How Much Longer?

 

… was the question raised by Coco once in a while after we have crossed the Tennessee state line heading to Virginia.

We left Alabama at around 9:15, after a hearty breakfast. The travel last night (read:yesterday) was quite muscle-cramping. Because of the distance we have to limit our stopping to 10 minutes (except on our lunch).

The  longest trip was crossing the state of Virginia. It took us forever to get to Baltimore. Glancing at the map once in a while did not excite but tortured us.

 

Interstate 81 has totally impressed on us its brutality. To counter drowsiness and boredom, we have to take turn driving.

We crossed Baltimore-Washington at around 11 pm ET. From a quite Interstate trip we were startled how busy the Washington beltway was (with its fast cars and punishing construction areas). I had to be extra alert for our next exit, else we’ll end up in Florida, or back to Texas.

True to my impression I-95 (Philly-NY), devoid of its fast cars and semis, is very challenging. On the good note, we enjoyed the beauty of Philadelphia at night.

After the grueling 13 hour trip, and uncharacteristic yet worrisome “recalculation” sound from Gerri  (or was it 14?) we finally reached Ramada Inn at 1 am (ET).

Grabbing just the bear essentials for a goodnight sleep, we crashed and dozed.

Welcome to Philly! I’m craving for the famous Philly cheesesteake.

2010 ROAD TRIP

It’s our first time to embark on a long journey from home. Although there were attempts before to go on state hopping, yet, because of unrealistic assumptions we never pursued it.

True to our yearly tradition of celebrating Mom’s birthday away from home, although there was a strong hesitation to visit The Sesame Place, we finally conceded to ask Sienna to accompany us.

6:30 – Departure from Gardenspring Ct. But with all the commotions last night, we forgot the printed copy of our hotel-destination in Alabama.

8:30 – First stop in Louisiana…and proved to be the last one until we saw the next rest area 5 hours after we the one in Louisiana.

6:00 – Second rest area…in Alabama. We feasted with Mom’s adobo and liempo. Not bad.

Thanks to modern technologies of GPS and portable DVD, the first leg is just perfect. I was kidding Jaz that because of our 13 hour trip from Texas to Gadsden, Alabama, I can now claim to be a true driver capable of negotiating the Bitukang Manok” going to Bicol.

8:30 – We reached our hotel, Comfort Suites, in Gadsden, Alabama; feasted with our adobo and liempo; desert is mango.

The hotel is not true to its name. Its not comforting to see trash in the elevator, stinky and uncleaned microwave.

Nevertheless, after a safe trip, that is the least of your worries.

Am now ready for bed, and beyond.

Tune Up

I had my annual physical check up this morning. As all physically check ups, its not pleasant. Thanks to my very caring doctor, she made it very easy and fast. She was very encouraging and really commended me for an excellent job of controlling my diabetes and high blood pressure. But of course, I have to consistently be on top of shape.

Enrolling at the Y is one of the best moves I have so far. Because of the amount one spent for fees, you tend to force to yourself to get your money back. Our trainer, Amber has been very helpful and patient.

Today also Zach and Coco started their summer camp. From 9-12:30, they get to do several and amazing stuff at the Y. With all those free hours, I can catch up with a lot of things in the house like painting, reading, a little time in the garden and planning for the next school year.

Mom is on the last leg of her very strenuous schedule this week. She’ll be on a 3-week vacation starting this Thursday. She deserves the best vacation for she really works very hard this year.

Puppet Show

Accidentally discovered before bedtime, we gave puppet show a try. Using “Rocky and Scotty”, I started mimicking famous voices. The two, Zach and Coco just gone bersherk laughing.

We tried the story of “Going Camping”, a prelude to their life for the next 5 day at the Y. While Mom served as the Lighting Director, I ran the story based from the unknown. It was a click. The boys simply loved it.

Indeed, fun things comes in unexpected circumstances. We have no idea how Rocky and Scotty would be so fun and economical.

Summary of the Day:
1. Mass at St. Laurence
2. PNB for Mama’s Birthday.
3. King’s Lunch at Kings Way Buffet. this is so far the best Chinese buffet restaurant in the area (unless you have one). Food is huge, though the taste is  average.
4. Zach and Coco were enrolled at the Y.
5. Painted the Guest Room (colors are unconvincing)
6. Puppet Show.

Steamy Saturday

Mom was still working tonight, her second. She was anticipating for a long vacation that is why she was working so hard.

Coco has still cold and allergy, but he is doing fine. One thing that is quite admirable of Coco was his willingness to help me whenever I would do yard work in the afternoon. If not for the feisty mosquitoes outside, I could allow him to join me for “outside work.”

Zach has become very responsible. He knows now how to fix his toys after using. I love his being so inquisitive also. Unlike Mom, I am not missing a bit of their growing up.

One thing that I am fond of them is whenever they would like to show something funny on TV or movies, they would physically focus your attention by holding your face facing forward to where they would like you to see.

