Saturday, September 07, 2024

Book Review: Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes


I'm excited to share with you this sweet little book, Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. To my dear Loyal Readers, Elaine should be familiar to you because she and I used to be the editors of OK! magazine. She's worked since then as features editor, beauty editor, and freelance writer. 

And now she's added author to that list! I'm so proud of Elaine's new book and I'll tell you why today.


Look at this page from her book (beautifully drawn by Eleanor Bautista). This is how it starts. Elaine lays out the situation by describing the day of a typical mom. I relate to it a lot because that's me every single day. She was describing me! Many women are busy working on something and relying on coffee (or sugar or bone broth) to get them through their day. 

Now, check out the entire page below. If this was an activity sheet for kids, the instructions would be, "Find the object that doesn't belong." (I encircled it haha) For moms like Elaine and me, our desks and minds and schedules revolve around our children. And we try to make everything else - husband, chores, work, friends - fit in. 


Every mom is a working mom, that's what I always say. Doesn't matter if you're working from home or the office, if you're a housewife or the mom everyone at church/school/neighborhood counts on. If you're a mom, your hands are full. More full than anyone's hands. More full than anyone's heart, too. And I guess that's what makes moms such amazing people. Distracted, stressed out, exhausted, sleepless, yes. But amazing nevertheless.

Elaine writes -

This is how her days usually go,
full of stops and starts, rarely a smooth flow.


On top of all the things we have to do, Elaine touches on how we're desperate for help. For many of us without household help or family to rely on, we turn to that dreaded device: the TV, or the iPad, or the smartphone. Sometimes we have to feed the always-hungry kids instant noodles, or hotdogs, or chips. Because we don't always have the time to cook. Or sometimes because it's just easier dammit. But ease seems to be something mothers shouldn't enjoy, and there is a poignant pain that twinges my heart as I read Elaine's plea for understanding. 

And then Elaine writes the words every mom says to herself at the end of another chaotic day.


Ain't that the truth.

In her Lithub article, The Heartbreaking Ingenuity of the Mother-Writer, Olivia Campbell writes, "Women writers have always been up against the expectation that they can do it all, all at once. Male authors are lauded as disciplined recluses for closing themselves away to write; women are praised for juggling writing and family simultaneously. But you can’t have it both ways. Either writing is a laborious, worthwhile craft requiring time alone or it’s not, no matter the writer’s gender. 'How does she do it all?' society muses while staring at the bedraggled mom-author clutching her book in one hand and her baby in the other. By having no work-life balance or boundaries. Losing sleep. Hiding in pantries. Getting increasingly angry by the lack of support. By nearly drowning." (italics mine)

No sleep, no rest, no time alone to collect oneself. And yet we persist in doing the work that separates us from the roles of wife and mother. For me, it's my work that saves me from the drowning. It's my writing that convinces me I am my own person, even if I love giving myself to others. It's what stops me from screaming into the void of duty. It's what takes my eyes away from the despair of exhaustion.

Don't worry, the book isn't all desperation. After that page where the mom in Elaine's book is undone by all her unfinished tasks, the book takes on a tender realization. 


Daddy to the rescue! I love how dads never seem to be worried. I guess that's how amazing moms are haha! Because moms are so focused on the tiny details, dads can see the big picture and know that we're doing okay, that this won't last, that this is actually the sweetest days of our life.

(On that note, not gonna lie, I am SO GLAD that stage is over. True, it was so sweet but I am in a much better place now that I can breathe. And read. And spend more than 5 minutes in the bathroom.)

And that's what I love about Mama, Interrupted. The book describes a mother's day - the chaos, the desperation, the wish to do her best - but it never shows resentment for the adorable interruptions. Having kids is difficult and the book doesn't shy away from that. That's why I urge everyone to give a copy to friends who just got married and are dreaming of babies. The book tells you it's going to be hard. But... It is what it is but it's not that bad as long as mama has support from her husband.

