My life...updated

So it has been a long time since my last post. Heres a rundown of what I have been up to since my last post:

Finals went well, I ended up with four A's and one B. Not too shabby and my gpa went up:)

I went on a few trips:
One was Maine with Tony to see Carey and the boys. Those little ones are such a joy even though poor little jack was sick. Tommy turned one and we went up there for the party.
Another was to New York a few times. One was to see Robbie Gil's release party. That was such a good time. We stayed out so late and got pizza at 4 in the morning. And even Mama and Papa Leone came out. A time to remember. Another was to see a show that Ruark was in called "THe Florentine." We stayed out late that night too, but it was a good time. We also went to New Jersey for a Barbeque and was a nice little getaway for Tony and I.

Then there was the dance recital. I was mad because I knew the dance and had a good time going to rehearsals but while we were on the Stage, someone forgot their spot and get in my way and I screwed up half the dance because of it. Oh well, it was good to perform on the Stage again.

Then there were the Naughty Jungle of Love shows. Two at the Oasis, and one at the Brickyard. That was a good night indeed including dancing with Waineagail, dancing around a sleeping fan and making obscene gestures with Tony's friend Andrea, And who can forget the end of the night with a song for a bachelorette party. At that show and as well as the last show ever at the Oasis, I had "Antique" requested to me. How cool is that? Those shows were a good time, except for the creepy guy at the oasis that licked his hand and touched my thigh...who does that??!! honestly...


Then of course there were the Big S softball games and to top off the season, The team ended up in the Championship game, finishing the season in second place. Way to go boys!

Then there was Spain. Aside from the travel Woes, it was amazing. I have so many stories, but I will make a future post about that one soon...

Tony and I also attended a Wedding. That weekend was sweet and included another trip to New York to see Arturo Sandoval and a showing of "Urinetown". I had some sweet quality time with Tony and it was so nice after being away from him for a month.

Then school started. Preseason came and went, so far we have had 3 football games and already have no chance for a bowl game, work has been going well and the house is a good time. I love my room and being able to make my own food. I dyed my hair to almost black and got it cut. I am able to go to my house in south windsor frequently and had lunch with Grandpa the other day.

Last week we also found out that Grandma Leone passed away. She was such a sweet woman and I was blessed to have the chance to know her. And as sad as the occasion was, the Leone Family had the chance to be together. I absolutely love this Family. I not only have one amazing family, but two. I am Lucky:)

So Tony and I just passed our 1 year 4month anniversary and still going strong. I am so lucky and blessed to have him in my life. He has been so supportive and loving and I couldn't have dreamt up a better man than Anthony. He truly makes me happy. Thank you babe for everything that you do...

Well thats it for now. I hope to have the Spain post up soon!

Gonna Be Famous Someday

I had the absoulte pleasure of seeing two amazing bands play live. Robbie Gil and his band as well as the Josh Dion Band were just amazing. My body kept moving and my mouth open at the sheer . These two bands really know how to work a crowd. I am absoultely blown away by the talent that these two bands offer and I know that someday they will be famous. Wow.

Thursday was also a beautiful milestone...That was the day that marks Tony and I beeing together for a year. I couldn't be happier. Thank you babe;) Here's a hope for many more to come...

According to the government, I am officially an adult...

So I had the MOST AMAZING 21st Birthday ever. I spent it with the best people and I am glad I waited till I was 21 to drink.

Thursday: So it all started on April 27th. I finished my research paper in ample time. So I took my time getting ready. It so nice not having to rush. Went to class, had a short meeting for a presentation, and had a VERY long section leader meeting. But in the middle of it, I got a phone call from Tony's house. I listened to the voicemail and was lucky enough to have JACK sing "Happy birthday" to me and then tell me he loved me:) My sister picked me up and then it was off to Red Rock for my birthday. People came in and out and it was a good time. I did a red headed slut with Tony, Joe, and Kelly. And the bartender made me a drink. Don't really know what it was but it tasted like sherbert. Not too bad for a thursday night. Tony drove me back to my room and I found a card on my bed. Tony's parents sent me a card. It was really sweet and definately made it a great night:) Even if I stayed up late helping Mandy with a project.

