Friday, February 27, 2015

Adulting Problems and that Dress

A common trend in my social media news feed is exhaustion from being an adult or 'Adulting' as one friend said, and the really confusing dress that has been spreading around. Since I have no bright ideas for a post today let me share my inputs on these two topics.

It is blue and black
So let me start with the dress, according to Gawker this picture from Tumblr has started a debate in internet on what is the color of the dress above. Is it gold and white, blue and black, and at certain angles brown and really light blue? I can honestly see all three types especially if I move in a different angle and lighting. Many sites have tried to explaining this and I will not try since I am not an expert on the matter, but it does say something in the matter of perspectives. Different people have different views of the same thing and I know that it is a great thing since it gives our lives some diversity and new perspectives. The best thing we could do is enjoy it and be kind to one another, People will not always agree with your way of thinking or how you see things, but doesn't give you any right to put them down (Except those who use the term bae. Those should be killed in sight. :P ).
Calvin's Philosophy
Being an adult is a great part of one person's life. The freedom to decide for one self has never been more apparent, but this greater freedom also comes with greater responsibilities (Thank you Uncle Ben!). Sometimes this overwhelms a person and makes one drop everything and take a nap. I am currently experiencing it and I am looking forward to the weekend where I am just going to relax and enjoy my time with my family and friends


Thursday, February 26, 2015

Thursday Highlights

My motivational wallpaper for today

It's only noon here in my part of the world but it has already been a eventful day. I am writing this post before I return to work.

- When God showered the world with the talent of singing I was wearing a raincoat, boats, and an  the size of a small European nation, that hasn't stop me from trying. Sophia now response to me when I start singing to her, though I think I need to learn more children's songs.

- Finished our weekly groceries before lunch. I now know making a list of the things you need to buy keeps the bill down and avoid waste. Marinated all the meats so it will be easier to cook.

- Bed Frame is 50% complete. I still need to do the finishing and some adjustments.

- In the casual gaming world, I am definitely addicted to Adventure Capitalism. Marvel Puzzle Quest has released one of my favorite characters, the Iron Fist. 

- My imperial guard helmet will be arriving to day. I am so excited!

Hopefully I will get some rest later.


Wednesday, February 25, 2015

The Naked Man

My Tuesday didn't start so good, I didn't get enough sleep the night before and got annoyed with one of Elaine's employees in the morning. I did most of my morning tasks begrudgingly and the highlight of my morning was playing AdVenture Capitalism. Pretty Sad indeed, I was suffering another bout of ennui.I then decided to post about it in social media because normal people do it all the time, and my good friend Paul Catiang suggest I have some naked time to fight of my ennui. It made me laugh a lot and as I thought about it I realized I have nothing to loose and I am now naked.

Currently contemplating which pose

Do not worry, you will not see any pictures of my glorious body that will make you rush home, hug your love ones, and ask them for forgiveness. I still have my insanity intact, but did realized some things:

1. I really do have a body of a god and his name is Silenus the Greek god of drunkenness. You thought I was gonna say Buddha, but Buddha is way healthier then me.

2. I desperately need to loose weight. I am not getting any younger.

3. The only missing from me is bodily and facial hair and I will be officially a bear.

That is it for now, I need to get dress for geekfight and it is kinda getting cold.

Sunday, February 22, 2015

Sophia's First Month


So it's my little girl's first month in the world and as our family's little tradition, we had cake. It has been a wonderful and exhausting month, here are some highlights for Sophia.

- Sophia has managed to vomit, pee, and poop in the bed and on me. Impressive for a little girl, it took Castle a couple of months to achieve these things.

- Speaking of Castle, I am proud of him that he too jealous of his sister. The only sign so far is that he wants to drink milk whenever his sister is feeding. Not necessarily a bad thing because he is drinking a lot more milk.

- Sophia's body clock has stabilized. She sleeps through the night and wakes up around 4 am almost consistently. It's a great blessing for Elaine and I since we get enough rest.

- I now have three people to check if they are breathing during the night. It is a weird quirk of mine ever since I can remember. I have the need to check if the people asleep near me is still breathing.

