BICOL EXPRESS

What's in a Name?

2011-10-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

On the way to the school last Tuesday, I overheard the two guys talking. It goes like this;
Xandrei: " When I go to college, I will not call Mommy and Daddy anymore."
Zach: "Why? What will you call them?"
Xandrei: "I will call them Dad and Mom."
Me: "Why?"
Xandrei: "Because by that time, I am already grown up. And I don't want to be called Xandrei anymore."
Me:"What will we call you then?"
Xandrei: "X-andrei, you know that is what Jeanette calls me, X-andrei."

Indeed, by that time you can decide on what to do with your life. You can tell us what to call you, nor how you can call us. I can't wait, though, the kiddy voice that will call me someday as "Grandpa."

Way to go, "Coco." Oppss, can we still call you that?

TRANSFORMERS

2011-07-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

When was the last time you feel idiot infront of a young kid and won't accept it? Me? I always have the feeling of being one whenever I am with Coco and Zach watching the Transformers movies (1 and 2).

Recently, as a treat for being good at their "home study" classes, we brought them to see Transformers:Dark of the Moon. Right after coming from duty, Mom (took a 30 minute nap) heroically joined us (thinking that she might be able to doze off while inside. We took the matinee shows (for economic reasons) and headed to the theather 30 minutes before the show. That was one of the best decisions we made that day, for minutes after we sat down, droves of people came in looking for the best seat in the house. While we relaxedly sat others were forced to occupy the very front seats (some even sat on the stairs (reminiscent of our Philippine movie experience way back then) were one can have the most eye irritating view.

As usual, the story is about good vs evil, full of chasing, fighting and banging (thanks for the jokes inserted in the dialogue, it made the scenes bearable and fun). As a person who knows nothing about transformers, I couldn't catch up the names based from their images. I only knew Bumblebee and Optimus prime, the rest are unknown. Thanks to Coco and Zach, who supplied the information in order for me to understand the whole movie and its characters.

Indeed, never understimate the mind of the kid which is so young, fresh and can absorb anything.

For us, they are our tranformers. They open up our minds on what the present can offer. We can only play along and wonder.

Dad's Day!

2011-06-19T22:58:00.000-07:00

Why are we happy to celebrate Father's Day! Was it just a recognition day for being a Dad, or was a day to honor being a Father.

There is no greater significance in celebrating Father's Day if you don't recognize who made you a father. No matter how people greet you, nor honor you, it all goes back to the fact that without your family, you can never be a father.

But, to be honest, it is humbling to belong to the group called Fathers. I can never end in being thankful to God for sharing this gift to me. Looking back this morning, I was reflecting what would happen to me had I not married Jaz ? Would I been a different person?

God really has a fun way of making things right. I know I screwed up right after I left the SVST, but there was still more than 60% chance that I would be coming back. But, of course, it didn't happen.

Right now, I am greatful for having Zach and Coco to lighten the day. They are full of surprises and you simply can't predict what would be the end of everyday being with them. I know from time to time I didn't live to the expectations, but God has a way of supplementing whatever my failures and missed opportunities were.

Indeed, these are the moments that I can't simply afford to pass. We are having a good time this summer. It is an opportune time for us to bond together. Not enrolling them to YMCA and even sending them to the library for a common reading was simply the best decision that we made.

As the father of Mr. Popper tells him, " Hug and kiss your young ones while they still allow you to kiss and hug them. " That is what I am doing.

Fathers, indeed can be a happy thing.

RECONNECTING

2011-06-14T22:30:00.001-07:00

After months of absence, we finally met again tonight. Thanks to the new baby of Kris and Cathy. With pizza, chicken wings, popeye’s chicken and grilled pampano the evening seemed just old times again. As usual, the banter and “kulitan” are still there; but this time, its more mild. And indeed, whoever is absent is normally the talk of the town. But, we didn’t dwell on one person alone.

