Wow, only an hour to upload. Editted the video to make is 99.5 MB under the You Tube limit.
You can get an idea of the tasty treat...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5P_Oqp01c1M
And the second half...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UY7NZLr3GY
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Saturday, January 27, 2007
Half way round the world
Just got off the phone with James. Made it to Sun Valley Idaho. Ready to start his skiing vacation. We'll be able to chat by Skype to cell phone, and then he'll walk over to the public web cam so we can see him in a still snap shot.
Friday, January 26, 2007
If the Banaue Rice Terraces are truly considered the 8th Wonder of the World…
And I have been fortunate enough to walk on the Great Wall of China, then I have been to 25% of the most amazing sites created by man. That’s heavy.
Went a little overboard on the number of photos uploaded in the set. It is so hard to convey all that we saw.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594499022112/
Quotable quotes:
“This is Keyo…” Rey introduces Keyo to a pretty tollgate girl.
“It smells like s*#t but tastes good…” Rey explains some other dish after we try papaitan.
“I know this sounds strange, but I feel like we are being so efficient driving all day…” Backwards been up 20 hours thought process of mine.
“Does that really say AMAZING BUTT FUEL?” You’ll see the photo. It was an optical illusion. I swear it said that. You tell me what you think.
“Would it be inappropriate to lick the bag?” I ask after eating the roasted peanuts and garlic.
“What did I see you lick last week?” James says after I state the aforementioned question.
“I want some gum Mom…” Reyde asks while Keyo is trying Beetle Nut.
The sound of Reyde’s toy airplane now saved as Rey’s ring tone.
Loree, Keyo, James, Reyde and I left Makati on Saturday morning for the grand adventure. James and I have been on day tours with the driver and felt very comfortable to make this long trek with him.
Banaue is roughly 245kms north of Manila. You’d think it should take a few hours…but no…8-9 hours. The highways are packed, the roads off the beaten track, sometimes narrow, sometimes bumpy, and sometimes crazy. Taking your life in your own hands.
Loree, Keyo, and I thought we’d sleep on the way up as we’d been up all night working. We were far too excited to see the land and ended up staying awake the entire time. Lot’s of laughs and silliness ensued with the fatigue factor.
It does a body good to get out of the concrete jungle. As we headed north and began to see the hills and valleys of the Philippines, I was reminded of home. The tropical vegetation still abounded, but additional trees were evident to make it feel a bit like the Pacific Northwest. For as far as the eye could see the valley of rice paddies, mango groves, and other crops continued. Amidst the farms, the homes with palm trees for shade sat in the middle. Carabao, dogs, goats, and chickens along the road. It’s the type of scenery that I envisioned the Philippine Islands to be like. So peaceful, so beautiful with dozens of different shades and textures of green. I now understand why people go home to the province and leave Metro Manila whenever they get a chance. Manila is nothing but another big city in the world.
Amazing that we didn’t see any road kill. Rey said that the drivers are very careful to not hit animals, especially chickens. The owners will come out and negotiate payment for the dead chicken, the number of chicks that it might have laid, and the number of eggs that the said chicken and possible chicks might have laid for their life spans. Could get expensive.
The highlight of the afternoon in my mind? The absolutely fabulous roasted peanuts with dry roasted garlic that Rey bought from a guy by the gas station. We see many vendors walking around with pots of food, and have never been daring enough to try the treats. These were out of this world. Almost had Rey turn around to buy more.
We arrived at the hotel about 4pm on Saturday night. Reyde and James roamed around while I took a much needed 2 hour nap. The climate was perfect; cooling for the night with a slight breeze and chill in the air. We would all sleep good.
We met up for dinner at 7pm. The oddest thing happened; I had asked for Mexican food for lunch only as a joke for there is no Mexican food here. I’ll take that back, there is a chain in Manila, but not like food in Seattle. Our guide Ina was trying to accommodate all of our requests and took it to heart that she couldn’t provide Mexican food, only to find it at the beginning of the buffet line. We laughed so hard. Had a soft stale hard shell taco with unknown meat, cheese, salsa, and lettuce.
After dinner we watched the native cultural presentation and headed to bed. The next day would be big.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6L4GCMfUu8
Slept so soundly. The windows were open, we had a cool night breeze coming in, and the sounds of crickets, chickens, and dogs.
Met up for breakfast on Sunday and off to the first viewpoint. Up to 4800 feet to see the awe inspiring rice terraces. The terraces have been built over the last 2000 years, all by hand. It is believed that people from China traveled down to the islands thousands of years ago and brought with them the knowledge to cultivate the mountains. If the walls of all the terraces were put end to end, the wall would be half way around the world.
UNESCO now pays families to maintain the terraces of the ancestral lands and keep the way of life intact. So much of the land is still food bearing. The main crop of course is rice.
As we drove around, we would come upon sections of the road covered in rice. The families just lay the rice out to dry and the drivers know not to drive over it. Nothing like having a little extra fiber in your rice right?
The next part of our adventure was a Jeepney ride to a native village to interact with the natives. So said the itinerary. A bit canned I thought, like these people would be dressed up in native clothing and we’d pretend that they live the way their elders did…
The ride was crazy. Jeepney’s need suspension. In a bad way. Reyde kept hold of James’ hand the entire ride and kept on saying, “we’re going to be okay right Dad?” I only hit my head once with a big bump. From time to time we would gather extra riders. Kids would run and jump on the back. Hold on for dear life and hang off the back of the Jeepney until they got to where they wanted to go. I have no idea how they didn’t hurt themselves dismounting because the driver didn’t slow down. The boys were pretty funny. As they held on outside, they serenaded us with American pop songs. I should have gotten some video of their singing.
