Blog Posts - Life with Kimi

Not Ready for Work, But Here We Are

7/24/2025

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.

Happy Graduation, Mai!

6/22/2025

Graduating from high school is one of our lives' significant milestones - it marks the start of a brand‑new chapter as we look back into every moment that shaped us into the young adult we once were. Watching someone I care about reach that point is its own kind of magic, and I really couldn't be any prouder.

Mai has always been an part of our small family - she is Bear's cousin, which I adopt as my own, and it's amazing to see her grow from the tough and smart baby that she was to this young lady with a bright future ahead.

It's A Corgi Party

6/14/2025

One of the things I truly look forward to is attending Corgi meet‑ups. They don’t happen very often, so I always keep an eye out for local events - usually checking in on the Wisconsin Corgi Enthusiast Club on Facebook. I genuinely love meeting other corgi parents and giving Ein the chance to socialize with his fellow little stumped loaves. I, personally, think these are simple yet really meaningful experience for both of us.

Dramatic, yes. Very honest, also yes.

Most of the time, these meet‑ups feel like a little puppy–corgi‑mom date, but this time Bear decided to tag along as well. We met at Bark and Brew in Green Bay. I was absolutely thrilled to discover this place—it’s the kind of spot where you can relax, spend quality time with your pups, enjoy treats, and let them run around freely in a welcoming, dog‑friendly environment. It's also the first and only dog bar where puppies can play off leash!

The Third-Life Crisis

5/24/2025

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.

Blissful Mornings

4/16/2025

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...

Sakura Spring

4/13/2025

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.

La Birria

3/29/2025

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!

Oh I'm Such a Foodie!

3/13/2025

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!

My First Solo Business Trip! Minnesota Diaries

3/1/2025

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.

Sushiversary 2025: Snow, Sushi, and Sweet Victory

2/16/2025

If you follow me, you know every Valentine’s Day is officially our “Sushiversary.” It's a tradition that Bear and I hold dear, and I am not missing it for the world! For years, we’ve sworn by Island Sushi in Green Bay, but this time we decided to shake things up with a local contender - Sushi Lovers, right here in Oshkosh. Change is exciting, right?

Valentine’s morning rolled around, and the forecast was a frosty nightmare: single‐digit temps, blowing snow, and icicles dangling from every roof. Undeterred, Bear and I bundled up like Michelin men and set off for Sushi Lovers, dreaming of spicy tuna and avocado rolls. The excitement was real—until we saw the line. The place was packed wall to wall, and my sushi‐starved heart sank. I practically mourned over my empty chopsticks, but Bear, ever the optimist, promised we’d make it happen. When life gives you a sushi shutdown, you plan a comeback.

Ms. Belle Kitty Cat

2/15/2025

It was a cold Wednesday afternoon, and Bear came into my office asking me if I could take some time off the following day. He said it wasn't an emergency or anything, but he had a surprise for me. Given the nature of my work, a day's notice wouldn't cut it so I said can we do it some other day.

Bear said, of course - I will get you your surprise on Saturday. I stewed for a few days, because OMG who does that??

Saturday came, and I started to get dressed. Bear started to give me instructions - don't wear this and don't wear that - still trying to keep the surprise a secret, I was so confused why! Are we going to an escape room? Is this some paint ball event? Is this some sport event? Are we going to pick up a new puppy or cat? Are we petting goats or llamas? The escape room was definitely my first guess.

Got in the truck, started driving North. Turned to Bowen St. and I was thinking, the Humane Society is this way…

THE HUMANE SOCIETY IS THIS WAY!

World, meet Belle!

Remembering Andrea

2/8/2025

I don't even know where to start, and I still really don't think I have the right words to describe how I feel.

Throughout the years, decades even, I have lost people dear to me to many causes. I don't think I've really ever cried so hard since my grandfather passed away in 2001. I understand that sometimes, our loved-ones will go before us, and I always keep in mind that finally they are at peace. It also doesn't really help that I am not a very empathic person, that's how my brain is wired. Before you ask, yes I do feel sadness and hurt, but it's just not as painful, for lack of better words.

This time, it is a little... different.

I met Andrea four years ago, when I got the new role I applied for and joined the team where she was already part of. It was the beginning of COVID, and we were already working from home. I never had the chance to see her in person, and we pretty much talked through our work chat.

The Year So Far

1/19/2025

2025, so far, what can I say? The usual, I suppose. Up and down. Bittersweet. Fruitful and disappointing at the same time. One thing stands true tho, no matter how much you try to stay away from drama, somehow it will find a way to get through. One way or another.

That being said, I refuse. I rebuke. I refute. Whatever English word fits best, I am not playing these games.

One game the economy has been messing with again are egg prices. Really, of all things, eggs?

The never-ending egg-chicken saga continues this year. I am so thankful for my beautiful hens, I have no regrets having them at all. While we don't really eat that many eggs, I still can't imagine paying the prices in the groceries now. My fondness of birds are paying off, I suppose.

My Happiness at Home

1/5/2025

I never really thought I would be one to say that I now find my entire happiness at home. Then, the cliche comes along and it's quite hard to deny this saying...

Home is where the heart is.

It may be one of the most used up quotes, but I have to admit that it really couldn't be more accurate. See, I always craved adventure and going out in my younger years. During that time, there was a also a vast, empty void that I was trying to fill. I was out and about, finding ways to keep the happiness going. As an adult, I understand this more - it's like an addiction, I needed to go out and do something for dopamine. My happiness was temporary, I had to keep it going.

I am truly grateful for where I am now. My home life may not be lavish, my house doesn't have the white picket fence, and my husband and I both work hard to make ends meet - but it's fulfilling. Having our puppies, our other pets, my hobbies, and of course my best friend Bear. I know we can get through the ups and downs of life.

Well, Hello 2025

1/1/2025

Here we are, venturing into another year of uncertainty and hopes! I want to say that every year is a rollercoaster of emotions and adventures, so I'm expecting this year to be another one of those. I have to say, things have gotten a lot more mellow in my life *knock on wood* and I don't really have any complaints. There are challenges here and there, but I wouldn't say it's anything unmanageable.

I realized that the older we got, the less festive "big" celebrations have become. I know that it's not the case for everyone, and it's a bit sad come to think of it. A lot of people are working on these holidays, they're not really holidays anymore. Bear was also working on NYE and NY, so we didn't really have plans to go out.

On New Year's Day, however, we did go to one of my favorite local places in Oshkosh - Pete's Garage. I have to say, they have one of the best cheese curds in town! Now, mind you, this place isn't like any other bars because they definitely have that (how do I describe this) sarcastic sense of humor. Now, they won't berate you like one of those places where they will talk shit and yell at you. This is more of a... they're sarcastic jerks with great food. So be warned, if this isn't your cup of tea send someone to order to just one person takes the hit for the team because you'd still not want to miss their food.