Still Chasing Sunsets

This obsession with sunsets! Not enough that I have Fierro sunset in Zambales. Lately, I have been looking for an affordable condo with a sunset view near the office. 

It started a few months ago. I’ve been spending more time after work at the office. And I wondered how great it would be if I could crash in studio unit during those late work nights. But it would need to have a sunset view, for those times I could leave early and watch the sun set.

I started looking at some units and that got me really excited. I started a Pinterest board as my peg is hotel, industrial, open-shelving style. Of course, the furniture would revolve around that view, making sure I would have a perfect spot to gawk at the sunset.

I found the unit with the perfect view but it had its downsides: quite far from the office, not the best-looking building, ceiling not too high. But look at that sunset!

Unfortunately, it is ultimately beyond my budget. As much as I tried to pencil-push, I was going to be pushed into borrowing. And that is something I do not want in my last two years of being regularly employed.

Why am I so obsessed with this lately? It really is a response to the kind of stress I have been at work. And I need a project to distract and de-stress.  My last project was the condo in Manila. That had a seasonal sunset at the bay view. It’s currently being rented so I can’t use the place for sunset chilling. 

But beyond the sunset chasing, I like working on interiors actually. From designing, to fit-out, to shopping for fixtures and furniture, I enjoy the whole range of activities involved. And finally seeing that image in your head come to life feels so amazing. 

So there. No condo unit that fits the bill AND the budget but I remain hopeful. 

Hawaii this time around

Late post. Post-visit to Honolulu. My 2nd time, a duty trip this time.

Back in 2009, the visit was purely personal. I stayed at Bill and Gordon’s place. That was my first vacation after breaking up with ex. And I was deep into the single life. At that time, I was flirting heavily with this guy online - Marlon. But that turned out to be a dud. LOL. This visit, Bill reminded me of Blaine, a local I met in my last visit. I remember we went as far as making out. But that was it.

This time, as part of work, I went through some touristy stuff, mainly arranged for the clients. Duke’s for lunch. Lobster and Steak Dinner on a sunset cruise. Macadamia Farm. Giovanni’s Shrimp Truck. Polynesian Cultural Center’s Theme Park, Buffet dinner and theater. Waikele Premium Outlet shopping. Hys Steak House. I extended a few days to hang out with Bill and Gordon. And just my luck that Gordon was celebrating his birthday during that time. I was glad to have joined him for that.

Aside from the shopping lOL, the best part was hanging out at Waikeke Beach waiting for the sunset. And I had the best sunset view on my last day. Aside from hot, hot guys everywhere. What a treat. 

I wonder if I’ll get to come back for a 3rd time.

Zemana Zanta za Zambales

 It’s my first time to experience Holy Week in the beach house. I arrived yesterday and will be here till Black Saturday. 

I truly deserve this break, exactly a month after I took on the new role officially. it’s been a toxic one month, something I failed to anticipate when I ‘accepted’ this new challenge in Nov last year. (Not that I really had a choice. Lol)

I struggled with making sense of the work schedule. For someone who got used to a 9pm to 5am sleep schedule, the late-night meetings and activities just threw me off. I oscillated between accepting my fate and wanting to challenge the status quo.  Thankfully, I was able to get some respite from the schedule partly after having an expectations-alignment with my bosses. But best of all, they listened to me, even as they gave me clear rationale for the kind of work I was expected to do. 

I really believe that was Divine Intervention at work. As I was struggling on a day-to-day basis, I kept on praying for guidance, for strength and for wisdom. The Lord truly intervened for me, His way of telling me that this is part of His plan. 

Going into Holy Week, I am blessed with a clearer purpose and a lighter load, only because I ‘came to Him whose load is easy and whose burden is light.’

I’m taking the time to finish up on Maria Ressa’s book, maybe stream a movie or two, write some posts and just relax and chill in the summer weather of Zambales.

A meaningful Holy Week to you all!

Another New Year’s Day

 Truth is that today is just like any other day. 

Truth is…

… that there will be many surprises to come, a lot you didn’t anticipate or plan for

… that there will still be failures

… that there will still be broken hearts, or angry, unforgiving hearts

Just like any other day

The only thing that can change is you, how you view all that will come your way, despite your best plans and intentions

If for every New Year’s Day, you become just a bit less of your old self in however you react. And more of a new one - a bit calmer, a bit steadier, a bit more open, a bit more accepting, a bit more loving. 

Then every New Year’s Day becomes a special day like no other.

2022: Another Shemitah Year

 I lost Nanay and became an ulilang lubos. My prex/vp candidates lost in the elections, a first for me to be all out in support and campaigning. 

I will be leaving this role for a new one next year. After only 3 years with my crew, I will bid them adieu and take on a new challenge in the company.

