Resurrection

It is still January, the first month of the year, so I suppose I am still allowed to make a New Year resolution entry. Yes, this is my NY post, albeit 19 days late. 

In a conversation with my good friend, Camile, we discussed about our 2015 dreams, goals and resolutions. She said she wants work promotion, better grades in Law school, and an exciting (prolly wild) love life. As for me, I just told her that I want to bring the 2009 Kathryn this year. 

So, who is 2009 Kathryn? She was the broken hearted girl who 1). never missed a Sunday mass; 2). went to Fitness First daily for cardio and Yoga sessions; and 3). dreamt of having a "walk in the park" kind of Law schooling. Now, why do I want to resurrect that girl? Well, my answer is simple: I want THAT version of me BUT hopefully sans a broken heart. 

The church goer. The timing of the Papal visit was perfect. I wanted to renew my faith and God sent Peter's successors. Seeing Pope Francis in the flesh is an indescribable moment. I will never forget the genuine smile He gave me. And so, I resolve never to miss Sunday mass again. 

The Yogi. I vented out all of my heartaches, disappointments and frustrations in FF following my break up with F. In no time, I find myself shopping for sizes 2 and 4 clothes. I know that I have whined about how law schooling made me fat but I know too that I must stop making excuses for my laziness. I must make time to work out because others were able to do the same. I should start psyching myself that I should not feel guilty not reading--- sometimes, I feel that the 2 hours I will be spending in the gym is equal to 70 pages worth of reading, or atleast 10 cases that I could have digested. Crazy eh? Yeah, you have no idea how law schooling is! 

So, anyway, enough of that. I have resolved to lose all of my belly fats and love handles by going back to Yoga. Thank goodness, there are a lot of yoga coupons in group buying sites. In fact, I already bought one from Deal Grocer, in time for the Papal visit holidays.

And this is me after the first session. All muscles in my body were sore that I could not even stand. 

After a week...

I know it is a long way to go, 6 months or so get into the shape/body that I was in 2009. 

The reader. Armed with love for reading, I thought law schooling will be fine, or at least less stressful. What I wasn't prepared for was the amount of provisions that I have to memorize. I really have no problem with cases. In fact, I enjoy reading SCRA. But then again, a good grasp of the codals is what will make me survive the Bar exams. So the goal is to memorize 10 provisions per night. 

There. My resolutions for 2015. I hope that I can do all these things. Well, I can. And I must. 

Unending Grace

Tonight, I am breaking my Blogger hiatus because of this overwhelming feeling(s) inside me.

As everyone knows, His Holiness is here in our country for a pastoral visit (as He reiterated in His response during the event in Malacañan). From the very day He set foot in the Philippine soil, I religiously followed the Papal Visit on television and various social media. I cannot help but feel excited with a bit of envy with all my countrymen who were able to have a glimpse of Pope Francis. Every time I see the Pope on TV, I feel so inspired. His unlimited smile and sincere eyes has this effect on me that I cannot explain in words. 

The Tacloban visit, the most important event of all, was probably the best thing that ever happened in the city after Yolanda aka Haiyan although it was cut short due to typhoon Amang. I have never been moved by any preachers' homily as much as Pope Francis did. He opted to deviate from His prepared sermon in English and instead made an extempo in Spanish as He wanted "to speak from the heart". Thank you Pope Francis for telling us that you really do not have any more words to console the Yolanda victims as they suffered through a lot but just to remember that Jesus also suffered a lot to save us. Indeed, God is always with us. And that there is Jesus in all of us, a child yearning for our mothers in times of difficulty. 

Moving on to today's event, I went back to my unit the night before with my sibling and cousins because we thought that there was a bigger chance we could have a glimpse of Pope Francis in UST than in Luneta. 

So, at around 3:30 am, we endeavored to go to Dapitan gate to make it to the 9:30 am event. However, the whole stretch of Dapitan was jampacked. After 3 hours of lining up, we have given up--- sleepless, tired and hungry. 

Our last option was to go to Luneta. Thank God for my relatives working in the MMDA, we were properly informed of the Pope's route. We were told that His Holiness will enter the Grandstand near Museong Pambata. Armed with that knowledge, we endeavored to get a spot in the center island across the Museum. Finally, after 4 hours of being drenched in rainwaters, the papal motorcade happened. 

Yes, I had a good 4-7 seconds glimpse of Papa Francesco. And it was enough. I cannot think of anything that will probably top this experience. It was the best thing that ever happened to this Catholic educated girl. Truly, I felt so fortunate and blessed to have this encounter with His Holiness, not only because I am one of the 6M devotees who flock to Luneta, but because I know that the Catholic Church is in good hands with Papa Francesco. 

Viva Il Papa! Papa Francesco! #papalvisitph2015  

P.S. I am still figuring out how to upload the Papal motorcade video. 

 

Breaking News (at least to me)

I really have no words to describe what I am feeling right now. I guess, I am just shocked. But somehow, I hope that he gets to achieve his goals in the future because nothing will make me happier than to see him succeed in life. 

Day 12

Starting over again is my battle plan for this week.  