- Sophia can now raise her head for awhile when she is lying in her stomach. We try to avoid doing it often because she is still fragile.

That is it for now, more highlights to come soon.

Saturday, February 21, 2015

Ryuutama Session 1: Tristan's Journal

Day 21, Resplendent Spring Dragon 15 ATB

Weather: Sunny
Condition: Tired
I finally found my journal in the chest inside the repair kit's bag. That bad little monkey must have hid it there. I don't remember why I accepted him as payment in the first place. I guess I found him cute during the time.

I feel awfully tired today, Aya our resident minstrel was snoring again and our fearless leader Petre the Container Artisan as he likes to be called is also cranky. I really should talk to her about snoring soon, but she was really nice when she gave the walking stick she got from the dragon statue.

We meet a weather oracle named Joshua on the way to Ifa. He seems to be nice fellow, a bit distracted but nice. I think he got duped by some bandits into giving up his things or they just left because he was busy predicting the weather. He said it was going rain tomorrow. We also made a deal with Joshua to help him get his things back and travel with him to Ifa in exchange  for 4 letters of entrance to a great library in the town we are headed. I don't know how great it would be considering it is just town but I do hope there is a map so we can properly prepare.

Aya manage to find a campsite nearby, and by the dragons the "friends" that took Joshua's things and donkey were there. I forget to mention donkey and her name was Ambersky I think. I am not sure but we did find it roasting beautifully over the fire. Thankfully, Joshua didn't notice and he was already feasting on beloved animal even before anyone could say a word. Back to the bandits, there were 4 of them, Bob a scrawny guy that carries a whip, Billy a giant of a man, and the twins whose names eludes me right now. Petre managed to get a truce, thanks to his legendary spit shake. 

I guess that is for now, must setup camp. Nobody is gonna help me again, Aya singing with her harp and Petre is having a 'Who has the bigger balls match' with Bob

Day 22, Resplendent Spring Dragon 15 ATB

Weather: Rainy 
Condition: Still tired but not cranky

As predicted by Joshua, it is raining today and I am done setting up camp and just taking my time to write before I go to sleep.

I taught Billy how to pat friends in the back but I forgot to tell him not to overdo it. Bob ended up with a limp. :P He tried to get back at us by telling Billy to give everyone in the party a big hug but it backfired when he tried it with Petre. Hehe!

The rain made the journey a little difficult but we did manage to find a giant tree with enough leaves and branches to shelter us from the rain. Some of the stumps have been worn down by other travelers making it easier to setup camp here. Though in hindsight it might not have been a good idea, since it might get hit by lightning and we all die a fiery death.

There was a koneko goblin looking depress with us under the tree. Aya did most of the talking and I was busy setting up camp. I think it was looking for something. I personally think koneko goblins should be approached with caution, yes they are adorable cats walking upright but they are called goblins for a reason.

We also managed to irritate some walking eggs but we did get rid of them. I don't understand why Aya keeps on insisting we kill it in a special way, but could not tell us what that special way is. We ended up with some egg yolks and shells that Petre is currently preparing we can use or sell.

Joshua informed that we will arrive to our destination tomorrow and that the weather will be better. He also told me that will be a festival. I can't wait to go there, I am out cash and we need to replenish supplies.

Preparing for a Game

It has been awhile since I played any Tabletop RPG, and I am really excited today since we get to play in my house. Hopefully, everything will be awesome.

One of my quirks is I quickly consume or devour any game system that catches my attention. I have read a lot of books and want I play all of them, but I have to face the fact that it would be impossible without giving up on life and just play. I found a simple solution and that is create characters. This lets me try the character creation and give me an opportunity to create a back story for the characters I make.

But I think the biggest reason prepare a lot of characters is option paralysis. When I try a new system the choices tend to overwhelm me because I want to try them all and during the character creation session that makes think and decide longer than is necessary, and given the limited time we usually have I don't want that to go to waste.

I usually prepare two to three characters, this allows me to make adjustments with the group. I usually get the character type that is missing. An example would be if we already have physical and social character I take the mental type. This balances everything and makes the game more fun in my opinion.

That is for now because I need to sleep.

