as promised...

More photos can be seen here...

our sincere condolences...

A tragic incident shocked Uncle Kenny’s (Tita Laling’s husband) family yesterday morning when his nephew Ronald along with the girlfriend was found dead in their apartment. Ronald used to be a Daytona Beach cop before he went on training for a Deputy Sheriff. He has received some commendations which will prove that he’s been doing great in his job. Though I didn’t have the chance to meet him in person, Tita Laling said he is the quiet type and is a very good kid. They just couldn’t believe it ever happened.

I really feel sad for the whole family especially for Uncle Ronnie and his wife, Coralee (Ronald’s parents). I’m so sorry for your loss.

Details can be found here...

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…

beef shish kebab

I usually pack my lunch (well it was Irvin doing it for me these past 3 weeks) but won't you agree with me that sometimes you just want to have something else... a different taste... or just consider it as a treat to yourself!

And so I went with my co-workers to this restaurant called Persian Grill for lunch. It wasn't my 1st time there but only now that I thought of blogging about it. That place is very well known for its kebab which is defined as "grilled meat". Kebab comes with green peppers and onions... everything grilled. When served, they give you more onions and tomatoes. It usually comes with yellow rice but they also give you the option of having just veggies...zucchini, eggplant, and mushrooms in addition to those I just mentioned. The food is so filling and sumptuous. The serving is big. What else can you ask for! You can never go wrong.

Well I wasn't able to take pictures of it earlier. I got this one from the web...



And maybe we can also make this at home...

Sheesh Kabab - Shishlik or Shish Kebab

Ingredients: (6 servings)
fillet of lamb or beef, 1 kg
small onions, 250 grams
large onions, 250 grams
green peppers, 250 grams
butter, 100 grams
medium tomatos, 1 kg
Saffron Liquid to taste (optional)
salt and pepper

Directions:
Also known as Kabab-e Hosseini this dish uses thin wooden or metal skewersi. Skewers should be 10-15 cm long. Wash green peppers and cut into 4 cm long and 3 cm wide pieces. Cut meat into 4 cm long, 2 cm wide pieces. Peel small onions. Push each skewer through one cut of meat, one small onion, and one piece of green pepper, and repeat until full. Add salt and black pepper to the meat.

Peel and slice large onions. Also slice the tomatoes. Choose a pot large enough for the skewers. Cover the bottom with a layer of sliced onions and tomatoes. Place a layer of skewers on top. Add a few thin slices of butter. Follow with more slices of onions and tomatoes on the skewers, and repeat this process until no more skewers are left. Cover and cook over low heat until there is no juice left. If meat is not sufficiently cooked, add a bit of hot water and continue cooking.

march 12th, 1930

HaPpY bIrThDaY, Tatay!

I know you're happy and already at peace wherever you are right now but I still want you to know that you're always remembered. You will never be forgotten. Your love and kindness will always be cherished and will stay in my heart. Your wisdom that you unselfishly shared will remain an inspiration. Your advices will always be my guide to a better life.

Sometimes I still wish you are here... I love you so much, Tatay...

all at once...

It’s been a week since I last blogged. Read on to have an idea of what has transpired over the past few days…

feb. 28th
Irvin arrived at the JFK International Airport with Manang Ani (my landlady’s sister) around 830pm. He has asked me to bring the camera long before his arrival. I had it with me but I forgot to check the battery. So there weren’t any pictures since the battery was dead. While at the airport, I dialed my in-laws in the Philippines to let them know that Irvin is already with me.

‘Bulalo’ and ‘egado’ welcomed them for dinner, had a little chit-chat and then off to our room to fix his things. Mama sent some ‘pastillas’ and ‘polvoron’ from Goldilock’s, (Thanks, Ma!). Ate Irmee also sent some ‘polvoron’. Irvin brought some chips, ‘boy bawang’, ‘ensaymada’, empanada royale, and knorr cubes. He also had with him the charcoal portrait of our wedding picture. It was nicely done and I like it so much! The wedding album from Mimi & Karl is nice too…very elegant looking! They really did a very good job. Thanks, guys! Then, there was endless chatting which lasted till almost 2am.

mar 1st
We woke up at around 11am, had some ‘ensaymada’ and went to see the Cunningham Apartments. A preliminary application form was filled up. We were also given the floor plan for the studio apartment and the list of documents we need to provide should we decide to apply for it. I showed him the other apartments as well and he liked the apartment by Zara Realty the most.

