Today my grandma reported that I was adjusting very well and making new friends. I met my new friends during my daily walks with my grandma (lola). They were following us around and wanted to play. I wish I could show pictures of them but my lola is not so good with the flash box.

This morning, my friends (3 dogs!) were already at the gate, waiting for me, even before we were ready to go out. I could smell them and asked my lola to hurry up. my new friends acompanied us as we strolled around the nieghborhood.

However, another thing that they wanted to correct is the fact that I became clingy after we moved. This morning, for example, when my lola left very early for the market, they heard me whimpering by the door, asking her to come back. When she did not do so, I went up the stairs and went into their bedroom and tried to wake grandpa by licking his foot. He was not so happy about that, but he woke up anyway to join me downstairs.

Missing my friend

One downside about moving away is not seeing my cousin, Myra. When my hoomans mention her name, my ears would perk up, and I would immediately go to the door hoping that she's still just outside and waiting for me to play our favorite games - tag and bitey face.

There are new dogs I meet around here who are very curious about me. But, there's nothing like playing with your bestfriend. Hopefully, she hasn't forgotten about me.

My mom showed me these pictures of Myra skateboarding with her dad. Isn't she the coolest!

New tricks

My mom came for a visit yesterday and promised to see me more often. My grandma has been taking care of me while she's gone. She told her of the many wonderful tricks I've learned. For example, I wake my grandma at 4 a.m everyday to ask her to take me out and when she would ignore my pleadings, I would paw her face until she relents. She also told my mom how I have trained her to give me more treats by not touching my regular meals, then giving her the "Im-so-hungry-I-will-die-if-you-dont-feed-me look" on my face, while pointing to the cupboard where my yummy treats are hidden.

My mom told her not to let me boss her around. But, my grandma said that she's only doing it because she does not want me to feel depressed because of the moving away situation. Now, I can see that our new set-up has its advantages.

My mom decided to set up ground rules so that I will not unlearn all the training I had. But, Im not sure how long my grandma will able to comply with the rules.

Sorry I have been too lazy to post. The truth is Im too bummed to do anything else but mope around the house. You see we moved two weeks ago because our house needs some major renovations. Now, my mom stayed behind, living in a place near our house because of her work and to oversee the construction, while we are temporarily renting an apartment until the house is finished (2-3 months!).

I dont get to see her everyday anymore and I miss her so much. I hope (I know) she misses me too. When she visits the house, she always has treats for me. We play together and she gives lots of kisses and hugs. I smell her clothes and her hair and try to figure out where she's been all this time. We have so much fun when she visits, that's why Im quite confused why she has to leave again. I ask her to take me with her- I plead, I beg and put on my cutest face but it just doesn't work. She said they don't allow dogs at her temporary place. I stay by the door and whimper asking her to come back. Those darn construction workers should really work harder so that the house would be finished soon.

Happy New Year!

Celebrating the new year in the Philippines is not just about parties, it is also a way to revisit customs and traditions meant to attract good fortune for the coming year. These traditions show the strong Chinese influence in our customs.

It is traditional to put together 12 different sweet fruits. One fruit for each month. It means that the family will have good fortune for the rest of the year.

It is also customary to serve or give away this cake made from glutinuous rice to symbolize family togetherness. Red (my favorite!) is also the predominant color, which according to Chinese beliefs, brings good luck and prosperity.

A few days before the New Year, one could already hear fire crackers popping. But, near midnight, it can be REALLY LOUD. My mom wanted to take pictures of the firecrackers and the fireworks but it was very dangerous to go out the streets, unless one wants to get injured. These firecrackers are meant to bring good luck and scare away bad spirits.

It used to frighten me a lot and I would hide behind my mom during New Year's eve. But, now it did not really bother me, except at midnight, when our nieghbors fired one really big noisemaker called Sawa. It was deafeningly loud and I could not take it, so I hid under the table. But, it wasn't scary enough to wipe the goofy smile off my face.

The next day, relatives came and we celebrated with food, music and games. For me, family togetherness is really the best tradition brought by the new year.

Happy New Year to all!