two thumbs up for Dishnetwork

Eric decided we should go ahead and move up one plan on Dish Network. I went online and added it. I clicked that I actually wanted it and it said please enjoy. I walked over to the TV and clicked on BBC (which we did not previously have) and it was there. Amazing. It added it in a matter of seconds. How cool is that? Now we can watch Monty Python's Flying Circus all night!

Seriously, I think anyone who ever read this blog, or even thought about reading this blog, did so and went to Albertson's the same time I did. The whole parking lot was full. What, does everyone wait until the last minute or what? I mean, I have an excuse, I was napping!

sssh

I took my (very short) nap, Bradley is watching TV but everyone else is asleep. Preparing to party all night long, or at least until midnight.

I still have to go to the store to get stuff to make chili (one of my very few specialties) and junk to snack on. How else can you drink, drink, drink if you don't have something in your tummy to absorb it all?

I wish you all a very Happy New Year. Please be safe tonight, especially if you leave your homes. ta!

funny or not?

Eric thinks this is funny. I do not. Here are a few guys playing a joke on their friend making him think he won the lottery (thanks to Tivo). While it is loading, read the info on the right hand side. Let me know what you think. Funny? Not funny?

click me, click me!

psst, it might take a couple minutes to load

some stuff I like

George Foreman Lean Mean Fat Burning Grilling Machine (what did I do without this before?)

iPod! I have had one for years (I am on number 2 now) but last night at my brothers he kept switching CD's and I thought, I NEVER have to do that. Buy one!

DVD player (any) I don't care what "they say", I say buy all the kid DVD's you can. "They" don't have to watch your children 24/7!

I got a razor from my friend called a Intuition. I love this thing. It has the soap on it so it doesn't wash off between the soaping and the shaving. Believe you me, it takes a lot to get me excited about a razor.

Naps (good one's, not those one's where you wake up feeling all sleepy)

Things I would like:

someone to come and cook and clean for us (besides my teenagers)
ideas for dinner (I gotta stop ordering in or picking up)
some form of exercise that I might actually look forward to (IS there such a thing?)
the gift to spell (so I don't have to rethink whole sentences because I can't even get close enough for spell check to know!)

dish

Well, we have our Dish Network in now. Of course, it is the first day and already Eric is bummed because he can't watch the UCLA game tonight (we didn't get that channel). The guy was nice and wasn't here very long. The picture looks great (did we get a new TV?), but I am sad for my hubby. He likes to watch little else. Sorry babe! (I wish we could have BBC America!)

other bloggers

I read about 20 blogs. Blogs that for the most part, I check daily. It is odd that when I comment on someone's blog, I feel like I know them. I don't mean slightly, but really know them. I mean it really isn't that much of a shock because these are people who write about themselves and what is going on in their lives. Isn't that what your friends do? Only verbally. There are endless blogs to look at. Aside from clicking next blog over and over (which I often do), it is best to check out the bloggers links from their own pages. Usually you will find someone else who writes about similar things. I hope this is making sense, it is 4:47am. Why am I up? Who knows! I think it was that damned canned chili from my brothers house though.

my excuse

I went to my brother's house today. He lives in Riverside. I never visit him. I have found my excuse. I left my house at 3:40pm, he lives 28 miles away (all freeway) and it took me a HOUR! WTF. I love him and all but jeez. How many people live out that way?

yummy

I came across this blog. I can't read it but who cares. Wanna see? CLICK HERE

much to do

We order Dish Network last night (online) and they are coming out tomorrow. We had cable for a year (thanks Mom for last years gift) but decided it was too expensive. Dish is about 20 bucks cheaper a month.

I am looking into getting a new tub. Probably a jacuzzi one. Does anyone out there have one? Any problems with it? We are going to have to move the toilet and take out one sink to make it fit nicely in there. (Not a real big bathroom) I have had one plumber come out and I have another one coming next week for the estimate.

We still need an electrician to come out because the water softener is not getting power. Jeez!

moving

We are having trouble with our water softener so I was on the phone to the "Culligan Man". They told me to open the box where the unit plugs in and there was a huge black widow. Now, I am not fond of any spider. I HATE them all. I can't even kill the little bastards. I told the guy on the phone (after I screamed in his ear) that we were going to have to move now. ICK!

Eric, te amo tanto. Usted ha dado me así que muchas cosas que incluso no sabía I necesitado. Espero que tenga el resto de mi vida para demostrarle mi amor.

almost done

My oldest brother is coming today to take K shopping (it is an annual thing) and we will exchange gifts. I am probably heading to one of my other brother's house on Wed. for a white elephant gift exchange where we will also exchange our gifts. Siobhan's Nino came by yesterday. We still have to see S's Nina, B's Godparents as well as K's.

Today B, S, D and I are hitting Costco. Armed with a gift card from my mom. We already have a years supply of Q-tips, which Eric loves to tease me about every time he remembers, but this time we are going for actual food.

I hope everyone out there is enjoying themselves. I feel numb mostly. I love my family, they are the best thing that has ever happened to me. I am so lucky.

By the way, I got those Chef dvd's I really wanted. Thanks babe!

Nice surprise

Today was not as hard emotionally as I thought it would be. It might have been healing had I had a chance to deal with any pain that arrived but I did not. Now I fear that I won't be getting past that wall that seems to have appeared.

I did have a wonderful Christmas day. Thanks to all of my family. Of course Eric and the kids, Carol, my Mom, Lauren and Gabi. We all had a lot of nice gifts that were given with love (see Chuckie?). My brother David even called to wish us a Merry Christmas.

Diego is in bed already (it is not even 7pm). I am sure he isn't asleep but he always knows when he needs a little "time out". There never was a better kid about going to bed. (It always reminds me of the Back to the Future where the kid cries whenever he is taken out of his play pen only to grow up and always be in jail. God, I hope not!)

Merry Christmas everyone!

Remember Talking Tina from the Twilight Zone? Well, that doll is now in our home in the form of Amazing Amanda. This thing is freaky. It recognizes Siobhan's voice (for the most part) and tells her what to do. She knows when and what she is being fed as well as when she is laid down for bedtime. She knows the date and time. She knows Daylight Savings Time. She keeps asking Siobhan to say her name but I think it is because Siobhan keeps saying her name differently every time. She will say "Amanda, Amannnddaaaa, etc" but she is still working. She will just say " I will play with you until Mommy comes home". You can feed her, brush her hair, put her on the potty, give her juice or a cookie. They so did not have these toys when I was a kid.

I have never, in all my years, seen a kid as uninterested in opening gifts as I did today. Diego could have cared less if he was opening anything. In fact, I couldn't even seem to get him interested. He DID enjoy sitting on the gifts before they were opened. Wouldn't it be great if this continued through his teenage years?

Santa?

Will there ever be enough time? K and S are no making cookies for Santa and it is already 9pm. We just got home from Las Posadas at Olvera Street. It was nice. Now we are going nuts because K is not too knowledgeable in the way of making cookies. Who knows what Santa is going to be eating later. Sorry Santa.

Christmas Eve

Went and battled the store. I am making home made chicken pozole (pozole verde). So I had to go to two different stores and luckily it wasn't as bad as I thought it would be. We needed MORE wrapping paper. I swear, we should start a tradition that all presents are unwrapped and just sitting there. Maybe you switch name tags to make it a surprise. I mean, really, how much do we spend on wrapping paper anyway. Same with birthday presents. Who started this anyway? Probably Hallmark.

Yesterday I was playing with Diego and I said "Do you love Mommy?", he said "no". BRAT

mandatory, and I like it

Eric told me the other day about something he read in the paper. Remember the day when every hard worker would receive a Christmas bonus? (Probably would be holiday bonus now!) Well in Mexico it is still going on and it is mandatory. Every employee gets one. The employers wouldn't even dream of not giving one. It usually equals one months salary and is always given before the 25th of December. Can you imagine? One months salary! I would be in heaven. All the bills you could pay off. WOW!

I say we implement that here. Oh yeah!

couple more days

Well, I was going to make cookies (I do every year) especially sugar cookies (the kind with the icing on top) but my heart just isn't in it. Those were my Dad's favorites. They were the reason I learned to make them. I judged how good they were by him. Somehow it just isn't the same. I just don't feel the same.

Siobhan is getting excited. My heart fills with joy when I think of her and Diego so excited to see that Santa has come. Siobhan wants to leave carrots for the reindeer because she heard it on TV somewhere, too cute.

I am off now until Jan 3rd. I really think I can use the break. I LOVE my job but I think I need a bit of family time. I am sure in a week I will be SO ready to go back to work. Today the two older one's have school, Eric has to work, Siobhan will go to pre-school so it will just be Diego and me. That will be nice. I am actually hoping to get the house clean (with Diego behind me dropping cereal no doubt!)

Hey, if you are what you eat, Diego is cereal, apple, and banana.

Sickness everywhere

Yesterday half of work was out due to illness. There were still quite a few there who were sick. Stay home I say. Keep all your germs at your house with you. I am home today because Eric's mom is ill (she watches Diego for us).

I have wrapped presents. Cleaned (a little bit!) and been overall sadder then I have been in weeks. Oh well. Eric ordered something for Bradley, which he opened yesterday to see it, only to find out they sent the wrong thing. We called and they don't have the one we did order. They are out of stock. THAT is nice. He will never know, he doesn't ever read this...

I really want to break down and cry for hours. I want to see my Dad again. I want to hold him, kiss him, hug him. I want, I want, I want. I know I am so selfish, I am lucky to have had so many wonderful years to know him as a man. But, damn it, I wanted so much more.

