Christmas Thank YOU's...

{Note: Apologies if some of the "thank you's" are late (from receipt of gifts). You were not forgotten nor deliberately unacknowledged, as most of you know, that being in the Philippines entail more than the 24 hours allocated by nature, and without any internet connection in my own house,and my iphone does not work with my globe sim/kay libre ra baya ni sa akong UK phone provider, so its obviously locked up with them/, i am left with no devices of commmunicating my thanks...

My globe phone too has NOT been able to send text until yesterday (26th of dec), thanks to karla, she deposited my phone to the powers that be at GLobe, and had it sorted out, so as of yesterday late afternoon, i could finally text.they said it was due to the roaming services not turned off yet..}



****


I received so many gifts from Santa Claus this year=)

I am so blessed that although with the love, care and friendship i get from these people, i am also spoilt with material gifts..

Thank you to:

First off. the supergirls:

-Therese, Ayen,Fil, and Lynette for the beautiful christmas cakes..I was in Plantation Bay when i received it. I gt to see the cake on christmas eve, and had 1 sinful cup. Kusina Habana makes delicious and pretty cakes, and they deliver too..Plus these ladies, theyre so far away yet they never let us feel forgotten. SO generous and beautiful souls...So inspirational.

-Kaith- for a beautiful handbag. It looked like the Ana Sui bag i wanted to covet in Hongkong airport, and that cute silk eyepatches. How beautiful and pretty just like the giver. Whenever i see the bag hung up in my closet, i smile coz it reminds me so much of you, you who dance with alot of fun and sways to Spice girl music to such gusto,LOL. Thank you Kaith.

-Patricia- for such a creative and beautiful bookmark. I so love it. The colours and the damask (regency opulance) design is so me. You know how i treasure creative presents such as that=)To be pregnant and still have the energy to delve in creative endeavours such as those, i really am impressed Patricia. as I have said before, and i will say it again, "youre so cool!!!".


-Mimi- for such a happy and colorful necklace. It was such a wonderful surprise from you..I did not expect anything because i know you are still hurting from your dad's passing. Its a testament t your generosity that even at a time that youre supposed to be thinking of yourself, you never fail to think of your friends. Thank you Mims.

-Aileen- for giving me such well thought of surprises. A book (that everyone is in line to borrow from me and begging me to finish it so they could start reading), and that luggage tag(so timely as mine went kaput in HK airport), and my SLR necklace. gosh, i am scared to wear it lest someone scratches it or it get caught on surfaces (which happiness to me alot).I already lined up numerous outfits that will max out the impact of that necklace as that deserves a conversation of its own.


-Mai-mai- for my beautiful scarf/shawl. Not alot know that my colour is green. It suits my skin colour and tones down my personality (LOL). Plus OT's wear green, all the time,haha. Thank you for the wonderful evening at your party. I apologize for being late. It was a case of meeting (new) relatives from Butuan and Surigao (as a surprise to me and Adrian), never thinking that I have commitments prior to that.


Have i forgotten anyone? If i had, my apologies. I am slightly worse for wear, what with parties every single night, and different meet-ups with people everyday (i am not complaining though). December is a beautiful time to visit the Philippines for family celebrations an all, but not a very good time for 'rest'.



Secondly: my family:

-Karla- for the beautiful earrings and trinkets. You are my accessories fairy godmother. And oh, that diamond peel you have promised me..LOL.

-Joan- a box of couture cakes..yum!!! where could i order that?

-Auntie Libeth- for the freshly picked papaya from your backyard..can we have more please?LOL.Adrian and i love it. Nothing beats fresh papayas like that.

-Mama and Ana- for the massage treat that we have yet to claim..you are the best


-Rey and Arvy- for that gorgeous box of Cupcake Theory chocolate cake. It literally is melt-in-the-mouth goodness. When Rey came in bearing that pink box, my heart leapt, as i knew that was meant for the diabetic-cake-monster me! LOL..Thanks bro and sis! =)



***

I i wish it were christmas everyday...