Friday: School happened as usual. Had a presentation in class and then left spanish early so I could go to work. I didnt get rid of my driving shift, but I did get to leave early so I could go to the KKPsi/TBS banquet. The night would have been perfect if it wasn't for the undeserved 131 dollar "present" (in form of a parking ticket) that was on my car when I came down from changing as fast as I could. Uconn Nazis. Anyways, the banquet was a good time. Here were the highlights: prime rib, eddie's desert, the Zenny's Relaxer, Teaching Eric Cotton Eye joe, seeing girls dance all around Eric:), crazy dancing with Karrie, sketchy Djs, Mandy and Tony's Tango, dancing with Tony, taking silly pictures with my sis, Tony picking up my sister from her Dorm( he's such a good guy:), singing "piano man" and alma mater...
The best part of the night was when I went back to my room and Tony tells me he has to go to his car to get a hanger or something...I am oblivious, so I go up to my room and Tony comes in a bit later and he has a red package in his hand. So he told me to come over and he has me open it. It was a red camera bag. Then he gave me another package...it was a camera. I was Thrilled:) After I opened the camera, I could not stop smiling. It was perfect:) Then to top it off, tony brought some Leone wine with him and we talked for a while and took some pictures with the new camera. Definately still can picture it in my mind...


saturday: So this was an amazing day too. First Tony and I headed out to coventry to see liz's apartment and to have lunch with Liz and Maggie. We went to a small bagel shop and talked about going to Italy next spring break to visit Maggie. Then we went to Tony's house for a bit to see his nephews, pick up some clothes and play with the bunnies. Beth was there too so I got to chat with her for a bit. Then it was off to my house to have dinner. We had potroast and spaghetti(my favorite) with Ian and my family. I had a white cake with homemade icing compliments of my dad:) and a huge red candle that my mom joked about looking really phallic lol. We had a lot of good laughs and funny pictures. Ian got me a shot glass to hang from my neck and a pin that gave me several different drink choices. I was told I had to wear one of them out that night...I decided the shot glass was the less embarrasing of the two. But hey, you only live once and only have one 21st birthday, so I should live it up. On the way into hartford Ian told me that by the end of the night I would be dancing on top of the bar. The funny thing is...he was right. We'll get to that story a little later. First, we met up with my good friendKathy and her Boyfriend and Kathy finally got to meet Tony at the Pour House. The bouncer at the door wished me a happy birthday and after meeting kathy at the bar, I did my first shot, kamikazee, with Tony and Ian. After the shot, Tony handed me a drink and told me that it was from my dad. I was like "my DAD? are you serious? lol"It was a whisky sour and my dad had been talking about it earlier so Tony decided to get it for me since he was talking about how good they were, and actually my mom was talking about kamikazees so my parents had a small influence which is really funny seeing that my family really doesnt drink all that much and I guess it is just weird to talk about drinks with mom and dad. So that added a very memorable moment to my night. Next it was off to the Brickyard next door. We had met one of the bartenders earlier that day so we went to the bar and did a sicilian kiss on the house because it was my birthday and Tony loves his italian background so that added an element of Tony to the night:). I had a grateful dead after to take with me while we roamed around. We went to the second tier where the dancefloor was really empty, it filled later but it was weird to see it so dead, it was early in the night so we didn't worry too much. We decided to go to the top floor because there was live music up there. Tony ran into someone he knew of course...he is the most amazing networker its crazy. We stayed in the coner of the room at the end of the bar. At one point I felt myself get really tipsy. I was like "ok... I am gonna stand against the wall now" and everyone laughed at me, especially Ian because he had never seen me like that before and was having a good time. He was happy to be there with me. Thats what makes him an amazing friend. The bartenders were mad cool too because they had bottles that they lit the corks on fire and juggled them with eachother. It was bad ass. A funny part was kathy and I going to the bathroom and falling a bit. We walked into the restrooms and we realized there were no doors so we could see the guys going to the bathroom. Kathy and I were giggling the entire time. After I finished my drink we headed down to the dance floor. I did Salsa with Ian and that was awesome. Tony and I danced close. I LOVE the fact that he will dance with me:) We took a break and went down to the bar to get some water and we ended up doing another shot of soco and lime. Towards the end of the night, we were back up at the dance floor and they were giving free shots to women who would dance on the catwalk that ran against the wall and behind the small bar on the dancefloor. So I took it and went up there. So Ian was right, I did end up dancing on the bar that night:) I glanced at Tony and Ian watch me dance. I was shaking it all over the place and I am going to be a bit narcissistic and say that I danced the best up there. Some guy came over to me and was dancing trying to get me to come down and dance with him. I turned down the offer and said I had a boyfriend. But I had more than just Tony and Ian watching. Kinda amusing. After I got the shot, I went over to Tony and told him at the end of the night, he is the one I go home with:) We got home and told mom all of the stories because she was still up. It was such a good night...


