Stomach Virus + Vomit = Christmas

Yeap. We have been sick around these parts. Finally recuperating and doing the aftermath cleaning (so far 4 loads of laundry and not even close to being done).

I'll be back...

Over & out

Holly Jolly Holiday Tag

Are you done shopping? wrapping? food shopping? LOL The Holidays is one big race to get everything done. Thankfully I have very little on my plate this week, yay!

I don't know if you knew but I'm seriously addicted to youtube makeup gurus. Love them, love learning techniques and seeing new pretty makeup that I cannot buy :)

Dear nvmakeuplover has this awesome tag (that she did in a vlog) and I thought they were so cool and so here they are:


Favorite Christmas Movie? Although I love watching most of them, I love two non traditional one's : "The Family Stone" and "Love, Actually" because life is not always perfect, and that is ok.

Are you on the Naughty list or the Nice list? in between? I think nice, but naughty where it counts lol

Show us an embarrassing Christmas Card photo! This was the first year we did a photo card and it was juts the kiddo-big kid refused.

Have you ever had a White Christmas? Yes, I have

Where do you usually spend your holiday? In NYC, but not happening this year, so is off to my Sister's house

Play or Sing your favorite Christmas Song! Have about I tell you? Carol of the bells, although I love "I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas"

Do you open any presents on Christmas Eve? Nope, I did once and I regret it

Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? I don't think so: Dancer, Pracer, Vinxen, Rudolph...I'm done
What holiday tradition are you looking forward to most this year? Sadly none. Everything I wanted and was looking forward to is just not happening.

Is your Christmas tree real or fake? fake, is a tradition back home
Hands down, what's your all-time favorite holiday food and holiday sweet treat? Pernil (roasted pork) and flan
Be Honest: do you like giving gifts or receiving gifts better? My hubs loves giving gifts, I, however love receiving them-except for the kiddos, I like giving them gifts.

Show us your tackiest Christmas attire (ex: Ugly Sweater) I don't do that. Ever. Our outfits are planned in advance and usually nothing with red or green in it.

What would be your dream place to visit for the holiday season? I would love either England or Disney World.

Does your family have a special holiday recipe you like to help make? Yes, Pernil-see above, and my famous potato salad.

Are you a pro-present wrapper, or do you fail miserably? Definitely a Pro. I've worked in stores wrapping presents before.

Most memorable Holiday moment? My Hubs moving in, one December. Kissing under the big tree @ Rockefeller in NYC. Our kids first Christmases.

What made you realize the truth about Santa? The letter my Mom always included with the gifts, telling me to behave and be respectful, I finally recognized her hand writing.

Do you make New Years Resolutions? Do you stick to them? Nope, but I do believe each year is an opportunity to start over and do better.

What makes the Holidays special for you? Having my family around, the music, the scents, the spirit all around us and the feeling that most people want to do good.

Hope you take the time to answer some of these!

Over & out

Another FMM, yay! have you ever...

It's Monday and this week I have so many plans, all connected to cleaning and organizing the place even more. I have a few things on my mind that I will share later, got some new nail polishes too. Our trip to NYC has been delayed once more but that is ok.

We are joining today to another Friend Makin' Mondays! hosted by All The weigh

FMM: Have You Ever?

1. …traveled outside of your home country? Yes, I moved to the US when I was 22. We are looking forward to visiting other countries as well. I have been very lucky to visit different states in the US but I'm looking forward to other places. Oh, and I've been to Canada too.

One of our many Beaches *sigh*

2. …performed on stage in front of at least 1,000 people? Oh dear lord in heaven, NO.

3. …watched an episode of Jersey Shore? Yes, is a family thing in which our oldest, the hubs and I sit together, a few snacks and laugh our asses off! (We lived in NJ for a while so we find this super funny)

4. …baked a cake from scratch? Yeap, Dominican cake which uses Meringue as a frosting, Yummo.

5. …worked in a grocery store? Nope, my father was really opposed to us working on food establishments ( no idea why)

6. …dated someone who was your best friend first? Not really, although the Hubs and I where really good friends but no Best Friends.

7. …made a difference in someone’s life during Christmas? Yes, but If I told you then the magic would be gone :)

8. …been on TV? no, unless you count "Cops" (bwahahaha, I kid, I kid)

9. …had cosmetic surgery? No, but I can't deny I have thought about it.

10. …learned a second language? Yes, I learned English when I was very young. My First Language is Spanish. We did have to study 4 yrs of French in High School because our law is based on the French Laws but nothing really stick with me.

Now it’s your turn. I know the Holidays are on their way but would love to hear some of yours.

Happy Monday.

Over & out

What are you praying for?

Blessed to have a place to put a tree

I'm sorry if talking about my issues has become a theme here, but I must say that I have share some of my thoughts with others and seeing how many people are in our shoes and how many are suffering and having struggles I figure I share some insight.

It is so sad that most of the time when we are in trouble is when we remember to pray, to seek God. To hope that there is someone out there listening to us, someone who cares, but most of all, someone who can do something.

It breaks my heart to see how many people are strugling out there, even worst than we are (take for example my ill brother); but what it's even more sad is the amount of people who do not care about others, at all.

Dr. Phil had a show today about how many families go hungry in America (1 of 6 americans have struggle with putting food on the table. Dr. Phil was asking to make donations. Some of the comments said this:

"If people that had jobs before that lost them saved and stopped spending over their means maybe they would have had something to fall back on. Also, there are alot of people that aren't working because they feel like some jobs are below them. I don't feel sorry for any of them."

"How about giving birth control to the poor so they stop having children they can't feed!!" (because God forbid someone poor is blessed with children)

"Raising money to provide meals is a waste of money. "

These are the nice ones. They call people receiving help Lazy, bums, that people really are not that bad off. It truly breaks my heart. How can we be so judgmental, so hard, so cold. How can we not feel for others around us? how can we not try to help when we can?

