Can We Just Live with the Threat of the Virus?

We're finally going to keep our Christmas decors this week. We delayed removing them because we only put it up two days before Christmas! So it has seen us through Christmas and 2 new years, there's no need for it to reach Valentine's. I also feel like we're entering a new phase now since cases are going down and there's more movement happening. We also decided to move forward with organizing our new home. The nasty infection is also gone now and I feel my energy is coming back. 

How to live with COVID-19? That's a question that's being discussed across the world. The UK was forced to remove mandates because of their PM's irresponsible behavior. There has been a lot of protests in Canada. Denmark scrapped restrictions. In Singapore they made clear guidelines on what to do if you get sick. It's made me think about whether or not we can just live with the threat of the virus. 

When the first circuit breaker in Singapore eased up, my physiotherapy clinic contacted me and said I can resume my sessions. Went back to my sessions and just made sure I always wore a mask. I would even pass by my favorite store after my session. My doctor eventually advised I should just wear a fabric mask. I obeyed, but picked up a virus from a taxi driver the first time I did. It wasn't COVID-19 according to my doctors. 

Beautiful tulips at Roppongi Hills

After that incident I concluded that: (1) There are many different viruses out there and we're living alongside them, and (2) Being immunocompromised I am a magnet to getting sick. Case in point: I haven't gone out since the first week of January and still got an infection. The world will not stop because of people like me. Restrictions were put in place because we didn't know much about the virus. That bought time for scientists to develop vaccines and find ways to save people. 

I miss seeing the rest of my family and hanging out with my friends. I miss those days I could just sit at Commune and bump into friends. I miss doing my cardio at the mall (a.k.a. walking). I miss the freedom of being able to explore new places. One could say that life has been on hold the past two years, but you can also look from a different perspective -- a new way of living. 

For now I stay home.

Take care everyone!

#BeKind #StayHome

A Scare

I haven't stepped out for over two weeks now, so when I started feeling unwell on Monday I said maybe it was because I overexerted myself. I mopped the living room and kitchen floors. I like doing it because it gives me a good workout and is the best sweat-inducing chore. It's probably too much for me because my whole body ached until the next day. 

Strangely I started having slight fever. I reduced my activities, drank more water and used EOs. It helped, but the fever kept coming back. The ABS-CBN Foundation Benefit Concerts kept me company while resting in the sala. We monitored my temperature closely and it's always a bit elevated. I didn't really experience any other unusual symptom. 

When I woke up I told Sweetie it's probably better to do a swab, just to be sure. I had a similar incident back in September before I had a biopsy. The hospital tested me also, but the doctor said that it was unlikely I was infected since I didn't have any exposure (I was also just staying home all the time). Anyway, the CDC said to treat any symptom as COVID-19 and to test to know. So I did a swab and as expected it was negative. 

The boys have been fussing over me since it's unusual that I've been feeling extra unwell. My rheumatologist explained to me that the ESR in my blood has been constantly elevated for three years now. It's an indicator of an inflammation or infection. Whatever it is remains a mystery. I think maybe the slight fever is a manifestation of PTSD (it was triggered over the weekend) and the sadness of losing a good friend. 

Negative, whew.

Well, it is what it is, I found some Biogesic in my suitcase. Hopefully that would put an end to it. If needed, I'll go see a doctor (or teleconsult). It's truly a miracle I've lasted more than two months without seeing a doctor. I shall go celebrate and eat some maki. 

On a happy note, my plants have finally started sprouting! Except Cucumartin! Gaaaah. But happy to see progress. Woot!

#BeKind #StayHome

*It would be really useful if self-testing kits are made available for everyone. I still don't understand why Watson's requires a prescription to purchase. In Singapore they provided kits for all households and you can easily buy at the pharmacy. My friends who need to go to the office use it every Sunday night to test. 

Fantastic Friday

Whew! It's been a long week! I don't know what's up with 2020, but days have been passing by so quickly. I always look forward to Fridays because it's the weekend again!

We were busy last weekend. We had our first house warming dinner with our immediate neighbors, Phil, Ralph, Myra and Grace. I cooked chicken adobo for them and partnered it with pancit canton and lumpia from Max's. The milk cheese cupcakes I baked was what we had for dessert. It was a fun evening filled with laughter. This happened on Friday night.

I pray this pandemic will be over soon. I super miss my Miggy and my Mommy!