sunday: This was the day...the day that I had no idea what Tony had planned. My sister was involved, everyone knew but me. I got hints like " what a better way to top it all off than Sunday"... and when I ask what was happening it was the classic..."I have no idea what you are talking about." I was even like , " so I heard you called my sister the other day"...i get " dirty rumors" for an answer. I didnt know until this day that I would be attending my very first Yankees Game at YANKEE STADIUM!! We woke up really early after the late night at the club. I got up and showered and then it was off to Tony's house. He took a while to get things together. I was suspicious the entire time, trying to figure out where we were going. I saw him go out to his jeep with a strange bag. Finally it was off to our destination. One of the places that I guessed we might be going to was New York because he said where we were going was closer to his house than mine. So we got closer and I realized where we were, at that time he gave me the bag and I pulled out my yankees shirt and hat. Now it all made sense, the secrecy with my sis, the I have to go to the bathroom, where is your yankee's shirt, I want to wear it, and "where are your hats? I want to see if it fits now that I have less hair" real smooth tony;) I was still oblivious...So we got there and parked the car. We met up with his equalivalent to my Kathy, Ben, and Ben's dad. We sat about 7 rows from the top of the stadium. I was amused by the groundskeepers fixing up the field and amazed by the size of the stadium and that I was actually there. I used my new camera for lots of cool pictures and started my obsession with reflection pictures. We got italian sausage, I tried Bud light(gross), pepsi, and new york pretzels. Nothing like New York food. The family in front of us had the hookup, the parents must have spent 500 dollars at that one game just on food for the six kids. Crazy. The best part about the day was the fact that the Yankees won the game:) After the game finished we went across the street to get a beer and hang out before we split. We tried to get in one place but it was packed so we found this smaller place with a quiet back room. So we ordered 4 beers, but the cans were HUGE! It definately made for a good picture though. The drive home wasnt too bad. I went back to Tony's and we made a bit of dinner and went out for ice cream to visit his friend Valerie. I got cake BATTER ice cream to add on to the baseball theme of the day. Tony outdid himself... I couldn't have created in my mind a better boyfriend and relationship than the one I have with Tony...Thank you babe for being so good to me:)

Monday: Back to reality and final exams week. But my night was good. Very simple...I had my first drink on my own. Bidwell tavern white russian with baileys:)


So thats it, that was my 21st birthday. Defiantely one to remeber. I was with my favorite people, doing my favorite things...I couldnt have asked for a better birthday:)

Poem of Frustration

Drama...
no more,
please I plead,
no more...


This is one of those nights where if I smoked,
There would be a cigarette in my hand,
Smoking ouside at one in the morning,
And the fact that it is cold,
doesn't even phase my body.

My eyes are weary,
I'm tired,
very tired.

Mom told me not to throw stones at glass houses,
did yours?
think about your past before you alter someone's future,
and if it goes wrong,
remember you ignited the fire.

Open your eyes,
make yourself aware of what you say is obvious to them,
because right now you are the one who is oblivious...


I am not perfect,
I am no gift to anything.
Be human, think once in a while.
You say " step outside your box,"
while you stand inside your own.

Practice what you preach,
remember where you came from.
Respect comes to those who give respect...

No Drama...
No more,
Please I plead,
No more...



On another note:
In these times of disagreement...you will find those who you share commonalities with and realize you are not so different from each other like you may have thought....I'll miss you when you are gone...you know who you are ...

I couldn't be prouder...

So last night was my brother's play...AMAZING. I was in absolute awe of my little brother. He was just sensational on that stage...He played Gaston in Beauty and the Beast and it was really hard at times to imagine that he was only 13 years. He was just perfect. Mandy and I couldn't stop looking at each other because we were just so proud of him. His costume was very well done, props to mom, he definately looked the part and unlike the beast, he was very animated and even got mean at times, like he should. I was beyond impressed. There were a few points where he was talking and it reminded me of when he was little; When dad would follow Joey around with the video camera and tape him talking in a stream of consciousness...except this time he has a lower voice. Aww...my joey. You are just Fantastic.

Well let's backtrack to Friday real quick...I had a pretty productive day and was very relieved to have the weekend after a really tough week. I had a group presentation in the morning, which I hope went well. Then I had a spanish quiz and was straight off to work right after. I was driving a special which was awesome because I got to drive the bus off campus and do homework while I waited for the team to finish practice. It was great. Then I went to the gym and came back to take a shower before heading down to Southington to watch the basketball game at Tony's. I was actually kinda into the game...not as much as my crazy Tony though. He was jumping around. Man was that a frustrating game...and I am not all that into sports. I'm trying though...We won in overtime but it was such a close game. We won on luck I think. Lets hope they kick it into high gear because tougher games loom ahead and if they are not more organized and careful, they aren't gonna make it to the Final 4. So we'll see where that goes.

