Twitterings

• 09:17 Someone please tell John that black does NOT go with everything! #
• 10:34 Workout - 40 min Strength Training and 20 min Elliptical. #
• 14:39 Heading to the mall with the kiddos - yippie (yeah, right). #
• 20:02 How long does it take for a 7 year-old to pick something out from Libby Lu? Fifteen long freaking minutes and she ends up with hair glitter. #
• 21:57 Pat is reading all the Twitts and postings about the RNC. I might not be voting this year #
• 22:58 I just heard Palin being described as a GILF - G = Grandma. My jaw dropped open. MEN!!! #

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Twitterings

• 16:27 Attended Mr. Dover's funeral. So sad. #
• 19:33 Walked 2 miles today. Had thought about not exercising today, but needed to clear my head. #

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Rest in Peace Mr. Dover

I hate funerals; well I don’t really hate them. I just hate the fact that you get a heavy dose of reality. Death is something that you can not talk your way out of, you can not cry and hope someone lets you off, you can not beg, plead, or hope. It WILL happen. You are just sitting there one day surrounded by your friends and family and the next day you are not. You are dead and the world did not stop moving, it did not even slow down! There are no changes except that you have ceased to exist, erased from the world. The only people that knew you were even here are your children, family, and friends. To everyone else in the world your life and death did not mean anything and pretty soon, to your future generations you will not mean anything either. It is just so sad how someone’s life has so little meaning in the context of the world.

Twitterings

• 08:54 The movie The Science of Sleep is one of the weirdest movies ever! #
• 08:57 @cybertoad so you DID get a new puppy! #
• 08:58 @dsilverman I thought Gustav was not getting here till Wed. or so, huh. Well, have a great Labor Day Off! #
• 09:05 Love hanging out with my little buddy - The Last Episode - he is just too cute! #
• 09:47 I love when people remember me from way back when. It makes me happy. Yes, I am such a dork like that!! #
• 11:26 Workout - 30 min. stationary bike; 10 min. push-ups, sit-ups, leg lifts, plank; and 30 min. elliptical. #
• 11:26 Thinking about linking facebook and twitter. #
• 11:37 Just testing to see if it linked correctly ;) #
• 16:55 Played tennis. Man this is wonderful weather we are having, too bad there is a hurricane attached to it. #
• 22:23 Just found out McCain was born in Panama! #

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Twitterings

• 08:41 Ran for one-hour eight-minutes! #
• 09:22 Still trying to get my postings to show up on the blog. Huh. #
• 12:56 Just found out I am addicted to Mini Bite Sized Oreos. Yumm! #
• 14:32 Rare, rare, rare - at home watching tv. #
• 14:59 For some reason I just can't stop eating. #
• 17:24 Watching HDNET Movie Previews - Nick and Nora's Infinite Playlist and Role Models seem like really funny movies. #
• 22:17 Got some ice cream, ok, custard, from Culver's, yummy!!! I will watch what I eat tomorrow ;) #

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Twitterings

• 12:06 Yippie, I might be getting my posts to show up on blogger. Maybe. I will find out tonight! #
• 08:41 Ran for one-hour eight-minutes! #
• 09:22 Still trying to get my postings to show up on the blog. Huh. #

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Women and Their Need for Boys

I am so completely angry! The following story twisted my guts.

Egyptian Woman Gives Birth to Septuplets

I just can not believe that in today’s day and age women still feel that they have to have male children. It is so sad. On top of that she would jeopardize her family’s financial well being to bring to earth seven more children. I really hope that whatever incentive she would be receiving by having male heirs would be enough to now be responsible for ten kids. But, I am way more angry at the fact that she used the phrase “Let God's will prevail” after deciding NOT to do an abortion to get rid of some of the babies, but failed to say the same thing before starting fertility treatments!

Busy Friday

I went out to meet some of Houston's Hip Mamas at Davenport and then headed to a friend's birthday party at The Drake. The night was a lot of fun!





Can not wait until next Friday!!

Pics from South Padre

We had a blast! We rented a place that was right on the water. The kids really enjoyed playing on the sand and flying their kites. Ahhh, can not wait to do it again.






Check out her hair. Man, she went crazy trying to catch a fish!


A rare moment.

Finally on Vacation

Yippie us, finally after getting everything figured out we are enjoying some down time in South Padre Island. More details to follow stay tuned!

You are Special, but Not THAT Special

Just in case you did not know – you are NOT the only person in the whole entire world with your name! There is something retarded in having a name like John Smith and thinking that you are the only person in Facebook with that name, by the way, there are thousands. So, when you sign up for Facebook you have to include a picture!

Thanks and have a great day.

I AM ODD

I just figured out I am one of those odd people. The other day I was looking for a transcript and ran across some phonebooks (you know, the ones that you WROTE someone’s phone number on). I decided that it would be a good idea to see if anyone popped up in MySpace or Classmates. Some people from my past did, so I decided to email them and say “hello!”

Even though everyone that I contacted said “hi!” back, I still feel a little odd. Why do I keep all my old phonebooks and letters? Why do I have the need to reach out? I have had a fun life and hope that everyone that was with me at the time feels the same way, but does that mean that 15 years from now these people want to hear from me?

Yes, you are right, I need to give up and only search for people I currently know. That is going to be hard and will take a little getting used to, but it beats being that weird girl that doesn’t let go of things.

By the way, I do welcome odd people, so if anyone from my past knows me please email me, don't be shy, I would love to hear from you!

Love Me, Love My Doll - Creepy

I pride myself in being an open minded individual. I think that people have the right to live their life however they see fit, but nothing, and I mean NOTHING, could prepare me for the BBC America Reveals - Love Me, Love My Doll program. My mouth remained opened in disbelief throughout the whole show.

The 60-minute episode was about people, well, better said, men that have “relationships” with dolls. You know those real looking, life size dolls that cost thousands of dollars. When I say “relationship” I mean that these men actually think that they are having a boyfriend/girlfriend type of relationship with the doll. Some of them have actually given up dating, like one guy said “organic” women to pursuit, is pursuit the right word here?, cohabitating with dolls! One guy even went as far as to take family pictures with his plastic, perfectly proportioned, girlfriend.

I saw Lars and the Real Girl a couple of months back and thought that the movie a little kooky. The flick deals with a guy that buys a doll and lives with it until he meets a real girl. I guess the movie idea had to come from somewhere. Man, I have seen it all now.

By the way I LOVE the BBC’s Reveals series. It is kinda like FX, but with real people.

My Adventures in Plastic Surgery

If you guys ever want your self esteem to go way down go see a plastic surgeon. Why would anyone want that? I dunno, but this doctor completely ripped my rose color glasses off my face and proceeded to beat me up while I was desperately looking for them.

I have been loosing weight lately, but after having three kids your body just does not look like it is supposed to. I am thinking of having the surgery next summer and thought that it would be a good idea to go and see several doctors and have all my questions answered.

Anyway, back to my story. There is absolutely no way to look cute in that room. Fluorescent lighting does not do anyone any good! Secondly, you are given a paper robe and tiny mesh underwear that is many sizes too big. The doctor comes in and quickly removes the robe. Why the robe is there, I don’t know, maybe to let you keep a small piece of dignity. The doctor pretty much has his way with you, he puts his hands all over your body and NOT those feel good places either! He squashes your boobies for you to see what they will look like after surgery. He then makes you lie down and with all his might pull every fatty, pump or is it the lumps? down to show you what changes you can expect after he is done with you.

At some point I asked the doctor what the chances were of me being able to get an implant rather than getting a breast lift and he replies “with the massive sagging…” All I could say was “I don’t think I will EVER be able to be naked in front of anyone again”. He replies “No, do not worry, we see naked people all the time”. “No, I don’t mean that, I just don’t think I could ever show my saggy titties to anyone again!”

If that was not all, his female assistant is standing right there taking notes and looking at you! The stomping on the self esteem does not end there, once the consult is over the assistant takes pictures of you in the most embarrassing poses ever. She takes the befores and those pics are all I will forever see while trying to strike a sexy pose in bed.

No dinner, no cash, I had never felt so used before. All I could do was gather what little dignity I had left, put my clothes on, and walk out of that room with my head held high.

Out and About

Fun night. I meet up with some of my college buddies and we headed to a UH Hispanic Association revival meeting at Open City. It was fun to see some people that I had not see in years. After Open City and dinner we headed to Zeppelin where we enjoyed some good old fashion shaking. Good times.

Momacation

I just got back from my momacation to Boston. I visited my last place of employment, it was really nice to see some of my old coworkers again. It reminded me that I really, really, miss having a job. I miss the birthdays, happy hours, and get-togethers. I am a people person - don't you all just hate when someone says that?! - so I miss the everyday people interaction. Anyway, back to my momacation. I also had dinner with some friends, that was nice. On the weekend I did some driving and sightseeing in New Hampshire. I LOVE IT!! I had completely forgotten how nice the weather is this time of year and how absolutely crisp the sky looks. If I ever win the lotto - don't jinx me - I will buy a little bitty summer house in New England. Ahh, wishing.

