Finally, Empanadas

I've been thinking about making empanadas for weeks, and it seems that every Friday night I would mention to Marvin that I'll be finally making them that weekend. And finally, FINALLY, I made a batch today. I used this recipe from smitten kitchen.

I was a bit anxious though, since up until now, I've just had to work with batter and not dough when I'm baking. This was my very first try and I was half expecting a disaster of some sort, so I asked Marvin to still buy some take-out dinner for us. I was quite surprised that they turned out really yummy and delicious! And Marvin loved them so much that he finished off 4 in an instant, even after eating a Burger King Whopper (yep, not exactly the healthiest take-out dinner choice, I know, hehe!) Marvin even said that the crust was perfect and that if I use the same recipe for other pies, he's sure they'd turn out perfect as well! Yay! ^_^

What's quite funny is that it slipped my mind that I would need a rolling pin, so I used my white wine vinegar bottle instead. I just covered the dough with plastic wrap. Hmm, I really need to buy more supplies. But I'm slowly buying stuff a few items at a time to complete my kitchen. Just this morning, I bought red wine and white wine vinegar, white wine for cooking, cumin, and dry yeast. For utensils and tools, I bought an icing spatula, a food brush, and finally, a flour sifter.

Hmm, what should I try next? Since it's going to be autumn soon, I might try a persimmon or apple & pear pie. =)

Stocking Up On Books For Silver Week

Bought myself some books for my 1 week off. I can't wait to get them this Saturday! I really love the smell of new books! Weird book fetish, I know. I just hope I get to read all of them... I have this nasty habit of buying books and not making enough time to read all of them.

1. Food Styling for Photographers: A Guide to Creating Your Own Appetizing Art

   

   I just love cooking and baking and I think I'm fairly good at it, but as you've probably guessed from my photos, I'm more interested in styling and taking photos of the food I make. I'm looking forward to learning some great stuff from this book.

2. God is Not Great: How Religion Poisons Everything

   

   Now, before you burn this witch, let me just say that even though I'm having some doubts about my faith, I'm still the same person you knew before I became vocal with my thoughts on religion. I still have the utmost respect for my friends who remain believers and followers. I admire them for standing by their beliefs. In the same way, I think those of us who have chosen to be more like freethinkers also deserve the same respect and not be looked upon with the all too familiar contempt and condescension. It's not like we suddenly turned evil, you know. All the good as well as all the bad that was in us before, hey, it's still there. :)

3. The Mythical Man-Month: Essays on Software Engineering
   

   
   

   
   

   The usual boring career work stuff. :D

(images courtesy of Amazon Japan)

We'll Get Through Tomorrow Somehow Today

I love The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants! I've watched the movies and read all four books, but I wouldn't mind reading them again. I also love the song These Days from the movie's soundtrack. ^_^

Silver Week 2009

Marvin and I are going to Osaka! ^_^

I had initially planned a solo trip to Singapore or Thailand, but ended up with our 3-day Osaka trip instead after getting all excited over one office colleague's stories of Universal Studios Japan (USJ). In Tagalaog, that's what you call "ay, nainggit!". Haha!

Marvin said this trip will be our official celebration of my 29th birthday, so he said it's okay to go all out. There, documented, so I can show this to him every time he complains about the price of something in Osaka. :D

For our first day there, we'll be visiting USJ and will be staying at the Univeral Port Hotel afterwards. I'm excited! Not too sure about the Jurassic Park ride though. I've watched videos of it on Youtube and I think there's a good chance I'd be in tears after the ride. I'm such a wimp, I know. Funny thing - we recently watched Ice Age 3, the one with the dinosaurs, and for days we called ourselves T-Rex and Rudy (the name of the big T-Rex). So when we found out that the Universal Port Hotel had some sort of dino theme, we got really excited! Ooh, and you can order a meal that comes with a toy T-Rex! Haha! I swear, living with the two of us is just like raising two pesky 5 year-olds, hahaha!

