Random post

About a week ago, I had written a pretty long post from by finger-typing on my iPhone and then guess what...yes I lost it because I did not saved it or I thought I did, duh me!!  Let's try again and this time I am typing from my daughter's college laptop. So let hope I can post my blog at least once a month and I know I can't keep my new year's resolution to do every day and it's so impossible. Even my youngest daughter remembered and told me you are supposed to do that everyday! (me; rolling my eyes...yes little mama)

RANDOM:
Vacation:
My vacation came and went. Two weeks off from work and it was nice taking off and not to think about work for two weeks. I enjoyed spending time with my family.  We originally plan to take trip to Nicaragua but that didn't happened. The airline ticket was very pricey for family of 5.  We waited too long to purchase online and the price kept going up every hours and everyday. So we decided to take trip to Orlando. It was long overdue to take our kids to the home of Micky Mouse.  We took the road trip to Florida. It was between 13 to 17 hours.We left home late and arrived the next day in the afternoon. We went to Universal Studios for two days and Magic Kingdom, too.  I was worried about my kids that may not be thrilled because they were older (18, 14 and 10 years old). I was wrong.. they had a blast time. Disney was right, "Let the Memories Begin".  The last time my husband and I went there when we only had one child, Kassie. She was 3 and half years old. She told me the only memory was meeting Ariel, the Little Mermaid.  Now 15 years later we are here again with two more kids. Let me tell you, my husband and I were so tired within 3 hours after getting there. My kids kept going...it used to be them getting tired when they were younger. We had such a great time and I took so many pictures. I may not be able to post all the pictures here just some.

5K Run:
I did my first 5K run,  the women's mud run with 12 obstacles last month. I want to take challenge that I had never done before in my life and i am not getting any younger. Let's say I am rocking in my 40's club.  I saw an ad on Facebook and I saw the video of mud run. I thought I maybe a girlie girlie but I don't mind getting dirty. I asked some of my friends and two of my best friends want to do it with me. So i am not a fast runner and I don't enjoy running but I knew I had to do something for myself and my health. For the next 5 weeks, we trained ourselves to get ready for our first 5k. I made our team costumes. The day it came, we were nervous and excited at the same time.  My husband, their boyfriends and kids came as a spectator to support us. I knew we were going to get dirty but I felt like I was a kid again getting my hands dirty but it's more like a mud bath because when I went home to take shower, my skin was even softer. I think I need to call the spa for an appointment!  One of the hardest obstacle was climbing over an 8 feet wall without some kind of handle/knob to assist. I was so glad I didn't have any long nails and I know I would have break them.  I would do it again next year if I can get a bigger team. Would you join me?   My husband signed me another 5k run for the Rave Run light show at night that was supposed to happened last weekend and it got postponed to next year, who know why. I was looking forward to it.  There are so many run events but I can't afford to go every single one. Possible the Zombie Run if I can find somebody to go with me and the other one I really want to go is the Bad Prom 5K run. I think I will ask my hubby to be my Bad Prom date! 

Back to School is just around the corner:
My oldest is ready to go back to college for the 2nd year. I am going to miss her but she not very far away from home.  My son is going to high school and I still can't believe it's happening. I remembered being very nervous when he went to pre-k and had the first parent-teacher conference meeting. I was waiting to hear his teacher to tell me that his behavior was out of control and have short attention span and that she was going to tell me what we have to do to correct him. This what I heard his teacher told me, "he's so sweet and very helpful student and willing to learn" I was shocked and I told her, are we talking about the same boy who is very hyper and loud at home? I was proud to hear that from his teacher. He grew up a bit trouble but he eventually did very well.   And my youngest daughter is 5th grade and it will be her last year in the elementary school.  I just realized that my husband and I been parents of elementary school for almost 15 years. We know what to expect and what will happened next with each of our children. We know most of the teachers. I am excited to leave that level (in another word...be done with elementary school the lower level) and move on.

My weight and health goal:
I knew I was in trouble with my weight gain. One day..okay maybe not one day it was almost every morning I had to struggle to get ready to dress but it was not easy. Knowing that outfit I would like to wear would not fit me. I was in a hurry one day and put on my sweat pant on and grab my skirt so I can wear it when I get to work.I got to work and went to the bathroom to put on my skirt and the zipper would not go up to close. That was my breaking point. I was so upset and embarrassed of myself. I was stuck with this skirt and had to wear it all day so I had to wear my blouse out to cover my zipper or wore a sweater all day. When I left and went home, I told myself I need to lose weight and exercise more. I got on my weight scale and saw the number I did not want to believe. Alright, I gained more than I did with my three pregnancies. I started walking in the next few weeks and then running. I want to keep on running which is why I want to do more fun run event to challenge myself and help me lose weight and maintain healthy.  I know I will not be skinny like the supermodel.   I have been following some good blog about their weight progress, runner goal and healthy food lover. I was thinking of creating new blog about my weight progress blog. I don't know if I can do it because I barely keep up on my blog if I plan to do two.

Here are some pictures. I think pictures are wonderful to share.  Hope you will hear from me soob for the next blog.

Happy sign when we saw on the road trip from Maryland. We made it!

