Sunday Brekkie

Today is Hec's day off. He woke up early and prepared breakfast.

Thanks for this, love. :)

Happy Valentine's Day 2013

Happy LOVE day, people!

Hec and I are not going out on a date today.. it's going to be a day or a couple of days late. He's sick since yesterday, so I made him breakfast today:

I hope everyone is getting some lovin' today or at least a bottle of wine. Make today to be more than just chocolates and flowers. Happy Valentine's Day, everybody! ;)

Summing Up October and November 2012

I'm posting this in December! :D

Anyway, I have been really really busy and stressed out for the past few months of my blogging absence. The good thing now is that things are falling into place - the way I've planned it. Since my mom passed away, I haven't really organized my thoughts and get my acts together. I'm still hurt of her passing. But I'm trying to accept things along the way. :)

I'm currently in Pampanga. I have been here since October. I'll just post some pictures to depict my months of not blogging. :)

October

Hec went home (Iloilo) on October 14 for a quick break from stress at work. Pictures below.

October 22, I went to Pampanga. But before heading there, I caught up with some friends in Manila. 

October 29 - Went to Manila to meet Tita April who just came back from Thailand. 

 



November

Nothing much happened really in November. We are usually stay home and work. But we go out at least once a week to eat out or go for a stroll.

 

There's nothing much to see and do here in Pampanga. It's really different than what I am used to in Iloilo. I guess it's just a matter of getting used to. :)

'Til my next post!

Worried About My Weight Gain

I love to eat, but I hate gaining weight. when I was in my 20s, my weight was normal. I remember having a 25 inch waist line. Then I started gaining weight since I started working as a call center representative. So, even if I eat a little, I gain weight fast. That's really a problem. I've never been obsessed about being thin.

Here's what - I started worrying about my weight when I came back home in Iloilo from Pampanga. I stayed there with the bf from April-August 6, 2011. We often go out to eat lunch or dinner, or sometimes I cook at home. So whenever there are leftover meals or rice, I store them and eat or cook it again the next day. Plus, my work consists more of sitting, facing the computer and eat.

So when I arrived home, everyone was like in shock about my weight gain. LOL. So I started dieting for a month, but went back to Pampanga from October-November. My diet was ruined. I really lack self discipline.

And so, starting January 2012, I will start my diet again. Definitely not skipping meals. I must watch my carbs intake, eat more protein and stock up on yogurt.

Good luck to me!

Saving Money

Life has been very simple since I made a commitment to buy a few things. I don't spend anymore time thinking about the things I only want, like or wish I had. I can now minimize going out for shopping and now saving money. I never feel a pang of a heartbreak when I can't have something. Maybe because I already got the things I need and want for now. So when the urge of buying something I want comes knocking again, I have to really think if i need it, than be an impulsive buyer as I was before. The only thing I enjoy the most when it comes to spending money is eating out. I love food, and I love to eat a lot. No wonder I am gaining so much weight now. So, that's what I usually treat myself and it's usually eating a lot of Filipino food, Italian, Mexican and Japanese food. The Philippines is making it easy for me to ea delicious food. Whether organic, dairy, tropical and ethical food.

Sudden Food Cravings

I have huge cravings for food recently. There were pizzas, fries, junk foods, slurpees, etc. Yesterday, at the airport i suddenly felt like eating Tempura, so I asked my friends to come with me at the Grand Dame to eat tempura, but they suggested to just look for a local tempura stand. And now while working, I have a sudden craving for Maki/sushi (it's kimbop for Korean). I really love eating them, and I can eat a dozen, or sometimes 2 dozen of maki in one sitting.

Kimbop (Korean version of Japanese Maki).



There are also days that I'd crave for a certain food, then I would really look for a way to buy and eat them... either that I would go out in the middle of the night to look for a convenience store, and have them delivered. No wonder I am ganing so much weight now. I must change my lifestyle, and my bad eating habits. But not to soon. :P

The Not-So-Good-Cook

I am not a good cook alright, but I only have a limited knowledge on how to cook food. And what's funny is that my dad is a good cook, and out of 5 of his children, only one knows how to cook well like him, and that is my younger brother. My dad used to tell me, "if you know how to eat good food, you know how to cook". But that does not apply to me, I just know what good food to eat..and that is all.