We arrived at the village, only to find out that we needed to walk down to it. Walk down to it is an understatement. This was a 25 minute hike down a steep hillside with uneven stairs, no safety handrails, and plain crazy in some spots. Knowing now what we do, James and I wouldn’t have taken Reyde. It was quite an adventure for a 4 year old. (And 36 and 38 year old!)
The last part of the walk was on the walls of the rice paddies. About 12 inches wide with drops down to the next paddy on one side and the water of the other paddy on the other side. Ina the guide lost her footing and stepped in the water/mud/muck as well as James and Reyde on the way up.
Once down to the village, we visited with the families that do live there. Crazy to have to do that trek to go to the store and school, and whatever else you need. I am saying it’s all about planning and questioning if you really need what you think you need. And no overweight people living in the village. No way could they get overweight with that walk.
The huts are made of bamboo and grass; raised off the ground to prevent rodents and insects from coming inside, as well as protection against the enemy in old times. Inside the huts, which are maybe 12’ x 12’ there is a second story to store the rice. The 20th century has come to the village. Electricity, refridgerators and TVs inside.
So as the itinerary stated, we did interact with natives, but not natives in the true sense. They wore 20th century clothing, no loin cloths here.
The people let us look into their homes and showed us how they prepare the rice. Reyde had a go of it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY1pU9KSB5M
James was very taken by the culture and bought up a storm of souveneirs. I purchased 2 handmade woven cloths, he purchased a spoon/rice cutter, cow horn, drum, necklace. I guess we are about even; I also bought a necklace and a wooden figurine of the rice god.
Took us about 45 minutes to walk up the stairs/hillside. Another 45 in the Jeepney to get back to the hotel. We could have had lunch in the village but the guide and driver recommended we eat at the hotel because of food quality and not being sure of the safeness of what we would eat. Nice to have them looking out for us, especially Reyde and his virgin belly.
After lunch we headed back to the market in tricycles. Which is your standard motorcycle with a sidecar. Reyde loves taking rides in trikes. We arrived around 4pm with not a lot going on. Went to a few shops but didn’t buy anything. Ina, the tour guide, always one to please, “scored us some nut.” Keyo wanted to try the native Beetle Nut chew. From what I gathered, it is a spicy nut dipped in dried lime, then wrapped in a tobacco leave and banana leaf. The nut stains your lips and mouth red. Some of the people we saw had stained teeth as well. I suppose the effect is a bit addictive but probably more than anything something to keep people warm up in the mountains. It causes you to sweat profusely.
Couldn't insert video from You Tube. Too large of a file.
Had dinner and to bed early. Needed to head back to Manila bright and early so we could take a nap before work on Monday night.
Left at 7am, and safely turned onto Valero street at 3.15pm. Have to admit that my spirit brightened being outside of the city. It makes the concrete jungle a little bit more bearable. Two more weeks to go until the next escape. Back to Boracay for the weekend.
Went a little overboard on the number of photos uploaded in the set. It is so hard to convey all that we saw.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594499022112/
Quotable quotes:
“This is Keyo…” Rey introduces Keyo to a pretty tollgate girl.
“It smells like s*#t but tastes good…” Rey explains some other dish after we try papaitan.
“I know this sounds strange, but I feel like we are being so efficient driving all day…” Backwards been up 20 hours thought process of mine.
“Does that really say AMAZING BUTT FUEL?” You’ll see the photo. It was an optical illusion. I swear it said that. You tell me what you think.
“Would it be inappropriate to lick the bag?” I ask after eating the roasted peanuts and garlic.
“What did I see you lick last week?” James says after I state the aforementioned question.
“I want some gum Mom…” Reyde asks while Keyo is trying Beetle Nut.
The sound of Reyde’s toy airplane now saved as Rey’s ring tone.
Loree, Keyo, James, Reyde and I left Makati on Saturday morning for the grand adventure. James and I have been on day tours with the driver and felt very comfortable to make this long trek with him.
Banaue is roughly 245kms north of Manila. You’d think it should take a few hours…but no…8-9 hours. The highways are packed, the roads off the beaten track, sometimes narrow, sometimes bumpy, and sometimes crazy. Taking your life in your own hands.
Loree, Keyo, and I thought we’d sleep on the way up as we’d been up all night working. We were far too excited to see the land and ended up staying awake the entire time. Lot’s of laughs and silliness ensued with the fatigue factor.
It does a body good to get out of the concrete jungle. As we headed north and began to see the hills and valleys of the Philippines, I was reminded of home. The tropical vegetation still abounded, but additional trees were evident to make it feel a bit like the Pacific Northwest. For as far as the eye could see the valley of rice paddies, mango groves, and other crops continued. Amidst the farms, the homes with palm trees for shade sat in the middle. Carabao, dogs, goats, and chickens along the road. It’s the type of scenery that I envisioned the Philippine Islands to be like. So peaceful, so beautiful with dozens of different shades and textures of green. I now understand why people go home to the province and leave Metro Manila whenever they get a chance. Manila is nothing but another big city in the world.
