La Vita E Bella

Whirlwind....

What an exhausting weekend. I thought Monday would never come. Now that it's here though....I wish it were Sunday! :) I can only use one word to describe the past few days - amazing. Between being in contact with family and friends, sharing the excitement with Trei, and starting to talk about wedding plans - I have had a taste of what the next couple of months will behold. Although exhausting - it's exhilerating at the same time. Although no date has been set (I'm anxious to get this taken care of!) were looking at beginning of September 2004. Only 9 months away - thats crazy! There are many things to get done - but most of all I want to take everything in - and not rush it. This is a once in a lifetime deal - and I want to squeeze as much happiness and memories out of it as I can. But as we all know, it's back to reality - work, school, and relationships. And as wonderful and exciting as the past few days have been - it's time to focus on the daily tasks that will forever be a part of life. I don't mind it that much - it makes life a little more interesting.

Well, it is bedtime for me. I'm hoping to get a nice long blog in tomorrow. Talk about all the things on my mind. Have a goodnight.

Me

Guess Who's Getting Married...

Tonight (12/25/03) around 7:00pm - my wonderful boyfriend of over a year proposed to me! I'll explain the story - but you can watch some of the video tomorrow. I'll have the link posted sometime in the afternoon. It's dark - but you'll get the idea.

I don't think I could have been more surprised. He told me he was driving to Reno to see his family from Tuesday to Sunday. But tonight - at around 6ish - my brother dragged everyone into the pool house saying that he wanted to give me, and my family our Christmas gift from Trei. (*note: Some of you may be thinking I should have seen it coming - but honestly - there was no way - and I've been suspicious forever. He really got me!) Once we all sat down (my family, grandparents, aunt, uncle and cousins), Michael started a DVD. It was of Trei sitting on a couch talking about how wonderful my family was, and how in love he was with me. He apologized for not being with me on Christmas - but that my gift was right outside the doors for me. As soon as the video was over, I walked to the doors, and opened the curtains. On bended knee, was Trei - ring in his hand, and grin on his face. I immediately start crying (and you'll hear me loud and clear in the video). I could hardly hear what he was saying - but he stood up and asked me to marry him. Ofcourse I said yes!!!

It was the greatest moment in my life!

I could have never imagined, or played it out, or even guessed what it would be like. I wish I could relive it over and over again. I was completely shocked. He had flown in from Reno earlier, and waited at his apartmnt for the perfect time to come over and do it. Theres a lot more to the story, so if you wanna know the whole story - don't hesistate to ask.

This picture of the ring is very hard to see - but it is soooo beautiful!!!

Well, I hope everyones Christmas was wonderful. Thank you for your friendship. Love you all!

The newly engaged,
Me :)

He's Gone

I made this picture for Trei sometime around Valentines Day. It makes me smile because is reminds me of how special our relationship is. The quotes say truthfully how I feel about Trei. I love the pictures of him and I with our "matching glasses". It's just a portion of a million memories him and I have made. And a reminder of the millions more we have yet to make.

