My 2011

My 2011 has been one hell of a ride. In terms of experiences, this year has a tankful of them. I'll try to recall significant events per month. As my memory nowadays is not that dependable, I would like to thank Facebook Timeline, this blog and my written journal to help me look back.

JANUARY
- Used my first VL by taking Basti to the ER for some allergic reaction.
- Started decluttering by giving away some planners that I have in storage but have not been using. Fortunately, they're the types that does not have actual days on them so you can use them at any year.
- Reconnected with a childhood friend through Facebook. We haven't seen each other in over two decades only to find out that she lives just a couple of houses away from my current home.
- Got my iPhone from Globe! The best phone I've ever had since I became a mobile phone user more than a decade ago.
- Celebrated Basti's 2nd birthday by spending the night at Manila Penn (yes, just the three of us!)

FEBRUARY
- Went to the Hot Air Balloon Festival at Clark with our rpgdlsu friends and the kids! It was our first out-of-town ever since the kids arrived.
- Annual Physical consultations with my numerous doctors - OB, Endo,and Cardio
- Small and short reunion with HS classmates



MARCH
- Suffered a health scare when I temporarily lost vision on my left eye for a few seconds. After a lot of tests, turns out I just have migraine equivalence. Read about my health journey here.
- Bought our ticket for our US trip.

APRIL
- Marvin and Mai's wedding where I was able to wear a size 10 dress! Officially lost 20 pounds!
- Was finally treated for my allergies
- The Sucat-Alabang portion of the Skyway finally opens making the dream of Alabang-Makati in 15 minutes come true. I don't have to wake up too early to avoid the traffic. Downside is bringing a car everyday is out of the question as the toll fees are horrendously expensive!

MAY
- Went to Divisoria to buy our presents for my sister in the US
- Started with Basti's toilet training
- Spent this month basically preparing for our US trip

JUNE
- Our US trip where a summary is posted at the right hand side of my blog. The best part of the trip other than seeing my sister and my Mom, NYC!!! I had to make 4 posts just all about that wonderful city
- Met up with my friend Ching for the last time as she's moving to the US to be with her husband

JULY
- Returned from our US trip which is crashing back to reality
- Yaya started getting sick making me Basti's full-time caregiver. Turns out she's pregnant!

AUGUST
- Started watching Game of Thrones in HBO. Though it's been showing for quite some time, I was not able to watch it until I saw the opening credits. I was instantly hooked that I started reading the book as well
- Started running in the gym and my record was 20 minutes straight on the treadmill

SEPTEMBER
- My SFC friend, Willie's despedida as he's leaving for Canada
- Finally sold my book collection
- Another typhoon hit the Philippines which flooded Bulacan and the storm surges destroyed the seawall at Roxas Blvd. and flooded Sofitel

OCTOBER
- After months of planning, was finally able to meet up with my BFF, Cess. It could've been a longer conversation if I did not have to go back to the office. I missed her so much!
- Steve Jobs passed away
- Started follicle monitoring for our pregnancy attempt only to learn later on that it was not successful
- Basti's trick or treat at his school, my sister in law's office and here at home

NOVEMBER
- Had bicipital tendinitis which I posted about here. Because of that, I tried acupuncture which I posted about here
- Started follicle monitoring again but was unsuccessful again. Gave up for the time being and decided to rest and wait for another time
- Had our block showing for our office Outreach fund raising. At least I know now how to go about it.
- Bazaar season! Went to two bazaars this month
- South N@Wies Christmas party. It was nice to see people who I would correspond with through our Newlywedsatwork egroups

DECEMBER
- Had the most awesome birthday ever! I can't recall being so happy during a birthday for the past 35 years and to think there was no big celebration. I just went to mass, had a pedicure, met up with my sister-in-law to have lunch and watch a movie, went to the bazaar and had dinner with my hubby. Simple yet I enjoyed everything that I did that day. I am truly blessed. God is so good!
- Was hired as part-time faculty at my alma mater, St. Scholastica's College
- Get-togethers with rpgdlsu friends, SFC friends, HS St. Scho friends, SCB and ex-SCB friends and unit Christmas party
- First time I drove to Tanauan, Batangas

There you go. 2011 does not officially end until tomorrow but overall, I could say that it's been a very eventful year. Hope that 2012 will be as good or even better and praying for less drama.

