Ride 'em cowgirl!

hello there!

Hope your Christmas holiday was great. We had a wonderful day. The kids got a lot of gifts from both Grandma's and my oldest brother. Eric got some UCLA stuff which ALWAYS makes him happy. Siobhan's Nino Richard and Aunt Julie came by on Christmas Eve. It is always wonderful to see them. We still need to see Siobhan's Nina and Diego's Nina. My brother Tony came by today to take Bradley golfing. He dropped off some gifts for the kids. They LOVED having more presents to open. They were all excited.

Eric, Krystal and I went to see Los Lobos at the House of Blues. Opening for them was The Low Rider Band (which is most of the members of the group War, you know Low Rider, Cisco Kid). What a great show. We stood for HOURS. We were only about 6 people away from the stage. We could have gotten closer. Only one fight broke out. We finally had had enough of standing and headed upstairs to sit and enjoy the rest of the show. They could have sung for another couple of hours and still have a bunch of songs to sing. They didn't sing my favorite "Maria and Tony". sigh We left there about 1am. Eric went to work the next day! I don't know how. I walked around like a zombie all day until my nice long nap!

I have so enjoyed being off these last 6 days. I don't go back to work for 5 more days and I shall enjoy them all.

We were worried about being able to go to Mexico. Last we had heard, as of 1-7-07 you needed a passport to re-enter the US. I looked today and everything I found said 2008. WHOO HOO. Although I do not mind at all getting passports if we are actually going somewhere, a two hour drive doesn't seem worthy of a few hundred dollars. Okay, I know it is another country. The US/Mexico border, but for anyone who lives here, it is almost like crossing into another city. We shall enjoy another "free" year!

Happy ? Holidays!

Shopping done? Not quite

I have one person, nope make that two people that I have finished shopping for. Let's see who is left, oh all four of our children, my mom, his mom, my brothers, my baby nephew, Siobhan's preschool teachers, my staff at work (four!), and all the ninos and ninas. Geez, and as always, never enough money. Actually money isn't the biggest problem. The biggest problem is what to get?!

We still don't have a tree. We have been so busy and frankly I think I have been in denial that Christmas will actually be here in a week. I was going to make sugar cookies today for a cookie exchange at work tomorrow, but I just couldn't. Those were my dad's favorite and frankly I am lucky to get through a day without breaking down. Damn it, I am so tired of being sad.

I would like to say a special prayer to my very good friend Natalie. Her grandfather passed away this weekend. My thoughts, prayers and hope are with you all.

Siobhan after performing ballet and flamenco. She was wonderful. She ran right passed her Dad and me to her Nino.

so, so busy

Ahhh, we had our holiday party at work today. It used to be that it was a highlight. I have found that it is not a as much of a highlight when you are part of the group decorating and getting everything ready. Not to mention that is not my thing. It was really nice though. Nice food, the room was nice. We ate upstairs and headed downstairs for our dessert and white elephant gift card exchange. Later we had our secret pal. Mine had NO idea it was me. The weird thing is, our department only has five people and three of us had someone in our department. Too weird. I was standing all day long

Tonight is Siobhan's holiday party at school. We are waiting for Daddy to get home with Grandma from the hospital to go. we might even get our tree afterwards. Tomorrow is Siobhan's "The Nutcracker", she is dancing Flamenco and ballet. I finally got everything for that (hopefully!). After tomorrow afternoon my weekend shall begin!

Why my kids aren't driving yet!

The Shining - A Romantic Comedy

Not your Dad's Shining!

w/o our cannon

We had the Torres Christmas Party this weekend. About 70 people. Santa was there. Lots of photo ops. I got Diego to sit on Santa's lap, and suddenly the camera won't work. Arrgghhh. I know Sandee took some pics, so when I get those I will post them. Eric does not think he is going to be able to fix it. The lens will not go into the camera. It is stuck. We bought it not too long ago when our old digital was taking too long to take a picture. We gave that one to the kids and they gave theirs to Siobhan. The house had a total camera hand me down. Now we have no camera. We, of course still have the digital video camera. How else would Eric make all his wonderful dvd's of all of us.

I am home today. We only have one car and Carol had a doctor appointment, so I stayed home. It is always nice to have a random day off. Siobhan was supposed to go to school today. Her belly hurt. Funny, it is not yet 8am and she sure seems fine now. I am going to make her help me clean her room. She will wish she had gone to school.

I have lots to do, I wonder how much will actually get done. I think if I were a stay at home mom, I would have to schedule stuff. It is so hard to get everything done. You always have good intentions. Then some cute little kid comes up and wants you to read a book, or eat, or just hold him. Who would pass on that?!

BRUINS ROCK! USC stinks!

ahhh home

I am back. Back to work on Friday and back to work with a new position. I was offered to be the manager of my department. Sweet. It was nice to be back to work. At the Yuba office, everyone was wonderfully friendly. I had a great time, but getting back to your own office, it is like going home.

WE have a breakfast potluck for our department on Monday. What am I supposed to bring for breakfast? Tonight is our family holiday party. AFTER the UCLA vs USC game (UCLA WILL win!). It will be so nice to see family that we haven't seen since last year. There are just not enough days, you know?

Di still gone

This morning I woke to music. I thought "What IS that?". then I remembered I set the alarm clock to go off. At home I never use an alarm, so it threw me off.

It was about 30 degrees this morning and VERY windy. I picked up some coffee (in front of Home Depot of all places) and headed to work. We met with about 19 people and it went very well.

I got to leave a bit early. I was going to go to the movies but there wasn't anything I wanted to see. I enjoyed my room. I drove around and around looking for something to eat. I didn't want to eat somewhere but I didn't want fast food. I settled for a pita at Jack in the Box.

So get this! As if Wal-Mart isn't evil enough, they now sale gas! Bastards. Right up Bush's alley.

I head home tomorrow, to hold my babies and kiss my husband. I will be coming back within a few months. I will know this town soon!

Where's Di?

Here I am! Yuba city for work again. This time for two nights. I took a couple of pictures on my way. They are from my cell phone, and I was driving, so they aren't the best. I saw about 40 miles of this. I really cracked up when I saw a billboard for Carl's Jr, 10 more miles. 10 miles? I could find 15 Carl's Jr's within 10 miles at home.

The line at the airport was INSANE. About 30 minutes so I could remove my shoes, my laptop, have all liquids, lotions and inhaler in a bag seperate from my carry ons. So what happens, here you are with one carry on and a purse, Suddenly you are holding eight things. Who can move quickly holding on to all that stuff? That is when someone is going to steal your bags. You have to put SOMETHING down!

The people at my work here are SO nice. We just did some training today and tomorrow there are a few meetings. I am enjoying being alone. No husband, no kids. I miss them, but at the same time it is nice. Especially because I am getting paid for it! I went to dinner and just had my book for company. There was a dad with his little girl next to me. It made me miss the kids, but I called them. They were going out to dinner too.

I will be here tomorrow night too. I am sure I will be missing everyone like crazy tomorrow. We have so many things coming up. This weekend is the Torres Christmas Party. Siobhan's dance is coming up, Crazy busy.

