Roselle Flower Tea

When I was in the Philippines, I used to buy Roselle Juice from a supplier and it costs a lot mainly because Roselle doesn't grow in my country. Here in Myanmar, I first had my first taste of Roselle in a Shan soup dish when I lived in Lashio. Now that I am here in Mandalay, I got hold of Roselle leaves at first, and dried them using my dehydrator, to make tea. They are actually sold in the supermarket as one of the vegetables people buy to use in cooking. 

A few days ago, we went to a morning market and found Roselle flowers sold at a really cheap price. So I bought some, and dried them in my dehydrator.

Now I have a jar full of dried Roselle flowers to make tea or juice with.

This is one of the reasons why I like it here in Myanmar. You get everything cheap and healthy. Unlike when I lived in Singapore, where everything is quite costly.

Roselle has a lot of health benefits. Here is a video I found. Do watch it.

Self Preservation is Self Care

In this time of uncertainty, one is certain: life is precious but we don't know when we'd die. I hope you all have this in your heart, that our lives matter, so does everyone else's. How we take care of ourselves, we must also do with others. Although, self care first, before others, is not at all a bad thing. For how can you give if you are no longer capable; how can you give if your body fails you already? How can you protect others if you are already dead?

So yes, if you want to care for others, make sure you are doing good and well. I am saying these things because a lot of people are dying in all parts of the world, and it is not just brought about by this pandemic, but a lot of other factors.

Just recently, my Facebook newsfeed flooded with different opinions about the policeman who shot a mother and her son, in front of his very own daughter, and the other people in the home of the victims. My first question was, why did he shoot them? Second question, what triggered the incident? 

There are far too many questions why things happen. There are so many reasons behind every action, and to speculate is never a good thing. What was on his mind? How did he feel at that moment, and why? Instead of giving speculations and opinions, I think it is best to look at all angles, and listen to all sides involved.Was he under the influence of alcohol, or drugs? And of course, what about the victims. What happened? What did they do to provoke "the man with the gun" that caused him to fire his weapon at them? Maybe if we look at the situation and seek the "why", then we will understand what truly happened. 

Given the same situation, in case a man points a gun at me and my child, I wouldn't do or say anything that could worsen the situation. To say things to provoke the one who has the upper hand will surely put me and my child in danger. To be meek in a dying situation is better than to meet anger with anger and pride. I speak for myself, I don't know how other mothers would do it in that same scenario. Self preservation is self care, so I can continue to love and care for my child. I will never be able to do that if I am dead.

There's No Place Like Home

There's No  Place Like Home..

There's No  Place Like Home..

There's No  Place Like Home..

Do you remember The Wizard of Oz? Well, I just wish I have Dorothy's ruby shoes right now.. I could tap  my red shoes and utter the words, but I will still be here, sitting in front of the computer, waiting for my loved ones to go online for a chat. 

Every OFW dreams of going back home and celebrate Christmas with loved ones and family. I always travel homeward at this time, but because of the pandemic, I am stuck. Well, it's not just me, and many of us working away from family and loved ones. It is one of the things we face, and should bear the burden of, although it is not really a bad thing these days. At least we have the Internet and Zoom to see everyone through online meets. I could just imagine how it was back then when OFWs didn't have these necessities. It must really be heartbreaking for everyone. 

Anyhow, I and my brother may not be with them this Christmas, but I am pretty sure we will still be together, online, that is. I pray this pandemic will end soon, and although nothing will become normal right away, I just hope things will get better. And hopefully too, I will be home in December 2021/

 

Almost Christmas, Time to Decorate..

Inspired by the recent Project X - project-based Science Competition, we made Christmas symbols using recycled materials. 

Our first Christmas symbol is the Christmas tree and its decor. 

It's still missing the decor on top. We are thinking of a star or an angel. But we are busy yet right now. 

I will be sharing the materials and procedures on this link.

Isn't it wonderful to decorate for Christmas and save the planet at the same time?

Because.. Why not???

Ah, a well deserved break. Today marked the end of 2020 for all our classes. We had online Christmas parties organized for for each class, this morning. After our staff meeting, all's done. Napped through the afternoon and woke up with Voice on Netflix  still playing. Hahaha.. What to do when the pandemic is still not over? Netflix, Netflix and Netflix.. Can you relate?

At 2 in the morning, I am cracking Walnuts. This is actually in preparation for all the recipes I am going to follow for our Christmas Medya Noche on the 24th.

But cracking Walnuts is better with Cabernet Sauvignon. Ha! So I opened my red wine ahead, hahahaha...

Oh well, look at this yummy Walnut. Isn't it gorgeous?   If not for the pandemic, I 'd be on a plane now, bound for Kuala Lumpur or Bangkok, then Manila or Cebu, then my hometown, instead of killing time like this. This will be the first time to spend Christmas away from my family. It's a good thing I have housemates to spend it with. 

My Male Version

Have you ever wondered how you would look if you are the opposite gender of what you are now? Well, a few months ago, I was intrigued by a phone app that allows us to see how we would look like if we were the opposite gender. So I tried it..

Tadaaah!

 So that is how I would look.. hahaha.. I posted it as my profile pic, and someone was so jealous thinking I have a new boyfriend.. LOL.. 

Anyway, there are a lot of these apps on Play Store, so if you like, you can search what you like to try and see for yourself.. 

Have you ever hugged a tree?

 I have... see????

This tree is said to be old, and it's huge... This was taken last year, on my mother's birthday. My friend Cho cho, a co-teacher from the previous school I taught in when I was in Yamethin, Myanmar took me to see Kyee Ne Lake, the most important body of water in the area as it is said to provide water and electricity in the area. 

I love the fact that being one with nature is not only being there, gazing at the marvelous sunrise, but I got to play around and hug the huge tree. This tree is just in front of the moat around the monastery, but we entered through the park, where people spend time to exercise, kids play on the playground, and in the evening, some shops will open for people who like to relax there. 

I love the fact that the entrance to the park is so inviting. So many plants and flowers in the area, my pictures do not show them though.  

This is just a few feet away from Kyee Ne Lake, which is completely opposite to what you see here. I am glad Cho cho brought me  here last year. This year, as we deal with Covid 19 pandemic, memories of this moment just makes me wish there's another chance for me to hug another huge old tree here in Myanmar.. 

Oh well, back to work. holiday is almost done.. Happy National Day Myanmar...