UNION PLAZA

Something Missing, Something Gained

2010-03-04T23:24:00.009-05:00

New Year passed. Gained weight.

Nothing drastic. Vague bloat and discomfort.

Rich food. Lots of drink. What's this?

Bummer. Need to get back in shape.

Cut down on food, add time on exercise bike. Back in shape by Golden Globes.

Only not.

Add sluggishness and fatigue. Is this getting old? I'm only 29!*

Few days more and something is amiss. Missing? Missed. What's this?

Go to store. No Rainn Wilson. No Sunny D. What's this?

A dark line. ONE dark line.

Bummer. Need to get back in shape.

Double bummer. Not because of the weight.

Sigh. I'm already 29!*

Wait a minute. What's this? What did I miss?

Two stick. Two lines?

No. One dark line.

Double bummer. Single dark line. Sigh...

Hubby makes morning water.

What's this? What did I miss?

Four lines. Four lines?

Two stick, two lines. Four lines.

Two lines? Two lines.

Where? There!

There? Where!

One bright pink line....

One faint pink line.

What's this!

One bright pink line! One faint pink line!

Two lines! Two sticks! Four lines!

No bummer!

One heartbeat. Two heartbeats. Four heartbeats.

*ages have been changed to protect the innocent.

One Year Later

2010-01-17T16:16:00.025-05:00

It’s been quite some time since I last visited the Blogosphere and I missed you all. I have to admit that for the past six months, I have been suffering from an acute bout of lazyitis. I was first diagnosed with this condition, which makes me not really want to expend any energy, about twenty-five years ago. Couple that with my chronic “UMI Syndrome” (Unable to Maintain Interest), and I have been utterly unable to motivate myself to post something new for a long time. There have been many times when I meant and wanted to post something new, to reconnect with you all, but my condition has just completely precluded me from doing so. As of now, there are no known cures for Lazyitis and UMI Syndrome, so, I must apologize in advance to my followers for my extended absence.

A few months ago I went back to work, this time at a company on Wall Street. It’s an interesting place to work and I could fill a bunch of posts writing about my job. But you guys don’t really want to hear about that, do you?

Instead, let’s revisit Lenny, our Bichon. This Sunday marks Lenny’s first full year with us. As you may recall, we adopted Lenny from Plain and Fancy Animal Rescue in Pennsylvania. Lenny had been rescued from an abusive puppy mill who kept him caged for the first 5 years of his life.

first time we meet Lenny. We fell in love and took him home with us

When we first got Lenny, he was a very frightened dog, especially scared of men. Because all he had known was life in a cage, he didn’t know how to do anything that one associates with being a dog. He didn’t know how to walk on a leash, he didn’t know how to go up and down stairs, and he didn’t even know the difference between being inside and being outside. Any little sudden movement and this fragile boy would jump and run off to find a hiding spot.

The first 3-6 months with him were very hard. We had to train him how to be a dog. Walking, house-training, taking treats. There were many times when my patience was tested. I would walk with him for an hour without him doing any business at all. All the more frustrating, when my husband (who he was frightened of) would walk him, he’d do everything within 15 minutes.

After a few months, he finally started to get comfortable in his new life. He learned that he loved treats, he loved to be next to me, and most importantly, he learned the power of begging for food. And when treats weren’t available, he developed an appetite for my shoes – especially sandals.

He also learned that he had toys to play with. But his favorite toy is nothing more than the inner cardboard roll from a roll of paper towels. He takes treats down the middle and LOVES to tear them apart. No matter how many toys we get him, he always returns to his Amish roots with the cardboard roll.

Finally, after many years of neglect, Lenny has finally learned to live the life of leisure that a dog is meant to have. Here are some highlights from Lenny’s first year with us:

first smile

first grooming

my first ever ticket (every time I walk Lenny he tucked his tail under is belly. On March 12, his tail was finally up for the first time. So, I took off his leash for 5 sec, took a picture and as soon as I as got up to put the leash back, officer Perez was right behind me writing me a $100 ticket. He didn't even listen to my explanation. Oh well, another donation to the city of NY)

first vacation to Ithaca (Lake Cayuga)

vacation to Lake Keuka

first swim

first boat ride

first xmas

first airplane ride (not only that he was in business class, he also sat on my lap the whole time)

beach

Lenny is definitely a different dog than he was when he came to us a year ago. Of course, he still barks at my husband, but truth be told, some of the time, my husband deserves it! I hope that Lenny lives a long, healthy life with us for years and years to come. For those who are hesitant to adopt a dog, I hope Lenny proves to you that any dog can be rehabilitated. All dogs deserve to live and be happy. Just give them a chance, lots of love and definitely have a lot of patience. The rewards are incalculable.

Wordless Wednesday 2

2009-07-02T19:43:00.006-04:00

lunch time:

My Life At The Bar (A Trying Experience Part Two)

2009-06-11T14:34:00.013-04:00

As you may recall from an earlier pos t, a few months ago I was cited for walking Lenny in the park without a leash. I decided to fight the ticket. Well, last week I finally received the letter scheduling my hearing date before the Environmental Control Board. The hearing was scheduled for today at 9AM. GAME TIME!

As usual, I arrived 15 minutes before the hearing time and ended up waiting half an hour before the clerk judge called me and the office who cited me.

I was a bit disappointed that it was a clerk judge and not a real judge, but I really wasn't all that surprise. However, I was happy that it was female clerk judge who I hope would have sympathy on me.

At 9:35AM, clerk judge Stein called us to her office. She had us both swear to tell the truth and nothing but the truth (so help us god) and started asking questions. She began with Officer Perez who issued the ticket (actually might be a good looking man under different circumstances.)

CJ: Officer Perez, what do you recall on that day you issue the ticket?

OP: Yes, ma'am. That morning, we were doing our normal checks around the park and I saw her; the respondent with an unleashed dog. I approached her and told her that there is zero tolerance policy on unleashed dog. The commissioner and the mayor are very serious about this policy because they receive a lot of complaints about unleashed dog (editor's note: yeah right, I just saw a couple of dogs today running around in the middle of the park without leashes. Maybe the mayor and the commissioner should check our park once in a while). There are may sign posted all over the park (yeah the ones that have been vandalized?)

CJ: Do you remember what kind of dog she has?

OP: (looking at the paper - which clearly shows that he doesn't remember) Ah yes, it was white dog.

CJ: Ms. T, do you have any questions for Officer Perez?

JT: No your honor.

CJ: Very well Ms. T, what is your defense?

JT: (putting on my most sympathy garnering face) At the time, my newly adopted dog was with us for only about two months. He was rescued from a very abusive puppy mill, which kept him in a cage for the first 5 years for his life. So when we adopted him, he didn't know how to react to anything around him. However, while walking him that day, I noticed that his tail was up. Normally, when I walk him, his tail is tucked in and he is scared of everything around him. As soon as I saw that his tail was up, I took a picture of him to show to my husband. I temporarily removed his leash and took a picture. As soon as I got up to put the leash back on, the officer was behind me in his car and asked me to come closer to him.

I put my dogs leash on right away and walked toward his car. He told me that my dog is unleash. I asked him if he can give me a warning but he refused and told me that there is a zero tolerance policy in the park. I remained quite.

As soon as I left I noticed that he cited on the ticket that I was walking with an unleashed and uncontrolled dog - and that was not true. I was not walking with my dog unleashed and he is not an uncontrolled dog. I removed it for few minutes just to take picture. That's it!

CJ: I understand you are upset (no shit) but did you explain to the office about this?

JT: I tried to, your honor, but I was very nervous. It's my first time getting a ticket and he already told me about the zero tolerance police.

OP: If you'd just told me about taking a picture, I probably would not have given you a ticket.

CJ: Next time Ms. T, you need to explain the officer.

JT: I wish I had a chance, your honor. I'm aware of the dog leash policy but, like I said, I was just taking a picture of my dog. I never walked him unleashed and he is not an uncontrolled dog. He is shy little dog.

CJ: Officer Perez, do you remember if she was walking the dog and for how long?

OP: When I approached her she was standing with her dog for about approximately 2-5 minutes.

JT: That's because I was just taking a picture.

CJ: Do you have a picture?

JT: Yes (going to my bag, got my iPhone and show her the picture)

CJ: He is very cute and he was off leash (I just realized I may be fucked....they can use that as evidence....I have to say something....shit)

JT: I'm not denying he is not on a leash, your honor. But like I said, I removed it to take a picture and as soon as I got up, the officer was behind me. I was not walking him without his leash and he is not an uncontrolled dog as stated on the ticket.

CJ: Do you have any questions?

JT & OP: No

CJ: Very well. I will not make any decision right now. I will review the report as well as the take and make a decision in the next few days. I will send you the result by mail. If you don't agree with the decision, you can file an appeal and the same thing with you Officer Perez.

Enjoy your day everyone!

****

Dammit! I have to wait again! Now I'm hoping I got her sympathy and she will lower my fine. I can't wait for this thing to be over but to be honest, I kind of like going to the court. Hmmm, perharps I can join my husband's career.