Oh by the way, I wanted to let everyone know not to use Dollar Rent a car. They stink. I waited over an hour for a car because they didn't have any. All I could think about was that Seinfield episode where he told them they knew how to take the reservation they just didn't know how to hold the reservation. I mean, that is what a reservation is for right? There were a lot of people calling their offices and telling secretarys not to book them with Dollar anymore. ( I waited an hour last time too).

I am going to go enjoy being able to watch tv in bed. ta ta

ahhh, the holidays

One more day of work for a FOUR day holiday. How wonderful! Four days to be with my wonderful husband and enjoy our children four full days. Maybe we will actually get the Christmas lights up (Bradley) and spend some time with our Wii (no doubt there).

We are going to Siobhan's Nino's house for Thanksgiving dinner. It isn't very far but we think it will take about 3 to 4 hours to get there. The trip might not be fun but I know it will be once we get there. Siobhan is REALLY looking forward to it! Poor Nino Richard probably won't have a moment to himself!

Wii did it!

Bradley and I checked two Targets, K-mart and a Toys R Us and finally lucked out after over an hour wait at Costco. We got one! It is so sweet. I enjoyed the tennis and broke out in a sweat when I was boxing. This thing is way sweeter then I thought it would be. You should go get one. Oh, you probably can't because they are sold out EVERYWHERE!

Where are my Netflix? I sent two back Monday, today is Thursday and still nothing is recorded on the website that they got them back. I am waiting for my next Grey's Anatomy! I need to know what happens next! arrgghhh

Siobhan reading to Diego

What a good big sister!

Day of the Dead

Here are a few pictures from the Day of the Dead celebration in Santa Ana. Want to see more pictures? check out Eric's Flickr page

Deigo enjoying a birthday party

He DID NOT want to wear that hat. I told him if he took the hat off we were going home. This is the result!

Siobhan for Halloween

boo!

My new ride

Oh yeah check it out. I woke up last Sunday and told Eric "I think it might be nice to have a bike", He said "Get dressed, let's go". This is what we came home with. It has a working light and electric horn. Eric heard a girl telling her dad "Oh dad look, she is getting THAT one". Beautiful. Siobhan and I have been on about four bike rides since Sunday. We have a park VERY close by so it is a great place to ride. I think we did about four miles last time. Thanks babe! I love it! (I know, I still haven't picked a name yet...)

FRIDAY

Is there anyone out there who does not love Friday? The feeling that you have TWO whole days before you have to return to work (unless of course you work weekends!). Ahhh. Who cares there is dance to go to, a birthday party, UCLA to watch, it is still FREE time. So wonderful!

hmm, kinda true!

So as not to be outdone by all the redneck, hillbilly, and Texan jokes, somebody had to come up with this, you know you're from California if:

1. Your coworker has 8 body piercings and none are visible.

2. You make over $300,000 and still can't afford a house.

3. You take a bus and are shocked at two people carrying on a conversation in English.

4. Your child's 3rd-grade teacher has purple hair, a nose ring, and is named Flower.

5. You can't remember . . is pot illegal?

6. You've been to a baby shower that has two mothers and a sperm donor.

7. You have a very strong opinion about where your coffee beans are grown, and you can taste the difference between Sumatran and Ethiopian.

8. You can't remember . . . is pot illegal?

9. A really great parking space can totally move you to tears.

10. Gas costs $1.00 per gallon more than anywhere else in the U.S.


11. Unlike back home, the guy at 8:30 am at Starbucks wearing a baseball cap and sunglasses who looks like George Clooney really IS George Clooney.

12. Your car insurance costs as much as your house payment.

13. You can't remember . . .is pot illegal?

14. It's barely sprinkling rain and there's a report on every news station: "STORM WATCH."

15. You pass an elementary school playground and the children are all busy with their cells or pagers.

16. It's barely sprinkling rain outside, so you leave for work an hour early to avoid all the weather-related accidents.

17. HEY!!!! Is pot illegal????

18. Both you AND your dog have therapists, psychics, personal trainers and cosmetic surgeons.

19. The Terminator is your governor.

20. If you drive illegally, they take away your driver's license. If you're here illegally, they want to give you one.

The future of OC

okay, it is just an idea, but maybe not a bad one. Many people who work in Orange County, live elsewhere. More and more in Riverside and Corona. I have a friend at work who travels a hundred miles a day for work. Crazy. The thing is, people can't afford to actually live in Orange County. Close to us they are building lofts that are going for 600,000 and up. Forget a two bedroom, who could afford it. There isn't much room in Orange County to build homes. The Irvine Company just sold the last really big lot of land. So more and more lofts, condos and attached homes are going up. No back yard. Association fees. Priced well over half a million dollars, some in not so great neighborhoods.

What's next? I think people will buy their homes in other counties, Riverside, San Bernardino, LA, and will NOT want to continue to drive so far to work. I think builders will start buying up neighborhoods, tear down the single family homes and rebuild. They will build more and more lofts. People will buy a loft just big enough to stay in Monday through Thursday and then head home to their "house" on the weekend. We will turn into a commuter town. We already have the commuter colleges, why not a whole county.

If you could see it. I mean they are taking a previously small parking lot, and up go some new homes. That is okay. Come buy up our home. With the money we make on our house, we will retire in Mexico.

Just an idea again

Here is a way for California to make some money. Many of our freeways have carpool lanes (2 or more people in the same care). What if CA charged a fee to use the carpool lane if you aren't a carpool? A sticker kinda like the one used for clean air cars. A fee based on the calendar year and prorated as the year goes on. Let's say the state charges, oh, $8000 a year. It is a lot. Fast track is now charging up to $8.50 each way. Used everyday, each way, that is about $4400 a year. So not everyone could afford it, which is the point. Charge a high fee, give people a similar sticker with the year in LARGE print, they can take the carpool lane. Fees will be used to repair, maintain and create the roadways. Okay, so maybe there are some kinks here and there, but all in all not a bad idea. If it happens, you saw it here!

How cute is she?

Siobhan enjoying herself at the Galaxy game!

thirsty?

Once again we woke up to the pipe busted in the kids bathroom and water all over the floor. This is the fourth water incident we have had altogether. I want to say an additional THANKS that we have tile throughout the house. Clean up is sooo easy.

Eric woke up to the noise. The water heater is in the garage next to our room so you can hear the water better from our room. Thank goodness since this is the second time he has woken up. So Eric and Krystal head out to the Home Depot for the part. They come back and somehow picked up the wrong one, back they go. All the water is cleaned up. Siobhan is ready for dance. I need a shower. They come back and Krystal fixes it lickty split! I am in the shower and we are out of the house in 15 minutes.

Siobhan's dance studio is non profit so we are selling candy for a fund raiser. I offered to take a few boxes. I DO work in a building with 70+ women. Chocolate is an EASY sell. She might have more next week. I could keep her in business selling just candy. hee hee

hold on to your...gulp, wallets

Alright! Here is a picture of our new 42 inch plasma tv.

I came home one day to find our tv was dead. I mean, line across the screen dead. We shopped around. We bought a 32 LCD. It was nice but we decided that the beautiful 42 plasma WOULD fit in our small living room. We packaged up the 32, paid THE difference and it is home. We turn it on and enjoy the show in the picture, La Fea mas Bella.

For some reason, who knows why, Eric decides to plug in our old, dead TV. WOW, Resurrection! It works! Here we are with this beautiful new TV, amazing. I said "We could take it back". Yeah right, like that is going to happen! We are waiting for some poor soul who needs a TV to come along.

