In the Arms of an Angel

It's been an extremely rough week for me. And this weekend doesn't seem to look all that much better.
First, let me start with saying, I was going about 3-4 weeks of not having had spent more than, oh let's say, 15 minutes of awake time with Chancho. And we live together. The joy of having opposite schedules. I would be falling asleep as he was getting home and he would be deep asleep as I would be leaving for work. So needless to say, I was on edge. So close to falling off with any tiny push. I needed quality time, really just some face time. I was back to being engaged to my phone. Saturday, we were supposed to have the afternoon together, but while I was on my way home from work, I got a text saying that he was at his mother's spending time with her. I was pissed. We had planned an afternoon together and he blew me off for his mother. I went for a run. I sweated myself into a calmer mindset. And good thing because Sunday morning I got a phone call from my father saying I needed to get to the rehabilitation center to see my grandmother. She was heading downhill and fast.
I arrived at the center as she was dosing off. She did wake to see me and smiled. But for the rest of the day she was sleeping.They were giving her morphine every hour to keep her out of pain. There was one hour they didn't get to her in time and she woke screaming in pain. It was the most difficult thing to have to watch. I felt so incredibly helpless. There she was laying in bed not really being able to move and in torture. I don't want to remember that. I want to remember the better times and I'm upset that I didn't arrive earlier in the morning because my dad told me a story that just brings a smile to my face. The nurse had asked the family to step outside for a moment so they could reposition her and when the nurse told my grandmother that the family was coming back in, my grandmother thought she said they were coming back in to sing to her. They aren't sure how she heard that, but none the less, my family went in and sang to her. The first song that popped into there head was 99 bottles of beer on the wall. There they were singing to her and she was smiling and waving her hands like she was conducting them. That was the last happy memory of her. I wish I had gone sooner. My aunt told me that she had talked to her earlier in the day and my grandmother said she wasn't ready to go into the light. That she saw it and pushed through coming back to us. So I sat and watched her sleep and wondered why after all this time was she not ready to let go? Was it fear? Did she have something left undone? Did she think she was strong enough to fight through the cancer and pain? Or did she just want to stay with her family? I never got an answer from her. The morphine dosage was increased to every half hour and soon she lost blood circulation to her feet, turning them black. She was transferred to the near by hospital and Tuesday morning at 5:20am she finally let go. My father called and all I could her was him crying. I asked if he got the phone call and he responded with a "Yes, she's finally in peace." I drove down to my parents to spend the day with them. My brother came, along with my sister and brother in law. My two aunts came as well. It was really nice to be surrounded by everyone. At dinner, my aunt passed out cards to my dad and other aunt. Apparently, my grandmother had written letters to them, before she got too sick. I think it will help my dad, more than she will ever know. God has you in His keeping. I have you in my heart. Forever.
Then Wednesday, I was called in for Jury Duty. They released me because I am no longer a resident of the county they called me for.
And of course, this weekend. The anniversary weekend. The threat level is as high as it can get. I am praying that nothing happens. I am praying that they stop anything before it does happen. And most of all I am praying for all LEOs. Chancho has already been told to expect to be kept over night into the week. 
However, I do have some exciting and uplifting news. My brother and SIL are expecting! Not only are they expecting, but they are expecting TWINS!! I seriously cannot wait to be an AUNT!

Quote of the Day: "The wind has taken you. You're free finally at peace. So still you lie. Leaving your cares behind. The pain is gone with the spirit in your eyes. Now you're above us wandering around above us. Looking downwards as we cry. You've flown in the wind escaping all the hurt within. Took to the sky leaving the world behind."  - Mariah Carey, "The Wind"
Listening to: "Angel" by Sarah McLachlan

Good Bye Irene

We made it through the storm just fine. I know others didn't as there is a TON of flooding, but as for our new home, it is a champ. Our good friend lost a huge tree in his back yard. It just missed the house. It did scrape the corner, but there is minimal damage as to what it could have done. It smashed through another tree and landed on their shed, smashing it to pieces. They thankfully are all okay.
We are now stocked up on candles and batteries for the next storm. We had filled the bathtub just in case we lost power. Drained that this morning.
Chancho was thankfully home Saturday night with me and we were able to spend much needed time together lounging on the couch together. Sunday morning he left around 5am to head into work. Which was probably the WORST time that he could have left seeing how the eye of the storm was just nearing NY. However, he was on patrol for downed trees for the rest of the day. There wasn't much action. When I asked him how his day went he nonchalantly said, "I saved some lives."  He told the non-smart people to not touch the downed wires. Sometimes, I wonder about people. Chancho made it home Sunday night too, which was a huge surprise to me, as he usually works at the deli after being a cop. He actually scared the bejesus out of me. He pounded on the front door around 8pm. I wasn't about to answer it, so I stayed upstairs thinking "oh they'll go away". Then I heard the front door creak open and I almost shit my pants. Thankfully, he called out saying "Hi Babe!" so my heart could jump back into my chest.
But the worst is now over. I thank my lucky stars that nothing awful happened to us and I pray for those who didn't do as well.
Here are some pictures from the local newspaper of what damage was done where Chancho's mother lives.