Diego is enjoying a banana in his high chair. The kids will be home soon. I told Siobhan I would pick her up early from pre-school so she could watch a Dora dvd. Bradley will be going shopping with his cousin tomorrow. Krystal probably Thursday. Eric and I still need to go out sometime. It looks like I will be staying home tomorrow too. My work is closed Friday so maybe I will make it in Thursday. Either way I will be off until the 3rd. Then I will need to start planning Natalie's baby shower and a birthday party for our little "going to be four years old". Busy, no matter what the season.

Please take a look

Okay, seriously, if you have a few minutes check out this site. It shows how they make photos look so much better for magazines and such. If you have a daughter it is a must see. Either way, it is amazing. Once you click the link, click the "retouch site" at the bottom left. Wow!

click me! click me!

Can you believe it?

Less than one week until Christmas. Only 5 more shopping days. I don't feel the Christmas spirit as much as usual, but I still feel the love. I almost wish for the day to be here but most of the fun is the building of anticipation. I am looking forward to seeing my family. Seeing the joy in the babies faces. Feeling the love that seems to consume me at this time of year.

Usually Eric and I will sit with a nice drink on Christmas Eve after the little one's have gone to bed. Sometimes we will light a fire (watch out Santa!) and talk about the past year. It really gives me something to look forward. I know this year there will be tears but I know I am so lucky to have had all the wonderful years that I did have with my dad.

What do you guys do to help celebrate the holidays? Anything you are hoping Santa will bring you?

Wow

Here is a letter I saved in my sent box that I e-mailed my Dad in March of 2003. I am so glad I often took the opportunity to tell him what I thought of him while I still could. You really know what is going to happen. Here it is.


I know I don't say it enough so I wanted to tell you
how much I really love you. You have always been
great! Always there for me yet allowing me to make my
own way. I think of you often although I don't always
take the time to let you know. Often a song or a
thought will remind me of you and I think I should
call or stop by and I let it pass. So I thought I
would go ahead and take this opportunity to let you
know that again I am thinking of you.
Often it is a song or two that makes me think of only
you. Singing with you, laughing over stupid words, but
mostly singing with you.
I know life gets in the way and somehow there isn't
always time to do everything I should and this is one
of those things. You have always been at the very top
of my list of most important people and there you
shall remain. (even if I let too much time go by
before I see you)
I just want to let you know my love for you shall
never fade. My opinions of you shall do nothing but get
better. You have never given me less then 100% of
yourself and all and everything you are. You are, I
believe, truly a gift from God. I know we don't see
eye to eye there but how could I have gotten so lucky
with such loving parents if that were not the case.
Luck of the draw maybe? I hit 21!
So longer then I intended though not nearly through
enough to express what it is that I am trying to say.
So I shall use three little too commonly used words,
but they say so much.
I love you! you are my thoughts, my kindness, my
loving, my life. Thank you for being who you were,
willing to show that you are not perfect and not
expecting me to be either.
Love you lots!

Di's work pals

Here are some of my friends at work. We are enjoying our annual Holiday party. This one is of Amber and myself. Down below is Natalie, me, and Julie.

We heard from Nan!

Yeah! We got two big boxes from Nan today. There were Christmas presents in there (we didn't open them yet!) It was so good to know she is thinking of us. We think of her all the time. I know you are probably reading this Nan.

I MISS YOU!

I hope maybe there are some photos of her so I can post them. I bet she has changed so much. I was telling Eric that Diego is a different kid since he was only a few weeks old when she left (he is 18 months now!). We have the kids room decorated with pictures that Nan drew. So beautiful!

Siobhan enjoying a grape and holding the flowers we bought at the Farmers Market

Santa Ana Farmers Market

You should go! It is held on wednesdays from 3pm to 7pm. On Third and Bush street (Bush is just east of Main St.). They have fresh flowers, lots of fresh fruits and veggies as well as music, nuts, honey, snacks and food, like bacon wrapped hot dogs, YUM!

ringworm..

.. is not something you need to go to the doctor too apparently. I took Diego today for what was clearly ringworm because my cousin said I needed to (thanks a lot Cindee, I know you just want my co-pay, hee hee). The doctor looked at it, said he wished he had a student so he could show him a classic case, told us to get Lotrimin over the counter. GREAT!

Oh well, at least I got off work early. Diego weighs 26 pounds (big scale with shoes and clothes, NOT standing still). The doctor said there is nothing to worry about just because Diego is eating us out of house and home and not gaining weight. He said he is probably just running it off. I think he eats more than Bradley (who is 15)!

So we enjoyed some time together alone. Eric came home early and we watched the news with just Bradley and Diego (K is at soccer) and then we picked Siobhan up from pre-school. I asked her what she did today and she said "something". Nice to know our money is being well spent!

How cute is that kid?!

Diego enjoying listening to Bradley's iPod. See Andrea, kids of all ages enjoy iPods! (hee hee)

almost done

with my shopping. K and B have to get something for their Godparents and I have to get my mom something (but I know what I am getting so that makes it easy). Something for Mark, the mailman (he is the BEST!). My niece and nephew (again I know what I am getting them, so easy), and Eric.

Eric is either really easy or really hard. I either know exactly what to get him or I am at a totally loss. This year I am at a total loss. I have an idea but am not sure it is the best thing. I would like to have the attitude of, I get it for him and if he doesn't like it, too bad, but I can't. When I get my husband a gift I want to make sure it is something he would LOVE. So each day I think of different things and wonder what would be better. He is easy on one hand because he is thankful for anything, but I really want him to be happy.

Eric, I am NOT asking for hints here, so quit thinking it (he is a faithful reader!). Anyway, I feel relived that I am almost done. Usually I haven't even really started. Oh, I still have to shop for Diego but how easy is that! Hope you all are enjoying the stress free days of being almost done as well.

Only 13 shopping days left! (My dad ALWAYS shopped on Christmas Eve. Who do you think was wrapping everything late that night?!)

hmm

Last night I found out that Diego's teeth (freakin' cute) are just like Eric's when he was little. According to Eric's cousins and aunt he used to bite too. Maybe that is where Diego gets it. Weird when you hear stuff like that.

Maybe I WILL enjoy this day

Running around earlier. I had to go by my cousin's house to pick up papers for tonight. I stopped by my Dad's house where Gabi was having a garage sale and grabbed a few things. Ran into Bradley's Nino there. I haven't seen him in, maybe a year. Then we went to Smart and Final where I spent WAY too much money and still came home with a list. Diego took a nap. Siobhan tried but failed. Eric and I are starting to put together a list of tunes for my iPod for the party. I opened a Smirnoff (green apple), Siobhan just got out of the bath. Diego is finishing up eating (he takes so long because he eats SO much). We still need showers. I have to pick up K's friend who is going with us and will help set up. I still have to stop by the store for ice and misc. items. But all and all, I am done. At this point people either enjoy themselves or they don't. I am done.

Had a crying episode earlier. Don't feel any better. I had to stop because I was making Siobhan cry. A real fake cry too. I couldn't help but laugh. I have so much to be thankful for, but I am still so sad.

Oh, I hear my Smirnoff calling me, gotta go!

up again

What I wouldn't do for one full nights sleep. If Diego doesn't wake up, it is Siobhan. If Siobhan doesn't wake up, it is something in my head that won't allow me to sleep (Dad). This is seriously driving me nuts. I don't mind if the kids wake now and again because it isn't usually them. It isn't as if I am having a dream of my dad or anything, I just find I can't sleep and assume that is what it is, maybe not, who knows!

The other night I went to bed at 8. Siobhan was laying in bed with me (still not her bedtime yet) and we were reading. I think I fell asleep about 8:30. I had a really good nights sleep. I was so tired. I am always tired lately, but it isn't a sleepy tired. I am emotionally tired. So tired.

I am scared. I am afraid of the prayer at the family party Saturday. I am afraid I won't be able to hold it together. I WILL NOT break down crying so what are my other options? I just try and hold everything back. Try not to feel anything. I am afraid of hugs lately. I am afraid to feel anything. If I let go, maybe I will begin crying and never be able to stop.

Every time I have let myself cry, I don't feel better afterwards. Usually I feel better after a cry but not in the last two and a half months. Oh no, Siobhan just came in here and I hear Diego now. Gotta go, please note the time.

another one

I had another dream last night that my dad called to tell me he didn't really die. I didn't understand in this dream why he lied but he kept saying he did. I told him there was no way Gabi could be faking and he said she knew. She called me and I hung up on her. I thought, I will call Mark, there was no way he would have faked his sorrow, but I never got to make the call. I hate having these dreams over and over. Although I wish to God one would come true!

trudging along

Closer and closer Christmas comes. Siobhan is getting really excited, asking about every little thing. I sometimes manage to make it home without crying, but not very often. I can't stop thinking about my Dad. Sometimes I am sad and I am not even thinking about it, but it must be back there somewhere.

The Torres Christmas party is in a few days. I will be so glad when it is over. K and I are in charge this year. It will not be all I had hoped but as long as we are all together, that is all that matters, right?

Next week at work we have our Secret Pal. I love doing that. Nothing like getting a gift everyday of the week. Plus we have quite a few new people at work, and it is a good way to get to know them. Our work is taking us out for dinner next Friday, pretty cool!

I know I say it all the time, but it is always in my mind. "I miss you Daddy"

not that my husband minds

but doesn't this qualify as prime time soft porn?

almost there

We picked up our Christmas tree tonight. It is outside soaking up some water. We have some/most of our shopping done. Not too bad with only a few weeks to go. Siobhan has her Christmas party this weekend, we have our Torres family party (which Krystal and I are in charge of this year) this Saturday. It will all be downhill from there.