Not for the pressies i get, but for the love and laugher i get to share with all these people. That is worth more than gold buillons in my opinion.

Dear Supergirls

I will call you when i get home.

Promise.

I will be getting my new number as soon as i land.

But first things first.

When are you free? (dates please, and whether lunch or dinner)

Please text my old number, when (dates) mo free for a super(girl) christmas party..

I was thinking, dinner at a nice resto (suggestions please) then karaoke session so we can do a nice evening of giftgiving and whatever else we can think of..

Please say "yes"...


Love,

Super Rage (LOL).


and PS: i have 20th dinner, as free and 23rd dinner as free...whatchatink?

Stranded

I am writing from a hotel room in Hongkong.



Yes, ladies and gentlemen, I now belong to the statistics of people who have had the pleasure (mispleasure) of being bumped up to a different flight because the plane you were in did not make it in time for the connecting flight.



The plane from Heathrow, left at 2:45 pm instead of 11:3- due to snow and other issues with the runway.



We arrived in Hongkong this morning, at 9:30am, and obviously missed our 9:05 am flight to cebu.



Cathay Pacific already aranged accommodation for us at the Regal Hotel Airport (the name sounds tacky, but its not that bad...I could compare it to the Renaissance Hotel in Manila..Yummy Asian banquets,LOL) for an overnight stay until our flight tomorrow at 4:00pm.



Sleepless, stressed, hungry (i cant seem to build an appetite when im flying), Adrian and I battled wills to get over the sadness and depression of a flight delayed. The thought of family waiting for you at the airport, (plus the maaaany itineraries you have already arranged for the day), and food waiting to bedevoured (sutukil tradition every pick up-at-the-airport day), (plus the pleasure of meeting my niece Mika) were so near, yet impossibly far.





Adhering to a long term commitment to seeing things at the other spectrum, we decided to maximise our stay in HK.





So what to do?



-shower (to perk us up)



-sleep...



after a sumptious Asian buffet lunch (all meals provided for us by Cathay Pacific in the hotel), Adrian and i slumbered and woke up til 6PM.



-eat



another Asian/Japanese banquet at the hotel's restaurant for dinner



-shop,shop,shop



went to Mongkok (Ladies Night Market) for the night, and waaaahh, i tell you, i know who in my family would love a tour there (hear ye Karla, Ana and Mamsy)...pag save namo daan sa inyong HK dollars,LOL.



bought some gifts to bring to my love ones.





Not bad for being stranded,really. *convincing myself*







***





Adrian and i had the opportunity to fly business class via Cathay Pacific to Hongkong in AUgust 2008. It was because we fly Cathay Pacific everytime, we earned mileage points which accummulated to a roundtrip non refundable plane ticket.



The date of the ticket was August 4,2008, right after our 5th anniversary party, but we were sidetracked with how enjoyable cebu (verytime were there) and being with love ones is, we decided not to use our tickets.



Adrian and i laughed about it today, when we remember that. I asked him "did you regret not using those tickets".



"No regrets honey, no regrets".



Pa cute gyud ni's manoy oi.





***





Tomorrow, Adrian and i are planning to go to the city. Our flight isnt until 4 pm so we have the time to dawdle in the place. But we decided to leave Disneyland off the list. Its reserved for 2012 for a 'bangka' i promised to my family (God willing).



So really, all the stress, and almost teary-eyed me, was all for nothing.



I got to eat the seafood i was craving, i got to see HK, and i had the chance to sleep and relax.



The only thing i feel cheated about, is the fact that im spending less time with my family (1 day and a half less)and that i could not kiss Mika's face sooner.





Bantay lang gyud ugma bah! Pohon,pohon...





Please pray everything goes well tomorrow.


***


Photos from today...



the Japanese buffet from the international buffet..busog na naman!!!





it feels like Colon, all of a sudden...




starbucks...to wake me up..





there's a car on top of a taxi,LOL...cute photo at the airport tonight..

this Saturday, 19th of December

...there will be a giftgiving day at St.John's in Banawa,Cebu City..


The Christmas fairies are sponsoring a family day/christmas party at St.John's Church in Banawa.

