This weekend feels quite unusual. There are no freelance works and deadlines to chase. I'm restless, part of me feels there's something needed to be done. Maybe, it's time to #KonMari or tidy up my room again, start and finish a drama series and go back reading. But deep inside, all I wanted is to eat and sleep. ;) The more I age, the more I appreciate my sleeping hours. On weekdays, it's a luxury to get eight hours of sleep. More so, when my part time teaching stint requires me to report at 7 am. My new schedule left me quite surprised, it's been years since I had early morning classes. The three-month break also made my teaching skills feel a little rusty. Oh well, it has always been like this after a vacation. 

Before the weekend started, a retired colleague and mentor celebrated her birthday. It was an afternoon filled with great food and laughter. I also met former colleagues and just like that, it felt like the good old days again. They always say, people come and go, especially at the workplace. In my case, most just end up leaving. It's a rare case to have colleagues turned friends, who make their presence felt. I share the same fate with people I became close with in college and graduate studies. I guess, I will never get used to with this inevitable part of life.

I think I'm getting too serious again. On the lighter side, here are some pictures from last week.



Beautiful Sunday # 326 - Last for July

This weekend feels quite unusual. There are no freelance works and deadlines to chase. I'm restless, part of me feels there's something needed to be done. Maybe, it's time to #KonMari or tidy up my room again, start and finish a drama series and go back reading. But deep inside, all I wanted is to eat and sleep. ;) The more I age, the more I appreciate my sleeping hours. On weekdays, it's a luxury to get eight hours of sleep. More so, when my part time teaching stint requires me to report at 7 am. My new schedule left me quite surprised, it's been years since I had early morning classes. The three-month break also made my teaching skills feel a little rusty. Oh well, it has always been like this after a vacation. 

Before the weekend started, a retired colleague and mentor celebrated her birthday. It was an afternoon filled with great food and laughter. I also met former colleagues and just like that, it felt like the good old days again. They always say, people come and go, especially at the workplace. In my case, most just end up leaving. It's a rare case to have colleagues turned friends, who make their presence felt. I share the same fate with people I became close with in college and graduate studies. I guess, I will never get used to with this inevitable part of life.

I think I'm getting too serious again. On the lighter side, here are some pictures from last week.



I can't exactly remember when and how did I discover essential oils. My guess is from some bloggers I follow.  My interest intensified when I encountered more people sharing photos and life changing experiences. I became more curious, I was willing to spend for the sake of trying. Much to surprise, the first brand I encountered was way above my budget. I wasn't ready to spend Php 8,000 for a starter kit. I discovered other brands but just the same, expensive. I guess I was quite lucky because an online friend gifted me with a complete starter kit. Thanks P! I received a diffuser and eight variants of oil.



Essential Oil Review : Breathe Essence of Life

I can't exactly remember when and how did I discover essential oils. My guess is from some bloggers I follow.  My interest intensified when I encountered more people sharing photos and life changing experiences. I became more curious, I was willing to spend for the sake of trying. Much to surprise, the first brand I encountered was way above my budget. I wasn't ready to spend Php 8,000 for a starter kit. I discovered other brands but just the same, expensive. I guess I was quite lucky because an online friend gifted me with a complete starter kit. Thanks P! I received a diffuser and eight variants of oil.



It has been raining non-stop in Manila the past week. Rare times like this make me happy only because of the colder weather. Unfortunately, this weather is always coupled with the hassles of flooded streets, suspension of train's operations, traffic and worst case, temporary shut down of electricity. Having been working for a school, classes were suspended and I was spared from some of these inconveniences. I spent the past days at home getting more than enough sleep, browsing my social  media accounts and watching some drama series. 

