I'm finally home. I had to extend my trip an additional 2.5 days due to inclement weather in Texas and O'Hare. Honestly, i was devastated when i learned that our flights had been canceled. I was beyond ready to come home. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, but i love them in little increments- I had spent all the time i wanted to with them already, i missed juju and i missed cookie, and i missed my bed, and i missed my toilet, and i missed having hot water at the turn of the faucet. I was just missing HOME. I'm sorta bummed that i missed the snow days, i had been looking forward to one all winter long. I really hope we get another storm, thought i highly doubt it.
I feel guilty to say that I'm tired, i know, i know, I just came home from 'vacation', how could i be tired? Well, I'll tell you how. Our flight left from Leon at 6:45 am on Thursday, so that means we were up pretty early to allow enough time for travel to the airport and those pesky mandatory waiting hours prior to your flight departing. Its impossible to sleep on an airplane, i don't care what anyone says. We landed in O'Hare, which was nose hair freezin' cold, shortly before 2 pm. I got home, tried (using that term loosely) to tidy up, but all i wanted to do was be attached to Juju's hip. After eating, we settled in front of the T.V were i dozed off for about an hr. Went to bed around 11 or so. I was up the next day by 6. Worked 10 hours, had a school group meeting at 7:30, ate dinner at 10 and was knocked out by midnight. The next day i was up by 8, went up to work for a few hours, seeing that i missed an additional 2 days of work. Juju and i spent our entire Saturday being couch potatoes. AND I LOVED IT. Sunday was all about homework, except for the few times i felt asleep on my business law book, a little Superbowl, and then back to homework. Out like a lamp after midnight. Beep, Beep, Beep. Stupid Monday morning. Back to the grind. Work and now I'm in class. Ive had 3 cups of coffee in the last 3 hours (& a headache to make matters worse), and I'm pretty sure I'll be out as soon as my head hits the pillow- why? well because i have to be up at 5:30 tomorrow.
I'm starting to think that these grocery bags under my eyes will never go away.
I have yet to download the pictured off my moms camera, once i do, i will start recapping my pilgrimage to San Juan
Monday, February 7, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Pilgrimage to San Juan
So its taken me 4 separate attempts to write this post. Why? I'm not sure- I think its because its hard for me to convey what I'm feeling. I usually manage, you know, italicize here and there, bold/CAPITALIZE when i want to get loud, you know- the usual. So if you can, try to understand.
On Wednesday I'm leaving to Mexico with one purpose. I am going on a religious pilgrimage.
Kinda out of the blue huh? Let me explain- Every year, at the end of January, there is a pilgrimage to the church of the virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos, in Jalisco, Mexico. People make promises to take the pilgrimage to San Juan to visit the Virgin of San Juan in exchange for a miracle. Sounds like a deal right? Well, technically yes. I know i make it sound like a physical exchange- like you are trading baseball cards, but its more like a test of faith. You have to have faith that what your praying for will come to fruition. And you have to really pray. You cant assume that you can pray once and all your worries will disappear- or you can leave it all up to God, without you doing everything you can before leaving the rest up to the Big Guy.
People make promises, or mandas, to make the 100+ kilometer pilgrimage (depending on what part of town you are coming from) to San Juan on foot, and depending on the magnitude of the persons faith or miracle, people complete their mandas barefoot, or carrying a child, or even on their knees. Let me explain. Some people pray for smaller things, or miracles, such as a mother praying for The Virgin to help her rebellious child finish high school, or for an estranged relationship to mend, Others pray for bigger things like a desperate couple trying to conceive after several miscarriages, or a husband praying for his wife to become cancer free. You see, you can pray for anything, you can pray for the simplest of things to the most impossible of things- Yet if you have faith that it will come to fruition, it will. Like i said, it may be hard for some of you to understand what I'm saying, or where I'm coming from, but please- try to understand.
Now that you know a little bit of the background. I can explain what my involvement in this. My mom has a manda to complete. So as soon as what she prayed for came to be, she wanted to complete her end of the promise. My sister Gaby, was supposed to travel with her to Mexico- since she doesn't like traveling on her own. But my sister is all knocked up now, she'd be about 33 weeks at the time when they were suppose to travel. So my mom asked me to accompany her in her travels- not in the manda.
Never did she expect me to complete the pilgrimage with her, nor did she ask me to do it. But I immediately started to think about it. I actually couldn't stop thinking about it. Gaby asked me right away- She wanted to know if i was doing the pilgrimage with ma or not. And i thought about. and i thought about it. and thought about it some more. I really didn't have a reason per say, to do it. But i couldn't stop thinking about it. I really wanted to do it- but i was scared. I was nervous. I got butterflies in my stomach every time i gave long thought to it. But along with the nervousness and butterflies, there was something inside of me that said, go ahead! Do it! C'mon! Do it! I started to think of what it would be like to experience such a pilgrimage with people, who in essence, had been saved by their faith. Even though i had no reason to do it, i felt like i was given this opportunity for a reason. I felt as if at the end of this pilgrimage something, i didn't know what, was going to be revealed to me (like an epiphany of sorts)- Like I was being called to do this- and by God's will, the sequence of events happened as they did, for my benefit.