Down the street from Chancho's mother's house.

A block away from Chancho's mother's house.

This is the town Chancho lived in before we moved upstate.

The street my sister used to live on before moving to NJ

Until next time, Irene.


Quote of the Day: "Hope is a driving factor in helping us stay on course in life, it may feel as though it comes and goes, but in reality there is always hope, there is always a chance for something else to happen, and you need to have faith that it will."  
Listening to: "Dirt Road Anthem" by Jason Aldean

Irene

Welp, Irene is heading straight for us. Being in a new place has me a little on edge because I don't know what the surrounding areas have been like in the past. I don't know which roads to avoid or which areas flood. I also have no idea as to how the house is going to hold up. Fingers are crossed that the surrounding trees have strong ass roots.
As for work, well, they want us to come in. I'm thinking, I will probably not go. The building is entirely windows! I think I'll stay put in my little house away from windows. Chancho on the other hand, as you probably all know, is going to be right in the thick of things. He'll be home all day Saturday with me (Yipeeee!!) preparing for the worst, but come Sunday morning he'll head in to the city to brave the storm, helping those in need. Or yelling at those who are idiots. With that being said, I am sending out tons of prayers for everyone in this storms path. Catch you all after the rain and wind.

Be smart, be calm, and most importantly, be safe!

Quote of the Day: "Braveness is not the absence of fear but the strength to keep on going forward despite the fear." ~Paulo Coelho

August 8th

Three short years ago, you stepped into my life for a second time. This time, you were here to stay. This time, destiny made sure we would stick together. There have been times when our love has been tested and tried as we found our way through this journey, but it has only made us grow stronger and more in love. There isn't a day that goes by that I am not grateful for the times we have shared together and smile at the possibilities that lay ahead. I look forward to our wedding day and the many anniversaries that are to come as a married couple. I know times will not always be easy, but I do know that you will be beside me no matter what. I am grateful for all the work that you do and the kind of work that you do. I love you and am thankful you come home to me every night. Happy anniversary.

"Because to the depths of me, I long to love one person, With all my heart, my soul, my mind, my body... Because I need a forever friend to trust with the intimacies of me, Who won't hold them against me, Who loves me when I'm unlikable, Who sees the small child in me, and Who looks for the divine potential of me... Because I need to cuddle in the warmth of the night With someone who thanks God for me, With someone I feel blessed to hold... Because marriage means opportunity To grow in love in friendship... Because marriage is a discipline To be added to a list of achievements... Because marriages do not fail, people fail When they enter into marriage Expecting another to make them whole... Because, knowing this, I promise myself to take full responsibility For my spiritual, mental and physical wholeness I create me, I take half of the responsibility for my marriage Together we create our marriage... Because with this understanding The possibilities are limitless." 

~ Vows from this wedding

For Better...or Worse, but Not for Granted

Today was my day off and I spent the entire day doing wedding stuff. Tons of searching online for ideas and tons of researching different venues and photographers. (If anyone in the Hudson Valley area has any references, greatly appreciated.) Lots of calculating and lots of scratching things off. Now that it's later and I'm home waiting for Chancho to join me, I'm getting all mushy and picturing what our wedding day will be like. So I started to write my vows. I know, way far in advance, but why not get things done while I have the time? I had written down what I had thought to be my vows a little while back, but then went back and crossed out and rewritten a bunch of things, pretty much demolishing the first ones. Tonight though, I read what I had crossed out and I think I'm liking what I wrote the first time better now. It just feels write when I say them out loud. I do feel like it's a little long, but hey I have a lot to say. I was searching online to read other people's vows to see if I could get all sentimental and in a better mind set, but it turns out that I couldn't find much of anything. I feel like love should be shared.
Would any of you who are married want to grace me with your wedding vows, if you did in fact write your own? I can post them here for all to read or I can keep them for my eyes only.

