Aug 25, 2008

Sunday Night Blues

My Sunday night blues has evolved into Monday morning anxiety. It fades away as I start to get ready and do things. Sometimes I just wake up feeling anxious - don't know if it's because I'm dealing with a lot...I think it's nature's way of letting you know that you just have to take a moment to breathe. I wish I had the type of anxiety that makes a person a super productive workaholic machine!

On the way home from work today I saw a car that said "Just Divorced". I had my camera on me so I got to take a picture before it drove away. Sweet. I just submitted it to Failblog.org - you can see it if you scroll down a post or two on this page. I'm going to be on the lookout for stuff to submit - now there's inspiration!

Tonight I was invited to go play basketball at the park, only two other people showed, so after an hour, we decided to go to the local spot where a huge group plays soccer. Turned out, I ended up socializing instead of doing what I was supossed to do, which was run around. I'll make up for it tomorrow, because a friend who is learning how to be a Pilates instructor is going to use me and another friend for a training session - she needs to rehearse and practice her training routine, and we're going to benefit by having free Pilates sessions. Hopefully she doesn't kick my butt!

Ooh, milestone! Today I bought for the first time, an anti-wrinkle night cream and anti-wrinkle eye cream. I figured it's time to start using those products...couldn't hurt. Anyway, I have an early day tomorrow...later!

Ridin' A Harley!

(I messed w/ the saturation of this pic in Picasa)
It was a FUN ride! :)

August Anniversary Pics

Anniversary 2008

CLICK ON PICTURE ABOVE

My Failblog.org Submission

funny pictures
This is why it's good to carry a camera on you at all times. You never know what you may catch!

Aug 13, 2008

Looking Back

Looking back at old posts, I see a major difference from today. First thing is the amount of blogging I did in the past. I had a lot more posts...and it seemed as if I had a lot to talk about. Well I did have a desk job where I had a bit of time to post here and there. Now my schedule is busier since I'm always in different places. I work at home or at the office and sometimes I'm out on presentations and enrollments. By the time I get home, I barely have time to think of things to blog about. Another thing is, I used to just talk about anything. Now I mostly post pictures and I think it's gotten a bit dry. Well, I plan to change it up. I think I just lack inspiration at times. Things have changed...sometimes we are so bogged down by everything, and if it's not our own things, it's people around us. Seems like a lot of friends are having hard times.

On a better note, I'm going to be in a wedding September 6Th...Vicky's. I'm excited because I've never been a bridesmaid before and I think it will be a lot of fun. I picked up my dress today. I need to have it altered...I think I'm going to take it with me to NY this weekend and have it done there.

I've developed a really bad habit lately...falling asleep on the couch with the TV and light on and waking up in the middle of the night and having to move to my bed. I think it's making me a bit more tired...the other night I fell asleep watching Frasier - remember that show? It still cracks me up. Anyway...can't think of anything else right now. Laters...

Aug 3, 2008

Travel Woes

I've flown 21 flights on JetBlue since 2006. I've always been a loyal fan and with good reason. You can't beat their $69 buck specials. They also have Direct TV on their flights so you can spend your flying time flipping through channels...and since most of my flights have been weekend flights, it was a great way to have some downtime after a hectic work week. Their crew members are friendly and more than happy to give you more than one snack should you ask for one. But lately...there has been some changes in the flying industry, and they've affected my favorite airline! The prices aren't as low as they used to be, and for the first time ever, I'm researching other airlines to find better deals. First of all, they started charging for things. It started with the headsets, they used to be free, now they're $1.00. Okay, no big deal. But then they started charging for checking in a 2nd bag. I haven't needed to check in 2 bags, so I haven't been inconvenienced by that one yet, and I use my own headphones so it doesn't affect me. They've also started to charge for certain seats that have more leg room...grr. The way that affects me, is when I choose my seats, I have less choices. I usually like being closer to the front, and the majority of those seats cost $20 more, so it's back of the bus for me!

Anthony found a site that searches 33 travel sites simultaneously, (Trabber.com) and happily for me, I've been able to find the best deal for my future travels. Unfortunately, it's not with JetBlue. So no leather seats and personal televisions. Sigh. So, I'll have to bring a book for this one...but at least I'm saving some money!

Jul 15, 2008

Meet Me In Barcelona...


