Work-from-home essentials

⚠️These are very uncertain and uncomfortable times.

✔️Let's all #staysafe as we navigate through the process of growing comfortable with working from home.

✔️We can never be too careful. So don't forget to wear your masks, sanitize and be careful when getting your essentials.

🌠🌠🌠

These are my work-from-home essentials. For a third-world country such as mine, these "essentials" are a privilege but are also good for mental health.

1. A dedicated workspace

This is putting boundaries from the rest of the spaces in your house. You are training your mind that you only work there. It's not for eating or watching Netflix.

Of course, this could be hard if you live with your family and there is only one room or none at all.

The beauty of remote work is we can work anywhere. These days, more and more co-working spaces are being established. We can utilize those options especially if we are working with generous clients.

2. A computer

Desktop or Laptop, anything works. And a mouse, especially if you are designing. Surely, this is the most essential tool. These are the usual requirements these days:

Or a tablet with the pen but if you don't have it, the mouse will do. 😉

3. A good internet connection

4. Video conferencing and chat apps

Usually, most companies that are not output-based use their own apps to track the progress and time of their remote employees. We don't and can't meet each other face to face. Some of our clients are from other countries. This is very self-explanatory. In this day and age, remote work and working from anywhere is possible.

5. Earphones or headset

I use mine when editing audio and videos for better hearing quality. I live in a loud neighborhood. Using these devices minimizes and manages unnecessary stressors.

6. SELF-DISCIPLINE AND A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE MINDSET

Let's use our time and resources well. 

Fire and Blood

 

Season 2 of the House of the Dragons has already aired. We are on episode 4 as of the writing of this blog where Princess Rhaenys Targaryen volunteered to defend the Rook's Rest and there she died behind her dragon Meleys.

Since June, I have been curious about the origins of the shows I have been watching. Ever since I have read Anne of Green Gables and Little Women, which I have reenacted in a play during my years in elementary, I have been obsessed about finding out the true story behind it. What the authors really wrote in the book.

Episode 5 is coming out on Sunday and will air on Monday in the Philippines. Consequently, I have finished Fire and Blood last night and decided to write about my experience and what this book has revealed to me.

Fire and Blood was set 300 years before Game of Thrones. This was during the conquest of King Aegon Targaryen I all the way to the reign of King Aegon Targaryen III, some years after the Dying of the Dragons where Princess Rhaenyra Targaryen, firstborn daughter and known heir to the throne of King Viserys Targaryen I, and King Aegon Targaryen II, fought and divided the realm to take the Iron Throne. These chapters were the inspiration for the House of the Dragons.

Worthy to note that all of them were Targaryens. Duh?

Anyway, here are my observations:

• Like Princess Rhaenys, daughter of King Jaehaerys I, dying behind her dragon Meleys, Queen Rhaenys I, sister wife to Aegon I, also died when her dragon, Meraxes died.
• I can't understand why they are so obsessed with the Iron Throne. The throne will also kill or maim the occupant. King Viserys I and Princess Rhaenyra were always bleeding after they had sat on the Iron Throne.
• Everyone was so obsessed with how great Aegon The Conqueror was that every generation of Targaryen had a firstborn son named Aegon. If Maegor had a son, surely he would name it Aegon too.
• It became viral that the 3 dragon eggs shown in episode 3 of the House of the Dragons brought by Princess Rhaena to the Vale, together with Joffrey Velaryon and his dragon Tyraxes, Aegon III and his dragon, Stormcloud, and Viserys II with his dragon egg, were Daenerys' dragons were also Dreamfyre's eggs. This isn't true because, in Chapter 9, all 3 of these eggs hatched in Dragonstone, the ancient seat of the Targaryens. There was no Dragonpit in King's Landings yet. It could've been Vhagar's, Syrax's or Silverwing's.
• Daenerys Targaryen (Game of Thrones) was not the first of her name. King Jaehaerys and Queen Alyssanne's first-born daughter was named Daenerys Targaryen and lived until 6 years old,
• Princess Rhaenys had black hair because she was a Baratheon. She was the daughter of Lady Jocelyn Baratheon, daughter of Queen Alyssa, mother of King Jaehaerys I and Queen Alyssanne, from her second marriage to Lord Rogar Baratheon, and Prince Aemon, 2nd son of King Jaehaerys and Queen Alyssanne.
• Addam could have been a Targaryen bastard, not a Velaryon since he's a dragon rider. He's about to ride Seasmoke. It could not have been Laenor because the realm knows he can't have a son. It could not have been Lord Corlys. The Velaryons, though the blood of Old Valyria, we're not dragon riders. 
• Damn! That fight between Aemon with Vhagar, and Daemon with Caraxes, should happen in the House of the Dragons.
• SPOILER ALERT! Aegon II's dragon, Sunfyre ate Rhaenyra in front of her son Aegon III.

