Wednesday, December 31, 2003  4:48pm

The Countdown

Wow - my last entry for the year 2003!  I gave it some thought and decided that I will not make any resolutions for the new year.  They never see past the month of January anyway.  Instead I have a few goals that I hope to see to fruition in 2004:

• Complete my certification in graphic design (print media)

• Build a design portfolio

• Learn and master Dreamweaver and Flash

• Become neighbors with my sister and brother-in-law (ok...so its worth a shot)

• Complete more photographic projects

• Get published!  More news on that later!

It's definitely not a long list!  Perhaps this way my blog entry this time next year will chronicle the fact that I've actually accomplished all the items on my list.  

So I bid adieu to 2003 and wish you a safe and happy new year's eve celebration no matter where you are tonight!  I'll be in New York City with my family...which should make for some interesting blog material to open January 2004.   I tremble at the thought of the traffic situation, but that's love for family!   Happy New Year everyone!  *big hugs*  

Tuesday, December 30, 2003  11:06pm

Energizer Bunny

Its been a whirlwind of activity these past few weeks.  I feel like the Energizer Bunny who keeps going and going and going and going...well, you get the idea.  

The day after Christmas I met up with my aunts, my cousin Lizelle and the "London Girls" at Short Hills to check out the post-Christmas sales.  I think the good ol' credit card and my husband *cough* are relieved that I practiced some restraint and turned a blind eye to some very cute items.  I see the simultaneous looks of disbelief from Jay, Cindy and Jane right now.  Yes my loved ones - I do have a sliver of that attribute coursing through my veins...sometimes!  Ha!

After their trip to the Woodbury Commons Outlets last Sunday, Lizelle, Fatima and Shabana spent the night here. We put on our pj's and settled down for a chick flick evening.  

Then we spent most of Monday having nice conversation over a leisurely breakfast and doing girly girl makeup things with Fatima's new BeneFit goodies from Sephora.  Once we finally got enough motivation together to actually leave the house, we caught a matinee showing of "Mona Lisa Smile" - an excellent female empowering feel-good movie.  Had a great time with the girls!  We'll do it again one day soon, at your Notting Hill flat next time around. *smile*

So here I am on the eve of New Year's Eve, at the threshold of 2004, a day away from archiving my December entries and all my 2003 entries for that matter.   Should I make a list of resolutions for myself?  I've never been very good at actually keeping them.  Hmmm...I'll have to sleep on that!   

Saturday, December 27, 2003  7:25am

Dad

Happy Birthday Dad!  Wish you were here so that we could celebrate at our favorite Thai restaurant.  Have yourself a wonderful day!  See you in February.  Love you!  *suddenly getting a craving for your yummy fruit salad*

Friday, December 26, 2003  9:42am

Eloquence

For those wishing to expand your vocabulary past the usual grunts and narrow selection of 4-letter words, you may be interested to note that the top word of 2003 is embedded, beating out blog (now there's a big surprise!) and SARS.  This site may also be helpful if you wish to whoop some rear-end in a fierce game of Taboo.  I'm having flashbacks to those Words are Important assignments in  Advanced English class in high school.

Friday, December 26, 2003  12:33am

Post Christmas Lethargy

Ahhhh...it sure feels good to get out of the "skinny jeans" and into my comfortable sweats after all this holiday eating.  I've been nibbling those darned white-chocolate dipped gingerbread cookies since Jay brought them home Tuesday evening.  

We had a very enjoyable evening at the Quiba residence on Christmas Eve.  Christmas Day was spent at Auntie Charee and Uncle Abner's place in Manhattan with the Maranan's, Lim's and our friends, Shabana and Fatima, visiting from the U.K. It was a wonderful feast and a great time!  Not only is Auntie Charee our family's resident LV collector, but also one of the most awesome cooks. 

