Life Lately: My blog has a new look!

Hey there! How was your day so far? Nothing much on mine. Today's just another regular day of me working at home...

Oh! My friend Dee visited me today. So we spent the afternoon co-working, ordered pizza and I made us coffee. She didn't stay long though since she still need to pick-up her son at his school. 

I actually don't know what to share on the blog today. No major agenda. Just trying to motivate myself to start writing and update this blog. Speaking of blog... 

My blog got a fresh look yet again. This time, I ditched the fancy theme and went with Blogger's basic template. You see, my old theme and Google Adsense were having a little feud, so it was time for a change. Anyway, the previous fancy look of my blog didn't get my creative juices flowing, as I hope. So fancy or simple, themes don't seem to be the magic potion for inspiration.

So, let's dive into another edition of the "Life Lately" series (if you haven't checked it out, you can read more about it here). It's my trusty go-to when I'm scratching my head for what to serve up on this blog.

Day 1 of Year 2022

Happy new year y'all!

Same as last year I welcome the new with just me and Justine. My mom was supposed to join us but for health reasons, she wasn't able to come.

Even with just the 2 of us here in the house we still welcome the new year with a bang. Complete with decorations and food. This year the fireworks were a bit wild because it was raining ashes in the sky. Literally, the fireworks above our head because the neighbors next door or next block lit it up. It was so exciting watching them up close. Back at our previous house were just looking at it from afar because our house is overlooking the city.

 

 

The kiddo and I stayed up till 4AM just eating and talking. And then, I woke up around 11AM to prepare because my bestie and her fam will be visiting us. When they arrive we ate and then after that went swimming at the clubhouse.

While swimming the bestie convince me to come with them to the downtown mall. I was hesitant at first because I usually don't go out on the first day of the year. But the bestie and the kiddo keep convincing me to go. When I said yes, both of them were so happy. Part of my decision to say yes is that it's been a long that we visited downtown, especially the kiddo, who hasn't been to the mall for a long time already this can be an opportunity to let him go. And I miss Coffee Bean Tea Leaf date with the bestie, this has been our official bonding cafe. I thought it wouldn't be so crowded at the mall since most of the people still celebrating the new year at home. 

However, I was wrong there were still a lot of people in the mall. But unlike the past year this time, many shops were closed especially the department store and furniture shop which was supposed to be the main reason why we visited the mall. The bestie was so disappointed. 

The disappointment doesn't end there... Because our fave drinks at Coffee Bean Tea Leaf are not available even our second go-to drinks and the cold drinks as well. Bummer! And then kiddo had to shop for new shoes because the one his wearing is damaged. Good thing Bench has a 50% off sale.

So basically, only the kiddo fully enjoyed the day. He was very happy and positive the whole time. Which made me happy also.

So that's how my first day of January went. A day spent with people who care and matter to me.

Even though today wasn't the usual and ideal way of spending it but I'm still happy and had fun. 

Covid Vaccine Experience

 

First Dose 

November 11, 2021. I just got my Covid vaccine first dose. I initially didn't plan to get a vaccine but the city requires a vaccine certificate in order to go out. Since I am the one who does grocery and errands so I was forced to get one. 

I registered online and got my schedule immediately after 2 days at the nearest mall, SM City Uptown. When I arrive at the mall I was able to go directly to the waiting area and skip the line because I have a confirmation schedule. The people who did not register online and just walk in need to wait a long line though because they prioritize the people who already have a confirmation schedule. 

I anticipated waiting long because that's what I read on social media, so I brought with me a book, water, and a power bank. However, it was fast and well-organized. I was actually nervous and scared I might pass out, but thankfully I survived. I arrive home safe. 

It was at midnight when I felt the after-effect of the vaccine, I had chills, so I turn off the aircon thinking it was the reason, but the chills never stopped it took me a while before I fell asleep. And the next day, I had a fever, and my body was heavy. I feel like all my strength was drained out. Even though I did advanced reading and research online on the after-effects of having a vaccine, I still feel worried and nervous. But my body is too weak to think and get worried. All  I did was sleep most of the time. I don't like eating, but I force myself to eat and drink plenty of water cause I know it will help my body. 