Wordless Wednesday

2009-05-26T13:21:00.010-04:00

I'm sure he dare not to open anyone's bag and play with her lipstick

Forever Young

2009-05-11T19:19:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, we celebrated my twin nephews' birthdays. Hard to believe that, 3 years ago, my husband and I were carrying these 2 fragile baby boys. Helping my sister in-law change their diapers, feed them, burp them and put them to bed. I remember the first time they called my name. Instead of Joan, they called me Goan. I remember the first time I saw them walk, fell, cry and ate. I remember them looking for me (while I was in the bathroom) and asking "Nana, where is Goan?" and most of all I remember the first kisses and how they say "I love you Goan"

J&J at 3 months

Now, they are 3 years old. They can finally say my name correctly. They are now becoming little men. They are growing fast right before my eyes.

To J&J, happy birthday my loves! I'm sure you are going to out grow me really soon, but you will forever be my little nephews. I love you both!

You Can Always Go Home Again (sort of)

2009-05-10T11:28:00.033-04:00

On April 12, I received the green light to go on vacation back to my homeland with my mom. Without hesitation, I booked the same flight as her. Even though I would be returning on a different day as my mom and the flight would be very long in cramped seats, that didn't stop my excitement about going home - especially since I haven't been home in 8 years.

Having a newly adopted dog that has become very attached to and dependant on me, I was worried about leaving him alone with my husband. As I have mentioned before, Lenny (my dog) is a little afraid of my husband. I knew that Lenny would be very sad when I left. As a matter of fact, the night before I left, while packing, Lenny could sense that I was leaving. He followed me around and started chewing the luggage. But the most painful part was when he went inside the luggage while I was organizing my clothes. Two things came to mind as what would happen - either Lenny would get closer to and bond with my husband or he would fall into a deep depression, stop eating and get sick. With my husband's assurance that everything would be ok, on April 19, I left home and headed to the Philippines.

On April 21 (local date), we arrived in Manila after a 23 hour long flight. We stayed in the city for two days to take care of some errands, but that was not to be our main destination. On April 25th, after 45 minutes flight from Manila, we arrived in Tacloban City. In 8 years the city had changed a lot. There were a lot more people that I remember. There were also lot more stores to shop in and roads that used to be packed with bicycles were now packed with different kinds of motorized vehicles. Eight years ago, if you looked for hamburger, it would take you hours to find. Now, the city has many different kinds of fast food joints to choose from. Before, they used to have 1 shopping mall - Gaisano, now there is a second, even bigger Gaisano, as well as the Robinson Mall to compete with them. But Gaisano is still my favorite shopping mall in Tacloban. I have visited that mall so many times in my life, that I still remembered the ins and outs of the mall.

(top) San Juanico Bridge (below) Gen. McArthur Park - "I Shall Return"

Chowking is my favorite fast food in Tacloban city because of the Halo-Halo they sell. After going there for the third time (they always run out of ice) we finally got to enjoy this delicious concoction.

However, not everything changed in Tacloban -- the constant nose picking, spitting, men walking half naked, smoking inside the jeepneys, the honking of cars trying to turn one way roads into two way, the smell of diesel motor-vehicles and the unbelievably pungent smell of the supermarket. These are the things I could NEVER get used to. But, I love the hospitality of Tacloban city -- the friendly people, their (missing teeth) smiles and most importantly the respectfulness of the workers. I love the way they call me "ma'am" even in McDonalds.

Balangiga was our next stop. This historic town in Eastern Samar is mom's birthplace. Visiting this place was the main reason that I decided to go home. Most of my family still lives here and I missed them very much. After my mom and I settled in, we were served a very familiar dish of grilled blue marlin, commonly known as Sulusugi. My cousin also brought us caimito (star-apple) in exchange for a real apple.

While enjoying our feast, a combination of mosquitoes and flies were enjoying my body. The dining table was always full of fun and laughter. I love the way my uncle teased my aunt and my aunt responded back annoyed and irritated. I love the way my cousin would say something stupid and everyone would laugh at him. I also enjoy listening to them gossiping about other people or complaining about family members. It's the typical family drama - something I missed very much.

Speaking of family drama, I was surprised to find out that most of my cousins now have their own babies. Either they impregnated someone or they got pregnant. Some were forced to marry someone because they impregnated someone. It's sad story but it's also reality. Being the very first one in the family who actually got married without getting knocked up, I became the hot topic of the subject. I got constant questions about "when are you having babies" or comments that "you should have a baby now because you're getting old". I tried to answer them politely or have a laugh at it but the questioning never seemed to stop. One time, I got so fed of that I bluntly answered them: "I don't want to be a statistic of one of the irresponsible parents who have the nerve to make babies, knowing that they can't afford them. I don't want to have a baby and still rely on parent's help". That answer shut them up for sure.

Overall my stay in Balangiga ang Tacloban was fun especially with the help of my favorite cousin Nildz, who took me to different places. He really made my trip more memorable. I will surely come back soon and stay a lot longer.

As for Lenny, it turns out that he was ok. According to my husband and our dog walker Roz, the first 2 days was a bit difficult. He didn't ear or drink and he hid under the bed. After that, he started to warm up to my husband. As a matter of fact, he has now stopped barking at my husband. Two nights ago, when my husband got home and sat down on the couch, I gave him a kiss and Lenny came near him, looked at him, jumped on his belly and slept there. Although he doesn't wiggle his tail when my husband gets home, Lenny now greets my husband on the door. I guess good things happened while I was away. Perhaps I should go away alone often. :-)

A Trying Experience

2009-04-19T21:03:00.008-04:00

As you may recall, I was ticketed by park police for allegedly walking Lenny without his leash. As unanimously suggested by you guys, I went to the court and fight it. I was scheduled for an 8:30AM hearing (or so I thought). Now, I am not a morning person but to prove that I am not guilty (and to save $100), I dragged my ass out of bed and went to court earlier than scheduled.

As usual, most government bureaucracies are slow to move, I sat there waiting patiently for more than an hour until they called my name. Finally at 9:35 AM the administrative clerk judge called me. We sat in his office and he turned on his recorder and started writing jibberish (it looked like my hubby's writing)

Now, this is not really my first time at this sort of hearing. I once complained about a taxi not driving me home because I live in different borough (it's a typical stereotype that if you live outside of Manhattan, you pretty much live in the ghetto - little they know, we live in prime Parkslope) and btought the driver to a hearing. I knew I was going to win my case based on the law in NYC that no taxi can refuse a fare because the destination is in the different borough. Also, they stupid taxi driver brought his meter record which actually proved my case. Long story short, I won and the driver got penalized.

Having watched my favorite show Judge Judy thousands of times, I pretty much knew how to act in with the clerk judge: Never say anything until you are asked a question. Answer only Yes or No questions and bring proof/evidence.

So finally the clerk judge spoke;

CJ: Do you want this case to be adjourned and for me to give you a lower fine or do you want a hearing?

JB: I would like my ticket fine to be lowered if possible.

CJ: I can't do that; you need to pay $100.

JB: I guess your honor; I have no choice but to do a hearing.

CJ: Do you want the officer to be present during the hearing?

JB: (If I'm wasting my time here I think it's fair if the officer should waste his time too) Yes, your honor.

CJ: Are you going to have a lawyer represent you?

JB: (I think my husband can represent me but I don't want to look cocky in the eye of the "real" judge and end up losing the case and his sympathy) No, your honor. I will represent myself

CJ: Very well, we will send you a letter for your next hearing. You can go now.

That's it? I wasted 1 1/2 hours just to answer this stupid questions? They should have just send me the questionnaire and I would have mailed it back to them via Fed-ex!

I will be waitng for the next hearing. Hopefully it doesn't come anytime soon while I'm half a world away for the next 2 weeks.

Maligayang Kaarawan Nanay

2009-04-10T22:48:00.000-04:00

Today is my mom's 61st birthday. Because her birthday fell on Good Friday this year, we celebrated with the family last week. Believe me, it is not always an easy feat scheduling a get together with all of my family, which includes my uncle, Ivan (my uncles BFF) and my two brothers. My older brother often works weekends and my younger brother's schedule is just ever unpredictable because he is in the army. In fact, last weekend was the last weekend he was around before going out of state for three weeks for training. We all had an intimate dinner at Mulino Ristorante (formerly Trattoria Mulino - they moved up in the world!), one of our favorite restuarants in the neighborhood. Afterwards we went back to my house for ice crean and this ridiculously cheezy Filipino movie called "Dubai."

On her actual birthday, I met my mom for lunch. Since she was in a hurry to get bact to church, we net and had a wonderful pizza lunch at Sbarro in mid-town, (truth to be told, Sbarro's is a tourist trap - most New Yorkers wouldn't be caught dead there.) As usual, my mom was a bit slow to order so the guy thought that she was a tourist also. He started screaming at her that there is a long line and if she is not sure what to order, she needs to get off the line (ah that New York hospitality!) I thought it was pretty funny that my mom has lived in New York for a quarter of century and she still hasn't adopted the New York life.

