No matter how often I change courses with this space, it continues to remind me that this isn't for passions or thematic thought vomits. This isn't the place to market or promote, to shout out or recommend. Hell, Stef. What's going on here? I keep returning to my blog wondering if this is really the writing I want to keep or leave behind. I keep reminiscing of the years when writing about the ups and downs of my day was fun and interesting. Now it always feels empty and, well, not ME. I'm really sorry for not taking care of this space. I'm sorry for not writing that which speaks of my truths and my life. If you chose to follow Diwa Daily, thank you, as always, for sticking around. ❤️ The perfectionist in me always feels . . .
GUIDE 📕7 must-have products to bring on your dog walks
Walks are more than just exercise for your dog. They're opportunities to bond, to communicate, and to share memories as you're both exploring the environment. To make the walk a positive experience, you can bring and use certain equipment and food. They keep your dog safe, allow you to provide enrichment opportunities, and reinforce behaviors that encourage them to walk nicely by your side. Having worked on Windy's loose leash walking skills for over a year, I've used different equipment and food to help her to choose to walk without pulling or lunging on leash. I've rounded these up in today's post to give you some ideas of what to bring on your next dog walk. 📣 The products in this list won't magically teach your dog to walk . . .
Windy’s Black Friday 2021 haul
My first Black Friday as a dog parent was nothing short of an adrenalin rush. The last two weeks of November saw an explosive number of product launches, sales, and marketing emails that it was difficult sticking to wish lists and budgets. We survived those crazy weeks, thankfully, and snagged some really good deals in the thick of the holiday rush. I thought it'd be fun to share our official Black Friday/Christmas 2021 roundup: 1. Clicino clicker ring Who can resist a limited edition pink Clicino clicker? 😍 I love the Clicino clicker ring because the sound is much softer and more ideal to use during indoor training sessions. Wear it on your finger and click without worrying about dropping it during a session. 2. Ripley . . .
7 ways to manage your puppy
Puppies are just too adorable for their own good. Their small heads, bug-like eyes, and the pitter-patter of their tiny feet can make any human heart melt like butter. But when left to their own whims, they notorious at getting into trouble. At 8 weeks, they're exploring the world and absorbing all the information like a brand new sponge. They do so with their teeth, mouth, limbs, and noses, and sometimes that can lead to: Chewing on furniture or shoesShredding grocery bags, boxes, or packagesNipping on our anklesChewing on dangerous things like wires or medicineSoiling the houseAny other behaviors we humans find undesirable Unfortunately, I've grown up in a society where we either tolerate and ignore these behaviors or . . .
The wild waves of canine adolescence
I looked over at Windy, who I just tucked inside her travel crate. I didn't utter a sound. I kept movements as subtle as possible. She's been awake since 5 in the morning. I didn't take her on her usual early morning walk; instead, she got to romp with her Corgi brother, Brooklyn, have some of her breakfast kibble on the garage, and go on an hour-long car ride with us to McDonald's. I chose to break routine because, last night, Windy threw our nightly routine out the window. She didn't pee when she should've peed. She was excited and aroused that a 5 to 10-minute relaxation session did little to slow down the panting. She nipped my hand several times as I'm about to hand feed her.She refused to go inside her crate, then . . .
Another wave to break through
Life threw a couple of really nasty curve balls over the weekend, leaving me crying, throwing tantrums, and just feeling absolutely down to the ground. It took many days before I can finally start filling this space again. But knowing that I've made myself promise to write more, I thought it best to break things down and process them as best as I can. Another wake-up call that the virus is real Friday, September 22nd - my best friend's mother passed away. COVID-19 aggravated her pre-existing conditions and took her from us. The last time I messaged, my best friend and her dad were down with the fever and are getting swabbed. It frustrates me that I'm an airplane away and can't even see her to give comfort during such a . . .
Hello, I’m here.
Hey, there. Journal, virtual space stamped with my mark—diwa. How heartwarming yet melancholic this feeling of re-entering what was once an intimate and frequented space. I've been silent, and have chosen silence, since Ama's passing and the arrival of our two new furry family members. Time, physical energy, mental strength were not on my side for the most part of 2021. The world became a blurry mess where nothing really mattered but keeping control over the house and family. Friends came and wentFamily members shared updates from their side of the worldSociety scrambled for their freedoms and incomes in the middle of lockdowns and restrictions. But this blog remained in my mind and heart. I've not touched it for close to . . .
Meet the Puppers
People cope with loss and change in different ways. Some would stay in bed. Some would go on journeys for self-discovery. I'd normally binge on my favorite food 🍫 , watch a bunch of anime shows online, or shop online 🛍️ with absolutely no restraint. Nope. I agreed to go with the most unideal, impractical, and downright dumbest way to get through the loss of my grandmother. J and I got two new puppies. Not one. Two. Having two adult reactive dogs that had history of fighting and lashing at each other, I was so fearful of having another problematic dog that I wanted a second puppy to fulfill their socialization needs. I realized it was a stupid and ignorant assumption, and have beaten myself up for it multiple . . .
Eulogy
Rather than keeping the memorial's introduction and my eulogy behind lock and key, I want to share my Ama with the world. Ama, wherever you may be, I hope these words make you happy: Introduction Last Sunday, September 13th, we sisters reunited in fear and in courage to face one of our greatest fears—Ama, our beloved grandmother, passed away in her sleep three days after we discovered she was positive for COVID-19. It was a night each of us hoped and prayed would never happen—to witness a moment so crucial in our lives, yet not be by her side and hear her last words of advice, receive her final assurances, or feel the warmth of her skin before her soul took flight. This pandemic has pushed people to limits and heights no . . .
When the Yellow Bell Petals Fell
I've been afraid—afraid to sit down and face this blank space; afraid to write about the past three months; afraid of my incapability to talk about what's wedged deep within my heart. Each time I'm on this page of Diwa Daily, I divert to a written page on my journal, a tab on my browser, a notification on my phone, an email about 30% off for Black Friday—anything to make me forget about words. Perhaps I'm afraid of the weakness of my words, the possible phrases that would ensue from the quiet. It's my inner struggle, yet I feel her voice is calling me back. I feel she's been touching my shoulder and pulling me back to my desk this past week, maybe longer. Every time I do sit, I keep turning words like a Rubik's cube over and over . . .
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- Take Me Back