Amazing that we didn’t see any road kill. Rey said that the drivers are very careful to not hit animals, especially chickens. The owners will come out and negotiate payment for the dead chicken, the number of chicks that it might have laid, and the number of eggs that the said chicken and possible chicks might have laid for their life spans. Could get expensive.
The highlight of the afternoon in my mind? The absolutely fabulous roasted peanuts with dry roasted garlic that Rey bought from a guy by the gas station. We see many vendors walking around with pots of food, and have never been daring enough to try the treats. These were out of this world. Almost had Rey turn around to buy more.
We arrived at the hotel about 4pm on Saturday night. Reyde and James roamed around while I took a much needed 2 hour nap. The climate was perfect; cooling for the night with a slight breeze and chill in the air. We would all sleep good.
We met up for dinner at 7pm. The oddest thing happened; I had asked for Mexican food for lunch only as a joke for there is no Mexican food here. I’ll take that back, there is a chain in Manila, but not like food in Seattle. Our guide Ina was trying to accommodate all of our requests and took it to heart that she couldn’t provide Mexican food, only to find it at the beginning of the buffet line. We laughed so hard. Had a soft stale hard shell taco with unknown meat, cheese, salsa, and lettuce.
After dinner we watched the native cultural presentation and headed to bed. The next day would be big.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6L4GCMfUu8
Slept so soundly. The windows were open, we had a cool night breeze coming in, and the sounds of crickets, chickens, and dogs.
Met up for breakfast on Sunday and off to the first viewpoint. Up to 4800 feet to see the awe inspiring rice terraces. The terraces have been built over the last 2000 years, all by hand. It is believed that people from China traveled down to the islands thousands of years ago and brought with them the knowledge to cultivate the mountains. If the walls of all the terraces were put end to end, the wall would be half way around the world.
UNESCO now pays families to maintain the terraces of the ancestral lands and keep the way of life intact. So much of the land is still food bearing. The main crop of course is rice.
As we drove around, we would come upon sections of the road covered in rice. The families just lay the rice out to dry and the drivers know not to drive over it. Nothing like having a little extra fiber in your rice right?
The next part of our adventure was a Jeepney ride to a native village to interact with the natives. So said the itinerary. A bit canned I thought, like these people would be dressed up in native clothing and we’d pretend that they live the way their elders did…
The ride was crazy. Jeepney’s need suspension. In a bad way. Reyde kept hold of James’ hand the entire ride and kept on saying, “we’re going to be okay right Dad?” I only hit my head once with a big bump. From time to time we would gather extra riders. Kids would run and jump on the back. Hold on for dear life and hang off the back of the Jeepney until they got to where they wanted to go. I have no idea how they didn’t hurt themselves dismounting because the driver didn’t slow down. The boys were pretty funny. As they held on outside, they serenaded us with American pop songs. I should have gotten some video of their singing.
We arrived at the village, only to find out that we needed to walk down to it. Walk down to it is an understatement. This was a 25 minute hike down a steep hillside with uneven stairs, no safety handrails, and plain crazy in some spots. Knowing now what we do, James and I wouldn’t have taken Reyde. It was quite an adventure for a 4 year old. (And 36 and 38 year old!)
The last part of the walk was on the walls of the rice paddies. About 12 inches wide with drops down to the next paddy on one side and the water of the other paddy on the other side. Ina the guide lost her footing and stepped in the water/mud/muck as well as James and Reyde on the way up.
Once down to the village, we visited with the families that do live there. Crazy to have to do that trek to go to the store and school, and whatever else you need. I am saying it’s all about planning and questioning if you really need what you think you need. And no overweight people living in the village. No way could they get overweight with that walk.
The huts are made of bamboo and grass; raised off the ground to prevent rodents and insects from coming inside, as well as protection against the enemy in old times. Inside the huts, which are maybe 12’ x 12’ there is a second story to store the rice. The 20th century has come to the village. Electricity, refridgerators and TVs inside.
So as the itinerary stated, we did interact with natives, but not natives in the true sense. They wore 20th century clothing, no loin cloths here.
The people let us look into their homes and showed us how they prepare the rice. Reyde had a go of it…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CY1pU9KSB5M
James was very taken by the culture and bought up a storm of souveneirs. I purchased 2 handmade woven cloths, he purchased a spoon/rice cutter, cow horn, drum, necklace. I guess we are about even; I also bought a necklace and a wooden figurine of the rice god.
Took us about 45 minutes to walk up the stairs/hillside. Another 45 in the Jeepney to get back to the hotel. We could have had lunch in the village but the guide and driver recommended we eat at the hotel because of food quality and not being sure of the safeness of what we would eat. Nice to have them looking out for us, especially Reyde and his virgin belly.
After lunch we headed back to the market in tricycles. Which is your standard motorcycle with a sidecar. Reyde loves taking rides in trikes. We arrived around 4pm with not a lot going on. Went to a few shops but didn’t buy anything. Ina, the tour guide, always one to please, “scored us some nut.” Keyo wanted to try the native Beetle Nut chew. From what I gathered, it is a spicy nut dipped in dried lime, then wrapped in a tobacco leave and banana leaf. The nut stains your lips and mouth red. Some of the people we saw had stained teeth as well. I suppose the effect is a bit addictive but probably more than anything something to keep people warm up in the mountains. It causes you to sweat profusely.
Couldn't insert video from You Tube. Too large of a file.
