It's been a while since I wrote and published my last blog — almost two months, actually. Here's what I've been up to while I was MIA from my corner of the internet.
SEPTEMBER
Between the last days of August and the early days of September I went apartment hunting. My brother-in-law Nico, his girlfriend Kreesha, and one of my uni friends Karla, who now works as a Broker, went with me to viewings as my husband wasn't able to.
I viewed five apartments within the same city, each with their own character, before we decided on one. It was a tough call between two really good and affordable apartments. But the deal breaker came when the landlord of "practical choice" apartment demanded for an immediate occupant.
Even Karla thought it was a crazy demand. That led us to opt for the apartment located a little outside of the central business district. It also taught me that the attitude of the people you deal with can make or break your decision.
The location we chose is closer to nature, with lush greenery within the grounds and a clear view of the lake and mountains in the not-so-far-off distance. I also love the ocean air in this area.
The gorgeous lake and mountains we get to see every day.
Within a week after the viewing, we signed the contract for our first apartment! I gained valuable insights from this month's experience:
Don't be afraid to ask the questions you don't know the answers to
Listen to your gut feel
Make business deals with people you're comfortable with
Sometimes the more practical choice isn't the best choice
OCTOBER
Really, it seems like October is an eventful month of firsts for me. In 2018 I watched Lea Salonga perform live at her 40th Anniversary concert. In 2019 I saw Lea perform again, this time in live theater for the Manila production of Sweeney Todd. I also had a sleepover with my best friend Crizel and sent out wedding invites this month in 2019.
In October 2020, I had my mind and hands full with move-in preparations. We had to take care of banking affairs, prepare the apartment basics (such as getting internet connection), and acquire furniture.
I also made sure to clean my room at my parents' house before I left and to adjust my personal budget to accommodate the new expenses.
To be honest, getting your own place isn't cheap nor easy. As a newly married young couple, we didn't actually know how to navigate the world of real estate and homemaking. Like the rest of adulthood, we learn by experience.
Thank God for family and friends who very kindly lent us their time and gave us the help we needed. I'm always astounded by how much people are willing to help out when you ask for it.
My mom bought us the furniture I wanted for the apartment before they ran out of stock (we paid her afterwards). She also lent us her ottoman, which I called dibs on the first time she brought it home.
Our friends Alyanna and Zave accompanied me when I purchased home necessities and helped me bring them back to my parents' house. We were also able to hire our friend Cris' moving truck for our big furniture.
A group of our friends (Isay, Jerome, and Jed) and my brother-in-law helped us in surface cleaning the apartment when it was turned over to us. I also cannot stress enough how grateful I am to my husband's brother for making this whole experience easier for us in whatever way he can.
Sunday cleaners
I used to wish that I can manage living alone so I wouldn't have to rely on other people. But I've since learned to embrace the fact that I need others to survive. The people around me also need me in their lives, so there's no point in shying away from giving and taking.
NOVEMBER
We're only a few days into November as I write this post. I actually just cleaned the whole apartment for the very first time today. It was exhausting and it took me a couple of hours which meant a very late lunch, but now I'm happier because my mind isn't nagging me to clean the place.
The apartment in its early days, featuring our mix-and-match dining and work area.
I've been easing into living away from my parents for the first time in years and happily figuring out a home dynamic that works for me and my husband.
I've found peace of mind in my new living situation. There are definitely pain points and sacrifices along the way. But having the privilege to build a home and start a life with my husband makes everything worth it. It's fulfilling to see the fruits of our labor!
We barely have two months before 2020 ends. The whole world has been through a lot this year, and it's been the most challenging one so far for most of us. It'll be nice to get a much better 2021, but for now, I want to keep appreciating the people I have in my life and enjoy everything life offers me.
That's what I've been up to in the last few months! I never imagined I'd get another life milestone this year after our wedding.
One constant presence in my life is God's faithfulness. He has been so gracious to me and my husband, and it never fails to leave me in awe and thankfulness.
With all these happenings being typed down and published, I'll be back soon with new blog posts 😉
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