Jack of All Trades, Master of None

I have so many hobbies, interests and skills. I cannot claim to be a master of any of it. I love to sew/quilt, cook and bake, garden, write, and travel. I had a keen interest in weddings and I play the piano. And I collect Yoda figures. 

I guess I know a hodge podge of things. My Mom equipped me with a lot of crafting skills when I was growing up. She told me I'd never get bored at home if I have a hobby. I started sewing again because I was far from my family. It kept me busy at night while watching Filipino movies via TFC. I didn't know it would eventually help me cope with being stuck at home. 

There was a time I asked myself, why wasn't I an expert of anything? I write, but I was never selected to be part of fancy writers workshops. I play the piano, but I freeze when I need to perform. I can only get by with my cooking and baking. I got my garden up and running, but the plants eventually died. And I find my quilting projects just okay. 

I eventually realized it's not a bad thing to be an expert of anything. Knowing a bit of everything allows you to be more flexible. It also opens the door for you to learn many different things. I think you can do anything as long as you do it with love. 

What do you think?

CB///Yr2/28  #StuckAtHomeDay/Yr2/55 #StayHome #BeKind  

10 Life Skills I Learned from My Mom

It's my Mom's birthday today! I super duper miss her already and wish I could hop on a plane to be with her today. I had a project I planned to do this year with my Mom since I wanted to learn more about her creative process. For now since we couldn't do it I've been sending her materials to keep her busy. 

1 - Praying 

The first thing I learned from Mom is how to pray. I still remember her teaching me how to pray before going to bed and she's the most prayerful person I know. Priority is to trust in Him for everything. 

2 - Diskarte 

One of the most important skills I learned from my Mom is diskarte. When I was growing up I witnessed my Mom working on one of the most important projects she worked on in her life -- helping get our parish church built. And Mom was in-charge of everything at home, so I saw her make things move. 

3 - Organization Skills

Ahh, I may not have picked up Mom's neatness (my home is permanently an organized chaos), but I could easily work out in my head how to deploy a project. Mom always had lists and she would tick things off when a task is completed. She's also great at anticipating things and would always be ready. 

4 - Keep Calm, Do Not Panic

Mom is the most calm person I know. I have never seen her panic. She'd always remind me there's no sense in panicking and it's just a waste of time. 

5 - Keeping Busy

Mom always complains that I never stop doing anything. Well, I got that from her. She's always doing something - sewing, gardening, reading, fixing the house etc. She's always up and about. So I never had issues being stuck at home.

6 -  Saving/Money Management!

Mom was a banker and of course I was one of those kids who had a Banco Filipino Happy Savers Club account! That's how I learned how to save. Originally I was planning to use my savings for my future wedding! I used it to pay for grad school. (More about money management here).

7 - Working for What You Want/Need

My Mom would always remind me that she won't be around forever. I had to learn to be independent. At the age of ten I was already selling things -- old clothes, my hand-made pincushions and homemade cards. If I wanted something, like a book, I'd have to save for it. 

8 - Can't Cook, No Problem!

See life skill number 2! And that's what the telephone is for according to my Mom. (It's my Dad who knew how to cook). 

9 - Girlfriends

Mom always told me to choose my friends carefully. Choose those you can trust and can count on. I have so many aunties who have always been there for Mom. 

10 - Be Yourself

You cannot please everyone, just be yourself and stay with people who have the same values as you.  

Happy birthday Mom! We miss you so much!

#CB//245 #StuckAtHomeDay/275 #WFH163 #StayHome #BeKind