Holiday Musings

I can't believe 2023 is almost over because it feels like it's not so long ago. During the start of this year I was procrastinating about a lot of things like I always do whenever a new year is approaching. I worry a lot about what the year holds and always end up saying let tomorrow worry itself or we'll cross the bridge when we get there. But in the end, everything will turn out fine and I always end up having regrets why I wasted a good worry. 

It's just rueful to hear about well-known personalities who chose to end their lives due to overwhelming grief even before the year ends. I know the approaching holiday season has triggered some to do the unthinkable because the year feels like eternity when you're not in touch with those people who matter to you,  that, a simple phone call seems too difficult just to check on their loved ones if they are doing ok. I don't understand why most people these days don't talk anymore. If I were to go back, I would still choose those days when people still talk over the phone, in person or write each other snail mails. 

These days, you rarely see people face to face except during family reunions yet most people end up regretting ever joining because it tends to become a ground for nosy kins who just cannot leave their mostly single and unmarried, childless relatives alone because they can't wrap their heads around the fact that many beautiful and successful people refuse to get married these days due to many reasons. Family reunions can be quite toxic sometimes because of the endless comparison of achievements of one after another, after another. Little did many of our old folks know, such unpleasantries can take a toll on someone's mental health and make an individual question or reflect their life choices during their alone time and they, all of a sudden doubt themselves as to why they are alone or not have kids yet or unsuccessful unlike the others and so on and so forth. My advise? Elude instances like this and save yourself from regret because you always have a choice. Surround yourself with people who bring out the best in you and aren't toxic. 

Contrary to what idealists people say that single individuals aren't happy because they are alone, I guess it's just about having a strong support system or having people around who will always keep your well-being and mental health in check. I am single myself yet I am not bothered by my choices in life so I can't wrap my head around why other people (mostly kins) are bothered by it and make unnecessary comments such as 'ah what a waste of pretty genes!' as if there is a race of some sort and there's a rush to get to the finish line! I know every parent wants their kids to settle down and have a family of their own so they won't be alone when they're gone. But, what if you are one of the rare ones whose mindset isn't aligned with what the society considers as normal? I always believe in being happy with your own life choices and not give in to what the people around you want because it's not their life, you will traverse through life on your own and they can guide you for as long as they want but at the end of the day, it's always you and not them who will deal with the consequences of your decisions. Why bother with those who claim to know what's best for you when you understand yourself better than anyone else possibly could?

In this era of cyberspace, always make sure to still talk to people who understand you and know you more than anybody else  such as your family (provided they aren't toxic). Oftentimes whenever I feel down and low, I talk to my siblings for hours, I know sometimes, my pains don't delight them but the feeling that someone listens to your ramblings means the world to you and you feel better when they give you life advice, it seems to help a lot in aligning your life choices because even if you're already an adult, no matter how smart you feel you are, another input from those who knew you since childhood is very valuable. I know I can be a pain in the ass sometimes but when you're being one you know your family still loves you regardless. 

So, don't bottle up your feelings when you feel like the world has tumbled down on you, talk to a loved one who's willing to listen and avoid keeping things to yourself because trust me, that's not gonna help and it's dangerous to be in solitude when you're not ok. Do not underestimate the capacity of those around you who might be willing to listen to you, all you ever need is to ask. I am not a people person myself and I prefer to be alone because too much noise around me disrupts the natural order of things in my life but I refuse to be alone when I am sad or I feel like I need to get something out of my chest, call a friend, call someone who will help you steer things clearly. 

As an end note, always check on your loved ones and tell them how much you love them or if you're not the type who likes to verbalize things, at least make them feel they are loved and that you're here for them. 

Cheers and happy holidays! 

Boho

Lately, I've been grappling with persistent splitting headaches whose source remains elusive. Stress could be a culprit, perhaps stemming from the shift from freelancing to full-time work, leaving me on edge. At times, my anxiety skyrockets, and I'm unsure how to navigate it. I've found myself reflecting on life choices and envisioning changes for the upcoming year, craving a sense of calm to soothe my frayed nerves.