The next morning I headed back home for a bit to help mom clean the house. She had a bad migrane the night before and wasn't able to do much so I told her I would help. And it was nice to be home for a bit. Makes you miss house chores a bit...But I headed back to campus for a bit and as soon as everyone was ready to go we headed home. It was so great to have a full house. We haven't had the family together in a long time and it was good to see cousins and grandparents, aunts, and uncles and good friends. I was one lucky girl...I had four of my favorite guys there. My cousin, lonnie, my best friend Ian, and my sweetheart Tony, all there together, ready to watch my little bro:). They got along really well and we made plans to go out for my birthday in April. I am looking forward to that, but definately not trying to rush. So we had some great food, I watched my mom get my brother ready for the show and just couldn't get over how awesome he looked...When we headed out to the show, Tony wanted some coffee so we stopped at Dunkin Donuts and while I was driving I saw police lights behind me...I didn't really pay attention to how fast I was driving so needless to say I got uneasy, so I pulled to the side and saw that he was going too fast to stop behind me and realized he had another goal. So as we turn onto dart hill road, I see him pull into one of the roads and block it off...an ambulance was there too...It was only until we got onto rt. 83 where we realized there was a fire. I have never seen one quite like it. All four of us were shocked...hoping that the people there were ok. The smoke was seen for miles , it was crazy. We finally got to the school and were quickly impressed by the students. At some points, we forgot that it was a middle school play. During intermission, the characters came out for pictures and my brother had girls hanging all over him, he stayed in character, and it was just too funny. I got a few good ones of him with girls all around. The death scene was great and there are stairs that Gaston falls down when he dies and It was funny because in the way that the light was shining, while gaston was sliding down the stairs, all you could see were his boots. Its hard to explain it but it was funny. We took so many pictures and my brother was even asked for autographs. We were so proud. On the way home, Tony, Ian, Lonnie and I stopped at walgreens to pick up a few things. We had a few laughs at the condom shelf and out of curiosity went to see what had been in that blazing inferno. It was a garage that had gone up in flames and The houses next to it seems to not have too much damage , thank goodness, because those houses are close, not to mention there are a lot of trees around the area. I just hope that anyone involved ended up being ok. So after that we went home for some dessert. I made my rounds talking to Granny, Grandpa, Aunt Doreen, Mom, my little bro when he came back from the cast party. I joked around with my 5 year old cousin. He kept running away from me and I joked with him that running away from pretty girls now is not going to help him in the future...he still ran away from me. Oh well. When my cousins, aunts and uncles left, I went downstairs and hung out with my sis, some of the PMs, Tony, Lonnie, and Ian. W e talked, danced a bit of salsa, and just had a good time relaxing. It was finally about 130 when we left and headed back to uconn, but it was worth it. It was nice to have a full house of people and to just relax at home for a bit.

It was just what I needed after a hard week.

I can't say it enough...I was so impressed and so proud. I love my Family.

Fulfilling a Dream

So I got this letter in the mail from the University of Rhode Island...It told me that it was pleased to tell me that I had been accepted into their Study Abroad Program in SALAMANCA, SPAIN!!!


Pleased to tell me...how about ECSTATIC to tell me!

I did it... I am going to Spain. I get to fulfill a dream that I have had since middle school.


I got my car back and it was less money than expected...
I got a happy write-up at work for washing 5 Buses in 4 hours...most people only get to two a day...
Cleaned out all of the cars...making mom really happy
Get to see my Tony tonight and hang out for a bit...I miss my man...

Applications for Dispatcher are open so that is the next thing to see how it works out...


Voy a Espana...

Rough week

Good news: after an absolutely annoying and rough week, snow cancelled my last midterm, pushing it to when I return from break, and work closed early hence cancelling my yellow shift of 3.5 painful hours. I love my job...just yellow is not my favorite line to drive. Anyways, that gave me time to finish with my applications for studying abroad. I also made it to the gym today...

...that being said...

Bad news: snow=slippery conditions=not good driving weather+ lightweight car=crashing into a curb=busted tire+knocked off alignment = money

yeah perfect way to put a damper on your day. At least my car will be ready tomorrow.

