• Random

    My Journey to 40: Accomplished Goals

    August 24, 2024

    As I approach the milestone of turning 40, I made a promise to myself: this year will count. I created a “40 Before 40” list — not just a bucket list of things to do, but a personal map of goals, challenges, and dreams I wanted to chase before stepping into a new decade. It’s been a journey of courage, change, and celebration.

    Some goals are still in progress, some are beautifully completed, and others have brought me more growth than I ever expected. Here are the highlights — my proudest, happiest, and most reflective moments so far:

    Adventure and Exploration
    • Travel somewhere SOLO – Still on the to-do list. I haven’t taken this plunge yet, but I’m planting the seed.
    • Take a road trip (April 28, 2024) DONE! We hit the road and drove through the countryside as a family — scenic views, small-town charm, and that exhilarating road trip freedom. I felt truly alive.
    • Celebrate New Year in a different province – Still hoping for this one.
    • Visit a new country – Thinking of India next. I haven’t gone yet this year, but the dream is alive — and the passport is ready!
    • Visit my nephew in North Carolina – Stayed for six months! Bonding with him and living life in a different rhythm was a highlight. A gentle, joyful chapter I’ll always remember.
    • See the Northern Lights – Oohhh… I missed the timing. But next time — I’ll be ready.
    • Move to another place – Still deciding where my next “home” will be.
    Wellness and Self-Care
    • Do a 5K run – Yes! At my own pace, no pressure. And that made it all the more meaningful.
    • Get in shape (65kg + bikini confidence) – Still working on this. Health is a journey.
    • Develop an exercise routine – Almost there. Consistency is my next milestone.
    • Enjoy regular spa days– Spa-at-home sessions = self-love. Still luxurious, still worth it.
    • Keep my face acne-free – Consistent skincare has been life-changing. The glow-up is real!
    Personal Style and Confidence
    • Try a short haircut – DONE! — and loved it. It was more than a style shift; it was a statement.
    • Lighten my hair color – A bold move out of my comfort zone — and worth it. Fresh color, fresh energy.
    • Build a capsule wardrobe – Still fine-tuning my style, but feeling more “me” every day.
    Financial Freedom
    • Get rid of credit card debt – Almost there. Some family support delays, but progress is progress.
    • Have savings and insurance – Still building this up. One step at a time.
    • Complete a 30–120 day “No Spend” challenge –  DONE! Being in the U.S. helped — no Shopee, Lazada, or FoodPanda temptations!
    Career and Creativity
    • Launch a YouTube channel – Maybe road trip stories? Still thinking about it.
    • Write in my blog daily – DONE! I’ve stayed consistent — and proud of it! This habit has sharpened my voice, helped me reflect, and allowed me to connect with others in meaningful ways.
    • Learn coding (Python) – Planning to take an online course — and it’s opened up exciting new skills and possibilities.
    • Explore a new career path – Still exploring. What truly excites me is worth the wait.
    • Take another college course – Still in the planning phase.
    • Take the board exam – A big one on the horizon.
    • Get promoted or move on – Still figuring this one out. I’m open.
    • Start a side hustle – Thinking and dreaming. Still mapping it out.
    Lifestyle and Dreams
    • Decorate or paint my rented apartment – Not applicable anymore — no more apartment!
    • Move to a condo unit – Someday, when the time (and place) feels right.
    • Buy myself an amazing 40th birthday gift – My sister gifted me the Coach bag I had been eyeing. It felt so good to be seen and celebrated.
    • Plan a memorable 40th birthday – A simple, heartfelt celebration with family. Quiet but deeply special.
    • Ride and own a motorcycle – Got my license! Now just need the family’s blessing to actually own one.
    • Buy a car – Still on the wishlist. Four wheels of freedom, coming soon.
    Learning and Passion Projects
    • Prioritize hobbies – v/blogging, journaling Yes! Making space for what brings me joy has been healing and grounding.
    • Learn Japanese – Still learning, slowly but surely.
    • Take a swim class – I love the beach. Time to learn to swim in it, too.
    Matters of the Heart
    • Become a morning person – Forever a night owl. I’ve made peace with that.
    • Get hitched and got married– If the right person comes along.
    • Have a baby – If life leads me there.
    Big Dreams
    • Manage a coffee shop – Still a dream. One day, maybe with a view.

    Not everything went as planned — but honestly, that’s life. And I’m proud of every step, even the slow ones. This list helped me focus, take risks, be honest with myself, and chase joy unapologetically. I may not check every box by 40, but what I’ve gained is far more than a list can hold.