Both of them are funny too and can appreciate humor. They will grow as persons who appreciates life and the fund of it.

We have attended the bday party of Stan and Lalyn. Giovan, Deacon Dale (who blessed the house) were there too. Kris as usual was not present.

Mowed the  lawn tonight, put some insecticides, and was trying to trim the edges when the trimmer broke. Got to buy new string tomorrow.

Am planning to plant a lot of trees this year. My mangoes are sprouting up, so as the pecan. I have a berry that needs to be planted.

What Took You So Long?

 

That was Coco’s question when  he saw me. (I was away for a luncheon meeting with Fr. Ed, Deacon Dale and Giovan in downtown Houston).

This is the reason why it is always hard for me to leave without the kids. Coco at this time has a habit of reminding me that I should not be away for long. He is such a sweet yet sometimes feisty boy who sometimes from out of nowhere will blurt out, either a song or a comment that will make you think and smile.

5th of July

 

We woke up early trying to catch up the early traffic going to Sea World (and trying to get out of the horrid Holiday Inn Hotel.

Coco and Zach were very excited to pack their things of the day but were not keen on bringing them.

After the free breakfast courtesy of the lameness of the hotel service and staff (we even saw dead cockroach on the floor of the restaurant), we drove to Sea World. its past 11 when we disembarked and was on our trail at 11:30. With the kids on stroller and map on our hands we chose Cannery Crow Caper as our first show.

With much creativity and change of the script, we were surprised with the new twist of the story and play. The fun part was when the Walrus reminded us how to get rid of our unwanted fats.

Next stop was the Pirates 4D. It was a usual plot of the pirate captain getting rid of his crew just to take all the lot for himself. But with Neilsen at the helm, it was a pirate story with a twist of cunningness and laughter. The effect though of the 4D was quite impressive. Except for the howling and screaming of little kids who’s uncool parents brought them there, the show was great.

Tired and sweaty, we rested in the cove near the alligator’s alley where we met a Filipino family who is from Houston

After a 30 minute waiting Shamu Show was finally started. We chose a seat from from the splash zone. Even if this is Zach’s and Coco’s 3rd time to be here, it seemed it was their first. There are  always new surprises. This time, a new baby whale was added to their family. It is amazing how she follows her mom.

One of the shows that lighten our day was the Codfish Tonite. It spoofed all the shows of Sea World San Antonio. The actors were simply hilarious. The animals, wow, they are smart and adorable.

We called it a day at 8:30 pm. Feeling sweaty and hungry, we looked for a restaurant before heading to our hotel. Finding it hard to decide from a bunch of restaurants in the strip, we settled for mojito and margarita from TGIF.

At 11:30 we crashed on our own side of bed in a hotel who respects their client.

(SET) FORTH OF JULY

 

We left the house at 8 am (we planned to live at 7) and was on the road at 9.  The weather is perfect. After hurricane Alex comes a gorgeous weather fit for strolling. With a few glitch and misrouted trail (again) we arrived at San Marcos at around 11 am. While we are having lunch over spaghetti and Dibbs, Mom started shopping.

Understandably, both shopping complex (Prime Outlet and Tanger) were swarmed with people “celebrating July 4th” when the clock hit 12 noon.

One is really overwhelmed with the enormous number of stores sprawled in more than 10 acres. Shoppers from as far as Mexico come in droves.  Thanks for the heat of Texas, it slows you down from going store to store.

At around 6, we left San Marcos. The gas was so high at 2.65 a gallon. But we have no option.

We were quiet excited to rest our tired bodies that we jumped out of Sienna right after we parked. Hoping (as logical as it should be) for a coozier room we lined up to check in. Once we got our key, we excitedly hopped in the elevator for room 415. Right after the green light on I pushed the door and was quite dismayed that the room was smaller than what we have in Holiday Express, right across the street. There was no “sala” and there was only 1 TV compared to 2 in the previous hotel.  The worse was, there was still an occupant in the said room. We hurriedly went out and closed the door praying that no one saw us coming out.

We stormed down the conceirged hoping for a reasonalbe explaination…and an upgrade. Feeling apologetic, Hector gave us another room, this time at the second floor. Hopeing that this time they got it right, we opened the door. “Viola”, what comes in front of our amazement was the sight of the aircondition cover set on the bed.

This time, Jaz grabbed the key and was fuming mad. Without waiting for her turn, he confronted Hector, demanded to see the manager and asked Hector to go and check the room for us before the key is turned over to us.

Third is a charm could be true because this time, except for a few glitches with the key, we were able to open and get it. The room was relatively clean, smaller but complete with the needed necessities for a good night sleep.

Slowly, we settled down, brought up our stuffs and finish our dinner. We quire quite please with the room, yet you can’ t help but compare.

Just as after we were done with our dinner, we found out that the room has no refrigerator.

A nice way of celebrating 4th of July.