
I was so scared and a lot of what ifs are running through my mind. What if my child would be a mermaid too?
If you're in my situation, what would you do? Would you confront Paka'a? Would you break up with him?
*That's it for this article. It's my first time to write a fiction story related to what I'm currently playing in Sims 4.*
*Macie Walters is one of my characters. What would you like to happen next in her life? I'd love to read your suggestions.*
***📸 Images are screenshots from my own Sims 4 game***
June 21, 2022
I Will Definitely Visit These Wonderful Places Soon
For sure we have our different dream destinations. Based on what I have read here, some wanted to visit Japan, Korea, and other European countries. I do love to visit those countries too and to experience their culture as well.
Traveling is one of the things I love to do because it connects history and social customs of a place where I'm traveling to.
In this article, I will not include those countries anymore.
Whenever I watch a movie, especially if I'm already addicted to it, I can't help but to fangirl everything about it - the characters, the actors, and even the shooting locations.
In this case, I want to visit the places where Game of Thrones was once taken place. This coming August, HBO will release the prequel. I can't contain my excitement thus this article.
Game of Throne's shooting location isn't just a regular hollywood series. It's not taken in a city or a countryside. It's much more than that. The locations are breathtaking!
Azure Window in Malta
This is where the wedding of the two of the characters in the Game of Thrones. I'd love to go here and wait for the sunrise and sunset. I bet the view is awesome!
Image source https://cdn.abcotvs.com/dip/images/1792876_030917-cc-azure-window-final.jpg
Fort Manoel, Malta
Image Source https://www.militaryimages.net/media/fort-manoel-on-manoel-island-malta.127776/full?d=1535519117
In Game of Thrones, it is called the King's Landing, the place where most of the action happened. I have this dream of recreating some of the scenes from GOT here.
Dunluce Castle, Ireland
When we were kids, we thought castles contain the prettiest of things but when I get to watch Game of Thrones, I actually liked the setting. Old but with nature. I want to visit this place to experience being in a castle.
Image Source https://images.fineartamerica.com/images/artworkimages/mediumlarge/1/dunluce-castle-ruins-on-the-north-antrim-coast-northern-ireland-david-lyons.jpg
Kirkjufellsfoss, Iceland
This is the so-called Mountain Beyond The Wall where the Night Walkers live in Game of Thrones. The breathtaking view at the top makes it a must-destination to visit!
Image Source https://petapixel.com/assets/uploads/2016/12/Iceland-Knob-Mountian-800x534.jpg
Doune Castle, Scotland
Image Source https://i.pinimg.com/originals/41/7c/3b/417c3b5cb8eebf18e12cc4264b7e24c3.jpg
This one was the castle in Winterfell in Game of Thrones. I'd love to visit another castle and pretend I'm one of the Starks. Look at how beautiful it is!
I do find these places fascinating, the fact that it was being featured in Game of Thrones is already a huge reason for me to visit them. I also love how it is being surrounded by nature.
Although traveling to these places will surely cost a lot, I'd still go. I should go and hustle a lot more to achieve this dream.
Do you also want to visit these places? Which one?
June 20, 2022
You See, When We Lose, Do We Really Lose?
It was last Wednesday when I had a quick conversation with my father. Believe it or not, I'm close with my dad but we don't usually talk. We often just talk about crypto-related topics because he's a trader. He holds lots of coins and tokens I don't even know the names.
Back to the topic, while I was having my breakfast last Wednesday, he approached me.
***Can I ask you a favor?***
I don't know what and how to react that time. I wasn't busy but I'm already guessing what the favor would be. Sometimes it's about money, sometimes it's about twitter.
It's funny that we sometimes get annoyed when our parents ask for help when it comes to technology. When we are busy doing something and there they are, asking questions on how to navigate a certain button on their phone.
My father usually ask for help regarding twitter because of airdrops. He need to follow certain accounts, retweet with captions, and even mention his friends. When I told him how to do it, expect that he'd be needing my help regarding the same task a few weeks later. I do admit, I get annoyed at times, but knowing that our parents are also growing old and don't know how these new things work, I try to understand and be patient with them.
This time, he didn't ask for help regarding twitter, that's great! and it's not about money either, whew! So what it is about?
He asked if I can make an essay, not really an essay though, like a paragraph only of his thoughts because he wanted to join a contest.
Since I don't have anything to do at that time, I agreed.
The topic that he wanted me to write about is ***about having friends in a casino***.
I laughed at first. He gambles because he's a trader. He plays games in online casinos as well but he doesn't go to casinos in real life.
I was about to ask him why it is his chosen topic but he explained it first. The topic is about his memorable experience in that specific online casino.
***In a regular casino, one's memorable experience could be their biggest wins or their biggest loss.*** But here's my father, pointing out making friends in a casino as his memorable experience.
He explained the reason why. He was able to make friends when he lost one time and he doesn't have any token left to play. He was feeling down and yet, his so-called friends gave him some so he can still play with them until he recovered his tokens. My father was touched with their generosity, even if they don't know each other personally, still, they treat him as a friend.
He said because of that, he was able to feel better whenever he wins. He also share his tokens with his so-called friends and it feels great.
When we lose, we don't really lose, we gain.
As for my father, he may lost some amount of tokens but he gained friends, and that's much better than what he had lost.
After writing an essay about it, I wonder what other situations in life it applies?
When we feel like we lost something, we usually grieve for what's lost. On the other hand, we gained something - whether it's a feeling of relief, or in form of other things, we don't just usually see it but it's there.
June 17, 2022
My Top Amazing Picks to Start My Day Right
I know it's too early to talk about breakfast, because yes, it's already night time but I my mind can't stop thinking about my breakfast for tomorrow so here I am writing this article out of nowhere.
I chanced upon @joydigitalsolutions article about Pinoy breakfast so I might as well share my preference when it comes to morning meals.
As someone who has hyperacidity, I can't skip a meal. It makes my tummy ache whenever I skip one so it became a routine for me to have a heavy breakfast. Afterall, it sets the mood for the day, well, as for me.
Okay, now let's pick from these categories. Image from *IAMMHAEV in Pinterest.*
Pandesal or Silog Meals
Definitely, I'd go with silog meals. For me, pandesal is great with coffee but it doesn't make me full. Again, breakfast is the most important food for the day for me so I always make it to a point that I feel full when I eat my morning meal.
Image Source https://i.pinimg.com/originals/32/c8/fd/32c8fdc9dcb332a490d9d980c1522192.png
Silog consists of rice and egg and another viand so definitely it will make your stomach full. Don't forget the coffee though!
Champorado or Lugaw/Mami
I used to pick Champorado over Lugaw but I guess our preferences comes with age. Nowadays, I choose Lugaw or Mami because champorado is too sweet for me already, though I like to eat it when it rains or whenever the weather is cold.
Image Source https://i2.wp.com/lolakusinera.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/lugaw-arroz.jpg?fit=960%2C720&ssl=1
Kape or Milo
Guess what? I'd still pick coffee even if I have hyperacidity! Haha I used to drink milo when my doctor told me to skip coffee or else it will get worse. If I can still remember it right, I skipped coffee for 2-3 years because of that. Since my body constantly needs caffeine to function because of my demanding work load, I went back to coffee but this time, it's sugar free and I limit it to only 2 cups per day, sometimes I'd take only one. I'm more cautious now because of my hyperacidity. Milo is too sweet for me now. ***Ahk! I'm feeling old already, I don't like sweets anymore!***
Plain rice or Fried rice
There are situations when I prefer plain rice over fried rice, especially if I'll eat a viand with soup. For me, it's better to have plain rice than fried rice with that one because fried rice is a bit oily and it will mix with the taste of the soup or sauce, depends if the viand has sauce. I prefer fried rice for fried viands like hotdogs, longganisa, tocino, tapa, and a lot more.
