• Life Lately,  Travels,  USA

    Day 3 of 4 States in 4-Days: Pennsylvania and D.C.

    April 29, 2024

    Day 3 of the adventure started with a bit of a rough start—I ended up pulling an all-nighter thanks to the K-Drama “Queen of Tears.” Sleep finally caught up with me around 4am, only to be interrupted by my sister and my 4-year old nephew. Breakfast was a blur of sausage, eggs, and apple juice, the classic combo. I even attempted pancakes, but let’s just say they weren’t my finest culinary moment.

    But hey, today had something exciting in store.

    Hershey, PA

    Now, my relationship with chocolate is a bit like a rollercoaster—sometimes I am all in, other times it is a hard pass. But today was like a dream come true. You can imagine how happy I was. Every moment was delightful and filled with sweetness and joy. Stepping into Hershey’s Chocolate World, I expected a simple shopping spree, but my sister had other plans. We ended up on the adventure journey, though I suspect we weren’t on the same page about which tour to take. My nephew had a blast on the Candy Expedition.


    Despite the confusion, I managed to snag some adorable keychains, fridge magnets, and shot glasses, all carefully chosen with my workmates in mind. I can already picture their smiles when they see these souvenirs!

    Washington, DC

    As we drove into the capital, I couldn’t help but notice how scorching hot it was, despite the leafy canopy of trees lining the streets. I did feel hunger creeping up on me as we strolled along. All I wanted was to stay in the cool confines of the car, but duty called. Off we went, ready to explore the nation’s capital, even if it meant enduring a bit of heatstroke along the way. Waiting for the Circulator was bit of a drag. We waited nearly 45minutes for a dollar ride. Nothing beats exploring the city with good company. I was torn between wanting to soak in the sights and yearning for the sweet relief of air conditioning.



    Alexandria, VA

    Today’s adventure led us straight to Jollibee in Virginia. With 2-piece chicken and palabok on the table, we were ready for a taste of home. Despite missing out on my beloved sundae, the hearty portions of chicken made up for it, American-style! Every bite was a nostalgic journey, reminding us of the comforts of Filipino cuisine. Jollibee in Virginia isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a heartwarming reminder that home is wherever good food and good company come together.

    Sitting there with my uncle and mom, sharing stories and laughter over a delicious meal, I felt a deep sense of contentment. The familiar flavors and the warmth of the restaurant’s ambiance wrapped around us like a comforting hug. It was a beautiful reminder that, no matter how far we roam, the tastes and traditions of home are always there to bring us back to our roots.

    After a hearty meal at Jollibee, we made our way to Holiday Inn. Though the elevator felt a bit dated, the cozy atmosphere more than made up for it. I welcomed the comfort of our room and drifted off to sleep early, knowing that a good night’s rest awaited. Sometimes, the simple joys of a cozy inn are all you need to recharge for the adventures ahead.

    As I nestled into the soft, welcoming bed, I reflected on the day’s adventures, from the sweet delights of Hershey’s Chocolate World to the historical splendor of Washington, DC, and the comforting familiarity of Jollibee. It had been a day filled with little moments of joy and discovery, and now, with the promise of a peaceful night’s sleep, I felt ready to embrace whatever adventures tomorrow might bring.

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  • Life Lately,  Travels,  USA

    Day 2 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey and Pennsylvania

    April 28, 2024

    It’s Day 2 of our adventure through four states in four days, and it’s a day filled with surprises and unforgettable moments.

    Last night’s sleep was a bit of a struggle. The bed felt unfamiliar, and I found myself tossing and turning throughout the night. Luckily, Uncle refrained from cranking up the air conditioner, despite the freezing temperatures outside our cozy room.

    Morning greeted me with laziness, and I dragged myself out of bed later than planned. Breakfast at the neighborhood inn didn’t quite hit the spot. I was yearning for something comforting, like a warm bowl of rice porridge, but we were in the land of sausages and eggs. So, I settled for a simple meal of sausage, egg, and apple juice, and skipping the usual dose of caffeine.

