Words of Wisdom #41

"You simply have to put one foot in front of the other and keep going. Put blinders on and plow right ahead." - George Lucas

Words of Wisdom #40

"The answer you get depend on the questions you ask."

- Thomas Kuhn

Words of Wisdom #39

"I make myself rich by making my wants few."

- Henry David Thoreau

Words of Wisdom #38

"Once begun, a task is easy; half the work is done."

- Horace

Words of Wisdom #37

"Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you."

- Aldous Huxley

Currently coveting #2

I love school, and I love being a student. The one thing I don't like: not having much spending cash. Bummer! But, that doesn't mean I can't window shop. And, boy...do I window shop! If I could have my wishes granted I'd get the following things. I also think I may have this obsession with foxes. Sly and cunning little animals.

Aubin & Willis Fox Scarf

Penfield parka

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tory Burch Fox Ballet Flats

Ann Taylor Dress

Currently...

....I'm catching up with life post summer job, and about to become super busy with school, work, mentoring, and just plain ol' life. Thought I'd start by documenting some of my favorite things at the moment.

1) Herschel Laptop Sleeve - I ab-so-lu-te-ly love it!!! It was a birthday gift from él. (Sidenote: él is the guy I'm currently dating.) I love the leather on the bottom, the color navy blue, and the fuzzy, soft fleece interior. I'd been searching for one for ages, and I found one on Zappos as I was browsing. Definitely one of the best birthday gifts I've received in ages.

2) Books - Yes, I managed to find a Norton American Literature Anthology vol. 1 for $2!!! Score for me! Also, picked up this other book Making Literature Matter. Both books cost a whooping....wait for it....wait for it....$4.35 with tax!!! Yes, I do get this excited over purchasing books at a discount!

3) Trader Joe's Fleur de Sel Caramels - I love caramel anything, but salted caramel is my kryptonite! These are tooo die for. I bought a box at TJ's a few weeks ago, and I've been slowly eating one at a time. So hard not to just give in and eat all of them in one sitting. Definitely a great pick me up treat!

De regreso

Yes, she's back from the dead. And no, she's not going back any time soon. Sorry I've been so quiet online these past few months. Life got in the way. My own anxieties and insecurities also got the best of me. But, I've decided that I'm ready to start writing again, and blogging, too. Life is about to get super hectic again now that school, work, volunteering, and running is picking up again. Longer posts to resume in the next day or so.

So what have you been up to? Miss me?

I am not...

On the verge of tears and this can't be good.

I am not upset that my mother doesn't support my career choice.
I am not upset that I was just told by my mother that my current job isn't paying me enough. Ya know sometimes we accept jobs because we LOVE them, not because of the pay.
I am not upset and frustrated that my tutoring check is somewhere in the mail and I haven't received it yet.
I am not mad at the fact that I am back to being a completely broke grad student.
I am not overwhelmed at the fact that I have to lesson plan and create syllabi for 4 weeks of public policy curriculum.
I am not sad about the fact that I'm about to turn 25 and not where I want to be in life.
I am not beating myself up for the fact that the more I do, the less I feel I accomplish.
I am not feeling pathetic and lame.
I am not depressed over the fact that my blogger and tumblr friends understand me better than my actual friends.
I am not going to let my negativity bring me down, tomorrow is a new day and I hope know it will be better.

Currently coveting #1

Currently coveting #1 by estrada87 featuring kate spade jewelry

Words of Wisdom #36

"It's all about the work, ... Nothing is going to fall into your lap. If you want to be a lawyer, see yourself as a lawyer, go to the library and start learning the law. If you want to be a rapper, start rapping and get out there. Live your life as if you already are where you want to be."

- Russell Simmons

Currently Coveting...

Ahhh, I just wandered onto Brooks Brothers online store and discovered that they are having a massive sale!! Now, if I had some extra cash to part with I'd buy myself the following :) And yes, I may have a slight thing for dresses :)

Oxford shirtdress

Short Sleeve dress shirt

Cotton lady dress

Liberty Print Dress

Words of Wisdom #35

"It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things."
- Leonardo da Vinci

Happy (early) birthday to me!