Different Versions of Beyonce's Listen

I'm comparing the different versions of Listen sung by 3 artists--Beyonce, Melanie Amaro and Charice. Who do you think did it better live?

Here's X-Factor USA's Season 1 winner, Melanie Amaro's version:


Here's Oprah and David Foster's ward, Charice's version:


And finally, the original version of the incomparable, Beyonce.


The song is so emotional and a lot of people can relate to it. Whenever I hear it, especially if sung live and the singer hits the notes, I just want to stand up and clap my heart out.

The Meme Proposal

I saw this video from the Weddings@Work FB page. I just want to share it as I found it very sweet, simple and romantic. I was really crying afterwards and even if I watch it again and again, I would still shed tears.

The couple is from Malaysia. The guy is the founder of Nuffnang and the girl is a blogger. I wish the couple all the best.

Typhoon Sendong - Help CDO and Iligan

For a country that has an average of 21 typhoons blowing through it every year, Typhoon Sendong (international name: Washi) caught us unawares...again. With Ondoy still fresh in our minds, it makes you wonder why CDO or Iligan was not as prepared. The blame game is now starting but one reason is that these two cities are not used to storms. Typhoons would normally hit Luzon or some portions of Visayas but definitely not Mindanao. The storm dumped one month's worth of rain in just a days time overflowing rivers which led to the flash floods. The images that are now being posted across the internet makes me cringe.

Global warming is really upon us. We have to adapt and change our mindset of "it won't happen to us" to "I have to be prepared. It might happen to us." Call it paranoia but better be safe than sorry. The weather is changing fast and it's screwing our environment.

I'm glad though that there are no calls on meaningless investigations or resignations yet. First things first. We should help out Cagayan de Oro and Iligan get back on their feet. Christmas is a mere week away and we should try our best to make their Christmas less bleak as possible. Many have lost their possessions and loved ones. We can't replace the lives lost but we are capable of providing comfort and sympathy. If you can't go to the area, then try to share what you have.

I got the list below from Rock Ed Philippines in Facebook. It's quite comprehensive so please, let's help. They need us more than ever.

Cagayan de Oro — DSWD. Volunteers needed at DSWD Cagayan de Oro (Masterson rd, Upper Carmen) to repack and deliver relief goods. Call +63906-615-0095 or tweet @DSWDserve.

Iligan — Iligan Bloggers Society. Meet at Rizal Park at 8AM everyday, until the need subsides. Contact: Erika Cruz 0905-280-2002

Red Cross — Contact Ramil at 0926-902-3726 or 0917-722-1874

DONATE

DSWD
National Resource Operations Center (NROC) Chapel Rd. Pasay City (Back of Air Transportation Office) Contact: Francia Fabian 0918 9302356
Manila - DSWD Field Office NCR: San Rafael St., Legarda, Manila
Alabang - DSWD Field Office IV-A: Alabang-Zapote Road, Alabang, Muntinlupa City 1770 Tel. No.: (02) 807-4140 Fax No.: (02) 807-1518 Contact: Gina Laranan 09108860826
Malate, Manila - DSWD Field Office IV-B: 1680 F. T. Benitez St., Malate Manila Contact: Shiela Tapia (02) 5252445

Rock Ed Iligan — Running a soup kitchen in Iligan now. Donate any amount so they can continue to serve hot meals for homeless families in the neighborhood to BPI Loyola 3080.0073.44. Tweet @rockedradio or @RockEdIligan for help

Red Cross
Via credit card & bank deposit. Visit http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow
Via Globe. Text RED < amount > to 2899. You may transfer P5, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500
Via Smart. Text RED < amount > to 4143. Valid donation amounts 10, 25, 50, 100

Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro — Needs donations in CASH, FOOD (noodles, canned goods, etc.), BOTTLED WATER, and CLEAN CLOTHES. Details here: http://www.xu.edu.ph/index.php/other-news/642-bagyong-sendong-relief-operations-in-xavier-university/
Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

