Cape Cod: It's Not Just for the Kennedys

From the beaches of Wellfleet and Eastham to the historical sites like Marconi Station and the Kennedy compound, Cape Cod has got something for everyone. Even tiny towns like Truro have quaint restaurants and vividly decorated art galleries, and the salt air smells fresh on the breeze.

A Brief History of Cape Cod

Ever since the Vikings first called it "Promontory of Vinland" in the ninth century, Cape Cod has been a waypoint and navigational landmark for sailors. Even today, stone walls built by Leif Erikson and his younger brother, Thorvald, still stand in Provincetown and at the mouth of the Manomet river. More than 500 years later, the Wampanoag tribe of Native Americans welcomed the Pilgrims. Today, the largest, free-standing, all-granite monument in the United States stands in Provincetown to commemorate those early Pilgrims and Native Americans. Other explorers, such as Henry Hudson and Captain John Smith, walked the willowy sand dunes and breathed deep the fresh air.

Things to Do

Sitting in the middle of the ocean as it is, "the Cape," as it’s sometimes known, offers all manner of waterborne activities. Bathers who can get used to the seemingly frigid waters of the North Atlantic, even during high summer, can enjoy some of the best swimming around. The Cape receives fairly substantial tidal action, and the difference in water level between high and low tide is as much as 12 feet in some places. At low tide, this creates playful surf for bodysurfers and swimmers with inflatable rafts. There are even beaches dedicated to surfing itself, such as White Crest Beach in Wellfleet.

Cape Cod beaches are as famous for their spectacular sand dunes as well as their ocean water. Unfortunately, wind and water erosion has hit the dunes quite hard, and fun activities of yore, such as "sledding" on refrigerator boxes and running down the dunes, are now prohibited. Big dunes are still fun to look at, however, and the biggest are at Cahoon’s Hollow ocean beach in Wellfleet.

Lighthouse fanciers can visit dozens of the structures on the Cape. Most famous among these is the Nauset Light in Eastham, but there are also other notables, such as the Nobska Point Light in Falmouth, the Edgartown Harbor Light on Martha’s Vineyard and Chatham Light. The lighthouses speak to the Cape’s importance in the shipping history of the United States. Whalers used to call the Cape home, and travelers can visit not only old whaling stations but also the homes of famous seafarers, including whalers. Those interested in whales themselves can take whale-watching cruises from Provincetown or Hyannis. Sailors and fishermen alike can take advantage of everything for which the Atlantic Ocean is famous.

While in Hyannis, which is part of the larger town of Barnstable, Mass., vacationers can catch a glimpse of the Kennedy compound. The Kennedy family, though, donated the main house to the Edward Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate in 2012. On specific days, it’s now open to the public. Also in Hyannis, visitors can feed their munchies at the Cape Cod Potato Chip factory. It’s open for tours year-round, and more than 250,000 people a year get a chance to get a bag in which the chips are still warm and steaming.

Culture fans can catch a play at The Cape Playhouse in Dennis. Such Hollywood luminaries as Humphrey Bogart, Gregory Peck and Bette Davis have been on stage at the oldest summer theater in the United States. In fact, celebrity watchers can catch a glimpse of stars as varied as author Mary Higgins Clark and former child actress Eve Plumb, who now paints and exhibits her work in Chatham art galleries. The Cape Cod Symphony Orchestra gives its concerts September to May and is one of the most highly regarded regional orchestras in the country. Perhaps the Cape’s biggest cultural claim to fame is its eclectic collection of art galleries. Even a small town like Wellfleet, which comprises 12 square miles and is home to barely 2,500 year-round residents, contains more than 20 galleries just by itself.

Food and Lodging Options

Aside from the ubiquitous family motels, there are properties for rent, which include cabins and even houses, campgrounds and bed-and-breakfasts of all price ranges. Most can be had by the day, week and even month.

