Who of you knows how it feels to go inside a store, not really intending to buy anything but manages to walk away with a bagful of goodies? Oh, I just feel defeated as I thought I've already kicked the habit, but I guess not. Once a shopper, always a shopper?
Remembering dad and how he was when he was still with us. I was not able to go to church, not even to light a candle, but I did say a prayer for him. He was the best dad ever.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Blueberry cheesecake
I tried out a new recipe for blueberry cheesecake and it was good. I had some of it last night, and I'll be having some more tonight (unless Jojo finished it all). I actually asked my sister for her recipe but it turns out I may not have to use it. If you want to make your own, I will add the recipe for your reference later on. Come visit again.
Well, I'm really just waiting for the fire alarm to go off, and seeing that I didn't want to be engrossed in my work when that happens (we got the email alert about 5 minutes ago), I decided to relax a bit and blog.
Anyway, on to other things. I'm going to need to change my schedule for March as the trip to South Dakota will not be happening until March 11th. But taking care of this is easy enough as I will just need to call the travel agent and he will handle this from his end.
I've been watching American Idol Season 7 for the past several weeks and voting. Sweet huh?
Well, I'm really just waiting for the fire alarm to go off, and seeing that I didn't want to be engrossed in my work when that happens (we got the email alert about 5 minutes ago), I decided to relax a bit and blog.
Anyway, on to other things. I'm going to need to change my schedule for March as the trip to South Dakota will not be happening until March 11th. But taking care of this is easy enough as I will just need to call the travel agent and he will handle this from his end.
I've been watching American Idol Season 7 for the past several weeks and voting. Sweet huh?
Monday, February 25, 2008
White Rock Lake Bike Trail
We spent most part of the weekend by the White Rock Lake. Remember I told you about the mountain bikes? Well, we finally got a good break from winter, so we headed off to the lake. Saturday, Alan joined us. Gabriel still had his training wheels on at that time as we weren't sure he'd be able to do it without, but we were quite mistaken.
Sunday, more friends joined us and without Gabriel's training wheels, we made it all the way around the lake. Yup, all 9.2 miles of it. It was fun! I truly enjoyed it. The bike trail was very family-friendly, and the view of the lake was just awesome. There were geese, swans, and I'm sure there were other aquatic creatures that I did not recognize.
This spring, I'm seeing that we'll be spending a lot of time at the lake. Make good use of the bikes, and really, just spend the day outside enjoying the lake breeze, birds chirping, smell of the grass, and great food (that we'll tote with us in our picnic baskets).
In the meantime, it looks like the coming weekend will be cold. But we have made plans to be indoors already so it should not be a problem.
Sunday, more friends joined us and without Gabriel's training wheels, we made it all the way around the lake. Yup, all 9.2 miles of it. It was fun! I truly enjoyed it. The bike trail was very family-friendly, and the view of the lake was just awesome. There were geese, swans, and I'm sure there were other aquatic creatures that I did not recognize.
This spring, I'm seeing that we'll be spending a lot of time at the lake. Make good use of the bikes, and really, just spend the day outside enjoying the lake breeze, birds chirping, smell of the grass, and great food (that we'll tote with us in our picnic baskets).
In the meantime, it looks like the coming weekend will be cold. But we have made plans to be indoors already so it should not be a problem.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Vindaloovs. tandoori
We had buffet lunch at Taj Mahal today and for me, the beef vindaloo was way better than the chicken tandoori. I had to have second servings. The tikka masala was ok, and I really liked the mutter mushroom (I've never tried this dish before).
Anyway, our thoughts wandered to the meaning of Taj Mahal. Jojo said mahal should mean the same thing as in Filipino - love. I just checked online and it means Crown Palace or literally, the exalted one in the palace.
Our conversation also drifted to Asian restaurants in general, and how we don't have a good Filipino restaurant here in Dallas. We've tried a couple of restaurants before, but the not-so-nice thing about it is, it's turo-turo. So to those of you who understand, you know immediately that you get almost-cold food, matigas, and really that alone takes the fun out of eating. And we love to eat! So, we've crossed those out. If we don't find one, maybe we'll set up our own. (If only it were that simple.)
Anyway, our thoughts wandered to the meaning of Taj Mahal. Jojo said mahal should mean the same thing as in Filipino - love. I just checked online and it means Crown Palace or literally, the exalted one in the palace.
