lettersfromthecatcave

[lettersfromthecatcave]

you’ve been visited by the ✨grandma of prosperity✨🍻 reblog for good fortune and mad cash 💰💸💥🔫💸💰

[lettersfromthecatcave]

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Coffee and prayers

If there are two things that I am most grateful for, aside from travel and all the career blessings, it's the simplest moments involving coffee, nature and churches.

Every travel or weekend or time with our parents that we get to drink coffee together, or attend a mass, are special moments that made every challenge pale in comparison.

Sa totoo lang, puro pasasalamat ang dasal ko. That and good health and guidance. Ang dami ko pang gusto, pero mas maraming pasasalamat for how far I've gone.

For 2023, I look forward to more big wins. But I also trust that the Universe will give me what I most desire ~ a slow, peaceful farm life where we get to live long and healthy with our cats.

#thecatlife

[lettersfromthecatcave]

2023 Kick-off Travel (2 of 2)

We woke up early for the second day. Excited ako kasi eto yun trek na hindi natuloy the previous travel because it was raining sooooo hard.

Since El Union opens an hour earlier than Little Cat, we grabbed our coffe from there. Haba ng pila, walang cold brew but it will do the trick.

We travelled for about 20 minutes and arrived at the tour guide spot. Someone approached us and said that it's Php 1,500 minimum fee for 5 pax, wala pa yun bayad pala sa tricycle nya (Php 300) and others that I will share later. Dalawa lang kami so we didn't care na about the fee and continued on. Whether nadaya kami or not, it's fine... we always think on such instances that it's their source of living and as long as they do the job, we'll pay.

It was a 30 minute-ish tricycle ride to the starting point of the trek. The guide says it's 1 hour, but hindi ko alam anong pace nun mga ganon. Haha. It actually took us around 1 hour and a half, with stops for photo taking. I gained 7 kilos so it was indeed an experience getting used to this new body while I trek after 2-3 years since my last.

But, the view is so fucking worth it.

Every photo I took and the videos I had for a reel I made are filter-free. Hindi kailangan. Sobrang namiss ko yun pawis, hingal, akyat, baba, gapang... it was relatively an easy trek but because we were wearing shoes, scaredy cat ako sa dulas. LOL.

Going back, we were recommended to just take the habal-habal. It's Php 400 per person, and you need to pay for your tour guide's ride as well so total of Php 1,200. Dahil super nakakatakot yun 40-minute habal ride ... as in malala pa sa roller coaster... napa-tip kami. Kasi we survived it and buhay kami. LOL. Aside from that, may environmental fee pa na Php 60 isa.

After that, we grabbed a VERY LATE linner (lunch & dinner) at Seawadeeka. Legit Thai flavors, awesome staff. They adored Fofo so much na nun kakain na, they asked if they can take care of him para makakain kami. Tapos ayun, kinidnap nila papasok sa kitchen at pinanggigilan haha.

Share ko na din pala yun hindi planado but turned out to be quite a looker na outfit ko.

We then went to the beach so Fofo can enjoy a bit of the litter sand. LOL. Ates came up to us asking if they can take photos with him. Nakakatuwa lang kasi we adore how Fofo can also share some happiness to other people.

We then brought Fofo back to the hostel to rest. And for us to also recharge energy a bit, before going to La Kantina... again.

Love their cocktails, while the beer is husband's usual order... same sa Sarsa kasi. We got complimentary pizza.

To be honest, it still feels like a dream how much our travels have improved. Same travel buddy, but ngayon, hindi na kami about budget. We can eat and hike without thinking so much about expenses... though, sa totoo lang... hindi din naman kasi kami magastos or luxurious. We don't do steaks, or high-priced wines and we sincerely love being muddy and dirty and walking when we can.

Masaya lang ako. This is all I want in life, tbh. And while some dream of international travel - which of course I'd love too - ang dami pa din talagang lugar sa Pilipinas na pwedeng pwede pang diskubrehin.

