Officially Speaking Pt. 2

More official news in the order they happened (another long entry):

It's official, Italy here comes Aggie and Jam! It's booked -- sign, sealed, and delivered (well, in a few weeks the tickets will be delivered). The package that we orginially wanted was fully booked, but the travel agent was so nice enough to research and find prices for airfare+hotel that came out to only $10 more than the package we were going for. We are staying in Rome Jan. 12-Jan. 19 (6 nights total). We'll be staying in Rome, but visiting 2 (trying for 3) cities. We have in mind Rome, Venice, Florence. I hear Venice is a little far and ppl keep telling me to do Rome and Florence and save Venice w/ Jordan b/c its absolutely romantic. We'll see, if Aggie and I have time, I'll have to just get romantic w/ her.. hehe, j/k! If the weather remains at what the average reporting is (55 degrees) then that should be better for two girls who love the Fall season. I'm crossing my fingers the weather will be perfect, but if it isn't, its ok b/c New Yorkers have been through it all.

It's official, Ray and Karen are a married couple, and Zaida has been baptized into the Catholic Church. Friday night, everything was as perfect as perfect can be -- the gorgeous bride, the handsome groom (w/ a pair of sneakers that I really like =P) the fairytale wedding, the adorable baptism (that's b/c Zaida made it adorable), and the fun reception. Karen's sister gave a poignant speech -- they have so much love to give, and anybody who knows them sees that. Zaida came into the world to one of the greatest families. Congratulations to 3 of them! I've known Karen since I was 6 years old. 16 years later, I've been blessed w/ an opportunity to gain another family (her husband Ray and their daughter Zaida). I'm just glad that another 16+ years of being in their lives is in store for me. Watching Zaida grow up will give me just as much joy as watching Karen grow up. From singing the "Twelve days of Christmas" to their wedding bells, I'm so lucky to be a part of all of it. I was in charge of taking pictures of the ceremony that by the time the reception came, I had no battery. So now, I'm relying on the other girls so send me their reception pictures. I noticed a pattern b/c even in Wendy's Wedding reception I forgot my camera. One of the biggest and exciting events in a girl's life, my camera somehow doesn't make it to the reception. During the father-daughter dance, I was absolutely bawling! Tears just kept flowing. I mean I get teary eyed when vows are exchanged b/c thats my lil' Karen up there getting married, but the father-daughter dance topped all crying. Not only was I an emotional wreck b/c I saw Karen crying even more w/ her dad, but I thought of my own daddy. I think someone will have to dance right behind me and my dad w/ a box of Kleenex. Anyway, to the beautiful family.... *raising my glass*

Hmmm.. 2 down, 5 more to go... who shall be the next bride? (Jackie? Michelle? Lillian? Priscilla? Me?). Ladies, unfortunately, there are so many pics (240), that you have to wait until I burn them into a CD or get them up another way.

It's official, I got my shopping habits from my Mom. For the past two days, I've gone out w/ my parents and my mom and I seem to find ourselves buying stuff, whether for us or someone in the family. Mostly small stuff, but still. Then I found out she will work two shifts once a week at her the job she just retired from -- Registered Nursing Supervisor. One of my mom's greatest qualities is that she is a hard worker. Most people wouldn't want to think twice about going back to work after they retired, but here she is wanting to make extra money for, get this... shopping. =P But I know that's half true b/c I'm sure they have a lot to pay/settle before they both leave for good in February; there's a lot of things/paperwork to take care of, so the extra pay wouldn't hurt at all. Besides, she's a workaholic, and that's something I admire -- she works to give herself and her family the best. Other than that, shopping runs in the family b/c it goes the same for my sisters and brothers. What can I say, it's in the blood.

I just got to thinking about my dad. I noticed that almost every Daddy's Little Girl will wants to marry someone who resembles her father - at least that's my theory. My dad gets mad over something, which gets me mad b/c I have to lecture him for thinking not-nice thoughts. Then I'm the one who ends up aggrivated, yelling and putting on this face. My dad sees this and says all calmly "My God, Girl, I thought I was the one w/ high blood pressure". I can't help but laugh b/c I really don't want to laugh. I think its a great quality when any man makes a woman smile/laugh in times of aggrivation or anger (especially when she's not in the mood to smile/laugh). It shows me that he knows not to take life so seriously -- b/c even I forget that and need a reminder now and then. If my dad has that quality, then that's what I want my bf to have that quality -- which, thankfully, he has...

It's official, my brother turned FA-BU-LOUS 40 w/ a fabulous bday outfit, limo, and dinner party =) And the entire family (14 of us) got a chance to be a part of it. We went to The Manor in West Orange, NJ in a stretch limo and had an all-you-can-eat lobster buffet. It was such a beautiful and formal atmosphere. My nephew and my dad ate 6 whole lobsters. I'm not sure how much my brother ate. I had 2.5 whole lobsters, among other things. Then it was off to go to his house at 11:30 in another limo, a stretch SUV limo, received party favors, then the bday celebrant opened his gifts. It was a great night and my brother is even more fabulous at 40. He showed Jordan and I the roof of his building, and staring at you was the top of Empire State Building. He lives in Chelsea, and his apt's view on the 11th floor is also the top of the Empire State Building. You could see how beautiful Manhattan is from his roof top. It even made Jordan think about living in the city, and that's rare since he can't stand the congestion. He has a beautiful apt w/ all the newest furniture/electronics/decoration, a really nice building w/ gorgeous roof top facilities and view, a career he is so talented at and most people would die for (Senior Graphic Designer), a chance to literally see the world (visited 120 cities? is that right? .. and counting), a family who loves him unconditionally, friends he can laugh and share memories with, and the list goes on. Congratulations, Kuya, on being able to make a party called Life last for 40 years, and and still counting! Pictures here