It was excited moment when we arrive at the gate enter to park our minivan.

As soon we got inside, just in time to see the Disney princess show. 

Here me ready for my first 5k mud run. I made this costume except for the smile face that was already printed. I knew I will be covered in mud. On the way,,,

Here my team, Smiley Chicas. My best friends! 

Here we climbed one of the obstacle. 

In the end, we made it through!!! 

Here my baby's stuffs to move in her 2nd year dorm.  

Abrazos,
Gladys

To blog or not to blog...that is the question

Looks like I am not able to keep my new year's resolution.  Darn... I have plenty of excuses. I have an outdated browser on my laptop and does not run very well.   I am too busy and don't feel like typing away. Like I always tell my kids, walk over there or here when they beg me to get something for them, I said your legs looks fine to me sooo you can walk. Uhh.. I have 10 fingers and I am a fast typer that what I was told by my co-workers. My cats are jealous of my laptop and mouse. My bed and pillow been calling me every night and they win everytime. My hubby don't like me to work on my laptop at bed while he's sleeping.  (Too much light and keyboard typing).  Okay...you get it...no more excuse. I will try my best to post a blog. I may not have a lots of reader/follower.  Funny thing I noticed on my blog chart or whatever you call that show I had over a thousand time came to my blog. Really?  it could be me coming on my blog several time to type or just browsing.  Oh well, my last blog I post was in May ( I think..haven't look at my list). So much had happened since and summer is already halfway here and then school will start again  in 7 weeks.  I know my kids do not want to know how many weeks left or how soon they will be back.  Summer had been good here but too much rain that I wonder if we are living in Seattle?  Good news for grass, garden and flowers.
I have so much to share with you that I would like to post and I know I had said this before. Hey, I got suck slow laptop. Wouldn't it be nice if I could win something, right...I don't seem to have that "luck charm" to win anything from raffle, giveaway prize and lottery. Do I must soak myself in holy water that may change my luck?  If you don't mind to give me a comment to remind me where is my next blog or do I exit here?
My blog do need a new makeup over or name change? what's catchy? I am sorry that I haven't been on my blog for a while. I told you before, I am not a writer.  later...

May is here already?

I did not wrote a single post for April!! I am a horrible blogger!!! But I got life so I am a busy mamacita!!! I will try my best for this month, geez!

So so so so cold today!!!

I am sick and tired of the cold weather!! Come on, it's April!! I know we get cool weather but it had been in the 30's in the last few weeks and today was low 20's! Seriously, this past Monday it was high 60 degrees but only last like 4 hours. In few hours the temperature drop down to 40's and so windy! Brrr....it's colder when you go outside at 5 am. I leave my home around 5 am to go to my bus stop. I don't have a best winter coat to keep me warm. I put a lot of layers on me!!! I mean like I am dressing myself as a kid! I put on long Johnny pant, then my work clothes, winter boot, light jacket with hood, a hat, and wrap up a scarf, a wool winter coat and a pair of gloves. I look like I am ready for the blizzard every morning at the bus stop.
Trust me, I get cold easily and sometime I like it or not. So... by the time I arrive at work, I am already sweating under these layers!!!  I am so ready for warm weather. I just look at the weather forecast for next week; finally it will be in high 60’s and mild 70's. I hope that is the beginning of the real spring!! I am so done with cold weather!!! Please go away!!!  I can't wait to put away all the winter clothes and gears!!!
Please pretty Mother Nature...

Lazy

Lazy...
I have been lazy to do exercise. I can feel the unwanted weights crawling right back on my stomach, hip and bosoms. 
I have been lazy to do some creative craft to make my kids' Easter basket and traditional game. I only have less than a week to make something.
I have been lazy to post anything on my blog. Sorry for the shortest post.

I need to shake my laziness very soon!

Lost pictures forever...

The last few days, I was organizing pictures on my old laptop. Pictures were downloaded since 2004. When we got our first digital camera and excited no more film rolls to put inside the camera. I hate to be real careful not to let it expose by the light and always monitor how many pictures left on each roll. You couldn’t just take many pictures like a photographer would. Anyway we were learning how to use it.

1)      Snap snap: I go crazy taking pictures like everything is Kodak moments.  I was glad that I don’t have to stop at 24 or 32.  I love the fact that I am able to review them and if I don’t like it, just delete it. Unlike in the old day, we have to wait when the film processed and printed. It’s always less or more than 5 bad pictures come out.

2)      Full: You would not like to see that word, FULL during a special event. I would take a lot of pictures and keep on going until my camera’s message: MEMORY FULL.  I panicked....OMG!  You wish you took the time to download the pictures and to clear the space for more pictures before the event. You blame on yourself. Sometime you have to go through the pictures to delete the bad one in a hurry or get extra memory card. And ALWAYS I mean..ALWAYS have extra memory card to switch. Thanks to smartphone with camera, that’s your last resource.

