Loom Bands

Daycare is open for this year. I shall make some more for the kids.

Older We Are

Best gift to receive next to love from family and friends is wisdom gained from another year of existence and survival. The changes in perspective are very much welcome the older we get. And we embrace the changes it makes life more beautiful. Oh sweet life, thank you for letting me live.

"unfocused - not seeing clearly"

First League

The first ever sports event that I took part in organizing just held the awarding ceremony today after the championship game for the under 18 division. We launched the league by meeting with the team captains to discuss general rules and goals of the league. The youth group volunteered to do everything to prepare the makeshift court. Ah, the enthusiasm of the young is just amazing. After 15 days, the champions received their trophies and medals. It just so beautiful to see individuals, especially teens, focusing on the game, just playing their hearts out for a single point. And when they got the last point to win, how I wish I got a proper camera to capture the moment. It's just priceless to see the joy their victory brought to them. And while the other team looked so frustrated, it was all gone when they shook hands. All gone when they were recognized for their efforts. Every player looked so content they were able to finish the league.

Elimination round - under 18 division

The whole experience just solidified my belief that sports really develops character and good character is what the society needs more than ever. If only I got all the resources in the world so I can expose these kids to all kinds of sports there is in the world, but I can only try one game at a time. I hope to see them and new players next time, better and stronger.

"How many nests have been built on your sturdy branches, tree?"

"Puppy!"

I called her and she looked at the camera. :) Yes, her name is Puppy.

(untitled)

Lights are off
Skies so dark, peace
Turmoil, yet the light shines
Brighter through the keyhole
If only I have the key, I shall fight
Let me enjoy the peace
So just let me, never wake up ever
As the sun peeks, the light chases the dark
Let me stay still, leave me to slumber

Sundays with Lola

Today, people on SNS have been flooding timelines with posts honoring moms and it's so nice to see something unrelated to the government even just for one day. The power of mothers! I saw posts for my cousins who are now moms themselves. I remember the time when we were just kids and they would visit us  to celebrate this day as our grandmother lived with us. (Actually, they visit us every Sunday. Or we would have a big family outing, just swimming or barbecue or fishing. Road trips and food trips were fun too. I miss those days.)

Anyway, there's this expectation that grandparents usually live with their daughter or the eldest son. My mom is the only daughter and by default, my grandma chose to live with us and it was awesome. You know how grandmas spoil their grandchildren. It was always an adventure for me. I think she was the one who made me fall in love with crafts and appreciate arts. She's one helluva creative and resourceful lady but I didn't know she had a secret until I studied psychology in college. She was a hoarder. I didn't mind going through her stuff and she let me. She finds joy showing me her things and to me, that's super awesome. Until Alzheimer's. Her dementia started when she was about to hit 70. At an early age, I'd learned how painful it is when someone starts to forget. Forget people, places and things. Eventually, she forgot how happy we both were when we go through her collections and creations. Later, we had to declutter her room and take away her things for her safety. As we took away her things, little by little, her memories were taken as well. She was 94 when she went to heaven.

How my mother (and father) took care of my grandma is just a testament how great love is. My mom is just human and she has shortcomings as well but the patience and humor dealing with her mom just proved she's a superhero. My parents are just amazing people. How blessed are we because we were born. We are all children of superheroes.

Sew, Bru!

Saved from my Instagram

This is Bru's presser foot. She is my ever dependable sewing machine. We've been together for five years now and going strong. She gave birth to A LOT of table cloth and runners and some pillow cases. Starting today, we will be creating drawstring bags for party loots using scraps from previous projects. We need to get at least 40 bags to be done by next week. I hope to remember pausing and stretching every once in a while. I don't want to have the neck strain I got last time. Wish me luck, universe! We got kids to impress. ;)

Locally Made

I just bought my notebook and it's locally made. It's absolutely what I was looking for. No springs but bound. No lines but dotted. Lightweight, no leather or plastic cover. It's just perfect. To my excitement, I even bought new gel pens! Can't wait to start writing on it and fill it with bullets. More bullets, more achievement unlocked, right? To leveling up!