    Here’s to everything I’ve done, everything I’m still working on, and all the beautiful unknowns ahead.

    What about you? Have you ever made a “Before 30/40/50” list? What’s one thing you’ve done this year that made you proud? Share with me in the comments — I’d love to cheer you on.

    Reflecting on these accomplishments fills me with pride and excitement for what’s to come. Each goal I’ve ticked off has brought me closer to the person I want to be as I enter this new decade of life. Here’s to the remaining goals and the adventures they’ll bring!

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  • Random

    A Bittersweet Farewell

    June 21, 2024

    Today, I felt a little pang of sadness.

    It happened when I noticed I had been removed from the Viber group, “Team Loxon.” Just a small notification, really — just a group that’s no longer on my screen. But it struck a chord deeper than I expected. That quiet removal felt like a closing door, like the final period at the end of a long chapter.

    It’s strange how something so simple can stir up emotions you thought were settled. I guess I was hoping, maybe just quietly, that there would be a goodbye. A short message. A few words to acknowledge that I had been part of something, that I had contributed, even in small ways. Just a “thank you,” or a “you’ll be missed.” But there was only silence.

    And I get it — people are busy. Everyone moves forward with their own concerns, their own to-do lists, their own paths. It wasn’t personal, and maybe there was no malice behind it at all. Still, that absence of closure stung. Because even when we choose to leave something behind, we often hope that what we gave mattered to someone.

    But as the initial sadness settled, I reminded myself: this was a step I chose. A decision I made for my well-being, for my growth, for the next phase of my life. And sometimes, even necessary change comes with quiet losses. Not everything ends with a bow. Not every goodbye is spoken aloud.

    I’m choosing to focus on the good — the time I spent with Team Loxon was valuable. I learned new things. I faced challenges. I grew. I laughed. I shared space with people who, in that season of life, walked alongside me. For that, I am grateful.

    And maybe not all goodbyes need words. Maybe some endings are just meant to teach us to let go with grace, even if the departure feels unnoticed.

    So here I am, closing this chapter in my own way — with a heart full of appreciation, a tinge of sadness, and an open mind for what’s to come. The silence doesn’t erase the memories, and being removed from a group doesn’t erase the part I played in it.

    Here’s to new beginnings — quiet, soft, and full of possibility.

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  • Random,  Shopping

    Yearning for Amazon Finds

    June 18, 2024

    Today, I found myself browsing Amazon, and my fingers were itching to click that checkout button. If only I had the money, I would’ve already checked out everything in my cart. There are a few things I’ve been eyeing—like iPhone cases. Specifically, I want a transparent one, and a classy black one.

    Aside from phone cases, I’m also itching to get myself a Stalogy notebook. There’s something about starting fresh with a crisp, new notebook/journal that gets me excited about journaling my days. And of course, I can’t forget about pens! A good set of pens makes planning and note-taking so much more enjoyable.

    However, the reality is that I am currently without work. I’m hopeful that things will turn around soon. But for now, my shopping spree remains a daydream. I’ll have to hold off until my wallet agrees with my wishlist. Until then, I’ll keep adding items to my cart and imagining the day when I can finally hit that “Place Your Order” button without a second thought.

    Maybe soon I’ll find a way to treat myself to a few of these goodies. For now, I’ll just enjoy the anticipation and keep my fingers crossed for some extra cash to come my way. I’ll stay patient and keep my spirits high. I know that better days are ahead. Until then, I’ll enjoy the thrill of window shopping and planning for brighter times ahead.

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  • Random

    My Exit Interview Experience

    June 17, 2024

    Today marked a significant milestone in my professional journey — my exit interview, scheduled at 9 AM.

    There’s something symbolic about an exit interview. It’s not just the last formal task before leaving a company; it’s a moment where you pause, look back, and truly take in what this chapter of your life meant. Walking into it, I had assumed Sir Chino, my direct supervisor, would be the one to conduct it. I had mentally prepared for the weight that might come with a more personal discussion. But instead, it was Ms. Pat from HR who facilitated the session.

    Oddly enough, I felt relieved. Not because I had anything difficult to say, but because her presence made the whole process feel neutral, balanced, and more manageable. Ms. Pat carried herself with a calm professionalism, but also a quiet warmth — the kind that makes you feel like it’s okay to be honest, to be vulnerable, to speak with both clarity and kindness.

