Remember Omee's Mohawk? Well someone else got a hawk...sort of.

Although from here, it looks more like a cowlick.
She's cute anyway so it works for me.
Gawd I miss her so much.

I've been posting a lot of Omee these past few months, but can you guys remember the constant cutie pie that used to grace this blog?

Hi Guys! Remember me?
I'm all big now! With teeth and everything!

I miss this bb.

I won't lie. I MISS HER SO EFF-ING MUCH! These were taken on the morning of her baptism while Kate was getting ready. I didn't take a whole lot but 65% of the shots were of her laughing so hard. She has way too many laughing photos that I opted to load these ones for a change.

Joann in Monochrome
"Mommy, I'm tired. Tita Kari is taking photos again..."

Mohammed, Tita Chona and Omar

Yesterday, they took me to Long Island for a Japanese buffet lunch. The price was close to Todai in Las Vegas but the food was not close. They had fewer selections and I wasn't quite impressed with their rolls. On the way home, Tita Chon wanted to show me that New York had their own beaches too and took me to Jones Beach. Swimming was not allowed since there were no lifeguards present and the waters are too cold this time of the year. Omar was not swayed and proceeded to play with tide along the shore. We eventually had to take his shirt off since we didn't have extra clothes for him. He wore nothing but his mom's hoodie on the way back.

more photos of Omar on the beach

Today, my cousin Ana and her husband Poy came over and we went to lunch at a Filipino Restaurant along Roosevelt Ave. The food was good but a bit pricey. Her sister, Cherish, who's in Istanbul is currently having personal troubles of her own and might be heading over this way soon. I haven't seen Cherish in so long and am quite excited to see her. We used to be really close in high school when she moved to Manila after having lived in Syracuse all her life.

Been playing Guitar Hero for three days since my aunt managed to get the controller to work. I attended a dinner party Saturday night for the birthday of my friend, Baby's boyfriend. I was surrounded by a group of roughly 30 physical therapists mingling in a tiny 3 bedroom apartment. I knew only about 5 people and was genuinely pleased to find out that they, too, had GH3! Later that night, while they were socializing amongst themselves, I took the opportunity to hog the guitar and play.

Currently in the process of compiling photos for my online portfolio, something which I should have done gradually over the years. I will need this if I'm to have something to present when selling myelf. Will post the link to the site as soon as I've finished compiling and uploading, although I don't know what new things you may see in there since they're probably nothing I have not already posted in my blog or multiply.

I have finally uploaded the photos taken during Joann's baptism last September 28. Two albums are up, one of the baptism and Kate and Jose's family, plus another one that contains all the malandi shots we took of ourselves at Jana's house. You may view the first one here, and the second one here.

I had a very tiring but fun (MY definition of fun) today. We CLEANED!!!! Last night, Tita Chon decided to clean out the fridge and throw out all the bad junk she's accumulated over the years. I was more than happy to help out and we managed to throw out 3/4 of the fridge's contents! We went grocery shopping today at the asian store and we scored a lot of pinoy junk food and goodies! Chriselle: I will have tuyo again tomorrow! Wahoo! I fixed up the kitchen a bit, too and helped her with laundry.

Tita Chon couldn't get an appointment at the pet salon to have Libby and Lucy groomed to she did it herself. Libby put up quite a fisht, specially when it came to cutting their nails. I vacuumed, sweeped and dusted the whole house and helped her dry the dogs after she gave them a bath. They now smell fresh and nice and cuddly. Mmmmm....

Currently in Louiie's amazing home. I don't know why she's never mentioned that she lives in such a great place. I've been to quite a few Filipino-owned homes here and everything in her place looks so pretty I'm afraid to touch anything. I wish I could better describe it but I guess I'll just have to take photos of it soon. I feel like my luggage is such an eyesore in their living room.

Louiie picked me up from SoCal at 1am last night during the baptism after party at Janna's. Louiie drove to Las Vegas and back on the same day just to pick me up! She is such a sweetheart! She had Kelly and Arcy with her and they made a road trip out of the whole thing by passing through a couple of places on their way to me including stopping by an old western ghost town. They showed me photos and it looked like a fun place for pictures.

