projectzeja

[projectzeja]

Bits of This and That

Hey, how’s it going? Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2023? I’ve been procrastinating quite a bit, and it’s time to get things moving! In this post, I’ll share some bits about my life and a few topics that have caught my attention recently. Family has always been a tricky area for me. It’s like a plastic yo-yo, sometimes up and sometimes down, with a bit of plastic on the sides.…

[projectzeja]

Bits of This and That

Hey, how's it going? Can you believe we're already halfway through 2023? I've been procrastinating quite a bit, and it's time to get things moving! In this post, I'll share some bits about my life and a few topics that have caught my attention recently.

Family has always been a tricky area for me. It's like a plastic yo-yo, sometimes up and sometimes down, with a bit of plastic on the sides. Since I was a kid, I never felt like I fit in with them, always the 'spare' child/sibling. By 'spare,' I mean I'm only remembered when they need something, like cooking or someone to blame for their wrong decisions. There's more to this story, but I'll save that for another blog.

On the brighter side, I finally found a work-from-home job after months of searching! Training started last Monday, July 24, and it's been going well so far. I'm thrilled about this new opportunity.

However, I do have one challenge to work on—spending and temptation. I tend to splurge, even on things I don't necessarily need. For instance, I've been eyeing a tablet for a while, but since finding a job was a priority, I put it on hold. Recently, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the temptation got the better of me!

Now, let's talk about politics. It's a topic I usually avoid because it can be dirty and poisonous. Politicians often act out of self-interest, regardless of where they're from. I must admit, I have some resentment towards the current government officials in the Philippine government, especially the President.

I never used to vote because I couldn't find a candidate I believed in. But during the last election, I realized that if I want change, I need to take action. I voted for President Rodrigo Duterte, and at first, I was happy with the changes he brought to the country. However, the recent election was disappointing for me. The candidate I voted for seemed promising during the campaign, but now it feels like they just want to play Dora the Explorer.

Politics can be unpredictable, and sometimes, we make choices we regret later. It's essential to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions when voting for leaders who can truly make a positive impact on our nation.

So, that's a little update on my life and thoughts. I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Let's keep moving forward and make the most of the rest of the year!

xo,

Caj

[projectzeja]

Bits of This and That

Hey, how's it going? Can you believe we're already halfway through 2023? I've been procrastinating quite a bit, and it's time to get things moving! In this post, I'll share some bits about my life and a few topics that have caught my attention recently.

Family has always been a tricky area for me. It's like a plastic yo-yo, sometimes up and sometimes down, with a bit of plastic on the sides. Since I was a kid, I never felt like I fit in with them, always the 'spare' child/sibling. By 'spare,' I mean I'm only remembered when they need something, like cooking or someone to blame for their wrong decisions. There's more to this story, but I'll save that for another blog.

On the brighter side, I finally found a work-from-home job after months of searching! Training started last Monday, July 24, and it's been going well so far. I'm thrilled about this new opportunity.

However, I do have one challenge to work on—spending and temptation. I tend to splurge, even on things I don't necessarily need. For instance, I've been eyeing a tablet for a while, but since finding a job was a priority, I put it on hold. Recently, Samsung launched the Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Galaxy Z Fold 5, and the temptation got the better of me!

Now, let's talk about politics. It's a topic I usually avoid because it can be dirty and poisonous. Politicians often act out of self-interest, regardless of where they're from. I must admit, I have some resentment towards the current government officials in the Philippine government, especially the President.

I never used to vote because I couldn't find a candidate I believed in. But during the last election, I realized that if I want change, I need to take action. I voted for President Rodrigo Duterte, and at first, I was happy with the changes he brought to the country. However, the recent election was disappointing for me. The candidate I voted for seemed promising during the campaign, but now it feels like they just want to play Dora the Explorer.

Politics can be unpredictable, and sometimes, we make choices we regret later. It's essential to stay informed and make thoughtful decisions when voting for leaders who can truly make a positive impact on our nation.

So, that's a little update on my life and thoughts. I hope you enjoyed reading this post! Let's keep moving forward and make the most of the rest of the year!

xo,

Caj

[projectzeja]

It seems as though she's having the time of her life and doesn't remember me... should I worry?

[projectzeja]

A Turning Point in Life: Celebrating My Birthday with Fur-ever Companions

Yesterday marked a significant milestone in my life as I celebrated my birthday. However, this year was different for me as it signified more than just another year added to my age. It marked a profound shift—an opportunity for awakening, rebirth, and personal transformation. Surrounded by my three loyal furry companions, who have been there for me through good times and bad, I embarked on a turning point in my life and a journey of self-discovery. This day symbolized leaving the past behind and embracing a fresh start filled with love, joy, limitless possibilities, newfound purpose, and enlightenment.

As the morning sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating my room with warmth, I woke up with a renewed sense of purpose. I had chosen this day as a turning point, a chance to release the weight of my past experiences and embrace the freedom of a new beginning. With my three loyal, furry companions by my side, ready to support me unconditionally, their wagging tails and eager eyes mirrored my own anticipation, as though they understood the transformative nature of this day.

