Love and Today
Hello everyone! I'm back with the two prompts today which is "write about love" and "write about today". The previous prompt I did is about first love, and this time about love. Also, it's about "write about" today. As usual, I do two prompts in a day as O decided to post every other day.
Write about love
I just talked about love recently, and good thing it's not about first love. Love is universal, it can be positive or negative. When it's negative, it can be doing anything whether it's bad in the name of love. Yes, some people are willing to do bad things just to gain the person they love. Others pursue money, yeah lovers of money. Materialism is prevalent, and many people didn't realize its subtlety. Because of love of money, they're willing to sell their soul.
As I read the scriptures, I focus on the positive ones. One of those scriptures can be read from 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. It was defined how a person will act if there's love in his heart. It can be applied to our relationship to other people, including our friends or merely acquaintance. As one of the verses says that "love doesn't brag", thus humility is important to maintain our relationship with others. "Love is kind" too, and we can show kindness to everyone. There are some people who does acts of kindness everyday. Thus, we are not hopeless. Love still prevails to many people. We show love always It can be our family or our spouse. Yes, love should be patient when it comes to marriage. Of course, love never fails as mentioned at verse 8.
At 1 John 4:8, it was mentioned that God is love. Our existence is a sign of His love for us. Thus, we should also love Him. In fact, the most important commandment is to love God. The second most important is to love our neighbor. It means loving not just our literal neighbor rather our fellow people.
It is important that we should love one another. Of course, love God first because our relationship with others won't be successful if we don't put him first.
Write about today
So what about today? Good thing it's better today than yesterday. My wife had a bad tummy ache which was caused by UTI, and I told her to go to the doctor for check-up but she didn't want to. I just bought the medicine she need to feel at ease.
Today, she feels better. She's also having diarrhea yesterday though her problem now is constipation. At least she doesn't have to lay down all day unlike yesterday.
I also had migraine yesterday. It feels like my head is about to explode. I took paracetamol but it took 2 hours to take its effect. Gradually, it began to ease and I feel better today.
I did a lot of my online tasks today. I did the cooking as usual. Regarding the weather. It is very hot and I haven't seen any trace that it will rain. However, it is raining at the moment. Actually, while writing now, a thunderstorm is ongoing. I am already in bed but I told my wife to go downstairs instead because it feels like the lightning is very close to us. Due to the thunderstorm, we have no electricity at the moment. So we're literally in the midst of darkness. Of course, we have some rechargeable lights which is helping to lit up the house. I am not sure whether the electricity be restored tonight but we're hoping. Or maybe when the thunderstorm leaves, the power will be back. Usually, the electric company used to cut the power during thunderstorm, and even if merely rain. Good thing I can use our data through Dito. I actually use WiFi hotspot so I'm not the only one who can use it. I also can't use the cord for the modem that can be connected to the power bank because our internet service provider will have service interruption too when brownout.
Well, I just hope the thunderstorm will stop so my wife and I can go to bed.
First Love, Celebrity Crush, and a Recent Event
How are you all? Perhaps our pockets are sad because of the dwindling crypto prices. However, it's a cycle so it will go up again at the next bull market.
By the way, I'm back to do the two prompts again in this challenge.
First Love
In spiritual sense, God is my first love because he gave everything, and he's the one I turn to when I don't feel good. Of course, he's out Heavenly Father so that's given. In society, my family is also someone I really love. Too bad, both of my parents has already passed away.
But talking about the kind of love that everyone talks about, which is romantic, it's no other than my wife now. Of course, I did fall in love before but we never got into relationship. I courted some but to no avail. My wife is my real first love because she's the only one who became not just my firts official girlfriend, but also my wife now.
Who are my celebrity crush?
For sure, we had some celebrity crushes at some point of our lives. Back then, I got.a crush with Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera, and Sarah Michelle Gellar. Yeah, I used to watch "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" back then.
Then came "Alias" and I got a crush on Jennifer Garner too. That's all! I used to see beautiful actresses but not to the point of watching them regularly, which is what you usually do when you got a crush with a celebrity.
Meanwhile, this isn't about any prompt, but about my experience from a delivery service. At the height of pandemic, I am thankful to a certain delivery service because they got to buy my needs. Of course, such service is not perfect. Everytime I use their service, there are always mistakes on the item that they bought even the rider is talking to me on the phone while looking for it in the supermarket.
When pandemic began to ease, my wife and I decided to go to the supermarket by ourselves because I got to buy what I really need. Thus, I stopped using the delivery service.
Yesterday, I decided to avail of their service again to buy the foods for our wedding anniversary celebration with family. The first conversation is fine so I think I'm all good. I had set more than 2 hours before the delivery time. After 30 minutes, the woman who handles the orders messaged me that Paella is not available. So I decided not to push through on that.
Then at 5:05PM, five minutes late on the delivery time, the rider called me that my order, which is Pancit Guisado isn't cooked by the restaurant whom they ordered it. First of all, I was assured beforehand that it was already ordered by the delivery service's CS. They will have to cook it for 20 minutes. So I agreed because it's out of my control, or else there'll be no celebration.
At 5:40, they called on me again that my order from Domino's Pizza was taken by another rider! Funny because the rider told me that he got the pizza already at 5:05PM. We had no choice but to wait for another 30 minutes. All of my orders are delivered at 6:15pm. We should've been eating at 6:00pm.
It is disappointing because the CS just apologized a lot of times! Im fact, they even added extra charge of Php50 because my order exceeded Php2000. Also, the charge is Php85 for delivery so I paid Php135 for the service. Our location is even very close, which is within 1 kilometer of all those restaurants where they bought my orders.
My brother told me that it often happens to other customers, and that they just made alibis. They actually forgot to do their jobs well. I don't judge them at that. I just don't want to use their service anymore. There are bad services before, and I disregarded those. It's not cancelling them rather so much disappointment on their failed service.
Win My Heart and Thirty Facts
So it's been awhile since doing this challenge, and I admit, I was pretty lazy these past several days. So I am back with two other prompts so here I go again!
Ways to Win My Heart
I am not the kind of person who seeks huge and expensive things to make me happy. I'm fine if someone will show kindness and goodness to me to win my heart to become someone's friend. I don't view myself as someone superior than anyone, so I prefer someone with humility.
How about my wife? Yes, I am so much in love with her, and we just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. We started out as friends, and I eventually fell in love with her. I can't explain this though. We have a lot.of opposites but I fell in love with her, probably, love has moved for us. Apparently, she won my heart.
30 Facts About Me
So I am here now for this prompt. Of course, there are a lot of things about ourselves but we still value some things for our privacy. So here are some facts, actually 30, about me.
I am already married. Yes, I am married to a fine lady, and we just celebrated our first wedding anniversary. Why not include this? This is a fact, and I am happy to share this.
I love God. Yes, it is the top commandment of our heavenly father, and I am serving in ways according to his scriptural arrangements.
I teach sign language. Since 2006, I started learning sign language, and applied it to my life by teaching deaf people too. I also volunteered as a sign language interpreter in a branch of DSWD, and the vocational school for persons with disability.
I love music. I always love music even since I am young. However, I became a big music fan since 1996. Either oldies or current music, I do listen to them. But I admit, 1990s and early 2000s music are gold.
We are 9 in the family. Actually, we are 11 including our parents. However, I am already the 8th or second youngest.
I won an honor in primary school just once. Yes, when I was in Grade 1. But if I am studious, I may have been in the honor roll during my elementary years.
I find it difficult to find friends back when I was young. I felt like I am not likeable. People always has favorites.
I am reserved back then. That's one of the reasons why I don't have that much friends. I considered myself introvert at that time.
When I began to gain friends, I realized I am an ambivert. Yes, I am very lively when hanging out with friends.
The first movie I had seen in cinema is "National Treasure" and I'm already 19 years old at that time. Lol!
I have never been to concerts. Of course, I will choose the wholesome ones, and I wanted to be in such concert someday.
I am once a hip-hop music fan especially in the 2000s. However, I had chosen slower music when I became older.
I also became a rock music fan, particularly Linkin Park. So sad when Chester Bennington passed away.
I became a K-Drama fan. To be honest, I am not into Korean stuff but my wife had influenced me to become one, and we watch together.
I stopped watching news on TV. Why? I don't like manipulative news as they often do in news organizations.
I wish to have a car. Yes, it will be helpful for me especially on our voluntary work and daily lives.
I started using crypto in 2016. I think I started even earlier collecting coins but I didn't take it seriously.
I got to earn my first BCH right at the fork of Bitcoin Cash from Bitcoin. Yeah, I have some Bitcoin satoshi at that time from different platforms that I am eligible to received BCH.
I became more involved with crypto in 2017 when I joined Steemit. Now, I am into a lot of crypto stuff.
I have anxiety since I was child, which actually is OCD.
My mother died in 2007, which is cancer related.
My father passed away in 2011 after complications from surgery.
I got into relationship with my wife in 2018. Almost three years when we got married.
My dream is to become a singer, but how I wished I have a great voice. Lol!
Art is the kind of talent I wanted to have. I envy those creative artists seeing their artworks
I love aromatic or essential oils. Move over perfumes, aromatic oils are now my perfumes. Lol!
I didn't graduate college, only until third year when registrar failed to input my grades. I just feel very sad at that time.
When I stopped from college, I took two vocational courses: Computer Technician, and Computer Operations.
I didn't practice the courses I took.
I did business for several years but it got me so stressed.
So there you have it. I think I have said what I can say. 😂
The Free Fare and Modernized Transportation
Since the Covid19 pandemic started, a lot of things has changed. I remember two years ago, we used to ride the ordinary bus or jeepney. It's hot because we depend on the air we're getting from the window. We got to ride in air-conditioned buses but it's rare. During rush hours, the bus or jeepney drivers and their fare collectors doesn't care if it's very full. They wait for several minutes to fill up with passengers. Even buses or jeepneys are too old, that they're dangerous already for use.
Recently, there are a lot of changes in our roads. The old kind of jeepney began to appear less in our roads. At first, I've been thinking that our jeepney is part of our country's culture but as they modernize our transportation, such part of our culture will begin to become extinct in our roads. It might have been great if the old design was retained, but it is more modern inside like air-conditioned, and we can stand compared to the old one which our spines will be affected.
As modernized jeepneys began to appear in the roads, I began to appreciate it though. It is more spacious inside, and it is air-conditioned. It even runs faster than the old one, and its machine sounds more quiet.
What's more fun is the program of the government which is free fare or "libreng sakay". It started our few months ago, and the program should have lasted a month ago. However, the current administration decided to extend it until the end of June. Yes, it will be until the end of President Rodrigo Duterte's term as our country's president.
To be honest, the program is very helpful to many which included me and my wife. As we are gradually going back to our usual activities two years ago, we became beneficiaries of "libreng sakay" because we got to save more than $2 in a back and forth trip.
Aside from the free fare, it's very comfortable for passengers because it is air-conditioned, and they will not wait for passengers. Chance passengers will just do a gesture when taking the ride, and when the seating capacity was reached, they will not stop to load more. Yes, a standing passenger is not allowed. Thus, they make sure that the passengers are comfortable during the trip.
