Live, Learn & Let Loose

I AM happy

2012-01-25T13:59:00.000-05:00

I came across something I wrote almost 7yrs ago during a very difficult part of my life...Divorce. It was something I read almost daily and tried to engrave in my mind. Hope it helps anyone out there trapped in the complicated web that is co-parenting.

Divorce Mantra
I promise to myself today (for the sake of my sanity and for my precious children)........
I will NOT argue with anyone in front of anyone else.
I will NOT scream!
I will NOT cry.
I will NOT insult.
I will NOT respond.
When I pick up the phone I will smile first.
I won't take the blame for things I can not control.
I will NOT try to control anything or anyone other than myself.
I will NOT dispense advice.
I will NOT hold hate in my heart.
I will NOT listen to songs that make me sad.
I WILL dance!
I will NOT allow myself to loose control in front of my children.
I will only depend on myself to make me happy.
I will NOT do things or say things to make others unhappy.
I will protect only myself and my children.
I will BE HAPPY.

It's not meant to be poetic but personal. It reminded me of the challenges I would or could face daily and helped me stay balanced. So with that said, I challenge you to write your mantra today.

Guess who's back...back again. Guess who's back, guess who's back..Pa-Na-Na-na.na.na.

2012-01-20T01:36:00.000-05:00

It's time again.

I promise to commit 30 minutes a day to this blog (or 15 mins to Pierre's if we are traveling).

Carm, will you be my drill srgt?

Be Green!!

2008-10-15T07:57:00.002-05:00

Thanks to my brilliant little cousin, Luelle, I can share some of the best "go green" info that has come my way. Check out http://earthnotes.tripod.com/clnrecipes.htm#moisture for tips on how to go green at home while saving some major green if ya know what I mean! ;)

Also, check out our new travel blog at http://wherespierre.blogspot.com for our latest trip updates from Kauai, Hawaii.

Tag! Apparently I'm it.

2008-09-23T21:41:00.003-05:00

I was just "tagged" by one of my first alumni who wanted to know just a little but more about "me" so here it is:

Here's how you play: Once you've been tagged you have to write a blog with 10 weird/random facts about you. At the end you choose 10 people to tag. List their names and the reason why you're tagging them. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them that they have 'been hit' and to read your blog. You cannot tag me back. Let me know when you are done, so I can come read yours.

1. I HATE mushy foods unless they are sweet. So no mashed potatoes, soups, stews, you get it. If I can't chew it and it's not on the dessert menu I ain't eating it.

2. I love black and white pictures of trees, a la Ansel Adams, only I take them myself and think they're just as good, but I am a bit over confident.

3. I think the sweetest smell in the world is breast-fed baby's breathe.

4. I love a man with a swimmer's back (hairless, broad shoulders, small waist).

5. I have a slight OCD problem (except when it comes to folding clothes) but I don't think that's a secret.

6. I buy baby stuff for all my pregnant friends just because I think it's the cutest stuff on the planet, I mean come on...who doesn't think mini converse are the best thing on the planet?!

7. I am just a little bit obsessed with Dave Matthews Band but I don't know any of the band members names except Dave & Tim.

8. Traveling is my only hobby (the planning part is the main occupant).

9. I could eat pizza every day of the week! I actually consider myself quite the pizza connoisseur.

10. I'm a good Cuban-mom but I don't talk to my kids in Spanish (except for the occasional "Mi-ja!" when I'm frustrated).

Now it's your turn. Roll call, Lu Lu, Serg, Alain (I think Angie already got this once), Anastasia, Mari, Carm, Genny, Giannie, Mark, Ariana.

Why? Because I said so and no there isn't any extra credit.

Wise Words- I like to keep things light but......

2008-09-16T20:24:00.002-05:00

During this political season let's be reminded of these wise words:

You cannot help the poor by destroying the rich.

You cannot strengthen the weak by weakening the strong.

You cannot bring about prosperity by discouraging thrift.

You cannot lift the wage earner up by pulling the wage payer down.

You cannot further the brotherhood of man by inciting class hatred.

