Before Dec. 11 — cramming for the wedding; trimming wedding special effects: unity candle (here it is in a set of 3–2 small ones and a big one); veil; coin and ring holders; garters and the bridesmaids gown.We rehearsed on the 9th and then dinner.

Dec. 11 — wedding activities. We were so blessed because the sun came out for 80′s temp. Just the week before the temp dropped lowest in the past 80 years in LA. So the briight sunny day was God’s gift as we were wearing barong and I was in formal gown and the beautiful bride was in off-shoulder gown. The wedding was at 2 but reception was at 6:30 to give time for newly weds to have photos taken to include the sunset shots. The reception was held at the Castaway overlooking part of LA. Beautiful place! They had to move wedding a week early to get the place and all they can book was the smallest function room with the view. Good thing it had an adjacent terrace. We partied til about 11. It was such fun!

Dec. 14 — The whole family including newlyweds and my lola (9 of us) headed for the East Coast. We got to SUPER COLD JFK before 9 and home at my Ninang Stella’s house to a HEARTY warm dinner. Pig out!

Dec 15–We took Manhattan on the chilly 15th, divide the group between first timers and vets. We went to Empire State Building and The Statue of Liberty.. Then an unplanned dinner at my Aunt’s place at the Yonkers.

Dec. 16 — We left early for DC with a rented van. Got there mid afternoon. We drove around starting off from Capitol Hill and landed between the White House and the monument and took tons of photos. The group had dinner at Tita Flor’s family’s residence in Virginia. Syempre pa, pig out again. Forget low fat!!! We divided the group between the young and the restful. With the young staying with my new bro-in-law’s family friends who were also sponsors to the wedding.

Dec 17— We went to 2 Museums, Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Then we went to a Chinese Buffet for Dinner.

Dec. 18 — we headed north to Jersey passing by to visit our dear priest family friend at the Shrine of St. John Neumann in Philly. We had dinner and spent the night in New Jersey at my Ninang Shag’s home .. Feasted again. Forget diet altogether!!!

Dec. 19 — The Good Lord heard our prayers. It SNOWED!!! But not too much, only 3 inches. That allowed our schedule to go as planned. We went to Central Park, Fao Schwarz(sp), Toys R Us, ( grabe may ferris wheel sa loob), Rockefeller Center & Times Square.

Dec. 20 — Weather was high at 20!!! That’s negative in Centrigade. May wind chill factor pa. Kaya effectively negative even in Farenheit! So we had to do most indoors. We started late with a buffet Japanese lunch. Now that was some SUMO meal we had!!! Ang sarap!!! We still decided to visit the Met. Was so excited to see the MET. The dramatic stari climb from the car made me feel like I was appearing in Dr. Zhivago. Got to the door finally very much in need of the heat, until we were told – “Museum closed on Mondays!” Duh!!

Bwiiiiiiiiiiiissseeeeeeeeeeetttt! Anyway, shopping na lang kami around Union Square. Ay mali shopping na lang sila tapos tag along na lang kami ni Philbert.

Dec. 21 — Back to L.A. It was great to be back there kasi medyo warm ang weather pero just the same I had fun in the East Coast..

Dec 23 — I’ve been waiting all my life to go to Disneyland. We were there for 13 hours!!! It got really chilly at night and becasue of the wind, the electrical and fireworks shows were cancelled. Bad trip!!! And to think we waited over 2 hours for that!!! I missed Joshwa and Andie.. Im sure they would really enjoy Disneyland.

Christmas Eve — Lola, Mama and I prepared Noche Buena dinner at my bro-in-law’s house for our family his family and our relatives from Lemon Grove. Then we opened our gifts.

Christmas Day — We had dinner at My Aunt’s family residence and had really fun party. We sang and had lots of wacky games. It was really fun and we ended at 3 a.m.

Dec. 26 – Went to the outlet with Cathy.. It was fun..

Dec 27– Laundry day

Dec 28– It was Philbert’s 32 nd Birthday.. We just had chinese take out for Lunch. My sister bought Cheescake which was used as his birthday cake during dinner..

Dec 29–Played Pictionary and Cranium all day..

Dec 31– We went to Tita Baby’s house coz it was Ritchie’s bday.. ( brother sya ng BIL ko)

Jan 1– It was time to go home..

This is one of my favorite Christmas Poems of all times..

‘Twas the Night Before Christmas

(or A Visit from St. Nicholas)

by Clement Clarke Moore

‘Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the housenot a creature was stirring, not even a mouse.The stockings were hung by the chimney with care,in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,while visions of sugar plums danced in their heads.And Mama in her ‘kerchief, and I in my cap,had just settled our brains for a long winter’s nap.

When out on the roof there arose such a clatter,I sprang from my bed to see what was the matter.Away to the window I flew like a flash,tore open the shutter, and threw up the sash.

The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snowgave the lustre of midday to objects below,when, what to my wondering eyes should appear,but a miniature sleigh and eight tiny reindeer.

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.More rapid than eagles, his courses they came,and he whistled and shouted and called them by name:

“Now Dasher! Now Dancer!

Now, Prancer and Vixen!

On, Comet! On, Cupid!

On, Donner and Blitzen!

To the top of the porch!To the top of the wall!Now dash away! Dash away!Dash away all!”

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,when they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky so up to the house-top the courses they flew,with the sleigh full of toys, and St. Nicholas too.

And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roofthe prancing and pawing of each little hoof.As I drew in my head and was turning around,down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,and his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot.A bundle of toys he had flung on his back,and he looked like a peddler just opening his pack

His eyes–how they twinkled! His dimples, how merry!His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,and the beard on his chin was as white as the snow.The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,and the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath.He had a broad face and a little round belly,that shook when he laughed, like a bowl full of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,and I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself.A wink of his eye and a twist of his headsoon gave me to know I had nothing to dread

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,and filled all the stockings, then turned with a jerk.And laying his finger aside of his nose,and giving a nod, up the chimney he rose.

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.But I heard him exclaim, ‘ere he drove out of sight,

“Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good night!”

Today is my second day and jet lag is trying to catch up with me. I slept the whole afternoon. Grabe ang ginaw parang nasa aircon na todo ang thermostat pero di mo mahanap ang switch. Naka heater na kami pero super lamig pa rin. But I can’t complain Im really having a great time. I met up with my Brother in law at around 7pm. We had dinner and we went to different stores. Philbert bought a new pair of pants as for me I just bought a new bag from Victoria’s Secret. Then we went home. When we got home dumating na rin si Mama from the airport. I don’t know for some reason sometimes I love her to death but sometimes I just can’t being around her. I guess she can be too domineering at times lalo na when it comes to what I eat and how I should eat.

After one week of preparing and packing and last minute shopping. Im finally here and It’s been great. I missed my sisters and it really feels great to be here. Grabe!Ibang iba pala talaga dito. This is a whole new place and I have a lot of exploring to do. One thing that is just so sad is I miss my kids. This is what I did as soon as I got off the plane..We went to get our luggage then customs then I saw my sister Rhanesa. Haayy.. I missed her so much. I haven’t seen her in 2 years. Then I finally met her fiance Geof. Then we went to eat out at Sanamluang a very popular Thai Restaurant. Then I went to see my lola and some cousins then it was time to head for my sister’s new home.WOW!! it was such a beautiful house.. Di sya apartment lang.. tipong 3 big rooms tapos 3 t & b’s and little garden. I love it.. I’ll post photos later on.