While diving into Christmas shopping, I yearn to relish the holiday season, but the sharp drop in temperature exacerbates my headaches, making me realize my body's discomfort with extreme cold. Despite my love for the chilly weather, I now shiver and get goosebumps when seeking fresh air by opening windows or doors.

This year has been a reflective journey, prompting me to reconsider life decisions. Work-related stress burdens me, urging me to seek inner peace and practice self-compassion, echoing the profound words of Nayyirah Waheed: "be softer with you. you are a breathing thing. a memory to someone. a home to a life."

My bohemian spirit beckons, wondering where the carefree child within me has gone—a sentiment beautifully captured in Cynthia Alexander's song, "Hiroshima."

Life So Far

Hello, everyone. With just 46 days left until Christmas, I find myself experiencing a different kind of holiday season this year. My sister and I eagerly set up our Christmas tree back in September, knowing that the upcoming festivities would keep us busy, as is our tradition each year - from adorning the house to planning our intimate holiday dinners.

Transitioning back to full-time work after freelancing for many years has been an adjustment I wasn't entirely prepared for until recently. Work has been filled with its fair share of drama, with colleagues coming and going due to stress, workload, and various other issues. While I've grown accustomed to such situations and should, in theory, be more resilient, I still feel the impact when a co-worker departs, whether by choice or circumstance.

It's important to dispel the notion that working from home equates to a stress-free environment. In reality, the pressures are just as present as in an on-site office setting. The main distinction lies in the absence of face-to-face interaction with colleagues, unless you actively engage with them due to close proximity or shared tasks. Building connections is inevitable, given the smaller team size and daily collaborations. Yet, no matter how demanding work becomes, we soldier on, business as usual.

Personally, I tend to limit my circle of friends at work. Saying goodbye is always the most challenging part, especially once you've gotten to know someone beyond your initial impressions. There may be co-workers you initially clash with, but understanding their perspective can shift your perception. I firmly believe in being kind to everyone, as we never truly know the battles others may be facing. Hence, I prefer to maintain a neutral stance and avoid being overly opinionated, recognizing the complexity of trust in the workplace and steering clear of conflicts. Toxic work environments, after all, are a prime driver of attrition.

Looking ahead, I'm embracing some online holiday shopping. My siblings and I have already purchased our gifts for one another, neatly wrapped and nestled beneath the twinkling lights of our Christmas tree. This way, we can focus on the joy of preparing our menus and decorating our home.

While I genuinely want to fully revamp my home office, sleep remains a precious priority. One of the blessings of working from home is the daily presence of my beloved cats, offering comfort and a touch of humor. 'Nuf said."

Despicable Molds

The past several months have seen a lot of rain, and these are the days I look forward to sunshine the most because nothing ever dries. Molds are incredibly obstinate and prefer colder climates. No matter how hard you attempt to use chemicals to treat the wood fixtures in your house, they still reappear. I adore minimalist wooden objects that are reminiscent of modern Japandi interiors or minimalist white and wood aesthetics. The power of nature is undoubtedly formidable. The water will eventually make its way back to your house no matter how hard you try to stop it from leaking through your shoddy-built roofing. 

Anyway, I've recently discovered that our Calico cat, who is a year old, is more prone to illness than our male ginger tomcat.  In contrast to our one-year-old calico, our ginger cat, who is now eleven years old and has lived indoors for around five years, is able to endure minor colds and excruciating pussing wounds like a champ. Yesterday, our calico spent hours on our balcony (because we make sure to provide the cats with their daily dosage of sunshine as much as possible), but regrettably, she began to sneeze once it became fairly windy in the afternoon. Since cats, unlike dogs, heal themselves, our adorable little calico is currently using home remedies. It also appears that colds are rather typical in cats in a climate like ours, where it's always raining and freezing.

Life Update

 I often promise myself that even if I'm busy with life and everything else, I won't abandon my blog. So, this is my mind speaking: Writing is a release of some kind for me, just so I can let go of so many things in my noggin.   

