"Stop Wasting Money!"

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?

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?

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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.

 

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.

Oops, I was wrong. She said she will help Mommy and Daddy daw by earning money by playing more Roblox. Aws.

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Covid Scare at the Grocery

Tapioca was scheduled to do the grocery today. As usual, he woke up very early. He made sure to get there by 5am so he can be on the first batch of grocery shoppers when the store opens at 6am.

. . . grocery entrance (pre-covid days)

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.

 early birds who will get to the 1st batch (before the covid scare) . . .

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 Mercato Mart Supermarket. (All photos are from Mercato's facebook page.)

. . . kilometer long line (before the covid scare)

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.

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 .

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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Tapioca’s New Hobby

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.
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. 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. 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!

. . . Tapioca all geared up

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.
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. 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.
1. We can get supplies without him having to walk far away carrying heavy stuff (e.g. groceries, etc.)

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.

3. Free ride. No fares or gas to pay.

4. Less carbon footprint and good for the environment since it doesn't use gasoline. 

5. Exercise, which precisely we all needed.

 

the helmet . . .

. . . his cycling outfit, courtesy again of Pumpkin's godfather!

 

And here's the downside:

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!

2. As I've said it's not fast enough to go from one place to another like when using motorized vehicles.

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.

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.

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.

 

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.

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Casablanca. A Film.

photo from https://moviesanywhere.com

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.

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. I have watched quite a few and I would love to watch more if I can.

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.

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.

Many great stories have been told during this period. 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 most important lesson learned and shared throughout history is that “love conquers all.”

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? It feels like it has been too long. It was such a feel good movie. Seriously. It is my kind of movie.

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.

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 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.

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?

Overall, it was a beautiful movie. A movie that I wouldn't mind watching again and again. And how can I forget Humphrey Bogart's famous line? Well, I finally understood it now.

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.

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The Munchkin's Life Goals

At five years old, my little munchkin already has a "life goal".

She wanted to go to Legoland for her 6th birthday.

photo from https://en.wikipedia.org

I asked why Legoland? Why not Disneyland?

photo from https://www.rappler.com

She said it's because Disneyland is for her 7th birthday! YAY!

Some life goals, huh? Ang yaman namin. Hahahaha!

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?

Impossible.

Last night, I had to break the bad news. No Legoland until the virus is gone. Or until it is safe to travel again.

She was a little disheartened. But you know, kids - they get over these things so easily. 

Bad news to her. Good news to me. It means I will have time to save up for these trips.

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.

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The Cruz Cousins Reunion and Collab

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.

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.

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.

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!

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 Breathless cover. I'd have to say I like this even better.

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.

I hope they will come out with an original song. I'm sure I'm not the only one who missed them.

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Getting My Groove Back - One Day At A Time

. . . photo from https://www.magzter.com/article/Lifestyle/Transformation-Magazine/Every-Cloud-Has-A-Silver-Lining

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.

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.

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.

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.

One day at a time.

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.

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.

Now, we have to think of everyone's welfare. We have to help each other out. Everyone's affected in this crisis.

The rich and the poor. The virus does not discriminate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Every morning comes a new day, a new hope, a new beginning. So I'm taking it one day at a time.

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Don't Tell Me I'm Beautiful, I Know.

. . .photo from http://lionlamb-bowmanville.blogspot.com/2011/12/liar-liar-pants-on-fire.html

Can you tell if somebody is lying to you? Like in your face, lie to you?

Sometimes I don't. Most of the time I do.

For example, a stranger tells me that I look beautiful. Ding Ding! Lie. Liar.

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.

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.

Whatever their intentions were, with or without malice, it's still a good response to say "thank you".

But folks please be it known that I am beautiful not because I feel beautiful. (A-ha, -i-claim ko na!)

Know that I know you're lying because my beauty is not skin deep.

It is from within.

And I thank you.

xjellybean74170

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The Thing About Korean Food

I was browsing thru Real Asian Beauty's (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.

I watched one video where she tried to make the now famous Jjapaguri from the award winning movie Parasite.

. . . photo from https://sea.mashable.com

I was entertained and amazed on how she was able to read Hangul.

Then I watched her DIY samgyupsal video. Damn, I am seriously craving samgyupsal right now.

I blame Itaewon Class for that. Not to mention, BEER.

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.

I thought Coke and soft drinks were enough. Now the stress from all the anxieties makes me want to drink beer.

But again, I blame Itaewon Class. I should have not watched it. Lol!

. . . photo from https://news.abs-cbn.com

. . . photo from http://www.dramabeans.com

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.

I'm also dreaming of having something like this at home. . .

. . . beer vending machine!!! how cool is that?!? (photo from https://www.reddit.com)

Beer and samgyupsal. When this (quarantine)pandemic is over, I'm definitely lining up at Samgyupsalamat.

Going back to RAB's channel, I watched another video where she tried to create Japchae.

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.

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.

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.

So while I was watching Maangchi make her Japchae, I could not help but compare it to RAB.

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.

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.

So again, I should have known better.

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.

. . . photo from https://www.amazon.com

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.

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.

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.

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.

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No Excuses

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.

. . . photo from http://starrygoldacademy.com/successtips/first-quarter-of-the-year-has-gone-are-you-making-progress-2/

So what have I accomplished so far being stuck at home with ample time in my hand?


1. Published blog posts that were long overdue.

2. Caught up with watching movies and TV shows.

3. Spent a lot of time with Tapioca and the kids.

4. Caught up on ZZZ.

5. Woke up and slept on time like a normal human being.

6. Practiced my cooking skills again.

7. Organized some of my photos and documents on my computer.


Things that I'm still putting off at this time.

1. Clearing/getting rid of the house clutter.

2. Sorting out clothes in my closet and the kids' closet.

3. Organizing my paper clutter and shredding documents.


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.

There are also things that I still needed to work on especially with the kids.

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.

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.

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.

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