So everytime my dad couldn't cook for us, it's always my brother's duty to cook. We don't have a helper at home this time so it's either my dad or my brother who cook meal for us all. Me not being able to cook well is not something to be proud of. It's just that before, when we were kids trying to be at the kitchen and learning how to cook..my dad would always say to stay away from the kitchen to avoid accidents.

But hey, of course I know some few dishes, but not those with "sabaw" or heavy meals to cook. So since I visited my boyfriend here in Pampanga, we bought electric stove and some stuff for cooking, he wanted me to cook for him but I was worried he wouldn't like what I'm cooking. At first I tried cooking stuff that could be fried, then I tried soups and other stuff. Haha. well, not bad though.. because he likes every food I prepare, and everytime we eat together, he would always tell me that he will surely miss the food I prepare for him and how I take care of him in general. :)

Yes, I am not the best cook in the world, but at least knowing that someone appreciates it, is something I can be proud of. :)

Poolah and Xtiane Friday Bonding

Yesterday was a nice end to a pretty busy and eventful week. I got to spend some quality, girlfriend time with my friend Xtiane at Smallville. We were really funny because we have been taking pictures of ourselves with our digital cameras and webcam.




We had burgers at Westown


Then ice cream at Crave

Buko Pandan Salad ala Poolah

Here's the product of boredom yesterday:


Buko Pandan Salad ala Poolah

I was home alone and bored yesterday. So, I checked on something to eat but there was none, unless I cook. But I don't know how to cook, however, I found something to make and eat. I saw 2 cans of fruit cocktails, 3 cans of Nestle Creams, Condensed Milk, and 2 packs of Jelly Powder Mix (gulaman in Filipino), and asked the helper to buy Php60 buko (coconut meat). So I've decided to make Buko Pandan Salad.

Here are the ingredients:

2 packs of Jelly Powder Mix (24g each pack)
850g Del Monte Fiesta Fruit Cocktail
Falcon's Valley Fruit Cocktail
2 cans at 10.05 oz Nestle Cream
300mL can Alaska Sweetened Condensed Milk
168mL can Alaska Sweetened Condensed Milk
Php60 worth of buko (coconut meat)

Because they want to know the ingredients and how I made it, well..I'm gonna share it now.

How I made it:

1. Since I used 2 packs of Jelly Powder Mix, I measured 12 cups of tap drinking water, in a casserole (not warm or cold).
2. Gradually sprinkle 2 packs of the powder mix into the water while stirring constantly until it will completely dissolved.
3. Continue stirring until jelly comes to a near boil.
4. Remove casserole from heat then pour jelly into mold.
5. Let jelly sat at a room temperature and cut into small cubes when jelly is firm enough.
6. Meanwhile, I cut the buko into small strips while waiting for jelly to mold
7. When jelly is firm enough, cut them into small cubes on big trays or bowls
   
8. Mix all your ingredients
9. Add kaong if you prefer
   
10. Mix mix mix, chill and serve.

This is a perfect dessert for parties and some occassion, that would only cost you over P400, but less than P500. :p
Cheap but derishus!

Officially Enrolled

Went back to school earlier to wrap up the enrolment process. Again, I had to spend the whole day for the enrolment. The enrolment process was really slow, and confusing. Long lines at the admin office for payments, subject encoding, and finalizing the course. I only had coffee for breakfast, and water for lunch. I did not have the time to eat lunch, because I was worried I will be falling in line at the very end. But whallah, I had one bright idea, I did not fall in line but directly went to the payments section, paid the fee, and I'm done just in 5 minutes. I'm not telling how I did that. LOL. Then I hurriedly went to the encoding section, and after a few minutes, I got my registration form.

Finally, I am enrolled!

When I went home, the only solid food I ate was a banana, and I'm good with it. I'll just eat something better for dinner.

Not So Grand Day

I had the most tiring day today. I did some errands and processed some papers but ended up unaccomplished. I don't want to explain why and how. I am just disappointed and frustrated.

And oh.. I went to my University today to request for another transcript of records. But before that I went to the Commerce Department to inquire about something. Then sat at the Aguirre Park - used to be our "tambayan" when we were waiting for the next class, or to review notes. and I remember the day at the park when I slapped my college bf (now ex) because I caught him cheating hahaha!