Judging from the huge mound of empty gift boxes and wrapping paper, it appears that everyone was on good behaviour this past year and received some very generous surprises under the Christmas tree.  I am very proud of the trademark blue and LV boxes that somehow found their way into my lap.  Thank you thank you for the generous treasures!  Desiree, the chandeliers are very cute and you know that we're going shopping at that little place soon!  *big smile*  

Good laughs with the "best of 5" Taboo competition, until the "World Idol" TV special distracted everyone from the game.  

My prayers are with Lolo in Toronto, whose health seems to be deteriorating.  Oh and Happy happy Birthday Christine - my soon to be sister-in-law and my hookup at MAC.  Girl, have a beautiful day!  And remember our creed that age is so not a factor, when you work in the cosmetics industry!  

Wednesday, December 24, 2003  12:45pm

Happy Holidays

The shopping insanity is finally over - just a few more gifts to wrap and then I can finally sit back and really enjoy this time.  So I'm blogging, sipping coffee and eating white- chocolate dipped gingerbread!  Yum!  

My immediate family is spread out all over this holiday season so I'm sending you love from my little corner here!  Merry Christmas Mom and Dad!  You should have come to celebrate here again this year.  We'll see each other early in the new year.  I love you both!

To my sister and brother-in-law, Cin and Norm, on the west coast - we really must make it a point to be together this time next year.  Merry Christmas to you both - your first holiday together as a married couple!  You are both very dear to me!  Love you lots!  Can't wait to see you in February.  

And to my new "sister", Hazel - I know that the new year will bring you and Event Designs many exciting opportunities.  I am so excited for you.  Thank you for allowing me to be a part of the creative process.  Here's to your success!  I appreciate our friendship!  Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!   

To Mom and Dad Gamez, Jon and Christine - we miss you guys and look forward to sharing in your big day this coming August.  May the new year bring you happiness and love...and stress-free wedding planning!  *big hugs*

To everyone who indulges me and takes the time to read my blog on a regular basis - thank you!  

Merry Christmas and a Happy 2004!  Peace!  

Monday, December 22, 2003  11:32pm

It's a Boy!

Congratulations to our SF Bay Area friends, Troy and Becky, on the birth of their second son, Abijah!  Abijah was born on Wednesday, December 17 8:42pm 6 lbs. 13 ounces. How exciting for Toby to be a big brother!   Enjoy your new bundle of joy and this most wonderful holiday present!  

Monday, December 22, 2003  4:51pm

Power of Mass Email

It's funny what kind of things you'll find out when you defy the rules and etiquette of email and send one out to just about everyone in your address book.  Last week, I broke the rules and sent mass in desperate attempts to recover the contact information of my friends and family at peak snail mail season.  

Since this blog site went live some three months ago, I've observed a noticeable decrease in personal email finding its way into my inbox.  I suppose that's because my friends and family no longer need to initiate messages to find out "what's up!" since that information is readily available right here on my domain.  

But I guess I opened up Pandora's Box because I was receiving contact info emails faster than I could key in the data into my palm software.  And in this deluge of incoming mail, I've discovered that Rick and Arlene recently eloped and got married in Vegas *woo-hoo*, that Al's favorite movie is "My Cousin Vinny" *grin*, and that Dan has mad knowledge on how I can back up my files for FREE!  Thanks to all for being so on that message.   

Never underestimate the power of mass email!  *smile* 

Friday, December 19, 2003  8:55am

Sisters

Happy Birthday to my little sis, Cindy!  I wish that we lived, at the very least, in the same time zone so that we could celebrate your day together!  This 3000 mile long distance thing is so played out!  

Thank you for being one of my greatest supporters, my harshest critic, my confidante, my favorite shopping goddess, my best friend and sister!  

You certainly deserve a day filled with great times and wonderful surprises - translation:  Burke Williams! *wink* You know!  Enjoy your day - I'm sure Norm has something nice planned.  I love you lots!  *big hug*  

Wednesday, December 17, 2003  11:44pm

Shameless Plugs

Jessica performed in the Christmas program, "Birthday of a King" put on by the Lake Nelson Early Learning Center earlier this evening.  It was quite the little production with elaborate costumes and cute kids singing galore.  The children were sworn to secrecy about the program so the parents would be surprised come performance time.  