From the world-famous Bayside Lobster Hutt in Wellfleet to P-Town Pizza in Provincetown and Captain Parker's Pub in West Yarmouth, which features the best clam chowder anywhere around, travelers can discover something for almost any palate. As expected, however, the seafood is second to none.

Getting Around

Cape Cod is the scene of some of the worst traffic jams imaginable, so it’s a good idea to have a bicycle along on vacation. Most towns on the Cape are small to get around on two wheels—a great way to stay in shape.

Fun Facts

• Billingsgate Island is the site of a town washed away by erosion. The buoy that marks the remaining shoal has a mournful tone.
• Guglielmo Marconi broadcast his first message to Europe from Cape Cod.
• One of the few remaining, functioning drive-in theaters in the Northeast is in Wellfleet.
• "Jaws" was filmed in Martha's Vineyard.
• The clock in the Congregational Church in Wellfleet is the only town clock in the world that strikes ship's time.

Planning A Trip With Your Family And Your Dog

Most people today believe that they cannot go on a family trip with their dog due to the fact that hotels do not accept pets and that it would be a huge hassle. Others already know that they can find various pet friendly opportunities and always plan accordingly. The difficulty in planning stands in the research that is conducted. The truth is that when you take your dog with you, the responsibility is higher and you need to do more planning.

Photo credit: worldleadingvacations.com

Let us try to help by simply talking about some very simple tips that you can remember. It is not difficult to plan a trip with your dog and your family. You just have to be a little careful.


Planning Trip Stops

Most people have a huge problem as they start planning way too late. With this in mind, you have to be sure that you have enough time available. If time is a concern, you have to consider dog friendly ideas by My Pawson and similar websites. Look at the various stops that are available and see which ones will allow you to have a dog with you.

Read reviews written by past clients. That will tell you exactly how the stops accommodated your four legged friend and you will learn about various things that are not mentioned. For instance, some hotels require the dog to be placed inside a cage if you are not around.


Taking What The Dog Needs With You

Besides accommodations, you will also need to make sure that you have all the accessories that are necessary for the canine. This includes everything from a water bowl to waste bags. Also, various special items may be necessary like a simple water bottle for your dog, or a pet carrier.



Calling The Chosen Locations

It is very important that you take into account the fact that things change as time passes. The pet friendly hotel that you find online may not allow pets right now. In fact, there are many hotels that are not currently dog friendly, although they were in the past. Also, there are some that will allow you to take your dog with you although this is not clearly highlighted on the websites.

Calling the hotel is what counts the most since you need to be offered extra information in almost all situations. Have patience and always ask all the questions you have. When you are offered the information, you need to be sure that you write it down. There is always a possibility you will forget what was said.

In the event that your hotel will offer some rules, make sure that you respect them! Also, check out what locations you want to visit since this counts a lot. For instance, your dog may not be allowed when you visit some attractions. In this case you have to be sure that the pet is properly taken care of, which is not as easy as you may believe. Patience will allow you to choose the best opportunities that are available.

Enjoying Beautiful Tokyo

This is the first time we have visited Japan and we are so pleased to be in Tokyo right now to enjoy the sights, culture, food and the people's hospitality.

We have only been to Tokyo Disneyland and around Shinjuku, Harajuku and Omotesando areas. It's a bit tiring though to walk up and down the stairs in the train station to catch another train in a different line. We've already maxed out our energy reserves so did not manage to go to the Meiji Shrine and Shinjuku Gyoen National park which is close by to where we are staying.

We still have few days to go to explore and hopefully, we can manage to fit in time to visit more places. Today, we are off to Studio Ghibli and we're excited!

I'm On Vacation Leave

Photo credit: yahoo image

After many weeks of thorough planning, changing of minds, changing of bookings, rearrangement of itinerary, I can officially say I am on vacation leave!

It is not the long leave like I always have  but certainly a good break t have to get away from the craziness here. So, I won't be posting as regular as I have used to but will check in once in a while just to make sure I don't miss out on opps.

