Yusuke Iseya and Me, Kissing in a Tree....

I will probably get my period in 4 days. So that explains my increase in hormones and overall goofiness. So after a brief visit today from my aunt, uncle, and cousins (Yay!!), my mom's trip has ended. We had such a great time that I am overwhelmed and surprised. We spent most of the time laughing and sharing stories.

Favorite Memories:

- Making mom watch "North and South." Even though mom didn't overtly drool like sis and I, by the end of the 4-part BBC miniseries, she was giggling as much as we were over Richard Armitage.

- Exposing mom to "Coffee Break Spanish." She laughed at the cuteness when Mark (from the show) started teaching Spanish songs, and soon we were both singing along with him. I made her listen to some episodes while I cooked some meals, and she really got into it!

- Mom really loved our slow and relaxed walk up Solano Avenue. We discovered this amazing antique shop, this small Asian market with nicely priced items, and even an "upscale bakery" (as mom put it) mom approved of.

I talk a lot of smack about my mother, and now that she is gone I am ready to bawl my eyes out. I did it too, for a second, and then got that out of my system. Mom and I have been going through similar doldrums, and it is a wonderful surprise that we have managed to be each other's sunshine this week. She was very generous and loving and fussy, the way moms are. When I read her a story from the creative writing class I took, her eyes got big as saucers, and she asked me who wrote the story. She said, "Which part was yours?" because she thought it was a story written collaboratively by the entire class. When I told her I wrote it all she swore that I had talent, and should be published. Aah, the wonderful and kind bias of a mother! That was exactly the response I wanted. I wanted to impress her and get positive feedback, and she gave it to me.

I spent the entire time holding my breath, waiting for the random spurts of fighting that usually occurs. The nagging, the lectures, the words that break backs, that rips hearts. But it seems there was little need for it. Towards the end she started taking over my kitchen, and then my temper started to flare up. I managed to keep it under control and almost suddenly, she is gone. So just when we were starting to get on each other's nerves, it was time to part. So...good timing. I miss her already!