With my body so weak, it reminded me that I hadn't had a fever for so many years already. Thank you, Lord, for good health! 

By the way, the vaccine I had was AstraZeneca.

Second Dose

December 14, 2021. I was supposed to come back in January, more or less 2 months after my first dose. But I received a text message about my second dose schedule a month before. I was really nervous because I didn't want to feel weak again, and I felt like my body hadn't fully recovered from the first dose.  

I had my second dose at the same mall where I had my first dose. This time I experienced a long line and long waiting. it was not organized, and even though I am scheduled to have your second dose, they still mix you with the walk-ins. What's worse is the security guard mixed up the line, and so the late to arrive was the first one to enter the mall. I was really pissed off because, this time, I did not prepare anything to keep me entertained while waiting. My phone battery is not full when I arrive at the mall, and I don't have my power bank with me. Arrghh! The irony!

Thankfully, the second dose was not that worse. I had body pains but no fever. 

Weekend Blogging

I've been planning to dedicate weekends to write a new post in this blog but... I obviously fail to keep up. I was able to make it a weekend habit on reading my previous blog post though... I always start with it to get into the grove of writing, but I always ended reading only and not writing any. 

And here is my attempt at publishing a new post... 

There was that time when I was so passionate about blogging that I do a lot of things, like making friends with other bloggers, participating in comment exchange, and actively sharing my post on all social media platforms. So while reading on my previous post I also read the comments from other bloggers who commented on my post. I visited their blog and it's so amazing to discover that until now they still actively blogging and keep up with comment exchange. If I hadn't been inactive I probably would reach their level of popularity and readership. Most of us started with low following and readership back then, they all come a long way and consistently doing those things continously. And here's me... back to square one.

Regrets... Yes, I do regret not keeping up and letting perfectionism, insecurities, and anxiety consumed me. I also have a bit of regret, when I hastely change my domain back to Venussmilegal.com. I was so happy and excited that I finally got my main domain back and immediately change the domain name of this blog without thinking of the impact. It was late when I realize in doing so, it affected my blog traffic and Google Adsense. Oh well... Might as well accept it and move on. I am really happy that I got Venussmileygal.com back. So will just have to publish more post and connect with other bloggers again to get traffic and readership. 

Readership... This has been my constant struggle. When I plan to write a post and start questioning myself... "Is this post going to make sense?" "Is this is going to be valuable to anyone reading this?" And that's how the pressure of publishing quality content starts to consume my enthusiasm in sharing and writing a post in this blog. 

Reading my previous post, I notice that in my early years of blogging I was so carefree in sharing things in my life. It's actually fun reading and reminiscing the experiences I've had. And then comes the time when most of my posts are reviews and insights on products. That's the time a  lot of sponsors reach out to me. And so when I tried to go back to the carefree sharing I was cautious if my readers will no longer be interested when I started sharing things about my personal life. It's actually nonsense for me to think that way because first of all this blog started to be carefree, and this is a personal blog so I can share anything I wanted to share. Silly me right?

I don't know how to end the post.... So yes, this is yet another random post of what's in my mind right now. 

       

  

How I Started Working From Home

Since a lot has been asking about my work. I'm gonna post it here in my blog so I can just send this link if anyone asks in the future. 

What's my work...

I've been a freelance virtual admin assistant since 2010 but I started working in an online business in 2008. To mention a few of my responsibilities... I help my clients in managing and organizing their business, setup and maintenance of their website, email marketing management, developing marketing plans for their business, managing their social media networks, and other administrative tasks.

How I started... 

Before I got a work-from-home job I was struggling to find a job. I have worked as fast-food cashier, department store cashier, waitress, secretary of a small office with a salary that is not enough to pay for bills, food, and other expenses for a family of three. So during break time of my secretarial job, I have to walk around the city checking on establishments that has "Job Hiring" post. Submitted my resume and praying for a call for an interview. Until a friend recommended to apply at the outsourcing company where she is currently working. 