No matter, I enjoy seeing "Fernando" (pictured above) practically life size. I mean, uh, what I meant to say was "UCLA football looks great on our new TV", really babe, that is what I meant.

(I would like to add that unlike most American households, we only have one tv. Of course now we have two but the old one isn't plugged in. Who needs TV when everyone has thier own computers!)

new, new, new

Getting ready to head over to the NEW office. I need to be there early today to help out because all the Administrators are out of town. There are still about 50 staff who haven't seen the office. They will be taken around in little groups and will end up in one of our conference rooms where we will have breakfast. The office manager is a very good friend of mine, so I was willing to get up a little early to help out.

Diego woke up last night crying about snakes. I bet it is the codeine in his Tylenol that made him to that. Poor baby!

Hmm, I wonder how long it will take me to travel the 3.4 miles to work.....

My beautiful little girl

Light the Night

Last night my mom, Krystal, Siobhan and I went to The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Light the Night at Anaheim Stadium. We arrived at 3 to help set up the booth for UCI Medical Center. The whole thing was pretty cool. There were a lot of companies there but there were a lot of individual teams as well. Team so and so, whomever they were remembering or fighting for. That was amazing. So many people there to fight for the same cause. Of course, we walked in remembrance of my Dad.

It was really hard to hear people speak. Hard to hold the emotions back. In a few more days, it will have been a year since my dad passed away. All I seem to be able to think about is that night. Getting the phone call, thinking he was dead, then thinking it was okay, getting to the hospital only to find out it was too late.

So many people tell you that time heals. And I suppose it does somewhat. But you know what really makes the difference? The people around you. If my husband were any different kind of man I am sure he would have left me by now. He has had to deal with my rage, depression, and worse of all, my indifference. I think that is what breaks up marriages. How can you care about your family when you just don't care? He has been amazing and even in those days where things aren't aren't great, I am so thankful for him. He understands what my dad meant to me and he knows it is not easy what I am going through.

I used to think I wore my emotions on my sleeve. I am so easy to cry. I have since found out that that is NOT the case. I try so hard to hold everything in. Weird how you THINK you know yourself. I feel like a deflated balloon that is getting ready for a fight. I know that is probably not a very expressive analogy but that is how I feel. How can I prepare when there is nothing left?

is this kid 2 or 15?

It almost looks like one of those age enhancement photos.

four more

Today as I was passing the local high school on my way to work. I was cursing all the parents driving by. Parents making U-turns from the curb. Parents stopping in the middle of the street to let their lazy ass kids out. Parents who are going to allow their children to drive soon, when they themselves can not follow the simplest of driving rules. Do you think there is a policeman anywhere? A million tickets to give out, not to mention jay walking and not a policeman in site.

Driving home from work. I am getting on the freeway and there are those jerks turning right from the middle lane (not allowed there!). Driving me nuts. Does anyone follow the rules? What is so dang hard about following the rules? Alright, I speed on occasion (like when I am in the car) but that is about it.

So anyway, there I am ready to run into one of those stupid parents who couldn't bother to pull ALL the way over to the curb, when I think... I only have to do this 5 more days. No wait, today is now, so FOUR more days.

Once my office moves, no more going past the local high school. No more freeway. In face I could avoid students altogether. Schools start about 7:55 and I do not have to be to work until 8:30. Since I will not have to face the fwy and again will only be a few miles from work, I needn't worry about leaving early.

Oh yeah. All you parents who can't drop your children off properly or safely, you won't be seeing me honking at you much longer. Oh no, you shall not be seeing me!

Did you know?

The same voice for Jasmine (in Aladdin) is the same voice as Mulan.

Rip off, it is really two princesses for the price of one!

busy busy

We have all been to the eye doctor (minus Diego) and gotten our glasses. Siobhan can't wait to get hers. They should be here on Tuesday. How long do you think it will be before she hate wearing them? A week, two weeks?

Siobhan started her Flamenco and ballet classes yesterday. So cute! I thought for sure she would be out of it when she finished after TWO hours of dance.

We watched UCLA beat Rice last night. We will be heading out to a LA Galaxy game later.

The kids have had all doctor appointments needed. Bradley has an appointment Tuesday about 8am for a dermatologist, then I only have to worry about dentist appointments.

I need to take my car in. Sometimes it does not want to go into gear when I turn it on.

We have to decide if we need a new dryer or not. It is currently taking about 2/3 cycles to get the closes dry. It gets warm. The kids are going to check the the lint duct and see if there is something stuck somewhere. I would hate to buy a new one only to find out it wasn't the dryer in the first place!

The kids have actually spent some time over the weekend on homework. WOW. Without being told even. I wonder if this has anything to do with having to have A's to go to MacWorld in Jan .

This is the last week at old building at work. A week from tomorrow we will have completed the move. I will then be only minutes away from work. I could actually come home for lunch should I ever decide to do such a thing!

Tomorrow...bliss

That's right, the kids start school tomorrow. Bradley will be in 10th grade and Krystal will be a senior. WOW.

Took the kids to eye doctor yesterday. We found out that Siobhan (4) is pretty far sighted. She needs glasses. She was so excited to get them. She wanted pink and finally settled on some Barbie one's. She is upset that she has to wait a week to get them. Let's see if she still likes them in a couple of weeks.

Four hundred eighty dollars and twenty cents

That is the amount of my electric bill. $480.20. I am taking donations, ha ha I accept paypal, all major credit cards and personal checks, hell, I will accept pennies too. hee hee

The price of keeping cool. Well worth it. These past few weeks have been bad!

Fun in the sun

Here are a couple of pictures from the beach on Sunday. Want to see more? Check out Eric's Flickr page

One for me, one for Eric

Okay, so my new favorite show is La Fea mas Bella. It is in Spanish, I hardly understand a thing that is being said, but it is still enjoyable. And funny. Here is a picture of the main male actor. Hot huh?





Here is a picutre of the chick Eric thinks it hot on the show. Frankly I don't see what the difference is between her and me. (yeah right!)

I'm here

but my thoughts are everywhere. So much so say, I sit down, nada. I have some family that have blogs now. I will post those a little bit later. I am so proud..

Kids start school in another week or so. Summer past so fast. Krystal will be a senior. Man am I old!

We will be going out tonight. Woo hoo. Food, drinks, friends and family, what more could you ask for? Well, to have all that in Spain maybe!

I'm here

but my thoughts are everywhere. So much so say, I sit down, nada. I have some family that have blogs now. I will post those a little bit later. I am so proud..

Kids start school in another week or so. Summer past so fast. Krystal will be a senior. Man am I old!

We will be going out tonight. Woo hoo. Food, drinks, friends and family, what more could you ask for? Well, to have all that in Spain maybe!

Got this from a friend, cute

On the first day, God created the dog and said: "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said: "That's a long time to be barking. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?"

So God agreed.

On the second day, God created the monkey and said: "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said: "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the Dog did?"

And God agreed.

On the third day, God created the cow and said: "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said: "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?"

And God agreed again.

On the fourth day, God created man and said: "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But man said: "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?"

"Okay," said God, "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Life has now been explained to you

A couple of stolen photos

Here are two pictures I stole from Eric's Flickr page. That is Siobhan and Krystal at the Galaxy game (they actually won) and our dog Xochitl.

