tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31364363018549190992024-03-13T23:53:19.750-07:00Jellybean74170Life is like a jellybean.
Colorful, Flavorful and Yummy.Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.comBlogger333125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-50822317520681259772020-07-20T01:47:00.011-07:002021-03-29T18:27:03.167-07:00"Stop Wasting Money!"<p><span style="font-size: medium;">This is what the munchkin would say whenever Tapioca came home from grocery shopping. At first, I couldn't seem to understand where the idea of wasting money came from. I mean, for a 5 year-old, how can buying groceries be considered wasting money?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then one time, I asked her to get her cup from the cupboard. She then saw all our drinking glasses collection. She said "Mommy, you have so many glasses. You're wasting money!" Hmmm, not again. Minimalist living ba ang peg ng anak ko? Then I thought she may be right. But how on earth can my daughter understand this early about wasting money?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I figured it was from watching and playing Roblox. You know, the game play allows you to earn and save money so you'll be able to buy upgrades and other things. Please don't nag that I'm being an irresponsible parent for letting Munchkin play Roblox. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When it comes to games and stuff, that is Tapioca's territory. He makes sure that all safety measures are implemented. So I trust him when it comes to decisions about what games Munchkin is allowed to play. Though, if Tapioca would have it his way, he would rather Munchkin play Minecraft instead. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Going back, while some parents might consider Roblox a bad thing, I think there's something good that came out of it and that is Munchkin learning the importance and value of money. As early as now, we tell her that we are not rich. That Mommy and Daddy need to work hard to earn money. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So when she wants something, she will always ask if it's expensive or not. Because she knows if it is expensive, it might take time for us to buy it or we may never be able to afford it at all. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">And speaking of wasting money, I came across a video from Chiky Tan which is very much the reason for this post. He discussed 8 reasons that waste all our money. After watching the video, it further proved that Munchkin was right after all.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="372" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/NqrLWBlbujU" width="490" youtube-src-id="NqrLWBlbujU"></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We are wasting our money when we do grocery shopping! So there we have it, Munchkin! From now on, no more cereals, no more Chuckie choco drinks and Dutch Mill yogurt drinks and pancakes and strawberry jam. Hahaha! My little munchkin can only answer with her biggest smile.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oops, I was wrong. She said she will help Mommy and Daddy daw by earning money by playing more Roblox. Aws.</span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-4611503008743434752020-06-29T09:41:00.033-07:002021-04-03T19:16:40.455-07:00Covid Scare at the Grocery<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tapioca was scheduled to do the grocery today. As usual, he woke up very early. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">He made sure to get there by 5am </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">so he can be on the first batch of grocery shoppers when the store opens at 6am. </span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e73JDamT9C8/XwBFoPe_KDI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/wiW3YIXIMFk1Zg79gVnkdPwzssv_ET5gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mercato%2B3.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-e73JDamT9C8/XwBFoPe_KDI/AAAAAAAAI5Y/wiW3YIXIMFk1Zg79gVnkdPwzssv_ET5gwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mercato%2B3.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . grocery entrance (pre-covid days)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: center;">But today was different. At 5am, Tapioca was surprised to be in the top 10. First 10 customers, meaning a very big chance he’ll get into the first batch. It used to be that there’s already a kilometer long line of shoppers. But as I said, today was different.</span><br />
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3Lajedqysg/XwBFn7uvzxI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/Xx2pJQIb6eQmDffS9sSgVk_jqjn3t73QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mercato%2B1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3Lajedqysg/XwBFn7uvzxI/AAAAAAAAI5Q/Xx2pJQIb6eQmDffS9sSgVk_jqjn3t73QwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mercato%2B1.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> early birds who will get to the 1st batch (before the covid scare) . . .</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="text-align: center;">He asked some of the people in line what happened. Why are there less people in line? He was told it was because one of the grocery cashiers tested positive for COVID-19. People got scared and no longer want to go shopping at </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mercato-Mart-Supermarket/771004256287125" style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Mercato Mart Supermarket</a><span style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">. </span><i style="text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;">(All photos are from Mercato's facebook page.)</i></span></div>
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<tr><td><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7MVj4FAusY/XwBFnw0l2JI/AAAAAAAAI5U/-gdH57KTIh4h78m39aFT9FgSSXhGC47WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/mercato%2B2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o7MVj4FAusY/XwBFnw0l2JI/AAAAAAAAI5U/-gdH57KTIh4h78m39aFT9FgSSXhGC47WgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/mercato%2B2.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . kilometer long line (before the covid scare)</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It sounds like a bad business for Mercato. Possible that grocers are now shopping at Puregold or SM Hypermart or Super 8 or Tropical Hut. These are the number of groceries in our neighborhood. It is quite a lot. We do have plenty of choices but we like to go to Mercato because they have the lowest price. </span><br />
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Bad business for Mercator but good thing for Tapioca. It means he doesn't have to wait long in the line anymore. But is it really a good thing? I mean, come to think of it. People are so paranoid about the virus. Tapioca has been going to Mercato for our grocery supplies even pre-corona virus days .</span><br />
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The person who contracted the virus was a cashier. Can you just imagine that person who probably got in contact with all the items going to your shopping bags which you would bring home to your family? What are the odds or the chances of you catching the virus, too? So the paranoia is pretty understandable.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">However, I do believe, with observing physical distancing, proper wearing of masks at all times when outside and sanitizing ourselves as well as the things we bring home, we should be able to prevent it. Thank God we are still Covid-free at this time. Our barangay and compound still have zero cases. </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So are we still going to shop at Mercato? Absolutely. I love Mercato! I can't express enough how happy I am when my sister in law introduced me to them. I know you might say I am exaggerating. But they truly have the lowest price in the market. And I have receipts to prove.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I was actually thinking of blogging about the savings we are getting when we shop at Mercato compared to other groceries. It's going to be tedious but I think I'm gonna enjoy it. Since now I am a practical mommy and I get all cheery when I get all these amazing discounts and deals. Yes, that's what adulting have taught me. Learn how to be practical and know where your money is going. Up to the last cent. </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I know I am babbling nonsense. But I'm telling you it makes so much of a difference when you see the numbers. Yes, the numbers are real and they never lie. I just recently learned that hahaha. Well, better late than never. I also understand why math and numbers are important in our daily lives. Because it will set us free. It shows us the real world we are living. Sorry If I'm being a bore. I just suddenly had a light bulb moment.</span></span></div>
Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-90163776066921351712020-06-27T23:19:00.003-07:002021-03-29T18:29:02.311-07:00Tapioca’s New Hobby<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A lot of bad things have been said due to this pandemic. However, I would like to point out the good things that it brought us.</span><br />
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</span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">A perfect example would be Tapioca’s new hobby. We thought getting stuck at home will be a horrible thing because we won’t be able to exercise and do the things we used to do freely.
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">When ECQ got implemented, it was a challenge to get supplies and goods especially for our family since we rely on public transportation. Tapioca had to endure the long walks and the burden of carrying heavy stuff from getting groceries, medicine and things we needed for the house.
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<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Thankfully, one of Pumpkin’s godfathers gave us his old bicycle. Tapioca made a few modifications. Fixed some parts here and there. Soon he was able to go places for our needs. What a relief!</span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHnkuxdXwOM/X7Sx3W1RMvI/AAAAAAAAJBw/Z7ZfqJYxEbccg-8LUr3nKz6xU0ZZc2jAQCPcBGAsYHg/s4032/IMG_0932.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OHnkuxdXwOM/X7Sx3W1RMvI/AAAAAAAAJBw/Z7ZfqJYxEbccg-8LUr3nKz6xU0ZZc2jAQCPcBGAsYHg/w479-h640/IMG_0932.HEIC" width="479" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. . <i>. Tapioca all geared up</i><br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tapioca loves his bicycle rides. There was a point when he would ask me everyday if we needed something so he could ride on his bike.
</span><br /><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">It started because of a necessity. Then it turned into his everyday exercise. He is so into it like a bad habit. Now he is constantly buying bike parts or tools so he can do something about his bike. He is also planning to invest in a really nice and expensive bicycle. I don’t know if I should be happy or not.
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</span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I'm not gonna make a big deal out of it, okay? Let alone stress about it. Let me just focus on the positive side. Here I created a list of all the pros of this new hobby of his.
