Changing What I Eat

My recent annual physical exam didn't have good results. My doctor didn't scold me for being at the ceiling of what's normal, but I know it's time for me to change my diet so I don't overboard especially with cholesterol and blood sugar.

The summary report suggested I avoid eating meat, including chicken, and to eat more veggies. For over a week now I have been eating fish everyday and I'm keeping a diary of vegetables I eat everyday.

It's been an eye opening experience since I've been finding new dishes to try. I also rounded up my seafood recipes I've made through the years. My next grocery run will include more seafood in the list. 

It's been a week and the most noticeable change is I'm able to sleep faster. My doctor said the body aches and cramps I'm experiencing is due to the heat and humidity. I just need to be better hydrated and stay out of the sun (gardening time has also moved to a later time).

I lost about a kilo already, but I'm not counting that as a permanent change. I'll consider it as weight loss if it stays for another week.

#BeKind #StaySafe

Made a Bag for a Friend

When I heard my Malaysian friend was visiting, I immediately thought about replacing the bag I made for her years ago. It was one of my earlier projects and was hand sewn. It wasn't too sturdy.

I had only a few days to make it, so I made a small all-around bag which she can use as a lunch bag or shopping bag. I worked on it for a few nights and the coffee beans we got for them fit perfectly. 

I like making stuff for dear friends. I hope this bag lasts!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Combating Bad Air Quality

The whole metro was affected by the huge fire in the Navotas landfill. It's one of the rare times that government flagged the bad air quality and asked people to wear N95 or KN95 masks.

I monitor air quality frequently because I have severe asthma. Air quality frequently goes bad, it's just more pronounced now because the fire is probably burning through materials that's producing PM2.5 particles.

Breathing in PM2.5 (micro particles) is really bad for your lungs. It's probably why my lungs have deteriorated through the years. The best way to combat it is to close your windows and use an air purifier to help clean the air.

I've tried different air purifiers, but the most practical one is Xiaomi. The filter lasts long, plus it's easily replaceable. I also never had issues and it's helped me a lot avoid asthma attacks.

Protect your and your family's lungs. I usually check air quality through the IQ air app. You can also just do a quick search by typing "air quality + city your are in".

#BeKind #StaySafe

Artemis II

Back when I was a child space exploration was talked about often. It was probably because of the successful Apollo and Columbia space flights. I was teased a lot because of my last name!

It waned in the 80s following the failed Challenger flight and I guess it became more frequent with other countries also sending their own missions. In 1986, our attention locally was focused on what was happening. A lot of changes happened after the EDSA Revolution and international news faded in the background.

Artemis II though piqued my interest. We'd watch news about it. It was fascinating and a good distraction from all the bad things happening. I clapped when the crew landed back safely. The good news kept me hopeful.

Let's all remember to pray for peace 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Flowers that Love the Sun

The change to hotter weather has been horrendous. I've had to figure out how much water to add to my plants because of the heat. I have to be careful since I don't want to cause root rot or over watering. 

Well, there are some plants that thrive during sunnier weather. The kalachuchi (desert rose) I rescued from Mom's garden is so happy. It's been producing flowers non-stop.

The bougainvillea cuttings I propagated last year have been producing flowers too. I'm amazed even the smaller ones are flowering too. Bougainvillea truly thrives under the sun.

I have two santan plants I've been meaning to fix, but they've been producing flowers lately. I'll just probably add some nutrients to it. I'm scared it might get shocked if I re-pot it under this crazy heat.

My Gumamela plants are slowly recovering and showing signs of flowering again. I hope they will produce flowers again soon!

#BeKind #StaySafe

The Heat is On!

Ughhhh! It's been getting hotter and hotter everyday. I moved my gardening time to 5:30 already since the heat has been unbearable.

I also busted out my neck fan to keep me cool while puttering around the garden. Sweetie got it for me way back and I'm glad it still works. One of these days I'll probably bring out a portable fan already, haha.

Stay hydrated and cool everyone!

#BeKind #StaySafe

Bataan Day

My Papa Lolo marched across Bataan in 1942. He survived and according to my Mom saved a fellow soldier, carrying him so he wouldn't be struck by a bayonet.

And today we honor all those who were forced to participate in the death march 84 years ago. I cannot imagine the horrors they went through on that day. It also brought a lot of heartbreak for the families of those who perished.

Let us remember them with love and grateful hearts 🙏

#BeKind #StaySafe