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.

 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 done have an excuse to relaxed and stay home now they have all the reason to stay put and embrace some things they have missed. 

 

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.

 

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. 

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.