Navidad!

Hello!  This is Mike.  We have been oh so silent for many months, and for that, our apologies...or at least mine. 

Let me catch you up, so the last time we mentioned anything we were counting down the days to Peru.  it seems we are always counting down the days to Peru :-)  Since then, we had an amazing time in Peru.  It was a great week and a half that should've been longer.  I remember how much I love Peru and Karen's family when I go, and I am sad to leave.  But at the same time I am happy to come home to my job and apartment with my wifey. 

I started a great new job that has moved us to...TEXAS!  So no longer are we checking in from Philly, we are Texans now (but don't worry, not Cowboys fans).

So today is Christmas Eve, and we hadn't really gotten into the Spirit like in years past.  It got to the 22nd, and once we realized we would in fact be celebrating another Christmas, I decided to help out Karen in the Spirit department.  And, me, too.  She went out to get some kitchen stuff, for the turkey.  As an aside, I never understood why there was so much turkey at the holidays.  I mean, you just barely get finished with leftovers from Thanksgiving, and you buy a whole other turkey for Christmas?  Make it ham (Virginia, of course), or steak, or...well...food is yummy and I love it; so turkey is good, too :-)

So as she was out, without me (that took convincing.  I told her I needed time alone to set up her surprise), I frantically went about trying to set up Christmas for her before she returned.  This proved to be difficult as I had no idea when she would return.  But she unknowingly gave plenty of time.  I put up lights on our balcony and in the house.  I put up some garland around our serving area.  I put up the Creche, and I hung our stockings...not by a chimney with care, but still. 

She came home to a Christmas miracle.  No tree, but still Christmas-y.  This is likely the last year for many years to come where we can go light on decor, and the minimalist Christmas suited me fine.  Few presents, but all were well-thought by both of us, and a lot of time together.  My new job affords me something I haven't been used to for a while- time off.  And, more importantly, time with Karen. 

So, yes; even though we are far from Peru and Karen's family, and far from Virginia and my family, and far from Philly and the friends we made over the last 3 years- we are in closer than ever before because this year, my best present to her and her to me has been...time.

Merry Christmas,
The Garbers

Counting the days for Peru!!!

June 8th!! that's when Mike and I will be heading to Lima Peru to visit our family there. We are looking forward to see everyone but specially "abuelito". He is my sweet grandfather on my mother's side. He is one of the greatest man I've ever met and one of my greatest blessing. I love his sweet spirit and his sense of humor. He is very wise and just loves life. He recently stop working because his doctor has demanded so. There are a lot of changes coming and I'm glad we get to have a break before all the madness begins.

                

abuelito and I last time I was in Peru!

Valentine's day, weird looking dinner and a sweet surprise!

So this year on Valentine's Day Mike and I were extremely busy. We both have very busy lives and can only mange to see each other 3 nights a week (If we are lucky!) Valentine's week this year was no exception. We were looking at our calendar and realized we both would be working late on that day. Days before and after wouldn't work either. So we just looked at each other and decided we'll celebrate a week in advance. Which didn't really happened because I had to work late. Valentine's morning came, I had already bought a card months ago and a piece of chocolate. I woke up gave my husband a kiss, gave him his card and chocolate and head out to work really early in the morning. Our day went by as expected, work, school, more work!! I was finally home by 10:45 pm at night. I, like most of those busy days, hadn't eating a proper dinner, was starving and grumpy. I opened the door and hanged my keys, where I saw a piece of paper with the letter K on it and the beginning of what it look like an acronym. I started looking all over the house and found the rest of the letters. I was only missing one letter and couldn't seem to find it. I finally decided to open the fridge and there it was!! On top of a container with what it seemed a piece of meat. I opened and was surprise with this

It was really weird looking. But I decided to give it a try.. Huge was my surprise when I tasted it and was sooo yummy. I don't know what he put on it but is was good. I was lamb with onions and asparagus...
Mike had left his first job a little earlier to prepared this for me and my hungry night stomach before he left for his second job.

How I love my husband!

Sometimes I feel extremely tired and think I'm justified on not putting an effort to have sweet details to Mike. But Mike has shown me it is important and necessary for our relationship. I am so grateful to have busy lives. I love being really active and even though I complain sometimes of how tired I am, having little time together with my husband makes me very appreciative of what we have. Time together.

A little bit of Christmas in January

I gave  Mike 3 tickets for Christmas to a 76ers game! I didn't buy the tickets, just gave him a card that said I would. That way he can pick the game. He found out that the 76ers were running a special which was buy 3 tickets and get 3 for free! So he decided to invite some friends over and take my sister and I too! We had so much fun! I'd forgotten how much fun those games could be! I love being in a crowd and feeling the energy of it! We cheered, sang, clapped, and jumped out of our seats the whole game. It was also cool to see my little sister's reaction to a game in America. It was her first time seeing a profesional basketball game and she told me it was just like in the movies!!! We had so much fun! After that we went to a dinner and pretty much stayed up late eating! But it was worth it! I hope this is a repeater!

and of course.. WE WON!!!