Image Source https://th.bing.com/th/id/R.362b2c58837eea339ebaf19f86d94aea?rik=HxEzzfvT%2b%2fpFdw&riu=http%3a%2f%2fwww.williams-sonoma.ca%2fcore%2fmedia%2fmedia.nl%3fid%3d48789923%26c%3d3572911%26h%3d4b3269664809f72f854b%26resizeid%3d19%26resizeh%3d1200%26resizew%3d1200&ehk=q62%2fbmgLYDYJ15Y2RTDrQmV7Bi%2bODBPPNSDTZToovvE%3d&risl=&pid=ImgRaw&r=0
Either way, what I like the most is that whether it's plain rice or fried rice, **I like it hot!**
Tapa or Tocino
Tocino for the win, the Pampanga's Best! Sorry but I don't eat any other tocino with a different brand. Tapa is good also but sometimes it takes time for me to really chew and digest it lol. I enjoy Tocino better.
Image Source https://norecipes.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/05/filipino-tocino-recipe_010.jpg
Scrambled Eggs or Sunny Side Up
Sunny Side Up all the way! And if you're going to cook for me, I like the sides toasted!
Kamay or Spoon and Fork
It's been years already, I think, when I last ate using my hands. I prefer to use spoon and fork now because most of the time, I eat while reading or watching and I need my hands to somehow touch other things while eating.
Brushed Teeth (Before Eating) or Unbrushed Teeth (Before Eating)
Actually, I experimented before I get my preference when it comes to this one.
When I eat without brushing first, it tasted somehow different. Well, I think I can still taste my saliva from last night! HAHAHA
But I prefer to eat my breakfast after brushing my teeth, it feels neat inside plus it adds to the feels that I somehow managed to finish a certain task early. I love how it feels.
***Stating my preference here actually made me hungry and wanted to eat a breakfast meal. I guess there's still eggs and hotdogs in the refrigerator, I might indulge with some later. Ciao!***
June 16, 2022
Five Beautiful Photographs That Hold Treasures
I've been planning on publishing another gallery raid because I love reminiscing. The last peek of my gallery was when @meitanteikudo had his prompt. While reading some articles, I chanced upon @Theblackdoll article regarding My Treasures. I guess it's a sign to rummage my photos once again.
In this article I will show you five beautiful pictures that I really treasure. They are the ones that I keep looking at at night when I feel grateful for what I have in life.
Let's go!
(1) Mount Manalmon and Mount Gola - The Twin Hike
It was my first hike with my partner. Our friend asked us if we wanted to join their trip. Spontaneously, I answered yes! We already paid for the fee and we already bought our outfits and shoes. My partner and I really bought matchy-matchy hiking shoes for this trip since it's our first hiking together.
The following week, my friend told me she's pregnant and that she's not joining the hike anymore. At first, my partner and I were hesitant if we will still push through because we're not that close to the joiners, we barely know them. Since we already have our outfit, shoes, and the fees were paid already, we decided to join.
The rest is history! We enjoyed hiking despite our busy schedules. It was scheduled on a weekend so it became our breather before we head back on our jobs.
(2) Street lights, pink skies, and one of the people I treasure the most
This was taken in Tagaytay. I was known as a poor photo taker because I'm used to be the one who's being taken a picture of. I've never practiced taking a picture properly, except if it's a selfie though but I tried my best to take pictures aesthetically when I realized I want to take a picture of my partner nicely too! Though I know my partner's photography skill is superb, I'd still try my best. I want our relationship even in taking pictures as give and take.
I know this picture is not as good as it seem but I'm proud of my take here.
(3) Skyscrapers
This one is near to where I currently live, Bonifacio Global City. I was born and raised in the city that's why I treasure this place so much but I also love the life in the countryside. This city is meaningful, for this is the city where I spent my childhood, my teenage years, and also my adulthood. I spent so many memories here with people I treasure.
(4) Lovers
This is my friend and her fiance. I'm glad I had a trip with them when we went to my province, La Union. La Union, for me, has the best sunsets and sunrise. This was taken when we went to the beach to watch the sunset. They're getting married this August in Davao.
(5) Sunset in La Union
As you all know, I love sunset and sunrise. Looking at them calms my raging mind, heart, and soul. This one looks peaceful. This resonates to me that endings like sunsets are reminders that they can be peaceful.
I still have a lot of beautiful pictures but I guess I'd reserve them for another article.
June 14, 2022
One of The Sweetest, Most Touching Shows I've Seen
What if you have a 4 year old neighbor who lives alone? What would you do?
Recently, my partner suggested this series. It's an anime, **a story of a 4 year old boy who lives alone**. Well, the idea of living alone got me because I really wanted to try it out. My initial reaction was - *Oh, that's cool! An independent little boy.*
Kotaro
This little boy is named **Kotaro**. He talks like an adult, a feudal knight as he claim to be. He wears a t-shirt that has the word 'god' written on it.
He has a tired manga artist neighbor and a yakuza neighbor who wears a purple leopard suit. If you haven't encountered the word yakuza yet, it's like a gangster.
My reaction while watching the show
I really don't know how to express what I've felt while watching the series, all I know is that I literally cried a lot and that explains the memes above.
One moment I admired Kotaro because he's so cute and adorable then the next I was weeping because his past is being revealed. The 4 year old Kotaro had gone through a lot.
Even though this series made me cry, for me it is a show that heals as well, like it gives me comfort as I watch each episode.
If I were Kotaro's neighbor, I'd definitely sign a paper for adoption or custody. He's an adorable child that deserves all the good things in life.
I love how the animation added to how I am going to process the show. Whenever Kotaro's happy, his eyes sparkle.
One of my favorite scenes
To be honest, I have a lot of favorite scenes from this series. **In each episode, you've got something to learn about life.**
I'd just include one here - **Kotaro's birthday celebration**.
Kotaro stole his own birthday cake and went to his cat friends (yes, real cats, and there are four of them) because he learned that *birthday celebrations are for celebrating life*, that people around you celebrate because they're happy that you're born. He brought his birthday cake to his cat friends because he's so happy that they were born.
Now, I'm not melting... you are! 😁
Kotaro Lives Alone: A Must Watch
This series is wholesome and it tells us the sad story how cruel parents can be, well not all parents are the same and they don't generalize parents in the show.
This is an example of a show that love and kindness are things that we shouldn't fight for. ***It has an important story that caters what life is through the eyes and understanding of a 4 year old***. It's so sad learning about why Kotaro lives alone and the reasons that explains his behavior.
Every single episode of this series had me in tears - because I was laughing and my heart is breaking.
**If you think you can cry and melt at the same time, watch this.**
**You can watch it on Netflix. There's an animation and a live action series as well.**
**If you don't have Netflix, you can watch it** **here** **for the animation.** https://fmoviesgo.to/tv/kotaro-lives-alone-2022-full-78022
Let me know your thoughts once you're done watching it. Enjoy!
June 14, 2022
This Is What Solo Living Looks Like With $20,000
Hello hoomans! We're starting a brand new week, how's your weekend? I hope you are all fine and had enough rest to face what is yet to come.
In this article I will share with you what solo living looks like with only $20,000. **$20,000 or Php 1,061,000** costs a lot already! But with this money, we still need to pay for everything - the place we're living in, the electricity, water bill, grocery, emergency fund, and a lot more depending on our lifestyle, whether we're living simply or lavish.
Nowadays, I wish I have that huge amount of money. I know you all know about what's happening around us, inflation is a huge factor. Prices of goods are rising and yet our incomes are still the same.
With that, I can only afford $20,000 on Sims 4!
Here's my character, **C See**, living in a world where she needs to use $20,000 properly. Look at how she managed to use this huge amount of money.
First, let me introduce C See, my character.
Looking good, right? She's an **adult, living in the countryside**. I decided to live in the countryside so I can maximize the $20,000.
In Sims 4, we can choose which season we prefer to start. I randomly chose **Fall.**
Since we only have $20,000, it is better to buy a fully furnished property than to buy a lot then build our own house. I looked for several houses that are available in the countryside but this one is the only property that has a good deal.
I was really looking for just 1 bedroom since C is just living on her own but I guess it's okay to have 2 bedrooms so I can look for a housemate to rent out the other bedroom, in that case, I'll be earning as well.
The lot's trait is good because it is homey but the challenge in living in the countryside is that it has wild foxes and there's no mall or parks nearby. We'll live simply.
