Skid Row

Skid Row: 
The rundown area of a city where the homeless and drug users live.

My last personal blog post was over a month ago and it was about my pregnancy-some of the things I've learned and all those things I went through. Nowadays, people just call me "buntis" "buntit" or "preggo" and I can't help but think that last time I checked, I didn't have my name changed into those. I'm still Nym--with a bump. I would very much appreciate it if you stop calling me by my recent condition because it's not cute. At all. 

This was taken around three months ago when my tummy was still 4 weeks old. I was with the bosses for our 2017 Strat Plan and my friend and I decided to take a break outside despite the drizzling weather. I'm not much of a basic staple fan but if I want to be as inconspicuous and competent-looking as possible, I always don them. I'm the youngest in the middle management position as of the moment and oftentimes, my age is the bane of my job. 

There are few instances that I have to try doubly hard to get my point across and in an industry as old as one of the oldest professions of all time, people tend to get petty with me. I don't believe in pettiness as this is childish and an absolute waste of my energy, however, I always treat people the way they treat me. I've been a better version of myself for the past years but some things, I just don't have the heart for. 

As with my maturity (or at times, the lack thereof) I question if I am capable of being in this job. Deadlines make me doubt myself if I am really up to this but in time, I've learned to stop obsessing about things that are not in my control. Obsessing about what I could have done or what I am supposed to do robs me of my ability to appreciate the blessings and the abilities that I have now. 

It's quite simple really, being preoccupied and trying to acquire the things that you don't have deprives you of having the attitude of gratitude. Eventually, the drive will burn you out and you'll be left with being bitter and not being appreciative of what you already got. 

Who knows, maybe this will be my last post in this blog for this year and I would like to wrap it up by thanking every one who spared a few minutes of their time in my site. I'm not really a fan of New Year's Resolution but perhaps, by next year, I will give my best shot of being consistent :) 

Blazer: Uniqlo|Tank Top: Gap|Pants: Zara|Flats: Payless

Has anybody ever told you that

As soon as I knew how far I was, I looked up everything I can from the internet. Every OB appointment is something that I look forward to because it gives me the opportunity to ask questions that has no answer in Google. I measure myself every week and check on every progress that was applicable to me and the signs that I have to observe which might mean trouble.. but there are things that your friends, family, your doctor and internet won't be able to tell you and I enumerated some of them here

7. Migraines. Headaches or what ever you call them. You can basically identify your baby's needs by which part you are having a migraine. Right migraine means your thirsty, left means your hungry or you need to pee and front lobe pain means you have a sinus induced headache.

6. Burps are precious. I'm sure that you've heard of cases wherein a pregnant woman can't stop burping. It might be embarrassing but each burp is a step away from indigestion and heartburn. I tried eating and lying down less than 30 minutes after. It didn't happen again cause the feeling was THAT horrible.

5. Don't eat your fill. You are not eating for two, you are eating for you and a baby the size of a peach, there's a difference. My OB told me that your baby is considered a parasite (as icky as it sounds) wherein s/he is going to siphon all the energy from you so you have to be smart about what you eat. I don't eat my fill because that's when I vomit.

4. Exercise has cured me of my fatigue and migraines ALWAYS. First trimester fatigue is one of the worst things that I went through. It made me lazy and complacent and it made me want to skip gym. The hardest part is actually moving my tush to the gym, once I'm there, everything is easy. So sweat it, because endorphin is a natural cure for headaches.

3. Pregnant people get free access to Ayala Center's Customer Lounge all day, every day. I was having one of those "I have to nap" moments while I was in Ayala and so I went to their Customer Lounge. As I was readying my payment, the woman asked me if I was pregnant and after I said yes she waived my payment and asked me to choose which seat I'm most comfy at.

2.  People will always have something to say. This. This irritates me most of all. It's damn if you do, and damn if you don't. Every day I am thankful to have a kind of pregnancy journey that's easier than most and a husband that allows me to experiment within my bounds. But people, most especially mothers, will try to dictate you on what and what not to do..and you think that this stops after pregnancy? Well think again. B was worried that I am actually very sociable and nice which is unlikely for a pregnant woman but when I get nasty, woohoo, watch out cause I know how to use words well and I aim straight for the jugular.