Here is me at the Aguirre Park:



I am also surprised to see that at the cafeteria, there are now consignees like Coffee Break, Waffle Time, Mc Donalds, Thirsty, Mr. Donuts and a lot more. Where were they 9 years ago? LOL. What they had before at the cafeteria were like home-made foods that were tasteless. Eaaak!

So hopefully I can finish those papers tomorrow. Argh. I am tired. I need a massage. and I need to make more money. :p

So that was my day.

To Go On Diet Again

I think I have gained weight again, ahahaha! I just can't stop eating! I love to eat, but I hate gaining weight. I have been eating a lot of junk foods and die-with-cholesterol foods and not exercising. that makes me sad. How can you go on a diet with a pantry(at work) filled with tasty goodies. Life is not fair sometimes. So I'm on a diet (again). I hate diets, but I have to. I don't want to just eat more, and move less. Yikes. Oh well, oatmeal cookies and coffee would do it for the day. I love coffees, and that is low cal.

Work update: It was queuing today, that I could hardly take my break and make coffee.

And here's this rad thing that grinds my ears:


Yeah.. an iPod touch, baby! :p

Pizza Delivery - FAIL!

I spent the Valentine's Day with my family here at home. I ordered two boxes of Shakey's Pizza for our dinner around 6pm, it got delivered around 8pm. So, I called them and complained about it. they sent us another box of pizza for free - thank you! But I am still disappointed.

Don't you hate that? When you wait forever for something and build it up in your head then you get it, pay way too much. That took two hours to get me. Then sat down, and take a big bite, and it's NOWHERE near as good as I thought it would be. I never liked Shakey's, it's actually not very good at all. I wanted to only pretend that it tastes good because I was hungry and I want to believe it was worth the time and money. Yellow Cab and Greenwich are not available for deliveries today since it's Valentine's day. Ugh.




And that was the highlight of my night.

I Overate, Now What?

I just gave in to my cravings. I ate mojo potatoes and the biggest burger at Perri Todd's, plus a bottle of Coke.





I think I just ruined my diet. It's really not easy to crave for foods. :p

Lurvin' Cerealicious

Just thought I'd share one of my comfort foods! i am currently addicted to Cerealicious, and would like to try all of the mixes. they have fun and delicious cereal bowls with creative names from blockbuster movies. I think it is a healthy snack because I also get dose of fiber which I normally take for granted.

Here's what I ate this week:
Mint Joe Black


Nutting Hill



Did I say to cut back on sweets? hehehe!


I don't think so. :p

Year 2009 Resolution

I would like to hear about your resolutions, and what you plan to carry over into the year 2009.

I have many things I want to do, and continue to do! I've recently felt that I'm on the right track. It's a wonderful feeling to have when starting out the new year. Tell me, what has changed? What's going to change?

Welcoming 2009:

1. Drama Free: Months or weeks before my boyfriend moved out of Iloilo in October 2008, our lives has been so controversial. lol. There were rumors made by someone who seems to be in a state of insanity. When he is already working in Baguio, those rumors, and harrassing SMS from this person had eventually made a sudden churn. Until eventually, this person mutes for a while. Probably this person got tired already, because we don't really mind at all. Also, I just noticed that before 2008 ends, i let go of friends and some people who tend to start complications and who were causing non-sense.. and I feel better for it. Yes, it may be a loss, but if I can start out this new year with only positive chill people in my life, it would be the best thing possible. As I let go of the negative energy, I will let go of the people who carry that negative energy for me.

2. To Diet: Two friends and myself have decided to go on diet for the new year. I feel like this would be a healthy and worth-while change. Just today, Hectril and I went to one of the coffee shops in the area and met his cousins there. His cousin complimented that I looked really good with my hair and that I lose weight. Maybe because we haven't seen each other for quite a while.. that's why he thought i slim down hehehe. Some of my friends said I gained weight, so i'm really confused which is which. But either way, I'd still continue with my diet and get that 26 waistline back. I have to reach my goal weight. It won't be easy, but I also know that I won't struggle with it too much considering my current diet. Few changes will be made, but they'll be big ones.

