Stitching Home

I have been knitting scarves again since the community quarantine has been extended to April 30th. My yarn supply is running low, and I crochet fast. Knitting has regulated my crafting pace and also, helped me conserve my yarn.

Knitting at home has helped me process my feelings during this quarantine. I felt grief for the recent death of my loved ones, especially now that I am unable to visit their graves. I thought things through as far as relationships and friendships are concerned. I felt blessed that I am healthy and safe at home. And I felt thankful to have hobbies to keep my mind alert and preoccupied.

Stitching these scarves together has also helped me realized that home is a feeling, rather than a place. Someday, when this quarantine is already lifted, I will still continue knitting and crocheting. This is home for me.

Knitting Warmth

I started knitting again yesterday. It’s been quite a while since I busted out my knitting needles as I have been hooked on crochet for months now. Anyway, the cabin fever has caused me to return to knitting.

I love using these Furls knitting needles because they are handsomely crafted and they do feel good to touch. They make my Attic Yarn and Craftery yarn glide seamlessly with every stitch. The knitting experience with these tools is absolutely meditative.

Instead of feeling helpless with the extent of the corona virus, I am continuing my hobbies at home. There is joy in these simple crafts. Someday, I will look back on this quarantine as a time of enjoyment and self-assurance.

Summer Knitting

Yesterday, I knitted while having lunch and coffee at Summer Cafe in Coron. It was a ray of sunshine amidst the gloomy day.  

I ordered the cheesy omelette and americano. It was a delicious combination!

For dessert, I headed to Pedro’s Gelato, a local ice cream joint in Coron. 

I had the ube langka and mango sorbet. It was so good!

Then, I visited the mangrove forest near the Maquinit Hot Springs. 

It was fun to knit, be my foodie self, and explore nature all one day. Hope to have more memories with the things that make me happy.  

Knitting By The Sea

Yesterday, I finally got to knit at Boracay. 

It was a treat to watch the waves crashing by as I stitched my scarf. 

I also got to buy functional souvenirs from local handmade merchants, such as Boracay Leathers. 

When it was time for a cuppa, I went to Real Coffee to sample their barako and famous calamansi muffins. 

I bought myself a personalized anklet from a handmade jewelry vendor. 

And even if I’m not into swimming, I enjoyed the remarkable white sand and pristine waters of Boracay. 

Getting out of my comfort zone is part of the journey. For every new experience, there is always knitting to keep me going so I know that there’s something to look forward to. 

Homespun Scarf

I just finished knitting this scarf using The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s Lion Brand homespun yarn. It has a slightly faux fur feel to it, which I love. It can also provide substantial warmth and style to any outfit. 

This project has helped me remain cool during this week’s challenges: job interviews, meetings, appointments. I was able to do some adulting while knitting this scarf! 

I know that I can achieve many things while applying my skills in knit and crochet.  

Happy Monday

I had a busy Monday. I found myself at Power Plant Mall yesterday for lunch, so I brought my starving self to Shawa Wama. 

I ordered the red beet falafel rice meal with a side order of fried cauli. It was delicious!

I later proceeded to Trinoma in Quezon City for a meeting. Later for dinner, I treated myself to this beautiful chicken and pasta plate from World Chicken. This outlet in the mall never fails to please me with their flavorful chicken and generous sides. 

And before calling it a day, I spent time with my favorite dog Ella and her friends at Barkin’ Blends Dog Cafe. It is always a lovely time with these fur babies who love being with humans.  

Having a good Monday is a state of mind. Even if I’m busy, I find myself eating the food that I want, knitting, and swinging by my usual dog cafe. Life is too short, so let’s make our Mondays count! 

Knitting Black

I visited SGD Bodega again for some black coffee from Sagada and my favorite oatmeal cookie.  

The sunny cafe and open ambience inspired me to take out my needles and knit.  

Knitting while sipping black coffee is truly relaxing. I feel one with nature whenever I’m in this cafe.

I know that someday, I’ll knit in the mountains again.  

Picturing Happiness

I spent the weekend at my best friend Luti’s condo. Our friend Amabelle was in town (she’s based in Batangas), so we watched Netflix while catching up. 

Luti’s condo is right in the middle of the city. It’s also near a couple of malls that I frequent. 

The sunrise looks pretty from her window. 

We did some brisk walking early Sunday morning.  

I also bumped into my friend from Human Nature, Cindy. 

We had breakfast at UP’s local resto, Chocolate Kiss.  

Their tsokolate (hot chocolate) was delicious. 

So was this longganisa brekkie plate.  

We ordered cakes in honor of our late friend Diane’s birth anniversary.  

It was also a pleasant surprise to see the photo I submitted to Manila bulletin get published.  

