Finding Hope Amidst Darkness

Today, we’re confronted with a heartbreaking news. A family friend who was battling depression, has tragically passed away. It is a painful reminder that depression is an all-too-real struggle, regardless of any skepticism. There are challenges many face in silence, and there are invisible battles and silent struggles many endure.

To anyone battling with depression, please remember that YOU MATTER, and you matter a lot. Your inner strength is far more greater than you may realize. When things get tough and it feels like a heavy weight, remember you're not alone. Reach out, don't hesitate to seek help. There are people who care, who want to stand with you, and who get what you're going through.

Depression doesn't define you; your courage, and incredible spirit do. YOU ARE NOT ALONE. There are people who stand beside you and empathize with your battle. Lean on them when needed and let them remind you of your worth. We will remind YOU ARE WORTHY. Your life is invaluable. 🙏

Invisible Battles

"The scars you can't see are the hardest to heal."

Isn't it wild how life paints these invisible marks on us, lingering beneath the surface like secrets whispered to the wind? It's like a battle fought in shadows, where the pain is real but often unnoticed.

You’re a warrior, tending to wounds that aren't visible to the eye. It's like crafting armor from your own resilience, slowly stitching together the tapestry of your spirit.

Healing? It's a journey that only the bravest undertake. It's about embracing your vulnerability, seeking light in the darkness, and finding solace in the fact that even the most delicate scars tell stories of strength.

Raise a glass to those hidden scars, to the battles fought in silence, and to the indomitable spirit that shines through. Share this with a friend who's healing their unseen scars, and let's toast to the beauty of resilience and the power of the human heart.

The Sunday Currently vol. 10

Recapping the week 

I began my week by unboxing my new iPhone 14 Pro Max from Globe. A fantastic way to start things off! Exciting! Although, I've been under the weather lately, so I decided to take a break from work and give myself some much-needed rest.

I had to go to school because my youngest son misbehaved in class. It was quite stressful, but I had a talk with Dime with his class adviser, Guidance Counsellor and Assistant Principal and made sure he's committed to improving his behavior. I believe in him, and I know he'll do his best to become a better kid.

On the weekends, the kids resumed their drawing classes after the eldest's karate class. It's great to see them explore their creativity through these classes.

On a personal note, I've decided to reintroduce intermittent fasting and a low-carb diet into my routine. It feels like the perfect moment to focus on my health and well-being once again.

CURRENTLY 

Reading

Messages in my messenger that already piled up.

Writing

Getting around to responding to those unread messenger messages. 

Listening

Trying to follow my kiddos' conversations about Netflix, old-school games, and anime, even though it's a bit of a mystery to me. 

Thinking

Contemplating whether to bring our husky dog and husky puppy from my cousin's place. They've been there for a few weeks, and I've been wanting to surprise the kids. However, due to the busy school schedules, work commitments, and ongoing home renovations, I haven't been able to prioritize it yet. Besides, I haven't managed to get a cage for the dogs yet.

Smelling

Sniffing those delicious Krispy Kreme glazed and premium donuts the husband got for the kids! 

Wishing

Still hoping for some paid time off, and that lottery jackpot.

Hoping

Hoping we can make that dream trip to Japan and have a blast at Tokyo Disneyland. The kids would be over the moon! 

Wearing

Rocking a black 'evil' shirt and pink boxers today.

Loving

Absolutely enjoying the fresh features in iOS 17!

Wanting

Still craving a chill family vacation. 

Needing

I really need my dose of antioxidants and vitamin C, but finding time in my packed schedule is a challenge. 

Feeling

Feeling optimistic about my youngest son's determination to better his behavior, and I'm also thrilled about my eldest son's progress in his karate class.

Dear Sons

Believe in yourself, even when those you hoped would support you don't. Your dreams are yours to chase, and it all starts with your determination.

