Swept Away.

Finally, I get an ample time to blog.

The helpers took a vacation too over the holidays and it was just last night that our maid returned and this morning, my Mom arrived from the province with a new nanny in tow. Another post in my mommy blog will do the talking why there’s a new one. Now that I’ve got extra hands in handling the house and the little one, let me start doing a recount how our pre-holiday, holiday and post-holiday festivities went. I’ve got tons to share so expect picture-overload staggered entries in the days to come.

December 19:
The husband worked for two straight shifts starting December 18 ’til the wee hours of the next day for a project deployment in their team. This was technically also his last working day for the year as he was off and took the remaining business days as his Vacation Leaves. I started packing our things for our Baguio trip and stuffing luggage for a long trip with an infant in tow is not an easy job. I tend to over pack much to the husband’s dismay (since he’s tasked with the shouldering LOL). We drove to Frisco in the morning to spend the weekend and since it’s from there that we’d depart for the Monday trip.

The little one was also due for his monthly wellness checkup and so we went to CMC in the afternoon. He was given his anti-chickenpox vaccine and his pedia issued reminders to keep him warm all the time when we get in Baguio. She also told us not to forget his colds and cough meds just in case and to be sure, I also packed the nebulizer. The little one also got a towelette as his Pedia’s Christmas gift.

At around 7:30 PM, we went to Gerry’s Grill Tomas Morato for a dinner meet up with our UST High School friends (just to recap the story of us, hubby and I were classmates for 4 straight years in High School so we both have the same circle of friends). Our class was a block section then so we were all practically together for 3 years and we’re that close even up to now. Whenever an overseas friend comes home or when there’s a special occasion or whenever we think of meeting up at random times of the year, we would just text each other and meet. Despite our busy lives, we always find time to get together still. Anyway, Chris (who’s based in the US) arrived earlier since he’s one of the entourage at Genil and Leia’s (both are our HS classmates, too) December 20 wedding. And as always for every homecoming he does, he treats everyone for a dinner to our tummies delight LOL. We brought along Asher with us since his Nanny was also on a holiday break with the impending out of town trips we’d have during the Holidays. There’s no one to look after him that night and besides, it was just timely to make “mano” to his Ninongs..it’s Christmas time kaya. We arrived first then my very good gay friends Doc Dennis and Ron, followed shortly.

1.) Daddy and Asher while waiting for the others
2.) With Tito/Titas Ron and Dennis

Several minutes later, the rest came one by one. While everyone exchanged stories and caught up with each others’ lives, the little one was so behaved and just sat still on my lap. Later on, he just positioned himself to be lulled and fell asleep right away.

Sleepy Asher

We forgot to bring along his umbroller so I just ate my dinner with just one hand while I carry the little one. I’m expert at this eversince I had Asher..it’s no problem actually. The husband and I just took turns whenever our arms started to get numb. We were so hungry that time thus, we chowed fastly the crispy pata, calamares, a chicken dish, pinakbet and some other delectable dishes. We forgot to take pictures of it sa gutom.

With Ron, Dennis, Em-em and Chris. If you’ve watched or is familiar with the Channel 2 TV soap Anna Luna before, Em-em might appear quite familiar to you. She portrayed the role of Macy, one of the kontrabidas but became nice later on to the bida.

After eating, we went home ahead since we have the little one with us. We’d be seeing the same faces anyway the next day for Genil and Leia’s wedding.

Nope, this isn’t our house. But we’ll have similar to that style someday.

