just a quick short entry…just got back from the province to celebrate our annual christmas reunion party on my father’s side of the family. left home early today at 6:45am and reached our ancestral home at around 8:30. had a few drinks, laughs, a little program for the kids, and lunch. my, how our family (relatives) have gotten bigger in number. i remember when we used to fit in one small house for the reunion, now all of my cousins have families of their own! naturally, i was the topic of conversation since i’m the only single cousin left. questions left and right about when will it be my turn to get married after my cousin’s wedding that i attended on the 18th. of course, same old answer, “no plans yet.” which inevitably comes the next question, “who are you with now?” “no one,” comes my prompt reply. it was fun, even though its just us siblings who attended the gathering. we’re used to having mom with us every year, but this year would be different. right now i’m just resting before the labor in the kitchen preparing for christmas dinner. we’re having baked macaroni and grilled chicken, and of course, christmas ham. just a simple noche buena since mom and dad aren’t here. it just hit me that it’s kinda not complete with both of them not around. i mean, with mom here, it was ok. but there’s always a first time for everything, as the saying goes. in any case, it’ll be fun when the preparation goes underway. i was thinking of making lasagna but my sister insisted on baked macaroni. well, gotta go do some other stuff before cooking begins. hope everyone will be having a peaceful christmas!