Dying of the Dragons was divided into 6 chapters of Fire and Blood and also the most depressing parts of this book. This explains why there were no more dragons in Westeros until Daenerys (Game of Thrones) came with her three dragons which were gifted to her during her wedding to Khal Drogo.

Seasmoke, Tessarion and Vermithor died in the battle at Tumbleton when they fought with each other. Some were saying Tessarion and Seasmoke were doing a mating dance instead of fighting

So many dragons died but especially in Chapter 17, when the greens (King Aegon II's supporters) paraded Meley's head, the smallfolk lost respect and terror for the dragons and the Targaryens. That could explain why Queen Rhaenyra was easily overthrown, especially by that Shepherd who was saying that Westeros was cursed because of the incest and sins of the Targaryens.

Since the dragons were chained in the dragonpit, they couldn't fly away. Shrykos was the first dragon to succumb, and then Morghul. They were hatchlings from Dreamfyre. Tyraxes was next. And then Dreamfyre. Syrax didn't to escape the wrath of the drunken rage from the small folks. Someone jumped on her back and pierced her. That was the end of the known dragons.

Stormcloud died after safely delivering King Aegon III (when he was still a boy) to his mother Queen Rhaenyra, with broken wings.

Sunfyre fought with Grey Ghost. Sheepstealer was last seen at Storm's End. Moondancer fought with Sunfyre and died, which broke King Aegon II's feet, then died after a few days.

I have no idea what happened to Princess Rhaena's dragon, Morning which just hatched during King Aegon III's reign.

When the dream of "Working from Anywhere" became "Work from Home"

Even before the pandemic started, I was used to working from anywhere. I love having my alone time. I like doing things alone. I never got bored of spending time alone. I was never lonely alone. I would prefer being by myself than spending meaningless time with someone. Other than my now partner, of course. I love it when it is only us together in comfortable silence.

I could not stand being in crowded places. I only go to the mall if I have a definite reason to be there. I would always choose the high-end malls because there are no crowds and few people shop there. Since I don't go out often, I have the money to splurge.

Then the pandemic hit us all. My partner was stuck in Cebu without work. I worked at the City Government as a Legislative Staff. She could not go home since there was a lockdown and inter-island and inter-state travel were banned.

Working from anywhere is my ultimate goal. Working with this view.

Purple people

I saw this TikTok video where a girl showed the purple things she bought when she became an adult and I remember all the purple things I wanted to buy back when I was young, when I become an adult too.

Purple is my favorite color too. Back then, I wanted a purple Macbook. A college friend (Jhong) pledged that he would buy me one when he became a CPA. He did become one but the promise never materialised. And of course, we were young and full of dreams then.

I saw this exact color of Macbook as I was reviewing for the bar at a Starbucks in 2016 and I thought I would become a lawyer next year so I'll be able to buy it. But I know now that after several tries, I'm still not a lawyer and I haven't bought anything purple yet.

My problem now lies with how will all my devices communicate? Apple will only communicate with Apple.

For years, I have always been using Android devices and Windows  OS computers. I am partial with Samsung and LG.

But I don't know if I ever will.

This is the problem with me. I have a lot of uncertainties. I'll be turning 35 this year, but I am not certain of what I want. I am certain of the things that I don't want and I know what I need. But sometimes, these just make me feel powerless and make my goals unattainable. What are really my goals?

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo

I have been curious about this book for so many months now. I've been hearing that it is very popular on BookTok. But for some reason, I am not on BookTok. I just let the TikTok algorithm show me what I need to see. Hahaha!