    After fueling up, we decided to revisit the boardwalk in the broad daylight. I snagged a sweater from the souvenir shop to combat the chilly breeze, along with some keychains and fridge magnets to commemorate our journey. A quick walk to the beach followed before we hit the road again, bound for our next destination.

    Philadelphia, PA

    Parking proved to be a bit of a challenge upon our arrival in the city. After circling the streets in search of a parking spot, we eventually parked in a nearby building. Stepping out of the car, we were met with a wave of heat that made me regret wearing that sweater.

    Our exploration of Philly was a whirlwind affair. We wandered around, soaking in the sights, and indulging in a bit of souvenir shopping. The Liberty Bell was a highlight, though the tight security and my nephew’s tendency to bolt kept us on our toes.

    After a quick tour, we went to look for the famed cheesesteak joints.

    After our bustling day exploring Philly, we were all feeling a bit worn out, so we decided to call it a day and drive to Holiday Inn. But you know what? The Holiday Inn turned out to be a hidden gem—affordable and squeaky clean.

    Once we were settled in, the temptation to keep exploring tugged at us once more. The exhaustion had a tight grip on us, and even our designated driver couldn’t resist the siren song of sleep.

    Instead of going out, we opted for delivery and treated ourselves to a feast of Asian cuisine. With each dish that arrived, our order seemed enough. We surrendered to the embrace of sleep, dreaming of the adventures that awaited us on the next day.

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  • Life Lately,  Travels,  USA

    Day 1 of 4 States in 4-Days: New Jersey

    April 27, 2024

    Thanks a lot to my Uncle for being the organizer of this trip. If it were up to just us, we’d probably still be debating where to go! As someone who’s used to planning trips back home, organizing adventures in US is a whole new challenge. With my Uncle and Rajha’s knack for planning, we were all set to roll. My Uncle had this whole itinerary mapped out, and all we had to do was nod along. I mean, it’s my first time venturing out of state, so I was game for wherever we go. Literally.

    So, when departure rolled around on Friday night and the return was set for Tuesday, I was like, “Four days and five nights of adventure, here we come!” Little did I know, it was gonna be quite the ride.

    We kicked things off by picking up our rental car. Yep, we needed a whole car because squeezing into ours wasn’t an option. Then, after 9 pm, we hit the road straight for New Jersey. Shoutout to my brother-in-law for pulling off that epic drive. Seriously, 11 hours including pit stops? That’s dedication right there.

    Jersey City, NJ

    Now, picture this – windy, chilly weather, and me without a jacket. Smart move, right? Long sleeves were all I had to brave the chilly wind. But hey, with the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island as the backdrop, I couldn’t complain. Snapping pics left and right at Liberty State Park, trying to capture the whole park with the stunning NYC skyline in the distance – unforgettable.

    As we strolled back to the car, my stomach was rumbling like a thunderstorm, reminding me that it was time for lunch. We skipped breakfast, so I was definitely overdue for a hearty meal. My Uncle mentioned White Castle burgers. I figured, why not? Well, let me tell you, those two-bite burger didn’t just fill me up but also knocked my taste buds. No wonder my uncle is such a fan! It’s a shame they’re nowhere to be found in North Carolina, let alone the Philippines.

    Atlantic City, NJ

    We checked into Eldorado Motor Inn around 3 pm and, boy, were we ready to stretch our legs. Well, except it was freezing outside, so we opted to cozy up indoors for a while. But eventually, we hit the boardwalk around 7pm. And let me tell you, it felt like we had the whole place to ourselves. My Uncle mentioned how it used to be bustling with people, but hey, I kind of liked the quiet vibe too.

    As for food, we stumbled upon this Mexican diner – a total jackpot. Wraps, sandwiches, chicken wings – you name it, we devoured it. And the portions? Huge! Definitely meant for sharing, but who’s got time for that when the food’s this good?