Anyway, for the second day, we'll be going around the Osaka bay area. I'm excited about the aquarium and the Santa Maria Bay Cruise! I've been there before and have been on the cruise, but this is the first time I'll be going with Marvin, so I'm still giddy about it hehe! We don't have a hotel for our second night though, but we're thinking of Cross Hotel, same as the one we stayed in when we went to Sapporo. On the third and last day, we'll probably just go around Umeda and Osaka station. Maybe if we have time, we'll also pass by Kyoto, but we promised ourselves we'd reserve Kyoto for fall, sometime around November and Marvin's birthday.

Yay, I'm super excited! I just hope nothing goes wrong with this trip, but when it comes to the two of us, a blunder or two comes with the package haha! And I hope there won't be any embarrassing accidents that also seem to follow us wherever we go - like slipping and landing square on my butt right smack in the middle of Sapporo station's snow covered main intersection. Yikes! But the important thing though is that we still have fun and I am sure we would! ^_^

Down To Two Laptops

My 4-year old desktop, which Marvin and I assembled ourselves, is dead. :(

Last Saturday, I turned on my PC and while waiting for it to boot up (it has been so slow these past months), proceeded to do some house chores. I was of course expecting the all too familiar Windows welcome tune, so imagine my horror when a female robotic voice began to murmur something barely audible. Without daring to flinch a muscle, I tried desperately to make out the words. By then, I had conjured up an image of some Sadako-like (The Ring) woman standing beside my TV. I was about to cry when I realized it was my PC letting me know that the "system failed memory test". Haha, I was half relieved it wasn't what I feared it was and half amused at my own stupidity childishness.

So now, my PC would not even boot up. It just stubbornly informs me over and over again that the "system failed memory test" when I push the power button. I tried to look this up, and it turns out that it's a known problem with my Asus motherboard. Don' t ask me the specifics though; I don't have patience for all that technical jargon. Bottom line is, my motherboard's toast and I either have to try and replace it myself in the hopes that it is indeed the only problem, or buy a new desktop or laptop.

At first glance, it doesn't seem to be such a difficult choice. Hmm, let's see, 20,000 yen for a new mobo vs 200,000 for a new laptop? That one extra zero seems to give it away, right? But one FB friend suggested that I do both - get a new one and fix the old one! Not such a bad idea, especially if I've been meaning to buy a laptop anyway and I'll definitely always need a desktop.

So after looking at the models out there, I've narrowed it down to two choices.

1. Sony VAIO AW Series (VGN-AW180Y/Q) - Y279,000

   Here are some of its specs:

   • - Display Size: 18.4 in
   • - CPU: Core 2 Duo T9600 2.8GHz
   • - RAM Included: 4GB
   • - HDD: 800GB
   • - Optical Drive: BD-R/BD-RDL/BD-RE/BD-REDL/DVD±R/±RW/RAM/±RDL
   • - Resolution: 1920x1080
   • - Graphics Card: Nvidia GeForce 9600M GT
   • - Video Memory: 512MB

   



2. Apple MacBook Pro (17 in) - Y278,000

   Here are some of its specs:

   • - Display Size: 17 in
   • - CPU: Core 2 Duo 2.8GHz
   • - RAM Included: 4GB
   • - HDD: 500GB
   • - Optical Drive: DVD±R/±RW/±RDL
   • - Graphics Card: GeForce 9400M/GeForce 9600M GT
   

I'm leaning towards the Vaio because I'm not too sure I'm ready, or if it's even worth it, to switch from Windows. And the Vaio is a good replacement for my desktop, and I sure need a powerful machine in my line of work. Plus, for the same price, I get 200GB more HD space and a BD-RW. What do you think?

Just A Thought On Faith

Today I chanced upon a film by Richard Dawkins about how religion's closed-minded view of the universe may just be the root of some of the great injustices in the world today. While I don't 100% agree with everything he says, I think that it's also helpful to listen to and learn from him and others who have different views.

One thing that bothers me about religion is that the devout always complain that people should be more open-minded and open to the possibility of their God, yet sometimes it seems that they're the most closed-minded ones. And why are the faithful so judgmental and unforgiving of those who do not share the same beliefs? Why do they frown upon people who would like to believe but would also like to question those beliefs maybe because they just want to understand their faith better?

P.S.

