A Year Review: 2017
Hi! I remember doing this just a year ago, how time flies quickly! Now I am writing my 2017 summary, reminiscing all the challenges and good opportunites I’ve experienced makes me feel overwhelmed and blessed at the same time. This year taught me a lot of things especially about loving yourself, being strong even when alone, and making good and right decisions.
Little Throwback. Starting with the first quarter of the year, as seen on my previous blog, I got my first job at Clark Pampanga as an Online English Teacher. Just a little detail about it, we teach Japanese students be an elementary, high school, college and even elderly people. I’ve had regular students and made friends with them, some even invited me for a meet up. I’ve learned a lot especially about their culture, Japanese culture.
Drama In The Past. But behind those happy faces on webcams, I’ve experienced heartbreak and isolation. Being away from home makes me sick, no time for video call with my boyfriend because of bad signal. I also felt helpless being alone. I’ve had friends with my co-workers but not the kind of friend that you can call a “buddy”. We just greet each other, having some chit chats sometimes, but then during lunch time I stay at my pod and eat there alone. I told myself it’s okay to be just with yourself sometimes, even though you see good friends eat together. Aside from sick people, I hate the schedule. They will force you to work during weekends, sometimes 7 days a week with different shift from morning to evening. I’ve experienced walking at the street alone as early as 4 am and as late as 12 am. I was scared especially because I am new to that place, however, I survived and nothing bad happened. I’ve also experienced to roam around, shop, eat and watch movie at the mall alone. I suddenly remember being scared to walk or even go somewhere unaccompanied, but when I got there my whole self suprised me because actually I can. And that’s one of the big lessons I’ve realized this year.
Heartbreak. It was on the 3rd month of the year when another challenge hit our long distance relationship. Just because of loneliness and exhaustion from one’s work, we became cold. We misunderstood each other. And we forgot each other’s needs that no one but us can fulfill. It was so hard for us, especially we can’t see each other and the communication was only limited. I cannot forget that moment because I became depressed, I cried myself at night, swollen eyes, wake up in the morning I felt sick but I still go to work. I cried at my pod when no one sees me. Looking at the clock, a minute before my class I’ll sit properly, wipe my tears, take a deep breath and force myself to smile. And I think that’s the hardest thing I did. Pretending yourself to be alright but deep inside your heart’s weeping. Until one day, everything went back to normal. It was just a trial for us because I know something worth all the tears is coming...
New Job. It was the end of March when I made a decision for myself. I wanted to leave the company. I wanted to try something else, closed to our home, good environment, nice schedule, and new friends. I submitted my resignation letter, 1 month of rendering I became close to my co-workers. I felt welcome because I can eat lunch and go to the mall with them. But that doesn’t change my decision. One week before I leave, I was thinking about my plans when a company texted me for a phone interview. It was the company that I applied to 7 months ago. I felt relieved and blessed! I thanked God for the great timing. I just stayed and took a rest at home for a week and I quickly started in my new job at PLDT as a customer service frontliner. At first, it was difficult. Learning their system wasn’t easy, dealing with customers especially those irate ones was hard. But I got used to it. The workplace is just in our hometown, I made new friends, the schedule and the environment was all good. God is so amazing He heard all of my prayers!
My Baby’s Home. After more than a year of LDR, finally my boyfriend’s back! I couldn’t contain all the happiness that I was feeling. Being with his arms again felt like home. I was too excited and my heart just wanted to explode. You’ll just realize how strong your relationship is after all the challenges, but at the end of the day you’ll still come back to each other. Long days and nights, new experiences, foodtrips, roadtrips, and adventure for his 3 months of stay here. Even though he didn’t make it to his board exam, we are still thankful and blessed for so many things.
We Just Had A Baby! Due to our hardwork, we just bought a new car. A big blessing for our growing and maturing relationship. An inhibition just in case he wants a break up =)) kidding.. Getting a license, learning how to drive and knowing all the rules, all were surprisingly unexpected. He was so overprotective to provide me a buddy since he’s not staying here. :)
Merriest Christmas Ever. December, after 4 months of going back to LDR, another love of my life came back home - My Mama! She finally celebrated Christmas and New Year with us after 15 years. Woah! Shopping, a lot of food cooked by her, Christmas party with the family, and right now still looking forward for many great bondings to happen.
In life, there will be ups and downs. What is important is you have to be strong, not only for your loved ones but most especially for yourself. Every trial and challenges brings happiness along the way. Thank you Lord God for my wonderful 2017! You are the reason why I am becoming stronger every year.
Have a prosperous 2018, everyone!
Love, Airah
