Seeing the World Through Individual Perspective

I survived the trip to Machu Picchu

2009-11-20T08:05:00.000-08:00

So going to Machu Picchu was a crazy adventure. The roads are less than comforting to drive on. Half of the trip I was praying we would get to Aguas Calientes safely. But despite the scary part of the ride, I did enjoy all of the landscapes, mountain into jungle, cold and dry, cloudy, to warm and humid, it was one crazy ride. After two and a half hours driving on just a dirt road on the side of a mountain, I got down from the bus, still vibrating. It reminded me of the dirt road to my grandmother´s house in Virgina. I love landscapes so I was not bored at all, but a little nervous.

We finally arrived in Hidroelectrica to take a train on Peru Rail, we watched little kids play on the side of the railroad tracks and laugh at the funny things they were doing to pass the time. One was pulling back the branches of a tree and laughing as the others were falling down. They chased each other made funny comments to each other like all kids do, and it was very entertaining. After an hour on the train, we arrived in Aguas Calientes. After dropping off our things in the hostel, we went over to the hot springs. It was a beautiful site with the sunset, and the hot springs nestled in the valley, with strings of lights. It reminded me of the Swiss Family Robinson house at Disney World. I was loving it. Susanne and I decided just to put our feet in the water, for safety reasons, but Renate, the Swiss girl we were with, decided to go in all the way. They were serving drinks at the side of the pool, so we all decided to share a pisco sour and enjoy the time that we had before dinner.

Dinner was nothing to write home about, it was simple chicken a la plancha, but the thing that I was thinking about, was one of my many moments of clarity in Peru. As I was eating my dinner, I was watching these people sit in a store across the street and over the train tracks. I felt bad for them that they had to live in this town, where people are constantly coming and going because basically the only reason Aguas Calientes is there is for the tourists to stay the night. So feeling this way, I thought to myself, if everyone traveled at the same time, we could not have any culture to visit. So sometimes, you have to stay home to give someone else a chance to see how your culture is. Not very profound, but an observation.

After dinner and a debriefing, we headed back to the hostel to sleep for a grand total of 3 hours. When 3:30 rolled around, we rolled out of bed and headed up the side of the mountain to see Machu Picchu. It was pitch black , but we had a blast all the same. All of my pictures go from dark to light, as the sun started to peak over the mountains. I was exhausted. The altitude and the idea that we had to walk up steps the whole way, after almost two hours we arrived at the entrance of Machu Picchu. Feeling accomplished, we walked into Machu Picchu with our tour guide, and when we finally climbed up to the mountain, I was in awe. Usually when you see something in Pictures and then you see it in real life, words are hard to come by to explain the feeling of actually witnessing it with your own eyes. This is one of those places where pictures cannot even begin to do it justice. There is a feeling you get being there in the peak of a mountain, surrounded by other mountains. Its like you are on top of the world, and even though there are tons of people with you, you feel like the only person there. How did they find this place? And on top of that, I am one of those people who loves landscapes. Painting landscapes has been my favorite,and I would have enjoyed nothing more than to sit there all afternoon and paint the scenes that were in front of me. Although it would be really hard to capture the amazing contrasts and depth, every corner was a new adventure, new perspective with an incredible view. This hidden city up in the clouds was so comforting because the mountains give the idea of protection, and somewhere to hide, the coziest place I have ever been to. Peru is incredible when it comes to the mountains. Its somewhere you can enjoy the beauty that God has made on Earth.

After a long, but awesome morning in Machu Picchu, we decided that driving home again for 10 hours on the side of a mountain was not very favorable. We decided to try to get a train back to Cusco. Luck was on our side because the lady in front of us was changing four of her tickets for the day after so we took three of her spots. There was nothing left and only because she was in front of us were we able to take the train back. Spending the day in Aguas Calientes was interesting. All we did was bounce back and forth from restaurant to restaurant even though we had no money because of the train tickets. But it was an interesting few hours. We watched our bored waitress falling asleep, and laughed at the funny things that her daughter was doing to pass the time. We also watched this little boy take a large plastic soda bottle, smash it in so that it was flat, and then since the streets were inclined, he used the bottle to slide down the street. It was a highly amusing afternoon.After the thrill was gone, we moved onto a new restaurant and had a great time drinking hot chocolate and being bit by the vicious mosquitoes . But at least we did not have the endure the 10 hour car ride home again.

Overall I loved Machu Picchu, It was such a precious and magical place. I hope that the conservation efforts work out, because it would be a shame if future generations would not be able to visit it.

Trick or treat...that is the question

2009-10-31T18:21:00.000-07:00

Halloween,

Not one of my favorite holidays, but it was definately an interesting one.

So there is a bit of a difference in Culture here for the Day of Halloween. More celebrated in Cusco and in Peru is November 1 and 2, Dia de Los Muertos. I did not get a chance to see for myself the celebrations in the cemetaries, but I did go to a lecture on the cemetaries and saw a video of what the locals do. There are bands, and visitors to the deceased relatives. The family members clean the burial site and leave offerings that were things that the person liked. My host mother told me that she goes every saturday to visit her husband. Visiting the person allows you to keep them in the spot. If the grave is unattended, a notice is recieved saying that the remains will be removed in the next month if it is not taken care of and paid for. Basically these spots are rented.

It was interesting to see the different perspective on death. It is more hopeful and less morbid. Families are remembered and I would think that it makes the death of a loved one more bearable being able to visit and almost looking at it as the person is still here.

So along with halloween comes tick or treat, or in spanish dulces o trucos. The trick was on me when I got sick from food. I guess if you treat yourself, the trick is inevitable. It wasn´t an option for me, by taking the sweets, I suffered. But, aside from my woes, I was really surprised at Halloween in Peru. I decided to see what all the mayhem was and went into the plaza. I couldn´t believe how agressive the kids were. What was worse is that the parents were more cutthroat than the kids. I was down in thew middle of it all, admiring the little princesses turn into little monsters, but still looking so cute in their dresses. Some of the little girls had amazing costumes and dresses, I was in awe. So in the midst of all this mayhem, I did not buy candy but had so many kids come up to me asking for some. Three boys approached me looking for candy, when I didnt have candy, they asked for money, I wasn´t going to give them money, so after they gave me the suggestion of McDonalds, I told them to wait for me in the plaza and I would come back with something for them. They probably thought I would skip out on them, but I dropped it off and could see how happy they were. For me, there was no trick, just kindness.

On friday, we decided to go celebrate Halloween. There was a party at the school and we went, sans costume. But some others were very much into the holiday they had some crazy costumes. One guy had a spiderman outfit, that just did not fit. He couldn´t even zipper it in the back, the legs and arms were really short, and he had a mask that he could barely see out of. With alcohol as an added factor, he was the most uncoordinated spiderman I had ever seen. He tripped down the stairs and down calle Suecia, and all we could do was laugh. We had a great time at the first bar, and had a few people doing a line dance that we all followed. We turned, salsa-ed, merengue-d, mambo-ed, and shook to the music. IT was so much fun. After a few more bars, I turned in for the night after I couldn´t breathe anymore from the smoke that oppressively filled the dancefloor. But all in all, I went home happy.

Some highlights of the week were visiting the market , which I love because you can tell so much about a culture through the food. We had this superjuice that had pretty much every fruit imaginable,, milk, and even beer. That was an awesome experience, and I had a really nice conversation with the vendor. She was nice eloderly woman, who would not give up work. It was a great experience.

And aside from that I changed my classes to individual, because my goals were definately not what everyone elses were, and I did and city tour. More to come on that topic later...until then, stay safe, and enjoy the holiday.

Special discount to Sacsayhuaman for sexy women

2009-10-29T16:34:00.001-07:00

So, here we are on thursday. I have already had a few difficulties adjusting. I found out that my verizon phone in the US allows people to call me, but I can´t call out. And the phone cards are absolute rip offs. Two Hundred minutes?...how about 20 minutes. One hundred minutes...no, you only get 11 minutes. Thats enough for one phone call to say hi, bye, and maybe get in an "I love you" or "I miss you" or "I did this today." Thank goodness for a Canadian girl who is going to Ecuador and wanted to sell her phone. Then I can actually get my money´s worth....hopefully. Sometimes I think that the phone companies are ladrones, pirates.

