I'm back... sort of

Almost two years since my last post!

Whenever I have time on my hands I think to myself that I should blog. I do regret not having been more actively blogging. It used to be my way of documenting my days but nowadays, I can hardly update my journal.

I do bullet journaling now. Before I moved to another department at work, I used to be so meticulous in writing something every day. But then my new job kept me busy so now it's become more of a tracker and reminder journal. I just track whether or not I worked out, when I get my period, when I'm supposed to pay this or that, or when events are scheduled. It still serves me well.

Since starting at my new job, I also hardly have had time to read new books. I'm currently rereading The Two Towers. I'm also in the middle of reading Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (it's cute).

Also, every night I try to read one chapter in the Bible. I highlight a verse or two that I feel speaks to me, then I pray. Just today, I started reading 1 Corinthians and the verse I highlighted was 1 Corinthians 1:25: For the foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men.

Typhoon Ulysses hit the country last week. Very badly hit was Montalban, where I and my son love to hike. Whenever we go there, we're always warmly welcomed, though that might have more to do with us being with our driver who's from there. His cousins always acted as our guides during our hiking trips, so when we heard how the typhoon had devastated their area, we had to help. We gathered old clothes, blankets, towels, shoes, and got groceries. It's a drop in the bucket, but we continue to help as donations are still being sent.

2020... what can I say? I don't want to say it's the worst year. I said that about 2019 and 2020 proved me wrong. Our troubles will surely be carried over into 2021, but after this hard year maybe we'll be wiser and more equipped to deal with whatever 2021 has got in store for us.

Deep into the Reylo ship

I loved The Last Jedi and I loved this tumblr post.

Blogging's glory days

I miss the kind of old-fashioned blogging I used to do. I stumbled across a blog that I'd kept for maybe 4 years -- pre- and post-mommyhood. I can't believe I used to write so personally and candidly back then... as if I were talking to friends.

These days though, you can't be too careful about what you post on the Internet because as they say, "the Internet is forever." Anyway, it's fun to read about how I would describe the details of my days, my trips, my plans, even my love life (yes, I used to have one of those). Here's a screenshot of something I wrote shortly after a breakup:

That made me laugh because that day that I'd wished for had come years ago, and I don't even remember writing that. Hilarious.

Passport renewal experience

I've already read a lot of blogs talking about their passport renewal experience (all good), and I just want to add to that because I had a good experience too.

When I was still planning on renewing my and my son's passports, I was thinking of scheduling it sometime mid-May on a weekday. So I went to the online passport application/renewal site of DFA about 3 weeks before the date I wanted... only to find out that there was no availability on that date.

So, a tip: Go on the DFA portal to schedule your appointment 2 months before the date you want. Looks like they limit the number of applications they entertain daily, which actually is a good thing.

I ended up getting a 10:30 AM appointment for today in their Megamall branch. I chose this branch because I'd read good feedback in a forum.

Today being a Saturday, I planned on leaving the house at 8:30 AM because I didn't want to get stressed in case there's heavy traffic going to the mall. From past experience, I knew that traffic around this area can get heavy in the mid-morning.

We left the house a little past 8:30 and got there at around 9:15, thanks to the driver's fast driving skillz and light traffic past the Cubao area. I checked Waze and saw that the DFA is in Building C, so I had the driver drop us off at Building A. This is the side where upon entering you see Sbarro on the left and Kenny Rogers on the right.

At 10 AM we finally got to enter the mall. The security guard told me that to get to DFA, we have to go up all the way to the fifth floor using the escalator just near the entrance, then cross to the DFA. It was easy enough to find.

There was already a line forming at the entrance but it wasn't long and it moved fast. A security guard by the entrance checked our printed appointment confirmation and application forms then let us in and we proceeded to the verification counter. The two guys who manned this counter checked our application forms, stamped them, and attached a small slip of paper to each. The slip of paper was a list of the procedures we had to go through. We were then told to proceed to the processing area.

