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.

My Heart is Sinking

I am angry and sad at the same time, but there is nothing I can do about it.

I have always wanted a third child. Well, I have always wanted four, but after Baby Girl was born it took me a while to decide to have another, I guess I needed to have the pain of the experience fade. Three and a half years later I gave birth to The Sequel. As soon as The Sequel was born I knew I wanted another child, yes, it sounds weird, but I just had a feeling.

I have been thinking about a third child these days. Part of me just loves having two but, to me, two just does not seem right (I guess it also has to do with my sister and I being only us two, I just did not like that, we were so competitive). Anyway, to make a long story short, I decided that I was going to look into adopting. This is where my heart breaking into a million pieces comes in, in my search I visited The Texas Foster Care and Adoption website, there you can search for kids, read their bio and see their pictures.

I am angry at the amount of kids waiting to be placed, I am angry at the mother of these children for not taking care of themselves while pregnant - some of the kids are born addicted to drugs and alcohol, they have Shaken Child Syndrome (that causes a plethora of side effects), or have diseases that could have easily been prevented if the mom would of cared! Some of these kids can not see, can not control their movements, and can not walk.

I am sad at the fact that these kids have to deal with the stupid decisions of their parents. I am sad that these kids can go online and see their picture, read their “problems” and that every day that their picture is up is another day that someone does not want them. I am sad at the fact that because of some of the physical issues some of these kids have, they will most likely never be adopted and they will have to bounce from foster house to foster house until they reach 18 and become a ward of the state and live forever in a state institution.

I feel so helpless. I wish I had a huge house, I wish I could adopt them all, give them a better life, a chance at happiness. I wish I could erase their minds of all the bad stuff that has happened in their short lives and let them all know that someone cares. I am so, so very sad right now.

American Idol - Series Finale

Yes, I have decided to post about AI. I have been mad about the show and promised not to write about it ever again, but I am making an exception given last night’s show.

I thought the show teetered between entertaining and flat out weird. I thought it was nice that they had so many actual, established, singers there. I was very surprised to see Prince. Does a 16 year-old know who Prince is? Anyway, here is my own version of the American Idol Golden Awards, the winners are…

“Don’t Make Me Look Stupid Again Award” goes to – Kellie. Kellie did not get a singing solo, but do they have to embarrass her by having a weird moment with Wolfgang Puck?? The whole 2 minutes were very odd and I kept thinking, Kellie just eat it, just eat it!! But she did not eat the snail. They actually showed her getting it out of her mouth (on a napkin) and placing it on the floor. I thought that they could have done something more interesting with her and Mr. Puck other than making her look like a fool…again.

“Weird Couple Award” goes to - Katherine and Meatloaf. Ok, what was up with the Katherine/Meatloaf duet? WEIRD. He looked like an uncaged bull. And what was up with the red handkerchief? I did not think that they made a good pair. “If I touch you like this or if I touch you like that…” oooh, gross.

“WTF Award” goes to – Clay Aiken. When I first saw him come out I thought it was Barry Manilow or Wayne Newton. I only realized that it was Clay when weirdo guy, the guy that won the Clay Aiken impersonation award, started freaking out. Very, very odd. I am going to vote two-thumbs way down on that makeover. With that look he is headed to become one of those eccentric - plastic surgery, fake tan, hair plugs, lounge singer, Wayne Newton wanna be.

Before - as we knew him


Now

May Birthday Celebration

We had a lot of fun on Friday Night. Here are a few pics of the event. Thanks to everyone that made it out. More pics on Flickr.










Thanks to Chris - internetcurios for the awesome and yummy cake.

Getting Older and Wiser

My birthday was last week and because of one reason or another I did not feel nor had time to blog about it. Turning 35, yes the half of 70!, was not as thought provoking as I thought it would be - the sky did not open up, rays of light did not shine on me, and I did not have an epiphany about my life – I just turned a year older. Yippie for me.

I remember the eve of my 21st birthday, that night I wrote myself a letter (a tradition that continues to this day when something major has happened) about how I felt and what was happening in my life. I read it now and laugh, not a mean laugh, I just a laugh at how at twenty-one one tends to sweat the small stuff, and I was perspiring a lot. The letter is, random thoughts, a collection of words that as I read them they remind me of the anxiety I felt that day – you know, that I am about to throw up feeling. I was so afraid of the unknown.

Today, I am no longer afraid. I have learned to say whatever happens, happens. I know for a fact that when a door closes a window does open up somewhere. Opportunity does knock. I have learned that you and you alone make your own fate, your own path in this world. Do not get me wrong, I still sweat, but now I do not let it affect me.

I have had a wonderful 35 years. I might not have gray-free hair, perky breasts, a stretch mark free body, or metabolism from hell, but dang it at thirty-five I know how to look and feel fabulous!

I now know who I am and I am no longer afraid. Look out world 35 is my year!!

For all of those that would like to celebrate with me, we will be having a May Birthday celebration on Friday, May 19th, at The Flying Saucer (Main/Capitol) starting at 6:30pm. If you have a May birthday and would like to be included on the birthday list please email me and let me know. So far we have six May birthdays. See you all there.

New York - Wickedly Awesome

We really had a nice time in New York. It was a little laid back given that we had two kids in tow, but nice anyway. We left Houston on Wednesday (I was lucky that Continental ignored the fact that my bag was a couple of pounds over the 50 pound limit). That night we checked in at the 70 Park Avenue Hotel and headed out to walk around and get some dinner. We ended up finding a fabulous Cuban restaurant. It is just so nice not to be surrounded by chains and franchises.

On Thursday, the kids and I took it easy, JR was working, so we just hung out at the hotel and when the light went down the kids and I headed to Times Square. We went to Toys R Us and took a ride on the ferris wheel, we got to ride on the Little People School Bus.





The last time we were in NY Baby Girl was 4 months old. She was so funny, every morning she would get up and run to the window. She wanted to see if people were still outside walking. She just did not understand why they did not drive everywhere. I thought it was cute.

On Friday, we went out to lunch and I stayed in the hotel while the kids and JR visited The Morgan Library and Museum. That night we headed over to see Wicked!!!! I was so excited I saw the show in Houston, and loved it, and to see it in Broadway, well, it was a dream come true. We had second row tickets, it was amazing to be that close. The New York show had around five things that were different from the Houston show. I did not know why, but on Saturday when we went to the Wicked – Behind The Emerald Curtain tour I found out why.

The tour was an incredible experience. The actor that plays Dr. Dillamond, Sean McCourt, was the tour guide and here I am with him…





Anyway, the reason that the show was a little different, and by that I do not mean acting or movement, I mean actual line changes, is because they try out different things on tour and then take the changes back to Broadway. I love the theatre and have seen performances several times, so I think it is neat that Wicked makes changes and keeps evolving, making it fresh. I also found out that “Dancing Through Life” is a new number that was not in the original performance!





The tour was great and highly recommended. After the tour we headed to Central Park. We visited the carousel and the Central Park Zoo. We walked the Upper East Side and caught a cab back to the room. We took a nap and headed back out to visit The Metropolitan Museum of Art. Loved it.









The next morning we got up and headed to the Staten Island Ferry. Why Staten Island, well, the ferry is FREE and you get to take some awesome pics of New York City and the Statue of Liberty.





After that is was time to go home. Whew, I am still tired.