Picture this - it was a sunny day, and I found myself at the edge of a breathtaking cliff overlooking a serene beach. But this wasn't just any vacation; it was a moment of reflection on the incredible journey that led me to this moment.
Hi, it's me, Karen. You can call me Karenina, or at least that's what everyone calls me nowadays. A little back story, I was in my 2nd year of college when the movie Anna Karenina came out. I loved that movie, by the way. So then, it was also a time when changing your Facebook name was a thing, so I changed mine just for fun to Karenina. Suddenly, it stuck, and everyone started calling me that. I have kept my Facebook name the same since 2014, and that's why people assume that's my real name. I swear, even my brother had to confirm to me what my real name was. 😅
Anyway, back to me. I am from the beautiful province of Bohol in the Philippines. Bohol is known for The Chocolate Hills, which are named so because the hills turn brown like chocolate every summertime. Bohol has a lot to offer; its combination of natural wonders, wildlife encounters, beautiful beaches, and rich cultural heritage makes it an enticing and memorable destination for tourists. I’m one proud Boholana. Although I was born and raised in Bohol, I lived in Cebu since I was 12, and I studied here from high school until college. So, I do consider Cebu as my second home.
PAST ERA
I am a Chemical Engineer by profession. Yes, once upon a time, in a distant memory, I was balancing chemical equations and doing mathematical modelling. It was an exhilarating rollercoaster ride, but undeniably one of the best. Naturally, I stayed the course for a couple of years. After graduating and getting my license, I worked as a Quality Engineer at two manufacturing companies in Luzon.
For nearly five years, I ensured that every product that left the production line was nothing short of perfection, ultimately leading to me having even higher standards. 😂 From scrutinizing minute details to collaborating with talented teams, I am putting all that engineering knowledge to good use. But somehow, it just didn't feel right. Deep down, I knew there was something I'd rather be doing than this. I was really in an existential crisis, and then the pandemic happened.
Embracing Change During the Pandemic
Ah, the pandemic! A time when the world came to a standstill and many of us reassessed our life's course. The pandemic was a very lonely time for me because I could not see my family for almost two years. All I did was go to work and be scared for my life every time I left the house. You know how it was. It was one of the hardest times for most of us, but long story short, I survived. And you did, too; that's why you're reading this now. Yay!
Seizing the moment, I decided to take a risk and shift gears into freelancing. This was the scariest time of my life. The level of uncertainty in the middle of a pandemic. But, to quote from A Most Violent Year movie, "When it feels scary to jump, that is exactly when you jump; otherwise, you end up staying in the same place your entire life."
And so, that's exactly what I did. I didn't have a strategic plan, and I didn't have another job waiting for me. I just jumped, left my job, and went home. But, I knew I was not starting from scratch. I have five years of professional experience, which gave me the confidence to hope that wherever life takes me, I will make it. Well, I have to make it because I don’t have a choice.
THE HERE AND NOW
That is how my journey as an independent contractor started. It was a leap of faith, but it led me to my current roles as an executive assistant and freelance writer for medical websites.
And was it worth it? Sometimes, I’m still not 100% sure, and I still ask myself if I made the right decision to let go of my engineering career. Still, I'm enjoying this current path that I'm on now.
Freelancing has given me the flexibility to spend more time with my loved ones and explore the things I love while working remotely. This is why there is no perfect timing than now to be a part of this amazing community, as I look forward to sharing these things with you, fellow HIVERs.
A Bookworm's Refuge
Ah, books! The ever-enticing portals to imagination and knowledge. I have always loved books ever since I was young. I was so obsessed with the Nancy Drew book series in elementary school. Then, in high school, I got addicted to series like The Confessions of a Shopaholic, Princess Diaries, Gossip Girl, and Twilight. But I also read serious stuff like Iliad, Don Quixote, and Things Fall Apart for the love of English book reports.
And then, in college, I had my dystopian era with Hunger Games and Divergent, and my taste has ranged from Colleen Hoover to Dan Brown. Then, now I'm mostly into self-help books and stoicism.
Life has gotten quite hectic recently, but I'd love to get back into reading. I even set my Goodreads 2023 Reading Challenge to 30 books. I'm still on 5. I'm totally down for some book recommendations if you have some. Let me know in the comments.
Wanderlust and Wonder
As much as I loved immersing myself in the world of reading and writing, there was another aspect of my life that I cherished immensely—travel! From serene sunsets on a tropical beach to exploring historical touristy spots, I have always dreamed of experiencing the beauty of different places, embracing diverse cultures, and forging unforgettable connections with people from all walks of life. I have a few travels coming up, and I can't wait to share my experiences with you.
