Howdy!!

My 2-week stay in Plano, Texas was definitely rest defined.

Mom and Dad met me at the Dallas airport. I could not possibly describe their expression upon seeing me. OK, after over a month of moping over something really serious, 2 weeks of not eating that I almost forgot how to chew, I guess they just had to cut me some slack. Of course I would look horrible. Not finding the right words to say, Mom and Dad just gave me the tightest hug. Then I just felt it. I was home.

It was my first time to see my parents' house in Plano. Oh it was so nice, and the neighborhood, too! They still maintain their nice garden, Mom's treasured project. Dad's game room makes me think of ours in Las Pinas. Hmm, comparing this to my tiny apartment in Makati, I think staying longer is worth thinking about. Hee hee!

So when I said my stay was all about rest, it's true. My parents took me to great restaurants, parks, etc. I definitely loved the TexMex place we once went to. The food was great. I literally gave up on the steak.

I also enjoyed the visits to the different markets. Oh yes, I'm still the market person. Central Market was the coolest fresh produce market, but definitely the most expensive. I was in awe with the 15 kinds of peaches elegantly lined in one section. After a few days of just eating, resting and leisure walks, I've gained quite some weight. The cheeks, arms and tummy don't lie.

The Fort Worth Stockyards was OK, except that it was too hot!! Dad took this picture outside Cowboy Hall of Fame Museum (yes, you saw it right!! a cowboy museum). Notice the heat that day! OMG!

By lunchtime, we were all staring blankly in hunger and thirst.


OK, we stayed until 4pm since Mom wanted to wait for the herd. We endured the heat and got this:

Huh?! Mooooom?!?! Aaargh!!

On most evenings, we just casually talk over dinner & wine. Oh sometimes Mom would show off and make margaritas for us. I must say, it was gooood. We all enjoyed it.

So during my alone time, when Mom and Dad are at work, I would go to the mall, shop a little and just find myself staying in a bookstore for hours!

Barnes & Noble is heaven for me. Got some books to take with me back to Manila. Helloooo Twilight Saga! I also got a copy of The Kite Runner which I liked so much. I'll save my book reviews for future blogs.

Cristy, my highschool friend, flew in to spend a few days with me in Texas. I was so excited to see her. I got so many stories to tell, but definitely much more to hear from her. Hee hee! So on the day she got to Plano, we had to go to a nearby park for a long girly talk. Ready to go, girl!

Laughs, tears, teeth gritting. Stories from our jobs, friends, single lives and of course, boys (or men). It felt like we were back in our teenage years.

The next day, we headed to the mall to do some shopping. We had late lunch at the Cheesecake Factory.

It was also time for "too early" margaritas.

Margaritas that obviously became history in no time. Hee hee!

Cristy's visit was definitely an awesome part of my vacation. I hope to see you again in December, girl! Luv yah!

So 4th of July was nice. Perfect reason to binge! It was also my last night in Texas. We had barbeque at the yard.

I took a photo of Mom's little garden menace. Of course Dad came running after it, driving it away. Right when the ribs and sausages were perfectly done, we got are plates and beer ready. Happy 4th!! Cheers! Gee! I could see the 2 weeks worth of fat in those cheeks and arms! Hmm..

After 2 weeks, I realized I was fine... and ready to go back to my own little apartment, my nice job, my caring friends in Manila. But I'm definitely coming back to the states. Will be visiting other places next time. My friends and I are getting our checklist ready (heehee! private joke there! *wink*) So New York... Get ready for our grand entrance in December!