Christmas 2023

Hubby and I are in good spirits, expecting all our children and grandchildren. Our Christmas celebration will happen day after, as my children and their cousins are taking a trip to a place where a destination wedding can happen. One of their cousins got engaged recently.

I am quite congested and sick but hubby made an anti-inflammatory cocktail and another green one and both helped me breathe easier.

This year was memorable as my daughter and her hubby have a newborn son, the youngest in their family and ours. Two precocious, smart, loving and kind grandchildren. At almost one year old, R has a joyful personality, quite active, climbing, standing, walking, and going down the stairs.

My granddaughter, E plays the ukulele, performed today onstage, climbs hills, rides her bike, and is in third grade. She wrote a 3 chapters-book on the environment and illustrated it.

My daughter has a new job that cuts her commute by 2/3 and increases her pay by a 1/3. She is full of joy as she can pick up her child from our home more days each week. It is a much bigger firm and her smarts can be broadened by equally smart folks.

My granddaughter has a running conversation with her mom:”no, Mom.” “YES, love,” Mom says! My daughter is quite patient with her and knows her 8 yo likes to challenge anyone. 8yo turns her into a critical thinking girl and knowing that in days, she turns 9yo, this period is an adjustment for her.

My son just came back with his partner from a 2 week trip to Japan, Kyoto appealed to him the most. Both are happy with the cities they visited.

As for me, I am enjoying being part of a professional foodies group, professional in their choices of eating places, with various themes: quest for best paella, best Filipino food, best Italian food and in 2024, discovering more. Joy, laughter, sharing stories with good food, sharing perspectives with no debates can bring a new dimension of joy and collective humanity.

As for personal projects: I took on renewing both bathroom and kitchen on the first floor. Bathroom was done in 9 days and kitchen in 36 days. Hubby chose the longer period to go on his 3rd Camino and his photos are remarkable. I had a great contractor and his artisan crew are professional too.

Hubby and I attended a wedding in Guatemala and I met him in Portugal, after he finished his 3rd Camino. I enjoyed the itinerary and the five star restaurants he chose for us.

This year, we went to as many jazz concerts by Mon David, Josh Nelson, Nicole David Yalong and Carlo David. Also, Ted Benito’s productions in Disney Hall and Wilshire Ebell Theater.

I am most grateful to my family, my children, my grandchildren, my beautiful and handsome friends: gays, transgenders, straights, artists, non-artists, creatives, and surrounded by their love, I greet you all with love and peace this Christmas 2023!

May 2024 get our hearts cloned for more kindness!

Take care one and all,

Current LA City Commissioner Enrique de la Cruz and Former LA City Civil Service Commissioner Prosy de la Cruz, 2005 to 2008

#Christmas2023