I was diagnosed with this esophageal condition at risk of becoming a neoplasm. I have to severely change my eating habits, including minimizing caffeine and alcohol. This is on top of hypertension, and a heart condition that may lead to a stroke. Of course, the plethora of maintenance medicines I have started to take to manage all my conditions. Sakit-sakitan portion as my friend would put it. I am having difficulty limiting alcohol (a bit more successful with limiting caffeine). So I dread the outcome of 2023’s executive check-up.

And that led to my struggle to lose weight. I can’t do intermittent fasting anymore.  But toward Q4, I was able to muster the discipline to stick to a diet and exercise regimen. I shed off unwanted weight and fat going into the holiday season.  I have finally signed up personal trainer for home gym. Of course I am putting some back due to Holiday Eating. But I feel more confident that I know how to lose this again.

I have begun serving at Mass again, extending my support to elderly women and the community that cares for them. I heard confession again after more than a decade. But I quickly slipped back. Old habits die hard. I give myself a pat on the back for being to hear confession again.

Aside from that, no major personal project accomplished. Just some improvements like installing solar panels at the beach property. I am still thinking what would  projects for 2023. Daddy Love Season 2? Maybe.  Or maybe finally work on the residence here in the metro, repairs and improvements.

I’m ending the year with a good starting point for savings. The condo is being rented out now. The beach property is also open and has been receiving guests. These are still far from target revenue levels post-employment. But I am pleased.

This really was a reset kind of year for me. I am excited and anxious for what lies ahead.  A blessed 2023 to all.

More random thoughts over a long weekend

Taking a breather from a toxic work schedule. Glad to have filed leaves for a long 4-day weekend. Back in the tiny beach house. Also to supervise some ongoing improvements. 

Weight Reduction achieved

Just a few posts back I was getting despondent. I couldn’t seem to find the will to get back on track. And I was 13lbs over my ideal weight. But with God’s help, I managed to achieve that again. It was a challenge as my health has changed much, with that esophagus problem. But I had to go back to basics - calorie counting for starters, and trying to balance out the little calories to include breakfast (no more IF for me). And working out, walk-jogging. Happy that in 2 months and a half, I did it. But it’s not for everybody. The sacrifice will not be worth it for many. The goal now is to build some mass, just to tone the body better. So I have hired a personal trainer to help me work out at home.

New work challenge coming

Last week, my boss brought me the news. I am being transferred to another group within the organization. Another move barely 3 yrs into this current role. I wanted to retire in this current role, with just 3 yrs to go. I told my boss to ‘resist’ any attempts to move me. LOL. And he did. He did argue to keep me where I am. But the prex had other plans for me. 

It’s not a promotion. It’s a lateral move that provides better opportunities for upward mobility. But with just 3yrs left, I am not holding my breath. It is back to my first love, marketing. So I am looking forward to the new challenges. Not as eager to do adjustments again as that group has a totally different culture from where I was. 

But one thing I did that made me proud. I came out to my future bosses. I had to make sure that they know whom they’re taking in. No surprises. Their response: no issue at all.

Resort is Open

Last October, this resort was officially opened for rentals. I was able to find a booking/reservations firm to manage just that, and list the property in their own site as well as AirBnB, Agoda, etc.  The deal covers the two kubo cottages that can accommodate 3 to 4 people each. Container tiny house is not included. But guests have exclusive use of the entire place (including the pool). 

It has been doing well. I have guests most weekends. And I have to block off those dates I want to use it for myself (like this weekend). 

I have to admit that I had some sepanx at the start. Haha. It was like letting go of a prized possession. Feeling that suddenly, it is no longer mine. But the feeling passed, especially when the revenues started coming in. LOL

Friendships

At this age you realize you don’t like certain people. Some of them are even ‘friends’. You hang out with them as part of a barkada. You have made connections through school, office, common interests or what-have-you. Moments together could be hilarious, fun. 

At first, it would seem that this should be your attitude towards the entire barkada. After all, you do have a lot in common. So you automatically like them all and include them as your friends. 

But as years pass, you realize that you don’t feel the same way for each of them. Some of them you still genuinely like. For you, they are really nice people. They mean well. They are fun to be with. There is mutual respect. You like spending time with them.

Some others you are just ambivalent. Your paths don’t really cross that often. And there is nothing in their demeanor that would make you want to be closer to them. Though nothing in them annoys you. So that relationship is status quo.

But some you end up admitting that you don’t really like them. You find them annoying. They bring negative vibes to you. But they continue to be part of the group. And it becomes a take-it-all or leave entirely. Leaving is not entirely attractive either. Exit barriers. LOL. The nice ones are worth keeping as friends. 

It’s a lazy, cloudy Saturday afternoon at the beach.