3)      Procrastinator: We should get a crown for being a procrastinator family. It’s not just me. Even my kids with their schoolwork and homework. One of the worst things about being a procrastinator is; “Oops, it’s too late.”.  I don't download immediately to my computer after taking some pictures.  I learned a very hard lesson and would never forget.  After the first year of having the camera. I asked several time to my hubby if the computer was okay for downloading the pictures. A few times, the computer was acting up. So, I waited for almost a year until my camera would not allow me to take anymore pictures until I cleared my memory card. I was messing around with my camera and not thinking clear if I had download or not on my computer. When I got to the screen where it asked you to DELETE ALL by press YES or NO. My dummy finger pressed YES.( darn, these fingers need to be chop off)  With the instant I remembered I didn’t download the pictures and I felt so sick. I was hoping the memory card was not empty after I pressed it. I checked and it was empty. And then my last hope was my computer. I ran to my computer and hoping that I did download few months ago. I searched and did not found it. These pictures means a lots to me because it was the last summer my mother was with us on trip to my oldest daughter, Kassie’s Dance Camp few months before she passed away. Oh boy, here I am crying as I typed this. I wish so many times that I could rewind the time just by few seconds. I could see these pictures in my head and wish I could print it by coming out of my mouth as if I was a printer. I know loca me.  My mother doesn’t like to take pictures. But that time she didn’t mind taking pictures. I don’t know if she knew her time will comes. (more tears here..that was not easy to… breath)  I took it out on my hubby for not downloading the pictures.  Of course, it’s not his fault. Ever since that incident, I had been afraid to delete any pictures. I keep adding pictures and buy more memory cards. From then on, I would check on my computer to make sure the pictures are there and it safe to delete them.

4)      Back-Up: I need to buy a back up hard drive so I can download all pictures and videos.  I am worrying about my laptop will die one day.  I am no IT expert so I am dumb when it comes to inside of the computer. Let’s hope we can get a good back up hard drive so that we still have these beautiful pictures. I better start getting printed just like the old days.

My first Sony Access Glasses at the movie theater

I was looking forward to see the Oz the Great and Powerful since I first saw on trailer. I had always loved the classical movie, The Wizard of Oz. 

I don't like to go to a movie theater because I never understood most movies dues of my hearing loss. So I tend to wait and watch it on DVD so I can read with subtitle.  Sometime, Movie Theater have subtitle that I had to ask for a reflector rear stand if a movie is available in caption. It's complicated equipment that you have to carry and put in your cup holder. Whenever it's a family movie, I always requested a headphone with amplifier to pump up the volume so I can hear.  I had to lip-read the actor's lip in the movies. Most of the time, it can be very difficult to understand the scene when the camera is not on the actor's face. And you can't lip-read an animation characters. Frequently, I check with Caption Fish website that provided you list of movies with subtitle available. When I saw that a movie theater nearby my home has “Sony-Access Glasses” it’s an infrared emitter broadcasts closed caption text into an auditorium which can be picked up by special eyewear. In another word, glasses show subtitle while you watch a movie. My daughter and I arrived at the movie theater early and we had out tickets bought in advance for evening movie. I went to the front desk about the Sony glasses for hearing impaired. The attendant asked me which movie I plan to see, I told him the Oz. He was getting the equipment ready. He pulled out a chip and inserts into the device and hand me the glasses. I asked him what I have to do, he said just put on when the movie begin. I was very impressed, that’s it? No button to turn on or anything. Nope. Okay, that was simple. We went in early to grab our seats.  So, I was a bit worry about getting myself tangle with the wires but I find a way to not get in a way while I eat and also that I forgot to bring my reader glasses. Then I thought oh geez, does that means I have to put this glasses on top of my reader glasses? That sounds uncomfortable!!! But since I forgot, let’s find out if I can read without my reader glasses.   It didn’t caption during the preview trailers but that’s okay. Then the movie started, I was so excited and hoping eyeglasses will work for me and I can understand the whole movie without wondering??  I enjoyed the movie and I understood everything! Only few glitches when they didn’t caption one or two lines and I tapped my glasses to get it work. I wasn’t sure if the battery was low. I can’t tell. 

We enjoyed the movie so much that we want to buy The Wizard of Oz in blue ray DVD.

When I returned the glasses at the front desk, I asked them if the glasses only available for some movies? They said it’s available in all movies. Now I am a happy movie-goer!  Now, I don’t have to wait for all movies to come out in DVD.

That was excited thing for me. I am sure you deafie knew about this, I guess I had finally caught up with technology stuff.

The movie

Where is my mojo??

My hubby and I were working out for at least 40 minutes to an hour. We would pop a Rockin’ Body workout DVDs in between our kids' schedule and dinner after work. We were supporting each other. We were buddy system. We did this for 5 months and then we suddenly stop working out for almost two months! All that hard work drained down and gained some unwanted pounds!
Where did my workout mojo went?



Have you seen my mojo?


I told my hubby that working out the same video for 4 months I get bored.  I switched to Tae Bo and Zumba.  He told me it's impossible to get bored. Well, hello I did! Even I took one Zumba class I was taking after the 3rd class with this same instructor, I fell asleep for a minute while working out. Yea, seriously! My eyes closed!  I guess… I sleep-exercise! I did not take that class with that instructor again. I have seen worse instructor but I still took it because I paid for it.  I just bought a Groupon to take Zumba class. I am looking forward to get back in the routine.  

