Cutty

This year, we are forced to have simple celebrations.  There is no need to stress about the traffic, gift-giving, Christmas shopping, what to wear for parties and performances.  No year-end trips to prepare for.  This year, we have time to focus on what Christmas is all about and to be thankful for surviving the trials that came with 2020.   Simbang Gabi will start this week. I am quite excited.  All my life, I haven't completed the 9-day novena masses.  This time, with a church built right across my home, I just might be able to complete it.   This week we bade farewell to my sons' QC campus.  The school board decided to close it and transfer everything to the Antipolo campus.  It is sad.  We are not only saying goodbye to my sons' second home.  We are also saying farewell to some teachers, guards, staff and most importantly, schoolmates who have decided to transfer to another school.  Hay, ang sakit sa puso.  B...

I haven't finished my account of how we survived Ulysses.  The clean up isn't done yet.  But, we had to go back to our routine.  So, clean up is just done in between appointments.   The recliners have been picked up for re-upholstery. They will be finished by January.  I do not mind.  I just wanted to get them out of my sight.  All appliances seem to be working, even the partially submerged TV.  It was quite a relief.  It was a good idea to buy small back-up items like the toaster and a double burner. The washing machine acts up sometimes, but it still works. I have decided against putting up Christmas decors.  It took me weeks to finish trimming the tree before it was flooded in.  I got a DIY advent wreath instead, made up of fresh pine.  It took me hours to make it look decent.  I still long for a tree, though. I have accepted cake orders too.  I'm still getting the hang of things since some tools aren't workin...

Here I am bingeing  on Jeremy Jordan and jazzy Christmas carols in YouTube.  Jeremy Jordan is a recent discovery.  Thanks to Lea Salonga for bringing him to my attention.   I spent the afternoon with a dear friend who is moving to a new chapter in her life.  She is migrating soon.  We've spent many days and nights "comparing notes."  She really is a testament of "You get what you pray for."  Yup, patience and faith really helps. It was my first time to actually hangout in a cafe in a long time.  I just took sips of my drink.  I took a few bites.  I just pull my mask away from my face to give way to the straw.  Pathetic? Yes.  Careful? Very much so. I wonder, how long will this last?

It was after dinner and we were settling down for bed.   I was alone caring for my children.   My husband hasn’t come home yet.   The yayas were finishing up downstairs.   They were fighting with each other once again. I no longer remember what caused it. I got fed up and decided to leave the bedroom.   I needed some peace and quiet.   They were all alone by their young selves.   I wondered how they would react to that.   It was the first time I walked out on them.   I was just outside, by the bedroom door, sensing if the fight would intensify or calm down. Then, there was silence.   I snuck a peek and saw my eldest lecturing the younger two.   He was talking to them calmly and quietly.   I remember he was telling them to stop fighting because it was upsetting Mama.   That made me smile.   That made me proud. This was when all my 3 elder children were not older than 5 years old.   I long for those peaceful moment...

The past week was difficult.  I portrayed all roles.  I was a home manager, teacher, baker, business manager, singer and negotiator apart from being a wife, a daughter and a mother.   I pour my my whole being in the roles I play.  This is why I feel frustrated and betrayed when the effort I put into a particular role isn't appreciated and properly acknowledged.  Here is a note to self, a reminder to value myself even if others forget, and to chose the people who will make me happy and feel valued.  I just have to let the others pass through.  

Temptation is everywhere these days.  It is getting harder and harder to hold on to our cash.  Online sales are happening every month.  Retail establishments in malls are trying hard to boost sales during this pandemic.  If you know me, you'd know that this it the ultimate time to test my EQ.   In the days leading up to the biggest holiday of the year, let us be mindful of our retail practices.  

I have always been a doer.  I am used to having too little time to do anything else.  Most of my adult life was spent juggling family life, work life and my "extra-curricular" activities.   This was my training since high school.  I'd spend half of my lunch hour and my Saturdays training for choir competitions.  In college, I'd rehearse three to five times a week for concerts and competitions.  I'd squeeze in choir admin work, school work and other relationships in between.  I learned to manage my time well and to work efficiently during those times.   I didn't do all those things without complaining.  Oh, I'd complain a lot. I'd cry when it gets too stressful.  I'd be very masungit.  But at the end of everything else, I get things done.  What I promised gets delivered.  You see results. I have been accustomed to this.  Somehow, I have the same expectations from people who work with me.  I expect collea...

We've been Internet-deprived for the past 6 days.  After numerous visits and calls to PLDT, nothing has been restored.  I've been nice and I've been mean. We just wasted a total of 5 hours on phone plus 3 hours of waiting in line.  Take note that this has nothing to do with the sub-marine maintenance this weekend.   Without this service, we really have limited entertainment. During this time, we've relied on my husband's corporate mobile data service.  It has allowed our children to attend school when needed.  I was able to download my KDrama episodes and Enola.  Apart from these, we were mostly offline.  My Globe Mobile Data service has been really sporadic, not really reliable. It was a disappointment. Thankfully, we were able to find a back-up and had it installed in 3 days. I would have wanted it earlier, but, no dice.   So what have we learned from this experience? 1)  It is important to have a back-up knowing that we...