It's not a long leave. It's just a week-long vacation leave but it's a much needed vacation.

I'll chat with all of you on the 2nd week of December. Until then!

Rent A Timeshare Giveaway At Riablahgs.com

My family happens to be a bunch of happy travelers. We just love going on long flights, seeing other countries, booking in hotels over the weekend to relax and unwind. If you do this regularly then it will be a bit heavy on the budget since most vacations entail costs on accommodations. However, there is another way to enjoy your vacation without burning a hole in your pocket and that is called timeshare rentals.

So, what makes timeshare rentals better than booking in normal hotels or other type of accommodation? Here are some good reasons why it is better to go for the timeshare rentals:

• Most of the timeshare rentals rates are almost 50% lesser than hotel rooms.
• Most of the timeshare properties being rented out by the owners are even in the luxurious category complete with own kitchen, living room area, dining area and even patio or balcony.
• Just like hotels, timeshare properties are well-maintained and serviced by maid service to ensure that your stay is as relaxing and hassle free as possible, providing you comfort, new linens and towels and clean quarters.
• You get to save on meals when you go for a timeshare rental property. Most properties being rented by timeshare owners are built with fully equipped kitchen so you can prepare and cook your own meals. Saving you substantial amount of money to be spent on meals 3 times a day during the duration of your vacation.
• Timeshare rentals will also include amenities such as use of facilities, beach and pool access and other resort's provisions for guests like golf course pass, theme parks and sports clubs.

All in all, going for timeshare rentals are like vacationing in luxurious style but with less dent in the budget. Are you up for it? Then check out RedWeek.com which is the best place to get all your timeshare rentals information.

The site is brimming with timeshare properties being rented out by the owners not just in the US but also globally. The site features list of top timeshare rental destination at a glance with rates indicated per night. If you are not sure of your destination yet, you can search for a timeshare globally by going to the search field under the "find a timeshare" tab. Aside from locating destinations, you can also refer to special list features including links to "pets," "kid friendly," "beaches," "golf," and a lot more. You can also check on the helpful info provided under the Resource page if you have something that you need to clarify.

Are you ready to try the timeshare rentals? Good for you! RedWeek.com is also offering a giveaway to 1 lucky winner.

Here is your chance to win a Free 2-Year RedWeek Membership! Here are the entrant's requirements:

Entry-Form

Open worldwide and open to all

From 30 October to 16 November 2013, 01:00 CST

Terms & Conditions:

Entrants must be 18+

The entrant must have a valid email address if in case chosen as the winner. Email is required to verify the membership.

It's My Party is not responsible for the fulfillment of the prize. 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Top Fun Ways To Keep Teens Entertained Over The Summer Holidays

Photo credit: irishexaminer.com

Many teenagers seem to spend most of their free time either playing video games or complaining about being bored, so how can you keep them occupied and engaged this summer?

E-readers
If you’re heading off on a long road trip this summer, then backseat boredom will hit your teens pretty fast. With an e-reader, they can take all of their favourite books with them without having to worry about heavy bags. Although it might look like yet another gadget, remember that they could just as easily be reading Shakespeare in preparation for their A-levels instead of Twilight again - in theory, at least!

Volunteering
If your child has a hobby or favourite sport they're losing interest in, try persuading them to help out as a teacher or coach for younger children. Not only is it valuable for university applications and future CVs, it's also a great way to re-engage with something they used to love. They could volunteer in a library, help out as a football coach or even work with animals. Most clubs will be more than happy to let them help out, just remember to invest in some new Kickers shoes and boots if they're going to be on their feet for a long time!

National Citizen Service
Organised by the government, this scheme lets teenagers take part in things like horse-riding and dry-slope skiing as well as learning the importance of teamwork. Programmes are usually 3 weeks long and are for 16 and 17 year olds only. They usually include some residential time away from home and around 30 hours of volunteering at community projects: perfect for building independence and confidence.