Don't get me wrong; this was not an overnight decision. It took me years before I was able to finally say to myself, "I am ready." All the anger, pain, trauma, and darkness I had been keeping inside couldn't simply be erased and forgotten overnight, especially when it came to my family. It took years of reflection and soul-cleansing before I could confidently say, "This is it. I am ready." I acknowledge the lessons I've learned and the experiences that shaped me, but I also recognize the need to let go of any regrets, sorrows, pain, and resentments from the past in order to move forward with my life. My furbabies, with their unwavering presence and unconditional love, serve as a reminder that life is filled with infinite possibilities waiting to be explored.

Throughout the day, my dogs and I shared moments of pure joy and unfiltered happiness (I hope they felt the same way). We ordered some food and watched some flicks, although I must admit, it was more for me than for them. But I am just happy that they were there to keep me company. Later that day, I took them out for an afternoon walkies and gave them their favorite treats before calling it a day. To some, this may seem like a modest way to celebrate, but for me, it was more than enough, and I truly hope that my furbabies felt the same way.

This day will forever be etched in my memory and hold a special place in my heart. It will always serve as a milestone of rebirth, awakening, and a turning point in my life where I chose to let go of the past and embrace new beginnings. With my three furbabies by my side and their unconditional love as my guiding light, I will leave the shadows of the past behind. As I gaze at the night sky, I know this day will always be remembered. While I may not know what this new beginning will bring, I am filled with hope and excitement for the journey ahead.

Xo,

Caj

[projectzeja]

Celebrating Mother's Day: The Unconventional Love of Fur Moms

Mother’s Day is a special occasion that honors the love and sacrifices of mothers around the world. However, traditional motherhood is not the only type of motherhood that deserves recognition. For some women, being a mother means loving and caring for a child who is not biologically theirs, or even loving and caring for a non-human child, like a furry friend. These women are sometimes called…

[projectzeja]

Leftover Meal: Garlic Rice

I was the cook for my family before they “disowned” me, another story to tell; anywho, since I was the cook for my family before I am used to cooking large batches. Now that I’m on my own, I somehow having a hard time to cook a meal for myself, thus the reason why I often have leftovers in my fridge. There are meals that when you reheat it, it would taste even better example would be adobo. But…

[projectzeja]

Am I Slowly Turning Into a Karen?

I usually mind my own business whenever I am out and about. Listening to music while walking, and just enjoying my time. Although, that is the case, I am very much observant and aware of my surroundings while minding my own business of course. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being mean or anything, it’s just part of my upbringing which I hated but became a habit of mine growing up. Lately, I am…

[projectzeja]

Am I Slowly Turning Into a Karen?

I usually mind my own business whenever I am out and about. Listening to music while walking, and just enjoying my time. Although, that is the case, I am very much observant and aware of my surroundings while minding my own business of course. Don’t get me wrong, I am not being mean or anything, it’s just part of my upbringing which I hated but became a habit of mine growing up. Lately, I am becoming the more vocal and opinionated with what I am witnessing maybe more like becoming a “Karen”.

An example of what I meant was, early last year I went out to eat in a famous fast-food chain. My table was located near the condiments section and in front of my table was two other tables for the customers. While I was waiting for my order to be served, a woman whose seat is located in front of mine, got her food first and went ahead to eat. After a few minutes my food was served, as I was preparing to eat, the woman got up and proceeded to the condiments section where there were two waiters hanging out. She handed them her plastic condiments container and asked for a refill of her sauce, which one of the waiters took and told the woman that he’ll just serve it to her. So, the woman went back to her seat to continue eating. After a few minutes, the waiter served her the sauce refill she requested. Nothing wrong there, right? How I wish it was that simple then I could just move along with my life.

What seems to be the problem?

The problem is that before the woman got up and asked for her refill. She emptied her condiment container on her rice, licked the plastic container before asking for the refill.

Remember the two waiters hanging out by the condiments section who assisted the woman? This is their part now.

One of the waiter took the plastic container and proceeded to refill it, as he was about to go and served it to the woman, he was stopped by his colleague because he put too much of the sauce. So, he went back and pour the sauce back into the main container then proceed to serving the sauce to the woman.

Just to refresh your mind, the plastic container was licked by the customer before passing it to the waiter and asked for a refill. Using the same plastic container, he poured or refilled it with the sauce the customer requested. And using the same plastic counter, poured the “excess” sauce back to the main container of the restaurant. That main container is where the fill the condiment container for other customers. Which made the whole sauce, contaminated already.

Honestly, I was disgusted with what he did, I could’ve let it go if (a) he just go ahead and served the sauce to the customer, or (b) took time to replace the plastic container with a new one in that way even if he poured the excess sauce back to the pot it wouldn’t be contaminated with other people’s saliva. This happened while Covid is still lingering around. Even without the pandemic he shouldn’t have done what he did. He’s working in the food industry; hygiene is very important.