Wal-Mart may not be the root of all evil, but they don't help!

Why Does California Need an Increase in the Minimum Wage?

Basic necessities are on increasing in our state. From 2000 to 2005, the cost of renting an apartment increased 45 percent, the cost of a gallon of gas increased 44 percent and the cost of a gallon of milk increased 23 percent.

California’s minimum wage has declined 31 percent from 1968 to 2000. During 22 of those 32 years, there was no increase at all in the state’s minimum wage, while inflation seriously eroded the relative value of that income.

A minimum wage that is below the poverty level pulls down wages for millions of workers in the state. This costs taxpayers as well, since workers at corporations such as Wal-Mart are paid so badly that they are eligible for public assistance programs.

Straight from the The California Labor Federation

ahh kids

Siobhan (age 4) "When I go to Heaven, I am going to miss myself"

she cracks me up!

Not a hunderd percent

Haven't been feeling too hot. Throat hurts a bit, neck, headache. I don't mind feeling this way during the week but why the weekend? I wanted to go see my new nephew but I will not go over there if I am sick. Don't want that sweet baby getting sick too. We have a galaxy game today. Trying to get my energy up for it. Diego has been a bit off too. I think he might not be feeling to well either.

Kids start school in a couple of weeks. I hope it starts to cool down some. Although I am THANKFUL for my A/C, I wouldn't mind having a lower electric bill. Not to mention, I love sweater weather. Nothing like that brisk air. Ahhh, soon.

nothing to say

I want to blog but there is nothing amazing that comes to mind to write about. Just junk. So I let it be, next thing you know, it has been days. You know why, our lives are filled with the same crap day in and day out. Work, kids, dinner, boring.

Ha, hope everyone else is doing well.

almost...

In our room cleaning. iPod kicking some tunes. A song comes on. One that makes me think of my dad. Weird thing about songs. If my dad were alive and I thought of him while listening to this song, there would be something really wrong with it. But the thing is, with my dad gone, there are no barriers. There is nothing to stop ANYTHING reminding me of him. Eric and I were watching The Shawshank Redemption, and something started me crying. No my dad was never in prison, it wasn't the story. It was one little two line dialogue. But that is just it. Everything reminds me. A love song, one that previously would make me think of another lifetime, makes me think of my dad. The thing is, with songs, it is all about what you take out of it? Right?! I mean, the same song can mean totally different things to so many people. I am a lyric listener. I love to know WHAT the song says. (Okay, I still like Journey), so usually it hits me while listening to music. My dad, mom, brothers and I spent many hours in the car singing along to an 8 track. And of course, later CD's.

So there I am, cleaning. (Which is NOT something I am prone to do). Tears are beginning to come. I try to hold them back. Suddenly all I can think is how I want to scream out. I want to throw out an animal cry. A scream that will allow all my emotions to break through. I mean, I am almost there. I can do it. Wait, if I do, what is Eric going to think? He is in the other room. Surely he will think I have impaled with something. I can not scare him like that. So, I hold back. The tears slow and then stop. See, the thing is, I can't really let go a little. It just isn't in me. I thought I would deal with death so well, but alas I think I am on the verge.

Eric, be ready. Those bouts I have, crying on the way to work. Crying in bed, while watching tv, while... nothing. I think they are all building up. I think I just might be ready to burst.

Excited

I am so excited. iTunes finally has Evanescence available. Man, my car will be kicking now. A few of their songs really seem to touch my inter being. Weird but true. That chick's voice is hauntingly lovely.

My new nephew

Here is a picture of my oldest brother Mark holding his new son, Tyler David. I haven't gotten a chance to see him yet but he sure looks cute!

We're home again

Ah, we are back. What a great time we had. We arrived about 1pm on Tuesday. We an extra room for only an additional $40 for the three nights. That was great. Krystal, Bradley and Siobhan were in one, while Eric, Diego and I were in the other. Siobhan actually put her head under the water. She was jumping in the water and acting like she had always been swimming. We couldn't believe it. That night we enjoyed a lobster dinner, which included soup, rice, beans, homemade tortillas, guacamole, and 7 and half lobsters. Oh and four sodas and three margaritas for $45 bucks. hee hee Can you believe it?

Wednesday, Siobhan got her hair braided and played with her friend, Maura all day. They swam for hours. Eric and I enjoyed some drinks by the pool of course. We ate at a taco stand by the road, yummy.

Thursday we spent some time in Ensanada. We had breakfast there and did a tiny bit of shopping. Not enough though. We ate at the same tack stand on the way back. Great tortas. Oh yeah. We got back in time to enjoy a few drinks while the kids swam. We met some wonderful people while out by the pool. They had two children (ages 2 and 5) so the little girl, Clarissa (5) and Siobhan played a little bit in the pool. We got along really well with their parents. We talked for a while and exchanged e-mails. We went to our room for a little bit and the little one's were hungry again. Krystal and Bradley went next door to "Lobster Village" to do some shopping and we took the little one's to the restaurant. Who do we see? The couple we exchanged e-mails with earlier. How wonderful. We talked for about an hour. WE really like them. They about an hour from us.

Friday morning, the kids went swimming while we packed up. We headed out for the border thinking it shouldn't be too bad on a Friday around 12. YEAH RIGHT! They had the border closed. They want you to go out at Otay. NO way, We always get lost. So we went through town and tried to get to the border, no luck. We ended up heading BACK to Rosarito, finally found a turn around and luckily they had it open when we got there. I don't know how long it took to get out, it didn't seem too long. We bought Diego a desk with Spider-man on it. Now he has his own and doesn't have to share Siobhan's Princess Desk. We thought he was too little for one, but no.

The trip had some amazing times. Some things that we had never experienced before. It was nice to be there for three nights since usually we only go for one, which doesn't leave time to really just enjoy being there. As my blog is named: Baja is where I wanna be.

Baja here I come

We will be enjoying three nights in Baja this week. Oh yeah, kids in the pool, drinks by the pool, lobster, shopping, relaxing. Oh, I shall come back practically another person. A whole week off work to get my life priorities correct. ahhh

Get this

We have embarked on a new home project. See, the thing is, Eric and I usually would rather pay someone to do it then do it ourselves. My husband is REALLY handy, he can do many things around here, he just chooses not to. Nothing wrong with that. He works a lot, so I am all for not having him do anything extra. Me, well I have lived in so many houses, he couldn't believe I didn't know how to do anything. I had never even painted before we moved here. He wonders how we could have moved so many times and I did nothing. Now he understands, my parents did everything.

So, we decided to take the white (we HATE white) paint off the kitchen cupboards. I thought, oh no, what is this going to be like. We got some good paint remover that can be used in the house. It is SUPPOSED to smell like orange. So I did some last Sunday. I couldn't believe how easy it was. I did on side Sunday and started on another Monday. Yesterday and today the kids are getting started on it. I think Bradley enjoys it, Krystal just does it.

We have to keep the little one's out because there is still some on there no matter how hard you try to get it all off. That is not so easy, Diego doesn't really understand, but all in all it is going well. A few more weeks and I think we will be able to stain it. I can't believe the difference already. Those of you who have been to our home know that there are colors everywhere. I am surprised we have tolerated the white this long. Ah, it will so nice.. I will post a photo when we finish.

