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Showing posts with label Us. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Us. Show all posts
Wednesday, 13 October 2010
Monday, 2 August 2010
Ever since our cruise to Alaska, Brian and I have a new little tradition. TEA. yes, tea, chamomile tea to be exact. We sip on it almost every night now, in cups that say "I do" and "I do too".
I love him, the thought of being apart from him sends me into excruciating pain. I hope I never have to live a day without him.
It's true I work a lot, a whole lot. I don't even say the half of it on this blog, and it will be hard being without him off and on in the next 3 months, traveling twice a month for the next 3 months will be tough, but I can only pray that it will strengthen what we have even further. I love him. I hope he knows to which extent.
Sunday, 13 June 2010
A Tree Grows...
Lately I've re-found the reason why photos are so important to me: they are the only "things/objects" that in my opinion are invaluable.
It's funny to think that to most people the faces and places depicted in my family photos are no more than strangers, but that to me these images would be the one "thing" I would grab if my house caught on fire. invaluable little things.
It's clear to me that we have most of our faded memories thanks to photos. I may not otherwise remember that one 10th birthday of mine where a clown and a magician entertained my whole class, if it wasn't for the pictures. and so many more memories as such.
Photos can take us back to a time we've never visited, but only heard of. More importantly photos are the only concrete means to remember those who have passed, celebrate these loved individuals, and literally hold them close to us. Without these inked portraits our memories would be no more than faded dreams.
In memory of Mrs. Cole's passing, I thought it would be wonderful to celebrate our families. I searched and selected photos of Brian's and my family in the past two days.
This is perhaps *THE* most important, special, and meaningful post I'll ever do on this blog :)
On the left column is Brian's side and on the right is my side.
It's funny to think that to most people the faces and places depicted in my family photos are no more than strangers, but that to me these images would be the one "thing" I would grab if my house caught on fire. invaluable little things.
It's clear to me that we have most of our faded memories thanks to photos. I may not otherwise remember that one 10th birthday of mine where a clown and a magician entertained my whole class, if it wasn't for the pictures. and so many more memories as such.
Photos can take us back to a time we've never visited, but only heard of. More importantly photos are the only concrete means to remember those who have passed, celebrate these loved individuals, and literally hold them close to us. Without these inked portraits our memories would be no more than faded dreams.
In memory of Mrs. Cole's passing, I thought it would be wonderful to celebrate our families. I searched and selected photos of Brian's and my family in the past two days.
This is perhaps *THE* most important, special, and meaningful post I'll ever do on this blog :)
On the left column is Brian's side and on the right is my side.
Wednesday, 28 April 2010
We're getting older ;)
Compared to four years ago, I can definitely see a progression in our appearances, personalities, and lifestyles. I'm not sure if this evolution is for the better physically, but I do feel that Brian and I get closer and closer everyday. Emotionally we are growing in unison. He is my FAMILY, MY BLOOD-- in and out. I feel HE IS the ONE and only person in this world I can always rely on. I feel as if I can fall hard and he will catch me always; I feel he will never let me down, never hurt me, rather take care of me and always be on my side. my team. I FEEL THIS, and I KNOW THIS. We are a TEAM, as he sweetly & often claims at the most random times. Love is not the word to describe what we have-- AGAPE is a better one.
Here is how our exterior has progressed over the last 4 years:
Here is how our exterior has progressed over the last 4 years:
Monday, 19 April 2010
The Way We Were
I stuck to it, tonight I watched "The Way We Were" as I said I would. Through the first half of the movie I was REALLY FORCING MYSELF to like the movie, and trying even harder not to turn it off and keep an open mind. As I watched it, I can't say I feel in love-- but I did love me some of the dramatic acting, and the vintage scenes of my beloved New York City. One of the things that kept me watching this movie, was its incredible similarity to Sex & The City. I mean I had no idea how similar the two were supposed to be! I fell in love with Barbara Streisand's acting-- and how similar her character (Katie) is to Carrie Bradshaw. And how Hubble is practically Big's blond version. I loved watching the movie from which SATC originated. Definitely a good oldie.
Monday, 28 December 2009
Timeline
CLICK PICTURE TO SEE BIGGER ;)
yup that's right we are leaving for NYC soon and it's finally a V&B trip, and what an amazing one it will be! :D
yup that's right we are leaving for NYC soon and it's finally a V&B trip, and what an amazing one it will be! :D
Friday, 20 November 2009
I am lucky because
I am lucky because...