I immediately reported the incident to the main office of this fast-food chain. I know what I did was right but I felt bad because might’ve gotten those waiters in trouble worst might got them fired. I can’t help but ask myself am I slowly turning into a “Karen”? What would you do if your were in my place?

Xo, Caj

[projectzeja]

Hello, February!

Hey, it’s the second month of the year. Time surely flies. How are things moving along? So far so good, right? February is the love month as it is popularly known. Valentine’s day, which falls on the 14th day of this month, the lover’s month. I am now just saying nonsense-trivia things, lol. Anywho, what are your plans for the V-day? I would be spending my V-day just like the other years, with…

[projectzeja]

Bye 2022, Hey 2023!!

Bye 2022, Hey 2023!!

Happy New Year! How’s it going so far? The first 2 days of 2023 were great for me so far. 2022 was a so-so year for me, it was not a terrible year coz believe me I’ve been through worst. So-so coz it neither good nor bad. If I were to have a word that explains my 2022 it would be REVELATIONS, in fact, overwhelming with revelations. For this post, I wouldn’t go into details on what happened there…

[projectzeja]

Pork Sinigang, Bed Weather Approved Comfort Food

Sinigang is a Filipino soup or stew characterized by its sour and savory taste. Main ingredients used are meat (pork, beef, chicken, seafood), vegetables, onions, long chili, fish sauce. Unripe tamarind is usually use as souring agent for the soup broth but other sour fruits such as guava, tomatoes, kamias, green mango, pineapple, calamansi, etc. and leaves can also be use.

Whenever it gets wet and gloomy outside (the bed weather) or I wake up not feeling well, sinigang is what I crave for. It had been raining on and off for weeks now, it’s not a surprise though since it is currently the wet season here and the most perfect time (in my opinion) to cook and have this dish.

Sinigang na baboy sa sampalok or pork tamarind soup, is my favorite variant. Now, I’d be honest here, I don’t use fresh tamarind when cooking sinigang because it would be time consuming on my end, also, fresh tamarind is hard to find from where I live. Instead, I use instant sinigang mix as an alternative to fresh tamarind. Although, instant sinigang mix is easy and convenient to use nothing can beat sinigang with all fresh ingredients and it is also much healthier.

How I cook sinigang?

2 lbs pork cubed, I prefer the belly part (you can use beef or other seafood if you don’t eat pork)

2 pcs eggplant or talong sliced

5 ounces radish or labanos sliced

18 pcs string beans or sitaw cut 2 inches each

1 onion wedged

2 tomatoes wedged

1 chili finger or sili haba (optional, just for mild heat add more if you prefer the dish to be spicier)

1 bunch water spinach or kangkong

66g. sinigang mix (any brand, although I prefer the one with gabi)

Fish sauce for flavoring or salt

Ground pepper

3 cups water for pre-boiling of pork

8 cups water for soup broth

3 tablespoon cooking oil

Procedure:

In a pot, add 3 cups water and pork belly and cook for 15 mins or until meat is slightly cook. This will help tenderized the pork. Remove pork from water.

In another cooking pot heat oil and sauté onions until layers would separate. Add tomatoes and sauté for another 2 mins.

Add pork belly and cook for 5 mins while adding 1 tablespoon of fish sauce. Pour water and cover pot until water boils.

Add sinigang mix of your choice and adjust heat between low to medium. Cook for another 30 minutes.

Add radish, cover and continue cooking for another 30 minutes.

Add string beans and eggplant and cook for another 5 minutes.

Add kangkong or water spinach and cook for 3 minutes.

 Season with fish sauce as needed and black pepper.

** Alternatively, you can opt to deep fry pork belly. If you chose to deep fry pork belly, do not add while cooking the soup broth. Instead, add pork after the broth is cooked.

Transfer pork sinigang to a serving bowl and serve hot with rice – meal is served! Relax and enjoy the hearty warm soup.

Have you tried sinigang? Let me know what you think of this dish.

Xo,

Caj

[projectzeja]

Pilot Post

Hey there!

I'm Caj from Philippines. I am the type who loves to cook, eat, travel, read, watch movies, sleep, explore and try a bit of everything while carrying out all the things I love and passionate about. I tend to be outspoken for this reason I speak for myself and does not represent anyone. Writing has always been my great solace, it is where I am able to express my thoughts, feelings, struggles, frustrations and open up all the different crazy sides there are to me.

Project Zeja was created as an extension of myself, a space where I can get a good hold of life in all its contradictions, struggles and niches in a realest way as possible; a space where I am able to keep up with my own interest, be able to share my experiences, opinions, thoughts and things that intrigues me. It does not aim to impress or please anyone but you can expect me to be true to myself.

Thank you for taking time to visit my page and hope that it was worthwhile and somehow find it useful, helpful or just able to simply brighten up your day.

Xo,

Caj