Anyways, I will stop the rant. So since my last post I have met new friends, had a few laughs, discovered some new foods and delish drinks. Classes at Amauta are great. They offer so much for the students. I have learned about some of the ruins that I will be visiting soon, I learned about the old streets of central cusco and the meanings behind the streets, as well as how a lot of the streets are original Inca stonewalls. The only difference is that today there is cobblestone, where in the time of the Incas, it was just dirt on the floor and the walls marked the streets. I am told I will advance each week to a new level in my classes, and that I could advance faster with individual sessions. I am really considering it, since all of the grammer is in my head, I just need a refresher and practice. Already I am starting to feel more confident. They are very willing to listen to your concerns and to work with you.

Sunday evening, we had a small tour of the main part of Cusco around the Square. We learned where the good places are to shop, where the local market was, and where the museums and other places of interest were. We learned about a bit of the history of the Incas, and the process of the Spaniards putting Catholicism into the culture and architecture. I asked about the flag of Cusco, because it looks like a rainbow, and I was told it was originally 4 colors for the 4 sections of town, but that they recently changed it to look like a rainbow for a more interesting flag. After the tour, I began to make friends with some others. We decided to eat in a cafe and get to know one another. Reinate is from Switzerland and Susana is from Germany as well as Mattias. I basically hang out with them everyday after classes. They are so great to travel with and to explore the city with because they actually enjoy the cultural aspect. I love the maturity. Every night we go somewhere different. So far we have been to a few bars, tried Cusquena beer, had some really good food, and a lot of laughs. But we don´t stay out too late so, I don´t feel exhausted the next day.

My host family is really nice, and my host mother calls me¨mi vida.¨ She really is an amazing woman, and she is very proud of her three sons. She explained her family history to me, and has been raising her kids on her own due to a tragic accident leaving her without her husband. I really admire her strength and feel really comfortable with her. She told me too that she is a leo and that her husband was a taurus and after I had explained to her that Alex is a leo and I am a taurus, she said that we were a good match and that she wishes every couple to have the same happiness as she was blessed with. Sound Familiar? My grandmother used to say those things about Grandpa. Love really is amazing. And I have a really nice roomate from Switzerland. Aside from the cultural exchange of seeing what peruvian life is like, there is also a cultural exchange within the students. I have so much fun with my classmates.

As for the title. After classes, I love to get together with my German sister Susana and Mattias, and walk around the city. So one day we decided to figure out how to get really close to the statue of Jesus up on the hill. Well we almost got up to the hill, and as it is very common, there are people trying to sell you things left and right. Since the statue is up near the Incan ruins, there was a guy trying to convince us to ride his horses up at Sacsayhuaman. I was not convinced and neither were the others, so it took forever to get the guy to understand we were not interested in his offer. Well, we left and headed back down, and wouldnt you know he was right behind us. He tried to sell it to us again. So we laughed about it saying, you sexy women want to go to sacsayhuaman? I think I´ll take the bus...

We also booked our trip to Machu Picchu. I am really excited. Next weekend we will be at Machu Picchu to see the sun rise. Amazing thought. I will post about that when we come back. We also decided to take the city tour tomorrow, so that means we are going to start our boleto turistico where we can visit mueums, ruins, statues, everything. It has only been one week, but I have already learned so much. More stories to come.

Sunday Morning Misa

2009-10-25T09:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Sunday everyone,

So last night I made my first friend in Peru. This young man, probably about 18 or so, approached me with his paintings. Most people you pass by you have to say "no gracias" because everyone will ask you to look at their crafts. I would love to listen to every single one of them, but you can only do so much. Plus I will be here for two months and probably will end up meeting them all. But his humble demeanor had me interested. Now being an Artist myself, I decided to listen to what he had to say, and I looked through his portfolio. I bought two pictures, one of a little boy, with such emotion in his eyes, and one of 7 ladies selling potatoes. His friend of course asked me to look at his portfolio too, and I did, deciding on one of the landscape, but all in orange, brown and white. They have such amazing talent, and even at the end, after a half hour discussion with him asking me questions about the USA and me asking him about Cusco. He told me he is usually around San Blas and that if I wanted, he would show me around, and help me take pictures of this magnificent city. It thought it was very kind, and gave me a glimpse into how willing Peruvians are to show you about where they come from. Last night, I spent the night in my room, reading, watching TV, listening to the Fireworks at the Plaza, and walking around the hotel, admiring the beauty of the place as it was illuminated by lights. And from my window, a statue of Jesus on the hill was in perfect view, and last night he was the highest thing you could see, with open arms, beautifully lit.

Now we come to this morning. Packing took a while, but When I finally went outside, the weather was perfect. I headed out to the Church where last night, two nuns were outside and willing to talk to me about the mass schedule, and even about what I was doing here. I had to fight to get through a mob of people to get to church on time. There is a celebration honoring one of the saints, hence the fireworks last night, and there thousands of people in the square, eating, talking, preparing dances, and waiting in line for the parade. It made me rethink how a Sunday should be. This IS celebrating Sunday.

Mass made me think. I am so glad to be Catholic. There is nothing more comforting than going to church on Sunday morning, and being able to have something that I can depend on, no matter where I go. The Priest in the Homily, which I surprisingly followed really well, said that we should not be sad, we should always be happy. We should not be quiet, we should get excited and enjoy life that we were blessed with. That is great words to follow. He just solidified why I am here, and that I need to spend every minute enjoying myself. No second thoughts. I am all in, and happy.

Till next time. Buenos dias!

PERU!

2009-10-24T12:50:00.000-07:00

Ahh....sigh of relief. After a few glitches, and a long trip, I am in Peru. I am officially in Cusco, and I can tell already, it will be a place I will always carry with me in my heart. I came to this conclusion very quickly, while sitting in the cutest hotel ever, staring into my coca leaf tea, I realized this was gonna be something unforgettable. It suggests a certain comfort. Think about it; Coca leaves have been a huge part of Peruvian culture for centuries. And if tea equals comfort and Peruvians have been using this for a long time, then I know I will be comfortable here with very genuine people. I don't believe in reading tea leaves, but if those leaves could say something, it would be that I made a great choice, one that will have a lasting effect on my life.

I have to confess that I was not as excited for this trip as I had imagined. Packing and preparing for such a long trip, and making the promise to myself that I would pack as lightly as possible, tying up loose ends, transferring bills, you name it, I did it. I think the combination of the stress, lack of sleep, and a bit of a depression with the fact that I would be by myself for two months, was weighing in on me. Then losing my boarding pass in the security line and having to sit in the WORST seat possible, made me a bit more pensive. But I did get to the airport real early and did not feel rushed, for once, and even had time for a manicure. Running around Lima's airport this morning was complicated, but the spacious window seat with the most stunning view I have ever experienced made up for all of my frustrations, and at that point, the excitement hit me. Now being here and getting to walk around a bit all of my doubt and worries have been pushed out the window. I can't wait to explore more.

And who can complain when you are staying at the coziest hotel for the first night, where they give you friendly service, a cash bar in the room, free toiletries, and chocolates that are called "princesa." I definately cannot complain.

Until the next post..Hasta Luego mis amigos.

Check out a preview of my adventure!!

2009-10-18T14:04:00.000-07:00

For everyone that wants to see a preview of my trip, check this out...Ill be there on Sat!!!

My Title page

2009-10-13T21:29:00.001-07:00

Always up for an adventure

2009-10-06T06:59:00.000-07:00

Here's the thing, I came into a new year with a clean slate and a lot of change on my mind. If there is one thing that scares me, it's becoming stale. you know, when you are at the point where the things you do become monotonous, there is no excitement anymore, and you aren't learning as much as you want to. Lets look back into my last two refreshing years of coming into my own identity, and then explore why I am getting ready for one of the great adventures of my life.

2008- MY year... a lot happened in 2008 that I love to look back on. This was a year of maturing and coming into a new person. I had a new job working with kids in an after-school program in Norwalk. They were an amazing group of kids. We went on trips, they gave me a lot of insight into my own life and made me realize a lot about myself. Leaving the center last September, was a testament to how fulfilling that job was for me and leaving was a difficult thing for me to do. The kids fought for me to stay,offering their snack money as extra incentive for my paycheck, telling me that they will write a letter to get me fired in the new job and then I would have to go back to the center, coming up with all these schemes to get me to stay. Their beautiful and concerned faces told me they had become attached and had a great deal of respect for me, and didn't want another person to leave them. But an opportunity came knocking as working as a victim advocate in new haven and I decided to try it out, unfortunately leaving the kids.
Aside from that, I had enrolled in bartending school, a path that would change my life and led me to wonderful guy named Alejandro Morales, who would become the greatest love of my life, and someone that I could be myself around.

