Meal Prep For Owls

I tried meal prepping for about 2.5 weeks. After payday, I went to the wet market to buy a stash of vegetables, and to my surprise, I left with so many veggies that they were heavy enough to carry! I asked AI to create a 2.5-week vegetarian meal plan prior, and it did, including matching meal prep methods and a list of ingredients.

As soon as I got home, I organized all the veggies and started cooking what I could, but I was too tired to finish everything. For the rest of the ingredients, I just ordered them online with same-day delivery. I cooked enough for a couple of days and froze them. I decided to stick to the same meal plan for a couple of weeks so it wouldn’t be so tedious.

Sadly, I still had to cook the remaining meals in the mornings after my shift, which defeats the purpose of meal prepping, so I had my sister cook some of them instead. I also realized I need silicone molds or containers to store my frozen food—something I hadn’t thought about before starting meal prep. Lesson learned: make sure to have enough containers, and meal prepping should ideally be done on your day off, lol.

I also realized that meal prepping can be quite costly since you’re preparing over aweek’s worth of meals, but the advantage is that I’ve moved away from food deliveries, which were a major source of unplanned expenses. For meal prep to work, you need to set a non-negotiable budget, have enough containers to freeze your meals, and, above all, have enough time to prep, which should be done on your rest days!

Since I work nights (Central Time), I make two meals and one snack for my 8-hour shift, which was honestly a great idea because I don’t have to keep thinking about what to cook the next day for work. I work from home, I know, but I like things organized. Where I live, we don’t have meal prep services with vegetarian or vegan options like in the UK or India, where they have tiffin meal services you can pay for weekly or monthly. Oh, how I wish we had those!

Anyway, I’m still figuring this whole meal prep thing out, so I might stick to the same menu on alternate days—maybe the same meals for three days, then switch for two days, and so on.

Fall

Hello, October! I just finished a month-long social media detox to reset my life—fixing my sleep, budgeting, and daily schedule. So, what did I miss while I was away?

On September 21, there was a nationwide rally demanding accountability from corrupt government officials who pocketed funds meant for flood control projects. Instead of serving the people, they used taxpayers’ hard-earned money to fund their lavish lifestyles, while ordinary Filipinos are left wading through floods, risking leptospirosis, and struggling just to make ends meet. It’s infuriating. How do these people even sleep at night knowing they’re stealing from the nation? Every month, a huge part of my salary goes to taxes, only to end up in the pockets of thieves. It’s unacceptable.

The people’s anger is justified—especially when these officials can escape floods by hopping on a helicopter while everyone else suffers. Just to share, my Dad served as a government official for more than three decades. He chose to retire early rather than join the corrupt system.

He believed that being a public servant meant serving the people, not serving oneself. Sadly, his honesty made him a target. His colleagues, who thrived on corruption, conspired against him because he refused to feed his family with stolen money. I still remember my mother telling me about the day people came to our home with a sack of cold cash to bribe my dad. He sent it back without hesitation, even though it meant receiving death threats. But he stood his ground, because doing the right thing mattered more.

Anyway, before I get too fired up, let’s shift gears—it’s the first of October, and I’m excited for Halloween! I already planned a trip to the candy store to stock up on treats for the neighborhood kids. Last year, they were thrilled because I gave out goodies with Halloween stickers, and I can’t wait to do it again this time.

And yes—the Christmas breeze is already in the air. 🎃🎄Ⓕ

September Hiatus

Manifest

 It’s just a few weeks before we welcome the *ber* months—the start of the longest holiday season and, for me, the most magical time of the year. The third quarter has always felt like my season of luck. For months I had been waiting, almost impatiently, for an opportunity that felt right for me. Eventually, I let go, trusted the process, prayed, and surrendered everything to divine timing. Freelancing was supposed to keep me afloat until the end of the year, and I thought I’d figure out something new by next year. But then—just when I least expected it—an opportunity came knocking.