We had cheese pizza and shrimp parmigiana for lunch the day being Ash Wednesday. I took him to 34th St. in Manhattan to return some shirts to Steve & Barry’s. We’ve been also looking for a pair of shoes for him. I don’t think his shoes are good enough to fight the cold weather.

mayabang na din kami...


Later that night (730pm), we attended the mass at Incarnation Church.

mar 2nd
It was 1030am when we got up from bed. We went to the office of Zara Realty to apply. A money order was purchased in payment for the credit check. We were told we’ll know the result the following day. We had lunch at Jade Garden Restaurant (Chinese food). He said the hunan beef, fried chicken wings and general tso's chicken were all good!

mar 3rd
We went to Flushing to meet Jaime, Ate Irmee’s friend and gave him the ‘padala’. He showed us around his neighborhood for some apartments as well.

I upgraded my plan with T-mobile so I could get Irvin a cell phone.

Also, there was winter clearance sale at Modell’s. We bought some shirts and pajamas for him. I got him a New Balance sneakers and Timberland casual boots. I called up Zara to follow up on the application and was told to call back on Monday.

mar 4th
We went to Manhattan despite the chilly weather. He was feeling ok anyway. We got off at Rockefeller Center (47th-50th Streets), took some pictures and walked down to Madison Square Garden (33rd Street). I also showed him St. Patrick Cathedral, Times Square Garden, Madame Tussaud’s, and Port Authority Terminal. Lunch was at Yoshinoya.





more pictures here...

mar 5th
It’s Irvin’s parents’ wedding anniversary! Happy Anniversary Daddy & Mommy!!!

mar 6th
I went back to work. Kuya Nel and Irvin dropped me off at work. At least Irvin got to see where KMC is at. We stopped by George Washington Deli to buy some breakfast. Kuya Nel took Irvin to the movies with Lester. And…I got approved by Zara. Yey!

mar 7th
I cut a check and asked Irvin to cash it so we can make the security deposit for the apartment. But the bank wouldn’t cash it since he doesn’t have an account with them. So I took a half day off, went to the bank for the money, inquired on how Irvin can have access to my bank account and learned that TIN would not be of use at all. They’ll accept his passport and driver’s license (Philippines) though. Then, we’re off to Zara, made the payment and we were given a checklist of the additional documents that we need to provide them.

mar 8th
Busy…busy…busy…at work. I made copies of the documents for Zara so Irvin could bring them today.

on his way...

Irvin is now on his way to the US. He left Manila last night at 1220am eastern standard time via Asiana Airlines and is expected to arrive 730pm tonight.

what if?

All you had were uncertainties and speculations from the very start. All you know is you didn’t have… not even a slight good impression on the person. Most things seem to have changed… the unusual became the usual. You also felt bad as you’ve never received that attention and that kind of treatment and yet this person got everything in an instant. You keep on finding faults in the person just so you could justify. But even then, all you hear are good criticisms about the person. More so, you’re the only one who feels that way. The people you’re concerned of…the people you’re trying to protect…sad to say, seem to be fine with it. And whatever it is that’s happening, they think that there is nothing wrong about it and so, they accept it as it is.

You’ve been very anxious. It was slowly eating you and even the things that you do have been affected so much. It was a really hard decision on your part to have let go of those assumptions and convinced yourself to just go with the flow.

Days became weeks… weeks turned into months until… some unexpected news broke out one sunny day. You were told about a short but powerful message that could prove your presumptions. Your body felt numb. You can’t talk for a moment. You didn’t know what to say. You can’t even cry. You can hear someone talking to you but couldn’t really understand what he is saying. You were thinking of something else. You were in a different world for some time. You were confused. You can’t think of what you need to do…for the people you care for. Until… you burst into tears and the only emotion you entertained was anger.