Anyway...

The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was released a few years back. I saw a video on YouTube of a YouTuber I had just recently subscribed to talking about this book. Her video was a while back.

I read the book without any expectations. This year, when I committed to reading again, I said to myself, I am not going to lean on the genres I usually read. I will the Universe tell me what I need to read.

You will never guess what The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo is about, I'm sure everyone who has read it thought that this was an autobiography or biography, at first glance. You will also never guess the plot twist.

If you haven't read it yet, I suggest you do. I read it in January and I am re-reading it now for Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈

 

The Song of Achilles

 Have you heard about this book? This was one of the books that the Universe told me to read. Maybe because I can relate?

I was drawn to this book probably because I had an obsession with Greek Mythology inspired by Percy Jackson. I have read all the Percy Jackson and The Olympians. As well as all the Heroes of Olympus by Rick Riordan. 

The Song of Achilles was the story of Achilles, the demi-god, and his companion Patroclus. Theirs was a forbidden love for in that period, same-sex love was not recognized yet. Patroclus was not even sure if Achilles felt the same. But he loved him. Achilles showed him that he loves Patroclus in his own way.

It's set in the Trojan War when Menelaus started a war to get his wife, Helen of Troy, back from Paris.

I read it in January and I am re-reading it now for Pride Month. 🏳️‍🌈

Anne of Green Gables

Since I don't have a budget in this period of my life and I wanted to read this, and since I am only getting the hang of reading again, I chose this book. Anne of the Green Gables is one of the books I wanted to read in my lifetime. 

While growing up, I didn't really know the full story of Anne of the Green Gables. I had the reference from cartoons and Anne of E (of late) but I want to know this classic creation of Lucy Maud Montgomery.

I was surprised to know that it was a novel series of 8 books, chronicling her life and adventures from being an orphan to coming to Green Gables, her life in Avonlea, as a student, as a woman bethrothed, as a wife and as a mother. The novel series included her childrens' life and adventures growing up and their experiences and thought during the World War I.

The Anne of Green Gables series is a charming collection of children’s books set in the beautiful scenery of Prince Edward Island, Canada. Written by L. M. Montgomery between 1908 and 1939, the novels follow the adventures of red-headed orphan Anne from the tender age of 11 right up until her own children are grown. In this blog, we’ve listed all eight Anne of Green Gables books in reading order, alongside a background of the treasured novels and their masterful storyteller, L. M. Montgomery.

When I learned that it was a novel series, I wanted to buy a boxed set.

I wanted to have a complete set of the eight books for my future coffee shop and study hub, I hope one day I can buy this. I also hope my coffee shop can be a bookstore.

I saw this on Amazon

It Ends with Us...

For those affected by domestic violence, as well as advocates and individuals striving to comprehend the complexities faced by victims when discussing their experiences, please read this book and consider the Author's Notes for deeper insight.

I think it's very confusing for a woman who grew up in an abusive household to realize that you are also in an abusive relationship especially since in this book, Lily thought she had found her happiness with her husband, Ryle.

The good times were really good. But the bad times were so bad that she ended up almost dying at the hands of her husband with anger issues.

After reading that, I got curious about Atlas' version of what happened to Lily and how he helped her overcome her confusion. This book was also about how Atlas was able to overcome his own trauma, growing up in an abusive household and how he became a gentle and kind person despite that.

These books were eye-openers. Have you read them?

Reading for me these days is the same as watching with subtitles.

It's the kind of book that 12-year-old kids and below should be reading. But still, I'm going to read it again to find out new perspectives in life now that I'm pushing 40. I'm about to read some classics that I read as a kid, including YA books. It's amazing how our perspectives can change over time, and reading those classics again might bring new insights and nostalgia. 

 I need an audiobook to read along. Using audiobooks to read along is a great strategy, especially if it helps you focus better. Whether it's an ADHD thing or just a personal preference, what matters is that it works for you.

5th book I have read this year

Probably an ADHD thing. Or just me. 🤷‍♀️

I noticed I need to do this to gain focus, especially with the refresher and bar review last year.

