Three Flubs and You're Out!
Flubs. I had three of them today. Now, perhaps it's because of all the anxiety that I've been feeling since midweek about hubby and the kids coming. I've been cleaning house all week and going through and separating potential junk from junk to be. I also actually started doing Tae Bo, which btw, is a serious get your ass in gear workout! In any case, D-Day as I call it, has resulted in three flubs on my part.
Flub #1: as I was loading the groceries onto the conveyor belt thingy, the Ragu spaghetti sauce jar slipped and went crashing to the floor. Nice going MnM! Thankfully, no shards of glass embedded into my skin and the khaki capri pants that I was wearing miraculously escaped any splatter. All heads turned my way and I could only sheepishly grin and say, "I'm sorry. I'll pay for that." As I tried to maneuver the cart around the spilled contents, I proceeded to pack the food into bags. Poor cashier girl, I think it was her first day. She was asking another cashier guy, um, who do I call for that? Um, how do I use the phone to call? Um, what's the extension? and so on and so on. Well, after checking the receipt, I noticed that she didn't charge me for the Ragu that slipped from these butterfingers of mine. Score!
Flub #2: so I'm in the kitchen trying to put all the food away in its proper places. I've got plastics and paper bags all over the floor. I'm crouching down in front of the open fridge door to put some vegetables away when my foot slips and I come crashing down to the floor. Not with a thud, mind you, but with a squish! Aiya! It was when I quickly realized that the loaf of bread I just bought had cushioned my fall that I couldn't get up...goodness gracious! On the 2nd attempt, I surveyed the poor bread and perhaps it was reflex, but I tried to reshape the flat ones as much as I could. Eh, oh well. At least I didn't get the ENTIRE loaf! Lol!
Flub #3: after telling hubby the flubs thus far, he jokingly said that I should just sit with my hands in my pockets until it was time to pick them up at the airport. Okay, not an option since I still had to vaccuum our bedroom. Take it easy, I kept telling myself. Ain't no sense in trying to get hurt before the big meeting. Nerves..it must be nerves. I get through cleaning our room when I notice that the ironing board that we leave in the corner near the closet, was facing the wrong way. Yes, there is a wrong way. You put the board side against the wall with the legs sticking out. At least that's what I've always done. Arg. Hubby always puts it that way. So I'm about to put it the right way when lo and behold, the board comes crashing towards my forehead! See! That's exactly what happens when you put the ironing board the wrong way! Now, I've got this huge headache and hopefully the bukol isn't as big as it feels.
Y'know, that better be it dammit! Three flubs is all I can handle today! I think I will take hubby's advice. I'll just sit and do my work at the computer until 10pm. Aw damm, I just remembered. I have to cook...wish me luck!
*Happy Friday everyone! Hope yours is as flub-free as possible! =) Much love ya'll!*
Friday, August 27, 2004
Thursday, August 26, 2004
Restless Night
I had an uneasy sleep last night. I couldn't quite find that perfect niche in the pillows to rest my tired head. Too many things running about inside that it felt like it was going to explode. My sleep was interrupted by jolts that are similar to the falling sensations. You know the ones where you are falling and you wake up at the exact moment you're to hit the ground. I hate those.
When I was younger, my sister told me that I had a knack for remembering my dreams. I would often recount, in full detail, my dreams the next morning. I could even tell you the color of the shirt the guy in the passing car was wearing. Through the years though, I suppose I haven't had any overly spectacular dreams that I rush out of the room to splurge hubby with details with. Lately, I've been trying to analyze my dreams. I've never been good at interpreting these supposed unconscious thoughts. I have, though, have known some people who could translate my dreams with some pretty good bullshit. Lol!
In the course of one night, I dreamt that I was in the midst of this massive earthquake. In the dream, I hurry to stand in the frame of the nearest door. But during all the commotion of falling objects, I remember the article msbLiSs posted in her blog about the "triangle of life." This theory basically throws the "duck and cover" concept out the door and goes as far as saying that it may very well be the cause of death in many collapsed buildings. In my dream, I quickly leave my post from the doorframe and lie down next to some desks. Just as the roof begins to cave down, I wake up.
Another dream was a cross between "Pimp My Ride," a western, and "West Side Story"..just without the love story. I remember a whole slew of cars with their shiny ass rims lined up on one side of the street while another long line of cars just as shiny line the other. I remember seeing this huge flatbed truck pull up at the end (and I'm sure this was due to my viewing of "The Best of Video Music Awards" on MTV where they had reshown Puff Daddy's grand entrance a few years back). I'm guessing that this was "against the rules" because a whole gang of people with rifles and other unknown guns started shooting and killing the driver. Egads! So then, it was like a draw. Everyone stood in front of their cars, guns at the ready. Someone decides to shoot first and before the rain of bullets pour down, I wake up.
Not knowing what to make of all this, I decide to check my handy dandy Online Dream Interpreter. This is what I found:
EARTHQUAKE This suggests great anxiety. But it is often dreamt when enormous personal changes are occurring, perhaps brought on by slow gathering change that suddenly pushes into consciousness.
GUN This could be a sign of urges to hurt someone. It may also signify fear of being attacked and hurt by others, or a sense of inadequacy when facing aggression. For some people the gun relates to a sense of power and strength to meet the world. It is a confidence based on an exterior object. The gun can also represent aggressive or frightening sexuality.
SHOOTING/SHOT A hurt received, or given. Fears or worries about death. The destruction of a part of yourself by another which is demanding energies in an aggressive way.
LORRY/TRUCK Like a car, it is your means of getting about in life, i.e. vehicle of expression such as music, drives, longings, ambitions, but the lorry connects more with commercial associations or projects. So it might link with feelings of major change, commercial ventures, of moving house.
Above all, the earthquake one makes the most sense. The others, ah well, totally open to interpretation. Here's hoping to a good night's rest tonight. *Note to self: do not watch MTV before getting some shuteye.*
I had an uneasy sleep last night. I couldn't quite find that perfect niche in the pillows to rest my tired head. Too many things running about inside that it felt like it was going to explode. My sleep was interrupted by jolts that are similar to the falling sensations. You know the ones where you are falling and you wake up at the exact moment you're to hit the ground. I hate those.
When I was younger, my sister told me that I had a knack for remembering my dreams. I would often recount, in full detail, my dreams the next morning. I could even tell you the color of the shirt the guy in the passing car was wearing. Through the years though, I suppose I haven't had any overly spectacular dreams that I rush out of the room to splurge hubby with details with. Lately, I've been trying to analyze my dreams. I've never been good at interpreting these supposed unconscious thoughts. I have, though, have known some people who could translate my dreams with some pretty good bullshit. Lol!
In the course of one night, I dreamt that I was in the midst of this massive earthquake. In the dream, I hurry to stand in the frame of the nearest door. But during all the commotion of falling objects, I remember the article msbLiSs posted in her blog about the "triangle of life." This theory basically throws the "duck and cover" concept out the door and goes as far as saying that it may very well be the cause of death in many collapsed buildings. In my dream, I quickly leave my post from the doorframe and lie down next to some desks. Just as the roof begins to cave down, I wake up.
Another dream was a cross between "Pimp My Ride," a western, and "West Side Story"..just without the love story. I remember a whole slew of cars with their shiny ass rims lined up on one side of the street while another long line of cars just as shiny line the other. I remember seeing this huge flatbed truck pull up at the end (and I'm sure this was due to my viewing of "The Best of Video Music Awards" on MTV where they had reshown Puff Daddy's grand entrance a few years back). I'm guessing that this was "against the rules" because a whole gang of people with rifles and other unknown guns started shooting and killing the driver. Egads! So then, it was like a draw. Everyone stood in front of their cars, guns at the ready. Someone decides to shoot first and before the rain of bullets pour down, I wake up.
Not knowing what to make of all this, I decide to check my handy dandy Online Dream Interpreter. This is what I found:
EARTHQUAKE This suggests great anxiety. But it is often dreamt when enormous personal changes are occurring, perhaps brought on by slow gathering change that suddenly pushes into consciousness.
GUN This could be a sign of urges to hurt someone. It may also signify fear of being attacked and hurt by others, or a sense of inadequacy when facing aggression. For some people the gun relates to a sense of power and strength to meet the world. It is a confidence based on an exterior object. The gun can also represent aggressive or frightening sexuality.
SHOOTING/SHOT A hurt received, or given. Fears or worries about death. The destruction of a part of yourself by another which is demanding energies in an aggressive way.
LORRY/TRUCK Like a car, it is your means of getting about in life, i.e. vehicle of expression such as music, drives, longings, ambitions, but the lorry connects more with commercial associations or projects. So it might link with feelings of major change, commercial ventures, of moving house.
Above all, the earthquake one makes the most sense. The others, ah well, totally open to interpretation. Here's hoping to a good night's rest tonight. *Note to self: do not watch MTV before getting some shuteye.*
Wednesday, August 25, 2004
Ooopsie!
Here's an addendum to my Bay Area visit that I regretfully forgot to mention...sira ng ulo...AIYA!
- Birthday Shout-Outs. Though I didn't get a chance to wish any of these fools a happy birthday, a BELATED greeting is definitely in order. Mr. Jaypers celebrated his 31st on the 16th and his loyal sidekick, Dr. Camantigue, celebrated his 30th on the 11th. The last time I actually saw these kaibigans of mine were at my wedding! Well, it's been two years, but it doesn't mean I don't think about them. From what I hear through the grapevine, Dr. C is doing well in his residency. 'Tis funny, but whenever I happen to see "Scrubs" on TV, I think of him! As far as the head honcho himself, it seems that no one has really seen him. Keeping himself and his biz on the downlow, I suppose. Another belated birthday shout-out goes to lil' Noah who celebrated his 1st birthday on the 12th. I was wanting to visit Mommy Hernandez, but due to the conflict in schedules, wasn't able to. Next time!
- Walk and Talk. Y'know, before I actually flew out to da Bay, I told myself that I'd take advantage and walk Lake Merced everyday that I was back. The grand total of times I actually got my ass in gear? ONE! Egads! It was very close to being TWO, but it didn't happen when eating Akagi's was the other option. Lol! Anyways, the day before I left, I made arrangements to meet up with homegirl, Mace. Just like my Kumare, time and time again we always talked of meeting up, but it never happened. Well, I was determined to see her and we ended up, yes, walking Lake Merced. Now, I'm not sure whether it's because I'm totally out of shape or because I was being my madaldal self and talking up a storm, but it seemed like I was constantly out of breath! And how sad it was to see all these other seniors passing us up, giving us a smile, but deep inside they're probably controlling the urge to say, "What a bunch of wusses! Hurry up or move to the side!" Aiya! Hey lady, don't rush me! Lol! It was so great to meet up with this chicka. It's amazing that I've known her for about 8 years now. I met her while she was still in high school and look at her now, a graduate of occupational therapy. You go girl! I'm sure she tires of hearing this, but I'm so proud of her! I've always seen her as my lil' sis, but through the years, she's become a really good friend, too. We talked about our respective families, what's been going on in our lives, etc. It's so refreshing to just talk to another girlfriend, especially when it's been so long for me! She's one of those people that although we don't see each other for a while or keep in touch as often as we'd like, we pick up where we left off and continue from there. *btw: thanks girl, for the scarf you made me! it's awesome!*
Here's an addendum to my Bay Area visit that I regretfully forgot to mention...sira ng ulo...AIYA!
