One day at a time...

flying toothpick

2012-01-08T10:49:00.007-06:00

My two brothers, their wives, kids and my mom were visiting with us on New Year's Day. We had just finished eating a delicious family dinner. Ready for dessert, my sister-in-law brings out a chocoflan. I never had chocoflan before (flan with chocolate cake on the bottom). My mom was cutting out pieces and putting them in plates while my sister-in-law passed it around.

A quarter of the way through the chocoflan, and while I waited for my piece, I took a toothpick and began picking at a tooth and listening to my brother talk. Just as I was about to say something, the toothpick flew out of my mouth!

Now picture it in slow motion.

The toothpick flying out of my mouth, toothpick swirling in midair, my brother's eyes popped wide open. He knew where the toothpick was headed. "Noooo!!!", he yelled out. I turned to see where it landed... right in the middle of the chocoflan!

Everyone just watched in horror!

I quickly reacted, grabbed my knife and cut the piece where the toothpick landed.

Chocoflan anyone?

"Gross!", said Sal. "Ewww! Not with teeth juice on it!", said Pily. "I practically saw a shish kabob landing on it!"

Well, I guess, dessert was ruined and the teasing continued for the rest of the evening.

Two lessons learned:

One: A good way to stay away from desserts, and

Two: Never pick your teeth and talk at the same time at the dinner table!

you don't see many skinny people do you?

2009-10-08T19:16:00.002-06:00

A few weeks ago my husband's neice came to town for a visit. I noticed that she had gotten very thin. I mean thin to the point that she no longer had a butt! Her skinny jeans were loose! So I made a comment.

Me: "God K you are way too skinny!"

K: "No I'm not. Maybe you are not used to seeing thin people!"

You know what she's right. In my side of the family there are no skinny people! ;-)

feeling sick...

2009-02-20T19:37:00.003-06:00

I think I'm catching a cold. Been coughing all day. Not feeling too well. And oh, yeah, lost another earring!!!

2009-02-19T21:05:00.014-06:00

The other day as I got off the escalator and was unwrapping my scarf from my neck, I realized one of my favorite earrings was missing! Oh no! Did I lose it as I took off my scarf? I quickly looked down to see if I dropped it on the floor but did not see it. I shook my scarf in case the earring got caught. What if I lost it in the train or street?

I proceeded to take off my jacket, then my sweater, I began shaking my shirt when I noticed people who were getting off the escalator were starring. I realized what I was doing so I grabbed my things and checked the time, I had only a few minutes to search for my earring before I had to start work. I quickly retraced my steps as far as I could go in hopes of finding my earring. After few minutes of searching with no luck, I had no choice but to head back to work. I was so mad. This is the second pair of earrings that I lost this week.

When I got to my desk, I began telling my co-worker how upset I was of losing my earring. Especially these since the earrings were a gift from my hubby. I loved these earrings and I was sorry having lost one of them.

Later that afternoon, as my co-workers and I were on our way to lunch, I again began whining about my precious earring. Suddenly, I felt something crawling on my leg and before I knew it, I felt a little pinch on my leg. My eyes widened and instantly my hand went for my leg. As I was about to scratch the area, I felt a little bump. I almost freaked! Did I have a bug crawling up my leg? "OMG! Ahh!!!" I yelled, as my friends and people around me turned to see what was the matter. I instinctively kicked my leg and out from pant leg the creepy crawly thingy comes out. My friends soon realized what it was and began to laugh. After the initial shock I yelled, "Hey, it's my earring! Yay! I found my earring!"

2009-02-18T21:20:00.002-06:00

Good news, I don't have carpal tunnel, bad news, I still get numbness and tingling in my hands...!

2008-10-07T19:44:00.002-06:00

Nooooooo! My washing machine is dead! I knew I should have renewed the warranty!!! :-(

2008-09-17T23:30:00.006-06:00

Day 1: I woke up in the middle of the night with pins in needles in my hands. I shook them until those heavy hands felt like mine again. When I finally got up in the morning, my knees were hurting. The ache/pain felt like a hot pad was placed on the outer and inner part of my knees. My neck and back felt stiff and achy.

I went to work and throughout my day, I felt all achy. At home, when I finally went to bed, couldn't sleep. My back was hurting as well as my neck. I felt miserable.

-------------------------------------------

Day 2: Woke up achy all over. I always feel like I've been beaten up. It wasn't as bad as yesterday. Although, that feeling of being achy and tired continued throughout the day. I blame the bed, the pillows, no pillows, the way I sleep, etc. But after complaining of back and neck pain for so long, we bought a new mattress thinking that that would do the trick. That has been a few years ago and with no hope of it getting any better. I bought new pillows. Nothing. I've slept in other beds and I still felt the same symptoms.

What's worse, it's been a few months now that my left heal has been hurting. Especially when I get up in the morning and take the first step. Ahhh! The pain!!! Doctor recommended Dr. Scholl's gel inserts. It's relieved the pain a bit but every now and then, it still hurts when I walk. What's next?

Pain...

2008-09-17T23:30:00.002-06:00

Yesterday I went to see the RA doctor. The doctor asked me several questions regarding my joint pain.

Doc: Tell me where does it hurt?

Me: My hands, fingers, wrist, elbows, neck, spine and knees.

Doc: Describe your pain.

Me: I don’t know, sometimes my hands feel swollen and heavy. My fingers and wrists hurt and their achy. Every night I wake up in the middle of the night because my hands are tingling and numb. They feel heavy and I have to shake them to get the blood flowing again. Um… (I’m trying to remember).

Why is it that when I finally go to the doctor I always seem to forget the important stuff?

Doc: When would you say you started feeling these symptoms?

Me: Um, it’s been a long time.

Doc: How long?

Me: I don’t know, a few years, maybe.

Doc: When you say a few years, are you saying 2-3 years?

I’m trying to remember the first time I went to the doctor and complained about my pain, tingling, numbness in my hands, neck and back pain.

Me: I think it’s been more than 4 years.

Doc: When do you feel it the most?

As much pain as I have been for quite some time now, you’d think I remember everything. But I can’t seem to recall. My answer to the doc: I’ve been in so much pain for the past few years that I’ve learned to ignore the signs. True.

When my hands, back or neck start to hurt, I ignore it. Sometimes it’s only one thing that
hurts, other times it’s everything at the same time. There are nights I go to bed and I feel like I’ve been through the wringer. Everything hurts! It may happen sporadically. It could last for a few hours, or it could last the entire day. I keep myself busy so I’m able to ignore it. Much like a sore throat, it hurts but if you keep swallowing enough fluids or food, it kind of numbs the pain. Same thing here, I either continue to keep myself busy, move around or eventually stop what I am doing if the pain persists. (Like now, as I am typing this. I have some pain on my neck, back and hands, yet I can't sleep so I continue to type). The pain becomes tolerable and eventually seems to fade but I still have a dull achy feeling or sensation.

The pain becomes intolerable when I feel my bones, joints, muscles swell up (or at least that what it feels like) and my skin feels hot and tender to the touch. There are times when my husband puts his hand on my lap and a simple tap on the lap hurts. How could a tap on the lap, shoulder or arm hurt?

Sometimes I am in too much pain and I can no longer take it. That’s when I finally give in and am forced to take Advil or Tylenol to relieve it. It doesn’t completely take the pain away but it relieves it for a little while.

The doc asked me questions that will help him diagnose my problem and I, at that moment, could not recall those things. What is wrong with me? I felt like an idiot. Why am I here? How do I explain, if I can’t remember.

Why is it when I do go to the doctor, I don’t feel any pain? I was hoping to feel something so that I could explain and pin point exactly what I felt and where. But of course, nothing and what I felt then was very faint and minor. Now I felt like a complete fool.

He was telling me that the way I was describing it, may just be “mechanical”. He believes it may be carpal tunnel syndrome and he will have me run a test to determine if that was the case.

And before he even finished his sentence, I burst into tears! The doctor is looking at me in disbelief! He then showed a little concern and asked, “Are you o.k.?” I felt so embarrassed. Why am I crying? I’m sure the doc was asking himself that same question. I felt like a total idiot as tears continued to pour down my checks.

Then I realized that for past several years, I've complained about the same thing, and to this day, I still don’t know the cause. I have received the same answer every time. There’s nothing we can find. Not that I want something to be wrong with me. Believe me, I don’t want any problems. When I first told a doctor about my symptoms, I was sent to a specialist to check if I had carpal tunnel syndrome. When he checked me, all he checked was my hand movements, press here, push there and with that he determined that I did not have carpal tunnel syndrome. Yet I continued with the numbness/tingling sensation at night. It did not happen every night but it was beginning to happen regularly.

Another doctor’s visit (a different doctor this time) and I was told that it might be related to my neck pain so my doc sends me to get an MRI done. This is after, I was sent to see a chiro. I was prescribed pain medication, which I have to admit, I did not take as recommended. The reason being that after the first couple of times I took the medication, they made me sick. They made me sleep and when I wake up, I felt worse. So I just simply stopped taking them. The chiro relieved some of my neck and back pain but I still continued to have the tingling/numbness in my hands and sometimes my entire arm. After the doctor got the results of the MRI, I was told that there was nothing there. There were some signs of degenerative bone disease (or bone degeneration), if that’s what it’s called. I can’t remember. That was two years ago.

A few weeks ago, I went for a second MRI. I went to my doc for the results and again was told that nothing had changed from the last MRI.

As I’m sitting in there, listening to the doctor speak, I’m trying to swallow my tears. But the more I tried, the more they kept coming. After a minute passed, I composed myself and with a big sigh said, “If there’s nothing wrong, that’s fine. But why do I feel this way? Why am I hurting so much? I need to know what’s going on!”

I guess I’m just so tired of going to doctors and never getting an answer aside from, “there are no signs or indication…” I feel like I'm waisting my time and theirs.

If they can’t find any reason for my symptoms, then I must be going crazy! Is it all in my head? Am I making this stuff up?

After I made a fool out of myself, the doctor continued telling what he thought I should do. He even recommended that I get the test for carpal tunnel done that day.

I felt a little relief that the doc was taking quick action and hoping that I soon may get some answers.

And just my luck, as I went to check on it, the person I had to see for the test was gone for the day. Great. Oh, well.

That day I was out of it. I still don’t really know the reason for my crying, why I felt so
emotional. I guess I’m just tired. I just need relief!

But one thing is for sure, I need to start keeping a diary. I will call it my “pain diary”.

Another embarrasing moment...

2008-08-27T21:31:00.004-06:00

It's been a while since I've checked my blog. I finally got a laptop and, even better, I finally got my Internet working again!

So much has happened since I last wrote. Too many things to write about, not enough time. But until I get my thoughts in order and I get a chance to catch up, I will only give mention to a little embarrassing moment that happened to me the other day....

I had one of those days, you know, when you first wake up, you are in a good mood, yes, you think it's going to be a good day. I got up early, had my clothes ready and even managed to get out on time to catch an early train. I was thinking how good it felt not to be rushing. Not only did I felt good that morning, I even thought I looked good!

The forecast for that day was "hot", so instead of wearing my gym shoes to work, I decided to wear a pair of wedged sandals that I bought last year but only wore once. They matched perfectly with the outfit I was wearing.

I took my time walking to work after I got off the train since I was 30 minutes early. As I was walking down the streets checking out the window displays, I caught a glimpse of my reflection. Yes, I did look good that day. For once, I actually felt good and confident. So I straightened up and continued walking with my head up high. I took a deep breath and took in the sights and sounds of the busy street. The streets were quickly filling up with people going to work. I crossed over to the next street and strutted down the sidewalk with a smile on my face.

The next thing I knew, my ankle gave way, and I almost tripped. Oops! I thought to myself.
I took another deep breath and continued walking hoping no one saw me tripping. And before I knew it, I felt my ankle twist and just as I tried to catch myself, I tripped and fell forward (it appeared in slow motion) right in front of a bunch of people who were coming towards me. OMG! How embarrassing! A guy wearing a business suit came up to me to help me get up off my knees, but I quickly got too my feet before he could reach me. So he says, "Be careful with those shoes!" I felt so stupid!

I managed to give him an embarrassed smile and kept on walking pretending that nothing happened, as other people were starring. Keep walking, keep walking....

That day was not as good as I intended it to be, it went downhill from there. When I got off work, a lady coming towards me, tripped and fell. People around her rushed over to help her up. She got up with an embarrassed look on her face. Yeah, I know that feeling...

Let's just say, I blame it on the shoes! Now I know why I only wore them once... !

In memory of Danny...

2007-07-13T18:21:00.000-06:00

As I silently cried for my cousin Danny, I looked up to see the many faces solemnly watching as his casket was slowly lowered to its grave. Their dark sunglasses covering their weeping eyes to hide the pain we were all feeling inside.

Numerous friends and relatives attended the funeral. Some I did not know and others were the old relatives and friends from the neighborhood. What was more surprising was seeing the kids of my day who now I did not recognize as they have all grown to become young men and women. It made me realize how much time has passed and how far removed I have been from my old neighborhood, my family and friends. After all those years, it was good to see the people I grew up with. Unfortunately, it was under those circumstances.