Last weekend Brian and I fought, and it wasn't just one fight, it was more like 5 in a row. One of those days were you almost feel like giving up, and the bad feelings are all-consuming. Well I realize that I am lucky because I have true love. Brian came up to me as I was crying, took my face in his hands as the tears ran down my cheeks, and told me that if we'd fight 5 times, then we just make-up 5 times. True love is actually beautiful.
Last weekend Brian and I fought, and it wasn't just one fight, it was more like 5 in a row. One of those days were you almost feel like giving up, and the bad feelings are all-consuming. Well I realize that I am lucky because I have true love. Brian came up to me as I was crying, took my face in his hands as the tears ran down my cheeks, and told me that if we'd fight 5 times, then we just make-up 5 times. True love is actually beautiful.
Monday, 28 September 2009
Long time no consistent blogging--Italy-the inside scoop
I am horrible! I have been blogging on here less and less and what's sadder is that life has been incredibly eventful since I stopped the consistent blogging... so let me try to make up.
Italy was insanely amazing! While Brian was there IT WAS one of the best trips of my life. Also one that made me see things a little differently. Not to mention how much it changed/shifted Brian's perspective on people and cultures- just as I knew it would, but differently than I expected. Ok i know what you're thinking, could I BE ANY more general!? Well this is what I mean:
Before going to Italy with Brian I was certain of some things:
1) Brian would LOVE the food so much in Italy, he would probably gain at least 10 lb while there.
2) Brian would hate the traffic and smog so bad, that he'd wanna live in HSV for the rest of his life
3) Brian was going to eat gelato every day
4) Brian would think all Italian men are gay because of their tight clothing ;)
5) Brian would love Italy but be glad to go back home.
----
Well this is what REALLY HAPPENED:
1) Brian actually was not blown away by any Italian food. This may be because for the 3 precedent years I built up Italian food so much, he was ACTUALLY expecting orgasm from the food. He also said that DOMINO'S PIZZA is better than any pizza he's had there (which may classify as immediate divorce material right there ;)) AND that all the [Italian] foods my mom has made at home in the US top what he has had in the mother land.
2) Brian LOVED the way Italians drive, the whole time he was talking about wanting to drive his (convertible-two-seater-bright-yellow) car on the Italian roads. Or as he called it "zipping around" He praised the way Italians drive because they can get places 10 times faster than Huntsvillians.
3) Brian tried gelato, and really liked it --especially Stracciatella-- but again was not blown away.
4) Brian started dressing like Italian men after 3 days of being there. He bought as much clothing as I did while there (and let me tell you, that's a lot!). One night while sporting one of his new (very sexy) Italian shirts, I swear i may have seen a nipple it was unbuttoned so far down ;)
jokes aside-- this is one of my favorite parts of the Brian italy-metamorphosis: the fact that he now understands my obsession with style, looking good, and making a statement through clothing!!! we now have one of my favorite things in the world in common to share: clothes! :)
Another positive outcome was that, after only a few days begin there he felt, sounded, and acted so refreshed and HAPPY. He told me he now understood why I was the way I was: demanding, uninhibited, and to the point--he saw these types of personalities everywhere among everyone and things started adding up to him. He also said that he understood why I try clothing (in the US) in the middle of the store if the lines are too long at the changing rooms (no worries, nothing ever shows when I do that)... even though, he added, he still never saw anyone in Italy doing that ;)
He observed that middle aged Italian women take care of themselves, don't seem as prude, and show off what God gave them proudly, and not as if they are trying to hide their bodies. He loved this not because he likes to stare at middle aged women (trust me, he's really not that type), instead he loved this because he was learning that not all women over 45 loose all interest in themselves, the way they look, and carry themselves.
I also loved the way he compared Italians and Americans in yet another aspect: When in public places people here say the word "excuse me" if they are 3 feet (or more) away and need to pass next to you with plenty of space between you and them. He said that in Italy, people just did what they had to do (because they are used to small crammed spaces) and were not so touchy about any "invasion of personal space"--not even close!