Like what I always expected, I thought I will be enjoying my quiet time at home. Unfortunately or fortunately, more time meant discovering some much needed home repairs. The sight of stained ceilings and stripping paint on walls disturbs me. I gained another unpleasant surprise when I sought an estimate for a repainting job. The cost was way above my expectation. This again brings me to freelance works. :p (Since 2018 started, I think all my Sunday posts contained freelance works.) But seriously, any  #RAKETship (freelance work) is always, a welcomed opportunity even without a need. ;)

On the less serious side of my life, I watched Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again with my friend A. Like the first sequel, it didn't disappoint. It's 5 out of 5 stars from the acting, singing and entire production. It was refreshing to see Santorini and all shades of blue. Other than the story, I can't help but notice the resemblance of English actress, Lily James and Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach. I'm also bothered with the evident fine lines on Amanda Seyfried's face. She looked older than her age. Pierce Brosnan is still handsome, except that he looked a little fat in the movie. :p 

Here are more from the past week in photos


A few of my favorites - Amazing Grace will always be one of my favorite scents. I find the citrus scent of Breath Essence's essential oil so refreshing. I bought a new and illustrated version of The Little Prince from National Bookstore. I can't resist the pastel colored illustrations. Lastly, Faith Love Hope's Pure Love Organic Balm serve as my companion before sleeping. It helps me reduce my feet's numbness every morning. 

Beautiful Sunday # 325 - Extended breaks

It has been raining non-stop in Manila the past week. Rare times like this make me happy only because of the colder weather. Unfortunately, this weather is always coupled with the hassles of flooded streets, suspension of train's operations, traffic and worst case, temporary shut down of electricity. Having been working for a school, classes were suspended and I was spared from some of these inconveniences. I spent the past days at home getting more than enough sleep, browsing my social  media accounts and watching some drama series. 

Like what I always expected, I thought I will be enjoying my quiet time at home. Unfortunately or fortunately, more time meant discovering some much needed home repairs. The sight of stained ceilings and stripping paint on walls disturbs me. I gained another unpleasant surprise when I sought an estimate for a repainting job. The cost was way above my expectation. This again brings me to freelance works. :p (Since 2018 started, I think all my Sunday posts contained freelance works.) But seriously, any  #RAKETship (freelance work) is always, a welcomed opportunity even without a need. ;)

On the less serious side of my life, I watched Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again with my friend A. Like the first sequel, it didn't disappoint. It's 5 out of 5 stars from the acting, singing and entire production. It was refreshing to see Santorini and all shades of blue. Other than the story, I can't help but notice the resemblance of English actress, Lily James and Miss Universe 2015, Pia Wurtzbach. I'm also bothered with the evident fine lines on Amanda Seyfried's face. She looked older than her age. Pierce Brosnan is still handsome, except that he looked a little fat in the movie. :p 

Here are more from the past week in photos


A few of my favorites - Amazing Grace will always be one of my favorite scents. I find the citrus scent of Breath Essence's essential oil so refreshing. I bought a new and illustrated version of The Little Prince from National Bookstore. I can't resist the pastel colored illustrations. Lastly, Faith Love Hope's Pure Love Organic Balm serve as my companion before sleeping. It helps me reduce my feet's numbness every morning. 
When 2018 started, one of my closest family members will be reaching a milestone age. My Father will turn 70 years old. In my family, such age spells two words, food and celebration. My initial plan was to rent a modest place for my paternal family. My wish was to celebrate in this popular and trusted Filipino-Chinese restaurant in my hometown. For those who live in Marikina, you might be familiar with Luyong Restaurant. I initially dismissed the idea because a relative claimed that the rates have become expensive. I don't know what prompted me but during summer, I decided to personally inquire. Much to my surprise, their rates were very affordable. I booked a weekend schedule and the rest was another priceless occasion spent with my family. Thank you to my #FunFabFam and I have to mention, the very efficient staff of Luyong Restaurant.

Other than my Father's birthday, here's the past week in photos.



Beautiful Sunday # 324 - Family

When 2018 started, one of my closest family members will be reaching a milestone age. My Father will turn 70 years old. In my family, such age spells two words, food and celebration. My initial plan was to rent a modest place for my paternal family. My wish was to celebrate in this popular and trusted Filipino-Chinese restaurant in my hometown. For those who live in Marikina, you might be familiar with Luyong Restaurant. I initially dismissed the idea because a relative claimed that the rates have become expensive. I don't know what prompted me but during summer, I decided to personally inquire. Much to my surprise, their rates were very affordable. I booked a weekend schedule and the rest was another priceless occasion spent with my family. Thank you to my #FunFabFam and I have to mention, the very efficient staff of Luyong Restaurant.

Other than my Father's birthday, here's the past week in photos.



And just like that, half of the year is gone. I'm trying to recall all the significant events and accomplishments over the past months. Like what I always mention, it has been freelance works.

