tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-35141153184283645602024-03-17T22:21:48.100+08:00Kath's Journey | Going one step at a timeChasing dreams. Exploring new horizons.
โA journey of a thousand miles begins with one small stepโ- Lao Tzu
katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.comBlogger932125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-42851066438130831862024-03-17T22:20:00.002+08:002024-03-17T22:20:56.739+08:00After the Solemnities<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPcSzwUBjmORQXJ2Mc-j9c1Alp9vx6lusfRpBncMYS9QZ9H0KdeFWWnbVw_ZMbU97qb8IUXYuOpGu_KcXQLkmXoa0CC_rmX-w_jqkzfv_M3bTca0iwX7nyFZZSp1_8ojyPwtxY7jdVgZRKLJKJNT7j9h3s_Pu8GqG4pAx5WP894yfdp1vWt5XTXrRLNQl/s755/Untitled%20design%20(78).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxPcSzwUBjmORQXJ2Mc-j9c1Alp9vx6lusfRpBncMYS9QZ9H0KdeFWWnbVw_ZMbU97qb8IUXYuOpGu_KcXQLkmXoa0CC_rmX-w_jqkzfv_M3bTca0iwX7nyFZZSp1_8ojyPwtxY7jdVgZRKLJKJNT7j9h3s_Pu8GqG4pAx5WP894yfdp1vWt5XTXrRLNQl/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(78).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sky was a beautiful hue of blue that day, and the setting moon was still visible in the horizon. On this peaceful day, we laid to rest one of the most generous souls I know.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">It's <i>a very curious thing</i> how certain experiences change our lives permanently. The world, as we see it, changes drastically before and after that event.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">One of those events is experiencing <b>death</b>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Witnessing death in the Harry Potter wizarding world results in one having the ability to see <i>thestrals</i>. It's a taboo, even in that magical world, and every witch and wizard that realizes that they can now see thestrals literally gains a different view of the world.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Being alive in this world for three decades now, I have been gaining this frame of mind that I am already familiar with how the world works. However, after this experience, I realized that I still have the emotional range of a teaspoon (quoting Hermione there *wink wink*). I have never really experienced the highest of high, (like falling deeply in love) and the lowest of low (like grieving for losing a close loved one) of the human emotion. Having had glimpses of these emotions made me guard myself more because I realized that these extremes in emotion would really hurl me out of control, and so I learned to tread along them very carefully.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the emotional spectrum, the end became visible in my horizon. Experiencing a death close to our family tree just hits different. I was humbled to have experienced grief rooted from my personal memories of that person. My usual encounter with this feeling was second-hand only, driven by the emotions from other people. However, this time, I had ownership of that grief. It's my first time to experience grief on this level. I found myself crying in odd moments throughout the day. When specific memories come rushing in, I would find myself in tears. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had to drop everything and travel to the province. I was only there a few days, but I have never experienced a funeral like this before. Seeing that familiar sala area, now covered with flowers instead... staying behind in the cemetery after the visitors have left... it was such a strange feeling to be in the midst of all of this. As I see familiar faces of my kin all emotional that day, I felt that energy pull towards each of them... that yup, these are my roots, and I'm part of this family.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was an eye-opening experience for me, seeing the aftermath of the funeral. I have been to wakes and funerals of friends, and other relatives, but this was my first time to experience the energy after a funeral. Everyone around me had puffy eyes and that feeling of exhaustion. After all the busyness of the ceremonies, I felt that everyone was slowly returning back to their normal routines, as we face the reality that our beloved is already gone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I realized that the process of accepting the loss happens after the burial. This is the moment when you try to go back to normal life but your heart is feeling that gaping hole of loss. I recognized that this is actually the most difficult part, returning back to "regular programming", but carrying this grief inside of you.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Through this experience, I got to see my dad in a different light. I have never seen him cry. However, that day, I heard his voice break in his eulogy. I saw him throw the first flower on the casket as it was lowered down the ground. I felt like time was in slow motion during that day. As I honored my ancestry that day, I felt some kind of comfort. I somehow felt less alone.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>IU's song somehow became the song that encapsulated my emotions for this experience.</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="152" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/track/0djkJ3iAARXRCbfbwwVc3o?utm_source=generator&theme=0" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm also reading this book entitled <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/58684290" target="_blank">Grief is Love by Marisa Renee Lee</a>.</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-15529619600439902502024-02-15T22:53:00.002+08:002024-02-15T22:55:23.505+08:00Realignment<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSvEeqBgvPYP2eT5Z7my5pHL3fJ1cB91Xe48jJdwJ22QONIGcWXuS4CCWUN-2_XpqG4pGHdtrpD2C5nrImOKt7K5M4A4VNaT-OyIE2lC7g0pn2oULADTdxyonF-eJgH_8mS2g6IHXpc_ueOnH-C8y1IOjdDc5NH-Wodzw7ekFSHwaAXoiUEXGsIUkAqbU/s755/Untitled%20design%20(76).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMSvEeqBgvPYP2eT5Z7my5pHL3fJ1cB91Xe48jJdwJ22QONIGcWXuS4CCWUN-2_XpqG4pGHdtrpD2C5nrImOKt7K5M4A4VNaT-OyIE2lC7g0pn2oULADTdxyonF-eJgH_8mS2g6IHXpc_ueOnH-C8y1IOjdDc5NH-Wodzw7ekFSHwaAXoiUEXGsIUkAqbU/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(76).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo taken at Shirakawa-go, Japan</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I just came back from a two-week international trip with friends, and since coming back, I was just feeling overwhelmed and all over the place. I felt restless, and I was losing interest in everything. It was a sign that I was entering a slump phase again. I tried to confront these feelings. I tried journaling, but I couldn't seem to find the words to truly express what I was feeling. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And then slowly, things started to become clearer. I have realized that I was not feeling grounded, because during those days of the trip, I wasn't able to listen to my thoughts. I was just going with the flow. The thoughts and feelings that I needed to process during the trip ended up being brushed under the rug because I was too overwhelmed with things that I was feeling physically. I was so tired that all I could think of each night was to just lie down on the bed and rest my body, wasted from all the walking and touristy things done for the day.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recent events also aggravated these negative feelings. I felt like being twisted like a pretzel just to please everyone around me, including myself. I felt so exhausted and totally out of myself. However, today, for the first time in weeks, I got to listen to my thoughts. And also, it was perfect timing that I stumbled upon this book by Matt Haig entitled <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/55825273" style="font-weight: bold;" target="_blank">The Comfort Book</a>. ๐And with just reading a few pages, it opened the floodgates in me. For the first time in weeks, I felt like feeling like myself again.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Here are some excerpts from the book that tugged hard on my heartstrings.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>You are the goal.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">You don't have to continually improve yourself to love yourself. Love is not something you deserve only if you reach a goal. The world is one of pressure but don't let it squeeze your self-compassion. You were born worthy of love and you remain worthy of love. Be kind to yourself. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>It's okay.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to be broken.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to wear the scars of experience.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to be a mess.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to be the teacup with a chip in it. That's the one with a story.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to be sentimental and whimsical and cry bittersweet tears at songs and movies you aren't supposed to love.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to like what you like.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to like things for literally no other reason than because you like them and not because they are cool or clever or popular.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to let people find you. You don't have to spread yourself so thin you become invisible. You don't have to always be the person reaching out. You can sometimes allow yourself to be reached. As the great writer Anne Lamott puts it: "Lighthouses don't go running all over an island for boats to save; they just stand there shining."</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay not to make the most of every chunk of time.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay to be who you are.</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's okay.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Upon reading these, I just saw myself crying. And I just let the tears flow. And I can feel parts of me healing. ๐ฅน</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-15687960407094575992024-01-07T16:36:00.003+08:002024-01-07T16:36:38.058+08:00PSAHelpline: Your Online Channel for PSA Certificates<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAPe7SWXm1hUAhxs3yHdA1jMuVYfUcKL5jSN5wxlVz5gGQl6PDS1sikJ7QkT4GMw8a5veXuvdNpg0GPw5JXSKnHaVit2y6e_PO9-tBSKSx1lIxrBbrYUXefP5tzX2LS9DOF0EyJ7kII9vDIj2d08ZwiUkDt99GtYSBuR5P7cLjEWX_AC4JQVkK-tSwHrV/s755/Untitled%20design%20(75).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYAPe7SWXm1hUAhxs3yHdA1jMuVYfUcKL5jSN5wxlVz5gGQl6PDS1sikJ7QkT4GMw8a5veXuvdNpg0GPw5JXSKnHaVit2y6e_PO9-tBSKSx1lIxrBbrYUXefP5tzX2LS9DOF0EyJ7kII9vDIj2d08ZwiUkDt99GtYSBuR5P7cLjEWX_AC4JQVkK-tSwHrV/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(75).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://psahelpline.ph/">PSAHelpline.ph</a> is a user-friendly online channel, simplifying the process of acquiring essential PSA certificates, including birth, marriage, death, and Certificate of No Marriage or CENOMAR. The website is easily accessible through desktops, tablets, or mobile phones, and offers a convenient and secure solution for Filipinos seeking a straightforward and efficient way to obtain vital civil registry documents wherever they are in the country.</p><div style="text-align: left;"><div><br /></div><div>Since 2000, PSAHelpline.ph has swiftly addressed the need for hassle-free ordering and delivery of PSA certificates. In an effort to provide better services, it has undergone remarkable enhancements, offering seamless and efficient features over the years.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Easy, Fast, and Secure Ordering Process</h3><div>PSAHelpline provides an uncomplicated ordering process, allowing users to easily request copies of their PSA certificates, all from the comfort of their homes or offices, ensuring that individuals across the country can benefit from its streamlined and efficient services.</div><div><br /></div><div>To order, follow these easy steps:</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Log on to <a href="http://www.psahelpline.ph/">www.PSAHelpline.ph</a> and fill out and submit the online order form. A reference number will be assigned to the application.</li><li>Pay for the order through any of the online payment channels available, or over the counter at payment center hubs.</li><li>Wait for the PSA certificate to be delivered.</li></ol><div><br /></div><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Cost-Efficient Shipping for Multiple Copies</h3><div>When it comes to ordering multiple copies of the same PSA certificate, PSAHelpline provides users with a friendly advantage that puts money back in their pockets. Implemented in January 2021, it is a cost-effective approach where the service ensures that the applicant only incurs a single shipping fee, no matter how many copies of the same PSA certificate is ordered to be delivered to one address.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Diverse Payment Options for Convenience and Safety</h3><div>Recognizing the importance of convenience and safety in transactions, PSAHelpline.ph provides a variety of <a href="https://pay.psahelpline.ph/payment-options" target="_blank">payment options</a>. Whether online or over the counter, applicants can choose the method that best suits their preferences and needs, ensuring a secure and reliable payment process. Applicants may conveniently pay online immediately after submitting their orders.</div><div><br /></div><div>Online payments are made available for the following:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Visa or Mastercard credit cards</li><li>GCash</li><li>Maya</li><li>Bayad Online</li></ul></div><div>Over the counter payments:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>7-Eleven</li><li>Bayad</li><li>Palawan Pawnshops</li></ul></div><div>Other payment channels available:</div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>BancNet ATMs</li><li>Dragonpay</li></ul></div><div> </div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Flexible Delivery Options, Including <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/national-bookstore-now-a-pick-up-point-for-psahelpline-ph-orders" target="_blank">National Book Store Outlets</a></h3><div>PSAHelpline.ph caters to usersโ needs with flexible delivery options. Users can choose to have their PSA certificates dropped off at select National Book Store outlets, providing a secure alternative for those unable to receive their documents personally.</div><div><br /></div><div>Opting for this delivery method provides individuals with the freedom to collect their PSA certificate at a time that aligns with their schedules, offering a convenient alternative for those constantly on the move or with unpredictable work commitments.</div><div><br /></div><div>The National Book Store pick-up option prioritizes security and privacy. The certificate will only be released to the certificate owner or an authorized requester, and this handover is contingent upon presenting a valid government-issued ID.</div><div><br /></div><div>As of now, this delivery method is available for orders within Metro Manila and select National Book Store branches. PSAHelpline is actively working to expand this service to include more provincial branches, ensuring that the convenience of the National Book Store pick-up option becomes accessible to a broader audience across the country.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Convenient Order Tracking</h3><div>PSAHelpline.ph takes transparency seriously by allowing users to track the status of their orders easily. With a simple click on the โ<a href="https://orders.psahelpline.ph/check-status" target="_blank">Check Status</a>โ button on the homepage and the input of the Order Reference Number, applicants can stay informed about the progress of their request, offering peace of mind and assurance.</div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">6. Reliable <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/psa-online-contact-us" target="_blank">Customer Support</a></h3><div>Experience personalized assistance with PSAHelpline.ph through the dedicated customer support hotline, available Monday to Saturday, from 8AM to 5PM (excluding holidays). Users can speak directly with a live agent to personally follow up on their orders or clarify any questions about the services. Alternatively, users can reach out through email at help@psahelpline.ph, and the email support agents will promptly address their concerns.</div><div><br /></div><div>PSAHelpline stands as a steadfast ally for those seeking convenient online access to PSA certificates. With over two decades of commitment, PSAHelpline not only ensures efficiency but also prioritizes the safety and security of the applicantsโ personal information. Serving as a reliable and user-friendly platform, it remains dedicated to simplifying the process of obtaining vital documents, embodying a legacy of trust that has stood the test of time.</div></div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeZIhoQWCTaS90-g06xnfqGBcGRnxLd-g0HW28-Qweckh4QCN32QsDaQ1ghefXHOSwWxQ1cFu3eCZlCheKzgMptG0z87eKlixsad5kea75KSbV6otTYXb8IN88yb5Ovt-W78hZgNWTvYJCvmZwTI8GFVl1E8Sr2KZgTFJtoB-zUyTox_yyg3J1dSZ8VTX/s722/psahelpline%20banner%201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="493" data-original-width="722" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyeZIhoQWCTaS90-g06xnfqGBcGRnxLd-g0HW28-Qweckh4QCN32QsDaQ1ghefXHOSwWxQ1cFu3eCZlCheKzgMptG0z87eKlixsad5kea75KSbV6otTYXb8IN88yb5Ovt-W78hZgNWTvYJCvmZwTI8GFVl1E8Sr2KZgTFJtoB-zUyTox_yyg3J1dSZ8VTX/w640-h438/psahelpline%20banner%201.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-767730485047580162024-01-01T16:10:00.016+08:002024-01-07T22:01:22.458+08:00My 2023 Highlights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6CaXiuwSBoNopOgQNaTYoG0EXgtiJLuftrGFji147fpJxggU2ML0TUOEQ2BaKrtfD_wquzRi5qTG6aNsNf79Gz_rpoZAdJj4_ZCAPFGEUBVn7KpEEBMjIk0bDSO61n8jAToA8hE83JhKao0I921MFrFBjNG14IpVaPl5tCSawYNhyphenhyphenbUZIwYp4GxL19iU/s755/My%202023%20Highlights.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs6CaXiuwSBoNopOgQNaTYoG0EXgtiJLuftrGFji147fpJxggU2ML0TUOEQ2BaKrtfD_wquzRi5qTG6aNsNf79Gz_rpoZAdJj4_ZCAPFGEUBVn7KpEEBMjIk0bDSO61n8jAToA8hE83JhKao0I921MFrFBjNG14IpVaPl5tCSawYNhyphenhyphenbUZIwYp4GxL19iU/w640-h432/My%202023%20Highlights.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">There's a lot of things that happened this year, from a post-pandemic perspective. There were more activities outside of the house and of the country. <b>It was the year that I felt brave enough to be out there, in both the literal and figurative sense.</b> โจ There were a lot of growth opportunities that I bravely jumped onboard. There were connections that got refreshed, and spaces that I had to let go to preserve my mental health. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Looking at my blogging history, this was the year with the fewest posts, and there were indeed moments that I was thinking that I was beginning to pull away from the blog. But no, I realized I will always go back to my roots as a creator and a storyteller (something I learned on the first few pages of <a href="https://www.feelgoodproductivity.com/" target="_blank">Feel Good Productivity book by Ali Abdaal</a>), and so the posts will continue, no matter how late they get to be published. ๐๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">๐ Experiences</h2><div><i>Attending weddings as my bookends for the year. </i><a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/06/life-logs-games-night-buses-caviar.html" target="_blank">My year started with a wedding</a>, and it ended with one. Both were of my cousins, who were younger than me. ๐ Initially I still had some shadows of awkwardness because the younger ones are hitting this milestone ahead of me, but as the months went by, I grew more and more comfortable with where I am. <b>It is what it is. </b>Comparing my timeline with them is just a waste of energy, and that's one of the learnings that I had this year. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGIrzgAj66Wk4lKQiiCvN5vqnKB8D_ZsQJ7L5rcsNaPPA3UX0gFYb5DPFmJLHCbWxUUsp0yGblSrNON17qz-RSMqIUe8_eWifHP2PRNGBgQwVuJY9aou1mVgyLtP0ErGRKEUZjKSUZfoDL-TMWxOy9iMeBX9oRHlceMYS31z2AkAMGB1FP-C0EZFq4Rfa/s1813/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Floral%20Happy%20Mother's%20Day%20Photo%20Collage.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1813" data-original-width="1333" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiGIrzgAj66Wk4lKQiiCvN5vqnKB8D_ZsQJ7L5rcsNaPPA3UX0gFYb5DPFmJLHCbWxUUsp0yGblSrNON17qz-RSMqIUe8_eWifHP2PRNGBgQwVuJY9aou1mVgyLtP0ErGRKEUZjKSUZfoDL-TMWxOy9iMeBX9oRHlceMYS31z2AkAMGB1FP-C0EZFq4Rfa/w470-h640/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Floral%20Happy%20Mother's%20Day%20Photo%20Collage.png" width="470" /></a></div><br /><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Focusing more on my eating habits. </i>This year had its highs and lows in terms of my health. I had phases of very unhealthy snack binging sessions, but later in the year I was able to shift my ways in a more healthier direction. And it reflected on my medical results on the latest APE. I'm proud of myself for being able to come back up from those challenges. ๐ช</li><li><i>Spending more time with relatives. </i>I'm grateful for those opportunities that I got to travel and visit relatives in the province and spend time with aunts and cousins.</li><li><i>Getting to drive in more places. </i>Tagaytay is now part of my driving comfort zone! ๐ I was able to visit the place multiple times this year so I got to become familiar with the roads. ๐<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1RDWdA4ZkSs2nHv_NAv6ezAapvSYyf4KGoWGv2zU-lLTVs08LUy8gsJIpBdjguGIbYliYEyumbEKFugelRWfQVsH3DIHzOF5htINU1lKNM5ISYq2oJl4zVtFQYaBMm7Tk7hRkjDkBQl8MBoUNqcTWxGmMfAjXG3dJJpxaTIjKT5DLhhC1IXrDkRve16b/s1767/Brown%20Ripped%20Paper%20Family%20Photobook.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1345" data-original-width="1767" height="488" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1RDWdA4ZkSs2nHv_NAv6ezAapvSYyf4KGoWGv2zU-lLTVs08LUy8gsJIpBdjguGIbYliYEyumbEKFugelRWfQVsH3DIHzOF5htINU1lKNM5ISYq2oJl4zVtFQYaBMm7Tk7hRkjDkBQl8MBoUNqcTWxGmMfAjXG3dJJpxaTIjKT5DLhhC1IXrDkRve16b/w640-h488/Brown%20Ripped%20Paper%20Family%20Photobook.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li><i>Fangirling online and onsite. </i>This year also gave me opportunities to fangirl! </li><ul><li>I got to watch the <b><a href="https://www.straitstimes.com/life/entertainment/youtube-stars-twoset-violin-and-davie504-to-stage-music-battle-in-singapore" target="_blank">TwoSet Violin VS Davie504</a> </b>Livestream, which I thoroughly enjoyed. </li><li>I also got to check out a <b>Swifties Night</b> in a local mall here, wherein I just low-key went around the activity area and quickly exited when I didn't find any pop-up store with fan merch, which was my main goal (<strike>but honestly I just got a bit intimidated by those younger fans LOL</strike>).</li></ul><li><i>Participating in a wellness retreat. </i>It was a very life-changing experience indeed, which I have detailed in a <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/08/my-first-ever-wellness-retreat.html" target="_blank">separate blog post</a>.</li><li><i>Organizing our family outing. </i>Our family doesn't really go to places for leisure. It didn't become part of our core lifestyle because of financial reasons. Now that we have some funds to spare for these kinds of activities, my sister and I pushed to organize a swimming activity. I'm so happy I got to bond with my nieces also. I hope this becomes part of their core childhood memories. </li><li><i>Being heavily invested in Taylor Swift's life. </i>I had to admit, I devoted too much emotion to all the drama surrounding Taylor's life, especially after learning about the ending of her six-year relationship. I was close to crying when I learned the news. During the months that followed, my emotions were in a rollercoaster. I'm a huge The 1975 fan, so I was so stoked when I witnessed my fandoms colliding. I was very affected with all the allegations, and all the events that followed after. After being down for a while, I was again lifted up upon learning about Tay's new beau. <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/08/surviving-great-war-of-tickets-taylor.html" target="_blank">And then there's the Eras tour ticket arc</a>. I would say this year, Taylor was heavily involved in controlling my emotions (and my money LOL).<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtNMq9KBJkJobOGXbtcpiKAfdTAPTOKoAnHdvTvJ499vHwcpyYcu0FmobLHq7ZbJ3oB5g4rbzDKpG0KE5UgithCx-qOqFxFErfAUhc8W8PVksBOKZ4h-SPz74TtUS5HVNdSD6BCmLDr5zlsJu9hvT4GMzC1fPMK_TBFdSHfH1C5q6g1X1V2S2vVho9jAP/s2000/Light%20Grayish%20Orange%20Photo%20Collage%20Design%20Scrapbook.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="2000" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmtNMq9KBJkJobOGXbtcpiKAfdTAPTOKoAnHdvTvJ499vHwcpyYcu0FmobLHq7ZbJ3oB5g4rbzDKpG0KE5UgithCx-qOqFxFErfAUhc8W8PVksBOKZ4h-SPz74TtUS5HVNdSD6BCmLDr5zlsJu9hvT4GMzC1fPMK_TBFdSHfH1C5q6g1X1V2S2vVho9jAP/w640-h512/Light%20Grayish%20Orange%20Photo%20Collage%20Design%20Scrapbook.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This photo is so precious. If you know, you know. ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></li><li><i>Connecting with fellow Swifties. </i>Because of all the hype of the Eras tour, I got to reconnect with Swifties that are my colleagues at work. We formed a bond over our Eras tour ticket purchase journey, and just spazzed around our favorite artist. </li><li><i>Changing dynamics at work. </i>There were a lot of adjustments that happened at work, mostly due to our adaptation (seriously this time ๐ช) of <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/09/study-session-scrum-methodology.html" target="_blank">the Scrum methodology</a>. The first few sprints were the uphill journey, and I really had to do some paradigm shifts on how I do things. As of this writing, we are in our 10th sprint, and I have to say we are running way smoother now compared to how we were when we started. There were lots of learnings, but I have proved again and again how resilient I can be in a situation.</li><li><i>Adopting more crystals into my collection. </i>๐ฎIn relation to the previous bullet, one of the methods of coping where I found comfort was finding more crystals to assist on my meditation sessions, and just to help me shift into a more positive mindset. I feel grateful for having access to these tools to help me recuperate after those dark days. โจ</li><li><i>Travelling abroad for that convention. </i>I'll have to write a whole new separate post regarding this, because I have a lot of things to say about it. For now, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Universe for making this happen. It really felt like a full circle moment. ๐<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7QWfh7H_bDYNBxpHO9kk9lOxk8E3WQ3EZu8xxxdlg5ce7IeS0aW3vNWg_3kA5xA38JJpEY4z151RKaXIN5X0nrE3atWvbAP_k0pERtNQH3uNsbaUk8LqxrYseY8mME7HqjyDKY2HXAJfNhvoabUw9wQG9gD-qxoK3I8PCkj1l6fX1P3Eo5tFeYu_BkVx/s1860/Brown%20and%20White%20Simple%20Photo%20Collage%20Scrapbook%20(1).