1. I'm almost halfway (16 weeks) in and my journey is a whirlwind of events and I think this is going way too fast. Before I know it, I might be snapping during my labor and giving birth. The reality is that, people will tell you to enjoy your pregnancy not only because it happens only a few times but because everything happens swiftly.

First Trimester FAQues

If you know me well, then you read the title just right. I guess you've all been "there" too and were asked some absurd questions that sometimes leaves you clueless on what to say.

Last night, I was up for an extra 30 minutes trying to figure out if these are just pregnant hormones making me mean but I realized that my pregnancy is just an excuse, I am really mean. Anyway, here are some examples of questions that were asked to us (B and I) that we answered rather, POLITELY but what we really want to say was something of the snarky kind. Single ladies, you can learn from this, either you try and not ask these questions as to not appear annoying, or ask these questions if you wanna piss off 'em baking women.

10: Congratulations! Do you want it to be a baby boy or girl?
Actual Answer: Okay rami sig unsa man
What we want to say: a healthy baby

10.1: but really, in your deepest of thoughts and wishes, unsa jud inyung gusto?
Actual Answer: Okay rajud sig unsa
What we want to say: B#g$ man siguro ka. Gusto namu maundang na imung pangutana.

9: Is walking on a treadmill at this early stage safe? Di ba kaha ma lag lag imung baby?

Actual Answer: Okay raman

What we want to say: Does your vagina open every time you walk?

8: Have you already decided where to give birth? You should check out *insert _________ here*

Actual Answer: We are already canvassing where, we are going to add this one on the list, thank you kaayo!

What we want to say: We already have two in mind but we are not saying because people will always have something bad to say about something.

7: OMG Congratulations! How far long are you? Wow your tummy looks big/small lagi?

Actual Answer: __Weeks, mao ba? Dako/gamay siya? 

What we want to say: ___ Weeks, actually wala pay international standards na size sa kani na weeks, so we wouldn't know if it's big or small. 

6: Huii, who would you want the baby to look like?

Actual Answer: Wa pami kahibaw actually, basta ang ilong good luck. 

What we want to say: Bryan: Me

                                     Nym: Me

5: When are you due?

Actual Answer: May 4-7 next year

What we want to say: May 4-7 next year, around mid-year bonus ninyu. Timing sa? :)

4: What are your plans after giving birth?

Actual Answer: B wants me to resign after to be a full-time mom for a year. I don't know what's going to happen after that

What I (Nym) want to say:  B wants me to resign after to be a full-time mom for a year. but I will most probably be an Uber driver by the time our baby is 6 months old.

3: Have you guys decided on a name already?

Actual Answer: Wala pa :)

What we want to say: Yup we already did but we are not telling. 

2: Congratulations! So, naa najuy morning sickness? Or mga di ganahan na food?

Actual Answer: Wala man, no morning sickness, all food is fine, I just don't like drinking water and I'm always sleepy

2.1: Mao ba? Kuyawa gud, wait til your next month dayun you'll experience those

Actual Answer: Maayu lag di sad ui. I'm like mama, she didn't experience those

What we want to say: Can you just quit imposing those on me? Di man mandatory maka experience ko ana tanan, kung wala, wala okay? Stop waiting for me to feel miserable. You are already around as it is

1: OMG! Congratulations! Finally! How did you guys do it?

Actual Answer: Exercise, prayers, God's time not ours

What we want to say: Uhm, how every one makes babies I guess?

Of PCOS, pregnancy, cheating on my first trimester and trying to be fit

OF PCOS

I was diagnosed with PCOS when I was in my late teens. I thought that having irregular periods and inconsistent weight gains/loss were just attributed to my stress since I used to study and work the during my college years.

While not fatal, it is life-altering. The doctor made me take medicines that caused me to have mood swings and dizziness. I try not to take medicines and supplements as much as possible since I have a Duplicated collecting left kidney.  That being said, I had PCOS and was taking medicines whenever I feel like it so it wasn't much of a use. Two doctors have already recommended that I make a lifestyle change since my cholesterol were also off the charts. I wasn't so keen on the idea since I am prone to headaches every time I sweat and I HATE RUNNING. 

at 145 kgs.