Had dinner and to bed early. Needed to head back to Manila bright and early so we could take a nap before work on Monday night.
Left at 7am, and safely turned onto Valero street at 3.15pm. Have to admit that my spirit brightened being outside of the city. It makes the concrete jungle a little bit more bearable. Two more weeks to go until the next escape. Back to Boracay for the weekend.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Merienda
YUM YUM. Ms Puring brings suman and mango for a philipino snack. Reyde loves it. The mango is incredible and I now know how to prepare mango without mangling it. Suman is rice with some sugar wrapped in a banana leaf. The leaf has coconut oil in it so the rice doesn't stick. Steam and it's ready to eat.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
Headed to Banaue- 8th Wonder of the World
The adventure continues. James, Reyde, Loree, Keyo and I are headed north tomorrow after work. Going to see the famous rice terraces of the Philippines.
Wooppee, wippeee...bye bye concrete jungle, hellloooo green hills of vegetation.
Check the link...be jealous... http://www.philtourism.gov.ph/bhyh_desc.html
And just for kicks...here's Joy and James on our last touristy event:
Wooppee, wippeee...bye bye concrete jungle, hellloooo green hills of vegetation.
Check the link...be jealous... http://www.philtourism.gov.ph/bhyh_desc.html
And just for kicks...here's Joy and James on our last touristy event:
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Captain my captain....
Keyo Gold arrived from Seattle on Tuesday to lead the Small Business Sales Team in Makati.
In the four short days he's been in the office, the team has rallied around their new leader and welcomed him. It's about 6am on Saturday morning in the photo. (L to R Keyo, Mandrake, and Marcelino.)
The camadrerie in the office is amazing. It's so nice to be around a group of people that are working on individual goals but yet are genuinely excited for other people's success and wins. Check out the video attached.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHwbW-A_PwE
The salesman ringing the bell is Jolly Ong. He landed a 17 case order at the end of the day on Friday. Pulled the team out of a weak sales day with the order. It's his first big win.
Wednesday, January 10, 2007
My own little fear factor episode
Went to lunch with the next set of new hires last Friday. One of them ordered soup that had beef bones in it. I noticed that one of the guys was shaking the bone...only to see the gelatin like substance fall out. You got that right....beef bone marrow. A delicacy right?
So even though I knew it would be a texture moment for me, I asked if I could taste it. The itty bitty-iest taste. I don't think it even measured to 1/2 tsp. At any rate, I put it in my mouth, texture of 1/2 formed jello....and not much flavor. I assumed it would take on the flavor of the soup broth.
No, I am not trying balut. And for those of you intrigued by the word...click on the link below. Graphic pictures.
http://deependdining.blogspot.com/2005/09/balut-egg-of-darkness-pinoy-pinay.html
So even though I knew it would be a texture moment for me, I asked if I could taste it. The itty bitty-iest taste. I don't think it even measured to 1/2 tsp. At any rate, I put it in my mouth, texture of 1/2 formed jello....and not much flavor. I assumed it would take on the flavor of the soup broth.
No, I am not trying balut. And for those of you intrigued by the word...click on the link below. Graphic pictures.
http://deependdining.blogspot.com/2005/09/balut-egg-of-darkness-pinoy-pinay.html
Sunday, January 07, 2007
Probably WAY TOO much information...
but I've wanted to write this question for many weeks...
Why is it that the lighting and mirrors in the elevator is the best place James and I can see to pick our faces of white and black heads?
So far, we haven't been caught by anyone entering the elavator....but if they notice, we have red spots on our faces!
Ahhhh....
Why is it that the lighting and mirrors in the elevator is the best place James and I can see to pick our faces of white and black heads?
So far, we haven't been caught by anyone entering the elavator....but if they notice, we have red spots on our faces!
Ahhhh....
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
Keeping it short and sweet....
I haven't had time to upload to flickr or write my long winded narrative of the visit with Grandma Joy and Aunt Babs. Suffice it to say, it was WONDERFUL having family here. Rang in the new year with my buddy Jon Bon...(no need to say Jovi now, we are are the 2 name basis.)
As James and I walked down to the New Year's Celebration on the streets...
"Do you hear that?"
"What?"
"It's Jon Bon Jovi! See I couldn't miss an important date without him."
ka-BOOM, goes the M-80 to the 3rd power.
"Never say goodbye...never say good by ee eyeeee."
And to keep everyone up to date, since I am so long winded...they love Jon Bon here. I hear him singing everywhere, tourist spots, 7-11, taxis, McDonalds... Ohh..tried to "McDo" burger.
"What's a Mcdo burger (pronounced Mc due.)" I inquire at work.
"It's a regular burger. But you say it, Mc dough."
"That's good, because Mc-due doesn't sound so appetizing." (It wasn't that tasty.)
And I am here for work, that's what brought us here. AMMEX opened a sales office to support the USA office and sell into the USA market.
And we finally found paper towels at the store...2 rolls of Bounty only $4 US. We are paying $8 US for fresh milk. Yowser....
3 months have passed, we are on the down side of the hill now.
I miss Turbo and Nitro...Reyde misses grass...and James missed his truck that appears to be totaled by Allstate.
Oh and one more thing. Aunt Babs wanted a picture of a security guard. They are everywhere in Makati. I pass by 6-8 in my 2 block walk to work.
