New Year’s and Resolutions!

I am thankful for this year and also glad its over. I feel anxious to see what the new calendar year will bring. Of course I hope for many blessings, health and peace within us. Now that everything about this year is over, Im looking forward to Valentines already, Easter dresses for my girls, and mother’s day lunch. In the circle of life that is surrounded by holidays, I want to appreciate family time day in and day out! I have thought of many resolutions for the year, here they go:

-Go to Church- I miss it: Having small children who won’t stay still, is no longer an excuse
-Spend more time with my mom: she’s faboulous – I need her as much as she needs me.
-Go to b/fast or lunch with my oldest daughter more often- she’s growing up so soon, I can’t keep up with the mood swings J
-Let it go- I must not dwell on little scuffles, it takes up too much energy
-Come to terms that it’s ok to think about me, me, me!
-Enjoy our beautiful parks and get a kite
-Use my camera and print out the pics this time!
-Have lunch and visit the majestic Ghetty again
-Make a baby- Yes this is my year to go for it, im already insane J
-If I don’t make a baby- then hurry my butt up and lose this weight already*
---wow my last two sentences made it out so easy, wonder if I’ll chicken out- nooo must stay focused!!

-Must be honest- I am a Shopaholic and I love it!
May this coming year bring me lots of awesome sales and cant-do-without-so-i must buy gifts :)

Christmas!

Christmas dinner was nice, I was waiting for the rain to start pouring in and thank god it didn’t rain as I was shuffling my kids back and forth from my mom’s to in-laws. Dinner was very intimate with my immediate family- and just as I was going to leave, my cousin shows up with her kids, delaying my departure to my inlaws house. I have lots of fun with my cousin, we danced, played pictionary- all the kids get into it- but I don’t like leaving a good party! I was stuck! I had to go to my in-laws, I was getting the “Where R U” texts- and then I get nervous! I had it all planned out, early dinner with my mom and end the night at my inlaws- but I cant pass up a good time with the family that makes me laugh at all the silly things we do when we are together. Next Year, must be clear on the agenda and schedule with everyone- I got places to be at man!

p.s. my dad behaved :)

XMAS is almost here!

Black Friday was great for me! It was all about me me me! I knew what I wanted to get me so I didn’t have to be up early trying to get my kids anything, since I am done with their stuff. I bought lovely work shoes from Nordys, and warm winter boots from Nine West. I’ve been shopping online which has made it so much easier and the anxiness it brings me to wait for that UPS truck to come gives me butterflies! Thank god my hubby isn’t nosy as he received the first package and left it unopened for me- his present was inside. I bought him a pair of sporty shoes, generic when it comes to him going to Footlocker and saying I don’t like any shoes here, but when I get them for him he loves them. I think he just gets overwhelmed with the selection. He’s lucky I am so good at making shopping decisions, I’m all over that! Online sales have been great, free shipping, special codes for additional discounts- yay!

Are u sleeping?

My kids were sick with the stomach flu- but Juan got it worse, he was sooo sick. I didn’t get it, I think it was because I got the flu shot !?? Julianna, my almost 3 year old says I’m sickie mom, I don’t feel good, I want ice cream! Good one kiddo! Those pedialyte popsicles do her good. When its time for bed, she’s huddled by her daddy and I ask – Jules are you sleeping? She answers: “I’m sleeping because my eyes are closed.”