When I read the comment section of a news site regarding the free fare, there are some people complaining because not everyone benefit from the government's program. There are independent drivers and bus companies who are affected because of the program as passengers prefer and wait for the free ride. Actually, there are some who mirrored the sentiments, probably they are the drivers or the families.
On the other hand, the free fare program is favorable to the majority. The comments at the section has more people positively lauding the government's program. Many of them said, whatever the government will do even favorable to the majority, there will always be complaints.
Of course, I do understand the sentiments of the drivers and operators who are affected by the free fare. Apparently, the program is beneficial to more people. Besides, the free fare program also includes numerous drivers. We got to talk to one of the drivers, and he even said that we, passengers, should thank the current administration for the program, and we should pray that the incoming administration will continue the program for the benefits of the many.
I'm happy with the modernized jeepney because it is comfortable. Besides, there are free fare, and they made sure everyone has the convenience. What some of the drivers should realized is passengers has suffered much riding their old vehicle, and the discomfort commuters has experienced. Besides, the program is not forever. It will last in a certain period, and the complaining drivers will have all the passengers again. What I wanted though is to have my own car, even it's secondhand. That will make my life easier with my wife. Besides, we will use it only when necessary. But crypto prices are down, and my pockets are bleeding too.
Today is Our First Wedding Anniversary
Time runs so quickly! It's been awhile since I got married, and we're turning one year today! Yeah, I waited until June 14 turns to post this before I even sleep.
My wife and I became sweethearts in 2018. To be honest, I never expected I'm ever getting married. I've been busy with a lot of things, and I don't feel like getting in a relationship. I fell in love to someone before but we didn't become sweethearts. I am also supposed to court someone before but she decided to cut our communication, and her reason is to using a mobile phone. After a year, I found out she and my friend are in a relationship. Since that time, I haven't thought of courting someone but there's a feeling that I want to spend my life with someone. Still, I have never been ready, and I haven't found that person too.
Then 5 years ago, I met this lady, and she joined sign language community. We became friends but I look to her like a younger sister. I never thought I'll fall in love with her. Our friends began to tease us, until I fell in love with her.
When she became my girlfriend, our relationship is not perfect just like anyone else. There are times when we decided to break up, but we reconciled immediately. Remembering it makes me laugh. Lol!
I admit I am not the kind of guy who's sweet. That's what my wife is even complaining. I'm happy that she's been patient with me, or else I might still be single now. Lol!
Planning of our wedding hasn't been easy. Since it's still pandemic, we have to limit the count of invited to 50. The others are invited to join through Zoom videoconference. Besides, going to different places for the preparation is not easy because Covid19 still exists.
Of course, we have differences on how the wedding will be. We didn't hire a wedding coordinator because we want to keep it simple. Besides, it's better if the money will be saved as we start our marriage life.
I'm happy that there are blessings for our wedding. Crypto prices at that time is quite good. Someone gave monetary gifts before the wedding. My sister paid for the wedding rings. So much blessings as it's overflowing.
The day before the wedding day came, and I had worries. I'm just hoping that the wedding will become a success. The owner of the venue became a source of my anxiety. She's unaccommodating and "matapobre" just because we had chosen the basic design.
The wedding day came, and there are some problems. The photo and video coverage are late for two hours. When I went to the venue, the table setting I provided wasn't followed. The lighting at the stage is pretty bad. The sweets corner is just fine but the chocolate fountain isn't on. There are more things that got me disappointed. Still, I'm happy that I have a strong support system who even lauded our wedding. Usually, you will hear complains. Of course, I heard some about our wedding but I do understand.
Still, what's important for me is the person who I married. I got to see the side of her that I really love. She's very loving and caring. She tries her best to please me. She isn't perfect, but I didn't look for perfection. She's the one that I love. I'm thankful that she didn't make it difficult for me to adjust.
Within a year, she's always been there for me. I'm happy that we got to travel together. Life isn't perfect. I remember when I'm very much worried when she got sick. I'm worried that it might be Covid19 because she lost her sense of smell. She used to have strong senses particularly with hearing and smell. Gladly, it is back after overnight. Of course, I do get sick too and she took care of me greatly.
Now that it's our first wedding anniversary, all I want is she'll be my forever as we serve God. To my wife @Shuls14, I love you so much and Happy Anniversary. ❤️❤️❤️
Living in Fear
I remember back in the day, almost 20 years ago, that we have lived in fear that groups of men might kill us.
My uncle is a policeman then, and such job doesn't insure security. He made a lot of enemies, probably those law breakers or fellow policemen who are breaking the law. I was still very young at that time not to understand what's really happening.
21 years ago, we heard the news that my uncle was killed at the front of their house in Manila. That time, I don't really understand but seeing action movies then, it got me scared. Imagine your father getting killed at the front of your house, I feel sorry about what my cousins has felt.
My uncle's body was brought back here in the province, where he was eventually buried. Since the house we're living at that time is ancestral house, they lived for months here. Eventually, the storage area and balcony attached to the house was destroyed, and my uncle's family built the house, which we share the same wall. Yeah, it became a duplex. Currently, the lot where the ancestral house stands was already bought by my family, and I still live here with my wife.
Anyway, 20 years ago, one year after my uncle was killed, my maternal relatives came and brought us the news. They said there are groups of men asking where my uncle's family lives. Since they were addressed with our surname, we are affected.
Thus, we are instructed to deny our surname. If asked what's our surname, we should answer back with our middle name instead. The fear began because we are not allowed to go out of the house.
Going to school has been a challenge. There are thoughts that what if my classmates are asked if they knew anyone with my surname, and they point me? What if someone will kill me if I go home walking from school? Our surname is rare so it will be easy for the aggressors to find where we are.
Our front yard is wide so we used to play there back then. Since the hunting of those men at my uncle's family, it's often empty. Once we got home, we immediately go inside the house. My worry is what if someone will rain some bullets in the house, I might be dead!
Even riding the tricycle, we should be cautious. We should be taking the ride with drivers we know. We avoid talking to other people. Our life is school and house, for the older ones, work and school. Going to the market is also difficult for them. We avoid going to the park, malls, or even the beach is close to the house. We cannot celebrate special occasions. Inside the house, we are usually silent just to make it appear that no one lives in the house.
There's a door connecting our house to my uncle's family so they will pass inside our house to get into their house. When someone knocks on the door, we will ask who's that person before we'll open it. Our door has two locks.
Nightime isn't something we should be relaxed. At times, bad people attacks when everyone are calm. Thus, we should always be ready.
My worry is my family especially my mother. It's been my anxiety losing my mom so I worry a lot whenever she leaves the house for work. At night, I also worry what if someone will gun shots at our house? I have such worries. So I suggest not to have young people watch action movies because it might affect their mental health.
Several months after, it seems no one is looking for my relatives anymore. We began to go back to our normal lives. I am not sure if our ascendants made it known to the barangay captain but we're glad being protected.
Book, Style, Where Will I Go?
Good day to all! Glad to be back as I continue with this challenge. For today, I decided to do three prompts. Yeah, I just want to make my life better so three prompts is okay. I don't think I'll be able to do only one or two prompts because I can't think of a lot of words to write. Lol!
I'm going to start now!
Favorite Book
I admit, I only read stuff and articles through online. I am not the kind who read books, yes, I am not a bookworm. I knew many people who are book readers, mainly novels. I am not into such.
But talking about my favorite book, it's no other than God's Word, the Bible. Actually, Bible is composed of 66 books, and was written by 40 men from different status in life. Those 40 men merely wrote the Bible, as the message came from God through His Holy Spirit. It was written for centuries (or even more than a millennium) starting from the times of Moses up to John (who wrote Revelation). My favorite Bible text is Philippians 4:13 because amidst what I had gone through, I can do things through God who has given me strength.
Now, I don't read the Bible through the hard copy because there are soft copies, and accessibility is easier. I'll just open my phone, and click on the app, then I can read the Bible.
Of course, I read some novels back then but I can't remember them. Perhaps the stories are forgettable that I forgot about them. I read other educational books too, even until now. But I cannot say they're my favorites too.
Describe your style
About my style? I am not the kind who follow the trend. I'm not a stylish person and I don't care if they look at me as "baduy" or not. Though, I try to look decent with clothing.
In casual setting, I'm fine with T-shirts, but I am a fan of polo shirts or shirts with collar. I've been wearing such shirt for more than a decade.
In formal setting, of course, I wear barong (a Filipino formal costume for men) or long sleeves with suit. Most of the time, I wear long sleeve polo in formal setting.
When traveling, I prefer wearing shorts than pants. I love to wear slippers, sandals, or aqua shoes when going to the beach.
I don't like to wear anything that can catch anyone's attention. I wanted to wear something presentable and neat. That's more important for me instead of styling myself. The trend recently is the style of Koreans but I don't think I fit such style.
If you could run away, where would you go?
I have no reason to run away so I was thinking how will answer this. Besides, I am married for almost a year, and I love to be with my wife always. If I'll go somewhere else, I will be with her.
So what place will it be? I am thinking of a lot of places. When it's here in the Philippines, I'll probably choose Batanes. It is a very beautiful place which I can liken to a paradise. It's indeed peaceful there, and people are kind and honest. In fact, there's an "Honesty" store there.
Outside the Philippines but within Asia, it will be Japan or South Korea. My wife and I watches Korean drama, and it was featured how beautiful their country is. Also, I hear great things about Japan. There's also a Filipino Noise.Cash user, and she shares beautiful landscapes of Japan. I also heard about Japanese being kind people as well.
Outside Asia, I would love to go to New Zealand. Those green sceneries actually attract me. Aside from New Zealand, I'd love to go to Switzerland which I can really describe as paradise. With the beautiful greens and the Swiss alps in the background, who will not be amazed of its beauty? Of course, I would love to go to Scotland too. Yes, I am more of a nature person now so I would love to visit nature places.
So I mentioned a lot of places instead of one. That way, I have a lot to choose from!
Siblings and TV
Good day fellow Read.Cash peeps. You know one of the problems we face when writing here is writer's block. Glad that some of our friends here has shared some tips as well as challenges that can get our creative juices flow. I had chosen two prompts again for today: talk about your siblings, and favorite TV series.
Talk about your siblings
You know what? My mother is kinda delicate when pregnant but she's able to bear 9 children. Yes, we are 9 in the family so it means I have 8 of them. Should I talk about them? Well, I'm just going to share some bits about them, you know, each has their own privacy.
The first in the family is female. She's at early 50s but still single. It was in 1998 when she went to Hong Kong to worked, and has been to other countries like Singapore, and the last one was Dubai. She's back to the Philippines to stay for good.
The second is also a female. She's married to an engineer just like her. They're both working in Dubai. They don't have a child. Not sure when they'll go back to Philippines for good, or probably live in other country.
The third is a male, and he has his own family. He has two kids, and we haven't seen them for more than two years too. They currently live in Cagayan.
The fourth one is a male, and he also has his own family. He has two kids already, and they lived in the same town where I currently live.