On the left is a picture of my mom eating a slice of pizza along her favorite drink - cranberry juice.

To my mom, happy birthday! Without you I'd never have gotten to experience the New York life. And although our mother/daughter relationship went through some though times the past few years, I'm happy that we were able to start over. On your 61st birthday, I wish you a wonderful year, good health and many more birthdays for us to celebrate together. I also hope I can join you on your vacation back home next week. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that time will permit me.

Cheers Nanay!

Why Wasn't I So Cleaver In School

2009-03-15T13:58:00.009-04:00

My friend Tes shared this to me. I thought its really funny so I'm sharing this with you :-D

1. James Bond

2. Expand

3. Boss' Wife

4. Elephant

5. God Made it That Way

6. X

You Always Remember Your First Time

2009-03-14T02:20:00.009-04:00

As I'm sure you guys already know, about two months ago we adopted little Lenny the bichon. He's starting to come along really well at this point. He seems pretty well house trained, he is starting to get more and more playful, and he has really gotten so close to me that we've nicknamed him The White Shadow because, wherever I go, he goes (and my husband has a thing for cheesy 70s tv show reference, half of which I never get.) TWS follows me around so consistently that I don't even really need to keep him on a leash. Note I said "don't need to" not "don't have to" -- two different things, as I have learned.

Yesterday, I took Lenny out for late morning walk in the park. The weather was not so bad -- a little chilly but sunny -- so it felt nice to go for a nice long walk in the loveliest park in the city. As I said, I am confident that Lenny will follow me, so I don't need to keep his leash on him. However, for this walk, I did have his leash on.

It must have been the glint in his eys or the way he cocked his head or maybe the way the sunlight tinged his curly hair, but Lenny just looked adorable and I knew I had to take a picture of him. Now when taking a picture of God's most adorable creatures, it simple will not do to have him tethered to an ugly old leash in the photo. So I took it off. Just for the picture. I wasn't planning on walking him off-leash. I was going to take the picture and put the leash back on. Honest....

Well, I click the photo (or whatever sound it is that the iPhone makes when taking a picture), and all of a sudden I hear a police siren. (Parks department police, but whatever.) I turned around, and Park cop was looking right at me. I was caught red-handed and unleashed. As he was writing the citation, he told me the whole shpiel about dogs not being allowed off-leash anywhere in the park except during certain off-leash hours. The best I could think was to ask if I could be let off with just warning. He looked at me, my ring finger, and my address and told me, "We have a zero tolerance policy! We want eveyone to be safe and to make sure that the park is clean." Whatever! I see poop all over the place, so much for cleanliness. And safety? Does my 16 pounds ball of white fluff look viscious? Heck, he tucks his tail in and runs away whenever he sees another dog on the horizon! Who is he going to hurt? You wrote me a $100 ticket because you profiled me as a well-to-do (possible a domestic servant of a well-to-do :-) ). What am I stupid? But, he was a cop (sort of) so I remained quite.

So here it is...my very first ticket! (Lucky I wasn't in a costruction zone, I guess. They double the fines.) I should frame this!

I showed the ticket to my husband and he notices that the police got my information incorrect. I hyphenate my maiden name with his, but the officer only put my maiden name as last name. He put the second part of my last name as my first name (along with my real first name, which is just plain odd.) My husband said it's technical defect, but it's a defect nonetheless and I could probably fight the ticket in court (I wonder if its Judge Wapne's Animal Court.)

So what do you thing? Do you think I should try to fight the ticket or should not bother going to court and just pay the 100 bucks?

Not Economically Viable

2009-02-25T17:16:00.003-05:00

I was cleaning my mailbox and saw an I email I sent to my coworkers when I quit a previous job (7 years ago). Oh I wish I could send this again but given the economic situation, we are forced to hold tight to jobs that keep us miserable

Goodbye Everyone

Now's the time to say goodbye
I bet you know the reason why
It's best for me to be moving on,
So, I'll pack my desk and say "so long"

Yes, I'm resigning, I just hate this place
I can't stay here anymore; I need a change of pace
But, to be honest it's not really the job that I hate
It's the boss that bitches for being five minutes late

So many people have left before me
You know I'm not alone, and there'll be more just you see
And with all the unspeakable anger and innumerable tears
I still can't fathom why I stayed for two years

So, now is the time to gladly say goodbye
But I'll thank some of you for many good times
It wasn't all bad, there was certainly some fun
But I still hope it'll be better at the new one

(A) Typical Night

2009-02-16T20:58:00.009-05:00

On a typical night my husband and I fall asleep on the couch and sometimes around 1 or 2 AM, we wake up and move to the bedroom. Last night was no different, except there were 3 of us sleeping on the couch - my husband, me and Lenny the bichon. Well 3 of us sleeping for a while at least. I was woken up but someone sniffing and licking my back. Ready to yell at my husband, I turned around and, of course, it was Lenny. Maybe he learned the pattern and he was telling us to move to the bedroom. At 2 AM, all 3 of us went to bathroom to brush our teeth (Lenny is very talented) and head to the bedroom. As usual, Lenny positioned himself at the top of of the bed right next to our pillows.

This is us on typical night - in a living room

On those same typical nights I also get awoken numerous times by my husband's snoring (sometimes he even wakes himself up!) Well, on this Saturday, as I was about to fall asleep, I was once again woken up by loud snoring. But this time the snoring was different...it was..in stereo! Not only my husband is snoring, but so too was Lenny! And their snores were synchronized and seemed to be getting louder and louder. I couldn't help but laught out loud which woke my husband who thought I was dreaming.

He fell back asleep and I moved towards the edge of the bed to escape the cacophony. Suddenly, as I was drifting closer towards sleep, I was woken up once again but a funcky burst of air. What's this? Someone farted. Not necessarily an unusual occurence in our household, but could this be? Yep...it was Lenny! The worst part is was, his butt was basically aimed directly at my face. Ugh! What an awful night!

Eventually the smell dissipated, as did my consiousness. Around 8AM Lenny started making noises again. This is his was of telling us that it is business time (his business time, not the Flight of the Conchord's business time.) I asked my husband to get up and walk him so I could be alone and catch up some sleep. When they got back around 10 AM, I was surprised to find Lenny carrying a rose. My husband followed with a bouquet of daises. How sweet...After keeping me up, the 2 men in my life vindicated themselves.

Two sweet men of my life

As you can see, I was still wearing my robe when they got home :-)

25 Random Things About Joanie

2009-02-13T00:56:00.006-05:00

I've been tagged in Facebook to write 25 random things about myself So here they are...

I can't write! Thats right. I have always had great ideas to write but I have very low confidence with my writing skills. The reason for that is....
I skipped English 101 when I studied here in US. I begged my college dean of admissions to accepts my English credits from the Philippines because I had no money to pay for my tuition fee. I wanted to graduate so bad so I could start working.
I can't drive. Yes you read it right. But you can't blame me; I've lived in the city my whole life (except for when I lived in a rural community in the Philippines)! And besides, parking in the city is a bitch!
I have terrible sense of direction. I guess it's a good thing I can't drive
I love to drink wine, but don't ask me to recommend anything....I have no idea what to tell you
My mom convinced me to study nursing so I did. But I quit in half a day of my internship. I couldn't stand the smell from the nursing home
I study Hotel and Restaurant Management in the Philippines (PWU) for 1 semester but when I came in the US I couldn't find a school close to home that offered that degree. Frustrated, I looked at the school list of courses and saw A for Accounting
I love coffee and hazelnut....coffee is my life support and hazelnut is my flavor
I was teased in high school for being really fat and quite. I was fat but don't think I was REALLY that fat :-D and quite....little they did know
I like my husband's cooking but I hate it when he cooks. He makes a huge mess in the kitchen and even all the way to the dining room. He uses every utensil around. And since he cooks, I have to clean. I hate cleaning!
I have 2 brothers and one of them is a US Soldier. I'm very proud of him
I love Judge Judy. I like it when she says "You are not a good witness. Because a good witness answers a Judge's question directly, and my question to you was a very simple one. A SIX YEAR OLD COULD ANSWER IT!!"
I do not get football. I've tried to figure it out and my husband and his friends have both tried to teach me, but I guess I'm just not into it
One of my close friends is Haitian and she is a sweet, smart & strong woman! I love her even though we don't see each other ofter....but hey that's why we have Facebook right?
I re-connected with my childhood crush, thanks to the wonderful world wide web. Unfortunately, he turned out to be jerk and pretty creepy. Glad he was just a crush
When I was young, I had a huge crush on Joey McIntyre of NKOTB, Hugh Grant, Bret Michael of Poison and John Cusack (because JC reminds me of ex bf)
One of my bridesmaids was a guy. I've known him for 12 plus years. He is a vegan (a.k.a. pain in the ass) and I call him my brother from another mother because his b-day is the same as my older bro and his mom and my mom has the same name and b-day too
I love shoes, handbags, the spas and the beach, but I can only afford one at the time
I love to read books but if I don't like the first 10 pages, I drop it like a hot potato
I seldon go to church/attend mass because I'm tired of some priest bashing other religions during homily, especially since...
My husband is a different religion from me. But it's never gotten in the wa of our relationship.
I’m not a big fan of one of my friend’s husband because he likes to talk big like he know this person and that person…I’m thinking “dude, if you really know the owner here, why the heck are we getting up to get our drink? Can’t that person you know hook you up for a 5 star service?” I guess talking big compensate for something he is….short of. ;-)
I hate it when someone only calls me because they need to vent. But as soon as everything is lovey-dovey, they have no time for you
Like my friend Mimi says - I really, really hate talking on the phone. If I don't call you - please don't take it personal. It's definetely the phone, not you! Text or IM me instead ;-)
Sometimes I want to kill my dog because my dog doesn't go to the bathroom when I'm around (or when walking him). He will hold it for 2 days or until my husband walk him. I know that he is just a dog, and he had really hard life for 5 years. I need to have more patience, but it can get frustrating.

