My Traffic Life

I am Mae German. 34 years old. Born in Mangatarem, province of Pangasinan. I was taught and trained by Juan Dela Cruz, and I am currently being trained for more by Uncle Sam. Writing since the age of 12. Blogging since 2001. I keep a notebook and a pen in my bag, on my bedside table, and inside the bathroom. Misses a lot. Sometimes even my own voice. Loves to laugh. Sometimes even at myself. I am a work in progress. My ultimate dream is to be a SAHM. That is, if I am bound to have that chance in this lifetime... and I am.

My Traffic Rules

Don't take my words personally. At times, not even literally. This is my journal. You're my reader. My spectator. Applaud. Yawp. Yawn. Smile. Frown. Rave. Rant. Or not. Neither can I see you from where I am standing nor can I hear you.

This is not my life. Maybe just a part of it. But this is me meandering through life. My emotions fluctuate. My opinion varies. If it's too hot in here and you can't take it, leave. If it's dull and too cold, go somewhere else for warmth. I won't wipe the frown on your brow.

My stories, unless stated otherwise, are mostly fictional. Fiction could be based on reality. Still, they are fiction. Don't own it. Don't live in it. It is what it is. Leave it.

Watch out for the traffic light. Follow the rules. Cruise.

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When my cousin in Florida made a whey-protein-loaded strawberry-raspberry smoothie for me for breakfast, I started wishing that I could do the same back North, even when it is freezing cold outside. My wish has been granted when my SIL brought out their blender and we bought the ingredients on Sunday (strawberries on Monday).

Smoothies! I just wuv them! I was never particular about how much calories a serving has but my SIL is right, we should take note of that, too. Here's my first attempt for a Banana-Carrot Smoothie:

Ingredients:
2 large bananas (220 calories)
7 baby carrots (50 calories)
4 scoops of plain yogurt (110 calories)
1 cup of milk (100 calories)
1 tbsp of sliced almond nuts (80 calories)
1 tbsp of Skippy Peanut Butter (90 calories)
1 tbsp sugar (48 calories)
4 tbsp of uncooked Oatmeal (about 35 calories)
Ice (crushed or cubes)

Serving: about 3 tall glasses
Calorie per serving: about 244.33 calories

My SIL has prepared banana-strawberry the next day, minus the peanut butter, almond, and sugar. Lesser calories, but yummy, just the same!

Haven't weighed-in myself lately but I have, once again, cut down on rice (substituting it with oatmeal). It will work to get and maintain the weight I desire but I am aware that it is not enough to keep my body fit. I may lose some weight, right. But losing weight doesn't mean being fit and healthy. I miss playing badminton or any sports that would require me to think, analyze, and move (and sweat!). Working out in a gym could be a good alternative tho' I don't believe it is a better option. But it is the only option that I have right now. And it is good (if only I could drag myself to step on the ellipticals!).

I may be being paralyzed by my status. It is not bruising my ego but it is sometimes, dragging my spirit down. And in those times, I know better not to allow myself to go idle and let my eyes wander outside the window and watch how the clouds move fast in the sky as if waving at me and bidding me goodbye. Time is passing me by. Christmas will soon be here and soon, it will be over. And at the same time, these magnificent cloud formations would remind me of how great The Creator is. I couldn't really stare long. It is blinding. Overpowering. Overwhelming. They simply, could make me cry.

The world is moving whilst still, I stand.
On me, the arms of heaven entwined.

This is the second day that I am feeling weak and all I want to do is sleep. I don't want to say that I am down with an illness but I am taking a drug for minor coughing and/or colds now. I used to ignore this stuff but I have to take it seriously now as I am afraid that the whole household may catch the virus from me. Plus, I cannot be sick for I cannot afford to get sick here. Hence, no smoothies for me this morning. *sigh* Still got a sore throat! *arggh!*

Soothing Solution: Spiced Hot Apple Cider!

Remember when I walked through the streets of Manhattan before and saw this booth selling hot peach-and-apple cider, and I actually bought a cup and enjoyed sipping it while strolling amidst a crowded place? I can always have that moment inside the comfort of "home" now. And now, when I am not feeling good, is the perfect moment. *wink*

My SIL bought a galon of Apple Cider on Sunday and this morning, together with the Williams Sonoma mulling spices that I got from my cuz in Orlando, I made my first spiced hot apple cider. So simple. Put the apple cider in a pan, drop some spices (if you don't have a filter) and let it simmer. This and the weather outside makes me want to snooze.

Mulling is an old practice in which various spices and fruit essences are infused into heated juices, wines, ciders or brandies. The ingredients used in this infusion are known as mulling spices. The recipes for mulling spices may vary somewhat, but in general they include allspice, nutmeg, cloves, cinnamon, star anise and various dried fruit peels. [www.wisegeek.com]. It is one winter tradition that I think I would enjoy. Taob ang hot chocolate!

Oh! Did you know that sunset here in our area is between 4:30 and 4:40 in the afternoon? By 5pm, it's already dark as 7pm. For a first-timer in a four-season country, it really amazes me! Weird, as back in the Philippines, the sun never sets at least until 5:30pm. *heheh* But wait 'till it snows, my SIL said, it's going to be bright outside (and she got me a pair of boots! yiippeee!). Wow!

Now let me ask you a question before I go back to my books: when was the last time you slowed down and watched the movement of the clouds, eh? You may say you have a (busy) life. Isn't it the more reason that you should do it sometimes? Try it and you will be soothed.