I have so much work to do over break. I want to get ahead as well so that means a lot of reading for me. Maybe I will actually do it this time and not be a loser haha.

I'll update again over break and fill everyone in(whoever cares about my blog anyway) as to what I have been doing this semester.

pAEAce out for now...

Pasta, lancer, and unexpected beer pong champs

What a histerical night...here are the highlights and quotes of the night:

creepy faces of snookie and coffill in the windows and kosta pulling down the shades on them
matt opening the window and his hand coming through it and scaring the crap out of Mandy P. "kate, Your boyfriend is creepy..."
"who brought this kid?"
my obsession with garlic bread "This is one of the pieces from my first plate...I swear!;)"
hiding and eating cookies in the corner with coffill cause we weren't supposed to eat them at the time..."we are like vultures."
handshake with matt... mhmm mhmm, making out making out, stop it stop it, NO!
cutthroat game of battle of the sexes
"Question: What does Virginia Woolf say every woman needs? Snookie: a bigger kitchen sink"
looking into the light to and asking Jules to see if my eyes dialated properly cause I was "wasted" more like high on life thank you!
"she's wasted!" as I was laughing uncontrollaby
Paul and my bad rendition of the song from Rent..."how we gonna pay? with some sex!"
can you put a deposit on oral sex? Is that cruel? do you have to do a full payment?
our sociological discussion on "riding the broomstick"
"don't be selfish!"
"wanna talk about penis?"
(reference to the huge disco bead neacklace) "anal beads...annabelle knows what they are"...haha no, not really
brian's crazy pillow hat and jumping to the ceiling
to my sis mandy "your boyfriend used me...i mean used you to use me to..."then I leave room cause I can't stop laughing so then I come back in and attempt again.
awkward brian dance
SIGGI! (cody yells and room quiets)
"Gosh Matt...stop bumping into me...;)"
me being called sketchy for the first time ever:P
Matt making me stay in Sarahs room cause I was "wasted"



Then it was a successful day on Saturday. We started off the day going antique shopping with mom. Its always a good time with mom when we look at antiques because it reminds me of our trips to long island to see grandma when she was alive and go garage sale-ing, looking for an amazing bargain. Mom is making a tea cup chandelier and our find of the day was several different colored clear tea cups and saucers. Then it was off to do car shopping. We went to a few dealerships, the first was very helpful and the next two didn't seem to care or want to make a deal, but we finally ended up at Morande Ford the place where grandpa got his car and our focus that recently was totaled and hence brought us back. We originally looked at two cougars the same type, sporty but a standard. One was characol and the other was green. so it seemed perfect but mom and dad didnt want to worry about us so they would rather have gotten an automatic. So moral of the story, we ended up with automatics and my sister and I are so happy with it. She got a pontiac which she said that she really liked previously in the day, and I was interested in a lancer and low and behold, those are the cars that we got. It was fate. Grandma was watching over us. The both of us are sooo happy with our cars... Our family was going to go out to dinner but Mom ended up getting a really bad headache and the day was really long for her. So I decided to make dinner instead. I made steamed stringbeans and carrots, little steaks with a little marinade and some wild rice. It was nice to have real food again...

Tony came and picked me up. We went up to campus and waited to go over to da shelta for a get together by getting a little coffee at starbucks. I told him about this crazy story that I read about for my sociology class about all these different world views on sexuality and gender. As i was telling him the story, Tony started laughing all of a sudden so I turn around to see what he was laughing at and who do I see but matt girosky pretending to pick his nose. Somehow he found us and so he came in, but i couldn't finish any of my sentences without being interrupted. Oh well. After that we headed over to da shelta for a good time and let me tell you...I had a blast. I told Tony I was interested in playing beer pong as long as he drank for me. So we put our names down to play, talked a little , showed Cody my new car and waited for some more people to show. Mandy, Matt and Karrie showed up and that made me happy:) So when we were up for beer pong, our first game was against Cody and Matty B, I sunk a lot of balls and Tony won the game. For the second game we played Matt and Timmy. We won that one too and that time I sunk the last ball. We just didn't care if we won or not. The third game was against Kelly and Laura and we won that one too. Tony was happy that I was interested and we made a good team:) No one expected me to be good so I was proud of myself. Our last game was against Kate and Girosky and it was a really close game. Both teams had 2 cups left and went back and forth until finally kate sunk one. Matt sunk the last one, but we had an amazing run. Everyone after was disappointed because they wanted to play us, especially snookie so It was really funny:) The fun didn't end there because after that, my sass came out and killed Kelly as I interrogated matt girosky about his life...$100 jersey, workout schedule and agenda, obsessive away messager, 65in workout ball,3.5678674242223 I don't know my Body's limits!, complicated wordings, no use of the words "things and stuff..." Overall it was good night...