It surprised me, especially since the remote and work-from-home world has become so saturated. That’s when it hit me: when something isn’t meant for you, it only means there’s either a greater purpose ahead or something better waiting around the corner. And this time, that “something better” finally arrived. My sister always says I’m lucky, but what she doesn’t see are the struggles I quietly endure, choosing to stay calm and absorb the chaos on my own. Nothing has ever been easy—it’s either I rely on my charm or on the strength of my CV (thankfully, both seem to work).

Recently, I made a small but life-changing decision: I moved my bed into my home office. It turned out to be one of the best choices I’ve made. It’s the quietest part of the house, and now I no longer have to move from room to room during breaks. I’ve been craving peace and quiet more than ever, and this setup gives me exactly that. My sleep is better too—partly because of the colder weather, but also because I’m away from the street noise that used to wake me up so easily. I once took a test that showed I’m on “high alert” for emergencies. It’s not extreme, but it explains why even the smallest sounds can disturb my rest. And let’s not forget—my old bedroom was right beside the Catio. With five cats prowling and playing at night, sleep was close to impossible. Living with them sometimes made me feel like I had become nocturnal too.

Looking back, I realize manifestation has always worked for me, but not without action and a clear game plan. I’ve always believed we weave our own fate. Money doesn’t just fall from trees—hard work and determination never fail to open doors. Amen! Ⓕ

Weekend Bore

Netflix raised its monthly subscription fee again recently, so I feel like I need to get my money’s worth. That means binge-watching is a must, and weekends are the perfect time since that’s when I’m free. This darn streaming site keeps increasing prices despite having a pretty limited selection. Honestly, I’m only keeping the subscription to stay on the loop in this fast-paced world.

Anyway, I watched quite a few movies over the weekend because Netflix sent me notifications—they were already on my to-watch list.

My Oxford Year (2025)

🌟🌟🌟

Plot:

My Oxford Year is a romantic drama based on the novel of the same name. It follows Anna De La Vega, an ambitious American student who puts off a high-paying job to study Victorian poetry at Oxford University. There, she meets Jamie Davenport, a charming local who turns out to be her professor.

Despite an initial “enemies-to-lovers” vibe and an agreement to keep things casual, they fall deeply in love. But the tone of the film shifts when Anna discovers the real reason behind Jamie’s distant behavior: he has a rare and terminal form of cancer. From then on, the movie transitions from a lighthearted romance into an emotional tearjerker. Anna is faced with a tough decision—return to the U.S. to pursue her career or stay with Jamie during his final months. In the end, she stays, and the film follows their journey through his illness and eventual death. Anna ultimately honors Jamie's memory by living out her dreams, inspired by their time together.

Thoughts:

The film was okay. The beginning felt like a typical rom-com, nothing groundbreaking. But once the plot took that dramatic turn, it started giving off The Fault in Our Stars or Five Feet Apart vibes—the whole “we’re in love but someone is dying” formula, which made the ending feel pretty predictable. What really didn’t work for me was the lack of chemistry between the leads. Both actors are undeniably attractive, but Sofia Carson (who played Anna) had way better on-screen chemistry with Nicholas Galitzine in the 2022 film Purple Hearts. It’s not the sad ending—I just felt the whole dynamic between the characters was a miss.

Untold (2025)

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Plot:

Untold is a psychological horror film that explores the dark consequences of ambition and moral compromise. It follows Vivian Vera, a well-known investigative journalist whose reputation is built on sensational exposes. However, much of her success stems from unethical behavior, including fabricating details about a brutal massacre to gain fame.

Years later, Vivian is assigned to interview a former security chief involved in that same massacre, recently released from prison. This assignment triggers a series of terrifying events. Vivian begins to suffer from hallucinations and is haunted by the ghosts of the massacre victims—disfigured and seemingly buried in concrete. The spirits begin to torment her, and people connected to her past lies start dying gruesome deaths.

The film delves into themes of fake news, self-deception, and the price of compromised ethics. As Vivian's sanity unravels, the full extent of her past transgressions is revealed, including another earlier and equally disturbing act of fabrication. Eventually, she must choose between exposing the truth and destroying her career or continuing to hide and risk being consumed by her guilt and torment. It’s a chilling mix of horror, thriller, and social commentary on journalistic integrity.