</span><br />1. We can get supplies without him having to walk far away carrying heavy stuff (e.g. groceries, etc.)</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">2. Since he doesn't have to walk anymore, it will only take a few minutes to navigate from one point to another. I know it's not fast enough compared to actually using a motorized vehicle but still much faster compared to just on foot.</span></p><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Free ride. No fares or gas to pay.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4. Less carbon footprint and good for the environment since it doesn't use gasoline. </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Exercise, which precisely we all needed.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEeUN9NiyXY/X7SyO9u6VnI/AAAAAAAAJB8/9jq_ItWVcbYpF7AbRRiLkB5FcFIF5bQhACPcBGAsYHg/s3438/IMG_1160.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3438" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QEeUN9NiyXY/X7SyO9u6VnI/AAAAAAAAJB8/9jq_ItWVcbYpF7AbRRiLkB5FcFIF5bQhACPcBGAsYHg/w562-h640/IMG_1160.HEIC" width="562" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>the helmet . . .</i> <br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8K69gJpmSw/X7SyO3pdXdI/AAAAAAAAJB8/FM6Q__So87wUezCGcOONDINX-DU6O0pogCPcBGAsYHg/s3638/IMG_1241.HEIC" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3638" data-original-width="1720" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--8K69gJpmSw/X7SyO3pdXdI/AAAAAAAAJB8/FM6Q__So87wUezCGcOONDINX-DU6O0pogCPcBGAsYHg/w302-h640/IMG_1241.HEIC" width="302" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . his cycling outfit, courtesy again of Pumpkin's godfather! <br /></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /> </span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">And here's the downside:</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">1. There may be no gas or fares to pay - but he still needs to spend on maintenance, such as tires, tools and lubricants. Not to mention the accessories. Helmets, bell or horn, lock and so much more!</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">2. As I've said it's not fast enough to go from one place to another like when using motorized vehicles.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">3. Though he uses it mostly to carry goods from the grocery, it's capacity is limited. Tapioca had to make sure that he won't overload it otherwise it will damage the bike (e.g flat tires) or worse he might get into an accident.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">4. It can get pretty tiring. Tapioca had gone as far as to Quiapo, Divisoria and even all the way up to Taytay Rizal. Over 40 kms in just a day. He said he enjoyed the rides, though. Probably because of less vehicles/motorists on the road and less pollution. But still his legs were screaming from too much peddling.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">5. Not enough protection. From sunburn, rain or any elements out in the road (e.g. road hazards and such). Even though he wears sun protection, he still gets sunburnt. No matter if it's cloudy or overcast days. And of course, dangerous drivers. Even if you ride safely, you have to remember that you are sharing the road with other drivers, too.</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4JjvSK2dBM/X7SyYeIy_yI/AAAAAAAAJCA/il7O7AAw6iUeNxUESKm91vRoi_0faILuQCPcBGAsYHg/s1440/FC38E911-3AF8-48BC-98A7-70A6EA7F240F.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="320" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-S4JjvSK2dBM/X7SyYeIy_yI/AAAAAAAAJCA/il7O7AAw6iUeNxUESKm91vRoi_0faILuQCPcBGAsYHg/s320/FC38E911-3AF8-48BC-98A7-70A6EA7F240F.jpg" /></span></a></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />I guess there's really no such thing as a perfect world. But we can all live in it and always look on the bright side. I should be focusing on that instead.</span></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-73038650641202598002020-06-27T10:18:00.024-07:002021-03-29T18:30:41.855-07:00Casablanca. A Film.<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyQ_17v2m0E/XwA0LfpakKI/AAAAAAAAI5E/o4IjZQbIcQszWa9GJQ5thEGymhV2MxaywCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/casablanca.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="250" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QyQ_17v2m0E/XwA0LfpakKI/AAAAAAAAI5E/o4IjZQbIcQszWa9GJQ5thEGymhV2MxaywCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/casablanca.jpg" width="426" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">photo from https://moviesanywhere.com</span></i></td></tr>
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Last Monday, Tapioca and I finished watching the 1942 romantic movie, Casablanca. He's been wanting to watch it with me. Both of us have never watched it before.</span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">For the record, I love old movies. And when I say old movies, I'm referring to those black and white films. No racism here or anything, okay? But that's what they call them. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">I have watched quite a few and I would love to watch more if I can. </span></span><div><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">There’s something about old movies that makes me feel good. It reminds me of how simple and uncomplicated life was in the olden days. The way they dress, the way they talk. I could go on and on. I guess it's because I'm an old soul? Hahaha! It is sad though that they don’t make movies like this anymore.</span><div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyway, the story of Casablanca goes back to the time when the Germans and Nazi were trying to take over the world. I don’t know about you but stories connected to the olden times, about World War II, Germans and the Nazi, I never tire of them. </span><br />
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<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Many great stories have been told during this period. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">We have heard stories about how the war got the worst and the best of them. Stories on how they coped and survived the struggles, the stress, the violence, depression, loneliness, hopelessness and helplessness during those dark times. But I guess, the </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">most important lesson learned and shared throughout history is that “</span><i style="white-space: pre-wrap;">love conquers all.</i><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">”</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">This post is not about me making kwento or summarizing what happened. I just wanted to share my reaction. As in reaction paper lang ang peg! So here it goes . . . when the movie ended, I wanted to give it a standing ovation. I thought, when was the last time I watched a movie that I thoroughly enjoy? </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> It feels like it has been too long. It was such a feel good movie. Seriously. It is my kind of movie. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">After watching it, I was grinning from ear to ear for more than a minute (me thinks?). I had a "WTH" moment. Kinda hard to explain. I mean, the story was very simple. Same genre that had been told many times before. But the way it was told, the narratives, the conflicts and climax - ah! All tested formulas but it worked! It worked and still works up until this time.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So yes, it has been too long since I watched a movie where it just gave me good entertainment. It left me with a good feeling. Yeah, I've been saying that again and again like a broken record. The ending was not what I had expected but in a good way. That's probably why I was smiling after watching it. I wasn't</span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> left hanging. It didn't leave me with any questions or doubts about the characters or their actions. Nor did I think of anything disagreeable about the plot or the accuracy of things. I like that I didn't have to analyze things or evoke any negative feelings. I was just there simply watching how the story unfolds.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">The movie was well written and highly engrossing. It had enough drama, action, humor and suspense. I love that there’s not so much of a violence. Also there was no need for special effect. The main focus I believe is the story and it's characters. Anything else is non essential. That's just my opinion, okay? </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Overall, it was a beautiful movie. A movie that I wouldn't mind watching again and again. </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">And how can I forget Humphrey Bogart's famous line? Well, I finally understood it now.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Tapioca asked if I was going to blog about it. I told him, no I’m not. But I’m fickle minded so here I am. Surprise no more.</span><br /></span>
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></div></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-84233604013824766752020-06-17T07:48:00.003-07:002021-04-08T22:45:38.635-07:00The Munchkin's Life Goals<span style="font-size: medium;">At five years old, my little munchkin already has a "life goal".<br />
</span><div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
She wanted to go to Legoland for her 6th birthday.<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsbALSFF61E/XwAwqs2cKdI/AAAAAAAAI4w/Q9KKDh7uhrU78H8KzE8UNXY9GQ2Jhw3ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Legoland_Malaysia.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="800" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PsbALSFF61E/XwAwqs2cKdI/AAAAAAAAI4w/Q9KKDh7uhrU78H8KzE8UNXY9GQ2Jhw3ZwCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Legoland_Malaysia.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">photo from https://en.wikipedia.org</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
I asked why Legoland? Why not Disneyland?<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_8bQ729byZQ/XwAxKd7cZvI/AAAAAAAAI44/KgqXrlIQHFoZKJOJ_tb8BAWw0hAuF6PFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1_Hong_Kong_Disneyland__968Wx600H.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="968" height="396" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_8bQ729byZQ/XwAxKd7cZvI/AAAAAAAAI44/KgqXrlIQHFoZKJOJ_tb8BAWw0hAuF6PFgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1_Hong_Kong_Disneyland__968Wx600H.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">photo from https://www.rappler.com</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
She said it's because Disneyland is for her 7th birthday! YAY!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Some life goals, huh? Ang yaman namin. Hahahaha!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
I wish we could afford it. I wish we could all do it. But with the global pandemic and the probability of travel during this time?<br />
<br />
Impossible.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Last night, I had to break the bad news. No Legoland until the virus is gone. Or until it is safe to travel again.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
She was a little disheartened. But you know, kids - they get over these things so easily. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div>
<div><span style="font-size: medium;">
Bad news to her. Good news to me. It means I will have time to save up for these trips.<br />
<br />
Legoland and Disneyland aren't cheap, you know? Tapioca and I are just salary workers so we really need to work our asses off if we want to make it happen.</span></div>
Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-24836024004289525202020-06-15T04:43:00.003-07:002021-04-08T22:47:43.915-07:00The Cruz Cousins Reunion and Collab<span style="font-size: medium;">I just saw the collaboration of The Cruz cousins namely Donna, Geneva, Sunshine and Sheryl. It was amazing how despite the physical/social distancing, they were able to do a reunion showcasing their talents. They were once popular back in the days. Before social media and all.<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9Yx8PF97Tlg/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9Yx8PF97Tlg?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<br />
It was Donna who was my favorite then. Still my favorite now. I find her still charming and beautiful even more. My least favorite was Sheryl. I'd say she is still my least favorite until now.<br />
<br />
Ooops, no offense to her fans. It's just that I find her beauty and personality unappealing. Heck, why do I even have to explain myself? Tsk, tsk. I cannot believe social media has created this mentality that saying something that does not necessarily good to something or someone is considered bullying.<br />
<br />
Like I am not entitled to my own thoughts and opinions. Puh-lease! Leave me alone and this tiny space I have in the world wide web. Choz! Sorry for the rambling. Sheryl might not even like me, too. So I guess the feeling is mutual. HAHAHA!<br />
<br />
Since I'm talking about not liking Sheryl Cruz, I would like to share another video where she is not included. I think this came out first before the <i>Breathless</i> cover. I'd have to say I like this even better.<br />
<br />
This was a cover of the Wilson Philips' song called "You're In Love". This got me all emotional. The feels. The memories. The nostalgia. It definitely hit a spot. And I can't stop watching it.<br />
<br />
<br />
</span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/fCBu-KIJ3RQ/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fCBu-KIJ3RQ?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<br />
I hope they will come out with an original song. I'm sure I'm not the only one who missed them.</span>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-18279024171071090352020-06-14T23:50:00.003-07:002021-04-08T22:48:04.339-07:00Getting My Groove Back - One Day At A Time<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJB3wHbnltg/XwAsMBk2gEI/AAAAAAAAI4k/S4rWwHW_WewvVBQNaL-r7RNbw35QrznIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Every-Cloud-Has-A-Silver-Lining.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1029" data-original-width="1600" height="410" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xJB3wHbnltg/XwAsMBk2gEI/AAAAAAAAI4k/S4rWwHW_WewvVBQNaL-r7RNbw35QrznIgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Every-Cloud-Has-A-Silver-Lining.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from https://www.magzter.com/article/Lifestyle/Transformation-Magazine/Every-Cloud-Has-A-Silver-Lining</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
For the past few days or maybe even weeks (I'm sorry but I have lost count or should I say I just stop counting anymore LOL!), sleep has eluded me.<br />
<br />
But today is a little different. After days of trouble sleeping, constantly waking up in the middle of the night and unable to go back to sleep, I finally found refuge.<br />
<br />
Last night, I slept at 9pm and woke up at 12:30am. I thought it was just another day of sleeplessness and restlessness. Surprisingly, I fell back to sleep and when I woke up it was past 4am! That was such a feat. I didn't try to go back to sleep anymore and went into my daily meditation. I hope this is the start. I wish it's the start of me getting my body clock to work normally as it should.<br />
<br />
As I sat for my morning meditation, I was grateful for the sleep that finally arrived. I do not know if this is just going to be for today. If it is then, I am still grateful. As they say, we should all take it one day at a time. Just like how we should take this pandemic.<br />
<br />
One day at a time.<br />
<br />
I know everyone is longing and praying for the day that a cure will be discovered and that soon we can all go back to the normal. The "old normal" not the new normal (If you can even call it normal). I long for the things that I used to do without the fear of contracting the virus.<br />
<br />
Today's meditation made me realize something. That there's a reason for all these things happening to us right now. We cannot hurry things. We have to wait for His time. His perfect timing. He is teaching us a lesson here. He is teaching us to appreciate all things that we used to take for granted when we are still living in the old normal. Like you know, a good night's sleep. When you just need to worry about your life and how to survive the week.<br />
<br />
Now, we have to think of everyone's welfare. We have to help each other out. Everyone's affected in this crisis.<br />
<br />
The rich and the poor. The virus does not discriminate.<br />
<br />
Those at the bottom part of society already feel the drastic effect, but even those rich people, they will eventually feel the impact of these trying times. Yeah, they might have all the money right now but eventually mawawalan rin. Mas mabagal nga lang ang effect compared to us who are in the lower part of the pyramid.<br />
<br />
Each and everyone of us is interconnected. The businesses need consumers. Consumers rely on businesses for their needs and wants. If there's anything that is susceptible to this pandemic it is none other than the health sector, whose business is to take care of people. Those who are sick and needed medical attention, but most especially those who are infected by the virus.<br />
<br />
But then again, if they lost all their people, all their doctors, nurses, etc. because of the virus then wala rin sila. Deads din ang business. That's why we really need to help each other out.<br />
<br />
I believe God wanted all this to happen so we can contemplate and learn our lesson. We need to be more compassionate. We need to learn how to be grateful for the things we have. We need to learn a very important lesson first so that everything that's happening to us right now will have a meaning and purpose.<br />
<br />
All the deaths and sacrifices will not be put in vain. Those people who died because of the pandemic won't die in vain. There should be a realization for all of us. Until then, probably that's the time this will all end.<br />
<br />
Of course, I really do hope it will be, soon. Very very soon. There's always a silver lining. ALWAYS. And when you hit rock bottom, you know, there's no other way but to go up.<br />
<br />
But seriously though, I needed this sleep (who doesn't?). I needed to wake up and be grateful for each morning with a good vibe. Because mornings are my silver linings. They always make me feel hopeful in whatever way it can.<br />
<br />
Every morning comes a new day, a new hope, a new beginning. So I'm taking it one day at a time.</span><br />Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-40930975790200079152020-04-10T02:47:00.003-07:002021-04-29T22:01:13.669-07:00Don't Tell Me I'm Beautiful, I Know.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQQagwPQy6k/XpBBZLvmxhI/AAAAAAAAIvE/dZF6YycAB9IKaYuOa-wD8Psmr10mfGMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/Pinocchio.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="292" data-original-width="300" height="622" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQQagwPQy6k/XpBBZLvmxhI/AAAAAAAAIvE/dZF6YycAB9IKaYuOa-wD8Psmr10mfGMpgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/Pinocchio.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . .photo from http://lionlamb-bowmanville.blogspot.com/2011/12/liar-liar-pants-on-fire.html</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Like in your face, lie to you?<br />
<br />
Sometimes I don't. Most of the time I do.<br />
<br />
For example, a stranger tells me that I look beautiful. Ding Ding! Lie. Liar.<br />
<br />
Another example. A colleague sat with me at the office cafeteria. For some unknown reason, randomly tells me how pretty I am that day. Ding Ding!. Lie, another liar.<br />
<br />
Of course, I don't tell that to their faces. I mean, a compliment is still a compliment. I don't need to be a moron and come out with nasty remarks.<br />
<br />
Whatever their intentions were, with or without malice, it's still a good response to say "thank you".<br />
<br />
But folks please be it known that I am beautiful not because I feel beautiful. <i>(A-ha, -i-claim ko na!)</i><br />
<br />
Know that I know you're lying because my beauty is not skin deep.<br />
<br />
It is from within.<br />
<br />
And I thank you.<br />
<br />
xjellybean74170</span>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-48616559420473718092020-04-09T07:32:00.004-07:002021-04-29T22:02:48.947-07:00The Thing About Korean Food<span style="font-size: medium;">I was browsing thru <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/RealAsianBeauty" target="_blank">Real Asian Beauty's</a> (or RAB for short) Youtube channel and saw some easy to do recipes that we also make at home. I noticed she makes a lot of Korean food.<br />
<br />
I watched one video where she tried to make the now famous Jjapaguri from the award winning movie Parasite.<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGQHQ6kwRQg/XpQSyiqzZlI/AAAAAAAAIvc/wbmwpaR9wioegjKw2JMNNwXrH0bpjuL_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/parasite-ramdon-cover_mxe1.960.webp" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="315" data-original-width="600" height="336" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lGQHQ6kwRQg/XpQSyiqzZlI/AAAAAAAAIvc/wbmwpaR9wioegjKw2JMNNwXrH0bpjuL_ACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/parasite-ramdon-cover_mxe1.960.webp" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from https://sea.mashable.com</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
I was entertained and amazed on how she was able to read Hangul.<br />
<br />
Then I watched her DIY samgyupsal video. Damn, I am seriously craving samgyupsal right now.<br />
<br />
I blame Itaewon Class for that. Not to mention, BEER.<br />
<br />
I feel so stupid for not stocking up on beers. Tapioca, the wiser one was able to buy several bottles of his liquor of choice. Right on time before the liquor ban. Good for him.<br />
<br />
I thought Coke and soft drinks were enough. Now the stress from all the anxieties makes me want to drink beer.<br />
<br />
But again, I blame Itaewon Class. I should have not watched it. Lol!<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Io2I7fDn9E/XpQV-R11jsI/AAAAAAAAIvw/OJsGoG1iuzM2UsefeNtXoIRTkNpOspnrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/1soju.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="950" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_Io2I7fDn9E/XpQV-R11jsI/AAAAAAAAIvw/OJsGoG1iuzM2UsefeNtXoIRTkNpOspnrgCLcBGAsYHQ/s640/1soju.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from https://news.abs-cbn.com</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pf54YWpIFw/XpQV-K9VRJI/AAAAAAAAIvo/BNgMYnrs9OMMAa71i0rTCsSCfGrs804NwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBxl8U-0MUoYhLFcQKJxocoCuha_vhmJYs2FmFkAAq-MgkzzPSpti5MgbjLfT8EutNNlra6G_ox7bgo1B_xd7cGq8UIMjfs9S4M5buJV0buL6qBZ6LBJWmaGwUOthbmZfL-etjkKhvXd-d_IRdsrlcq5ZQ2aISNCB23-GrlHC-c9w-VHiaYp2T94oITQxgxZFM7tYluGjmKI-PKB9aR6I9NqBHlgUJuhZVEYINsu9KwfGnyaWw6FhSDgk0ohPrCC-YSIf4PGpBOPr1EpJx8Rvprmc6Q70whLtOrfw84mbvX9JUXTK3y2XOpNK-U7i8NpiypW2e98pElyVduhZpOUF1YS8VNx5lFAi8KCWZQ-szSz_T_0DFq3KiRpXa7GfOxj-kcc1RyhadPxFaBWZtPK56Vd9479O2cBZTc55YLsgBHHLIuF6oNiWuS51iZlryOieWXJ-7igadmi5RvJsHyROvkbpypeOqOstbanpx1riJOY9TQljxL6M35dsb8qAWAurjRbYVoHGDp6yHBuxhA1C9LmFFu0sRWgaHWh5r9RMO2YSDrzEg-6hpWIgOEkIshTFT4mNolUVZWNI5gXLkDKhV0q3QXNGG5WbwqMIux0PQF/s1600/itaewonclass-05-00032.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_pf54YWpIFw/XpQV-K9VRJI/AAAAAAAAIvo/BNgMYnrs9OMMAa71i0rTCsSCfGrs804NwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoBxl8U-0MUoYhLFcQKJxocoCuha_vhmJYs2FmFkAAq-MgkzzPSpti5MgbjLfT8EutNNlra6G_ox7bgo1B_xd7cGq8UIMjfs9S4M5buJV0buL6qBZ6LBJWmaGwUOthbmZfL-etjkKhvXd-d_IRdsrlcq5ZQ2aISNCB23-GrlHC-c9w-VHiaYp2T94oITQxgxZFM7tYluGjmKI-PKB9aR6I9NqBHlgUJuhZVEYINsu9KwfGnyaWw6FhSDgk0ohPrCC-YSIf4PGpBOPr1EpJx8Rvprmc6Q70whLtOrfw84mbvX9JUXTK3y2XOpNK-U7i8NpiypW2e98pElyVduhZpOUF1YS8VNx5lFAi8KCWZQ-szSz_T_0DFq3KiRpXa7GfOxj-kcc1RyhadPxFaBWZtPK56Vd9479O2cBZTc55YLsgBHHLIuF6oNiWuS51iZlryOieWXJ-7igadmi5RvJsHyROvkbpypeOqOstbanpx1riJOY9TQljxL6M35dsb8qAWAurjRbYVoHGDp6yHBuxhA1C9LmFFu0sRWgaHWh5r9RMO2YSDrzEg-6hpWIgOEkIshTFT4mNolUVZWNI5gXLkDKhV0q3QXNGG5WbwqMIux0PQF/s640/itaewonclass-05-00032.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from http://www.dramabeans.com</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out those beer bottles in the background. I'm not sure what they are but I am salivating like crazy! Man, oh man. I am so gonna stock up on beer when the liquor ban is lifted.<br />
