You're My Favorite Destination | Valentine's Day 2014

Last year, I made Markus a super geeky Valentine's day card about time travel. For this year's card, I wracked my brain for something awesome. I started a few and they were awful. I was about to give up when a burst of inspiration hit me. As you know, Markus and I love to travel and have been to so many amazing places. I have to warn you, I'm about to get a bit mushy and cheesy. So if you cannot handle that sort of thing, just skip on ahead or admire my handiwork.

Markus and I have lived in South Korea. We explored the ruins of Angkor Wat in Cambodia. We walked the streets of Kyoto as a geisha and samurai. We've ridden emaciated horses to the top of Taal, an extinct volcano in the Philippines. We've walked the halls of Pemberley in England. We've traveled to so many places and experienced so many wonderful things together, but when it comes down to it, my favorite place in all the world is wherever Markus is. I know you're all cringing now, but it's the truth. We could be in the crappiest place, which has happened, but it's still worthwhile because Markus is with me. My life is so much better because of him and I can't wait to spend the rest of our years going on adventures and traveling to faraway lands.

Ten Years

As of today, Markus and I have been together for ten years. I'll never forget the first time I saw him. I was 17 years old and I was at PhilFest, an annual festival that celebrates Filipino culture. I was sitting in a friends booth and spent my time people watching. I was looking around and all of a sudden this boy came into view. I don't know if it's my memory or if this really happened, but I swear time slowed. He didn't look like anyone else. All the other Filipino boys tended to look the same and this one, he was special. I could just tell. I remember thinking, "Dang, he's one handsome boy."  Little did I know that moment would change the rest of my life. That moment was only the beginning and the rest of the journey has been the greatest adventure of my life.

So, here's to ten more years of adventure and love. I can't imagine my life without this boy. He's truly the greatest thing that has ever happened to me and I'm so thankful for him!

*Photos taken on our Fifth Wedding Anniversary by my extremely talented best friend, Ashley Sellers. 

How We Met | His Version

This is the story of how Markus and I met, told from his perspective. One day, I will make my own version. I never knew his side of the story. I'm the one that always tells the story, so it was nice to finally hear his side of the story.

I love this boy. He's so amazing. Check out his other vlogs and website! He's so talented and so funny and I'm honestly his biggest fan.

Valentine's Day Card 2013

When I have the time, I like to create personalized cards for every occasion. Markus is the master of personalized cards. He's an illustrator, so his cards are always amazing. One Valentine's Day, he showed our love conquering Londy Town. On my 27th birthday, he illustrated what the world would be like if I "got my way". It was a wonderful world indeed. One of my favorite cards was the Tardis he made for me, it was even more special because there was a video that accompanied it. I always try to be clever with the cards I make for him. I might not be a great artist, but I think I get the job done. 

It should come as no surprise that Markus and I are big geeks. We spend a lot of our date nights at home watching Doctor Who or marathoning 80s movies. It's with this shared passion that I found inspiration for this year's Valentine's Day card. I definitely went for a time traveling theme and showcased three of our favorite things, Doctor Who, Back to the Future and Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure.  

Dear readers, I hope all of you have a wonderful Valentine's Day with your loved ones and remember, "Be excellent to each other!"

Happy Christmas 2012 from Busan, South Korea

This year we decided to make a Christmas video instead of sending out Christmas cards again. We took silly photos in the hopes of sending out cards, but I ran out of time. I don't know how time got away from me. Although, I think the video is much better than the cards because it shows what our life is like as teachers in Korea.

It's a bit hard being so faraway from home during the holidays, but thankfully Markus and I have each other. It's been a bit easier because we can have a Cruz Family Christmas. Even though we haven't been home for about 15 months, Markus and I have been able to create some amazing memories. So with that dear readers, I wish you and yours a Happy Christmas and a Merry New Year.