I was today years old when I learned to skate. Not really. Let’s just say I tried. My daughter wanted to. My older daughter persuaded me. And I thought to myself, why not? When will I ever do this without the fear of being laughed at? So I went ahead and rented skate shoes, went to the ic…
One day, we just went. No real plan. Just the memory of something I once read — that in Victoria, you can go from mountain to city to sea in just a few minutes. So that's what we did. We headed to Mount Tolmie first. It was almost five when we left. We brought the car, parked, walke…
I baked this morning. Not because I’m a great baker — I’m not. And not because I made something extraordinary. It was a simple banana muffin recipe I found on the internet, nothing more. It wasn’t planned. We woke up less than two hours before my husband had to leave for work, and somewhe…
Spring came again. And so did I. I didn't plan to be away this long. I never do. But it seemed to have happened a lot recently. Life has a way of filling every quiet space you thought you were saving for writing. The days got full — with work, with family, with the stresses and busy…
It started as an agreement to have a quick check-in, but somehow three hours flew by — his afternoon and my early hours of the morning. There was no agenda. Just exchanges — life updates, thoughts, reminiscing, views, insights. Familiar laughter from shared memories, reflections on the p…
It's our 4th year here! December 11, 2021, when we came, wide-eyed and full of hope. We uprooted our whole life and squeezed it all into 4 boxes and a few luggage. How the years flew. We experienced the struggles, disappointments, wins, and several ups and downs. While we never sto…
I can't believe it is spring again! More so, I cannot believe it has been over a year since I wrote here. Yes, time flew by. I told myself I would always write. But with all the things happening in our lives, all my stresses, and even the changes, writing, as always, took a backseat.…
, A comma ellipses? A break. A bench on a long road Sit down look around breathe march on. 240229- elleswhere
It was a week of bleeding. Finally, on April 16. It just cleared up! 😄 It was answered prayer for me. I couldn't explain the relief I felt. Finally, I would be able to enjoy my pregnancy. Or so I thought. I came back to work on April 22. Everything was looking great. Still, at the…
When I woke up morning of April 8, I almost dreaded going to the rest room. My fear confirmed. My bleeding turned heavier. I informed Jie and cried. I felt like I already lost the baby. Jie and I prayed that everything would be okay. When Jie left for the office, I texted my OB and u…
My spotting returned on April 3. Despite my positivism, I texted my boss and our HR that I would no longer be coming in, that I would start my bed rest one day early. I went to the sonologist alone this time. She estimated that I was about 5 weeks (my result came at 5 weeks and 6…
I am not a risk taker. I don’t think I am. I am always comforted with the tried and tested, with the safe. With what I know. My morning drive, for example is always the same way, the same road. When I walk, I take the same road, every day. Since it is the familiar, I sometimes walk with …
It was my first mother’s day… Mother’s day has always been like an ordinary day for me. Growing up, it was never in my consciousness. Of course, I greeted my mom, bought the traditional cakes, or at times, treated my family for lunch or dinner, especially after my father died… But it…
Slept the whole afternoon with Baby Elora. After all, it was time to catch up also on my Zzz's. Tonight she woke up. And when i thought she will stay up, she slept on my chest. Cannot explain the feeling 😊😍 #giddywithlove
This is a day late. Not because I did not remember but I was holding off because I remember and feel so much. There is still not a day when I don’t recall — when I see your chair, your picture, the house. There were still some unspoken conversations, you and I. All the posts …
I have been disorganized in my (digital) life. For those who have seen my previous entries, this blog has evolved from a journal, to a food blog, to whatever. I guess it depended on my mood. I write whenever and whatever I want to, whether it is food, or an experience, or something I hav…
5 things I realized today. 1. It's okay to cry. It doesn't make you weak. It is just a venue to renew your strength. 2. Real friends are always available, even via chat. 3. Doubts may come in the night but the morning always brings new hope 4. No regrets. There's always a …
And so I was called forth. But I am not part of this. Not in this circle. I was always in the peripherals. But these... these are aliens with centuries behind them. While I am but a human struggling with living. And there I was. Smiling hesitantly while they chatted, their voices dronin…
I never thought about it. I am young. My life stretches in front me, filling me with excitement of the unknown and all my plans for the future. My life is filled with hope for all the things that I can do and what life can offer me. And then it jolted me awake. Life is fragile. Life is pr…
Finding meaning in the everyday — life, family, and the quiet moments worth remembering