<br />
I'm also dreaming of having something like this at home. . .<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJFrJOApAOc/XpQV-d64JvI/AAAAAAAAIv0/zpD_51hMABMZZblupl2tLdEbPU-uheEMwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDJBi5afF3L0d_NLmxyQjJnmHrnmv1IeReYwuz0HKTPEqcYlrhuq6OinssJHksVwTH6E0u5sJCgleFB_TOmzjTceQZ9XHlWKZN7aBghncWl8L75LgTIMqLWdaHbYXx7O94IGLkgTjFDy778C76nMrmjsWT77t6vwt3xDodWzyPrzOnKV1axuJNIDmjZWiTNDLGD7roD7RcLx07A2nn5R2HB-dZqYXHAei-Bto9lr50iQWKLubbr4pGwu2kaWSONigMArMFvQYbmt2YnYxsxsnO5IiY8DwH7M4MnNkf-bdZARf6OI4K6tURDDBEjuDU-T_OyrWbFrLEA8yQwM-hEBNPOHJmL8Udx52WX3-UoUb2rShu19tbbJC82NCbpAQp1WgMK4fKOEB3NV4SrDdG4n7yOCsm6pCLyfforVivckPKnTVs7_DeAJHaUcU_oIJRbGkAPtnXi-7bi7YtKPXgu4yDhHizM5jfdf_xtfEmOq6NHt5A6apaYGq9w_o3fNCagu15oayRYw0EHGJS42X6u32BLcIJa8F_aj6v_o-phY0utbyk-xaSUpEIyXDmbwT8G4kWv76YDNhEVaLeE4t6f_N66v6c97jVoVfOZMO-y0PQF/s1600/5y7d93e9jba11.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-oJFrJOApAOc/XpQV-d64JvI/AAAAAAAAIv0/zpD_51hMABMZZblupl2tLdEbPU-uheEMwCEwYBhgLKs4DAMBZVoDJBi5afF3L0d_NLmxyQjJnmHrnmv1IeReYwuz0HKTPEqcYlrhuq6OinssJHksVwTH6E0u5sJCgleFB_TOmzjTceQZ9XHlWKZN7aBghncWl8L75LgTIMqLWdaHbYXx7O94IGLkgTjFDy778C76nMrmjsWT77t6vwt3xDodWzyPrzOnKV1axuJNIDmjZWiTNDLGD7roD7RcLx07A2nn5R2HB-dZqYXHAei-Bto9lr50iQWKLubbr4pGwu2kaWSONigMArMFvQYbmt2YnYxsxsnO5IiY8DwH7M4MnNkf-bdZARf6OI4K6tURDDBEjuDU-T_OyrWbFrLEA8yQwM-hEBNPOHJmL8Udx52WX3-UoUb2rShu19tbbJC82NCbpAQp1WgMK4fKOEB3NV4SrDdG4n7yOCsm6pCLyfforVivckPKnTVs7_DeAJHaUcU_oIJRbGkAPtnXi-7bi7YtKPXgu4yDhHizM5jfdf_xtfEmOq6NHt5A6apaYGq9w_o3fNCagu15oayRYw0EHGJS42X6u32BLcIJa8F_aj6v_o-phY0utbyk-xaSUpEIyXDmbwT8G4kWv76YDNhEVaLeE4t6f_N66v6c97jVoVfOZMO-y0PQF/s640/5y7d93e9jba11.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . beer vending machine!!! how cool is that?!? (photo from https://www.reddit.com)</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
</span></div><div><span style="font-size: medium;">Beer and samgyupsal. When this (<strike>quarantine)</strike>pandemic is over, I'm definitely lining up at Samgyupsalamat.<br />
<br />
Going back to RAB's channel, I watched another video where she tried to create Japchae.<br />
<br />
Unlike her Jjapaguri, I was having some doubts about her procedures. Questions like why does she have to separate the marination of the mushroom and meat? I mean, same marinade but why separate? Then I found out it's because she was gonna cook it separately. But the most cringe-y of them all was when they were putting all the ingredients together. It felt so wrong to be mixing everything in such a small shallow dish.<br />
<br />
I felt violated. Err wrong word. Violated is such a strong word. I felt sorry for the person mixing it. And I felt bad because I cannot unsee what I've seen. Suddenly, I felt the need to watch how a freakin' Japchae is supposed to be made.<br />
<br />
I went to Maangchi's channel and I'm so glad I did. By the way, Maangi is one of my favorite Korean bloggers/authors. I did not know if she was a blogger first or vlogger or an author first. All I know, as soon as I started reading her recipes and stories online, I can tell this girl knows what she's talking about.<br />
<br />
So while I was watching Maangchi make her Japchae, I could not help but compare it to RAB.<br />
<br />
I realized I can't really blame RAB for trying to make her own Japchae based on how she knew it was done and what she had in her kitchen.<br />
<br />
I mean, I too had my shortcomings in making home cooked meals. As a homemaker, I should have known that everyone needs to improvise, come up with an alternative or substitute in order to whip up a meal.<br />
<br />
So again, I should have known better.<br />
<br />
By the way, I am so buying these metal mixing bowls. I need them in my life!!! I need them for baking, mixing sauces, marinades, and making my first japchae, just like Maanchi's.<br />
<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcXDYujeY_U/XpQiozdAUfI/AAAAAAAAIv8/ZdpaYLmv4HQIdtl7k9rmynbq1YJIpOnRACLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/41Q3I-qm5UL._AC_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="345" data-original-width="490" height="450" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BcXDYujeY_U/XpQiozdAUfI/AAAAAAAAIv8/ZdpaYLmv4HQIdtl7k9rmynbq1YJIpOnRACLcBGAsYHQ/s640/41Q3I-qm5UL._AC_.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from https://www.amazon.com</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
While watching Maangchi, I realized some similarities between Koreans and the French on how they prepare their food. An example would be the way Maangchi cooked each and every ingredient for the Japchae separately to keep the colors of the vegetables. I have seen the same method from a French cook before. Both almost always used fresh and colorful ingredients.<br />
<br />
Let's not forget, Koreans cannot live without banchan or side dishes. It is like how the French must have 3 or 4 courses per meal. French and Koreans have high regards to their cuisine. Even when they are out of the country, they insist on having food that's familiar to them.<br />
<br />
But I guess I can't say that in general. Koreans and French are now adapting or eating different types of cuisine due to globalization. Say for example, burgers are becoming a trend in France. The French people finally embrace fast food. Same thing with Koreans. They are now eating non traditional Korean food such as fried chicken and pizza.<br />
<br />
So what is the sense of this post? Hmmm wala lang. I just find it amusing. That's all. Sorry for wasting your time. Hahaha.<br /></span>
<br /></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-90165190959381020452020-04-01T23:20:00.002-07:002021-04-29T22:03:18.143-07:00No Excuses<span style="font-size: medium;">It's the first day of the month. The first quarter of the year is done. We are now halfway through the month-long enhanced community quarantine. In two weeks time, my little Pumpkin is turning one.<br />
</span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeTjQR9DEV4/XpE1sDueiHI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/NOJ_xtmRRAYvN6MyvGg6VNXdkcmrqzC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s1600/first.png" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="218" data-original-width="231" height="300" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GeTjQR9DEV4/XpE1sDueiHI/AAAAAAAAIvQ/NOJ_xtmRRAYvN6MyvGg6VNXdkcmrqzC-QCLcBGAsYHQ/s320/first.png" width="320" /></span></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . photo from http://starrygoldacademy.com/successtips/first-quarter-of-the-year-has-gone-are-you-making-progress-2/</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
So what have I accomplished so far being stuck at home with ample time in my hand?<br />
<br />
<br />
1. Published blog posts that were long overdue.<br />
<br />
2. Caught up with watching movies and TV shows.<br />
<br />
3. Spent a lot of time with Tapioca and the kids.<br />
<br />
4. Caught up on ZZZ.<br />
<br />
5. Woke up and slept on time like a normal human being.<br />
<br />
6. Practiced my cooking skills again.<br />
<br />
7. Organized some of my photos and documents on my computer.<br />
<br />
<br />
Things that I'm still putting off at this time.<br />
<br />
1. Clearing/getting rid of the house clutter.<br />
<br />
2. Sorting out clothes in my closet and the kids' closet.<br />
<br />
3. Organizing my paper clutter and shredding documents.<br />
<br />
<br />
Isn't it obvious, the things that I've been putting off are the things that I hate doing? Though I have all the time now due to the quarantine, I am still not going through them.<br />
<br />
There are also things that I still needed to work on especially with the kids.<br />
<br />
Munchkin still needs a lot of help in practicing how to read. Pumpkin needs to get used to eating solid food. He's turning one soon and he is still not used to eating solid food. I get myself to blame for all these.<br />
<br />
I still got a couple more weeks left. No one knows if the quarantine will be extended or not. Part of me wishes that we can all go back to normal soon. The other part can't imagine going back to normal too soon. There's just too many uncertainties. <br />
<br />
One thing's for sure, though. I need to stop slacking off. I need to tick off all the things on my to-do list before the quarantine ends. Even if it gets extended. I have no excuse. None at all.</span>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-51314539953664831632020-03-08T05:54:00.003-07:002021-08-19T20:25:07.794-07:00Blogging Again<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img alt="Image result for work in progress" class="n3VNCb" data-noaft="1" height="183" src="https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcTJdi4oYCM_B9xUzieMjtwNdjZNSMwzoUmVNctymTQRV0xbygn3" style="height: 110.113px; margin: 38.3938px auto; width: 383px;" width="640" /></span></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">...image from writingexplained.org</span></i></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Why, hello there. I checked my blog and was surprised to see that my last post was 2 years ago. Amazing.</span><br />
<br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Like I always say, I try. Like literally trying to get this blog updated. I have created sooooo many drafted posts waiting to be published. Hay, life. My life.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Yesterday, I read </span><a href="http://tinatagle.com/" style="white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">Ms. Tina Tagle’s</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> post on her blog. She is finally saying goodbye to blogging. I’m one of her regular readers and I know that this was not the first time she tried to stop blogging. I hope it’s just one of those phases she is going through. If not, then the blogging world just lost one of the very few who are truly authentic bloggers. They are getting very extinct. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Anyways, going back to my blog, I just wanted to let you know that I am still very much into blogging. And I’m not thinking of quitting. Not yet. I’m actually still working on updating it. I just needed to organize all of my photos so it will be easier to remember events as they happened. </span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">So there. Hopefully, I get it done soon. I have tons of photos waiting to be posted. My Instagram account is much more updated but most of the time they’re not really on time. Latergram, that’s my game.</span><br />
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span>
<span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Until then I hope y’all bear with me. I’m getting there. Almost. Just not quite. But I’m almost there.</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Peace, love and a bullet-proof marshmallow y’all!