Now what? Can you think of a way to fix this mess? Maybe! But… how?

It's my cousin Gail's birthday today! I miss her...a soft spoken, chubby and sweet girl. And pretty too!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, Gail!!! Hope you had fun (Phils. is 13 hours advanced)! All the best always! Mwah! :)

Caleruega

I’ve been to many retreats during my school days and for all those, it was only the St. Paul Retreat House in Laguna that I've liked so far…very peaceful and at its nature’s best. Until…I’ve heard of Caleruega from Weddings At Work. I have always wanted to visit this place the moment I saw it in the pictures. I'm sure it'll also be a great place for retreats. There can’t be any more beautiful and serene than nature. And Caleruega is just perfect for that beauty that is so captivating.



Special credit to this site for the pictures…

The official website of Caleruega…

How about an interesting article?

It can also be great for weddings too. Aggie & Edil from w@w were one of the many couples who got married in Caleruega. I haven't asked their permission to link their wedding pictures here so just visit their wedsite.

And as for me... I will make sure I'm going to see this place when I go home again for a vacation in the Philippines!!!

hApPy VaLeNtInE’s DaY!!!

What is so special about this day? How does every culture celebrate Valentine’s Day? Should this only be for lovers? Read more here…

Blizzard

We’ve had a too good to be true weather these past few weeks…really great that it felt like Spring in February. But it seemed like there was a sudden turn-around when we had the blizzard of 2006. Most cities in the Northeast had a foot and a half of snow. Some even had more than 2 feet…27 inches being the highest reported. Vehicles definitely had a hard time on the road. Visibility was bad. Good thing it happened on a weekend! We had to shovel twice yesterday just so it won’t pile up that much. Well I hope these will melt faster since temperatures within the week are above normal…meaning they won’t turn to ice since it won’t be that cold.

acne

I didn’t have any problems with my skin before…when I was still in the Philippines to be exact. Of course there pimples, blackheads and whiteheads once in a while but to me, they were never bothersome. No offense to my siblings but I was very glad then that I didn’t have those acnes they’ve had in their faces and backs. Worst is… those scarred. Anyway…

What is acne? What are pimples? What causes them? How do we get rid of them? Click here for more information.

According to many, people who’ve been abroad for a while have great skin…well not to compare with the people back home but it’s the cold weather that makes the skin nicer. Never mind the fact that the heater or hot water in the shower makes your skin dry. There are a lot of moisturizers for that.

Having said that, it’s not the case for me… I have had acnes, pimples and blackheads/whiteheads on my face, back and chest. I was very worried before I got married. I went to a dermatologist a year and a half before the wedding. Dr. Applebaum tried to help solve my problem. I tried on different things… Tri Luma… Brevoxyl creamy wash… and even pills like Adoxa which caused serious heartburns that I had to stop taking it. Some of those creams were not even covered by my insurance so I had to pay them from my pocket. I also felt that it worsened the marks containing a strong ingredient maybe. Even my gown design choice was affected. I originally planned on wearing a semi-haltered one which obviously had a high neckline. It was like a month before my scheduled trip to the Philippines that I let go. But I would say the marks on my back lightened a little bit given that long time of treatment. My friends were surprised when they saw me. They even kidded saying I’m not for America. And then to my amazement, my skin cleared out in a week’s time. Veluz (my designer) instantly changed the gown design when she saw me. How do you think was I able to wear this. I even had the nerve to wear this which I never did in my whole life. I mean it’s not as great as you expect but it’s far better than my skin before I started the treatment. I am a Filipina who got used to a hot weather and maybe my skin can’t really adjust to the cold weather.

