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2023: Unveiling the Unexpected

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Well, let's bid adieu to the unforgettable year that was 2023! These past twelve months have proven to be an exhilarating whirlwind of unexpected twists that have fundamentally reshaped the very fabric of my existence. As I engage in profound introspection, I'm delighted to present you with the luminous highlights that have graced my journey in 2023: 1. A Heartfelt Commencement   The dawn of this remarkable year was marked by the devastating and entirely unforeseen departure of my beloved father, shortly after the joyous New Year's celebrations. It was an earth-shattering surprise that none of us had foreseen, yet it ignited within me the flames of a profound rebirth and new beginnings. 2. Northern Charms Unveiled Following the poignant loss of my father, I serendipitously found myself in the enchanting embrace of Norway, where an unplanned hiatus beckoned me to the bosom of my family. To my sheer astonishment, amid the icy grips of winter, the North unfolded it...

No One is Indispensable, BUT...

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The phrase "No one is indispensable" is a common saying that implies that anyone can be replaced, and that nothing in life is permanent. While there is some truth to this statement, I believe that it is important to approach this idea with more compassion. This is the focus of this blogpost. While it is true that others may be able to do what we do, and even do it better, and that we are all transient beings in this world, it is also true that each person has unique qualities that make them who they are. These qualities include our strengths, weaknesses, personalities, and life experiences. One sociological theory that can be applied to an individual's indispensability is functionalism. Functionalism emphasizes the importance of social structures and institutions in maintaining the stability and well-being of society. From a functionalist perspective, the phrase "no one is indispensable" suggests that society is greater than any one individual, and t...

Cashflow: Key to Personal Budgeting

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Managing personal finances can be a daunting task, especially for those who are just starting out or have limited financial knowledge. This has also been a problem for me until I learned one of the most effective ways to manage personal finances through cash flow budgeting. In this article, there will be a discussion about the pros and cons of personal cash flow budgeting and provide examples to support the arguments. Personal cash flow budgeting has several advantages that make it a valuable tool for managing personal finances. One of the primary benefits of cash flow budgeting is that it helps individuals with financial planning. By forecasting cash inflows and outflows, individuals can make informed decisions about spending and saving, ensuring that they have enough cash on hand to meet their financial obligations. This would allow one to foresee months when cash meager, and thus preparations are necessary to make ends meet. For instance, a person may use cash flow budge...

The Choice of Anger

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As someone who has been through a lot of ups and downs recently, I used to hold onto a lot of anger and resentment towards some people who hurt me deeply. I thought that my anger was justified and that it was the only thing keeping me from falling apart completely. But in reality, my anger was only holding me back from finding true happiness and moving on. This is the focus of this blogpost. It takes a lot of courage and self-love to make the decision to let go of my anger and forgive those individuals. It isn't an easy process, but in the end, it can be worth it. Personally, I finally realized that holding onto anger was only causing me more pain and suffering, while those individuals had moved on with their life. I was the only one still trapped in the past, unable to let go. This is a never-ending negative-laden cycle. However, we have to note that anger can be a powerful motivator. It can give us the energy and drive you need to stand up for yourself or to fight for...

Ten Years in Norway: A Walk Down Memory Lane

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Wow, can you believe it's been ten years? It genuinely feels like it was only yesterday when I took my very first steps into the beautiful expanse of Norway. I remember that chilly sensation under my shoes, reminding me that I had embarked on a whole new journey. Initially, my plans only involved a brief stint in this land, but life has a way of throwing surprises, and here I am, a decade later, calling it my home. Norway's mesmerizing beauty, from the vast and serene fjords to the mesmerizing dance of the northern lights, has been a constant backdrop to my life's myriad of moments. Whether I was riding high on joy or navigating through my challenges, the country's landscapes and culture have significantly influenced my personal growth. Allow me to indulge in a bit of nostalgia and guide you through my incredible journey here. The Early Days: Immersing Myself in Oslo Embarking on my new life in Norway was nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. There wa...

