Love and Marriage

Just a few days ago, February 18th to be exact, Lex and I made 10 years at the "dating game". Yes, we are married now and to some the "dating anniversary" no longer counts but to us both, it means a heart and box full of memories.
To celebrate this joyous occasion we headed to one of the most beautiful locations in sunny south florida, the beach. We kept it special but low key at the Front Porch Cafe on Ocean and then made our way to the sand to enjoy the rest of our milestone day.

The past 10 years have been long annnd bumpy and not to mention, emotionally exhausting but most importantly, they've been filled with love, excitement and LOTS of laughter. Despite the silly fiascos we've been through, I can truthfully say without those experiences we wouldn't be blissfully married today. So just because we are old married folks now, doesn't mean we're going to stop celebrating the amount of years we've spent together without being bound as husband and wife. Because without those years, or that knowlege we wouldn't be Lex and Mel, we'd be lost...without each other.

10 years ago...

Present Day

Keep 'em coming baby!!

Sweet Escape...

So I'm back...only about a month later...my bad!!

Well as you all know this past weekend was Vday! Some call it cheese day or even D-day(as in Doom's), lol...Its funny to see the sudden frenzy just days before when everyone is scrambling for last minute gifts and reservations. I guess for some its the one holiday where you have the opportunity to revisit the "spark" in your love lives...or make up for the forgotten anniversaries or birthday!

Fortunately, for the hubs and I that is not the case. Our Valentine's Day is always special. We make light of whichever way it plays out because in the end, whats important is not the size of the big tacky bear or heart shaped balloon, its about who you spend it with that matters most.

So this year I decided to play the surprise game with Lex and go a different route. No fancy restaurants, no hotel reservations or champagne...instead we headed to the ZOO!

Weird I know, but believe it or not the man had NEVER been to the zoo in the 33 years of his life so I thought it'd be fun to make his WILDEST dreams come true, heehee!!

The kid in a candy store smile!

I guess he was as happy as Lex to be there, lol...

The "Cuban Croc"...annnd, I'm not kidding!

I forgot my zoom lens (boohoo-loser) and couldn't get a better pic of one of my fav. animals...the white bengal tiger...what a beauty!!

This little guy had just been born earlier that morning!!!

My sexy beast roaming the grounds

Meet Savannah, the latest addition to the zoo!

And last but not least, the Lovebirds!


After reminiscing on my childhood (and creating the memory for his) we headed out to conclude our semi-romantic evening. So after spending a small fortune on just 2 drinks and a movie, I can truthfully say it was by far one of the sweetest Valentine experiences yet to date.

Sure the flowers, chocolate boxes and romantic dinners at uber expensive restaurants are a plus but that will never measure up to the quality of your company ;)

New Year, New Life...

Believe it or not, this year has been off to a very hectic start and being that I'm not the greatest multitasker, I've slacked a little on my blogging...I apologize.

We're about 20 days in the new year and so much has happened since the clock struck 12, I must say I've been a bit overwhelmed. It started off with the dreaded resolutions, shedding the "happily married pounds" I've put on within the last few months and pursuing the exciting goals I have for this year including going back to school and learning to play the piano. Unfortunately fate's sneaky ways threw the curveball and delayed these ambitions just a tad. Between the losses and feuds, the anticipation and/or anxiety (with daddy being in the hospital) you learn to value whats truly important in this game of Life. Call me philosophical but its all so clear to me now, its like I finally had the epiphany I needed to understand what it all means.

I know this may sound silly but for some people, a "reality check" may actually come from something that is not their own reality. Bear with me while I explain...so I watched probably the best film I've seen in a while, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button. Stop right there if you think I'm all over it because of Brad [Pitt]. It has nothing to do with the fact that he's the man of my dreams other than my husband, its about the film and the impact it had on my own life which has caused the lightbulb over my head to flicker for the past few days. I hadn't read the story before but I can tell you the film itself is so much deeper than most people can handle. The story is both heartwrenching and amazing but more importantly captivating. It gave me a sense of escapism and whether or not its because deep down inside I'm an old soul and have a different connection with the past than most people my age, it's a film that has changed my perspective on this little thing we call Life.

I can't really explain in detail how I relate to an old man who ages in reverse, lord knows it'd be one really LOOONG post, but I can say I promise myself to live my life the best way I know how and forget whats its "supposed to be like".

With that said, I'm turning a new leaf and looking forward to a very BIG day tomorrow. The Inauguration of our President. A day which many Americans have been looking forward to for quite some time. Its a historical and momentous occasion for the United States and I'm crazy excited to be living it. I may not have been leaning towards Mr. Obama from the get-go but as my new President I will stand by him and be proud he is our leader.

