This is how we do it

There's always two outcomes with holiday/office parties. Either it would tank or be the talk of the town the next day. Lately, our parties have not been how it used to be.  Too much drama, issues with contributions and even people not getting along because they don't want certain people showing up. Basically, our parties became the millennial era. Easily offended and not satisfactory to everyone's needs.

A year ago, JD had a little party of their own for Christmas, an "Ugly sweater". It was a small group and Anna was the only one invited. No biggie in my part. And then the group decided to include guys and expand their guest list.

Me and Anna came in strong with our ugly sweater and swept the competition. But that's not the issue here. The party became how we did our parties a few years ago. It's the one where you just chill, enjoy, chat, dance, sing, basically do what your heart contents and more so, NO DRAMA.

The DJ played real music, one's that don't mumble the lyrics and ones that you can actually dance to it like a normal hip person would do.

It may not have the overflowing of food like it once had, but it was not even relevant. Alcohol was flowing and that invigorated the thirst of these party animals. There's hope on the horizon. We're slowly trying to put the pieces together and get to enjoy life once again outside the stress of work.

Pirates vs Zombies

Our costumes this year were easy. Happy wanted to be a pirate and Adi for some reason wanted to be a Target employee. His reason: because they carry walkie-talkies.



However, we did not want it to be too simple!  So added a twist and made him to be a zombie... from Target! Anna and I wanted to step into the dressing part too since it was an easy DIY costume. We even came up with a back story for him on how he became a zombie.



We did our trick or treating by Mater Dei's parking lot where they had "Trunk or Treat" event going. There were activities and tons of kids. And it was just walking distance from our house so we did not even have to go far.







On our way home, the kids decided to the do the real trick or treat: knocking on everyone's door in our neighborhood. Now this was their first time, and even ours. We weren't even expecting that most houses would have candies.

It took us about less than 2 hours to get things done and by then it was already dark outside/  To our surprise in that short time, their bags were filled out all the way to the brim all from our tiny neighborhood. They even handed out their own candies to other kids that they passed along the way.



And when we got home, we had to let them know that 80% of their candies will be given out. They were happy since they both know it was too much candies and they don't get to eat much, too, anyway.  Like I always say, it's the act and feeling of having earned all these candies that satisfies them. Not having to eat and over indulge in the sweetness.

Simple and nice

I just want to thank our host, Ed Neil. One of the best Christmas parties we've been to this year. Food was superb, the company was good and the overall feeling was great.

Looking forward to next time.

And let's keep it simple and nice.

Bats vs Sabers

We're not as creative when it comes to costumes. Our idea for a Halloween outfit normally comes from a mall or Amazon. Convenient, easy and 0% creativity. Don't get me wrong. When it comes to the art department, I would consider Anna as top of the class. It's me that always convinces her that the store would be the wisest decision.

Goku costume at SDCC
Considering we love to go to Comic-con, which is the biggest venue in North America when it comes to cosplay/costume. I would at least be inspired to create the perfect costume for our kids. But as a good parent, I do let my kids explore their minds and have a hand on the aesthetics of their wardrobe. And it usually does not end well.



So this year. I had to go with the plan that works. The store came to the rescue. But at the last minute, Anna came up with a great idea for Adi. With only 3 days left, we had to come up with certain items. Walking dead is the platform, and Adi would be as Neegan. It was perfect! And I thought that Adi would be able to go to next years Comic-con wearing the same outfit. But getting the tickets would be first priority and that's a whole different story.

Happy came as Rey (Star Wars) and that was a last minute change. Luckily, that character was an easy find. We're surprised not a lot of kids were in any Walking Dead costumes. Maybe because of the violence associated with the series. And again having Adi as your kid would make Neegan seem like a puppy.

The Elf on the Shelf... and on the bench..... and on the board..... and on the.........

 Having Adi and Happy clean up after their mess (mainly toys) is such a struggle. We constantly have to remind them that they need to tidy up. There must be a better way for them to remember, and I think we found a way. Enter the Elf in the Shelf.



 Days before Christmas, Happy found one of the Elves still in it's box. She would actually talk to it, whispering her wishes for whatever she wanted from Santa everyday. Two days before Christmas, I took the elf out of it's box and put it on the tree. When both kids woke up, they eventually noticed that the elf was missing from it's box and went out looking for it.



 From then on, we started moving the elf. On Christmas day, the elf brought Santa's gift. But it never stopped there. We then had an idea to keep the elf movin everyday. It was fun for Adi and Happy for a few days, but closer to New Year, both kids are getting scared, since we told them that the elf maybe after their toys now.



 Adi would wonder why the elf hasn't made it's motif clear. But a few hours ago, I started putting some of their toys in a paper bag, dressed up the elf as if its about to leave. I then set my GoPro to record the upcoming events.

lets start it right

It's 1-1-11. Woohooo!!! Happy new year. Im making breakfast right now, like I always do every weekends off. If it isn't obvious, I love cooking for the family. Plans? Hmmm... Go to Disney later on. Not to celebrate New Year, but to buy stuff for Happy's birthday.... Someone's turning one soon!

