Sunday, December 31, 2006
Tuesday, December 26, 2006
Noche Buena
As I've said before, holiday celebrations for me are constantly changing. Having no rules for a noche beuna, I served a jambalaya (not really a traditional dish) with the very traditional brussel sprouts. And the crispy pata? That's just good eating! Tom also whipped up a banana pudding for dessert. Merry Christmas!
Thursday, December 21, 2006
Cat and Dog
Saw this on Flickr today. Very few things I can do at work that our browser allows and thankfully, Flickr is one of them. Wish I had a photo of Mugsy and Jakob like this.
Tuesday, December 19, 2006
Mugsy Santa
He's such a good sport as I drag out the hat for my holiday photos. The elastic pinches his ears and he's constantly trying to shake them off. Happy Holidays everyone!
Saturday, December 16, 2006
Dave Lieberman
For anyone who still hasn't seen his show, it's really a good one plus he's not bad to look at.
Patagonia Vest
So Alan says that he feels like reading my blog is like reading about someone else. Guess I have been a bit of a Debbie Downer on here, like I'm one disappointment away from a razor blade. Well, far from it. You can be depressed and still be fashionable and vain. Christmas shopping online always leads to personal purchases. Just send me an email that says "Free Shipping" and my credit card numbers spill out of my fingers and on to the "Payment Method" screen. Plus Patagonia supports environmental initiatives and only has organic cotton. What's not to love? Happy Hannukah Alan!
Wednesday, December 13, 2006
Bejeweled Pears
As I slowly drift further away from religion (to the horror of my friends and family), I struggle to find my own meaning for the holidays. I've gone from abject loneliness from being away from home to a complete rejection of Christmas: the hollow commercialization, the petty quarrels of "Merry Christmas" versus "Happy Holidays", and the looks of pity I get when I tell people I don't have family or a significant other to spend the holidays with. Sometime this season though, maybe it was that I made concrete plans with my best friends, but I actually felt like decorating. Maybe I fell under the spell of "seasonal decorating", but I actually bought a wreath for myself and hung it over my bed for ME to enjoy. Just don't expect any christmas trees just yet......
Thursday, November 23, 2006
Sunday, November 19, 2006
Depression and the Soul
Thanks to Podcasting, I was able to listen to a program on Speaking of Faith, a public radio segment linking depression to the soul. They had the author of the Noonday Demon, a book that still sits on my night stand as I labor though it. It's a part memoir, part information book on the author's struggle with debilitating depression. There were also a Buddhist and a Quaker who gave insights on what their relationship is to their illness (also called darkening of the soul). Being of the logical and pragmatic mindset, it's easy for me to look upon my illness as a clinical and medical affliction, but that does not do justice to the despair and teeth-gnashing I experience when I'm in the throes of it. They call it "exhausting" which best describes the feeling more than sadness, and also as "like living life in a minor key", which in turn shows how pervasive and encompassing it is to the daily tune in my head. The camaraderie I feel listening to other people who suffer from it is encouraging, as often, I feel very much alone as people around me go on with their lives unscathed. I didn't realize that so much poetry and written works of arts arise from people trying to make sense of this darkening of the soul (Rilke comes to mind). A particularly striking image was that depression is the flame that fires up the clay after it's been kneaded end beaten up, turning it into the figure that emerges after that. Depression has given me to ability empathize with other people's pain and suffering, but that thought is of poor consolation when I am in the process of being engulfed.
When Alan shows me how, this is where the link to Speaking of Faith will be located.
When Alan shows me how, this is where the link to Speaking of Faith will be located.
Sunday, November 12, 2006
South Fullerton
Walking Mugsy around town offers views such as this if one only looks up. Montclair's skyline may not be grand but I've always had a thing for old buildings
Sunday, October 29, 2006
Twins with the Demon Barber
I always love dressing up for Halloween. I met up with my friend Kelly for a party in Brooklyn. I was already dressed up when I parked my car, walked to the subway, and waited on a platform for 30 minutes. problem was, it was still early in the night so I was the only one in costume.
