I had an AWESOME weekend in NY. I missed all my friends and family...it was nice to just catch up, even if it was brief. I managed to see most of the babies & people I needed to see. My next visit, I just have to visit my cousins in NJ. I can't post up any pictures since I don't have the camera, but will post some in the future.
Well, I've been pretty busy with work...I also was named as the person to take over local socialite Ruthie's place - and organize groups and stuff...so I'll be also busy in the weekend. I'll try to plan soothing things like the the beach on Sunday evenings, and barbecues in other people's houses. Ha ha.
Aug 20, 2007
Jul 23, 2007
You Loggerhead!
Photo courtesy of Mr. MorrisCheck out this picture! Isn't it awesome??? And we were told that this particular Loggerhead was small! I can't wait to go back to the beach to watch the babies hatch.
I Got A $15 Haircut Today....
Don't remember the last time I had one that cheap. I had a straight-cut, no frills trim. The woman had extentions, an outfit too young looking for her age, and a horrible smoker voice. I needed it, my ends were getting straggly. I was in and out within a half hour. What? Did you think for $15 it included drying & styling? Ha ha ha.
They say the short bob is "in" this summer because of it's wash and go factor. I think the last time I had a "bob" I was 13 and not too happy with it.
They say the short bob is "in" this summer because of it's wash and go factor. I think the last time I had a "bob" I was 13 and not too happy with it.
Jul 18, 2007
See You Later Alligator!
I should be sick of seeing Gators by now. Truth is, I'm not. This is my 4th time seeing Gators,(first time in a new place) and 2nd airboat ride. I also caught a gator show after the airboat ride, where this crazy guy w/ missing fingers (wonder how he lost them?) pointed out the many facts about alligators whilst sitting on top of it. When that gator would snap his mouth, you would hear the hollow sounding chomp...I am just so glad I didn't witness the death of the rest of his fingers. Jalitza and I got to hold a baby gator, as you'll see in the pictures below. :)
That same weekend, the night before we went to the beach late at night to look for Loggerhead turtles coming out of the sea and laying eggs. We basically camped in one spot and stayed quiet while some members of our group went looking for one. When they found one, we would come near and camped. We watched as she started digging, then she would move up and keep moving up until she hit the grass. When she decided she didn't like the area, she turned around and headed back to shore. We all surrounded her at that point, and were just in AWE at how large she was and so amazed at the Loggerhead turtle's seasonal ritual. She stopped at times to catch her breath, then gaining more confidence as she touched water, she disappeared into the ocean as we tried searching for her with our flashlights. I don't think I will ever tire of seeing that. For those that haven't seen anything like it, I suggest you definitely do. Nature is never boring and there are some pleasures in life that are still free.
That same weekend, the night before we went to the beach late at night to look for Loggerhead turtles coming out of the sea and laying eggs. We basically camped in one spot and stayed quiet while some members of our group went looking for one. When they found one, we would come near and camped. We watched as she started digging, then she would move up and keep moving up until she hit the grass. When she decided she didn't like the area, she turned around and headed back to shore. We all surrounded her at that point, and were just in AWE at how large she was and so amazed at the Loggerhead turtle's seasonal ritual. She stopped at times to catch her breath, then gaining more confidence as she touched water, she disappeared into the ocean as we tried searching for her with our flashlights. I don't think I will ever tire of seeing that. For those that haven't seen anything like it, I suggest you definitely do. Nature is never boring and there are some pleasures in life that are still free.
Jul 9, 2007
Cool Dude!
Our office assistant is in school for massage therapy. She starts clinic soon, and you know what that means! 1 hour full body massage for $30. Hope she's good!
Jul 4, 2007
Keeping In Touch
I've been so busy this past few days and will continue to be busy. I'll try to find some time to relax and put up a post here and there, but in case you don't hear from me for a while...you'll know why. (I'm SO overdue for a spa day!)
In the meantime, here's my funny pic of the week:
In the meantime, here's my funny pic of the week:
Jun 28, 2007
Sunny day...Sweeping The Clouds Away!