Friday, February 20, 2015

Being Handy in the House


I am sorry if I haven't been able to update for the past 2 days. I honestly had no idea what to write. I will try to be more diligent next time.

A couple of days ago we had a leaky sink in the kitchen and it occurred to me that I have no idea of what to do when it comes to plumbing. I was a little ashamed and felt less of a man. I resolved that this has to change. So I called a friend and made him fix it. :P

We finally got a new bed, thanks to my in-laws and I am making the bed frame myself. I wanted to have one with shelves in it so I can utilize the space that is usually wasted. I got a plan in the internet and I just made adjustments based on the size of the bed. I just finished day one of DIY project with only the cutting of the plywood. Now I know why some people buy it pre-cut, thankfully I was able to borrow a electrical hack saw (Hooray for technology!). Tomorrow I still need to do some cutting but I think I am ready to do some assembly before the start of the game.

I also did a little cooking for tomorrow's game, and did my first attempt in making callos. I realized it was a very long process and made me appreciate the dish more. Elaine and I also did some last minute cleaning and took turns in taking care of the children.

I just finished today's tasks with sending a couple of proposals and quotations. Hopefully, it will generate  some income. I kinda feel good about myself right now knowing that I have some use in the house and that my family appreciates and loves me despite my many, many, many faults and shortcomings. Especially to my wife, who calmly listened to me while I berated myself without any judgement. And that is it for today.

Tuesday, February 17, 2015

Tikoy Ramblings

I am currently stuck on my back because I have a sleeping baby on top of me. I really need to do a lot of things but when your child is sleeping soundly it is hard to move. Thankfully blogger has an app that I can use. 



This week is the Chinese New Year and it is the wooden sheep. So in celebration of my really, really, really small chinese heritage, I have tikoy. I have very fond memories of tikoy since I was a child. Before we transferred to Paranaque, I spent my first five years in Tondo that means trips to Binondo was almost a weekly thing. 

Now I am thinking of how to prepare the tikoy I have in the fridge. My choices are the traditional fried with egg, tikoy butchi, and turon tikoy with langka. I might end up making all three with my tikoy.

Monday, February 16, 2015

50 Shades of [insert color here]


Right now, 50 Shades of Grey the movie is being shown in cinemas here in the Philippines and it is currently trending (Woohoo! I used the word trending!) in my news feeds in social media alongside Valentine's day lovers and haters. The general consensus in the internet so far is that it really bad but isn't bad enough to reach the 'it's so bad it became good' barrier, it's funny though that is it breaking records for R rated movies. I guess sex really does sell. 

I personally want to make an objective review of the movie and the source material, I have tried and failed. I started with the novel and can't even finish chapter one, I felt I was wasting time reading it and that is very bad considering, 1. I love reading and 2. It has sex. This is coming from a guy who finished a collection of fan fiction about Harry Potter and his relationships with almost every character conceivable because I was dating someone who like that sort of things.

I have seen online copies of the movie but have very, very, very easily ignored it. I don't want to watch a movie that I know based on everyone's opinion that I respect, will make me regret my life choices and make me curl up like a fetus in the shower as I cry myself to sleep.

Maybe one day I will be able to read and watch it, I did finish reading the Twilight Saga (I am currently waiting for the townsfolk with their torches and pitchforks), but I think the words of wise man I know apply here, 'it's wise to learn from your mistakes, but it's wiser to learn from the mistakes of others.'

Saturday, February 14, 2015

Spending Time with Sophia



It's Valentine's Day! Wheee! Don't worry all the romantic and mushy stuff will begin later when the kids are asleep, but for now is the first time I am alone with my daughter Sophia for a considerable amount of time. Elaine and Castle is attending a baptism and since Sophia is only 3 weeks old we decided I should with her.

I am currently making sure that we both survive this experience without any trauma for the both of us. Aside from that it makes you contemplate fatherhood a little bit and what it means to be a father to girl. I have been discussing this with my wife, family, and friends before on how to raise a girl even before Sophia was born, but it is really different when you are holding her in your arms and looking at her small, fragile, and gentle features.

I won't bore with details of what I was thinking, but one thing is for sure I love my daughter and I will do my best to make sure that she will always be happy.