- Birthday Shout-Outs. Though I didn't get a chance to wish any of these fools a happy birthday, a BELATED greeting is definitely in order. Mr. Jaypers celebrated his 31st on the 16th and his loyal sidekick, Dr. Camantigue, celebrated his 30th on the 11th. The last time I actually saw these kaibigans of mine were at my wedding! Well, it's been two years, but it doesn't mean I don't think about them. From what I hear through the grapevine, Dr. C is doing well in his residency. 'Tis funny, but whenever I happen to see "Scrubs" on TV, I think of him! As far as the head honcho himself, it seems that no one has really seen him. Keeping himself and his biz on the downlow, I suppose. Another belated birthday shout-out goes to lil' Noah who celebrated his 1st birthday on the 12th. I was wanting to visit Mommy Hernandez, but due to the conflict in schedules, wasn't able to. Next time!
- Walk and Talk. Y'know, before I actually flew out to da Bay, I told myself that I'd take advantage and walk Lake Merced everyday that I was back. The grand total of times I actually got my ass in gear? ONE! Egads! It was very close to being TWO, but it didn't happen when eating Akagi's was the other option. Lol! Anyways, the day before I left, I made arrangements to meet up with homegirl, Mace. Just like my Kumare, time and time again we always talked of meeting up, but it never happened. Well, I was determined to see her and we ended up, yes, walking Lake Merced. Now, I'm not sure whether it's because I'm totally out of shape or because I was being my madaldal self and talking up a storm, but it seemed like I was constantly out of breath! And how sad it was to see all these other seniors passing us up, giving us a smile, but deep inside they're probably controlling the urge to say, "What a bunch of wusses! Hurry up or move to the side!" Aiya! Hey lady, don't rush me! Lol! It was so great to meet up with this chicka. It's amazing that I've known her for about 8 years now. I met her while she was still in high school and look at her now, a graduate of occupational therapy. You go girl! I'm sure she tires of hearing this, but I'm so proud of her! I've always seen her as my lil' sis, but through the years, she's become a really good friend, too. We talked about our respective families, what's been going on in our lives, etc. It's so refreshing to just talk to another girlfriend, especially when it's been so long for me! She's one of those people that although we don't see each other for a while or keep in touch as often as we'd like, we pick up where we left off and continue from there. *btw: thanks girl, for the scarf you made me! it's awesome!*
World of Words
I love books and consider myself to be an avid reader. I'm not so particular about what I've been reading lately. In the past, I heavily relied on Oprah and her book club to tell me what was the latest find or on friends such as Voodoo who had a knack of discovering good reads as well. Other times, I spend hours at Borders browsing the shelves and sometimes choose books based on the cover. Still, there are times when I try my luck at Costo or Sam's Club. It's cheaper and I've been fortunate to find many good 1st time authors' work. As I stumbled upon Nicholas Sparks (author of The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember), he quickly became my favorite author simply because of how he hooks the reader into such compelling love stories and never fails in making me cry. After reading the last word of the last chapter in his books, I'm left completely satisfied and anticipate another from him. He's actually the only author whose entire collection I have!
My books have pleasantly grown into an array of top best sellers and recommendations. My mini library spans only one tall bookshelf, but as I see it, will only continue to grow. Lately, I've been wanting to read and reread classic literature. I've found some of the books that were required reading in high school and am looking forward to immersing myself with brand new eyes. I'm positive that my perspectives will differ greatly from the high school self that probably didn't and couldn't appreciate it as much as I could now as an adult. So far, I've yet to indulge again in "The Great Gatsby," "Separate Peace," "Beowulf," and others. On my various and many trips to Borders, I'm drawn to the classics. I am slowly recalling which books I enjoyed (Shakespeare) and which ones I simply detested (Canterbury Tales). Yet, I strongly feel that I have to reread them again to get the best experience out of what I was made to experience back in high school.
I visited Arkipelago Books when I was in the Bay and spent a great deal of time talking with Marie. It's like family whenever I see her, considering that I did work for them for a bit back in the day! Aside from the classic literature, I've been really interested in poetry, mainly poetry written by Pinays. I bought "Gravities of Center" by Barbara J. Reyes and "Beyond Life Sentences" by Eileen R. Tabios, both local Bay Area poets. Their thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are so REAL and so UNIQUE to the Pilipina women out there and yet, their poems speak to everyone on a somewhat universal level as well. After reading some of their work and even reading the creative blogs of friends and others I chance upon, I'm utterly inspired to put my thoughts on paper.
Reading and writing. It's a kind of drug, isn't it? It's something that many people don't take pleasure in as much as they should. For me, reading is an escape into my own reality, it's a chance to experience so much from the comfort of my own bedroom, and it allows my brain to numb into blissful pleasure of countless words. Writing, on the other hand, makes sense of all the thoughts running around in my head. Sometimes it's a story, sometimes it's just words, and other times it's a perfectly crafted poem. It's addicting to create something solely your own and yet, when the creative bug is nowhere to be found, you're left staring at a blank page yearning to be written on. It's funny that I've found a new love for writing now that I'm older. Perhaps if I started all this much earlier, my writing and reading experience would be more sophisticated and mature. Hell, perhaps I'd be a published author by now. One day...one day.
I love books and consider myself to be an avid reader. I'm not so particular about what I've been reading lately. In the past, I heavily relied on Oprah and her book club to tell me what was the latest find or on friends such as Voodoo who had a knack of discovering good reads as well. Other times, I spend hours at Borders browsing the shelves and sometimes choose books based on the cover. Still, there are times when I try my luck at Costo or Sam's Club. It's cheaper and I've been fortunate to find many good 1st time authors' work. As I stumbled upon Nicholas Sparks (author of The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember), he quickly became my favorite author simply because of how he hooks the reader into such compelling love stories and never fails in making me cry. After reading the last word of the last chapter in his books, I'm left completely satisfied and anticipate another from him. He's actually the only author whose entire collection I have!
My books have pleasantly grown into an array of top best sellers and recommendations. My mini library spans only one tall bookshelf, but as I see it, will only continue to grow. Lately, I've been wanting to read and reread classic literature. I've found some of the books that were required reading in high school and am looking forward to immersing myself with brand new eyes. I'm positive that my perspectives will differ greatly from the high school self that probably didn't and couldn't appreciate it as much as I could now as an adult. So far, I've yet to indulge again in "The Great Gatsby," "Separate Peace," "Beowulf," and others. On my various and many trips to Borders, I'm drawn to the classics. I am slowly recalling which books I enjoyed (Shakespeare) and which ones I simply detested (Canterbury Tales). Yet, I strongly feel that I have to reread them again to get the best experience out of what I was made to experience back in high school.
I visited Arkipelago Books when I was in the Bay and spent a great deal of time talking with Marie. It's like family whenever I see her, considering that I did work for them for a bit back in the day! Aside from the classic literature, I've been really interested in poetry, mainly poetry written by Pinays. I bought "Gravities of Center" by Barbara J. Reyes and "Beyond Life Sentences" by Eileen R. Tabios, both local Bay Area poets. Their thoughts, perspectives, and experiences are so REAL and so UNIQUE to the Pilipina women out there and yet, their poems speak to everyone on a somewhat universal level as well. After reading some of their work and even reading the creative blogs of friends and others I chance upon, I'm utterly inspired to put my thoughts on paper.
Reading and writing. It's a kind of drug, isn't it? It's something that many people don't take pleasure in as much as they should. For me, reading is an escape into my own reality, it's a chance to experience so much from the comfort of my own bedroom, and it allows my brain to numb into blissful pleasure of countless words. Writing, on the other hand, makes sense of all the thoughts running around in my head. Sometimes it's a story, sometimes it's just words, and other times it's a perfectly crafted poem. It's addicting to create something solely your own and yet, when the creative bug is nowhere to be found, you're left staring at a blank page yearning to be written on. It's funny that I've found a new love for writing now that I'm older. Perhaps if I started all this much earlier, my writing and reading experience would be more sophisticated and mature. Hell, perhaps I'd be a published author by now. One day...one day.
Tuesday, August 24, 2004
Bay Area in review
My days back in the Bay were few, but fun-filled nonetheless. For the most part, I spent the majority of my time in the East Bay hanging out with my sister and her family. We didn't have anything special planned, rather, we just hung out with the kids and reminisced and talked. We did, however, go see "Princess Diaries 2." It's a cute movie and the kids enjoyed it. Everytime I go home, it makes me realize how much I miss hanging out with my sis and the family. Albeit we call each other 1-2 times a week, it's still nothing compared to having heart to heart talks in person.
Here's a quick rundown of what I did the last few days before I left:
- Pistahan. I was excited when I found out that there'd be a Filipino festival going on the same time I was in town. 'Twas a great opportunity for me to snag some Pinoy gear and bring it back to the Midwest. I made arrangements to meet up with VirgoCapri (one of my oldest and bestest friends!) and her daughter and thank goodness I did! I have to say that I was not at all impressed with the event. Sure it was dope to be around so many of my brown peoples, but the event itself was disappointing- the booths, the variety, and even the show was mediocre. I guess after you've been to as many as I've had (and that's A LOT!), the wonder of it all dies out a bit. VirgoCapri and I ended up just talking and catching up...OH, and along with lil' Kai, there was a lot of "I Spy" as well. =)
- Family Reunion picnic. This is an annual event that started some 20 years ago. It started as a gathering of my Lola's (my mom's mom) 9 brothers and sisters and their families, both immediate and extended. It was a HUGE get-together that included organized games, family against family. At one point, the families were growing and multiplying that we all had to wear nametags! There are STILL 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins that I don't even know! Through the years and after many of the heads of the families had passed away, the attendance of these annual picnics have slowly diminished. There is a good dedicated few representing almost each family that comes every year. I really thought that I wouldn't make it this year, but surprise, surprise, I made it! It was great to see everybody, 'twas great to get some sun, and even better, VirgoCapri came out to hang out as well.
- ClaimJumpers. Finally had dinner with Keyopes, Ms. Voodoo, and Dimples. It's been quite a while since we've all gotten together, but nevertheless, it was GREAT to see them and hang out. We basically took turns sharing what's been happening in our lives thus far and filling in empty gaps of this or that. Back in the day, we'd do something silly like pass a sugar packet to whomever was speaking. It meant the holder of the sugar packet (or whatever the item was at the time!) had the floor and the rest of us would be all ears...no interrupting! Ha..like we could ever help that! It's crazy to look back at the sh*t that went down in our friendship, but it totally heals the soul to know that we can move beyond that now. At one point in our dinner, I took a quick survey of each galpal and it's amazing how much we've accomplished in our individual lives. Some of us are married, married with kids and/or stepkids, engaged to be married, and are successful career-minded ladies. We all have a path in life that can only get better here on out. I always get that warm feeling as I remember back to our college "gallivanting" and post-college partying days. Now that we're all 30 and above, our priorities in life may change, but I'm thankful that the friendship will always be there.
*Had a chance to go watch the Giants play at Pac Bell c/o Ms. Voodoo, but I had to pass because of the guilt trip my mom gave me for not being around. Boo.*
- Lunch with my O.G. Kumare. Now I've accumulated some "kumares" here and there, but this homegirl of mine is the one that started it all. Back in the day, I was part of her cotillion entourage and later became a bridesmaid at her wedding. She's the one that took me out with her friends during high school and who even helped get me my first job at Wells. Since she got married, we've been meaning to get together for lunch. Finally, finally, finally, I got to have lunch with her downtown. We had some yummy Japanese and talked story. 'Twas great to hang out and catch up.
