Made a Pokemon "Pikachu" Quilt

I was really curious whether Pinterest grids of characters would work as a quilt. Since I had a lot of yellow fabric, I decided to make a Pikachu quilt. I originally intended to make it as a throw pillow case, but it was too cute. I decided to turn it into a wall hanging since we don't have anything on our walls. 

I started the project last August. I was busy with other things. I worked on it on and off and piecing together 400 1"x 1" squares wasn't easy. I had to take breaks in-between to rest. The hardest part was hand quilting across the project. I'm happy I now have a Pokemon wall decor-a homemade one!

Here's how I made it!

Will I do it again? Maybe. I definitely want to have a Yoda one and if I have more energy maybe I'll complete the Pokemon starters. 

Yet Another Day with My Cats + Pulmo Rehab

I managed to sleep well last night. I was able to pinpoint where the forearm pain stemmed from. It's likely a pinched nerve somewhere in my neck. I haven't been able to see my doctor since she's out, so I looked for a home solution. I found one last night taught by a chiropractor and I had instant relief! The pain is still there, but at least I was able to sleep without taking a pain reliever (Dr. Koo always cautioned not to get addicted to pain relievers!). 

Anyway, I was able to attend my pulmo rehab session today. My therapist congratulated me for making it for four straight weeks! That's a rare occurrence since sometimes I wake up with a headache or I'm not able to sleep well. I learned my lesson and make sure I'm well rested the day before my session. No extraordinary activities! 

I fell asleep after eating lunch. The exercises were the same, but I used heavier dumb bells for some of the exercises. That probably required a lot more effort. I immediately went to the pocket garden when I woke up. Anakin, Bailey and Grogu soon appeared and asked for belly rubs. Meredith followed and also asked for scratches. They've been so sweet lately and I can't imagine not having them around.

Kaley and Grey have been missing for 2 to 3 months now. We have no idea where they've gone. We can only hope that they found someone to care for them. It's not the first time we lost feral cats. We also never saw Cheyenne and Sandra again. Maybe they also found their fur-ever homes. 

I also realized Christmas is less than a month away now! We honestly haven't done anything yet. Maybe we'll put up our trees this weekend :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

My Afternoon Companions

Every afternoon my cats accompany me while I water the plants. They greet me and ask for belly rubs. When I get busy with the plants they wrestle or run around. Sometimes I get surprised when they do zoomies and brush against my leg as they pass by.

This afternoon, Meredith sat beside me after I finish watering the tea tree plant. I sat on the top step beside her and just hung out. The weather has changed and it's pleasant to stay outdoors towards sunset. I'm glad the old Meredith is back. She became aloof for awhile and even moved out. She came back when she realized no one else is going to feed her. I guess she now understands that they are one huge cat family and we love all of them just the same.

I went out again late evening to check on the cats. They were all napping, but soon woke up when they heard me. Anakin was missing. We heard him running on the garage roof and wanted help to get down. Last time that happened he jumped ten feet to the ground. Good thing he wasn't injured. This time his paw daddy held a box for him to go down. He still fell, but managed to land properly. 

His body was stuck in a plastic bag. We suspect it came from the construction site beside us. We immediately removed it and checked if he was okay. The handle of the plastic was pretty tight. Good thing I checked on the cats and saw what happened.

I love our cat family, all 8 of them and I'm grateful Papa God sent them our way.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Ganapables

I was watching an interview on YouTube when I heard the word "ganapables". Gen Z has introduced a lot of new words to me. "Ganapables" which I guess means "happenings" or "events/activities". I couldn't help but giggle over the new terms I'm learning. 

Other terms I learned include, "jumper", "situationship", "cavite" (not the city), "bruh" etc. I honestly had to look up what situationship meant. It's like the new term for "MU" but not quite it they said. 

I remember when I was growing up I also had to explain certain words to my parents. My Dad was fascinated to learn new terms. My Mom mostly raised her eyebrow, haha. Miggy's generation is really different from Gen Z and he's also not familiar with some of the terms. I guess we all just need to continue learning to bridge the gap.

