where is this sun you speak of?

Summer has been great so far although the heat wave two weeks ago was awful - it was only 4 days of staying more indoors than enjoying the sun. And while tomorrow may be another 30-something, I do enjoy the presence of more sun and daylight. So I am enjoying this season a bit more outdoors so I can hold on to something when Winter comes back in a few months. There's a lot of places I'd like to visit, but something in me (and my husband - probably because we did not plan a trip anyway) wants to stay in our home. Visiting Paris on weekends is enjoyable somehow. As they say, it's the perfect time to visit Paris because the Parisians are out - but I'm not sure about that. The last time, there were lots of tourists in the city and in the metro... I'm not complaining cos I still see myself as a tourist here too! So anyway, we visited the Conciergerie last weekend and spent sometime around the city after that. The visit was good; the country's history is really interes...

We went for a walk in the neighbourhood after lunch today. The flowers are blooming everywhere, it is so beautiful in Spring. During our walk, I told my husband that we go to Picard to get some frozen goods and he thought to get ice cream too. I am sure that we have ice cream in the fridge but my husband kept insisting that Picard's ice cream is still better. He is really craving for it! I don't remember how it tasted like to be honest but I trust his judgment when it comes to food. Unfortunately, the shop is closed (it's a public holiday - no one is working today - what were we thinking!) so we will go next time. Anyway, going back home, my husband took a small elderberry flower for me that I can put in my small vase. The house smells good, but he doesn't smell it.  I do not know where this blog entry is going... I just miss writing! It just feels much better to write whatever is in my mind. I've been consuming a lot of quick small content that in the end probably ...

  Dear FutureMe, Today, we a had a little to no sun. It's cold, I think it is under 0 degree celsius. The last time I checked, which was three hours ago, was that it was negative 3 degrees celsius. I am getting used to the cold now, I guess - I hope! I do miss the humid and hot Dubai or Davao weather. Soon, I will be visiting Dubai in a week so that's good.  Yanyan is a bit sick. His throat is itchy so I made him a cup of hot ginger with honey tea. He does not like it much. He is sitting next to me and just read the last sentence and read it out loud, "I don't like it much" with more attitude. What a drama king he is! How are you doing? I think this letter will be sent a year from now. I wonder where you are now. Are you in France? I wonder where you and Yanyan celebrated holidays? Philippines - if so, how was it? I hope it was lovely with the whole family! This morning, you read a note you have written eight years ago in 2016. You wrote that you are brave enough ...

"It's been a while" is probably something I start this blog for the last... 8 years? I haven't really had the time to sit down and write something on a paper, except endless to-do lists in both life and work. Life had been so fast-paced lately with so many things to accomplish every single day. From seven in the morning, you hurry to prepare for (remote) work, juggle so many tasks, and then (hurry) to bed around eleven because you have another "early day" at work. The funny thing is that your brain thinks there is an end to this, but in reality, you are stuck in a routine that is so addicting because it is so easy to do the same thing over and over again that taking a pause feels like another task - a mindless task - and due to the fact, it does not seem so appealing to do it because it does not give a sense of "fulfilment" in your "busy day". I am glad that I am able to really sit down and write. It's been a while since I really want...

It's been four months since I packed everything in UAE and moved to France. I would not really say it is completely perfect - I miss my family back in UAE and I am farther from home now - but I am happier that I am living my day to day with my husband.  Despite the difficulties in paper works to be integrated here, I enjoy the fresher air and calm environment. I had the opportunity to continue working for the same company remotely although I do not know until when can this setup will be. I guess when that time comes, I may probably have to search for a remote work setup as I am not comfortable enough to commute into Paris. I've been accustomed now to working from home and I see myself doing the same until I can't anymore.  Anyway, about routines... my husband and I have pretty much the same day to day. Wake up around 8 am (7:50 am radio alarm), shower, quick breakfast. My husband leaves around 8:40 am to work which starts 9-5pm. I have an extra 1 hour as I need to clock out...

Dear FutureMe, For the past weeks (or should I say months, to be honest...), all you had to think about is to take a break. Really, a good reset. At least a whole month of reset from working. And then get back up and find new opportunities. You are waiting for the perfect timing to be together with your fiance - and that means to be married and enjoy life together. Even though there is no definite time when that will be because of the COVID situation, the thought of finally being together, after 10 years of knowing each other, really excites the both of you. Anyway, at this point in time of writing, you are dealing with so much push and pull right now. You are super stressed out but I am proud of you because are slowly knowing your worth. You feel stuck at where you are in your career and therefore you are so eager to take a break. It's more difficult when no one taps on you to say you are doing okay. But you are doing fine. I am proud of you. Even if you don't see anything tha...