Cash donations can be deposited at this account:
Account Name: Xavier University
Account Number: 9331-0133-63
BPI MAIN BRANCH

Iligan Bloggers Society — asking for cash donations, canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers. Details here: http://iliganbloggers.com/food/one-for-iligan-help-the-typhoon-sendong-victims/

Donation Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com
UNION BANK Account: Revilla N. Carbonell-Noel – 109451077611

ILIGAN – BASED DONORS:
St. Michaels’ Cathedral, DXIC Radio Staion, City Hall, Rizal Park, and Calda Pizza Iligan City Branch

LUZON DONORS DROP OFF POINTS:
Makati City: 3553 Durango St., Palanan, Makati City 1235. Contact Migz @ 09065777812 or 09227130006 OR 6-D Cypress Gardens Condo 112 VA Rufino St. Makati City c/o Meikah Delid
Quezon City: Berkeley Residences, Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. Contact Jamie Steffani Mijares @ 09157744244
Manila/Taft Avenue: Madison Square Condominium, Taft Avenue, Manila, Right infront of De La Salle University, Right beside Kenny Rogers . Contact Roden Lim @ 09228446777

ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya — Donations accepted in cash and in kind. Details: http://www.facebook.com/notes/anc-247/heres-how-you-can-help-victims-of-sendong-via-sagip-kapamilya/10150529342939122

GMA Kapuso Foundation — Accepting donations for Sendong victims.
www.kapusofoundation.com.
9284299, 9289351.
Metrobank Peso Savings account: GMA Kapuso Foundation, Inc. / Account Number: 3-098-51034-7

La Salle Greenhills — Donations will be accepted starting December 19, 2011 (Monday) -- Donations in cash and kind can be received at Gate 2 of La Salle Green Hills at 343 Ortigas Avenue, Mandaluyong City 1550. You may also call any of the following telephone numbers for further inquiries:
Aluimni Office — 721-2729, 722-7750, 725-4720
GS Principal — 721-2482
HS Principal — 721-8914
Buildings and Grounds Office — 721-8904 (Telefax)
La Sallian Mission Office — 726-5851 (Telefax)

La Salle Academy in Iligan City is accepting donations in kind and in cash. Money may be deposited to:
Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) Account No. 0820-016221-030.
Kindly inform Lourdes Melegrito of COSCA the details of your donation at email lourdes.melegrito@dlsu.edu
.ph, Tel. No. 524-4611 local 147 or telefax 523-4143

US-based individuals may help Sendong victims through PhilDev: https://secure3.convio.net/phdev/site/Donation2?df_id=1401&1401.donation=form1&set.SingleDesignee=1881&JServSessionIdr004=z7xs4t1dr3.app332b

Back Home

Returning to St. Scholastica's College as a teacher has never been part of my plans. After taking STRAMA under Prof. Elfren Cruz and earning my MBA degree, I had this sudden urge to teach. Maybe it's because I helped him check term papers and somehow found out that I liked it. I have a professor friend who was looking for part-time faculty early this year and even if I was qualified and the department head was ready to hire me, I had a trip that could not be rescheduled during the start of the term so it did not work out.

Fortunately, I was called back a few weeks ago as one of the faculty had to go on leave and asked me to replace her. So I went back to make a demo lecture and was hired. I returned today to fix my requirements, get some reading materials and have a last minute talk with the leaving professor.

While waiting, I walked around and re-familiarized myself with the surroundings that I called home for 11 years.



The above picture is inside the chapel where we held countless masses and where we even had our First Communion. While I was saying my prayer (and taking this picture), there was a choir that was practicing and I stayed a bit to listen to their beautiful voices. If it wasn't for the overpowering smell of incense (or some chemical), I would've stayed longer but I did not want to pass out so I left and walked around some more.



The college building is fronting the field. We had our field demonstrations on this open piece of land and I could still remember when we were in Grade 3 (or was that Grade 4) where we danced in ruffles while playing the maracas (the name of the song escapes me right now. I hope someone can enlighten me) and I think we had fruits on our heads too.

