Shi Lin - Greenbelt

It's almost over. My 105-day maternity leave. We are still looking for a new nanny so good luck to us. Our funds are depleting but I told myself I deserve a good meal. Something I did not prepare or cook. This is how I de-stress. Food binge.

I know it's not right and very unhealthy, especially when you're getting old and all. But my mental health is more important right now. Healthy eating can wait.

To lessen the guilt of spending too much money on food, we availed of a discount from Eatigo. Hooray! I think Eatigo and I will be good pals from now on.

We made a reservation at Shi Lin. Tapioca was so looking forward to it because it's Chinese, his favorite.

. . . the facade

We were a few minutes early for our reservation but they accommodated us right away. Although the restaurant was not full, they made all dining customers gather in this area close to the window. It's as if they wanted to say to everyone who passes by "Hey, look here! We're a full house coz our food is awesome!" They wouldn't let us transfer to another table considering we have a baby and a stroller.

If it wasn't for the Eatigo discount, I would have walked away. Like seriously! I guess this is the downside of dining when you do not pay full price. Luckily, the table behind us cleared out and I finally had room to walk and rock Pumpkin to sleep. Also, I was thankful they did not seat anybody at that table until we finished our meal. It's because they finally opened the area where we wanted to be seated originally.

Anyway, so much for that. Let's move on to the food. First to arrive on the table:

xiao long bao . . .

Tapioca approved. And so did the nanny. Though I must say, the skin was a little too thick to my liking.

. . . braised beef noodle soup

This was the nanny's order. It was super huge! We didn't expect it to be good for sharing. Tapioca liked the noodles. The beef pieces were freakin' soft and oh so tender! But then the soup was the total let down. It was on the sweet side. Also, it was served lukewarm. Unforch, we are not fans of sweet soup. But if you like the sweet kind like sukiyaki, then this one's for you.

hakaw . . .

This was just okay. Actually, I can't recall how it was. Perhaps I was busy taking care of Pumpkin when I ate them? I guess that's how forgettable these babies are. And that's bad considering I love hakaw.

. . . mapo tofu

Tapioca's choice. This was good but we had better.

shrimp and pork shaomai . . .

Aren't they pretty? I think they're the prettiest shaomai I've ever laid my eyes on. These were kinda big so you cannot eat them in one go. It had some soup inside just like xiao long bao. But, between the two? I'd still prefer the xiao long bao.

. . . salt and pepper squid

I'm not sure what happened to me but I have turned into a squid person. Every time I see squid/calamari on the menu, I just have to order it. Good thing it did not disappoint. I think it's better with fried rice but we didn't order any.

pork, salted egg & chorizo bun . . .

. . . the innards

This was super yummy. I'm not really into the bola-bola type of siopao but this was not your typical bola-bola. The meat filling was very flavorful and juicy. The salted egg wasn't overpowering. This kinda reminded me of the pan fried siopao we had from Lugang Cafe. It was Nanay's favorite so it goes to say that it reminded me of Nanay, too.

congee . . .

Jellybean's choice. This was the last to arrive. We thought they forgot about it. Once again, it came in a humongous bowl. Prolly good for 2-3 pax. No matter how good it was I knew for sure I wouldn't be able to finish it with all the other food we ordered.

Overall, we enjoyed our meal. So sulit the discount at half the price excluding drinks. It's just saddening that we can't take home the leftovers (Eatigo's terms and conditions). Well, technically we can. But if we take the leftovers home then we will have to pay them in full price. And that defeats the purpose of the discount.

I wish the waitstaff could have set our expectations. But oh well, we know better. Next time.

Or, could it be that they intentionally didn't really tell us? So we would feel guilty of having way too much uneaten food? Then we would have the urge to take it home instead and pay the full price? Whatever. Prolly just my mind playing what ifs. Lolz!!!!

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Wanted: Nanny

I've been unable to blog again in weeks despite me being at home all the time. It was because I was not in the mood to write. My mind was all over the place. My stress level was over the roof. I was restless and unable to sleep. It has been a month.

No, it’s not postpartum depression. I really don’t think so. It was because of our financial situation. I was out of money and I was worried about our pay. The bills, the rent, pumpkin’s vaccination, etc. They're all pilling up. It did not help that my maternity benefit got delayed. I cannot imagine what will happen to us if Meralco suddenly cuts off our electricity.

Sad to say but I was not able to enjoy the last month of my maternity leave because of money problems.