The processing area is air-conditioned and comfortable, with plenty of seats to spare. The DFA personnel were proactive in helping applicants check whether their requirements are complete. I knew it was imperative to have all the required documents photocopied, and I did have photocopies of page 2 of my and my son's expiring passports, my driver's license, my son's school ID and birth certificate. But while in line in the processing area, one of the DFA guys said I needed to have the last page of our passports photocopied as well. So I had to go out of the DFA and fall in line at the nearest photocopying shop (Pixografx on the 5th floor).

I went back to the processing area and the same guy who told me I needed those photocopies spotted me and directed me right away to an available window. The lady in Window 8 was very pleasant but I got miffed when I was told to photocopy my application form. She did explain that it's needed because it's going to be attached to my son's application form as proof that I would be the one traveling with him. Ugh, fine. Back we went to Pixografx -- good thing the line was already short.

Going back to the processing area the third time, the lady in Window 8 spotted me and motioned me to come over. Finally, all the documents were complete! While checking them, she even remarked, "Uy, artist!" when she saw our surnames. She said she has one of the pieces Freeway made as a tribute to Tatay. That was unexpected, and good to hear. We proceeded to the cashier and paid P1,200 for each passport.

The next step was encoding. There were about 10 counters in the encoding area, and maybe 3 more for senior citizens and PWDs. There were plenty of seats to spare here too, and the line moved fast. We spent maybe a total of 15 minutes waiting before we were told to go to the next available counter.

At the counter, the lady entered the data for my son's passport, took his photo, then scanned his fingerprints. The lady here was also accommodating and not at all your stereotypical laid-back government employee. After encoding my son's information, it was my turn and it was all very quick.

When we were done, we went to the courier counter to pay for the shipping of our passports, which was P150 per passport. I wish they had the option of shipping all family members' passports in one package, since obviously one package can hold more than one passport. But obviously getting P150 per passport is the courier's way of making money.

All in all, we spent less than 2 hours at the DFA, and it would've been quicker if I didn't have to have some documents photocopied. But overall, it was not a stressful experience at all. I thought I would've been made to wait at the end of the line again upon returning from the copier, but I really appreciated that the DFA guys made an effort to make the process as smooth and as orderly as they could.

Meow

I promised Mig he could have a pet on his birthday. I'd originally wanted to get a pug, but after talking to my dog owner friends, they recommended that we start with a cat because it's supposedly easier to take care of. So... meet Madison!

She's a 4 month old Persian and I got her from a friend of a friend. We sometimes call her Madis or Maddie. I often call her Maddie the Baddie because she's so naughty! Although I suppose that's normal for a kitten her age. She always wants to play when it's time to sleep and she likes dashing out of the room and having us chase her.

Me Before You by Jojo Moyes

Of late, I'd been on a crazy Lisa Kleypas book frenzy. I'm a sucker for predictable romance novels where the hero is a brooding, hunky, muscled, rich man and the heroine is this gorgeous, curvy, blond-haired girl who's unaware of her own beauty. What can I say? I love fairy tales. :)

But I recently discovered this touching, atypical romance novel while looking for books to read on Amazon. I don't usually go for love stories that have unusual plots, but the description of Jojo Moyes' Me Before You sounded so interesting -- a girl who needed money takes a job as companion to a formerly outdoorsy, active man who's now a quadriplegic confined to a wheelchair.

I loved the slow dance between the two characters, how they thought, and how they fell in love. It made me laugh and cry at the same time. It also made me think of Tin. This is definitely a book I'd want to read again.

Snap of the day

This is what my fourth cycle of the Wendler 5/3/1 looks like.

Strength with a side of coffee

I started following this strength program last year and it must be working because I feel that I've gained strength and that my form has improved. It also gives me a chance to face my fears. Believe it or not, I talk to the bar before every lift: "I can and I will lift you. Be afraid!" Ya, I'm weird like that.

Weekend hangover

It's already Wednesday and I still have a hangover from my weekend in Batangas. Someone please take me back to the beach!

In the company of the fit single people I work out with, I had an epiphany. In addition to all the qualities I would like in a guy, he also has to believe in fitness like I do. I realized that when I saw this post on instagram:

Not that I have big muscles like those gorgeous female CrossFit athletes you see on YouTube, but you get my drift. I don't like guys who smoke and lead a sedentary lifestyle. He doesn't have to do CrossFit, but he must be into physical activities -- running, cycling, BJJ, zumba, whatever. So thanks, CrossFit for ruining me and setting the bar even higher.