Saturday I spent my afternoon hanging out with my mom at one of our favorite shopping spots and enjoying coordinated musical water fountain spectacles. My birthday is less than a month away now (eeek!!) and typically my parents have adopted the system of "I'll take you shopping for your birthday present" versus surprising us with a gift. This past weekend turned out to be one of those times. We wandered in J.Crew in search of swim trunks for my nephew, and we came out with clothes for ourselves. My mom bought a gorgeous Jackie cardigan in creme and a pretty periwinkle blue vintage v-neck tee (bytheway, those tees are uber soft and comfy! I have a few myself.) I came away with my early birthday present and a piece in the J. Crew collection that I've had my eyes on for quite some time. Best part of my gift: I snagged it on sale!!! And I mean uber sale price! Like 70% off!!!!! I totally lucked out on this trench coat! I felt like it found me, versus me finding it. I turned around, and BAM!, it was right there in front of me. And it was the VERY last one in the store, and wait for it.....IN MY SIZE! Yes, I know who gets this excited over scoring an article of clothing on sale. This girl right here does! Now I'm excited for the summer to breeze on by quickly so I can wear in this fall. I'm already thinking up of outfits to wear my Matinee Trench coat.

p.s. I totally lucked out on the price, because online its only the red version on sale. Talk about being at the right place at the right time!

Music Monday #23

She is my home slice! I love Ivy Queen, and lately I can't get enough of all my favorite Latin music artists. It's not a phase, but what would I call my current stage of persistent infatuation towards her, and my other beloved Latin music artists?

Post Secret #31

via Post Secret

Because in the end, no matter what we all go through, it'll all be OK! I swear I really need to tell myself this on a daily basis, because I tend to dwell on things not being OK, and it drives me nuts!

Words of Widsom #34

“I can never read all the books I want; I can never be all the people I want and live all the lives I want. I can never train myself in all the skills I want. And what do I want? I want to live and feel all the shades, tones and variations of mental and physical experience possible in life. And I am horribly limited.”
- Sylvia Plath

Jessie J Price Tag cover by Lennon & Maisy Stella

Music Monday #22

One of my all time favorite videos and renditions of Empire State of Mind. I think I might even enjoy this version better than the original Alicia Keys & Jay Z version.

Happy Monday everyone!

Post Secret #30

via Post Secret

I was guilty of this when I worked at the law firm. I'd put people on hold, then do some other office task, and go back to them. Remember: always be nice to those that are helping you with something!! :)

Words of Wisdom #33

"If you believe in yourself and have the courage, the determination, the dedication, the competitive drive and if you are willing to sacrifice the little things in life and pay the price for the things that are worthwhile, it can be done."

- Vince Lombardi

Things I Want Tuesday

I own quite a few bags, and honestly they don't get enough rotation in my daily life. I normally stick with my faithful Longchamps, leather brown hand tooled tote bag from Mexico, my cross body Kate Spade, and Strand Bookstore tote bag. I have another 5-8 bags in my closet just sitting in their dust bags!!! I seriously need to find a better system to rotate them! I can't help but continuously lust over bags I come across online. These next few bags are on the top of my list :)
 
Ahhh I love Vineyard Vines, and I love their collegiate tote bags!!! I absolutely fell in love with this bag!!! Must have! And, I also want the Georgetown version. :)

via Vineyard Vines

via Strand Books

via Madewell

Post Secret #29

via Post Secret

Yes, I am a non-believer and I go to mass with my nana. I can't imagine what it would do to her if she found out I was a naturalist. I feign interest to make her happy, because seeing her happy makes me happy. I love my nana dearly.

words of wisdom wednesday #32

"Do what you feel in your heart to be right - for you'll be criticized anyway. You'll be damned if you do, and damned if you don't."

- Eleanor Roosevelt

 

 I need to implement this more in my everyday thought process or rather make it more consistent. Key to being happy: do what you feel is right and what you love regardless of what others say or think :)

Happy hump day!

Currently coveting

I've been M.I.A. for quite a bit and its time that I slowly made my come back. :)

Currently on my I want list! :)

I love Dogeared necklaces. I've had my eye on a few of them for a while now, but this one really caught my attention. I think its very appropriate for each woman to feel empowered and to know that we are hear and are going to be heard! Because afterall, we are all unique, beautiful, and strong!

Hear me roar! via Nordstrom

Music Monday #21

One of my current favorite songs by the ever talented India Arie!