I appreciate that the book also brings attention to the role of dads. They're important, of course, as a father, but the mama also needs him as her husband, the one who anchors her when she's spiraling from all the drudgery of motherhood, the one who calms her down with his strength and logic, the one who assures her that after all this craziness, she still has him.


Mama, Interrupted is actually a book for moms disguised as a children's book. It's a love letter to her. It's an assurance - "I see you, mama, and I see all that you do. You're doing an amazing job." And isn't that what we mamas need? Not exactly gratitude because this is our duty. But it's ever so nice to be acknowledged. 

All that in a little book? Yes! It's a tender book with many hard truths. Easy to read and digest because of the rhyme, and a wonderful gift to give the moms in your life to tell her, "I see you. I love you. I honor you."  

Get your copy of Mama, Interrupted by Elaine Natividad Reyes. It's only P399 but you save more if you buy more! Order here.

* * * * * * *

I review books written by Filipinos. If you're a mom, I'll prioritize it! 

Follow me on Threads, @francesampersales
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Monday, September 02, 2024

Trigger Finger: What It Is, and When to See a Hand Specialist For It

Have you ever noticed how certain activities we do every day, like typing on a computer or even carrying grocery bags, can take a toll on our hands? For many of us moms, these repetitive motions are just a part of life, but over time, they can lead to issues we might not even be aware of—until they start causing pain. One such issue is a condition called "trigger finger," which is more common than you might think, especially for women in their 50s and 60s. 

I'm not even 50 yet but I felt it in my right pinky and ring fingers a few months ago. And that deeply upset me because I'm right-handed and the condition made daily life difficult (like I needed more reasons to have a hard time!). Writing, typing, cooking, and doing the laundry hurt!


Understanding what causes this condition and recognizing the symptoms early on can help you manage it more effectively. Women, particularly those juggling careers and household responsibilities, are at a higher risk of developing trigger finger. Activities like typing, gardening, or even repetitive chores around the house can contribute to this condition.

Many upper-limb repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) like ‘trigger finger’ are a major concern for office and factory workers. However, a study of these injuries conducted in Singapore found that female patients aged 51 to 60 were an especially at-risk cohort, likely because they also did a significant amount of housework in addition to their professions. Another study specifically covering trigger finger found that hobbies like gardening also factored in for Singaporeans. 

Thankfully, finding a hand specialist Singapore locals trust is not a problem, thanks to the country’s robust healthcare infrastructure. Regardless, even though they aren’t widely considered to be urgent conditions, trigger finger and other RSIs can be a serious impediment to life quality, particularly in the later years of one’s professional life.

What Is Trigger Finger?

Trigger finger, medically known as stenosing tenosynovitis, is an RSI that affects the tendons in the fingers or thumb, usually but not always in the dominant hand. It’s characterized by inflamed tendons or tendon sheaths, which cause the affected digits to catch or lock in place when bent. Think of it as like Spider-man's hands when he's shooting webs. This condition doesn't look as cool, though, and can be more than just an annoyance; it can impact your ability to perform simple daily tasks, from holding a coffee cup to buttoning a shirt. This condition can be painful and may significantly reduce a patient’s precision when performing certain tasks, such as typing, using a computer mouse, or playing a musical instrument.

Symptoms of Trigger Finger

The symptoms of trigger finger can vary in severity—some patients may feel intense pain while others feel no pain at all. Moreover, symptoms may develop gradually or appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:

Finger Stiffness. 
The thumb or fingers may feel stiff or unresponsive to conscious attempts to move it, resulting in a loss of precision when performing tasks demanding fine motor skills. This stiffness is often more prominent upon waking.

Clicking or Popping Sensation. 
Bending or straightening the affected digit may cause a clicking or popping sensation that you could feel or hear. This happens because of the tendon catching or dragging on the inflamed sheath.

Tenderness or Lump at the Base of the Finger. 
A small, tender lump may develop at the base of the affected digit, indicating a thickened tendon.

