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It's finally February, we made it through the first 31 days of 2026. So far, not too bad. Now, I don't want to jinx anything so tapping on the closest wood because I am looking forward to a wonderful year. I always do every year, we hit bumps but we can always make it!
We got this. 
I would like to boast, I was quite productive this weekend – highly unusual for a weekend alone. Typically, I drift into nothingness and dissolve into doomscrolling and/or bingeing crime shows. As I type this, I realize that there's a lot of unusual good things that took place, not that it's weird, but rather that it's not typical to happen.
It's the unusually warm weekend for a January-February winter. We just got through the negatives, and it's around 20°F which is amazing. Sunny and warm. I know you'd never say that during fall, but oh it's a lovely day! Ahh.. it's a little warmth to the body, and well, to the heart.
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January is almost over, so I suppose this is a very late New Year post. Nonetheless, it’s still a new year because - well, hello 2026. So far, nothing much has changed. I've been extremely busy as I always am, never have enough time to do what I want to do, and always never able to update when I wanted to.
That being said, it's not so bad. I am safe from exploding trees for the last couple of days. The Polar Vortex has begun and, of course, a lot of people act like it’s a new thing every single year. That and exploding trees.
*pause* I just re-read what I typed, and I sound quite grumpy tonight. Maybe it’s just me and how I perceive myself. Can you feel my stress through the screen?
My passion for photography started a long time ago, back in the 1900s. I guess I'm ancient by today's standards. I started with point and shoot film cameras, and I had an old Polaroid then. By the time I could afford to buy my first DLSR, which lasted me a good 15 years, I've already switched to the digital format; however, my love for film always has a place in my heart.
I had two goals - consistent film photography.
I failed. What is the November Project, and what does this have to do with film?
Yep, I'm pretty good at that. Call me a pro.
My messy craft room. My messy table. My messy plans for life.
I don't really have any new updates, other than I'm really trying to catch up with everything. Some life plans have gone haywire lately, things aren't going as planned. The direction took a good 45 degree diversion and I'm trying to make certain things work out and what not.
Time flies, and it flies by too fast.
October is Team Frank Puppy Month! This month we celebrate both our puppies, Hans and Ein. They are absolutely one of the best things that happened in our lives, and celebrating welcoming them into our lives is the least we could do. I just can't believe that it's been that long - this year Hans turned 10, and Ein turned five.
It's Sunday, 5:14 in the afternoon. Again.
The struggle in sticking to a consistent plan to do something is absolutely real, and nonetheless really difficult for me. 
There's so many things I have to do, and want to do. What did I do instead?
I watched Grey's Anatomy. Again.
We're back from camping... and more!
I have a lot of pending updates and a ton of photos to process and post. The past week was just me working and catching up, but the week prior was a blast! I have so much to share, so I think I’ll break it up into parts. 
Today, I’m just cleaning — and honestly, I’m not feeling all that great. I debated calling in a few times last week because I’ve been getting migraines here and there. If you’ve had really bad migraines (no, not just bad headaches), you know how they try to hollow out your brain. That being said, the task block is real.
I'm almost done with my preparations and I am nonetheless, most definitely buzzing with excitement! We packed like seasoned pros—checklists, gear, snacks, dog treats—but somehow ended up with way more baggage than last time. How we up accumulating this much? No clue. It... just happens.
Maybe it’s the extra cozy flannel or the floral dress I couldn’t leave behind? Either way, we’re ready for adventure, campfire cuddles, and some serious bear vibes. Hans & Ein are already sniffing everything like it’s their full-time job, and of course Ein found some gross thing again... as always. Every. Time. Why? Ugh. 
EAA AirVenture kicked off yesterday, and honestly? It was aviation overload in the best possible way. Planes everywhere. People everywhere. Sunburn everywhere. I’ll probably blog about it tomorrow or sometime this weekend, assuming I don’t get distracted by snacks or photo edits. For now, I’m just emotionally recovering from all the zoom-zoom sounds in the sky. Anyway, here is one of the photos I’m working on right now—because if I’m going to ramble, I might as well pay my internet tax.
I feel old.
I often play it off as the fine lines on my forehead, which truly does bother me; but realistically, it is a bit less shallow than that. 
It still feels like yesterday - I used to tell myself that I still have these many decades before I'm 60. The ripe age of retirement. While I now understand that turning 60 doesn't necessarily mean life is over, we cannot deny the fact that most people do get sick by this time, and a lot of things become restricted.
My fear is that I have so many things to do yet, but time is ticking.
Some mornings are just meant to be savored. The perfect coffee, especially one that Bear prepared and brewed... Took some time to make some ham and egg sandwiches. We didn’t rush. We just sat, sipped, and soaked in the quiet joy of being together. It’s funny how the simplest things—coffee, sandwiches, shared silence—can feel like the biggest luxuries.
This is one of the mornings I truly cherish...
Okay, okay — I finally did it! After weeks (...fine, months) of procrastinating, I took the plunge and got the Michael Kors bag I’ve been eyeing on for so long. And to complete my spring vibe? A Velvet Caviar cherry blossom phone case that screams “Cherry Blossom season, but make it aesthetic.”
So I suppose this is my spring (and summer) aesthetic - Sakura ~ soft pinks, floral everything, and a little sparkle of self-love.
I did previously mention, I am such a foodie, ye?
I love trying different types of food and cuisines, but there is something new this time that I have never had before that made me really happy. 
I love Mexican dishes, and Hispanic food in general. While Mexican is the most popular, I've tried Puerto Rican and Cuban food ~ and oh, they were delish! A couple of days ago, we went to a locally owned Mexican Restaurant - La Baja. You will find this nice and cozy spot on the corner of 9th and Ohio St.
Upon checking the menu, I found two things I really, really like - ramen and birria!
Food is an integral part of my life - as it is an integral part of the culture I grew up in. Filipinos are known for our love of cooking and our intense urge to feed everybody. While it may be a common stereotype, it doesn't really stray that far from the truth. Not all Filipinos love to cook or eat, but food is definitely makes a big part of our daily lives.
Filipinos, in general, love to eat. We have breakfast, merienda (Spanish/Filipino for a light snack... but we typically make it another meal of its own), lunch, merienda, supper, and maybe another late night merienda. Growing up, my family loves trying out different dishes - that being said, we would love going to our local carinderias and check out new places - go to the usual street food stall and check out the one that just came up. We do the same with our friends, especially when I was in college and when I started working.
Moving to the US didn't change a thing. Clearly, the portions are bigger and so did I gain much of that portion in stored energy cells.... Here's my most recent foodventures!
At the end of February, I took a brave little leap and went on my first ever business trip to Minnesota. It was a total first for me—not just work-wise, but also travel-wise. I was so nervous I could’ve packed five backup toothbrushes (I didn’t, but almost). But the big kicker? I was traveling without Bear. Yep, just me, my suitcase, and my Squishmallow, thee Polar Bear.
I flew out of my beloved cold, snowy Appleton and landed smack in the chaos of Minneapolis airport; but I managed to find my way like a tiny, anxious explorer on a mission. I stayed at the Radisson Blu, which was connected to the Mall of America, and let me tell you: solo hotel vibes hit very different. Thank goodness Polar Bear was there to keep me company.
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Hey, it's me!I've always loved to write. Not saying I'm good at it, but hey this is the story of my life! 
Things I LovePhotography. Puppies. Arts. Crafts. Cooking. Animals. Makeup. Beaches. Pink things.
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