Jcka’s Adventures

Hello folks I know its been awhile and been home for a week but i want to post it anyway…

Last 18 March 2006-Saturday

      We were at the Safari theme bedroom: Bianca Ann woke me up that morning asking for milk… went downstair got her milk, then asked if she can watched the TV. I was not feeling good that morning –so tired. I guess from sleeping with full stomach and going to bed very-very late. Bianca ann asked for water again…got to get it for her. I laid down in bed with Bianca Ann watching TV, half sleep cause am scared BiancA Ann might wander upstair and played with the stuff she is not suppose to be playing.

      She asked for water for the second time again…told her its on the table (by the bed side) just reach it herself. She got off the bed and drink the water…on her way up the bed she cough and she throw up on the side of the bed and the carpet- I jumped off the bed! I said to my myself NOT AGAIN!!! It did wake me up…had to cleaned up the bed sheets and the carpet. Am glad no pillow this time.

       After got done with cleaning–went downstairs for breakfast. I dont usually give my child kisses chocolate— but this time I have to bribe her with kisses chocolate just to sit still next to me at the breakfast table…she wants to sit down on the fancy sofa all by herself- scares me…;-)

       The agenda of the day is to see her Hubby Steve’s office at the downtown Houston. By the way Steve is a Magistrate Judge — had pic of the court room where he preside, Juror’’s room and the library.  My poor Bianca Ann was sleeping the whole time, we were driving to Steve’s office and back to their house, she was even asleep on my arms while we were pic taking in the court room. Then Billy called that he is at Rina’s house waiting for us all to get home—he is picking us up for Bryan, Texas to visit his younger brother Kevin.

      Rina suppose to take me for lunch but change the plane when Billy called we decided to had lunch closer at their place. we went to a Cajun Rest. had a crawfish and oyster again…he!he!he! Crawfish are so hard to open the shell–its good but prefer shrimp more!  more meat and much easier to peel he!he!he!

        Left Rina’s house at around 6 pm. we could have stayed at Rina’s house for the night but Billy says no–my in-law is expecting us for the saturday night. Bianca Ann was asleep the whole trip to Bryan.Tx, a 2 1/2 drive. As what my hubby said its hard when we are visiting his family in Tx —we have to drive a few hours  just to see EACH of them. I guess its much better that way para di masyadong magulo he!he!he!

* Sa sunod na lang ang karugtong ng mga adventure at misadventures namin sa Texas ha? Maraming salamat sa inyong LAHAT na nag-post ng comments sa mga blog entry ko. I’ll go visit your PAGES- and post comments–Pohon kaloy-an sa Gino-o inig abot nako sa balay….*

      Just got done Fixing all our luggages, trying to put all back all the junkies inside the luggage. I did some laundry last night too. Kaya di na ako naka-log on sa friendster kasi nga I was trying to fix all our stuff make sure walang maiwanan. I hope…sana’y di rin kami over-limit sa baggage weight. 

    My MIL made a chicken sandwhich for us— di nakayang tapusin sakit na iyang hips daw sa tagal nag pagkakatayo kay ako na ang tumapos. I had a laundry in the dryer–beddings ni Bianca Ann. Para bukas ang ang aming beddings naman while we are getting ready to leave early morning ugma—Pohon…. Hope Bianca Ann wont get sick this time…

   I asked BIlly to vacuum para di na maglinis ang matanda pag-alis namin wala man maminaw ang akong buto-an na bana. We did get a boquet flower for her and yellow MUM pots for them and a note–pasalamat gihapon sa libreng stuff/food we enjoyed during our visit.

   Cadillac is with my father in-law i-tinurn-over namin this afternoon. Took A lot of pic of the Cadillac, I had drive it once in Guam. I am not a car person—I prefer SUV better! Papa Jack was so excited and he loves it!—- his health condition is OK- compare to a month ago; his blood count still low and slow down muna sa Chemotherapy. We are suppose to drive to his place in Llano yesterday—due to his health condition di na natuloy.

   Hala na its 11:46 pm na pod…gotta go People mag-fold pa ko sa akong nilabhan!!! Take care you all!!!

       Got up at 7 am…we tried to get up early so we can go to Kemah Boardwalk early too.