Planning Festivus

We decorate our doors at work this week. We can't do Christmas, only holiday, so Natalie and I are going to do Festivus. "Festivus for the rest of us". What is really funny is how much information there is out there about it. Eric remembered just about everything I need but I thought I would google it just to see what happened. Man, oh man, people need more to do out there. So hopefully tomorrow I will go armed with my pole and some pretty darn sayings and see how it goes. If nothing else, it is something different.

okay, I lied

Right after I signed off, Bradley and my mom walk in. Krystal couldn't find her shorts so she didn't go. Now I am home with four kids and no husband!

Figures!

practically alone

A rare occurrence in this house. Bradley is out shopping with Grandma Sue. Eric and Krystal went on a bike ride. Diego is napping and Siobhan is watching a Dora dvd. I am alone (or as close as it gets), what shall I do, what shall I do? I know I am not going to waste anymore time writing here

well, lookie here

I have not been able to sleep well lately. I woke up with enough time to answer Andrea's question on iPods (as if it was written just for me!), answer a few e-mails, and go catch the episodes of Eastenders I missed on Friday. Woo hoo. Usually I will wake up too soon before it starts and fall asleep again, or wake up just as the last one is going to end. Off I go....

so busy

I am finishing up for the annual Torres Christmas party. A party for people who don't like to RSVP. I had a call from the taco guy tonight (I just heard the message) wanting to confirm. I have no idea how many people since I still haven't heard from about 20. auuggghhhh

I still have so much to do for that. My house still has nothing Christmas yet. I know Diego and Siobhan really want to see everything so I think it will be done this weekend.

Later is ballet and then the USC v. UCLA game. GO BRUINS!

So much to do and soooo little time. I am glad I am getting this party out of the way. Shouldn't be our turn for about another 15 years if ever the way the family keeps growing! Anyone want to help?

seriously scary

A three month old baby died because her parents gave her water, vodka, sugar and salt in her bottle because they thought it would help her colic! She had a blood alcohol level of 0.47 (Five times the legal limit for driving). She had severe damage to her liver due to weeks of alcohol consumption, so it was not a one-time thing.

I can not believe that these people could even THINK that this might be okay. There is enough information out there that I would hope even teenagers would know better. It makes me sick!

Tuesday

I don't have much to say.

sad monday

I have a friend at work whose Dad has been in the hospital for almost two weeks now. He is doing much better and will probably be heading home tomorrow. It has been really hard on her. Today she was telling me all about it. Man, it just brought up so many thoughts and so much sadness.

I have cried a lot today. I usually cry in the car. I guess because I am alone on the way home from work. My mind starts thinking about who knows what... and somehow it comes back to my Dad. The tears flow. Sometimes I wish they would flow enough to actually take the pain away, but they ever do. Maybe, someday....

Siobhan's first trip to the movies

Last night Siobhan's big brother took her to the movies. It was her first time. They saw Chicken Little. It seems as though they had fun. It has been so long since I have been to the movies. Do you realize you don't actually pay a person anymore? They have these little machines kinda like ATM's you buy your tickets from. Wow. Modern technology huh? Of course two of them weren't working so we had to wait in line.

Krystal, Diego and I went to Target while we waited for them. I couldn't find any old school outside lights. You know the big one's that start hurting your electric bill as soon as you turn them one? Those are the one's I want. Maybe we will try today at the Home Depot, they always come through.

Going to my mom's for dinner and movie tonight. She misses us, really, who could blame her!

oh my

We tried to go to Fry's Electronics yesterday (Friday) around 12pm. We could not even get INTO the parking lot. The parking lot i is HUGE and we couldn't even get in. We tried later (about 5pm) and got a spot, walked in the store and the line to check out, oh goodness.

We have to buy new lights for the house. I don't think Siobhan will let us wait much longer before we get those up! What she really wants is those big light up things for the front yard. I saw a cute 8 foot one that was a globe and looked like snow was coming down. Looks really cute IN THE STORE. ha ha

wow

I HATE country music. I would NEVER listen to KZLA, but I am soooo thankful for the ads they have out. ThanksKZLA!

another dream

It wasn't last night, but the night before. I had another dream about my Dad. I went into Costco and he was standing there, looking so handsome. I started crying, couldn't believe he was there. I walked towards him. I stood there crying. Then I woke up.

I tell myself before I fall asleep, "if you have another dream, just hug him". That is all I want. Obviously I can only feel it in a dream, and frankly right now, it will do!

Thanksgiving passed with only a few crying episodes. I try so hard to keep the tears away. I still am not sure why. Christmas will be hell. I am so thankful for my wonderful husband, my beautiful kids and my very loving family and friends who help me everyday.

The hardest will be hearing Christmas songs by Elvis and Harry Belafonte. I will never be able to hear those without hearing my Dad sing along. I loved to hear my Dad sing. At least I am blessed with still hearing him that way.

I miss you Daddy, so much more than I would have ever thought possible. I am beginning to think I have never known pain before.

Here is some stuff going on around here:

Bradley had his backpack stolen on Friday. From his locker? no, he threw it down (supposedly with a bunch of other one's) during p.e. and someone stole it. Luckily he only had one school book in there (which the school will replace) but he had a set of clothes and his soccer stuff in there. So yesterday I bought him a new backpack (slim pickings around this time of the year, he is lucky they had other colors other than purple). He needs a physical for soccer by today. He still needs new soccer stuff.

Diego has a doctor appointment today. He still needs a haircut. (I tried to take him yesterday and they were closed).

Carol is sick so I am home with Diego today. Eric will stay home tomorrow if need be.

Still planning/getting things ready for the annual Torres Christmas party. I just KNOW I am going to forget something.

My friend at work father is very ill. I would like to say a special prayer for him that he gets well with no lingering problems. A girl needs her daddy.

K and B are both in high school soccer. So we will be sending out e-mails with the dates, times and places of the games. Most, if not all, are during the day, so no problem for those of you who can't make it.

Diego is down for a nap, woo hoo!

ta ta for now!

I had a dream last night...

...that my dad wasn't actually dead. He was making a statement against something so he wanted everyone to think he was dead. When he walked out, I was afraid to go to him. Afraid to find it wasn't really him. I cried and cried and I started hitting him. So mad that he would do that to me. I woke up before I was able to hug him (which is really all I want).

Isn't that weird. In my dream Gabi knew he was alive. Obviously that isn't true because I have seen the pain she has and is still suffering with. I am pretty sure that is the first dream I have had about my dad. Wish I could have gotten that hug in first.

oh my

yesterday as I was channel surfing in the car, I turned to KOST. They are playing Christmas music already. Shouldn't they at least wait until the 25th? Wow! ( I will admit I have turned to it a couple of times since then).

Torres Christmas blog

If you are a Torres and got here by mistake somehow, check out the right blog HERE!

never enough time in the day

I was off today because of Diego being sick. Man, I had plans. I was going to get the invites for the Torres Christmas party out in the mail (I did that). I was going to take my car and get an estimate on getting the back fixed. I was going to do a lot of laundry. I was even thinking about cleaning the house and then playing some Sims 2. No luck on any of those other things. Man, oh man. Why even think you might accomplish something. Diego has been whining all day. He doesn't want anything but he wants everything. I told cousin Cindee he wanted to go stay at Nino's house (her son!) hee hee

Here is to a full nights sleep.

poor baby, this was ONE time he wasn't crying!

Our clothes dryer has not been working the past few days. Thursday Eric came home early to figure out what was going on. He has Bradley pull out the dryer. When he got home he noticed that the gas line was broken. Okay, so as he is freaking out he tells Krystal to turn the gas off. She turns it, and hears, pssss. So she turns it back off.

The gas line was broken AND the gas was off. None of us turned it off. Nobody! The things that could have happened. But the gas was off. We can't explain it. No one did it. It isn't somewhere it could have been done by accident. I don't normally believe in this kind of thing, but I can't help thinking my Dad was looking out for us. Whatever it was, I can't help but say, Thanks Dad!

relaxing weekend?

Isn't that what it was supposed to be? Friday night was okay. Eric, Diego and I dropped Bradley off at The Catch where he was helping out for the soccer fund raiser. Then we went to some game store for Eric to get a new PSP game. Then Krystal and I went and picked up dinner. Saturday we tried to go get free t-shirts at the new Apple store at the Brea Mall. They were giving them out to the first thousand people. We got there about 9:30 (they opened at 10) and they already had more than enough people in line, so we left. We went to the doctor and than home for a while. We watched the UCLA game and went for a walk. Krystal made some wonderful shrimp cocktail for dinner along with homemade chocolate flan! Today we were supposed to have a play date with Tate, but he wasn't feeling well. Probably was the best thing for Diego too. He is fighting those darn breathing treatments. We watched the Galaxy game. They won! Champs!

Tomorrow we are taking Diego to the doctor about his walking. I am going to go ahead and stay home with him since he doesn't sit still for those treatments. I need a wine cooler.

breathing treatment 2

much better, after I let him know he was having it no matter what! After a few minutes he was mostly calm during everything. So, hopefully the next one will go well. We'll see...

asthma?

I took Diego to the doctor today (he weighs 23.2 pounds now). She thinks he has asthma. She gave us the medicine for the machine and Prednisone. She is afraid he might get worse so we are to do the meds every four hours. Let me tell you, he did not want to have the mask on. He was screaming the whole time. He was a little better after the treatment so we were able to go home. They want him back in a few days and we are supposed to keep a close eye on him.

I actually thought we were done with the whole asthma thing. I have it, Krystal has it, Bradley has it. I thought Siobhan and Diego were going to be okay. Very frustrating!

golly gosh

Looking forward to a fun and relaxing weekend. A weekend of NO soccer, well except for the Galaxy! (Go Galaxy!)

Tomorrow Siobhan has ballet and I am sure Eric will watch the UCLA game. Sunday we will be heading to Chuck E. Cheese so Diego and Tate can play (or pull each other's hair).