Pain When Bending or Straightening the Finger. 
Patients with trigger finger may feel pain in the palm when trying to straighten the digit.

Finger Locking in Bent Position. 
In more severe cases of trigger finger, the affected digit may lock in a bent position and require significant effort or even external assistance to straighten it. When the finger straightens, it may snap into place rather than move in a smooth motion. This is where the term “trigger finger” originates and it can be rather alarming for patients.

Causes of Trigger Finger

Like other RSIs, trigger finger is often caused by a repetitive strain, in this case on the tendons of the fingers and hands. Causes and risk factors of the condition include but are not limited to:

Repetitive Hand Movements. 
Engaging in activities that require frequent gripping or fine movements can increase the risk of developing trigger finger. Unfortunately, this cause is prevalent and practically impossible to avoid for many working-age professionals.

Inflammatory Conditions. 
Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or diabetes that cause swelling of the tendons or some kind of impingement in the hand area can increase the likelihood of developing trigger finger.

Gender and Age. 
Trigger finger is significantly more common in women than men and it is most commonly seen in professionals between the ages of 40 and 60.

Previous Hand Injuries. 
Old injuries to the hand can lead to scarring or thickening of the tendon sheath or the tissues next to it. This may interfere with the normal functioning of the digit and increase the risk of developing trigger finger.

Congenital Conditions. 
In extremely rare cases, children may be born with a congenital form of trigger finger.

When to See a Hand Specialist

Fortunately, trigger finger can sometimes resolve on its own if you avoid activities that worsen the condition. However, there are situations when it is advisable to see a hand specialist:

Finger Locking or Sticking. 
If your finger or thumb regularly locks or sticks in a bent position, you should see a hand specialist, even if no pain is involved. This invariably indicates an advanced stage of stenosing tenosynovitis

Symptoms Persist After Resting. 
If your symptoms persist despite resting the affected hand for a few weeks, it’s time to consult a hand specialist.

Increasing Pain. 
Seek professional help immediately if you experience chronic pain that continues to increase even with rest, splinting, or over-the-counter medication. This may indicate a need for corticosteroid injections or surgery.

Managing and Treating Trigger Finger

Fortunately, trigger finger is often manageable with rest and over-the-counter medications. Changing how you approach certain tasks and using ergonomic equipment can also help bring the condition under control.

However, the condition can still develop even in otherwise ideal conditions. If you notice persistent or worsening symptoms, seek advice from a hand specialist Singapore patients depend on. They should be able to recommend interventions that may restore functionality to your digits, allowing you to work and enjoy life unhindered by trigger finger.

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Friday, August 30, 2024

In 5 Years

It's August 30, 2024. I'm 47 years old. I'm married to a novelist who also writes for a business title. We have three sons—14, 12, and 10. I have one published book and three works in progress. I'm a book editor and the co-founder of Lean In Manila, and my day job is as a communications manager.

Five years from now, on August 30, 2029, I will be 52. I hope to still be happily married (like we won't be sick or dead) to Vince, who will be 55. Our sons will be 19, 17, and 15. That means we'll still need to work because we'll still have students, the eldest a college freshman, the second graduating senior high school, and the youngest graduating junior high. Looooong way to go before retirement!


A lot can happen in 5 years. Why, 5 years ago, in August 2019, I was a PR manager with little boys. By October, I'd resigned and became a work-at-home mommy. I was an influencer, a freelance writer, and a PR consultant. By January, I had signed 2 clients - the big one in hotels and tourism. But by March, the pandemic happened so I lost that business. We homeschooled our kids. I got a fun job as an editor for a copy agency with fashion and beauty clients all over the world. I wrote my first book, Not Invisible, (thank you for your support!) and that made me so happy I resolved to come out with a book every 3-5 years.

