Hello! I'm really psyched to be here!

Hello! My name is Maie. I am 26 years old, and I live in the Philippines.

(I took this from inside the office because why not?)

I work as a business strategist (sort-of), policy and data analyst (for now). Truth is, I don't find my heart in it anymore. I've been with my company for six (6) years and have been looking into resign for about 2 years... but how do you know where to go when you don't know what you want? How do you know what you want when you don't give the opportunity to try new things, to jump, to risk? There's also financial security, comfort and responsibilities. It wasn't all bad though. I learned a lot about businesses and how data works to improve the business. I learned about operations, crisis management and problem solving. Mid-2017, I began working as a translation editor, writer and social media consultant. The pay was horrible, measly, and it definitely couldn't sustain me. (And I live in the Philippines, go figure.)

But I'm done excusing myself from taking the plunge so here we are. This year (I'm claiming it) will be about me. My posts here will focus on my journey in getting to know myself better and what I will do and try to be better. #BetterMEnt2018

I turn 27 in July and I have a few goals that I want to commit to before I turn 30. (I have 3 years!)

Goal # 1. OperationUSA
Operation USA is a personal goal. My partner (Joanne) lives in New Jersey and I want to live with her before I'm 30. She has struggles of her own and I don't want to solely rely on her to be able to bring myself to the US and live there.

Goal # 2. BranchOut
BranchOut is me making my own branches. This is my goal of increasing my income and investment streams for the next three (3) years. I'm hoping to be able to have 3 to 5 stable investment streams by the end of 2021.

Goal # 3. Learn 2 new languages.
I'm looking into learning one (1) eastern language and one (1) western language. I'm currently leaning towards Japanese or Korean and possibly Norwegian or French. (If you have recommendations for me, or you would like to apply as a practice buddy, send me a message!)

Goal # 4. Publish a novel.
This is a long-time goal, but I never got to starting it. I don't even know what to write. I was always stuck with: What would people read?

Apart from these goals, I will also be doing some #GettingToKnowMe exercises from various sources. These will vary from Psychological tests to Pottermore tests to Horoscopes to a me-to-me game of 20 questions. There will be a lot of commentary (that will otherwise be internal monologue) and insights on what works for me and what doesn't. I honestly don't know who will benefit from these things but maybe there's someone out there who is also going through similar things then they'd know they're not alone in this.

Disclaimer: I am how many Filipinos would consider a taboo (or maybe not, it is 2018). I am gay, and I vocally advocate for equality and human rights. I am a believer (but non-practitioner) of polyamory (multiple partners, multiple loves, etc.). I support a sex-positive lifestyle... and other things.

With these, I think my insights on love, sex, and other things may seem a little off to others (especially regarding non-monogamity) but I hope you'll allow me to partake what I do know here and hopefully it gives you a fresh perspective on these subjects. If you have things you wish to discuss, I am willing to know your thoughts and concerns as well. I look forward to learning from you and with you!

To brief you on what else I do: I also enjoy food and books a lot. Hopefully, I will get around to reviewing some places and books for you guys. I also occasionally watch Anime or TV Series. (I really don't do these often. But when I do, I'll share them with you! Mind you, I have specific tropes and arcs that I look for in these things.) I travel when I can. I will share my Korea and Japan experience with you from last year and I have an upcoming trip to Taiwan this May! I'm currently looking into cacti and succulent care for urban areas here in the PH, so you'll see my plants at one point. Lastly, I might try some online courses, start projects, do some D-I-Ys. (Basically, I'm winging it, trying everything, and seeing where I fit in.)

This is already too long ^^' I'm nervous, excited, scared. I hope you'll join me in this journey. :D