farewell 2010

So much to be thankful for. We welcome the new year with much expectation and hoping that we would be able to fulfill any obligations that we missed this 2010. We really miss PI. Huge crowds in the middle of the streets awaiting midnight. The Media Noche with at least 10 different entrees and of course, the never ending barrage of loud fireworks going on around you all at the same time.

Speaking of fireworks, PI news had just shown an array of fireworks that would be considered home made bombs here in the western countries. Heck. I should say in all other countries. But in all fairness to it's creator, I must say their choices for its label were proper-- Gunaw (The End), Goodbye Philippines, Earth and Universe. And if those terms are not enough to scare the jeebees out of you, maybe the size would? How about size of a shoebox up to your regular DVD player big? Oh but the most feared of them all, Bin Laden, which translates to a cylindrical, 4in diameter and a foot of pure terror. When lighted and exploded would deliver a shock wave to the ground and a sound that would cause car alarms to go off even 20-30 meters away. Sounds fun? I wish I have actual photos to share. While here in US they have really nice fireworks and the famous countdown in NYC. But it doesn't even come close. The most abused violation people would commit to would be drinking and driving--- making more over worked officers and breathalators. Unlike in PI where hospitals would be laden with torn out body parts here and there... majority are self-inflicted all due to out-of-this-world fireworks. Maybe they should name some "Goodbye fingers, arm or even life". Now how about that for F.U.N.

We just finished chatting online to family at the strike of midnight back home, and oh how we envy them. They're eating the feast and watching the nice fireworks litter the streets with air so polluted to match with. May not be perfect to some but still sure hits home for us.

full

Arggghhhh!!! Christmas morning and I'm still full from last night's feast. Everyone is still asleep. A few hours from now, we'll start opening gifts. Happy is still little and doesn't even have a clue what everything is all about. She's probably asking, "What's with all the colored paper?". I'm excited for her.



Plans for today? Cook another sinful breakfast. Fried rice, bacon and hotdogs. How we miss these simple indulgences. But i do think we're not getting overboard. Merry Christmas!

Huge savings

Anna has been interested in doing baking. I've had my eye on that Kitchen Aid mixer at Costco for sometime now. And she's been trying to convince me ever since. The only thing that's been stopping me was the tag price of $300 (+tax). I just can't fathom the idea that I had to fork out that amount.

KitchenAid Pro550HD

But she did talk her way into it, and I finally gave in. She bought it two days ago. And it's been like a cookie and cake factory in here. Even though there were a couple bumps and misses with her baking, all those things that's coming out of that oven are heavenly sent. My only request was, try learning to lower down the calories on each of those goodies.

Mini Muffins & Sugar Cookies

And then I asked her to make a bunch to give out as my Christmas present to my co-workers this year. That's how good they are. Good taste, good idea, good savings.

2010 Christmas Giveaways

Meeting santa

Christmas carols, decors and trees adorn the streets and houses. But Christmas here is still nothing compared to back in PI. Which by the way starts as early as September.



Over here is more focused on the kids. And who's better to make every child's eyes glitter with excitement but Santa!

Sharp Chula has a yearly event for staff's children where they can meet Santa and have pictures taken.



...Snacks, drinks and a few giveaways included.

It's a nice little gathering. We're just dreading the day when she starts to ask what she wants for Christmas. Hopefully, not an LV or Gucci (for now?!?!).