ECQ Season 2 in the Philippines

ECQ Season 2

A year ago, when the ECQ Season 1 was announced, we were all hopeful that one day, this pandemic would end. However, it’s been a year, it just got worst.

Yes, there are vaccines, but there are also new strains.

Yes, there are strict protocols like curfew and new ECQ stuff, but there’s no mass testing.

Yes, there are vaccines, but our LGU is still out of reach.

Honestly, I’ve become more anxious because I live with a senior citizen. That worries me more than my own health. Our house is an open door. Literally.

How am I coping?

First, I rest. I have decided to do nothing at certain days. Sometimes, I feel overwhelmed with tons of adjustments and works. Hence, I feel stressed! Anyways, I still find time to work on my pendings. Chill, self.

Second, I rearrange my room every two weeks or whenever I feel to rearrange it. There’s a time when I decided to rearrange it just because I want to and I feel bored.

Third, I journal. I have started writing random stuff without being obligated to post it online. I have kept all those thoughts in my cutie notebook. That sparks joy. Writing just for myself.

Fourth, I try to read books during my free time. Really. I have convinced myself not to buy books unless I have finished reading all my new ones.

Lastly, I try to be spiritually healthy by listening to online retreats, reading daily gospel, attending weekly Bible sharing, and listening to Mass.

Just random thoughts as a writer/MA student/employee/eldest Asian daughter.

You see, being an artist in this time of pandemic is definitely challenging. People expect you or you expect to write more just because you are at home. I set expectations to myself as well to write more and to be more productive just how I do it before pandemic.

I would not want to use pandemic as an excuse but it seems like to be a valid excuse. (Ang gulo ko. Sorry) Basically, I am thriving to be that ‘ideal’ writer who still contributes something to the art world. Chz.

Anyways, this is just an update post about how am I dealing with life lately.

How are you, folks? I hope you are all well and healthy.

Follow me on Twitter! @kimderla Instagram @kim.derla

New found hobbies this quarantine

I never thought of acquiring other hobbies apart from reading books, writing, and procrastinating. However, this quarantine gave me the luxury of time to explore and do new activities which I never thought I would do.

Gardening

I was never a fan of high maintenance plants. I used to buy cactus for the sake of buying plants at home. Whenever I buy cactus, they die. I don’t know. Am I not a parent material?

Still, I tried to take care of some plants. I just saw these online and I decided to buy some. Look at the leaves. The leaves are growing!!! 😀

Playing online games

I never installed games on my phone. I just did not like to play games. I believed that playing games was wasting time. But then, I was wrong.

Playing online games taught me to be patient. Playing online games made me honor my process in the game. It’s been a month and my character shows great improvement.

Watching KDrama

I refused on watching KDrama since the quarantine started. I believed that I could be productive by merely writing and reading. Also, I never wanted to invest feelings on it. Huhu.

However, as days passed by, I am running out of activities. Hence, I’ve decided to just watch a series on Netflix. I am currently watching It’s Okay Not To Be Okay and I am loving it!

Illustrating cutie-patootie doodles

I have accepted the fact that I am not good in drawing. But, when I started to doodle for the past few days, I’ve realized that I can draw.

I just follow some guidelines on Youtube, copy some caricatures, or just draw.

Having mindful mornings

I’ve appreciated bringing my pet, Max, outside. I have also tried jogging for an hour. I have prepared breakfast meals, too. I guess, these things are bringing good vibes.

To be honest, I am feeling more anxious about the future. (Wait, is there one?) I am in between doubt and hope. So, I keep on doing activities that are new for me.

Aside from working for my full-time job, I also do my best to post stuff on my blog on Facebook.

I am coping. I am still breathing. I hope you do the same, too.

What are your new hobbies? Share your thoughts? 🙂

My Quarantine Routine

Staying at home for two weeks is tolerable. But, staying at home for two months is a bit challenging especially for an outgoing and busy person. I am used to doing lots of works all the time. I always plan my schedule one month advance. Hence, to stay too long at home is a challenge.

Good thing, we were able to cope. I decided to make my own routine *wow* to be productive without pressure. What is my quarantine routine?

