Oz Welcome and Celebrating 31 Years
By The Parodist | December 23, 2008
The Oz Welcome
Pushing a trolley laden with a set of luggage amounting to 60kgs (or somewhere close) became less taxing when I saw a beautiful family holding up a home-made placard saying “Welcome Lola & Tita!” walking through the airport doors. Now, that’s what I call a warm and love-filled welcome! I’ve always wanted to get that sort of reception!
In photo: Sasha (me!) with my gorgeous nephew, my equally gorgeous neice in my brother-in-law’s hands, and, yes, my mum — aka “Lola”.
Not in the photo is my sister Shai, who had offered to take some snaps. Good thing I had my camera ready!
It’s been over a week now and I’m thoroughly enjoying my time with these two little munchkins —
C is incredibly smart that it often amazes me that he’s only turning 5. Would you believe that he breezes through learning books tailored for first graders and is now starting to learn division??? Dear me. He also easily beats me in any of the Wii games we play. Goodness! (P.S. I’m so stealing his made-up word: thingamadoodles Hahaha!)
Now, as for H, she’s only turning 2 but she’s starting to learn her ABCs and can even say “there it is!” Remarkable! She’s way, way adorable! It’s funny how she loves clothes, shoes, playing dress up, and shopping! I love how she’s always ready to smile in greeting. I just want to crush her in a big, big, hug sometimes. Too cute for words!
Celebrating 31 Years
Having received “Happy Birthday!” greetings from the family as soon as I woke up and a question from C, “How old are you now?” to which I answered, “I want you to guess how old I am!” C quickly answered, “35?” YOUCH. Missed it by 4 years. Do I look that old??? LOL.
While making tea, I started to hear the birthday song from the hallway. Then C came bearing my birthday gift and H with the birthday card. I found a fabulous long necklace in stone and faux-swarovski inside the bag. And when H saw it, she didn’t mind trying it on and saying “Pretty!” Awww, how adorable!
If this is the sort of thing that I wake up to in the morning, can it be my birthday everyday? No? Darnit.
I’d like to say that I’m starting the next year of my life focused on health and wellness cuz I’d really like to. I still haven’t given up my late nights and smoking, though. But I’m working towards it so I’m keeping my fingers (and toes!) crossed.
Looking at a bright future filled with long happy, healthy years, makes celebrating this birthday a whole lot more meaningful.
Don’t you love the colours and the idea of freshness and health that this photo brings? What a way to start a Birthday (I actually had English tea and some butter and jam on toast before this fruitbowl).
I had promised myself I will not work on my birthday (I couldn’t concentrate anyway) so I had spent my morning playing with little H. She’s such a cutie. She even sat on my lap as I went through uploading and processing photos. This funny little bundle of energy did something naughty when we were looking at a photo I took of her mum, brother and lola with Alex of Madagascar. She decided to call her Lola, “Rawr” like the how she had called the Lion. This caused wild laughter when the rest of the family found out. LOL.
C deposited himself on the sofa, carrying a huge plastic bowl. It was only later on did I find out that he’s been helping his mum bake something — something Chocolate-y by the looks of his hands and face PLUS the huge bowl that used to hold something with Chocolate.
Hmmm. What can it be? It sure smelled good, though!
He looked too cute not to take this small memento. I loved looking at the innocent and unabashed love for Chocolate that you can only see in children. Yes, he still looked gorgeous even with all the chocolate-y mess!
But before we find out what was baking in the oven, let’s go over the birthday nom nom nom nom of choice: Pizza and Chicken!
I loved the pizza! I loved the Chicken wings and Nuggets! I loved Nando’s Peri-Peri Sauce! I reckon my tummy had never enjoyed pizza and chicken this much! I guess eating will always be good if you’re surrounded by people you love. The food always tastes twice as good! And as C would say, I’m giving it 31 Platinum medals! Yay! LOL.
Glen, a family friend, had joined us for dinner and desserts.
Note to self: Must bring home some Nando’s (not unless it’s available in Manila!).
And now for the main event — Ta-DA!!!
My birthday cake!
A home-baked Chocolate cake with fudge and candy sprinkles, made with love by Cam and mum.
C even turned off the lights (didn’t do much since there’s still light out but tis okay!) before the cake made its grand entrance. Of course, the birthday song was sung once more but this time it was accompanied by a musical candle on the cake! It’s the pink one! C and H helped me blow out the candles. Happy birthday, Tita! Yay!
The freshly baked cake (still warm!) is best had with ice cream! Yes, you eat it together with the ice cream. I had a birthday ice cream with flavours: Choco Chip, Vanilla, and Chocolate. Cake and ice cream for my birthday dessert! Yum, yum, yum!