But my post is not about who we no longer see what is in front of us, how we don't want to get involve, how we ignore the poor and the homeless, the sad, the lonely and the ones hurting, no...is not about that.

I want to talk about Praying.
In the last week I have spoken to people suffering, hurting, people wanting a better life, a better future, etc.

So I ask you: What do you Pray for?

Do you pray for a house?
Do you pray for a car?
Do you pray for that raise at work?
Do you pray for more money?
Do you pray to meet your better half, get married?
do you pray for a day off?
Do you pray for health?
Are you making plans for the future when you have the bigger house, your dream car, the higher paying job, more cash?

I will make a humble suggestion.

The next time you pray, ask God to give you faith above all.
Faith to know that you have what is meant for you, there is a reason for all. Pray to have joy for the things you already have, that you enjoy each day for the things it brings.

Pray for the faith to believe in your heart that you are not alone, that he knows what is best for you, that today things may seem unfair, that the road seems long and hard, but that
one day you will look back and know everything has a reason to be.
Ask him to put in your soul the believe that you are blessed TODAY no matter what your situation is.


Blessed to have a messy house, with a play tent in the middle of the living room, for having kids that enrich my days.


I have been praying so hard and I know in my heart that no matter what, we are so blessed. That life is wonderful and beautiful, that I am never alone. I hope that if you are sad, problems have been troubling you, please know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.

Over & out

Hello Monday...now leave

The lack of sleep is still taking over my life, however I've decided I will win this fight. Even though last night it was 4am and I was still up, kind of sort of watching a ridiculous movie called "Christmas in Connecticut" and thinking that we really should move to the country, I woke up at 7am, took the Hubs to the train station, came home, made the largest posible cup of coffee and hang with the kiddo in bed watching cartoons for a bit.



I am exhausted but I wont lay down. Alain last test for the semester is today so I have to take him to school early. So what is one to do when you get no sleep and are supper tired and waiting for maintenance to come sand a wall in our bedroom? Clean of course!

Stress have been taking over me, the lack of sleep, the bills to be paid, then the Holidays, I seriously just need a breather. I don't want to complain, specially since driving thru one of those shopping plazas I saw a tent behind an old building, seems like some folks have been living there. I know this happens all the time, all over, but seeing this just showed me how lucky I am indeed, and that no matter what there is always a tomorrow.

I know this post seems so random and all over the place, but with my scatter brain this is all I can muster right now.

Anyone else watching good TV? seems I'm always up I finally caught up with 2 shows that I'm loving right now: " Once Upon a Time" & " Grimm" both based on fairytales, I love it!

OK, off to make lunch to one demanding little guy.

Over & out

Suze Orman is CRAZY

If you don't know Suze Orman is "an internationally acclaimed personal finance expert". Psst.
Whatever.To me the Biatch is crazy.

I'm not hatting on her (which is another post that I have coming up) and I'm sure she has helped some people along the way. Personally every time I see her on TV I just want to throw something at her. But why lovely Nina Patricia? you ask.

I'll explain.

I was browsing the tv while the kiddo napped and as always stop by my local PBS channel (I love the "Masterpiece Mystery"...but I digress...as I was browsing she comes up. She was having some sort off seminar and people where asking questions.

I should have known to just skipped this and look for something else, but of course like a moth to the flame I stayed put and watched.

This is what she was saying (in my own short words)
1. Advise #1 to a kid in college with huge loans: don't care about your friends traveling, partying, or having fun. Right after getting out of college take the first job they offer you, not the one that pays the more. Start your job and hour early, leave 2-3 hours after you are requested to. If you are not required to work weekends, go work on Saturdays. Make yourself indispensable to the company.

BWAHAHAHAHA. SHE IS MENTAL!!!!
First off, I have a kid in college and I want him to be a good student (which he is 3.9 aver) but I also want him to have a life.

Second: Companies DO NOT CARE what you do for them. They will use you and abuse you, they will give you a pat in the back but if it comes the time to let you go they WILL NOT care how many family functions you missed to work Saturdays, how many hours away from the family or how many times you where there @ 6am to get this done. Trust me, this happened to me. Has happened to many friends and family. Working so hard and they JUST.DONT.CARE.

And Third: really? the memories of his younger years are of him missing out on fun, trips, friendships, dating, etc. because he was working? (she suggested he do this well into his 30's)

Advise #2: A man who had great credit was thinking on filing bankruptcy because of financial troubles. Rather than doing this he went back to school to get his Master's. He knows has a 100K student loan and only makes 20k a year. She prompted to ask him on National television if he was a man who cries, because she could tell he was, and what she was gonna say is going to break his heart. She stated it was stupid to go back to school thinking his life would be better, that he was better off with the first loan of 25k and working as a waiter to pay it off than what he did of going back to school.

OH, I soooooo wanted to punch her in the face!
Who the heck are you to tell people that their dream to having a better education was stupid? So he is better off living as a waiter then going back to school? REALLY?
I have never heard that before, that going to further your education is a mistake, that he was stupid and that waitressing is the way to go.

Now, I am no financial expert and I certainly don't have financial security. and guess what?
It's OK. Life is still much better than some that have more than we do. I have kids. I have a family. I'm teaching and loving each moment with them.
I know there is a lot of you guys out there looking to be debt free, trying to have a secure future, etc. and that is ok. I just wonder what the price that people pay for it. How many school functions for your kids have you missed? how many games? how many birthdays? how many days have you come home and the kids are already asleep?
How many people you hear saying: I'll be happier when I get the new car, a house, then another car, another bigger house, when I have 100k saved, when this, when that, and they let life pass by and they never enjoyed it.

I have MANY friends and family that are working really hard at having money. The kids are being raised by someone else, the husbands work so hard they barely see him, yes they have money but no love, no connection, no life and no family.