</span><br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">xJellybean74170</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">PS. I just remember. This month is supposedly my anniversary month for blogging, so yay for a new blog post. Yay to another supposedly anniversary if I may call that. Seems like this is the only constant happening in this blog. Me posting on my anniversary month. But whatevs! Lolz!</span></span>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-54469324483810964752020-02-02T16:25:00.001-08:002021-08-25T19:09:14.177-07:00Tapioca and Munchkin Bonding Time At Bonifacio High Street<p><span style="font-size: medium;">The Munchkin has been practicing riding her scooter every chance she gets. After getting her a scooter as a gift last year, Tapioca has been bringing her to the park, basketball court or any open spaces she’s free to scoot around. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">She’s actually getting really good at it. She finally knows how to use the break and how to steer from left to right. Munchkin is mostly practicing inside the house much to my annoyance. You see, we live on the 2nd floor of a small rise condo and the last thing I want to hear is a complaint from the downstairs neighbor. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">However, their practice session stopped when Tapioca got <a href="https://jellybean74170.blogspot.com/2020/01/tapioca-and-dengue-fever.html" target="_blank">hospitalized</a>. Munchkin has been asking when they will go back to the park again. It finally happened last Sunday.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnmx0Es47Uw/YSWL7T8gZfI/AAAAAAAAJQo/BG-ZY1vsqQ0rku0JT3Sxx4jjerWci_W1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2040/IMG_9144.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2040" data-original-width="1530" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wnmx0Es47Uw/YSWL7T8gZfI/AAAAAAAAJQo/BG-ZY1vsqQ0rku0JT3Sxx4jjerWci_W1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9144.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . Tapioca and Munchkin</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Here are some of the clips Tapioca took with this phone. The second video almost gave me a heart attack. I kinda freaked out seeing how fast the cars/vehicles were going. At first, it sorta looked like Munchkin would go straight to the other side of the road.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwS3ogwiIbkwlhnoMUEAe4rEaikpvzoUIdLbRmIZBqL5wXTxxsk1ompex9yABbpD5xI0JIDjN_-Yd1LrUTtww' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx3QPutkRF3sAWMazTtRe_kzsiR_oJHIwP9X1hQ0psDBdeM9VEBZ20T8kVthY_a4LweVBx1Ds_iP6EhV-pE-w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tapioca rationalized that Munchkin was still far from the road and that there was a good 12 feet before it hit the road. Hmmm. I’m not sure. I guess I’m not convinced. Hahahaha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">When the little girl got tired, she asked for some donuts. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Time for some refreshment. You bet these guys had fun. 😁</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZFgCQPj93o/YSWM0Cw0BeI/AAAAAAAAJQw/TjBQvMLM9ZspkJBtonAIxsMNEiJS7i_dACLcBGAsYHQ/s2040/IMG_9145.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1530" data-original-width="2040" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TZFgCQPj93o/YSWM0Cw0BeI/AAAAAAAAJQw/TjBQvMLM9ZspkJBtonAIxsMNEiJS7i_dACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_9145.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">time for some donuts . . . </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I am thankful Tapioca is such a devoted father. I am thankful because I can rely on him to take care of the kids even if me or the nannies are not around. I am thankful because he always makes an effort to spend time with the kids. No matter how tired or sleep deprived he is.</span></p><div><br /></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-10101646343416663732020-01-29T17:01:00.001-08:002021-08-25T19:08:11.818-07:00Delijo's Banh Mi<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I used to hate cilantro. I know hate is such a strong word but that’s exactly how I felt whenever I encountered the herb in my food specifically in Mexican cuisine. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Just like cilantro, baguette was my least favorite carb. Even if it’s the most expensive one from a high end Boulangerie. I just can’t seem to appreciate it. Prolly because I am accustomed to the soft, pillowy bread like what most Japanese bread makers would offer. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">All of these, to the disappointment of Tapioca who adores anything Mexican and everything that is good and crusty bread like a French baguette. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Everything changed when I got pregnant with little pumpkin. When hormones were crazy and my taste buds became weird. Suddenly, I was craving for anything with cilantro. The smell and taste was just too enticing. I can’t help but eat anything with it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It started with the Beef Thai noodles that oozed such strong cilantro flavor. Then the Banh Mi. These things I used to ignore and couldn't care less about pre pregnancy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Unforch, I do not have any pictures of the stall where I get my Beef Thai Noodle fix. But I am aware that they have multiple stores around the city. The place is called Sen Luk Thai. I am not sure how authentic their food is but during my pregnancy cravings, I couldn't care less. In fact, I actually dream of travelling to Thailand and Vietnam. Hahaha!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I do have photos and videos of my favorite Bahn Mi stall. Again, I can't vouch for their authenticity but pregnant me back then loved every bit of it. I thought my taste bud would fail me once pregnancy is over. However, until this day, I am forever changed. My heart now belongs to anything with cilantro.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC5nu62w_mM/YSWTYsinrnI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/PFFaVZvNvBMWky8oFgusuKuJaawWwENGACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9133.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dC5nu62w_mM/YSWTYsinrnI/AAAAAAAAJQ4/PFFaVZvNvBMWky8oFgusuKuJaawWwENGACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9133.JPG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . delijo at the food court of robinsons forum in pioneer st.</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BMEDGlBu1M/YSWUHzn5kdI/AAAAAAAAJRI/F09Zl3_8Zn0olFAbUohW0SE5L9y9qVZhQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9134.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/--BMEDGlBu1M/YSWUHzn5kdI/AAAAAAAAJRI/F09Zl3_8Zn0olFAbUohW0SE5L9y9qVZhQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9134.JPEG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">traditional baguette, my favorite! . . . </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsXqKBjoiAA/YSWUMnJbuRI/AAAAAAAAJRM/4BuOZgP93ZM--mDg_suIrRP1NmF4PL2JACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9135.JPEG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LsXqKBjoiAA/YSWUMnJbuRI/AAAAAAAAJRM/4BuOZgP93ZM--mDg_suIrRP1NmF4PL2JACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9135.JPEG" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>. . . fresh spring rolls, but I prefer the fried version </i>😉</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">For the record, I've only tried two places that offer Bahn Mi. Banh Mi Kitchen and Delijo. I can say that I prefer Delijo over Banh Mi Kitchen. It's hard to explain but I think their Bahn Mi's are two worlds apart. From the baguette used, to the butter, meat and pâté, everything is just not the same. For me, Delijo wins quality wise.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I love Delijo for it's consistency. I know making a sandwich is as easy as ABC but I commend Delijo for being consistent. I really, really love them. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Check out this video, where the staff was being generous in putting cilantro in my sandwich per my request 😊</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz4fIDXm5tN1Wkmd4mNxeXJWD0OJT4ee2_tmui_K94M0itwm8qIIH8oIFq2mzQjmCU1Hr1RReTFmXDNWBQ7hg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><br />Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-83656930828861337342020-01-28T17:40:00.001-08:002021-08-13T19:24:12.409-07:00I Quit!<p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Nope. Not blogging, duh!</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Today, I came across this message from Teri Hatcher’s Instagram account . . .</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYv5f919hlc/YRXNNcbDuXI/AAAAAAAAJQM/mRxjRmb-TLEr85KkOTVILiCJHryMy3z9ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1552/CD529CE4-A300-4C7F-93E3-30E6F601DB46.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1552" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yYv5f919hlc/YRXNNcbDuXI/AAAAAAAAJQM/mRxjRmb-TLEr85KkOTVILiCJHryMy3z9ACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/CD529CE4-A300-4C7F-93E3-30E6F601DB46.jpg" width="512" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">If you’re going to quit anything, QUIT being lazy, QUIT making excuses and QUIT waiting for the right time.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Bull’s eye! Big time. Need to get off my lazy a**. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Thank you, Teri! Mwah 💋 </span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-17264832141220204522020-01-26T17:32:00.001-08:002021-08-13T19:15:48.020-07:00Lunar New Year 2020<p><span style="font-size: medium;"> <span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Lunar New Year!</span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utKxSBPgXKU/YRXLNgIQdwI/AAAAAAAAJQE/EwxbPnR-5voa0pkdKdc_PwT69diGWT_kwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/lunar%2Bnew%2Byear%2B2020.