I bought this residential lot - fully furnished for **$19,829. I only have $171 left.**
Good thing C has a job already, **she's a freelance writer**. She works **4 days in a week with 3 days off**. How I wish I work like this too! Her pay is **$38 per hour**! You're living the life, C!
Since she worked already for a couple of days, I was able to buy some investments as well.
C was able to buy **Black Hen and Rooster and Brown Hen and Rooster** too for a total of **$700.**
C also bought Starter Vegetable seeds so she can plant them ahead and when it's harvest season, she can sell it as well.
That's it for now. I'll post another article for C's house tour and updates of her investment.
***If you have any suggestions or recommendations of what character / house I should build using Sims 4, I'd appreciate them.***
***You can also recommend some challenges too - like 100 babies challenge, living with only $10, anything.***
***You know, in Sims 4, it's possible!***
Until my next Sims 4 play!
*Images are screenshots while I was playing Sims 4.*
June 12, 2022
The Amazing Person I'm Glad I Have In My Life
Logging the things we're grateful for is one way of looking at life in a positive way. I used to track the three things I'm grateful for everyday and that helped me cope with challenges of life.
In this article I will share with you the things I'm grateful for. I saw this challenge in one of ate @Jane's blogs.
Image Source https://www.angiecruise.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/30-Days-of-Gratitude.jpg
Living in this world, I realized I have a lot of things to be grateful for. I'll start with ***the person I'm glad I have in my life.***
I bet you're already thinking of your mom, or your dad, your siblings, friends, basically your loved ones when someone asked *who is the person you're glad you have in your life?*
For me, it's already by default that we think of our family. They're our family therefore we're grateful for their existence. I find it hard to choose just one person for this article because I'm grateful for every person I encounter - whether they're just in my life for a day, a week, a month, they left a mark definitely.
I will introduce to you one of the people I'm grateful for.
Why am I grateful for this person?
Well, ***she's always there for me - whether I need her or not.*** When I'm sad, she's there to make me laugh. She knows how to deal with my silence. She knows if I have a problem even without telling her.
We have this **connection** I don't share with anyone else. We can talk about a lot of stuff for hours without having a dead air. We have the same humor and I guess that's one of the important things I look into people I want to be with.
**She's my mentor. She's my mentee.** We learn from each other. I can still clearly remember that she's the only one who went up against me, to explain why I was wrong. The rest just agreed with me without even correcting me. She's the person I want to treasure. The one who can tell me and explain to me in a nice manner why I was wrong, someone who don't hold grudges against me and someone who knows my worth. She always want what's best for me, just like my parents want. She encourages me to be the best version of myself.
She opened doors I didn't know existed. She let me discovered the talents I didn't know I even have. She always supported me. If I were to give a medal to those who supports me in all aspects, I'd give it tor her, my number 1 fan. I know my parents are supportive too because they are my parents, but this person always go an extra mile for me.
I can state a lot of reasons why I'm grateful for this person. My bestfriend. My partner in crime. My number one fan.
June 11, 2022
Great Deals! Tiktok Made Me Buy These
You will never get out of the TikTok application without adding some things on your shopee cart. I know some can relate! Raise your hands if you also did the same!
Tiktok is one of the many applications that I use to unwind. Ironic isn't it? I find it relaxing when I watch random videos on TikTok - some are entertaining, some are useful, some are for learning new things.
In this article, I will share with you the things I bought because I saw these things on TIktok while scrolling.
Cycling Shorts
I follow some users on Tiktok that serve my outfit inspirations and that explains this purchase. Together with a baggy or loose shirt, a cap, and some accessories, this looks like a street wear. I can use this as well of cycling even though I'm not fond of it right now.
Eyeglass Case and Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
Since I have a lot of sunglasses, some doesn't have their own pouch or cases because I bought them on Shopee too unlike my other glasses that have their own cases. I also bought some cleaning cloth for my reading glasses because the cloth that I currently use is not that good.
By the way, do you have any suggestions or recommendations on how to clean the eyeglasses? My ophthalmologist said that I can clean it only with clean water and cloth.
Face Masks
I already mentioned in my previous articles that I find it difficult to find a face mask that will fit my face for I have a really small face. I saw this on Tiktok and tried it as well. Although this fits big when it comes to the size of my face, I adjusted it by tying both ends. Another factor why I bought this is it looks better when I wear it than the other masks I've bought.
Non-Tarnish Earrings
I'm looking for a cheap earrings that is non-tarnish when I saw this one on TikTok. Coincidence? I don't think so. I blame the algorithm haha. This one is really stainless, it lives up to its name. I used it when we went to the beach. I was using it when I swam. I was wearing it as well when I washed my face several times already - I forgot to remove them. After those instances, I can prove that it is really non-tarnish. It's been more than a month of using this, worth the price! I'd like to buy the silver one too.
Hair Straightener and Curler in One
I was just randomly scrolling on TikTok when I saw someone using this product. Since I cut my hair short, for I thought it's low maintenance that way. Having a short hair takes a lot of time to fix. Daming naka-fly away sa bandang likod at gilid. I don't use this on a daily basis, I only use this when I needed to go somewhere and I need to look nice and decent. It works well and I was actually shocked that it works with this price? Such a steal!
Tote Bag
Tote bags are in! This corduroy tote bag is sooo nice. Since everyone is using canvas tote bags, this one is kind of unique. The texture is nice and it has a pocket on the outside too. I usually use this when I do some errands like going to the mall, meeting with friends, or just having coffee in the nearest cafe.
I bought these things not because I saw that my favorite content creator uses it, or because I just saw it on TikTok. I also know the worth of my hard earned money so I checked every item first before purchasing them. I did a lot of thinking before checking them out - whether they are worth the money or not and if I really need these things. Let's always be mindful of our purchases. Sabi nga nila, *Hindi napupulot ang pera.*
June 10, 2022
To those that I haven't renewed the sponsorship yet, it might be a bit late, it says there pending transactions even if I already renewed it. Thanks much for understanding! 😇💖
Love Percentage: Can We Measure It?
Let's talk about percentage. When we talk about percentage, we associate the 100 as its maximum.
I already mentioned in my previous article that my friends and I had our get-together last May. We rented out a room in Zambales, near the beach.
With that, of course, alcoholic beverages are present. Some of my friends are not really into drinking but me and my other friends are into it, we usually go out for drinks for fun. Actually, we had a hard time choosing which drinks to buy because some are not into it, we're kind of worried that they will get wasted.
We opted for Mojito since it's beginner friendly. We made a pomelo flavored juice as our chaser then we directly drink the mojito. I bought snacks to munch as we talk about life. We also had liempo and grilled fish as our snacks, leftovers from dinner.
We have 4 bottles of mojito and 8 red cups for the juice.
We first talked about our lives after college, what we missed in each other's lives since we last talked.
With that topic, we already finished 2 bottles of mojito. Some of my friends went to the restroom to pee. Did you know that it's better to pee a couple of times while drinking so you'll not get wasted easily! Release and let go of those liquid- that's the key.
We started another topic to talked about when we're into the love life portion. We're all 8 in the circle, 5 of us are in a relationship while the others are still waiting for their lucky ones.
JM asked, ***'How many percent of love & effort would you give to your partner?'***
We were all thinking. My partner, W, who's also a part of this circle, is thinking as well. W is not beside me so we didn't talk to each other before we answered. Honestly, I was anxious. What if we don't have the same answer? But then I remembered we're in a healthy relationship and that we trust each other. Whatever our answer is, that's it. We can talk about it later on if we have differences.
The first to answer is Abb. She's NBSB - no boyfriend since birth, but she's observant enough to know the highs and lows of being in a relationship. 70-30 is her response. **70% for the partner, 30% for herself**. Hmm, not bad. She explained it really well. ***She said it's because we need to recharge ourselves after giving a lot and that she's not hypocrite to give it all to her partner.***
Contrary to that, Mims responded - **100%!** She's the bold one. I used to label her as my best friend, best in effort! She'll always go beyond what is expected of her. ***Even if there's nothing left for her, she'll give 100%. As for her, if you love the person, give them 100% of your love.***
As I listen to their answers, my perspective didn't change. What shocked me is that my partner and I have the same point of view. Lol.
