Notes from Paradise

Yesterday, my birthday, was perhaps one of the best days of my life. Seriously, I don't think I can remember a more perfect day.

It started calmly as I sat on our terrace drenched in bright warm morning sun, overlooking the beautiful ocean and resort, reading a book I had been waiting to read for a long time (A Thousand Splendid Suns). Once Damir was roused, we went to breakfast and had everything we wanted right in front of us. Then we were off to the beautiful sugary sanded beach, with a view of the vibrantly blue water, and we sat under a shady palapa. Damir went to play volleyball and I enjoyed the view, my book, and later a cold beer. And then a dip in the beautiful sea.

In the afternoon we made our way for a walk through Playa del Carmen and a beverage at Mosquito Blue. We shopped for souveniors and were glad to have a place so peaceful to return to after the crowded streets of PDC.

I napped.

In the evening I was told to be ready by 10-to-eight. And don't be late. So at ten-to-eight I was ready per the instructions and left the room with my sweetheart. He led me to the beach, where the walk was lined with candles and torches, to a solitary table for 2 set by the sea, under the stars. We toasted my 35th year with champagne, and an incredible 4-course meal including some of my favorites (lobster!).

I cried, literally cried, at the beauty of the evening. And just didn't want the night to end. I cried with thanks to be cared for and loved by such an amazing man. I cried that I should be so lucky to deserve any of this.

We returned to the room where rose petals, chocolates (as if I could eat another bite), and more candles led the way. True romance, like you read about in silly books, not something I ever really expected to experience for myself. All followed by a deep sleep, and waking a dawn for a walk on the beach on my own, watching the sun peak over the ocean's horizon, to give thanks for a new day.

Already, though we have 2 days left to enjoy this wonderful place, I am dreading the trip home. Terrible habit I have-- in the moment of enjoyment, fearing its passing too quickly.

Pictures to come.

Vamos en Mexico!

Tomorrow morning we leave for 5 (hopefully) glorious nights on the Riviera Maya, halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, at the Secrets Maroma Resort.

I can't express to you how excited I am.

This is my first true vacation in a long long time-- and my first ever with Damir. I think the last vacation I took, not including visits to see family or friends, work trips and weddings, would have been a short 32nd birthday trip to Key West back in 2006. Before that a trip for my 30th birthday with Erin to Las Vegas where we lived it up at the Ritz on Lake Las Vegas. Both were great trips, with fantastic memories. But neither trip included that extra sweet element of romance. Awww yeah. I'm going away with my baby. And not to some shabby place. We're going here:



Awww yeah. This time tomorrow I will be on the beach with a fruity cocktail with my sweetheart by my side. The best part is that this new 5-star resort (no kids!) offers a super fantastic travel agent rate that I am only too happy to take advantage of. Niiice. Luxry vacation at rock bottom prices? Yes, please.

Back next week with stories and pictures!

Letter to the children

Dear Little Ones,

As you grow, the memory of this day will fade, if you were lucky to experience it at all. Maybe you won't actually remember, but the lasting images on the internet and TV will fill in the gap. I imagine this day is for me is like landing on the moon was for my parents: a momentous occasion, a barrier broken, a reality different on the dawn than the day prior, a hope that the rest of the mission all works out for the best.

We don't know if he will be great, or even good. But the fact that millions of people came together today to celebrate something different, unites us all. The door is open a little wider, and regardless of your political affiliation, though I hope you grow up to be democrats, this is a very good thing indeed. We need more diversity in our government. We need new voices and fewer career politicians.

If we are lucky, when you get older you will look back on this day and possibly think, what's the big deal? Hopefully when you are grown, today's complex attitudes thrown towards race, gender, affiliation, and orientation will seem dim in light of a more advanced outlook. The way I look back at segregation in our not so distant history-- a ridiculous, embarrassing and unnecessary movement.

I want to hold the hope of today in the palm of my hand and hang on tight. I am dreading the first, and inevitable, mistake he will make. I fear the apathy, frustration, and anger held close to my heart these last 8 years and wish to let go of them forever. I pray for transparency, peace, intelligence, and equality in this administration. And I pray that once we receive the respect of these values, the American people will never accept anything less.

Today was a great day.

Much love,
Interravision.

Most Excellent.