Breaking for Bread

My mom told me that my brother started making bread and had me thinking about trying it out. Now that I am older and can focus more, what better time than to be reintroduced to the Tassajara book. I do remember glancing at the book once or twice when I was younger but the directions alone can scare off anyone! Now that I am far less manic, I was interested for the first time to add bread making to my list of domestic duties.

My dad used to make bread that would fill our house with the aroma of a bakery. I never watched him make it although was the first to give a taste test. Years later he invested in a bread maker and readied the ingredients at least once a week. At the time one of our cats was especially fond or should I say addicted to the yeast. She somehow learned how to open the section where the yeast was placed and would lick every grain out.




To my surprise, Mom gave me the book for Christmas and a couple days later she showed me some of her own tricks and pointers on how to make bread. It is quite a workout but worth the labor intensive process. I immediately fell in love with the bread and we polished off one of the loaves in the first day. We even made miniature loaves for Noah and his cousin Adeline. If I could, I would bake my own bread over store bought anytime. We will see how possible it is with a feisty 2 year old running around the apartment.

Traditions and Family

Christmas with the Crowder/Pasquarellos!

Yes, I am the sentimental type and heavy on family traditions. Because my memory is not so great I always made a point to take pictures and thanks to the advanced technology in photography I won't miss those important moments!

If only I kept a list of gifts that I gave to my family....I am sure they would make me laugh hysterically.

Christmas at the Crowder's (and Pasquarellos) always starts with an early rise so we could tear into our stockings! We are flexible about the time of arrival now that we are older but still engage in paper shredding through our stockings.

There was one point when we had a membership to Price Club (warehouse) and our stockings were filled with 6 dozen pencils and other bulk items like post its and scotch tape! We still continue the tradition because it would not be Christmas without it!


The next phase was Christmas breakfast, which always includes grapefruit topped with meraschino cherries and the usual makings like scrambled eggs or pancakes and even buckwheat waffles....I suppose it was the preparation that made has made it memorable because there is something to say about too many cooks in the kitchen.....

This year we had a cranberry coffee cake and pomegranate with dill and pistachios. Delish!

Once our tummies were full we proceeded to the living room, exchange gifts and play with our new toys for the rest of the day.

Pinay Power Brunch


I hosted the December Holiday PPB at my apartment after a long hiatus of attending the brunches. The purpose of the brunch is to gather on a monthly basis and offer a comforting and supportive environment for young Filipina women in the NYC area. Most brunches have themes, ice breakers and other fun activities for the ladies to learn more about each other, discuss relevant newsworthy events, or talk about life.
For me it has been the outlet I have been seeking since becoming a mom and wanting to keep my connections with the Filipina community.

As the hostess of the holiday brunch my suggestion was to decorate cookies. The wanna-be chef side of me that wanted to exploring the art of cooking. What better project than to bake sugar cookies and decorate with icing, and sprinkles. Baking or cooking anything from scratch still is new to me so I researched recipies, stocked up on ingredients and made sure I had all the traditional cookie cutters.

I was in a baking frenzy before the guests arrived but I enjoyed the rush of having to methodically roll the dough, use the cookie cutters and keep a mental timer of the cookie readiness.

Of course, a couple batches of the cookies did not make it but over all I was very satisfied with the end products. Noah also took part desperately wanting to shake the sprinkles and dots all over people. His sneaky quickness did allow him to try the icing which instantly transformed him into a crazed sugar hyper kid.

Aside from the cookie making, we also had a wrapped book exchange. I was particularly entertained by my gift because it was a trashy novella that I got from the 7-11 while I was in the Philippines a few years back. I did use a bandana from the Philippines to cover the book since the book itself was not the most desirable to most.

We had a sharing of the significance of the holidays and our fondest memories. I talked about my first winter as a new arrival in the U.S. when I was five. I spent hours of delight in the snow, making my own fortress by the garage, eating snow dripped with maple syrup and the fascination that white stuff was falling from the sky!

Everyone went home with a handful of cookies. I hope if not at PPB I can host another cookie decorating party. Who says it only has to be during the Winter Holidays?! Maybe I will have a Valentine's Day cookie decorating party!

Noah finally realized that he has to blow into the recorder in order to make a noise. He is now a champ at playing a flute as well.

Yes, this is none other than Tim Robbins!

At a going away party for my good friend at Negril in the West Village. He happened to be supporting an event that was hosted at the lounge and I could not help but ask for a picture with him and my former co-worker!

He was admittedly good-natured about having yet another person ask him for a picture. I sounded like a babbling fool when I approached him! I remembered him in the movie Shawshank Redemption although could not think of his name for the life of me!

I HEART NEW YORK

NYC - Where there is always something to do around every corner.......

We have already lived in the Upper West Side for over 2 months and we have so many places to explore along Riverside Park across to Central Park. I have not even brought Noah to CP because Riverside seems so close. I probably will start taking him when I begin my running regiment for the Fall......we will see.

