california

San Francisco is so cool.... It is really such a beautiful, vibrant city...

I had a great time -- after the conference the first day we drove to Half Moon Bay -- Moss Beach Distillery-- to enjoy some great mussels with an amazing view of the Pacific...



Although we didn't have the amazing weather or the happy crowds that you can see in the picture we still had the Pacific right there with all its glory. The mussels were fantastic and we read about two female ghosts who love to hang around the restaurant. Both women died because of unrequited love...

We then drove back to San Francisco, crossed the Golden Gate and headed to Sausalito... Although it was already dark, we found a cute wine bar where we ate again - cheese, and olives, and almonds, and bread... Just delicious.

And the next day, we finished our trip by having excellent sushi for lunch ... I had this Chu Toro that was just like butter -- it just melted in my mouth. Quick trip but lots of fun....

Wedding update: the date has changed. October 27th will be. Well, at least for now. I wanted to go to Greece for our honeymoon but if we get married at the end of October then it will be too cold to go to Greece... I really wanted to go to Greece but we couldn't get a church for the Sept 29 previous date... Back at home they always said that it is more difficult to find a church than a boyfriend.. They might be right after all...

i've been engaged for a week

and I am off to san francisco for a couple of days. I have to go to a conference and it would be a good little trip to relax a little bit after the workshop and the engagement craziness...

D & I just got back from Houston - we went to see David's mother and family. It is just so funny how our families are very much alike in many things but very much different in others. I think that the main difference is a cultural difference. Me being Messsican and all and they being not.... I guess it's good to be aware of differences and how these differences can play an important role in our relationship... David's mom told me as we left that it was important for me to remember that I was marrying a family as well and not only David. Yes, I am very much aware of that and I am fine with that. In fact, one of the things that I liked about David was his family. They are prudent, cautious, a little bit reserved but at the same time friendly and warm. Very American indeed. And very loving as well.

I still can't believe I am getting married to my upstairs neighbor... Amazing...

big, big news!!!!!!

Well, it happened. Yes, it did. David proposed last Sunday. Yes. And I am finally coming down from cloud 9.... It wasn't a total surprise because we had talked about it but it still hit me as a lighting. Oh, my God... I never thought that I was going to be so shocked. Well, it wasn't exactly shocking but I really don't know what word to use. It was tremendous joy and excitment and emotion, etc., etc., etc.... I wish I could have better words to describe the experience. It was just extremely sweet and we are very happy. David is an amazing man and since I started dating him I knew he was going to be my husband. I knew that we were going to spend our lives together. It was so different than other relationships... and believe me, we are not both perfect but we are good together. And it just feels right. We both are quite happy.

Anyway, first thing I did with my ring in my hand was, naturally, to call my parents. They were just thrilled, as you can imagine. We then called David's mom who was also quite happy. I called my brothers as well and then we were just happy.... very happy, and we drank champagne ( a lot) and we hugged, and kissed, etc., etc. It was very sweet...

On Monday at work, well, I didn't get a lot accomplished. I just couldn't concentrate! And I was suprised with my reaction -- I thought I was going to take it more relax but I just couldn't do anything.... Tuesday was a little bit better and I guess I was able to send a couple of emails and get some things ready for a huge workshop that I was presenting Wednesday and Thursday. Today, at the workshop, I realized that I really needed to get down to Earth because work-related things need to get done. So, I was able to forget about it for a while. Not long, though.

Maybe I didn't get things done at work but I got things done back at home. A date has been set and place for the reception has been chosen. It will all take place on September 29th back at home. My mom and my sister-in-law (who is more excited than I am, I believe) will be helping me with all that stuff. I really don't know what to do --- but I am sure they know.

I am excited -- really excited. And I am very happy... life is good ;-)

so long...

I haven't written in ages... but I have been so busy with work and my life has been ups and downs and downs and ups.... Some very sad moments and some very happy moments and I just wasn't in the mood for writing. Perhaps I'll tell more about these past three weeks at some other time. Not now.

And work -- oh LORD, my job. It's just crazy. I have this huge project due next week and I am just so tired, so tired. I feel like I don't have the energy and my head feels like it is going to explode with these terrible headaches. The green advil pills are my best friend now - I love those things. I really want this project to be over but then, we will have something else...

But I got to travel home a couple of weeks ago to the baptism of one of my best friend's daughter. I am her Godmother! It is my first godchild. So that was fun. And I also got to see the most beautiful nephew in the whole world -- my baby-- who turned one. He is soooo cute.

And today is Valentine's day. I found a sweet card from D in my car this morning... He's sweet... He writes almost the same sweet thing on every card he gives me. But I don't mind... he is very cool. And I kindda love him.