It was a big blow to the family. No one could believe what happened to my cousin Danny. We always hear it on the news…a child, a girl, a boy, an innocent bystander killed by a stray bullet, a shooting... a drive-by. These occurrences are happening every day but which never really affects us until it hits closer to home.

This is what happened to Danny. It was said he died a hero. He took a bullet trying to save his cousin. In doing so, he gave up his family and his life. He may not have been involved but when it’s around us (whether it’s from the people we know, or the neighborhood we live in) it is hard to escape from it.

I felt deep sympathy for Danny’s little girl as I watched her looking innocently about her, not really understanding what was happening at that very moment as everyone gathered around Danny’s grave saying their last goodbyes.

My heart went out to Danny’s wife as she silently cried for her husband, trying to keep strong for their little girl. But most of all, my heart ached for his parents and siblings. They appeared to be crying… crying dry tears from all the lamenting and grieving from the days before when they first received the tragic news. Their shoulders slumped forward as their appearance seem to be one of resignation… that they will never see their son (brother) again.

Danny was killed due to gang violence… a vicious cycle, a never ending story. It should be a wake up call for some, but it’s just another day in the ‘hood. Someone dies and life goes on. The sad part is that it’s always the innocent ones that are paying the price.

As I held a single rose in my hand, I said a little prayer for Danny. Everything appeared to be moving in slow motion. I brought the rose to my lips and gently gave it a kiss. I then released the rose from my hand and watched it fall as it landed on Danny's casket.

Goodbye Danny…

May God keep your soul and may you rest in peace…

In memory of D.H.
7/19/82 to 7/8/07

embarrassing moments...

2007-06-16T12:56:00.000-06:00

Embarrassing moment #1:

One morning I got up later than usual and was in a hurry to get ready for work. After I showered, I got dressed and put some makeup on. I proceeded to wash my eyeglasses and took a piece of toilet paper to dry them. I put my glasses on, picked up my purse and ran out the door hoping to catch my train on time.

I got to the train station and had to run to catch my train before it left the platform. I was happy that I caught the train and managed to get a seat. After catching my breath, I noticed that a couple of people were looking at me. Are they looking at me because I’m I was breathing hard from running? Or is that I have something on my face or worse on my nose…?! I got a tissue out of my purse and wiped my nose. Soon thereafter, I notice a guy who was looking at me and smiling. For a moment I thought he is smiling at me. Then, it hit me…oh no… is he laughing at me? Why??? Then I realized something… check my glasses! I took them off and sure enough…I had toilet paper stuck on my glasses! How embarrassing!!!

Embarrassing moment #2

I was at work one morning and was busy printing up my boss’ e-mails. He had received an e-mail with an attachment that was too large to print on my printer so I sent it to the printer in the copy room. I quickly got up to go get the print job and as I did so, my foot got caught on one of the computer cables. I tripped over it and I knew instantly that I was going to fall. My chair was behind me so I let myself fall thinking that I was going to fall right on the chair. As I was falling, my BiG BuTT accidentally pushed the chair back and I fell to the floor instead just as my boss and my co-worker were walking in. “Are you o.k.?” I heard them ask. I raised my hand and waved, “I’m o.k., I’m o.k.!” How funny I must have looked to them. I managed to get up and my cheeks were burning with embarrassment! Oops!

train stories

2007-05-17T17:32:00.000-06:00

While going to/from the train station and riding the train, I've seen, heard and experienced many things. Here are a few train experiences, not necessarily my own:

Story #1. A woman was running to catch her train, carrying several shopping bags from a department store in each hand. As she ran towards the train yelling out, "Wait, wait!" the doors soon began to close. In her desperate attempt to get on that train, the lady reached her arm out and slipped one of her large shopping bags in between the doors to try and stop them from closing. Unfortunately for her, the bag did not do the trick and the train left her behind with one less shopping bag to carry!

Life is funny that way...one man's misfortune can turn into another man's fortune?. Anyway.... the moral of this story... "Good things come to those who wait" or better yet, "It is better to wait for the next train than to lose an arm or a shopping bag."

Story #2: A woman was chatting away on her cell phone and as she turned to check if the train was coming, she accidentally drops her cell phone on the train tracks. "My phone!" She yells out. "Oh, no! It's gone!" A man heard her desperate plea and jumps off the platform to the tracks to rescue the woman's cell phone. The woman and the onlookers looked at the man in disbelief. Is he crazy! At least that is what I thought not only because he actually jumped on the train tracks but because we heard the sound of the train approaching. A couple of guys immediately reach out to him and managed to pull him up to safety. He stood in front of the woman a heroic man.

Moral of the story... There is no moral! I believe that was foolish! Was it worth risking your life?" Well, it depends on who you talk to...

Next story...

Story #3: The train stops at yet another station. A few people get off the train while others got on. As the train doors closed, there was an old man outside and he slowly came up to a window where a girl sat waiting for the train to move to get to her destination. He taps on the window, just as the train began to move, and the old man gives her the finger. The girl sees this and returns the favor. He taps on the window a little harder and again continues to give her the finger. The girl yells out "What is your problem man!" as she too continues to give him the finger. The train kept moving forward and the man just stood there giving her the finger until he was out of sight. You can tell the girl was upset...actually she was pissed!

Moral of the story... Who knows!

Just another day on the train...!

White Sands, NM

2007-04-15T19:43:00.000-06:00

What's that smell....?!

2007-03-18T09:10:00.000-06:00

For the past several weeks, the kitchen area was beginning to smell. "Yuck! What's that smell!", the kids would ask. As the days would go by, the smell kept getting stronger and stronger until it started to smell like a dead mouse! It was coming from the pantry or near the fridge. I just couldn't tell.

Just thinking that it could be a dead mouse, I was scared to even move the fridge for fear of what I might find underneath. It gave me the chills just to think about it! Gross!

When I finally got the nerve to search and move the fridge, I found nothing except that I had to sweep the dirt! Phew what a relief! But the smell was still repugnant. Where was it coming from? I went into the pantry and cleaned out the drawers, searched around the shelves and still no dead mouse! I swear, I searched everywhere but no luck! I couldn't find any dead mouse and yet the horrible smell continued to get worse. It was getting to the point where I didn't even want to be near the kitchen! It was aweful!

Last week, my mom came over to visit. I told her what was going on and that I believe I had a dead mouse but couldn't seem locate it. She helped me search and move things around and again we did not manage to find anything. I was beginning to think the dead mouse was inside the wall.

We cleaned out the refrigerator hoping it might be some old left overs but again, we came up with nothing. I didn't know what to do anymore!

Finally, I went back in the pantry and as I was moving things around, behind some containers and the blender I saw my sister's roaster oven which she had left the last time she cooked. The smell was definitely coming from inside that pot. I was afraid to uncover it. Slowly I reached for the cover. When I opened it, I found..... AHHHHH! UGH!!! DISGUSTING!!!!

My mom ran to see why I was screaming and she yells out, "Don't tell me the mouse was inside the pot?!" I wanted to vomit! I couldn't even speak! When I managed to get the words out I exclaimed....

"No, worse!" "You're not going to believe this!"

It was the HAM from THANKSGIVING!!!

What the....???

2007-02-06T20:50:00.000-06:00

For the past few weeks, since we've gotten back from vacation, my daughter has been getting up late for school. If she does get up on time, she usually spends way too much time getting herself ready. I am constantly yelling for her to hurry up because everyone is going to be late for school and work.

Yesterday, my hubby finally said, "I am fed up!" He called out to her once. Since she continued to ignore the fact that we're trying to rush her, he decided he was going to do something about it.

I had gotten out of the shower and was getting ready for work when I noticed that my hubby and the kids were still here. I yell out of the bathroom, "Do you realize what time it is!?" My hubby said, "Call your daughter to come down." "I want to talk to her." "I yell out, "Dem, come down now, your dad wants to talk to you!"

She comes down the stairs taking her sweet time, without the slightest clue as to the time.

Dad: "Do you realize what time it is?"

Dem: "No."

Dad: "It's 8:15 a.m."

Dem: "What!" My daughter exlaims as she looks up at the clock.

Dad: "Do you know that because of you both you and your brother are late for school?" "How old are you?"

Dem: "I will be 14 in a couple of weeks."

Dad: "You are now old enough to understand the importance of getting up and getting ready for school." "Do you agree?"

Dem: (Nods in agreement.)

Dad: "It is your responsibility, not anyone else's, to get ready on time." "Yes?"

Dem: "Yes."

Dad: "I am tired of having your mom and I continue to yell out to you to hurry up." "Since we've already talked about this and you are already late for school, I am not taking you to school today."

Dem: (I noticed for a second her facial reaction was that of "cool I don't have to go to school today!"). Unfortunately for her, that was not going to be the case.

Dad: "Since you made everyone late for school and work, you are going to stay home and do chores."

Dem: "But"

Dad: "No but's." "You will begin with cleaning out the kitchen." "Once you finish, you will clean up your room, clean the bathroom... and so on and so forth." "Don't even think for a minute you will be sitting down to relax." "Once your chores are done, you will begin studying."

I looked up at the clock and sure enough, I was running late for work! I turned to look at my daughter and noticed that she no longer had a smile on her face, it immediately turned into a frown. By the time her dad finished with the "to do list", she had tears running down her eyes.

I knew there was a lesson to be learned here. I couldn't stay to find out. I quickly rushed out the door and went to work. When I arrived home from work, the house was clean and she was putting some things away that should have been put away a long time ago. She came up to me and gave me a big hug.

Me: "So how was your day?"

Dem: "I've been cleaning and straightening up the house all day." "Ugh!"

Me: "I hope you understand the lesson that your dad is trying to teach you."

Dem: "Yeah, that I don't want to stay home!"

Me: "It's more than that." "It's about the importance of being responsible."

Let's see if she learned her lesson...

This morning she got at 6:45 a.m. and was ready to go on time!

to remember you always...

2007-01-11T18:35:00.000-06:00

I had been out of town for a couple of weeks and finally took some time to go through a pile of mail that was on the table.

As I was sorting through it, one piece of mail, in particular, caught my eye. It was sent from the Vet's office. I slowly opened the envelope. It was a sympathy card. I looked at the picture for a couple of seconds and began thinking about my beloved pet, Coqueta, and how much I missed her.

As I opened the card to read it, out came a piece of fur from my beloved pet tied in a red ribbon. My heart ached. I began to cry.

goodbye my pet...!

2007-01-11T18:14:00.000-06:00

Coqueta

2/9/91 - 12/21/06

Goodbye to my sweet pet and loyal friend. You were always by my side. So many years together and now I turn around and you are no longer there. Oh, how I miss you so!

You will be forever in my heart.

snow cacti

2007-01-09T20:40:00.000-06:00

"Gris!", my husband yells out. "Kristy called and said to look out the window, it's snowing!" "Do I have to get up." I moaned, as it was early in the morning and we were still in bed. (I really didn't want to see snow... what I wanted to see was the sun!!!)

Beebo immediately gets up and rushes to the window. And to his disappointment says, "Ah, that's nothing!"

I got up to look out the window and there were several patches of snow on the ground and a few flakes were falling.

As we were eating breakfast, I glanced towards the window and realized I couldn't see out the window anymore. I assumed because it was cold outside. I opened the door and I freaked! I yelled out "Holy cow!" "It's really snowing!"

I've never seen so much snow in Las Cruces! If it wasn't for the cacti, I could have sworn we were in Chicago.

Happy Holidays!

2006-12-20T19:43:00.000-06:00

icicle...

2006-12-03T11:54:00.000-06:00

first snow...

2006-12-01T15:50:00.000-06:00

This morning we woke up to the first day of snow.

The kids did not go to school. It was closed due to the weather. And of course, they couldn't hide their excitement about getting a snow day and be able to stay home. All I heard from them, as they were jumping for joy, was a big "Yes!" "Whoo hoo!" "No school!"

I, on the other hand, had to go to work. On the way there, I kept wishing I would have called in sick. After all, I had a good excuse...I am sick! But I knew I had to go. My boss gave me a big hint the other day about not missing work before I take my holiday time off.

So sick and all, I forced myself to go to work. Thank GOD it's only for a few hours and TGIF!!!

2006-11-30T17:57:00.000-06:00

A few weeks ago, I had been sick with a bad cough. Just when I thought I've gotten over it, this morning I woke up feeling worse. My nose feels stuffed and yet it's dripping like a faucet. I look like Rudolph the red-nose reindeer. It's raw from blowing my nose too much. My ears feel plugged but hey, at least my cough has subsided. This is the longest I've been sick. It's getting to be irritating!

Over the Thanksgiving weekend, we had really good weather. It was sunny, warm and it felt like spring. Now the temperature dropped and it's been drizzling all day. This morning I woke up to the weather report announcing that we're expected to have very cold weather and snow (6-12 inches)!

