Roan got up extra early to prepare a surprise for me -- a simple but touching display of love in the form of cut-outs and a balloon which he pasted on his bedroom wall.
Being in New York again, I felt its resounding vibrancy and freedom. The beauty of it being a true melting pot of the world, and the ability to just go wherever and whenever your feet (and subways) will take you.
Lyle: "When will the train get here? When? When? When?"
New York's subway system gives anyone the freedom to get from point A to B to C, and back and around again very quickly and economically, without the hassle of traffic or trying to find parking. New Yorkers use the subways to go to work, visit friends and relatives, go to movies, restaurants, malls -- anything, anyplace you can think of.
"Papa Lolo, you mean I can't jump off this platform?"
Lyle loved the subway system, riding in a train underground, and even underwater (beneath the Hudson river from Queens to Manhattan).
Having grown up in the East Coast, I sorely miss the familiar Dunkin Donuts sign when I moved out West. When Lyle & I hit the streets of New York, I was thrilled that my little man enjoyed the place as much as I did as a kid. He kept saying he wanted Dunkin Donuts - for breakfast, lunch, dinner.
Here's a shot of Lyle having his first NY breakfast at Dunkin Donuts:
"I'm grumpy without Dunkin Donuts!"
"Ahh, yes I can smile now that I've had a bite of this yummy strawerry-frosted donut"
My dad bought a condominium in the Elmhurst, Queens, New York area which I thought was just lovely. It's in a very prime location, just behind St. John's hospital, near the Queens mall, close to everything, and near the Woodhaven & Grand Avenue train stops. Close to half a million worth of real estate.
Lyle in his prison act at Papa's decorative barrier between the living room and the computer area
It's a spacious place, spacious New York-wise anyway, about 1600 square feet, 3 bedroom, 2 bath, with a shared basement with the 3 other condos in his building, and even enclosed garage (and for New Yorkers, this is really a godsend since parking is quite difficult to find). Papa is on the management board of his condo association, which is quite an honor.
"Butt Buddies" pose in front of the Christmas Tree
He had a nicely-decorated tall, slender Christmas tree in the living room, which Lyle was excited about. "I hope it fits Santa's presents," Lyle said, as he gave a butt swing while I took a picture of him in front of the Christmas tree.
Can we take this TV home?
Papa's New York condo had a very modern feel to it. He spent a quite a bit for the renovation to make it look as awesome as it does now. Hardwood floors (they tore out the carpet). Black, leather couches. Dark mahogony wood. Abstract art. Steel appliances. Big screen TV. Cool wine rack. Lush, vibrant plants everywhere. Very trendy.
My aunt Juliet will be flying in from New York tomorrow morning to greet the New year with us. Aunt Juliet is my mom's elder sister and works at the Merill Lynch, NYC. She is a respected and very active member of the Filipino-American community in New York. Below is a photo of myself, Lyle, and Aunt Juliet clowning around in her Queens apartment when Lyle & I were in New York.
Aunt Juliet took care of me when I was younger and became like a second mother to me. Even now that I'm all grown up, she still putters around me like a true mother, and has become one of my very good friends. Lyle thinks she's cool and calls her "Aunt Lola", being that she's his grand-aunt. You'd never know though because my aunt is still very much "hip" and in touch with the younger generation.
Lyle's class had a pajama party as their Christmas celebration last December 15, the last day of class before Winter break. They were treated to a movie (The Polar Express) with hot cocoa and buttered popcorn (they even had their own popcorn making machine!).
He was super-excited and surprised to see me, as I told him I wasn't sure if I could make it to his party as a visitor/volunteer because I had stuff to finish up at work. Imagine his big grin and excited jumps when he saw me come just in time!
That Kay's commercial on TV, now I can't get the song out of my head. Originally composed by Cat Stevens, it's been sung by various artists, but the one on the commercial was by "Cat Power".
This is a beautiful song, one that I can relate to, because oftentimes and most especially with people I love, I can't always find the right words to say to tell them that I love them, and miss them. Dearly.