The fifth one is a female. She is still single, and I'm not sure if she still has plans of getting married someday. She took care of my two nephews, who are the kids of my brother, the fourth sibling.
The sixth one is a male, and has a family too, with only one child. They're at the same compound where my fourth and fifth siblings live.
The seventh one is still single, but he's in a relationship. He didn't tell us yet when his plans of getting married. He's into crypto too.
I am the eighth one, and I am already married. We're turning one year this month
The youngest is a male, and he's also married but without a kid. They got married few months before pandemic. He's also active in crypto. He's at mid-30s.
So that's all I can say about my siblings. Our mother and father passed away in 2007 and 2011 respectively.
Favorite TV Series
Similar to what I've said with regards to favorite movies and music, I don't pick a particular series as my favorite but I watched a lot. My mother is a fan of local soap operas and I watched many of them too. However, the themes are getting annoying so I stopped watching any Filipino TV series.
I had seen some American TV series but I don't religiously watched them. But there are three TV series which I watched almost every episode.
First is "Buffy The Vampire Slayer" back in late 1990s to early 2000s. Well, Sarah Michelle Gellar is very popular at that time. I also watched "Alias", which made Jennifer Garner a big star. She's good in action, and even starred on "Daredevil" not too long ago after "Alias". The third one is "24" which was top-billed by Kiefer Sutherland. That TV series became a hit, and has always been generally acclaimed by the critics. It also revived Kiefer Sutherland's career, who also just turned into a country singer six years ago.
I don't watch TV anymore, but I do watched some series online which started last December. I do watch them with my wife, and those are K-Dramas. We already finished the following shows:
True Beauty
Mr. Queen
She Was Pretty
My Love from the Star
Welcome to Waikiki
Legend of the Blue Sea
We started watching some of these K-Dramas but haven't finished, or stopped watching.
Moon Lovers
Weightlifting Fairy
We're still watching the following, and waiting for other episodes on the Viu app.
Pinocchio
What's Wrong With Secretary Kim
Welcome to Waikiki 2
So that's all what I can remember. How about you guys? Can you share what are those TV series which you had watched often?
Happiness is My Bestfriend. Hope So.
Hello everyone. Glad to be back. I just want to be more active so I am back but to continue in this challenge. When I started, I did two prompts in a day. I am doing the same today!
Happiness
Talking about happiness, it is something that I want to become my bestfriend. The thing is I have been living with anxiety since I was young. It's undiagnosed because I prefer not to consult a specialist. I don't have enough funds to do so, and medication is expensive. Besides, I don't want to reap the side effects of prolonged use of such medications. Also, I still fear stigma. Though more and more people are becoming aware about mental health, stigma is still very much alive even from people around us. At times, it makes me upset but I have to conceal it when someone looks down at someone with mental illness. I knew some people who has to hide their anxiety because of stigma too.
I mentioned that I had anxiety since I was young. I am actually unaware about it. I felt like being different from anyone. There are times when I hoped that I was indifferent from others. I have OCD. There are mental routines that I do when an intrusive and undesirable stuff gets into my head. I hate such thoughts, and I do mental prayers to feel better. I wash my hands when I hold something I touched something I don't like. I count my steps when walking, and I avoid certain numbers. I avoid some people. I don't like crowded places. There are so many things that my mind has to deal so I'll feel at ease.
There are times when I feel so sad. Changing of weather from summer to rainy season, I rarely have peace. Since it's currently rainy season, I do get some triggers. It might be SAD, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Many people has that especially in places where there's winter. We don't have winter here in the Philippines but gloomy weather affects me. There are times when I feel so down, but I have to smile. I have to do what I need to do. In fact, even when writing this, I had some nasty OCD affecting me!
Who am I to talk about happiness when I don't have a good mental health? Of course, I do feel happy in some occasions. I am with my wife who makes me happy. I serve God, who helps me in my battles. For me, not having mental illness is what will make me really happy.
My Bestfriend?
I never really had someone (a person) who became my bestfriends. Of course, I had close friends but not bestfriends whom someone can stick with. I admit, I became envious towards those who have their bestfriends who's always there for them. I treated some people as my bestfriend then but I was not treated the same. I never regretted cutting ties though because it made me a better person. I still respect that person though. I had moved on from any past issues. Actually, I also have trust issues now. For someone like me who's dealing with anxiety, I don't just trust anyone.
I am now a married person, and my wife is the one I consider as my bestfriend. I love her so much, and she's the one I stick too. Of course, I consider God as my bestfriend too. He knows my struggle like what I had talked about above.
I had quite a struggle in these topics. About happiness, it's hard to talk about it if you have mental health issues. With regards to bestfriends, I never really have that one, someone who I have a pact with. But I am happy that I can treat my wife as my bestfriend, and the Heavenly Father of course!
I'm also hoping that happiness will become my bestfriend too. If I have to wish for something, it is for the anxiety to go away not only for me but for those who's struggling with any mental illness.
What Movie is It? Listen to the Music!
I just got back, and I'm unable to write anything yesterday because I was tired when my wife and I came from the city. Also, I was somewhat demotivated, and I was thinking whether I should continue posting or better stop. I'm not really earning here recently but I still want to take this challenge and continue. Anyway, I am doing the prompts for Day 7 and 8.
Favorite Movie/s
I am not the kind of person who watches movies, and choose among them which is my favorite. I became an avid movie watcher and I liked many of them. Before Covid era, I used to go to movie theaters to watch different movies, and at times, watched movies in channels like HBO or FOX Movies. Of course, I watched local movies too.
I was born in the 1980s, and the first time I entered the movie theater was in 2004. I was too old at that time, and that movie was "National Treasure". I enjoyed the movie because it has a lot of twists. Anyway, I used to watch movies prior through national TV, cable TV, and HBO, as well as rented copies.
In our cable provider, they even play movies which are currently showing in theaters, and even earlier than cinema release. In fact, I saw "Titanic" already before it had its national release. I had seen the film probably more than 20 times!
I began to watch movies in theaters when I had my own money. I used to watch Transformers movies, Marvel movies, and a lot more.
These are the last three movies I watched in theaters.
1. Avengers: Endgame
I really loved the movie, and there's really a feeling of sadness when Tony Stark a.k.a. Iron Man, portrayed by Robert Downey Jr., died. However, I am happy that the phase of Marvel has ended great. I can say it is satisfying!
2. Bumblebee
A superhero or sci-fi movie doesn't have to be too deep to be enjoyed. That's why I love Bumblebee because it is lighthearted and fun. Hailey Steinfeld really did well in the film.
3. Avengers: Infinity War
That was the time when I am saving money so I got to watch only few movies in a year. "Avengers: Infinity War" is a great film, and I enjoyed it. However, "Endgame" is better because of redemption. The last part of "Infinity War" made me feel like wanting to know what happened to the other heroes.
I am supposed to watch other films in theater but Covid19 came. Thus, I watched some films through online or downloads.
Wonder Woman 1984
I enjoyed this film despite the negative reviews. However, I liked the first one more.
Spiderman: Far From Home
I liked "Spiderman Homecoming", and I waited to see "Far From Home". But I was very busy pre-Covid, and I haven't got to watch "Spiderman: Far From Home" in cinemas. Gladly someone share a copy, and I enjoyed the film too.
Captain Marvel
I decided not to watch the movie in cinema because I am looking forward on "Avengers: Endgame". Thus, I watched "Captain Marvel" through download, and it is a great film!
I did watched other movies, but there are some that I still wanted to see but I don't have enough time.
Listen to Music!
Music is powerful! People think that it doesn't matter what the lyrics is or the kind of tune it is, but it has effects on us. Thus, I do think it is necessary to be selective on what we listen. That's just my opinion, and everyone has theirs.
Anyway, I am a fan of music. Being born in the 1980s, and I became a fan in 1990s, I am a familiar on hundreds of music artists. When you mention artists particularly from 1980s onwards, I can tell at least one song from them.
If you asks me what is my favorite song or who is my favorite artist, I can't mention one because, just like in movies, I don't select one from numerous songs or artists. If I hear a song, I can say if I like it or not. Other songs are just random tunes passing to my ear, but I can possibly sing to it.
As you noticed on some of my posts, I had written a lot about music because I am really a fan.
Earnings for May / Random
May is about to end today, and it feels like it just passed. Days are running so fast that we can't hardly catch up. Well, it's part of our life, and each day we're growing old. In fact, I almost can't believe it that my wife and I are turning one year as a married couple this coming month!
Anyway, how's your May has been? For us crypto fans may have had struggles after prices has dropped this month. Even Bitcoin dropped to its lowest of $27k since several months ago. I can't remember the last time it went lower than that. Bitcoin Cash also dropped to $170-ish. I also can't remember the last time its price is lower than the said price range.
How about your earnings? Since our earnings is also dependent on crypto prices, May probably has gave us low earnings. I tried buying coins, and earned some few dollars through Spot trading. The worst part, my brother who is giving me signal suggested Solana. I know how strong Solana is, but I haven't heard my brother who told me to wait for his signal to buy. I bought immediately with a total of $100 worth of Solana. I waited for it to go up but the price dwindled. I kept hodling, and it is now worth more than $30.
How about our earnings on Noise.Cash, and Read.Cash. With the former, I don't really track my earnings but probably it's not that bad. Actually, my earnings on Noise.Cash has been a big help. We might have been nervous recently because of the pending tips not pursuing the wallet. Finally, it is back up and we're all happy noisers, right?
With regards to my earnings here on Read.Cash, it's way below than the previous month. I earned more than $60 last April, but I only earned a total of $43.81 this May. My highest earning per post is around $10, which is my first time reach that amount. However, subsequent posts earned little. Several posts has earned around $1, while many of them has earned even less than a dollar. One of my posts even earned zero. I hope Rusty will notice me again. Lol!
Anyway, June is coming and I hope I will earn more, and Rusty will give me a notice. Also hoping that crypto prices will recover. It's still bear market, and I was told that it will be until December. Hoping for better earnings which will be a gift for me and my wife as we celebrate our first wedding anniversary. That way, we can celebrate with our friends and family. Been saving money but it doesn't seem enough as we also have to pay bills and buy our needs.
Recently, Luna has crushed and I was afraid to buy because my brother told me it won't be worth it. I shouldn't have listened. If I bought some, at least I should've earned thousands of pesos. But I just let that go. It's difficult to listen to anyone even they know better about trading. Lol!
I'm also hoping for my investment on Solana that it will go back to the original price. Seriously, even not taking a small profit. I just want the original price. Probably, it will take time, and hoping Solana won't take the Luna route.
I also have some fractions of Bitcoin Cash, and all I hope is it will go up too. The losses are huge already. For now, let's hodl on and wait until the bull market. When it will be? Next year? I couldn't say. At least I am learning more about crypto now, and it will probably guide me someday to do better in cryptocurrency.
Recently, there are offers by which a group of people are trading and what they will do is invite people to invest. I know some of them, and they told us that they have a master trader. I don't join in such because I can't see assurance. Seriously, if you are a master trader, you could've earned a lot already, and you don't need investment of others to earn more. There will always be no guarantee unless they will provide necessary papers that will serve as protection for investors. It doesn't matter if I knew some of the members personally. Investment protection is what matters for me.