Let them plan a trip

Hand over some of the responsibility for your holiday to the children to give them a sense of ownership, as well as an idea of the organisation involved! Whether it's a day trip or your choice of hotel, chances are your teen will complain less if they've had an input into the decision making process. Let them help with everything from booking travel to stocking up on holiday essentials. Just keep an eye on the shopping cart to make sure they stick to the budget!

Back To Work Again

I always have the same feeling over and over when my vacation is about to wrap in one day. I feel like a kid being robbed of my favorite candy. I want to throw a hissy fit. I want to throw punches in the air. I just want to scream at the top of my lungs because I want my vacation to last longer.

Don't get me wrong. I love my current work place now compared to the last time. It's just that, I think my age is really catching up on me. I want to stay longer at home and lesser at work maybe because I have been working for as long as I can remember.

I am thankful though that my new department is very supportive of the staff's welfare that securing  a vacation leave is never an issue as long as it is not high season. I just feel from the bottom of my heart (and gut!) that sooner or later, I have to follow my dream of being my own boss, having to own my time and not slave away in the corporate scene.

This feeling is all too familiar. I always feel like this every after vacation. It is more pronounced now than before. I think I may have to consider other options soon. I just want to keep traveling and enjoy my personal space and time away from the corporate world.

Give the Gift of Experience Next Holiday Season

The Christmas season is now well behind us, and we still have another 10 months before we start to frantically shop for gifts.  Admit it, often when you buy a gift, aren't you just buying it because you feel obligated to?  You may not know what to get some people on your list such as your parents who have everything they need or your best friend who can buy anything she needs.

If you routinely struggle with buying the perfect gift (and who doesn't?), why not vow to do something different next holiday season.

Instead of buying "stuff" that your friends and family may or may not appreciate, why not give experience gifts?

What Are Experience Gifts?

Experience gifts are when you pay for your gift recipient to have a fun adventure on your dime.  There are all sorts of experience gifts from the safest (such as taking a cooking class) to the exhilarating (such as riding with a race car driver on a race track) to the awe inspiring (such as visiting the Grand Canyon skywalk).

Experience gifts are likely to touch people emotionally more than other gifts because you must listen to people and know their interests, hobbies, wishes and dreams to pick the perfect experience gift.

A Gift That Won't Soon Be Forgotten

Think.  What gifts did you receive for Christmas 2011?  My guess is that you can't remember.  What about Christmas 2012?  That holiday is only a few weeks removed, but you may still have trouble remembering what gift you received.

The gift of experience is different.  Give someone a gift of experience, and they won't soon forget it.  In fact, they may remember it for the rest of their lives.

Perfect for Any Event

While you may just think of giving a gift of experience for Christmas, they are also well-suited for Mother's Day, Father's Day, birthdays and anniversaries. 

If you can afford it, you may challenge yourself to give a gift of experience each year or for each major present giving occasion in a calendar year.  Your friend or family member will look forward to your gift more than any other.

While friends and family may seem to love the traditional gifts you give, chances are, they are probably indifferent or dissatisfied with your gift.  Next year, give the gift of something they have always wanted to do, and they won't be able to stop telling you how much they loved their gift.

Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway by Riatravelbug.com

Welcome to Palawan's Hidden Hills Getaway Giveaway which is hosted by The Travel Bug and in cooperation with What’s Up  |  Henry’s Mom Blogs  |  My Own Travels  |  Sporadic Thoughts  |  It’s My Party  |  Home Is Where The Heart Is  |  Red Lips and Pinky Toes  |  The Bunny’s Review  |  Boracay Resorts Bookings

You can do this when you win in this amazing getaway sponsored by the generous owner of Hidden Hills Private Resort. The whole prize will total to $400 excluding transportation and yours free when you win the amazing getaway prize!



Hidden Hills is your exotic vacation home in the Philippines, situated in Puerto Princesa, Palawan. The exclusive villa is a lovely rustic chalet which sits on top of the hill with an additional loft built downhill to accommodate additional guests.

