Since 2020, our daily lives have changed. Our normal ways of living were gone and was changed to the new normal that we know today. Wearing of facemask is a must, compulsory wearing of face shield was implemented for months, different quarantine classifications were followed. Everything has changed.
In 2021 the new normal was still practiced. A lot of unexpected things happened. A lot of ups and downs- a roller coaster ride indeed. And here’s a wrap of how bumpy, happy, sad, hopeful and all other emotions my 2021 is.
WELCOMING 2021
It was exactly the first day of 2021 when I greeted my Guidance designate friend a happy birthday and had an on the spot visit at 45kilometer in Busay. We had a very long talk that we were not able to noticed the time. We talked about our own struggles, why we’ve been away from social media, how’s work, how’s our friends and everything in between. A fruitful new year talk.
FOODTRIP EVERYWHERE
I have shared in one of my blogs that I am not the type of person who usually try different things, especially try a different dish. But, this year was an exemption, all thanks to my foodtrip buddies!
FIRST EVER MODELING GIG
My co-teacher before offered a one-time opportunity to me, 
HAIR COLOR, EAR PIERCING
First time to spend more than two thousand pesos in the salon. I don't know what happened but I just want to experience something new for my hair. Also, I finally got some piercings this year. After years of planning, I finally got the courage to do it.
STARTED MY JOURNEY IN HIVE
I’m into writing Filipino poems, stories and essays since college because of the degree course that I took. And that’s it. I am not a blogger. But, 
JOBLESS FOR MONTHS
I know I am not the only one who experienced being furloughed at work. It was sad for a moment but I was able to accept it and finally render a resignation. I let go of the work I thought I only knew- teaching. I've accepted the fact that I won’t be able to teach students a difficult subject as most describe it. I won’t be able to do my daily routine as a teacher.
BEEN OUT FOR A LOT OF TRIPS
Thanks to being jobless, I got to go on trips anytime! Yes! I went on trips during the time that I was unemployed and had no income. I am in nature a certified Laagan - I enjoy going to different places. I thought of just keeping my savings ‘til I get a new job however I also realize that I deserve this after years of saving and depriving myself of not buying the stuff I like even some stuff I need. So, I did. I went on planned and unplanned trips with friends and even alone.
GOT DIFFERENT JOB OPPORTUNITIES
This year, I got 4 new jobs! The first job I got was in the Call Center Industry as a Customer Service Associate- Voice account but I resigned before the nesting period ended. Why? Because I realized, I didn’t like how my day to day routine was. Answering atleast 100 calls per day was very exhausting. So I thought, Id just stick with teaching. I saw one school hiring for a high school teacher so I went over the process and luckily got hired. However, I need to decline the offer because the salary cannot cover much of the amount I need in a month. It could have been okay if it was a work from home set-up. Alteast I can save the expenses from my daily fare. Third job opportunity was again, in a call center agency. I applied for a non-voice position but when I attended the first day of training, it was mentioned that we’re going to take calls in a retail account again. I thought I’ll give it another try but as the days past during the training, I have finally decided to just resign. Then, my fourth job offer, as a crewing staff in a certain agency for seafarers. And finally, this is where I am right now. I started working there last November and so far, I think I’m gonna keep this job for now.
THE TRAUMATIC TYPHOON
Not just long ago, the Philippines, specifically, Visayas and Mindanao experienced the powerful typhoon Odette. The very strong winds damaged a lot of properties in the area. Some were lucky enough that only lost few things but some were killed on the onset of the typhoon. I shared here in Hive what Odette did to our house. I was very sad at that moment but later, after seeing what happened to my fellow Filipinos, I was able to tell myself that I was still lucky enough to be alive and safe.
I believe I am not the only one who has these ups and downs this year. We’ve been through a lot of happiness and sadness but here we are, still fighting. I am beyond thankful to all of my friends who's always there for me and to my Hive community for letting me experience first times.
I hope 2022 will be better. I hope we can still endure everything that may come our way. Advance happy new year everyone!