Saturday was the first time we went to the mall in 4 months and Sunday was the first time I made leche flan. I guess I was too busy my heart went wonky and I had to take half a day off last Monday to let my heart stabilize. The rest of this week was busy and I conked out twice on the couch after work this week hehe.

So this weekend I'll get some more rest and hope to find time to finally visit the nearby park. We were supposed to do that tonight, but ermm I conked out on the couch again. I'm also looking forward to catching up with my sewing so I might skip baking this weekend. Ahh I'll try to also watch that movie that has Paolo Contis and Alessandra de Rossi in it. I heard it's good. Have you watched it?

My favorite day of the week is Friday night because it's the farthest time from Monday haha. What about you? What's your favorite day of the week?

CB//102 #StuckAtHomeDay/132 #WFH75 #StayHome #BeKind

How to Be a Tita

This post is dedicated to all my friends who are budding Titas (aunties). I thought I'd make a list because I have friends who keep asking me about what to do at home. I think I have reached ultimate Tita level the last few months that I've been stuck at home. Accepting the Tita in me has also helped me cope better with the current situation we are all in.

Step 1: Assess Your Home, Make it the Best Place to Stay In

You just need the basics to survive staying home. I only acquire things when I really need it.

Step 2: Define Your Day-to-Day Needs and Know Where to Get Them Online

I rarely bought things online before the lockdown. The first thing I did was to look for online sources for my two households. I would order at least two weeks before I ran out of food since things are not always available. Don't hoard though, just buy what you need.

Step 3: Pay All Your Bills Online

I've been doing this for many years and I don't remember the last time I paid for a bill in person. And make sure you pay your bills on time. Set a regular banking day so you don't forget to pay all your bills.

Step 4: Define a Work Hard Stop

I made the mistake of working 12-14 hours per day in the first two months of the circuit breaker. I got sick and I burnt out. Since then I set a hard stop and follow that diligently. I also realized I'm a maker and need blocks of time to get work things done. I decline meetings during these block times.

Step 5: Cook Those Meals You Miss Eating

I set a target for myself to learn dishes I love ordering when we're outside. There are so many recipes online you can follow to cook your favorite food. I also set a baking target and I've been learning to bake my favorite Pinoy buns the last three months.

Step 6: Work on Your Memories: Make a Photobook!

I blog because I want to remember the things I experience. Early this year I backed up all the digital photos I have from my old CDs and external hard drives. I have so far made two photobooks -- my happy treasure photobook and 10-years of the DJs. If you don't like printing stuff you can make a blog or vlog. 

Step 7: Keep in Touch with Your Girlfriends Online

Me and my girlfriends check on each other every so often. Sometimes we also hangout using Google Meets or Messenger. I also do this with my Mom. With phase 2 in place I've started to invite a few friends at a time to my new home (a.k.a. housewarming in phases/make sure to follow restrictions!).

Step 8: Be a Plantita

Ahhh something that's really changed my life is when I started to plant. It started as an experiment, but when the plants started growing I had to learn how to care for them better. I've met new friends because of this and don't be shy to ask for help. (My gardening journey is here).

Step 9: Self-Care Routine and Meditate

Don't let yourself go just because you don't need to go out! Moisturize and take care of yourself, your nails, your eyebrows etc. Meditate!

Step 10: Netflix and Chill 

By now you should have finished watching Crash Landing on You! Time to move on to other entertaining series. Or just pop on your favorite music playlist and chill.

The key to being a Tita is to love yourself, know your priorities and don't forget to pray.


CB//98 #StuckAtHomeDay/128 #WFH71 #StayHome #BeKind

Rain, Rain Go Away

Heaven decided to water all the plants and trees today. It was a cold rainy day.

It was pretty cool all day so that was fine. I ended up canceling my PT session today since I had a lot to finish before the holiday tomorrow (it's SG elections). I was so busy all day I didn't get to visit my plants that much, but they seemed to be okay even though the sun did not come out the whole day.

After work I decided to prepare the chicken adobo for tomorrow. I normally marinate my adobo overnight and I wanted to get a headstart on it since I needed to slice the chicken. I normally buy sliced chicken already, this time I bought whole chicken. I was so shocked to find out that whole chicken here in Singapore includes the chicken's head and feet! OMG! In the Philippines they don't include that anymore. My hands were shaking the whole time I had to slice the head and feet. I'll probably never buy whole chicken here anymore.

It took me longer to prepare the adobo since I had to slice the chicken. I thought I could finish it quickly and still have time to re-pot the bell peppers. I just decided to rest after and just watch some videos on YouTube. My brain is pretty mush after work so thought I'd just chill and create a random blog post tonight.

