Sad to belong to someone else ( dan england and john ford Coley )

Such a sad song.  In some way, I think this has happened to me, which is why I could never really completely give myself to any one man.  It makes me feel relief though, that I am completely free to let the "right one" in now.  I just hope he doesn't belong to someone else...

Never Say Never

     If I haven't learned one thing about life, I have this one gem in my pocket:  Things are NEVER as final as them seem.

     Lately, I've been busy "nesting" both at home and in my classroom.  I never thought I'd be preparing my classroom for up to 33 five year-olds and no aide.  And I never thought I'd be preparing my body & home for a baby at the age of 44.  But alas!  That seems to be the mission I find myself on.

     Naturally, I am both excited and scared on both counts.  Teaching to our state's rigor with little to no support in the classroom is a huge responsibility.  And so is bringing a child into the world minus a father.  Am I being selfish on the latter count?

     No.  I have way too much love to give another soul.  I need to try by any and every means possible to make my little family (party of 2) a reality.  Now that I have a doctor that believes in me and more importantly believes in his ability to make me a mommy, I can't turn the opportunity down.

     I have taken the first step.  Actually, getting healthy was my first step.  Now that my doctors have deemed me fit, I can concentrate on phase 2.  Most teachers get new clothes for the school year, but my doc is giving me a new uterus (actually, a D & C) which should make my ovulation regular enough to get prego.  And once that happens, time is my only enemy.  Well, that and the hunt for a baby daddy.

     Stay tuned for Phase 3!  The search for a qualified donor...

   

Potential Bliss...

     So it's been awhile since my last post.  These are the most stressful times at work in 15 years of teaching.  I'm up to my eyeballs in family birthdays and parties and events, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  Except, of course if I had someone to share it with...
     Now, I know that my most recent posts boast about the fun I'm having being single, and that is the honest truth!  I LOVE this freedom!  But I can't help but crave the companionship that comes with having a significant other.  I have not had a "normal" relationship yet, where my boyfriend and I do things together (shop, travel, dine, attend parties & events together...)  I suppose I'd like to try that out, and see how it fits.  What do I know?  I just might like being someone's girlfriend.  I mean, I've been someone's girlfriend before, but there has always been a distance between us.  It would be nice to hang out with someone on a regular basis, be their "plus one", even live with someone for a time.
     What is the cause for this sudden need?  Well, I guess that would stem from a recent phone call from my 'white boy stalker' friend--actually, I'm over that title, let's just call him "Michael"... mostly because that is his name :).  He is planning a trip out here in a few weeks to visit his parents and would like to take me on a date.  Now, of course I intend to go out with him, he's a really nice guy.  But, as always, I'm cautious because he openly adores me.  In his eyes, I am PERFECT.  I mean this guy REALLY likes ME--ALOT.  He also asked me to accompany him to Las Vegas for a weekend in July.
     Immediately, I must question his motives.  Does he really want to spend time with ME, or is he just wanting to piss off his bigoted parents?  Does the fact that I am Latina and speak spanish excite him or is it my charm and inner beauty he craves?  These are questions that can only be answered in time, but I did my best in this phone conversation to 'dissuade' his further involvement with me... but to no avail.
     When he asked me to spend a weekend with him in Vegas, I asked him what his girlfriend would think about that.  He said that she was getting ready to leave him anyway.  "Why would she leave you?", I asked.
    "Because she wants kids and I don't want any more under ANY circumstances."  Bingo!  I thought!  
    "Well, I guess you and I would never work out, cause that is the one thing I want most in this world." was my quick response, sure he'd rethink getting more involved with me.
     "No, you don't.  Trust me!"
     "Yes.  I do.  And, I would do anything to have one!"  I spat.
     He spat back with, "You can have me!  You can have one of mine!  We can adopt a 12 year old girl!"
     "I want a legacy; I want someone to know I was here; I don't want to be alone in my old age!"  and then I proceeded to school him on my Mexican heritage and why family was so important to me.
     By the end of that conversation, he actually said, "Let's do this then.  Let's try it once, and if its meant to be, it will happen."
     Ha!  I actually got him to WANT to have a child with me...  By now, I'm thinking this guy is either insane, or he genuinely really likes me.  And of course a little bit deeper in the conversation, he blurts out, "Marry me.  I would make you so happy, if you just let me.  Marry me."  WHAT???  Of course, I reminded him that I don't want to get married.  Not right now anyway.  He accepted that and asked if we could "pretend" to be married in Vegas.  I had to chuckle at the thought that conjured up.
     "Yes, I will be your Vegas wife for the weekend we're there."
     "We're gonna have so much fun.  I'm gonna take care of you.  You won't have to lift a finger.  I'm gonna do all the work.  I'll book a really nice suite, 'is it presumptuous of me to book a king sized bed? or would you prefer two doubles?'"
     I said, "Let's see how things go on our date later this month.  Although, I do love a King-sized bed!"
     "Then that's what I'll book.  But you don't have to sleep with me if you don't want.  I can chill on the couch if you aren't comfortable with me in the bed too, cause I'm gonna tell you right now, 'I really wanna make love to you.  And sleeping in the same bed and not having sex would really be difficult for me." he said matter-of-factly.  And being the confident man he is, he added, "If you do let me have sex with you, you will be well taken care of.  I will have you writhing with joy.  You're gonna want to put a pillow over your face cause the things I'm gonna do to you are gonna make you blush, and a whole lot more..."
    Uhhh, how can I say no to the possibility of a life with this man?  Do I love him?  No.  Could I learn to love him?  I could.  And really, that's the point--I could.  In the end, after concocting every excuse known to try and get this guy to see that he really wouldn't be happy with me, he (in the course of this one telephone conversation) asked me on a date, offered to father a child with me, asked me to marry him, invited me on a weekend getaway, said he's ready to move back to California just to be near me, AND wants to do things to me sexually that will make me blush.  I think I'd be a fool not to give myself a taste of what a real relationship with a man would be like.  A relationship with a man that adores me and wants to be with me (and only me).  The downside is that he is admittedly very possessive, but it kinda turns me on a bit to know that he hates the thought of me being with other men.  I know he would love me (ONLY ME) and I think I could do the same if he's as good in bed as he claims.  He just might be the distraction I need to get my mind off of the 'boys that got away'.  This one might just be a 'keeper'.
   

