Christmas 2007

My apologies with the editorials as it has been awhile since I've had one out. No excuses really. I've just been very, very busy. Mostly with my IT work at FORM. Also being with a very active 3 year old girl. Its been a year-full of activities, mostly enjoyable and memorable times.

Thus it seemed fitting to write up another end of the year editorial around Christmas time However, the format will be of an ongoing journal as I will be in three places... the Bay Area, South Bend and the Philippines during the holidays.

Last Wednesday night, I was with Michael, Phil and Todd of Round Three Fight at their rehearsal studio in Livermore. We filmed footage for their updated acoustic tune Lost Your Way that is included on their newly Japan-released album Level Up.

It was a cold night in Livermore Valley by the time we finished shooting. But it was not as cold as it was in South Bend. I got in just in time for a winter wonderland. It snowed overnight and got at least 7 inches by Sunday morning. The weather reports was blurting "snow storm warnings" which made me wonder if I would be able to head back to Midway for my flight back to Oakland. But Zach and I took the opportunity and time to build snow fort (more of a cave actually) as it snowed on and off most of the day.

I am actually writing this while I am in South Bend, Indiana. I am here visiting Zachary. I watched him play Bach's Minuet in G minor at the Harrisburg Library. Later that evening, Zachary, Sally, and mom and dad Carlin went to see the Vesper Choir Christmas Concert in downtown South Bend. Christmas songs never sounded so good. I really enjoyed the Children choir ensemble. Better yet, I was emotionally filled with pride when they sang a Filipino traditional lullaby titled Caturog Na, Nonong. Imaging listening to a Filipino song all the way from Indiana.

We caught the 5:30 PM mass St. Pius Catholic Church. This is where Zachary was baptized by Father Bill, the same priest who ministered the mass. Went did some Christmas gifts shopping at the local Super Target and at Pier 1 Imports. We then picked up BBQ ribs dinner to go from Famous Dave's. This has become a traditional fare ritual whenever I am in South Bend.

I head back to the Bay Area tomorrow. Work a few days and then leave for a much warmer and humid Philippines. I find it fascinating that I will be arriving Christmas Day morning to meet up with Catherine and Sophie. For the 1st time in a long while, I will experience Christmas and New Years in the Philippines. It would actually be a re-experiencing of events I could now barely remember. We will be attending Michelle De Castro's wedding on the 27th. I think I am going to video tape this special event.

I am looking forward to more memorable times.

(to be continued)