This makes me wish I could dance

I'm almost done watching Season 8 of So You Think You Can Dance, but I don't want it to end! I've seen several seasons of this show and Season 8 is easily my favorite so far. I love all of the Top 10 dancers and they always seem to be having such a good time. I also love that there are a couple of Filipinos in this season (Marko and Tadd).

This routine by Marko and Melanie is my favorite. I love the story and the acting. No surprise that it was choreographed by Nappytabs - they always come up with the coolest hip-hop routines.

This routine made me appreciate the song even more. It always makes me smile, makes me wish I could dance, and it makes me believe in love! I watch it every time I need a pick-me-upper.

Angry Birds Star Wars? Yes, please!

Mig loves (read: is addicted to) this version of the game, so much so that he drew his own version of it in the sketch pad I gave him. I have to say, it's much better than the original, and worth its $2.99 price.

Homemade iced coffee

I've been into iced coffee lately, so when I went to Hong Kong I got myself this tumbler (one of the very few things I'd bought, if I may add). I'd seen this before in Starbucks stores here, but it wasn't till I started making cold-brewed coffee that I began wanting one.

I almost regretted buying it for HK$90 when I saw a Hong Kong Disneyland tumbler at the airport selling for HK$60, but I do like the simplicity of this one.

Oh, and inside the tumbler is a big serving of the iced Vietnamese coffee I always have whenever I have time to make it.

My weakness

Durian. You either love it or hate it.

Give it to me fresh or frozen, in a shake or in my coffee, in a pie or in a cake.

This is why whenever someone goes to Davao I always ask for durian. Even when it's off-season, just in case that person happens to come by good durian at the market.

Luscious, finger-licking durian

It stinks like anything, but for fanatics like me the smell is h-e-a-v-e-n-l-y. :)

This makes me miss Davao.

Instagramming

My niece Maxine took this photo of me paying for my order at Conti's. She called it my OOTD. I had no idea what she meant by that at first, then I remembered seeing lots of OOTD posts on tumblr. It means "outfit of the day"!

Grabbed from this site

Today in pictures

I'm on vacation the whole week this week. Yay! I had the luxury of time to get ready for the gym.

9:00 am

One of the first things I did as soon as I woke up was check the CFMNL website for today's WOD. It's benchmark day!

9:30 am

I ate my breakfast of leftover sweet potato hash and black coffee while reading this book my friend told me about -- Fifty Shades of Grey. I don't read erotica, but my interest was piqued when my friend told me that it's like Twilight for adults. I'm halfway through it, and I have to say, it's very entertaining. More than the sex scenes, it's the love angle between the two principal characters that's hooked me.

11:15 am

Time to go to the box! Pay no mind to my ratty running shoes. I know I have to get a new pair of shoes for working out, and I've got my mind set on a pair of Inov-8 Bare-XF 210s. Still saving up for those, but reading great reviews about them is making me antsy.

11:45 am

I arrived early for the 12:30 pm class and started warming up and psyching myself up for the WOD. I'm learning that half the battle is won in the mind, so for me, mental preparation is part of the warmup.

1:15 pm

Post-workout: CrossFit hands. I swear, I have rough, man-hands now. And I don't even do the workouts as Rx'd (as prescribed, meaning I almost always scale down on the weights)!

1:40 pm

An empty box on my way out. Now, to have a pedicure...

3:00 pm

There was only one client when I got to the nail salon in our neighborhood. I picked a nice, bright pink for my toes. Gotta love Orly nail polish.

3:15 pm

I was famished by the time I got home. Good thing there was some leftover fish and veggies on the table. I reheated more sweet potato hash, et voila! (Late) lunch is served! It wasn't gourmet good, but it was my best attempt at a balanced meal. After I'd polished that off, I had an orange and a slice of non-paleo chocolate cake.

I think I'm going to enjoy this week-long holiday.

Old school

Before the iPad and Draw Something, there was this:

Concentrating on his drawing

Et voila! A cute robot!

You are too young if you have no idea what an Etch A Sketch is. It's only the coolest toy ever. Duh.