Okay, sorry for the bad Sesame Street reference. I thought it fitting, because this morning it was dark, rainy and cloudy. I was scheduled to take my Life/Health/Variable Annuities State exam today and I PASSSSSSED! And now the sun is shining. Ah....
Now it's time to: Celebrate good times, come on!
(That was a reference to a not so HSB who sang this karaoke w/ a cracking voice. Ha ha ha!)
Now it's time to: Celebrate good times, come on!
(That was a reference to a not so HSB who sang this karaoke w/ a cracking voice. Ha ha ha!)
Jun 25, 2007
It's Vain & Unecessary...I Know
Summer is here, and especially where I'm at - you really feel it. The sun can be brutal, so I find myself hiding out indoors. I will make it a point to keep sunblock in the car, because I actually got a sunburn a couple weeks ago and I'm shedding like a snake. I hate it.
The hotter it is, the less you wear and although tanks, shorts & summer dresses are all fun and beachy - you have to constantly keep up with shaving. I am so sick of it.
So whenever I hear those ads about laser hair removal...I am SO tempted. Those days of being 13 and loving shaving (because of feeling grown-up, ha ha) are OVER!
The hotter it is, the less you wear and although tanks, shorts & summer dresses are all fun and beachy - you have to constantly keep up with shaving. I am so sick of it.
So whenever I hear those ads about laser hair removal...I am SO tempted. Those days of being 13 and loving shaving (because of feeling grown-up, ha ha) are OVER!
Jun 20, 2007
Where My Girls At?
"Girls cause too much drama, that's why I only have guy friends."
"Women have wronged me in the past, that's why I don't get close to anyone."
"Girls are too catty, I don't like being around them."
How many times have I heard these statements? Maybe a good handful of people have said that to me. I have never understood it. Because as I do acknowledge some females can be catty, I see it as immaturity, or having low-self esteem, and in life what you could do is simply choose your friends wisely. Plus...sometimes I may have my moments too. RRrrow!
Personally for me, the most fulfilling times, are those "girls night out" evenings. Where we eat, laugh, act silly, even tearfully share something personal - but always leave happy. We women have to go through a lot nowadays, but knowing that someone has been there, done that and can share helpful insights to help you get through a hard time? Priceless. I love hearing experiences of older women, because some of them went through hardships that I can't even imagine. It even makes you respect them more. And in life, we are sometimes so short-sighted, that we can't see the whole picture. It helps when you have someone there to remind you of that. Having an older friend can also make you more patient, and I know I've learned not to react to things as quickly as I did before! It's not always the end of the world!
Sometimes, there are no major issues to talk about. Spending a light-hearted time with women is just as fun. Sometimes you didn't know you had something in common with someone else. They can even help you avoid mistakes they've made in the past. Even if someone else is a mother, and you are in a totally different stage in your life, you may gain a lot of insights from just being around them. And one day, you may be in the same boat! With younger women, you may be able to help them with what they're going through. And just because you are a bit older, doesn't mean you have nothing in common. Pay it forward, give advice that has helped you.
So here's my two cents:
"Women have wronged me in the past, that's why I don't get close to anyone."
"Girls are too catty, I don't like being around them."
How many times have I heard these statements? Maybe a good handful of people have said that to me. I have never understood it. Because as I do acknowledge some females can be catty, I see it as immaturity, or having low-self esteem, and in life what you could do is simply choose your friends wisely. Plus...sometimes I may have my moments too. RRrrow!
Personally for me, the most fulfilling times, are those "girls night out" evenings. Where we eat, laugh, act silly, even tearfully share something personal - but always leave happy. We women have to go through a lot nowadays, but knowing that someone has been there, done that and can share helpful insights to help you get through a hard time? Priceless. I love hearing experiences of older women, because some of them went through hardships that I can't even imagine. It even makes you respect them more. And in life, we are sometimes so short-sighted, that we can't see the whole picture. It helps when you have someone there to remind you of that. Having an older friend can also make you more patient, and I know I've learned not to react to things as quickly as I did before! It's not always the end of the world!