       Did some dishes while Bianca Ann was still asleep, I was talking to Rina while I was washing the fancy wine glass. I put the sponge inside the wine glass and when I turn it around on the rim of the wine glass I heard "TIK"  I BROKE IT!!! I was speechless…Gosh what I am doing!!! She said it was alright and she got a lot of it–she open 2 cabinets full of different wine glasses to make me feel better. Beforehand I told her I am scared to wash the wine glass I might break it and I DID ;-)  We had fried fish and fried rice for breakfast—then we dediced to cook the penakbet, sweet & sour boraw and adobong kangkong while Bianca Ann still asleep. When we got done cooking –kain na naman.

    Finally left the house at 2:40 pm heading to Kemah Boardwalk. She was suppose to take us to Galveston bay area also I suggested wag na lang kasi ala nang oras. Rina drove by the NASA Communication Center— nakita ko lang di na kami bumaba–grabeh kasi ang traffic. Nakarating kami sa Kemah ng around 5 pm. She bought us 2 unlimited band rides— we did ride the carousel, airplane, train and boardwalk tower. Took us a long time bago maka-sakay every ride kasi nga sa haba ng pila- the longest one was sa Boardwalk tower–ginutom ako sa kahihintay. Bianca Ann nagyaya nang umuwi–but the long wait was all worth it. Nice view at the top!!! Nakakahiya kay Rina kasi nag-mukha na siyang yaya namin  ni Bianca Ann–taga-sunod at tulak ng stroller around wherever kami pumila. ha!ha!ha!

   Dinnertime comes–Rina took us at the Aquarium restaurant. We had a blast and mesmerized with all those fish swimming infront us. Took a lot of pix of course–it will be posted when we get back in WA. Rina ordered a half dozen raw oyster and oyster rottiserie for appetizer- looking at the prices nabusog na ako We both ordered a platter for our dinner per her idea. Mine was Captain broiled platter which di ko naman masyadong nagalaw kasi nga busog na sa appetizer pa lang. Bianca Ann had a pizza—Then Bianca Ann want to go na-night so I changed her clothes and let her sleep sa stroller while trying to box our almost untouched left over.

    On our way to the valet area to pick her car - Rina saw the souviner shop. She insist that we stopped by to get something for Bianca Ann and for me na rin daw *kimi* pa ako. She did picked a lot of stuffed toys and bath toys for Bianca Ann–which I asked her to put it back kasi nga ang mamahal tapos am sure di naman malalaro lahat niya. She got a stuffed dolphin, squid and Nemo for bath toys and 2 t-shirt for us.

   We got home at 11:30 pm. At 1 am we were munching with the left over blue crabs then we decided to call my Mana Nene at her house. I told my sister about our mishap at Rina’s house–she said nakakahiya daw ako ha!ha!ha! We uses 3 phone card just talking to Mana Nene–everytime na maubos ang isang card Rina want me to call my sissy again kako palamigin naman natin ang phone baka sumabog yan sa over heat I did the dishes before going to our Safari bed at 3 am.

PS: bukas naman ang iba..katulogon nako its 12:23 am na!

     I woke up at 9 am (3 hrs sleep) took shower— went downstairs Rina still sleeping. Just got milk for Bianca Ann then went back upstairs enjoyed the view of the water scenery from the porch upstairs.

    I heard noise in the kitchen— Rina is awake, we had coffee and pandesal for breakfast. LOve it!!!

     I am not sure if its necessarry  or FAIR to BRAG about her house. Once in a lifetime lang kasi tayo makaka-pasok ng nice/rich house dito sa US. I just fell in-love how she takes care and the interior design is breathtaking— she got a GREAT TASTE (in my own opinion). My mana Nene told me already how NICE (through video taped) ang bahay niya pero iba pa rin if you see it with your own EYES>>>I am going to try my best to described her house for you guys. Rina’s house is just a year old—nagpa- blessing sila last new year. She did a good job in doing the interior design all by herself. She did tour me around her house after the breakfast. I noticed all the 3 bedroom upstairs has its own theme. Where we sleep is a european bedroom, the next BR is Safari and the 3rd one is Chinese- Chinese BR is the most fancy one. sabi niya sa akin I can use all the 3 bedroom on my 3 night saty at her house ;-). She has also a game room, with Plasma TV on the corner and cutie bar upstairs. Her Dining room is on Japanese theme…she had a lot of real house plants and orchids. The living room is facing the water view with elegant couches— her kitchen is awesome- granite countertop. Appliances is top of the line— here’s the big scoop. The carpet rug under the breakfast table is $10,000.00— nakakatakot apakan-ha!ha!ha! Her masterbedroom is downstairs— facing the water view—awesome bathroom too. Great landscaping both front and back yard.