So, what's your ganapables for the next week? 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Gardening Helped Heal my Forearm Pain

I've been having forearm pain the past two weeks. I'm not sure if hand quilting triggered it (probably). My neuro told me to see her if I have pain since she flagged my scoliosis. She's out so I haven't been able to see her. The ointment my spine doctor has helped and I've been doing some of the exercises my PT taught me before.

I read on a hospital's page that you can do some gardening as home treatment for forearm pain. After exercising yesterday I felt I could give it a try today. I had to transplant the avocado I propagated in water anyway. Two avocados and one money plant was my plan. 

I ended up transplanting two avocados, the Ikea money plant, and re-potted some succulents into a bigger pot. Plus I prepared 2 big pots for calamansi and four smaller ones for seeds that sprouted from my propagation tray (I'm not sure what they are, haha). I didn't feel any pain and it felt good. It was good exercise and the cats watched me the whole time.

Hope to see my neuro next week! 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Transformers One and Jaybucks

Sweetie wanted to watch "Transformers One" and we discovered you can watch it through Google TV. I used to watch Transformers on TV when I was a child, so I'm familiar with the characters. I also get to watch whenever Sweetie views videos and I usually ask him a gazillion questions. 

We decided to have a movie night to watch Transformers One. Sweetie and Miggy prepared Jaybucks 3-cheese pizza and we just ordered pasta and chicken. Perfect meal while watching a movie!

I didn't know what to expect. Sweetie just said it was the story on how Optimus Prime and Megatron started. I was surprised to find out that Optimus Prime and Megatron were besties and we're once upon a time smaller. I loved the storyline and how it seemed to have references to pop culture. I also loved how it was animated. TBH, it's much better than the movies that had humans in it. This one is more nostalgic and ties nicely to how I was introduced to the Transformers when I was a child.

That's all I would say for now since I don't want to give any more spoilers. Watching it is worth the time and renting the movie. Now we'll watch BTS and easter egg vids!

Happy weekend!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Pulmo Rehab Progress

I'm happy I was able to attend my pulmo rehab sessions the past 3 weeks. Yay! My therapist usually ramps me up whenever I go MIA because I'm sick. We did the full set today and oh boy, I'm depleted! Haha. I think it was the right level-up since I didn't conk out right after the session. 

I have been feeling heavy since I was rendered useless after our Ikea trip last month. I took awhile to get better, but my back has been painful and I think it's affecting my appendages. I'll probably see my neuro first and have her refer me to a spine doctor. 

I feel the difference though after three pulmo rehab sessions. I'm getting stronger again. I hope we'll be able to start spinning again next week. I'll probably try to use the stationary bike in the next few days to prepare. I just need to make sure I don't overdo things so I can consistently attend my sessions. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Sometimes This is All You Need

My hair had grown so long. It already reached my waist line and it was so annoying already. I haven't been able to have a haircut. It always got pushed back.

Since we came home from Singapore, I couldn't find the right hairdresser. I'm a creature of habit and I really had a hard time finding a new hairdresser when Mama Red left the salin I frequented since I was in high school. I found a good salon in Makati and that worked for me even when I moved to Singapore. When my trips to Manila dwindled, I experimented and got a haircut in Tokyo. The hair stylist didn't want to cut my hair short, but since I insisted he eventually gave in and gave me a nice haircut. The pandemic ended my love affair of getting haircuts in Tokyo and I was forced to find a salon in Singapore. (Check out when it took two years before I could get a haircut, here).

I have been hopping from one salon to another the past three years. I'm not really fussy and to be honest, I don't like going to the salon. My friend Gab used to have someone in his team who could do hair, but she left, so that started my quest to find a new hairdresser.

I badly needed a haircut and had one last Sunday. It looked really nice, but my hair was all over the place the next morning, haha. I guess that means the quest is still on. I'm just happy for now that my hair isn't as bothersome as before. It will grow out and I'll probably try a new salon again.

Get a haircut. Sometimes it's all you need to reset 🤗

#BeKind #StaySafe

Booksale Made Me Panic!

The other day, Booksale's CEO posted a gratitude post and mentioned that they were closing some branches. Sweetie had brought home five books for me just last week. Of course, I panicked and wanted to know whether they were keeping the branch near where I live.