Manigong bagong taon!

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!

A feast with no turkey?

It's Thanksgiving. I have a full course meal laid out for the whole day.

Breakfast:
Longanisa and salted eggs




Lunch:
Baked Sea Bass
Grilled Bacon wrap scallops




Dinner:
Grilled Red grouper
Fish heads in Miso soup base
Baked mussels




We went shopping the day before, and we did get a whole bunch of good deals. Books and CD's from Borders with a 50% coupon. And from the 99 cents per pound Sea Bass at Seafood City to our newest find of fresh seafood from Catalina Offshores.




Catalina Offshores is a treasure trove that we found out from a co worker. It's some sort of a fish warehouse here in San Diego that gets their fish fresh everyday. The nice part about this place is that it's open to the public.




We were new and didn't know what to expect so when we got there, this guy Tommy came up to us and asked "What fish are you looking for?". Of course we were clueless and basically said we're looking for something we can grill. He then walked us towards the back end.




We went around about a couple of office cubicles then went through a door to the back side of the warehouse. We then went to one of the freezers (not your typical freezers coz these were as big as a two car garage) and showed us a couple of fishes. They had piles of scallops in five-pound bags ready to be shipped, fillets of tuna, swordfish, sea bass, halibuts to name a few. Since we wanted our fish grilled we need to be looking for meaty and thicker fish so he then recommended getting the red grouper-- cheaper, meaty and yummy.




Obviously Tommy knows how to work with Filipinos. The moment he asked us what fish we want and how we wanted it cooked and saw that look on my face that I had no idea what fish was good, he then said "You probably want your fish whole and with the head on, right?". Why of course. A fish is not a fish without the head!




Anyways, we ended up getting four pounds of the red grouper (the head was free), three pounds of scallops, and five pounds of the yellow tail tuna for the price of (get ready for this...) $52. I don't know if that was a steal but it seems like it.




My dad wanted to get a few tuna bellies but Tommy said we probably wouldn't want it since each pound would cost us $40. See, I like Tommy's brutal honesty and add to that each time we made requests, he'd answer back with "I'll see what I can do" which always translated to request granted in the end. Now if you ask me, that is good customer service.

I guess we're all set for Thanksgiving. It's a huge feast more than enough for four adults and a baby minus the turkey. Why have it when nobody at home eats it?!

This is how we did it

It's been almost 2 years since we've been to PI. And the last time we were there was the holidays of 07.

Christmas is as simple and a subtle family gathering. But New Year is a different story all together. Its always a huge event for us in the family. My dad would cook the Media Noche and my mom would be the one to do the preparations.


Here in SD, New Year is not as fun and exciting compared to PI. This year, we just went shopping for Christmas items at Target, then to Viejas Outlet and finally went to our local Denny's for dinner.

We then headed home and waited for the countdown. Unfortunately, we both fell asleep and by the time we woke up, it's 4am already. Oh well, maybe it'll be different next year.

Good Job

Bath and Body works had a huge sale few days back. We took advantage and bought a huge array of sprays, shower gels and lotions.

It was perfect timing too since I haven't given out any Christmas gifts to my co-workers and friends. The bows we're also on sale at Target and the tissue wrapping were freebies from Starbucks last year.

And when I started to hand out our gifts. I got the same reaction, "We're not opening this, since it looked so nice, especially the bows".

The wife said I did a good job.

Stop the Madness

We have so much to be thankful for this year, especially our little bundle of joy that’s about to come in Feb of 2010. And that’s what Thanksgiving is all about. Appreciating all the nice things no matter how big or small. No matter what tragedies, problems, sorrows or struggles we went through, we should always look at the bigger picture, like our health, family, friends or simply being alive and enjoying all the simple things that life has to offer.

But there’s this one time of the year that things really get complicated. A time when you need to have a plan and yet it still doesnt happen as it should be. Where luck is a very important factor and your chances are so small that you have to fight for it.

I’m not talking about some dilemma nor over the top event, I’m talking about Black Friday. Oh yes, a shopping frenzy that every single person in North America looks forward to. Where people would fall in line for hours or even camp out days before just to get the best deals.

Too bad for me, I was working Thursday night and I dont get off until 7:30 Friday morning. Luckily, I was able to buy one of the netbooks I wanted online the night before but I had to wake Anna at 3am. And by the time I went home that day, it was all sold out. My dad, who always pays us a visit every Thanksgiving even had to stay up too.

After work, I went back home just to take a shower and pick up Anna and my dad (who were both ready). We then headed to Wal-Mart, Target, Costco, and Best Buy. We started late, but we were still able to get some of the stuff that we wanted and a few extras.

After a whole day of shopping, we were all exhausted and tired. But how will it be like next year? Would things be the same or get worst? And the most important question is, will this madness ever stop?