During this period of social distancing, I try to support small home-based businesses.  I try them out at least once.  If I like it, I try my best to be really supportive.  Here are my 2 favorites: Risa's Homemade Cakes .  I must have ordered their chocolate cake 5 times.  It is so simple yet so delicious.  It is the chocolate cake from my childhood.  It is very affordable too.  I can actually make myself a good chocolate cake too. But, enjoy cakes more if I didn't have to make them.   Tetcha's Mediterranean Grilled Chicken .  This is a neighbor's business that I supported several times.  We order from them if I don't feel like making a meal.  I recently discovered a recipe that makes a close copy of Tetcha's grilled chicken.  It is easier to buy.   What made me like them more was the ease of transaction.  I place an order via FB or Viber then I pay via mobile banking.  My order will be ready for d...

This cake is the latest craze during this pandemic, especially now that everyone is a home baker.  Being a baker myself, I also gave in, upon my husband's request.  I wanted to know what the fuss was about. I haven't tried the authentic one. But I searched all over for the most authentic recipe I could find. Based on what I've seen, these are the major differences:  the burnt top and sides, the sloping top layer, the custardy flavor and the absence of crust. I've seen a lot of hacks.  Some people baked it with crust.  Some people just torch the top layer to create that burnt top.  Some use NY-style cheesecake recipe.  But that isn't being true to the origin of this cake. Using the proper method is important because the flavor component of the burnt cheese produces a nice contrast to the custardy cake.  There is a toasty, nutty flavor produced by the burnt top.  The color of the baking paper is also a dead giveaway.  When yo...

Travel and Food are some of the things that kept me going during this time of ECQ.  I took train rides across cities, rode on cruise ships and tasted Glühwein in this dreadful humid summer, thanks to Youtube.  I have familiarized myself with the world map too.  I now have a mental list of the next few destinations I am targeting.  Here they are in no particular order. Santorini.  I'd like to see the deep blue colors of the Mediterranean Sea.  I do not look forward to the heat and the crowds.  But, I want to see the breath-taking view it is known for. German Christmas Markets.  I am eyeing Hanover and Hamburg.  I have been dreaming of Christmas markets for 2 years now.  But, Christmas is the busiest time for most of us that I can't imagine how I can unload my responsibilities on an unsuspecting person. Istanbul.  I would love to be in the middle of the Turkish market, see the mosques and taste the traditional Turkish break...

I still believe that mangoes are seasonal.   This is the time when mangoes are at their sweetest.  I grab the chance to buy in bulk when it is cheap.  Last week, I was able to get 20 kgs of the Guimaras variety.  It was still unripe when we brought the them home.  But, I took care of them and waited until it is time to enjoy them.  The time has come. In the past weeks of the lockdown, I've made mango ice candy and mango jelly.  This week I am experimenting on a new cake flavor:  Mango Creme Brulee cake.  It is my take on the famed creme brulee cake but with juicy mangoes. It is assembled now and cooling in the chiller.  Here is a section of the cake.  It needs more mangoes, more custard and a more stable whipped filling. Yes, I also need to do the brulee part better.  I can't wait to have my own blow torch. I've also made a refreshing mango-chia seed pudding.  We prefer it as dessert.  It is one way for...

They've loosened the reins.  The roads are more crowded now.  There are lot more people roaming around the metro.  These people may be carriers of the veerus.  I may have let my guard down a bit.  But, I am more cautious now.  I am refraining from ordering cooked food.  We can't be too sure.  My menu has also gone back to beginning of ECQ.  To make things easier in the kitchen, I've employed a cuisine theme per day.  This will help break up the monotony of Pinoy food.  Last Saturday, we had Japanese food.  I made Beef Sukiyaki and Salmon Teriyaki.  Last Sunday was Korean food.  I prepared Bibimbap plus a few banchan dishes.  I am proud of this Bibimbap even if it doesn't look too appetizing. Last night was Mexican-inspired with tacos and nachos.  I would have prepared margaritas but it gets lonely when you are drinking alone.  I miss my drinking buddies.  We'll probably have Italian f...

We are on the 4th week.  I am not complaining.  There are news of extending the ECQ and I am all for it.  In fact, we've decided that even if the lockdown were lifted, we'd still stay put at home.  There are still a lot of infected people out there who haven't been tested.  Especially now that we are hearing about how much it costs to stay in the hospital, more people will be inclined to just go about it on their own and roam around the city with no care. More food establishments opening up. I do not know how they are staffing their stores without public transportation. But, I hope we’d have a chance to satisfy our cravings. I need my iced mocha fix.  I am still craving for Korean Banchan (?). I just hope I can get the ingredients so I can recreate these dishes at home. But, with people becoming more mobile, won’t the threat of the virus be more intensified? I've been busy baking.  I was able to get my supplies before the Holy Week and was able to ...

