The One About The Summer That Was

As I write this blog entry, I am taking a break from unboxing my stuff from last school year in preparation for the advent of a new one.  I am slowly willing myself to get back into the teaching groove given that I have one more week before classes start.  However, it is proving to be more challenging than it used to be given the kind of summer vacation that I just had.

The summer that was was nothing short of wonderful.  Apart from a quick trip to Hong Kong, it was really nothing grand but every minute of it was well-spent and none of the I-just-lazed-around-and-watched-TV-and-slept-all-day kind.

I still woke up at around 5 o'clock in the morning to prepare my husband's baon.  Once he is off to work, I would steal a few more minutes of sweet slumber before finally waking up and preparing myself a light breakfast of either yogurt or omelette.  And I then I would clean the house until it is spic and span.  Twice a week, I would attend Zumba classes in a nearby gym which would send my endorphins singing well until the end of the day.  No need for coffee -- at least for two days a week. :)

Upon coming home and taking a shower, I would devote the rest of the day to either sewing, knitting, reading, trying out new recipes, or drawing up plans for my passion projects.  It would involve me sitting with Miss Gertie (my sewing machine and, yes, she has a name because, why not?) as she hums away happily as we churn out a new soft toy or an article of clothing.  It would involve me catching a good movie on TV with my knitting needles and a ball of yarn in my new attempt to make Waldorf balls for my new niece.  It would involve me curling up with a good book as I attempt to make my bedside pile shorter.  It would involve taking a quick trip to the grocery, picking out ingredients for a new recipe.  It would involve taking trips downtown, scouring for materials and supplies for future projects or sitting in a cafe with my laptop or notebook of ideas, mapping out the steps I will soon take for the things I am passionate about.  At times, I would catch up with friends I have not seen in a while.

More on this kimono soon!

Took an online workshop that fit right in my passion project plans!

At the end of each day, I have never felt more productive.  My husband has never felt more cared for.

At the end of each week - Fridays - to celebrate accomplishments no matter how small, I would treat myself to breakfast or lunch at some place as a way of indulging myself after a productive week.  It did not need to be expensive but I ate what made me happy.

Breakfast as Third Cup Cafe

Lunch at The Royal Picadilly Restaurant

 Breakfast at The Breakfast Table

On my last day of summer, I simply unplugged myself from my "work" schedule and took things easy.

And so, the summer that was.  There was no opportunity to be bored simply because I did not let myself be.  Poor TV was seldom turned on because there was always something "more important" to do.  The days were simple; the moments were all lovely.  :)

Weekend Tidbits: Breakfast and Lights

I had been looking forward to the opening of a new breakfast place in Maginhawa Street.  Days before the official (soft) opening, I had already placed reservations for two (talk about being excited!!!).  Last Saturday, Hon-some and I woke up early to enjoy our favorite meal of the day at The Breakfast Table.

We were charmed by the lovely rustic country interiors done in a palette of blue, beige, and white.  We also loved the small details like the shovel and bucket lighting fixtures and placemats made from old denims with the back pocket used for tucking in the cutlery.

Here's how breakfast works at The Breakfast Table.  On weekdays, they offer their a la carte menu.  Since we visited on a weekend, we were able to avail of their breakfast buffet which was done rodizio-style.  Taking inspiration from Brazilians, waiters at The Breakfast Table will keep serving you food until you signal them to stop.

"Keep this side up to signify that our waiters will continue to serve you your breakfast."

"Having this side up means you are done with your breakfast."

 And here's the breakfast parade that made our tummies happy:  an appetizer of bread chips and kesong puti...

 

My messy plate with all the breakfast fare:  three kinds of longganiza (Batutay, Recado, Tuguegarao), ensaladang itlog na maalat and kamatis, danggit.

Glorious garlic rice

Choco banana bread

 I washed all the food down with their taho shake.  A must-try!!!

Eating at The Breakfast Table was a pleasurable experience.  The ambiance is wonderful, the food is really good especially if you are craving good ol' Filipino fare, and the waiters are attentive and they really know the food they are serving.  :)  Can't wait to go back.  I hear their a la carte menu is just as good. 

And just to show that I did not just gorge all weekend, we went to see the lights at Ayala Triangle Gardens.  The best one yet in all these years, in our opinion. :)

The weekend that was. :)