#thecatlife #thecattravels #thegalaz

[lettersfromthecatcave]

2023 Kick-off Travel (1 of 2)

I've retreated into my privacy cocoon, but hello hello. We went on a 3-day vacation, just like we always do every December or January to wrap up the previous year and get ready for the coming year.

Personally, on these trips, I take a moment to read, relax, reflect and just bask under the sun, with the sound of the waves and the leaves. I used to take it as a strategic planning session of sorts, but 2022 was such a grit and grind year that all I wanted to do during the trip was relax, let go and send multiple thanks to the Universe.

I called it the Annual #TheGalaz Core Group Planning and of course, Fofo is with us. He's his usual behaved litol boi self. He was too excited he woke us up hours before leaving and won't stop until I packed all his stuff (i.e. vitamins, poop pads, clothes, food).

First stop over was the hostel, but immediately after that, we went to grab some coffee. Mas bet talaga namin yun Little Cat over El Union. Our fave is the americano (for me) and latte (for husband) both with the yum nitro foam. We also prefer the mood of Little Cat.

After we spent some time by the ocean side, we went back to rest and bond a bit at the hostel.

We were lucky enough to get a hostel that's pet-friendly, as well as very chill when it comes to the mood. There's books, guitar and some games to use. You can also have breakfast cooked by the Ates & Kuyas. It's our second time na sa hostel na ito and we'll keep coming back.

The first night we capped off with an early visit to Port San Juan. Last time kasi, we went to Flotsam and Jetsam for drinks pero ewan ko, di namin trip yun vibe. A bit snobbish yun atmosphere and then talagang pang-inuman. Maybe it's just the Tito and Tita in us, but we decided to just check out other "inuman" spots. Port San Juan is owned by Rico Blanco, we sabi namin doon baka chill. Truly, chill nga with lots of food options. May vegan pa and Thai.

After that, we saw La Kantina and got curious. We liked the vibe so we decided to drink there. Their burrata is soooooo good! Actually, yun buong platter mauubos ko sana since yun foccacia lang kinakain ni husband, but busog na busog na din talaga kami.

We ended the night relatively early (for the place) since we will do some trekking the following day.

(Part 2 of 2 on next post)

#thegalaz #thecatlife #thecattravels

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Looking back, the project was launched successfully. During those months, I was challenged beyond my limit but I learned so much about project management and about myself. To be honest, that opportunity is one of the actual drivers for me embracing growth mindset. Since then, I took on roles and projects that felt bigger than what my 5 flat self can handle. It changed my perspective about fearing failure and taking risks… minsan pala, all that matters is having someone believe in you even when you don’t believe in yourself. Takot pa din ako mag-fail, pero ngayon, I accept na you can always only do so much. As long as you do honest work and sincerely want to bring change, hindi mo ikakapahamak yun… office villains and all. I also shifted from wanting to please people to wanting to bring a positive impact. I look forward to 2023 like a freshly opened dishwashing sponge (lol), waiting for that first stream of water.

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

This quote was one of the many that greatly impacted my life. This was shared to me by one of my accidental mentors, Jeremiah. Back then, he pushed me to take on a global multi-million dollar, multi-site impacting project. I don't know what he saw in me but he did and he did not stop until I agreed to do the gig.

With him, it's okay to make mistakes. Fail fast, learn fast. He said, it's okay to take risks and fail, if that mean you learn something. He also made me realize that we can try to plan ahead and be detail oriented as much as we can, but it is also important to know that some things are just beyond our control.

Sa mundong ito, ang dami dami daming may sasabihin tungkol sa'yo - sa timbang mo, sa trabaho mo, sa lifestyle mo, sa mga desisyon mo sa buhay. They have a lot to say about how to do your fitness, your career, your relationships and your goals better. Let them say it then still decide to do what's best for you. Medyo mindset ko din ito kapag ang daming may hanash dati sa trabaho ko, simple lang sakin, "eh di ikaw gumawa?" Of course, I take criticisms, but the rest na noise lang, I filter them out. Same with fitness, na ang daming comment na kesyo tigilan pagbubuhat, magdiet nalang etc. "Ikaw ba yun araw-araw nakilos para magpapawis?"