24 Days Gone

2009-02-09T17:18:00.021-05:00

I can't believe it is the second week of February already. It's been 24 days since my last visit to the Blogosphere. I'm sorry I haven't been able to update my blog lately or check out what is going on in everyone else's world. However, I have been very busy these last few weeks and haven't even had a chance to think about updating. To catch up, here are the four major things happened that I'd like to share with you

1.) Not Another Goodbye
Some of you may remember our aborted attempt to adopt Henri the bichon frise a few months back. Well, hope springs eternal and we tried again:

Meet Lenny, a 5 years old male bichon frise that we adopted about 3 weeks ago. He was rescued from a "breeder situation" (aka puppy mill) in Pennsylvania. After our experience with Henri, I was reluctant to blog about Lenny until we were certain he was going to stay.

Well, the vet check-up revealed his medicals were fine, with the exception of slight anemia, which the vet said was most likely due to a poor diet. It's been a tough road to be sure....after living in a cage or 5 years, Lenny wasn't properly socialized or trained. He came to us knowing next to nothing except how to live in a cage. We even had to teach him how to walk on a leash!

There were some hiccups to be sure: He is very picky about when and where he goes to the bathroom. He does ok walking with my husband, but with me he just refuses to go - very frustrating when I was walking him in the below freesing weather of the few weeks. He would sniff every tree, hydrant, and plant around, but nothing! However, we got some wee-wee pads, and he is doing terrific with them.

In addition, he is afraid of other dogs and men, including my husband. He is warming up to my husband, but he still sometimes runs and hides (in his crate or under the bed) when he comes home. However, just this weekend, he started jumping up on the couch next to my husband (mostly because we had to blocked all other access to the couch, but still, he stayed there for a while.)

After 3 weeks, he is starting to warm up and get more comfortable in his forever home, and we are confident that over the next few months he will continue to improve more and more. Today he even flashed that trademark bichon smile:

if that doesn't make you happy, then I don't know what will

2.) She Finally Opened Up
When we found out that my mom's big c had seemingly come back, my mom didn't want to talk about it.....she just shut down to us, her family. The worst thing about it was that she was able to talk about her situation with her friends, but not to her family.

Perhaps my mom doesn't want us to worry, but she needs to understand that it makes us worry more not knowing anything. Thankfully my friends whose mom my mom had spoken with was kind enough to share me some info that my mom had told her. This gave me strength to confront her. It was hard to approach her but, with the help of my husband, we spoke about everything. And just the act of talking about it make things a bit easier.

I'm not going to lie and say it ended all neat and tidy like an episode of Growing Pains. There were some tears and struggles, but we said what we needed to say. I hope she understand that no matter what happen, we are her family and we support whatever decision she makes. So far according to her she is big c free. I pray she remains like that.

3.) Meeting Duncan Sheik In Person
On a much happier note, we met musician Duncan Sheik in person! Yeah, how awesome is that huh?

Joan with Duncan (photo taken from her phone, hence, its a bit blurry)

Duncan may be best known for his hit back in 1996 called "Barely Breathing" or for the musical "Spring Awakening" for which he wrote the music. However, he has done much more that that. My husband has been a big fan of his ever sinc e 1996. My husband introduced Duncan's music to me, and I became a fan just like him. On Jan 26, 2009, we saw Duncan Sheik perform on a new small club in out neighborhood called The Bell House (cool place by the way.) The band was mostly the same as the Town Hall show we saw in November which I blogged about. This was the official record release party for his new album/soon to-be musical Whisper House. After a second hearing of the new songs, I can say that I really like them!

My husband bought the cd at the show and, afterwards, we went to backstage door in hopes of getting his autograph on the cd. The person standing gaurd at the door told us that he would be coming out to sign autographs afterwards. When he began shutting the door, I quickly told him that we've been long time fans. The guard took the cd and handed it back to Duncan who signed it, saying it was, apparently the first copy of cd he had signed!

Even better, a little while later, Duncan did come out to sign autographs. We already had ours, but my husband spoke with him for a minute or two. Duncan was very friendly and way cool! Now, how do we set about becoming friends with him?

Duncan's signed (new) album "Whisper House"

4.) John Legend's Concert
On February 5, 2009, my husband and I saw John Legend's concert at the Radiocity Music Hall. All I can say is.....it was an awesome concert. John Legend is truly a great entertainer/performer and I love him (sorry hubby)

Ok...I promise not to be away so long next time. But Lenny really does take up a lot of my time...I forgot how owning a dog was so much work!

Cheers!

Give me Blog-erty or Give Death

2009-01-14T23:35:00.009-05:00

One of my normal routines in the morning before I do anything else is to read the newspaper online. I start with the NY Times and ends with Filipino News from Inquirer or Manila Bulletin. Today, I was reading about high school students who were suspended because they blogged about their principal.

What? Suspended because they blogged about their principal? Now, I don't know what they blogged about exactly, but in my opinion, what is wrong with blogging about another person? I think everyone has a right to practice their freedon of speech. Unless those kids threatened the principal, which I have not seen evidence that they did, then I don't think they should be reprimanded for stating their opinion.

As an avid blogger, I, myself, was criticized by a friend for blogging about my mother - they scolded me about my writing things about my family and posting them for the public to read. My answer to that is....why not? How is my blog affecting your life at all? And if I mentioned something about someone, that's my opinion. And besides, I can write better than you :-D

For that principal in the Philippines...grow up! I think you should be proud of your student that they have learned how to express their opinions. It's just a blog, so who cares -- unless what they wrote hits a little too close to home. If the president of the United States can take all the insults and jest that he gets everyday, you should be able to take that as well. But again, maybe, just maybe, you have a reason to be upset?

I wish I know about blogging when I was in high school. Here are the following things I would have blogged about:

I would blogged about my teacher (Ms. Vivo) who caught me chewing gum and asked me to spit it out and put the gum on my forehead. When I refused, she told everyone that she would not come to the Christmas party. I was devastated given my fragile age. I blamed myself (maybe others too) for having the only class that didn't have a teacher at our Christmas Party. But when I think of it now, I realized how immature my teacher was to use me as an excuse for not showing up to our Christmas party. Very Immature!
I would have blogged about our principal who in her tenure did not allow us to have Junior and Senior Prom. That was just MEAN. Junior and Senior prom are high school traditions. It's a time that, when you are all grown up, you look back and say "I had the best high school life ever!" (Well, in theory that's what you would say.)
I would have blogged about fellow high school student who would only talk to you when you were eating chips. As soon as they finished them (like vultures), they all split and acted like they never knew you at all...that is until they saw you eating chips again. Talk about USERS!
I would have blogged about fellow high school student who questioned me about my US vacations and asked me for proof and pictures. Why so INSECURE?
And last but not lease, I would have blogged about my wonderful high school friends -- Cynthia, Dorothy and Emily. Although, I lost contact with then when I move here to America, I still treasure their friendship and will always remember their kindness. I MISS THEM and hope we will meet again someday.

So HOW ABOUT IT? Are you guys out there un the blogosphere?

If I Ever Lose My Faith

2009-01-07T17:28:00.002-05:00

I grew up believing in God. Believing that someone is watching over you and taking care of you. I grew up believing that God would never give you any challenges that you can't handle, as long as you keep that faith, and thus, that no matter how much difficult the challenge put in front of you, God believes you can overcome them. Having grown up believing that, having had those beliefs constantly ingrained into me, can it really be that how I can find myself starting to lose the faith?

Last night after I hang up the phone I felt that heaven and earth was collapsing in front of me and there was nothing I could do about it. It was my mom on the other line informing me that her big C had showed up again and she needs another treatment. This was too much for me to take. Two year ago, on my birthday, just as I was about to go out for dinner, she called me to let me know she had been diagnose with big C. It was my worst birthday ever - not because she told me on my birthday but simply because I knew what she had. We kept positive outlook, and after treatments and an operation, the doctors diagnosed her as big C free. She remained that way for over a year.

But last night was a different story.

