Sunday, June 12, 2005
Busy as a bee
June 11 was indeed a busy day.
The whole day up till 3pm was non-stop action at home. We had to bring my stepmom's to-die-for laing (my relatives swear by that claim), fresh lumpiang ubod and tokwa't baboy to the party (or so we thought) that night. Now that meant we had to start preparing early in the morning. Preparing Reb's stuff for the party is a production number in itself.Expecting a long and tiring drive to QC (FPJ supporters were reportedly causing traffic jams in the Mandaluyong area), we asked someone to drive us there (for a fee of course). We took the Quiapo route and was lucky to have made it within the day!
I arrived a little later than 5pm but I was still among the early birds in the group. As usual, it was so much fun. It was such an effort to leave by 7pm to proceed to my aunt's birthday party but hey, a mom's got to do what a mom's got to do. My aunt wanted Reb there (a case of whether I like it or else!) so I had to bring her there.
The night started with a sluggish mood. There were only a handful of us in the family who made it that night. Most were friends of my aunt from her ballroom dancing. And a handful of dance instructors (DI), may I add. The food was alright, though not really great...but the Strong Ice beer my cousin ordered for me to taste warmed me up throughout the night. And to think I only had four gulps (someone told me the term is "gulp" when you drink from a bottle...so there) and left the rest to evaporate with the nonexistent wind.
If I had any lingering doubts that Reb is party material, they were all squashed to a pulp that night. Not only did she engage in adult banter with guests and relatives ("Anong grade na ba si Reb, Nina?") but she treaded on waters we didn't dare tread...the dance floor. Amidst all the ballroom dancing around us, my cousins and I were never tempted...with excuses ranging from tiredness to Strong Ice. On other days I would have gamely danced the swing (my favorite)...but keeping an eye on a little girl, Strong Ice and dancing just don't mix. Something has to give.
Just when a DI was on his way to our table, my cousins pointed to Reb. And to our shock, she obliged! There was no giggling, nor glancing at Mama to see if I am there. She was dancing with him with this serious expression on her face. She was learning the steps and the pirouette. Another DI picked up where the other left off. I'd say it was shock after shock that night. To top it all, she danced solo when Choopeta was finally played.
...and not once did she giggle like a child...
The little girl is growing up fast...I'm not sure I like this. I like her cute and cuddly and baby-like (yes, Maya, there was a time when she talked like a baby) a little longer, please.