Thanks-a-no-no

I love ham- not turkey, I love love love my mommy’s ham! And the candied yams and the other delightful desserts. I like to laugh around the tables at our silly stories and then put on a movie to crack up to. What I do not like is my dad’s sarcasm…boo.
He was doing so good, til the end of the night. He had been drinking and said something to upset my husband and my brother in law- I cant write it because then it’ll stir up something in me. Well, I shut it down quickly- but the damage was done.
Then my mom wants to talk about it the next day and I say: “Mom what happened last night was uncalled for and I know you will side with your husband like you always do, so expect me to side with MY husband as well- therefore lets just leave it at that and not contest on who started anything because of course you are going to say, it wasn’t my dad’s fault!”
She went on to say that my dad is not a bad guy but that the maldito alcohol brings out the rude in him, blah blah blah.
I agree my father is not a bad guy, he is a great man, the only man other than my husband that I love. But he is not the King of Rome- (my mom did not like that remark! Hehe!)
As I grow older, I tell my mom like it is, she may not appreciate it, but I do it respectfully. You see, she is a very strong woman, but when it comes to defending my dad, I feel as if she’s being submissive. I am a wife and I will always back up my man, but when it comes to my kids, I will stand my ground on fairness. I think it is because she knows we are older and she wants to maintain that respect we should have for our father. But to get respect you must respect too- right? My Juan adores my dad, but words can hurt and men’s egos are easily bruised and not quickly repaired. And… quarrels are not easily fixed. I’m not gonna have the fate of the holidays be spoiled by egotistical crap. It’s up to me to be the bigger person and recognize that there is an issue that will not be swept under the rug, but the show must go on!

My Anniversary Treat

September 8th marked our 7th wedding anniversary!

Juan decided to take the week of labor day off to play, along with back to school preps and deciding what to do for our special day. It was nice having him home and accessible to drive me around. We went to eat lunch and spontaneously decided to go to MELROSE! I haven’t been there in ages. I took Juan to Crooks & Castles, an urban shop owned by down to earth urban philipinos, I had seen an interview with them on Latino TV the day before and thought their stuff looked cool. They take brand names like Gucci and Versace and re-interpret them with urban designs. I also actually saw the guy (Bryan) being interviewed at the shop and he was so nice and humbled by my aweness. But the highlight of my trip was, the shop down the street that Bryan, my new celebrity friend, suggested we go visit.

It is called Johnny Cupcakes!- my hubby's new nickname. I thought oohh yummy cupcakes…to my surprise the shop has been converted into an oven! The store looks like a bakery, with oven racks filled with clothing instead of pastries!

















I had to buy something because they wrapped it in a cute box- Juan got boxers with ants on them- get it- “ants in your pants!”


We were driving back home from ooohing and awww’ing at all the unique things I saw, when Juan let out an OOOOH! He noticed Platinum Motorsports- a fancy car shop that specializes in customizing cars. We park and get off and look at all the cars getting pimped out- they had a Lamborghini, a Ferrari and a BMW 7 series getting ready for a “box kit”- the point is that there is mad mad money being spent on cars in that shop. I must admit, the cars were beautiful, amazing how people find ways to keep up with the jones-es.

We were able to watch a movie, The Pineapple Express- should have rented it – but wanted to take advantage that we could actually go to an adult movie without the girls.

Dinner was delish at the Cheesecake Factory- I had the salmon and he had the lemon herb chicken- YUM YUM!

I say, Mr. Morales celebrating with you is always a treat.

Hollywood Bowl, Les Miserables

A group of us went to see Les Miserables at the Bowl on Saturday night. My friend from London is here, and insisted we go see this play. I have the bigger car so I was the driver- Bad idea. I decided to drive because I wanted to make sure we got there on time, as parking can be a big pain. We left Pasadena at 7:25-much later than anticipated. We got there in about 15 minutes- BUT the line to park was bumper to bumper. I asked an attendant where the fastest lot to park was and directed me south on Highland Ave. The local businesses had signs advertising $20-40 parking- but the lots were tiny- I parked at a church parking for $15- where the attendant was extremely nice and polite, unlike the other guys who were going to have me park in “stacked sardine parking”. We walked up the hill almost ½ a mile - by this time it was past 8, there were so many people that I just followed the flow. My friend was anxiously waiting for us at Will Call- after my hike, I didn’t want to hear the “I told you we were running late” mumbo jumbo! Don’t you know American’s are never on time! Thank God, I had come prepared with Trader Joe’s wine and cheese. The place was sold out, our seats were great and the atmosphere was DELIGHTFUL! I gazed at the stars and enjoyed the cool breeze. I watched the play without getting sleepy, it was the perfect evening to be out. Everyone was into it- it was so quiet at times that if I hadn’t been that into it- I would have made noise on purpose! Haha!
Next time- I will park and ride, Hollywood traffic is no fun. I finally got on the fwy back to Pasadena about 1 hr after the show ended.... But the sushi later was DEVINE! No matter how tired I am, it all works out when there is food involved ;)

Blast this lady!

