Spring!

Hey all- Sorry I have been negligent on updating this blog. Most of my communication has been shifted toward facebook. Sorry about that. So what have I been up to? Well, I've decided to stay in Syracuse for a 4th yr. Some days I'm psyched about this, others I just miss home. I have made plans to propel me towards a potential move back to the NW. On June 5th I will be in WA to take an exam I need for a teaching certification program I am planning to apply for in January 2011. I'm not a fan of standardized exams but have to concede this time around.

Softball season beings in 2 weeks. I'm frustrated that for the first 3 wks of the season I will be in class or in staff meeting and unable to play 2 of 3 nights. Class? Yes, I am taking a class this semester; the first since grad school graduation. It's taken this long to motivate myself to study again. Since, I did not get enough biology in undergrad I am re-taking general bio (this is me being sarcastic. I was a bio major in undergrad!) . I'm taking the class to review so I can potentially teach biology. Some of my classmates are not happy I'm ruining the curve!

The weather is getting nicer by the week and the trees are ready to bloom any day. It's going to be in the 80's this weekend and a hike is in the plans.

I found a another place to volunteer. It is a transitional home for employed women who have found themselves homeless. I'm hoping to share my craft, cooking and mural painting skills with the women and children. One afternoon a week I still try to make it to the after school program. I just did an Easter basket project with them earlier this week. The kids are great, smarter than most give them credit for and they just want attention. Sorry no pictures! I could post some of my bio class plant project. I will spare you though. I'm growing basil on my window sill. I figured if I had to grow something, it might as well be something I can use. I see some fresh pesto in my distant future.

Well, got to go for now.

Boracay (Bore-a-cai)

I reacently realized that I had never been to a tropical paradise until I went to Boracay. It's a tiny island south of Manila. To get to the island was an adventure. Cab, airplane, 1.5 hr bus ride, 15 minute boat ride and a 15 minute van ride. The airport in Kalibo was TINY!! We deboarded on to the tar mack and walked into the TINY baggage claim area. It's the smallest international airport I've ever seen. I spent 4 days lounging on the beach, swimming in the waters, playing in the sand, eating amazing seafood and dabbling in scuba diving. I treated myself to the scuba lessons for my birthday. No pics of that but it was amazing to see the reefs. Below are pics of the adventure. Also checkout http://www.ouryuppielife.blogspot.com/ for more pictures.

Water baby

My niece Bella is a water baby. She was very excited about our dip in the pool today. She would not stop kicking her legs. Below is a video of her excitement. We were all elated she loves the water since we are taking a beach trip to an island near the Philippines in about a week.

Swimming in December!!!!

It was in the mid 80's today in Manila and the sun was out after a few cloudy days. Today we all hit the park and the pool. It was great to get out and enjoy the sunshine. I LOVED the warm weather as I thought about the freezing temps back in central New York. Below are a few of my favorite pics from our December dip in the pool. My little niece Bella LOVED the water and Addie was her general boisterous self.

Giving is better than recieving

Yesterday I had a chance to accompany my sister and Cora (my sister's nanny) to her village in Cavite Philippines. We drove 1.5 hrs outside the city to a more rural area. Our mission: To bring Christmas to the children of her neighborhood. A few days prior we put together bags with small toys and color books to give the children. The expereince was truly humbling. I was in awe at how happy people can be with what little they have. Makes me remember that I have everything to be thankful for. For pictures and a more complete narration of the event see my sisters blog at http://ouryuppielife.blogspot.com/2009/12/christmas-at-sunny-brook.html.

I made it!

I survived the flight! 15.5 hrs f/ Detriot to Hong Kong was an eternity. I spent all of 40 minutes in Hong Kong before I boarded for Manila. I was a bit disappointed I could not browse the airport and there were some very interesting stores. I arrived in Manila to the smiling face of my brother in law and a sea of people waiting to get ther bags. Mine did not arrive. It was still in Hong Kong. I did not care much as I really just wanted a shower. My first day was blur. I was quite tried. I hit the hay the same time as my 2.5 yr old niece and then awoke at 4:30a. One good thing was that my luggage showed up. Today was good. We went to the doctor for the baby and then did some grocery shopping. There were some very interesting things. I took some pictures. Just remember 45 pesos = $1.

Seaweed, softshell crab and grilled shrimp flavored pringles! Yum!? Cheese flavored ice cream?? We were not brave enough to pay to try it. Red eggs?? Not sure which bird these were laid by. Eggs are stored on the shelf, not in a refrigerated cooler. Here is my sis posing with the eggs. Actually many things are canned/highly processed, especially meats since many Filippinos do not have refrigerators.

My big sis and I.
My sis and adorable nieces Bella and Addie.

4 days...

until the adventure of a life time. My bags have been packed for 2 weeks now. I dusted off the old short, T-shirts and bathing suit and they are all ready to see the warm Filippino sun. It's supposed to be 26 degrees in Syracuse tomorrow, needless to say I'm itching to leave. My carry on is all packed with books, art stuff, mucnhies and my new i-od (an early x-mas present from mom and dad). You'd think I had a child to entertain or something. Nope just a twenty something with a short attention span. Maybe my crocheting will fit too! I bought myself a comfy flying outfit, one of those velvety pants and zip jacket combos. It's super comfy and wont be too sweltering when I arrive. Now I've travelled a lot within the US and Canada but this is my first trip overseas. The logistics are a bit more complicated, for instance if I get delayed after getting on my flight in Chicago I have absolutely no way to notify Sara and Justin. They will just have to look at my flight on line. Welp! That's enoughfor now. I will keep you updated as the adventure get's underway.