Vancouver in the Rain

Something lovely we found engraved on a stone while walking on a beach in Vancouver...

"Vancouver is famous for its rain. It can rain here for weeks on end, but it does not usually bother me. However several years ago I found myself close to being thoroughly disgusted with the rain.

I walked home from work one evening in the pouring rain mumbling under my breath the whole way that this weather was only suited to ducks. The building I lived in was large and square and it surrounded a brick courtyard. I came around the corner into the courtyard and there, to my amazement, was a beautiful Peking duck, in a huge puddle in the middle of the courtyard, quacking and splashing with obvious delight. I had to smile, glad that such joy could be found in the gray wetness of such a day.

I have often thought that we do not have nearly enough words for the rain, especially as this was once a rainforest. There is blooming rain, whispery rain, rain that lulls you to sleep, and rain on the leaves which sings you awake; there is soft rain, hard rain, sideways rain, rain that makes you instantly wet, and rain that leaves soft kisses on your cheek, like wings on a butterfly.

Rain brings us all the shades of gray, but it also brings us all the wonderful greenery that surrounds us and blesses us." ~~ Reagan D. Andrade - December 1999

Isn't that beautiful?

That's my friend Ian on the rock with that engraving.

Five years ago, I was on the S.S. Caribbean Princess. After a full night of swing dancing, I went outside about 4:00 am to get some fresh air. A bit exhausted, I placed my arms on the highly polished wooden railings and watched the rushing waves below as well as gazed out into an endless sea. At that moment, I whispered a prayer of thanks as I felt warm winds caress my face and lift my hair.

Throughout all this, I had no idea that eyes watched me. Ian quietly approached me, said hello and asked if I would like to dance. I smiled a silly grin. We walked back into the ballroom inside and waltzed every song until the first rays peaked over the pink horizon...

Thank you, Ian, for being a gracious host to my visit to breathtaking Vancouver
...and for a being true friend.

Happy Memorial's Day

First of all, I want to thank all the service men and women of the past and those who currently serve in the armed forces for the freedom this little filipina is able to enjoy in the US as well as the world. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart for all the sacrifices you've made throughout the years. I am so honored.

Above are some very cute service men from the Navy that happen to be in Times Square during fleet week. The boys were very accomodating with my request for a photo.

Thanks guys!! *SWAK*

Play Long and Prosper

I LOVED the new Star Trek movie!! I absolutely loved it!!! It was probably one of the best movies I've seen and even bettern than Iron Man!

I loved the one liners, the background and honor they brought to the beloved ST characters.

I'll write more....

Frankie Manning 1914-2009

I received some sad news today as I was going through airport security. I had heard a week a go that Frankie had gone into the hospital, Last night Kyle had told me that Frankie had was not doing well and the doctor had given him less than 24 hours. This isn't happening, I was in total denial. I prayed last night him and his continued comfort.

As soon as I saw Cindy's phone number show up (she lives in Denver), I knew it couldn't be good news and the truth was spoken when I heard her voice and the sob she tried to stiffle. Frankie had passed this morning around 7:00 a.m. EST. He went into a coma last night and never came out.

It was so hard not to start sobbing right there in the boarding area. A steady stream of quiet tears poured out of me and I tried to control it as much as possible. After I got off the phone with her, I called Kyle then Mariah to inform them. It was the same sadness in our hearts that we shared.

Frankie, to me, was such an inspiration. When I first got into swing dancing I was heavily overweight, less than confident and unmotivated after going through a divorce. At Camp Catalina, I met this spry, energetic, smiling 86-year. I went to my first Frankie Shim Sham and Big Apple class.

He just.. wanted us to dance and with free abandon and open hearts. I remember sitting through one of Frankie's storytime when he spoke of his first experiences at the Savoy in New York.

Throughout the years I looked forward to seeing him and different venues. He was beautiful person and am so priviledge to have danced with this man. Goodbye Frankie and until we dance again, look out over us.

Busy, Busy, Busy

There's been so much going on. Working again up north, I'm again experiencing a hectic travel and weekend life. A few weeks ago, I drove my grandma and aunt to Vegas for a small family reunion. It was OK, hard to really get a conversation going with a distant you haven't seen in over 30 years and who's three girls were the epitome of spoiled, FOBby teenagers.

I was particularly very disappointed in the eldest girl who constantly degraded her youngest sibling calling her fat and stupid. What a callous little princess bitch. At 19 she had no shame in bringing her idiotic boyfriend along on the family trip. I was wondering why a girl as thin as an ironing board would be with someone so bulky, unmotivated and spoiled by his own parents. Then I find out that his family supposedly has some money. Ah, some filipino ideals will never change. They deserve each other.

Anyway, lots of fun things on the way this spring: Maybe canoeing the eel river again, celebrating Frankie Manning's (father of swing) 95th birthday in NYC, my european vacation, Diana's visit and perhaps a decedant midsummer's night birthday party for a few, lucky folks.

I'll keep you informed...

Welcome Megan Hannah!!

Mylene gave birth this week to a beautiful, miracle baby girl!! I am so proud of her!! In watching her on Day One of Motherhood, she took to it like it was her 10th child. What a lucky girl Megan is with a wonderful Mommy, proud Papa and big Brother Palo!! WELCOME LITTLE ONE!!!

2009 New Year's Resolution

Better late than never right?

1) Replace all the bulbs in my house with the energy saving, green swirly-lookin' CFC bulbs.

2) Visit a new country.. or two.. or three.. ;)

3) Reconnect with an old friend

4) Make no excuses or apologies for who I am

5) Work with my clients to help them achieve their goals and objectives (I know this sounds straightforward, but I find myself always wanting to impose what I know rather than listen and determine what they need)

6) Achieve 200 reviews in Yelp.com

7) Remember to call Mom and Dad *every* week

8) Write to my aunts in the Philippines

9) Revive Chick Day

10) Unplug.