I'm looking forward to the long weekend. I plan to just relax and hopefully see some friends tomorrow. I hope we'll get to take a walk in the park on Saturday and Sunday. Ahhh that will happen if the weather finally cooperates.


#CB//94 #WFH70  #StuckAtHomeDay/124 #StayHome #BeKind

Powering On

Just got back from my physiotherapy session. I went back a few weeks ago when my physiotherapist said they were open again. Started it slowly with just one session a week. Promptly got a little sick after two sessions, but I've gotten better after a few more sessions. From today I'll be doing two sessions per week again. 

To be honest exercise has never been in my vocabulary. My PT though said I should think about exercise like how I brush my teeth. Like it's something that you need to do everyday. My Dad was super active. He played tennis and basketball. He played HS and collegiate basketball and so exercise came naturally for him. My Mom though... I never saw her exercise in my entire life. Her exercise is gardening. I guess I'm like my Mom, I've come to love gardening.

I started doing physiotherapy because of back pains. I started having it around late August last year. I thought it was just gonna go away. It didn't and by October my respiratory doctor sent me to see my orthopedic doctor who took a peek at my x-ray and referred me to a spine doctor. The spine doctor said that there's some degeneration happening.

And that's how I ended up with the most amazing physiotherapist. I admit, I'm probably one of the hardest patients to take care of because of the many considerations my PT needs to manage. Too much makes me sick, too little may trigger back pains. I think my PT knew from the beginning that if I got scared I would probably give up and not come back.

I think the most important thing she did with me is build trust. Even though the back pains came back during the two months when the clinic was closed, I trust with her guidance and care we'd be able to bring back the strength we built before the circuit breaker. So even though going to my sessions every week is hard, I push myself to go because I know it's for my own good. I hope in a few weeks my PT will allow me to go on the bicycle again because that's the only exercise which I equate to fun.

What about you? Do you like exercising?


#CB//91 #WFH67  #StuckAtHomeDay/121 #StayHome #BeKind

Conquering Fears and Worries

The last time we had a pandemic that affected the whole world was over a hundred years ago. My Papa Lolo would've been 10-years old then and my Mama Lola was just born that year. This Manila Times article says that there were 80,000 Filipinos who died and the abstract of this study also suggests that it was not managed well. I don't think anyone would ever be ready to manage such a treacherous virus.

A snap from the new version of "Tell the World of His Love".
That's my 20-year old happy self leaving everything to God's will. 

It's been fourth months since I've just been staying at home. I'm sure like me you have gone through a roller coaster of emotions the last few months. From "okay I could get used to staying home, I've done this before" to "I miss the outside world, I miss my family and friends" to "OMG they extended the quarantine period, nooooo!" to acceptance.

I learned to accept the unknown after they announced the extension of the circuit breaker here in Singapore. I was so affected when it was announced because I had led myself to believe that the set-up was okay with me. I was trying to be brave. The next day I read a reflection about dealing with uncertainty. It was a good reminder for me that I should not worry about anything. Just lift all your worries and fears to Him and have faith that He will take care of you

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

A blessed Sunday everyone!



#CB//90  #StuckAtHomeDay/120 #StayHome #BeKind 

I Miss My Mom and Miggy

I feel so drained this past week. I think I need a break. I've also been missing my Mom and Miggy a lot. This is the longest I have been away from them.

I just realized that I won't be with them on my birthday. Last year I had the best birthday. We were in Manila and we ate at my favorite spaghetti place -- Makati Supermart. In the evening we had Korean barbeque at Romantic Baboy. It was a simple happy day with the family.

Sweetie has been a really good companion. He's been very patient and has provided the stability I need. He knows when I'm feeling down and does things to make me feel better. I guess what has helped us is the many hobbies and interests we have. That's what we do on weekends.

Of course I cannot help but worry over my Mom and Miggy. They both say they're okay and have been managing well. Mom had been having cough and colds often, but I noticed that this has been drastically reduced since she's just been home. She still tends to her garden everyday and it's still so hard to get through her landline (coz it's always busy!).

I pray though that things will be a bit better this Christmas and we can all be together again.