So on Wednesday morning, around 3 am, my mom and i will make our way to Chicago to catch out 6 am flight to Mexico. As of now, we are scheduled to begin our pilgrimage on Thursday before dawn. Depending on how long we rest for, it will take us about 29 hours to complete our 52+ mile pilgrimage.
I know it wont be a walk in the park- pun intended- as it will be open terrain, gravel and dirt roads, mountains, hills and plenty of sloops, and some paved roads. I am confident that i will make it- many people don't on their first attempt. But i can say that i am, cowardly, afraid of the physical pain i will go through. But i am confident that i will make it.
If you pray, keep my mom and i in your prayers.
And in case you were wondering, I later found the purpose of my pilgrimage. And no honey- its not for the packers to win the Superbowl. I hope to be able to document my pilgrimage. As i write this... this butterfly in my stomach have eased, and now I'm onto a feeling of excitement.
I will be back in a week.
Sit tight boys and girls- when i come back, I'll walk you through my journey
On Wednesday I'm leaving to Mexico with one purpose. I am going on a religious pilgrimage.
Kinda out of the blue huh? Let me explain- Every year, at the end of January, there is a pilgrimage to the church of the virgin of San Juan de Los Lagos, in Jalisco, Mexico. People make promises to take the pilgrimage to San Juan to visit the Virgin of San Juan in exchange for a miracle. Sounds like a deal right? Well, technically yes. I know i make it sound like a physical exchange- like you are trading baseball cards, but its more like a test of faith. You have to have faith that what your praying for will come to fruition. And you have to really pray. You cant assume that you can pray once and all your worries will disappear- or you can leave it all up to God, without you doing everything you can before leaving the rest up to the Big Guy.
People make promises, or mandas, to make the 100+ kilometer pilgrimage (depending on what part of town you are coming from) to San Juan on foot, and depending on the magnitude of the persons faith or miracle, people complete their mandas barefoot, or carrying a child, or even on their knees. Let me explain. Some people pray for smaller things, or miracles, such as a mother praying for The Virgin to help her rebellious child finish high school, or for an estranged relationship to mend, Others pray for bigger things like a desperate couple trying to conceive after several miscarriages, or a husband praying for his wife to become cancer free. You see, you can pray for anything, you can pray for the simplest of things to the most impossible of things- Yet if you have faith that it will come to fruition, it will. Like i said, it may be hard for some of you to understand what I'm saying, or where I'm coming from, but please- try to understand.
Now that you know a little bit of the background. I can explain what my involvement in this. My mom has a manda to complete. So as soon as what she prayed for came to be, she wanted to complete her end of the promise. My sister Gaby, was supposed to travel with her to Mexico- since she doesn't like traveling on her own. But my sister is all knocked up now, she'd be about 33 weeks at the time when they were suppose to travel. So my mom asked me to accompany her in her travels- not in the manda.
Never did she expect me to complete the pilgrimage with her, nor did she ask me to do it. But I immediately started to think about it. I actually couldn't stop thinking about it. Gaby asked me right away- She wanted to know if i was doing the pilgrimage with ma or not. And i thought about. and i thought about it. and thought about it some more. I really didn't have a reason per say, to do it. But i couldn't stop thinking about it. I really wanted to do it- but i was scared. I was nervous. I got butterflies in my stomach every time i gave long thought to it. But along with the nervousness and butterflies, there was something inside of me that said, go ahead! Do it! C'mon! Do it! I started to think of what it would be like to experience such a pilgrimage with people, who in essence, had been saved by their faith. Even though i had no reason to do it, i felt like i was given this opportunity for a reason. I felt as if at the end of this pilgrimage something, i didn't know what, was going to be revealed to me (like an epiphany of sorts)- Like I was being called to do this- and by God's will, the sequence of events happened as they did, for my benefit.
So on Wednesday morning, around 3 am, my mom and i will make our way to Chicago to catch out 6 am flight to Mexico. As of now, we are scheduled to begin our pilgrimage on Thursday before dawn. Depending on how long we rest for, it will take us about 29 hours to complete our 52+ mile pilgrimage.
I know it wont be a walk in the park- pun intended- as it will be open terrain, gravel and dirt roads, mountains, hills and plenty of sloops, and some paved roads. I am confident that i will make it- many people don't on their first attempt. But i can say that i am, cowardly, afraid of the physical pain i will go through. But i am confident that i will make it.