Happy Anniversary

To my love! Happy 6th anniversary. What a wonderful six years it has been. I never thought I could still be so in love after all this time. Six years of wedding bliss and 13 years together. Wow. I can only hope we have so many, many more years to learn about each other. I love you. There are honestly no words to express the depth of my love for you.

My good friend's brother

Take a moment and read about his fight with cancer. He is trying to raise money. Even if you can't donate, pass it along. Take a moment to read, maybe even donate.

Easier?

I don't think so. As I cried during my drive to work this morning. Why? "Dance with my Father again". Heard it lots of times since my dad has died. Today, couldn't take it. Weird. I just don't get it. Pain! It has not gone away, disappeared or faded. My heart aches for him.

pressure

My emotions have been getting the best of me lately. Tears I can usually hold at bay, fighting their way through. Making an entrance, taking control of the rest of me. Not letting me be me. I spend so much time fighting them, I hardly remember why. I was up late last night. Went to bed tired and could think of nothing but my dad. Try as I may, nothing!

Tears. more tears. Sobbing. I watched the DVD of my dad that Eric made. Heart wrenching, blinding tears. The worst part, it doesn't help. I don't feel better afterwards. Usually I am a fan of crying. You cry, you feel better. It isn't working now. Last night all I really wanted to do was break something. I know the Five Stages of Death and Dying. Whatever! My five stages are mixed up, in a drink, some pass right through, others seep out like vapors. Taking over.

I don't know how much more I can handle. Am I going to become some kind of basket case? Will I just start having emotional break downs at the worst possible moments? Will Eric have to admit me into some kind of hospital? Okay, so it isn't that bad. But have you ever, truly been unable to control yourself? That is how I feel. I have NO control over me. If I don't, who does?

ahh quiet

Diego is sleeping, Bradley is at his Grandma's house. K is on her way home, Eric is at work. Siobhan is at pre-school. The dogs are sleeping and I am....bored. I am not used to being alone. I do so much better with people around. I mean, being alone is okay for a while, about 30 minutes. After that I need company. At least Beverly Hills 90210 is on. hee hee (take me back to the 80's)

Here is a picture of me holding the beautiful flowers Eric sent me for my birthday. Not a great picture of me, but it was hot and I wanted to get back in the house!

Today, today, today

Krystal comes home today. She has been gone since Sunday. She has called at least twice a day every day, but still we miss her! We pick her up from the train a little before 6. Woo hoo

By the way, it is almost 8am and Diego is still sleeping. Bliss to sleep in until 7:45am!

I don't get it

Okay, I didn't start watching Grey's Anatomy when it came out. I caught one episiode and thought it looked great so I wanted to watch them in order. I caught the first two episodes when I was in Yuba overnight for work. I rented the rest of season one on Netflix. I watched four episodes today (I stayed home from work). Season two doesn't come out until Sept. 12th but the first episode of Season Three starts on Sept 27th. What kind of time line is that? I would have to have all three of my Netflix's in and watch them right away to catch up on what is going on. I seriously think someone did not think out the time line here. Even if I purchased them, I would still have to watch ASAP. geez, give a girl with four kids a break, will ya?!

just an idea

okay, I just want to throw this out to Google. I think they should hire me. I am THE worst speller. I mean, I come up with ways to spell simple words, you wouldn't believe. I think they should hire me on for their search engine. Think of how many hits they are missing because there are probably people out there (like me) who can't even get the word close enough for it to know what I mean. Just an idea Google! I am cheep too!

Not feeling so hot

My head hurts. I am tired. I wonder if I am getting sick. Oh, I hope not! That is ALL I need. I think I will go lay down!

What a shame

I have to be off work so I can work the OC Fair later today. I will be there for about 4.5-5 hours sitting in an A/C building handing out freebies from my work. I can think of worse ways to spend the day. They gave us tickets and parking passes, kids get in free today, so I am taking Bradley and Siobhan with me. Bradley can take her on rides, they have unlimited rides for $20. Normally more than I would care to spend, but since we never go, it will be okay. I know they will have fun and since I have to be there anyway....

It is supposed to be cooler today. Only about 92. I never thought I would be happy to see 92. Wish the A/C bill would show 92 when it comes. ha ha

Hey, don't do that!

These are "Do Nots" I actually found at our favorite hotel site in Mexico. I think it is funnier that they needed to write them, then that they actually wrote them.

Do not drink and drive (or drink and walk either). Public drunkeness is also a fineable offense.

Do not expect to find a gas station open 24/7 around every corner.

Do not get involved in the purchase or sale of illegal substances, period.

Do not be alarmed by the Military Checkpoints. They are looking for illegal drugs and firearms -- they're not looking for you.

Do not expect US dollars to be dispensed from a Mexican bank's ATM machine.

Do not do anything here you would not do at home.

She's gone

We just dropped K off at the train station and she is headed for Santa Barbara. Eric has already texted her to make sure she is okay. I told her I was glad she was leaving, but it will be really weird without her here. Plus she is a big help MOST of the time. I know she will enjoy herself. Of course, she will be working out like crazy since it is track camp. It will be good for her.

Miss you!

What?

It is supposed to be 102 in Anaheim today. What is THAT all about? Last year we hardly used the AC. Now, we hardly turn it off. I just want to say a quick thanks to Anaheim Electric. Southern California Edison is hiking up EVERYONE's rates. They are basing it on a tier of using, up to 200%. (What they should be doing is thanking Gray Davis for signing up YEARS AGO for low rates for electricity). Luckily Anaheim has it owns electricity (thank you Disneyland!) so we are okay. Not to say we aren't paying for using the AC but a few months of high bills are worth it. I CAN'T deal with heat. I know, I know, then why do I live in So. Cal? Because usually it is PERFECT here. There usually aren't extremes one way or the other.

I gotta say, I think old Earth is trying to tell us something. We gotta take care of her if she is going to take care of us.

For my birthday

This is how my office was decorated. ha ha. I still can't walk around in there. Thanks everyone for all the wonderful gifts. Eric sent me beautiful long stemmed roses. Ah... they make my office smell lovely. I look forward to walking in each morning.

Are those new galaxy players? Look closely!

The girls from my work put their faces on the galaxy players. Except for Cobi, nobody messes with Cobi!

ahh Friday

A weekend of little planned. Nice! July has been so freaking busy. K leaves on Sunday through Thursday for Track Camp. Lucky her and lucky us. We will miss her but it will be good for her. Eric was saying that we need to prepare Siobhan for K leaving. My gosh, I hadn't even thought of it. Usually I am good at remembering things like that.

I have a Costco trip planned for Saturday. I am using my Costco cash gift card so the trip will be even more fun. K leaves early Sunday, she is taking the train. All by herself. I guess we have to let her grow up some. She WILL be 17 next month. I think she is looking forward to it. She will take the extra cell phone with her so all will be well.

Where is everyone?

My mom is in Alaska with Lauren. Tony and Emma are in Africa. Where are we? Here! ha ha, we have vacation in a couple weeks, mexico here we come!

Anyone else have plans for the summer?

oh yeah! Happy Birthday to me! The big 37.

click here to see the video
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Dinner last night

Oh man, we went to one of our favorite restaurants, Haveli's. If you live or work around Tustin, CA you should check it out. We have followed the owner from his last place. The food is amazing. So many flavors. It isn't cheap and it isn't fast, but what good food is. It isn't expensive either, and oh so worth every dollar.

