Provincetown MA

Beautiful! Arts, fun, bustling activities, restaurants and just beautiful people all over! I can't tell you enough about this place. I visited a long time ago with Mr.Hubbs but we were with the kids so it was not very Provincetown-y! If you know what I mean. 

This time, it was so much more fun! So, how about instead of blah blahs, i'll show you pictures?

You will see lots of artists ranging from musicians, painters to jewelry designers!

I think most people would love just looking at the buildings full  of character and quirkiness.

 

So traditional American architecture!

I have not seen such an eclectic blend of establishments. You go from bookstore to a sex toy shop to clubs to a home and from restaurant to a library in a few steps! I love it!

If you are an avid antique shopper or major arts collector, scour the town proper and you will find a gamut of everything! Unbelievable!

Did you say beach? It's Cape God after all? Sure baby! Here! Beach is all over but nothing beats bathing by the sea! Aside from clouds, I love taking pictures of sand and water! Can you tell? 

The community is bustling with pet lovers and bike riders!

Fridah can resist shopping! Where else could Marc Jacobs put a shop? Why, PTown of course!

But! Provincetown is not just beach, arts and beautiful quaint little town for nothing! It's also world famous for the wonderful and amazing residents. According to an article  I read, 80% of residents are gays or lesbians! 80% gorgeous, fashionable and intelligent people? Can you adopt me? Can you spell FUN? 

If you go, don't forget to pass by the docks for the " artists' row" especially by night! It's absolutely beautiful there by the harbor! Grab some home- made ice cream and hold hands with your loved one! Perfect!

As for food, there's a lot to choose from--- American, street food, patio style and of course, lobster. You're at the Cape after all!

I have to say, I've gotten better seafood platter somewhere else but nothing beats the ambience!

PS-- I've been blogging via mobile so I'm sorry if there are no links to cross check the pics and establishments. 

PPS-- I love that place!

PPPS--- can I be buried there? I just feel my spirit belongs there. I was gay in 

my past life I think!

Happy weekend everyone, if you have no plans this weekend, go have fun at PTown!

Oh, and i saw this!

.... and this!

Farewell Message Equals love and Respect

I cried. Many times over. I knew in my heart. In more ways than one. I hope my children will remember me like this.

And hugging is always part of my home too. 

http://m.comedycentral.com/colbertnation_video.rbml?id=remembering-lorna-colbert&weburl=http%3a%2f%2fwww.colbertnation.com%2fthe-colbert-report-videos%2f427309%2fjune-19-2013%2fremembering-lorna-colbert%2f&cid=300

4Th of July 2013

It's Fourth of July! Enjoy and please be safe. We will go to the beach later to watch the Boston fireworks from Wollaston beach-- little less crowded but spectacular nonetheless albeit no accompanying sound! Tip--- if you want, tune in to WBz on the radio or online and they cover it live, you have music and then you see the fireworks! It's like being there!

Anyway, Pherry and I had lunch at Clam Box of which we saw these two gentlemen! I love it!

"The English has landed! They're here in Quincy, the city of the Presidents." Haha!

After lunch, we went to Newbury St for some people stalking! Shhhh, I may or may have NOT bought another bag and some St. John knits. Oh, I love it! Side story--- it was very difficult to find a parking spot and when I did, I can not parallel park! Don't judge! Well, while *** trying(?) to park, a very nice couple assisted me and I thought the guy would die and was ready to just park it for me! Needless to say, I was embarrassed but I was more thankful. It proves that the goodness of this world is overwhelming, we just tend to focus much on the evil things! It also made me tap myself a little bit and acknowledging the little things I do for strangers such as paying a doctor's lunch at work because he forgot his wallet. Karma is real and digital! Be good and the world will be sure to love you back! I promise you.

This year would be the perfect time to finally be at Boston's Hatch Shell or the Esplanade to see Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops with the fireworks---Boston being the birthplace of America, where else would you want to celebrate the 4th? I did not want to go with out KC and Josh! Maybe next year! It was always difficult because that place gets packed early. You need to be there in really early morning! Now that they are bigger, I think we should do well! Hahhh!