You cannot build character and courage by taking away people's initiative and independence.

You cannot help people permanently by doing for them, what they could and should do for themselves.

--Abraham Lincoln

I wanna be famous enough for people to make fun of me

2008-09-15T18:16:00.007-05:00

Then maybe I'll have something entertaining to watch on TV late at night. ;)

For some of your own fun upload pics to www.slide.com

Those were the days.....

2008-09-13T18:06:00.003-05:00

Last night we were out way past our bedtime so Ernie had to take a little nap....which means....I get to fool around on the computer and find silly things to share with the ones that I love. Here it is.....

It's a little bit frightening, I know, but it is hilarious! Try one for yourself at
http://www.yearbookyourself.com. Ah, I love wasting my day away online, sometimes. ;)

Chubby girls need acting jobs too!

2008-09-11T18:25:00.008-05:00

I want to see a weight-loss-program commercial that shows real woman with a "slight" problem, like a little chub hanging out of their jeans or a little butt crack showing when she bends over. Not some skinny girl wearing a flowy shirt which makes her look fatter than she really is....Chubby girls need acting jobs too, besides, if I walked into a weight loss meeting and the girls look like the ones on TV I'd beeline right out of there! :)

I looked all over the web for a picture of a chubby woman to clip on here but all I found were big women which simply proves my point. I feel compelled to post a picture of myself here but given that I'm not getting paid for it I rather not! LOL

Are there any beautiful yet slightly filled-in women out there?! Where are your pictures?!? Probably where mine are, tucked away in some drawer in the hopes that when they're found again I either think, "man I can't believe I've been able to lose so much weight" or "wow! I was that skinny back then" which has happened to me more times then I'd like to admit. But when you're a sucker for Cuban bread it happens.

9/11/08 Reflections-A moment to remember...

2008-09-11T08:10:00.003-05:00

September 11, 2001
I had just walked out of my ENC 2301 class on the second floor of the GC building in FIU. Annie and I were approaching the usual Jerry Springer loving crowd gathered around the big screen TV (I had always wondered why college students allowed themselves such an indulgence) and quickly realized that something wasn't right. I peeked through some of the bodies and could make out the top of a building burning, realizing that I was going to be late to my next class, which all the way on the other side of campus, I wrote it off as another case of rubber neckers and continued on my way.

When I arrived at the door of my Caribbean Lit class and read the cancellation note that was posted I was immediately irritated; I walked all this way for my class to be cancelled when I could've been home? I attempted to make a phone call to let my then mother-in-law (who would watch Sophie for me while I was in class) know that I would be home early but the lines were busy. As I approached the GC building there was an ackward hum. I peered up to one of the many tvs in the area to be shocked by the bottomline,
"The World Trade Center has been hit by an airplane in what is thought to be a terrorist attack."

Suddenly all that was normal wasn't. It still hasn't completely seeped in.....

Where were you on September 11, 2001?

P- Personality.......

2008-09-10T10:24:00.002-05:00

What can I tell you...I absolutely L-O-V-E self diagnosing quizzes! They are exactly what the intend to be, self-indulgent. Take a look at "everything" I am, then take a turn for yourself by clicking on the widget or logging on to
for all there is to know about YOU! ;)
Ah, with technology like this who needs a therapist?! (I Do! I Do!)

Quick Commentary on the Presidential elections

2008-09-04T12:39:00.004-05:00

Call me a sucker but this little fishy is biting.
I am finally interested in the presidential elections! Up to now I was disheartened by the politics as usual banter and felt that for the first time in a long time I had no real interest in the outcome. But then it hit me like a bolt of lightening out of a bright blue sky, we are witnessing a historical event of enormous proportions, something which we haven't seen the likes of in over 50 years (which I wasn't around for). Since African Americans were granted the right to vote almost 50 years ago the political playing field has continued to be "business as usual" but now we have two of the strongest "minorities" represented in the presidential ballot. For years women and African Americans have struggled to attain proper representation in the White House and now we are given the choice of one or the other and yet people are still uninterested?
America's apathy is getting on my nerves!

Babies....sigh....they grow way too fast!

