Nostalgia - 8 years of us

Woke up a few days ago to hear about Japan's Earthquake. Saddened me to quite a degree and within seconds of reading the headlines on my iPhone [ the first thing I do on waking, all blurried-eye (I wear contacts) and all is to pick up my phone to check the time] I called Luis. No, he wasn't in Japan but I was wondering about our friends there. Luis said, " Yes, I've sent them a message. "Thinking back, it probably was instinct really to call the person I care about the most. What was it really? Was it I just needed to hear his voice? Then I called mum and I don't think I've felt this shaken in a while. I'm just thankful for such comfort, such love. I guess that's our basic need especially at times like this when nothing is in our control. With my many thoughts and prayers  for those affected worldwide especially those that are alone and have lost their love ones, I would like to take the opportunity to reflect, to take a minute to thank God for everything.  That at times of crisis, people do step up and help out - that's something. Personally, I'm grateful for wonderful family and friends; and especially for my amazing partner in life. We celebrated our 8 years together since we met on March 7th in 2003 and life has been nothing but beautiful, adventurous and fulfilling. Luis used to say to me while we were apart that, one day we will look back and smile and that's so true
( It was indeed crazy looking back, we talked online and had meals together  - lunch for me and dinner for him! We used to even have the chat line running just to feel a bit closer)

 Below are some memories from back in New Zealand of us and a few from not too long ago.  

With fondest memories and a blessed life thus far and comforting thoughts that it's okay to just give yourself what you need the most at times. It's funny how everything else fades away in times of crisis and the basic need really comes down to being with people that love you unconditionally.

This shot was taken just shortly before I met Luis.  We had a little Friday night gathering at my flat with my flatmates and a few friends that were down from Germany before heading out to our local hang-out spot.
Basically everyone knew everyone . When I saw Luis, I instantly knew that he was the new dude on the campus.

  

This photo was taken outside my room on a Saturday morning.   I love my privacy so I opted for a room that was outside the apartment - somethings don't change - I could spend hours at a time in my room :) Was great, I actually had a whole backyard to enjoy. Those steps headed to the kitchen. Us -  always in close proximity to food ! Just last weekend our friends told us, we think of you and we think of food! Enough said.
Actually it was so convenient, we used to cook ( sinful bacon and eggs ) in the kitchen,  not disturb anyone and
head down to eat in the comfort of the room - Dunedin was always cold



Luis was 23 and myself  22 yrs old ( We have a 2-year difference but recently I said you were 24 when we met in a conversation ( thinking 2 years) and Luis said no no I was 23. Remember.... my birthday's in September
 - I guess some people get touchy with the age topic ;)



At our beautiful University of Otago where we spent so much of our time ! Just saw the World Rankings last week and our University is ranked 125 -  not bad, not bad at all

I remember almost getting run over taking this photo ha ha

This is when Luis went for the weekend to Queenstown,  to do the bungee jump - he really knows how to freak me out at times !  Very adventurous. I remember,  he called a day earlier than expected and said I did it!! He was full of adrenaline and it was quite entertaining to hear.  Really saved me the trouble of worrying - come to think! Though he has since convinced me to attempt Sky Diving with him
( well I figured if I'm gonna be scared to death, I rather be in close proximity to him)

This is at Felipe's flat where he spent most of his time and  where I went  frequently too...around 15 minutes from my flat and I guess just a bit further from Luis's

Just to show you how long his hair was!!

He was at my first graduation for my science degree

This photo was taken after the exchange -   he was leaving for Chile, stopping first in Auckland

With Felipe

and four years later we were at this spot getting married !! ( thus the 4 diamonds on my engagement ring which he designed which supports the larger one of course ha ha - great for me that he appreciates the value of the solitaire:)

Must have been cracking some joke as usual -he's the most optimistic person I know, always content
( that of course doesn't mean I'm average, mind you :)

One of the happiest moments in my life

and another !! I just adored the church, how beautiful were the flowers! Thank you my dearest parents
( You can spot them at the back)

I love how he loves clothes - he said to me last Sunday, "You need to stop me!"
( this comment of course came after the couple of shopping bags)

 

Here, I was happy but so exhausted from all the adrenaline  - this photo amongst others were for a brochure, ( later,  someone spotted us in a magazine? now,  where's our money ha ha and we have the magazine as proof) Anyways, after the church ceremony,  we got changed into something they let us choose and posed ! It was so worth it -  these lot of photos were gorgeous and free !

Always the charmer

These photos reminds me of how we met
 ( lots of singing, dancing and of course talking or actually the other way around! , talking, dancing and singing )
People do still ask me though," So when you met him, did he speak English?"  :)
These are of course people that knew Spanish was far from one of the languages I use to speak

Recently at one of Luis's work summer launches - those are 3D glasses by the way :)

This was the surroundings of the venue in Valpo



- In Rome, enjoying life -
 Thanks for teaching me to live life -  I look back now at 30, and I've really enjoyed so much of my life with him.
Everyday is exciting,  I guess I couldn't be happier. I feel like everything else is like icing on the cake now

So, here's to whatever matters most to us and to memories we can always look back on and smile upon



Our song