Monday, December 31, 2012

2012

This sure has been a long year. I discovered the joy of manicured nails. Pink and white baby ;). A man from Korea made us dance like a horse. E.L James wrote three books that brought bdsm into the mainstream with her trilogy "50 Shades of Grey".

My daughter became a junior at Columbia this year. Mi sobrinito turned two. He's so smart and funny. He's also super bossy just like his auntie.

I had fun this summer with a guy friend who ended up becoming more than just a friend. He taught me how to lighten up a bit and be myself.  Thanks for making this year interesting Z.

There were some sad times. Mi abuelita died. I had the honor of holding her hands as she took her last breath. The next week one of my close friends was killed in a horrific motorcycle accident. Two funerals in 2 weeks. Broke my heart.

George Zimmerman murdered an innocent teenager named Trayvon Martin. A bag of Skittles and an iced tea are not weapons. We're still waiting for justice in that case.

There was a mass shooting in Colorado. Innocent people were killed at the premiere of a Batman movie. Another evil man, Adam Lanza, decided to murder 20 babies, first graders at Sandy Hook Elementary school. Six other staff members were killed.

2012 was a roller coaster of emotions. I went from crying to singing "Call Me Maybe" in the same week. I hope 2013 will be a year of peace, gun control, and a kinder gentler world.

Paz,
Monica

Tuesday, December 25, 2012

Feliz Navidad


Besos y abrazos,
Monica

Friday, December 21, 2012

Teachers

There have been so many stories in the media about teachers lately. I think I have read each and every one of them. As a teacher in the same community for the past 19 years, the Sandy Hook Elementary school shooting has me rattled. I cannot wrap my mind about a man with so much range shooting a school full of first graders. Babies. My heart is broken.

I came across this post on a CNN blog. The author called herself 'Mrs.B".

I have taught preschool for 10 years. As some teachers have stated, I also found myself wide awake in bed this past weekend pondering what I would do if faced with a similar situation. Not for myself, but for them. Where would I take them? Where would I hide them? How would I keep them calm and quiet? I always call them "my kids" and although I don't have any biological children I doubt that the way I feel about my students would change based on that. I feel like some jobs/careers should be accepted with different expectations than others. This would include teachers, pilots, captains, etc. I don't think ship captains should be "falling" into rescue boats. Just as I don't think teachers should use children as shields. Whether these expectations are written in black and white or unspoken, we accept these responsibilities wholeheartedly. We are not in it for the money and as long as our bills get paid and we have spouses who accept that our weekends are not our own and the we don't stop working because we have clocked out or left campus we rarely complain. We constantly spend our own money on our class, spend our time researching the latest teaching tactics, prep and plan for upcoming days, and take home work to grade, progress reports/assessments to complete and the like. We understand that in the event of a real emergency such as earthquake or fire we would be required to stay with our class before going home and tending to our own families. So many of us feel called or destined to teach and it's an honor that we don't take for granted. My prayers and thoughts go out to each person who was affected by this recent tragedy and I pray that only people who belong in the classroom are granted the privilege to do so.


I couldn't have said it any better. The world is fortunate to have someone like you in the teaching profession. God Bless you Mrs. B.

Sincerely,
Monica

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Prayers...


Tougher laws on gun control and mental health are needed now.

Please keep the families and friends in your thoughts and prayers,
Monica

Monday, December 17, 2012

Mother

You called me yesterday afternoon. In a few minutes you could tell something was wrong. After badgering me about it, I told you I was in pain. The annoyance in your voice was clear. You told me about your problems. Everyone has issues you reminded me.

I struggled the rest of the day. I wanted to head to the ER but I didn’t have the money. I also didn’t know what to do and wanted suggestions on making me feel better. I called you. That was a big mistake. When I told you I was still in pain you said, "not again". "I’m tired of all your health problems". "Enough is enough!!" you yelled at me. You accused me of wanting attention. You told me the hospital would write in my file that I was crazy. "The pain is in your head Monica".

I hung up the phone with you. I will never call you again. I will never speak to you about anything important again. No matter how many times you ask. No matter how many times you pressure me into admitting something is wrong. If I tell you what’s going on in my life, I’m complaining. If I tell you everything is fine, you say I’m lying.

I realize you don’t understand what it feels like to have the health issues that I do. You have been blessed with good health. You go to the doctor a couple times of year. You take only one medication. Since I was 2 years old I’ve been in the hospital. I have severe asthma, allergies, a blood clotting disorder, and connective tissue disease. I take 12 medications a day. I would give anything to be a healthy normal person like you. If you were me for one day, you wouldn’t survive the entire 24 hours.

