2009

I hope every enjoys the new year and their opportunity to take on new goals. Like going to the dentist or avoiding dairy.

This Is Where We Live - 4th Estate

This Is Where We Live from 4th Estate on Vimeo.

Marisa

And a home video of my Christmas in the Bay Area ...

OK, so it's not an actual home video from Christmas, but actually the overture to Jesus Christ Superstar. Close enough.

Christmas in the Bay Area/Sacramento was lovely. It was cold enough to wear everything in my suitcase at once, but it was worth it.

While times are hard, my family decided to be a little more innovative with their gift giving. For instance, Auntie Beth stitched up some amazing stuffed dolls from old sweaters and blankets. Tita Mynna and Dawn treated the family to sushi. Auntie Des and Brice managed to challenge the entire family to a walk-off. My mother, though, probably wins the award for strangest presents given this Christmas.

Some of her notable gifts:
• "potato battery" for my Uncle Les - My uncle has a knack for gadgets and manages to have latest and coolest toys before anyone else. As a joke, his wife/my aunt suggested that what he needed was electricity. To which my mom responded confidently, "I can make that!" And packed a potato (on which I drew his face) and a couple copper wires creating a working potato battery.

• Polveron and Food For the Gods for Auntie Des and Auntie Risa - Favorite Filipino snacks packed to perfection by my dad.

• Doily for my Auntie Beth - My mother told my aunt, "For you, I'm going to make a doily!" Doubtful, yet nicely, my aunt replied "Really?". My mother actually made one.

• Beibi Brews Beer for Uncle Brice - When asked what he liked, Uncle Brice answered, "I like beer". So my mom said, "I can make that." And on Christmas, Uncle Brice unwrapped 3 bottles of Blue Moon re-labeled by my mother. The sharpie and masking tape labels read "Beibi Brews" (Beibi = her nickname) and taped them all over the bottle.

• "Super Titi" and Jello Shots for Uncle Monch - Who knew that there were Shrimp chip snacks called Super Titi? My mother apparently. She only bought these because "Titi" was in the name. To those who aren't familiar with Filipino slang, "titi" refers to a penis. Well to go further with this elaborate filthy joke present, her jello shots were made in her easter egg jello molds. So when anyone looked at the present, my mother helpfully reminded, "SEE, THEY'RE EGGS!" to make the ultimate phallic experience.

So afterwards we make hot chocolate and churros (from scratch-- we wouldn't have it any other way!) shaped like sperm and crucifixes (for Grandma). Played with Kristen's batwings, nerf guns and r/c tarantula (Yes, that was from us) Watched more Mamma Mia Sing A Long and Jesus Christ Superstar. (My father proudly reminds me that he was a priest in his high school production of the rock opera. This is evident in his memorization of EVERY LYRIC) Gotta love my family! (The only people reading this...)