To my surprise, Jessica and her classmate, Tiffany, sang a duet entitled "O Come Little Children" - well actually, it was kind of a solo because all we could hear was Jessica.  She did a wonderful job!  I think we have a little singer on our hands here.  

While I'm in shameless plug mode here, congratulations to my sister-in-law, Hazel - well actually she's Cindy's sis-in-law, but what the heck, we're all one big happy family right!  Hazel has just launched Event Designs, her own California based professional event planning service.  She offers many years of experience in the public relations and special events arena.  I've seen her in action and she can do quite the fancy do...with or without the hi my name is stickers and aliases! *ahem*  So if you're planning on a wedding, meeting, party (any excuse will do) or all of the above - call ED to handle the details for you!  Congrats Haze! 

Tuesday, December 16, 2003  11:25pm

Traditions

The holiday season always makes me a little nostalgic.  I think fondly of Christmases past and remember some of the little things that eventually became tradition.  

For many years, having my homemade chocolate chip cheesecake with a select group of friends was a ritual.  It was like some sort of silent rule that every year after attending all the obligatory family get-togethers, we would meet on Christmas night  for coffee and cheesecake.  Unfortunately, this tradition is now defunct because of logistics, although we all still remain friends to this day.  

Christmas shopping with my late brother was a tradition!  He was definitely the only male on the face of this earth that I could shop with...and not want to strangle after the first 15 minutes.  And of course shopping with Jesse always included some delicious lunch or a decadent dessert at our favorite cafe.   

Traditions, old and new, are very important to me!  Old traditions keep me grounded and help me to remember who I am and where I came from.  The new traditions are extensions of those and my living legacy, something my daughter can eventually take into her own home one day!  Cheers to the past, present and future!  

Monday, December 15, 2003  12:14pm

Keep it Real! 

A dose of comic relief is badly needed today!  Ginger,  thanks for sending a giggle.   I think I lost my sense of humor somewhere between coughing up a lung and desperately trying to save the other one.  I don't even remember if Jessica got her cold from me or if I got mine from her.  

So today I'm bumming - and keying in contact info to hotSync later.  

Sunday, December 14, 2003  11:08pm

The Senility of Mother Nature

I'm thoroughly convinced that Mother Nature is exhibiting signs of senility!  This morning it was snowing, then it was raining, snowing, then raining again like nobody's business.  C'mon now Mom Nature, make up your mind!  Winter or spring, winter or spring?  Or perhaps it's both!  

It's no wonder I have this darned cough that won't seem to go away even as I overdose on Robitussin.  Or perhaps it could be attributed to the fact that I am in some kind of denial and I am desperately trying to maintain that it is summer in my mind - hence the leather jacket instead of the winter coat and scarf!  

In other annoyances, my attempts to get my Christmas cards out on time, or at least to the post office before Christmas Eve, are foiled again.  My trusty, and I use the term rather loosely, PDA flaked today and wiped out my entire address book, calendar, everything!  That's a hard learned lesson to remember to hotSync on a regular basis.  My bad for not recharging the unit BEFORE the data got wiped out - duh!  

This icky weather also kept us from keeping our lunch appointment at my aunt's in NYC.  I was so looking forward to having her homemade chicken parmagian.  

There!  You see how this weather puts me in a foul mood!  

Saturday, December 13, 2003  10:03pm

Hula Holiday

The "Hula Holiday" Hawaiian themed Christmas party for the Precious Jewels Adventurer Club was a smashing success and a colorful way to kick off the holiday season.   It was our little piece of Waikiki Beach right here in New Jersey and everyone looked quite ready to take in some sun!  It was all about the tacky prints, grass skirts and lei's.  

And Ninong Boy's pecan tarts were a hit!  Looks like he has  a new cult following here in this Filipino community!  

Jessica had a great time and is extremely happy with her new Barbie picnic set.  So if you'll excuse me, I believe my presence is expected at a tea party right about now.  Happy Hula-days to all the Precious Jewels!  