2008-08-27T21:46:00.020-05:00

My babies

My auntie's baby's baby... ;)

My friend's baby

My new baby niece

As my things-to-do list decoratively says, "enjoy the little things in life!" I realize it's because they "grow" way too fast.

Time goes by so slowly for some things and yet too quickly in those instances we want to hold on to most. I see my baby niece and I recall the days when I used to nuzzle my babies' necks and smell their little breathes. I scramble through my mind in hopes of stumbling upon one vivid image to hold on to forever because I remember having told myself "you will never forget this moment" and now it seems that I have. It saddens me to think that I didn't enjoy them as much as I could have but then I realize that the reason I get frustrated with the loss of memories is because we had so many; I just hate that I can't pin point one exact moment. The days I spent with my girls at home (I was a stay-at-home mommy for 4, almost 5 years) are tresured stories that I hope to one day dream of again.

My dear auntie quoted someone not too long ago and said "My biggest discovery is that my children bring the greatest joy to me. Nothing comes close." (well my hubby of course but he's a big baby so it fits:)

For a sneak peak of little Abby's (my new baby niece) first professional photshoot go to:

http://blog.alainmartinez.com/?p=536
(not sure why its not linking so cut and paste will have to do for this one....sorry.)

For my Tia!

2008-08-27T18:01:00.002-05:00

I had such a good time putting this together that I fear something may have been lost in translation. If not, then well, not sure what to say in order to keep it PG..... so I hope you get it. ;)

Deep thoughts by me:

2008-08-26T14:45:00.002-05:00

I think I love to blog....
Blogging is like scrapbooking and journaling all at once but online where people might actually read it and that's kinda cool! I love to blog, sometimes.

Mondays are such a drag......

2008-08-25T13:15:00.007-05:00

As I sit at my computer waiting for my students to take yet another mandatory state exam (poor things, its only their 4th day of school!) I can't help but hum along to bon jovi....(I just L-O-V-E him)

"sitting here wasted and wounded at this old piano (errrr keyboard).....trying hard to capture the moment this morning I don't know.....cause a bottle of vodka (errr, cup of coffee) is still lodged in my head (bladder) and some blonde gave me nightmares (if he's talking about a fake blonde then I can totally relate! LMAO)
I think she's still in my bed (Shoo, I wish I was in my bed right now so there better not be any blonde there!) as I dream about movies they won't make of me when I'm dead (what if I make my own movie and then hide it so when I do kick the bucket it would be discovered and then I would be famous but won't have to take the heat? Things that make you go hmmmm)....

ok, that's enough for now...the song is truly beautiful but I was only really thinking about the first line and I got a little carried away with the rest... hehehe

Tried all day to find the video to clip on but appartently I would be infringing on someone's rights so youtube it! :)

Summer in the City

2008-08-04T13:32:00.001-05:00

Hot damn, isn't it a pity?!

Trying to be patient

2008-07-21T20:39:00.002-05:00

I've heard them say, "the night is always darkest before the dawn breaks" and I'm really hoping they're right....but till the dawn breaks into my "dark" night I will continue to breathe in my mantra:
"God grant me the serenity to accept the things that I can not change, the courage to changethe things that I can and the wisdon to know the difference."

For all of those out there that have ever been divorced with kids....you can imagine how dark the night can get.... :) But I have hope for change and I will continue to push & pray for it.

TTFN

Summer Luv'in happened so fast....... :(

2008-07-18T10:20:00.002-05:00

I almost forgot.......between Sanibel and Dave Matthews in West Palm Beach we detoured to the land of Brandon, suburbia...well practically the boonies but they do have a starbucks now (which doesn't say much with them being on every street corner nowadays :). Anyhow, me and the girls always look forward to a few days of good ole craft'in, beading and the occassional sewing when we spend some time with our Americanos.
We arrived in the early evening last Tuesday to the welcoming post-it that stated clearly "No shoes inside the house" and were somehow persuaded to stay till Friday morning; only to add stress to my driving back home in time for the concert (which, btw, we missed the first two songs of the concert....) but it's always hard to drive away.
We did the usual Breezy Beads for some bracelets, Mella Mushrooms for their amazing Mystic Pizza (the Buffalo Chicken pizza was better, right Chris?) and Jo-Ann Fabrics for kids' crafts galore! The kids made puppets for Lexie, paper airplanes/oragami, bowls & ....well, I know there was more but I really don't remember. We had a great time, I miss them more each time I go..... :'(
Hey......Who stepped in caca?!?!