The siblings and I were able to have a cat spayed and two of our canines neutered over the last six months. Following their procedures, they are all in excellent health, living their best lives, and gaining weight as planned. One of the most difficult neuters was performed on one of our female dogs since, during her dental examination, the veterinarian discovered that many of her teeth were already past their expiration date which we’re not really aware of. Imagine the suffering she endured as it was all done at the same time as her neutering. However, the veterinarian advised that she should take her post-neuter antibiotics and meds throughout this period. She was a trooper and recovered, thank God.

But only last month, we had an unforeseen trip to the doctor because our Calico cat—who was spayed in May—had a swollen left chin for no apparent reason. I initially believed it was caused by a potential impacted tooth until we were informed that it may have been caused by an infection or blockage of the salivary glands. For a week, she took antibiotics. She scratched the bump a week later, and it burst. She went to the vet again, where she underwent a biopsy, an x-ray, and had her wound aspirated, all of which resulted in expensive vet costs. Whether or not they are purebred, animals have the same rights to healthcare and other necessities as people. Because of this, you should never get a pet if you can't afford the costs that go along with having one to put it simply, it's comparable to welcoming a new child into the family. However, the joy and unwavering love they deliver are priceless.

The previous several months have also been somewhat difficult for us because of a confrontation with nasty "house sitters" who live next door and despise our dogs for barking. Our canines don't constantly bark; they only do so when they detect strangers or when we are receiving food deliveries or packages. Compared to our other neighbors in our village, who own more dogs, we only have three. Instead of taking care of their own affairs, these housesitters love to become involved in gossip, and they just so happened to make friends with the notoriously harsh neighbors who reside across the street. We saw how the men of one family kicked and poked their dogs. My oldest sister once confronted the neighbor who lives across the street for shamelessly kicking their dog after she had had enough. People who abuse animals refuse to acknowledge that their actions qualify as "animal cruelty" if abusing animals is ‘normal’ for them. The same neighbors also detest it when other people leave their cars parked in front of their house as if they own the road that legally belongs to the our village. As always, ignorance is a liability.

In conclusion, we have zero tolerance to animal cruelty because we care about all animals and consider our neighbors to be callous individuals who take advantage of their helpless, frail dogs. We also think that these next-door housesitters' rage is undoubtedly very subjective because they forged friendships with others who hold similar values. Yes, it is true what they say, "Tell me who your friends are, and I'll tell you who you are." Thankfully, these nasty housesitters have permanently moved. Unfortunately, the house's owner actually supported the misconduct of her house sitters rather than refraining from doing so due to their familial ties. Birds of the same feather flock together. Animal abusers tend to attract other abusers.

The point I'm trying to make is that we don't tolerate rude neighbors, especially those who abuse animals. As it is in every dog's nature to bark, no animal deserves to have rocks or other objects thrown at them just because they are dogs and barking is how they communicate.

Home makeover and decluttering.

Moving on, I did a lot of handyman work these past months as well. I recently learned how to change the light bulb sockets in our house on my own, and I replaced them with pendant lamps instead. Because it can be extremely risky and, if done incorrectly, could even result in electrocution, it initially looked impossible to complete. Start by developing the habit of turning off the breaker. I overcame my fear and installed a total of six drop lights effectively with the aid of research as well. I came to understand how adding drop lights can significantly alter the atmosphere of a space. We also thoroughly decluttered our home by getting rid of our outdated appliances and replaced them with newer ones.

Kitchen.

A small update was also made to the kitchen. We had a new rangehood installed because we had to move our kitchen indoors, and Sissy put up wallpapers as well. We used to cook in our utility kitchen, but since the smell of cooking food permeated the entire street, we chose to use the indoor kitchen, which we haven't used in nearly ten years.

Laundry room.

Since our laundry room is somewhat small, using the ever-classic power of aesthetically beautiful pvc wallpapers, a new clothes drying rack, beige hangers, and vibrant stainless steel clothespins made the transformation much easier.