I thought that was it…my skin back to normal. But I was wrong. It was fall season when I got back here in the states. And as it got colder, all the more that these acnes are coming out. I’m under treatment again. I wonder when this is going to end. I’m just very tired and impatient…

'mga bilin'

Irvin will be arriving in 3 weeks. Have I thought of the things that I want him to bring? Well here are what I have in mind… so far:

- Cigarettes (for my landlady’s sons and 2 co-workers... A pack of cigarettes costs $6 here at an average!)
- Quickmelt Ensaymada (yummy!)
- Goldilock’s Pastillas de Leche
- Piattos
- Boy Bawang (Haha! The ever tasting kornik!)
- Knorr cubes (chicken, beef, pork & shrimp)
- Sinigang mix
- Kare-Kare mix (for Manong Nel)
- Suman kanin & suman cassava
- Empanada Royale
- Reno liver spread (The Reno spread here tastes different…)
- Henna wax

Most of the above are available in Filipino stores except for the pastries but they’re cheaper in the Philippines of course! 'Dami ko pa gusto pero di pwede dalhin eh baka maharang pa sa immigration.' What else do you think?!

Tagged by Cynchie!

4 jobs I've had in my life
1. Credit Control Officer for Castrol Phils.
2. Accountant for KMC Exim Corp., New York
*Sorry this is only my 2nd job so far…

4 movies I could watch over and over
1. Pretty Woman
2. Gladiator
3. My Best Friend’s Wedding
4. The Shawshank Redemption

4 Places I've Lived
1. Cabanatuan City
2. San Andres Bukid
3. Marikina City
4. New York

4 tv shows I love to watch
1. Dancing with the Stars
2. C.S.I. Las Vegas
3. Without a Trace
4. 7th Heaven

4 Places I've Been on Vacation
1. Baguio
2. Laguna
3. Laur, N.E. (does this even count?!)
4. Puerto Galera

4 websites I visit daily
1. Yahoo!
2. Blogsssssss
3. Pinoycentral
4. Hotmail

4 of my favorite foods
1. Barbeque
2. Purefoods Hotdog
3. Chocolates
4. Caldereta

4 places I'd rather be right now
1. working in one of the big buildings in Manhattan (New York City)
2. touring in Europe
3. vacationing in a cozy beach resort
4. or just being in the Philippines with my family and friends

4 bloggers I'm tagging
1. Alynn
2. Marj
3. Pao
4. Nette

childhood

Click here for a clearer view of the picture.

Happy birthday, Ruby!

HaPpY bIrThDaY, kApAtId! Wishing you more healthy years to come! Mwah!

did you?

Did you ever wish of becoming a different person with who you are right now? Did you ever think why your role in life has to be like that? Did you ever wish you never existed? Did you ever imagine having the kind of life you have now? Did you ever feel sorry having hurt someone? Did you ever ask yourself why do you have to get hurt? Did you ever regret a decision you have already made? Did you ever hope for just the good things in life? Did you ever say sorry for the people you’ve hurt? Did you ever try to make amends for what you’ve done?

They say you make your own destiny… that life is never simple… that the world is always unfair. But what if you’re not brave enough to face the difficulties of life? What if you can’t hold on to what you really want? What if you can’t control the wheel of life?

treasured memories

I was the happiest during my vacation in the Philippines. There's nothing I can do for now but to reminisce… to remember those memories of being with family and friends. It’s so great to have spent some time with people whom you haven’t seen and talked to in years. I really feel a month’s stay was kind of short. If only I could be there longer...

birthday greetings!

I was on the phone with Papa last night. He said him and Ma have agreed to just cook some for the day. I don’t think he invited his friends but they might show up you know. Irvin went to our house after work and brought Fundador for Papa. He said they had chicken, kare-kare (my Papa’s specialty), lengua estofado, spareribs, pancit (rice noodles) and salad. Wow! Anyway... Happy Birthday, Papa!

Oh and it was also Daighne’s (my niece) birthday last Sunday. I phoned her but it was only last night that I was able to talk to her.

Belated Happy Birthday, Daighne! Hope you'll like the fancy watch that Ninong Tito gave you. Mwah!

winter clearance

It is at this time that you get good deals for winter clothes and accessories. And since most stores want to get rid of them, they offer really great discounts for such. Take for instance the coat that I got for Irvin from Express… it was originally priced at $198 (not yet including the tax) and it was on sale for $29.99. That is like 85% off. I also bought him some long sleeve shirts from Old Navy which are discounted at 75%-80%. American Eagle has great buys too…around 80% discount also. Well it depends on the item.





