🌊 Issue #2: How the new year is going so far
Also where to get pecan pie in Manila, cocktails in Barcelona, and a new recipe to try out.
Hola peeps!
So many things happened this week, including the passing of the new year (😱), even though I pretty much spent it attached to the couch.
El jowa gave me an Apple Watch for Christmas. And never have I been judged about my constant state of lethargy my entire life! At the end of the day, it shows me how much I have failed my body - in calories not burned and movements not taken.
I don’t like to be judged. So I started to move more. Carried things one at a time from the living room, to the bedroom, to the kitchen. El jowa walked in on me, one time, in the room just jumping up and down and dancing in place because I needed 10 minutes more of exercise to achieve my daily goal. I played patintero with the dog because it counted as exercise. So far, I’ve only done well on Monday, closing all the rings. But the determination is still there.
I also read as much as I can this week. Trying to catch up fervently with my Goodreads Reading Challenge. Which I still failed. But I’m not sorry at all. I stared a new challenge yesterday, at the beginning of the year. Are you doing one too?
I spent the changing of the year dancing to a random mix of Black Pink, Brazilian pop, 90s rock, 00s electronica, and a wayward request from somebody (probably my boyfriend) for Spice Girls. There was a lot of food too - all of them greasy, salty, and yummy. Which could explain why I was not drunk at all despite the wine and the beer that never ended.
On NYE, there were speeches. There were also tears. And an acceptance that these people were no longer just jowa’s friends. They were mine too. In between all that, I was in a text marathon with my own friends and loved ones from all corners of the world. I ended the year in a good note. And I think, I started it pretty well too. With food in my belly and a lot of love in my heart. Charot.
El jowa’s mother also called herself my mother in law! While I’m aware that they use that term regardless of the relationship status, I can’t help but think - “is this the sign I’m looking for?”. 😂
What a week. What a year!
It’s 2021 now. Officially. And while I didn’t make any plans nor claims for the year - apart from unfailing health for myself and my loved ones, I did make myself a few promises.
To wear all of the clothes I want, how I want to wear them. To wear the nice things whenever I can instead of saving them for special occassions. And to stop caring whether or not they fit “my personality”.
To not be ashamed nor afraid to ask for help. And to stop worrying about being a nuisance to anybody. The people who care will help. The people who don’t or can’t, will not. The world will keep on spinning.
To Share more. Help more. Give more. But while still being mindful of the state of my own cup from which I am giving.
To keep an eye on my goals. Work hard to achieve them. But to remember that my worth as a person is not tied to the goals I’ve achieved or have failed.
And to let go of the things, beliefs, and even people that/who no longer serve me well or that/who just give me grief more than they ever gave me joy.
There were also promises to write more, sing more, and take more pictures. And maybe to eat less rice. 🍚
I also hope that 2020 taught us that we deserve better than what our governments have been able to provide us. It’s not even mediocre governance! Register to vote. Do your research. And please, utang na loob, especially if you’re a Filipino voter, no more Dutertes, Marcoses, Cayetanos, or the rest of the shitshow that this administration has made us pay their salaries for with our taxes. Remember, we’re still missing P15B but they’re at it with increasing our Philhealth contributions and making it mandatory for everybody (including you, non-resident). Until next time ♥️
Kax
What I’m loving these days 💙
Gaya sa Pelikula is now on NetflixPH. Still not available in NetflixES though, so I’m linking to the Youtube episodes instead. One of my closest friends, Life, had a hand in this movie. I remember watching this the first time and just being kilig the entire time I was watching. The Youtube episodes also have English subs - for my non-Pinoy friends who want to know what love is like in our language and context.
Pecan Pies from my friend, Rica finally made it to my family and friends back home. Late holiday gift is still a holiday gift. I’ve been drooling over Rica’s pies ever since she started posting about them on Instagram. Even more when she started selling them. But since she’s in Manila, I’m not, and there’s no way she can deliver her Pecan Pie to my doorstep, I have to live vicariously through my friends instead. 🤤
For friends back in Spain, I bought cocktail mixes from 80-20ml.com. Although I don’t know the owners personally, I feel like I already do. Matias has been especially helpful delivering my gifts to friends while still keeping the surprise. And have been going the extra mile of keeping me updated of the delivery status.
This thread by Jack Butcher on his thoughts about 2020.
Vox’s A Year In Things - a review of the year based on the objects that defined 2020 for us. From the things we hoarded like Toilet Paper and Hand Sanitizers. To the things we made like Bread. While the list is unapologetically American - the intentions behind those purchases and creations are the same even though you’re living in Spain (replace Peloton bikes with Weights and Yoga Mats)
What’s Cooking, Good Looking? 👩🍳
Serve with steamed green beans, and/or garlic spinach. And white rice too, if you’re Asian.
Pair with red wine or beer. Or whatever beverage you prefer.
Put on your nice dress and swipe some red on your lips. Light your favorite scented candle.
Enjoy.
I started this maybe-weekly newsletter because I needed a space where I can just take a break from talking about career, working in tech, and coaching other Product Managers. I needed a space where I can show off my cooking skills, get kilig about the books I’m reading and the movies I’m watching, and sometimes even cry about the things that make me sad.
Want to share your thoughts and feelings, too? Leave me a comment below 👇
If you enjoyed reading this and want to get more recipes, book recommendations, among other things - how about subscribing:
Indeed! 👍🏻...so much “ahh & ohh” as I read but definitely I say “YES!!!!”🙌🏽 surely It is .
Good vibes Kax, keep going... keep going :)