Archive for "Family"
Christmas Day 2012
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family, Movies.
Just some highlights from Christmas Day…
We opened presents after breakfast. We had no idea that Aunt Sandy and Cousin Tracy had sent us gifts so that was a wonderful surprise. Aunt Sandy sent us a beautiful angel ornament that now adorns our tree.
Cousin Tracy and Jeff sent us a combination wine stopper/pourer
We got lots of goodies from Mom and Dad B that I can’t even name them all. Even though it was just us, it took hours to open presents. When we were finally done, it was time for lunch. Donna prepared a delicious feast. Brian and I ate so much that we didn’t have room for any food when we got to the movie theater.
We selected Les Misérables as our Christmas movie this year, which worked out great because it was what was showing in the balcony and I’m not sure that I could have convinced Brian to go otherwise. Brian despises waiting in line at the theater. Anyway, I absolutely adore the musical specially since Lea Salonga has been a part of it. She played Éponine in the 10th Anniversary Concert (The Dream Cast in concert at Royal Albert Hall) and Fantine in the 25th Anniversary Concert (at the O2). She isn’t in the movie, but she’s the main reason that I’m familiar with the musical. If you are not familiar with the musical or the novel, just follow the links for more information. I also linked to the full concerts in YouTube above for your musical enjoyment.
I thought the movie was pretty good. They told the story pretty well. I was really impressed with the big name actors in the movie. I had no idea they could all sing. Well, except for Amanda Seyfried because I had seen her sing in Mama Mia!
The two songs that always get me are “I Dreamed a Dream” sung by Fantine and then “On My Own” by Éponine. These solos never fail to make me cry. Of course, you guys know I’m a crier so there were several parts of the movie that moved me. Hugh Jackman is a skilled actor who was quite convincing as Jean Valjean.
Speaking of songs, “One Day More” is another really good one. I cued it to that part in the embedded video above. They did a good job of it in the movie, but it doesn’t compare to the rendition in either of the two live concerts I posted above. Be sure to check it out if you want to see some fantastic singing. These performers are truly talented. I get goose bumps listening to their beautiful voices.
I highly recommend catching Les Mis if you haven’t seen it yet. If you’re a fan of the musical, it may not live up to your expectations. I still found it enjoyable though. Plus, I’m glad they made a movie because it brings the musical to people who wouldn’t otherwise know about it.
Anyway, I was grateful that we caught a matinée because the theater was completely packed when we got out of the movie around 6 pm. It was complete and utter mayhem both inside the theater and outside in the parking lot. There were hardly any parking spots available. It wasn’t that bad when we got there in the afternoon. Brian and I actually got a good parking spot.
Thank you to Mom and Dad B for watching the movie with us and for a wonderful Christmas Day celebration from start to finish. I really hope we get to celebrate together again next year.
No Comments
Christmas Eve – Part II
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family, Food and Drink.
Brian and I had Noche Buena at mom and dad’s house in Derby on the evening of Christmas Eve. As always, mom got a little carried away on the cooking. She had more food than people. LOL.
This is mom’s version of embutido.
Mom’s humba.
I’m not sure why we had ham, but we did. LOL.
I’m not sure anyone had any of the chicken because mom put it in the oven to keep it warm and promptly forgot about it. LOL.
Mongo!
Dad was already playing with the JVC Adixxion
The mayhem that ensues when the Cannady kids arrive is always a highlight of Christmas Eve at the Alonso household.
Here’s a picture of the boys opening our gift for them.
Brian and I had a big box so we wrapped all three presents individually and then placed them all in the big box and then wrapped the big box also.
Brian and Logan and Jenni played with Brian’s iPad
Logan showing off his new calculator watch.
Logan playing with one of QQ’s Christmas presents.
I know I’m not supposed to play favorites, but Eli is the sweetest of the three boys.
Here he is playing with the new dry-erase/magnetic chalkboard that we got him for Christmas. I think he likes it.
QQ playing with his new RC car.
He actually ran the battery dead that very night.
Logan got a new RC plane so he can start flying with dad.
It’s mayhem alright.
Logan and his gift card, which I believe is going towards Borderlands 2
It was great to see the Cannadys on Christmas Eve. Mom sent a bunch of leftovers home with us along with our new stainless steel pots and pans which really made Brian’s day. Thanks for another wonderful Noche Buena. Until next year!
No Comments
Christmas Eve 2012 – Part I
Posted on December 27, 2012 by Ching under Family.
Brian and I had a busy holiday season. We spent the afternoon of Christmas Eve at his mom and dad’s house so we could see Kevin, Kasey, and their kids because they wouldn’t be able to make it the following day.
Andrea and Kyndra posed for the traditional photo.
Kasey’s friend Julie and her boyfriend JD joined us also.
Andrew opens his stocking stuffers.
Kevin got some anti-bacterial hand sanitizer in his stocking.
Kyndra opening one of her presents.
Julie and JD got David Star Trek PEZ dispensers
Kyndra and Andrew playing with their table-top air hockey game.
No Comments
It’s That Time of Year Again
Posted on December 24, 2012 by Ching under Family.
Yes. It’s that time of year again when I post a recap of past Christmases. Why? Because the holiday season makes me feel nostalgic. I hope you guys enjoy looking at these old photos as much as I do.
Christmas Memories…
Wishing everyone a wonderful Christmas and a fantastic New Year!
No Comments
My First Burger and My First Meals in General
Posted on December 22, 2012 by Ching under Family, Food and Drink.
Today I had my first burger (well, half a burger) since surgery when we took grandma to Freddy’s for lunch. I’d forgotten how delicious their burgers are. And you all know how much I love their shoestring fires.
As you can tell, I’ve pretty much resumed eating regular foods. Actually, I started eating regular foods almost immediately. I bounced back from surgery pretty quickly.
I was afraid to eat on the night of my surgery though. I remember that Darcy puked out her first meal after her surgery. I really didn’t want to have to go through that. It hurt enough to cough. I’m sure vomiting would be much worse.
Mom came over and brought sinigang na baboy, my most favorite Filipino dish. I could only eat the broth. I had a little bit of rice with it but, despite not having eaten in almost 24 hours, I was done after four or five bites. I was starving when I woke up the next morning and ate the rest of it then, throat be damned.
Brian made me some chicken noodle soup later that day. Thanks to Tiffe, Sunni, and Carmen for thinking of me and getting me a couple of soup mixes. I would have been drinking protein shakes the entire time otherwise. These soups — I’ve tried the chicken noodle and the broccoli cheddar — are delicious, by the way. Tiffe told me that they got them from Great Harvest but you can order them online too. As a matter of fact, I’m thinking of getting some more. They’re that delicious!
Speaking of, I have the best coworkers in the whole wide world. They got me this beautiful bouquet that smells just as good as it looks. I also got this lovely bouquet from Pat at Wheels. She is so thoughtful.
Anyway, I feel very blessed to have such wonderful people around me. Brian was the most awesome of all. He has and continues to take good care of me. I can’t imagine going through this alone. I think I might have starved to death.
No Comments