Kuya Nel was encouraging me to get this down jacket from Gap. Original price was $98 but now on sale for $39.99. I still find it expensive for the kind of jacket that it is. So I didn’t get it. They went out again the next day. Kuya Nel called me at my cell saying the down jacket that I didn’t buy is only $19.99. He was asking me if I want him to get it for me. So I said yes.



Now here is the problem… after all those shopping that I did, I am having second thoughts with the size. Well I have always bought him an XL and they fit ok on him. I asked him to take his measurements. At least I could still return them if they are too big. Plus I still have the chance to get a smaller size. That is… if they still have it on sale.

something new...

Here are some "not so new" things I got for myself...

Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year have passed and I didn’t even have a camera. I gave my Canon film-based camera to Mama and my Olympus D-560 to my brother Mickey during my recent trip to the Philippines. So I was just using the Nokia 6630 cell phone (which is also from the Philippines) but I didn’t know how to upload pictures from there until just recently when a co-worker helped me figure it out.



Click here to learn more about the features of Nokia 6630.

Also, I've been eyeing for the Sony Cybershot DSC-T7 but it was $599.95 that time until Sony had a price drop and what’s even better is that they offered a $50 mail-in rebate. Without any second thoughts, I bought one right away.




Click here for the specifications of this camera.

'worries'

Many say married life is no fairy tale. It’s not that you won’t be happy but it’s not also easier than you think…especially when a couple is just starting.

Of course, I was the happiest when I learned of Irvin’s visa approval. On the other hand, worries started coming in and much worse, it’s stressing me out so much. I have been on the lookout for an apartment even before his interview. There are actually a lot to choose from. The thing is it’s either it’s way out of the budget or if it’s not, I don’t like the area. And… we will need so many things too to furnish the apartment.

I feel bad for Irvin though as I get easily annoyed these days. But despite all these pressures, my hopes are still high. I’ll be ok as long as I know he is willing to take all the risks with me. And I’m sure God will guide us all the way…giving us the strength we need to go through anything.

i feel good...

I have been buying things for Irvin ever since…not just when there are occasions but every time that I find something I want to give him. Soon enough, he will join me here so I’m starting to prepare as early as now. I stacked up on some toiletries that I regularly buy at Costco. I got him some personal things like undershirts, socks, boxers and briefs. I don’t know but I would say I feel different…I’m happy doing this as a wife and no longer just a girlfriend. Aaaawww…

new baby!

Ate Irmee gave birth to a healthy baby boy whom they named Achilles Miguel on January 8th.




Congratulations, Kuya Lit & Ate Irms!

misinterpretation

My sister and I kind of argued last night. I’m not elaborating on that though as I still want to keep it private. I may have used the wrong tone of voice or improper choice of words perhaps?! But all I want is for her to have some sense of responsibility. And I don’t think she understood what I’m trying to make her realize. I have given my very best to support her all this time. I still do actually but I feel like it’s still not enough… still not appreciated for what I do that I can’t even voice out my concerns. Why does it have to be like this?! *sigh*

coming to America!

Irvin had his interview last night at the US Embassy in Manila and was granted an H4 visa. What a big relief! Whew! I'm still in cloud nine...honestly! I just couldn't believe it! We’ve been always worried about this especially that he was already denied 3x.

Anyway, some things are yet to be finalized before he can actually come here...tender his resignation (at least 30 day notice is required); settle his life insurance premiums (with 4 more years left); close some bank accounts; follow-up the wedding video and photo album; etc. etc. We hope to settle all these in a month’s time... or two maybe?! We are just very grateful that everything is falling into its place.

Thank you, Lord for the continuous blessings and guidance!

a festive welcome to the new year!