Last Nov. 2015, I had a wake-up call courtesy of our company annual examination. I was at 66kg.-overweight by 12kg., my cholesterol was +50 over the normal count, I looked bloated in all my pictures and again, the doctor warned me that if I'm going to keep up with my sedentary lifestyle, I might be mandated to take OTC supplements on my early-30s,- exactly the same thing that happened to my dad and he died of a heart attack when he was still 59.

Dec.2015, when every one was readying up for the holidays, I decided to try boxing at Allsons' Inn. My cousin posted snaps of their boxing session there and I got interested since it's an aggressive sport and it makes you lose weight, fast. Nobody can help me, nobody can lose my weight for me and accepting that fact,I believe, is one step away from the solution. Again, I was worried that all those sweating will give me migraines but there's no way to lose weight but to exercise.

Dec. 2015, first week of boxing

I am very surprised that I loved it. It got so addicting to a point where I box for an hour straight for 5 times a week. I didn't do it because I want to lose weight asap but because it was aggressive, it lifts away my stress and it's basically a whole body work out. 

Here are some of my progress pictures as over the 7 months of continuous boxing, From last Dec. 2015 at 66kg., from July at 57kg.

Jan 2016

Feb 2016

Mar 2016

Apr 2016

May 2016

June 2016

July 2016

PREGNANCY

Since I officially started boxing last Jan. 2016, I was off Metformin and I've been menstruating monthly. I attributed it to a healthier lifestyle.  I was promoted last Apr. 2016 and with a new job comes a new set of responsibilities. I didn't mind that I missed my period for a month cause though I've been regular for a few months, the PCOS just won't go away. Last September while I was done with my unusual 6 rounds (I box up to 12 rounds), my coach asked me to take a pregnancy test since I looked bloated. I ALWAYS look bloated when I'm a few weeks late so for compliance's sake, I took THE test.. and I was so shocked.

 I've been hopeful during the first year of our marriage and we've decided to shrug off the pressure and just as when we made plans for the rest of the year til the first half, God laughed and showed us His plans. 

CHEATING ON MY FIRST TRIMESTER

The husband was away on a business trip when I tested positive, so I have to wait for 4 days (til he gets back) to break the news. During that time, I was unsure of what to do so I decided to take a break from exercising and slept as much as I can. As much as I'd love to post the video of Bryan seeing the PT for the first time, he begged me not to since he looks ugly when he cries (that's what he said). We scheduled for an OB appointment and found out that I was already 8 weeks pregnant. Basically, I did these things without knowing that I was already expecting.

went at Bohol when I was 3 weeks

Malapascua adventure at 4 weeks

Crossfit at 6 weeks

Rock trekking at 7 weeks

The OB has assured me that everything is fine, my baby is fine and that I just needed to take Folic acid. She asked me if I felt any pregnancy symptoms and I swear I have no food aversions, morning sickness and the like. Just that, I am feeling sleepier than usual. In fact, as I type this (12 weeks), I sleep thrice a day. 

Basically, my first eight weeks went by in a breeze and I am thankful for that. 


TRYING TO BE FIT

I've been getting a lot of negative backlash since I decided to continue my fitness journey even though I'm carrying. I don't blame people if their views are traditional but it doesn't make me less irritated. My doctor is highly familiar with the drills that I do and she has given me a go signal to do it. 

I would also like to highlight these important things:

1. I started exercising before this and if I stop now, I will go back to being sedentary which won't be good for me or my PCOS.  

2. My usual 12 rounds are now cut back to 4, with arm exercises and squats after.

3. I used to exercise 5-6 times a week, first every 6AM and then around 7PM, but when I knew I was pregnant, I cut it down to 3, once a day.

4. I won't do anything to endanger myself and the baby.

5. Exercise combats my pregnancy fatigue. The fatigue is real and though I am lucky to skip the experience of morning sickness and the like, the fatigue and hunger pangs really get to me.

I plan to continue my fitness journey for as long as I can and for as long as I am allowed. Rather than wait that something bad will happen to me and my baby just to re-affirm your no-basis belief that I should slack down and eat what ever I want, I will sincerely appreciate it that you wish for the best. 

at 12 weeks 

Standstill

Standstill

a situation or condition in which there is no movement or activity at all.

It's been a few weeks since the last OOTD post and I've been quite sedentary for some time now so I decided to give my brain a few warm-ups by coming up with a post about love. 