Today was kind of slow and lazy for me. Except for being faithful to the kids’ schedule, all I did was to watch movies and lay down on the couch. An attitude that I hate to realize at the end of the last movie. But what can you do, we are on vacation.

The HOA seemed rude and devoid of common sense. Last Friday, I received a letter demanding us to remove the tree stakes in front. At firs, I though it was a joke or a missent letter. But the last part of the letter demanding a fast and swift compliance proved to be authentic. Furious, I demanded an explanation and hurled some complaints. (dirty pool, speed limit, splash park and recreational spots). Later today, AMI sent their very informal reply answering all my queries. However, none satisfied my questions. It is just annoying sometimes that HOA tend to focus on the things that make the subdivision ugly and not look at it generally.

But sometimes you’ll tell yourself, what can you do?

Anthology of Adventure (2011 Summer)

2011-06-06T21:48:00.001-07:00

June 7 - Story Time and HEB Raid

We started the day with swimming at the subdivision's pool. Thinking that Tuesday would be a good time to swim since according to the pool schedule, they are going to clean the poo on Mondays, yet it proved to be otherwise. The pool's sorrounding was unswept, its water is full of unknown "residue". I wonder if indeed they clean it on Monday. Nevertheless, since its only the four us (including the lady who was sunbathing) we dived into the unknown until 10:45.

Next, Story time at Barnes and Nobles: this was our first time to attend story telling at B and N. The lady who conducted the reading was quite energetic. She started by asking the kids to sing familiar baby songs. There were a handful of parents who were there (including a number of Filipinos who where conversing from behind). With all sort of kids attending, you can't dismiss the possibility of kids and babies crying while the story telling is being done. And so it was. Zach and Coco enjoyed the sing and dance portion though.

Afterwhich we went to Hobby Lobby to pick up some art materials for sketching. Since we couldn't stick to our budget, I ended up paying it from my meager savings account.

H.E.B was different. I knew that it's going to be a challenge to stay more than 30 minutes at H.E.B without me having to experience hypoglycemia. No matter how I rushed the kids in getting what were on our list yet we ended up staying for more than 45 minutes When my vision started to blur and my energy started to sink, I grabbed the shopping cart and rammed to the bakery section where I found free samplings of cupcakes, dips and (thankfully) tortilla. I grabbed whatever I could get, unmindful of Coco's begging, who for unknown reason was as hungry as I was. Thanks for the freebies, I was able to regain my footing. Next time, I know where to go, whenever I would like to have some freebies.

HARVEST TIME

We were lucky with the pechay and tomatoes this time. Out of the generosity of God we were able to harvest a couple of pechay and a lot of tomatoes. I mistakenly forgot the ampalaya, but I was able to save two for our breakfast tomorrow. Coco had fun harvesting the pechay but Zach was not into it.

PATINTERO

Budget is hard this year, hence, we cancelled YMCA. But still fun is unlimited if you are just creative (and the kids need not notice your bank account). Tonight, I introduced Patintero to Zach (Coco was watching TV and doesn't want to be bothered). After a few instructions, Zach picked it up and we were up fighting for our turf. I was up laughing again and having fun. (He didn't know I was being a kid again) I remembered the days when we were kids sweating it out playing patintero under the watchful eyes of the moon (there was no electricity then, it was the late 70's). Fund then was limited, but fun is limitless.

After a while, we asked Coco to join us. Thankfully, he did. A few seconds more, he was already competing with us. Feeling out of breath and sensing my lowering stamina, I begged off to play with them. Still, it was fun watching them play.

Introducing his own brand of play, Coco showed us some games that he claimed to be his own making.

This is a fun day for the three of us. I have not ever enjoyed summer until now. I am looking forward to some other things on our list.

We don't have to go out of state to be in tthe state of summer fun,

See you tomorrow!