Thoughts:

This was a solid film. It had the eerie feel of a Japanese horror movie—dark, disturbing, and full of ambiguity. The cinematography was also impressive. The raw, gritty texture of the visuals matched the film’s unsettling tone perfectly. The storyline really messes with your mind, constantly blurring the line between reality and nightmare. The pacing was sharp, with unexpected twists that kept things interesting. If you’re easily scared, you might want to skip this one. But if you enjoy psychological horror with depth, it’s worth watching.  

"Wall to Wall" (2025) 

🌟🌟🌟🌟

Plot:

Also known as "84m²", the 2025 Korean psychological thriller "Wall to Wall" explores the dark side of homeownership and urban life in modern Korea. The film follows Woo-sung, a man who invests his entire life savings and takes on a massive loan to purchase a luxurious apartment in Seoul. However, his dream home quickly turns into a living nightmare when the real estate market plummets and he's tormented by relentless, unexplained noises from within his walls.

Thoughts: 

The film's plot is refreshingly unique, drawing you in from the very beginning with its fast-paced, engaging narrative. Woo-sung's obsession with the mysterious sounds leads to a tense conflict with his neighbors and a desperate search for the truth. His mental and financial state unravels as he discovers the noise is not just a nuisance but is tied to a larger conspiracy involving a journalist, a corrupt resident, and the building's shoddy construction.

While the ending may leave some viewers wanting more, the journey is undeniably captivating. The film does a brilliant job of building suspense and keeping you hooked, despite the seemingly simple premise. The exceptional performances by the South Korean cast, who fully commit to their roles, elevate the story and make it a must-watch. Ultimately, "Wall to Wall" is a compelling exploration of greed, class disparity, and the psychological toll of crushing debt. Ⓕ

Still Here

A Season of Loss and Reflection

 It’s been a heavy couple of months, and honestly, I don’t even know where to begin. Last June, we lost our 13-year-old ginger cat to old age. Then, in July, another heartbreak followed—this time it was our 14-year-old dog, Yumi. I didn’t see it coming. Losing one pet was already difficult; losing another so soon after was devastating. Just when I was starting to process the first loss, the second one came like a wave I couldn’t brace for. They were part of our lives for more than a decade. The house feels quieter now, emptier in places that used to be full. It was a sad stretch of time. I’m grateful I was preoccupied with work and life; otherwise, I might have spiraled into something darker. So far, 2025 hasn’t been kind. To honor them, we transformed a quiet corner of the house into a tiny sort of shrine. Their urns sit there now—a place of peace, memory, and gratitude. I even ordered an updated collar for Yumi with her name on it, along with tags for our other pets. Sadly, it arrived too late. She was already gone. So, I placed the collar around her urn instead—a small gesture to hold on to what little I could. Life is unpredictable. Sometimes I wish I could erase certain memories altogether—the ones tied to loss, grief. But memories, even painful ones, shape us in ways we don’t always understand.

On Disappearing and the Johatsu Phenomenon

 Lately, I’ve been reading about a strange but fascinating concept in Japan called *Johatsu*—literally translated as “evaporated people.” These are individuals who choose to disappear from their lives entirely, often due to overwhelming debt, job loss, or broken relationships. At night, they’re assisted by “night movers,” companies that help them vanish without a trace. When I first heard of it, I thought, *Would people really go that far?* But, as I learn more about it, I’ve come to understand the impulse. It’s not always about giving up. Sometimes it’s about choosing to begin again—away from the noise, the expectations, the hurt. I’ve thought about disappearing too—not in a dramatic way, but more like quietly stepping out of a life that no longer felt like mine. It wasn’t because I’d given up, but because I had reached a point where I questioned my purpose. That existential moment where you ask, *Why am I still here? What else is left for me to do?* But then, I remember—we don’t get to override the timeline we’ve been given. Maybe there’s more I’m meant to see, do, or learn. Maybe the reason I’m still here is something I haven’t discovered yet. I’ve made peace with not having all the answers. Disappearing may seem like surrender, but maybe for some, it's a form of self-preservation. Still, I realize that unless I’ve walked in someone’s shoes, I can't truly understand the weight they carry. Everyone has their own threshold for pain and their own way of surviving it.

