THE UPS AND DOWNS OF UNCLE-DOM (OR UNCLE-NESS? BEING-AN-UNCLE?)

I am sure that it's one thing to be a parent, but it's an equally daunting task to being an uncle. Well, it is - at least - for me. I still remember the day I became an official, full-fledged uncle back in 2004. That June, my niece was born to my youngest brother and my then-eventual sister-in-law. That day easily ranks as one of the happiest days of my life. With my friends and other family members around, however, I knew that being an "uncle" wasn't going to be left to only being a mere presence in the life of my niece. I realized soon that there would be more to the equation than just buying her cute things, or planning to take her places when she got older, or even hanging out with her and being the "cool" uncle that every child seems to have in their life.

Even more so important than showering my niece with Prada and Sprinkles cupcakes (ok, I honestly have yet to buy her something from Prada, and I never bring Sprinkles cupcakes with me when I travel back East - ahaha... totally just an "expression" for those who get it) is the fact that I must care for her, be an example for her (although many question my aptitude for that; just because I'm the "fun" one - sheesh!), and - above all - love her as if she were my own daughter. It's quite intimidating, yet an honor all the same. I'm sure those of you who are uncles and/or aunts know exactly where I'm coming from.

I happened to check my cell phone not too long ago, and noticed that I had a missed call. There was no name attached, but it had a "202" exchange. I called it back to see who it was. My call was answered by some automated system at Washington Childrens' Hospital Center, or something like that, and it went to some generic voicemail box. Granted, on any other given day, I would've brushed the call aside. But when I heard "Washington Childrens' Hospital Center," my body went into some kind of temporary shock. Seconds later, I was fumbling on my new phone (which I have yet to truly master) to call my brother's cell. When I got his voicemail I started to panic ever-so-slightly, but I gathered myself together and left him a message: "Hey, did you or Joie happen to call me from Washington Childrens' Hospital or whatever it's called? I got a missed call, and now I'm worried. Call me. Please."

Visions of my niece, as well as of my 4-month old nephew, began to flash before my eyes. I could feel the tension building up in my head.

Thankfully, my brother knows when to NOT ignore my calls (he only ignores other calls - haha). I heard the Demi Lovato ringtone play from my phone: "This is real, this is me..." (Oh yes, I went there.) I snatched up my phone, and was like, "DID YOU GET MY MESSAGE?!"

"Uh, yeah? Everything's fine, Kuya. That wasn't me or Joie."

PRAISE THE LAWD! I could sense my brother's worry suddenly turn into a sigh of "goodness-gracious, Kuya Wendel." Hey, I'll take that any day.

"OK. Cool. As long as you guys are fine, then it's all good. Sorry, I just got worried," I said. "Everything is good?"

"Yeah, we are all fine!" My brother reassured me.

"Alright! See you in about two weeks then! Bye!"

My neurotic tendencies amaze me sometimes.

But hey... it's all part of the joy of being "Uncle Wen."

Right now, the holiday cheer is supposedly ringing in everywhere. Deck the halls, silent night, and all that other mumbo-jumbo surrounds me every day. But yet, I am spirit-less this season. I'm not even ready for the flight home to the DC area for the holidays. I feel like things have been happening so fast in my life that I somehow can't find that moment where I could just scream. I don't even think I'll be sending out one Christmas card. Oh well. I'm hoping that seeing my niece and nephew will change all that. I know that part of my reason for living is for them, and I realize each and every day that being on the other side of the country doesn't make it easy for me to NOT miss them.

Being an uncle is hard work. But I wouldn't trade it for anything.

THANKSGIVING (Partie Un)

In fine Thanksgiving holiday tradition, this year was long-awaited. There definitely was much to look forward to, especially in the weeks leading up to it. As usual, the days prior to Thanksgiving drudged along ever-so-slowly. Long days at work, compounded with tons of errands to be done on the weekends, seemed to make the holiday seem so far from reach. But in the blink of an eye, it passed just as quickly as it came.

My holiday started last Wednesday when our offices closed at noon. Not that I could relish in the time off since I had a laundry list of things to do. My to-do list had included a number of things including packing for road the trip to The Bay, picking up the rental car, and somehow slipping-in a hair cut. Once that was done, I had to get ready for the concert.

