ECQ Part Deux

ECQ Season 2 was once again declared by the government and started yesterday. The past year has been mentally, physically, emotionally and financially exhausting. It seems that there's no silver lining in this hellhole that everyone had to wallow in for the past 12 months. 

When the lockdown started last year, we thought that it'd only last until the end of the year and everything will be back to normal soon. When my boss said that it'll probably take a couple of years at least, I was in disbelief. In hindsight, he might be right.

It's hard to look at the positive side of this when the bad news seem to outweigh the good news. When we see how other countries are beating the virus down, it's so disheartening to see how we fare. Granted that it's unfair to compare but I can only shake my head when the basics were not even done right. #masstesting #contacttracing

I know I have no right to preach when my family and I are comfortably ensconced in our own bubble. But I can still empathize and sympathize. Though I have long given up on this government, I can still lend my voice when needed. 

I'll be reaching my golden years soon and looking back at the past 40 years, I still have to make sense of my purpose. Yes, I know the basics--being a mom, wife, sister, daughter, cousin, niece, boss, subordinate--all of these things. I know. But there is more to it. I know so. I hope so.

10KM

I posted previously how passionate I was with biking and how it was the form of exercise that I can tolerate. However, ever since my accident, I haven't had the courage to get back on my bike. But since my body has been craving some sort of exercise (not to mention I had to huff and puff just climbing 3 flights of stairs), I resorted to walking. 

It's my second day and I already increased my distance. From yesterday's 2.7km, I was able to increase it to 3.62km today. My goal is to be able to walk 10km. From there, maybe I can move to jogging or running. I also increased my time from 30 mins to 45 mins. I want to walk at least for an hour. Good thing our neighborhood has open spaces and wide streets. Moreover, I walk early in the morning so less people and cars about. I have my Kpop playlist to keep my company. Though I might have to make a new one as I realized I put in too much ballads which makes me walk slower. .

I loved it when I started sweating. It's as if the toxins and negativity were also flowing out. Somehow, it's easier for my to start me workday even if I'm WFH. I found myself more energized and it a better frame of mind to cope with the stress and the issues that I encounter throughout the day. I hope I can continue this for 21 days so I can make it into a habit. 

KDrama OST to Kpop

 

I debated whether to post this here or to my Kdrama blog but I decided to just place it here.

Anyway, I initially didn't like listening to foreign language songs. I was too lazy to read up on the lyrics to find out what the song was about and not only that, it's so difficult to memorize. 

My perspective changed after watching Kdramas. The OST (Original Sound Track) literally adds drama to the show which amplifies the feelings. It was then that I realized that if a song is really good, lyrics are sometimes not necessary for me to feel the message. In fact, I do not even know the english meaning of the OSTs that I've memorized. 

From the OSTs, I migrated to Kpop. I can't recall how I got into it but I can remember how I discovered my first Kpop band--Big Bang. I was watching a Running Man episode where they were featured guests. The voice of one of the members, T.O.P., made me look them up and after seeing them perform, I just couldn't get enough.

I then broadened my scope to other types of Kpop and discovered their ballads. The featured video above was released in 2012 by Naul who belongs to band called Brown Eyed Soul. Funny that I first heard this when one of the channels that I subscribe to in YT, covered the drum line of the song. 

Oh, and while watching animes, I also loved the OSTs, so I now have a Japanese playlist in Spotify. 

 

When in Rome

Throughout my 20 year career, I've had numerous boss changes meaning either they resigned to move to other companies or were promoted to other roles internally. It didn't bother me much as I always saw it as a challenge and an opportunity to learn. However, when my boss called me earlier to tell me that he's leaving the bank, I cried after we ended the call. 

I've been working with him for more than a year already ever since I was assigned under his supervision. Suffice to say, I've learned so much from him over that whole period of time. He provided me the much needed direction in my tasks considering I was also new to the role. He always had time for me to discuss even the nitty gritty things. I also learned to make well-informed decisions as I know he will always have my back. For that, I will always be thankful to him.

I'm not sure now who will replace him and other than sadness, am feeling fear. With an upcoming external audit, I was hoping that he would guide me on what to do but it seems that I will be left to my own devices. Am not sure now whose guidance I would need to get.    

I can do a When in Rome but I do not like to leave things unfinished. Moreover, I made plans to stay where I am. I guess I just have to bear it and pray and hope for the best. 