This is actually one of the rental houses at Camp John Hay in Baguio. Isn’t it lovely? The chimney, the wooden veranda, the homey and laid back style…everything about it is just so perfect. I wonder how much the rental costs for a night. Camp John Hay has several cabins sprawled in the vast land of the camp and I think this is one of the recent additions. In fact, we saw that it was still undergoing construction and completion during the time that we were there before the Holidays. It’s near the mini-golf course that we played at and instead of concentrating on the game, the shutterbug in me struck again so I took every pleasant things that our “Nikky camera” aimed at and shoot. Even the husband was awed and elated how lovely this house is and agreed that we will indeed own a similar one in the future. Perhaps, even better like the Schumacher Homes. Schumacher is known for building the best custom houses there is in the United States. You should check out their sample plans and folios on their site and I’m totally sure that you’d agree with me. I might even get you into dreaming of your ideal mansion. Well, dreaming is free anyway. Who knows, our wishes and dreams will come true someday.

I know I have posted the “should be” order of the pending blog updates I am to make but the disorganized me is impartial as there are events that I’m so excited to blog the soonest like our Bora trip. I was ecstatic for the little one as it was his first ever airplane ride and beach experience. For this entry, let me share to you how his plane ride was and our general flight experiences.

We booked our December getaway as early as June but still, the agency had a tough time getting us a nice flight schedule. And so our flight was sort of disarrayed and hassle entailing. We flew via Cebu Pacific on our way to Boracay via Caticlan then rode Philippine Airlines via Kalibo on our way back to Manila. I wished to fly via the Caticlan route back and forth since it’s much nearer to the island (although a bit more expensive) but it’s just next to impossible when booking a trip for a travel peak month.

Here are some pictures of our airplane ride on our way to Boracay.

It’s all our first time to set foot on the very much controversial NAIA Terminal 3. True enough, it’s much more spacious and more high tech and modern than the old domestic airport. Much colder too but several portions are still pending for completion. The only not-so-okay with it for me is that you have to walk a long way to get to the boarding gates. I also noticed that their airport transport services are much better in terms of location. We were supposed to ride them when we got back to try and see if they’re as good as NYC airport car service but we opted for the non-airport metered ones since we were on the 3rd level where they are located. Go Airlink Shuttles offer exceptional airport transfer service with a large fleet of modern, 10-seat vans complete with luxurious-like separate luggage space, air-conditioning/heating, driver two-way radio dispatch and customer assistance in every terminal at JFK, EWR and LGA.

The flight to Bora was fast and easy. Easy because the little one behaved so well that I didn’t have a hard time taking care of him all throughout the flight. He didn’t throw a fit or showed discomfort of ear popping and all perhaps because I did right what’s supposed to be done when flying in a plane with an infant. During take off and landing when there’s an immense change in altitude and pressure, I just nursed him so his constant sucking balanced out the pressure. Further, the safety instruction card tucked in seats kept him busy all throughout the flight.

After a close to an hour trip from Manila, the plane landed in Caticlan at about 1 PM. We were picked up by Island Star Express’ bus and were transported to the Jetty Port where we rode a Fast Craft to get to the island. By 2 PM, we were already at the hotel.

On our way back, as I’ve mentioned entailed a little more hassle. We checked out of the hotel at 12 noon, went to the Jetty Port via a Fast Craft ferry again then rode a bus for a 2-hour trip bound to Kalibo. When we got there in the check-in counter, I needed to go to the PAL’s Ticketing Office which was located in another building (a few meters away from the airport) for Asher’s ticket. This is the hassle that I was pertaining to. I just couldn’t get the point why they didn’t issue his infant ticket long before when they issued ours in Manila just like Cebu Pacific did. Further, we had to pay about Php 150 for his ticket even though he doesn’t occupy any seat (no infant fare with Cebu Pacific). But in fairness, the PAL’s crew was a lot friendlier compared to the Cebu Pacific flight that we had, in my opinion. PAL also gave us a little refreshment while Cebu Pacific just held a game.

Just like the first, Asher’s flight back was also fun. In fact, he was being his active self playing with two foreigner kids seated at the back. The trip took longer though before the plane landed down due to air traffic among planes waiting for the go signal to land from the Air Traffic Office at the Terminal 3.

I wonder when our next airplane ride will be. By that time perhaps, Asher will more appreciate the experience.