Just like to add one comment I made on FB:
It's not like I'm saying that God does not exist and I think that those who believe in Him are fools - this is also one thing I don't like with some Atheists. I'm just saying that why can't we be more open, believing in our own set of beliefs but not passing judgment on others? Why can't faith be open to discussion without people taking offense and even taking up arms, both literally and figuratively.

On Bridges And The Crocodiles Underneath

A friend recently said, "The hardest thing to learn in life is knowing which bridges to cross and which to burn". To some extent I would have to agree, but I think there are cases where we've known all along. What's actually difficult is deciding to actually burn them because somehow we always still hope that maybe down the road, things will change. Or that maybe we ourselves can somehow change so that we can safely cross that bridge without falling of and breaking our necks. In the end, I guess the only thing we should ask ourselves is, "Is it worth it?" and can we live with ourselves if it turned out not to be instead. This is what I'm trying to figure out as I myself am considering letting go of a few.

Am I making sense at all? And what's with the crocodiles, you say? Well, if you're good and burn the right ones, that's what you'll find underneath. ;)

Old and Gray

My Adidas sneakers are now old and gray, and I've been meaning to buy a new pair for some time now. Every time I go to some mall, though, I end up not buying any, either because I didn't like any of the designs or those I did like were way too expensive. And admittedly, my sneakers may be tattered and worn out, but they fit me perfectly and are just so comfy. So it was such a nice surprise that I finally found a pair I liked on sale today at 20% discount.

Don't get me wrong though, I'm still keeping my old worn out sneakers even though I'm now loving my new pair to bits. (Did I just say 'love to bits'?!?! I'm watching way too many chick flicks) I won't wear them as often, and most probably they'll just gather dust at the back of my closet. But maybe there would be times when I'd long for the familiar comfort of that old pair and take them out for a walk. :)

Yes, I'm weird. I thought of all that while waiting for my turn at the cashier. Oh, and I bought a pair for Marvin, too. We have matching sneakers again. :D

On the way home, I thought that Marvin and I have that same kind of relationship. It may be tattered and worn out by all the misunderstandings and differences, but it's comfortable, familiar, and fit our lives in the most weirdly perfect way. Sure, we look at other men/women, look for something new, but I guess I at least am still in that stage that, sure there are better men, but none are special enough, none at least as special as what I see in Marvin. As Marvin always says, "I may see other girls, but love like ours, well it will take a long time to find it again."

But I also know that like finding that perfect pair of sneakers, there will come a time when we would both find that special someone that would make us long for that something new. We would learn to love them, but like that old pair of sneakers, our love will always be a wonderful memory kept in an equally special closet in our minds and in our hearts. And hopefully, when we're old and gray and close to the end of our journey, we'd remember its familiar and warm comfort. =)

** It feels good to be writing again. I think it's because I'm in a programming lull. You can't be logical and emotional at the same time. ;)

2009 Birthday Wishlist

Just some items I'm thinking about getting myself for my birthday, guilt-free.
(Images were taken from the Amazon website.)

1. Martha Stewart's Baking Handbook & Martha Stewart's Cooking School

I just love cooking and baking! And I used to watch Martha Stewart and other Lifestyle network shows when I was in the Philippines. I admit that I'm still not that good a chef, and I still haven't used the oven I got from Lisa that much, but I really want to learn. It's a good outlet for my err, not sure if you can call it creativity, so let's just call it my "urge to make nice and delicious things". Haha! Oh and by the way, thanks Marvin for being my number one (and only?) fan and critic. (o^_^o) And also for being so patient with all my burnt cupcakes, soggy cookies, and "Did the lid come off the salt and pepper shaker again?!?" meals. (o^_^o)


2. Lowepro camera bag

It's annoying that whenever I take my DSLR with me, I have to use this big backpack and just throw in all my stuff in there. It's especially frustrating when I'm on an out of town trip since when I need my extra battery, or a memory card or a lens, I have to rummage through clothes and toiletries hehehe! I didn't want anything fancy, I just want my photography stuff organized when I go out, so I think this bag will be quite enough for me.