I don’t trust you anymore. I don’t even love you right now. I’m tired of being a burden to you. I realize I’m not what you wanted or expected of a daughter. I’m sorry I’m such a disappointment.

Tu hija,
Monica

Thursday, December 13, 2012

12-12-12

(AFP Photo / Saeed Khan)
This beautiful photograph illustrates balloons flying in air as newlywed couples celebrate their mass wedding in conjunction with the date 12-12-12 outside a Chinese temple in Kuala Lumpur on December 12, 2012. Some 200 couples gathered at the temple to attend a grand colourful wedding ceremony.

December 12, 2012 is a day of suerte and romance for some and doomsday fears for others. Many wedding professionals have been looking forward to this day for years. A survey conducted by US-based David’s Bridal estimates that around 7,500 brides will be getting hitched in America. Bodas everywhere.

Jiaqui Yuan signed his marriage certificate at a marriage office in central Sydney on December 12, 2012. A record number of couples were married on this day in Australia in celebration of the last time for almost 90 years that the date will have the same number for the day, month and year.



(Reuters / Daniel Munoz)

Unfortunately there are many stories about people exhibiting bizarre behavior out of fear and ignornance. If the Mayans were right, 12-21-12 is going to be even more interesting!
I'll be somewhere watching all of this unfold, safely hidden in my house.




*Some information re-posted from rt.com.

Abrazos fuerte,
Monica

Saturday, December 1, 2012

Wed Over Heels

I recently joined a wedding community Wed Over Heels. It's an awesome social networking opportunity and I'm excited to see where this takes my company.






Besos,
Monica

Monday, November 12, 2012

Faith!

The homily at mass yesterday was about the two widows that gave everything they had to God in faith. One widow only had a few coins to her name, but came to the church and put them in the offering. God said that her offering meant so much more than the offerings the wealthy had given. The rich gave of their abundance, while the poor widow gave her life's savings.

The second widow came across Elijah. He asked her to make him bread. She only had enough for one more meal for her child and her. Despite this, she was obedient to God's word and used the last of her bread and oil for this stranger. She was blessed because of this and never went hungry again.

These stories from the Bible hit home. Lately my medical expenses have been outrageous. I'm living on a few dollars and a little bit of change. I only had six dollars yesterday and gave one to the collection during mass. I had to save the five dollars to go to the grocery store. There was a big sale going on and I had to have a some food in the house to feed my daughter when she comes home from college this weekend. I went to the store and found all sorts of deals. I was able to fill a basket with food for only five dollars. God rewarded me with so much even though I was only able to give Him so little.

Grateful,
Monica

Friday, November 9, 2012

Running Away

I saw the picture you put online today. Your hair is longer and you have a full beard. You look good honey. In my head I know we can't be together again. In my heart I want to try again. We could buy a house out west in the mountains. We could be growers and ride 4-wheelers all day and cook food and watch movies all night.

I know none of this is realistic. I'm so stressed out and dealing with more issues than any one person should have to bare. I guess I just want to run away. I want to be far away from my life right now. I want someone to take care of me for a little while.

Maybe?
Monica

Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Ohio!

Long lines, confused people, and freezing temperatures ushered in Election Day in Ohio. I arrived at 7:00 am to see a line of people standing outside waiting to vote. None of the poll workers were equipped to handle such large crowds at this new polling location.

After 45 minutes of waiting I finally was given my ballot to vote. While waiting for mine to be scanned, I noticed the scanner in the adjoining district was labeled "broken". Those ballots were to be hand scanned later. Hmm. I suspect many lawsuits will be filed against Ohio and a few will be won.

If you don't vote, you may not complain!
Monica


Sunday, October 28, 2012

An Unfaithful Wife

The moment she saw him again after ten years, she knew what was going to happen...

Liz loved Rey from the day she first met him their sophomore year of high school. He was always wearing tight jeans and smelled like soap and cologne. They were just friends. Never anything else. Little did she know they would be so much more.

Working on the reunion committee was a little dull. Liz made several calls and sent emails trying to track down former classmates that didn't live in the area anymore. One day she decided to see if anyone from her high school was on the popular social networking site Myspace.

A familiar name popped up. Reymundo. Her mouth dropped open. Could this actually be him??? Quickly Liz sent him a private message. He replied almost instantly. It was him. Rey. Her high school crush.

They spent hours catching up on old times. Rey joined the Coast Guard immediately after graduation. He also married his senior prom date Jenna. They had two children and were currently living in the same state. Liz was also married and had a little boy.

Liz was ecstatic when Rey wanted to speak on the phone. His voice was so sexy! The first time they talked neither one of them wanted to get off the phone with each other. Both were in unhappy marriages and needed attention. Rey was more than willing to give Liz the attention she craved.

