Sweater Criminals

I am learning in the hardest way possible how a 31 year old body does not recover quite as fast as a 21 year old one. I have been battling the flu/cough for close to 2 weeks now :(

It started off as a tickle in my throat then progressively got worse. I stayed home for most of last week. I started feeling better by Friday morning just in time to host my first ever soiree at chez moi.

The theme:

"Sweater Criminals" The Ugly Christmas Sweater Party.

I now know that the max capacity that my humble abode can hold is 12, without having my guests sit on top of each other :) It was a jolly good time. We drank, ate, sang our hearts out to Feliz Navidad and I gave out prizes to the ugliest sweater criminal.

Exhibit A:

Since I was the host, I was automatically excluded from the contest. I decided to forego the sweater part and made a dress out of a Christmas gift bag. I found this gift bag at Michael's arts and crafts store and I cut the bottom to make a hole for my legs. I then sewed the candy cane ribbon on the bottom and then used the same ribbon as a belt so it won't accidentally fall off. Tres horrible!

(The writing says "Do Not Open til Dec 25th)

Exhibit B:

Erik bought his hideousity at a local Goodwill near my house. He found the biggest, itchiest and frumpiest green sweater...lol!

He then bought all the materials for the snowman and made it all by hand. He actually won the contest but we still gave out the prizes to the rest of sweater criminals. Doesn't his Snowman look a lot like Ike from Southpark..ha ha ha!

Exhibit D - for Drunk!

Alex, aka Frenchie was actually the only one who really stuck with the theme. His purple/green sweater, with yellow scarf and trucker hat was totally shiteous!

The next night, I ate some more, gambled and danced the night away at his company Christmas party.

With all the Funtivities over the weekend, it's no wonder that I have now relapsed and feeling quite under the weather yet again :( Oh well, c'est la vie.

It's hard to imagine that it's been a whole year since all the craziness of last year's holiday had passed. A year ago, I was writing about my dad's grim health, my sister's hospitalization and other personal heartaches. It's amazing what a day, month, or a year can do. Dad, is fully recovered and actually went to the mountains over the Thanksgiving holiday to meditate. My sister is in the best health she has been since last year and I am happy.

Be open to the never ending possibilities that is around us. This Holiday, hug a little tighter, kiss a little longer, laugh louder , give more, ask for less, write someone a Christmas card even though you haven't done it in ages - even more reason to start now. But whatever you do, keep your heart and your mind open to the beauty that is You and all around you.

Happy Birthday Beethoven!!!

Cheers darling!

Jakey

Post Thanksgiving Report

The turkey have all been consumed, the pumpkin pie had its moment of glory and the wines....Wow, the wines were all drunk heartily.

With no expectation whatsoever, I walked into a strangers home and walked out feeling like an extended long lost family member.

To my right a politician, to my left a retired post master, along with a high school teacher, a head nurse, a surgeon, a basketball player, a buddhist practicing couple with their beautiful adopted little girl and my favorite of the evening was a vintner/classical musician.

What a group right!

I had an interesting time listenting to the politician's stories. He stayed away from political talks which was a relief. Instead, he talked about his experiences with the Filipino culture when he visited Guam many years ago.

For my non-American bloggies out there, don't you find it funny how people feel like they need to say something polite or complimentary about your culture when you meet them for the first time. Actually, I do the same thing when I meet someone of different nationality. I think about what I know about their culture and come up with something nice to say as an ice breaker of some sort. And if I know nothing about their cutlure then they're in trouble because I'll sure be asking them 20 million questions in under a minute :)

The surgeon sliced the turkey. I have never seen turkey sliced so perfectly neat and presented beautifully on the platter. I guess it goes in the territory of her occupation. Each piece was meticulously layered on the plate. Even my veggie friendly bloggies would have been impressed.

When we first walked in the party and got all the introduction out of the way, my firiend and I made our way to the appetizer table. Truth be told though that I didn't even notice the nibblers. My eyes were set on the bottles of wine summoning my name. Each one with its pretty label, waiting for its time to shine.

I started off with a Sauvignon Blanc and progressively moved to the reds. Before we sat down for dinner I distinctly remembered whispering to my friend that I was so excited to try one of the wine with it's very simple label. I like the name of it - Troubadour 2005.