‘I Do’

His ‘hello’ was the end of her endings.

Her laugh was their first step down the aisle.

His hand would be hers to hold forever.

His forever was as simple as her smile.

He said she was what was missing.

She said instantly she knew.

She was a question to be answered.

And his answer was “I do”.

– Carrie Bradshaw, Sex in the City

Putting it Together

I think this is the first day where I'm not sweating while just sitting still. I woke up and shockingly needed a lite blanket on me. It's been brutal here and we've been going through water bottles like crazy. I've been putting water bottles in Chancho's hands every minute to make sure he's hydrated for the day. Sometimes I wish they were allowed to wear shorts on days above 85 degrees. I understand why it's dangerous, but I think it might be more dangerous not to wear them in that kind of heat.
Anyways, in this ridiculous heat, that I know I'll be missing in a few months, I've been making my way through the list of venues in search of the perfect place. Chancho was able to make it to one of the appointments and he loved one place. I did not agree. I think he just wants to get the planning on the way already. He keeps telling me to just book the place, "it's nice enough". Well sorry honey, but I need perfect. Luckily, I have an event planner at work that may be able to get us a great deal with a place that is out of our range. I hope she can work her magic and I can have the perfect place. My search continues for cheap save the dates, cheap invitations, and a great photographer. I'm anxious to have some more things completed. I'm starting to have trouble sleeping at night. Tons of thoughts rushing through my mind, from the guest list, what we can cut out to save money, to me getting a second job to pay for everything and have money to save.
One last thought. Chancho left his gun at home today. Thought that was odd seeing how he's a Police Officer and being a Police Officer, you NEED a gun to protect yourself. He reassured me he wouldn't be leaving his desk, only to attend a funeral for a fellow LEO's wife. Hope that he doesn't do that again.


Quote of the Day: "Don’t be flattered that he misses you. He should miss you. You’re deeply missable. However, he’s still the same person who broke your heart. Remember, the only reason he can miss you is because he’s choosing, every day, not to be with you." 
~ Greg Behrendt & Liz Tuccillo
Listening to: "How Forever Feels" by Kenny Chesney

Wish List

As a little girl I've had an image in my head as to where I would be getting married. It has been a vague image, but it's there non the less. I wouldn't be able to describe it to you, but I would know it when I saw it. Well I saw it.
Yesterday my mother and I ventured out to look at reception halls. I booked two appointments and we headed out to see them. The first place is it. It was like finding our home. I just knew it. You have to drive over a little draw bridge to get to an island and the island is covered in trees, bushes and flowers. It's definitely green and beautiful. You drive around the edge of the sound looking out over the water and come up to a beautiful grand entrance. There is a car port so if it's raining guests don't have to get wet and yes, valet parking is included! Upon entering the guests would be greeted by people who serve you champagne. There is a fireplace, a couple of chairs and a couch. To the side is a grand staircase that swoops down to the main door. Going up those stairs and around you enter into the ceremony site which is a room that has full length windows on three walls. You get a gorgeous view of the water. Chancho and I would be standing closest to the windows with a sky light above us while we said our vows. Our guests would be able to stare off into the sunset or just enjoy the view while the ceremony is going on. After the ceremony is done, everyone would be ushered into the cocktail room which again has a full wall of windows looking out over the sound. It gives you the feel of like being on a cruise. And I love cruises so this was perfect. Chancho and I would have our own suites to get ready in and I would have a girl "hermetically sealed to my hip" for the entire event, as the banquet manager so kindly stated. The cocktail hour would include 4 satellite/cooking stations and butler service of hors d'oeurves. Roughly 45 different kinds of food would be available. Once the cocktail hour was over everyone would be seated inside the ballroom. It is a square room so everyone is an equal distance from the dance floor and the doors would be left open so you can still have the view of the water and have the option of staying in the cocktail room to escape the music or if we have a photo booth or something else out there, it would be extra space. The room is ivory, which is great to work with any theme. They also offer a Peruvian option for food. I'm not sure many places do that, another reason we need to book this place! They also allow us to have access to the entire island for pictures. On the island is a beach, a castle and gardens. I'm telling you, you can't go wrong with this place. The catch is that they require you to use their florists. That is the only vendor they make you use. My mother was a florist before becoming a nurse and she has done the flowers for both my brother and my sister. She's amazing at what she does and she really wants to do the flowers for my wedding. I saw her heart break a little when the banquet manager told her she wouldn't be able to do them. We're going to see if we can make a deal of some sort. But this place has definitely allowed me to check off everything on my wish list: Water, beach, gorgeous views, awesome food, ceremony, grounds to take pictures...the list can go on.
I don't even want to talk about the second place. It was like walking into a cheap motel. My mother liked it because of the price, but you get what you pay for. It's a country club so people would be swimming and kids would be yelling and splashing as we were having our wedding. You have to walk past the two pools (that have chain linked fences) and cabanas, which are white washed and have padlocks on them. It was no where near as classy as the first place. Plus the man who spoke with us didn't think I was old enough to get married. I think he should have kept his opinions to himself.
I realize I have a bunch of other places to look at and there may be one that has everything I want and may be even better (where my mother can do the flowers). Patience is key.