Trei left this morning for Reno - to spend Christmas with his family. It seems wierd to be spending Christmas without him. He is such a huge part of my life - and I love to spend times like this with him. My grandparents flew in from North Carolina on Sunday. I've had a great time with them so far. I really miss them. They spent the first 18 Christmas' with me and my family. Every morning - there they were! Since they've been in North Carolina for the last 4 years, we haven't had a chance to spend the holidays with them - so being able to spend Christmas with them is wonderful. My grandma and I talked a lot last night - about the makings of successful relationships. The work thats involved, the importanc of dependancy on God, the good and the bad. I like conversations like that - especially with people who have walked the marriage route for decades. It's easy to get caught up in the emotions, and pre-maturity of it all. I enjoy getting a perspective on relationships - that only time and experience will bring. Sometimes I think that Trei and I are no where ready for such a big commitment - I mean we argue about some of the lamest things. But then again - atleast were getting to know eachother now. Getting to know eachother inside and out - so there are no surprises later on. I mean - we are good communicators. Neither of us has much of a problem getting everything out of the table - and battling over whos right and whos wrong. We've discussed everything under the sun. Finances(credit cards, debt, savings, investing, budget), Children(when, how many, how they'll be schooled, discipline), Goals(what we'd like to accomplish as a couple, where we see ourselves in 10 years), Holidays(what traditions will be pass on, who will we spend them with), Living Situation(is there a possibility of moving far away, when would we like to own a home). We've touched everything. When I hear that most couples hardly get out how many children they want before they get married - I am amazed. How can you not talk about those things? They seem to me - aside from a firm foudation in the Lord - some of the most important and defining aspects of marriage. What would I do if Trei didn't know I wanted to homeschool my children - or if he never told me that he doesn't want to live in the valley forever. We'd be floored when it came time to make those decisions. Not that anyone can anticipate those types of situations - but atleast we are prepared to discuss them if/when they arise. I am glad that we communicating and opening up about our ideas and dreams for our future together. I may put a little added stress on us now - but it will most likely free us up in our first year of marriage. And thats going to be an adjustment all in itself. Anyway - here I am just blabbering on and on. If I don't get to posting again before Christmas - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!! I hope your day is filled with happiness and relaxation. It's such a wonderful time to reflect on the year passed - and look forward to the plan God has for your future.

Me

New Pictures Up!

I've added a bunch of new pictures to my albums - so check it out!!

Me

Ha Ha Ha Ha

Okay - so we were really bored. But while Kristin, Kyle and I were in the backseat of Katy's car - waiting for her and Jessica to be done in the bathroom - we decided to take some funny pictures. Among some of them was this one - take a looooong look, studying each one of our faces (particularly Kristins) - then read the caption at the bottom. Ha Ha Ha

"What we think we looked like coming out of our mothers womb".

Inspired.....

Everything in my life has inspired me in some way or another. At times, like now, I am overcome in the emotion of what wonderful people I have in my life. I can't describe it in words - it is bigger, and more beautiful, and more deep than anything I have ever experienced. Someone told me today that when bad things happen - it's Gods reminder that this life is not our home. He is only preparing us for eternal life with him. And although I am excited to live forever with our heavenly father, and yes, at times life sucks. But beyond the turmoil of the world - I find solitude in God, and my family. My family is my heaven on earth. It may sound silly - and I'm not trying to even compare this life to the one after it - but I would be lying if I said that I wasn't blessed daily by everyone in my life.

My family is Great. Wonderful. Supportive. Funny. Protective. Welcoming. Loving.
How could I survive without them. Being home has given me a brand new perspective on my parents and my siblings. I have the utmost respect for each one of my family members. They are all accepting, protecting, loving, and supportive of me. My bond with each one is so different. I am inspired by the lives that they each lead. They love the Lord, and not only do they hold strong beliefs, but they live by those beliefs also. I am so honored to be a Terrano.

My boyfriend - Gosh, I love him! He is perfect for me. Absolutely perfect. There isn't a person on this earth better designed to be my other half. He and I are the exact mirror of eachother. I am so excited to marry him!!! I am thrilled that every step I take from September 18th, 2004 on, will be on the other side of a magnificant man. I am anticipating the marriage that God will undoubtly bless. I love him with my entire being. He is my soulmate - my love - the beginning of the rest of my life. It is the best feeling in the world.

To Be Continued....

Me

He's Out!!

PRAISE GOD - My brother was released from the hospital today. I was so excited. I hated the thought of him being stuck there. I wish I could fix it. I wish there was something I could do to take away the epilepsy in his brain. It tears my heart up to watch my little brother battle a seizure - or watch his disappointment at not being able to do something because of it.

Lord, Bless Kyle. I believe his life is in your hands - Keep him healthy. Help him to understand whats you are doing in his life right now - Help him to open up emotionally so he can express nervousness, anger, sadness, or relief. Watch over him - touch his brain and the irregularitys causing his seizures. Keep him constantly in the hands of excellent doctors. Guide them in their diagnosis and recommendations. Give them direction and guidance - an awareness of his prognosis. Bless Kyle - He has such a calling on his life and I don't want that to be hindered. He is your child - I lift him up to you.

