winter bites- Phuket Restaurant and Cafe, Juffair

The weather in Bahrain drops at 13*C in the evening these past couple of days, its the perfect weather to devour on some hearty soup. It is usually this time of the year that I crave food that I grew up eating. I miss mom's cooking the most. I miss the times she'd wake us up at dawn- usually between 0500 to 0600hrs and tell us if we didn't get ourselves outta bed, we wont be able to eat outside as most hawkers in town opened as early as 4am and closed down at noon. It was the only way that would get us to wake up and jump out of bed that early- FOOOOOOOOD!

 Phuket's Restaurant and Cafe

Steamed Rice w/ Chicken- BD3.000

So what better way to warm up our soul in this cold weather than to indulge on some old-school hawker style favourite classic Asian dishes of all time. In some countries we call this dish the Hainanese Chicken. Some may call it Nasi Ayam or (Chicken Rice). Whatever terms they use, it will always be one of my go-to favourite simple dishes. Now the meal in Phuket Restaurant cost BD3.000. The price was mid- range considering the portion size was alright. Now the chicken though it was juicy, could have been sliced equally and looked more presentable. But the soup broth was alright.. didn't taste much of ginger in it. The rice was plain and steamed. And what was lacking the most with this dish was the red chili sauce as well as the sweet soy sauce to dip that chicken to.  Overall I'd rate the meal a 3.5/ 5.I also ordered a cup of tea which was around BD0.150 because it was really cold outside and I needed to end the night with something warm. 

lost

 i am feeling a little lost right now. it's 2021 and it does not look promising. i woke up today trying to gather my energy to get out of bed but it honestly felt like something was holding me back. i just wanted to stay in the warm comfort of my sheets not wanting to deal with the world.

i grabbed my phone- its reported that 4 people are dead after Trump supporters ransacked the Congress. was this the future we were promised? we have dealt with so much bs in 2020, are we still going to be dealing with this over 2021? i am not entirely sure whether i am mentally or physically capable.

they say that there is always light at the end of the tunnel, but what if i don't make it through til the end? its exhausting trying to keep your spirits up when toxic and negative energy is there to always dim the light. hope.. hope is all we can do. hope is all we have to keep pushing through these incredibly tough times. i do pray that we get through. only uncertainty is all we have to greet us. 

won't make it home this christmas

 Out of all my life, I don't think there was a time where we did not celebrate the holidays without our parents but it seems like this year will be quite different. The pandemic is still on-going and even though some may have already adjusted to this new lifestyle-- I don't think traveling home will be the best decision. I was hoping that by this time of the year I would already have a ticket ready but it seems like the virus is still spreading and I am in fear of catching it esp since I have asthma.

On a brighter note, my work family has been one of my main sources of laughter. I have definitely adjusted now and am speaking tagalog fluently. I may have even learned more about the Filipino culture now than when I was living in the Philippines. 

Anyhow, I hope everyones' staying safe. x

slow progress

 Here I am again, back with another blog. LOL!

At this point this blog has just turned into a journal about me trying to attempt to post regularly. Haha!

But at least it is still some slow progress. Better than no progression at all right?

Few minor updates. I have signed up with a company to deliver a meal plan for me for a month. 

2020 did not get any better and so many things have happened. It got worst- tito Boy died from COVID-19. I mean we all knew that the Rona was serious but didn't think we'd know someone who'd actually catch it. Seems crazy to think that it all started in one country and the rest of the world shut down.

But it is now September, and the rest of the world is trying to recover from it. Schools are starting to open. Restaurants are going back to business next week after almost 6 months of being shut down by the government. Thank God our office didn't close. In fact business has been busier than ever and it seems like we are getting back to it but still. 

I decided to love myself more these days. It all started with me getting a plant and then cleansing my aura and now I am eating a little cleaner. I hope that I do get to lose some kgs because your girl is reaching her peak and its no bueno. 

Anyways, I will be ending the post here. Stay safe!

Two days in a row and I am on here. Lol, watching the continuation of Back to the Future.

Back?

Hey to anyone reading this.

I am four days away from my 30th birthday and I don't think I will be able to celebrate it this year.

The movie "Back to the Future" is playing on the background and honestly, I am not entirely sure I have that much more years to live. If you were to ask me whether or not I lived a happy life.. I would easily say that my life has been a very simple one. I've tried to accomplish most of my goals. Although I do wish I am more further along as I hope I'd be with my career but at this point- not even all the money in the would can buy everything.

I have been itching to journal or write my thoughts down. I kinda got paranoid about hand written journals since my sisters usually have a way of sneaking through their way and reading these.

I can't believe it is 2020.

