From Dinner Plate to Drawer Memories: How My Pandemic Buddy Eyeglass Still Reflects My Journey

Hello Hive Friends! I just finished my dinner, and instead of lounging around, I thought—why not write this blog right here, on the spot? Sometimes the best reflections come when we least expect them.

Five years ago, when the lockdown started here in the Philippines, my previous company quickly shifted to a work-from-home setup. We were all provided with the essentials: a computer with CPU, keyboard, mouse, and pocket WiFi. At first, it felt like a relief not to commute, but soon the reality set in—longer hours, heavier workloads, and endless overtime.

After months of staring at my screen day and night, I decided to buy an anti-radiation eyeglass. It became my silent companion, protecting my eyes from the strain of constant exposure. Honestly, working from home wasn’t easier than onsite—it demanded more from us. But that eyeglass gave me comfort, a small shield against the fatigue.

Just earlier, while searching for my pocket mirror, I stumbled upon that eyeglass tucked away in my drawer. The sight of it instantly brought back memories of those intense WFH days. It reminded me of how much it helped me survive the grind, even when annual physical exams were suspended during the pandemic.

When we’re back onsite, I no longer use it. Thankfully, my eyesight remains perfectly fine, as confirmed in our company’s annual checkups. Still, seeing that eyeglass felt like revisiting a chapter of resilience—proof that even small things can carry big stories.

Thank you, Hive Friends, for joining me in this little reflection. Writing this right after dinner feels like sharing a warm conversation with you all. Sometimes, even the simplest objects—like an old eyeglass—can remind us of how far we’ve come.