I might even stay up past 11pm! Crazy!

Day one...no bottle

That's right. Diego has been without a bottle all day. He is almost ready for bed. Woo hoo and he had no problem. That is not to say he didn't ask for it. The pacifier in bed is something we will work on for another day!

I am free, free, free

Today Bradley played his last game of club soccer for this season. No more driving to Orange everyday Tuesday and Thursday (I drop off, Eric picks up). No more driving to Pasadena every weekend (okay not EVERY weekend, feels like it though) for a game. Ahh, the enjoyment of being able to go home and stay there. Bradley will be playing high school soccer, but guess what, the school is RIGHT there!

Krystal still has dance on Tuesday nights but we can go out to eat or something relaxing while she is there. We usually go to The Gypsy Den.

So, if you want us on the week night we should be here. Unless of course you want something, and than we are extremely busy so don't bother us!

Dora Live

Here are a couple pictures from the Dora Live show that Siobhan and I went to yesterday. We had great seats, the 5th row!

Everyone knows I hate Wal-Mart. Here is something even I did not know.

Wal-Mart controls 25% of the U.S. toothpaste market. It is suggested that even if you HAVE to shop at Wal-Mart, buy your toothpaste elsewhere. Wal-Mart tracks this stuff religiously, and they just might take notice.


Can't hurt. Want to know more? Click here!

funny AND true

YOU KNOW YOU ARE FROM SO CAL IF...

1. Your monthly house payments exceed your annual income.
2. You drive next to a Rolls Royce and don't notice.
3. You don't know anyone's phone number unless you check your cell phone.
4. You speak Spanish, but you're not Mexican.
5. You begin to "lie" to your friends about how close you are when you know damn well that it'll take you at least an hour to get there (see below).
6. You drive to your neighborhood block party.
7. In the "winter", you can go to the beach and ski at Big Bear on the same day.
8. You eat a different ethnic food for every meal.
9. If your destination is more than 5 minutes away on foot, you're definitely driving.
10. Calling your neighbors requires knowing their area code.
11. You know what In-n-Out is, and feel bad for all the other states because they don't have any.
12. You don't stop at a STOP sign, you do a California Roll.
13. You really can never be too rich or too thin or too tan.
14. You've partied in Tijuana at least 3 times... You don't remember at least 1 of them.
15. You go to a tanning salon before going to the beach.
16. You eat pineapple or broccoli on pizza.
17. Your cell phone has left a permanent impression on the side of your head.
18. You think that Venice is a beach.
19. The waitress asks if you'd like "carbs" in your meal.
20. You know who the tinsel underwear dude in Venice Beach is.
21. You classify new people you meet by their Area Code. An "818" would never date a "562" and anyone from "323" or "213" is ghetto/second class. Best area code: "714." Nobody likes anyone from the "909" because it stinks there.
22. You call 911 and they put you on hold.
23. You have a gym membership because it's mandatory.
24. The gym is packed at 3pm...on a workday.
25. You think you are better than the people who live "Over the Hill". It doesn't matter which side of the hill you are currently residing you are just better than them, for whatever reason.
26. You know that if you drive two miles in any direction you will find a McDonald's or a Starbucks.
27. You know what "sigalert", "PCH", and "the five" mean.
28. You can't remember . . . is pot illegal?
29. It's barely sprinkling rain and there's a report on every news station: "STORM WATCH 2005 "
30. The Terminator is your governor.
31. You don't notice the 5.0 Quake while all the tourists are screaming and running for cover.
32. You own an Off Road Vehicle or SUV and never take it anywhere except the freeways.
33. If you leave your cell phone at home, you don't remember how to drive because you now have an extra hand on the steering wheel.
34. You actually get these jokes and pass them on to other friends from California.

Daddy, where are you?

I think the denial is starting to wear off. So many weeks now that I have been able to talk about my Dad with no problem. Almost as if I was talking about someone else. Lately though, the thoughts of him bring tears. There is a general sadness inside of me that won't seem to go away. Last night I was watching TV, flipping the channels, and all of a sudden the tears come. No longer am I trying to hold them back. Before I was afraid if I let them come they would never stop. Now I am afraid if I don't let them come I will never be able to cry again.

So many emotions. So many memories. I always smile when I think of my Dad. He wasn't perfect but he was the perfect Daddy for me. He was everything I needed. He let me be who I wanted to be but was there to pick me up or guide me when I asked for it. I told him of this often, that I was so glad both of my parents let me be who I thought I should be. But they were (and Mom still is) THERE. Maybe when your children get older that is what parenting is about. Being there. You do what you can to shape them, teach them right from wrong, and then they grow. Being there. There to help, talk, bail out, whatever.

I don't know. All I do know is I planned to have MANY, MANY more years with my Dad and now I don't. It doesn't matter how many good memories you have, you still want more. My whole body aches for one more hug.

fun, fun, fun

Bradley has his last local soccer game today. They switched the time to this morning, which Eric was happy about. Now he can be home to see the UCLA game. I am taking Siobhan to ballet and then we are going to see Dora Live! She was so excited this morning when Eric told her. Her eyes got all big! What fun! Hopefully there will be some pictures to post later.

Everyone, stay home!

Krystal and I just got back from a "driving lesson". Her first time behind the wheel. She drove around the parking lot to get a feel for the car (not to mention the brake and gas). She didn't realize you had to turn so much. She drove down the street home so her Dad could get her on video. I even let her park in the driveway. The whole 5 feet up the driveway I yelled "brake! brake! We made it and the car is no worse for the wear (me on the other hand....)

All in all she did well for 15 minutes of driving. We will have lots more practice, LOTS!

Sometimes it's too late to make a change.

Halloween Pics

Boo, click me!

what time is it?

It is 7pm and I am SO ready for bed. I would go to sleep but I have to watch Desperate Housewives. A nap maybe?

not feeling too hot

I think I caught someone's cold. Not too hard to imagine since practically everyone at work is sick. So I was laying in bed looking at my clock and I thought, well Eastenders will be on in an hour, so here I am. Figured I would check my mail, blog, look around the internet. I just looked at my clock and forgot about the time change. I can't wait TWO hours for Eastenders. I missed it Friday night because I was driving around with Siobhan trying to figure out what to get for dinner. Seriously, I drove around for about 45 minutes only to end up at Wendy's right by our house. I don't usually get fast food but it was already 8pm and nothing sounded good. Siobhan loves Wendy's because of the Frosty, so what the heck, Wendy's it was!

So I am sure I will miss the rerun of Eastenders at 5am. Oh well, sleep IS kinda important.

putting on the pressure

Eric is going to Macworld in January in San Francisco. Krystal and Bradley can go if they keep their grades up enough to miss a couple days of school. The pressure is on. Can they do it? Will they start slacking around the holidays and allow their grades to fall and therefore have to stay home with Mom? I pray not! So, I thought if I put it out there it might help. They are both doing well, but as we always say, there is lots of time to screw up!

Come on you two, go out there and get A's!

Can you say HOT?

I know Eric is going to kill me BUT he did download the picture for me!

Boo!

busy, busy, busy

What a day we have planned (not by choice). Siobhan has ballet at 12 which Grandma Sue will be taking her and then Siobhan will go hang out at her house. We will be leaving about 11:30 to head to Thousand Oaks where Bradley has TWO soccer games, one at 2pm and one at 4pm. Grandma Carol will be watching Diego for us. (Then he doesn't have to endure the long drive, and the TWO games). Thankfully my husband decided to put some light in our day and we will be stopping by Olvera Street for some dinner. Yum Yum. So we will be gone, busy, all day. Enjoy YOUR Saturday!

What was I thinking?

I think I am usually someone who goes about life and enjoys it. I feel a lot of love, things are usually great and work out for me. Lately I haven't felt that way. I am so thankful for my husband and my kids, but I have been in a funk. Maybe it is my Dad, maybe not. But today a little girl whose blog I read (NOT Rebekah) passed away of cancer. She was only 3 years old. What do I have to complain or be sad about. My children are all healthy. We are able to give them everything they need. I am truly blessed. I feel bad for ever feeling bad. My heart and my prayers go out to little Maggie May's family. God bless you!

what to do?

Yesterday Eric and I got home to no DSL. What to do? I told Eric I didn't know what to do if I couldn't check my e-mail, blog, etc. What, were we supposed to sit around and talk? About 9 Eric said if he couldn't use the internet he might as well go to sleep (he didn't though). Isn't it funny how cut off you can feel when your DSL is down? We have had good service from Earthlink so I don't know what is up. We came home today and it wasn't working for about an hour and a half. crazy!

We are up and we are here!

three of the four

Here is a picture of Bradley holding Siobhan and Diego while we were at the Galaxy game this afternoon. Where DID that kid get blond hair from?

much ado about nada...

well, I feel like just going on and on about not much. We just finished watching Midnight Cowboy (1969). Interesting. I had never heard of it but it was very good. The kids liked it too.

I got invited to a Bar Mitzvah (trying to be like Andrea) but I won't be able to go. I am bummed about it too. I would like to have gone.

We went to a wedding last night. Eric's cousin's daughter, Katie. It was really nice. She looked beautiful (don't they all?). We took Siobhan with us. She had fun dancing. She kept asking me to go back upstairs ( I think she was afraid we were leaving, or just trying to get rid of me!). I think this is the first wedding that I have been to that made me feel a bit old. Maybe it is because they are so young.

We were leaving Siobhan's ballet class today and the owner stopped us to ask how old Siobhan is. We told her she will be 4 at the end of January. She said that Siobhan is very advanced. (We of course know this, but it is odd hearing it from someone who doesn't know her!) She is going to be the leader and then she will want her to move up as soon as she turns 4. Big girl!