This past couple of weeks, I've been in contact with a few of my HS classmates. Since our HS class reunion is coming up next year, they've been wanting to get together to plan for this reunion. It's been several years since I've seen my friends. I am excited to get a chance to meet them again after all these years and yet...I am scared. Scared because... well you know... are they going to like me? I don't want them to see me like this...I've gained a lot of weight since HS. What are they going to think of me?

On my way to work, I began thinking about this meeting. We're supposed to meet later today after work. I began wondering what my friends look like now. What have they been up to? Soon, I began having these feelings of self-doubt and low self-esteem. I had all these thoughts running through my mind. Pretty soon I was feeling sorry for myself. Finding everything wrong that they could possibly find about me... my looks...my weight... etc. Do I look old? Being sick did not help matters.

As I was getting off the train, I saw a man talking to a person who appeared to be his friend. But what caught my eye was that he had a large dark mole covering half of his face. He did not appear to be self-conscious. He was smiling and happily talking to that person.

I continued walking down the street and came across another man. He was a handsome man except for one thing... when he turned, I saw that he had an enlarged mole or growth behind one of his ears. It was so big it looked like he had a gulf ball hanging from his ear. The man seemed not to have a care in the world and did not seem to mind or worry about how people looked at him and/or what they thought about him.

For a split second, I felt sorry for them and then I started thinking to myself, was this a sign from above? No... I shouldn't feel sorry for them. I was right to feel sorry for myself... only because here I am putting myself down and complaining. Imagine if that would have been me! It made me realize that I should be more grateful. No one is perfect. Be thankful for what you have and what you don't have (in most cases).

After making peace with myself, I thought about attending this meeting. Forget about how I look or what they are going to think about me. I need to quit worrying about that stuff and stop being this way! I should consider myself lucky.

But as time passed, I did not feel any better. I had no choice... so I e-mailed one of my classmates to tell her I was not going to be able to join them. In a way, I was looking forward to meeting them and yet, deep down, I secretly felt relieved being sick so that I had an excuse not to go.

Is this bad or what?!

...

2006-11-29T17:06:00.000-06:00

This morning I woke up feeling strange... more like I wanted to cry my heart out...and so I did (well, enough so as not to get noticed).

I got up and went downstairs to let my pet Coqueta out to pee. By the time I got to her her, she had an another accident. There was poop all around where she was laying. Since she stepped on it when she got up, she left poop paw prints all over the floor!

I was already in a hurry and I didn't want to be late for work. But I had no choice, I had to clean up the mess before I left. I got so upset! Not only did I had to clean up the mess, but I had to wash her too. It was so gross!

Before I knew it, I was in tears. Hot tears burning down my cheeks. Tears of anger...tears of pain...I don't know. As I turned to look at her, I saw it in her eyes... she too was sad and she knew I was unhappy. It made me feel even worse because I know it's not her fault.

Yesterday she was outside enjoying the nice weather. She was actually running around on the grass. Except for having her "accidents", she's doing great. But for some reason, she just can't go do her "duty" outside. It always happens when she's laying down. Is it fair to her and to me? What am I doing here? How long am I going to do this for? I know she's just a "dog". But she's been with us for 15 years! How can I not take care of her when she needs me? Am I doing the right thing?

I went back upstairs and as I was wiping my tears, my daughter sees me and turns to my son and asks him, "Why is mom crying?" My son replies, "I think she's depressed."

Depressed... yes, I'm starting to feel it. One more thing to add to things...and it's really breaking my heart...!

A note of thanks...

2006-11-27T19:41:00.000-06:00

This is why I continue to keep our Thanksgiving tradition...

2006-11-26T16:02:00.000-06:00

For several years now, the tradition has been to host Thanksgiving dinner at our house. Even though our family has known this for years and have attended our Thanksgiving dinner each year, I still have certain members who complain about not having been sent an invitation (even though I never do) or not giving them enough notice (even though it's been talked about it weeks before).

As the years go by, the family keeps growing and growing...and my "big" house suddenly is becoming "smaller". To the point that for two years in a row now, we've had to move our dining room in the living room to accommodate everyone for a sit down dinner.

This Thanksgiving, we had to use two of our dining room tables and two picnic tables to be able to seat everyone at the dinner table. Not including the kids table! We were expecting a little over 25 adults and 15 children.

As the family keeps growing, it's becoming harder to seat everyone together on the same table or in the same side/section of the table. My dad, for the first time in years, actually showed up for dinner and we ended up moving a couple people around. In doing so, I ended up "offending" certain people either because they weren't seated in their "usual" spot or at the "head of the table" or because they were put next to someone they did not want to be seated next to.

When they were all asked to sit at their assigned seats, everyone began moving and reassigning their seats and by the time everyone got seated, some members had already started eating dinner before we even said grace. I heard some whispers of family members complaining about the food being "cold" and how they had to "serve themselves" or didn't get to eat some of the food. The food was set at the table and everyone passes the food around. I was the last one to sit down and did not even get to enjoy my dinner.

Every year, has been the same, so what made this year different? What did they expect...to be catered?! There was plenty of food for everyone to eat... and how did they expect me to have everything served hot right out of the oven?

I thought Thanksgiving was a time for families to celebrate a holiday and an opportunity to get together and enjoy a nice dinner and share their company. But apparently this was not the case. To me, it appeared to be just another excuse for people to get together and "complain/criticize" just about everything. It also became another excuse to "party".

My sister AC came over to my house the night before to make all the preparations for the Thanksgiving dinner and spent the whole day on Thanksgiving Day cooking. My other sister came to my house several times during the week to help me clean up and get the house ready for Thanksgiving. It took me two days after Thanksgiving to clean up the mess that was left over. The problem is that only a few people actually help clean and even so, in the end, I still end up doing most of the cleaning afterwards.

Hosting Thanksgiving dinner for a big family, took a lot of time, preparation and work... and for people to come criticize and complain... really pissed me off! There was just too much going on. It made me realize certain things.... and one of it was...is this worth the effort?

Thank goodness Thanksgiving comes just once a year. I overheard a family member suggesting having Christmas at my place.... ha! I don't think so!

I think one holiday is enough!

Coqueta...

2006-11-07T20:44:00.000-06:00

It's been a week since Coqueta got out of the yard and got hit by a car as she attempted to cross a busy street.

Let me tell you, she's one amazing pup! I don't think she's ready to go! I can't believe how well she is doing, considering what happened to her and her age!

She walks around and, even though it's a little harder for her now to walk up and down the steps, she does it. Her back legs aren't as strong as they used to, and they tend to shake. On occasion, her hind legs give out as she tries to climb the steps, so I try to keep her from doing so.

The one problem she has encountered is a weak bladder and bowels. She has had a few little "accidents". I can tell she gets depressed when she does have an "accident" by the way she just lays there and looks so sad. I've had to wash her a couple of times and once I do, she is back to normal. I hope things will get better soon. It's been tough on both of us. Vet says it will.

I'm concerned that, as the weather gets colder, how is this going to affect her. I'm sure her bones are going to ache...hell my bones already do!

Happy Halloween!

2006-10-31T19:43:00.000-06:00

Here we go again...

2006-10-30T19:48:00.000-06:00

Coqueta
Originally uploaded by Gris1.

Last night I asked my son to let Coqueta out to pee. He was doing something at the time and said he would do it a little later. In the meantime, I kept working on the computer.

After a while, my hubby asked where Coqueta was. I thought she was in the livingroom with him as she likes to sleep by the door. I asked the kids if they had seen her and they hadn't. We began looking for her all over the house (she's hard of hearing). In order to get her attention, we have to clap our hands loudly and give her hand signals. We checked the back yard and she wasn't there either.

My son had let her out and forgot to let her back inside the house. Since she stayed out for too long in the yard, she managed to get out of the gate by squeezing herself through the bars. By the time we noticed she wasn't in the house, it was too late. She was gone!

My son and I walked around the neighborhood looking for her. Since it was already after dark, we later decided to get in the car and see if we could find her in the alleys and streets. But Coqueta was nowhere to be found.

This morning I called the animal control to find out if they had picked her up. The lady said she wasn't aware of any pet fitting Coqueta's description. As I was riding the bus, headed for work, I called the vet's office to find out if someone had by chance found her and dropped her off there. As the receptionist checked, I got the good news that there was a possibility that Coqueta may have been picked up but at a different location.

Sure enough, it was her. When my hubby went to pick her up, they told her that she had been hit by a car. She was in bad shape when they found her last night. My hubby then took her to our vet's office.

I went to see her right after work. I can't believe she has survived this. She's 14 years old! The vet said that, at this time, there's not much they can do for her. She was alert and she attempted to walk, although a few times she kept slipping. You can tell her hip is hurt.

I'm so sad. She's been with us since she was two months old. I feel so guilty for not having paid more attention to her. Maybe if I would have gotten off the computer and gone to let her out, instead, this wouldn't have happened!

I don't know how much time she has left. She's been through a lot and she's old. For now, they are going to keep her until tomorrow for observation and she will be given medication.

light...

2006-10-29T16:54:00.000-06:00

light coming from the window
Originally uploaded by Gris1.

--mga

power outage...

2006-10-29T15:06:00.000-06:00

Last month, we had a severe thunder storm and we had a power outage. Unfortunately, I had left my computer on and when the power went out the computer crashed!

The bad news...I lost everything! I never backed up my files!
The good news, I got upgraded to XP and my USB drive finally works so I can download my pics directly from my camera!

I'm glad my computer is up and running again. Especially, because my kids need to do research and type most of their written assigments on the computer. But most of all I'm glad for me, because I can check my e-mails and post my pictures!

red hair

2006-10-29T14:56:00.000-06:00

I was washing my hands in the bathroom at work when one of my co-workers (an older woman) came in. She took a look at me and our conversation went something like this:

Co-worker: "OMG, what did you do to your hair!?"
Me: "I changed my color."
Co-worker: "It's bright red!"
Me: "I know."
Co-worker: Why did you do that for?"
Me: (looking at my reflection in the mirror I noticed that the lighting did make my hair look brighter) "That's the way it came out. I guess I wanted to try something new"
Co-worker: "It's too red! Oh, I don't know... you should change it, that color is what slutty girls are using!"
Me: (My jaw dropped) I guess that was the look I was foing for!

15 years ago today...

2006-09-29T17:38:00.000-06:00

(9/28/06)

This morning, I got out of bed a little earlier than usual.  I went to the kitchen and prepared a fresh pot of coffee and began cooking a hot breakfast.   Once the coffee was ready, I filled his cup and set the card next to it.

I called out to him.  “Babe!  Come down, your coffee is ready!”  When he walked into the kitchen, he had a big grin on his face.  “Wow!  You got up early and made me breakfast!?”  He saw the card and instantly knew he had forgotten!  “What’s this?”  “Ah, don’t tell me… it’s not my birthday so….it’s our anniversary?!”

He took off his wedding band which has our wedding date engraved (so he will never forget -- but apparently it’s been useless!).  “Oh, babe!”   “I thought it was tomorrow”

After 15 years, it doesn’t surprise me.  In fact, I didn’t mind at all that he had forgotten.  I should be used to it by now.  Is not to say that he always forgets.  He remembers most of the time.  When he actually manages to remember an important date, he’ll pretend he didn’t and ends up surprising me later in the day.  At other times, when he really does forget, he manages to surprise me with something or we end up doing something the next day or by the weekend.   Today, I was just happy that he gave me a ride to the train station so I wouldn’t get to work late!

As I rode on the train, I kept thinking to myself, OMG!  I can’t believe I’ve been married for 15 years!  How time flies!  I can honestly say it doesn’t seem this long.  And to think people thought we wouldn’t last a year!  Ha!

How did we do it?  I don’t know.

Married life is not easy.  It’s more work than we’ll ever know.  There’s more to marriage than just love.  We’ve had some good times and bad.  All I kept thinking was that aside from love, I guess the trick to a long lasting marriage is working together and compromising.  Both of us have to be on the “same page” so to speak.  Even with our “huge” differences, we can still find our middle ground.     Marriage is a partnership.

It’s been a bumpy road but we’re still standing.  I hope to have many more good years to come!

Happy Anniversary!

son knows best...

2006-09-20T17:32:00.000-06:00

My hubby and son were at the dinner table talking when my hubby suddenly says, “Oh shit! I just scratched the table.” He stops playing with his fork and looks at my son and says to him, “Do you realize that I’ve had this table since I was married to my second wife. It was one of the things that I got out of it”

I was in the kitchen washing dishes and hearing him say this, I asked my son, “Mijo, how do you feel knowing that your dad has had two previous marriages?” My hubby adds, “Yeah, mijo, what do you think about that, knowing that I was married to other women before your mother?”

My son turns to him and says, “I think they got off easy!”

CPR anyone...?

2006-09-15T18:45:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, my job offered a CPR training course, which I attended. And this year was a little bit different. For starters, there was less to remember (2 breaths and 30 compressions). Simple, as that! I don’t have to worry about anything else, except keep performing the CPR until paramedics arrive!