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1860" height="550" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW7QWfh7H_bDYNBxpHO9kk9lOxk8E3WQ3EZu8xxxdlg5ce7IeS0aW3vNWg_3kA5xA38JJpEY4z151RKaXIN5X0nrE3atWvbAP_k0pERtNQH3uNsbaUk8LqxrYseY8mME7HqjyDKY2HXAJfNhvoabUw9wQG9gD-qxoK3I8PCkj1l6fX1P3Eo5tFeYu_BkVx/w640-h550/Brown%20and%20White%20Simple%20Photo%20Collage%20Scrapbook%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></li><li><i>Receiving a Tarot reading from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashlili.readings/" target="_blank">Ashlili</a>. </i>I have been following Ash in various socials for a while and I discovered that she offered Tarot reading services. I booked a session with her, and then several weeks later, I received a YouTube link from her with her reading for me. I didn't have a cohesive interpretation of it the first time I heard it, but I gave it some time. I had to rewatch the video a few times, until that one message stuck with me: it's related to <a href="https://labyrinthos.co/blogs/tarot-card-meanings-list/the-magician-meaning-major-arcana-tarot-card-meanings" target="_blank">the The Magician card</a>, and that interpretation that the things I needed are actually within my reach and available to me already. I just need to recognize them.</li><li><i>Taking in a potential diagnosis that will change the way I do things. </i>That's a mouthful of a prologue. LOL. Well let's just say a possibility was introduced to me, but as of today I have still yet to confirm things. Even so, I already did things to hopefully turn things around. I have changed my diet and lifestyle, and because of this doctor's opinion, I have become more conscious of my overall lifestyle. Things really need to change now. ๐ดโโ๏ธ๐ฅ</li><li><i>Watching IU's concert in the cinema. </i>It's been a long time since I fangirled over KPOP artists. IU is one of those artists that I really like, and I was so hyped when I learned that there's a screening of her concert in SM cinemas. I spent no time and immediately booked my ticket. ๐ซ Watching her concert reminded me of the feeling of magic that music and the arts can give. It makes life more wonderful and exciting. I received that message in the right timing because I was somehow feeling like a robot during that time ๐ค. Her music reminded me to search for the childlike wonder in me and remind myself of the things that sparked joy for me.</li><li><i>Playing video games with my niece. </i>๐ฎDuring Christmas, my niece and I bonded over playing Little Nightmares I and II. We screamed, laughed, and cried during the gameplay. </li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><h2 style="text-align: left;">โฐ๏ธ Accomplishments / Milestones</h2><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>I successfully taught one of my cats to ring the bell for food. ๐ป I attempted to teach the other ones but I was only successful with Patty. Through this process, I learned who among them were fast learners, and who were just very clueless about the whole thing. ๐น<br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoSl4zi9ct7yJi_axdCgqLtgN5PcYZjomRdzmjWX8RH1E3nK38oHEKMpWsc1Yq1YFd5pJf_cGxIi-NAIqoaf-elvvUGNStF_UKmhe_HefkSNgONvRoOCd7Bta9t6lwZvfsQaHj2j89karwYs6dwqQN8YiBnao8YHyJh1PMnev84ult3rxqr8XTZeB544I/s1333/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Floral%20Happy%20Mother's%20Day%20Photo%20Collage%20(1).png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1333" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcoSl4zi9ct7yJi_axdCgqLtgN5PcYZjomRdzmjWX8RH1E3nK38oHEKMpWsc1Yq1YFd5pJf_cGxIi-NAIqoaf-elvvUGNStF_UKmhe_HefkSNgONvRoOCd7Bta9t6lwZvfsQaHj2j89karwYs6dwqQN8YiBnao8YHyJh1PMnev84ult3rxqr8XTZeB544I/w640-h542/Beige%20Aesthetic%20Floral%20Happy%20Mother's%20Day%20Photo%20Collage%20(1).png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uhm, this is becoming a... thing. ๐ผ</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div></li><li>It was liberating to recognize that I have been holding onto some limiting beliefs that made me "freeze with fear". During this year, I was able to go past the facade of that uneasiness and to actually go deeper to the roots of this feeling. I realized that the method to resolve this is very similar to how I do things at work: investigate the root cause, evaluate impact, and come up with a fix. However, unlike software bugs that go away immediately when the fixes are applied, my concern needs some time to see the changes. But as always, learning and recognizing that I had the problem is key progress already. With this newfound discovery, I hope to work on my weaknesses so I could become stronger and braver in facing the unknowns in my life. ๐</li><li>I was able to do the Toastmaster of the Day stint in a face-to-face setting! I was so proud of myself. I learned a lot during that journey. I had to nurse a bit of trauma (that lasted for weeks) because of a wrong turn that I did... things could have ended so badly. ๐ I'm so grateful that the Universe saved me from that catastrophe. </li><li>Aside from being able to drive multiple times to Tagaytay, I was also able to extend my driving horizon to BGC! It was my first time going there using a car. I patted myself on the back because I didn't get lost (thank you Google Maps! ๐).</li></ul><h2 style="text-align: left;">๐ง Game Changers</h2><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b><a href="https://herperiod.co/collections/period-underwear" target="_blank">Period Underwear</a>. </b>Apparently this was a thing. I'm very happy to have discovered this. It's comfy to use and very environment-friendly.</li><li><b>Ice Bath. </b>I have only properly done this once, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/08/my-first-ever-wellness-retreat.html" target="_blank">during the wellness retreat that I attended this year</a>. It really changed me. Since setting up an ice bath takes too much effort for me, I seek at least a cold shower. I see to it that it's cold enough for me to feel the shivers in the first few minutes. I get to apply the breathing techniques that I learned during the retreat. I stay under the shower until my body temperature has stabilized. I get to enjoy cold showers now. That's a huge game changer for me. ๐ฟโ๏ธ</li><li><b><a href="https://thingsweuse.ph/products/twu-ergonomic-floor-cushion-foot-rest" target="_blank">Ergonomic Foot Rest</a>. </b>As someone who is still doing work from home most of my working days, a good workspace is a priority. And so this year, I discovered the wonders of having a proper foot rest, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/04/building-ergonomic-workspace.html" target="_blank">huge thanks to the evaluation I had requested from the office</a>. I have never felt this comfortable sitting on my chair and working away for hours (of course with breaks in between)!</li><li><b>Compounding Productivity. </b>Thanks to <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@aliabdaal" target="_blank">Ali Abdaal's YouTube videos</a>, I got to be reminded of ways on how to improve my productivity habits. I have to say I'm not always consistent, but I always found my way towards the right direction. I realized that the <a href="https://aliabdaal.com/newsletter/the-magic-of-compounding-productivity/" target="_blank">magic of compounding productivity</a> is real, because I got to experience it first-hand.</li><li><b>Tarot Cards. </b>I have always done <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/05/clow-cards-reading.html" target="_blank">my readings on my Clow Cards</a> and I really enjoyed the process of doing interpretations for the spread. Ever since receiving a Tarot reading from Ashlili, I got curious about the Tarot Cards. I thought of buying one for myself, and thankfully, I found the perfect one for me: <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/08/phantomwise-tarot-my-first-card-spread.html" target="_blank">The Phantomwise Tarot Cards</a>. โค๏ธ๐ค</li></ul><div align="center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Isang post na ibinahagi ni ์นดํธ (@katalinarosario)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Habit Stacking. </b>Part of the productivity hacks that I have learned this year, (c/o the famous <a href="https://jamesclear.com/atomic-habits" target="_blank">Atomic Habits book</a>) I discovered the magic of habit stacking. After applying the concept in my routine, I got to read more books this year (incorporating reading in my morning/bathroom/evening rituals ๐) and also finished the Sandman audio books (listened while doing the dishes). Through this method, I get to accomplish more within a shorter period of time. ๐</li><li><b>Microblading. </b>I never really had the urge to have my eyebrows done, but since my mom wanted one, I went with her and had mine done also. My brows now look more defined and I only need to do minor touches whenever going out. It's a game changer really. </li><li><b>Microdosing.</b> ๐This is one of my game changers also this year. I got to try some from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/neuro.heal">neuro.heal</a>. I purchased all of their blends, and the one that worked on me best is their <b>Calm </b>blend. I really felt so peaceful and calm. I take it whenever I want to unwind from a stressful week. The effects are subtle but you do feel the difference. It felt surreal doing meditations while "feeling" it. </li><li><b>Taters' Tofu Chips. </b>I rediscovered this gem when I prepared for stuff to bring to a friend in the US. I was so happy to make my friend happy because this is one of her favorites, which was available locally only.</li><li><b>Meal Planning. </b>Because of the reminders that I received from the Universe that I really need to establish a healthier lifestyle, I went into experimenting on how I prepare my meals. I tried doing a batch of meals that lasted me a week, and I also stocked up on healthier options instead of sweets and junk foods. โค๏ธโ๐ฅ</li></ul></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">๐ก Takeaways</h2><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>My strongest anchor is my family.</li><li>Journaling is such a healing process.</li><li>Reminders are life savers. ๐</li><li>The Universe listens. All you need is to ask.</li><li>Follow your intuition.</li><li>Focus on the connection, not the relationship.</li><li>"Stop telling yourself that story."</li><li>You 100% miss the shots that you donโt make.</li></ul><div><br /></div><div>Thank you 2023 for these. โจ</div></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-24025383224028641742023-12-31T13:21:00.001+08:002023-12-31T13:21:14.925+08:00Book Reads: The Shadow & Bone Trilogy (Leigh Bardugo)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSkKfMg9kXxyOzS8s8-AGZzqG2KI6Hm1cxOOLh-JjXOytZHYc6LCqt3XMeYd7iOqWCMtTQZ0xDtVVM0oyqg57YHAv39dodggWjVokn73XZZhNLLVT_uLDf6zK10JDUhAQdlgxx0LKZ5QTgmHFX4PDD274QAi7mED3z4NOOwnY7rwcgWIT6zG-swBwrqP3/s755/Untitled%20design%20(74).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuSkKfMg9kXxyOzS8s8-AGZzqG2KI6Hm1cxOOLh-JjXOytZHYc6LCqt3XMeYd7iOqWCMtTQZ0xDtVVM0oyqg57YHAv39dodggWjVokn73XZZhNLLVT_uLDf6zK10JDUhAQdlgxx0LKZ5QTgmHFX4PDD274QAi7mED3z4NOOwnY7rwcgWIT6zG-swBwrqP3/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(74).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a while since I got hooked reading a novel. I thought this was because of my shortening attention span (due all the doom scrolling that I have done on social media ๐ ). However, I realized it just depends on the material that I am reading. In this case, I was able to finish three books in a matter of weeks. That says something about how good the series is. I'm referring to the "Shadow & Bones" trilogy, written by Leigh Bardugo. The series has been picked up by Netflix and created two seasons for the adaptation of the novel. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have first encountered the Grishaverse (as they call it) in the Netflix adaptation actually. I liked it so much that I wrote them on the blog (both <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/06/netflix-series-review-shadow-bone.html" target="_blank">season 1</a> and <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/04/netflix-series-review-shadow-bones.html" target="_blank">season 2</a>!). I only got the motivation to go to the original book material when it was announced that Netflix cancelled the production of season 3. ๐ญ I felt so devastated upon learning this because I was really looking forward to the next season because season 2 concluded in a very interesting cliffhanger, that raised a lot of questions within me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so because I had no choice left to learn what happened next to Alina and the gang, I sought after the books. Upon some quick research, I learned that the story in the novel is already wrapped up. I felt relieved because at least for the novel, I am assured that I will learn the conclusion of Alina's story as the Sun Summoner.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the first few chapters of the first book, it was a glaring difference from the Netflix adaptation that the Six of Crows were missing in the plot. I would later learn that the characters were from a different book spinoff. And then as I read further, I discovered the differences in the story that went on the books compared to the Netflix adaptation.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Some of the differences that I have discovered are the following:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><b>The book describes the Darkling's powers as far worse and more powerful. </b>There were more standoff battles with the Darkling, and also more deaths in the books.</li><li><b>It was the Darkling that made the first move for the kiss towards Alina. </b>It's the opposite in the Netflix adaptation.</li><li><b>Nikolai had more depth as a character in the books. </b>This was quite understandable, because the books provided more details about him. I got to like Nikolai in the books. He's one extraordinary man, and he went through a lot that allowed him to develop that strong character of his. In the TV series, it was implied that he had some kind of romantic feelings for Alina, but in the book, we see that the marriage proposal was first and foremost a political and calculated move. But despite all that, he genuinely cared for her still.</li><li><b>Alina and Mal's love story is so much better in the books.</b> It was the conclusion that I badly needed after seeing how their relationship went in the series adaptation. The story sequence wherein Mal had to sacrifice himself for the firebird was so satisfying in the books, and that plot twist was so shocking (which the Netflix series did a 180 degree turn). Actually, that twist was the reason I loved the novel version so much. Alina and Mal had such a happy and sweet ending. And my heart ached upon reaching the last page of the novel because I loved them so much.</li><li><b>The Apparat and the older prince was totally skipped in the Netflix series. </b>The Apparat had some significant role in the series so it was a surprise for me that this character was missing in the Netflix series. However, this is I think because the TV adaptation had to make some room to cover the Six of Crows arc, so they had to slash off these supporting characters.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;">I was actually surprised that I got hooked reading the books, even though I already knew the plot for more than half of the book. However, even though I already knew the flow of the story (for the most part), it was still a joy to revisit the adventures of Alina and Mal, and the interactions with the Darkling and the other Grisha. The storyline got vivid because of the details of each chapter. I just used my imagination to fill in the new details provided by the book.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was such an adventure. <b>The books were hard to put down. </b>Good thing I was reading it <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/09/gadget-review-amazon-2021-kindle.html" target="_blank">on my Kindle Paperwhite</a>. I was able to read it when I was waiting at the clinic or at home before going to bed each night (which was a lovely alternative also for doom scrolling at night). I really got so attached with Alina and Mal's love story. Closing the book felt like I was parting from people that I got to love so much.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm so glad that I got the motivation to read the books. Even if Netflix changes its mind and continues the series, I think I won't follow it anymore, because it doesn't have the happy ending for Alina and Mal. I'm treating the Netflix version now as not canon. ๐</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-8251678006468251362023-11-02T11:27:00.004+08:002023-11-02T11:27:57.654+08:00Q4 2023 Goals Setting & Steps<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJidHfilhRME_YyTuzDLoSm1I0rXHlI_MKVtlU0EXxcTMGLCnfYspNKvhemHmjNNMHVeFt-wrEWNTV5J_0WxVu0pzr8pmbPnRHH8NfJxUcjITo7NV5d24CTDIGtX-f5esis9SvayOfrsEyo5B-KAa5lbA_4SbXXtANwlzyu25pnVyPiV261M6UozndTTtz/s755/Untitled%20design%20(72).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJidHfilhRME_YyTuzDLoSm1I0rXHlI_MKVtlU0EXxcTMGLCnfYspNKvhemHmjNNMHVeFt-wrEWNTV5J_0WxVu0pzr8pmbPnRHH8NfJxUcjITo7NV5d24CTDIGtX-f5esis9SvayOfrsEyo5B-KAa5lbA_4SbXXtANwlzyu25pnVyPiV261M6UozndTTtz/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(72).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>๐ฉโ๐ผ Career - prepare and execute the purpose of the trip</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฐ Financial - be closer in my goal of having my own place</div><div>๐ฃ complete notes from seminar</div><div>๐ฃ trim down options that I have</div><div>๐ฃ pros and cons of owning a place</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>๐ก Personal Development - continue Toastmasters</div><div>๐ฃ finish the video task</div><div>๐ฃ join the coaching sessions</div><div>๐ฃ attend meetings</div><div><br /></div><div>๐งโโ๏ธ Spiritual - deepen my mindfulness rituals</div><div>๐ฃ meditation, journaling</div><div>๐ฃ lock down morning and evening rituals</div><div>๐ฃ tarot cards</div><div>๐ฃ Jason Stephenson's course</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ Educational - pick up trainings</div><div>๐ฃ finish the notes</div><div>๐ฃ book more trainings</div><div><br /></div><div>โค๏ธ Relationship - establish boundaries</div><div>๐ฃ internalize through journal prompts</div><div>๐ฃ show up for friends (old & new)</div><div><br /></div><div>๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Physical and Health - cut off habits that no longer serve me</div><div>๐ฃ eliminate carbs, sugar</div><div>๐ฃ be more active</div><div>๐ฃ longer sleeping hours (sleep before midnight!)</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Check out also my new podcast tackling down these goals for the quarter. ๐ง๐</div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/6U5wrGrLdcXvpCtfuWVhMI?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-29914423448885485502023-10-30T09:26:00.001+08:002023-10-30T09:26:04.852+08:00Q3 2023 Goals Evaluation<div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdQZHPW4MlgFnA-9ILhaVj98H2ewKIoJ2e4X5Wb0yTLMgz40GzwtuZocqe-gfFOWmIBjlksUE6ZSfrSDsYcn6dEvVR-YLRl2z_GmFyjkmw1-tKSH3qIPWxtuHtML1WNYPL2bh4pcA8cPkHRwQJAWS0adtMzB7bcmWEYv2t4TQu4i3mEwK3MkQRXfisSA0/s755/Untitled%20design%20(71).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvdQZHPW4MlgFnA-9ILhaVj98H2ewKIoJ2e4X5Wb0yTLMgz40GzwtuZocqe-gfFOWmIBjlksUE6ZSfrSDsYcn6dEvVR-YLRl2z_GmFyjkmw1-tKSH3qIPWxtuHtML1WNYPL2bh4pcA8cPkHRwQJAWS0adtMzB7bcmWEYv2t4TQu4i3mEwK3MkQRXfisSA0/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(71).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">๐ <b>Career - prep for the deliverables for the trip</b></div><div>This one deserves one huge sparkling gold trophy. I was able to pull it off, all thanks to the support of the people around me. Of course, I will credit my own hard work as well. Believe me, the pressure and stress leading up to that moment was so towering that it left me in freeze mode as a coping mechanism. I dropped most of my responsibilities outside of work and really focused my energy on getting things done before the trip. When the event finally concluded, I literally felt the weight lifted off from my shoulders and I felt so relieved and fulfilled. Will I put myself through that "mental torture" again? I definitely would. I am starting to lay out my plans as early as now. And then let's see where things go.โจ</div><div><br /></div><div>๐โโ๏ธ<b> Financial - lay out options and filter and select</b></div><div>This is something I have been wanting to do for the longest time, and I still feel the spark for this goal. So, I am continuing the journey for this one next quarter with a refreshed vigor to make things happen.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐โโ๏ธ<b> Personal Development - attend and take on a role every month</b></div><div>I wasn't able to stick with this one, because of my career goal. I still have a lot of tasks I owe to them, so I'll do my best to catch up with them. ๐ </div><div><br /></div><div>๐โโ๏ธ <b>Spiritual - morning and evening routines</b></div><div>I have discovered a number of useful apps that will help improve my mental health, and so that is what I will continue to focus on. I'm still in the process of really solidifying what habits work for me, what rituals I can stick with, and which ones are practical and really useful for me in the long run. It's all trial and error for now, but for sure I'll be able to arrive at a formula that works perfectly for me.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐โโ๏ธ<b>Educational - finish notes rewrites</b></div><div>Again, due to the career goal, I also had to drop this one. I still have the same ones in queue and so I am targeting to have them done in the next quarter.</div><div><br /></div><div>๐<b>Relationship - pay it forward</b></div><div>This goal doesn't really have an ending, but I would like to believe that I was able to nail this one down. It's a muscle that needs to be exercised often so that it becomes second nature. It's a win for me for this quarter, and I am definitely continuing to spread positivity and kindness. ๐</div><div><br /></div><div><div> ~o~</div><div><br /></div><div>Legend:</div><div>๐ Finished</div><div>๐โโ๏ธ Still in Progress</div><div>๐ Aborted</div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-90585381199898825592023-09-10T21:46:00.009+08:002023-09-11T07:09:19.556+08:00When Life Happens<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvtvy6Gg6humQERVO39rBxbIjthcLiEdYtUrs2-wWKWUbzRqiRd7ZkPbB2dpijwJ_AmpzV965GEE2Ws_fXpdyb2F5b1ffzzlMi6J37RpPrZ_tQSjCcgQVrBT2RDjbWU8yXG06Vg4cANoSobxSFZDSQ-EDA7qYEUkTDeQTzrk0DXmgR8UHW2fvEFPT5fcB/s755/Untitled%20design%20(70).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcvtvy6Gg6humQERVO39rBxbIjthcLiEdYtUrs2-wWKWUbzRqiRd7ZkPbB2dpijwJ_AmpzV965GEE2Ws_fXpdyb2F5b1ffzzlMi6J37RpPrZ_tQSjCcgQVrBT2RDjbWU8yXG06Vg4cANoSobxSFZDSQ-EDA7qYEUkTDeQTzrk0DXmgR8UHW2fvEFPT5fcB/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(70).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's intriguing to think about how we honor our loved ones one last time after they have passed away from this world. We all get together and pay our last respects to the now lifeless body that used to be the vessel of the soul of someone dear to us. It's like a reunion, and together we reminisce about the old times and the memories that we have shared with this person.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Experiencing this event, I realized just how powerful being alive really is. This body is our shell wherein we get to communicate and express ourselves to other people. Each of us get to talk to each other and say how we feel, and we get to see what their reaction is, how they would respond back to us -- if they would laugh at our jokes or tell what their opinion is, or even cry and hug us when we tell them something that is emotional. <i>All of that gets robbed from us when someone dies.</i> During a wake, we exchange a lot of stories and in general think about that person all the time. But the bitter reality of life is -- we won't get to hear the voice of this person and see the reactions on all the things we want to say. The exchange of energy that's usually shared between the two of you is just now flowing one way and it feels so disorienting and confusing and frustrating for the giver.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">When things like this happen, it's fascinating to observe how things we treat as "important and urgent" just naturally and easily fade in the background. All the things we spend countless hours of our lives into -- work, study, deadlines, exams, test results, etc. -- when things like this happen, we drop everything, and realize what's the most important thing of all amidst all the noise around us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Death makes the living feel closer to each other. We appreciate each other for being there. We suddenly realize how much love we can pour out to the people that truly matters to us, and the feeling of compassion and empathy becomes overwhelming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">But we must realize that death is just as natural as being born. During that same day, I felt the fascination of seeing my two-month old nephew for the first time, adoring that innocent aura of a soul freshly brought into the world. I imagined what great things he could do in this life and how he will impact his family and others during his life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The most heart-wrenching moment is that last goodbye before the dead are put to rest. Seeing those parental figures, who have become the pillars of my life, break down and cry is one of the most painful things to witness. And to hear a mother say her last goodbye to a son is deeply heartbreaking. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And this is just how life is. We experience gains and losses in life. I recognize that this will happen to me too. One thing that I'm always praying to the Universe is to provide me with the tools to make things easy for me. <i>Nobody said it was easy. </i>I'm hearing Coldplay sing inside my head. Before, I used to ask the Universe to let me be prepared when it happens. But really, nothing prepares us when these things happen. Now, at the very least I pray to the Universe to give me a support system and the tools that I can use to make things easier.