My New Place

So I decided to move…it was time. I hate to admit it, but my old place was starting to depress me. My original goal was to buy a house, but given the horrible economy, I felt very weary about making such a drastic decision without feeling completely financially sound. So the moving process began.

I spent two afternoons driving around Montebello and saw about a dozen places. I was also looking on Craigslist but everything on there was too expensive. After the second day I still hadn’t seen anything I really liked, so I ventured north of the 60 freeway into Monterey Park. Almost immediately I noticed two signs on a busy street, but kept driving because I couldn’t imagine living there, but since I was in the area, I thought what the heck and I stopped. The first place I saw was ok, but it reminded me too much of my old place. So I headed to the second place. I called the number on the sign and could see my future landlord answer the phone. I asked if I could see the apartment and she said that they wouldn’t be showing it until the weekend. I told her that I was standing right outside and after she found out that I would be the only person living in the two-bedroom apartment, she let me in.
Have you ever had a strong gut feeling about things? I have gut feelings all the time and the second I walked into the apartment, I knew that this was the place! What immediately struck me is that it was so well taken care of. My landlords have put a lot of work into it: new tile in the kitchen, fresh paint (with colors I would have chosen), new carpet, ceiling fans, custom made drapes, and the list goes on. I walked through the place and fell in love. I took an application and my landlord said to bring it by on Saturday.

I knew the apartment would go quickly so I went home and immediately filled out the application. The next day I called and her husband answered. I explained that I had looked at the apartment the day before and that I had the application ready. Right away he asked, “Are you the teacher?” I knew that was a good sign since she had told him about me. I dropped off the application that afternoon and spent an hour and a half talking with the couple.

A week later they offered me the place, I was SO happy, especially when I found out that they had shown the apartment to over 20 people. I really feel that it was meant to be.

Mom's 50th Birthday

My beautiful Mom turned 50 on September 13. Look at her, she looks way younger! People always think we’re sisters.

Chio, Luis and I wanted to treat our Mom like a queen on her special day and I think we accomplished it. We started the day by taking her to her favorite breakfast spot, a little hole in the wall in Riverside. After that we headed to the Galleria at Tyler for some shopping. We spent a long time there, Chio and I were pretending to be on one of our favorite shows, “What Not To Wear”, it was fun. My mom got some cute outfits, but our favorite purchase were her tight, sexy jeans…we had to do a little convincing to get her to like them, but she looks hot in them!

After tiring my mom out we drove her to the Mission Inn’s spa where she was treated to a rose bath, facial and massage. While my mom was receiving her spa treatment, Chio and I checked into her room at the Mission Inn. My mom had NO idea that we would be doing any of this. We gave her the impression that after her treatment we would pick her up and head to Chio’s house. When she was done, the champagne and chocolate covered strawberries that came with the room hadn’t arrived so I had to find a way to stall her. Twenty minutes later the room was ready and we headed up, pretending that Chio wanted us to check out some view. When we got closer to the room Chio opened the door from inside the room and walked out. My Mom was shocked and said, “What are you doing?” Then we yelled SURPRISE and she burst into tears. We were all crying as we opened the champagne and toasted.

Immediately we started getting ready for dinner. Although my mom knew we would be having dinner, she didn’t know that we had invited some of her family and friends. The restaurant, Las Campanas, was beautiful and the food and margaritas were awesome! We spent the rest of the evening there. At one point each of us went around the table and shared with my mom what she means to us…there wasn’t a dry eye in the house!

After dinner we headed back to the room and my mom, my Tia and their friend Patty stayed up talking and taking tequila shots. Chio and I crashed, we were so tired from all the running around. The next morning my mom had a nasty cruda, so we bought some menudo.

All in all it was an unforgettable day, it was the least we could do for such a deserving mujer. I love you Mom!!!

Kirsten turns 10

Kirsten is my Goddaughter. Her parents are Veronica and Mikie. I’ve known Mikie since 2nd grade, a LONG time! I met Veronica through Mikie and now we’re very good friends. Kirsten turned 10 on August 11th and we celebrated at a bowling alley. I can’t believe she’s 10!!!

Mariluz - 12 weeks

Mariluz is now 12 weeks old. It seems that every time I see her she changes drastically. As you can see she is now talking and singing. It’s the cutest thing to have conversations with her.

I especially LOVE this picture of Mariluz with her Daddy!

And look at Mami, doesn't she look great!

Brett and Erick

Brett and Erick got married last month. I was so excited to be attending my first gay wedding. I took Christina with me, and we got all guapas.

I met Brett at UCLA in 2002, he was my field supervisor and we’ve remained good friends ever since. Brett and Erick met on a swim team, Erick is an animator for The Simpsons, cool huh! When I met Erick I got a really good vibe from him and couldn’t be happier that they’re now married. Felicidades!!!

Hello strangers

Wow, so it’s been a while since I last blogged…things have been busy. I’m on vacation, that’s what happens when I go on vacation, it seems like I get busier. Here are some posts for you to look forward to:

1. Brett’s wedding
2. Mariluz update
3. Kirsten’s bday
4. Mom’s bday
5. Moving
6. Christina’s man (yes, you read it right!)
7. and of course…my bday

Happy reading :)