The class was approximately three hours long. As we watched a video on how to perform CPR and how use an automated external defibrillator or “AED” (a machine that analyzes the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, instructs the person using the AED to deliver an electrical shock to the victim to regulate his heart), we also got to practice what we learned on a dummy.

Here are the steps:

Step 1: Make sure the area is clear of any danger (you don’t want to be a victim yourself, i.e. getting hit by a car on the street)

Step 2: If the person looks unconscious, tap the person on the shoulders and try to get a reaction from him/her while asking, “Are you o.k.?” If no response, go to step 3.

Step 3: If you are alone, immediately call 911; get and/or yell for help; if there are people around, have them call 911 (and get the AED if one is available).

Step 4: While victim is lying on the floor, open the airway and check for normal breathing. You do so by tilting the head back, raise the chin up with two fingers. If not breathing, give two breaths (check for chest rising as you do so). Open his shirt to expose his chest. Place the palm of your hand on the chest (between the nipples) and set the other hand over it and begin with compressions. Give cycles of 30 compressions (count out loud so you don’t lose track or skip a beat) and 2 breaths. (Thing to remember…once you begin this process, you must continue to do so until AED or EMS rescuers arrive).

Step 5: Repeat Step 4 until someone brings out the AED, or someone can relieve you (who knows how to perform CPR) and/or when paramedics arrive (leave it to them to handle the rest).

After learning how to give CPR, the instructor showed us how to use the AED machine. It came with a pack that included a mouthpiece (to give CPR so you don’t have to do it directly on the person’s mouth), scissors (to cut out any clothing to expose the chest), an extra battery for the AED (in case batteries are low) and a razor. A razor? Yes, a razor! One is necessary in case the patches won’t stick due to a very hairy chest. So I raised my hand and asked, “Do you have to apply shaving cream or something?” Everyone laughs. The instructor responds, “No. Just shave enough on the chest area where you will be placing the patches until they stick.” Sounds simple enough!

The AED machine had two buttons, the “On” button and the “Shock” button. The only thing you have to remember is to turn it on. Once you do so, the AED uses voice prompts to instruct the rescuer. Easy right?

We again continued to practice what we learned on the dummy. I immediately took the pads out from the AED, and was about to place them on its chest, when I realized I had forgotten to turn on the machine. Oops!

Once it was on, I listened for instructions and tried to follow them. I managed to place the pads (directions shown on pads -- one on the right side of the chest and the other on the left side below the breast) and again waited for further instructions. When the machine finished analyzing the heart, it instructed me to press the button to give the person a shock, (which you're suppose to say “clear” before pressing the shock button so you don’t end up shocking someone who might be touching the victim and, of course, I went straight for the button and forgot to do so). There went my grade!

After performing the “shock”, the machine instructions were to start giving the person compressions (to which I went straight for the dummy’s mouth to perform CPR). The instructor yells out, “Compressions!”. Oops! Sorry! I started doing the compression and the instructor tells me, “Count out loud!” “One, two, three…” After the 30 compressions, I was sweating! That was exhausting! I can’t imagine doing that a few more times. It’s a lot of work!

We went over what we learned a few more times and had a question and answer session. The shaving of the chest was brought up again to which the instructor comments, “And no….you don’t have to oil him up” and one of my co-workers adds, “Yeah, bring out the shaving cream!” Everyone laughs. The instructor also says, “And remember after the AED gives the shock, it instructs you do to what?” “Compressions!” Everyone responds simultaneously as they turn to look at me!

After work I told my hubby of my experience and as I finished relaying my story, he had a smirk on his face and says, "Sounds to me like you wanted to give him a clean shave before you blew...his lungs out!" ; )

things a mother won't (will) do... Part II

2006-09-14T17:34:00.000-06:00

A few days ago, my son lost one of his molars.   Even though he’s getting a little older, we continue to talk about the tooth fairy.  My son claims, he “does not believe in the tooth fairy”, but the next morning, I caught him checking under his pillow to see if he had gotten anything from the fairy.  So much for not “believing’.  As I began to reminisce, it put a smile on my face.  My son’s still a little boy at heart (he’s growing up so fast and soon all this would be just a memory).

When I finally snapped out of my thoughts, I soon realized I had completely forgotten about leaving something under his pillow!  How could I have forgotten?  There goes another check mark on my report card for “bad parent.”

The next evening, I was already in bed sleeping when suddenly my eyes opened and I remembered!  Ahhh!  I forgot again!   I quickly got out of bed and went to go check on him.  He was sound asleep.  I slowly felt under his pillow (trying not to wake him) and found the tooth.   Oh no… my purse is downstairs!  It’ dark downstairs and I’m too lazy and tired to go down for it.

As I turned toward the door, I saw my son’s wallet on the bookshelf.  It gave me an idea?  I turned to my son who was still sleeping.  And like a burglar at night, I quietly picked up the wallet and searched for money.  There was a folded five-dollar bill inside.  I’m standing there in the middle of the night wondering, “What the hell am I doing?”  For a split second, I felt guilty.  “How could I be doing this?”  “Just go downstairs and get your purse”, I thought to myself.  But sleepiness and being scared of the dark took over the better part of me… so I took the money.

I quietly went over to my son’s pillow, set the money under it and quietly left the room trying not to make too much noise as the wood floor kept creaking with every step.

Boy...do I deserve an award for “bad mother of year!”

The next morning, my son was happy to find $5 under his pillow for his tooth.  Wow!  He was really excited.  (But no, he doesn’t believe in the tooth fairy.)  My hubby turns to me and mouths, “Five dollars?!”  I smiled,  “Long story.”

“I’m glad you remembered, ‘cause I had forgotten,” he says.  “So did I,” I said.  I told him what I did last night and he shook his head.  “Did you remember to replace his money?”   I went and got my purse and realized I did not have a five-dollar bill.  “Honey, do you have a five on you?”

things a mother won't (will) do... (Part I)

2006-09-13T16:08:00.000-06:00

For my son's birthday, he got a turtle from one of his friends. Oh yeah, just what we need another animal (reptile) in the house!

I was not too happy about it. But what could I do. It was a gift.

My son made a home for the turtle in an empty fish tank that was in our basement. Unfortunately, after a while, the tank was stinking up the whole place. Ugh!!! It was disgusting!

My hubby and I convinced my son to make a home for the turtle outside in the back yard. Hey, now it can keep our rabbit company and play races with it! ha!

Anyway... about a week ago, my hubby had some free time (which is rare these days) so he began cleaning out the yard. (Finally!) As he's cleaning and clearing things out, he decides to make a little pond for the turtle near a corner of the yard next to the tree. He placed rocks around the pond and put the turtle in the water. The turtle appeared to be enjoying his new home... so we thought.

My hubby and I began talking and all the while keeping in eye on the turtle. My hubby said, "Look! The turtle is coming out of the pond!" "Let's see what he does." We kept watching it, but the turtle just sat still on a rock.

We continued to chat for another five minutes and when my hubby turned to check on the turtle, it was gone! He went over to the pond to see if it went back in the water but it was not there either! "O.k. where did it go?" "It couldn't have gone that far... it's a turtle for crying out loud!" I exclaimed.

I joined him in his search for the turtle. And, I'm sorry to say, the turtle was no where to be found! We checked our neighbor's yard to see if somehow he managed to get out through the shadow box fence. (Could it possibly have been able to squeeze itself through... on its side?)

We looked through every crack, hole and area where the turtle might be hiding...and still nothing! WTF!!! "How are we going to explain this to our son?" I asked.

After spending about 45 miutes looking for it, my hubby and I sat there in amazement and wondered how was it possible that it took off so quickly. Where did it go? Where is it hiding? We were keeping an eye on it! We've already disappointed my son for not taking him camping for his birthday. And now this! What are we going to tell him?

I just can't bear it if we disappoint him once again. Especially when he finds out that it was our fault his pet turtle has disappeared. "My son, guess what? We've lost your turtle!" No, I just couldn't do that to him! My hubby and I talked it over and finally came to a conclusion. We decided to do what's right (or wrong, as this case may be). Um.... we decided not to tell him.

"Let's see how soon he will notice that his turtle is gone," my hubby says to me. Man, he's going to be upset! Does this make us bad parents?

These few days, I noticed my son going to the back yard and doing "stuff". I even asked him once, "Have you fed the turtle?" He mumbled something that I couldn't make out and continued on doing whatever he was doing. To this day, he still hasn't mentioned his turtle to us. I have a feeling he's not telling us for fear that we are going to yell at him for "not taking care of it"!

Hmmm...Let's see who will crack first!

BTW... did I mentioned that he had to create an "All about me" poster for school and he included his "pet" turtle in the poster! Man... were going to hell!

If you ever read this my son, just know that I LOVE YOU! And we're SORRY!

You didn't learn that from me...!

2006-09-10T14:25:00.000-06:00

My daughter was having an argument with my son and out of her mouth came out “butt hole”. I turned to her and said, “I don’t ever want to hear you saying that again!”

I then turned to my hubby and said:

Me: “Did you hear what your daughter said? She said “butt hole”!

Hubby: “She must've learned that from her mother.”

Me: “Me!”

Hubby: “Yeah, because I would have said “asshole!”

belly ring

2006-09-07T16:21:00.000-06:00

When I got home from work the other day, my daughter gets up from the couch, grabs me by the arm and pulls me towards the back of the kitchen. She had a look on her face that suggested she was about to tell me something very important. By the scared look in her eye, I could tell she just didn’t know how to bring herself to say it.

She finally says to me in a low voice, “Mom, I don’t know how to say this… I didn’t really want to but AC said I should do it since another girl my age was getting it too.”

I’m looking at her and a million thoughts are running through my head… “What are you talking about?” I asked. She says, “Mom” as she slowly lifts her shirt up and exposes her pierced belly button, “Please don’t tell dad!”

My jaw almost fell to the ground. “What?!” “What did you do?!!!”

“I’m sorry mom, AC said it was o.k.”

AC? Ah, oh… arg! I almost screamed!

“Where’s your dad?!” “Dad is in the study, but please don’t tell him!” She’s begging me not to say anything to her dad. "Please...", she implores.

I’m trying to figure out how to deal with this situation. She’s 13!!!

And at the same time, my mind is going over a millions and one ways as to how I’m going to kill my sister!!!!

As I stared at her newly pierced belly button, I noticed it was a little pink around the edges. I asked her, “Do you even know how to take care of it?” “It looks red!” “What if you get an infection?”

I soon heard my hubby call me into the study. “Babe is that you?”

Ugh! I walked over to the study and opened the door. I took a deep breath to try and calm my nerves.

“How was work?” He asked. “Fine.” I replied with no emotion.

I could tell he knew something was up or at least something was on my mind (I’m not very good about hiding my emotions). “What’s wrong?” He asks.

“Oh, I’m just tired.” I replied as sat on a chair and began to yawn.

“What’s the matter with our daughter, she looks like she’s up to something?”

I don’t know, I just got home!” I almost yelled out, “Why don’t you ask her?!” But instead I said, “She’s in the living room watching TV.”

We talked briefly for a few moments and I went back to the living room to have a talk with my daughter. I will have to deal with my sister later.

I found my daughter sitting on the couch and laughing uncontrollably.

“You think this is funny!”

“Mom…((giggles))... mom…((more giggles))...mom..”

I was ready to smack her.

“Mom… look.” She pulls out the ring from her belly.

“What the…!?” It’s fake!!!!

“Ooh, you little…!“

“I got it from one of the quarter machines…!”

My hubby and my son come out to the living room. They were all in on it!!! AND they were all laughing at me!!!

Ha... ha...ha.

Now its time for me to figure out a way to get back at them for pulling this prank on me!

Maybe I should get one myself. What do you think?

Happy birthday Beebo...!

2006-09-01T14:52:00.000-06:00

My son.... dressed, ready for school and eating his breakfast.

Today is his 11th birthday!

Happy birthday my son!

Love you,

Mom

America, the beautiful...

2006-09-01T14:01:00.000-06:00

America Sky

2006-08-30T17:07:00.000-06:00

My brother called me late last night. "It's a girl!" he said with excitement. She weighed 7 lbs. 6 oz. As he was talking to me over the phone, I could hear the baby crying in the background. By the sound of her crying, I could tell she has some pretty good healthy lungs! I wanted to reach out to her and hold her in my arms.

I knew my brother was very happy... he wanted a girl and God blessed them with one.

Congrats to my brother and his wife!

Today, I spoke to my 6 year old nephew who sounded pretty excited about having a little sister. I asked, "How is she, is she beautiful?" He said, "Yes, but she's skinny."

He also wanted to know if my son could go sleep over. I told him that the kids had school and that once his mom was home from the hospital and settled in with the baby, we would all go over this weekend to visit with him and see his new baby sister. I can't wait to see her!

Which by the way, my niece's name is... "America Sky".

going to church...