So in 2020, I wrote a book. In January 2021, it was published and ranked #3 New Release on Amazon in its category. I gave myself the rest of the year to promote it. The whole of 2022 was going to be writing the next book so I'll have my second book by 2023, 2024. I had been on schedule but then 2023 happened and I was derailed. In between, I went international and contributed to Boy Moms, the book by TheBump founder, I was published in Mother magazine, and was a finalist in the non-fiction category of Women on Writing. Meanwhile, Vince's fifth book The End of All Skies was published by Penguin Random House SEA so I got busy promoting his novel, too. Then my book editor job was resurrected when I edited Justine Castellon's novels. 

Now, my life has always revolved around words - writer, magazine editor, blogger - but the last few years have been especially wordy and I love it! So yes, the last 5 years were crazy. Crazy good, crazy bad. But all I can think of is how grateful I am anyway. And that I'm looking forward to the next 5 years while praying they will be kinder.

I saw this post on Instagram a couple of weeks ago and I want to do this activity, if only so I could focus on my 5-year vision.


I plan to accelerate my life!


I'll blog it! And it took me more than 30 minutes (2 weeks!) but only because August was extremely busy that I couldn't find time to sit down for 30 minutes and think and write it down! But I finally have time today. Hooray!


All I want is to be happy, healthy, and with my husband and sons, writing and editing. So yeah, I have everything I want!

Where am I living? 
I'm still living here in our condo, where we've lived since we married in 2007. I really love where we live, but I want a major renovation. It really needs a total revamp. 

But there's a part of me that wishes we lived in The Arton near Katipunan. I want my kids to study near their college, which will of course be UP Diliman. After almost 30 years of meeting and working with many kinds of people from different schools, I am still convinced it's the best university in the country.

Who am I waking up to next? 
I actually sleep by myself. My husband doesn't like this but ever since I started perimenopause, I have had a hard time sleeping, especially when someone else is breathing beside me (husband or child). But when I'm on my own, I can fall asleep within minutes. So I weighed it: my marriage or my sanity? My marriage or my health? My marriage adjusted. We're still very happily married and very happily sexual despite sleeping apart. 

That said, I hope when this perimenopause hell is done and my hormones have calmed down and my sleep isn't so easily disturbed, I'd be waking up beside my husband again. Especially since it's so delicious to wake up with him. 

What does my house look like? 
I would like my house to look more stark. More bookshelves for my piles and piles of books and storage to hide all our mess. My kitchen will be smaller but more efficient and very white. Bathrooms will be more modern. The kids will have custom-built beds and closets. Our bedroom will also have custom-built shelves and closets. There will be better lighting. There will be speakers in the ceiling in every room so that I can listen to music properly. I've been leaning towards white and gray for a while now. I guess it's because my life is so busy that I want to be surrounded by blankness. But my husband likes color so this is never going to happen. He's already had to adjust to my sleeping preference.

Maybe I'll rent a studio and paint it all white, put a desk and a daybed there, line the walls with shelves for my books. Put up a watercolor painting corner and take up drawing and painting again. Another corner can be a podcasting station maybe. I also want a big table for all my unfinished projects. I can go there to think and write. And sleep.

Virginia Woolf wrote in A Room of One's Own that financial constraints and the prejudice of society have inhibited a woman's creativity. And yet, while I agree, millions of women, despite having no money, no time, no rest, and no support, continue to still create. It's infinitely easier to create without worrying over bills, security, and childcare, and yet we women persist. I believe that's what makes us such beautiful creatures.

What time do I start work? 
Well, if I still worked at Personal Collection, I'd start work at 8 AM. But if I had my way, I'd start work at 10. That means I'd either be busy with my resurrected writing and editing business (it's dormant now but I'm still filing taxes via Taxumo) or I'm writing my third or fourth book! 

What's on my calendar that day?
Let's see. August 30, 2029, is a Thursday. I'll probably be working and then cooking. Then I'll have dinner with my family and then read or write. Same old, same old. But that's okay.

