#CheapEats: KFC's Tuesday Special

I've only known about KFC's Tuesday Special recently. Hindi na rin kasi ako kumakain sa KFC dito. Mas masarap pa kasi ang fried chicken na niluluto ko lol. But since my son only eats fried chicken, minsan napapabili ako ng $5 Fill Ups kapag nasa labas kami para may mapakain ako sa kanya.

But one Tuesday night, ayun nga napansin ko na may special promo sila.

For $3.29 (plus 5% tax, of course), you'll get a 2-piece chicken plus fries.

Hmmm, so ito ang ginawa nilang pamalit sa Toonie Tuesday na matagal nang naglaho. Obviously, di na nila pwedeng tawaging toonie ang tuesday special nila kasi nga 3 dollars plus na siya. I am not sure though kung sa British Columbia lang ito available o meron din sa ibang provinces. Pero hindi ako ito napansin sa Edmonton dati.

So ito ang value ng $3.45 (tax included) mo:

Super liit ng chicken, sa totoo lang. Yung leg part, makakain mo un two bites. Seriously. Bitin tuloy ang anak ko.

Syempre wala rin siyang gravy at drinks. I read from somewhere that you can add a drink for just a dollar (di ko pa lang nasubukan). It makes sense kasi ang mahal na papatak kapag nag-softdrinks ka pa.

Oh well ganun talaga. Mura pa rin yan dito kung tutuusin. Pantawid-gutom.

#CheapEats: Go-Grill (Central City)

Ford and I love eating out. Sa Pinas dati halos everyday akong nagdi-dinner sa labas (mostly fastfood lang naman). Ford naman is used to eating alone (and he doesn't cook) so talagang sanay na siyang magdine-out. At dahil parehas kaming hindi makatiis na lutong-bahay lang ang kinakain all the time, ang laki talaga ng gastos namin talaga.

Katulad nga ng sinasabi ko all time, we might be earning dollars here pero in dollars din ang expenses kaya wala rin. Admittedly, hindi rin naman kami talaga matipid. Ang rationale ko, nagpunta ba kami dito sa Canada para i-deprive ang sarili namin? Parang hindi naman dapat ganun.

Anyway, we usually eat on sit-down restos during weekends or kapag may okasyon. Kapag ordinaryong araw at we feel like eating dinner out (pagkauwi ni hubby from work), maghahanap lang kami ng cheap na makakainan na katulad ng Mc Donald's o sa foodcourt ng mall. Pero naku ha, hindi naman talaga mura ang meal sa foodcourts dito. Maga-average ka rin ng $10-13/pax para sa simpleng pagkain. So kapag kaming dalawa, around $25 (or roughly Php1,000). Wala pang drinks yun ha.

Kaya nga I am thrilled whenever I discover a kainan na "cheap." At least I won't feel guilty kasi nga hindi ganun kamahal.

Just two days ago, we were at the Central City and I got to try Go-Grill's "Specials." Lagi daw kumakain dito ang asawa ko dati (when we were vacationing in Pinas) kasi nga mura.

At $6.25 (5.95 + 5% tax), may nakakabusog na kanin at ulam ka na. Masarap din siya, in fairness. Pero sige na nga, hindi pa rin ganun kamura kung iko-convert sa pesos kasi papatak na Php250 siya, kaso mataas talaga ang cost of living dito sa Canada eh. Lalo na dito sa Vancouver area.

Other Chinese stores in the foodcourt may offer the same one-rice + one dish for the same price but what I like about this Go-Grill Specials is that they cook it after you order kaya mainit pa talaga. Ang dami ring rice saka meat, very filling.

The drawback though is that pure meat siya, walang veggies na kasama. Kung gusto mo ng gulay, add $2.49 (plus tax). Not bad pa rin kung tutuusin kasi may drinks na na kasama.

I wish lahat ng foodcourts ng mall ay may ganitong cheap meal. Para hindi nako magluluto ng dinner haha! Kaso sabi ng asawa ko sa Central City lang meron nito kasi may school sa itaas, pang-student meal kumbaga.

Hanap pa ako ng ibang murang machichibugan dito sa Metro Vancouver. Stay tuned. =)

A bitter confession of a mom

I have a confession to make. I am a stay-at-home mom but I am not a good one.

First, let me lay down a context. I am turning 38 next month. In all the years before I had my son, I've never taken care of a child. I am the youngest in the brood of two. I didn't grow up with my younger cousins. Puro adults ang nakasalamuha ko sa buhay ko.