- Going Away Party. Not a full fledged party, but a lil' dinner my Apu arranged for me the night before I left. My mom, pops, sister and family, and few cousins were there to eat and sing the night away. I was even given some pasalubong to bring back to hubby back in MN: 2 lbs. of tocino and 1 lb. of longanisa. Frozen. Mmmm....ang sarap!!! (note: my Apu knows that these are my FAVE!) Thanks Apu!
my Ate, my Apu, and MnM
- Cornerstone and Ms. Penny. Had to pass by my old work to pick up some paperwork and ended up staying 10 minutes to say my quick hellos and goodbyes to co-workers and friends. Then, last minute, finally had my Hawaiian plate lunch with Ms. Penny at L&L Barbeque. 'Tis funny, but everytime I come home to visit, Ms. Penny is ALWAYS the first and last person I see. Not complaining, mind you, just funny. Begins my trip with laughter and ends my trip with laughter. Perfect way to go.
My days back in the Bay were few, but fun-filled nonetheless. For the most part, I spent the majority of my time in the East Bay hanging out with my sister and her family. We didn't have anything special planned, rather, we just hung out with the kids and reminisced and talked. We did, however, go see "Princess Diaries 2." It's a cute movie and the kids enjoyed it. Everytime I go home, it makes me realize how much I miss hanging out with my sis and the family. Albeit we call each other 1-2 times a week, it's still nothing compared to having heart to heart talks in person.
Here's a quick rundown of what I did the last few days before I left:
- Pistahan. I was excited when I found out that there'd be a Filipino festival going on the same time I was in town. 'Twas a great opportunity for me to snag some Pinoy gear and bring it back to the Midwest. I made arrangements to meet up with VirgoCapri (one of my oldest and bestest friends!) and her daughter and thank goodness I did! I have to say that I was not at all impressed with the event. Sure it was dope to be around so many of my brown peoples, but the event itself was disappointing- the booths, the variety, and even the show was mediocre. I guess after you've been to as many as I've had (and that's A LOT!), the wonder of it all dies out a bit. VirgoCapri and I ended up just talking and catching up...OH, and along with lil' Kai, there was a lot of "I Spy" as well. =)
- Family Reunion picnic. This is an annual event that started some 20 years ago. It started as a gathering of my Lola's (my mom's mom) 9 brothers and sisters and their families, both immediate and extended. It was a HUGE get-together that included organized games, family against family. At one point, the families were growing and multiplying that we all had to wear nametags! There are STILL 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cousins that I don't even know! Through the years and after many of the heads of the families had passed away, the attendance of these annual picnics have slowly diminished. There is a good dedicated few representing almost each family that comes every year. I really thought that I wouldn't make it this year, but surprise, surprise, I made it! It was great to see everybody, 'twas great to get some sun, and even better, VirgoCapri came out to hang out as well.
- ClaimJumpers. Finally had dinner with Keyopes, Ms. Voodoo, and Dimples. It's been quite a while since we've all gotten together, but nevertheless, it was GREAT to see them and hang out. We basically took turns sharing what's been happening in our lives thus far and filling in empty gaps of this or that. Back in the day, we'd do something silly like pass a sugar packet to whomever was speaking. It meant the holder of the sugar packet (or whatever the item was at the time!) had the floor and the rest of us would be all ears...no interrupting! Ha..like we could ever help that! It's crazy to look back at the sh*t that went down in our friendship, but it totally heals the soul to know that we can move beyond that now. At one point in our dinner, I took a quick survey of each galpal and it's amazing how much we've accomplished in our individual lives. Some of us are married, married with kids and/or stepkids, engaged to be married, and are successful career-minded ladies. We all have a path in life that can only get better here on out. I always get that warm feeling as I remember back to our college "gallivanting" and post-college partying days. Now that we're all 30 and above, our priorities in life may change, but I'm thankful that the friendship will always be there.
*Had a chance to go watch the Giants play at Pac Bell c/o Ms. Voodoo, but I had to pass because of the guilt trip my mom gave me for not being around. Boo.*
- Lunch with my O.G. Kumare. Now I've accumulated some "kumares" here and there, but this homegirl of mine is the one that started it all. Back in the day, I was part of her cotillion entourage and later became a bridesmaid at her wedding. She's the one that took me out with her friends during high school and who even helped get me my first job at Wells. Since she got married, we've been meaning to get together for lunch. Finally, finally, finally, I got to have lunch with her downtown. We had some yummy Japanese and talked story. 'Twas great to hang out and catch up.
- Going Away Party. Not a full fledged party, but a lil' dinner my Apu arranged for me the night before I left. My mom, pops, sister and family, and few cousins were there to eat and sing the night away. I was even given some pasalubong to bring back to hubby back in MN: 2 lbs. of tocino and 1 lb. of longanisa. Frozen. Mmmm....ang sarap!!! (note: my Apu knows that these are my FAVE!) Thanks Apu!
my Ate, my Apu, and MnM
- Cornerstone and Ms. Penny. Had to pass by my old work to pick up some paperwork and ended up staying 10 minutes to say my quick hellos and goodbyes to co-workers and friends. Then, last minute, finally had my Hawaiian plate lunch with Ms. Penny at L&L Barbeque. 'Tis funny, but everytime I come home to visit, Ms. Penny is ALWAYS the first and last person I see. Not complaining, mind you, just funny. Begins my trip with laughter and ends my trip with laughter. Perfect way to go.
Monday, August 23, 2004
The Longest Days Ever
MnM has finally returned to Minnesota, to the world of blogging, and most importantly, high-speed internet. Damn I'm spoiled in that regard! Lol!
I arrived late Thursday night to temperatures as cool as the Bay. It seems that the weather is headed towards fall-cool already...dope. I'm done with all the humidity. Maybe it's just a fluke, but I'm enjoying the cool weather. Not totally ready for the w-w-winter, snow, and below zero temps just yet, but relieved that's it's letting up with the heat.
'Twas so great to see hubby again. Tho I was only gone for nine days, this time around seemed much longer. I missed hubby...and to think in a few days, it's his turn to visit CA.
My return to MN was far from relaxing. The next few days would be dedicated to wedding preparations...yes...THE wedding. Friday was spent driving around for last minute supplies and decorating the church and hall until 11pm-ish. The "three musketeers" would be back in the church the following morning (Saturday and D-Day) at 7am to finish up. Yes, the "three musketeers." Three, as in one, two, three. That's how many of us was in charge of setting up. Three to make this non-budget wedding look like a million bucks. Okay, million is going over the edge, but you get my drift. From the tiniest details to the most obvious ones, I have to say that we did a FABULOUS job! I was quite impressed, if I say so myself. My only complaint would be the bridesmaids' bouquets and the sponsors' boutinieres. Hey, after so many hours of trying to make everything look perfect AND being that it was three hours before the wedding (and we still had to go home, shower, and get ready!) AND being that by that time we were deliriously fatigued, we honestly didn't give a rat's ass on how nice the bouquets were anymore- we simply didn't care! I have to say, though, the bride's bouquet was beautiful.
The wedding itself was a success. The bride and groom made it through their vows and the party began...or so I heard. I, along with the church's army of volunteers, were too busy making sure everything ran smoothly. From bringing potluck to cleaning up afterwards, everyone pitched in.
OF COURSE, I can totally bitch about this and that, about all the money that was spent on things LAST MINUTE (egads, I hate it when sh*t ain't organized!), on money that was spent on things that were decided NOT to be used LAST MINUTE (and which CANNOT be returned...crap.), on the time and efforts put forth by the three musketeers as well as the church community, and on the time and efforts NOT put forth by those who should've had a bigger hand (we're talking BIG!) in this whole event...but I won't.
In any case, the running joke for the weekend was that the three musketeers could open up shop and have a bridal-type of business. It's a possibility that I think we'd rather not think about right now. Give us a few days to recuperate.
Friday and Saturday seemed like the longest days ever. My body was not only weary from my flight home, but also from all the standing, walking, etc, that had to be done for the wedding. I don't even recall falling asleep Saturday night- I just totally crashed. I didn't even have the energy to make it to church the following day. 'Twas my time to rest and catch up on my sleep.
Hubby's Turn
I'm bummed that I rarely had time to enjoy my return to MN with hubby. The only real quality time we had together was packing his bags last night for his trip to San Diego. It's been way overdue since he's been home to visit his family and kids. Coincidentally, his flight was at 7:45am. Seeing that he had to be there two hours prior, it sucked big time when we woke up at 5:30am! Crapola. We just barely made it with enough time for him to check in while I stood in line for him in the maze to pass through security.
Hubby's visit home will be short and sweet...and he'll be returning to MN with two of his own short and sweet girls. I'm looking forward to spending time and getting to know da girls and just moving forward...
*Hubby- enjoy San Diego! Go get your burritos on, baby, and hit the beach! I miss you already...love you.*
Of All Places....Of All People....
Hubby has all the luck. He just called me from the airport in Phoenix, Arizona. There was a hint of excitement in his voice when he answered my hello with, "Guess who's sitting right across from me?" The last time he had a layover in Phoenix, he had called me with, "Guess who I just saw go into the men's restroom?" The San Francisco Giants had just finished playing a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was the All-Star weekend and it just so happened that Giants manager Felipe Alou was on his way to Vegas for a bit of relaxation! Hubby was so stoked! Seeing that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I urged him to try and make contact. In a lil' boy anticipation, hubby was trying to think of something clever to spark a conversation with him. As a result, hubby got the balls to ask for a picture WITH him! (Yes, we do have the proof!)
So... hubby is practically beside himself as he explains that BRIAN McKNIGHT is sitting across from him!!! If ya'll know hubby, you'd know that this is his ultimate and most favorite artist ever. Following close behind are Eric Benet and Kenny Lattimore...imagine hubby-to-be-back-then's surprise when I got him concert tickets for Eric Benet, who just so happened to be opening for Brian McKnight! Well, seeing that hubby has the bragging rights to this chance meeting, I'll let him tell all later. What freakin' luck, eh???
MnM has finally returned to Minnesota, to the world of blogging, and most importantly, high-speed internet. Damn I'm spoiled in that regard! Lol!
I arrived late Thursday night to temperatures as cool as the Bay. It seems that the weather is headed towards fall-cool already...dope. I'm done with all the humidity. Maybe it's just a fluke, but I'm enjoying the cool weather. Not totally ready for the w-w-winter, snow, and below zero temps just yet, but relieved that's it's letting up with the heat.
'Twas so great to see hubby again. Tho I was only gone for nine days, this time around seemed much longer. I missed hubby...and to think in a few days, it's his turn to visit CA.
My return to MN was far from relaxing. The next few days would be dedicated to wedding preparations...yes...THE wedding. Friday was spent driving around for last minute supplies and decorating the church and hall until 11pm-ish. The "three musketeers" would be back in the church the following morning (Saturday and D-Day) at 7am to finish up. Yes, the "three musketeers." Three, as in one, two, three. That's how many of us was in charge of setting up. Three to make this non-budget wedding look like a million bucks. Okay, million is going over the edge, but you get my drift. From the tiniest details to the most obvious ones, I have to say that we did a FABULOUS job! I was quite impressed, if I say so myself. My only complaint would be the bridesmaids' bouquets and the sponsors' boutinieres. Hey, after so many hours of trying to make everything look perfect AND being that it was three hours before the wedding (and we still had to go home, shower, and get ready!) AND being that by that time we were deliriously fatigued, we honestly didn't give a rat's ass on how nice the bouquets were anymore- we simply didn't care! I have to say, though, the bride's bouquet was beautiful.