Dinner was served, stories were told, jokes were made, alcohol was consumed in moderation. As each bottle was emptied, I kept looking towards the kitchen counter where the Troubadour was still sitting. It was the second to the last bottle of the 8 that was already empty. Dessert was served but still the wine was unopened :(

I'm not sure how it all came about but the next thing I knew the wine bottle was opened and I was talking endlessly and asking the vintner question after question about his wine. Then the host mentioned that she was going to Zellerbach Hall in Berkeley for a Bach concert, I think and further found out that the vintner also plays the French Horn for the orchestra.

Wow! Talk about living "The best of both worlds".

His label is still small but he hopes to grow his business and get the attention of wine merchants out there. There's a local wine merchant in my hood called Arlequin Wine Merchant. It would be so cool if they start carrying his wine.

Bloggies, let's help out our local vintner. Christmas is right around the corner and you're probably shopping around for some gift ideas. I suggest the Pinot Noir mainly because this is his baby and a lot of love went into it.

Check it out -

http://www.tayerlewine.com/


Cheers

I am Grateful

The train station had very light traffic this morning. I suspect that most people have already made their journey home to be with their love ones this Thanksgiving day.

This is the first time I'll be having Thanksgiving without the presence of my own family. My mom and my sister are currently enjoying the tropical weather of the Philippines. There's no such thing as Thanksgiving day there. In fact only United States and Canada celebrates Thanksgiving day and Canada already had theirs sometime in early October.

This year has definitely been a year of many firsts for me. I'm looking forward to meeting a handful of new people, hear their stories, laugh at their jokes, get plumped and give Thanks.

I have so much to be grateful for this year. I'm grateful for my clean bill of health and that goes for my family and other love ones. I'm thankful for the wonderful people in my life for providing continuous support and an endless source of love. I am grateful to you for taking the time out your busy schedule to somehow connect with me in spirit through this medium of communication.

If I'm in your thoughts and you in mine, then we are closer than we'll ever be.

This Thanksgiving, let's all make the conscious effort to not just go through the motions. Let's all pretend that this is our first Thanksgiving meal and last. Suspend your judgment, get to know the person next to you even better. Yes, it could be your ultra politically correct aunt who refuses to say Thanksgiving day but instead refers to it as Harvest day or it could be your third cousin twice removed who is an accomplished lepidopterist (butterfly and moth collector). No matter who you end up sitting next to, be grateful that you are given that opportunity. Nothing is by accident. You are meant to sit next to that person. Enjoy their company and if all else fails, you would have exercised your compassion, patience and tolerance. Above all, you will experience being LOVE.

Happy Thanksgiving

Jakey

Settling in

It's been a little over a month since my move and my place is still a bit of a mess. To this day, I am still purchasing furnitures, creating room in my given space and graciously thanking the Powers be.

I've been going out and discovering the city even more and having a great time. I'll definitely keep y'all posted of my finds.

Last night, Tanya and I met up for dinner and a drink...fine 2 drinks :) There's a pseudo divey bar in my neighborhood that I've been wanting to check out and we finally did last night. I said "pseudo" because no divey bars would serve a $12 glass of wine. Only in Hayes Valley!! I'm still trying to get to know my hood and everytime I turn a corner, I'm discovering more places to eat, shop and hang out with friends.

So this divey bar is really chill. Last night must have been salsa night because that's the only type of music they played. There were tons of plush couches to sit on and they also have a pool table and a foosball. Tanya and I planted ourselves on the White couch while drinking our Red wine. Yes, we took the risk of keeping our drinks in our respective glasses and left the couch just the way we found it - unstained :)

Another cool thing about this bar is that they allow dogs inside. How cool is that! I bet this place is jammin' on a Friday night as the "go-to" place to pick up on other single dog lovers/owners. You don't even have to come up with any cheesy lines, you already have the ultimate conversation starter with you. An arm candy, your most loyal pal, your wing dog :D

Last night, this one chick was there with her massive dog. When I say massive, it means that I can literally ride this thing. It must have weighed at least 85lbs. I found myself wishing that I had a dog as big as that. I would name him Tugboat.