Driving to Vegas in the dead of night really shows you how the city is in the middle of nowhere. I slept most of the way but during the time I was awake the surrounding areas was pitch black. Louiie was such a trooper for driving 17 hours in one day. When we got to her place, she still managed to cook us omelets for breakfast! OMG, I'm not a big fan of omelletes but I have to say that was the fanciest breakfast I've ever had in a home. Crabmeat omellette with tomatoes, bell peppers topped with avocado, tomato and sour cream on the side. Sour cream and omellette?!? Yes, I, too, thought that was odd but I have to tell you that it was the best omellete I've ever had. That last bite was heartbreaking.

Her herbs are grown right out of her mother's garden.

Yesterday was a long day. Woke up at 8am to get ready and finish packing before heading out for Joann's baptism. I took more photos of Joann in the morning and did Kate's makeup before I prepped myself up. I took Bea, Paul, Leng and Cookee with me since I was leaving for Vegas that day and might not see them again for a while. Lunch was at Dragon Buffet and we all stuffed ourselves before heading out to Janna's for free-flowing alcohol. We took a lot of photos there and we were able to put my new off-shoe cord to good use. I have about 250++ photos from yesterday alone and will upload them as soon as I've sorted them out.

the family

with Jose's wonderful parents

just a handful of Jose's family

I'm going to miss these two

So I saw him yesterday after about a year. I don't know what the hell I was thinking. I honestly thought seeing him would spark some weird violent emotion in me but I got nothing. I guess the fact that he drastically changed his appearance that he no longer looked like the man I married helped. I saw none of the man I deemed so highly, not even when we had that small conversation. Wala na. Wala na talaga. I guess it's better this way. I've seen him and that's it. I'll be in Vegas for a week and I fly out to New York next Tuesday. Louiie's taking me for one last hurrah before I start getting serious out east. Here we go!!!

Her grandma sent her baptismal gown in from Manila and we had her try it on today. She's a constant giggler now. So effing adorable. More from this set here.

Was doing laundry when I decided to toss her in the basket.
She didn't seem to mind. A few more of her here.

I went back to Kate's a day earlier than planned since I didn't want to pack for my trip at the last minute. I ended up not packing anyway because as soon as I got back, I was greeted by this...I didn't realize how much I missed her! I made her laugh so hard until she passed out on my bed. My mom is in San Mateo so she called me earlier and we talked for about two hours. Thank gawd for free minutes. I also got one of my two packages from Ebay today, the off shoe camera cord! I love it so much! I still have to get the hang of shooting with one hand while the other hand holds my speedlight away from the cam. My next purchase will either be a tripod or a lightstand w/ the shoot through umbrella.

experimenting with different positions of light

I need to sleep soon since the Santiagos are picking me up again tomorrow at 7am to head out to the beach. I don't know how I'm supposed to walk around in my swimsuit with confidence after the week I spent with them. The hours at the gym the past month was cancelled out by all the eating I've done in the last days. Their family has been more than wonderful for letting me crash with them for the week. We were cramped in that house with 8 people in a 3-bedroom house but they didn't seem to mind. Tomorrow should be fun! I won't be seeing them again until end of September before I head out east. I'll miss thos guys! Georgie too!!!

I wish I had something to blog about but all I did today was laundry and watch TV. Hooray for me! I did do about 4 loads of laundry though so that left me pooped for the day. I offered to do Kate's load too since she was busy with Joann.

I did give my first ever baby bath today! I helped give Joann a night wash before bed. The bb loves bath time and looks so cute too!

Went drinking again last night, this time at Kate's sister-in-law's house in Irvine. The boys had their beers while us girls enjoyed my favorite drink, MIMOSAS! We ran a little daycare/bar with Johanna running around and the two babies cooing and crying. It was fun, drunken chaos.

Tomorrow, they're inviting us again for more. Walang pahinga sa alcohol ang mga tao dito! Parang yung Denver Gang ng Pilar!


We passed by Big Lots yesterday to buy a pitcher for the beer and I bought some stuff for the guestroom closet. We got home at 4am but I simply had to start arranging stuff. I woke up this morning and had the urge to do more so I fixed the bed just like a hotel housekeeping would and vacuumed.