Omg! I have to tell you what happened to me yesterday:
We went to the market, it was just me and Juan
We were walking to my car and I am minding my business and this lady out of nowhere comes and gives me her card, I being the polite individual that I am, take it.
Then she keeps walking with me and says-
Lady: “I am open from 7 in the morning, I make you shakes and you can lose weight”
Me: in my head thinking- Oh no this B**CH didn’t put me on blast like this!!!
Lady: “Look, I have pictures of my customers”
She shows me an album of a girl who has lost 30 something pounds- All this while we are at my car and juan is putting away the groceries!

I say to her: ok thank you
She stands there like I want counseling or something- doesn't she know, I have already dismissed her! She has this look of satisfaction as if she has reached me!I smile and look at her with admiration, because she thinks she can save me....LMAO!

I don’t get red or embarrassed- because I look at my husband and in no way is he seeing this the way I am- he is minding his business and lets me handle her.

I love juan dearly, he never judges me or thinks of hurting my feelings about my CURVACEOUS VOLUMPTOUS figure- but this lady didn’t bother me, she only inspired me to keep going!
And hell no I wont call her, as the only best way to deal with weight loss is research and eating better, not no miracle shake that temporarily makes you think you are losing!
The heffer could have cost me humiliation in front of my Hubby- I could have left that parking lot crying- but no, I am more powerful than that people, I am aware not in denial!
YA YA!
p.s. I will no longer go grocery shopping, these parking lot stories are too much! loL!

Jackie Season 3

Hello there- are you there, it’s me Jackie!
I’ve been on Hiatus, but now I am back. These past months have been busy for me. Shuttling my kids back and forth from one game to another can be overwhelming. Brianna is a big help to me and my little ones, soon she’ll be babysitting so mama and papa can date all over again- lol! I think I am done with children. I would like to have 2 more, but I want to enjoy them. Being a working mother takes a lot of time from them. My husband and I have to revolve around their schedule and it gets hectic. I want to be there, really be there. I want to be present for all their needs and accomplishments.
My oldest started her period in late December and she’s a new person. She’s very timid but now withdraws at certain times of the month. LOL.
I am having the hardest time seeing her grow older. But I know that it is a part of life that must happen. Watching her mood swings and maturing behavior kills me! I have to be honest - I want my baby to remain a baby, to need me and to depend on me. Her independence is coming too soon. I am in denial, I am shocked. Brianna is twelve-I am going to be a teenager’s mom next year :(. This saddens me. But what makes me light up all over again is this smile, my firstborn! She's amazing.

Parking lot interference

I went to the ranch market and every time I go grocery shopping alone, I hurry up and put my bags in the car as fast as I can (i'm paranoid after reading reports of how women are abducted, attacked, etc when they are most vulnerable). And of course I am approached by a homeless man!
This man was clean, had a rolled up sleeping bag in one hand and a travel bag in the other- I quickly take my cart and he asks for a quarter, i look at him and say "no" and hurry back to my car.
I hear him say "You don't have a quarter?" He most likely thought i was lying.
I go to my car because my purse as big as it is, is impossible to dig through at moments like this (plus gives the perp a chance to grab my wallet and run if i start digging in front of him). My intention is to dig out - NOT a quarter but a dollar-
I drive to him and say:
JC: "Here you go" and before I can wish him well,
I thought I would get the usual: "thank you","god bless you","have a great day"....

Man: sarcastically says "Dont worry I'm not gonna do nothing to ya"- in an irrate tone
JC: I snap back "You should be thankful"
Man: "WHY - YOU WANT YOUR DOLLAR BACK!"

The thoughts in my head are : Freekin A**HOLE!
In that case hell yeah give me my hard earned working dollar back!

