My Weekend...

Friday...some friends and I got together in Downtown Houston. We meet everyone at Cabo. After Cabo we headed to Sambuca. Yes, it is true what they say, the place is full of "working girls". I was skeptical at first, but at 1:00 they start closing in on their prey and it becomes very obvious at that point. After that we headed over to Frank's for beer and pizza.

Saturday...We got up pretty late, hung around at the house, then went to have lunch at P.F. Changs - on the new section of The Woodlands Mall. The new section is AWESOME, there are tons of new stores and it even has an Anthropologie!! One of my favorite stores. After all that we headed to my friend Claudia's house for a "greet and meet". We finally got a chance to meet her daughter Martha. She is such a cutie.



Sunday...We packed the car and made our way to J.R.'s family reunion in Texarcana, Texas (yes, I know what you are asking yourselves, why Texarcana?! Honestly I don't know).

Monday...Made our way back home and jumped in the pool.

That is about it for my long holiday weekend. How was your weekend??

Life

This afternoon J.R. calls me and tells me that he is stuck in traffic. He tells me to go to the traffic website to see what is going on. I get on there and see that there is an accident. I tell him this and hang up. It always amazes when there is an accident at 1:30 in the afternoon. I think there is no traffic why is there an accident?! I continued to think about this and get angry until J.R. gets home two hours later.

I forget all about the accident until I see the news. It turns out that a lady was talking on her cell phone while her two, 4 and 5 year old, daughters where in the back seat. All of the sudden she turns around to talk to the girls and runs off the road and into an 18-wheeler that was parked on the shoulder fixing a flat. The impact is so severe that her 5 year old, that is in a car seat, is completely thrown clear and dies instantly. The right side of the car is completely taken off. You can read the story here.

As a mother my heart goes out to her. I think, what did she turn around to tell the girls? Did she yell at them? (she was on the phone after all) or did she turn around to see something cute they were doing? I guess I will never know.

This whole accident made me think of how fragile life is, what a short time we have here, and how we all need to tell people in our lives all the time how much they mean to us. After all, you just never know when it will be the last time you see them.

Gmail

Ha, ha, I came around this link by mistake. It is called Gmail Swap and is a place where people can enter a plea or offer something to swap for an invitation to join Google's Gmail.

I think it is pretty funny what some people offer up as trade. Read them and see, it is a good laugh.

I guess I better start feeling pretty lucky since I have TWO gmail accounts. Maybe next time I get an invite I will take one of the guys at Gmail Swap up on their offer.

Funny stuff...I just checked eBay and you can buy a Gmail account for around $40.

My Weekend Recap

My weekend actually started on Thursday this week (since I was out of town Mon-Wed I got Thurs. and Fri. off). On Thursday we picked up Baby Girl early from school and headed to see Shrek 2. We just loved it! a very nice film for the kids.

Friday was Baby Girl's last day of school. She also had her first recital!! She has been taking music for three months (well, it is more like a music appreciation class). She was the youngest child in the class and she looked even smaller next to all those big kids (she is only 2.9 years old). She was into it for the first couple of songs, but then started to cry...My poor baby. She joined us and we watched the other kids finish their performance.

We also got in the pool for the fist time today! The water is still a little chilly.

Saturday was my brother-in-law's graduation day, so we went out to eat and later we went to his graduation party.

On Sunday we went to blogger Karen's son Christian first birthday party. The party was a lot of fun and it is always fun to see her family.

Oh, I forgot to mention...I finally broke down and bought a new camera. I ended up getting a Canon G5. I guess I was tired of having everyone yell at me when they attempted to take a picture with my old piece of S*%$ camera (I had a Sony DSC-P9).

This week I seem to be off (knock on wood), so I need to get my house clean before we leave for our family vacation.

Withdrawal

It has been over 24 hours and I am having withdrawal really bad. I am glad that I have decided to do this, but I now this is just the beginning and I have a long way to go.