Vacation Woes

     Now normally these days, this gal is one happy camper.  And with this being a 'vacation' week off of school, --Heaven.  BUT, this week has done nothing more than remind me that  I may turn out to be the lonely spinster after all.
     With finances so rocky now (with a 10 day pay cut from our salaries, added to my mortgage, utilities, and rising gas prices), it seems the freedom that I so love and crave and need, is also a bit rocky.  Don't get me wrong, I love the independence of being on my own and not having to answer to anyone but myself, but it seems that the rest of the world has either forgotten about me or just assumed that, like always, I am off enjoying my much deserved vacation.
     If finances were not a concern, I'd be joining my single friends on "Taco Tuesdays", or yoga, or trivia night.  I could take the peaceful drive out to visit my mom or even my grandparents.  I could even take a solo drive on some day trip as seen in one of my Sunset magazine articles.  I could begin painting my guest room or ripping out the raggedy carpet in my living space and laying down some flooring.  But, sadly, the funding for such luxuries is non existent... at least for now.  My trainer has even canceled on me all week!  (probably because I can't afford to pay him, but he knows I'm good for it...)
     I feel stuck in neutral and the fact that I don't even have someone to go on a walk with, cook a meal with (or even eat a meal with for that matter) is beginning to weigh heavy on me.  I am a strong, spiritual, and patient woman, but even I need human interaction, conversation, and physical affection.
     I swore I'd never do it, but I am at the point that I think I've got to consider getting a room mate.  Of course I will have to spend a few bucks painting the guest room fixing some things around the house, but at least I'd have some social interaction with another human being.  The thought of allowing a stranger into my home is a bit scary, but it also sounds intriguing.  Something to seriously consider...
   