Lechon (roast pig), pancit sotanghon, pancit palabok, beef steak, beef and mushroom, sweet and sour fish, spareribs adobo, chicken lollipops, ginataang langka, fresh lumpia, lumpia shanghai, kare-kare, ziti, cake from Bineros, leche flan, cookies, cheese cake, ube haleya, cassava, fruit salad, and macaroni salad... anything else?! What a wide selection of food to welcome 2006! And it couldn't be more fun had I not celebrated it with Tita Gie and her family.

Now it's time to go on a diet...time to lose all those pounds gained during the holidays. No more excuses! :)

HaPpY nEw YeAr!!!

Have a great and wonderful 2006 everyone!!!

again?!

I’m not really feeling good. My throat started to sore again. Maybe it’s because of those many sweets I had last Wednesday. And last night... I was hot and chilling. I'm not sure though if I had fever. I didn't have a thermometer with me. But even my breath was hot. I hope I’m not getting the flu. *Sigh*

Christmas in MA

I went half-day last Friday to see a doctor. I was having a bad cold then with dry coughing. Anyway, it turned out ok. I was in the city at almost 5pm and boarded the Greyhound bus to Boston. I got an hour and a half earlier than the 1st time I used this route.

Tita brought me to the mall on Saturday. Just a backgrounder…I saw this hat from Gap. I didn’t want to spend $24.50 + tax for just a hat. I’ve been waiting for it to go on sale but it never did. So I decided to just get it since I need one. And they no longer have it in black to my surprise. Know what?! Gap in Leominster, MA had it in black and it was on sale too. And mind you…no tax (since clothing and accessories are non-taxable in MA). I got it for $12.99 and I’m so happy about it. I also bought some long-sleeved shirts from Old Navy.



It was my 1st time spending Christmas in MA. I have only been spending Thanksgiving Day there for the last 4 years. Nothing really unusual but I was so glad to have spent it with a close relative. Tita gave me a Victoria Secret silk pajama in Cranberry color (see picture below) for Christmas apart from the money that she also gave me. I got another set of pajamas from her friend, Rowena and some money from Meme.



Joe who got a lot of presents from his parents was the happiest. How nice it is to be a kid huh?! :) They’re mostly for his Ski sport. On the 25th itself, Tita’s in-laws came to the house. Her mother-in-law prepared the food. Her ham with pineapple was so delicious.

Tita and I went to BJ’s on Monday to get some stuff. I drove her Kia Sorrento which was actually good for me since I haven’t driven in a while. How I wish I could have my own car soon! Anyway, I left for NY around noon time but didn’t get here till 830pm.

Next stop... New Jersey, where I will be spending New Year with Tita Gie and her family. :)

busy day...

This will be a quick one. I've been really busy today at work. Well not really my work but I helped in the year end inventory count. And this would mean I still have a lot to do tomorrow.

I got home last night at 830pm. The bus was caught in traffic and was delayed for almost an hour. I felt so tired. I'll tell you the story of what happened during Christmas some other time.

christmas greetings!

HaVe A mErRy ChRiStMaS tO all!!! :)

back to normal

I'm so happy that all NY buses and subways are now back to normal. It truly is a relief for most New Yorkers. Some even say it's a very nice Christmas present. Business establishments had come up with creative ways like free stuffs, chocolates for the kids, or even hot coco while having a foot spa to attract customers.

And as for me, this means Christmas in Massachusetts...

NY strike is over

The union board has agreed to go back to work while negotiations still continue. They haven't set a time though as to when they will resume their jobs. This is actually one reason why I can't decide up to now if I'm still going to MA for Christmas. I hope it'll all be over by tomorrow. You can read more here...

transit strike in NY

25 years ago, a massive transit strike caused billions of dollar losses to the New York State and gave so many workers a hard time getting to work with no public transportation. That strike lasted for 11 days before they could come up with an agreement.

A transit strike which started yesterday has shut down most of the public transportations in the city. And while it is against the law, the union members have chosen to fight for what they believe in. New Yorkers have to find creative ways in order for them to get to work. The state has ordered the police to only allow cars with 4 people or more entering Manhattan. Strangers shared cabs and some would even give strangers a lift just to be able to go in to the city. I was a witness myself since I was in the city yesterday for our annual inventory count.


