Year-End Blog

As 2023 gracefully approaches its finale, I find myself marveling at the swift passage of time. In the blink of an eye, Christmas festivities unfolded, and now we stand on the threshold of bidding adieu to this remarkable year. Embracing my introverted nature, I relished the quiet joy of a private Christmas celebration among a select few.

The meticulous efforts invested in cooking and decorating, though exhausting, yielded a sense of fulfillment that made every moment worthwhile. Reflecting on the journey of the past year, I am engulfed in gratitude for the myriad blessings that have graced my life. It has been a year of personal triumphs and growth, leaving me with a profound sense of accomplishment.

Looking ahead, my aspirations for the coming year include a renewed focus on health and other areas deserving attention. Despite the challenges, the tapestry of 2023 has been woven with threads of greatness, and I wouldn't trade this experience for anything else. As we collectively bid farewell to this chapter, I extend warm holiday wishes to all. Let's savor the remaining days, making each one count in the tapestry of our lives. Cheers to the memories of 2023 and the anticipation of a bright and promising future in the year to come!

A Month Before Christmas

Counting down the days to Christmas, I'm bursting with excitement! Despite the lack of fall in the Philippines, I still decked out early in September, minus the Halloween decor—no four seasons, no spooky justification, haha! The holiday spirit kicks off with the BER months.

Juggling a bustling Etsy shop and diving into new passions has kept me on my toes. Starting a business solo is no walk in the park, but the thrill is real. Here's hoping my efforts turn into something amazing.

Gift shopping for the fambam is underway, and I'm all about that early-bird strategy, even if it's all online. No last-minute chaos, just smooth sailing towards a stress-free celebration. The holidays are sacred family moments, and I'm determined to make each one special—after all, it's a once-a-year deal.

Reflecting on 2023, it's been a year of blessings, and gratitude fills my heart. Every year is a celebration because each one is unique. What about you? What's lighting up your holiday season?

August is Here

The onset of the rainy season brought challenges as Super Typhoon Egay wreaked havoc in northern Luzon. Our village experienced power and water shortages for days, compounded by a week-long internet outage. The aftermath resembled a movie scene with closed roads, fallen trees, and landslides. Fortunately, my siblings and I had stocked up on essentials, though we initially underestimated the typhoon's impact. Living in a non-flood-prone area spared us, but my heart goes out to those severely affected, especially those who lost loved ones during Typhoon Egay. Grateful for our safety amidst the challenges.

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Residing in Baguio, the coldest part of the country, presents both blessings and challenges in my perspective. The constant cold is a joy, with hotels forgoing AC as you invite the refreshing breeze through open windows. After 11 years, I'm still captivated by the descending fog, transforming the surroundings into an entirely different world. The serene chill effortlessly eases worries, and despite occasional summer heat, it's a haven compared to Metro Manila. Plus, the abundance of affordable veggies led me to embrace a vegan lifestyle – veggies are life for me.

Yet, the curse reveals itself in the rainy season. Relentless downpours lasting weeks or months can lead to a clothing dilemma, and battling mold becomes a constant struggle, particularly with beloved wooden items. Rainy day blues affect some, but for me, it's an excuse to indulge and, thanks to my hyperthyroidism, weight fluctuations are inevitable – a genetic quirk. Living in a cold place like Forks from Twilight evokes a bittersweet emotion, akin to a happy kind of sadness. Finding bliss is essential, acknowledging that happiness is a state of mind, not solely dependent on location.

Chapter 6 of 12

I'm back, hey! I've been M.I.A. (missing in action) once more for four months since I've been so busy with life in general, home renovations, and DIY projects. I am really thankful for the year so far since it has been so full of benefits. In April, I had my birthday. We had birthday pawties and other celebrations for our newly adopted dog and cat when they turned one this year. As responsible pet owners, we also brought them to the veterinarian to have them fixed so they may enjoy a long and healthy life. It's been a challenging but rewarding few months, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

2023 is halfway passed. Although it seems impossible, time truly does pass in the blink of an eye. I prefer to keep myself active all the time, so the fact that I still have a ton of stuff to do makes me happy. I'm also considering starting new businesses, which I hope will succeed. My doctor informed me that I had subclinical hyperthyroidism, which means I will likely have to deal with it for an undetermined amount of time. However, I am grateful that I am still alive, and at this point, that is all that matters. 

The year has been fantastic, and I have high hopes that it will continue to be so. I anticipate learning more.

Happy New Year

I can't believe we survived 2022.  Last year was quite difficult for me after I was diagnosed with Hyperthyroidism, but I made it through and I am grateful for all that transpired. 

I had a simple New Year's eve celebration with my family. Sissy and I set the dinner table and decorated our Media Noche buffet bar as usual which was pretty exhausting, but satisfying at the same time. We had dinner and stayed awake until 12 midnight to watch the fireworks and opened our New Year's Day presents. My siblings and I decided to extend our gift giving every year until New Year's Day so we have something to look forward to, lol. I enjoyed watching the fireworks with my cats although there's not a lot of fireworks this year, at least I get to watch it for free. I made a video on how my Christmas and New Year's eve went sand you may check it out on the video below. 

A new year has begun, and every new year brings with New  Year's Resolutions. I should clarify that this year, my priorities are to preserve excellent health and to improve my financial situation. A new year's resolve is a fantastic idea, and I have a lot of plans for this year, including investing in a project I hope will eventually flourish. Nothing good comes easily, but nothing is impossible if you have the will to succeed. I am looking to buy a bunch of stuff, but I also want to be able to control my spending. Additionally, I'm considering renewing my passport this year in order to, hopefully, resume traveling. Although it's not a priority, I still yearn to travel abroad. I'm hoping that, as my sister and I used to do on our birthdays, I'll get to travel to new places once more.

Happy new year! I wish you all good luck and health in the coming year. Welcome 2023, bring it on!