At Old Town Temecula With Two Math Queens

 Karma is real. Back in Philippines, I was the laziest driver in our group. I had quite a few number of excuses so I can just be a passenger and let my girlfriends maneuver the steering wheel. One was on weekends, it was not safe for me to drive coz it's what's predicted on my horoscope or my eyes are so strained I cannot see the path clearly. I think the most lame was Kobe's ( my car's name) key was nowhere to be found. Lucky me, I have loving sisters who simply accept my excuses then let me get away with it.LOL!!!

Fast forward to US life, it is a 360 degree turn. I am quite the unofficial "official" driver of my cousins who visit SoCal. The aforementioned alibis were not sold and supported here. For the love of them I drive, albeit reluctantly and no choice eh!!!:) Uber costs a fortune and it is impossible to a pay for a driver for 1,000 Php ($20.00) for a day at the road.

On one Wednesday of the previous month, me, my cousins Arlette and Beng trooped to Old Town Temecula for a brief sightseeing and supper. It was a 55-mile drive and was relatively easy with my car bffs- Apple Maps and iTunes music PLUS Beng and Arlette's stories. These two breathe Math, Physics and numbers like the natural air. They are genius. I only know 1+1. Hihi!!!

I reserved a table for three at Small Barn Old Town Restaurant thru the OpenTable app. I haven't been here , but since I was the designated guide, I just followed my gut and hoped we will like it. And we did, so much so we made a remark we shall come back soon when time permits.

Alfresco dining is one of the few and rare good things the pandemic has resurrected.  We appreciated the vibe of the place paired with perfect weather, food and drinks.

"To offer a welcoming gathering place where beautiful design, exceptional food and beverages and gracious service come together in a relaxed, but vibrant haven for socializing and discovery." (Small Barn website)

We spent probably a half of an hour strolling around Old Town. It was a welcome respite to see a historic and timeless place "alive" yet not too crowded with bystanders. Social distancing was easy.

The bottommost photo was taken on October 24, 2014 at Greenbelt Manila and my Instagram caption read: A Pinkberry yogurt night after a hearty and belly- satisfying ramen dinner with Math wizards yet cool cousins- friends, Benelee and Arlette. Had Sugarpova gummy candies of Maria Sharapova for toppings. Do I look like her after eating the candies??:)

2021. Beng has two adorable kids, Arlette is DOTS ( Darling of the Seniors)and Ms. PSUG and I remain to be a strong, brave and independent girl who is still childlike in many ways, a work in progress in creating a better version of my story.

The true test of sisterhood and friendship for us is it is effortlessly and genuinely easy to pick up where we left off even if we do no communicate for weeks and months. We can bear out our tales and thoughts with each other knowing there is care, support and care around us.

Maybe it is safe to say that I now wholeheartedly accept the reality that I am indeed the " Driver of the Year" here in SoCal for my sisters. Howevah, if and when I get to marry Jack Dorsey, one of the first things I would do is to have my own chauffeur. Hihihi!!!

I love you Lette and Beng.

Old. Town. Temecula.