There is nothing like Booksale. I grew up buying books there. It has the books I like for every season of my life. There was something similar in Singapore, but the books were still expensive. Whenever I went home I would visit Booksale whenever I can. It's a staple shop for me and that's why I had to visit and reassure myself it's still there, haha.

We had errands today. We finished it quickly and immediately went to Booksale after. I told the staff I wish they'd keep the branch. She said it's saw till there. I know it's close to their warehouse, so I'm hopeful they'll keep it. Sweetie and I left with 4 books each 😅

Miggy loves to read. We always visit a bookstore whenever we're near one. His love for reading started when he was in nursery school. We encouraged it and buying books is always part of our budget (that's why we love Booksale!). If you have children or nephews and nieces, encourage them to read. They will surely gain a lot of wisdom and knowledge from reading. 

Go visit a Booksale today. A list of their branches can be found here.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Be Kind also to Persons with Invisible Disabilities

I lost my greatest ally last year, my Mom. She understood perfectly that I wasn't functioning normally anymore. I didn't have to explain to her why I finally went home. She just knew and protected me as much as she could.

When you look at me, you won't think I have serious medical conditions. I guess that's God's gift to me. Let her look normal, but let's hide all her issues. I always get weird looks from guards whenever we park on PWD parking. Weirder looks when I give my PWD card at restaurants. At the clinic yesterday, the medtech didn't bother to ask me if I was okay while I was gasping for breath after being asked to lie down for an ultrasound. And the other medtech had to be told to help me move the foot stool so I could get up on the bed.

I'm a fighter. My pulmo rehab team have recommended for me to use a wheelchair whenever I'm out. I insist to walk because my legs still function. They are worried my heart will be strained with the effort. 

What people dont notice is I stop every 10-15 steps or I walk very slowly. Every 3 steps on stairs, I take a break. I also always have either Sweetie or Miggy assisting me. Yes, I look normal, but my lungs and heart are not. I could easily faint if I'm not careful. My doctor requires me to always have someone around whenever I putter around the garden.*

And that's why I keep mostly to myself and stay home. I don't want to bother others since they don't understand my medical condition. Only a handful of people do. I see friends in a similar plight raising awareness about invisible disabilities. Sadly, very few can really grasp it.

To have an idea if my circumstance, just think you're carrying a 30 kilogram backpack all the time. Can you imagine the weight? Now think you're carrying the heavy backpack up the viewing deck at Chocolate Hills. Can you feel the strain on your body? That's how I feel most of the time, even when I'm in bed. Can you still breathe? 

I've had to keep to myself. I avoid people who don't understand that I'm on a different path. My pace is different and I cannot possibly follow the norm. Since I lost Mom I had to learn to set boundaries to protect my wellbeing, my mind, my spirit, and what energy I have left. I'm grateful I have people around me who understand, provide guidance and prayers. 

So, please be kind also to people with Invisible disabilities.

*It's probably why our cats always hang out with me whenever I water the plants. They are watching over me.

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Executive Check-up Didn't Go as Planned

My medical insurance team reminded me that part of my package includes an executive check-up. I was so happy to hear this since I go through a battery of tests usually twice a year. Since I'm due to see my cardiologist soon I scheduled the tests so I can have it in time for my appointment.

My appointment didn't go as smoothly as planned. I had my LOA, but there were communication issues between my insurer and the facility. Well, I read the reviews about the facility last night. A lot of the complaints were about communicating with the facility. So I set my expectations low.

Good thing I set the bar low because the facility failed to complete their internal communications. I wasn't on the appointment list. I'm glad I was still accommodated since I already fasted for 10 hours. I didn't finish all the tests and the interview. After three hours my energy was already depleted and I was due to drink my medications (full stomach required). We just rescheduled the rest of the tests.

I really don't like being in a clinic, so we went for comfort food after. Then did some adulting stuff again, haha. And had merienda before we went home.

Health is wealth and I'm glad I just kept my cool. I just passed on my feedback to my medical insurance team since I think the facility needs to improve with how they handle PWD patients. They do have a great phlebotomist (Pat) and I'll ask for her in case I need to go back for a blood test.

Rest well my friends.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Safe!