Friday, February 13, 2015

Expanding Our Collection


My wife is the best. She encourages me with the things I like to do and even gets excited when I want to start a collection. So for the past 3 1/2 years, we have been able achieved this humble collection. I am currently thinking of adding more and here are the toys I want to add:

1. DC Figures., which includes Constantine, Phantom Stranger, Ra's Al Ghul, Golden Age Sandman, Dr. Mid-nite, Dr. Fate, Animal Man, and B'wana Beast.



2. Nickelodeon Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. I already have the turtles and I am thinking of expanding to the heroes first then the villains.


3. Gundam Endless Waltz Figures. I was only able to watched 3 Gundam series and this is my favorite. Heavy Arms Gundam is awesome.

4. One Piece's Straw Hat Pirates. Still deciding if I should get the pre or post 2 years.

Now to work hard so I can afford them.


Thursday, February 12, 2015

Random Thoughts on a Thursday Morning



I am not a morning person and I work better in the cover of darkness, but sometimes I wake up really to do a task or chore and I have great difficulty sleeping again. Here are some thoughts that ran through my mind as I try to get some extra snooze.

- if I were to become a transformer, I would probably end to be Irondhide or Ultra Magnus. I feel I am more suited to get job done than lead and be an inspiration to others.

- if the force was real, I would definitely be a sith. Unless I am a little green man with phlegm constantly in my throat.

- if I get to live in DC universe, I want be The Phantom Stranger, so I can be mysterious and irritate a lot of people because I wouldn't talk to them straight.

- I need to learn how to make sausages. Does anyone know one can find sausage casings.

- I need to read more books

- My son Castle snores. Must tell the doctor about this.

- I really need to keep my temper in check.

- I wish I could fly.


Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Writing Fiction


Sometimes you find inspiration to do things in the weirdest of places and I found mine in Facebook. I got an idea to make a short story and I haven't done one that I was confident enough to share. I even had an idea for novel. I almost started it a couple of years ago with some friends, thankfully it didn't push thru since I realized it was a pretty bad idea.

Now I am currently doing a lot of research and notes writing. Hopefully, I will be able to share it within the week.

Monday, February 9, 2015

Being Home Alone


My family stayed at my in-law's house for the weekend because I have a bad case of the colds. So I was home alone during that time, if I were single I would have thrown a party or hibernated for 48 hours. Unfortunately, I am married with three kids so I got really lonely and bored. So here are the list of things I did to pass time before I sink to despair.

1. Facebook stalking, when you have nothing to do and there is nothing eventful happening the best thing to do is look at other people's life.

2. Read. I read a lot and I mean a lot. I finished 4 books and was able to update myself with some webcomics and manga 

3. Eat. Too bad it was mostly canned foods and instant noodles. I didn't have enough strength to cook.

4. Sleep. It wasn't my usual I hibernate like a bear but I still slept a lot.


Saturday, February 7, 2015

Guilty Pleasures


According to the internet, a Guilty Pleasure is something, such as a movie, television program, or piece of music, that one enjoys despite feeling that it is not generally held in high regard. As a dad, geek, and honorary matrona, I have a lot of these including my love for girly drinks, musicals, buying new bed sheets, boy band music, dancing with wanton abandon especially when I am alone, and karaoke, but these things are become public knowledge. Here are other things this dad finds enjoyable.

Why John Lloyd? Why?
1. I am a John Lloyd fan. I guess the link below explains why but also the betrayal that happened:

2. I am a Swiftie. I like listening to Taylor Swift, it makes feel warm and fuzzy inside (the clean version).


I didn't get a cast photo since they change it too often.
3. I enjoy watching Grey's Anatomy. My wife is to blame for this one. I always felt it was just Melrose Place in a hospital but it eventually grew on me. I miss Christina Yang.


We all wanted a girl like her
4. I watch romantic movies and koreanovelas. When I was still single and not in a relationship, I would watch romantic movies alone and sometimes cry if the movie is really sappy, but I draw the line with Nicolas Sparks movies. Regarding koreanovelas, I was addicted before it was cool. I started before they started showing locally.

