It's again Thanksgiving weekend! woohooo!
When I first came to US, I was never aware of this holiday. I even went to the office one day before the thanksgiving day (which is the Thursday of the week) and just found myself alone in the whole building. It turned out, people in my client usually take vacation leave the whole week of Thanksgiving. From then on, I've promised myself that I will celebrate this holiday just like what other Americans do... what the heck, hindi naman ako nakakapagcelebrate ng Philippine Independence Day so why not join them in their festivity!
So last 2007 we just went shopping @ midnight. 2008 - my husband and I just had a nice dinner and went shopping early morning the next day. For this year, we'll be having dinner/videoke/movie night with friends at home. We were supposed to travel again on this holiday since it's 4 days of vacation...but then plans changed and just decided to stay intact in Chicago and save our travel mojos in December. I didn't go to Boston for this week because of the expected overflow of travellers in the airports. I don't want to get stuck in the middle of the holiday...oh my gas!
For everyone's curiosity, here's the origin of Thanksgiving holiday. Thanks wiki!
Of course, Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the Shopping. This is the holiday where people are going gaga with the crazy deals of almost all stores (online and in-store). After the weekend, there's also what they call "Cyber Monday" where online stores also put their stocks on sale (on top of the sale percentages that they gave on Black Friday). I actually started my shopping last weekend because I already found good deals that would only last that whole weekend. But then for today and Friday, I've been seeing more and more deals. So, here are the shops that we plan to visit:
- Frys (not for the sale items...but I just need a new memory card reader)
- Banana Republic Factory Store (everything is 50% off! Last weekend, I was able to save 45% for a coat. All outerwear were 30% off and I got this personal day sale coupon for 15%.)
- Saks 5th (up to 60% off on top of already "on sale" items)
- Ann Taylor (up to 60% - however for this one, there's only one particular branch I plan to visit. All other branches in my opinion don't have enough good stocks.)
- Walmart/Target (haha! Looking for cheap gift finds!)
(All of the above are clothing stores, you might be wondering. It's because I'm still looking for my "pamasko". This is one thing that I will never ever outgrow. I don't want to forget the feeling of excitement whenever I wear new clothes (kahit galing lang sa palengke ng Binan) on Christmas day.)
Here are some shopping online links that you might want to consider, too:
http://www.blackfriday.info
http://bfads.net
So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving, here are the things I'm very much thankful to God for:
- Keeping me and my husband together despite the trials that came our way this year
- Keeping our families and loved ones back in Pinas safe and healthy, despite the catastrophes that Philippines have suffered
- For all my friends who are there for us
- For all the blessings, the food, the travels, and all our necessities despite the economic downturn and all its effects
- For my job which has become stable all the years (This year, I'm everyday thankful for this.)
- and lastly, for the trials that tested my faith and made me stronger
HAPPY THANKSGIVING, everyone!!!
(I woke up late, I wasn't able to witness the start of the Macy's Thanksgiving Parade...this has been a tradition for me and Randy. Haayyy)
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Turkey Day!!!
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
Back on track
And so.... I'm back to blogging!
I hibernated for quite a long time. I've been busy with keeping up with the requirements of my assignment at work (which started early January of this year). Also, I was busy with my recently accomplished certification and I was too lazy to even compose a blog entry. And now, as the year slowly ends, I want to end this year with little blog entries here and there (para naman may mailagay sa 2009 roll, hehe).
So, what has been keeping me busy? And the list goes...
(1) I'm reviewing for another certification. Actually, I'm losing the determination to finish this one. If not because my company paid for this, I would probably just cancel this exam. I'm now on the 2nd to the last chapter of the reviewer. But I still have 1 book to cover and a CD. OMG.
(2) Halloween is fast approaching! I still can't decide what costume to wear or even if I should wear one. Last year, I was "Kat Von D" of L.A. Ink (or Miami Ink, formerly).
(3) I still have lots of backlogs in terms of organizing/posting my pictures. Haay... I have lots in my list: Glencoe beach, Boston trip, Niagara Falls trip, Washington DC/Virginia trip, South Dakota trip. Hmmm...what else?
(4) Christmas is also near! And so, I need to spend time shopping for gifts for family and friends. Maybe I can start this on Saturday.
So, that's it for catching up! See you around, friends! :)
Sunday, October 25, 2009
A Fall Engagement & Wedding (Aim & Acy)
As the leaves start to fall and so is the temperature…
I was asked last week by Acy (a former co-worker from PwC) to help her with their STD* by taking some good pictures of her and Aim – “Kailangan lang namin ng matinong pictures…” – that’s how she worded it, hehe. To take advantage of the remaining days of Fall season and before the snow starts pouring, we scheduled it in the weekend after.
We were so glad that we were able to pull this off despite the changing forecast of that day’s (October 24, 2009) weather. It was raining in the morning and then it stopped late afternoon (thankfully!). It was a bit cold but sunny…so overall, the temp was manageable (which by the way, is something you should really be thankful for if you are in Chicago).
So, here are some of the pictures we were able to produce that day. Just like any other couple, Aim (the Groom) was a bit apprehensive about his smile (“Is my smile corny?” – this made us laugh!) and was reserved in the early part of the shoot, but later on was able to show his amusing behavior. Acy (the Bride) on the other hand was very willing to strike a pose whenever, wherever. By the way, we were also thankful of Aim’s ability to understand a little bit of Tagalog and sign language… hahaha!
*For those unfamiliar with the wedding preparation terms, STD stands for “Save the Date” cards that are distributed to the prospective guests months before the actual wedding.
Aim & Acy
October 15, 2010
Caleruega
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Union Oyster House
The Union Oyster House is the oldest restaurant in Boston and the oldest restaurant in continuous service in the U.S. — the doors have always been open to diners since 1826.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
Ellis Island Immigration Museum
New York
May 10, 2009
Opened on January 1, 1892, Ellis Island became the nation's premier federal immigration station. In operation until 1954, the station processed over 12 million immigrant steamship passengers. The main building was restored after 30 years of abandonment and opened as a museum on September 10, 1990.
Today, over 40 percent of America's population can trace their ancestry through Ellis Island.
Times Square
Times Square, the most bustling square of New York is known for its many Broadway theatres, cinemas and supersigns. It is one of those places that make New York a city that never sleeps.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Saturday, July 11, 2009
The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island - Bahamas
This was taken during a windy weather with scattered rainshowers in Bahamas - The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island. While I was hiding in one of the sunbathing beds to prevent the raindrops from touching down my body (while my friends were playing beach volleyball), I spotted the trees swaying in the direction of the wind. And geared with just my underwater camera, there I was, moving inch by inch to where I was sitting just to capture this shot. Not bad. Not bad. :)
Bahamas Old House
This is an old house that we spotted when we visited The Islands of the Bahamas. It's old and .... very calming in my eyes.
"Marilla says that a large family was raised in that old house long ago, and that it was a real pretty place, with a lovely garden and roses climbing all over it. It was full of little children and laughter and songs; and now it is empty, and nothing ever wanders through it but the wind. How lonely and sorrowful it must feel! Perhaps they all come back on moonlit nights. . .the ghosts of the little children of long ago and the roses and the songs. . .and for a little while the old house can dream it is young and joyous again." Excerpt from "Anne of Avonlea" by Lucy Maud Montgomery
View from Empire State
New York City
View from Empire State
May 9, 2009
When we first went to Empire State, there was a huge mass of fog above the tower so we decided to just come back later that day to let the fog subside. Good thing we decided doing that...here's the proof! :p
This is the moment!
Compass Point before sundown
Compass Point Restaurant/Hotel
Nassau, Bahamas
July 4, 2009
