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.