BIRTHDAY! A great way to get old and new friends together!

I was never one for wanting to having a 'huge' birthday bash. If people were around I would ring them and figure out something fun to do. Actually, I barely remember what I have done for past birthdays! From 03-05' I was in the Philippines.

Last year, I had the surprise party of my life and have to give a HUGE kudos to John for setting it up with the help of Kebin. Sadly, the Frying Pan restaurant that we ate at at the pier. It was demolished last fall but the feast we had will forever be in our memories.

After looking through the New York magazine, I read about a new Filipino restaurant near Union Square. Pistahan restaurant specializes in dishes called 'Bicol Express', which is best known for using coconut milk or cream in many of their dishes - other wise known as gata in Filipino.

The food turned out to be delicious and thank gosh for family style eating though generally I prefer to have my own dish!. We ate Chicharron Bulaklak (literally "crispy flowers" or fried chicken intestine), Lumpiang Shanghai (very thin and short spring rolls), Lumpiang Sariwa (vegetables in crepe), Pancit Canton (chinese egg noodles with sprouts, chicken, garlic), Ginataang Sari Sari (mixed Filipino vegetables with coconut milk), Daing Na Bangus (boneless deep fried milkfish servced with vinegar and soy sauce), Chicken Adobo (chicken slow cooked in soy sauce, vinegar, garlich and pepper corn), ube (purple yam) and mango ice cream.

Pistahan ($$) 229 1st Ave, New York 10003 Btwn 13th & 14th street Phone: 212-228-9000

Of course, the unexpected gifts were also just as good! I received the most spectacular rainbow obsidian rock I have ever seen by my girl Rudy. Boy Rudy gave me a children's book in Filipino and English while I turned down his offer to give me the movie - The Piano and I am also looking forward to going to a Broadway show thanks to John!!

Here is a toast to finally reaching my 30's!

Paintball - bringing out the combat fighter in me.

I will say that paintball is obviously not for everyone.

The wife of John's friend organized the paintball for her husband's birthday.
Our group was small so I could not imagine if we had more people. After suiting up I was primed to take action. It is fascinating how an activity like this brings out the fighter in you. Each round was 5 minutes long and after the first one my adrenaline was high. It did cross my mind how thankful I was not to be in the military considering how scary it was to be hit by a paintball.

As one of three girls and outnumbered by the boys it seemed like we had to prove our strength and capabilities to them. After one round of boys versus girls we were triumphant and I know they were startled to the point of seeking retribution. This is when tension began to escalate and I witnessed more aggression from the guys.

The rules of paintball are that if you run out of ammo you raise your arms to exit the 'battle grounds' and no one is to shoot at you. If you are 5 yards from the opponent they are supposed to surrender and retreat. No shooting at the face or 10 yards from the opponent. The team who has the last man standing is victorious.

I found myself crawling and tumbling to areas protected by cushioned barriers. I did get shot at while I clearly surrendered, shot in the face and even while I was walking out of the room and I noticed my hostility was on the rise. I realized that in the moments of combat our ability to remember the rules were hard to control.

In the end we all apologized for the mishaps and compared our battle wounds. I had a nice welt on my neck, which luckily did not bruise. On the other hand I did get a beautiful purple tattoo on the back of my arm for a couple days. John had two big marks on his chest even after wearing the chest protector!

Rockin in the Rockies
Filipino Heritage Camp
Frasier, CO


This is my third summer traveling to the Rockies to volunteer as a counselor at the Filipino Heritage Camp.

FHC was developed for children adopted from the Philippines and their families to spend a weekend to meet other adoptees, learn about their Filipino heritage/culture and also have lots of FUN.

I found FHC on a web search and thought it would be a wonderful opportunity to travel west and especially meet other adoptees. Some of the same kids have attended the camp and were familiar faces this summer. Difference was they are now in high school and no longer the rugrats they were 6 years ago.

Interestingly, when I visited the Philippines for my first time in 1998 I met up with a group of adoptees and their parents on a Motherland Tour. Those same people coincidentally were also part of FHC so it was quite a reunion to see them at the camp. I accompanied them to all the orphanages they were adopted from.

