I started December with a busy work schedule, deadlines were really deadly and there were too many issues to settle. It was overwhelming to the point that I was already feeling sick about it —adrenaline fatigue they call.
How busy me? During the last day of November, I even threw a little party for my bois to celebrate their 3rd birthdays.
think I overdo the party food? 😛
I invited a very few relatives (those with family dogs only) because Covid remains a scare for me and despite government reports of declining numbers there’s this in me that I don’t want to believe and be complacent.
By 1st week of December and right after the 13th month pay, I braved the city once more for another little gathering with my staffs. We held a mini get-together to observe the holidays, pull off the old Kris Kringle and had dinner buffet at Guevarra’s.
It was so much fun sitting down with everyone like the pre-pandemic years. We ended the night joyfully in the hope that we could do it once again.
Thank you for all your very thoughtful gifts ♥. (some of the gifts were part of the sack I picked at the office before Christmas)
If you have plans of dining at Guevarra’s here’s a handful of tips:
- Call ahead to reserve a seat, if you’re a group of 6-8 best seats are those near the buffet (left side of the buffet setting). It’s somehow isolated from the rest of the diners.
- Pay the 50% reservation fee to secure the slot, be sure to have your payment acknowledge.
- Arrive at least 15-30 minutes ahead of your scheduled time, also for you to score a good parking slot.
- Be ready with your vaccination card, it’s required.
- At the buffet, better start first at the meat section to avoid the queue. It also takes time for them to replenish. My favorite is the Angus Beef Tapa.
- Other sections are passable IMO. For dessert, try the bibingka & puto bumbong.
On the second week of December, I attended the department’s virtual Christmas party. It was a bore because I hardly knew most of the attendees from other teams. I mean I totally have no interaction with them because we don’t work with them internally and coincidentally we just have the same big boss. Introvert problems but I miss the company-wide Christmas party.
And then, the kitchen got too busy so I have to double time from my crucial corporate job. It was an overwhelming experience and can’t thank enough my family and friends for supporting our small business. While baking one time, my Nanay commented how the oven became so functional after years of it being completely still because I was too afraid to ignite it.
We have included our house favorites pasta to our menu and our signature dishes which were always requested during family events.
Order na kayo! 😀
I’m thankful for the work-from-home arrangements because I can multitask, tho at times the house routines (dusting, scrubbing, sweeping, etc.) still gets me annoyed from time to time even the cooking part, to the point that takeout became frequent.
We heard mass on Christmas eve but we don’t stay late for the Noche Buena. We don’t really do the traditional Christmas dinner, instead we feast early on Christmas morning for breakfast. Christmas ham, cheese, breads, cheese and more cheese.
Christmas breakfast. Forest ham & cheddar cheese from Rustan’s deli. Sourdough from Aficionadough (one of my favorite bakeshop). Not in photo, potato salad.
Christmas lunch. Grilled porkchop, corn & carrots, macaroni salad & fiesta ham
Christmas dinner. Crispy pata & silky carbonara.
The husband was so thoughtful with his gift this year, super effort na effort sa pagbabalot yarn 😛 nahulaan nyo ba kung ano? Gift reveal sa part 2. Hehehe
Two days after Christmas we had another celebration at home to celebrate the Feast of St. John the Evangelist. We didn’t really prepare big, just enough for my maternal circle who always comes in troupe. And also, we’re trying to limit the people because it’s still pandemic after all.
And while all these are happening, I’m worrying about the quarter end, year end close. I’m worried about the numbers, I’m worried about the quota and deadlines. On the 29th which was our last working day for year 2021, all ends well despite some draw back. Grateful for the 2-day company holiday, Christmas Bonus and the wfh set-up.
So, on the 30th, I treated myself well. I was able to do some retail therapy and went home happily with my comfort buys. We visited S&R first to buy all the necessities for the NYE —fruits, cheese, chips, chocolates, etc.
Then headed right after at IKEA. Excited like a little girl visiting Toy Kingdom!
I wanted to buy a lot of items (like this EKTORP in Blekinge White) but considering an upcoming project at home I need to tighten my budget and take home the basics only (for now).
To be continued because I need to step out for my booster shot. Thank you, LGU.
P.S. This post was pre-maturely posted last Jan 14, during my birthday because I forgot I put it as a scheduled post in the hope that I will be able to finish it on time. Hehehe. Anyway, I had a happy birthday because too many cakes, too many foods (thank you to everyone who was so thoughtful to send food trays and bilao) and the husband was home to celebrate with me. ♥
january 