Update

Wow, it thought updating this thing would be fast and easy, but like usual I am incredibly busy, so it might take me a little longer than expected.

Hey Guys!

Wow, it has been a while, but I think I am ready to start this puppy back up again. I will be redoing the blog - new colors, top pic, and side, so stay tuned.

March Update – Part 2

March 11-15
On Sunday morning we left Pensacola Beach and headed to Orlando. The drive was pleasant but we discovered that our daughter does not share our “Is not the destination is the journey” attitude. “Mom, can I watch a movie?” “No, Baby Girl you have never been here before so why don’t you look out the window?” She replies “It is all trees, I have already seen them before” “Ok, you can watch a movie”.

We arrived at our hotel and checked in. One of the things we did for this trip was choose hotels that were a little more economical, like the Marriott’s Residence Inn - still not cheap, but cheaper than a full service Marriott. I don’t think we will ever do that again. Anyway, the next day I got sick and decided to save my energy for Magic Kingdom, so JR took the kids across the street to Sea World. I got a much needed rest.

The next day we headed to Magic Kingdom, something I will never do again during Spring Break. The park was packed. Crazy people were waiting an hour and thirty minutes - 1:30!! to ride the Big Mountain Thunder Railroad!! The ride is only 90 seconds long. I just love the Fast Pass feature because without it I don’t think we would have gotten on any of the rides.

On Wednesday we had tickets to see the Astros play the Braves in Kissimmee. I loved it. The players and the action are so close. It is a lot quainter than going to Minute Maid Park; it reminded me of community theatre. Hey!! There is a Panamenian on the team this year, his name is Carlos Lee. So, if you guys go to Minute Maid Park and see a crazy lady waving a Panamenian flag you all know it is me.

On Thursday we packed our bags and made our way to Miami, FL. Our hotel was in Coconut Grove, ok, for my Massachusetts friends – Coconut Grove is where 95 ends. Wow, I thought that was cool. I honestly did not like Miami at all. I don’t know whether it had to do with me getting my finger smashed by the car door or the hotel, but I just did not like it. The one good thing was that my awesome purses did get recognized, something that never happens in Houston.

To be continued…

March Update – PART 1

Ok, I have been a bad blogger. I did not realize how long it has been until Greg emailed me and told me he missed me (ok, not exactly those words, but I knew what he meant)…thanks Greg.

March has been kinda crazy, the kids have been sick; I have been sick and busy with the sick kids, so all around a lot of fun. Something fun that did come out in March was Harrison’s bday – he had a fabulous car party, and Spring Break.

Vacations are always fun, we are a little crazy when it comes to planning because we usually come up with an idea and a couple of hours later everything is booked and we are ready to go, even though it might be months before we actually leave. Our vacation process works like this…”JR I really want to see Wicked again, but I do not want to see it in Houston again” “You know, wouldn’t it be awesome to go to London!” “Yes, Chica it would be great” So we start researching, London was a little too cold for me in March. So I find out that Wicked is in Miami during Baby Girl’s Spring Break. That is perfect weather!! At the same time JR tells me that the Astros’ Spring Training is in Kissimmee, just down the street from Miami. So everything is set, we will drive to Miami and stop along the way!!

March 9 – March 11
That was early release day for Baby Girl, and also Character Book Day, which I think should be another post all together, but I will tell you guys about it here. Anyway Character Book Day is when all the kids get to dress up as a character from a book and parade around the school carrying the book where they are from. Baby Girl went dressed up as Belle from Beauty and The Beast. I think it is the craziest thing that the kids get to dress up on a random day, but not on Halloween!!

The day was slow going. We were supposed to be packed and ready to go by noon, but it did not happen like that. We did not actually leave our house to close to 3pm. Our first stop was Pensacola Beach, FL. I don’t know what happened but the trip took forever. We are a driving family. We have driven to Boston, Panama City Beach, and Las Vegas from Houston, so a trip to Pensacola should be nothing. Maybe we were just so ready to get there, but the trip seemed like an eternity. Oh, yes, I almost forgot. It was The Sequels first huge car trip. I don’t know whether he got car sick or just felt like puking, but he would just open his mouth and stuff would come out. Since it was dark I could not see where the chunks landed so by the time we got to Pensacola my pants were covered in puke!

Pensacola Beach was a little cold. My laying on the sand sipping a frozen drink did not happen. The kids did have fun on the pool. The beach looked amazing. That night we went for a drive and (JR will be upset that I am mentioning this) our car got stuck in the sand. It took us two hours, a tow truck, and $60 to get us out. I think it is those moments that make a vacation memorable. I mean any one can go to Pensacola, but how many people get two hours to think of different ways to get a car out of the sand? Those are laughs no one else has.

To be continued…

Yippie for Me!

I finally and I mean FINALLY broke down and got myself a new camera. I have been wanting an SLR for a while now, but for some reason or another never got around to getting one. My G5 is getting slow and taking pictures of the kids with that camera has been hard - by the time the camera focuses the kids are a mile down the road! Do not get me wrong the G5 has been amazing, but it was time for a change. Anyway, Ritz was running a special - No tax, No shipping, and a $50 GC! Wow, I could not resist!!

I put the $50 GC to good use. I got me another lens and a memory card.

Since we will be going on vacation for Spring Break I can not wait to use it. The camera is super fast and I have actually seen open eyes!! None of those weird expressions - eyes and mouth half open looks, man this is going to be fun.

Happy Valentine's Day!!

Hey guys, Happy Valentine's Day!!

Isn't this necklace awesome? It is called Melting Love. I love it.


refinery29

Much Love, Chica

Grammy Awards

The only things notable about the ceremony were the horrendous sound system and the announcement that Scarlett Johansson has decided to become a singer. I really think that the Grammy Awards is not the place to make such announcements especially in front of actual singers that have worked very hard to get where they are.

I have never really liked Scarlett as a matter of fact I consider her an overrated actress, she always has the same lost look on her face. I don’t know what people rave about.

Anyway, about her singing career, I don’t know what kind of music she will sing or if she is with a band or single, all I know is that is a bad idea. Just because she woke up one day completely bored and decided to give music a try does not make her a singer. I don’t know, I guess she always has her acting career to fall back on.

Mother Nature You Are Going Down

I am kicking Mother Nature’s ass as soon as I get a hold of her. How dare you Mother Nature?!! How dare you give me hopes that it will be nice and warm and take that away from me overnight? I slept last night in shorts and a t-shirt, no socks, no flannel two-piece pajamas that keep getting bunched up on my upper arm or leg. This morning I woke up searching for socks, you suck!

My brown skin is starting to loose its natural healthy glow, I am looking pasty and chalky. I am starting to get whiter than the checkout line at Ann Taylor. That just ain't right. Mother Nature you are going down!

Baby News

I went to the Dr’s yesterday. It was my first baby appointment and for some reason I made it at 9AM in the morning, which would have been fine for a regular appointment, but not for one when you are going to meet a doctor for the first time, specially since we were are going to get intimate kinda fast. I was worried especially at 8am when I saw myself in the mirror and noticed that I had not groomed myself in a long, long time, I mean there is really has been no reason to, I mean JR and I have been married for so long that he no longer cares how it looks down there. He is happy just being near it.

Anyway, I did not want to do anything drastic, but for some forsaken reason I could not find the grooming scissors (my house has been at such a disarray that I am lucky to find anything) and I refuse to do anything with the razor, I just did not want that fresh cut look, I wanted the doctor to think that I maintain myself. I finally found the scissors and went to work taking just a little off the top and sides, like I said nothing too drastic just a “cared for look”.

Forty-five minutes later we were on our way to the Docs. After they get all the pertinent information they tell me to take my pants and underwear off, see, we get close kinda fast (I was just glad that I had laid out a nice pair of underwear and socks the night before). When JR saw me he definitely noticed the difference a little trim makes. The Doc says that I am due around September 18 and gave us this first picture of our unborn child, I present to you “The Last Episode”.

Did it Stop Raining?

Last week I went to lunch with Elaine. It was kinda funny that I have putting off having lunch with her until it stopped raining; I really hate cold weather and really detest cold weather and rain. Anyway, after planning we decided to meet on Wednesday, a whole 36 hours after it stopped raining, I just thought that it would be nice and dry by then, but that was not the case. When I woke up it was dark and dreary outside, yuck. We were destined to meet in the rain.

