Photo Challenge: December Photo a Day 3

"Something I held"

Cinnamon Swirls

My sisters and I tried making cinnamon swirls, and they were just AMAZING! ;D

and the poinsettia?

we just played with it. :))

Everything ends.

I just spent the last 2 nights downloading everything from my multiply.

Oh! Gone are the days when I would upload everything to Multiply.

I know it has been a long time since the last time I updated my multiply account.

But it was at one point my favorite social networking site.

Uploading photos was sooo much easier.

It has everything I need and more.

But since Multiply decided to stop it's social networking service, and just focus on e-commerce, 

"So, I guess I'll see you around, Multiply."

Photo Challenge: December Photo a Day 2

PEACE, man. ;D

I missed Bamboo's Peace Man :)

Anyhoo, this shirt is almost a year old now, but I still haven't worn it.

It's a gift from my uncle.

Why I haven't worn it?
I decided to just keep his 3rd gift.
Haha.

My uncle who gave this to me used to be my "MOST HATED UNCLE".
USED TO BE. :))
It's just sad, though, that we had learned to be nice to each other after the only person that links us passed away.
He was my late favorite aunt's hubby.
We used to hate each other.
Haha.
They never had kids.
My aunt loved and spoiled us sooo much, he got jealous.

The first time he ever gave us gifts was the first Christmas without my aunt, and that was only because my aunt died just days before Christmas. And I clearly remember him apologizing neither my aunt nor he had the time to wrap them.
That was the first time he ever spoke to us lowly.

It wasn't easy at first.
It felt from awkward that he was being nice to us, to bad that it was too late.
But who am I to not give him a chance?
So, yeah, we made PEACE. :)

We now recall those days, and just laugh.

Photo Challenge: December Photo a Day 1

8 o'clock

Since her mom's organizing her things, I'm watching over my niece. :)

Photo Challenge: December Photo a Day

Since I've always wanted to join a photo challenge but always late, I'm jumping on the bandwagon before 2012 ends, and end my year with a snap! ;)

Breaking Dawn 2: Breaking Hearts, too.

My anticipation for The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn - Part 2 was somehow obscured by my gloominess. I'm so dispirited these past few days that I wasn't even excited to see the movie. Kristen Stewart is a lousy actress, and toss in the fact that she cheated on Rob Pattinson, I don't want to spend even just a minute watching her.

My cousin's birthday fell on the "Twilight Weekend", and it is somewhat customary for us to watch the Saga as a group. I miss my cousins oh so much, that absence is simply not possible and acceptable.

I sure hope for my sanity's sake that my lack of enthusiasm is just a prequel of my period.

But just because I wasn't excited for it, doesn't mean I wouldn't welcome it. 

After all, it's the last installment.

During the long introduction, I realized I was going to cry. Again, it was the final installment. It's as good as a farewell party.

It's nice finally seeing the scenes I have once read and imagined, especially the part where Bella found out Jacob had a "moronic wolfy claim" on Renesmee, Edward and Bella's daughter. I hate seeing Jacob getting hurt, but that part was just hilariously cute. We laughed at every assault Jake got from Bella. We were as amused as Edward was. LOL. Jake's strip-tease was a treat because first, he's hot; second, he's hot; and third, Charlie's reaction was cute. :))
It was also nice to see the movie not just about Bella or their love triangle. The Cullens once again showcased their love for each other, and how far they would go to protect their family.

SPOILER ALERT!
What really blew my mind was the battle scene.
Aro read the minds of Edward and Renesmee, but what he saw were not shown. When Alice was to show Aro what she had foreseen, we jokingly said they should let us see it too. But the battle began shortly after Aro touched Alice's hand, and Alice revealed that Aro still want to take the Cullens down even after proving their innocence. It was touching that Carlisle was the first one to run for Alice, and how they reacted after that. I felt their pain and anger while they fight for their lives, and avenge the ones they lost.
It was VIOLENT but beautifully done, and NOT RUDDY at all.
Luckily, they don't have blood.
I cried like a baby when Carlisle and Jasper were beheaded. I kept searching for their bodies, hoping they weren't being burned yet. Haha. I wanted to explode then and there, make the movie stop, and tell them that they did the movie wrong. Clearly, that's not what the book says. But that was a cinema, I should at least compose myself.
Alas, that was a twist going on. The battle scene was what Alice had foreseen. Aro's scenes were funny after that. It was obvious he got scared of losing his head as well.
A flaw I noticed was Alice's vision of Renesmee and Jake's future together.
Jake blocks Alice's visions.
I remember clearly when she thought Bella had died after cliff diving because she didn't see her being saved by Jake. Also, when Bella got pregnant, and they didn't know whether what Bella was expecting was really a baby or a monster, Alice couldn't see the baby inside because the baby imprinted on Jake.