The monks from the congregation have organised 50 families from the mountain barangays and some children from around the area for a day of giftgiving and christmas carolling/party.


The Christmas Fairies(i.e..the Supergirls) will be giving in kind, to the families and children who are picked by the monks/priests who they help in their outreach programs in those areas.


***

What can you do?

-give any spare (food/clothes/toys) to the families on the day.
-go to St.Johns on the day and attend the days festivities
-no cash are accepted please as no one is able to give an accounting for the expenditures
-if you are unable to attend, ask any of your representatives to be there to hand the gifts themselves and see (and be with) the families for yourselves/themselves having a day of fun in the name of christmas


--due to the recession, alot of us are unable to have something extra, your presence is also very much appreciated..

time is very much valued by the congregation..


--all religions welcome=)




The day's activities :

09:30-10:30am-- a talk by one of the catechists to the families (not cmpulsory for the sponsors to attend)

10:30-12:00nn--- Mass

12:00-01:00pm-- Lunch (provided for)

01:00-02:00pm-- Daygon/Carolling/program prepared by the families

02:00pm-3:30pm-- Giftgiving



***

It would be nice to see you there..

For more information please contact:


Kharla - 0917 8887547

Ana- (032) 273 7512




Happy christmas everyone!!!

dear ana, mama, and roi...i miss you

"so soon?",you might ask...

the house feels empty (and gosh, it feels big without us making chaos everyday in it).

your rooms empty and deserted.

the kitchen is lifeless, even adrian is sombre, and has lost his sene of humor (i hope its only temporary).

we treated ourselves to some shopping (in pretense of getting clothes for our christmas there) just so we could cheer ourselves up.

shopping felt less fun today, and adrian quipped, Lakeside will not be the same again ( i agreed silently).

we both talked over coffee and cakes (our usual comfort companions in times of melancholy), and chatted over flimsy topics and mustered up wry excitement for our impending flight.


but it doesnt take away that the month you stayed with us (or two months in your case Mams), were beautiful each and every second...and i mean that.

i cant wait for 2012.


love,

C and A



***


i know this letter sounds stupid and silly when im going to see you again (pohon) this Thursday but its always like that...we are better together than apart..


and Mams, i could not find the energy to cook for myself and Adrian tonight, so Adrian and i decided to just order in from the local take-away.

incomparable to eating dinners made by you.


i cant wait to see you again in Cebu.

love,

chelski..xx



***





the "little" sis with me..






the ever wacky Roi






Mama, myself and Ana..in one of the parties held at the house..

punching a hacker

i hate hackers. i have been a victim of hacking long time ago, so i know how it feels.

this was the closest to me punching a hacker.

i opened an old email of mine (the one linked to my high school yahoo group), and found that my friend Therese's hacker left a message for me.

so i left a message back. i let him/her know, her game's up.

From BNWs

but really, if he/she was infront of me, he/she would be getting more than just a slap on the wrist.



***

on other news, i have been extremely busy. this is my most stressful week.

my family is leaving on sunday (13th) and this week is assignment handing-in week. to put those two together is crazy.

not to mention having guests who are here for only a period of time, meant having parties every week (at least). or being invited to parties in honor of them, apart from touring them around (during the days), and me slaving at the computer (at nights where were not partying or going out).


i also have been foolish to book myself for a photographic photoshop/printing course months ago, thinking that my family would have been here and gone for their planned July trip. but the July trip was never to become and became a November-December affair. i went to the course on Saturday (5th of december) for a whole day, when i/we didnt get home til 2 am from a party the night before that was done in honor for my Mama and sibs done by my close friends the Donns(Cheryl and Glenn).

upon arriving home,after the course, i went home to a full house, as we had Adrian's son Paul and his girlfriend with us for the night to celebrate a christmas meal for the next day (with Adrian's entire family). the next day Sunday (6th) was just as exhausting as we had to be up early and do a 10 kilo organic turkey for the christmas meal (and other christmassy traditional food that came with it: gammon, mince pies, pudding, etc)we were making.

that day was a christmas party for the family as Adrian and i were not celebrating christmas in England this year. So Adrian's sons and Adrian's siblings/my inlaws were around for that. My Mama, Ana and Roi, had their first English christmas lunch and how authentic can one have it but have it in England and sharing it with the new extended family.

