Christmas Eve and Christmas Day in Texas

On Christmas Eve we were preparing for a snow storm which will give us about 5-6 inches of snow.  Of course with warmer temperatures, only an inch or two would probably stick so come Christmas Day, we woke up to a lovely sight. I'm told this has not happened since the 1920's. Cool!





A couple of videos from last year's snow storm aftermath.

Merry Christmas!

Christmas has been good this year!  Everybody in the house got what they asked Santa for.  We went and had dinner with my in-laws yesterday and today.  The goose made out like a bandit with all the presents under the tree.  We were able to get a family portrait for our holiday cards.. first ever!  The pictures came out well and we used this one for our Christmas cards.

Oh, one of the best events happened this morning when we woke up - a white Christmas!  It rarely snows in the DFW area but with last night's snow storm, we woke up to a wonderful sight.  It didn't last because the temperature during the day hit a high of 40 but still, it was a memorable event.  With my camera phone on hand, I was able to take pictures and video.  Katharine and I threw snowballs at each other until my hands went numb.  We had a great time.

My family in Manila is doing well.  Mom, Dad, and my siblings plus the eight kids are all healthy and happy.  I spoke to them and my sister in Ess Eff and she and my nephew are good as well.  I ordered a calendar through Snapfish with pictures I took when I went home this year and will be sending everybody copies.

Kelly wants to move.

It would make sense for us since her work and the Goose' school are both in Dallas.  I'm the only one who benefits by being in Plano but it would be nice to be able to go on a longer ride once we live down there.

Could this be our next home?
http://www.buydallasproperties.com/2074403_43813-4575-Thunder-Road-Dallas-TX-RES_Detail.aspx

We've made an offer and are waiting to hear from the bank since it is a foreclosure.  Kelly wants this house so bad but I'm telling her to cool it and wait until we hear from the seller.  If they reject our offer, we can either increase ours or move on to another property.  Wait and see..

Old news

I told Kelly a couple of days ago if she'd heard of Journey's new front man who sounds exactly like Steve Perry.  He happens to be Filipino and was discovered thru YouTube. I know its old news but worth sharing if you're not aware.

The problem with Thanksgiving is...

I always gain an average of 5 lbs over the weekend - eating leftovers and binging on other things since technically it is not a work weekend.  My pants feel tight and my shirts look bloated.  Oh well, there's enough time to lose all of that until the next holiday set.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving dinner had a replacement meat since the goose and I are not too fond of turkey.  We had ribs instead.  Kelly found an easy recipe for ribs and it turned out fantastic!
- boil the ribs for about 45 minutes in beer/water.  recipe says I could've used coke but since beer was handy, I used that instead.
- drain the water and place ribs in a casserole dish.  smother with lots of barbecue sauce, cover with foil and place in the fridge for a couple of hours.
- bake at 250 degrees for 3 hours

We happen to mess up the kitchen in preparation for cooking.  Man, we need an island in there.

On a different note: we stayed in Plano this year.  Kelly always looks forward to San Francisco this time of year but unfortunately we couldn't make it.  Anyway, we'll go next year for sure.  In the meantime, I suggested we go to the Natural Caverns down in Austin this weekend.  Maybe spend the night there since it is a 3 or 4 hours drive.  Wait and see.

Goose is bored!

She texts me to say 'she's bored!'  With school out this week, it would be a challenge to keep her busy instead of just sitting around and watching TV.  I suggested she either write a story which we'll post here, or write a play with us starring in it which we'll show mommy later (or vice-versa).  I just sent her another suggestion I found googling: Origami.

Here is my Thanksgiving Turkey Origami.

I wonder what she'll come up with..

Hospital or Casino??

My hospital had our United Way campaign and it normally ends with a Casino Night.  UW has become the biggest charity event this hospital pays attention to.  There are so many agencies partnered with UW which you would not know unless you're involved.

This room is normally a conference room and it looked great after the casino company brought in and set up their stuff.

Cruising..

Went North East of where we live.  Lucas is where I took these pics.  Kinda blah.  I would have taken pics of the winding roads I was on but had to keep both hands on the handle bar..

Halloween 2009

The goose went as a cat.

Clever Scam - Taking Advantage of Older Men..

A friend sent me this.  Thought I'd share..

"CAN’T BE TOO CAREFUL!
Women often receive warnings about protecting themselves at the mall and in dark parking lots, etc. This is the first warning I have seen for men. I wanted to pass it on in case you haven't heard about it. This will only become more commonplace as the weather warms. A 'heads up' for those men who may be regular Lowe’s, Home Depot, or Costco customers. This one caught me by surprise.  Over the last month I became a victim of a clever scam while out shopping. Simply going out to get supplies has turned out to be quite traumatic. Don't be naive enough to think it couldn't happen to you or your friends.