I started working online last December 2008. I was hired by a local outsourcing company here in our city. It's not a work from home, so I report to the office from 8 AM to 5PM on weekdays. I was assigned in the SEO (Search Engine Optimization) team. My main task back then is doing backlinks for the websites of our foreign clienteles through forum posting. I research forums, sign-up, participate in a discussion and then post the client's website. I also do blog commenting. I search some related blogs and then post comments with the client's website attached to my comment. It might sound easy, but no you have a quota on how many forums post and comments to make and comments should be long, relevant, and unique.

Then as months passed, social media was added to my task. This is the reason why I joined Facebook. I remember how I used to add random foreigners to my friend list, for me to advertise and invite them to like the client's Facebook pages. Yes, that's how we do it back then. 😁

I also created accounts on other social networking sites. We were encouraged to use our personal profiles to promote our clienteles blogs and websites. This is the reason I have so many accounts in almost all social networking, I even forget the logins in some of them now. 

I also do the social bookmarking tasks. I don't know if these websites still exist, but I do know Reddit is still very active now.

January of 2010,  is when I nervously ventured on freelancing while I am still working at the office. After my office work, I go to a friend's internet cafe to work for my own client because I don't have a PC or laptop then. I found my first client who is from the United States while searching for an online job listing at OnlineJobs.ph. I'm working during his daytime which is nighttime for me, thats 6PM - 1 AM. The best thing about my first client is that he is okay with me still learning on the task. So most of my work back then is 50% training and 50% implementation. His business was my training ground on WordPress and hosting. From setting up several websites from scratch, managing the hosting, maintenance of the website, adding content. 

After 2 months of working with him, I  was able to buy my own laptop. All my hard work paid off, I no longer need to work long hours at the internet cafe and came home late. For a single mom, it was tough being out the whole day and don't have that much time to take care of my son. It was a blessing I have my mom who take care of my kid while I was out making a living for us. 

At this time as well, the local outsourcing company that I'm working with has some internal trouble with pioneering employees, things got so messy. After a long thinking and asking for advice from freelancers and bloggers friends, I decided to quit at the local outsourcing company and focus on my on client. As the cliche quote from Alexander Graham Bell goes... 

"When one door closes, another one opens." 

My work-from-home journey started...

While I am still working with my first client I found my second client who is from Switzerland. Luckily, when I started working for my second client he provided me a laptop and paid for my monthly internet bill for the first year. So I was off to a good start with my freelancing journey. 

My Swiss client was so happy and pleased that I am so eager and interested to learn something new in the online marketing business, so he enrolled me in so many training. He even bought software and tools to expand my knowledge and skills. And that's how I got my image editing and video editing skills. His business has been my training ground for marketing, project management, and business management. Experimenting with video marketing, social media, online advertising, and more. In his company, I learn to develop business tactics and marketing proposals. To understand clients and to learn the ability to make the client understand the project even if he isn't a technology-knowledgeable person.

15 years after, I am still using the PC that my Swiss client bought me back then when the laptop can no longer support the image and video editing task that I was working on. I just did some upgrades on it last year. 

Both clients were a blessing because they have helped me a lot in building my confidence in freelancing, honing my skills, letting me test and learn new software and tools, and provided me with lots of support to start my online job easily. 

Where to look for online jobs?

From my experience, I found most of my clients from OnlineJobs.ph (I recommend for beginners VA) and Virtual Staff Finder Careers (recommended for advance VA).

I have a friend who also works from home and she mostly gets clients from Upwork.com

I hope this will help you in starting a work-from-home career too. Best luck on your journey, have more patience and willingness to learn. You'll surely go a long way.    

#LifeLately | Holy Week

 

Watching

I just finish The Bureau of Magical Things. I actually plan to watch a K-drama series but as I was browsing on my watch list in Netflix I saw this and got interested.
It's a feel good fantasy TV series about a girl who accidentally discovers an extraordinary world of fairies and elves, and gains magical powers. I like the main character's, Kimie Tsukakoshi, and also Elizabeth Cullen acting.