. . . photo from https://www.flickr.com/photos/fortinbras/220338247

Well, the good news is I finally received my maternity benefit so I’m here back again writing. That is something to ease my worries. But the bad news is, there's really no end to worries. Money problem was somewhat solved. I’m going to work soon. Then my expected nanny suddenly backed out. We are once again back to looking for a nanny. It's so frustrating. I guess there is really no end to challenges in life.

I am fervently praying that we get a nanny for Pumpkin soon. Please pray for us.

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Vocabulary Improvement

. . . photo from wired.com

I’ve been trying to write blog posts again since I'm on maternity leave. Most of the time I had a hard time writing primarily for lack of time. When I finally have that precious time to compose my thoughts and start writing, I just find myself lost.

Lost in space, lost in my thoughts like there are one hundred and one things I wanted to share but don’t even know how or where to begin. I have created a few blog posts here and there and realized that I kept using the same words over and over again.

And it hit me. I’m having a hard time writing because my vocabulary SUCKS.

Come to think of it. When was the last time I read a novel? What was the last book I read? Hmmm, sad to say but I cannot remember. Was it prolly the Crazy Rich Asian or Fifty Shades of Gray? OMG. I think it was all the way from the time I was still pregnant with Munchkin. Five years ago. Half a decade ago. Such a long time indeed.

I guess it’s time to go back to reading books again, huh? I know I abandoned reading when I became a mom. It just frustrates me when it takes forever to finish a book. So for the longest time my reading materials were usually blogs who by the way are getting extinct by now. Sometimes news articles online and other times I read through threads from forums about parenting.

I really think it's about time to go back to my books. But the real question is, do I really have time to read? And if I do, I want it to be worthwhile. So the next question is, what can you guys recommend or suggest?


xjellybean74170

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Junk Food Is Life

I miss blogging. I seriously do. Times have changed. Some of the bloggers I follow already stopped blogging. A very few still existed and I am happy they're still alive.

It is hard nowadays to look or discover new blogs. Thanks to Google’s algorithm. All you see are ads.

Last night while doing some research on a snack bar, I came across a blog that I believe I should have discovered a long time ago. I mean, come one. Me, a junkie? I cannot believe I missed his blog.
Anyway, better late than never. Another good thing is he’s also on Instagram so I can get the latest deets on my junk foods. To all my fellow junkies, please follow Eric Huang on Instagram @junkfoodguy.

You're welcome! Hahahaha!

https://www.thejfg.com/

I know blogs are dying. Bloggers are a dying breed. Vloggers are the new king and queen of social media. But I believe (and will always do no matter what) that blogs and bloggers are here to stay. If I want them not to go into extinction, then I need to do my part to keep this little space of mine active. Though with all honesty, it is really hard with my procrastination and all. But I promise to try my very best to keep this blog alive for as long as I can.

So sorry for the rambling apology. I guess you can say my mantra for this year is "Stayin' Alive!"

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Missing Out on Manila's Music Scene . . . Again

I did not know Kalapana was here last year for a concert. If it wasn’t for Tina Tagle, I would never know that they are still going on tour.

official poster from https://www.onemusic.ph

The concert was held last year at Araneta Coliseum. I was already pregnant then and I doubt if I would be able to watch it. Last year, I also missed Boyzone's farewell concert thanks to my all day morning sickness lolz. Luckily someone bought my ticket.

photo from http://www.philippineconcerts.com

Sorry guys. I know my music choices are giving away my age (#titasofmanila). As if I really care hahahaha. Anyway, I still wish they would come back for another concert.

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Vaccination

. . . photo from https://obgyn.coloradowomenshealth.com/blog/vaccination-nation

Pumpkin and I went to the health center today for his scheduled vaccination. We left the house a little late at 9am. There were already a lot of people at the center by then. Our number was at 73 but since it only takes a minute or less to administer the vaccine, the line was moving fast. By 10am we were already home. 

Now the thing I hate about vaccination is the aftermath. Pumpkin got the shot on his right leg and it was sore which made him very fussy. His cries were heartbreaking like he’s in so much pain. We applied a hot compress on his leg, yet his cries and wails (especially if we touched or moved his right leg) were making me very stressed. The only thing that will soothe him was my booby and some rocking so he can fall back to sleep. 