There were families old and new - some came from California, Indiana and Ohio to the 3 day camp. I was taken aback how grown up all the kids are since I saw them in 2004. They definitely kept me on my toes but I loved every moment of trying to keep up with them. One night we played speed ball - water polo with out the water. My legs were pulsing the following day.

Noah is a great baby to travel with. He was a little chatty on the plane but otherwise was wonderful - both ways.

Thankfully, John was helpful and looked after Noah while I spent time with the high school kids. He spent time with the Filipinos who cooked our Filipino meals and spoke to the Titas who could not keep their hands off of Noah.

I know in future years Noah will benefit from the cultural aspect of the camp and I want to make sure he is exposed to all things Filipino.

After years of making excuses not to go to dance classes I finally went to a West African class with my friend at the Djoniba studio near Union Square. He preferred Afro-Brazilian and I can understand why. As we walked into the studio the advanced class was just finishing up. The pounding rhythms of the djembe and other instruments could be heard from the elevator. The percussion alone had my heart racing and as I walked to look through the studio window my excitement grew even more.

At the end of each class students line up in rows to go through the routine they just learned. Arms were flailing, bodies gyrating along to the drums and I was about to spend the next hour and half exerting my body in ways I have not done since my days playing sports.

I have a long way to go to learn the basic movements but looking forward to get back into shape.


Some tips:
Djoniba offers a free trial class for new members;
Wear loose clothes - the air circulation in the studios is limited;
Bring a water bottle!

From a very young age, as early as 3 weeks Noah would place his thumb between his index and middle finger (just like, 'got your nose'). I happened to stumble across a boutique called Buzz Brazil on Lexington while I was strolling him.

I was admiring some jewelery and noticed the pendant pictured to the left. Not knowing what it was I asked the sales person and she told me it was a figa. The figa comes from age old African myth that the clenched fist brings good luck to those who wear it. It is said to have arrived to Brazil in the 27th century during the slave trade though was believed to be a fertility symbol. It has since been embraced by both men and women but no longer with the significance of fertility. In order for it to bring luck it must be given as a gift.

I guess I will have to wait until Noah is old enough to wear it so I can give it to him!

It is hard to keep up with all of the new developements that Noah is reaching. I hope I can be better at tracking them just in case he is ever curious when he is older. The introduction to solids came pretty quickly. So far he is indifferent to the tastes of rice cereal, carrots, potatos and newly introduced peas. I hope that we can keep a strict diet of veggies and fruits rather than the so called healthy snacks that kids eat.

I may have been like any other youngster who had an aversion to vegatables but I would rather Noah does not have the same sweet tooth I have. I remember my problem with sweets escalated to the point where my father and mother put me on a diet of candy only. I think it was supposed to be for a month but because I enjoyed it so much they realized their plan backfired. I am sure my mom caught on that when I was about 8 or 9 years I used to sneak the brown sugar up to my room and snack on it when I needed a fix.

The picture is of Noah around 6 1/2 months. He prefered to feed himself but of course the books suggest that we allow him to partake in the feeding process.

I think I will feed him in his diaper from now on. The food seems to get all over his clothes than his mouth!

Summer is by far my favorite season. It reminds me of the Philippines. If I close my eyes and substitute the sounds of trucks for jeepneys and cars for high pitch mufflers of the tricycles. I especially love it when we have an afternoon thundershower, which is very common in Manila.
I prefer shedding my fashion layers to my usual tank shirt and shorts. If I could, I would wear my tsinelas -- flipflops year round I would. I like to let my skin breath.........

I am not has enthusiastic as I once was about pools and water sports. Part of it was because I spent many summers in my youth at a pool club and I guess you could call it overkill. I was on the swim team, took diving lessons and spent an unimaginable amount of time in the pool. Those early mornings preparing for swim meets and jumping into the cold water had me water logged. I do miss the competitive side of it though and loved it while I was doing it.

