Things as they happened . . .

I just realized the last blog I wrote was in 2020.  A lot has happened.  I wanted to go back to writing and try to summarize the past as far as I can remember.

Covid. March 16, 2020 - National lockdown happened.  It was terrible.  Unexpected.  Tumigil ang mundo.  Ramdam ng mga tao ang pagbabago.  Maraming naapektuhan, maraming nadepress.  But life must go on.

Wearing face masks became mandatory.  No one is allowed to cross the city without approval from the originating city.  

The factory stayed operational despite the lockdown.  We convinced our employees to stay inside the factory and continue working, we need to deliver.  The company provided their needs.  It lasted for about 2 months.

Work from home setup was introduced.

In November of the same year, I tested positive for the virus together with my husband and son,  I can't even describe the feeling.  Physically painful, mentally torturing, and emotionally draining.  Johnny had a fever, accompanied by a severe headache.  I nursed him, then my son was next, he felt so weak with joint pains.  I was ok.  A few days later, I was preparing breakfast, sauteed the garlic for the fried rice, and boom!!! I can't smell it.  I ran to the bathroom and tried to smell the shampoo and soap, but I can't.  We all went to the Covid testing center and we all tested positive.  I don't know how to stay optimistic about the situation.  What I know is I can't be beaten by the virus, I have to stay focused.  We stayed home, and lock the gates so nobody can enter the compound.

After 2 weeks of quarantine, we were allowed to go out after testing negative.  Realizations?  Too many.  We are now living in uncertainties, we do not know what tomorrow can bring.  Live your life according to what you believe.  We hold on to our faith.  It's important.  Serve God, be a good person, forgive, and forget.  Money is useless at times like this.  Express your love to your family and to everyone.  Do not stress yourself with the things you can't control.  Stay healthy.

We became more active in biking.

                              

2021 - The work-from-home setup continued.  Zoom calls became popular as the best platform for e- meetings.  While I was enjoying the setup, I didn't realize, people get depressed.  There are people who struggle and it's real.  As a leader, I asked myself, what can I do to help?  Good thing we have a strong and reliable HR team in the company, willing to support and do the extra mile. 

                          

Different variants of the virus were introduced in 2021.  Omicron, Delta among others.  The government is pushing so hard to get everyone vaccinated.  I had my first in June 2021- Astra Zenica, my second after 3 months, and a Pfizer booster in January 2022.  When we had our strategic planning in Washington DC, I booked an appointment at CVC pharmacy for my second booster.

2022 - It started to ease up.  Malls start to open, restrictions were lifted, and wearing masks is not mandatory anymore, we are allowed to attend gatherings.  But is it really safe?  There are still occasional lockdowns in China, affecting the supply chain.  Are we truly safe?  

My hope is that 2023 will be the year when we can get our lives back.  Life will never be the same, we will always be dealing with the aftermath of the pandemic for many years to come.  But those years during the pandemic have taught us a lot.  It taught us to appreciate the things we have, and the people around us. To be contented, and that money isn't everything.  It also taught us to be strong, to be more expressive.  Give love and be loved.  Spend quality time with the family, be more affectionate, and say I love you as long as you can.  Prioritize our physical and mental health.  We will never know what tomorrow will bring.  Life is short and precious, spend it wisely.  Live your life as if it's your last.  Forgive and be happy.