Away I Go

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We ARE Our Grandparents' Grandchildren

Stimulating iChat conversations with my friend, Purnell, almost/always leads to interesting revelations about who we are as individuals.

Today, the topic of interest had to do with grandparents. Our conclusion: As close as we are to our parents, we really take on our grandparents' traits more than anyone. We're kind of like our parents, but we're exactly like our grandparents.

Purnell says his interest in writing comes from his grandmother, who also gave him high cheek bones among other great qualities.

If you look at my cousins--especially from my mother's side of the family--what we have in common are the traits that we inherited from our Lolo Sixto and Lola Marcela (a.k.a. Chelay). No wonder, when my cousin Gladys and I talk about some of our cousins and siblings, we say, "Oh, he or she's a Gatchalian" or "That's a Gatchalian thing." I know the main attribute that my cousins and I got from our grandfather was his drive. From my grandmother, it was her kindness.

I really wish they were still alive--I have so many questions to ask. Now, all we have are distant memories and vague glimpses into their lives--stories that have been passed down from family member to family member and the minor moments I had with each that I hope to never forget ... like how my grandmother would give me fried chicken skin (they didn't eat them for health reasons--haha), how she always smelled like jasmine (which I still sense around me today from time to time), and how she had these mod plastic eye glasses (that's so hip to wear now). And, she was such a sweet lady. And, I will always remember how my grandfather ran a marathon for senior citizens and swears he should've won but got second place instead (the first place guy cheated), how he wore white V-neck T-shirts around the house, and how he would hide little pieces of chocolate in between couch cushions from me, but would let me have some when deserved. And, he wrote everything down, practiced caligraphy and was always quick and feisty up until the day he passed away.

I can only hope to add to this list.

Kids' Birthday Parties are Way Fun

ha--marcus stretching before he plays

tyler having a blast

hannah and me--take three or four (the previous photos were fug)

bitchin' blazers, mom and dad

love it--makayla knows how to pose ANTM style

explanation: we were freaked because we saw a kid heading into the play tube with a barbecue stick in his hand

friends forever! YVIH!!!

Soy "Milk" is Rude

Soy milk is just ... rude. It looks like milk, has been considered a milk substitute and even has "milk" in its name. Milk, my ass. Don't call it soy MILK! Call it soy WATER. Heck, soy EXTRACT--it's so yuck it might as well sound medicinal.

Pshhh... Soy "milk"--yeah, okay, Ysolt says sarcastically. Not okay.

Halfway from My Apartment and the Office

I checked my GPS the other day and this very point in the Lincoln Tunnel is about halfway from my humble abode and the iVillage offices. Oh, the morning drive, how I love you so.

Me and My Cheeses at the Cheesecake Factory

"Love you gals! I know I send the 'I love you' text every time we hang out, but you gals are great. I'm so happy you're in my life. :)" --Claire

Tear and ditto to E-Z Cheese. Pimento and I would be lost without you. Who else would we share a Godiva brownie sundae with other than each other? Uhhh, no one.

It's crazy to think how far we've come. I still remember going clubbing together as if it were yesterday. There was the time when Vivienne drank way too much and became a "woo girl." (LOL--would love to see that happen again.) And, cringe, we used to drive up to valet parking in Claire's mom's mini-van! At the time, we were not at all embarrassed--ha--go figure. Tonight, Claire brought up the time she and I spent all afternoon hunting for "sexy" Halloween costumes. She scored a schoolgirl outfit, I found a cheerleader one. Yes, we wore it out in public only to realize it wasn't a costume party that night at the club at all! Ummm, what?! We still wore the tops anyway--but just with jeans instead (because THAT is okay??) What were we thinking?!

At the end of the day, no matter how "cheesy" we were (or are), they're still my cheeses and we'll forever be cheese best friends. And no, I'm not at all ashamed we were once clueless and lame. I wouldn't have it any other way. Never.

Restaurant City on Facebook = A World of Randomness That People are Addicted To

Upon joining, Viv e-mailed me (regarding an ingredient or something that she gave me for the game)...

"Can't even remember what I gave you--I think it just goes in your inventory (the wooden crate). I can't believe you're playing this game! Oh wait ... Why would I be surprised? You've always liked floor plans! LOL"

That's a real friend. She gives me a fictitious wooden crate and recalls my obsession for floor plans.

My cousin, Earl, also lent me a hand by giving me some much-needed ingredients. He, then, said, "Let me know if you need anything else." (What a great help for my fictitious restaurant.) My sister also gave me a fire pit for future use. Thanks, everyone. Haha.

P.S.
I am kind of into this Restaurant City madness. My joint's name is the Salt Shack (so come visit me for some fake eats).