I am also not fond of kids (hanggang ngayon, admittedly). Sure, there are kids that I like/d, pero hanggang ganun lang yun. I thought motherhood would change me, hindi pala. Nagka-soft spot naman ako kahit papano sa mga bata, pero hindi ko pa rin masasabi na "mahilig na ako sa bata." Wala nga raw akong pasensya sabi ni tita ko.

I love Nathan, that is why I am enduring this kind of life (i.e. being a stay-at-home mom) because of him. Honestly, if I have a choice, I would like to continue working. In my more than three years of living here in Canada, I realized na hindi ako talaga domesticated. At this point, iniisip ko na lang na hindi naman permanente ang sitwasyon ko. When my son is older, I can work again.

But as of the moment, I feel that I am a failure as a stay-at-home mom kasi hindi ko natuturuan talaga nang maayos ang anak ko. Sure, I feed him, change his nappies, buy him toys, play with him (a bit)... but that's it. Kulang ako sa effort na turuan siyang humawak ng pencil, mag-color, magmemorize ng alphabet and numbers, etc. And to think naging teacher pa ako dati ha (sa college nga lang).

My son is a very smart boy (I can really say that objectively). Early on, I noticed that he was very self -sufficient. He learned colors, letters, and numbers by himself. Sa kakapanood ng youtube lang. Ang dali nyang pumick-up, ang galing nyang mag-recognize at mag-memorize. Kaya yumabang ako. Naisip ko na kaya niya na yun. Konting chika chika lang with him, ayos na.

Lagi ko rin kasing naiisip that both his dad and I were good in school. So kanino pa ba siya magmamana? I don't remember being pushed hard to study. Sariling sikap lang din ako noon. I see myself in Nathan so confident ako that he'll be ok. Naniniwala rin kasi kami ng asawa ko na "kung matalino ang bata, matalino talaga kahit anong mangyari."

But the other day, when Nathan and I were 'practicing' some letters (mahilig siyang magtuturo ng letters kapag nakakakita siya), I noticed na marami-rami siyang na-miss. I was disappointed, not to him but to myself. Bakit ganun? Halos memorized na niya ang alphabet dati pa, nasa Pinas pa kami. How come hindi na niya alam ngayon yung iba? Kahit sa colors, palagi niyang naiinterchange ang black and brown samantalang alam na alam na niya yun matagal na.

I knew my mother would scold me for this. Siya kasi ang very patient noon na makipaglaro at makipagturuan kay Nathan. Oh, what have I done (or haven't done)?

Since we came back here in Canada (from our 5 1/2 months stay in the Philippines), I dwell on my misery so much that I forgot to 'really' take care of my little boy. The boy who loves and adores me and whose world revolves around me. Ang selfish ko. Puro sarili kong frustrations ang iniisip ko, napabayaan ko talaga ang anak ko. Ang tamad tamad kong makipaglaro sa kanya, siguro kasi nga we are together 24/7. I took him for granted.

My son is already 2 years and 8 months. Ang bilis niyang lumaki. Gusto kong bumawi. From now on, I will make his childhood extra special. I will become a fun mom. Sasamantalahin ko ang time na ito na magkasama kami all the time.

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I had a bad dream yesterday. My mother died in my dream. I knew that I shouldn't take dreams literally so I googled for an interpretation.

I found this:

"To dream about the death of a loved one suggests that you are lacking a certain aspect or quality that the loved one embodies."

This is probably true. My mother is very caring and nurturing. Ang layo ko sa pagiging nanay niya. Wake up call na nga ito siguro para magbago ako. Grade 6 lang ang natapos ng nanay ko, so I grew up resenting the fact that she couldn't teach me (or talk to me in) English or Algebra. Pero nang makita ko kung paano niya turuan ng ABC ang anak ko, alam kong ganun din ang ginawa niya sa akin noong bata pa ako. Kaya pala ang ganda ng foundation ko. Kaya pala magaling ako sa school. I am so ashamed of myself. Cum Laude graduate pa naman ako sa UP. 

Nay, sorry po. I will become a better mother to your grandson. Pangako po. 

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We've been buying a lot of toys for Nathan lately, pero kulang na kulang siya sa educational materials. Kaya inaya ko kaagad si husband sa mall after his work para masimulan ko na ang project ko. My plan is to allot one-hour a day for Nathan to "study." 

Here's what I bought at Dollarama and Walmart:

Dollarama

Crayons = 1.50
Oblong container = 1.25
Paw Patrol Play Pack = 1.50
Flash Cards = 1.50
Sketch Pad = 1.50
Coloring Book = 1.50
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TOTAL = 8.75 + 12% tax = 9.80


Walmart

Pencils = 0.97
Markers = 1.70 (discounted)
Coloring book = 2.97
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TOTAL = 5.64 + 12% tax = 6.32


Whew, I spent a grand total of CAD16.12 for all of these. Kailangang masulit.