#CB//87 #WFH65 #StuckAtHomeDay/117 #StayHome #BeKind 

Weekends Then, Weekends Now

I love weekends. I wish everyday was a weekend! Before Taal Volcano erupted and before we started staying home mostly our weekends were always busy. We usually had our cleaner come on Saturday mornings and then we'd spend afternoons doing hobbies. On Sundays we hear mass and then head to the mall to eat and do groceries. Sometimes we also go out on Saturdays to watch a movie or late night ice cream runs to the nearby McDonald's.

The routine changed when Miggy went back to Manila. We officially became empty nesters then and it took us several weeks before we adjusted to not having him around. We spent so much time outside because we dreaded going home to an empty house. We also ran out the door once our cleaner left and just went wherever we could. We were so relieved when he came back for our visit. It took us a long while before we got used to not having him around.

Weekends before meant going out. 

Things actually changed when I took a break in early December. It was two whole months of weekends! Haha. What was funny was I'd wake up early even while on break. Those were two very busy months since I worked on tidying up the house, clearing away old stuff and reducing stuff. We traveled a little, but generally stayed home. When I came back to Singapore and started to work again we only enjoyed one weekend where we did our old routine.

Since March our weekends have been devoted to working on our hobbies. Saturdays are usually for baking and cooking something new. Sundays for quilting and gardening. Sometimes I just sit on the couch and do nothing. We're free to move around now, but being really vulnerable we can't take any chances. So the routine isn't going to change any time soon. Well at least I can hand off some of my baked goodies to our neighbors now.

Weekends now are spent learning something new. 

I spent the entire weekend getting to know my new toy -- the food processor. I used it last night to chop veggies for my spaghetti and today I used it to knead dough! I made pandesal. Sweetie also made a smoothie which we drank while eating pandesal. I think this is going to be a new season of kitchen adventures!

What about you? How do you spend your weekends?



#CB//83 #StuckAtHomeDay/113 #StayHome #BeKind  

Lazy Night

I was so drained after work and my creative juices are all gone. I just gobbled up sausage bread and some pasta I got from 7-Eleven last night. Yes, that's how lazy I am right now. I don't really want to move and just want to watch some videos. I did two loads of laundry right after work so probably that's why I feel so lazy right now.

Days like this I wish I was at the beach.

This is rare.

Normally I'm always doing something. If I were to just watch videos and not do anything else I'd likely fall asleep. I was planning to do some quilting tonight since I made progress on the Harry Potter blanket I've been working on. I've been working on it on Sundays since I normally bake/cook on Saturdays.

Last April I really had a hard time accepting the extension of the circuit breaker. I came to terms with it a few days after. I think moving to a new apartment helped a lot since the new environment got my creative juices flowing. Being home allowed me to explore the wonderful world of gardening, baking bread, cooking new dishes and quilt again.

And now I'm allowing myself to be lazy tonight. I was told this is one thing I need to work on for myself. Doing nothing is amazing.

So I'm ending this post with that thought. Good night everyone.


#CB//80 #WFH60 #StuckAtHomeDay/110 #StayHome #BeKind  

What the World Needs Now

Jackie DeShannon made popular this beautiful song -

What the world needs now is love, sweet love
It's the only thing that there's just too little of
What the world needs now is love, sweet love,
No not just for some but for everyone.

2020 so far hasn't been kind to us. It's mantra is to wreak terror at every point. Honestly I've been afraid to read the news because of all the bad things happening. I do read the news and there's a lot of things happening I do not agree with. Earlier today I saw an old man shoved by a policeman. He fell down on the pavement. When someone tried to help him, a policeman stopped him. The old man was bleeding on the ground.

I asked myself, "Have we forgotten to be nice?" Have we forgotten the golden rule?

The last few months have really been hard on all of us. We all cope differently. I struggle a lot more especially when I'm unwell, but I always remind myself to try to be kind. I'm not perfect and there's probably times when I've offended people. I try to be extra mindful because I've been on the other end of outbursts and being treated unfairly.

There is a Filipino saying, "Kapag binato ka ng bato, batuhin mo ng tinapay" (If someone throws a rock at you, throw back bread). It basically means, if someone treats you unfairly, treat them with kindness. I experienced something terrible yesterday. It was so traumatic I wanted to hurt back. I ended up crying most of the day because it was really so hard to be at peace. I am so lucky I have guardian angels who look after me. Thank you guys.

Which brings me back to Jackie DeShannon's song, "What the World Needs Now is Love". My prayer is for everyone (including me) to remember to always be kind. Maybe then we can help make the world a better place.


#CB/60 #WFH47  #StuckAtHomeDay90 #StayHome #BeKind