christmas in delaware

joy of opening presents (especially if they're toys)

it's actually around 4 hours til the new year celebration goes full blast here in new york. but before all that craziness and joy hits, wanted to wish everyone a week-late merry christmas. or a happy whatever celebration it is that fits you. my christmas '06 was celebrated with family in delaware. last i celebrated christmas there was in '02 (my first ever christmas here in the states and a white one at that) so it was good to experience the holidays there again—family, staying in, overflowing food & desserts and all. ok, the sugar was bit much.

christmas clogs from coen van amsterdam

whereas santa's presents in manila were opened when the clock hit 12 midnight, in delaware, santa's presents were opened christmas morning. my nephews got lotsa star wars and legos. i got a spanking new just what i wanted sonicare e9500 for a brighter healthier smile in the coming years. well, the pricey doctor-recommended toothbrush was my sisters' present actually and not st nick's. i must've been a good boy. or maybe it's coz i went to christmas mass. even got a sweater, designer hand-me-down pants, snacks, a journal, and holiday cards too. and taking advantage of the tax-free and why-not-its-christmas shopping, i gifted myself some clothes and things for the apartment. and once i got back home here in new york. was greeted by a present in the mailbox—a pair of signature (read signed) wooden clogs from amsterdam—not that id ever wear them coz they're the wrong size and i only wear adidas now. nevertheless, it was a pleasant christmas '06 experience. a quieter, less hectic one (than in manila) but real great in that way.

xmas present of sorts: a new travel site for all

got back here in the city friday night and most of the weekend's been about getting a headstart on '07's plans. been getting into the rhythm of much-needed exercise, cleaning up and de-cluttering the apartment—even fixed the toilet that won't flush with my own hands, and laying in the ground work for a brand new personal site that's all about chronicling the travels here, there and everywhere. consider it a christmas slash new year's present to all. a work-in-progress at that but one that is in givable (forgivable?) condition. so, a one week delayed merry christmas or whatever it is you celebrate to all. will save the new year's greetings for tomorrow. when it is officially the new year here in new york.