Anyway, ever since I saw Michael Cerveris in Sweeney Todd, I knew I wanted to do it for Halloween. The party was a blast but I ignored Kelly's warning s about the punch and it definitely f***ed me up! Was still paying for it the next morning.
Anyway, ever since I saw Michael Cerveris in Sweeney Todd, I knew I wanted to do it for Halloween. The party was a blast but I ignored Kelly's warning s about the punch and it definitely f***ed me up! Was still paying for it the next morning.
Sunday, October 22, 2006
Sunday Brunch
Pinky is back in town this weekend for yet another Broadway extravaganza. I met her for brunch on Clinton St on the Lower Lower East Side. The area is a bit schizophrenic: hip vintage/modern brunch places side by side with beauty parlors offering gerri (sp?) curls. After a brunch of gaedda (fried mystery meat from the PA area) and fried chicken (for brunch!) at Alias, we walked around the neighborhood where we spotted this sign at another brunch place.
Thursday, October 19, 2006
How to get protein into every meal
How much chicken breast can one eat in a lifetime? Fortunately, there's pork loin, flank steak, eggs, and tofu. The only way I like to eat tofu is browned in oil ala tokwa't baboy.
Friday, October 13, 2006
Kinesiotaping Day 1
Every Physical Therapy technique I learn has many hours of hands-on practice on other therapists behind it. Turnabout is fair game so, obviously, I've been practiced on by other therapists as well. I usually come home with red marks where I've been manhandled by my fellow therapists but this Kinesiotaping course I'm taking right now is a little different. This is what I looked like when I came home today.
Wednesday, October 11, 2006
Ode to My Rice Cooker
Bought in 1994 at a Sam's Club in Lakeland FL, this humble appliance has served me countless batches of rice for everyday meals as well as dinners for friends and lovers. Before I ever knew about Williams-Sonoma, Henkl knives, and SubZero appliances, my Hitachi was already my culinary partner.
Friday, October 06, 2006
Paul and Jakob
My dog Mugsy tends to hog the spotlight: the eyes, the snort, the pushed-in face, and of course, the singing. Fu took a great picture of Paul and Jakob, the other pet in the house. He usually doesn't come out when company comes, but he must sense how much I trust Paul and the rest of the guys who came for our Peak Potential meeting. He even let Paul cat-handle him this way.
Tuesday, October 03, 2006
Blast from the Past
Received my New York magazine with an old photo of Madonna on the cover. I could almost flashback to the moment that I started listening to her music and copying her moves. Before she was a Kabbhala practioner or that over the top Sex book poser, she looked like this: unglamorous, ambitious, posing next to her electric stove. Could she have pictured then where she would be now. And could I had pictured then, 14 years old, living in the Philippines, watching videos on TV in the sauna of a bedroom of my parents, that I'd end up in Montclair NJ. I think I would have been happy to see where I ended up, except for this one thing................
Sunday, October 01, 2006
Birthday 2006
I always go a little nuts during holidays. Something about the expectation of doing something to celebrate yet not having family around to do something with always gives me, as Holly Golightly described it, the "mean reds". This birthday turned out to be one of the best BBW's (big birthday weekends as Kipp has named it)ever. Jen Fu had his own roller rink bash for his birthday Saturday then I went out with Kipp and Frank on Saturday night for dinner then off to meet Steve in the city. Sunday surprised me with a Korean bash where Dawn had the day-off (day-op ko po, ser) so she could go. Then a bunch of us just hung out at Borders and Fu's place with an Arrested Development marathon. Thanks to Kipp, Alan, Evelyn, Dawn, Renu, Fu, Paul, and all those who made it happen.
Monday, September 25, 2006
Reading Glasses
The doctor was trying to be kind "You know, some people start at around 40, others 42, and well, you ARE 38..." Vertigo led me to a check up with an ophthalmologist ( never wore glasses or contacts) that ended up with a prescription. Can bifocals be far behind?
