I am now here at the Raffles Hotel for the second day of the Readers and Writers Festival 2017. I enjoyed the talks yesterday, and to quote the wise Mina V. Esguerra, #kapitlang! As a reader and writer, I am holding on to the stories in my mind, the passion for words in my heart, and the gravity which plants my feet firmly on the ground. Festivals like this one make me feel alive and renewed. I am happy that there are so many people who are also passionate for the written word. For now, I am going to attend another talk and I am sure I will have more key takeaways to sustain me as I read, write, and dream.
Training Day
I am currently in the MRT. I am going to attend the Readers and Writers Event at Raffles Hotel. It is not my cup of tea to drive from Quezon City to Makati, so here I am aboard a car with no aircon. In exchange for that, I will be spared from the horrendous traffic along EDSA. My comfort may be compromised, but hey, I am actually seated right now and I get to reach the venue in less than an hour.
I used to ride the MRT everyday when I was still working. I like riding it every now and then so I will still get used to the commute. I also get to sharpen my survival skills. Commuting in Metro Manila is not easy, but I am determined to rise above the challenges. Hopefully, I will find a steady job soon and I will ride the MRT to a fruitful career. For now, I'm enjoying my trip to an event for bibliophiles.
Unemployed but Fulfilled
This morning, I woke up feeling grateful for another day. I do miss working, but while I have already accepted that I could not control my circumstances, I am thankful that I have a home, a family, friends, and of course A. I attended my workout feeling renewed and excited to begin a new day. It may seem trivial to most people, but having a daily routine works wonders, especially for unemployed people like me. My workout routine and reading help me stay aware of the world around me and most importantly, of myself. So while waiting for my job, I plan to exercise, keep on reading, and enjoy life!
Ciboptimism
Today, I had solo lunch at high school/college dining staple, Cibo. I had my usual pumpkin soup, farfalle alla genovese, red grape shake, and americano. It was comforting to eat growing-up food while being unemployed and waiting for my next opportunity. I remember being uncertain about the future too as I enjoyed Cibo food before. I was and I am not miserable. I believe that returning to an old favorite renewed my belief in myself and just like my days in uni, I see the world again as full of possibilities, rather than limitations. If you are also undergoing challenges at the moment, I suggest that you return to an old haunt. Who knows, you might also gain a new perspective- or return to your optimistic self.
Cup of Joy
Yesterday, I had a sinfully good cup of ice cream at Papa Diddi's. I had a wicked combination of tres leches and chocnut scoops. Both flavored complemented each other well. When combined together, the taste would remind me of frozen hot chocolate. It may not have been my cheat day, but I enjoyed my ice cream with gusto. I savored every spoonful. Since Papa Diddi's only uses carabao's milk, their scoops are creamier, richer, and smoother. It was a lovely experience, considering that A was with me and the raindrops were falling on the rooftop.
I worked out this morning, and I realized that the ice cream made me happier because it reminded me of simpler times. Back when I did not worry about counting calories, I enjoyed each meal and dessert. Having dessert these days is a luxury which I cannot always afford, as I have budget and health considerations. Nevertheless, an occasional cup of ice cream to remind me that life is beautiful will not hurt.
Square One
This morning was a memorable one. A and I dropped by at the OMI Retreat House to say hello to Fr. Phil. He was my Ninong Oscar's superior during his seminarian days. He has recently been instrumental in helping A and we are both thankful for his gesture. Going around the center was like a throwback for me because it reminded me of childhood summers at Cotabato, where Ninong Oscar was a seminarian. The place was serene and secluded so I felt close to God. I also felt blessed this morning. It was a priceless way to begin the holiday and to close the long weekend. I look forward to more conversations with Fr. Phil and of course better days ahead with A.
Strokes of Learning
Yesterday was a busy day for me. I started my Saturday with my usual Zumba, followed by brisk walking and a hearty breakfast. Afterwards, I got ready for my calligraphy workshop, which was hosted by Hey Kessy and conducted by Tin Espinas.
I already practice brush calligraphy, so I was expecting to know the basics of pointed pen calligraphy. I was challenged with the different tip of the provided writing instrument. It demanded more control and also, estimation of the ink. It was tedious but I enjoyed it because it was totally new for me. I was terrified to mess up my work, and yes, I did splatter my paper with excess ink. Eventually, I was able to execute the basic strokes and even submit our required output, as shown in the photo above.
The key takeaway for this session was that the fear of learning something new is only an illusion. I may have messed up with my work, but I survived the class. I managed to submit the required card. The best part was being picked up by A after the class so we could have late lunch, coffee, and a lazy drive to his public speaking engagement for Word of Mouth. He did fantastic and I enjoyed being a stage girlfriend.
Indeed, it is always soul-reviving to learn new skills and listen to honest stories. I cannot wait to have more soul food soon.
Groove and Grin
There are days when I just want to stay in bed to read. This morning, all I wanted was to wrap my blanket around myself again and go back to my ebook. However, I knew that Saturday mornings are awesome for working out. So I changed into my gear and drove to the park.
I burned to the beat and forgot about my worries. For an hour and a half, I was good at something. I followed our instructor, and improvised some steps along the way. I was grooving and grinning. It was not easy to smile when things are uncertain. However, I am lucky to be alive and able to dance.