Thank you Lord for keeping us safe from the typhoon. I pray for my fellow countrymen severely affected by it. Please keep them safe and give them strength to recover from the disaster. Amen 🙏

#PepitoPH, Let's All Pray for Safety

I've been monitoring the news closely since the third typhoon that came in the past week, #PepitoPH, is now a supertyphoon. I saw some videos showing storm surges occurring even before the arrival of the typhoon. It looked really nasty. Warning has also been given for those in Metro Manila. We're currently at signal #2, so far no rain as of writing.

Source: DILG CODIX/DOST PAGASA

We've heeded the warnings and have prepared our home. We even moved some of the plants indoors. 

Let's all pray for safety. May God keep us all safe from this weather disturbance. 

#BeKind #StaySafe

Garden Notes: Cactus and Succulent Soil, Calamansi Soil, Avocado Soil

I have different kinds of plants and I can't find the notebook where I used to write down notes for my plants. I realized I should have just noted it here in my blog. That's what I do anyway when I need to refresh my memory. It's also why I make cooking videos at "Recipes for My Son". 

It's been hard to keep track of the needs of my plants. There's soil needs, fertilizer, pesticide, watering etc. So I thought I should write down what I use. It's easier to find it here than my (currently) missing notebook. Miggy can also put it to good use one day when he becomes a plantito (haha). 

Okay, so here's what I generally use for different kinds of plants -

Cactus and Succulents - loam soil, perlite, tiny pebbles, a little compost (learned this from Manong at the nursery)

Calamansi Soil - loam soil, compost/manure, rice husk, coco peat

Papaya Soil - loam soil, compost, rice husk, Coco peat

Avocado Soil - loam soil, compost, perlite, Coco peat, rice husk (use when you transfer from water)

Soil to Propagate Gumamela - loam soil, coco peat, perlite, rice husk

Gumamela Soil - loam soil, rice husk, vermicast

Bell Pepper Soil - loam soil, compost, rice husk

Desert Rose/Kalachuchi Soil - use succulent mix

Belly Buddha - use succulent mix

Ginger - loam soil, compost, rice husk

Dill Soil - loam soil, compost, sun drenched coffee grinds, rice husk

Rosemary Soil - loam soil, compost, sun drenched coffee grinds, rice husk, can also add some pebbles

Will update for other plants :)

#BeKind #StaySafe

I'm Back! (Mega Blog-Backlog Update)

It's almost been a month since I took a hiatus from blogging. I was unwell and so I let both my mind and body rest. It felt like my "cache" was overflowing and needed a hard reset. So that's what I did. I was down for almost two weeks after visiting Ikea. My whole body just hurt and I could barely do anything. When I eventually felt better I took baby steps to get moving. 

Baby steps meant re-potting my papaya and calamansi plants (haha). I'm glad that worked out since they all adjusted well to their new pots. I also transferred one avocado seed I propagated in water. The leaves has grown in just over a week. I'm glad it rained after I transferred it to a pot. It helped the avocado adjust faster. 

I spent a lot of time with our cats and kittens. They help heal, so that's what I did. Sadly, Grey and Kaley have gone missing. We haven't seen Kaley since September. Grey has been gone for a month now too. They just visit us to eat. We hope and pray they're both okay and eating well. 

I did some cooking too in the past two weeks. That's a good sign I'm getting better. I managed to make pink pasta with scallops, Dad's beef and Mustasa dish, and Bistek Tagalog. Whenever I get in a slump, I re-trace my cooking skills by making all-time favorites. Next week maybe I'll make salmon with cream cheese and chicken afritada if I can complete the ingredients. I'll slowly work my way up to cook at least 2-3 times a week. 

The funniest thing that happened to me the past month is my slippers from c.2008 finally retired. The old Havaianas slippers really last long. I got a new one and used the GC benefit from my medical insurance (yup, I could be very stingy haha). It's so cute and has gumamela in it. 

I've also done 2 pulmo rehab sessions. My therapist was very happy I wasn't absent today! It's really challenging to have medical conditions since recovery can take so long. I have to make sure I manage my energy well so I stay stable. After the exercise this morning I'm doing more laptop stuff and will just water the plants later. 

How you doing my friend?

#BeKind #StaySafe