Shining Shimmering Splendid

Manila is shining shimmering splendid once again with its high temperature, marking the start of a blazing summer. The heat seems to slowly melt my brain and I could swear I can feel my cerebrospinal fluid leaking through my ears.

Here I go again expressing my loath for this hellish weather and how I’ve always written about this every year. I guess, heat inspires me to pound my laptop keys and write something just to give you—you lucky people from countries along the northern hemisphere who are now wearing hoodies and jackets as you read this—a preview of what we’re experiencing down here near the equator. 

I have to bear the dog days again, which would probably last for another two months. And since nothing has really changed from a year ago, we’re still asked to stay home as much as possible.

Pulse check

To you who’s reading this, I sincerely hope you’re well. 

Photo by Priscilla Du Preez on Unsplash

With everything that’s been happening, checking on you guys is the least I could do. I know many of us are struggling in the midst of this pandemic for all sorts of reasons, but it doesn’t mean we shouldn’t be reaching out to one another and at least have that hope that we’re getting by.

Virtual Meet Burnout

Photo by Chris Montgomery on Unsplash

Before I carry on, let me say that it is a privilege to be given the option to work remotely during the pandemic. I think it’s important that I make this clear as I don’t want people reading this to think I’m complaining about having to work at home.

Now that I’ve cleared that, a year into the world’s embrace of the new normal, I can say that I have adjusted quite well to how most things are conducted on a WFH set-up. From setting schedules, maintaining boundaries, creating ground rules, etc. 

But here’s what I know: I will never be comfortable with Zoom/Microsoft Teams/Webex meetings.