Friday, December 12, 2003  9:12am

On Choosing a Career

I am listening to some tunes online and am reminded of a rather humorous conversation I overheard a few weeks ago:

Grandma:  What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jessica:  A doctor and a fiancée!

Grandma: *giggle* Do you know what a fiancée is?  

Jessica:  Yes...she sings mommy's favorite song on the radio!  

Judy:  Ohhhh, you mean Beyoncé...*hums the tune of baby boy you stay on my mind fulfill my fantasies...*

And yes I dream that my daughter will one day become successful in doing something that she is passionate about. 

Wednesday, December 10, 2003  8:42am

Holiday Cheer 

I finally sucked it up and ventured out to Short Hills yesterday to start my Christmas shopping.  Met up there with my favorite shopping hobbyists, Auntie Charee and Uncle Abner.  And for those of you who know Auntie Charee like I do, you will also KNOW that we popped into Louis Vuitton and it will be a very stylish Christmas for, ahem, some lucky soul out there.  *grin*  

And it's all about the holiday merrymaking at the series of Christmas parties we'll be attending this year.  The first of the season being last night at the Crystal Ridge Club Wine and Cheese party.  Great ambiance in the beautiful clubhouse with the roaring fireplace.  *guess that's where the exorbitant rent checks go*  Nonstop nibbling and socializing with our friends here in this hood - and meeting new people too.  Jessica, our resident social butterfly and public relations rep, made friends with another 4 year old, Amber.  Very cute!

Happy Holidays to my readership and fellow blog addicts!  

Edit:  So I'm feeling very Hollywoodesque right now!  Since no one else showed up to Pilates today, I got one-on-one instruction for the first 15 minutes, until another lady, a newbie to the complex, joined in.  Yay for 15 minutes of REALLY doing those positions correctly and feeling it in all the right places!  

Sunday, December 7, 2003  11:04pm

The Aftermath

It appears that this big northeast snowstorm is officially over.  The sun came out today.  The rays of sunshine lit up the blanket of white snow and illuminated the icicles hanging off the tree branches.  It gleamed like a Tiffany showcase of exquisite diamond rings and chandelier earrings.  

Came out of hibernation today and got in a good workout at the gym before Brian's 5th birthday party.  And 3 million calories into all those yummy Filipino desserts, I'm thinking that perhaps the workout was in vain.  Ha!

On the way home, relaxed at Border's and lingered over some graphic design reference manuals with a cup of java.  Picked up something to add to my library, "Non-Designers Design Book: Design and Typographic Principles for the Visual Novice".  At a cool 30% off regular price, I feel some creative stirrings and see an edit to a layout I've been working on.  

Saturday, December 6, 2003  5:21pm

Whiteout:  Part II

The snowstorm continued today!  It has finally let up...at least for now.  Even our church services were cancelled today due to the inclement weather.  The news reports are encouraging people to stay home.  And that's exactly what I did today - no need to tell me twice!  

I went outside long enough to brush the snow off the Pathfinder and to let Jessica play.  I was thinking to myself the entire time:  

Ha!  I suppose that sentiment wasn't entirely subliminal.  Norm, in light of our conversation regarding San Diego, this one's for you man!  

By the way, I did NOT get up early this morning to take outdoor digital.  Cold numbs ambition sometimes!  I was, however, on a caffeine induced QuarkXpress frenzy and managed to complete four projects. 

Friday, December 5, 2003  10:37pm

Whiteout

The first snowstorm of the season began shortly before noon today prompting early school closures and wreaking traffic havoc all over.  

I suppose the winter enthusiasts slash optimists are heading for the slopes.  As much as I prefer summer, I would have to say that from my indoor view of this winter wonderland that it is absolutely beautiful outside.  And I just might be ambitious enough to get up early tomorrow morning to take some outdoor digital.  Maybe!   

Nice evening to sit in front of a wood burning fireplace, snuggle under a blanket, and sip hot chocolate...or a grandé nonfat mocha with whipped cream!  

