Disappointment

This article just made me sad. It probably means we have to cancel our trip. I don't really know what it entails. I am still confused about what our options are at this point.

The weather is really bad as the Visayas region is currently being battered by supertyphoon Yolanda. It is expected to hit the NCR this afternoon or tonight. So this bad news doesn't help to cheer up our dampened spirits.

I do understand their measure to impose these sanctions. Truth be told the moron (I did not vote for him) who leads our embattled country is to blame not only for this incident but the messy crisis we are currently experiencing. I know I sound bitter and for sure I am indignant about this restriction because it involves me and my family personally. But I am also concerned for the thousands of Filipino workers whose livelihood would be affected by these economic sanctions.

At least, I do care which cannot be said for the haciendero who continues to mismanage our nation with his ineptitude!

May the good Lord bless us all.

Plan B

When I was still single, I was quite meticulous when it comes to planning.  I'd have everything ironed out months before the actual trip. 

Then I got married. :D

Much to my regret, I've somehow changed in my outlook towards well almost everything, I'd suppose.  Part of the blame would be my hubby who isn't much of a planner. He is pretty much the last minute sort of guy who throws in everything in a suitcase and throws caution to the wind.  Or let me rephrase that he would throw everything towards me! So I have to make all the necessary arrangements as well as the itinerary during the trip.

My single self would certainly relish this bequeathed role but my married self abhors it.  I know it doesn't make sense but strangely it is how it has been the past 5 years of my married life.

This is the main reason why I said in the comments section of my previous post that I don't find the planning part quite exciting, anymore.  It stresses me out that *I* have to do everything!!!

Therefore it didn't come as much of a surprise when we hit a snag in our planning stage. It actually was sort of looming but I never expected it to hit us this late in our preparations. Of course, despite my complaints I am still hoping the trip will push through. If only for the sake of my parents who are this early quite excited about spending the holidays in a colder climate. 

So I'm keeping my fingers (my toes as well) crossed. And pray we push through even though the stress factor would be at the highest level possible for me to handle. So help me, Lord!

Get a move on!

So yes that's it, I'm now officially 45 years old. We had my birthday lunch at Chili's, a restaurant which was my favorite hang out while we were stationed in Dubai, UAE way back in 1995 until 2001.

It was and still is a very special place. The venue where I had dates with my exes as well as dined with good old friends of mine (most of whom I've lost touch with since we are located in different places, nowadays).

It has been ages since I partook of their meals and although the menu is quite different from the one located in Dubai, it still brought back many fond memories for me.

By the way, I didn't order any margaritas as my drinking days are way behind me.  In the distant past, I could still walk straight after downing 4 -5 margaritas. Ah yes the good old days of lush and lust. hehehe

Now that I'm done with celebrating turning a year old, I've got to get my groove back as I have tons of errands and chores to do.  First is to get our passports renewed.  Second is to find the appropriate dates for our Christmas vacay at where my sister is based.  Third is to find the cheapest flights to get to our destination.

And you all know how hectic it gets before a trip.  Millions of things to attend to which can be quite tiring. So I have to get a move on, no time to be lazy.  

Today I'm Forty Five =]

Recipes

One of my favorite past times online is to read food blogs as well as some reviews of newly opened restaurants in the lifestyle section of the web edition of local newspapers.

I like reading about food.

Why?

Surely not to add to the repertoire of my very limited culinary skills. Neither do I have the luxury of time or to be honest the budget to dine at most if not all of these eateries. I just like the way it satisfies my vision and in some sense my appetite.

But truly there are rare occasions when I do venture out of my cave to satisfy my discerning palate. 

When it comes to choosing where to eat when we are at the mall, my dear hubby ALWAYS leaves it to me to decide. Heck, I even order for him and he just eats whatever is laid down in front of him. 

I decided to try RECiPES, a resto known for Asian fusion cuisine. Upon checking the menu I notice it is mostly their version of local dishes

I ordered Thai Spring Rolls for appetiser. 9 tiny pieces with a tangy sauce. 

Then Gising Gising (minced pork with tiny slices of green beans mixed in coconut milk) and Chicken's General (crunchy boneless chicken with some sort of sweet and spicy sauce).  I told the waiter to specify the dishes must only be "mildly" spicy.

The portions are a bit small for two persons so it would be wise to order two mains + appetisers. 

The ambiance was cosy. not too claustrophobic as there is enough leg and elbow space between tables. 

The place is well lit and minimalist in its interiors decors which is fine by me. I don't know about you but I prefer to focus on the meals than the walls of any eating establishment.

As for the price range, it is affordable given the small portion of its dishes. Our bill amounted to less than a thousand pesos, this includes 2 plain rices along with 2 cans of softdrinks.

My overall satisfaction rating is 3.5 out of 5 stars. 

Funky mood

So ever since I got back from a week of fun bonding moments with my sister dearest, I've been feeling funky.

You know the sense that you are either too tired or just plain lazy to do the million things that is expected of you.

Given that yes I am lucky I am a stay at home wifey, there is always something that needs your productive attention.

I've chalk it to a number of (valid imho) reasons like PMS, my apprehension about turning a year older in a week's time, fatigue and/or just plain old laziness!

Either one or all of the above reasons could be to blame.

It seems all I've done is watch whole seasons of TV shows which my kind sister dutifully saved in 2 USBs for my viewing pleasure.  You all know that on average one season is roughly composed of 8 to 12 episodes. Each episode is about 45 minutes to 1 hour. So you do the math and that is how much time is wasted by yours truly. 

Hopefully I snap back into a more productive mode and be more enthusiastic about turning forty five next weekend.  Goodness! 

Return to basics

I'm back in circulation. My beloved sister was in town for a week. She spent her 42nd birthday here with her family. We all had a great time as we were complete again. 

I will get back in the swing of things once I've gone through the backlog of online activities as well as household chores. 

Special day

Today my hubby turns 49 so we went out in the pouring rain to celebrate.  We had Japanese fare which consisted of California Roll, Seafood Yakisoba and Ebi Tempura.

Happy birthday Hon =)