June 6 – Burning Calories:

Determined to lose calories and get back to where we were five months ago we trekked the trails of Lakes of Savannah going to Lina’s donut (for our breakfast) before we plunge into our subdivisions kid’s park where we met Speedy (a turtle on his way to his next vacation spot).

On their music practice today, Ms. Chanta was all praises for the two kids for their great performance during their piano recital. We hope they don’t lose sight of this skill.

I got the scare of my life this pm on our way to Kroger for gas. I knew we had bad weather,but I didn’t know the extent of its impact. Right after we pulled over for gas, the lights went out. My problem though was Sienna’s gas light was on, and I knew it spells trouble if Citgo or Shell are out of power too. Good thing we didn’t run out of luck, we were able to fill up Sienna just on time before the lights of Citgo went out too.

GOOD NEWS: It rained and it soaked our ground. We can save some water for the next few days.

TRANSFORMERS: Coco and Zach have been transforming me to a near like idiot when we are talking about Transformers. They know the names of the characters at the tip of their fingertips. I have never been so fascinated with their interest to this saga.

PRAYERS: For Rey Olmo who is sick.

“Life is too precious to be ignored.”

Cinco Sana

2011-05-08T11:42:00.001-07:00

On the way home, Coco asked me if I know the song, “Cinco Sana”.

“Never heard of it,” I told him.

Zach, “No, Daddy we just sang it this morning, it goes like this, “Cinco Sana, Cinco Sana, cinco sana, cinco saaana.” (to the tune of Sing Hossana).

Indeed, kids wisdom that keeps you going.

Job Description

2011-04-13T20:10:00.001-07:00

Another bits of life.

Last week, after all the hustle and bustle of the afternoon, as I was trying to relax in the family room at around 9 p.m., Zach called me and asked if I could get him milk.

I told him, “why don’t you come here and we’re going downstairs to pick up your milk and vitamins.”

Without hesitation and to my surprise, he said, “Daddy, that is your job!”

Thank you for outlining my job.

Growing Pains

2011-03-23T21:45:00.001-07:00

I was quite successful in introducing small but significant changes in the house while their Mom is away.

Right now, I was proud to convince them to move in to their room (instead of sharing with us). They really like their new set up. They never even bother me in the middle of the night. They slept soundly the whole night.

Tonight, I was just trying to test whether they are really completely into it. I asked Zach if I could sleep with them. His response was not one of my expected answer. (I was hoping that he would gladly welcome the idea. Instead he said, “Daddy, no, we sleep by ourselves here. You have your own room.” Just to affirm their resolve, he even asked the confirmation of Xandrei by asking, “Right, Xandrei?”

Well, this can be considered one of the growing pains. This time however, its mine.

The Sound of Silence

2011-03-19T22:33:00.001-07:00

When our kids were yet babies, and every time we brought them to the Church for Sunday mass, I was the most tensed compared to Jaz. I was always conscious of what might other people think about how noisy they were in the Church.

We would normally picked the last seat so as we don’t disturb others, the furthermost one so as we don’t catch any attention, or the closest to the door so as I can easily storm out in case they cry.

This was partly the reason why we transferred to St. Michael even if I loved St. Louis’ architectural design and ambiance.

I can feel how the moms and dads feel whenever their kids scream, shout, cry or utter “unfamiliar noises”. It is one of those moments where you would just want to fade.

But it is not the worst as dads or moms may think. Coming from the side of those who are trying to “worship” on Sundays, the sounds that babies make are not the worst. In fact, I always take it as a magical sound, coming from a human being so full of life.

You know what is the worst sound I hate in the Church? The stares of people looking back trying to see and find where the baby sounds are? They are the silent sounds of impatient and inconsiderate ones.

Next time you hear a baby sound/noise in the church on Sunday masses, let it pass and consider it coming from an angel, or from the one who will make up our Church someday.

Have a good Sunday Mass.