I hope that the coming week will be better. Tomorrow, I will dance again. And the day after that too. I will keep smiling, grooving, and hoping.
UnStuck
I am currently reading a novel and a magazine. Not at the same time, of course. I alternate between chapters and features. I am treasuring my free time because I get to immerse myself in plots and portraits. I do not get to read this much when I am working, so this is a welcome respite. I am reading, I am enjoying, and I am coping. Being unemployed does not mean that my mind has to be stuck. I prefer to keep my imagination on its toes and my brain informed. There has to be a way to remain sharp even in leisure. For me, my method is reading. It keeps me focused and it inspires me to workout. Nothing like information overload can keep me going during workouts. Exercise is also a mental endeavor. So let me feed my mind while sculpting myself. Let me build my brain bank while saving myself from muscle atrophy. Let me be free, while finding my next opportunity.
The Struggle is Real
Sometimes, we just have to carry on even when it is difficult to do so. I am currently job hunting and it is quite a struggle. I can only take potential jobs located near my home, as I have hypothyroidism. I get tired easily and stress makes my condition worse. I need to manage stress by reducing commute time and distance. I also want to focus on a corporate career, so my options are limited to a few openings. I miss working and the daily grind that goes along with it. I hope to be hired soon so I can provide for myself and have my own life again. For now, I'm working out everyday and burning calories in style.
100 Tula Para Kay Stella
I just watched 100 Tula Para Kay Stella starring Bela Padilla and JC Santos. It was significant for me because I was in college during the period the movie was set (2004-2008). They played Rivermaya, Sugarfree, and had the spirit of the OPM I know and love. It also featured a protagonist who writes poetry for fun and a leading lady who was a rocker with black lipstick. The plot was totally relatable and dare I say even genuine. I felt that my college life was being played on screen and the acting was very natural. If you have any qualms about watching this movie, I suggest you set them aside because this is worth your time, money and feels. It is a heartbreaking and inspiring movie.
Zumba and Cake
I started my day with my workout. I danced away last night's ramen and cake dinner with my besty, Fe. We met up as Monday is her day-off. It was a lovely break from my usual schedule with my family. I got to catch-up with her. She is a doctor and balances her career with a fun social life and occasional travels. She is also one of the most level-headed people I know, so talking to her is a real joy.
I am happy to balance my workout with hearty food which I occasionally feast on. It is still my birthday month so I have decided to reward myself with my favorite food. I am blessed with loved ones and possibilities. I hope that I can find my place in the sun soon, just like how I found myself in Zumba and cake.
Burn
It was not easy to get out of bed earlier. I had a good night's sleep, so I felt like snoozing some more. However, I was aware that I had a buffet dinner last night for my birthday, so it is important that I burn off all the good stuff. I rose from slumber and changed into my gear. I drove to the park and grooved to the music.
I enjoyed my Zumba class this morning, and I felt energized to have more heart pumping workouts ahead. I am thirty-one, so it is important that I continue looking after my health and well-being. Burning calories is only the beginning. I also have to make sure I am mindful of my journey to improve myself. I had coconut water after my workout, and it was a refreshing way to usher in the rest of my day. I am ready for more opportunities to stretch my horizons.
Thirty-One
I am very thankful to celebrate my birthday. I am thirty-one! I am grateful for all the blessings I have received. The gift of life is precious to me, knowing that I have battled hypothyroidism for most of my existence. It was not an easy journey, and I know I will continue to be challenged along the way. Nevertheless, I am eager to be stronger, be more fit, and be more healthy.
I am not the easiest person to live with, so I am thankful to my family and A. I am grateful for the love and the joy I experience those who appreciate me.
I am also praying to find a good job soon. I hope that I can have a better one so I can have work-life balance. I am claiming it!
Exercising Happiness
I have observed that it has become more challenging for me to be motivated if I stick to one kind of workout routine. I have decided to give myself a variety of options by following a different workout video each day. I have noticed that my body responds well to barre and Zumba so I rotate videos from different instructors featuring both workouts. I also make sure to exercise at my local park when I can afford it. It is cheap, but since I am still unemployed, I have to be mindful of my spending. I am prioritizing health and wellness, specifically my food and fitness expenses. I have hypothyroidism, so it will be more expensive in the long run if I neglect my health and settle for an unhealthy lifestyle.
Working out has given me good vibes especially now that I am still facing the uncertainty of job hunting. Money cannot buy happiness, but it could pay for workouts so it is really the same thing for me! If there is no budget for that, then I can still follow my workout videos. Either way, I get to stay fit, healthy and happy.
Ella and Me
I frequently visit Barkin Blends to have milk tea with my favorite dog in the world, Ella. She is a beautiful black chiweenie. That makes her half chihuahua and half dachshund. To me, she's the best fluffy dream come true. Both of my parents are allergic to fur, so we cannot have pets at home. I come here for a dose of floof, good vibes, milk tea, and licks.
I love being here because Ella and the other dogs in the cafe relax me. They give me a sense of calm which is ironic because they bark and run around. I love playing with the dogs because they make me feel like a kid again. On some days like this one, I have a sleeping Ella on my lap, so I just read while she is snoozing.
I recommend that you drop by Barkin Blends one of these days. They have yummy drinks and huggable dogs. If you are the type who likes lap dogs, ask for Ella from the staff. She is my favorite.