Life's Little Joys

1. Our office's new neighbor is a flower shop. During lunchtime last Tuesday, I asked how much the flowers were and I got a whole bunch for free The owner said she didn't wanna sell these lilies because they're not so fresh anymore and therefore would not last very long... but still... Hurray for free flowers!

2. I managed to cover a switch plate with washi tape.

3. I made sukiyaki last weekend using this recipe. I made some Cambodian green mango salad too.

raw egg for dipping the beef!

4. Our dog (a nine-year old black Labrador-Dalmatian mix) was sick last week. For a couple of days, he would not eat unless the food came straight from my hands and even then, he wouldn't eat as enthusiastically as he normally would. He barely moved around too. I brought him to the vet where they took some of his blood. The results returned with some elevated values but thankfully, the next day, our dog became his usual [energetic though mischievous] self again. I'm so relieved. 

Dreamed of the Beach

A few nights ago, I dreamed of the beach. I know it sounds odd with this sweater weather in Manila and all but I kinda wish I were in the beach right now. Rough sand, cool waters, warm sunlight and little swimsuits all sound enticing to me right now.

My last trip to the beach was June 2013, when Rachel (a friend from Texas whom I met during Summer Course 2012) visited Manila and we brought her to Nagsasa Cove in Zambales. It was my first time in Nagsasa too although I've been to the nearby Anawangin Cove a few years ago.

Summer Course 2012 mini-reunion!

We left Nagsasa Cove after lunch the next day and went to Talisayen Cove.

Rachel had to have this photo taken haha.

We also went to Capones island to go up the lighthouse. 

That trip left me great memories and terrible sunburns on my nape and arms. I don't want to remember the sunburn part, though. Haha.

a windmill (for water pumping) in Pundaquit

Oh man, this reminds me that I haven't worked out for a week already. I should be preparing myself for summer!

One Off the Bucket List: Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri

"Attend a matsuri wearing a yukata". That's one of the things in my bucket list. Now, for the benefit of those who have yet to know, 'matsuri' is the Japanese word for 'festival' while a yukata is basically the casual version of the kimono and is usually worn during the summer.

Last August 7, after the TISP 2013 fieldwork (We visited two companies: Fuji Xerox in Roppongi and JR East in Shinjuku.), I went back to the dorm and wore the yukata I bought in Harajuku the weekend before. Yep, I dressed up on my own. With the help of Youtube and some practice on how to tie an obi (the belt), I was able to do it.

Got my yukata and obi for JPY~2700 (~USD27 or ~PhP1200)

I dressed up for the Asagaya Tanabata Matsuri. I took the trains (three trains actually) from the dorm to Asagaya shopping street looking like that! Seeing people wearing yukatas in the trains and streets of Japan is normal during the summer because there are many festivals. I didn't get stared at (not by the locals, at least). However, the rush hour made it a bit difficult. I was quite scared that my obi would get squished and fall apart haha. Also, it was a little difficult for me to walk because I cannot take my usual big strides while wearing a yukata.

Asagaya shopping street was FILLED with decorations

Orihime and Hikoboshi, perhaps?

Wishes are written on stars.

A lot of people were wearing yukatas!

Kids in yukata listening to the guy playing the flute

Goldfish scooping: one of the typical activities in a matsuri

My dinner: takoyaki!

Dango!

OOTN? Haha

One off the bucketlist!