As for the well deserved pics I owe my fellow bloggers, here you go! Cheers to the men in our lives ;)

To get a quick glimpse of his latest masterpiece, click below!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7L6K3fkwr-Y

"Yes We Can" video...Beautiful and inspirational! Congratulations President Obama!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jjXyqcx-mYY&feature=email

Its the most wonderful time of the year!!

AMEN to that!

I absolutely love and cherish the holiday season. It brings out so many wonderful feelings and emotions, I mean, just real, deep down inner warmth and happiness.

As with this time of year comes very special days as mentioned before...birthdays to be exact! While some have already been covered (i.e., mom and lou) others get shuffled in the xmas chaos.

However, being a very BIG Birthday enthusiast, I'm very happy to send very special belated birthday hugs and kisses to none other than our dear Jeanette, Omar, and to the little monkeys who continually steal pieces of my heart, Logan and Tyler.

Life is bonkers, or as Gwen, so lady-like phrases it, "this shit is bananas", so while the christmas season creeps up a little sooner every year, it seems like these other birthday celebrations get tossed aside. Well never fear kiddos, as long as I have my horrible choir voice, you'll be receiving special birthday wishes alongside my traditional "Happy Birthday to you", "For he/she is a jolly good fellow", topped off with a little "May the dear Lord bless you" birthday chant...so please don't be embarrassed, just embrace the love ;)

Another little shot out to our dear Baby Jesus for being born and for making all things possible each and every holiday season. Also, a BIG Thank You to all my loved ones for all the wonderful moments we've shared throughout this year and during this special time...looking forward to many more in 2009!

Join me in saying good-bye to a fabulous 2008 by sharing your top 10 reasons why it rocked!

10. I got hitched!

9. Honeymooned in Cabo!

8. Had the hubs move in with the folks...

7. And so far, they've behaved.

6. Steered clear from hurricanes...phew!

5. Rallied with the republicans...

4. And lost to a democrat!

3. Made it to 27!

2. Watched Logi turn 5!

1. All while learning to blog :)

Hope your holidays rock on!

30 is the new 20...

Ha! Tell that to a newly aged 30 year old like my dear brother...the old geezer finally hit the great milestone on December 7. I don't know that I was mentally prepared for this number since I'm just a measly 3 years behind him...however, the BIG 3-0 crept up on him faster than I (and he) thought and while I couldn't spend the day with him (which was sad too, considering I've spent all others with him) we made up for it as best as we could.

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For the past 27 years of my life, I've had countless headaches and heartaches, rages of anger and frustration, bitterness, animosity and numerous fights (both verbal and physical...at a much younger age of course) with none other than my sibling.
Now that we've sort of grown up, I realize that without my brother I'd be one boring ass kid. I can't imagine my life without my goofy yet incredibly intelligent older brother. He's the one guy I can't stay mad at because even when he's wrong, he's right...somehow, he is always right and while it drives me insane, I know deep down inside, he truly is right and always means well.
Despite the many years I hated him for being so darn conniving, I realize now just how admirable his other traits can be. I mean, just when I thought, a little road rash made him tougher, it was the birth of his son that made him weak in the knees and while he's big and strong and very handsome for a brother, he's just that...he's my brother.
My true "other half", my best friend.

I hope this year brings even more joy and knowledge into your life. I love you with all my heart!

Happy Birthday Lou!

My Mother, My Hero...

Yesterday was my Mom's birthday. I'd reveal how many years old she turned but women are pretty reserved about their age. What I can tell you is how wonderful it feels to have such an amazing woman in my life. Yeah, she drives me crazy sometimes...actually alot of times...but without her wacky ways, I'd have no real direction in my own life.

She is by far the most kind-hearted, thoughtful and most selfless person I know. She is in fact the wonderful soul I've ever met and I'm forever grateful to call her my Mom.

Sometimes, we're at each other's throats, but its those moments that make me appreciate her even more. So a BIG THANKS to my dear God for giving her to us.

Happy Birthday Mami!

Home sweet home...

I know, I know...I have ALOT of explaining to do since I've missed several postings (more like close to a month's worth, lol) but in my defense I was out of commision for a good 3 weeks since my computer was being debugged (thanks to the J man for that, he rocks!) and when I finally got it back, I was busy getting my holiday spirit to a start!
Its been well worth the wait though and I promise there are SO many pictures to share. After all, its been an explosion of birthdays (including mine ::insert smiley face here::) and other fabulous events such as Thanksgiving and my way too short trip to the BIG APPLE!...gosh how I love that place!
Anyhow, tonight I've gotta dedicate some time to the hubs, but I promise some fun clips come tomorrow.
Ta-ta for now!