Then, I just think of his unfortunate soul, wandering the streets for money and who knows where he would sleep- I would be crabby too- but he acted like i owed him this money- so petty.

THAT is why I tell Juan how I dont like to grocery shop alone anywhere, Trader Joes, Ralphs, Albertson's, Food 4 Less, etc- people always approach me for money AND take advantage of my kindness - like when they ask for spare change, i give them dollars, when they ask for a dollar i give 1.50- I think the news have spread and they just look out for me.

Yes I am paranoid! another time I was putting my little girls in the car and when I turned this tall, husky asian man grabbed my cart and said - " I will help you", not "can I help you"- I said "no thank you"very nicely - he looked at me and again said "I WILL HELP YOU" in a demanding tone - I said "no thank you" firmly,- he looked so mad

I will not help you when my number 1 priority is the safety of my children! I will give you money just dont come at me all mad and crazy with that bullying look- because I can kick your ass man!

signed,
disgruntled grocery shopper, who just wants to get in her car and go :)

Fancy Weekend

Friday
We celebrated Lia's bday and went to the Sidewalk Cafe and had SANGRIA! yummy tasty SANGRIA! A couple next to us kept staring, we weren't being unusually loud- but made me notice that the man was like 60 and his clingy mate was in her early 30's- fine with me, but seemed to bother them more- she would kiss him and he would slyly look over as if anyone was looking. Love is love at any age-let the world see it, show her you love her you fool!

Saturday
I had cleaned house on Friday night, as I knew that my morning would be busy. My niece spent the night. Giselle invited her to the bookstore to see what Fancy Nancy was all about. We knew there would be a book signing since we had gone last Sunday. We were there early and had fun during reading time. Kids are truly so cute. I was hungry and needed my tea, but they just made me laugh and forget my hunger. Robin, the book's illustrator was so good with them, just to see my daughter look for me in the crowd to say "Hi mommy" as a sign of security made me proud. Fancy Nancy is so much like Giselle and her baby sister looks just like my Julianna- I bought the collection! And my niece scored too!


Nevertheless, I spent $$$ bucks on this priceless outing with my fancy one!

Later that day, I went shopping for work clothes with/for Julianna's godmother. I have a gift, I can so easily shop for anybody else! I should be a buyer! We had sushi and shopped til we dropped. I bought navy shoes! I love them-navy, pointed toe shoes- dark enough to go for black but blue enough to show the true color!

We then joined our husbands for a road trip that wasnt so quick- I missed Lia's dinner. I guess I'll HAVE to invite her for more SANGRIA!

Sunday
I got up and went to the Gym! I made it to the aerobics class! There was this lady that distracted me, she was trying too hard and was hunching over making me want to tell her she wasnt doing it right! But then again, I am not the instructor! LOL! I didn't want her to hurt herself. I wanted no distractions because I was FOCUSED :)

My hunny and I decided to bypass the restaurants and just bar-b-cue at home. The afternoon was so lovely we enjoyed our carne asada as our girls played in the yard.

What a nice weekend I had!

Sunday with Giselle

My little partner Giselle, wants to go everywhere I go. I had errands to run and Julianna was napping and Juan and Brianna wanted to watch the basketball game. Perfect, just me and my Giselly. 1st stop At&T store for accessories and account inquiry- with starbucks being next door, she requested a drink. We go in and there is the drink of her choice on this cold sunday afternoon, organic chocalate milk! She also wanted to eat. We were in Hastings Ranch, so I suggested going to Whole Foods, she said she wanted, strawberries, melons and pineapple- which is exactly what they had in the fruit section- i think she was prepared with all her wishes as she knew exactly what she wanted. Vromans is next to Whole Foods, and Fancy Nancy's book is on display in the window- we have to go in Mommy! Of course we do, she says "how many can I get", I said, "one", she said "how about two"- how can i say no to books!