On one of our excursions to the Dinosaur Park (on 96th and Riverside Drive) I saw a poster about the Riverside Park Fair from 78th-68th Streets sponsored by Riverside Park Fund. The heat was so brutal we could not appreciate all the booths, rides, and activities that we wanted to. The County Fair, which featured a blue grass band, farmer's market, kiddie rides along the pier were some of the attractions. We did find the petting zoo, sponsored by Green Chimneys protected by the Riverside Drive overpass.

Riverside Park Fund has a calendar of events that is worth a look. I would have loved to kyak for free on the Hudson had I known about it. There are also volunteer opportunities on the weekends, sporting events and fundraisers.

Look Ma, I can hold my own ice cream bar!

My mom with my sisters in laws and Robin Banks!

It's never a "drag" at Cafe Nine - First ever Drag Show

How many people can say they brought their mom to a drag show?!

It was indeed a rare girls night out with my mom and brother's wives. Our schedules have always been hectic but this particular evening it worked out! We started off eating at Kumo Japanese Hibachi restaurant. Thank gosh we were four because it turned out that there was an ordering minimum for sitting at the hibachi table......though admittedly the presentation of the food (particularly the chef cooking at the hibachi) was far better than I had expected.

After a very fulfilling meal and of course my necessity to push my limits with fried bananas, we headed to Cafe Nine for the first ever Drag Show at Cafe Nine. There was a great line up local favorites and a couple veterans. The music selection was fabulous and the the crowd seemed very entertained.

I do have to admit I was worried about my mom and her 'virgin ears' but she she assured me that before she had kids she swore far worse than a sailor!


I lucked out with this photo, pointing and shooting at just the right time. One of my faves of the night - and the performance was just as great.

Bryant Park Le Carrousel

Traveling in the city with Noah is much easier these days now that we live on the Upper West Side. The 1 train is a stones throw away from our apartment and other than the usual lifting of the stroller or of Noah, it is a breeze.

One of our summer adventures brought us to Bryant Park where Noah has open space to walk where ever he pleases. We came upon Le Carrousel and I ended up buying a 10 ride ticket because he kept on getting upset when the ride came to an end. We went around 4 times before Mom started getting dizzy.

His first time mounting the frog brought a frightened look to his face as I strapped him in. The frog was not stationary but once he became comfortable going up and down he could not get enough of it.

Out with the OLD in with the UPPER WEST SIDE!

As sad as it is for me to leave the UES I cannot express how delighted we are to move to the UWS. After five years I am finally saying goodbye to a neighborhood I loved to hate. I remember the first year (2003) I moved to 78th and 2nd (my cramped but cozy studio) and someone asked me where I lived. When I told him, his is response was something like, "you don't have to look behind your back all the time and is generally safe."

Though somewhat true, I would have probably opted to live elsewhere if the opportunity arose. What I will miss is the recent business/friendship I made at the Personal Affairs boutique on E. 80th between 3rd and 2nd. I will also terribly miss some of the restaurants and stores that I frequented on a regular basis such as Cafe Evergreen, Ali Baba Bodega, Sassy Slider's, Sunny's Chinese, Citarella, Orwasher's Handmade Bread, Sable's, Choux Cafe and so on. Of course I cannot forget the ever so friendly tailor on 78th who would sing to Noah when he was first born.

The UES was isolating at times because it was majority white although honestly, as mono-racial as it was, it was to an extent my comfort zone. In the end I outgrew the neighborhood and especially the apartment. Our closets were jammed with excess boxes and containers and piles of our belongings began to grow around us.

I also learned that the owners of the building were slowly pushing people out of our apartment (or in one case, waiting for our neighbor below us to "move on." She is 102 years old and has a rent controlled apartment in which she pays $350 a month. Eventually they want to demolish it and build a luxury high rise. Go figure.

Our move went smoothly for the most part. We did not spend one cent on boxes and as you may know they go for $4-8! Oz Moving guys were hard working and meant business considering they had to manage the boxes down 5 narrow flights of stairs in a pre-war building with out an elevator. There was one guy from Nepal who insisted on carrying items without shoes or socks. The heat did not help although I made sure they were hydrated!

We must have had a hell of a lot of things because the movers told us our boxes and furniture filled 3/4 regulation size moving truck. The morning was exhausting but to even consider the move into our new apartment and having to unpack gave me a headache. We did have one scare in which the 2 of the 4 legs of our couch was missing. It was a miracle that it was found in the empty moving truck after every box was removed.

Our new apartment has so many things in close proximity. The 1 train is half a block away from us. The Riverside Park is 2 1/2 blocks away with a plethora of thematic parks for Noah to jaunt around in, Central Park is 4 blocks away, Columbia University and its domain is 13 blocks away, there is a fruit stand beside a coffee and bagel vendor on the corner of the street, Planet Kids around the block, and the list goes on.