This year has been about firsts, especially for Noah. Everything is new to him just as much as it is for us. It is great that Grandma has a pool in her backyard. He may not become a competitive swimmer like I once was but hopefully he will have some appreciation for it.

as if i did not know nyc should be my home right now but this is great validation that i have a couple more years here in the hustle and bustle of the big apple.

You Belong in New York City

You're the energetic, ambitious type. And only NYC is fast enough for you. Maybe you'll set yourself up with a killer career Or simply take in all the city has to offer.

What City Do You Belong In?

Brooklyn Botanical Garden - Cherry Blossom Festival

Unfortunately the Cherry Blossoms were not in bloom for the festival but either way it was a beautiful day to be outside and spend time in the Brooklyn Borough.

This was finally the opportunity for my dear high school friend Jenn and her sister Lisa to meet Noah. Thank gosh Lisa's boyfriend drove us there - it saved a lot of time.

Traveling with a baby requires well thought out planning especially considering everything I need to bring for the 'just in case' moments.

This was my first time at the BBG. I imagined it to be in a far away place from Manhattan but in fact I have been much closer to it when I visited BAM. In anycase, the weather was cooperative and I got a crash course in flora and fauna of the garden.

The 200 cherry blossoms if in bloom would have been spectacular and is appropriately named the Cherry Esplanade.

There were outdoor tents with entertainment ranging from J-Pop music, samuri dancing and Japanese theatre. My only complaint of the experience was that the food was not authentic sushi, as a matter of facts it was catered. I should have known from the packaging.

>> I wonder how many other people picked up on this misleading cuisine no-no<<

John met up with us later on. We had a chance to walk around ourselves and look at the flower arrangements, a common Japanese art. Fortunately, the tulips were brilliantly showing off their colors.

Below is Noah nestled between the original sushi pillows. His Tita Jenn bought him the salmon roll one on the left. I wonder how he was propped up like that?

 

gotta love a beautiful day in central park with good company, chinese food and limitless people watching.

I was always curious who lived below us. The former tenants told us about Sandra from Guyana -- older woman about my height who was remarkably friendly with us from the moment we moved into our new apartment. I did not know she was looking after the woman pictured above. Her name is Bess and is surprisingly 101 years old. You would not think it for a moment if you met her. She is as sharp as a woman half her age and is quite witty.

John met her a couple weeks and I had to witness her myself. Who knows how long she has been living in her current apartment. It is that of a time warp with appliances that seem like they are from the 50's.ly Unfortunately it also seems like she is living on very little. My first sight was of her bed room - a small t.v. dinner tray beside her bed and opposite a bureau lined with black and white photos and colored photos of what seemed to be Sandra's grandchildren. I did not get a great look but Bess was quick to tell me that the next time I visit she would tell me about each photo.

Bess was very enthused to see Noah and I did not hesitate to let her hold him -- though with my hand and Sandra's to help her balance him. She asked for his name and her response was 'No-ah do you No-ah?' I cracked a smile immediately!

Sandra as mentioned before has always been helpful and very thoughtful. Anytime she ran into me in the hall she would offer to help me carry anything I had in my hands. She always commented, with her Guyanan accent how fit I looked and how charming Noah was. She even slipped a Christmas card for us under our door. At one point John and I were getting rid of a heap of clothes and other unneccessary things. She brought all of the boxes and bags down to the garbage and notified me later that she kept some stuff. Since then I have made it a point to set items aside that I think she could use as well as Bess. Eases the pain of having to lug it to Goodwill although have been doing so anyhow.

As for Bess, I know she has many stories to tell and if I had a chance to stay longer she would have had me sitting for hours. I am looking forward to visiting her again.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!


(plural)
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh
La ale-lah pwad-rig son-ah jeev

To start our celebration of our Irish heritage we went to a new pub Johnny Fox's that opened a couple doors from our apartment. I ordered a traditional Irish breakie that consisted of blood sausage, sausage links, a fried egg beans and large fries. Not meant to be ordered more than once a month! John had shephard's pie though is not comparable to their wings and $3 Buds offered every day.

A man with an Irish accent came up to us and gave Noah his own collection of shamrock ladden things - headband, hat and Guinness shamrock. I could'nt help but donn him with his new items and take pictures!