We had a really nice lunch, her treat!! Thanks Elaine. On the way out she said that I looked like it was 30 degrees outside. I don’t know what the deal is with me, but I have been freezing to death. Yes, I know it is only 40 or 50 outside, but I am really, really cold. I don’t know if it is because I am pregnant (The Last Episode on the way, but that is another post all together) or maybe there is something really wrong with me. I keep telling JR that we need to move to a warmer climate. I can just imagine me telling people that the reason I now live in the Florida Keys is because it is just too cold in Houston.

How are things with you guys anyway? Yes, I keep telling myself that I need to blog more and I do think of interesting stuff to think about, but never really get around to doing it. I thought of writing a synopsis of my daily going-ons, but thought that to be too boring. Or maybe some of you might find it interesting that I actually started cleaning the upstairs, used to be exercise room, now business control center. The room was to the point that I could not walk in there. I was really bugging me and I decided to do something about it.

Tomorrow you ask – I might enlighten you all with some laundry, I am using the new Gain Joyful Expressions detergent. Sometimes, you just need a little change.

Drug Issues Already?!!

The best time to catch up with your current events is when you are standing near the checkout counter waiting to be rung up. How else are you going to find out that Britney’s publicity pics have to be touched up because she looks like crap in every other magazine you open? Or what Brad and Angie are up to?

Anyway, as I am standing there I read that Paula Abdul has a drug problem. Not at all weird since a couple of seasons ago we were told that she spiked her coke with adult beverages. I mean, after having to listen to some really bad singers an addition is pretty understandable.

This season I had not seen signs of the “problem” until tonight. Did anyone else notice how weird she was behaving? And the fact that she had to leave early because of “family issues”? The whole thing was weird, and honestly I did not like the new Paula. She was as obnoxious as Simon!! That is just not good.

American Idol Dreams

American Idol is getting inside my head and inside my dreams. I think it is kinda funny and hope I am not the only person this happens to, but don’t you think you sound so much better after hearing all those poor souls on TV? I find myself singing louder than usual and I actually think I sound good. Then I stop and realize that those delusions are what drive thousands of people to seek stardom on American Idol. I better be glad I no longer qualify or else I would be one of those fools on the tube.

Anyway, last night I had my first ever American Idol dream. I dreamt that I was one of the finalists – I saw myself on stage and all made up (I looked marvelous!) – and guess what song I was singing? Guess? I was actually singing George Michael’s Last Christmas. I don’t think I was going to win with that one. I do like the song, ok, I like it a lot and I am sad the radio stations only play it around Christmas, but I don’t think I could win American Idol with that song alone.

I do have a bone to pick with AI. I just don’t like the way they make people feel bad for the way they look. Ok, I can understand bad fashion sense, or bad hair, and being totally off on the make-up application, but to make fun of someone’s appearance, something they can not change, it is totally wrong!! Two thumbs way down to AI in that department. Booooo.

Woo, Hoo!!

Oh, Yeah! American Idol is Back!

Where is Chica?

I am so very glad that I did not make any New Year resolutions this year because I would of broke them all by now. One of my resolutions every year is to blog more frequently and as you can see I would have failed miserably! And do not even get me started on the eating better and exercise resolution.

Where have I been you ask? Well, I am hanging out, enjoying my days as an unemployed woman. I have been trying to connect with old friends and I am in the process of making some new ones, who knew that making friends could be so difficult, is worst than dating! (at least with a date you get a free meal). I have been going out to lunch, quiet frequently (which would have blown my “stop eating out so much” resolution), and trying to meet people. I don’t know, how do people make friends now days? Maybe I should put out a personal ad. I am laughing now just thinking about it.

Ok, so I am jobless. The question I get asked everyday is, how does it feel? Well, it really feels like a phantom pain, you know like someone that looses an arm or a leg, they still feel the sensation of the limb, but when they look it is not there. Well, that is exactly how it feels. I still feel the job around me, like if there is something that I am forgetting to do. It is so weird not to have to be attached to my phone all the time.

Ok, guys just wanted to say hi! I promise to be around more of ten in 2007. Well, ok, you guys all know how I am about resolutions ;)

Hello 2007!!

What I am Thinking Right Now…

As of 5:00 CST I am not longer employed. I will not panic, I am not hyperventilating. I will be ok. Ok, Chica calm down, you did the right thing girl. You just could not be up every night at 3am. You are doing what is best. I need money – you still have two checks coming, do NOT panic. What am I going to do when I want to go shopping? Do I need to show JR all receipts? Ok, calm down, it will be ok, you have some savings, so you can use that if you need to. You can always sell everything you own on eBay.

I am kinda freaking out right now. I have not been unemployed since I was 14!!! Back in 95 when I was in school I was not gainfully employed, but I did have a full time non-paying internship. So, this is going to be fun. Crap!

Smells Like…

vomit all over my house!! The Sequel started throwing up last night, so we decided to have him sleep with us that way we could keep an eye on him. He kept waking up, every couple of hours, and making gagging noises, so JR would pick him up and take him to the sink. He was not as quick as I would have liked since gradually the whole bed was covered with towels. Later, in the wee hours of the morning JR decided that he was not going to get any sleep and took The Sequel to the home office. Yeap, you guessed it, it smells in there too. While that was happening I did manage to get a couple of hours of sleep. Eventually JR and TS came back up and the fun continued.

In the morning, all I hear is the desperate pitter patter of Baby Girl’s feet trying to make their way to bathroom, great!!

The clothes causalities were many; I think we all changed a couple of times throughout the night. The house has a funky sour milk smell to it and every so often I step on something wet and not recognizable. Wonderful. It is going to be a long Febreze day.

Christmas Gift

JR gave me this awesome pair of Chanel (6026B) sunglasses for Christmas. Yippie me, but I might not be keeping them since I was hoping for the more laid back (this one has a sparkling Swarovski crystals startburst design on each temple) Chanel 4126 design. I will keep you guys posted.

Season's Greetings

Merry

Christmas

Christmas Get-Together

Come out and celebrate with us.

When: Friday, December 22.
Where: Warren's (218 Travis St. Downtown Houston)
Time: Around 6pm
Bring: A $15 generic gift if you would like to participate in the White Elephant gift exchange.

Woo, hoo. See you guys soon.
Chica

Early Christmas Gift

I just wanted to share my early Christmas gift with you guys. I could not resist. I actually fell in love and wanted the Gucci cruise line tote (same, but with a white trim and a white scarf), but could not find it anywhere (summer line). So, I got this one. I love it. The only problem is that it is so BIG. I need to buy things to put in it. I usually only carry around my cell phone, keys, and card wallet, so this is a change. Merry Christmas to me!!

Life Update

Hey guys, I have been missing you all. Life has been crazy, I have been extremely busy, but that is all about to change since my last day at work is the 29th!! I am excited and kinda scared at the same time, but know that it is for the best.

The business has been doing incredibly well. I am actually pretty proud of myself, it has been a learning experience and of course I still have a lot to learn.

The year is almost over, wow, it has just flown by. It seems that the older I get the faster the world spins. I hope you guys have a great Christmas accompanied by your families and friends. We are actually hosting Christmas dinner at the house (yes, a lot of work) so it will be nice to see everyone and not have to drive to get there.

The kids are doing well and making me feel old. After Baby Girl opened one of the toys she got in her school’s Christmas (the word Halloween could not be uttered, but there was a huge Christmas celebration, which of course I organized) goodie bag, she looked at me and said “Mom, do you like my pretty bracelet?” I said, yes, and told her that is was not a bracelet, but something called a Slinky. We had a lot of fun trying to make it walk down the stairs.

Welcome to the World Emma!

Little Emma made her way into the world on Sunday morning. I am so excited for her parents Hanna and Michael. Congrats guys.

Hanna, welcome to motherhood.

Calling all Handbag Lovers

I know I have not blogged in forever, I am sorry. I just poked my head here to share an AWESONE site with you guys. It is called Bag Borrow or Steal. You can pretty much RENT a designer bag!! Or you can buy one of the gently used bags on the “Outlet”. Check it out. See, see, I do think of you guys.

To Leave or Not To Leave

I need your advice…I am contemplating quitting my job. Life has gotten really hectic now days. I am busy 24/7, it has gotten to the point that I can not keep up with the house or everyday responsibilities. My house looks like a war zone most of the time.

Early this year I started my own business, my very own LLC, yippie for me. Every thing is going well with it and would love to be able to spend real; I mean real time, not a couple of hours here and there, doing things to promote the business.

My company - the paying job - has been going through a lot of changes. A month ago 50 people were laid off. Part of me would like be laid off, because I would have more of a “their loss” attitude. If I have to quit I think I will regret it somewhat. I think I will cry for a week. I have been there for seven years.

JR says he will support my decision, but I feel like me not working or “pulling my own weight” will be an issue. I feel like I will have to justify my very expensive taste or that I would have to ask him for permission to buy something. I know that the issue WILL come up and that will have me running to the nearest McDonald to flip some burgers!