If you pray, keep my mom and i in your prayers.
And in case you were wondering, I later found the purpose of my pilgrimage. And no honey- its not for the packers to win the Superbowl. I hope to be able to document my pilgrimage. As i write this... this butterfly in my stomach have eased, and now I'm onto a feeling of excitement.
I will be back in a week.
Sit tight boys and girls- when i come back, I'll walk you through my journey
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Speaking of B's
On Thursday, NYEeve, i took a spanish CLEP exam. The CLEP exams are meant to help students save time and money by granting college credit for high scoring test results. Scores range from 20-80. In order to earn 6 credits you need a minimum score of 50, to earn 12 credits you need a minimum score of 63. Well ladies and gent(s)[<---maybe]....
I made that test my BITCH.
Yeah, i said it. my bitch.
I got a 78 on that bad boy!! Hold your applause.
I was thrilled to pieces when i found out i earned 12 credits, I was only expecting to earn 6 credits so i was floored when i saw 12 credits on the results page. TWELVE credits. 4 classes worth. Do you know what that means? I am saving a couple of thousand dollars and my precious precious time. This doesn't change the number of classes I'm taking next semester.... as i still need those classes, but I'm dropping a class I'm waitlisted on and not taking another class all together, and ill end up having an extra credit or two by the time i graduate.
Okay, go ahead. Now you can clap.
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Things i Hear
sniff sniff. "You smell like chicken"
"No i don't."
"ah. Yeah. ya do"
"No i don't. You smell like chicken"
"No, its you, it didn't smell like chicken until you got in the car. Its you"
silence
Location: Red light next to a KFC
Don't worry, we figured it out.
Monday, December 27, 2010
Mi Vida Loca
My crazy life. Not that gangta'. But indeed it will be crazy.
Yesterday, i had a lot going on in my life.
As of today, i have a butt load going on in my life. Times 2.
With the intent of graduating in December next year, I am taking additional classes next "semester". I use " " because i don't really have semesters, i sorta go to school year round, which is why I constantly feel like im on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Anyhow. I'm considered a full time student due semester hour technicalities, even thought i only have classes on Mondays. Well... technicalities no more i tell you. I will be taking 2 additional 16 week classes at MATC and 2 additional 6/7 week courses at Stritch (not simultaneously, but consecutively).... to accompany my regular Monday night class.
Lets recap shall we?
Monday- Regularly scheduled class at Stritch 6-10... my next (Business Law) class starts on Monday.
Tuesday- Mequon campus MATC 5:30-7:00pm Intro to Nutritional Science... say whaa?? yeah. Its an elective. I need so many electives since I'm am already scheduled for all my required courses. And when i transfer ed my credits from MATC to Stritch, my earlier (non business degree oriented) credits didn't transfer... damn you early childhood education credits. damn you.
Wednesday- West Allis campus MATC 6:30-9:30pm Elements of Speech. Oddly enough i need a speech class, who would have thought? And allll these years no one told me. hmmm.
Thursday- Stritch (2/10-3/17) 6-10pm Managing Cultural Diversity (meh) Another elective class.
Thursday-Stritch (3/24-4/28) 6-10pm Study of Non-Western Religions <--- I'm looking forward to this one the most... diversity shmiversity
Friday- you will most likely find me drowning in a bottle of wine. maybe two.
Oh... and for $hits and Giggles (<--- one of my new favorite sayings) I successfully completed a "History of Wisconsin" course at MATC.
AND I have a CLEP Exam scheduled for Thursday. (NYE eve) Might as well finish the year off with a bang right?
I know what your thinking.... are you nuts? Its up to debate, but no. I'm not. I'm determined. This extreme overload in school will only be for a few months. Sure, I'll be stressed. Sure, I'll get some grays. Sure, I'll be the biggest B word for those few months. But it'll be worth it. I know its a lot. But thankfully, i have an amazing husband and an amazing family and amazing friends, in a nutshell, an amazing support system. And at the end of the day, I'm doing this for him, for them, for me.
In fact, it might not seem like it, but I'm actually being precautious. See, I'm scheduled to graduate... December... let me check the calendar.... December 10/11 ish of 2011. All the extra classes on my schedule end by May 18th. I chose to take all the classes in the first half of the year, didn't want to leave anything to chance, ya know?
Ok, so now that you think I've completely lost it. I plan on doing all this.... WHILE trying to get promoted at work. Come January i will be on a personal developmental plan to get to the next step in my career. Lovely.
Yesterday, i had a lot going on in my life.
As of today, i have a butt load going on in my life. Times 2.
