I just came back from another work trip to DC for 8 nights. This time I didn’t set up back-to-back meetings with friends and colleagues 1) because I saw most of them in November; 2) I want to reconnect with myself and tackle life to-do list. I am glad I made this decision. Jet lag hit me hard this time. My whole body biology is messed up. I was awake 6 out of 8 nights around midnight for several hours, and had to take a long nap during the day. Yet, I still try to get the best of a solo trip.
- I continued to sort out my finances. I had to make a difficult decision, to recognise a large loss, but I am happy I caught it now rather than later. I am very confident with my plan now and started to implement.
- I met with few friends, not all closest one. I realised that when the person is not a close friend, the encounter could be draining, not recharging. I am glad I limited those. On the other hand, meeting close friends, those that I see rarely but every time we see each other we are 100% transparent with our deepest thoughts. Those conversations are recharging.
- I finished “a little life” in one of those nights that I woke up at 2am, and I am so glad I got to finish it in one-go. Such a powerful book.
- I miss my family, to the point that I don’t want to facetime with them because it makes me miss them even more. But I was worried the whole time as my younger daughter got sick with over 40C fever, followed by my older daughter, then my mom. I am glad that my mom was there to take care of them together with Tony, who had to shoulder the responsibility of the running a household.
- I run 6 out of 8 days because DC is so beautiful, the cold weather is so nice to run outside, and only running gives me the boost I need to combat the jetlag (ironically)
- Every day being alone remind me how much I need my family. Otherwise I can’t enjoy what I have no matter how good it is (whatever the experience is).
- I went to few stores and only bought a pair of shoes. I found myself asking if I really want it. Most of the time, I don’t, thus I don’t buy. This is what people calls frugality or minimalist, and I like it.
- I ate the same food day after day and enjoy them so much. Yes, i might be boring, but they are comforting and nourishing
multigrain oatmeal with blueberries and almond butter
avocado toast with all bagel seasoning, toast with roasted pepper hummus (not a big fan)
I don’t eat much fruits in Manila but enjoyed the oranges and honey crisp apple in DC
dinners: cauliflower stir fry rice, frozen brussel sprouts, soy sausage, greens and mushroom, cooked with unami seasoning
it is massive!!!
last but not least, kabocha, probably my favorite food in the entire world!!!
Our New Journey 