I saw this shirt at Nordstrom. I was tempted to buy but I don't really need it. Since when did that stop me, you ask? Hahahahah. You know me too well.

It was on clearance. A Manny Pacquiao shirt! Sadly, it did no go home with me.

Had a little bit of time so we dropped by Target to have some frapuccino. See, I told you, Target is my wasteland, it even teamed up with Starbucks  just to woo me in. How evil ha? I am so in love with my lone date for a whole month! Look how handsome!

Right now, it's still so hot even if it is almost 8pm. We are watching the Boston Pops on TV waiting for 10pm before we head out to the beach and another round of seafood! Woohoo! I miss Joshua and kC though! 😔

Oh, by the way, the shopping part was a going-back-to-work gift for myself because I am going back to work on Monday! Bummer! Hahahahh. I loved every moment I was a stay-at-home mom but I think this job is really good for me. Besides, I'm a good American, I need to work!

Happy Fourth!

Summer Decor update in the Kitchen

Hello!!!! How's summer so far? I've been really bummed coz Josh and KC are in Montreal! I miss my Princess and SweetPie!  Let's not talk about it coz I might just cross the border without passport and I'd be jailed and you don't want that, do you? Hahahahah!

Anyway, I did a little switcheroo in the kitchen. Who's in for a no-money-spent update? I shopped my own decor stash and see what happened!

This corner went from this;

... to this!

Oh, wait! Let me fix it some more. Hahahahh! Here you go!

Much better ha? Here's the deets on those chalkboards.

 I figured I fixed the other side and I still have this quirky shabby chic item from eons ago--- thrifted, of course, might as well use it and have fun on the ---- sink! Yippee! Want to see?

Those signage--- ice cream and peppers are meant to be hanged but I am not ready for a long term commitment with  them so I figured I'd use them this way so if I change my mind, it's easy to do so. You like? Shopping your own items is so much fun.

And because I love it so much, here's another shot!

Have a safe and fun 4th of July everyone and don't forget to whisper a little prayer for those who make our country safe and enjoy this freedom! 

"Kikay Meeting You"

You know that feeling where you do not exactly "know" each other but you grew up together, you know each other's families and you "see" each other on Facebook all the time that you feel you are so connected even though you're really not? Yeah. Creepy to some. For me though, I do have some of that. One time I felt like I did not need to introduce myself to this Filipina at church before talking to her  because we are " friends" on FB?! Shame! Such is the feeling I guess when you consider the fact that you MUST be connected because you are from the same  fishing village or heck, just because you are both Filipinos! Hahahahh. 

Anyway, due to some horrible and scary incident of my niece and her family en route to the Berkshires yesterday, I ended up meeting the most beautiful, sweet and kikay girl I know from my barrio/village. She is so natural, unAssuming and downright humble. AND I also felt she really genuinely wanted to see me in person. 

While posting my funny observation regarding a Chinese take-out place, she found out we were in her neck of the woods, so they say. She immediately text me to let me know she lives so close by and would love to meet up if we were not busy. It was past nine at nite, been driving the whole day and driving back home that same nite for more than 2 hours. Two hours, that's with a functioning car, not with a car that was towed because it concked out in the hi-way! The reason we were there to rescue my mini vacationers/favorite people. AND good heavens, it's pouring downright heavy! But I could feel her excitement and I was as excited.  Their parents struggled but they all went to school and all have been wonderful additions to our community. I've always known their family to be like mine. But most of all, every time she speaks of my mom, she has nothing but praises and love so how can I not meet her?

Tonite was so much fun! I can never miss that chance to finally meet Maritess! We kissed, screamed and hugged so tight like old friends!