FACT: Since he's pointed out this subtlety to me, and I have returned here, when now people refer the "excuse me" to me, I do not respond-- Mainly because there is nothing for me to excuse-- as, you see, there is no ACTUAL touching or inconvenience or awkwardness on my part. I may "look" rude by not responding with an "it's ok" but in reality that's really the reason why I don't respond anymore.
------------
Brian not only got some Italian culture 1 on 1, he also interacted with Italian people CONSTANTLY. It is very different traveling as a tourist than traveling as/with a LOCAL. If Brian and I would have both been Americans, Italy would have been just another "nice" place for us to see its main land marks and that's all. With me being from there and still having friends there, it was a very different experience for him. {I even showed him my elementary and middle schools!} He was a SAINT for hanging out with me and my friends the whole time, getting migraines just trying to keep up with all of us babbling on and on. Just try to imageine yourself in a room full of chinese-only-speaking people for HOURSSSSSSS... try imagining how words would not be words but just senseless sound for HOURSSSSSSS... well that's how he must have felt.
Just to set the scene a little bit: I have quite a few friends in Sorrento and each one of them I hadn't seen in 3 to 5 to even 7 years. Now, we all know Italians are loud, and that SOUTHERN Italians may be even louder-- so now add about 15 of those ppl and have them talk all over each other, enthusiastic to see me after that long of a time... and what do you get!? Brian in Sorrento! VOILA'! He was overwhelmed {Overwhelmed is an understatement} most of the times, BUT sometimes, behind his reflective fake ray bans he even took a nap amongst our infinite talks in Italian.
To the point that when we left the crowd, he'd say to me: "ok ok speak English to me, I HAVE to hear English"..... and as funny as this may be, I would actually have a hard time responding to him in English at that time. I would roll my "r's" just a little to intensely and sound FUNNY to myself!!
It must have been weird to him for me to know so many people, such DIFFERENT people, than him. Almost as if I were someone else while there.
Rome was a much happier, more "tourist-y" experience for him; I know he loved it best. He LOVED the Sistine Chapel. It was my first time seeing it too, and seriously---one of the best, most striking things I've seen (right up there with the Pyramids). He and I were BLOWN away by it. We were in the chapel for a pretty good while and when I could finally get myself to tear my eyes away from the turquoise [sky} fresco scene, and paused from looking at it for a little bit.. i remember for the shortest instant thinking that my eyes were "suffering" from NOT looking at it. TRULY a MARVELOUS scene, if it sinks in.
We packed our "Rome days" SO much, we really did 3 weeks' worth in 3 days, and our legs could feel it too! and BOY OH BOY the heat! jeeeeeeeezzz !
ok and now for my favorite Italy story:
Brian and I had JUST arrived in Sorrento, and I was anxiously calling my friend's cell phone within the first few minutes there. She answered and proposed we join her on her boat for a ride to Capri she added that she was going to leave within the next few minutes, and therefore, to hurry. We OF COURSE accepted at the speed of light and precipitated ourselves to the harbor. Which in itself was NO easy task! Before plummeting ourselves, Brian begged to grab a bite- so I ordered him a typical Italian sandwich (prosciutto and a whole lot of mozzarella). We climbed down the Sorrentinian cliff to get to the harbor
we got on the boat and Brian was not expecting the SPEED and especially was not used to the VERY VIOLENT and CONSTANT impacts of the boat and the water slamming with every move of the boat. **If you are used to this---it is SOOO much fun, the wind is in your hair at full speed and the ride is a rush!
Anyhoo, our trip TO Capri was great, we even saw the GROTTA BIANCA . We then settled the boat far into the deep water, where the anchor couldn't reach. Here my friends, begins the scary part... Brian went for a swim, and because the boat wasn't anchored he kept going farther and farther into the deep water and was not able to catch up to us on the boat :(. The way he screamed my name still gives me chills, because i knew by the way it was screamed that something WAS wrong. and let me tell you, Brian won't call for help until he's literally close to death! GOSH it scared the CRAP out of me!!! He was too far to try to trow him a life saver. So we quickly turned the boat and rescued my baby from the waters of Capri. I love him so much. Everything happened SO quickly that it's hard to say I was worried. But it was for sure a quick SCARE.
Anyways, besides that one story, everything else was splendid; we saw so may cathedrals inside and out, we saw all of Rome's panorama from Castel Sant Angelo which was SPECTACULAR! We visited not only St. Peter's but also the Vatican Museums, which if THOSE don't carachterize the biggest museum in the world I don't know which does!!?!??! and finally we loved each other sooo much the whole time, it was fabulous. The trip really connected us even more and I am so happy just thinking back to it.