Bradley got his progress report from school. He has no less than a B! Woo hoo. Krystal is doing okay, she just has some things to work on, but I know she can and will do it! I know she wants to go to San Francisco in January with her Dad so she WILL get those grades up or be stuck home with me and the little ones (and no one wants that!).

Don't tell Eric, but I am trying to plan a time we can get away ALONE and go to The Madonna Inn. I hear the shower in that room is amazing. Plus, we haven't done anything alone since Europe in 95. We even took Krystal and Bradley to Mexico with us after we got married (I won't say it was a honeymoon, hee hee). But I am not to quick to ask because I haven't been so good with my money since FOREVER, and we DO have some stuff we want to do around the house. Ah, one day....

I got to see Gabi and Patsy today (my Dad's wife and my oldest brother's wife) that was nice. I really only got to say "hi" to Patsy but it is always nice to see her! It was nice to talk to Gabi about my Dad. To admit how much I almost won't think about it. She described it perfectly when she said it feels like he is on a trip or something. Because it kinda does. I guess when you have a Dad that goes away a lot and practically lives in other countries for months at a time, something like this does seem unreal.

Well, enough for you? Because I am sure I could go on and on. I think I will go download some music videos from iTunes (see what wasteful things I do with my money!) Have a great night everyone!

hop-a-long

Bradley got hurt in today's soccer game. He went for the ball and tripped the other player and somehow twisted his ankle. OUCH! He got pulled from the game and didn't get to go back in. He is still hopping around here. I am sure somehow he will walk well enough to make it to the Galaxy game tomorrow!

where is the lysol?

My mom (an RN) used to always follow me around the house with Lysol while I was sick. I mean I couldn't even move without practically having to reach for my inhaler since I was practically drowned in the stuff. Well, maybe she had something there. I am feeling better (stomach still is sensitive) but now Siobhan has a fever. I have the windows open so we are getting plenty of fresh air, I guess it just wasn't enough. Of course she wanted to be right next to me and nothing makes you feel better than a little girls kisses. So I pay for it now.

Please note the time. I have been to bed only to find the wee one on the couch. She didn't want to kick Daddy by climbing in bed (since when did she care?). So we are watching Funniest Home Videos and fighting about the medicine. Is there sleep in the future? The saga continues...

out of the mouth of babes

Per Siobhan:

If m&m's have a S on them, they are s&m's.

By the way, the S is from Skittles!

ha ha

Please look at this page

I have posted this blog before about Rebekah. She does not seem to be doing well at all. I think any extra thoughts and prayers can't hurt, and well, you never know.

CLICK ME

ick

Monday night I guess I had the stomach flu. YUCK! Needless to say I stayed home from work yesterday and am home resting today. I mean they wouldn't want me back unless I am 100% right?

So now Siobhan and Diego are coughing. Poor babies. I hope they don't get sick!

Wow, Krystal, thanks

Yesterday Bradley had a soccer game at Goldenwest College. Oh yeah, it was raining alright. Siobhan watched Dora in the car while I read a book. We got home about 6pm to a WONDERFUL dinner. The table was set (we hardly ever eat there!) and the atmosphere. Wow. Candles, music and wine. Eric and Krystal made a wonderful spaghetti dinner with garlic bread. It was really tasty.

And frankly whenever I don't have to worry about dinner, I am happy. I mean, it takes a lot of planning to decide where to eat and if we should order in, pick up or go out.

Thanks guys!

Monday, Monday

How come I can never be home with nothing to do but sit in front of a fire and read all day while it is raining? I love the rain. I like to watch it, hear it and know my lawn is finally getting enough water. It is so cozy to be at home and enjoy it. Instead I saw some of it fall while in the lunch room at work (oh, how cozy!).

I expected some when I got home and so far, nada. Siobhan is waiting to go out in her rain boots and jump in some puddles! She made sure she took her Dora umbrella to school today, just in case!

So, I wait. No rain while at home. At least I am making dinner for a change, I could enjoy it to some rain...

Just how I feel

I got this in an e-mail today, boy does it say it all!

how sad

It has been over three weeks since my Dad passed away. It is so weird but I keep thinking I see him places. In a car driving, at a store, or anywhere. I know in my head it isn't him, but it always takes me a minute. Today as I was standing in Mattern's Deli in Orange waiting for our food, I saw a man who reminded me a lot of my dad. He had the same build and was almost the exact size on my dad. I seriously had to talk myself out of going up to him and asking him to hug me. I realized that no matter how "alike" he might be, he would never hug me with the emotion that MY dad always hugged me with. My dad didn't waste time with those little patting hugs. He always hugged me like he meant it. And I realized that if I can't have one of those hugs, I will just wait.

gas?

Last night we went to Robinson-May to look at the furniture sale (we got some great stuff!). We thought we could fit the leather love seat in the van but no! We had about 35 minutes to go home, drop off the kids and go back (minus one seat so it would fit!). I had NO gas. Eric said we won't make it home. There was no Chevron close to where we were and not one that I could think of within a close distance, so on to the freeway I went. The Main Place Mall is only about 4 miles from home and the gas station isn't too far from the freeway.

That was the longest 4 miles ever. I have never been afraid I would run out of gas (I usually fill up as soon as the light is on) and then at 8:30pm, on the freeway, with my whole family in the car. YIKES! We did make it, but the whole way my heart was beating fast, my stomach hurt, I was nervous!

Eric did make it back to the store in time. We spent about 45 minutes arranging and rearranging the living room. Finally we are good! New furniture and more places to sit. We needed more places to sit!

a funny for Friday

Why do we press harder on a remote control when we know the batteries are getting weak?

Why do banks charge a fee on "insufficient funds" when they know there is not enough?

Why does someone believe you when you say there are four billion stars, but check when you say the paint is wet?

Why doesn't glue stick to the bottle?

Why doesn't Tarzan have a beard?

If people evolved from apes,Why are there still apes?

Why is it that no matter what color bubble bath you use the bubbles are always white?

Why do people keep running over a string a dozen times with their vacuum cleaner, then reach down, pick it up, examine it, then put it down to give the vacuum one more chance?

In winter why do we try to keep the house as warm as it was in summer when we complained about the heat?

How come you never hear father-in-law jokes?

Alone again naturally

Guess what?! Yesterday I went to Albertson's all by myself! No kids! Alone! Seriously, I think it has been about 3 years since that has happened. Wow! No one asking for fruit snacks or ice cream!

Woo hoo, I think I love it!

Siobhan's Back to School Night!

Siobhan looking CUTE!



















Siobhan showing off her art work
















Diego enjoying the "big kid" toys at Siobhan's preschool.




















Siobhan with some of her "school" friends.

Here is picture of Bradley and Diego enjoying the UCLA football game. Go Bruins!

two weeks or a lifetime?

It has been two weeks since my dad passed away. It feels as though it has already been a lifetime. How can he be out of reach? When I hugged him as he lay there, soul gone, I kept thinking, "Why isn't he hugging me?". Crazy I know.

Most moments are spent trying not to think about how he will never hug me. Never kiss me. Never again pick up Diego or talk to Siobhan and show her something cool. He won't see Bradley play soccer or Krystal run another race. Okay, I know he will see them, but we won't see him seeing them.

My heart aches for a word, a touch, a kiss, anything. Even when I was a teenagers my Grandma Faldowski would tease me because I had to be RIGHT by my dad. If he was on the couch, there I was next to him. We spent a lot of time apart from the time I was about 8 to 12. I never saw my father cry as when he said goodbye to me. Now I am the one saying goodbye. And frankly, I can't!

I don't want to. I don't care if I have to, I don't want to! I know it will get better. It has to, because I don't think it can get worse.

Sometimes I look at pictures of him and I smile. I know he loved me with all he could. I loved him like only a girl can love her Daddy (especially being the only girl out of four kids!). I know he believed in me and never stopped letting me be me. I told him often that I loved him for letting me make my own mistakes. Oh, he was there to bail me out, but never said even one "I told you so". He just wasn't like that. He didn't say anything. He was just there! Solid! Without fail. He was so easy to smile. Oh, he got mad mind you, but it was usually over nothing and very short lived. I ALWAYS knew I could count on my Dad for anything. ANYTHING! So, now what?

Now what? I am a strong believer in Heaven. But hey, I took philosophy too. Some say we believe in Heaven because we fear death. I don't think that is the case. But I do find myself thinking that there HAS to be a Heaven because if I can't someday be with my Dad again, I don't think I could make it through even one day now.

I try and be strong. I try to hold back the tears. I try and think of what he would want and it would not be for me (or any of use) to shed tears for him. Usually when I cry I don't even know what the hell brought it on. No song, no thought, no memory, just tears.

Someday I guess I will find better words to describe all the pain going on but for now I just try and push it away. Please, bare with me and my ramblings on, I will find other topics as well. I think....

The Girard Kids

Here I am with my brothers. From left to right, David, Me, Mark and Tony! I am the youngest (hee hee) and obviously the shortest too.

Is it raining out?

If it were, it would match what is going on inside. I am so sad. I would like to go an hour or so without crying. Without becoming overwhelmed by emotions. It is so odd though. I can sit here and look at pics of my dad and smile. There I am washing dishes, and boom, crying like crazy. I don't understand it and frankly I don't like it!

quick ?

Yogurt, not the big one, but the single serving. Some come with a plastic lid (which is hard to get off) and then the sealed top underneath. I was opening one for Siobhan this morning, and I thought, do you need the plastic lid? I mean is there someone out there who can't finish it all? If you didn't finish it would you want to save it? What, 2 bites? Do we need to waste plastic like that? I, of course, will recycle mine. There are a lot of people who don't recycle or are unable to.

Do we need the plastic lid? That is all I want to know!

keep it up!