That day ended really late, and most late esp for me because i was buying time to do my assignments too.


Needless to say, I am so looking forward to my (well deserved) vacation in Cebu with a big grin and no worries on my mind (please God).

You know what they say, whatever doesnt kill you, makes you stronger. If i survive essays and research with christmas parties all around, and family visiting, and still enjoy it, im sure, id be enjoying my vacation even more, sans assignment deadlines, and it will be me who's being given the tour.

*looking for my sunnies*

let me tell you

...about Adrian.

about how thankful i am to him.

about how special he makes me feel, and my family too...

and even if he says "dont go talking mush about me on your blogs" i know he says that with a smile and a blush..

i need to write it here..because there are days he can be a pain in the bum too (lol), and i will just read this and remember that he is after all, a big soft bear...



-he wrote (and pestered) our MP-

to sort out Ana's and Roi's visa because of the sham that happened in the application (they, the people in the embassy in manila, wrongly thought that Ana and Roi were husband and wife..even with all the documents both provided to apply, birth certificate and all).

Adrian wrote quite an impressionable letter to our Member of parliament ( our version of Congressman/ who represents the people under the region they represent) and pointed out how unjust, that they turn down genuine tourists (by not reading the application properly).



-he arranged for my family to go to certain parts of the country/and at least 3x weekly London trips to maximise their stay.

he finds it amusing that my mother almost always refuses the trips we offer to London as she hates walking. (tsk,tsk,tsk..all that commuting in cabs and jeepneys Mams, does not help here..London is a 'walking' destination).

he came home one day,to find Roi, Ana,mom and i, huddled watching tv in the front room, and wondered why we didnt go to London as he planned. i told him the reason: they found it too cold that day. he laughed and could not believe we prefer 'staying in' than 'going out'. (well, between 'ice cold chill' and 'warm cozy home', we prefer the latter).



- the day my laptop died (after buying the 'plug-in' internet, after days of no internet), has made me so depressed. i shed a few tears, (it was panic about some albums of photos i left there, which i have not moved to my external harddrive yet *stupid me!*, and assignments looming without a laptop),too saddend about the death of my precious laptop.

at the dinner table with Mama, he mentioned casually, that i should not be too depressed about my laptop and said that "who knows, its time to get a Macbook"..

my mama laughed when she saw my worried look, because i didnt want Adrian to give up on my laptop. it was barely 3 years old. everything was tiptop shape, and i had retrievables on it. photos which i needed (badly). my laptop was in perfect condition (if i have not overcharged it 24 hours 7 days a week,and without turning off) it might have survived. the symptoms of overheating was there. i was just plain stubborn and careless.



-every morning,he doesnt want to wake me up for him to go to work. (for those who dont know, im on leave from work; so i could concentrate on touring guests and university work). i always wake up to prepare his stuff, but he tells me to go to bed. i occasionally take his advise but normally around 4 out of 5 times, i'd jump out from bed and take the opportunity to have a morning 'chat' over his breakfast and my coffee..




-he keeps telling my family how wonderful his life has been eversince we have been together..every single day.



-last night, everyone was watching this dancing program on tv where a woman wore a sexy dance outfit, and i blurted out ,"gosh, i want to be able to wear that...well, i am allowed to, but im sure, it wouldnt have that same effect".

everyone laughed but he hugged me and kissed my forehead "i wouldn't want to change a single thing about you".


and that my dears, made me feel, like i am the cat that got the cream...and the cherry on top.



..and that the excuse to diet tomorrow, is officially postponed indefinitely,lol.

whats happening lately

i have been relegated to giving tours to family...