Here's how the scam works:
Two seriously good-looking 20-something girls come over to your car as you are packing your shopping into the trunk. They both start wiping your windshield with a rag and Windex, with their breasts almost falling out of their skimpy T-shirts. It is impossible not to look. When you thank them and offer them a tip, they say 'No' and instead ask you for a ride to McDonalds.
You agree and they get into the back seat. On the way, they start undressing. Then one of them climbs over into the front seat and starts crawling all over you, while the other one steals your wallet. I had my wallet stolen June 4th, 9th, 10th, twice on the 15th,17th, 20th, 24th, & 29th. Also July 1st, 4th, twice on the 8th, 16th, 23rd, 26th & 28th, three times last Monday and very likely again this upcoming weekend.

So tell your friends to be careful. What a horrible way to take advantage of older men. Warn your friends to be vigilant.

Wal-Mart has wallets on sale for $2.99 each. I found cheaper ones for $1.99 at K- Mart and bought them out. Also, you never will get to eat at McDonalds. I've already lost 11 pounds just running back and forth to Lowe’s, Home Depot, and Costco."

Cruising..

After emptying out our storage unit all weekend, I found time to cruise around the neighborhood.  This time, I decided to go North on Plano Pkwy for as long as I could.  The route didn't last long when I reached 'The Colony'.  I saw a sign that read, "City by the Lake" and thought it would be good to take a break there.  The Colony is a suburb in Denton with about pop. 30K.  As I rode around (actually got lost) I noticed it had a home-town feel to it without the massive developments you see sprouting all over.  The weather at 70 degrees was just right for a picnic or a soccer game at the park.  As I stopped at a convenience store to get my bearings (google map my way out) I realized that I should take pictures of the places I ride to.  My first pic does not necessarily convey any reference to what The Colony is about other than having its name, but nevertheless I'll post it.

Next time I'll take more.

Volleyball!!

The goose took up volleyball this season and really likes it. We've had about 5 or 6 matches played at a Dallas school. Last weekend's second match pitted our team against the other team from the same school the goose goes to. Katharine's on the Red Team and some of her classmates/friends are on the Blue Team. I pick her up on Tuesdays and Thursdays after practice and I've seen the other team play. I kind of thought they were a little disorganized. Then again, our team can do the same. When I asked how their team would fair against us, I was told we've always beaten them in practice. Well... this time, we lost a close match.



The goose has been practicing her overhead serve and when used, it can be a potent weapon. She still needs a little practice because she's not confident to use it over and over again. She falls back to the underhand serve after the first point.

All clear!

Dad's been out of the hospital for a few days now and taking it easy at home. I've spoken to him and he sounds better than he's been in a long time. He said they've returned to their 'walking the mall' routine and has been getting enough rest. Way to go Dad!!!

Dad's In The Hospital

Wednesday morning, I receive a text from Eline that Dad had been admitted for irregular heartbeats. He complained about them and thought he needed to check into the hospital. Almost immediately, he was admitted to ICU and needed to wait for the doctor to see him first thing the next morning. The preliminary ECG tests showed normal and he was given meds to relax him since his stresses cause his heart to respond negatively. Mom stayed with him in the hospital overnight.

The next day, he stated he was feeling better and was adamant he be released but the caregivers advised him otherwise pending the doctor's assessment. He was given another batch of tests and he passed them easily.

Dad visited his doctor prior to his 90th b-day bash and was told then that he will need a pacemaker. He refused to do the procedure and deferred it until after the party. This time, the doctor did not even mention a pacemaker and he was relieved of this. He will stay in the hospital a day or two more.

Mom on the other hand is very nurturing and we had to make sure we watch her as well. I advised Uli and Eline to watch over her; make sure she's eating and getting rest whenever possible. I even advised that if she did not want to leave the hospital to make sure she walks and visit the nursery - sort of a relaxing strategy.

Brothers and Sisters

Me, Chitchi, Eline, and Uli.

The Taboras

This is our latest and greatest; taken during Dad's 90th b-day bash in Manila.

Clockwise from left: Cris, Uli, Eline, Me, Lelen, Ruffy, Eline, Joel, Dad & Mom.

-- for more - www.jmtdallastx2.blogspot.com

1977 Tennis Championships on TV

My normal routine at the end of the day either by phone or in person is to ask my wife how her day had been. Given that she's an attorney, there may be times I don't understand the process or processes of law but I'm always intruiged and interested to hear about them. Yesterday was different. She came home to find me watching the Tennis Channel (as I normally do) and inquired what I find interesting with really old tennis programs. This line of questioning is not new to me. She just does not understand what I see in it. I explained to her that one of the players I'm watching is Rod Laver who was number #1 in the 60's and 70's. This was before my time (in a sense) -I was about 15 or 16 when this match was played. My sister actually nailed it - 'what your wife does not understand is that tennis in those days were pure - all talent, unlike today where your equipment actually helps you'; your wooden racket had gut for strings with normal tensions of 55 lbs when nowadays they hover between 65-80 lbs. Back then you had to be creative and actually had to play good in order to beat your opponent. Today, if you can hit the ball 143 miles per hour, chances are you opponent can do the same. Though impressive to watch, the game of finesse has all but disappeared.