Quote of the Day: "Worrying doesn't empty tomorrow of its troubles. It empties today of its strength" ~ Corrie Ten Boom
Listening to: "Summer Nights" by Rascal Flatts

The Meeting

German and Peruvian uniting. As a tradition in my family, started with my brother, as he was the first to get married, the two sides of the families meet each other. Usually my mother insists that she do all the cooking and the dinner/lunch is done at her house. Well for Chancho and I it wasn't any different. She set a date and time and demanded that both families be present. It sort of went that way. Chancho's sister and mother showed up. My parents and brother attended. Missing from the dinner on Chancho's side was: Grandmother, father and father's mistress. Missing from my side: My sister, sister in law & brother in law.
My mother cooked an entire German menu, to share our culture with Chancho's family. I'm not entirely sure they liked the food, but they did eat whatever was on their plates. Our menu consisted of 4 different sausages, German potato salad, pickled beets, red cabbage, and 3 bean salad. This is a usual summer meal for us.  I love everything, but the pickled beets. That is something I refuse to eat. Chancho later told me that he didn't like any of the salads because they were served cold. That if they were warmed up, he may have liked them. I was really surprised because the potato salad had bacon in it. And not just bits of bacon, actual pick a piece of bacon up pieces. For dessert, my mother made strawberry pie. That was a big hit. She also had marzipan candies and pineapple.
I thought it would be awkward having everyone meeting together, but my mother is such a talker that it went pretty well. There were rarely an awkward pauses. Recently, my parents have had the pleasure of having a wild turkey hanging out in their backyard and it was present while we were eating so that was some entertainment. My parents are also avid gardeners so that was also something to talk about. Chancho's mother took a walk around the yard looking at everything.
By the end of the meal, everyone was still happy, very full and Chancho's mother suggested we all meet up again for Peruvian food next time. She said she wanted to cook and share her food with us. I'm very happy that everyone can get along.

Quote of the Day: "There are always flowers for those who want to see them" ~ Henri Matisse

House Living

2 weeks have gone by living in the house and I still love it. I think I would be worried and stressing if I didn't. Chancho hasn't been home much, at all. I'm not sure he's seen the house in the day light hours yet. However, I can't blame him because TG was supposed to be moving in with us and she has now backed out. Therefore instead of splitting the mortgage 3 ways, it's down to us two. Which is fine, we made sure we would be able to do that without relying on TG, but we may have spent a little more than we should thinking she would be splitting it with us. She told us yesterday that she wouldn't be moving in.
As far as the house goes, we had our lawn mowed, bought a tv, received a Yankee toaster from Chancho's sister, and finally got cable/internet! We have received a few house warming presents that I am very grateful for. I'm not gonna lie, we are incredibly broke right now and with these gifts, they are just what we need. They couldn't have come at a better time. They seem to know exactly what we needed, but then again, we need almost everything so anything would have been perfect. Ha.
I know I said in the last post I'd put up some pictures so here they are. These were taken prior to moving in. 