     After the tour- nag ready na kami for HongKOng Market. it was an hour drive..she bought blue crab, stuff for pinakbet, fried pork, fried boraw, hipon, siopao, fried breaded anchovies, few asian food and few phone card again- binigyan pa ako ng 2 phone card… galante talaga ano? Pagdating sa bahay about 4 pm— lamon agad ng fried fish and pork with rice. She steamed the blue crab for dinner. Her hubby had the left over spaghetti for dinner. wawa naman he!he!he!

     At 8:30 pm I was lying down with Bianca Ann nagpapatulog…she was not feeling good. She was being cranky…when I thought na nakatulog na siya I left the room and called my kababaryo who lives in Houston area also. While I was talking him and his wife. I heard Bianca Ann crying hard and calling my name. Went running to our bedroom— soon I get to the door (it was dark) I smell something familiar–same time hoping she did not. Turn the lights one she did got sick on the nice european beddings and its pillows. I did tried to stop her from making more mess sa ikaduha niyang pag-suka wala lalo lang nagkalat. I picked her up and put in the bath tub in case magsuka pa siya. I was so EMBARRASS— Rina came to our bedroom and got worried with Bianca Ann’s health. I did tried my best to help her clean up after  I take care of Bianca Ann–she said  its alright its an accident. She just told me to move to the Safari room to sleep for the night…tucked Bianca Ann in and was praying hard she will not make mess on the bed–he!he!he! She did sleep good.

  We had the crab for dinner at midnight— shared our Maalala mo kaya experience in Calbayog and US life till 3 am.

  Note: Just got back from Bryan,TX. tonight. Nakatulog na ako kanina, nagising lang dahil sa thunderstorm…thought to update my blog. Here’s the first part:

    My Mana Nene good friend RINA who lives in Sugar Land, Houston. With her kind hubby Steve picked Me and Bianca Ann last wednesday night (15 March) from my MIL house in Austin. I was so excited to see her. I did met her once in Calbayog a few years ago, my sissy introduce us- but Rina hardly remember me-pangit pa kasi ako noon eh! joke lang! ha!ha!ha!. I have a high regard for her that I thought she was taller than me. When she got off from her SUV to meet me and give her a hug…I realize we are same heights he!he!he!

     We did chit-chat for a few minutes to introduce them to my hubby and MIL then start loading up my baggage. As soon the SUV move heading towards Houston…Yakitak started and my smart Bianca Ann told Mommy to be quiet she is sleeping> We all cracked up! She got it from me.

    Rina brought me a pillow and blanket–she was hoping I will take nap on our way to Houston because as she said we will be up all night soon we get on her house. Nah I was too excited and cant wait to talk We were chatting and giggling the whole time na di namin napansin kung gaano kalayo ang Austin to Houston drive. Bianca Ann was out and did not even wake up when I put her on our fancy "european bedroom." I cant wait to describe Rina’s house…

    Got in Rina’s impressive fancy-nice-well-decorated house (hope di masyadong OA ang description ko) @ 10 pm. I was so amazed with the man-made lagoon or lake of Chelsea HArbour neighborhood. Ang laki halos every house (300 houses) got an access to the water and fountain sa gitna ng tubig. Bianca Ann call it OCEAN!!!

     Rina cooked a nilagang pork for us…it was so good! While enjoying the sabaw, we called Calbayog. Rina asked her sis-in-law to call my sis Mana Nene to come at their house for a surprise call from ME. Rina talk to Mana Nene first then hand the phone to me— wala siyang kaalam-alam na she was talking to her younger sister. Dal-dal lang siya nang dal-dal akala niya si Rina pa ang kausap niya - I was holding my laughter then na notice niya ang boses  ko. She asked if this is Jessica? kako uhum…told her kayakbot niya. She just laughed hard—her signature laughter so does mine- Keep asking if I am with Rina in Houston and how long i have been there. SHe was so excited and happy that at last Me and Rina meet in TX,and able to spend time at Rina’s place.