The apartment building itself has an elevator, laundry facilities, a storage pod for our future bikes and seasonal clothes and lots more floor space for our future visitors (wink.)

I heart the UWS!















<< Our slanted kitchen. It was so annoying to cook since the stove was also lopsided, always making for an entertaining experience when cooking.

















<< The former living room looking into Noah's room. Can you see the slant of the floors - it is not the camera!


















NEW APARTMENT! Wall to wall built in bookshelves that will easily be filled by John's collection of books along with my small library and magazines!

















<< The sunken living room!

A Moment of PRIDE


I love parades - they give me goose bumps and sometimes have pushed me to wet eyes.

It is a combination of the camaraderie, a display of rich culture and energy that have me coming back to spectate.

Noah, John and I were invited to join the Center
and march in the Gay Pride Parade with Kevin (Noah's god-father.) It was a magnificent day to join thousands of people who support LGBTQs as there was no sight of clouds (until later.) We walked over 50 blocks waving, passing out the Center stickers and Kevin was happy to oblige when people asked to take pictures of him with Noah. We had a Celebrate Diversity flag from last year's parade and Noah waved it around playfully.

I have a family member who has been living with AIDS for over 20 years and another friend who was diagnosed 5 years ago so the Parade also was to pay homage to them. Noah is lucky to be growing in a time where there is more tolerance, resources and education about such issues as being LGBTQ.

This photo was taken in Central Park behind Summer Stage. Both sides are lined with benches and reminds me of what a park might be like in Western Europe.

Camera

Canon
PowerShot A570 IS
4X Optical Zoom
7.1 Mega Pixel

Celebrating the warm weather with a splash
John Jay Park, NYC

The mind of a toddler: intrigues and frustrations.

These days Noah's attention span is that of many kids his age - very scattered. We read that we should rotate his toys because kids can grow tired of them. When I do take them out again its as if they are entering his life for the first time.

His most recent entertainment has been figuring out the buckles on his stroller and high chair with great excitement. He has yet to successfully unbuckle the straps but heck, I can't push for everything since it will eventually happen.

He has not formulated words but is phonetically associating sounds he hears and mimics us. Otherwise, he likes to shriek with joy or frustration.

Either way, he seems to be a well adjusted little guy who loves to smile, flirt with anyone, and amuse himself with his toys. What else could we ask for?!

JEWELRY UPDATE: ETSY.COM SITE OFFICIALLY OPEN FOR BUSINESS!

I officially opened my Etsy store and within days had my first sale! Exciting times considering Etsy has over 100,000o crafters all over the world and selling their goods. I have some of my items listed on the right side of my blog that you can view.

Launched in 2005, "Etsy is an online marketplace for buying and selling all things hand made." You can very likely find anything hand crafted imaginable. If you are looking for a one of a kind something rather, Etsy is website to go to. It supports the crafters and their talent as well as an alternative to

A brilliant concept for folks who have a creative side to them and would like to make money from their hobby or talent. I have found some phenomenal stores with eye catching products and look forward to utilizing Etsy for future purchases.

Uber fashionable and fun!

Who could miss this magnificent ear piece? I found the picture on popgloss
and I am in love with the site. It has original/funky stuff to adorn every inch of your body and lots of cool accessories.

The website is well organized with specific categories for easy navigation and will take you directly to the manufacturer/business website to view the item.




How about these recycled denim shoes! Why didn't I think of that! All I know is that it is a small company in Thailand The listing says, "New Recycled Denim Shoes" ... a little puzzling but I know what they mean.

FREE PDF newsletters of creative arts and craft ideas for kids also written by moms!


Anewsletter written by an Australian "Mum" with numerous children's crafty activities. I only wish other magazines would catch on to paperless publications. The pdf and website is very pleasing to the eye and the craft ideas are brilliant.




Laugh - Make - Nurture - Organize - Play LMNOP

Focuses on reviews of brand products from around the world that are eco-friendly.



I came across Kids Off the Couch - KOTC - "is a free weekly newsletter for parents offering fresh ideas to get kids excited about film, culture, and family time." A great concept to combine the love of movies and incorporating activities associated within the movie.

I will post others that I come across.

Mabuhay Adeline Esme Crowder!

After many hours of waiting with anticipation (on Mother's Day) my sister in law delivered at 12:30 am on May 12th with my exuberant brother beside her throughout the 36+ hour ordeal.

Stats:
6LB 10OZ, 19" Long

Mom and I visited them in the hospital and joined my other brother with his wife. After Loralee warmed up Adeline I held her for a short while with trepidation because she was, unlike Noah much smaller. But then again, Noah's birth weight was more than average.
I couldn't help but give her a peck on her "pickled" cheek.