Silence

I know I've been a bad blogger. I've been rather quiet around these parts. I've been dealing with my own self. THey say we are own worst enemy. Today was a good day. Actually a great day. Better than others. Mostly because I got to tagalong with the BFF to drive up to Santa Barbara to pick up his little brother from school. And, I even got to walk for a bit along Goleta Beach! And...wait for it....wade in the water for a bit. I haven't done that in quite a long time, so long that I don't even recall when was the last time. It was so nice to just have that me time on the beach. Going to the beach has always been one of my favorite things, sadly I don't do it enough. I really need to change that. It makes me happy. After all at one point I did want to be a marine biologist. (I still know a lot of random facts about the ocean, animals, plant life, and the ecosystem.) I think I'm due for a full day trip to the beach, provided that I lather myself with sunscreen, otherwise I'll end up as one huge red tomato! Not fun.

I must remain positive and strong. I have my CSETs this Saturday and I can do this!

Words of Wednesday #31

"You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that taught me that the things that tormented me most were the very things that connected me with all the people who were alive, or who had ever been alive." - James Baldwin

happy note #1

I'm trying to have a positive and optimistic outlook on life. Hence, my happy lists and happy moments. I'm going to give it a go at writing a happy note to someone in my life on a weekly basis, because when the people I love are happy so am I. :)

Dear Stray Kitty we adopted:


Even though you won't let me pet you, and I feed you on a daily basis, you bring a smile to my face. I love getting home and seeing you curled up on our lawn chair, as if you are purposefully waiting for me. I love how nap in the grass out back and how you've become a part of our family. I hope one day you'll let me pet you.

Love,
C.

Busted, err, bustiness?!

Does any one else have a ridiculously large bosom that is hard to contain and hide?! I'm coming to terms that I am one busty female, and I'm finding ways of hiding them, read: more like slim down in certain tops. I love to wear 3/4 sleeve boat neck tops, but I feel like these often accentuate them more than necessary. Does this happen to anyone else? Any other Latinas out there that suffer from this as well?! Please share your thoughts on this topic. I know most gals would die to have a big bosom, but I'm a very full C-cup, probably even a small D-cup and as a future teacher I need to be aware of how I present myself. Because, after all, there is more to me than just a body, I do have brains! :)

Post Secret Sunday #28

via Post Secret

I know your pain. I constantly feel this way, and because of this I hope I can be a good teacher and not judge my students.

Moments of happiness

Inspired by another post on moments of happiness via design scouting; I've decided to compile my own moments of happiness.

Current moments of happiness (or rather, most recently as well)
Sharing a Milky Way with the BFF.
Eating my favorite burger with my favorite people: the Big Brother, Benster, the BFF.
Reading and eating Bunny Peeps.
Studying for my CSETs, really a pain, but it means I'm one step closer to becoming a teacher!
Ordering new "teacher" clothes online and a nice wallet!
Drinking a Mexican Pepsi!
Gym time with the BFF.
Finally figuring out how to deadlift, Pendlay row, and squat correctly.
Officially registered for the Nike Women's Marathon in SF!

Now for moments of happiness from the past:
Graduating from Georgetown.
Being accepted into the Rossier School of Education at USC.
Traveling in Europe.
Laying in bed with a very special person and just spending hours cuddling.
Taking a road trip to NorCal and SF with said above person and walking copious amounts of miles. And, sharing one too many laughs the entire trip.
Meeting and welcoming my first nephew into the world. Actually getting to hold him for the first time after months of just seeing him via Skype.
Participating in the Vagina Monologues.
Indulging in an Ily latte or mocha.
Walking through the streets of DC with no particular direction.
Learning to cook dinner with said very special person from above. Turns out you do need spices to the meat to make a patty melt taste good. :)

I must remember to focus on the moments of happiness and not let my past experiences ruin everything that lies ahead of me. So you hear that ugly, nasty images I will not let you bring me down. Because I am stronger, tougher, and smarter than to let you bring me down and intimidate me into being a submissive, vulnerable woman. I will and I am going to conquer you.

Challenge accepted!

Yes, I just registered for the Nike Women's Marathon in October in one of my favorite cities in the US and the world! Now to train my toosh off by running a lot and becoming BFF with my local canyon trails and hills.

g.p.o.y.