Ang Aming Lolo

My Tatay celebrated his 80th birthday last April 11th at the UP Executive House and a special program was put together for him. Part of the program was a poem-reading by the two boys, Miguel and Andres. Watch the first couple of minutes:

This is what they read:

As a treat to Tatay, Gloc-9 also performed. The crowd loved it.

Overall, I'd say the party was a great success!

Paleo Challenge

The Paleo Challenge is a 30-day program at CFMNL wherein challengers follow the "paleo diet," also known as the "caveman diet." Huh, sounds like one of those weirdo faddy diets, I know. That's what I thought, too, until I started reading up on it. And the more I read about it, the more it made sense to me.

Basically, the paleo diet is eating meat, vegetables, fruit, and nuts. No grains (rice, oats, and the like), no processed foods, and no dairy (although I think some paleo people are more relaxed when it comes to this). Here's a great beginner's guide to paleo by Nerd Fitness. The end result is supposed to be increased energy levels and improved health and strength. Weight loss (if you're trying to lose weight) or a leaner figure is just a bonus.

I'm on Day 2 now, and have been strictly adhering to it. It takes time and effort to plan and prepare meals, since I'm the only one at home following the diet and everyone thinks I'm crazy. Those who know me know that I don't cook. Yet I find myself in the kitchen every morning preparing my own meals. During the weekend, I made baked sweet potato fries. It wasn't the success I'd envisioned it would be because some of the fries got burned and got stuck to the pan, but it tasted good.

Apologies for the blurry photo :)

Well, let's just see how this goes. So far, I'm feeling good, though.

Zero to hero, baby!

The Raya Razkals joined the 7-under division at the Zobel Football Festival in Alabang yesterday. We weren't really expecting anything. For us parents -- and I guess for the kids too -- it was just one of those tournaments the kids join to gain experience.

As we watched the games and saw how the team had improved, though, we started getting excited. And a teeny tiny pinprick spark of hope started growing... maybe they're going to do well, after all! They played against some of the teams that had defeated them before, and their performance was almost at par with these more experienced teams. They even beat the varsity team of DLSZ. How about that?

First game: Raya FC 0 - Alabang FS 2
Second game: Raya FC 2 - DLSZ 1
Third game: Raya FC 2 - Manresa FC 0
Fourth game: Raya FC 1 - Makati FS 1 (resulted in a penalty shoot out where Raya scored 2 and MFS scored 3)
Semi-final game (for 3rd place): Raya FC 1 - Atletiko Diliman 0

They were all so happy to get a medal!

When they placed third, us parents (and even Coach Sims) could hardly believe it! Maybe just a couple more years and they'll be playing like a well-oiled machine.

Posing with his medal

Yes, it was a tiring but happy day in the south yesterday.

Ako na lang

I stumbled upon this song by Ziya Quizon months ago while listening to the radio, and I think anyone who's ever liked a person who liked someone else would be able to relate. Such a cute, cute song.

Kung sino-sino pang tinatawagan mo, nandito lang naman ako

Kung saan-saan ka pa naghahanap, nandito lang naman ako

Two things

One: I've decided to create a separate blog for my fitness-related posts to spare those who can't stand reading yet another CrossFit- or running-related post. From now on, this blog will contain a minimal amount of stuff about (mostly) CrossFit. My other blog: http://almostprettyfit.blogspot.com.

Two: The family just got back from Boracay, and although it was fun, for the most part it was stressful. Not only because we had the kids with us but also because one of my sisters' baby girl and our elderly parents were also with us. We tried to make the most of it but I sure am glad to be home now.

And Boracay isn't what it used to be. What I remember the most the first time I went there back in 1998 was the powdery white sand stayed cool even at midday. You could walk barefoot the whole day if you wanted to. Now, you have to wear slippers when you walk around. It was also too crowded this time of the year (or is that my age talking?).

We still managed to have fun, though. I got to taste Jonah's banana milkshake again, we had a scrumptious seafood lunch at the talipapa, and we were able to try out the yummy calamansi muffins at The Real Coffee and Tea Cafe.

And now, here is one of our funnier attempts to do a jump shot on the day of our departure.

With my sisters and niece