Last Two Days of Year 2006

The day of December 30th began with good brunch at Viand with Marichu, my brother, Horacio and Cary. After having our fill of pancakes, eggs, cornbeef hash, junior club sandwiches, coffee and orange juice, we all headed out to Central Park's Wollman Rink. With the crowd, we found ourselves a spot where we put on our (rental) skates and dumped our stuff in the locker, then it was time for the ice. Few seconds in the ice, Horacio blessed us with his graceful fall. Then it was off the ice for everyone since it was time for them to clean it. While waiting, we took tons of silly pictures and just enjoyed each others company, and talked about Horacio's little show for us (which Marichu caught in her camera!). A little while after that it was time for us to give the ice a second try. While Horacio and I waited for our friend (Mehak) to arrive, the rest went back. When Mehak arrived, the three of us headed to the ice (my brother already fell, taking a break because of his knee). Mehak helped Horacio out and later was moving inch by inch on the ice while doing a little dance of his. It was pretty funny helping Horacio out, there would be me, Marichu and Mehak helping him out and he still found a way to fall! By the time he reached a lap he was so ready to leave the ice and insisted that he just take our pictures. Few laps after that, I needed to rest, as everyone is at this point. Then we all decided to go back with Horacio, but as we reach the entrance to the ice, they whistled, it was time for the ice to be cleaned... once more. So, we just decided to leave and have some hot cocoa, since my brother's friend was already waiting for him outside the rink.

We then planned on having a late lunch, but decided against it. So we just walked around the area, until we spotted another diner. We went in and had some soup and desserts to warm us up. Then we all parted ways... Horacio and I had to head out to Bayside to meet with his cousins from North Carolina; my bro, his friend and Cary went to Astoria and Marichu went shopping at 34th Street.

On our long journey to Bayside, I fell asleep in Horacio's shoulders. It was such a long day, but it wasn't keeping me from seeing Horacio's cousins and his very adorable neice and nephew. When we got their place, Aidan (his one year old nephew) didn't take a long time to warm up to me and Horacio. The trick? Point a camera into his direction and give him gummi candies! Yes, Horacio and I came prepared with our gifts and candies. :) Few hours later, his cousin Sara(and her hubby, Rick) took us home. Kayla fell asleep on my lap...

After resting our tired feet and body, we were up again to do some grocery shopping for the next day.

December 31st, was spent most of the day in the kitchen preparing for New Year's Eve. It has been a "tradion"/superstition that one must have food on the table when ushering in the New Year (to be blessed with food the whole year round). We had Tito Vic and Ate over. Mom brought her ham! After twelve midnight, we all headed to my cousin's place with sangria and buko pandan on hand, and finding my cousin, two or her kids and Tita Neneng tipsy. We had another round of dinner at her place. Then afterwards, we were just chilling and then they put on the videoke... and few songs later we were on our way home.

Although I still missed the chaos that we experience back in Manila with the kids running around and all... it was surely a great experience and I enjoyed welcoming the New Year just as much.