...at the same time, keeping the balance between university life and my 'old' life.

i wish i can keep up doing this, but i want to buy time..

my mind is torn between enjoying, and being a party pooper..

i have university responsibilities (which i am so worried that i have been slacking on a bit).

if i get through this semester, i wouldnt say it would be unscathed...

it would be on the wings of a prayer, and caffeine-overload.



***

i am an absentee friend on your blogs. but it doesnt mean i dont know what's going on.

i still read...

just a day or two late.


*kisses*

neglectful but not out of choice..

i'm first to admit, i have not been very diligent leaving my comments on my girls' blogs recently, but its not because i have not tried. i did. but i have two powers against me.

1st off: time.

-gosh, i never knew i thought i'd show a longing face whenever someone mention's the word "sleep". time seems to be such a commodity with me these days.

for instance, tonight, i just came back from my brother in law's birthday party. the whole afternoon today was spent out with the family buying christmas present-shopping. the morning was spent organizing my university project,and going to the hospital to borrow some equipment for my 'movie'...(re: movie: is an assignment i have been working on the last few weeks..its a DVD presentation regarding a case study).

every single day,we are out of the house doing touristy stuff. the whole weekend was spent in Stonehenge and Bath. if its not that, its in London doing touristy rites of passages: ie: the London Eye, Tower of London, Madame Tussaud's, Kensington Palace,etc..


those above, and university days, not to mention working on my essays.

during the nights, im either working on a book for research, or having tete-a-tete with visiting family, if were not out and about somewhere.


and because of time constraints, i feel im so sleep deprived.



Second: blog templates

-i have said this again, some people's blogs have 'embed' comment..i cant comment on those formats for some reason..but i can on 'pop-up' comments. (paging Aileen...i suddenly cant comment on your blog, whereas i was able to, the other night *scratches balding crown*).



***

I never thought too that I would miss my laptop this much. its suddenly when now, using Ana's laptop made me realize i had a 'good one' which loved me unconditionally. it sat here for me for ages, but i mistook it for dutiful service of a relatively expensive laptop.

but all laptops go to heaven too.

mine is in the icu (intensive care unit) for laptops.

i promise to kiss it when it comes back. Adrian asked me whether i would like a new laptop for christmas, i felt a sudden pang of missing my old one. it was still in good condition (it was just 3 years old).


when it comes back from the repair centre, i promise to appreciate what it was for--an extension of my life.



***

here's a photo of me, just in case you forgot how i look like now.LOL...




( im at least 10 pounds more heavier than in that photo..that photo was taken on 15th of November..blame it on mama's cooking).

Dear Ana, thank you

..thank you for fixing the settings on this site.

as you probably have noticed by now, i have never been astute when it comes to following instructions, or reconfiguring settings,or in any thing for that matter.

yes Ana, i know, 21 years with your Ate, you probably know that i am incompetent with alot of things.

but it does not matter,because you're here. and that i commend myself for.


thank you, for noticing that i was quite morose the last few nights, everytime i check my blogs. that you felt, how it is not to be able to reply or comment in blogs (at least you can feel it coming from another blogger's perspective).

once again, i say "thank you" for telling me, that all i needed to do, was change the comment section into "pop-up window" instead of "embed". thank you for explaining too, that embedding codes can sometimes get really funny when there's something wrong with the cookies.

speaking of cookies, did you like the ones i left for you?

isnt it great that apart from writing you this, i can also get to share those cookies with you.


thank you,Kai..i am so glad you're here.



love,
Ate



***

i am so happy...

its amazing how settings in my blog can actually make or break how my night turns out..

happy weekend all of you my lovelies...=)


***

note: i still cant post comments to blogspots which have 'embed' type comment settings...but i can on pop-up ones=)

craaaapella

jiiizzz wiizzz, nothing irritates me more than not being able to comment on my own blog.

this blog, i can post new updates, i can post/approve comments, but i cannot comment or reply on the blogs (i love replying to comments, as you probably now have noticed, it does not matter if people do not comment, because really, we sometimes, dont have something to say to all posts we read, but when people comment on my posts, i just find it courtesy to reply back).