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1386" data-original-width="2048" height="434" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utKxSBPgXKU/YRXLNgIQdwI/AAAAAAAAJQE/EwxbPnR-5voa0pkdKdc_PwT69diGWT_kwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h434/lunar%2Bnew%2Byear%2B2020.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>. . . photo from <a href="https://www.thestar.com/life/horoscope/2020/01/22/lunar-new-year-horoscope-for-2020-the-year-of-the-rat.html">here</a></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">How was your new year? If you ask about us, nothing much really. We were just at home like a regular weekend. Tapioca is still recovering so we are stuck at home. Though we were able to attend the mass yesterday afternoon. But that’s about it. No fancy meal, no festivities. Nada. </span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-73181717837900155012020-01-21T15:48:00.001-08:002021-08-12T17:21:35.992-07:00Tapioca and Dengue Fever<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week, Tapioca fought with dengue fever. It was hell.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAgF8-QazH8/YK7rtp20gJI/AAAAAAAAJNI/pQxChsBjIhsATjqv1UZsmO-fTT6u4NO1wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_9077.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAgF8-QazH8/YK7rtp20gJI/AAAAAAAAJNI/pQxChsBjIhsATjqv1UZsmO-fTT6u4NO1wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_9077.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . spot Tapioca</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">It started with him complaining about some itchy insect bite around his arm. He didn’t know and couldn’t tell where he got it from. Not even sure if it’s mosquito bites. I mean, it could be bed bugs or something. All he could say, it was damn itchy.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sunday morning, he started to have a fever. Despite feeling feverish he was able to go to the market, prepared and cooked food for the supposed drinking party with his officemates at home.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">By lunchtime, he could not bear to stand let alone sit and accommodate his friends. He was in bed all day running with a very high fever (39 degrees which never went down even when he took paracetamol). Munchkin and I entertained his guests. We didn’t even know Taal Volcano erupted while we partied.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Monday and his fever was still up. He was having diarrhea and having difficulty eating. All he wanted was to lay down in bed. He went to a nearby clinic and was prescribed some antibiotics. The doctor advised him to get CBC if the fever never goes down by Wednesday.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I took his temperature again as soon as I got home from work. It was at 40 degrees. I wanted to give him some water bath to help lower down the fever but then I noticed the rashes. He insisted those are his freckles and not rashes.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>It was night time so I wasn't sure. I went online and </span><span>checked again. I</span><span> read all the signs of dengue fever. He had all the signs except for vomiting and bleeding. I told him we will not wait till Wednesday for the CBC. We will get one in the morning.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Tuesday morning came and he woke me up saying he needed to go to the hospital as he was feeling really bad and having hallucinations.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">We rushed to Makati Medical Center’s ER and got confirmation that he was indeed having dengue fever. Since it’s his 2nd time (he previously had dengue fever when he was younger), the symptoms were more severe.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">He was very weak and helpless. Getting up was such a pain. I couldn’t stand all the blood extractions. I imagine how difficult it could have been for very young children if they got infected. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I thought of our kids, Munchkin and Pumpkin. I prayed and asked for protection so that they may be spared. I prayed Tapioca will get better soon and avoid all complications. It was all I could do. PRAY.</span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-34177683242506014992020-01-06T18:02:00.001-08:002021-05-05T18:38:24.526-07:00Pumpkin’s Bapstism<p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">We finally got the pictures from Pumpkin’s baptismal day. Usually, it just takes two weeks to get them from our trusted photographer but because of the holidays it took quite some time. I was so excited to go through them after receiving it last Sunday.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Pumpkin got baptized at a local church near our place. I have been going here ever since I was a little girl. The church had gone through major changes and renovations over the years. I’d say it’s current state is the most beautiful it has ever been. It now has a bell tower with the most beautiful sound.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFyBcigJABI/YGq59fgVuXI/AAAAAAAAJLE/62NCImoyks8EWkht59OcPL6fKqgHPRAywCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AFyBcigJABI/YGq59fgVuXI/AAAAAAAAJLE/62NCImoyks8EWkht59OcPL6fKqgHPRAywCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSC00018.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: justify;">Unfortunately, solo baptism was only available from Tuesday to Friday. In consideration for guests who were available during weekends only, we joined the mass baptism on a Sunday. It was Immaculate Conception Sunday. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There were 26 kids who received the sacrament of baptism that day. It was a chaos. It was so hot because the electric fans were turned off. They turned it off so as not to extinguish the candles during the ceremony. Imagine all the people especially the kids sweating it all out like we were in a big sauna room.</div></span><div><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHifCK1j5RY/YGq6r3zUGbI/AAAAAAAAJLU/xBZ33uCDxH8VrAxWBvC-qXCBfTA5mtmKACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00235.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHifCK1j5RY/YGq6r3zUGbI/AAAAAAAAJLU/xBZ33uCDxH8VrAxWBvC-qXCBfTA5mtmKACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSC00235.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m glad I got pumpkin a baptismal outfit in cotton fabric. And thankfully the baptismal rite didn’t take that long despite the number of children being baptized. When Father finished blessing all the kids, everyone had to fight off a spot at the altar for photo op.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc1uDmYAnvI/YGq7DAmHZYI/AAAAAAAAJLc/1utdeayKfuAvelG7G0_CMK2at5vq0BTGwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00457.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1365" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gc1uDmYAnvI/YGq7DAmHZYI/AAAAAAAAJLc/1utdeayKfuAvelG7G0_CMK2at5vq0BTGwCLcBGAsYHQ/w426-h640/DSC00457.jpg" width="426" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A6PVKkbjhM/YGq7VaVR2RI/AAAAAAAAJLk/okyS7LDc5G4T9T3vmIc87sV8JOY5ZJ0cwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00465.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8A6PVKkbjhM/YGq7VaVR2RI/AAAAAAAAJLk/okyS7LDc5G4T9T3vmIc87sV8JOY5ZJ0cwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSC00465.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qB29vf28gc/YGq70E-3fkI/AAAAAAAAJLs/dvhj5SdDZdIYvVzn6whruRy6BFFtIZ9lgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00483.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3qB29vf28gc/YGq70E-3fkI/AAAAAAAAJLs/dvhj5SdDZdIYvVzn6whruRy6BFFtIZ9lgCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSC00483.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">We made a rush to the other side of the altar. Not as pretty as the one in the center but good enough for the church picture souvenir. We did not take a lot of photos because there were other families waiting for their turn. Also, we had to rush for our reservation at Gino’s. They're only giving 15 minutes to hold on to our reserved tables.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wImU7tq4YH0/YGq8CgPncyI/AAAAAAAAJLw/D8m3vP8F0hYgmFMn5hX5yg1_tEcVbWNgwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/DSC00800.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wImU7tq4YH0/YGq8CgPncyI/AAAAAAAAJLw/D8m3vP8F0hYgmFMn5hX5yg1_tEcVbWNgwCLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h426/DSC00800.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Reception at Gino’s Brick Oven Pizza in Serendra.</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Will make more kwento when I feel like it *wink, wink* Hahaha! </span></p></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-80675562698480766622019-12-29T17:50:00.001-08:002021-05-13T17:17:50.864-07:00Help, The Grinch Is Back!<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">The holiday season wasn’t the easiest. Not when the devil is lurking around making me feel sad and bad all the time.</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
We still have no nannies/househelp, I'm still not feeling well and miserable. Tapioca is working on New Year' Eve and I’m left alone with the kids. One of them, cranky and fussy because he’s teething and not feeling well, too. Once again, I felt like I failed motherhood. I failed my kids.
But I refused to feel what I was feeling. I fought the Grinch trying to steal my happiness. I reminded myself that this season is not about me. Not about my feelings or about failing. I reminded myself of the true meaning of this season.</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
Let's count my blessings, shall we?</span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">
I'm thankful I’m home for the holidays. It’s not every year that happens. I’m thankful it was me who’s watching the kids and spending the holidays with them at home. Kebs if there’s no yaya. Kebs if the house is a mess. My kids couldn’t even care less for as long as mommy's there to take care of them and their needs.