Our conversation also drifted to Asian restaurants in general, and how we don't have a good Filipino restaurant here in Dallas. We've tried a couple of restaurants before, but the not-so-nice thing about it is, it's turo-turo. So to those of you who understand, you know immediately that you get almost-cold food, matigas, and really that alone takes the fun out of eating. And we love to eat! So, we've crossed those out. If we don't find one, maybe we'll set up our own. (If only it were that simple.)
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Booked on United
I don't remember the last time I was on United Airlines. I always fly American, or if going to Manila, it's always been Northwest for me. But AA doesn't fly to Sioux Falls. Anyway, most of my time after lunch was spent looking for a good flight in Orbitz, no non-stop flights sadly. And I didn't realize it was going to be harder than I thought. So I had to resort to going to our trusted travel agent to help me out. Five minutes on the call with Motty, and voila! all's done. He even took care of the hotel reservations.
Nice! So now, I'll be able to go back to work.
Nice! So now, I'll be able to go back to work.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
Uploaded new photos
I finally did it, I uploaded new set of photos from Houston, Galveston Island, Arizona, and a couple ones from MystiQal - the Dallas premier Mardi Gras. Now I haven't gone through each one and did not add any caption yet, so please bear with me. I won't be able to add them today so please don't expect. And oh by the way, I've uploaded tons of pictures so prepare to spend some time going through them.
So yes, definitely we had a lot of fun.
What else has been happening? We've been busy hanging out with friends mostly. We truly enjoy the company and Gabriel is able to spend more time with kids his age (more or less). He's still bugging us about getting a baby brother or sister for his 8th birthday, which at the rate of things, is not going to happen. But it will in a couple of years, I hope.
We're double-booked for Mar 1st, which isn't pleasant and I kinda have a feeling we'll be missing one of them. We agreed to a game night at Patrick's (a colleague) prior to being invited to Joel's (Gabriel's best bud) 8th birthday party. It's tricky because Joel's party starts early (5pm) and Patrick's at 7pm. I don't think we can wiggle out after 2 hours, but we'll do our best, for sure. Gabriel has already asked me to tell Pat to re-schedule the game night. Haha, like that's ever gonna happen.
So yes, definitely we had a lot of fun.
What else has been happening? We've been busy hanging out with friends mostly. We truly enjoy the company and Gabriel is able to spend more time with kids his age (more or less). He's still bugging us about getting a baby brother or sister for his 8th birthday, which at the rate of things, is not going to happen. But it will in a couple of years, I hope.
We're double-booked for Mar 1st, which isn't pleasant and I kinda have a feeling we'll be missing one of them. We agreed to a game night at Patrick's (a colleague) prior to being invited to Joel's (Gabriel's best bud) 8th birthday party. It's tricky because Joel's party starts early (5pm) and Patrick's at 7pm. I don't think we can wiggle out after 2 hours, but we'll do our best, for sure. Gabriel has already asked me to tell Pat to re-schedule the game night. Haha, like that's ever gonna happen.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Photobooks
I've been waiting for the photobooks to arrive the whole day, the suspense is killing me. However, it's the end of the day and still the UPS guy is a no-show. So I should take this as a sign and accept that I will get the books tomorrow, not today. And I was so looking forward.
Today is a happy day, I was able to catch up with 3 of my colleagues early in the morning, and in the afternoon, I was able to chat with Madie. It's always a pleasure and I hope we'll get the chance again sometime soon. Thank you for your time, Madie!
I also got an offline message from my sister in New Zealand who I haven't spoken to for quite sometime. The message, although very brief and made no mention of how she was doing, was so welcome since it reminded me so much of the way she is. Which reminds me, I still have not responded to my other sister who also left me a message on my phone. I should be doing that now.
(Postscript: Btw, the photobooks arrived past 6pm.)
Today is a happy day, I was able to catch up with 3 of my colleagues early in the morning, and in the afternoon, I was able to chat with Madie. It's always a pleasure and I hope we'll get the chance again sometime soon. Thank you for your time, Madie!
I also got an offline message from my sister in New Zealand who I haven't spoken to for quite sometime. The message, although very brief and made no mention of how she was doing, was so welcome since it reminded me so much of the way she is. Which reminds me, I still have not responded to my other sister who also left me a message on my phone. I should be doing that now.
(Postscript: Btw, the photobooks arrived past 6pm.)