Capping the night off is putting the Mamma Mia! DVD on and a bowl of popcorn. I wasn’t able to see this movie when I was in Manila so it was a real treat esp since I thoroughly enjoyed it! They made ABBA songs seem so contemporary but listening to these songs brought about memories of my childhood.
It’s funny how my nephew C had stayed up (till he grew too tired) and watched the movie with us. He loved the songs and watching all the singing and dancing! Even H copied some of Donna’s dance moves (ones she did lying on the floor!) LOL. These kids are undeniably adorable and such hoots!
Anyway, I’d like to say thanks so much sis for making my birthday real special! I’m grateful that I’m able to celebrate my 31st year in your home, with your family. This is one heck of an original thing to do for my birthday (something I always strive to do each year)! It’s been a memorable one!
And, yes, I also want to extend my gratitude to all who remembered me on my birthday —
Thanks to all who sent in their greetings via Plurk, listed as follows:
maialancholy
Penny Pie
MakaiKnight
claricedesign
Adam Mordo
UltramanSiopao
annalyn (who also greeted me over at SashaManuel.com)
rain
Juligel
xmas voodoo
Dave
RIYO
nostalgia
Jonas Diego
Star
meyu-kun
mallorn leaf
gadgenista
Lasha
Queenofthepack
Em_Dy
GarryG
Grumba
sharmskee
Update: Still via Plurk — FilipinoVoices.
And via Facebook, listed as follows:
Raymond Racaza
Marc Conrad Cruz
Ena Rico
Mel Gilera
Michael Angelo Yambao
Venice Furio
Lu Lee
Janette Toral
Christine Gooding
Lia Amanda Espina
Ricky Moldez
Ampy Corpus
Didi Tiu
Rizzle Razzle
Zoe Ezequiel
Jed Quiambao
Mitzi Duque Ruiz
Kenneth Fadri
Crissy Martinez
Roman Dvaladze
Andie R. Baui-Ceremonia
Armine Joy Lantin
Jobelle Lantin
Shannon Crino Nelson
Christian Evangelista
Gigi Santos-Castaneda
May Galang-Buencamino
Christian Libao
Odette Callao
Kaye Cariño Olfindo
Mike Abundo
Raissa Polintan
Alissa Mendoza
Update: Still via Facebook — Maria Palma, Salih Onur, Darcy Vany, Connie Luayon, Jerome Dela Cruz, and Arnold Manuel.
PLUS!
Berns Relos who greeted me via email.
Josh, P and L, also Sara Masakayan of GeiserMaclang and again Mike Yambao who greeted me over YM.
b5media Beauty & Style folks: Kori Ellis, Michelle Smith, Dexie Wharton, Lara Kulpa, and Liberty Kontranowski who greeted me over at b5 Beauty & Style Skype Chat. And Dave Diaz also via Skype Chat.
and Lootwagon who greeted me here at The-Parody.com
Thanks guys for taking the time to greet me on my birthday. Much appreciated!
Note: To those who sent me a birthday greeting via SMS, er, I wasn’t able to receive it cuz I chose not to turn International Roaming on.
Twas indeed a HAPPY Birthday for 2008!
Photos © 2008 Sasha Manuel
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Topics: Blogs & Blogging, Gallyvanting Episodes, Mood Notes, The Traveler |
December 28th, 2008 at 11:18 pm
[...] pair of point-y black pumps, ZOE. It’s in celebration of new life. Zoe means life. I recently celebrated my birthday and this is one of the stuff I bought for it. I reckon I had mentioned before that I like buying [...]
December 29th, 2008 at 12:45 am
Belated happy birthday, Sasha!
Anyhoo, you have a beautiful niece and nephew! Glad to know you’ve been enjoying Oz!
:]
January 7th, 2009 at 9:21 pm
Thanks, Tara. They ARE beautiful, aren’t they?
January 11th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
Here late, but of course you’re very welcome.
I’m glad you enjoyed your birthday in many ways. Hope you have many more fun birthdays to come!
* Shai Coggins´s last blog post.. Web Wednesday #18: The Return!
January 24th, 2009 at 2:47 pm
hi! yes you dont know me… but i already knew you through your writing…. i already read everything on your blog… i do like writing and i just learned making blogs 4 days ago… little by little i learned all the “HOWS” on starting a blog and i’m enjoying it…. hope you could also give me tips on how to make blogs as beautiful as you have THANKS…
February 7th, 2009 at 2:26 am
Sis: Thanks!
Robshaun: Thanks. Email me and I’ll try to give you some tips.