The whole villa is a masterpiece and truly a place to enjoy a quiet time, to de-stress and marvel at Mother Nature's best! To get more info about the property and view the gallery, please visit: http://www.flipkey.com/puerto-princesa-villa-rentals/p132853/

The Prize:

1 winner will be chosen to avail the 2 nights/3 days free accommodation. The prize is for 2 persons in one accommodation.

Prize includes:

• Accommodations : Exclusive use of the entire property 
• Welcome Drinks 
• Welcome Pack / Fruit Basket 
• Daily Freshly Picked Flowers From the Garden FREE 
• Unlimited Coffee or Tea&nbsp
• Mineral Drinking Water 
• Eat-All-U-Can Fruits & Veggies in season whatever grows in the farm FREE!!! 
• FREE FRESHLY PICKED BUKO (YOUNG COCONUT JUICE) ON ARRIVAL. 
• Cutleries & beddings / towels/ flip-flops / rain boots / beach mats provided for use 
• ONE BOTTLE OF WINE (Seasonal Welcome Compliments) 
• Cleaning services (daily) 
• Cooking Assistance

NOT INCLUDED: Transport. The winner will shoulder his/her plane/boat/land fare and visa for a foreigner winner must be the sole responsibility of the winner.

Important notes:

• The dates chosen by the winner will have to be discussed with the owner of the Hidden Hills for the availability.

• The prize is NOT convertible to cash and is valid for a year upon winning

• The winner is responsible for his/her plane/boat fare, if applicable. Visa formalities, if required, will be the sole responsibility of the winner.

This will run from 15 January to 15 February 2013 (12:00 a.m. Dubai, UAE local time or +4 GMT and close at 11:59 p.m.), and a single winner will be chosen via rafflecopter.com after all the entries have been verified.

This giveaway is open WORLD WIDE.

Join now and next thing you know, you may just find yourself relaxing in Hidden Hills!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:

It's My Party blog did not receive any payment from the sponsor to host this event.
The prize will be awarded by the owner of Hidden Hills as soon as the entries are verified.

Christmas Leave Is Almost Over

Time flies when you're having fun! Nine days have passed out of the thirteen days leave we have and I am beginning to feel a bit sad.

I can't believe that our vacation will soon end and we will have to fly back to home base. Although I am excited to be home again because I miss my youngest four-legged daughter Millie, my heart aches to leave my mom, relatives, in-laws and friends here. It will take time again before I can visit.

I'm just glad that I got to see my mom again and my family in Bulacan and also my friends and relatives. There's nothing more heart-warming than seeing the smiles and feeling the love of the people who truly matter.

I'm On Blog Holiday

My family and I are off to Manila on Wednesday early morning to spend the holidays. I will be on blog holiday from 19 Dec. until first week of January 2013. I may intermittently post while away but I will try to stay off the net to spend time with my family and friends on the most festive season of the year.

Allow me to wish everyone a very Blessed Christmas and a Prosperous 2013. Let's share the gift of Love, Peace and Hope this season and the coming year.

Christmas Vacation - Coming Soon!

Few more days and we will be spending the most joyous occasion with our families and friends back home. We have been very busy catching up on our Christmas shopping for families and friends so my schedule is out of whack these days.

Christmas shopping is not only the activity I have during weekends. I also have to fulfill blog assignments, do some household chores and finish my sister-in-laws handmade baptismal invitation for her youngest son. I commissioned to do it as my gift to her. It's a good way to get the creative juice back and I am glad that it's trickling in. Although it came a bit late, the creativity juice that is. I would have created some handmade cards to giveaway. No fret, I'll start early next year with that project.

All I know is, we're counting the days and the excitement is building up. I can't wait to see my family and friends once again.

Advance Merry Christmas to all! I'll be very busy these coming days so let me greet you now.

