Happy Birthday Mommy!!!

I miss my mom so much. Every day, every minute of every day. For those of you out there who have your mom around, and talk to her on a daily basis, and see her pretty much all the time, count yourselves lucky.

I haven't lived with my mom since I moved to the U.S. in 1996. I grew much closer to her when I was away than when we were together. Sad, but it's a fact.

Today, whoever I am, wherever I go and whatever I accomplish is because God put her in my life. I was lucky enough to have someone so very loving, persistent and strong to show me how to be a good sister, daughter, friend, wife, and someday mother.

I love you Mom! I can't wait for the day we get to be in close proximity again. Have a wonderful 65th birthday and may there be many many more!

"Cinderella" :)

Art Work

I'm donnnnnnne!!!

I finally time off from school for an entire month! No freaking out, no walking around like a zombie, no sleepless nights or achy wrists from too much computer interaction, I'M ALIIIIIVE!

I have to say, it was a lot of work this session but I learned so much! For the first time (I think), I will share my art blog so you can check it out if you feel so inclined, but this is my favorite piece from this session =)



HOW COOL IS THAT??? Yes, I drew this myself (well, traced and then filled in) but all the same, I'd never used that program for something like this before. I've been deprived... In the past, I'd always drawn or rendered with my hands, never on the computer but this was SO much fun! I can't wait to find out more about how to use Illustrator and get even better at all this. I had a blast even though I was mostly stressed by deadlines, haha!

Now I'll have to find something to do with all that free time...maybe start watching new shows? We'll see!

Ciao!

When's the next break?

I've decided that it's time for my husband to do all the work and I can do all the sleeping. I am constantly exhausted and am pretty sure, getting headaches because my body is in total confusion. Final week of classes before xmas break and I have not even started on this week's many projects. I will probably be stuck to the computer all night and whine and bitch tomorrow, but that's what happens when you procrastinate. GAH!

In other random news: I'm surrounded by pregnant women! Is everyone else seeing this? Is it just me? A friend mentioned the other day that "as soon as you want something, you can't get away from it. You see it everywhere". It must mean this girl is itching to be a mom. I can't decide if it's late, or early, or if I'm right on schedule or whatever. I've been married a year and 5 months (in 3 days, but who's counting?). Already 3 couples I know who were married a few months after me are expecting. I don't know how I should feel about that.

I sometimes tell myself I have plenty of time, but just a couple of days ago, I was brutally reminded that it is just not so. My best friend in Paris informed me that someone she'd known for over 15 years passed away at 34. THIRTY FREAKING FOUR??? What is going on? Why are people dying so young??? I always say "enjoy life while you can" but it really hits home when things like that happen. Everything you think you'll have time to do later, you may not get to do. Word of advice, if you want to do something, do it. If you want to meet up with friends, meet up with them. If you want to start or fix a relationship, do so now. You just never know!

I caught up to my mystery novel In Death series and am now feeling hollow inside. I feel as though everything I will read between now and the next In Death book will be like munching on saltine crackers when you are starving for a juicy steak. I obviously need help there. I have lots of options to chose from though, but I am wondering if I can be as entertained. We'll see.

Work has been pretty busy. We're in the middle of adding on about 250 people to our employee database, and there are about 8 of us who will do the majority of the data entry over the next few weeks. That should be fun. Better start some kind of wrist work out, LOL.

Finally (and this is what happens when you don't blog for a while; too much to talk about), I put up my Christmas decorations this week. Well, just the tree and a wreath at the front door, but I want more. Wondering what I can get to add to the house without freaking out my husband, who doesn't really celebrate it, but tolerates it because I turn into a freaking child this time of year and light up like a kid at anything Xmas related... gotta love him :)

Vacation Withdrawal

Souvenir shop at the old Palace in Ankara.

Hagia Sophia Museum (hayasofya) in Istanbul.

Driving along the coast in Izmir.

I have had an amazing vacation trip to Turkey for two weeks. I visited Ankara, Istanbul and Izmir and wish I had had more time to learn a few more words and eat more delicious foods... sadly, it had to end and I'm now back to my reality =(.

Coming back to work after a vacation is always hard, but I don't know if the hardest part is coming back, or knowing it will be weeks before your next break. It's a desperate tie between the two.