With the intent of graduating in December next year, I am taking additional classes next "semester". I use " " because i don't really have semesters, i sorta go to school year round, which is why I constantly feel like im on the verge of a nervous breakdown. Anyhow. I'm considered a full time student due semester hour technicalities, even thought i only have classes on Mondays. Well... technicalities no more i tell you. I will be taking 2 additional 16 week classes at MATC and 2 additional 6/7 week courses at Stritch (not simultaneously, but consecutively).... to accompany my regular Monday night class.
Lets recap shall we?
Monday- Regularly scheduled class at Stritch 6-10... my next (Business Law) class starts on Monday.
Tuesday- Mequon campus MATC 5:30-7:00pm Intro to Nutritional Science... say whaa?? yeah. Its an elective. I need so many electives since I'm am already scheduled for all my required courses. And when i transfer ed my credits from MATC to Stritch, my earlier (non business degree oriented) credits didn't transfer... damn you early childhood education credits. damn you.
Wednesday- West Allis campus MATC 6:30-9:30pm Elements of Speech. Oddly enough i need a speech class, who would have thought? And allll these years no one told me. hmmm.
Thursday- Stritch (2/10-3/17) 6-10pm Managing Cultural Diversity (meh) Another elective class.
Thursday-Stritch (3/24-4/28) 6-10pm Study of Non-Western Religions <--- I'm looking forward to this one the most... diversity shmiversity
Friday- you will most likely find me drowning in a bottle of wine. maybe two.
Oh... and for $hits and Giggles (<--- one of my new favorite sayings) I successfully completed a "History of Wisconsin" course at MATC.
AND I have a CLEP Exam scheduled for Thursday. (NYE eve) Might as well finish the year off with a bang right?
I know what your thinking.... are you nuts? Its up to debate, but no. I'm not. I'm determined. This extreme overload in school will only be for a few months. Sure, I'll be stressed. Sure, I'll get some grays. Sure, I'll be the biggest B word for those few months. But it'll be worth it. I know its a lot. But thankfully, i have an amazing husband and an amazing family and amazing friends, in a nutshell, an amazing support system. And at the end of the day, I'm doing this for him, for them, for me.
In fact, it might not seem like it, but I'm actually being precautious. See, I'm scheduled to graduate... December... let me check the calendar.... December 10/11 ish of 2011. All the extra classes on my schedule end by May 18th. I chose to take all the classes in the first half of the year, didn't want to leave anything to chance, ya know?
Ok, so now that you think I've completely lost it. I plan on doing all this.... WHILE trying to get promoted at work. Come January i will be on a personal developmental plan to get to the next step in my career. Lovely.
Thursday, December 23, 2010
Can we negotiate?
Santa-
I didn't want you to think i was being unreasonable. So I did a little research and found a comparable item, that is less than half the price and i like 3/4ths as much (you follow me?) as the Michael Kors one.
And i guess i could do with out the DB Florentine Vaccheta.
I didn't want you to think i was being unreasonable. So I did a little research and found a comparable item, that is less than half the price and i like 3/4ths as much (you follow me?) as the Michael Kors one.
And i guess i could do with out the DB Florentine Vaccheta.
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Santa, baby....
All i want under our MIA tree is this:
Please?
Maybe not for Saturday.
Maybe not for Sunday.
I can do Monday.
Please take into consideration how good I've been this year. And i only want this.
and maybe a DB Florentine Vaccheta (med east/west in natural)
Thank you.
I love you.
Please take into consideration how good I've been this year. And i only want this.
and maybe a DB Florentine Vaccheta (med east/west in natural)
Thank you.
I love you.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Aficionado
I would like to defer from calling my self a shoe addict. Because im not. If i were an addict i would have countless number of (useless) shoes in my closet, just collecting dust, for the hell of it. And i don't. All my shoes comfortably reside in their original respective homes. And if my chance, in translation, one of my pairs lost its home, they were given temporary (but very permanent) sterallite homes.
I label myself a shoe aficionado because i find great joy in all shoes, not just women's shoes. I also would like to think of myself more in terms of a shoe connoisseur, if you will. Very few things bring me the joy a well made shoe brings me. I think this is why, i don't like a pair of shoes. I fall in LOVE with a pair of shoes. if there is anything i loathe is a crappy pair of shoes. i mean... if your in the shoe business, you have to keep up with the Jones's (a.k.a trends). No one wants to rock parrot key nose pumps....
Its not all aesthetics people, its the fit, the comfort, the shoe run. I mean sure, i shoe can look pretty... but can you stand to" walk the walk" in them? I recently added another staple, but non the less important, pair of shoes to my family. I am pleased to introduce the Nine West Rocha in black leather.
Disclaimer, i do not have kanckles. Its just a weird angle. i swear.
And another angle.
And to prove I'm not an addict.... i threw these in there as well. I just wish i had a baby girl to gift these to. They are just so perfect...The color is fabulous. Every girl, even at the ripe age of 6 months, should own a pair of red shoes. (The correct shade of red though, never bright and tacky) Velcro Mary Janes? A must for the toddler on the go! And the elastic back ensure all day comfort.
