Status report: Not exercising as much as I need due to extenuating circumstances, been upping my caffeine, not eating great.

The happy thoughts of the previous week:

1. Getting a little bit of perspective. I have been so out of sorts lately that I forgot about other people. Hearing from others and making sure I have all the pieces helps. I’ve been drowning in my own internal monologue that it helps to hear someone else’s voice.

2. Trying new food. I am a sucker for hotpot. Ever since my first Taiwan trip with the best friend, I’ve been trying to find where else to get hotpot that fun. So far, I found one, but in Southern California, which is less than useless to me because that’s even farther than Taipei. Having tried Jiang Nan this week, it was good, but still not amazing. Here’s to the hotpot hunt!

3. Fun coincidences. I have been talking about a watch with my sister and a friend for the past few months, and last week, at a lunch with a coworker, she showed up wearing one. I took it as a sign to get one myself. Did i go to all the stores in the country that had it and failed miserably? Yes, yes I did. But i’m not giving up. I want to get it from the actual store. Use that escort money (inside joke) for something that actually lasts.

Songs of the week:

Sway My Way by R3HAB, Amy Shark

Lost by Frank Ocean

Upside Down by JVKE

Lovers by Anna of the North

What made you happy lately?

-j

Status report: Second booster kicked my 🍑 but it’s better than risking my third season of covid.

Here are my reminders of the week about why we get up in the morning:

1. Pepper moving in with me and Chester. So it hasn’t been easy. In fact it’s been insanely difficult trying to fit two very territorial, not small, headstrong rabbits in such a small space, but we’re finding a way. Her full name is now Pepperoncini (family traditiion) and she’s a BIG GIRL. I love her already. I hope she and Chester find their love for each other soon.

2. Seeing family and eating a lot, too much, after almost 3 years. In traditional All Saint’s Day, it’s a whole day of sitting around mauseleums with family, praying and eating. Since we can’t risk it right now, we travelled as a whole group to go early. Had several moments of note. All the food was amazing. Definitely worth the trek.

3. Meaningful conversations. I’ve had a lot of meaningful conversations lately. It takes a lot out of me, but it matters. Taking the time to show up for myself, and people I care about, matters. It also helps to keep yourself in check, and being vulnerable also helps us keep ourselves real.

Song of the week: Feel so Good by Mase

-J

Status report: Hives 7 days a week, and now nebulizing my asthma — and got my first inhaler. I need to get my shit together. Or get more sleep. One or the other.

Moments of the week:

1. Learning a new skill. A couple friends came over with a full kit and caboodle and spent most of Saturday teaching me and my sister a new skill — putting on our own makeup. Honestly — was much less stressful than I thought. Can I remake the look without close supervision? That’s yet to be proven. But I did order a mirror because there is a shortage of it in this house. Baby steps. I’ve always enjoyed a smoky eye — and was able to create a brown tinted one successfully. That’s not a small thing for a person who didn’t own foundation (until her sister bought the wrong shade and had to give it to her).

2. A group chat. Honestly, this chat keeps me sane a lot of the time. These are wonderful friends and people I respect. They show up, and are a big part of why I’m still alive and kicking.

3. A great cheese plate. Said cousin from the week before gave us ingredients for a heck of an amazing cheese plate. I always make the ugliest looking ones — but this one was styled by said friend, and actually looked fanfriggingtastic.

Song of the week: Make Me Wanna Die by The Pretty Reckless

-J

Status report: I think I’ve developed GERD because now I get woken up by the feeling of nausea. Anxiety hives are twice a day now. I live on a diet of sugar and caffeine.

Life is short moments from the past week:

1. Cheester being such a good coworker. We’ve been attached at the hip, which makes it hard to actually go out, but it’s like he’s taken it upon himself to be my emotional support animal. And because I’ve had a really overwhelming few weeks, it’s really made a difference.

2. Learning a lot. It’s a lot. I’m always the first person to admit I’m not an expert, but I always make sure to ask questions. I’m still on a “do you know this” stage for a lot of things, but so far everyone on this learning journey has been incredibly kind, go above and beyond, and has so much willingness to help.

3. Seeing old friends. We literally spent a few hours saying we’re old. Realized we’ve been friends for more than a decade. Hung out with another friend at her amazing place. I lost several hours of sleep but it was well worth it.

Song of the week: Take a Chance on Me from the Mamma Mia soundtrack

-J

Status report: Hives, 5 out of 7 days. I’m going to need to restock antihistamines soon.

Life is short moments of the week:

1. Getting to my favorite local market. Farmer’s market has always been solid. Super fresh veggies and seafood in reasonable prices. Which meant I spent more than usual on veggies and fresh ingredients. Scored sashimi, lemons, and such fresh shrimp. Always makes me feel better, even if my wallet feels lighter.

2. My favorite Italian place in the city. In the 90s, an Italian former papparazo married a Filipina, and they opened a restaurant in Cubao Expo. It was exceptionally good that day — everything was done a la minute and served perfectly. My mom was groaning in fullness but it was only because her pants weren’t stretchy and her belt was high up. She is the most of the three of us to want to suffer for fashion.

3. The best new smell i’ve smelled in a while. While at Cubao Expo, Joannaman pointed out a candle shop she said she follows on Instagram. It was The Doctor Chandler shop. First sniff and we were hooked. Mom bought their Oxytocin scent within the first 4 minutes, while Joannaman and I spent 15 minutes smelling most of everything. We had to narrow down our likes to one, and I picked Testosterone. Joannaman didn’t buy anything, but my list of what else to try are Adrenaline, Carbon and Oxygen. I am frankly obsessed and light this candle when I wind down at the end of the day and am lying down. I will prolly do this until I get super tired of it.

Song of the week: The Story by Brandi Carlile

-J