Birthday surprises

First of, here is my disclaimer once again... I know I have neglected my blog once again. But I have a good excuse this time. I finally found the courage (and still working on it) to start vlogging. Now, I just have to make sure I find balance on blogging and vlogging. I know there are some moments that the camera doesn't capture that a blogpost would be able to explain. Anyways... that't that!

I remember when I was younger, my mom once said to make sure that if I'm gonna make friends, I make sure that these friends would be there for me not only for fun times but would stick with me in the roughest days. Up to this day I still remember those words as if she just told me about it yesterday. This guy is one of them.

I met Sai couple of years ago. It wasn't an instant connection but I knew I wanted him in my life. Having a huge circle of friends, it's hard to concentrate on connecting with each person and my story with Sai is no different. Ok maybe it is. Not until about last year when we started connecting more compared to when we just met. It was September if I remember correctly. Seattle hosted a NAGVA tournament and Sai together with couple of my friends stayed at my place and that't when it all started. After they left, I find myself sending text messages with him more than usual and the rest is history.

As months went by, I have traveled to the bay area numerous times either by myself or with my closest friends from Seattle. Fast forward to April which is Sai's birthday month, I thought I would organize a surprise birthday celebration for him. I put everything together from a distance in Seattle and the surprise birthday weekend is gonna be in San Francisco. I discovered that it wasn't hard to put something together like this when it's for somebody close to your heart. Tons of the plans changed last minute but it still worked. One of them was me hiding from him until Saturday when I got in the city on Thursday. But at the back of my mind, Sai would be mad when  he finds out that I've been there for couple of days already and would think I wasted those days instead of us hanging out. Sai's BFF Jennica, who then worked at the same place as him had a brilliant idea of me picking them up after work and that's when it all began.

Watch my vlog post below to see how it all went down on each day.

 

Saturday came and Sai thought it was the end of the surprise. Little did he know that his "Auntie" Ryan is driving up from LA with Eli and my "daughter" Tatiana. I dropped him off and picked him up at work that day using his car "Olaf". He mentioned earlier that he wanted to work out before all the celebration happens, so that was perfect timing for me to plot a new plan for his second surprise. I hijacked Olaf from him and drove back to my son Nino's place to wait for the Ryan and them. Upon arrival, I went to pick up Sai for his second surprise. I didn't know where to go after that so I did what I do best, winging it! I asked him what he wanted to do and sure enough we ended up at a Korean BBQ place and went out for some drinks and dancing.
   

Saturday came and I was not done just yet. We went to the Castro area early in the morning to play volleyball open gym and went to my favorite breakfast place in Daly city afterwards. (I always, I mean always make sure to eat there whenever I visit). Sai needed to do errands and I made his Inay ("mom") Roel plan a fake dinner plans with him that night. He sure did fell for it. Meanwhile, we were all busy making food at Nino's house. We managed to sneak in some grocery time in between the weekend. Totally had to be sneaky. Jet and Roel drove in from Sacramento that afternoon. Couple of days before the surprises, I learned that Sai sent a text message to them inviting them over the weekend to celebrate his birthday but they made it look like that they were in LA for another friends birthday. Alas, Sai fell for that as well.

My vlog below pretty much sums up the whole weekend of surprises.

That weekend was such a blast. It makes me so happy see everybody smiles and hear their laughs most especially Sai, it was his birthday weekend after all. I have no clue how to top this all off for the next birthdays to come but hopefully I'll figure something out. Thanks to my sisters and everyone who made this weekend possible and so much fun! Miss y'all!

I love you po Chinitoh!

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Road Trip to San Francisco part 2

I have posted this vlog several weeks ago but I wasn't able to post it here on my blog to share. The rest of out weekend in the bay was quite nice. Nothing majorly scheduled but just playing it by ear. I didn't care much about the sight seeing stuff coz we all know that I've been at the bay for so many times. But at the same time I was with a couple of first timers.
 The first part of the vlog is where I left off from the first part of the roadtrip. And then we went on our day and I finally got to see the new Bay Bridge, had a great lunch at my favorite spot Tselogs that serves some of my favorite filipino dishes and then was at the Golden Gate Bridge look out for quite some time because we all got separated. 
It is not too much content but I just wanted to show how happy I get whenever I am around these bunch of people whom I will get to see again next week. Yes, i'll be at the bay again and hopefully I would be able to vlog again. I need to get on it for the start of my year and hopefully will have a good track through outt the year. not using xoxo, ChaCha