I must've drank from The Foutain of Youth

2008-07-18T10:08:00.003-05:00

I got carded the other day at the Dave Matthews Concert when I tried to buy beer!! I actually had to call Ernie over to give his ID because I didn't have mine on me!!! Did I mention that I just turned 30 4 months ago??!! Let's just say that it made my month! LOL
Check it out for yourself....Do I look 30 in this pic? ;) Maybe not quite 20 but hey, it was dark out!!!! LMAO!
TTFN

Summer Luv'in, had me a Blast!

2008-07-18T09:55:00.001-05:00

One of our favorite things to do is travel and what better way to do it then with a bunch of family; cooky, crazy, fun-loving family! We took off just in time for mom's birthday (It's almost Shady Pines time! LOL J/K) and the 4th of July. We swam, ate, played way too much dominoes and took in plenty of vitamin D. It was the sweetest of escapes....

Reflections-Pablo Neruda

2007-03-02T09:09:00.002-05:00

Reading Pablo's words is like a reawakening; the deep love and dark feelings that he emits..."I like for you to be still: it is as though you were absent....." speak to the dark corners of one's soul, that which is felt but never said from fear of appearing insane.
The truths he reveals effortlessly making it seem like a poem of love and devotion when in fact he speaks the truth of he intentions..."I was alone like a tunnel. The birds fled from me, and night swamped me with its crushing invasion. To survive myself I forged you like a weapon, like an arrow in my bow, a stone in my sling. But hour of vengeance falls, and I love you." To be loved with such honesty.... I love you because I was all alone and you're the only one I was able to conquer.....no thanks, but still beautiful in its presentation (this would definitely prove the point that a gift truly is all about the packaging).

Focus, Focus, Focus....

2007-03-01T14:28:00.002-05:00

I'm sitting here at the end of my work day and I am taken by the fact that I didn't do much but think about and research my next endeavor, I wasn't able to focus on anything else...Sad isn't it, to be someplace where you know you won't be for long....It has a bitter sweet taste to it. The eminent pressure of not wasting anytime so that I am not here much longer is contrasted by my need to fulfill my obligations and help those that are sitting right in front of me while remincing of all I have learned from them.

Am I being selfish in wanting to break free from what is expected of me?

How does one best serve society? Do we "do what we have to do" all the time or is there such a thing as "time for me"? The line is blurred and one must take certain risks when acting on that which one feels is "their part in the grand play".

So as I move forward in search of "what is me" I only know one thing for certain.......Love is all you need...love is all you need (come on you know the words) Love is all you need...... Seriously, letting yourself love is the greatest of all things but first you have to figure out where to start? That much I have accomplished; loving my children and finding the one person who loves me with all my faults and who I am learning to let go and love more and more everyday.

Now I'll focus on starting something new.

I need to focus.

Who needs coffee when you get to wake up to this?

2007-02-27T09:32:00.001-05:00

I am because they are;

beautiful, intelligent, funny, loving, caring, smiling, thumbsucking, dancing, joking, fussing,

take all the hot water while bathing, sweets eating,

little stars!

Dreaming of them while they're away (even just for the day) has inspired me; life happens but it doesn't happen for you. So I'm kicking it up, the dreams that have sat on the shelf for so long are being put into action.

My passions!? Photography, entertaining, hosting a great party, watching children with their mothers as I think of mine, visual arts, writing, spanish poetry, people being happy people.

What better way to live than to wake up in the morning and skip work; instead do something you love so it never feels like work again.

During the course of this week I have found so many subjects inspiring.......

So many words in need of paper, images left to the imagination.

I'm pregnant with ideas and this baby is over due!!