Who am I working with?
If I'm still with PC, hopefully, I'd be working with the same team. I like them a lot. I'd also like Lean In Manila to be more prominent in my life by then. We haven't had time to do more with it but maybe in 5 years, we'd be doing monthly Circle Sessions and talks and workshops. 

I want to work with more words so that means I want to work with authors as their book editor. Or I'd be working with my publisher because I'd have my nth book by then! I also want to write for publications again so I'd be working with more editorial teams.  

What is my salary?
You know, if life weren't so expensive, I'd be happy teaching kids, writing books, blogging, serving coffee in a little library cafe that's been my dream to start. I'd even be okay with arranging bookshelves in a bookstore. So yeah, my kids would starve if I did that haha

I've done the math and we just need P200,000 a month to live comfortably. I honestly don't want more than that. But I'm not earning that yet. I don't know how to get there but if you're hiring and would like to offer me that, let me know!

How do I feel about my job?
Assuming I'm still with PC, I think I'll be doing okay. I actually really like my job. I just don't like the hours. If it were a 9-5, it would be perfect. It's an 8-6. As a mom and an author, that makes me unhappy. 

So if in 2029, I'm in a job that's 9-5 (but pays 200K??? hahahaha) or better yet, starts at 10am, I'd be very very happy!

I really should just restart my business. I was earning okay. But I got too old for the hustle and the running after clients who don't pay. I just couldn't deal with the indignities anymore.

What is my health like?
So I had a bad year last year. My physical and mental health suffered. This year, I started exercising and eating better. Still not exercising daily and I really should add more fruits and veggies to my diet and curb the carbs. But I've already lost 10 lbs! That was my year-end goal but I achieved it in 6 months! Yey me!

So in 5 years' time, I hope to be fit and healthy. I want to be 125 lbs (I'm 134 now). I want to be able to run and climb stairs without huffing. I want to be muscled and toned with clear skin, my cholesterol levels down, my periods over, and I'll just be a crazy, happy, gorgeous, bitchin' middle-aged woman!

How often do I travel?
Hopefully, never. You know, that is the most un-Filipino thing about me. I hate leaving my house. I intensely dislike traveling. I mean, I'd do it if I had to. Like, if I'm forced to do it because it's a job or a wedding or something family-related. Okay, fine, I like traveling for work. And only for work. I hate traveling for leisure. So in 5 years' time, if I am traveling, I'm only doing it for my kids. Or family. Or work.


Why, no, everything I wrote I know about me, but I was surprised that I publicly admitted to hating traveling! 


I'm definitely adding to the working with others part. I've been itching to do collaborations again and meeting new people again and just working on something that isn't my job.


This is true! I've always had a crisply detailed vision of my future. Even when the kids stampeded over it and motherhood and my corporate job kinda drown me with all their might. My head bobs up from the waters of duty and I still see that the one thing I really want to do in my life is write. It's always been the shining beacon, the one thing that saved me from poverty, that got me my husband, that gave me a happy career, that kept me from going insane when my mental health suffered, and it's still the one thing that makes me completely happy. Life may get in the way but I also know I'll always steer myself back to writing. Now I just need to figure out how to make writing make me big bucks!

And that's what this whole exercise achieved! I realized I need to make writing make me not just happy and fulfilled but also make me lots of money! And this is our cue to laugh ourselves silly hahaha  

Well, this was a fruitful exercise. I'm giddy now! Let the planning begin!

I wrote my way outWrote everything down far as I could seeI wrote my way outI looked up and the town had its eyes on me

I wrote my way out of hellI wrote my way to revolution

Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it (I'll write my way out)Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it (write everything down, far as I can see)Wait for it, wait for it, wait for it, wait (history has its eyes on you)
I'll write my way outOverwhelm them with honesty
- "Hurricane," Hamilton
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Sunday, July 07, 2024

10 best Wattpad stories on my reading list

I've been waiting to write a best Wattpad stories post for years! So this post is dedicated to dear Loyal Reader Sharon, who wrote: "Do you still read fiction? I used to read voraciously until the start of my 40s and then my appetite for fiction just waned. The few books I read these days are comfort reads."