3. The Digital Photography Book, Volume 3

I loved the first two volumes and I'm curious what Scott Kelby has put together for Volume 3. I just wish that "extra time" also comes with the package because with all the things I'm juggling - cooking, baking, reading, studying, photography - it's difficult to find time to actually apply the things I learn in his books. Oops, I forgot "working". Haha!


4. Pots and Pans

It's funny that after all this time, I've never owned a proper set of pots and pans. I've managed before, but now that I'm cooking a lot again, it's getting to be a bother.


5. Richard Poon's Autographed CD

Icel, a friend who works in ABS-CBN Japan, already promised me this one, right Icel? Haha walang pakialamanan! I love his voice! And okay fine, I also find him cute. Most of my friends don't really find him cute, but I usually go for the mestizo-chinito, clean cut, goody-goody, "someone you can introduce to Mom" type and he fits the bill. =D

I saw him sing live early this year, thanks to tickets from Icel. I was on the second row! When he got down from the stage to meet the audience, I had to restrain myself from shrieking like a teenage girl and asking for a cam pic together. Good thing Malen was there haha! And hey, he was so close to our seat that I could actually reach out and hug him hahaha! *cringe* Sorry! =D

Prayer Request

I would like to request for all of you to include in your prayers my dear friend's mom's fast recovery.

My dear sister and friend, just always remember that I love you so much.

Best Bedtime Snack

I tried this chocolate chip cookie recipe the other day. Although my cookies didn't really turn out big and fa, they are chewy and yummy! :) I think I have to get a bigger oven one of these days, because I had to bake these three (three!!!) at a time in my little microwave oven. Plus, I haven't quite figured out yet how to best adjust the baking time and temperature for a smaller oven. :( Oh well, practice makes perfect hehe!

I also made some lemon cookies using this recipe. I wasn't sure about how they turned out at first, since I might have miscalculated the amount of milk and the batter turned out a bit too smooth. But my friends seem to have found it tasty, so yay! Haha!



I'll be making these again later today for our Disneyland trip tomorrow and the FujiQ trip on Saturday. Too bad I have to work on Friday while most of my friends are on Golden week vacation, but at least I have the three-day vacation to look forward to next week. :)

A Second Try At Spicy Basil Chicken

I wasn't really satisfied with my first attempt to cook and shoot spicy basil chicken, so I tried a different approach. For the cooking part, I used minced chicken breast instead of cutting a whole breast into bite-size pieces. I also used red and green peppers this time - I forgot to buy those for my first try. For the photo, I used a bright yellow bell pepper as a bowl. :)

French Toast

Mmmm...french toast on a rainy and lazy Saturday morning. =)

Pancit Bihon

I was planning on cooking Pancit palabok, but I forgot to buy bottled crab fat and chicharon from the Asian store. But since I've already bought the noodles, I made some Pancit Bihon instead.

As for the Pancit Palabok, I'll make some next weekend instead. Yay!

Spicy Basil Chicken

I think they call it Gapao in Thailand. :)

It doesn't look too much like the Gapao they serve here, since I didn't want it to be too spicy. Plus, I should have sliced the chicken smaller or used minced chicken meat. Oh well, there's always a next time. ;p

My First Oatmeal Raisin Cookies!!!

I've been craving for some homemade oatmeal raisin cookies, just like the ones Tita Hearty (my mom's close friend) used to make. And since I'm learning to cook and bake and getting into food photography, I decided to try making my own. Burnt some of them, but the rest turned out to be quite good. :)

Oh, and by the way, which of the two photos do you think looks better? :D

Cobb Salad for Dinner

Nope, this is not me trying to go on a diet. But with the amount of fat in the avocado, bacon, and dressing, I might as well start going on a diet hahaha! There's no eggs though, because I was too impatient to wait for a few more minutes and ended up with soft-boiled eggs instead haha. Hmm, that could work with a Caesar salad though. ;P

English Breakfast

Or something like that hehe! Missing sausages and hash browns.

Japanese Minimalist :P

Can't Sleep :(

Josh + Ennio Morricone + Giuseppe Tornatore
After all these years, I still haven't bought the DVD of Cinema Paradiso. Hmm...Easter gift?!