About My Parents. I'm Not Single, But Happy.
So I am this challenge again, and I am on Day 5 and 6 prompts. I am trying to do this challenge every other day so I think it's not that bad. Anyway, here's what I have to say today.
Your parents
I actually become emotional talking about my parents because they both passed away already. You know, losing your parents at your 20s, and still wanting for their guidance. Even at 30s, the thought of having parents can still make your relationship with your siblings intact.
My mother passed away in 2007, and it's certainly one of the saddest moments not having her with us anymore. She's only 59 at that time, and seeing women at higher age at that time who still seemed strong makes me envious. I just hoped she's still here even at an old age.
She suffered from cancer, and its origin cannot be traced anymore because it's at late stage. Too late for the doctors to suggest CT Scan despite obvious symptoms. Even my mother is worrying it is cancer, and she was relieved every time the doctor gave their diagnosis, and it is not what she feared.
My mother is very caring, and has been fair towards her children. Thus, she's been close to all of us.
My father passed away in 2011. The thought of losing your remaining parent is very difficult, and that's what we felt when it happened. He is supposed to be the one guiding us, but it's less than 4 years that he followed after my mother's death.
I admit, growing up I am not too close towards my father. He is not perfect, he is very strict. Still, we are thankful he didn't let us become the kind of people who haven't had purpose in life. Spiritual inheritance is among those I truly treasure. As we grown older, I began to appreciate him. When my mother passed away, my father tried his best to guide us.
The sad thing, because of our sadness and in process of moving on from my mother's death, I forgot about my father's emotions. Yes, he tried not to cry at my mother's funeral. He wants to show he is strong, and be the one to carry us. For sure, it gave him a lot of distress, and probably concealed depression.
When the diagnosis regarding a mass building up on his pancreas, he prefers to undergo surgery because he doesn't want us to suffer the way we suffered on our mother. The assurance given by the doctor is 80% that it will become successful, and he relied on that. He prepared himself, and even gave us advise before the surgery just in case it will be unsuccessful. 20% is huge, and not a joke. He survived the surgery but, he had complications. It could've have been avoided if there are no missteps from the hospital. Yes, there are some. But what can we do? They cannot undo what happened. Even a doctor we knew told us the hospital can be sued, but it can only take more energy from the remaining that we have.
If my parents are still alive, they're both turning 74 this year. They're also married for 52 years. I imagined seeing them with grandchildren, which they already have 5. My mother haven't seen any of them, and my father only saw one of them. He's supposed to become a grandfather for the second time before his death. Yes, his second granchild was born three days after his passing. That same year, two other grandchildren are born. Too bad he can't wait. He probably wanted to be better before seeing them but his health already gave up.
Single But Happy? I'm Not Single
Oh yeah, the prompt is *Single but Happy.*
I don't think this is suited for me because I am already married. In fact, we're turning one year this coming month!
I admit, getting married is not in my plans 5 years ago and more so. I love the single life, and I am happy. But it has changed when someone came to my life. We're just friends at first, and I'm not into her at that time. It developed gradually, and she became my girlfriend in 2018. Our relationship is not perfect, but I think she is for me.
Late 2020s, we talked about getting married. Last year, June 2021, we finally got married. We're turning one year, and I am very much in love with her.
Jamming With Alanis
I'm a fan of music, and I miss the music from the 1990s. Yeah, I consider the music of my generation as the best just like others prefer the music of their time. I used to listen to pop, R&B, hip-hop, and rock music.
Back in 1990s, rock music was dominated by men as they're the ones serving as the vocalist of most bands. However, we also heard bands led by female artists such as The Cranberries (led by the late Dolores O'Riordan), Garbage (Shirley Manson as the frontwoman), No Doubt (Gwen Stefani as the vocalist), and others. Some female singers who rocked the music scene are also solo artists just like Fiona Apple, Sheryl Crow, and of course, Alanis Morisette.
Talking about Alanis Morisette, she's actually one of my favorite artists in the 1990s. The way she sings became an identity for her, and once you hear it, you know it's Alanis Morisette. Her distinct voice, beautiful melodies of her songs, and great songwriting. Those are the things that made Alanis Morisette popular during mid-1990s through her first international album "Jagged Little Pill". That album became one of the memorable records of all time, and also one of the biggest selling album with more than 30 million copies sold.
You Oughta Know
This track is one of the angry heartbreak songs of all time, and yeah, the lyrics are really angry. It gave Alanis her first ever Billboard top 10 hit, and even Beyonce performed this song after "If I Were a Boy" in Grammy Awards.
Hand in My Pocket
Just an easy listening song, and it never sounded corny. Lyrics may seem simple but it does make sense. Vocals are beautiful as well. Its music video in black and white might have been a thing in the 1990s despite most TVs are already colored, but it's good. I love the part when she played harmonica.
Ironic
I remember there are multiple Alanises in its music video. It's pretty simple. She got inside the card, drove it, until she reached her destination. Aside from the memorable music video, this song is also great which became her biggest hit ever. However, the use of the word "ironic" and its meaning on the song became a subject of debate back in mid-1990s.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=Jne9t8sHpUc
You Learn
Another great rocking song from Alanis, and I remember its music video by which she was knocked out from boxing at the last part. Lol! When Alanis Morisette came to the Philippines, I think this is one of the songs she performed. "You Learn" is very popular here despite charting moderately in other countries.
Head Over Feet
A soft and melodic lovely song from Alanis, and actually one of the last singles released from "Jagged Little Pill". At that time, pop music is taking over the music scene. The music video is also very simple, and Alanis served as its co-director.
All I Really Want
This is my least favorite among her released single, and it quite hurts my ear. Well, it is also the opening track of the album. It's also the least popular among her singles from the album.
Too bad, Alanis Morisette didn't match her fame on her subsequent releases. "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" is a great album, but it didn't match the singles from "Jagged". My favorite song from Alanis after "Jagged Little Pill" is "Uninvited". That song was part of the soundtrack of "City of Angels", and its dark undertone perfectly matched her vocals. She has that voice perfect for dark sounded songs just like Amy Lee of Evanescence.
Alanis Morisette became an influence to fellow Canadian Avril Lavigne. I even thought Avril is Alanis' successor though her sound is quite young. Alanis has the maturity, and she's got the great showmanship with her attitude.
Memories and Places
I am still in this challenge but I had chosen two prompts per day, which actually covers 2-day challenges. That's not bad. I couldn't just write one theme a day! Lol! Anyway, shall I start?
Memories
So one of the topics is actually "memory". But I'll talk about memories since we all do have it. I actually learned that memories are not 100% accurate. There are memories that we have which can possibly mix up with another memory. Remember, when a certain rumor has spread, either it will be added up with other words or some words may be removed. Thus, a new story was created which is not what it really is.
With regards to our memories, of course, we can do share about how we feel about it. At times, there are memories that seems exactly what happened but there might be a bit of it that was added or removed.
Anyway, I want to share this happy memory I had with my family when we went to Ocean Adventure in Subic, Zambales. Of course, it is based on how I still remember it, and I won't claim it's 100% accurate.
There's excitement in me because it is our first time to go to Subic to watch the beautiful sea creatures in Subic, Zambales. How I wish, we are still with my mother. Still, I'm happy that we went there along with our father.
We entered a place with a lot of aquariums, and different fishes are swimming in them. It's actually a dark place, while the aquariums has lights that makes you amazed on the fishes. Afterwards, we had some ice cream and freshen up a bit.
Then we went to grandstand and watch the dolphin show. It's fun to see them doing different antics, but I think the dolphins are quite lazy at that time. It was followed by sea lions which I enjoyed much than the dolphin show.
That was actually the last time we got to travel as leisure with our father.
Places I Want to Visit
I actually wanted to visit a lot of places. Of course, here are my top 3 lists here in the Philippines I wanted to visit.
1. Boracay
Boracay is definitely a must visit for everyone. Yes, there are white beaches in the Philippines and I have been to some of them. Hearing from others who have been to Boracay, it is still exceptional and the best among the white beaches they've been. Thus, I wanted to visit Boracay someday with my wife.
2. Palawan
Palawan is rich with beautiful nature places, and I wanted to go there. One factor is my friends has relatives there, and it will surely help us not to spend much. I'd love to see El Nido, Coron, San Vicente, and a lot more!
3. Davao del Sur
I wanted to go to Davao del Sur because I have heard a lot of great things about the province particularly in Davao City. I also wanted to visit Samal Island which has beautiful beaches.
Of course, I wanted to visit places overseas, and here's my list.
1. Japan
I heard a lot of great things about Japan, aside from the beautiful places and landscapes. An acquaintance said, among the places in Asia he has been, Japan is the most beautiful and the people are the kindest.
2. South Korea
I admit, I don't really care about South Korea, especially K-Drama and K-Pop. I began to love it watching K-Drama with the influence of my wife, and I love to visit the country because I saw how beautiful the places that are shown. Still not a fan of K-Pop though.
3. Switzerland
Switzerland has beautiful landscapes, and I can say, it's paradise. I used to see videos about Switzerland, and I got interested about the country.
Of course, there are many places in mind that I want to visit aside from my lists here. But of course, it still depends on my financial status. Probably when crypto bull market comes. Hopefully. 😊
There are One-Album Wonders Too
There are some artists who are one-hit wonders. They had only one hit in the entire life of their music careers. There are also one-album wonders. At least, such artists didn't only have one hit song, rather they had one hit album. Either the album had huge sales or hit singles, that's a given. They had a mark in music industry.
Hanson (Middle of Nowhere)
Hanson became huge with their first mainstream album "Middle of Nowhere". They may be considered by others as one-hit wonder with the song "Mmmbop", their song "I Will Come to You" reached the top 10 of Billboard Hot 100. "Middle of Nowhere" also went 4x platinum in the US. After that, Hanson failed to make impact again, and eventually went indie.
Aqua (Aquarius)
Aqua became popular with their album "Aquarium" which had estimated sales of 14 million worldwide. It had global hits, and their second album was released three years after their debut album, and had sales of 4 million. That's not bad, but considered flop compared to their debut. Still, Aqua's hit "Barbie Girl" is iconic despite considered as a trash song. Lol!
Natalie Imbruglia (Left of the Middle)
She was very famous because of her song "Torn", which was one of the biggest hits of 1998. It was from her album "Left of the Middle", which has probable sales of 7 Million copies. That's considered huge, but Imbruglia seemed exhausted, and it's fine for her not too famous. She released subsequent albums but with lackluster sales.
Lauryn Hill (Miseducation of Lauryn Hill)
Her 1998 album "Miseducation of Lauryn Hill" was huge with sales ranging 15-20 million copies, and included the number 1 hit "Doo Wop (That Thing)", Lauryn Hill might be someone who will make a follow up. However, she released "MTV Unplugged" (not a studio album) instead, and we haven't heard any album from her since.
