Yes, I just turned 42 and I felt good!

Indeed, 42 years and I wonder how much I've achieved so far. I can't really tell because there's still  a lot on my plate that needs to be consumed, there's still more unchecked items on my bucket list, and there are still lot of plans on my head being held in abeyance.

Well, the truth is, I just don't have any idea where this life would lead me. I have so many things that I want to accomplish and yet failed to take even one single step to do it. 

I procrastinate a lot! 

My graduate course is unfinished because I am still up to Chapter 3 on my thesis concept proposal. 

I finally had my passport (after years of planning to secure it) hoping to realize my dream to become a JET instructor in Japan yet haven't finish what I have started because of some "reasons" that I am not really sure if it could justify. 

Good thing I was able to work on my application for promotion at school. Yes, I deliberately made efforts to do it since I failed my Japan plan.

I am constantly reminding myself that I am far from achieving my goals and that I need to work harder.

But guess what, I have health issues that somehow stopping me in reaching my goals. In fact keeping myself healthy is among my frustrations! I have lot of attempts to lose weight,  but I am just too inconsistent!

Forty-two yet I am still confused. I have lots of fears, worries, and questions, not for myself alone but for my family, my own small family. My husband and three kids were looking up to me, as if their life depends on me that is why I have so much pressures within me to the point that I do not know what to do first.

Good thing I have my God, otherwise, I will fall into the trap of DEPRESSION...

Yes, I am already forty-two but not matured enough to live on my own.

I have mentioned in my previous post that I love exploring online games, particularly those which are free and have no ads at all. Then I stumbled upon another online gaming site which is solitaire.org (feel free to click for more options!).

The site is not limited to solitaire games only. There are other options like cards, mahjong, hidden object, match 3, logic puzzles, and words. Personally, I love playing Solitaire. In fact, I have one app installed on my tablet which is the Solitaire Jackpot. Needless to say, it comes with so many ads after every game.

So back to this site, I just realized that apart from classic solitaire, there are other variants of solitaire that are available, some are just so new to me like Solitaire Tripeaks and Golf. I tried to play each variant and guess what, I just cannot win any two of them, too difficult! I don't want to use Easy Mode because I want to challenge myself, however, it is really difficult LOL!

Imagine the emotional damage I have to go through because I lost a couple of times!

But I am not that easy to give up, I should win this game- I have a very competitive spirit by the way...

But then, again and again, I lose. I lost count of how many times I lost the game LOL!

Klondike Solitaire is so hard to win if you chose 3 decks of cards instead of 1 so I choose 1 LOL. 

Tip of advice: Go for Easy Mode instead of the Normal one to have a bigger chance of winning.

For Spider Solitaire, choose 1 suit for easier chances of winning, but if you want to challenge yourself, go for more than 2 suits.

Free Cell Solitaire, is by far, the most difficult variant to win! I didn't win this game even after so many attempts.

The Pyramid Solitaire on the other hand is quite easy to play. All you need to do is to match two cards that would sum up to 13. But I have quite more attempts before I won this game.

Aside from Solitaire, you can play hundreds of other ad-free online games. There are even sites that allow you to play with other gamer. Just see to it that all your house chores are done before you start playing or you'll end up getting hooked on it.

Right now, I still have the luxury of time for this since classes have not started yet. How I wish I could install an app with so many options on my tablet just like what this site has to offer to keep me busy during idle moments. I often play online mobile games while in a long queue, or waiting for my husband to fetch me, and many other scenarios.

Next game to try on- Words!

People are getting crazy making content right now to earn dollars on various Social Media platforms like Facebook, Tiktok, and Instagram. There's no wrong in trying to earn such a way, but what's disturbing now is that some so-called "influencers" post unlikely videos showing off their bodies, almost naked, and doing dirty dancing. I was like, "Hello people, Facebook is not limited to adult viewers, there are kids out there browsing Facebook most of the time! I just don't understand how they normalize stupid acts via Social Media. They can actually choose to make relevant and wholesome content online. 

Easy money huh?

Why not choose to become a motivational, inspiring, and wholesome influencer instead?

This summer heat keeps my family indoors most of the time. As a Mom, I always see to it that my kids, ages 7, 10, and 11, will spend quality time inside our home. My youngest, in particular, is currently undergoing Occupational Therapy thus I keep her busy by letting her play with the Montessori-inspired toys that would address her impulsive behavior. My eldest daughter loves to sketch and paint thus I provided her with coloring materials and a sketchpad. She's into digital as well using the painting app. My eldest son, on the other hand, is into mobile games. However, I don't like the games that he's playing. He used to build using his favorite Lego toys but right now, as he age, he doesn't want to play with them anymore. As a teacher, I am fully aware that there are games that could be addicting to young minds and I don't want it to happen to him. I am a gamer too thus I love exploring online games that would be entertaining but not detrimental to the mental health of my kids. 

A lot of options!

I've been trying XBox Games but it's expensive, so I explore more for free games then I stumbled upon this site that have multiple games and all for FREE! What excited me most is that there are so many options to choose from! And unlike any other free game site, definitely, there are no annoying ads in the game!

In particular, I like their Lego City Adventures Build and Protect game because it is a game by Nickelodeon! (You can actually click the link automatically to try the game). When I showed it to my son he was so excited to try it. Of course, I tried it first before I let him play with it. So far, the game runs smoothly, it was just too tasking to collect the coins. Hope there's only one button to click to collect all the coins generated from the buildings. 

                                                                                Another game that I find amusing is Merge Blocks. You need to strategize your moves or you will run out of space! So far, the Best Score I got is 2760 played within 20 minutes and 52 seconds! There are still other games like Business Simulation Games where you will play as Store Cashier. You should be keen enough in giving the right change. 

