Santa is almost done shopping...

This weekend our goal was to finish our Christmas shopping. Instead of fighting the crowds in Buffalo we made our way to Vaughan Mills instead. Most of our shopping was spent at Toys R Us. We managed to get the "big" gifts out of the way - meaning, gifts for our godchildren. I was amazed with the new toys they have these days (here i go aging myself). I was drawn to the Leapster or Vtech toys because of their educational qualities. Norm, on the other hand, was in the Bratz and Hannah Montana section trying to stay on top of what's "in". Since we'll be leaving for SFO on the 22nd, expect Santa melandnorm to come barreling down your chimney with your gifts. And by the way, I prefer lactose free milk to go with my cookies. Brownies would be even better!

Ev's Engagement Soiree

Stuart is in town so Ev took this opportunity to have a meet and greet engagement party at the Bier Market. I've already met Stuart but I must say - everytime I see him I like him more and more. As Norm would say, he is genuinely nice. You don't meet a lot of people who give you that kind of first impression. Ev is a lucky girl. But I would also say, Stuart is a lucky lad himself.

Santa came to town...

Yesterday afternoon Seyla and I parked our chair and blanket along Wellington at 11:00AM so we could get front row seats to see Santa. Norm thought someone would steal our chair but it turned out that everyone had the same idea. There were lines of chairs with no one in them. Luckily we live a stones throw away so we went back home to warm up, got some food in us, watched a little TV and we were back at the parade at 12:30. Seyla preferred to sit on the blanket and as the parade went on, a few other kids joined her on the blanket. I'm sure she didn't mind. Besides, it's all about the kids - right? Canada post was the first group to open the parade as they collected all the letters to Santa. Seyla wrote a letter that went like this: "Dear Santa, How are you? How are your elves? I love you. I would like a barbie. Love, Seyla".

Holiday Plans

We just confirmed our holiday plans last night. Looks like BigDog won't be the only one absent at the annual family Christmas Eve gathering. Norm and I will be flying out on December 22nd and won't be back until the new year. I was a little surprised that Norm wanted to leave before Christmas. Christmas is usually a big deal for these guys - uncontrollable eating, sleeping, eating, sleeping, watching Christmas Story 20 times - and everyone except Norm falling asleep before it even begins. Lately Norm has been working extremely hard and is in need of a nice, long vacation. We are both looking forward to spending Christmas in San Francisco. My South Carolina family will be meeting us there as well as my sister and Allan. Get ready James, the people are coming!

Babysitting

Last night Norm and I had a little visitor. Seyla came to spend the evening with us while her parents went to watch the Stevie Wonder concert. Seyla had so much energy after dinner so we decided to go for a walk. First we checked out the Christmas windows at The Bay and then made our way up to Christmas Street up on the 5th floor. I think Norm and I were more excited than she was. We eventually made our way back - Seyla skipping all the way home. After decorating her ballet bag and helping Uncle Norm ice a cake, it was time to put her to bed. She tried everything to postpone the dreaded event...Ninang can I have some water, Ninang I need to go to the bathroom, Ninang I want a pillow, Ninang I want a blanket, Ninang I don't want a blanket...I eventually fell asleep, probably before she did. I wish it was a weekend. Then we could stay up and she can make us laugh, as usual. Little joker.

There's no place like home

November is usually a time when I remember my late Aunt and Grandma whose birthdays are both in November. I was contemplating going back "home" for the US Thanksgiving to spend time with my family but have decided not to. I'm not really sure why. I would normally hop on the plane without giving it much thought but every time I think of going back to South Carolina, I get really sad knowing my Aunt will not be there to pick me up at the airport and Grandma will not be waiting for me at home standing at the screen door. I remember Grandma would always cry when I arrived. I thought she was just happy to see me. Tears of joy. One time I asked her and she said, "Because I know you have to leave again...". I have a lot of wonderful memories in South Carolina but in the last couple of years I've had really sad memories. I guess it's all part of life. God has a plan for everyone, I know. Hopefully one day I'll find the courage to go back. I know it's a door I eventually have to close.

Deep Fried Ice Cream

Have you ever tried deep fried ice cream? Mae & Glenn treated us to a home cooked mexican meal and for dessert they did they unthinkable - they fried ice cream. First they rolled it in corn flakes, fried it for a few seconds and sprinkled cinnamon. It was delish! We also had a caramel crunch cake and Mae's infamous blueberry cheesecake. Happy Birthday Mae! Thanks for cooking...on your birthday.

Flow Birthdays

Celebrations were held last weekend at Flow in Yorkville for Francis and his mama. The filipino chef had a few filipino-inspired selections. For an appetizer we ordered a slow roasted pork belly which was essentially lechon. Francis joked that my main dish which was a braised beef in tomato tamarind sauce was basically menudo. For dessert there was a selection of cassava cake, creme caramel (leche flan) and an imitation of sans rival. Not too sure if Dancing Queen and Bigdog were impressed because they themselves are good filipino cooks! I guess we could have gone to Jesse Jr for some authentic pinoy food. But it's not often that we get to dress up and walk the streets of swanky Yorkville.

So now that we're in November it's time to think about Christmas. Have you been naughty...or nice?