May the blessed season bring joy, peace and love in your hearts. Happy 2013!

Not Quite Up And About

It's been more than a week since we got back from our eventful NYC vacation at the height of Hurricane Sandy. I'm still reeling and the jet lag is kicking in big time. BUT, I am missing NYC already.

Call me crazy but I love the place so much I just can't get enough of it, hurricane and all. I just hoped the natural calamity didn't happen while we were there because I was looking forward to enjoy that getaway.

I learned a valuable lesson here. Next time we travel, I will certainly make sure that I check the weather  forecast around the place, in the nearby states and even from nearby countries before we go. I have not fully recovered from scary experience but really thankful that we are all safe. I feel so bad for those who have lost their properties and loved ones. This whole thing only proved that nobody can mess with Mother Nature.

This Blogger Is On Blog Leave

Every blogger needs a break from the blog scene and I am taking my blog leave from October 25 to 31, 2012!

Last time I went on a blog leave was last July and even then, it was a short break too just like now but it was something my mind begged so I could recharge and enjoy my time with my daughter. This time it's the whole family.

We are visting some relatives again in New York and we just love that place! The weather is cool and inviting, there are lots of goodies on sale and the autumn foliage is starting to show its wonderful hues. Besides those wonderful stuff, I kind of miss Shake Shack and Century 21!

So, if I will comment and visit your blogs on Nov.

This Blogger is on Blog Leave

Yes! I will be on blog leave for a week starting tomorrow. It's not that long but long enough to miss the blogosphere and the internet all together. I will try my best to check mails and comments while I am enjoying my R & R and bonding moment with my daughter but cannot guarantee that 100%. This is the only time I can switch my phone off and actually enjoy the real meaning of a "vacation leave."

So, I'll be back on 11 July 2012 to do my regular posts and comments.

Fun Things To Do In Summer

Photo credit: local.sandiego.com

Summer can be very hot here in the U.A.E. If you happen to live in this part of the world then you will understand why summer here is a dreaded season. It is so hot and humid and the temperature reaches 49 to 50 degrees Celcius. That is not a joke! However, we have to make do of what we have and where we are because we cannot let these hot factors dampen our summer spirit.

There are so many ways to enjoy the blistering heat of the sun here and you can do it indoors or even outdoors either very early morning or during the night. Here are fun ways to enjoy summer while battling the heat of the long summer months:

1. Learn how to cook and bake with your family and friends. This is an indoor activity which can be enjoyed by everyone. You don't have to shell out a big amount of money to pay someone to teach you. Research and save some easy-to-make or easy-to-bake recipes and shop for the ingredients.

2. Do some arts and crafts project like scrapbooking and making handmade cards of various occasion. If you have small kids around, let them take part in the project by giving them simple tasks like coloring or pasting shapes or embellishments you will use in your project. Make fun stuff with them and you'll never realize how fun summer can be even while at home.

3. Go for a very early or late afternoon jog or walk around the park. If you have been delaying your weight loss goals for some time, summer is a good way to sweat it out. Be sure to bring water to cool yourself off and a handy towel to wipe away the perspiration.

4. Go to the beach in the morning or late in the afternoon and enjoy the ocean breeze.

5. Window-shop and enjoy the cool airconditioned malls. You save money by not switching your a/c at home. However, make sure you stick to your purpose of only to window-shop and walk around the mall.

6. Learn a new language, musical instrument or a new skill.

7. Have slumber party at home and invite your friends over for a nice movie-marathon night.

8. Clean your house. Re-organize and spruce your habitat.

9. Volunteer to some civic organizations and render your skills and service to help others.

10. Write a blog or start a blog.

11. Make a playlist of your favorite songs and organize them.

12. Make a smoothie! This is one of my fave to do!

13. Go to the museum or art galleries and try soaking in the culture and art.

14. Go on a vacation preferably somewhere cold :)

The list goes on. If you have other ways of enjoying the blistering heat, please feel free to share them here. Have fun this summer! Don't forget to dress lightly and wear protective SPF if you must.

