Both ends of the thyroid spectrum

The thyroid is this butterfly-shaped gland that sits right on the lower part of the neck. It may be small, no bigger than two thumbs held together, but it packs a punch since it releases the hormones that are vital in regulating the body’s metabolism, temperature, system functions, and overall growth and development. 

You’ll be surprised how much havoc this teeny gland can cause and how it practically ruined my life. 

Home City

Aerial view of Pasay City

They say that a lot of things can be said about you just by telling people where you’re from and where you chose to stay.

But I don’t entirely believe that. Sure, the environment can mold you to become the person that you are but it doesn’t mean it will totally define you. 

Society seems to suggest that getting away from the place where you grew up is the true barometer of success. The farther from where you’ve been, the better. Sometimes it is frowned upon when you hunker down in one place for most of your life. I know this all too well as I still live in the very same place where I was born and raised. 

Because most of my contemporaries have either moved town or migrated overseas, I do get the taunting “Nandiyan ka pa rin?” (You’re still there?) -question every now and then, even if they knew that most migration or moving away usually happens with the changing of work location or getting married—neither of which I’ve done. 

Happy/Sad

I have talked about my roller-coaster mood the past several months many times here on my blog it’s almost a repetitive topic. I’ve blamed it on everything from the new normal, PMS, or on my hormones going haywire again. 

Photo from Pixabay

I’m quite struggling with it, to be honest, for I’ve always been that person who’d force herself up every single day to deal with it head-on and try as much not to drown. I don’t have the liberty to just sleep and wallow inside my room all day and wait till it all gets better. I have to get up and go to work or follow a day-to-day routine. 

If there’s something I learned over time, being aware that there is a problem is much better than denying it exists. 

Child Car Seat Law

I’ve never been bothered about the fact that our family doesn’t own a car and never once owned one. Apart from the reason that none of us knew how to drive, there are just a lot of other reasons as to why is that — as I’ve said in this blog post. 

It was fine since we knew how to commute. When TNVS or ride-sharing services like Uber (which has since ended its service in the Philippines) and Grab were introduced, it was great. At least if we want to travel comfortably, we can simply book one. 

Just a few days ago, they passed the controversial child car seat law and it sent my head to a tailspin. As per Republic Act No. 11229 or the Child Safety in Motor Vehicles Act, it covers children 12 years old and below aboard private vehicles. Children below 4 feet and 11 inches are not allowed to sit in the front seat and a restraint system appropriate for a child's height, weight, and age must be installed in private vehicles. 

Image from TopGear Philippines

Keeping myself occupied

With the TV in my room nearing its end, I spend most of my time these days wallowing in YouTube videos on my cellphone or laptop. I’ve just discovered Jaime French, who is not your typical makeup artist because she’s hilarious and is just fun to watch (check out her Makeup & Movies and spoofs like “If beauty YouTubers existed in 1999”). I like it when a beauty vlogger has real girl problems and doesn’t take herself way too seriously. Jaime injects humor in the process which makes her videos not boring to watch at all. 

A local counterpart I can say would be Letisha Velasco, who is all-too-funny you’d think she’s just carelessly piling makeup on her face but wait till you see her transformation. Pure talent and skill, that girl.

Photo from Pixabay

While many are spending their time on lockdown doing urban gardening or baking, I spent mine watching a lot of makeup videos—however ditzy that sounds. Even if I’ve never been a big fan of makeup and could live with just an everyday drugstore foundation, powder, eyebrow pencil, and lipstick, I’m actually enjoying it lately. I have only respect for these makeup artists; it only makes sense to use their creativity in a positive way like in a form of self-care.