What the fuck is this? Why her? If God is really is watching us, then why would He let this happen to her, a good, faithful person, and not to the worst person on earth? Why are criminals and molesters and perverts priest and terrorist and murderers and the financial criminal who have ruined so many lives with the current economy allowed to go on with their lives? I cried the entire night asking this questions. I am worried for her. And I am scared of losing her.

I hate to lose my faith in Him but I'm really scared. I may be the best daughter, we may not have the best mother/daughter relationship and there may have been many strains between us, but I love my mother and I don't want to lose her. I hope that she will defeat this again, just like she did two years ago. I HOPE. But can I pray?

New Year - New Cooking

2009-01-06T20:20:00.007-05:00

As we start the New Year, we plan to start eating healthy, cooking at home more to save money and maybe (just maybe) start exercising. Every night before hubby comes home, I ask him what he wants for dinner. Last night he sent me a link to a great recipe of Snapper Vera Cruz. To my surprise, the recipe was courtesy of the chef at Sailfish Marina Restaurant on Singer Island - a favorite restaurant of ours that we dine at every time we visit Florida. The Sailfish Marina is a quintessential "Floridian" restaurant, featuring great fish and seafood in a very casual, unpretentious, marina-front setting.

The recipe was featured on one of Bobby Flay's shows on the Food Network. Now, I'm not really a big fan of Bobby Flay's TV personality. I find him to be more than a little cocky (especially when he disrespected Kitchen Stadium in the original Iron Chef when jumped on the cooking/cutting tables.) However, I have to give it him a credit that he is a great cook. I remember dining out at Mesa Grill, one of his restaurant in NYC, and I truly enjoyed his food and couldn't wait to go back there again. So if it is good enough for Bobby Flay, I'm sure its good enough for me. (Although, in the interest of full disclosure, hubby had had fish prepared "vera cruz" style at other Florida restaurants.)

Here is my version of the Sailfish Marina's Snapper Vera Cruz with Couscous. Please note that my version excludes certain ingredients such as brandy, cheese, butter and coriander. But, it turned out great and delicious! And even better, the dish was perfectly paired with 1999 Riesling Auslese (which surprisingly enough, had not gone off despite our less than ideal storage conditions). Bon Appetit!

Even Santa Likes the Beach

2009-01-06T10:54:00.015-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

I'm sorry I haven't logged in for a long time. My husband and I went away for the holidays, somewhere far from the chaotic work and miserable cold and gray in New York City - to sunny South Florida. Although, I promised myself I would not open my laptop while on vacation, I must admit to checking my personal emails periodically to read some of my friends greeting, status reports, etc. What can I say...even in paradise there is a wifi.

But before heading down to the warmth, first we made a stop in not so sunny North Jersey. As I previously mentioned, I am grateful I don't need to worry which family I go to because we go to both. We started with Christmas at my brother's house in Jersey. My mom was busy cooking all day preparing variety of Filipino foods. I was planning to help her but my husband and I got a terrible stomach virus on December 23rd and we almost didn't make it to my brother's house at all. Luckily, we were feeling a bit better by Christmas Eve and both of my brothers and my mom convinced us not to worry about spreading the bug. So we went and had a wonderful dinner followed by coffee and a variety of desserts.

We moved to the living room to starts the fun that we had all been waiting for - the secret santa gift exchange. (well, it was supposed to be secret santa, but everyone ended up giving everyone else a gift, so there went that idea.) As usual my hi-tech brothers gave me new gadgets. My younger bro gave me a portable hard drive which I have no idea how to use it. But it is 400 gigs and usb powered, so my husband thinks its pretty cool. My older bro gave me a new Ipod Nano. (although I already have 3 Ipods, this is the first new one I ever had - all of the rest were hand-me-downs from my bros). Just like every Christmas, my older bro loves to wraps his gifts in anusual and surprising ways. This year he wrapped the ipod in a plastic kitchen bag, which he cleverly tied the handles to make into a bow. The boy should work at Bloomingdale's.

I remember a couple of years ago, he gave me a huge box. When I opened it, I found another box inside followed by another until I finally reached the box of watch that I really wanted. Excited, I opened the box to find...nothing...just the box. He the gave me the watch separately. He had just wanted to see how I would react. I was disappointed at seeing the empty box, but thought it was funny afterward.

As for my loving husband, I guess he was reading my blog (imagine that) because I got one of my wishes. He gave me a gift card from Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas, as well as a gorgeous dress from Max Azria BCBG. Who khew he had such a good taste in clothes?

As for me, I gave everyone else a gifts as well. -- Gift cards for my brothers so they can buy more hi-tech stuff that I haven't heard of yet and for husband a tennis racquet. Well I was told it was a tennis racquet by the guy at Paragon, but we found out that it was actually a squash racquet. I thought it looked weird for a tennis racquet, but the guy at the Paragon insisted that it was the new style for beginners. Looks like I will be returning the racquet for a proper tennis racquet (possibly ratting out a salesperson in process.)

We ended the celebration with my mom and me going to mid-night mass (thanks hubby for driving)

New Year
The next day, my husband and I left my brother's house to go home and pack for our holiday trip to Florida. We sepnt the whole time at the beach (the trip, not the next day). Although the weather got cooler at night, it was still much warmer than cold, snowy NYC.

The year 2008 went so fast and I am thankful for all the wonderful things that happened as well as all the blessings that my family and I received. And hopefully, I will not make the same mistakes in 2009 that I did this year (although lets be honest...there's bound to be some repeats). I am grateful to have two wonderful families who loves me unconditionally and all my friends who care for me.

Happy New Year to All!!

Missed Flight

2008-12-22T11:08:00.016-05:00

Friday was the first snow storm of the year in NYC

Our friends Mimi and Ray were supposed to fly to the West
Coast but their flight was cancelled. If you have to look at the bright side of things (some people are annoying like that), at least the flight was cancelled very early in the day -- I guess it's better to know about the cancellation before leaving for the airport rather than sitting there and waiting for three hours, only to find out about the cancellation. Since we are no going to be seeing each other for the holidays, I decided to invite then over for dinner and some Wii action.

Now, I was a little nervous cooking for them because Ray is professional chef and Mimi is an avid baker. I always think that they are not going to enjoy my food, but that's not how they are. As a matter of fact, Ray mentioned to us before that he is happy and always appreciates someone cooking for him. I thought that was very sweet of him to say.

For appetizer, I made this French (Filipino) Onion Soup. For entree, I made my famous (between hubby and I) spaghetti Bolognese. Unfortunately, we were so hungry and enjoyed each other's company that I wasn't able to take a photo of the dinner before I served it. The only picture I took was of soup before I broiled the cheese on top.

After dinner, we moved to the living room and had more drinks and played Wii bowling (thanks guys for the game!).

The next morning I woke up and surprised to find out how much we ended up drinking....but it's always worth it when you are enjoying time with your special friends.

To Mimi and Ray - we love you guys...cheers and have a great trip

Not Another Goodbye

2008-12-13T10:05:00.018-05:00

Hello everyone. This was a really difficult entry for me, which explains why it took so long. As you will see, last weekend was quite a roller-coaster ride for my husband and me, and I needed to grieve before I started blogging again. A couple of weeks ago, we decided we wanted a dog. We were considering puppies, but ultimately decided on adopting a dog from a rescue. Now, my husband has a dog allergies, so we are limited to certain specific breeds. After a lot of research on Petfinder.com around Thanksgiving, I found the cutest bichon frise/shih tzu mix called Mickey Finn. After submitting my application for adoption, I received the disappointing news that someone had already adopted him. (Disappointing for me, wonderful news for the dog.)

By the end of November, I found another dog that I liked named Toe-Toe - a bichon frise. Off the bat, we know we love Bichons because my husband had one called Bailey who was the best dog ever. Unfortunately, Bailey died of lung cancer two years ago. We don't knows how he got it since no one in the family smoke. In the picture, Toe-Toe looked very sad but based on the description, he sounded like the perfect dog for us.

On Saturday, December 6th, we visit Toe-Toe in his foster care. He was sad but friendly and oh so cute. despite of desparately needing a bath. We took him for a walk and he seems like a very sweet and well trained boy. We noticed that he was limping a bit, but the foster mom said no one was quite sure what his problem was because the vet couldn't find anything. Despite of the limp and his desparate need for grooming, we decided to take him with us. We had a two week trial to see if things would work out.

So we drove out to Long Island with the newly named Henri to stop at the pet store and MIL's before starting our new life with Henri. He sat in my lap the whole time and didn't give me a hard time at all. At MIL's, we noticed he had started to bond to me already. He would follow me around the backyard, and whe I left the yard, he would try to find a way out. So sweet. However, the limp was still there.

We took him to our own vet to get a thorough check-up. The vet said he looked ok, but that he seems to have some tenderness in the shoulder, accounting for the limp. She did a blood work and would get back to us tomorrow. Finally we brought Henri to what we thought would be his new forever home.

We immediately gave him a bath, brush and blow dry and brushed his teeth. This boy was starting to spiff up quite nicely. The bonding continued, with him only eating if I would sit next to him. And despite the limo, he loved going on long walks outside.