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">These recent events just got me thinking a lot. This is just how life is. Truly bittersweet.</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-49427399772538542372023-09-02T21:50:00.000+08:002023-09-02T21:50:11.829+08:00Study Session: The Scrum Methodology<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR9iuXjg0LYM_0ZO6VefVyUA-N7Z3JJO_fTVhTyG2jRVW-mP44n55so3wz_o5WXwp1JOn7Q8r-fmaxiTmZesW-OyJnYFoU9_udKhSt3PSb_QREdDMTkZOa0gFnRl9zdp1_TK8bTEVPOnTrj6oVH5_qZ0FeLQxi_8sElxLIuZI2ywhZCuDDx2ZAEUFOyYE/s755/Untitled%20design%20(69).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmR9iuXjg0LYM_0ZO6VefVyUA-N7Z3JJO_fTVhTyG2jRVW-mP44n55so3wz_o5WXwp1JOn7Q8r-fmaxiTmZesW-OyJnYFoU9_udKhSt3PSb_QREdDMTkZOa0gFnRl9zdp1_TK8bTEVPOnTrj6oVH5_qZ0FeLQxi_8sElxLIuZI2ywhZCuDDx2ZAEUFOyYE/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(69).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our team at work has started to adapt to the scrum method for planning and implementing our deliverables. When it was first announced, I felt some level of shock on how things will be done differently. Coincidentally, I was in this headspace of being a student of life by studying something every night instead of doom scrolling on my phone ๐. And so, I decided that this topic will be my first subject to study on.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><h2>๐Reference </h2><a href="https://learning.oreilly.com/library/view/scrum-novice-to/9781457199455/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: medium;">Scrum: Novice to Ninja</span></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>M. David Green</b> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div>This book worked well as a headstart on the details of the Scrum process. Reading this greatly helped me in following the discussions and understanding the motivations for certain decisions by the team. <p> </p><h2>๐ Notes & Takeaways</h2><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="font-size: large;">Scrum Roles</b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="font-size: large;">consist of the following:</span></div><b><div><b><br /></b></div>Scrum Master - </b>officiates the scrum rituals; makes sure everyone is able to follow the scrum process; It is not advisable to make the Dev manager the Scrum Master as this will cause unnecessary tension during Daily Standups<div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Product Owner - </b>defines the user stories and the acceptance criteria in coordination with the customer, ; monitors the backlogs<b><br /></b></div><div><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Dev - </b>picks up the dev tasks<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>QA - </b>does the testing</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b>Scrum Rituals</b> are:</span><br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sprint Planning </b>- this is when prioritization and organization of the sprint logs are done; this is also when story points are assigned; Story points should be agreed <i>by all the members</i> of the team during the discussion. Stories are organized <i>in order of priority</i> in the backlog and devs/qas pick up tasks on top of the sprint log. Because of this setup, there would be a scenario that a member would pick up a task that is outside of their specialization. Based on scrum principles, this is intentional so that all members will be well-rounded in their projects and will have a wider perspective on the overall architecture where the team's projects reside.<br /><br />Quoting from the book:<br /><br /><i>"While it's valuable to have the most skilled talent working on the stories that are most appropriate for their specialties, it's also valuable for a team to share knowledge, so that everyone has a clear sense of what's involved in developing and maintaining the whole product. This helps the team become more versatile, provides learning and growth opportunities, improves everyone's ability to estimate new stories, and prevents mission-critical information from being the exclusive responsibility of one person. Finding the proper balance of efficient development and knowledge sharing is up to each team."</i></div><div><i><br /></i><b>Daily Standup</b> - should span 15-30 minutes only; it is the Scrum Master's responsibility that this ritual is timeboxed correctly; no side-discussions should be done; <br /><b><br /></b></div><div><b>Sprint Demo</b> - quick demo of the stories deployed for the sprint; optional to invite customers during this ritual<br /><br /><b>Sprint Retrospective </b>- What went well? What can be improved?<div><br /></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><br /></b></span></div>Scrum Artifacts</b>:</span><br /><br />Product Backlog<br />Sprint (usually has a 2-week long duration)<br />Stories<br />Burndown Chart<br />Story Points<br />Velocity Chart<br /><div><br /></div><div>The Scrum process can be made flexible to adapt with what works with the team. Our team is just warming up with incorporating Scrum with how we work. I'm also learning a lot, especially in the area of hitting my deadlines. ๐ This is a work-in-progress and I am thinking of new strategies to manage my work (especially due to upcoming commitments ๐ช๐ฅ) so I really have to amp up my time management skills. This is exciting times. I'm ready for the challenge! ๐ง ๐โจ</div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-76698823393516384322023-08-27T07:55:00.006+08:002023-08-27T08:07:32.946+08:00Surviving the 'Great War' of Tickets: Taylor Swift Eras Tour<div style="text-align: left;"><p style="text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2cs43L3uPVt5fqzkKnQkMGJcuQprg-oakn8TI6olgxFzmt68weHShdGVRvnj6_f-tf9hoDBycEV--QnVQgzc1VHjahF5SpWpxY_w7Db0SXcaBJFOtRhC6EEzk64-6BvpK5WdO0ZXZrcNy8I8Mrbv9z08aG8S6B1sngFwU_BQMzxpKx8e2kXTiMcG62kD/s755/Untitled%20design%20(68).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih2cs43L3uPVt5fqzkKnQkMGJcuQprg-oakn8TI6olgxFzmt68weHShdGVRvnj6_f-tf9hoDBycEV--QnVQgzc1VHjahF5SpWpxY_w7Db0SXcaBJFOtRhC6EEzk64-6BvpK5WdO0ZXZrcNy8I8Mrbv9z08aG8S6B1sngFwU_BQMzxpKx8e2kXTiMcG62kD/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(68).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>I have successfully purchased Taylor Swift Eras Tour tickets. โจ</b></div><p></p>I'm so happy that this statement holds true to me now, since this week. For the first few days since securing the tickets, it didn't really sink in. Am I really going to the Eras tour? ๐ณThis was something that I have been chasing <i>for months </i>and I'm just still in disbelief that it has already happened. I still had some hesitation from truly embracing and receiving this blessing, thinking that it might just be a dream, or something that could still be taken away from me. But no, this is for real. I'm going to see Taylor Swift next year.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">First of all, I thank the energies of the Universe for making this happen. I am forever grateful to my supportive Swiftie friends, who reminded me of the upcoming sale on that day. They were witness to the heartaches that I have felt during the different sales and lotteries that I have gone through to get tickets. I was already in that headspace that this concert is just really not for me, especially now that I needed to prioritize some family stuff. But I had this feeling that I didn't really need to choose (who says I cannot have both? I am having both!). So when I learned that there's still a chance, I told myself I'll just try. If it is meant for me, it is meant for me. When I finally got that assurance that yes, this is happening, it was a joy to break the news to my friends that I finally got to secure tickets for the tour!๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">A first-come-first-served and lottery ticket selling did not serve me well in the past attempts. Maybe because of this learning, I didn't really put that much pressure on myself. I already acknowledged that these are things that are out of my control. But of course, I still had to prepare. Together with my friend Jean, we geared up for battle. I came from the office that day, and thankfully I was able to arrive home with ample time before the sale. And so I prepared my laptop and my windows, coordinated with Jean (she was still in transit to her home), and waited for the sale to start.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Exactly at the top of the hour of the sale, I began refreshing the page. Expectedly, an error page got displayed, stating that the website was experiencing high traffic. <b>The war has begun. </b>From the past ticket wars, I have learned that the refresh key is your ultimate weapon. And so that was what I repeatedly did for the next several minutes. The error page remained, but I pursued offense. ๐คบ<br /><br />I recognized the URL changes whenever I got to the next steps of the pages. And so like an observant warrior, I took note of my adversaries' motions and saw the pattern. I copied those different URLs in a notepad and retried to access them directly whenever I encountered the error page again. And that technique worked. โจWhen the page loaded successfully, I saw that my current step was retained. I didn't need to start from the top. <br /><br />This technique did not work every time, but when it did, my heart skipped a beat. The defining moment was when I reached the "item authentication" page and realized that it was really all about the timing. Thousands of people were accessing the site at this time, and I just had to send my request at the right moment for it to go through. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>And then it happened. </i>The page loaded and I was redirected to the page to fill out my details. With sweaty hands, I typed my information. Upon clicking the Next button, a red banner at the top displayed with an error "invalid smartphone number". Oh no. What did I do wrong? And so for the next several minutes, I repeatedly tried to enter every combination of my phone number, and the error was still there. I asked my friends for help. I asked Google for help. I asked a phone number generator website for help. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Desperate times call for desperate measures. </i>I knew I had to figure out how to go past this validation. I looked at the instructions on that field. There was a sample format for the phone number. Gut instincts kicked in, and I entered the sample number and clicked the next button. The error was gone! Instead, I was redirected to a new error message page saying something like the session has timed out. ๐ It was not my desired result, but I knew I was making progress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so I was back from square one, but I now knew my adversaries' weakness point. I just need to be face-to-face again with it to be able to execute my final blow. โ๏ธ I recognized that I spent a precious 15 minutes figuring out that phone number validation and the odds of securing a slot has hugely dropped by this time. But my hopes did not falter. I repeated my mantra. <b>I believe, I believe. If it is for us, it is for us. </b>As long as the war had not officially ended, I knew I still had a chance. And so back in the main battle arena, I repeated my tactics. After countless error messages and window refreshes, I reached the page with the form details again. I located the enemy's weakness point (the smartphone number field ๐) and performed my attack. I clicked next, and it worked! The new page showed a list of questions with me requiring to select 'I agree' in all of them. I knew this was a critical stage, so I answered them as fast as I could. When it came to the last three questions pertaining to my phone number details, I answered with the correct information. I clicked next and the rest was history.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">As if the arena echoed with a voice shouting 'Finish him!', I sailed through my offense strategy. I executed my final blow by entering my credit card number and providing my OTP. <b>"It is done!"</b>, I declared. But I had to make sure that it was fatal. I locked my eyes on the screen as the next page loaded: <i>Booking Completed.</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">With adrenaline still pumping in my veins, I stared back on the screen. It's done. I've done it. I checked my email and there it was, the confirmation email with the booking details. For two tickets. ๐ฅน Finally, I removed my armor down and rushed to message my friend with a screenshot. We proceeded with meeting over Zoom as we collectively reflected on what just happened. We were internally screaming with excitement! In our group of Swiftie friends, we were the last two warriors standing that still needed to get tickets and to be honest, the last few ticket wars took a toll on our emotional health. ๐ We did not emerge victorious and unscathed during the Ticketmaster presales, Klook sales, and Lawson lottery sales. We were already doing our own thing recovering from those battles. So we perfectly understand what this victory meant for us.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We agreed to wait for the transaction to be "officially sealed" before spreading the great news to our friends. After a few suspenseful days, it was finally locked in. And it finally sank in. We are going to the Eras tour! ๐ผ๐โจ The next several months will be busy season. A lot going on at the moment, indeed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Typing all of this, it's still sinking in. Planning for the trip has kicked off and the excitement is just permeating in my skin and bones. This will truly be a full circle moment as <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/06/solo-in-tokyo-day-4-wandering-around.html" target="_blank">I return to that place</a>, not as a passerby anymore, but as an attendee that will witness this historic event.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Thank you Universe for this. I am forever grateful. โจ</p>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-54493667607066938532023-08-21T16:46:00.009+08:002023-08-28T06:57:06.583+08:00My First Ever Wellness Retreat<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2sW9hTB54OymRsu6pgXxM2wpQzWDZSJliigyoRgQCRLVcRj9tibg3vkiH1AhP6srAj-QGTkZAE4OOoxyvLgB5efX41uxcSfdQkhgZYQGmqkKh1nwwE12DR1Z0uq00cH5eKxbHNpeS3nUGH5cT2RWLQxNm_mSjYmO86C6jOLODtfM9jJR4_EYGWmhQfYW/s755/that's%20me!.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP2sW9hTB54OymRsu6pgXxM2wpQzWDZSJliigyoRgQCRLVcRj9tibg3vkiH1AhP6srAj-QGTkZAE4OOoxyvLgB5efX41uxcSfdQkhgZYQGmqkKh1nwwE12DR1Z0uq00cH5eKxbHNpeS3nUGH5cT2RWLQxNm_mSjYmO86C6jOLODtfM9jJR4_EYGWmhQfYW/w640-h432/that's%20me!.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">Earlier this year, I did one of the bravest things I have done in a while. I would say that this comes next to <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/04/solo-in-tokyo-introduction.html" target="_blank">travelling alone in Japan in 2019</a>. I found myself driving to the farthest south that I have ever been, to attend a <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cov7DI9PS5n/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">SoulSpeak Yoga Retreat</a>. They are based in the Philippines and organize various wellness and yoga retreats around the country. During that weekend, I came to meet like-minded individuals who were, like me, searching for something. We really didn't know that at first, but as we went along that journey, we got this realization of why we were there. </p><div style="text-align: left;">Sometimes, scrolling on Instagram opens up some opportunities.๐ I discovered <b>SoulSpeakYoga</b> through the platform, and even before learning about this yoga retreat event, I got to already attend a few of their meditation courses over at Zoom. I got to like the vibe of their community. It so happened that I was still hurling myself up from a rock-bottom experience from last year, and I was beginning to feel discouraged because things have not been improving, and it's already been a year. ๐ Those feelings of frustration had been burdening me since then, so I think this was the reason I really felt called upon to attend this event. I thought about deciding to attend for so many times. Looking back, I think the stars did align for me to experience that weekend retreat because 1) I got to find that IG post at the perfect time, 2) I had the resources to go there, and 3) I had the courage to travel alone. It was one of those moments wherein I thought- "Just try it. There's more to gain than to lose from this."</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">The Travel to the South</h2><div style="text-align: left;">It was my first time to travel as far south as this one. Of course I still felt anxious about driving, but I think the Universe paved some way for me to have some practice to gain some confidence, because during the previous week, I drove to our province along this area also. I also applied the lessons I learned from that trip and rechecked my route on Google Maps a thousand times to make sure I don't make a wrong turn again enroute to my destination. ๐ There was just a slight hiccup during the start of my day as unprecedentedly I had some emergency at work and had to log online on a Saturday morning. Thanks to my teammates, I still got to push through with the trip (although I had to leave the house a bit later than I originally planned). I guess this was the start of my lesson for that weekend -- learning to set personal boundaries.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so I started my road trip to the south! I followed Google Maps and continued the expressway road up until I saw mountains in the distance! I was just at awe about this during my trip, and I felt at that moment that I was really escaping the city into a peaceful weekend.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">My Arrival & First Impressions</h2><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UiZBCa3FtwGbV4eoxtCZ69_zmF0NhDy6_Ur1EG-N5zREiGsald4mADjHlk9Gu6zQuwo9coDJAREdrKGexT4Hud3Kjj15xUBN73ymfOMfNFHfFhFAwhHmTq6LbVtKgQL4A5n2Hp9rukA6Q4uo6WSJW4UPdBupMzTsDtxAKE2KD1KQ3LyS_hRFI35Qrjnv/s2016/PXL_20230325_025932242.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2UiZBCa3FtwGbV4eoxtCZ69_zmF0NhDy6_Ur1EG-N5zREiGsald4mADjHlk9Gu6zQuwo9coDJAREdrKGexT4Hud3Kjj15xUBN73ymfOMfNFHfFhFAwhHmTq6LbVtKgQL4A5n2Hp9rukA6Q4uo6WSJW4UPdBupMzTsDtxAKE2KD1KQ3LyS_hRFI35Qrjnv/w480-h640/PXL_20230325_025932242.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First photo I took upon arrival.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After a few hours of travel, I finally arrived at the resort. A caretaker helped me with my bags and led me to my room. She told me that the rest of the attendees were in the lobby and I can go straight there after visiting my room because the resort tour was just about to start. Since we walked along the lobby, I already saw my fellow retreat attendees and they were all girls! After a quick hi, I continued to follow our caretaker to my room. Upon entering the room, I met one of my roommates, Apple, whom I learned later was a doctor. After settling my things we went together back to the lobby to formally meet the rest of the group.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBSAIrbzXYvAvMLqa7Vges2UJ79hEWYsgo5FGXaM-sJI8itPXT4LOH008DZnj4KqkMScGSls91hGwC0xhNpA_fcPEMDCDYP3us-p4ApOAbO8OTpNi1mP0lwCuDN_ipOZvVrkohRoh19JLtyhOLHCQdDNqhUBlCOaKL6YrOgmHd9kzQA56-WsZ071DRP-s/s2016/PXL_20230325_044440841.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXBSAIrbzXYvAvMLqa7Vges2UJ79hEWYsgo5FGXaM-sJI8itPXT4LOH008DZnj4KqkMScGSls91hGwC0xhNpA_fcPEMDCDYP3us-p4ApOAbO8OTpNi1mP0lwCuDN_ipOZvVrkohRoh19JLtyhOLHCQdDNqhUBlCOaKL6YrOgmHd9kzQA56-WsZ071DRP-s/w480-h640/PXL_20230325_044440841.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My space for the retreat ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Tour Around the Resort</h2><div style="text-align: left;">Our group was given a tour around the resort. I got to appreciate all the green scenery. The place was full of trees and flowers. The resort also takes pride in their crops, which they harvest and use to cook for their guests. Speaking of guests, I think it was only our group who was there at the resort, which really made the venue a perfect place of sanctuary to unwind and destress.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8UoGUBkpjK2tLVJID9f3JiQcHKBkCfUIqJyRT9M3PsgmFRpRu75kDms8GZIkohqi2szKZtARuLNQ5BLrOU2LR1bkgA3kqcGsEd5Y3VYCAXRVfB47riNgPcxs7ud832o5UKAfv46yH86iYVtcPH5wm9lD7f528ZcbhneqZkeVdDVrH24tRXrKcdH1Cw5X/s2016/PXL_20230325_031909257.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8UoGUBkpjK2tLVJID9f3JiQcHKBkCfUIqJyRT9M3PsgmFRpRu75kDms8GZIkohqi2szKZtARuLNQ5BLrOU2LR1bkgA3kqcGsEd5Y3VYCAXRVfB47riNgPcxs7ud832o5UKAfv46yH86iYVtcPH5wm9lD7f528ZcbhneqZkeVdDVrH24tRXrKcdH1Cw5X/w640-h480/PXL_20230325_031909257.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As we were being toured around, I started observing our little retreat group. We were around 10 in total. Most of us were solo goers (only three knew each other). I was happy because most of us were coming from the same page. I was also amazed to realize that these ladies also went here into this retreat without knowing anyone. I did acknowledge that participating in this activity did involve some risks, but I just trusted the Universe that I would be safe. I realized that they also did the same. I also realized that in the natural flow of things, I would never be able to meet them. They were from different walks of life and from different disciplines. There were lawyers, doctors, a single mom, and those in advertising. Meanwhile, I am from the IT world, which is such a small social bubble. They were actually quite amazed that I was a techie person (an impression I have not received in a long while now, I guess the last time was still in college, in a GE subject lol). Everyone was just so warm and had this welcoming energy. I really felt like I was in a safe space.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">First Meal at the Resort</h2><div style="text-align: left;">It was already lunch time then, and so we were led to the dining table and were served with our lunch. They had vegetarian options also. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfuEeHsxqiwjNacI62ff5vRoR1GhXPhGWQY061yDI4NIMl4bFDtUuh1x9WWLoJMhexXO7GmL04TOZOoahi9UUOBX9hDiRPOTWknPJR-7czEc-6-J0IezZWpooKd8-QWwVv9r1lZbYGhEO-4x9aQxkYIhZOYhurnyfpvFF6U3BnFlTr9UIRFrcXIzERhPH/s1733/PXL_20230325_035011777.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1371" data-original-width="1733" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCfuEeHsxqiwjNacI62ff5vRoR1GhXPhGWQY061yDI4NIMl4bFDtUuh1x9WWLoJMhexXO7GmL04TOZOoahi9UUOBX9hDiRPOTWknPJR-7czEc-6-J0IezZWpooKd8-QWwVv9r1lZbYGhEO-4x9aQxkYIhZOYhurnyfpvFF6U3BnFlTr9UIRFrcXIzERhPH/w640-h506/PXL_20230325_035011777.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJOu7iVFPmvnPl579_SPqZMh8f7hdq6-kjDdw4X3cREsRAmksNLFzQpu2HCObk4TbbntPjmZRS-xS4vGWBTbnRy3E7Mwx9kY2lw30JRhkKwOCGycxbKljYcBqgY-9V0mtlqr0nk6hqNfppDZmL2gFdItCAZVExncDj3WNb0g8BYvFWynmrq4iTyEzDsfP/s1712/PXL_20230325_035217478.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1075" data-original-width="1712" height="402" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilJOu7iVFPmvnPl579_SPqZMh8f7hdq6-kjDdw4X3cREsRAmksNLFzQpu2HCObk4TbbntPjmZRS-xS4vGWBTbnRy3E7Mwx9kY2lw30JRhkKwOCGycxbKljYcBqgY-9V0mtlqr0nk6hqNfppDZmL2gFdItCAZVExncDj3WNb0g8BYvFWynmrq4iTyEzDsfP/w640-h402/PXL_20230325_035217478.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v-FtaXohASm65YJ40u1EGlEIyT3pfpeZ02QhTG8VVExBUaOM0pw5vePM2ufGPToHove36iozF2TaML-QeIhUuLU7URi5bbfAyZrdfm2eVxN-02S2ERMc3MPJ1flmAHC7UaPe4WQimwwXmZIUyZ_FAcu8bPXd8WsHFChsqY7PoGf8DJ7K_n4WeOvUdq9J/s2016/PXL_20230325_042309330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9v-FtaXohASm65YJ40u1EGlEIyT3pfpeZ02QhTG8VVExBUaOM0pw5vePM2ufGPToHove36iozF2TaML-QeIhUuLU7URi5bbfAyZrdfm2eVxN-02S2ERMc3MPJ1flmAHC7UaPe4WQimwwXmZIUyZ_FAcu8bPXd8WsHFChsqY7PoGf8DJ7K_n4WeOvUdq9J/w640-h480/PXL_20230325_042309330.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Their food was so good! I could really tell that they were made of fresh ingredients. It was a very satisfying meal. My favorite was the dessert (of course!), which was this strawberry ice cream inside a coconut. It was so refreshing to eat the ice cream with fresh coconut meat. It was a great combo. My tastebuds were pleasantly surprised.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">While eating, we chatted away. Most of us learned about the retreat online and I'm glad to know that I was not the only one who was a first-timer. They just saw the event online and I guess just like me, they felt the calling to attend the retreat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC32EhS8molhA0XM1QaSK6b9nVg7g0NhjVhGMecbTfM0vQ3RlkSZqPsIQFXTn1PZ7V_nAC6lHSfkwi0p3HlXs4DWguQrblyycSjKu2GhZwRkCFVTjWwILmnT6Nt3Ei6-fnxzW7PeEeGnD3hAXcwVl7RSgyvWlWXt94OlY8YPFRhkvpvMYaESqzluoY37-9/s640/IMG-20230325-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC32EhS8molhA0XM1QaSK6b9nVg7g0NhjVhGMecbTfM0vQ3RlkSZqPsIQFXTn1PZ7V_nAC6lHSfkwi0p3HlXs4DWguQrblyycSjKu2GhZwRkCFVTjWwILmnT6Nt3Ei6-fnxzW7PeEeGnD3hAXcwVl7RSgyvWlWXt94OlY8YPFRhkvpvMYaESqzluoY37-9/w640-h480/IMG-20230325-WA0000.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The whole retreat group, with teacher Pam (rightmost).</td></tr></tbody></table><h2 style="text-align: left;">Retreat Starts: The Sharing Session</h2><div style="text-align: left;">After the tour, we finally got to meet our retreat facilitators, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lovefrompaam/" target="_blank">Pam</a>, and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_guillyhernandez/" target="_blank">Guilly</a>. Pam asked us to pick one card from her Oracle deck and then had us form a circle, and we did so sitting on our yoga mats. We did some short breathing exercises to clear the space. The first activity we had was to introduce ourselves and why we were there at the retreat, and also to look at our chosen card and see what the message of the Universe was for us. I guess to have the ball rolling, Pam and Guilly started with theirs. At this moment, I felt grateful to my Toastmasters training because I felt less anxious about the situation. And also maybe it's because I felt that I was in a safe space with these people, technically even if we were (still) strangers.