A Love Affair with Music and the Silver Screen
Speaking of adventure, who doesn't love a good movie or a captivating K-drama? Whether it's gripping action scenes or heart-fluttering romances, I find solace in the realm of cinematic magic. So, if you ever need binge-worthy recommendations, I'm your go-to person!
Of course, music will always have a special spot in my heart. On top of that spot is Taylor Swift. That's right, I'm a certified swiftie. But I'm not going to talk about that because that's going to take forever. I'll be attending her Eras Tour in SG next year, and that is another post for the future!
Skincare Enthusiast's Secrets
Beyond my professional endeavors and entertainment passions, there's one more thing that lights up my life—skincare! The world of face masks, serums, and moisturizers is my ultimate haven. Through the ups and downs of life, my skincare routine has been a constant reminder of self-care and pampering.
Gastronomic Delights
As I explore new places, my taste buds also crave their own adventures. Food is life for me; nothing is more fulfilling than discovering hidden gastronomic gems and savoring them in places with the most enchanting ambience. So, brace yourselves for my foodie escapades as I eagerly dive into unexplored cafes and restaurants, ready to unravel their delicious mysteries!
WHAT LIES AHEAD
More Gratitude and Less Attitude
Throughout this journey, I've learned the importance of gratitude. Every week, I take a moment to write in my Five Minute Journal, acknowledging the blessings in my life. Gratitude has taught me to find joy in simple things and embrace life's unpredictability with a positive attitude.
Building Bridges of Impact
For as long as I can remember, I've been drawn to the idea of giving back to society and making a difference in the lives of others. Whether supporting a local charity or volunteering at community events, philanthropy has been a significant part of my dreams. Additionally, the desire to form genuine connections with like-minded individuals who share my values has fueled my search for a community that aligns with these passions.
Venturing Beyond the Screen
Working from home has its perks, but it can also be challenging to meet new people and expand one's network. That's where HIVE comes into the picture, a community I hope will help me conquer the challenges of remote work while letting me dive headfirst into the world of philanthropy and connection. By joining a community of like-minded individuals, I look forward to forming lasting connections, engaging in insightful conversations, and collaborating with passionate changemakers from around the world.
Before this post ends, I'd like to shout out to my friends @ybanezkim26 and @glecerioberto for not giving up on me. They've invited me several times to join HIVE already. I've been enthusiastic every time but have yet to follow through with my actions. I guess 3rd time's the charm.
As I look back on my journey from a chemical engineer to an executive assistant and freelance writer, I realize that life is an incredible adventure filled with unexpected twists and turns. Embracing my passions, exploring new horizons, and practicing gratitude have brought me to where I stand today — a place of contentment, inspiration, and continuous growth.
Thank you for joining me on this fun-filled ride. I hope my story has encouraged you to chase your dreams, indulge in your passions, and find gratitude in the little moments that make life truly remarkable.
I have so many things to be grateful for, but today, I'm most grateful to you for taking the time to read this post. Stay awesome! 💝
Hi Karen! Welcome to Hive ✨
Kaway kaway co-Swiftieeee 🫶🏻
We both love books and TS! Reco? I'm currently reading The 5am Club 😁
See you around, Karen! Can't wait to read more from youuu~
Hello, fellow swiftie, @cthings🌟 Thank you for the warm welcome! It's always a delight to meet someone who shares a love for Taylor Swift and books!
I've heard about the "The 5 AM Club". I'll definitely add it to my reading list. Thank you for the reco 😁
I'm excited to connect with you more and share more of my stories and experiences. 🌈✨
Cool intro Karen, welcome to our amazing community! :)
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Thank you so much for the warm welcome, @phortun! I'm so excited 😊
So you're a newbie. Welcome here Karinina.. I watched it too hehe.. Perp parang humaba name mo sa Karen haha..
You are so pretty and smart.. You found a great place here...
Nanhihinayang lang ako sa engineering na iniwan.. Just imagine the effort and expenses you invested in years of completing the course.. Pero sabi pa nila, go for what makes you happy..
If hectic ang work like a chemical engineer, I won't be happy talaga 😅
Parang katulad lang sa computer science na binitawan ko.. Now I'm in a medical field and enjoying traveling on holidays hehe..