Today we went to Friendly's for lunch and ran into a few people. Its crazy that Tony runs into someone he knows EVERYWHERE. Haha I am dating a popular man:) In all seriousness though, I am one lucky girl to have him in my life. This week was a little rough but we had a lot of bonding time this weekend and I am genuinely happy with him. Absolutely 100 % adorable;) 8 months and it only gets better...

Rain

I was just thinking of the snow falling on the ground, and how much I wish it was a warm spring shower...how I just want the rain to gently fall on me and just let it wash away everything that may be bothering me... I just want to concentrate on feeling the rain against my skin and the rain drops rolling down my face...I want to dance in all of the puddles and not stop until every part of me has felt the rain....

grrr....

So since the car that my sister and I used to have was totalled, my parents decided to get us both our own cars since I will be out of college soon and both of us will end up needing cars. They have also decided to lease the cars so that when we start paying for the cars on our own, we can trade them in for something else if we want. So everytime though when the subject is brought up...there is some argument. My parents are looking for the best deal, and my mom and I got in a small argument that shouldn't have happened and my sister usually has some sort of reason why she doesnt like one of the ideas and I am quite frustrated. We are going car shopping on saturday and my goal is to seal the deal and get a car. Thats it. One day and its done. Thats what I want so it is one less thing to deal with. I have housing to figure out for next year, I have to make sure I get the study abroad programsolidified so I can study in Spain over the summer and apply for scholarships, and having to get a car is something I definately want to do soon so it isn't on my mind anymore. This kinda stuff is what makes me uneasy and nervous and being nervous is the last emotion I want to have right now...

Well this made me feel better. Having this blog is such a blessing....

On a lighter note, I got a raise at work. I get paid really well already and this extra 25cents per hour is definalty sweet. Off to get some homework done so that I can drive and feel like I have accomplished something today.

mmm...tastes like free

That was definately the theme of the weekend. After a very productive week with work, school, meeting up with friends that I hadn't seen over break, and even getting in 3 solid workouts into my busy schedule, I was ready to have a little fun. So here I am sunday night in a very reflective state because everything about this weekend makes me smile. So friday I had quite a busy day with 3 classes, laundry, work and finally a little time to myself before heading out to go bowling with my bros. Rush events are this week and the next so we all had a fun time being silly. Sam and I did some bowling stunts like throw the ball down the lane by rolling it under our legs and then facing backwards. I got one strike the entire night because the balls were horrible...but it was fun nonetheless...the best part about my strike was that it was the end result of a stunt. I pushed the ball while sliding onto my stomach and watched the ball go all the way down the lane and end up knocking down all the pins. Then Mike proceeded to grab my feet and pull me backwards away from the lane...It was an amazing time:) Tony came to join us al little later. I bowled a game for him while we waited. It was great to get out and have a few laughs and good times with some of my favorite people. After that it was a crazy ride back to campus in Presto full of "lets torture Karrie time. " Tony and I went to Red Rock and talked over some tea and a drink followed by even more quality time with my sweetheart. The next morning it was off to the gym. Tony magically got in and I went running on the eliptical while he and matt played racquetball. My sis joined us too and we ended up teaching the boys our crunch workout. That was probably the best part:) We stopped off at my house for a bit to visit and pick up some pictures from new years. That was the only disappointing part of the day because most of the pictures did not come out... Next it was dinner at Margaritas. Timmer and Matt joined us . We got about half of our dinner free because I had a gift certificate and enjoyed some funny stories, good laughs, margaritas, a pina colada, different types of mexican food and all in amazing company. The day only got better...We stopped over at friendlys to find Chris Hauser working there and ended up with free ice cream...except for matt. Its true that food does taste better when it is free tho. We got free cups too for people to play some pong. By the time we got to da shelta to hang out and watch the game, I was so stuffed from everything that we ate, but it was so worth it... We watched some Uconn b-ball action, danced, laughed, and just enjoyed the night hanging out. By the time we got back to my dorm, we were both exhausted and fell asleep within minutes. Which brings me to today. Tony and I headed up to putnam to visit Timmer and to hang out. We watched some football, ate pizza, and I tried the infamous Dad's rootbeer which was definately the best rootbeer I have ever had. The day finished off with a quick meeting and a relaxing mass at St. Thomas. I made this really cool artwork for my wall. This room is so amazingly comfortable now...I dont feel like I am in a jail cell anymore....

