where have i been?

I haven’t had the chance to blog for the longest time. I’ve been really busy with the moving. There are still a lot to be done though. And we’re still settling in. I’ll talk more about that later. Let me just tell you what happened since…

Irvin and I went to the Statue of Liberty on March 11th. I bought the tickets a day before to make sure we can also tour the museum. At first, we thought we couldn’t make it on time since the subways going to the South Ferry weren’t working that weekend. Yeah of all days! Anyway, we were there I believe at around past 9AM. There was such a long line for the ferry going to Liberty. Worst is, I also had to wait in line for the ticket pick up. We made it on time still. I think Irvin liked the place. We took lots of pictures but haven’t gotten the chance to upload them. He has also seen Ellis Island Immigration Museum which symbolizes America’s immigrant heritage. I also brought him to Ground Zero. Pictures of the then World Trade Center and the 9/11 tragic bombings can be seen on the tall gates. I took him to TGI Friday’s for a late lunch. French onion soup was good but nothing so special about it. Well at least for me. Chicken Bruschetta with angel hair pasta tasted so great. Irvin liked their mashed potato. Oh and the hot fudge brownie with vanilla ice cream on top was the best. Hmmm yummy! We also took a peek of China Town. Well what can you expect! It’s the same as ‘Binondo’. Lol. I’ll post the pictures later.

Vanessa unexpectedly gave birth to a healthy baby boy on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day. The baby had to be in an incubator as he was 6 weeks early. The baby shower was actually set on the 18th which pushed through still. We were there before noon to help Tita Gie with the preparation. Irvin had fun he said but we had to go home the same day. There was a birthday party (Manang Fely’s granddaughter) at 202.

Anyway…Congratulations, Vanessa! I’m so happy for you. I’ll see you again soon!

It was March 23rd when I received an email invitation from Philip Cassanova to join the yahoogroup sasmanila91. At first, I couldn't really remember who this person was but somehow it rings a bell in my ear. Then, I've read the yahoogroup's description and my gosh, I couldn't believe it...finally after 15 years, friends, classmates and batchmates from high school are now in communication through this e-group. Thanks, Philip! It's really so nice to be in touch with all of you again.

Cielo - As I've said in my email, Song and I have been trying to find you. It's just so great to know you're part of the group. There's a lot of catching up we need to do girl! That's 15 freaking long years! We'll find time for that huh! :)

On another side of the story, we’ve gone through so many things with the apartment. I can consider myself a punctual person. So ‘waiting’ for me is like hell. I hate it! Worst is, I’ve been doing my part promptly but it took like almost a month before we actually had the contract signing. The only bright side of it is that I was given another discount…$30 off the rental amount. And in fairness, they gave us a welcome gift… a comforter set (colors and design of which I can’t appreciate), 2 boxes of crackers, and a (never-heard) perfume for me and for him too. We signed for a 2-year contract and took the keys. I showed Irvin the apartment (since the office is at a different location). Then we learned from the super that the elevator wasn’t working. He said they are putting a new unit and it has already been 2 weeks since they started. He’s not even sure when they’ll finish it.

Irvin with the help of Manong Nel, Manong Chu-chu and Lester started moving our stuffs on Monday, March 27th using the stairs. I felt really bad for them having to go up and down 6 floors. I didn’t have to take a day off anymore. They finished everything by the 2nd day. The realty company also provided some assistance to us.

March 30th was Irvin’s birthday. 2 days before that, Manang Fely told me she plans to surprise us with sort of ‘family dinner’. She had to tell me so I could buy a cake. I took the day off. We had grilled pork belly, chicken and squid. There was roasted pork, fried chicken wings, ‘bulalo’, beef with broccoli, fruit salad, I also cooked Spaghetti, and of course he had a birthday cake filled with strawberries on top and in between (from Tai Pan in Flushing). Most of the De Ocampo family celebrated with us. Thanks, Manang Fel! And of course…HaPpY BiRtHdAy, Irvin! All the best always!

Earlier that day, Irvin and I had lunch at Applebee’s in Fresh Meadows. He enjoyed the honey baby back ribs so much and the combination of sirloin steak and grilled shrimp skewers as well. You can check the menu here and here. New England Clam Chowder tasted so good and the best part of all… the Apple Chimicheesecake for dessert.

We moved to the new apartment finally last Saturday. The mattress set was delivered that day too. We were just lucky to have convinced those guys to bring it all up using the stairs. I have informed their office beforehand though and I was told I shouldn’t have any problems since they do it up to the 5th floor. Anyway, we just gave them a good tip. Tita Laling actually shared with the cost of the mattress. Thanks, Tita! Mwah! The apartment is so empty. No sets of furniture at all! We had dinner on the floor you know. I don’t mind anyway. I’ve lived at 202 for almost 4 years and didn’t buy these things on purpose since I was alone then. We went to Flushing at around noon to do food shopping good for a week. Manang Glo came to visit us in the afternoon. I didn’t know it was also her birthday on the 30th. HaPpY BiRtHdAy, Manang Glo!

Sunday, we attended the mass at Incarnation. We had lunch at 202 and Kuya Nel helped us pick up the dining set that Ate Laura and James gave us. Thanks, guys!

We are organizing our things little by little. I don’t want to rush. I’m still tired actually. Irvin did some sorting but doesn’t really want to arrange everything as he thinks I might ask him to redo it again. Haha! I’ve ordered some not so expensive furniture and area rugs from Walmart and got them today. I don’t need too much stuff in the apartment. As a matter of fact, I want the design/arrangement to be European-inspired. Space is better. And it’s more of the feeling that you know you have a comfortable and nice place to live in.

And to some friends who have left short messages, sorry for not getting back soon.

Pao – I was just really busy but all is well so far…trying to balance everything. J How are you? Hope you’re ok.

Caryl – Thanks so much for the birthday greeting and of course for remembering.

Alynn – Hi! How have you been? Thanks for dropping by.

Kaye – Sure you can link me up. Thanks. Take care…