Sometimes, there are no major issues to talk about. Spending a light-hearted time with women is just as fun. Sometimes you didn't know you had something in common with someone else. They can even help you avoid mistakes they've made in the past. Even if someone else is a mother, and you are in a totally different stage in your life, you may gain a lot of insights from just being around them. And one day, you may be in the same boat! With younger women, you may be able to help them with what they're going through. And just because you are a bit older, doesn't mean you have nothing in common. Pay it forward, give advice that has helped you.
So here's my two cents:
- Never isolate yourself, because you are never alone.
- Appreciate the insights you can gain from women.
- Always make time for older and younger women.
- Shed the "image" and be vulnerable. None of us are perfect!
- Draw strength from sisterly support
And LASTLY:
- Think positive. Instead of thinking of something critical, train your mind to think of something positive and complement her on it. You'll feel 100 times better than internally dissing her outfit and you'll lose the catty trait you hate so much.
Jun 13, 2007
Quack!
May 15, 2007
Orlando/Miami/Everglades Pics
These pics are of my cousin Ralph and his father Melvin's first visit to the USA. We went to Orlando (Universal and Sea World), he bowled for the first time, we went to Miami Beach and lastly we hit the Everglades to see some gators! It was a packed week, but we all enjoyed it. We have video footage too - my aunt Bernie was going crazy as usual...she really had a good time.
There are two sets of photos, click on each thumbnail below:
There are two sets of photos, click on each thumbnail below:
May 10, 2007
You Sure Have Changed Since Yesterday...
Are you listening, Gwen?
Yesterday I went to the Gwen Stefani concert. The cool thing was, for a couple of songs which were hip-hopish...she would end in a hard-rock way...the drummer was banging the drums and the guitars were going...and even Anthony had to say that she should really be with her band. It's just not the same with these no-names (who she introduces by the way). And she stole the trumpeters from ND. I remember meeting one of them in New York when he was using a PAY PHONE. Lol. How long ago was that?
And even the songs that were slightly techno/dancy - when they played live with guitars they made sound a MILLION times better and I'm not just saying that because I like rock. I listen to about 5 songs on her album tops, the others are kind of brainless...it just KILLS me when I know she could be with No Doubt and make quality records where people will actually take her music seriously.
You should see the audience...all they know is her pop stuff and when she sings a song she feels deeply about...people don't know the words and they sort of just stand and stare. It stinks for her, because she's singing something personal that means something to her...and they're just blank.
I KNOW she can tell the difference between ND concerts and her own. She kept asking people to sing along! In a No Doubt concert, we sing ALL the words and know ALL the songs. Gwen, if you're listening...you're cute and talented on your own, but please GO back to No Doubt!
And even the songs that were slightly techno/dancy - when they played live with guitars they made sound a MILLION times better and I'm not just saying that because I like rock. I listen to about 5 songs on her album tops, the others are kind of brainless...it just KILLS me when I know she could be with No Doubt and make quality records where people will actually take her music seriously.
You should see the audience...all they know is her pop stuff and when she sings a song she feels deeply about...people don't know the words and they sort of just stand and stare. It stinks for her, because she's singing something personal that means something to her...and they're just blank.
I KNOW she can tell the difference between ND concerts and her own. She kept asking people to sing along! In a No Doubt concert, we sing ALL the words and know ALL the songs. Gwen, if you're listening...you're cute and talented on your own, but please GO back to No Doubt!
May 2, 2007
Fat America
Apr 12, 2007
Marie's Hot/Not List - April 2007
I like reading about things that are "hot" or "in the moment" in magazines and I decided to write up my own little hot/not list...sharing the things that are time saving and useful to me. Don't go crazy and buy all the things I talk about!
Burning scented oil at home.....HOT. Invest in an inexpensive oil burner that uses tea lights. (Mine is a pretty carved soapstone one...$4.95 at Walmart). They fill the room instantly with warm inviting fragrance. Not hot? Aerosol sprays. They don't last long and they smell pretty lame.
