Red Horse

Philip walked into my room to wake me up, saying something came up in the hospital.

I tried finishing my expired sapin-sapin for breakfast, but it was too much. I made my own breakfast for the 1st time with cereal and green tea. That's when I noticed 1 of the maids was missing. I miscounted when I earlier said there were 11 people living with us. It's 12. Auntie Zelda actually has a "babysitter" (as my dad put it). But since Auntie Zelda left for Washington D.C. this morning, her babysitter has also gone on vacation.

I finally used the phone card to call my mommy today. I tried the house 1st. No answer. Then her cell phone. No answer. Finally, her work number. She answered. Meanwhile, Stardust was on TV again. But mommy's pretty useless in terms of bringing over more stuff. She'll be leaving for the Philippines tomorrow.

We went to visit my dad in the hospital. Still in the ICU. He's bloated as some kind of side effect, not sure why. But he's better, despite not being allowed to talk.

RYAN: What should I tell mom?
DAD: I'm "getting better."

He even caught Philip snooping around the doctor's desk and told me to tell Philip that he'll get caught.

Dinner was a big mac and fries from McDonald's and a bottle of water. Philip also got a new room to avoid any potential retaliation for breaking up the nurses' noisy party last night. He also made me kiss my dad on the forehead again upon leaving.

We came home and there was this woman here with only 1 eye. Her name's Linda. She used to work here, but Auntie Zelda was actually angry because she only had 1 eye! So they had to let her go. But now that Auntie Zelda's on a plane to Washington D.C., plus since they need a replacement for Auntie Zelda's babysitter who went on vacation, 1-eyed-Linda's back to fill in.

I called my mommy again at her work. They couldn't find her.

PHILIP: Perhaps she escaped to finish some errands before she leaves to come here.

Had to try again later.

PHILIP: Drink your beer downstairs.
RYAN: Am I allowed to drink beer in front of the kids and everyone else?
PHILIP: Yes. I'm the boss! Your dad's not around, my mom's not around ... I'm the elder now!

So I drank my San Miguel Light around the house. The light beer here - I repeat, light - has more alcohol than the American regular beers! Philip sent the driver, Bernie, to buy more beer. They let me try a Red Horse, which its label emphasized was "extra strong." I was buzzed. 1-year-old-baby Maxine kept reaching for my beer. Philip gave her, along with 2-year-old Samantha, a taste. The babies didn't like beer. Also snacked on some sausages and these crab-chip-thingies.

RYAN: My mommy's asking what do you want.
PHILIP: Nothing. Just her presence.
RYAN: Ok. What do you want for presents?
PHILIP: No. "Presence," not "presents."

I called my mommy again. Philip updated her on all hospital news. Now I'm watching something on the Disney channel called Wizards of Waverly Place.