Lastly, let me end the post with a video that I can't seem to get out of my head for weeks now. In as much as I think the movie Step Up 2 the Streets was a load of crap, I have to admit that the dancing was absolutely amazing. I saw it (properly) on the plane and I need to share it. Crank the volume up and try to watch it in fullscreen!

The party I mentioned earlier found me and I never got to dig into my ice cream. All the alcohol tonight made me miss sleylinights at Pilar.

Jose was real drunk and seriously hilarious. We just finished about two cases of Coors Light. Jose could give my guys back in Pilar a run for their money.

This is Johanna, James' older sister. She's a year and a half and as cute as a munchkin. She kept running around stealing Doritos while everyone else got drunk.

The footage below was taken yesterday when I accompanied Kate and Jose on their hunt for the perfect flatscreen tv. After Best Buy, Circuit City and Howard's, they haven't found it yet. The last part of the video is of Joann pooping. Hehehe.

This last video made my day. I enjoyed it so much that I watched it several times. Although I think, only 80's babies can appreciate it. Rick Astley had a concert in Manila last August 1, 2008 and the producers requested he have a duet with none other than Mr. Roderick Paulate! It's the best video ever!!!

Made the invites and shot the photos for both kids. James is Joann's cousin who was born a couple of days after her. He's a humongous four three month old boy who loves to take naps.

double dose of cuteness

I love how the light shines through the guestroom window.
It's a perfect spot for photos like this.

More of their adorable faces can be seen here.

There's a bit of a party over here. Jose's family and friends are here enjoying grilled steaks, beer and wine. I'm about to dig into my pint of Haagen Daz butter pecan.

Tagged along as Jose and Kate brought Chasi home to her mom's at Carson today. Had dinner at (see video below) then went to Best Buy. Kate and Jose checked out ginormous plasma TVs and I bought a 250gb WD Passport portable HD. Whoo!

I guess I underestimated how much pinoy stuff I can get here. Enjoying a mug of taho as I type this. Mmmmm....

Off topic...

*sigh*

Last photos of me and my sisters taken during our last family dinner. Tin treated us to dinner at Kanin Club in Westgate (amazing food, btw) since I was leaving Manila in a few days.

*sigh*sigh*

Collective video of my last visit to Paul's house in Pilar and my last night in Manila. It features a short food show hosted by Alain (Sleyli Myerni) and Dex (Singh Pangh) called The Fooooood! I can never watch this video in one go. I keep taking breaks every few seconds since it makes me cry and laugh hysterically. I'm going to miss these boys so much. Both videos are by Poorfish.

Video of my departure. I had my entourage take me to the airport that day. If I had known what would greet me upon my arrival, I would have stayed in the car. Oh well...simply saying I miss these guys will not suffice.

Took more photos of her majesty's cuteness.

I suppose I do miss taking pictures of kids, and seeing that as she's the only baby in my immediate vicinity, she has the advantage of being my target practice.

She smiles more now and the TPC-sneezing technique is working on her too. I made a makeshift beanbag by propping pillows under her baby blankie and positioned her around. She can't prop her head up properly yet so I can't put her on her belly. Maybe tomorrow I'll try placing her in the laundry basket with towels. Hee!


The rest of the photos can be seen here.

As promised, here is my current Dylan replacement. Don't mind me going "Joann! Hello!" in my annoying baby voice. She's too cute for me not to fawn over her. She's an incredible mix of her parents, grandmother and, yes, her uncle.

Chopsuey clips of the last couple of days from the night I arrived. The following were all taken before the unfortunate incident so I was more eager to document my stay and I seem more normal. Ha!

Had a late dinner at IHOP on the way to the apartment from the airport. Went to the mall the next day then lunch at The Cheesecake Factory and we all ordered different varieties of salmon. Paul Santiago, that was a TIRAMISU CHEESECAKE in the clip and it was the sh!t. Used the pool the day after that and I remembered that I forgot to buy another underwater case for the flip. Bea or Paul, can you buy one for me and I'll pay you when you come over? Thanks!

Note to self: Stop using redundant titles.

Pardon me. I have been itching to write for two days. It took me a while to choose an appropriate blog address and even now, I am still somewhat skeptical of my final choice.