She gets dressed and proceeds to do laundry. I had spoken to her earlier that evening when she was headed to Katharine's basketball meeting and she mentioned she was hungry then. She prepares a dinner plate and walked towards the playroom where I motioned for her to sit next to me. She immediately informs me that she was upset to see me watching 'old tennis' while our daughter was in another room. She also stated that she asked her co-workers what they thought of by telling them of my 'old programs' habit. I didn't realize that my watching old tennis programs had been bothering her -a lot! I was insulted! I stood up and told her that I happen to like it so why can't she accept it?

Do people normally get upset with others when Cary Grant is on? Do they normally get upset when they come across TMC on TV? What about old episodes of Star Trek? What about Friends? I don't get it. The next time she watches 'National Treasure' for the hundredth time should I get upset? ... maybe I should...

I should have written this awhile back..

.. if my parents find out.. of course they eventually would since they read this blog. What am I referring to? My Honda Shadow VT750. I'm posting this now so I can come clean when I see them soon.

Though my idea of cruising is a 35-40 mph ride, (so I can stop at Starbucks when I feel like it) that would not fly with my parents because they have always been against motorcycles - I think we have friends or relatives that have had accidents. I'll probably hear about it as soon as I get there..

Oh, did I mention I have an affinity for skulls too?.. skull shirts, stickers, key chains. Heck, my bike key is a skull. Man, being raised roman catholic by parents who in addition are superstitious, I wonder what they would say to that too.. I'm thinking what else I have in the attic that needs to come out?

The Goose goes to camp!

Yesterday, the goose left to go to a 5-day camp in West Texas. This is the longest she will be away from home; definitely from Kelly whose always with her on out-of-town trips. The longest time Katharine's been away from Kelly was when she and I went on our Hawaiian trip a couple of years ago. This time, she is away from both of us; in a camp which Kelly went to herself when she was younger. I was a bit nervous to see her off yesterday since I knew she was headed to a place where she did not know anybody but know that there will be fun enjoyable stuff to do while she's there. Last week through yesterday, I would tell her that she will enjoy this week finding and making new friends, doing horseback-riding, canoeing, hiking,.. whatever else they do at camp. I also told Kelly to motivate the goose and not show sadness that she is going away for a length of time because that might make the goose feel homesick even before she left; not to mention get scared of what might be out there. In the end, I knew that sooner or later Katharine will do or go to places that neither mom and dad are invited and will have to fend for herself. But as with any of us, the experience of doing things on our own just needs and will eventually happen.

Pics from camp: http://www.bunk1.com/template/gallery.aspx?op=6&form_camp_id=7714&userid=1481543&perpage=1&Page=1

"A Trip To The Stars" ... by Katharine

"Going to see a star up close has been my dream for the longest time. Though the one thing about the stars are that they can't come to you; you have to come to them. Yet that's only the beginning of our story.

One summer night, Jenny Conn was lying outside of her foster home thinking. She was thinking about her loving parents she lost on a cruise when the boat unexpectedly disappeared in the Bermuda Triangle. She was gazing up at the stars wondering if her parents were up in heaven staring down at her saying that they're sorry and still love her.

By the time she got inside, everyone was asleep. So she tiptoed to her bed. The second right before she got to her own bed, Jennette (her best friend) flopped and turned to the left side of the room to see Jenny tiptoeing through the room. She sat up straight in her bed and yelled in a hushed tone, "Hello??" Were have you been?" She said even quieter trying not to wake every single child in the room. Jenny walked over to Jennette's bed and said, "Do you remember the night I just.. just sat in my bed thinking of my parents?" Jenny didn't even wait for an answer. She only paused to think of what to say.

"All I want to do is see them and more, and tell them.." Jenny didn't get to finish her sentence. Jennette plopped on her pillow and said half asleep, "Ok, you go do that.." and drifted away. Jenny was tired too. so she went to her bed and fell asleep. Not caring that it was 11:18 when she finally drifted asleep.

Thankfully, the next day was Saturday. On Saturdays everyone sleeps in. So that's exactly what she did. Jenny had the most unusual dream though.

"Hello,Jenny. We're O.K." As Jenny listended to the voice in her head, she recognized it. In her dream she was in the backyard of her old house waiting. The voice was hard to recognize, but the voice got louder. More like right behind her. She twirled around an saw her mother's shimmering blue eyes, and her father's short brown hair. They smiled and she too began to smile; but as she looked into their eyes she was confused inside. Yet, right before she let the smile turn into a sobbing face, her mother grabbed her hand, and her father grabbed the other. With the wink of her mother's eye, they all started flowting. They were headed to the stars.