I need my mojo back. My bra I am wearing is a bit tight. That’s a sign! Time to kick in my gear workout and I need my energy back. Believe it or not! Summer is almost here, only four (FOUR!!?!?!?!) months away from now!!  Not that I expect to be skinny in size 4! I may be a petite but I may not see that size. Being a petite size, I can gain easily and all the weight is sitting around on my hip, waist, tetas and thighs. And I got skinny stick of an arms and legs.  I just want to be able to lose some reasonable weight and not to have turmoil with my wardrobes every morning…no, no..every time. Follow me? 



That what I looks like! 

The hard part is getting to start but once you are into the routine.. it will get easier. I am going to start very pronto. Are you with me?



By the way, I am not that people announce about the weight loss and goal. I praise for these people.  You won’t see a current weight and goal ladder anywhere here. You know that cute turtle reaching the goal. I’ll tell you when I lose weight or not. I am not a bragger.  



Wish me luck!





My hobbies

Some of you know I have few hobbies or maybe I have too many! Here are some of the hobbies that I enjoy.

Crochet
I love to crochet.  I had done two Afghans for my daughter. Currently, I am crocheting for my son because he asked for one.  I promised myself to crochet at least one row or more per day. I had done several other small items such as bun head, flower, scarves and pot holders.  I want to do more.  Now my hubby wants his very own afghan from me. Okay, he's on the list.  I am hoping to make several small baby afghan to give as a gift in the future.

My son's future afghan.

One of the few quick crochet. A flower crochet.

A scarf I made for my niece.

Bun head with ribbon. This was wore for high school spirit for Blair HS

Cross Stitches

I love to cross stitches. I mean just a simple and small project. Such as a wedding date and name, or baby birth date or a name. I had a project and a difficult one that I started 14 years ago and did not completed it. I was expecting with my son at the time. I had not touch it until I found it yesterday in a box that was in the attic. I was showing my youngest daughter how this work. And told her this may be a good hobby she can start. I will give her a small easy project for her to learn a lesson.  Last night, I was cross stitching some and I had to stop because it was late and had passed my bed time. Maybe I will do a little bit here and there.

One of the cross stitches project that I had started  14 years ago and left as it is. I will start again.

Memory Fabric Album
This was my first craft hobby I started during my motherhood years. I want to make a special first born a baby album. I didn't like what I saw in the store that was just a plan boring cover with cute animal or Disney characters. So, I went to the fabric store and bought the material to make. I was happy with the result. I had made these albums in small or big size. I was giving these personalized albums as a gift for a baby shower, wedding, quinceneara, birthday and holidays.  All my friends and family members love it.  Then I stop making these, I have a long list to give some certain people. I feel bad sometime I haven't made these in a while or someone is overdue.  Yikes! Maybe I am lazy. Time to get back to make more. Oh yea, I had once made holidays albums and had sold them. That was one of my proudest moments.

Small and large albums

Wedding album

Baby shower gift for a baby boy

A gift for one of the company

Another wedding gift

Candy Making-Molding

The first time I made was for my son's first birthday. It was Mickey Mouse and his friends lollipops.  As soon I started giving out for our young guests, they were gone fast even adult want one, too!!!  So, I started collecting themes candy molds.   From time to time, I make these for parties and office, sometime.  Now, I am trying to get back to make some and need to purchase some candy melts to stock up.   I think I may add a new hobby to learn hard candy that made out of sugar.  So watch out for me when I post one day!

My candy making supplies.

 Sewing
I only like fun sewing project not to sew because my kid's pant or shirt got ripped. But yes I do hand sew or if I am so lazy I will use the sewing machine.   I once wanted to be a fashion designer and make many clothes. What was I thinking??  I only makes something that I may not be able to find an item at the store, so I making one at home. Here are some examples.

One of the video game character for Halloween costume 

A bloomer and a blouse for my daughter's Mexican Folklorico .

Mexican Folklorico
Several years ago, I found Mexican folklorico classes for the young dancer. I signed up for all my kids but only one continues. Then I decided to take it, too. I had always admired the Mexican dancers in their beautiful vibrant costumes, makeup and hairdos.  Then there was my chance to be like them. At first, I thought I am too old to do this but my other friends were taking it. I took it but its not easy as it look. It’s a lot of footwork and skirtwork. These costumes can weigh 5 to 10 pounds with all that extra layers and ruffles.  Your arm must be strong and be consist to lift these skirts up in the air to make a wave. I swear by doing that, my fatty flab arms are gone! There is one dance I wish to learn, Yucatan. It’s the state where my mother came from. I found out my director will be teaching that and I better hurry up and go to my practice. Two things we must bring to the class, folklorico shoes and practice skirt.   Not just any shoe or skirt. These shoes are handmade. The nails are hammered at the tip of the bottom shoes and the sole. It helps to make the sound when we dance. Almost like tapping but harder.  The skirt is double circle which make a big wave and these are good to practice rather than wearing the beautiful costumes.   

Folklorico shoes with nails at the bottom of the sole and the tip. 

Here a brief video at the folklorico practice few years ago. Ali is the one in the hot pink zebra practice skirt. I made that skirt. And these boys playing with the butcher knives are fake. Well, look like no video at this time, I am having problem with uploading. Sorry, next time.