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I would say this was the point when we entered the glitch in the matrix. For the next several minutes, as each of us gave our stories I have never felt so vulnerable and open in my life. I believe the rest of the participants felt the same. I'm not ashamed to say that I cried during my turn. As I looked at my card before my turn, something stirred inside of me. When it was my turn, the waterworks just gave way, <i>in full force. </i>I felt like I was digging up repressed feelings and thoughts as I translated them into words. Again, I experienced the healing that can happen when you get to have someone to listen to you, making you feel seen and validated. It has a very powerful effect.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWXSrKWAIOOKsi7dW0AK5E9ICLxBNkgEvoKW_yEU1jKTBYDEahZeQg0xycPvjJYLrZ-4U2JK4y32qjAxrbD7ttnVaCzCzSB65QTk7LIMKq2AfHhJQWFIIovbcwfFIokRLGUmRq96ip9IvFtmL4Iv9oMNlLqlPUWhjwbquoxze-UM-oW6UxyEHNvxRAmu3/s1512/PXL_20230325_063559776.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1493" data-original-width="1512" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWXSrKWAIOOKsi7dW0AK5E9ICLxBNkgEvoKW_yEU1jKTBYDEahZeQg0xycPvjJYLrZ-4U2JK4y32qjAxrbD7ttnVaCzCzSB65QTk7LIMKq2AfHhJQWFIIovbcwfFIokRLGUmRq96ip9IvFtmL4Iv9oMNlLqlPUWhjwbquoxze-UM-oW6UxyEHNvxRAmu3/w640-h632/PXL_20230325_063559776.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also got to learn more about humanity during that sharing session. My first impression with these ladies was that they were very strong, confident and independent people. As I listened to their stories also, I realized that really, each of us are having our own battles in life. I felt their walls go down and really talk about their deepest fears and insecurities. I would say more tears were shed during this time.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Yoga + Sound Healing Meditation</h2><div style="text-align: left;">After our afternoon break (which involved some siesta back in our room ๐ด), we went back to the lobby in our yoga clothes for another activity. Pam and Guilly led us with some introduction about cold immersion, which all of us will be doing tomorrow morning (yay!), and also did some breathing exercises that we could use during the cold immersion to quickly stabilize our body temperature.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOj27r46zeE3fEG5aeOS8qnWczoYypl8i8RtsouXfRBWjK8peDUGjKQRsC7T_ChZkSAIocDYv2cJMMqJVRVovWy9FrdZdriwYzBKxSJiYkBaTy57D0O7azri8iwRuKEIf_neUQxCmiHwnGKAS4Sf-MDsH3i5Qp3qKTDQhvtBZ0DNqxgOvtobdwGAuDeVz/s614/IMG-20230401-WA0019.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioOj27r46zeE3fEG5aeOS8qnWczoYypl8i8RtsouXfRBWjK8peDUGjKQRsC7T_ChZkSAIocDYv2cJMMqJVRVovWy9FrdZdriwYzBKxSJiYkBaTy57D0O7azri8iwRuKEIf_neUQxCmiHwnGKAS4Sf-MDsH3i5Qp3qKTDQhvtBZ0DNqxgOvtobdwGAuDeVz/w500-h640/IMG-20230401-WA0019.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Then another facilitator, teacher <a href="https://www.instagram.com/awakenedsoul.ph/" target="_blank">Francesca</a> led us on a Kundalini Yoga and a Sound Healing session after. During the sound healing, she had a lot of instruments around her. I wasn't able to watch her play them during the sound healing (because we were all lying down with our eyes closed) but it was so amazing to hear these instruments in real life. For example, the singing bowls. I only got to hear sounds of those via a recording from a Spotify playlist. My ears could really feel the vibrations when I heard them during this session. It was so different! I was near the "mini stage" so I could really feel the vibrations. I believe this was the moment that I decided I wanted to have one myself (which I later on did purchase! yay).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjkQUiVx3T0xlg4rb97w8TLeLW-EvciHNFUG8AZ4JpoYfozA-OMd1-HRCMjIaDjMyMVQtSQ-ImJPwThuHijheH4cX9F_D8N78BVjDkQHxrCMxUUvtqHxWZB-D1wywvRfnIAgvNn5ICuDTuuQqkxCKHK5ikEGDi6AP0NeTaMfX5n5o6EQ9inD9oTeBgWwZ/s2016/PXL_20230325_095713198.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1128" data-original-width="2016" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPjkQUiVx3T0xlg4rb97w8TLeLW-EvciHNFUG8AZ4JpoYfozA-OMd1-HRCMjIaDjMyMVQtSQ-ImJPwThuHijheH4cX9F_D8N78BVjDkQHxrCMxUUvtqHxWZB-D1wywvRfnIAgvNn5ICuDTuuQqkxCKHK5ikEGDi6AP0NeTaMfX5n5o6EQ9inD9oTeBgWwZ/w640-h358/PXL_20230325_095713198.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1hLW8EUR_ZkTn61T5KC6od9DnelfJ9Asj1vyLE5_6AyDSfxn47j4171WyqNyGJ7fD0ZldLfQdPodkSTnDO_Vw6UMsLhq7txUivsxU7FP7uIVOo9LUuPx7stx4rr7vd-LalwXcEZ5zgaCcxCpA21yP8Brxl3pgZKbVZP1_4v8jbC6_u5zszL6r0XsKiK/s480/IMG-20230401-WA0009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="402" data-original-width="480" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjx1hLW8EUR_ZkTn61T5KC6od9DnelfJ9Asj1vyLE5_6AyDSfxn47j4171WyqNyGJ7fD0ZldLfQdPodkSTnDO_Vw6UMsLhq7txUivsxU7FP7uIVOo9LUuPx7stx4rr7vd-LalwXcEZ5zgaCcxCpA21yP8Brxl3pgZKbVZP1_4v8jbC6_u5zszL6r0XsKiK/w640-h536/IMG-20230401-WA0009.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0pWOf886i30fY-za2wWK4xloZgFCASSsfbBZqZFmbu1n3EDlVk2Sa8DzJo5889OE81Hj69kAmxmQT7uxeIa1CA8SuoDq3fVPblgt6Jj53HwAG6NSUQLrFdAajKE8ZfgrSS0rbVBu6_Yi-Uf7lfJD7NjqhVbpCBKUerdFc6FJvIapXQr-3n3HqCZsjTRP/s640/IMG-20230401-WA0011.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq0pWOf886i30fY-za2wWK4xloZgFCASSsfbBZqZFmbu1n3EDlVk2Sa8DzJo5889OE81Hj69kAmxmQT7uxeIa1CA8SuoDq3fVPblgt6Jj53HwAG6NSUQLrFdAajKE8ZfgrSS0rbVBu6_Yi-Uf7lfJD7NjqhVbpCBKUerdFc6FJvIapXQr-3n3HqCZsjTRP/w640-h480/IMG-20230401-WA0011.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_A_Oa93ZYFqfE6GmWoJGNZMYQXRI3gJkSqizNbd524FqnjmQFWTrFD5NpztG9jmaXL62Ly2if6kYflVXxzUfZNK_lT1hJOO_dYM6uiSATWwENy6LnHCAHv0pjK9BTW5DZQMM6uFqrsTuK_eyh3DSu7tZUYAkQu2lUTbJO8O2SeLMYgI6ZzjnLHv3Oum7/s615/IMG-20230326-WA0020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="426" data-original-width="615" height="444" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-_A_Oa93ZYFqfE6GmWoJGNZMYQXRI3gJkSqizNbd524FqnjmQFWTrFD5NpztG9jmaXL62Ly2if6kYflVXxzUfZNK_lT1hJOO_dYM6uiSATWwENy6LnHCAHv0pjK9BTW5DZQMM6uFqrsTuK_eyh3DSu7tZUYAkQu2lUTbJO8O2SeLMYgI6ZzjnLHv3Oum7/w640-h444/IMG-20230326-WA0020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Dinner + Bonfire</h2><div style="text-align: left;">I didn't realize that it was already night time (curious how time passes by when you are meditating!). Of course it is eating time again! We were served with a fabulous dinner again. My favorite was the <a href="https://panlasangpinoy.com/binakol-na-manok-recipe/" target="_blank">binakol dish</a>. It was my first time to try this and it was such a nice twist from the tinola dish that I am used to.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmegVHKHtYDeQExZ7xYQUrp2N9zDLmyb8NiL1-fQaF7ZgiT3ea42y1RZJPomLZxRTcHOg33gLygLWsRqrza6u8AkcAY9phxECl-xnmAKxwraanxkjRrprxScwXIaxaf6EBVACULrnc92VgPrgYNmqfr_Y-sGh6sAMeqUqOh0gTU_8Ke3vM-mkCwMEneQt/s1714/PXL_20230325_121255359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1714" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQmegVHKHtYDeQExZ7xYQUrp2N9zDLmyb8NiL1-fQaF7ZgiT3ea42y1RZJPomLZxRTcHOg33gLygLWsRqrza6u8AkcAY9phxECl-xnmAKxwraanxkjRrprxScwXIaxaf6EBVACULrnc92VgPrgYNmqfr_Y-sGh6sAMeqUqOh0gTU_8Ke3vM-mkCwMEneQt/w564-h640/PXL_20230325_121255359.jpg" width="564" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Shortly after dinner, we assembled around the bonfire that was already set up outside. They provided us marshmallows and crackers for us to create smores. It was my first time doing this and it was fun! It was a bit tricky at first to cook perfectly toasted marshmallows, but we tried. ๐ Eating the melted mallows sandwiched in chocolate mallows was so good! I felt my inner child dancing happily during this experience.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was also a clear night, and so amidst the flames of the bonfire, I got a glimpse of the stars at night. It felt magical, like a dream. โจ</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNwGDnq5WvZHKKAzypcPipqcWV5Fl2F2vHedYpCtVaS6QNFA5IgK1X2fab3FKOY3SALWxshtIoEWUmZIePsUByEXupeksKl_fJPa4U7q-ezZ6UaGDX9vxBxpCNKedGwDgE7cHXH2Iob4eefk8zCffWR5FIDWeNQcf6iV00eoiEm8wZqZVNM3FUcwBNENm/s614/IMG-20230401-WA0024.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="614" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeNwGDnq5WvZHKKAzypcPipqcWV5Fl2F2vHedYpCtVaS6QNFA5IgK1X2fab3FKOY3SALWxshtIoEWUmZIePsUByEXupeksKl_fJPa4U7q-ezZ6UaGDX9vxBxpCNKedGwDgE7cHXH2Iob4eefk8zCffWR5FIDWeNQcf6iV00eoiEm8wZqZVNM3FUcwBNENm/w500-h640/IMG-20230401-WA0024.jpg" width="500" /></a></div><div><br /></div>At this time I still did not realize it, but I actually picked up one of the snacks that my roommate personally brought. I thought it was part of the snacks provided by the resort. ๐ (sorry Apple!).<div><br /></div><div>After a few chitchats, I was beginning to feel sleepy, and so together with my roommates, we returned to our room to rest for the night. ๐๐ค<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Early Morning Walk + Grounding Meditation</h2><div style="text-align: left;">I always had this habit of waking up early even during out-of-town trips. Maybe it was just really embedded already in my body clock to be already up and awake by 6AM. And so just like clockwork, by sunrise, I was already wide awake. Since everyone was still asleep, I decided to do some morning walks (like I always do) outside.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>This morning walk was just magical. </i>It felt like there was something that was stirred inside me and now this energy is awake and connecting to the energy of the Earth and of the Universe. The atmosphere was also perfect for some meditation because the air was dewy cool. I decided to remove my slippers and walk barefoot t<a href="https://www.spafinder.com/blog/spa/grounding-rituals-a-new-age-old-way-to-connect/" target="_blank">o really feel and connect with the energy of Mother Earth</a>. The grass was slightly damp, but it felt perfect. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I came upon the remnants of the previous night's bonfire. Seeing this lone chair here made me think that someone had some solitary time last night. And then I got reminded of the Loneliness Oracle card that I drew yesterday and the things I shared yesterday. I felt the energy of the Universe, addressing those inner demons and fears that I have let go during that session. I felt it at the atomic level, how I am so entangled and intertwined with the Universe. The energy was comforting, letting me know that yes, I am never alone. I felt like I found my inner peace. If only I could capture this mood and energy and store it in a bottle, I would. But for now, the energy imprint is stored in me. My mind and body will remember it forever. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxA2aTm6fqjfL7RgnN0Nfh6LivMqNUCu8IXYlTsRut0QQJiWrfPwsTr7q4hWv3mTdWqKosR6mvk1bOGx2LqhRcyYfTt2YvqT3l9d5jy8Sj2PedQd3tnffjxmKEpztAXx-Jpih9WQ5KOCZA9_1WBczFJcZjoxIE6Z-tjyRirBXo9bjVECuaN1oLgXNKpw1/s1971/PXL_20230325_215129720.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1330" data-original-width="1971" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipxA2aTm6fqjfL7RgnN0Nfh6LivMqNUCu8IXYlTsRut0QQJiWrfPwsTr7q4hWv3mTdWqKosR6mvk1bOGx2LqhRcyYfTt2YvqT3l9d5jy8Sj2PedQd3tnffjxmKEpztAXx-Jpih9WQ5KOCZA9_1WBczFJcZjoxIE6Z-tjyRirBXo9bjVECuaN1oLgXNKpw1/w640-h432/PXL_20230325_215129720.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">During this moment, I felt goosebumps and I just allowed myself to cry, but this time it was all happy tears. It also felt like all my energy pores were open and my senses were heightened and I was just feeling everything. I was just so grateful that I was here at this moment, that I was able to experience all of this. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I looked back <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/07/iloilo-trip-2020-day-4-transfer-to-city.html" target="_blank">to a similar morning walk that I had 3 years ago</a>, and it was like a full circle moment, but this time I was at the opposite side, receiving the answers to all of the questions and anxious energies that I have thrown to the Universe back then.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-ug1g8okjL1-4-boW9in7HUh9C8ff0F-SLFR5bEpVr5rPiCEA6pDwPWW6RsqlV-v66ZHUk9VZRbDtrdA89AVDSeb7o9vOeKNqXd8yeOhACBfjY1XWmU2lyJEeon0K7R5wIRuwLGK4KkLmacOH3OZdDhyq3nv_4QuuuGZo1ppWUGlsiCLsH26ucwXq83X/s2016/PXL_20230325_215313164.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv-ug1g8okjL1-4-boW9in7HUh9C8ff0F-SLFR5bEpVr5rPiCEA6pDwPWW6RsqlV-v66ZHUk9VZRbDtrdA89AVDSeb7o9vOeKNqXd8yeOhACBfjY1XWmU2lyJEeon0K7R5wIRuwLGK4KkLmacOH3OZdDhyq3nv_4QuuuGZo1ppWUGlsiCLsH26ucwXq83X/w640-h480/PXL_20230325_215313164.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>I continued my morning walk around the resort. It really is amazing how nature can heal the soul. It has been a long while since I have relaxed like this outside of the busy city... outside the responsibilities. ๐๐ </div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7hpC_W1qnqMc5zjERib45U2VPIl1QcQAWXtLbliAUeOelzyPTKjYGKfOKJtT7NrhdgdHsTxjz561rccDoBrsVnyha7FlyjtFWt4YJIwx9frOTFXPX0DGWtUUSisv5_sgw5hfGzQB1G6u_OTN9VAvW7C8_3NETY8OAF8EFDU7FZksP3ttKRdSoAYazLm4/s2016/PXL_20230325_215956661.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-7hpC_W1qnqMc5zjERib45U2VPIl1QcQAWXtLbliAUeOelzyPTKjYGKfOKJtT7NrhdgdHsTxjz561rccDoBrsVnyha7FlyjtFWt4YJIwx9frOTFXPX0DGWtUUSisv5_sgw5hfGzQB1G6u_OTN9VAvW7C8_3NETY8OAF8EFDU7FZksP3ttKRdSoAYazLm4/w640-h480/PXL_20230325_215956661.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQnehyZ3pVfLDId6DkrNXZy6K6OxxkONa2BUh3EnoqLmMOS1e1QWrSQpMxWCbuTVPIWsBn9DnTz1aDvKXLVi9iwopbyQ4fs9Av8bqZvRe_M4dC12zlmabpkIrurOUwYHg8t8L66lVFbWTS9r-Y8u-lM7935U8x_dWIcsT7FxRUaN8bNH83FEEgx2VXRVv/s2016/PXL_20230325_220413955.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgQnehyZ3pVfLDId6DkrNXZy6K6OxxkONa2BUh3EnoqLmMOS1e1QWrSQpMxWCbuTVPIWsBn9DnTz1aDvKXLVi9iwopbyQ4fs9Av8bqZvRe_M4dC12zlmabpkIrurOUwYHg8t8L66lVFbWTS9r-Y8u-lM7935U8x_dWIcsT7FxRUaN8bNH83FEEgx2VXRVv/w480-h640/PXL_20230325_220413955.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUMC581batRXwfiZTWOeoS8mz8QWp8zhOropLaiv-XtYfuR9SOKt6wVN1YcgTsNABpT_3ppCGIkTgu_0rOShBoDavfWxJXvUz7CCKx8q5kHqINUjMAFB5n6ErUXMniJ11-0qA5uwInId5iMMv-LjBwpK0NUTng-uMv_UUXB_wVnLAB1F37AsJf-3NKXnv/s2016/PXL_20230325_220540227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="914" data-original-width="2016" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrUMC581batRXwfiZTWOeoS8mz8QWp8zhOropLaiv-XtYfuR9SOKt6wVN1YcgTsNABpT_3ppCGIkTgu_0rOShBoDavfWxJXvUz7CCKx8q5kHqINUjMAFB5n6ErUXMniJ11-0qA5uwInId5iMMv-LjBwpK0NUTng-uMv_UUXB_wVnLAB1F37AsJf-3NKXnv/w640-h290/PXL_20230325_220540227.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRPeKz2yaJSWBJ4kO7dJMVH8RrhLSF4e7m9A3GBg_MzNEjuRQ3-_dVuPb33Q_8xLzkvDskRQvTmpacu5ZnEObLQioh3J3yPXQZ7Hy9tfiFRlY19-_j64idM2pKyqRG2zXmI9xKaF7t08QVQJZDGEX27m4AazomCUwjjpku1pJPMjFihkHGOsDDkyIKD0n/s2016/PXL_20230325_224347023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicRPeKz2yaJSWBJ4kO7dJMVH8RrhLSF4e7m9A3GBg_MzNEjuRQ3-_dVuPb33Q_8xLzkvDskRQvTmpacu5ZnEObLQioh3J3yPXQZ7Hy9tfiFRlY19-_j64idM2pKyqRG2zXmI9xKaF7t08QVQJZDGEX27m4AazomCUwjjpku1pJPMjFihkHGOsDDkyIKD0n/w640-h480/PXL_20230325_224347023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Yoga Flow + Cold Immersion</h2><div style="text-align: left;">At around 7AM, everyone was up and we were back to the lobby wearing our yoga outfits. It was time to do some flow yoga to warm up our bodies for the cold immersion later on. I wore my knee braces for this (I knew there would be several warrior poses that would be bad for my knees ๐). Guilly was kind enough to modify the poses so they would be gentle to the joints.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After several poses, our bodies were all warmed up, and we're ready to dive into the ice bath!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KdhAmNHzBNohahhOzY7zmcb3b5-wC7QiAtZlbTJf_o9mduGvJjcIvlT3UTdTL-P9dHaSUHiixU5hP5IFW0OJDbhfA1RD7kQ21BiA0kf43BYgGJIvj8b6xsShlRSL1_Ryyo7yc9hBa7ku6I1WWrDdsN1GRuy7wW2yrdMB7uRTqxUsKSMxLRBYZWP5_Eue/s2016/PXL_20230326_001915914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1512" data-original-width="2016" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5KdhAmNHzBNohahhOzY7zmcb3b5-wC7QiAtZlbTJf_o9mduGvJjcIvlT3UTdTL-P9dHaSUHiixU5hP5IFW0OJDbhfA1RD7kQ21BiA0kf43BYgGJIvj8b6xsShlRSL1_Ryyo7yc9hBa7ku6I1WWrDdsN1GRuy7wW2yrdMB7uRTqxUsKSMxLRBYZWP5_Eue/w640-h480/PXL_20230326_001915914.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These two tubs were filled with ice cubes. Pam was prepping us and giving reminders on the breathing exercises we learned yesterday.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since there were only two tubs, we had the cold immersions by pair. I was the other half of the last pair to go in, which just meant that I got to see everyone go through the experience. Honestly, the anticipation was already killing me. I really wanted to go in and experience it myself.</div><div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO23wa-PVJL121kQA70eDW1y1Rny90wMQqZ2hmOms2hc584gfXrIMlI0zhDIanQRXH0FL-jPN05reIWZYef9thO-5EUvCNRW6AOudpDl7DBbHgL-33YMQGQ6NRVS3vW4Mt_mA6Tjenbf0CBXphFAia24BI22x-3JKly70K8xtjm1cEAfY4ah4NKIXgO5X/s1532/PXL_20230326_002520350.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1532" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRO23wa-PVJL121kQA70eDW1y1Rny90wMQqZ2hmOms2hc584gfXrIMlI0zhDIanQRXH0FL-jPN05reIWZYef9thO-5EUvCNRW6AOudpDl7DBbHgL-33YMQGQ6NRVS3vW4Mt_mA6Tjenbf0CBXphFAia24BI22x-3JKly70K8xtjm1cEAfY4ah4NKIXgO5X/w632-h640/PXL_20230326_002520350.MP.jpg" width="632" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6MNZdUTCGiz_CBQ5PJJbJ8LHyfhiLpfLOpBsltjbPTE1n-wflBz9V-eCCNWCTiGvM_ou7e8Rda7Ti_3XzI6EyyMTl_DzvZqa0L0J8BUpq0KhQloPeIU88BzT9ReCp1oLlhzDB-xhXwGoMxyQkP9T9B7nDkUxLLXRs5o7aN-4QCdhQ8OvZ4rHU2YhHhW/s1512/PXL_20230326_005809100.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1108" data-original-width="1512" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihz6MNZdUTCGiz_CBQ5PJJbJ8LHyfhiLpfLOpBsltjbPTE1n-wflBz9V-eCCNWCTiGvM_ou7e8Rda7Ti_3XzI6EyyMTl_DzvZqa0L0J8BUpq0KhQloPeIU88BzT9ReCp1oLlhzDB-xhXwGoMxyQkP9T9B7nDkUxLLXRs5o7aN-4QCdhQ8OvZ4rHU2YhHhW/w640-h468/PXL_20230326_005809100.MP.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>During the orientation, Pam and Guilly explained that submerging into an ice bath simulates the experience of being in a highly stressful situation. This cold immersion experience will help us become more resilient by taking over our instincts. Our instructors were there beside each participant as they went into the ice bath, reminding them to do the breathing exercises.</div><div><br /></div><div>They said the hardest part was the first two minutes. After that, the "storm" is over and you will be able to feel your body stabilize and relax. I looked at each of my fellow participants, observing their facial expressions throughout this experience. And true enough, during the first few minutes, I saw their stressed faces as they felt the sudden change of temperature. Through the guidance of our instructors, they did the breathing techniques. Then afterwards, I saw the muscles of their faces loosen up and relax.</div><div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After several rounds of this, it was finally my turn. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_SBPxgF7faOfHXru0Cls9w0oTAsi8xWcgvvz7R9NU1-p6cay4uRlFxbYR7mbsczS41q4akwT3W0Earpb2nibmQiCOkN14HMiXBUGTEaA3hbcvE3XhubYyadNwQRUQTjy0aS4Y0W4Sn7rCXw7MiaAhWTto70UZooK_6vQQfIJ3enbotN4NTOCo8oyKiOr/s1678/PXL_20230326_011043094.MP.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1678" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1_SBPxgF7faOfHXru0Cls9w0oTAsi8xWcgvvz7R9NU1-p6cay4uRlFxbYR7mbsczS41q4akwT3W0Earpb2nibmQiCOkN14HMiXBUGTEaA3hbcvE3XhubYyadNwQRUQTjy0aS4Y0W4Sn7rCXw7MiaAhWTto70UZooK_6vQQfIJ3enbotN4NTOCo8oyKiOr/w577-h640/PXL_20230326_011043094.MP.jpg" width="577" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That look of anticipation. ๐ <br />I don't know why but apparently I had unconsciously clenched my fists.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Pam instructed us to do some breathing and then on cue, to plunge into the ice bath and just go in without hesitation. And so within just a few seconds, I climbed in and had my whole body plunged in ice cold water.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first few seconds were a blur. As I felt the cold water coming in contact with my body and my muscles, I felt like I heard my body release a silent but deafening scream. I felt my muscles react so intensely and instantaneously. My body was in shock with the sudden change of temperature. Every molecule of my body protested and I felt like I was being tortured. Maybe this is what the Harry Potter spell <i>Crucio </i>felt like.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi673GcHzoSTIB7a34aBFIT0wJkegFeiwYZ_PfTRzcdfNaKM_1WdfuLQrVWkoSCu0JmKvEkTl07DyadO8oGjHHjuRNI9UDgPdaiYTb7exGt3UXDWh2C_Eskd0nilPbOx-6mb21Vc-vm_X5CtdXlNMV1AnknJGzMospt7UclH_vqc5kMOk2J310_1Ocu2DT7/s551/PXL_20230326_011223205_exported_4679.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="551" data-original-width="540" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi673GcHzoSTIB7a34aBFIT0wJkegFeiwYZ_PfTRzcdfNaKM_1WdfuLQrVWkoSCu0JmKvEkTl07DyadO8oGjHHjuRNI9UDgPdaiYTb7exGt3UXDWh2C_Eskd0nilPbOx-6mb21Vc-vm_X5CtdXlNMV1AnknJGzMospt7UclH_vqc5kMOk2J310_1Ocu2DT7/w314-h320/PXL_20230326_011223205_exported_4679.jpg" width="314" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>If without the training, I think by instinct people will panic and will start doing short gasps of air in this situation, making them hyperventilate. However, apparently the technique was to do heavy and long breathing cycles.</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UA637OsK_cdJuajQtpdNP2tHnxAV8m_r1VwFowr0-Bq_ltD_3QzuOb16Ug2C3EnT1uweTy8jvTDYUusrDORoAw6zU0TtKcQkyCiEOLqYn9Z5Lq_RM9y7s9ubuZAFg7fTwo4nTi4gmFQHyI8U0uu19JVoSaHy8IiL0SCR4I4RQfNq0MO7EPct52khCL1u/s1229/PXL_20230326_011312272.jpg"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1214" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8UA637OsK_cdJuajQtpdNP2tHnxAV8m_r1VwFowr0-Bq_ltD_3QzuOb16Ug2C3EnT1uweTy8jvTDYUusrDORoAw6zU0TtKcQkyCiEOLqYn9Z5Lq_RM9y7s9ubuZAFg7fTwo4nTi4gmFQHyI8U0uu19JVoSaHy8IiL0SCR4I4RQfNq0MO7EPct52khCL1u/w316-h320/PXL_20230326_011312272.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>Despite the physical pain that I was feeling, I focused on Pam's voice as she continually instructed me to do the breathing exercises (which involved breathing in through the nose + breathing out to the mouth, at the same time contracting the pelvic floor muscle). Amazingly, with every breathing cycle that I did, I felt a warm energy in my torso spreading outwards to my extremities. This continued until finally, the cold did not bother me anymore! ๐</div><div><br /></div><div>My body began to relax. I stayed for a few more (around 6 minutes?), relishing this peace I found after the "storm".</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5iLDvYsJizLvoquicl21qJLknlhAvwVHPU27zykLhigAQvxQB1eIsjxBPuZiK99XWgd5Lk5RXcFUUSAmLIHZRet-dDQSsTrl0y09lx2sNvZ884yZVX7BWonm4DqmMQAokJdROwFEr0UB6gX0yHhWZS7qTaw_rDB0kVq1UUFrjTCWE32NDNWCAKLceOWW/s417/PXL_20230326_011659328_exported_66_1680305579802.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="417" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia5iLDvYsJizLvoquicl21qJLknlhAvwVHPU27zykLhigAQvxQB1eIsjxBPuZiK99XWgd5Lk5RXcFUUSAmLIHZRet-dDQSsTrl0y09lx2sNvZ884yZVX7BWonm4DqmMQAokJdROwFEr0UB6gX0yHhWZS7qTaw_rDB0kVq1UUFrjTCWE32NDNWCAKLceOWW/w295-h320/PXL_20230326_011659328_exported_66_1680305579802.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">As a finale, (which the others did as well), I went further and submerged my head for a few seconds into the ice cold water and finally stood up. Everyone was clapping and I was just so proud of myself. I went to Francesca, our other facilitator, and she instructed me to do some exercises to help my body recover from the cold.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">All of us were so ecstatic. I could feel the high energy of the group. We were very proud of ourselves for surviving our first cold immersion!</div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsMgPvYvm8puWkLW2H8RlRBVeD7Aj2OLnYY6HbrOirJ3rCbmS7TDeg1MoQ1UGMm2_vLYk8NRGdnFJWmtMBPgkIMVqaOWFAZFt96tsZzKC4Fw3NrQRfhAWXrWlf5xQajWl4S6EHTC6fB7v1aS8xTtJ7fKXOCB3TsI3BJs4w4U1r2dHpHaIKQ3vh29nZO95/s425/IMG-20230401-WA0066.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="425" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQsMgPvYvm8puWkLW2H8RlRBVeD7Aj2OLnYY6HbrOirJ3rCbmS7TDeg1MoQ1UGMm2_vLYk8NRGdnFJWmtMBPgkIMVqaOWFAZFt96tsZzKC4Fw3NrQRfhAWXrWlf5xQajWl4S6EHTC6fB7v1aS8xTtJ7fKXOCB3TsI3BJs4w4U1r2dHpHaIKQ3vh29nZO95/w271-h320/IMG-20230401-WA0066.jpg" width="271" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo with the roommates. ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsZCByOhFpir6ru7KOpEMBNo6-xV0mWCpTMDvfh8zJapxkYm1CLjVKUnhhjniNaJJrmZJ8ioFk_hW1QhuCNw-D0HNU_loaLNdCCjjOKKDzYApOLoV9Qli8UsyzV-Mxtea_Qsxx4Fm6W6fUQOYUqp7z-7zBIJXBWUBVl9e_4hc4XLW9SF9ejkZgEM9eRPX/s360/IMG-20230326-WA0000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="360" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqsZCByOhFpir6ru7KOpEMBNo6-xV0mWCpTMDvfh8zJapxkYm1CLjVKUnhhjniNaJJrmZJ8ioFk_hW1QhuCNw-D0HNU_loaLNdCCjjOKKDzYApOLoV9Qli8UsyzV-Mxtea_Qsxx4Fm6W6fUQOYUqp7z-7zBIJXBWUBVl9e_4hc4XLW9SF9ejkZgEM9eRPX/w320-h316/IMG-20230326-WA0000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After everyone was finished, our instructors went in for their own ice bath experience. It was amazing how chill (hah!) they were when they went in for the cold plunge. I could tell that this is one ritual that they really enjoy, and they have built resilience through their practice.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBpMyMt0o1kYLIikTQBjJjx5y8JZPlNQlZjj7t-P67adcqyx6TIeXwKCmW-xBDqhQWVEgONd1390HfQ86yRtFfB9aQciBRLUiTeN2IQETSqSbTc6Tdk7JF-QXdmD3icOthr2jTy-HuD0JgpZGKvLTkskDCg_qBvhqMeoGntVbfnP1ZRPnraYbU6M3s7x_/s512/IMG-20230326-WA0001.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="360" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrBpMyMt0o1kYLIikTQBjJjx5y8JZPlNQlZjj7t-P67adcqyx6TIeXwKCmW-xBDqhQWVEgONd1390HfQ86yRtFfB9aQciBRLUiTeN2IQETSqSbTc6Tdk7JF-QXdmD3icOthr2jTy-HuD0JgpZGKvLTkskDCg_qBvhqMeoGntVbfnP1ZRPnraYbU6M3s7x_/w225-h320/IMG-20230326-WA0001.jpg" width="225" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our three lovely instructors, in one frame. ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">This experience made me change my outlook about cold showers. Since setting up an ice bath at home is not an option, having a cold shower is the closest thing I can easily do at home (As of this writing, I've had a few of them already. ๐)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Round Session of Sharing + Sound Healing</h2><div style="text-align: left;">After the cold immersion event, we still had a few more activities before we officially wrap up the retreat. And yes of course, we had our last breakfast at the resort!