The building on the left is the newly built St. Cecilia's Hall. I think they tore down the whole building which housed the auditorium where we had our "Linggo ng Wika" celebrations and if I remember it right, Miriam Defensor-Santiago also had a talk there (I think that was when she was running for President. Oh my, I'm old!). The College library is also in that building and I was there earlier to borrow some books for my class. I'm impressed with their library and I'm looking forward to spending some time there.

The middle building is the canteen. I can still remember when we can return Coke bottles for the deposit. And my favorite food back then was cheesepie with ice cream! :) And the arroz caldo too! I can still remember how yummy it smelled.

I'm looking forward to revisit my roots and see what has changed and what has remained the same. I'll be posting more pictures and would probably reminisce more.

My New Alter-Ego, Professor

Thanks to graphicshunt.com for the image.

Starting January 2012, I will have another role added to my current persona. Other then being a wife, mother, daughter (in-law), sister (in-law), niece, grand-daughter, aunt, cousin, subordinate, officemate and friend, I will be a teacher.

I remember when I was in high school, I entertained the thought of being a teacher but for the life of me, I can't recall why I did not consider it as a career option.I just thought about it seriously after earning my MBA degree last year and credit goes to my Strategic Management professor, Mr. Elfren Cruz for sowing the idea into my brain. You see, I helped him check papers of his STRAMA students and helping them sort through pages and pages of theories for the appropriate strategy. I thoroughly enjoyed that exercise and even returned the next term to help him again.

It also helps that according to Strengths-finder, my primary strength is "Learner", meaning I thrive in an environment where I am constantly learning. Where else will I continue to learn but in school and as a teacher at that?

I will be a replacement professor as the current teacher has to go on leave due to her sensitive pregnancy. I was supposed to start last June but since I had to leave for the US, it did not work out. I'm so glad that they called me back to ask for my availability. I might continue this up to next term and hope that this would inspire me to put the zing back in my work.

My students will be third year college students studying for their Bachelors degree in Business Management. Hopefully, I will be able to impart all that I can to them and will make the learning experience as fun as possible.

Wish me luck!

Basti's "Wind, Wind, Sugar Baby"

I first saw him reciting this nursery rhyme a couple of days ago. He kept on repeating the whole verse over and over and over--like an Energizer Bunny. When we met up with my College friends awhile ago, I asked him to recite it and he did--over and over again. :)

My New Favorite Loveteam -- Sarah and Gerald

I seldom watch Filipino movies for the reason I can't find someone to go with me. But yesterday, on my birthday, my sister-in-law invited me to watch Sarah Geronimo and Gerald Anderson's new movie, "Won't Last a Day Without You". I was not able to watch their first movie, "Catch Me, I'm in Love" which was shown last March but that did not deter me from watching their new project.

I didn't have any expectations on the movie except for the news that Gerald and Sarah has good chemistry. True enough, I was so "kilig" while watching the whole movie. Though there were some unbelievable moments, their budding on-screen romance somehow makes up for it. Gerald also can now be considered a viable leading man on his own and it's good that his team-up with Kim Chiu was discontinued. For some reason, it did him good as his team-up with Sarah can be considered a commercial success.

In the movie, Sarah is a DJ who gives love advice over the air and unfortunately, her advice to a listener caused the girl to break up with her boyfriend on air! The boy (that's Gerald, of course) stormed to the radio station to confront the supposedly erring disk jockey. The sparks start to fly from there. It's amusing to see Gerald's character improve from being a chronic playboy to an honest-to-goodness person that can be considered perfect boyfriend material. Of course, that's where the kilig moments happen.

The supporting characters added color to the movie--such as John Lapus as Sarah's co-DJ and Joey de Leon as Sarah's rocker father. Lapus was in his lovable bading best (I still can't get over him in "Here Comes the Bride" where he was "possessed" by the soul of the lolo. Ang guwapo niya bilang isang lalaki ha. Kamukha niya si Jett Pangan. Hehehe). De Leon was also amusing with his quips (e.g. he calls his daughter Sarah, "anaconda"--ang anak niyang maganda) and his rocker eyeliner.) Wish to see him in more movies like this.

