For the first time in a long time, I logged into Facebook and was met with a heartbreaking reminder of life’s fragility.
I lost another friend to her battle with diabetes. Her body couldn’t handle the medications or the repeated surgeries, and in the end, she found her peace and went home to be with the Creator.
Though life took us in different directions, we never lost touch. No matter how much time passed, we always checked in on each other—sharing updates, reminiscing, and keeping our bond alive.
And now, just like that, she’s gone. It’s a sobering, painful reality—one that words can’t fully capture. Life is so unpredictable, and loss always feels too soon.
Rest easy, my friend. You will be deeply missed. 💔
Friday, March 28, 2025
Sunday, March 16, 2025
Throwback: My 2008 “Petty Era” & How I See It Now
So, I was scrolling through my ancient blog archives (yes, the ones that deserve to be locked away forever), and I found this gem from February 22, 2008. Brace yourselves—because past me was feeling ✨spicy✨.
Flashback to 2008:
I stumbled upon a trending “revenge questionnaire” and decided to jump in for fun. The idea? Answer a bunch of questions about an ex and subtly (or not-so-subtly) roast them. Did I have time to be bitter? Nope. I was a busy mom focused on my kids and my own healing. But did I participate in the internet drama for fun? Absolutely.
Here’s the original post:
Please accept my apologies for the late Valentine's message, and for not being able to wish you a Happy Single Awareness Day. I was so preoccupied with my work that I didn't even see the event that had just swept past me.
Just for fun, I found this at Liza of A Simple Life:
Here’s the rule:
Post a picture of your EX (ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, MU, crush, or whoever it is that you hate for hurting you in the past or present), and then answer the questions below. PAYBACK time!
TAG as many as you can!
A link to this post will be appreciated.
😳 CRINGE. OMG. WHY WAS I LIKE THIS? 😂
If 2008 me had a microphone, she would have dropped it after “chronic momma’s boy.” Looking at this now, my perspective has seriously changed. Sure, it was fun back then, but with time (and a whole lot of personal growth), I’ve realized that every past relationship—good or bad—was just a stepping stone. Every heartbreak, every mistake, every lesson? They helped me step a little higher.
Would I answer these questions the same way today? Probably not. Instead of roasting an ex, I’d probably say:
📌 Focus on your healing, and have a good sense of self before allowing anyone into your life.
📌 Your value as a woman (or a single person) isn’t based on whether or not you have a Valentine’s date. Love isn’t a competition, and Single Awareness Day? Yeah, that doesn’t define you either.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
I challenge YOU to revisit your old “relationship rants.” Do you still agree with your past self, or are you also cringing at the things you used to post? Drop a comment and share your most dramatic breakup memory—let’s laugh (and maybe heal) together. ❤️😂
Flashback to 2008:
I stumbled upon a trending “revenge questionnaire” and decided to jump in for fun. The idea? Answer a bunch of questions about an ex and subtly (or not-so-subtly) roast them. Did I have time to be bitter? Nope. I was a busy mom focused on my kids and my own healing. But did I participate in the internet drama for fun? Absolutely.
Here’s the original post:
Please accept my apologies for the late Valentine's message, and for not being able to wish you a Happy Single Awareness Day. I was so preoccupied with my work that I didn't even see the event that had just swept past me.
Just for fun, I found this at Liza of A Simple Life:
Here’s the rule:
Post a picture of your EX (ex-boyfriend, girlfriend, MU, crush, or whoever it is that you hate for hurting you in the past or present), and then answer the questions below. PAYBACK time!
TAG as many as you can!
A link to this post will be appreciated.
- Have you forgiven him/her? Yes.
- Do you regret ever meeting him/her? Yes, but not my children.
- Describe him/her in three words: Chronic momma’s boy.
- Are you over him/her? Definitely.
- Would you give him/her a second chance? Never!!!
- Would you visit him/her if he/she gets hospitalized? No.
- What if he/she died? So?
- Have you tried to cheat on him/her? No.
- Have you lied to him/her? Yes. I’m also capable of lying.
- Your wish for that person: Nothing.
😳 CRINGE. OMG. WHY WAS I LIKE THIS? 😂
If 2008 me had a microphone, she would have dropped it after “chronic momma’s boy.” Looking at this now, my perspective has seriously changed. Sure, it was fun back then, but with time (and a whole lot of personal growth), I’ve realized that every past relationship—good or bad—was just a stepping stone. Every heartbreak, every mistake, every lesson? They helped me step a little higher.
Would I answer these questions the same way today? Probably not. Instead of roasting an ex, I’d probably say:
📌 Focus on your healing, and have a good sense of self before allowing anyone into your life.
📌 Your value as a woman (or a single person) isn’t based on whether or not you have a Valentine’s date. Love isn’t a competition, and Single Awareness Day? Yeah, that doesn’t define you either.
Now, It’s Your Turn!