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOczZAxpXObnWDF7R-IhLmOq40fSloG_dpzUt0dsHFJjb3tfw4KLWV-4douav714oj5XeCVaqMQYnzWxJS9ugvTzqaoljUzDjO4DuTVdxcbr39rDku46l6317lYdGgu_OVwOpH2Rhg_ssWR0Ix9zf-C2093tpk3OF0yTB4h5gPH5OVqnEfC56UoKNq2qpO/s1521/PXL_20230326_022642794.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1521" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOczZAxpXObnWDF7R-IhLmOq40fSloG_dpzUt0dsHFJjb3tfw4KLWV-4douav714oj5XeCVaqMQYnzWxJS9ugvTzqaoljUzDjO4DuTVdxcbr39rDku46l6317lYdGgu_OVwOpH2Rhg_ssWR0Ix9zf-C2093tpk3OF0yTB4h5gPH5OVqnEfC56UoKNq2qpO/w636-h640/PXL_20230326_022642794.jpg" width="636" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We spent some time bathing and freshening up. I also took this time to buy some goodies from the store and some plants (they had some for sale). I bought a few for my mom, sister, and friend. I also bought their homemade sweet vinegar that they served in one of our meals (I think it was during dinner).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7HT6c0cIOktM-RsU5Evgn_gx8tJqEZQ55mcDaZCrwWIap60Arx045ADN9n08dfdNm10lazfadOhFB4Iuzm0ew-__wCnElJmEj4BNFUO_ao--4c16v-JxlpI_mZGTlTKBeG7J6i5GPTLQw7MGf2JOSd2p5QUxz0et9PyDn_P7BZiiAJj8wMjgShkTg54N/s1910/PXL_20230326_040256821.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1910" data-original-width="1451" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB7HT6c0cIOktM-RsU5Evgn_gx8tJqEZQ55mcDaZCrwWIap60Arx045ADN9n08dfdNm10lazfadOhFB4Iuzm0ew-__wCnElJmEj4BNFUO_ao--4c16v-JxlpI_mZGTlTKBeG7J6i5GPTLQw7MGf2JOSd2p5QUxz0et9PyDn_P7BZiiAJj8wMjgShkTg54N/w486-h640/PXL_20230326_040256821.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I bought a Devil's Bone plant (left) and another plant (forgot the name) for my mom. ๐ฅฐ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After a few hours, we assembled again in the lobby. Pam again asked us to pick an Oracle card from her deck and requested us to form a circle. And so we began our closing sharing session. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This time, it was evident that everyone was in high spirits. We all had positive energies to share and we are all on the same page with regards to how this weekend has changed us. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iTwUInBQ4SILs3LJUgdNIezq2D34LNFSFSDn0wNeoIyo2XCbHg4scJU8VrFtzjKi2kHnL7Mo_dfHzUo4zBtkoem7BUUwETZeWGe9zkmSUyhMs0LKuifR2KBuP0HIRK5GlmyHx8DXl_sjNvzAjHEPikZMSQCKJ_hH8v50dmD9-hje77k_wQwbq0KRXMV-/s1607/PXL_20230326_055940902.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1607" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1iTwUInBQ4SILs3LJUgdNIezq2D34LNFSFSDn0wNeoIyo2XCbHg4scJU8VrFtzjKi2kHnL7Mo_dfHzUo4zBtkoem7BUUwETZeWGe9zkmSUyhMs0LKuifR2KBuP0HIRK5GlmyHx8DXl_sjNvzAjHEPikZMSQCKJ_hH8v50dmD9-hje77k_wQwbq0KRXMV-/w602-h640/PXL_20230326_055940902.jpg" width="602" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is the card that I got. I sent a promise to the Universe that I won't be that serious with life, and that I would take every opportunity given to me to gain life experience from this moment on. ๐คฒ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I resonated with the group's energy when they said that they felt like their cup was full and ready to give back to the community again, that they have somehow found what they were looking for in this retreat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Our last activity was a sound healing session, again led by teacher Francesca.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dBlHUwj4uSZZzF-h5Uob42R-YHyESGQI4W1zuX_bxTefHIGy0J2ufoALJPumw5KHRjmJYaOdyI8I74XKqaTL5t37xjHLMqEKeNXZZj79HCjD1zTuDXgK8CsYndhXbCs3on7EhixEWuym_IDYAOzwWAsfOto213AZmQ95Xuq90561limGVAoGltiZ4yib/s1824/PXL_20230326_050312642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1824" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4dBlHUwj4uSZZzF-h5Uob42R-YHyESGQI4W1zuX_bxTefHIGy0J2ufoALJPumw5KHRjmJYaOdyI8I74XKqaTL5t37xjHLMqEKeNXZZj79HCjD1zTuDXgK8CsYndhXbCs3on7EhixEWuym_IDYAOzwWAsfOto213AZmQ95Xuq90561limGVAoGltiZ4yib/w530-h640/PXL_20230326_050312642.jpg" width="530" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">After the session, she allowed us to experience using her instruments. I was particularly drawn to the singing bowls, and it was a joy to experience letting them "sing" by rotating the wooden handle around the edges.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-48iPEuy7WfbnsgAlriZZ3d-Jpydi2qN8fLKE9CeXC4ywNXI15Shv7d53F8Rk8kizVmAxd8fvL7g6gpdVwQES6krZpDLAMGCd9ISpqjNpLBIfuwwr8B_zwPnBdpEP6lOo_XuMuP1FT16wYIRf43HWbgB9GptT1lCipEyNW99BCnm-lco7YNiX6TrpZ8X/s474/PXL_20230326_051200537_exported_1065_1692592328785.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="474" data-original-width="384" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim-48iPEuy7WfbnsgAlriZZ3d-Jpydi2qN8fLKE9CeXC4ywNXI15Shv7d53F8Rk8kizVmAxd8fvL7g6gpdVwQES6krZpDLAMGCd9ISpqjNpLBIfuwwr8B_zwPnBdpEP6lOo_XuMuP1FT16wYIRf43HWbgB9GptT1lCipEyNW99BCnm-lco7YNiX6TrpZ8X/w259-h320/PXL_20230326_051200537_exported_1065_1692592328785.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">Quick Lunch + Departure</h2><div style="text-align: left;">Finally, it was time to leave. After a quick light lunch, Guilly mentioned that it was now time for us to "go back to the matrix". It was with a grateful heart that I said goodbye to each of them. We hugged each other, and even though I have only known them for 24 hours, we have bonded on a cellular level. I knew that it was very unlikely that I would interact with them again in the future, but that's one thing that I also got to learn from this retreat. It was not about maintaining the relationship, but more on recognizing the kind of connection that I had with them. It was already set in our life's history that our paths coincided for once through this retreat. And we are all moving forward with life carrying these shared experiences with us for the rest of our lives.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I went back to the car and I slowly built my walls back up as I braced myself to drive back to the city.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h2 style="text-align: left;">Meeting Up with a Friend</h2></div><div style="text-align: left;">My adventure continued as I explored the city around with Jean, a good friend from the office. We did a quick food trip and chatted away over desserts.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC16pfBDuuB9f-rFeh7MAqaI7DoK4iXVOb06lK2nzLGh1Jnl_u9b0Lid7KmOvp2BuhdDty0q47dsT_ilGL_Cj9ey1wVoYndFHsnhl3mlvi3yQPMSv_sQ7Fj1snptOT2skD0Bm4IZPihyZ5jSxsPnUwrZiuRpNGp6hXkZ2EBt0JP3G7iApc90WAGd6GXSzD/s889/IMG-ac55b0d6177694874976adbcf28d1511-V.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="889" data-original-width="675" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC16pfBDuuB9f-rFeh7MAqaI7DoK4iXVOb06lK2nzLGh1Jnl_u9b0Lid7KmOvp2BuhdDty0q47dsT_ilGL_Cj9ey1wVoYndFHsnhl3mlvi3yQPMSv_sQ7Fj1snptOT2skD0Bm4IZPihyZ5jSxsPnUwrZiuRpNGp6hXkZ2EBt0JP3G7iApc90WAGd6GXSzD/w486-h640/IMG-ac55b0d6177694874976adbcf28d1511-V.jpg" width="486" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought some goodies from this famous Lomi House. I bumped into Apple again here. ๐</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVXvqXJyucMUzKmLKQR5E4esB5QCA4Ks1155Gem_QHMWr_26ojKZxPLB9CpXSY-v5kzPb76JhwKaQQD52o5djTLF0crrrGD4Fz4kDqxZq31kBTYGxhzvk55m_7QhSnH9OfGquAndebrj2WZXfCugISprradSDNrKh6a8e-sj9B-eEyOtQQNb44-5x3sb1/s857/IMG-24f5913ca8009afda4eb18eadacd6183-V.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="857" data-original-width="551" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDVXvqXJyucMUzKmLKQR5E4esB5QCA4Ks1155Gem_QHMWr_26ojKZxPLB9CpXSY-v5kzPb76JhwKaQQD52o5djTLF0crrrGD4Fz4kDqxZq31kBTYGxhzvk55m_7QhSnH9OfGquAndebrj2WZXfCugISprradSDNrKh6a8e-sj9B-eEyOtQQNb44-5x3sb1/w411-h640/IMG-24f5913ca8009afda4eb18eadacd6183-V.jpg" width="411" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwocb0j3QhuPNkTn4-PkGiyixafBJuDt4yMQT4nkJ8_UAX0Os-DGffz_55toREPripITvbr2bP0FXi7IC5F4aBqlAtegh9PvBdALK0Gic3FUk02uPFkoqCqoGA5Uk9edt-YHcxDM6vYEohL2jxocCW19WAqn7yRK6PTFz-6FFollCA7QNkDOhEU6xEaYDk/s1747/PXL_20230326_083206959.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1307" data-original-width="1747" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwocb0j3QhuPNkTn4-PkGiyixafBJuDt4yMQT4nkJ8_UAX0Os-DGffz_55toREPripITvbr2bP0FXi7IC5F4aBqlAtegh9PvBdALK0Gic3FUk02uPFkoqCqoGA5Uk9edt-YHcxDM6vYEohL2jxocCW19WAqn7yRK6PTFz-6FFollCA7QNkDOhEU6xEaYDk/w640-h478/PXL_20230326_083206959.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Desserts with friends is the best combo ever. ๐ฅฐ</td></tr></tbody></table><br />Since it was getting late and I had a long trip ahead (and Jean also had errands), we said goodbyes. Thank you Jean for meeting up and also for giving me goodies to bring home! ๐<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">My Journey Home + Sunset</h2><div style="text-align: left;">It was sunset when I got back to the expressway back to the city. And this is the moment it sank in me what I just did and what I just experienced. Did that really happen, or was it all a dream? I felt so happy and calm and just grateful to the Universe. I felt so connected with everything and I was so happy. It was one of my most memorable drives. I'm so happy I got a snippet of that in the dashcam. The sunset that day was so magnificent also. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwMxYcRB7Mk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwMxYcRB7Mk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CwMxYcRB7Mk/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Isang post na ibinahagi ni ์นดํธ (@katalinarosario)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had some moments of introspection in the car, and it was a really peaceful journey home.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzyCHqyA5RvShWRPgcVx19iVF3noh1NlEh3Mlvgz2MUJN0MoDDqYZxtMr-ynGT5MjYwmamefNazSR-dNjyE02oxoI2xojYh8_sdfJWm3CSbPj7DuQXUFi-stD0l4_vIzSO-LbWJV5A1V0A5Im_WyiFCLstkpshzPOpZzpFGDvy3RPKECmsmRGvV8JLeis/s2016/PXL_20230326_114309380.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2016" data-original-width="1512" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuzyCHqyA5RvShWRPgcVx19iVF3noh1NlEh3Mlvgz2MUJN0MoDDqYZxtMr-ynGT5MjYwmamefNazSR-dNjyE02oxoI2xojYh8_sdfJWm3CSbPj7DuQXUFi-stD0l4_vIzSO-LbWJV5A1V0A5Im_WyiFCLstkpshzPOpZzpFGDvy3RPKECmsmRGvV8JLeis/w480-h640/PXL_20230326_114309380.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pasalubong to the fambam!</td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">It was such a great experience. I really felt that the Universe aligned for me to be there. Thank you to our teachers and to the connections that I formed during the retreat. That was a life-changing weekend, and I am forever grateful. ๐โจ </p></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-19618833819747922022023-08-13T09:06:00.004+08:002023-08-13T09:11:52.530+08:00 Phantomwise Tarot: My First Card Spread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce4iuSnjiSS0_t3BLhH3kGou3ttb9dSki-t9JMhl1q1p2htaUkfriFVmAE2XPNDI9-59ENGDEuEuh953Y90uFTleZkqfqREIeBH1GHCr9feoG4LrNYmXZGXuQK0Zx0FQ4_VXIDa-IfWt2cNS9hCtOUEsGs9u6oTSs0dXMKy9XoKTo1GznfILIvzENjpdM/s755/Untitled%20design%20(67).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgce4iuSnjiSS0_t3BLhH3kGou3ttb9dSki-t9JMhl1q1p2htaUkfriFVmAE2XPNDI9-59ENGDEuEuh953Y90uFTleZkqfqREIeBH1GHCr9feoG4LrNYmXZGXuQK0Zx0FQ4_VXIDa-IfWt2cNS9hCtOUEsGs9u6oTSs0dXMKy9XoKTo1GznfILIvzENjpdM/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(67).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;">I have recently become curious about Tarot cards, ever since I received a card reading from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/ashlili.readings/" target="_blank">ashlili.readings</a>. I am already familiar with card readings, as <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/05/clow-cards-reading.html" target="_blank">I have done several of them using the Clow Cards</a> since acquiring them in 2019. Through Ashlili Readings, I got a glimpse on how to do Tarot readings. I realized that compared with Clow Cards, the Tarot card deck has a wider scope of perspective and a more flexible interpretation. Because of this, I felt so gravitated towards this art and so I decided to get a deck for myself.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Acquiring the Phantomwise Tarot Deck</h2><div style="text-align: left;">And so I searched online for Tarot cards. There's A LOT of options out there! ๐คฏ. On the onset of seeing a lot of versions out there, I already knew that I wanted a Tarot deck that I will very well be connected to. I wanted something unique and special for me. I couldn't remember now how it dawned on me but through one thing and another, I stumbled upon the <a href="https://erinmorgenstern.com/2022/07/the-phantomwise-tarot/" target="_blank">Phantomwise Tarot by Erin Morgenstern</a>. I am no stranger to Erin's art. In fact, I am a huge fan of her works (<a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2012/06/book-reads-night-circus-by-erin.html" target="_blank">Night Circus</a> and <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/04/book-reads-starless-sea-erin-morgenstern.html" target="_blank">Starless Sea</a> are both my favorite novels; I have physical copies of them ๐ค๐๐). Reading about the Phantomwise Tarot, I learned that the card illustrations are actually painted by hand by Erin herself. Also, she was doing this art while she was writing the Night Circus book. Well with all these details, I very well knew that this is the Tarot deck for me. I wanted this one, and no other will do it for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I researched on where to get this and I found out that only one of the local bookstores here (<a href="https://www.fullybookedonline.com/" target="_blank">Fullybooked</a>) had this in their inventory. And upon checking on their website, the item was listed as Out of Stock. ๐ญ But, if there's a will, there's a way, right? ๐ I remembered this delivery service called <a href="https://www.kangoexpress.com/" target="_blank">Kango Express</a>. I signed up for an account ages ago and I haven't really tried their service. I realized that this is my chance to test their service on an item that I wouldn't worry about being lost or taken interest in by other people. And so after some research on Amazon US, I checked out the item and placed the delivery address to the Kango Express US Warehouse. After a little over a week of waiting, the parcel finally arrived at our doorstep.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div align="center"><blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); border-radius: 3px; border: 0px; box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.5) 0px 0px 1px 0px, rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.15) 0px 1px 10px 0px; margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0px; width: calc(100% - 2px);"><div style="padding: 16px;"> <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); line-height: 0; padding: 0px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; width: 100%;" target="_blank"> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"></div></div></div><div style="padding: 19% 0px;"></div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0px auto 12px; width: 50px;"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg"><g fill-rule="evenodd" fill="none" stroke-width="1" stroke="none"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></div><div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">Tingnan ang post na ito sa Instagram</div></div><div style="padding: 12.5% 0px;"></div> <div style="align-items: center; display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px;"><div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12.5px; margin-left: 2px; margin-right: 14px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px); width: 12.5px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"></div> <div style="border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); border-top: 2px solid transparent; height: 0px; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg); width: 0px;"></div></div><div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="border-right: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); transform: translateY(16px); width: 0px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; transform: translateY(-4px); width: 16px;"></div> <div style="border-left: 8px solid transparent; border-top: 8px solid rgb(244, 244, 244); height: 0px; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px); width: 0px;"></div></div></div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"></div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"></div></div></a><p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0px 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cv1beu2LaiI/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Isang post na ibinahagi ni ์นดํธ (@katalinarosario)</a></p></div></blockquote> <script async="" src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><div style="text-align: left;">The cards are as great as I expected them to be. The illustrations are so gorgeous! I super love the box that came with it. There's also a guidebook included with suggested spreads and also the interpretation of each card. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">My Reading</h2><div style="text-align: left;">As I looked at the options for spreads, the <b>Celestial Navigation </b>spread resonated with me, and so that's what I did. Here are the results and my interpretation on them:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>The current position/circumstance - The Ace of Pentacles</b><br />I am in this phase of my life wherein I am welcoming a lot of opportunities to allow myself to grow. I am grabbing those chances to develop my confidence and soft skills by experiencing new things and interacting with new environments and new audiences. I am also embracing new adventures, being open to visit new places, which in turn allows me to discover more about myself.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>The tool that will aid me in this course - The Two of Cups</b><br />Having new connections will help me in this journey of self-development and self-discovery. Bonding with kindred spirits, forming new friendships, developing new bonds (may it be platonic or romantic) will help me in this journey. And I must say that this is true as it's part of my goal to widen my circle and just allow new people in my life. I'm also looking forward to working with a mentor that has become a huge part of this journey. I just have to recognize and acknowledge these opportunities as they come and not really shy away from them.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>An idea or influence that may be fading - The Ace of Cups</b><br />The idea that I need to have a partner/someone special to feel complete and fulfilled is something that is losing its spark. I mean of course I would want to have a husband to form a family with in the future, however my sense of being right now is not reliant on it. I am becoming more confident and comfortable with my skin to declare that yeah I don't have a special someone right now, and it hardly matters. I am investing in myself here right now and I can be a great person with how I am right now.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><b>A point to keep constant - The Page of Pentacles</b><br />I have to take my plans into action. I manage my to-do list well, outlining the tasks that I need to do each day, each week, each month, and each quarter. I enumerate each item that needs to be accomplished. However, the process of planning already takes some of my energy away. When it is time to execute the plans, I tend to procrastinate.๐ I then have this illusion that I am being productive because of all the planning. The truth is -- I'm not really achieving much. So I have to be mindful of this vicious cycle and escape myself out of it. I have to recognize and acknowledge that planning is just the first phase of things. Doing the actual work is the most important part actually. I have to become a more responsible adult and take on the tasks when needed, regardless of how I am feeling.<br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>An aspect that is yet to be considered - The Seven of Swords</b><br />I might be putting too many tasks on my plate. Because of this, I feel overwhelmed all the time. I see myself as always occupied and always busy, but when asked "busy on what" I don't have an articulate response. And so I might consider revisiting my tasks and responsibilities and letting go of things that won't serve me anymore. I have to trim down my to-do list and reevaluate tasks and personal projects that would still be valuable for me. That might make things easier for me in the long run.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />My goal/destination - The Hermit</b><br />I'm in this journey of self-development and fulfillment, and also the process of getting to know myself. It would help me greatly for the rest of my life if I know how to recognize my values so I can have a more effective process of choosing my battles in life. Having inner peace is also an important thing, and when I find it, I want to learn how to protect it also. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><p style="text-align: left;">And that was my reading! I really enjoyed being in an insightful mode with my own self and my thoughts, allowing myself to see myself more clearly. I really enjoyed this process. I'm grateful to be able to have another tool for self-introspection.</p></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-27962809664565690302023-08-06T16:58:00.004+08:002023-08-06T17:03:45.143+08:00Solo in Tokyo (Day 8): Shopping in Odaiba<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA3e4BVSIInfentJ6mluWwpCS6Zm444VJ4aZ3YpJWUyyk5PlkzR6DbODPrW9FzooIUi6lMUcryoUJ1oquUzbbzx0F0WErwpyWE5dAQmhwbJ2EsDnGGB_jAX7oxImQeFdCrz7l9JmDU73oNuPixY0iZIqM2Tev4t1LdKvq-yHOMJho2_i3ukPMZaB51b3y/s755/Solo%20in%20Tokyo%20(Day%208).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipA3e4BVSIInfentJ6mluWwpCS6Zm444VJ4aZ3YpJWUyyk5PlkzR6DbODPrW9FzooIUi6lMUcryoUJ1oquUzbbzx0F0WErwpyWE5dAQmhwbJ2EsDnGGB_jAX7oxImQeFdCrz7l9JmDU73oNuPixY0iZIqM2Tev4t1LdKvq-yHOMJho2_i3ukPMZaB51b3y/w640-h432/Solo%20in%20Tokyo%20(Day%208).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/11/solo-in-tokyo-day-8-teamlab-borderless.html" target="_blank">After the dreamlike experience at teamLab</a>, I broke away from the Redditor group and went on my own (murmured something about shopping ๐ ). I wanted to maximize my time in the prefecture and I strictly had limited time to stay here (coz I need to be in another place by sunset) and so I (awkwardly) said my goodbyes to my fellow Redditors to return to my solo adventures.</p><h2 style="text-align: left;">Venus Fort</h2><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">I really didn't have specific plans on what to visit, so I just went with where my feet took me. I arrived at my first exploration point: this plaza with an artificial blue sky ceiling (I think I already saw this somewhere). Upon googling, apparently I have set foot to <a href="https://appetiteforjapan.com/2016/07/09/venus-fort/" target="_blank">Venus Fort.</a></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSsyPoV5s-S0WQudcGF4DdGnuqk2xa0q2D5j0JasOb3r18fsDUFz0wpBb8-9XXWUkgxZSYvwDGb34wJRvTBNbxzcJh7iGcHErbPPGXOSC-CNTlfK_13zyt2crFnqIFhsJaRUfvt_gKEyeJnvHlcxKe70Gg-oH79R8ODdL5JVCP5C3W23q7lQnfrGbA/s2475/P1110010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1856" data-original-width="2475" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXxSsyPoV5s-S0WQudcGF4DdGnuqk2xa0q2D5j0JasOb3r18fsDUFz0wpBb8-9XXWUkgxZSYvwDGb34wJRvTBNbxzcJh7iGcHErbPPGXOSC-CNTlfK_13zyt2crFnqIFhsJaRUfvt_gKEyeJnvHlcxKe70Gg-oH79R8ODdL5JVCP5C3W23q7lQnfrGbA/w640-h480/P1110010.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There were lots of stores around. I bought a snowflake necklace from one of the stalls in the middle of the shopping center. It was a low-price piece of jewelry, but it has a special meaning for me, given all that I was able to experience during this Tokyo trip. โ๏ธ<div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Apparently, Venus Fort is just part of a larger stretch of malls in the area called <b>Palette Town</b>. I went up to the second floor and found lots and lots of stores again! And guess what I found -- a Totoro store! ๐ This shop is called <a href="https://www.kanpai-japan.com/travel-guide/donguri-official-ghibli-shops" target="_blank">Donguri, an official Studio Ghibli shop</a>!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-n7beBn2O_Lwnd3jaTGmjGSkY6E0VD2FYKuIMEfwKqQwNDE4dfTYHkGf9kJGKi0mUEMZw9ttSZkNY9bSvqb0Ew-IcfNlMyFQijhPR2n-vZj4pix8NJAhXwRBfqsA5UBo5c3wIqgKJlzWQuHduqqXmBVutlDoOdgD3mbM7TpEOOrWqncrVhigsMV7dA/s2140/P1110020.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1503" data-original-width="2140" height="450" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC-n7beBn2O_Lwnd3jaTGmjGSkY6E0VD2FYKuIMEfwKqQwNDE4dfTYHkGf9kJGKi0mUEMZw9ttSZkNY9bSvqb0Ew-IcfNlMyFQijhPR2n-vZj4pix8NJAhXwRBfqsA5UBo5c3wIqgKJlzWQuHduqqXmBVutlDoOdgD3mbM7TpEOOrWqncrVhigsMV7dA/w640-h450/P1110020.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUxacMAvSqkLcKXA1q64NL8eQniG_5gC-Y8hYI_Kyw0h_fHONYKWoVI6rXmKr7mEsLG-E5SX8L8ha7nB6kCSi5jPTpXblCpoZFn0AHYJ4wmb4yDXrbm9QHXG_l-VnO3J8UBpACUsNTkng13RC17fL5AWKzY4zWoJRZ_Jd6iTqtmkKCb1VxGWEYpg8Hw/s2322/P1110023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1718" data-original-width="2322" height="474" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpUxacMAvSqkLcKXA1q64NL8eQniG_5gC-Y8hYI_Kyw0h_fHONYKWoVI6rXmKr7mEsLG-E5SX8L8ha7nB6kCSi5jPTpXblCpoZFn0AHYJ4wmb4yDXrbm9QHXG_l-VnO3J8UBpACUsNTkng13RC17fL5AWKzY4zWoJRZ_Jd6iTqtmkKCb1VxGWEYpg8Hw/w640-h474/P1110023.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5F2BqmJ31PA8svMMSZVTesgx9HjK5jBVLhvXQUdKxXFosBzkfcI9abVGoHA5HBwa0yhr-K7rEfSMeG6iBGPRIzYAc8leVG4DpZtEVkmhFTArsk-RGmPNtwmTkglKv1hLNmEcv3AcH7YFMH3QOZEqA3c52MdjKj6_PuqWWCtjMC3AX_oXKHu2e3Nblw/s2592/P1110026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1779" data-original-width="2592" height="440" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX5F2BqmJ31PA8svMMSZVTesgx9HjK5jBVLhvXQUdKxXFosBzkfcI9abVGoHA5HBwa0yhr-K7rEfSMeG6iBGPRIzYAc8leVG4DpZtEVkmhFTArsk-RGmPNtwmTkglKv1hLNmEcv3AcH7YFMH3QOZEqA3c52MdjKj6_PuqWWCtjMC3AX_oXKHu2e3Nblw/w640-h440/P1110026.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><div style="text-align: left;">It's so nice to look around the items. They have not just Totoro merch, but also other cute stuff like Disney and some anime. Of course, I didn't miss this chance to grab some goodies for myself. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2bUv1QKNVR5nSpzFbpj5_d1Va1odGwyIQ3bPV8a04M0viN-JR0GHc7GT7iu1Ws-tPE41Ytep56rxLcQu94IzHmjX92NWvnEC0hEmAAsFg-J_t4Fbw1bKV467MgoOWq-FnRApV35i5ALtA7mANKHg69A0kMJItztgXZ0o-vWPfu8aA06U2dD8UroKWg/s2592/P1110030.