A Weekend to Celebrate

Had a great time at Elena's last night. I think the baby likes Kid Cudi. He definitely likes bass. Angela's sister, Vivian told me some very entertaining birthing stories and gave lots of helpful advice over the loud music. I think I got all the important parts. My favorite was when she stood up and let out a battle cry--luckily, the baby was caught. I am glad I am not the only mama-to-be who feels weird talking to her uterus. I guess it's kind of hard to imagine that this little creature inside of you can actually hear and will remember your voice after they are born. I try, but I don't usually know what to say. Anyhow, this video looked better in my camera, but I love how Elena and her friend thought I was taking a picture in this...Since it was a potluck, I made this Paula Deen artichoke dip. Unfortunately, someone brought the same exact thing and my baguette was gone in 5 minutes. This morning I used it to make a scramble with more spinach, tomatoes and bell peppers.

Friday night was amazing. Robert and I went to the Youth Speaks prelims at the Filipino Community Center. I saw seven of my former students, four of which will be in the Youth Speaks semifinals next week at the San Francisco MoMA. Charles made me cry and Melissa almost had me falling out of my seat with her rawness. She got straight 10s. I was so proud to have gotten the opportunity to be these kids' teachers. They are going to be runnin' the show soon.

Today was a deceivingly beautiful day in San Francisco. I got to catch up with my old roommate from Washington DC. I can't believe that was 8 years ago. I was fresh out of college, fresh out of what I THOUGHT was a relationship leading to marriage (thank GOD it didn't), and fresh out of CASH. Maryann and Les made the summer memorable and put the sweet in bittersweet. I walked two hours to my internship once because I didn't have metro fare. DC in the summer is hot, sticky, and unbearable. I preferred to spend most of the summer with my face in the air conditioner. I loved the fireflies. I loved hanging out with Les and walking everywhere with Maryann. I loved the Shennandoah River. One thing I truly love about the east coast, though are the amazing thunder storms in the summer. You just don't get those kind in California. Where it's warm, and pouring, and the whole sky lights up like daylight, and the thunder sounds like bombs being dropped in the distance, reminding you how small, powerless, and vulnerable to fate you are. I miss that. But not enough to leave these beautiful spring days in California. Happy Spring, everyone.

In a couple of weeks, Robert and I will be turning 31. This year we are just having an immediate family party instead of a big one. Once a friend suggested that once you are past a certain age, you are too old to celebrate by having a party, even a family one. I disagree, especially if you don't get family all in one place very often. I realize this is something I miss most about having my brother around. We always celebrated everything, and got together regularly. Life is too short not to celebrate.

Which leads me to our babymoon. This weekend, we will be going on a babymoon to Santa Cruz and staying here: The Dream Inn. In four months, (God willing) we will become parents for the rest of our lives. That is huge. That is worth celebrating. And worth getting some moments alone, too. I feel excited, grateful, and blessed. I hope the week flies by.