For our wedding anniversary, we decided to take a trip to Barcelona, Spain. I get a phonecall from Anthony asking me to check my e-mail because we're going to Barcelona...tomorrow. I have never taken a last-minute overseas trip before so you can imagine the excitement and panic as I run around getting things together. I left feeders for the cats since it was only a few days. I had a fantastic time...it was filled with memorable moments, especially seeing a random naked guy on the streets of Barcelona (happened twice in 3 days, lol). Don't ask, they're some sort of nudist/naturalist. Anyway, here is a photobook of my trip...I ordered it through MyPublisher.com. (FYI: If you want to see my wedding photobook, e-mail me and I'll send you the link)

If you want to make your own photobook, use these coupon codes:

TRAVEL241 or PHOTO241 or MPFREE241-Buy one get one free.
NEWSHARE- $20.00 off first book! (I used this on my second book, it still worked).

MARIE'S BARCELONA PHOTOBOOK: http://www.mypublisher.com/bookshelf/bookviewer.py?d=tq%3Ey-cppl%60je%3E3384759

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Jun 25, 2008

Nice To See Everyone Again

It was great seeing everyone again. I had a really nice visit. Of course, visiting NY in the summer is usually pleasant, the weather is nice & breezy...those cold blistery days long gone. The last time I visited, the weather was pretty crappy. But most of all, I enjoyed the company of people I used to spend time with. I wish sometimes that NY was closer to where I am. Sometimes I wish I lived the distance of NJ or Long Island...although I don't particularly like those places.


Jun 20, 2008

My Flight Is On Time

I haven't heard that in quite a while when it comes to flying Jetblue on a Friday evening. The scenario is usually the same, I'm rushing home from work, doing a quick change of clothes plus a last rake of the litter before I'm off to the airport. But today it was slightly different. When I got on the highway at 5pm, there was no traffic. When I parked and walked to the bus stop, the Park & Ride bus was there...since I'm usually running late, I'm usually found sitting there for 10-15 minutes fidgeting and texting all my friends transferring my stress trying to pass the agonizing minutes.

Much to my dismay, I could not locate my headphones - and now JetBlue will charge for headphones on their flights. I didn't have any cash on me (who does nowadays?) so after getting through security (which wasn't flawless, my necklace made me beep) I headed to one of the shops to buy a cheap pair. Grrr...there wasn't any cheap pairs. The cheapest one was Sony $12.99 so I plunked the cash, I mean handed over the card and got to my seat in the waiting area.

Ironically, when I have 2-3 hours to kill if my flight is delayed due to weather (which was the case the last 10 times I've flown) the internet is down as well. Well this time, it's not. Hence the blog. :) I haven't blogged in a while, and all of a sudden ideas are coming to mind - but I really don't have much time now. I'll try to write...most of the time my mind draws a blank and I don't really feel inspired. Not that I don't have anything to say, I just don't have any direction.

I have my ipod, books, this laptop and of course the inflight tv. I should be very entertained. I'm going to be seated at 8B. Smack in the middle between 2 people. I hate being in the middle, but I couldn't help it. It was either sit in the middle and be near the front, or be all the way in the back with the noise, the bathroom constantly opening and closing and the bumps. Yes, you feel more bumps in the back just like being in the back of a bus. And no, I'm not imagining it. I'll be fine as long as they don't know each other and are constantly talking over me.

I heard in past reports, of air carriers making it possible for us to talk on our cellphones in flight in the near future. Although I might like the fact that I can text on board, but I don't want some next to me yakking their brains out. So I hope that doesn't happen anytime soon. There are some people who also like not being reachable. I couldn't care either way. I just like a few moments of peace - it's irritating, someone talking loudly next to you...their conversations are NEVER interesting. It's almost as bad as someone eating next to you. Ha ha ha (evil laugh). I'm in the middle, and I bought a Oriental Chicken Salad (yum) that has a strong smell, but is really good. They're going to have to deal with it!

Jun 9, 2008

Wigs...for Cats

http://kittywigs.com/wigindex.html

"Blonde sets off your kitty’s eyes and makes your kitty look tan."
Makes your kitty look TAN???? You gotta read those descriptions. First of all, you think anyone who would consider buying the wigs may be off their rocker, but looking at descriptions written by people who chose to invest in this business...I can't decide who's crazier.

Ha, imagine this conversation:

"So what do you do?"

"I sell wigs...for cats"

Silence.