Saturday, December 30, 2006
A bit crusty....
but tasted similar to scalloped potatos. Didn't know if the oven would work. Put the rack too low and burned the food. All of it was nice and dry. Luckily the burnt flavor didn't eminate throughout the parts we did it! 
Saturday, December 23, 2006
"No manacotti is the meal, Makati is the city"
Told Babs that her question about the city name would end up on my blog. Would have to quote her. So there it is.
Having a good time with Aunt Babs and Grandma Joy. Just getting ready to make our Christmas Eve meal, improvised scalloped potatos, ham, green beans, rolls, and a glass of wine if we can find a wine opener.
Rachel Ray would be proud of my scalloped potatos. Well, I should reserve that comment until we taste them. Couldn't find frozen hashbrowns, so I bought frozen french fries. Will cut them up, add sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, throw some cheddar cheese on it and bake. Don't know if the oven works, so the scalloped potatos may be sauteed.
Went sightseeing yesterday to Intramuros and downtown Manila. Enjoyed lunch at Max's Restaurant, with the tag line of "the restaurant that fried chicken built." Sat in the restaurant section holding a christening party....yes a christening at a restaurant similar to Sizzler's.
Went to a free concert at the mall of Christmas music. They ended the event with the fireworks I have linked on my You Tube account. Now that I successfully did this, more videos to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nniyGzAhmk0
Finally broke down and bought a coffee maker. Hadn't done so on principle. The fact is the furnished condo should have a coffee maker. But two coffee services bought at Starbucks is equal to the cost of the coffe maker. So had to do it.
Will have toast on Christmas morning. Borrowed the toaster from Loree's condo. Yes, another principle thing. I texted before I purchased one at the mall. Getting real good at texting.
And guess what? Another important day shared with Jon Bon Jovi. Walking into the lobby of the condo with Loree's toaster and I hear...."never say goodbye.." by my buddy Jon.
The Manila Adventure with Bon Jovi continues....
Having a good time with Aunt Babs and Grandma Joy. Just getting ready to make our Christmas Eve meal, improvised scalloped potatos, ham, green beans, rolls, and a glass of wine if we can find a wine opener.
Rachel Ray would be proud of my scalloped potatos. Well, I should reserve that comment until we taste them. Couldn't find frozen hashbrowns, so I bought frozen french fries. Will cut them up, add sour cream and cream of mushroom soup, throw some cheddar cheese on it and bake. Don't know if the oven works, so the scalloped potatos may be sauteed.
Went sightseeing yesterday to Intramuros and downtown Manila. Enjoyed lunch at Max's Restaurant, with the tag line of "the restaurant that fried chicken built." Sat in the restaurant section holding a christening party....yes a christening at a restaurant similar to Sizzler's.
Went to a free concert at the mall of Christmas music. They ended the event with the fireworks I have linked on my You Tube account. Now that I successfully did this, more videos to come.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nniyGzAhmk0
Finally broke down and bought a coffee maker. Hadn't done so on principle. The fact is the furnished condo should have a coffee maker. But two coffee services bought at Starbucks is equal to the cost of the coffe maker. So had to do it.
Will have toast on Christmas morning. Borrowed the toaster from Loree's condo. Yes, another principle thing. I texted before I purchased one at the mall. Getting real good at texting.
And guess what? Another important day shared with Jon Bon Jovi. Walking into the lobby of the condo with Loree's toaster and I hear...."never say goodbye.." by my buddy Jon.
The Manila Adventure with Bon Jovi continues....
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
All I Want For Christmas Is My Two Front Teeth...
James and I have revised the lyrics to.... ALL WE WANT FOR CHRISTMAS IS THE TWO TRUCKS FIXED. Check out the photos...the trucks are at Burien Toyota. We'll find out if the trucks are totalled or going to be repaired.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594429233388/detail/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594429233388/detail/
Sunday, December 17, 2006
Shooting in My Color Modes- Sepia tones WOW
Ahh embracing technology and all it's amazing capabilities. Signed up for my You Tube account so I could publish the short movies I've taken on my digital camera. Took great pictures of Reyde's birthday, movies of his Christmas program where he cried the whole time, pictures of him hugging Santa, Jay's last day at AMMEX I-Support, the AMMEX Christmas party, movies of the employees singing, JAY singing, all to be lost to Canon not programming the 'ARE YOU SURE YOU WANT TO RESET THE MEMORY CARD? THIS WILL DELETE ALL SAVED ITEMS."
I spent Sunday afternoon reading my camera instruction booklet, figuring stuff out. Changing colors, changing tones, increasing volumes, yatta yatta yatta. Went to listen to Jay singing and there is nothing to playback. Oh shit. Read the booklet and see that it says in the booklet that resetting the memory card will erase everything. BUT CANON DIDN'T PROGRAM THE IDIOT PROOFING QUESTION "ARE YOU SURE?" I cried.
Here's the Sepia tone pics. Yeee haww.
We are so grateful for the generous, kind people in our neighborhood. Got the call on my Friday night at 11.30 from Amy.
"Hi Amy, I was just getting ready to call Mom and see how everyone faired through the storm."
"Well, that is what I am calling about. (my stomach met my toes.) Mom is okay but her truck is not. Her cell phone is going dead, can you call Jim and Joy and ask them to come help. She's a bit shaky."
So I first call our neighbor Bill to see if he can come help. He said he's been outside and it looks pretty bad, that he can go over in about 15 minutes.
"Can you go right now? My mom is a bit shaken up."
