It's Christmas today! Ever since Super Typhoon Odette came last week, I haven't been in the mood to celebrate the holiday season. Instead of doing Christmas preparations, it's all about the aftermath survival.
"Why bother?
"Is there a point to celebrate Christmas now after we've been through?"
"I don't think it's right to be joyous because nothing seems to be ok at the moment"
These thoughts constantly try to invade my mind. And my heart is in pain because I feel so much. As an empath, it's hard for me not to feel or be emotional nor pick up other's energies and emotions. And I've been surpressing my own feelings just so I can make it through each day without breaking down.
My Aftermath Routine
Phone Signal. Charging was available in my dad's car. It was getting the signal that had been a constant uphill battle. Why was it so important for me to get signal? My brother was in Manila and we were in communication to help me purhase a pocket wi-fi and powerbanks. So I had to go out on the streets twice a day. In the morning, I would ride on my granny bike, bring Luna (my foster dog) with me, and pedal my way to Mcdonalds just to access their free one hour internet! At night, I would head to the main road where anything could possibly happen at night 😂 but I just had to get updates from my brother and connect with friends too.
Water. I guess we were kind of a bit lucky to have filled our water containers before Odette unleashed its wrath. And still lucky because our next door neighbor have a deep well where we can pump our water from. We still limit our use to a minimal. It only takes me 3/4 of a bucket to take a full bath.
Power. We no longer stock frozen food. Most of the time we just do vegetable meals and can goods. We are thankful that Dad gets to charge his powerbank at his office we get to utilize once he gets home. And now that we have additional powerbanks which my brother bought from Manila, our phones could last a full day. However, since I'm blessed with a work-from-home Hive job , I badly need power so I can go back to blogging and curating. Thus, planning to head up north of Cebu at our other house for stable access to electricity and signal.
Christmas Day
Anxiety took over me as I wanted to just leave the city and head up north. Besides trying to get signal at Mcdonalds, past days were just filled with doing household chores ; sometimes lying in bed letting thoughts drift away. Two days ago I was just making a way to process the donation funds together with @ybanezkim26. Yesterday, I was able to get out of the house to pick up the funds and at the same time, I went to the mall to buy small gifts for my two godchildren.
Mom still insisted on preparing some meals. Our neighbor shared a bottle of champagne. Goku (my brother's german shepherd) was left to us to look after awhile. My younger sister manage to bring some ice and it was the highlight of the night. 😂 We got to drink cold coke and Mom was able to make fruit salad and kept it chilled till morning. Somehow we managed to have a decent Christmas dinner despite everything we recently gone through. And for that, I am grateful that my family is safe.
I ended my night binge watching The Witcher Season 2 from my sister's phone. 😁
However, this morning I just received bad news. Moalboal Dog Rescue's manager was finally able to go back online and informed us their situation in Moalboal. They had it worst too. The shelter got destroyed. All dogs and puppies are still alive but they are all loose. The fence was blown away and because they were all scared - they run off to safety. Somehow the caretaker were able to round up a few dogs that were around the vicinity.
Hearing this news really broke my heart this Christmas. I and @ybanezkim26 are still scheduled to travel tomorrow to hand in the donations so that they can rebuild the shelter as soon as possible. It will be a tough road to recovery but I know with the help of the funds we were able to raise through HIVE they will be able to rise again.
I continued my day with doing a general cleaning of the house. My spirit got lifted when my two nephews came and another simple lunch with my cousins here at home. And somehow Christmas this year doesn't seem bad after all.
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This is terrible news on the dog shelter I really hope all dogs can be rescued keep us updated.
Hey @simonjay! Yes. it has been devastating for us and the shelter but Im glad whatever we raised up money will bring hope to them.
It is so nice that you are all safe and got to spend Christmas together. I think holidays are meant for this, not to bring presents but to bring ourselves, to be present and thankful to spend time with our family. We never know how much time we have here. So I am very happy for you and Merry Christmas from Bulgaria.
The picture with the baby is really cute 😊
I couldn't agree more. This calamity made us more realize that family matters more than anything! Receiving kind of words like this is comforting! So thank you @didivelikova! Happy Holidays to you and your family in Bulgaria.
Who would've thought that ice would be a luxury these days.
I hope the shelter will be rebuild soon. The dogs needs shelter more than ever. And I bet they are scared too.
Happy to see you got to celebrate Christmas with family! Hoppy Holidays!🙏🏼🤗
Thanks @asasiklause!
Couldn't agree more! I'm glad we still got to be together and celebrate Christmas in a simple way. This typhoon makes you realize what truly matters - family.
Family is everything more than ever.
I love it when you mentioned
I love the way moms are and it's always a good start for a cozy family time!
So glad things are recovering and everyone is safe and sound! I hope a Christmas like this will be a memorable one for you all!
Merry Christmas from Viet Nam - and though I'm spending this with just a few friends without family, your story and photos have lightened up my day! 😊
Hello @littlebeatle! Im touched with your thoughtful sentiment.
Yeah, Moms always find a way to make ocassions special.
As long as your not alone and happy! Merry Christmas to you as well!
Yes I had friends here and that's a great bless! 😊
Happy New Year to you all! And hope a new year brings more refreshing things to us! Cheers! 🥳
!LUV
(5/5) gave you
Christmas Puppy
@crrdlx
It's really sad when the rice sack passes by causing your family a lot of inconvenience. but keep up the good work will always be ahead
Pasko Na! :) go good to hear that u had a good xmas despite stuff. poor doggies. :( life is just wacko sometimes. so what's ur favorite canned food?? my daughter is all about the SPAM.
Hey @chinito! Thank you for dropping by and always supporting us.
Canned good? Its always PUREFOODS cornbeef! 🤣
lahi ra sad ang among christmas dires bohol tungod ni odette.. antos tawn sa walay suga...
I'm sorry to hear pud ninyo dnha sa Bohol. Hinaot you are at a better place compared last week.
I hope its a better year for all of us too.