It's Still February

I believe my Blogger page is following Philippine time zone, but it's still February in this side of the world. What? Where did the the first two months of the year go? That went by really fast!

Today, I took some time off from house chores (hello, winter cleaning). I made sure to allot a moment's time for reflection. Did I spend my days on things that mattered and contributed to my mental well-being and self-peace? Hmm, I hope so. Now, most days have temperature above zero. We actually went out for a walk today not wearing thick, heavy winter coats. Spring is just around the corner. My plants really need a break as they're barely hanging on for dear life.

Joke time:

Me: Jan, I realized I really love the color yellow. I love yellow shirts or anything yellow.

J: How about yellow leaves? 

Hahaha, you can just imagine how hard I laughed. Please no yellow leaves for me. I've had one too many plant heartbreaks that I cannot bear another one.

Nothing much going for me here. Just another day in a winter week. Wishing everyone a beautiful week ahead. Xx

Smile, It's Free :)

Earlier this morning, on a stoplight, I caught myself staring at a bus 100% électriques. It amazed me how the city is slowly adapting to a technology that reduces greenhouse-gas emissions (hello, air pollution). It may come at a very steep price for the city, but if it means being more environmentally friendly and sustainable, then that is something worth looking into and investing. Surely, the well-being of every tax-paying citizen must be the utmost priority of the government. However,  this post isn't about the technicalities of such. Before our light turned green, I saw the bus driver smiling at me, a smile so warm and wide it made my morning. I waved in exchange of his thoughtful gesture. My husband, although sitting on the passenger seat, missed all this. I told him how that gesture was appreciated. Some people say Canadians are generally friendlier that Americans, but I'd like to say that in this situation I just viewed it as two people trying to start their day with kindness. After all, it's always a good idea to start our day smiling. 

Bonjour from this sunny side of Quebec! Xx

Hello!

Good morning, rise and shine! It's a brand new day. Today, I thank the Lord for the opportunity to sleep and gather energy for another day at work. It's only -2C here in Montreal but there is a forecast of snow that will start later in the afternoon. I arrived an hour earlier than usual at work because I have to rush to a dental appointment at the same time as the snowfall. I'd expect a bit of traffic and some delays, but hopefully I'll make it on time. Hmm, what to do now? I'll have me some cup of coffee and maybe a slice of banana bread.

I wish you all a beautiful day ahead, wherever in the globe you may be. X

Too Close to My Heart

Seeing these photos reminds me of the very reason why I married my husband. I'd say it's genuine love, so cliché but nonetheless true. I rushed our wedding because I wanted Mama, who was diagnosed with terminal illness, to walk me down the aisle, and Jan accommodated my wish without any reservations. Today, I look back with fondness and smile at the memories we've made so far as husband and wife. Marriage is never an easy journey, but I'll surely stay for the long ride with all its bumps and sharp turns.

1 Corinthians 13:4-8: Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies, they will cease; where there are tongues, they will be stilled; where there is knowledge, it will pass away.

A Cold Sunny Afternoon

Sunday turned out to be the sunniest day of last week. We've been planning to spend it walking and discovering another nearby commercial area in Montreal. Rue Sherbrooke is a thirty-minute walk from our house and is considered the second longest street in the city. The long stretch of street was filled with various architecture, shops, art galleries, museums, cafes, hotels, etc. We could spend a full three days here and I am certain we still wouldn't be able to see it all. We walked from 1:30 PM to a little over 5 PM. We made over twenty thousand steps. I was dead tired by the time we arrived home and I never made it after 8 PM. My entire legs were very numb and tired, I had to ask Jan to apply Salonpas, a pain reliever patch. Would I do it again? Absolutely! Jan and I will always remain to be huge fans of long walks especially when the weather is pleasant. 

Can you spot the car?

ice popsicles as "double kill"

really grateful for the sun <3

It was still cold at -9C and temperature dropped after 4 PM, so gloves were necessary

Westmount Seventh-day Adventist church

this white adorable house stood out from the crowd

Jan and I went into several shops to browse and Quincaillerie Hogg in Westmount left us speechless. It had everything you would want inside your house. J'adore! <3

a gravy boat that's so cute you can use it as your pen holder or just display it by the kitchen shelf--makes for a nice conversation starter

Jan wanted to buy this book but I stopped him, asking him several times if he's really going to have the time to finish it what with his already busy schedule juggling school and work. He left with a heavy heart </3

Jan: If zombies were around they'd surely catch up on us because you're easily distracted and wouldn't care if they were after us
Me: Jan, let me just finish my snowball.

Bonjour from Mr and Mrs Ong!

always looking at the sunny side of life <3

It's still Christmas in February

straight out of a fairytale book-- a big beautiful castle hidden in the thick woods

Can you find the hidden cone?

Can Spring Be Far Behind?