</span></span></p><div><br /></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-47411871649502791832019-12-26T23:39:00.001-08:002021-04-07T23:53:24.319-07:00Surviving Christmas<p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">This is probably one of the saddest Christmas of my life. Tapioca working on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. No nannies around. No home cooked meals. No Noche Buena. No kids around. They were at my brothers’. Me all alone at home sick and feeling miserable. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">I’m just glad I survived. I hibernated. I took all the rest I could and took all the meds I needed. I don't want to be sick until New Year’s. That’s gonna be really sad.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">I looked at my social media feed and saw all those wonderful photos of friends and families all complete for the holidays. I can’t help but wonder. I asked myself “Do I feel jealous? Am I getting green with envy?” Hmmm maybe. Not. I have to double check. But seriously I wasn’t. In fact I was inspired.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Instead of sulking and being bitter and miserable I chose otherwise. I took all those happy photos as inspiration for our next Christmas. As a matter of fact, I already jotted down notes and made plans on how we will celebrate Christmas next year.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Because of this experience, I’ve learned something and realized that this quote is oh so true:
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happiness is a state of mind.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happiness is a choice.</span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-60765780629927155912019-12-14T21:52:00.004-08:002021-05-05T18:29:25.154-07:00Our Christmas Tree is Up<div style="text-align: left;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">I finally decided to put up our Christmas tree last night. Unlike the past years, I somehow felt indifferent. It's like I wasn’t excited. Like I did not feel happy at all. It was strange. Setting up the tree has been a tradition that I look forward to. It always makes me happy and excited for the holidays.</span></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJqZaLvv2oE/YHaJawh59KI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/xqvrXSOT5P0Q05_Sji4a5sxN2Z7st0rOACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8725.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MJqZaLvv2oE/YHaJawh59KI/AAAAAAAAJMQ/xqvrXSOT5P0Q05_Sji4a5sxN2Z7st0rOACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8725.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">However, it was different yesterday.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb8dOUMpco4/YHaJsXnV8FI/AAAAAAAAJMY/5QmUSOXQ2XUYY7Tx1nQxdbkEqtcPbMoxQCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8728.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-qb8dOUMpco4/YHaJsXnV8FI/AAAAAAAAJMY/5QmUSOXQ2XUYY7Tx1nQxdbkEqtcPbMoxQCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8728.jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Munchkin was sick. She was not in the mood and didn’t feel like helping in putting the decors. She missed her class’ Christmas presentation. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dztqLiEU_4Az2ZkhyN6mHp47AueRvFEIte1KCX84UptYThPRScppmO4TuJu1flafhnNhgZZ8CC-1hJJe387Zg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p></p><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Yesterday was supposed to be the Christmas presentation before the school break. Tapioca didn't allow us to attend because Munchkin was still not feeling well. He said we needed to let her rest so as not to repeat what happened from her last school activity. You can read about it <a href="https://jellybean74170.blogspot.com/2019/09/stress-again-and-again.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><p style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">Once again, I felt bad. This is the 2nd time she got sick when they were supposed to have a school program. Last time was during Linggo ng Wika. She was already high with fever but insisted on joining the program.</span></p><div><br /></div></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;">I was sad and disappointed. I mean, this was supposed to be another first for our Little Munchkin but what can I do? Who would have thought that this would happen again, being sick again before the school presentation? Am I being a bad Mom? Am I not taking care of her well? The stress and anxiety was killing me so I thought maybe putting up the Christmas tree would help.</span></span></div><span><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div></span></span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4ln0Z-1HFQ/YHaKofKJ6rI/AAAAAAAAJMg/gfklKoUJchwvNQy4ZRhC29_YIkWO-t2egCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8726.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-t4ln0Z-1HFQ/YHaKofKJ6rI/AAAAAAAAJMg/gfklKoUJchwvNQy4ZRhC29_YIkWO-t2egCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8726.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>Going back to my Christmas tree, I find the color theme and the floral decors boring. Or maybe the right words would be sad and depressing? I felt that it didn't spark joy. What do you think? </span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: medium;"><span>I know my Christmas tree is fake and cheap but the decors did not help. It somehow made it look more cheap. It also felt lifeless. I was so sorry it felt so fake. It just made me feel more sad than I already was. </span><span><br /></span><span><br /></span><span>I swear, I'm going to get rid of those decors when Christmas is over. I wouldn't even think of recycling them. So sorry Mother Earth.</span></span></div></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-59148582863755570612019-12-13T23:36:00.012-08:002021-05-05T18:41:03.913-07:00Munchkin's First Field Trip<p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">It’s Munchkin’s first field trip today. I’m so glad I insisted on Tapioca to join us. </span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">When the school announced this year’s field trip, we were apprehensive of joining because of the steep price. Php 1,700 for kids and Php 1,800 for adults. Well it’s reasonable if it’s just Munchkin. But if all three of us join, that will be Php 5,300. If you think about it, we can spend that amount for an overnight trip out of town.
</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tapioca said one of us will have to stay and that’s gonna be him since he has work. I thought about it. If it’s just me and Munchkin, who’s gonna take our pictures? Who will watch over our stuff on the bus during the stopover? Or when we need to go to the loo? Who am I gonna talk to aside from Munchkin? I don’t know anyone there except from Munchkin’s teachers. I’m anti-social na kasi hahaha. So I insisted he join. This is our daughter’s first field trip. We should not miss it. Kebs na sa gastos. That’s why both of us are working so we can provide these experiences.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar7X_qSP5fU/YGqFDt9RGFI/AAAAAAAAJKg/KTdy8p-S9LYlZLqqVZjb2CGommXtqgWxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8248.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Ar7X_qSP5fU/YGqFDt9RGFI/AAAAAAAAJKg/KTdy8p-S9LYlZLqqVZjb2CGommXtqgWxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8248.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . the little munchkin woke up early and excited for the day</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB39hMl9iME/YGqFDifwYHI/AAAAAAAAJKk/9geKAPPVRHUwZrKL46VW_SqGd7zL1PgxwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8250.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LB39hMl9iME/YGqFDifwYHI/AAAAAAAAJKk/9geKAPPVRHUwZrKL46VW_SqGd7zL1PgxwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8250.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">eating instant noodles that daddy cooked for breakfast . . .</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Se7kApbhTwg/YGqFDpJOMrI/AAAAAAAAJKo/HDvMjtsMYUwatLSGfw-73zh2OAPO1UQzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_8251.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Se7kApbhTwg/YGqFDpJOMrI/AAAAAAAAJKo/HDvMjtsMYUwatLSGfw-73zh2OAPO1UQzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_8251.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . slurp, slurp, slurp!!!</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div style="text-align: justify;">As I was saying, I’m glad Tapioca joined us. He woke up extra early today and made egg salad sandwiches which we will bring as baon. He also packed Munchkin’s stuff - extra clothes, snacks, towels, etc. When I woke up, he was cooking instant noodles for breakfast. All Munchkin and I had to do was eat, take a shower and get ready. Awesome, right? I didn't even ask him to do all these. Nagkusa ang lolo nyo.</div></span><div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Part of me wanted to scold myself. Because I’m the mother. I should be responsible for doing those things. I should be the one taking care of them. </span></div><p></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYfdTrROMqY/YGqFPD7JX4I/AAAAAAAAJKs/YiTg9dzqFWsUALKe8LUaipPGBXyhtvV2ACLcBGAsYHQ/s1800/4871E54D-7973-4B82-867B-640F909B12B9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-nYfdTrROMqY/YGqFPD7JX4I/AAAAAAAAJKs/YiTg9dzqFWsUALKe8LUaipPGBXyhtvV2ACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/4871E54D-7973-4B82-867B-640F909B12B9.jpg" width="512" /></a></span></div><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br />
</span><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Times like these, I really appreciate Tapioca. I’m thankful that I can always count on him. That he will step up when I’m slacking. <span> </span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-39270571167328364702019-09-29T19:16:00.004-07:002021-04-03T20:18:26.926-07:00Weekend Is Over<p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m in the bed right now sandwiched by Munchkin and Pumpkin. Can’t sleep so I’m typing away on my phone.</span></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4,"writingDirection":1}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">Tapioca is also deep asleep on the couch in the living room. This is our setup every weekend. I wonder how long it’s gonna last. The Munchkin refuses to sleep in her bedroom when she knows Mommy is at home. The four of us couldn’t fit in our semi-double bed. Well right now, there's just the three of us. It’s still a small fit but we make do.