When my oldest was 7 I moved to the US and he stayed back home (thanks Immigration). I worked really hard and he had a pretty decent life: Private schools, going to the country club, I had nice vacations with him. However I was only able to see him maybe twice a year if I was lucky. I tried really hard not to miss his important events, First Communion, etc. But the day to day life, the time he got Chicken pox, His first dance, etc...I missed all that.

He is 19 now and going to college. To this day he still tells me of how it was growing up without me. Those years are never coming back to us. In 20 yrs your children wont care about how much money you had and how many things you can buy them (would they enjoy it? certainly), they would remember the camping trips, how you set up the Christmas tree, or their favorite meal. I never noticed that my parents had a pretty good financial life until I was older.

Don't get me wrong, I want to provide a decent living to my children, I want to be able to do things with them, and buy them reasonable things, but not a the cost of missing them. Hasn't she seen "Click" with Adam Sandler?


Why do you think so many rich kids get into drugs, get in trouble? because they have everything and they are bored. The same happens with the other side of the spectrum if the parents are working 3 or 4 jobs and the kids basically have to raised themselves. If you don't have or want kids, and your ideal is to have a vast amount of me, then go for it.

There has to be a balance in between. I highly recommend reading this post from "Like Mother, Like Daughter" that I have mention, oh I don't know...20 times by now? Click on it I have it linked. It's called "Five things that are worse than being in debt." and whenever I feel discourage I read it again.

As far as I know Mrs. Orman does not have kids. I know is her job to give you "financial" advise. I know people judge us and think "oh they should not have more kids, they should get another job, I know people think being SAHM is a lazy job, and easy job. Life is so much more than what you have on the bank. It is so much more than going to work even when you are sick, or worst, when your kiddos are sick and you still leave them with someone else...that, is just not me.

Sorry Suze, you are crazy if you thinks having money is more important than anything else in life. And for that, I feel sorry for you.

Over & out

Friend Making Mondays-12/05/11

Thank you guys for all the comments on my last post.
I am glad to know we all go thru all these stages in our marriages. I've always hated those people who claim "we are so in love, our marriage is perfect, we are so perfect together" and a year later they are divorced. Never got that. Like the friend that dated her Hubs for 6 yrs, got married and then divorced a short year later...I'm not judging, just saying: how does that happen?

Anyways, we are back to FRIEND MAKIN' MONDAYS!!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: I am…

1. I am good at…cleaning and organizing, and lately cooking.

2. I am happy when…I can do stuff with the family, even if is just going to the mall, out to dinner, etc.

3. I am working on…my marriage first, then loosing weight.

4. I am interested in…makeup and craftiness.

5. I am always…happy to go back home and see the rest of the family.

6. I am enjoying…being home and not working. Although financially we could use another income, spending time with my boys have been such a blessing.

7. I am in…Maryland, but looking forward to NYC for the Holidays

8. I am reading…trying to go back to old Books by Anne Rice...sadly I'm not doing really good, so I may pick up the newest one by James Patterson.

9. I am concerned about…our future, not just us but the things coming to us. Also deeply concern about my Brother who is still battling Stage 4 Colon Cancer.

10. I am looking forward to…going away for the Holidays.

Now it’s your turn!

Happy Monday my friends!

Over & Out

Life or something like that

I've been away from blogging these past couple of days. I had to refocus my efforts in life to make some things work.

Marriage is hard and you have to keep working at it. I truly believe that is like a roller coaster, some times you are up high and some times you are coming down...fast. I had to refocus my attention when things got really ugly and the arguments where the worst we had in all our time together. That is not how we want to live.

After much inner searching I realized it didn't matter who was wrong (him) or who was right (me...I kid, I kid) but how to make things work. I told him just so. I stated that what I was requesting was very important to me, but no more important than our marriage, I asked what could I do to make things better. You would not believe how fast things cool down once we realized being right was not the main goal but how to work thru this.

I would say that thankfully is not about cheating, drinking, gambling, drugs, or major things. To me (and to us it seems) is the little things that you don't talk about. The things that just build up until you explode for what may seem something trivial.

I recommend speaking about the little things every day and airing the laundry as much as possible. So I've been doing that, trying to work things out, spending time with the kids and friends, cooking and turning this:





into this delicious dish (that has tons of carrots and onions but you would never know since they are blended in!
Took sometime to do this (see how Happy Teenagers are to go take pics with the family?) bwahahaha

and received a few goodies: ALL FOR FREE!!! including our Christmas cards. I love me some coupons and giveaways.




It feels good to take care of me too. I've been stepping out with friends for 1 or 2 hours just to browse some makeup, browse the malls, run some errands. Just hanging with friends can do so much good. After all, we all need time away for ourselves.

Over & out

2 on Tuesdays

I'm joining again for the fabulous My Chihuahua Bites for the 2 on Tuesdays!

What are your Christmas traditions?

Today we are talking about Christmas traditions. What were your family traditions as you grew up? What traditions are you implementing (or do you plan to implement) with your own family?

Back in the homeland there are several traditions that are not celebrated here, it's so hard for me to keep those as we and my Sister's Family are the only one's in MD. Thankfully we do have the Hubs family in NYC which is usually where we go to spent the Holidays.

Back home I remember Christmas being an ongoing party, our Neighborhood collected funds, we decorated the street, place a huge tree in the intersection (yes we did) and closed the street on Friday and Saturday nights so everyone could dance and hang out outside (mind you, that was the Caribean therefore it was not cold).

On Christmas eve is when we had the big dinner followed by all families on my Mom's side (14 sibblings and their kids) would go visit my Grandma. So much fun. We also had fireworks at Christmas time!

Here are some things have done/plan to do as our family traditions:

I also want to do the Elf on the shelf so I must go hurry and buy it from Target.

Christmas tree is set even before Thanksgiving as we don't celebrate this back home...

We are taking pictures with Santa...all of us as a family.