I challenge YOU to revisit your old “relationship rants.” Do you still agree with your past self, or are you also cringing at the things you used to post? Drop a comment and share your most dramatic breakup memory—let’s laugh (and maybe heal) together. ❤️😂
Thursday, March 13, 2025
A Look Back at My Writing Escape
Flashback to 2007
I was in an internet café, staring at the monitor, fingers mindlessly tapping away. I was doing everything and accomplishing nothing. I knew I should be resting after another grueling shift as an overworked and underpaid call center agent, but instead, I was here—exhausted yet wired, caught in the grip of my growing blogging addiction.
All I could think of was writing. Anything. Everything. Every thought, frustration, joy, sorrow, small win, or lesson learned from my mistakes—I wanted to pour them all into my blog. Back then, Facebook wasn’t a thing yet, and blogging was where people journaled their lives. It was my escape, my way of siphoning out emotions before they consumed me.
Looking Back: Then vs. Now
Rereading this, I can’t help but smile at my younger self—so eager, so caught up in the moment. My relationship with blogging has changed a lot since then. What used to be an unfiltered emotional dumping ground has now transitioned into a more intentional, niche-focused space. I still write, but with more purpose, balance, and boundaries.
If I could talk to that girl in the internet café, I’d tell her:
👉 You don’t have to feel obligated to update your blog just because everyone else does.
👉 Not everything needs to be shared—set your own boundaries.
👉 Learn from others, but don’t get lost in their mistakes.
Now, I manage my creativity differently. I’ve embraced automation, calendar planning, and tools that help me stay inspired without feeling overwhelmed. I no longer let the pressure dictate my creativity—I create on my own terms.
Lessons from the Past
Was my blogging addiction bad? Not exactly. It was passion, but without guidance, it led me into the usual trap—oversharing, chasing trends, and feeling pressured to always keep up. Blogging itself wasn’t the problem; the lack of boundaries was.
One lesson that still holds true for me today?
💡 Authenticity and consistency matter—but so does discretion.
To Fellow Creatives: Avoiding Burnout
If you’re struggling with the constant urge to create but feel drained at the same time, know this:
✨ It’s okay not to have a great idea right now. Creativity isn’t forced; it flows when you give yourself space.
✨ Step away, take a break, and experience life beyond the screen. That’s where the best inspiration comes from.
Looking back, my younger self was just trying to find her voice. And in many ways, she helped shape the writer I am today. 💙
I was in an internet café, staring at the monitor, fingers mindlessly tapping away. I was doing everything and accomplishing nothing. I knew I should be resting after another grueling shift as an overworked and underpaid call center agent, but instead, I was here—exhausted yet wired, caught in the grip of my growing blogging addiction.
All I could think of was writing. Anything. Everything. Every thought, frustration, joy, sorrow, small win, or lesson learned from my mistakes—I wanted to pour them all into my blog. Back then, Facebook wasn’t a thing yet, and blogging was where people journaled their lives. It was my escape, my way of siphoning out emotions before they consumed me.
Looking Back: Then vs. Now
Rereading this, I can’t help but smile at my younger self—so eager, so caught up in the moment. My relationship with blogging has changed a lot since then. What used to be an unfiltered emotional dumping ground has now transitioned into a more intentional, niche-focused space. I still write, but with more purpose, balance, and boundaries.
If I could talk to that girl in the internet café, I’d tell her:
👉 You don’t have to feel obligated to update your blog just because everyone else does.
👉 Not everything needs to be shared—set your own boundaries.
👉 Learn from others, but don’t get lost in their mistakes.
Now, I manage my creativity differently. I’ve embraced automation, calendar planning, and tools that help me stay inspired without feeling overwhelmed. I no longer let the pressure dictate my creativity—I create on my own terms.
Lessons from the Past
Was my blogging addiction bad? Not exactly. It was passion, but without guidance, it led me into the usual trap—oversharing, chasing trends, and feeling pressured to always keep up. Blogging itself wasn’t the problem; the lack of boundaries was.
One lesson that still holds true for me today?
💡 Authenticity and consistency matter—but so does discretion.
To Fellow Creatives: Avoiding Burnout
If you’re struggling with the constant urge to create but feel drained at the same time, know this:
✨ It’s okay not to have a great idea right now. Creativity isn’t forced; it flows when you give yourself space.
✨ Step away, take a break, and experience life beyond the screen. That’s where the best inspiration comes from.
Looking back, my younger self was just trying to find her voice. And in many ways, she helped shape the writer I am today. 💙
Tuesday, March 11, 2025
Throwback to 2007: Blogging in the Break Room
📅 Originally written: October 11, 2007
I wrote this post in my company’s break room, taking advantage of the free internet connection. The office had a designated computer area, bean bag chairs for lounging, and a huge flat-screen TV playing HBO—pretty cool for a workplace at the time.
The company had strict rules about internet browsing. Even our VPN was blocked, and while some colleagues found ways to bypass security, I wouldn’t dare break the rules just for some quick entertainment. So, there I was, using my break to write instead.