So That was my crazy weekend. If you want a funnier version of our dinner/ dessert story visit Matt's version...


And to my Tony...Thank you;) you know the rest...

Goodnight! Here's to another productive week!

are you ready to Jump?

Yep, it is already the spring semester, but I am quite proud of myself because i am starting off really well... Moving in wasn't so bad. I am much more organized this semester. I sent a bunch of stuff home that I really didnt need. And my first day of the semester was really successful. I got up at about 9am, then after straightening up and checking e-mail, I headed out to the gym. I did some running and a bunch of crunches. I am feeling it today boy. Then I walked back to shower and take my sweet time. After that it was a little lunch and then heading over to my two classes of the day. They weren't that bad. I got a little homework, but I got my sociology reading done and most of my spanish. So I have some left for today but a least I kept myself motivated. After class i took a little nap in my room, I was quite comfortable. I had a headache and I had a closing shift last night on blueline so I had to feel better for that. It was quite the shift too. Two people visited me and kept me entertained. The little messages from Tony definately helped the day go by happily...my beast;)

In other news, I might be getting my own car! I am excited. Our focus was totalled over break so we got a bunch of money back from the insurance and my parents were thinking of splitting it so my sis and I can get our own cars. Thats pretty exciting:)

I am also thinking of getting madonna's new cd...confessions on a dancefloor. She always comes out with some hot music with awesome beats. Its feel good music...

Thats it for now I think...I am gonna keep it up. I feel so much happier when I get things accomplished. Now it is lunch time with my dear friend Justin...


Yes, I'm ready to Jump....lifes gonna drop you down like the limbs on a tree
It sways, and it swings and it bends untill it makes you see...

I just had to smile...

I just wanted to say that my Tony is the best. This has been a tough week with both of us being sick and me being anxious but tonight we got to have some time together and It made not only my day but my week and the week ahead. He really is so good to me and I couldn't be luckier...I cherish the time we have together and no matter what...our relationship is worth it all and we'll get through whatever we are faced with...Thank you mi querido;)

Sometimes I stop to think about how I miss you being here...

So I was good today and I got up at a decent hour. This morning it was 10am. I have decided that today will be a good day. I am sick of being upset with things. So I am just gonna try to smile today and make the most of my last few days at home before heading back for round 2 of junior year. Plus I am sick...awesome...I mean I would have a cold anyday because there are things far worse. So I am trying to do the right thing and eat healthy. As we speak I am eating a grapefruit. Good stuff...It reminds me of my granny because whenever we visit her breakfast is always grapefruit and cream of wheat with farina. I need to visit her soon. She is 90 years old and still one of the most amazing strong women that I know. And I also was given her name Grace as my middle name so I have a bit of her as a part of who I am...This is a picture of her and my Grandpa(rest in peace) at their wedding. I was lucky to have such amazing role models in my life. Grandpa was an artist and worked for an advertising agency. When he was alive he used to love it when we wanted to draw for them. He would gladly go downstairs and get out all of his colored pencils, pens, paper, tracing paper, all of his art supplies just so we could make them art work. They always encouraged us to be creative and always were so impressed by our work. It made me feel good and I do owe a bit of my creativity to them because they were always interested in our projects. My granny to this day still has our artwork from years ago on her refrigerator, all discolored with age....

Wow that brought back amazing memories...I think about my grandpa and grandma sometimes, who both past awayand I really start to miss them. I mean we go about our busy lives, doing whatever we do and sometimes we don't have time to think about those that have gone and really miss all that they stood for and how they have influenced our lives. I was thinking of my grandma, Annabelle, when I was listening to Robbie Gil. There is a song about his grandpa and I guess one time when he was performing it, he couldn't stop crying. So it got me thinking about my grandmother and how I miss her...I remember saying a few words at her funeral. I talked about how I am so lucky to be blessed with the name of My Grandma and My mother. I just hope I can live up to the strong standard that these women have set. My dad, as a physician has never seen anyone fight so hard to stay alive. She had three major surgeries and still battled in a very frail state. I hope that I have inhertited some of that strength...and sometimes I wish I had more strength. Its amazing how much a name can mean...

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Man did we ring it in this year...