Most major parades go along 5th Avenue so we followed it by the park . The sound of bag pipes always get my eyes to welt up and it did not help that practically every county represented in the parade had their own bag pipe group.

Kiss me, I'm Irish
Tabhair póg dom, is Éireannach mé
Toe-er pog do, iss air-in-ack may

Central Park Perks



69F and sunny

Even with the slight chill in the air I was one of the few people wearing a tank shirt. After taking Noah to see the audiologist we went out for the second time to Central Park East. It was a spectacular day to be outside and I was in the company of hundreds of people milling around and relaxing on benches.

It is easy for us to forget that just blocks away from our apartment is the historical Central Park.

A few facts of the colossal green space:
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/general-info.html

843 acres or 6% of Manhattan
57 miles of walkways
14 lakes and ponds
48 buildings/structures
12 museums bordering around the perimeter

The Park stretches from Central Park South (59th St.) to 110th St. at the northern end and from 5th Ave. on the East Side to Central Park West (8th Ave.) on the West Side.

Brief History
http://www.centralpark.com/pages/history.html

CP was the first public park in the United States and was modeled after London's equally grand parks.

1853 City of New York was granted rights to develop park by authorizing eminent domain to work with 700 acres of land.

1,600 landless residents were displaced including Irish farmers and German gardeners who lived in shanties.

1857 first landscape design was held by Central Park Commission in which the 'Greensward Plan' was selected. It was developed by English born Calvert Vaux and envisioned an English landscape.

Winter of 1859 was when the park officially opened to New Yorkers. By 1865 7 million people visited annually.

Strange yet not so strange


After taking Noah to his monthly doctor's appointment I went across the street to buy lunch. The weather was pleasant enough to sit outside of the store and people watch. We were on 2nd Avenue in the 90's and there was heavy traffic coming from the highway exit.

I noticed a man carrying an archaic television in his arms. Next thing I know I hear the news being broadcasted over the sounds of horns honking and 16 wheelers passing by.

After having my coffee the curious part of me wanted to find the source. The man was leaning on scaffolding of the building and at the bottom of the light post was the t.v. It was plugged into wires protruding out of the base. The man bellowed out, "you want a color television?" and I responded "no thank you" with an amusing smile.

I took a picture with my camera phone.

Happy Daylight Savings Day!


We wanted to take full advantage of the extra hour of daylight and went on a family excursion to J-town (Japan Town) otherwise known to everyone else as St. Mark's Place. Our other destination was to go bargain hunting at the well known flea market on 11th Street and Avenue A.

Besides the outdoor vendors selling hats and sunglasses, one may notice all the Japanese restaurants nestled inbetween the seemingly misplaced punk rock stores. After doing some research I learned that St. Mark's was once the hub for all things punk rock. http://www.nikkeiview.com/blog/2006/07/26/a-semi-japan-town/

Above is a picture of John with Noah at one of the new additions to J-town, a self serve eatery of American favorites. You have a selection of hamburgers with all the toppings, my favorite the corn dog, chicken nuggets and other fast food treats. The concept of it is very Japanese. Insert $2 worth of coins in the desired section and you have yourself a tasty snack made on the spot.

The Avenue A flea market is not to be missed! Every weekend a parking lot half the size of a football field is transformed into a paradise for anyone in search of a piece of the past or bargain prices on anything imaginable.

John bought an Iron Maiden concert dvd filmed in 1983 in Germany. I bought a set of fondue forks to replace the ones for the family Christmas Eve fondue feast. I could not help myself from buying a pair of spring flats that seem like they are from the 80's as well. I guess I can wear them while we watch Iron Maiden --- for kicks -- hee hee!

Afterwards we met up with our friend Kym (pictured with Noah) and completed the afternoon a meal at the corner restaurant. We had ourselves one of the best smoked mac and cheese dishes though cannot beat Mom's famous recipe.

Going crazy for EBAY!

My obssession started off with Fisher Price toys but I have now graduated to children's clothing. I cannot even begin to tell you how many great deals I have won thanks to lots of practice on my bidding skills.

