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!