A new life, a new Crowder and many years of joy and some times pain as we watch our children grow up often too fast in front of our eyes. I have not given much thought to my role as the Aunt although know that I will probably be the spunky and energetic of the three that Adeline has.

You're not "LOST", I found you!

Ok, a little corny but I admit I am 'that' person who gets overly giddy when I see an actor, one of the highlights of participating at the 69th Coalition for Asian Pacific Americans
in the city.

CAPA has always been one of my favorite events because it showcases over 200 Asian/Asian American organizations in New York City. You can educate yourself in one afternoon by visiting the numerous booths that often offers hand outs and freebees. Other attractions are the line up of cultural performances, entertainers and cuisine.

I tabled at CAPA with an entrepreneur friend James who runs Arkane, a clothing distribution company that is specifically Filipino inspired. He is also launching his own Prince Giolo designs in the very near future. I always had an attraction to the fashion industry, how trends start, the marketing angle, and creating a distinct personal look.

In any case, a Filipina approached the table with Miles (Ken Leung) from Lost, Inside Man, Law and Order and other notable roles. As a follower of Lost and Inside Man I could not contain my excitement. He walked off shortly afterwards but during my free time I skimmed through the festival and saw him sitting on a bench. I could not help but approach him. I tried to keep my cool, told him I was a fan and asked if I could take a picture with him. Of course I could not pass the opportunity for Noah to miss out as well as Kevin and Tiano (the dog.) Oh happy day!

Maligayang bati Kevin! Pacific Grill at Pier 17, NYC

DIRTY THIRT(IES) -

My friends I've met in my 20's and a few who have withstood the test of our prepubescent years are slowly entering their third decade of life with positivity and realization that 'it ain't that bad!" As each birthday passes for me I don't 'feel' old and attribute it to my youthfulness and high energy.

I definitely spent a couple weeks in a depression about leaving my twenties, reviewing my accomplishments and wondering what I had to look forward to in my thirties. I came to the conclusion that I referred to second decade as the terrible twenties; a time of soul searching, making many bad judgments, feeling unsure of my career path and wondering if I would find meaningful relationships with people. All of which have defined me.

Reaching my thirties has been a time for me to reflect and also reinvent myself. Now as a mom, a far more drastic role than my earlier years; I do not have as much freedom to be carefree, to travel on a whim or be involved with the various volunteer organizations I was once affiliated with. Now it is a matter of balancing being a stay at home momma, integrating my other interests/hobbies and maintaining my sanity.

So, I am happy to celebrate the day my friends turn a new corner in their lives and look back at our yesteryears without regets!

Free Tibet.....

What will it take for the Chinese Government to allow religious freedom to Tibetans?
On one of our many jaunts through the city we passed by this window front of a statue adorned with the symbolic Olympic crown and medals around his neck. The eye catcher was the message written outside of the window.......

photo: circa 1996

Rekindling my passion....for Lacrosse.

Most of you may not know that lacrosse used to be my life until my second year at Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware, OH). I prided myself in the fact that my agility on the field let me face girls that were twice as big as me. For reasons that were not necessarily in my control I decided to quit playing and for over ten years I "hung up my stick", until a recent opportunity arose.

On my way to an appointment, I stopped for coffee just outside of Central Park West. I saw two Asian girls with their lacrosse sticks stretching on the steps and was immediately drawn to speak to them. After a quick introduction I asked them if they were part of a team and how I could join. I shared with one of the gals that I used to have nightmares of myself being unable to catch the ball. With the quick exchange of conversation and jotting of notes I signed up to play with the Central Lacrosse NYC team.

I started to have flash backs of the many hours I spent in training, running 3-5 miles a day, going to spring training in place of spring break fun, traveling to tournaments and week long summer camps.

Flash forward, I realize other than carrying Noah up and down the stairs my work out regiment has been minimal. Let's hope my weekly West African dance classes will relieve some of my concern! My adrenaline ran high after meeting the girls and signing up for the lacrosse team and I wanted to immediately go for a long run. It came to my attention that today and probably for the last five years that it is mandatory that all women lacrosse players wear goggles, something I am not familiar with at all.

I have a week before my first practice in over a decade!

Do your part......or at least think about it.

For those not in the know --- The Freecycle Network is currently 5.5 million members strong, with over 4,300 groups and is active in 75 countries. FN also prevents 330 TONS of reuseable/good condition items from going into landfills. Already in its 5th year FN was brilliantly started by an AZ resident who proposed the idea to his closest friends, local non profit organizations and RISE - ",which provides recycling services to downtown businesses and transitional employment to Tucsonans in need."

Have you ever thought of where your garbage ends up? Living in Manhattan has depressed me, knowing that the city I reside in generates an astronomical 25,000 TONS of municipal solid waste a day while according to DOS - reports 13,000 residential waste pick up a day. Gulp, I need to be more vigilant about my intake and and outtake of product waste.