As they got above the houses, Jenny felt a tear trickle down her cheek. She had seen them, again! Though, as she wanted to ask so many questions; there was only one that would anser them all. They landed on a rooftop to say goodbye, and right before they left she said in such a small voice you couldn't even tell if she ment it, "Do you still love me?" Any parent would know what to say, but they knew excactly what to say. "Sweetheart, even if we didn't show it, you'll always be our little girl and in our hearts. Goodbye sweetie." She let go of her mother's hand as if reaching out for someone you miss and can't catch them. She quietly wispered goodbye. Then it all blurred away.

Jenny woke up the next morning and everyone was already outside playing soccer, but she didn't want to play soccer. She wanted to say thank you to her parents. So she got down and prayed and now she has a wonderful story to tell, and it all started with a thought."

The Goose is 10 years old!!

How time flies! I remember the first time I laid eyes on Goosey was when the nurse handed her to me outside the L&D operating room and all I could say was.. 'cool'. The nurse eventually said, "you do not know the sex of the baby do you?". I then told her the story that during the three sonogram sessions, we never got to confirm the baby's sex because the first session the baby was way too small. The second time, the baby had her legs crossed. (That in itself should've been the sign!) The third time, she had turned and all we could see was her butt! Cute butt but that was not what we came to see. Oh well..

10 years later, Katharine is as lovely as ever. A bit sassy but I can tolerate it.. Mom, not so much.. She is doing well in school; piano seem to be picking up. As for sports, indoor tennis seems to be the norm for now since it's either too windy or too hot. Softball is good because the games are played earlier in the day before it got too hot. Soccer was dumped because there was too much running and contact with the other players; besides, the flowers and insects were too much to ignore and the game kept getting in the way of her curiosity.

When asked, all she wanted for her birthday were two little live frogs that live in a small bowl to be placed next to the fish bowl. Whew, I thought she might want something more extravagant.. like a beamer or something!

The immediate family celebrated her birthday dinner at Kobe, her favorite Japanese restaurant on Park and I75 where whenever she arrives all the waitstaff call her by name. It's like Norm walking into Cheers. The sushi chef, Mr. Wong already knows what she wants so within a few minutes of us sitting down at the sushi bar, two orders of California Rolls are placed infront of her. Her school friends will be treated to a movie and lunch at Studio Movie Grill this weekend. Gone are the days when you have a birthday party at your house. Holding it at outside venues eliminate the need to clean the house first, prepare the food and drinks, hire a clown (if that was planned), then clean afterwards when everybody leaves. Thank God for party venues! The birthday week will end with Mimi and Poppy coming over for a steak dinner this Sunday. (Now that we can handle here at the house.)

Everyday she grows. Everyday she learns something new. What an experience to be part of her development. For those of you who were told that having a child changes your life.. you betcha! It's much much BETTER!!!!!

Piano Recitals

May 2009


Ok, we think she has potential...

- Superior award for Achievement Auditions
- Gold medal at Keyboard Olympics
- Highest honor (One Plus) at Sonatina Festival
- Gold medal on Theory Test

Places I miss..

There's Hawaii...

And Califonia...

Katharine's Science Project

Most of the time I'm against helping children with their science projects because it becomes a parent-building-race where it looks like (a lot) of money was spent with an architect, designer and decorator to produce a product that resembles a design ready for the governor to approve. You'd think I've learned this lesson last year when Katharine, 'the Goose' was in 3rd grade - of course I didn't. Anyway...

It started with a concept from the Goose about a two-level freeway where on the bottom level, animals can roam free without fear of being run over. Glass windows on the sidewalk would allow people to see the bottom level and enjoy the animals. A glass roof will allow birds and (flying dinasours such as a terradactyl) to land without any worry on the glass of fast moving cars.

Here is what the prototype looked like..

The Goose's concept is sound, but the prototype looked, well.. crappy as my wife Kelly put it. "We need to redo this because I do not want her to be embarrassed!" So we decided to go to Home Depot and get the supplies needed to make it out of wood. Gray paint for the support columns, white for the freeway levels and PVC pipes can be used for the crawl-in tunnel the animals will use.

Sunday was spent acquiring (not to mention new tools and equipment) for the new model. At one point, I noted to Kelly that it feels like a $300 project - she said its because that's probably how much we spent already! Nice..

As you can see, the Goose is hard at work remeasuring and gluing the new parts together.

======

A few more additions such as the upper deck, PVC pipes on both sides, painting and more gluing, the product was beginning to resemble the prototype but in a much cleaner and straighter fashion.

And voila! The completed version is now ready for display.




On to the next project...