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. Glory and honor comes to those who work for it, day in and day out.

#thecatmeows

[lettersfromthecatcave]

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”

― Theodore Roosevelt

This quote was one of the many that greatly impacted my life. This was shared to me by one of my accidental mentors, Jeremiah. Back then, he pushed me to take on a global multi-million dollar, multi-site impacting project. I don't know what he saw in me but he did and he did not stop until I agreed to do the gig.

With him, it's okay to make mistakes. Fail fast, learn fast. He said, it's okay to take risks and fail, if that mean you learn something. He also made me realize that we can try to plan ahead and be detail oriented as much as we can, but it is also important to know that some things are just beyond our control.

Sa mundong ito, ang dami dami daming may sasabihin tungkol sa'yo - sa timbang mo, sa trabaho mo, sa lifestyle mo, sa mga desisyon mo sa buhay. They have a lot to say about how to do your fitness, your career, your relationships and your goals better. Let them say it then still decide to do what's best for you. Medyo mindset ko din ito kapag ang daming may hanash dati sa trabaho ko, simple lang sakin, "eh di ikaw gumawa?" Of course, I take criticisms, but the rest na noise lang, I filter them out. Same with fitness, na ang daming comment na kesyo tigilan pagbubuhat, magdiet nalang etc. "Ikaw ba yun araw-araw nakilos para magpapawis?"

The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena. Glory and honor comes to those who work for it, day in and day out.

#notestoself #thecatmeows

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Cleansing a second round with cedar. First round was palo santo. Before any manifesting, you gotta cleanse.

#thecatlife #fitbodysoundmind #magick

[lettersfromthecatcave]

🪬 May the energy you give to others return to you ten-fold 🪬

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Hindi nga lang anonymous emz. Pakilala kayo hahaha napapraning ako di ko kilala eh charot. Hello?

Anonymously tell me why you follow me.

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Just a reminder to myself to not be the person I despise ~too vain, unkind and inconsiderate in the guise of keeping boundaries and doing “self-care”. That and being engulfed with thoughts about money.

Grit and grind is good, but grace and kindnesss never failed me before. Health and relationships > everything. I am not my work title, my weight, my income.

Wala lang, ayoko magaya sa iba na parang oras nila with others ay naging currency na for money. O yun ayaw mo sa mga taong parang nagbibilang ng bigay pero you let go of people just because they have no use for you anymore. I don’t work hard to stay connected to people now, but I also value history of how we got connected… even if that means months or years of no communication. Naniniwala naman ako that people are not forever in our lives, they come and go and so, I will honor their part in my lives. Also, money has made life comfortable, pero ayokong maging money-making machine at the expense of enjoying the now and spending time with family and friends. This might be because I lost some friends and some colleagues na nawala sa mundo. Pinapaulit-ulit ko pa din yun fact that life is fast-paced and I want to enjoy slowing it down with small joys ~ nature, laughter, food, movement, art, connections.

#thecatmeows

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Sometimes, I feel okay with a thicker me. But then I try on clothes and you know, they’re meant to fit XS-S best 🥲

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Nalimutan kong imention na kaya ko pala naisip to kasi I saw 2 friends who posted about them leaving the city to also live sa province. They also shared their perks like a wider space for their dogs to run, or them being nearer to family. Like me, they also stayed sa NCR because of work... like most of us do.

Natuwa lang ako ng sobra kasi they are flourishing... both of them may mental health issues din and they talked about how it helped them a lot mentally too. La lang. I am happy when my friends are happy.

Why leaving the city to settle in the province is one of the best decisions in my life

I already drafted a post earlier, pero nawala lol. So, here's my second attempt.

Before the pandemic, I was living in a condo along EDSA with my then-fiancee now-husband. We paid 18K monthly for a studio-type condo, with pool and gym amenities. It was a dream come true for me since my previous homes in the metro were in not-so-Instagrammable places.

