Where will this take me

I recently subscribed to Suno so I could put up a lofi bgm channel on youtube. I know they have stricter policies now with regards to AI generated content but I'm curious where this will take me. I've already accepted that I may not get this channel monetized but at least I get to listen to my own AI playlist haha. 

I got the idea after realizing the bgm I've been nonstop listening to on youtube is actually AI generated. That's the time I submitted to the fact that AI is just gonna get better over time and I need to embrace it. It makes life easier in a lot of ways.

People are quick to dismiss the effort it takes to monetize AI generated content but even with Suno rendering the tracks through my prompts, it still takes me hours to edit the video, create a thumbnail, and write up a fitting description.

Oh well, let's see where this goes!

Ah, life

I don't know what to say about life lately. It's been okay, despite my mobility issues. 

✨ I just turned 35! Celebrated with family since we couldn't go out of town in my condition. Normally we would be in Tagaytay or Baguio, just my husband and I, of course Koomi. It's been a while since I celebrated my actual birth date with my parents. I've missed them. My mom who's still regaining her strength from heart surgery was able to carry down the stairs so we were able to eat together in the dining area. It's the first time in months we got to dine properly. Ever since her surgery we've been eating in the bedroom instead which can be uncomfortable. But hey it has AC! 😄

✨ I recently got a recognition from my manager for my automation efforts. It came in the form of points which is redeemable in this rewards hub that we have. It's the biggest I got so far. It converts to 8,000 Sodexo credits that I will gladly spend this season! Yay! 🥰

✨ I finished two books this November. The Kite Runner and A Man Called Ove. They were both very good reads and easily became my favorite. Then I started Blood Meridian upon my husband's recommendation. Not a tenth in and I found it difficult so read so I had to park it. The words just flow very slowly in my head, and I can only read it in silence, with a fully focused brain. The introduction has compared his style to Faulkner's. And as I read an excerpt from one of his classics, I have to agree.

✨ Might go with A Thousand Splendid Suns.

✨ I have so many things to do at work and my priority is still improving the AI capability of our Power BI dashboard. My manager was going to present this feature two weeks ago but the meeting got moved to a month later so now I have to really focus on it this week because I need to show something by Monday next. Whew.

Things I miss doing

My darned knee has made it impossible for me to enjoy life lately. I hope it doesn't last forever. I miss playing badminton. I miss malling. I miss being able to go down the stairs. I miss swimming. I miss walking for hours. I miss being able to cross my legs. I'm already lamenting at the thought of not being able to walk around Bangkok next year. 🥹

My legs get tired very easily lately. I think it's because I've been trying to walk a lot. I was advised to strictly avoid any twisting or turning motion that could impair the surgical site. I didn't know that was part of the recovery process until I went back to the gym and told my coach my knee hurts whenever I try to pivot. He told me it will probably take 90-120 days to recovery fully. I cannot wait. Hope I don't injure myself further in anticipation.

My easily tired legs have made it difficult for me to work too. I bought foot stools to elevate my legs better, switched to a dining chair because it's lower, and have to sit at the edge of the chair to avoid pressure on the thighs. It barely helped. Sometimes I would work on the bed, where it's more comfortable for my legs. But that means working a single screen laptop. And I'm barely productive that way.

I promised myself to do focused work this week but I had a really bad migraine for 2 days. It was a struggle to look at the computer. I just wanna throw up and cover my eyes all day. It's crazy. It's an unproductive week for me.

On a brighter note. I'm 70kgs today, or 160lbs by the scale. Lightest I've weighed in recent years. 

Also, second half of our 13th month pay was credited today. I'm not too excited about it because the whole sum is taxable for me so I was deducted a freaking 25%. Argh. Thankfully I managed to set aside some for my savings, a fancy steak dinner for my birthday this weekend, and lunch and dinner celebration for both my families. It's the first time in the longest time that I'm celebrating my actual birthday with my family and I'm quite looking forward to it. Hopefully traffic isn't too bad.

Drove my husband to emergency earlier because his allergies are worsening. We haven't gotten in touch with an allergologist yet but he's been checked by the ER doctors, his derma, our gym coach who's an ortho, and tomorrow - a dentist. No wonder he's not getting well no? 🤣

Oh well, happy weekend!

Household things I'm putting off doing

I want to update the lighting in our house. Put a pendant lamp above the dining table. Change the home office light to something warm. Install a task light in the kitchen. Figure out the what the other switch in the kitchen is for. I'm specifically looking at the IKEA Skurup for our dining. But I know it's not gonna hang dead center at the table, and I'm not sure if I can live with that.