Milli Vanilli ("All or Nothing"/"Girl You Know It's True"
Milli Vanilli became very popular with their album "All or Nothing" which was released in the US as "Girl You Know It's True". The song had five top 10 hits in Billboard Hot 100, and sold around 6 million copies in the US alone. However, lip-synching controversy was revealed, and the vocals in the album are from other people. A second album was released but as The Real Milli Vanilli, but it flopped.
Fugees (The Score)
Lauryn Hill may have been a one-album wonder, and so is the hip-hop group Fugees by which she is a part of. Of course, Fugees won't work without Lauryn Hill. The group had release an album which didn't do well, and it was only heard of when their second album "The Score" was released, which its sales range from 16 million or quite higher. It also scored hits such as "Killing Me Softly", "No Woman No Cry" and "Ready or Not".
Alanis Morisette (Jagged Little Pill)
I'm not sure if I'll include Alanis Morisette because she had subsequent two number albums in Billboard 200 after "Jagged Little Pill". "Supposed Former Infatuation Junkie" has even sold huge on its first week, and went 3 million US sales. However, the album dropped quickly, and it struggled to have a momentum. "Jagged Little Pill" remains a great album for her, which had sales of more than 30 million worldwide.
Leona Lewis
She should have done better if only her management continued their focus on her career. In fact, she was dubbed to be the next Mariah Carey. However, Leona Lewis only had one real hit album which is her debut "Spirit". The album was released after her win from UK X-Factor. The album went multiple platinum in several countries worldwide, and produced hits such as "Better in Time" and of course "Bleeding Love". She released "Echo", her second album, but it didn't do that well despite her UK Top 5 hit "Happy".
Do you know any artist who only had one real legendary album? You can share at the comments.
Yeah, It's Me. What Makes Me Happy?
So I decided to join this 30-day writing challenge. But I want to do two prompts in a day, and I don't think it's not that bad, right?
Describe Your Personality
I might be sharing not just about my personality, rather include some stuff about me.
I am not really aware about personalities while growing up. How I wish I was educated about such stuff! That way, I would be knowledgeable about personality development, as well about life.
Back when I was younger, I think I was introvert. In school, I have friends but not the close ones. I find it hard to make friends, and I feel I am different the way I think. I want to be normal, and I wanted to be like others. Thus, I used to live relying on others' validation.
Perhaps, constant bullying may have had its effect on me. I had been bullied by relatives, even at school. I remember that someone threatened to throw stone at me if I won't tell her my name. I had no choice so I told my name, and I was allowed to go. I used to avoid certain people too because I was bullied once, I don't want it to happen again.
During our family reunions, I don't want to get anyone's attention. I just want to be like a shadow. Someone that can be seen, but not given attention. When my cousins come in, I prefer to stay in the room. When going to gatherings, I am by myself. I don't initiate conversations. I feel awkward when someone talks to me, then I respond and got run out of topics. When I reached my 20s, I think I became an ambivert. I began to gain friends. As I have friends already, I became sociable. In some instances, I don't want to be around anyone.
I realized I also have anxiety disorder and OCD. Back then, as I said already, I feel like a different person. I have so much worries. I am very worry to lose any loved one especially my mother. When an intrusive thought about losing my mom attacks me, I do have mental routines which may serve as an antidote against the bad thought. It includes mental prayers so to ease my worries. I also count when walking, then tries to avoid some numbers as the last because I felt it won't do me good. My OCD has worsened, and how I wished it will end someday. Though I know, it's already in my system, a sad part.
I do tend to be depressive at times. Change of weather like from summer to rainy season makes me sad. At this moment, we just transitioned to rainy season, and I do feel sad at times. The months of my mother's suffering makes me sad, as well as the month of her death, also with my father's.
Am I not done yet from grieving even after more than a decade? I can't say. I still cry in some instances whenever I remember them. Or maybe pain won't just go away, and it won't be too painful. Losing someone is like a deep wound. The scars may lightened, but there are occasional pains within.
Things that Make You Happy
There are a lot of things that can make me happy, and mostly are simple things. Who would he happy living with anxiety and OCD? Without it, I would be surely happy!
I'm happy to be with my wife always. Going out with family or friends, it gives me a good feeling. Going to nature places are my thing. How I wish I have enough funds to do so!
I would love to have more crypto. I know I'm not the only one who will benefit from it. Sharing and contributing others makes me very happy.
Platforms where I can write and share stuff which includes Read.Cash and Noise.Cash, and the likes make me happy. I do earn just for sharing!
There are more simple things that can make me happy. I just can't elaborate everything.
Manifestation of Strength
Time came when her mother became sick. They brought her to the doctor but she's old enough to undergo surgery. All they can do is wait until she dies. One morning, her son caught her crying. She says "it's difficult to lose a mom, and you don't know what it feels like."
After few months, her mom died and she tries to hide her grief. Her focus is her family, and taking care of their needs. She was devastated but she never make it seem she is. At that time, two of her sons are in college. Finally, the older one has graduated. She's got to go to the graduation.
After a series of important events, she became ill. It is the first time she's sick that way because she used to be healthy. The doctor diagnosed her of diabetes, and she's mostly sleeping during the day while taking her medicines. It happened for two weeks, and gradually, her health is going better. More than a year later, an issue arose between her siblings. Their second eldest schemed something because of grief, and my mom decided to leave the business to save everything she has including her relationship with her siblings, but they didn't take it lightly and made it a big issue. Three of them went against her, and the second eldest is probably happy because she gets the huge chunk the business will earn. Greed? Perhaps. She knows the reason because she knew her siblings' attitude.
She never expected what happened. She loves them so much that's why she's very affected. Her children, at times, caught her crying because of what her siblings did. She cannot even sleep well. She and her family is unaware of her condition.
She's been sick, and stress has taken its toll on her. It even affected her heart. There are pains on her body. Even doctors gave false diagnosis. Been through a number of doctors and hospitals, and nobody gave correct diagnosis. None of them didn't even suggested the right test to do.
Before learning she has cancer, she got to reconcile with her siblings. Her humility is very obvious. But the crack is still there, her children feels it. Her siblings didn't even try to come for a visit during her battle until one of her daughters talked to them of they can visit her mom. It's difficult because she knew what they did to her mom, but she has to do it.
She cannot breathe one evening, and was brought to the hospital. Finally, one of her doctors know the right test to do, CT Scan. Too bad, it's too late. She was diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer. Tumors are all over her body. Her children never gave up, sought possible treatment in case to save her, and they found one.
She never gave up. In the midst of the pain, she's battling, and trying to win. She's willing to feel better for her family. That's a manifestation of her strength. The treatment she will undergo will be 50 sessions, one per day, so it means 50 days. Then another therapy which is 5 sessions. Each session will be done the same time with the other therapy.
The first 30 sessions, it seems working. Her skin began to glow. She seems battling cancer well. There are expectations she will be a survivor. She complies whatever the doctor or her kids tell her to do. Never a difficult patient to deal with. She used to hate ginger but she agreed when told to drink ginger tea.
She misses her siblings, so her children called them just in case they're interested to come. Of course they did. Probably to save face? Nobody knows.
On her 32nd session, things are not turning well. She cannot breathe well. The oxygen doesn't seem helping. Her memory began to wane. She was brought to the hospital, and even undergone surgery. Her strength manifested. She tried to continue breathing, but it's not enough. Doing everything for her family. She will not even see her youngest graduate from college, and he'll be graduating in 5 months.
Do You Know Any Singer Who's One-Hit Wonder?
You might have heard a song, and you liked it. Eventually, it became a hit. You don't care about the artist despite knowing him or her. All you care is about the song. Eventually, you haven't heard any song from that artist. It might be the singer became a one-hit wonder. He or she only had one hit, or the song is more popular than the singer.
That's what many music artists don't want to become. If you ask me, it's better than not having a hit at all! Lol! It's a kind of legacy that you have a song that many people had liked. Do you know any of those artists? Well, I know some!
Los Del Rio
You might haven't heard about Los Del Rio, but for sure, you heard "Macarena" and even danced with it! That was a dance craze back in mid-1990s, and it's still a memorable song. The song was one of the biggest sellers of the decade, and even spent more than 10 weeks on Billboard Hot 100! I haven't heard about Los Del Rio ever since.
Billy Ray Cyrus
I remember the song "Achy Breaky Heart" by Billy Ray Cyrus being the theme of our daily morning exercise in grade school after the flag ceremony. In fact, I don't even know who sang it then! Lol! But I can still remember the steps of our morning exercise. 😂
Anyway, Billy Ray Cyrus became famous again because of her superstar daughter Miley Cyrus not because he had hits again after "Achy Breaky Heart". For sure, he had Hot 100 hits but those subsequent songs didn't even make it to the Top 40. He was featured on the longest Hot 100 number 1 hit "Old Town Road" by Lil Nas X but he's not the lead act.
Lou Bega
Before the new millennium, Lou Bega released the song "Mambo No. 5" which became a global hit. Yes, it was a number 1 hit in most countries, and top 3 hit in Billboard Hot 100. The song is very distinct, and still can be heard nowadays. However, Lou Bega haven't had huge hit after that. There's a song called "I Got a Girl" but I don't think it was a hit.
Chumbawamba
I am very familiar of Chumbawamba though when they became popular with the song "Tubthumping". The band is actually an independent band, and went mainstream through their "Tubthumper" album. That's all from them. The song "Amnesia" was a UK number 10 hit, but I don't even know its tune, and elsewhere it failed to reached the top 10!
Sinead O'Connor
"Nothing Compares 2 U" is a great song. The music videos is also iconic. The song went to number 1 worldwide, but that's it for Sinead O'Connor. She might have charted with her other songs but they cannot be seen in the Top 10 of major charts.
Passenger
"Let Her Go" is huge hit during 2010s decade. It's not too long ago since this song became a hit. It ended there for Passenger because he struggled to chart with his succeeding songs. At least he had that hit song and it is a good one.
The Calling
I don't want to include this band because I like their songs, and they have multiple songs which became hits here in the Philippines. However, The Calling is considered a one-hit wonder internationally that "Wherever You Will Go" remains their known hit. The band only released two albums because their second album is a commercial failure.
Paris Hilton
Paris Hilton has been a very popular celebrity back in the day. She's a rich girl being a hotel heiress, a popular reality star in the 2000s, a sought-after model, and even an actress. She tried music, and released "Stars are Blind" which somehow became a hit. But that's all for her. She cannot become successful in everything. Still, "Stars are Blind" became popular.
There are numerous one-hit wonders but those artists are on my list. Do you know any other singers who are one-hit wonders?
She is a Strong Woman
She is a woman, but she's strong. She bore 9 children, and her pregnancy is never easy. Yes, she's delicate and sensitive during her pregnancy yet she gave birth normally. All of them! One of them is even born while in the tricycle heading to the hospital. She made it! She gave birth successfully!
Raising 9 children has never been easy. While his husband has his work, she needs to work as well to make ends meet. Despite working full-time she gets to do her duties as a mother. She cooks food for the family, do the laundry, or even clean the house if still possible. She spends the sole day of her break doing household chores, and even for God. She has good faith in God! Indeed a good example.