(weird, coz the other site,the pansies and lilac ambitions one, i could comment there..maybe, my computer curse strikes again,huhuhu).

this site does not pull out my name even if im logged on...

i wonder if i should log out, and comment..(hmmnn, will try that after this post).

i am really annoyed, but according to my friend, if the one you're getting annoyed at will not know that you're annoyed at them,no use keeling over dead because of it. i must agree, blogspot/my template/computer will never know, that im seething with frustration here..

bless the heavily battered keyboard.



***

*currently looking for ways to sort this problem out*



***

*currently also using my sister's laptop, and the new-household favourite plug-in mobile internet*

good news; not-so-good news

the past few weeks have been crazy, for good and bad reasons:

i need to sort out my head, so i'm writing it all down. lest someone takes heart on me...=)


***


good news:

-my mama has been with us for more than a month now, and so far,she has been enjoying it.

-my sister and brother arrived here on friday the 13th. we had a big party on the night they arrived and invited the filipino friends ive met here so they could meet my mom. it was a successful evening, and it was enjoyable one too.

- since then, weve been out and about trying to let them enjoy their stay.




bad news:

- two weeks ago (on a saturday) the internet at home packed up. a week after, it came back.

on monday (the 9th of november), it packed up again, and rang our internet provider to send a technician. thursday, the technician turned up, but said, it wasnt our modem that's problematic, but THEIR signal. (after letting us wait for days for a technician to come to the house? they knew their signal was defective, why didnt they tell us on booking for a technician's visit?? *scratching my pahak*).

the worst of all,they are not that concerned to get the signal up and running as they know that their signal was defective around our area for weeks now, they still have not done anything about it. i asked them 'when do you think this will be sorted out?". "it depends..it could be days, or weeks"...if i answered the same answer when they ask for payment, i wonder how they would feel.

-so that very same night, i had to get an internet connection! (assignments research and adrian's work depend on the internet..not to mention my need to read/answer blogs), adrian and i (and mama) went to get an internet plug-in connection. excited, we went home thinking i could get on, and read blogs, i attached the plug-in to my laptop. guess what happened next: my laptop died!!! my laptop died!!! talk about bad timing.


-adrian's desktop does not enable wireless internet, so we could not use it either.

-on saturday, we were finally able to use the plug-in internet, using Ana's laptop. (thank goodness ,Ana brought a laptop).

-for some reason, i cannot comment on my own blogs. (this blog specifically). when i need to comment on some people's blogs, certain blogspots template will not pull out my name,thus making me unable to comment on blogs. it would not budge no matter what!!! talk about "grrrrr" moment.


***

so far, i'm waiting for the people who are trying to retrieve the data on my damaged laptop.

i am so annoyed, but i guess, fate balances it out..because im enjoying so much blessings, i guess, something has got to give.

id rather it my internet connection, and laptop gone kaput, than something else.

i miss you all.


*sorry no photos yet* this is Ana's new laptop, and she has not installed the photoshop on this laptop yet.

today, the 8th of november

after hearing mass, (and feeling enlightened by such powerful words by a charismatic priest),we took mama to a lunch at a charming little resto in leigh-on-sea.

and a little browse and smooch in battlesbridge antiques centre.


i could say it was a little quiet and laidback sunday than we normally would, but there is a reason.

the reason, will reveal to you soon.



***

i wrote this on a piece of napkin for adrian to read while we were waiting for the bill.




to which he responded with a smile and a kiss.



***


last night (the 7th), this was devoured in honor for someone's birthday.

that someone i know is an ice cream lover.

so what better way to eat ice cream in the middle of a burgeoning winter, but to celebrate someone who is so loved.





vanilla ice cream on hot belgian waffle and chocolate sauce..=)



***





its amazing that christmas is just around the corner once again.

as most of my friends know, ill be celebrating it with my family in cebu (with Adrian).

i have so many moments being acted in my mind,moments of fun, food and conversations (catching up!) that comes along with the season's celebrations.

all moments with family and friends...and i know, most of it will come true (with prayers).

my life right now is a hazy whirlwind of activities and it just gets the best of me. i am ever so grateful, and i feel so blessed.

and i know you guys will agree with me that prayers do work.

