I am scrooge

The holidays are upon us once again. It’s that one time of the year when people are a friendlier, more giving and more patient than usual... talaga lang ha?

Call me jaded, pero more and more, I associate the holidays with stress and sometimes with disdain. While it is true that people are friendlier and more giving this season, I can't help but notice that some are taking advantage of the season.

My case in point:
1. garbage collectors, postmen, etc hand you envelopes (with merry xmas written on it) expecting you (ney, thinks that it is your obligation) to give them cash gift.

2. "carolers" who "sing"(?) a few lines of Christmas songs and expect you to dole out some cash. Buti sana kung maganda ang rendition, eh sumisigaw lang tapos di pa natatapos yung isang kanta. Namamasko ba kayo o nambubuwsit

3. Taxi drivers who take advantage of commuters laden with bags and bags of Christmas shopping. Parang pag nakita nila ang mga ito, ang nakikita nila ay hindi tao kung di peso sign. Tsk tsk...This is a time for contracting passengers or asking for additional P50-100. Others even have the gall NOT to give change since "its Christmas naman". Hello, pareho lang kaya tayong nagtratrabaho. I need the money just like you do. Money doesn't grow on tress noh.

4. Have you tried going to groceries, supermarkets or the wet market these days? Aside from hordes of people doing their Noche Buena shopping, you would notice that prices of fruits, beef and chicken as well as other "Christmas" food fare soar (like crazy). This trend will most likely continue until new years. Tsk tsk.

5. One of my pet peeves this season is your kumare / friend texting you to "remind" you of her son/daughter (your inaanak) gift from you. Not only that, she tells you what she thinks you have to give her child. Hay naku, minsan, iniisip ko na kinukuha kang ninong o ninang dahil lang sa mga regalong inaasahan nilang ibigay mo sa mga anak nila.

I used to love the holidays during my younger years. I always associate it with spending quality time with family and friends, vacation and food. These days, I feel like going on a sabbatical from the holidays, hiding out in my room and never going out unless I really need to. I am becoming such a scrooge.

killer santa?

just when you thought you have seen them all... a killer santa is on display in front of Joel Krupnik and Mildred Castellano's Manhattan mansion. Hidden partly behind a tree, the merry old elf grasps a disembodied doll's head with fake blood streaming from its eye sockets.

you can read more about this "statement" here:
Macabre Christmas Display Makes Statement

stir-fried veggies

A quick dish for people on the go. perfect with fried chicken or lumpiang shanghai.

ingredients:
> 3-4 cloves garlic, chopped
> 1/2 to 1 head onion , chopped
> 1-2 cups togue
> 1 carrot, shredded
> 1/3 to 1/2 head cabbage, shredded
> butter
> beef cube (maggi or knorr)
> black pepper

directions:
1. In a wok, saute garlic, onions and beef cube in butter until onion turns translucent.
2. Add carrots and togue. Saute for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add cabbage and lots of black pepper to taste. (if you want you could add a dash of liquid seasoning, adjust to taste). Saute for additional 2 minutes or until cabbage is cooked.
4. Serve with fave dish.

wala lang

my mind has been a blank slate for the past few days, must be because i miss a certain someone. since i have nothing to post... eto n lang.


You are Form 0, Phoenix: The Eternal.

"And The Phoenix's cycle had reached
zenith, so he consumed himself in fire. He
emerged from his own ashes, to be forever
immortal."

Some examples of the Phoenix Form are Quetzalcoatl
(Aztec), Shiva (Indian), and Ra-Atum
(Egyptian).
The Phoenix is associated with the concept of life,
the number 0, and the element of fire.
His sign is the eclipsed sun.

As a member of Form 0, you are a determined
individual. You tend to keep your sense of
optomism, even through tough times and have a
positive outlook on most situations. You have
a way of looking at going through life as a
journey that you can constantly learn from.
Phoenixes are the best friends to have because
they cheer people up easily.


Which Mythological Form Are You?
brought to you by Quizilla

big four

While most of the Philippine viewing public will get to watch the final night of the highly watched and sometimes controversial Pinoy Big Brother, I won't be able to. You see, I will be spending Saturday night in the company of friends watching a Martin Nievera Concert. In other words, I will get to know the big winner on Sunday's the Buzz.

While I would really want to who among Uma, Nene, Jason and Cass would be named the big winner (and take home P6M in cash and prizes), I just can't pass the chance to be with friends. It has been ages since we last went out. Besides, I would only be paying half the price of the concert ticket (thanks RG!). I am looking forward to a night of laughter and full bellies. hehehe.

bed weather

the cool climate brought about by the 2nd day of steady rain as well as the december air makes one want to spend more time in bed.

yup, it is getting harder to get up in the morning... one would just want to snuggle in bed rather than brave the traffic and the stress of going to work. Hay, can't wait for the start of my vacation!

spicy chicken with veggies

For the past weeks, I have been assigned in the kitchen since I arrive way earlier than my sister. And since I arrive home around 6pm, I try to prepare dishes that would be ready in less than an hour. This dish can be prepared in 30 minutes.

Spicy Chicken with veggies

You would need:
> 1- 2 pcs chicken breast, cubed
> 5-6 cloves garlic, chopped
> 1/2 onion chopped
> 1-2 pcs bell pepper, cubed
> 5 small tomatoes, cubed
> 1/3 -1/2 pack mixed veggies (corn, carrots, green peas)
> chili powder
> cayanne pepper
> pepper flakes
> salt and pepper to taste
> olive oil
> 1-2 pats butter
> a few drops of hot pepper (i used tabasco)

Directions:
1. Season chicken in garlic, chili powder, cayanne, salt and pepper. Let the chicken infuse with the seasoning for 5 minutes.

2. Saute chicken in olive oil for 5-6 minutes (or until chicken is cooked half way). Set aside.

3. In the same skillet, stir fry garlic, onions, chili flakes, bell pepper and tomatoes until soft. Add mixed veggies and 1-2 pats of butter. Cook for additional 3-5 minutes.

4. Add chicken and a few drops of hot sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes more.

5. Serve hot with rice.