#CessieShops: Disney Summer Tote Bag

I chanced upon this nice super nice summer tote bag at the Disney Store last night. I was instantly drawn to its colors. I love the color pink. Bagay din pala si Mickey Mouse sa kulay pink.

Hindi mura ang mga tinda sa Disney Store so I had no intention of buying it. Pero teka, I saw a "special label" (at the shelf where it was displayed) that states $5.99. I wasn't really sure if it pertains to the tote bag, pero katapat talaga eh. Sumimple ako sa harap para sipatin. Ang ganda talaga ng bag, pero ang tag price ay CAD31.95. Hmm, so baka hindi nga siya $5.99 na lang.

But to satisfy my curiosity, I inquired from the sales clerk na rin. And voila, $5.99 nga raw talaga! I then asked if I had to buy something from the store to be able to avail it at that very much discounted price. Hindi raw. I excitedly said: "Ok, I'll take one!"

The bag is much prettier (and sosyal) in actual

What I really like here in North America is that pag nagdiscount sila, discount talaga. Sa Pinas kasi 10 o 20 percent off lang karaniwan. Bihira yung ganito na halos ipamigay na lang. Imagine, I was able to score this tote for merely 18% of the original price. Sobrang good deal talaga!

Oops by the way, I paid a total of CAD6.70 pala. Syempre may additional 12% tax pa (na kinasasamaan pa rin ng loob ko kasi 5% lang sa Alberta).

I am just hoping na may mapaggamitan ako nito. Haha, hoarder lang kasi ako. Cheap thrills ang hanap ko. Pero sabi nga ng asawa ko, sa dami ng pinagbibili ko na mura, madaming pera rin ang katumbas pag sinuma. Eeek, guilty.

The cashier gave me pa a coupon that I could use until this weekend. Hala, my coupon-addicted self is itching to use it. Patay na naman si Coblancs.

A fresh start -- Mrs.CB in BC

Whew, I haven't blogged since we got back here in Surrey. I honestly didn't feel good about it. I missed documenting.

I am not a writer nor I intend to be one. I am not that good with words. Plus I do not have the time to constantly check on my grammar. I blog primarily because I want to document. I want to have something to help me remember someday the life that I had.

This is not my first blog. I've been journaling, in many forms, since time immemorial. And prior to this blog, I was maintaining one too, albeit in private mode.

I just decided to make a new 'public' blog when I immigrated here in Canada. As a person starting a new life in a new place, I felt that I have so much to share (and document). There is a scarcity of Filipino blogs about 'living in Canada' and I thought that I could contribute even a bit. I wanted to write in a 'jologs' way, using a not-so-profound language that many could understand, as I was tired of reading scholarly-type articles describing the Filipino diaspora in Canada. I just wanted to tell stories. Simple stories of my everyday life.

But yeah, I failed. I wasn't able to write as much as I wanted to. From getting pregnant (just a few months after immigrating), to nursing a baby, and now to raising a kid -- life has become a bit busier for me. I've lost my precious "me" time in the process.

Many times I've decided to quit and just leave this blog permanently. But in every single instance that I think of that, a random comment from someone would pop out and make me change my mind. Whoaaah, may nagbabasa rin pala ng blog na ito! Those few readers encourage me to go on.

You see, I never 'advertised' this blog among my family and circle of friends. It's a sort of silent blog, bahala na kung sino ang maka-discover. To be honest, ayoko ngang may makabasa nito na kakilala ko. I wish to preserve my privacy pa rin kasi kahit papano. I don't want to be conscious too of what I would write. I want to be "free" as much as possible.

That is why I am truly surprised whenever I check my stats. Indeed, there are some random few who find my stories interesting. Bumabalik-balik sila.

As I have mentioned above, I didn't feel good when I was in blogging hiatus. Ewan ko ba, parang me kulang sa buhay ko, seriously. I feel that in my life right now, ito na lang ang magagawa ko para sa sarili ko.

Hence, I want to start blogging again. Keeping in mind the purpose of this blog, i.e. documenting and sharing, I am hopeful that I'll do better this time.

But first, let me change this blog's title because I don't think it is still appropriate.

Goodbye, Ces in the City! 