The wedding itself was a success. The bride and groom made it through their vows and the party began...or so I heard. I, along with the church's army of volunteers, were too busy making sure everything ran smoothly. From bringing potluck to cleaning up afterwards, everyone pitched in.
OF COURSE, I can totally bitch about this and that, about all the money that was spent on things LAST MINUTE (egads, I hate it when sh*t ain't organized!), on money that was spent on things that were decided NOT to be used LAST MINUTE (and which CANNOT be returned...crap.), on the time and efforts put forth by the three musketeers as well as the church community, and on the time and efforts NOT put forth by those who should've had a bigger hand (we're talking BIG!) in this whole event...but I won't.
In any case, the running joke for the weekend was that the three musketeers could open up shop and have a bridal-type of business. It's a possibility that I think we'd rather not think about right now. Give us a few days to recuperate.
Friday and Saturday seemed like the longest days ever. My body was not only weary from my flight home, but also from all the standing, walking, etc, that had to be done for the wedding. I don't even recall falling asleep Saturday night- I just totally crashed. I didn't even have the energy to make it to church the following day. 'Twas my time to rest and catch up on my sleep.
Hubby's Turn
I'm bummed that I rarely had time to enjoy my return to MN with hubby. The only real quality time we had together was packing his bags last night for his trip to San Diego. It's been way overdue since he's been home to visit his family and kids. Coincidentally, his flight was at 7:45am. Seeing that he had to be there two hours prior, it sucked big time when we woke up at 5:30am! Crapola. We just barely made it with enough time for him to check in while I stood in line for him in the maze to pass through security.
Hubby's visit home will be short and sweet...and he'll be returning to MN with two of his own short and sweet girls. I'm looking forward to spending time and getting to know da girls and just moving forward...
*Hubby- enjoy San Diego! Go get your burritos on, baby, and hit the beach! I miss you already...love you.*
Of All Places....Of All People....
Hubby has all the luck. He just called me from the airport in Phoenix, Arizona. There was a hint of excitement in his voice when he answered my hello with, "Guess who's sitting right across from me?" The last time he had a layover in Phoenix, he had called me with, "Guess who I just saw go into the men's restroom?" The San Francisco Giants had just finished playing a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. It was the All-Star weekend and it just so happened that Giants manager Felipe Alou was on his way to Vegas for a bit of relaxation! Hubby was so stoked! Seeing that this was a once in a lifetime opportunity, I urged him to try and make contact. In a lil' boy anticipation, hubby was trying to think of something clever to spark a conversation with him. As a result, hubby got the balls to ask for a picture WITH him! (Yes, we do have the proof!)
So... hubby is practically beside himself as he explains that BRIAN McKNIGHT is sitting across from him!!! If ya'll know hubby, you'd know that this is his ultimate and most favorite artist ever. Following close behind are Eric Benet and Kenny Lattimore...imagine hubby-to-be-back-then's surprise when I got him concert tickets for Eric Benet, who just so happened to be opening for Brian McKnight! Well, seeing that hubby has the bragging rights to this chance meeting, I'll let him tell all later. What freakin' luck, eh???
Saturday, August 14, 2004
Back in da Bay
My stay in the Bay is slowly coming to an end already. In five more days, I'll be back in MN and it'll be hubby's turn for a CA trip. This trip to the City was really an impulsive decision, almost totally last minute. I told practically everyone who I wanted to see that I was coming except for the parents. I thought it might be nice to try and surprise them.
My sis and kids picked me up from the airport. They rang the bell to my parents' house and when my mom answered, they yelled, "Lola, we have a surprise for you! We have a surprise for you!" My mom, playing along in their lil' game responds, "Oh, what's my surprise?" All this time, I'm hiding at the bottom of the stairway trying to contain my laughter that would probably give me away. When I hear my mom's cue "what's my surprise?", I emerge from my spot and yell, "SURPRISE!" Man, ya'll should've seen my mom's face! Her eyes bugged out and she had this huge smile on her face- totally priceless! I ran up to give her a big hug and she continues to ask when I got in, etc, and even says that she was just about to call me in MN. Well, no need anymore, I say. Not knowing if my dad was home, I went to the car to get my bags. (by the way, mom, is it okay that I sleep over? lol!) I'm lugging my bag up the stairs and I ask if pops is home and he is. I head to the kitchen and do my lil' "suprise!" act and he plays around (tho I don't think it's funny to joke about this kind of stuff...considering that he did have a bypass and all...) that "oh my God, you're going to give me a heart attack!" This, of course, was said with all smiles. The surprise strategy worked and looks of my parents' faces was so totally worth it.
The rest of the night was spent hanging out, playing with the kids, watching the kids get all hyper and sing silly songs. Such entertainment, I tell you! =) As I lay in bed in my old room that night, it all felt strangely familiar to be home again. My room looks nothing like it did before. It's become a guest room, a TV room, a computer room. No evidence that MnM ever slept in that room for 25+ years. *Sigh* It took me a while to finally get to sleep- not only was it c-c-c-old, but it was just different to be without hubby next to me.
Day One
Though my parents didn't have a clue of my visit, I was banking on the notion that my dad would let me borrow his Jeep for the day- score! After breakfast, the first on my agenda was to head to the beach. It was such an overcast and foggy day. I was debating whether or not I should head to Target to buy a sweatshirt or whatnot. Goodness, how come I didn't prepare for the city fog?! I mean, how in the world could I forget?! Fortunately when I got to Ocean Beach, there was no wind whatsoever and it made for a somewhat perfect day.
I made my way to the water's edge and the first thing I did was call hubby on my cell. When he answered, I just said, "Listen!" as I held the phone out towards the waves. I wasn't trying to make him jealous, I just wanted to share the moment with him is all.
I became entranced with a bunch of crows and seagulls. Damn scavengers. It was eerie 'cuz there were just so many looming around, almost circling a rotting carcass or something. I took out my digital to take a couple pics. As the waves broke, I noticed a lil' crab that washed up. I leaned down and was just about to pick it up for a closer look when tiny crab legs shot out from underneath! Poor thing kept getting pounded by the surf...
After walking up and down the shore, I started making other calls to potential peoples I could visit today. I got a hold of Ms. Penny and we arranged to walk around Lake Merced. Ha. We ended up eating an early lunch at AKAGI'S! Can I just say YUM?! Oh man, hubby and I haven't found any good Japanese places in the Twin Cities and the place that we go to was just too pricey. How do you beat Akagi's $5.50 bento box meals? Actually, you can't. No can do. Considering that hubby and I were regular patrons at this establishment, (yes, the 'regular' please...) we were basically blown when we couldn't find anything similar out in MN. In fact, there were just so many different kinds of food that we would have to do without until our next visits to the Bay, namely Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Mexican. (people people, there are 100x better burrito places than this Chipotle!)
Lunch with Ms. Penny, well, anytime with Ms. Penny is always filled with smiles and laughter! Seems like each time I visit the Bay, she's the first I actually get to hang out with. My homegirl on the real. It was great to catch up, hear the latest gossip, and to hear about all the preparations for her upcoming wedding. Wow. Ms. Penny and Mr. Stud Muffin are finally, FINALLY going to tie the knot!
Quick Rewind
After lunch with the future Mrs. Gee, I went home to change before I was off to Cornerstone. The couple hours I was there was spent catching up, hearing about the latest changes the school is going through while Mrs. Sharon set up her class. From there, I headed to Apu's place (my dad's mom) and honestly, I think I should've called before....by the look on Apu's face when she saw me, I said one of them silent prayers that her heart would contain all the excitement. It was so sweet tho! The entire time we talked, she held my hand. She made me promise that before I head back to MN that I would have dinner there...like I'm going to refuse my Apu! lol! After my brief visit with Apu, Lola and Lolo were next on the list (mom's side). My reception from them wasn't as huggy huggy, but nevertheless, it was cool to just hang out with the grandparents. I did feel I was interrupting their "TV Patrol" viewing pleasure, but still, I don't think I've ever really visited them on my own before. It was cool. It was nice.
The Lovebirds
After driving around da City visiting folks, I had a brief time to get ready at home before dinner. I was going to be meeting with the lovebirds at E Komo Mai.
E Komo Mai. Hubby and my favorite place. Our special place. It's actually where we had our "first date." Imagine my horror when I drove up to find that it's been closed down for business! Boo! Totally and utterly bummed. I'm guessing business wasn't doing too well, but still, it just seems like the little hole in the wall places are THE BEST places to eat...and now it's gone. Boo.
We need a plan B. I call up the firemarshall and he suggests Ling Nam. Well, if I can't have my Hawaiian, Pinoy food has got to be the next best thing.
By the time I get there, the lovebirds are already there. Although I haven't seen them both since March, I feel like we talk and see each other everyday! We seat ourselves and as we're talking, I'm distracted by this glare coming from the firemarshall's left side. Egads! I totally forgot that he got his ear pierced! And perhaps it was the particular way he had his hair that night, but he could totally be a member of some boy band! Lol! Ah yes...and so began the sarcastic remarks, sassy comments, and attempted put-downs that I miss so much and are so much sweeter to execute in person. Plus, with Rho at his side, there is more of a fearlessness to his remarks that would otherwise be absent normally. Lol! It's all good tho...all clean fun, people! On the real, I miss this fool whom I call my bestest buddy. 11 years of friendship and still going strong.
Of course, Rho and I had to tag-team and get on the firemarshall's case any chance we could. Even tho we haven't known each other long, Rho is like a long-lost girlfriend I've always had. We just click and get along so easily. It's like that. I had the greatest time hanging out. Our dinner was good too (pork asado siopao and tocilog), but I think that I was just being a bit too "madaldal" to finish up.
Since Rho had work the following day, I sent them on their way back south. 'Twas so great of them to come up to the City just for dinner! After such a busy day and seeing different folks, it was a great way to end my first day back.
Thanks, Lovebirds, for the Ling Nam dinner and hope ya'll are enjoying Hawaii for me!
My stay in the Bay is slowly coming to an end already. In five more days, I'll be back in MN and it'll be hubby's turn for a CA trip. This trip to the City was really an impulsive decision, almost totally last minute. I told practically everyone who I wanted to see that I was coming except for the parents. I thought it might be nice to try and surprise them.
My sis and kids picked me up from the airport. They rang the bell to my parents' house and when my mom answered, they yelled, "Lola, we have a surprise for you! We have a surprise for you!" My mom, playing along in their lil' game responds, "Oh, what's my surprise?" All this time, I'm hiding at the bottom of the stairway trying to contain my laughter that would probably give me away. When I hear my mom's cue "what's my surprise?", I emerge from my spot and yell, "SURPRISE!" Man, ya'll should've seen my mom's face! Her eyes bugged out and she had this huge smile on her face- totally priceless! I ran up to give her a big hug and she continues to ask when I got in, etc, and even says that she was just about to call me in MN. Well, no need anymore, I say. Not knowing if my dad was home, I went to the car to get my bags. (by the way, mom, is it okay that I sleep over? lol!) I'm lugging my bag up the stairs and I ask if pops is home and he is. I head to the kitchen and do my lil' "suprise!" act and he plays around (tho I don't think it's funny to joke about this kind of stuff...considering that he did have a bypass and all...) that "oh my God, you're going to give me a heart attack!" This, of course, was said with all smiles. The surprise strategy worked and looks of my parents' faces was so totally worth it.