Baking cookies has started.




I downloaded tons of Christmas music from back home, I want my family to remember those as well as the ones here in the States.

Go see the Christmas lights.Make a birthday cake for Jesus.

Years ago I worked part time at Hallmark and got a Beautiful "T'was the Night Before Christmas" which I'm going to start reading to the little guy come December 1st.


The Hubs family buys the kiddos gifts and put under the tree, no names of who is from ever, so it's extra special for all.

Since we go to NYC visiting the Rockefeller tree, Central Park and seeing the Window Displays is mandatory. (hubs and big kid, walking in NYC after hitting a Lush store)

Oh, and did I mentioned our feast consist of Roasted Pork, Potato Salads, tons of empanadas and things of the sort? yeah, I cannot wait!

Over & out

Friend Making Mondays- Cyber Monday

Yay, time for something fun!

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

Friend Makin’ Mondays: Holiday Shopping

1. Do you like to shop? uh, yes!
   
2. Have you started shopping for Christmas gifts yet? Yeap, I only have 2 more gifts to be done. (Thank you Layaway)
3. Did you shop on Black Friday? If so, what did you buy? nope, the last time I did black Friday was 10 yrs ago. I can't stand having people on top of me.
4. List a few of your favorite stores? MAC Makeup, Sephora, Lush, Target, Nordstrom, Marshalls.
   
5. What is the last thing you purchased for yourself (food and drinks excluded?) The Naked Palette from Urban Decay and Origins Vitazing
   
6. Do you prefer to shop in-store or online? I rather go to the store and get it right then and there.
   
7. If you could purchase one thing that you don’t need at all for yours elf today, what would it be? These Frye Boots and the Nars Danmari blush palette.

8. 

   

9. Does your significant other shop with you? Do they love it/hate it? He does shop with me, and he doesn’t seem to mind at all though he doesn’t usually say “Hey Kenz…let’s go to Hobby Lobby.” Ha…
10. Do you shop at thrift stores? I have shopped in thrift stores before, totally. When I lived in NY, I loved thrift store shopping in Greenwich, CT. I suppose I should give it a chance here too!
11. When you’re holiday shopping, do you make lists? I have a list in my head of people who will get presents from me, but I don’t always get specific with it.
12. 
    
13. Does your significant other shop with you? Do they love it/hate it? He doesn't mind at all, and even takes the kiddos... although he may go to a different store and we meet up later...
    
14. Do you shop at thrift stores? Yes, but I rarely find something
15. When you’re holiday shopping, do you make lists? Yes I do, I even include pricing if I done a prior research online.
    

Happy Thanksgiving? Nope.

My original tittle included an expletive so I decided to leave it out...for now.
It was just an over all bad day for me.

Our plans of going to New York fell thru, which left me cooking again...sigh...fine then.
But the entire day I was cleaning, cooking, making cookies with the little guy, washing and blow drying my hair, getting the meals ready, etc. Not one time did my Hubs or my big kiddo offer to help me. Nope. they just sad on their asses and watched TV all day.




When dinner was ready I got my makeup on, got dressed, I was trying to get the little guy dressed and my oldest asked why are you getting him dressed? to which I responded it's Thanksgiving!!!

Well neither him or the hubs got dressed to take one darn picture. They sat at the table wearing shorts and T'shirts. Got drinks serve and didn't even asked me if I wanted anything. At this point I wanted to cry already but I keep it together. They got off from the table, didn't even say thank you to me. Like, really? this is also MY holiday and I did EVERYTHING alone today and not even a Thank you?

To top it all I had discussed with my son on Sunday that he ate 22 granola bars in 2 days (we get the wholesale size for him) I asked him to please refrain from doing this, that they where for him to enjoy but to please be mindful of what he was eating. Imagine my surprise to find the empty box in the garbage was a slap on my face. He ate 48 bars in 6 days. When I asked him to come to the kitchen I asked him did you just eat the whole box after our conversation? He gave me this nasty "yes" like so what?
UGH, I wanted to smack him but instead I told him off and told him I was so hurt by his attitude. I ended up bathing Aiden and getting him in bed, then ended up alone in our living room watching "The Family Stone" and crying...

I want to be thankful of what I have and that we where together, but I was just so sad. Thankfully I got some smiles from the only guy who told me he loved me...






I hope you guys have a better day and that my next Holiday would be much better...

Over & out

A rainy Wednesday

Today is a beautiful rainy day, it's gray and a little cold...perfect day to snuggle with the kiddo while watching cartoons.

For a while he went thru the terrible twos (not as terrible as some) but mostly saying no to us, or "It's mine", " I don't wanna", and whining when he didn't get his way. He quickly realize this does not work on this household, thus this stage has ended. He has been ver
y loveable, telling us he loves us, giving lots of hugs and kisses, saying sorry's, thank yous, your welcomes when necessary.

I usually take the hubs to the train while he still sleeping and I return and go right back in bed and cuddle with him. He usually wakes me up by throwing himself (or a Dino) at me, followed by kisses too...the first thing he wants is the Christmas tree and our little Village lighted up.

Yes, Christmas Decor is already mostly done since a few days ago. We do Thanksgiving in NYC so why wait. Specially on days like these I can't help but feel blessed and happy seeing the tree light up. Is not fancy, I still need a few things for it, but guess what? he does not care. He sees it with the joy of a kids innocence and that's what matter.

Oh, and Christmas shopping is already 90% done...how? Layaway baby! This is the first year we have done it and honestly I felt a little embarrassed, until I saw how easy it was to get it out of the way already, have small payments and NO BILLS coming our way (which wouldn't happen anyways since we don't have CC).

This is waking up, still in PJ's, already rearranging his toys.

Last night my oldest wanted a candy bar, I was not about to leave the house for this but being the awesome Mom I am *wink* I made him a homemade Spanish dessert... Cortado de Leche!