    Stay tuned for Day 2 of our adventure!

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  • Life Lately,  Random

    Life and Blogging

    April 19, 2024

    I woke up this morning feeling inspired to write. It’s been a while since I sat down and made a blog post. Lately, I’ve found myself turning to Instagram for quick updates, but I’ve been missing the deeper connections that blogging used to bring. Remember when we used to pour our hearts out on our blogs, journaling our lives for the world to see? Those were the days I truly miss.

    Life’s too short to live in the Instagram square; let’s break out the paragraphs and write our stories in full sentences.

    While I’ve missed spending time on my blog, I’ve been struggling to find the motivation to keep up with everything else going on. Life seems to have ramped up its pace, and finding time for everything has become an increasingly challenge.

    Anyway, let’s catch up!

    This year has been whirlwind of changes and reflections for me. I’ve found myself reevaluating my life and what I want it to look like. While my “40 Before 40” list remains unchanged, I’m excited to start dreaming again about what I want my future to hold. It feels like the right time to shed the weight of things that no longer serve me and create space for the better things waiting.

    My recent overseas stint has prompted inquiries about whether I’ve resigned from work. It’s not a mid-life crisis or anything like that; I’ve just been feeling unsure about where I want to go next.

    There seems to be more I want to do than there are hours in the day. But I’m ready to start prioritizing and making time for the things that matter most.

    As I sit down and write this blog post, I’m not just sharing updates—I’m embarking on a journey of self-discovery. I invite you to join me as I navigate through this maze called life, one blog post at a time.

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  • Life Lately,  Travels,  USA

    A Day in Wilmington, NC

    April 13, 2024

    Today, our family took a trip to Wilmington, NC to celebrate Dad’s birthday. Even though he’s no longer with us, his memory remains strong in our hearts, especially on days like today when we’re all together.

    Before heading out, my sister and I cleaned the car. We wanted everything to be perfect for our journey. The drive was fun, filled with stories and laughter.

    We had a pit stop along the way, and I was amazed by the sight of so many vending machines—it was my first time seeing so many in one place. Excited, I bought snacks and drinks for the family. I even tried a Starbucks Caramel drink, but I couldn’t help comparing the cost to back home in the Philippines—it’s definitely cheaper there!

    We arrived in Wilmington just in time for lunch and decided to explore the Riverwalk. We took plenty of photos to capture the moment, making sure to document our time together. The scenic views were beautiful, and it was a pleasant walk until we reached The Pilot House, a restaurant by the river. The atmosphere was inviting, and the view was perfect for a family lunch. I ordered Shrimp and Scallop Scampi, because I can never resist the combination of seafood and pasta. The dish was delicious, and I savored every bite.

    After our delightful meal, we headed to see the USS North Carolina Battleship. Although we decided not to buy tickets to tour the inside due to the cost for a group of five, we enjoyed viewing the impressive ship from the outside. The size and history of the battleship were fascinating. I picked up several souvenirs, including fridge magnets, keychains, and a shot glass, thinking of my workmates and how they’d appreciate them.

    Our next stop was Airlie Gardens, known for its stunning landscapes and serene atmosphere. Unfortunately, we arrived just a minute before closing time. If only my sister had gone to the visitor check-in first, we might have made it in time. It was a bit disappointing, but we didn’t let it ruin our day. We made the best of it by enjoying the beautiful scenery from outside the gardens.

    Despite this small hiccup, the day was filled with joy, and cherished memories. We felt Dad’s presence with us, guiding and reminding us of the love we share as a family. As we drove back home, we all started feeling sleepy. My sister, mom and nephew took a nap while my brother-in-law drove us. He was talking to his sibling, keeping himself awake and entertained during the drive.

    This trip was a beautiful reminder that even though Dad is no longer with us, his spirit and the memories we created together will always be a part of us. Today, we celebrated his life in a meaningful and joyous way, creating new memories that we will cherish for years to come.

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