In the last year I've spent a good bit of time standing around the baggage claim areas in different airports.

I've watched bags go by and have wondered about the stories they could tell.

I'm always curious about who will reach out and grab the bag as it passes by.

Where have they been?
Where are they going?
Are they going on some fun adventure?
Or do they have to take care of some hard, sad affair?

When I see some nice, fancy, newish looking luggage I wonder if it's been purchased for a once-in-a-lifetime type of trip or if it's merely a replacement for one that's used every week on one business trip or another.

And then there's my bag... my army green-ish wheeled carry on with red trim, easily identifiable with my bright yellow luggage tag. On it a cartoon-looking frog, sticking out its bright pink tongue. I look and wonder what stories people might imagine of me and my travels.

Returning from BKK to MNL I again was watching as luggage was being claimed when I saw something really different. It was a thin, plastic, circle, zippered pouch. It kind of reminded me of one of the sun shades for windshield windows.

A guy swiftly picked it up and put it on his buddy's cart along with a big, black plastic bin.
Hmmm... curious. I wondered what it was. Thankfully, a little girl was more curious and more brave than I. She asked the guys what was in the bag. A wheel was their answer.

Huh.

Turns out the two guys were from the Netherlands and were in Manila to join a cycling race.

Huh. So THAT is how you transport a bike overseas. Interesting.

Oh the countless stories that are likely spinning around on the baggage claim carousel...

I haven't updated ... at least not on this blog.
So FB friends, you've heard the news already...

MY PARENTS ARE HERE IN MANILA WITH ME!!!
and...
I'M GOING TO BE AN AUNT AGAIN!!!

My Parents
My parents decided while I was away last week that they were going to come to Manila.
So, after returning to Manila on Friday, I prepared for their arrival -- scheduled for midnight Sunday, February 28th.

They landed in Manila around 3:30 AM ... and got to my place around 5 or so.
Along with getting over jetlag, they've been busy catching up with my dad's old high school friends who have been celebrating their 50th reunion over the last week.

I got sick while I was away so while they've been going out, I've been home resting and sleeping.
Actually being sick right now is quite nice. I love the way my mom nurses me to health and I've missed that.




My Niece or Nephew?!
YES! My brother and sister-in-law are expecting their 2nd child!!! I'm sooo excited.
I loved talking with my nephew about the big news. He's so excited to not be the only kid anymore.

He's really hoping for a little brother -- "I REALLY REALLY want a brother."
When I responded, "Well, I guess we'll find out if you'll have a brother or a sister," he said really excitedly, "OR...maybe it could be both! Then I could have a brother AND a sister and there will be three of us kids! Well ... 4 because I'm counting Austin (his pet hamster)."

I love that little guy... and can't wait to meet "the other kid."