She is a good wife. Giving what is due for husband. Their relationship is not perfect. She is very understanding, and humble enough to make the marriage work for their family, and they remained intact. His husband knows it, that's why he loves her.
She is not perfect. She nags in some instances (it's normal if necessary). Even a "Maritess" at times. Yet, her children loves to be with her. Years or even decades has passed, her children are growing up. There's an issue with the agency on her work. They raised the case, and they won. She was paid, and started a business so she can still support her family. Her eldest goes to Hong Kong for work, the second is working in Manila. The others are still studying.
She misses her children who are not around her anymore, she's very happy to hear their voices even on the phone. Whenever she missed them, she looks at their pictures on her wallet, and talks to them. Her eldest said "that's the effect of being indulged in watching soap opera!" 😆
Well, those are the times when mothers are stuck in their couches watching soap opera! Time came, her second eldest decided to go overseas too. She's sad but supportive of her. Besides, her daughter is supportive to her family as well.
She can understand jokes well. Whenever her kids joke at her, she doesn't get mad. She laughs with them. Thus, her children are free to talk to her. They're never hesitant to tell her what they want to say. She listens to them. When her kids has resentment to their father, she always tell them to respect their father. That's how loyal she is as a wife, and understanding to her kids.
She is a good sister. When possible, she helped her siblings find a job so they can support their respective families. Whenever they had siblings issues, she tries to be fair to all. In fact, she even acted like their eldest. Her eldest is actually in the capital where he works, and has his own family too.
She is a good daughter too. When her father got sick, she never fail to take care of him even finding a way for his treatment. She's been there until his passing, and it broke her heart badly. At that time, she grieved at the same time, never failed doing her duties for the family.
One of her sisters is suffering because of her sick husband. She goes there often, even her sister do not acknowledge it eventually. When the husband died, she's also there even with her family. To help her overcome grief, she had her become a business partner.
Her other siblings became unemployed, and she employed them as well to her boss. Their boss decided to pass the business to her, instead, she had her siblings become part of the business. She's very thoughtful to them. Did they do the same for her?
Her third eldest (son) decided to work in South Korea. His husband didn't approve but she tried to be balanced. Eventually, her son left but she supported him even her husband doesn't. She has another picture to put on her wallet to talk to. Seriously, she does!
Her life has never been easy. Lots of hardship yet she never gave up. She kept on fighting for her own family. She is balanced to everything. Those are evidences that she is a strong woman.
Online Shopping Stories
Online shopping is very popular nowadays. It became more popular during the lockdown by which shopping is made easier through online shopping platforms such as Shopee, Lazada, and the likes.
As shopping was made easy through the apps, everyone has their experiences, either funny, happy, annoying, etc.
I had good experiences, and there are disappointing ones too. I saw the cheap price of wet wipes which are usually around Pho40-100 in physical stores depending on the sizes. I saw the huge one being sold at Php12. So far, majority of reviews are positive so why not?
I'm excited to receive my parcel, and when I checked it, it looks good. However, the wet wipes seem like in water instead of any disinfectant. I can understand because of its price but it is still useful. I have other wet wipes which are legitimate but the price is similar to those sold in physical stores.
Recently, my wife bought a non-stick pan from legitimate and known store. It looks good as advertised, even at its video. Reviews are mostly positive too. When it arrived, I am very excited too. When the parcel was opened, I am not happy on its size which is just around 8-inch long and 5-inch wide. It's too small that some foods can't be fried on it. I'm still happy because it has good quality but needs to be used with care.
We bought a lot of stuff from online shopping apps, and so far, we enjoyed doing so because we don't have to go to physical shops. However, there are funny experiences from others.
There are so-called promos like cheap phones. They looked good in the picture, and others are easily deceived. When they received the parcel, the phone is actually old ones which either it's not functioning or not totally working. Others even bought phones and when they unboxed the package, it has lots of stones on it.
In such cases, caution is needed to not get scammed by some users. There are modus which a parcel is coming to your home but you haven't bought anything. The parcel is COD or cash on delivery. If you fall for the scheme, the parcel is even fake. So better don't receive them.
Be aware when buying stuffs. I remember when I tried to buy a shirt which its price is Php50. However, when I checked out and paid it via GCash, the actual price is Php300. I realized I had chosen a different color from what appears in the picture.
Next time, if you saw a cheap product, check the real prices. For example, you're supposed to buy barbecue grill which appears in the picture and the price is only Php80. Actually, it's the barbecue brush which is worth Php80. It's deceiving and these online shopping platforms should address such way of cheating on customers.
Few months ago, my wife ordered a secondhand laptop computer. It finally arrived after 15 days. When we checked the parcel, I was amazed thinking there's a freebie which is a wireless gaming keyboard. Its box is attached to the laptop. Upon checking its own box, there's a name on it which I am not familiar of.
I realized the keyboard is not a freebie, and when they are sorting it, they mistakenly attached it on our parcel. Since there's a name and phone number on it, I messaged the person telling her that her parcel was attached on our parcel. The lady never responded on our message. I checked her name on Facebook and I found her but I never messaged her. I value my privacy, or even her privacy. She might not respond again.
I'm waiting for the delivery man just in case he will come back but it's already around 2 weeks. I even checked the status but I can't find anyone whom it will be returned. Besides, it is not our mistake. I don't know where's their office. The parcel is actually cash on delivery or COD so there's no loss for the one who ordered it. Until now, the keyboard is still here. The delivery man is free to come back.
We may have good or bad experiences with online shopping platforms, but they do have great contribution for our lives to make things easier.
Getting Sentimental
I may not be a fan of summer because of extreme heat but it doesn't mean I love rainy season. The season also means monsoon season so expect plenty of rains, and it's likely to give us floods as well. Also, typhoon is something I am scared of. I had experienced typhoons which caused a lot of damages in our province.
Rainy season also makes me feel sentimental. For sure many of us feel this kind of sadness when it's raining, rather we wanted to sleep. Besides, the start of rainy season reminds me of the moments which happened 15 years ago.
It may have been years ago but the pain isn't totally gone. I get sentimental during this coming season because I witnessed the extreme pain my mother had gone through. Cancer just made her life difficult until her passing.
Yesterday, while on a farewell party for our C.O., I saw my friend in tears. My wife asked why she's crying. Our C.O. and our friend is talking about brain aneurysm, and someone who died with that cause. Our friend remembered her mother who passed away just more than two months ago. The pain of her mother's death is still fresh.
I felt the same remembering my mother. The days and weeks after she passed away, those are the hardest moments. I cry alone in the room until I feel better. I have her picture in my room looking at her, and even talking to her picture. It might sounds crazy but it can happen to anyone.
When I got a new phone few months later, I had her picture as my wallpaper. That time, buying a phone with camera is expensive. I felt very happy when I had one. I captured a photo of my mom on a physical copy. It seems clear on my phone, and I can look at it when I miss my mother.
Aside from my mother, my father has already passed too. It was harder when taking care of our mother because we have to bear seeing her suffering. Imagine seeing your mom crying or shouting from pain. We are finding ways to ease her pain. When she feels a bit better, go out of the room, quite relieved. However, I will cry because of what she's going through. It's been my fear of losing her. What more during the days nearing her death? We know her condition is deteriorating despite hoping.
With regards to our father, we never really expected it to happen. When there's a mass building up on his pancreas, there's a feeling that he will survive it once he undergone surgery. He is even determined to undergo operation. He told us that he doesn't want us to suffer again the way we suffered on our mom's illness.
We never really saw our father experiencing the same pain my mother has gone through. He only complained the itchiness on his body. There are times when my father is alone, we don't know what he's feeling. He might be crying on his condition, or crying because of losing his wife. I remember on my mother's funeral, he tried not to cry but he's very sad. If only I can turn back time, I could've done something to spend more time with him. He might have grieved alone. Me and my siblings are busy with life, and grieved by ourselves. One of my regrets, I should've comforted my father as well. Well, situation is different then.
When someone you love dies, there's no way to escape sadness. Others try to control or suppress their emotions. That's not advisable. Cry whenever possible. It is normal. I heard stories about "unfinished business". Those people who suppressed their emotions and avoided grief had experienced extreme sadness and depression even after several years of the death of their loved one. It's like delaying grief when suppressing it.
I do cry when I remember my parents. I already have anxiety afflicting me. It would help if I just cry in few minutes so I will feel better afterwards.
Will it Be an Early Rainy Season?
Summer season this year has been extremely hot. The peak heat index this year in our province has been ranging from 56 to 57 degrees centigrade. Heat index isn't the actual temperature but it is the actual feel. Each year, it becomes hotter, and I think our province, Pangasinan, is already the hottest place during summer in the Philippines.
What I dislike from summer is the extreme heat, and my asthma gets easily triggered. Even when I wake up in the morning, I'm already sweating because of heat.
Recently, we're getting some rains, at times thunderstorms. Just today while traveling back home, we encountered strong rains. It seems rainy season is coming early. Even summer season came early this year. Usually, it is still cold until the second week of March. This year, it's already hot during the last week of February.
Of course, I already said what I dislike from summer. So far, I enjoyed this summer despite the extreme heat. We haven't had the great summer for two years, 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19 pandemic. This year, I have got to do some summer activities.
My wife and I has been going to the beach occasionally. We even bathe in the sea, and helped ease us from the effects of extreme heat. We're close to the beach, probably half-kilometer, thus it's accessible on our end. We just don't have that much time to go often.
As much as possible, I tried to stay away from crowded places, including malls. Since the situation is improving, I got to enter this mall after more than two years!
My wife is also taking advantage of going and walking at the park. It's a great way to de-stress. We're very close to a number of parks so it won't be a challenge.
Halo-halo is a summer favorite! I got to eat halo-halo again after a long time. This was served by my brother and his wife. Somehow, it helped us satisfy our craving.
After two years, our province has been able to celebrate Pista's Dayat or Feast of the Seas again. There's an Expo where there are a lot of plants being sold. Of course, these are for the plantitos and plantitas. Expo this year isn't as good as the years before pandemic. Probably, there's a lack of budget brought about by the pandemic.
There are a lot of stuff being sold, primarily foods in this area. Actually, there are stores selling furnitures too.
My wife and I got to have our first out of town vacation together. We went to the town of Natividad where we stayed at our couple friends' house. We are with two other friends too.
We went to Balungao Hilltop Adventure, and we only availed of the hot spring. It might not be the right time because there are so many people around. Balungao Hilltop Adventure is located at Balungao town, in Pangasinan. There are other amenities including the zipline, but it's a no-no for me.
After the hot spring in Balungao Hilltop Adventure, we went to AJ's Picnic Grove for the first time where we ate our dinner. So far, we are satisfied.
We got to meet new friends too, and they brought us to their house. They have lots of plants and they are selling them. It started out when plants became popular during the pandemic. They said, these plants helped them financially during the trying times.
We also went to Tayug Eco Park. So many beautiful plants, and of course, sunflowers! This is originally called Sunflower Farm but the government bought this place from the owner, and transformed it into a beautiful park instead of sunflower alone. However, people living there has said that the sunflowers back then looks more beautiful!