Balcony.

We also placed fake plants on our balcony for aesthetic and added privacy reasons. Given that I only utilized a ton of cable ties, I was shocked that the imitation plant mats could endure the typhoon's powerful winds. Amazing. 

Bedrooms.

I converted to a Dreamé mattress, and Sissy did too. Compared to the wooden queen bed frames we previously had, I love our new iron metal bed frames. It gives our room a rustic feel. Along with those white and wood dressers, we also got new mattresses, pillows, and mattress toppers. But right now, we're primarily worried about the dressers because of how easily they've been becoming moldy lately because of all the rainy days.

Last but not least, I also completed a small job for our sister's bathroom that only cost Php5000. Twinnie, on the other hand, also worked on her own small project, which involved updating our Dad's bedroom. House renovations can be expensive and physically demanding, so it's been a hectic six months for us, but everything was worth it given how much money we saved, and seeing your idea come to life is always great.

Hello Rabbit

Kung Hei Fat Choi! 

Happy 2023. I can now officially state that it is a new year because the nation recently observed the eagerly anticipated Chinese New Year, which is essentially a holiday in the Philippines. Tikoy, which is ubiquitous throughout the Chinese New Year celebration, is my favorite aspect of the holiday. The taste hasn't changed over the years, except that I'm now vegan, and I realized it can be made without the egg wash. I remember when I was a child, my parents would bring it home frequently every time this event was celebrated, which made me feel excited. We love to dip it in eggs and fry it. It's just unfortunate that we don't eat it as frequently anymore because my mom made Chinese New Year seem so special back in the day by making it every year, and we're not even Chinese. So much for my fond memories of my youth.

So what is my New Year's resolution? Let me tell you why I don't have one. I don't set New Year's resolutions; instead, I keep a mini-check list of things I want to get done each year, and this year is no exception. I began 2023 by completing my paint-by-numbers project, the finished version of which hangs proudly atop my bedside table alongside my aesthetic table decor. My nightstand now resembles a small art gallery. I've been working on it for four straight days, and I'm very proud of myself for finishing it.

In 2023, I also vowed to be more health-conscious, avoid being stubborn, and go to the doctor more frequently. Here is my list so you can see what I've been up to this year:

• Punch needle project: I want to start by working on a kit or making anything from a pattern.

• Additional paint by numbers

• Create objects using air-dry clay. I want to use silicone molds to create something out of air-dry clay.

• Produce items from resin. I discovered that resin items are just one of the many things that silicone molds can be used to create!

• Upgrade the kitchen: My sister and I fell in love with cooking years after quitting our regular jobs and switching to working from and at home, so why not concentrate on this section of the house? We also learned that a practical and visually beautiful kitchen is a necessity.

• Focus on neutering and spaying our animals: We recently adopted a male dog and a female cat, and our aim is to neuter and spay them this year because, from our experience, they live longer after being fixed. By the way, all of them are indoor pets.

• Update my passport: It's been a while since I left the country, so why not do so this year? You never know where your travels will take you in 2023. Since the pandemic brought everything to a halt and the globe is only now starting to reopen its doors with some relief from the COVID-19 limitation laws, I really miss traveling.

• Be fit: This year, I want to spend more time outside and buy a treadmill that takes up less space so I can still work out at home.

• Organize the home office: I've been spending a lot of time in our home office lately, and I feel the need to organize this area of our home so I can easily pull items out of the drawers and start to work without sifting through heaps of clutter. I also need to update Sissy's and my work-from-home set up. In addition to our nearly 7-year-old Macbook Air, I feel the need for an all-in-one PC.

My list is still short because I don't want to overwhelm myself and end up abandoning things later. I want to calm the freak down. Because, darling, you can't make these aspirations come true without consistent income flow, I also make a pledge to hustle and bustle more this year. I wasn't born with a silver spoon, so let's earn more money so we can devote ourselves to these objectives!

Happy year of the Rabbit y'all!