I am so confused right now. I also feel that I will never be to get another job. Someone help! Ok, if any of you out there have gone through this let me know how it turned out – and make it a happy ending. Just kidding. I just really want to know about the transition between bread winner to bread beggar.

Headed for Divorce

Did we have any bets on how long Britney and K-Fed’s marriage would last? I think someone somewhere owes me lunch.

That must suck, ok, not only was she married to a backup dancer for two years, but she has two kids by that man. They are going to have to see each other for the rest of their lives. How much fun is that?! And their youngest kid is only two months old. Crap.

Warning – eBay Scam

On Sunday night my auctions ended and as I was in the process of emailing invoices, the second the auctions ended, I got an email sent through eBay telling me that they wanted to buy my product and if it was still for sale.

Now, I never, ever click on the “response now” link on the eBay messages without checking the auction number on the message first. I did that, and the number was a bogus one.

The same thing happened again when I was uploading auction items!

I guess those scammers know you are so busy, caught up with eBaying, that you will most likely not check the link before clicking on it.

Beware – if they get your eBay log on they can get your PayPal info.

Be careful.

**This has been a public service announcement, we now return you to your regular scheduled program.

Sewing Chica

Baby Girl’s school celebrated the 50s today. The kids were allowed to dress up in poodle skirts, leather jackets, and rolled up pants (they can not dress up for Halloween, but putting on a 50s outfit a week before is ok – go figure). Going to the store and buying a skirt already made would have been too easy a task, so I decided to bust out my sewing machine and make one.

I had not sewn anything in ages. When BG was born I made her crib set and drapes, and I also made her her first Halloween costume. Aside from that I can not remember the last time I used the machine. I have always been jealous of people that can sew anything in a moments notice, I guess that is why I am a fan of Project Runway, but I always tell people, when asked about my sewing hobby, that I only sew on cotton and only straight lines.

Anyway, the skirt turned out really, really cute. I won’t be trying out for Project Runway any time soon, but I looking forward to getting into sewing again. I am making BG an outfit to wear on Halloween day to school since she can not wear her costume, keep your fingers crossed for me.

Someone Give Me Money

I received this email today, do people still fall for this?!

DAN WATKINS
More options 10:23 am (6 hours ago)
FROM AUDITOR Dan Watkins
HEAD OF AUDITING DEPARTMENT
IN A BANK

Hello
Sir/Madam,

My name is Dan Watkins, a senior staff and executive of a
bank here in Scotland, United Kingdom.I have only written to seek your
indulgence and assistance.

I wish to make a transfer involving a huge
amount.I am proposing to make this transfer to a designated bank
account of your choice. Thus,
for your indulgence and support, I
propose an offer of 25% of the total
amount to be yours after the
transfer has been successfully concluded.

Kindly reply me stating your interest, and I shall furnish you with the
details and necessary proceedure with which to make the transfer.

I anxiously await your response. Thanks and Godbless.

Sincerely yours,

Dan Watkins

A dead give away was the "HEAD OF AUDITING DEPARTMENT
IN A BANK"...If they are lying anyway why not use a real bank name. What are these people thinking?

No Halloween - Part 2

I was asked why I thought that Christianity was behind the banning of Halloween -

Well, the reason Christianity is behind banning Halloween is because, I live in an area that is very conservative. Plus, the Principal said “some people’s religions” and there are not many religions I can pick from around here.

Let me start by saying that I love all people. If you are Christian that is your belief and that is ok, more power to you, but why does Halloween need to be taken out of school because some, very few, people think its evil?

There should be separation of church and state, the religious feelings of one group should have nothing to do with Halloween, since it is not a religion and there are no beliefs attach to it. I think the parents of those kids who are against dressing up should keep their kids at home on that day. I plan to do just that if we can not have a little party at Baby Girl’s school on that day. I will keep her home and have her run around with her costume on all day. We can count candy or her spelling as the day goes on…a learning day, I say.

How would we feel if girls had to wear head scarves, or only skirts, because someone felt it was the "right" way to live? Where do we draw the line? Who is the school district listening to?

Ok, I can understand if the school district did not want ANY celebrations at the school, but why are they only cutting Halloween? Doesn't Valentine's Day make a big mess (I don't know why the Christian population hasn't gotten against that one too "the lovers" holiday and all, ok, I better not give them any ideas)? Plus, they have countless other celebrations on the schedule for this year.

We all grew up dressing up for Halloween and enjoying the festivities at school. It just does not seem right that the kids can not do that now. Plus, I don’t know that any of my friends became devil worshipers or witches just because they enjoyed a little Halloween.

Not finished yet…

No Halloween

I am outraged!! I went to Baby Girl’s PTO meeting this morning and was informed that Conroe Independent School District would not be observing Halloween this year. My jaw dropped.

I know I live in a pretty conservative area, but I could not believe that now they want to take Halloween away from my child! As soon as I heard the news I raised my hand. “Is it a school thing or where is this coming from?” I asked. I was told that it was a CISD rule and that it was decided given some people’s religious backgrounds. My question is – since when did Halloween become a religion?! The last time I checked the kids dressed up, had a party at school, and walked around with a bucket for candy. What is going on?!!

Ok, I don’t know what is going on. I feel discriminated against for speaking out. I feel like the word “Halloween” has become as controversial as “Illegal Immigrant”. Halloween is awesome; the kids dress up in their favorite outfit and walk around getting candy, what can be greater than that? It is a kid day, a great AMERICAN tradition. I enjoyed it and I want my kids to enjoy it without feeling like it is taboo - something wrong they can not talk about or enjoy at school.

CISD has been pissing me off for a while. For all of you that don’t know CISD rents its buildings out to churches on the weekends so they can hold their gathering there. They have always help the community out in that way, ok, I must say, the Christian community. I have always wanted to call and say I was Muslim, Jewish, or Baha'i to see if they would be as “nice and accommodating”.

Ok, I know I am off on a tangent, but I am really pissed. I ended up talking to the Principal after the meeting, she was very politically correct and said that she could not stop me from dressing my child however I wanted that day. She also said that it was up to the teacher to decide whether she wanted to have a little party on that day. Immediately I went to BGs classroom where the teacher informed me that she “did not like Halloween”, but if the parents wanted to have a little party she was ok with that. What is not to like?!!!

To be continued…

Updated

Ok, I think I have updated my sidebar. If I missed anyone please email me and let me know. I updated the links, tv,loves, and added Cayman Islands to my 43 Places. I also took out the "Reading" section. I have realized that I am more of a couch potato reader, so I did not see the point of keeping the title up for months at a time.

Oh, yes, I have also added some new and exciting (see, I am advertising for some of you guys) links, so go check them out.

Much Love,
Chica

Buyer Beware

I was at Sam’s yesterday and decided to pick up some cookies. When I was in the cookie aisle I had to choose between my favorites the Keebler cookie pack (chocolate chip, m&m cookies, sandies, and iced animal) or the 100 Calorie Packs (Chips Ahoy and Oreos). I must of not had been thinking straight because I decided to get the box of 24 100 calorie packs.

I must say that it was not a hard decision to make. I thought, I need to loose weight, cut my calorie consumption, and need to get involved with more vegetables and fruits. To tell the truth I am a bad dessert eater. I do ok with food, but I need to have something sweet after I eat, I don’t know what it is but I am addicted to sugar. The fact that the whole box of 24 100 calories packs weighed 0.5 oz should have given me a clue they were not going to satisfy my sweet tooth.

As JR is loading the items into the car he notices the lightness of the package and tells me that he thinks I got taken because I bought some air in a box. I tell him that I think that each pack just has one cookie. Anyway, I get home, have lunch, and then it hits me, I need some sugar. I go over the box and grab a pack of the Chips Ahoy. I sit down to enjoy my cookie and nothing. Nothing happens, no sugary rush going to by brain telling me I am happy. No burst of energy. No nirvana experience. I was just sitting there eating some crispy things that provided no emotions.

Needless to say, money wasted, oh, Baby Girl does have some friends that are always asking for a snack. What a better way to get them off my back forever!

Shakira in Houston

Sporting my new Urban Decay “Spandex” eyeliner and my favorite black espadrille tie-up shoes I made my way to the Toyota Center to see Columbian Goddess Shakira.

The show started a little late with Wyclef Jean taking the stage a little past 8pm. His sister came out for a song, man that girl can sing! I had mixed feeling about this part of the show, but JR seemed to enjoy it.

At 9pm Shakira appeared on stage. She was amazing. Her hips gyrated all over the place. She sang some of her new songs as well as old favorites. Every one danced and sang. Baby Girl was super excited, but fell sleep before the show ended, not bad for her first concert!

Overall, it was a good time. This reminds me, I need to sign up for belly dancing classes. Does any know of a good place?