Hi Sharon! Yes, I'm reading fiction. It's all I read now and as much as I'd like to say I read only award-winning literature or classic tomes or books that elevate the mind or the soul, I'm going to be shamelessly honest and say my literary tastes now lean towards novels that make me giggle with kilig or stimulate the nether regions. 

And my favorite place to get these stories is from Wattpad. Yes, I'm addicted to Wattpad. My husband doesn't understand it. I don't think I do either. Many of the stories are crap. Nearly all of them are unedited, grammatically tragic, and poorly constructed... but they are addicting! Just this year alone, I've already read 37 books, 32 on Wattpad! But, don't worry, not all of them are smut haha 

Another thing I like about Wattpad is the comments. You can comment on every paragraph which makes reading a community thing. My husband doesn't like that. Reading is a solitary pursuit, he says. Well, Wattpad changed that for me. It's just as addicting to see everyone's reactions and thoughts to the story as it unfolds!

My guiltiest pleasure is werewolf romance. I can't stop reading those! But while it's a genre that is staggeringly popular, I know that's not everyone's cup of tea so I'll also share the werewolf novels that are not so steeped in the lore. They're the most human-like love stories so you won't get too weirded out haha. I'll share my top 3 faves at the end of this post. Lemme start my best Wattpad stories list with with the sweet human stories...


#1 The Player Next Door by BabyInACorner is my super favorite! It's hilarious! You MUST read it! This is the book that inspired me to write a novel! In fact, my main female character is named Millie, too. 

So anyway, The Player Next Door is all about ordinary Millie who lives next door to school celebrity athlete Luke. A comedy of errors finds them stuck in the same cabin in summer camp and one thing leads to another and they become... friends. Haha! This is such a sweet, slooooow-burn romance that when they finally kiss, my goshness, it's so satisfying. 

52.5 million reads

But! This is just Book 1 of a trilogy. The second book, Play No More, explores their relationship as a new couple. It's so funny, too! The third book, Play the Part, is still being updated. I haven't started reading it. I'm waiting for Natalie (that's the author's name) to finish before I start. And also I kinda don't want to start it because then the Luke & Millie love story will end. I can't say goodbye yet!


#2 Love, Anonymous by Liz Plum is such a sweet, sweet book about Reagan who thinks she's nobody special. In fact, obnoxious Hayden keeps annoying her as a hobby. But she can't get bothered by him too much because she's consumed by the fact that she keeps getting letters from a secret admirer. Who could it be?

Super cute and super readable! Makes me want to get love letters again!

10.8 million reads


#3 Silently Falling by Liz Plum is a story about healing from trauma. Raine has selective mutism, a coping mechanism when she was raped at age 14. Family and friends form a protective wall around her so that it never happens again. But it also prevents her from finding love. Until really persistent West makes it loud and clear he wants to know everything about the silent girl. 

This is such a good story. At first, you're scared for Raine, especially since West has a bad-boy rep. But the slow wooing, the way they're so delicate around each other, the way they protect each other, really wins you over.  

44.2 million reads


#4 The Upside of Falling by Alex Light explores what happens when shy girl Becca who's never had a relationship and Brett the school hottie who can never keep one pretend to be a couple. At first, it was just a mutually beneficial arrangement. But when the line between fake and real blurs with all those kisses and deep conversations, what's a guy and a girl going to do? It's really sweet! So so cute. This is also available on Amazon already so if you want a paperback instead, order now!

48.1 million reads


#5 When It Rains in Ocala by WriterBug44 is a sweet whirlwind romance between Maggie and Evan. I can't talk about this book because I'll give everything away. I can't even say what it made me feel because I'll spoil it. But please read it. But don't read the comments section because the spoilers abound there. It's just the sweetest romance. Evan must be the most perfect guy in the world. This love story is breathtaking in its tenderness. 