Seven Months More

It's May and just seven months to go and we're done with this year. Right now, I'm itching to buy a new notebook to write on. I'm not the only one who still write stuff on paper, right? I wonder what will happen before the year ends. Do we get to cross out some on our bucket list? Do we get to have a new pet? A new pet peeve? A new project? Do we get to grab the chance to reconnect with old friends? Make new ones? Do we get to go to new places and take awesome non-selfie shots? Ugh. That word. Selfie. It was always selca for me before that word became viral. Anyway... Yeah. It's May and we got seven months to go before year ends.

An Amazing Word

The light that you left me will everglow.

Springs Eternal

"How does one become a butterfly?"

"You must want to fly so much that you are willing to give up being a caterpillar."

"You mean to die?"

SodaX D-2

Aaaaand cut! It's done. It's hard to give up things we're so used to but with determination and faith, we can do it. Cheers!

SodaX D43

Lent 2017 has 44 days and it's a day to go and Mission SodaX is done! Cheers to the Risen Christ and His everlasting love for all of us!

Music Video Pick - Tropical House

IDK, IDK. I just realized I like listening to them these days. Posting the vids and appreciating the different visual. Dance with me!

Winner - Really Really
They came back as four but better. Fun. Moodlifter.


KARD - Oh Na Na
The coed group who hasn't debuted yet. Refreshing and good concept (hidden card).


Ed Sheeran - Shape of You
Hearing it everywhere but not annoying. Bop.

Music Video Pick - Winter Aesthetics

I like Korean music but I especially like Korean music videos. I can't imagine the amount of creative (and financial) resources required to produce such beautiful pieces. Let me share trios which I find so aesthetically pleasing, simply beautiful in their own rights.

I'll be starting with MVs I personally love because of the winter BGs. I don't know why but I love winter motifs. Excuse the title of the second one. That one's a rebel.

AkMu - Melted
Harsh reality. Diversity. Cold versus warmth.


BTS - Spring Day
Contrasting palettes. Constant moving. Growth. 


HyukOh - Gondry
Vintage filter. Blank transitions. There are two versions and I love them both.


Here's the other version.

Zeppin

There's this favorite Japanese restaurant we seem to go to when we feel like loving ourselves more. I ordered their California maki this time instead of the usual shoyu ramen. I took it home as I wasn't able to eat the whole serving. They also got this super yummy ebi tempura. Their ramen is really delicious. I heard the lady boss one time saying they roast the thinly sliced pork and that gives the ramen extra oishi boost and it's true. The couple who owns the place lived in Japan most of their lives and retired here. Their restaurant is a chill place, very homey. I haven't been there during nights though. It may be a very different place when everybody's drinking beer. I want to go there and try their beer maybe with grilled something on side next time. Can't wait.

Grape Juice

Hey! I've tried grape juice after coffee and no. Just no. Still prefer orange juice. I should probably try something acidic like that of orange some other time. I love grape juice though with lots of ice. It's fake wine. I think I should develop my wine palate though. Sense evolution is key to better life as they say life is to be savored, right? Cheers!

SodaX D1

Hello, March! First day of third month of the year and Catholics all over the world starts the Lenten season. Honestly, I'm not a super religious person but I do belong in a family that's strictly so. However, I'm a believer of many things. Try to be kind. Be mindful of the golden rule. Try to shut up when you got nothing good to say. Encourage people. Feed the hungry as you can. Share your blessings. Appreciate efforts and be grateful for all the blessings you and every person around you receive. Anyway, I shall embark on a mission - no soft drinks until Easter. Some may say it's apt time for little sacrifices anyway. Well, regardless of your belief, you can try to challenge yourself to be better today. Or some other day. Whatever works for you, you do it.

