A Week Of IF

Today marks my one week period of doing Intermittent Fasting more popularly known as IF. My main goal is to lose stubborn pounds and to cleanse my body.

It all started with one Messenger video chat with college friends. Dudz noticeably looked slim and she told us she was on fasting since September 2019. I searched on ibooks about the item and chanced upon a free sample by Dr. Fung.

I further read and researched other resources and all are one in saying the many benefits of fasting. They are scientific and evidence-based. I was convinced. I don't want any more of the yo-yo diets and fad. IF is not a diet form per se.

So I started with the basic 16:8. It is a tough tough task to do for me whose happiness and therapy is food and chewing. But I am on my seventh day now. Here are a few observations I notice:

• I did it. Because I was determined to try it. 
• I didn't get dizzy or grumpy during the fasting period of 16 hours.
• My sleepiness during the day kinda disappeared.
• I don't wake in the middle of the night hungry.
• I stopped "marathon" snacking every night before I sleep.
• I am alert during the day.
• I don't see much significant change with regards to the pounds I wish to lose but I am patient.
• I still get to eat during the 8-hour window period.
• I don't "feast" after the fasting contrary to belief that one will eat heavily and ravenously after being hungry for 16 hours.
• The truth is my physiologic body is not that starving unlike when I was eating 5 meals a day.
• I see no unhealthy effect as of this time.

Let's see how it goes after another week.

My Covid Crazy Cut!!!!

My dearest Hair,

True. You are my crowning glory. I always get compliment with the strength and shine you exude. Wala pang pagkakataon na umapak ako in a hair salon anywhere na di nag-comment ang mga tao na "Ang kapal ng buhok mo!" It has its disadvantage coz soon as the stylist studies and feels your strand, itataas and presyo ng hair service. Kalurky!!

I love the jetblack color you possess. Many a times I was asked if I color my hair this kind, I say no coz I don't. Ever. You are so black the grey strands are very obvious.

The pandemic postponed and canceled events like graduations, weddings and travel plans. In short, no social gatherings.I can barely use our BabyBliss iron to play up hairstyles like curls, beach wave or simply for straightening.Whichever I fancy at the moment.

It also brought me to an extraordinary and unplanned transfer to an isolation clinic that takes care of COVID positive patients. This meant I had to tie you in a super tight bun and cover you with a cap and shampoo you every day which I didn't practice pre-covid time i,n freaking hot water, which  I know is not healthy for you.

The hair fall started to bother me. I know that 150-200 strands each day is considered normal. But with you, it triples the number. I just sit and afterwards the strands are on the floor. The vacuums at home had to be regularly cleaned by Koyang Miller because your strands choked them. The shower sink, the bathroom floor have to be inspected and swept at least twice a day. Sad and scary.

And Hair, you know how it affects me sadly that I cannot wear bows at work anymore.Bows make me and the patients happy.

 I love you my hair, I sense your suffering with the abuse and neglect I unwillingly do to you. So I made a tough decision, I chopped you super short.

 My regular hairstylist Cherry mightily and forlornly convinced me to keep your length. She had to drink a glass of water before starting chopping you. She even asked another staff to do the cutting. I was firm to let you go my hair to give you a breath of fresh air.

 I colored and highlighted you to cover the grey hair and to give both of us a little dose of sunshine.

I sometimes call this my Covid Rebel cut. I rebel against the virus that is draining me but not with you. I hope that you will continue to cooperate with me in all my planned or spontaneous adventures in the future.

For the meantime, let us both enjoy this pixie kinda cut, owkei???:)

Covid.Crazy.Cut.

A Lovely Lady is Turning Fifty!!!

July 05, 2020

My dearest Ate Tonette, 

As you turn 50 this year of 2020, allow me to share 50 things that make you truly a golden girl with a pure gold heart:

1. For remembering my birthday with no need for my deactivated Facebook account to remind you.You were one of the handful who greeted me.
2. For letting me be a part of your daughters' lives and be their Tita Mitch.
3. For your trust in letting Micah stay with us here at home on her SoCal visits.
4. For sharing me your joy and pride with the girls' achievements.
5. For being my go -to person for my wants and needs in Philippines.
6. For the adobong mani, sunflower oil, Chippy and pastillas.
7. For coordinating with Rowell regarding my gown pegs.
8. For helping me in haggling with Rowell.Lol!!
9. For going back and forth to Holy Angel University for my Master's credentials.
10. For being happy for me with my own tiny dreams that come true.
11. For making Mamang special.
12. For helping with the arrangements during her death. 
13. For choosing my black dresses for her memorial and burial service.
14. For the throwback stories about Mamang. It means so much to even just to hear her name mentioned every now and then.
15. For calling me Danda. 
16. For texting me randomly.
17. For all our artista and celebrity hunting. Remember ASAP and PBA?:)
18. For being one of my constant cheerleaders.
19. For crying with me in times that it's just too much to bear.
20. For laughing with me.
21. For not questioning me why I am not married yet.
22. For the spur of the moment joyrides no matter the weather and time.
23. For picking me up at the airport despite the Manila traffic.
24. For laughing at my corny jokes.
25. For being one of the few constant and consistent friends I have.
26. For being a sister to me.
27. For being a prayer warrior.
28. For keeping me informed with the latest tidbits about JLC and Bea and Ate Kris.
29. For the bukid as backdrop to our parties.
30. For always making time for me.
31. For exhausting your efforts to find Koyang Miller's bracelet and purse.
32. For the humility you possess. May it radiate on me kahit 1% lang.Haha!
33. For lighting candles for our family at Carmelite Chapel.
34. For replying to my queries and texts.
35. For "loving" my posts and stories.
36. For sending me videos of the group's karaoke and Soju sessions so that I may be part of it.
37. For all the mass and prayer intentions you offered on my behalf.
38. For supporting me with my "dress up" themes.
39. For finding my craziness cute and funny.
40. For sharing with me the latest chikas there in PH.
41. For letting me be a part of your generous family and be Lola's BFF.
42. For the countless home drop-offs after our Villa tambay.
43. For your humongous generosity in all aspects.
44. For sharing with me your dreams and "agam-agam" as well.
45. For patiently listening to my stories and vents.
46. For showing me with your ways how to be a daughter of God.
47. For your deep devotion and veneration to Sta. Ana and Mama Mary.
48. For loving me with pure intentions.
49. For loving the whole family and caring for us.
50. For being YOU!!!

Happy happy birthday, my dear Ate Tonette. Oh how I planned to fly home and surprise you as we party, sing, dance and drink.KJ ya ing COVID aini!!!Remember though that despite the pandemic, we shall celebrate your beautiful life. Fab at 50!!!!My wish for you??? May my kamalditahan, kasungitan and narcissism rub off on you kahit 5% lang. Kidding!!Haha!!

Seriously, I pray to God that He may always provide you and the whole family with good health in mind, body and spirit. May you indulge in "me time" once in a while. You are one of the Superwomen in my life with your strength, courage, deep faith in the Lord and simplicity.

Cheers to 50!!!!! Blow your candles. Many happy and wonderful returns!! I love you, Ate!!!!

Love love, 
DANDA

Antonette. Friend. Sister.