The rest of the night was spent hanging out, playing with the kids, watching the kids get all hyper and sing silly songs. Such entertainment, I tell you! =) As I lay in bed in my old room that night, it all felt strangely familiar to be home again. My room looks nothing like it did before. It's become a guest room, a TV room, a computer room. No evidence that MnM ever slept in that room for 25+ years. *Sigh* It took me a while to finally get to sleep- not only was it c-c-c-old, but it was just different to be without hubby next to me.
Day One
Though my parents didn't have a clue of my visit, I was banking on the notion that my dad would let me borrow his Jeep for the day- score! After breakfast, the first on my agenda was to head to the beach. It was such an overcast and foggy day. I was debating whether or not I should head to Target to buy a sweatshirt or whatnot. Goodness, how come I didn't prepare for the city fog?! I mean, how in the world could I forget?! Fortunately when I got to Ocean Beach, there was no wind whatsoever and it made for a somewhat perfect day.
I made my way to the water's edge and the first thing I did was call hubby on my cell. When he answered, I just said, "Listen!" as I held the phone out towards the waves. I wasn't trying to make him jealous, I just wanted to share the moment with him is all.
I became entranced with a bunch of crows and seagulls. Damn scavengers. It was eerie 'cuz there were just so many looming around, almost circling a rotting carcass or something. I took out my digital to take a couple pics. As the waves broke, I noticed a lil' crab that washed up. I leaned down and was just about to pick it up for a closer look when tiny crab legs shot out from underneath! Poor thing kept getting pounded by the surf...
After walking up and down the shore, I started making other calls to potential peoples I could visit today. I got a hold of Ms. Penny and we arranged to walk around Lake Merced. Ha. We ended up eating an early lunch at AKAGI'S! Can I just say YUM?! Oh man, hubby and I haven't found any good Japanese places in the Twin Cities and the place that we go to was just too pricey. How do you beat Akagi's $5.50 bento box meals? Actually, you can't. No can do. Considering that hubby and I were regular patrons at this establishment, (yes, the 'regular' please...) we were basically blown when we couldn't find anything similar out in MN. In fact, there were just so many different kinds of food that we would have to do without until our next visits to the Bay, namely Filipino, Hawaiian, Japanese, and Mexican. (people people, there are 100x better burrito places than this Chipotle!)
Lunch with Ms. Penny, well, anytime with Ms. Penny is always filled with smiles and laughter! Seems like each time I visit the Bay, she's the first I actually get to hang out with. My homegirl on the real. It was great to catch up, hear the latest gossip, and to hear about all the preparations for her upcoming wedding. Wow. Ms. Penny and Mr. Stud Muffin are finally, FINALLY going to tie the knot!
Quick Rewind
After lunch with the future Mrs. Gee, I went home to change before I was off to Cornerstone. The couple hours I was there was spent catching up, hearing about the latest changes the school is going through while Mrs. Sharon set up her class. From there, I headed to Apu's place (my dad's mom) and honestly, I think I should've called before....by the look on Apu's face when she saw me, I said one of them silent prayers that her heart would contain all the excitement. It was so sweet tho! The entire time we talked, she held my hand. She made me promise that before I head back to MN that I would have dinner there...like I'm going to refuse my Apu! lol! After my brief visit with Apu, Lola and Lolo were next on the list (mom's side). My reception from them wasn't as huggy huggy, but nevertheless, it was cool to just hang out with the grandparents. I did feel I was interrupting their "TV Patrol" viewing pleasure, but still, I don't think I've ever really visited them on my own before. It was cool. It was nice.
The Lovebirds
After driving around da City visiting folks, I had a brief time to get ready at home before dinner. I was going to be meeting with the lovebirds at E Komo Mai.
E Komo Mai. Hubby and my favorite place. Our special place. It's actually where we had our "first date." Imagine my horror when I drove up to find that it's been closed down for business! Boo! Totally and utterly bummed. I'm guessing business wasn't doing too well, but still, it just seems like the little hole in the wall places are THE BEST places to eat...and now it's gone. Boo.
We need a plan B. I call up the firemarshall and he suggests Ling Nam. Well, if I can't have my Hawaiian, Pinoy food has got to be the next best thing.
By the time I get there, the lovebirds are already there. Although I haven't seen them both since March, I feel like we talk and see each other everyday! We seat ourselves and as we're talking, I'm distracted by this glare coming from the firemarshall's left side. Egads! I totally forgot that he got his ear pierced! And perhaps it was the particular way he had his hair that night, but he could totally be a member of some boy band! Lol! Ah yes...and so began the sarcastic remarks, sassy comments, and attempted put-downs that I miss so much and are so much sweeter to execute in person. Plus, with Rho at his side, there is more of a fearlessness to his remarks that would otherwise be absent normally. Lol! It's all good tho...all clean fun, people! On the real, I miss this fool whom I call my bestest buddy. 11 years of friendship and still going strong.
Of course, Rho and I had to tag-team and get on the firemarshall's case any chance we could. Even tho we haven't known each other long, Rho is like a long-lost girlfriend I've always had. We just click and get along so easily. It's like that. I had the greatest time hanging out. Our dinner was good too (pork asado siopao and tocilog), but I think that I was just being a bit too "madaldal" to finish up.
Since Rho had work the following day, I sent them on their way back south. 'Twas so great of them to come up to the City just for dinner! After such a busy day and seeing different folks, it was a great way to end my first day back.
Thanks, Lovebirds, for the Ling Nam dinner and hope ya'll are enjoying Hawaii for me!
Tuesday, August 10, 2004
Prayer Requests
* My Cornerstone homegirl, msbLiSs, is long overdue. If I am not mistaken, she should've given birth sometime late July. I just read her blog thinking that there would've been some good news of the baby's arrival by now....no go. She did, however say, that by the time the baby Eve comes out that she'll be eating solids! Lol! Egads...I don't know much about that, but I say INDUCE, INDUCE, INDUCE! =)
Coincidentally, ya'll should check out the article she posted on her blog. It's all about surviving natural disasters, namely earthquakes. 'Twas quite an eye-opener really. For as long as I remember, we've been taught as kids to "duck and cover." Hell, that's what we all teach our students at school! According to this article, that may very well be the cause of death. Check out her blog and read about the "triangle of life" method. I've said this many a time to hubby whenever those damn tornado sirens sound off over here- "I'd rather have an earthquake over a tornado anytime." I still stick to that. Either way, I hope to never have to experience any major natural disaster anytime soon, but if I have to, and if it's a major earthquake, this sh*t better come in handy.
* Everytime I fly back to CA, I always pray for the flight crew of the plane I'm going to be on. I mean, my life is in their hands, you know? I'm sure that they're all capable and all that crap, but it doesn't hurt to pray that they get a good night's rest and that all goes well in the air.
Thank God I have a straight flight today. No waiting around or rushing to catch a different plane crap.
As it looks, I've got about about two hours til check-in and I still have lots to do. Pray that I have safe flight, ya'll. See ya' in the Bay!!!
* My Cornerstone homegirl, msbLiSs, is long overdue. If I am not mistaken, she should've given birth sometime late July. I just read her blog thinking that there would've been some good news of the baby's arrival by now....no go. She did, however say, that by the time the baby Eve comes out that she'll be eating solids! Lol! Egads...I don't know much about that, but I say INDUCE, INDUCE, INDUCE! =)
Coincidentally, ya'll should check out the article she posted on her blog. It's all about surviving natural disasters, namely earthquakes. 'Twas quite an eye-opener really. For as long as I remember, we've been taught as kids to "duck and cover." Hell, that's what we all teach our students at school! According to this article, that may very well be the cause of death. Check out her blog and read about the "triangle of life" method. I've said this many a time to hubby whenever those damn tornado sirens sound off over here- "I'd rather have an earthquake over a tornado anytime." I still stick to that. Either way, I hope to never have to experience any major natural disaster anytime soon, but if I have to, and if it's a major earthquake, this sh*t better come in handy.
* Everytime I fly back to CA, I always pray for the flight crew of the plane I'm going to be on. I mean, my life is in their hands, you know? I'm sure that they're all capable and all that crap, but it doesn't hurt to pray that they get a good night's rest and that all goes well in the air.
Thank God I have a straight flight today. No waiting around or rushing to catch a different plane crap.
As it looks, I've got about about two hours til check-in and I still have lots to do. Pray that I have safe flight, ya'll. See ya' in the Bay!!!
Monday, August 09, 2004
Wedding Update
So I spent my entire Friday night tying 100 perfect, little blue ribbons. Perfect. Yes, they are perfect. Took me 5 freakin' hours to achieve such perfection, mind you. 5 hours! By 2am in the morning, the tips of my thumbs and pointer fingers were raw to the touch. For some odd reason, I simply couldn't get them done on the first try. Maybe I'm not as adept as I thought I was or perhaps I was beginning to question exactly why I'm doing this. Wait. Oh yah. I remember now.
I was left with two more steps: glue-gun them suckers onto the heart-shaped photo magnets and place the heart-shaped cutouts of their names inside. 'Twasn't a total bitch to do, but still. I was fricken elated out of my mind when I completed the last one. Quite an achievement...considering. I can seriously do without lil' blue ribbons dancing around in my head now. Onward to the next project...shiet.
Luis Palau Festival
If you read hubby's blog, you might've read that "awesome" and "powerful" were the words of the day. It's difficult to sum it up without using those adjectives. Although it was a two-day event, hubby and I opted for Sunday. We figured that we'd rest a bit after church and head out for the evening program. The program would consist of Luis Palau sharing a message, and a free concert by Toby Mac and Third Day. Plus, throughout the event site, there were booths galore.
By the time we got there, the humidity level was just ghastly. Not only was it about 85 degrees out, but the air was so heavy that it kinda took your breath away. Now imagine being in shoulder to shoulder crowds of sticky, sweaty bodies either desperately trying to push their way to the front or just pushing in general. And not everyone was as "sure" as they should've been, if you know what I mean. Yah...ewwww. But all that aside, there's the one reason why this crowd of approximately 120,000 were congregated...Jesus.
These crowds weren't just for Christians or Catholics. It wasn't for any one type of religion or denomination. Hell, I'm sure there were many non-believers out there curious to know what the hoopla about this Jesus dude is all about. If I was just a passerby on the street, I wouldn't be able to guess, based on face value, what type of event this was. There were your basic Bible toting folks with their children in tow. But then you had the skater boys and girls with the unruly and punked out hair. Then you had the tattooed-out people with their multiple pierces. The crowd was probably the most diverse I have seen Minnesota ever and yet, we all had one thing in common.
Hubby and I made our way closer to the stage, but for the other hundreds of people, they preferred to view the huge monitor screens located around the capitol grounds. The event, btw, was held right smack dab in the front of the capitol building in St. Paul. I've told hubby that I've always wanted to attend a Christian festival like this and to be at a concert where everyone had their eyes closed with their hands lifted up. The featured artists were dope! 'Tis nothing compared to the old songs you hear in church. I swear, it was like Linkin' Park singin' praise and worship tunes. Everyone was rockin' out, jumping up and down, boppin' their heads, and oh my goodness, some fools even tried to crowd surf. I was telling hubby I wasn't about to man-handle anyone coming our way. Hubby said the exact same thing. As hubby would say, "I came to get my Lord on!" Ain't nothing in the program about helpin' some kid make their way across the crowds like that. And other people had the same idea. Lo and behold, two bodies came our way. For the chick that passed directly over hubby, hubby simply took a step my way and she practically hit the pavement! DOH! Okay, I know that ain't funny...but it was! A little bit more down the line, she finally fell. Pshhh....oh well.
