The year 2025 felt like a period of simply holding things together, where most of my energy went into managing responsibilities rather than moving forward. I admit that I procrastinated at times and became too comfortable staying within familiar routines. As 2026 begins, I’m preparing for significant changes — moving to a new home, enrolling Joyce (and possibly Jace) in school, and investing in solar panels as a step toward long-term stability. I feel hopeful yet slightly nervous, knowing these transitions will shape our family’s future in meaningful ways. My dental extractions were more emotionally challenging than physically painful, especially during the first night of recovery, reminding me of the importance of patience and self-care. Watching different Netflix shows gave me moments of reflection, comfort, and escape, each one resonating with different parts of my thoughts and experiences. The novels and manwha I read became a relaxing space where I could enjoy stories of growth, strength, humor, and optimism. Joyce’s time away from gadgets unexpectedly turned into a meaningful period of creativity, and seeing her express herself through art made me incredibly proud. Fixing the myFirst Fone R1 felt like a small but practical choice — valuing repair and resourcefulness instead of immediately replacing something. Overall, this chapter of life feels like a transition filled with lessons, quiet growth, and renewed hope for what lies ahead.
This Month's Quote
Planning sets the direction; replanning keeps you on the path...
New Year 2026 New Hope
Movement and project year...
Looking back at 2025, most of my time and energy went into settling existing challenges and responsibilities. It was a year focused more on holding things together than starting something new. Many of the projects I had hoped to begin didn’t move forward as planned, which was frustrating at times, but also taught me patience and acceptance.
This year, there are several important changes that I need to move forward with. These include transferring to a new house, enrolling Joyce in school, possibly enrolling Jace as well, and adjusting to life in a new home. I’m also planning the installation of a solar panel system, which feels like an investment not just in our home, but in our future.
Even though 2025 didn’t unfold the way I imagined, I know it played a role in preparing me for what comes next. I’m hopeful, a little nervous, and quietly excited about the changes ahead. As 2026 begins, I’m choosing to believe that this year will bring growth, stability, and new opportunities for our family.
Dental Extractions
Bye bye wisdom tooth...
All of my third molars were removed, along with two second molars on my lower jaw. The procedure itself wasn’t as painful as I expected—the only part that really hurt was the anesthesia injection. At the time, it felt manageable and straightforward.
The real challenge came after the surgery. Having six teeth removed caused significant swelling, and my entire face felt sore and tight. The first night was especially difficult. I wasn’t able to eat a proper meal before the operation, and afterward, eating felt almost impossible. Hunger, discomfort, and exhaustion all came together, making that first night the hardest part of the experience.Recovery took about one to two weeks. During that time, I had to be very careful, patient, and consistent with aftercare. Slowly, the swelling went down, and day by day I started to feel more like myself again. By the second week, I was much more comfortable and able to return to normal activities.
Now, the main difference I notice is the deep socket left on the wisdom tooth side. Because of this, I need to be extra careful with oral hygiene—making sure to gargle properly and flush the socket regularly to prevent food from getting trapped. It’s a small adjustment, but an important one to avoid complications and support full healing.
Netflix Series
Different netflix shows for this month...
One Hit Wonder feels like a quiet reminder that dreams don’t always disappear—they just wait. The show hits hardest in its portrayal of missed chances and the fear of trying again after life has already moved on. Watching it made me reflect on goals I once set aside, convincing myself it was “too late.” It’s not loud or dramatic, but it lingers, like an old song that suddenly brings back memories you didn’t realize you still carried.
Emily in Paris is pure escapism—colorful, unrealistic, and oddly comforting. While it doesn’t pretend to be grounded in reality, it shines in showing confidence without apology. Emily stumbles constantly, yet never lets embarrassment stop her from showing up again. Watching it feels like a reminder that it’s okay to be new, messy, and imperfect while still chasing what excites you.
Probono is a grounded and quietly powerful drama that focuses on justice beyond prestige or profit. The cases feel real, and the moral weight behind each decision sticks with you. It made me reflect on how fairness often depends on who has access and who doesn’t, and how choosing to help others is rarely easy or celebrated—but still deeply necessary.
Alchemy of Souls pulls you into a beautifully built fantasy world, but what keeps you invested is its emotional depth. Beneath the magic and power struggles is a story about identity, growth, and choosing love despite pain and loss. The characters’ journeys remind us that true strength isn’t just about power—it’s about loyalty, sacrifice, and the people we choose to protect.
Novels and Manwha
Talent-Swallowing Magician is pure power fantasy done right. What I enjoyed most is how growth feels earned—every stolen talent comes with effort, danger, and strategy. Instead of mindless domination, the story focuses on learning, adapting, and surviving in a ruthless magical world. It scratches that satisfying itch of watching someone rise from weakness to dominance while still staying cautious and calculated.
Player Returned 10,000 Years Later. This series leans heavily into overwhelming strength, but that’s exactly its charm. Player Returned 10,000 Years Later is fun because it doesn’t pretend to be subtle—the main character is terrifyingly powerful, yet endlessly entertaining. What surprised me is the humor mixed with brutality, making the story feel less dark and more unapologetically fun. It’s the kind of read where you relax and enjoy the chaos without overthinking it.
Easygoing Territory Defense by the Optimistic Lord feels like a genuinely comforting break from the usual dark and heavy fantasy stories. Instead of relying on constant despair, tragedy, or brutality, it leans into optimism, steady leadership, and slow but meaningful progress. There’s something unexpectedly refreshing about watching a kind, hopeful ruler develop his territory through trust, cooperation, and smart, practical decisions rather than fear or force. What I enjoyed most is how the story quietly reminds you that strength doesn’t always come from domination or overwhelming power—sometimes it comes from believing that things can get better and putting in the work to make that happen. If you enjoy isekai stories that focus on construction, domain building, and long-term growth, this novel is definitely worth checking out. I personally discovered it through its recent anime adaptation, which sparked my curiosity enough to start reading the novel afterward. While the main character is slightly overpowered—especially when it comes to construction skills and equipment—it never feels disruptive. Instead, it supports the core theme of building, improving, and protecting a peaceful territory. Overall, it’s a relaxing, feel-good series that rewards patience and optimism rather than constant conflict.
Joyce Artwork
No gadget only artwork...
Joyce was restricted from using gadgets for a few weeks due to low grades. While it was a difficult adjustment for her at first, that time away from screens turned into something unexpectedly meaningful. With fewer distractions, she spent more time drawing and creating, and these artworks are what she made during that period. Seeing her express herself through art during that time reminded me that challenges can sometimes open the door to growth in unexpected ways. What started as a consequence became a space for creativity, focus, and quiet self-expression—and I’m really proud of what she accomplished.
Joyce Watch Battery Replacement
The myFirst Fone R1 stopped working and turned out to need a battery replacement. I decided to open the watch myself to check what kind of battery it uses and see if a compatible replacement was possible. After some searching, I found that the Finow X5 Battery 553535 appears to be a match.
I hesitated at first because the replacement battery costs around ₱700, and I wasn’t sure if it would be practical to spend that much on an older device. However, when I compared it to the price of a brand-new unit—which is around ₱9,000—it became clear that replacing the battery makes far more sense. As long as the watch itself is still in good condition, a battery replacement feels like a reasonable and cost-effective solution rather than immediately buying a new one.