I had just discovered Blogger and decided to shut down my Xanga account. Blogger felt more user-friendly, and I liked the features better. It’s funny to think that I was starting over because I had lost my Geocities content—back then, I didn’t think about backing things up. (If only I could go back and tell my younger self to save everything!)
Before I knew it, my break was over, and I had to head back to the operations floor to take more calls.
I wrote this post in my company’s break room, taking advantage of the free internet connection. The office had a designated computer area, bean bag chairs for lounging, and a huge flat-screen TV playing HBO—pretty cool for a workplace at the time.
The company had strict rules about internet browsing. Even our VPN was blocked, and while some colleagues found ways to bypass security, I wouldn’t dare break the rules just for some quick entertainment. So, there I was, using my break to write instead.
I had just discovered Blogger and decided to shut down my Xanga account. Blogger felt more user-friendly, and I liked the features better. It’s funny to think that I was starting over because I had lost my Geocities content—back then, I didn’t think about backing things up. (If only I could go back and tell my younger self to save everything!)
Before I knew it, my break was over, and I had to head back to the operations floor to take more calls.
Looking Back: Then vs. Now
Reading this post now, I don’t know exactly how I feel. I was a completely different person back then—a hungry employee, eager to climb the corporate ladder. I followed the rules, valued stability, and was just starting to explore the blogging world without knowing how much it would impact my future.
Switching to Blogger turned out to be a pivotal decision. It opened doors for me, from writing paid content to attending blogging events. Eventually, through the connections I made, I transitioned to working from home—something I wouldn’t have imagined while sitting in that break room in 2007.
One thing that hasn’t changed? My work ethic. If anything, working remotely has made me value integrity even more. In the virtual assistance business, trust is everything, and I’ve learned that the only way to build a long-lasting career is to stay honest and professional.
It's fascinating to reflect on how much has changed, yet how some core values remain the same.
Do you ever look back at your early work life and feel the same? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Switching to Blogger turned out to be a pivotal decision. It opened doors for me, from writing paid content to attending blogging events. Eventually, through the connections I made, I transitioned to working from home—something I wouldn’t have imagined while sitting in that break room in 2007.
One thing that hasn’t changed? My work ethic. If anything, working remotely has made me value integrity even more. In the virtual assistance business, trust is everything, and I’ve learned that the only way to build a long-lasting career is to stay honest and professional.
It's fascinating to reflect on how much has changed, yet how some core values remain the same.
Do you ever look back at your early work life and feel the same? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
Monday, March 10, 2025
Looking Back, Moving Forward
It’s been a while since I last dusted off this little corner of the internet. Life happened, priorities shifted, and somehow, blogging took a backseat. But here I am, feeling nostalgic, scrolling through my old posts, and realizing just how much time has passed.
Back in the day, I poured my thoughts into this blog—writing about motherhood, work, personal growth, and my daily musings. Some of those posts still resonate with me, while others make me laugh (or cringe). Either way, they all capture a moment in time, and I think it’s time to bring them back into the light.
Revisiting Old Posts – I’ll dig up entries from the past and share them with you again.
My Reactions & Reflections – Do I still believe what I wrote back then? How has my perspective evolved?
Lessons Learned – Because life has a way of teaching us things we never saw coming.
Engaging With You – If you’ve been here before, I’d love to hear if any of my old posts bring back memories. If you’re new, welcome! Let’s take a trip down memory lane together.
I’m both excited and slightly nervous to do this, but I know it’s going to be fun. There’s something special about revisiting the past—not to dwell on it, but to appreciate the journey and see how far we’ve come.
Stay tuned for the first official throwback post. In the meantime, let me know—have you ever read something you wrote years ago and had a completely different reaction to it? Let’s talk in the comments!
Back in the day, I poured my thoughts into this blog—writing about motherhood, work, personal growth, and my daily musings. Some of those posts still resonate with me, while others make me laugh (or cringe). Either way, they all capture a moment in time, and I think it’s time to bring them back into the light.
So, I’ve decided to start something new (or rather, something old but with a fresh twist). Welcome anew to my Riza Written Throwback Series, where I’ll be revisiting past blog posts, reacting to them, and reflecting on how much things have changed—or stayed the same.
What to Expect in This Series:
My Reactions & Reflections – Do I still believe what I wrote back then? How has my perspective evolved?
Lessons Learned – Because life has a way of teaching us things we never saw coming.
Engaging With You – If you’ve been here before, I’d love to hear if any of my old posts bring back memories. If you’re new, welcome! Let’s take a trip down memory lane together.
I’m both excited and slightly nervous to do this, but I know it’s going to be fun. There’s something special about revisiting the past—not to dwell on it, but to appreciate the journey and see how far we’ve come.
Stay tuned for the first official throwback post. In the meantime, let me know—have you ever read something you wrote years ago and had a completely different reaction to it? Let’s talk in the comments!
