28 at 28

I just wanted you to know how happy I am to have you for my sister.
We’re not the type to go on and on about our feelings for each other.
Still, there are times… like right now… when I want to let you know exactly how I feel.
To put it simply, I don’t just love you… I really like you!


Looking back on all we’ve shared, I appreciate the many ways you’ve helped me out.
You have a real talent for sensing just when I need you the most.
I know I can count on you for support or encouragement.
You’ve always been able to make me feel good about myself… and about life.


Life just wouldn’t be the same without you and all the wonderful memories you’ve given me.
I guess it all adds up to this – you’re very important to me.
I’m grateful for the joy you’ve added to my life and most of all, I’m so happy to have you for my sister.


Have a wonderful 28th birthday, Chloe Jean!

The Dragon in Me

Let us see what the Year of the Ox has in store for me…

Dragon Outlook for 2009

1904, 1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000

Dragon Overview
The year of the Ox may slightly hinder the Dragon's independent spirit. There will be gains, but you may have to adapt to situations with different strategies than your usual style. There are three favorable months to provide periods of substantial progress and you would do well to take notice of these times and make the most of the opportunities offered. You will have many situations socially that provide great joy throughout the year. The single Dragon will be happy to know that romance is favored this year, so you may find someone to share your experiences. Be conservative in your spending or it could result in problems next year.

Dragon Rating
40% (3 favorable and 4 neutral and 5 unfavorable months)

Dragon Career
The Dragon's career may be one of the more positive aspects of the year. This will be a year of reasonable progress. Even though the Dragon may have some distinct ideas on what you want to accomplish, 2009 will disclose conditions that you will have to adapt and overcome. You may have to adapt and work with others to gain what you want, rather than doing things in your own independent style. With care and effort, you can make considerable progress and improve your position, but your true gains will be with experience and skills you acquire this year that will prove invaluable in the future.

Dragon Relationships
The Dragon is a social creature and you will invariably relish in the company of others adding enjoyment and pleasure throughout the year. Your family life will offer the support and encouragement you need. You will have to pay attention to your family members feelings by using tact and discretion in vulnerable situations. By not doing so could deteriorate close relations. There will be a number of occasions that will allow you to add to your circle of friends. The single Dragon will be pleased to know that romance is favored.

Dragon Health
The Dragon has an active spirit and it is important that you involve yourself in a number of physical activities to maintain your health. You enjoy being outdoors and you might want to get involved with something that tests your skills and provides a change of scenery, such as rock climbing or hiking. Failure to remain active could result in added stress and emotional swings that could effect your work, as well as your personal life.

Dragon Wealth
The Dragon would do well to pull in the reins on lavish spending and take a more conservative approach this year. You may want to avoid any risky ventures or speculative investments in the year of the Ox. Failure to take care and caution this year could result in future problems. Keep a close watch on your financial situation throughout the year and you may find that you will have times when you can make purchases that coincide with your budget.

Wow… romance is favored this year, big deal or no biggie?! Let’s see! Gong Xi Fa Cai!

Happy Rachelle Birthday Bouquet

She got an earlier surprise of a home-cooked meal of pasta and pork from her two adorable kids and lovable mom but she never thought of receiving another surprise.

For a fraction of time, they kept on guessing. Rachelle was saying she’s not yet dead and yet somebody sent her flowers. The kids thought it was from Lola Charing. Rachelle on the other hand was very excited to go home from work.

It was Axel who saw the card enclosed in the bouquet:

On your birthday, Rachelle, and every day...

…we are wishing you moments that delight you, special times and laughter, happiness that grows, and wonderful memories to keep.

Have a Great Birthday!

love,
Ralline Jean and Family

I was waiting for Kyla’s report and glad she was able to send me pictures. Thanks, Kyla for the feed.

Again, happy belated birthday, Rachelle! Hugs and kisses!

P.E.P.P.E.R-achelle!

Pancakes. Electronics. Phad Thai. Phantom. Entertainment. Rachelle.

Today is Rachelle’s 39th birthday. Much as we want to have a Sistahud gathering to celebrate her birthday, we simply cannot. She lives thousand miles away from the rest of the girls and not to mention, it would cost us lots just to see physically her smiling face.