New Links

I will be updating my sidebar in the next couple of days (it has been neglected for over a year!). If anyone has a link they would like me to add to my blogroll email it to me.

Ok, if you are in my blogroll, but have not updated your blog in over nine months you WILL be removed. If you have moved to a new url please send me the link.

Thank You,
The Management

Picture Blog

Picture Blog.

2.41! Wow,I feel like taking a trip.

Football Season

The 2006-2007 football season started this week. Today millions of married women have become single for a day.

It is not like today, the first football Sunday, was a surprise, on the contrary the guys have been registering for fantasy leagues, researching players, having their drafts, and watching anything related to football for some weeks now. I have gone through this separation for some 13 years now and I always forget about the first Sunday.

At my house the day sounded something like this - “Hey, JR what’s on TiVo?” JR looks at me like I am crazy and says, “I am watching the game!” I tell him that I know that, but that there is still enough time left in the game to where we can watch a TiVo 30 minute show. After the show is over he can get back to his football game to see who won (it makes perfect sense to me). He tells me that I need to understand the main and only purpose for the big TV and that we have two other televisions (one in the kids playroom and the other in the exercise room, neither one comfy enough if you just want to chill) in the house, but if I want I can go buy a bigger TV for the kids playroom so I can watch it. I tell him that I want some together time watching a show and he tells me no! I even offer to jerk him off as he watches the game, “no, because then I can not concentrate”. “You are not participating IN the game, what do you need to concentrate for?!”

I guess I just don’t get it. Until next February my Sundays will consist of catching up on laundry, running errands, and getting ready for the following week. You would think that as a newly single girl I would be having a lot more fun, but how much fun can I have on a Sunday?

R.I.P Steve Irwin

As many of you now know the Crocodile Hunter, Steve Irwin, was killed this past weekend by a stingray off the coast of Australia. The question now is, should the video of his death, which was caught on tape because he was filming a special about dangerous predators, be released to the public?

The answer is YES! He made a living torturing, ok maybe not torturing, but harassing, any animal within his reach and all animals were within his reach. I think that he was the ultimate victim to a dangerous predator. He took the stingray on, animal vs. animal, no metal cages, no save button, just nature. Isn’t that what Steve Irwin stood for? We have seen him slap death in the face too many times by wrestling alligators, getting close to piranhas, and handling poisonous snakes. This time though the animal won.

There was no question on anyone’s mind about how Steve Irwin would meet his death, on Monday when the news was released no one seemed that surprised. There was no irony. If the video were to be released I would not watch, but I think that it should. After all if Steve Irwin would of killed the stingray in self defense wouldn’t that footage be shown??

Nip/Tuck - Yeah!

My Tuesday night Rescue Me fixation was replaced by my Nip/Tuck one. Tonight was the season premier of Nip/Tuck, yeahh!! I have been so looking forward to it since last year. This season looks amazing.

During Nip/Tuck there was a preview for the movie Running with Scissors. I have been looking forward to the movie, but I am a little disappointed. The preview does not look as interesting as the book, yes, I know that is always the case, but one can hope.

I read Running with Scissors some months back and really enjoyed it. I read that Annette Bening might get an Oscar nomination for her role as a crazy mom. I really liked her in American Beauty and was hoping that the movie would match the book.

The preview for Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst does look fun. I am not a Sofia Coppola fan, but I do enjoy her cinematography. I really think she does an amazing job setting up the shots and getting the pictures to tell a story.

Oh, yeah, and the movie Stranger than Fiction looks very, very funny.

Flickr Pics

I have finally uploaded the vacation pics onto Flickr. Go have a look.

God's Will

What is the difference between a Christian saying that it was God’s will to have New Orleans completely destroyed by a hurricane and having a Muslin say the same thing about the attacks of September 11th?

There is no difference, both groups think that they are the enlightened ones, but at the core they are completely the same.

I heard the first comment today, on the anniversary of Katrina, as I drove to Baby Girl’s school for a PTO meeting. I could not believe that someone would say, on the radio, that the hurricane that killed thousands of people in New Orleans was planned and carried out by God to punish them.

The second comment I heard as I watched a documentary on the use of the internet by terrorist groups. A Muslim said that they did not understand why the United States was so wrapped up in finding Osama bin Laden. He said that Osama had nothing to do with the attacks on September 11 and that if they did capture him there were others ready to take his place. He continued by saying that - and this is where everything came together for me and I finally understood – if God did not want the destruction that happened on 9.11 then he would of stopped the attack. Just like he stopped the Richard Reid (shoe bomber) and the terrorist ring in the UK, it was not in God’s plan. Great! I thought, we are not fighting against terrorists, we are fighting God! That is a tough battle to win. We are fighting against a God they believe has a will, a plan, and really, really, hates the US. Great!

Both groups are giving God too much credit. I have always hated to hear someone say “God Willing”. The phrase seems like a cop out. I wonder, how come people do not say God willed someone to get raped, murdered, or killed by a drunk driver on their 18 birthday? If God’s will is what rules the world then why are there criminals in jail? Isn’t God is supposed to be taking care of the bad people?

Maybe there is a big difference between God and his prophets – Jesus and Muhammad – because if I remember correctly both men preached about the Golden Rule.

Christianity - All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye so to them; for this is the law and the prophets. Matthew 7:1

Islam - No one of you is a believer until he desires for his brother that which he desires for himself. Sunnah

I just hope that in remembering Katrina people show some compassion for those that lost so much because of no fault of their own.

Houston - Automatic Tickets??

Here are locations of new cameras that will automatically issue a ticket if you are caught running yellow or red lights...good idea to slow down!!!!

The first 10 camera locations are:

• 1 - Richmond at Dunvale


• 2 - Bellaire at Wilcrest


• 3 - Harwin at Hillcroft


• 4 - Milam at Elgin


• 5 - Brazos at Elgin


• 6 - JFK at Greens


• 7 - Bay Area Boulevard at El Camino Real


• 8 - Travis at Webster


• 9 - Pease at LaBranch


• 10 - Hillcroft at Richmond

My Summer TV Watching

I love TV, ok, let me rephrase that, I love good TV. There are only a couple of shows that I have been totally and completely addicted to this summer, what does that mean? Well, it means that I actually make time to watch them the day or the day after they come on. It seems insane that I have been so busy that sitting down and watching tv is actually my relaxing time. Anyway, one of the shows is Rescue Me – I just love that show I have been a Rescue Me addict since last season. It is a really good show. The season finale is Tuesday and I can not wait. The kids need to be in bed and sleep by then. No noise just me and my television. Ahhhh.

The other show I have been watching religiously is Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. That show is so funny. The actors are so good; it makes you wonder what they are really like outside of the show.

Another FX show I have started to watch is 30 Days, from the same guy that did the Super Size Me movie. In 30 days a person has to live and do things that are so completely unlike them. There has been a show about a Minuteman that lives with an illegal family, another where a pretty normal sales guy gets a life coach, learns yoga, and gets his charkas cleansed. Well, you guys get were I am going with this. I asked JR what my 30 days would be, I think that question is better left for someone else to answer since they know you best. His answer was that my 30 days should be spent with a daredevil. I hate rollercoasters and pretty much anything that takes my feet away from the ground. For JR I though his 30 days would be better spent with a homosexual couple. He would walk away during the romantic scenes in BrokeBack Mountain. I was all like, oh, come on JR, it is a love story, and they are in love, how romantic (even though I thought that the Jake Gyllenhaal’s character was a jerk). He would leave, come back and continue watching when the scene in question was over.

Where or with whom would YOU spend your 30 days? (Ask someone that knows you best and don’t change the answer).

First Day of School

Today was Baby Girl’s first day of school. Her introduction into the public school system began early this morning. BG completely surprised me by getting up super early and being 100% cooperative, so unlike her.

I know that she went to Paddington last year for pre-k, so you would think that I would be a little more prepared for her to go to school, but I don’t know for some reason today seemed a little more “official”.

Her teacher Ms. Nichols is super nice. She has taught for 3 years, which is nice since most kindergarten teachers tend to be fresh out of school, she is 26, about 5’ 9”, and I swear she does not weigh more than 90 pounds.

Some of the parents and kids seem nice, but I did see one of BG’s classmates wearing a Tupac t-shirt.

Back in Town

Wow, it has been a crazy two weeks. Life was crazy before we left, getting Baby Girl’s birthday party ready and all. We had the party at Chuck e Cheese, not recommended, the kids had a blast, but I think the parents wanted to kill us for having the party there. It was just very loud, with lights, crowded, and overall mayhem. We usually have the party at home, but since we were leaving on vacation the next day we thought it was best to have the soiree somewhere else.

Ok, now to the vacation, Grand Cayman was lovely. The water was an amazing blue, the people were friendly, and there were no hurricanes anywhere near the island. The first couple of days we went to the beach, laid out, and ate. On the third day we rented a car, which was kinda scary since they drive on the left side of the road, I was so afraid for my life, JR did make a couple of wrong turns, but we lived to tell about it.