So a bit of a history of my living situations in NCR:

I left Laguna since HS for college and stayed in a dormitory. There were about 2-4 girls per room and my parents who crawled my expense through graduation often paid my rent late.

Then, I graduated and vowed to not have my parents pay a single cent for me anymore. I lived independently paying ALL of my living expenses including rent, food. My first home that I paid for myself is another dormitory with about a 7 x 7 room shared by another girl.

Then, I lived in with my then-fiancee and toxic ex in a 2-BR apartment in the middle of a busy Manila baranggay. When he left me, along with needing to pay some unpaid rent, I moved into a smaller a 1-BR apartment. Both were in the middle of a noisy, crazy Manila neighborhood where people drink and gossip 24/7.

So, fast forward to the pandemic doom, I got initial info (being an EHS & BCP person) that there would be lockdowns. My then-fiancee now-husband and I then rushed packing and left our condo unit (even after spending hours panic-buying some supplies) to go home. We never really imagined the pandemic lasting years, so for the first 3 months, we lived with our parents... transitioning between his parents' place and mine while we work remotely. But then, since we are getting married, we decided to buy a house. If there's one thing the pandemic made us realize is that HEALTH IS IMPORTANT... and he and I both know that we cannot live in a boxed condo as a permanent home. Luckily, his work perks allowed us to choose a model unit (fully furnished but a bit outdated) so it's basically ready for occupancy. It took us barely 6 months to get the papers settled (while also preparing for our wedding) but we got it.

We now live in a 2-story house located in a city in Laguna, near an SLEX exit. I'll save the logistical, administrative costs and construction gulatan costs for another story, but we were able to save enough to have some improvements like a gate, home gym, pocket garden, and repainting. We'll be spending our third Christmas (WOW) here and yes, it's still the life I want because:

Province life allows for a slower, mellower life. I am not sure if I can put it into words but there's something about waking up, walking down the stairs, taking a peek at the window and seeing Lolas sweeping their front yard, smiling and waving at you. There are neighbors who even if we rarely go out, reaches out to us to ask how we are, share a laugh or two. There are kids going to and from school. Even the traffic is way way better, not only because its decongested but because people are not in a rush? Like, kapag naluwas kami para pumasyal or for work, even a 2-3 second delay from the go-signal would cause people behind us to hit their horns like they are dying. Gulat na gulat kami at how full of rage drivers are, while here, people tend to give way. Though may mga kupal minsan, pero like 1:50 ang ratio compared sa NCR na 40:50 ata.

Everything is accessible. Maybe it's the smart location that the village is located, but Nuvali is 15 minutes away so we get to do our weekend runs and grocery shopping there every weekend. When we want a different view, Alabang or Makati is barely an hour away. We also have access to foodpanda and Grab, so we can also order food. And, when we grow tired of that, we also have an online Facebook page for the village where we can order food and have it delivered too. Kanina lang nga, dahil naka-isolation kami, pati pandesal inorder namin sa online village store.

The view can easily put you in a better mood. I remember during the MECQs, we'll just jump in the car and do a quick drive-thru run to Mcdonald's or Starbucks. We'll sometimes bring the cats with us para masanay sila. We'll eat inside the car, just open the windows a bit and see lush greens around us. On days when work feels too much or when I get depressive or anxious episodes, we'll just drive around, and instantly, I feel better as we pass by trees, farm lands and sunset view. When we run too, there's always a mini trail to discover.

We are nearer to our families. Though we may not be able to visit them as often as we want, but connecting is easier. We can have lunch outs over the weekends, or they can easily visit us at home and spend some time together. Malawak yun bahay at bakuran, so they can sleep over. Kapag may emergency, iba pa din yun may mga kakilala kahit paano na pwedeng takbuhan. We have my husband's office mates near the village and my Dad's office is also 30 minutes away from where we live. So, minsan sa amin din sya nauwi. Our house also offers a breathe of fresh air sa Mom ko when she wants to relax and play with her apos aka cats LOL.

