It’s almost a month now since I came back from my two-week vacation in Manila and my post about it has been sidetracked by a lot of things. All in all, it was good to see Manila again.
It was my first time to fly solo and be away from my boys. I had mixed feelings. I’ve been anticipating this moment and as the day neared the excitement was killing me!
My Mom, my younger brother Dennis, and my younger sister Liezl met me at the airport. I hugged and kissed them, delighted to see them all! I was jumping with joy! And then I saw my niece, little Andi. She was aloof at first but warmed up eventually. Her eyes reminded me of her mother (kid-sis Liezl) who I took care of when she was her age. Ate Cris stayed at home preparing my lunch.
For two weeks I was a daughter and a sister again. I got to do the things I used to do avant de mariage. I slept beside my Mom, woke up with her, and went with her to church for morning mass. Every morning I had freshly baked pandesal from the panaderia sa kanto (bakery at the corner).
I also got to rummage their closets and raided a few of their stuff. Having sisters (and a mom) means you can borrow and exchange clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories among yourselves. You can also change and fit clothes in the same room, try on each others cosmetics, fix each other’s hair, exchange opinions — both solicited and unsolicited.
We heard Sunday mass together, went to malls, salon, and spa.
The second day, I drove — with an expired Philippine license! I picked up the car at my sis-in-law’s place in Fort Boni and got lost. The place has changed. Previous landmarks were dwarfed by newly constructed buildings which somehow discombobulated my sense of direction. I took the C5 road going to Alabang and I was tense the whole time, unsure if I had already missed a turn. I became fine only upon reaching the South Luzon Express Way (SLEX). Driving the car that I used to drive before was happiness. There was familiarity.
The drive from SLEX onward was pleasant. I’m still used to Manila driving after all, although traffic (vehicles and pedestrian) was more noticeable to me now than two years ago.
Yaya Nining chasing away the dog so I could get out of the car. I’m afraid of dogs, that’s why. 
I stayed in Alabang for a couple of days to take care of some errands. For the first time in two years, someone prepared breakfast for me. 🙂
Entering my room was like walking into yesterday. Our old things were all there, intact and untouched. Bills and mails greeted me. I threw out old documents, gave away clothes, shoes and bags that we wont be needing anymore.
It was a short stay in Manila and I didn’t get to do all the things in my list. Each day was geared toward family bonding. My two weekends were blocked for bigger family get-togethers, both from my side of the family and Riel’s.
I was also ninang to beautiful Naya.
The farthest that I went to was Tarlac to visit my 94-year old grand-aunt, father’s side.
She doesn’t remember us anymore, but she is open and very accepting. We love her very much. Our uncles take turns visiting her in the province and my sister organizes a birthday celebration for her each year.
Incidentally, we learned that a cousin who we haven’t seen for many years was also in town for a vacation. So we sent for him to join us for lunch. Too bad we were both at the tail end of our vacation and there’s just not enough time to catch up and show him around. But there will be next time, right Jared? Next time bring your folks and Marky and let us know.
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Tuesday, 30 August, 2011
2:36 pm
Outside my window… a number of construction trucks and workers. Our street is blocked since Sunday. Hurricane Irene brought strong winds that caused a neighbor’s tree to fall on electric wires. We were out of power for 30 hours. The prolonged power outage drained our reserved battery for the sump pump, causing a flooded basement!
It’s being dried now. Professional cleaners came Monday night to drain the water and clean the basement. They left huge blowers and dehumidifiers which will run for three days, non-stop, to speed up the drying process and prevent molds from forming.
I am thinking… that this disaster presents an opportunity to redesign our basement. All furniture will have to go. Yay!
I am thankful that… all of us our safe and that the damage isn’t that much, nothing that can’t be replaced. I thank the Lord for that. Things could have been worse. It’s a learning experience.
From the kitchen… we’ll be having duck for dinner tonight.
I am wearing… denims and peach shirt, plus an apron on top.
I am creating… another blog post for our Maritimes trip, although it may take a while before it’s up. We’ve got lots of things to take care of plus the kids are back in school.
I am reading… I just finished reading “Battle Hymn of the Tiger Mother” on my iPad. It’s a fun read, I agree on some of her points but she’s too much.
I am hoping… that the basement clean up and renovation will not take that long. I’ve already scratched out party plans for the twins’ 9th birthday in three weeks. And they understood why.
I am hearing… Home Alone 3 in français. The boys are watching DVD with a kid neighbor and it’s amusing to see and hear them speaking comfortably and expressing themselves in the local language.
Around the house… some of the stuff in the basement were brought up here in the formal area.
One of my favorite things… duck.
A few plans for the rest of the week… another road trip by the weekend?
A picture thought…
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KQOTD. (A bit morbid but I had a good laugh) Raf: Mom, how do you want to die and where? Me: Why are you asking me that? Raf: Well, I just want to know. Do you want to die peacefully? In your bed? Me: Of course I want to die peacefully. Maybe in my sleep. Raf: Aha! Same as me. I want to die happy and peacefully… maybe I want to die there on the couch, sleeping while sitting comfortably in front of the TV and with a bag of potato chips! Ahh… that’s peaceful to me.