Yes, I recycle as much as I can - cereal boxes, all containers, unwanted magazines/catalogs and whatnot. I know our trash is exported to developing countries such as Haiti and the Dominican Republic along with our neighboring states. As residents we are paying for the transport of the garbage and you would be SHOCKED to learn how much is spent. Take a look at this NYT Letter to the Editor from 1989 on NY's Garbage Disposal. Bare in mind it was written almost two decades ago as a forecast of present day problems.

In 2001, Giuliani closed the Fresh Kills Landfill, the largest waste dump in the world, spanning 2200 acres and NYC's primary repository for 80% of its residential waste. Today, Fresh Kills in Western Staten Island is being developed into a recreational park, one that will be even larger than Central Park. With the closing of FKL - the waste was diverted to other landfills in UpState NY and international locations, on barges.

So with that being said - consider expanding the life span of your belongings and give something you no longer want or use to another person.

You can do a search here to find a local listing for FN or other recycle groups.

Baby Einstein

I have attempted to record Noah's developments but the closest I have gotten has been documenting them on this blog......sigh. I suppose it has also been a help that I photograph him as often as I can. That way I can look at the date at which the photo was taken!

His most recent achievement and our amusement has been to twist caps on bottles and containers. From a water bottle to the milk container he has become masterful at such a useful skill. It started with a Gatorade bottle; a cap that he could grasp easily when I inadvertently left an empty bottle on the kitchen floor. He spent as much as his attention span would allow him to fiddling about with it before he became frustrated. He would yell out at me when he saw me take sips from whatever I was holding and I would frantically chug down the contents before he shrieked.

He has since graduated from Gatorade bottles to water bottles; challenging because the top is so small. With his expansive dexterity has also begun to hold "his own fork" to feed himself scanty pieces of food as well as drinking from a cup.

It excites me to watch his small accomplishments as I know they will continue to become greater.

Shoes for a CAUSE - TOMS shoes

While shopping on Main Street in Celebration, FL I went into a store initially to buy flip flops for John. As I walked in, there was a display of light weight, casual, slip on shoes perfect for Spring and Summer wear.

The fit was perfect and did not pinch my pinky toes or press on my heals. I suppose what sealed the purchase was when the sales person told me that for every pair of shoes sold the Toms shoe company gives a pair to needy children. The cost was reasonable and I walked out with the Picnic Canvas pair.

The story behind TOMS shoes began in 2006 when a guy had a vision to design Argentinian inspired; simple, casual shoes with the promise to match every sale and fit a child with their own pair. So far 10,000 pairs in Argentina and 50,000 in South Africa. Shoes are available for men and tiny Toms - for kids. I think I am going to buy a pair for Noah!

We were doubly successful and both left with smiling feet.

Creative juices flowing abound!

As I blogged earlier this month, I began crafting earrings for a nearby boutique in my neighborhood a month ago. I am delighted and quite giddy to announce that not only have the earrings made a home in the store front and also have been finding a home with many content customers. A little money in the pocket but satisfaction that my designs have caught the attention of someone!

If you could only see my collection of beads. Sifting your hands through the plastic bags of beads is like going through your collection of candy at the end of the evening after Halloween. I have various sizes, shapes and hues of beads that titillate the eyes at first glance.


I am going to utilize the boutique a as a platform to
determine whether the earrings continue to be a success with the customers before I even consider expanding on line. For anyone looking for original, hand made items - take a gander at www.etsy.com - the oasis of all things crafty.


In the meantime, if you happen to read this and would like your own original Lorial earrings - feel free to message me your preferred color(s), gold or silver wire and any other details --- I would be happy to create a pair for you.

Helmet free.

After nearly six months, we went to our final Cranial appointment in Clinton, CT. The results were significantly better than expected considering Noah started at a later age than most babies that usually begin at 6 months. We are extremely happy with the results and even more thrilled that he can enjoy the summer sans helmet.

Noah had three molds made of his head and a series of pictures to document his progress. Photos were of the back, side and front view of his head. Hopefully, I can post the pictures documenting the before-during and after progress. They truly show the deformity, predominantly the right side that caused obvious squaring of his head.



Of course, he grew more aware of his surroundings especially when Cranial had to make a mold of his head that was covered with quick dry plaster. Above is the after picture of the molding process, which did not seem to go by fast enough. It took 20 minutes in which his head was covered by mesh (with eyes and mouth cut out) and layered with plaster strips.

With that being said, we are relieved that it was a positive outcome. His hair can finally grow naturally without the constriction of the helmet and he will no longer look like a footballer in training.

Bambu-zled - going au natural.

I came across Bambu's veneerware and utensils a couple years ago when I was shopping at the uber expensive Eli's on 3rd Avenue. I wanted an alternative to the disposable though not slowly biodegradable plates I have used in the past. I bought the dinner plates and felt good knowing that it would take a mere 4-6 months to decompose because they are made of 100% bamboo.