After learning all of the drink recipes, I passed exam and the course and was ready to find a bartending job. Even though they would help me find a job, I decided to find one on my own. The place I found was DUO in Stamford, a place that would change my perspective on life. I had never thought of working in any type of Asian restaurant, but I went into the interview and landed the job. Unfortunately, I didn't end up to be what I expected and I waitressed instead. I can still remember the first day, it was late march, when I met all of the staff. I can remember seeing alex for the first time, his beautiful chocolate eyes looking up at me just barely seen under the brim of his hat, and his warm smile with deep dimples. It took a while to get to know Alex, and for a reason that I have a lot of respect for. He figured that I had someone and he didn't want to waste his time if I was taken. He respected me and did not treat me like a lot of the other guys, he was understanding. But slowly I got to know him, and to see that he was a romantic just like me. Even though we both quit Duo, and I started a job at Bistro Basque in Milford in August, Alex and I stayed in touch, and would eventually take our relationship to the next level as being officially together. My holidays that year were fabulous, and Christmas was so nice with Alex by my side, and enjoying the holiday together happily. My father especially became fond of Alex that day, as he helped him cook Christmas dinner.

Love, jobs, those were just part of the fun of 2008, this was also a time for me to let loose with my girls. In January I decided to call up my friend Carla, we had both just gotten out of relationships, and in one visit, our level of friendship skyrocketed. We decided to take a trip to New York in early march and had one crazy night. Mandy, Carla, and I decided to make a trip to New York and see a flamenco show. We ate at Grand Central, we watched an amazingly sexy show, had lunch, bought rain boots, and met up with my friend Caitlin. Then the debauchery started. Caitlin and her friends wanted to go to a male strip show, after a lovely dinner at Carmines. The strip show was an experience, but once was more than enough, but it made for a few laughs. Now what happened after the show is why I call Carla "magic" because no matter where we are, she knows how to make connections, and whether it is making new friends, or getting something discounted, or free even, she knows what to say and what to do. We ended up going into a few bars, VIP, with one of the strippers, just because Carla was able to talk with him after the show. I don't know how she does it. After a few bars, we met up with Caitlin and finished the night with a house party. Overall it was one crazy day in New York, and a chance to express my freedom. The adventures didn't stop there, another trip to new york was in the works for my birthday, and a lovely dinner at DUO, with my family and my girls. Then in the summer, Kasia and I decided to explore the CT wine trail, and learn about wine, we almost made it to 14 of them, and in August, I went to Tampa with Carla. So many good times to remember with Carla.
In short , 2008 was my year, and in a meeting with the staff at my victim advocate job, we were asked how we feel about 2009 coming at 2008 ending. I said that this was an amazing year for me, filled with excitement and change, and I am very sad to see the year go, but looking forward to the opportunities of 2009.

2009- So far it has been a real roller coaster of ups and downs. I was really stressed at my job as a Victim Advocate, feeling like was sinking. It turned out to be a great learning experience, but I just couldn't seem to grasp my workload. In April, I was let go, but I fought until the end, constantly working to meet the demands, and many tests. But I will always remember my experience, it just wasn't the best fit for me.

The ups were good ones. One was meeting my friend Courtney through Bistro basque and having someone local to hang out with, and someone who is in so many ways, just like me. Enjoying day trips with Alex was also what kept me going. We did many fun things this year. We went wine tasting, to Lake Compounce and Six Flags, walked around Flushing Park while drinking bubble tea, a few days at the beach, especially for his birthday, dancing in Stamford, The Big E, Mystic aquarium, Mohegan Sun, Korean Barbecue, and so many sweet moments between the two of us. The best times are those loving moments. He just knows how to treat a woman, and he knows how to be romantic. I love how he thinks of me, just as much as i think of him. He just makes me so happy. We also spent a lot of Sunday nights dancing Duranguense, norteno, cumbia, and many others at clubs in Queens. I have seen some great live shows including Diana Reyes, Tucanes de Tijuana, and K-Paz de la Sierra. It is so cool to go to clubs where people actually dance, getting away from the daily grind. The whole place moves and is filled with the Mexican cry. I love being with Alex because it is always a cultural experience. His love is what I have been looking for.

Another great "up" this year was heading to Ireland with Mom and Mandy. Everyday was a tea party. High lights of the trip were plenty; learning to get used to the driving on the other side of the road, drinking Guinness at the Guinness Storehouse and being disappointed they did not make the shamrock at the top of the Guinness, visiting with my mother's friends and showing us some Irish hospitality, a comforting home cooked meal, good laughs, a tour of Sligo and even a little history about our family, draining the battery of the rental car and being so tired that we couldn't help but laugh, hearing" would you like to speak to himself" and "grand," driving up the mountain in Sligo and seeing where the Spanish Armada landed in Ireland, seeing remains of an old boat, enjoying the Perfect weather, driving around and seeing the landscape, being blown away up at the Cliffs of Moher, literally, seeing the original home of the Claddaugh ring, eating lamb and traditional Irish food, going out dancing in Longford and enjoying the Irish nightlife, Exploring Bunratty Castle and the Irish town, eating at Dirty Nelly's, Enjoying the bed and breakfasts, and most importantly, spending a week with my mother and sister, and feeling like three friends out on an adventure together. I will never forget that trip.

With all of the ups and downs, and thinking back to the feeling of traveling, I was looking for something that could change the roller coaster I was riding on. Thankfully I was able to keep my job at the restaurant and get extra help from the state, while I looked for another job, but finding one was a big problem. There just is nothing out there that interests me. I applied and applied, but nothing was coming up. So in August, I decided to take the bull by the horns, wanting to have a job that allowed me to travel, and looking closely at the requirements for jobs that I was interested in, but not qualified for, I decided to apply for a working abroad program. After months of planning and applying, I am officially headed to Peru. So for the next two months, that's where I will be writing my blog. So keep checking in, to see where my adventure takes me. And I couldn't have made this decision with out the support of my loved ones. I am so lucky, well blessed, to have supportive friends, family, and an especially supportive boyfriend in my life. There is nothing like having friends and family backing you in accomplishing your dreams. This is the first time in my life where I really feel comfortable leaving and doing it because I want to do it.

Buen Viaje!!!

Time of Reflection

2008-02-12T20:59:00.000-08:00

So I have not written in this blog in a long time...I wish I had more happy news. Right now is a time for thinking, reevaluating, and picking up pieces. I knew that this year would be different, and indeed it has. It hasn't been good, it hasn't been bad, it has just been a time to think. This year we are electing a new president, this year I have a job that is worth more than any paycheck could be worth, this year I am single, this year I am ambitious, this year I am losing weight and becoming healthier, for real this time, this year, I am not biting my nails, this year I am taking the bull by the horns and taking on tasks that may be scary but I know I can do, this year I am headed into unchartered territory...

The start of the year was rocky and very sad. I look back at all the things I have written and for the first time, since the start of this online blog, I don't have Tony. Tony and I were having some hard times and in the beginning of the year, after 2 and a half years, we broke up. I haven't stopped thinking since. I look back at all the wonderful things that I wrote and wish I could relive them. There were so many beautiful moments, so many special moments, that it makes me sad to see where we are. I try to be strong, but in the inside I am screaming.

I know in my heart that things will work out one way or another, but the pain in the meantime is overwhelming. Thanks be to God that he blessed me with such amazing friends, true friends, and a supportive loving family. I have never really noticed how much I really truly appreciate their presence in my life until now. It is so intense the feeling that my friends are not just friends, they all have a piece of my soul within them, and I have a piece of their souls in me. Not many people know what that feels like, and I feel so blessed that I have that in my life...

I have also been pondering what I want to get accomplished in the near and not so near future:

I want to learn a martial art: maybe karate or jiu jitsu

I want to backpack through Europe

I hope to live in Mexico for a bit, whether it is for a summer or a year, I feel that is something I would appreciate.

I want to be a bartender, and I want to learn more about wine maybe go to go to a tasting or two.

I need to paint more...

I want to take a trip to Florida with my dear friend Kasia, and have a true "girls weekend away"

I want to learn flamenco in NYC: I need to find time but I want to be a part of the passion that flamenco gives to its participants.