Spending my Friday going to an interview, and afterwards studying/reading until my eyes pop out :)

¡feliz viernes!

Family.

Today I got a call from my older sister informing me of a tragic accident in my mother's hometown in Mexico. A large number of my mother's family works in the sugarcane fields of Jalisco out by Tala/Ameca (if you happen to know that area). Its customary for the men who work out on the sugarcane fields to ride on top of the big diesel trucks with the loaded sugarcane. Not sure how it happened, but the truck driver struck head on with a tree and 12 men lost their lives. 2 of those men are confirmed to be my cousins. Another 3 of my cousins who also work with the same company are still missing. We don't know if they were on the truck or another one or even still out on the fields. This is a huge blow to my family, especially since my aunt passed away in December of last year, our matriarch in the family. I feel like our family is missing huge holes now. I don't even know who trips back to Mexico will be like with all of these family members missing. I keep thinking back to my cousin's families and their children. They were both in their mid 30s, young and strong men. My mother departs tonight for Guadalajara for the funeral and novenario. The novenario is a 9 day public prayer service where condolences are given to the family(-ies). During this period a lot of people come by to give their condolences, even if they did not know the deceased very well. Of course, food is bountiful and the immediate family is present for all 9 days of prayer.

I really dislike having to deal with death and grief in my family, but as I grow older it seems to be ever more present than before. How to even cope with people passing away in general is hard, its even harder when its your own family members.

Positive update

My funk has left me feeling really negative these past few weeks and I really need to snap out of it! I need to check myself, before I wreck myself ;)

Positive things in my life at the moment:

1. Registered for my CSETs in English! And I realized its on the day I had registered for a 5k :(

2. I fit back into my size 6 J.Crew skirts! Woot! Take that college weight! :)

3. Reread one of my favorite high school books: Fahrenheit 451

4. Met my master teacher and principal at my placement high school for student teaching and observations.

5. Bought a blouse in 2 different colors that slims me down and are appropriate for student teaching! Yay! Minimizing my bossom!

6. Planning a visit to my old work site to visit my kiddos and coworkers.

7. Starting a new job! Yay! Back with students!

8. Having my shoes snap and break at the library at school, but being saved by my running shoes. 

9. Nifty new H2Obottle in USC colors!

10. Spending Tuesday evening reading for this weekend's class!

Words of Wisdom #30

"Hard work is not the path to Well- Being. Feeling good is the path to Well-Being. You don't create through action; you create through vibration. And then, your vibration calls action from you."

- Esther Abraham-Hicks

Funk....

¿Como se dice 'funk' en español? 

That was one of my favorite lines as an undergad to ask my professors or my program director in Salamanca. And, oddly enough its how I feel right now about my current state of mind: funk. I feel sad. I feel blah. In the last few weeks I realized that I lost another close male friend and it hurts. I can't shake this feeling of potentially being sexually attacked again. Its made me paranoid. I honestly don't feel safe. I think it hit a new point yesterday when I was in Tijuana, Mexico with my mother and sister. It makes me wonder that maybe I need to seek professional help. I'm losing myself in my books again. This is a good and bad thing. Good because I love to read and analyze the text in front of me. Bad because I'm shutting everyone else out. Reading and books have been my security blanket since I can remember. My wall of defense against everyone that can potentially hurt me. No se que hacer, ni a donde ir. Then, to top it off, lately I haven't been feeling feminine enough. I don't feel like I am a mujer. Sé que soy mujer pero no lo siento. Bottom line: I need to get my mind off the issue of gender constructs and deal with my issues at hand. Taking the first step is always the hardest....and boy, is this hard for me right now.

Words of Wisdom #29

"Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not."

- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Post Secret #27

via Post Secret

I may not be in law school, but once upon a time I felt this way when I was working on my BA. Yikes! I just realized that I'm getting old--eerrr?! And now working on my MA, although I've been an awful student this past quarter. Point of this rant: that I too felt oppressed and powerless at Georgetown one time or another, especially my last year. However, thanks to a theology class I realized I had more power than I thought possible.

Remember: don't let the Man get you down!

¡Feliz domingo!

Words of Wisdom #28

"If you are distressed by anything external, the pain is not due to the thing itself but to your own estimate of it; and this you have the power to revoke at any moment."

