Clean and Green Program
Our community had a project called *The Clean and Green Program* which aims to make every barangay clean as possible. Every household was told to maintain cleanliness all the time. Since we are in a pandemic setup and I am always at home, I decided to join the program so I woke up early in the morning to sweep our backyard. It was another fantastic experience for me because I always go to school every weekday back then. But now, I get to help our community even in a little way. Today was my first day cleaning our backyard. I sweep all the fallen leaves near the tree and place them inside a plastic container. It took me almost an hour to finish everything. It made me realize how important it is to maintain the cleanliness of our surroundings.
Easy Steps for Cleaning Your Yard
Why is it important to clean out your backyard? Cleaning your surroundings will prevent you from getting diseases or illnesses. Most of the reason why we get sick is that our surrounding is not healthy for us. Bacteria usually develops in a dirty place that is why we need to make sure that our home is clean and free from any viruses especially in pandemic times like this.
1. Trim overgrown trees and grasses
Cut the excessive portions of grasses and trees to make your yard look neat. Use appropriate tools or equipment to easily remove the branches and overgrown grasses. Don’t forget to remove the dead leaves and other debris as well.
2. Segregate waste materials
Pick up the bottles, cans, wrappers, and other scrap materials. Make sure to separate them and place them in their proper segregation. You can place the plastic bottles and cans in a recycling bin while others can be placed in a non-biodegradable and those that can be decomposed in a biodegradable one. In this way, you can easily throw the wastes that are no longer needed. You can keep the recyclable materials in your storage for further use.
3. Maintain your lawn
Avoid making your lawn look like a mess. It needs sufficient nutrients and proper care to make it look neat and presentable. Mowing your lawn regularly can be the best thing to maintain a healthy lawn. You can hire someone to mow your lawn or you can do it yourself if you have time. What you need is a good quality lawnmower in order to cut just the right amount of grasses.
4. Sanitation
Since we are currently dealing with the pandemic, it is advised to always sanitize your place. You can use detergent powder and mix it in a pail of water and distribute it in your free space or lot area. Scrub the place and sweep the floors to deeply clean the area.
Maintaining cleanliness sometimes can be quite challenging. It usually takes effort and consistency. Sanitation plays an important role in our everyday lives. We need to establish a strong sense of cleanliness at home. We should not just focus on making ourselves clean and healthy, but also learn to make our environment as healthy as possible. There are good benefits that we can get from having a clean environment. As early as a child, we are taught to practice cleanliness all the time. We always do this, we can build a strong immune system that fights off germs and other bacteria and we can avoid the possible infectious diseases that can make us totally sick. It gives us a peaceful life where we can enjoy the things that we want to do without getting the risk of being unwell. So start cleaning and make yourself and your surroundings healthy as always!
Destined To Be Mine: Chapter 1
Chapter 1
Francine's POV
I am standing here in a crowded place as I get overwhelmed by the loud cheers and noise of the surroundings. I can see my idol on the stage—Nathan Kim. My heart is throbbing so fast as I watch him getting near me. Foolish to say, but there was a glimpse of hope in my heart that he might look at me even just for a couple of seconds.
The concert went smoothly. It was a bit hanging for me though. The whole event went to an end so fast that I didn't know it was past 10 in the evening already. I was walking down the hallway of the venue when I decided to go to the washroom first. Just as I was about to leave, I saw Nathan coming out of the male's washroom. I froze for a second. I couldn't even take a step. He noticed my existence as he gave me a "what are you doing here?" look and after that, he walks away leaving me dumbfounded.
What the- Was that really Nathan? I can't get over to what happened a while ago. I can't stop thinking every time I remember the way he looked at me. Now here I am laying in my bed and just staring blankly at the ceiling. I've had a long day and I need some rest so I close my eyes and fall asleep.
