It’s going to be a busy weekend. But I feel energized. Actually, I feel great. For the first time in so many months, I’m writing the way I always wanted to. I finally acknowledged what had been staring at me in the face for a long time. Not following the political news — not paying attention to those immature creatures in Congress — has allowed me to read more. Instead of researching the law, I’m discovering new things.
A new book arrived yesterday from Bantam Dell Publishing of New York, New York and it is such great read so far. Written by a Ph.D. guy from Stanford called Brian Wansink, Mindless Eating is the result of years of research and experiments that show that our decision to eat — what to eat, when to eat and how much — are affected by everything except real hunger. The psychology of marketing. Of course, I’ll write a review later for Pinoy Cook. I’m not through reading the book yet.
So, things are just dandy. We had a wonderful 15th wedding anniversary dinner at Vieux Chalet last night and we discovered something new — again. Ah, but that will be something for this month’s Lasang Pinoy about Pinoy Holiday food gifts.
My daughter Sam’s best friend, Joan, will celebrate her birthday and she has renewed a request she made so many months ago. Could I make some baked macaroni for her birthday on Saturday? Of course, I would. 
And, yesterday, when we picked up the kids from school to eat dinner out, Sam had more news. The class had been finalizing the arrangements for the Christmas Bazaar, program and party on Sunday. Her classmates have a special request — baked macaroni. They even have a name for it, she said — Mommy Connie’s baked macaroni. LOL I’m really more than flattered. I used to be Tita Sassy to them, a name they coined themselves that I found endearing. Then, it was Tita and now it’s Mommy Connie. I like it that they feel at ease with me. I like it that they feel comfortable and close enough to me to refer to me as Mommy. LOL
And I don’t even visit the school all that often. Only on special occasions when parents are invited. I don’t hang around in the school like, you know, some mommies do. Not even when my kids were in pre-school.
I really can’t ask for anything much. Oh, well, except zero downtime for all my blogs. That is the one remaining thing that I wish I could have for Christmas. 
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
ben 12.13.06 at 7:07 pm
let’s see…happiness is…a new 80gb iPod for christmas, hahaha. your words are leaping off the screen, sassy. hope all of you have a great holiday and thanks for a year of great posts on the blog. cheers!
phynkee 12.13.06 at 7:46 pm
ah… your baked macaroni’s a sure hit. when i prepared it on my elder daughter’s 4th bday, our friends here requested me to cook it again on my second daughter’s 1st birthday party last november, and another request on our Pinoy Christmas party last dec 2. we all really love it, a real baked macaroni, ei!
i’m thinking of sending you the photos but i always forgot, almost all the dishes i prepared are from your foodblog.
cheers to you ms. connie, hehehe!
the best talaga ang dishes mo.
Connie 12.13.06 at 8:23 pm
ben, the last time you mentioned the video iPod you were talking about the 40GB model. Now, it’s 80GB. LOL Cheers to you too. Have a great one.
thanks, phynkee. sige send me the pics and I’ll post them.
I love evidence like that, err… feedbacks I mean hehehe
phynkee 12.14.06 at 1:37 pm
yeah… i’ve sent the photo’s this morning… please check it out and let me know if you receive it.
Connie 12.14.06 at 2:45 pm
thanks, phynkee. got them. i posted an entry too.
Hush 12.14.06 at 5:57 pm
May i call you mum too!?
I really having fun reading ur blogs…As much links u put here, more for me to enjoy my time! My hubby just asked me when is the last time i check my friendster…And I said I can’t remember! lol do u know how much i check your sites? Not just regular almost every hour! lol So if there’s no another new, I thought…Come on tita connie!!
Anyway cant wait to open my christmas present its Tefal 3 in one! It has rice cooker, steamer, and slow cooker..Think u already laughing there coz I know my christmas present..and i am the one wrapped it! lol anyway i really enjoy cooking more and more…ur such an inspiration!
Cheers!
Connie 12.14.06 at 6:09 pm
LOL hush. You’re married so that means I ‘m too young to be your mum hahahaha I hope you know ALL my blogs hehehe when there’s nothing new here it’s possible there’s something new elsewhere.
No worries, things are ALMOST back to normal so the pace of blogging will normalize too.
The Tefal 3 in 1 sounds wonderful. I am a Tefal fan myself. I use no other brand for my non-stick pans but Tefal.