At one point, Third Day slowed it down with a couple of contemporary ballads. But before that, he asked the crowd if he could have some silence. He said he'd countdown from 3 and when he got to 1, he wanted silence. At one, it was quiet enough to hear the bugs flying around. He then asked us to all bow our heads and he led us in a prayer. That was the most awesome thing...a crowd of 120,000, heads bowed, eyes closed. It was such a powerful moment.
We left right before the concert ended 'cuz we didn't want to deal with the crowds. In those few hours that we were there, we were able to listen, share, and just be with a whole bunch of other "Jesus freaks." To see so many people of different ages and races come together for such an event was truly inspiring. I don't know when we'll have the opportunity to attend something like this, but all I know is when the opportunity presents itself, we'll be there. All in all, it was amazing, awesome, powerful, inspiring. I'm so glad we went.
Things I'm Looking Forward To
Phantom of the Opera...done.
Luis Palau festival...done.
San Francisco...here I come!
*Hey hubby...I wish you were coming with me! I'll be missing and thinking about you...love you!*
So I spent my entire Friday night tying 100 perfect, little blue ribbons. Perfect. Yes, they are perfect. Took me 5 freakin' hours to achieve such perfection, mind you. 5 hours! By 2am in the morning, the tips of my thumbs and pointer fingers were raw to the touch. For some odd reason, I simply couldn't get them done on the first try. Maybe I'm not as adept as I thought I was or perhaps I was beginning to question exactly why I'm doing this. Wait. Oh yah. I remember now.
I was left with two more steps: glue-gun them suckers onto the heart-shaped photo magnets and place the heart-shaped cutouts of their names inside. 'Twasn't a total bitch to do, but still. I was fricken elated out of my mind when I completed the last one. Quite an achievement...considering. I can seriously do without lil' blue ribbons dancing around in my head now. Onward to the next project...shiet.
Luis Palau Festival
If you read hubby's blog, you might've read that "awesome" and "powerful" were the words of the day. It's difficult to sum it up without using those adjectives. Although it was a two-day event, hubby and I opted for Sunday. We figured that we'd rest a bit after church and head out for the evening program. The program would consist of Luis Palau sharing a message, and a free concert by Toby Mac and Third Day. Plus, throughout the event site, there were booths galore.
By the time we got there, the humidity level was just ghastly. Not only was it about 85 degrees out, but the air was so heavy that it kinda took your breath away. Now imagine being in shoulder to shoulder crowds of sticky, sweaty bodies either desperately trying to push their way to the front or just pushing in general. And not everyone was as "sure" as they should've been, if you know what I mean. Yah...ewwww. But all that aside, there's the one reason why this crowd of approximately 120,000 were congregated...Jesus.
These crowds weren't just for Christians or Catholics. It wasn't for any one type of religion or denomination. Hell, I'm sure there were many non-believers out there curious to know what the hoopla about this Jesus dude is all about. If I was just a passerby on the street, I wouldn't be able to guess, based on face value, what type of event this was. There were your basic Bible toting folks with their children in tow. But then you had the skater boys and girls with the unruly and punked out hair. Then you had the tattooed-out people with their multiple pierces. The crowd was probably the most diverse I have seen Minnesota ever and yet, we all had one thing in common.
Hubby and I made our way closer to the stage, but for the other hundreds of people, they preferred to view the huge monitor screens located around the capitol grounds. The event, btw, was held right smack dab in the front of the capitol building in St. Paul. I've told hubby that I've always wanted to attend a Christian festival like this and to be at a concert where everyone had their eyes closed with their hands lifted up. The featured artists were dope! 'Tis nothing compared to the old songs you hear in church. I swear, it was like Linkin' Park singin' praise and worship tunes. Everyone was rockin' out, jumping up and down, boppin' their heads, and oh my goodness, some fools even tried to crowd surf. I was telling hubby I wasn't about to man-handle anyone coming our way. Hubby said the exact same thing. As hubby would say, "I came to get my Lord on!" Ain't nothing in the program about helpin' some kid make their way across the crowds like that. And other people had the same idea. Lo and behold, two bodies came our way. For the chick that passed directly over hubby, hubby simply took a step my way and she practically hit the pavement! DOH! Okay, I know that ain't funny...but it was! A little bit more down the line, she finally fell. Pshhh....oh well.
At one point, Third Day slowed it down with a couple of contemporary ballads. But before that, he asked the crowd if he could have some silence. He said he'd countdown from 3 and when he got to 1, he wanted silence. At one, it was quiet enough to hear the bugs flying around. He then asked us to all bow our heads and he led us in a prayer. That was the most awesome thing...a crowd of 120,000, heads bowed, eyes closed. It was such a powerful moment.
We left right before the concert ended 'cuz we didn't want to deal with the crowds. In those few hours that we were there, we were able to listen, share, and just be with a whole bunch of other "Jesus freaks." To see so many people of different ages and races come together for such an event was truly inspiring. I don't know when we'll have the opportunity to attend something like this, but all I know is when the opportunity presents itself, we'll be there. All in all, it was amazing, awesome, powerful, inspiring. I'm so glad we went.
Things I'm Looking Forward To
Phantom of the Opera...done.
Luis Palau festival...done.
San Francisco...here I come!
*Hey hubby...I wish you were coming with me! I'll be missing and thinking about you...love you!*
Friday, August 06, 2004
F*cked Up, but I'll Pass Anyways
Ya'll remember how I was helping out for that wedding for a young couple at church? Well, I've been busy driving to and from different craft stores looking for just the right details for the wedding, I've been spending all this time tracing and cutting out their names in hearts for the heart-shaped favors that yours truly had to send from CA (which btw, resulted in hand cramps from labor that the 10 bridesmaids should be doing!), I've been hole punching card stock for guest placecards, and now have been manually tying little blue ribbons to be glue gunned onto the 100+ favors among other things. Hubby has been generous enough to help out with printing their invitations as well as other computer related tasks. We've said it before and I'll say it again, we're not doing this for any recognition or anything. We offered our time and services because we really felt for the young couple and thought that helping out where we could would be a nice gesture. I'd like to think that we've been doing A LOT to make the reception a doable one considering their budget, or lack thereof.
So tonight there is a bridal shower for the bride. Apparently it's been in the works for a while...and guess who's not invited? Honestly, I could give a rat's ass. Don't get my venting session twisted with any subtext for wishing to have been invited. I've always said that I probably couldn't hang out with that crowd anyways. Seriously. Yes, they're good people, but just not my cup of tea to spend my Friday night, you know? I get along with them fine. But still... I just think that it's f*cked up that I didn't hear anything about it. You know what? I'd probably pass on it anyways...
Ya'll remember how I was helping out for that wedding for a young couple at church? Well, I've been busy driving to and from different craft stores looking for just the right details for the wedding, I've been spending all this time tracing and cutting out their names in hearts for the heart-shaped favors that yours truly had to send from CA (which btw, resulted in hand cramps from labor that the 10 bridesmaids should be doing!), I've been hole punching card stock for guest placecards, and now have been manually tying little blue ribbons to be glue gunned onto the 100+ favors among other things. Hubby has been generous enough to help out with printing their invitations as well as other computer related tasks. We've said it before and I'll say it again, we're not doing this for any recognition or anything. We offered our time and services because we really felt for the young couple and thought that helping out where we could would be a nice gesture. I'd like to think that we've been doing A LOT to make the reception a doable one considering their budget, or lack thereof.
So tonight there is a bridal shower for the bride. Apparently it's been in the works for a while...and guess who's not invited? Honestly, I could give a rat's ass. Don't get my venting session twisted with any subtext for wishing to have been invited. I've always said that I probably couldn't hang out with that crowd anyways. Seriously. Yes, they're good people, but just not my cup of tea to spend my Friday night, you know? I get along with them fine. But still... I just think that it's f*cked up that I didn't hear anything about it. You know what? I'd probably pass on it anyways...
Tuesday, August 03, 2004
And It Only Gets Better!
Here is a rundown of how we celebrated our 2-year:
- Woke up early to find a card from hubby. Hubby was all excited when I opened it 'cuz included with the card was a certificate of registry of some kind. Turns out hubby named a star after me! According to the site, because of the vast number of stars, not all of them get a name-they usually get a mathematical number location. Now although I do have my OWN star named after me, it doesn't get into the scientific books. You'll never hear about the comet passing by MnM's star...too bad, eh? But it does go into the Universal Star Catalog and it belongs to no one else but yours truly. Omigoodness, it's just the most awesome thing! I've always had this love for the stars and anything space related when I was younger, but during Astronomy 101 at State, my dreams of becoming an astromoner or the 1st Pinay in space were shot to hell when I found out exactly how much Math is involved! Aiya! After that, i never pursued it, if only to be able to tell certain constellations apart. Perhaps it was also 'cuz we just watched "A Walk to Remember" and there's that scene when Landon asks Jamie to look for a certain star. She obliges and asks why this certain star and he replies, "Because it's yours. I had it named after you." Awwwww....too sweet! In any case, I got the certificate to prove it, but somewhere in the heavenly bodies is a star named after ME! =)
- Since hubby woke me up way earlier than I'm used to, I went back to sleep for a bit. Hubby came into the bedroom to announce that "breakfast is ready!" Wow! In those few mornings that I do get up before noon, hubby makes a point to make me breakfast and today being our anniversary was just an extra special surprise.
- Got a hair trim at Rocco Altobelli's. The one thing I love about salons is that no matter how much they do or cut off, your hair always feels like a million bucks afterwards. It's a nice kind of pampering. I think we've finally find a place that suits us. Actually, hubby is STILL searching for just the right barber...apparently none of the barbers in Minnesota can't fade guy's hair. This is definitely a problem. All the times hubby went to get his hair done, it never fails that he comes home dissatisfied. Me? I'm a bit more open. I don't really trust the Sam's or Supercuts, and even though this Rocco's is a bit pricey, it's worth it. Hubby has discovered their waxing services. I, for one, have never gotten anything waxed before and honestly, I'm just too damn scared of the pain. Hubby has now joined the ranks of Eastbay and such who get their eyebrows done. I gotta say...his are cleaner than mine! lol! I have yet to try it, but for now, I'll stick to plucking. One of these days, hubby and I are going to get massages...
- Throughout the afternoon, I got to talk to my sister and mom who called with anniversary greetings. It's kinda funny...I was talking to my mom when she says, "Oh hold on, there's another call." I'm waiting and she comes back and says, "Your auntie from Reno is calling" and proceeds to say her quick goodbyes. Inside I'm fighting the urge to say, "Hey, Minnesota is way farther than Reno!" Lol! It's all good though. Talked to family and got emails from friends...'tis always a treat when I do!
- Phantom of the Opera. Did I mention we had box seats? We were damn close, but for some reason, I was expecting our seats to be facing the stage...y'know, just like in the Muppets. lol! Instead, our seats were facing forward and we had to twist our bodies somewhat to see. Since we were on the end, we basically couldn't see anything that was happening stage right. It just so happens that's where a lot of the action was. 'Tis a good thing we both saw it previously to know what was happening. Then, just my luck, I have a lady in front of me who was constantly adjusting her view. You know, I try to be courteous to the people behind me. When you're watching in a theater like that, you have to find that window between heads, yes? When you move your head, the person in back is forced to the same, and the person in back of them has to move and so on and so on. Common courtesy. It wasn't so bad though. When I couldn't see the action on stage, I just focused my attention on the orchestra. I found myself mesmerized by the violins and the keyboard.