I made an effort to wake up early to jog around at the nearby subdivision. After which, I had breakfast with my mom.

Meal plan:

Breakfast- Baked omelette and crispbread, and fresh pineapple juice.

Day 11

Hooray for the weekend!

I must admit that I skipped brekky today because I woke up very late today--10:30am! Very, very bad. 

So, I decided to eat lunch at 11:30am with tofu sticks, cucumber slices, and grapes.  I guess, the guilt feeling still lingers. It's like I have wasted 10 days. Never again. Self control, K!

For dinner, I just had grapes again. Okay, I really love grapes, I can probably eat that all day everyday. 

Day 10

Yey, TGIF! I have never loved Friday as much as I do today. Ahaha. 

For breakfast, I had tofu sticks and cabbage, and coffee.

For lunch, we dined at Hapag. I got really twmpted to eat their bestsellers but the Cohen discipline in me won over. So, I only had strawberry salad. Goodness, the pureed strawberry as dressing is so divine! Best salad for me! Roka salata of Cyma what?!? Ahaha. Yes, it is that GOOD! 

Okay, I may have cheated today. I was not able to resist their famous Pastillas con Yelo. I promise to burn this through running and yoga. Bad, K! 

 

For dinner, I just had grapes.I feel so guilty cheating with the halo halo. 

Day 9

I was asked to do 3 counter affidavits for the respondents in a complaint for Physical Injuries in relation to RA 7610. The task pretty kept me busy almost the whole day because their testimonies were long. I had to read them over again to cover loose ends. And it was really challenging because I had to draft those in Filipino. 

Meal plan for today:

Breakfast- I just had crispbread and non feta cheese and coffee. I woke up late so I had to rush to the office.

Lunch- Since my officemates have "baon" or just order from a lady, I just ordered ginisang ampalaya and tofu sticks. Again, no pictures.

Dinner- I had bangus fillet in tomato and mango salsa. I have no appetite to eat whatsoever. I just wanted to hit the sack as soon I am done washing up.

Day 8

Today is the first day of my internship at the Public Attorney's Office in Malolos City. I cannot say that I am excited to work in PAO because I kind of feel that Litigation is not for me. Or that perhaps I am not into fighting causes for others as a public service. I don't know but growing up, I have always pictured lawyers in the corporate world---all powerfully dressed up in suits and stilettos. Okay, pardon the superficial me. 

Honestly, I kind of feel overwhelmed with the volume of Bulakeños who are in need of legal services. Their cases range from simple/grave oral defamation to theft to illegal drugs to robbery to homicide. What a first day and a preview of what my life will be in the near future!

Anyway, here is what I ate today:

Since, I was in a hurry for my first day high, I just had tuna spread and crispbread with coffee. 

Come lunchtime, I ordered Stir fry veggies and squid. No picture because I got too shy taking pictures of my food in front of my workmates. 

For dinner, I just had tilapia fillet with tomato & mango salsa.

Day 7

What a busy day!

I got too busy with my internship application that's why I was not able to prepare decent meals for today.

This morning, I had crispbread topped with tuna pate. Japanese mayo is allowed in the program, of course, in limited amount that's why I was able to make a spread. 

Come lunch time, I just had fruits and 2 crispbread because I had to leave for my PAO interview. 

For dinner, I just had tofu and steamed camote tops again (just like last night). 

Day 6

Goodness, I can't believe that I am on my 6th day in this program. Honestly, I cheat whenever I am on master cleanse program. The longest I can do is 3 days with myself throwing tantrums left and right. 

But thankfully for Dr. Cohen, the meal plan is very doable. The food amount may be too little---220g but when you get passed the 3rd day, everything will be fine.

So for today, my meals are the following:

For brekky, I was craving for pizza so I prepared crispbread topped with cheese and green bell pepper.

For lunch, I had sayote and tilapia fillet. Forgot to take pictures because I was really hungry.

Finally for dinner, I had tofu (because I really love tofu) and camote tops. 

Good night! xoxo

Day 5

Have a blessed Sunday, everyone!

My day started kind of late today at 8:10am. But it's fine because fortunately, I was able to attend the anticapated mass last night.

My meal plan for today:

Breakfast is tofu and cabbage slaw. 

Day 4

This post should have been published yesterday but because I got too busy with Flores de Mayo preparations, I hit the sack as soon as the event ended (actually, after I took a bath because wer hair makes me sleep almost in an instant).

Here's what I ate for my day 4:

Breakfast started at 7am. I just had caprese. Well, not really caprese as in tomato-basil-cheese caprese but a tweaked one. Hehe. Instead, I used tomato, green bell pepper and toasted cheese on crispbread. I just paired that with mango. 

For lunch, I just had grilled tilapia and steamed kangkong. It was around this time that we were prepping the caro for te procession later in the evening. No picture again.

For dinner, I just had crispbread. I know it is bad to skip a meal but I was really busy. Mass started at 6:30pm, it was followed by the procession for the Flores de Mayo. Event ended at 10:30pm. 

Day 3

I was so busy last night in my Tita C's despedida dinner hence the late Day 3 update. 

