Cutty

Like Kuya Johann's birthday, we are having a small gathering to celebrate Javi's second birthday. It wont be a swimming party since I don't want to cook and I don't want to be bothered by caterers. We're holding it a restaurant instead. I am glad that the restaurant confeeeermed my reservation for 30. It will be a no-fuss party with less than 10 kids in attendance. I got no mascots, no food carts. Just good food and good company. I hope Javi likes it enough to remember it.

Now that we've prepared way in advance, it seems that we wont be needing these: We have something planned that conflicts with our village Trick or Treat. We don't know if our usual Trick or Treat event will push through. The kids wont be going to the office Halloween parties either. Sayang, major effort pa naman.

In preparation for our year-end trip, Ate Gera and I went to NSO and the Post Office after bringing Johann to school. May I just say that the traffic in the Timog-EDSA intersection is just horrendous!?!? I was stuck in there for 30 minutes. Buti na lang di slow si Ate, literally and figuratively. I just told her to walk along East Ave since she will get there faster than our car would. I gave her instructions on where to go and what to do. In a couple of hours, she already got her birth certificate. Serbilis talaga! It beats having to pay P300 for a 5 day processing period through Teleserve. While she was at the Census Office, Javi and I went to the Post Office along NIA road to get Ate's application for a Postal ID. I heard it was the easiest to get among all government-issued IDs. The sign said we need to get the form, supply 3pcs 2x2 picture, get a Community Tax Certificate, submit a copy of the Birth Certificate and have it notarized. Jusko ang dami. Just for the ID, ...

This week, I hit the ground running. Even if yesterday was a holiday, I accomplished a lot. It was Divi in the morning for Christmas tree shopping and a 3-hour TATLO meeting in the afternoon. With around 60 days before the festival, we are starting to feel agitated. Really, there are so many things to do but, so little time. Over the weekend, it was decided that we will end the year and welcome the new one in HK. Vic and I will bring the Johann and Javi. Then Vic wanted to bring ever-loyal Ate Gera with us. So, here I am, getting frantic over getting her passport ready before we leave. I can't do that just yet because she needs her mother's maiden middle name to file for a DFA appointment. Before that, I'd have to get her Birth Certificate and some valid IDs. To top all that, she is only 17, so I'd have to get her a DSWD travel clearance. May I just scream? Aaaarrrgggggghhhhhhhh!!!!!!!! Now, I am off to the bank before it opens. Then, to the post office for t...

I heard through the grapevine, that Vic's relatives will be having a reunion in Vegas next year. We're thinking of bringing Johann and Javi . Johann will be 3 years and 10 months by then. Javi will be 2 and a half years old. Bettina will be too little to remember anything. It will be just Vic and me who will hold the fort. Oh well, good luck to us. I am already thinking of the travel gear and snacks I'd need to bring. Since Vegas isn't really a place for kids, I don't know how to keep them busy. In fact, some Casinos don't allow kids in the premises. Excited as I am, I looked it up and found out that we could bring them to M&M world Fremont. I am not sure how else I can keep them entertained. For sure, we'll bring Johann's latest favorite, the iPad . We'd, most likely, get a side-by-side stroller for the parents' convenience, a rental car and a some cheap-o car seats for the length of our stay. I'd have to get the kids' vi...

In collaboration with Jesuit Communications, we present to you, our first Christmas CD... This will be out next month, just in time for the holidays. Orders are welcome.

I've already stashed the following in the upstairs bedroom: Candles, matches and flashlights Food, water, milk sterilizer portable appliances my valuables (aka frames, cookbooks, baking implements, etc) The other car is in the office while Lolo's toy is parked on higher ground. The remaining car in the garage is parked facing the gate for immediate evacuation. Though we are ready for a repeat of Ondoy, I sincerely hope that it doesn't go in that direction. I can not imagine how we can endure the clean-up, emotional trauma and the financial damage it will bring once again. This time, with a bigger area to clean up, ayoko na. Once in a lifetime is enough. Juan, being the default name of many relatives, has a very special meaning to us all. I hope it will remain that way.

... may mean several things. It could mean baby in text speak . It could also mean "bawal bakla" in ACS lingo. However, for me, it could only mean one thing

I've always wanted the wash-and-wear type of hairstyle. Because my hair is limp and thin, I decided to put waves at the ends of my hair. I figured, it would cut down prep time during weekends. I wouldn't look like a mess even if my hair isn't blow dried. While having my nails done, I asked how the procedure goes. I haven't had my hair curled. I only went as far as coloring it. What I had in mind were NOT Michael Jackson curls nor the kinky curls you find down there. But, that's what I got! I thoroughly expressed my disappointment. I told him that what I see is not what I wanted. I just wanted waves. I didn't want to look like an egoy. That darned Bakla was trying to stretch it out while blow drying. I was near tears. I am off to my regular stylist this afternoon to do some damage control. I don't want an expensive straightening procedure. I just might have it chopped off. Aaarggghhh!!!!! For now, my hair will have to be constrained in a tight p...

I've already booked Bettina's party photographer. I've been wanting to get her services since I gave birth to Johann. She was always booked. This time, I am first in line. The party host I've been planning to get has also put me on her waiting list. I hope the person before me doesn't confirm. The Lola has also gotten Bettina her birthday dress, with matching accessories. I am trying to narrow down which party planner should assist me in the preparations. Nope, di naman kami masyado excited.

Lord, I am so tired already. It has been a long day. Enough already please. Leave some for the days to come.