Happy Holidays

Two years since the first. First in this new old home. And I'm happy to report that this Christmas was not necessarily the loneliest one without you.

It's been a while since I got excited about Christmas. Buying presents, wrapping gifts, preparing Noche Buena (although I can't take credit for that. It was all All-Around Pedro). We heard Mass as a family—something that happens maybe twice a year (Christmas and New Year's). We had two rounds of dinner, after Church and at midnight. Opened gifts before the clock struck 12 because Dad was getting sleepy (even after napping for 2 hours!).

We had family over for Christmas lunch and I was relieved that there were lots of extra hands to help out with cleaning the dishes (probably the only chore I absolutely hate!).

Last night I grated half a Queso de Bola and mixed it with a little bit of unsalted butter. I was attempting this but I don't think I put enough butter. But I am now a QdB convert because after another exhausting morning in the kitchen, I rewarded myself with another piece of QdB toast with coffee.

Also, I found a tube of lipstick (Shiseido's Warm Cocoa) sitting on my bed's headboard and tried it on last night. Hahaha! I don't think I'll ever wear it out but I thought it looked pretty nice post-Instagram.

Life is good and I can't complain. We have a roof over our heads, food to fill our tummies, and each other. How was your Christmas? (:

Now let me go back to my Words with Friends game with the drummer of one of my favorite bands. You think if I win I can bargain for another MAE show in Manila? This time, I promise I won't miss more than half of it!