Jobs: I am thinking of maybe being a police officer, flight attendant, or go back to school for a bit to work on my masters to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker...but still exploring my options. All I know is I want to serve others and give my love to those that I help.

I want to take singing lessons, and know what it feels like to sing the right way.

I want to build my dream home: Complete with a library with cozy chairs, a big desk in a home office, big fireplaces everywhere, hacienda type master bedroom, with big jaccuzzi and double sink, A walk in closet so I can put all of my girlie stuff in it and an awesome old vanity, an awesome bar, maybe a movie theatre, niches, a studio for all my art, and a kichen that I can have a lot of space to cook in. It will be cozy, unique and have lots of character.

I want to have a family, especially a little girl and give her the name Annabelle. I may even want to adopt...

Hopes and dreams...its what helps you through...that is the theme of this year.

So here is a toast, I know it is about a month late, but here is a toast to a year of hope, that things will get better and that we will grow together.

Life Lessons from the Bible

2007-12-05T09:34:00.000-08:00

As I sat in church for my brother's confirmation, the homily struck me. The story was about a lamplighter and their job. A man was watching the lamplighter light the streetlights one by one. With each passing ignition, the lamplighter created a trail of light, marking where he had been and the lamps that he lit. However, he could not see the face of the lamplighter because he was only out at night, when all others were inside and the light of day could not specify the face of the lamp lighter.

The moral of the story was that we all are lamp lighters. We light up the darkness, the sadness in life, with the things that we do for others. Even though we may not get recognition, we have left an impression on everyone that we cross paths with. We all need to live life with the idea that our actions impact the lives of others.

I thought of that to be so profound. Just amazing to think that you can make the difference in someone's life, by one small deed.

Another story that I found to be so profoud, was the message of Easter. The priest always talks about the idea that we all have Good Fridays in our lives, but we have to always remember that there will always be an Easter to follow. We may have hard times in our lives, but out of hardships comes happiness. There is such comfort in that. I know that I have had some hard times, but I always have faith that there will be happiness. I thank God for all of the lessons that he gives me. He is always watching, never giving us anything he knows that we cannot handle, and when we do have hard times, we know that he is with us...

Below the Mark

2007-03-07T10:42:00.000-08:00

Ever feel like you are not good enough?

Thats how I'ven been feeling lately...Like a disillusionment of sorts.
Don't really know what more to say but thats life I guess...

New Year, New Blog

2007-01-08T10:02:00.000-08:00

I found this one as a draft, it was from last year. Seeing that I never published it, I think it is time with 2008 just around the corner...where does the time go? Without further ado, here it goes...

I has been a while since I updated. So much to talk about. First is the resolutions that I have for this year. One is to drop my nail-biting habit. Another is instead of dieting like everyone else, I decided that I was going to limit my processed food intake. Natural food is so much better for you. And if i keep active, which is my third resolution, then I can have a heathier year. I am headed into my last semester as a college student and just put in my application for Teach for America, so we will see where that goes. If not then I have some other options to look at. Another resolution, or ambition might be a better way to explain it, is to learn Italian. I am close to being fluent in Spanish so I decided to add another romance langauge to my repertoire.

The Holidays were amazing. The end of the semester was rough and long, but I survived and came out with some really good marks. Band banquet was the best I have attended. The music was perfect and summed up all of my years in band. Traditions went on and I was running on pure adrenaline. I wore a red dress, which I am sure is a big surprise to everyone, but I felt like a movie star. We got some amazing pictures and I couldn't have been prouder of my sister. She and Eddie and Tim, did an amazing job with the banquet. The one thing that made me a bit sad was the slideshow becuase it brought to reality that this was my last year in the UCMB. It was a good run and I couldn't have imagined that the band would have given me the many opportunities that it did. One of those things that make life enjoyable and real. Christmas eve and christmas was wonderful. Tony and i had a night together on thursday before christmas and he suprised me with an hour and a half massage for Christmas. He is just so good to me it is unbelievable. We went to his house after and watched Click, enjoying each other's company.on christmas eve I made dinner, cookies, wrapped gifts, and went to the midnight mass with my family. It was hard to sleep that night, I was really restless, maybe it was because I had the christmas music station on next to my bed, but it got me into the holiday mood and it made me feel like a kid again. Christmas morning was wonderful and I jumped on the bandwagon as I opened up my ipod. But man is it great. For a girl that is HORRIBLE at not scratching her cd's, this makes my life so much less stressful. And I have a ton of music at my fingertips...

Lets see what the holiday season has instore for 2007...

My life...updated

2006-10-01T17:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-05-26T18:44:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-05-01T21:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-04-05T21:59:00.000-07:00

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...

2006-03-26T06:42:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-11T10:15:00.000-08:00

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

2006-03-02T16:03:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-29T12:12:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-25T19:40:00.000-08:00

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....

2006-01-25T12:40:00.000-08:00

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

2006-01-22T20:33:00.000-08:00

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?

2006-01-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

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...

2006-01-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

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...

2006-01-13T08:02:00.000-08:00

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...

2006-01-02T18:52:00.000-08:00

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!

Happy Holidays

2005-12-30T16:50:00.000-08:00

And so this is Christmas and what have you done...

Well let me tell you...

So going back to Thanksgiving...Finally got my cast off...I am a free woman. It felt amazing to shower and shave. I have never felt so clean in my life than after this and finally being back to normal. So that was quite a highlight of the week. Thankgiving was great. Tony showed up for a bit before he went up north to see his family and brought some wine along with him called Doreen's delight complete with a picture of my mother and cousin Doreen. My cousins Lonnie, Patrick and Dana came to visit with their mom. It is always a good time chilling with them. It was a good time because it got our minds off of the fact that it is another year without grandma for the holidays. Its tough cause she was always around for the holidays and it depresses Mom and Grandpa a lot, so the distractions are really helpful. So the food was amazing, we got some got some good pictures and an overall good time...

I have done quite a bit of partying this season too. First was Band banquet. That was a great night. Before hand we did a little pre-gaming at Sam and Jess's apartment.But the best part of it had to be the fact that my lab final was cancelled and I didn't have to make it up, and driving in the snow. Thank goodness it stopped and all classes were cancelled for the day, but it was still a bit slippery and a pain to drive in. But I wouldnt have had it any other way. The entire day was dedicated to the banquet and getting ready for it. We had lasagne at their apartment and some strawberry Daquiris before getting dressed. It is much more fun getting ready when it is with other people. My sis came too and it made it just that much nicer:) Then it was off to stop at home to show mom how we all looked. We finally made it to the banquet and Tony came in witha corsage for me...he is so good to me. Dinner was good and I got to sit with my sister and her bf, miss Karrie the fortin brothers, hercules and Alyssa the twirler. We were quite the popular table to because several of the awards went to us. I got Finest American ass and clumsiest...for breaking my foot...it wasnt that funny....But o well. So after awards and such and a really random speech by Dr. Mills...don't ask, it went from being a brother to being blindfolded to how prime numbers are important...I expected nothing less... there was plenty of Dancing. Tony danced with me and everyone got crazy on the dance floor. Nothing like hanging out with your favorite people and dancing:) After Tony and I headed back to my room and hung out for the night...Amazing...

Then it was a Celebration for my sis' 19th birthday. We are getting so old. Ill be 21 in April. Its like where did the time go...We had a suprise dinner for Mandy at Applebees. Her boyfriend, karrie, andher roomie made a clever plan...they blindfolded her and brought her to the restaurant were her closest friends sat at the table and what is a birthday at a restaurant without cake and a song. There were several birthdays the night so each time someone started clapping my sister's face was priceless...and then finally it was her turn. She appreciated it a lot...she is special and deserves to be made to feel that way sometimes...I love her...

Next was the Espn Banquet. That was quite a night. After work I headed out to southington and didn't hit too much traffic, making it there in good time. After a little while of getting ready, we headed out to the AquaTurf. Espn rents out the ENTIRE building and this place is huge...about 7 rooms or so and all of them were taken up by people. We parked in rec park where tony played softball in the summer and took a bus over. They were amking ice sculptures and after putting our coats on racks, we checked out the scene. There was a Dj, a ton of food and all the shirley temples I could eat, we got a free picture together, talked to so many people, met new people, saw Chaka Kahn...the best part of the night though had to be the sports bar. You walk through this tunnel of fabric and into the shed of the aquaturf. There was pool tables, different food, karaoke, aracade games, and the COOLEST tables. They were white bar tables and they changed colors! So tony and I got some very cool pictures. We talked to this really nice couple for a long while, over the tone deaf participants of Karaoke. After doing that for a while we went into the other rooms . Another room had jazz going on and a fireplace so we sat there for a while and chatted with some people. We tried leaving like four times but didnt end up leaving till about 12 or so. We Danced on the dance floor and even did a little salsa. We went outside to see that there was a ice storm and had quite the time trying to get home. I was going to drive back to Uconn that night because this was during finals week, but instead I stayed over and got up really early to go back to school for my last day of finals. But it was SO worth it...

