Californication Day 3: It's so... Universal

After stomping the whole day in the rain in LA, I was transported to Chatsworth by Carmen to spend the night with Ate Ems and husband Erick.

Ate Ems is an old friend. Our history went 10 years back or maybe more. Geez, I hate Math! We used to live together in one house when I was in college that time and she was fresh from college trying to build a career for herself as an Accountant. We had a lot of memories together... both happy and sad... and we surely miss each other. 

My 3rd day in California was spent in Universal Studio. We did not waste time. As soon as we opened our eyes the following day we hit the shower... get dressed... and had breakfast at Chowking - my 3rd Pinoy meal. wink.

Then... off to Universal Studio - armed with an "annual pass"! Ate Ems got me an annual pass hoping that I will be back again and use it. I wish!

There... we strolled down Wisteria Lane

Checked out the ruins left by the War of the Worlds...

Greeted some familiar faces...

[grinned with the Grinch]

Rubbed some elbows with friends...

 [explored with Dora]

[chatted with Donkey]

It was indeed a great day to spend with an old friend whom I missed so much.

[Ate Ems finally handed me over to my TSS Sistahs - Tes and Betchai.]

[Photo Credit: Doods]

From there... I was met by my TSS Sistahs and was transported to San Diego where we had our Italian Dinner and meeting with another Filipina and her Family.

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

Contrast

Sometimes, darkness can highlight something beautiful and ordinary in daylight.

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Not the Valentine-Kind-of-Guy

Happy Valentine's Day. What else should I say? It's just another ordinary day. Nothing significant except that I got Hubby a box of heart shape Dove chocolates. And last night, he got me 4 pieces of strawberries dipped in chocolates. Well, his daughter made it [I know] and he just asked a couple of pieces to give me. LOL

Last year, I got him a card which I just picked out from the grocery. This year, I didn't have the time to do it so... I am just writing this letter... which I bet he will not be able to read anyway. hahaha. But what the heck! Who knows? Miracles happen all the time.

So here goes.

My Dearest Sweetest,


Happy 4th Valentine's Day.

This is the 4th Valentine's Day since we became "WE". Nothing extra ordinary and I am not really expecting that you are going to do anything special today. I know you are not into it. Or shall I say, you are not the "Valentine-Kind-of-Guy" that is why it's no big deal. hahaha But that's okay. I understand. 

Well, you are not like any ordinary guy who will do everything to come up with everything "hearts" for VD. It's not that you don't care... you are just not affected by the whole commercial aspect of it. wink* It is not so "you". But then I want you to know that I just like the way you are. 

Deep inside I know you are thinking... you are wondering... and you are overwhelmed with the whole VD thingy. It just doesn't make sense why you need to show how much you love me on this particular day when you try your best to show how much you love me everyday. Are you surprised? Yes, I know how hard you try and I do appreciate it even if I am being mean to you sometimes. I am just being me. LOL. 

Well, just like any VD, we'll just celebrate it like any ordinary day. And don't feel bad if I got you something and you didn't get me anything.It's okay, your love for me is more precious than any diamonds that you already gave me [and planning to give me]. And don't worry because, you have next month to make it up for me. LOL.

Love you much,


Your Sweetie.

Happy Heart's Day, everyone. Keep on loving.

Breathtaking

30,000 miles above New Jersey...

 simply breathtaking - literally!

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Californication Day 2: Stomping in the rain in LA

So I finally touched down and had my first taste of home. But my second day 2 in California was very special to me. It was special because it was the very first time that my cousin Bambi [as she is fondly called by people who really are closed to her] and I went out together after more than 10 years. Yes, it was that long. And for the span of 10 years we rarely communicate too. I so miss her because we practically grew up together. To say that she is the sister I never had is an understatement... because deep in my heart - she is indeed my baby sister.

Anyway, we set out early that day and it was kinda hectic too. Bambi did not waste one single minute to show me her adopted city of Angels - even if it was a rainy and foggy and gloomy day.

First stop - the Cathedral of the Our Lady of the Angels at W. Temple Street, where world re-known  Filipino Artist, Lea Salonga said "I do" to Robert Chien on the 20th of January in 2004.

Next stop was down the street - The Walt Disney Concert Hall at S. Grand Avenue.

Then, she brought me to the Grand Central Market at S. Broadway... to give me a feel of the "palengke" [market].

Next, the Angels Flight Railway near the Metro Red Line Pershing Square subway station at the corner of Fourth and Hills Streets. We took the train from there and headed straight to...

Jollibee at Beverly Blvd... where I had my very first Manila Breakfast after four long years.

Then, we went grocery shopping at Seafood City - a Filipino Store in S. Vermont Avenue and headed back home since it was still raining.

But when the rain stopped, we went straight to the famous Hollywood Boulevard after we brought home our groceries.

Then, we walked the Hollywood Walk of Fame at Hollywood Blvd.

And checked out the famous Kodak Theater at the Hollywood and Highland Center in Hollywood Blvd. in Beverly Hills.

We ended the day with a sumptuous Thai dinner with my former High School student Carmen whom I have not seen for over 7 years.

It was indeed a nice day to reconnect and bond with two special people that I missed so much. We concluded the day with hot cups of tea at Hobart Avenue... before I was transported to Chatsworth by Carmen.

This is one of 'MERICA Posts Series. A regular post dedicated to my HOME away from home.

Read more about my 'merica HERE as I share my experiences in this land of amazing People, Culture and Traditions.

The Mommy Whisperer

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of PBM Products. All opinions are 100% mine.

My cousin called me the other day asking me what is the best formula for babies. I don't know why but of all people, she was asking “ME”! Why me? I am not a mother. I didn’t even have the chance to give birth. And I am not even qualified to prescribe baby formula. I am not a pediatrician.

But then, I think she trusts me more than her pediatrician. I believe she will even feed her baby "latte" if I told her so. [LOL] Just kidding! It’s not as if I would do that. Of course I love her baby too. She is the apple-of-my-eye. And I love little Alyson to pieces.

Well, since she has confidence in me, the only thing I could do is to google it and - viola!  I found this cool website called Diaper.com, where you can find all baby and mommy products - from diaper to maternity clothes… from baby formula to mommy vitamins and nutritional snacks… from “green” baby to “sale” for mommy.

So I told my cousin about this cool website and advise her to buy on diapers.com for all her and Alyson's needs. She immediately went online and surf the net and guess what? She was so happy. She now calls me "the Mommy Whisperer". LOL. Next thing I know  “like” it in FB and became a fan of Bright Beginnings on Facebook.

Well, I really don't know about the "Mommy Whisperer thingy" but I am as happy as she is.

Self Portrait

Today's Photo Friday Challenge is entitled... Self-Portrait. I could have taken a photo of myself in a more creative way but I got the email notice last night so I didn't feel very creative anymore. I was already wasted. LOL

So to keep up with the challenge... I am just reposting these photos of me... through the years.

 

  

 

Ooooops! I over-did it. LOL. But then, if you notice... there are some years missing. And that is a dead give away to reveal how old I really am. Have a wonderful weekends, friends.

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This is how...

Here in my world... when it is winter time

and when it is ice-fishing season...

This is how - we go around the lake.

This is how we carry our stuff to the frozen lake.

This is how we catch fish.

This is how we cook our meal.

This is how we chill our drink.

And this is how we keep warm.

It is cool in my world... literally and figuratively. So stay warm friends.

WELCOME to - My World. This is where you will find bits and pieces of the world I live in. Come and take a peek of my Pine State... Maine.

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