Five feet three, I stand as Ellen G

I have answered to many iterations of my name over the years, and as I have matured, I liked being called Ellen again

My weight? I prefer to wait before I lose a bunch of weight before I tell you. I can tell you I am the heaviest I’ve ever been my entire life

I will not mention my love for a good chai latte, but I will mention my dislike for back pain.

I live with anxiety. Swimming in endless thought, although I have learned to live with it and dive head first into the cobalt pool of my thoughts, which, absent fear is actually a place of creativity, big ideas; unapologetically brilliant.

Mind like a steel trap, except when I get distracted. Oh look, a new book!

Immersed in the realm of policy and law, I am awestruck by their profound impact. Pen meets paper to form letters that form words, that form sentences, that form paragraphs, to come alive, weaving a tapestry that molds the fabric of individuals and society. Ratified by elected officials, they have the power to sculpt a reality of boundless possibilities, either harbouring destruction or propelling progress. Within this captivating dance of words, a grand symphony of responsibility ensues, harmonizing the forces of change.

I still do not know whether children are in the books, although I am more open to it.

Still suffering from hypochondria, and I think now with a plethora of other diseases such as kidney disease, slipped or herniated disc, possible thyroid problems, transient ischemic attack. Yes, it’s tough being a hypochondriac and managing these very real diseases

My passion for culinary arts is finally reaping its rewards. I have honed my skills to the point where I can effortlessly create delectable and tantalizing dishes. From sumptuous, velvety soups to irresistibly crispy fried delights, from succulent, slow-cooked beef stews to a medley of vibrant and crunchy mixed vegetables, I can now treat my loved ones to a truly memorable dining experience.

However, no matter how hard I try, making pandesal remains a daunting challenge. Despite countless attempts and numerous experiments with different types of flour, yeast, and temperature variations, achieving the perfect texture and flavor continues to elude me. But I won’t let this discourage me, for every failure brings me closer to the day when I can confidently bake the perfect batch of pandesal.

Fiercely proud Filipina, fiercely proud Canadian.

Friends have come and gone, but those who’ve stayed, relationships have only sweetened and deepened.

I still love a good laugh.

I have dedicated a considerable amount of time and effort to honing my oratorical skills through practices such as radio broadcasting, delivering speeches, and engaging in regular reading aloud. As a result of this dedication, I have made significant progress in my journey to become more eloquent and proficient in expressing myself effectively. Although I have made notable strides, there is still room for improvement in my ability to articulate my thoughts and ideas confidently without relying on a pre-written script.

Thank goodness for LASIK! With the help of this incredible technology, I underwent a life-changing procedure that restored my vision, liberating me from the darkness that once surrounded me. Although my eyes have been blessed with clarity, there are still a few challenges that I face. Despite being a little hard of hearing, I remain determined to navigate the world with resilience and inner strength. Mobility may be a question mark, but I refuse to let it hinder me from embracing life’s adventures.

This transformative experience has taught me a valuable lesson about love and perception. No longer will I allow myself to be deceived. With my heart and my eyes wide open, I now approach love with a newfound wisdom and discernment. My senses may have been altered, but my spirit remains unyielding, ready to embrace life’s intricacies and joys.

Sport, like a distant whisper in the wind, eludes my life’s grasp, a void that is painfully apparent

Still, I maintain my analytical thinking even in the face of lightning-fast demands, remaining deliberate and meticulous in my work.

I am extremely selective when it comes to food, but paradoxically, my insatiable appetite drives me to sample every cuisine imaginable!

I have come to embrace my nocturnal nature, although I do enjoy the occasional basking in the stillness of the morning, indulging in the soul-nurturing pursuits that awaken my spirit.

In the gentle melodies of piano instrumentals, my restless mind finds solace. As I, in forgetfulness, often neglect to listen, my beloved partner graciously plays these enchanting tunes when cortisol levels go high, transforming stressful moments into instantaneous tranquility.

