In a nutshell

So as you can see from the pictures I posted in my earlier post, we had a great time in Houston. It was a wedding, family reunion & a mini vacation all rolled into one. At first we found it hard getting around without a map but eventually we became familiar with the roads and acted like we were locals. The city itself was beautiful - we stayed near the Galleria Mall which would seem comparable to Yorkville in Toronto. The times we drove into the downtown core we found it unusually quiet for a big city like Houston. I guess it's only during the week when the streets are filled with monkey suits. Anyway, we're back home and trying to get back into the groove of things. I can't seem to get up earlier than 7am. It's going to be even worse when we get back from Vegas. I guess I just have to take it one day at a time...starting with today. Happy Monday everyone!

Houston Trip

Houston, here we come!

This morning we fly out to Houston for April's wedding. How exciting! I was talking to Ann last night and we were discussing what we were gonna wear, what we were gonna do...etc. Reuniting with my family is always a treat but I only wish it could be longer, especially since we're all far apart: April is in Houston, James in San Francisco, Han is Vacouver, Ann in SC, Brian & Kate in Greer (where the heck is Greer?), and us in TO. I guess its a sign that we're all getting older and our lives are drastically changing.  I don't like change but I guess it's sometimes a good thing.  I guess I just miss those times when I would go to South Carolina and there they all were.  Today will feel similar. We will be meeting the rest of the family at Houston Airport. I hope there's only one terminal because I told them I'm meet them in baggage check. Let the adventures begin.

A Hint of Summer

This weekend mother nature teased us with a whole lot of sunshine but it was accompanied with a light cool wind. Call me conservative but I was wearing jeans, flats with no socks, a t-shirt and a light sweater. Even with that I was a bit cold, especially in the shade but lo and behold you have those people who think it's 30 degrees outside - girls with short shorts a tank top and flip flops. To each his own. I guess.

I have a little confession to make. I can't lie. We went to Wah Sing. It was a last minute thing. Trae & Fran called and suggested lunch at Wah Sing. How could we resist? Don't worry Sal - we will definitely go for your birthday. I just had to try it out to make sure it would be perfect for your special day. It was exceptionally good. Especially all the left over lobster bits with bursts of garlic and onion flavour!

After Wah Sing, we went shopping. Trae bought 2 pairs of shoes in a matter of 15 minutes. Beat that Ev! It was her Mother's Day treat. Boy, I can't wait to be a mother. It's like having two birthdays! Norm and I strolled around Sears to look at the Blue Jays section. He's a big fan. As I stood patiently beside him looking at the jerseys, the different hats (yawn)... I noticed a tiny section of cards...which lead to albums...which lead to scrapbooking stuff! So there we were, side by side, in our own little worlds. It was as if the two sections were made specifically for us.

Today (Sunday) was spent at the park for Marie's baby shower. Norm and I spent most of our time at the playground with the kids. It was a lot of fun but something was missing... Marie! She's in Cali waiting patiently for the arrival of her first born child. Congrats Marie & James. We can't wait to meet the Lil' Stinker.

Well, here comes another work week...bring it on!

Tuesday Night Dinner - Pampered Chef Style

This week was my turn to cook so I decided to do it Pampered Chef style with the help of the chef herself - Leah. Not sure if ya'll know how Pampered Chef works but basically she cooks for you using all of her fancy tools. By the end of the night, you want the same tools in hopes that the food will come out just like hers did! She started us off with an appetizer: Phyllo-wrapped Asparagus with Roasted Red Pepper Aioli. As Di would say, it was so good! And most importantly, she made it look easy with her grater, pizza cutter and garlic press. At this point my list was getting longer and longer but I guess I wasn't the only one. Saadia needed another piece of paper to continue her growing wishlist. For our main meal, I served a huge tray of Greek salad and paired it with Churasco chicken. Nothing beats grilled Portugese chicken with hot sauce. Not even KFC. Dessert was a group effort as can be seen in the pictures. We were able to use Leah's cool tools to make a Cappuccino Mousse Trifle. Delish!

As always we had lots of great food, a lot of wine and best of all - great company! It was also a night I realized how small the world really is. Sally & Di went to school with "Benji"; Leah knew Rohani through her cousins; Rohani & Gerwyn knew each other from the past, etc.

I just can't wait to hear Benji sing that Whitney Houston song.

Long Overdue

I know, it's been a long time since my last blog entry. I blame Facebook.
I don't know where I left off so I'll start with last weekend...which is still a blur.

Saturday was Hayden's birthday party. At 3 years old, he's loads of fun. The party did not start until 6pm but yet he was sitting right in front of the door at 2:00 waiting for his guests to arrive...or should I say, waiting for his presents to arrive! The cutest present he got was a little Cars tricycle from his Ninang. Apparently he needed keys to start the bike - kinda like his own car.