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Pruned Jade
I repotted my jade plant and pruned it to make it look more like a tree and less like a creeping/creepy plant. I hope it survives the trauma I've inflicted on it.
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Tuesday, September 12, 2006
The Kids
I rarely have a photo with BOTH my pets so here they are. Jakob on the windowsill and Mugsy on my lap. Alan was on hand to take the picture as he and Evelyn watched two episodes of Project Runway. It'sa nice little routine that happens on some Sundays. I'm sitting on the floor since my nice leather chair was kicked to the curb...thanks to my two little pets.
Monday, September 11, 2006
Yard Sale
For the past 3 years, I've been organizing a block sale for my street as a way of unloading some unwanted stuff and for some community building. really nothing to it: pass out some flyers, take an ad out in the paper, get a permit, and pray for a sunny day. Not too many items this year and I think we'll skip next year. Still fun and always great to hangout with the peeps from the hood.
Wednesday, September 06, 2006
Doksuni
Even if we got rained out of the US OPen, Sasa and I were able to make do. We drove down to the East Village for some Korean food at Dok Suni. It's always a challenge to find food that will be liked by my nephews since I don't get to spend too much time with them and thus am not privvy to their changing palates. They ended up liking it anyway (phew). We then drove down to SoHo for some back to school shopping for Jordan. The cupcake place Moagnolia was unfortunately closed. We still had a good time though.
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Restaurant and Bodega
Another Chinese place that Kipp would never even dare enter: musty smell, rude service, and note the pleasing cases of beer and plastic storage bins behind where I sat (and this was the new addition!) But really good wonton soup, salted fish fried rice, and pork with crispy skins. Tax and tip totaled $11 each for all 5 of us (and no one got sick: Bonus!)
Vacation Part Two: Chicago
Thursday to Sunday was Chicago time. I get to visit Tom and Pinky and they take me to the beach and to eat at some really incredibly good and dirt cheap places (which for me is the best combination ever invented). Despite the tacky plastic fruit garkand and the cinder block walls, Joy Yee in Chicago's Chinatown consistently has a waiting list because of the food (calamari, salted fish fried rice) and the fruit shakes (mango with gelatin balls, anyone?)
Vacation
I finally took a vacation after starting my new job last March. Wednesday to Sunday started pretty well with a visit to Belmar with Kipp. Two years ago, I was stressed so much as an administrator and Kipp was taking naps during his workday. Now he's constantly working, even on his supposed days off while I am able to completely cut myself off from work.
Sunday, August 06, 2006
My mom was diagnosed with colon cancer this week and they are doing a colon resection today (it's already Monday morning in the Philippines). I deal with disease, sickness, and hospitals all the time and I've been able to use this knowledge as a shield to my own anxiety of having my mom undergo a major procedure for cancer. The helplessness of living overseas as my siblings deal with this on a daily basis sometimes fills me with guilt. They are taking a foot of her sigmoid colon, where CT scans have shown that the lesion is localized.
Friday, July 28, 2006
Text Message
Being away from family sometimes takes a toll on me. I try not to rely too much on other people for support but it is incredible how nine words from a friend can affect your day.
Monday, July 24, 2006
Parapalegic Climbing System
Spent my Saturday morning being trained in a climbing system who are unable to use their legs to climb. It's all part of Peak Potential's dream of taking some people outdoors some day.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Mugsy
Alan helped me out today setting up my wireless internet, and Evelyn and Fu came along. What was supposed to be a short afternoon became much longer but everyone was a trooper, even good ol' Mugsy.
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Went to Madonna's Concert last night at Madison Square Garden. It was her last show in NYC so everybody was psyched. As usual she was provocative and very sexual, which is why she has legions of fans like me. Alexis and her friends wished she would sing her old songs which she did a bit (Ray of Light, La Isla Bonita, and even Lucky Star). Didn't matter to me since I like her new stuff as well. My favorite number is her Like a Virgin on a one horse carousel decked in a riding outfit. Awesome!