2006-08-29T20:23:00.000-06:00

Raised as a catholic, you would think I take upon the tradition of going to church every Sunday. But unfortunately, I don’t. I guess you can say I’m a “non-practicing catholic”. I must admit I am a little ashamed to say it. But certain things that have happened, have been said and done about the Catholic Church have not encouraged me to attend mass every Sunday. That’s not to say that I don’t pray, because I do. Whether I’m feeling blue, worried about something, or even when I’m in high spirits I find myself talking to HIM and that makes me feel better.

I believe it’s been about a year since I’ve gone to church. My hubby and I decided it’s about time we attended mass to receive some kind of spiritual healing as well as to give us a chance to thank HIM.

We attended the Saturday evening mass. As we arrived, the mass was about to begin. I noticed that not too many people attended. In fact, there were a few elderly folk and only two younger couples (my hubby and I being one of them).

We sat at one of the last rows. As the mass proceeded, I realized that I had forgotten most of the prayers. I didn’t pick up a book of hymns and prayers, so I just mumbled and pretended to know the words. In fact, the prayers I learned as a kid were in Spanish and even then, I had forgotten them too. I know… I should be ashamed. But, I really do pray everyday. Maybe I don’t go to church every Sunday, but I pray and talk to HIM everyday, whether it’s when I’m riding the train, as I’m walking by myself, or just sitting on the couch watching t.v. That should count for something.

Here I was trying to receive some spiritual guidance and as I sat there trying to listen to one of the readings, I almost choked! The lady was reading a passage from the bible (to which I was not paying much attention to as my mind kept thinking of other things) that read something like this, “and the wife shall be (in subordination or) subordinated to the husband…” Whoa man! Stop right there! The wife has to be “subordinated” to her husband? My hubby kept tapping me with his hand on my leg and smiling and I wanted to punch him! “… and the husband has to love and cherish his wife…” I was still trying to analyze that piece of information in my brain… Sorry, she just lost my attention. I didn’t even want to hear the rest!

During the mass, we had the usual collection of the daily offering. An elderly gentleman was collecting the donations. He put the basket in front of two elderly ladies that were sitting next to my hubby and, just as my hubby reached over to put his offering in the basket, the man immediatley pulled the basket away and continued on to the next row. My hubby and I just looked each other. Did he really not see him reaching for the basket? I mean, he clearly was reaching for the basket. I don’t want to assume anything, but it seemed kind of odd… gave me something to think about. I don’t know.

As I took another look around the room, I noticed the majority of the people attending the mass were elderly “white” folk. I for one wanted to find out if it was just a matter of the man not “noticing”. We would soon have another opportunity to find out. They were going to have a second collection. I told my hubby he should try again. But, of course, my hubby did not want to. Maybe it’s just me, but I wanted to have the benefit of the doubt. My hubby refused. Oh well, I guess we’ll never know.

We came to the part of the mass where we give the “peace” handshake to our neighbors. After everyone gave their sign of “peace”, I turned to see the two little old ladies sitting next to my hubby, pull out from their purses, an anti-bacterial hand soap which they rubbed in their hands to kill the germs they just acquired from shaking the hands of strangers. Hey, I don’t blame them, with all the germs that are going around these days! I can understand that. Especially for the elderly since they have to watch out for their health even more so. I just got a chuckle out of it.

What I can’t understand, and maybe that’s why I do not go up to drink the wine ("Blood of Christ") anymore, is that, when you think about it, drinking out of the one “cup” that many people have put their lips and drank out of, is pretty gross and disgusting to me! Especially, when I’ve seen a few people in front of the line coughing. Ugh! I’m sorry. They have to figure a better way of doing this. Sure, they do wipe the rim of the cup, but still…! Again, this is just me speaking here, but, I rather do the handshake and worry about washing my hands later.

We soon came to the conclusion of the mass. The visiting priest, who was giving the mass, gave us the final “blessing” and the second priest from that Parish immediately stepped up to the microphone and said, “Mass will not officially end until after the announcements”. Oops! Everyone laughed. And part of the announcement was that one of the parishioners was going to provide coffee for after the Sunday’s mass and the priest said jokingly, “And she will also bring some baked goodies for us too!” The lady, made a fist at the priest and said, “No sir, I’m not!” Everyone laughed again.

Once the announcements were made, the visiting priest, with a bit of humor said, “well, I guess I will have to give you a second blessing… the mass has ended, you may now go in peace”.

...

2006-08-19T12:32:00.000-06:00

After much consideration, this year, we decided to transfer the kids into a new school. They will be starting school sometime next week. So of course, everthing is due ... tuition, material fees, etc., and I just spent a few $$$ on their new school uniforms.

The good news is that this school's tuition is less than the old school. Although I wish I could place my children in a public school (it would save us a lot of $$!). But the reality is that the public schools are not the very best in our area. It's too bad. Another choice would be to move to a better neighborhood (with good public schools) which means buying a new home and paying more $$ on a mortgage. Unfortunately, we can't afford to move at this time.

It just amazes me how, little by little, money add up! Everthing is getting more and more expensive. The more money you make, the less money you bring home and the more bills you have to pay.

My hubby has been involved with a not-for-profit organization and hasn't been at the office. He had to take too much time off this summer to help the organization. And because of this, his income had only been trickling here and there. I recently got a raise at work. I'm very grateful for it, but it's only enough to cover the raise in healthcare benefits. So my paycheck still comes out to pretty much the same amount as last year.

My son's birthday is coming up this labor day weekend and I'm not ready for it. As a birthday present, he wants (and I mean really wants) to go camping and fishing!

My son has been wanting to go fishing for along time now. He even went on the Internet to look up places to go camping. It would be great, if we had the camping equipment or an RV. But we don't. We also tried looking into renting a cabin, but again, it all takes time (driving distance) and money. And unfortunately, our only working vehicle is not in a state to drive too far.

Now that the baseball season is over and my hubby has a little time away from the organization, he is now working hard to catch up at the office. So it makes it even harder for him to take more time off. Being self-employed means no money comes in if he's not at work.

So how are we going to manage this? Will he make the time? Will we be able to afford a mini-getaway?

I don't know. But I certainly hope so. It would make my son a very happy camper!

no more laundromats for me...!

2006-08-11T16:42:00.000-06:00

I haven't been to a laundromat in quite a while. So how difficult can it be? Not to mention the time wasted but also having to drag the bags of dirty laundry!

Two weeks ago, we went out of town. Since it had been very hot and humid, I had to change clothes several times a day as they got wet with sweat! Yuck!

I had been under the impression that we were only going to be there for the weekend. But soon found out that we were staying three extra days. I did not pack enough clothes. I went to a store nearby and bought a couple of capris pants and shirts, but I still did not want to wear them out of the rack... nasty! So what was I to do? Be forced to go to the laundromat.

Once I got there, I picked a large machine for the colored clothes and a small one for the whites. The place had no air conditioning and I was already drenched in sweat within a few minutes of being there. As you can imagine, I was not a happy camper!

As the large machine began its wash cycle, water began leaking all over. I was beginning to freak out but thankfully the manager was around and managed to fix the problem. I thought it was because I hand't closed the door properly but, apparently, it was the machine that needed to be repaired.

After that little episode, I realized that I hadn't seen the light for spin cycle, or any light for that matter, on the small washer. I kept waiting to see when the light would turn on so I can put some liquid fabric softener in it. I kept waiting.... waiting... and I waited some more. Is it because I put it in the "hot" wash cycle setting that it is taking longer to wash than normal?

While I sat there waiting for the light to appear, I realized I had to wash my bra (since I had packed everything, but extra bras). I looked around and there were only four other ladies doing their laundry. So I slowly (trying to be inconspicuous) began taking off my bra and pulled it out from under my shirt. I then quicky threw it in the wash. Little did I know that, as hard as I was trying not to bring too much attention to myself, there was a man in his truck watching me through the window all that time! I was embarrassed! Oh well....if he saw anything, I hoped he enjoyed the little peep show because that's the last time I'll be stripping at the laundromat!

Finally the dark load was done and I put it in a dryer. While the clothes were drying, I went to check on my whites. I soon realized that the machine was still in wash cycle. The lights were not on so I couldn't tell what cycle it was really in, but it was apparent that it was still in the same cycle from when I first put my clothes in. What the hell!!! I immediately took the whites out of that machine and set them in a different machine. Now I had to wait longer for an extra load to wash not to mention having to pay for another machine (since the manager had left the building)!

When I went to check on the dryer, the clothes were still wet. What???!!! I had already put four quarters in it! It finally took $2.50 to actually dry them enough to take home. I wasn't aware that the price for drying clothes had gone up! I remember when we used to dry a load with two quarters max! The heck with that! I wasn't about to pay more than $2.50! Even if it meant having to hang my clothes and/or set them on the air conditioner in my hotel room!

So here I was... braless in public, with a t-shirt that was wet, hot and sticky, in a bad mood, with machines that were not working properly and ended up paying more to wash and dry my clothes than I bargained for!!!!

This is why I can actually say I HATE going to the laundromat! Oh... now I know how much I appreciate having my own washer and dryer!

...

2006-08-09T18:32:00.000-06:00

Two weeks ago, we went out of town to go see my husband’s softball team play for the State Tournament. Those girls did a great job playing against the top three best teams of the state. The teams that our girls faced were tough to play against. The last day, our girls played a double header against last year’s State champions. They gave the first place team a tough fight. They won the first game but ended up losing the second game.

The weather had been extremely hot and humid. Every day, we went to watch the girls play and, I’m not kidding, by the time the game was over, everyone was drenched in sweat. We had to keep drinking lots of water and putting cold wet towels on our necks to keep cool. It was horrible! I’m surprised at how the girls managed to play in those conditions. Thank God there were no incidents because it was unbelievably hot! The good thing about this is that I think I might have lost a few pounds. Yay!

It was a great experience to watch our girls work hard and play hard. They’ve truly come a long way! Unfortunately, during the course of this event, there was too much drama going on which I cannot speak about. But because of this, in some way or another, this may have caused their relationship/friendship to be affected, and I'm talking about the adults! It’s too bad that things like this have to happen on such a special and important event. Hopefully, people can get past this…!

But other than that I’m very proud of our girls! They’ve been working all year and finally their efforts paid off! And now that they had a little taste of it, they are already looking forward to next year!

I had not planned on going. Expecially because I did not have anyone to watch my pets. But my hubby convinced me to go since my boss had given me the Monday off. It would be a nice mini-vacation. We dropped our pets to the vet and had them spend the weekend there. Little did I know that I was going to spend more days than I intended to. We left Friday after work and came home Wednesday late afternoon. I went back to work on Thursday. I had to call my boss to let him know I was taking two extra days and I’m sure he wasn’t too happy about it. But things worked out o.k.

When we got home, it was like a sauna. And, we found the freezer door to our fridge open and all the meats that we had just bought a few days before we left were defrosted and spoiled! It was so nasty…water everywhere not to mention the smell!!!

Oh, it’s good to be home!

happy birthday to me...!

2006-08-07T18:19:00.000-06:00

These past few months have been trying times for me. I've exprienced too much drama around me that will last me a lifetime! I'm just tired of all the BS!

After everything's said and done, I can honestly say, it's been along time baby!

So here's to me! To good times and better days!

...

2006-08-07T17:46:00.000-06:00

In the morning when my boss came to the office, he surprised me with beautiful purple orchids. How sweet!

My friends and co-workers setup my desk with baked goodies and chocolate covered strawberries! Mmmm...! Plus I got gifts! Yay! And before I left work, we celebrated my birthday with a bottle of champagne.

That night my hubby took me to dinner at a Korean restaurant. I can't believe I like Korean food. They served us with different side dishes of spicy appetizers, including white rice. We ordered beef ribs and steak that we had to cook over the grill on our table. I also had a side dish of grilled calamari. And instead of a bread product, they gave us a basket of romaine lettuce leaves which we filled with all those ingredients and rolled it like a mini Korean burrito! Man was it spicy and it had lots of garlic! Not a good date dinner if you ask me, unless you're a couple whose been together for a while and love garlic! So bring out the toothbrushes, mouth wash and a few pieces of minty gum cause I'm telling you watch out for that breath!

The next evening, my two sisters (and my sister's boyfriend) took me out to dinner at Cafe Iberico (my hubby didn't want to join us so he stayed home). We were served tapas (which are side dishes of different types of food)! We ate shrimp, calamari, chicken, spicy potatoes and beef. The food was fabulous! We also drank lots of sangrias! It got to the point, where I could drink no more.

After our fine dinner, we went to Lalos for after drinks. There was a dance floor and the DJ was playing good music. My sisters both pulled me to the dance floor. At first, I didn't want to because as usual, I get embarassed. But I got over it and began to dance with them. And to show you how out of shape I am, I was having a hard time dancing. I haven't danced in so long, I can't remember how to. My legs began to feel shaky and wobbly and I was having a hard time keeping up. It was one of those mixes that kept going and going. I didn't think I could make it out of the dance floor without help! After dancing with my sisters, and as the night progressed, the DJ began playing cumbias and barchatas. So my sister GC told her boyfriend to take me out on the dance floor. He's such a good dancer and he was easy to follow. All I had to do was keep up with his steps, twirls and turns and believe me, I was trying like hell not to lose step and fall flat on my face! And that in itself was a lot of work! Who needs exercise when you can dance!

