c-f, How do you KNOW this stuff?? I was going to suggest the St.Jude thing to her, but I figured that at 25 her cause is not yet lost. (I added the video to this post instead.) =D

Pam, With your iPhone??? You win again. I can't compete. (sigh) =D

Ody, Pebble Beach is just about the closest thing to heaven you can get to here in our fair state, especially for golfers. (the barking of the seals becomes "white noise" - don't ask me how I know this.) =D

I'm having one of those, "hey, she learned something I taught her" moments. Mami is so proud. ;-)

Nice try, Kel... P in Pizza Port is pink and round. (trust me. I know this stuff now) This is actually in California Adventures and it's called the Taste Pilot's Grill. http://disneyland.disney.go.com/disneyland/en_US/parks/dining/detail?name=TastePilotsGrillDiningPage

Ileana, Please remind me as your date gets closer. I'd definitely love to meet you and see your marching boy. =D Erikita, Thanks for your kind words. I might just be tempted to do that. Thanks for the encouragement. Besos, Marta

Ody, You made it already?? Whoa! I'm so impressed. So glad you loved it. My kids were a little put off by the mayo, but once they tasted it, they had seconds and even thirds (Jonathan, my growing boy). Thanks for letting me know. Besos, Marta

I meant... BCBG Max Azria. See? Designer-retard. =D

c-f, I was a cheerleader... (are you surprised?) =D The glasses are made by GUCCI. My fat, black prescription sunglasses are BCBF Max Azria. (this is the only area of my life I insist on designer stuff)

Claudia, I somehow guessed I'd be hearing from you. Yes, I confess... these are all the places I sent you pictures of. Thanks for sharing my summer. =D

Mario, Your best friend is good friends with Carnie Wilson?? Shut. UP. Amazingly talented and courageous woman. I wrote about my on-going love affair with Brian Wilson here: http://www.mybigfatcubanfamily.com/my_big_fat_cuban_family/2007/01/god_only_knows.html We DO have the most fun and the best food, don't we? If you move to California, aqui tienes tu casa. =D

Mica, Why am I not surprised?

Nathan, Pizza was available in Cuba in the 40's and 50's. A lot of the ships that came into the port of Havana were Italian. That's probably where we learned to make the pizza. In Varadero, there was a place that particularly made great pizza - of course, it was this type of Cubanized version. My mom can't recall the name of it, but she assured me I got the taste right. Try putting picadillo or chorizo on it just to mix it up while still keeping the distinctive Cuban flavor. Me? I'm thinking that next time I'll maybe add some plantains... This Cuban pizza thing could really get out of control. =D

George, Yes. Torture. That was my master plan. This wouldn't be the first time I've been called "evil." =D

mario, I found that every ingredient in this recipe is vital for that "authentic Cuban" flavor. Especially the gouda cheese. Buen Provecho!

George, Trust me. It is SOOO good. Yes, Miami has all things Cuban, including pizza. I didn't get to try it while I was there. This one is "de oido" - in other words, I made it up. =D I could open a store and call it O.C.C.P. (Orange County Cuban Pizza) I crack myself up.

Ody, You obviously know that learning happens wherever we are. jana, Lunch sounds good. And yes, my treat! Mailyn, I'm so proud of you for starting to blog in the first place. I think by the time Nicolas gets to be school age, you'll be ready to homeschool.

Susan, I LOVE that story. What a perfect song to remember JM's first breath. wow.

Billy, Trust me. We're already creeping steadily towards Eyesore of the Neighborhood status here. Relieve the Olympic games are over! (phew!) Besos, Marta

mario, Glad you were touched. Makes this whole blogging thing worthwhile. Besos! George, I know. Fun to say, huh? I am guessing zun-zun is just another Cubanism. This is one of those things that I just grew up with and was never formally "taught," so the truth is that I don't exactly know. Señor Google (or Cuco, as my mom would say) wasn't much more knowledgeable about Cuban hummingbirds. =D

Thanks, Gener! You are a golden god. (with little g, of course. =D)

Kelley, "Officiant" makes him sound so much taller. =D

Ody, There is a way to do a "screen capture" which completely eludes me on this supersonic Mac. So I just printed it and scanned it - I know. How pedestrian! Besos, Marta

Michael- First...That's called selective amnesia. Second... Jennifer and Isaac are indeed perfect and John and Nicole. You couldn't have planned it better. ;-) Third... You can't help but be bossy. It's in our blood. =D