Then came a week of King Kong and a practice session and show by NJL, dinner at WoodnTap, dinner with Ian,his gf, Tony, my sis, Karrie, a good time at the dollar store and a movie with Tony. Christmas eve was relaxing, I watched Mr. and Mrs. Smith again and chilled with the Family. The worst part of the day was that my sis got in a car accident in which our little focus got totalled...makes me sad. I enjoyed that car. So now we have to get a new one. Then Church was definately the highlight of the night....I remember thinking that I didn't want it to end.

Christmas was really nice. We opened presents in the morning and did it fairly slowly so we could see what everyone got. Family time was great, me and my little bro made cookies and watched a movie with the family. Dinner was PRIME RIB. A-m-a-z-i-n-g....Grandma was definately missed though. Miss Karrie came over with her Mom for dessert and it was an overall very nice holiday....

This week we went into New York city. We saw the tree, ate lunch at hard rock, walked over to central park, shopped in Macy's and virgin records and small novelty stores. I found Carnige Hall and the restaurant that Beth Works at...I was proud that I found it on my own. We stayed at my uncle's house in Massapequa and took the LIRR into Penn station, fairly hassle free. I love the city...it will always be my favorite.

So now it comes to New years and a reflection on the past year...

Things with Tony are amazing...Lucky can't even start to describe how I feel about him coming into my life. Its always a new adventure...We have gone through so much together...many fun times, tough times and heart to hearts. And I'm Feeling good....

I love my family so much and I am blessed to have the people that I do in my life. All my love...

Mom and dad have had some really tough times...but they are getting better...Keep my father in your prayers....Thats all i can really say without getting into too much detail...This has been a tough year...Lets hope 2006 is a heathy year...we need it after this year...

So tonight I am off to a huge party for New years...I have never done anything like this before. I mean I have been to parties but this is gonna be huge. I mean we will be up until early hours in the morning partying. I am so excited....

So see you in 2006!! HaPpY nEw YeArS!!

Mad at Myself

2005-12-10T22:36:00.000-08:00

Today is one of those days where you realize you have faults, a reality check of sorts, and where you said something that you regret...

So last night we had our annual Band Banquet and it was wonderful. I was inducted into the Vice President position of the UCMB. Today was a tradition where the freshman put on a skit for the upperclassmen and it was my first day as a supposedly respected leader and I fell by the wayside...I acted foolishly, lashed out at someone who tried to make something work and my disappointment in the people I was mad at turned into disappointment in myself. At the time I felt it was ok to say what I did, but when I looked back, I realized it wasn't. I have a problem with overreacting. How could I have been so foolish and say what I did...I acted like an idiot in front of all of my fellow band members and I regret it...And what is the worst part? I really hurt someone...something that I never wanted to do...

Lack of poise and respect on my part...

But I respect people that are not afraid to tell you how they feel and let you know your faults. And i am grateful that i can get that back. Sometimes we do mean things that we don't realize until someone calls you out on it...but you know, that is not a bad thing at all..i believe that I can learn from this and be a better person because someone was honest with me.

A poem if you will

2005-11-01T17:21:00.000-08:00

You personify natural beauty,

Like a river flowing into the sea,
your love flows into my heart;
giving me the nourishment I need to survive,
For my very existence depends on the river of your passion;
you purify my doubts, clarify my mind, giving me a sense of renewal,
and as I submerge myself in your love,
my body absorbs your amour,
and turns into tears of joy,
or sadness streaming,
for love knows good and bad.

Like the rolling waves of the sea,
Each adventure has a different story to tell,
Even through storm and calm,
they roll side by side,
and partake in the adventure together.

Like a forest full of trees,
your eyes, though deep and green,
let a sparkle of the sun shine through,
and the same twinkle stays in the night,
reflecting the stars that I have in my eyes.
And now that I caught your eye...let me forever stay in your vision
For you will always be in mine.

Like the grass that protects the soft earth,
as you wrap your arms tightly around me,
I find comfort in your embrace,
the blanket of love that you surround me with;
you are my sanctuary.

The beauty of it all enraptures me
This is divine....
what we have is genuine and true.
Naturally beautiful,
and untarnished is the love that we share.
Whether it be on land,
In the water,
everywhere.
My home on this earth is where you are.

My Life updated

2005-10-03T11:40:00.000-07:00

Haven't updated in a while...but here is my life...

1.School started , preseason was long and tiring.
2. Been having alot of fun with Tony. Here are some of my favorite memories...
a)going to New York to see Tony's sister Beth in "Byzantium."
b) Going to Lake Compounce, getting a ton of free ESPN Stuff, seeing morgan state perform, talking with some of the brothers and sisters from their Chapter, riding the Boulderdash several times in a row with a crazy magician from Queens behind us, and ending the night with Tony winning me a lizard which I donned the name, "morgan."
c) Being cut in Half at Tony's Dad's Retirement Party
d) Willington pizza with Tony and Maria. haha
e)Berlin Fair to see his Mom and Dad perform a magic show and sampling a Famous apple fritter from the Southingtom Apple Harvest.
f)Getting a surprise visit from Tony after a weekend of frustration and the many late night conversations.
g) alumni picnic with Tony to meet the Brendan Murphy and finding out that he has family in the same town that I live in. Then later that week watching the yankee's game.
h) Seeing tony play with Naughty Jungle of Love and realizing how amazing he is at the trumpet and getting into a bar when i am not 21 hehe(i am a loser).
i) being a part of the Southington Band for a night at Chesire Band competition.
j) Watching Star wars at Timmers on a thursday and then on friday the both of us squeezing onto a small couch to sleep for the night at Da shelta after a night filled with drunken silliness, dancing, a random wrestling match between Tony and Glenn and video games(Paul beat me several times at mario cart even though he was bombed and I was sober...bummer).
k) Seeing the Legend of Zorro, being brothers together and having a nice brunch with good friends...
l)last but not least...Going to Maine for the first time with Tony to see his nephew get christened, getting the car towed, falling asleep to Harry Potter, getting fed by, spending time with and being woken up by Jack baby.

Can't even start to describe how happy I am...

This has been a rough semester, most of it was spent in a cast from an incident that happened in marching band where broke part of my foot. It was really frustrating not being able to drive the bus or drive in general. It was hard for me to get around and so frustrating having to live a new lifestyle really...But it made me appreciate walking, made me realize that your life can change in a second and at any time so you have to do everything that you can to the fullest because you may not have that chance again. I found out the other day, after finally getting my cast off, that i pretty much was done with marching band this year. That was probably one of the hardest things to deal with. I went to every practice and just watching and not being able to participate made me pretty sad. But if I didnt have the support of friends and Family, I would have been very depressed. I am so thankful that I had so many people to support me. So I am taking this as a life experience and eventhough it was so hard to deal with, I made it through and I can see things differently now. Blessing in disguise...

OK so you have the update. Sorry it took so long, its been a crazy semester, but above all I am happy with who I am:)

MVP

2005-08-11T20:19:00.000-07:00

So I was the MVP of Express today. I sold over 1000 dollars worth of merchandise, sold 3 suit jackets and at least 2 pairs of suit pants, topped my denim goal by 1 or 2 pairs and met my transaction goals...My manager owes me a cookie and a soda:)

I had an awesome Thursday after an amazing Wednesday. Yesterday I went to the gym, got my CDL license...I am official now;) Finished the basement and a few errands I had been meaning to do. Then at night Tony and I got some quality time together. We went shopping. We are going to a Black and White affair Friday night. I am really looking forward to it:) We decided on Matching outfits, his and hers. We both are wearing black pants, white pinstripe button up shirts, ties, matching clear glasses, we are gonna do up our hair and I have to admit...we are gonna be one hot couple;) I also found these kick ass black leather bracelets today with embroidered white As on them...Annabelle and Anthony...they were the only two left....thats pretty sweet.

