Mamma's Visit

Did you see John McCain on the View this morning? He did amazing!!! J-Mac did awesome. I am excited to say that, when I thought there was no candidate I really wanted to stand behind, that I can totally support him and what he stands for. (I have to say, too, that I have this thing for old men and really cute priests.) Anyway. Go get your Google and search for his appearance on the show. Moving on to Mamma's visit!

So today's Friday, and Mom left yesterday evening. We didn't stop all week! This morning Gabe and I don't really know what to do with ourselves now that the house is empty. Everyday that she was here was filled with crazy antics and engaging outings! She came in Saturday night and when we woke up to beautiful blue skies on Sunday, she came to Mass with us and saw the church where Anna will be baptized. Afterwards we met up with our buds Robin and Rob for a yummy brunch and while the guys stayed at the pub to catch the Jets-Dolphins game, Mom, me, Robin, Gabe and Anna walked the streets of Astoria and took in the sunshine. (And a few boutiques.) The guys really missed out.
Monday, of course, was Gabe's first day of school, and when it rained cats and dogs on Tuesday, we hit the big Queens Mall and found some cute outfits. This was after we grabbed tea and crumpets at Alice's Tea Cup on the Upper East Side, one of my favorite places to frequent. As we were leaving, the rains came down and there we were, with no umbrellas. 

Anyone who knows me very well knows one of my idiocincracies is that I am very rarely ever, really prepared for anything weather related. I'd rather test my luck against the forces of Mother Nature, and most times I win. This time, I didn't. I knew Mom would appreciate it when I told her there was an umbrella in the car, but I forgot to grab it. 

This meant her and I running - Running! - 6 blocks to the car. We'd stop under store fronts to catch our breath before taking off again. Laughing the whole way while our previously fixed hair got drenched, and my well thought out bouffant was now flattened, we made it to the car garage and thought, "We need to do a little shopping." 

So I am still on my weight-loss kick, but some dresses just require Spanx... I found a great sweater dress at Banana Republic, and headed to Macy's afterwards for some tummy tucking wear. Well, me and girdles don't have the best relationship, so I am going to have to continue my search sans Mom. But, the dressing room scene of me trying on the "10 pounds thinner in 10 seconds or less" was quite a scene. Damn my Rugby Legs!
On Wednesday after we dropped off Gabe, we walked to an outdoor cafe for breakfast and some extra strong coffee, and grabbed pedicure's... The best we've ever had. It was great getting a foot massage and a new polish job. We then headed into Manhattan, where we got a little shopping done but then promptly came back to Astoria. Manhattan crowds and us don't get along. (Especially when it is Herald Square.) 

So on Thursday, Mom's last day, she watched the kiddies for a few hours while I headed into the office to talk to my editor and see my colleagues. When I came back, we grabbed lunch at another cute outdoor cafe (we are a sucker for 'em) before she took off for the airport. 

Usually our goodbye's are super hard, but she will be back in 3 weeks for Anna's baptism, which we are gearing up for. Oh, and in true Gutierrez fashion, we expected no more than 10 or 15 people, and right now have 25 confirmed guests with more to come... We are super excited that many of our friends and family are coming, but the plan of a small get together at the apartment has become a whole new adventure in itself. Manny and I are planning it all with huge smiles on our faces, laughing at our "the more the merrier" concept and how it's all gonna work out. Maybe we should have a BYOLC affair: "Bring Your Own Lawn Chair." Smiling!!!