They kept on trying to buy me more drinks but I couldn't drink anymore. Not because I didn't want to, but because I had too much to eat and I was too full! I was glad that I got to dance a few songs just to keep moving.

I've been eating just about everything these past few days, I'm going to seriously have to watch what I eat. (yeah right!) But it's all been good! I can actually say, it's been a good birthday.

Happy birthday to me...!

Mystic blue...

2006-08-07T17:15:00.000-06:00

August 3, 2006 - My mom and I took a boat cruise at Navy Pier. Couldn't have asked for better weather. It was perfect! Especially after having very hot and humid weather the days before.

We had a wonderful dinner and listened to good music. After dinner, we went upstairs to look at the beautiful view of the lake front. Mom and I had a nice mother and daughter get together.

my life in a baseball field...

2006-07-12T22:50:00.000-06:00

Recently, I have been going to physical therapy for my neck and shoulder and it's helped immensely. I can now move my neck after 2-1/2 weeks of being stiff and with pain (which has also been caused by stress). Slowly but surely, it's finally getting better and I'm finally in a better mood. I appreciate my my neck and back a little more and am more careful. I need to take time for myself and stretch out to relieve all that tension.

I haven't been on the computer as much for the same reason. Until now, I finally had a chance to look at my e-mails and download some pictures.

And yet at the same time, practically every day, I've been going to baseball/softball games to see my son and daughter play. Sometimes from morning to evening and at times from one field to another.

I don't know any other life but at the fields. If this keeps up, I may just pitch a tent up and spend the nights, since I practically live there!

I'm told that the tournaments will end by the end of July. I'm counting the days...

How do you spell relief...?

2006-06-26T16:14:00.000-06:00

I finally called the doctor today to schedule an appointment.  For about a week now, I’ve had pain down my neck and shoulder.  I don’t know whether I have a pinch nerve or it’s something else.  But my neck feels a little stiff and there is some tingling going on.  I’ve had trouble sleeping due to the pain.  I can’t handle the pain anymore…!

I wish my doc would recommend that I get a therapeutic massage or get some type of therapy.   A couple of years ago, I was going to a chiropractor but honestly, I rather get a massage instead.  Although I’ve heard from several people today that acupuncture works wonders.  I may even consider that option if nothing else helps.   I just need some form of relief without having to take medications.

After work, stiff neck and all, I decided to go get my pictures downloaded to a CD.  As I entered the store, I heard an old man in crutches having a loud discussion with the store manager as he was in line at the cash register (he might have been a homeless guy).  Because of him, there was a long line of customers waiting to purchase their items.  I continued to walk into the store and went over to the photo section to use a Kodak machine so I could purchase my picture CD.

While waiting for my pictures to download, I heard the old man getting closer as his voice got louder and louder and before I could turn around to see what was going on (due to my stiff neck), he got too close to me and literally pushed me hard (with his elbow).  So I got pinned between the Kodak machine and the old man.  It happened so quickly that I did not have time to react.  Lucky for me, nothing happened.  I finally turned to see the guy and he was still walking and talking loudly as the store clerk (who was walking him out) turned to me and apologized.  Usually when things like that happen, I tend to get nervous, but at that point, I was more worried about my neck.

So how do you spell relief..?  I DON’T CARE …!   JUST GIVE IT TO ME!!!

you can say it, but can you spell it...?

2006-06-24T10:43:00.000-06:00

Conversation between the kids as they were eating pizza:

Beebo: “That’s absurd.”

Deming: “Man, Beebo uses big words everyday.”

Beebo: As they continued with their conversation he blurts out… “sodium chloride!”

Deming’s
friend: “I bet you don’t even know what it means.”

Beebo: “That’s salt!”

Deming’s
Friend: “But can you spell it?”

Beebo: “S-A-L-T”

Everyone laughs!

...

2006-06-23T17:35:00.000-06:00

As I am standing waiting for my train, a young pregnant girl (in her late teens or early twenties) comes up to me and says in a low and raspy voice... "Can I ask you a question?" I turn to look at her and she's either not feeling well or she's on some kind of drugs. She says, "Do you have spare change so my baby and I can eat?" For a split second, I felt sorry for her and almost dug into my purse to get some change, but my train was coming and I said to her, "Sorry, I don't have any."

And every day for the past week or so she continues to come up to me (and to everyone else whose standing around) asking for money for food. It's terrible knowing that she uses her pregnancy as part of her trick to get money from people. A couple of times, I've seen an older guy talking to her (he looks like he's part of this little scheme) and she begins her rounds.

Today, for the first time, I felt a mixed emotion of sorrow and disgust. But the one person I truly felt sorry for is the little baby she is carrying inside of her. The young girl was smoking a cigarette as she went around asking for money. So not only is she smoking while she's pregnant, but you know she's a junkie and is using whatever money she gets for drugs.

If you don't care about yourself that's one thing, but then why bring an innocent child into this world? How can you continue what you are doing while being pregnant? The poor little baby is going to come into this world with serious problems and addictions and who knows where it may end up. This baby doesn't deserve this.

It's so sad.. just thinking of how many pregnant girls are out there doing the same not only to themselves but to their babies.

sun plate...

2006-06-11T12:52:00.000-06:00

It's practically the middle of June but the past few days have felt like the beginning of fall. It's been cloudy and cold! Instead of getting out the shorts and tank tops, we've been pulling out our sweaters and jackets! So much for putting the winter clothes away.

What's up with that? Where's the sun?

She's come home...!

2006-06-06T16:15:00.000-06:00

Yay! We found my pet Coqueta!

The pound had called us yesterday to let us know they had her, but we were out and didn't get the message until last night. My hubby went to pick her up this morning. They found her last Sunday a few blocks down the street.

The kids and I are so happy to see her back and well. Welcome home my baby girl!

coqueta...where are u?

2006-06-03T21:40:00.000-06:00

I’m so sad…!

Our pet Coqueta of 14 years is missing! The night before last, I let her out in the yard to pee and when I opened the door to let her back in, she was gone. I called out her name several times, but didn’t see her anywhere.

My kids went out looking for her but soon got late and and they had to come inside to go to bed. We’ve been searching for her ever since and as of yet still haven’t found her. We called the vet’s office and the dog pound in hopes that someone found her and turned her in. No such luck!

She’s not one to run away. I’m beginning to worry about her. I’m hoping she finds her way back home. She’s up there in age and can’t hear very well.

I just hope it’s not too late and something bad has happened to her…!

Coqueta where are you?

how well do you know yourself...?

2006-06-02T17:44:00.000-06:00

As I was riding the train on my way home from work, I saw an ad posted for Loyola University, which read:

“Know yourself first
Change the world second.”

It got my attention.  It got me thinking.   Hmmmmm, know yourself first.  How well do I know myself?

Do I really know who I am?    I know my limits…at least I think I do.  But do I really know them if I haven’t been pushed hard enough?  What are my strengths and weaknesses?  Questions I hate because I don’t know how to answer them.

Know yourself first… o.k. well, I’m… I… I don’t even know what to say.  Every time I try to put it into words… things about me… I draw blanks!

The other day, one of my daughter’s friends asked me, “What did you want to be when you were growing up?”  I honesty didn’t know what to say.  Did I have dreams and hopes?  Did I ever think I would amount to anything?  I finally answered, “I wanted to be a flight attendant.”  Yeah… I think I wanted to be that.  At least it was one my choices.

A long time ago in school, I was given a short questionnaire which contained questions about myself, i.e. what type of career I wanted to have, etc.   I knew kids who knew exactly what they wanted to be and where they were headed.  I kept going back and forth with my answers as to what I wanted to be and what kind of career I would choose.  I couldn’t make up my mind.  I didn’t think I could be a professional such as a lawyer or a doctor because I had to deal with people and I wasn’t confident enough to be able to make tough and serious decisions.

I remember answering that I wanted to be an actress/model/dancer.  Of course, it was something I knew was not within my reach.  I loved to sing but I don’t have the voice for it.  I wanted to be a model but I was too short and didn’t have the skinny body.  I loved the movies and dancing so I thought I could be an actress and a dancer, and yet, I was too shy and embarrassed to even go onstage.

I was…still am hopeless.  If I were to start all over, I still wouldn’t know exactly want I want to be.  I could never make up mind… I’m too indecisive.  I tend to be embarrassed easily and I have low self-esteem.

Now that the kids are a little older, they seem to pay more attention.  I have to be careful… I don’t want my kids to grow up and be like me.

So how can I possibly make a difference… especially in my children’s lives?

Try as I might, my only hope is that I am a good mother to them and that that in itself will make a difference.

a poem for grandma...

2006-06-02T15:47:00.000-06:00

As I was cleaning out a drawer, I came across a poem my daughter wrote a couple of years ago (I assume since it has no date) for her grandma on Grandparents Day.

A Poem for Grandma Jean.

by Deming

My grandma is so funny.
Her hair is fluffy like a bunny.
She has brown eyes.
Her eyes are medium size like mine.
She is my dad's mom
She is my mom's mom friend.
It's like friendship never ends.
She has tan skin just like my dad's.
She buys us toys.
So that's my silly dad's mom, buyer of toys, Grandma Jean.

Love,

Deming

Happy birthday grandma...!

2006-05-31T21:10:00.000-06:00

May 30 was my kids great-grandma's birthday. She is 79 years young!

My grandma is an amazing woman. Even though she went through tough times in her life (my grandfather died when my mom was 9 years old), she was able to pull through with 8 kids. She had an interesting, hard life, full of experiences. But that only made her a better person. She's funny, doesn't hold back and she tells it like is.

Happy Birthday Grandma!

Happy birthday to my hubby...

2006-05-31T21:02:00.000-06:00

May 28.

My husband had a good birthday. After a long weekend coaching his softball team. He got the best gift of all... his girls won the Memorial Day weekend tournament. For a coach... that meant a lot to him. He was happy and excited.

We spent the rest of the week cleaning out the yard and finally got to relax a little!

Happy birthday my love... :) !

Memorial Day weekend softball tournament...

2006-05-31T20:36:00.000-06:00

My husband's junior traveling team competed in a Memorial Day weekend tournament. They had already played three other games and beat the other teams they played against. This was their fourth and final game.

It was the bottom of the 7th inning. They were tied and the other team was last at bat. Our girls had one girl hurt coming home. Everyone was biting their nails and cheering hard for their team.

Our fast pitcher got on the mound ... 1, 2...3, she struck them out! It was nerve wrecking! I cannot imagine what it must be like being in the game itself! Fortunatley, they had to go for another inning to break the tie. Who will win?

It was the top of the 8th inning and our team managed to get three runs in. The fans were cheering and clapping with excitement. Whoo hoo! Go SC!!!

Finally the other team was up and was their last chance at bat to score runs. The pressure was on for our pitcher. Can she do it? Will the other team catch up and beat us?

I heared my husband yell out to our pitcher, "Come on now! Don't give it up... you can do it!" "Just focus... one batter at a time!" The pitcher closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She began to fully focus on each pitch. She was on full concentration mode and she was fast. She was on fire...! She struck the first batter... then the other... and finally the last batter!

Hurray! The crowd went wild! They won the the tournament ... 8-5!

Congrats to SC!

camping...

2006-05-31T20:10:00.000-06:00

May 26-28.

My daughter went to her first Girls Scout camping trip. They went horseback riding, hiking, and swimming at the beach. She got to camp out and enjoy time with her friends.

Blue Sky...

2006-05-31T19:46:00.000-06:00

Picture taken May 25.

Amy's b-day...

2006-05-31T19:21:00.000-06:00

May 20, 2006.

After my daughter's game, we celebrated Amy's birthday by going bowling and later had a sleepover at my sister's house.

Happy birthday Amy!

Congrats to Class of 2006...!

2006-05-31T18:59:00.000-06:00

May 20, 2006.

My godchild graduated from HS!

Even though mygodchild and her family have gone through difficult times, she has shown us that she is not willing to give up on herself or her family. She managed to survive HS and has finally made it through this point in her life! She chose the right path... and that was to finish high school and soon, by midsummer, begin college!

Congrats! We wish you well and are very proud of you!

teenagers...!

2006-05-21T09:04:00.000-06:00

I’ve been doing a lot of yelling at my kids lately.  They just don’t seem to listen.  My son has a tendency to argue with me when asked to do something.  “Why do I have to do it?” He asks.  “Because I’m asking you,” I reply.  To which he begins with a whole slew of arguments as to why he shouldn’t do it.  “It’s not my turn… I didn’t do it…it’s not fair.”   And he won’t quit until he makes his point.  I get exasperated because all I wanted from him was to do what I asked him to do.

My daughter is on the sensitive side but she’s now starting to rebel…she’s 13!!!