- Marcus Aurelius

Currently..

Currently feeling overworked, overwhelmed, stressed, and pretty much down in the dumps.

I missed today's run and I'm beating myself up for it.

Vanilla latte was gross tonight.

I know stupid little things bring me down, but after a long week it just set me off. yes a stupid vanilla latte gone wrong just made pushed me closer to the edge.

But, you know what really pushed me over the edge?!

A stupid article missing page numbers and I'm stressing over how to cite it in my paper. Sigh.

Good news

Just when I think life can get me down I tend to forget that I do work my ass off to not reap the rewards.

I got a job as a tutor for foster adolescents.

Got my new school placements from April to December. yay for 15 minute commutes!

Taking my teacher exams in May.

Vegas in May for the BFF's bday and possibly June if I can work out a budget for my own bday and Britt's too!

Babysitting Ben Memorial Day weekend! I can't stop thinking about all the cool things we can do and make together! And of course, get some of our favorite froyo!

I've lost a few more pounds, and dropped down to a size 6!

I gave up leisure reading, sad thing really, but glad to be studying for my state teacher exams.

And finally learning to love me for me. I swear if I don't do for it me, then no one else will.

Oh yeah, Ericka graduates in May too! And so does the BFF well June really, but I'm so happy for all the people in my life doing big, amazing things!

:)

Happy hump and pi day!

Words of Wisdom #27

"The Path that is best for you is the Path that keeps the best of you in play."

- The Oaqui

Words of Wisdom #26

“She writes like she’s starving and reads like she’s feasting.”

—	R.D. Larson

GPOY 3.1

Because this week has been ridiculous, and I've neglected my writing for the majority of this week. I'm going to pay dearly for it today. C'est la vie. I need to check myself, because, quite frankly, I let myself go last weekend. Lots of ups and downs in the past few days. Can you say emotional roller coaster?!

My attempt at turning around my week, because there's always time, or so they say....

Words of Wisdom #25

"This has always been a motto of mine: Attempt the impossible in order to improve your work."

- Bette Davis

m.i.a.

the next few days I will be m.i.a. I have way too much going on with school, work, and the play I'm in. yes, a play. I'll disclose more info after this Saturday once it's all over and not so hectic.

p.s.
I got the best compliment from a semi-stranger today: "I love your style, its sorta vintageish retro vibe you got going on. I love it.!" :)

Au revoir!

Words of Wisdom #24

"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life. A true soul mate is probably the most important person you'll ever meet, because they tear down your walls and smack you awake. A soul mates purpose is to shake you up, tear apart your ego a little bit, show you your obstacles and addictions, break your heart open so new light can get in, make you so out of control that you have to transform your life..."

- Elizabeth Gilbert

*Once upon a time, I believed that a soul mate had to be the perfect fit for you, but other the last year I've change my own belief. A soul mate does fit you perfectly, but he/she rather is your other half, the other half you. He/she shows you more about you than you may not even know about yourself.*

First of Many

A few days ago I finally took the plunge and got my first tattoo. I have been wanting one for years now. I've had the money for a while, but I actually went through with it. I must admit I was scared and nervous when I arrived at the tattoo artist's house. I even got more nervous when my bestie called and told me to remember to breathe and relax. (He has several tattoos himself.) This really started to psyche me out. I began to wonder if I could go through with this and really get one. Turns out I really do have more cajones (or 'balls' as they say in Mexico) to get one. I have experienced adrenaline rushes before, but never like the one I acquired post tattoo. This adrenaline rush lasted for over 3 days! I felt great, I felt like I could conquer and do whatever I set my mind to. Actually, my tattoo has a big significance for me, especially at the stage of my life that I am at right now. However, that's a story for another day. For now I leave you with a picture of my first tattoo. I'm already thinking of how I want my next tattoo, which will be a tribute to my favorite band since I was in middle school!

Music Monday #21

This song has sorta become my anthem. Learning to be happy with what I do not have :)

Have a great week everyone!

Post Secret #26

via Post Secret

Once upon a time, I worked for a tyrant in my first "real world" office job. Thankfully I am no longer there and now I'm on a better path to becoming a teacher. And I work back in an office for Bossman who is nice, pays well, and treats us like human beings.

Happy list #8

I can't remember the last time I did a happy list, but last night I had a rough night. So I think one of these is due to help cheer myself up.