A transit worker walks through a deserted Astor Place subway station early Tuesday in New York. On Tuesday, New York transit workers walked off the job for the first time in 25 years, affecting millions of riders who rely on buses and subways daily.


Transit union picketers keep warm around a fire in New York Tuesday, after Local 100 of the Transport Workers Union ordered a strike against the Metropolitan Transportation Authority.


Manhattan-bound vehicles on the Triborough Bridge come to a standstill Tuesday. Traffic clogged all of Manhattan's inbound bridges and tunnels.


Pedestrians crowd a Midtown Manhattan intersection on Tuesday. Millions of New Yorkers who rely on the transit system had to find a new way of getting around the city due to the strike.

Irvin has sent me a text message late afternoon yesterday asking me how I am going to get home. He said he has seen the news about the transit strike. Luckily, the company I work for is located in Nassau County and Long Island Buses (LIB) are not part of the strike. I have been worried since last week thinking of what I should do if ever they join the strike. I’m just glad that a co-worker offered a ride to and from work worse comes to worst.

it's christmastime!

it's only 10 days till christmas. i'm sure a lot of kids are excited and giddy about it. and in as much as i don't want to think that christmas is just for kids, it's a fact that they are the happiest during this season. i miss a lot of things being a kid though. no worries... easy to be pleased... always getting a lot of gifts... and more. i remember those times when me together with my siblings and cousins were lining up to receive money from 'ima'. and papa makes the best ham too every year. every traditional family is expected to have a variety of good food in their tables at christmas. the only thing i never liked is 'queso de bola'. i don't know why i'm not really crazy on this cheese.

now at 31, how many godchildren do i have now? jeez i'm not even sure if i still remember all of them...not even their names... oooppss! let me see...

1. janice's daughter
2. kat-kat (tita ching's daughter)
3. fil's son
4. kido (mommy lerma's daughter)
5. mj (marc's daughter)
6. christy's daughter
7. lyn's newly born
8. jr (tito dicky's son)
9. alvin's son
10. grace's son

i know there are more though. i'll just update the list if i remember.

sorry kids, ninang is too far away right now. actually for 4 years already. i hope i can still make it up to all of you given the time.

merry christmas everyone!

1st snow storm of the season...

Currently, there is a heavy snow mixed with rain and sleet. Temp is 31 deg F but the feel is like 25 deg. And it's not even winter yet. Well almost... Commute wasn't that hard. There were just a few minutes delay with some of the buses but still I made it for the connections. It's really nice watching the snow but I find it a mess when it's done...they turn into mud-like slush especially on the roads. And it's colder also as they turn into ice. Watch out for the crystal-like ice. It's slippery.

I took some pictures so I could share them but I don't know yet how to upload those from my new cellphone. Haha! I'll ask my brother to teach me don't worry. :)

what happened to me?!

I've been really lazy to blog these past few days...well considering that there are a lot of things to post. Anyway, I took a different route going to Massachusetts last Thanksgiving. I took the connection in Boston. Jeez I can't believe how nice the buildings are in Boston. Well, I've only been there once in 2002 getting off from the airport. And I didn't really see much since it was at night time. My aunt even told me that I should see their shopping district which is even nicer. Maybe one of these days huh?! Hmmm...

We had so much fun during Thanksgiving. It was celebrated at my aunt's house for the 1st time. Her mom-in-law made the turkey and sidings. Everything was just sooo good. She really makes good gravy. I just love it! There were a little dancing. It was really fun!

Then, we went to the mall the next day. That's usually how it is here. There's like a big sale the day after the celebration. But even so, I didn't really shop. I just got myself a nice scarf and a portable cd player.

My aunt's husband asked me if I'll be spending Christmas with them though. Can i say no?! No, I don't think so. And of course, I'd rather spend it with family you know.

I also helped my cousin set up the new laptop I purchased for them. He was just very happy learning how to download and burn songs. Cool huh?! Well he is just 12 years old what do you expect!