She’s had a study guide to complete at least three weeks in advance before her test.  The teacher e-mailed me on Thursday informing me her test will be this Monday.  I was upset because I know it takes my daughter at least a week of studying to become familiar with her study guide.  I told her dad about it and, knowing she wanted to go to her school dance last Friday, he told her she had to completed the study guide by that day or she wouldn’t be able to go.  As far as I was concerned, I wasn’t going to allow her to go to her dance.  I wanted to show her that she had to take responsibility and that there are consequences if she didn’t.  Am I wrong on this?

I had a talk with her on Thursday and told her that she was going to have to study all weekend for this test.  “You have your cousin’s birthday party to go to and it’s a sleepover.”  “But since you waited too long to complete and review your study guide, you cannot stay for the sleepover.”  She says, “O.k.  o.k. I know.”  “Alright, I just want to make sure we’re clear on this,” I say.  She did complete her study guide by Friday and her dad let her go to her school’s dance.    But just because she completed the guide didn’t mean she studied and knows her questions.

Yesterday, morning, she had to go to her friend’s house to finish a school project.  She later had to go to her softball game.  Once her game was over, we went to her cousin’s birthday party.  First, we went bowling and after that we went to my sister’s house where they were going to have the sleepover.  When it was getting late, I told my daughter, “Come on, it’s time to go.”  “But why?!”  “I want to stay,” she moans.   “It’s getting late!”

All the cousins said at once, “No.  Can’t she stay?!  Please!  It’s a sleepover!”  My sister then says to me, “Why can’t she stay?”  “Let her stay.” “I’ll take her in the morning.”  I said to her, “No, she can’t stay.  She knows what she has to do.”  We went back and forth on this (now I know why my son is this way) and my sister was getting upset with me too.  “Why do you have to be this way?”  “I said I’ll take her in the morning!”  But knowing my sister and the kids, they will be up all night and getting up really late.  I wanted my daughter to get an early start on her last day of studying.  Especially when she has a game scheduled for later today.

I began to feel bad and a little guilty for not letting her stay and wondered if I was doing the right thing.  Didn’t we have this discussion already?  Somehow I knew this was going to happen.

We eventually left the party. Once we got home, I went upstairs to my daughter’s room to have a talk with her.  I was a little upset with her for putting me in that position.  I felt like I was being the bad guy here!   I began to reminder her of our little discussion that we had earlier and she began to cry.  “Why do you have to be that way?”  “Why couldn’t I stay?”  “I completed the study guide and I studied on Thursday.”  “You never let me do anything!”

Should I have let her stay?  Was I wrong in not letting her?  Am I being unfair to her?  She doesn’t get to do anything?  Wait a minute here... she did get to go to her school dance and she went to her cousin’s party.  Why would she say I don’t let her do anything?

I went to bed upset knowing that this was only the beginning.  Wait until she’s in high school…I don’t think I’m ready for this…!

The challenge...

2006-05-18T16:32:00.000-06:00

I went to the doctor this afternoon to get a physical.

The major concern…I’m overweight!  I got on that scale and I almost died!  I couldn’t believe my eyes!  Was the scale broken?  Would it help if I took off all my clothes?  I knew the numbers flashing at me were correct…after all, it was a digital scale.  OMG!  Is that really how much I weigh?  How could I have let this happen to me?!!!

I’ve been under a lot of stress lately and have a tendency of eating when I’m stressed even when I’m not hungry.  I know this is bad but I still do it!   Why?  I have no idea.

My brain talks to me and tries to reason with me.  It even tries to put some fear in me but my mouth and stomach tell me a different story.  It’s like the angel and the devil on my shoulders.

The Angel:  “No, don’t eat it.  You’re just doing it because you’re stressed.  Walk away, you don’t need it!”

The Devil whispering in my ear:  “Doesn’t it look good?  I bet it tastes soooo good.  Come on, I know you want to try it.  Just take one bite that’s all.  Mmmm…just one bite… go on, it’s not going to hurt you.”

So guess who wins?  I keep thinking to myself, “No, I don’t need it, I shouldn’t.”  as I take a bite.  “No, I must stop,” as I continue to take another.   And the next thing I know, I’m eating away.  My problem…I can’t just have one bite.  The minute I have a taste (especially if it’s good), I can’t seem to stop myself.  I keep going… and going… like the energizer bunny.

As I’m speaking with my doc, I tell her, “I have no will power, and I’m starting to consider taking diet pills or… and before I even finished my sentence she turns to me says, “It might seem like an easy way to do it, but there is no easy way.  Best thing to do is exercise and follow it with good well-balanced meals.”

My doctor asked me, “How much weight would like to lose?”  I wanted to say 60 pounds but only thought to myself.  Of course, I had to be more realistic.  “I would definitely like to lose between 30-40 lbs.”  She looked at me and said, “You can do it.”  “Just cut back on the breads and pastas.  Reduce your sugar intake and avoid drinking sweet juices or sodas and I assure you, if you do, you will lose those pounds!”

Sounds easy, right?   Yeah, right!  It’s going to be tough not eating what I love…mmmmmm breads, muffins, bagels, sweet rolls and donuts!  How can I fight the temptation and say “no” to them.  Especially, when at work there is always someone bringing them in the morning.  When someone offers me a muffin or donut (even if my mind is yelling out “No, don’t take it!”), my hand immediately goes for the muffin…I just can’t seem to refuse!

I have to put my foot down!

I’m setting a goal for myself to losing 40 pounds within the next 6-8 months;
I will make an effort to walk more (at least 30 minutes a day);
I will exercise at least three times a week (at least an hour of exercise); and
I will try to reduce my food intake and avoid the fatty and fast foods.

I know it’s going to be a great challenge… let’s see how and if… I CAN DO THIS!!!

And it begins right here… right now…with me getting off this computer and getting my BIG BUTT off this chair!

...

2006-05-16T19:44:00.000-06:00

I’ve been very busy with the kids in baseball/softball.  They’ve been having a game almost every day.   They had actually scheduled a game on Mother’s Day but luckily it got canceled.

The thing I’m most proud of is that I’ve been doing a lot of driving.  If you know me…I don’t drive.  I HATE DRIVING!  I’M SCARED OF DRIVING!  But lately, I have no other choice.  My husband has his own softball team he’s carrying, my daughter is in another and my son is in another baseball team.   I’m still nervous about driving.  Slowly but surely I’m getting a little more confident behind the wheel.

I often wonder…why me?  Why can’t I be more like everyone else?  Why is it difficult for me to get behind the wheel?  This is so stupid!  I see young kids and little old ladies driving.  So why can’t I?  There are times when I actually cry over it, and many more times when I’ve fought with my hubby over this.  But when I think of my kids, I’m doing this for them.  If they only knew the pain and suffering I go through everyday!

Today, I had to drive my son to the field for his game.  After dropping him off, I had to drive my daughter to her practice/meeting at another field and stayed there until they were finished.   I then had to drive back to my son’s game and got to watch one inning.  It was the last inning and they were 5-5, one out and my son was up to bat.  He had two strikes on him and on in his last attempt to bat, he hit a line drive past first base.  He ran to first, continued running to second, then to third.  As he was running he slid to third base and tore his pant pocket.   Everyone was screaming and cheering for my son.  He had a proud look on his face.

All we needed was one run to win the game and since they were last at bat.   Unfortunately, the other two batters struck out and the game was tied.  It was a great inning and a good game against a team that last time slaughtered them.   My son’s team is tough and never gave up!

I was glad when the game was over because my main concern was getting home safely.   Ay, ya yay!   What am I going to do?

Four Generations...!

2006-05-15T15:29:00.000-06:00

Happy b-day Italee...!

2006-05-15T15:26:00.000-06:00

Saturday, we celebrated my little niece's birthday.

Happy birthday Italee!

Coke or Pepsi...?

2006-05-12T16:07:00.000-06:00

I'll have the water!

My little artists...

2006-05-10T15:59:00.000-06:00

May 4, was the silent auction for the artwork created by the children who attended the "Bring Your Child to Work Day". The funds are donated to The Windy City Habitat for Humanity.

I was not able to attend this event due to my kids playing their baseball games that afternoon.

All children's art work were placed in frames for bidding. I soon found out that my children's artwork was bought and sold for a nice price.

Today, and to my surprise, one of the persons whom I've worked for in the past, outbid the others for my daughter's masterpiece and gave it to me. How cool is that! Unfortunately, I didn't get to take a picture of my son's drawing. Guess what theme he drew? Cubs, of course! Apparently, from what I've been told, his artwork was sold a little higher than my daughter's.

I'm so proud of my kids!

Happy birthday mom and dad...!

2006-05-10T15:52:00.000-06:00

May 6 is my mom and dad's birthday. They were both born on the same day but four years apart.

My dad is in Mexico visiting with my grandma while at home, we all got together at my mom's place to celebrate her birthday and to visit with my grandma (her mom) who is in town for the summer.

My uncle, who is an excellent cook, cooked pork ribs in red chile and baked stuffed chickens. My brother's MIL cooked arroz con gandules. The food was delicous!

After dinner, the kids gathered around my mom and sang happy birthday to her.

Later that evening, we sat in the livingroom to watch the boxing match.

Happy b-day JC...!

2006-05-09T16:41:00.000-06:00

May 5 was my little sister's 25th b-day. My other sister threw her a party at her house. She also baked this cake. Mmmm....!

Not only was there a DJ at the party but they also set up a mini tattoo parlor. One was getting a tattoo while another was getting piercings....!

And no... I didn't get a tattoo.... nor a piercing...!

happy b-day Chiquis...!

2006-05-09T16:38:00.000-06:00

May 5

Chiquis is a year old!

Hey pitcher, pitcher...!

2006-05-09T16:22:00.000-06:00

May 3 - My daughter pitched her first game of the season. She is not the fastest pitcher nor the best but she almost pitched a perfect game... she was pitching strikes.

In the last inning, the second batter up was able to hit off of her but before long, she struck out the batters. They won their game 9-0.

grandparents day...

2006-05-09T15:48:00.000-06:00

May 4 was "Grandparents Day" at our kids' school. My mom and grandma were able to attend this event.

My sister AC went to pick up my mom and grandma at their house and drove them over to the school. Unfortunately, on their way there, she was stuck in traffic due to a train crossing. They arrived at the school a half hour late.

By what my sister and mom later told me, when they saw my son, he had a look of disappiontment on his face and was very upset. Last year, my mom had promised my son she was going to attend and in the end was not able to because she became ill.

This year, my son was looking forward to having grandma visit with them at the school. He called her on the phone several times to remind her and to confirm that she was going to make it.

I'm sure he was looking around for them and when he did not find them, he assumed they were not showing up (again!). My poor son, I could only imagine what was going through his head...

Eventually, when they got to the school, my son and daughter were very happy and excited to see them. Especially because my grandma (their great grandmother) had also attended (she arrived two days before from Mexico and will be staying here for the summer). The kids were able to leave the school for lunch and they got to spend a nice afternoon with their grandparents.

true fans...

2006-05-08T16:46:00.000-06:00

Baseball season has begun and I have been extremely busy with the kids.

And of course, since my kids are in different teams and different age group level, they play their games at different times and in different fields. But there will be times when they will also have their games at the same time.

My daughter is playing softball. My hubby doesn't coach her team anymore since he moved up with the junior girls. So we now have three games to watch.

The sad part is that, due to conflicts of schedules, my hubby and I will end up missing one of my daughter or son's game at one point or another. I know it's going to be hard having to miss watching them play. But hopefully it won't be too many of them.

April 29, my daughter was playing her first game. That day was cold and drizzling. But the girls were tough! They continued with the game and won! They girls played hard and well and the fans (us parents) were out there cheering them on!

millenium park...

2006-05-02T19:04:00.000-06:00

bring your child to work day...

2006-04-28T20:54:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, was an exciting day for the kids. It was "Bring your child to work day." The office has hosted this event for several years now in which the kids get to spend the day with you at the office.

Boring... you might think. But they actually have various fun activities for the kids to do. And every year it's a different theme. This year's theme was the BM express.

The morning started with breakfast and introduction. The kids got their name tags and little caps. Afterwards, they got to go around to each floor in which they represented different countries.

Our floor represented China. And one of the games played was "Pin the tail on China". My son was blindfolded and had to pin his sticker where he thought China might be located on the map. He began taking his sweet time and I said to him, "You have to hurry, there's other kids waiting in line." He finally pins the tail and ended up in Russia. When he removed the blindfold and saw where he put the sticker, he says to me, "Mom, I pinned it on Russia because you rusha me...!

The kids all got candies, goodies and prizes, including a t-shirt. At the end of this event, the kids got to create their own art work and were also provided with lunch.

The kids and the people from the office who participated had a great time and are always looking forward to upcoming year. In fact, they make it so much fun, that kids actually think going to work is nothing but fun and games!

Ha! If they only knew....!

flowers for you...!

2006-04-28T20:32:00.000-06:00

I love tulips!

enjoying a cup of coffee...

2006-04-26T06:39:00.000-06:00

This morning, I actually got up a half hour earlier. And because of it, I was able to get the kids and myself ready without having to rush.