The next day, I decided to buy some groceries. I'm running out of food stock so might as well buy some. It's better to have a stock in the ref rather than always eating outside. Besides, weekends are my only free time. My to-do list of groceries went all good. I have my car with me so it's not a hassle to go home. By the way, I am living in a condo near my current job. I decided to stay in a condo alone since I want to become independent on my own. Although, being alone is a tough thing to do. I honestly do miss my family in Batangas. Anyway, my day went well and I decided to take an early rest.
Today is Sunday. The mass just ended and I am going to visit my greatest friend—Maya in her place. She also lives in a condo like me but it's a bit more father than my workplace so we didn't decide to live on the same roof. After minutes of driving, I'm already here in their parking lot. I am walking towards the elevator when suddenly I saw a familiar figure. He was walking towards me. Guess who was it? It's Nathan Kim! As he gets close by, I tried my best to act as normal as possible. He wouldn't notice me right? Anyway, as soon as the elevator opens, I walk in and stand in the corner, and pressed the 21st button without looking at him. It's only the two of us inside so it's getting awkward for me. I can still see him in my peripheral vision and he was just looking in front. Isn't he gonna press the floor button? Omg, we're going on the same floor?!
As soon as the door opens, I walk straight without looking back at him. As I reached the front door, I look back but he was already gone. There's a hint of regret on my part. I knock on the door and Maya opened it. She greeted me with a smile and hug me instantly. I missed her so much.
"So what happened at the concert?" she asked
"I saw Nathan," I said as I sip my favorite lemonade.
"Omg, what did he say?"
"He didn't say anything. He just stared at me" I replied
"and then?" she asked as she raised one of her eyebrows
"that's it nothing more, nothing less"
"What?! You should have said something! Girl, that's your chance!" she said as she gets annoyed by what happened.
I sighed, "I know right. I wish I should've said hi"
Hours passed by and it's already late in the evening. I decided to take a sleepover in Maya's condo. It's been a while though since the last time I went on a sleepover.
The next morning, I wake up early for my work. Maya was still sleeping when I left at her place. I was on my way to the parking lot when I saw a car parked in front of my car which blocked the pathway. Feeling so annoyed, I called off the security and after a few minutes, a man came out from the elevator. It's obvious that he just woke up. I irritatingly look at him. I am so late for my work. After he moved his car, he smirks at me and walks out. He didn't even say sorry. What a rude man.
To be continued...
It's The Little Things
I have been working so hard for the past few years here in Manila as a Marketing Head. My thoughts were about my plans for the future and material obsessions. I am working hard to suffice my needs or wants; nothing can stop me from doing so. Now I am walking in the hallway with a smile on my face while sipping my favorite caramel macchiato, not daring to greet back anyone I encountered along the way. Marga Lorenz here and welcome to my life.
*This is so good.* I sit down in my office chair and close my eyes for a second until I heard the telephone ring. What a moment of interruption for me, but I decided to take the call. Our department was in charge of the brand promotions, and being one of the marketing head, we are kind of busy with the preparation.
It is already late in the evening when I left the office and was on my way home. The roads and alleys were empty during this hour. I was walking straight when suddenly a boy appeared in front of me. He was wearing ragged clothes and saying some gibberish words. It seems like he was asking for some money. I did not care and just walked straight past him. When I reached home, I took a shower and went to sleep.
I wake up feeling exhausted. It seems like my dream was true. I got off my bed and did my usual morning routine. While at work, I cannot help thinking about what happened last night. It was a late evening again when I decided to go home. There are tons of paperwork that I badly want to finish in my office. As I walk along the street, I noticed the boy seated in a newspaper in front of an establishment. I pause for a moment; he was guiding those kids sleeping peacefully on the other side. I felt sorry for them somehow as I continue to walk my way home.
The following day was my day off. Finally, I can spoil myself again! I went to every department store and luxury brand that I see. It's been almost a month since I spoiled myself. I miss my shopping time. As I was on my way home, I noticed that those kids were gone. The surroundings were all empty at night. I began to wonder where did they go.
