A few years ago, I would've had a new post every first of the month as "tradition", something to keep me in check that, "Hey, it's been a month and you need to update your blog" or something like it. These days though, blogging consistently is becoming an arduous task.

But that's a story for another mood and another day.

So, if you're a friend on Facebook, you might've noticed that I started a Spring Cleaning Sale album to sell my only-used-once or never-used-at-all items, ranging from bags to stationery, to makeup.

You see, I'm a hoarder. And an online shopping addict. And yes, that isn't a good image but what can I say? Shopping is as much of a stress reliever as is a bubble bath or a nice staycation at a 5-star hotel. To each their own, right?

Anyway...

I've been pretty busy the past few weeks with work and stuff, but last weekend, I wanted to declutter my space and hopefully find a new home for some pre-loved but well-preserved items.

One of the albums I posted was a "Bag edition". I had no plans of selling my bags when I first bought them, but my little bag space at home is now overflowing and has occupied one half of my office space. Since I can't wear all of them, I decided to let a few go and be loved by someone else. 

The bags at the bottom were sold within 3 days of posting the album and those at the top have yet to receive inquiries or offers. Funny thing is, the initial sadness I felt letting them go was replaced by... a sense of fulfillment. I don't know. It was satisfying to see people love them as much as I do. 

If you wanna buy any of these (and I'll be posting more on my Facebook soon), send me a message!

My first sale was the pink mechanical keyboard and mouse set (which sold in, like, 3-4 hours after posting) and I found the taste for selling things. Since I had a number of things I rarely use, I decided to destash some more. (Items above are still available! I've already sold a few - it's these ones that are still finding their new home.)

One more thing that kept everyone at home busy for a week now is the "pa-order" of my mom's special Banana Cupcake with Crushed Cashews.

I had been pushing for her to promote her bakes and things for the longest time and finally, after I bought her packaging and ribbons, we got a 'forced' green light, haha! Ako rin nag-push to get orders from friends plus ako pa nag-deliver, haha! And that's what you call pursigido! I enjoyed the experience though. I was super active during the weekend.

We're selling each box for P100 to start, and we're open for resellers! I'm working on the branding so that's another thing that'll keep me busy. (My dad's also starting his own roasted chicken and liempo, and pizza businesses so everyone at home is selling something!)

As of March 24: Granted that the first quarter of 2021 is almost over, it's time to regroup and see where we are with our mini goals. 

Answer is, you don't want to know. Haha! Seriously though - it seems like I wasn't firm enough with myself when I set out to do an ipon challenge because holy smokes I've splurged so much on bags. It's too early to tell if I can still meet my finance goals by the end of the year so we're skipping this little embarrassment for now. Eep.

This one's practically the only mini-goal I've been able to stick to. I released my first EP of original compositions last February and they're doing surprisingly well! I didn't expect people to love an original so much but my analytics are proving me wrong. 

I really enjoy making music and uploading to streaming services because (1) I get to put something out there that I really worked on and (2) I earn passively through streams!

I'm currently preparing to release a cover of one or two songs by April but gahhhh I'm fully scheduled with things to do! Not complaining though! Just... letting it out for a bit, haha! 

Listen, I tried drinking tea after every meal, but I'm acidic and can't do it all the time. What I've done instead is set a different, broader goal of drinking tea no less than 3 times a week. Yes, it's a compromise I didn't want to make but I have my reasons. I'm still drinking tea though, right?

And so, March is ending, but we're only just beginning the real climb. Lots of things are in store for me this year and I want to be careful and not burn out too soon (though it seems like that's exactly what's going on right now). 

We'll keep grinding!

Hello, 2021!

As I do every year, I don't make resolutions - I make goals. Thanks to a long-time dear friend (hi Bem), I managed to work out my 5 major goals for 2021, and I'm happy to say that as of this time I'm still 100% on-track. 

I'm a heavy shopper (online and in-store) so being able to save this much by December will truly be an achievement. Either that or I take another job so I can still spend while saving? No? Hahaha!

Not many people know about this, but I earn a substantial amount every month from streams of my music on Spotify and Apple Music. Most of my listeners are from the U.S., Singapore, and the Philippines and I want to keep making music 'cause (1) I can earn passively from it, and (2) I really want to keep writing songs and pouring my heart out. (Okay, that explanation was longer than I anticipated.)

It was last year when I decided to start making Youtube videos and actually making/planning content (not just uploading whatever). I kind of regretted not pursuing Youtube when it was still new in the Philippines, but the only way to move forward is to keep creating. I only have 100+ subs, and though my goal isn't focused on the numbers, I'd like to grow a community that can learn from my videos.

I initially planned to release this podcast in the first quarter of 2021, but being busy at work and pursuing other things have sort of put a hold on this. I still want to make a new podcast focused on creatives, struggles, and working the industry, but I don't have things planned yet. 

This one is by far going to be the hardest goal to achieve, but I'm not shutting down the possibilities. I've already started changing the way I eat, I've begun fasting a few times a week, exercising more, and just generally avoiding food that wouldn't help me with this goal. 