Cycle of Life

 

I was in a bad cycling accident a couple of years ago. I looked ok in the left pic due to my camera filter but it hid the bruises and the blood stains.

I loved biking then as it was the only form of exercise that I could tolerate. My first bike was a mountain bike and it was cheap. I remember taking it out and riding down the streets. I was too embarrassed to join any cycling clubs as I felt my bike was not at par with the other two-wheelers that is prevalent in our village. 

I then decided to upgrade to an honest-to-goodness road bike which seems to be more comfortable and easy to use. I bought an entry-level Trinx for less than Php10,000 and happily cruised down our roads. 

However, our water utility company decided to replace our pipes and suffice to say, the roads were not as smooth as before. The pavings were uneven and more often than not--there were gaps and holes everywhere--which was the culprit of my accident.

I just turned right going down our street when I saw the pothole. However, it was too late for me to brake so I went through it. Since the hole was too deep and I was going too fast (it was a downward slope), my front wheel went flat and I lost control. I crashed towards the ground with my face kissing the rough pavement. 

I fortunately did not black out but it took awhile before I could stand up. Somebody saw me and rushed to help me up. As I didn't know the extent of my injuries, I refused his help and gingerly got up. 

I sat down by the roadside and was suddenly surprised when I felt liquid quickly dripping down my face.  I wiped it and almost panicked when I saw it was blood. Apparently, the sunglasses that I was wearing cracked and a piece of it pierced that side near my eye. I took stock of my other injuries and saw that I had abrasions on my arm and shoulders and even had cuts on my legs. Even my lips were not spared.

I quickly called my husband for help. Fortunately, our house was just a few meters away so he was there in no time. He quickly brought me to the village clinic where they cleaned up the wounds and patched me up. However, they wanted to sew the wound near my eye as the skin tore open. I refused and just had myself transferred to the nearest hospital where they just glued the skin down.

The water utility company visited my house to apologize and replaced my bike. They also reimbursed my hospital expenses, although I haven't rode that bike yet. 

Maybe one day, I can ride again.

Four Years

It's my youngest child's 4th birthday today. 

I'm still at disbelief that it's been that long already. As I stare at him while he wrecks havoc all overour bed, I can't help but utter that kids grow up too fast. Though it seems like forever, but it really feels like it was just like yesterday when I just gave birth to him! Blogged about it here. 

Having two kids who are 8 years apart, dare I say, is somewhat easier than having them one after the other. Easier for the caregivers as kuya is more independent now compared to this little tot. But then, it takes a toll on the bunso as he has no one to play with especially with the current environment. Kuya is already 12 years old and has no interest in playing with a toddler. This toddler is more often than not, left with his own devices to entertain himself. Thus, we showered him with whatever toy we can get our hands on. 

Happy Birthday, my little buchokoy! I love you so much!

Recruitment

I had an interesting conversation with my boss yesterday. We were discussion about the vacancies in my team and how I should talk to the interested parties who wants to join my division.

He mentioned that recruiting people is like being in Sales--I sell the position to them and what the job entails. However, not only do I have to sell the highlights but be open to them on the challenges that we face as well.

I've been handling people for more than half of my career and this is the first time that I'm actually actively looking for people to join my team. It's not easy as our job is not the usual productivity and operations-based tasks which I'm used to. It's very cerebral and people skills is a must. We have to do a lot of analysis and interpretation and we have to talk to numerous officers and executives to get or cascade the necessary information. 

It's exhausting but fulfilling. I hope my team will have the same sense of gratification that I'm getting from this job. 

Two Princes

 

I recall watching Princes William and Harry grow up without their mother. I've always been a fan of the British royals and vaguely remember the wedding of Prince Charles and Princess Diana. I also grieved with the latter's family when she passed away after that tragic car accident. 

Back then, I always thought that William was more handsome. And when he got married to Kate, I remember rushing home so I can catch their wedding on TV. I also saw Harry as that child who did whatever he wanted--the "wild child", so to speak. 

Nowadays (and after watching The Crown), am beginning to see how difficult it is being part of the monarchy. I also understood why Prince Harry chose to step away and live in California with his family. Seeing him in this interview, he looked so happy and relaxed. But when I would see William in news clips, he seemed so staid and formal. I guess being a royal, you can never let your guard down and relax.

What struck me in the above interview was when he said he never walked away and if asked, he can always come back. He made that decision to protect his wife and family who have always been a target of the British press. Oh and it's so surreal that the queen gave them a waffle maker. :D