Car equals freedom


When you live in a city it does
not make sense to own a car unless you have money and can afford to pay the outrageous
monthly garage fees or parking tickets you are likely to get.

Thanks to my cousin, I joined Zipcar because I have been tired of taking Metro North transit. My friend lives in Nyack, which is 45 minutes outside of the city and I wanted to visit her without the hassle and stress of relying on public transportation, especially with a toddler.

Despite having been lost for an hour I still made it to Nyack with enough time to have a sit down lunch and also go to BJ's Warehouse where I indulged in economy sized things you cannot get in the city.

The picture above is of Malcolm (left) and Noah on our adventure in BJ's.


Some great perks with Zipcar:

- You are given a nifty card that only you can use to access the car,
- They cover gas up to 180 miles FREE,
- Every car has an EZ pass and if you go through a toll it is billed to your credit card,
- You can rent cars from $8-$18/hour,
- They offer different levels of membership if you require a car often or once a month,
- There are a variety of cars and if you want to go luxury rent a bmw, mini or suv,

Concerns:

- Make sure you call the garage in advance to ensure your car does not have any problems i.e. flat tire,
- Do a test run of the car you requested,
- Report any issues of the car to Zipcar,
- If you need a car during the weekend reserve a week or two in advance.

May the force be with you!

I hardly remember what age I was when I first watched Star Wars: Return of the Jedi but I know I was pretty young. My brother's had a collection of figurines from Star Wars that I was not too interested in but do recall playing with them once or twice along with my barbies. I know my mom still has one of the space ships in the attic.

For whatever reason we decided to dress Noah up as Yoda. I figured it was too easy to find one of the cute baby costumes so who was better than the wise one? I originally wanted to dress him up as a turtle but the holiday crept up so quickly we did not find it in time. Since there was a shortage of women from the movie, by default I was Princess Leah. John of course wanted to be Obi Wan Kenobi so the family theme was in full affect.

I went to the Halloween Bazaar in Union Square and even a week before the store was a mob scene. There was a section dedicated to Star Wars characters. I was appalled when I saw the price for the Princess Leah costume, $74 while John's costume was 1/3 of it. I ended up buying the wig of two braided buns and sewed a similar dress together from a white bed sheet. With little time to plan I did not have a chance to fix some minor details but I did save $50 and dabbled in some sewing - a dream of mine.

Halloween has become a multi million business. It was reported that in 2006 an estimated 2.5B was spent on costumes and this year roughly 5B nationally. In the suburbs vacant business warehouses become Halloween Headquarters. Everyone is getting in on the fun - dressing up, carving pumpkins, handing out candy and especially decorations.

We have 365 days to think of what we will dress up as next year!

Family drum circle

About a month and a half ago when Noah started to do his military crawl he would wiggle over to the door that is propped by a djembe drum and knock it over so he could hit his hands on it.

This afternoon, as I was walking with my aunt along the 7th Avenue Street Fair I eyed a much smaller djembe and knew it was a perfect size for Noah.

The moment I handed him the drum he vigorously pounded on it with elation. We have been buying other musical toys for him like maracas and a castanet that his Aunt Loralee bought for him. I failed miserably when it came to musical instruments. I tried the piano but did not have enough patience, the flute only lasted a year though I guess if you count a recorder - I was pretty good at that!

The best peeler ever!

The first time John and I came across this guy was in the winter of 2006. He had the same set up as you see in the picture although he was sitting in the Time's Square station along the wall of the tiled hallway. The man and a faint accent although we quickly learned that he was from Switzerland. Maybe it was his kind face, or European accent that convinced us to buy one of his vegetable peelers, or that his product sold itself.


By the mounds of potato and carrot peelings filled in the plastic boxes he had been there a while. A small group of walker byers were curious and surrounded him as he was giving a live demonstration. He was finishing up with a potato and onto a carrot.

What sold me was that there was a side knife to gouge out potato eyes and also used to carve out lines to make star shaped cucumber or carrot chips. It also helped that the cost of this peeler was a mere $5. I immediately shuffled through my bag to find my wallet. Once in hand I could not wait to put it to use. Known as the Rex-Swiss-Peeler, ' The Original Swiss Peeler', the handle works best for me as someone with smaller hands.

