Never tell your friends that you’re trying! Actually, don’t tell anyone at all! Because if you do, everyone will ask you, “Are you pregnant yet?” And it has been happening for a while now. I don’t just get asked face to face but even on Facebook.  Even people that I didn’t tell that we were trying are asking me if I was pregnant yet. WHAT?!

This happened at church. Someone walked up to me (we’re not close) and asked me if I was pregnant yet. I said, “Who told you we were trying?” She says, “Oh so and so told me about it. We talk about these things you know.” UGH!!!! Mind you, this woman has had 2 kids already.

The thing is, if I was pregnant, did she think I’d tell her right away? I mean, this woman waited until her first trimester to announce she’s pregnant, back when she was pregnant with her kids. What makes her think I’m an exception? Shouldn’t she be more sensitive about these things?

Also, what makes her think I’d tell her if we are or not. We’re not close!

Just had to vent.

I did had the best of memories at Payanig sa Pasig. One of them is of the haunted houses. My cousins and I, with the push of my uncle, would try and check out the haunted houses to see how brave we were. I was usually on the side of, “I don’t really need this in my life.” But with my very persuasive uncle we pretty much had no choice but to go through with it.

There was also this warehouse type haunted house where you get into this truck, the truck goes into the warehouse. All the lights are off and when they do turn on, you discover you’re in a cemetery. So what they’d do is that they’d have the zombies come out their caskets and the ground. They’d start walking over to the truck, thank God the truck was surrounded by a cage type thing so they couldn’t touch you. My cousins and I would be so scared but we kept on riding that truck every year.

What I didn’t know was how I looked when I got all scared. If someone took a photo of me then, and look at it now, I probably would be laughing so hard and I’d even post it here. But since I don’t have a photo of myself. I thought I’d entertain you guys with these. I don’t know how I found the photos but it was a very good find.

What’s up with all the guys using their women as shields?

And then it gets better….

I love the guy wearing green

No words.. I have no words…

Not only did he take us out in his boat but we were able to take a ride on his scooters. Which was pretty fun since I haven’t been on one since I was 11 years old.

When I was young, my cousin’s dad had a motorbike, a scooter, and a 3 wheeler. It was all for us cousins to ride in around the subdivision where they lived. Since I was the youngest girl, I rode the 3 wheeler with another cousin, who’s the youngest boy. What’s funny was, we were the youngest and we were on the most dangerous ride. Go figure. It was fun though. We just had to make sure we didn’t do any turns quickly or else the 3 wheeler motorbike would be on top of us in a second. Those were good times. Makes me smile remembering all the things we did. We thought we were so cool. Revving the engines of the bikes to make sure other people heard it. We were just on the bikes riding around with no destination to go to really. I loved that.

And since it’s fall. It’s also time for shopping. Not that I need new clothes every season. But who says I can’t enjoy putting stuff together on polyvore just to see how things look?

If you’ve known me for a while, you’ll notice that I dress comfortably. I still believe in being stylish of course. But comfort is of high importance. So it’s pretty rare that you’ll see me in heels. If you do want to see me in heels, invite me to your wedding.

For this boyish sexy look, you’ll notice how loose the outfit is. Which is totally me. I used to wear a lot of tight tops. I feel that I am over that now. I haven’t been buying anything tight since last year. I’ve also been giving my old tight tops to Goodwill since I don’t see myself wearing them anymore.

I am not a fan of the cold weather, but fall is beautiful. And I get to wear boots again!

Any good suggestions on rain boots? My Rocketdog rain boots died on me after 3 months of use. Note to everyone, don’t buy their rain boots!

I ran out of fish for lunch today and decided to just put all the leftovers together.

I realized after eating my lunch that it’s not going to be so pretty in the bathroom later. Beets and asparagus, yummy in the tummy but not so sure about the after effects.

I just had to mention that.

I’m here. I’m alive. Had a great vacation. But life is happening. Busy. Schedules. Appointments. I hate saying I’m busy. I don’t like it when someone wants to schedule something with me and I say I can’t because I have something to do. I guess that’s what happens if you live in the city. Am I getting tired of the city life? It’s a sign that going back to island living is for me. Haha!

Hawaii was great. Photos to come. Stories of our adventures will soon be up. But for now. I am living the Seattle life for a little bit.

Nick and I have a couchsurfer coming in to stay at our place tonight until Wednesday. So until then, hope you guys are having a fabulous spring.

Whoever is looking forward to summer, raise your hand!

I’m not in Manila but all this Seattle rain reminds me of home. If only it was a little bit warmer, I’d be outside jumping in puddles. Running around, doing cartwheels and even consider shampooing my hair in the rain. I’ve done that in Manila and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

“Reminds of me home.” I have been saying that a lot. When I say home, I still mean Manila. I’ve been here for almost 5 years now and I still don’t consider Seattle home? I am not sure anymore. Home is where my family is I guess. My home is with Nick and with my parents and brothers.

My heart longs for laughter and teasing with my brothers. Oh how I miss that. I was talking to one of my brothers the other day, we were teasing each other and laughing so hard. He says to me, “I wish you were here because I miss this.” I miss it too. And it hurts being away from them.

Last night I was talking to a friend about the dynamics of friendship and family in different cultures. I told her that I felt like I was walking on eggshells most of the time here in Seattle. People are too sensitive, take everything so seriously and personally. While I grew up in a culture where we just make fun of ourselves and it’s ok. We laugh about it. I can’t tease anyone here. And if I do, I’d get the, did-you-just-say-that look. I’d be removed from their friend’s list and will be ignored forever.

Maybe I just need a break from all this. It’s only a week and a few days ’til Oahu. I can’t wait to be in the sun and recharge my batteries.

As I was venting to my brother he says to me,  “At least you can make halo halo fresh from Heaven.”  I don’t have to shave the ice.  Haha!  Shaved ice from Heaven is a good way to look at it.

Paper Weight

Sometimes, you just need to take a break from work.

*Photo taken by my co-worker using my camera

I was lucky enough to schedule a dinner with her before she left this month. She’s my food buddy who loves to explore restaurants we’ve never tried before.

I think we became good friends because of our love for all kids of food.  I realize that’s how I usually make friends. Once I started talking about food, and you’re into it, we’re going to be good friends.

Anyway, this post is dedicated to a wonderful woman whom I will miss. See you in a year Alisha!

*The photos above were taken at Green Leaf restaurant in the International District. The best Vietnamese restaurant I have ever been to in Seattle