Good morning, beautiful people of the world! :) I hope everyone is doing well and good. It's a cold, gloomy day in Montreal, with temperature hovering between 0 and -2C. I took it easy this morning, making sure I've said my prayer of gratitude for all the nice things that will happen today and I had my fill of coffee before starting my day. 

I find winter a good time to reflect and to just take things slow. There's nothing much to see and do in winter because the cold and snow always get in the way. It's a perfect opportunity to recuperate and allow the body to have plenty of rest for when spring and summer come it'll be a wonderful time to go for a walk. At some point during the long stretch of winter, you almost forget there's an end to it and then one day you realize the sun rises earlier than usual and the day is now longer. I am sure spring isn't far behind now. It's less than a month before spring officially starts in all of northern hemisphere, Canada included. For all of us eagerly waiting in anticipation, it's a celebration worth ticking the calendar numbers. 

I leave you all with well wishes for a beautiful week ahead. Love and light, always X

Can We Please Hold Our Tongues?

It doesn't take a genius to know we are supposed to bite off our tongues and keep any unlikely thoughts to ourselves. Although it may be very tempting to say our thoughts out loud especially when the issue piques our interests, it is even wiser to discern and know when and how to say them. What sets us apart from animals is the gift of intellect. If we could just take a moment to think our thoughts through. I know it's hard to remain silent when someone pushes our buttons, but if we speak out of anger or hurt, it's harder to make amends for all the harsh words said.

Growing up, my mother would always tell us before we leave the car for school, "Don't open your mouth if you don't have anything nice to say" Many times at school, I would get into trouble because I lacked self-restraint. I could easily get away with that because I was young and I didn't know better. But what other reason could I ever come up at this day and age? I should surely know better than to open my mouth and embarrass myself.

I pray God grant me the strength to refrain myself from engaging in things that are otherwise pleasing to His eyes. I pray that I may see the good in people and in every situation. With all these said, I'll leave you with a beautiful and extremely helpful read I found online: https://www.reviveourhearts.com/true-woman/blog/ten-times-its-wise-to-hold-your-tongue/

Valentine's Day

How are you all doing? It's Valentine's today! Is everyone feeling all lovey-dovey? Do you smell love in the air? Hahaha :p

As for my husband and I, we stayed home because there's really nowhere to go as all restaurants were closed for dine in and we wouldn't want to be freezing burritos outside. Jan made a sumptuous lunch of seafood and steak. It was simple but heartfelt. Jan's love language has always been acts of service. He'd be the first to wake up to make me coffee or cook our meals for either brunch or late lunch. He's always big on food and today was no different. 

our Valentine lunch prepared by my dear husband <3 perfect balance of protein, carbs, and salad

Jan tried to recreate this squid dish we had in one of our favorite Portuguese restaurants, and although it isn't quite as tasty as the one we've had, I'll still give this a 10 for effort, taste, and presentation :) 

I couldn't tell you I finished 3/4 of the entire lobster, I had to remind myself I am sharing this with Jan :p

rice because we're so Asians like that :p

After our delicious lunch, we decided to go on a walk so we can burn some calories. Better little than nothing, guys! We stopped for some cake, macaroons, and drinks. It's a perfect way to spend Valentine's. 

always braving the minus zero temperature

I swear this pastry shop named Duc de Lorraine makes delicious cake and pastries, but I hate to say it's slightly overpriced :/ But hey, the presentation is cute!

the inside is even more appetizing <3 introducing Paris-Brest, praline cream sandwiched with crunchy croissant. Our verdict 4.5/5, best enjoyed with hot cup of coffee :)

I wish everyone a happy and productive week ahead. Stay safe and take care! <3

Have you ever wanted something so bad you wish for it everyday? And wanting something so badly makes it even harder to get it! There are times we spend so much of our energy and time trying to get it that we become so consumed in the thought. It's so hard to step back and care less about the result after investing in my emotions etc. Ayayay!

What Do You Like to Do in Your Spare Time?

My spare time is very precious. I make sure I enjoy it and use it to the fullest, or not (at times). We have a choice to use our time doing productive or meaningful activities, and we also have the option to do nothing but rest or sleep. I don't have the huge responsibility of raising a child, which means I have so much time compared to those busy mothers I know. So, how do I spend it?

ö Take a walk- It's imperative that I do this at least twice or thrice a week during this cold season. It's easy to give in and just stay home, but I've been sitting the entire time at work and I would love to see some sun. It's a good way to stretch my legs and a cheap alternative to a healthy lifestyle.

ö A clean home is a happy home- Nothing rings truer than this. Having a clean home does wonders for my psyche. I pride in the fact that I have a neat and organized home. I make sure I vacuum and dust furniture at least twice a week. I want my home to be a comfortable zone where I can rest and recharge for the following week. 