Sunday we gathered together for Ella's baptism. We were lucky enough to have our very own private ceremony at Canadian Martyrs. It was a perfect opportunity for me to practice my papparazzi skills. Everytime I took a picture, little Miss Seyla was right beside me taking the same picture. Looks like I have some stiff competition.

During the week I was busy putting a scrapbook for somone who was going to retire after 22 years of service. It's not in my job description although I wouldn't mind getting paid for something I love to do. This is how it unfolded: Crystal pitcher $500; Indigo gift certificate $100; flowers $75.00; memory book = priceless. She loved it.

This weekend is yet another whirlwind. Yesterday Trae and I went to get our hair straightened. We were there from 11:00 - 6:00! We should have gotten out earlier but they were extremely busy. Half the time Trae and I were just sitting there. At one point, Trae wanted to blow dry my hair because our girls were busy giving someone else a haircut. Thank goodness we only need to do this every 6 months. It's well worth it that's for sure.

For dinner we went to the BigDog household. That's right Bigdog...I know you're reading this. We had a massive party with lots of alcohol! The invitation was open to everyone and anyone. We trashed the whole house but I know Teng will make sure it's back to normal in time for when the homeowners come home. I think we'll have at least two more parties while we have the chance. I have a funny feeling Seyla is going to tell on us.

And finally, Sunday April 29th - today we are doing brunch at Hothouse Cafe to celebrate Paul's new job. He got a summer job with Ontario Hydro in the Occupational Health and Safety Department. We are all excited to replace the jogging pants and baggy jeans with some nice expensive dress pants and work shirts. We're scared that he might shop at Value Village for refurbished suits and ties. I'm sure Charissa will help him with his waredrobe.

Today is a beautiful day. We're going to have sunshine all day with a high of 21.

Reporting at 7 King, I'm Mel Umali.

Happy Easter

This weekend Norm and I were the Easter bunnies that kept going...and going...and going...
Mae & Glenn had an easter egg hunt for us big kids. Ev won but it was only because I was doing such a great job at distracting Sal & Di. Later that evening we went to Zarina's house for another Easter celebration. It was also the first time I saw Christine Alfonso's baby boy - Christian. Once the poker chips came out, it was our cue to go. The next morning we woke up early to bake 4 dozen empanada and we had just enough time to make the infamous coffee cake. Easter was at the Umali household this time and although it was a tight fit, it made for a more cozy occasion. Happy Easter everyone!

It's Friday!

It's been awhile since I've last updated my blog. I apologize to all my loyal blog readers but I've been hooked on Facebook. It's so nice to reconnect with old friends. I've also been busy at the gym. Yes, that's right. I'm bringing sexy back. I joined Norm and Ev's elite club and am trying to go everyday just to make use of the pricey monthly rate. Ev is lucky enough to have a personal trainer that will work her to the core and will stretch her as well. I have Norm as my personal trainer. He's free and he's a lot nicer.

This weekend we have a lot in store. We're driving Ev to the airport tonight as she escapes to London and France to see someone's underpants. Lucky for us we have Kahlua tonight. No, not the alcoholic beverage. Kahlua is Ev's dog. Di and I will be babysitting for the next couple of days. On Saturday we will be working on Ella's baptismal invitations. Yay, can't wait to see Seyla! And on Sunday I will be the proud godmother of AJ - son of Mae and Glenn.

I'll post pictures up of the weekend events. But for now, see you on Facebook!

Diana's Diner

Last night it was Di's turn to cook and boy did she. For an appetizer everyone had a fresh vegetable roll wrapped in rice paper and lots of fresh veggies and fruits inside. As it's name suggests, it was so fresh! For our main, she prepared cajun fish and paired it with a large plate of greens - bok choy, asparagus, chinese broccoli all sauteed in garlic. Who wouldn't love that? But the show stopper was her dessert. Like Sally, I've forgotten the name but it was a large meringue pie with whipped cream and fruits. Delish! Diana had a healthy theme so next week I think I will do the opposite. I'll deep fry everything. Even dessert. Deep fried Mars bar anyone?

North meets South

Last night we had visitors from the burbs. Mae, Glenn and the boys came by to play Wii and to eat Empanadas. I am confident that Mae saw my Empanada blog and decided to come before it was all gone. Ev came as well...for the lemon bread and jerk chicken. I guess it's good that we gave up 'going out to eat' for lent because now we have so much food in our fridge. Luckily we did for these drive by guests.

Empanadas

We accept Visa and Amex. Delivery charges may apply. Smiles are free!