She introduced me to her husband who I feel "connected" too! I introduced her to my niece and her daughter and of course my 2 beautiful kids. Mr. Hubbs and the Bunso are upstairs, little sick. Just like that, we started talking like we were old friends catching up. I suppose we really feel that way because we are! We talked about Punta, our barrio, our "so shameful shopping habits", her friends, her work which I pointed out I already know what she does and she asked me how and I told her she told me a long time ago and she was so touched I remembered! What touched my heart was how she was describing my mother to her husband with such loving words.  Wouldn't you be proud too?

Maritess also kept telling Steve, her husband how the kids are so intelligent and that she would describe every event about our lives to him via FB. Another touching moment was when she showed me a text message she sent to another barrio mate in Hawaii how she is so excited to see me! Yaiiks! I was teary-eyed! 

We could not stop talking but we had to because she is going to work! Hahahahh. She is working the nite shift but because she knows I'd be gone that nite she insisted we see each other. How sweet is that? 

Last nite, I truly met a friend. A beautiful, sweet and truly kikay like me.  We filled the lobby with loud giggles and karaoke type singing by Precious to which Steve quips-- you can sing karaoke even without karaoke! Hahahah. Her beautiful dimples aside, I can feel she is truly happy! 

She asked us to come see her home but I truly can't! I would have loved to. So she invited Fridah and the kids for afternoon ice cream at a local place. Just like that, they planned like old times. So jealous I won't be there for more giggles and funny anecdotes!

Thanks Maritess for a warm Berkshires welcome and a warm fuzzy feeling of home. Just like you, I am happy to see you and so honored to be a friend and barriomate. It's a date, I bring Filipino food  to the Berkshires, you let me stay in your home! Not a fair trade ha? Kisses to you and Steve! Thank you beautiful girl!

Last Day of School June 2013

Hooray! Today is Josh' and KC's last day of school. Pherry's was last Monday but he had an interview for a docent placement at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston. 

Although I love that it's the last day but it seems the kids are not as excited as years past. I realize they have their friends and truth be told, they do love school. Here are the photos I snapped today. 

My princess darling is going to be on the 7th grade! Wheeee!

My Bunso is so adorable! Here he is with his big bro. Both of them just got haircut yesterday and their long hair is gone but  I assured them they are still as cute as before. Hahahah, it's my job to let my children feel good about themselves, so shhhh. 

 

Time flies when you're having fun indeed! I am truly proud of my kids! It's a long journey when We can finally say we are successful in raising respectful, successful and responsible children but we know we are getting there. Nevertheless, seeing these smiles assures me I have a spot in heaven! 

June 20, 2013

It's 6 pm and the day is finally winding down but my energy level is still up there although the body is giving up. 

KC and Josh had a big day today. KC went to a field trip at Canobie Lake with her class and Josh had the moving-up ceremony.

I volunteered to help in the day's activities and I was assigned pool duty. I made sure the transition between classes was smooth. There were lifeguards but still. 

I was at school at 8am and finished by 11:30 but had to stay for the ceremony itself at 12:30pm.

Just picked up KC at her school from he trip.

What's for dinner? Oh, by the way, tomorrow, I volunteered to help oversee the yearbook signing of the 4th graders during breakfast. What crazy idea got into me? Volunteer back to back? Oh well. I think I had more fun than the kids. 

Will let you know details of the awarding in another post. But I can tell you now---because I can't contain my happiness --- Josh is one of the very few kids who was awarded the presidential academic award which his brother and sister got too!

Brag Day- Josh

What did I tell you? Josh is the sweetest! Wanna see?

Don't say I didn't tell you! Isn't he the sweetest of all?

Here's one more for today's BragDay.

Joshua has always been very independent. Lemme change that. The Kids have always been very independent when it comes to school. I know I shadow them a lot by I still let them know its all up to them. One thing with me, I am very vocal to my children. I let them know everything. We talk about drugs, sex, unemployment, smoking and anything some other parents feel taboo. For us, there is no better way to communicate those values if you do not talk to them within the confines of the home and without the shame of other people being around. Mr. Hubbs and I take every opportunity to educate the Kids about everything. When sitting in the car listening to news, we take advantage if there are news we want to reinforce to them. Believe me, they may not seem to listen but they do or I just think that letting them know is better than no communication at all. 