One of the most exciting things we did was feed the stingrays. It is so amazing, not because of the stingray part, but because a boat takes you to the middle of nowhere where there is a sandbar that you can actually walk on and the water is only 3 feet deep! You stand there and look around, there is nothing for miles, and there you are standing in the middle of the ocean. Oh, and the water is completely see through, looking back at the pics it looks like a pool instead of the ocean. Amazing!! The stingray part was cool, but creepy when too many of them come too close.

Well, after 8 sun filled days we are back in town, I look a little darker than I should, but it was worth it, I think, well, I will let you guys know when I start peeling.

Will Return Soon

I am currently on vacation and will return soon with pics and stories about my Grand Cayman Island vacation.

Stay Tuned

Tax-Free Shopping

I am going on vacation soon and needed to do some clothes shopping. What is a vacation anyway without new clothes?!! Anyway, I decided to go shopping today, yes, today of all days, the start of the Tax-Free shopping weekend here in the state of Texas. To some of you out-of-staters this is not a big deal since clothing is not taxed in many states, but here in Houston, Texas we have a whopping 8.25% tax on everything.

When I go shopping there is pretty much just one rule I follow, well, there are more, but for this story only one rule applies. When I go shopping I am either at the mall when it first opens or one hour before it closes. I HATE going in the middle of the day, I hate driving around in circles looking for a parking space; I hate bumping into people at the stores and waiting. That is just me. I knew I had to be especially early today since all those people wanting to save $8.25 for every $100 were going to be flocking to the mall. I go to the mall at 9am and by the time I left at 11am there were no parking spaces left!!

People were buying anything and everything they could get their hands on. They were buying thousands of dollars in merchandise, at the mall thousands of dollars means a lot of clothes! I never knew the power of 8.25%.

Tomorrow is Baby Girl’s fifth birthday. In the afternoon I went to Target to try to get some last minute gifts for the baby guests. The store was also packed. While I was looking around in the toy section I heard a very interesting conversation. There was a mom shopping with her son and older daughter. The mom looks at an electronic pink piggy bank toy and says “I love that toy, too bad it is pink”. The older daughter asks her what she had said. The mom tells her how she would never buy anything pink for her son. Her daughter says “aren’t pigs pink?”

Weekend Update - July 31

I am so jet lagging on this blog. Let me give you guys a quick run down on the events that transpired last week.

On Monday I finally took The Sequel to get a haircut. His hair was so long that everyone thought he was a girl! Ok, he is wearing a blue collared shirt, some khakis, and sandals and people are still saying she, what is up with that? it was not like he was wearing pink or anything. Anyway, his first trip to the hair place was a little crazy, he cried, he screamed, he cried some more and at the end I was left with something that did not even resembled my baby anymore; I was left with a little boy. It was kinda sad. It took me three days to finally get used to seeing him with no hair. My little man is growing up, sniff, sniff.

Speaking of growing up, have I told you guys that Baby Girl will be making her first public school appearance in 15 days? I can not believe that she will going to kinder. Her bday is this Saturday. I kiddingly tell her after this birthday she is not allowed to grow up anymore. I tell her that she has to stay small forever. She laughs and tells me that she HAS to grow up, she has to get taller. What she does not know is that I wish I could really keep her from getting older.

On Tuesday we had some guy from Sears come over and take a look at our treadmill. It has not been service in forever and it makes a squeaky sound when you walk on it. He looked at it and said that it needed a new belt and some other thing and that the bill would be almost $400! I told him I would think about it, but I still had to pay $96 for the service call! I guess I will have to stay chunky a little longer.

On Thursday I left for Dallas (work). It was the first time that Baby Girl accompanied me without my mother around. It was fun for me having her around, but I think she got a little bored; she was always waiting for me to finish working. We got back home on Friday.

During the weekend we saw one of the worst movies ever, no I am not being picky, it was really, really bad. Every time I see a movie I always check out imdb to see what it says about the flick, or for any behind the scenes info. Anyway the people at imdb were as confused about I Love Your Work as I was! That is a bad sign.

Two movies that I have seen recently that I really liked are – The Matador and Kiss Kiss Bang Bang. Both movies were very entertaining with smart and witty writing. Both movies are highly recommended.

My ABCs

Accent: Yes, sometimes, it depends on what words I am saying.
Bed I sleep in: What kind of question is that?! Mine.
Chore I Don’t Care For: Washing dishes, yuck.
Dog or Cat: Neither, I hate them both. Used to have a cat – Killer (pronounced Kyler) – but gave him to my mom.
Essential Electronics: Computer, cell phone, camera.
Favorite Perfume: Une Fleur by Chanel
Gold or Silver: Silver
Handbag I Carry Most Often: Depends on where I am going and with whom. If I have to carry the kids stuff then it is the latest Coach Summer big bag. If I am going out with grown-ups then it is Louis Vuitton.
Insomnia: I am a very light sleeper, but don’t know if that counts as insomnia.
Job Title: Network Analyst – yeah, not that interesting.
Kids: Two. A girl and a boy.
Living Arrangement: Us four, a fish that keeps having babies, and Mr. T (a turtle).
Most Admirable Trait: I am a positive thinker.
Naughtiest Childhood Behavior: I used to think that I could do experiments on my sister.
Overnight Hospital Stays: Both kids (does childbirth count?). Also when I was little I stuck a bean in my ear and had to go to the hospital to have it taken out. For some reason I was at the hospital for 3 days. Maybe I should have a talk with my mother.
Phobias: Water. I do not like being in water too deep that I can not touch the bottom. I do not like rollercoasters. (JR is giving me a list right now, I need to kick him).
Quote: I put the following quote on the holiday cards from last year “For last year’s words belong to last year’s language and next year’s words await another voice” T.S. Eliot.
Religion: None
Siblings: One sister, she is 10 months younger that me.
Time I Wake Up: I love to sleep in. I usually wake up around 8:30.
Unusual Talent or Skill: I can touch my nose with my tongue.
Veggie I Refuse to Eat: ONIONS, yuck.
Worst Habits: Over eating.
Yummy Stuff I Cook: Sorry, I don’t cook. I hate cooking. It takes so much more time to prepare a meal than to eat it, I don’t see the point.
Zoo Animals I Like Most: I don’t really have one.

Weekend Update

JR turned the big 3-5 on Friday, so we decided to go out on the town to celebrate. We stated the night at Hooters (per Chris’ request). From there we moved to Baker Street Pub, Two Rows, and Gingerman. It was fun.

Here are a couple of JR pics with the Hooter girls.





On Saturday we went to Lot 8. Chloe Dao’s spread in Elle finally came out and she was signing autographs. While I was there I looked around and found an awesome dress, perfect for the beach at the Cayman Islands.

Women Rule!

I am fuming. There aren’t many times when I get angry at words someone wrote. I think it is a free country and people are able to write whatever they want (yoo, hoo, first amendment), but I feel compelled, torn, perplexed and flat out angry about what I just read on a comment in someone’s blog (I will NOT give publicity to such blog here).

Hello,
On the topic of stay-at-homes mum etc. - don’t you think housewives are redundant?
In all seriousness, our great grandmothers all had horrible lives as slaves without rights (aka housewives) but actually had to do some hard work.

They made their own bread, had to hand wash clothes, beat the dust out of rugs, chop firewood etc. these days we have appliances and supermarkets- a woman who has no career in favor of stacking the dishwasher and putting a load through the washing machine seems to be a person that is merely inherently lazy or otherwise severely oppressed.

Given the availability of reasonably priced appliances, it is ridiculous to suggest a housewife is necessary. What, can’t those big old tough chauvinists figure out how to start the damn machines? If women grew some confidence they could have successful careers whilst sharing the menial housework tasks with their husbands (by that I mean 50:50 not 80:20).

And I’m sick of hearing ‘not everyone can afford a dishwasher’ - if a couple can’t afford a dishwasher, that’s even more reason for both to be working.

Which brings me to a side rant of ‘daycare’s too expensive’- maybe if these women bothered to get an education and had some work ethic instead of spreading their legs and morphing into heifers, they’d have a high-paying career with generous maternity leave and be able to afford the ‘overpriced’ daycares upon returning to work and an identity outside of fetus oven.

Men can have careers and family; have them make some sacrifices for a change. However, that said, many mums I know think the world owes them a living because they’re a ‘mummy’. So they reproduced- big deal, it’s a fact of life, nothing special so stop budging and get back to work!

TC.
(PS This site lets me blow of steam- thank you so much for that!)