   We did use all  4 Super Phils. phone card that Rina bought. $10.00 each with more than 200 talking mins. The phone got warm in my ear,  both hand got sore in trying to hold the phone on my ear. We did stayed up very late and went to bed at 6 am. Bianca Ann woke me up…keep telling me how nice and how much she liked our european bedroom!!!

# PS: got more chika about rina’s house and the places she where she took us.!! sunod na lang kay 2 am na deri! till next!!

   *WARNING: Dont read if you have a WEAK stomach…thanks!!!

   Its Monday!!! Laundry day for me back in WA thought to wash our beddings  and Bianca Ann. It is nice to lay down on  a newly washed beddings–the downy scent ohhh…smells good!

        We went out the house again today for Target (thanks GOd!!). to have my Digital pix put into Kodak CD and do some shopping for Bianca Ann’s new toothbrush, sandal and some summer pajamas. The one I brought from WA are too warm for a warm weather here in TX. Yes most of her clothings are long sleeve from cold WA. got some few summer clothings though.

    We went to HEB for grocery—it was fun cause I sat down with Bianca Ann on the toddler cart (those one na mura ug bench ang lingkuranan)  Billy push us around the store–so cool!!! One girl made a comments- look the Mama also pushed by the Papa! How does she know I am the MAma? ha!ha!ha! Got 2 lbs of SitaW–came home and make some ginisang sitaw with shrimp. Thought to cook  an adobong sitaw but I was thinking of Bianca Ann- am not sure she will like it.

   While I was cooking Bianca Ann was watching TV on her bedroom. I put the sitaw on simmer–and thought check on Bianca Ann what kind of show she is watching, she is so quiet. I am being suspicious everytime she gets quiet!  When I get on her Bedrm— smell somethings familiar…when I saw her she smiled and informed me she pooped–showing same time her poopy FINGERS!!!! I jumped and picked her up to the bathroom to be cleaned. Horrified (my MIL beddings) and kataw-anon ko at the same time kay I just washed the beddings and pillow cases tapos ito pinintahan/pinunasan niya- hu!hu!hu! I did not not get upset or get mad at her, di naman masyadong malaki ang mess niya. I called Billy for help to take off the beddings from the bed–all my hubby said was "WHY THEY DO THAT?!!! ha!ha!ha! How do I know *wink*

    This is the second time that Bianca Ann dig her soiled diaper…the very first time she did it while we were at our home in WA. Hinawakan ko agad ang kamay niya before she make a big mess. I always let her wear an undie if she is not wearing a onesies just to make sure di niya ipupunas everywhere ang soiled diaper niya–as what happen to my friends son. I guess Bianca Ann outsmarted her not-so-smart momma ha?

     This incedent just added to Bianca Ann’s "when I was a toddler" book story!!! *Giggling proud Momma…* I was watching the funniest video show..thought I should have taken a video of Bianca Ann…he!he!he!

Saturday:

    We went to visit Papa Jack, my  father in-law and had  breakfast with him at the Central Market in Central Park. After the breakfast Bianca Ann played at the playground and feed the squirrel and Birds with popcorn.

      We did visit Billy’s eldest Brod Jack Allen at his place in Travis county. We did fishing at the pond- caught none and four wheeling–it was fun!! We stayed there for 4 hrs… it was hot and humid. A different world from Wa- 30 degree temp. ha!ha!ha! While getting ready to leave I changed Bianca Ann diaper and her clothings. As I took her jeans off I noticed she got bumps on her legs, parang allergic reaction ba. My MIl said maybe a bug bite— just put a cocoa lotion oni t.

    On our way to Papa Jack’s place– Billy drove us around in the area where he hang out during his high school days. Then stopped by in central market again to buy some asian food. I got a box of California Roll sushi, a lb of shrimp and sotanghon. Am planning to cook a sotanghon soup with shrimp–(nag-laway na ako.) The Sushi–binanatan ko na sa sasakyan pa lamang laking pasalamat ko nang I asked Billy if he wants some–sabi Niya NO!! Inubos  ko nang lahat!!!