They have a buffet too. There you could try all kinds of yummies and really get to know how wonderful the food is. Eric and I decided to bring a menu home so we can mark off all the foods we have tried. Hey, maybe we will see you there. (psst, the weekday lunch buffet is perfect to replace a boring regular lunch!)

a little bit embarrassing

Earlier today I sent out an e-mail to my mom, two of my three brothers and my niece, oh and my husband. I was forwarding them something from my cousin.

So, later I was sending my husband something, meant for him only, and I sent it to everyone! Damn autofill. Ha ha, well at least it wasn't THAT bad.

The funny thing is, it is classic me. It is so something I would do.

Well, at least I think it is funny!

Bradley took this picture

My Girls!

30 mph

Diego can't walk. I don't mean that he is incapable, he just doesn't. He RUNS everywhere. He is crazy. He is always hitting his hands or arms on something, falling down, and he just doesn't get it. Maybe if he slowed down a bit that might not happen.

K is making breakfast. What do you think the odds are that she will clean up too?

Another busy weekend. Aren't they all? K is supposed to hang out with her friends today (assuming she got it all set up for her dad to drive them wherever!)

We are going to go on a vacation next month. We don't know where, maybe Mexico but we have a week off. We will be doing something!

Diego was up at 6:30 today. That boy needs a later body alarm. geez! I could have slept until 7:30 today. Oh well!

Eric is off today. Have fun with the kids babe!

busy, busy, busy

Back from Yuba yesterday. Luckily it wasn't as hot as usual. I enjoyed my hotel room with the king size bed (I had to keep reminding myself that I COULD sleep in the middle). Two of the very first Grey's Anatomy were on, so I was excited because I wanted to watch it but from the beginning. I added it to Netflix so I can catch up before the new season starts again. The picture of the car is the one I had from the rental place. I decided I am a truck kind of girl. I LOVE my Land Rover Discovery and I felt at home in the Jeep. Hmm...

Busy this weekend. Today I dropped K off to volunteer. Went to Lowe's to look at bathtubs. Babies R Us for a gift and picked up lunch. I will pick up K in a couple hours and head to my brother's house for a party. Tomorrow there is a baby shower and the World Cup Final (oh, yeah, and my mom's b-day!)

Hope everyone is enjoying your weekend and staying cool. Thank you A/C!

yeah, I am up early today. I told Siobhan we needed to wake up early since momma is going on her business trip. She was up at 5:45! Dang girl, I meant 6:30. ha ha at least I don't have to worry about being late now. I'm leavin' on a jet plane, don't know when I'll be back again... well, actually tomorrow. Not like I am going forever.

Busy weekend planned too. I HAVE to go find a new bath tub on Saturday, watch World Cup, and head to my brother's for a party (woo hoo). Sunday I have a baby shower for a friend at work. Should be a fun filled weekend. I enjoy having a lot or nothing to do. I either want to be real busy or have a NOTHING to do.

Ahhh, babe, I will miss you too. I will be back before you know it. Enjoy the whole bed without me. I won't be surprised if Siobhan worms her way in there with you. Kisses to my babies, momma is enjoying a night ALL by herself. The bliss..

bet you don't have one of these

Even if you have a DS, I bet you don't have one like this. hee hee. I LOVE that thing!

It has been soooo hot. We finally turned off the air for the first time since Friday I think. I can't stand the heat. How do you grow up in Southern California and hate the heat? Weird, but true. Hopefully it will be cool enough tonight to sleep with the windows open. We need some fresh air in this house.

I am starting Weight Watchers tomorrow. We were hoping to get it at work and we haven't heard anything so I am not going to weight (get it) any longer. There are a few of us that are going to go at lunch time to one near work. Next best thing to having it AT work. At least it is easy to fit into my schedule.

Kids are in summer school (K is taking computers and B is taking Art). I can't believe it is going to be July already. Wasn't it just Christmas.

Work is going really well. I love my new job. We have a couple new people starting soon, so exciting.

Well, La Fea mas Bella is on, gotta run!

Traveling for business

Oh yeah, I have moved into the big leagues. I am going on an over night trip, by myself, for work. Re-read that to mean one whole night without FOUR kids. Oh yeah! Okay, so it is my first work related alone over night trip. And, okay, it is ONLY to Yuba City, but apparently they have a couple places to eat there. hee hee. I am still TOTALLY excited!

oh yeah!

Our Krystal with Guillermo "Pando" Ramirez, former LA Galaxy and current Guatemalan National team member. Pando, Krystal's soccer hero, scored the goal that gave our LA Galaxy the MLS title in 2005. He was at the June 24 Galaxy game picking up his championship ring.

growing up

Today Krystal starts volunteering at Martinez Book Store. They have a children's store next door as well. Mr. Martinez is HUGE in educating children. Telling them that they need to go to school and get an education. He is also a MacArthur Fellowship winner!
Not to mention, how cool is it to be able to get your hair cut while you purchase a book? They have LOTS of Latino books, art work and orginal paintings. You should check it out! Maybe Krystal will help you while you are there!

ahh kids

Diego wasn't feeling well the other day. I looked over and he was throwing up. He didn't cry. Actually he tried to hold it in his hand (mommy's little helper). When he was done, he said "ca-ca in my mouth". Oh my gosh, we were cracking up. He kept throwing up and he would say "I'm okay, I'm okay". I don't know if he was telling us or himself.
(He is fine now!)

hee hee

Watch your back!

fun in the backyard!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL

Happy Father's Day Eric

A picture K took of S for Father's Day! Beautiful girl!

Okay, check it out!

Here is the view from the property we bought in Mexico. Oh yeah! Everytime I look at it, I swear I can feel the air blowing. I think the beach looks farther than it is, it is only about 100 yards. We are about 5 minutes from The Blow Hole (just past Ensenada).

As soon as we build a house, BIG PARTY! Look again, ahhh, so beautiful!

click here to see a bigger picture

heat?

I am home on a Friday afternoon. I got a call at work that Siobhan threw up and she wasn't feeling well. I have never gotten a call like that before. I left work and headed right to her. Someone at work said sometimes parents say they are on their way and show up hours later. Can you imagine? My baby doesn't feel well, I am going to get her. She needs to be home and comfortable.

I don't know if it was the heat. When I picked her up at 11:30, my car said it was 90 out. YIKES. So, she had soup, juice and is in the bath. Maybe after a nice nap and enough A/C she will feel better. Eric and I think she is ditching. haha, faker!

"Divorce is not caused because 50% percent of marriages end in gayness"- Jon Stewart, The Daily Show

oh the wisdom

"If 26.2 miles is to hell and back, 13.1 must just be TO hell"-Ryan McQuitty

one more pic

I wanted to show that I carried my Dad with me (literally) the whole way!

San Diego Rock n Roll Marathon 2006

This is Julie and me, pre-marathon. Notice the smiles.
Us after the marathon. Somehow our smiles are bigger. Man, we deserved those medals!

Diego enjoying his birthday cake

He is TWO now!

Good-bye

My Aunt Sylvia (my dad's sister) passed away yesterday. I am sure she is with him, her parents and her husband. They are probably all playing poker right now.