K-Drama Crack List

I think it's inevitable I'll be listing my fave Korean drama series. I'm a big fan of HEA and I super love the cheesy comedies. I usually let a series to go at least two episodes prior to its ending then I do my marathon. Though I'm a big fan of K-Drama, there are those who still goes to my DNF list but I won't be posting them here as I've probably forgotten their titles or the characters already. DramaBeans is my go-to filter as they write awesome reviews with screencaps. Then there are also those I'd finished but wouldn't recommend. I won't post them either.

Anyway, I will be adding titles here in the future (and some comments) if there were new ones that I'll come to love. Here's the list (not in any particular order):

Healer - Main actor sold the series and there's this badass ajumma. (I will forever associate the actress to her character here. She's awesome somewhat like Penelope Garcia in CM.

Weightlifting Fairy, Kim Bok Joo - The chemistry of the leads is super awesome. You gotta love a story where nobody physically transformed or got rich just to finally get their OTL.

I Hear Your Voice - Was this the start of "genius" genre in KDramas? I can't remember but for some reason I think it was. Awesome actors and tightly concluded.

Love in the Moonlight - The amount of famous cheesy lines this drama generated is unbelievable, and they won't let you feel the secondhand embarrassment (for the most parts). The acting is on point and everybody loves PBG.

Chief Kim - Bravo, bravo, bravo! He's the best chief there is. A bit over the top but that's what makes this series so lovable. Watch how an island man took down a corrupt city corporation.

My Love from the Star - The return of JJH as crazy diva lead actress is enough to make you want to watch this. I was scared how the main leads' chemistry would be on screen but they're just really good so it worked.

Sungkyunkwan Scandal - Crossdressing to get higher education FTW!

Liar Game - For those who love The Genius series, you'll love this one as well. It's a Japanase manga adapted to series. You can also watch the Japanese version as well.

Master's Sun - I hated watching it when I'm all alone but I love the story. Let me know who are you rooting for as well for the main actress.

Personal Taste - Very doubtful with the leads but they were able to carry out roles well. For LMH fans, definitely recommend to watch this one.

1% of Something - Light love story that will make your giddy heart go lub-dub, lub-dub. One of my fave female character as she never was a damsel in distress.

Marriage Not Dating - Very much underrated but really funny, a perfect example of romcom genre.

City Hunter - If you love Lee MinHo, watch this. Or maybe you would fall for LMH while watching this. The story is based on a Japanese manga. Be ready for a marathon should you decide to watch this one.

Queen In-Hyun's Man - For those who love time traveling and love across eras. I was surprised to see the chemistry of the lead. Leads reel to real relationship. Sadly, they're not together anymore.

Radiant Office - I consider this as "light" series and you won't be exhausted if you do the marathon. Kinda predictable but you would love the characters. The finale is semi-rushed but tight enough to end the series.

Pinocchio - Even with ridiculous hairstyle, I would love to see another JongSuk-ShinHye rom com. This is romcom, right?

Dream High - It's like Glee Korean version.

Reply 1997 - Perfect cast for leads. I can't imagine anyone else playing their roles, even Hoya's.

Strong Woman Do Bong Soon - The title itself is kinda extra (like how soon can we get high - with laughter that is). Recommended for de-stressing. The main leads are super cute. Everything and everyone is so extra you'll love it for the most part.

The 1st Shop of Coffee Prince - Love wins. One of the many dramas I watched before I became an avid K-drama fan.

Prosecutor Princess - I feel this is an underrated drama. Was hesitant to watch it but I'm glad I did. It's a good one. Promise.

Rooftop Prince - Time travel and awesome support cast. This is super fun.

My Girlfriend is a Gumiho - You'll laugh and cry a lot. I think this is the first K-drama I'd watched. No regrets.

You're Beautiful - You'll want to find HEAs for the male leads because they're super nice and cute. I wonder if everyone is still in touch with each other as they seemed so close while and after filming.

When I have extra time, I'll do another marathon and add it to this list. Meanwhile, I hope you find this helpful. Comment too and share what dramas you've seen and loved. Enjoy watching!