I took about 2000 photos while there, and I only shot the time Brian was there-- the extra 10 days I was there I did not.
Here are a very few photos from the trip, more to come:
Italy was insanely amazing! While Brian was there IT WAS one of the best trips of my life. Also one that made me see things a little differently. Not to mention how much it changed/shifted Brian's perspective on people and cultures- just as I knew it would, but differently than I expected. Ok i know what you're thinking, could I BE ANY more general!? Well this is what I mean:
Before going to Italy with Brian I was certain of some things:
1) Brian would LOVE the food so much in Italy, he would probably gain at least 10 lb while there.
2) Brian would hate the traffic and smog so bad, that he'd wanna live in HSV for the rest of his life
3) Brian was going to eat gelato every day
4) Brian would think all Italian men are gay because of their tight clothing ;)
5) Brian would love Italy but be glad to go back home.
----
Well this is what REALLY HAPPENED:
1) Brian actually was not blown away by any Italian food. This may be because for the 3 precedent years I built up Italian food so much, he was ACTUALLY expecting orgasm from the food. He also said that DOMINO'S PIZZA is better than any pizza he's had there (which may classify as immediate divorce material right there ;)) AND that all the [Italian] foods my mom has made at home in the US top what he has had in the mother land.
2) Brian LOVED the way Italians drive, the whole time he was talking about wanting to drive his (convertible-two-seater-bright-yellow) car on the Italian roads. Or as he called it "zipping around" He praised the way Italians drive because they can get places 10 times faster than Huntsvillians.
3) Brian tried gelato, and really liked it --especially Stracciatella-- but again was not blown away.
4) Brian started dressing like Italian men after 3 days of being there. He bought as much clothing as I did while there (and let me tell you, that's a lot!). One night while sporting one of his new (very sexy) Italian shirts, I swear i may have seen a nipple it was unbuttoned so far down ;)
jokes aside-- this is one of my favorite parts of the Brian italy-metamorphosis: the fact that he now understands my obsession with style, looking good, and making a statement through clothing!!! we now have one of my favorite things in the world in common to share: clothes! :)
Another positive outcome was that, after only a few days begin there he felt, sounded, and acted so refreshed and HAPPY. He told me he now understood why I was the way I was: demanding, uninhibited, and to the point--he saw these types of personalities everywhere among everyone and things started adding up to him. He also said that he understood why I try clothing (in the US) in the middle of the store if the lines are too long at the changing rooms (no worries, nothing ever shows when I do that)... even though, he added, he still never saw anyone in Italy doing that ;)
He observed that middle aged Italian women take care of themselves, don't seem as prude, and show off what God gave them proudly, and not as if they are trying to hide their bodies. He loved this not because he likes to stare at middle aged women (trust me, he's really not that type), instead he loved this because he was learning that not all women over 45 loose all interest in themselves, the way they look, and carry themselves.
I also loved the way he compared Italians and Americans in yet another aspect: When in public places people here say the word "excuse me" if they are 3 feet (or more) away and need to pass next to you with plenty of space between you and them. He said that in Italy, people just did what they had to do (because they are used to small crammed spaces) and were not so touchy about any "invasion of personal space"--not even close!
FACT: Since he's pointed out this subtlety to me, and I have returned here, when now people refer the "excuse me" to me, I do not respond-- Mainly because there is nothing for me to excuse-- as, you see, there is no ACTUAL touching or inconvenience or awkwardness on my part. I may "look" rude by not responding with an "it's ok" but in reality that's really the reason why I don't respond anymore.
------------
Brian not only got some Italian culture 1 on 1, he also interacted with Italian people CONSTANTLY. It is very different traveling as a tourist than traveling as/with a LOCAL. If Brian and I would have both been Americans, Italy would have been just another "nice" place for us to see its main land marks and that's all. With me being from there and still having friends there, it was a very different experience for him. {I even showed him my elementary and middle schools!} He was a SAINT for hanging out with me and my friends the whole time, getting migraines just trying to keep up with all of us babbling on and on. Just try to imageine yourself in a room full of chinese-only-speaking people for HOURSSSSSSS... try imagining how words would not be words but just senseless sound for HOURSSSSSSS... well that's how he must have felt.
