It was obvious from the way I participated in tonight’s house blessing that I haven’t indulged myself in any house blessing whatsoever in my entire life until a few hours back.

All that was stamped in my pathetic little mind (aside from thinking what to buy next from Mommy Inday’s sari-sari store every minute) were lechon, Dampa sa Libis, finally introducing Pao, dinner, family, relatives, Cebu, pictures, fun.

Nobody told me about reading the prayers of the faithful, throwing pieces of petals, coins, and chocolates on the floor because I’m the eldest in the family, reciting some prayers, candles being lit, witnessing a hoard of guests floating in every corner of the house with lechon, cooked meals from Dampa sa Libis, Mom’s white spaghetti, and more on their little plates of joy.

Somehow, despite the shock I felt, knowing first hand that it was only supposed to be a “family only” house blessing, everyone left happy with their stomachs brimming with food and it was quite an experience. Now they finally have an idea that for one, I’m a lousy reader, two, a lousy host, and three, a lousy eldest daughter at that. Not bad.

Earlier this morning though, Uncle did some “arrangements” in Mommy Inday’s store. Basically, with a few suggestions here and there, he was able to maximize the room space by making use of different things like wooden sticks, used carton boxes, wires; and by utilizing every shelf, nook, and cranny available. Everything was categorized appropriately. At work, he is surely an obssessive compulsive (and admits to be a slob at his own house, hee). We really appreciated what he did.

Then again, there’s having a wee time with Pao in helping my uncle and looking after the store at the same time. In the middle of everything, the cheap thrill of finally experiencing how it was to drink beer together and having kaldereta as pulutan settled in. Blame it on the humid weather! I was sweating mad. So I decided to make my head spin by sharing a bottle of beer with him! How intelligent was that?!

Try it with this formula: a damn good kalderata + sweat + a feeling of having a good day’s work + some funky and groovy music on the background + doing it the first time with your loved one + legal = blog worthy material.

The rest was history and only pictures can blurt a thousand imaginary words. So. If you’re a dear old friend who has a multiply account, you may view them here.

Happy Easter!

PS: Avron is such an adorable kid. I love the way he laughs and how annoying he was while messing my sacred pc time with Mr. Blue Rubber Keyboard. Heh.