After the mall we went out to dinner. I love it when we read each other's minds...I asked him what he felt like eating, and before he could answer I said Macaroni Grill, which was what he was thinking of. So we had a lovely dinner together. After that we went back to my house, showed mom the goods and then chilled in the basement for a while. It was so nice to be around him again...with our crazy schedules and vacations, we didn't see each other for 2 weeks.

So in short...I have been very busy...but having a good time.

MVP in life...not just express....

survey says...

2005-08-11T07:18:00.000-07:00

I found this on one of my friend's journal...

A-Age you got your first kiss: 15 years

B-Band listening to right now: Mr. and Mrs. Smith soundtrack

C-Crush: no need for a crush cause I have the guy I want;)

D-Dad's Name: John Schifferdecker

E-Easiest person to talk to- well there are 3...Ian, Kathy, and my Tony

F-Favorite bands/singers at the moment:Coldplay, shakira, most latin music

G-Gummy worms or gummy bears?: bears

H- Hometown: S-dub, Ct

I-Instruments: Violin, guitar

J-Junior High: oh you mean middle school...Timothy Edwards Middle School

K-Kids: someday...and I am naming my baby girl Annabelle too

L-Longest car ride:Florida...most painful tho was the bus trip to detroit

M-Mom's Name: Annabelle Edwina Schifferdecker

N-Nicknames: Bella, ct, Belle, Annasis- those are the current ones...I have so many others...

O-One wish:to live a long happy life surrounded by the people I love

P-Phobias: Spiders

Q-Quote:" Life may not be the party we hoped for...but while we're here we may as well dance"

R-Reason to Live: Friends and Family

S-Song of the moment: "Talk"-Coldplay

T-Time you woke up today: 9:45am

U-Unkown fact about me: I could whistle at 6 months...dad taught me

V-Vegetable you hate: peas!

W-Worst Habit: Biting my nails...but currently I am not doing it

X-X-rays: foot and chest

Y-Yummy food: ice cream

Z-Zodiac Sign: Taurus... strong like bull

On the wings of a butterfly

2005-08-09T20:32:00.000-07:00

So work today was pretty lame...They put me in zone 1 on the womens side...I was very sad about my unfortunate placement. Thank goodness I survived. Tony and I talked for a while today...he always makes me smile;) We get to go shopping together tomorrow and just catch up on time together. I am so excited:D Plus on the way home, I heard the new song by Train...It put me in such a great mood. Let me pleasure you with the song lyrics...

"Get To Me" -Train

Well an airplane's faster than a Cadillac
And a whole lot smoother than a camel's back
But I don't care how you get to me
Just get to me
Parasail or first class mail
Get on the back of a Nightingale
Just get to me I don't care just get to me
Prokeds, mopeds take a limousine instead
They ain't cheap but they're easy to find
Get on the highway point yourself my way
Take a roller coaster that comes in sideways
Just get to me - yeah

Go on hitch a ride on the back
of a butterfly There's no better way to fly
To get to me
I look around at what I got
And without you, it ain't a lot
But I got every, with you, everything

Maybe you could pollinate over the
Golden Gate
Take a left hand turn at the corner
Of Haight
And then a sharp right
At the first street light
And get yourself on a motor bike
And if you think you'll get stuck in a
traffic jam That's fine, send yourself through a telephone line
It doesn't matter how you get to me
Just get to me

Cause after every day
The wind blows the night time my way
And I imagine that you are
Above me like a star
And you keep on glowing
And you keep on showing me the way
SHINE SHINE SHINE

Love it...

MUAH!

2005-08-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

I am a good kisser...and wonderwoman...just thought i would let you all know...

I wouldn't change who I am because I happy with me...

That makes me lucky...

livin' la vida loca...cliche I know

2005-07-28T07:38:00.000-07:00

So I haven't wrote in a while...so its time to update cha'll with mi vida loca...

Recently I was able to hang out with my girl Kathy. We have been friends since 9th grade and she is the one girl I know I could tell her anything and she will understand... She just moved into her own apartment and I finally got to see it. We had no hot water in our house so I called her to see if I could use her shower. That night her bf wasn't around so we decided to have a girls night out...hadn't had one of those in a while. She decided to cook dinner for me lol. We went to the mall, looked at perfume and cds and then what is a girls night out without a trip to Walmart... We met up with Ian at the Vernon Diner had a couple of good laughs later that night and then decided to stay over at Kathy's Apartment. We watched original sin and talked. Nothing like a quiet night with two of your best friends. The next morning Kathy and I went for a run. She lives in a great area and the park that is right by her apartment has all that you could ever need to play a sport...Even racketball courts! I had to work later that day, and after I had fun at Express it was up to School house for a luau. It was a great time...I was able to hang out with my brothers that I hadn't seen in a while and the girls totally OWNED the flipcup table... It made me realize how excited I am to start the fall semester... Sunday was the section leader meeting which wasn't too bad...but the best part of the day was seeing my friend Andrew. He was stationed over in England and was home for a few days so a few friends had a party for him. We talked for a good portion of the night catching up on the last year and a half with a timeline of tattoos and piercings. Its funny to see that he has not changed one bit. Ian was there, my friend Justin, Garrett and a bunch of Band kids from my highschool days. Overall the entire weekend was a wonderful reunion of friends.

A lot of my time has gone to training for my cdl or to working at Express. And for the first time in my life...i enjoy going to work. They recently taught me the register and keep me on the men's side rather than the womens side...I love it so much. I am gonna miss it when I go back to school...And speaking of Cdl...I had my test this morning...and I PASSED!! Hell yeah...

My cousin's wedding was the other weekend. The trip wasn't too bad. My sister and I were acting goofy taking pictures...but the best picture had to be of the van that passed by that had a freaken SPOLIER on it...I mean really...who does that?!?! At the ceremony, my cousin looked so beautiful and her new husband was so happy waiting for her at the altar. It was so sweet to see he was trying to fight back the tears while my cousin calmed her nerves by making nervous conversation. And it was not too bad considering that side of our family doesn't get along too well. My Granny was escorted by my cousin and she had her hair done...she was gorgeous. She is not usually one to dress up. She was always about comfort but I couldn't get over how beautiful and alive she looked at almost 90 years old. The wedding reception was really nice. It was right on the water at the Merchant Marine Academy in New York. The hall that we were at had a beautiful view of the Throggs Neck Bridge and a bit farther in the distance of Manhattan. When the live band started playing music, my cousin and her boyfriend Tito danced on the floor so I went up and told her I was impressed because I love doing latin ballroom. She was like "I'm no dancer...i fake it" and then she proceeded to let me dance with her boyfriend. I haven't danced like that in a while so it was a nice surprise. I hope that works out for her. The cutting of the cake was nice because they didn't shove the cake in each other's faces. The rest of the night was filled with dancing...my brother was so awesome. He stole the floor. Everyone was impressed...I was proud...but in the moments that I spent dancing watching my brother, i was starting to see how he was growing up; a little too fast. Just waiting for that day when we are gonna have to beat off the girls with a stick...come to think of it...that day might already be here...*sigh*
Speaking of weddings, the next day me and a bunch of friends saw Wedding Crashers. I have not laughed that hard at the movie theater in a long time. Definately worth the crazy theater prices.
We made our annual trip to six flags. Weekdays rock because there were no lines. We went on the Mind eraser 2 times in a row with a VERY minimal wait. We hit up the water park, all of the major rollercoasters, and a few other smaller rides. After Six Flags, Mandy and I traveled to Southington to see Tony's softball game. We met Tony at his house and chilled for a bit with Matt and Matt. When the three of them are together, there is always laughter. We all piled in one car to the game. I was able to finally meet Tony's friends from JCS...all three girls were very nice. After the kick ass game and one hell of a win, we headed back to Tony's. All of the guys were jumping in the pool so I decided to go too. Tony talked about bachelor parties...it was quite the interesting topic. I was highly amused. It was a really relaxing day...and ended perfectly being able to be with my honey;) The rest of my week consisted of work. I was bummed that I wouldn't be able to see Tony before he left for Oregon. He thought his plane was at 7pm...so we had saturday all planned out; we were going to go to a picnic, meet his grandmother and I was going to drop him off at the airport...but when he saw the confirmation letter...it was for 7am, so saturday was a no go. But luck was on my side on Friday...I had the closing shift at Express but our manager let us out really early. So I called Tony to tell him the news and he was happy to hear we could see each other before his trip. So I headed down to southington and helped him pack. I was so happy to be able to see him before he left and to wish him a safe trip. Two months it has been already...and it only gets better...

say you'll wait..you'll wait for me...