Happy Valentine's Day!

The upside of stress - nakakapag-bake ng heart-shaped brownies. :D

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!

I Love(d) Sapporo!!!

I haven't organized the photos (I didn't take that much pictures since, with the heavy snow and the crowd, we just chose to enjoy the sights), but I just wanted to share that I LOVED SAPPORO!!! :D

Pre-Valentine's Day Treat

I was bored so I made some choco-dipped strawberries again haha!

Now I Find I Can't Stop Wanting

Two years ago, I was afraid of wanting anything. I figured wanting would be to try.. and trying would lead to failure. But now I find I can't stop wanting... I want to fly somewhere in first class, I want to travel to Europe on a business trip, I wanna get invited to the White House. I wanna learn about the world, I wanna surprise myself! I want to be important. I wanna be the best person that I can be. I wanted to find myself instead of having others to find me. I wanna win and have people be happy for me. I wanna lose and get over it. I want to not be afraid of the unknown. I want to grow up to be generous and big-hearted, the way that people have been with me. I want an interesting and surprising life. It's not that I think I'm gonna get all these things. I just want the possibility of getting them.


This is Tyra's college admission essay. I can't agree with Paul more - this is just one of the best lines ever written for TV. It is honest, and real, and sincere. It's not idealistic, but neither is it cynical. I am just so moved and touched by its innocence. I wish I could have written something like this when I was younger. Thinking about it though, it wouldn't have moved me so had I not heard it from another person, from her.

I LOVE FNL!!!

New Year Resolutions 2009

In recent years, I haven't made a single serious new year resolution. Of course, I always promise myself at the start of the year that I'd lose weight, exercise more, save more money, and the other resolution regulars that never seem to be fulfilled year after year. Then I shrug and say, "Maybe next year." I guess I've been too caught up in work and the busy Tokyo lifestyle that I just didn't feel the need to set yearly goals. Just getting to go home everyday had been a goal in itself. If you've ever worked for the first company I worked for here in Tokyo, you'd get what I mean.

Anyway, the point is, now that I'm in a better place career-wise, I want to live my life a little better as well. And I'm going to start by setting clear, specific, and realistic new year resolutions for this year. These are things I can work on throughout the year and which I can track my progress in regularly. With any luck, I not only get to achieve these goals by the end of the year, but I also start the following year with new good habits. :)

Just to help myself a little, I'm going to set tolerance levels so that I get to pat myself in the back when I reach the ideal level, but not beat myself up when I don't do as well as I'd hoped.

1. Read one book per month

I've always loved reading and I especially love the sense of accomplishment after finishing a good book, but in recent years, I didn't really make time for it. So this year, I want to read more good books, as many as I can during my free time. By the way, last year, I bought about 24 books but I only got to read 14! Definitely not as much as I wanted, so this year has to be different.

Ideal: 1 book per week
Acceptable: 1 book per month


2. Go to church regularly

Confession: I don't go to church as often as I should. I think in the past year, I went to mass less than 10 times! And that's counting Christmas and New Year's Eve!

Ideal: Every week
Acceptable: Once a month


3. Eat less rice

For several months during my first year here in Japan, I didn't eat rice at all. With that diet, I lost some weight even without any extra effort to exercise. So I want to try eating less rice this year, probably not eat rice at all in the evenings, and try to lose some pounds. I would have to combine that with exercise, though, as I will detail in my next resolution.

Ideal: No rice in the evenings on weekdays and during lunch for at least 3 days a week.
Acceptable: No rice in the evenings and lunch for at least 3 days a week


4. Exercise regularly

I bought a stair climber a few years ago, but I never got to use it on a regular basis. It just sits there beside the closet accumulating dust as I accumulate pounds hahaha! Honestly, I wasn't that bothered by my weight before, since I can still play a basketball game, do weights, and climb stairs with minimal problem. In the past year, however, I've noticed that I've grown somewhat weaker and I've added on more weight. It's REALLY time to take ACTION! Haha!

Ideal: 1 hour every night (on the condition I got home before 9PM)
Acceptable: 1 hour per session, 3 times a week

Good luck!