Road Trip to San Francisco

What happens when a group of adventurous Filipinos decide to do something spontaneous? With my friends and I we ended up in San Francisco.
Originally, the drive was just upto Portland, OR where there is a volleyball tournament happening on the same weekend but because of the lack of interest weeks before we decided to just go somewhere else since we are already off for the weekend. The decision making was pretty easy but not as smooth. All we had to figure out is who among us are in for the fun, the car plus gas money and a place to stay.
Everything fell into the right place and all we had to do is leave. Haha! I was so excited for I was missing my friends from the bay already after their visit in Seattle weeks before.
Had a blast like always with a lil rough patches here and there but all in all I would do it all over again. Maybe in another city or something but the memories we made that weekend was definitely worth the 12 hour drive.
not using xoxo, ChaCha

Camping @ Daroga State Park

With our busy schedules not connecting, it was hard for us to set a date for our camping trip this year. We wasn't able to go last summer coz of this conflict but we made sure that we would do at least one this summer. Like usual, our friend Eye was assigned with looking for a campsite for us since she knows more about it and probably has more patience amongst everybody.

We didn't do much while we were there. We just wanted to relax and have a good time. We wanted to rent a boat at Lake Chelan but the winds got a lil crazy and they stopped rentals for the day. We got to visit Leavenworth as well but that vlog is in the process of editing.

Anyways, here's our camping adventure for summer 2013. I had a blast and I hope we can at least put 2 camping trips next year! Enjoy!

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Huge thanks to Mark Tyler for the music

Margarita Sunday

Thought we would mix it up with some Margarita this past weekend and M. Ray's place instead of our normal Vodka mixes. And of course we were watching movies as well. Loved the Margaritas, not until the next day occurrence if you know what I mean. LOL!

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Outdoors season begins

It was a gorgeous Sunday in Seattle and everybody took advantage and enjoyed it. We decided to go to the park and play some outdoors volleyball. I know its just Spring but if this is a preview of summer then there's gonna be a lot of outdoorsy stuff in the our future.

Can't wait for more sunny and nice weather here in Seattle!

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

USAV Puget Sound Region

Just wanted to make a quick post of this pics taken from the two separate USAV tournaments we played at. Our team name is DTF (figure it out), such a bunch of fun people to play with with no drama
 (well not until later from other people. LOL!).

(L-R) Dylan, Chris, ChaCha, Rick, Cody, Gabe, Ronald and Nack (Bottom)

(L-R) Brian, Fred, Nack, Dylan, ChaCha, Jaquan, Cedric

We won Gold on A/BB Division on both tournaments and we are super happy with that.It's nice to just get in the court and enjoy what all enjoy doing together. Team Chemistry is a must and eventhough we all don't play together as a team, we found that chemistry and built it up progressively. 

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Current Knick-Knacks...

• I think I'm getting sick. Went to bed last night with a lil sinus and headache. Ugh!
• I'm not sure if I should be excited for league tonight since my knee is not in a good condition and I haven't played in like 3 weeks.
• I can't wait for the weekend. I don't know why
• I stepped up and training somebody new at work since she is not learning anything from the previous one. Lol!
• I'm CRAVING SUSHI!!!

Sunday cooking

Three friends, same hangover from Saturday night and hungry...

That's who we are last night. Sean, Tyra and I was debating last night if we should order Italian delivery or cook. The thing is we were to tired and hang over from Saturday night that we didn;t even do anything all day but lay down and sleep. We got left overs from the party for lunch but didn't wanna eat the same thing for dinner. 

We found the motivation to get up at 8pm finally and went to the store to get ingredients for our Olive Garden Fettuccine Alfredo Recipe I found online. But of course, being the big gurls that we are, we also got Tomato Basil Bisque which is my favorite ever and added some Garlic bread which seals the deal. I had a bottle of Merlot at home that went perfectly with the whole meal. 

Not gonna lie, Sean did most of the cooking while I was burried with all the dishes that needed to be done and Tyra prepared the soup and garlic bread. Everything turned out to be great and surprisingly we barely even ate. The Alfredo was barely touched, the same way with the soup and bread. Everything was heavinly filling. I'm looking forward for eating left overs tonight though... All on my own!!!

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Current knick-knacks:

• I had a super fun spontaneous weekend with my friends like usual.

• What made it extra amazing is I had a 3 nights and 3 days with Boo. It's been a long time since we spent a long weekend together. It made me realize more how much I miss him.

• Went to a friends party and it amazes me how guys testosterone really comes out when they are intoxicated. People never learn how to put their alcohol in their tummy and not their heads.

• I'm totally addicted with some Youtuber's and I love how they all get together and see videos and pictures online. They are all in Florida for Playlist live. Can't wait for more internet findings.

• It's Monday and I can't even express how happy my heart is from the weekend! Mahal Kita!