As a mother, I am very much aware of the importance of getting my children vaccinated. Not only does it protect them from serious illness and complications but it protects others, too. I am thankful that our government is doing the best they can to make these vaccines available to everyone especially to the less fortunate.

I am also aware about the huge debate on vaccines. I would like to make a more detailed post about my stand but that's for another blog post.

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The Maze Runner Film Trilogy

I haven’t been able to watch movies properly for such a long time. I think it goes back from the time I got pregnant with Munchkin. Like you know, watch movies at the cinema where you can just focus on the movie and nothing else. Though I'm currently on maternity leave, at home all the time, with access to a television, movies and TV series all the time, anytime I want, it's not really the case.

When you're a mom with kids, distractions are plenty. Children are always seeking attention from mommy. Nonstop thinking of how to manage a household properly. What are we gonna have for breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks in between? Reminders of bills to pay, constantly checking the panty for items that are running low and must restock. Always making sure everything is taken care of because no one's gonna do it but me. Even as simple as using the loo, there is never a quiet time. Well, there is actually. The time when they are all asleep. And when they are asleep, I take that as a time to sleep as well. So you see, staying at home doesn't guarantee that I get to do all the things I wanted.

Being a mom is just one of the many hats I wear. I'm also a wife. My husband needs me, too. Before the kids arrived, we used to be movie buddies. We spent most of our free time binge watching TV series and movies. We were always in the know of what were the upcoming movies in the cinemas and the first one to get downloaded copies of the hottest/latest TV series. However, parenthood changed all that. 

I thought when Munchkin gets older we will be able to go back to our old routine. I thought when we get a nanny/house help it will be time to go back to the movie houses and have a proper date night. But nah, it did not happen. The last thing I wanted to do was to watch a movie. I felt like my time is so precious that I am not willing to waste it on a senseless, boring, predictable, bland and uninteresting movie. If ever I get the chance to watch a movie, I choose them wisely.

. . . photo from https://ezaudiobookforsoul.com

So here I am to talk about the movie I just recently watched. And I would like to say I'm glad I just watched it now and not when it just came out in the cinema four years ago. I can almost imagine the disappointment of those people who watched the first movie and the anticipation for the 2nd installment. I haven't read the books but based on experience it is always better to watch the movies first before reading the books.

No need for intro anymore. It's all the way up on the title of this post. Anyway, I saw a clip of this movie Tagalized on ABS-CBN and I knew it's something I am willing to waste my time on. Tapioca downloaded a copy and we binged watched the three movies.

I would say the concept was brilliant. We've watched thriller movies before but this was something different. The characters were likable. The plot was fast paced and there were hardly dull moments. We're on the edge of our seats and I can hardly contain my excitement. I kept on guessing what's gonna happen next. The movie endings were such cliffhangers too, so I'm really glad I've only watched this now. 

We were so hooked after watching the first movie we cannot wait to see the next one. I think however, the following installments just didn't live up to the first movie. It just went downhill like they just wanted the movie to be over and done with. I was not happy with the ending. It felt rushed and there were still questions left. Some twists I felt like it's no longer needed or they could have thought of something better.

Overall, I still find it a good watch. I was entertained. For a moment I forgot all the worries and stress of being a mom, wife and everything in between. I thought it might be a good idea to read the books but after checking reviews online I'd think I'll pass.

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Six Weeks Post Partum

Last night after I took a shower, I was so surprised to find out that I was able to fit into my house clothes again. Yay! Thank you breastfeeding!

Honestly, I was kinda hesitant if I will ever get back to my pre-pregnancy body. My recent pregnancy was so different from the first one. I gained some weight and it's very much obvious because the fat went into my face and arms.

. . . 8 months pregnant with Pumpkin, check out my very round face and arms hahaha!!!

Nah, the picture was not stretched. I wish it was but it wasn't. Hahaha! I really gained more weight than I expected.

My first pregnancy with Munchkin after giving birth, I looked like I just took a dump and the baby bump was gone. Though there was still a little tummy pouch, I no longer looked pregnant. I was able to fit into my pre-pregnancy clothes as soon as I got home from the hospital.

me at full term (first pregnancy), a day before Munchkin popped . . . still skinny with a watermelon baby bump :)

With Pumpkin’s pregnancy, I already gave birth but my tummy was so big I looked like I was still pregnant. The most shocking thing to me was when I had to fit into my house clothes. I was expecting that I will be able to fit into them just like with my first pregnancy. I came home disappointed. I mean, what was I thinking? I knew I gained weight and it's not just going to disappear so soon. There I was no longer pregnant but I was still wearing Nanay’s clothes (daster dresses) like I was still six months pregnant. 