Never mind, I think it's somehow appropriate given my current situation.

So what have I been up to? Here I am in sunny Orange County, where the people and my surroundings really do look like they do in that show I never saw. I've been introduced to a funny little bratty baby that I seem to love so much. I cannot stop kissing her and usually try to beat her mother and sister in picking her up every time she starts crying.

She cries a lot but I managed to learn how to shush her by whispering in her ear
and having weird baby conversations with her. Even babies need to be heard sometimes.

This is my third blog in three years, that might be a coincidence, I'm not too sure. I've been itching to give updates over the littlest things. Currently staying in a nice apartment complex equipped with a pool and a gym. I used the pool once the other day and it felt slightly bizarre as it looked like a poolside scene in a typical California B-movie with a poolside cast consisting of a latino family, a an old but diva-hot-mama type Vietnamese woman in a skimpy hot pink string bikini who looked like she's comes to the pool A LOT, a couple of teenagers sunbathing and chitchatting by the pool, a couple who came just to sunbathe and blast their portable stereo that played really old hiphop music, the Filipino folks who took their other pinay house guest (me!!) to swim as they sat poolside drinking bottles of Coors Light and of course, there's the lone, old, fat and very hairy guy who slathered his manbody in oil and baked under the sun for everyone to enjoy.

The apartment complex

Its very sunny here. So far, I haven't felt the need to bust out my thick clothes and hoodies and am still able to walk around in my Havaiianas. At night it gets cooler, so people sleep better. I haven't had an experience where the baby wakes up bawling in the middle of night yet. So far, she's been very good. People here sleep at midnight and wake up at noon, including baby Joann. Breakfast is had at 12nn and lunch would usually follow a couple of hours after that. Dinner is taken at everyone's own time with whatever is left from lunch. I have absolutely no complaints about it as the baby alone takes a lot of all our time. I didn't realized how often they needed changing, feeding and how often they nap and wake up crying. Whew! I don't know how a mother can do it all on her own on top of all the housework! Joann is a doll! I've only known her for a few days but I love her already.

Today I was reunited with an old friend, Ben and Jerry's Pistachio ice cream! I bought a pint of that plus a pint of Haagen Daz's Butter Pecan. I had a bit of the pistachio shortly after dinner. I went through less than a quarter of it and stopped. I don't know how I was able to finish a whole pint in one sitting before! And I did that every night! Yes, I know what you're thinking. That's why I blew up to the size I am today and have been unable to lose the weight since. Well obviously, my appetite has gone down (this may be due to other reasons...) and I am not as snacky as I thought I was going to be. We went to the grocery store today and I picked up a few toiletries, ice cream, some onion bagel and herb cream cheese just in case I get hungry while every one is asleep.

I also started to familiarize myself with my current location. Armed with a map, and the Orange County Transit Authority website, I tried to see how I'll be able to get around the places I needed to go. This is one of the few things I hate about Southern California. Everyone needs a car to get around properly. Everything is far apart and the buses are not as reliable as they are in San Francisco. I found that the bank is nearby and there's a theater that's a short walk away (after Sagada, everything seems a short walk away to me now) and there's also a mall that's a bit further off. The area seems to come well-equipped and I shouldn't be bored as much. I haven't unpacked any of my luggage since we're all moving to a bigger 3-bedroom apartment in two days. It's just in the next building so it should be easy to transfer stuff back and forth.

Finished watching the last few episodes of The Big Bang Theory a couple of days ago and, remembering AJ's recommendation, have begun watching Burn Notice. It's a funny little show. The score is bad, the characters have little to no chemistry and it could have better editing but I'm enjoying it so far. It's witty and has funny moments. Basically its good enough for me to sit through until the fall season premieres start. They have a divx player here so I no longer have to suffer watching my illegally acquired movies in my Macbook screen.

I have videos I want to upload (mostly of Joann) but I will do so tomorrow. It's late and I'd like to finish watching episode 3 of Burn Notice.

Lastly, excuse my blog's temporary ugly appearance, I have been meaning to change my blog's design for a long time and now I have more reason to finally start designing given my fresh, new start. Give me some time to update this little eyesore.