I stumbled on some forgotten files on the old hard drive:  old photos including one of my favorite shots ever taken of Jessica as she played in the fountain at the San Ramon Central Park, shots taken at the Egyptian Museum in San Jose in a spontaneous Sunday afternoon excursion with our old neighbors; old mp3 files downloaded during the Napster glory, and free of charge, days.  Toni Braxton still sounds good!  Finding old favorites: priceless! 

Thursday, December 4, 2003  11:32pm

Put in a Good Word

The funeral service for Ninang Leila will be held tomorrow morning.  The news of her passing has left me somber and reflective all week. 

Mom and I spoke today, mostly about the service held at the viewing earlier this evening.  The floral arrangement I sent in honor of her memory was delivered to the funeral home today - a small token, my way of paying my final respects to someone who deserved nothing short of just that.  Family and friends shared kind words and special memories.  A prolific piece of advice was offered:  share your kind words with your loved ones while they are still alive!  

Simple but profound!  So I must challenge myself to remind the people I care about just how much I appreciate them - now!  And not just later off an ink-jet printed speech.  

Tuesday, December 2, 2003  9:04pm

Got the Shutterbug!

I've finally completed the 26 Things: Photographic Scavenger Hunt November 2003 project.  Worked the digital hard on this one!  

I suppose I should stop procrastinating and start Christmas shopping.  I love shopping, however, I lose all motivation when I know I have to spend a better portion of an hour looking for parking and then having to battle the crowds.  Grrrr, these days even the Watchung Target is busy at 10:00am on a Tuesday.  

Monday, December 1, 2003  10:45pm

In Memory Of

Mom called to tell me that Ninang Leila passed away this morning after battling cancer.  

Every young person who has passed through the Filipino church's history knew her as Auntie Leila.  She and her husband, who we fondly dubbed "Kuya George", were the Mom and Dad of the youth group.  They always welcomed the young people to visit their home or to phone them anytime and were always supportive of all the youth programs and activities.  Together they worked tirelessly and selflessly for the church and never asked for thanks.  

Auntie Leila had such a positive influence in my life that when Jay and I got married we asked her and her husband to stand up for us as our Ninang and Ninong.  And many couples before us and after us did the same because of their shared respect and admiration.  

Whenever we visited our home church during trips to Toronto, Auntie Leila always welcomed us back with a warm smile and a big hug!  She always said "You look great! How are you and when are you moving back here?"

I last saw Ninang Leila on a weekend trip home this past August.  As always she had on a warm smile and offered an even warmer "Welcome back!"  We chatted and laughed as I shared stories of my sister's wedding with her.  Unfortunately, they hadn't been able to attend.   She was always very pleasant and genuine.   Ninang Leila was a warm soul and loved by many.

My prayers are with Kuya George, their 2 children, and the Solijon and Salamanca families.  

Monday, December 1, 2003  10:08am

Summer in my Mind 

I'm back from another trip back to Toronto.  Made it to Toronto in record time 7.5 hours only to get caught in *rush hour* traffic at 1pm on the 401. That certainly brought back commuting nightmares from my previous life.  

Enjoyed the Thanksgiving holiday there.  No turkey but plenty of food nonetheless.  Yum - Swiss Chalet and Tim Horton's coffee fixes!  Took the weekend slow this time around.  

We celebrated Mom's birthday at our favorite Greek restaurant, "The Friendly Greek".  Love you Mom! 

After 2 days of constant rain, I saw my first snowfall for this winter season.  Unfortunately, it wasn't the pretty white flake kind, but rather the wet slushy icky stuff.  Yup, it's confirmed - I hate winter!  

It was nice to spend plenty of time with Jon and Christine - all of us coughing our lungs out together.    Attended my best friend's baby shower - wonderful  spread prepared by her husband and sister.  I'm so excited for Blythe and Rommel and eagerly awaiting the arrival of their first little one.  

Browsed through the New in Homes section of the paper and visited a couple new home developments before driving back.  It was a long trip after waiting in post long weekend lines at the U.S. border.  It's nice to be home!