On the matter of stuff I've been putting off doing, here's a list. Mostly got to do with throwing out things. 

☑️ Throw away old boxes. Never mind that they can be used for storage in the future. That day never comes. This includes shoe boxes, apple boxes, and all the big boxes that's out of warranty. Don't even think about just flattening them to save space.

☑️ Clean the rust off the TV console. Try WD-40 and elbow grease.

☑️ Declutter clothes. Socks. Old jackets. Towels. Linen. Find some place to donate it to. Badly need to free up hangers and closet space.

☑️ Give away stuff. Old art materials and books. Unused cookware. 

☑️ Throw away old cables, old dog toys.

☑️ Sell stuff. Anything new we don't need can be 50 each. Bundle useless and useful stuff together to get rid of them easier.

☑️ Sell my old smartwatch cos I'm back to using my older smartwatch. 

There's a new way of decluttering I learned about. Which is treating your stuff like employees and giving them a performance review every now and then. If it's not doing its purpose anymore, it has to go. 

I'm used to the Marie Kondo way of looking at something and deciding if it sparks joy. And it always ends up with me keeping things based on how I feel. This new method feels more pragmatic. Hopefully I give it a try.

Sick and tired

Literally.

I was recovering fairly well after my knee surgery. Until I decided to eat my neighbor's leche flan. I was contemplating on what to get for dessert one night. Magnum classic or a tub of ultra sweet leche flan - that has once (or twice) wreaked havoc on my throat, opening a portal for a host of diseases (mainly flu) to vacation in my body.

Against my better judgment I chose the latter of the two desserts, becoming a five-star superhost, once again, to my favorite visitors: tonsilitis, cough, and colds. Fever usually comes in with them but I've been housekeeping with Paracetamol so it couldn't get in.

For a week I toiled between relieving my sore throat by taking cold drinks, and relieving my flu by not taking cold drinks. It's a damn hassle living with both. I couldn't function properly at work. I couldn't talk. I have a mouth sore that sits on my lower lip, directly touching the top of my tooth that it stings all the time. 

It's been painful. But mostly over.

This sucks.

Should've gotten a Magnum.

SHAPELLX 4 Top 5 Butt Lifting Shapewear Pieces to Enhance Your Curves in 2025

As a woman in her 50s, I’ve gone through many stages in life, but one thing I couldn’t escape was the changes brought by menopause. Suddenly, my belly became harder to manage, my butt lost its firmness, and I felt uncomfortable every time I looked in the mirror before heading out.

One morning, while getting ready for my friend’s daughter’s wedding, I stood in front of my closet with a deep sigh.

“Oh dear… nothing fits the way it used to,” I muttered to myself, pulling out a dress I hadn’t worn in years.

My daughter, who was scrolling on her phone nearby, looked up.

“Mom, why do you look so stressed?” she asked.

I shrugged, holding the dress against my body. “It’s not the dress, honey. It’s me. Ever since menopause, I feel like my body isn’t mine anymore. My belly, my hips… they all changed.”

She walked over, smiled, and whispered, “You know, there’s this thing called shapewear. It’s not about changing who you are—it just gives you a little boost. Like a secret superpower.”

At first, I laughed. “Superpower? At my age?”

“Yes!” she insisted. “You’ll see. It’s like a best friend that keeps everything in place while you shine.”

That night, I gave in and wore shapewear under my dress. To my surprise, it wasn’t just my clothes that looked better—it was me. The dress hugged my body in the right places, I felt more put-together, and when I caught a glimpse of myself in the mirror, I smiled for the first time in a long while.

Walking into the wedding hall, my friend leaned closer and whispered, “You look amazing! What’s your secret?”

I chuckled softly and replied, “Let’s just say I’ve found a little silent helper.”

The truth is, shapewear did more than smooth out the lines of my dress. It lifted my confidence, reminded me that I could still carry myself with grace, and helped me walk out the door with my head held higher.

Shapewear Is Not Just About Looks, It’s About Confidence

There’s a common misconception that shapewear only exists to hide “flaws.” But in reality, shapewear is about support—both physically and emotionally. When your body feels tighter and more defined, your mindset naturally shifts to something more positive.

For me, shapewear has become a part of self-care. Just like skincare, light exercise, or eating healthier, shapewear helps me feel comfortable and confident in my own skin—without forcing myself into extreme diets or endless workouts.

Why Black Friday 2025 Is the Best Time to Shop for Shapewear

When it comes to shopping for shapewear, the 2025 Black Friday shapewear sale is simply unmissable. Discounts are massive, new collections are released, and you can grab premium-quality shapewear at much friendlier prices.

