Time Warner Update

I have finally resolved the whole Time Warner Cable identity theft fiasco. Take that, Time Warner. I hate you.

Ant War

I've declared war on a ruthless colony of ants. Every night I go to bed with a glass of water on my nightstand, and every morning I discover a mass of floating ant carcasses. These ants prefer plain ol' water. Even when Andrew left his Thai iced tea on the desk, they chose the water! So every night, these stupid ants crawl into my water glass and literally commit suicide. I hate them.

Tagalong Ice Cream

My mom was really excited when she came home from grocery shopping because she said that Ralphs had a sale on Tagalog and Samoan ice cream. So naturally, I thought she came home with some ube or mango ice cream. Turns out it was Girl Scouts Tagalong and Samoa ice cream. Whatever, it was still good...

Chocolate for Men

So I found this weird chocolate specifically for men at a Korean market. It was disgusting--the worst chocolate I've ever tasted. No wonder so many men hate chocolate.

Apparently there's also chocolate for women, but I couldn't find it in the store.

Tita Linda's Birthday

Two birthday cakes! King's Hawaiian Dobosh and Red Ribbon Mango.

We brought Grandma Perla home after our long journey back to Los Angeles and immediately started another celebration. Happy Birthday Tita Linda!

Saying Good-bye

Grandma Carmen and Grandma Perla

They think we're still getting the camera ready.

We had to say good-bye on Sunday morning. By that time Grandma Perla was already complaining that too many people were taking their pictures, trying to steal their beauty. After staying up late talking for two nights in a row, the two sisters had to say their farewells again. They exchanged Ilocano curse words, hugs and kisses, and made bets about who would survive longer.

Listening to the two sisters talk all weekend long, it's all too obvious where all of the women in my family have derived their strength, independence, and confidence.

It was a fun trip. I know everyone sensed the void that was left by Grandma Gloria's passing. But I take comfort in knowing that we keep her close to our hearts by exchanging our memories of her and her life.

More pictures.

The After Party

Crash.

Celebration at Tita Carol and Tito Jim's

Tito Melvin and Tito Jim BBQing.

Their beautiful backyard.

Andrew and Me.

Everyone.

Tita Carol and Tito Jim hosted a small, intimate get-together in their beautiful home. Brunch, meryenda, and dinner with little snacks in between.

Tita Carol begged Grandma Perla to prepare her favorite Grandma Perla specialty: Cascaron. Grandma Carmen happily obliged as long as they had all of the ingredients. Tita Carol sent poor Tito Jim to brave the Asian market for the right coconut milk and glutinous rice flour. Grandma Perla's only instructions for Tito Jim to find the right brand were,"Not this one. Get the other one. You will see." So after three trips, two kinds of coconut milk, and a bucket of unnecessary lard, Tito Jim returned and the cascaron-making commenced.

After two big bangs under the pot, an almost oil fire, and Grandma Perla's scary oil burn, it was ready. And soon afterward they were devoured.

Then there was the usual story-telling, reminiscing, and tsismis. We talked about the time Grandma Perla was caught smoking marijuana. Uncle Reynie's gallavanting days before the Navy. Who had the worst eczema. A debate on the best treatment for eczema, old-school Vicks vs. modern wonder Aquaphor. How high everyone's cholesterol/blood pressure/blood sugar is. What cholesterol/blood pressure/diabetes medications everyone's taking. How Grandma Gloria learned to drive. The Grandmas' plan to steal one of Tita Alicia's pet goats to make kilawin. Grandma Carmen's rules of how to treat women. How Grandma Gloria never learned to cook. How Chris put together my bike on my 5th birthday, then taught me to ride it when he stayed at our house one summer.

And of course a friendly game of hold 'em. I hear someone bet a full car detail?

Fun times. And the best part? I know the secret to Grandma's cascaron.

Sacramento Airport

Our assignment: Pick up Tito Melvin and Uncle Reynie at the airport.
This is their luggage for their two-day trip. Really, it's just a modern art sculpture in the baggage claim area.

Max's Fried Chicken

Famous Fried Chicken.


Uncle Reynie swears that you really can eat the bones.

After we left Grandma Perla to tsismis at Grandma Carmen's house, we explored what seemed to be the Asian neighborhoods of Sacramento. Their Seafood City is even larger than ours. I didn't expect to see Valerio's, Red Ribbon, Pho houses, and Chinese all-you-can-eat buffets so far away from home.

Right next to Seafood City we decided to finally try Max's Fried Chicken. My dad always talks about how the rich people in the Philippines usually catered their weddings with Max's. In fact, my dad's dream when he first immigrated to the United States was to eat an entire chicken by himself--no sharing with his seven siblings.

He didn't eat a whole chicken, but he did indulge in some chicken sisig.

In all, the chicken was pretty good. We were all slightly disappointed because the chicken didn't come with rice (seriously, Filipino restaurant that charges $5 for rice!?), but we were pleased with the included banana ketchup. So, Max's Fried Chicken, Red Ribbon pandesal, and Valerios ensaymada made for a nice meal to end the first day of our short stay in Sacramento.