(First picture is mine, the second is from the web since they didn't gave me a chance to take one)


Yummy!
He jumped out of bed so excited when I told him I made him this...I know these are the things he is going to remember.
How's your holiday going so far? What are some of your traditions? I love browsing thru the blogosphere this time of year!

Over & out

Today is your day

Wake up this morning by feeling 40lbs of pure energy jumping on my stomach and yelling "wake up mommy, wake up" then he proceeded to tickle me.
I smile because no matter how much I hate mornings this makes it worth getting up.

Drink coffee and the smells makes me smile again.

Open the windows and see is sunny out today. A while later the Hubs comes back from the market and shows Aiden he got him grapes. I laugh because his reaction would be that of a teenage boy that has just been gives a PS3, he loves fruit that much.

I hear thump, thump, thump and I see that they are placing new carpet on the hallways and stairs.

I decided to take it easy today so I just take everything out of the kitchen and clean it. The smell of clorox and soap makes me happy. Aiden slides in to help out with the broom.

I have to drive the big kid to college in the PM, then pick him up...I think how lucky I am that he is a dreamer, that has so many plans for the future.

I come home to do my exercise and Aiden, who decided that a nap was contra productive runs out of the room and joins me and encourages me by yelling :"kick mommy, kick" followed by an amazing laugh.

These days he gets into everything, has broken a few Christmas Ornaments (yeah, I'm all ready for the Holidays, whooa, whoooa), gets the gallon of milk from the fridge and tips over chairs. I'm thinking Quarterback right now.

The Hubs is home sick and he is driving me insane because men are such babies.

Today was ordinary and so extraordinary at the same time. They are challenges that I cannot predict and have to roll with the punches...like my money not being in my account and not able to go food shopping like I had plan until I get this resolve...but is ok.

I have a choice to make the best of it, to be in the moment, to be grateful of what we have, a loving needy Hubs, healthy and active boys, a roof still over our heads. My kid can eat grapes and has milk in the fridge for him. How many do not have as much today?

You got to stop worrying for what you don't have and LOVE what you do, you will be happier.
Choose to be there in the moment, choose to enjoy the moment when the kid is still a kid.

No...this is not all my doing..I've been watching some of Oprah's life class (if you can believe I've never been a fan of hers, but the timing of this series has been fantastic for me) and watching Randy Pausch Last lecture...if you can, please go see it on Youtube.

Life is beautiful if we choose it to be.

Happy Monday and Happy thoughts today...

Over & out.

Disapointment? hate? yeah... I have that.

***Rant warning***

I really was struggling on whether to write this but I know I would feel much better if I did.
Have you even notice that when you are doing well or are on top of the world you have so many more friends? people are nicer to you? people call you all the time, ask you to hang out, etc.? Yeah...I'm there right now.

Is so funny it took me this long to realize how people treated me so much more different than when I own a house, when I was having parties and BBQ's and doing stuff for others. When I was traveling to Las Vegas, New Orleans or either Disney park, when I was able to travel when I wanted to, how nice people can be.

Then things get different and you learn the HARD UGLY truth that people just see you for what you have in your pocket, what car you drive and what status you have. I know the world was a cold hard place but I, in my blissful ignorance, have thought that I've created a place surrounded by loving people, people that would be there for me, people who WOULD care about my well being, who would call me to see how I was no matter what...THANK YOU REALITY, I'm awake now.

I just want to express that this week has been filled with gratitude in my heart because for those who gave us their back, there where others calling me, being there for me and my family, because where I am now has taught me that I DO have people that love me and care for me, just not as many as they pretended to be.

I have peace in my heart because I know I was, scratch that, I AM a better person because I am real. If I love you, I'll love you no matter what, I will be there for you. In this whole scenario THEY lost more than I did. You where not who I thought you where but I will always be who I am. Just pray to the GODS that I will never be able to wealthy because I WILL be a bitch to you.



Forgiveness is letting go of the hope that the past can be changed. Oprah Winfrey

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. Oprah Winfrey


The above seemed fitting...
Over & out

Hello Monday: FMM again!

Hello Monday! I was waiting for you. Last night I finally got to do my movie night and watched "Scream 4" I wont spoil it in case you haven't seen it and desire to...but seriously the killer was NOT believable...oh, right...it was Scream 4...but Courtney Cox looks HOT!

For some odd reason of nature I think today is going to be a really good day, maybe because I'm planning on taking down the Halloween decor and putting up the Christmas ones!

Yes, I'm fully aware of the date, however where I come from trees have already been up for weeks, so there. I think talking to my dearest Sister who is back home and her telling me about her own tree made want to jump in the wagon, besides Thanksgiving is in NYC.

So on to this weeks Friend Makin' Monday's


If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Dating

Dating? really? yeah, I guess I can talk about it.

What is your current relationship status? (Be as specific as you’d like to be!) Dating…I'm going to be his eternal girlfriend. LOL. Ok, Married.

List a few qualities that you look for in a significant other…Tall, broad shoulders, kind, and funny. Or kind of funny, whatevers.

If you could choose to date one character in TV or film, who would you choose? And which characteristics are most appealing? My dear Keanu Reeves in "The Lake House" I LOVE him, and he sways his hips...yummy. sorry hon, but you knew this.

How long should you date before becoming exclusive? I have never been able to date more than one person at a time...so not sure about that...

What are your thoughts on public displays of affection? The hubs and I where walking in NYC when we where dating and it started to rain, he stopped me on my tracks and kissed me. That was ok. Holding hands, a little peck, love it...full blown make out session absolutely not.

Do you kiss on the first date? Sometimes I did, it depended on the chemistry.

Biggest turn-off? Dirty Nails. Seriously if you can't clean something that obvious I don't want to know what else you don't.

What’s the first thing you notice about the opposite sex? Their eyes and smile. THEN shoes. And I always try to be alert on how they treat others around not just me.