One of the two bedrooms

The one and only bathroom

The bay window in the Living Room

View of Living Room from Kitchen

Kitchen

The upstairs

The basement

Our cute little house

The lake

I have tried to start a routine to get myself back in the norm of things, but it's been difficult with work. I now have to be up at 3:45AM in order to be at work by 5am. My body is rebelling against it. And that's only 15 minutes earlier than when I had to be up before. When I get home I'm exhausted now and will sleep til about 4pm. The entire day is gone. I'm really upset with myself about that. So I'll have to see what I can do. I'm hoping my body starts to realize this isn't going to change will shape up. Speaking of shaping up. I have started to run, but I hate it here. The hills are ridiculous. I feel like I will die. I am running straight up and down, but the views are gorgeous. I run around the lake that is next to the house. The first time I went out for a run, I wound up getting lost. Thank goodness I was using my phone to track myself. I had to use the gps to get back home. What a laugh that was.
As far as an update on Chancho, he had a scare the other night. There are a few times when he doesn't come home, he sleeps at the pct now because the drive isn't worth it when he has to be to work early and he's working late. It happened to be the second night that he decided to stay over and work a midnight tour. It was the weekend of the 4th of July. So there were tons of people out and illegal fireworks. He had a partner, not his usual, since this was a sign-up overtime. He called to say that they were doing fine, avoiding large crowds because it was just the two of them and it wasn't worth it and he would see me the next day. Well I woke up in the middle of the night with a strange feeling. I wasn't sure if it was being in the house alone or if I had a bad dream or what it was, but I text Chancho. Well what do you know he doesn't respond. You all know that feeling, that gut feeling that something just isn't right. I did all my usual sentences to calm myself down. It's his turn to nap, he'll be up in a half hour and respond. He's out talking to someone. His Lt. is there and can't respond. He just didn't hear the phone go off. He's ordering food. The list goes on, getting a little more ridiculous as the time passes. But he never responds. I eventually drift off to sleep knowing I have to be up early for work. The next morning still no word from him. I shoot him a quick text asking if he is okay, that I'm worried. He finally responds. He says, shit went down last night. 5 guys wound up in the hospital. My mind is going crazy. He's still working out the details from last night so his texts are short and sporadic. Not good for my wandering mind. All of those damn what-if's are flying through it.What I got out of the texts was that he and his partner responded to a call of back up. I hate those calls. That means shit is already flying off the wall. Cops showed up to disperse a loud and large crowd shooting off fireworks. They had asked them to just call it a night. Didn't even take the fireworks from them, just asked them to stop and move along. That was when some drunk fool started it all. The crowd charged the police officers and people in the buildings above helped them by throwing glass bottles down on them. 4 police officers were injured from the glass bottles (will be out for 4 weeks) and the 5th police officer was almost choked to death by a perp trying to get his gun. Chancho stepped in and stopped the guy. Chancho had to go to the hospital to get checked out. He had scrapes from glass as well, but not nearly as bad as the others. He is fine, he got an arrest from it and came home to me later that day. Thank the Lord.

Quote of the Day: "In the confrontation between the stream and the rock, the stream always wins … not through strength, but through persistence."

Home on the Range

It has been a crazy last couple of days. We bought our house! We bought one that is a lot closer and a lot smaller than the original one that I had posted about. This house has a lot more potential and is the right size for us right now. It is just us and no kids. For now. It is situated a block away from a lake and is in a rural area. We like to think of this as a vacation. It is ridiculously quiet here. We can hear the water flowing from the lake, birds chirping and gun shots from hunting game, not people.
We closed on Friday and that night we got a uhaul, packed up our life and moved into our beautiful house. Our friend Zack helped us out tremendously. Without him we probably wouldn't had finished by Friday night like we did. Plus he was great for helping Chancho with the heavy stuff. My weak girl arms were of little help.
But we are all moved in, with a few boxes left to unpack. Which are of my clothes. Chancho took up the entire dresser and half the closet with his clothes. So until we figure out if we're buying another dresser or if he's donating clothes i'm living out of boxes and suitcases. I never knew his uniform could take up so much damn space! He has been working doubles the past 3 days so make up for all the money we spent on closing costs and just stuff we needed to move in. We are pretty broke at this point. We still haven't set up our internet and cable yet. (Blogging from my phone)
It's driving me crazy not to have anything.
But i'm extremely happy to be in our new home and being able to come home to my finance at night. It's one of the best feelings in the world. I'll post pictures once we get internet.

Quote of the Day: "Have patience with all things, but most of all with yourself." ~ St. Francis de Sales

Soaring Eagle Campground

We took our yearly camping trip already this year. Spent four days in the wilderness without any contact with the outside world. I loved every minute of it.
Saturday we ditched Chancho's coworkers wedding to head out for camping early. I felt bad, but camping is so much more fun than sitting at a table making small talk. TG met us at the church and followed us to the campground. Once we found the sign that pointed us in the direction of the campground we started our journey of picture taking.

We had to cross over some train tracks.