Yet, even before she turned 39, I already surprised her with several birthday presents when she visited us in Las Vegas during the holidays. I was really happy to see her again even for just 25 hours. It is time (and money!) well spent with one of my dearest friends. Lucky us!

After driving for almost four hours from Alhambra to the City of Lights, we shared breakfast at I.H.O.P. wherein they are known for famous American breakfast foods such as pancakes, waffles and omelettes. We shared a hearty meal with my sister and brother. Filling up our tummies with coffee and good food, we started our day in Las Vegas.



We got lost several times but we did reach our destination and we even saw the Welcome to Las Vegas Signage. We just could not resist so we took pictures. Then we went around the shopping district of WalMart, Office Depot, Ross, Best Buy, Circuit City and the like. Wow in 3 hours that is like a year’s worth of salary! He! He! He! It was fun updating each other with tons of stories and laughing out loud while waiting in line in the retail stores.

After shopping for the much needed stuff, we got tired and hungry. Finding a good place to eat, Rachelle saw one of my “memorable” restaurants in Las Vegas. I won’t tell the whole story about the said restaurant because I keep on laughing just remembering our faces. We had Thai food for late lunch and Rachelle got her dose of Thai Iced Tea and we had Phad Thai, Chicken and Pork BBQ, Tom Yum Goong and of course a big bowl of Steamed White Rice. Yum!!


Unfortunately, time is upon us and we had to get ready for our ultimate entertainment experience for the night. We treated Rachelle for an evening of music and opera, Phantom: The Las Vegas Spectacular at The Venetian Resort Hotel Casino. It is one of my absolute favorites ever and really anticipating this event the whole time. Rachelle loved the show and the state of the art technology and effects, even the custom-built theater made us feel that we were in the Opera Garnier in Paris. To complete the Phantom experience, Chloe and Reyboy bought her a Phantom souvenir coffee mug while I got the famous music box. Fantastic!


No trip to The Venetian would be complete without dining to one of its fine dining restaurants. Where else?! We made reservations prior to our Vegas trip at Mario Batali’s B&B Ristorante. It features Batali and his partner, Joseph Bastianich’s acclaimed blend of exquisite Italian food. We enjoyed our selection of appetizers and main courses and though Rachelle didn’t order dessert, I shared with her my chocolate gelato. Pure heaven! I can still remember the taste and am craving for more right now. That gelato is worth the trip and the wait!


Before heading back to our hotel after the late dinner, we strolled around the Venetian, had a picture taken with Humpty Dumpty, played a few slots and eventually drove throughout the Strip to see the lights.




It was already morning when we head back to the hotel but we had fun and enjoyed the trip! Then Rachelle gave me a Christmas present that was so cute. Thanks a lot my friend! I had sleep before heading back to Alhambra while I pack some stuff for her to bring home. I have gifts as well for dearest Nanay Charing, the uber tall Axel and of course, Kikay Kyla. Hope they enjoyed them!

Although it was just 25 hours, the time spent with Rachelle will certainly last for several months. I asked her prior to her leaving as I was hugging her if she enjoyed the day, she said she did and was so happy with all of her presents.

One thing that she just mentioned as she was pulling off the hotel driveway, “come back soon and stay longer”! Well, we certainly will now!


Rachelle, happy 39th birthday! Hope your day is filled with surprises and dreams come true.

New Year’s Resolutions

... That Are Easy To Keep...

1. Read fewer books. A little learning is a dangerous thing. Too much of it can really wreck your head.
2. Gain weight, at least 40 pounds. Didn't your mom always say you were bit skinny.
3. Cut down on exercise. Too much is bad for your health, it can even kill you.
4. Watch more TV. It's very educational. Catch up on all those programs you missed down the years.
5. Draw up a list of people, who were nasty to you in the past year, get your own back on them in the next year!
6. Drink more. Wasn't it Benjamin Franklin who said, beer is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy. So be happy.
7. Eat more nice things like candy, Big Macs, popcorn and ice cream. Eat less junk like fresh fruit, vegetables and soy nuts.
8. Work less. Take it easy. All work and no play can make you a dull boy or girl.
9. Play more computer games. Scientists say they're good for you and improve your visual skills. But you always knew that.
10. Take up some worthwhile new habit, like smoking - it helps keep tobacco workers in jobs.

Tee Hee!


Happy 2009, everybody!

Cheers!

Hope this is the happy beginning of the most wonderful year yet!