As I sit here typing, the soothing scent of lavender fills the room, courtesy of a new purifier my cousin gifted us this past Christmas. It’s funny how no one else wanted to use it—so I claimed it for myself. And honestly, it’s a welcome companion after the roller coaster that was today.
The day started with an unexpected alarm: my dad’s voice. He was gearing up for a trip to the driving range, rekindling his long-lost love for golf. But before he left, he decided to rope me into a project. Apparently, my brother’s room—a chaos of old stuff, some of which migrated from my own space—needed fixing. Why? Because, according to him, my brother, who hasn’t lived here since getting married, might want to turn it into a "resting place" someday.
While the morning was far from ideal, there was one bright spot in my day. I reconnected with a college friend who also happened to be my very first workmate. She gave me my first job 10 years ago, and today, she reached out saying she was in the area and invited me to catch up—her treat. We spent hours reminiscing about college life, old classmates, shared work experiences, and even our favorite Drag Race queens. What made the reunion even sweeter was her hinting at a potential job opportunity. It was a refreshing reminder of how life comes full circle in unexpected ways.
And then came dinner. Out of nowhere, my dad asked if I could double my financial contribution for this month and hand it over by the 15th.
Now, let me be real for a second. I don’t have that kind of money. I’m still job hunting, trying to find a way to stabilize my life. The pressure? It’s overwhelming, and it’s not just about finances—it’s everything. I feel like I’m in survival mode every single day, and honestly, it’s draining.
But here’s what I’ve learned: even when life feels impossible, there are moments—like catching up with an old friend—that remind me why I keep going. For now, I’ll breathe in the lavender, hold onto those good moments, and try to keep moving forward.