5. I like listening to Nickelback, this one I am particularly ashamed. I don't have an explanation I just do. :P

Friday, February 6, 2015

Cooking for My Family

At the start our relationship, my wife and I laid out all the cards and these included chores we are willing to do, food we don't like, and shows we like to watch. One thing we have decided is that I do the cooking, thankfully, I have some experience. I grew up learning to cook at a young age and My dad is an inspiration since he did most of the cooking and was willing to experiment with new things.


Now I do all the planning, groceries ,and preparations for all our meals. My Facebook feeds is now filled with pictures of meals I cooked and even our meal plan for the week. At first, I started safe with recipes I grew up with it. Eventually I got a little adventurous and tried recipes that I always wanted to make. 


My next goal is to learn how to bake bread and pastries. I just need to get a more awesome oven and more confidence.



Wednesday, February 4, 2015

My Shock Pike

When faced with a daunting task or goal and your confidence is in a all time low, one should start small. So when I made it my goal to join the 501st, I was scared shit. Thankfully, Oneal was there to guide me in the process.  So far I have the soft parts, this include the cloak, thawb, and sash done, but today is special because I finally finish the shock pike.





I know it is not much, but at least I know I can do this. It took me more time than necessary because I was filled with self-doubt but I overcame it and came out with this beauty. It is like getting your first iron sword in a RPG after only having a wooden sword for a long time. I can't wait for the helmet to arrive so I can start painting.

Why Write?


I am not an infinite well of ideas, have very minimal talent in writing, and write very slowly, it usually takes me half a day figuring out what to write and the other half writing it. I spend most of my day doing errands for my family, from cleaning, cooking, and taking care of the kids, these are on top of managing a business. So I am envious of people who can write really well and make it look easy, but I will not give up. 

I want my children and their children to able to read stories I wrote. I want them to know that dada didn't give up even though it was hard for him. I want them to know that I am human. I want to know that I love them, and with that reason I will not give up

Monday, February 2, 2015

If I had Super Powers

As kid, I always wanted to be a superhero with powers. Flight, super strength, laser beams, magic ,and invisibility are just some of the powers I wanted. Thankfully I didn't get to have any of these powers because I realized I would be a super villain rather than a hero, but that didn't stop me from daydreaming once in a while that I have powers. Here are the powers I want if I ever get the chance:

1. The Music Meister's Powers


The ability to break out in song is already a power I have and I had gotten in trouble for that already but to make everyone sing and dance perfectly is awesome, plus you get to sound like Neil Patrick Harris.

2. Luck Powers


Can you imagine the real life applications of this power? An empty MRT car, you always get the toy you want in Kinder suprise eggs, great weather when you go out, and the things you need in the grocery is always available and on sale. I just realize I really have low expectations in life. :P

3. The ability to comprehend any and all languages


Cypher is cool, End of discussion. When you can understand any language you will have an awesome time. He can also understand body language, codes, and computer language. He will be a good in the digital age

4. Optic Blast 


With mutants like Storm, Jean Grey, and Wolverine in the group Cyclops powers seem to be in the low level department. I would like to emphasize that his optic blast is a concussive force and the is the equivalent of eye punching someone and I will not deny that I have done that a lot in my head.  

5. Immortality and Eternal Youth


I honestly don't want to die and I am scared of what will happen if there is an afterlife. Plus if I am immortal, I can wear anything I want since no one will tell an old person what to wear. 

6. Teleportation


I live in Metro Manila and that is reason enough



Sunday, February 1, 2015

Costume Projects

I love Star Wars, and with the exception of Yoda I am with the Empire. Sadly, I didn't have many friends  who are into Star Wars when I was growing up. That all changed when I meet Oneal and Regina, my future godparents and with them the 501st legion. 



I always wanted to join the group but I had a lot reasons why I was a little apprehensive, but it all boiled down to one thing, I have body of a god name Buddha. Last year I made a resolution that I will finally join the 501st and after months deliberation I decided to become an imperial guard because they were awesome and my gut will not show. It almost done and hopefully I can have it approved before the end of February.



This year, I decided I want to have another armor started. I was torn between a jawa and republic commando. I was wisely advice that I am too big to be jawa. So I am starting slowly and building it starting with the small pieces.


Hopefully I will be done by November.