Play, Playa, and the 4th of July

2005-07-07T14:09:00.000-07:00

It was finally time...it was a month of hard work, long hours, but many good times...and it was my turn to see Tony in action. I had been antsy(lol) funny cause I hadn't seen tony in a while play on words..get it?? hah hah...now comes the awkward silence...and I am done...lol...so anyways, my mom and I were getting pumped up for the play by listening to the Jesus Christ Superstar soundtrack that she had since she was a teen.. I couldn't wait to get there. The place it was held at was really nice. When we got there I saw Tony's parents, so I introduced my family to Tony's and we all sat together in the 2nd row. Our moms got along really well and needless to say I was quite happy. I sat next to our friend matt and commented to eachother every now and then through the show. When I first heard Tony sing...I was impressed...couldnt help but feel like the proud girlfriend...my baby was nothing short of amazing. After the show, my family decided to get some food. We headed back to S-dub and ate at the Vernon Diner. It was so much fun to hang out with the family. Overall I gave the night two thumbs up...

The next day, Ian, Tony, Me, my sis and Karrie went to the beach. Getting there was a pain because everyone seemed to have the same idea as we did. But eventually we ended up getting a good spot on the beach. Tony slept most of the time and my sister and Karrie went off to meet a friend. Ian was the only one to make it into the water. While tony rested his eyes..Ian and I decided to practice our spanish. Too bad we were made fun of the entire time by a Spanish family sitting next to us. They can think we are gringos all they want, but I am a spanish major, and know my fair share about the culture and Ian is Mexican...maybe it wasn't how we talked...but what the content was...o well.

later that night after being a part of the best Carpool EVER...giggling the entire way there and back, Tony and I went to an alumni brother's party. I felt a little out of place at first, but was fairly surprised to see that I knew a bunch of the people there. One of the guys was bombed and was making histerical comments all night, singing about his...well you get the picture. We roasted marshmellows at the fire and made s'mores and just had a great time conversing. It was cool to see what it must have been like when Tony was becoming a brother...and to finally meet all of the legends that you hear about but may never get the chance to meet...

and now onto my night of the 4th of July!!!

I have never had a more amazing fourth of July than this year's Holiday...

The morning was not so bad....I had to work at Express from 8-12, the best shift anyone could ever ask for. Two hours of cleaning and then either markdowns or shifting clothes around amd then only two hours of dealing with customers...and I am pretty sure I got time and a half as well for the Holiday, not a bad deal at all.

The night was even better...it was as if I was reading it in a book, some things in life don't happen as perfectly as that night did...

I got to Tony's house before he arrived so I decided to go in and talk with Mama Leone. It was a nice chat...we talked about food, family, recipes...when tony showed up he helped his dad put the grill together. I sat and watched; It reminded me of my brother and dad tinkering around my house. I also held a rabbit...that was cool...but i think I scared him...better luck next time.

Dinner was amazing. Mrs. Leone made this pasta and rice combination with kebabs that had been grilled on the grill the guys put together. I followed suite with mom and had sparkling water with cranberry juice. The boys had their wine that they had previously tested downstairs. It was so nice to sit down to dinner with such wonderful company. Tony's mom was so excited to have me listen to her favorite song from WICKED...

After dinner Tony and I walked around his neighborhood, talking about anything and everything. When it was dark we went out to see the Southington Fireworks. Tony had received information about a secret place where you didn't have to fight for a spot and could see the fireworks perfectly. Pulling into the cul de sac we were a bit skeptical, but as soon as he parked the car, a loud bang went off . We looked out of the car and no lie, it was right above our heads. It was Perfect. If you don't like sappy...don't say I didn't warn you...if you don't like it then turn away right now... So we leaned against his car, Tony put his arms around me and kissed me, right under the fireworks... It was a beautiful moment...like I said right out of a book...hands down; it was the best 4th I have ever experienced... thank you babe;)

Peace out for now...

cRaziness

2005-06-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

So I think I am finally getting better. I have been getting a lot of rest and definately took it easy last week...The previous week I did too much and they had to send me home early from work because of it. But this week I am back in business getting about 12 hours of sleep each day...for the most part.

So I have been a party animal... not too crazy though because I still need to be resting(i am a good girl...really...)I attended the Zipadelli's 21st which was a great time because I got to see most of the buckley crew and just fool around like we always have done when we are around eachother. Badmitton was being played and the bird got stuck in the tree a couple of times and each time that happened, mark or tim would try to get the bird out of the tree with the racket, then that would get stuck in the tree and then they would try to use the volleyball to get it out of the tree...quite amusing when you sit there watching...pointing and laughing. I got to see my good friend Carla and we exchanged girl talk...Frank took part in the girl talk at one point. We had so many good laughs...it was wonderful to be with the crew again. Makes me look forward to next semester.

Then there was my sister and her best friend Karrie's Graduation party. We managed to get the yardwork and the housework done in ample time so we weren't running around at the last minute. The day was absolutely gorgeous. I had a bit of an issue getting balloons though...man was that a disaster. It was my stupidity though...it all started when I decided to get the balloons first and trying to keep them in the cart. Looking back on that I can see why people were looking at me funny...So I get the rest of the things I had to pick up for the party... then I finally make it to the register, the cashier rang them up, I put the balloons back in the cart and they decided to escape...and I couldn't catch them in time...meanwhile it was like everyone turned their heads at the same time to see what an idiot I was...so instead of getting other balloons, i decided to get out of there as fast as I could to save face. Quite the embarrassing moment. Oh well...gotta have those every now and then. So I get home and realize that I had to get ice. So Ian was there and he accompanied me to stop and shop, there was no way I was gonna show my face again in Shaws after that mess...so Ian and I got the ice and I got mad cool balloons...so it all worked out in the end. We had a lot of time to talk that day and it was great. We listened to spanish rap on the way to stop and shop...we enjoy our latin music. So when we got to the party...Tony showed up...I was so happy to see him:) He got my sister and ESPN shirt and since his father is into wine making, he brought a bottle of wine witha picture of my sis on the label saying "Happy Graduation." Everyone was so impressed with it...and with its presenter. After that we picked up mark from uconn, came back and ate food...my grandpa made ribs so I was quite content. Tony and I partnered up for the balloon toss...tony saved a close one and before we knew it...we were the 2005 Water Balloon Champions! We made an amazing team. The rest of the afternoon was filled with endless cotton candy and snow cones, good times on the bungee run...Ian Justin and Tony had us laughing with their antics, which of course was caught on tape...Ian and I danced salsa on the deck, and then we taught Tony a few steps...he is such a good sport, always makes me smile...

Later that night I was able to have a good chat with Ian. We sat by the fire and played our guitars, and desperately trying to improv a song. LOL...trying is the key word...but at least we got a few good laughs. We later took a trip up to Uconn to drop off Mark. On the way home Ian and I caught up on life..it is so nice to have him around again.

(So in case you haven't noticed by the date, this is way over due but it is done)

ONWARD!!

I've missed you...

2005-06-16T15:39:00.000-07:00

So time to play a little game I like to call Catch-up...

Tuesday: Ladies and Gentleman, can I have your attention please...The one and only Ms. A.G.Schifferdecker has performed her greatest feat yet...She has successfully parallel parked a Uconn Bus...
Thats right, laugh if you want because I agree that the thought of me driving a bus is pretty damn funny. Driving brings out the New Yorker in me because I can't go out for a ride without yelling some profanity because the idiot in front of me decided not to use their blinker. So now if anyone makes me mad...I have a few tons of reasons for them to drive faster. This bad boy has enough power to unleash my wrath and then some... Don't mess with me because I WILL run you over. OK? 0:) In all seriousness though, I know I am going to love this job and do my best to be good at it. I get paid to drive around, how cool is that? Pretty sweet if you ask me, not to mention that we are the highest payed employees on Campus. I guess there was a reason behind my denial of a job at the Visitor's center...Plus I hear the boss is difficult...Everything happens for a reason...

My sister graduated tonight from high school and is now officially a part of UCONN!!! We went to the Bushnell and it was a really nice ceremony, even depite the fact that the principal, who I like to refer to as the bumbling fool, messed up his introductions. We had a very enjoyable ride home, all three of us Schifferdecker kids sitting in the back seat laughing and quoting movies...I love my family...