V Day Hype

     Ahhhh, St. Valentine...  The irony that this man was martyred is not lost on me!  For the better part of my adult years, I have been someone's girlfriend.  In all those years, NEVER once (well, okay, maybe once) did I ever have a romantic evening with the man I loved.
     That fact is mainly because I didn't make a big deal of it.  I don't really like how marketing has taken the holiday hostage and, why do we need 1 day to devote to a loved one?  It should be a given that every day with that person is special.  Anyway, I've always kinda put myself in my ex's shoes, and gently let them know that just hanging out with them was special enough--and it always was.  BUT...
     There is ALWAYS a place in a gal's heart that yearns to feel special.  A place that secretly hopes that this time he'll surprise me and confess his true feelings for me...  a gal can dream, right?  And that I did.  Each and every year it came and went like any other day.  The closest I got to feelin' the love on Valentine's Day was my first love buying a plush white teddy bear for me at Vons when he went in to buy us a bottle of Strawberry Hill to guzzle down before our Valentine love-making session.  An afterthought at the checkout stand, but I kept that bear for like 15 years, 'cause it was a relic of my only Valentine's Day gift--EVER.
     A close second was when my longest-running boyfriend sent me a gift to the school where I worked that actually got there 2 weeks late and it was a box of candles--a practical gift he thought I'd prefer to flowers or candy.  I later found out that he only sent them because I mentioned that our custodian left me a box of See's candies for Valentine's Day (and I was the only teacher he gave them to).  Apparently, he wanted to assert his domination or mark his territory by sending me a box of candles to rival the box of chocolates--whatever!
     My most sincere Valentine flowers/candy actually came from my employer who's children I was a nanny for.  For the 8 years I was employed by him, his wife and I regularly received flowers on Valentine's Day and Mother's Day, and sometimes just because.  Because she was the mother of his children and because I cared for his children.  Sighhhh...
     Ironically, now that I am single, I was awoken on this St. Valentine's morn (yesterday) to a "Happy Valentine's Day!" text from that candle-sending ex.  First acknowledgement (unsolicited) ever from him.  That text was the first of several acknowledgements throughout the day...  about an hour later, my first love texted a simple, "Will u b mine?" A sweet gesture.  Throughout the day I text flirted with my trainer (another ex) and received a surprise Valentine phone call from my DJ friend... late at night... that lasted a couple of hours.  Harmless school (he teaches night classes at a community college--I teach kindergarten) talk, political  (he's conservative--I'm not) debates, and questions about my BFF (who he's had a crush on for some years).
     The one person that I expected to hear from--the 'white guy' in my life did not make a peep.  I suspect that he realizes he has no business wishing me a Happy Valentine's Day, as he has a girlfriend, AND he's taking her to St. Thomas next week.  He's been keeping his distance since he told me he was leaving to St. Thomas (which was right after he told me he didn't want me having sex with anyone).  And I'm pretty sure he was only half kidding about the not having sex with anyone statement.
     I must say, I can always count on my class to lift me up with their Valentines of love and appreciation.  And at the end of the day, that is what really counts.  That, and the delightful, playful texting and words of adoration between myself and my trainer.  If not for him helping me in so many ways and on so many levels, I wouldn't fully be able to appreciate being a single WOman.  And honestly, loving myself has allowed me to continue to love every other person in my life to the nth degree.  Valentine may have been martyred, but I refuse to lay down for love (in a figurative way at least!!!).

Just Another Sleepless Night

     So many thoughts going on in my head right now about how my life has changed so dramatically in the past coupe of years.  Two years ago, I was ready to take any and all measures to ensure that I have a child. I was contemplating a lap band procedure, and taking several medications and supplements.  I was renting a loft space in my brother's house and spending hour upon hour in my classroom.  I was going on 5 years of being sexually inactive.
     I'm pleased with my evolution, as I am now able to accept that I may never have a child; I am eating healthier, off all of the medications and supplements I was taking, and I have a trainer that motivates me the way no one ever could; I am a homeowner; I spend way fewer hours tied up in my classroom; And I am 'back in the saddle' when it comes to men.  Although I don't sleep with all of the men in my life, I have very healthy, adult relationships with a few great guys.
     I just spent the last 2 hours on the phone with my 'stalker' friend--that just makes me smile now.  I must say that aside from his 'whiteness', he seems like a perfect partner for me.  The fact that he is independently wealthy, has liberal views, is sensitive, feels the need to fight social injustices, despises racism of any kind, is athletic, AND has a sense of humor is vanilla frosting on the cake.  Tonight, he asked me what I was wearing.  I told him the truth--'a night shirt'.  Then he asked what I was wearing under the night shirt and, again, I told him the truth--'nothing constricting'.  He stopped me and said, "I'm a guy.  Don't use words like constricting."  Then we laughed... a lot.
     He proceeded to tell me that he would LOVE to lay naked next to me.  Not have sex or anything, just lay with his arms hugging me, hands on my breasts, while kissing the back of my neck.  He said he would LOVE to just look at me--laying naked in bed.  Said he could just do that for hours.  He would LOVE to sit and watch a movie with me--any movie, and hold hands the whole time.  He'd LOVE to massage my neck and shoulders after a long day's work.  And even though he doesn't smoke weed, he said he'd make sure I had a little bit every night when I got home from work to help with the day's stress.  Then we laughed...  a lot.
     Then his tone changed.  He said, "God, who are you?" as if no other woman had my endearing qualities, and he proceeded to tell me how smart, and funny, and gorgeous, and caring I was.  I honestly almost cried.  I realized that his phone calls and texts to me have been little bits of affection and respect for ME.  He is asking for nothing from me, but willing to give of himself because he SEES me.  He sees the person I have ALWAYS been.  It is something that no other man has been able to see in me--or maybe they have, but for whatever reason, couldn't tell me.  My first love, has come closest, but even he was not as bold as this man.
     Although I haven't seen him since high school (and even then, I didn't really know him), and even though he lives almost 2,000 miles away, I feel a bond of sorts with him.  I feel like he gets me--SEES ME.