Two Cs

Do you have that favorite food-drink combo that you crave for? I got my drink-drink breakfast fave and it's coffee and orange juice. I don't know why but I love drinking my coffee first then finish my morning meal with orange juice. I was hesitant at first because I thought there would be too much acid but I never felt anything bad after drinking them. I don't drink them together though. It's always coffee first then orange juice later. Maybe I should switch them up and see if I like it. Anyway, I became curious and checked whether people usually drink them like I do. Well, they do. Although some claim that coffee reduces our bodies' absorption of ascorbic acid and the combination increases acidity levels which makes it ideal for viruses to thrive, I still love my morning drinks. I'll try another fruit juice next time and see if it gives me the same delicious daily kick-start.

Living on the Edge

Your taxes are working for you.

We're heading south to the city and we came across this orange pickup. The guys work for the department in charge of public roads. It's so absurd to see how those laborers are ferried to their assignment together with their equipment and some spare sand, cement and stones. I truly wish for the day when something as unsafe as this won't be the norm anymore.

Forever Deleted

"Bye! I shall see you never again. Yay!"

I find it satisfying to put nonessential mails and files in the trash and just keep those important. Feel so good to get rid of those space-eating junk. You belong with Oscar, so be with Oscar. Thank you very much. 

N.B. I would like to thank Mr. Gates from the bottom of my heart for creating folders so everything can be put into its proper place. Brilliant idea, sir. Thank you.

Hardcore Romance

It's that day when flowers and chocolates are the best sellers. Filtering info from the net, I've known that this celebration actually originated from a law-breaking saint who blesses marriage for soldiers not allowed to be wed. He was incarcerated and he wrote a farewell letter to his jailer using "Your Valentine" as the valediction.

But it was actually Chaucer who romanticized the 14th when he wrote a love poem to honor the anniversary of the engagement (yes, engagement not marriage) of King Richard II to Queen Anne. I still don't know why February 14 though or how feast days are chosen.

You're my ecstasy. You're the one I need.

The world was influenced by this Western celebration and so different practices emerged but generally the premise is simply make love, not war so yeah. Not bad.

Love you world even though you're cruel. And scary. Love you lovely humans.

Your Valentine,
Elfinrose

Spring Day MV

So today one of my favorite groups released an album and one new MV. Since they got millions of fans, I'm enjoying (too) many interpretations of the video. I find it so awesome that a single video inspires fans to express varied inferences.

The scene where the train goes and the guy running sees himself sitting in it made me re-watch the whole thing.

Love this one too, and look at the color of his hair and the rust on the ride.

And the scene where it switches from just one looking at the tree then the whole gang. It is just so pretty. It's like an ending in an animated movie.

The whole MV for Spring Day is so artistic and aesthetically A+. I got a lot more to say but I can't just dump them here in one go. I don't think I can in one sitting. (If you can, I bow down to you. You are awesome.) Let's enjoy the MV and let our minds wander. I don't think the creative journey will ever stop though. Spring Day MV is so beautiful.

Pure Shores

I'm intrigued

I'm unsure

I'm searching for more

That Mech

Playing WOW daily years ago was basically my thing. I had SNS during those times but majority of my free time was dedicated to herbalism and alchemy. I was never a good PvP player, I just enjoyed exploring the story lines and chatting with friends and strangers. I stopped playing for a while (and be an adult doing adult things) but when Blizzard announced they'd be having a new game, I got excited not realizing it was a first-person POV game. Nonetheless, I got the game and just enjoyed being an audio medic.

Anyway, I just read an article about the mech being a significant symbol for women in the gaming community and I just want to share it. It is an article in Kotaku written by Nico Deyo. Here's the link: D.va From Overwatch Has Become A Symbol of Hope In Real Life Read it and be informed.

P.S. I know someone who plays D.va like a mafia boss. He is so awesome. And I love him because he doesn't do stupid things like bullying and being rude.💘

Quest: Find Travel Companion

I promised myself I will start to go out more. Be it 40 km or 4000 km or farther, I shall travel more. I would like to have a nonliving travel companion though since I'm not fond of taking selfies. I think I'd love it more if I can take something that fits my palm for photo ops, to document the trip. I shall find one!