But nevertheless, it was great.
It's the best twilight movie, and definitely my fave. :)

Where art thou, ENTHUSIASM?

Excruciating might be an overstatement, but that's how it sometimes feel like;

How one thing remains the same over the years while a lot has changed this past 2 years.

This day last year, I already ticked off almost every names on my list.

This year, I haven't even started making a list.

And although I know I have a lot of things to do, I just cant seem to get my body start working.

The days are flying by so fast.

And as that "now-seem-to-be-a-dreadful-day" approaches, it's hard to keep my eyes dry.

But I know I can't stay this way.

I shouldn't.

I'm not even sure how I ended up in this state.

All I know is I got to get out here.

It's not happiness I'm scouring, but enthusiasm.

P.S.
I'm not burning down our house. I can't, not even in my wildest imagination or dream. It's our home.
But yeah, this used to be a FUN HOUSE. :/
And I'm SANE.

Ain't a Piece of Cake

Although baking a cake is on my "Bucket List", I never imagined it possible.

We attempted to bake a cake gazillion times before, but I guess "FATE" just never permitted it until last August.

Before August ended, we finally started turning the oven on.

The first thing my sisters baked was a starter red velvet cake.

It was a success! Too bad they had doubts, so it wasn't enough.

They tried baking cupcakes after that, and sadly, they failed.

We then decided to bake a Blueberry Cheesecake, and it was soo good!

It instantly became a FAVORITE. :D

Baking became a bonding time for us.

My sister A has a busy schedule though, so we don't get to do it as much as we want.

Last September, my brother asked me to bake a cake for his girlfriend.

And since I really like his girlfriend, even though I don't have a full baking experience, I didn't say NO. 

I searched for a basic cake recipe over the internet, and baked it with a full heart, and one eye shut. LOL.

And yaaay, it was a success. 

My number 1 fan had to have a picture with it :)

 I got myself a "souvenir" though.

But it was worth it. I guess. LOL.

My scar is just now a constant reminder that I was able to bake a cake by myself for the first time.

First time, yes, and definitely not the last.

We baked another one, and this time, we covered it with fondant.

Again, it didn't stop there.

I craved for a choco-banana cake, and got surprised it wasn't that hard.

So, my busy sister came home to this. 

We decided we're ready to bake our Grand Matriarch a cake for her birthday.

And so we did.

Please excuse the novices' unimposing design. :))

The first time I saw that flower candle, I knew our GM should have that on her birthday cake.

Our GM loved the cake, she requested us to bake another one for her sister who celebrates her birthday a week after hers. And just like her cake, she wanted it to have a flower candle.

Whew! Baking definitely is NOT a piece of cake.

I'm glad I'm now ticking this off my list.

Another achievement for me!

Whoohoo! :)

My Memory Card - Now Just a Memory

It was in August when I upgraded my camera's memory to 16gb from 8gb. I decided to upgrade it because I didn't have the heart to delete 8gb's stored photos.

Back-up, baby! -- I know, I know!

But I'm somehow not in good terms with "back-up."

Why?

I did back them-up.

BUT

Our desktop and laptops have gone through countless reformatting.

and

my flash disk got stolen.

And I don't trust the idea of online storage, sorry!

So, I bought a new memory card and kept the old one in my camera pouch.

Last week, my sister borrowed my camera for her field trip.

And just as crazy as it seems, when I woke up the morning of her field trip, I had the feeling she would neglect my memory card. I tried texting her so she could keep the memory card, but she left her phone at home. 