See you around beautiful !LADY
Thank you for the warm welcome, Jane! Yes longer, but it has a more unique ring to it. Ang common kasi ng Karen 😂 Aww, thanks for the compliment; takes one to know one.💙
And yes, yan din young thoughts ko for so long, na sayang nga all the efforts and time I've invested, but in the end, it's really all about what makes me happy. Ayaw ko mastress girl, and not worth it pa ang compensation 😂
Glad you've found your niche, as well. Yes, to more travels. See you around 😍
Masisira ang beauty kapag mastress..
We have a chemist here, btw, @bananzell
ehh ano meron ate? 🤣
Meet the former chemical engineer.. Related kasi work nyo hehe.. Baka bet mo mag shift din? 🤣
di ah, ang laki din ng difference sa course namin
Hi @bananzell, wag ka mag shift. haha true, 1/3 Chemistry lang ang ChE.
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Finally! You're here!
I remember our fun times in college doing book reviews. Excited to see your content here.
Let's spend our meet-ups with Kim writing for and talking about Hive. 😁
@glecerioberto Thanks to you! Oh yes, those were some good times. I appreciate your encouragement and can't wait to create more fantastic content we can dive into together. 🤗
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Hello, Karenina! Welcome to Hive! It's more of attitude than gratitude. 😆
Hello, @ybanezkim26! Thank you! I'm working on it 😂
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Thank you, @derangedvisions 😊
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Incredible views, and beautiful places, a vacation like that is what I need.... Very good post
Thank you so much for your kind words, @oxesar! Hope you get to take one soon. You deserve it 💓
continue to be well, stay strong, and take risks! 💥
Thank you for the encouraging words, @attilio-cesare!💥🌟
you are, getting “well…” (so long as you stop toxifying yourself with masks 😷) “…come” again!
Welcome to the Hive. The people who invited you here are some of the best writers on Hive. It looks like you are already a good blogger. I hope you keep it up!
Thank you for the warm welcome, @incublus! I couldn't agree more. I'm honored to be a part of the Hive community and to have such amazing writers as my friends and mentors. Your kind words mean a lot to me, and I'll do my best to keep up with my blogging journey! Here's to many more exciting posts ahead! 🌟🐝
This is beautiful, welcome☺️
Thank you, @beeeee! So are you ❤️
Welcome to Hive @itskareninamoi! This is @chillwithshanna from the @ocd (Original Content Decentralized) team. Congratulations on making an awesome introduction post! What a way to start your hive journey!
I'm sure you would love it here because all your interests such as travel, food, books and music have a place here on Hive! I use hive as my journal for all my adventures and experiences that I want to treasure! Anyway, hope to meet you fellow Bisaya!
I'm sure you will be guided well with the different Communities here, you might also want to bookmark the links for easy access. Check out Communities Incubation Program too. It is best to share your blogs in the appropriate community so they can reach the right audience for your work.
Please be aware that plagiarizing posts by using other people’s ideas or images is a major offense. Here is a useful collection of resources about how plagiarism and abuse is viewed and handled on Hive.
Here is a Newbie guide for tips and information about blogging here on Hive. If you have questions, you can hop into Discord server and we'll gladly answer your questions.
Happy Blogging!
Thank you so much, @chillwithshanna, for the warm welcome and the kind words! I'm beyond excited to be here and share my passions with the amazing Hive community.
And yes, meeting a fellow Bisaya's always a pleasure, so hopefully, we get to do that soon. 😊
I truly appreciate your guidance and the valuable resources you've shared. I'll make sure to explore the different communities and check these out to find the perfect fit for my content.
Rest assured, I'm fully aware of the importance of originality and will always respect the rules and guidelines of Hive. Happy Blogging to you too! 💙
Welcome to hive!
Hope you bloom and thrive.
Quick question where is this library?
Thank you, @akumagai, for the warm welcome! I'm thrilled to join Hive and share my journey with all of you.
The library in the photo is the library@orchard! A must-visit if you ever find yourself in Singapore 📚🇸🇬
Gah, I was hoping it's I'm Philippines. Been to some massive ones in Sydney with millions of books.
Know of a good one in Cebu?
@akumagai Unfortunately, no. I don't think there's something like this in Cebu. I would have already gone for sure 😄
Yeah... That's what I thought, I was just wishing there is one that you knew of.
For someone who doesn't love reading that much, Colleen Hoover is my go-to author. Easy to read, to follow! 😁
Welcome to Hive, Karen! Excited to read more from you. 🥰
Thank you, @patsitivity, for the warm welcome. It's great to know we share the same love for Colleen Hoover 😍
I'm excited to be a part of Hive and share more of my adventures and interests with you. Your support means a lot to me, and I can't wait to connect with you more through our shared passions.💙
Welcome to Hive! I'm glad you took the first step into being here. Kudos to your friends for not giving up. 😅
I am also into Nancy Drew books when I was young! 😅
Lots of interesting stuff you have here!