Monday, February 18, 2008
Income tax filing and surf & turf
For the third year in a row, I have completed my US "resident" duty in filing my annual tax returns. This year was different though since my family was with me the entire year, and we are able to file as a family unit. Once our residency here is more permanent, in other words once we get our green cards, we will need to revisit the previous years to make sure we are in accordance with the IRS regulations.
I am cooking halabos na hipon and in about 20 minutes, the baked ribs will be done. For dinner tonight, surf and turf it is! I am expecting the two boys anytime now since Gabriel's private violin lesson finishes at 6pm. So they should be on their way home.
Finally, I had time to print some photos for the frames on our coffee table that have been sitting empty for quite sometime (I picked one from Sedona and the other from Grand Canyon). We've also got the large prints going, and I am thinking that this week, we'll have them hanging on our wall. I will take a picture of this new project of ours so you'll see them soon.
And I know, I have constantly said I will add more pictures here - and I fully intend to fulfill this promise. Very soon... please be patient. There's just so many things to do and not enough time.
I'll see you later.
I am cooking halabos na hipon and in about 20 minutes, the baked ribs will be done. For dinner tonight, surf and turf it is! I am expecting the two boys anytime now since Gabriel's private violin lesson finishes at 6pm. So they should be on their way home.
Finally, I had time to print some photos for the frames on our coffee table that have been sitting empty for quite sometime (I picked one from Sedona and the other from Grand Canyon). We've also got the large prints going, and I am thinking that this week, we'll have them hanging on our wall. I will take a picture of this new project of ours so you'll see them soon.
And I know, I have constantly said I will add more pictures here - and I fully intend to fulfill this promise. Very soon... please be patient. There's just so many things to do and not enough time.
I'll see you later.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Most romantic day ever
Valentine's Day, in my book, has never been special. I mean, yeah there were the flowers, the candies, the concerts... these were commonplace. So ordinary. Today was special and very different. Today was from the heart.
I woke up to a dozen red roses arranged in my vase, on my home desk. Then I had to hurry to work for a 9am call and so forgot all about V-day until it was time to go home. I called Jojo to pick me up and you know how someone sounds when you catch him doing something not ordinary? Well, that's exactly how he sounded like. So I kept asking where he has been until he finally admitted. He was looking for ingredients to what would be our Valentine dinner at home.
And quite amazingly, he pulled it off. He made miso salmon and it was quite good. I loved it. And he even set up the table with flowers and candles and dimmed the lights. And since Gabriel fell asleep early tonight, we just let him. And we enjoyed our dinner and even got to watch a movie afterwards.
I'm telling you, this day means the world to me. I'll never forget it.
p.s. I'll be adding a recipe page to my blog so you can try the miso salmon. Not tonight though so visit some other time. Cheers!
I woke up to a dozen red roses arranged in my vase, on my home desk. Then I had to hurry to work for a 9am call and so forgot all about V-day until it was time to go home. I called Jojo to pick me up and you know how someone sounds when you catch him doing something not ordinary? Well, that's exactly how he sounded like. So I kept asking where he has been until he finally admitted. He was looking for ingredients to what would be our Valentine dinner at home.
And quite amazingly, he pulled it off. He made miso salmon and it was quite good. I loved it. And he even set up the table with flowers and candles and dimmed the lights. And since Gabriel fell asleep early tonight, we just let him. And we enjoyed our dinner and even got to watch a movie afterwards.
I'm telling you, this day means the world to me. I'll never forget it.
p.s. I'll be adding a recipe page to my blog so you can try the miso salmon. Not tonight though so visit some other time. Cheers!
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Working from home
Nowadays, the concept of working from home is very common. And it's not the same as bringing work to your home (which begins after you've done your hours in the office), but actually starting and ending your workday from home.
And I like it. It gives me the liberty to work in my jammies (or ok, shorts even) and my tank top, and not mind taking calls as early as 7am. After all, I won't be driving to work so I can postpone the bath for later in the day.
Even better than that, I can also cook breakfast while thinking about an email, mentally taking down notes on how to compose my response before electronically sending them out. In fact, I can even watch a little bit of tv while I edit documents, focusing on the documentation of course and not the horrible remarks being given out by Simon Cowell as the dvr-recorded American Idol is on.
My only complaint would be the lack of interaction between colleagues, sharing a story here and there as you take your lunch, looking at e-photos of their family displayed as wallpaper on their desktops on your way back to your cube. Yes, I have a corner cube and although it lacks the privacy of closed doors, I don't mind. I'm inspired to work even harder to get the much wanted corner office with a view someday. I'm still young.