My Aunt Sylvia made the BEST cakes. Her birthday cakes compared to no ones. And her ham, yummy. They always had a million things to do at their house. For some reason, I always remember watching Soupy Sales at her house (I am sure I saw it other places as well).

I would play with that door that splits in two in their office. They had two phone lines when I was young, I thought that was way cool. It was even cooler when the phone line for the kids was a pay phone. How awesome was that when you are 10.

My Uncle Russ passed away in 2005, my dad last year. Although I know my aunt was living for her children and grandchildren, I knew she was in deep sadness. I will miss her and everything she was to me over the years. But I KNOW she is happy, with her family, a reunion if you will.

I wish I could have told her to give my dad a hug for me.

I have completed a half marathon. 13.1 miles. Here is my story!

We had to be in the lobby of the hotel at 3:45am on Sunday. We made it on time, checked in, and hopped on the bus. Pitch dark outside. Are we the only one's awake? Where are all the other cars?

The bus drops up off about ¾ of a mile from where we need to go. What is going on? Aren't I walking enough later? Do we need to add to it now? Julie and I wait. We throw my sweatshirt on the ground (luckily it wasn't cold, scary for how hot it might be later) and sit. We sit, and wait and sit. We wait about an hour and a half. Suddenly we realize it is light and there are so many people around us. We take turns waiting for the bathroom (gotta love porta pottys).

The Marine band goes by. Time to get in our corral. Wow, it is time. We hear the Wheelchairs take off. We all clap as they leave on their journey, while we wait still.

The gun goes off. We are still waiting. We are in the back and don't start to move for another 5 minutes or so. It took about 13 minutes to get to the start. We are off! Woo Hoo! Look at all those people! Thousands and thousands of people.

A band is playing around half a mile and people are cheering along the side. I thought there would be more people cheering. After mile one people are thinning out, finding their pace. We go along, comfortable. Where is mile 2?

Into mile 3, Julie needs to use the restroom. We are slowing down some. Too much water and too much excitement. There is the restroom, one lonely porta potty. We wait. Julie's turn and then my turn. We are off again. Oh, Julie is a new person now. I think she is ready to take off and leave me behind. The Team in Training (TNT) Sweeper tells us if we cut through we can lose about a mile and catch up to everyone else. No way. Neither of us want to do that and we are pissed he even brought it up. (Turns out it would have been about 4 miles too!) We walk on.

Suddenly our TNT Sweeper is replaced with another Sweeper, Brandon. He has a whole bunch of balloons tied to his waist and is walking all casual. We introduce ourselves and tell him we are glad the other guy is gone. We walk on.

Around 6.5 miles this cop pulls up and tells us in a not so nice way that all the cars and clean up crew are waiting on us. Brandon tells him "That is what you are for", the cop says "Oh I am huh?" (Who cares this guy is getting paid big bucks to work this event on a Sunday and all he is doing is riding around on his motorcycle). I tell him "It isn't so easy to walk 13 miles". He says, "I used to run 17 miles in the Army all the time". (Yeah, trust me that was about 25-30 years ago and about 50 pounds ago too!). Julie tells him "But you weren't helping to cure cancer when you were doing it". So he leaves. Jackass. We walk on.

Mile 7, Brandon tells us we are doing a great job. We need to pick it up some because we need to get on the freeway at mile 8. He said if we get there, he would throw himself in front of any car that tries to close the freeway before we are done. We pick it up and pass a girl in front of us. We walk on (faster).

There are people cheering. Random people on the street, or yelling from their windows "you are doing a great job. Keep it up! Thank you for what you are doing!" I wish I could thank each and every one of those people. They made such a difference. One officer pulled up and asked why everyone was wearing purple. I told her it was TNT and we are walking to help cure blood cancer. She thought it was an amazing thing we were doing. It WAS an amazing thing. We walk on.

I was so hot. Whenever we passed a water station I was pouring water on my head, down my back and on my face. Nothing was helping. I almost felt like I was going to explode I was so hot! I don't think I have ever been so hot. Could you have fried an egg on me?

We entered the freeway. Julie was looking so forward to walking on the freeway. Needless to say, Julie realized it was way over rated. We never realized how many holes there are on the freeway. Miles 7, 8, 9 were so hard. My muscles weren't sore or anything but I was so physically exhausted. I didn't know how I could go on. I honestly thought at one time, "Maybe I can fake pass out right now, no one will know". But somehow I went on.

Julie and Brandon were a huge help. Brandon kept playing Chariots of Fire behind us on his cell. (Mind you, he was still out for a stroll, enjoying his Starbucks). Mile 9 I realized I had to go the bathroom REALLY bad. I actually asked for a ride to the rest room but the van had just left with one girl who was behind us. That was okay; I didn't really want to cheat any way. Julie ran ahead and checked that there was toilet paper. Is that a good friend or what?

Out of the bathroom at mile 10, I felt great! Let's go. I was wearing a picture of my dad on my bum and in the front. I must have knocked the one on my bum loose. I told Julie to take it off. I kissed my dad and threw him to the side of the freeway (THAT, my dad would appreciate). And on we went. We walk on.

Brandon was great about keeping us talking and not thinking about how tired we were. We walked on. Mile 11. Geez, it took a long time to get here. Sometime around here we realized that we already walked 11. We walked. I am completely out of water at this point. My camelback was dry.

Mile 12. This is it! Julie and I picked up the pace. "Let's just get done". We walked fast! We passed a stop that had pretzels and water. A few more yards, I tell Julie I have a pretzel in my mouth, I can not swallow it or spit it out, there is NO saliva to do either. Luckily Julie had some water to give me. After that, I licked the pretzels and threw them to the ground. We pass about five people. We WANT to be done.

"Julie, please tell me you see 13. I don't think I can keep this pace up much longer". She sees it! She sees it! Oh my God, we are almost done. We walked. Mile 13, we are here. So close. We have to cross the street and there is the finish line. I see my brother, Tony, Emma and Holly. I tell my brother "I can't believe I finished", he said "you haven't yet", but I had. I knew I would, there was no doubt. It was a formality at this point.

13.1 miles, crossed the finish line. We were done. OH MY GOD, we are done! Really done. I got my medal. It is finally okay to sit down. No! Don't sit down. You still have to walk WAY over there to check in (only about 30 feet but it felt like forever!) I check in and sit down. I call Eric, "I DID IT!"

WOW. I still can't believe. I hug Tony, Emma, and Holly and tell them thank you for being here. Julie's boyfriend, Ryan makes sure the bus will wait for us. We get on the bus and I am still woo hooing. Man my feet hurt, so bad. We get out of that bus and into another bus and go back to the hotel.

Julie showers and calls room service while I shower. We lay in bed and relax. Room service comes. Ryan answers the door and gives us our food. We eat and we are out! Sleep! Sleep!

We wake up and go to the Victory Party. We feel good. Eat and go back to the hotel. Sleep for the night.

Monday morning I woke up. I told Julie "At first I was going to say it felt like a truck ran me over, but I would say it is more like a train!" We headed home. I am home in my husband's arms and hearing how proud of me he is. Ahh, that made it worth it right there.

People ask me if I would do it again. I say that is like asking someone who JUST had a baby if she is going to have any more. I don't know. I will enjoy smaller walks. 5K's, 10K's, but beyond that I don't know.