A Debutante Ball

Last night was the first time in a long time that Norm and I attended a Debutante Ball. On this night Jamie Jo celebrated her 18th birthday. As we walked in I immediately felt like I was 18 again. The girls were dressed in simple pink dresses and the boys were wearing brown ties. I was totally expecting the celebrant herself to come out in a big white traditional poofy dress but instead she was wearing a brown poofy dress with a pink sash. She looked stunning and all grown up. The cotillian entertained us with the waltz and the tango but with a modern twist. Hazel, my sweet shy Hazel, danced Hawaiian in front of 200 guests. I was so amazed and although Has was a little concerned with her outfit and her swaying hips, I could see him beaming with pride. Then it was party time so as per tradition, it started off with the bus stop to...you guessed it, Follow Me. Again, I felt like I was still in highschool until Hazel and Jonathan ran off and danced with their crew. It didn't stop me and Flo from dancing like no one was watching. No, I'm serious. I think I was busting out with moves from the...dare I say...'90s. Norm and I had a great time but our age slowly started to show as we got tired and went home before midnight. Happy Birthday Jai. Cheers!

Yah Man

It was Norm's turn to cook on Wednesday but instead of keeping it simple he brought it up a notch and a half. Guests arrived to a nice stream of reggae music and were given some Ting to cool them off from the hot Jamaican sun. (Okay, it was a cold day in TO but it's nice to pretend that we were on the Island). As everyone sat at the table, Norm brought each guest a plate of jerk chicken paired with some rice and beans. It was a bit hot for some of us but not hot enough for Ev, although she almost choked when she bit into a scotch bonnet. It seemed like the Habanero exploded in the rice which gave it a nice kick. For dessert, Norm made us a treat called Banana Foster. The bananas were simmered in rum, sugar and butter...and more rum. It was paired with Haagan Daaz vanilla bean ice cream. If it sounds good...let me tell you...it was so good! Norm also had some homemade sweet potato pie in the oven but by the time it was ready we were satiated. Good job Norm. It was a great dinner. Yah Man.

One Big Happy Dog Family

Remember Zoe? Our little pup is happy as can be living with her big brother Cisco. Seyla loves going to her Grandparents house so she can play with the dogs (and watch Treehouse!). When Seyla eats, Zoe is sure to be right underneath her chair in case any food falls right into her mouth. No wonder she's a little chunky. Tim and Louise have two little rascals running around their household. First came Coco (coconut is her nickname) and then came her little brother, Cashew (nut!). I think we should get Sammy in here and see how they all get along. But like Paul, Sammy is always MIA.

Dogs rule!

Go Leafs Go

Looks like the Leafs have to fight extra hard to get a playoff spot. Go Leafs Go!

Lent

Tuesday night we joined Trae, Fran and Sey at the Keg. They were giving up meat for Lent so they wanted to go out with a bang. During dinner Norm and I were trying to decide what we should give up. Chocolate? Coke? Coffee? It's all been done. What can we give up that would really be a sacrifice? And then it hit me...Going out to eat. And with that I decided to pair my steak with a pina colada and we topped it off with a Billy Miner pie.

After Ash Wednesday mass, we had dinner at Di's place. Gerwyn did not have enough time to cook so instead he ordered Swiss Chalet. Because it was Ash Wednesday, Ev and I opted for the Vegetarian option. Everyone else ate meat. That's right, even when I reminded Norm - he still wanted meat. Meathead.

On this Friday night we usually end the week by going out for dinner. Instead, we reheated yesterday's Sinigang dinner. Not too bad two days in a row but God help me if we have it again tomorrow. That's the problem with being a family of two. I must learn to make smaller portions. Or have a bigger family.

Apparently Fran and Trae want us to come over for dinner next week. They will be buying Lin Garden. Is that cheating? They've given up meat. There's absolutely no loop holes there.

I look forward to Easter.

BRAvo!

As usual Norm presented me with a Valentine's Day Card. That's all I really expect. A mushy card with meaningful mushy things although I never turn down presents! Norm has made arrangements with a friend who owns a lingerie store to have a proper bra fitting. That's right guys, I'm gonna get my breasts measured and buy some expensive brassieres. I saw an episode on Oprah which revealed 7/10 women are wearing the incorrect sized bras. I'm sure I'm one of them because I'm constantly readjusting almost to the point of having turrets. Thanks Norm for the thoughful gift.

Happy Birthday Norm

Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday to you
Happy Birthday dear Norm
Happy Birthday to you!

Addicted

My name is Mel and I'm addicted to Wii.
Sorry for not posting. Wii've been busy.

Wii

I finally got my hands on a Wii. It was hard but with determination and a little flirting, I got it! Hmm, I wonder if I should sell it on eBay? ha!