**For us, there's not percentage when it comes to loving.** You give your 100% yes, but how would you know that it's your 100%? How would you know that it's 70% and that it's already your limit?
For us, just give your best. After all, we have our own definition of what is the best. Giving your best love and effort to your partner doesn't mean you're neglecting yourself and that there will no love left for yourself.
Loving yourself while loving your partner should already be the default system. It's given. You don't get to love someone else if you're not yet full. As they say, you can only fill one's cup if yours is filled.
How about you, ***How many percent of love & effort would you give to your partner?'***
June 9, 2022
Would You Still Love Me If I Was A Worm?
Have you ever asked this question to someone you love? Like your partner, your siblings, your parents, your friends? How did they react to it?
Often times we tend to overthink, would these people still love me even if I am not me? In a different life or in a different world, would they still choose me? So many what ifs in different scenarios, in different worlds.
I was once again reminded of this question when I watched the movie **Everything, Everywhere, All at Once.** It's funny that I already watched this online, together with W, when in fact, it will just be released on screen on June 29 😂
I don't know if you already encountered this movie since it's trending already. With movies that showcase multi-verse nowadays, I loved this one the most! Not only because it is Asian, but because of the message of the entire movie.
Image Source https://www.ungeek.ph/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/everything_everywhere_all_at_once_philippines-696x364.jpg
Let me point out the things I realized from the movie itself. Don't worry, if you haven't watched the movie yet, this article won't spoil you so go ahead and continue reading.
In this movie, I've got the answer to the question: **Would you still love me if I was a worm?**
***If you really love the person in the universe you're currently in, for sure, you'll love them as much in every universe there is.*** This movie really showcased it in a weird, fun, yet touching manner.
The mother and daughter relationship
If you had that feeling of wanting to blame and be angry towards your mother for the pain, the insecurities you have... but at the same time you still long for her as your mother.. even though you've hurt each other a lot of times, even though you don't have that perfect mother-daughter relationship, you keep coming back to her because you know, deep inside, you love her and she loves you too.
I was teary-eyed when the movie portrayed this scene. I'm soft when it comes to parent-daughter relationships 🥺
The lines that struck me the most:
***You have unlimited potential because you’re so bad at everything.***
Knowing that you're bad at everything means you've tried to be good at those things - cooking, dancing, singing, studying, driving... name it. Being bad at those things is a proof that we are limitless.
***I love you in every universe***
***I wanted to say, in another life, I would be happy just doing laundry and taxes with you***
These lines just show how someone carries through the love in every universe, that they will still choose you in any universe, in every iteration of you.. this just makes me melt 💖🥺
Love, Joy, and Kindness
Since it's multi-verse, the movie portrays how love, joy, and kindness exist in every possible universe..
even in the world where you are married to someone you hate,
even in the world where you're just a rock,
even in the world where you have hotdogs as your fingers...
There is still love, joy, and kindness. They're everywhere if we will just look at it.
Nothing in life matters
This movie shows how we perceive this phrase ***nothing in life matters***, not the judgement from our parents, from the society, our social status.. nothing!
We tend to look at it and decipher it as sad, that if nothing in life matters, we should be sad about it. The world we are living in right now is showing that everything should matter, even the brand of your watch, or even your underwear.
But in this movie, it depicts a different point of view, that we should be happy, weird, excited.. that nothing in life matters. Ignore the social status, ignore the judgements from the people around you.. just ***choose love, joy, and kindness and you will feel what it feels like to live. These are what makes life worth living***.
So, if you want to watch **Everything, Everywhere, All At Once**.. watch it here. Thank me later ☺️ https://fmoviesgo.to/movie/everything-everywhere-all-at-once-2022-full-78619
June 8, 2022
The Bottom Line: It Didn't Go Exactly As Planned
Today, my high school friends and I were supposed to meet for a mini-get together because Mims (our friend), our friend's flight to US is on Wednesday already.
Actually, I met Mims last week for a dinner and a little catch up as well. Even though we're in a circle, we treat each other as besties.
One of our friends asked last week, if we can see each other one last time before her flight, so I asked Mims if she still have some spare time because I know she's full-packed already. Luckily, she said she's available today, June 6. So we set the date and I asked in our group chat if the others are free and what time should we meet.
In an adult friendship, we should always ask whether one is available or not, and what time they're free because we already have work to do and priorities as well. Most of them answered that they're available from 5pm onwards. It's funny how one of our friends sent this one:
Some of my friends' work follow the 8-5 time working hours, some of them are in graveyard shifts while mine is a bit flexible for there are no classes already so I can join them anytime.
What we've settled last weekend is the time and date - it's **June 6, 5pm onwards.**
The problem is the venue and what to do. Well, with the time we have, 5pm onwards, the only thing that we can do is to eat dinner, assuming that they still need to travel, unlike me, who works at home, so most probably we'll meet around 7 or 8pm already.
Mall of Asia, one suggested. We all live near Bonifacio Global City except for Bri, she lives now in Cavite. So to meet halfway, we opted to meet in Pasay.
Okay, now we have the venue. We need to know where in MOA we are going to eat our dinner. One suggested Samgyupsal but Mims already notified us in advance that she doesn't like Samgyupsal anymore because the past few days, all she'd eaten was Samgyupsal lol.
Another recommended buffet, but there are a lot of buffets out there. Our options are Vikings, Buffet 101, Dads, Yakimix, Four Seasons, and a lot more. Budget isn't a problem for everyone is willing to spend some dime for this get together.
When everything's settled already, our group chat became quiet.
It's just last night when Abb messaged us that she's sick and she needs to isolate herself. She works in Red Cross so she handles patients, and her two patients tested positive. We can't do anything about it but to wish she gets to feel better soon.
Today is the day. Early in the morning, Mims informed us that she's not feeling well since last night. She thought she'd be fine by morning but her throat really hurts. We're worried because tomorrow is her schedule for swab test for her flight and she needs to leave by Wednesday.
She went for a check-up. While waiting for her update, we already assumed that we will not be able to see each other today, tonight rather, for some are sick and we don't want to go without the others.
I already taken a bath when I read the messages in our group chat, that we will cancel our get-together. I'm lowkey wishing my partner would initiate that we'll push through and go out even if we're just two, since my partner is part of our high school circle but it didn't happen. Lol. Well, I didn't communicate as well so partly my fault.
It saddens me whenever there are cancelled plans (quality time love language bearer here!) though I accept that that's part of life, we'll encounter emergencies and we need to cancel those plans even if they're also important.
June 6, 2022
Look Who Is Obsessed With Apps: The App Challenge
While I rummage through my phone for pictures to delete and applications that I barely use, I realized I have a lot of applications installed in my phone. Then, I remembered @joydigitalsolutions article about apps - **The App Challenge**. https://read.cash/@joydigitalsolutions/the-app-challenge-ab7215a2
Image Source: Pinterest
In this App Challenge, I will list down each application's use in my daily life and of course, we'll count how many of these applications take space in my phone.
Pinterest
Image Source https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=fs0PDMYU&id=651FEB4714D0E8EF72E881090527C8D349260773&thid=OIP.fs0PDMYU32HitjeqBuYDFQHaEL&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fcdn.searchenginejournal.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2013%2f03%2fleveraging-pinterest.jpg&exph=350&expw=620&q=pinterest+website+overview&simid=607986637241133226&FORM=IRPRST&ck=050ACCE21E2FB341D163767F0C9F816F&selectedIndex=23&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
I discovered this one when I was in college. Since we need to prepare presentable materials for teaching, I search for inspirations on Google. There I encountered several pictures from this website. Since I don't have much storage that time on my phone, I use my laptop for searching inspirations whether it's academic related or just an outfit I want, using Pinterest.
Now that I have more than enough storage, I installed this so I can easily find things I want. Plus, this is where I usually get random ideas in writing.
Instagram
I first had my instagram account when I was in high school although I don't post much there since I don't have a quality camera phone back then. I was active in posting pictures there when I was in college, documenting every trip I had with my friends and family. What I love about instagram now are the filters, the music, and the 24 hour story update. I feel connected with my friends and acquaintances even though we barely talk just by looking at their video stories. Oh, I almost forgot - the reels!