Last night I went to bed at around 11pm, I usually go to sleep around 1am, but I guess since I did not have my usual pick me up my body was just tired.

I came to the realization that I needed to do something about my problem when my pants started fitting me a little bit snuggly. I also noticed that my habit was getting more expensive and that I was doing it with no one around. I would go to the store, usually a Walgreens, and instead of getting a regular Hershey's bar I would be drawn to the more expensive Cadbury or Lindor Chocolate Truffles. I would also go home and enjoy my just purchased goods all by myself. I hate to admit this, but there were times that I would eat the chocolate in the car!!!

My habit had been getting worse and worse with each passing day. There were times that I would rather have a hit of chocolate or dessert over eating anything else. I knew I had a problem when I broke my one Coke rule and had two in one sitting.

I don't know how long I can go without having a relapse. I just hope that is enough time for me to loose a couple of pounds. Wish me luck!

Home Again...

Yippie for me...I was able to get out Tijuana a little early. I was supposed to spend the night in san Diego, but decided to come home instead.

Tijuana is such a nice place, the weather rocks, and the beach is awesome. I keep telling J.R. that he needs to come with me one of these days. There is an incredible golf course where I usually stay - Real Del Mar. I am not a golfer at all. J.R. did surprise me one Christmas with Golf Clubs, he is just too funny, I just looked at him and said "where is my real gift?".

I have never played golf, but I have gone to the driving range. I usually suck. One time I even hit a guy! I hit the ball and it bounce back and forth between the dividers until it escaped, it had a mind of its own. Seconds later I heard an "ouch!". I look to my left and see a guy a few spaces down holding his chest. I was so embarrassed! All I could do was apologize...I thought he was going to sue me. Anyway, that was the last time that my hand touched a club. I Just thought you guys should now.

Anyway, back to Tijuana/San Diego...Get this, the price for a gallon of gas is $2.50!! Geez, we think we have it bad.

My Weekend...

My weekend was extremely laid back. I really did not do much outside, yes, yes, it was a gorgeous weekend, but I did have a massive pile of clothes to wash and iron. I am heading to Tijuana, Mex. tomorrow and wanted to get all the wash done. I would just hate to get home after a long week and see a pile of clothes waiting for me. Ok, more about my trip later.

On Sunday I did manage to get out of the house and meet Who...Hymn? at Amy's for ice cream. He is such a nice guy. After ice cream we all went over to my sister's pad where we continued chatting some more. He can talk!! Thanks for hanging out with us Who...Hymn?, it was fun.

Back to my trip...I will be going to Tijuana for work tomorrow. I have been there before, but last time I went I flew all the way to Mexico City and then back up to Tijuana (dumb, I know), so this time I am taking a non-stop flight to San Diego, taking a cab to the border, and crossing on foot. I should be there by 1pm PST.

Tijuana is not as bad as people make it out to be. It is a large city with more than a million people, not your usual border town. Ok, ok, I must knock on wood now.

I think it is really funny that every time I go to Tijuana I must have the "In case you get kidnapped" talk with my boss. He assures me that they will pay the ransom. Should I be posting that? I better delete all my pics ;).

Yippie for me!!

Yippie for me! I finally finished updating my sidebar. It had been a long time. I also updated my Blog Roll. If I missed anyone please let me know.

And Then There was No Light...

Electricity has become part of our everyday life, we take it for granted. We do not sit there and think what life today would be like without it until, you guess it, the lights go out.

Today has been raining cats and dogs here in Houston. This morning the rain was so thick that I could not even see out the window. The morning started like any other...I got up late, checked my email, and proceeded to read some blogs. As I was talking to my work travel coordinator on my cell phone (I am rescheduling my trip to Boston because it coincides with the All-Star Games, but more about that later) the lights went out. They just did not go out, the started flickering on and off for a while before turning completely off as it thundered (just like a scene from a scary movie). Anyway, I finished my cell phone conversation and sat there for a while thinking of what I could do next. As I looked around it dawned on me...oh my gosh...What do I do now??! There is no computer, no TV, no landline, no washer (I need to do laundry really bad), no anything, and is not like I could go out for a walk since it was raining. I went into the kitchen and said "I have a gas stove that should work", but it didn't. Gas comes out, but I guess it needs electricity to make the spark, urgh!!