Photography
I always had good eyes to take picture. I like to capture something and make memories. My first camera was a single lens camera. Remember back then, we had to make sure not to waste the film roll when there were only 24 or 36 shots. It wasn't cheap to buy these film and you must take to the photo developing center to pay for the pictures. Every time I get the pictures back, all these pictures that look good were taken by me but the other that were blurry or my head was chopped off, what a waste! Today, thanks to digital and memory card to take many pictures you want and able to view them without waiting  at the photo center.  Now that smartphone comes with camera, looks like no one carry the camera anymore. When there is a special occasion, I'll bring my professional camera.  My cousin teased me that every time I visited them, I always get a new camera and better. It’s not so true. It’s called saving up and invests a good camera.   So when you see me, SMILE for the camera!

Book club
I was not a bookworm when I was a kid.  Back then there wasn't book program to encourage kids to read like today. Local library was boring but I did like school library. I thought reading book was for homework only. Duh me!! I don't know why that is.  I had always remember a book story that my teacher once read us a chapter or half of chapter everyday called, James and the Giant Peach in American Sign Language (ASL). ASL is very drama than it reading out.  As an adult, I started to read more book and I received a kindle from my sister as a gift. I LOVE that KINDLE. It so easy on my purse and my shoulders are happy no heavy strap purse.  I joined to host a book club from my favorite latina bestselling author, Alisa Valdes-Rodriguez, The Dirty Girls Social Club.  It's currently in the process making the movie. I can't wait to see it. If you wish to join me a book club, I am currently reading Lucky Chica. If you wish to join me, click here http://alisavaldes.com/bookclub.php#sthash.sVzPWqcj.dpbs , Silver Spring, MD /Washington DC.  If you like free ebook, go get your free ebook from this author, All That Glitter, https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/37084 .  Have you read any good book lately? Let's share.

Painting
No, I can't paint like Leonardo da Vinci.  I can paint like a 5 year old kids or paint by numbers.  My next painting is my armoire project. It's in the process. Sound easy but it's not.

Cooking
I love cooking only when I am in the good mood and have all my ingredients. When I am such in a good mood and I can make a real good meals. It's just a thought of being in my kitchen all day and everyday? Nope, not for me. Maybe if I get a new kitchen renovation. I want a family room and kitchen combination. Where we all hang out in the same room and eat, too.

Beef and chicken empandas

Flautas (taquitos)

Huevos ranchos for breakast

Possible of new hobby:
*Pop cake lollipop
*Hard candy
*Ceramic mugs


I think I have too many hobbies and it's hard to keep track working on one project to the next project. I want to do them all at once and it's impossible.  I told my hubby that I want my very own craft room where I can walk in there and let all my creative ideas happen. And also all my craft supplies all out there open and messy and I just need a door to closed.

So I think I pretty much covered my hobbies and what's your hobby? Tell me about it.

Are you interesting to start a hobby or need a lesson workshop from PRETTY ME?  Or why not get together anyway.

Looks like I don't have anything to sit back and eat a cupcake. I guess I will pick up and start one of the projects for 30 minutes.


Hasta luego!

P.S. How could I forget??  And my very own blog!!!

What have I been doing ??

Finally the weekend is here! I love weekend and who doesn't? My children and I have three day long weekend!!! Nice!! But it's going to be a long time before the next holiday...March...April..May..three month until Memorial's Day for me! My kids will have their spring break in the next month.

Let me summarize since the last blog I had posted. Did you miss me??

My youngest daughter decided to go with a “boring” store bought Valentine's Day cards. I was sort of disappointed because I thought we could do crafting. But I made some Valentine white chocolate lollipops and cherub angels. I remembered I had several candy mold templates and want to make something special for my kids and hubby, too. Something I didn't have to spend any money. I had vanilla chocolate melt and I want it in red, so I used food coloring.


I been crocheting on and off.  I started doing different patterns.  Last year, I started an afghan blanket for my son and stop for a while. I started again last week and hope to finish by the end of this year.  I hope I have your support and encouragement for me to finish this project., so my son can wrap his blanket that will be  made with love from me.

My son's future afghan blanket.

We picked up our initial Girl Scout cookies and started to give out to our neighbors, friends, family members and my co-workers. I had to haul about 30 to 40 packages each day to work. Let me tell you I carried them to the bus, transferred two different trains and then a good rude 15 minutes of walking from the subway to my office desk for three days in a row. After the first day, my shoulders were sore! Then on second day and third day, I packed all the packages into my carry-on suitcase with wheels on it. It's a lifesaver. My co-workers were happy with their goodies! I should earn a GS cookie patch!!!

First day carrying two large bags. 

On the 2nd and 3rd day, I used my carry on suitcase and a bag.

 My college baby came home on Sunday for the night, so I can take her to her doctor appointment on Monday. After dropping her off at her dorm, I went to a thrift store and found me an armoire for my craft storage. The price you can’t beat, it was a steal!! $37.99! I got the idea from Granny in Style Facebook, Nina had this great idea a craft storage. They don’t have any wrinkles or gray hairs!) They are twice younger than me.  Back to my found, it needs to get clean up and a new paint. Yes, will paint it on the boring wood. Looking forward to work on it and start organizing my craft supplies. My home does not have lots of storage and this is great to keep all my supplies in one place.