I have completed something that less than 1% of the population ever complete. That is amazing and I am SO proud of myself!

I'm outta here!

I am off! I can only pray to return stronger. I am heading down to San Diego today. Tomorrow morning I will complete my 13.1 miles in support of curing all blood cancers. I am doing this for my dad who died in September. Now, my dad would say "What the hell are you doing? Stay home and relax!", but I want to help other families. If I can help even ONE family from losing a loved one, it will all be worth it.

One song that has kept me going (sorry babe, not Eye of the Tiger), but WINNING. Click Winning and check out the video! (I mean winning, not in the "I will be first" case but in the " I will finish").

See you all Monday!

Happy Birthday Eric. I wish I could be here with you today to enjoy the day the Lord blessed us all with you! I thank Him everyday. I love you!

Calling all Bloggers

I need you. Below is a link where you can vote for my youngest son (he is entered in a contest). You can vote once a day and it is open for the next couple of weeks. Add it to your bookmarks if you don't mind, and vote daily. Thanks everyone!

VOTE FOR DIEGO

smoking

Okay, first off let me say I HATE smoking. I think it is disgusting. But, of course, people have a right to smoke if they want. Luckily living in Southern California most people do not smoke and you can't really smoke anywhere public.

Here is what I don't get. Someone is smoking in their car. They have the window down and the cigarette out the window. Obviously they don't want the smoke stinking up the car, or their clothes, or they don't like the smell. What the hell makes them think anyone else wants to smell it? I mean if you are going to smoke, at least roll up all the windows and enjoy the second hand smoke as well. Why subject everyone else to it. I have been in my car and I can smell someone smoking, they can be two or three cars away. GROSS.

I step off my soapbox now.

Happy? Birthday

My husbands birthday is this weekend. I won't be sharing it with him. His b-day is Saturday and I will be leaving mid-morning or so for San Diego and won't be back until Monday afternoon. I will be thinking of him. Missing him. Wishing him birthday wishes. What is the point? He doesn't want to have a birthday. He never wants to celebrate. What is that about? I am all about celebrating me.

He won't even let me give the kids money to take him to dinner. Loco!

Hey, happy birthday early babe. (hee hee, you can't stop the blog!)

p.s., even if you don't celebrate your birthday, you still get older you know!

My husband had this picture on his Flikr! page. I was playing the Sims2, my second family. He wonders who I love more. Him and the kids or the Sims. Hmm, let me think, the Sims are always ready when I want to play, the do exactly what I tell them when I tell them. Hmm, the Sims are fun for a while but it is you guys I REALLY love (well, I DO love you more than the Sims, just don't ask me how much, okay?!)

Good thing we have a big back yard. She drives this thing ALL over the place!

A night without Siobhan

I swear I wrote a blog about the LAST time we were without Siobhan. We figured since it was a long weekend, we could share her a little bit. Usually we are not willing to give up any precious Siobhan time, but sometimes you just have to share.

We went to the market for fruit, stopped to pick up S's Grandma's meds and got them McDonald's. Let me explain. McDonald's is something we NEVER get, so this is a treat for them (and it was on the way). So, Siobhan was armed with her backpack full of her stuff, her stuffed kitty and McDonald's. Needless to say, she will have a wonderful time.

We on the other hand... It is so quiet without her here. Surprisingly Diego hasn't asked for her yet. Weird. K made guacamole for later (yum yum), as they had avocados 4/$1. YEAH

Miss you beautiful little girl.

Eric?

No wondering whose kid this is?

24 extra

Oh yeah, I love knowing I have one WHOLE day extra. One extra day to sleep in. One extra day to spend with the kids. One extra non working day. Okay, that says it all. No work. Hee hee. Woo hoo.

Don't get me wrong, I love my job. I enjoy it when I am there, but I am all for having an extra day of not being there.

My plan is to clean Siobhan and Diego's room. First thing this morning, I was going through all their clothes. Diego had some stuff in his drawer that was size 9 months (pretty sure THAT won't fit). I had K clean out the hall closet so we can move some of the old software boxes out of S and D's closet and into the hallway. Shifting. That is what we do when we clean right? Should it even be called cleaning? We should say I am going to go into the kids room and shift things.

Vertigo

And I don't mean the movie.

I have been dealing with this for over a week. I guess maybe I have something going on in one of my ears. It is driving me nuts. Pretty much everytime I move my head more than a little the room spins.

Siobhan just hit her head and she was crying. I picked her up and carried her to my bed. I thought I was going to throw up the stupid room wouldn't stop moving around. arrgghhh

hee hee

We have been asking Siobhan if she wants to do commericals. "Hey, wouldn't you like to be on commericals?", she said "But how do I get out of there?"

Aren't kids the best?

shh, it's night night time

I was laying in bed thinking of how I really wanted to go to sleep (seeing as how it WAS the middle of the night), when Diego started screaming. He usually sleeps all night, so I went down the hall and said "shhh". (He will stop crying because he knows I am coming).

I rubbed his back, told him it was time to go "night night". He said "Say hi to Daddy now, Say hi to Daddy now". How cute is he.

I put him back to sleep. An hour or so later, screaming again. I don't know what was up with him. So he ended up in our bed.

Needlessly to say, my neck hurts, my back hurts and I am freaking tired. Where is Diego? Oh yeah, still asleep in my bed. Brat!

count

We were on the couch and Diego started counting for us. He counted to 20 (okay he forgot 15, but ALL kids forget 15)! Our little man!

What life is REALLY about

Alright, I have FOUR kids. Sometimes things get crazy. Sometimes I want to kill them (especially the teenagers) but all in all, I love them. I don't know what life would be like without them and I am not looking forward to finding out. (Diego isn't yet 2, so I have a while).

Usually when Diego wakes up, he will wait about 20 seconds before he starts repeating "cereal" over and over and over and over. (not kidding here!). I am home late this morning, so we all woke up at a leisurely pace (so much nicer for everyone). Diego woke up, didn't say a thing about cereal. I sat on the couch, his head on my shoulder, and we just were.

Man, nothing is more strong then that feeling. That feeling of having it ALL in your hands. Somehow all the love you have ever known comes through.

Now, those of you with kids know. You HAVE to enjoy these moments because they are few and short lived. I sat. I squeezed. I loved. What bliss. Until......"cereal". Well, that was that. I loved every single second of it!

a really nice Mother's Day

I spent a few hours with the kids over my mom's house. This was nice because even though she only lives about 20 minutes away, I rarely have time to just go hang out with her. Siobhan watered all her plants. Krystal, Bradley and Siobhan painted colorful pots for some plants. Diego had a ball opening and shutting the screen door (crazy kid).

Krystal made shrimp cocktail for dinner. We even got Siobhan to try one. Of course we bribed her with candy, but so what, she tried it.

Krystal made me a Mother's Day DVD. It had Siobhan dancing and singing. Siobhan and Diego saying why they loved me. I think Diego said "Because". hee hee. Well said little man! Really cute. A life long memory.

ahhh, thanks guys!

My little cousins

This is Tyler holding his little brother Hunter.

Ah, at peace

Andrea finally got an iPod. I know she will grow to love it, and possibly name it (as I have). Maybe next year little Diego and little Tate and get together and swap tunes.

hee hee

Krystal's famous