It was then that I realized how much my life depends on electricity. Then I started thinking about our forefathers. They braved the extreme cold and sizzling heat just to make the world what it is today. Then I thought, huh, maybe that is why electricity was invented...Our forefathers were just sick and tired of going to bed at dusk, having to make a fire before they were able to eat, and washing their clothes in the river.

So, with that thought I put on my raincoat, braved the elements, and got in my car. This is America, damn it, and I am sure someone out there has a generator and a credit card machine that works without electricity.

disgusted, Disgusted, DISGUSTED

I am so completely disgusted with American Idol. I am actually angry right now. I might NEVER watch the show again.

I can not believe that the best singer, La Toya London, has been kicked out of the competition. It is insane she has an incredible voice and has been great since the first song.

Last week when George Huff was kicked out I was speechless, but now I know there are things going on behind the scenes. I posted about my theory back in April (see April 27) then Elton John agreed with me (see April 30) not even 3 days later! I knew back then that there was something weird going on, but now there is no doubt in my mind that American Idol is fixed. It is so blatantly obvious!! Come on! At least conceal it a little. They just want some young, white girl to win (no offense to my young, white friends, but you all know what I mean). They want a girl just like Kelly Clarkson. I am willing to put money on the white chick, Diana DeGarmo, winning.

For you all that do not follow American Idol...There are 3 girls left, one black - She sings pretty good, one Hawaiian - she sings just ok, and the white girlie that sings just ok.

By the way, I found out that according to the Nielsen Ratings American Idol is watched in more Black households than White. It just does not add up.

I am sad by these turn of events especially since I have been watching America Idol since the first show ever aired. Oh, well, life goes on.

WOW, $1.99!!!!

I can not believe this. The price for a gallon of gas has gone up to $1.99. I have not seen it that high in a long time. I could not believe it, my jaw dropped when I saw the price and to top it off (ha, ha, no pun intended) I was completely empty. Lucky me, watch it go down to $1.50 tomorrow.

My Weekend...

My Birthday weekend turned out to be lots of fun. It all started on Friday afternoon when I met Kymberlie and Christine for dinner in Downtown Houston. After pizza and a few beers at Frank's we headed to the May's Tiara Happy Hour. This Tiara was extra special because we were celebrating Christine's bachelorette party. Woo,hoo, that was fun. I completely forgot...the picture comes courtesy of Elaine. Thanks.



On Saturday we had a Mother's Day lunch at one of my favorite restaurants Red Onion Cafe. They have a pinapple salsa that is to die for! I can eat just that. After getting home and taking a long nap we decided that it was best to wait until Sunday to go out of town. So, instead we watched Big Fish - nice movie.

On Sunday we packed the "free" rented car and drove down to Bastrop, Texas. We had a nice stroll by the Colorado river and then went to the Lake Bastrop National Park.

On Sunday, when we got back home, I gave myself the biggest present of all - I finally finished updating my personal website. Yippie for me!! The site had not been updated since October of 2002, so you guys can just imagine how much work I had to do. Overall, I am happy with the results. Happy Birthday Me!!!

Friends - A 10 year run

Last night I watched the series finale of Friends. I had not watched the show in forever, but fell compelled to watch the end, why?, well, I dunno, maybe because I knew everyone else would be watching it and wanted to add my 2 cents, or maybe because, at some point in the past I actually identified with one of those six characters, or maybe because, well, it was on for 10 years.