Found armoire at thrift store.  My

                                                     next project to turn this into my craft storage.

Then a disaster when you own an older house. Our gas water heater was leaking and then the leaking got worse. We were able to stop the flooding. However, we need to monitor the leak for several days.I almost decided to buy a bag of adult diaper to put under the water heater to absorb the leak. It was just a thought. Our good friend who is a plumber came and check our water heater. He told us, that's it and time to replace it. Yea, yea we knew that and it’s 21 years old and it had last for so long, average is 12 years. We went to the store today to purchase a new one. I can feel the pain in our bank account! Believe it or not, we had been boiling our water to take a sponge bath!!!  It reminded me when I was young on vacation I used to take a sponge bath when I went to my aunt's house in Mexico and Honduras.  There are some damaged on our wood flooring and they curled up a bit because it was soaked. I could feel it when I walk on it, it's not smooth floor. At this time, we can't afford to replace it. We need to play a buck or five bucks on a scratch-n-win game at 7/11 (seven and eleven) store. I always thought it’s a waste of money to play it. I guess once in a while wouldn't hurt.

Good-bye our 21 year old water heater! 

After I post this, I am going to eat a sweet homemade cupcake from my friend, Maureen and her daughter, Jazz. What a perfect way to end with my day with a cupcake! Thanks ladies!

Enjoy your weekend!

Homemade cupcakes from friends.

No posting for a while...

Oh my...it's been over a week since I last post!   Many reasons why I haven’t post.
Reasons:
LAZY! My hands admitted it. Ten fingers don't want to type.
I ate too much on Super Bowl night and tried to burn off calories by dancing in 4 inches heels like Beyonce.
Computer acting up WEIRD! I sure would love to choke it and smack around it but can't do that.
I was BRAIN DEAD when I couldn't think what to POST.
I had to deal with Missy Cramp for a while. Next time, I am going to invite Ms. Midol for company.
Love in the air, Valentine’s Day is coming up...working on ideas to create a V-day cards for my youngest classmates. It's our little project.
Will share a picture later.....

Have a great day!!!

Tweaking my blogger and not loving it, yet.

I don't know if you noticed that I changed the look on my blog. I am not loving it, yet. It doesn’t match my style. Does it matter? I am trying to put back the original picture of the pinup lady in the polka dot dress that I had before. I tried all day yesterday tweaking my blog.

 I even went to the library and got me a few books on how to create an amazing blog. It was a bit useful but a little outdated. They were published in 2010. It's a fast changing in social media networks.

My laptop is almost six years old and it’s not a fast speeding as it used to be. I need to get a new laptop or desktop computer, but my bank account is not ready for a new one. So, I can’t afford one and I hope that it will last another year. Fingers crossed. I have a little patience when it runs slow or freeze.  I wish there was an "IT" member in the family to help me out. So bear with me while I’m tweaking from now until I am satisfied with my blog’s new looks.

I am a makeup junkie!!!

I fell in love with makeup as early at age 5 or so. I remembered watching my mother applying her makeup in the bathroom. I would sit and stare at her while she applied her eyeshadow and black liquid eyeliner to make a perfect cat’s eye.  I couldn’t wait to grow up and be able to apply makeup on me. While I had to wait to grow up, I would sneak and apply my oldest sister’s real makeup when she’s not home. I didn’t like the kid’s makeup because it’s were fake. My godsister and I would apply each other and then removed them before my sister get home. I guess she knew I had applied it because her eyeshadow would crumple into dust powder and her lipstick would be smash or fall off when you open by twisting it. Speaking of my godsister, she is now a professional makeup artist. I guess she’ll have to thank me for allow her to use my big sister! Wink wink! 

My first full makeup was when I had my quinceanera aka sweet fifteen party.  As soon I turned fifteen, I start apply my makeup to school. I felt so grown up.  I have a picture  but I can't find it. OMG, I had two full of purple eyeshoadow and a bad hair! Now looking back, I am laughing. I didn’t continue to apply that much and I learn to apply better.   I assumed that my oldest daughter will follow my footstep. I was wrong, she took a different direction. She likes to apply soft and light makeup. That’s a good start but she doesn’t apply it everyday like I do. I would not go without my makeup at work. The only time that I don’t apply it when I am real sick or not feeling "pretty".  On most weekend I don’t have my makeup when I am home and on my day off. I must apply my makeup whenever I go out because without it, I feel naked.  When I must go very lightly makeup, it would be black or brown eyeliner, mascara, blush and lip gloss.   When I must wear a very heavy makeup, it would be when I am performing on the stage.  Bright or vibrant colors, thick eyeliner, fake big eyelashes and red lipstick. Like this one.

My STAGE makeup for Mexcian Folkorica.

I have to admit that I am a makeup junkie! Whenever I see a new eyeshadow palette, eyeliner, lipstick or a case of makeup, I would buy it and no matter how many I have at home. I still need more. I have work makeup bag that I carry to work to apply it.  I apply it my desk when I arrive because I am too tired to apply at home when I wake up at 4:30 in the morning. 