It's been a few days ever since I saw them. One time when I'm on my way home from the supermarket, I saw the little boy across the street. I drove my car and park it near them. I got off the car and went slowly towards him. He was staring blankly at me and waiting for me to say something. I smiled at him and asked for his name. I got some bread and drinks in my car and gave that to the boy. He was hesitant at first, but later on, accepted my offer.
When I arrived home, I can't stop thinking about what happened earlier. Seeing the boy eating happily in the corner gives my heart a feeling of happiness. I didn't know that day would change my whole life. Every weekend I bought some food and bring it to the boy. He was with the other homeless children too. Instead of my usual routine every weekend, now I get to spend it by helping those people who are also in need.
I realized that the things we want in life may not be the things that we really need at all. Sometimes, it's the little things that matter the most. It's about giving without looking for any return.
My dad's last day of vacation
Before anything else, I'll be sharing some background about dad. My dad is an OFW for almost a decade and currently working in Papua New Guinea as a maintenance manager. I can say that we only spend our time together for a month once or twice a year. He started working abroad back in 2011 when I was in my middle grade school. Looking back, I can say that my dad was really a hard working man. I am so proud of him for all of the things he had done for us. I remember the very first moment he went abroad. It was realy hard for me to bid my goodbye knowing that it will take a while before I can see him again. My voice was literally shaking when I said goodbye and I love you. My chest feels so heavy and I think that was the saddest moment for me. That time we are at my grandmother's house. We usually go there every weekend to pay a visit to my grandmother and my other aunties as well.
As I said, once a year we get to spend our days with my dad for a month not including the school days though. We are all excited to wait for him in his arrival. I can see our eyes filled with hope and enthusiasm. Sadly, that did not happened due to pandemic. It was really hard for an OFW to go back to their respective countries. There are a lot of papers to be process and requirements that you need to fulfill to arrive safely. Luckily my dad's swab result was negative and he only spent a couple of days quarantine in a hotel before he went back home. Everyone in the house was filled with excitement. Of course who wouldn't? It's been two years since his last vacation. His plan of going back last May 2020 was postponed to due pandemic. That time, all flights are banned because of the strict quarantine. We are so overwhelmed when my dad was allowed to had his late vacation. Fast forward, my dad arrived safely on the first week of January. We went to church and bought some stuff in the mall. It was a different feeling for me to go outside since it's been a while. The remaining days was so fun. I can say that I had a great time with my dad. I can really tell the difference of my life with and without my dad. Our home had a different vibe whenever my dad was here. He had such a great sense of humor. I was always laughing everytime he says something funny or even if not funny at all. He makes me happy and that's the best part. Our life seems so light whenever he's around. The three months that we got to spend our time with him was the best. I really cherish the time with him. Now I'm missing our favorite binge-watching movies in netflix and the k-drama marathon of ours. Of course the late night food deliveries will also be missed. Yesterday was his last day here. His scheduled flight was in the evening so he went to the airport aroung 6pm. I feel so sad although this feeling is not new to me. I wish that he didn't need to go back there alone. My chest feels heavy seeing my dad going inside the car and waving his goodbye to us. I miss him so much!
Overall, I can say that the life of an Overseas Filipino Workers are really not that easy. It usually takes a lof of courage or bravery to sacrifice themselves going to far places, away from their loved ones. I am so proud of those people who continues to fight their battles alone. Being away from their family is really not that easy especially if it take years for you to finally see them again. As long as you still have your time, spend them wisely and always make them feel that they are loved and not forgotten.
xoxo,
@peachy_keen
Windows of the soul
As they say, our eyes are one of the most complex yet fascinating parts of our body. In science, its function is for the sense of sight. It is a bridge for us to see everything around us that is why it is located below our brain. It is also connected to the different parts of our body. But what makes our eyes really special? Human eyes are different than animals. There is a huge difference between our vision compared to their vision. In fact, did you know that our eyes are considered the fastest reacting muscle inside our body? Totally amazing!