Bradley got his grade check from 9th grade yesterday. Spanish-A, Biology-B, Algebra-B, English-A, and I am sure an A in Track and Field and Health. Great! Keep it up and see if you can't get all A's (I know you can!)

Good job!

ps. I would like to add that Bradley has been great about doing homework. He sits down and doesn't get up until he is done! I am soooo proud of you!

bug bite?

Last night after dropping Bradley off at soccer I was a bit sad. Okay, to be honest, I was a wreck. I came in crying like crazy. Everyone was worried about me. I put the food down (I don't do much cooking!) and went into the bedroom and cried. Eric, Krystal and Siobhan came in. Siobhan said "What is wrong Mommy?", and I didn't answer her. She said "Did something bite you?". Oh my gosh, how could I NOT laugh. Where did that come from? Then she said "Mommy, you can have my french fries, french fries make you feel better". That ended it. How can french fries not make you feel better?

With giggles from her, a huge hug from Krystal and a very loving and supportive husband, I felt better. Thanks everyone!

New Eeyore toy

Have you seen the new Eeyore that moves his ears and plays peek-a-boo when your child shakes the rattle? Real cute. I am the mom of four. When I saw that commercial, I thought, "well what good would it be in two days when your child has lost the rattle". I mean come on. That is why we buy toys that are just one piece in the first place. Puzzles are fun for the first day or two. Then it is "mom, I can't find Dora's head".

If the rattle was attached, that might work! Disney, just ask me first!

trucker bombs

Okay, this is crazy. I guess truckers often pee in some kind of container (water bottle, etc.) and then THROW it out the window. The state of Washington has made/is making it illegal to do so. This seems to bother some truckers. Come on! How hard would it be to, I don't know, throw it in a trash can. I am against littering anyway, but this just makes it that much more gross. If you are a trucker and you need to pee and want to do so in a container, go for it. But please, please, throw it in the trash! Gross!

Daddy, this song will always make me think of you!

Those schoolgirl days of telling tales and biting nails are gone
But in my mind I know they will still live on and on
But how do you thank someone who has taken you from crayons to perfume?
It isn't easy, but I'll try

If you wanted the sky I would write across the sky in letters
That would soar a thousand feet high 'To Sir, With Love'

The time has come for closing books and long last looks must end
And as I leave I know that I am leaving my best friend
A friend who taught me right from wrong and weak from strong
That's a lot to learn, but what can I give you in return?

If you wanted the moon I would try to make a start
But I would rather you let me give my heart 'To Sir, With Love'

what....

Just over 12 weeks left until Christmas! You know there is someone out there who is already done with their Christmas shopping. That will never be me. Although I do have one gift already AND I have made a list. Does that count for anything?

Things my Daddy liked

Big bowls of popcorn ( he would eat it for days)
huge bowls of ice cream (butter pecan)
frozen snickers candy bars
diet coke (needed an extra fridge)
double super star with cheese (Carl's Jr)
big, and I mean BIG, pieces of cake (any cake, no matter the flavor and the piece or pieces were NEVER big enough!)
sugar cookies (don't bother with the flavored frosting, he thought it ruined the flavor)
football (especially Dallas Cowboys)
music/singing
sarcasm (where do you think I got it from)
Pink Panther movies
He would laugh if I said "your momma" (I still don't know why)
Godfather movies
TV (he would slept in front of that damn thing and swear he was watching it still!), the remote was NEVER out of reach
History channel
computer, computer parts, pieces, anything that may someday have something to do with computers

I know there must be many, many more I can't currently think of. Feel free to add.....

Lourdes' last day!

My friend of just over 6 years quit working where I do. She will be missed. Not only was she a really good friend she was a HUGE help at work. (My job will now be harder, thanks a lot!) I know I will still see her and keep in touch but I will miss her on a day to day basis. Here a few photos from our night saying good-bye!

click me, click me!

walk this way...

We took Diego to the Dr. today. A little history please.

Since Diego began walking we have all noticed a slight problem with his leg. At first we weren't sure what it was but it is now obvious to us that it is his left leg. When we went for his well baby check the Dr. said to wait a few months since he was still an early walker.

It has now been a few months. We took him today. The Dr. wanted Diego to walk around (of course he screamed instead, Diego not the Dr.). He took enough steps for the Dr. to see what we were talking about. He has referred us to orthopedics. So tomorrow we will call and get an appointment.

For those of you who have not seen Diego in a while, we describe his running and a long stumbling. He tends to favor his left leg and therefore leans to one side and often falls. You might not notice unless you are looking or see him walk/run often. Eric also noticed that when Diego walked through some water the other day, his right foot gave a full foot imprint, where the left one showed just the toe. So, we will see what is going to happen. I wonder how long it will take to actually SEE the Dr? Oh by the way, Diego's Dr. said that his hips line up, his legs seem the same length and he has all the same creases in his legs. All a good sign!

I will let you know when we do!

check out my new link

You can click on it and see where people live who are reading my blog. How cool is that? I am hoping to get more and more people even if they don't leave comments!

caca caca everywhere

You can always count on a one year old to bring laughter into your day. Eric, Siobhan, Diego and I were trying to nap. I finally gave up. I could hear Diego talking on and on in his room. I sent Bradley in to get him. Bradley came out without Diego. See, it seems whenever we put Diego down without pants, off comes the diaper. Usually we remember, needless to say, today we did not.

There he is standing with only his shirt on. There is caca and pee all over the bed. He is just smiling and laughing like he was at Disneyland. Oh geez!

Ha ha, you can do little but laugh. Certainly isn't his fault that no one thought "oh we should put pants on him".

So, he is currently being dressed after a nice cleansing bath.

Daddy's Home

How do you say good-bye to someone that you planned to have around for the next 15 years at least? How do you accept the fact that you will never be held or kissed again? How do you spend your WHOLE life loving someone only to find they are no longer there? How many years, hours, days and minutes have you spent laughing and crying together only to have to do it alone?

My Father has left me. My Daddy is in heaven (although I am sure he would disagree). One full day he has been gone. One full day filled with tears, anger, smiles but mostly denial. There is nothing, I think, more special than a bond of a girl and her Daddy. Mine was no acceptation. My Daddy was often my world. My grandma used to joke because I would still sit RIGHT next to him when I was a teenager. I would hold his hand when we went somewhere. My Daddy NEVER stopped believing in me, no matter how many bad choices I made ( and there were plenty).

This will probably be one of the many ramblings on about my Daddy! I will miss him continuously.

Music is important to my whole family. My oldest brother (I have three!) sent an e-mail with a song that meant everything to him about my dad. I have one too.

A little background please. My parent divorced when I was about seven. My Dad lived in town for a while and then moved to California (we were in Tennessee). I will never forget the day my Dad left the house. We always spent the summers with my Dad. My parents were really good, probably the best, about time spent with the other parent. My parents got back together when I was about 12 and we moved to CA. During those years was hell for me. A girl without her Daddy is a girl lost! My mother was wonderful. My big brothers were a God amazing. My Daddy was missed everyday.

My Daddy had a song for me. Daddy's Home by Shep and the Limelites. For 36.2 years this song always meant his home was with me. Now I guess it means he is finally Home. Here are the lyrics!

You're my love you're my angel
You're the girl of my dreams
I'd like to thank you for waiting patiently
Daddy's home your daddy's home to stay

How I've waited for this moment
To be by your side
Your best friend wrote and told me
You had teardrops in your eyes
Daddy's home your daddy's home to stay

It wasn't on a sunday (monday and tuesday went by)
It wasn't on a tuesday afternoon (all I could do was cry)
But I made a promise that you treasured
I made it back home to you

How I've waited for this moment
To be by your side
Your best friend wrote and told me
You had teardrops in your eyes
Daddy's home your daddy's home to stay
Daddy's home to stay
I'm not a thousand miles away
Daddy's home to stay
I'm gonna be here come what may
Daddy's home to stay...


Good-bye Daddy. My heart aches for you!

Beautiful Rainbow

off-line

The Jasso's have been without DSL for almost 24 hours. For most families this might not seem like such a big deal, but for us... it was hell.

I tried and tried. I called Earthlink and called them again.

Finally we are online. Finally I can check my e-mail (which is my families preferred way to communicate). ahh what bliss!

just blah, blah, blah

I thought I would just go on and on about a few things.

Saturday I left at my usual time for Siobhan's ballet class only to remember as I arrive in downtown Santa Ana that they are celebrating Mexican Independence. Needless to say we were late due to no parking. We had to walk a bit (Siobhan is NOT a distance walker) but we finally made it. After ballet we walked around, rode the merry-go-round, got some free candy and a snow cone. They we headed home to a wonderful sandwich and german potato salad from Matern's German Deli.

I enjoyed my Sims yesterday (most of the day!) Picked up K's friend Kelsey and they went to an Angel's game.

Today Eric took Bradley to soccer and I am waiting for those girls to wake up so we can go do breakfast.

My cousin just told me she is pregnant. I am so excited and can't wait for the baby shower so I can give her a HUGE hug!

My mom, who no longer lives in N. Carolina, and is no in Garden Grove is back working at UCI. I think, honestly, that I saw her more when she lived far away. I am so glad to know that she is near that it makes up for it. (Plus our phone bills are a lot nicer!)

Carol, Eric's mom, is back watching Diego full time, without K and B to help. It is going good. She is doing SO well after her back surgery. She gets around a lot better and seems to be pain free.

My Dad is still sleeping away. The meds he is on makes him really tired. Gabi is working overtime because the meds also make him a pain in the ass (he actually said this!). thanks Gabi!

Krystal and I are planning this annual Torres Christmas party to be held on Dec. 10th. It might seem early to start but I don't know what or how much there is to do. I just want to make sure it is fun and everyone has a good time. (Hmm, I am thinking a keg or two?!)