Besides, I travel a lot. So I'm not even there most of the time.
Life has been good to me. And to my family. I'm very grateful. Thank you, God.
And I like it. It gives me the liberty to work in my jammies (or ok, shorts even) and my tank top, and not mind taking calls as early as 7am. After all, I won't be driving to work so I can postpone the bath for later in the day.
Even better than that, I can also cook breakfast while thinking about an email, mentally taking down notes on how to compose my response before electronically sending them out. In fact, I can even watch a little bit of tv while I edit documents, focusing on the documentation of course and not the horrible remarks being given out by Simon Cowell as the dvr-recorded American Idol is on.
My only complaint would be the lack of interaction between colleagues, sharing a story here and there as you take your lunch, looking at e-photos of their family displayed as wallpaper on their desktops on your way back to your cube. Yes, I have a corner cube and although it lacks the privacy of closed doors, I don't mind. I'm inspired to work even harder to get the much wanted corner office with a view someday. I'm still young.
Besides, I travel a lot. So I'm not even there most of the time.
Life has been good to me. And to my family. I'm very grateful. Thank you, God.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Creating a photobook
I've decided to work on a new project: creating a photobook. Jojo had already created one for our Michigan trip and I used that as a pattern of sorts to organize our photo collection in San Antonio. I've actually thought of buying a scrapbook (I've more than toyed with the idea, I bought a scrapbook only to return it the following day). And then realized that the times and the technology have changed, so I should be more adaptive to using them to my advantage.
And I have. I've created one for San Antonio (took me all of 3 days) and today I started working on Galveston Island and Houston.
I'll just order them at the same time. Once I receive the photobooks, I'll share them with you. Don't worry, it shouldn't be long now.
(Postscript) I've already ordered the 2 photobooks, but as I've only selected standard shipping and processing (cost-effective), it will take at least 10 business days to deliver.
And I have. I've created one for San Antonio (took me all of 3 days) and today I started working on Galveston Island and Houston.
I'll just order them at the same time. Once I receive the photobooks, I'll share them with you. Don't worry, it shouldn't be long now.
(Postscript) I've already ordered the 2 photobooks, but as I've only selected standard shipping and processing (cost-effective), it will take at least 10 business days to deliver.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Amazon books
I recently got the Amazon books I ordered online and realized that I need to schedule some time to read them. I bought Persuasion by Jane Austen and The Color of Water by James McBride. Both considered a classic in their own rights, I believe. I've skimmed through both books and know for certain that the one by Austen will pose a challenge to me. Having said that, I have managed to read the trilogy by Tolkien so it's a challenge I'm willing to take on.
Which reminds me, I still have to read A Thousand Splendid Suns which has been on my top list to read for quite a number of weeks now. And I haven't gotten to it yet.
Still on the topic of books, if you like reading and have the time, get a copy of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It's very inspiring and tugs at the heart. I remember my dad who I loved, and still love, dearly. If only I have the chance to tell him once again how very much I appreciated everything that he has done for me. I love you, Daddy.
Which reminds me, I still have to read A Thousand Splendid Suns which has been on my top list to read for quite a number of weeks now. And I haven't gotten to it yet.
Still on the topic of books, if you like reading and have the time, get a copy of The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini. It's very inspiring and tugs at the heart. I remember my dad who I loved, and still love, dearly. If only I have the chance to tell him once again how very much I appreciated everything that he has done for me. I love you, Daddy.
Monday, February 4, 2008
Monday in the office
It's not your typical Monday in the office - I have been away for 2 weeks! So there's so much going on that I haven't had time to catch my breath. Except maybe now, and so I'm blogging from my desk.
The Giants won last night, it was a really good game. Not the best that I've seen (says the true-blue Cowboys fan that I am) but surely the best Superbowl game I've seen. I've only seen 3 in my lifetime, and that obviously started when I got here in the US. My first game I watched from an overhead projector at a hotel in New Jersey, I was there for a customer centric selling course. The second was at Patrick's place in Dallas, 42 inches but no HD-reception plasma screen. And the last one at Jan's place. 42 inches plasma, high definition, yeah baby!
And so, the undefeated Patriots get their first taste of defeat for the season. What a sour taste after 18 straight wins. I can only imagine how Tom "Baby" Brady must feel.
On a separate note, had a good lunch at Miguel's Cantina with the guys here at work. I ordered a small fajita which wasn't so small, but good fajita, so no complaints there. The walk back to the office was pleasant, and it's always good getting caught up with colleagues after being away for 2 weeks.