Trip To Miami

Working in one of the most prestigious airlines in the world has so many perks and one of the top benefits is the  opportunity to travel anywhere. Traveling is one of my family's favorite activity. We always make sure that we travel annually to any destination in the world. We can have a repeat visit to a certain place we are fond of or we can go to a new place to discover new things, experience new culture and see more beautiful scenery.

United States of America is one of our favorite counties to visit. We have been there several times and we certainly enjoy every states we have visited in the past. We are just lucky enough to have family and friends scattered all over the USA and because of that, we can save a lot in accommodation. Our family and friends are gracious hosts and are willing to give us free board and lodging during our stay. So why let that offer slip?

We recently went to New York for a very brief weekend getaway. My best friend in Miami saw our pictures from one of the social sites and called me to invite us over her place. We have not been to Florida yet and visiting her and the rest of her family will be a wonderful experience to bond again, catch up on each other's happenings and see the beautiful beaches and places of interest in Florida.

We are planning to visit her in April 2013 during my daughter's spring break. So, I have plenty of time to research about the place, air fares for our connecting flights, Miami airport transfers and shuttles, places to visit, beaches to see and even cruises. My husband really fancy going on a cruise. My best friend and her family will also love the idea of all of us taking a short cruise. There are various ports in Florida and Miami is one of them. I have to make sure that our trip will be covered even if we are taking a cruise. If ever we are short of time because of the cruise, I can rely on the fact that our transfer from the port of Miami shuttle to Miami airport will be covered. I know my friend will help us in our travel plans to make it hassle-free with smooth transfers so as not to inconvenience anyone.

I am already getting excited about this trip. I am not thinking of the cost at the moment because there is still enough time. Our airline is not yet flying to Florida but we can take other routes that will connect us to Miami airport as our entry point. Our company may offer rebated tickets to the nearest destination in Florida and I can purchase then or get other airlines' staff discounted tickets. For now, I am collecting information to make this vacation a truly enjoyable one.

Visiting Relatives in San Diego

I am still thinking whether I will come with my husband to visit our relatives in San Diego this November. My daughter is not really keen about traveling to the US this time because she has been to San Diego and it's hard to keep up with a finicky teenager now. I am considering to stay here because I can't leave my daughter. I will come to a decision by the end of the month. 80% of my decision is leaning towards to "stay" here and just relax.

My husband is already thinking of the gifts he will bring to our relatives there. I told him that there's another special occasion to look forward to in April 2012. His nephew will graduate from high school. It's the right time to consider high school graduation gift ideas since there are still some sale going on after the GITEX 2011 event few days ago. A growing teenager will definitely love gadgets. We already gave him a rock star guitar which you plug on those game consoles last 2009. I think, something funky like the new MPs now or a smart phone. Well, I just let my husband decide.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

It's been 4 days since my daughter and I arrived in Manila but we haven't seen any sunlight yet. All we saw were rain and more rain! I could barely go out because it is pouring every day. I haven't seen some of my family and friends yet and I haven't done what I have planned to do.

I only have few days in my leave so rain, rain, please go away. Let me enjoy my stay!

Vacation Count Down

We're Manila bound this coming Friday - 17 June and I cannot contain my excitement any longer. I don't feel like going to work anymore as the days near. I just want to board the first flight to Manila the soonest possible time. 

I guess this is brought about by my desire to see my mom who is suffering from mild memory lapses. It's not very critical but I don't want it to lead there. She started having this memory lapse after her stroke last year. I just hope her memory improves.

Anyway, I just want to pull the days so it will be Friday already. I am already in my vacation mode! So, I won't be posting too often for the next 2 weeks as I enjoy my very much needed rest and relaxation. I may check in once in a while if I get assignments. I'll be blog hopping again as soon as I am back in Dubai. 

Vacation time! Tuh-tah for now.