I had the most amazing New Years. So I went to mass at 5 and I really enjoyed it even though the drive was ridiculous because of the snow. We had to turn around and were a bit late because one of the hills was so slippery. After church I went back and changed and braved the snow. It was the most annoying ride EVER! It took me an hour to get from my house to Tony's; it is normally a half hour drive...People were going really slow and it was just highly frustrating...not that I can blame them for going really slow. I finally got to Tony's and dried my hair after meeting Ruark's(one of Tony's good friends) brother Blaise. Then we were on the road again. So we finally get to the party and Tony gets a phone call from the daughter of the Hosts of the party, jacqueline, aka ruark's girlfriend. She was wondering where he was and as we were getting stuff out of the car he told her that we were still on the road like 10 exits back. Lol he is sly sometimes....So we walk in the door and meet several people. Tony quizzed me several times throughout the night but it was a lot of names to remember. As soon as we got our food...ziti, meatballs, paella(hehe spanish food) we sat down and met some of Tony's friends from college this girl named Mary Kate and her best friend/boyfriend Joe who had the coolest sideburns and I found out that she lives in Manchester and worked in south windsor in anthropology...small world...So dinner was fabulous...then I met several friends along with a quiz of names haha it took me a while to get it down. So then it was a little dancing and a lot of socializing. I met his friend Lindsey and she was really cool..It started out a little awkward but soon I got comfortable and was having an Amazing time...I found out that Lindsey liked salsa and that was it...we were on a mission to play salsa and dance. The Dj did a countdown at 12 and there was champagne and noise makers, it was so much fun! Tony's horn sounded like an animal and he was acting extremely silly. So I got my kiss at midnight and it was another perfect Holiday, just like the fourth of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas:) Then it got crazy.Dessert was served and the bar was hoppin'. If there were two foods that tony and I loved it had to be the chocolate fondue fountain and the famous Raposo shrimp. We had chocolate covered strawberries, pretzels and pinapple. Some people had cordial shots in chocolate shot cups. I guess it wasn't as good as they thought it was. But they had tiramisu and a ton of cakes and even some flan:) Salsa came on and so I grabbed Tony and he danced with me. He dipped me and once I taught him the salsa move once and he went to town. I was very impressed and so happy that he tried. I danced with Lindsay for a dance too. She was really sweet and so was Mike's girlfriend Laurel...so Tony's friend Mike, his roomate from freshman year, and I started talking. He is a really funny guy, other people didnt think so but I had a couple good laughs at his craziness. He pretended to hit on me and tony did the same to laurel to get him back, we took some silly pictures and I got the craziest stories about how Tony stole all of the hot girls that he brought back and how Tony shot off his toenail with a laser and how he used it to clean his teeth and how he had to stop the bleeding...he was definately intoxicated...with a crazy imagination. So we danced for a while, salsa, dips, a sexy dance to Michael Buble, "Feeling good" and even some robbie Gil and His song saving ophelia. Not a bad mix. I lead everyone in the electric slide and the chacha slide. Good times....Around 2am we went and got more comfortable and went outside to the bonfire. Tony passed around his Dad's Cab and Merlot..some people had cigars but Tony respected me and didn't smoke one. I talked to Nick for a bit and Lindsey was very fun to talk to as well as sit by the fire to warm up. By the time all of this was So it was about 4am and it was time for the infamous Raposo shrimp...So here is the story...This shrimp was really good. Very spicy but soooo good. So what happens is that people sit at the table and wait for Mr Raposo to bring another batch of shrimp. And once a person is done eating, they get up so someone else can have a turn. So as Tony and I were waiting to get a seat there were two girls eating bread and olive oil , not the shrimp. So they were like "if you arent gonna eat shrimp you need to leave" it was cutthroat haha. So I got a seat before the girls left so one guy was like only guys are eating the shrimp...That set me off...I was like you did not just say that and I grabbed a bunch of shrimp. So some of Tony's friends were yeah you tell them...haha it was funny...so we sat there and ate a ton of shrimp. I dunno if my body agreed with that choice but it sure was good and definately worth it...So after that it was before bed and i watched the boys make shots and finally i had to get some sleep. So Tony stayed up later and after my body finally decided to sleep i wake up to see tony and lindsey and Mike come into the room to finally go to bed. Mike was really loud just saying how no one likes him cause he was fat it was so funny. So i had the priviledge of sleeping on the air mattress with Tony and Lindsay cause there was limited places to sleep. Everyone was so welcoming and now I am in and I have to come back every year...In the morning lindsey found herself wearing some pants that definately were not hers. It was really funny. So after several comments of tony being hot because he was wearing a wife beater and lucky because had two girls sleeping next to him, we got up and had breakfast and some good conversation around the fire...It was the best New years ever...Well you got me!