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| Find these here! |
Monday, December 13, 2010
Mending Signs
Its funny how God sends you signs. All.The.Time. Whether or not you choose to see them is a completely different story. As for me, i feel like Truman, everything is a clear sign... though I'm smarter, I recognize them.
I know a lot of people who have a lot of anger, pain and sadness in their hearts. And specially during the holidays, it fills me with a tremendous amount of sadness, when i realize how many people are O.K with living their lives this way. Maybe its me. Maybe I'm crazy. Maybe its the fact that can (am) viewing things differently.
Forgive & Forget. Possibly the 2 hardest words in the English language. Some argue that you cant have one with out the other. Some people feel they can forget but never forgive. Or they say they have forgiven but cant let it go, forget. But why is it so hard? What is it in our nature that makes it impossible for us to do both?
Can you forgive someone with out them asking for forgiveness? Or do we feel cheated? Can people genuinely forgive someone? and at the same time forget or let go?
Sometimes i feel like people cant do both. Mainly, because people have the misconception that Forgiving is Forgetting. It is not. Forgetting is dismissing something from your mind; to stop remembering. Forgetting is being unable to remember, to forget to do something or leave behind unintentionally. Forgetting isn't Forgiving either. Forgetting is denial.
When i say forgive and forget i don't mean forget that it happened. Or forget the feelings or emotions that were felt. I mean forget it... let it go. I know it sounds hard, but by not letting go, you simply harm yourself. Many times, the person who hurt you... is no longer "there" emotionally, meaning this doesn't affect them anymore, they've moved past it. And you, well you, you are still living in the aftermath of whatever happened, you are still being eaten alive with pain, anger, sadness.
Forgiving some one is as important for yourself, as it is for the person you are forgiving. Can you forgive someone with out them asking for forgiveness? I have. But that is up for debate. Some people need acknowledgement or closure to their problems, which is an understandable request. But have you ever thought that perhaps the person who hurt, offended or sinned against you has such a tremendous amount of guilt that they are unable to face the problem? Or they sit on the other end of this problem/issue that came between you two, feeling the same way, looking for the courage to say the first word? Looking to mend your relationship. Just saying.
I leave you with this....
I may have gotten the sign, But i hope you see the message.
Can you forgive someone with out them asking for forgiveness? Or do we feel cheated? Can people genuinely forgive someone? and at the same time forget or let go?
Sometimes i feel like people cant do both. Mainly, because people have the misconception that Forgiving is Forgetting. It is not. Forgetting is dismissing something from your mind; to stop remembering. Forgetting is being unable to remember, to forget to do something or leave behind unintentionally. Forgetting isn't Forgiving either. Forgetting is denial.
When i say forgive and forget i don't mean forget that it happened. Or forget the feelings or emotions that were felt. I mean forget it... let it go. I know it sounds hard, but by not letting go, you simply harm yourself. Many times, the person who hurt you... is no longer "there" emotionally, meaning this doesn't affect them anymore, they've moved past it. And you, well you, you are still living in the aftermath of whatever happened, you are still being eaten alive with pain, anger, sadness.
Forgiving some one is as important for yourself, as it is for the person you are forgiving. Can you forgive someone with out them asking for forgiveness? I have. But that is up for debate. Some people need acknowledgement or closure to their problems, which is an understandable request. But have you ever thought that perhaps the person who hurt, offended or sinned against you has such a tremendous amount of guilt that they are unable to face the problem? Or they sit on the other end of this problem/issue that came between you two, feeling the same way, looking for the courage to say the first word? Looking to mend your relationship. Just saying.
I leave you with this....
For if you forgive men when they sin against you,
your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
But if you do not forgive men their sins,
your Father will not forgive your sins.
Matthew 6:14-15
I may have gotten the sign, But i hope you see the message.
Friday, December 10, 2010
Im a sucka'
Yes, That's right. I am a sucka' for infomercials. Self diagnosed Infomercial-aholic
Seriously. Ask my family.When i was younger i was able to convince my mom to buy just about anything. I seriously could not watch an infomercial with out rushing to get my moms credit card from my her purse. We eventually became the shameful owners of multiple "Ronco" line products, endless exercise dvd's (back then tapes) , anything that began with AB-roller, rocker, machine, twister etc. etc.
Whats that? Order in the next 10 minutes and you will knock off a payment?
But wait! There's more? Be one of the first 200 callers and get a travel bag, a travel size product and double the warranty? A $90 value???
And then of course i'd ask about the upgrade to expedite shipping. Which for some reason always seemed to take as long as regular shipping.
I eventually learned ... "paid actors, dramatization, results may vary, results not typical, paid audience, not real testimony" ..... were never a good sign of a good product.