The show itself was pretty damn good. The guy who played the phantom was AWESOME, the costumes were lavish, and the overall story is just hauntingly beautiful. For some reason though, hubby and I were discussing that we don't remember it being SO operatic. I mean, yes yes, it's called "Phantom of the OPERA," but there were just some numbers where it seemed like "noise." Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of broadway musicals...I'm just not a hard-core opera fan. All in all, it was a faboo way to spend our anniversary!
- After "Phantom," we headed home with our "extravagant" dinner of Taco Hell. We were debating whether we should eat beforehand, but found we wouldn't have enough time. We settled for grumbling tummies throughout the night! Since nothing was open around 10:30pm-ish, we had no other choice but to do fastfood.
- Since I just finished an 8-week course online, I've been anticipating my grade for the past few days now. Just when the night couldn't get any better, I opened up my email to learn that I got a 99.8, an A! Whoo hoo! Thank God that all of that hard work and effort paid off! Since my Bay Area trip is coming up, I'm postponing my next class for a couple of weeks so I won't have any worries while I'm there. As the program looks, I should be done by April 2005. Hubby says we're going to fly to Arizona so I could participate in the graduation ceremony...it's just around the corner, isn't it? Damn.
*Thank you hubby for the wonderful way to spend our anniversary! Love, hugs, and kisses to you...*
Here is a rundown of how we celebrated our 2-year:
- Woke up early to find a card from hubby. Hubby was all excited when I opened it 'cuz included with the card was a certificate of registry of some kind. Turns out hubby named a star after me! According to the site, because of the vast number of stars, not all of them get a name-they usually get a mathematical number location. Now although I do have my OWN star named after me, it doesn't get into the scientific books. You'll never hear about the comet passing by MnM's star...too bad, eh? But it does go into the Universal Star Catalog and it belongs to no one else but yours truly. Omigoodness, it's just the most awesome thing! I've always had this love for the stars and anything space related when I was younger, but during Astronomy 101 at State, my dreams of becoming an astromoner or the 1st Pinay in space were shot to hell when I found out exactly how much Math is involved! Aiya! After that, i never pursued it, if only to be able to tell certain constellations apart. Perhaps it was also 'cuz we just watched "A Walk to Remember" and there's that scene when Landon asks Jamie to look for a certain star. She obliges and asks why this certain star and he replies, "Because it's yours. I had it named after you." Awwwww....too sweet! In any case, I got the certificate to prove it, but somewhere in the heavenly bodies is a star named after ME! =)
- Since hubby woke me up way earlier than I'm used to, I went back to sleep for a bit. Hubby came into the bedroom to announce that "breakfast is ready!" Wow! In those few mornings that I do get up before noon, hubby makes a point to make me breakfast and today being our anniversary was just an extra special surprise.
- Got a hair trim at Rocco Altobelli's. The one thing I love about salons is that no matter how much they do or cut off, your hair always feels like a million bucks afterwards. It's a nice kind of pampering. I think we've finally find a place that suits us. Actually, hubby is STILL searching for just the right barber...apparently none of the barbers in Minnesota can't fade guy's hair. This is definitely a problem. All the times hubby went to get his hair done, it never fails that he comes home dissatisfied. Me? I'm a bit more open. I don't really trust the Sam's or Supercuts, and even though this Rocco's is a bit pricey, it's worth it. Hubby has discovered their waxing services. I, for one, have never gotten anything waxed before and honestly, I'm just too damn scared of the pain. Hubby has now joined the ranks of Eastbay and such who get their eyebrows done. I gotta say...his are cleaner than mine! lol! I have yet to try it, but for now, I'll stick to plucking. One of these days, hubby and I are going to get massages...
- Throughout the afternoon, I got to talk to my sister and mom who called with anniversary greetings. It's kinda funny...I was talking to my mom when she says, "Oh hold on, there's another call." I'm waiting and she comes back and says, "Your auntie from Reno is calling" and proceeds to say her quick goodbyes. Inside I'm fighting the urge to say, "Hey, Minnesota is way farther than Reno!" Lol! It's all good though. Talked to family and got emails from friends...'tis always a treat when I do!
- Phantom of the Opera. Did I mention we had box seats? We were damn close, but for some reason, I was expecting our seats to be facing the stage...y'know, just like in the Muppets. lol! Instead, our seats were facing forward and we had to twist our bodies somewhat to see. Since we were on the end, we basically couldn't see anything that was happening stage right. It just so happens that's where a lot of the action was. 'Tis a good thing we both saw it previously to know what was happening. Then, just my luck, I have a lady in front of me who was constantly adjusting her view. You know, I try to be courteous to the people behind me. When you're watching in a theater like that, you have to find that window between heads, yes? When you move your head, the person in back is forced to the same, and the person in back of them has to move and so on and so on. Common courtesy. It wasn't so bad though. When I couldn't see the action on stage, I just focused my attention on the orchestra. I found myself mesmerized by the violins and the keyboard.
The show itself was pretty damn good. The guy who played the phantom was AWESOME, the costumes were lavish, and the overall story is just hauntingly beautiful. For some reason though, hubby and I were discussing that we don't remember it being SO operatic. I mean, yes yes, it's called "Phantom of the OPERA," but there were just some numbers where it seemed like "noise." Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge fan of broadway musicals...I'm just not a hard-core opera fan. All in all, it was a faboo way to spend our anniversary!
- After "Phantom," we headed home with our "extravagant" dinner of Taco Hell. We were debating whether we should eat beforehand, but found we wouldn't have enough time. We settled for grumbling tummies throughout the night! Since nothing was open around 10:30pm-ish, we had no other choice but to do fastfood.
- Since I just finished an 8-week course online, I've been anticipating my grade for the past few days now. Just when the night couldn't get any better, I opened up my email to learn that I got a 99.8, an A! Whoo hoo! Thank God that all of that hard work and effort paid off! Since my Bay Area trip is coming up, I'm postponing my next class for a couple of weeks so I won't have any worries while I'm there. As the program looks, I should be done by April 2005. Hubby says we're going to fly to Arizona so I could participate in the graduation ceremony...it's just around the corner, isn't it? Damn.
*Thank you hubby for the wonderful way to spend our anniversary! Love, hugs, and kisses to you...*
Monday, August 02, 2004
Things I'm Looking Forward To
Phantom of the Opera. This Tuesday, hubby and I will be celebrating our 2nd weddding anniversary. As a treat, hubby got us tickets to watch "Phantom." Although we have both seen it before, this will be the first for us to see it together. I have always claimed that my ultimate favorite broadway musical production is "Les Miserables," but "Phantom" comes in at a close second. Btw: if you click on the link, it will take you to the trailer for the movie coming out in December. Looks good - we'll probably have to check it out, too. Thanks hubby!
Twin Cities Festival. This upcoming weekend beginning on Saturday, well-known evangelical speaker, Luis Palau, will be here to share God's word to a crowd of thousands. I've actually never heard of him until a few months ago. He has his own radio show and from what I've heard, he prefers a more contemporary approach to spreading the Word to people. Take for example this festival. It's going to feature some of the top Christian bands and artists, a VeggieTales childrens' area, BMX bicycling, and a huge skateboard park. It's all part of his 'evangelism crusade.' He had said in an article that he wants to reach out to those who aren't getting what they need out of the traditional church services. It seemed too many people were bored in church and he wants to change all that. Learning, hearing, and sharing about God should be exciting!
At church last Sunday, they showed a news clip about a Luis Palau event a few years back. It showed the huge crowds, both young and old, coming together to listen to him speak. At one point, the camera panned the audience and everyone had their eyes closed in prayer. It was a great image to see prayer in the works. One woman shared that it seemed Palau's words were being spoken directly to her and what was going on in her life and that she practically cried the entire time. Oh gosh, I told hubby, I better prepare my stash of kleenex! I'm looking forward to this FREE event- I'm excited to see the artists who'll be performing, but more than that, it's going to be an awesome experience to be with so many people looking for prayer, fellowship, and just to be touched.
San Francisco. Yah baby...MnM is finally going to visit the Bay for a few! I'm so stoked! I've already compiled a list in my head of places I want to go, and of course, the beach is my top priority. I seriously just want to sit there, feel the wind in my face, listen and watch the waves crash, and just BE.
I had the funniest conversation with hubby. As usual, I was bitching about the weather we've been having lately (hella hot and humid!). I had to ask,
MnM: "Aside from the weather, is there anything else that I seem to bitch and whine about?"
Doh: "Well, now that you ask..."
MnM: "Really?"
Doh: "Well, you always seem to be talking about California. California this, California that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I miss CA, too."
MnM: "Yah, I suppose. I guess I'm just PRO-California!"
Doh: "But we're NOT in California."
MnM: "Yes, I realize that."
Doh: "What I'm saying is that some people have mentioned that 'Damn, she sure talks about California a lot. We ain't in CA, you know.'
What's funny is that even though we've been out here for a year now- A YEAR- the transition and adjustment hasn't been a piece of cake. I'll be honest, it's been rough. And when I have the opportunity to come back to the Bay and visit, well hell, I'm ecstatic! Sue me for being overjoyed....
Phantom of the Opera. This Tuesday, hubby and I will be celebrating our 2nd weddding anniversary. As a treat, hubby got us tickets to watch "Phantom." Although we have both seen it before, this will be the first for us to see it together. I have always claimed that my ultimate favorite broadway musical production is "Les Miserables," but "Phantom" comes in at a close second. Btw: if you click on the link, it will take you to the trailer for the movie coming out in December. Looks good - we'll probably have to check it out, too. Thanks hubby!
Twin Cities Festival. This upcoming weekend beginning on Saturday, well-known evangelical speaker, Luis Palau, will be here to share God's word to a crowd of thousands. I've actually never heard of him until a few months ago. He has his own radio show and from what I've heard, he prefers a more contemporary approach to spreading the Word to people. Take for example this festival. It's going to feature some of the top Christian bands and artists, a VeggieTales childrens' area, BMX bicycling, and a huge skateboard park. It's all part of his 'evangelism crusade.' He had said in an article that he wants to reach out to those who aren't getting what they need out of the traditional church services. It seemed too many people were bored in church and he wants to change all that. Learning, hearing, and sharing about God should be exciting!
At church last Sunday, they showed a news clip about a Luis Palau event a few years back. It showed the huge crowds, both young and old, coming together to listen to him speak. At one point, the camera panned the audience and everyone had their eyes closed in prayer. It was a great image to see prayer in the works. One woman shared that it seemed Palau's words were being spoken directly to her and what was going on in her life and that she practically cried the entire time. Oh gosh, I told hubby, I better prepare my stash of kleenex! I'm looking forward to this FREE event- I'm excited to see the artists who'll be performing, but more than that, it's going to be an awesome experience to be with so many people looking for prayer, fellowship, and just to be touched.
San Francisco. Yah baby...MnM is finally going to visit the Bay for a few! I'm so stoked! I've already compiled a list in my head of places I want to go, and of course, the beach is my top priority. I seriously just want to sit there, feel the wind in my face, listen and watch the waves crash, and just BE.
I had the funniest conversation with hubby. As usual, I was bitching about the weather we've been having lately (hella hot and humid!). I had to ask,
MnM: "Aside from the weather, is there anything else that I seem to bitch and whine about?"
Doh: "Well, now that you ask..."
MnM: "Really?"