3.4 million reads


Are we ready for some hot sex? Well, #6 Sleeping with My Best Friend by Shelly Titan is the book for you. It's about Berkley who's oh so ready to get rid of her virginity, but every guy she knows is a douchebag. So who better to do it with than with the guy who loves her but not in a romantic way? The guy who can teach her things and she'll feel safe to explore her sexuality but with no strings attached? The guy that's her best friend since birth, Dean? But Dean thinks sleeping with his best friend is a bad idea. However, after circumstances convince them it's a good idea, they finally give it a go. And woah, what a go! 

What I really like about this is the sex was how my husband and I have sex. I mean, we have fun. All the erotica I've read is overly passionate but the sex scenes between Berkley and Dean are so fun. They chat, they giggle. I think that's what sex should be like! Fun! Read it!

2.7 million reads


#7 Pirouette by The Biblical Sinner is a fast-paced romance that develops between Fiona, a ballerina, and Adam, a boy who dances to escape his hellish world. I like this story because usually in romance novels, it's the guy who's aloof and cold. Adam is a total sweetheart. He's so friendly and wonderful that his tragic backstory hurts. Seeing Fiona warm up and relax and then fall in love with him is totally believable because Adam is worthy of love. And some hot sex! And again, I like the sex here because it's between two people who love and trust each other. It's safe and sweet. Read it!

1.7 million reads

So now let's get to my favorite genre, werewolf romance. Okay, here's what you need to know. Werewolves are soul-mated to one other special creature by the moon goddess. It's a bond that is so strong that when you finally meet your mate, it's love at first sight forever. That means the best werewolf stories are about those who fight that bond!

Which is why #8 Monster by KrystleLight is my favorite werewolf romance novel! It's not too werewolf-y so if you want to give this genre a try, start with this. This story is about Kaea who doesn't understand why Kyle, the heir to the Alpha position, hates her so much. He has bullied her constantly for years, making her resolve to leave their pack as soon as she finishes school and be rid of this monster. Only to find out that her mate is none other than Kyle!

Okay, this is a bullying story and Kyle is really an asshole. But the author does such a wonderful job of redeeming him. His change is believable. In fact, you'll fall in love with him at the same time Kaea does! And when she gets confused between her future outside the pack or by Kyle's side as his Luna, even you'll feel anguish at what choice to pick! 

1.8 million reads

#9 The Wallflower Mate by Leila Vy is cute and also steamy. I don't know how the author did it. There's a perfect balance between the passionate attraction of newfound love and the sweet ordinariness of a couple. Mary wants to find a mate (yep, no moon goddess destiny here) and she takes matters into her own hands by kissing a stranger at a mating ball. Unfortunately (or fortunately!), that stranger is the fearsome Alpha Ryker, who was so surprised at the kiss that he just had to have more. And oh boy, did he get more!   

4 million reads


#10 Finding Home by AE Bennet explores what it feels like when a second chance at love presents itself to Paige and Nathan. Many things have changed in the 5 years since their romance ended, but is the love the same? Spoiler alert: No. It's even better! I love how the story takes time to work through all their issues and heal their heartbreak. The reconciliation is deserved. 

3 million reads

Aaaaand that's my 10 best Wattpad stories list! I have a gazillion more books in my Wattpad reading list and I wish I could do a book review of them all. But anyway, this was so fun to write! Lemme know if you read Wattpad, too, and if you do, drop your recommendations in the comments! 

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Saturday, July 06, 2024

Life lately

This post is dedicated to dear Loyal Reader Camella, who wrote me: "Thanks for your blog about how your 2023 was. You're so brave to share how difficult it was. I'm also going through a lot and my mental health is suffering so seeing you on the other side of this darkness is inspiring me that things really will get better. My question is how is your 2024? Are you really better?"