A few days ago, I chanced upon someone, who tested my patience and caused me to have some trust issues. It has been years since she intentionally failed to settle her debt and blocked me on her social media accounts. Honestly, I'm not sure if I have forgiven or forgotten. One thing I know, the experience caused me to change the way I treat other people. I know, I sound unfair and prejudicial. Unfortunately, my defense mechanism led me to this behavior. 

On to the positive side, I love it when people make all means to reconnect and rekindle our friendship. Within the week, I met former students for dinner and coffee. This rarely happens because most of the time, I belong to the unloved segment of instructors. :p Of the 10 years I've been taking part time teaching stints, I can count the number of former students, who later turned as friends. In other news, I discovered that the first batch of college kiddies I handled turned 30 years old!!!! I'm still in touch with some of them through Facebook and lately, I've been seeing photo uploads of 30th birthday celebrations!!!! It makes me feel so old, all the more when I discovered that the students I'll be handling this semester were born on the year 2000. (Nakakaloka!!!)  They don't know the Y2K bug. They were toddlers when our country impeached a president. And speaking of which, I hope these kiddies will no longer experience another EDSA revolution. My mother was pregnant with me during the first EDSA. I was in college when the second EDSA and worst foreign exchange depreciation happened. I thought that was the last time I will see 1 USD = Php 50. :(

Okay, I think I wrote a lot of negativities already. Let me share highlights of the past week in photos.


I created my own breakfast bowl. I'm thankful to the generous Instagram users who shared their recipes. 

Beautiful Sunday # 323 - Halfway 2018

And just like that, half of the year is gone. I'm trying to recall all the significant events and accomplishments over the past months. Like what I always mention, it has been freelance works.

A few days ago, I chanced upon someone, who tested my patience and caused me to have some trust issues. It has been years since she intentionally failed to settle her debt and blocked me on her social media accounts. Honestly, I'm not sure if I have forgiven or forgotten. One thing I know, the experience caused me to change the way I treat other people. I know, I sound unfair and prejudicial. Unfortunately, my defense mechanism led me to this behavior. 

On to the positive side, I love it when people make all means to reconnect and rekindle our friendship. Within the week, I met former students for dinner and coffee. This rarely happens because most of the time, I belong to the unloved segment of instructors. :p Of the 10 years I've been taking part time teaching stints, I can count the number of former students, who later turned as friends. In other news, I discovered that the first batch of college kiddies I handled turned 30 years old!!!! I'm still in touch with some of them through Facebook and lately, I've been seeing photo uploads of 30th birthday celebrations!!!! It makes me feel so old, all the more when I discovered that the students I'll be handling this semester were born on the year 2000. (Nakakaloka!!!)  They don't know the Y2K bug. They were toddlers when our country impeached a president. And speaking of which, I hope these kiddies will no longer experience another EDSA revolution. My mother was pregnant with me during the first EDSA. I was in college when the second EDSA and worst foreign exchange depreciation happened. I thought that was the last time I will see 1 USD = Php 50. :(

Okay, I think I wrote a lot of negativities already. Let me share highlights of the past week in photos.


I created my own breakfast bowl. I'm thankful to the generous Instagram users who shared their recipes. 

I wasn't able to blog last weekend because .... freelance works. :) Everything needs to be accomplished before Monday. In effect, I confined myself at home over the weekend. Come Sunday, I felt I needed some reward. So here comes food delivery to the rescue. ;) I craved for Charlie Chan and chicken wings from Yellow Cab. As of typing this post, I feel that I didn't have enough Charlie Chan and part of me wants some doughnuts from J.Co. :D It's always like this whenever I get overwhelmed with work.

Beautiful Sunday # 322 - First of July


I wasn't able to blog last weekend because .... freelance works. :) Everything needs to be accomplished before Monday. In effect, I confined myself at home over the weekend. Come Sunday, I felt I needed some reward. So here comes food delivery to the rescue. ;) I craved for Charlie Chan and chicken wings from Yellow Cab. As of typing this post, I feel that I didn't have enough Charlie Chan and part of me wants some doughnuts from J.Co. :D It's always like this whenever I get overwhelmed with work.

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Thank you for visiting :) My name is Diane and welcome to my home in the blogosphere. Please feel free to explore my posts and check my ABOUT ME page.

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