This week and the past week. I thought I wouldn't be able to survive. For the first time, I had a week long leave in the middle of the year. While others would be more than thankful for the opportunity, I have a different story to tell. I admit, this is not my best time. The past days and the coming days will mean one thing: struggle. I cannot wait for the day when I can finally say, 'twas over. I can only wish for better days. 

Life may be sad and gloomy but somewhere along the way, there are some beautiful things that made my week. The dinner treat and conversation with a great colleague turned friend. The chance to sleep and wake up on my desired time. Staying home gave me the chance to eat healthier meals. Time was slow. It was supposedly a vacation, but yes I took home some work. Only to realize, I was more productive at home. I'm more than halfway with my current project. An irony I wasn't expecting, I was able to generate more ideas while working at home. Makes me think, I maybe suited for this career. It's fun to have colleagues but the unnecessary stress and pressure from them, no thanks. Hahaha 



Beautiful Mess - I always find a beautiful mess on excessively stamped passports. My first passport (right) already expired and had four countries and stories to keep. On my last trip, I was quite surprised with the new practice in Hong Kong and Macau. No more stamps! I was instead issued pieces of papers that contained all the immigration details. No more beautifully messy passports :( All I have are those pieces of vulnerable thermal papers, whose printed information will surely be erased in a few weeks.

All natural pepper from Father - The idle parcel of land owned by my Auntie has become the venue of my Father's favorite past time. He has been engaged to some planting activities. I believe a significant part of what we have at home came from my Father's green thumb. :) Yes to organic and healthy living. 

Stuffed Grilled Squid - Thank you to my Mother for giving in to my request. The lonesome daughter is more than happy to be spoiled. 


Handmade! - Thank you Marieken for this card.

Beatles Inspired Card by Hallmark - Thank you Leah! And yes, I'm always happy receiving something from you and Mother E!

Addiction - Why does Cath Kidston rhymes with addiction? ;) This was such a great deal. Thank you Leah for conniving. #NgitingTagumpay #PasswordProtected  Hahahaha I want to see your loot too. 

Ferrero Collection - Perks of being a good neighbor! Hahahaha Not me, but my parents. I love it that we live in a community where my parents are still familiar with families in the neighborhood. But I believe, there is something wrong with me when I don't feel "tempted" with this "temptation." Life... and all the grown up issues!

And because I was home the entire week, I was able to catch up with Asia's Got Talent. 


Sporty Spice!!! - I was more than happy when I discovered that Mel.C was one of judges at Asia's Got Talent. My only regret, I missed several episodes of the first season. My wish is that there will be Season 2 soon and please, retain the same set of judges. David Foster, Vanness Wu, Anggun and Mel C. (yes I still prefer calling her Mel C. than Melanie) were the best for me. And another request, please don't remove Rovilson Fernandez and my crush, Marc Nelson!!!!

Pinoy Pride!!! -El Gamma Penumbra for the win!



Gerphil Flores, David Foster's Golden Buzzer Baby, also did great and so as runner up, Mongolia's Khusugtun. Setting aside the grand finalists, here's another another one I'll never get tired of watching

I BEG YOU! Please watch this. You will never regret it, more so if you are having a bad day.