I could swear I fretted the entire day.

But boy, never did my instinct serve me wrong!

My sister lost my memory card.

And although she kept saying sorry, and I know she meant every apology, I just couldn't help but cry.
Yep, I cried.
I didn't mean to make her feel more guilty, but it was so hard for me to control my emotions.
I tried holding it in, but it kept winning over me.

The memories in that memory card are now really just memories.

Starbucks and Happy Lemon GCs from Before I Turn 25

I'm joining Before I turn 25: Drinks are on me!: giveaway! :)

It's the blog's first year anniversary, and the owner's birthday, so as a treat, she'll be giving away Starbucks and Happy Lemon GCs worth 300 each. And since those are two of my favorites, I can't miss this.

Haha.

And yeah, may the odds be ever in my favor! ;D

Hahahaha.

Like Dysmenorrhea isn't enough, PMS!

I used to think that my dad's being strict was the worst part of my being a girl - that was until I started noticing this "feeling" I get monthly. 

Aside from the ever-tormenting Dysmenorrhea every month, I may be suffering from PMS.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual Tension (PMT) is a collection of physical and emotional symptoms related to a woman's menstrual cycle. 

This occurs 1 to 2 weeks before the menstrual period, and usually goes away after menstruation kicks-off.

It can affect women of any age, and it's effects vary. It's cause remains indefinite. And although hormones and the changes they go through seem to be the culprit, it's not proven.

The SYMPTOMS often include:

☑ Acne

☑ Breast Tenderness

☑ Fatigue

☑  Sleep Problems

☑ Upset Stomach, Bloating. Constipation, or Diarrhea

☑ Headache or Backache

☑ Appetite Change or Food Cravings

☑ Joint or Muscle Pain

☑ Confusion, Concentration Problem, or Forgetfulness

☑ Mood Swings

☑ Anxiety or Depression

☑ Clumsiness

☑ Irritability

Sadly, no specific sign or lab test can diagnose PMS. The doctor, however, can diagnose PMS based on the symptoms you have, their occurrence, and effects on you.

It's best to record the symptoms you have, and then discuss it with your doctor.

*Just like what I'm about to do. :)

Hunger for The Hunger Games

I just spent the last few days hungry for Peeta Mellark. Haha.
I honestly never imagined myself reading another book. After Twilight Saga, and even before that, I got lazy of reading books. I fell in love with Edward Cullen; I had to make sure he won. Reading The Hunger Games was impromptu. I really just wanted to know how it ended since I wasn't able to finish the movie. But once I started reading it, I got so attached to the character of Peeta. Haha. It's hard not to love him. The next thing I knew, after on/off reading the first book within 12 hours, my mind just won't stop thinking about him. I had to sleep, of course. But I have the tendency to not stop til I get to the end, just how I'd go sleepless whenever I start watching a series and not ending it. REALLY. That has always been a problem of mine. That's why I've been skipping Korean TV Series nowadays. Haha.
After reading The Hunger Games, the first book, I immediately got myself some sleep, but after 2 hours, my mind was once again back to Peeta. I felt really bad for him after the first book. And I can't help but picture the boy from 'The Bridge to Terabithia', shedding tears. Oh, how he made me cry!
So, after 2 hours of sleep, I started reading Catching Fire, the second book, again for 12 hours on/off, without knowing I'd want to continue even more after the second book. Haha. I swear I had to find myself some diversion just to stop myself from thinking about him, and start reading the third book. We even baked blueberry cheesecake just to keep me distracted.
CRAZY! I KNOW!
Peeta's just impossible not to love!
Haha.
After the second book, I managed to get myself 4 hours of sleep before starting with Mockingjay, the third book. Haha. I love how it ended. Although the middle part had me cursing Katniss! Haha.
I just love Peeta! ;D

Eureka! Black Tapioca Pearls

The proliferation of bubble milk tea places in the Philippines is pretty undeniable.
Bubble Tea, otherwise known as pearl milk tea or boba milk tea, originated from Taiwan. They are basically tea-based drinks mixed with milk and/or fruits, and usually have chewy tapioca balls commonly known as 'pearls'.