Apparently, a microburst hit Upper Montclair the other day. It's an inverted tornado basically but the resulting damage was unbelievable. I felt like a mouse in a maze the next morning, trying to get to the highway to get to work since all the so many streets were unpassable. Here are some pictures I saved from Baristanet.com.
Photographers for Friends
One of the advantages of having photographers for friends is you get to document your life with pictures like these. Jen Fu and Renu took me out for dinner and Jen Fu as always takes pictures. Great night that ended with a deluge that left Upper Montclair an utter mess with downed powerlines and uprooted trees. Thankfully, the three of us only had a fond memory of cheese and Greek wine, dinner and ice cream, and leafing through home magazines to remember that night by.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Cooling Off
With temps reaching the 90's, Mugsy and I went to Allan's house for some pool time. As you can see, pugs are not water dogs.
Monday, July 10, 2006
Lexapro
I wish my depression had some physical manifestation: a swollen limb, redness of the eyes, or maybe a rash. Something that would alert me of its onset. I end up second guessing every bout of sadness, every disappointment that lingers too long. The chronicity of depression always keeps me on my toes, wondering when it will creep up on me, disguised as loneliness, anger, or inordinate needs for company or seclusion. However, they all somehow end up in the same place for me:despair. These pills are one of the many weapons against it. It amazes me how a bunch of chemicals regulate things so personal to me as my personality, my mood, and my hope.
Wednesday, July 05, 2006
Project Sink
I bought this cast-iron sink at a local antique store here in Montclair. Marc, my friend Dawn's then boyfriend, helped me carry this up to my condo where I had hopes of installing this in my bathroom. To give you an idea how long ago that was, their daughter Lily just had her first birthday party! At least I've been able to change the hardware on it. Now all I have to do is remove the old vanity, beadboard the walls around it, tile the floor, then call my friend Matt to finally put the sink in. I should be done by the time Lily graduates from high school.
Saturday, July 01, 2006
Kipp and Raymond's
Being that I start at 12 and he was off this Friday, Kipp and I are able to have a brunch outdoors at Raymond's. This is why I love living in Montclair: easy access to the things I love. Raymond's serves good food with a classic/retro feel of a cafe. I could also gush more about how much I like hanging out with this guy, but since he reads this blog, I will not.
Sienna Rising
Here's the condo/retail behemoth that's being built a block from me. I think it's going to be 5 floors (or 7) with underground parking, a New York Sports Club (lucky for me), other retail stores (hopefully cool ones), and condos that will start at $500,000!
Jen Fu and Toy
And here is the master himself! Jen Fu is the founder of Peak Potential, the group I volunteer for. Here is the rehab doctor with his first passion: life behind a lens. He will now demonstrate his powers in the next shot.......
Monday, June 26, 2006
Hydrangeas in the house
I'm not the best floral arranger (no, it doesn't come with the gay gene) but I couldn't wait to cut some Hydrangeas from the garden. I'm a little obsessed with my garden now. Just bought some lavender and more Clematis for the fence.
My inbox is full
The paperwork never stops. You can put it off for only so long. When the pile gets soft enough for Jakob to nap on it on a regular basis, it's time to put down the magazine and get to it.
Thursday, June 22, 2006
Stop at Bryant Park
Tom and Pinky frequently fly in for these Broadway extravaganzas and stay with me. Lani will sometimes join us from Duchess County NY. Agenda usually includes a show or two (or three), gorging on food, and some shopping on the side. Not a bad way to spend a weekend.
Line at Magnolia
In 80 degree weather, people fall in line at this West Village bakery to buy cupcakes at 8 pm. For those who've seen the movie Prime, this is where the guy buys those pies he throws at the girls who've wronged him.
Shakespeare Tickets
Thanks to my friend Kelly's friend, we were able to score tickets to Shakespeare in the Park that featured Macbeth this year. It was a stunning production with Liev Shriber in the lead role. Getting these free tickets normally means falling in line at 7 am at the box office that opens at 1 pm on the day of the show. Thanks to Kelly, we got to sleep in.
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