Jun 3, 2008

TOPOYIYO DANCE

Little Aeneas came to visit for a week and we had a great time with him...going to the beach and the pool. If we had a computer on, Aeneas would come over and say "le le le le le le" requesting this video. He would clap and dance around. It was adorable! I think this song is hilarious...especially the squeaky parts. I will forever have a smile on my face hearing this...

May 24, 2008

Last Weekend At NY/NJ


Doris, Saskia, Grandma & me.

Fun at the movies!
This pic came out blurry, but we were laughing hysterically as we were trying to do this high kick. :)
They're coming out with the Incredible Hulk - again. Are they just pretending the first one never happened?

Group picture!

Top: Me, Saskia, Bernie

Bottom: Ralph, Anabelle, Doris, Grandma, Joo Joo, Brianna, Nicky & Melvin

May 13, 2008

Haircut...again

I got a haircut yesterday. I asked for a shorter cut w/ layers and side-swept bangs. I got my cousin, Saskia. I look so much like her with this cut, it's not even funny. It takes some getting used to, but I think it will be okay. When I do it myself, I'll curl the ends so it doesn't look so blunt. At least I look 14 again, ha ha. Pics are to follow after this weekend...I'll be in NY spending time with my cousins so standby for updates.

May 5, 2008

Why Is It When...

...you're suppossed to do something that requires total focus and concentration, that you all of a sudden get distracted by sudden urges to clear up clutter, clean the bathroom...etc. ALL the things you dreaded and procrastinated about for days? It's like you procrastinate and do something else you procrastinated?!?

Apr 28, 2008

Hibiscus Tea

http://www.dragonwater.com/product_detail.tf/325_hibiscus_tea.html

This was the tea Anthony's mother kept making...it's called Rosa de Jamaica in spanish otherwise known as Hibiscus Tea. She would add some cinnamon and maybe another thing or two. It was absolutely soothing and wonderful. It's known for lowering blood pressure. I brought home a huge bag of it. When I made it at home, I may have steeped it too long because it was a deep red and tasted way too tart. But I will play around with the amounts and steep time to get it better. It makes for a nice bedtime tea when done right.

More Abu Pics...

Abu, The Capuchin Monkey

We recently returned from a 10 day trip to Nicaragua. It wasn't my first time, although I haven't been there in a few years. On the road from the airport to Esteli, there are usually people selling birds, iguanas and other creatures but on this particular day as we were driving, we happened to spot a man selling a small capuchin monkey. Some impulsive moments later and we were en route with this little guy in tow. We thought of many names...some very humorous, but ended up with "Abu" like the monkey in Aladdin. How original!
At first we did not have a cage for him, so to my displeasure, he stayed in our room for the first few nights. Then Anthony, his brothers and Lebeau built a fine monkey cage fully equipped with branches, a hanging toy and a little house/box where he can sleep at night.
He grew on me rather quickly. He made this little barking noise whenever the dogs would come near, sounded like "arf". I found it adorable. He's very sweet and loves to be held. When we got back we made it a point to go to an exotic pet shop that sold monkeys. We asked if they had a Capuchin monkey. The lady who owned the shop said "You don't want a Capuchin! They may look cute in movies but they are a lot of work and can rip your nose off!" Uh-oh we said. Abu is really sweet and you can tell he was raised constantly held by humans. I'm going to do a bit more research about them but I have a feeling Abu will be alright. He stayed behind in Nicaragua with Anthony's family. Every now and then we will call to check up on him and hopefully we'll see him again soon. :)


At the supermarket...Lebeau got lots of stares, lol.
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Apr 7, 2008

Trip

I'm going on a last minute trip to Nicaragua this Wednesday. I haven't been there in over 4 years...our friends who moved to Costa Rica last year are going to send their kids on a bus to meet us. Now I'm looking forward to my trip even more because this was at first a "strictly family" trip, now at least I'll have someone English to speak to...

These trips to S. America are pretty adventurous...visiting his grandmother is a trek up the mountains. At least now with Lebeau and Beaudine for company, I won't be the silent observer. I'll be sure to post some pics when I get back. The funny thing is when we leave, their mother is coming to visit FL and stay at our house.

Apr 5, 2008

Relief...

...I just finished my taxes.

Sigh...

Mar 22, 2008

I've Been Dreaming About Love's True Kiss....


I couldn't help myself - I bought Enchanted today. LOVE this movie.
...Come my little friends as we all sing a happy little working song!
(Sad to say, I have some songs in my ipod).