of conquering doubts and fears

called home yesterday. talked to mom, dad, and sis. checked how they were doing, and sis said that they're fine and that i shouldn't worry.

so, i won't.

dad didn't waste any time and went straight to the topic of me giving him a grandchild, like my darling sibling has. well, he didn't really take that route; what he did say was, so that i can prolong my stay in the happiest place on earth, i ought to get married to a local and soon.

gee, thanks dad. no pressure, right?

told mi corazon about it, and she suddenly got all nervous. silly girl. she makes me smile with all her silliness, among other things.

sorry. no pressure on you either, beloved. i didn't mean to tie your insides all in knots.

.....

i remember meeting families of past flames and how nerve-racking those were. thoughts of me not attaining their ideal for their little princesses come back now, whilst i try to wrangle a cohesive thought in my head.

well, i guess i didn't make the cut.

i did get to meet Apple Shell's parents and they adored me. i bet you that they still do. it's their daughter that apparently doesn't.

one thing that my folks did teach me was that it doesn't matter what other people think, it's what's inside that counts. they also remind me every so often, that so long as I am happy, they are -- for me -- as well.

so, there. that'll probably not put your mind at ease, ma cherie, but it's a reassurance that you've got more than just a foot in the door, because i couldn't be happier.

let's just take this one hurdle at a time.