1. I dropped another pant size. I am now down to a size 8!
2. Buying new jeans for $19!
3. Reading and finishing a 400+page novel in a week!
4. Getting a new (used) to me delivery of books in the mail.
5. Eating my favorite burger with my favorite person. :)
6. Enjoying lattes at my favorite coffee shop.
7. Getting tickets for a long time favorite band with my favorite person. Excited to see Ozomatli in person!
8. Talking to my USC bestie about California's lovely PACT. Yes, I'm already doing my research.
9. Getting a near perfect on my paper. 11 out of 13 points :)
10. Being surprised by my favorite person. He showed up to the coffee shop I was studying at, and gave me a restroom break :)

Drunken confessionals

Oh man...where do I even begin on drunken confessionals. Well, first off here's my personal definition: a person gets inebriated beyond recognition, proceeds to tell a good friend what they are currently thinking, or a secret or a good juicy gossip they heard via the grape vine. Then said inebriated person proceeds to blabber more than they should or realize that you are going to be sick and puke into your toilet, or side walk, or bush, etc. More likely than not you will spill out your honest feelings and thoughts, and depending on who you tell it can either be good or disastrous. Use drunken confessionals at your own risk.

I have been guilty of many sessions of drunken confessionals. I don't even know where to start on them. Oh I know let me just list a few things I've said (and have been told by others.)

- Dayyyymmnnnnnnn feisty Latina!
- "OH MY GOD!!! I want a ____ like that in me now!" {yes, I may have said this numerous times, and no I never did anything}
- "Yuly....voce e uma meninha muita boa!" {Yes, I would have full on conversations in Portuguese with my bestie and with my filter down I wasn't half bad at speaking it!}
- "Nooo...Yuly really!!? You too!?" (Proceed to run to my toilet and puke out a few long island iced teas and a pitcher or two of beer)
- "Katie!!!! Look what I found in the restroom!" (Pulls out jumbo sized industrial toilet paper roll from the restroom)
- "I don't like you." (I won't tell this to anyone sober, so if I say this drunk, its because I probably more than likely don't like you.)
-"Yuly...please, por favor, just let me call him. I need to talk to him. I miss him." (Thank you bestie for not letting me drunk dial anyone.)

Another word to the wise, if you drink with me be prepared to have me raise my volume tenfold, I'm already loud as it is, but even worse when I've been drinking. And I may or may not get overly excited when a song by Pitbull comes on the radio :)

Sometimes I forget

That I'm pretty friggin' amazing. The things I've done, the places I've seen, the books I've read, the people I've encountered, my experiences (positive and negative) have all helped shape me into the person I am today. I wouldn't have it any other way. People gonna hate, people gonna talk shit, people gonna be who they are. But I will always be me, and I can't let myself forget that. I've accomplished a lot in my short 24 years of life, and there's more to come in the future. I need to remind myself that I am not a failure by any means. I've simply just taken a few detours, and perhaps hit a few bumps on the road, but I'll get to my destination. I definitely give more than I expect in return. Sometimes I wish I didn't give so much of myself to others, but I believe its part of what makes me, me. I hope one day I can get in return what I've given to others. I know that sounds selfish but its been in the back of my mind lately.

Note to self:
Chris you are ahhmaahhzing, beautiful, intelligent, brilliant, crafty, energetic, daring, and poised to take the world. Don't let others bring you down. Cut them out of your life, like you cut out magazines. Can't stop, won't stop.

Words of Wisdom #23

"You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don't make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing, and then do them so well that people can't take their eyes off you."

- Maya Angelou

V-day

Valentine's Day is upon once again. I usually cringe, and I might just be cringing again, on the inside. I honestly have very low expectations on this Hallmark holiday of them all. The only times I've ever even had a decent V-day have been as a single lady. Wait, does this mean this year won't be that bad?!I always have this ridiculous idea of what V-day should be like in head, but it has yet come to fruition. Maybe that's the problem. I've let Hollywood ruin my idea of what Valentine's day should be like. So instead I'm just going to enjoy the day for what it is and let all my close friends know how much I love and cherish them. Even if at times I wanna scream at them and jump up and down to let them know they are making a mistake. I know this feeling can be easily reciprocated on me. This year I mailed out Valentine's day cards to all my close girl friends. And you know what?! It feels great to know that a few of them feel appreciated and great that they received a card from me. Some even have grown used to expecting a card from me in the mail. I guess it is the small things in life that make life a bit more bearable. I don't expect much from anyone really. A part of me is so used to being left out and forgotten (one of the issues I'm working on, and I believe it has to do a bit with me being the middle child) that if I don't receive anything back I'm okay with it! Because I know that I brought a smile to one of my best friend's life's, and she's been going through a tough time since we graduated.