I needed a cuppa after our heavy meal, so I got myself an iced latte from Nomu.  

It’s a well-balanced cuppa! I highly recommend it. 

Back in the condo, I was even able to do some crocheting.  

Later during the day, we went to the mall and I donated this Project Aral kit with slippers. It has become my tradition to donate kits every year. Hahahahaha  

I had yummy burger steak from Bigger Better Burgers.  

I managed to find a pretty floor. 

And I witnessed a beautiful sunset.  

I had quite a lovely weekend. Thank you Luti! 

Summer Pinks

I just finished knitting this infinity scarf at the hospital where my dad was confined. He told me that he wanted a blanket from me, and when I asked which colors he would want me to include in the project, he told me that he was simply thinking about it. 

I finished this scarf right before my dad passed away. 

It was handmade with love for my cousin Abby in Canada. I hope that she will like it. 

Life is too short. Here’s to more stitches and ties that bind us. 

Spicing Up Life

My life right now revolves around my terminally-ill dad. Whenever I need a break, I walk around the hospital.  

I buy food from nearby establishments, such as Bonchon.  

I knit.  

And I talk to friends, such as Bianca (kinder and grade school classmate) and her boyfriend JP.  

They gave my dad this prayer card from Padre Pio Chapel in Libis.  

I am grateful for friends, food, and yarn that keep me going during this tough time. With a dash of faith and a lot of prayer, I know that I got this.  

Going Up

Yesterday, I found this staircase at the hospital with natural light. I couldn’t resist taking a selfie in the sunny stairwell. 

I knitted as I cared for my terminally-ill father. 

Then, I joined my US and Canada-based relatives as they toured the village where we all grew up. I stayed here until I was twelve years old. 

We ended the day with dinner with Tarlac-based relatives and more Filipino food! 

I drove them in the rain, and I’m happy that we reached their hotel safely. 

I enjoyed my relatives’ company, and their visit reminded me that there’s nowhere to go but up. In tough times, there’s family I can count on, and faith to strengthen me.  

In Good Company

Yesterday, I had lunch with my helper Racquel at a Greek restaurant. We had to finish some errands, and this was a delicious break from our tasks. 

Then, I met my maternal relatives from the US and Canada for early dinner. We ate Filipino food, and had a massage afterwards. 

I even managed to squeeze in some knitting while having my massage. 

As an only child, it’s important that I find good company to help me get through my dad’s terminal illness. I’m glad that my maternal relatives supported me during this difficult time, and that my helper is always willing to extend a helping hand. They inspire me to keep going, no matter how bleak the days seem to be. 

Here’s to better days ahead! 

Faith and Family

I am thankful for family during this difficult time. My cousin Van sent us pastries, and I’ve been having delicious bread for brekkie. 

I am thankful for our helpful Racquel who had helped me through thick and thin. 

I am thankful for street food, such as these potato chip skewers. 

I am thankful for knit and crochet. 

I was able to give my makes to my relatives from the US. 

I am thankful for a friend I met online whose ministry is to share wooden holding crosses to the sick and their families. 

I am grateful for the gift of life. I am thankful for time with my terminally-ill father. I am happy that I can still share memories with my family. 

We are all in this together.  

For My Dad

Yesterday, I started with my new job. While my dad is fighting for his life at the hospital, I am beginning a new chapter in my life. I am commencing my new role as a Junior Accounts Manager in a digital marketing and tech firm in Quezon City.  

It is definitely a challenge for me to begin in an industry that I am new in. At the same time, it is the perfect opportunity for me to start again and grow during this difficult time.  

I may be criticized by my relatives and friends for working while my dad is in critical condition, but I am doing this to empower myself. I need to support myself and buy enough food to survive. 

I am doing this for my dad. I am dedicating my new job for him, as he has also worked hard to send me to school and to support me as I was growing up. Now, it’s my turn to earn and take care of him. 

I am thankful for the new job, and I hope that I can effectively contribute to the company’s growth as I also evolve as an employee.  

Cupcake Beanie

Today’s my blog anniversary! I started speakoutsam.com two years ago when I had a job in IT. I was the program officer of my alma mater’s IT department for during that time, and I felt that I needed to have something for myself that was related to my field. I am not a coder or a programmer, so a blog was the most logical choice for me to set up. 

I enjoyed blogging so much that I ended up doing it everyday. I got to share about my interests such as knitting and crochet. Incidentally, I just finished knitting this beanie for my goddaughter. So, if there’s anything that I can say today, it’s that you can blog about anything that makes you happy. If you have a hobby, then you can share about that. If you have a job that enriches your life with skills and training, you may also apply your learnings in your blog. 

It is also my first day at my new job. It’s at an IT company again. As my blog turns two, I am thankful for blessings that come my way, and for opportunities that lead me to where I'm meant to be.  

