tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-305525112024-03-19T10:47:14.038-07:00whY Owe yoU? When it's all about me...Yup, this blog is all about me. I talk about random stuff. Maybe one day, I'll talk about you.jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-63829913453711377212023-12-28T00:48:00.000-08:002023-12-28T00:48:02.811-08:002023: A Year in Review<p>2023 was... actually an okay year, but it honestly could be better. <br /></p><p>I landed a new job, managed to travel overseas for a short vacation (this is a record for me, because normally you don't get to really go places when you're just a few months into your job), and had a somewhat decent workload. And yes, the work arrangement/setup is undeniably great.<br /></p><p>That's the good news.</p><p>Then, there's the not-so-great updates.</p><p>I obviously didn't enjoy what happened on the third quarter of the year. It just shows that I need to be more decisive if I want things to go my way.</p><p>Oh, and there's the fork in the road I'm facing this December. If I accept it, I can use whatever I earn and save up to get to my next goal. Unfortunately, it's not really going to catapult me straight to my goal. It'll make life slightly more comfortable, sure. But it's not comfort I'm after... and I really don't want to prolong progress for the sake of comfort. Then again, if things go south, I can easily bolt outta there and go somewhere else. It'll just be inconvenient for me and the others involved.<br /></p><p>Then, there's the decline option. This one is incredibly uncomfortable, as this option takes a lot of guts. Some people will see this as the crazy option. Plus, the work you need to pivot will be a lot. The journey won't be easy. There's a good chance that things will fall apart. If I take the risk, though, there's a good chance that I'll hit my next goal. Also, I don't need to be rolling in the dough if I play my cards right. I have more than enough for me (and never enough for the others, but hey, I need to think about my future for once).<br /></p><p>Whatever choice I make will define how I start 2024. Both options have their pros and cons. And yes, there is a time limit. I wonder what choice I'll make...</p><p>That's all for now. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-76753751015003380502023-03-01T17:17:00.002-08:002023-03-01T17:17:46.604-08:00The Calm Before the Storm<p>After several weeks of waiting, I somewhat got what I wanted. </p><p>And things are looking... kinda peaceful. As the title suggests, I'm in that calm before the storm period. I don't know how the future is exactly gonna play out, but I'm going to do my best to make the most of the situation. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-65647475544822433602022-12-31T00:31:00.007-08:002022-12-31T00:33:21.940-08:002022: A Year in Review<p> Some things cannot go back to the way they were.</p><p>You can't expect a situation or a circumstance would go back to what they were pre-pandemic. </p><p>If anything, 2022 is a wake-up call for me to realize that change is here to stay — and you shouldn't go back to the "old normal." </p><p>Embrace the change. Accept it for what it is.<br /></p><p>This 2023, I hope for a better year — a year that will allow me to achieve what I've set out to do.</p><p>I remain optimistic and accepting of the fact that life will move forward whether you're ready or not.<br /></p><p> <br /></p><p> </p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-5850037682211229292022-07-23T06:52:00.006-07:002022-07-23T06:52:57.322-07:00I Told You So<p>Nobody said it was easy.</p><p>I wanted a challenge, and it looks like I bit off more than I can chew.</p><p>So, what now?</p><p>I don't know yet, but I'll face the challenges (and ramifications) as they come.<br /></p><p><br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-77249736313981320382022-05-10T04:52:00.003-07:002022-05-10T04:52:14.448-07:00Caution: (Possible) Dark Times Ahead<p>Oh boy. Things are about to get interesting... in a not-so-positive way.</p><p>But hey, I might be wrong — and this time around, I honestly don't mind if I'm wrong. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-60510933461488322662022-03-07T02:25:00.002-08:002022-03-07T02:25:22.548-08:00I Wanted a Challenge — I Got a Challenge<p>Hey, I asked for it, right?</p><p>I did — and boy am I in for a challenge. </p><p>I started work a few weeks ago and there's definitely a lot to work on, learn, unlearn, and even relearn. I definitely have to step things up to make sure that I don't get left behind — or worse — completely unable to keep up with what needs to be done.