My routine has no specific timeline because I still want to be kind to myself. I have decided to take a break from too much work.

Upon waking up, I drink water and play my wake up song on Spotify. When that song ends, that means that I have to get up. Sometimes, I change to my yoga clothes. After yoga, I prepare my breakfast. Of course, I would not miss my coffee. Then, I take a bath.

After my morning routine, I need to start working at 9:00AM until 12:00NN. If I finish my task earlier, then, I can have free time to scroll on my social media accounts.

I eat lunch at 12:00NN. Sleep from 1:00PM to 2:00PM. I force myself to go back to work at 3:00PM. Then, I take a break at 4:00PM. I usually take my early dinner at 6:00PM. Then, watch news and series later on. Sometimes, I evaluate my day whether I was able to achieve something or not.

Up to this writing, I was able to write more reflections on my Facebook page. Then, I also made vlogs for our diocesan youth page and St. Paul’s Facebook page. Also, I watched more series. I learned how to cook by myself.

Stay at home, friends, and always wash your hands.

Here is a post-vlog photo endorsing my books. :>

Tuna Pasta Recipe for Beginners

It’s the 15th day of quarantine, and upon stumbling on Youtube videos, I’ve decided to cook Tuna Pasta. I never cooked anything before (except for fried eggs). I never had the luxury of time to cook. It’s not just for me. I’m just lucky enough to have a loving lola who cooks everything for us.

Thus, this day was a extra-special. I’ve learned how to cooked Tuna Pasta. Mwahaha. I think, this is so far my greatest achievement last week. Tadan!

Recipe for Tuna Pasta (For Beginners)

Here are the ingredients. These are so basic that you can easily find them in your kitchen.

You just need Garlic, Onion, Tomato, 1/4 pasta, 1 can of San Marino Corned Tuna and Salt and Pepper to taste. (Naks. Legit?)

How to Cook Tuna Pasta (if you are a beginner):

1. Saute onion, garlic, and tomato.
2. Add San Marino Corned Tuna. (Not a sponsored post but who knows.)
3. Add the cooked pasta.
4. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Tadah! And that’s my easy-to-cook Tuna Pasta! I’m so happy that I learned how to boil pasta and sauté the rest of the ingredients.

Please help me pursue this career. Comment any recipes which you think are easy to cook and to prepare for a dummy like me. Hahaha! Xie xie!

Rebuilding 2020 Updates

If I haven’t informed you, guys, my 2020 theme is Rebuild. Period.

With that, here are the things that made me busy for the past few weeks.

I renewed my vow to stay in the parish as a youth minister for another year. We went to Regina Rica in Tanay, Rizal for a short recollection.

Also in January, I was given a Service Award for staying in the same institution for five productive and meaningful years! I couldn’t be more thankful with this milestone! Not everything stays, right?

January also led me to another courage zone which is serving the youth ministry in our diocese. I was hailed (wow hailed) or appointed as one of the support groups. Lowkey as always, though this seemed prestige to some.

I am so blessed to meet new people from different churches in our diocese. I guess, it takes heart and mind to meet them. I am so blessed.

In February, I have fun learning Mandarin. It is indeed worth the traffic and travel going to UPD.  I attended my friend’s presbyterial ordination in Polillo Island in Quezon Province. Grabe, I couldn’t be more happy for him. Chika lang.

Also, last February 29, I was given an opportunity to share to Antipolo Cathedral Youth Ministry my thoughts and reflections about love, the AGAPE kind of love.

I am beyond blessed to see young people who are interested and engaged in talking about love. Huhu. Minsan iniisip ko bakit ako ang nagbibigay nito eh samantalang ako ata ang ‘di makahanap ng True Love? Luhhh! 

Also, last February 1-2 we went to Baguio for a retreat and some sightseeing.

There are no ganaps for March because of COVID2019. 😦 I am saddened because I was not able to meet my students for the last day in school. Classes are suspended due to this pandemic. Everything was done online.

As of this writing, there are 52 confirmed cases of COVID in Philippines. It scares me and makes me panic, but what else can I do? I can only pray for everyone’s safety and health. May the good Lord heal our country. May this challenge end.  Amen.