European Memories

~While cleaning out her garage, my mother came across several of my college texts and a few of my personal journals from back in the day.  One in particular caught her attention.  It was a travel journal that I wrote while my mom and I took our first overseas trip together.  It was my second to Europe and her first.  She first raved about how well written it was and how it evoked memories that she had long since forgotten.  "THIS is why I wish I could write like you!" she said.  "I had completely forgotten about half of the things we did, and your words brought the memories to life, Mija!"  Then she followed with, "Take it home and read it, then bring it back to me so I can take it with me to China next month.  I'd like to attempt writing my own entries to preserve the trip in my memory."  Then she handed it over to me.  I read it over the weekend, and aside from a few misspelled words here and there, I must say that even I, the author discovered some memories that I had long forgotten as well!  And so for my own memories' sake and any future ancestor's curiosities, here is the edited e-version of that wonderful trip of trips:

10-4-98     (Day 1)     En route to France
     The excitement of venturing to foreign lands is overwhelming!  So, with style, we headed to LAX in 2 stretch limousines (one just for our luggage!).  The champaign we had en rout got to our heads, but it only built up our excitement.  It is especially exciting for Mom, who has never touched foreign soil.  (unless you count Mexico, but that really isn't foreign to my family)
     I had a similar excitement when visiting Portugal almost 15 years ago, however, this is a bit more exciting, since I'll have more freedom.

10-5-98     (Day 2)  Paris, France
     So far, the city has exceeded my expectations.  In just the few hours since arriving, I've absorbed a lot of the historical and cultural richness...  Our hotel, "Hotel Regina", is a century old.  At the cafe across the street, I got my first taste of French fromage and soup 'a l'olgnon.  Across our side street (in all it's splendor) is the Musee de Louvre and the Jardin de Tuileries.  Our evening walk took us through the Tuileries to the bank of the Seine.  There, I had my first glimpse of the Tour Eiffel and the Arc de Triomphe Etoile.
     The French Quarters of New Orleans is the closest comparison to the streets of Paris that I have seen in the U.S., but even the Big Easy pales in comparison to the sights, sounds, and smells of the real French quarters of Paris.

10-6-98     (Day 3)     Paris
     Today we conquered the city's Metro system.  We passed with ease through the Paris underground, arriving safely at our destination:  the Galleries Lafayette.  We each had things to shop for; my priority was French cosmetics--I found what was needed, and was content with that.
     Also, today we took a tram to Montmartre and visited the Sacre-Coeur or Sacred-Heart Cathedral.  We lit candles for Dad, Grandma, and Aunt Esther.
     For the most part, our meals (breakfast and dinner) were had at the Hotel Regina.  Both meals exceeded our expectations.  I've never had a better croissant or mousse au chocolat.

10-7-98     (Day 4)     Paris
     Today was spent at the Musse du Louvre.  Of course, there was no way to see all of the art pieces in just one day, but I saw those that were most important to me:  the Mona Lisa, the statue of Venis de Milo and the Winged Victory.  The Egyptian, Roman, and Greek art was very intriguing as well.  I would have loved to see the 18th and 19th century paintings, but time did not permit.
     We changed hotels to Novatel, right near Les Halles.  We took a very short walk to the Church of St. Eustache, which is the 2nd oldest cathedral in Paris.  Again, I lit a candle for Dad, Grandma and Aunt Esther.
     Later our tour group joined with us for dinner and an illumination tour of the city.