UNTIL last weekend.... (my birthday in fact)
Juju and i were heading out the door and caught a few minutes of the an infomercial for the "Top Styler" (i think its from the makers of the InStyler)
I watched in awe... as clam after clam came off the models hair revealing perfectly, bouncy, healthy, shinny curls. And THEN ... the girl sitting in the chair did it herself. with OUT a mirror. (*warning* Infomercial-aholic speaking) And the results were perfect, and if she could do it, i could do it.
Whats that? your telling me it wasn't her first time doing it? Preposterous!!
Anyhow.... Im not sure i'll be too quick to pull out my debit card to purchase them, if i remember correctly, they were about $100 ( plus s+h). Oddly enough, i cant seem to find them on the internet. I read a few places that they are so brand spankin' new they're not avaible.
Anyhow.... Im not sure i'll be too quick to pull out my debit card to purchase them, if i remember correctly, they were about $100 ( plus s+h). Oddly enough, i cant seem to find them on the internet. I read a few places that they are so brand spankin' new they're not avaible.
But i actually think these things work.
** sigh **
I'll keep you posted.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
A whole latte budget
To know me is to love me. Seriously. I am many things, funny, smart, strong, (in)&dependent, beeutiful, loud, animated, polite, spontaneous, goofy and a little ghetto. But in FABULOUS way.
I am an avid coffee drinker. I like all sorts of coffee, lattes, any kind of "ccinos", you name it- I'll drink it.
At work, the people at Starbucks were gracious enough to pass on the recipes for all their signature drinks. Thankfully they are not as expensive as they are at the real Starbucks, though they are the real deal, taste the same. Still it can get costly.
Oh SN: I also have 3 different boxes of tazo teas at my desk. And i seldomly buy lunch at work now. This means im saving tons and tons of money... I think someone deserves a new pair of shoes as a reward. Just saying.
I am an avid coffee drinker. I like all sorts of coffee, lattes, any kind of "ccinos", you name it- I'll drink it.
At work, the people at Starbucks were gracious enough to pass on the recipes for all their signature drinks. Thankfully they are not as expensive as they are at the real Starbucks, though they are the real deal, taste the same. Still it can get costly.
Grab a pencil:
A.M : Grande Verona - $1.50
Mid day Tazo tea- .75c
P.M Grande Latte ( mocha, chai, americano, etc)- $2.75 ish
TOTAL: $5.00
X 5 days a week- $25.00
Remember kids this is just on your daily fuel (coffee in case you were following along) and if you don't brown paper bag it for lunch, you will spend a minimum of $5 a day.... again $25.00/ week
grand total $50.00 week!! That's over $2,500 a year!! {gulp} Truth be told.
That was me.
So what does someone, who's a little ghetto fabulous, and on a budget do?
My friends I give you- Lolos 'faux'ocha
Colombian Instant Coffee
Ghirardelli Ground Chocolate w/ cocoa
Marshmallows ( of course )
This set me back about 12 dollars. Half a weeks worth of coffee, 3x's as much coffee. =-)
Look at that marshmallowee froth!!
Oh SN: I also have 3 different boxes of tazo teas at my desk. And i seldomly buy lunch at work now. This means im saving tons and tons of money... I think someone deserves a new pair of shoes as a reward. Just saying.
Saturday, December 4, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
i {heart} Target
I absolutely love target. I do. I was forced stopped going to walmart years ago. I know walmart has better prices all around, but you cant beat Target's friendly team members, their clean stores, starbucks, and great selections in their clothing line, plus they also have awesome guest designers.
While Juj was in Michigan for his uncle's funeral i went to target to pick up a copy of Toy Story 3 ( which i adore!) As i was checking out, the cashier asked me if i wanted to apply for the Target REDcard or Visa. I politely said no. She then asked me if wanted to apply for a Target REDcard DEBIT card. Before i had a chance to speak, she began rambling on how great the target debit card was and how convenient, and no annual fee, and how its like using your regular debit card and how you save 5% every time you shop and how you can choose a charity to get that xx% cash back.... i jumped in as soon as she took a breath. I asked her to let me see the terms and conditions.
I read the fine print.
She was right, no fee, no charges, no nothing. Just drafts directly from your checking account and you get 5% off. I know 5% isn't much, but its something.
So far, just by using the card we've saved about 18 dollars and on a separate shopping earned a $5 gift card. $23 big ones. I strongly recommend the card if you're an avid target shopper like we are.
(you like the makeshift photo shopping?...)
I read the fine print.
She was right, no fee, no charges, no nothing. Just drafts directly from your checking account and you get 5% off. I know 5% isn't much, but its something.
So far, just by using the card we've saved about 18 dollars and on a separate shopping earned a $5 gift card. $23 big ones. I strongly recommend the card if you're an avid target shopper like we are.