A coworker quit to go back to get her MSW and my friend Ellen will be taking her place. It will be nice to share an office with her. Let's home we can all get some work done (jk!, all three of us are actually VERY hard workers!)

My niece, Holly, (the only one I have!) is heading to college in San Diego. I wish her the very best. I know she will learn a lot so have a good time too!

I continue to plan for various times of doing nothing, although they only come in small spurts. I have little to do and so much time to do it in, stop, reverse that!

Feel free to let us all know about your day!

Week end

Isn't it funny how sometimes a week seems to last forever? Well, for me, this was one of those weeks. Here I am home early and thankful that I have a couple of days off. Are my wine coolers cold? I have so much to do. I feel like it will never get done!

Can I just add that my little boy has attitude lately? He will stand there and just start crying like he is all pissed off at the world. How mad could he be? He is only 1! There he goes again! I swear if he could talk he would be yelling about something!

Krystal is having a get together for her birthday tomorrow (her birthday WAS last month) but one of her good friends has been out of town. Tomorrow we have Siobhan's ballet class (too cute!) and Sunday Bradley has a soccer game. Sounds as though I have plenty of time to relax between those two things! Hey! Maybe I will even play the Sims 2! yeah, that is what I will do alright! I need to check on them anyway!

Frustrated

auuuggghhhhhhhhh

pics pics pics

Who are those cute kids anyway?

click me, click me

a little laugh for the day!

Bush Library Burns

Crawford, Texas - A tragic fire this morning destroyed
the personal library of President George W. Bush.

The fire began in the presidential bathroom where both
of the books were kept.

Both of his books have been lost.

A presidential spokesman said the President was
devastated, as he had almost finished coloring the
second one.

My newest link

for a blog, check it out..
worldrider


This is Eric's friend and here is a little of what and why he is riding all over:

My mission Simple: to create awareness of the importance of discovering our world and its cultural heritage and supporting humanitarian needs of our world neighbors all in an effort to help make the world a safer place to live and travel. This is my heritage ride. I will bring awareness to UNESCO World Heritage sites and visit local schools along the way and share my experiences and the world and its cultural and historical wonders with children and you ride along with me at worldrider.com.

check it out!

cute kid!

Diego

oh yeah! In the OC

High: 77°
Low: 57°

How true!

apple...

...Diego's newest word. It is now added to, MaMa, Elmo, BaBa (bottle), agua, and a few other almost understandable words. He thinks he is talking all the time, it cracks me up. Did I mention how damn cute that kid is?

I think I will post some pics soon.

TWO kids in high school

What happened? When did I get older? I have two small children, how could I have two big children too? Oh, woe is me! I can't believe it. Bradley's first day of high school. Krystal's first day in 11th grade. Wow! They better do REALLY well this year. Bradley has already spent a couple of hours at the table with homework. K CLAIMS she doesn't have any. OK! We will see.....

sorry for the trouble

sorry for the word verification when you go to post a comment but I am so tired of deleting spam comments. Bastards, do they have to ruin everything?!

Saying good-bye

Tomorrow I will be saying good-bye to a friend at work. She is leaving and going elsewhere. She has been there longer than me (I've been there 6.5 years!) Now there are only 7 people who have been there longer than me and that is out of about 75 people. I will miss her. She directly effects my job so I will really miss her!

Bye Lourdes, hope to see you often! (There is always Happy Hour!)

Summer over yet?

cause I got the electric bill and frankly I am SOOOO ready to keep the air off. It does not help that I have come home at LEAST three times only to find the air conditioning on and one or more windows open. Do you think the electric company keeps teenagers in mind when they read the meter? I didn't think so. I could really go for sweater weather (where we will be turning on the heat, so why bother!)

By the way, I am NOT complaining. Heat and I do not get along. I do not do well with heat. I can think of at least two different times I passed out from heat stroke (sorry that time I scared you Aunt Brenda!) hee hee

Go Diego Go

Siobhan and I just finished watching Go Diego Go. It was cute. I bet there are a lot more kids named Diego in the next year or so. What a cute name!

Labor day without the labor

Eric took the kids for a bike ride. I went to the store briefly (there went my "I am not going anywhere today") but I thought we should eat dinner. I am doing laundry (not fun but not so bad, although I do not like putting it away). We have the air on so the house is comfortable.

I hope everyone else is enjoying an extra day off. Too bad this doesn't happen every week. Eric has his flex on Friday so he only has to work three days this week. He scored! (although he always works at home, at least he doesn't have to GO to work).

The kids start school Thursday. Okay, get this, they have been bugging me, and I mean bugging me, to go get school supplies. (what do they need really?) So today I give Bradley four pens. Do you know what he has the nerve to say? "Why are you giving them to me already, I don't need them until Thursday". Oh my gosh, THREE WEEKS they have been asking to go buy school supplies and here I give him a few pens a few days early, and what the hell am I thinking? If I said it once, I have said it a thousand times, if children were born as teenagers, parents would only have one child!

So, enjoy the rest of your day. Watch something good on tv (no football!) and just remember the work week is shorter!

Mr. Bush, thank God your time is coming to an end

although not soon enough.

Hey, click me!

Please take a look

I have been reading this blog for a while now, Rebekah, please check it out. It is amazing what this little girl and her family are going through. It hurts every time I read it, but now that I know, how can I not? The tears flow freely and I think maybe if there is someone out there, who reads it through my blog, and can help even a little bit, than I have helped. I thank God that my family is heathy and really pray that Rebekah finds the strength she needs to keep fighting. God is watching you Rebekah!

Isn't it amazing

that no matter how much we grow up, some of us never do. We continue to let people down day after day. Believing that we are something we are not, acting as though we have more than we do. Wanting to be happy, but still falling short day after day. Isn't it amazing how you can go day in and day out and never really think about what is important. Not really tell those that you love that you REALLY love them. Letting a loved one leave without a kiss or a hug. Yelling and complaining about things that really aren't important, yet still forgetting to say "I truly do love you. Without you my life would be, nothing, empty."

A Day Off

I am off today because I wasn't sure how I was going to feel and thankfully I feel great! I am taking the kids into my work so everyone can see how gosh darn cute they are. I will stop by Eric's work too. Then we are going to go to Old Navy and hope I can get the kids some school clothes without going broke! Maybe we will even have lunch!

I am going back to work tomorrow but it is nice to be off just randomly mid week, plus Monday off. Yeah!

Will the fun never end?

I am about to leave to have an Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (say that three times fast!). It seems no big deal. They will put a flexible tube through my mouth into the Upper Digestive Tract. They can see why I have a dilated bile duct and if anything else is going on. I have severe stomach cramps most times after I eat. Ever since I had that darn gallbladder removed. I know they will come to find out that it is VERY important and you can't live without it (like your heart). hee hee

Wish me luck!

soccer, will it ever end?

Two games yesterday and it was hotter than, well hotter than 98 degrees in the shade. Today, he had one at 10am, we figured it wouldn't be too bad since there was at least a little breeze. For the most part we were okay. When Bradley's game ended at 11:45 (we won!) they told us we needed to be back at 1:45pm. GREAT! It is 1:30 now and I just bet it is going to be wonderfully comfortable out there. I would like to remind everyone that soccer season hasn't even started yet. Lord help us!

Saturday, what fun!

We are having a garage sale today. Bradley has two soccer games. My brother is having a party (that I am going to TRY to get to). Remember when you used to spend Saturday in front of the TV all day?

okay Andrea, I'll play

The Last....

Last Cigarette: never, gross!
Last Alcoholic Drink: too long ago, last night! (Might have one tonight to make up for waiting so long)
Last Car Ride: 2 hours ago, dropped Bradley off at soccer practice (again!) Eric's picking him up now.
Last Hug: moments ago, Siobhan on the couch
Last Time You Cried: 2 days ago when I saw my sad friend at work
Last Library Book: who knows!
Last book bought: Frankenstein by Dean Koontz
Last Book Read: Currently, The Experiment
Last Movie Seen in Theatres: A Day Without a Mexican
Last Movie Rented: Born Into Brothels
Last Cuss Word Uttered: ha ha, with my mouth, could have been anything!
Last Beverage Drank: water
Last Food Consumed: M&M's (right now!, it WAS a fundraiser though)
Last Crush: George Stephanopoulos
Last Phone Call: work, ick!
Last E-mail you wrote: to my mom to say "hi, and I love you"
Last TV Show Watched: Daily Show
Last band you saw: Keb' Mo
Last Time Showered: 7:30am this morning
Last Shoes Worn: Dr. Martins
Last CD Played: JOURNEY
Last Item Bought: gas (of course!)
Last Annoyance: Krystal didn't wash ALL the dishes like I asked
Last Disappointment: myself, always!
Last Soda Drank: Coke
Last Words Spoken: "How do you spell pistachio?"
Last Ice Cream Eaten: pistachio nut
Last Webpage Visited: Andrea's blog

A safe return

Ellen is a very good friend of mine and her boyfriend is leaving for Iraq tomorrow for the second time. I would just like to take a minute and say that although I totally disagree that he (or anyone) is going to Iraq, I hope for a fast and safe return. My thoughts and prayers will be with you everyday you are gone. I am dreading the sadness in Ellen's eyes until your return. Please be safe Preston and return home real soon. You WILL be missed!

One last day to relax

Okay, yeah, I had to work yesterday but we are not counting that. Today is our last day to relax. We have watched a lot of home movie DVD's (gone are the days of putting out the lights, closing the curtains and running the projector). Letting the kids run around and play. I have been reading (although I DID was some dishes), we are finishing up the laundry and getting ready to return to the real world.