"Sure." Thank God for Bill. Mom's SUV is toast, James truck is toast, and the fence is toast. But having a guy around made Mom feel better.
I came over to the condo and got my insurance policies, told James, and he got ahold of Jim.
Thank God for Jim. Jim headed over, took Mom to the store to get food and lukewarm coffee. In the meantime my claims are in and they say we can cut the tree off the trucks. Jim cleans up our yard and gets the trees off so the towing company can take the rigs away.
Mom is still without power, and my other neighbors Ross and Margo brought Starbuck's coffee to her today, and Bill to the rescue again, helps Mom load the dogs in the rental car.
Mom is now warm and toasty in her house in West Seattle. With the doggies. Oh and the turtles. Gotta make sure they don't freeze, so her sleepover is complete.
Thank God for Mom.
I spent Sunday afternoon reading my camera instruction booklet, figuring stuff out. Changing colors, changing tones, increasing volumes, yatta yatta yatta. Went to listen to Jay singing and there is nothing to playback. Oh shit. Read the booklet and see that it says in the booklet that resetting the memory card will erase everything. BUT CANON DIDN'T PROGRAM THE IDIOT PROOFING QUESTION "ARE YOU SURE?" I cried.
Here's the Sepia tone pics. Yeee haww.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594427560178/detail/
James Mom and Aunt arrive on Tuesday night at 11pm. Joy is bringing the video of our house in Normandy Park. If I figure out how to download that, maybe I'll publish the movie of the trucks and the damage from the wind storm.We are so grateful for the generous, kind people in our neighborhood. Got the call on my Friday night at 11.30 from Amy.
"Hi Amy, I was just getting ready to call Mom and see how everyone faired through the storm."
"Well, that is what I am calling about. (my stomach met my toes.) Mom is okay but her truck is not. Her cell phone is going dead, can you call Jim and Joy and ask them to come help. She's a bit shaky."
So I first call our neighbor Bill to see if he can come help. He said he's been outside and it looks pretty bad, that he can go over in about 15 minutes.
"Can you go right now? My mom is a bit shaken up."
"Sure." Thank God for Bill. Mom's SUV is toast, James truck is toast, and the fence is toast. But having a guy around made Mom feel better.
I came over to the condo and got my insurance policies, told James, and he got ahold of Jim.
Thank God for Jim. Jim headed over, took Mom to the store to get food and lukewarm coffee. In the meantime my claims are in and they say we can cut the tree off the trucks. Jim cleans up our yard and gets the trees off so the towing company can take the rigs away.
Mom is still without power, and my other neighbors Ross and Margo brought Starbuck's coffee to her today, and Bill to the rescue again, helps Mom load the dogs in the rental car.
Mom is now warm and toasty in her house in West Seattle. With the doggies. Oh and the turtles. Gotta make sure they don't freeze, so her sleepover is complete.
Thank God for Mom.
Chestnuts Roasting...
at Landmark? Yessiree Bob...couldn't believe my eyes...in the veggie section I spy chestnuts roasting...under bare bulb light. Had to confirm it..."are those chestnuts...yes mam would you like to buy...no I just want to take a picture..."
Thursday, December 14, 2006
Birthday Boy
Just a little celebration for Reyde today. Got a little overwhelmed with all the attention, but overall he had a great day. 
Sunday, December 10, 2006
Oh Christmas Tree Oh Christmas Tree
"That looks cluttered now."
"Oh you mean we are trying to make this look elegant?"
It's Sunday and we've spent the entire day inside. It's rained and blown the entire day. I actually pulled out the only pair of sweat pants I brought. And while it has been really dreary weather, it's still so warm that Reyde is in shorts, and we've had the sliding door open to enjoy the cool breeze.
Have gotten in the Christmas spirit today. Created our Christmas card online with www.shutterfly.com Although I am going against my Christmas card #1 rule, (which is sending cards that are generic and not signed,) I am pretty excited to have done this techno savvy thing. Hope you all like it. And for those of you that won't receive one; I don't have your address!
Thank God for Warm 106.9. Have had Christmas music in the condo as we decorated our Pinoy Charlie Brown Christmas tree. http://www.warm1069.com/ Click on the site and get a steady stream of holiday spirit.
While I took the photo of the finished tree, "Feliz Navidad" came on the computer. Coincidence? No, it's the magic of the season at work. And while I wanted to pick up the phone and call somebody and scream the chorus "I WANT TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS....I WANT TO WISH YOU A MERRY CHRISTMAS..." I'll have to be content with Reyde now singing the words feliz navidad as he makes paper airplanes with James.
Wednesday, December 06, 2006
Happy Birthday To Me
Putting one of my all time favorite photos up. Because I can, and it's my birthday.
And I'm gonna party...like it's my birthday.
Monday, December 04, 2006
Finally, the Boracay photos
What you all have been waiting for...our photos from Boracay. Click on the link below to see paradise.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594404111463/detail/
I tend to be long winded, so I'll do my best to summarize the weekend in 5 million characters or less.
Thursday morning, I got off work at 6am, came home, woke the boys up, finished packing-almost forgetting Reyde's life jacket, and headed off to the airport. Got there early and caught an earlier flight. Reyde had no problem getting on the plane as I expected he would be nervous with all the noise of a propeller plane.