How long do you/did you wait before becoming intimate? hehehe, *cough* it depends, however I wanted to be intimate with the Hubs a lot sooner than he did, we knew each other for years so I thought it would be ok. I'm so glad we waited....OK, I'M LYING but I'm supposed to say that, right?

Describe your dream date. My dream has already happened many times over (don't hate me because I married my best friend, if is any consolation he is messy). One special one while dating was just a spur of the moment impromptu picnic on his bedroom floor with take out and a cheesy movie.

I'm going to live precariously thru you guys while reading these!

Over & out.

Adios Halloween

ACK, is gone already. I didn't get to spent my night watching "Scream 4" because my little guy fell asleep in the car from all the fun...then proceeded to wake up at 10pm and he decided to have a party and only his dearest parents where invited. It was like he took a power nap and was full of energy!

Here we are, doesn't he seems so happy to take a picture?







My little Franky, he even got down the walk with the arms up. He gave me a chocolate and told me proudly " I wuv you mommy, yer cute" (meaning he thinks I'm the diggidybomb).

So here are the Status so far this week:

1.) Mood:
Happy! One: I've been doing my exercises and feeling so much better already, and two: I love holidays and cannot wait to decorate for the Holidays (we do Thanksgiving in NYC so no Turkey decor for us)

2.) When was the last time you carved a pumpkin?
Last year, with my oldest. I think it was an owl, or a cat...or owlcat...who knows.

3.) What is your favorite Halloween candy?
Gosh, all of them...except things with mint in it. And BTW, we use Candy Corn as a Christmas candy back in the homeland. I know, weird, huh?

4.) What is your favorite Halloween memory?
Going to the NJ Devil Haunted Hayride, spending time in Los Poconos, PA at a party with the family then hitting a haunted house, where one of the Hubs cousin almost broke my hand from being so scared.

5.) Do you believe in ghosts/spirits?
uhm, yes. And I respect them too.

6.) Were you allowed to dress up at school for Halloween as a kid?
No, we dressed up for Carnival back home, ours is in February...here is proof of the cruelty of my mother. My Sister all so pretty and me...as a clown....thanks ma'.




7.) Did you trick-or-treat as a kid? At what age did you stop?
Nope, we mostly don't celebrate Halloween back home so I started here as an adult by having parties or me giving the candy.

8.) What is your favorite Halloween movie?
All Halloween (as in Michael Myers Halloween movies), Hocus Pocus, and technically a Christmas one "The Nightmare before Christmas"

9.) Did you dress up for Halloween this year? If so, as what?
Nope, I wanted too though but the mall didn't want adults dressed up -because of the weather we didn't go house to house, plus we missed the Family party due to getting hit with a snow storm.

10.) Weekly goals:
Keep up my exercises, take the Halloween down and fix what ever the kiddo destroyed,
make a traditional dish over the weekend.

Hope you all have a great day and week! See you in November!

Over & out

Friend Making Mondays- Halloween!

Yay, It's Halloween! My favorite Holiday ever, even thought now days we do it on a smaller scale I still love it. We took the kiddo Trick or treating Saturday and we are also going today. Aiden was a little shy at first but then he realized he got goodies he was all for it.

I'm also planning a Scary movie night with the big kiddo, would have love to go see "Paranomal Activity 3" but we are saving money so we are just going to watch "Scream 4" and enjoy a Taco dip.

Today I'm joining again Dear Kenley's Friend Makin' Mondays:

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: What do you do when trying to reclaim your healthy lifestyle after a few emotional, unhealthy weeks?

This is something that I struggle so much. We have so many outside issues that sometimes prevent me from doing well: trips to NYC, family coming over, budget, stress, etc. Granted I could do better choices but I feel weird going to visit family in NYC and asking them to go food shopping for me. And lets face it, baked white cheddar cheetos taste much better after a panic attack than any carrots can- just saying.

What I've learned is just to move forward, ignore the pass and just go forward for a better day. I cannot change what I did last week but I can certainly do better today.

Back in March I went down almost 15lbs and then gave up and gained all back up. I cannot focus on what weight I would be today if I would have kept going, I can only start over and say today I'm going to do better.

Last week I started exercising again, and even though my left arm has been a source of serious pain I'm not going to use it as an excuse. Today my schedule is mega hectic so after I gave lunch to the little guy I asked my oldest to watch him for 20 minutes, locked myself in the bedroom and did the Leslie Samsom 20min Cardio Slim down. Not earth shattering but I did get some exercise in and now there is no excuse.

I'm trying my best to plan ahead what I'm going to eat too, and I gave up juice and drinking more water (I'm still drinking soda, but one step at time).

I am really looking forward to read what others do because I can use more tips.

Hope you have a fantastic Halloween!!!

Over & out

Current Status

The Nightmare before Christmas, one of my most favorite Halloween movies- you know, besides the scary ones.

This week has been a tranquil one, one that has been very welcoming. Cleaning was a success and I was able to deep clean the carpet. I do love a clean house. When I had a house we used to go all out for Halloween, Parties, fog, strobe lights, etc. Now we have scale down much more but still enjoy the whole season.

I am so excited to go Trick or Treating with the kiddo. We couldn't find the costume we had in mind (a T-Rex) but we came up with another one that I think is going to be so cute. We are doing the TOT twice: tomorrow and Monday. We usually take him to the mall because he is still too little to go from house to house, but I can't wait until we get to do that.

So here is an update on my life today:

I'm a little late but I figure I would join since I love these:

1.) Mood: Excited. I get to take the kiddo for trick or treat twice this weekend.

2.) When making a sandwich, do you care if one of the bread slices is the end of the loaf? I used to skip the ends until I discovered Italian sandwich bread, yummo.

3.) What is the weather like today? Gloomy. We are expecting snow for tomorrow. yes, I'm aware is still October.