Commercial Sound Clip (Press Play to Hear It):
HOW CAN I TELL YOU
How can I tell you that I love you, I love you But I cant think of right words to say I long to tell you that Im always thinking of you Im always thinking of you, but my words Just blow away, just blow away It always ends up to one thing, honey And I cant think of right words to say Wherever I am girl, Im always walking with you Im always walking with you, but I look and youre not there Whoever Im with, Im always, always talking to you Im always talking to you, and Im sad that You cant hear, sad that you cant hear It always ends up to one thing, honey, When I look and you're not there I need to know you, need to feel my arms around you Feel my arms around you, like a sea around a shore And -- each night and day I pray, in hope That I might find you, in hope that I might Find you, because hearts can do no more It always ends up to one thing honey, still I kneel upon the floor How can I tell you that I love you, I love you But I cant think of right words to say I long to tell you that Im always thinking of you Im always thinking of you.... It always ends up to one thing honey And I cant think of right words to say
Lyle and I will be in New York Dec 21-26, and I've been searching the Net for places for him to see/visit while we're there. So far, I came up with:
1. American Museum of Natural History 2. Bronx Zoo/Wildlife Conservation Park 3. Radio City Music Hall "The Christmas Spectacular" 4. Sony Wonder Technology Lab 5. The Brooklyn Children's Museum 6. Metropolitan Museum of Art
He's been to New York twice before since he was born, but he was less than 3 years old then. I think now's a good age for him to go places and gain lots of rich, learning experience.
His touring buddy will most likely be his grandfather, my dad, since I'd like to spend time with my grandmother.
I crush on easily and quickly with things one minute, and forget about them the
next. This category talks about my so-called "5 minute crushes".
Call this section a journal, a blog, or pathetic, nonsense
rantings. To me, it's just a silly old diary to record
my thoughts and feelings.
Sometimes I go places, and I like to talk about where
I've been.
Because I am one, and some times -- ok fine, admittedly,
a lot of times -- I talk like one.
Posts about this crazy, magical feeling of being "in
love".
It's about whom you choose to be friends with, and not.
Distinctive
individuals I admire, loathe, leave me awe-struck, can't
get out of my mind, consider as my role model, irritate
me to no end, or a little of all of the above.
On the occasions that I take and post digital images,
and want to talk about them, you can find those posts
in this section.
Posts that talk about tweaks, changes, or upgrades I've
performed on this baby.
QUICK INFO
• What is Cornbip?
The Philippine word for the processed good, Corned Beef.
• Does Corned Beef Really Have Corn?
Corning is a form of curing; it has nothing to do with corn. The name comes from
Anglo-Saxon times before refrigeration. In those days, the meat was dry-cured
in coarse "corns" of salt. Pellets of salt, some the size of kernels
of corn, were rubbed into the beef to keep it from spoiling and to preserve it.
• Why Cornbip?
Cornbip is a common item found in many household pantries. It's a relatively inexpensive,
quick meal to serve and can be cooked in several ways that can satisfy anyone's
hunger.
Although this site doesn't really have anything to do with food nor cooking,
I have chosen this domain name because its contents are best served to an audience
with an unfussy appetite for an eclectic mix of photos and writings.
Welcome
To My Setting - My Online Diary
(Requires that your browser has 
I crush on easily and quickly with things one minute, and forget about them the
next. This category talks about my so-called "5 minute crushes".
Call this section a journal, a blog, or pathetic, nonsense
rantings. To me, it's just a silly old diary to record
my thoughts and feelings.
Sometimes I go places, and I like to talk about where
I've been.
Because I am one, and some times -- ok fine, admittedly,
a lot of times -- I talk like one.
Posts about this crazy, magical feeling of being "in
love".
It's about whom you choose to be friends with, and not.
Distinctive
individuals I admire, loathe, leave me awe-struck, can't
get out of my mind, consider as my role model, irritate
me to no end, or a little of all of the above.
On the occasions that I take and post digital images,
and want to talk about them, you can find those posts
in this section.
Posts that talk about tweaks, changes, or upgrades I've
performed on this baby.