1. The world is a fun place to live in despite life’s difficulties.

2. Arrrghh was the last thing I said.

3. I wonder how 2009 will be like for me.

4. There’s an ultimate happiness at the end of all things.

5. There’s something to be said for not saying anything.

6. Right beside my sleeping son is where I want to be.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I’m looking forward to sleep, tomorrow my plans include attending a friend’s wedding and Sunday, I want to just chill at home!

So this is officially my first post for the year 2009. And why only now..on the 3rd day and not on the very first day of the first month of the new year? You guessed it right…I haven’t caught up with the holidays yet and in fact, I’m still on a holiday mode that my mind (and fingers) can’t still get back to my blog regular programming. Add to that, the family will still be busy in the weeks to come due to a couple of family affairs coming up. Then lastly, blogging time is scarce because aside from the busy holidays, I have been on a full nanny mode since the 20th when Asher’s yaya went home to the province and a new one won’t be here until the 6th. So that explains why I get to blog only at night when the little one has retired the night.

And so now…Sheeshh..I have been rummaging and trying to organize my thoughts about the things to blog but I can’t seem to get my mind going. So for now, I’ll just list down the things to make posts for so I won’t forget.

1. Dinner meet up with USTHS classmates - December 19
2. Genil and Leia’s Wedding last December 20
3. Baguio Trip on December 21 - 24
4. Christmas Eve events
5. Christmas Day’s opening of gifts, lunch at Dampa Ortigas, and Fun Ranch visit
6. Boracay Trip last December 27 - 29
7. Our loot from Ate Lei’s and stepmom’s homecoming - December 30
8. Gown fitting for my sister’s wedding - December 30
9. Dinner with College Barkada and Asher’s Godparents at Teriyaki Boy Tomas Morato - December 30 @ 7 PM
10. UST High School ‘98 Reunion at Rollingstones - December 30 @ 10 PM
11. New Year’s Eve festivity
12. Update on Asher’s First Birthday Bash Preps

See, I have lots of stories (and pictures to share) so bear with me if I blog about them one at a time and slowly in the days to come.

Anyhow, let me share for the mean time one of my favorite pictures taken during our Baguio trip at Mines View Park. It was around 6 pm when we got there so the houses below were embracing the dusk’s darkness already. And as it was nearing night time when Baguio gets the coldest, notice how Asher and I are all wrapped up with our jackets while the husband’s jacketless and doesn’t appear cold. With his semi-bald head (seems like he really has to start using Hair Loss Products LOL), I wonder how his head nerves handled the cold and breezy air that night.

This is my last blog post for the year 2008.

As I log off tonight, I wish you all a bright, happy and blessed 2009 everyone!

Have a safe new year’s celebration.

For those of you who “feels” alone as the new year approaches, check out this Catholic Chat room over at Catholic Chat City. It’s a public forum that gives an avenue for catholics to meet and chat whatever they feel like talking about. So who says, you just mope around on this new year’s eve? Create a free account and start chatting with other Catholics all over the world.

..and it’s 2009 already.

Despite the rains (because of the low pressure area), the sounds and lights of fireworks still fill the air. After all, new year celebration is never complete without it, isn’t it? I just wish that everyone celebrates the coming of 2009 safe.

Just taking a break for a short a while. I feel pretty exhausted from cooking carbonara for our media noche later. We’ll also be having fruit salad, graham crema cake (or whatever its name is), ham and hotdogs. What’s on your dinner table tonight?

