Living life offline (somehow)

Hey there! How’s everything been on your end? I’ve been up to some interesting things lately, and I thought I’d share the highlights with you. So, buckle up, and let’s dive in!

For starters, I’ve taken a bit of a social media detox—well, except for Reddit, of course. It’s been a game-changer. Without the constant scrolling and notifications, I’ve found myself living more in the moment, really soaking in the real-world interactions. Honestly, it feels like I’ve been living life more authentically.

A couple of weeks ago, my bestie Beatriz and I decided to hit up a nearby restobar to unwind. Trust me, we don’t do this often, so you can imagine my excitement! It was a Friday afternoon, the perfect time to shake off the workweek stress. Since I’m not much of a drinker, I opted for a refreshing fruit punch while munching on some calamari. It was all pretty chill—until we decided to get a little adventurous.

Now, here’s where it gets funny. We thought it would be wild to try smoking cigarettes, something I’ve never done in my 30 years of life. So there I was, thinking you could buy a single cigarette like you would in a sari-sari store back in the Philippines. Spoiler alert: that’s not how it works! Anyway, I gave it a go, but I just couldn’t get the hang of it. I couldn’t even inhale properly! After one cigarette, I threw in the towel. Turns out, smoking is more stressful than relaxing for me. But hey, it was a fun experiment, and Beatriz and I agreed to make these little adventures a monthly thing—just for laughs!

On a more productive note, I recently revamped my workstation, and I’m absolutely loving it. My boss had a standing desk she didn’t want anymore, so I snagged it. Best decision ever! Now, I can stand while I work, which is a nice break from sitting all day. Seriously, give it a try if you can. It’s a small change, but it makes a big difference.

Weekends with my husband are all about keeping things chill and cozy. Yesterday, we had a movie night and watched Mission Cross on Netflix. We’re both big fans of action movies, and there’s nothing better than cuddling up in our new recliner sofa while the action unfolds on screen. We don’t need to go anywhere to enjoy each other’s company; we create our own fun right at home!

Of course, weekends also mean getting things done around the house. Saturday was chore day—I spent most of it cleaning and organizing while my husband washed both of our cars. It was productive yet homey, and that’s married life in a nutshell: balancing the to-dos with the simple joys of being together.

Aside from that, I’ve been indulging in some guilty pleasures:

Reality TV: I’m hooked on Drag Race Philippines! The new season is here, and OMG, the drama and creativity are off the charts. I’ve been a fan of drag for a while now, and this show never disappoints. The first episode was already packed with drama—classic drag, right? I’m glued to the dragraceph subreddit, soaking up all the shade and gossip. Wednesdays can’t come fast enough!

K-Dramas: I started watching Record of Youth, and I’m obsessed. I know K-dramas can be a bit cringy, but there’s something about this one that just gets me. It follows a model who’s trying to make it as an actor, facing all the usual industry struggles. He meets a makeup artist who’s also dealing with her own challenges. I love these idol/fan dramas—they take me back to my K-pop fangirl days. It’s like a sweet trip down memory lane, reminding me of the innocent joys of my teenage years.

Books: I finally finished How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, and I can’t recommend it enough. It’s a must-read if you want to level up your social skills. Now, I’m diving into Never Split the Difference by Chris Voss. He’s a former FBI hostage negotiator, and the book is all about mastering negotiation in everyday life. It’s surprisingly practical—you’d be amazed how these techniques can help you negotiate anything from time to money. If you’re into personal development, this book is a gem!

So yeah, that’s what I’ve been up to lately. Life’s been a mix of new experiences, small changes, and indulging in the things that make me happy. How about you? Any fun stories to share?