Gerald's character, from what I've deduced, is a probinsiano (he uses his Cebuano accent throughout the movie. I found it quite charming) who's trying to take the board exam for nursing (it's kinda confusing as the girlfriend claims he's trying to be a doctor but he's studying for nursing?) but his playboy ways is preventing him from achieving that. Gerald can really bring the kilig especially now with his well-honed body (those abs!!!). I can't remember him being this fit during his PBB days.

Sarah Geronimo was a revelation ever since I saw her first movie with John Lloyd Cruz. I posted about it here. I was wondering whether how she will fare with a different loveteam and I'm happy to say that she does not disappoint.

Overall, I like the movie and it made me look for their first movie which my husband fortunately found for me. Will write another review for that. Oh and watch out for the bloopers during the credits. There's one scene where Gerald was trying to motivate Sarah and he uttered somebody's name which made everyone burst out in laughter.

Because of this, I am now officially a Gerald Anderson fan. How can I join his fan club? Seriously.

TTC

During our Discovery Weekend, Leo and I planned to have two kids with a three year age gap. So far we already have one kid and he's turning three this coming January. In order to meet our self-imposed deadline, my husband and I have been trying to conceive since June.

It's not easy for me to get pregnant. I have a condition called PCOS which I posted about here. Any pregnancy attempt would require a cycle of duphaston/provera, clomifene, follicle monitoring and keeping a close watch on the calendar.

We have been on this cycle for two months already and each attempt has failed. When I got my period last Friday, I just cried. I felt so exhausted and wondered whether our son would be an only child. I decided not to go back for a third session and to just rest this month.

The past two disappointing months that we've had made me question God's plan for me. We already have one child and there are other couples who are struggling to even have one. Maybe this is God's way of telling me to be content with what I have. Also, maybe He has other things planned for me--something better.

Whatever it is, I just have to wait for it to unfold in His time. In the meantime, I will just enjoy the holidays and be thankful with what I have.

A friend who recently lost her 19-day old son sent me a bible reading which she said helped her through her loss. I was so touched when she sent it to me as for someone who has suffered more than I did, she still managed to reach out and provide me comfort:

From Jeremiah 28:11-14
For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.[a] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

I Heart David Cook

I was crazy over David Cook when he won American Idol three years ago, and I'm still as crazy over him until now. His recently released sophomore album refueled my fervor for him.

One reason why I love him so much is that you could feel his passion through every lyric that he sings. When he sang the above song live, I was melting (and to think that was in youtube. What more if I'm really there?). When he was still competing in Idol, I would scream whenever he would look in the camera with his really dreamy eyes.

David is also one of the rare singers who still sounds good when he sings live (others uses auto-tune so there's a big discrepancy when you listen to the album and hear them sing live). When he covered Adele's Rolling in the Deep, I wish I was there in the crowd to scream and clap for him. What you hear is what you get.

That's why I'm still sore that I missed his show when I was in NYC last June. I would've given anything just to see him live and would have paid the extra money for VIP passes. Hugging him would be a big check off my bucket list.

Until I can get that chance, I would continue to watch youtube videos of his concerts and pray and wish that I would get the chance to see him sing live again. I fervently hope so.

Basti's Prayer

We've been teaching Basti to pray and I managed to record one of his nightly prayers.

Let me translate his prayer:

(Sign of the Cross)
Papa Jesus, thank you for our food, my blessings..
Bless Mommy,
Bless Daddy,
Bless Lolo
Bless Lola
Bless Yaya
(and starts to name his classmates)
Bless Valerie, Carlson, Rhian, Megan, Zachariah, Inigo, Gabrielle, Sebastian
Bless Mommy!
As I pray
(trying to pray Angel of God but end up being garbled)

Bicipital Tendinitis

I was not suffering from a pinched nerve after all. According to the Rehab Doctor, I was suffering form Bicipital Tendinitis which in layman terms means inflammation of my bicep tendon. According to my therapist, if it was a pinched nerve, the pain would've been more immense than what I was suffering.

After my acupuncture session last night, I started my physical therapy today. I was given a hot compress, then heat ultrasound and afterwards, some exercises. The exercises were quite painful. We were able to do 10 rotations of my arm and 5 of side rotation--which is more painful.