Me: Tugboat, I'm so drunk, please walk me home...

Tugboat: Slowly nudges my arm so that I can put it around his giant neck as he drags me home which is literally right around the corner...

I would equip Tugboat with one of those fanny packs made for dogs and it would hold my ID, money, lipgloss, cell phone and house keys. I mean, have you ever seen anyone attempt to steal something out of a dogs Paw-rse? hee hee. I didn't think so! Every dude and girls alike would think twice before sticking their hands inside the Paw-rse of an 85lbs beast.

So, last night was a slow night for Tugboat (I don't know the dog's name). He was the only dog there. His owner was chatting it up with dudes at the bar while Tugboat was left to his own devices, walking around, saying hello and being friendly. Once in while he would nudge his owners leg just to remind her that he's still there with no one to smell butts with. After doing this for a good 10 mins, he finally settled down and sat on the floor next to us. I wanted to pet him SO bad but Tanya is allergic to animal hair.

I'm still trying to get settled in. I'm finally getting used to the commute and enjoying it. Not having to drive is really nice. I know 3 bus routes now and I started hitting the gym as well. It's coming along slowly but surely, just the way I like it.

Sad note:

My mom's boyfriend's mom passed away yesterday :( She was sort of like a grandma to me. It is a sad day bloggies but she is in a much better place. I will always remember her as this sprightly old lady with a smiling face.

Lighter note:

Today is my nephew's 18th Birthday. 18!!! Wasn't I just changing your diapers a week ago? Didn't I just recovered from getting chicken pox from you? How the heck did this happen? Did I time warped from 1991 all the way to 2009?

The point is to live, laugh, dance, sing, LOVE. Enjoy every minute you have with those around you. Life goes by so fast. Children grow at a lightning speed, Grandpas and Grandmas are retiring to their eternal rest and I'm getting older by the minute but my heart will always remain young. I promise.

Celebrate Life!

P.S. I love you

P.P.S. The radio station 96.5 KOIT is ALREADY playing Christmas music!

P.P.P.S. This is fun! How many P's can I fit in a single blog entry...ha ha ha! or should I say Ho! Ho! Ho!

In Spirit,
Jakey


The Gentle Giant's birthday celebration at Pier 23 last Saturday. Brian is 6'4, Wow! I always joke about how I'm always talking to his belly button while Azmeera and Tanya talks to his nipples...lol!

All in a year's time...

A year ago, I met these two ladies on a quiet Wednesday evening. A mutual friend of ours, who we are forever indebted to, introduced us.

Thanks Geno!

Since then, we have shared a year full of funtivities, heartaches, hangovers and moments of complete bliss. It only gets better with each day that passes. Just like a romantic relationship - friendship also requires a lot of attention and nurturing for it to grow. We continue to create new memories hence strengthening our frienship.

Last Friday, we celebrated our 1 year anniversary by doing what we do best - PARTAY ;-)

The evening started at my humble abode. We popped a bottle of the bubbly - only fitting for a fine celebration. Then we painted the town red or I should say Pink as in "City in Pink" a spin off of "Pretty in Pink" which was the themed party at an art gallery/club at 111 Minna.

We walked into the club and there were make up artists and hair stylists all lined up waiting for their chances to 80'fy us.

Tanya and Azmeera both got the 80's big hair with pig tails randomly placed on their head. Think of the girl from "Napoleon Dynamite" It was hilarious!!!

My stylist was not so keen on the pony tails so he gave me the 80's Rockin Crimped hair instead.

OMG! Bring on the Aquanet!!! I seriously had to do a conditioning mask on my hair the following day just to get the junk out! I seriously think that I contributed to burning another hole in the ozone layer.

There was also a professional photographer that evening who took photographs of the 80's train wrecks after their make over.

Poop on him though for not posting the pics yet. He said that he would post it on Facebook and the girls have been searching high and low but still no photo.

Giant heaps of reindeer poop on him!!!


The first time we all met...

A year later... Pics from Friday night at Harlot




In Joy,

Jakey

Boo!

I was still in college when I last dressed up and partied for Halloween. This year, I was in the mood to break the monotony. I decided to celebrate the schoolgirl in me - a naughty one, that is ;)

Even before the movie came out, the beau had already decided that he was going to dress up as Max from "Where The Wild Things Are". After seeing the movie and absolutely falling in love with it, I was even more determined for him to dress up as Max.