Foreseeable future - a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in March. Too bad Mount Rushmore is 369 miles away (about 5 and a half hours drive from where I'll be going).
I'll get going.
The Giants won last night, it was a really good game. Not the best that I've seen (says the true-blue Cowboys fan that I am) but surely the best Superbowl game I've seen. I've only seen 3 in my lifetime, and that obviously started when I got here in the US. My first game I watched from an overhead projector at a hotel in New Jersey, I was there for a customer centric selling course. The second was at Patrick's place in Dallas, 42 inches but no HD-reception plasma screen. And the last one at Jan's place. 42 inches plasma, high definition, yeah baby!
And so, the undefeated Patriots get their first taste of defeat for the season. What a sour taste after 18 straight wins. I can only imagine how Tom "Baby" Brady must feel.
On a separate note, had a good lunch at Miguel's Cantina with the guys here at work. I ordered a small fajita which wasn't so small, but good fajita, so no complaints there. The walk back to the office was pleasant, and it's always good getting caught up with colleagues after being away for 2 weeks.
Foreseeable future - a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota in March. Too bad Mount Rushmore is 369 miles away (about 5 and a half hours drive from where I'll be going).
I'll get going.
Sunday, February 3, 2008
Biometric scanning and the weekend
Last Friday, I took a personal leave. This I would consider a milestone in our plans to secure a permanent residency status here in the US. We picked up Gabriel in school midday and went straight to the recommended agency right here in Dallas. We didn't have to wait long, after taking digital fingerprints and pictures, we were done. Biometric scanning... check! Now we wait for the next process - the interview.
Anyway, I also want to tell you that Jojo bought 3 Schwinn mountain bikes. They're great, although we probably won't have the chance to use them until Spring. Now as soon as we figure out where to keep them (the patio seems too small), I would be happier. The last thing that we really want is to make a storage room out of Gabriel's bedroom. I'm still harboring this thought that soon, Gabriel will want to sleep in his own bed. (Yes, he still sleeps with us.)
We went to a Mardi Gras party in downtown Dallas yesterday. If you know, from tradition, what a Mardi Gras party is about, then you'd know what to expect in said event. However, since the organizers banned nudity, it was rather conservative. Until, just as we were leaving the party, I saw this pretty girl walking about with both boobs sticking out - breathing open air. Yep, I'm guessing she didn't think too much about the ban. This tells me that next year, we won't be bringing Gabriel, if we ever decide to go again. That girl has set a precedent, and soon more will follow. Mark my words.
The night turned out to be busy for us. Gabriel came down with high fever, and we pretty much had to stay up all night round the clock to make sure it didn't worsen. Luckily, Gabriel liked the sponge baths and the medicine, so he didn't put up a fight. And thank God, by 5am, he's feeling better and the fever has gone.
Okay, I've had a lot to say after missing a couple of days of blogging. And I need to prepare anyway to go to Jan's and Vangie's superbowl party. So off we go.
Come back soon.
Anyway, I also want to tell you that Jojo bought 3 Schwinn mountain bikes. They're great, although we probably won't have the chance to use them until Spring. Now as soon as we figure out where to keep them (the patio seems too small), I would be happier. The last thing that we really want is to make a storage room out of Gabriel's bedroom. I'm still harboring this thought that soon, Gabriel will want to sleep in his own bed. (Yes, he still sleeps with us.)
We went to a Mardi Gras party in downtown Dallas yesterday. If you know, from tradition, what a Mardi Gras party is about, then you'd know what to expect in said event. However, since the organizers banned nudity, it was rather conservative. Until, just as we were leaving the party, I saw this pretty girl walking about with both boobs sticking out - breathing open air. Yep, I'm guessing she didn't think too much about the ban. This tells me that next year, we won't be bringing Gabriel, if we ever decide to go again. That girl has set a precedent, and soon more will follow. Mark my words.
The night turned out to be busy for us. Gabriel came down with high fever, and we pretty much had to stay up all night round the clock to make sure it didn't worsen. Luckily, Gabriel liked the sponge baths and the medicine, so he didn't put up a fight. And thank God, by 5am, he's feeling better and the fever has gone.
Okay, I've had a lot to say after missing a couple of days of blogging. And I need to prepare anyway to go to Jan's and Vangie's superbowl party. So off we go.
Come back soon.
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