What caused it? Well, I was very remiss in stretching before my work-out last Monday. I stopped going to the gym for a couple of months and last Monday was my second day back. I foolishly increased the weights on the machines where I did my shoulder press and other arm exercises thinking I can lift them. Unfortunately, I did not stretch properly before my work-out.

Well, now I know and it's a lesson well-learned. I promise to stretch before my work-outs from now on.

Thanks to mdguidelines.com for the picture.

Acupuncture

I'm not a fan of needles. That's why I when I gave birth, I refused the anesthesia until I was 19 hours into labor and with only 6cm in dilation to show. However, as mentioned in my previous post, I was suffering from a bad case of pinched nerves and I haven't had a decent night sleep in 3 days.

I went to Tokyo Healthlink this afternoon to schedule an appointment with a Rehab doctor. I came in at 330PM and was fortunately first in line. I went home afterwards as the doctor won't be in until 530PM. I just returned at 5PM.

When the doctor came and checked my arm, I almost cried when he began twisting and bending my left arm. He asked me if I'm open to acupuncture. I just paused for a bit as I haven't tried it before but I'd try anything to alleviate the pain. Not giving me the chance to change my mind, I was brought into the treatment room.



I was made to lie down on a cot and next thing I knew, needles were being inserted on my forehead, arms, legs and feet. It was not painful at all. In fact, the bite of an ant is more painful. I could immediately feel myself relaxing and that somehow was part of the healing process.

The needles were left in my skin for 20 minutes and after taking them off, the doctor tried stretching my arm. It still hurt but at least the degree of pain is smaller than before.

I'm due to return tomorrow for therapy (hot compress, ultrasound etc. Same as what they did to treat my de Quervain's Tenosynovitis almost three years ago.) Best of all, the consultation and therapy was covered by my HMO (go Maxicare!).

Hopefully, I can sleep peacefully tonight without waking up to the pain.

Pinched Nerve

On Wednesday night, I noticed that my left arm was feeling sore. I didn't pay attention to it as I just went to the gym the previous day. But when I couldn't move my arm anymore the next day, I knew there was something wrong.

I self-diagnosed with the help of webmd.com and found out that I have a pinched nerve. As I knew therapy was needed, I called our local manghihilot to deal with my shoulder.

When she arrived and started working on my shoulder. She confirmed that it was indeed a pinched nerve and massaged the nerves out.

My arm is still sore up to now but getting better. I haven't had a decent night's sleep in three nights and I'm getting grumpy. I couldn't get dressed without any assistance from my husband. What frustrates me is that I can't take any painkillers as we're in the middle of TTC. I just have to do with Paracetamol and it somehow takes the edge off but still painful.

I think what made it really painful yesterday was the aircon in the office. Temperature is relatively Siberian (although it's only 22C but that feels like 10C to me) and somehow amplified the pain.

Hopefully today, my arm will feel better. I miss cradling my son and playing with him.

(Thanks to healthcentral.com for the picture)

Day 19 - Groton, CT (4th of July Parade)

I was finally able to witness an honest-to-goodness local 4th of July Parade. It's nothing like the Rose Bowl but it's more of a community parade where almost every aspect of the community has its own float.

Before going there, I resolved to eat a healthy breakfast so I can some cereal, fresh blueberries and humongous strawberries. This is what it looked like:



If there's one thing I miss about the US, it's the fresh fruits as shown above. That was the best breakfast that I had when I was there. I tried to duplicate it here but I could not find fruits that are as fresh like what I got there.

My step-sister-in-law, Eldica and my stepbrother, Patrick together with their son, Christian, picked us up and took us to the next town (Groton) where we staked a spot across the local Dunkin Donut (apparently, Dunkin Donuts is really big in the East Coast. Krispy Kreme is not heard of there) to wait for the parade.

The parade featured the navy servicemen in their really spiffy uniforms. There were also the vintage cars and motorcycles. It was interesting as it gives you an idea on what kind of community Groton is.

I told Eldica that on my next visit, I would want to visit an old-fashioned country fair. I want to eat the local food and see the local sights. Somehow, it's like seeing all the stuff that I read come to life. She promised to take me and I can't wait!