     After a good dinner of HAm and potatoes; took a bath with BA notice the bumos are gone I guess the coao lotion did help. Bed time come Me and billy both experience sneezing and feels our allergy is hitting us. We took benadryl tablet and sleep good.

SUNDAY!

     My hubby informed me that he is taking us to the Rodeo Show www.staroftexas.org  in Travis County Exposition Center today. As usual I let BA get ready first I noticed bumalik ang mga bumps  sa legs niya this time parang lumapad pa. Those pantal did not bother BA at all. Billy applied an oinment for allergy— we got there around 1 pm. As usual it was hot, humid and breezy (maalikabok pa gyud) Bianca Ann pet and feed the farm animals. Oh boy the barn was stinky!!! ha!ha!ha! We did some carnival rides— some rides BA is too short- an inch short YOu need to be 36 inches taller or with adults. I ride with her sa Carousel and a little roller coaster… kuyaw nako oi! Siyaget baya ko- basol daku ngano nga sakay-sakay pa man…Bianca Ann just said wheee with excitement, she thought I was screaming bec. I like it. Billy ride with her sa caterpillar medyo malaki yun. Bianca Ann dont want to go home–she want to see Disneyland first. Told her that they are close on Sunday We had a Greek gyros and strawberry smoothie for snacks.

     On our way home for the first time Billy drove us to Manor where he went from Kindergarten till High school. I took some photos of the kindergarten building; to show BA about his Dad school days. We did drove by where Billy’s old house where he grew up- at the Cameron road–it’s a Business Park right now. But the Palm tree that use to be at the side of their ancestral house is still there. He always take me there everytime we came here in TX. I dont mind I know for sure how it mean the place to him—its part of his life.

    Got home- dinner is waiting for us had a Chicken wings with rice (Uncle Ben’s kind) dinner roll, beans and carrots. Took bath and notice BA ’s pantal are gone again hope di na bumalik bukas.

        AM not sure how to start this entry… ang hirap talaga pag may bata tapos ang bahay ng host is not a toddler proof. We end up chasing Bianca Ann all the time— freak out everytime mahawakan ang mga stuff na she is not suppose to play with. She does watch her DVD Dora and Princess stories, or sometimes Diego sa TV room. Pero I cant just let the TV babysit her. Super sa tahimik ang lugar nakakapraning. Asawa ko always asking if I am OK- he knows when I am quiet somethings going in my mind ha!ha!ha!. Not to mention the 92 degree temp. today.

      Ang kasunod na bahay ng mother in-law ko got kids..and Bianca Ann really want to play with them. They have a trampoline on thier backyard…my poor Bianca Ann asking for a key for the gate para daw makapasok siya sa kabilang bakod ha!ha!ha! Buti na lang we meet the 6 and 8 yrs sister while they are riding their bike seems nice kids and thier parents…they did offer that we can come and play on thier backyard. We did went their–for the first time kong maglaro sa trampoline-nalilong ko. Bianca ann had a good time ayaw nang umuwi.

        Last wednesday night I fell asleep in Bianca Ann bed– I was awaken with the rain then the lightning/thunderstorm…I was so scared I got up and laid down with my hubby. I notice he was having a cold chill and he is having a fever— I did wipe him with a cold rug–so glad. He cool down…on the lunch went his Mom to Home depot to look for a Kitchen cabinet.

        Tapos kagabi naman it was Bianca Ann crying, screaming masakit daw ang tenga niya. Umiiyak from 11:30 pm till 3 am. She was calling me first tapos–sabi niya she wants me..then she asked me to scratch her back I did. Iyak pa rin …she wants her Daddy. I woke up Billy–tapos ayaw naman magpa-hawak-iyak lang ng iyak. Nag pa-gulong-gulong sa bed niya. She was scratching her eyes too— it was hard for us watching her–rolling around crying in pain (as she claim.) This is the second time happen to her waking up at night crying….she said she is hurting but she dont want nobody to hold her. TAPOS SHE ASKED NA WE GO HOME TO OUR OWN HOUSE, she wants to go na-night there ( I cant blame her ;-0 Yes Bianca Ann got a bad allergy! As to air quality here…medyo masama for people like us who got an outside/season allergy.