</p><p>And it's not just a challenging job. Right now, the situation in the world is challenging. </p><p>You've got a potential <a href="https://news.sky.com/story/ukraine-invasion-has-world-war-three-already-started-some-security-experts-believe-existential-global-conflict-has-begun-12559039">global war</a> that's brewing... and things are not looking great. I mean, we're just recovering from a pandemic, and now we get this... this conflict?</p><p>Oh boy, looks like I'm in for quite a ride. Then again, so is everybody else. I wonder how things will turn out this 2022? What I can do right now is to work hard and keep my eyes peeled for the events unfolding around me. <br /></p><p>That's all for now. <br /></p><p><br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-89618421136793267982021-12-30T13:07:00.000-08:002021-12-30T13:07:32.730-08:002021: Not a Very Good Year in the Least<p> </p><p>I do NOT see 2021 as a good year for me. Yes, I did great at my previous job (performance-wise), but I wanted something different. So, just like the millions of people who participated in The Great Resignation, I left with zero regrets. I definitely feel that I've regained control of my life — something that I wouldn't trade for anything else.<br /></p><p>Another disappointing thing that happened was that I got really sick at the last quarter of the year. I have recovered as of this writing, but this experience has made me realize just how important my life choices are. </p><p>2021 also threw a wrench on my international travel plans. The travel restrictions has made flying out of the country downright inconvenient. Dealing with logistical headaches is the last thing that I want to do.</p><p>If there's anything positive I can say with 2021, it's that I'm grateful for knowing how to save money. </p><p>Here's hoping that 2022 is a lot better not only for me, but also for the people around me. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-77626784887506904052021-03-12T09:58:00.003-08:002021-03-12T09:58:52.464-08:00Update<p>It's been a year since the whole lockdown thing. Sadly, things aren't back to near normal levels.</p><p>I'm tired. In fact, I'm mentally and emotionally exhausted. Is there a light at the end of the tunnel? I hope there is. </p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-47824616771880467942020-12-29T05:51:00.005-08:002020-12-29T05:53:07.089-08:002020: A (Not-So-Great) Year in Review<p>There is no doubt in my mind that 2020 is the worst and most challenging year I've ever faced.</p><p></p><p>I didn't get to travel overseas this year. Unfortunate, but not completely surprising.</p><p>Still, there have been some good news.</p><p>2020 is the year when I was able to accomplish a lot. I got a promotion this year, bought a handheld gaming console before the start of the pandemic, purchased an awesome working and gaming laptop and managed to save a lot of money. </p><p>Working from home from mid-March to December has taught me one thing: Remote working is possible. The traditional office setup still has a place, although frankly I don't want to come back there until we're in the clear.</p><p>I do hope that things get better this coming 2021. I wanna get back to traveling internationally soon. </p><p>Okay, that's all for now. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-21113325222170295722020-12-05T02:29:00.002-08:002020-12-05T02:31:40.817-08:00More of a Silent Night than a Merry Christmas<p>People today will be celebrating the holidays in a subdued manner.</p><p>Going out on the streets, meeting and hugging friends and family and just being plain festive and merry aren't on the table. Being completely okay with what's going on isn't possible at this point.</p><p>But if there's any consolation to what's happening, people can still meet up virtually (Zoom, Facebook, etc.) Still, things won't be the same.</p><p>2020 still feels pretty surreal to me. It feels like a worldwide "go to your room and think about what you've done" scenario. While we're in that metaphorical room, people suffer and die from the dreaded covid.</p><p>Are things going to be better when Christmas Day arrives? I doubt it. But what I do know is this: </p><p>I'm going to keep fighting. </p><p>I'm going to keep bouncing back.</p><p>I'm here to stay even if the world around me grinds to a screeching halt. </p><p>I'm here to win. So that one day, when this whole pandemic blows over, I'll see people out on the streets, being merry and festive and not have to worry about physical distancing. A guy can dream, you know.</p><p>That's all for now. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-6968195888178295632020-08-29T10:23:00.001-07:002020-08-29T10:23:12.691-07:00Update<p> Is 2020 over yet?</p><p>I've asked this question in my previous post. Now, I'm asking it again.</p><p>This year has to be the worst — not just for me, but also for a lot of people. Not a good way to start a decade at all.</p><p>But I'm hoping that things will improve. I really hope it does. <br /></p>jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-49544534715798296032020-06-27T21:57:00.001-07:002020-06-27T21:57:40.031-07:00Is 2020 Over Yet?Is this year over yet? Because I want it to be over.<br />