Messing at the Museum

2011-03-18T20:26:00.001-07:00

We have finally decided to check out the museum in Houston. We started with the Natural Science ( I can’t afford to be in the Children’s Museum, running around with two fascinated kids will certainly drain me out).

To be honest with you, it was worth it. Although their collections in their permanent exhibits is fewer than those we have visited, yet they appear very cool and real.

The IMAX theater though tops our experience today. Zach was very fascinated with the Sea Rex show. Unfortunately, Coco seemed not interested for he slept most of the second part of the movie.

Trying to get a good Friday dinner, we checked out Golden Corral. It proved very dismal since their collection of “Seafood Section” is but a tiny fragment of the ocean’s treasure. (We could have gone to a Chinese Restaurant in Pearland).

I have not checked my newly planted tress today, nor watered the veggies (hopefully the dew or rain will take care of them).

All in all, the first week that Mom is off seemed not be a problem. I know I can manage everything. Judging from the hours that I have misspent, I know I can do better.

Of course, we don’t know what happens when school day comes.

Life’s Kaleidoscope

2011-03-17T21:25:00.001-07:00

Today’s is Mom’s one week away from us. ‘Twas fast but slow. Fast because you hardly notice how the sun set when you are doing a lot things in so small time. Slow because she is so far from us and we are dragging the days when she steps out of the door of IAH.

Spring break has come and gone. Indeed, in life, you can only do as much. No matter how much you have planned the day, you always end up short (of what you wish to accomplish).

Today, after spending a hundred more dollars, I was able to complete the plants at the back. I have done my part, now its time form them to grow and bear fruit.

Coco and Zach are ok now. After last nights ear infection of Coco, it seemed that the meds worked.

The bad thing is, its my turn to get sick. I am just trying to ride this one and hopefully I can overcome this.

Tomorrow is the big test, it’s the last one requested by Dr. Argao. Hopefully the two guys cooperate.

10 days to go before Mommy comes home.

UNCOMFORTABLE COMFORTABLENESS

2010-12-15T19:39:00.000-08:00

Two days before Christmas break. The most awaited day, but, I seem not to feel that way. Looking back the past 5 months or so, I don't feel much contentment about the accomplishment in work and professional life. I feel that I am just drifting away, just making the day pass. I am looking for something that would change the course a little bit.
I have been trying to get into a grad school for the past 2 years. My enthusiasm would die down after a couple of tries. The last time I have attempted of getting a new direction was last June. It was good. I did good. But later on, I just hit dead end.

I know what I want in life. But the fire is not there anymore. Does it come with age? Or I was just dumb lazy. Or was I very comfortable to my life situation that I don't want to rock the boat.

I remembered one time while I was attending, my first time, to attend the Convocation of the CM in Angono. Most of the time, I sat on a particular spot, never traded it with another one. Then, one night, Fr. Oabel came to me, saying, " You really does not want change. You are afraid of going other direction." I vehemently argued with him that he was reading me incorrectly. And, that was just still part of his CPE thought-paradigm.

Perhaps that was true. Especially when I am very comfortable in my life. Right now, it is happening again. I know the opportunity here is great. That I could be what I want to be. I just don't have the fire, yet.

Hopefully it will change this summer.

On the other hand, I would not trade the books and research papers from Zach's and Coco's annoying embrace and banter. No amount of thesis or dissertation can compare their incomprehensible silliness and stubbornness.

Perhaps, right now, I am just very comfortable being a father. And I hope it does not change.

Break in Thanksgiving

2010-11-24T21:26:00.000-08:00

First Day - I woke up this morning finding my computer being infected with a virus. I spent most of my morning fixing it. It was a laborious and crazy first day of our Thanksgiving break. I was supposed to enjoy the comfort of my bed and the silence of the morning, yet that virus spoiled and ruin my day. Thanks to modern day sharing and forum, I was able to fix it (accidentally).

At the last minute of the day, I was able to run to the recycling center, Manvel and Sienna Lilbrary and returned the books long overdue.