      We could have taken Bianca Ann to the Doctor for her allergy since last Tuesday –she throw up sa sobrang ubo. But all the clinic we called do not honor TRI-CARE our military health insurance. One office told Billy that we need to be stationed her in TX para ma-accept, my hubby was pissed off. SO Billy called back again if thats the case how about we just go there and pay the bills from our own pocket. Sabi sa kanya na di daw pwede kasi they have a contract with the TRI-CARE he!he!he! tumbling sa galit asawa ko….He just went to Walgreens and get a Benadryl and a medicine for pleghm.

        Regards sa meal dito. Its great!!! My mother in-law cooked and served during breakfast and dinner only…lunch time is help yourself he!he!he! Miss ko na ang seafood and filipino food. ALways on meat here…patay ta ani sa akong high cholesterol…am not allowed to cook fish inside the house pa gud per my outlaw say. this all for now!! till next…

     This is just one of the "nth’ iterinary we have with our in-laws.

      My Mother in-law had her simple retirement today at her work in Frisco/ Night Hawk Restaurant–after working as a waitress for almost 40 years. Too bad she dont get a retirement check for that long years of working…Billy use to do a part time as a bust boy (excuse my spelling) during his high school days.

        She was given a gold necklace with a diamond pendant by the grateful owner as a token of her job well done during those 40 years; and a free meal Certificate lifetime for her. A pair of gold earrings from her co-worker… some of her avid customer were there too—my brother in-law Kevin her youngest son made it. It was so funny though Billy and Kevin are already on their 45’s they act just like they are on their teenage years… they are picking each other as in any moment magwre-wrestling silang dalawa. Oldest son Jack allen could not make it due to his appoinment. We did start my mother in-law free meal (just her) after the ceremony…

     During the ceremony my Princess Bianca Ann kahit na may sipon—takaw eksena. Flirting with the old folks… her grandma friends–dancing ballerina infront of everybody; asking everyone of their names and telling her names, her age and her parents name too.

     While I was getting her ready for bed tonight she told me she wants to go home in Daddy’s home… poor girl! She got a cold due to an allergy. Her coughing at nighttime keeps me awake… Do wish she feels better soon—

    TAKE TWO!!!    

      I am using my step father in-law PC right now….My mother in-law PC went off on me while I was trying to post my blog and its asking her password…she is taking a nap thougth just move to another PC. Di nga ako nakapag-log off sa PC niya.

     Where was I??? I guess I have to start all over again ha!… Thanks you all for the well safe trip wishes that you have sent in our way. Appreciated!!! The trip went fine and am so thankful we made it in one piece he!he!he! Bianca Ann was a good girl during the trip. Stewardess were so impressed of her being on her seat for almost an hour with no fussing and TALKING A LOT!!! Feel sorry to the lady seated next to us- Bianca Ann asked her a thousand question and playing with her. She was so good that the stewardess give us a 2 headphone for free (cost $10.00)

   She complain an earache while we were landing in Houston (stop over)told her just open her mouth. She fall asleep when the plane got in terminal— So I have to carry her out of the plane with my right hand and 2 backpak in my left hand. It was hard but was more harder when we find out that my stroller were send out to Austin (front desk forgot to put pink tag on it) And am so glad that they change the gate of our next flight (originally was the other side of the terminal) A continental ticket lady help me with my hand carry luggage– so nice of her. Mama almost got sick when we arrived in Austin–I do get a motion sickness. Bianca Ann were giggling hard when the plane wheel touches the ground–she thought it was fun..but me I was holding myself and trying to concentrate not to throw up. he!he!he!

     I woke up the next morning with a phone call from ADT…informing me about a burglary alarm in our house. Yes the alarm went off due to gusty wind. Our friend Jimmy fixed/checked it for us. Still the police came (am sure we will be getting a notice of False alarm and hopefully will not be charged..hu!hu!hu!) I was so nervous… and feel so helpless.

     My hubby finally arrived today at around 3 am from driving a few thousand miles from Washington to Austin. Just so glad he was alright..tired and his butt is burning pain from sitting too long—- Bianca Ann wake up when she hears her daddy coughing could not wait till see him in the morning. What a daddy girl…

     Ok floks this is all for now..thanks for being with me and I am off to your blog… CIAO!!!