I still hate goodbyes.

I still love conversing with my beloved parents. The other day, we spoke for nearly two hours. How I yearn to entrap these moments in a jar, adorning my cupboard, to cherish forever.

One of my greatest fears is the possibility of causing harm to another human being and completely forgetting their humanity. It fills me with deep unease and sadness to think about the potential consequences of my actions if I were to lose sight of the inherent dignity and worth of each individual. Recognizing and respecting the humanity in others is crucial for maintaining a compassionate and empathetic mindset, and it is something I continuously strive to prioritize in my interactions with others.

I may never know the answer to the universe, but I can focus on being a good and ethical person

I am better at setting boundaries, although I still struggle with confrontations

I’ve been fortunate enough to explore various destinations around the world, but there are still countless miles to be traversed. Among the many places on my travel bucket list, one destination that especially captivates my imagination is the mesmerizing land of Iceland. The stunning landscapes, jagged volcanoes, cascading waterfalls, and the ethereal beauty of the Northern Lights make Iceland an absolute dream for any wanderlust-filled traveler like myself. I eagerly anticipate the day when I can set foot on this enchanting land and immerse myself in its unique and breathtaking natural wonders.

I think I am privileged to be in Canada, the Great White North

I think I am loved immensely

I think I am unique

I think I am Ellen Galupo

I think therefore I am

I am Ellen and this is 2023

INVENTORY OF BEING 2015 VERSION

Five feet two I stand as Ellen G.

But I like being called Elle because Ellen sounds mature like Ellen White.

I do not know my exact weight because it fluctuates from party to party, from one caf food to the next and from the time I visit the gym biannually.

I will not mention my love for pandas, but what I will mention is my dislike for physics.

I am absentminded; constantly swimming in the cobalt pool of my thoughts and strolling through the forest of my twisted philosophies. A grand escapade.

I am forgetful…I am forgetful- and I like pandas.

I find obstetrics and liberating neonates from its mother’s womb fascinating, but the thought of delivering my own horrifies me.

I want to have four kids named Naya, Asher, James, and Perry, but I do not think it will happen in my lifetime.

I am a runner by heart, but not by feet. My bones are too weak and brittle. I suspect I have cancer of the bone, but my mother said I have hypochondria. I guess, with that disease, I shall die honourably.

I love culinary arts, but the love is unrequited. I have pleaded, begged, and seduced but all I get is spontaneous combustion in rebellion for my immense adoration.

I am Filipino by blood, but Canadian by legal papers.

I am friendly and I always get along with everyone; except those with whom I do not get along.

I love laughing until my belly jiggles and rock but sometimes I laugh at the wrong things at inappropriate moments.

I am much more eloquent in my mind than in my verbal utterances.

I am blind, deaf, and almost crippled –because love is that powerful.

I love swimming and badminton because I am good at them – but I will never try basketball or figure skating lest anyone laugh. But I like making people laugh.

I am analytical, but people sometimes associate that with being slow. Love me or hate me, I would prefer that you love me.

I don’t always like eggplants but when I do, it’s in the trash.

I love waking up in the morning because Michael Buble is my alarm, but my enthusiasm usually vanishes by 7:30.

I like listening to instrumental piano solo, because it’s soothing…but perhaps because it brings back memory of somebody that I used to know.

I dislike the thought of someone leaving.

Talks with my parents are the best, but they are always short. I wish I had more of them.

My fear is being a born again Christian, and staying as a newborn.

I wish I can say that I am right with God, but that would be a lie.

I am stubborn, strong-willed and persistent, but I can never verbally say it therefore I end up conforming to society.

I’d someday like to travel to third world countries just to remind myself how privileged I am.

I think I am pretty lucky to be in Canada.

I think I am loved immensely.

I think I am unique.

I think I am Ellen Galupo.

I think, therefore I am.

I am Ellen and this is 2015.