On a happier note, my department is taking us bowling in a few hours for the end of the day to blow off steam. I think it's a great idea even though I don't feel well enough to bowl, I think it will be fun. I think I'll go eat something so I'll be hungry enough for appetizers later ;p

Welcome home to me!

In Need of Strength & Speed

I've been wishing I were Wonder Woman (minus the spinning in place) this week because of everything that I have to do. I have two days (technically, tonight and tomorrow night) to finish a ton of house and homework before my trip to Turkey on Thursday (YAY!). Yes, indeed my minions! I got my visa and plane ticket last week and have been dazzled ever since. I don't think my body has caught up to my mind yet so it's moving in very slow motion, which is very bad for business...

I have tried making lists of things to do to force myself to work them down, one item at a time. For whatever reason, it doesn't work. I can't stay focused and I can't stay on task. I don't know why that is, or if it will every change, but in the meantime I do what I can. So I tallied everything up and man, are there a lot of things on this list!!!!!

First order of business: 

PACK

I'm not really sure what to bring but i figure we will do some tourism so jeans, sneakers, sweaters in case it's colder than my mom said (ha ha), and maybe a few going out outfits. I have to tag my sister to see what the weather is now at the beach where she lives. I think it may still be pretty warm over there, but the last time we talked she said it was in the 27C (80F) and about 19-20C at night and early in the morning (mid 60F). The rest will fall into place once I pack. At least I'll know what's missing and can go from there :)

Second:

STUDY

I don't even know everything I have to do for school. My goal was to do as much stuff in advance as I could so that I could enjoy my vacation and not have to actually study while I'm away. I thought I would do the work and save it on my laptop, and the submit it when it was due, buuuut I yet have to complete stuff from last week before starting on this week. Helloooo F.R.U.S.T.R.A.T.I.O.N.!!! So far I count:

DUE NOW
- week 2 project: brochure
- week 2 project: HTML codes
- week 3 project: web page design
- watch live chat week 2: 2 hours
- watch live chat week 3: 2 hours

DUE SUNDAY 10/28
- week 4 project: design packet
- week 4 project: CSS File for web page
- week 4 discussion 1
- week 4 discussion 2

I want to get all that done in two days... Ya... that's enough to give anyone a headache! We'll see how far I get, but at least I've got everything written down now. I called my teacher for the web page stuff and she said she explained everything in the live chat videos, so I will have to watch those first; maybe while I pack? we'll see how it plays.

Two more days of being frantic, then I can relax and pass out on my 8 hour flight to Istanbul! I may not post until I've arrived there, so tootles and see you when I return people :)

Updates

A lot happened since the last time I posted. I took last Thursday off because my hubby had to have surgery. He's been at home recovering for the past few days and doing okay, not in too much pain. I'm constantly asking if he needs anything or trying to do things for him, which I don't think he likes very much because he hates not being able to do things for himself. I think he may even be a little annoyed with me for forcing him to sit tight and do nothing, haha! He hates being idle. Sorry boo!

I also took Monday off just to get my brain back in order and stuff together before the new school session. Sadly, I didn't get much done. Well, I did do stuff around the house. I ironed about 7 load of laundry but haven't put everything away yet. That will be for some night this week (yay, fun).

I also started getting papers ready for my vacation trip to Turkey (YAYYY!), but haven't heard back yet from the Consulate. I need to get an appointment to apply for a visa and stuff, then I can get my ticket and start planning what the heck I'm gonna wear! Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!

The new receptionist at work is hilarious! I don't remember if I mentioned her before, but anyway, I got her completely hooked on my In Death series. I know, I'm insane... and, you're welcome. Hahaha! We hang out mostly at lunch on days I come to work early because I'm practically starving by the time 10 o'clock arrives. I reverted back to the same hours I worked when I was at the lobby for 3 days out of the week, so it made sense to join my old gang for lunch on those days. We definitely have reading in common as well as not taking crap from people and being allergic to bullshit so naturally, we get along =p. I think she started reading the series a month ago and is flying through these books like a true J.D. Addict. I'm so proud :)

I think I'm going to spend a little bit of time reading or watching something lighthearted tonight and relax. I'll leave the political debates to my hubby :)

Until next time...

It's Finally Here!!!

My passport is finally here!!!!!!! I cannot believe what a hassle it was to get this small booklet; or that it held so much power over me, but ANYWAY, it's here and now I can actually start planning my vacation to Europe! I am thinking I can go next month or at the latest in mid-November. I'll start working on that and getting stuff together this week. A co-worker is already creating a letter for me to verify employment, so I can send it to whom it may concern when the time comes.