Feeling

Grateful for the blessings and opportunities.
I am grateful for the 4 days rest from work. Although, I may have done some little work but it mostly rest.
I am grateful that I was able to buy my original domain -- venussmilyegal.com for cheap price.
I am grateful to received WearYourFaith.me Got's Got It mug last Thursday. 

Thinking

Thinking of where or how to share some overdue post that I want to share here in my blog. I just thought these are helpful content. And since some friends ask about this from time to time, might as well share this in the blog. Who knows any of you might need this information as well. And also, its easy for me to share the details to friends if they ask information again. 

Wishing

I am wishing for a weekend getaway at a resort, with my son.

Hoping

I am hoping that my bestfriends pregnancy delivery will go smoothly and that she and the baby is healthy. And they can go home immediately.

Wearing

Purple nightwear that I bought from Shopee. I hope I can write a review of this here in the blog soon.

Welcome back to Venussmileygal.com!

 

Hi y'all! I'm so happy today because I finally got my original domain -- venussmileygal.com! 

After how many years of waiting I finally bought the domain at a cheap price.  I was so surprise because it was very expensive the last time I checked. 

If you're wondering how I lost this domain.... 5 years ago, I updated my header image and reverted my blog name from EmoterGoddess to Venussmileygal. I created a blog post for that (read here) with the story how I lost my original domain.

Earlier this year I've been meaning to go back to blogging but every time I attempt to create a blog post it all ended to draft. I got overwhelmed of so many things I want to share in my blog and also I don't know where to start after a long time of on and off in blogging. 

Getting back my original domain inspired me to blog again. I think this is a sign. I also get this domain in time for Holy Week break, where I have a few days off from work. So I have time to work on some updates on my blog.

I still don't know where to start. I still feel overwhelmed of so many things I wanted to share, but I'm gonna take it slow. I will keep in mind the following benefits of blogging for me...

Blogging is the process of writing a blog, an online journal in which you share your thoughts. And just like how I did before when I was younger where I write down my thoughts in a diary notebook, writing my thoughts in my blog will help me unload everything that's on my mind. 

Blogging will make you practice gratitude more. Sharing about the places Ive been, food I've tried, things I bought, and the achievements helps me to realize that I am blessed. And sharing this in my blog reminds me to be thankful for every small and big things and experiences.

Blogging will remind you of good memories. Reading my past blog post helps me remember good times with good people. And also reminds me of the things that Ive experienced and achieved. Some past memories also inspires me on how to live in the present.

Blogging will give you opportunities and freebies. I must admit, seeing some progress in my Google Adsense also inspires me to actively update this blog. And there are still businesses who still continually reach out to me for collaboration. Reminds me of the good old days, where I used to shop online for free and received so many products in my house. My outfits before are mostly sponsored. Even though I don t go out more often now but I miss dressing up.

Positive Things of 2020

I spent my January 1st cleaning the house and re-organizing my plants in the garden. And while doing those things I was thinking of the things happened in 2020. 

2020 is a year that everyone would probably want to skip. At some point I do felt the same, but I realized... it isn't really that bad for me. I'm probably just influenced from the negativity that I read and watch and still not used at the big changes that this pandemic has cause and the new normal that brought so much inconvenience. 

There's so many good things 2020 has uncover. And I choose to focus on this things to remember and be grateful...

1. 2020 thought us to of proper hygiene and awareness of cleanliness. 

2. 2020 thought us to be mindful of our actions. Our recklessness and negligence will not only harm our own self but also our family and also our community.

3. The pandemic also put a value on healthcare, hospitals, nurses, and everything in the healthcare industry. I just hope the government will develop a good healthcare policy and law for us. 

4. In 2020, we discover the convenience of  food delivery, online shopping, and online grocery. Its so great seeing many business embracing online services, delivery services, and social media. I even discovered shops I've never know before. Some recommended by friends online and some discovered via social media.