4.) Current nail polish: Julep Limited edition (dark with fuchsia specks) does not have a name in the bottle though.

5.) What ring setting do you keep your cell phone on at night: loud or silent? (Or the phone completely off?) : I don't own a cell phone (say what?!)

6.) Current outfit: Lucklily I was out and about today:Trouser Jeans, white tank, Gray sweater, brown boots and multi colored scarf.

7.) What is your favorite Disney movie? Beauty and the Beast!!!

8.) Can you whistle using your fingers? Nope, I can't whistle period.

9.) When doing laundry, do you separate loads (lights/dark's, dedicates, etc.) or throw everything together? Yes! I love doing Laundry and getting things sorted. I also do separate laundry for the kiddo, the sheets and another one for towels.

10.) Weekly goals: To enjoy myself this weekend, to make a taco dip for our movie night (Scream 4)

That's it for me. What are you up to?

Over & out

p.s questionnaire idea from the fabulous Amarixe

Staying home...decisions, decisions

It's Tuesday and I know is going to be a wonderful day. I have all this cleaning planned {you know I get the hots for Mr. Clean} and the big kiddo made me breakfast, not even cereal and milk but an omelet, toast, my coffee with Cinnabon creamer...yummo.

I skipped yesterday's FMM since they where posting healthy recipes. I do try to be good but let's face it, I'm the type who doesn't measure most of the time, I just go for it, wing it, then taste it. Plus my yummy enchiladas are not exactly healthy, no matter if I used fat free cream of chicken, healthier cheese, etc. *wink*




So due to our current situation the hubs and I've been talking about what is going to happen in the near future: are we moving? am I going back to work? the little guy going back to daycare?...all impending questions.

I fist became a SAHM mom because of being lay off, then of course good old former employer did not want to pay unemployment, which delay my payments, which put us behind in lots of bills. But ahhhhh, I worked for the VP of operations and knew that they always try to pull a fast one, so I've always kept copies of everything: Dr's notes, days off, performance reviews, so they had no option to pay up. Goes to show you that a job is just that, a job; no matter how much you like it, how good you are at it, how great the people are and how long have you been there...when they want to screw you, they will.

I'm not going to lie, the first couple of months where challenging, and there are some weeks that all I want is a day for me...and days when I want to give up and go back to work...but they trade off would not be fair, or good, or better.




I've never been a feminist, I've never wanted to be equal to a man.That was never my thing. I've always dreamed to being at home, taking care of the house and the kids, I just never thought it would happen since we are not financially stable.

But then, I read this post which I've mentioned before, from "Like Mother, Like Daughter" that spoke to me in so many ways. Maybe because I moved here and had to leave the big kiddo back home while I finish his papers, maybe because I missed so much of his growing up, I now cherish all these little moments with my family and kids.

I hear all the time 'friends" and even family, telling me how they would never be able to stay at home, how that would drive them crazy, how they need to feel productive. Because raising little individuals to be morally decent and honest, self reliant and independent individuals, with a good heart willing to help others is such a walk in the park.

Don't get me wrong, I know some women HAVE to work.
I was one of them. But it bothers me how some females in my life state things like "omg, not even with 2 MA's, a full time job I do as much" her tone is what bothered me, it was very condescending and why throw the MA's there? I went to college too! Or the comments "when you get back to work", "when you find a real paying job". SAY WHAT?!

I have a real paying job. They just don't pay me in cash. They pay me in "Mommy your back!", or "I love you", or "here, I made you an omelet".

A decision was made. Hubs is looking for another job. I will stay home.We will manage and figure things out as we go. And yes, we will be having more kids. This is the life we want for us and we will make it work. I know people will judge us, think we are nuts, think we shouldn't. We don't care.

This is the goal right now...it may change in the future but we hope it wont.
And those days when I need a break I will take them...like next Tuesday I have a schedule free facial.

So there's that. I hope you too go for your goals and dreams, whether is loosing weight, getting a new career, having kids...do what works for you.

I'm off to clean the bathroom while dancing listening to Selena, a great day indeed!

Over & out

A wondering mind

*** Random post Alert***

Finally this horrible, stressed out, panic attack inducing week is over. we survived.
I was able to finally have a descent sleep night on Wednesday after watching "American Horror Story". Figures. And let me tell you, this afternoon I though the truck was stolen and was panicking again...until hubs who was taking a nap told me he parked around the building since there was no space available. Fun, right?

My mind wonders aimlessly until I am so fed up of trying to go to sleep, that I just get up...something like this:

Ugh, I need to pay the car, then the rent and the cable... how do people do it? Seriously is like we are always paying crap. I want to go shopping instead. Yeah...MAC shopping and maybe Lush...wait, don't I have a free sample from L'Occitane? yeah I think I do...

I 've got to remember to get rice tomorrow, and cat food...crap I'm gonna forget. Fantastic.
oh, I like that purse from QVC...it would be good for Karina's Birthday. Crap even more money for Birthdays...
Birthday. Aiden's Birthday. I have to figure out how to do volcano cupcakes...or just top them with Dinosaurs, oh and I need stuff for the goody bags...ok is fine, is 6 months from now.
Better think of Christmas. Gift shopping. Crap. The Hubs needs a new coat, and boots... blah, blabidy blah...for like an hour.

Then I continue thinking of tv...

You know who I miss from tv? Barnabas Collins. Seriously "dark shadows" was awesome, and creepy...maybe because I was young.But I love it...and "Tales from the Crypt" why they don't so a Halloween special? ugh...maybe I can find it online...





oh and HEATHERS! I love Heathers...and Wynona Ryder...I do love her, hahaha, I'm dork. I miss seeing her on movies. Wasn't she the Mom of Spuck from that space movie thing hubs likes? yeaaaaaahhhh, I'm pretty sure she was....




I seriously have issues, and apparently a wondering mind that doesn't shut off.