When was the last time you told some one you love them? It really does matter, more so when it's followed-up by demonstrations and actions. Acts of love (fine, and a little bit of lust here and there) strengthens and sustains relationships. Letting someone you know love them gives them power to hurt you-they all say that, but the same person can also double your joy, happiness and your capacity to enjoy life. 

When they say they love you, they won't make you feel dispensable. If you are torn between staying with someone who treats you like an option or leaving all the toxicity behind, go for the latter. You are going to be out of your comfort zone, it will be unnerving, but in the deepest of your heart, you know you deserve better. Should they beg you to stay, it's not because they love you still, it's because they are manipulating you for they cannot see the fault of their actions. 

Starting a new is always painful, generally because you can feel yourself breaking into tiny little pieces and you don't know which piece to follow. Give yourself time to heal, and space to accept that you are someone new now. It's okay to acquire a new hobby, meet new friends and importantly, change your preferences. Though you are someone new now, take comfort over the fact that the pieces you have are the pieces that you need. Don't feel bad over the fact that you chose to take the high road, only remind yourself that you should have done it sooner. 

..and unless you are located in another planet, you are bound to see your ex s.o again, but there's something so yucky and icky about the word "ex" right? It actually sounds like the whole relationship was a mistake;it wasn't. S/he isn't your ex, S/he is your lesson. 

 --i wore this outfit during the opening of Benefit at SM Seaside, frankly, I was at loss what to wear. I know black is always the safest color but somehow it doesn't fit well with Benefit's branding of being bubbly, lively and quirky, so I opted for something utilitarian.

Up a Blind Alley

Up a blind alley: 

Going down a course of action that leads to a bad outcome.

I've been putting off posting OOTDs lately because I don't have a time to have someone edit my lay-out. I reverted back to a default template provided by Blogspot til I can find the time to have a sit down with a friend. To be honest, another reason is that I don't want people visiting this page and noticing that it totally looks lackluster. I just hope that my content will compensate for this newbie look.

How's your personal growth? I hope you are as blooming as always. Time and again I have repeated that we are all a work in progress and being a better person takes time. You are going to be misunderstood, and you know what? IT'S OKAY. Because people you knew are not used to growth. Who knows? Your version 2.0 is still making them uncomfortable so they don't know how to deal. Their unacceptable behavior towards your growth might give them an excuse to say, "I miss the old you, and I am behaving badly because I don't know what's wrong" but a poor behavior is no excuse for accountability.

 You were a wrong person at the wrong time but stop harboring on your mistakes, because you are the only one who can put yourself back together and be the right lover at the right time.

  

 Forgive my reactions here. 100% of these shots are stolen and it's quite embarrassing that I make those expressions on a normal basis. Now I understand why some people don't take me seriously. I wore this one during a Blogger event at SM City Cebu. I was quite in a hurry to come up with what to wear since this was a last minute invitation. I didn't even have the time to look at myself in the mirror. If you're an avid reader of this blog, you'll notice that this black blazer has been featured in other entries. Black blazers are anyone's staple. Way back college, I used to pair mine with tank top, shorts and Toms. 

Black Cavalry Twill Jacket: Mystery Girl|Sheer White sleeveless top: Anne Klein|Maroon leather skirt:/nobrand|Satchel:/no brand|Brown boat shoes: Highlands

Taylor Made

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and low-cut black in black, red, white and blue for Php 3,350.

         

  

      tailor-made for somebody/something

particularly suited to someone or something

Everyone has undergone the Converse phase. Some aren't even over it and some aren't even considering it a phase. Unfortunately for me, corporate life discourages wearing shoes that makes us look younger than we seem to be. But I do wear my trusty black pair on weekends. 

Converse began as a rubber company that makes sneakers and boots, til they discovered basketball and made themselves THE game changer. Do you remember the black and white footage of Harlem Globetrotters look-alike before? Well they were wearing Converse. What began as something that's for inside the basketball court only started to become everyone's outfit staple.

