The Grand Balls of Manila

So, we have been here over 18 months and still never attended a charity ball. We have attended the American Women’s Club Hoedown the first few months we were here, but none of the fancy, “prom nights” (as a friend here likes to call them). I was determined to go to one before I left. I got Curt on board, put into motion having my dress made and all the other fun things that go into these events. There are several balls and what they are simply, are excuses to get dressed up and raise money for one of several expat (mostly expat organizations) clubs that then gives the money to the charities they sponsor. This ball was the ANZA ANCHAM (Australian New Zealand Association in conjunction with the Australian and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce) Ball. The theme was A Night on the Orient Express which was nice as it is a broad theme. About 2 weeks prior to the ball, Curt informed me he would be in India on this night…UGH! Seriously! Then it was the dilemma, dress in the works already, maybe only ball I go to vs. going solo. Well, if you know me, it wasn’t too much of a decision. Off I went, see ya, Curt!
I was lucky enough to have good friends here that let me tag along with them. It’s been awhile since I have been to something “stag” and even longer that I have gone stag and had to get up with 3 kids the next morning (Jill, the noonies don’t work on Sunday, so don’t start mocking me now!). The best part was I didn’t have to worry who I left Curt stranded with, the worst part, I didn’t have someone to rescue from a dire conversation! I am so used to this balance that I was a fish out of water this night. All in all, it was a great place to see people that you haven’t seen in awhile and make future plans to see them again (if your memory serves you after all the cocktails). I didn’t win any raffle prizes or silent auctions, but I had a great time and hope if there is another one soon, I can get Curt to go with me to that one!

I should thank my photographers for the first two photos: Aleah and Ellery Gooden. They were fabulous and encouraged me to make silly faces! One day I need to teach them that shooting people from underneath isn't always the best "look."

Katrine and I

Jake, Heath, Myself, Julie and Maggie