Writing about this made me reminisce about bittersweet memories of my childhood and the struggles I've overcome. Growing up, I witnessed how my mother worked hard physically just to provide for our needs. Every day, from our home, she would go to the city, Iloilo, to sell fruits or whatever snacks (kakanin) that she consigned from her fellow vendors. Then, she would endure walking kilometers, house to house, with a basket full of merchandise in both her arms. Sometimes, on unlucky days, she would go home with low sales/income that wouldn't be enough to buy food for the table plus our daily allowance. It could be too, caught up with heavy rain and flood, imagine walking all day then your feet will be soaked to not-so-clean water in the city?
At an early age, my only thought was find work so I could give money to my mother. I could not remember how many times I went to school crying because of some instances that made her suffer. Those times, I wish we weren't that poor, literal hampaslupa.
I was sixteen when I got my first summer job during school breaks. That only lasted for a month and a half, and my only goal was to be a companion to one of my mother's suki grandsons! What an easy job, and I earned P1000+. That was decades ago, so it was already enough to buy school supplies for me and my sisters.
After that, I still had a lot of work. As long as it was legit, then I would grab it. It could be, a house cleaner, promo girl, merchandiser, seller in public markets and many more. I don't care if I was underpaid, but as long as I have earned something, I am good.
Counting the years, I've been hustling and working for over a decade. This April, I will be celebrating ten years of service in my company. Wow! How time flies!
Yet, to answer this month's blogging contest at 
What's one thing you'll let go of for this year? And why?
My answer is my Job.!
Nope, not because I am tired, but I need to. It was never an easy decision as I was used to working and having my own money. But due to the following reasons, I have to.
No one will take care of our baby after the delivery. Leaving our baby in the care of anyone was not my option. We were thinking about the RISK and what I watched on the news. We prayed hard for this blessing.
Our house was too far from where I was working. Even if I hire a nanny, that still means I will only see my baby every week! That's a big no!
How does it feel?
Honestly, I am excited to be a full-time mom for now, yet at the same time, it scares me. Many thoughts have been running through my head; roller coaster emotions were normal this past week.
Yet, I don't want to feed my baby negative feelings, so as much as possible, I try my best to divert my thoughts. Like perhaps, satisfying my cravings? LOL.
Strawberries, because I saw it in 
I even bought some at work, which I displayed on the top of my working table for most of the day. Find it too beautiful in my eyes to be eaten!
Lastly, rather than be sad tonight, I decided to power up For the badge!
I did power up my sister's account as I haven't spent time yet talking to her and explaining how 🤣
Happy HPUD, everyone, and thanks. Tomorrow is FRIDAY!
Lead image was edited using Canva
All photos are mine otherwise stated
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