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjg2bUv1QKNVR5nSpzFbpj5_d1Va1odGwyIQ3bPV8a04M0viN-JR0GHc7GT7iu1Ws-tPE41Ytep56rxLcQu94IzHmjX92NWvnEC0hEmAAsFg-J_t4Fbw1bKV467MgoOWq-FnRApV35i5ALtA7mANKHg69A0kMJItztgXZ0o-vWPfu8aA06U2dD8UroKWg/w640-h480/P1110030.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bought some goodies also! bag, lanyards, ref magnets<br /><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">I continued my exploration outside and just walked around randomly under the sunshine. I just felt so amazed still with how cool Tokyo is, even now that I'm on my last day of this trip. They have these gorgeous parks where people can just hang out and have fun.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpovyA943PEHZjct0zDoYtGhE4aE-LKtSlvoWIW6F2lAf_u20kET1w5x8_mvMUQrBCT6EPsKJfI1W4tll9UlILfLTFtx4rjbdCUZt4LBmbHiZp8DkSoHvV3V5W13aQ1XoQ7bsyc4NUDqjOqSfrE_8dFs9dyiE5-WsuvSYpSnQP6OVq0bHJ1753t7cjg/s2421/P1110034.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2421" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVpovyA943PEHZjct0zDoYtGhE4aE-LKtSlvoWIW6F2lAf_u20kET1w5x8_mvMUQrBCT6EPsKJfI1W4tll9UlILfLTFtx4rjbdCUZt4LBmbHiZp8DkSoHvV3V5W13aQ1XoQ7bsyc4NUDqjOqSfrE_8dFs9dyiE5-WsuvSYpSnQP6OVq0bHJ1753t7cjg/w640-h406/P1110034.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yj5rILqad8PIvqFIxnUv_cXI6AJyehoKMbHsFuRFdemS5I2lzUDLgVr904RcODphLxayCaMP6tlBBVzP9KO5t0HvoMRizHHn9cTWJPxCmC3bnGkzoDmQE-MLHtduvrjJmx8o8fwUxy3N8BBBu5Ts_1ujCoX2Aal6R6FTZE7xjdFjT8WFxkC9RtTulg/s2322/P1110039.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1724" data-original-width="2322" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_Yj5rILqad8PIvqFIxnUv_cXI6AJyehoKMbHsFuRFdemS5I2lzUDLgVr904RcODphLxayCaMP6tlBBVzP9KO5t0HvoMRizHHn9cTWJPxCmC3bnGkzoDmQE-MLHtduvrjJmx8o8fwUxy3N8BBBu5Ts_1ujCoX2Aal6R6FTZE7xjdFjT8WFxkC9RtTulg/w640-h476/P1110039.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXMIxxZK21v9O9J2x5j7zrZHba0Sc8CnJNWxiJaN4yGvnLo3QcKUsk_JHxUHnYEiAVBYCHLMohZTsStN2DTDotr8H0WDk0u2XUDyYy-Fq4EzKDu12A0dLZyza6q24f8iSfBRsi1MSANdgg0ywtbnkyHjPCd4EbdkNPJrAJLvEq_v7uZsptty_4MN8zw/s2592/P1110041.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWXMIxxZK21v9O9J2x5j7zrZHba0Sc8CnJNWxiJaN4yGvnLo3QcKUsk_JHxUHnYEiAVBYCHLMohZTsStN2DTDotr8H0WDk0u2XUDyYy-Fq4EzKDu12A0dLZyza6q24f8iSfBRsi1MSANdgg0ywtbnkyHjPCd4EbdkNPJrAJLvEq_v7uZsptty_4MN8zw/w640-h480/P1110041.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h2 style="text-align: left;">DiverCity Tokyo Plaza </h2><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wasn't really intending to visit this, but I guess when you're in Odaiba, you just can't miss it. Of course, even from far away, I easily spotted this life-size Gundam statue. As a child who grew up watching those robot shows like Voltes V and Daimos, I couldn't help but get mesmerized by this Gundam.</div></span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih11WWzul9Dl7_Iatdni0dyXp2HzLzFcztTGNgAGPnD4tUi8qYfVZ9KqDsw1qg2FPcgmkDvS8-_p-Wat1M_7Hi7J4t0TwfYG2YvqzFRxxrbYuo8KCZ8KQzwo_ljxs83JJwfumyr4U3Cf5xEsUAVL1LN9tiUq0Bn3SsKZk3Pa5dzzXhrH6CSVJiPE1xw/s2592/P1110050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhih11WWzul9Dl7_Iatdni0dyXp2HzLzFcztTGNgAGPnD4tUi8qYfVZ9KqDsw1qg2FPcgmkDvS8-_p-Wat1M_7Hi7J4t0TwfYG2YvqzFRxxrbYuo8KCZ8KQzwo_ljxs83JJwfumyr4U3Cf5xEsUAVL1LN9tiUq0Bn3SsKZk3Pa5dzzXhrH6CSVJiPE1xw/w640-h480/P1110050.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdNLmtC9EpEQ-FBauo-Fo4UmNGk2NjsBrEDDNC0zTVIX6vkzcdudmswJvLf0iQt25dkrkJc1xGNqaPKnYaaY4wP0lzM3VDe_NxayMxNpCR32ihWSgvKEiQKB3OXceCnAABJpXP72hB_M0I9g5trgCoTlgJv1HWY_i26tHNdZi7hyeTiM7ZtO1ZJooQg/s2592/P1110055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvdNLmtC9EpEQ-FBauo-Fo4UmNGk2NjsBrEDDNC0zTVIX6vkzcdudmswJvLf0iQt25dkrkJc1xGNqaPKnYaaY4wP0lzM3VDe_NxayMxNpCR32ihWSgvKEiQKB3OXceCnAABJpXP72hB_M0I9g5trgCoTlgJv1HWY_i26tHNdZi7hyeTiM7ZtO1ZJooQg/w640-h480/P1110055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iDVwvzmPYnp2EVjb-BeROrYhg7-kV6MBadivw6vzUclvRzU0Hkqz8P07X0r9ljPI_UQqh9I4nnT4Fy19roeUz_gnBTVU4I6IDx_z6sxC7p49NVbsfECOFh_uMwCfDT4ECYosAo6cgZzQ2xzjx52mQGdlrWzBQYcjIVaBTi5oXtHNfxh7WuUxKe8cDg/s2592/P1110061.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9iDVwvzmPYnp2EVjb-BeROrYhg7-kV6MBadivw6vzUclvRzU0Hkqz8P07X0r9ljPI_UQqh9I4nnT4Fy19roeUz_gnBTVU4I6IDx_z6sxC7p49NVbsfECOFh_uMwCfDT4ECYosAo6cgZzQ2xzjx52mQGdlrWzBQYcjIVaBTi5oXtHNfxh7WuUxKe8cDg/w640-h480/P1110061.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIuMlgpUXiQG9UqcZGJoAAfXZRkE67emHBTDvIszIK3CsKg1QGcVJttgPYUDaKfGjGlpr-5Aeqfz1KP2OnbEaUGGoEBABB45GEkX9UiZTvtG_y_IiiHIwFZUPexfXe21TGkL4rIHeLsJv2jqHHrI-RDdwta9fAJ8rq5opxJCstukdqs12oduzZxUydA/s2592/P1110064.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhIuMlgpUXiQG9UqcZGJoAAfXZRkE67emHBTDvIszIK3CsKg1QGcVJttgPYUDaKfGjGlpr-5Aeqfz1KP2OnbEaUGGoEBABB45GEkX9UiZTvtG_y_IiiHIwFZUPexfXe21TGkL4rIHeLsJv2jqHHrI-RDdwta9fAJ8rq5opxJCstukdqs12oduzZxUydA/w640-h480/P1110064.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Aside from it being life-size, I was at awe with the details they have added to this structure. And yes, I took several minutes taking photos of every angle of the Gundam structure. I adored it so much.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSepBBBMdtpHEY0H8d5vFI6-FqoR0WNu3kIHehlQFwcysRvBjkdCMK7yvumD0V7P15-RReCvEvsHEH-hwnDfWFTj8Z4Cy2HP0Hv2sbBhWqc-mEp6ymGkaEwM707jEy9r_YnXpiky-OpD1d6BIF332YaYR9ebc7VmK_1Bof8IBar60GfxRezfy5-G1hyg/s2592/P1110070.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSepBBBMdtpHEY0H8d5vFI6-FqoR0WNu3kIHehlQFwcysRvBjkdCMK7yvumD0V7P15-RReCvEvsHEH-hwnDfWFTj8Z4Cy2HP0Hv2sbBhWqc-mEp6ymGkaEwM707jEy9r_YnXpiky-OpD1d6BIF332YaYR9ebc7VmK_1Bof8IBar60GfxRezfy5-G1hyg/w640-h480/P1110070.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nTBTECdqrkuOcyu5Kn0oie6yYMeskv3fojay7mDDnbcPeVHCReAXSqQ-U9nqE_ued8NhooBDVV0GK_IYWnEmTKtd_urTB6mkQGtgSrcMQQ6sHM_vaGiYXOJe0D90TrxrRrfckbrILtmHoYkrcvLDiDFaklVjwDPXuM7Vcs673VU_bbey9aR5VyYafQ/s2592/P1110073.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5nTBTECdqrkuOcyu5Kn0oie6yYMeskv3fojay7mDDnbcPeVHCReAXSqQ-U9nqE_ued8NhooBDVV0GK_IYWnEmTKtd_urTB6mkQGtgSrcMQQ6sHM_vaGiYXOJe0D90TrxrRrfckbrILtmHoYkrcvLDiDFaklVjwDPXuM7Vcs673VU_bbey9aR5VyYafQ/w480-h640/P1110073.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t861jjgOFNwRbRbLDnlbLIjadfDag0yJqQLqUuizx50GoD_9Kxtz86b9JMHcpX0VPiIKor3Zq14d51vAq4wvah6llpph_wvdjkhtMCcwJegSVDvUAMZkwXgDAu8yYeG3IISKBlyQ9qLPtN08CfZsJHK8-P0PfzRAnWaiW50RdcHsd94Bh2Y632rU0w/s2592/P1110079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_t861jjgOFNwRbRbLDnlbLIjadfDag0yJqQLqUuizx50GoD_9Kxtz86b9JMHcpX0VPiIKor3Zq14d51vAq4wvah6llpph_wvdjkhtMCcwJegSVDvUAMZkwXgDAu8yYeG3IISKBlyQ9qLPtN08CfZsJHK8-P0PfzRAnWaiW50RdcHsd94Bh2Y632rU0w/w480-h640/P1110079.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwgkT9p3N6s7MR1owAgx4JwcpbkbHhh_jSdpPdddBgkjFFBQGUbkeg63KL9-Sob-cMtRnC7089rm__Nvo_f3F-bdWK-eRCwJV5Qo1DmhQHO2Ai1yMtJGQbNxnhQYeEV_2b0iBrOlGyxDQWUuFS9XXgXPMdkPNsRjI0wZe7U8DNsqhlDBtaPiN443qqw/s640/IMG_6543.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="480" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUwgkT9p3N6s7MR1owAgx4JwcpbkbHhh_jSdpPdddBgkjFFBQGUbkeg63KL9-Sob-cMtRnC7089rm__Nvo_f3F-bdWK-eRCwJV5Qo1DmhQHO2Ai1yMtJGQbNxnhQYeEV_2b0iBrOlGyxDQWUuFS9XXgXPMdkPNsRjI0wZe7U8DNsqhlDBtaPiN443qqw/w480-h640/IMG_6543.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, I have to have a selfie. ๐ </td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And then I continued my exploration inside the mall. I stumbled upon this ice cream store. Of course, I had to try it because -- matcha. ๐</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLpD-F2ppAJp3KvruZXnR4hEnbt2eIaUXNpP3rMt62GGhKVDxRmfpMvkBxeg8a48rahqie-PuH64th7V0M-jMAEX_enyujiNNeavxpNNmq9OKp4xCw1WMRnFM3mLcymLIVHJS239LUz8kkvLGBtxjLWj3d9V--WwGTVEeGkjy52YMXMZA37nDsFxhvg/s1930/P1110098.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1486" data-original-width="1930" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCLpD-F2ppAJp3KvruZXnR4hEnbt2eIaUXNpP3rMt62GGhKVDxRmfpMvkBxeg8a48rahqie-PuH64th7V0M-jMAEX_enyujiNNeavxpNNmq9OKp4xCw1WMRnFM3mLcymLIVHJS239LUz8kkvLGBtxjLWj3d9V--WwGTVEeGkjy52YMXMZA37nDsFxhvg/w640-h492/P1110098.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hXDOaZXtiYWHqDoHsxD9vRp2_QSqJJAj0LpWafWbrZ3nfasCj6voGRRXMOwGbvNYnkOh6F_S3ETf5mY9__xIAyE14vRNgWZKBdBzVlc5uWqTdfuEsHTUvNldTJnqiA3YrxxxNX_z35vkWC9Qxh3Apw7uNf_CPterzRvrZ35dkCcVtRlimrYdPmLP7Q/s2592/P1110097.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5hXDOaZXtiYWHqDoHsxD9vRp2_QSqJJAj0LpWafWbrZ3nfasCj6voGRRXMOwGbvNYnkOh6F_S3ETf5mY9__xIAyE14vRNgWZKBdBzVlc5uWqTdfuEsHTUvNldTJnqiA3YrxxxNX_z35vkWC9Qxh3Apw7uNf_CPterzRvrZ35dkCcVtRlimrYdPmLP7Q/w640-h480/P1110097.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I sat down for a while in one of the nearby seats and I comfortably ate this ice cream. ๐ฅฐ</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I continued to do some more sight-seeing, I realized that it would take a day to truly tour around the place. There's so much to see, and I took photos of the lovely sceneries that I saw around.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNQEusfMSjwEHqZDjN1_d65kQ8e9Vjn0tZDswhFFjcJNeuwgGwyE826CVmrHcBRNvGe0hXtHipGhkdy3x6f6lPBHzyC1uWGjtHYo_SIcmbh1odPzvFbtu5C9iCaf1_UyKWv710Jwr82rdjAVGr09AthXJO6fvo7QBStaYsMjMc4omXFAaw6WcM14y6w/s2274/P1110106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1801" data-original-width="2274" height="506" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcNQEusfMSjwEHqZDjN1_d65kQ8e9Vjn0tZDswhFFjcJNeuwgGwyE826CVmrHcBRNvGe0hXtHipGhkdy3x6f6lPBHzyC1uWGjtHYo_SIcmbh1odPzvFbtu5C9iCaf1_UyKWv710Jwr82rdjAVGr09AthXJO6fvo7QBStaYsMjMc4omXFAaw6WcM14y6w/w640-h506/P1110106.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7WbLf0ou5ymoBnDEcq4SGqr9muMJ-u9R23r6PgBIP6902v58T74_Gtb2KOE3ZnbYyUXPzN4oG5FmHPaaCfYNKVrv8HyEQLV_i-NjqlEeqxIc_5rhObFoe4Vb3pOSvcEnSpVxJHTijjaJ5MQJnsq6Z_iARniq2uONKsHPedumw6rpNr0Zt-TxlA980Q/s2417/P1110126.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1445" data-original-width="2417" height="382" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie7WbLf0ou5ymoBnDEcq4SGqr9muMJ-u9R23r6PgBIP6902v58T74_Gtb2KOE3ZnbYyUXPzN4oG5FmHPaaCfYNKVrv8HyEQLV_i-NjqlEeqxIc_5rhObFoe4Vb3pOSvcEnSpVxJHTijjaJ5MQJnsq6Z_iARniq2uONKsHPedumw6rpNr0Zt-TxlA980Q/w640-h382/P1110126.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><h2 style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finding the Clow Book</h2><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I continued exploring the plaza, I stumbled upon these stores inside. </div><div style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJF7RclXi-bc_sZ4gXCf87ekb2xlNH2SqDtU_Bf404F5d-zc1cIo_ACEjpHDJoupbqe7ZV5Ug624P1gn80q2Jj8zRtlzBpP-hMqLFZ1zJ0WYBC9u1rylKVTxrEpLeaiyD57hzWiucUtBpFfXNAvo4Co--2Q7jaJvOtj_njItTsCfe6jOczr_KnHqgfg/s2327/P1110137.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1580" data-original-width="2327" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicJF7RclXi-bc_sZ4gXCf87ekb2xlNH2SqDtU_Bf404F5d-zc1cIo_ACEjpHDJoupbqe7ZV5Ug624P1gn80q2Jj8zRtlzBpP-hMqLFZ1zJ0WYBC9u1rylKVTxrEpLeaiyD57hzWiucUtBpFfXNAvo4Co--2Q7jaJvOtj_njItTsCfe6jOczr_KnHqgfg/w640-h434/P1110137.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Of course, there's the ever reliable Daiso store, with lots of assortments of items inside.</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szXxotiM8yBhncIxQgoOFHXANJ6sxq0qiQJFMJmg1xowRa5A5WY2c_GsIQwKOCSz8El7UA-BAKeFqulcnEi3sLWZWo9u9cmtV0u94XYSNy5qYuqK9VYuwBJIEbxT_5_zaLX6vJ9bQ05bFldzC-0ToJVPsW39adjlv-sX2w4cPN_QCeOSISEuVL-VDA/s2316/P1110132.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1238" data-original-width="2316" height="342" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7szXxotiM8yBhncIxQgoOFHXANJ6sxq0qiQJFMJmg1xowRa5A5WY2c_GsIQwKOCSz8El7UA-BAKeFqulcnEi3sLWZWo9u9cmtV0u94XYSNy5qYuqK9VYuwBJIEbxT_5_zaLX6vJ9bQ05bFldzC-0ToJVPsW39adjlv-sX2w4cPN_QCeOSISEuVL-VDA/w640-h342/P1110132.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">And this is the part of the trip where things just felt so magical. Remember <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/06/solo-in-tokyo-day-4-wandering-around.html" target="_blank">my efforts in finding the Clow Book in Akihabara</a>? During this time, I have already let go of that task of finding a Clow Book. But upon exploring the plaza, I found myself entering the <a href="https://www.kumabook.com/" target="_blank">Kumazawa Bookstore</a>, and 'lo and behold... as I turned towards a bookshelf hallway, I found myself looking at a Clow Book, displayed on the shelf. I vividly remember that only one copy was there, and that book was sitting at the center of an empty part of that bookshelf. It felt like things were in slow motion as I made my steps towards the book (I know I know it sounds too dramatic and theatrical, but in my mind, that's how it happened). I took the book into my hands, and the feelings of happiness just overflowed within me. I went straight to the cashier and (sheepishly) handed the book to the cashier. I didn't know how I might have looked back then, but for sure I knew I was mildly trying to compose myself because I couldn't stop beaming because I felt so lucky to finally find the Clow Book!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As I finished my transaction at the cashier counter and exited the bookstore, I knew that my mission here was completed. With my steps feeling so lighter and brighter, I made my way to the final destination of the trip, to see my last Tokyo sunset for this year. I'll tell you that story in my next post! ๐ผ</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-54603824057064650862023-07-30T21:09:00.003+08:002023-07-30T21:09:24.009+08:00Tagaytay 2023: An Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6ddPm93hjA8b1BhiNrKIJsDbSMU_kDFHoSvUsPMNxvaoOcAW_pO_UGuaV_YsgLB2QA5Vc4DVbXHf-ovWp5NWRZ1LRyGzHiZgB-qKKYcQl1e__qRPLDm-8dSjyK_pDvGyLmyAmRO5Vd_pHKRtBHGU5m5AcS4FBPzf1In8R7_jFcKtBPWT1PcHHnc5Cs5P/s755/tagaytay%202023.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX6ddPm93hjA8b1BhiNrKIJsDbSMU_kDFHoSvUsPMNxvaoOcAW_pO_UGuaV_YsgLB2QA5Vc4DVbXHf-ovWp5NWRZ1LRyGzHiZgB-qKKYcQl1e__qRPLDm-8dSjyK_pDvGyLmyAmRO5Vd_pHKRtBHGU5m5AcS4FBPzf1In8R7_jFcKtBPWT1PcHHnc5Cs5P/w640-h432/tagaytay%202023.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Here is another introduction post to a wonderful trip that I had recently. </i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's kind of challenging for me to form new and genuine connections, especially in recent years. Maybe this was exacerbated by the pandemic, but for sure, being remote and working from home is a huge factor. This is why I treasure my core circle of friends. I only have one actually, so I treasure them a lot. This is why it came as a pleasant surprise that I got to connect with new people and was able to actually be comfortable with them. It was like finding new friends that share the same energy.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This trip was actually initiated by these two new souls (that I now call friends yay), and it was a different kind of interaction with them. I mostly got to interact with them through chats at work. Then we discovered our common love for videoke! ๐ค๐Because there were still precautions due to the pandemic back then, we got a bit creative and did our singing on <a href="https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.tencent.wesing&hl=en&gl=US" target="_blank">the WeSing app</a> for several times when we got bored on a random night (usually a Friday night lol).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It was the midst of a super busy week at work, and while chatting about our tasks, they had this idea of going out of town to unwind for a change! Of course I was all in with it, and so with some planning here and there, we were able to finally get away from our keyboards and phones and finally got to chat and interact in real life. ๐</div><p>And so, we got to spend the weekend in Tagaytay City! The experience was just how I imagined it to be -- great food, great company, and fantastic road trip adventure! It was surely a weekend to remember. </p><p>I'm excited to document all our adventures here on the blog, soon! โจ</p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-21103385333010721052023-07-16T10:50:00.001+08:002023-07-16T10:50:15.693+08:00Q3 2023 Goals Setting & Steps<div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB4YoEqvKG_fwRJsmbmsUXY0yQaZbA8ukSQC4kTtlej7UfhO7DsXvd2QvAf6WjbUQYU_f6BroNK71RKPeZJ3Id6o1_RfIN9XL-tZnB7yQ9XAyR8O7DIkN4YxAXNvZhOJidAvFj6xX4np6fBgJ229gIrN__jQamaPnuo7Onb6Zx-Hn-rMkjyLMBR1vj4vd/s755/Untitled%20design%20(66).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrB4YoEqvKG_fwRJsmbmsUXY0yQaZbA8ukSQC4kTtlej7UfhO7DsXvd2QvAf6WjbUQYU_f6BroNK71RKPeZJ3Id6o1_RfIN9XL-tZnB7yQ9XAyR8O7DIkN4YxAXNvZhOJidAvFj6xX4np6fBgJ229gIrN__jQamaPnuo7Onb6Zx-Hn-rMkjyLMBR1vj4vd/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(66).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">๐ฉโ๐ผ Career - prep for the deliverables for the trip</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ฐ Financial - lay out options and filter and select</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ก Personal Development - attend and take on a role every month</div><div><br /></div><div>๐งโโ๏ธ Spiritual - morning and evening routines</div><div><br /></div><div>๐ Educational - finish notes rewrites</div><div><br /></div><div>โค๏ธ Relationship - pay it forward</div><div><br /></div><div>๐๏ธโโ๏ธ Physical and Health - lower down %</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-34414123031316382992023-07-02T21:14:00.003+08:002023-07-02T21:14:42.560+08:00Q2 2023 Goals Evaluation<div style="text-align: center;"> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlXARoS1Xky_Y7OEi73VUbN3s-TFWQ4E1apXH2Xmk9Feqf3xn1lXU5bsjOQS9QCrZCRZo9MWyN8rCfThs5gLLc8HQipc_oXrrgkBeLXVzRXQfwRzpAuUgcXgJa0Kkii_MJh07Qk38hExzxHX9b9MchpgW0W-Tadfb7DM4lu0vag8csij_6Mn53AEvbdGZ/s755/Untitled%20design%20(64).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQlXARoS1Xky_Y7OEi73VUbN3s-TFWQ4E1apXH2Xmk9Feqf3xn1lXU5bsjOQS9QCrZCRZo9MWyN8rCfThs5gLLc8HQipc_oXrrgkBeLXVzRXQfwRzpAuUgcXgJa0Kkii_MJh07Qk38hExzxHX9b9MchpgW0W-Tadfb7DM4lu0vag8csij_6Mn53AEvbdGZ/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(64).png" width="640" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">๐โโ๏ธ <b>Career - finish the course + apply for a new one</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still need to finish that one specific course. ๐ Well I still did attend a number of training courses online so at least I have compensated for this one that I still need to finish.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />๐<b>Financial - finish the book + find a community</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yay! I'm so happy and proud I got to achieve this one. I did finish the book, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/05/book-reads-rich-dad-poor-dad-robert.html" target="_blank">wrote a review on the blog</a>, and have actually attended an online seminar about real estate investing. I gained a lot of information from those experiences and so I'm prepping up on my next steps in this journey.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />๐โโ๏ธ <b>Personal Development - learn a new piece</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">During the last few weeks of the quarter, I got the time to sit down on the piano and practice. I do have something I'm studying on, so maybe in the coming weeks I will publish here the result of those sessions!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>๐ <b>Spiritual - level up meditation ritual</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Yay! Another goal achieved for this one. I finally have purchased my very own singing bowl (got it from <a href="https://5dhealingcrystals.com/" target="_blank">5D Healing Crystals</a>). I'm very satisfied with this purchase. I have also added new crystals for my collection.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />๐โโ๏ธ<b>Educational - finish 2 books and write about it</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have finished only one of them. ๐ So I guess this will extend to the next quarter.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b>๐โโ๏ธ <b>Relationship - finish the journal challenge + card prompts</b><br />I admit I need to be consistent with my journaling habit, but I have progressed with the prompt cards, so that's a start!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">๐โโ๏ธ<b>Physical and Health - lower down %</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Sadly, I wasn't able to make progress on this, in terms of the specific goal. But I have done ways to lessen the friction to make these habits work and make the process more fun! So I really do hope to focus more on this in the long term. Aja!</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div> ~o~</div><div><br /></div><div>Legend:</div><div>๐ Finished</div><div>๐โโ๏ธ Still in Progress</div><div>๐ Aborted</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-45535704426893722482023-07-02T14:53:00.001+08:002023-07-02T14:53:13.646+08:00Album Review: Midnights (Taylor Swift) - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMMCShoJLStN_WPI0EMiRaEGmWN-Gf1UMOFY-BgNG3tm7Do-8DEOTbRbGBI2WvhbJm4QcNzBW4CePD2szgI-Czal8qyJicUpYA0_y1t8iKe12TLT-v_GS6XF6xQct5frGa-XU1A0QeOBNVDlUjAtlG2pfsgvzpHWQ2_ZoYME0Zn6Gu9O0T21htGGCY1h-/s755/Untitled%20design%20(63).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCMMCShoJLStN_WPI0EMiRaEGmWN-Gf1UMOFY-BgNG3tm7Do-8DEOTbRbGBI2WvhbJm4QcNzBW4CePD2szgI-Czal8qyJicUpYA0_y1t8iKe12TLT-v_GS6XF6xQct5frGa-XU1A0QeOBNVDlUjAtlG2pfsgvzpHWQ2_ZoYME0Zn6Gu9O0T21htGGCY1h-/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(63).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been months and months since the <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Midnights" target="_blank">Midnights album</a> has been released, and <b>a lot </b>has happened since then - music videos, collabs, breakups (๐), hookups (๐), to breakups again, awards, breaking records here and there, and of course, the ongoing Eras tour. It's been a ride being a Taylor Swift fan. There's always something going on, and it's never boring. I'm so happy to be able to witness these events that would surely be topics of interest for the next decades to come when they talk about the music industry highlights of this year in history. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Following my tradition with her music releases, I did sit down and write my thoughts about her latest album, similar to what did for <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2017/11/reputation-new-taylor-is-here-are-you.html" target="_blank">reputation</a> ๐, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2019/09/album-review-lover-taylor-swift.html" target="_blank">Lover</a> ๐ฆ, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2020/08/album-review-folklore-taylor-swift.html" target="_blank">folklore</a> ๐ฒ, and <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/01/album-review-evermore-taylor-swift.html" target="_blank">evermore</a> ๐. It just took me forever to clear my schedule and really have the time to sit down and do this thing, but finally here it is!</div><p><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;">This time I'm making this into a series, because we all know by now that Midnights album has a rich collection of songs, and I want to be able to review each of them as deeply as I could, in bite-sized posts.</span></p><p style="text-align: left;">So, here's my song-by-song breakdown of the Midnights ๐ album. </p><p><br /></p><h2 style="text-align: left;">01 Lavender Haze</h2><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/h8DLofLM7No" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>With just a few seconds of the track, we already knew that <b>pop Taylor is back</b>! I love her raspy voice here and the playful melody that makes this song very fun to sing. I notice that one of Taylor's strengths is the way she is able to incorporate the lyrics with the melody. For sure there's a term for that technique, but for now that's what I'm gonna call it. ๐ </div><div><br /></div><div><b>Favorite lyrics:</b></div><div>The only kinda girl they see </div><div>Is a one-night or a wife</div><div><br /></div><div><h2>02 Maroon</h2></div><div>I admit, this song still needs to grow on me. ๐ But as usual, it has such amazing lyrics. Taylor also has mastery with playing with words, making the song tell a story with every verse, chorus, and bridge.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Favorite lyrics:</b></div><div><div>And I chose you</div><div>The one I was dancing with</div><div>In New York, no shoes</div><div><br /></div><div>And I lost you</div><div>The one I was dancing with</div><div>In New York, no shoes</div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>03 Anti-Hero</h2></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b1kbLwvqugk" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div>With just the first listen, I knew this is gonna be <b style="font-style: italic;">that song. </b>I had goosebumps because of how much I related to the lyrics. I think Taylor was able to deeply connect with her audience with this song because of how vulnerable she is here. Taylor Swift, one of the biggest superstars in the world, is telling you her deepest insecurities. This really made her so relatable.</div><div><br /></div><div>I loved everything -- from the lyrics to the melody, and to the music video! I'm just so happy that my favorite song (on first listen) on Midnights is the first released single off the album. Also, even though it's already history, Taylor first sang this song live in acoustic at a <b>The 1975 concert</b>! Aaah, my fandom worlds really collided at that moment. I'm so happy with the memories I have attached with this song. This song for sure holds one of the top Taylor Swift song spots in my heart. ๐ค</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Favorite lyrics:</b></div><div>ALL OF IT!