Aileen

***

well, what can i add, except, you are the epitome of a true blue artist to me..

you've got that midas touch, and anything you put your heart and mind into,

people just seem to swarm around you and want to be you.

keep that smile, and that hearty laughter, and that tenacity to chase where light and happiness springs.

most of all, keep that spirit.

a generous heart, eyes that tell stories from childhood, and

creativity thats just borne naturally from you.


happy birthday dearest Aileen--the one who not only chases light,

but also captures it.

x



PS: remember when that photo was taken? that was pre DSLR days for all of us (if im not mistaken)..but yet, you can tell we were so into photodocumenting our every move and meet-ups, a DSLR was in order...again,we have to thank you for paving that way. letting us believe photography wasnt an alien thing.

gosh, we will be having a repeat of photoshoots like this soon.

photoshoots, that arent contrived or posed, just normal, happy documentation of our get togethers..

a bunch of girls, bound by intellectual (and sometimes, corny/funny) conversations, laughter, food and YOU.

welcoming mama

weve had a few guests come by the house to meet mama.

this set, was special, because they're family, and to mark that occasion, we made sure,we cook them filipino dishes.


we had adrian's brothers and sister-in-law for some good filipino grub and conversations about anything under the sun.


friday night, 30th of october,2009..




































there were no photos after the meal..

i was practically begging for bed.

my body's system is (definitely) older than these group of people in these photos,LOL.

dear ana, we thought of you

..today.

mama and i amused ourselves at Covent Garden , and did some antique browsing, , buying handcreams and colognes at l'occitane (christmas gifts,LOL),and just general sightseeing.

we had a snack at Ella's Cupcakes, and thought of you.

why the hell not? when the glittering Chocolate chip oreo cupcakes had glitters that reminded us of the baubles you put on your face whenever you feel bored.

mama recounted how since a little girl she always knew you were special.

i filled her in of anecdotes she missed when she was working,and i was your nanny.

lovely that.

it was a nice afternoon of the two of us at that table, but you were definitely there.

we are missing you badly.






Ella's at Covent Garden





the chocolate was mama's.
the oreo choc chip one--i had for you..see how much ate loves you? *wink.lol*



and also, thank you for keeping the fort intact and running smoothly.

you are the replacement "ate" for the meantime.


love,

your sister who will slay sugar demons for you...=) x




***

i also met this guy called richard bridge today at calumet.

apart from being a handsome young man, he is a talented photographer (check his website).

he gave me some helpful hints about the medium format camera im eyeing.

i gave him some helpful hints about Cebu.

will you tour him for me?

x

appreciating someone who's normally there, to be here

i always knew that she'd be there for me.

i always knew that she'd be there when im in need.

but its really different when she's physically here (to be there for me).


***

today, mama, and i did our first 'tandem' invitation to our guests John and Bing.

and for all the times i invited people over to the house for a meal, today was the very first time, i was running late with food preps. i was relying too much on her time management, while she was relying on me to be the 'leader' of time-keeping for today's preps.

we had a laugh when we suddenly realized time was catching up and we were lagging behind.

but the guests were late, so we weren't that late at all.


because of all the excitement of lunch and the wonderful storytelling and laughter over the table, i wasn't able to take photos...

i didn't mind.

were having more soon the next few weeks,LOL.



***

photos of my mama, looking so lovestruck.











thats how she looks like watching videos of her 'apo' Mika.



its so nice to finally change my wallpaper.

it used to carry a photo of a mug that said "cebu".

now it carries a shot of mama and i...





photo taken on her second day here in the UK.

somebody needs to get back to the gym

...already!


im not gonna lie. i cant see myself doing so the next few weeks.

not when my mama is here.

im not gonna say that im going to cut down on eating.

not when my mama is here.

but, i just need to say it aloud.

so that it rings even truer.