As I watched the pre show and then the last episode my thoughts were not on the show itself, but on my life and how quickly a decade has gone by. I hate to sound like a cliche, but time sure flies. I sat there in front of the TV and thought back at what I was doing 10 years ago when the series premiered. Well, lets see...I was barely 22. I was not married, and Olivia was not even a figment of my imagination. I was attending UH and getting drunk and partying a little bit too much. And as I watched those friends I thought of mine - the ones that have come and gone, and the ones that are in it for the long haul. Friends it what makes life special.

Friends are the people you can sit around with and just spend hours talking about when you were young and stupid. They are the people that know the crushes you had, met the little boys you liked, and helped you mend a broken heart. They lent you money when you were broke and celebrated with you in your accomplishments.

Even though, I did not enjoy last night's episode of Friends I do want to thank it for taking me back in time and reminding of how special my own friends are to me.

Do not, I repeat, DO NOT go to IKEA

I went to Ikea last night because I was looking to get some doors for my shelves. When I got there I was surprised to see the parking lot pretty empty (I usually have to fight for a space). When I went inside the store I saw why - there is nothing there!! Ikea will be moving to a new building (next door to the other one) in August 2004 and as a cost cutting measure they have decided to get rid of all their inventory so they do not have to move it to the new building. The only thing wrong with that is that they are NOT ordering new stuff, so if you are looking for a piece for something you already own you are not going to find it.

The only good thing is that I might go back in a month or so to see if I can buy some displays. We all know that it takes forever to put their furniture together especially after an important piece is missing from the box.

The World Has Gone Mad

I can not believe this, it is insane! My favorite singer in American Idol, George Huff , has been "voted least". I am so mad. George was a better singer than Jasmine. I don't know what else to say.

Ten Things You Don't Know About Me.

Yes, I have finally given in! This will be the first time that I have done the 10 on Tuesday thingie. I have been meaning to do a "100 Things About Me" list but keep putting it off. Maybe by doing this it will get me motivated. Anyway here is goes...drum roll please.

1. I have had too many jobs in my life. 14 to be exact.
2. I have been working since I was 14.
3. Many times I had two jobs at once.
4. Once after the "mutual" decision that I should no longer work at a place I was forbidden to go within 100 feet of the establishment. (I am not dangerous at all!!!)
5. One of my most interesting jobs was being a News Reporter for Univision.
6. My most boring job was selling car insurance.
7. I have done a couple of commercials. I do not count them as jobs.
8. I am now a Network Analyst.
9. That is the longest job I have ever had - almost 5 years.
10. The way I got that job is a story best told over drinks.

That was not too bad. I might name my list "The 100 things most interesting about me" since 10 things just went to explaining part of my job life.

Bag Dilemma Solved!!

Ok, ok, yes, I know we were all waiting for me to make a decision about the Coach bag ;) I decided to return the bag, but instead of getting the Vuitton bag I wanted, I got a fun summer bag. The bag is pretty big - I am a fan of small purses that fit just my wallet, phone, camera, and keys. I don't need anything else. - I have not had a bag that big in forever, but I thought it was cute, plus I plan to dress it up with scarves - I got this cute one and two other ones - very summery. Can not wait to use it.

I LOVE my new hat!!

I had a super dooper great weekend. I with my friend Teresa celebrated our birthdays on Saturday. She is such a cool girl that it was a lot of fun. We had the celebration at the Cotton Exchange Bar in Downtown Houston. Thanks for everyone for coming, it was great!!

I also got a lot of cool gifts!! Yippie for me!!! I got a custom made ring with a Ruby on it from my friend Carmen N (her dad is a jeweler), awesome. I also got the cutest Burberry hat from my sister Carmen - I will SO be stylin' this summer. I also got a Coach bag, jewelry, Spirits (French Wine), and Gift Certificates. I am debating whether I should keep the Coach bag or not. I am dying for this Louis Vuitton bag - here - but everyone and their dog has it. I might return it and get a fun Coach bag. I dunno. I just love Vuitton.