I am just so glad that there are developers who initiated these types of games which are educational in nature. Right now, I am letting my son explore the other games. Of course, I need to limit his screen time or he might get hooked on it. For now, I highly recommend that you'll try this site and I could guarantee that you will really have fun. Besides, all the games are free. I also suggest using laptops or desktops for a smoother game time.

Indeed, as a Mom, I need to think of many ideas to keep my kids busy. I made it a point that there's no idle time for them, except during nap time. However, classes will start soon so I need to limit their game time. 

The next idea to explore is online cooking tutorials and perhaps some DIY home hacks!

Have a fruitful school break everyone!

 

Image from google.com

Society today believes that It's okay NOT to be Okay.

If I were to give my two cents on this, I would agree, however, one should understand first the importance of mental health in order to really understand that being NOT okay is, still, okay.

So what is Mental Health? Allow me to break it down below.

Mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that often gets overlooked. While physical health is generally given a lot of attention, mental health is often seen as taboo, and people are hesitant to discuss their mental struggles openly. However, mental health is just as crucial as physical health and plays a vital role in determining a person's quality of life.

Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we feel, think, and behave in our day-to-day lives. Mental health problems can range from mild anxiety to severe depression and can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, race, or socioeconomic status. Therefore, it's crucial to prioritize mental health and take proactive steps to maintain and improve it.

Here are some reasons why mental health is so important:

Mental health affects physical health:

Mental and physical health are interconnected. If you are struggling with mental health issues, it can have an adverse impact on your physical health. For instance, depression and anxiety can weaken your immune system, making you more susceptible to illnesses. Stress can also lead to headaches, high blood pressure, and other physical health problems. Therefore, taking care of your mental health can help you maintain good physical health.

Mental health impacts productivity:

Mental health issues can have a significant impact on a person's productivity. People with depression, anxiety, or other mental health problems may struggle to focus on tasks, complete them on time, or make decisions. This can affect their work performance and reduce their productivity. Therefore, prioritizing mental health can help improve your focus, decision-making abilities, and overall productivity.

Mental health affects relationships:

Mental health issues can strain relationships with family, friends, and colleagues. People with mental health problems may struggle to communicate effectively or withdraw from social interactions. This can lead to misunderstandings, conflict, and isolation. Prioritizing mental health can help improve communication skills, reduce conflicts, and strengthen relationships.

Mental health impacts overall well-being:

Mental health problems can significantly impact a person's overall well-being. People with mental health issues may struggle with low self-esteem, feelings of hopelessness, and reduced quality of life. Taking care of your mental health can help you feel more confident, improve your self-esteem, and lead to a more fulfilling life.

In conclusion, mental health is an essential aspect of overall well-being that should be given the same attention as physical health. Taking care of your mental health can improve your physical health, productivity, relationships, and overall well-being. Therefore, it's essential to prioritize mental health by seeking help when needed, practicing self-care, and engaging in activities that promote mental well-being. Remember, it's okay to not be okay, and seeking help is a sign of strength.

Hope this could help! Ciao!

#MentalHealthAwareness

I was contemplating going abroad for greener pastures but somehow I am hesitant about the fact that I will be leaving my 3 kids, most especially my youngest daughter who was diagnosed with ASD. Nevertheless, I am still researching what to do if given such opportunities. So I started with securing a visa and these are what I have digested.

Getting a working visa approved is a crucial step toward achieving your career goals in a foreign country. The process of obtaining a working visa can be complex and time-consuming, but with the right preparation and approach, it can be a smooth and successful process.

Here are some tips on how to increase your chances of getting a working visa approved:

1. Start preparing early

It is crucial to start preparing your visa application as soon as you know that you need one. Visa applications can take several weeks or even months to process, so it is essential to leave enough time for the process. But some friends who were already there say that it took them a year or two to process their visa, especially for those who took their family with them.

2. Research visa requirements

Different countries have different visa requirements, and it is important to be familiar with them before you apply. Check the government website of the country where you want to work and research the types of visas available and the documentation required. I have actually tried the Canada website trying to inquire about their process and believe me it's quite tasking and, well, a little bit complicated.

3. Get an offer of employment

Having a job offer from a reputable employer can vastly improve your chances of getting your working visa approved. Ensure that your potential employer provides you with the necessary documents such as a signed contract or a letter of invitation. Indeed, this was, according to many, the fastest way to get a working visa. One must have an employer!

4. Gather all necessary documents

Make sure you have all the necessary documents in order to avoid any delays or rejections. You will typically be required to provide proof of employment or business opportunity, a valid passport, and often a police clearance certificate. To be sure, secure all the documents you deemed necessary for your application even if it is not stipulated like the NBI clearance, birth certificates, and the like.

5. Follow the application instructions

Make sure that you follow the instructions for the visa application process carefully. Fill out all the forms accurately, attach all necessary documents, and pay the required fees. Double-check before forwarding your papers to your employer or its authorized agency.

6. Be prepared for an interview

Some countries may require an interview as part of the visa application process. If you are required to attend an interview, prepare carefully by researching common questions and practicing your responses. Youtube is the key!

7. Seek expert help

If you are unsure of the application process or have any questions, it is recommended to seek expert help. Consider consulting an immigration lawyer, visa consultant, or embassy representative.

In conclusion, obtaining a working visa can be a daunting task, but with proper preparation and attention to detail, it can be a rewarding experience. By following these tips and being patient, you can increase your chances of getting your visa application approved and fulfilling your career ambitions overseas.

So, for all of us who are still contemplating, let's cross our fingers! For me, I believe that when the time is right, God will make it happen! Amen.