I was happy to run into the peeler man only this time in Union Square. I could not help but buy 5 for $20 - a great steal!

We all have a little country in us.

Durham Fair, CT
http://www.durhamfair.com/content/44/default.aspx

In high school my friends and I would trek to the North Haven Fair, Orange Fireman's Fair and the Durham Fair in Connecticut; all of which fell between August and September. Who could not resist the amusement rides, cotton candy, and fried dough with tomato sauce?! My favorite ride was the Zipper, a two minute ride that jolted every inch of your body and was one of the best adrenaline rush!

My sister in law mentioned that the last day of the Durham Fair (in Durham. CT) was coming up and I couldn't pass the chance to go for old time sake. Though, since I was going with Noah I would not have a chance to ride the Zipper, not this time at least. There was an abundance of other attractions to keep us busy.

The rush of excitement as we were taking the shuttle bus to the fair grounds had me giddy even as I was pinned between Noah in his car seat and the rest of the stroller. With tickets in hand we were ready to conquer all.

We walked through the large warehouses of livestock that included - goats, poultry, rabbits, llamas, swine, sheep, dairy cattle. There was also competative arts and crafts exhibits, vegetables, canning, baking, needle work and so on. I can't wait until Noah is old enough to appreciate the Fair for all of its glory.

It would not be a fair without all the food vendors. We indulged in an onion flower, fried dough, root beer float and also had to force ourselves not to let our temptations get out of hand considering the food was pricey.

Next time we will have to allot more time to see everything! Can't wait for next year!

Durham Fair 2008 - http://www.durhamfair.com/

Losing it

My girlfriend asked me a few years ago to go to West African dance class in New Haven. I went on a couple occasions but because I lived in Boston at the time I did not continue to go. Five years later I finally took the plunge and have been going one a week in Manhattan.

At about 6 months I felt like I was going stir crazy being around Noah and not having as much interaction with adults. I was at my breaking point, being a stay at home mom, having little time to enjoy any independence and have any physical activities such as running or dancing. Luckily, John's mom started coming into the city to watch Noah. This allowed some well needed me time.

I slowly overcame the concern of leaving Noah with other people and mustered myself to find a babysitter in July. She is a high school student, somewhat young but her reference said she was very responsible for her age. The first couple times were nerve racking; her phone battery died one night we were at a concert in Central Park so we ended up leaving early. Her mom was willing to stay with her a couple times until we felt comfortable. Now that her daughter is back in school she watches Noah every Wednesday.

With my Wednesday nights free I go to my West African dance class in Union Square. I consider it the W. African version of Tai Bo. The first 30 minutes are concentrated on ab work and then we go through the choreography of the routine. I've been told Tyra Banks also goes to the same class but on a different day.

It has been a couple months already and I am more confident. I feel revived after each class; my tank shirt drenched in sweat and my muscles panging from exerting my body. Maybe I will try belly dancing next!

Going mental.........

After some disagreements over whether Noah needed a helmet I eventually gave in. John and I noticed around 3 months that his head was flatter on one side. Our pediatrician said it was normal and instructed us to wedge his head and alternate sides for the next few months. It was not so easy since Noah had a tendency to immediately shift on his back.

It turns out that Noah has something called, plagiocephaly, 'a condition characterized by an asymmetrical distortion (flattening of one side) of the skull. It is a common finding at birth and may be the result of a restrictive intrauterine environment. If there is premature union of skull bones, this is more properly called craniosynostosis.'

He has to wear the helmet 23 hours a day. During the 1 hour he is not required to have it on we need to wipe down the foam lining with alcohol and give him a bath. His hair tends to wreak of alcohol combined with his sweat.

I resisted at first, knowing that the helment brings more attention to Noah. Living in such a big city with hundreds of kids I thought I would see other babies though to this day I have not. People stare a little longer than they should, kids point and there is an occassional curious person who does ask what the helmet is for. I realize though that it makes him look cuter!
Two more months to go!

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.