I don't know how to update and talk about my Grandma's funeral at the same time. It was very surreal. Getting together with family has always involved my Grandma and not seeing her at the center of it all was just unsettling. The fortunate side of it all is that we got to see cousins we hadn't seen in 12 years or more and found we actually got along with them and had things to talk about. When I was little, I was always closer to my Aunty Liz's kids. I'm sure that had something to do with the fact that my dad has not really maintained a close relationship with his brother Lito. Anyway. The visit was good; I got to see my cousins' kids and spouses and catch up on some stuff I hadn't known about. My cousin Jesse has been collecting guitars and has a band... I hadn't remembered him as a Beatles' fan but his guitars definitely reveal that side of him. Anthony thought he was disappointed when he asked who my "favorite" Beatle was and I said John. I dunno... I think he was just asking to ask. Jes has always been my favourite cousin and it's neat to see what we have in common, even when we haven't seen eachother in years. His kids are great... they're all boys and loud but he seems to rule with an iron fist. I'm guessing he got that from Grandpa... they were always so close.

My cousin Lina surprised me... she and Marky were so excited to see Anthony and I and yet from what I remember, we were never really 'close' when we visited before. I'm sure the age differences had something to do with that. As kids, ya tend to be a bit obtuse when it comes to relating to people. Anyway. She's so sweet and beautiful. Her kids are... 18, 14, and 8? I think that's what she said. I feel like I'm so behind! No babies to torment the family with.

Oh! and Gena! I remember her as a spoiled lil kid (lil kid.. heh. she's barely younger than me... I was an awful child, you see). Anyway... she's got a little one named Anthony now: all blonde curls and huge eyes. Gorgeous baby. We talked for a while and I could totally see us getting much closer over time. I wish I lived closer to EP to be able to visit and maintain a real relationship with family.


My cousin Dominic looks SO much like my dad, it's scary. The Neria traits are strong and when someone has 'em, they have them in damn SPADES. I think most of what I got is the temper and sharp tongue. Maybe it's a good thing I don't live too close to family... the boy wouldn't know what to do after a while.

I can't believe I missed Noikle's birthday while I was gone. I'm so bad at remembering dates. :(