Converse sneakers are worn EVERY WHERE. It has become the essential choice of individuals wanting comfort, style and simplicity into one. From All Star to Jack Purcell

Someone I know who goes to the gym would always wear his Chucks and I've been contemplating on wearing mine too. I've recently started doing 20KGs squats and I need the most durable and flat sneakers I have, so by default, of course it's my chucks. I can only imagine what injuries I MIGHT incur should I still insist on wearing my running shoes. Since it's unsanitary, yucky and discouraged that we go barefoot during weights time, a pair of Converse shoes is THE only option because of it's flat sole which makes my feet extremely close to the ground. I believe that having the right shoe leads to a better technique and form. Power lifters who are champions in their league use Converse shoes. 

CONVERSE DEBUTS CHUCK II KIDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE

EXPLORERS

Newly Launched Version Of The Chuck II Delivers

Comfort And Durability For On-The-Go Kids

For young creative explorers who run around and play all day, Converse is releasing the

revolutionary Chuck Taylor All Star II. Built with active kids in mind, the Converse

Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids collection meets the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle,

delivering more comfort and durability.

Launching late this spring, the iconic Chuck II will now be available in kids’ sizing,

boasting the most recognizable Chuck II innovation features such as Lunarlon sockliner,

super soft micro-suede lining and a padded non-slip tongue.

On top of comfort features, the Chuck II offers premium style details, like an

embroidered All Star patch, on-trend high foxing, and monochrome matte eyelets.The

offering comes in black, white, blue and red.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids is at Converse retail stores. High-cut

and low-cut black in black, red, white and blue for Php 3,350.

CONVERSE DEBUTS CHUCK II KIDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE

EXPLORERS

Newly Launched Version Of The Chuck II Delivers

Comfort And Durability For On-The-Go Kids

For young creative explorers who run around and play all day, Converse is releasing the

revolutionary Chuck Taylor All Star II. Built with active kids in mind, the Converse

Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids collection meets the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle,

delivering more comfort and durability.

Launching late this spring, the iconic Chuck II will now be available in kids’ sizing,

boasting the most recognizable Chuck II innovation features such as Lunarlon sockliner,

super soft micro-suede lining and a padded non-slip tongue.

On top of comfort features, the Chuck II offers premium style details, like an

embroidered All Star patch, on-trend high foxing, and monochrome matte eyelets.The

offering comes in black, white, blue and red.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids is at Converse retail stores. High-cut

and low-cut black in black, red, white and blue for Php 3,350.CONVERSE DEBUTS CHUCK II KIDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE

EXPLORERS

Newly Launched Version Of The Chuck II Delivers

Comfort And Durability For On-The-Go Kids

For young creative explorers who run around and play all day, Converse is releasing the

revolutionary Chuck Taylor All Star II. Built with active kids in mind, the Converse

Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids collection meets the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle,

delivering more comfort and durability.

Launching late this spring, the iconic Chuck II will now be available in kids’ sizing,

boasting the most recognizable Chuck II innovation features such as Lunarlon sockliner,

super soft micro-suede lining and a padded non-slip tongue.

On top of comfort features, the Chuck II offers premium style details, like an

embroidered All Star patch, on-trend high foxing, and monochrome matte eyelets.The

offering comes in black, white, blue and red.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids is at Converse retail stores. High-cut

and low-cut black in black, red, white and blue for Php 3,350.

CONVERSE DEBUTS CHUCK II KIDS FOR THE NEXT GENERATION OF CREATIVE

EXPLORERS

Newly Launched Version Of The Chuck II Delivers

Comfort And Durability For On-The-Go Kids

For young creative explorers who run around and play all day, Converse is releasing the

revolutionary Chuck Taylor All Star II. Built with active kids in mind, the Converse

Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids collection meets the demands of an on-the-go lifestyle,

delivering more comfort and durability.

Launching late this spring, the iconic Chuck II will now be available in kids’ sizing,

boasting the most recognizable Chuck II innovation features such as Lunarlon sockliner,

super soft micro-suede lining and a padded non-slip tongue.

On top of comfort features, the Chuck II offers premium style details, like an

embroidered All Star patch, on-trend high foxing, and monochrome matte eyelets.The

offering comes in black, white, blue and red.

The new Converse Chuck Taylor All Star II Kids is at Converse retail stores. High-cut

and low-cut black in black, red, white and blue for Php 3,350.

THE Converse you have to be at is at upper ground floor Ayala Center Cebu, in front of Bench