If you choose to reuse them, be sure to dry them out completely because they will peel away.

So, if you are hosting a small group of friends or a picnic in the park, impress them with your green sensibility - Bambu is a perfect touch of eco-elegance.

Creative juices

Very recently I happened to bring along a bag of earrings I was experimenting with a few months ago because I wanted to show them to this gal that works at Personal Affairs on the Upper East Side. The sales gal and I were talking about jewelry and I told her that I have made earrings in the past. It was an instinct at the time to carry them in my bag but I did not anticipate that it would lead to the possibility that my earrings would be sold at PA. I had a trial period with the first batch of earrings and to my surprise some of them sold at pretty decent prices.

My girlfriend Rudy got me interested in making earrings quite some time ago. Before she had chronic pain in her neck we would spend evenings fiddling with beads and bending wires to create what we thought were master pieces. I personally think Rudy had a more adventurous side when it came to designs.

I have found some wonderful bead stores in the NY Fashion District. After a couple years of collecting spacers, wire, clasps and many other little pieces to make jewelry, I finally found the inspiration and confidence to make pieces that can actually sell and that I am proud of.

Above are some earrings that I fiddled with in the wee hours of the morning the past couple weeks. I am especially proud of them because I feel like they are one of a kind and are an expression of my creativity. I tend to work with complementary colors and keep the designs basic, not to flashy. I have upgraded from plastic beads to semi precious beads of all sizes, types and shapes.

I have learned a lot about the origins of many semi precious beads - most of which, come from Brazil and Africa. I do have beads from Australia and the US though prefer ones from more exotic countries like Nambia, Australia and Russia. Hands down, my favorite beads have to be amethyst and I came across this amazing deep purple Lepidolite beads. I also enjoy Aventurine that comes in many colors and quartz.

The earrings below are particularly striking to me because they are unique and not generic. I used purple flourite beads that I bought on sale at Michael's and Brazilian Cherry Quartz beads.
I have to say that Michaels ever so often has amazing sales on their sterling silver and gold filled findings! Far better deal than some bead stores I have gone to in CT.


I am excited to find out whether the earrings sell in the coming weeks. For now, I continue to make a couple pairs a night and most likely will need to pick up my pace.

Journalistic instinct -
Always armed with my camera.


After an extremely satisfying dim sum meal with my brother, John and Noah we wandered downtown. We did not expect to witness a 25 ton construction crane leaning on the side of a condo. We later learned that the neck of the crane crushed a five story townhouse.

Being a thrill seeker, my eyes and ears are always wide open. I have always made it a point to also have my camera with me in hopes to get that winning photo.

Living in a city like NYC, hearing deafening sirens and helicopters hover above the sky scrapers is a common occurrence. But when you see more than two helicopters it typically is a sign of headline making news. We saw the emergency response vehicles along Second Avenue and 50th Street and a small group of people congregating behind the yellow tape were looking up. We overheard a man implying that a crane had collapsed from a construction site.

We were told the accident occurred twenty minutes before our arrival and a steady stream of on lookers began to flow towards us. My curiosity wanted to get a better picture so we walked to the next street that was closed off to traffic except to pedestrians who were using their cellphones and cameras to take shots of the crane.

At one point in my life I aspired to be a (photo) journalist; to follow in the footsteps of my oldest brother. It was wishful thinking but may explain why I have yet to object to writing articles for a couple websites like Newfilipina, Asians in America and presently FAN.

As a resident of NYC there will always be something to report whether it makes the news or not.

Homo Erectus - Upright Noah!

It has been a few weeks since Noah began walking. He has been cautious with his steps and quite aware of obstructions, though of course has had occasional stumbles.

Watching him learn how to navigate his body has been intriguing, particularly when he made his first round about. I think it excited him just as much as his parents!

These days he likes to flail his arms in the air and like a pinball bounce from couch to ottoman to his chest of toys and where ever else he wants to walk. We have had to block the television with the ottoman because with his newfound mobility he can traipse to the control panel and never grows tired of pressing the volume to maximum then casually walk off with a grin on his face.

Our first afternoon at the park (see picture above) in months has me looking forward to many more in the future. Noah was overwhelmed at the prospect of having so much open space and to poke through other peoples strollers. It's time to go to the thrift store and find toys for him to play with in the sandbox.

NY Chinatown - Ghost town

I laughed when I heard about the recent bust in New York's Chinatown over counterfeited purses and bags. I thought to myself that ALL of Chinatown would have to be shut down. I saw it with my own eyes. A usually bustling section of Canal Street was eerily vacant of vendors and seemingly willing customers looking for a knock off designer item. Damn, I even bought me a snazzy Hilfiger watch that never told time but it sure looked good on my wrist.