On another note, creatively, I made a collage of the novio and I. Tony was speechless and I was happy...needless to say we both went to bed with smiles on our faces...

Wednesday: What a pleasant surprise...
So this week for some reason, Express decided to give me shotty hours. Last night I had to work from 6 to close... and I have the pleasure of doing it all over again Friday night...oh the joy is overwhelming. So anyways, my co-workers told me that I looked a lot better than I did last week, and that is a good sign. Slowly but surely I am getting better. I normally have to wear heels or some sort of fashionable shoe..we all know that fashion does not necessarily equal comfort so as soon as the last customer left the store, I put on flip flops. So as I was finishing up putting the tanks in order on the front bunker because the place looked like a warzone of clothes, I turned around to look out the window and there was Tony...I wanted to jump out of the store and be like see ya! and just escape with him. I had to stay until everyone else was done but it was definately motivation to work faster. We sat and talked in my car for a bit and he gave me a dvd to watch so I have something to keep me occupied while I rest. He is so good to me...by far the best part of the day;)
Wasn't lookin for what I found, But I found you and I'm bound to find happiness in being around you...cause since the day you came, I've been glad...

So this brings me to today...

I don't know what it was but I had a serious case of the giggles...I guess it all stemmed from the histerical fact that I am going to be driving buses. I came down to dinner and I could not stop laughing. Then I got my mom laughing because she knows how I am when I drive. We were talking about post training and how she could imagine the trainer sitting in the back of the bus strapped down with a helmet on just to be safe...Now wait here is an even better picture...I had a professor who told us this story about his travels to Spain and riding the buses over there. The first was about a bus and a car merging into a single lane road. The bus let the smaller car go because he was reving the engine and the bus driver figured he would continue to go fast, however when he got in front of the bus, he slowed to a crawl. The bus driver needless to say got real angry, so he sped up and hit the car from behind. The fun didn't stop there. The bus driver and the other driver got out of their respective vehicles and continued to have an all-out fist fight right in the middle of the road. Meanwhile, all of the passengers in the bus were cheering on their driver. When the brawl ended, the bus driver returned to the bus and continued on. Another story was about how buses would also fight for passengers and race each other from stop to stop. Half the time the bus would leave the stop with passengers half on the bus..one guy was even holding on to the railing because if he let go he would have flown out the door. THAT is going to be my bus...

Well thats it for now...I'll update if I think of anything I missed...

Laughter is the best medicine...

Sobe and Alfie

2005-06-13T16:14:00.000-07:00

I realized today that a bunch of JLo songs relate to my life. Ain't it funny...some of her lyrics are perfect for how I feel. Latin music makes me happy no matter what. Spanish is on of the most gorgeous languages out there, it's exotic and sexy...sorry for the slight tangent but I get fired up easy when it comes to latin cultures...speaking of which I got another issue of Latina in the mail today. Shakira is on the cover, her new cd should be out soon and I am quite excited.

Today was a fairly relaxing day. I woke up at 11:30 this morning, which in all was 12 hours of sleep. I told myself I had to rest all day because work alone is going to wear me out this week..and that sucks. So life consists of work and resting...so much for a fun summer...I mean I enjoy my jobs this summer, but it is hard to enjoy it when you are sick. And all of the extras have to be pushed aside, like tonight for example. Ian asked me to come over and chill because he was having some people over, my sister is there now but I am stuck here because I need the rest...I hate complaining, but this really is no fun...

I watched Alfie today...I enjoy Jude Law and the movie was sort of like one long monologue with Jude acting as a ladies man describing his life and the ordeals he went through as he dated several different women. It was enjoyable and had some good lines.

So now I am sitting here drinking Sobe, which is actually quite good and tastes like a pina colada...have you ever heard a Sobe commercial?..if you have you can see why I would enjoy it...

Well that was pretty much the extent of my day...not too exciting but at least it was something...

cuando me miras asi...eres el angel luz de mi amor....tu me haces sentir que puedo volar...

Mono is not gonna get me down...

2005-06-12T22:38:00.000-07:00

Hello everyone,

I decided that since I would be sitting and relaxing a lot for the next few weeks, I would start my own blog. I have tried one before and failed, hopefully this time I can make this work. I was just diagnosed with mono and I am already tired of knowing I have it. My mom says that work is priority and after that I have to rest...so there goes my social life for a few weeks. I hate having to sit around doing nothing...that is only fun when you aren't supposed to be doing it...

I decided to read up on mono just to see what the hell it actually is... The human body has always facinated me and I have been lucky enought to have a father who is a doctor and and mother who is a nurse to answer any questions I had, or allow me to read their books or medical magazines that come in the mail. So I feel I am really lucky because my throat symptom was far less painful than what most people get, I thought it was just another case of strep from me being stressed out, but it turns out that a strep-like symptom is a part of mono. What a sneaky little pain in the you know what...I am glad though that I could still swallow, it was painful, but at least I didn't feel like my throat was going to close up on me. However, the fevers and the body aches have been pretty bad. It sucks when it your legs are tired as soon as you hit the first step of the stairs...not going up...but going down the stairs...not cool. At the doctor's office, the nurse practitioner agreed with me about hurting really bad, after feeling how every single gland was swollen. She mentioned that it could be mono and that I would have to get a blood test to rule out all possibilities (I don't mind shots, but for some reason I dislike blood tests), and at the time I was so uncomfortable and unhappy, that I broke down in front of her. I mean who wants to be told that they have mono...certainly not me. I hate when I cry in front of people. When she called me the next day, she gave me the bad news, and it was funny cause when I told some of my friends what I had, I laughed...trying to make the situation not seem so bad I guess. Overall, I am not happy that I have this, but I am trying to make the best of it...somehow...

My best friend Ian, we have been buddies since 10th grade, has been a good comedian when it comes to me having mono...I hung out with him and my other good friend Justin the other day, we relaxed no worries...but they came up with the name Darth Mono and Ian continued to make fun of me in a yoda voice...it was quite amusing I have to say. And today he decided to grace me with his presence, and this time with the reinforcement of my witty sister and her sidekick/partner-in-crime/best friend Karrie came up with telling me I am biohazard girl and that I should have one of the biohazard signs to make sure nobody catches my "disease" which it really isn't...Lets see other comments include, "the virus has infected its host" that was after I told him the corn he made was gross( joking of course), and after he was bugging me in the basement along with my sis, I told him that "I will lick you...and then you will be sad"...it was funny at the time, the best part of the night though had to be when Ian decided he wanted to play guitar and then continued follow me around singing a song with the lyrics "Virus, Virus,Virus, she has a virus..." Anyways enough of mono...Dinner was awesome tonight...it was a family affair with my granny who is visiting from New York and Grandpa stopped by, Ian who is pretty much a part of the family, as is karrie, were also present, along with my mom, dad, baby bro and sister. We had a few good laughs...it is nice to have the family together...

I was all excited that I was not scheduled for work the same nights as BSL softball games this upcoming week, but I most likely will not be able to attend because one night is my sister's graduation and the other is sandwiched between two working days, working the night shift mind you, at Express. So yeah, I am quite bummed about this whole thing. Very Depressing...at least I have some kickass friends and the sweetest boyfriend who get me through it. All of the encouragement is greatly appreciated.

The other day, (sorry for skipping around, I am just writing what comes to my head) I drove a bus for the first time...It was so cool; I can already tell I am going to enjoy this job. I did pretty well driving on the road, I have more work to do on the static course but in time I will get better, I was already improving by the end of the training session. The people there are real cool and pretty laid back. I got to rest that day and finally go back to Southington to see the BSL boys play again, I hadn't seen them play in a while so I was really excited to do that and have some happy times after a less than perfect week. Sad to say, they lost the game, but it was so much fun to see them play again and to actually get the chance to see my Tony play... plus I had the added bonus of being able to sit and talk with Miss Cummings before she heads out to Chile. After the game, nobody really wanted to go out so Tony and I decided to do something relaxing, seeing that I technically should have been at home resting but I was looking forward to that game for a while and was not about to give it up, we went to see Mr. and Mrs. Smith...and I was impressed. It had an interesting twist and THE best destruction scene. I was laughing through it. Couple good lines and lots of destruction, Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt...that's what I call a great movie...and seeing it with the best guy ever...that made it the perfect movie...

Oh how I love unexpected surprises...always an adventure

Time to peace out for now...gotta get this mono business taken care of...

2005-06-12T20:44:00.000-07:00