mom's birthday in napa/sonoma

My mom turned 50 this year. Unfortunately, with everything that was happening (my graduation and my wedding) we were not able to throw her the party she had always wanted. Fortunately my mother is flexible. She decided that she will not turn 50 this year but 49 again. She thinks, there is no need to rush her age...especially if she can't have a party to celebrate her half-a-decade of being a strong and beautiful woman. I agree with her, no rush! Next year will be her year to celebrate it big and we will make sure that gets done. If it is not a party then maybe we can send her on a trip...maybe Italy? That wouldn't be too shabby. She deserves the best because she is wonderful. Thanks to her my siblings and I have had such a wonderful life. And no she is not a professional, so she has had to work hard so that her kids could have a good life. I am thankful that I am her daughter and that she is my mom...

To celebrate her birthday we took her on a trip to Napa and Sonoma where we had a wonderful picnic in VSattui. We drank so much wine and ate the best cheeses, bread, prosciutto, salami, and chocolate. We even had a salsa performance by the one and only Vicky and Carlos Team. It was a fun day full of laughter. We had planned to hit a couple of wineries for more wine tasting but our picnic was so much fun that we couldn't leave. Later that night we had dinner at my favorite restaurant in Sonoma, The Girl and the Fig. We had more wine, cheese, and some delicious meals. Honestly it was an amazing day!

Graduation: May 2009

After many years...I finally graduated! This is a huge accomplishment for me because there were so many obstacles that kept on standing in my way. I began at Berkeley in the fall of 2002 and due to financial reasons had to withdraw for two years to work full time. This decision broke my heart because I had worked so hard in high school to attend college, and then there I was, (forced) to take time off. Everyone kept on telling me that after working full time it would be hard to go back to school, but I never listened. I always knew it in my heart that I would return because that was the goal I had given myself and I would not stop until I had accomplished that goal. After paying the school what I owed and all the loans I had taken out, I was finally able to return to continue my education. Taking two years off had actually proved to be a great decision because I came back more mature, more committed and I possessed a stronger work ethic. While working full time I was also able to meet the man that would become my husband, Tony.

Returning to school this time around was much easier for me because I had Tony by my side. He helped me so much in so many ways that my accomplishment is as much his as it is mine. This time around I was able to take advantage of many things Berkeley had to offer, such as studying abroad in Portugal and on The Scholar Ship. Those experiences have shaped who I am and allowed me to meet so many wonderful people that are very important in my life. During my first two years at CAL I met some wonderful friends that I treasure so much, but the lucky thing is that my last three years at CAL I was able to meet another group of amazing friends that I would have never met had I stayed in Berkeley and graduated in time.

I am proud to say that in a total of five years I double majored in International Political Economy and Latin American Studies, I minored in Portuguese Language and Literature, I studied abroad in Portugal and overseas in a program that allowed me to visit: Italy, France, Greece, Portugal (again), Panama, Ecuador, Tahiti, New Zealand, Australia, China (Shanghai), and Hong Kong. Berkeley gave me the best education and the most extraordinary opportunities; I am very thankful and proud to be a UC Berkeley Alumn!

But before I finish, I dedicate my degree to my mother because I would not be the woman I am if it wasn't for her. She is the strongest woman I know and she has sacrificed her life for her kids. Thanks to her I was able to have the opportunity to obtain a bachelor degree and her belief in me gave and continues giving me the strength to push forward.

My Bridal Shower: What a Great Day!

My bridal shower was planned by my one and only sister Vicky and I must say she impressed me so much. I have to admit that I was a little scared about the party since Vicky is not a planner and I felt (my crazy anal self) that she was leaving everything to the end. I think I did well and I let her handle it all and man did she surprised me. She threw me the best bridal party ever! It was fun and classy and our food spread was amazing. Vicky pulled it off well with the help of some friends: Lupe, Becca, Lindsey, mom Amanda, and mom Terrie. She also had some fun and entertaining games that were sweet but not over the top. The party was just a success; Vicky proved to be quite a hostess and I was so proud of her.

Thanks to everyone that joined and helped out! A special thanks to my maid-of-honor Vicky!

Bachelorete Party: Vegas and New York

Yes...I had two parts for my bachelorette party. Hey, any excuse to travel! Jaye planned the first part of the trip (the naughty part), VEGAS! It was a three day trip to the town that never sleeps...true, we all barely slept. All seven of us beautiful ladies explored the city during day and night. The city does look very different depending on the time of day; I like night time because it is all about the nightlife and the lights. The best night in Vegas was our second night. We spent some time in Eye Candy and in Krave, the best gay club that I have ever been to (well...the only one beside Eye Candy). I had the best night dancing with my friends and not being worried about being hit on by men because we were not manly enough for them. We danced all night long and drank all night long without realizing the time or our drunkenness. The next morning though, I felt as if I had gotten hit by a car…no, maybe a truck. But all I know is that I had a blast and that I am glad my party days are over!

Thanks you soooo much Jaye for giving me a bachelorette party of a lifetime!


The second part of my bachelorette weekend was spent in New York City with my good friend Janet. We both had a blast together! Again, we barely slept and we walked like crazy. My feet began hating me so bad and did not let me forget about what I had put them through until a week after the trip. I was limping around after my trip. While in New York, Janet and I met up with some LBSA alums and with my good friend Joshabel that I met while traveling around the world. While there we went dancing, saw a play, and had some amazing meals. I have to say that my favorite dinner was a Schiller's. I had the best Steak Frites...yum, yum, yum!

I can't forget to mention one of the best memories that Janet and I have...dancing Bachata. Dancing Bachata with someone that knows how to dance is just unbelievable! I felt in love with the experience...

Back in Action!

The last time I blogged was early April...pretty bad blogger! Anyways, so many important things happened in my life ever since and I would love to go back and fill in the void. So on my honeymoon...which I am enjoying like crazy, I have made myself a promise to continue with what I love to do, wite and share such wonderful memories! I wont allow myself to talk about this magical place called New Zealand until I catch up to the present, so I will save all the juicy details of my honeymoon until...well, we will see.