We then make a stop at the mall as she needed to use the restroom and the one at Nordstrom's has easy access. So we start shopping around and she says to me, (since the shoes are conveniently by the restrooms)- "mom, I don't have any shoes", I say "yes, you do"- she says, "no, not new ones!" I am a shoe freak and I've created a little shoe freak, so I must comply. I actually can just walk to another aisle, but I give in to a sweet set of CHUCKS! old school chuck taylors!

Of course her baby sister needed a pair and so did big sister! The love is spread!

My afternoon with Giselle is splendid- she has great taste and loves to spend time with me! Hand in hand we walked...
as my money slowly disappeared... :) aw the joys of having girls!

next time hold it til you get home missy!

V-DAY Date night

Valentine's day

I got home and jumped into my husbands waiting car, but not before going in to use the restroom and see a bouquet of flowers addressed to muah!

We took the girls to chuck e. cheese's for dinner. It was their choice of course- but a smart one-no lines and no crowds. I ran into other parents who were avoiding the same and were happily enjoying their time with their little loves.



Date on Saturday:

I spent the day watching movies with my honey, then got ready for our date. We went to one of our favorite spots- The Stinking Rose! Julianna's godparents joined us and it was nice to show off the westside of L.A. We made it there on time and were seated right away!
We had a VIP room in a circle table AND they offered us beer by the pitcher- the boys were in heaven!

We ordered sizzling iron skillet-roasted shrimp for appetizers, so yummy! Juan had the garlic encrusted baby back ribs and I had the forty clove garlic chicken- very tasty! Everyone was satisfied.





Juan is so generous and pleasing- I heart him!



Next month we will pick a new exciting spot to review!



Movies watched this week:

Why did I get married- Tyler Perry, i like his movies 5/5

The Brave One- Losing someone brings out another being in us 5/5

El Callejon the Los Milagros (Midaq Alley) - There is someone out there for someone, choices in life can teach you heartbreaking lessons 4/5

We own the night- I am a Joaquin Phoenix fan, can his clef lip be any cuter! 4/5

Gone Baby Gone- what would you do? Kids dont pick their parents, but parents choose how they want to be.. 5/5

Juno: WOW! WOW! A man says he won't be a good dad, but wont take a chance- too bad for him. Juno is way more mature than she gets credit for- she's awesome- luved it! 5/5

Sidewallk cafe

It was a nice sunny afternoon. My boss decided to leave early and so did we...What is there to do with spare time- EAT, DRINK, TALK, LAUGH! My coworker friend and I came across this Argentinan cafe in Old Town, Monrovia. It was the perfect sidewalk cafe! The sun was just warm enough to enjoy. We each had 2 empanadas 1) artichoke heart: marinated hearts, cheese and onions 2) basil and spinach: mozzarella cheese with tomatoes and fresh basil. Need I say more- the were deeelicious! We also tried the argentinan beer, Quilmes- it was so light! I love to explore new places, new tastes, new beer ;)

Then the sun set...we will meet again empanadas!

Morning Wake up Call!

In an attempt to get up to make it to the gym in the morning, I set my alarm to 5:00 am! I am training my body this week, so I can go full force next week! I will attempt to make it to the 6:00 am cycling class! Buns of Steel here I come!

p.s. I am all pumped up this week, I need to follow through or else my butt will sag to my knees, as well as other parts- I will never wear a bathing suit in public- (I love my pep talk!)

The Best of Both Worlds

I took my girls to watch Hannah Montana in 3D. It was so cute, like a real concert! All the little girls were screaming- I did have a slight headache after...
But watching my Giselly sing along was priceless...

Brianna's basketball game was great- she is #24 to represent Kobe (so she says) I'm so proud that she can get out there and perform in front of people and full of pressure- she may still be a tomboy but she shines!