Of Monsoons and Misgivings

 While grieving, we’ve also been battling relentless monsoon rains and rolling power outages. Where I live, the past month has been soaked in storm after storm, with barely a day of sunlight. The constant power interruptions are exhausting. It’s hard to function, let alone work or feel human, when everything feels waterlogged and powerless—literally and emotionally. Even with backup power, you’re limited. Solar panels are no match for weeks of overcast skies. It’s frustrating, to say the least. At times, I find myself questioning whether this cycle will ever truly end—not just the changing weather, but the deeper, systemic failures that continue to worsen our situation. The corruption within our government, the misuse of public funds, the absence of long-term planning—it all feels like we’re trapped in a vast, inescapable void. 

Visceral

90% Rain, 10% Existential Dread

I’ve never been a fan of rainy days—even as a kid—because my school was within walking distance from our home, and it sucked to be blown away by strong winds. What made it worse was when there was no storm signal from the weather forecast, meaning there would be no class suspension.

As an adult, I still hate the gloomy, depressing feeling brought on by the constant rain. The sticky sensation of rain-soaked clothes or wet feet is something I just can’t explain—it’s icky. The smell of damp things is especially unpleasant, more so when I used to work in an office where the air conditioning was freezing cold, supposedly to "match" the outside temperature or something like that.

Unfortunately, the rainy season up north is frequent and feels eternal, usually starting around June and lasting until October. As of now, there’s no typhoon, but the rain and thunderstorms are said to be caused by the influence of Tropical Storm Chantal, according to the weather report. Rainy days just give off this dystopian vibe—if you know what I mean.

Anyway, just a few days ago, Japan went into panic mode after Ryo Tatsuki, a Japanese clairvoyant known for predicting the devastating 2011 tsunami, allegedly foresaw another tsunami hitting Japan this month—one that’s three times stronger. Although Tatsuki never gave a specific date, the rumor spread across social media that it would happen on July 5th, which led to people leaving Japan in haste and others going on a panic-buying spree.

I’m not skeptical about predictions, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with being cautious—it’s better to be safe than sorry—but I do strongly believe in the power of prayer. Personally, I avoid reading predictions because they can be really daunting. I once skimmed through Nostradamus’ prophecies, and my chest tightened—they were terrifying. He even predicted the 9/11 attacks.

I enjoy scary stuff, but anything involving the extinction of the human race hits differently—especially when the details are disturbingly specific. Horror films don’t make me anxious, but predictions? Not for the faint of heart.

I don’t even know how I ended up going from ranting about rainy days to talking about Nostradamus and apocalyptic predictions.    ಠ‸ಠ 

Julio

Hello, July. I've missed writing. So, what's new? I've been busy lately creating digital products, which I'm still learning about, and working on funnel designs (which are keeping me afloat these days). Freelancing is enjoyable, even though I sometimes crave a full-time job; it's not my priority right now. I miss my MacBook after being a Windows user for so long. I find creating funnel designs on macOS quite enjoyable because it's so easy to use. I will still use my gaming PC, but mostly for developing digital products, as I'm still trying to find my niche.

As for life updates, old age is taking a toll on our 14-year-old dog, Yumi, a Shih Tzu and Japanese Spitz mix, which saddens me. My sister and I have been making frequent trips to the vet. Yumi is a small dog, weighing only 3 pounds, and it breaks my heart to see her struggling with health issues. It makes me reflect on how challenging it is to be human and live longer than our pets. We must cherish their short lifespans and care for them as we would a family member. Life teaches us many lessons about being a pet owner, even if we've cared for pets for as long as we can remember. One important lesson is the value of getting them checked annually, regardless of how healthy they seem, as hidden illnesses can emerge as they age. It’s unfortunate, but it’s true. We shouldn't wait until they are sick to take them to the vet. Sigh. Long story short, the trip to the vet didn't go well due to some unfortunate news from Yumi's bloodwork and tests. However, I’m not one to give up easily; I want to fight for her and do everything I can to prolong her life, even if her light is dimming and flickering. I feel a bit like Cameron Diaz's character in the movie "My Sister's Keeper"—I refuse to accept defeat. I will only stop fighting when all hope is lost and when those who are suffering no longer have the strength to continue.