Moving on with that thing, our eyes are not only for us to see what’s in front of us, sometimes eyes speak louder than what we say. Our feeling and emotions can also be seen through our eyes. They say that when you look intensely into a person's eyes, you'll know what they are feeling at that moment. Although, it is not always the case. In some instances, how your eyes look can be overwhelming to the point that other people tend to misinterpret you. Well, I've experienced that too. As a matter of fact, when I'm in my blank face others tend to conclude that I'm mad although I'm not. I guess proper eye contact should be practice often. Speaking of eye contact, it is really essential to make a habit of looking directly to whom you're speaking with. Proper eye contact can imply that you are actively listening to the person. When you look intently at the person speaking, it makes it easier for you to process and understand the message. Furthermore, did you know that when you have larger eyes, it makes you look more attractive to people? If you are going to look at different anime series, you will notice that most of them have big eyes. Thus, it makes them more appealing. Also, I've read some articles saying that people with big eyes are usually perceived as an honest, and trustworthy individuals. It also makes your appearance look like a babyface which many of us want to achieve.
Love at first sight
Many of us believe in the idea of love at first sight. This is a romantic perspective that the first moment you see your "the one", your heart automatically starts beating. I somehow agree to the spark thing, but this myth is becoming overrated. Some people tend to find this too corny for some reason. Whatever the case may be, it is always depend upon the two person involved. Eyes become a bridge for them to connect their feelings and emotions. Overall, our eyes will always be an important parts of our body and not only for its basic functions but on how we connect to everyone else.
Upcoming Holy week Preparation
Holy week is one of the highlighted celebration of every Catholic person. Here in the Philippines, most of the catholics are celebrating it and that includes me and the rest of my family. This is usually a sacred celebration because this symbolizes the passion of Christ, His sacrifices and good deeds. This year's holy week celebration would also be the same as last year. It was in the second week of March last year when the lock down started. Now, we are about to face another season of Holy week in the midst of pandemic. It wasn't easy afterall knowing that the number of covid cases are rapidly increasing again, but that doesn't stop our faith.
Preparation
Our preparations was a bit tough since most of the LGUs implemented the enhanced community quarantine in the whole city for a week. It was saddening to know that we can't be able to go to churches physically. Thankfully, there is a virtual mass held online to still reminisce the celebration. It was really a sad week for me knowing that my dad would go back to Papua nextweek. He is an OFW and working as a maintenance manager of a huge chain of salon there. Time really flew so fast. It was in the beginning of January when he arrived safely here and now, he was going back again. The three months we have spent with him is so short. Surely, I will miss my dad. I hope he can stay with us during this time. Anyway, our plan to go to Manaoag church in Pangasinan is canceled so I was a bit disappointed. That's going to be our last bonding with my dad and unluckily, it will not happen anymore. My pre-holyweek schedule was also a bit tough. I had so many things to do plus our midterm exams was also scheduled. I am having a hard time but it's bearable. Also, I am planning to attend a webinar this upcoming holyweek organized by our school club. I am so excited to feel and joined the program. On the other hand, as usual setup, my mom will surely gonna watch movies about Christ. I remember back then, we always love to watch that and it felt great knowing almost all pf us are watching it together. I know this year's going to be the same.
Takeaway
Been busy lately because of my school stuff but even though it's like that, I want to make sure to give my time this upcoming holyweek. I think it is really important that no matter how much busy you are, always have a time to give your presence to God. Even in just a couple of minutes of your time everyday is enough. Also, not just in holyweek but even in ordinary days. Let us not forget how bless we are that we are still alive despite of the happenings around us. He never forget us because He is always with us in every battle we might get into. Remember to always be grateful for everything!
@peachy_keen
@peachy_keen