Friday:
I did my chapters early, then we went out to lunch with the whole family, who are now back from Europe. I'm up by a new gray and black urban chic bag that has Paris written all over it in various fonts and two silky Pashminas. Mi suegra is catching on. I'm not so much for the souvenir t-shirts, though the kids love them. I'm totally into purses and scarves, though. She managed to bring me back a pair of leather sandals that I quite liked as well.

At any rate, we had a nice lunch at Fonda del Claustro, which means, roughly translated, "inn of the cloister". They do traditional Mexican food, not the kind you get at Taco Bell. The girl had chiles rellenos, the boy had chalaquito de pollo (a kind of really thin grilled chicken) and I ordered albondigas (meatballs, served with rice and beans). They weren't cooked all the way, so I just ate the rice and beans. I can't eat meat if it's bleeding. I should probably be a vegetarian, but I lack the moral resolve.

Then the kids went off with their abuela, leaving Andres and I to exchange words in grownup fashion. That was quite enjoyable. Those who are married with children know what a treat it is to talk to your spouse without interruption. We firmed up plans for what promises to be a crazy summer.

Our satellite receiver was out on the big TV in the den, so we all watched Heroes upstairs on the smaller TV. Since that's in Andres's office, he was quite glad to get rid of us after it was over, I suspect. He and I watched The Replacements after the kids went to bed, and I conceived a crush on Jumbo Fumiko, played by Ace Yonamine, who used to work as a plumber in Hawaii. There's just something about a big guy, y'know? You'll find my love reflected in the homage I pay to the gentle giants via Manu in Your Alibi. I suspect by the time the book is done, you'll want a Samoan of your own.


Saturday
The kids went to Six Flags with their abuela. I did a chapter early, and then Andres and I went to see Zodiac. Different than I expected. Long, but I learned a lot. I had no idea they never caught the guy. Since the movie was almost three hours, we had to get home and wait for the kids. I went back to writing and we ordered salads for dinner from Pan en Via.


Sunday
More writing, and it was so hot, my laptop started giving me trouble. I lost about half a chapter. It's the hottest summer anyone can remember. Thank you, global warming! We're actually considering getting air conditioning wall units for the bedrooms because it's hard to sleep. We went out to lunch at Sanborns and toured the fair that had set up in the parking lot, mostly leather and handcrafted items. I bought a pair of shoes for the girl, homemade soap and body cream for me. It came from a stall that had bees in a display case, and all their products were made using fresh honey. This body cream smells unbelievably divine. So thick the kids said it looks like banana pudding, but when you inhale, it's pure honey. You can see an immediate difference when you apply it on your skin. I didn't finish my words until almost midnight.

So that's what my weekend looked like. Please note, while I'm writing Wanderlust, my online presence will be greatly reduced. Don't take my lack of commentary to mean I've lost interest in you, your blog, or anything of the sort. I just need to focus as I've promised a first draft of this novel by the end of June. I do answer emails so if you need me or you miss me, just drop me a line. I look forward to catching up with everyone when I get done.

It's easier to finish my pages when I'm alone, so that's what I'm heading off to do. Have a great day!