I forgot what the point of my post is, other than I'm okay with being single and alone on V-day.

Book #2

My Ántonia - Willa Cather

4 out of 5 stars

I picked up this novel last summer while I was still in DC. And, in true Me fashion I just got around to reading it. I love this novel. I had never really considered what life on the prairie and out in the Nebraska back country would be like. Cather puts a lot of things into perspective from immigrant issues to expectations of women to basic survival on a harsh terrain. I now understand why this novel is a classic, and it has gained the label of being a "classic" on my bookshelf. I'm very hesitant to call a book a classic, simply because everyone else does.  Now onto book #3 of the year: White Oleander.

Music Monday #20

Happy Monday everyone! :)

I just discovered this group a few week ago, and of course, in true Christina mood: I am obsessed!

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Words of Wisdom #22

“A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.” ― Minton McLaughlin

Because I hope that one day I can marry a person that I will fall in love with over and over again. Yes, I am that hopeless romantic and I hope one day I can shower that person with infinite little gifts throughout the years. 

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Although from experience you sometimes want to smack your students, this is a bit outlandish and ridiculous!

The girl in the corner

You know that girl who sits in the corner at parties with her book. She's the only completely oblivious to the party around her. All she knows is what she ingests and inhales from her book. She's having a party for one plus her book.

However, this story has an alternate ending. She doesn't end up in the corner with her book. Although she does have the book in her purse that calls her name. She feels like its just like in Harry Potter when he can hear the snake calling him, taunting him, tempting him.

For once she resisted her ultimate temptation. The one thing that she loves to get lost in the most. Her main escape from her emotions, from her life, from her world, from everything. Instead she tightly clutched her purse knowing well it could wait for a while longer until she got home.

Yes for once I didn't ostracize myself at the party tonight. Instead I mingled with my parents friends from back in the end (read: way back in the day, before I was even conceived, hello 70s!). Many thought I was 17 years old, which I've stopped taking as an insult and consider it a blessing. I'll be 25 this year and many still think I look 17. I'm proud of myself. I didn't cave in. I didn't succumb to my usual tendencies at awkward family parties. I even met a fellow Latina/Chicana who is currently working on her 2nd Master's degree!

Lesson of the night: learning to put my walls down means meeting new people and exposing myself to another world out there beyond me.

GPOYW

My hair refuses to cooperate today. It won't go up into a neat bun and I don't have enough time to curl it. Sigh. But good news: its Wednesday!!!!!

Words of Wisdom #21

“Forgive all who have offended you, not for them, but for yourself.” ― Harriet Nelson

Because I'm a sucker for...

.....all things related to my zodiac. I feel like it always describes me perfectly. Here a few that I love and accurately represent who I am. :)

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I don't know what I'm doing. I just know that I'm doing something and getting somewhere, and I'm perfectly okay with that :)

GPOYW

Because last night was a rough one and I allowed myself to eat lunch at one of my favorite fast food chains. Here goes a GPOW! I'm feeling semi better today, but I know what I need to do once I get home tonight. I just wish I could do more work on my commute, but oh well, time management its time I put you back into my life.

Words of Wisdom #20

"Patience child, patience. Remember, life is a journey. If you got everything you wanted all at once there'd be no point to living. Enjoy the ride, and in the end you'll see these "setbacks" as giant leaps forward, only you couldn't see the bigger picture in the moment. Remain calm, all is within reach; all you have to do is show up every day, stay true to your path and you will surely find the treasure you seek."