Coco and Zach were amazing. They showed me how persistence and discipline build a character. I hope they don't change their passion for piano.

Mom is working tonight and for the next two nights.

Thanks for Giving

2010-11-24T19:21:00.000-08:00

Generrosity breeds blessings. Blessings becomes gifts. Gifts are meant to be shared.

Yearly, we celebrate Thanksgiving over food, stories, laughters, and prayers. We remember the previous year of glorious blessings. We ermember the people who mattered to us. At the end of every meal comes the hope for a better year to come.

Thanking is always connected to giving. It is an spiral interconnectivity. It defeates its meaning if the action of saying thanks stops in you. "Thank you" meant to be shared...so as other can say "thank you" too.

In my end, I am saying thanks by being generous with my time to my kids and wife. I am going to say thank by saying kind words.

For those who made my life better this year, Thank you for giving.

Lucky Lazy

2010-11-16T19:22:00.000-08:00

Its been slow today. I got some free time to tidy up some loose things. As usual, before you know it, time's up already. But at least I was able to work on some.

I am good at managing my time the past two days. I was perfectly 15 minutes after 5, just on time for our dinner. Mom works tonight, but will be here tomorrow. Perhaps we can watch My Name is Khan..and snuggle.

Coco does not complain if squezzed, hug and cuddled. He too is very good too in music. Our goal for him is to learn how to read properly. We can feel he knows some, but he is trying to keep us nervous, by pretending he does not know.

Zach, as usual, proved to be smarter than us. We are glad that his interest in music is simply amazing. He can read notes, sing while reading notes, and really sing it well.

Tomorrow is another day and I hope we could come home early for Y.

Love Notes

2010-11-12T02:16:00.001-08:00

Coco in C minor.

It is fascinating how life humors you. When you were a teenager, you can’t wait for the sun to show up. That is opposite when you’re growing old, you don’t want the sun to show up.

Sometimes you look forward to your coming home, than going out.

Thanks to the mind of they young. It rejuvenates you, releases the tension and stress that life gives you.

For us, it would be Coco and Zach. This time, we’re fascinated by how good they are reading notes. Its more than a pride, but the power of the mind to soothe life’s travails.

Play Date

2010-11-04T20:39:00.000-07:00

Zach has gone into a realm that we certainly have not entertained quite early. His friend asked him for a play date. I guess, he is enjoying his life today both in school and out of school. He has come out of his shell and noticeably likeable by his classmates.

He came back to the school, pretty much happy and beaming with contentment. To top it all, he was excitely exhilarating when he told us what happened at his friends house. The downside was, he was quite tired, and the moment his back laid on the car seat, he was dozing. He was on bed unitl 10 pm, just on time for me and Coco to go to bed.

While giving him a bath, he as telling me about he he like being with Pauline and how he had a good time. If there is goodnews for me out of this event, it would be his story about the Wii. Fortunately, he knows now how to play pingpong and bowling in Wii (much advance to all of us at home.

Coco was quite today. He came to my classroom crying over something. Unfortunately, he was upset about an incident in the Extended Day. Thanks to Ms. Jackie for taking care of them.

Love this day, cold, chlly but with no rain.

Mom is working tonight. This Saturday is busy for us, having two birthdays to attend to. The goodnews is, both of them are in League City.

Hallow, Kitty! Sounds Familiar?

2010-10-16T20:24:00.001-07:00

That’s where we went to this pm, Hallow Kitty, the huge park 10 minutes from us. It’s been inviting us for quiet sometimes but because of “its just there, we’ll come later” syndrome, we just ignored it.

This time however was different. I needed a place to write but at the same time entertain the kids. Hallow Kitty fits just perfect, plus the 5 dollar pizza from the newly opened Little cezars, everything just fell pefect to fit my needs.