The store fronts were locked shut and glaring orange signs were posted in zig zag formation along the endless wall of metal. I am just wondering what took the NYPD so long to realize the illegal activities that seem to be the life line and tourist attraction of lower Manhattan. Thirty two stores were closed and curiously there were no arrests. If the counterfeit business was a "real" problem and considered a crime, then I would think the boys in blue would have cuffed them. The owners of the stores were slapped with an 'excessive fine.'

So why is it that I saw two women flashing catalogs of bags for sale? Is the black market truly crippling the economy of NYC? I doubt it.

A Filipino home cooked meal - in a slow cooker. Who woulda thunk?

I went home to Connecticut for a well needed weekend from NYC. I took Noah to his bi-monthly cranial appointment and my Mom returned home from her ski adventures in Montana, although with an additional cast from her hand halfway up her arm. (She tore ligaments from her thumb and a shard of bone was lodged in a muscle)

We are extremely close to completing Noah's treatment to correct the flatness of his head. There has been significant improvement with the overall shape and after all of my huffing and puffing it was worth the last 7 months bringing him to CT every two weeks. I am baffled when I look at his first helmet and realize how small he was when we started the process last August.

This evening my mom surprised me by making Pork Adobo, a traditional Filipino dish in her slow cooker. She found a recipe on line, added all the ingredients and let it simmer for 7 hours. I was touched by her gesture since it was the first time anyone in my family attempted to cook Filipino dishes other than myself. It was flavorful, even Noah enjoyed the pork pieces and adobo juice on the rice.

Sorrow

I was in utter shock as I listened to the announcement of the sudden death of Heath Ledger. What attracted me to the actor was that he was a non conformist in the grand scheme of Hollywood glitz, glamour, and fake a$$ people. Unfortunately he was attacked and scrutinized for it.

Other actors have gone under the radar and have succeeded in avoiding the often overly critical media such as Johnny Depp. We go on with our every day lives and something tragic like this happens. It is hard to process and make sense of it. He was becoming more recognized as an actor and was a young father. There seemed to be so much hope for him......

In any case, I went downtown to pay homage to the actor. Outside his apartment there were hundreds of colorful origami cranes sprinkled on the side walk. Notes were written in different languages, cards never to be opened, letters, candles and flowers all to be later forgotten. I left a green aventurine stone, the color symbolic of healing as a peace offering. Aventurine is said to be an 'all purpose healing stone' and helps with blockages. Of the chakra colors - green represents the heart/love. It helps one 'give love and also to love and nurture ourselves.'

(from left - Mathilda, Ree, Maria, Kevin, Me and honorary member Cece)

Filipinos Gone Wild Class of 2004 Reunion

2004 was undeniably a memorable year for us. Without revealing too much about our wild nights of debauchery I will say those nights have been the glue to our friendships. I may not be close to all of them but we have a supportive and loving comradeship. Four years later who would have thought that three of the four ladies (minus CeCe who is kneeling in the picture) would be mamas.

Mathilda flew in from Chicago, which was the main reason we all found ourselves in the same space and damn it - it was worth an entire day away from Noah. Though I might add a long overdue 'me' day.

As a matter of facts earlier the same marathon day I met up with Kevin at our regular spot, Jing Fong in Chinatown for dim sum. I did not tell him that I had a special guest joining us. Minutes later a set of unfamiliar hands rested over his closed eyes. His reaction was priceless as he squealed and yelled out, 'oh my gawd - oh my gawd!' I have always enjoyed bringing an element of surprise, what can I say?! Kevin had not seen Math in 2 years give or take.

After spending a good hour and half feasting on dim sum and blabbing about our lives we continued wandering through Little Italy in the hypothermic air. We found a cafe that served cheap wine and and mouth watering deserts so we could have another sit down session.

It was a relief that I did not need to fret about being away from Noah knowing he was in good hands. Mathilda's daughter was with her Gamma so we both shared a couple, 'I wonder how my baby is doing...'

To cap off an already stupendous day we met up with the remaining members of FGW 04' - Maria and Ree. We grubbed, reminisced and were silly like it was 04'. We're gully, fierce and
hell ya we know how to roll.

Hapa Baby Palooza ---



(picture left - Maria, Noah, Corinne, Amalia, Malcolm - it aint easy photoging three rambunctious babies!)

I hosted a "mommas and toddlers" afternoon at my apartment(embarrassingly my first). The gal that babysits Noah is a film student and is of mixed race. One of her film projects has been focusing on the mixed race experience - post Vietnam War.

Now that I have Noah in my life I feel like there is so much more to consider when it comes to looking at his racial makeup. I cannot offer the cultural link of the Filipino language, perhaps some words I have picked up and hopefully what Ninong RJ will teach him. I spent my "terrible twenties" investing a lot of my time exposing myself to the Fil-Am experience, which included 3 visits to the Philippines, attending numerous conferences, becoming a youth organizer and Co-founding a website for adult Filipino adoptees.