I definitely love how I just list down my grocery items, order, checkout, and then wait for it to be delivered. Your personal shopper can even call you if the items in the list is not available. For someone who easily get distracted and add to cart some unnecessary items not in my list its truly a big savings to have someone else do the grocery for you. XD

5. Since everyone is going online the online services improve. And a lot of government offices and business is embracing online processing.

I just hope PLDT will realized going online service though, they're an internet company yet they still prefer traditional business transaction at there one and only office in the city. Get ready to line up and get expose to the virus. And their costumer service is nowhere to be found.

6. Due to the international and national lock-down, many people campaigned to buy from local businesses to support the local economy.  Everyone is learning to utilize and appreciate local business and local resources. 

7. Because everyone is asked to stay at home. Everyone is making the most of the time improve there home. The long overdue plan of home renovation finally materialized. 

I saw a lot of home improvement post homes in social media and beautified front yard in our neighborhood.

8. And speaking of home improvement, a lot of people embraced the inner plantita/plantito. A lot of people plant flowering plants, herbs, and vegetables. Everyone now embrace urban gardening. 

9. A lot of passion and new hobbies has been discovered in 2020 too. Due to lock-downs some people take this opportunity to learn new things. May it be online or through reading books. Some even made a business of the new hobby they have discovered.

10. Due to lock-down, a lot of family has come together. Parents who doesn't have time to their children finally has the time to bond and play. Parents is thinking ways to make most of the moment by doing things to keep kids sanity without doing extracurricular activities or going anywhere to distract them. 

Im so glad to read a lot of family has develop a new bonding moment and family tradition. 

11. The lock-down also teach us to learn and enjoy a home-cooked meal. 

12. 2020 has also given those people who are living a fast-paced life a time to slow down and relaxed. If before they don't have an excuse to relaxed and stay home now they have all the reason to stay put and embrace some things they have missed. 

 

Covid

The brother of my mom got Covid. 

Even if he is very careful and only goes out every 2 weeks for work, he still catches the virus. His in the hospital now fighting to survive, and his wife is positive too. The kids are quarantined separately from their parents at the quarantine facility. 

But today's sad news is the results that came out... 3 of the kids are positive for the virus too. And so each kid is separated to quarantine alone. It's sad because these young kids are already stressed out with their parents in the hospital. Now they have to fight the virus on their own too. 

May God give my cousins the strength to endure all this and to fight the stress and anxiety that this virus caused to their family. And I pray that they will be healthy and come home to celebrate Christmas as a family.

This is a reminder to stay at home, wash hands, and wear a mask and face shield. Protect yourself, to protect your family.

Thankful. Grateful. Blessed.

 

Our simple Thanksgiving dinner... Sinuglaw (Singuba + Kinilaw) and grilled squid. 😋

The kiddo told me, that we should celebrate Thanksgiving for the continuous blessings that we're receiving.

Thanks to Food Panda for making the celebration possible, coz I'm busy at work and have no time to cook. 

And to our go-to restaurant, Mag SUGBA Ta Seafood & Grill thank you for the delicious food, big serving, and affordable price as always. Sulit kaayo every order! 2 thumbs up and really recommended. 

His Therapist

I was busy working earlier when my son approaches me and ask me, why he isn't as motivated in school now compared to before. So that was the start of our long conversation about motivations and why I always encourage him to try new things. And more other questions... It was a conversation and confession of the things that run in his mind.

Being a single mom and trying my best to provide a good life for my family, I often have things neglected while fulfilling my responsibilities. One of the most I'm guilty of is that... Did I help my son mentally? Am I checking on how he feels and what he struggles with? I do know how he is doing but I don't check on the deeper thoughts that he has.

 
Thankfully, I have established my relationship with him previously that we have these conversations.
Back when he was around 9 years old he experienced bullying that he tried to hide from me, I discovered it when he asked if he can transfer school. So I talk to him and encourage him to never be afraid to say everything to me. Since then, I encourage him to open up to me by asking him what happened at school every time he arrives from school. Even if sometimes it's boring and redundant, I still listen. Until eventually, he gets into it and doesn't wait for me to ask. Every time he arrived from school he opens up everything including his frustrations and problem. And then as he grows he opens up everything besides school-related happenings.