While Coco and Zach where playing, I was able to make 5 evaluations for my students. While gobbling the pepperoni pizza and downing the A&W Rootbeer, I was able to be in another dimension of life, that is, being serious and concentrating with my objectives.

Had it not for the rowdy boys who was trying to scare my boys, we would have been there until 3:30. Zach and Coco just came looking for my aide when 3 brothers came looking and accusing them of hitting them with the pebbles and gravel. They were in fact not afraid of me because the still managed to come and plead their cause to me, hoping that I would be on their side.

Unfortunately, upon interrogation and finding out that neither any one of the 5 where telling me the truth, I just told them to just cool of and stop playing.

It was the second time that the two kids where threatened by other kids. I guess, they have to be careful and start protecting themselves.

We suprized Mom this pm with our pecan rum cake and stuffed cabbage courtesy of Sandra Lee.

Ohio is losing when I turned off the TV hoping to spare myself from the angst of disappointment.

Night Moonshine.

Welcome Back Sienna. Thank You, Cristy!

2010-10-07T21:15:00.001-07:00

Today, we welcome Sienna back. Its been more than a week since we last saw her. Gone are the nightmare of scratch and bump. What we have now is the old Sienna with a new bumper and lights.

Though we are satisfied with the repair, yet we are saddened by the fact that it was one of us who has to pay the bill.

As for Cristy, we certainly will miss her. She was very easy to drive, very accessible and painless to ride. It is hard to part ways with her, but ours was temporary. She served as she was asked to.

Mom was working today, after she was stuck in the elevator for 20 minutes last night.

Tomorrow, although, no school day, we have to be in Charismatic Center for the annual teacher symposium.

To be or to beat

2010-10-06T19:15:00.001-07:00

I know my mind wants to exercise. But my body wants to go to bed. There is no question who wins. The spirit is willing but the flesh is very weak.

I am looking forward to going to the Y every afternoon. But right after dinner, my butt simply wouldn’t budge. I know I have a lot of reviving to do. It’s not fun to take those medicines but its not also easy to run in the thread mill.

Perhaps tomorrow, I can handle the pressure to be back on track.

Sienna is done already. Its been a week since she was gone for repair. She’d better be pretty again,.

Coco seemed very talkative today. And we like it.

Mom works but she got us yummy dinner.

Revisiting

2010-09-29T20:09:00.001-07:00

Its been more than 3 months since my last entry. And I guess, this is déjà vu again. I was in this situation sometime last year. When nothing would come out from my mind and spirit to chronicle the day.

I will try again.

The school is not bad today. My schedule grants me to have some pleasure of slowing down some things. But to compensate my long breaks, I have introduced the Chess club after school. Unknown to me, there were kids from elementary who were willing to learn Chess. It was a delight but at the same time a big responsibility. But it was to learn that they want to move the pieces of chess,

Part of my resolution is to shape up. My diabetes is eating me up, taking my life and burying me in the sand of misery. I can’t do that to my kids, hence the Y.

This p.m, no matter how my body wants to rest, my spirit triumphantly pushed me to get into the car and drive for the Y.

It was exhilarating to lift some weights and see yourself in the company of some health buffs. I hope I could be consistent on that.

Tonight, Coco was being bad. He hit Zach in the stomach twice. He was in time out for more than 30 minutes and is not allowed to watch TV nor play in the computer.

See you next time.

How Much Longer?

2010-07-27T19:38:00.001-07:00

… was the question raised by Coco once in a while after we have crossed the Tennessee state line heading to Virginia.

We left Alabama at around 9:15, after a hearty breakfast. The travel last night (read:yesterday) was quite muscle-cramping. Because of the distance we have to limit our stopping to 10 minutes (except on our lunch).

The longest trip was crossing the state of Virginia. It took us forever to get to Baltimore. Glancing at the map once in a while did not excite but tortured us.

Interstate 81 has totally impressed on us its brutality. To counter drowsiness and boredom, we have to take turn driving.