My friends used to use this only for sending quality pictures and videos but when we discovered viber and telegram, we only use instagram for filters for aesthetic shots.
Oh by the way, I also use instagram for advertising our shop.
**Facebook**
After Friendster, Facebook became my outlet. I was in grade school when my parents created an account for me. I mainly use Facebook to be updated with my friends' and relatives' lives. I also dump there my pictures but I set it for my eyes only. I used to upload pictures in my daily life but at some point, I grew up and took the lowkey road.
FB Messenger
This became my main messaging app. Before Facebook, we had texts and calls, I used to register for unlimited texts and calls but now, I can do that thanks to this application. Groupchat is one of the essential part of this app, I use that to communicate with my colleagues, friends, and family members who are not with us physically.
LinkedIn
I use this for the main purpose of being professionally attractive to clients and companies. Really helpful for tracking your professional life / career.
Snapchat
I only use this for the filters and bitmoji.
Netflix
My favorite application so far. It helps me relax as I watch one series to another, especially now that I'm on a break. My mother is the one who pays for the subscription and all of the members of our family has our own accounts.
Google Maps
Image Source https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=BmqE8nDg&id=6E6B7F4BE52F558110E7736F6BAA9D590CB2A07A&thid=OIP.BmqE8nDgJrs4cZZtOxub9wHaEf&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fwww.samma3a.com%2ftech%2fen%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2fsites%2f2%2f2019%2f06%2fgoogle-maps-cover.png&exph=589&expw=971&q=Google+Maps&simid=608036226928616344&FORM=IRPRST&ck=A4DBC25C8770DEE089452DE896318D12&selectedIndex=5&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
This one and the Waze App are one of the essential apps that we must have. Whenever I travel, I use this to locate places, especially if I'm not familiar with it. I also look for an easier route.
Spotify
Aside from Netflix, this one is my life saver. As you can see, I have several playlists on the left. I think I cannot live without music. What I like about Spotify is I can explore different playlists made by other users. There are also podcasts and audiobooks available.
~~Uber~~ Grab
Image Source https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=JoZuqZ2b&id=46887B7095827CE103C7800232663E9DFDA6C168&thid=OIP.JoZuqZ2bATPDeh5tTkTmXwHaD3&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fimg.philtoyota.com%2fcrop%2f620x324%2f2020%2f10%2f30%2frH8MucxC%2fgrab-driver-requirements-ph-33f7.jpg&exph=324&expw=620&q=grab+car+app+ph&simid=608047819053405249&FORM=IRPRST&ck=5B84F7C27CF8F5208C336C5E7755C196&selectedIndex=2&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
There's no Uber nowadays so I replaced it with Grab. Grab is my main transportation. I use this almost everyday. It's a bit pricey but if you're like me who wants to pay for comfort and save time in commuting, this app is a must-have.
PayPal
Image Source https://www.bing.com/images/search?view=detailV2&ccid=8VUIGh6v&id=8B2BE425F805197754AB7A70A55052CDDAE5C425&thid=OIP.8VUIGh6vGKeFyJ_2dW1RMAHaE8&mediaurl=https%3a%2f%2fbitrazzi.com%2fwp-content%2fuploads%2f2018%2f03%2fpaypal-mobile.jpg&exph=800&expw=1200&q=PayPal+Mobile&simid=608054708171051020&FORM=IRPRST&ck=9BE8472E472EFC202843FDF664D8A7F9&selectedIndex=2&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0
Honestly, I installed this only because I saw a post on noisecash about some games that will let you earn some money and will directly pay you through PayPal. I tried it and it really worked! I have yet to explore what else can I do with PayPal aside from the fact that it is an e-wallet that holds my few cents from games.
Tiktok
Tiktok has been my source of entertainment. I use it only at night when I watch short clips. I use it for learning new things as well such as recipes, trends, and a lot more.
Youtube
Youtube is another platform where I get to play music and watch videos. Aside from that, I also use it to upload learning video materials for my students. I even created a channel where I want to showcase my travels. You can check it out here. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCmGwFm-rAwrYccGep_abXPQ
Twitter
This is my source of news as well aside from the News channel on TV. Updates on trends are fast here on Twitter. I used to use this for ranting and I still do although I'm not that active anymore compared to the past years as I have gotten busy already. I also use this for fangirling purposes, you know, Kdrama is life!
~~Uber Eats~~ - Grab Food
Again, Uber Eats is not applicable so I replaced it with Grab Food. I usually use this one to order food for meryenda/snacks, also if I don't have packed lunch at work, ordering food online is easier. Really helpful especially if I'm craving some foods that are far from my place and can be reached through Grab Food.
Waze
I already mentioned the use of Waze in my life. Whenever I travel to an unfamiliar place, I depend on Waze but it is not accurate most of the time so I need to ask for direction at times.
That's just some of the applications installed in my phone. I'll make another article for the rest of the apps I have. From this App Challenge, I have a total of 16 Apps with the remarks OBSESSED WITH APPS. Oops! 🤭
How about yours?
June 5, 2022
What You Need To Know About Friendships
Is it really difficult to maintain friendships when you're an adult?
That's one of the things I've been thinking as I grow up. Looking at how my parents have their little circle while my high school self has a lot of groups and friendships to maintain. Back then, I was one of the social butterflies. I have a group in a certain section, I have another set of friends from our own block section... and a lot more. Then, I asked myself, how come adults I've encountered only have 5 friends? Weird.
I entered college. That's the time I realized it's a bit difficult to maintain your circles. There are a lot of excuses when we need to have a get-together. Busy schedule. We have classes.. even on weekends.
Even with hectic schedules, we still had the time (well, it's just once or twice a year) to see each other, mostly on holidays, like Christmas. I still have my grade school friends, my high school circle, and my college besties. Still, I believe it's manageable to have a lot of friends.
Then.. I needed to work. I graduated college. Work life balance, as they call it. It was difficult to have an alone time, even some time to spend for family, for partner, and for friends. It was difficult. But then, I told myself, you can still have a lot of friends, self.
Years after years, from a lot of friends --- friends became acquaintances, and the only ones left are my really close friends.
As years go by, we have our own priorities in life - family, partners, children, career. We may have grown apart from our original group of friends because of our experiences, the memories are still there.
Last May 31, I asked my friend to see me. She's having her vacation here in the Philippines for just a month. She's my classmate since 1st grade until 4th year high school, so imagine all the memories we shared together. She knew everything about me, not until she needs to go to America for good. We became busy and there were little chances to talk about each other's lives, although we ask each other if we're still alive lol.
She told me that as much as possible, she wanted to reach out to our old friends even though they don't reach out to us. She learned her lesson when one of our classmates, a friend, died of kidney failure, yet no one, none of our friends knew his situation.
One of the things I learned from our talk is that ***friendship is a two-way thing***, just like any other relationship. It's give and take. You reach out if the other is not reaching out. Don't get tired of it. If you know how much you treasure that friend, then don't let him/her go. Show to them that they are special to you.
Some friendships die because no one is brave enough to reach out. They keep on waiting who will reach out first. ***Be that friend who reaches out*** even if you're the first one to move. I know in relationships, we tend not to be the first one to give in but remember, life is not long for us to do that - to wait for the moment, for the right moment to reach out because it might be too late.
When you ask them how they are, and they responded saying 'I'm fine' or 'I'm okay', in Tagalog 'Okay lang', ask for more. We don't usually say what we're going through in just a snap. Ask further and assure that you're there to listen. Sometimes we just need someone to ask further how we really are in order for us to open up. ***Be that friend - someone who asks and listens.***
Stay in touch. When you suddenly remembered a friend, message them during your break time or while you're in the comfort room, taking a break lol. Reconnect with them from time to time. Go and chat with them over a cup of coffee. These things make me happy, knowing that I make way to maintain the people I treasure the most. There are no regrets. So trust me, reach out.