Here she is with her really cute son:

Day 18 - Gales Ferry, CT and Sunni Dae

(Continuation of my travel posts. Day 18 is July 3, Sunday)

We spent the 4th of July weekend with my mom and stepfather at their CT house.

I really love their community because it's so peaceful and most of the people who live there are retirees from the nearby US Navy/Submarine base. We heard mass that morning in the local Catholic church. Again, they have that lovely musical organ and the sole singer who leads the congregation in the singing.

My stepfather has turned my mom into a dog lover and this weekend, they were able to bring home their new dog--an Akita breed--named Sunni Dae. I can't recall why they named her as such but she is one cute puppy.



Like any newborn baby, she pees and poops a lot and my stepdad would wake up in the middle of the night to take her out. I remember waking up also as I would hear her crying in her kennel.

I bet she's big now. I was told that this specific breed really grows and is quite loyal (there's a movie called Hachiko and a lot of my dog-lover friends have attested that it's quite a tearjerker. The dog there is an Akita breed). Can't wait to visit my mom again so I can see Sunni Dae.

The Walking Dead Season 2

After posting about the first season, I knew I had to watch to follow where this new season goes. The first season was just too short so hopefully, they'll make it longer this time.

I'm deathly scared of zombies. It ranks up there with cockroaches as my greatest fear. I used to have nightmares about those damned creatures. I want to blame my childhood as we would watch every zombie flick ever made whenever we would go to the province for a vacation. Since it was pretty rural and that we leave near the cemetery, it makes quite a nice setting for any nightmare.

The new season is now on its second episode. There are still a lot of plots that need to unravel and hopefully, it won't take until the end of the season for all things to happen. I watch them with half my attention as I don't want them invading my dreams. I just read the episode guides to see what I might have missed.

I know I'm such a ninny but I value my sleep too much to have it disturbed by undead creatures chasing after me. *shudder shudder shudder*

The Plans of Mice and Men

Ever since I got back from the US, I've been wanting to do so many things. Updating my blog is one thing and I have fallen way, way behind. There are still numerous items in my to-do list which I hope to finish before the end of the year. I want to start the new year with a clean slate as much as possible.

I also updated my blog template. I've had that template for two years and it's time for a change. Hope you like this one.

One of things that we're planning is to give Basti a baby brother or sister. But it's not as easy as it sounds due to my condition. The first cycle was not successful so we have to go through another cycle--which starts tomorrow. I hope this time around, it works. Wish us luck!

Day 17 - Submarine Museum in CT

(Catching up on my travel posts. Day 17 is July 2, Saturday)



On Saturday, my mom, Leo and I headed off to the Submarine Naval Base to check out their museum. I haven't been inside a submarine before and they have the Nautilus SSN 571 permanently docked at the museum.



Here's a partial view of the submarine at the back.



Instead of a tour guide, they had this interactive handheld recorder (I forgot what it's actually called) where you can listen to some trivia about the ship if prompted by a sign. Here's Leo listening to the device as he views an exhibit.



The whole ship is so small and cramped. I can't imagine the sailors living in that thing for months a time. Even the sleeping compartments are so minuscule! I pity the guy who gets the middle bunk.



We took lots of pictures. I'll just post them in Facebook once I've organized that day.

Day 16 - Gales Ferry, Connecticut

The first of July, being a Friday, was time for mom and her husband to head off to their home in Gales Ferry, CT. It's easier to get there from Shelter Island compared to the trip that we took from NJ.

We took the ferry to Greenport and we drove up to Orient Point, the end point of Eastern long Island. From there, we took the Cross Sound Ferry services which took us across the channel to New London, CT. Gales Ferry is a mere 15 minutes from the port of New London.

Here's a picture of the bridge that we crossed from the port going to Gales Ferry.



Arriving at the house, we put away our stuff and got ready for dinner at a place in Noank called The Fisherman Restaurant. We managed to get a table with a nice view.



After dinner, we drove around Noank to look at the old houses. I think the oldest one that I saw was built during the early 1800s. The town is a small fishing village where they have more ship/boat yards than churches. Look them up in wikipedia.