If my memory serves me right, my very first bubble tea experience was 2 years ago - a caramel milk tea from  Bubbatealicious in Divisoria Mall.

I'm a sucker for caramel, btw. :))

Anyway, one evening last summer, I craved for milk tea. I don't know how or why, but it felt like my throat was thirsty for a creamy tea. So I promised to get myself a milk tea first thing in the morning. I was so excited that I wasn't even able to sleep. The moment my sister woke up, I asked her to accompany me. And so she did. I have said before that Divisoria have almost everything. The market was no more than a 10-minute walk from our home. When we arrived at the market, I immediately looked for black pearls, but no luck. We bought clear tapioca pearls then, and tried to "improvise". We didn't go home empty-handed not because we bought clear pearls, but because we were so amused; we bought almost everything we wanted to eat but had to buy - like french fries, flavored shakes, chips, and cheese sticks. Haha. My mom was SO SURPRISED when we got home. She didn't expect us to be out for too long, but we were gone for over 2 hours. And we brought home a lot of things, we even had an ice chest for the shaved ice, when we got home.

Anyway, my improvised black pearl wasn't all that bad. We had it for a couple days, til we got tired.

Then came my DAD'S BLACK PEARL OBSESSION!
Why obsession if you may ask? He kept buying pearl milk teas and pearl shakes after we had him taste one from Happy Lemon.
His preference? Whatever the flavor is, as long as it has 0% sweetness, and THREE TIMES pearl add-ons for an order.
And for the record: HE'S VERY MUCH A WATER PERSON -- before his obsession at least. :))

We all got addicted to the point that my dad asked me to look for black pearls in Divisoria. I told him my "black pearl story", and said it's impossible for Divisoria not to have black pearls. I even told him I BELIEVED that, too. Haha.
And since my dad is a "pusher", I searched wider, until I found one in Divisoria Mall.
Haha.

Our search is finally oveeerrrrr! ;D

P70 for 1kl black tapioca pearl

Uncooked black pearls must be handled with care because they tend to pulverize easily.

And if you plan to buy:

* I suggest you buy the vacuum-sealed ones to keep their shape.

* And you need to transfer the pearls gently to another container to let them breathe.

No, they're not alive. :))

But they do need air to get separated.

I didn't do it my first time so almost half of it went to trash.

Some pearls got stuck together and didn't get cooked.

They are hard to separate once they're already in the water.

* Also, follow the cooking instructions on the case, especially the draining part.

We had one incident where my sister forgot to drain the pearls after 30 mins. And the next thing we knew, the pearls sucked in some water already, so they lost their chewiness.

Btw, they also sell milk tea flavor powders for P85 per 500g pack.

Rice Surprise! ;D

Now, this is something I NEVER imagined nor wanted to SHOUT OUT LOUD:

I CAN'T COOK -- a decent meal, at least.

I clearly remember being a kitchen resident when I was a kid.

My sibs, cousin, and I would often creep at night to rob our fridge and sneak off ingredients for our fried rice and scrambled eggs; we would then be scolded the next day by the cook for the mess we made. 

We have OUTGROWN that 'HABIT', but I guess we have failed to let GROW our 'COOKING WITS'.

Over a decade had passed, and the only means of cooking we know is STILL JUST FRYING.

Yes, STILL JUST FRYING, which means we can't even cook rice.

SHAME ON US, I know!

BUT NOT ANYMORE!

Haha.

Well, at least not for me :)

My mom was M.I.A yesterday because my little brother got confined.

Our helpers were no longer staying in and don't arrive til 6 in the morning.

My sibs' and daughter's classes start as early as 6:45 am, so they need to be fed early.

I, being the eldest, need not be told that the responsibility lies on my shoulder.

Upon learning that I was going to cook, my princess promised to help me.

She felt the need to get a chicken tocino as props. Haha.

When I was about to cook the rice, I told her I didn't know how to cook rice.

Haha.

She then told me: 'Huh? Sige, ta-try ko... *pauses* lagyan mo ng tubig'.

.

Haha. 