In some respects I can relate to the hapa experience because my family is white and I struggled for many years to create a positive self identity, embrace my adoption and pride for my Filipina heritage.

One of the many things, I would like to instill in my son is pride of being Filipino, German and Italian. We do not know as much about the European American side of him but this may be an opportunity to research both his maternal and paternal grandparents lineage.

First star sighting for 08'

I was walking with a girlfriend of mine on 3rd Avenue after engorging our faces at the most superb dim sum restaurants outside of Chinatown when from afar I saw a tall man, with his signature bald spot and glasses. Need a hint, he played Goose in Top Gun, was an M.D. on ER and one of his less notable roles was in Revenge of the Nerds. Give up, Anthony Edwards! I have to admit that I am a fan of his.

He was a few yards away from me walking the opposite direction, carrying an Eli's grocery bag in one hand and balancing a box in the other. Beside him were three little girls skipping about and an older woman I can only assume was his wife. I guess I had a star struck expression because he looked back and smiled at me.

I have been known to become extremely giddy when I see an actor, ask any person who has been with me! One of my favorite sightings was Taye Diggs in the Upper West Side and Drew Barrymore in the West Village. I also saw Adrian Grenier in Brooklyn and years ago in JFK airport - Huge Grant.

Going Ga-Ga for GREEN!

My brother and his wife are pregnant and expecting in May! Noah will have a girl cousin very close to his age that he will hopefully be a good role model to --- oh gosh! For now I shall call my future niece Brulee (combination of dad and mom to be first names.)

I offered to organize my sister in law's Recycle (Eco) Baby Shower (RBS), the concept her friend told her about and was also a success. I can think back about on my baby shower last year October and was grateful for all the wonderful gifts but realize that the idea of the RBS could have saved 90% compared to buying new! You have to be smart and informed about good buys.

There are a few months before thinking about the baby shower but I could not help but research information about a Recycle Baby Shower. I can see why some moms to be would want to consider having one. I can say from experience that we received A-L-O-T of baby needs - all new and some unused. The question is what happens to everything that is unused? Many items I did not use made its way to a local thrift store and some needy people.

Planning a baby shower is no easy task especially when it is an untraditional one. I have been skimming through website after website to tailor everything around the RBS theme. From the invitation, games, party favors, cake, and decorations it all has been very educational for me. I also feel like I can tap into my creative/crafty side to make this event memorable.

My Beantown Days: Reminiscing without regrets.












Above: entrance of my old apartment where lived for almost 5 years.

To think I lived in Boston/Allston 10 years ago is mind boggling. I referred to that period of my life as the terrible 20's for a few reasons.

I found Boston to be stifling after a while and part of it was because it is a college city. I lived between Boston College and Boston University. Once you complete your four years everyone moves on and if you choose to stay you start to feel old as younger students replace the departed graduates. Quite honestly I outgrew the small city and was yearning to go to the city that never sleeps!

In retrospect being in a smaller town like Boston was the stepping stone for me when I made the decision to move to gritty/glamorous New York City a few years later. It was also the backdrop of the next 5 years as I started to embrace my identity as an adopted Filipina in America. And not to mention some of the characters I met along the way.

After doing some internet research, I quickly became immersed in Fil-Am student organizing, which sometimes felt like an unpaid job. My first year I was a member of the programming committee for the Filipino Intercollegiate Networking Dialogue (FIND) conference hosted at Harvard University. To this day the 1999 FIND spring conference continues to hold the record for the largest attendance of 1,500 delegates that traveled nationwide to take part in the most unprecedented conference.

Sometimes I felt out of place among the Fil-Ams I became friendly with. Part of it was my insecurity about my adoption, as if I had a disadvantage because I grew up 'more American.' I tried to normalize my feelings by building a collection of books about every aspect of the Philippines and absorbing as much information possible. I also became a frequent flier attending Fil-Am conferences and networking with other Fil-Ams easier made me feel more harmonious with my Filipino counterparts.
















Above: Paradise Club - I used to work here as a coat check girl......why?!
















Above: Quincy, MA - in the eyes of Pedro Magni

The other reason why I visited Boston on one of the coldest days this winter was to meet a fellow adoptee Pedro. He attended my alma mater, University of Massachusetts Boston and one of our mutual professors gave him my information. We met at one of my favorite dim sum restaurants, China Pearl in Chinatown and also drove to Quincy to get a glimpse of his Fil-Am stomping ground.

Driving through Allston into Chinatown was a quick time warp of my Beantown years. It warmed my heart to drive around and see familiar places I used to frequent though other spots have not changed i.e. The Paradise, what a dump! Although I thought of that period of my life negatively I realize it helped define who I am today.

GO REDSOX!