THE KITCHEN IS CLOSED: No Recipe Tips for March

As you may have noticed, I haven't blogged any more recipe tips this month. I'm not even going to attempt to catch up — I'm just too busy: I quit my job as a secretary at a mom-and-pop real estate firm; I took and passed my real estate salesperson licensing course; now it's my "spring break" vacation, as I will be going trans-continental almost all of this month.

First stop will be my hometown of DC. I'll be visiting my peoples there, my son and I enjoying some good Filipino home-cooking.

Next will be So-Cal, Southern California. A short respite in Los Angeles, mi primera vez en la ciudad. Checking out the scene — who knows, I may relocate there when I want to jump start my filmmaking career again. I only know I'll run for the hills if it's filled with collagen, saline and botox. I hope I won't be accosted by Mickey Mouse either.

Then it's San Diego at my son's paternal grandparents for his second birthday. I spent Xmas 2005 there and had his first birthday party at my house in NYC; so now it's time for an exchange. I may cross the border into Tijuana for a second, but since it will be high-noon for spring breakers I don't know if it's wise — I loathe your average Joe/Jane-schmoe ignoramus college student and seeing them congregate en masse might push my misanthropic Columbine button. It's best to know your trigger and avoid it at all costs.

I'll be back for Easter, don't you worry, and testing and sharing new and exciting concoctions. Oh, I think my first recipe when I get back will be Baked Ham, Filipino-style. To all you serious carnivores out there like me, you won't want to miss it.

And I'll still be blogging other things during my trip. Expect a lot of photo essays.