I find it so cute that she was instructing me as if she really knows how to cook rice.

Definitely my best cooking experience.

And the second best part?

I was able to serve them a 'well-cooked rice' -- a DECENT BREAKFAST!

Woohoo!

When my sister was about to serve the rice,
 I stopped her and told her that I'm so proud of what I've done,
and that I need to take a picture as a souvenir and a proof. Haha.

It was really a great learning experience.

My daughter and I had a great bonding time while cooking, and the rice went oh so well.

30 Things About Me

Sanna of Woman Scribbles wants to make BC Bloggers' blogosphere more homey by giving us a chance to know each other more. 

Check out her post, and get to know her more.

If you're not yet a member of BC Bloggers,

join here, 

meet new friends,

and make your blogosphere more homey! ;)

#1: First off, everyone calls me VERNA. :D

But that's just my second name.

My first name?

THAT'S ONE SECRET I'LL NEVER TELL!

Hahahahaha.

#2. I have a little princess who despite of her being difficult, I DEARLY LOVE and ADORE! <3

#3. I am an ironically irascible patient person.

#4. I am nocturnal. :)

#5. Some says I'm a stage-mom. 

#6. But I say: I'm just very particular when it comes to details, that it sometimes feel like I have OCD or something.

Haha.

#7. I'm a CRY-BABY!

My uncle used to tell me that my eyes are like the Niagara falls.

Haha.

#8. I belong to a BIIIIIIG FAMILY, and we're all BIG in terms of size. :))

#9. I had done more projects when I stopped schooling.

#10. Because apparently, it's hard for me to say NO when being asked for help.

#11. I'm clingy

#12. That's why I can't even just imagine myself getting married.

Hahahaha.

#13. I love giving gifts. :)

#14. I love SWEEEEEEETS!

#15. But must restrain myself because DIABETES runs in our family.

#16. I LOVE MY HAIR. I'd marry it if I could.

Hahahahahaha.

#17. I'm a KEEPER. I keep everything.

#18. I get blank when reading numbers and dates, but I'm ironically good at remembering dates of the events in my and my family's life. :)

#19. I never stopped believing, by the way. And I really find old couples inspiring.

#20. Yes, I believe that there's always something beautiful outside.

#21. I'm not  "Super White", but I do feel incredibly vulnerable without a hair-tie handy.

#23. I love DIYs like a love song, baby! ;D

#24. I love Gossip Girl, especially the NON-JUDGING BREAKFAST CLUB, and their SCHEMES. :)

#25. I love Chuck Bass/Ed Westwick

#26. The only way I'd let him get away from me is if its Blair he marries.

CHAIR FOREVER!

Haha.

Btw,

#27. I'm an autodidact.

  

#28. I taught myself a little photo-editing.

  

#29. I taught myself a little sewing.

#30. And my baby is my star. <3

Doctors for a day :)

Aside from the free consultations and medicines, one of the many advantages of having a doctor as a relative is the privilege to attend conventions. My auntie, who is a doctor, happens to be married to a doctor as well. They attend AT LEAST ONE conference annually. They check-in at hotels, and let us come and swim. This year though, my uncle's abroad, so my aunt isn't really thrilled about the convention. So, she invited me instead to attend the 49th Philippine Pediatric Society Convention as a delegate. Of course I said YES, since I can't really say NO to her; she's really nice, plus, she told me that we could take home everything we get. Knowing that was a Pediatric Society, I got excited. I was sure they'd be giving away some kids' stuff.

My aunt, of course, had two registrants, one for herself, and one for her husband.
My sister came with me, so my aunt skipped the convention, and let my daughter and sister got inside with me.
Upon entering though, one of the marshals, restricted my daughter inside, which upset me. The place was well-decorated. It was VERY CHILD-FRIENDLY; There was a rainbow,  2 castle displays, balloons and mascots everywhere. I honestly think that didn't make any sense. I mean, who would love such an environment more but kids? But I had no choice but to follow their rule, and let my daughter go. So, she just came with my aunt to the mall.

 


 

 

huge meds :)

over-sized small things never fail to amuse me :)

 

It would've been more fun if they had let my daughter in with me.