Just a quick 75 minute ride. I slept about 45 minutes of this- thank God. Took a quick van ride to the boat launch. From there is was 15 minutes to the actual island. Hopped on a van with open sides and drove to the resort. Greeted by numerous employees, we received a welcoming necklace made of some vegetation, and a cool bevie...that being Tang. They love Tang here.
Our room was ready, we quickly got our suits on and headed to the pool and the ocean. Reyde enjoyed the pool more than the ocean and I think this had to do with the pool having sides. He could tell where the water started and ended. Oh and probably the fact that fish would bump into his legs in the ocean.
Spent about 3 hours in the water, came in, got dressed, and had lunch in the open air restaurant. I ordered calamari, chicken adobo, sauteed green beans, cheese egg rolls, and a cheese sandwich for Reyde. The day and swimming tuckered him out; he fell asleep at the table.
Had a 2 hour family nap, got up and had dinner at the beach. It was incredible. No wind, tropical jazz music, lanterns, and some really good grilled food. Reyde ate like a champ, I had noodles with alfred sauce made for him. After dinner, we played on the beach in the sand by lantern light. The temperature of the air was high 70s. James couldn't believe what we were experiencing.
Friday we stayed at the hotel and played in the pool and ocean. I had a pedicure on the beach. The lady used sandpaper and a rock for leverage to remove the dead skin on my feet. They have never looked so good. James headed down afterward and had a pedicure and manicure beachside. Enjoyed some tasty adult bevies on the porch as Reyde took a nap.
Dinner on the beach Friday night. Unfortunately James ate some bad oysters and got really sick. We had planned to go on a boat ride and snorkeling on Saturday. We cancelled, and the boat guy was kind enough to take care of James; got fresh coconuts and told James to drink the juice to help his stomach. What a nice guy. And the juice helped.
Friday night we walked the beach to the market area. Fun area, and the place where everyone parties at night. If we didn't have Reyde, we would have gone out. Had dinner at Jammers, where Jay recommended we go for a good hamburger. It was good, and fun to watch people stroll the beach.
Got back to the resort for beachside massages. James first, then me. Amazing. The gal used toasted coconut oil. Again, no wind, perfect conditions.
Sunday we went on the boat ride. Snorkeling first, then we headed to Puka Beach for the most amazing lunch. Reyde didn't want to get out of the boat, so the boat guy, Alex, hung out with him while James and I snorkeled. Saw some blue starfish. And we utilized the fast food serice and had some ice cream out on the boat.
For lunch we headed to Puka Beach, yes as in Puka Shells. The origin of the famous necklaces. I bought one as well as a rosary made of puka shells. No, not Catholic but everyone has them so I thought it would be a good souveneir.
Lunch....and I think I told some people about it....but right on the beach, you can see the pictures. Garlic prawns, steamed crab, grilled blue marlin in a marinade of soy sauce, calmansi juice and oyter sauce, pancit, white rice, and fresh french fries. The flies appeared, but so did our waiter with a fan to fan the food and keep the flies from landing. Now that is service.
Headed back to the resort for a rest, which ended up being a dip in the pool, and then on to the ATV ride to the highest point on Boracay. This is where the locals have created a destination and a way to make money. We rode ATVs, well a buggy for Reyde and I, along dirt roads, past residential homes and the back sides of hotels, up to a lookout tower. A bit rickety and I got a little nervous...but went at any rate. The stairs were not even, the terrain rough, and the lookout totally not to "American safety standards." But I sense that the locals figured out a way to make money on the tourists. And when in Rome....do as the locals do. Reyde petted the monkey, and then I watched to make sure he didn't touch his face after that! The guide for the ATV ride carried Reyde up the stairs and the lookout tower, we didn't have to carry him at all. Then we took a long ride afterward back down to Puka beach to see the sunset.
When we returned the ATVs and paid for the trip, the lady asked where we were from. Seattle. Oh goodness, excitement, showed me her cell phone to say that her sister lives in Seattle, here's her number, and let me get you a souveneir. We left with 2 necklaces and 2 bracelets.
Had dinner at the restaurant on Sunday evening and then back out to the beach for massages. The lady gave us a bottle of toasted coconut oil to take back to Manila; she is the wife of the boat guy. 8 children. Oh my.
Monday we played in the water and headed back to Manila. It was simply amazing. James says it is the best vacation ever. Wants to go back. Me too...but need to figure out how to swing it.
It's so hard to believe that we are living this experience. Who would have ever imagined that we would be living in Manila, and visiting Boracay. I mean really, Boracay wasn't even part of my vocabulary.
We are thankful to have been given this opportunity.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/glovegalgab/sets/72157594404111463/detail/
I tend to be long winded, so I'll do my best to summarize the weekend in 5 million characters or less.
Thursday morning, I got off work at 6am, came home, woke the boys up, finished packing-almost forgetting Reyde's life jacket, and headed off to the airport. Got there early and caught an earlier flight. Reyde had no problem getting on the plane as I expected he would be nervous with all the noise of a propeller plane.
Just a quick 75 minute ride. I slept about 45 minutes of this- thank God. Took a quick van ride to the boat launch. From there is was 15 minutes to the actual island. Hopped on a van with open sides and drove to the resort. Greeted by numerous employees, we received a welcoming necklace made of some vegetation, and a cool bevie...that being Tang. They love Tang here.
Our room was ready, we quickly got our suits on and headed to the pool and the ocean. Reyde enjoyed the pool more than the ocean and I think this had to do with the pool having sides. He could tell where the water started and ended. Oh and probably the fact that fish would bump into his legs in the ocean.