But anyway, this is what I am so proud today. Joshua's class was asked to make a picture summary of a story they have read. Joshua quickly borrowed the Princess' book and waaahLah! 

Wouldn't you be proud?

I love how he puts "depth" in his illustrations/drawings. 

C'mon, tell me what you are so proud of today! It can be about your kids, work or just a simple random act of kindness you did. Better yet, something you have done you never thought you'd ever do.

Share. There is nothing wrong in being proud of yourself and your family or the little things we do. If you share, it might inspire one person to do the same and this world will be a better place!

Friday Mommy- Daughter Date

You all know how the Three Little monkeys love books. I try to read all the books they do read but unfortunately I've been so behind! How can I catch up with all 3 readers in the house. One versus three? Not fair! In fact I don't even know what series KC is reading now which brings me to say "slacker mom". Ha!

As KC's prize for getting all A's for this school year, she got another book series, and was almost shrieking when she found them because apparently, it's hard to find especially together! I can see myself in her where my heart would pitter-patter every time I can borrow a book. Yes, borrow--- my parents can't afford books! But that's another story.

Anyway, on Friday, KC and I went to the mall to bond. First stop--- Starbucks! The  girl loves her Starbucks. Then we just wandered around Target--- my certified crazy hellhole! We went around the mall some more and just window-shopped. She laughs on how I go gaga over make-up even though I don't buy or how I notice everyone's handbags. Ha! We saw some stuff and laugh at the same stuff. Funny how we do that!

Then, we "accidentally" ended at Crumbs which just opened a new branch at South Shore Plaza. Oh, how the princess devours those humongous cupcakes! Question, if they are big, are they still called cupcakes? And why are there mini cupcakes now? Isn't cupcake mini for cake? So now, there is mini for mini? What about cake pops? Hahahahah! 

Anyway, we went to Barnes and Noble in search of that one missing book of the series she is currently reading. Boy, was that a mistake!

 She was giddy as can be when she found " oh my God, this is crazy, I thought I can't find these anymore ever, this is so great, I love you mom" kind of giddy. Who can ever say no?

Oh we'll, I'd rather spend my hard earned moolah buying books for the Three Little Monkeys than whatever else.

Oh by the way, I may or may not have gotten more David Yurman pieces. May not. 

Have about you, how do you bond with your kids?

Gone Fishing

You can take a girl out of the islands but you can never take the islands out of that girl. Oh yeah! I'll always be an Aparriana.

I would still love the ocean, the breeze, sand, sun, the smell of it all, the seashells, the blue waters, the crushing wind, the golden sunset and the blanket of darkness. Oh, I can't tell you enough but needless to say, I feel lucky to have called the Baystate my new home because Massachusetts is a home to the US' best beaches --- Cape Cod is close by my city. 

This is my view on the way to Falmouth. Lovely ha, especially driving besides a Ferrari. Hahahahah. I can dream and dream I do!

Needless to say, I splatter every time I am within sight of ANY body of water. It reminds me of my whole being! I could tell you it reminds me of my childhood but that would be a lie or an understatement--- because the water is my life! It is my family's bread and butter. My whole being!

Any chance I get, I take advantage. With my life now though it's a little hard. But hey, we go all the time. Pool, sea, ocean--- even ponds!

Today let me show you my happiness!

To show you how happy I am! Not that I need to! 

While Mr. Hubbs is busy fishing, I just soak in all the array of senses the surrounding brings! By the way, he caught 61 fishes! That's my man!

What better treat than this? Whooh! Perfect punctuation to a wonderful day!

The hard part of fishing? Cleaning the fish! But don't worry my friends, after all, I am from a fishing village whose livelihood is fishing. So it's easy for me. Anyone needs lesson? I have to be honest though, I feel like buying it is easier! Hahahahah, but the point is the fun and bonding time I spend with Mr. Hubbs is priceless. Don't you think?

Oh well, nothing beats fresh produce! 😘💃. Makes me happy every time!