Aside from the holidays that keep us occupied these days, the homecoming of my sister from Qatar and my stepmom from Saudi Arabia also kept our hands full recently (thus, it’s only now that I got to sneak in and share some blog updates). And homecoming such as this translates to just one thing…tons of loots for the little one. Truly, he received several apparels, 3 pairs of baby shoes, toys and baby biscuits from them. And we’re still readying for more with the impending arrival of my Dad from Saudi on the 13th. As my stepmom brought the loots out of the balikbayan box, she kept on telling me not to expect much for me as what she has are mostly for my son. It’s no big deal really and in fact, I’m more than grateful that my son is remembered. I got anyway a pair of Ipanema slippers from my stepmom and chocolates from my sister. My sister truly knows me well. She knows that a box of chocolate would definitely bring a sparkle to my eyes and a wide grin to my face. Don’t ask where is it now as I’ve consumed them all in an instant as soon as the box landed on my hands.

Speaking of chocolates, I’m longing to taste these goodies that I stumbled upon online while surfing earlier. Have anyone tasted these Gertrude Hawk Chocolates? I literally browsed all the site categories as I drool over their smidgens, truffles, chewy and crunchy nuts, caramels and a lot more and guess what, now my taste buds are dictating me to get up and head to the fridge to grab some sweets. There goes my sweet tooth again. I’ll definitely scour the Duty Free shop when Dad gets home for these gourmet chocolates.

It seems it is.

It has been raining since this morning here in our place so I wonder how everyone will light up firecrackers later this evening. Hope the sky will somehow clear up tonight for us to watch and appreciate the colorful pyrotechnics and sparklers later.

Meanwhile, as early as now, let me greet you all have a happy and safe new year celebration ahead.

Got this from Chikai. Thanks girl!

LETTER ‘A’
1. Are you Available? Very much taken and happily married.
2. What is your Age? 27.

LETTER ‘B’
4. Do you live in a Big house? We live on weekdays in my in-laws’ huge house. I love their spacious garden, veranda and their huge bathroom complete with hotel like bathroom lighting.
5. When is your Birthday? March 12.

THE LETTER ‘C’
6. What’s your favorite Chocolate? Dark chocolate.

THE LETTER ‘D’
7. Do you Daydream? Yeah.
8. What’s your favorite kind of Dog? I’m not really fond of dogs but huge dogs such as St. Bernards amuses me.
9. What Day of the week is it? Wednesday.

THE LETTER ‘E’
10. Have you ever been in the Emergency room? Yes thrice this year. One when I gave birth then a couple of times when I had severe gallstone attacks.
11. Did you have a crush that starts with letter E? I don’t think I ever had.

THE LETTER ‘F’
12. Favorite Flower? Tulips and roses.

THE LETTER ‘G’
13. Do you chew Gum? No.
14. Are you a Giver or a taker? Hmm more of a giver.

THE LETTER ‘H’
15. What’s your Height? 5 something.
16. What color is your Hair? Black.

THE LETTER ‘I
17. What’s your favorite flavor of Ice cream? Cookies and Cream.
18. Have you ever Ice skated? I haven’t. I’d love to try.
19. Do you play an Instrument? I can play the piano and guitar but not skillfully though.

THE LETTER ‘J’
20. Have you ever heard a really hilarious Joke? Yeah and it cracked me up.
21. Do you wear Jewelry? Yes but whenever I go out only.

THE LETTER ‘K’
22. Do you want Kids? Yes.
23. Where did you go for Kindergarten? Montessori School.

THE LETTER ‘L’
24. Have you ever Lied to your parents? I think every sons and daughters have done it at one point of their lives.

THE LETTER ‘M’
25. Last Movie you watched? My Big Love through Cinema One.
26. Do you still watch Disney Movies? When I get the chance, yes.
27. Do you like Mangoes? yes. both green and ripe ones.

THE LETTER ‘N’
28. Do you have a Nickname? Yes, i have lots.
29. What’s your favorite Number? 2, 12, 14 and 17. Significant numbers.
30. Do you prefer Night over day? Not really. Just equal.

THE LETTER ‘O’
31. Whats your One wish? Good health.

THE LETTER ‘P’
32. What is one fear you are most Paranoid about? death

THE LETTER ‘Q’
33. Are you Quick (to) judge people? I try not to.

THE LETTER ‘R’
34. Do you watch Reality TV? Yes.