We crossed Baltimore-Washington at around 11 pm ET. From a quite Interstate trip we were startled how busy the Washington beltway was (with its fast cars and punishing construction areas). I had to be extra alert for our next exit, else we’ll end up in Florida, or back to Texas.

True to my impression I-95 (Philly-NY), devoid of its fast cars and semis, is very challenging. On the good note, we enjoyed the beauty of Philadelphia at night.

After the grueling 13 hour trip, and uncharacteristic yet worrisome “recalculation” sound from Gerri (or was it 14?) we finally reached Ramada Inn at 1 am (ET).

Grabbing just the bear essentials for a goodnight sleep, we crashed and dozed.

Welcome to Philly! I’m craving for the famous Philly cheesesteake.

2010 ROAD TRIP

2010-07-25T20:35:00.001-07:00

It’s our first time to embark on a long journey from home. Although there were attempts before to go on state hopping, yet, because of unrealistic assumptions we never pursued it.

True to our yearly tradition of celebrating Mom’s birthday away from home, although there was a strong hesitation to visit The Sesame Place, we finally conceded to ask Sienna to accompany us.

6:30 – Departure from Gardenspring Ct. But with all the commotions last night, we forgot the printed copy of our hotel-destination in Alabama.

8:30 – First stop in Louisiana…and proved to be the last one until we saw the next rest area 5 hours after we the one in Louisiana.

6:00 – Second rest area…in Alabama. We feasted with Mom’s adobo and liempo. Not bad.

Thanks to modern technologies of GPS and portable DVD, the first leg is just perfect. I was kidding Jaz that because of our 13 hour trip from Texas to Gadsden, Alabama, I can now claim to be a true driver capable of negotiating the Bitukang Manok” going to Bicol.

8:30 – We reached our hotel, Comfort Suites, in Gadsden, Alabama; feasted with our adobo and liempo; desert is mango.

The hotel is not true to its name. Its not comforting to see trash in the elevator, stinky and uncleaned microwave.

Nevertheless, after a safe trip, that is the least of your worries.

Am now ready for bed, and beyond.

Tune Up

2010-07-19T18:26:00.001-07:00

I had my annual physical check up this morning. As all physically check ups, its not pleasant. Thanks to my very caring doctor, she made it very easy and fast. She was very encouraging and really commended me for an excellent job of controlling my diabetes and high blood pressure. But of course, I have to consistently be on top of shape.

Enrolling at the Y is one of the best moves I have so far. Because of the amount one spent for fees, you tend to force to yourself to get your money back. Our trainer, Amber has been very helpful and patient.

Today also Zach and Coco started their summer camp. From 9-12:30, they get to do several and amazing stuff at the Y. With all those free hours, I can catch up with a lot of things in the house like painting, reading, a little time in the garden and planning for the next school year.

Mom is on the last leg of her very strenuous schedule this week. She’ll be on a 3-week vacation starting this Thursday. She deserves the best vacation for she really works very hard this year.

Puppet Show

2010-07-18T20:39:00.001-07:00

Accidentally discovered before bedtime, we gave puppet show a try. Using “Rocky and Scotty”, I started mimicking famous voices. The two, Zach and Coco just gone bersherk laughing.

We tried the story of “Going Camping”, a prelude to their life for the next 5 day at the Y. While Mom served as the Lighting Director, I ran the story based from the unknown. It was a click. The boys simply loved it.

Indeed, fun things comes in unexpected circumstances. We have no idea how Rocky and Scotty would be so fun and economical.

Summary of the Day:
1. Mass at St. Laurence
2. PNB for Mama’s Birthday.
3. King’s Lunch at Kings Way Buffet. this is so far the best Chinese buffet restaurant in the area (unless you have one). Food is huge, though the taste is average.
4. Zach and Coco were enrolled at the Y.
5. Painted the Guest Room (colors are unconvincing)
6. Puppet Show.