10-8-98     (Day 5)     Paris
     Our day began with a Tour of Notre-Dame Cathedral.  Candles were lit for Dad, Grandma & Aunt Esther at the alter of St. Joan of Arc, and for grandpa at Our Lady of Guadalupe in the cathedral.  This is on City Island in Paris.
     It began to rain, but not enough for us to see the Gargoyles spit out water.  Later, it was a tour of the Eiffel Tower.  I would have liked to climb higher, but weather and time only permitted us to the first level. The afternoon took us to the famed home of Louie XIV--Versailles.  The gardens alone had me in awe!  (On the way back to the Hotel Novatel, we drove through the tunnel where Lady Di was killed last year...)
     After feeling ill all day, I got by on a bowl of 'a l'oignon and water.  Even this was a filling meal!

10-9-98     (Day 6)     Paris
     Our last day in Paris.  The others went off to view the wine country.  I would have liked to as well, if my stomach agreed with me.  Also, I had not had my thyroid medication in 5 days, which took most of my energy away.  I should be well-rested and ready for Lucerne, Switzerland tomorrow, and Venice, Florence, and Rome, Italy in the days to come.
     On this day alone, I've thought about venturing out (I would have liked to visit the Musse de Orsay), but after being approached by a Frenchman at the Galleries Les Halles, I thought better of it.  Instead, I had McDonald's in the hotel room, wrote post cards, this journal entry, and read from my book.  Perhaps I'll have the courage to go out tonight.
     For now, just watching the city life pass by will do.  Hearing horns beeping and sirens blaring... bells tolling...

10-10-98     (Day 7)     en route to Lucerne, Switzerland
     Today we made our way through Paris' underground freeways and Burgundy country roads.  The landscape was phenomenal, especially once we crossed the Rhine River into Switzerland via Basle.  The scene was straight out of "Heidi"!  Rolling green hills, the Black Forest that was the fairy-tale home of Hansel and Grettle, and the Swiss Alpine mountains were breathtaking.
     Lucerne was very still and quiet as we rode into town about dinner time.  The lake and mountains were very peaceful.  Here, at the Royal Hotel, we were blessed with a lake-view room and balcony.  Mom and I stood on the balcony in awe of this beautiful country scene.  Tomorrow we will conquer Mt. Pilatus by cogwheel train and ride the gondolas back down the other side.

10-11-98     (Day 8)     Lucerne
     The Lyon Monument, carved in stone was our morning highlight.  Mark Twain was right when he said, "It is the most moving piece of stone I have ever seen."  It was something inspiring, that stirred emotions.  It was carved by a man called Thorwaldsen, in honor of Swiss guards who died protecting King Louis the XVI of France.  The covered wooden bridge was just as beautiful.  It linked both sides of the river.
     Today's highlight was climbing Mt. Pilatus on the world's steepest cogwheel train.  It took a while to climb this Alpine mountain, and just as long to descend on the other side in gondolas.  The views up and down were spectacular, but the summit (where we had lunch) was covered in clouds--and extremely cold!  After our return, we shopped for souvenirs and ate a wonderful gourmet dinner just down from our hotel.

10-12-98     (Day 9)     Venizia, Italia
     The morning was gorgeous as we left Lucern on our voyage through the narrow, winding road over the Alps.  Again, the views were unmatched.  Snow covered the summit, where we stopped for Swiss Cocoa and pictures.  We left one side of the Alps, where German was used, and crossed to the Italian side.  Gotthard Pass was the summit and transition from German Switzerland to Italian Switzerland.  (Very different--the men were much better looking on the Italian side!)
     Country highways brought us through northern Italy, past Verona (home to Juliet Capulet) and then past Montegue (famed home of Romeo).  Our Venitian hotel is still 20 miles from Venice and the Adriatic Sea, but it is a very nice one.  Our dinner was wonderful (lasagna, perch & potatoes) and tomorrow we will ride the gondolas through the canals of Venice!

10-13-98     (Day 10)     Venice
    The only way to describe Venizia (Venice), Italy, is unbelievable!  We took a private boat to the main island (of 140 islets), where we toured an 11th century palace, St. Mark's Cathedral, and the Murano Glass Company.  St. Mark's Square was enormous!  We crossed over the Bridge of Sighs from the Doge's palace to a 12th century prison.  For lunch, we dined on a sidewalk patio (which incidentally, you have to pay extra for!)
     Our most memorable conquest of the day was our ride on the gondola, through the canals of Venice.  It was as romantic as it was expected to be.  The gondolier was handsome, and pointed out the home of Wolfgang Amadeas Motzart's mistress.  We were also serenaded by passing gondoliers.
     At night, we returned to the island for a wonderful dinner and were again serenaded.  Afterwards, we walked through St. Mark's Square, listening to live music, and enjoying the starry, cool evening.  Our most memorable evening yet...