</div><div><br /></div><div><h2>04 Snow on the Beach</h2></div><div>I was really not that exposed to Lana Del Rey's music so it was a treat for me to discover another great artist through this song. It's so magical and dreamy, and just that concept of having snow on the beach is outside of this reality. It's weird, but it's beautiful. </div><div><br /></div><div>At first listen, I thought it sounded very like <b>It's Nice to Have a Friend</b> from the Lover album. It was very noticeable that Lana didn't really have a solo verse on the song (but the vocal blending with Taylor's is ethereal ๐). But yeah, fast forward to several months, Taylor heard the fans and actually released a new version of the song with more Lana Del Rey on it. ๐๐</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Favorite lyrics:</b></div><div><div>And it's like snow at the beach</div><div>Weird but fuckin' beautiful</div><div>Flying in a dream, stars by the pocketful</div></div><div><br /></div><div><h2>05 You're On Your Own, Kid</h2></div><div>I wasn't really able to connect with this song initially, but after absorbing the lyrics and connecting the dots to her <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/08/inspiration-from-commencement-speeches.html" target="_blank">NYU speech</a> wherein she actually used the lyrics in it (sneaky Taylor and her easter eggs! ๐ฅ), I was able to feel the message this song is trying to bring across. And my favorite part is the bridge, which is very powerful and just shoots me with dopamine every time I hear it (which also inspired the friendship bracelets at the Eras tour):</div><div><br /></div><div><div>From sprinkler splashes to fireplace ashes</div><div>I gave my blood, sweat, and tears for this</div><div>I hosted parties and starved my body</div><div>Like I'd be saved by a perfect kiss</div><div>The jokes weren't funny, I took the money</div><div>My friends from home don't know what to say</div><div>I looked around in a blood-soaked gown</div><div>And I saw something they can't take away</div><div>'Cause there were pages turned with the bridges burned</div><div>Everything you lose is a step you take</div><div>So, make the friendship bracelets, take the moment and taste it</div><div>You've got no reason to be afraid</div><div><br /></div><div>You're on your own, kid</div><div>Yeah, you can face this</div><div>You're on your own, kid</div><div>You always have been</div></div><div><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">And that is the first five tracks from Midnights! ๐ Watch out for the rest of the songs from the album in future posts! ๐</p>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-30544280269818969972023-06-28T17:38:00.003+08:002023-06-28T17:38:34.544+08:00HOW-TO: Preparing for the School Year Enrollment<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKz-9RyxX_EMODPWmT9ytmV8_jAat8My5LHfFX02f0TpXmcbRT-Y_U7nKsifs8x0Z6op3uWPYum3Y6V1AofNza7Y14v2Nl-pevabfHRvcHLK7zbOJg8c1g-iVyZkYTkXu28QA1eM7fHTyZmJQgG-1njnm4FQpK76YczzkWcQ5eB31e4pBPXeBVFzOclgw/s755/Add%20a%20heading.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQKz-9RyxX_EMODPWmT9ytmV8_jAat8My5LHfFX02f0TpXmcbRT-Y_U7nKsifs8x0Z6op3uWPYum3Y6V1AofNza7Y14v2Nl-pevabfHRvcHLK7zbOJg8c1g-iVyZkYTkXu28QA1eM7fHTyZmJQgG-1njnm4FQpK76YczzkWcQ5eB31e4pBPXeBVFzOclgw/w640-h432/Add%20a%20heading.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">๐ท: <a href="https://web.facebook.com/PSAHelpline.ph/" target="_blank">PSAHelpline.ph Facebook</a></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The next academic school year will open in the next few months, and for sure both parents and students are already preparing for the enrollment as early as now. For first-timers, this can be an extra daunting experience because there are lots of unknown parts in the processes in their horizon. Good thing there are lots of guides to read online, <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/preparing-ahead-for-your-childs-school-enrollment-the-ultimate-guide" target="_blank">like this one, on how to prepare for the enrollment for first-timers</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />I have a niece who will be starting kindergarten school this year, and I am just as excited as her parents. ๐ I'm looking forward to reading story books with her when she finally learns how to read. I want to see her learn to also write, do math, and just discover the world around her. I'm also excited for her to make friends with her classmates in school.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />Oh those good 'ol days of school. ๐I have graduated school more than a decade ago already, but I can still remember my excitement with buying new school supplies at the local book store and getting new school uniforms and bags. As a child, all I thought about during that time was the excitement of making new friends at school. As an adult, I didn't realize how exhausting it is to prepare a child for school (which I will experience first-hand when I become a mother myself). Aside from mentally preparing the kid, there are also a bunch of documents to be prepared. It's a good thing again that there's the internet now, and all the questions about enrollment can be answered by <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/preparing-ahead-for-your-childs-school-enrollment-the-ultimate-guide" target="_blank">guides published online about school enrollment</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><h4 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Whether it's for kindergarten or grade school or college, one document is always needed - that is the </span>birth certificate. </h4></div><div style="text-align: left;">Good thing it's so easy for us to get that now. <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/03/how-to-ordering-certificates-at.html" target="_blank">We can now order this document (and others like marriage certificate) at PSAHelpline</a>. It's as easy and as fast as adding to cart when doing online shopping! ๐.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">Make your preparations without hassle by ordering your birth certificates online via <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/" target="_blank"><b>PSAHelpline</b></a>. The upcoming school year will be less stressful and more exciting! ๐๐ฅฐ</p><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~o~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">References:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><div>From Kindergarten to Confidence: A First-time Parentsโ Guide to Enrolling their Child in School: <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/from-kindergarten-to-confidence">https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/from-kindergarten-to-confidence</a></div><div><br /></div><div>Preparing Ahead for Your Child's School Enrollment: The Ultimate Guide: <a href="https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/preparing-ahead-for-your-childs-school-enrollment-the-ultimate-guide">https://psahelpline.ph/blogs/preparing-ahead-for-your-childs-school-enrollment-the-ultimate-guide</a></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-45158307319992167062023-06-27T20:55:00.004+08:002023-06-29T07:58:43.216+08:00Sagada 2023: An Introduction<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwbAYsYIYP5ueSkKvELRUM48RtzMpp5XL6FwtsfSYGGS7_-kkPKCO4IOMwP6eKygkh14wcCemaFIUvr0VoalSaz2Wdcl_qbTlE1Ro2MPnwoTEmIq0n56ZHaXU3AiuNrUNs5EltB73HeDpOklFJ2zyJiXljstkdbpoqj8YETALVVJ3i_oQ8oXR-NJlrlzK/s755/Untitled%20design%20(62).png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwbAYsYIYP5ueSkKvELRUM48RtzMpp5XL6FwtsfSYGGS7_-kkPKCO4IOMwP6eKygkh14wcCemaFIUvr0VoalSaz2Wdcl_qbTlE1Ro2MPnwoTEmIq0n56ZHaXU3AiuNrUNs5EltB73HeDpOklFJ2zyJiXljstkdbpoqj8YETALVVJ3i_oQ8oXR-NJlrlzK/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(62).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever gone hiking? Remember that feeling of being all tired and sweaty after a long day of going up and down the mountain? Imagine that it rained when you hiked and you are still in your wet trekking clothes. And then at last, you are now seated with your group, at the dining table at a resting area, and you're now sipping a steaming bowl of hot chicken soup? It's just an ordinary chicken soup, nothing really special about it, but for some reason, this chicken soup is the best one you've ever had. ๐โจ</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">That was a wall or words, alright. But that chicken soup... that's how I describe this recent trip I had to Sagada. I traveled with my homies for a 2D1N trip (yup we were crazy for pushing through it), but it's one of the best trips I have done in a while... I compared that chicken soup with this trip because I enjoyed this trip SO MUCH. Even though it was tiring and expensive, I had so much fun because first, I missed the outside world (LOL), second, I missed eating out and exploring new places, and finally, I missed my friends! ๐ It's so nice to be able to bond with them this way since we don't really get to see each other often because we are all working remotely.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Half of our trip was spent travelling by bus to and from Sagada, The rest was walking uphill and visiting and eating food in the restaurants around. <a href="http://www.katalinarosario.com/2018/11/sagada-my-last-whisk-of-dreams-mountain.html" target="_blank">My last visit in Sagada was in 2017</a>, which involved mostly outdoor activities like going to caves, trekking to falls, and trekking at Marlboro hills. This time around, because my dear knees won't be able to handle those activities, we all had a chill itinerary, which involved eating. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">This will just be a short series of posts, but they are brimming with happy memories. A lot of first times for sure, and I'm very excited to recall and look back at them again as I write about them on the blog. Stay tuned! ๐</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-70573458114126334612023-06-08T21:21:00.007+08:002023-06-09T07:45:31.227+08:00Life Logs: Games, Night Buses & Caviar<div style="text-align: left;">It's been a while since the last time I sat down and wrote a <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/search?q=life+logs" target="_blank">Life Log</a> entry in this blog, and I think I am finding my way on how again these all worked. ๐ The year 2023 is slowly passing by, and I have to say -- I still need to do some effort so that I could spend each day in a more intentional way. I admit that there are days wherein I didn't feel like doing anything, and I have learned to just let myself be. I became more mindful of listening to my body and my mind so that I don't overwork myself. If I feel like I needed to take a break, I do take that break (and have that Kit Kat!๐ซ).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqD3itFpQth8tGz7FdE5SKqWp-GJ7HV7NZfh3iK3Mgaj4I4-UFD705mnXAZQAhkkEyiTJ2HQLxwqe80TiEk7PL-X-_rinIcoodEVCAMI3XdXoYJt0TuNtD6d6u4AQutN1CK-odNtHVAS__GbSrAXc1EMKhdRNj8myrhzGjxr7eSMHxMxFpHbr20CT3g/s755/life%20logs.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRqD3itFpQth8tGz7FdE5SKqWp-GJ7HV7NZfh3iK3Mgaj4I4-UFD705mnXAZQAhkkEyiTJ2HQLxwqe80TiEk7PL-X-_rinIcoodEVCAMI3XdXoYJt0TuNtD6d6u4AQutN1CK-odNtHVAS__GbSrAXc1EMKhdRNj8myrhzGjxr7eSMHxMxFpHbr20CT3g/w640-h432/life%20logs.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><h3 style="text-align: left;">๐ Experiences</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i><a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/03/my-first-24-hours-on-hogwarts-legacy.html" target="_blank">Getting to play the highly-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy game</a></i>.โกIt was one enchanting game experience that I spent hours of my life on. The Potterhead in me is forever grateful for this game. ๐ The honeymoon phase is over for me for this game, for sure, but I will not hesitate to go back if some DLC will drop for the game. ๐</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Taking the night bus to the province.</i> We are all about discovering new things and experiencing new adventures, and this one right here for sure, is one for the books. I proved to myself that if <b>there is a will, there is a way</b>. I would not have done this before if I knew in myself that I'm in it half-heartedly. But I knew very well from the start that I didn't want to miss that event. And so for this, I even had to cancel plans with my friends (๐ข) and prioritize connections that are thicker than water. And hey, it was worth it. I reconnected with the members of my ancestral line and had the time to contemplate on how things have changed over the years. It's a sad thing, but it's not a bad thing. It is what it is. Change is part of life.</li></ul></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><i>Buying caviar-flavored chips. </i>Again, experiencing new things! I was getting hooked watching <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@Trektrendy" target="_blank">this YouTube channel</a> about experiencing first class in planes. I got so fascinated with the system that I binged several videos in a span of several days. I noticed that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caviar" target="_blank">caviar</a> was always being served and was part of the menu, and so I got curious on how it actually tasted. Well thank you Universe, I stumbled upon caviar-flavored chips in the grocery. For the life of me I just couldn't pass the opportunity. How right the timing was. And so even though the aforementioned chips were 3x more expensive than my normal purchase, I still did it just to taste how it's like. It was good, but now that I have "hint" on how caviar tastes like, I'll have to say that it's expensive not because it's so good, but because of its high scarcity. </li></ul></div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">โฐ๏ธ Accomplishments / Milestones</h3><div style="text-align: left;">We got to spay our last female cat in the household! I was anxious, particularly on this one. I very well knew that this cat is the most fragile in the pack, and so I was extra uneasy with her operation, even though it was my third time to experience a pet being spayed. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">In the hours between us surrendering her to the spaying venue up to receiving the notification that she's ready to be picked up, a lot came running into my mind, and of course I even thought of the worst-case scenario. I gave a deep sigh of relief when I got the text from the spaying organizer that she has woken up after the surgery and ready to be picked up. Our cat took a while to get off the effects of anesthesia, and I was so happy when she finally acted normal again the next day. </div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">๐ง Game Changer</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Morning Manifestations + Evening Positive Affirmations</b>. This combo was a killer. I was still reeling from the hazy and gloomy psyche that I have had for several months, and I was trying different things to make me feel better. One of those was these little morning routines that I came up for myself. Each morning I meditate for a few minutes, letting myself envision positive things for the day and also repeating positive words to heighten my energy right from the start of my day. I felt more energetic and "in the zone" each morning, and I am 100% sure that it is because of these positive energies that I was allowing myself to feel. I even started my 5AM routine during this time (spoiler alert: I only got to maintain that routine for a handful of months... I'll have to find a more sustainable routine for me ๐ )</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">๐ก Takeaways</h3><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The hardest part will always be the start. That's where the power of friction is most felt. However, when things start to move, things will get easier.</li><li>Social Media stops the โflowโ of things. Itโs like a black hole that sips all the energy away. So, avoid them at all costs.</li><li>Letโs celebrate our little wins.</li><li>Say yes to lifeโs adventures <3</li><li>"For growth to happen, one must be challenged, but not overwhelmed." (I read this somewhere, but already forgot where. ๐ )</li></ul></div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-74295345262214266742023-05-28T22:06:00.000+08:002023-05-28T22:06:00.449+08:00Book Reads: Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJMuUrAlvEsBGAgo-EbJ6-rxNgDfGrpi18c_iRGxLu-2mrRBofC25pifuMr27tCY4lgb40qt_FuGeTkYZ2o19w49hcUN7ddTAJzbsaHjoeePtZSSN1fPpihJu5W5V57zRHt9Gr_Fu0auDLErljwMCjY8XlBDYvx2YNC5gxTqWH7UK577mP1FAwUgNCQ/s755/www.katalinarosario.com.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlJMuUrAlvEsBGAgo-EbJ6-rxNgDfGrpi18c_iRGxLu-2mrRBofC25pifuMr27tCY4lgb40qt_FuGeTkYZ2o19w49hcUN7ddTAJzbsaHjoeePtZSSN1fPpihJu5W5V57zRHt9Gr_Fu0auDLErljwMCjY8XlBDYvx2YNC5gxTqWH7UK577mP1FAwUgNCQ/w640-h432/www.katalinarosario.com.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Have you ever had that one book title that has always been in your reading list, but because of one thing or another, you weren't able to pick it up to read? For me, <b>Rich Dad, Poor Dad</b> is basically that. I was familiar with the title for the longest time but I was clueless on what it was about (I actually initially thought this was a book of fiction LOL). Finally when a colleague mentioned this again during one team building, I wrote a mental note to find a copy of it. Months later, <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2022/09/gadget-review-amazon-2021-kindle.html" target="_blank">after acquiring my Kindle</a>, I added the title to my library. And finally, I'm happy to report that I have finished reading the book! ๐ค๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">After reading it, I now understand why it's always being included in the list of books one should read at least once / before you die. Basically, it's a guide towards financial freedom. How? <b>By making your money work for you.</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br /></b></div><div style="text-align: left;">If you are one of the top percent of the world's population that doesn't need to work to earn money and make a living, well good for you. But for most of us ordinary people, we have to work regularly to earn wages to sustain our everyday expenses. This book reframed my thinking on how I approach money and handling my finances. The book has a lot of quotable quotes (and thanks to Kindle, I was able to highlight them ๐and here are some of them:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">My Highlights From the Book ๐</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Instead of saying I can't afford it, ask: "How can I afford it?"</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Proper physical exercise = increases chances for health<br />Proper mental exercise = increases chances for wealth</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Taxes punish those who produce and reward those who don't produce.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Being able to know when to make quick decisions is an important skill.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The fear of losing was greater than the excitement of winning.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The poor and the middle class work for money. The rich have money to work for them.</li></ul><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Passion is anger and love combined. When it comes to money, most people want to play it safe and feel secure. So passion does not direct them. Fear does.</li></ul></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Emotion stands for "energy in motion."</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Just be an observer, not a reactor, to your emotions.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It's not how much money you make. It's how much money you keep.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you want to be rich, you need to be financially literate.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>An intelligent person hires people who are more intelligent than he is.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When we were told to follow set procedures and not deviate from the rules, we could see how school discouraged creativity.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Schools were designed to produce good employees, instead of employers.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>When I want a bigger house, I first buy assets that will generate the cash flow to pay for the house.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Know the difference between an asset and a liability.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The rich buy assets. The poor only have expenses.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Financial struggle is often directly the result of people working all their lives for someone else. Many people will simply have nothing at the end of their working days to show for their efforts.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The mistake in becoming what you study is that too many people forget to mind their own business. They spend their lives minding someone else's business and making that person rich.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Start minding your own business. Keep your daytime job, but start buying real assets, not liabilities or personal effects that have no real value once you get them home.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Often in the real world, it's not the smart who get ahead, but the bold.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>We all have tremendous potential, and we all are blessed with gifts. Yet the one thing that holds all of us back is some degree of self-doubt.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The single most powerful asset we have is our mind. If it is trained well, it can create enormous wealth.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>It is not gambling if you know what you're doing. It is gambling if you're just throwing money into a deal and praying.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Most people never win because they're more afraid of losing.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Failure is part of the process of success. People who avoid failure also avoid success.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Find an opportunity that everyone else missed.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Job security meant everything to my educated dad. Learning meant everything to my rich dad.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Workers work hard enough to not be fired, and owners pay enough so that workers won't quit.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Life is much like going to the gym. The most painful part is deciding to go. Once you get past that, it's easy.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you hate risk and worry, start early.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Failure inspires winners. Failure defeats losers.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>A savvy investor knows that the seemingly worst of times is actually the best of times to make money.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Without a strong reason or purpose, anything in life is hard.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If a person cannot master the power of self-discipline, it is best not to try to get rich.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The easy road often becomes hard, and the hard road often becomes easy.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>If you want something, you first need to give. Whenever you feel short or in need of something, give what you want first and it will come back in buckets. That is true for money, a smile, love or friendship.</li></ul></div><div style="text-align: left;"><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>Profits are made in the buying, not in the selling.</li></ul><ul style="text-align: left;"><li>The key to becoming wealthy is the ability to convert earned income into passive income or portfolio income as quickly as possible.</li></ul><div>This is a long list, but there are lots more nuggets of wisdom inside the book. I was so inspired that I booked a paid seminar to learn more about real estate investing shortly after. Truly, being familiar with the tropes of real estate investing will allow me to make more informed decisions moving forward.</div><div><br /></div><div>This book was a great read. This is one of those books wherein after finishing, you will emerge out of it with a changed point of view of the world. It deserves all the sensation and hype that this book stirred in the world.</div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-69292338971941003812023-04-29T18:20:00.005+08:002023-12-10T20:39:19.656+08:00Netflix Series Review: Shadow & Bone Season 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u9azznO4WpwquNQ5sspTdP7CiE_idiKekGhOYnVRR6PKuEb82JqEeLlzNritbusbvnvwy9UwVE02G0n0KR_qggdQu2Cg7p8s2jo2_vY0FV30wGtBHSYfGKb8WU70n99gDEEphubSyAPOO2K2_9D8JxdQZP_e1xjgC_Gy9t7ROqbfixq0KFFAt8JJfg/s755/Untitled%20design%20(61).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0u9azznO4WpwquNQ5sspTdP7CiE_idiKekGhOYnVRR6PKuEb82JqEeLlzNritbusbvnvwy9UwVE02G0n0KR_qggdQu2Cg7p8s2jo2_vY0FV30wGtBHSYfGKb8WU70n99gDEEphubSyAPOO2K2_9D8JxdQZP_e1xjgC_Gy9t7ROqbfixq0KFFAt8JJfg/w640-h432/Untitled%20design%20(61).png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It took a while for me to get started with this series (because yeah life happened) but I'm so glad I still pushed through with continuing the series. It was a delight to be reunited with the world and the characters that I adored <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/06/netflix-series-review-shadow-bone.html" target="_blank">from season 1</a> and it was a nice escape for me, even just for a few days. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">It has been two years since I finished watching the first season so I had to do some refresher on what the happenings were in the previous season. Good thing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuZa3B5PqZQ" target="_blank">there was one available on YouTube</a>. It was awesome for me to realize that season 2 kicks off straight from where season 1 left us -- Alina and Mal on to the hunt for the second amplifier that will destroy the fold. Along the way, they meet old and new alliances. Unfortunately, there were old and new enemies as well.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I became a fan of <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ben_Barnes_(actor)" target="_blank">Ben Barnes</a>, the actor that plays the Darkling, since season 1. I now know how jolly and light-hearted his true nature is, so it was kind of challenging for me to see him as the villain again in this season (I'm not sure if that's a compliment or not for him as an actor ๐ ) but it was very entertaining to see him again. ๐ฅฐ For the rest of the characters, some of the actors (with their characters) that grew on me are <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Gibson_(actor)" target="_blank">Patrick Gibson</a> and <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freddy_Carter" target="_blank">Freddy Carter</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm not sure why but some scenes came to me as cringy and I had to sit myself through those weird battle scenes. As much as I cringed, I also fawned over some of the love teams, most notably Kaz x Inej and Jesper x Wylan. For fleeting moments, they made my heart flutter while watching the series. ๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The twists in the story were equally shocking and sad (for a non-book reader myself). I cannot help but feel empty as the last episode wrapped up. Just when I thought the energy had started to dwindle down, the ending scene came and proved me wrong. It was dark, disturbing, and intriguing. There are a lot of questions running in my head, so needless to say, I will look forward to the continuation of this saga! I hope they film soon. ๐ฅบ</div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-56556410536368785262023-04-26T19:22:00.003+08:002023-04-26T19:22:21.282+08:00Building an Ergonomic Workspace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLwJ2GiCVGBjvE1RsuOkbDWWQAjjzH2o--hlG8NwAs8hYIHsyMLaSRk8aqslCtxz2Im-ELIwrMKOAlu90_ExX77CAgoSyE6MMNc8EU1jXQBy-wK-CjYjcRtyICcq7DU5g8l5VGZ9WQwfFbu1wuLT3iictzbrw-FmRwCZmrNfwOQAVaFaanOta5nOmeg/s755/Building%20an%20Ergonomic%20Workspace.