Herbal Essences - "None of Your Frizziness" shampoo and conditioner. HOT! I like to wear my hair wavy or straight, so I can't bring myself to clutter my bathroom with a shampoo/conditioner for curls and a shampoo/conditioner for straight hair. This way whatever the style, my hair is smooth. Not hot? Shampoos for "normal hair" - what is normal anyway? Our locks deserve more specialized attention.
DVR for TV - HOT!!!! I record shows to watch at my convenience and skip all the commercials. Not hot? Recording on VHS tapes...sorry guys.
Shaving razors that eliminate your need for shaving cream - HOT!!!! Excellent for travel, and excellent in general for everyday use. Ever run out of shaving cream when you need to shave? I've been in this scenario more than once. Instead of grabbing the nearest bottle of conditioner, these razors have it all...and they work great. Not hot? Disposables - ouch!
Burning scented oil at home.....HOT. Invest in an inexpensive oil burner that uses tea lights. (Mine is a pretty carved soapstone one...$4.95 at Walmart). They fill the room instantly with warm inviting fragrance. Not hot? Aerosol sprays. They don't last long and they smell pretty lame.
Herbal Essences - "None of Your Frizziness" shampoo and conditioner. HOT! I like to wear my hair wavy or straight, so I can't bring myself to clutter my bathroom with a shampoo/conditioner for curls and a shampoo/conditioner for straight hair. This way whatever the style, my hair is smooth. Not hot? Shampoos for "normal hair" - what is normal anyway? Our locks deserve more specialized attention.
DVR for TV - HOT!!!! I record shows to watch at my convenience and skip all the commercials. Not hot? Recording on VHS tapes...sorry guys.
Shaving razors that eliminate your need for shaving cream - HOT!!!! Excellent for travel, and excellent in general for everyday use. Ever run out of shaving cream when you need to shave? I've been in this scenario more than once. Instead of grabbing the nearest bottle of conditioner, these razors have it all...and they work great. Not hot? Disposables - ouch!
Apr 10, 2007
Photo Project
I have years of photos that I need to frame and display. One project I started on, is getting a bunch of framed photos and displaying them up a staircase. Seems simple enough...yet it's daunting for me. I want it to be family, friends...a collection of photographs that go together as well as give visitors a sense of warmth. My home needs a sense of identity. Whenever I visit someones house or apartment, seeing pictures on their wall remind me that the people I'm visiting have a life, history, love. So far I framed two pictures, and have yet to hang them once I get more frames. In this digital age, I've gotten used to dumping photos on my hard drive but never really printing them anymore, so I need to get some shots printed. What I think I'm going to do is, buy frames, plan their arrangement, hang them w/o prints and it will give me motivation to get those empty frames filled. Besides, I do have the photographs.
Apr 3, 2007
Selected Philippines Pics (Finally!)
I made an online album of selected pictures from my memorable trip to the Philippines. Two regrets: I wish I had at least one more week there instead of just two, and I wish I didn't get sick from the climate changes. I made the best of it, but some days I was walking around with a cloud around my head. There was much more to see, but I guess it leaves some for next time. I kept thinking to myself, why the heck did I not go sooner? It was great to meet family for the first time, I enjoyed spending time with my cousins...and I am forever changed after spending the day at the local spa and having a $4 dollar deep tissue massage! (I don't think I can dish out the money for getting massages in the USA anymore). Some of the sights were out of this world, literally - especially the "Enchanted River" which I enjoyed as well as the touristy Boracay island. After this trip, I got the travel bug. After all, I survived the long plane ride, right? The world is a beautiful place and there's so much to see. So what's next? Spain, Italy, the Grand Canyon? Who knows. I just know I can't wait until I get there.
Mar 30, 2007
Technical Difficulties
I made a draft of the pics I was going to post, and I was about to add more pictures to that draft today, when I looked and saw that only the first 4 pictures show up and the other pics don't show up...like they are invalid or something. I think when you publish from Picasa, you're supposed to publish right away because they may have a limit on how long pictures stay saved as a draft. This really stinks because I took my time choosing those pics...I have to figure out a way...I'm going to try to create an online album and just put a link to that. Oh well.
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