After the first few days in the hospital without a seizure, my parents and Kyle were getting anxious to get out of the hospital - the doctors finally took him off his medication yesterday. Last night - my mom was staying with him overnight to monitor him. The first couple of seizures - my mom would wake him to ask if he knew he was having them - he usually replied with a no. A little after his 10th or so episode - he had a very small seizure - one my mom decided wouldn't be worth waking him for - and in his sleep he said "That was for you mom" - and grabbed her hand. He is such an amazing kid. Tender and funny. I am so glad he's home!!

I Visited My Brother Today :)

I visited my brother today. He's doing really well - aside from being extremely bored. I brought him his guitar, so he seemed to be a lot more content. I found out my parents have to stay awake the entire time - so they can press a button when he's having a seizure. Three good ones and hes out of there - so pray that they happen quickly. Aside from that - things are well. I'm going again tomorrow for a few hours with Trei. To relieve my parents and just spend some time with Kyle. Hope things are well in the lives of anyone reading this. Please continue to pray for my brother. Thanks!

Me

My Brother

As most of you know - my littlest brother Kyle, was diagnosed with epilepsy when he was 5 years old. It's been something he's lived with for the past 10 years. Brain surgery was always an option - but never a must. It was an idea that passed through our minds every once in awhile - but being that it's a big decision -and takes about a year of your time -it wasn't anything Kyle wanted to consider. Until about a month ago. He had a coma-induced seizure. Kyle normally has fairly simple seizures. He doesn't fall over or anything - in fact it's fairly easy to miss the fact that he's having one - unless your engaged in conversation with him. But a month ago - the seizure was so bad - it put him into a coma for about 10 minutes. He was rushed to the hospital by paramedics. Luckily. we were able to get an appointment to see a well known nuerologist at UCLA medical center, She informed my parents that Kyle will eventually need brain surgery - and sooner than later. Now, it's a very long and extensive testing session before he has the surgery - so were not looking at it for atleast a year. Today he was admitted into UCLA medical center for the preliminary tests (just to see if he's even able to have the surgery). Let me explain - if the seizures are coming from both sides of the brain - they can't perform the surgery. For obvious reason, you can't remove an area from each side of the brain. But if they are coming from just one side - they can easily remove it. So for the next few days - he'll be attached to electrodes, monitiring his brain activity as he's having seizures (they'll take him slowly off his medication). Anyway - the more seizures he has - the sooner he's out - so were praying that he'll seize alot. Minimum, he's in there until Saturday. So please pray that everything will work out, and he won't have to be there too long. Also pray that the seizures are coming from just one side of his brain - so they can perform the surgery. (If he doesn't have the surgery - they seizures will continue to kill his brain cells - which is not good). Mainly just pray that God will give the doctors wisdom - my parents relaxation (as they have to stay with him 24/7) -and Kyle, peace. Thanks for listening - I needed to get that off my chest. :)

I'll keep you posted.
Me

A Recommendation.....

Oh My Gosh - Do I love this stuff! It is one of the best creations since....well since spaghetti. Being Italian -I can't forget my roots. And so with that - anything italian is undoubtly my favorite food. When it came to a close second - I could never make a decision. Being a food connoisseur, I enjoy all types. So, I really didn't have a "favorite" 2nd. I just loved everything else. UNTIL, I was introduced to the Japanese favorite - SUSHI. If you've never tried it, try it. If you love it, bless you. And if you hate it, your crazy. It is one of the best things I have ever eaten in my life. Even better than dessert! Trei and I, are "regulars" over at a sushi place in Northridge. Making it our "2nd home" probably 4-5 times a week. We walk in - they know our drinks - and our favorite rolls. We are always in and out - never spending too much time there. Just going, eating, enjoying the atmosphere, and leaving. It really is one of my favorite things to do. I have plans to take sushi making classes, and take up Japanese (ha ha, yeah right!). Well, I just had to share my new food passion with you. I do urge you to go out and try it as soon as you can. I can even make some suggestions. Trust me, you'll love it too!

Me