ö Read a good book, or any book- This is certainly one of the easiest, most productive things I do in my spare time. It's always a win-win situation with books. You learn something and at the same time you're also enjoying. And oh may I suggest Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner, A Thousand Splendid Suns, and And the Mountains Echoed. If you like light and hilarious read, there's Sophie Kinsella's Shopaholic series. 

ö Spend silent moments- Ever since my mother passed away, I spend silent moments conversing with God about her, or conversing to her directly. I tell them about my day, the highs and lows. Sometimes I cry because I just really miss her. I always thank God for the time I've had with her. I thank the Lord for my life and His infinite goodness and mercy.

ö Gardening and repotting- People should experience horticulture heaven at least once in their life. I am glad I was able to convert my youngest sister and some of my friends here in Montreal. I know it's tiresome to care for a living organism, but start small and easy. There are a handful of beginner plants like pothos and philodendrons that you will find easy to care for. Just remember the basic rules for plant survival: enough sun, water, and TLC. 

ö Spend time with friends and family- They keep us sane and grounded in this otherwise busy rat race of life. I always remind myself that although money makes the world go round, it shouldn't be my top priority. Sure there are bills to pay but making memories with my nearest and dearest is more important. :)

ö Get off social media- There's something about social media that makes people believe they have to have a huge following and x amount of likes to feel validated. It's a scary path to tread because it prevents us from having real human interaction. We have to cultivate deep and meaningful relationship with the people around us, and unfortunately that becomes a difficult task when we're too engrossed with social media. I don't have a Facebook account and I just recently stopped using my Instagram account. I am very pleased with my decision. Let's never forget to take some time out and detach from the addicting world of social media.

I would love to add more but I am writing from my work PC and I must get back to twerking, este working. Happy weekend wherever in the world you may be. ♥

Hi, Girl! What's Up?

Hi, hello! What's up? I haven't had the chance to blog for a week now. Life happened-- work got me very preoccupied, house chores like cooking and cleaning took half of my time, and whatever little I had left, I spent it on sleeping. I've been meaning to check on here and just write my stress away but I had zero energy. It didn't help that it had been snowing like crazy in Montreal. Snow was such a party pooper. Most days this week, we had to be up earlier than usual because our car was covered in snow and we had to drive extra slower to avoid accident. After work, it's a mad rush to get cooking done before Jan's online classes start. And who else takes care of the dishes and pans used? Certainly not our neighbor. Haaay buhay! Such is life!

I wish everyone a happy weekend! We only have two out of seven days to take a breather from the hustle and bustle of everyday activities. Let's make that count, shall we? :)

What We Did on the Last Day of January

Jan and I wanted to end the first month of the year on a beautiful note. We woke up at 9:30 AM to have an early start. Yes, this was actually an early start for us considering it's still the weekend. We had to make sure we could get more of the sun since it sets early on winter. A few nights prior, we were looking online for a park where we can just go on a walk and just enjoy the sun. It was unbelievably cold at -24C last Sunday that it was a tough decision between leaving the warm comfort of our home or braving the chilly weather outside. You already know we went for the latter. 

We eventually chose to go to Parc-nature du Bois-de-Liesse in Pierrefonds, Quebec. It was a short fifteen-minute drive via Transcanadienne Ouest. Car parking was easy as there was a pay parking inside the park, but if you're not one to pay like us, then you can park outside the street and have a short three-minute walk. As soon as you enter the park, an uphill climb of snow made for toboggan will greet you. The park was home to many winter activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. It has several hiking trails ranging from mild to moderate. I also saw some people renting winter equipment. The entire park had several outdoor tables and chairs good for summer use and plenty of open areas for picnic.  It also had a lake and a river. I am very sure it will make for a lovely sight come spring or summer. Dogs were also accepted but they were kept on a leash. Just kindly take note that there is a portion of the park where you will literally be walking under a highway and you will see some towers of power lines. It did bothered me a little as I could see the vandalism under the highway support. Other than that, it made for such a peaceful walk where you can see a blanket of heavy snow as far as your eyes can see.

the park entrance

toboggan slope

hiking trail markers

Poison Ivy, do not touch or ne pas touche

Did you say you wanted snow?

the woodpeckers must be working so hard

the park map was scattered around the area, making it easier for visitors

I saw two portapots while we were walking. There could be more but I'm not entirely sure.

this Great Pyrenees dog which was really large in person was well-trained by the friendly owner

hanging by the stem

I came prepared to conquer the cold.

bonjour from Mr and Mrs Ong's footwear of choice

 

 I couldn't pass up on this rare opportunity. I have been wanting to do this ever since I came to snowy Canada. Ladies and gentlemen, I stood, I sat, and I lied on a frozen river! I had to make sure it was 100% frozen or else...

After two hours in the cold, we decided it was time to have our late lunch. We chose the umami flavors of Chinese food takeout and hot coffee from Timmies. We ate at home and rested for 1.5 hours before embarking on yet another short walk to just allow our food to digest. It was indeed a beautiful day to end the month. <3