On Sunday, we settled into a normal routine with the dog. Early long walk, feeding, shorter walk afterward, etc. It was then that we noticed, when inside, his limp was more pronounced, with him sometimes refusing to use the leg at all. Also, he wasn't playful at all. It seems that all he did was sleep on his bed. He seems depressed, having been shuffled around from house to house, but it was a concern that this was just the way he is - lethargic, without really giving much acknowledgement to his owners at all.

We eagerly awaited the result of the blood work. Finally, but 5PM, the vet called. He has high liver enzyme reading - it was a strange reading because only one of three enzymes was high, so the vet wasn't sure what was going on. If it continued, the next steps would be an ultra sound and then a biopsy. On Sunday, we did our normal routine with the dog.

This was devastating news. After having lost Bailey just two years ago, we didn't want to get attached to a dog who had a potentially serious illness which could pop up in a few months. That heartache would just to be too much. This is one of the hardest decisions we've had to make and we were on and off crying all day. But we had to do it quickly so we wouldn't get too attached to him and he wouldn't get too attached to us (which had started happening on both cases.)

Once we made the decision, it felt like we had already suffered a loss. The apartment felt strangely emply eventhough Henri was still there. To take our mind off the decision, we decided to leave Henri alone for few hours and go outside ourselves. This was the first time since we'd gotten him that he would be alone.

We gated him in the long entrance hallway. For a few minutes, we stood outside to see what he would do. At first there was crying and barking...separation anxiety. Then, we heard some scratching at the door. Could it be he got out over the gate? Well, the noise had stopped so we went out.

Upon returning, it was clear he had gotten over both gates. Aftaid on the destruction and mess we would find, we coutiosly went into the apartment. What we found broke our hears more. There was Henro, lying in the middle of the dining room, sleeping quitely, on my robe. He had found it, and pulled it down. He must have noticed my scent and it must have comforted him. Seeing him lying sadly on my robe brought tears to my eyes once again, knowing that we would be returning him.

Finally, on Monday night, just two and half days after meeting him, we brought Henri back to his foster home. It was very upsetting for both of us...me and hubby were both crying. He was such a sweet boy, and he had clearly started to bind to us. But with the risk of disease and what appeared to be othe ailments, we just couldn't invest our emotions into him and risk losing him quickly. We left Henri in the arms of his foster mom (he clearly remember her and seemed comfortable, albeit sad), and cried the whole way back home. Even writing this now brings tears.

This is the only picture I tool of him using my camera phone. I think it was
good that I couldn't find my regular camera so I didn't take too may photos.
This way it is easier for me not to think of him (which I do anyway).

Henry, I'm praying for your good health and I hope you will find your perfect forever home soon.

As I Wish or What Wesley Learned After Riding Off Into The Sunset With Buttercup

2008-12-03T18:23:00.019-05:00

Now that the turkey has been fully digested (finally), it is officially that time of year again - CHRISTMASTIME! My husband asked me for the third time already what I want for Christmas. (This is a little game we play every year...he asks, I don't answer, he asks again, I still don't answer, he gives up asking and I tell him what I want - usually on a shopping trip specifically designed for that purpose.)

Well, this year I'm not really sure what I want, but since he insists, I'll have to come up with something to go shopping for one he stops asking. I'm sure when he reads this he will say "how many of those do you really need?" He'll then follow that up with, "too expensive!"

Here goes:

1.) A Louis Vuitton bag.

I think this new bag is perfect for work next year and it's big enough to fit my new laptop and other gadgets I carry everyday. (Of course, so are the other countless "work bags" that he has bought me over the years, but hey....none of those are LV)

2.) These gorgeous Christian Louboutin shoes (very prive platform pump)..oh to die for!

These shoes will not only look good, but they will make me look a lot taller (and a lot more like Imelda Marcos who, despite her many faults, sure has good taste in shoes!) Sure I have lots and lots of shoes, but c'mon girls, who among us can say we have enough shoes?!?

3.) A spa package at my favorite spa, D'Mai Urban Spa here in Parkslope, Brooklyn.

D'mai, if you are reading, take a note that - that was free advertising to a LARGE readership....and besides, lets not forget the $320 I spent at you a few months ago - which I conveniently told my husband was only $120. By the way, ladies, if you're going to attempt a fabrication like that, make sure YOU get to the credit card statement before HE does!

Yeah, yeah...maybe I'm materialistic. Maybe I want to have things that I don't really need....things that I already have. Ok...sure, I want to end the world hunger, I want peace throughout the world, I want to save the Siberian Tiger. But how is my little ol' wish going to accomplish all that? And besides, none of that will look any good on me! (I kid, I kid....I bet a tiger fur would go fabulous with the Christian Louboutin shoes.)

Whatever...It's just a wish list. I don't expect to get any of that (not with my cheap husband - he really doesn't understand why she who has the most shoes wins). But a girl's allowed to wish, right?

And really, the things that do matter...health, happiness, contentment....well, I've already got those. I don't have to wish for those things, because I've already got the one thing I couldn't have hope to wish for...my husband. (and lucky for me, like Imelda, he too has suprisingly good taste in shoes.) :-D

On A High Note

2008-12-01T01:17:00.010-05:00

I almost forgot to post this until I came across a photograph today.... Two weeks ago, my husband and I went to see Duncan Sheik in concert at Town Hall. We are both a big fans of his, so we were excited for the show. It's been quite some time since we've seen him live (although the front row center balcony seats didn't mute our excitement any.) Of course, nothing could prepare us for what was easily the weirdest concert we've ever been to.

We didn't think twice about the opening act Lauren Pritchard, formerly of Spring Awakening, apologizing for coming out prematurely early. However, it was pretty funny when she wanted to switch from piano to keyboard for a song, but couldn't get the microphone stand to reach. In the end she scrapped the keyboard idea, but all in all her set was very enjoyable and look forward to her album next year.

Finally Duncan came on, with full band, including a French horn, clarinet and cello (sorry the picture above didn't capture all of them.) He opened with "For You" from his 2002 album Daylight - so far so good. For the first third of the show, he sang songs from his albums. It was a great start and it's always fun to sing along with his songs. Then, as is typical, he switched gears and a bunch of songs from Spring Awakening. Again, these are great songs, and I am looking forward to finally seeing the show in January before it closes.

Everything seems to be going normally. At one point, the audience member were also complaining that two female singers (Lauren Pritchard again, and Holly Brooke also from SA) vocal levels were low. Duncan apologized and told the sound guy to boost the level. He then laughed when realized that the next song would not featured them. Oh well, live show are live, so a little goof like that is to be expected. What followed, though, could not have been.

After the SA mini-set, Duncan launch into a bunch of song from his upcoming project titled "Whisperhouse." Another soon to be produced stage production, this one has what sound to be a very unusual narrative. It involves a haunted lighthouse, an orphaned protagonist and ghost band. Interesting concept, but it all sounded a little goofy when Duncan was explaining it. And explain it he did! In between songs, he would try to discuss a setting of the song. However, it seems that, during his ramblings, even Duncan seemed to get how ludicrous much of narrative it sounded. Of course, this didn't affect my enjoyment of the show any - the new songs we almost uniformly great. It's just that, the way he tried to explain the songs,it was very funny. But not Joe Pesci "ha-ha" funny, but more like "hmm, how peculiar, how do I react to this" funny.

Duncan then realized that he had skipped a song and thus the narrative no longer made any sense (if it ever did). Duncan and the audience took it all in stride. But things really started to go off the rails during the encore. At one point, the lead guitarists' daughter ran out on the stage, during a song, and ask daddy to tie he shoelaces. the band keep playing, and the little girl was dancing around the stage, seemingly oblivious to the audience. It was adorably weird.

At the end of the song, the guitarist hugged his daughter and Duncan had to confess to being upstaged again by yet another woman! Then for the final encore, Duncan and the band came our, only the cellist and French horn player were missing. Apparently they were in the bathroom! What's more; they were needed to start the next song. So Duncan just sort of spoke to the audience while waiting for the band to fully assemble. Eventually they did and they did a terrific version of "On A High."

As I said, the show was very good, but the whole evening just seemed a little surreal. Its hard to explain, but a lot of things seems just a little "off" - not musically, mind you, just sort of...weird. Oh well, if anything I think it enhanced my enjoyment of the show. This was not some prefabricated music spectacle, but rather, a working musician playing a hometown show in front of friends and family, and having a great time doing it! He made Town Hall feels like a backyard bbq! I couldn't have asked for more!

HBD MIL

2008-11-30T02:27:00.007-05:00

Yesterday was my dear mother-in-law's birthday. (Now I know that many people may read the phrase "dear mother-in-law" sarcastically, but believe me when I say that I am completely sincere.) The whole family went out for wonderful dinner and bowling afterward. We were all surprised that MIL turned out to be very good at it, despite having not bowled for something like 20 years! As a matter of fact, for at least one of the three games we all played, she scored higher that both me and my husband.