3. Anti-Fast Food: With that said, I plan to entirely cut out fast food..especially with sodas. I love Coke float that much, but if that would cause my tummy to bloat..then I'd force myself to stop drinking Coke float. The big problem with me is I always end up succumbing to a small order of fries here and there when out with friends, but no more! Anti-grease patrol. And seeing as my friends are also wanting to eat healthy, we will probably try to stop eating at fast food chains.

4. Baggage at the Door: This resolution isn't very new for 2009, but rather something I've recently started that I intend to carry over with me. Some of you are a little bit aware of my life and love story, and those who aren't can relate simply by applying their own. I'm letting go of my immature behavior to become a more trusting person. I've started to put things into perspective and I've realized that judging my present and future because of something someone shady did to me (and to my bf) is truly unfair for all parties.

5. Don't Sweat the Small Stuff: I've been known to hyperventilate over the smallest of daily inconveniences and blunders. I will slowly calm down, and I plan to walk into the new year without over analyzing things that don't matter.

6. Money: Learn to refinance. Make some more savings. Don't use the credit cards. Pay bills on time.

7. Liquor Free: While I'm not going straight-edge, I do plan to cut down a LOT as far as drinking goes. Drinking has been behind a lot of my anxiety problems and causes me to do things I'm not proud of. In 2008 I learned my limits, Hectril somehow taught me how to minimize drinking by not allowing me to go out often. And if he does allow me, he would give me limits. and I don't intend on exceeding those limits. There's no reason to black out and choke on your own vomit! hehehe.

8. Never Settle for Less: I have always found myself setting for less than what I truly desire. If I can't do the thing i want to do, I settle for something I don't like instead of waiting for something wonderful to come along. It's the same thing of wanting someone. Right now, I am with someone whom I want to be with very much so.

9. Move: I still plan of moving. I've promised myself to move out of this town and pursue my dreams elsewhere. I'm not saying I'm waiting to the end of 2009 to do so, but I think it's proper to set goals. I have a very good idea of where I want to move but I'm not going to jump into anything just yet. Like all great plans, I want to have good financial standing behind what I do. If I'm moving, it means my life is exactly where it's supposed to be, and I don't plan on moving until that is the case.

10. Enjot life. Have fun, fun, fun!


I grew up a lot in 2008. It's been such a bittersweet year filled with a Pandora's box of emotions for me. It started out insane, but it's now ending on a very calm and peaceful note. There are no afflictions and no concerns. I feel like I'm being taken care of by myself, my boyfriend, my family, and by others.

I can't promise that this resolutions will remain for the 2009, but I will try. and if it does, I'll be here. Life has its own way of putting a spin on things sometimes. You will all know how to reach me if I disappear. So please, send me good vibes! I need them. ;)


Related Post: 2009 At Some Point

I Have Gained Weight

I have gained five pounds. Must be all the rice, meat, junks, chocolates, and die-with-cholesterdol foods I have been partaking in. Also, I always want to let myself go when I am on vacation and let myself indulge a little more than I would when I am home. I usually have no problem with this weight gain (I can gain and lose five pounds at the drop of a hat) but most of my jeans are sized 26, and they fit perfectly, I am afraid that someday I won't able to zipper it up hahaha. Damn delicious foods. Why do they have to be so tasty?!

Queasy Feeling

I am very dizzy and I constantly feel like my stomach is empty, even after a big meal. But when I eat, it makes me feel kind of queasy. But it's hard not to feel queasy when you constantly feel as if you've just gotten off of a roller coaster that had loop-de-loops after you ate one too many of those bread cakes covered in icing sugar. Haay.. I ate too much.

I'm off to bed now. Good night.

The Act of Kindness

Today, something happened that made me have a little more faith in humanity.

After my shift, my desire for coffee struck me hard like a mallet against a steamed potato. so I asked my supervisor if I can get myself a coffee before we start the meeting for our team. Since my supervisor is also a coffee-holic like me she asked me to get her a large coffee with cream only since I was going to Figaro (they have great coffee). I was well on the counter and my order for coffee with cream and mocha java was punched in the machine, and the guy advised me for the total of P170. I checked my pockets and realized I didn't have any cash on me aside from the P80 my supervisor gave me, and that I only have my cellphone pouch with 2 peso coins and 2 cellphones in it. I laughed and explained from the cashier that I left my money at the office, and I have to go back and get my money, since our office is on the 3rd floor, and Figaro is on the 2rd floor only. The cashier was ok with that and I just left my name though.

