Day 3: My First Love

My first and greatest love happened to be living 3,000 kilometers from me. It was a fateful time when I finally packed my bags to seek an adventure in South Korea, which led me to him. He came at a time when everything was unknown and when my world suddenly turned into a different language. Despite all, our similarities overcame the language barrier and cultural differences to the point that we became genuine friends. We talked and talked for hours, watched so many movies and went to many places, then one day we realized we have something greater than friendship. 

At the beginning of our relationship, we tried really hard to be like normal couples: we went out on dates, hung out in cute cafes, took plenty of photos and celebrated relationship milestones -- all these while my expiring student visa loomed in front of us. Eleven months into our relationship, I had no choice but to go home taking comfort with the promise that we will fight for our relationship despite the distance. In the next five months, we searched for ways to continue our academic careers in the same place. After several emails, applications, and buckets of tears, we found ourselves in Australia. While I was waiting in line at the immigration, with Jay waiting to meet me at the other side of the airport, I remember thinking "I really, really, really just want to be with him." After the immigration officer stamped my passport, smiled and waved “Welcome to Australia!” I collected my suitcases and went out in a sea of new people, searching for the face I yearned the most. 

Nine months after our happy reunion yet we're still finding our feet in this country as we still struggle day by day. And I could write about our struggles forever, but I couldn't care less because I’m just so grateful that I'm with Jay now so everything else doesn't matter. Time and time again, I always find myself thinking along those lines and it always proves true. The past two years with him has been challenging yet beautiful, and I'll do it all over again if it meant being with him through and through.

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

For some reasons, my closest friends has started calling me HD four years ago. My name is very short and easy, I didn't really have a nickname while I was growing up so I was fascinated when people called me a different name. It happened at a time when I needed a new domain name because my old blog name was apalling so there yah go. 

Day 1: 10 facts about me

Hello, I'm Heidy. I'm a 26 year- old researcher currently residing in Queensland, Australia. As you can see in my previous posts, I've been overwhelmed by deep thoughts and quarter-life drama but that's not how I used to be. I decided to go back to regular blogging in the hopes of bringing back my thoughts to shallow shores so I can enjoy mundane things around me.  

10 I-hope-they-are-interesting facts about me:

1. I love my job! I'm taking up a research-based phD that does not involve any coursework or any form of examinations so just pure research! I love delving into unknown areas of science, armed with a goal to make the world a better place. I know it sounds cheesy and highly ideal but (who cares! and why not!?) I'll keep this passion with me for as long as I can. 

2. I speak three languages. English, Tagalog and terrible Korean. My Korean is still abysmal, with the intonation of someone from the far-flung areas of the peninsula (maybe North?) with bad grammar but enough to hold a normal conversation with the locals for hopefully thirty minutes. 

3. I'm a slave of Korean dramas! Because they are so addicting, and I need to improve my Korean skills. Haha.

4. My boyfriend is Korean. And I'll tell you more about him soon! 

5. I avoid the sun like a plague. Ironic from someone who was raised in the tropics, yeah. But I grew up with the stigma of tanning and dark skin, and skin cancer fears. Plus Australia gets the harshest sun rays with its UV index going up to 17, and sometimes 20 every summer! Yikes. 

6. I don't like summer. That's it. I hate the heat, and having to bring umbrella rain or shine. I don't even know why I'm here in Queensland haha. 

7. Not a fan of sweets. I used to be a chocolate addict until I got allergic to it 5 years ago. I was once a fan of cakes and pastries but not until I decided to lose weight and watch my diet. Now I don't watch my diet nor count calories but I still can't even finish a slice of cake. It's been four years since I lost that loving feeling.... 

8. I am constantly distracted. Aren't we all? Damn you, smartphone. 

9. I am distraction personified. I have a few friendly colleagues at work who always try to make small talks when we see each other, but I don't do small talks so it always ends up in a lengthy conversation. Whenever that happens, I feel bad that I distracted them for a long time from their work so I try not to do that every day so they won't avoid me haha. 

10. I'm still crossing off my old bucket list. I wrote it seven years ago. What desires do you expect from a nineteen-year-old before she kicks the bucket? Things like, to see Piolo Pascual in person, watch a live concert, I even wrote something as random as owning MAC lipsticks. Gosh I must have been very poor back then. Haha. Nevertheless, I still slowly cross things off because it feels like I'm doing a favor to my younger self. 

Day 0: The blog's 10th year anniversary!

Visiting this old blog always gives me the feeling of nostalgia (already!?). I started writing a few posts in Multiply (now defunct) back in 2007 when blogging enjoyed a good yet not so hyped limelight. I also tested the waters of Wordpress and Tumblr, then eventually settled in Blogger. Back then, blogging was primarily used as a friendly online journal where people share their lives. I remember it as something very simple, harmless and innocent as if we're all friends talking about our lives and sharing insights to each other. Blogging in 2017 is totally different. Most blogs are being run as a money maker in exchange for posting sponsored outfits, trips and reviews. Some blogs are sadly being used for defamation and don't make me go there just because. Amidst the tough social media competition, how Blogger managed to stay afloat is beyond me. With all these changes for the last 10 years, I'm just glad that my blog has survived the test of time. Haha. 

As part of my efforts in trying to be in the moment and to ease my anxiety, I am starting another 30-day blogging challenge. I did the same thing six years ago (damn that was six years ago!) and I remember enjoying it! So excited! 

Day 0: The 30 Day Challenge Explanation and Description

Day 1: Introduce, recent picture of yourself, 15 interesting facts

Day 2: Meaning behind your blog name

Day 3: Your first love

Day 4: Your parents

Day 5: A song to match your mood

Day 6: A picture of something that makes you happy

Day 7: Hobbies

Day 8: A place you've traveled to

Day 9: A favorite picture of your best friend

Day 10: Something you're afraid of

Day 11: Favorite tv shows

Day 12: Favorite Movies

Day 13: Someone you would want to switch lives with for one day and why

Day 14: A picture of you last year - how have you changed?

Day 15: Bible verse

Day 16: Dream house

Day 17: Something you're looking forward to

Day 18: Favorite Place to Eat

Day 19: Something you miss

Day 20: Plans/dreams/goals you have

Day 21: Sweet Memory of your past

Day 22: What's in your purse?

Day 23: Something you don't leave the house without

Day 24: Something you've learned

Day 25: Put your iPod on shuffle, first 10 songs

Day 26: Your Dream Wedding

Day 27: Favorite youtube videos

Day 28: Something that stresses you out

Day 29: 3 Wishes

Day 30: a picture of yourself today and 5 good things that happened since you started the challenge