Category Archives: life

Woman, Never underestimate yourself

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This first workweek of the year has been very stressful. And well actually, I’ve made quite a lot of people get stressed as well because of the shift I made.

I was here and there trying to resolve my access issues yet I was still dutiful in fulfilling my tasks for the different projects I’m with.

I was so stressed and spaced out and distracted in that when we had the leads’ meeting to brainstorm on potential cost reduction ideas, I thought that I (the only woman in the room) have no additional ideas to bring to the table. In truth, I went to the meeting to relax from the stress of catching up and resolving issues.

I tried to stay silent while the men talked.

Then the project lead asked for my opinion.

And as usual, I just let myself go with the flow of talking and speaking my mind.

Later, when the Lead summarized our ideas complete with his and Deputy Lead’s initial sift prior to sending to PMT, I was very surprised to see that actually, out of the 15 cost down ideas listed, ALL 4 of my ideas were 4 of the only 6 ideas that were feasible for cost down.

So girl. Remember. Never underestimate yourself.

New Year’s Day 2025

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Happy that after several years, after having our Hatsuhinode, I could finally attend choir practice for New Year’s Day Mass and not be late at actual mass (NOT that it meant I sang perfectly haha).

Hatsuhinode (sunrise from 6:53am). Sacred Heart Cathedral. St Ignatius Church (Sophia University campus).

Tokyo meet up with friends from Houston and hearty conversations.

And a good New Year’s Day dinner at home. Well done, Day 1❣️

Plus cardio load/zone minutes/calories burned are doing great with all the walking from dawn.

Just Show Up

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I’m reminded today of how important this is.

Last night our project lead commented harshly on my Team’s output. I was so bothered with it and the feeling of being incompetent and impostor pervaded within me the whole night and the following morning. Curiously and thankfully I could sleep well. My thoughts and feelings were so grey the following morning that the only thing that made me wanting to go to office was because I committed to prepare a document that needs to be turned in by 10:30am (btw bus schedule and all, I arrived at the office at 10am; I turned it in at 10:28am and was returned without comments, ready to be issued.

And as today wore on, things unfolded in a way that validated my reasoning last night. I was right after all.

My decisions were right after all.

If I hadn’t showed up today, if I called and feigned sickness, I wouldn’t have known that.

Just show up.

I’m glad I just showed up today.

Life with a grade schooler: “From now on”

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We started our juku journey technically from September 2023 when we started to try enter Sapix by taking their entrance exams.

We tried twice. Unfortunately we couldn’t pass, as we absolutely did not do any kind of studying whatsoever. In fact, you couldn’t even have more than 3 correct answers for all four subjects (National Language/Math/Science/Social Studies).

Despite the failure, this was a positive experience for us though. As I got to learn your mindset. When I asked you how was the exam, your consistent answer was: I haven’t learned it yet.

Wow.

There could be kids/ people who’d say: I can’t do it. I’m not good enough.

But thankfully you didn’t say that. Your reply was instead one with a growth mindset. Thank you my dear Yui.

And then last 7/7, we took our first mock exam. We had to do it so that juku can prep you further depending on your results. And then come summer end, we take another mock test again.

When I asked you how you fared compared to Sapix exams, you said, I think I improved by 30%.

To which I exclaimed “what?! After six months only 30%?!”.

Your calm reply: Mommy what are you talking about?! That just means that from now on I will exponentially improve!

And so with that I got speechless.

Thank you my dear baby. God bless you.

Dance Like No One is Watching

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Indeed it was that kind of night.

I started dancing in my head as I listened to Adam Lambert’s and The Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now”. I even have this smile on my face and I’m pretty sure the girl sitting in front of me on the train was laughing at me. I don’t care. I don’t think she’s watching.

And then when I got home, my super random Spotify liked songs playlist supported me with my mood.

Gangnam Style, My Life, For Once in My Life, Tell Him, Express Yourself (all from Glee).

Feels. So. Good.

Hmmm, I just might enrol on a dance class now, instead of my current Solfege/piano…..

Thank you, Hiiobachan

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I thought of planning to fly over first week in January to come see you. But covid happened and now we won’t see you ever.

One thing though. On 19th, when I was having my worst coughing fit, I thought I was going to die. Or a nerve on my heart or brain would burst. But thankfully I didn’t.

I later learned though that it was around those days that you started turning for the worse.

I’d like to think that you saved the day yet again. Took it in instead of me.

Thank you for everything. For the kindness. And understanding. And reminding me to take care of myself. I know you are now with the love of your life, smiling that beautiful smile of yours.