Spent about 3 hours in the water, came in, got dressed, and had lunch in the open air restaurant. I ordered calamari, chicken adobo, sauteed green beans, cheese egg rolls, and a cheese sandwich for Reyde. The day and swimming tuckered him out; he fell asleep at the table.
Had a 2 hour family nap, got up and had dinner at the beach. It was incredible. No wind, tropical jazz music, lanterns, and some really good grilled food. Reyde ate like a champ, I had noodles with alfred sauce made for him. After dinner, we played on the beach in the sand by lantern light. The temperature of the air was high 70s. James couldn't believe what we were experiencing.
Friday we stayed at the hotel and played in the pool and ocean. I had a pedicure on the beach. The lady used sandpaper and a rock for leverage to remove the dead skin on my feet. They have never looked so good. James headed down afterward and had a pedicure and manicure beachside. Enjoyed some tasty adult bevies on the porch as Reyde took a nap.
Dinner on the beach Friday night. Unfortunately James ate some bad oysters and got really sick. We had planned to go on a boat ride and snorkeling on Saturday. We cancelled, and the boat guy was kind enough to take care of James; got fresh coconuts and told James to drink the juice to help his stomach. What a nice guy. And the juice helped.
Friday night we walked the beach to the market area. Fun area, and the place where everyone parties at night. If we didn't have Reyde, we would have gone out. Had dinner at Jammers, where Jay recommended we go for a good hamburger. It was good, and fun to watch people stroll the beach.
Got back to the resort for beachside massages. James first, then me. Amazing. The gal used toasted coconut oil. Again, no wind, perfect conditions.
Sunday we went on the boat ride. Snorkeling first, then we headed to Puka Beach for the most amazing lunch. Reyde didn't want to get out of the boat, so the boat guy, Alex, hung out with him while James and I snorkeled. Saw some blue starfish. And we utilized the fast food serice and had some ice cream out on the boat.
For lunch we headed to Puka Beach, yes as in Puka Shells. The origin of the famous necklaces. I bought one as well as a rosary made of puka shells. No, not Catholic but everyone has them so I thought it would be a good souveneir.
Lunch....and I think I told some people about it....but right on the beach, you can see the pictures. Garlic prawns, steamed crab, grilled blue marlin in a marinade of soy sauce, calmansi juice and oyter sauce, pancit, white rice, and fresh french fries. The flies appeared, but so did our waiter with a fan to fan the food and keep the flies from landing. Now that is service.
Headed back to the resort for a rest, which ended up being a dip in the pool, and then on to the ATV ride to the highest point on Boracay. This is where the locals have created a destination and a way to make money. We rode ATVs, well a buggy for Reyde and I, along dirt roads, past residential homes and the back sides of hotels, up to a lookout tower. A bit rickety and I got a little nervous...but went at any rate. The stairs were not even, the terrain rough, and the lookout totally not to "American safety standards." But I sense that the locals figured out a way to make money on the tourists. And when in Rome....do as the locals do. Reyde petted the monkey, and then I watched to make sure he didn't touch his face after that! The guide for the ATV ride carried Reyde up the stairs and the lookout tower, we didn't have to carry him at all. Then we took a long ride afterward back down to Puka beach to see the sunset.
When we returned the ATVs and paid for the trip, the lady asked where we were from. Seattle. Oh goodness, excitement, showed me her cell phone to say that her sister lives in Seattle, here's her number, and let me get you a souveneir. We left with 2 necklaces and 2 bracelets.
Had dinner at the restaurant on Sunday evening and then back out to the beach for massages. The lady gave us a bottle of toasted coconut oil to take back to Manila; she is the wife of the boat guy. 8 children. Oh my.
Monday we played in the water and headed back to Manila. It was simply amazing. James says it is the best vacation ever. Wants to go back. Me too...but need to figure out how to swing it.
It's so hard to believe that we are living this experience. Who would have ever imagined that we would be living in Manila, and visiting Boracay. I mean really, Boracay wasn't even part of my vocabulary.
We are thankful to have been given this opportunity.
Tuesday afternoon
According to James, "that was the best lunch ever." Just finished lunch made by Ms. Puring. Now doesn't that look delicious and boy do I feel like Oprah! We had pancit and lumpia. And for those of you wanting to brush up on a little culinary knowledge...check this link. http://www.pcij.org/i-report/1/pancit.html
And here's the updated version of the James game....
Friday, December 01, 2006
Boys will be boys
Look at this...James can relax...left to his own devices, hours of amusement can be had with a simple toy gun.
The goal of the game? Stick the bullet to the ceiling and then catch it when it comes down.
On that note, I'm headed to bed to take a siesta. It's 3.50 pm and I've only slept a couple hours today. Need a couple more to function at dinner this evening. Headed to Kaya Korean
Restaurant. Yummy tasty Korean BBQ.
Oh yeah, and here is Reyde sporting a new haircut. Thanks Dad!
The goal of the game? Stick the bullet to the ceiling and then catch it when it comes down.
On that note, I'm headed to bed to take a siesta. It's 3.50 pm and I've only slept a couple hours today. Need a couple more to function at dinner this evening. Headed to Kaya Korean
Restaurant. Yummy tasty Korean BBQ.
Oh yeah, and here is Reyde sporting a new haircut. Thanks Dad!
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