10-14-98     (Day 11)     Firenze, Italia (Florence)
     Michaelangelo's David was first on our agenda for the day.  we visited the famed statue at the Art Academy in Florence.  We ventured into St. John's Basilica, and religious square, as well as the political square where "David" once stood.  We also lit candles in Santa Crocha Cathederal where Michaelangelo, Galileo, and other famed Italians are laid to rest.  We shopped in an Italian leather shop for a bit.
     Our night before was spent traveling, so our day was short in order to rest for Pisa tomorrow.
     Last night's trip was uneventful, except for climbing over the Appenine Mountain range (famous for it's marble).

10-15-98     (Day 12)     Florence
     Today we wound our way to the city of Pisa.  We beheld the famed Leaning Tower of Pisa (the most photographed monument in the world) in amazement.  At the Square of Miracles, we bought J.J. a Pinocchio doll.
     At last night's dinner, our young waiter, Alex flirted with me a bit, so I asked him to send me a Hard Rock Cafe Florence shirt.  He agreed to do so, as long as I sent him one from L.A.--to which I agreed.
     On the way back from Pisa, I jotted down my address for him with a post script complementing his "cute" smile and good sense of humor.  We shall see what happens...
     The rest of the day will be on the road traveling to "the Eternal City" of Rome.

10-16-98     (Day 13)     Roma, Italia
     Here we are in this ancient city, which dates back thousands of years before Christ, even.  We crossed Tuscany country and over the Tiber River to behold our home for the next 3 days.  We got a nice view of the Olympic town that Mussolini built in the late 1920's & early 1930's--awesome!
     Our hotel is wonderful.  Its right across from the city's largest city park.
     At night, we had dinner at a restaurant in town.  The food was excellent--5 courses.  There was musical entertainment, and there was Umberto (our waiter).  He singled out a few women (myself included) and gave us a rose, a kiss and a pinch on the behind.  At a point in the entertainment, the room goes dark (lights go off) and the waiter makes his way to his 'victim' (me).  Then, when the lights go on, he plants a kiss (on the lips) of the unsuspecting bella (me) and hand's them a rose before pinching their behind.  Fortunately, Umberto was cute & charming!  After dinner, we visited the Trevi Fountain and tossed our 2 coins in.  The first for our safe return to Roma, and the second for a wish.

10-17-98     (Day 14)     Rome
     Today we would have started out at St. Peter's Basilica and St. Peter's Square in the Vatican, but the Pope had other plans and we weren't even allowed to enter the square.  Thousands of Poles were visiting the Pope to celebrate his 20th year in the Vatican.
     Instead, we toured the Vatican Museum, Sistine Chapel, St. Paul's Cathedral, St. Paul's gift shop (all in Vatican City); and then the Coliseum (took our Globus group picture there), Circus Maximus, the Roman Baths, the Catacombs, ancient city streets, and Castel Gandalfo the Pope's summer home on Lake Albano--just outside of Rome.  Our dinner was in the quaint southern town of Lazio.
     Our day was packed with fun and laughter.  I spent all my time at the Sistine Chapel, just looking at Michaelangelo's very last panel--"The Judgement".  I was absolutely awestruck...  Tomorrow we journey to Pompeii.

10-18-98     (Day 15)     Naples, Italy
     On this day (our final day of the tour), we traveled down to Naples.  We spent the day touring Pompeii.  It was an unbelievable sight to behold.  The preservation of the city--including some of it's occupants was amazing.  These people were very ingenious for their time.
     We got back into Rome in time for our farewell dinner.  The food was great and the entertainment matched.  Mom was serenaded, and the daughter of one of the musicians sang "Ave Maria".  The most beautiful Soprano that I have ever heard, was this young lady's.  After dinner, we stopped to take pictures in front of St. Peter's Basilica at night.  It was a gorgeous evening, and it was our last bit of Roma, before starting for home tomorrow...

10-19-98    (Day 16)    Rome--L.A.
     I don't want to go!  I need another week!  Our plane leaves this evening, so we're heading out this afternoon from our hotel.  Hopefully, there'll be more shopping at the airport!
     I look forward to Margaret's food and, well, Mexican food in general.  But I wouldn't say I'm sick of Italian food.  And I already look forward to my happy return!
     At least I've got tomorrow off, so that I can catch up on the sleep I'll miss over this 11 & 1/2 hour flight!