The Difference a Year Can Make

Well, it's been almost a year since I moved away from home. Almost a year of being away from my family, almost a year of living alone, almost a year away from my comfort zone and everything that I know about. Almost a year of improving and getting to know myself more. 

There are days that I love it so much and then there are days that I hate the crippling loneliness that comes with it. All part of the journey, right? 😁

This is actually not my first time to move away from home and live on my own, but this time it's different. The first time I had to move away is because of a completely different reason... This time, there's no fear and anger inside me. This time, it is so much better.

Hello, Metro Manila!

So, why did I move this time? 

A Breadwinner's Tale of Struggles: The Calm After the Storm

 

It's not a secret to everyone how I became my family's breadwinner at such a young age. It wasn't easy and it took a toll on my mental health. After many years of manipulation, toxicity, and struggles; I finally had the courage to break the chains that bounded me.

Mrs. Money Mindset of Your Money Mindset Facebook page invited me to share my journey... childhood trauma experiences, sacrifices of being the breadwinner, and how I ended up cutting ties with my own mother. 

Antigen Swab Test Experience at Blue Edge Medical in Fairview, Quezon City

I mentioned in my previous post that my sister is going home to our province, and during this time of pandemic, traveling (both internationally and domestically) has become quite a challenge with a lot of requirements compared to how traveling was pre-COVID days.

She's going home via 2Go sea travel because she's taking a lot of things with her, and it's just not practical to pay hundreds to thousands of pesos for the baggage fee if she goes by plane, which only have free 7 kilograms of hand-carry baggage and have to pay at least 400-ish pesos for a 20 kilograms check-in baggage (and more for 32 and 40 kilograms). While with sea travel, a passenger have a maximum weight allowance of 50 kilograms. With dimensions of no more than 20 inches height and 30 inches in width per piece.

My sister is only 16 years old and still unvaccinated against COVID-19. The requirements for vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers are different. Better to check with the airline, bus or ship, and with your LGU for the requirements.

Thankful Thursday | Life in The Metro

 

Back in the day when I was really active in blogging, we have this group of bloggers who does a gratitude post every week and call it Thankful Thursday. I have forgotten about it, but was reminded again about writing the things I am thankful for by Mrs. Budget Tipster a.k.a Mrs. Money Mindset (on Facebook) from their blog, The Budget Tipster.

I know sometimes it is hard to appreciate things with all that we have going on in our lives, especially now. But it is a good practice to write down the things you are thankful for. 

It's been an extremely tough week for me, but here are the things I am thankful for this week...

My Braces Journey Starts Now

On November 3, 2021, I finally got my upper braces installed. It took me a while to decide on getting my dental braces. I actually wanted to do this years ago, but the cost always stops me from doing so and honestly, I was apprehensive about the discomfort it will cause me.

Some of you know that I am the breadwinner of the family. I can't just think of myself, really. I have to consider a lot of things.

It wasn't on my plan to actually have it within this year. But, with the encouragement of my family and some really close friends, I gave in.

"Do something for yourself this time. You deserve it."

"You gave us everything we need and more, now do the same thing for yourself." 

Day 1 of having braces