Last night my girlfriends and I participated in our time-honored tradition and sacrament of Girl’s Dinner. Because everyone’s been so busy lately, our usual bi-weekly dinners have been neglected for quite some time. Since I had Marisa and Ashlyn with me, we went to The Old Spaghetti Factory at San Pedro Square.
It felt good to be with all the girls again. But for some reason, I felt somber. At first I thought my mood might have been attributed to the fact that both kids were misbehaving at dinner. But after deeper contemplation, I realized that there were so many thoughts, feelings, and fears swimming in my head.
Dinner was bittersweet as I sat watching my closest friends engage in conversation and heartily laughing. It warms my heart to see such a sight. With baby #2 coming soon, I can’t help but feel that these dinners (among other things) will never be the same again. 
So sad.
My family and I have already accepted the fact that after the arrival of the new baby (and when I return to SoCal), my visits back to NorCal will be short and less frequent….especially once Ashlyn starts preschool.
I won’t be able to pull her away for week-long visits, etc.
I try not to dwell on such things since I have the current luxury of staying for an indefinite amount of time. I will seize and cherish this time as much as I can. *sigh* Afterall, life is change.
I wanted to thank all of you who sent anniversary wishes (and to Ivy, who surprised me with a bouquet of lovely tulips)! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
Given that Aric and I were not able to celebrate it together, I had a very pleasant time nevertheless. Aric said he celebrated our anniversary with his two buddies: “Pain” & “Suffering”. Smartass!
My hubby surprised me with a virtual greeting and giftbox (clicking on the giftbox revealed the gift that should arrive shortly). I clicked on the box and this is what I got:
SOHO TEXTURED LEATHER CHECKBOOK WALLET
I was shocked and touched. He thinks of everything. And to think, he had no idea that this came at the most perfect time….when the change-compartment zipper on my current wallet busted. 
I wished I got him a gift. It’s not the same lavishing gifts on someone with their own hard-earned money. HAHAHA! I mean, he might as well buy it himself. *SIGH*…the injustice. 
Anyhow, Ashlyn and I are just kickin’ it at home today…taking it easy.
April 9th, 2004 at 9:59 am
Hey Peg!
Oh and Aric too! Happy Anniversary!!! Peg, I have to say this, you really have the most thoughtful husband. He’s always surprising you and Ashlyn with such great gifts!! I got a gift from Darrell the other day too! He called and said he had a surprise for me. He bought me a snowball, you know the pink puffy marshmellow snowballs that you eat, it has chocolate and cream inside! Yeah, that’s the kind of surprises I get! hahahha.