Is it Socialism or Populism?

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"Are you confused about the difference between socialism and populism? It's like the difference between giving everyone a small slice of the cake or promising a few people the whole cake. Let's take a closer look!" There are some politicians that are associated with socialism but some would consider them representing the ideology of populism. This is the focus of this blogpost. Allow me to clarify the distinction between populism and socialism. Populism is a political approach that seeks to resonate with the general populace, often challenging the established elites. Populist leaders might make sweeping promises to gain popular support, even if such promises might be challenging to keep in the long run. An instance could be a leader pledging to reduce taxes for all, regardless of the long-term economic implications. On the other hand, to understand socialism, consider this simple analogy: Imagine you have five candies and five children. Your goal is to dis...

What is "Gigil"?

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Gigil! Ghhhh - that feeling yes! It is somehow unexplainable but certainly felt. The Filipino feeling of "gigil" as a complex mix of emotions and behaviors that are deeply ingrained in the Filipino culture. This is the focus of this blogpost. "Gigil" can be described as a feeling of intense excitement, enthusiasm, or affection that is often expressed through physical actions such as pinching, squeezing, or tickling. This feeling can be directed towards a variety of stimuli, including loved ones, cute or adorable things, or even frustrating or irritating situations. For example, when a parent sees their child doing something cute, they may feel gigil, which is a mix of overwhelming love and the urge to pinch or squeeze their child. This feeling is so strong that it can result in a physical reaction, such as tightening of the chest or fists. However, a person may also feel gigil towards someone who has wronged them, such as a cheating partner or a rude co-...

Millennials, We Are Generation Y

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It is quite amazing that almost one month from now, I will be celebrating my birthday. I could not ignore the fact, that I actually feel older. I am noticing changes in my body that I never had just months before. I could willingly attribute these changes to my age. Unsurprisingly, I consider myself belonging to Generation Y. As a millennial or one belonging to Generation Y, let me give a glimpse into our lifestyle, problems, and what makes us unique. Buckle up, because it's going to be a wild and tech-savvy ride! First things first, millennials were born between 1980 and 1996, making us the largest living generation in the world. We're all about technology since we grew up with personal computers and the internet. We're practically glued to our smartphones and can navigate the digital world like nobody's business. Because of this, we value instant gratification and seek convenience. We love speed and on-demand services, which is why apps like Uber, Airbnb, ...

Sleep Deprivation: What to do?

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As a night shift nurse, I am no stranger to sleep deprivation. It's a common experience for anyone who works odd hours or has a busy lifestyle, and it can be both hilarious and frustrating at the same time. So, let's take another look at sleep deprivation and how it affects us all.  I know firsthand the toll that sleep deprivation can take on a person's physical and mental health. Unfortunately, it's a problem that is all too common among healthcare professionals, who often work long hours and have irregular schedules. Studies have shown that healthcare professionals, including nurses, are at a higher risk for sleep deprivation than the general population. This is due to a variety of factors, including working night shifts, irregular schedules, and high stress levels. The consequences of sleep deprivation can be serious, especially for healthcare professionals who are responsible for the care and well-being of others. Sleep deprivation can lead to impaired c...

Which is Better: Introvert or Extrovert?

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Let me tell you something that's as pointless as trying to catch a slippery eel with your bare hands - comparing an extrovert and an introvert! It's also like trying to compare a chatty parrot with a contemplative sloth - they're both awesome in their own way, but they have different personalities, strengths, and weaknesses. This is the focus of this blogpost. Firstly, extroverts are like social butterflies who flutter around from one person to the next, while introverts are more like solitary cats who prefer to curl up in a cozy corner with a good book. We have some famous extroverts like Ellen DeGeneres, who is known for her outgoing and bubbly personality. She loves being around people and making them laugh, and her talk show is all about spreading positivity and joy. Another famous extrovert is Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, who is known for his larger-than-life persona both on and off screen. He's a natural born entertainer who loves to engage wit...