Work? What the hell is that? hee hee. I hope to have the pictures from our trip up soon. I was just thinking about when we went to Mexico last year with Nan. I sure do miss her.

Hope everyone enjoys the rest of today! Eat a BIG Sunday dinner!

Just a couple of teasers!

Here is a picture of the pool from our room. Man, look at that ocean!












This is a picture of Siobhan and Bradley enjoying a drink at the New Port Beach Hotel by the pool.

Mexico no mas

We are back. We looked at the property and what a view! It is amazing. A normal person would never be able to afford a view like that here. The lot is 200 square meters and the asking price is $45,000. There are two lots next to each other but even if we wanted to, that is a lot of money.

We headed to the Estero Beach Hotel. We stopped at the fish market and had some wonderful fish tacos (carne asada for Siobhan). We all ate until we could eat no more. We had plenty of drinks and the bill was a grand total of $23.00.

When we arrived at the hotel, it was nice. We took lots of pictures of everything ( I will post later) and we were pleased. The room was average (two queen beds, TV on the dresser, table and chair) it had a little balcony with two chairs and a table. We had to watch Diego because he could have slipped between and fallen.

The pool was cool (minus all the children), it was oddly shaped. It had two jacuzzi's and (my favorite) a swim up bar. I have never been to one, and I have to say it gets two thumbs up. We had a few drinks (you had to pay cash, how stupid is that?). Right before we leave I didn't know what kind of drink to have so Francisco said he would make me a California Iced Tea. Well, let me tell you, that thing has NOTHING in common with any tea I know. It tasted great and I was feeling it before I even finished. Of course I ordered one more (the bar WAS closing) but I only finished about half of it. We left the hotel to go get something to eat, bouncing around on the street, to finally decide where we would eat. As soon as Eric pulls over, I hop out of the car and let it go. Threw up right there in front of the guy selling watermelons (of course we bought one at one dollar). But man did I feel better. I ate three tacos, most of a tortas AND had ice cream afterwards! That damn drink, it was the devil (can't wait to have one again!)

The kids went swimming again while Eric fell asleep on the balcony and Siobhan and I fell asleep telling stories. Thursday we left the hotel and did some shopping and had lunch in Ensanada. Siobhan bought this Dora cape (wait until you see the photos) we are still laughing at it. We tried to look at one other property but couldn't find it. We had a very long ride home, and a jackass at the border (yeah, I said it, jackass!) But we had one hell of a time.

Hold on to your hats, we are in for a bumpy ride

I am writing from Mexico! We had a hell of a trip already. Bradley's soccer games took up all day Saturday and we arrived about 10pm. We checked in, got the crib we ordered and went right to bed. (Of course Eric and I went down to the bar for a drink first).

Sunday proved to be a good day in the beginning. We ate at the hotel buffet, swam at the pool, ate tacos and had LOTS of drinks. Wow, what a day. After cleaning up we decided to go have a nice BIG lobster dinner. WE piled in the car, and what the hell, the car wouldn't start. It wasn't giving anything at all. We walked over and had our lobster dinner but of course all we could think of is what we were going to do about the car. We went back to the hotel and we didn't sleep so well worried about how and IF we were going to get home.

On Monday we were invited over to our friend Oscar's house to meet his family and enjoy some shrimp ceviche (yummy). His kids were cute, (he has a one month little girl and three boys), his wife was really sweet. We enjoyed some wonderful food and even better company. Oscar brought us back to the hotel and had a guy meet us there to look at the car. He touched it, I started it and what do you know, it worked.

We swam, had dinner at the hotel, more drinks. Today we are shopping and looking for propery to buy. Wish us luck. By the way, they charge a buck for 15 minutes on the internet here in this internet cafe. hee hee, oh how I hope we can afford it!

say goodbye Diane

Goodbye Diane. Yee Haw, we are out of here. Everything is packed and most of it in the car. Two soccer games and we are ready to relax and enjoy.

I special thanks to Nick for staying at the house and keeping good care of the dogs (and making sure none of you hoodlums come and take my Doogie Howser MD DVd's). hee hee

What? You are thinking of the Jasso's? Then imagine them as they are, by the pool. Eating tacos, Eric with a margarita and Diane with a pina colada in a pineapple so big she needs two hands to hold it. Krystal, Bradley, Siobhan and Diego in the pool no doubt!

See you!

Tuesday Morning, no not the store

Hello everyone. Just thought I'd pop a quick hello. See how everyone's day is going. My alarm didn't go off this morning, so no training for me! I have wonderful left over's from Krystal's birthday dinner last night to enjoy for lunch. No soccer this week (at night anyway, so I feel like the whole week is a vacation (not really though!).

I hope I might get my car back today. At least I have a loaner car, otherwise, we would be going nuts with only one car. I would make Eric get the Nova out and running. Hee hee!

Have a great day everyone!

A sad farewell

Peter Jennings passed away. I will miss having him tell me the world news. I loved watching him. I loved his voice and his handsome face. Mostly I loved the way he would tell the news. I will miss his smile after something amusing at the end of the show. Mr. Jennings, you will live in our hearts and minds forever!

Aug. 8th

Happy 16th Birthday Krystal. Dang, I can't believe you are that old. How can I be a mother of a 16 year old. Clearly something is wrong here!

I love you mucho!

here kitty, kitty, kitty

yesterday when I was walking Siobhan to preschool we passed a cat. I could smell this cat about 10 feet away. It was curled up and looked to be sleeping (with a few flies on it). It was obviously dead. Siobhan said "Look mom a kitty", I was rushing her along, telling her that the kitty was sleeping. Poor baby. We were almost to her school and she said "Mommy, I smell that kitty again!"

Classic!

Sixteen Candles

No, not the movie, as great as it was (I put it on Netflix for Krystal).

Krystal will be 16 on Monday. August 8th. Wow! Do you know how old that makes me?! (no comment, thank you!)

I can't believe. My first baby, all of sixteen years.....I think I have to go cry now.

Things really suck sometimes

I took my car this morning for an oil change. Come to find out it needs a new fan. The fan won't be in until Monday of course, so I have no van over the weekend. (Not to mention getting back and forth to work tomorrow, am I feeling ill?) And what next? Eric's car starts making a noise on the way home. Oh when it rains it pours (we could use some rain here!).

Well, if nothing else at least Krystal is done with summer school. No more dropping her off. (Thank goodness since I have no car!)

Bradley starts soccer camp next week, great! (Looks like he might spend Sunday night at my Dad's, you don't mind do you Dad?!) hee hee

Our vacation is set

Only a short one, but a well needed one!
Bradley has two soccer games on Saturday, after the last one we will be heading to New Port Beach Hotel, our favorite spot. We will be there until Wednesday and then we will head to Estero Beach Hotel, where I have never been but Eric stayed there many times but it was years ago. We will stay there two nights and come back home Friday (I have to work Saturday).

I can't wait. Relaxing by the pool, at the beach, eating lobster, tacos, LOTS of drinks. Wow! We will also be looking for property while we are there. Oh, what a vacation it will be. So close and yet a world away!

cold as ice

We took Siobhan to ballet this afternoon. We were talking to a guy who just happened to be the teacher for the Hip Hop class. He mentioned that there are no classes the month of August. That's nice. We are almost ready to leave and we hadn't heard this, not once. She has to wait a whole month.

She was a bit complaining after class and she fell asleep as soon as we got in the car. Eric and I went and bought some flagstone for the back, she slept the whole time. When we got home, what did Siobhan have with her, a FEVER. Great!

We were going to take her to dinner to see her Nino play. It is his last weekend for who knows how long. Oh well, poor baby. She came home after the car nap and slept another three and a half hours. (Eric and I napped with her being the wonderful parents that we are!)

Feel better baby!

It's about..

...21 weeks to Christmas. Yikes!

FRIDAY

It is Friday. Eric has his flex day. Krystal has no summer school today. We have NO soccer this weekend. What? A weekend to do whatever we want? What will that be like?

We still need to go look at stone for the patio. Siobhan has ballet tomorrow. There are a few other things to do, but we don't HAVE to be anywhere. Oh joy!

Of course, our cars are dirty, the dogs need a bath, lots of laundry to do, clean our room, take the cans and bottles, grocery shopping.. but still, joy!

Points, what points?

Didn't do so well at WW last night. So I decided I would start walking Cucui in the morning. So, from now on, every morning that I go to to work, I will be up at 6 and go for a walk. I used to do it with Eran and it was great, I wish I had never stopped (probably would be a size 4 by now, HA HA). Counting points again. It has been so long since I actually counted points, I couldn't even remember how many I get. How sad it that? Wish me luck!

1pm Galaxy game

Man, was it hot! Luckily little Diego and I found a nice seat in the shade. We were in the sun about 15 minutes, even with tons of sunscreen, we knew he would burn.
So, the Galaxy lost, 1-0. Damn it!

My birthday

Okay, it was earlier this week but I have been busy. It was great. My desk was decorated completely (thanks Vicky) I felt so sorry for the cleaning guys. I got a really cool frame, purse, wallet and goodies from Ellen and Vicky. ( The purse is big enough to hold my check book, I like to travel small!). Natalie got me movie tickets (Eric and I will be enjoying those!). Beth got me some wine coolers (yum yum), cups and a really cool thing I hung from my car mirror. Michelle gave me a new book (I can NEVER have enough). Lunch was great with Ellen, Natalie, Lourdes and Elisha. (Thanks for lunch Lordis!)

When I got home, I had roses from Eric (beautiful!) and Eric and the kids gave me a new addition to our family, Henry. (I will post a photo real soon!). I took Henry to work yesterday and everyone loved him. They wanted to touch and play with him. He isn't a toy you know. I showed Henry off real good. He was by my side all day. I even held his hand on the drive to work.

I had a great birthday! Thanks everyone!