Jerk!! I wish I had him/her in front of me so I could choke them. I am a mother, career women, and business owner. I have a degree. I also waited to have children until I was more “mature”, but let me tell you guys something - it is A LOT easier to have a job than to be a stay-at-home mom. Being a stay-at-home mom is a 24-hour a day job, no sick days, no lunch breaks, no raises; frankly I do not know how they do it.

According to Salary.com, “Stay-at-home mothers wear many hats. They're the family CEO, the day care provider, accountant, chauffeur, counselor, chef, nurse, laundress, entertainer, personal stylist, and educator. Based on a 90-hour work week, Salary.com has estimated that a fair wage for the typical stay-at-home mom would be well over $90,000 for executing all of her daily tasks. Factor in overtime, and the appropriate salary takes a leap of around $25,000”.

I believe that a woman can do and be whatever she wants. That is the beauty of being us! We can choose to be mothers, wives, single, married with kids, married without kids, career women, and we can also choose to stay at home to take care of our children. Every woman makes a decision, a decision that is hers and hers alone based on beliefs, income, and background. How does the saying go? You can not criticize someone until you have walked a mile in their shoes. More people should remember that.

Being a stay at home mother is not for everyone, I am envious of the ones that love it and do it well. I wish I could. So, I am sticking up for you my sisters – the ones that are paid daily with hugs and kisses.

Working, Vacation, and the Thyroid??

I am currently in College Station, Texas working (go Aggies?!!). This time I was able to bring the kiddos with me, since I drove and all, and, of course, my mom to help me take care of them.

I will be here until Wednesday. I think I might be going to Dallas next week, huh, we will see. I finally asked for vacation. I can not believe that we waited until the last possible week for us to take time off. Baby Girl will be starting school on August 16 and we will be back from the Cayman Islands a whole 2 days before her public school induction.

Baby Girl has had me worried a lot lately. I have seen her gain weight little by little during the last couple of months, to the point of worrying me. I was taking her jogging and had her on an exercise plan, but the weight did not go anywhere. I was worried and thought about calling the Dr, but did not know how that conversation would go – “Dr. my daughter Baby Girl has been gaining weight and I don’t know what is going on”, “Do not worry Chica, what kind of signs does she have?”, “Well, since she got out of school she has been going to sleep late, sleeping in, eating junk food, and doing things kids do during the summer”. The doctor would have obviously told me to wait until her next physical, next month, to take her in.

I was going to have to be sneaky about it. I waited until Baby Girl complained of an ailment and I took her in. I told the doctor about my thyroid problem and told her that Baby Girl might have the same thing; she agreed and ordered a blood test. Now, taking blood, or getting it done, from a four year old it is not my idea of fun, but we were lucky that the person taking the blood knew what he was doing. The whole process was fast and painless.

A few days later the doctor calls us and says that Baby Girl has no thyroid activity what so ever! None, nothing, nada. She is completely hypo. This saddens me because I have had my blood taken out, in average, once every six months for the past 10 years and I HATE it. Just imagine having your blood taken every six months from the time you are four years old!

When I was pregnant I was told that the baby would not be affected by my thyroid problem. The Sequel would be tested in a couple of months. I really hope he is ok.

Houston Bound

To answer Greg at Dissonance's question, yes, I am out of town again. This week pretty much sucked, but today it is looking a lot brighter.

I am at the airport in San Diego. I talked the guy at the security check point to let me try our newest weapon against terrorism, the EntryScan 3. He laughed when I asked him, but he agreed. He told me to stand still and let the machine do its magic. I put my feet when the carpet with the shoes told me to. I stood still and all of the sudden spurts of air were shot at me from the bottom, my hair went every where. You stand still some more, which seems like an eternity, while everyone in line looks at you and wonders if you are really a threat.

According to the security guy, the air that is shot at you is analyzed, then gamma rays at beamed at you from all sides and you are rendered virtually sterile, nah, just kidding, but I did wonder what was going on. The door on the other side eventually opens and you are free.

I am on my way home today. The week has been crappy, cheez and it is only Wednesday! I will tell you guys all the events that transpired, but keep in mind that there is a 3 hour difference between Texas and California.

On Monday I boarded a plane in Houston that took me to Sacramento, Ca. Oh, yeah, wait, there was a little 4 hour lay over in Phoenix. I finally got to the airport and it took the hotel shuttle almost an hour to come pick me up. I got to the room and it was time to work, after work I managed to workout for 45 minutes. After that I ate dinner, watched a little tv and went to sleep. Got up at 10:40 pm joined a conference bridge and work until almost 4 am. On Tuesday morning I got up at 8:30, had breakfast, took a shower, and went back to the airport.

On Tuesday I headed to San Diego, but since our travel agency sucks and the people that work there suck even more, I had to go back to Phoenix, from Sacramento, and wait there an hour before boarding a plane to San Diego. When I got to San Diego I took a cab, worked, worked out, had dinner, went to sleep, woke up at 10:40pm to work, joined the bridge, and worked until almost 4am

On Wednesday, I got up at 9am, skipped breakfast, took a shower and made my way to the Airport. I am currently in San Diego, waiting for a plane that will take me to Phoenix; from there I will board another plane that will eventually take me home.

Phone Blogging

Phone Blogging.

Sunset in San Diego

It is Hard Being a Woman

It is so very hard being a woman in today’s world. Ok, maybe I should change that to say, I am finding it hard to be a good woman nowadays.

My life feels very chaotic right now, I feel like I am drowning, but at the same time I am not yelling asking for help. I am drowning in silence. Why am I doing this to myself? Truthfully, I really feel like I would be letting myself down if I would quit my job, let go of my business, and just concentrated on the kids and the home. Would I be a better mom if I did that? probably yes. Would I be happy? probably not.

My mother stayed at home until we moved to the States. I guess it was comforting to get home from school and have someone always waiting for you, to open the door and have the smell of food welcome you in. I really liked that and missed it when I was older. I wish that I could have been able to write her a letter of recommendation after my father left. After we moved to the States we did not have the luxury of having her stay at home, she had to join the workforce with no skills what so ever. Life was hard, but that is another story all together.

Statistics say that if a woman leaves the workforce and stays out for 18 months she has 50% change of getting the same job with the same pay. The percentage decreases the longer she is out of the workforce. Do not get me wrong, I do not want to leave my job, I really like it. I do not work because of the money, I do not make that much, I do it because it makes me feel that I am doing something important for people that respect me and like the way I do my job.

The problem is that I have been so very busy with work that I have not had time to pay attention to anything else. Every thing is just falling to the wayside, but most of all I feel that I am not loving enough. Wow, it sounds weird saying it out loud. I AM NOT LOVING ENOUGH!! I feel like I am living in the tomorrow, tomorrow I will spend time with the kids, tomorrow I will clean, tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow. I am afraid that tomorrow might never come and I wasted my time on things that are not, gulp, that important.

As women trying to balance kids, husbands, careers, businesses, homes, and some personal time, how do you guys do it all? Is there a happy balance or does one side always wins? How does one become a Superwoman?

July 4th, 2006

Happy Birthday USA!

What Is Up With These Shoes?!

I just don’t understand these shoes at all. At first I only saw kids and very young girls wearing them and thought, well, that is a good idea, it is summer and you know those kids are always outside playing around. They are plastic and cheap so if they get wet or muddy who cares!

Well, I don’t know what could possess grown women to wear such shoes to the mall, or any where else for that matter, when there is no rain in sight or gardening to be done. Plus what would you wear with such shoes? I guess you could wear a garden outfit – overalls, big shirt, floppy hat, and of course those adorable shoes (they actually come in around 20 colors and designs!).

I don’t know about your family, but my sister has a fit every time I wear my Stuart Weitzman’s with the wrong shirt. I could just image what she would say if I ever showed up with the garden clogs. I am pretty sure the word “hoe” would be in there somewhere. She is just funny like that.

All I am saying is let’s keep it a kid’s shoe. Fashion is so forgiving on the young.

Fashion in Houston - Project Runway

When most people think of Texas, barbeque, the death penalty, humidity, and Dallas, the show, come to mind. Most people never think of Texas, much less Houston, as a fashion Mecca. Houston does have a Galleria with all the latest stores carrying all the fashionable designers, but none of those designers are from “around these parts”, to them Houston is just a place on the map.

All of that changed when Chloe Dao won Project Runway, a Bravo reality show where designers compete by sketching, planning and sewing their outfits and taking them to the runway. One by one the designers are bid farewell or auf wiedersehened by Heidi Klum until one is crowned king/queen of the runway. Chloe Dao, a Houstonian, won season two of the show and today she had a fashion show in Houston.

I have seen the tents up in New York and Los Angeles and have envied the people that were lucky enough to attend those events, but today the tent was up in Houston and I was one of those lucky people. There was food, an open bar, media, and photographers every where. Every time you turned around there was another beautiful woman wearing one of Chloe’s dresses getting her picture taken for a newspaper or magazine.

