a glimpse of my california.

//my favorite little man showing us all how well he can eat// 

No words can really describe how good it felt to go home a couple of weeks ago. Though it wasn't the first time I went to California since moving out here, it was the first time I visited my family and friends in the bay. We packed so much in during the few days we were in town, driving up and down 80 many many times. I'm so thankful that Dave and I have such loving friends and family who took time out of their days to make sure they had some free time for us. Here are a few of my favorites taken on my phone.

//visiting sudwerk and old friends// 

//i popped the question and asked her to be one of my co-MOHs// 

//the boys reunited// 

//senorita bread//

 //i want to get back to my city by the bay//

//next year!// 

//visiting refuges has to be one of my favorite parts of traveling now// 

 //buster insisted on riding shotgun with dave on the way to the airport//

sandy and the giants.

The worst has yet to hit, but my block is already seeing problems. I got home from babysitting this morning to find my block closed off and a tree blocking the road. So incredibly glad I wasn't around when it happened and that I was able to find a parking spot free of trees (which is pretty difficult if you know my neighborhood and the massive amount of trees surrounding). Luckily nobody was hurt and only one car (I think) got damaged.

Dave is in Nags Head, NC, which has me terribly worried since it's a tiny little strip of land. He promises me he's safe and sound but said many roads are closed or completely washed over. He also had to relocate because the house he was staying at is too close to water level.

//This isn't where he's staying but it looks scary... and this is from yesterday!//

Here in DC, public schools are closed, many businesses are closed, people are stocking up on supplies, and driving like maniacs (slow down people!). Anz and I are tucked away in our little English basement with sandbags standing guard at both the front and back door. We've got a decent amount of water saved up and enough ice in the freezer to keep things good for a day, should the power go out.

I heard on the news today... items in the fridge will only last 4 hours with no power. A full freezer will last two days (if you don't open it!) and one day if it's only half full. They say to place items you wont necessarily need (milk, meat, etc) in the freezer so that it'll stay good.

In other news... HOLY SMOKES SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS! Way to SWEEEEEEEEEEEP! I couldn't be more proud of my team.

via

A note to all the Giants fans who are fans just because they won aka fair-weather fans aka bandwagoners... be a little nicer! Yes, our team won two World Series Chamionships in the past three years, but that doesn't give you the right to rip on everyone else. You guys are so mean when the Giants are doing poorly and hate on the fans of opposing teams. The San Francisco Giants are an amazing team with incredible players. They deserve fans who are polite, respectful, and supportive at all times. 

A huge thanks for all of the congratulations. :) The hugs, phone calls, and text messages mean the world to us.
We love and appreciate you.

giants.

The week of Fourth of July brought three things to DC: heat, rain (with its buddies thunder and lightning), and the San Francisco Giants. Though my team didn't do as well as hoped, I was still thrilled to watch them play. Tuesday ended early due to rain... so we went to a nearby bar only to find out that they decided not to call the game and were playing again after what seemed like a million hour delay. We were supposed to have a fireworks show that night, but the rain (and its friends) cancelled that one. On Thursday, they "turned back the clock" to Game 6 of the 1924 World Series – New York Giants v Washington Senators. It was entertaining to see everyone in the old school gear.

//Poor Teddy was finally in first... didn't last long//

If you couldn't tell by now... I have a strong affinity for #28.

today is a good day.

First off, today (for those of us out east) started with Matt Cain earning San Francisco its first perfect game - 22nd in MLB history for those of you don't know how big of a dealio this is!  My twitter and Facebook feeds have been filled with friends across the world cheering for our team. Couldn't be happier and it only makes me more excited to see them face off with DC's Nationals on July 3rd.

Since this amazing feat occurred in the wee hours of the morning, I went to sleep only to wake up to more good news. Friends, I have a job! Well, I guess I have two now. I've been nannying for the sweetest little baby D and have just been offered and accepted a clinical nurse position. Not too shabby for only being in DC for a little less than two weeks!

Last but not least, this song has been stuck in my head for weeks. I wouldn't be where I am today if it weren't for the guy who makes my heart beat like a jungle drum - definitely wouldn't be living in DC. So thank you, babe, for helping me to become who I am today. I dedicate this song to you. :)

Pictures of the new place to come when we actually have it looking normal. Right now it's just one big old mess! Hahaha.

cold.

So it's cold out. It's colder in Bakersfield. Not as cold in San Diego. Pretty cold in Mariposa. Poor Raiza is now in St. Louis where it's even colder. Oh, and I have a cold. That pretty much sums up my past week.

First off, I feel like I'm hacking out my lungs. My chest hurts so much from coughing the past few days. I coughed so much last night, I didn't get a good sleep. Medicine, start kicking in please! I totally blame Dave for getting me sick, though I guess I should be blaming the little ones he works with every day. I'm sure they're the ones who got him sick.

Last weekend (Saturday through Monday), the family went to Bakersfield to visit Kuya Russell, Ate Joyce, and their kids. Raiza was still visiting with us and came along. Dave even drove up from San Diego to visit as well. We celebrated an early Christmas - even though no presents were opened. This was just the only chance we'd have to get together.

It was a quick weekend but fun. It's always a good time when you're with Kuya Russell and Ate Joyce. Milo and Peter (their kids) are amazingly sweet and fun to be around too. I just felt badly that Peter is afraid of dogs as we brought both Buster and Anz. Thankfully, he warmed up to them enough by the end of our trip. We also took a quick trip down to San Diego so Raiza could visit some friends and then took a trip to Mariposa as well to see Ate Lyn, Kuya Roger, and their kiddos.

Tuesday, the parents took Raiza to explore Sacramento - including a visit to Thunder Valley. Is it just me or do Filipinos love to gamble? Every time I go to Thunder Valley or Cache Creek... pinoys everywhere! Whenever mom and her friends go out - casino! Hahah. I stayed home to start and finish up a presentation for class.

We went to the city on Wednesday and met up with Ate Ari. Pier 39, Lombard Street, Golden Gate Bridge. And then... Ghirardelli!! Granted we went to the outlet store in San Leandro where the prices were waaaaay cheaper. Seriously.

On Thursday, we sent Raiza to the coldest she's ever felt - St. Louis. She'll be living there for some time with her mom and sister, so I hope she acclimates soon! It was a shock coming from the Philippines to the bay in regards to temperature. I couldn't imagine how it would have felt going straight from the Philippines to St. Louis this time of year. Wow.

School is almost over for the semester. It's been going well. I'm really enjoying the courses and am excited for my CM preceptorship at Lucille Packard next semester. My official last day of school is my birthday! How great of a gift is that?! If only April were here NOW. We have to wait over a month though for our graduation - May 27th.

Can't wait until next weekend! Hopefully I'm feeling better by then. Last day of the semester is Friday. Saturday, Anz and I will be heading down to San Diego! Chargers v Ravens, Christmas concerts, ice skating, wine tasting, and Chanukah are just a few of the things on our schedule (I'll be coming back to the bay for Christmas).