Here’s to more years to speakoutsam!

NAIA Work Day 3

Yesterday was the final one of my three-day stint as a NAIA Buyer Services Representative. I watched the sunrise at the airport while knitting. 

Then, I manned our booth and welcomed arrivals with a smile.  

I had Jollibee’s halo-halo sundae and brewed coffee for dessert during lunch.  

I attended mass during my break at the airport chapel.  

Then, I got to finish crocheting this scarf during my shift. 

I had maruya (fried sweet bananas) and brewed coffee at the cafeteria before close of business. 

Then, I rode the bus to World Trade Center. 

We had our debriefing at the venue itself. I was giddy to be back at Manila FAME. 

After our meeting, we got to explore the fair.  

All our hard work for the past three days was worth it once I saw the fair. I was blown away by the astounding exhibitors and the artistry of the Philippines.  

I am proud to be part of this event, and I have a renewed love for country after this.  

For dinner, I grabbed a beef bowl at Yoshinoya before calling it a day. 

It was an honor to serve our country and witness the capability of our artists. I am proud to be Filipino!  

The Attic Adventure

Yesterday, I was invited to visit The Attic Yarn and Craftery in Marikina City. 

I’ve been a client of this local yarn store ever since I began knitting and reacquainted myself with crochet last year. After buying their yarns at The Craft Central, I have since directly ordered from them online. Since then, I’ve become their friend in real life. 

It was a dream come true to step inside their cozy “attic” space. There were yarns everywhere!

It was heaven on earth! 

The owners, Tita Ces and Ceryl, are vintage fans. I especially marveled over their refurbished typewriters. 

I received a lovely handmade present from the owners. 

I also ate lunch with them and had the best tinapa pasta I’ve ever had (so far).

For dessert, we had flourless chocolate cake from a local pastry shop. 

It was to die for.

It was wonderful to see their yarns and winders in person. 

More than having the pleasure of buying from them directly and not paying for shipping this time around, it was the friendship that I have fostered with Tita Ces and Ceryl that I truly treasure. I had a magical day, and I’m sure that this won’t be the last time that I will visit them in Marikina. 

Friends and hobbies like knitting and crocheting make life sweeter! 

Knitting Strong

I stayed at the hospital with my terminally-ill father and knitted this cowl for my uncle, who’s celebrating his birthday in Europe next month. 

I used The Attic Yarn and Craftery’s choco fusion yarn to complete this project. 

I also got to attend Easter Sunday mass at the Pink Sisters Convent with my helper, Racquel.  

We had brekkie at Mushroomburger, where I was pleasantly surprised by their delicious food, coffee, and buko panda macapuno sundae.  

I met up with my paternal relatives for lunch to celebrate my uncle’s birthday in advance. I also gave my advance birthday gift to my goddaughter, Kate. I got her a curvy Barbie doll, to teach her about body inclusivity at an early age.  

I also made her fit the beanie I was knitting for her for size. 

I drove home and it was a beautiful summer day! Here’s to more sunny days where I knit myself strong.  

Sunday Recoupment

This week has been pretty intense. I survived a traumatic job interview with a company who misleads their applicants. I was lucky that I trusted my instincts and left. 

I also got into a violent incident in the train, which didn’t stop me from attending a seminar at AIM.  

These incidents made me feel tired, so I ordered Japanese food to keep my spirits up. I had the omu curry rice at Kimono Ken, which is a restaurant that I’ve been frequenting since my uni days. I had a delicious lunch and I will definitely be back!

I capped off my lunch with my usual Assam milk tea at Serenitea. 

It’s easy to bounce back from setbacks as long as I learn from them in order to prevent them from happening again. In this case, I learned to research thoroughly on the companies I apply for, continue to trust my instincts, and maintain my composure whenever I am attacked in public. I believe I was able to do so as I was offered a seat on the train by a kind gentleman. 

Here’s to more lessons, foodie adventures, and milk tea! 

Rainbow Scarf

I knitted this rainbow scarf while attending conferences, at a coworking space, at a focus group discussion, and while reading books and listening to music at home. I am fond of unplugging from social media from time to time and just allow myself to knit. The handmade pastime keeps me busy as I process my thoughts on work, the challenges I am facing, and everything in between. 

I am straight, but I respect people of all genders. It is my hope that by knitting this rainbow scarf, I can continue embracing diversity and the colorful future that awaits me.  

The joy that knitting gives me is priceless. Having a hobby that keeps your hands busy will reward you with a better attention span, the best sparks of brilliance (I’ve experienced having creative ideas while knitting and crocheting!), and a renewed appreciation for the simplicity of handmade. 

I hope that you will also discover the joys of knitting or any handmade hobby soon!