Over & out

The day I wanted to dig a hole and crawl in it... or Hard day

I hope for arguments sakes that some of you have seen the movie "Fun with Dick & Jane" because the image above would make sense. Being in that place of desperation, thinking what can you sell to make things better, wanting to dig a whole and get in it.

That was us last night...ok, we didn't dig a hole since we rent and I don't think it would be a good idea...but I thought about it.

One does not know how hard a day can be until you have someone knocking on your door to turn off your electricity.

Then you talk them to give you an hour to call some places and while you are at it you get a call that the car is going to get repossessed because they won't wait 'till Friday to get the payment.

Then receive a due notice from the rent for Thursday.

All this within a matter of an hour.

I don't know how I kept it together but I did. The night was hard since our stove is electric, so no cooked meal for us. You have no idea how hard it is to keep telling a 2yr old that the tv and light are not working, but he did ok afterwards.

We end up looking something like this+ teenage boy - dog + a cat.

We are two people who have 4 yrs degree each on us, you would never picture- scratch that- I would have never thought we would be here but here we are indeed.

This is not a post so you can pitty me, or like one person once, to sent me an email on all the things I'm doing wrong because is not. We are working super hard to move forward, looking for jobs, working overtime, clipping coupons, etc.

Both my Birthday and Anniversary came and went and we didn't do anything because we know now is not the time. And is ok 'cause that is not a priority to us right now, our family is.

I want you to read this and know how blessed you are, we all are.

When you wake up and don't want to go to work know how lucky you are to have one.

To have a vehicle to drive instead of taking the bus.

When you come home and are tired and don't want to cook, know how blessed you are to have a stove, to have food, to have the option of cooking or not.

Last night was HARD. I am not going to deny that, nor the panic attack I suffered this morning. But I kept praying and saying IT WILL BE OK. {how many times can one say hard in a post?}

I kept thinking of the little boy from Camden, NJ that I saw on a documentary and how he slept outside with his little brother and his Mom and how all he wanted was a place to sleep (and curtains).

I keep thinking of those kids victims of violence that have lost their parents and now are responsible for their siblings. I though of how much worst this could truly be. And this time when I prayed I was thankful for what I have, for my boys, for my Hubs, for my family and my bed.

For I am not religious at all but I have great faith that God knows that this challenge we can endure and that he will guide us all the way.

Prayers get answer and the power is back on right now. and I'm grateful and hopeful that tomorrow would be a much better day and that love can conquer all. (and no, someone didn't hand us money, actually none of our family or friends know that thesis happening to us)

I leave you with what I wish is a message of hope, that no matter how much you are hurting, suffering, feeling sad or alone, thinking this was a bad day, remember your day can always get worse but YOU have the power to look thru all the mess and see that IT WILL get better, that there is beauty out there, there is a bright future.

I'm sending a prayer for you out there. :) be happy!

Over & out

P.S from my last post: I was not going to get mad if you didn't guess correctly people! LOL

I'm Dominican!

Friend Makin' Monday; Stereotyping

Due to my constant insomnia (why couldn't I inherit my Mom's managing skills instead of her sleep disorder? why? eh, why?!!!) I am joining on time to this week's FMM. It's not even funny that for the last week I've been going to bed at around 5am...no cool people, not cool. Right now is 3:09am and I've gone to bed twice only to get up because I couldn't sleep. Ok, proceed:

If you’ve taken part in FMM then you know the rules. If you’re new, please take a moment to answer this week’s question on your own blog then add your link in the comments section here at: www.alltheweigh.com so we can all see your FMM questions and answers. Please invite your blog readers to add their links here too so everyone has to opportunity to be seen. The idea is to connect with other awesome bloggers so take a moment to post your own FMM post and comment on a couple of other posts. Now it’s time for this week’s topic!

FMM: Stereotyping

Have you ever been the victim of stereotyping? If so, will you elaborate? What do you wish people thought of you as they notice you for the first time?

Even though my weight has been uncomfortable for me and a reason of many embarrassing moments (usually with my family) I'm going on a tangent here people, but is not so much when people first notice me, but when they first get to know where I'm from. People usually don't guess correctly where I come from and that's ok, is when I tell them that I get annoyed and frustrated because the ignorant comments start. I don't think I have even mentioned in the blog, typically people think that being from an Island in the Caribbean a) we are all indians that live in a hut-not that there is anything wrong with that because after all, most of us DO have that heritage- that we have no running water, can cross the Island walking from one end to the other (psst) or b) that IT CANNOT BE since I'm not dark skinned or curly hair. That bothers me the most. I'm not even the lightest person there by far!!!

I hate when people assume Latinos means a bunch of Mexican crossing the river. Or ignorant people that can only clean houses and work at Taco Bell, which by the way if you only knew half the stories of what these people have to go thru and how hard they work you would be amazed.

It is sad that even people from my own race tell me "no way, you cannot be"...and I say why not? My little Island has a lot of African, French, Spanish and Indian Heritage, we are a well seasoned mix of beauty and flavor.

I had 3 grandparents with super light skin (mostly descendant of Spaniards) and blue eyes, and one Grandma that could pass for Hindu. we are not all created equal in color, we are all diversified.

Want to see prove how different we are? here is a picture of me and my four Sister's from 5 yrs ago (yay, witch Sis not included!)

Doesn't my Sis in red looking Hindu? I assure you, she is not.

I wish people would take the time to learn a little more about other cultures, to not judge a book by it's cover, or where we come from. Because of the way I look I can pretty much pass for other cultures and I have seen how others talk about my own race and ethnicity without realizing they are insulting me.

I'm not trying to give a sermon {although it looks lie it} but just stating that we all come in different sizes and colors, get to know us.

Now, can you guess where I'm from?

BTW- we have McD's, Malls, water and electricity and CABLE! bwahahahaha

Over & out