Expenses are cheaper. Gas, groceries, services are cheaper here. Though we are not safe from the ~golden era~, we do have options like talipapa or wet markets. Since nearer din kami sa mga sakahan or isdaan, mas mura din talaga yun mga fresh produce. Sa Nuvali and LB area, madalas din may community market. Also, the 18K rent we paid for the condo? Imagine we pay less than that and we are owning this house after a few years. To share, even the 7K rent I paid for the 1-BR apartment can pay for a house here in Laguna too. No, I don't think renting is a waste of money since tinitirhan nyo naman sya, but imagine how getting a house can be a future asset (yun lupa, hindi yun bahay, but that's also another topic). But basically, LAND does not decrease in value ever. Ever ever. Kaya din bahay kinuha namin over condo.

There is space - to move, to breathe and to grow. Literally and figuratively. Literally, I am lucky to have my own home gym, and garden and garage that like now that we are in isolation, we can move around. It's easier to partition our lives between work and home, kasi may home office din ako. May place to sleep, to eat, to work out and that's important for an ADHD person like me. There also is room to grow... ewan ko pero the more I see how people can live in the provinve, the more lumawak yun pananaw at pangarap ko. No, I don't want a bigger house, but I now know that having a slow and steady life is possible. Yun, hindi kailangan pagod at ngarag to earn money, because people here, maraming may passive income and all. Parang here, money flows in even when you don't do much. Hindi ko ma-explain pero siguro totoo yun kapag mas malawak yun paligid mo, mas feeling mo din hindi ka nakakahon? (Though, we really need to do some spring cleaning LOL kasi ang kalat na ng bahay.)

My mental health has greatly improved. Probably because of all the reasons mentioned above. But, you know, taking myself away from that hustle and bustle of the city, really allowed me to slow down and think about what I really want in life. Dito sa probinsya ko narealize na life doesn't need to be complicated. Dito ko din na-allow ang sarili ko stop when I tend to want want want a lot? Kasi, in the midst of every grit and grind work day, masaya ako to just slow down, have a coffee or a glass of wine and spend time with my husband and cats. And really, that's all I need. In a world that tells you that you need to work-out, prep food, be excellent at work, learn new things, have a hobby, stay connected with loved ones and all sorts of MUSTS, the province life allowed me to tone it down and just do what I can. The more we do so much minsan, the more we lose who we are... or that's how I feel. The province life allows me to be just me~ whoever I want to be.

I know not everyone has this privilege, and for this I am grateful - for the opportunities that came our way, for the blessings given to us and for the hard work we put in. 🧿 It's weird pero the pandemic really did turn our life around, kasi naipakita sa akin kung ano yun importante - Health, connections and peace of mind. Yan lang pala talaga kailangan ko.

So, anyways, ayun lang. If you have the chance, give it a think. Alam ko hindi lahat possible ito sa work nila, but this is also why I chose to make it a non-negotiable when I consider work offers. Either remote or hybrid. Because this is now home and I can't sacrifice this peace for career progression or additional pay.

I hope you read this not feeling like I am boasting. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko inakalang dadating ako sa ganitong level of contentment... o baka natuto lang talaga akong maging grateful sa araw-araw. Good or bad, there's always something positive (gaya ng antigen test namin, eme). Nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako sobra for being here... so I really try to pay it forward too. My husband, I noticed, does the same na din. Every chance we get, we share our blessings.

Universe, thank you. I trust that 2023 would only bring us closer to the simple farm life we want. 🧿. 🪬. 👁️‍🗨️.

#probinsyana #thecatlife

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Why leaving the city to settle in the province is one of the best decisions in my life

I already drafted a post earlier, pero nawala lol. So, here's my second attempt.

Before the pandemic, I was living in a condo along EDSA with my then-fiancee now-husband. We paid 18K monthly for a studio-type condo, with pool and gym amenities. It was a dream come true for me since my previous homes in the metro were in not-so-Instagrammable places.