Hi Camella, yes, this year is definitely much better in every single way. Thank you for asking! Let's list down what's improved:

  • I've adjusted to work and I'm doing great on the job and with my co-workers. 
  • My family and I have adapted to our new schedule that revolves around work and school, although I wish we could find more time to clean up the house, exercise, and go have fun - but we're exhausted kapag weekends! 
  • I've lost 10 lbs. so from 144, I'm now down to 134 but I should be around 125 so 10 more lbs to go!
  • I'm managing my asthma and my cholesterol levels okay.
  • Mental health is waaaaaay better. No more anxiety and depression, although perimenopause symptoms of palpitations, nervousness, brain fog, painful joints, hot flashes, et al are still plaguing me. But I'm riding them, not fighting them anymore.     
With everything better, life lately has been more relaxed and stress-free for me. I'm still busy and so tired, but I now have mental space to appreciate the good things in my life. Like family and friends. I've started seeing wonderful people again! And it's always good to have relationships. I don't feel so isolated. Let me share a few photos!

This is Martine and Jean. I haven't seen Marts (in pink) since way before the pandemic so it was so nice to see her again, happy, healthy, thriving. I know a lot of you followed her when she and I were mommy bloggers so let me tell you she's in a good place.

Jean (with our other friend Dix) is my fellow royal watcher and we obsess over William and Kate, Charles and Camilla, and Harry and Meghan. We also scrutinize politics and religion, high society, and celebrities. Jean and Dix are very intelligent people, but then all my friends are. I have my business friends, my faith friends, my writer friends... I make sure I surround myself with people who fascinate me. What makes Jean and Dix special is they're the only ones I can gossip with! I knoooow. Gossip is for simple minds supposedly, but gossiping with them is so stimulating because there's always an insight into humanity and its goodness and cruelty. We don't always agree with each other but it's okay. I always feel safe with them.


Here's a table of lawyers, a judge, professors, and writers! This was a special dinner at Jude and Karen's home. Discussions about the government, books, pen collections, writing, and more. But we're all old so we left while the night was still young.


I've really been going out with friends this year. I saw my old friend, Kate. You''d know her as the fashion designer, but now she's pursuing her real love, music. And she's become an award-winning writer! So proud of Kate!


Here's a table of creatives! This is the Communications and Advertising Division of Personal Collection, where I work. They're funny and sweet and just really nice! And efficient. I like working with them a lot.


And here's my family! The Amper family side. With Ding Dong Dantes haha. This was a dinner celebrating birthdays and graduation/moving up, and just being alive and healthy. I enjoyed it a lot. I'm so glad I have my brother and sister. 

Oh, if you have an upcoming event and would like to have good music, book The Manila String Machine!

I'm not always out, by the way. But I do try to carve time out of my schedule to see people at least once a month. Touch base, catch up, unwind. Otherwise, I'll just be caught up in the drudgery of cooking, cleaning, and chores.


This year is all about self-care. Last year, I was so depressed that it took so much willpower to shower. So now I make it a point to care for my body because when my body looks and feels good, my mind feels not so bad anymore. So I also try to set aside time and money for the salon or for little gifts for myself like perfume and books.


I have read so many books, by the way! That has also helped my mental health. Just getting lost in other people's stories distracts my mind. That's my next blog post - I'm publishing it tomorrow!

I should be writing my novel, though. I started it June 2022. Two years later and I'm still stuck at 25,000 words. And I've changed my mind on the plot, too! I'm still writing it - not with words, sure, but it consumes my imagination all the time. So I hope I can finally take them out of my imagination and down on paper! 

Oh, and as a writer, I have a bit of good news. 

So yes, I am feeling so much better! If in 2023, my mantra was survive, in 2024, it's thrive! This year is so good to me. I'm very happy. Thank you so much for asking, Camella. Now I wrote about it and now I'll always have this post to remind me of such a delightful time. 
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