    The interview itself involved a lot of rating-based questions — scales from 1 to 5 on everything from work environment and leadership, to personal development, communication, and management. It felt procedural on the surface, but each question tugged at specific memories: the late nights, the last-minute tasks, the unexpected wins, and the steady rhythm of teamwork that got me through it all.

    I found myself giving mostly 5s. Not because I wanted to appear polite or avoid critique, but because I truly felt content and grateful for what I had experienced. And when the question about colleagues came up, without hesitation, I said “6.” The scale only went up to 5, I know — but it just slipped out. A little, unintentional rebellion against the formality of the form, but a sincere expression of how much they meant to me. The people I worked with weren’t just co-workers — they were my support system, my sounding board, my daily rhythm. It was in the small things: shared inside jokes during lunch breaks, stepping in for each other without question, and celebrating wins — both personal and professional — like a true team.

    As the interview drew to a close, I felt a strange mix of emotions — relief, nostalgia, a quiet pride, and a touch of sadness. I reflected on how far I’d come: the challenges I faced and learned from, the roles I grew into, the doubts I worked through, and the confidence I slowly built. It was humbling to realize how much this role, this team, this experience had shaped me — not just as a professional, but as a person.

    What struck me most was how human the exit interview felt. It wasn’t just about gathering data or checking boxes. It was a space for closure — a rare moment in the fast-paced world of work to pause, speak, and be heard. Ms. Pat listened with sincerity, and I left that virtual room not just feeling like I had closed a door, but that I had been acknowledged — that my presence, my work, my growth had mattered.

    And so, as I walk away from this chapter, I do so with immense gratitude — for the role that challenged me, the mentors who guided me, the colleagues who stood by me, and the quiet moments that made it all meaningful. Today wasn’t just an end — it was also a beginning. The horizon is wide open now, full of unknowns, and that’s okay. Because endings like these are not about loss — they’re about making room.

    Here’s to growth, to lessons learned, and to all the possibilities still waiting.

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  • Life Lately,  Random

    Life and Blogging

    April 19, 2024

    I woke up this morning feeling inspired to write. It’s been a while since I sat down and made a blog post. Lately, I’ve found myself turning to Instagram for quick updates, but I’ve been missing the deeper connections that blogging used to bring. Remember when we used to pour our hearts out on our blogs, journaling our lives for the world to see? Those were the days I truly miss.

    Life’s too short to live in the Instagram square; let’s break out the paragraphs and write our stories in full sentences.

    While I’ve missed spending time on my blog, I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to keep up with everything else going on. Life seems to have ramped up its pace, and finding time for everything has become an increasingly challenge.

    Anyway, let’s catch up!

    This year has been whirlwind of changes and reflections for me. I’ve found myself reevaluating my life and what I want it to look like. While my “40 Before 40” list remains unchanged, I’m excited to start dreaming again about what I want my future to hold. It feels like the right time to shed the weight of things that no longer serve me and create space for the better things waiting.

    My recent overseas stint has prompted inquiries about whether I’ve resigned from work. It’s not a mid-life crisis or anything like that; I’ve just been feeling unsure about where I want to go next.

    There seems to be more I want to do than there are hours in the day. But I’m ready to start prioritizing and making time for the things that matter most.

    As I sit down and write this blog post, I’m not just sharing updates—I’m embarking on a journey of self-discovery. I invite you to join me as I navigate through this maze called life, one blog post at a time.

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  • Life Lately,  Random

    Mixed Emotions

    March 21, 2024

    Tomorrow is my last day at the LPI office for a while. I’ll be gone for 28 working days, almost 45 days in total. It’s a strange feeling; I’m not quite sure what to make of it. There’s a mix of emotions swirling around inside me.

    I’m excited and thrilled because I’ll be accompanying my mom to the USA. It’s a big trip, and the thought of it fills me with anticipation. But I’m also trying not to get too excited just yet.

    My sister told me that as soon as we get our passports, she’ll book our trip immediately. It’s going to be that quick! The idea of everything happening so fast is both exhilarating and a bit nerve-wracking.

    As I prepare for my last day at the office, I find myself reflecting on my time here. I’ll miss my colleagues and the routine we’ve built. But at the same time, I’m looking forward to the adventures that await.

    So, here’s to hoping for fantastic trip ahead. I’m ready for the change, even if it comes with a few jitters. Tomorrow will be a day of goodbyes and see-you-laters, and then it’s on to new experiences and memories. After a long vacation, I’ll be back, hopefully refreshed and full of new stories to share.

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