When I was writing down my name, a man standing behind asked me what I wanted. I told him I ordered two coffees. He offered to pay them for me.

I declined, of course, thinking that it was some ploy for him to try to get my number or set up a date with me (it is possible because I'm pretty hahaha), but he told me that he wanted to perform a random act of kindness and that it would be his treat. Finally I agreed, he payed for the coffees and he gave the cashier the exact amount.

He said, "may pangayuon lang ko sa imo isa lng ka butang" [English trans: One thing I want to ask from you though]" .. and at the back of my head..i thought, "oh great, here it comes, he's going to ask me for my number or something...or worse. But instead, he said, "ibalik mo lng ang favor sa iban nga tawo para patas na ta." [English trans: "Now you have to do a random act of kindness for someone else to get even with me." I was really blown away by that.

I took my 2 peso coin from my pouch and put it in the Bantay Bata can at the counter.

Before going home, I stopped in Chowking, (Molo branch) to buy something, when a disabled old man was standing by the door and asked if I could spare any change so he could get something to eat. I handed him the P50 I had in my pocket and smiled. He said thank you and turned his back. That made me feel better about the good side of human nature.

It's not often that people give favors to complete strangers and want nothing in return except to pass the torch of kindness onto someone else. I know, that sounds really cheesy, but it's the best way I could think to describe it.

Max's Restaurant: Bad Service

I am so tired today. I wanted to take an early rest right after work but I could not because I had to go to NLRC and took care of some stuffs that needed to be done today. After which, I met up with Hec and was supposed to have lunch at Max's Restaurant (SM Delgado, Iloilo).

By the time we arrived, only a few tables were occupied.. so that means it was not crowded/full packed yet. So we ordered one Budget Meal and one Chicken Barbeque Combo Meal, and the waiter informed us that it would take 15 minutes for our order to be served. So we were ok with that. A few minutes later, our iced tea and Pepsi was served. Ok, so that's fast, since they already have prepared for that. A few more minutes later, I noticed that we have been waiting for almost 40 minutes and our order was not yet served. At that point, I started to get disappointed for the long wait. I was about to stand up and ask for a follow up with one of the waiters but Hec stopped me, and told me to wait a few minutes more. And at that, Hec already got an iced tea refilled for the 3rd time. I knew he was pissed, so I suggested that we should leave the resto.

We called up one waiter and informed him that we are canceling our orders. But he insisted that they are about to serve them. But no, we could not wait for a single moment.. and how could we eat better and appreciate the food when we are both pissed off and disappointed with the service? What really got into my nerves was that some customers who came in 25 or 30 minutes after us were served within 10-15 minutes by the time they have ordered their meals.

And so, we left our table. I approached the cashier just to ask if the manager was available. She called him up and we talked to him. We told him that we were disappointed for the long wait, and to let him know that they have a bad service! I also told him not to set a customer's expectation about their orders to be served. They could have at least let one of their crews inform their customers that there might be a delay or whatever reason. Yet, they failed to do that.

The manager apologized and told us he was actually the one preparing the Chicken Barbeque Combo Meal. Whatever is the reason for the delay, I don't really care, and i wouldn't want to know. Maybe they could not meet the huge demand for their combo meals, since it was lunch time. We just wanted to leave the place. Ugh. Bad service, really. It should be a "first come, first serve" basis! Well.. the manager, he asked for my name and my contact number. I don't know why. maybe to compensate for the inconvenience? Hmm.

There should be a re-training for the crews and for the manager as well. Because a manager can be at fault for the bad service. They should improve their service to serve customers better - paying customers, that is. Hmm.. I could have asked someone from the upper management.

On a positive note, Max's has good foods, and I like their chicken most. The resto is still a great place for dining at a reasonable price. I might still be dining in at Max's, however, what we had experienced left a negative note on our end.

As a blogger, I am just being honest with my experience and reviews. If I like something, I write good positive stuff about it with great excitement. And if I don't like something, I write bad stuffs about it.

You might want to read Hectril's blog. He also has a little something to share. :)