Week 1 of Lockdown What adjustments have I made during this time of "house arrest?" I hate to sound insensitive, but so far, the biggest adjustment is learning to be at home 24/7.   I realized that we've been always out and about that we've taken that for granted.  My kids are learning to enjoy things other than playing with their electronic toys.  They're keeping themselves entertained with board games and playing cards.  They learned how to play Black Jack, Solitaire, Ungoy-unguyan.  I have yet to teach them Pequa and the Memory Game.  What's important is they play together and get-along during these times of "house arrest." Before the lock-down, we were lucky enough to get the Harry Potter book set.  It was a good decision because it took their minds and hands off their electronic toys.  How has it affected us? I see that gas expenses have gone down.  There are fewer piles of clothes that need to be laundered.  There'...

I am trying to distract myself from this pandemic.  Currently, I am attracted to simple lines and designs of these bags.  They are not too loud but speaks well of craftsmanship.    I hope to get my hands on one of these soon. *photos not mine, grabbed from Colehaan.com, Prada.com, Wandler.com, Cuyana.com

For weeks now, I've been trying to process these emotions that engulf me.  I do not know if these are just hormones.  I've felt immense anxiety, loneliness, gratitude, pride (the good kind), anger, relief.  Many times I've been offended by people's selfish and greedy ways that I just couldn't help bursting into tears.  It is difficult to process.  I always have a hard time understanding why such behavior exists. I do acknowledge these feelings, I do not disregard them.  I bring out my emotional oils and sniff them till I feel better.  Most importantly, I pray long and hard that I overcome these negative feelings right away.  This is the most effective of them all. 

I was awakened by a phone call from Bettina.  She was crying and I could barely understand what she was saying.  She was dropped off at her carpool meet-up point without her school bag.  Apparently, Daddy drove the other car and that didn't have her things inside.  She didn't bother checking her stuff before leaving.  Hmmm.  It wouldn't have been a problem if Bettina's school is just nearby.  She goes to a school 20kms away from home.  My sleepy head couldn't figure out what to do.  After a few minutes, I figured, I should just meet up with the carpool  after they've picked up all passengers.  Needless to say, I was able to hand over her things just in time.  I drove like a madman.  All this happened from 6am to 7:10am.  --------------------------- On my way back home, I was informed that another child left his basketball clothes at home and that I should just send it to his school via Lalamove.  To think t...

When it is my turn to bring the kids to school, I wait it out most of the time. So, it is just fitting that that I have a comfortable place to spend my "me" time.  I am tired of the usual coffee shops patronized by many.  They are often too crowded and noisy even in the early morning.  In my quest for a nice spot, I only have 3 requirements:  Wi-Fi connectivity, quality of food and parking space.  Here are some options I found near Tomas Morato, where my kids' schools are located. Goffa.  This small third wave coffee joint is located in F7 Rallos, owned and operated by the next door Purple Oven bakeshop.  They offer both savory and sweet options for breakfast.  If the options aren't to your liking, you may purchase your breakfast from the bakeshop and have it served at Goffa.  You are assured that the items are freshly baked.  Coffee is good too.  I particularly loved the round ice ball that chilled my mocha.  Yeah, ang ba...

Because I had such a busy week leading up to Christmas that I didn't have time to prepare for our trip.  Yes, I had packed our winter clothes for months.  But, I didn't finish packing until the 24th.  I forgot to pack sunscreen, among other things.  I forgot to purchase Korean Won for the trip.  I haven't decided on our itinerary.  All I knew was we were going to Myeongdong, Coex, a ski resort, eat authentic Korean BBQ.  I had nothing else planned.   I am just glad I am not a K-Pop fanatic, so that is off our list. As always, travelling with kids comes with its own difficulties.  I'd have to make sure that they are warm enough.  We'd have to take frequent stops for rest and bathroom breaks.  Almost all Korean fried chicken is spicy, even if they say it is NOT spicy.  McDonald's is still the safest option.  Fried mozzarella is almost always on the menu, much to my kids' delight. I did not expect Google Maps and Waz...

I am not one who does resolutions.  But, when 2019 began, I did something new .  I wrote down my goals for the year.  I referred back to it when I get lost along the way.  There were changes in lifestyle, perspective and attitude. 2019 was difficult year for me.  A lot of stumbling blocks came into view.  New trials made themselves known on a monthly basis.  I thought I'd have a more relaxed Christmas season this time.  Boy, was I wrong.  I was working in the Kitchen till the 24th. But, looking back, I was able to accomplish some of my plans.  I achieved my top priority. That's the most important thing.   As 2019 drew to a close, there were feelings of contentment, relief, gratitude, anticipation and hope.  Most importantly, there is happiness.  It was easier to bid 2019 farewell.  It wasn't a total waste, after all.  I am satisfied with these small steps. Now, as I sit quietly in my corner, I ponder o...