Scribbles, Beer & Soda

Posted 3 years ago but definitely written way before 2014.

Scribbles, Beer & Soda
May. 31st, 2014 at 5:16 AM

She was walking by her usual route from work. Her shift was extended because of the late Friday night rush and she just finished covering for her friend. This night in the cafe had been more than chaotic than the usual.

the rest is unwritten

I might as well share the contents of the blog past.

Hausos Calls

May 31st, 2014 at 4:48 AM

As with everything, I find starting never easy but seeing things through is more difficult. There are moments when I have what it takes to just jump in and go with the flow. And so now, let me ride the waves.

Current mood: Hopeful

I just noticed the previous date format is... weird. I skipped the next one as I will post it separately and will definitely not post the cup photos. I used to post photos of the mug of whatever brew I had. Heh.

Leave the Leaves

Jul. 18th, 2014 at 1:51 PM

Recipes are there to follow but I usually deviate from them just because I can and it's fun experimenting, coming up with new flavors. Today, the guide says boil the stalks. But I felt the need to include the leaves. After everything was mixed, then tasted... I should've left the leaves out. Trying again tomorrow. Wish me luck. :)

*

Sep. 29th, 2014 at 1:04 AM

Some feel the need to wander. I feel the need to be lost.

*

Oct. 1st, 2014 at 9:49 AM

Might as well live as everyday we are dying.

*

Oct. 13th, 2014 at 4:27 PM

I walked and walked and never looked back. Still, I am nowhere. Then I realized, I am where I should be right now - nowhere.

Sucky

Oct. 15th, 2014 at 4:13 PM

It sucks to lose a friend. Life sucks. Death, suckier.

Friendship Feels

Oct. 30th, 2014 at 3:41 PM

Makes you feel good. Reminds you there are good people in the world. No boundaries, gender or race doesn't matter. Brings happiness to life. Celebrate friendship and feel loved.

Empty

Nov. 9th, 2014 at 11:35 PM

What do you tell someone who lost a loved one? What do you tell yourself when you lose someone important? Words are useless. Empty. Like you know there's just that void inside your heart. So really, what would you tell a stranger, a loved one, or yourself when someone leaves?

Filos

Dec. 29th, 2014 at 5:33 PM

It's that time when people are out buying those little notebooks that help them remember things, those that will and those that were. Filling out those blank pages with things to be achieved/accomplished. Writing down names on dates to remember celebrating birthdays. I feel so heavy as I am about to write names only to remember I have to write to their names again somewhere so I will be reminded I have to celebrate their lives as well. To honor them by living.

Not Forgotten

Jan. 14th, 2015 at 6:22 PM

I remember.

Your cry for help.

I heard you.

And I remember.

You helped me moved on.

I remember.

I remember you.

Paid

May. 15th, 2015 at 7:09 PM

It's that day when you'll see long lines in front of ATMs and people rushing in and out of the bank. Sometimes, I do wish I'd be part of the rush but not really as mine goes directly to my account - just one of the few perks of working at home! Yes, I'm blessed. Oh, the randomness of this post. I just feel the need to type as I'm still seeing the payday rush in my head. I don't know why the scenes are replaying. Maybe my worker soul is missing the madness.

Bees

Aug. 15th, 2016 at 9:37 PM

We got bees and honey is flowing. Thank you bees for this golden syrup. And for the reminder that hard work works. Awesome bees, danke!

Current Location:office

Current Mood:contemplative

And then I didn't find time to write anything online anymore. Checked my filo and it's just full of appointment schedules and deadlines. Let's just say I can't multitask really well.

If not now, then when?

Hi. I thought about how to write the title since it is in a question form. About two minutes later, I decided to leave it as it is. I used to obsess on small details like such months ago but right now, right this moment, I just want to let go.

I used to have a journal similar to this. That was six months ago. Right now, I just want to start a new one. This is the harder part, right? The starting over, the first step. Even though you've been there before, done a lot like you've been repeating steps but not really moving, getting stuck. Let's try again.

Reset.