So to my mother-in-law, happy birthday. I wish you all the best, good health and happiness. Thank you for all your love and support. Matt and I can't wait to spend time with you in Florida over the holidays.

Happy Birthday Deb!

Giving Double

2008-11-28T02:20:00.010-05:00

Today is the day that America celebrates Thanksgiving. Tonight, I am thankful for having two wonderful families with whom to celebrate this special occasion. And lucky for me, I don't need to worry which family I go to when.

Because my own family works in the medical field, they're schedule to work every other holiday (for example, they will work on Thanksgiving day and they will be off on Christmas day). As a result, my mom celebrated Thanksgiving with her family on Wednesday. Instead of a traditional turkey for dinner, she served a delicious Cornish game hen, with stuffing, potatoes, and asparagus. (I'll leave it to the reader to ponder the irony of serving a traditionally English game bird for Thanksgiving, but no matter what, it was delicious)

For dessert, she served a mixture of Filipino desserts such as Macapuno pie, Puto, Gelatin, together with some traditional Thanksgiving desserts such as Pecan and Pumpkin pie, paired with fresh fruits mixed.

Today, my husband and I went to his parents' house (my second family) to celebrate a more traditional Thanksgiving. My father-in-law made a delicious (and spicy) black bean soup. My mother-in-law served a traditional turkey for dinner (unfortunately, we arrived late so the turkey was already carved), with stuffing, mashed potatoes, corn, corn bread and cranberry sauce. I brought Brussels sprouts sauteed with garlic and pancetta, and my sister-in-law brought pumpkin bread and biscuits. (I'm already getting full again just thinking about it).

As usual, the whole family was there. I was thrilled to see my 3 nephews and their cousins who were growing very fast. The dinner didn't start before the tradition of everyone at the table explaining what they are thankful for this year. Even my 2 1/2 year old nephews had to say something. We all find this somewhat entertaining, especially because my mother-in-law took this "tradition" from her favorite daytime soup opera. But she treats this very seriously and becomes emotional every time it's her turn to say what she is thankful for.

The T family Thanksgiving celebration continues with an array of wonderful desserts and variety of individual flavored coffees. It's like having your own barista.

Having two families to celebrate Thanksgiving means having twice the feast, twice the drama, twice the fun and twice the love. And that is something that I am thankful everyday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Masungit at Mataray

2008-11-26T00:14:00.004-05:00

Two weeks ago a long lost friend of a long somewhat lost cousin (let's call him B) added me in Friendster. Now, I wasn't really that friends with B, but since it's been so long, why the heck not? And besides, I was hoping to find my cousin from B's friends list. B send me an email requesting to view my private wedding photos. Since I wasn't so sure about him, I replied to him to confirm if he really was my cousin'e friends. B responded: "Yup! masungit ka nga at mataray (yup you are that mean person)"

What? I thought he was joking so I let it go, but the next day when I chatted with one of B's friends, the friend confirmed that B said the same thing about me to him. What's this? Why is B complaining to everyone about me? Seriously dude....are you holding on to some long, clearly lost whatsoever grudge about me? I just don't get it/

As I started to think about it, I began to wonder, if B really thinks so poorly of me, then why did he even want to view my private photo when he clearly doesn't like me to begin with? Was this all just to get some gossip about me, so he could talk about me with everyone else in his pathetic little circle of friends?

Seriously, B what is the point of this? I'm 17 years and half a world away from you. Just get over it dude.

I'll admit that I am not always the sweetest person you'll ever meet, I am blunt and have never had a problem telling it like it is. Diplomacy isn't exactly my strong suit; but I like to think that honesty is. And truthfully, you either you like me or you don't. Whatever.

But since I haven't spoken to B in who knows how long, how does he have any idea if I am mataray? And if 3 out of 4 of B's friends don't have a problem with me (as far as I know), then maybe the problem isn't with me, huh?

So, B, if you're reading this, I hope you enjoy reading my profile, viewing my photos and have a good life living in the desert!! Oh, and seriously dude.....get over it!

Cheers.

April In Paris??

2008-11-25T00:46:00.029-05:00

Chestnuts roasting on an open fire
Jack Frost nipping at your nose
Yuletide carols being sung by a choir
And folks dressed up like Eskimos

It's not yet Thanksgiving, but last week it was already feeling as cold as Christmas-time. And in the cold I started to get a craving for one of my favorite holiday snacks -- chestnuts.

We didn't have chestnuts growing up in the tropics. I actually didn't discover them until just a few years ago, when a co-worker introduced me to them. Oddly enough, she, too, was from the tropics...the Caribbean.

Ever since then, I crave Chestnuts when the cold weather comes. However, for some reason, I can only ever find good ones being sold on 5th Avenue between 44th and 54th Streets.

This weekend, when it was surprisingly cold for mid-November, I certainly wasn't going to hop a subway into Manhattan just to get some chestnuts.

So imaging my pleasure when I found a grocery selling raw chestnuts. How hard can it be to roast chestnuts? I was about to find out...

As it turned out, not hard at all. I just scored the chestnut and popped them into 400 degree oven. After 20 minutes....

Voila!!

Just sprinkle some salt and there you have it. Nice hot, home-roasted chestnuts, no metrocard needed...yum!

Underground Etiquette

2008-11-16T11:56:00.017-05:00

I've been living in NYC for a very long time now and I have learned to adopt the New York culture of "mind your own business". Everyday, I go to work via public transportation and I always try to mind my own business. I try to have something with me on hand such as a book or news paper to entertain myself. Every day, I encounter different types of people in the subway - from regular working stiff like me to homeless people begging for quarters to tourist trying to experience the crazy subway life. Sometimes, I see the same people I rode the subway with a day before - my silent subway buddies. But sometimes, even in New York, you have to make a little noise....

One Thursday afternoon I was on my way to work. As usual the train was crowded and I didn't have a seat. I was standing in the middle of the train reading my book when all of sudden a family obviously from out of town rushed through the door and pushed themselves in. They pushed into me so hard that I almost fell, causing me to drop my book. I was irritated (how unusual for me) and was expecting them to apologize. I got nothing. Quite the opposite, they started giggling. While picking up my book, I gave them a look (which is a perfectly acceptable response under the mind your own business code) and told them that "it would be polite to say excuse me" (this may have been a breach of protocol, but given the circumstances, justifiable). They responded snidely saying "excuse you". Angry now, I replied "what an asshole" and moved on. A few seconds later these interlopers shouted "go back to your country freak". (It's aw-uhn now...)

What? What the fuck! I looked back at them and started the best argument I ever had in my life (having a lawyer husband - I can never win an argument):

"What the fuck did you say? You want me to go back to my own country? Fuck you! Who the hell are you to ask me to go back to my country? As far as I know you are not native Americans to ask someone like me to go back to my country. And beside, at least I have my own country....do you know where the hell you came from? Not because you're white you are entitled to be a fucking racist. Before you ask someone to go back to their own country - think and use your peanut side brain and perhaps learn history and find out where the hell you came from!"

I turned around, a little shaky and, to be honest, a little scared that the alpha male (who based his accent came from somewhere deep south) would punch me and knock me down. Clearly the hometown crowd appreciated my breach as a bunch of people started clapping and nodding at me. This sign solidarity scared the tourist and drove them off at the next stop.

Ahh, that made me feel better and thanks the people who supported me.

Don't get me wrong, I have nothing against tourist in NYC. As a matter of fact I welcome them. I think they help the economy of the city that I love and I call home. But sometimes, just use your head! And if not, well watch out....because, if not, you will learn that the "mind your own business" ethos can quickly give way to that classic Noo Yawk attitude. And, to paraphrase Naughty By Nature: "If you ain't never been in the subway, don't ever come to the subway, 'cause you wouldn't understand the subway, so stay the fuck out of the subway!" (Yeah, you know me.)

Utang Na Loob Huramentado

2008-11-15T16:21:00.014-05:00

In my native language, we have a phrase "Utang Na Loob." This is similar to the concept in English of a "debt of gratitude" (as opposed to a "Quantum of Solace") - where an act of voluntary assistance. Often, Utang Na Loob is used in reference to the parent/child relationship - a child, when fully grown, is often expected to take care of her elderly parents, just as the parent (hopefully) did when the child was growing up.

Now I understand the concept of "respect your elderly," and I appreciate all of the love and assistance my mother gave me when I was growing up, but at some point, "Utang na Loob" becomes ridiculous. At some point it simple becomes unfair to spout out "Utang Na Loob" and expect to get whatever you want. It's like our fine feathered and soon to be departing leader spouting out, "How can my rich buddies expect to pay any taxes after 9/11?"

I recently encountered a dose of Utang Na Loob run amok:

Having so much time off from work, I mentioned to my husband that I would like to go back to Philippines for few weeks. It's been a long time since I've been home and seem by family (we're talking pre 9/11) and I miss them very much. My husband said that he thought it was a great idea, but he can't go with me because he is busy at work (apparently litigators are doing well despite of shitty economy) and he can't take any time off. Truth to be told, it's been a long time since I've been home that I am a little scared to go alone. I wouldn't really know how to get from Manila to the province where I grew up, and it is not always the safest for a woman (especially one from America who is presumed to have money) to travel alone. So I decided to ask my mom if she wanted to go home with me (she goes home every year).