So far, I think it's working, I have finished 5 books. January is not over. Let's keep this up and enjoy our reading journey. 📚✨

Are there any specific books you're excited to revisit?

Galatea

This was just a concise story so I read it after reading The Song of Achilles. I'm justsad for Galatea. She was so perfect but her husband was really insecure. Very small dick energy of him.

I'm glad she got out and away. Imagine being committed in an asylum and just visited ONLY by your husband, to have sex with you?

Sick! Why isn't the husband being committed?

 

Reading is like Breathing

One of my goals before I turn 40 is to get in the habit of reading again.

After graduating from Law School and reading tons of legal-related books, I hated reading for a while. But reading is like breathing. Once you learn how to read a word, you can never stop. It enhances your vocabulary, grammar, and especially, your world views.

I thought I stopped. I didn't. 

 

 

If you're like me, it's wonderful that you're setting a goal to get back into the habit of reading! Reading truly is a powerful tool that can enrich our lives in so many ways. It's like a journey that never really ends, always offering new perspectives and insights.

What kind of books are you thinking of starting with? Maybe I can help you find some recommendations that align with your interests and goals.

I will talk about the books I am reading along the way.

Ikigai

When the new year entered, I wanted to have a change of perspective. Ikigai was always mentioned in the podcasts that I always listen to and from motivational speakers. Ikigai is one of the books I wanted to read within my lifetime.

I will not attempt to discuss this book. There are a lot of websites that discuss it to make profitable sales. But what I wanted to share with you is this chapter

FIND FLOW IN EVERYTHING YOU DO

We are what we repeatedly do.

Excellence, then, is not an act but a habit.

—Aristotle

The Seven Conditions for Achieving Flow

According to researcher Owen Schaffer of DePaul University, the

requirements for achieving flow are:

1. Knowing what to do

2. Knowing how to do it

3. Knowing how well you are doing

4. Knowing where to go (where navigation is involved)

5. Perceiving significant challenges

6. Perceiving significant skills

7. Being free from distractions

Have you read this book?

What I Wish I Knew About Social Media Marketing 10 Years Ago

"My biggest regret from the previous recession – or perhaps simply lesson learned –  was not focusing enough on social media marketing."

I saw this on a blog post today and it resonated immediately. 

Some years ago, almost 11 years ago, I graduated with a degree in Business Administration, majoring in Marketing. At that time, my plan was to take an MBA while working as a marketing intern at Sparks Asia (they have just started) and then enter Law School and become a lawyer. BUT THEN my father offered to pay for my Law School. So young and naive as I was, I immediately agreed.

I attended Law School and wasted 12 years of my life trying to become a lawyer and another 4 years more figuring out what I really wanted to do and trying to see if my legal knowledge would help me have a decent life.

Although the legal knowledge was helping me have a decent life, I wanted more from it. In 2018, I had my first real heartbreak. It was so bad for me that I lost weight, was sleep-deprived, had body dysmorphia, doubted myself, lost self-confidence and basically hated seeing myself. I remember avoiding mirrors and people's eyes so I couldn't see myself. I was self-loathing. But I also know I cannot go there because that would send me really deep that it would take me years to see myself again. Watching Amy TV and Taking Back Your Power really helped me bounce back quickly and not fall down that rabbit hole. In short, I was able to put my life back on track but I was not sure yet of what I wanted to do.

I know I am good at writing. At coming up with creative ideas. But didn't know how to start again after setting that part of me to sleep for a while, while I try to become a lawyer. I did not know if I still had it in me. Even now, as I write this, I still don't know. With the pandemic, it is very hard to have inspiration for writing.

Fast forward to now, I figured out that I really liked being alone and working from home or anywhere, just not in an actual office with bosses and co-workers. That is when and where my creativity flows.

Ten years ago, it was relatively easy to build an audience. When you followed someone they were very likely to follow you back – regardless of platform – and the whole social media scene operated without the restrictions and limitations that are prevalent today. This meant that amassing thousands of followers was a relatively easy task and didn’t take a great amount of work or any special skills. Facebook still showed your posts to all of your friends, and business pages didn’t bug you constantly to pay for ads and reach… 

essentially, life was simple.