Thirsty Thursday Fun

A lil Thirsty Thursday Fun with friends never hurt.

#throwbackthursday

So I've been keeping up with the "trend" on social networking and Thursdays is ones of my favorite days because I get to post somethinig throwback photos. I don't mean to go crazy and go back to college or highschool days that wont be cute(if you know what I mean). This previous Thursday, I found some pictures that was seriously a blast from the past when I just moved here in Seattle and before Thirsty Thursdays happened. I don't know how I'd feel on how I look but at the same time you just have to laugh about it. LOL!

I think I was about 20 or 21 on this picture. (yes, I had a fake ID just like more than half of the teens nowadays) We would hit up Rplace and just stay on the 2nd floor and play pool a lot of the nights.

Who doesn't love 80's music? Before Thirsty Thursdays there was 80's night at Neighbours nightclub. I remember working until 1230am in the same hospital I work at now and would be in a hurry after work just to go dancing couple of blocks away from work. I am a 80's baby so listening to this music is definitely my jam and definitely brings back tons of memories from childhood back home. I shared the same liking with tons of friends who upto now we share some laughs whenever we remember those nights.

I'm looking forward to more #throwbackthursdays and would try to dig to some more old pics that reminds me of the good 'ol days. Its refresing and a great reminder of who I am now.

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Finding Nemo

I was so excited when I found out that my "eldest son" was gonna be visiting town from SoCal. He moved down there not to long ago to start school and for a change of scenery. As far as I remember, he's  been wanting to move to SoCal and when he found the chance to do so.   I got a call from Nemo last Thursday and was wanting to meet up but I just left work and was at Southcenter mall with my friend Tyra. But we made sure that we would see each other even for a lil bit befor he heads back to SoCal. Sunday was a good oppurtunity. I was in the hill for a baby shower but told him that I would be able to meet up with him after. The gang decided to grab some drinks at Purr after the baby shower and it was perfect timing that they were in the area.   Outside Purr since Nemo is underage   I was glad to see Nemo (center) and finally meet his boy Cole. I have heard great things about him since they got together and sure enough he is just how Nemo described him to me. Nemo and Cole seems really happy and I can't stop but notice the smiles that they give to each other. It was nice to be able to chat and catch up with how things are going with him/them.   Cole, Nemo and I at open gym Monday   I was lucky enough to see them again at open gym. After they stopped by on Sunday open gym, they thought might as well play some volleyball on Monday and have more time hanging out with the Seattle peeps just like the good old days.   I really wish all the best for Nemo. And I hope he finally gets back to school this fall as planned. Plus, he has good potential on making the volleyball team at the junior college that he is planning to go to.   I'll miss you again Nemo! I hope to see you on April when we plan on visiting SoCal. not usingxoxo, ChaCha  

#RealTalk

Ginger Halloween

Our good friend Judi came for a visit to party with us over Halloween weekend since he left for Pharmacy school to the east side of Washington. HoneyLove, Judi and I would hang out a lot on Thirsty Thursdays, volleyball and other kind of events.   Trying on our Ginger wigs at the store   Pre-funking at home  

Of course I had to take a "self-portrait" on our way to the party

with the birthday boy GBC   We've been wanting to dress up for Halloween together in forever but it just never happens and this year was our chance. We ended up going to Value Village to venture on some costumes but hours later, there is no luck. Together with the Halloween celebrations, our friends GBC (Ginger Bear Cub) is celebrating his birthday at the place that we were going too. So we had a bright idea of dressing as "Gingers" for the night in dedication of our friend GBC.   We had a blast that night and it was so good to get to hang out with Judi once again.

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

i LOVE this guy!!!

The more I get to know you, the more I LOVE YOU!!!

Bitch stole my stilettos

This is what happens when you invite friends over for a night of drinking. And we haven't even started yet! I remember hearing the clackers (sound of the heels from the ground) on my hallways as if there was a runway show and I can hear it all the way from the backyard and I knew this bitches was having a fashion show.

Thanks for coming over y'all! Had a blast watching The Simple Life season 1. Haha!!!

My dear BabyGurl was WGW (White Gurl Wasted) that night and wrestled Kane for saying something RUUUUDE!!!

Can't wait for more nights like this!

☺♥☺♥☺♥☺

not using xoxo,

ChaCha

Happy Birthday Kane

View from Nakamura and Transemme's rooftop

I've gotten really close to this guy the past few months and I wanted to make his birthday a lil special.

Sometimes, all it takes is a birthday cake, a bottle of wine and some beer and a whole bunch of friends to make somebodys birthday extra special.

I love you my Kane!!!