When I asked my mom she quickly responded. "sure, why not?" Then she added, "Would you pay for my fare?" Ummm, no! What are you thinking? The economy sucks and we need to tighten our belts a bit. But to be polite, I smiled at her and said no.

The next day I got a disturbing call from a family member; apparently the conversation with my mom was brought to his attention. After some stilted small talk, he get to the crux of why he called - why won't I pay for my mom's airfare to go back home. He explained to me that, without my mother I wouldn't be - either in America or this world at home. Utang Na Loob! I ended the phone all without saying anything.

Now, this is hardly the first time that he or my family had used this on me. Every time they need something and I say no, the first thing they do is make us feel guilty and reminding us of Utang Na Loob. Its as if, because I am marriend to an attorney who makes a pretty comfortable living (we're not wealthy by any stretch), that I should be expected to pay for everything.

I know this concept is not unique to my country, but it is especially strong in Asian countries. After children reach a certain age, parents always makes demands on their children for the same of Utang Na Loob. I understand children should to be appreciative for all the things that their parent have done for them. But are we really expected to subsidize our parents? Why is it MY obligation for my parents' expenses now that I'm grown up and successful. I understand that, but why isn't it the parents' responsibility for ensuring that their children become successful and productive members of society.

Shouldn't the parent WANT the child to be successful, so the child will not be relying on them for the rest of their lives? Or shouldn't you want your children to be successful because that reflects on the way you raised them? Or because you don't want your children to have to suffer? Isn't the unconditional love a parent feels for his child ingrained because of the basic life need to continuing the species?

It can't really be that my parents had me to secure a stream of income for when they were older? Surely the cost of raising children far outweighs the expected return, and it's not like the tax benefits are not THAT favorable. As an accountant, I would have to strongly advise anyone out there against investing in children.

Yet, that's what Utang Na Loob would have you believe.

Now, don't get me wrong, I try helping my family as much as I can but I refuse to make it my responsibility. It's not like I grew up in the lap of luxury. When I came to America, I learned how to work for everything I need and want. When we first came here, my mother wanted me to become a nurse. She said she would pay for my schooling if I did, so I went to nursing school (talk about the living stereotype!) I took 2 years of nursing classes at Iona College but when it came time to get to actual work (training) I hated it. I couldn't make it more than half a day at the hospital when I was training.....I knew I would be miserable if I continued in nursing. I told my mom that I had decided to switch to accounting. She wasn't happy that I had strayed from the path that she took, and she told me that if I wanted to go to school for accounting, I would have to pay for it myself. FINE... Determined to be successful, I went to school at night and worked three jobs. I was a clerk, a cashier and babysitter. It was a hard work, especially fitting in with all my schoolwork, but I did it. I graduated from Fordham University, and I can now proudly admit that I'm successful.

I don't rely on my folks for any financial assistance (although my computer obsessed older brother is pretty generous when it come to giving me his cast-off computers and other hi-tech stuff). All I want is for them to be supportive of me. But sometimes even that is too much to ask. Last year, when I got married, we and my husband's family footed the bill. I had asked my mom to chip in a nominal amount of money. It wasn't the financial support that I wanted, but rather, the symbolic gesture that my mom was invested in my relationships with my husband that the money represented. Getting that was worse than pulling teeth out of a newborn's mouth (that's a whole other story.) Then, without chipping in a penny, my mom had the audacity to invite 40 of her close friends and family. A $75k wedding is pretty expensive in my world, and if were going to pay for 40 of my mom's guest (you never make up the cost of wedding through gifts, not that you should expect to), then I would expect my mom to chip even a little.

Fine...that's the past. But for mom to now condition taking trip home together upon paying for her...well that is simply too much. I still love my mom, and I appreciate her bringing me to this country, but at some point the statue of limitations on Utang Na Loob runs out.

So, it looks like it will be some time longer before I get to go back home. That is a bummer.... when is the next time I will have length of time off from work. But that's just the way it is sometimes, I suppose.

Don't Make My Brownies Blue

2008-11-11T12:54:00.033-05:00

Fall season is here and cold weather is back again. The leaves on the trees are starting to turn its color and eventually fall on the ground. The sun now set very early at 4:00PM -that if its not cloudy outside; otherwise you will never see a sun at all...ugh. This kind of day makes me sad.

I was happy to be back home after a very long boring day. I sort my mails (its amazing how many catalogs I get each day - I guess Christmas shopping is coming soon, if its not already here), checked my emails, chatted with friends on YM, watered my plant and watched TV. As I sat down and snuggle on our brand spanking new couch, I heard my stomach rumbling. Clearly its a sign that I need some snack. I got up and went to the kitchen. I open every single cabinet and am shocked to find that we have no snack, goodies or muchies! What the hell did I do with it? Or better question is, did my husband eat all my snacks..ggrrr

Irritated, I slammed each cabinet door. I slammed it so hard that the salad mixing bowl fell on my head, followed by a box. In a bit of pain, I bent down to pick up the items that landed on the floor. Suddenly an electric mixer fell out of the cabinet...(getting angry now!)

Still in pain, I put the items back in the cabinet when I noticed, tucked away in a corner, a box of double chocolate fudge brownie mix. What a better way to chase away the cold weather blues than some delicious, moist and hot out of the oven chocolate fudge brownies. I followed the instructions and popped them in the oven. They smelled so good baking up, I could hardly stand the wait

Unfortunately, husband was working late, so I would have to wait to try the tasty treats. Eventually, he got home, we had dinner and cleaned up. Finally, it was time to bite into the chocolatey, fudgey goodness. I popped a piece in my mouth and....what is this? Well this tastes a bit odd.... I look at the box...Organic? Whole wheat flour?...No wonder something didn't seem right...these brownies were trying to be...gulp....HEALTHY! Oh well, hubby seems to like them just fine (not surprising if you knew him). Next time I'll have to read the label before baking!

Another Hobby

2008-11-10T09:32:00.057-05:00

I love having hobbies. I love having then so much that I have tons of them. Painting, reading, knitting, crocheting, tennis, cooking, scrap-booking...the list goes on. Of course, having so many hobbies is not the same as actually actively pursuing those hobbies. But in the fast-paced modern world of New York City, who really has time to do much of anything, much less a laundry list of hobbies. (Though you've got to have the equipment available in case the mood strikes, no?)

Recently, another very surprising hobby has shot up to the top of the list (propelled mostly by my husband, if I were pressed to admit.) Bowling....That's right....bowling

Me at Maple Lane

Now I didn't grow up in America, and bowling isn't exactly an integral part of my country. In fact, the second time I'd ever set foot in a bowling alley was during the hurricane that struck at the end of the summer. It was too rainy to do much of anything, so we took the trusty Civic (great acquisition by my husband) with some friends over to a nearby alley. We played a couple of games to see if we all actually liked it. And we did! (in spite of my score.) However, as the hygiene freak that I am, I really couldn't stomach using the house shoes (god knows what kind of bacteria and fungus is growing in those shoes) and bowling balls (some people don't wash their hands after bathroom).... so I insisted to my husband that I get my own bowling ball and shoes....and I got it!! (along with the rest of the blowing crews)

New smiling bowling ball and below is an engraved of my name nick name

On Friday, we headed over to our regular alley (yes, we now have a regular alley) and George, the pro-shop owner from whom we got our gear, came by to teach us some techniques. Unfortunately, our scores all went down after implementing his advice, but we are all pretty certain that is a temporary hiccup. Even the owner Johnny (hubby and friends thinks his name is Donny) invited us to join in a league after he saw how much fun we were having - I'm pretty certain he sees us as the new face of bowling for the 21th Century!

Given our track record, who knows how long I'll keep this up (although hubby and his brother from another mother are already ready to quit it all and go on tour!) But for the time being, I'm having fun with it - enough to get up at 8:30 AM on (some) Sundays to get the 3 hour price deal. And if we grow tired of it, well we still have a little bit of closet space left in the house.

Mom & Lucky

2008-11-09T20:06:00.020-05:00

My mom has been living alone for a few years now.... I was the first to fly the coop and moved out; a little bit later my two brothers moved out to the suburbs of Northern Jersey (talk about sitcom....two Filipinos in a house in the Jersey suburbs, and we're not talking Jersey City here!) So imagine my surprised when I visited my mom yesterday and I discovered a new man living with her. He happily greeted me at the door even before my mom came. Curious, I wondered who this could be. But if my mom loves him, then I was excited to get to know him as well.

However, as soon as I sat down, I noticed he was acting a bit wary.... he started staring at me intently. Suddenly, he jumped at me, bit my arms and gave me a big scratch!

Yep that's Lucky - he is now my mom's new son, room mate and companion. He looks adorable and cuddly but watch out when you first meet him.....its better to let him come to you or just stay away from him!