Hope to read from you soon! Enjoy Hive!
Thank you so much, @wittyzell! I'm thrilled to finally be part of Hive. And yes, kudos to my persistent friends!😅
Who can resist Nancy Drew, right? It's fantastic to connect with someone who shares the love for those intriguing mysteries from our younger days.
I'm delighted that you find my content interesting, and I can't wait to share more stories and experiences with you.😊
Hi Karen, Welcome to Hive! Kahibaw diay ka mo Bisaya no?😊 Reading your introductory post tells me that you have a lot of interesting things to share and a good writer as well. I look forward to read more of them. See you around.😀
Hi, @lytha, thank you! Yes, kahibaw kaayo 😁 Aww thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it. I can't wait to share more stories and experiences with you. See you around, and let's make Hive an even more amazing place together! 😀🌟
Another bisaya in the community! 😍 Welcome to hive, @itskareninamoi! 💛
Salamat kaayo, @joyceful! 🥰 Yes, another Bisaya in the community! It's wonderful to be here on Hive. 💙
$WINE
Welcome to Hive Karen! Hats off on how you take risk to make a career shift. And oh, I am a swiftie too.😊
Looking forward for more stories and experiences from you! Enjoy!😊
Thank you for the warm welcome and the kind words, @netswriting! Yay, another swiftie in the house! 🥳 So excited to share more stories and experiences with you all. 😊
Welcome to Hive :))
Thank you, @mipiano 😊
Hello, @itskareninamoi. Welcome to Hive my fellow book lover. There's Hive Book Club for you if you want to share about the books you like. I'm not much of a swiftie, but I listen to some of her songs. And about, "gratitude over atittude", you're right but it's hard to work on that if you're such a moody like me. 😆
Anyways, just explore and have fun!
Thank you, fellow book lover, @ayane-chan! I'll definitely check out the Hive Book Club; it sounds like the perfect place to share and discover new books with like-minded individuals. Glad you like some of Taylor's songs 😊
I totally understand the struggle with moodiness! It's all part of being human, right? 😆 But hey, we can work on embracing gratitude little by little. It's a journey, and we'll get there! 💙
Welcome to your hive journey! Followed!!! ;)
Thank you so much for the warm welcome and the follow, @cowboyzlegend27! 🥳
Welcome itskareninamoi! If you love travel check out @travelfeed / TravelFeed.io :)
😊😉😎🌈 Welcome to hive!
OOh, I just luv Bohol. I visited there a few years ago..
and that is some lots of books! I can say that this book changed the whole way I think about money/cashflow..
(he's from hawaii like me!)
😎🤙
Thank you, @chinito! Wow, you should go back soon. I have that same picture of the tarsier 🤣 Yes, this book is def in my to-read list. Thanks for the reco, I better read this soon then.
*from our trip to Bohol. my kids are the girl in pink in center of pic, and the whitest boy in the yellowish shorts. :)
@chinito Is this in Panglao? so cute! they sure look like they're having so much fun 😄
😊😎 we went to visit Alicia, Bohol. so it's a beach near there. I forget the name. :P
It's probably in Anda 😀
😉🌈🙏
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I really wish I had your guts. Leaving your job despite the uncertainty. Kainggit! Haha. Welcome to Hive :)
@meetmysuperego awww, I'm sure you'll have the courage to take that risk soon. Thank you!😂
Very beautiful intro! Very organized. At first, I thought your hivename was some wordplay of cussing. :P Welcome to Hive, Karenina! :)
Thank you for the kind words @scion02b, I really appteciate it 😊 My friend said the same thing, but I assure you it's not 😂
Welcome to Hive💗🥂
Thank you, @heyitsjian 😊💙
You're welcome...
You had me with books and Taylor Swift. Tolstoy would be proud of having you sa Karenina. Happy to meet you here. 😁
Well, in that case, nice to meet you fellow Swiftie and book lover, where you been? 😂 Not sure about Tolstoy, but thanks. Looking forward to your posts!
Welcome to Hive Karenina. I am excited to be following you. I also am a reader and K Drama fan. :) I mostly travel blog and sometimes food on the travels and art sprinkled in. :)
Thank you! It's great to meet you here. We have so much in common. Also following you for more exciting content 💙
You are welcome on Hive!
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