Thirsty ... Wednesdays?

I had a really bad day at work yesterday that my brain was just not functional. Thank God to my dear friends who was on the same thinking like me and a long thread on my friends facebook wall, we got together for "some" drinks at my place (which has been the destination lately). I felt bad though coz I told my BabyGurl that I would go to volleyball with her but canceled later on.

My dear friends are lifesavers. We had drinks and laughed all night and made my emotional & hormonal day looked better... even just for a lil bit.
not using xoxo,
ChaCha

(i am nowhere promoting that drinking fixes problems. lol!)

Lake Ohop Fun

FINALLY!!!

I was able to do something this summer and get to play in the sun. Chuck and Vka invited us once again at Lake Ohop where Chuck's family has a cabin by the lake. We went twice last summer and this is our first one this year.

It took about a week of planning after the invite came out. We had to finalize who will make it and setup food assignments for each meal so that its everybody gets to have their own share of just hanging out and who takes care of each meal. And knowing us, we can eat! Haha!

I wasn't able to capture some pictures but thanks to J who has her camera over the weekend.

Tavita and the kids were the first ones who jumped in the lake...

Setting up the tents. There was at least 18 of us that weekend and the cabin has limited space so some of us needed to sleep in the tents. I loved it!

Warming up by posing before building our tents. LOL!

Chuck was first to set up and just fixing the inside of the tent

Jaquan was teaching Elijah how to sunbath and dry up

Let the fun begin!!! Everybody by the dock. Bronson, Chuck and I enjoying our beer by the floating island

The pontoon wont work at first but eventually did. I don't think any of us had our phone or cameras when we went for a ride :(

Dinner time for the kids. Spaghetti and Caesars Salad for the first night

So here's the game ... Whoever was the last to touch the ball will have to jump in the water and get it. Guess who got to jump in the water first?

Yup! It was David.

Everybody was just chillin' and enjoying some music

Vka and David up for some trouble

As we watch them waiting for their plan.

LOL! Uncle G has a better shot of this. David sets Vka the ball and Vka turns around trying to hit the ball to J who was closer taking their picture.

Bitter and I by our tent.

Who looks more asian? David or J?
LOL!

WERQ! La Saveona Hunt giving it!

Momma Lei made Noodles for lunch together with Vka's Tuna Spread and Auntie Dale grilled some Chicken and I fried a tray of Lumpia. Too bad nobody took a picture. haha!

But the grand daddy of food preparation. I don't know where to start but we had Crabs, Scallops, Mussels, Corn, Portugese Sausage, Lau Lau (hawaiian dish) all cooked/steamed in 1 pan. And Keoki grilled some Chicken and Kalbi ribs that Bronson made. It was a delicious feast!

Saturday night bonfire and drinks after a long day of fun. This is how we would end our day. Just gather around the fire and talk stories and tons of laughter. That weekend, Tavita introduced us to the "name game" where you throw out names (there's rules of course but im not gonna get into that. lol).

I love this shot of Tavita and Elijah.

The ever so cute Malia.

Justin danced some Hula for us.

LOL!

So Sweet these two!

Sidepony and I catching up and talking stories.

I setup my mat by the tents away from the fire coz I didn't want to smell like bonfire smoke and it was perfect location where we can see everyone

Tavita had this Shark sweater. It was so cute. haha!

There was no pictures the next day coz J had to leave Saturday night to study but she posted these pictures that night so I guess she didn't really study that night? LOL!

It was not just us that weekend. Kaipo (Auntie Dale and Uncle G's dog) and Kaimana (Keoki and Sidepony's dog) was there too. They had a lot of fun as much as we did at the lake.

Be ready for dog cuteness overload ...

Kaipo

She kept running all day and she was exhausted!

Kaimana and Kaipo fighting over the toy

Kaimana knew what was about to happen while Sidepony was giving her a hug and saying her sorry already

Momma had to let her go and learn how to swim. Poor baby was so scared fighting Sidepony.


She did great swimming with her life jacket

And what a smart girl getting on the the island float to get out of the water

 Kaipo check on Kaimana if she was ok after getting pushed

I had so much fun that weekend. I needed a quick getaway after stressing about moving to a new house (working on an entry about that).

Everybody started heading out Sunday morning after cleaning up and packing our stuff and the cabin. After playing some games and drinking some beer by the fire we all left the cabin and headed home.

I had to snap some pictures of the kids on our way home. I think they were more tired than us.

Malia held Chucks arms the entire way home. It was so adorable to look at.

While Elijah sat at the back with me looking all exhausted.

Thank you so much Chuck and Vka!!! And thanks to J and Sidepony for the pictures.