***

dah, kaon pa'g humba!

for mimi

tonight, i keep wondering how mimi is.

its not just been too long ago that i have to endure the same ordeal of having to go home and see my father in a coffin. so i (somewhat) know how it feels.

i say somewhat because i think what she is going through right at this very moment is the harder ordeal as losing a love one through an accident is the worst of all.

nothing prepares us for death, not even illness. so to even lose someone in the most unprepared way is just so unfair and just unbearable.


i keep thinking about mimi. the scenarios that went through when she arrived at her hometown. how her mom is. how her siblings are coping.


because right now, in as much as i am so over the moon that my mother is with me, a part of me feels so sad for a friend.


i hope she feels safe and comforted being with her family.


i pray that she is coping, managing right now.


i pray for her and her family for 'the now'. because i know, they will come out of this family tragedy stronger, and closer than ever.

coming from someone who has been there,and got the awful tshirt of such experience.

and when she does, us her friends are here waiting.

little tidbits

She has so far complained of feeling the cold...

Other than that, she is enjoying every minute of it. (so far)

Her, in pictures.





the day she arrived. after having some rest, i took her out for some groceries and some little sight seeing around the commercial complex.





had coffee and muffins at George.





you can see she's so tired



on Saturday, took her to London town




aboard the C2C




oh, nagyawyaw nasad,LOL.



Having snacks at Harrods




nag shopping ug pasalubong...=)


***

everyday, she laughs and could not believe herself being here.

everyday i pinch myself.

i am loved by God. because i have a chance to spoil her to bits..since the very start.=)



***
(Canon G10 photos)

Patricia Alix-Villa--the birthday girl

(photo stolen from Patricia's collections)

***

Patricia, you are such a remarkable woman.

I'm so honoured that you consider me a friend.

I thank the internet because if not for it, you probably would not have looked my way and took me in as a friend when we were back home. (different circles and social strata,LOL..your pedigree is of a higher status than mine, thats for sure=).

You are a blessing, an inspiration, an always a wonderful friend for coffee (which means youre a good listener apart from a great conversationalist) amongst many things friends do.

You definitely are the epitome of fun and class combined in one. Someone i admire and idolize yet, i feel comfortable at the same time.

On your birthday, I thank the heavens, I got lucky.

Its not everyday i get to befriend someone like YOU in this lifetime.

from one libran to another: keep the equilibrium rockin!

***

PS> i thank tita Loy today for bringing you into this world too...

Happy birthday Roi...

let me appreciate this brother of mine today, and recount his wonderful ways. a birthday greeting to my brother Roi..

-he tells the most awesome jokes.

-everyone in the family (relatives alike) has high respects for this man.

-he bakes the tastiest cheese muffins and inherited my mom's culinary skills. --and by next year, is planning to enrol in a proper chef university.

-he has my dad's temperament

-he has the best hospitality skills.

-never a dull moment with him. he makes the best punchlines. (not as good as mine,LOL).


-he loves children, and the neighborhood children loves him back. they all come a-knocking on the door to look for "Tito Aga" (which they thought was Roi's name,LOL).

-he loves our niece Mika, so much, he has an album in his ipod called "mika" which are all baby songs,LOL.


-he is so loving to his girlfriend Suzette,and very loyal too.

-a peacemaker, and would try to resort to bringing peace in all arguments.


-he has loads of friends.


-he is Jojo's (our other brother's) bestfriend.

-he loves his sisters so much.


-he looks like my twin.





he still has 'baby hands',we tease him about that still now,LOL..and he is our MR.Clean




just like my papa, you always see him in white tshirts (to my mama's consternation, kay gasto kaayo sa chlorox,LOL)





on his "normal" behaviour.



***


Roi, my baby bro, i love you for all of the above..and alot more...

i wish you so much in this life and for you to achieve your dreams and hopes...

and Bayoi, please be healthy always...God has big plans for you (an internship here in the UK, a restaurant, a wedding (filipiniana to noh?LOL), and my future nephews and nieces..and more)...

i feel it in my gut- youre soaring to great places because of your attitude and personality.


palangga kaayo tika. but you know that already..=)


always,

imong kaluha...(pweh!,LOL)