My youngest like to play and I would let her play around with my makeup only at home. She wears makeup only when she performs on the stage for her recital and Mexican folklorica.

One last thing, I am not comfortable apply makeup on other people’s.  I rather apply on my daughters or myself. Remember, I am not a professional makeup artist.  My godsister is great one! She hasn't applied on me since childhood and I think she owe me because I introduced the makeup in the first place, don't you think?  ;)

My WORK makeup bag.

Love my makeup!!!

More makeup in my drawer!!!

My Sephora makeup case for convenient storage and travel. And more makeup! 

A new critter addition to the family

We went to the pet store just to get the dry foods for our cats. We came home with dry foods, wet foods, cat’s toy, catnip, cat’s elf hat and a dwarf hamster.  Yes, a real live dwarf hamster. My youngest child bought it with her money that she had been saving since Christmas. She bought food, bedding stuff, hamster cage with toys.  She told me she is very serious and want to take responsible for her pet.  My first thought was our cats. Our cats love window sightseeing and they get excited when they see birds, squirrels, chipmunks, and anything that is small and it moves.  This is not our first hamster. Our oldest daughter had a hamster named, Cheese. May he rest in peace. Tragedy, he was mystery escaped and found dead at the bedroom doorstep in the morning. I don’t know if it was a gift from our beloved cat, Pumpkin.   I told her you are responsible to keep the cage clean, fill up the food and water and so on. She was trying to name her hamster. She came up Dopey as one of the Snow White and seven dwarfs.  Before she made the final name, I suggested her, Whisker.  She loves it but decided to name it, Dopey. We have to observe our cats, Smudge and Dash to not attack the cage. They are behaving well but need to keep eyes on them to accept Dopey as a family member not a target victim. Let’s hope they will love each other.

Dopey, welcome to the family.

The extreme challenge habitat or cage.

There is Dopey munching on his food.

Welcome Dopey!!

Am I raising a college vampire at home?

Am I raising a college vampire at home?

No, not that glitter pale skin like Edward from the Twilight. I was thinking more like The Lost Boys move in the late 80’s.  It reminded me when Michael sleeps all day and stay up all night. He thought he drank a bottle of wine but it was blood.  He was half vampire. I love this movie especially these two Corey. I think I will tune in to see this movie on the weekend. Anyway back to the topic...

 We just drop off our college girl to her dorm after being home for winter breaks of 5 weeks.  These five weeks she was home with us, she slept in late like a vampire and sucking whatever in the fridge.  I hope that long break had fueled her to get ready for the second semester. She had excelled in her first semester and received a dean letter to congratulate. She had mature and changed a bit since her first semester. What do I mean by that? She had spent more time with us and getting closer than she had in her last four years in high school.  I had told her that her high school was her second home because she spent more time there than at home.  What did she really do in five weeks? Like I said, she slept in late until 1 or 2pm. She stayed up late at night. She lounged in the family room and was glued on Netflix. She munches on anything she finds in the kitchen. Oh yea, spent a lots of time on her iPhone. Texting, listening to music and who know what else she got on her phone. Now that's all over except for texting, of course. Time to hit the books!!!

 

 

It’s her first year of college and her second semester. We are very proud of her commitment to her study. We support her and be there for her whenever she needs us. Believe it or not, her school is only less than seven miles or about 15 minutes away from home.

 

Can’t wait to see her soon but it could be tomorrow! Check the old post I on her milestone in her school years. http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6993015913767187201#editor/target=post;postID=7167592317972702874

Go Terps!!!

 

 

 

I suck on Galaxy Samsung tablet

Mr. Gr8tone aka my hubby's nickname,  he got a Galaxy Samsung tablet on black friday on a good sale. I wasn't too thrill because it's not iPad. I guess that what haapen when you own an iPhone. My kid love it!  They play it for hours. About few week I wanrt to learn how to use or I thought it would be lije my iPhone but bigger screen. Cool and light. But I am still not doing okay with this tablet. I AM trying to type for my blog. I am already frustrasted! I have to stop my post here. I keep losing my cursor. Do you have iPad or tablet?  I need a dummy book for using tablet so I can get better.

The confession of Girl Scout cookies.

There are eight flavors. It's only stay for short time. It's pricey than your cup of Starbucks.  It's impossible to eat just one. You need more than a box. 

The Girl Scout cookies are back! You know what's that means?  You will be seeing cute girl in their uniform knocking at your door or will be showing up at your local grocery waving you to buy one or more.  How can you resist them?  Can you name all the cookies? I'll help you. They are Savannah Smiles, Trefoils, Do-Si-Dos, Samoas, Dulce de Leche, Thank U Berry Munch, Tagalongs and Thin Mints. (These cookies are selling in the Nation's Capital area)

Some of you may be excited!!! Yay, my favorite cookies are here. I will buy one box, no I will take two and then wait a minute, how much is it each box? Four bucks? Okay then you remember, oh I am on my diet and I must only take one box. But then few weeks later, your cookie show up and you finish the whole box after you ditch your diet didn't last that long since your made your new year resolution. Then you go on the hunt to find the cookie booth sale that is selling at your grocery store or you get in touch with the girl you bought from or the cookie mom.