When the year started, the Taal volcano erupted. Australia's forest burned down, Locusts flocked by in Bahrain and now they have this virus called the Corona Virus or COVID-19. It started in Wuhan, China and had somehow spread across the world.

Initially, I did not think it would be this big but all the businesses are being affected now. It's chaotic and I am glad I don't have to worry about a kid being brought up to witness the toxicity the world has become. People panicking and hoarding unnecessary necessities to the government keeping the society on lock-down to avoid any further casualties. Everyone has their own opinion and instead of just shutting up and doing what the rest of the world is doing- some idiots decide to protest. I have too many thoughts and I need to let it out.

I hope everyone's keeping safe.

It’s been 6 years since my last blog.

So much has happened.

And I’m back.

Sometimes, when you think you've got life figured out.. something happens and you're back to being confused and lost. Thats where I kinda stand right now.

Planners for 2013

So I am helping my sister get her planner for next year. She wanted something real colorful and extremely girly for her and her friend. So far this is what I got..

Trying to figure out what color scheme to utilize for an Executive Office.

Cheers, 

Karen

Great day

Thank you Lord for enabling and answering our prayers. My sister is a certified Civil Engineer!!!

Woee!!!!
Good day!

Today isn't just another Sunday.

Sunday mornings are usually spent with my family and friends. Usually its the routinized schedule of getting up, grabbing a quick breakfast and getting ready for church. Right after church, we usually help out with the weekly collections, in a way its our way of serving and volunteering for that week's mass. Right after everything is settled and in order.. we'd all spend the rest of the day eating brunch, catching up with everything and just practically having a good time.

Although today was different because today is when my sister takes up her board exam for Civil Engineering and so she couldn't attend the mass this week. I prayed that she'd make the cut and pass the exam. I know she's been working really hard to earn  good grades and I also know that she is a bright individual. I sometimes think that she's so much more independent than I am. But then again, we both have completely different personalities and it feels good seeing her grow up and mature.

Also, a childhood friend of mine, Angelica.. whom usually spends the Sundays with us.. is now in Florida for a one-year internship as a culinary arts student.

The two people I am so used to spending my Sundays with not being around, feels sort of odd. I guess the change is for the good. Everyones' lives are evolving and I feel like mine isn't revolving at the same pace. Probably slower. I don't think thats a good thing even. I shouldn't let myself get used to this. Anyways, I guess that's all I have to vent on for now. My mom has a couple of days left until she's off home. I think my dad needs her more than we do, he's been sick for over a week now so please keep him in your prayers.

Have a good weekend.
God bless,
Karen

Thanksgiving Day

Jamba. Subway. Bayo.

Thank you Lord for giving me healthy parents who are able to support and be with us everytime we're in need. I appreciate everything you've done to our family. Every blessing you have given us. Although there are minor struggles here and there, I know that you have better plans for us. I love you, Lord and once again thank you.

Its been a long day :)

Happy Turkey Day everyone.

Cheers,

K.

Today

I am slowly finding things that are inspiring me.

Its still tough to keep out from pessimistic remarks but I don't think there's completely a way to avoid it. I think you just have to find ways to deal with it otherwise, you'll just never get over it. I bought a couple of brewed iced-tea from Army Navy along with two boxes of Que Rida Mia's Baja Chicken. Withing a few minutes everything was gobbled and gone. 

When you have blessings, its best to enjoy it by sharing it amongst others.

Anyways, good day to everyone and hope you all a good start :D

Cheers,

Karen

That feeling..

Lost

good sundays are rare

Story of the day..

There once was a poor young boy. He had to sell cookies, door-to-door at a rich village in order to pay for school fees. Sacrificing to carry the heavy load of bags as he stops by each door, determined to sell a box at each property.

One hot sunny day, the boy felt his tummy grumble and was convinced to ask for food on the next house that he stops by. Knock knock knock. Silence. Rustling came from the other end and the door was opened by a young pretty lady with the most contagious smile. The young boy, astounded, became shy all of a sudden and instead of asking for food, ended up asking for a simple cold glass of water.

The young lady, seeing as to how haggard the boy looked, decided to give him a cold glass of milk. With another killer smile.

The boys heart raced and felt his cheeks flustered. Drank up. And thanked the girl for her generosity.

Years has passed, and this same lady got older. Sicker. Weaker. No one in the village could figure out what could cure her. So she was sent to the city, where the finest doctors would be able to treat her. Dr. Hogwarts Kelly heard that a certain lady from a certain village was checked in to the building and he immediately looked over her records. He figured out what illness she had and researched as well was worked hard to solve her case.

She was cured.

Bill payment day came, and it was the day she was dreading. She knew that it would take an entire life savings to get a hold of how she would be able to pay up entirely. When she saw the bill, next to the amount, scribbled words were written on the side, "PAID IN FULL AMOUNT WITH A GLASS OF MILK."