Let their doubts be your motivation, not your roadblock. Let it fuel your fire, not dim your light. Your journey is shaped by your determination, not their judgments. Embrace the uncertainty, and remember, you're the one in control. You’re the captain of your dreams.
Trust your vision, work hard, and show yourself you’ve got this. It won’t be a walk in the park for sure. It's going to be tough, no doubt about it. Hold onto hope, and place God at the core. Keep up the fight and never ever give up. Don’t forget - your self-belief is the key to turning dreams into reality.

And always remember this, you have a mom who will always have your back - cheering you on from the sidelines. I’ll always be your constant, just as you are to me.

Make your choice wisely, not just for yourself but also for your child or children.

If I could offer some advice to the younger generation about choosing a life partner, I'd say, marry the person who will be the best parent for your children. Find someone who will prioritize your family above all else. Look for a partner who shares the responsibility of raising a family because you're in it together. In short, marry the person who sets a high standard for a spouse in the eyes of your children. Later in marriage, when you enter parenthood, you'll discover that what you truly wish for in your spouse goes beyond wealth or a perfect physique. While a good-looking face and financial stability are nice bonuses, there's really more than that. At wee hours, when your child is crying, and you're exhausted from postpartum fatigue, it won't be their looks or wealth that matter. It's the compassion in their heart and the love they have for you that will urge them out of bed. They'll tend to the child and tell you, "Get some rest, my love. I've got this." From the toddler years to the first day of school, the journey is relentless and heartwarming tale of love and sacrifice. It begins with sleepless nights, soothing cries, and endless diaper changes. As your little one takes their first steps, your world revolves around ensuring their safety and nourishment. But it doesn't stop there; it's just the beginning. Preparing snacks and lunches becomes a daily ritual, carefully crafting meals that balance nutrition and taste. You strive to pack a little bit of home in their lunchbox, knowing that their favorite snack can brighten their day. The journey continues as they enter school. Homework assignments and school projects become a shared challenge. You become their guide, their source of knowledge and inspiration. You patiently help them with math problems that seem like a foreign language and assist them in creating those elaborate science fair displays.

Through all these phases, there's one constant wish – to have a responsible father to share in the sacrifices. It's not about having someone else to do the work; it's about having a partner who understands the weight of these responsibilities and willingly carries the load with you. Choosing a life partner who can and will share in these sacrifices is not just a matter of convenience; it's an investment in the well-being of your family. It's about finding a man who values teamwork and understands that parenting is a shared journey. Together, you create a supportive, loving environment where your children thrive, and you, as parents, find strength in each other. Because in all of these moments, whenever you watch your partner with your children, you'll find yourself falling in love all over again.

The Sunday Currently vol. 9

 Recapping the week 

I had a super busy week running errands. Even though it wasn't my usual job, I ended up picking up the kids from school a few times just to hang out with them. 

There was this school event where they could bring their smartphones and iPads. I was a bit worried at first, especially because my youngest keeps losing his water tumbler like four times already. But he really wanted me to trust him, so I gave in with a few reminders. My older one is pretty responsible, and he even sent me snaps and videos from school, showing how much fun he was having. Luckily, their gadgets were still in one piece when I picked them up, and they excitedly shared all the school event stories with me.

Today, we swung by National Bookstore to grab some stuff for their Drawing class. Dime loves to draw, so we thought we'd keep up with their classes. Uno is sticking with karate on weekends, and their classes are starting again next week because of a team competition.

CURRENTLY 

Reading

I'm reviewing the insurance policies I purchased for the kids through Singlife and setting a college fund goal for them in a few years. I also bought an HMO package for myself, which I completely forgot to renew last year.

Writing

Tracking expenses for October, and nearly halfway through planning the month. I'm in the process of budgeting for our other insurance policies. It's crucial to plan it out carefully to ensure long-term benefits.

Listening

Currently playing "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" by Tears for Fears, and it seems I got stuck on repeat because my eldest son absolutely loves the song.