I just won 5 pairs of shoes for $2.99 -- S&H only $6.00. Though Noah will not be able to appreciate them until he is 1 years old I can check off 5 less pairs of shoes I need to buy full price. Be the first to bid and aim high -- most buyers tend not to want go any higher.

Some of the items may have been lightly worn while others are brand spankin' new! I also have a $14 bid on a pair of adidas - never been worn and also Vans (black with red V logo) for $6.49 (S&H $4.05).

Wish me luck!

Fisher Price flashback

Thank you Lisa for reminding me of the original great toys we grew up with.

I visited my friends house and she showed me some Fisher Price items she purchased through ebay. A few days later she mentioned that she was looking for FP little people that were made of wood. The older toys were made with wood.

I went online to search for some sites that might have these little people. I came across a collector's site that itemized practically every imaginable FP toy dating as far back as 1930's. There was some categoric language that I had no clue about but I was having such a fabulous time looking at toys. I remember playing with each of the toys - the register, barn with doors that moo'd, dog with the coiled tail that you can pull and so many more. I felt like I was in a time warp!

What was your favorite FP toy?

Gung Hay Fat Choy!


Happy Chinese New Year
Year of the Pig

Jing Fong is the largest Chinese restaurant in Manhattan. It is inexpensive, quick and a great place to congregate with a big group of friends and gorge on very tasty dumplings with all sorts of fillings.

A friend of mine was visiting from DC and figured it would be a great place for us to meet along with other friends we have not seen in a while. Of course I warned everyone that the streets would be overflowing with folks wanting to celebrate with a dim sum feast.

When we got there the wait was one hour long. Thanks to "Filipino time" it worked to the late comers advantage and we were eventually seated. The banquet hall was at maximum occupancy and our guess of the number of people was some where around 1,000 people.


The tubes the kids are hold shoot out confetti and quite honestly a quick rush . They definately can cause harm if misused!!

Chinese New Year is celebrated throughout the next 2 weeks with dragon dances accompanied by drums going through the streets.

I found it amazing to read about the exodus of Chinese making their way home to celebrate with their families in China and over 2 billion people will use every form of transportation to do so. It is the largest migration of people in the world!

Not just about the roses........

V-day was always bitter sweet for me. I had expectations of a romantic day spent with whomever I was involved with at the time.

I was in NYC in 2000 with my then roommate and was walking past the MTV studio. A representative approached us and asked if we wanted to be on TRL - Total Request Live, a popular show that broadcast the top songs of the week. We did not have any clue what it was at first.

Our excitment grew as we were led through the MTV studio. I happened to have a pink sweater on, which stood out in the crowd and I found myself being interviewed by Carson Daly. At the time I did not have a love in my life so my response to his question about not having a Valentine was, " Yes, I am single and it was invigorating."

I am not sure Carson Daly expected such a response because he was quick to brush off my response and ask another person in the crowd the same question.

Seven years later and the meaning of Valentine's Day is not so much about flowers but a day for people to appreciate the ones they love. I know love should be expressed more freely and not just one day a year.

John and I ordered from Tony's Di Napoli, set up a picnic area in our living room and feasted on a lobster and seafood dish.....it was grand and stress free.

i realize that babies cry and it is not always because they are in pain but rather to inform mom that they are hungry or need a diaper change. to be honest we have been spoiled since noah has been such a laid back baby. the minute he cries we tend to panic.

john and i decided to see stranger than fiction, with will farell and dustin hoffman. in short - i loved the storyline but it fell short of my expectations. with little time before the movie we ate at burger 9 --- not as good as johnny rocket's in the milford mall but the fries made up for the burger shortcomings. i am no burger conisseur but i prefer the the thinner patties. sorry to the vegan/vegatarians if i am being too descript about meat.

i can only imagine what it was like for moms before there were cell phones; a lot of agony being seperated from their kids and fear that the babysitter would call. while we were watching the movie i received a picture text of noah wrapped with a comforter on kym's couch. i finally gave a sigh of relief and was able to finish the rest of the movie without any interuptions.