To say that I was disappointed was an understatement. I was dumbfounded. I was taken aback at the thought of what might or might nor happen. What's going to happen if I don't lose weight? Should I start shopping for new clothes? What about my existing clothes? Those new clothes I've just bought that I still haven't worn? Should I start giving them away? 

So yeah, I was worried I might not lose it. I knew some people who didn’t. And I knew how they felt after realizing that there's just no way they can get back to their old bodies. For a moment, I finally understood what it felt like to be one of those moms who are saddened by the realities of the aftermath of giving birth. 

But I kept my hopes up. I know some changes are permanent but there are still changes that are temporary. I told myself not to worry and to keep on breastfeeding. They say breastfeeding is the key and if I keep on feeding Pumpkin for as long as I can, my body will be back to normal in no time.”

. . . face still swollen, hips, waist and shoulders still wide. And my legs, eeekkk!!! my pata legs!!!

After 3 weeks, my tummy did get smaller. But my hips were still big. Shoulders got wider, too. I tried getting into my old shorts and boy the shorts ripped in the crotch all the way to the back. It was so hilarious Tapioca, the nanny and Munchkin made fun of me.

But today is the day that I’ve been waiting for. After trying on my shorts again for the nth time, it finally fitted me. No more struggles of closing the zipper. And the buttons too! Thank God and thank breastfeeding. It really is a wonder.

Thinking about it now, I felt that whether I lose the weight or not, it did not really matter. I mean, I've been skinny my whole life so gaining some weight isn’t such a bad thing. Also, I’m already a mom. I’m old. My metabolism is not the same as when I was younger. And don’t get me started about exercise and dieting. No way will I do that to get back to my old body. Oh my, I digress.

What I’m trying to say here is even if I didn't lose the weight after pregnancy, I will still embrace my new body wholeheartedly. That's right. You read it right. Yeah, I may get a little insecure over someone who still looks sexy and fabulous after giving birth multiple times but Lord knows what I went through. What my body went through. And me, only me (myself and I) would understand all that. Instead of wallowing in self-pity and insecurities, I will think of what a superwoman I am for accomplishing things I thought I wouldn't be able to do and endure.

And last but not the least, what really matters the most to me now is my family. Tapioca and my kids. The unconditional love they're giving me whether I'm fat or skinny. Old and ugly. I know it sounds crazy but I believe I'm at the stage of my life wherein physical appearance just doesn't matter anymore. I am no longer looking for affection, approval, praises or even validation from anyone but my family. I can say I am one lucky mommy because everyday and every chance they can, they never forget to say how much they love me. And I think that's more than enough for me to value myself, to lift my self-esteem and confidence. 

And I thank you.

Peace, love and a bullet-proof marshmallow y'all!

Jellybean74170

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Summer Art Class

Munchkin’s summer class ended last Friday. The teachers advised if parents can come because they’re having a little program. As much as I would love to go, I had to beg off because the program's gonna start at 1130am and ends by 12 noon. I am exclusively breastfeeding Pumpkin so I cannot just leave the house without him. And twelve noon is not an ideal time to be taking Pumpkin out. Not to mention we will be commuting going to and fro.

And so it was Tapioca who went to school for the program. Here are the photos of her art works. 

. . . munchkin's work of art

Proud momma here! This was her very first art class and I was amazed with her works. She has never attended proper schooling just yet with the exemption of trial classes from a couple of preschools we've scouted last year. You can just imagine my surprise upon seeing these. My little munchkin is surely ready for school. She can now follow instructions without parents' supervision.

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Pumpkin’s Birth Announcement

Hello blogosphere! I’m back. I’m so back. Missed me? I miss you too!

Earlier today, I posted on IG our second child’s birth announcement. It took quite some time because I like living in the moment now. Haha! I know, who am I kidding? Just another excuse of the delinquent blogger. On a serious note, I really am enjoying it. Taking a break from social media every once in a while. Ya know, soaking up and cherishing all those precious moments. But of course, I still took photos. Not a lot though. Just enough so we have something to remember.

It was me who picked his name and happy that Tapioca agreed (teehee!) But for the sake of this blog, he will have his own online moniker. Presenting - Pumpkin, the newest member of the family!!!
 

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