Just to set the scene a little bit: I have quite a few friends in Sorrento and each one of them I hadn't seen in 3 to 5 to even 7 years. Now, we all know Italians are loud, and that SOUTHERN Italians may be even louder-- so now add about 15 of those ppl and have them talk all over each other, enthusiastic to see me after that long of a time... and what do you get!? Brian in Sorrento! VOILA'! He was overwhelmed {Overwhelmed is an understatement} most of the times, BUT sometimes, behind his reflective fake ray bans he even took a nap amongst our infinite talks in Italian.
To the point that when we left the crowd, he'd say to me: "ok ok speak English to me, I HAVE to hear English"..... and as funny as this may be, I would actually have a hard time responding to him in English at that time. I would roll my "r's" just a little to intensely and sound FUNNY to myself!!
It must have been weird to him for me to know so many people, such DIFFERENT people, than him. Almost as if I were someone else while there.
Rome was a much happier, more "tourist-y" experience for him; I know he loved it best. He LOVED the Sistine Chapel. It was my first time seeing it too, and seriously---one of the best, most striking things I've seen (right up there with the Pyramids). He and I were BLOWN away by it. We were in the chapel for a pretty good while and when I could finally get myself to tear my eyes away from the turquoise [sky} fresco scene, and paused from looking at it for a little bit.. i remember for the shortest instant thinking that my eyes were "suffering" from NOT looking at it. TRULY a MARVELOUS scene, if it sinks in.
We packed our "Rome days" SO much, we really did 3 weeks' worth in 3 days, and our legs could feel it too! and BOY OH BOY the heat! jeeeeeeeezzz !
ok and now for my favorite Italy story:
Brian and I had JUST arrived in Sorrento, and I was anxiously calling my friend's cell phone within the first few minutes there. She answered and proposed we join her on her boat for a ride to Capri she added that she was going to leave within the next few minutes, and therefore, to hurry. We OF COURSE accepted at the speed of light and precipitated ourselves to the harbor. Which in itself was NO easy task! Before plummeting ourselves, Brian begged to grab a bite- so I ordered him a typical Italian sandwich (prosciutto and a whole lot of mozzarella). We climbed down the Sorrentinian cliff to get to the harbor
we got on the boat and Brian was not expecting the SPEED and especially was not used to the VERY VIOLENT and CONSTANT impacts of the boat and the water slamming with every move of the boat. **If you are used to this---it is SOOO much fun, the wind is in your hair at full speed and the ride is a rush!
Anyhoo, our trip TO Capri was great, we even saw the GROTTA BIANCA . We then settled the boat far into the deep water, where the anchor couldn't reach. Here my friends, begins the scary part... Brian went for a swim, and because the boat wasn't anchored he kept going farther and farther into the deep water and was not able to catch up to us on the boat :(. The way he screamed my name still gives me chills, because i knew by the way it was screamed that something WAS wrong. and let me tell you, Brian won't call for help until he's literally close to death! GOSH it scared the CRAP out of me!!! He was too far to try to trow him a life saver. So we quickly turned the boat and rescued my baby from the waters of Capri. I love him so much. Everything happened SO quickly that it's hard to say I was worried. But it was for sure a quick SCARE.
Anyways, besides that one story, everything else was splendid; we saw so may cathedrals inside and out, we saw all of Rome's panorama from Castel Sant Angelo which was SPECTACULAR! We visited not only St. Peter's but also the Vatican Museums, which if THOSE don't carachterize the biggest museum in the world I don't know which does!!?!??! and finally we loved each other sooo much the whole time, it was fabulous. The trip really connected us even more and I am so happy just thinking back to it.
I took about 2000 photos while there, and I only shot the time Brian was there-- the extra 10 days I was there I did not.
Here are a very few photos from the trip, more to come:
Tuesday, 19 May 2009
Best B-day evah !!!
This birthday has been a fantastical one!!!
We started celebrating it early (Sunday) at my parents' house and that was already enough amazing-ness for me to take:
My mom made a fabulous dinner (as usual) but this time with my very own favorite dishes and also a gorgeous berry and whip cream, pink and white CAKE.
My parents gave me *THE* prettiest Juicy Couture purse & my sis *THE* prettiest Juicy wallet!!!!!! I know.. you are probably thinking what more could you EVER want, right!!??!?!? well that's what I thought!