</span></p><p><span data-tt="{"paragraphStyle":{"alignment":4}}" style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">
</span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Every night, when the kids are fast asleep, I look at them with a smile on my face. They look so peaceful. Far from the naughty, kulit kids during the day. At night, they look like angels quietly and peacefully sleeping in bed with me. </span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0F7PPI5VvM/YGkun4FWclI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/mtKcez6LubMCENZdw5131KSLEmnW4V50QCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/D1C95CBA-AFD7-4544-B302-7675FF217644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-H0F7PPI5VvM/YGkun4FWclI/AAAAAAAAJKQ/mtKcez6LubMCENZdw5131KSLEmnW4V50QCLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/D1C95CBA-AFD7-4544-B302-7675FF217644.JPG" width="512" /></a></span></div><p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></p><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: pre-wrap;">I thank God and praise him for the wonderful weekend I get to spend with them. For giving them to us. For the experience of becoming a mother. For knowing how my heart can be so big that I can love not just one one but two kids. I can love them both at the same time. For knowing there’s always space in my heart to love another child. I’d like to think that my heart just got bigger and it got space for more hahaha! </span><p></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Well, my heart is full. And I knew exactly what it means now.</span></span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-12022616870278130962019-09-22T19:45:00.001-07:002021-03-29T18:55:19.699-07:00Forgetful Me<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I thought I only forgot about Munchkin’s assignment. I also forgot Nanay’s death anniversary. If it wasn’t for my brother who sent me a message a day before, I could have totally forgotten about it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So my brother sent a message asking if I had any plans for Nanay’s death anniversary. I was dumbfounded after reading it. I almost freak out. Like what heck just happened to me? First, Munchkin’s assignment. Now, Nanay?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I’m so bad. Really really bad. I guess it’s the after-effect of anesthesia. I’m forgetting a lot of stuff lately. Important stuff that is. I can’t afford to be like this. You know, when you’re a Mom everything and everybody depends on you. I have to get my sh*t together or my family will crumble down. Tapioca is going to give me an earful and I am going to hate him for it. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Sigh. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Motherhood. Striving for perfection always when in reality perfect is not always what it is. Still we do what we have to do because no one else will do it for us. Even if you have house help. The decision, the planning, the execution, everything is always going to depend on me. Yes, me. Oh my life. Mommy life. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Oh mother dear. I totally get you now. I really do. I miss you Nanay. I wish you were still here but I know you’re happy where you are. </span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-10753149763274012512019-09-22T18:43:00.004-07:002021-04-03T20:17:50.168-07:00New Reusable Plastic Food Containers<p><span style="font-size: medium;">I've stopped buying disposable microwavable containers. I used to buy them a lot to store our leftovers. A long time ago (when they just started to appear in supermarket aisles) those clear plastic containers can last for months. Sometimes even years if you take good care of them. It would take a lot of usage and a lot of nuking in the microwave before it breaks and cracks. Sometimes they just start to disappear in the cupboard because we’re using it to store take away food for guests when hosting parties at home. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">But that has changed. I bought them. I used them. But it wouldn’t last anymore. I’m practically annoyed to find the lids barely closing to seal the food properly. And I don’t like it when it happens. Because it means one thing. Food spoilage. Food contamination. Uh-oh. Never a good thing. Not in my household. Even if I buy those with brand names, they are all the same. They just break so easily now. They are living on its name - disposable. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So I started a hobby (lolz) of buying different brands of plastic food containers to see which one would last. To find which I would be able to replace my disposable microwavable container with. After a couple of years of hunting and experimenting, I’m happy to report that I have found them. Yippee!!!</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Behold my new containers . . .</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgBcAywCVd8/YGLLPhfj1gI/AAAAAAAAJJo/Bedf8KGNsBk_cz8BLTIcpAU56AO3P3uOgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7965.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OgBcAywCVd8/YGLLPhfj1gI/AAAAAAAAJJo/Bedf8KGNsBk_cz8BLTIcpAU56AO3P3uOgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7965.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;"> . . . reusable plastic containers</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYLHNvxD09w/YGLLPte5I_I/AAAAAAAAJJk/Nu7Ll9L_WigK-zgariphKkjock5Fkz7xwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7967.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SYLHNvxD09w/YGLLPte5I_I/AAAAAAAAJJk/Nu7Ll9L_WigK-zgariphKkjock5Fkz7xwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7967.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">stack 'em up . . .</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br />Errr, I know they are pretty ordinary. But they serve the purpose. And most importantly, they are cheap. Php20 each from a local seller in the market. These are being sold at Robinson supermarket for Php28. That is a really big mark up, Robinsons!!! Imagine if I buy 10 pieces then that’s a Php80 difference! I guess the price can even be less if I buy in Divisoria or Baclaran (Update, update!!! I was wrong. It's still cheaper at the palengke). </span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47iiNfHiBKE/YGLL1kfgouI/AAAAAAAAJKA/szz8kbdW8HMvfn3YXlpzk7K2DG2M3Q9jwCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7968.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-47iiNfHiBKE/YGLL1kfgouI/AAAAAAAAJKA/szz8kbdW8HMvfn3YXlpzk7K2DG2M3Q9jwCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7968.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i> . . . brand spanking new</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">My point now is really, plastic is cheap. There is really no point in buying expensive plastic ware (Hello Lock&Lock!). Unless they’re on sale, then ibang usapan na yan because eventually they will all break. What I’m trying to say is you get what you pay for. I’m not expecting them to last forever. Duh, nothing lasts forever, okay? </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So let’s make a comparison: </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>Microwaveable container </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Price: Varies depending on brand but average would be Php10 each. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>L</span><span>ife span: 1 month or less before the lid started to loosen up and crack.</span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>High end containers </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Price: Varies depending on brand. But for the purpose of this blog post and me being the cheapskate, let's consider a higher end/branded container that was on sale. Probably between Php50-200.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Life span: After 2-3 months of usage, lids still intact and no crack but discoloration/scratches started to appear.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><b><i>My new plastic container </i></b></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Price: Php20 for 250ml, Php30 for 500ml and Php40 for 1 Liter</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Life span: After 2 months of usage, the lid is still intact with a little discoloration and scratches. Another 1 or 2 months of usage and some of the lids started to crack but still usable.</span></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnp-ueA3P7Y/YGLLqG_5CDI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/j_MPNOtCgyYcz6VlI7noa7khhlGClP-bACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7971.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Vnp-ueA3P7Y/YGLLqG_5CDI/AAAAAAAAJJ8/j_MPNOtCgyYcz6VlI7noa7khhlGClP-bACLcBGAsYHQ/w640-h480/IMG_7971.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><i>pile 'em up . . .</i></span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Can you see the difference?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">With just a few more bucks from the disposable kinds, these are (if not) close to pwede na for our leftover storage containers. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">I guess those high end/branded plastic containers you pay for the design, quality and of course the name of the brand. Still, it’s not susceptible to breakage. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">In my opinion, these new containers I got were so sulit and I love them!</span></p><div><br /></div>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136436301854919099.post-36810626574135795162019-09-21T17:08:00.003-07:002021-04-02T23:32:00.404-07:00Stress . . . Again and Again<p><span style="font-size: medium;">Hello. Long time no post. Been very busy and stressed lately because of recent changes at home. How do I begin?</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Last week, the Munchkin got sick. It started with bouts of cough, then colds, and a full blown fever that would shoot up in the middle of the night. Pumpkin caught the bug too but it subsided after constant breastfeeding (I love breastfeeding!). </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Munchkin had her school activity scheduled last Saturday. They were given costumes as Igorot. Then I borrowed some necklaces from the office. It was originally used as an accessory from an activity in our office called Junk to Funk. It was made from recycled materials and it matches Munchkin's costume which was awesome. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>As I was saying, Munchkin was not feeling well after days of dance rehearsal at school. She's been absent for a few days but come Saturday, the day of her school activity, her fever was gone. I was quite hesitant then whether I should bring her to school or not but since we're already prepared . . . you know, the costume and all. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>I also ordered kakanin (puto and biko) for that day. I told myself we will just drop the food at the school and leave.</span><span> </span></span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5aFfTtd4o/YFVhB_z2OQI/AAAAAAAAJHc/87lnncYuJg4x6rd5WOzYJgJ9TvNoI_O2wCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7816.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gN5aFfTtd4o/YFVhB_z2OQI/AAAAAAAAJHc/87lnncYuJg4x6rd5WOzYJgJ9TvNoI_O2wCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7816.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . special biko made by the nanny</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then I figured if we were just dropping by, we might as well let Munchkin go with us in her costume. Sayang naman kasi her costume and the necklace that I borrowed. We can have some pictures taken as souvenirs for her very first <i>Linggo ng Wika. </i>Except we will not let her join the dancing activity. Tapioca and the Munchkin agreed. However, when we were at the venue, she got upset and insisted on joining her classmates. She terribly wanted to dance. She was so excited as if she was not sick at all. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">What happened next was not what I was expecting. We did not finish the program and headed home to change. Munchkin’s fever was back again. And it was even higher than the last time. We have to go to the hospital. Pronto.</span></p><p></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ll2hlroUxAg/YFVgmwe6pzI/AAAAAAAAJHU/cmDeGLfdmw4U5ok47A1R7j2pX3KOU4a6ACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/0B4178AB-D832-4643-9310-82D312802125.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ll2hlroUxAg/YFVgmwe6pzI/AAAAAAAAJHU/cmDeGLfdmw4U5ok47A1R7j2pX3KOU4a6ACLcBGAsYHQ/w512-h640/0B4178AB-D832-4643-9310-82D312802125.jpg" width="512" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">me and the little munchkin in her costume . . . </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><p></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><span>It was a payday weekend so traffic was terrible. Booking a Grab car was such a pain. </span><span>Thankfully, her pedia accommodated us despite it was already his clinic's after-hours. After examining her, we were </span><span>advised for confinement due to fever of 4 days and no improvement even when Munchkin was taking antibiotics. </span></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">This was us over the weekend.</span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkfuzxHknks/YFVhkeuVhQI/AAAAAAAAJHk/OS1_WLsmWAkidG8ey0r5pnje9rpMegVzgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7852.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BkfuzxHknks/YFVhkeuVhQI/AAAAAAAAJHk/OS1_WLsmWAkidG8ey0r5pnje9rpMegVzgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7852.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . at the hospital - parang staycation lang, huh? :)</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IFPCi00EqE/YFViWYXolOI/AAAAAAAAJI4/lEcLbAl9aIc0ofW1ghevPGsFPqeFyWsIACLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/IMG_7876.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6IFPCi00EqE/YFViWYXolOI/AAAAAAAAJI4/lEcLbAl9aIc0ofW1ghevPGsFPqeFyWsIACLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/IMG_7876.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">snuggle time with mommy . . . </span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin was left at home with the nannies. He was also feeling under the weather. Tapioca had to stay at the hospital while I went back and forth from the hospital to our home. I had to stay home because I needed to feed Pumpkin. </span></p><p></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hv15ozx58M/YFVirA3TioI/AAAAAAAAJJA/NILVUkVS68YI7_G8jz2Sb8NnH7mL5gZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/s2048/96DC894D-E574-4225-9726-E75169BA4C7A.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1539" height="640" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_hv15ozx58M/YFVirA3TioI/AAAAAAAAJJA/NILVUkVS68YI7_G8jz2Sb8NnH7mL5gZEgCLcBGAsYHQ/w480-h640/96DC894D-E574-4225-9726-E75169BA4C7A.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: medium;">. . . feeding the little guy</span></i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><span style="font-size: medium;">After spending so much time with her Daddy, the Munchkin started to miss me. One time she cried because she wanted to go home with me. Awww my heart melted. </span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">Then this week, Pumpkin’s nanny left. This has been planned in advance and we already got a replacement. But the timing was still off. I was running errands going back and forth to the hospital and I still had to train the new nanny. Not to mention Pumpkin still needs to warm up to her which will take some time.</span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="font-size: medium;">So tell me, what is STRESS? Life of a mom. My life. </span></p>Jelly Beanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13017309853002912122noreply@blogger.com0