Friday, December 31, 2010

Christmas Jammies


My favorite Black Friday deal... cheap PJ sets! This lucky boy got 5 sets! And this lucky mom does not have to do laundry as often!

Gavin loves cousin McKay

... and so do I!

Gavin Loves Snow


And so do I...

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Wrapping Up 2010

Well, it was a full 2010. A few changes in my work, a change in daycare for Gavin, Uncle Steven (Pevey) and Uncle Jeff came home, a broken arm, Jessica's wedding, and a lot of fun!
Here is Gavin with Santa...New Years Resolution... Blog at least once a month.
Other happenings in 2011... Gavin turns 5, I turn 30, Gavin starts Kindergarten, I hope to take my first trip to Hawaii and we plan to go to Sea World at some point!

Saturday, January 09, 2010

Yesterday in the Philippines

Flowers are still gorgeous - along with the weather!

It's impossible not to overstimulate on all the color here.



Carla, Diane, and I got haircuts - this is their "After"

This is my "After" - Look, Gavin, I met Alvin! :)

Thursday, January 07, 2010

Thoughts on Manila

I have to share... I read a lot. I have been studying aspects of The Philippines history, resources, travel sites etc...and if you will follow my cheesiness....This paragraph (in my opionion) spoke to the Identity of Manila which if stretched to a metaphor somehow makes me feel like I relate to the city. Metro Manila is 13 cities across 2 provinces that all have their own identities but all mesh to be Metro Manila.

"To understand Manila completely, to get under its skin, you need a grasp of its complex and sometimes tragi-burlesque history. It has been razed by an earthquake, bombed, occupied, bombed again and rebuilt. It has expanded inexorably, but public services have not kept pace. The result is a rakish megalopolis that lives on its wits and maintains a frenetic pace 24 hours a day just so it can get things done. The roads are always busy and the busses always full, but in Manila you learn to go with the flow, never worrying about whether you'll be late or whether your taxi is going the wrong way down a one-way street. The Filipino maxim bahala na (what will be will be) applies as much to Manila as it does to life...It doesn't matter who you are or what you are, you will have fun in Manila. All you have to do is take a dep breath and dive in."

Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Happy 4th Birthday Gavin! (Shhhhh it's a secret everyone)

Today Gavin turned 4!!! I am very sad to be away from him on his 4th birthday! His preschool and Grandma have instructions to keep today a secret! His birthday is Saturday after I get back - his birthday is the 16th this year. I cannot believe how much he and I have both grown over the last 4 years. What an amazing kid.
Current loves: Baseball, Seahawks, Trains, Zoo, Sea World, Subway Sandwiches, Going to Safeway, putting money in his Dolphin Bank, his Aunts and Uncles and Cousins and whole family!



Working Working

This cracked me up. Our CEO, Jay Leon, has told stories about non-Pinoy (non Philippino) individuals getting more tickets somehow. This gentleman got a ticket from this policeman.

And I felt very odd yesterday as I realized that I didn't find guards with large guns everywhere odd at all. What does this mean?!

I LOVE my job. I work with some of the best people in the world. Today I went with Carla, Kitty, and Shirley to Starbucks. It was nice to sip on my Tazo Passion Tea and chat with these great people. It felt just the same as sitting at Starbucks in Redmond.

Tuesday, January 05, 2010

Some of my favorite pictures....

These two fellows just ran and jumped on the back of the jeepney in transit... I love the transportation in this city!

I love the way these boys are in uniform and so unique...and teacher is taking them along.

This is just creepy - reminded me of stuff Jeff and I would say is "Creepy". Real fur on this one....

Field Trip!!! At Ocean Park.

Waiting with anticipation. I love people watching here. As with most cities I find a great variation in the sorts of individuals that are here. Waiting and waiting for the Oceanariam to open....

Oceanarium.... Ocean Park, Manila

Went to Ocean Park - it is about a 20 min taxi ride... maybe 30. It opened at 10 AM.. Which in Manila time was about 10:15 :) Here are a few of my favorite fishies....




Ocean Park, Manila

Today We went to Ocean Park - it's an Oceanariam (Aquarium) and is PHENOMENAL. Link: http://manilaoceanpark.com/
There was a huge tank to walk under... and there were two mermaid ladies swimming around. Very very cool.
The Jellyfish were neat also - The lights changed color and made the fish look amazing. Great day.




Monday, January 04, 2010

Blooming Makati

I have had a florist's heart for years. Perhaps it is because of the contrast to the January grey of Washington...These flowers are more vibrant and amazing than ever.




Manila Bay

Went to Jollibee's (Remember the Jolly Bee, Rebecca?) for food - I love these signs. Then we took a taxi to Manila Bay - very nice day today - not too hot, just warm and sunny.




The Agents are AWESOME





Krispy Kreme Greeting

The flowers are wonderful year-round. These pink flowers are found by Carla's bank. GreenHills Mall and all over the streets and businesses are decorated for Christmas. We picked up donuts to give the agents. They were delicious.