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmLwJ2GiCVGBjvE1RsuOkbDWWQAjjzH2o--hlG8NwAs8hYIHsyMLaSRk8aqslCtxz2Im-ELIwrMKOAlu90_ExX77CAgoSyE6MMNc8EU1jXQBy-wK-CjYjcRtyICcq7DU5g8l5VGZ9WQwfFbu1wuLT3iictzbrw-FmRwCZmrNfwOQAVaFaanOta5nOmeg/w640-h432/Building%20an%20Ergonomic%20Workspace.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I have been working from home 5 days/week for 3 years now, and I have to say that the first few months were an adjustment, especially on my workspace set up. I had to replace and change some aspects of my work area for it to become comfortable even if I work for hours in a day. I have now been successful in <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/02/my-wah-productivity-routine.html" target="_blank">building up a productive routine</a> that worked for me and I am still sticking to that up to this day. With all the experience that I have earned through this journey, I now have the knowledge on what the essentials are in building an effective work-from-home space.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Below are some of the steps that I did that I realized are essential, in creating comfortable and effective workspaces.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">1. Choose a chair that fits your body well.</h3><div style="text-align: left;">I believe this is the most essential one to consider. As someone who works a desk job and types away on a computer for hours, having a good chair is an essential tool to work from home effectively. I remember during the first few months of the pandemic, when I started doing WAH full time, I discovered that the wooden study chair that I was using for the longest time was bad for my back. During lunch time I would feel so tired already and would lie on my back on the bed (which was just inches away from the chair LOL) because my lower back was aching badly. That was the point when I knew that I needed to invest in an office chair. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The first office chair that I got was from <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2021/08/review-mandaue-clifford-high-back.html" target="_blank">Mandaue Foam</a>. It was a huge upgrade from my current one. However, after more than a year of daily usage, the cylinder was not functioning properly anymore (the seat was slowly going down even if I adjusted the height) and two of the wheels fell apart. I have DIY-ed fixes for both of these issues, which allowed me to use the chair for another few months. However, there came a point that I really had to replace the chair, or else use it and compromise my posture and sitting position.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">And so I switched to another office chair. This time I got the <a href="https://www.sihoochair.com/products/sihoo-m57-high-quality-ergonomic-high-back-black-swivel-office-chair-with-arms/" target="_blank">Sihoo M57 (with footrest)</a>. I did a lot of research online and also asked around from friends on what their recommended office chairs were, and this brand and model always came up being mentioned. Sihoo is a brand from China, and despite that, it was accessible here in the country through its official distributor <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThingsWeUsePH" target="_blank">Things We Use (TWU)</a>. I connected with them through their Facebook page, and just within hours, the chair was delivered to my doorstep. By lunch time that day, I was already taking work calls while seated on the chair.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since a number of aspects were adjustable on the chair (i.e. arm rest, seat height, lumbar back support, head rest) I had to spend some time searching for that "sweet spot" that worked for me. Once I figured it out, it was all smooth sailing for them. The reviews I got from my friends were true. I especially like the good back support that this chair gives me. Working hours have definitely become less physically stressful for me.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47JEbkPuY2K0odp31fcZ3hfrJhhmQBGJfVLKhiFpzEnr9y6KSlgQGxUw2RjMS70Qs0sORWp584hpDJpvVKaOC8rZi5QRCLPgzft95PYbcYJTVw3RmGiAc0oqEvOXm-mrrexl6Uwgp-x85aoD19ZQmr6NnaHRsD91M67-siearNoKRKyKziXkSUw34ug/s508/335659121_130200373329267_4440505230303681510_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="508" data-original-width="414" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh47JEbkPuY2K0odp31fcZ3hfrJhhmQBGJfVLKhiFpzEnr9y6KSlgQGxUw2RjMS70Qs0sORWp584hpDJpvVKaOC8rZi5QRCLPgzft95PYbcYJTVw3RmGiAc0oqEvOXm-mrrexl6Uwgp-x85aoD19ZQmr6NnaHRsD91M67-siearNoKRKyKziXkSUw34ug/w522-h640/335659121_130200373329267_4440505230303681510_n.jpg" width="522" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">2. Adjust the chair height relative to the height of the desk.</h3><div style="text-align: left;">It is essential to have the correct arms posture in your workspace. From what I have learned from my ergonomics evaluation, the forearm should be on a flat angle relative to the typing surface so that your wrists are relaxed when typing away on the keyboard and when operating the mouse. For this to be possible in my workspace, I adjusted my arm rest height to achieve the desired angle.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">3. Position the monitors so that the middle part is in line with your eye level. </h3><div style="text-align: left;">This is another thing that I learned from my ergonomic evaluation. The monitor height is important to reduce neck tension.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkX3zvbtgV8CUP9Rxg67uoGRNN5ILbs-2O4cZLeHLF3MebP7LTIcuy0bAEXX9GPPORCMAwqBYBy6NJbYfXT_17Ach-0BlLv7ib8I6kBpATWzAuJcUXXFqlzUXtfe6N9ckV2eBtY-CL267MBHNMAGpDYQ9bEZNylLDlaW-A0tmxxt5Md0HWWwr_G_O-w/s414/Untitled%20design%20(60).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="414" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkX3zvbtgV8CUP9Rxg67uoGRNN5ILbs-2O4cZLeHLF3MebP7LTIcuy0bAEXX9GPPORCMAwqBYBy6NJbYfXT_17Ach-0BlLv7ib8I6kBpATWzAuJcUXXFqlzUXtfe6N9ckV2eBtY-CL267MBHNMAGpDYQ9bEZNylLDlaW-A0tmxxt5Md0HWWwr_G_O-w/w640-h480/Untitled%20design%20(60).png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">4. Modify your seating position such that there is space behind your knee joint and the chair (preferably palm-width length).</h3><div>Seating in this position will prevent pressure on the knees. This is especially critical if you have knee issues.</div><h3 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h3><h3 style="text-align: left;">5. Have a foot rest and position it such that your foot is planted on a 90-degree angle relative to the leg.</h3><div style="text-align: left;">Initially, I thought the foot rest was not necessary because I can just get a box to put my feet on, right? How very wrong I was. For months, I came up with different methods to adjust my feet, but it all ended up hurting my knees more. Probably I was choosing the wrong devices, but in case you really want to DIY your foot rest, I recommend building one wherein you can rest your foot at an angle, so that you can follow the 90 degree guideline correctly. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">For me, I later on realized that this is something I cannot DIY so I bought <a href="https://thingsweuse.ph/products/twu-ergonomic-floor-cushion-foot-rest" target="_blank">a foot rest online, from TWU again actually</a>. I'm using it with the flat side on top and rested it against the wall so I could adjust the angle. It has been working well for me and I am not feeling any knee pain even after hours of working. But of course, I still do quick breaks in between via the <a href="https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/pomodoro-technique" target="_blank">Pomodoro method</a>. ๐ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: left;">These guidelines might seem common sense, but sometimes our bodies are just built differently so certain setups would not work for everyone. If your company offers ergonomic evaluation of your workspace at home, please do avail them. It has proved to be beneficial for me. I was able to receive personalized advice for my workspace. A seemingly minor adjustment with my setup was able to drastically change my comfort level. I'm sure it will do the same for you. Happy working (from home!) ๐๐ป</p>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-5005065039933061912023-04-16T10:47:00.005+08:002023-04-16T10:49:29.425+08:00Remembering Youngest Old Cat Lady<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp_9hSI3I5qCcv93WJAnmh9yrkxrKnnksvpPQpnx4oHVaAAM_EU6ep4zjj7YIQGdEFOktqBtG0YWLfRy8D9FtgPQjiiK7PMZTNR4t0-Vp7HQ7qn0KdQpgBxrA8w_vAIIwK4TJYLqS-2YQadRm4zAkoJfU5hqB8_2a4GEsPurZ6kDxeFFZNOg4dSQjYA/s755/Youngest%20Old%20Cat%20Lady.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyp_9hSI3I5qCcv93WJAnmh9yrkxrKnnksvpPQpnx4oHVaAAM_EU6ep4zjj7YIQGdEFOktqBtG0YWLfRy8D9FtgPQjiiK7PMZTNR4t0-Vp7HQ7qn0KdQpgBxrA8w_vAIIwK4TJYLqS-2YQadRm4zAkoJfU5hqB8_2a4GEsPurZ6kDxeFFZNOg4dSQjYA/w640-h432/Youngest%20Old%20Cat%20Lady.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Trigger warning: suicide</i></div><p><br /></p><p>It was a Sunday when I learned about the news. I was scrolling Instagram when I stumbled upon <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq1FKe7OVRC/" target="_blank">a post by the.real.gus.gus</a> that read "<i>how sad we are about the news of Ashleyโs passing</i>". I was like, wait... what? I didn't understand, so I went to Ashley's account (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/youngestoldcatlady" target="_blank">@youngestoldcatlady</a>) and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Cq04xvJPvEz/" target="_blank">saw her scheduled post</a>. That's when I learned of the heartbreaking news. ๐</p><div style="text-align: left;">Ashley Morrison, also known as Youngest Old Cat Lady, was an animal foster and rescue advocate, and she mostly worked on cat TNR (trap-neuter-release) operations, fostering, and adoption. All of her adventures of trapping kittens, feeding new-born babies, and taking care of her foster cats are documented on her Instagram account.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Parasocial relationships are so weird. I had never met Ashley in person, nor did she know me, but I cried after learning the news. The tears kept on flowing as I read through other followers' convos and threads on Ashley's last post, as well as on Gus' account. Maybe because it was all so sudden. Maybe because I just loved all the cat content she created. Maybe because Ashley really had an impact in my life.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I discovered Ashley's account during the pandemic. Instagram, with its wonderful algorithm, must have recommended her account because it's cat related. ๐ Well it made sense that I became a more serious cat mom because it was in 2020 that I went hands-on with a kitten (a.k.a. Cloudy) that would then be our first indoor cat. Through Ashley's account, I learned about litter box training. I learned the importance of spaying and got encouraged to finally do the big step of spaying two of our female cats.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I also got to learn about bottle-feeding new-born kittens and I actually got to apply the skills when Dorsey was born. I think it was also through Ashley that I was also able to "save" Cloudy last year when I thought she was going to die. Cloudy didn't eat for around 3 days and then for the 4th day I pulled her out of her hiding place and fed her through a syringe for a week. I am where I'm at today with my cat-caring skills because Ashley inspired me with her work. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Aside from all the helpful information that was present on Ashley's account, there's just so much entertainment in the content she released. She gave her newly-arrived kittens with so many adorable names and would go to IG live to show the kittens playing. She would make funny voice-overs for each of the cats and that just made my day brighter each and every time. I enjoyed following the stories of her fosters (most notably Gus and Blossom and most of the Soap Lake kittens) -- from the day they got trapped up to their adoption. Ashley did dedicate her energy and time to these little cute creatures.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Ashley was also a mental health advocate. She had shared with her followers her own struggles. She's such a brave soul for being open and vulnerable about it. It was only after her passing that I learned more details about her experiences. Damn, she did experience a lot.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allow="autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; fullscreen; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="352" loading="lazy" src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/episode/1SaJ1y6czTGtAIDkEHGahL?utm_source=generator" style="border-radius: 12px;" width="100%"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Since the start of the year up until a few weeks back, I have been seeing posts from her that she's just not her best version at the moment, even saw that she got hospitalized (apparently she had to have her gallbladder removed). She was not posting much after that and I assumed that she was resting and recovering. This was why the news of her passing was so unexpected.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Her scheduled post went out Sunday, but based on her relatives who have commented on Instagram, Ashley passed away on Thursday. I can't imagine the pain her loved ones are going through. ๐ฅ As one of her followers, it's really helping that Gus' owners are holding space for us, who are still in a level of sadness and grief, through Gus' IG and we're supporting each other through comments, sharing our own stories of Ashley and of how she impacted us. I have read a lot of comments saying that they felt weird crying even though they did not meet nor know Ashley personally, and was so glad that they're not alone feeling that way. This community is really a safe space and we're just all offering virtual hugs to each other.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I think writing this post is my way of processing my own grief. Ashley was younger than me. As someone who also has a scheduled post hidden somewhere, I can't imagine the pain that Ashley had to go through to see that her only choice was to take her own life. ๐ </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">I still go back to her final post and just repeatedly read her final message to the world: <b>Please, take care of each other. </b>And yes I will, and that's applicable for both two-legged and four-legged living beings. ๐๐</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">~o~</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mental Health Resources (Philippines):</div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/wiki/psychological_advice/">https://www.reddit.com/r/Philippines/wiki/psychological_advice/</a></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3514115318428364560.post-32385206071495365432023-04-15T08:52:00.001+08:002023-04-15T09:31:23.968+08:00Browser Games for Good Mind Stimulation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75NF5OyBbf8yrM1JN7j8zBswpw0hUSmCrz7AZ-w5RAHh3OS7eKh4vb1xOEWAoBhS_BfpsgvuUAE94Jrz1HdNf7SIrOdFHCAdgkL-ujnWOK6UVPyRxUEgvki74yg2AqLuepbPapjIfouCuJIU3mCDRjGBf9D4L_yHr2FJ1bzVcqsG2Z6fP9RDGydFPOw/s755/Browser%20Games.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="755" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj75NF5OyBbf8yrM1JN7j8zBswpw0hUSmCrz7AZ-w5RAHh3OS7eKh4vb1xOEWAoBhS_BfpsgvuUAE94Jrz1HdNf7SIrOdFHCAdgkL-ujnWOK6UVPyRxUEgvki74yg2AqLuepbPapjIfouCuJIU3mCDRjGBf9D4L_yHr2FJ1bzVcqsG2Z6fP9RDGydFPOw/w640-h432/Browser%20Games.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There have been <a href="https://www.nih.gov/news-events/news-releases/video-gaming-may-be-associated-better-cognitive-performance-children" target="_blank">a number of studies already published with regards to benefits of playing games for the mind</a>. It's really fascinating to know that you can do something good for your brain while having fun! This is why instead of mindlessly scrolling the endless feed of social media sites, I'm working the habit of just playing games from time to time (<a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2023/03/my-first-24-hours-on-hogwarts-legacy.html" target="_blank">and getting addicted occasionally also LOL</a>).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">There are tons of games available out there to choose from, but for me the most accessible one is those that I can play online, those that I can play on the browser.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Here are the reasons why I choose playing browser games:</h3><div style="text-align: left;"><ol style="text-align: left;"><li><b>Very accessible.</b> Just bookmark the URL of the game and with just one click, you are ready to play!</li><li><b>No memory consumed. </b>Since the games are not installed in your machine (i.e. phone or computer), they do not occupy space on your storage. Once you're satisfied with your game, you can just exit the browser. That's just one click!</li><li><b>No commitment because you are in control. </b>Most games now are designed with many dopamine boosts that make the player hooked and spend more time playing the game through upgrades and more missions, which can lead to game addiction. I actually end up feeling more drained after playing those kinds of games, and I feel a bit anxious after because I wanted to go back and play some more to complete those quests and clear those levels.<br />Well for these browser games, we're back to basics -- no rewards or stars or complicated game play -- it's just the right level of mind stimulation and entertainment.</li><li><b>It's free. </b>This is my favorite among all the reasons. You don't have to pay anything to have the full experience of the game. Plus, the games being free doesn't have to mean that there would be ads all around the game. Yes, there are free games out there that don't have those annoying pop-up ads. ๐ฅฐ</li></ol><div>Having laid out these reasons, you might think -- are there really existing games like that? Well, I'm listing down here some of my favorite discoveries for these types of browser games that I leisurely play during my free time.</div><h4 style="text-align: left;"><br /></h4><h4 style="text-align: left;">Grocery Cashier - <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/grocery-cashier/">https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/grocery-cashier/</a></span></h4><div><br /></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd8kuKsGni75-McMdNyDYYMiyxRZNaM0URsL8bko2zjnZcacBZz4abInysJ9XmZX_duq8HNFcaHjHGG0wuMm876tjPl4CjnozPDlaQoLk6rs4MrbN9UbrzqqmzPhDnMg7UDhiRN_ZHEwq4WyV3Wnl4Yhix25zo0nT8dSzfGuL7guax5KM75TdKbf9CA/s1670/01%20grocery%20cashier.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="848" data-original-width="1670" height="324" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicd8kuKsGni75-McMdNyDYYMiyxRZNaM0URsL8bko2zjnZcacBZz4abInysJ9XmZX_duq8HNFcaHjHGG0wuMm876tjPl4CjnozPDlaQoLk6rs4MrbN9UbrzqqmzPhDnMg7UDhiRN_ZHEwq4WyV3Wnl4Yhix25zo0nT8dSzfGuL7guax5KM75TdKbf9CA/w640-h324/01%20grocery%20cashier.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>When I was young, I daydreamed of being a cashier so that I could experience tapping those items on the scanner and operating the cash machine (and go ka-ching! ka-ching! ๐ต๐ช โจ). Well, this game fulfilled my fantasies! The game is so satisfying with its sound effects and animation. There's an element of time pressure (which of course happens in the real-life-cashier-scenario) which adds to the fun. </div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Merge Blocks - <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/merge-blocks/">https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/merge-blocks/</a></span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bEk7ZDBpZUSAgAwjA7oyvpHoiaq8fuz7ZN2ko2-io_fkC8v1TZIRUsmcjN8jFY6ZpmYcoEbvEHJ6zuy7y5jRCV4HrEBkWzEaHaSkASXxUO7a1adU1P6M0D7p2d6bqMabneOOSynUTAEoART5HL6cguE46QxLKZg_UbfBEnU2FTM1aPink-mXEl1Meg/s1808/02%20merge%20blocks.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="956" data-original-width="1808" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2bEk7ZDBpZUSAgAwjA7oyvpHoiaq8fuz7ZN2ko2-io_fkC8v1TZIRUsmcjN8jFY6ZpmYcoEbvEHJ6zuy7y5jRCV4HrEBkWzEaHaSkASXxUO7a1adU1P6M0D7p2d6bqMabneOOSynUTAEoART5HL6cguE46QxLKZg_UbfBEnU2FTM1aPink-mXEl1Meg/w640-h338/02%20merge%20blocks.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I have this habit of jumping headfirst into a game without really reading the instructions. This is why on my initial landing into this game, I was clueless and didn't know what to do. ๐ตโ๐ซWell within just a few seconds of reviewing the instructions, I got hooked! I think kids will be able to play this game, too. It's a fun way to pass the time. It was so satisfying to see the buildings merge and transform into a bigger one.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Mahjong Solitaire - <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/mahjong-solitaire/">https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/mahjong-solitaire/</a></span></h4><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYK1HZzFNW5wP80PeY-zn1w5XR89FKzJt8zznX55N7JbskyvelVmE9DvbUDRyWlA3x87RON7gDVRqrq8LuAIaMpJjXF7KnDaPXp8bZBJW2lYppKwAPBubJWqyDkndPyoo2BfrsI0fmpVp1DV-A8i_e2tBeW6NqLtWr8ZeKPTPk7JHtI7hvIOz_Qrzxw/s1770/03%20mahjong.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1770" height="346" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxYK1HZzFNW5wP80PeY-zn1w5XR89FKzJt8zznX55N7JbskyvelVmE9DvbUDRyWlA3x87RON7gDVRqrq8LuAIaMpJjXF7KnDaPXp8bZBJW2lYppKwAPBubJWqyDkndPyoo2BfrsI0fmpVp1DV-A8i_e2tBeW6NqLtWr8ZeKPTPk7JHtI7hvIOz_Qrzxw/w640-h346/03%20mahjong.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I had some experience of playing this type of game <a href="https://www.katalinarosario.com/2016/04/more-memorabilias-unfolded.html" target="_blank">in my Game Boy</a> (what a dated reference, I'm old. ๐) so it was intuitive enough for me to straightaway play the game. The illustrations are so cute! It would have been better if there was background music though. Nevertheless, I had fun, and it actually felt nostalgic playing this game.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Tap Supermarket - <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/tap-supermarket/">https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/tap-supermarket/</a></span></h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdPAJt3ycoMWs0bW1rDvkbuaFq4eloVU6mpO1G3aLWhQv9LYbT3SwCX9FMduyXGRiBB7Z8KTx6x03Gr-gv9c0H7hi8xQ8eOHs5el9OOO-Y-A0aaTv8YZBcovxeMWgXi3T6uxQcnPEh_mR-DZv94Q_-dabgHBwp-fA5bcxX6XoJG69dAlEr_riOqxUoA/s1902/05%20tap%20supermarket.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="959" data-original-width="1902" height="322" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdPAJt3ycoMWs0bW1rDvkbuaFq4eloVU6mpO1G3aLWhQv9LYbT3SwCX9FMduyXGRiBB7Z8KTx6x03Gr-gv9c0H7hi8xQ8eOHs5el9OOO-Y-A0aaTv8YZBcovxeMWgXi3T6uxQcnPEh_mR-DZv94Q_-dabgHBwp-fA5bcxX6XoJG69dAlEr_riOqxUoA/w640-h322/05%20tap%20supermarket.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div>This is another grocery simulation game and I really found this even more satisfying than the earlier one, because you don't just become a cashier -- you operate the whole grocery store! ๐ฅฐ It was so enjoyable clicking through the different parts of the store, especially when replenishing the isles and upgrading sections with new items for sale. The animations are adorable, the environment are so colorful, and the sound effect of the coins going ka-ching ka-ching again at the cash register is<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>so satisfying.</div><div><br /></div><h4 style="text-align: left;">Code Panda - <span style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/code-panda/">https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games/code-panda/</a></span></h4></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kOD9Vxqb6EF_LQnpvXunOrn_WCONx8puQoYUiLxpqRBfEo0ADHzUPOk4LtzHO4_dH6mhDOT2FKiCuJfyDcnlkiHxK5drDuS8EyjuBEf-TNwt62ULATOELMk4dNwk4xbBNftX4Qb0fbwhqq6xWnfcu85THlThc2DGtbCEeEqDwZXTs3ti3gJlv0rgTg/s1764/06%20code%20panda.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="902" data-original-width="1764" height="328" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_kOD9Vxqb6EF_LQnpvXunOrn_WCONx8puQoYUiLxpqRBfEo0ADHzUPOk4LtzHO4_dH6mhDOT2FKiCuJfyDcnlkiHxK5drDuS8EyjuBEf-TNwt62ULATOELMk4dNwk4xbBNftX4Qb0fbwhqq6xWnfcu85THlThc2DGtbCEeEqDwZXTs3ti3gJlv0rgTg/w640-h328/06%20code%20panda.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I gotta say -- if you can only play one game out of these five listed here,<i> play this one. </i>As a software developer myself, it is beyond delightful to know there is a free game like this out there! As the game's description says, this is an introduction to programming, which is magnificently done in a fun and easy way. You'll be introduced to laying out instructions for the panda to follow to get to the bamboo! You will learn about loops and jumps, which are foundational concepts in programming.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div>I'll go back to playing these games whenever I can. There are tons of games like these <a href="https://www.mortgagecalculator.org/money-games" target="_blank">on this website</a> so you have a wide selection of games to choose from. These three are those that highly resonated with me. I'm thrilled knowing there's lots more to discover out there. So I would say -- swap those addicting (and with in-app purchases) games with these ones. Your brain will thank you later. ๐ง ๐</div></div>katalinarosariohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17437132593988228721noreply@blogger.com0