 
And on his 13th birthday, I talked to him and told him, "I know teenager life will be hard. It's full of insecurities and questions that don't make sense, but always know that the same rule applies; Talk to me. Open up to me. I may not have all the answers. I may not know the solutions but I will be here to listen and share my thoughts when you need it and if I have one. I may be lost track of you and don't listen to you but please don't be afraid to remind me that you just need someone to listen and understand you. Because teenage life and puberty mix together can sometimes hard to handle but with someone to support you, you'll get by."

 
So back to our conversation earlier...
We talked and shared a lot of things. And towards the end of the conversation, he said... "You know what you're like my therapist!" I responded, "Yes, I am your therapist today, and whenever you'll need one. I hope I was able to help you with things that are bothering you."

I didn't get to finish the things that supposed to be on my agenda today, but I am glad that I was able to have a conversation with my son and he opens up to me.

How are you doing?

Image Source

Exhausted but grateful for the opportunity to be working at home safe. And knowing that my son is studying at home safe. Although the online home school has an impact on him coz he prefers physical interaction and face-to-face learning at school. 

Our weekdays are chaotic. Thanks to neighbors who cook food and sell at an affordable price with free delivery to our house.

My weekends are spent cleaning the mess but I still insert work in between. 

Right now, I'm seating here planning/thinking for a food to prepare and cook that we can just re-heat over the weekdays.

How are you doing?

Thank you for my productivity

Yesterday, woke up early and only had 4 hours of sleep. Then had a back-to-back video call meeting the whole day. And... Work... Work... Didn't get a chance for a short nap in the afternoon as planned. In the evening, I relied on coffee to keep me awake. Wrong move... because the second cup made me more sleepy. Coffee gave up on me...

Still tried to keep myself awake and finish urgent work. Wrap the day at 11PM.

Today, woke up at 5 and was able to do meditation, do yoga, and sweep the house. Prepared breakfast and then went back to my desk for another day of work.

Tiring but grateful.
Thank you for my productivity.
Thank you for the blessings.

Happy Mother's day!

Happy Mother's day to all fella mommies out there! 🌹

Today I woke up to a breakfast in bed prepared by my son!  He cooked me a pancake that he made on his own from the recipe that he research online. 😍

Now I know why I am banned from entering his room a few days ago because he was working on these artworks that he gifted me.
So he explained each of his gifts...

 Mothers day greeting card with the tree of love and sunrise.
 Flower pot room decor coz he couldn't give real flowers. So he made much effort to make it look realistic. (He said because of this artwork, his now excited to do painting and arts again. )

 Green message card because I love nature.

 And money, because he can't go out to buy me flowers so gave me the money instead. And that money, he earned from mopping the floors and cleaning the house this summer. 
He also added, "Someday mom, ill give you money to help pay the bills. But for now, I'll give you this lang muna." 

Such a talented, sweet and thoughtful kiddo!  I'm one proud mama! 

  

 

I didn't miss the chance to also make the women in my life feel special this Mother's day... 

I initially plan to have everything ordered and then have them delivered via Streetby On-Demand Services... However, I just realized it has been almost 2 months I haven't seen these 3 mommies, that has been my core support, because of the pandemic. So I booked a taxi and decided to surprise them with a gift and have a glimpse of them. 

I tag along with Justine because he begged to see his grandma, whom he missed so much.

 

Didn't get the chance to take a picture of Risa because her sister pick-up the gift instead but I was able to see a glimpse of her and she waved at us through the window. It's literally a glimpse because her house is on the 5th floor. 

I almost thought that we will skip bestie Dee's surprise because no visitors were allowed in their subdivision and it took her long to answer my call. (The epic thrill of surprises. 😅) Good thing Justine was with me because he has a contact number of Wawa (Dee's niece). Whew! 😅

 

Thankfully my surprise was all worth it and success! Sadly, we can only give invisible hugs and kisses.😔