I have a couple of days off from work coming up as well this week and next week. It will be nice to sit and relax a little, but I have a ton of crap to sort out around the house. Prepping with fall and winter and stuff (blah!) - moving things from closets, etc. I can't wait. Yay. =/

Break

I need a vacation!

I have been slaving at school for the past 10 weeks and all I can say is: I need a break. I have no energy, no willpower, no motivation left. Nothing. I'm seriously considering taking the rest of the year off, but of course, it would affect my financial aid and blah-dee-blah, so I can't. I won't. I have to keep reminding myself of the light at the end of the 10 month long tunnel and hope I will make it through to the end. Big Sigh!!!

Ok, enough of that.

This week, I'm off from school, off of work on Thursday and next Monday, so I get to catch up on stuff I need to do at home. Maybe I can revise my schedule to include 7 days of cuddly moments with the husband, a few days at the gym, maybe a night a week w/ my girls whom I miss TERRIBLY, and perhaps a day to relax watching TV? We'll see how it plays. 

I started a new J.D. Robb today and if you're not following my ReadOlogy, you should be (:p). Granted, right now, it's mostly reviews about her books, but I only have a couple more before I'm fully caught up with the series (bitter sweet). After which, I will be back to reading more random stuff and catching up on other series. Who's read something fun lately? I don't like non-fiction, and I hate, hate, HATE, tearjerkers!!! There's enough sadness in the world for me to be reading about it for days. I want something I can laugh at, or some other randomness that will transport me into another reality. It has to be well written sooo, sorry 50  Shades, but you're out... Auf Wiedersehen! I'll be taking suggestions :)



I actually have also started another book on my Nook "Heat Rising" by Richard Castle (yes, the one from TV). I know it sounds really weird, but they ended up actually writing the books mentioned in the TV show, which if you've watched, will make the books even more hilarious. This is the third installment of Nikki Heat crime novels and I barely started. Honestly, I haven't even read 10 pages yet, but it's nice to already have a face for all the main characters. I am excited about the show returning tonight and I hope it's a good season. I also hope they don't make it all about the romance (ugh), and that it returns to a fun, hilarious, cop show like it was in its first couple of seasons.

It's just about time for me to start my work week so, have a great week everyone!

And The Beat Goes On & On

I haven't been online too much lately because school has been kicking my butt and keeping me from living... I thought I'd check in and see where my blog stood.  I have to say it's starting to creep me out a little how many views I've gotten since my last check-in back in the Steady As She Grows post in December. I shouldn't be because according to my mini research, it's nothing compared to what heavily visited blogs get; that's maybe the equivalent they get in an hour... still.

Then again, maybe it's all the same few people that constantly check in to see if I've posted anything? Who knows... this is the only breather I get today soooo, off I go again :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

Friday Stuff & More

Finally, my hubby returned home yesterday from a 3-week trip to Florida. I wanna put up a brave face, but it was horrible being in a quiet house for that long, ha! Thankfully, some of my chicas stopped by to hang out so that school work wouldn't be my only distraction. Thanks ladies!!

Got our homeboy visiting us for the weekend too and staying up late will be a factor, so I'll be drinking more Dew. Don't judge me.

Finally got one of my friends to read my obsession (In Death), previously mentioned in Once Upon A Book. I think she started but I only gave it to her on Tuesday and she hasn't come knocking asking for the rest of the series yet. My guess is she'll start sometime this weekend or next week, or I'd have heard. Unless (dare I say the un-sayable...) she didn't fall madly in love with it... IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIKKKKKKKK!

I plan to have a fun weekend w/ hubby and friend. Not much going out because I think it's going to be mostly gray and rainy, but definitely some laughs whichever way we can get them :)

Not much else to report other than the bitchy have become bitchiest and think it nudges me one bit. Sour mistake. I cut people out of my life faster and sharper than a Santuko knife, so you may think your childish behavior affects me, but this is the most attention it will ever get.

Because I want to end on a happier note than the aforementioned, I saw the cutest pics of my baby nephew in Belgium today. I can't believe how fast he's growing! I can't wait to meet him, he's the most adorable thing ever!!!

on that note...

HAPPY FRIDAY!