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Bootie Love
We've all heard of love at first sight, right? Whether you believe in it or not is a totally different topic. Well feast your eyes on theses puppies.... The BCBGparis BAM bootie. Go ahead. i'll give you a second to fall in <3
Aren't they gorgeous?? They are stunning, the rich purple color is amazing, the tulip heel is so elegant, the almond toe adds an updated look to the shoe. I HAVE to have them. I just have to. Plus, i have been looking for a great pair of booties. My biggest challenge in finding the perfect pair of booties has been: 1- the foot/ankle opening on the bootie. I have seen a number of great bootiesout there [chuckle] but once i try them on my ankle is swimming in the opening. And its NOT cute. i mean i know i have thinner legs and all, but you'd need serious cankles to fill those booties. These on the other hand, the cut is so different than the other booties out there. As you can see, the front of the opening lands more on top of the foot than around the ankle- making a snugger fit, not to mention the elastic 'cut out' And 2- Since they are so the "it" thing right now, well, sadly the prices get driven up. And like all shoes, they're seasonal.
Seriously, when i purchased my nude shoes a few months ago- I saw a cute pair at a retailer that shall remain nameless. They shamefully jacked up the price 15 dollars from one day to another. Sure 15 bucks isn't that much, but its definitely upsetting. I mean wouldn't you much rather pay $90 instead of $105?!?
Seriously, when i purchased my nude shoes a few months ago- I saw a cute pair at a retailer that shall remain nameless. They shamefully jacked up the price 15 dollars from one day to another. Sure 15 bucks isn't that much, but its definitely upsetting. I mean wouldn't you much rather pay $90 instead of $105?!?
Although i saw and LOVED the purple ones first. It would be more beneficial, and functional, for me to purchase the black ones.
I want to go check them our in person, since i've only seen them online. I'll let you know how it goes.
Any chance i can get these for my birthday, honey?
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
My Confessions
I have something to confess to you all.
I have been a little heffer these last 2 weeks. I have been eating really crappy and it seems that i have lost all will power. its gone. i have no idea where it went. Remember when i said i was starting insanity? Well I did. sorta. I did day 1, which was the fit test. I completed the test, wrote down how many of each exercise i was able to do in the time allotted.
Then came day 2. I woke up early before work to get my work out in- i popped in the dvd and was ready to go. I started jogging in place, i got to the jumping jacks and before i knew it, my head started pounding. i mean pounding hard- as if my brain was trying to escape my head. I shut that bad boy off and went to lay back down.
This happened the following 2 times i tried doing the workouts in the morning. Im not sure what i can attribute the headaches to, i think i just need to start my mornings off a little bit slower. Juj thinks its a lack of hydration. So i need to make some time in the evenings to workout. I just find it difficult, seeing that i have class twice a week and well, at the end of the day i'd rather crack open a cold one than pop in an exercise dvd.
I have been a little heffer these last 2 weeks. I have been eating really crappy and it seems that i have lost all will power. its gone. i have no idea where it went. Remember when i said i was starting insanity? Well I did. sorta. I did day 1, which was the fit test. I completed the test, wrote down how many of each exercise i was able to do in the time allotted.
Then came day 2. I woke up early before work to get my work out in- i popped in the dvd and was ready to go. I started jogging in place, i got to the jumping jacks and before i knew it, my head started pounding. i mean pounding hard- as if my brain was trying to escape my head. I shut that bad boy off and went to lay back down.
This happened the following 2 times i tried doing the workouts in the morning. Im not sure what i can attribute the headaches to, i think i just need to start my mornings off a little bit slower. Juj thinks its a lack of hydration. So i need to make some time in the evenings to workout. I just find it difficult, seeing that i have class twice a week and well, at the end of the day i'd rather crack open a cold one than pop in an exercise dvd.
Monday, November 15, 2010
Bloggiversary
I know im a little late but, November 5th marked my blogs 2 year anniversary. {enter applause} I initially started this blog when Juj and I got engaged, or shortly thereafter. I wanted to document our plans and progress with the wedding and include our everyday adventures, obstacles. The wedding came and went. Then i was left pondering what would happen to my blog. Would i start a new one? would i just find myself to busy to continue blogging? After a rough patch of blogging, i decided that i wanted to continue writing- for myself if anything.
I was once asked- So... what? are hoping that someone discovers your blog and wants you to write a book or publish some of your writings?. No. first, Although i do enjoy writing i dont believe i write well enough to ever be published. 2. its an outlet to help me express my thoughts and feelings. and 3. shut up. who asked you?!? ;-D
So although my blog has helped me get through some tough times, and its gone through some tough times. We're in it for the long haul. Im not sure were it will go. Not sure how long it will last... maybe through our first house purchase, maybe through our first baby, heck maybe through babys first day of school, who knows.