So a bit of a history of my living situations in NCR:

I left Laguna since HS for college and stayed in a dormitory. There were about 2-4 girls per room and my parents who crawled my expense through graduation often paid my rent late.

Then, I graduated and vowed to not have my parents pay a single cent for me anymore. I lived independently paying ALL of my living expenses including rent, food. My first home that I paid for myself is another dormitory with about a 7 x 7 room shared by another girl.

Then, I lived in with my then-fiancee and toxic ex in a 2-BR apartment in the middle of a busy Manila baranggay. When he left me, along with needing to pay some unpaid rent, I moved into a smaller a 1-BR apartment. Both were in the middle of a noisy, crazy Manila neighborhood where people drink and gossip 24/7.

So, fast forward to the pandemic doom, I got initial info (being an EHS & BCP person) that there would be lockdowns. My then-fiancee now-husband and I then rushed packing and left our condo unit (even after spending hours panic-buying some supplies) to go home. We never really imagined the pandemic lasting years, so for the first 3 months, we lived with our parents... transitioning between his parents' place and mine while we work remotely. But then, since we are getting married, we decided to buy a house. If there's one thing the pandemic made us realize is that HEALTH IS IMPORTANT... and he and I both know that we cannot live in a boxed condo as a permanent home. Luckily, his work perks allowed us to choose a model unit (fully furnished but a bit outdated) so it's basically ready for occupancy. It took us barely 6 months to get the papers settled (while also preparing for our wedding) but we got it.

We now live in a 2-story house located in a city in Laguna, near an SLEX exit. I'll save the logistical, administrative costs and construction gulatan costs for another story, but we were able to save enough to have some improvements like a gate, home gym, pocket garden, and repainting. We'll be spending our third Christmas (WOW) here and yes, it's still the life I want because:

Province life allows for a slower, mellower life. I am not sure if I can put it into words but there's something about waking up, walking down the stairs, taking a peek at the window and seeing Lolas sweeping their front yard, smiling and waving at you. There are neighbors who even if we rarely go out, reaches out to us to ask how we are, share a laugh or two. There are kids going to and from school. Even the traffic is way way better, not only because its decongested but because people are not in a rush? Like, kapag naluwas kami para pumasyal or for work, even a 2-3 second delay from the go-signal would cause people behind us to hit their horns like they are dying. Gulat na gulat kami at how full of rage drivers are, while here, people tend to give way. Though may mga kupal minsan, pero like 1:50 ang ratio compared sa NCR na 40:50 ata.

Everything is accessible. Maybe it's the smart location that the village is located, but Nuvali is 15 minutes away so we get to do our weekend runs and grocery shopping there every weekend. When we want a different view, Alabang or Makati is barely an hour away. We also have access to foodpanda and Grab, so we can also order food. And, when we grow tired of that, we also have an online Facebook page for the village where we can order food and have it delivered too. Kanina lang nga, dahil naka-isolation kami, pati pandesal inorder namin sa online village store.

The view can easily put you in a better mood. I remember during the MECQs, we'll just jump in the car and do a quick drive-thru run to Mcdonald's or Starbucks. We'll sometimes bring the cats with us para masanay sila. We'll eat inside the car, just open the windows a bit and see lush greens around us. On days when work feels too much or when I get depressive or anxious episodes, we'll just drive around, and instantly, I feel better as we pass by trees, farm lands and sunset view. When we run too, there's always a mini trail to discover.

We are nearer to our families. Though we may not be able to visit them as often as we want, but connecting is easier. We can have lunch outs over the weekends, or they can easily visit us at home and spend some time together. Malawak yun bahay at bakuran, so they can sleep over. Kapag may emergency, iba pa din yun may mga kakilala kahit paano na pwedeng takbuhan. We have my husband's office mates near the village and my Dad's office is also 30 minutes away from where we live. So, minsan sa amin din sya nauwi. Our house also offers a breathe of fresh air sa Mom ko when she wants to relax and play with her apos aka cats LOL.