I was able to take pictures of the houses but since we were in the car, the shots were not so good. Nevertheless, here they are. Advanced apologies for the crummy shots.





I like the house in the last picture but it somehow reminds me of a haunted house (shudder).

Nevertheless, I wish I was able to take better pictures. I really liked that village. Like a blast from the past.

Day 15 - Shelter Island, New York

On Day 14, Tita Chit took us to do some shopping at Walmart and drove us back to my sister at Avenel. I get to watch TV and watch Man vs. Food (I so love this show).

On Thursday, the 30th of June, we were on our way to my mom's place at Shelter Island. A lot of people don't know where it is as you have to take the ferry to get there. It's somewhere in Long Island and the scenery going there is quite charming. Think white houses with porches. I saw my dream house near Greenport too.

As no one would be able to take us there, my mom previously gave us tickets for the Hampton Jitney which dropped us off at port. The trip took us 2 hours and a half. I called my mom when we were near the Southold and she met us at the bus stop at Greenport.

As it was past noon, we had lunch at one of the places near the dock. I finally had the lobster that I have been craving for since I arrived in the US.



Here I am with the meal. And yes, I finished all of it by myself. :)



After showing us a bit of the town, we then boarded the ferry (which takes 7-8 minutes) to Shelter Island.

Shelter Island is definitely a summer place. During the summer, the population swells to almost 10,000 but during the rest of the year, it's only down to 2,000. It's a place where people spend their long vacations and holidays and definitely a hang-out of the elite, not surprising as it's near the Hamptons.

My mom owns a business there which provides home health care and other personal services to those who needs it in the island (most of the people who live there are retirees).

Here's a sample of the scenery in the island. There are a lot of beaches there although of course, they are nothing like the beaches in the Philippines.





My mom and Rusell took us to dinner at a restaurant in Sunset Beach. The name of the place escapes me now but they swore they won't be going back for the lousy service that we got.

Day 13 - New York, Part 3.2

After Central Park, we tried to see more of New York as much as we can. Still keeping with our gustatory theme, we resolved to taste the best of New York that this wonderful city can offer.

We went to this place called Levain Bakery that according to Carlo, sells the best chocolate chip cookies in town. I just had to try it




This gives you a perspective on how humongous this cookie was.



Next stop was MoMA (The Museum of the Modern Art). Unfortunately, when we got there, it was closed (they close on Tuesdays!). We just contented ourselves on taking pictures of the exterior design and shopping at the MoMA store.



We were getting hungry and it was past lunch time already. Carlo took us to another hole-in-the wall type restaurant called Totto Ramen over at 52nd street. As the lunch rush was over, the line outside the place was not that long. We waited for around 10 minutes before our name was called.

Carlo ordered the vegetarian ramen (first picture below) while Leo and I got the ramen with charsiu pork (second picture below) each. It was absolutely delicious!




With our bellies full of the wonderful ramen, we decided to brave the throngs of Time Square and try to see if we can find cheap Broadway tickets. However, when we got there the lines were so long that we opted not to watch anymore and just see the sights.





If you notice Bumblebee in the background, it was the premier night of the new Transformers movie (or was that the next night).

Wandering around, we decided to see the Statue of Liberty. Since we did not endure the long lines going to Ellis Island (and practically wasting what's left of our day), we took the Staten Island Ferry and saw the Lady from the ferry. So we got on a subway train up to the end of the line. From there, we lined up to take the ferry which left every 15 minutes. Best of all, it was free! Have a couple of nice pictures below.




All tired out from the day of walking, we took the train back to Hoboken and picked up Nicole (Leo's cousin). We all went to dinner to a place called Grimaldi's. Great pizza. Here we are chatting it up. (In our hunger, we forgot to take pictures of the really scrumptious pizzas that we ordered).




From there, we walked the downtown main street looking for dessert and we found a nice ice cream place called Rita's. I ordered a mixed ice with sundae. It was absolutely yummy!



We went to Newport to gaze at the NYC skyline across the river while waiting for sunset. Take note of the St. Scho Swatch! :)



And our photo with part of the NYC skyline. I think that's the Empire State Building in the background.