It feels like forever since my last bento post. Actually, it feels like forever since my last post. These apologetic “Oh, I’ve been away for so long!” posts seem to be getting more common, unfortunately. And while my excuses are always the same, fact is, it still applies as I’m still forever busy.

I’ve sworn not to buy new bento boxes anymore, since I have a lot which I barely use. But when it’s a gift, I guess I have an excuse to own new ones since I DIDN’T BUY IT. This was exactly what happened when my friend N arrived home for a short vacation after working so long overseas.

Along with a little metal charm from the Tokyo Tower (someday, I shall visit you too!), she handed me a small non-descript box which when I opened yielded a lovely Hakoya bento box. Hakoya is a Japanese company that specializes in bento boxes. A bit more expensive than the ones you can buy from Daiso and other hyaku-en shops, the quality you get more than makes up for it. Featuring traditional designs, these hand-crafted, hand-painted boxes can easily hold a place of honor in anybody’s collection.
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Lately, my ability to pack lunch for work has been overpowered by the need to sleep and laziness. You can probably tell by the absence of bento posts here. But I do have one today, featuring ready-to-cook adobo flakes.

Despite looking like a busy, fussy lunch, this is another one of those deceptively quick bentos. Pan-frying the ready-to-cook adobo (Purefoods Mom’s Kitchen) took 10 minutes tops. While it was frying, I was putting the other things together—like sticking the rice in the microwave and boiling water for the green beans. Of course, I kept running back to frying pan to make sure it doesn’t burn either. But it’s relatively manageable when you’re in a small kitchen.
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Ever had days when life seems to throw everything at you, so every free moment you get, you’d rather spend it communing with your bed? That’s what my life has been for the past few weeks, which explains the lack of updates. Lots of things happening both with work and with my personal life. Been trying to get it back under control but it’s easier said than done.