Especially for butt lifting shapewear and tummy control pieces, which usually cost a bit more, Black Friday is the perfect time to stock up and invest in pieces that will last.

1. Shapewear Bodysuit: The All-in-One Lifesaver

If I could only choose one shapewear piece to wear daily, it would be a shapewear bodysuit. It hugs the body, providing support from the belly and waist all the way down to the butt.

As someone dealing with menopause belly, the bodysuit is my secret weapon. Dresses fall more smoothly, blouses no longer cling awkwardly, and my butt looks naturally lifted.

2. High Waisted Shapewear Shorts: The Menopause Belly Solution

For skirts, jeans, or fitted pants, nothing beats high waisted shapewear shorts. They don’t just flatten the tummy but also give the butt a subtle lift without that suffocating feeling.

I wear these often for work or casual outings. The fabric is lightweight, yet the effect is powerful: my belly feels flatter, and my posture improves instantly.

3. Shapewear Leggings: Lift Your Butt, Shape Your Legs

I never imagined shapewear could come in the form of leggings, but once I tried them, I was hooked. They don’t just lift the butt, but also shape the thighs and calves, making the legs look longer and leaner.

Perfect for coffee dates or casual strolls, shapewear leggings make me feel both sporty and feminine at the same time.

4. Tummy Control Shapewear Panty: Simple Yet Effective

Sometimes, you just need something simple. That’s when I reach for tummy control shapewear panties. They’re easy to wear under jeans or casual dresses, but they still deliver results: a smoother tummy and a perkier butt.

They’re the type of shapewear you can rely on daily without feeling like you’re trying too hard.

5. Full Body Shapewear: A Confidence Booster All Day

For special occasions—weddings, reunions, or even photoshoots—I go for full body shapewear. It’s a little more “serious,” but the results are unbeatable. My entire silhouette feels sculpted, my butt looks lifted, and I can go through the day radiating confidence.

How to Choose Shapewear That Fits Your Body

After experimenting with different pieces, I’ve realized there’s no such thing as one-size-fits-all when it comes to shapewear. The right choice depends on your needs:

• Struggling with belly fat? → High waisted shapewear shorts
• Want full-body support? → Women’s Shapewear bodysuit
• Active lifestyle? → Shapewear leggings
• Looking for everyday wear? → Tummy control panty
• Special occasions? → Full body shapewear

And always remember: breathable materials matter. Comfort should never be compromised.

Lifestyle + Confidence: How Shapewear Became My Menopause Companion

For me, shapewear isn’t about hiding weaknesses—it’s about reclaiming confidence in this new stage of life. Yes, our bodies change with menopause, but that doesn’t mean we should stop caring for ourselves.

Shapewear is my “quiet companion” that helps me show up in the world with self-assurance, without constantly comparing myself to how I looked in my 30s or 40s.

Conclusion: Black Friday 2025—The Perfect Moment to Invest in Yourself

If you’re looking for a small yet powerful boost of confidence, give shapewear a try. And with the upcoming 2025 Black Friday shapewear sale, now is the perfect moment to invest in yourself without overspending.

I believe every woman deserves to feel beautiful and confident—at any age. Shapewear is just one of the tools that can help us embrace that truth.

I'm okay

Knee surgery was a success. Thought it was going to be a difficult recovery but three days later, after the anesthesia has worn off, I don't feel so much pain. I only needed crutches for a day but the following days I'm able to walk around the house, albeit limping. I was hoping to get two months WFH approved but I think I'll be back to normal in no time. I hope so.

I've been eating fast food a lot the whole time I was confined. Thanks McDo. I stayed in the hospital for 2 nights. A night longer than expected. I wasn't cleared for discharge on the same day of my operation since the anesthesia has not completely worn off and I'm still being observed. 

So what happened to my knee? I have a lateral meniscal tear on the right knee and a cartilage defect. I underwent chondroplasty to smoothen and reshape the damaged cartilage, arthroscopic partial meniscectomy to remove the damaged part of the torn meniscus, and debridement to remove any damaged tissue around the wound. So much damage lol.

I'm looking forward to recover fully because it's Christmas season and it's gonna be so busy I don't want to miss out. 

My surgeon sent me a photo of my intact ACL and inner meniscus which is good news. I don't know which is which in the photo I only care than my ACL is good. Yey!

Thankful that my HMO was able to cover everything in full (except for a very minimal miscellaneous fee). The final bill amounted to 180k+, with Philhealth covering around 60k. ☺️