I adapted "Ces in The City" from my favorite TV series "Sex and the City." Bukod sa ka-rhyme, I was still childless then and very excited to live in a city (Edmonton) for the first time. I wanted to explore the place, eat at its various restaurants, participate in all the happenings. I sort of wasnt't able to accomplish that because motherhood took over my life.

Now I am changing the blog's name into: Mrs.CB in BC -- A Filipina Mom's Life in Metro Vancouver (British Columbia). I believe this fits my current status as a stay-at-home wife and mother here in Surrey.

I am looking forward to posting frequently. To do that, less time on facebook and instagram na, lol.

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NOTE: CB = Ces Blanco / BC = Bristish Columbia

What I miss in Canada

Oh I can't believe it -- it's already April 5! In eleven days, Nathan and I are going back to Canada na. I am starting to feel sad. I hate leaving my mother again. But what can I do, my life is in Canada now.

Anyway, a part of me is a bit excited to return. Marami din naman kasi akong namimiss doon:

FAST INTERNET. Kailangan pa bang iexplain ito? Ugh, grabe ang pag-deteriorate ng speed ng wifi namin dito sa bahay. Test of patience talaga. Nakakamiss yung bumubulusok sa bilis na pagdownload ng youtube at pag-upload ng videos sa Canada.

MOBILE PHONE. Almost five months na ako dito pero wala talaga akong regular cellphone na ginagamit. I stay mostly at home kaya puro FB messenger at whatsapp lang ang pang-communicate ko sa mga tao. Mahirap mag-maintain ng phone kasi nga di ko naman ginagamit, nakakain lang ang load.

CHINESE FOOD. Sa Chowking lang ako nakakakain ng Chinese food dito. Wala naman kasing Chinese restaurant sa area namin. Meron sa SM pero mahal naman.

COOL WEATHER. Again, kelangan pa rin bang iexplain ito. Summer na at grabe na ang paghulas ko. Hindi na talaga kami dapat nagpaabot ng summer dito. Regret ko talaga yan. Sabagay, kahit naman noong December at January eh init na init ako.

COOKING. I don't cook here in Pinas because my mother is here. Pero nakakamiss din palang maging productive sa kusina.

GROCERY SHOPPING.  I miss buying stuff for the kitchen and for the house. Doon ko nafi-feel na wife at mother ako eh. Ako kasi ang in-charge. Dito kasi anak ako. My mother takes care of all my (and my son's) needs.

SHOPPING. I haven't shopped in a long time at nagkaka-withdrawal symptoms na yata ako haha! Branded clothes, shoes, and bags are very expensive here kaya hindi talaga ako namimili. Nami-miss ko yung mga outlet shops at mga 'sale' sa Canada. Kahit nga Dollarama super miss ko na.

HAVING 'ME' TIME. I thought na kagaya noong isang uwi namin, maiiwan ko si Nathan paminsan-minsan so I can take a breather. Hindi pala. Ayaw magpaiwan as in. Sa Canada, naiiwan ko siya sa daddy niya. Lagi kong kakabit ang anak ko sa lahat ng lakaran. Admittedly, tiring magsama ng bata all the time.

HAVING A DRIVER. I miss having a driver! Nakaka-stress magdrive dito sa Pinas. Tapos kelangan ko pang isakay si Tantan pati stroller, baby bag, etc. Ang sarap nang sasakay ka lang tapos bahala na ang asawa mo sa lahat haha.

HAVING A HANDS-ON DAD FOR NATHAN. Though Mamoosh and Charry (our new kasambahay) helps me with Nathan, iba pa rin ang daddy ni TanTan siyempre. At least may pwedeng magpatulog sa kanya, magpaligo, makipagharutan bago matulog. To be honest, I am tired of being a "single" mom.

HAVING A HUSBAND. Halos limang buwan na akong walang asawa haha (minus the 11 days that he was here in December). Nakakamiss na ring may kalambingan. Ang tagal ko na siyang napabayaan, kelangan ko namang bumawi.
 
Eleven days and I'll be back in reality. MY reality. Soon, mga bagay bagay naman sa Pinas ang mami-miss ko. Roller coaster talaga ang buhay ko.

Fourteen Years

This date is no longer relevant to my husband. But I still want to reminisce the day when we officially became "we/us."

Fourteen years have passed. I've been with him for 38% of my life. A lot have changed (primary na ang weight haha) but I am blessed we're still together. Napagtiyagaan at napagtiisan talaga niya ako.

Fourteen years and we now have an uber cute son who makes us happy everyday. And on times that we don't feel like loving each other (we're humans too!), this boy reminds us that we are to be together no matter what.

I love you, Dear. I always will. Cheers to fourteen years and counting!