Expenses are cheaper. Gas, groceries, services are cheaper here. Though we are not safe from the ~golden era~, we do have options like talipapa or wet markets. Since nearer din kami sa mga sakahan or isdaan, mas mura din talaga yun mga fresh produce. Sa Nuvali and LB area, madalas din may community market. Also, the 18K rent we paid for the condo? Imagine we pay less than that and we are owning this house after a few years. To share, even the 7K rent I paid for the 1-BR apartment can pay for a house here in Laguna too. No, I don't think renting is a waste of money since tinitirhan nyo naman sya, but imagine how getting a house can be a future asset (yun lupa, hindi yun bahay, but that's also another topic). But basically, LAND does not decrease in value ever. Ever ever. Kaya din bahay kinuha namin over condo.

There is space - to move, to breathe and to grow. Literally and figuratively. Literally, I am lucky to have my own home gym, and garden and garage that like now that we are in isolation, we can move around. It's easier to partition our lives between work and home, kasi may home office din ako. May place to sleep, to eat, to work out and that's important for an ADHD person like me. There also is room to grow... ewan ko pero the more I see how people can live in the provinve, the more lumawak yun pananaw at pangarap ko. No, I don't want a bigger house, but I now know that having a slow and steady life is possible. Yun, hindi kailangan pagod at ngarag to earn money, because people here, maraming may passive income and all. Parang here, money flows in even when you don't do much. Hindi ko ma-explain pero siguro totoo yun kapag mas malawak yun paligid mo, mas feeling mo din hindi ka nakakahon? (Though, we really need to do some spring cleaning LOL kasi ang kalat na ng bahay.)

My mental health has greatly improved. Probably because of all the reasons mentioned above. But, you know, taking myself away from that hustle and bustle of the city, really allowed me to slow down and think about what I really want in life. Dito sa probinsya ko narealize na life doesn't need to be complicated. Dito ko din na-allow ang sarili ko stop when I tend to want want want a lot? Kasi, in the midst of every grit and grind work day, masaya ako to just slow down, have a coffee or a glass of wine and spend time with my husband and cats. And really, that's all I need. In a world that tells you that you need to work-out, prep food, be excellent at work, learn new things, have a hobby, stay connected with loved ones and all sorts of MUSTS, the province life allowed me to tone it down and just do what I can. The more we do so much minsan, the more we lose who we are... or that's how I feel. The province life allows me to be just me~ whoever I want to be.

I know not everyone has this privilege, and for this I am grateful - for the opportunities that came our way, for the blessings given to us and for the hard work we put in. 🧿 It's weird pero the pandemic really did turn our life around, kasi naipakita sa akin kung ano yun importante - Health, connections and peace of mind. Yan lang pala talaga kailangan ko.

So, anyways, ayun lang. If you have the chance, give it a think. Alam ko hindi lahat possible ito sa work nila, but this is also why I chose to make it a non-negotiable when I consider work offers. Either remote or hybrid. Because this is now home and I can't sacrifice this peace for career progression or additional pay.

I hope you read this not feeling like I am boasting. Sa totoo lang, hindi ko inakalang dadating ako sa ganitong level of contentment... o baka natuto lang talaga akong maging grateful sa araw-araw. Good or bad, there's always something positive (gaya ng antigen test namin, eme). Nagpapasalamat lang talaga ako sobra for being here... so I really try to pay it forward too. My husband, I noticed, does the same na din. Every chance we get, we share our blessings.

Universe, thank you. I trust that 2023 would only bring us closer to the simple farm life we want. 🧿. 🪬. 👁️‍🗨️.

#thecatlife #probinsyana #livingtheprovinciallife

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Nakakawalang gana ampota. Nagsulat ako ng mahaba about why leaving the city is the best decision I made, tapos nawala. Putangena.

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Tangena Tumblr na to haba nun post ko tapos nawala.

[lettersfromthecatcave]

Skincare budolz. Haha! Maysakit ako pero maganda pa din dapat emzzzz

#thecatlife