Anyway, moving on, rainy days are here again, and as usual, I find myself longing for sunny days whenever this happens. ಠ_ಠ

Orka

I'm taking some time off before I go back to the grind. Just a week—enough to declutter my workspace and my head, to delete the cache in my brain, so to speak. I realized I hadn’t washed my work seat cushion and desk mat in ages, simply because I was too busy. So I finally tossed them into the washer. I also printed out packaging materials for my little online crafty shop, which I’ve neglected for years. I want to rekindle my passion for creating nifty, crafty things again. I want to be still for a while, to enjoy the quiet days. I’ve grown so accustomed to chaos that I’ve become numb to it.

Since the passing of our senior cat—who my sister and I loved dearly—I’ve come to realize how short life is. A decade can feel like days when you’re constantly busy. I wish I’d spent more time with him during his last few days. I remember how his eyes would light up, and he’d try to stand on his frail legs when he saw me. I fed him, talked to him, and told him it was okay to rest—that we’d take care of his adopted sister, our calico cat, Katsumi. Looking back, I think we should’ve brought in a second cat much sooner than we did. We underestimated his capacity to care for another feline. He was the kindest protector and brother. I miss him terribly, but I know my new job will keep me occupied. Still, I’ve promised myself: never again will I say I “don’t have time.” Because time slips away so fast.

As I write this, Katsumi is lounging on my chest. I suppose I just want to enjoy my morning coffee and these slower days. My sister's fascination with finding cute and useful kitchen tools has been amusing—she recently bought a gimbap maker, which has sparked my interest in making those delicious rice rolls wrapped in seaweed. I’m doing my best to resist the urge to shop indulgently online, especially since we’ve just converted the utility kitchen into a pantry to house all our kitchen bits, bobs, and groceries.

There are so many things I want to do, and I don’t even know where to start. I'm genuinely excited to clear out the mental clutter—the miscellaneous tabs open in my brain. The question is: how do I even begin? Ⓕ

Run Free

My heart is heavy as I write this, but I feel the need to document it before time dulls the memory. My sister and I just lost our beloved senior cat, Atari, who had been with us for 13 years. A week ago, he was at the vet, treated with IV fluids, and sent home. Though he was still eating, his health was fragile due to age and a chronic bacterial infection.

Yesterday was my day off. I woke early, as I always do, to feed the cats. Atari was isolated to keep him calm while he recovered. I called his name to check on him, but he didn’t respond. My heart sank when I touched him—he was cold and stiff. I believe he passed between midnight and 2 a.m. Breaking the news to my sister was heartbreaking. Ever since we lost our mother, death—whether human or pet—has been deeply traumatic for me. Still, I summoned the strength to tell her. She gently cleaned up his space and wrapped his body in a blanket while I sat there in shock. Though we had tried to prepare ourselves, nothing truly readies you for loss.

Too devastated to bury him myself, I searched online and found Fur-ever Pet Cremation through Facebook comment threads. Despite not having an official page, their reviews and reasonable pricing gave me comfort. I contacted them, and they offered pickup and delivery—something I was grateful for. They handled everything with such care. When they picked him up, the reality of it sank in. Later, they sent photos of him peacefully laid out in a small funeral setup and at the cremation table. I don’t usually cry, but seeing those images broke me.

Their service included a framed photo, a vial with his hair and whiskers, a stainless urn with his picture, a cremation certificate, wallet-sized photos, and—if requested—an engraved memorial stone with his paw print. These thoughtful touches helped ease some of the pain.

That morning, my sister and I noticed a strong floral scent in the air—something we’ve never used in our home. It lingered for minutes, then disappeared. Maybe it was a sign. We believe it was our mom, coming to guide Atari across the rainbow bridge.

My final words to him: Run free, my love. You did great.