Movies I watched, cuddled up thanks to the weather:
Ladron roba Ladron (To Rob a Thief): Spanish version of Ocean's Eleven, with novela stars: Saul (hottie) Lizaso and Fernando Colunga- 4/5
Gracie: I love Andrew Shue- he needs to come back from Melrose Place! 4/5
Feel the Noise: Omarion didnt dance in this movie like he knows how - the movie needed to "be served!" 3/5

Had In n Out for dinner- then my tummy hurt from guilt- but I couldnt pass it up! You know what I will enjoy what I eat, because if I shouldn't be eating it- then I just shouldn't eat it! There are too many other issues I should worry about like potty training my 2 year old than for me to pass up a perfectly made cheeseburger with onions :)

No More Paci!

Upon giving birth to my last baby girl, she latched on perfectly, and was nursed for 2 months. I couldnt handle it so I wimped out :( . She was given a pacifier-which became her Maggie Simpson look. I kept stock of pacis' everywhere, in my car, my purse, 2 in the diaper bag, anywhere just in case one got lost. She was hooked and depended on hers. We went to Disneyland earlier this month and I saw this huge toddler with a king size paci, I said whoa- then I looked at my baby smiling through her paci- The mission to wean her began! After 5 weeks....it happened. She quit cold turkey. She has been going to sleep without it for 1 whole week. Her nanny is amazed, and I am relieved!
Next stop PottyTown!

Ballet slippers and a bathing suit

Upon watching Gameplan for the 10th time, my daughter, Giselle is obsessed with ballet after watching the little girl in the movie dance. So she keeps telling me "mommy look what i can do" (a Stuart -from Mad TV catchphrase) - and i smile as she attempts to dance on her toes. I reminded her of last summer, when I enthusiastically registered her in ballet classes. I bought her black slippers and a pink leotard. When we went to her first class, she ran out of there scared. She responded, "no mommy I wasn't scared, I was mad because my shoes and bathing suit didn't match!" Tales of a 5 year old.

I am eagerly searching for classes NOW!

Micro Dermabrasion!

I was feeling so sick this weekend- but i sacrificed my bed to go to the spa and got hooked up! My skin was baby soft- I will try a tinted moisturizer as my sister tried and she doesnt need powder or foundation. I dont think i want to wear makeup this week. So if you see me, dont be alarmed :)

Rain = Marathon Moovies

Ok so with the rain confining me to my home- how else to survive they day other than --movies! Rainy days make everyone at home sleepy, so i took advantage and hung in there! I watched 2 movies on my bed (til my back hurt) then i moved to the couch to watch the third. So productive of me!
movies watched:
Angel-A French with subtitles; great message: Don't lie to yourself, learn to love yourself and you will be free! 9/10
Shoot 'em up: crazy shooting scenes- Clive Owen is a hottie 8/10
A Good Day to Die: too slow for me, got better at the end ( i dont like that) 4/10

Hot date!

I went on a Hot date with my main squeeze last night. I look forward to his jokes because he gets mine. I love his generosity and his "whatever makes you happy" reply- because he means it. I feel so spoiled- awww. We talked, we laughed, we ate, we conquered the night!

I am addicted to Blockbuster Online! I luv luv luv it! I always have something to watch. I also love the idenpendent film selection. I am watching Pedro Almodovar's collection, he mostly portrays strong female characters. Penelope Cruz is in a few of his movies- she has become one my favorites. I loved the movie Non Te Mouvere (Don't Move) it's in Italian and the soundtrack moved me to tears. Her transition in this role is very similar to Charlize Theron in Monster. I like watching films in other languages and other countries as I admire the passion and imagination that translates through them. WATCH VOLVER- simply awesome, reminds me of my beloved abuelita (R.I.P) I can watch that movie just to imagine her. "i have so much to say to you, in time my dear, we will catch up"

Last night we watched Good Luck Chuck, i give it a 6/10. Funny, but... I will watch the Game Plan next.

My Inspiration

Today i want to thank Megin,Diana and Sharkbait for inspiring me.
Megin, because our minds are incredibly similar and am glad that i am not alone with my ideas. You always agrees with me or cant stand my sarcasm, but i wouldn't be me without it.
Diana, everyday life is priceless...thanks for reminding me
Sharkbait, u make my day fun, i love that you are so optimistic and find it amusing that you wear your chucks with slacks oooh ha ha!