Ika 23 ng Disyembre 2008: Two Days to Christmas

The kids and I are off to DFA to hopefully renew our passports. Since our attempt last week was rendered useless because apparently there was a new procedure which you will learn only when you go there. Ok, it's Christmas and I won't be my usual sarcastic self.

The trip is planned as there are side trips to make. I had to return a mynah I bought from Cartimar Pet Center due to a missing toe. The bird might be stressed out if it goes with us so I had to go to the pet store to give it back first and return after we are done with our passport processing to get the replacement. We proceeded to DFA after returning the bird.

Except for some hitches which did not really come as a surprise considering our passport experience so far (sorry for the lapse), the processing was relatively smooth. We were done by lunchtime. My son requested to eat at Mang Inasal for the third time since our first DFA trip. He was attracted to the resto because of its unlimited rice promo. He said the chicken is also yummy. His wish was granted although my middle daughter was somehow protesting. My eldest daughter wanted to go to MOA. I was kinda in a hurry because my former officemates were coming to the house early evening for some get together and I had to prepare something. I told her that with a long Christmas break we will just go there some other time. I have great kids and there was not much problem.

After our lunch at Mang Inasal, we went to Cartimar to get the replacement for the bird. My son bought a bigger container for his new pet scorpion with his own money. His sisters and I didn't like him to have that scorpion. That's why I bought a mynah for him hoping to divert his attention. He really want it and researched about scorpions. He said that his is level 1 in terms of pain and poison. He said it wouldn't hurt if the scorpion stings. He talked his dad into returning to Cartimar last Saturday and got his wish granted. He also bought it with his own money. With the assistance of our boy helper, he has been busy since then fixing the scorpion cage. He has been bugging me about where to put it. I saw it on the dining table and told him it can't stay there. I returned it at the study room. It is, however, occupying too much space.

We got back home. I went to the plaza to buy chicken and additional ingredients for the pasta. The helper and my middle daughter prepared the food while I straightened up the house. Soon, my guests arrived. This is their first time they are seeing my home and of course, I cannot resist the urge to tour them around my home..... They went to every room and every space in the house except the back service area which I am not very proud of as it is not very orderly and has been the subject of my sermon every now and then. Still, there was no improvement. I really have to get down on my knees and do it by myself.

After the customary tour for first-timers in my home, we went back to my living room to catch up..... mostly the talk focused on home improvement. They gave me tips on where to buy cheap curtains and accessories I could use in the house. Dinner was served shortly. It was not a feast but they love the fare. They must be hungry from the long trip. In fairness to my helper and daughter, the food was yummy. When dessert was served, they could hardly take anymore.

PS: Kung kelan magpapasko, ngayon pa sumama ang pakiramdam ko. Sinisipon ako at parang lalagnatin. Natatamad tuloy akong maghanda. Sana bukas wala na ito.....