After these fantabulous gifts, my mom added that she had one more "SPECIAL" gift...
WIth tears in her sweet/gentle eyes she gave me a family heirloom (yellow gold & diamond) ring that belonged to my grandmother and then her. It was such a special moment. One that truly made me feel the transition from adolescence into womanhood.
THE WHOLE NIGHT WAS SO SPECIAL AND SWEET. As well as decorating their house with festive "happy birthday" banners, my parents also decorated the dinner table with confetti in the shape of "21" and set a flashing "legal at last" button by my plate.
They are so thoughtful and sweet, and I know that I have a very special & loving family.
My ACTUAL birthday-DAY (although I woke up alone) began with embarrassment and laughter.
My lovable husband had routinely gone to work at 6:30 while I had the leisure of sleeping in until 9:30 :D ( love my life).
Once awake, and having found a chocolate cookie to call "what-the-heck-it's-my-birthday" breakfast; I admit, I was subtly looking around in the obvious "this-is-where-he-would-leave-a-card" spots in the kitchen. Not finding anything, and minimally disappointed, I took my birthday cookie and headed upstairs.........THEN, SUDDENLY.... in my peripheral view all I saw was PINKKKKKKKKKKK outside in the front yard. It took only a few blinks to realize what Brian had done:
HE HAD FLAMINGOED OUR FRON YARD; and in the middle of about 60 bobbling magenta flamingos, stood a giant sign reading "Love you bunches, Vania 21"
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! embarrassment and utter joy overcame me all at once. It was the most unique gesture anyone has ever done for me. It made me feel sooo special and most of all it reflected us as a couple: completely silly, random, funny and ... over the top! It was SUCH an amazing start to the day.
I spent the afternoon with my bff, who had to kidnap me while Brian set up yet another surprise: his b-day gift for me.
When I was allowed back in my house, Brian immediately wanted to proceed with the gifts (with no hesitation from me).
He threw 6 ballons chronoogically at me, each with something drawn on top of it.
balloon 1- "I"
balloon 2- "heart"
balloon 3- "a funny picture of me"
balloon 4- " a cute picture of Baloo"
balloon 5- "a cute picture of Frosty" (aka Moof)
balloon 6- " a scary/funny/weird/hilarious pic of me again"
He then had me open this average-sized box wrapped in "High-school Musical" wrapping paper (which is an insde joke all on its own). In this old shoe box there was a choccolate box and a mere note reading "oh well... better luck next year"
next to the shoe box was a HUUUUGE box (still wrapped in the same funny paper). I was nervous to open it, and when he made me rip the wrapping I saw a clean apple logo. *INSIDE SCREAM* and *OUTSIDE SCREAM* it was a 24" (diagonal measurement) IMAC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe the first words that came out of my mouth were "you are F*@#---*% crazy!"
(in a happy/shocked/ecstatic tone). I crawled onto his lap and kissed his whole face and neck. He could tell I was happy I believe because I was as giddy as a schoolgirl at candy-land.
So I am actually on my BIG BOLD CLEAN SLEEK BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW SHINY computer right now, and LOVING IT!
I seriously have theeeeee BEST HUSBAND EVER IN THE WORLD, he knows exactly what I want and he always always gives me the best and most of all WANTS the best for me. I am so lucky, and so thankful for such a wonderful human being in my life!
God, I am overwhelmed!
There was also, another amazing surprise by my bff. When I woke up to tell her all about the flamingos (instants after I found them of course) she told me to go to our SimplyBloom blog
where she had posted an amazing tribute to me, my birthday and our friendship and colored the post with such cool behind the scene pics of me at work!!! her words, and the whole gesture was so amazing and again made my day shine brightly with happiness.
She was also amazing enough to take some cool shots of Brian and I before our dinner plans.
Me, Brian and Christine (aka: my two loves) headed to Bridgestreet for some photo-fun. She shot us for about an hour and then we met our peeps at the MELTING POT.
Although most people bailed out for some reason or another (we went from a party of 14, to a party of 8) we had an absolute BLAST, and the night flowed as smooth as the chocolate we dipped into.