I am proud to say that I disn't binge last night. Yes, I was tempted to eat stuff not on the Cohen list but my desire to live a healthy lifestyle won over. Good job, Kathryn. Hehe.

Anyway, for breakfast I just had baked egg and vegies + 2 pcs. crispbread. I was in a rush to beat my 7am meal because I woke up late. Kind of hungover from SMC's #3peat! 

Come lumchtime, I just ate caulirice and tuna in brine. Yes, same as yesterday because I love it so much.

As for my dinner meal, I had grilled tilapia and steamed kangkong. Sorry, no pictures because I ate with my bare hand, thus the "I don't want to touch my phone", please. 

P.S.: 3 days in the program and I must say that I am loving it. No excessive exercise allowed but I can still manage to do 2 sets of 10 minute trainers. 

Day 2

Hooray for today! 

It's my second day in Cohen lifestyle and I must say that I am still adjusting to eating small portions of proteins and veggies--- 220g per meal! Not eating rice is fine with me because I am not really a rice person for I prefer bread and pasta. Unfortunately for me, no bread (except for crispbread) or starchy food is allowed in the program. 

Anyway, here's my meal plan:

For brekky, I just had a 175g of plain yoghurt and mango.

For lunch, I made a caulirice and paired it with tuna in brine. 

BIG CHANGE

Law schooling tremendously changed my lifestyle, thus the weight gain. I started to miss my gym and yoga sessions, to drink frappes almost everyday, and to sleep late at night. My lifestyle is pretty sedentary--- the only exercise I had was whenever I had to walk from the library to my classroom. 

I know that I should not be blaming school for all the fats I have accumulated because others were able to manage their time and weight/figure successfully. Perhaps, I am just making excuses for my laziness.

Okay, no more excuses.

And so today, I am changing my lifestyle by embracing Cohen. 

Day 1:

For breakfast, the prescribed meal plan is 55g cheese + 75g vegetable. I had 2 pcs. of Jacob's biscuits with cheese plus tomato and onion salsa. 

For lunch, plan included 100g seafood + 120g vegatable. I had tuna (in water) mango and cucumber salad. 

For dinner, I just had tofu steak + chicken and cabbage slaw. 

Women's Day

Happy International Women's Day!

Because the International Women's Day is celebrated around the globe every March 8, I thought of celebrating this event by wearing something pink. Yes, I wore my newly bought pointed heels from Zara! Nothing is more empowering than wearing sexy heels. Well, that was just my opinion. 

 

Remember this: 

May we all have a good week ahead of us. #finalsweek

Free Cut Friday

Luckily for me, I have a day off this semester---Friday. Normally, I would just stay at home, prepare for my IPL and Corpo Law classes come Saturday. But today, I decided to visit the newly opened Starbucks in Robinson's Place Malolos. 

I ordered the usual Mocha Frappe. Also, I claimed the complementary birthday cake from my Starbucks card. I probabaly went over my 1,200 calories limit diet. Too much calories for the piggy me. Well, at least it kept me sane all throughout my stay in the store.

I may never visit this branch again in the near future. It is like a "palengke". Too noisy for the poor me who wanted to study Evidence and to read on Corpo cases. I know that Starbucks is no library but I can't stop myself from comparing the QC-Manila crowds or even Starbucks goers in SM Marilao. Malolos crowd is just too much for me. 

Forever 24

My birthday balloons from FB! 

Yes, I just celebrated my 20th something birthday three days ago. Normally, I would make an entry about it but since I am swamped with my academic obligations until only God knows when, I am only writing it now.

When I started law schooling, I never really got the chance to celebrate my birthdays like I would when I was in high school and in early years of college where booze and dishes were overflowing. With my a la security guard schedule (5-9pm), luncheon date was the only feasible time I could squeeze in a "party". Well, save in 2011 wherein I went to SG with two of my closest classmates.

For the past two years, my celebrations came with eat all you can luncheon treat. Last year, we went to Vikings in SM North. This year, I opted for Sambo Kojin in West Ave. and in Lugang Cafe at The Block for unlimited xiao long bao. And some shoe shopping at Zara.

With different schedules and budget restraints, of course, I could not treat all of my friends and sorority sisters so I just sent them boxes of donuts from J.Co. 

When I got to school at 5pm for my Taxation class, a huge flower arrangement was waiting for me. The kind of bouquet my sorority gives to our Justices sisters and Bar candidates sisters. I got so kilig. Ahaha. Hello, flowers surely brighten one's day--- make the day extra special.

To all those who rememberedmy special day, thank you. All of you certainly made my day a memorable one despite my busy acads life. Thank you, Lord for another year. 

Of Dots and Hearts

Happy Chinese New Year! #cny

I have decided to sleep tonight with my dotted top and heart printed pajama, both from La Senza, to welcome the year of the wooden horse. Well, the dot or anything round, as they say, brings wealth and good fortune. Of course, I want money. More shoe shopping for me! As for the heart printed pjs, do I have to state the obvious? Yes, I am looking for that non consumming love. 

Good night. 

Midterms

Today is the start of five more exams for the midterm examinations. Taxation was manageable. Perhaps, it was all about general principles. Thank God!