Thinking

I've been thinking about ways to increase my retirement savings. I'm giving serious thought to getting into stock vesting.

Smelling

Enjoying the fragrance of strawberries and champagne lingering in the air, thanks to the room and linen spray I used generously.

Wishing

I know winning the lottery is just a wishful thought. It's funny how I keep wishing for it, even though I never actually buy a ticket. 😄 But that dream just keeps popping up in my mind.

Hoping

Looking forward to a relaxing family vacation, either in Tokyo or Seoul.

Wearing

Sporting a loose Luffy One Piece shirt paired with pastel green boxers.

Loving

Adoring my little ones, I'd do anything for them in a heartbeat. I'd love to maintain good health so that I can continue caring for them while guiding them through life's trials and hardships. It's funny; Dime even granted me permission to hit the gym, but I'm simply not at ease going there alone. 😄

Wanting

For a firm resolve, I find myself trapped within a cosmic whirlpool of indecision.

Needing

Some peace of mind amid all the chaos. It feels like certain choices haven't been leading anywhere, and it's been a source of disappointment. Should I brush it off or confront it? There are so many factors to weigh, and they often disrupt my inner peace.

Feeling

with an overwhelming load of responsibilities resting on my shoulders. Don't get me wrong; my kiddos are the source of my happiness. It's just that there are certain aspects, unrelated to the kids, that don't quite align with my vision, dreams and goals.

Anxiety and despair, have been distant echoes, once constant shadows, have drifted away with the sands of time. Still, caught in a loop, making the same choices repeatedly. It no longer feels like the right path.

The Sunday Currently vol. 8

Recapping the week 

It's been one hectic week, juggling work from home and family duties! The days were filled with process automation configurations and other work-related stuff, all while helping the kiddos prepare for their exams. 

Last Friday was a bit of a rollercoaster with news about the Taal Volcano smog situation and a surprise class suspension. The kids left for school, then came back home in a hurry! 

My eldest son kicked off his karate classes last Sunday. Despite his initial shyness and introverted nature, he's taking small steps toward making new friends, and it's truly heartwarming to see. 

While he was busy with his class, I took my youngest to the optical shop to get him a brand-new pair of eyeglasses. The poor kid had a little mishap with his old ones! After returning home, my husband treated us to a delightful family pizza night. We gathered around to enjoy the movie "Blue Beetle" together, creating special memories with the entire family. 

To top it all off, our teenagers came over for the weekend, allowing us to spend quality time together, making it extra special. It was a much-needed break from our busy schedules. It's moments like these that make all the chaos worthwhile! 

CURRENTLY 

Reading

Going through the list of books I'm planning to buy for the kiddos. My youngest son's a bookworm, so I'm scouting some great reads for him. Added my favorites to the list too.

Writing

Jotting down our monthly expenses. Can you believe it's almost the end of September? Time to start thinking about our Christmas list!

Listening

Enjoying the peace and calm in our room thanks to my Young Living feather owl diffuser.

Thinking

Choosing between marble white and porcelain grayish marble for our bathroom renovation tiles. Tough decision!

Smelling

Been sniffing Katinko because I haven't been feeling great for the past few days.

Wishing

Still got my fingers crossed for that lottery jackpot and performance appraisal.

Hoping

Hoping for that paid time off, it would be really awesome.

Wearing

Rocking my comfy Garfield tee and printed boxers today.

Loving

Totally digging the donut maker I snagged online recently! Can't wait to whip up some yummy treats for the kids.

Wanting

I've got these cool Korean blings I recently bought, and I'm itching to get them installed. The hubby said he'd do it, but he's not in a hurry!

Needing

I'm itching for a travel vacation and some paid time off! Planning sounds exciting, but lately, getting my leave approved feels like a real challenge.

Feeling

I've been feeling a bit under the weather lately, but I'm determined not to catch the flu. The kids even said they'd let me hit the gym. Guess that's my cue to power through!