My sis, my bro in-law, Christine, Seth, Tori, Devin and Brian and I ate: the creamiest cheese/white wine fondue, the most tender filet mignon, pork, & shrimp chunks boiled in broth-y goodness, gulped it all down sipping on amazing cocktails and topped it all off with "flaming turtle" & "Bailies Chocolate" fondues.... This was not a dinner, but a musical experience for our palates.
I will be updating this post with photos from the family night, the flamingoes, the mini-shoot of Brian and I and the dinner delight very very soon!!!!
I would like to conclude by saying THANK YOU to my family, for spoiling me rotten from day one and always loving me SOOO MUCH. Thank You to my wonderful husband, without you I would be lost. You are my EVERYTHING, and I have no idea how I deserved you in this life. Thank You to Christine, whom I love like a sis and always hope to know and call best friend.
Thank you to my sis for being ever so cool, such a loving mother, wife and sister and always loving me. and Thank you to m friends for being true.
I realized on this wonderful special day JUST HOW LOVED I am by those around, me. It's such an amazing feeling and I am so thankful, it's hard to express.
Love,
-V
with the crazy flamingos, and our housy in the background :)
a reflection of my entire body in my gigantic new imac!!! :D it's THAT BIG!
We started celebrating it early (Sunday) at my parents' house and that was already enough amazing-ness for me to take:
My mom made a fabulous dinner (as usual) but this time with my very own favorite dishes and also a gorgeous berry and whip cream, pink and white CAKE.
My parents gave me *THE* prettiest Juicy Couture purse & my sis *THE* prettiest Juicy wallet!!!!!! I know.. you are probably thinking what more could you EVER want, right!!??!?!? well that's what I thought!
After these fantabulous gifts, my mom added that she had one more "SPECIAL" gift...
WIth tears in her sweet/gentle eyes she gave me a family heirloom (yellow gold & diamond) ring that belonged to my grandmother and then her. It was such a special moment. One that truly made me feel the transition from adolescence into womanhood.
THE WHOLE NIGHT WAS SO SPECIAL AND SWEET. As well as decorating their house with festive "happy birthday" banners, my parents also decorated the dinner table with confetti in the shape of "21" and set a flashing "legal at last" button by my plate.
They are so thoughtful and sweet, and I know that I have a very special & loving family.
My ACTUAL birthday-DAY (although I woke up alone) began with embarrassment and laughter.
My lovable husband had routinely gone to work at 6:30 while I had the leisure of sleeping in until 9:30 :D ( love my life).
Once awake, and having found a chocolate cookie to call "what-the-heck-it's-my-birthday" breakfast; I admit, I was subtly looking around in the obvious "this-is-where-he-would-leave-a-card" spots in the kitchen. Not finding anything, and minimally disappointed, I took my birthday cookie and headed upstairs.........THEN, SUDDENLY.... in my peripheral view all I saw was PINKKKKKKKKKKK outside in the front yard. It took only a few blinks to realize what Brian had done:
HE HAD FLAMINGOED OUR FRON YARD; and in the middle of about 60 bobbling magenta flamingos, stood a giant sign reading "Love you bunches, Vania 21"
LOLOLOLOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!! embarrassment and utter joy overcame me all at once. It was the most unique gesture anyone has ever done for me. It made me feel sooo special and most of all it reflected us as a couple: completely silly, random, funny and ... over the top! It was SUCH an amazing start to the day.
I spent the afternoon with my bff, who had to kidnap me while Brian set up yet another surprise: his b-day gift for me.
When I was allowed back in my house, Brian immediately wanted to proceed with the gifts (with no hesitation from me).
He threw 6 ballons chronoogically at me, each with something drawn on top of it.
balloon 1- "I"
balloon 2- "heart"
balloon 3- "a funny picture of me"
balloon 4- " a cute picture of Baloo"
balloon 5- "a cute picture of Frosty" (aka Moof)
balloon 6- " a scary/funny/weird/hilarious pic of me again"
He then had me open this average-sized box wrapped in "High-school Musical" wrapping paper (which is an insde joke all on its own). In this old shoe box there was a choccolate box and a mere note reading "oh well... better luck next year"
next to the shoe box was a HUUUUGE box (still wrapped in the same funny paper). I was nervous to open it, and when he made me rip the wrapping I saw a clean apple logo. *INSIDE SCREAM* and *OUTSIDE SCREAM* it was a 24" (diagonal measurement) IMAC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I believe the first words that came out of my mouth were "you are F*@#---*% crazy!"