 

- Jackson Kiddard

All nighter

I told myself that I would not freak out about school this semester, yet here I find myself again! Again, about to have meltdown no. 2 of the school year!!!! So this is what I'm going to do: grab some coffee and pull an all nighter. Now is this all nighter even necessary? No. But will it make me feel better? Yes! I hope to get all of my work done tonight so that I can at least be a bit more relaxed on Friday evening. Some habits are definitely hard to break. And I may or may not have shed a tear or two out of frustration and desperation. I feel that I may have gotten in over my head with working full time and going to school part time with observations. I keep telling myself that I can do this, yet I find myself not believing those words I'm trying to convince myself with....

HELP! :(

10 things I'm proud of

Lately I've had accomplishments stuck on repeat in my head. I've been thinking about it constantly and I can't seem to let it go. Being proud of myself has been something I've struggled with for years, but I'm finally coming to terms that its okay to be proud of my accomplishments. This whole being humble thing is okay, but it doesn't make me feel good or validate who I am or what I've done. So here goes 10 things that I'm proud of

1. Graduating from a prestigious US university. Yes I did it! I made it against all odds that are stacked against me for being a female, minority student. I'm proud to bleed that lovely Hoya Blue & Grey!
2. Being accepted into USC. It was my first love school freshman year of high school and now I'm a graduate student working on my Masters.
3. Living abroad in Spain for a year, studying, and working. 
4. Backpacking throughout Europe on my own and coming back in one piece.
5. Running the LA Marathon as a junior in high school. It was grueling mentally and physically and I did it!!!
6. Being a semi-car owner. Almost done paying it off! 
7. Owning close to 200 books in my personal library.
8. Proud owner of virgin hair! I've never dyed it in my life! Or put it through any sort of chemical process.
9. I own over 40 cardigans/sweaters!
10. Taking on the challenge to conquer Nike Hill. One day I will run to the top and back down without stopping.

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New frames!

I completely forgot to post a new picture of my snazzy new frames!! I had my old pair for almost 5 years now and I finally decided to purchase a new pair!!! I still love my old frames, they are encrusted with Swarovski crystals on the side, which was the reason why I splurged on them a few years.

I'm glad I choose the frames my BFF had selected. I finally broke out of my usual routine of things. I love my new frames!!! Also, I only spent $44 on the frames and lenses!! So my total cost was exactly $99!!! I believe I got a steal on my new eye wear!

We're going on a dress hunt...

...more of a dress hunt for Vegas. It's tough out there, but I've fallen in love with this dress. It doesn't scream Vegas, but it does scream sultry, sexy vixen. That falls under Vegas right?! I might still get and take it with me, because you never know when you'll have a need for a dress like this. I love me a great wiggle dress, especially those made by Stop Staring. I own an emerald green satin wiggle dress and its to die for!

Yes, I think its imperative that I buy this dress stat!!

Words of Wisdom #19

"In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity."

- Albert Einstein

meltdowns.

Last Sunday I had a bad case of grad school meltdown and I couldn't focus. I literally overwhelmed myself into the point of crying in my bed. I could not snap out of it. Everything seemed to be going wrong. Internet was slow. Fedex Kinko's did recognize my PDF file, thankfully a friend works there was able to fix that problem. Starbucks did not help my mood (patrons hogging tables and chairs when they weren't even using them!) It felt like the world was conspiring against me. Not even poor Dex' could make me feel better. I must have spent at least a good 2 hours in bed under the covers crying and feeling bad for myself. In my 13+ years of going to school this has almost become a part of my routine. It always happens at some point or another, or at several points. I wonder when my next one will be!?

The bright side to my meltdown is that I actually read ahead in one of my classes. So I'm already working on week 2 assignments and reading; and I haven't even gone to my week 1 class!

Silver lining in my cloud: even in the midst of a meltdown there are sunny skies and happy times ahead. Now if I can manage to remind myself that every time I have one.

Currently coveting

Yes, around lovely round of currently coveting. I have two upcoming trips to Vegas for friends birthday celebrations in May and June, which of course means I get to wear more dresses and swim suits! After a trip to Target I realized that maybe finding a swimsuit will be harder than I expected. The last few years that I've bought swimsuits I've gone to J.Crew. I gave Target a try and it disappointed. Maybe I'll find something elsewhere?! I hope so, but in case I don't I plan on getting one of the following.

Hopefully I can find a more reasonably priced swimsuit elsewhere, but its hard when I know I can go to J.Crew and almost always get what I'm looking for. Anyone else looking forward to the summer and swimsuit shopping?