THE LETTER ‘S’
35. Do you prefer Sun or rain? Sun!
36. Do you like Snow? I haven’t experienced snow in my entire life so I’m really eager to go through it.

THE LETTER ‘T’
37. What Time is it? 3:22 PM.
38. What Time did you wake up? 7:30 AM.

THE LETTER ‘V’
39. What’s the worst Veggie? I forgot the name. Wait, let me go through and sing my Bahay Kubo.
40. Where do you want to go on Vacation? I want to go back to Bora.

THE LETTER ‘W’
41. Will you go back to the past? No.

THE LETTER ‘X’
42. Have you ever had an X-ray? Yes.
43. Do you own a Xylophone? No.

THE LETTER ‘Y’
44. Do you like the color Yellow? yes, it’s one of my fave.
45. What Year were you born in? 1981.

THE LETTER ‘Z’
46. Whats your Zodiac sign? Pisces.
47. Do you believe in ZODIACS? Not really.

Hello everyone, we’re back from our Boracay trip since the other night. I just didn’t have the chance to check in here right away since we’ve been soooooo busy these past few days with the holidays and all. Our Boracay trip was heaven. The little one had a blast. I do really want to share the pictures and blog about them asap while the moments and even the minute details of the trip are all still fresh in my memory but then again, time won’t allow me to do so since we’re all busy preparing for the new year celebration. Perhaps, by next week, when everything starts to settle, I’d finally be able to blog about them.

Meanwhile, I’m doing a rush and a last minute online shopping for a close friend’s birthday today. With the holidays, I totally forgot to scour for a nice gift for her. It’s a good thing that I stumbled upon Zenni Optical’s site and there I found nice Holiday frames for her. She’s chic and so into fashion so the stylish and adorable Zenni eyeglass frames definitely suit and fit her getup especially this holiday. I have stocked my cart with various frames and it’s really tough trimming down the list. But more likely, I’d go with this one:

Simple yet stunning especially when she gets to wear them. So there, excuse me for a while, I’m off to check out my cart now.

Again..for three days. After Baguio, we’ll be heading to another B destination but this time, it’s south bound.

My boys and I, together with my MIL, BIL and younger bro will have some grand time with the fine pristine sands of Boracay tomorrow until Monday.

See you all when we get back.

Here’s the morning view from our hotel room window during our recent Baguio trip. Lovely, isn’t it? This is just a sneak peek..more pictures to follow. Promise.

By the way, this is also my first photo share using our new toy and very first DSLR, Nikky. I’m so totally in love with it.

Sky Watch

Carbonara, Baliwag’s roasted chicken, bite size hotdogs, garlicked potato (not exactly sure how it’s termed) and my expertise, graham crema de pinya — those were what we had for our Noche Buena just a few hours ago. I haven’t actually taken a breath from a long trip from Baguio this noon but I had to get my butt working on our little feast upon reaching home. Sans the trip fatigue, I mustered all my remaining energy so we have something to eat in celebration of the Christmas eve. Then the nannyless little one didn’t want anybody to carry him except me. So amidst chopping garlic and onions for the carbonara, I went running to hush him. Talk about holiday stress. But despite of those and with the unwavering support of the loving husband who assisted me in opening the can lids and grating the cheese, I was able to come up in a breeze a delectable carbonara and luscious graham cream de pinya. Thanks to the easy-to-follow recipe my sister sent me and for her ever reliable circulon steel elite non-stick milkpan that I borrowed, the carbonara sauce came out just fine. I initially thought that I ruined it after I miscalculated the amount of butter to put into. (The sauteed ingredients didn’t stick onto the pan after the butter dried up). It’s my first time to use it and I convinced that cookwares have something to do with one’s cooking outcome too. I think she also has other infinite circulon pans that I could borrow when I cook some other “masterpieces”.

Same with my last post, no pictures yet but I do promise to post them after the upload process.