We went to Maranum Falls in Natividad, Pangasinan, not once but twice. During the first time, I had panic and anxiety attack during the trek. I am able to conquer my anxiety on the second time, and I got to get over the trek and the large stones in the waterfalls!
Are We Really Being Fed With Truth?
I am currently watching the old Korean series "Pinocchio". The female lead character has Pinocchio syndrome by which she hiccups when she lies. In the series, it exposes what happens behind the broadcast media. I'm not saying it really happens since it's just a TV series, but having such inspiration for such a story, it might mean it really happens.
The female lead character wanted to become a journalist or news reporter but she failed on her interview in a media giant because she has Pinocchio syndrome, by which the considered antagonist, her mom, didn't let her pass the interview and audition.
The male lead character is the victim of likely a false testimony because of a man's Pinocchio syndrome claiming he saw the former's father. The situation was aggravated because of the manipulation of the media.
The female lead antagonist has been seen manipulative to gain the better coverage of the issue which the father of the male lead is involved being the fire chief. Another media man from another network wanted to do what the media woman does but was not allowed by his boss.
In the first four episodes of the series, media bosses has been encouraging their applicants to lie. Even some of the applicants on their audition has reported in a way to make unverified stories, actually assumptions. The male lead at that time has also applied as a news reporter.
I haven't finish the series yet but it can be seen that media men are guilty of unverified reporting, as well as manipulative news. The media woman was even shown creating a dramatic story in her reports. She even reported that a flood is waist-deep, but actually she knelt to make it seem that the flood is really deep. Actually, it made me wonder whether some of these Filipino news reporters are really doing it right. Yeah, I remember that male reporter in the middle of the flood and strong winds during the typhoon. He became popular at that time.
I also saw some videos in the internet by which CNN news reporter has been doing a formation of the protesters to make it look dramatic on TV.
Back in 2004, a popular female news reporter interviewed the widow of Presidential candidate during the wake. The widow expressed her grievances on the TV network of the female reporter even saying these words "People don’t want to watch your news coverage because you capitalize on personal hurt."
That Interview was among on the list of spot.ph in this link. Actually, one of the issues at that time is during the presidential campaign, the angle of the videos shown in the network doesn't show the crowds at deceased candidate's campaign. The video of the interview cannot be seen anywhere, probably removed. I actually saw that interview because I was a fan of that news program back then. During that time's elections, the vice presidential candidate who won is a former news anchor of the TV network. https://www.spot.ph/newsfeatures/58192/10-crazy-tv-news-moments
The TV network is also involved in blunders. I remember their news story regarding the flesh-eating disease in our province, Pangasinan. The story can be read here. The TV network has released an apology on the report which is untrue. The said flesh-eating disease is psoriasis, Lol! It sowed fear on people in our province that time. https://news.abs-cbn.com/nation/regions/03/03/14/pangasinan-sp-wants-apology-abs-cbn-over-flesh-eating-report
Recently, there are videos circulating in social media which the four news anchors of a TV network doing make faces, probably in disbelief, because it is about the landslide win of a presidential candidate. There are accusations towards these anchors of being biased, and siding with the losing candidate.
There are so much more issues against the mainstream media. We as citizens can also do our part because we cannot fully rely on what we are fed by the media. It might be journalists are merely humans, and they are prone to mistakes. Or probably, they have agenda we are not aware of. Broadcast networks are businesses too, and there can be interests involved.
Should We Celebrate?
My wife and I is turning one year this June. That's why I am working so hard so we can celebrate it the way we wanted. However, no matter how much I earn, the prices of cryptocurrencies is dwindling. It's quite upsetting because as I get closer to the threshold I aimed, the price goes down. Yeah, imagine when you are pretty close then fell short. That's the frustration I felt.
It is indeed a bear market. My brothers has been trading, and members of a group of traders. Mostly, they're into futures. Too be honest, I am not ready for additional knowledge in trading yet, that I don't want to join yet. I am more into Spot trading, and I often ask them which coin I have to buy. I already did Spot trading almost a year ago but it is quite boring because it might take a day or more that your orders will be filled.
Recently, I bought Solana at a price which is considered quite high. I am expecting the price will go up but it went down instead. I just have high hopes on Solana. As of this time, 40 percent of my investment is all what's left. I think I bought at the wrong time. My brother suggested Solana, but I didn't hear him saying I'll wait for his signal. A part of me is thinking I should've just sold when my asset is still at around 90%. The thing is the possible surge isn't likely in a week or even a two.
I don't want to sell my coin yet, rather I have to hodl them. I'm still hopeful. But I am afraid if what happened to Terra (LUNA) might happen to Solana as well. Solana had some downtime recently.
I am also on Hive, Steem, Blurt, and Appics. I had accumulated a lot of coins there, and saved some on exchanges waiting to sell when the price goes up. Seriously, I feel broke that I am scared to sell because it might go up. Crypto people will advise to buy, what can I buy since I don't have money to buy? Funny, I only have Php100 (roughly $2) on my hand. Lol! I gave the other Php200 to my wife when she went to her family's house. How I wished I gave her more. If only crypto is at reasonable price.
My brother told me that the rest of the month may remain as bearish. Thus, I am not expecting that crypto prices will bounce back this month. And if there's improvement next month, it won't assure a real high price. Probably, bouncing back will be gradual.
My wife told me that better we won't celebrate our first wedding anniversary. She has her work but the money will go to necessities. As much as I prefer to celebrate our anniversary, I am not certain about crypto prices. That's why I might decide with my wife not to celebrate, or we'll have very simple celebration.
My BCH fund has also dropped drastically. I noticed the huge drop and leap of price, and vice versa. Bitcoin Cash is at $220, then in less than 30 minutes, it dropped to $190. Then it surged to $210 range. The prices are very difficult to predict.
Bitcoin is also confusing. It ranges from $27k to 28k today. Wondering how will this bear market last. True, there are predictions but it's prone to changes. For now, I need to hodl my small assets.
I wanted to focus on creating NFTs too. They're not that something great, but many of those NFTs are not even nice. I hope someone will buy one if I mint and sell on OpenSea. I had sold some on another blockchain but the price is low because nobody will buy them if it's expensive.
Amidst the bloody crypto graphs, I am still hopeful. Someday, everything will turn green. Anyway, even the stock market in most countries are also down, so crypto prices drop is expected. We just hope it won't be that long, and may the bulls will defeat the bears.
My Father is a One-Man Agency
One thing I am proud about my father is he can do a lot of things. I may not have the memory that he helped me in such a way, but I know she helped a lot of people.
I know how intelligent my father is. Thus, when some people needs help in some things, he is the person they will approach, or even do the job they need to do.
Yes, my father is like a one-man agency. Whether it will be about government transactions, or help people who are planning or will go overseas. He helped either friends or relatives.
I can remember when I was still in grade school, my father helps my aunt who is in the US to prepare the papers of her children (my cousins). The first thing in my memory is the four of them who had their flight at the same time. My father prepared the necessary papers, and even assisting them on their interviews in the embassy. On their flight, my father is with them too, acted like their guardian. My father did everything without any fees. Of course, there may be some consolation which I couldn't say compensation. If ever my father was paid for the job, we should've a better life.
So how about these cousins of mine now? I think they're fine now. I haven't had a conversation with them even through a message except for my female cousin, who has messaged me during my father's death. I don't have contact with her now since she's deactivated from any social media platforms, but I am happy she's living the kind of life my father wanted her to do. The other three? I see them in social media but no direct conversations.
Another cousin of mine, the sibling of my cousins above, was also helped by my father like what he did to the other four. He's alone to do the flight though. On his flight, my father assisted him to the airport. When my father went home (the travel is actually 5 hours), he learned that my cousin didn't push through the flight. He just learned that my cousin failed the drug test.
I feel bad for my father then because his efforts are wasted. How could the irresponsibility of my cousin be! Even my mother is even affected. The times he helped them should have been spent with his family. Until my cousin had his flight, my father is there.
After few years, my cousin got married. It's his wife's turn to go to the US too. Who helped her? My father, of course! She's going to our house often at that time. Where is she now? Still in the US, and I haven't heard anything from her since she left.
My cousin from the four mentioned above got married. Eventually, they had kids. My father helped them on their papers until their departure to the US. So far, she's the only one I used to hear from since she left for the US, even until my father's death.
There are some of my father's friends who asked for his assistance, and helped them until they left for America. They made promises to my father however, those remained promises.
My father is indeed a good person, and helpful towards other people. Though at times, one's kindness are not even paid back. I'm not asking for anything because it's my father who gave service. I just can't see any recognition of my father's help on them. I can remember my brother when he went to South Korea, he's feeling bad because my father didn't even help him on his papers. I can understand my father, he doesn't want my father to leave, but I can also understand my brother. Well, that's life.
I admired my father on his skills. Too bad I am not able to acquire such skills. If only he's still alive, I could've asked for his assistance. Probably, make it a business or work too. Yeah, it's better to make it as business than do it for free, and you'll he forgotten eventually.
I Made It Through the Trek to the Waterfalls
For someone who has poor body balance, hiking or trekking through the mountain is the activity you might want to avoid. Two weeks ago, we had a plan to go to the waterfalls which is part of our itinerary during our five-day vacation. I really wanted to go but to make sure about the trek, I asked my friend whether the trek isn't scary. You know, I'm making sure so I know if I will go or not. I have been to some waterfalls in the past but there's no need to trek. Others require to walk but with a concrete walkway. If the way to the waterfalls is fine, then I can go. Besides, I wanted to go with my wife.
I trusted my friend and so I went with them. My expectation didn't turn out it should be. I had panic attack because some parts of the road is less than a meter wide, and it's a ravine. At some parts, it's a bit steep, and I'm scared whether I can make it through. There are iron stairs too.
I am unable to capture the worst part because of my panic attack then. I didn't even bother to capture a picture during the second time we went there.
My slipper during that time slipped a bit, and I have to sit down because of my anxiety and panic attack. When we reached the stairs going down the waterfalls, I decided not to go.
After my friends, including my wife, are done swimming and drenching in the falls, I asked them if there are lots of huge stones where you have to climb, yes there are lots of them. I think I made the right decision to come. I am with my wife, and three female friends at that time.
A week ago, some of our friends are envious and they wanted to come in the same waterfalls. A plan was made, and I think it is the right time that I can go to the waterfalls as well. We are more than 10 so I feel safer. Someone among them can help me to overcome the trek.
I also bought a shoes that I can use in the water, and isn't slippery. That also gave me confidence. Since there are a number of areas which seems danger zone (in my opinion), my big-bodied is helping me by holding my hand, while my wife is assisting her sister, who has fear of heights too. Somehow, my anxiety isn't too strong that I am able to overcome my fear.
When we reached the stairs going down the falls, I prayed and calmed myself. There's a certain scary part but I made it down there! However, those huge stones became my worry. Using my brain somewhat helped. Before choosing the areas where I should pass, I have to think where my feet should step.