The backstage was chaotic to say the least. I was only in the back for a couple of minutes, but I don’t know how they do it, everyone was working non-stop to get the models ready for the show.

Finally the lights came up and it was time for the runway. The dresses are amazing. I thought I would be totally scarred by seeing 5 foot 9, 100 pound women walking in front of me endlessly, but I really do not feel so bad, or maybe the booze softened the blow. The show consisted of some of Chloe’s original designs, along with some items from her store, lot 8, and the men’s Adam’s Apple collection.

To top the whole experience off Chloe was finally given her car! The car was one of the prizes for winning Project Runway and today she finally got to driver her very own 2007 Saturn Sky home.

Oh, yeah, and everyone received a goodie bag just for attending, how cool is that?!

I think it is so neat that Houston is alive with designing talent, we have a pulse. I know that we are really far off from becoming a fashion capital, but hey, we have to start somewhere. If you sew it, we will wear it.









For your viewing pleasure, I have uploaded all the pics to flickr.

Chica? - Present

Yes, I am still here, but super, super busy. The party was fun, but tiring since I had to work back to back to back. I will post some pics soon, I promise.

I am heading to the Chloe Dao fashion show on Wednesday, so I will have something to tell you guys then. I have no idea what to wear, I am thinking that it should be something fun and "in", but maybe I am just thinking WAY TOO much about it.

Much Love,
Chica

Here I Go Again...

I am Boston bound. Yes, I will be going back to Boston for work. Well, to be fair I did talk myself into this trip. You see, my company is having a HUGE party on Thursday and the only way for me to get to go was if I was up there working. My company is renting out the Tiki Room, wow! You might say if you have been there, or what is that? If you haven’t. Let me tell you, we ended up at the Tiki Room three years ago, after the company party at Jake Ivory’s, and it was so much fun; too much fun for a company party. So, when I heard that this year it was going to be at the Tiki Room I commenced my plot (insert evil laugh here).

I have not been to the Summer company party in three years. In 2004, I went on vacation in June and in 2005, I had just gotten back from Maternity leave and was not in a party mood. I have been to the Christmas parties, but they are at a Hotel and all fancy, even though they are fun, this is a different kind of fun. I will keep you guys posted.

In other news…I might be changing jobs, same company. I will know more about it this week since I am up there and all. It seems interesting, a change, so we will see. I will keep you guys posted on that one too.

Happy Anniversary!!

Today, exactly 11 years ago I got married. Wow, time has gone by fast, well I shouldn’t really say that, being married and staying married is the hardest job I have ever had. What is love, you ask? Well, it means different things at different times, sometimes it means having someone to talk to when I have had a bad day, or having someone to talk to when I have had a good day, or not smothering him with a pillow in the middle of the night, or knowing at the bottom of my heart without any doubt that I can count on someone else to always be there for me.

Our marriage is not perfect, it has been a “bliss..tering pain” (JRs words) at times, but hey, I have never been married before so I don’t know what this thing is all about and every day, every year that goes by is a new frontier/undiscovered territory.

I really hope this marriage thing works out for us; the last 11 years have been interesting and can not wait to see what the next 11 years bring. Good luck to us!!

Letter to Britney Spears

Hello Britney,

Being a mom is hard work and I think that being in front of the public eye would make the job a lot harder. I have two kids and let me tell you that I am so glad I am not famous because I don't think that I could handled being criticized openly about my ability to be a mother, I can hardly stand it when someone I know makes a comment. Plus, I would end up in the cover of every tabloid given all the oops I have had with my children.

So, how are you doing? I saw you last night being interviewed by Matt Lauer, you know what I noticed? You are starting to look a lot like Courtney Love, all you need to complete the look is a slur and some needle marks on your arm. I don't know who your publicist is but they need to be fired. There is no way that you did a prime time interview with Matt looking like that. You looked like you were going to a summer BBQ. What was up with the gum? You are about to be a mother of two, you need to dress appropriately. Your skirt was too short and your boobs were just hanging out. Yes, I know you are pregnant, but there is no need to be dressing like that. There is a fine line between trendy and trashy and you my sister are right on that line.

Hey, I also heard that you are going to Namibia to have the baby. What is up with that? Are there no other African countries? Following in the steps of other celebrities does not make you cool.

My advice to you is, ditch your publicist and get yourself a classier look. Once you have the baby and have lost the baby weight you can go for more trendy/show off styles. Also, open a book once in while; why not go back to school? Yes, I know you love "funny people because they are hilarious and awesome", but do not say that out loud.

Anyway, try to enjoy yourself, you are young and rich, take a vacation get away for a while, and stay away from Africa. Also, I know other people have told you this, but just in case, remember to use birth control. The last thing you want is to have twenty kids by what’s-his-name. He is another topic all together.

Just my two cents,
Chica

Adventures at the Doctor’s Office

Today I had a doctor’s appointment, not because I wanted to, but because the doctor would not approve my medication that I have been taking for the past almost 10 years without seeing him first.

I should be ready for the visit, but it always surprises me, time just flies and six months go by quickly. Anyway, I finally get in to see the doctor and he asks me what I am doing there. I tell him that I just need my blood checked because I need a new prescription. He asks me if there is anything else wrong, this always makes me wonder since he is a doctor I am thinking he sees something I don’t. I tell him that I have been feeling great, have lots of energy, and that I on a quest to loose 25 pounds by December. I tell him that I have embarked on a new exercise program. He looks at my chart and tells me that I have been loosing weight, I say, yes, but that does not count since it is baby weight. I ask if there is something I can take, given my lack of thyroid I can not take any of the over the counter supplements. He looks at me and prescribes lots of exercise. Thanks Doc!

A little later a nurse comes in, I make my usual serious joke, he, he, are you good at this? She says, no one has complained yet. I tell her that people usually have a hard time finding a vein. She says, I don’t know why since there is a big one right there. She proceeds to do her stuff and I close my eyes (I should be used to this since I get poked once every six months or once a month when I am pregnant). When I open my eyes all I see is my arm full of blood and blood dripping on the floor and on my new Juicy pants! AHHHHH. She will not take the needle out. Ahhhhhhhh. I finally tell her to and she does.

I see her eyeing the same arm and I tell her that there is no way she is going for the same vein! She takes my other arm and actually tells me that she is nervous!!! WHAT? I say.
She pokes my other arm with no problem and I am outta there. I don’t think I can ever get used to that.

Houston Proud

On Saturday we headed to Downtown Houston to celebrate the grand opening of the Sabine to Bagby Promenade on Buffalo Bayou.

I have blogged in the past about how back in the 80’s and 90’s Downtown Houston was a ghost town. After 6pm all you could find on the streets was litter and homeless people. The only individuals that went anywhere near the bayou were those looking for drugs, a place to sleep, or a brave soul that wanted to feed an indigent person.

To see thousands of people gathered around the banks of the bayou was a proud moment for any Houstonian. Yes, the festivities could have been planned a little better; the “floating” cinema wasn’t really floating, like Chris said “floating just means it isn’t sinking”. But all in all, it was nice to see the city change for the better.

When you walk down the new and improved bayou you will find tons of plants/flowers, benches, sculptures, fountains, plus a new light system that will change from blue to white depending on the phase of the moon. Go Houston!!

Boston – Day 3

On Thursday night I decided it would be a good idea if we had a happy hour, so off we went. We gathered at the Emerald Rose in Billerica. It was so much fun. Here are a few pics…

Bad Movie

I saw The Omen and let me give you guys a piece of advice – Don’t. It was the worse movie ever. Some of the special effects were ok, but that was it.

I swear all that kid needed was a good spanking to get that devil right out of him.

Where Are You?

Where are you? What are you doing? Why haven’t you blogged in a while? Where in the world is Chica? You might be asking yourself questions like these and here is the answer, I am in Boston…ahhhhgain.

I was so excited about the trip; I mean tax-free shopping and all. JR did not share my excitement when I told him about my plans; he gave his usual speech, some blah, blah, blahs, followed by something about responsibility and conscientiousness. Yeah, yeah, yeah…anyway, after the plane landed in Beantown I drove directly to the Wrentham Premium Outlet.

I found some great, great stuff. I got a Burberry shirt, a Lacoste shirt, 2 Juicy Couture t-shirts and a pair of cropped terry pants, and a Coach large bag that matches the cute shoes I got last month. I got the kids some clothes and shoes. See JR, nothing to worry about.

After the shopping I ended up taking an unexpected trip. Instead of going left I turned right and ended up in Providence, Rhode Island, I hate when that happens.

I am up in Boston for work, some software training. I will let you guys know more about my trip as events develop. Stay tuned.

Phone Blog

Phone Blog.

What? "This ATM offers audio assistance for the visually impaired" This ATM is located on a drive thru! I guess that explains all the dents and scratches.