Oops. Did I mention that I had tickets to see NKOTB at L.A. Live! (Nokia Theater) for last Wednesday? Yes, I know. I had already seen them once at Staples. But Lesley and I went to see the show one last time. They ended their U.S. tour in L.A. last Wednesday night before heading off to Mexico and Europe. For those who care, the show was a good time. We had orchestra seats, and had an awesome view. The theater was packed, and the crowd was mixed --more so I thought than it was at Staples just a month before. We laughed along with those who were screaming seriously, reminisced with the old songs, and grooved with the new ones. Jon (Knight) got a birthday serenade from the fellas and audience, and everyone got to "hang tough" during the encore. Fun times, most definitely. (But if you want to hear my deeper insights on the audience, then drop me a line. Hee.)

Here's a clip from my camera (the encore number, "Hangin' Tough"):



We got in after a late-night stop at Norm's on Pico, so the next morning we were off to a late start. I scooped-up Lesley around 10:30AM on Thanksgiving morning, and we headed off to The Bay. Traffic was practically non-existent, except for that strip along the Grapevine (which is so annoying). We made it to Fremont after about 5 hours.

When we got to the Bernales' condo, the majority of the guests were already there. Final touches were being placed on the food, and the table was being set. I swooped in to do my part and help where I could. The table was beautifully set, and the menu items were amazing. Among them: rigati (tossed with olive oil, parmesan, peas, and sun dried tomatoes), baked salmon, honey glazed ham, haricots verts w/garlic and onions, mashed potatoes, stuffing, tossed salad, and a nicely-prepared bird --which was tender and juicy. To add a little ethnic flair we had Philippine empanadas, puto, and a yummo "pandan"-flavored cake. To add to the dining experience was an array of appetizers (including sweet potato fries dipped in ranch dressing, fried mac 'n cheese balls dipped in marinara sauce, and cheese/chicken stuffed "purses"). A red velvet cake and pumpkin cheesecake topped everything off. Mind you, all of these things (save for the Filipino dishes) were made from scratch by our hosts, Lenore and Allan, and my sister, Tes. Their work was simply magical that night.

We had great conversations, and there was a lot of catching up done among the majority of us who all grew up back in MD. Libations flowed (I actually drank for a good portion of the evening; I didn't eat until very late), songs were performed via Amelie's "Magic Mic," and we played "drunk" charades and poker (while I continued to perform songs throughout the rest of the night; don't ask).

After putting stuff away, and cleaning up, we vegged out before passing out. A much-needed end to a super long day. But what Thanksgiving doesn't end that way?

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To come... Partie Deux -- lazy 'Black Friday,' The Slanted Door, Lime, Patio Filipino, and Corso.

I AM AN "RDG"

I am a “real deal Gemini," and it shows.

My family and close friends all know this. Even my co-workers have come to know me as such. They all seem to know that I struggle with two sides of a coin when it comes to anything and everything. I see the good and bad in all things. I struggle between choosing what’s truly right from what’s truly wrong because, in hindsight, I am able to find both qualities in all things.

On the other side of the spectrum, my Gemini duality is manifested in scarier ways. I can be quiet, calm, and easy-going one moment, and then out-right irate, annoyed, and moody the next. There are times when I will want something so bad that I won’t rest until I have it, or there are instances where I can wait forever for something to either “come my way,” or “fall into my lap.” I’ve been known to throw tantrums, and scream at the top of my lungs when things don’t go my way. But I am also quite accommodating when it comes to accepting defeat, and taking each experience as it comes. I am easily influenced at times, but doubly influencing at others. I can be prone to forgiveness and/or vindictiveness at will. I laugh at the expense of others, yet my heart aches when people experience pain or sorrow. I am quite aloof and can have a “go with the flow” attitude when I want, but I can also be super demanding and high-maintenance as well. At times I love to be surrounded by people, but there are days when I just want to be alone.

I am a “real deal Gemini," and it shows.

My niece, whose birthday falls exactly two weeks after mine, is an “R(eal) D(eal) G(emini)” as well. At the times that I’ve seen her, I’ve experienced this phenomena first hand. It amuses me, yet equally scares me. I see a lot of myself in her, and through her I am able to see the intricacies of being me. Every lesson I learn through my niece, is a lesson learned about myself.

Blood runs much deeper than water.

Yes, even for an “RDG.”