Or are you that person that is not so excited about the Girl Scout cookie. Do you open the door when Girl Scout comes to your door knocking with their big smile on their face and ask you if you want to buy cookie from her? And their face expression said "Please buy one or whole box" and it's so hard for you to say, "No, thank you".  Or is there a Girl Scout Mom or Dad at your workplace and hand you the Girl Scout cookie order to buy the cookie.  Or is it that annoying when you see the girl scouts at your local grocery and asking you for the second time when you had already purchased on your first arrival? Please remember that each girl has time slot and may not be there when you first came and has already arrive after you went into the store.

Or do you ever feel that you think you are obligate to buy one because her mother/father bought something from your child's fundraiser in the past? So you buy something then we are even. Or sometime you bought worth of $30 from that child's fundraiser and they only bought one box of cookie from your child.  I think this is silly but I tried not to take it seriously, I just let it go.

Let me tell you, I am the Girl Scout mom of two girls. Twice I had helped my daughters to achieve her goal by selling the cookies. What does this means? It's a cookie sale rewards. This is where I dread to find out what's her goal.  From the lowest to the highest prize depend how many cookies she had sold.  The lowest prize is 12 packages and the highest prize is 1,000 packages.  As always, my girls will tell me I want that prize that we need to sell 1,000 cookies. I want to laugh at her face (I knew that wouldn't be the right way) but I told my girls that it too high to reach that goal. We should start small goal and goes up gradually until the end of the cookie sale. My first girl had always been the top seller in her troop for four years in a row. The highest she had sold was 300 plus. She retired from Girl Scout. I am glad that both of my girls are not Girl Scout at the same time. My second girl had been the top seller for four year and her highest was 200 plus but the last one, she came in second place, she was so devastated. I could not believe she felt that way. I told her it's all about learning how to be sell cookies and gain confident not where you are placed at. Yea, it's great to feel number one but it's not always that way in real life. Do your best. It's a great learning experience to get in touch with people by meeting in person, calling on phone, sending email and how to get people to buy more. It's also help for the troop to gain some profit. Girls develop 5 skills through participation in GS product sale program. 1) Goal Setting 2) Decision-Making 3) Money Management 4) People Skills and 5) Business Ethics. This year, she is in her fifth year as Junior and her goal is to get 150 packages by the first initial date. Both of my girls are lucky to have parents work in the office.  I am known as the Cookie Mom, Popcorn Mom for boy scout, the Master Fundraiser, Queen Fundraiser and the list goes on. There was the time, I had to compete with another cookie parents in the office. Should I call myself the Pimp Cookie? My attitude was like, this is my turf and you are stepping in! I didn't need to tell them that because my co-workers are very loyal and they always buy it from my child. At that time, I didn't know I had to compete because this mom confronted me and asked me, "Are you the cookie mom?" I said, "Yes". She said, " Oh, no wonder! I am not getting many packages order and I even put out cookie samples next to the cookie order and they sure ate it!"  I may not be able to get many packages from my office. We’ll see how it goes. Where I work the office staffs are getting small or under staffs.  Some folks has left. One of the best customers who used to order 24 packages of Samoas but had retired. L Wish her the best on her retirement journey. All these years I helped my daughters getting her goal achieved and hauled 100 boxes to my work and getting into the building is not easy and even worst carrying them on the metro subway. I would have to carry few boxes every single day to deliver to my office. The hard part is collecting money, I hate dealing with money because I don't like to be responsible and carry over hundreds dollars in my house. I would take it to the bank or to the cookie leader to deposit it.

Since I don't have a vest but I have my own cap! I even added patches on it.

My confession as Girl Scout mom and cookie mom:
1) I love it because I never was a girl scout as a child. My father even bought me the entire brownie uniform from head to toe because I asked for it. Never once went to Girl Scout meeting. We had no clue what girl scout was. I must have thought it was fashion and even wore it to school once! How embarrassing!
2) I live through my daughter's experiences as a Daisy, Brownie and Junior.
3) I love watching them earning their try-it patches and I sew or iron their patches on their vest.
4) I love being cookie mom because I feel so VIP!!!
5) But I hate the job description. It's a full time job and so stressful especially when collecting a lots of money from the entire troop. I get paranoid that my home will be robbed one day!
6) I get excited when I go to the Girl Scout shop to buy patches for my girls! (Estoy loca? )
7) I resigned as cookie mom to give other parents an opportunity, so obviously the troop leader end up taking since no one step up.  I am temping to go back but my hubby said, "No". I guess I was stressing him for three years

Remember if you wish not to buy a cookie, you may opt to donate to the troop's Gift of Caring. You can ask them who they select the charity or the organization. Its tax deductible, ask for the slip after you donate.

The cookie sale last for three to four months.  It's not too late to get your cookies, so if you are in my area and wish to get cookie from my child, inbox me if you got my contact info or send me a comment in here. Or if you are so far away from here, check out the girl Scout website to locate the cookie sale.

Have a Happy Cookie!

My first girl as a brownie girl.

Daisy girl for two years

Brownie girl for two years.

Going door to door.

Cookie booth sale.

First year as a Junior

Which cookie do you like?