Doh: "Well, you always seem to be talking about California. California this, California that. I mean, don't get me wrong, I miss CA, too."
MnM: "Yah, I suppose. I guess I'm just PRO-California!"
Doh: "But we're NOT in California."
MnM: "Yes, I realize that."
Doh: "What I'm saying is that some people have mentioned that 'Damn, she sure talks about California a lot. We ain't in CA, you know.'
What's funny is that even though we've been out here for a year now- A YEAR- the transition and adjustment hasn't been a piece of cake. I'll be honest, it's been rough. And when I have the opportunity to come back to the Bay and visit, well hell, I'm ecstatic! Sue me for being overjoyed....
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Weekend Shot to Hell
The weekend didn't start off as I had planned. On Friday evening into Saturday morning, I was supposed to help facilitate a youth lock-in at the church. Originally, it was supposed to be hubby and myself, but due to work overload, it would be a no go for Doh. I made plans to run it and had these seriously great ideas. From what I heard about their last lock-in, all it consisted of was playing games and staying up. It was more like a huge sleepover. I was reminded of our recent camp experience. Where was the spiritual aspect of it all? Where was the getting in touch with your faith part? Since hubby and I have been trying to give our two cents about what should be done with the youth, we were basically given the go ahead to bring a new format to the plate. I even went to the Christian Warehouse to check out what they had on Youth ministry, searched the Web for any helpful activities, and even talked to the future Mrs. Gee for ideas. I was putting the time and effort into making this lock-in work.
Unfortunately, come Friday morning, I could not get out of bed. Literally. The day before, I had felt the pain in my back linger. I was conscious of the stiffness and was doing my best not to do anything strenuous. I was still mobile, but I knew if I did anything out of the ordinary, it would flare up. It was as if the pain was comtemplating whether to stay or go. What a freakin' uncomfortable tease! Needless to say, it made its unwelcome comeback.
Hubby called the church and broke the news. I was bummed, seriously bummed. Not only did I feel I let the church and the kids down, I sure as hell let myself down. Then I started thinking, there has got to be a reason why today of all days that my back started to hurt again? Was God telling me something? Was he saying that I wasn't ready to lead this lock-in? Who knows. Either way, I felt I could've done it...with or without hubby.
Drugged Up
From the last time the pain hit, I thought that Motrin would do the trick. It had been my trusted lil' cure all in the past, but sadly, it failed me. I decided to go with Tylenol this time, upped my intake just a bit to get rid of the nagging and shooting pain. It worked. I mean, I wasn't about to go and do cartwheels or anything, but I could actually walk the way us humans were supposed to: upright. When the back pain strikes, I am like those elderly folk who have lost the battle with, oh gosh, the name escapes me at the moment. You know, when their bone density gets weak and they end up walking bent over hunchback-like? That's me. It would definitely be a sight to see...that, or me crawling on all fours to get from one room to the other. Hey, whatever works, eh? In any case, Tylenol has been my friend this weekend.
Because of the pain, I haven't had time to do much of anything. In fact, I seemed to be knocked out all Friday. Friday is my usual cleaning day and you can't imagine how unsettled I was knowing that the house was going to go unvacuumed and undusted! And in the midst of all that, I paused and thought, Oh God, I've really turned into my Mom! Lol!
Read-a-holic
Saturday was spent reading. Reading all day. Man, I could do that all day, everyday if I had the chance! I could seriously spend an entire day in a Borders. Just leave me there and I could be content. I finished the latest Sparks book, "The Guardian." In a semi-break from his usual all out gut wrenching love story, Sparks delivered a suspense thriller amidst a love story. I honestly had no idea what it was about and simply because it was a Sparks novel, I got it. It turned out to be a creepy story of a stalker and although I know it's just a story, a figment of the author's imagination, I could feel my heart beat faster with anticipation. There was a part where the stalker dude broke into the house of the girl and when she finds these clues, you're not sure whether he's still in the house and positive that he's going to jump out from behind the door. It was like a scene from "Sleeping With The Enemy" with Julia Roberts, remember that flick? I literally had to sit up in my chair (as best as I could with the pain) and read on to see what happens. At one particular moment, a door slammed downstairs that reverberated the entire apartment and I swear that my stomach practically jumped up to my throat! Talk about freaky! Needless to say, aside from bathroom breaks and the occasional need to eat, I finished the book from beginning to end. My whole body was tense, perhaps from sitting for a long period of time, but honestly from the storyline. Damn that Sparks sure delivers! Whew! Good book. Good, good book. =)
In a break from that, I stayed in my Sparks-esque mode and watched "A Walk To Remember." I don't know how many times I have watched this, but it never fails to make me cry. Always in the same place and with just one line: "I don't need a reason to be angry with God." *sniff, sniff* That gets me all the time! Usually, it satisfies the need to have a good cry- depending what kind of day you're having, it could either be the tears overflowing cry or the all out sobbing uncontrollable cry.
This may not have been a major hit in the box office nor was it a big budget film with special effects and whatnot. It really comes down to the love story and because I'm such a sucker when it comes to romance, it's one my my favorite movies to date.
What Kind of SOUL do you possess?
brought to you by Quizilla
You have a Calm Soul! Being calm and cool is what
you do best. You collected thoughts and always
positive attitude make you very bright and
logical. When theres a problem, you know how to
approach it, and solve it. Your friends rely on
you on their problems, and your shoulder for
their crying. You are peaceful, and enjoy
nature and freedom. You rarely get angry and
hardly scream, which makes you good with kids.
You seem to be in tune with the world and if
anything goes wrong, you always bounce back.
I'm not a huge anime fan, but I thought this was cute. The "Calm Soul," eh? Interesting....
Birthday Shout-Out
Just wanted to wish Ms. Dimples a Happy 30th Birthday! Man, this is the big 3-0 for many of us and I'm glad to say that we've all reached this important milestone. I've known Dimples since high school. She actually went to a different all-girls' school, but after the 1989 earthquake, hers shut down and most of the students enrolled into mine. From high school to State, to PACE to graduation...we've been friends a long time. Yes, we've had our ups and downs, but I'm glad that the friendship has remained. Happy 30th Ms. Dimples- much love.
The weekend didn't start off as I had planned. On Friday evening into Saturday morning, I was supposed to help facilitate a youth lock-in at the church. Originally, it was supposed to be hubby and myself, but due to work overload, it would be a no go for Doh. I made plans to run it and had these seriously great ideas. From what I heard about their last lock-in, all it consisted of was playing games and staying up. It was more like a huge sleepover. I was reminded of our recent camp experience. Where was the spiritual aspect of it all? Where was the getting in touch with your faith part? Since hubby and I have been trying to give our two cents about what should be done with the youth, we were basically given the go ahead to bring a new format to the plate. I even went to the Christian Warehouse to check out what they had on Youth ministry, searched the Web for any helpful activities, and even talked to the future Mrs. Gee for ideas. I was putting the time and effort into making this lock-in work.
Unfortunately, come Friday morning, I could not get out of bed. Literally. The day before, I had felt the pain in my back linger. I was conscious of the stiffness and was doing my best not to do anything strenuous. I was still mobile, but I knew if I did anything out of the ordinary, it would flare up. It was as if the pain was comtemplating whether to stay or go. What a freakin' uncomfortable tease! Needless to say, it made its unwelcome comeback.
Hubby called the church and broke the news. I was bummed, seriously bummed. Not only did I feel I let the church and the kids down, I sure as hell let myself down. Then I started thinking, there has got to be a reason why today of all days that my back started to hurt again? Was God telling me something? Was he saying that I wasn't ready to lead this lock-in? Who knows. Either way, I felt I could've done it...with or without hubby.
Drugged Up
From the last time the pain hit, I thought that Motrin would do the trick. It had been my trusted lil' cure all in the past, but sadly, it failed me. I decided to go with Tylenol this time, upped my intake just a bit to get rid of the nagging and shooting pain. It worked. I mean, I wasn't about to go and do cartwheels or anything, but I could actually walk the way us humans were supposed to: upright. When the back pain strikes, I am like those elderly folk who have lost the battle with, oh gosh, the name escapes me at the moment. You know, when their bone density gets weak and they end up walking bent over hunchback-like? That's me. It would definitely be a sight to see...that, or me crawling on all fours to get from one room to the other. Hey, whatever works, eh? In any case, Tylenol has been my friend this weekend.
Because of the pain, I haven't had time to do much of anything. In fact, I seemed to be knocked out all Friday. Friday is my usual cleaning day and you can't imagine how unsettled I was knowing that the house was going to go unvacuumed and undusted! And in the midst of all that, I paused and thought, Oh God, I've really turned into my Mom! Lol!
Read-a-holic
Saturday was spent reading. Reading all day. Man, I could do that all day, everyday if I had the chance! I could seriously spend an entire day in a Borders. Just leave me there and I could be content. I finished the latest Sparks book, "The Guardian." In a semi-break from his usual all out gut wrenching love story, Sparks delivered a suspense thriller amidst a love story. I honestly had no idea what it was about and simply because it was a Sparks novel, I got it. It turned out to be a creepy story of a stalker and although I know it's just a story, a figment of the author's imagination, I could feel my heart beat faster with anticipation. There was a part where the stalker dude broke into the house of the girl and when she finds these clues, you're not sure whether he's still in the house and positive that he's going to jump out from behind the door. It was like a scene from "Sleeping With The Enemy" with Julia Roberts, remember that flick? I literally had to sit up in my chair (as best as I could with the pain) and read on to see what happens. At one particular moment, a door slammed downstairs that reverberated the entire apartment and I swear that my stomach practically jumped up to my throat! Talk about freaky! Needless to say, aside from bathroom breaks and the occasional need to eat, I finished the book from beginning to end. My whole body was tense, perhaps from sitting for a long period of time, but honestly from the storyline. Damn that Sparks sure delivers! Whew! Good book. Good, good book. =)
In a break from that, I stayed in my Sparks-esque mode and watched "A Walk To Remember." I don't know how many times I have watched this, but it never fails to make me cry. Always in the same place and with just one line: "I don't need a reason to be angry with God." *sniff, sniff* That gets me all the time! Usually, it satisfies the need to have a good cry- depending what kind of day you're having, it could either be the tears overflowing cry or the all out sobbing uncontrollable cry.
This may not have been a major hit in the box office nor was it a big budget film with special effects and whatnot. It really comes down to the love story and because I'm such a sucker when it comes to romance, it's one my my favorite movies to date.
What Kind of SOUL do you possess?
brought to you by Quizilla
You have a Calm Soul! Being calm and cool is what
you do best. You collected thoughts and always
positive attitude make you very bright and
logical. When theres a problem, you know how to
approach it, and solve it. Your friends rely on
you on their problems, and your shoulder for
their crying. You are peaceful, and enjoy
nature and freedom. You rarely get angry and
hardly scream, which makes you good with kids.
You seem to be in tune with the world and if
anything goes wrong, you always bounce back.
I'm not a huge anime fan, but I thought this was cute. The "Calm Soul," eh? Interesting....
Birthday Shout-Out
Just wanted to wish Ms. Dimples a Happy 30th Birthday! Man, this is the big 3-0 for many of us and I'm glad to say that we've all reached this important milestone. I've known Dimples since high school. She actually went to a different all-girls' school, but after the 1989 earthquake, hers shut down and most of the students enrolled into mine. From high school to State, to PACE to graduation...we've been friends a long time. Yes, we've had our ups and downs, but I'm glad that the friendship has remained. Happy 30th Ms. Dimples- much love.
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