Happy 88th Birthday

Well, the party was a success. Everyone was impressed, especially Grandpa and Grandma. The food was plenty - which was a concern because people were a little scared that it would not be enough. Whew. The salsa dance was a show stopper. Everyone was impressed that Grandpa, the Ballroom King, had 16 grandchildren who were also dance savvy. Paul surprised the crowd with a last minute seranade which turned into 2 songs due to popular demand. Angelo and his girlfriend also performed a filipino love song that made Grandma cry. It was so sweet. After the performances were all over, it was strictly dancing for the rest of the night. Kuya Boyet was the true reason the night was a success with his DJ equipment and all the latest gadgets.

Happy 88th Grandpa!

On your marks, get set, GO!

It's 8:30 am and I just woke up from a good night's rest. I feel so refreshed and ready to take on whatever it is that comes this weekend. We are to meet at the hall by noon so we can decorate and have everything set up before the guests come at 5:00. Actually because this is a party for Grandpa's 88th birthday, the majority of the guests are 65 and above. Most of them don't have cars so we are meeting about 50 of Grandpa's guests at Midland Station and we'll be driving them to the hall. When the party was first planned, Grandpa did not agree with the location in which we picked because it was not TTC friendly - they would have to walk quite a distance (in old folks standards) to get to the place. That's why we offered to pick up those that did not have a ride. We had no idea it would be this many but he does have quite a few apos to help out, thankfully. Last night we practiced our salsa number and after only 4 tries, we had perfected it. Grandpa will be so proud. Tonight is also my sister's Jack & Jill in Vancouver that I was supposed to attend but she had let me off because of the big expense and because I could only go for the weekend. Sorry guys but I'm sure you'll be too drunk to even notice that we weren't there. I will party in your honour...with the lolos and lolas...party on, dude.

Lets go to the EX ... oh baby..

When the CNE opens it's gates it is a tell tale sign that in 3 weeks the kids will be back to school. It was always an opportunity for me (along with Norm, Has and a dozen of friends) to make some money. We worked in the grand stands where they held the concerts way before the ACC was built. Since we were working, I was always unable to see the actual perfomance which always sucked, especially when Bon Jovi came into town. I'm a big fan. Friday night Norm and I decided to visit "The old Lady" not knowing it was going to be our lucky night. Our first stop was, of course, the food building. While we were deciding what to eat, I was looking at the CNE booklet they gave us that tells us exactly what's going on. That's when I saw that Fefe Dobson was going to perform at the Bandshell. Norm almost flipped out when I told him. We've been Fefe fans ever since Nanaimo when she was supposed to have a concert but later cancelled on us. Boo! But now was our chance so we quickly bought our food and made our trek to the Bandshell. It was an awesome show. Norm and I sat at the back pretending we were old and mature but inside we were dying to go up and party with the young'uns. What a fun night! Afterwards we went back to the food court (we love food!) and got beaver tails, walked up and down the midway and called it a night. We have a lot of memories at the CNE but this one will probably be my favourite!

Mariah

Sunday night I was privleged to see the Diva, live in person at the ACC. Sean Paul was the opening act but we missed most of it because we were dining at The Armidillo Texas Grill. Mariah's songs brought me back...way back to high school and university. It's amazing how you relate certain songs to a time of your life. I remember relying on Mariah to get me through the time Norm left to work in Walkerton for 3 months. I know, it was only 3 months but when you're young and in love it was a huge deal. After the concert, Di and I walked home only to find Norm and Gerwyn in a drunken state. While we were at the concert, they were at Hot House Cafe and drank 2 bottles of wine. Who does that?

Al & Han

So now that we're slowly recovering from Brian's wedding, we're also preparing for Han and Al's wedding which is in 3 months! Gaa-lee! It's a non stop party this year with lots of celebrations. Yesterday Ev sent me the proof for the invitation which looked ready to go. Next we have to think of what her wedding favours will be. And how about our dresses? Shoes? Oh boy, there's lots to do. I better get crackin'.

South Carolina

Well, we're back from South Carolina and I miss everyone already! There was never a dull moment from the moment we woke up to the wee hours of the night when we all fell asleep. There were 20 of us in the house so finding a spot to sleep was a bit of a challenge. It wasn't only the sleeping situation, but eating was also a big mess. The stove was on all the time and although there were only 20 of us sleeping in the house, other guests would drop by during the day so basically we were feeding about 30 people each time. But whenever we went to do errands, we made a stop at our fav...Chick-fil-a. It's a Southern fast food joint that has the best chicken sandwiches! Norm and I look forward to it every single time we go down. The wedding was absolutely beautiful. I got teary eyed when I saw my cousin standing there in his tux waiting patiently for his bride. It was then that I realized that Brian was all grown up. The reception was fun with all the dancing and the drinking. It seemed more like a big Clemson party. The only downside was that it ended at 9 pm. That's a little too early to end a party but that's okay. We continued the party at a bar in downtown Charleston while Kate and Brian went to the hotel to prepare for their early departure to Mexico the next morning. On the way back from the club, we had to drop off the groom's luggage, camera, swimming trunks, etc...all of which he forgot. How can you forget your luggage? Kate was not a happy camper. The following day we had a brunch for the out of town guests and combined it with a bridal shower for Hannah and Allan. Allan has yet to model the red thong that we gave him. Al, Han is waiting! Later that evening...and yes, this is all the same day, we had a pool party for my cousin Avery. The water was absolutely refreshing and it was a great way to end the hectic weekend. On Monday, we woke up early and headed to Myrtle Beach. What's a trip to South Carolina without going to Myrtle Beach? Although Allan loves golf, it was way too hot for him. I guess he will have to make another trip but maybe in the fall when it's cooler. Tuesday was our departure day. I couldn't leave without saying Hello to Auntie Baba, Grandpa and Grandma so we woke up early in the morning and made our way to the cemetary. It was an absolutely beautiful morning. The sun was out but there was this strange wind blowing right at us. It's like you could feel their presence. I miss them very much. That was the only downside to the trip but I know they were there in spirit.

Introducing Mr & Mrs Deni Brian Orara

Is it possible?

Only 2 more days to go before we fly out to South Carolina and Norm gets sick. Is it possible? With the scortching heat, Norm managed to get sun stroke. He had a fever last night and did not have energy to eat. Being the good nurse that I am, I made him cream of wheat so at least he has something in his stomach. I also got up periodically to give him OJ hoping he can pee all of the sickness away. Well, it worked. He's feeling much better today although I've ordered him to stay home just in case. Oh Norm.