10 things I should learn in 2020

While I have learned a lot of things in the past year, I realized that I still have a lot to learn or I should have learned a long time ago.

Though the things that I should have learned are lessons that were taught in school and in the family, not all were learned and applied as I grew up.

The following are the things that I should learn in 2020 though for some it might be too late to learn these. Please don’t judge me. Haha.

1. HOW TO COOK. I grew up in a family wherein my elder sister and aunt are doing the cooking. My mother seldom perfects the sunny side up as the yolk gets broken while frying. She is also not fond of cooking. The last time I tried preparing a meal was when I cooked pancit canton and the water was not drained totally that it ended like sinabawang pancit canton and my nephew and niece loved it.
    
   When I went to Japan, I remember that there were instances that we have to cook our breakfast before we go out. When my friends asked me to help prepare, I told them that I don’t know how to cook and I became the butt of jokes because of that. I opted to clean the table instead. Next time I’ll go back to Japan, I hope I have learned a dish or two. Humanda.
    
2. HOW TO WASH DISHES. I remember a time that I was only employed part-time years ago and I frequently visit a friend in her office to do writing assignments for her and have lunch together. When the time came to wash the dishes, I remember that there’s water interruption and the dishes would be washed using two small tubs. I am used to using running water in washing the dishes though I don’t follow the process of washing the glasses first before the plates. She was laughing at the thought that I don’t know how to wash the dishes at my age.
    
   I remember that I used to complain to my parents who wanted to train me how to wash the dishes that I don’t like doing the dishes in our sink because it’s not made of tiles. They spent for minor renovation but I still didn’t do the dishes. Bad.
    
3. HOW TO DO THE LAUNDRY. When I was working as Media Officer in the Diocese of Digos, I had to stay in a dormitory within the compound of the chancery. As I’m staying away from home, I have no choice but to do my laundry. It was more difficult as the water I am using is deep well and the clothing will have a smell if not properly rinsed. Yes, I still don’t do my laundry at home as my elder sister does. When I was in Poland, I only have to do the laundry using washing machine. Too bad that it’s too expensive to maintain one here in the country. For now, I need to assess the number of clothing so trying to learn laundry will be a breeze. Fight.
    
4. HOW TO CLEAN THE HOUSE. Every time I go out, I try my best to make my bed. Every time I clean my room, I always end up not finishing everything as I get overwhelmed with the amount of clutter. For this year, I will try to get rid of things I no longer need so as to give way for less clutter so cleaning will not be a heavy chore. For now, I will ask help from my nephews and nieces every time I need to clean the house. Though my sister does the chore everyday, I will help in doing some fixes.
    
5. HOW TO EXERCISE. For my height, I admit that I am overweight. Hopefully not obese. While walking is a daily routine, still my weight has not reduced. I also try to reduce the size of my belly by doing crunches though I am quite lazy. Good thing that I have learned some routines from YouTube. I am not getting younger so exercise should be a priority.
    
6. HOW TO EAT A BALANCED MEAL. There are many instances that every time a friend watches me eat, he or she would be enjoined to join me as I eat. Yes, my appetite for eating is very good that I tend to eat more though I eat slowly and not voraciously. At 34, eating a balanced meal should be a concern. I remember in 2014, while enrolled in a Herbalife program, I lost weight and my self-confidence greatly improved and I got a more positive image of myself. I think I should exhaust all Balik Alindog Programs I can think of. Challenge accepted.
    
7. HOW TO BEAUTIFY MY SELF. In 2012, I was offended by a comment from a friend comparing me to a classmate who is a famous personality. Right after that encounter, I immediately went to Oroderm to have Diamondtome treatment which costs P 2,000.00 that time. For one whole year, going for facial has been frequent and it was also costly. It dawned on me that I need have been spending all that I earn just to look better. Though there were improvements but it was impractical. For now, I need to improve my grooming habits to avoid smelling if I sweat a lot. As they say, “Oiliness is next to ugliness” and my classmates would say to me “Agnas na ka, dear”. I agree. Agnas is not good to look at. Haha.
    
8. HOW TO WRITE LEGIBLY. It’s ironic that I am a writer but I have bad handwriting. Ironic. I wonder how come when I was taught how to write in grade school but still ended up with a bad handwriting. It’s always a struggle to submit computations during quizzes in good form when you have a handwriting like mine. There’s still a lot of room for my improvement. The question is how?
    
9. HOW NOT TO REACT. I realized that every time I react to what was said against me, I am giving in to what the one saying it wants—to make me feel bad about myself. But when there are times that I don’t react and act as if I heard nothing, I am doing myself a favor by avoiding any stress. But it needs constant practice of not reacting.
    
10. HOW TO SPEAK KINDLY. In relation to number 9, speaking kindly is a practice that I want to emulate from a classmate in college. Though her voice is somewhat thin, I envy how she speaks even when she is trying to express anger and frustration. Being kind even as one speaks is a practice that I want to be a habit.