True story.

Just thought I'd share what I got today :)

Happy weekend,
Cheers

We are all inventors, each sailing out on a voyage of discovery, guided each by a private chart, of which there is no duplicate. The world is all gates, all opportunities.
Ralph Waldo Emerson

A good start for a new week. A good change and a much better perspective in life. Its a new chapter of my life I will be unfolding. And together, we shall find out where life takes me. I have made it to a point that, wherever God wishes me to go, I will follow.

I have come to a self-realization that, I am just an ordinary individual. Trying to make a difference and hoping to succeed. And the world is full of opportunities and possibilities for me. It may not be here, or maybe, my timing is just off. But I feel that when the time is right, I'll know. (:

Til then every chapter will be a mystery. Just like a rosary.

Cheers,
Karen

I've failed but I am not ready to give up just yet.

"Dear, I have bad news.", my good friend Nikki texted me at 7.31pm although I was only able to open her message half an hour later. My heart dropped and I just felt like a wave of utter disbelief jolt over me.

And then I saw the list of successful candidates in Interior Design Batch 2012. My name wasn't in it. Tears just suddenly overwhelmed and dropped on my cheeks. I didn't make it. I've failed. And my sister tried to hug me for comfort but disappointment was just overpowering me and all I really wanted to do was hide. From the shame, from the embarrassment, from everything and everyone. From failing.

Its like all the years I have planned out for myself, crumbling to pieces, making me question myself whether or not I am taking the right path. Is this what I am really suppose to be doing in life? Was I meant to do this? Asking God to guide me and comfort me because I needed Him the most right then.

I guess in a way, I've expected the worst but just now seeing my name not on that one list that I badly wanted to be a part of just made it so.... official.

"Even the best falls down sometimes"

-Howie Day                                       

But I am not ready to give up.. yet.

Honestly, I am scared of what lies ahead of me. I am afraid because I don't know which direction I am headed next. But I know God and my family are with me despite anything. And I am not about to stop because I know that I 've come so far to stop fighting for what I've always believed in now. I also know that I am not alone. That there's someone out there feeling the same way as I am and just not being able to voice it out. Probably not even in the situation as I am going through but understands what I am saying. All is going to be well. Even when you feel like you are hanging on the thinnest thread... God will be there to catch you when you fall.

And that concludes this entire experience. It was one crazy joy-ride.So here's a little something to lift up your spirits despite the very emotional entry.

Cheers,

Karen

Life's been tough

It's been some hectic couple of days and its been exactly a week since the board exam finished. Will be getting back to projects soon enough just giving myself a good times rest.

Alright, so maybe I have been slacking on blog posts for a while. But hey, I have summarized my entire month with this post so I am still trying my best to keep you guys updated you know. I unexpectedly went for a long vacation just to be with my parents during my long break right before my reviews start for the board exam. Please pray that I pass. 

I was blessed with so much during my stay. Good projects, good site visits, good food, good company. And not to mention, I was even able to visit Miri! 

I got my iPhone right before the day of my flight. Had to take it for a "test-drive" and took pictures of one of the most famous exclusively grand hotels in the country. The Empire Hotel in Brunei has amazing architecture. Kind of brings you to another country when you walk in from the lobby down til the most lowest floor. Each floor has a unique twist and is definitely breath-taking.

 Outdoor view from the hotel has a fresh breeze blowing on your face and on the other side, you can even overlook a lagoon with simultaneous grounds full of golf-courses.

 I couldn't resist taking a picture :p

Other than enjoying my stay, I have went back in Manila to get myself enrolled. Since I am on and off with my sidelining job, I have decided to continuously make myself useful and have accepted other organizational projects such as this. 

Below are pictures of an old regular chest of drawers inner most possessions.

 You can store sooo much more when everything has its own place. Not to mention, you can save so much time from the hassle of looking for a pair of socks or where your spandex are buried.

Right under the underwear drawer was another set full of towels. 

 And of course, my post wouldn't be complete without pictures of foooood!

My mom went for her trimesterly check up with her doctors, and was with us for 2 weeks. God has blessed us with so much this year. I can't believe this time last year she was so skinny and was just not in a good shape. And now when you look at her, she looks completely normal. Thank you God for healing and blessing my mom with positive results and for keeping us together as a family despite the distance.

So with all that food indulgence, I have gained an extra 5kg. It was so totally unnecessary but I am hopeless when it comes to food so now I am trying to get myself back in shape before the school starts. Maybe loosing 10kg would help a big lotta much when I am commuting to/fro school. God help me!

Anyways, I think thats about it for the month of April-May. 

Til the next post.

CHEERS,

KAREN.