June 4, 2022
📸Image from Unsplash
RECENT ARTICLE
**What Happened To My May** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/what-happened-to-my-may-460f6d39
What Happened To My May
It's already June 3 yet I'm here typing my monthly recap. When June came, my little sister shouted, ***'It's pride month!'***. How come a 9 year old girl celebrates and supports it with us? How come she knows about this already? As her big sis, I'm proud of her learnings. She knows how to answer when someone asked questions about pride month. I don't know where did she learn those things, we didn't even mention it to her. But she knew. She's aware.
Aside from that, June has always been a special month for my family because aside from the month of September, a lot of my relatives celebrate their birthdays this month.
In this article, I'll share with you my interesting goals for this month of June. Leggo!
MAY READCASH ARTICLES
What were my goals last month?
I admit, I was really inactive last May due to a lot of travels and demands of my work.
**Publish 25 articles**
Hahaha! It's so funny how I set this goal only to see that I had only published 13 articles.
The article that gained Rusty's attention was the **What Happened to My Week?** with $6.15. https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/what-happened-to-my-week-287b8774
Aside from these articles, I also tracked my follower count, people who sponsors me and of course the people I sponsor.
**Sponsor 25 writers**
Last May, my goal was to sponsor 25 writers since I am already sponsoring 19 writers. Unfortunately, at the end of the month, I discovered I only added 1 more writer to sponsor. Lol. I guess I need to be active here again so I can catch up with my sponsoring count.
**2 BCH at the end of the year**
My goal is to end the year with 2 BCH holdings. Since I already converted some into fiat, the total BCH that I currently have is **0.4 BCH.** Let's see how many BCH I can earn this June.
SPONSORS
May got me **8 lovely sponsors! Thank you so much for the never ending support last May 🥰** @TheGuy @yhanne @Talecharm @Lhes @LuaDesamor @Expelliarmus30 @Momentswithmatti @Micontingsabit 💖
Welcoming June!
Again, I'll set some goals for this month.
Publish 15 articles
I know setting 25 articles is not a SMART goal so I'd settle for 15. It's the start of my break so I have enough time to ponder and make articles worthy to read.
Sponsor 25 writers
I'll never give up this goal. I'll try my best to pour someone else's cup while enjoying mine. Claiming already that this month will be a month full of blessings!
2 BCH at the end of the year
With 0.4 BCH that I have, I'm already looking at the brighter side - that I can achieve this 2 BCH at the end of the year. Fighting!!
It's important for me to track and set goals every month for to track my growth as well.
Thanks a lot for being a part of my May journey. I hope you're still there with me as I go through June ☺️🤗
JUNE 3. 2022
MY RECENT ARTICLES
**Surprisingly, Nothing Much Happened to My Week** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/surprisingly-nothing-much-happened-to-my-week-b0016410
**Insider: How Do I Spend A Rainy Day?** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/insider-how-do-i-spend-a-rainy-day-21f96e96
**Recalling My Little Happy Crush** https://read.cash/@itsmeCguro/recalling-my-little-happy-crush-133b2256
Surprisingly, Nothing Much Happened to My Week
Here we are again with my weekly recap. Honestly, I'm looking forward to this one because I know I get to evaluate what I've done this past few days.
Looking back, I know I didn't do much this week, thus the title.
So, let's have a recap of what had happened and also the highlights of this week. (May 23-29, 2022)
What is the happiest thing that happened this week?
It is the happiest and yet, it marks as the end as well. I guess endings are happy too?
Last week was the last week of classes. I can't say it's a class though because all we did was to watch movies together and talked about anything under the sun. It's fun to talk with my students about anime, movies, songs, their favorites, their rants, about life in general. I was able to have a glimpse of how they see life.
We watched 3 movies and 1 anime series. Guess what they suggested? Horror movies!
Last Wednesday, we watched A Quiet Place. They loved it so the next day, we watched A Quiet Place Part II. Then on the last day, we watched the movie, Soul. Actually, I was the one who picked the last movie since no one from the class have seen it yet.
I'm glad that they liked it. It was full of life lessons that they can carry with them as they continue their journey.
Another reason why it was the happiest thing that happened last week is because I have no other work to do. I will not wake up as early as 4:30am to prepare and have the 6:30am class. It's break, finally!!
What were your wins for the week?
Well, I guess having been able to finish some tasks for the clearance is my win last week. It's pretty hectic to finish a lot of things, not to mention the time allotted to finish them is not that much. I'm just proud of myself for accomplishing some tasks needed to be done. Well done, self!
How did you spend most of your time on this week?
Frankly, this is another week of being focused on work. *Workaholic yarn?*
As much as possible, I'm trying my best to do other things aside from work but my profession demands a lot of time.
Although, I'm glad I did spent some time with my partner yesterday. We watched movies together and we had eaten potato corner, our comfort food, while watching together. We stayed up late until 3 in the morning.
What are you looking forward to next week?
I'm looking forward to spending time with my family, friends, and partner next week. Since classes are over, I have a lot of time on my hands to do these things. Hopefully next week I'll be able to do this.
What is the biggest lesson you've learned this week?
There's this one decision I made this week - I was so doubtful then when I first thought about it. What if I'm wrong? What if the decision I was about to make is not the right one? What if I regret it? These are the thoughts that lived in my head rent free the past few days. Tuesday came when I finally had my last decision.
It's too early to judge my decision - whether it is the right decision or not, but one thing is for sure, and that is what I've learned this week - Be firm on the decisions you've made and stand up for it.
Life is full of choices - from choosing whether we'll hit the snooze button in the morning or to go up and face the day with a positive attitude. Our lives depend on the choices we make, the decisions we choose. Be firm and live with those decisions. After all, those decisions were based on what we prioritize in life.
That's it for my week (May 23-29, 2022). If you want to do this weekly reflection too, go ahead! I'd be happy to read yours, for sure I'll learn from your experiences as well. Thanks for reading!
May 30, 2022
Insider: How Do I Spend A Rainy Day?
Well, hello there! It's been raining cats and dogs since last night. Here's a little anecdote of what happened yesterday.
I was on my way home, booking a four-seater grab because I have a lot of things with me that it's difficult for me to take a jeepney. It's already past 4pm when I really can't get a driver! I waited a little more but to no avail, I didn't get any available car.
No choice, I walked until I reached the end of the village. That's when I waited for a taxi. Sometimes fate is not with us. It's been 10 minutes of waiting for a taxi, and still nothing. I decided to cross the street to wait on the other lane when I felt a droplet from the sky. It's going to rain. Desperately, I keep on catching the attention of every taxi I could see but my colleague saw me and tried to talk to me. Not this time, I told myself. I was in a rush to go home or else I might be stranded there when it pours. Luckily, a taxi came to stop in front of me as my colleague left.
Droplets by droplets, it rained. Thank God, I was in a cab. I checked my wallet, I still have enough cash to pay for the fee. I'm not using cash nowadays as I prefer to pay bills and stuff using my e-wallets and through bank transfers.
As I step foot at the entrance of our house, it rained really hard! Whew! Saved! I thought I'd be stranded there. Although, I'm not really happy when it rains for I still think of other people who are homeless and who are stuck on the road, waiting for transportation.
Now, it's Saturday and I thought why not blog what I do when it rains and I have no other work to do? So, in this article, I'll share with you the things I do on a rainy day.
Eat. Eat. Eat.
I don't know if there's a science between my stomach and the rainy season but I like to eat when it rains. Champorado, Porridge, anything hot is a must! with ofcourse, coffee!
Read books.
Aside from eating, you can see me reading books when it rains. I tend to be overly emotional when it's raining. I blame the books I'm reading. Lol.
Binge Watching Movies/Series.
As of this writing, I'm watching Racket Boys (it's a Korean drama that focuses on the life of badminton players). If I'm not reading books, you'll see me on my bed, binge watching some movies/series.
Sleeping
Ha, I bet you also like to do this one when it's raining. Even if you don't want to sleep, the weather will make it easier for you to do so. All you have to do is sit back and relax, and then after some time you'll wake up and realized you already had a good nap.
How about you, what are the things that you do when it rains?
May 28, 2022
Recalling My Little Happy Crush
Once again rescued by my saved articles. It's Saturday, it means I have no work to do but I guess my mind is still thinking of work. Lol.