Since starting my work-from-home life last December 2019, I've figured out ways to keep myself energized and motivated to be productive, even from my bedroom. Knowing my triggers and potential pitfalls, I've rearranged the room to fit two tables beside each other so I have more breathing space.

I used to only have the one table on the right (pictured above) but it felt super cramped and the way it was positioned before made the entire table dark and moody. I'd always lean towards watching a movie (or Youtube) instead of focusing on work, and I had to go somewhere else just to get things done. Not how work spaces are supposed to function, haha.

After getting myself a printer, speakers, a TV (as an extra monitor), a water dispenser, and additional storage, I just had to change things up again, and it's been the best thing I've done this year (so far). 

I kid you not - my productivity has gone up by probably 50% compared to my last setup. While I can't give an accurate percentage, I've definitely become much more excited to work and less distracted. The setup I currently have is still not final since I want to mount the TV to the wall in front of me and get more space on the long table.

I'll also be buying a better USB/VGA hub so I can use my pink keyboard and mouse to complete the setup. (There are also plans to buy pink headphones, a pink gaming chair, and other pink stuff to decorate the table with. Makes me excited just thinking about it.)

I bought pink RGB speakers on Shopee (pretty nice quality) to make my space even cuter, I got my hair done at the start of the year (another DIY process at home!), and I've fallen in-love with my new Hobonichi Cousin. If you're considering getting a beautiful, functional planner that offers lots of space to write on (and you aren't particular about price), I recommend the A5 Cousin!

That's about it! I'm thrilled to start the year with productivity up and motivation full. I just hope it gets better from here and that this pandemic leaves as quickly as the world found out about it. We're all itching to travel and take in new scenery.

See you in the next blog!

For years during Christmas, I've been used to noisy neighbors, paputok everywhere even if it's not the new year yet, and generally just a lot of people being loud.

I don't know if this has something to do with the pandemic (which is most likely), but it just feels off. 

Our Christmas eve was spent watching Netflix, chugging beer, eating Wasabi chips, roasted chicken, salad, and more. It was a typical day for us, excluding the "pigging out" part.

It was just way, waaaayyy too quiet.

Even my dad couldn't help but point it out while we were watching "Miss Americana" on Netflix together (what can I say, I got control of the TV today, haha).

Just finished writing in my Hobonichi, and I am way too excited to begin writing on my 2021 Hobo. So much more space to write down my thoughts and plans.

Speaking of plans, I have my own goals written down. Like I do almost every year, I start January by writing a post to myself a year later, then my goals for the new year. Will do that on January 1, 2021.

I don't know why I decided to randomly post a blog today, but it's just me trying to get my thoughts together. 

Plans have been swirling in my head as well as tasks I still need to do for work (and get ready for when we come back next year).

Anyway...

I think this post is already too long for Christmas. 

Most of what I want to say can be reserved for my new year post, so we'll leave this as is for now.

Merry Christmas and I hope everyone's having a great time despite the pandemic! 

This nightmare of a year is almost over!

Out of the many things that have come from the Coronavirus pandemic, there's one that hits close to home - relationships.

For couples who live together, they've been thrown to "bear with each other" 24/7, with no escape for work or social lives.

On the other hand, it's had the complete opposite on other couples, forcing them to have a long-distance relationship where there have been months in-between visits or very little physical contact, if at all. Both of these situations can place huge amounts of pressure on a relationship.

Let's have a look at how to identify and deal with some of the seismic shifts that the pandemic may have done to your relationship and how to get back to a more even keel as the world begins to return to normal.

You've spent too much time together

While having the opportunity to spend quality time together sounds ideal, living in each other’s pockets for months on end with nowhere to go and no other people to talk to can be incredibly difficult. 

Traditionally, divorce lawyers are at their busiest after Christmas and summer vacations when couples have spent more time together than normal. 

Imagine what it's like after six-month-long lockdowns! Spending too much time together can cause couples to argue and bicker and what may be relatively minor issues can seem huge when there is no escape.

How to deal with it: Make sure each person is getting some time to themselves, whether that is escaping to the bedroom for a couple of hours watching a movie while the other looks after the kids downstairs or for one to go for a long walk by themselves. A little bit of time and space can do wonders.

Lack of adult time

Many children have been off school for months this year, and even though many are back in school now, they may have to isolate if in contact with COVID-infected people or be affected by school closures. This can mean a lack of adult time - no chance to have sex without children in the house or have private conversations. This can be stressful and have an impact on a relationship, particularly if it goes on for a long time.

How to deal with it: If there's not enough time to get away, you may just need to get a little more creative or be prepared to go to sleep later/wake up earlier. If it's causing problems in the long term or making existing problems rear their head, you may want to consider getting in touch with sex therapists for professional advice.

Financial pressures

Lots of households are feeling the strain on their finances at the moment. Businesses are closing, people are being made redundant left, right and center and many workers are furloughed as their industry cannot work safely during the pandemic. This can put a squeeze on even the most secure of family finances, but if you were already living on the edge, it can be the tipping point. One of the most common causes of family arguments is over money, and it can cause huge amounts of stress.

How to deal with it: Sit down together and look at your income and expenses. When you have an idea of how much money you have coming in and how much is going out, you are in a better place to make a plan.