I also get to enjoy a nice cup of coffee. Mmmmm...!

strike a pose...

2006-04-25T17:12:00.000-06:00

Chiquis

...tail

2006-04-24T15:21:00.000-06:00

...

2006-04-23T07:30:00.000-06:00

tulips

2006-04-23T07:19:00.000-06:00

green grass

2006-04-22T08:06:00.000-06:00

"moms don't show belly buttons...!"

2006-04-21T13:17:00.000-06:00

Finally, warm weather! These past few days have been absolutely fabulous!

Unfortunately for me, I have gained a couple of pounds (o.k. more like 15 lbs!) this past winter. And now that the weather is warming up, I'm having a hard time fitting into my summer clothes.

When I looked outside the window, I saw people strolling by wearing their shorts, sleeveless shirts or tank tops. Oh... to be able to wear those types of clothes.

As I looked in mirror, I realized how disappointed I am with myself. I'm definitely not comfortable wearing tight clothes.

Yesterday, I put on a tank top under my shirt. It fit way too tight on me (I felt like a balloon ready to burst) and it kept creeping up over my belly button.

My daughter sees this and she says to me, "Mom... (as she's pulling down on my shirt)... Moms don't show belly buttons!"

I went back inside the house and changed to a bigger shirt that covered up everything!

uniform pick up day...

2006-04-21T08:49:00.000-06:00

This week, I’ve been busy with household chores.  And now that baseball season has begun, I have also been busy volunteering and helping at the baseball field.

Yesterday was uniform pick up day.  When I got to the clubhouse, there were two lines forming from the clubhouse snaking all the way outside.  And of course, there were only three girls assisting with getting the children’s names, confirming that they paid and writing out receipts for those who owed still money.  And only a few guys helping out with making sure they saw their “paid in full” receipt to pass out the uniforms.  How hard can it be right?  When you have a mass of people and they are all bitching and complaining… well let me tell you, it got chaotic!

Not only parents were getting frustrated because they had to stand and wait in line but others also complained because they didn’t have all the money and were told they couldn’t pick up their kids’ uniform (even though on the day of registration, they were told “all monies must be paid by uniform pick up day or you will not be given a uniform”).

I recognized a few people from registration day and others from my son’s team of previous years.  One lady looks up at me and smiled.  She recognized me from when we registered her son.  She pulled out her money but unfortunately was $5 short.  The person in charge of taking the money asked her if she had the $5 and the lady said, “I don’t have the $5, can’t I get the uniform now and I’ll pay you later?”  The girl responded.  “I’m sorry, but without full payment, you cannot pick up the uniform.”  The lady got upset.  “You mean for $5, I can’t get the uniform?” “Sorry, that’s what everyone was told, you must be paid in full.”  The lady’s face began to change from a friendly face to one of anger and disbelief.  “I can’t believe this, it’s ridiculous, for $5!  I want my money back!

If it were up to us…yes, we would probably have given her the uniform, but we couldn’t do it.  I told her in Spanish, “Señora, I’m sorry, but if we give you the uniform, we would have to do the same for the rest of the people waiting in line behind you.”  The people behind her were looking to see if we were going to give this lady a break.  She huffed and puffed and took her money and left.     I think I just lost a potential friend.

If you go to the grocery store and end up short in cash, would they let you take your groceries?  No!   And believe me, when we’ve given people breaks, it gets harder to collect the money later and/or everyone else will expect the same.  It just gets too complicated.  Oh well…you win some you lose some…

We had to explain (over and over) that if they were not paid in full, they could not pick up the uniform.  Some claimed that they were never told.  Others wanted to cut in line with different excuses as to why we should let them go first…they were waiting in line far too long… they had to leave soon… they couldn’t come back later, etc.    A few were complaining amongst each other and one lady actually cussed us out.

I don’t blame all the parents for complaining, as it was a little disorganized but this is what happens when you only have a small number of people helping out.  And it’s always the same small group of people…there should be more volunteering.  Everyone got information either verbally or by mail.  They’ve all been told WE NEED more VOLUNTEERS.  But the reality is that the people who are the first ones to bitch and complain never step up to help out or volunteer.

PEOPLE…this is a not-for-profit organization.  NO ONE gets paid to do this job.  The few you see working are taking time out of their busy schedules to volunteer and ensure that this program is up and running… it takes a lot of time and effort…we’re doing this for OUR KIDS!

Why can’t they understand that?

...

2006-04-20T10:31:00.000-06:00

After washing dishing and sweeping, I decided I no longer wanted to be inside the house.  I got the kids to go outside with me and clean out the yard instead.  I had forgotten how hard yard work can be.  Especially, since it hasn’t been done since last summer.  In fact, now that I think about it, I did most of the yard work last summer, since my hubby has been and still is too busy.

A few months ago, we had our tree trimmed.  My husband decided he wanted to keep the wood for our fireplace, so the tree trimmers left a huge pile of wood in the middle of our yard and has been a mess since then.  It took me about an hour or so to finish picking up the pieces of wood and set them aside and out of the way into smaller piles.  That alone was quite a workout. I also raked the leaves left over from last Fall.

Even with all that work, I didn’t mind it because I was outside enjoying the weather, the sun, being with my kids and burning a few calories while I was at it.

It was truly a gorgeous day….the weather was just perfect!  The sun was out and there was a nice warm breeze.  What more could I wish for?

Wish I could have been taking in the sun and enjoying a good piña colada!

my new dryer...

2006-04-20T10:10:00.000-06:00

I finally got my new dryer installed yesterday afternoon!

The nice thing about my new dryer is that it dries my clothes in less time than the old one. In fact, by the time my wash is finished, my dryer is ready for a new load.

The only problem is that there was a small piece of sticker stuck where the name of the brand is located on the face of the dryer, and when I tried removing it, some of the plastic cover got scratched off. My dryer is brand new and I’m excited about it, but when I look at the scratched part, it really ticks me off! Now why did I have to go and do that? Oh, well…

So guess, what I’ve been doing since yesterday…. loads and loads of laundry!

I’ll be done with most of my laundry for today.

I’m soooo happy!

one day at a time...

2006-04-18T07:26:00.000-06:00

I’m not so sure if I can be a stay home mom.

Since Friday, I’ve been off from work and so far, I’ve been having a little trouble (o.k. more like I’m going crazy) being home all day.

It’s getting to the point where I’m feeling depressed.  I can’t handle this.  Don’t get me wrong.  I like being a home… more than most.  But with all the things I have to get done which have been put off for so long and now have become too overwhelming.

I put too much pressure on myself to get things done.  That’s because I’m used to it at work.  Hurry, hurry, rush, rush… everything has to get done by the end of the day.  That approach definitely does not work in the home place.  Nope.    I have to take time to organize not only my thoughts but also my house in general.  Being home makes me realize that it’s in a chaotic state.  I got too much “junk” in every room.  I need to get rid of things that are just making clutter and organizing the things I want to keep.

I have done this in the past.  Just when I think I have it under control, I turn around and I’m back where a started.  How did everything get out of hand? What the…?  I almost want to cry…!

There is this feeling of frustration that begins to creep up on me.  And I ask myself, “Why does it always happen to me?”  I’m supposed to be on vacation.  Remember?  Why is it when I take time off instead of relaxing there’s more pressure, stress and work to do.  It almost makes me wish I were back at work (what does that tell you?).

I know what you’re thinking.  How come the hubby and kids aren’t helping you?  To answer that question, my husband is too busy with work and other activities to do much around the house.  As far as the kids, I do have them help clean (well, once in a while).  And that’s my problem…I’m not consistent with them.  I ask them to do chores one day and then do not follow up or continue to have them do it everyday.  Plus, I start feeling guilty because they too are off on vacation.  And if I’m feeling this way, imagine them.

I have to keep reminding myself, don’t worry…just take one day at a time… one room a day to get things organized.  I can do this… I have to think positive.

And now to end this on a good note… I’m getting a new dryer delivered tomorrow.  Yay!  That just made my day!

feeling gray...

2006-04-17T12:16:00.000-06:00

I'm on vacation from work, yet work at home never ends. There's so much to do, and I don't even know where to begin. What makes matters worse is that my laundry is piling up and the dryer is out...sigh...

Beebo & Dem

2006-04-15T10:46:00.000-06:00

sketched 6/13/98

Dem & Beebo

2006-04-15T10:44:00.000-06:00

(taken 4/10/06)... Nothing's changed.

Love is in the air...

2006-04-14T07:29:00.000-06:00

A heart made in heaven...

Have a Nice Day...!

2006-04-13T15:16:00.000-06:00

As I looked up at the sky, what do I see hanging from a tree?

Is it a sign?

Thank you! Have a nice day! :)

8 seconds and counting...

2006-04-11T15:43:00.000-06:00

Hurry! You got 8 seconds to finish crossing the street!

The city has new walk signs placed in certain major busy streets that allow you approximately 21 seconds to cross before the light changes. Now you can keep track of how much time you have left before you get caught up in the middle of the street trying to run to get to the other side.

Signs of Spring...

2006-04-10T17:36:00.000-06:00

left speechless...

2006-04-07T16:59:00.000-06:00

Yesterday my sister A called me to ask, “What are you making for dinner?” I said, “I don’t know… you know me… I never know or plan on what to cook for dinner!”

She said, “I made a pork roast and it came it delicious!”
“Mmmm… that sounds good” I say.
“Do you still have the pork roast in your freezer?” She says to me, “If so, I can come over and cook it for you if you want.”
“Sure!” “But it’s frozen.”
“Well take it out and by the time I get to your house it should be defrosted.”

Wow! My sister A is coming over to cook! Yay me! It just brightened up my day!

When she finally came over, she began seasoning the meat. Then she cut up some potatoes and carrots, puts it all in a plastic cooking bag and went straight into the oven. That quickly and that simple. Two hours (and three beers) later, the pork roast was done.

By then, my hubby came home…just in time for dinner. And let me tell you--mmmm…. the pork roast came out tender, juicy and absolutely fabulous! My sister is definitely a great cook. Even my daughter who hardly ever eats meat had some of it and she said, “Wow, this is really good!” Of course, when I heard her exclaiming how good it was, I have to admit, I immediately got a little... o.k. a lot... jealous…! After all, I hardly ever hear her or anyone else for that matter say to me how “good” my cooking is!

I turned to my daughter and said, “Oh, so you like AC's cooking?” “Yes, its delicious!”
I say, “Oh…when I cook, I never hear you say anything about my cooking!” To which she replies without skipping a beat… “Mom, when we eat your food… it’s..it's so good… it leaves us…well… speechless!”

Enough said!

...

2006-04-04T16:34:00.000-06:00

Sunday, I woke up early but was not feeling up to doing much.  It was a cloudy and gloomy day.  Ugh!  I hate days like these.  I forced myself to get up and make myself a cup of coffee.  After I had a cup, I washed a few dishes left in the sink, swept the floors and cleaned my bathroom. I even went downstairs and cleaned the basement.  Yeah…so much for not doing anything!

Once I finished my chores, I decided I wanted to go back to bed.  Screw it!  I’m not in the mood for anything.  I turned on the TV and the movie “The Wedding Date” was just about to begin.  So I got under the covers and began to watch the movie.   By the time I got out of bed again, it was already late in the afternoon.

I finally got the kids to call my sister A to wish her a happy birthday.  While my son was talking to her on the phone, he turned to me and said, “Mom, A wants to talk to you.”  Well, what you know…I guess she wasn’t mad at me after all.  I should be mad at her for bitching at me…but anyway.  I took the phone and said, “Happy birthday!”   She replies without much enthusiasm, “Thanks.”  “What are you going to do today?”  I ask.  “Nothing.  I don’t feel like doing anything!”  She says.  “Me neither.”  I replied.

“I’m bored and I don’t want to do anything.”  She adds.  “Well, why don’t you come over, maybe I can cook something.”  I tell her.  “Oh, o.k.  Let me get ready and I’ll go over.”  As soon as I hung up, I began to prepare one of my specialties … pasta with chicken, broccoli and cauliflower dressed in olive oil with garlic.

My sister A finally showed up and you could tell she was not in a good mood.  As soon as she sat down to eat, her cell phone began to ring.  It was my dad wishing her a happy birthday.  He wanted to know what were her plans and she told him she was just going to hang out at my house.  Then it followed by more calls from family and friends.

Originally, we were going to go out for dinner to celebrate her birthday but, at the last minute, my sister decided she didn’t feel like going out.  I guess my dad called everyone because next thing I knew, my brothers and sisters came over to my house.   We had a few cases of beer, pizza, wine and a seafood dish that my dad help prepare.  My son even baked a yummy cake for my sister.  Everyone was surprised that he actually baked it and it tasted good.

That evening, it started thundering and lightening.  And pretty soon the rain came pouring down like cats and dogs.  But we were inside the house drinking, eating and having a good time with family and a couple of friends.  If this would have been planned, I am sure it wouldn’t have worked out as well.