Anyway, I'd like to thank @meitanteikudo for this prompt. It's been a month I guess, when he published this. https://read.cash/@meitanteikudo/its-just-a-little-crush-902a1084
In this article, I'd like to share with you as I recall my happy crush way back in grade school. Too early, right? Hahaha I can still remember it because my parents and my relatives always use this to tease me.
Who was your first crush?
Christian. He's my classmate from grade 1 until grade 6.
How do you know each other?
Well, we were classmates. I just knew him because we became seatmates.
What was your crush like?
All my crushes have this one common denominator - they're all neat! Like clean kind of neat. When you see them, you can tell that they took a bath and put cologne on, that kind of person hahaha.
Christian goes to school with his complete uniform. Always tidy. Even when it's dismissal time, you'll see his uniform still clean. He wears cologne every single time. He has this chubby cheeks and cute face.
What made you admire this person?
He always joke around and he's neat. I guess that's another common denominator of all my crushes, they always make me laugh.
What's their best characteristic?
He's kind and makes sure that I laugh/smile.
Can you share any stories about you two?
This one is one of my core memories of him.
We were in grade 2 when we became seatmates. It was that time when telephones are one of the ways to communicate. We had one at home.
I was a diligent student. I always make sure to copy all the notes on the board. I was also the teacher's pet then.
Christian is the opposite. He doesn't write notes but his mother was hands-on when it comes to his studies. His mother always talk to my parents during dismissal time while they're waiting for us to come out of the school gate. They always borrow my notes to catch up. They even exchanged telephone numbers so they can ask questions right away.
Since there were no WiFi back then, I always make sure to sit beside the telephone so I can call my mom's office when it's her break already. Yup, I was that annoying kid who calls her mom whenever she's bored hahaha.
One night, the telephone rang. I hurried to answer it. That was my task at home.
Guess who called? It was Christian.
Imagine 8 year olds - using telephones just to talk with each other. How cute! Haha
We just talked about anything under the sun - what we played outside, what we ate, what are we going to play tomorrow, and a lot more.
Calls like that lasted for 30 minutes. After calls, my parents and my other relatives who used to live with us at home usually tease me.
It became a routine. Every after class, all I did was to wait for his call and it never failed. Hahaha
That's it. That's my little happy crush. I was happy back then. Kilig!
What's with our lives now?
Well, he is now happily married with one of our classmates back in grade school, who is my friend as well. They already had a son who reminds me of how Christian looked like back then. Soooo cute!
While me, I'm in a happy long term relationship with W, my classmate in high school :)
Soooo, that's it for this article. Thank you for reading!
May 28, 2022
Which One I Prefer? This or That: Slumber Edition
It's that time of the week again wherein I don't have any topic in mind. Saved articles are there to save the day.. or night? Haha! Either way, I'm here to share with you my preferences when it comes to sleeping.
I've read @joydigitalsolutions article about this so might as well make one stating my preferences. https://read.cash/@joydigitalsolutions/this-or-that-sleeping-edition-1aa8eb53
I used to be the person who loves sleeping, napping was my passion! Lol. Those were my high school days. After attending classes, I always take a nap at home then I'd eat my dinner right away so I can go online, chat with my friends.. and online friends (yup, I had some way back then when we're still using broadbands instead of WiFi routers).
Nowadays, I find it difficult to take a nap. Well, it's not really difficult though but I prefer not to take a nap. Get it? I mean, I want to do a lot more productive things than just napping. I find it a waste of my time in a day (although I know it is sometimes necessary), I just can't help it.
Okay, now back to the topic, here are my preferences when it comes to This or That: Sleeping Edition. Leggo!
Lights On / Lights Off
I used to like it better when the lights are on. As a human being who's always the target of mosquitoes, I want it to be really bright inside my room so I can see if mosquitoes are nearby. I know it's a waste of electrical consumption but I have my reason hehe.
My preference changed when I get to live with W (my partner) for almost 2 years. W always like it dark, or dim. At first of course we fought because we're sharing the same bedroom. It's either we compromise or the other one needs to move out lol. So, we did. We did not move out, mind you hahaha. W started to compromise, we tried it on. It worked. The next night, we tried it off. To be honest, I liked it better but my worry was the mosquitoes. W assured me that if ever we needed to buy a mosquito repellent device or whatsoever, we will, for the my sake. I agreed to let the lights off and up until now, I make sure that my bedroom is dim. I like it better that way, although I miss my partner most of the time 😁
Light Sleeper / Heavy Sleeper
I'm a light sleeper. When someone walked into my bedroom, I'd be awake in an instant. Although I think it depends on how tired I am. When I'm tired and did some heavy tasks, I tend to be a heavy sleeper. I think we all do?
Fan / No Fan
With a fan! Definitely. Even when the aircon is working inside the room, I want it to be extra cold that's why I also use a fan.
One Pillow / Lots of Pillow
Of course lots of pillow! But really, it depends hahaha. When I sleep alone, I must have my seven (7) pillows with me. It was difficult for me to sleep whenever we travel because most accommodations provide only 2 pillows, I need 7 to be able to sleep well! Anyway, again it depends. When I sleep with my partner, I don't need those 7 pillows, I only need 2, one for my head then one for my other side.
Early in Bed / Late Sleeper
I'm a morning person so I prefer to be early in bed. I said this so many times, when you're in a long term relationship, your preference on a certain thing changes. When I'm with W, I prefer to be a late sleeper because I tend to spend more time with my partner. There are also some nights when I want to spend more time for myself so I tend to sleep later than usual.
Thin Blanket / Thick Blanket
I love comforters! Aside from the fact that I use air conditioning unit in my bedroom, it feels like someone's hugging me.
Pajamas On / Comfy Clothes
Pajamas are comfy for me. I don't wear uncomfortable pajama sets.
Drink Milk / Drink Water
I drink fresh milk before bed (not the powdered one, it makes me nauseous for some reason) but I make sure to always drink water before I go to bed.
Socks / No socks
I like it better with socks, especially if I have colds.
Back or Stomach / Sleep on side
I always sleep on back. This is one of the things I've learned when I was younger. For proper posture, I must sit sleep on back. Though, I know we can't control ourselves when we're asleep already, we change positions from time to time.
Here are my preferences when it comes to slumber. What's yours?
Special thanks to ate @Micontingsabit for the sponsorship 🤗💖
May 25, 2022
What Happened to My Week?
It's the end of the week once again and we're about to face another week with hope and perseverance. In this article, I'd like to track what happened this week. I don't know why I didn't start this one before, but it's not too late to try, right? So here I am writing this one.
I encountered this on Pinterest and thought this might be a good reflection questions on how I spent my week - if I was intentional or did I just go with the flow. It is essential for me to track how I spent my week because I want to also track my progress when it comes to my goals. https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/710302172490791820/
So, what happened to my week? (May 16-22, 2022)
What is the happiest thing that happened this week?
Thinking of what to answer to this question, it made me realize that nothing much happened this week -which lead me to another question, what did I do with my time this week? I didn't even bother to go out with my friends, nor date my partner or my siblings.
Yet, I still have something in mind that makes it to the happiest thing that happened this week - it's painting my nails white.
I already mentioned this on noisecash. I've been wanting to paint my nails white but I was anxious if it will look good on me. My favorite color of nail polish before this was black and cream.
I took a picture of my hand on my keyboard because whenever I type, I can see how good this nail polish is on my nails and that made me happy.
What were your ~~3 biggest~~ wins for the week?
It says there 3 biggest wins, but I will not follow that one. I don't want to limit my wins each week.
I was able to publish more articles this week. Before, I could only publish 3 articles in a week but this week I managed to produce more than 3 articles. Proud of you, self!
I managed to recover from the backlogs I had last week. I did a lot of workloads this week and I consider that as one of my wins.
I stayed late to spend time with my partner. I don't usually go to sleep late but for my partner, I would. We compromise whenever it's needed. I did enjoy it!
How did you spend most of your time on this week?