In fact, I made it through climbing a lot of stones!
As you can see, there are lots of stones. Those are literally huge, even they looked small in the picture.
There I go with my friend. I feel like I achieved something great! I conquered my fear! Actually, my anxiety level at that time is quite low, and it helped. During the first time we went there, my anxiety level is quite high. Still, I feel happy in this picture.
It's fulfilling that I conquered my fear at that time. The water is also cold and clear. That's perfect because it's very hot during these days.
I'm hoping though that the trek would be much easier. May the road be fixed, better become completely concrete, and widened. It's fine that we are not allowed to bring foods inside the premises. Some people litter anywhere. I haven't seen any trash around.
Maranum Falls is located in Natividad town in Pangasinan. The town is at the border of the province and Nueva Vizcaya.
Thursday Random Thoughts
My wife and I just got back home after going to the beach. We got to enjoy the water splashing on our feet. Feel the sun and the breeze. Well, we waited for the sunset then we walked back home. We're just half-kilometer away from the beach, and bought our meal from a restaurant.
I hope the negative ions will have its good effects tonight, and I'll have a good sleep. Of course, hoping my wife will have a good sleep too because she had short sleep these past few nights.
Insomnia
Yes, I already have insomnia. Staying awake most of the night is such a pain, and taking its toll on my health. Once in a week, I had insomnia, and this week, I had it not just once but twice. Though I had three nights being sleep deprived.
Last Saturday night, we celebrated my brother and sister-in-law's wedding anniversary. I had eaten a lot, including chocolates. It's dark chocolate with delicious fruity stuff on it. It affected my sleep that night. It's already 3am and I am still very much awake. I fell asleep around 4am. Looking at the time makes me worry, and it hinders me to fall asleep.
I had a good sleep the following night, however last Monday night, I slept late again probably 3am. I am worried because we'll be going to the city by Tuesday and sleep at our friends' house.
We slept late last Tuesday because we played ARTiculate with friends at their house. Fell asleep around 2pm. Thus, I am feeling weak these past few days. I need to get more energy because my wife and I will sleep at our friends' house again tomorrow, and will go back to Natividad town early Saturday.
Overwhelmed
I admit, I feel overwhelmed because we're going out and traveling lately. It started out last month when we are back to in-person meetings, which will be twice a week. It means we will be traveling to the city twice a week as well.
We had our vacation for five days two weeks ago. We enjoyed the vacation, at the same time, we're exhausted. For the last two years, I spent most of the days at home, then I got married almost a year ago. So far, I'm happy I have someone to share my life with.
Sad news
This morning, I heard some noise from the neighborhood. My wife said people are wearing white. I remember the old man who was brought to the hospital two weeks ago. Then few days ago, he was brought back home, and I saw him, he seems okay. I initially thought they might have a meeting because they are supporting a certain presidential candidate. My wife said it isn't. I realized about the old man, and my tongue slipped that he might have passed. I apologized on my careless tongue but I had a bad feeling. We checked out what's happening, and the old man has already passed away.
I was saddened because that man, a tricycle driver, is always ready offering me the ride wherever I'll go. I don't think he really need the money because they seemed having a good life with a huge house too. He doesn't even collect high fares even my destination is quite far. I just give more than the usual fare as my way to thank him.
The last time he gave a ride was few weeks ago. I noticed he is weak. I told my wife that we'll transfer to another tricycle, and better for him to go back home but he cannot hear me so we just went ahead. I had prayed that may he'll get home safe.
The old man is not perfect but all I can remember about him is the kindness he has shown, thus I will miss him for that. Praying for the bereaved family.
The Remaining 20
Hello there! I am back with the Slam book challenge. Since I'm done with the first 30, I'll finish this challenge with the remaining 20 questions. Of course, I'll try to answer every question but it is still under my prerogative which one to answer.
Do first impressions matter?
Nope! There's this situation when I was in college which my group of friends dislike a certain group especially its leader. We just don't like the way she acts, and some of my friends even judged her. Eventually, she became close to us and found out about her kindness. She's not the kind of person we expected she is. Yes, I might not become close to someone immediately but they will eventually become my friends because there's what we call observation.
Which game do you play the most?
Recently, I have been playing Articulate woth friends. It's like circular board game which is also a guessing game. I also play Scrabble with family, and of course, the fun one Uno cards.
With regards to online games, I do play Rising Star Game. It's an NFT game do you don't have to play but just do the Missions which you will click and let the time run out. You can also buy NFT cards which will help boost your earnings. Those cards can also be sold and it's up to you how much you will sell them. Also, I play other games from Womplay where I can earn some crypto.
Which country do you wish to travel to?
There are so many countries that I want to visit someday. Here in Asia, I'd love to visit South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, and Indonesia. I love to visit European countries too like United Kingdom, France, Spain, Italy, Germany, and others. If course, I'd love to visit USA, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand too.
What lockdown lifestyle teaches you?
During the lockdown, I only did our virtual deaf ministry, Zoom meetings, and my online tasks including cryptocurrencies. I haven't done the other trends during the pandemic.
What motivates you in life?
God's Word and God's promises written on it. Aside from that, I can't think of anything.
Most ridiculous thing you bought
I can't think of anything. I don't just buy impulsively except food. Or maybe I bought some foods which I thought is delicious but eventually didn't like the taste.
Your worst date
Nothing. I don't usually date. I only dated with my wife.
Who knows you the best?
God of course! My wife, family, and close friends.
Are you a coffee drinker
Yes I do drink coffee especially in the morning but I can't describe myself as a coffee addict.
Oldest thing you own
I can't think of anything except my old clothes which I still use for a decade already.
What was your first job?
I didn't apply for a job ever since as I helped my mother's business which I eventually managed. I also worked on my sister's computer shop. Of course, I am a freelancer too.
One thing you will never do again
Oh, I can't think of anything.
Outdated slang you still use
I don't use any such. I may be already old but I am updated with new slang or expressions. Lol!
Favorite thing to watch TikTok
I don't use Tiktok, it's not on my phone. But there are some people sharing TikTok videos on Facebook like those beautiful places and cooking foods, and I love watching them.
Favorite scent
If it's about perfume, it's CK (Calvin Klein) One.
Interesting skills you want to learn
I think I answered similar question from the Q&A Challenge. Whether a talent or skill, I want to learn drawing or arts. I wanted to become a good singer too as well as writing songs or playing musical instruments.
Grossest food you ever had
I do avoid gross or unusual foods. Others are convincing me to eat frog meat or chicken feet but I don't want to!
Silliest memory with your best friend
Never really had someone whom I consider best friend. I mean I had some but they never treated me as their best friend.
Most memorable birthday
Actually, none. 😂
What really makes you angry?
It depends on the situation. I try not to be angry as I prefer to stay away when in a midst of argument.
Day 3 of Vacation - Visited Sunflower Eco Park
On our Day 3 of vacation, our couple friends are going to Metro Manila to buy the printing machines for their business, as well as work purposes. Our new friends came to pick us up which the plan is to visit the river which the water is clean perfect for bathing or drenching.
However, we're still tired from the previous day when we came to the hot spring so we decided to just stay at our new friends' house. The other new friend will fetch us and bring us to the Sunflower Eco Park in the nearby town Tayug, Pangasinan. The plan is fetch us at 2pm, but we left around 4pm instead. I thought it was too late but eventually realized it's just right because it isn't too hot at that time.
There are beautiful flowers at the parking area. It's like a spoiler on what we can expect inside the eco park.
Now we reached the parking area of Sunflower Eco Park. We were met by these characters where we had a picture captured. Still within the parking area, you can capture photos through the illusions.
Trying the surfing. I am not satisfied with the capture though. Look at the frame! Lol! Anyway, I have another one with the shark but my picture is comedic that I don't think I'll share it. Lol!
There goes the other one with my wife. The picture should've been captured closer though. The ground can be seen! Haha
There we go at the entrance. We paid Php50 as entrance fee per individual. We're really excited to see the sunflower farm though you cannot see them immediately once you entered.
There we go! Illusions again, and there goes my model, my wife, acting like opening the door.
Of course! With my wife like walking on the road. That looks very Filipino, and I liked it! It's as if we're walking at the streets of Vigan City. Yeah, I've been to Vigan twice. The last time, my wife is with us but she's not yet my girlfriend at that time. 😊
Well, Vigan City is one place on my mind that I want to visit again. But it depends on our schedule because we're still very busy.
Another illusion which you can act like a butterfly. There goes my wife again with our friend Shawking (her username on Noise). She's also here on Read.Cash but posted only once.
I walked around and tried artistic smartphone photography. I admit, I am not professional but I enjoy capturing photos in different angles.
Those flowers are my subjects since they're almost everywhere at the eco park. It's not what I expected because there are more other kinds of flowering plants than sunflower. Our new friend who toured us over the park told us that it's more beautiful before it became government-owned. The park is originally private-owned, and the sunflowers are in different sizes including the huge ones. The original owner of the park has access to more seeds of the sunflowers. When it was sold to the government, the sunflowers are just the usual size.
At least, the eco park has become one of the revenue sources of Tayug, Pangasinan. The municipality is aiming for cityhood considering it is already a first class municipality. If in case it will become a city, it will become the second city in eastern Pangasinan aside from Urdaneta City.
Tayug's progress is similar to our town, Lingayen. Our town has more population though, and there are places that's worth visiting too.
We took some rest from walking there. It's good that there's a flowing water, but of course it is machine-controlled. I just love the sound of flowing water.
I saw the sun hiding beneath the clouds so I saw it will make a great capture. It is hot at that time but not how it was hours earlier. Besides, it's around 5pm already when this was captured. That's why going there at 4pm is the perfect time especially this summer.
My April Earnings
It's been months since I started to write again this April. I got easily tired prior April that I can't write lengthy posts. I decided to write again during the first week of April because I found time to write blogs.
My April journey here on Read.Cash has ups and downs. Yeah, most of my posts hardly earns $4 each. In fact, only three posts during this month has earned at least $4. The highest earning was $8.1 posted two weeks ago with the title "Why I Won't Avail Credit Card and Mobile Loans". Then a week ago, my posts began to earn very small. In fact, Noise.Cash is giving me more earnings. The highest earner this past week was the blog "Still Grieving" which gave me $1.03.
My latest post which published yesterday "Continuation..." has earned $0.15. The post with least (actually no earnings) was published 2 days ago with the title "Dine to n at AJ Picnic Grove / Plants for Sale". It details the second day of our activities during our recent vacation.
Yeah, I went on vacation for five days, and I still posted even skipped a day or two. Meanwhile, I'm still thankful that I earned $38.81 this month despite the ups and downs of cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin Cash included. I had a total of 22 published posts today. I have written in advance two posts but I am skeptical whether to post it or not.
I admit, I felt quite demotivated to post lately. It would be useless if I write without getting noticed. Still, I need to improve something on my work. Or I need to give some time interacting. I am just busy with other work so I'm unable to interact.
Anyway, this is it... I'll still try to post here, and may we all earn more Bitcoin Cash!
@iyanpol12