Then we found a bridge to cross over. Going from NY to PA

It was a beautiful view of the Delaware River.

This sign says "Swim at your own risk. Strong current and water is 12 ft deep under the bridge."

The man said we would have to drive through a creek. He wasn't kidding.

Our campsite was perfect for us. We were able to fit the 3 tents and have room for 4 more. It was up on a hill overlooking the rest of the campground. It was like we were in our own world.  TG, Chancho and I were in one tent. Chancho's sister and her boyfriend were in another. Chancho's sister's best friend was in one with her boyfriend. It was very nice to have the tent to ourselves after everyone left. ;)

 Hanging up a hammock.

 Delaware River - Absolutely beautiful. We went tubing down the river Sunday. There was a total of 7 of us. Chancho's sister, her boyfriend, her best friend and her boyfriend joined us as well. So we grabbed rope and tied our tubes together so we wouldn't get lost from one another. His sister wound up falling into the river head first at one point trying to paddle faster. I wish I had a picture of it. I need to get a water proof camera.

Monday we went for a hike. It was just Chancho's sister and her boyfriend with us. The rest left Sunday afternoon after tubing. The man at the office suggested this hike. Said the 20 minute drive was worth it. He was right. The views were spectacular. 

On the way back down the mountain we stumbled upon this little snake. 

Then as we were driving back to the campground a hawk flew right in front of us and landed on the tree on the side of the road. 

We left this morning to head back to civilization. It was time. I was getting freaked out by the way the towns people were looking at us and I couldn't handle not having a store open past 6pm. I need access to stuff at all hours. I love 24hr stores. The town was cute and half a block long. It had a flea market on one end. Chancho insisted we stop there, so we did. He bought his grandmother a doll. She loved it. On the way back to the campground, which was a 10 minute drive I was staring out the window hoping to spot some wild animal when I spotted a person laying in a ditch along side the road. I pointed out the window and told Chancho, that was a person we just passed. He didn't believe me so I made him turn around. We back tracked and slowly drove by where I swore I saw a person. Sure enough there was a man laying in the ditch. Chancho asked if he was alive. I kept thinking, I wasn't going out there to check and I didn't want Chancho to go out and check so Chancho beeped the horn. The man raised his head up, I said he was alive and we went along our way. I guess that was the country version of a homeless man. Instead of laying on a sidewalk he was laying in a ditch.
As far as wild animal sightings, we saw fish, an eel, a skunk that ran sacked our garbage, a cat, a family of deer, a black bear, a snake, a hawk, and a bunny. Not too bad for a weekend in the woods. Before we got to the turn off to the campground we were speeding along the back roads when a deer jumped across the road. Chancho had to slam on his brakes to not hit it. One of the camping chairs came flying up from the back and smashed my arm. I have a good sized bruise, but I was happy that was all that happened.

Now I'm ready for a long shower and some packing. We got our mortgage approved and we have a tentative closing date set for next week. This is really happening now. I'm glad we got that mini vacation in while we had the time and money.

Quote of the Day: "When you learn to accept instead of expect, you’ll have fewer disappointments". -Robert Fisher

Listening to: "Two Princes" by Spin Doctors

One Tequila Two Tequila Floor!

My 21st birthday was great. I was drinking the night before and in a bar before midnight celebrating with friends and family. I am the youngest in my family so it was a big deal for us all to share a legal drink together in a public place. I can oddly remember the night pretty well, with the help of photographs. It was a week long celebration because my birthday falls during the week of Thanksgiving so I was home for the holiday and when I went back to school I celebrated some more. I'm not sure I made it to many of my classes that week.
Anyways, yesterday was my little cousins 21st birthday. She is the youngest in the entire family. Turning 21 is huge as we're a drinking kind of family, but aren't most? I'd like to think so. Her family is throwing her a birthday party tomorrow, but because Chancho and I don't communicate all that well we double booked. His event won because he RSVPed a while before we knew of this party. Which reminds me, I need to find an outfit. We're going to his Ex-Sergeant's? old Sergeant's? His Sergeant before this Sergeant's wedding.
I'm super bummed about not making this party so I'm going to visit her tonight for dinner. I finished getting the gift together this morning: 6 wine glasses from Crate & Barrel. A wine saver pump and cork screw from the Container Store.
 

She's all set to go to drink her wine!  Too bad I'm awful at picking out good wine. Any suggestions??

Quote of the Day: "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." ~Author Unknown
Listening to: "Red Red Wine" by Bob Marley