He bought the onesie online and I made his hood. Not bad eh? It took 2 nights for me to hand sew that thing. I was happy with the turn out and he looked entertainingly funny!

First Stop: The Ambassador

A friend of a friend was invited to a private party being held at The Ambassador. I've never been there before and after having been, I will not go back. The place was packed, dance floor was tiny, music sucked and the bar was impossible to get to.

Needless to say, we stayed a total of 45 minutes.

It's Carol!!! This dude is super amazing. I saw him standing in line to get in the club as we were leaving. I love how creative people can get with their costumes and how much time they spent making it. It makes me look like a total slacker with my store bought outfit. Oh well, I more than made up for it with the beau's costume.

Max and Carol - the beau's scepter is half of my curtain rod and the crown is my Christmas tree topper :D

Next: Bambuddha Lounge

Remember the Disney movie UP? This dude dressed up a Russell. He looked dead on like the character. To this day, I am still conflicted as to who wins the award for the best costume.

Carol or Russell? What do you think bloggies?

There were no cabs to be had that evening. So we made the trek home, pied-à-terre (on foot). Tired from the walk, we took a break and sat down on the steps of Grace Cathedral (J'aime!)

In Joy,

Jakey

Wild Thing

I saw "Where The Wild Things Are" over the weekend and absolutely fell in love with the movie. I laughed, I cried, I did the hokey-pokey and I turned myself around.

For those who have yet to see this movie stop reading now until you see it. This entry is a major plot spoiler.





Really? You're still reading.....





No seriously, I'm going to give you a blow by blow account of the movie.......





Don't say I didn't warn you...






Here I go....







I'm goooooiiiiinnnnngggg.....







Anytime now..........








Gone....



I had no pre-conceived notion of the movie and I never read the books as a kid. I was still living in the Philippines and I was only allowed to read the Encyclopedia and school books. My dad was never around to read to me and on the rare occassion that he was home, he would have me read to him instead. My mom on the other hand was occupied with domestic chores and in keeping an orderly home for my sisters and I.

The movie was about a mischievous kid and his emotional journey of childhood angst from losing a father, dealing with his mom and her boyfriend and a sister who completely ignored him. It was a very emotional movie and I found myself sobbing halfway through the end the movie. Anyone who grew up in a semi-dysfunctional to highly-dysfunctional family can totally relate to this movie :)

The "Wild Things" in my interpretation were his emotions whether its anger, sadness, or doubt. Each monster in the movie represented an emotion. The story is centered on Max's growth, survival, change and fury. As the movie progressed, I couldn't help but think about my childhood experiences and how much I wanted to make sense of everything because nothing did. I relied heavily upon my mom's guidance or my sisters leads and when both were unavailable to provide comfort, I am often left to fend for myself.

Throughout the movie, Max had his one on one encounter with the Wild Things. As he conquered each emotion/monster, he started to feel confident about himself until such a time that he finally found the peace and acceptance in his heart that the wild things were now reigned in and that he was ready to take his next journey - growth.

The main character amongst the Wild Things was Carol. He was the mirror image of Max. One of the most touching part of the movie for me was when Max made a heart shaped drawing on the ground with the initial C out of popsicle sticks. Its as if Max realized that in order to change and grow, he would have to accept everything about him. Embrace the emotions, all the "wild things" and only through acceptance can there be love and growth.

Isn't that so true even as an adult? There are still parts of me that I am still trying to make peace with. At times I struggle with it and there are times when I just raise the flag and accept that there are some things about myself that I can never change and that's okay.

Drained from the move and all the organizing and cleaning, I took it easy on Sunday and hung out with the girls. My place is still a giant mess but at least my bed, bathroom and kitchen are now in order.

We hung out at Azmeera's, smoked some hooka, drank some bubblies, people watched on her roof, ate pizza and called it wonderful.

Here's a couple of hilarious videos that Tanya and Azmeera took of me while smoking the hookah and having the smoke come out of my nose only. LOL!

Round 1

Round 2

Reigning it all in

Jakey