Well, mostly on work. This week was pretty free yet hectic at the same time. It was my students' last quarterly exam so I just administered the exam all throughout the week then after that I just did some paper works. I checked, recorded, and then double check the exam of my students.
Looking back, I felt guilty for spending a lot of time on working instead of spending time with my loved ones. Maybe that's one of the reasons why I was moody this week lol.
What can you do better at next week?
Time Management. I don't want to fall into the trap of spending most of my time working without having any fun. Hopefully next week, I'd have travel stories to tell y'all.
What's the biggest lesson you've learned this week?
Manage your time. There's a time for everything - time to work, time to eat, time to spend time with yourself. and time for bonding.
That's it for my week (May 16-22, 2022). If you want to do this weekly reflection too, go ahead! I'd be happy to read yours, for sure I'll learn from your experiences as well. Thanks for reading!
May 22, 2022
Easy To Choose: Stating My Preferences
Between these two options, I'll show you which one I prefer. I chanced upon this kind of This Or That on @joydigitalsolutions article. While reading it, I decided I also wanted to share mine. So, here it is. https://read.cash/@joydigitalsolutions/what-are-your-top-picks-94013b20
Image Source https://www.pinterest.ph/pin/4996249579320758/
Chocolate or Cheese?
I'd definitely go with chocolates, but not too much of it. Maybe it's part of getting old, I'm not into sweets anymore. As you all know, I'm not fond of eating cheese. I do eat cheese but not to the extent that I'll eat it as is.
Peanut Butter or Nutella?
When I was little, Nutella was my favorite. I always tell my parents to buy one whenever we go to the grocery store but now that I'm older, I somehow became conscious on the foods I take. I want Nutella but a spoonful is enough already. Before, I will not stop unless I'm already full.
I prefer Peanut Butter nowadays, especially the local made ones, the one with the orange lid (if you know what I'm talking about, the one without a brand). My parents usually buy the branded ones and to be honest, the brandless one tastes so much better!
Airplane or Boat?
I'd definitely choose Airplane, especially if I'm in a hurry.
Paris or Rome?
Paris has been one of the places I'd like to explore but as a person who loves Literature, I'd definitely choose Rome!!
Beach or Snow?
Okay, this one is difficult hahaha Maybe it depends on my mood and the weather of course. I'd love to experience snow since we're living in a tropical country and I've already visited a lot of beach but at the same time, going to the beach is my comfort. So I guess, both?
Mascara or Eyeliner?
I always wanted to learn how to put eyeliner haha but my attempts were always unsuccessful so I'd go for mascara. It highlights my lashes.
Lipgloss or Lipstick?
Lipstick all the way! I don't like the icky feeling of having a glossy lips. It feels like I've eaten something oily.
Dresses or Skirts?
Dresses of course! Aside from the fact that you're wearing it as one piece, it is also elegant.
Jeans or Sweatpants?
Another difficult one! It depends on the reason why I'm dressing up and also if I'm feeling lazy haha. If I'm too lazy to dress up then I'd go for sweatpants. For casual days, I'd choose jeans.
Silver or Gold?
I'd go for silver. I don't know why but I always love shiny silver accessories. Whenever I have a party to attend to, I'd look for silver accessories that will match my clothes.
Based on my answers, I realized I mostly depend my choices on the occasion and my mood but aren't we all? Or maybe not?
Special thanks to @Expelliarmus30 for the generosity 🤩💖🤗
May 22, 2022
Revisited The Moment When I Felt Lucky
Have you ever felt lucky? Like winning in a raffle, or got chosen to have that VIP ticket of your favorite band? Well, as for me, I haven't experienced those. How I wish I was picked for a grand prize in a raffle or had chosen to have that VIP ticket!
Life isn't fair but I know I had my moment - the moment(s) I felt lucky. There are a lot of moments though but I will only share one in this article.
I was in my last year in college then. The last requirement for us to graduate is to accomplish our Off-Campus Teaching wherein we need to go to public schools and teach as our practice teaching.
I live in Makati but my school is located in Manila where I need to travel for 1 hour at the very least. I was really worried that I might be assigned to some place I'm not familiar with and a place that is too far from my place.
Our professors already mentioned that we might be assigned near Divisoria or near Quezon City. Face palm! It was farther than I had expected.
I was planning then on how to go there, estimating every move so that I could go there earlier.
A month after everything was settled already, including my estimated expenses and time of arrival (y'know, I'm that person who plans everything), our dean announced our assigned schools.
I was sooo shocked when I was assigned to my Alma Mater - which, by the way, is a few steps away from home!!! Spell LUCKY! It's M-E!
I thought that was the luckiest day for me because that means I'll spend my 3 months of practice teaching in my Alma Mater, where I spent my high school days, and of course, I will be able to meet my former teachers again.
Not until we went there for an orientation. Our professor assigned the designated teachers to guide us. We need to follow the schedule of the assigned teachers to us.
Once again, I felt lucky, for I was assigned to the head of English Club with the very relaxed schedule. She manages the mini-library for the English Club so her office (which became my office as well) is full of books! Lovely. She only handles 2 sections so that means I only need to teach 2 sections, unlike my other batchmates who need to teach 5-6 sections in a day.
Those few months of practice teaching was really a blessing for me. My batchmates really named me 'The Lucky One' for I have the ideal schedule, location of school, and a loving coordinating teacher. My coordinating teacher gifted me a superman shirt and a skrib-age. She also wrote a letter for me indicating the reasons why she had chosen those things as her gift. Sooo lucky!
How about you, what is that moment when you felt lucky?
Special thanks to ate @yhanne for the love and generosity 💖🤗
May 21, 2022
10 Beautiful Things That Make Me Happy
Why am I even writing this? Haha
When I am feeling down for some reasons, I need something to remind me that there are still beautiful things in life to look forward to, that there's this silver lining.
While contemplating in this gloomy weather, I thought of 10 beautiful things that make me happy. Actually, these are very random. There are a lot of beautiful things that really make me happy but I cannot list them all down right now so I put only 10. Maybe in the future I'd be able to list down all of those things. I'd love to encounter more in the future.
(1) Bunnies
Yes, bunnies. I don't know if I already shared this to y'all but I love love bunnies. When I was little, they call me 'bunny', not because of my teeth hahaha but because I really love them. I am a fan of **Bugs Bunny from Looney Tunes**!
(2) Kids / Babies
Have you ever experienced that moment when you were walking then a random baby/toddler/kiddo smiled at you? That's heaven! My face has always been like a really good thing for kids (maybe that's why my younger students love me 😅) I do have a baby face, maybe that's the reason why kids smile at me, they thought I'm their playmate lol.
Looking at their innocent faces really make my day. I also love how they think. So innocent, so pure.. and sooo honest!
(3) Sunrise / Sunset
Sunrise and sunset radiate the same vibes to me. I just love looking at the colors of every sunrise and sunset.
(4) Breathtaking View
Any breathtaking view, either the view from the top of a mountain or from the top of a building.. or just looking at my partner. Lol. Well, I do consider looking at my partner as a breathtaking view!
(5) Sunny Days
Summer, or even just those sunny days, gives that 'happiness' vibes. Whenever I feel that warmth from the sun, it makes me happy. I don't know how to describe it though - all I know is that I'm happy.
(6) Beach
I don't know if this is also related to my zodiac sign but I've always love anything with water. Even the chores that I love to do - washing, has something to do with water. Soaking in water makes me happy.
(7) Message from loved ones
A random message from my loved ones really make me happy. Recently, an unexpected friend messaged me and asked how I've been. Very random but it made me happy.
(8) Random Thank Yous
When I do a simple gesture, like holding the door so the next person can still go through easily, or helping someone out - a simple (unexpected) thank you from someone brightens my day.
(9) Coffee
I think this will always be one of the reasons why I am happy - coffee! One, two, three, four! Four cups of coffee everyday 🤣
(10) traveling, talking, and laughing with my loved ones
I will never get tired of saying this, my love language is quality time, so anything that has to do with spending time together makes me happy - like traveling, talking, and laughing with my loved ones.
How about you, what are the top 10 beautiful things that make you happy?
Thank you @LuaDesamor for the renewal 💖
May 20, 2022
@itsmeCguro