<br />
I want to skip to 2021 and just be done with what's going on.<br />
<br />
July will come in a few days, and all I can say is that the first half of the year isn't okay. It's FAR from okay.<br />
<br />
I hope that things get better when the second half of the year rolls in.<br />
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Anyway, that's all for now. Stay alive, everyone. <br />
<br />
<br />jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-78513457963750344312020-01-27T04:31:00.001-08:002020-01-27T04:31:53.638-08:00A Long JanuaryVolcano.<br />
Virus.<br />
Vryant (it's actually Bryant, but you get the picture).<br />
<br />
January 2020, for me, has to be one of the longest months I've ever experienced in my life. There are so many things happening in this month. It honestly feels like the middle or end of the year already.jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-42696085551645686362019-12-30T22:35:00.003-08:002019-12-30T22:35:46.326-08:002019: The Year of (Expensive) Travel2019, is without a doubt, my most expensive year. I made three international trips this year (Japan in Spring, the United States in Autumn, and Japan in Winter), which is incredibly costly. If there's any consolation to it, two of these trips are worth it.<br />
<br />
Apart from being expensive, 2019 is generally a good year for me. Yeah, there were some hiccups, but most of the time it was pretty okay. I got to visit great places outside the country.<br />
<br />
That's all for 2019. Hope everyone will have a great new year (and decade).jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-46137649721240981812019-02-14T09:17:00.002-08:002019-02-14T09:19:13.157-08:00UpdateSo, start of the year is, well, off to a not-so-good start.<br />
<br />
Talented and wonderful employees are leaving the department. People in the office are getting sick (which one could blame at the flu season). Work is becoming more difficult. If there's any consolation, I would say that I'm gonna be okay because I have at least two backup plans (whatever happens, I have an idea of what to do next).<br />
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End of update. Till next time.jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-30881939525129924922018-12-30T21:40:00.000-08:002018-12-30T21:40:56.799-08:002018: A Year in ReviewThe year was good... for the most part.<br />
<br />
Okay, maybe 75% great, 25% not so great. You get the idea. So, to recap:<br />
<br />
The start of the year was uneventful.<br />
<br />
Then, in June, I traveled to Japan. This is definitely the highlight of my year.<br />
<br />
After that, things went downhill for a few months. Office drama and not-so-awesome workload kicked in. Not pleasant at all.<br />
<br />
Then, things started to improve on the last quarter of the year. I said to myself, "No matter what happens at work, I'm gonna be fine. If things don't go as planned, I'll look back at what I accomplished, take what I have, and run with it." I have a plan B, in other words.<br />
<br />
I'm looking forward to 2019.<br />
<br />
<br />jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-10317303705290705942018-12-21T12:43:00.000-08:002018-12-21T12:43:17.935-08:00Happy HolidaysHappy holidays, everyone.<br />
<br />
I don't get to blog a lot these days. I've been busy writing marketing copy for clients.<br />
<br />
What I can tell you, dear reader, is that 2018 has a LOT of ups and downs (surprisingly, slightly more ups than downs). I'll tell you more in my year-end review.<br />
<br />
That's it for now.jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30552511.post-38802467378569825742018-10-19T09:48:00.001-07:002018-10-19T09:49:10.604-07:00UpdateChange is hard. I know. I get that.<br />
<br />
But what if the change that's coming is not worth it? Do you stay and hope that you'll get used to it or bid farewell and venture on the path of uncertainty?<br />
<br />
Right now, I'm waiting for exit signals. If I see them, I'll know when to take a leap and start again.<br />
<br />
I don't mind starting all over again. But at the same time, I want to know what's at the end of the tunnel.<br />
<br />
Whatever my decision is, I'll have to make sure that I'm ready — physically, mentally, and financially.jphttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07195403388015871272noreply@blogger.com0