(in a happy/shocked/ecstatic tone). I crawled onto his lap and kissed his whole face and neck. He could tell I was happy I believe because I was as giddy as a schoolgirl at candy-land.
So I am actually on my BIG BOLD CLEAN SLEEK BEAUTIFUL BRAND NEW SHINY computer right now, and LOVING IT!
I seriously have theeeeee BEST HUSBAND EVER IN THE WORLD, he knows exactly what I want and he always always gives me the best and most of all WANTS the best for me. I am so lucky, and so thankful for such a wonderful human being in my life!
God, I am overwhelmed!
There was also, another amazing surprise by my bff. When I woke up to tell her all about the flamingos (instants after I found them of course) she told me to go to our SimplyBloom blog
where she had posted an amazing tribute to me, my birthday and our friendship and colored the post with such cool behind the scene pics of me at work!!! her words, and the whole gesture was so amazing and again made my day shine brightly with happiness.
She was also amazing enough to take some cool shots of Brian and I before our dinner plans.
Me, Brian and Christine (aka: my two loves) headed to Bridgestreet for some photo-fun. She shot us for about an hour and then we met our peeps at the MELTING POT.
Although most people bailed out for some reason or another (we went from a party of 14, to a party of 8) we had an absolute BLAST, and the night flowed as smooth as the chocolate we dipped into.
My sis, my bro in-law, Christine, Seth, Tori, Devin and Brian and I ate: the creamiest cheese/white wine fondue, the most tender filet mignon, pork, & shrimp chunks boiled in broth-y goodness, gulped it all down sipping on amazing cocktails and topped it all off with "flaming turtle" & "Bailies Chocolate" fondues.... This was not a dinner, but a musical experience for our palates.
I will be updating this post with photos from the family night, the flamingoes, the mini-shoot of Brian and I and the dinner delight very very soon!!!!
I would like to conclude by saying THANK YOU to my family, for spoiling me rotten from day one and always loving me SOOO MUCH. Thank You to my wonderful husband, without you I would be lost. You are my EVERYTHING, and I have no idea how I deserved you in this life. Thank You to Christine, whom I love like a sis and always hope to know and call best friend.
Thank you to my sis for being ever so cool, such a loving mother, wife and sister and always loving me. and Thank you to m friends for being true.
I realized on this wonderful special day JUST HOW LOVED I am by those around, me. It's such an amazing feeling and I am so thankful, it's hard to express.
Love,
-V
with the crazy flamingos, and our housy in the background :)
a reflection of my entire body in my gigantic new imac!!! :D it's THAT BIG!
Saturday, 11 April 2009
"Date Night"
Another really sweet Friday night just Brian and I.
I have really been enjoying these nights and holding on tight to them, because I know that from next week until August, YES AUGUST, I will be busy as heck (and he will too).
From now on all weekends will be completely dedicated to weddings weddings weddings,
and although I am very very thankful and EXCITED about that, it's a topic for ANOTHER BLOG.
Yesterday we went to go see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D at the Monaco. This movie was really cute and funny. "I love you man", which we saw last weekend was also ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! I strongly suggest watching it if you are into "funny" at all.
For dinner we went to Macaroni Grill, and we barely minded the 45 min we had to wait for our food, since we were just enjoying each other's company laughing and chatting.
Today on the other hand, is a majorly boring day; I am still sick and can only breathe though my mouth, while Brian is interchanging engineering work and pull-ups every 30 min.
I have really been enjoying these nights and holding on tight to them, because I know that from next week until August, YES AUGUST, I will be busy as heck (and he will too).
From now on all weekends will be completely dedicated to weddings weddings weddings,
and although I am very very thankful and EXCITED about that, it's a topic for ANOTHER BLOG.
Yesterday we went to go see Monsters vs. Aliens in 3D at the Monaco. This movie was really cute and funny. "I love you man", which we saw last weekend was also ABSOLUTELY HILARIOUS! I strongly suggest watching it if you are into "funny" at all.
For dinner we went to Macaroni Grill, and we barely minded the 45 min we had to wait for our food, since we were just enjoying each other's company laughing and chatting.
Today on the other hand, is a majorly boring day; I am still sick and can only breathe though my mouth, while Brian is interchanging engineering work and pull-ups every 30 min.