So raise your belated glass to toast to BecomingMrs.Juju's 2 year anniversary!
(clink)
sip
(nod/smile)
I was once asked- So... what? are hoping that someone discovers your blog and wants you to write a book or publish some of your writings?. No. first, Although i do enjoy writing i dont believe i write well enough to ever be published. 2. its an outlet to help me express my thoughts and feelings. and 3. shut up. who asked you?!? ;-D
So although my blog has helped me get through some tough times, and its gone through some tough times. We're in it for the long haul. Im not sure were it will go. Not sure how long it will last... maybe through our first house purchase, maybe through our first baby, heck maybe through babys first day of school, who knows.
So raise your belated glass to toast to BecomingMrs.Juju's 2 year anniversary!
(clink)
sip
(nod/smile)
Friday, November 5, 2010
You got a minute?
Yeah? ok do this- this made me literally laugh out loud. Check it out:
1. Go to Google maps
2. Go to "Get Directions"
3. Type Japan As the Start Location
4 Type China As the End Location
5. Go to Direction # 43
I'll have you all know that is the only thing holding me back.
1. Go to Google maps
2. Go to "Get Directions"
3. Type Japan As the Start Location
4 Type China As the End Location
5. Go to Direction # 43
I'll have you all know that is the only thing holding me back.
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Things i hear
Boss at Product Development meeting.
Boss: "Allison, Can i take a quick peek at your rack?" Referring to a Z-Rack tucked away full of preproduction samples.
awkward.
Boss: "Allison, Can i take a quick peek at your rack?" Referring to a Z-Rack tucked away full of preproduction samples.
awkward.
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Co-Sleeping alone
Juj's uncle passed away last week and his services are being held in Michigan, yesterday and today. He, along with my SIL & MIL left to Michigan yesterday. I thought no biggie. He'll be gone for 2 days- top. I had a meeting at church yesterday from 7-8:30 so i figured by the time i get home from work (6) and take my mom to work at 9:30, do my exercises- it'll be bed time before i know it, right? I ran to target and strolled through the aisles at a leisurely pace. I came home, ate dinner, watched a little tv. My head was pounding so i didn't exercise. Before I got into bed at about 11, I turned off all the lights in the house, except the bathroom light, as usual. I went into the bedroom to find cookie making herself comfortable in the bed. It was quiet. And Dark. I got out of bed and checked all the lights, and windows. Locked the door. Got back into bed. Did i put the milk away? I got out of bed to check. (yes, i had) I got back into bed. I put on a movie on netflix because the room so dark ( even with the light coming through the window ) and quiet. At one point cookie jumped off the bed and into her own ( nooo! i quietly cried)... and what did i do? I got up and put her right back into the bed with me. Finally i fell asleep around 1 ( last time i checked)
3 am. Then i had a scary dream. Said a prayer. fell back asleep
4 am. Woke up gasping for air. Same scary dream. Walked into Jujus closet and got his robe. Said a prayer and fell back asleep, holding on to Juj's robe.
4:45 am. Up again. Everytime i went back to sleep i would pick up right where i left off in the scary dream.
5:30 - 6 am. Awake. That's it. Im not going back to sleep. no-uh. nope. not gonna. So i sat up and tried reading a pages in my book. My eyes were burning and feeling heavy. I turned on the TV determined not to fall asleep anymore.
7:45 am. woke up to cookie staring at me. AH $#*T. I overslept. (she could've nudge me or something)
Who knew, that after sharing (and i'll use that term loosely, since he's a bedhog) a bed with juju, one night a way from him would be so scary, so lonely. And to think, that i was looking forward to having the entire bed to myself- I ended up sleeping, curled up with his robe on his side.
3 am. Then i had a scary dream. Said a prayer. fell back asleep
4 am. Woke up gasping for air. Same scary dream. Walked into Jujus closet and got his robe. Said a prayer and fell back asleep, holding on to Juj's robe.
4:45 am. Up again. Everytime i went back to sleep i would pick up right where i left off in the scary dream.
5:30 - 6 am. Awake. That's it. Im not going back to sleep. no-uh. nope. not gonna. So i sat up and tried reading a pages in my book. My eyes were burning and feeling heavy. I turned on the TV determined not to fall asleep anymore.
7:45 am. woke up to cookie staring at me. AH $#*T. I overslept. (she could've nudge me or something)
Who knew, that after sharing (and i'll use that term loosely, since he's a bedhog) a bed with juju, one night a way from him would be so scary, so lonely. And to think, that i was looking forward to having the entire bed to myself- I ended up sleeping, curled up with his robe on his side.
road kill?
My daily commute, depending on the time of day, can take me anywhere between 27-50 minutes.
Yesterday- was a very traumatic 38 minute commute.
Gross.
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