Rey's wife's family still lived in their old hometown, not too far from where Liz lived with her husband Santiago. Rey was bringing his family to the area and suggested they meet for coffee while he was in town.

She was more excited and nervous than she had ever been. Their talks on the phone were so perfect. How would things be in person? Would they have the same chemistry? Liz changed her outfit about fifty times before she left to meet Rey.

Liz remembers sitting at the table by the window waiting for Rey to arrive. She almost got up and went home. After a few minutes he pulled up in his Jeep. He looked amazing. So handsome and sexy. The way he undressed her with his eyes made her squirm in her seat.

When Liz stood up to greet him, Rey pulled her into a hug. He pressed his body into hers. She didn't want to let go. After about five minutes of chatting Rey asked if she wanted to go for a ride through the park. Liz smiled and agreed.

The day at the park marked the beginning of their three year affair. Three years of hugging, kissing, touching, and making love. They met at hotels, parks, coffee houses, and sometimes never even left her car. It was a wild and exciting time in both of their lives.

Looking back Liz regrets letting Rey into her life again. She felt guilty about sleeping with another man while she was married. Why did she do it? Loneliness. She didn't feel wanted or needed by her husband. Being with Rey made her feel like a teenager again.

I asked Liz if she had it to do all over again would she? No. Never, she replied. a few moments of bliss cost her a lifetime of regret.

The unthinkable,
Monica

One of My Guilty Pleasures...

Natesvlogs.

I discovered Nathan Fisher and his hilarious vlogs about a year ago. He's best known for his 'Employee Evaluations' videos. The one below is one of my favorites. *Due to a series of awful events, Nathan Fisher (Natesvlogs/NatesFlicks) has moved to dailymotion


Nate's dry sense of humor, creative use of the English language, and occasionally unzipping his blackness make me laugh until I cry.  If you take the time to watch Nate's other videos you'll learn about, in great detail, his experiences growing up, dating women from party chat lines, and losing his virginity in a bathroom stall.

All the Cool Kids are Watching

Giggling,
Monica

Monday, October 22, 2012

Confessions

1.  I don't like sneaky people. I will respect you much more if you just tell me the truth.

2.  Karma is a bitch. I can't wait until she stops by the staff in the 8th grade hallway.

3.  If I could run away for a month with no consequences I would leave within the hour.

4.  I love cheese.

5.  There are four people I would punch in the face right now.

6.  Facebook is one of the most depressing places online. I wish I had the strength to delete my account.

7.  I have a HUGE crush on someone. I feel like a middle school girl when I'm around him.

8.  My ex's best friend sends me inappropriate texts at least once a month.

9.  'Hello Kitty' stuff always makes me smile.

10.  I wish I had naturally wavy hair.

11.  I feel guilty when I miss Sunday Mass.

12.  There are people I've met online that I consider my true friends even though I have never met them.

13.  The day everyone was going insane over the iPhone 5, I bought a new Blackberry Bold.

14.  I've read the "Fifty Shades of Grey" trilogy more than three times.


Besos,
Monica

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Reflections

-If you live in the USA please vote. Su vota es su voz.

-My new boss is making me miserable.

-I finally stopped talking to my ex.

-My lawn looks fabulous. I've learned how to mow in straight lines.

-If you are fortunate enough to have a good doctor, you are blessed.

-There are people who wake up with the goal to make others sad. I work with many of these people.

-No matter what I do, I cannot seem to lose any more weight.

-My dog makes me laugh every day.

-Mi madre puede ser cruel. 

-You cannot change what you don't acknowledge. 

Abrazos,
Monica

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Growing Up

I've finally come to the decision that I'm important. I no longer have to be overly sweet to people who mistreat me. It has taken me over 30 years to realize this fact.

Work has been stressful this year. We have yet another new administrator. Every new boss  who walks through the door feels the need to re-invent the wheel. This is not okay. I now just shut my door and continue to do what is best for my students and me.

I've also eliminated so called friends from my life. People who drain me are not welcome in my life anymore. I refuse to be taken advantage of anymore. If you don't care about me, why should I let you continue to be in my life?

I guess I have grown up. I'm taking responsibility for my own happiness and well being. You're either with me or against me.

Fuerte,
Monica

Sunday, August 26, 2012

Lost!

I had an adventure today. ‎While on my way to a baby shower in North Royalton, got stuck in a parade. Police re-routed me to detour and I ended up lost. Very lost. Found myself at the Maple Hills cemetery in Hinkley. Phone stopped working. Cried for an hour and then just started driving. Didn't care where I ended up. Found a biker bar and the awesome people directed me home. Who says guardian angels can't be pierced and tatted?



Missing you Kent,
Monica

Sunday, August 12, 2012

I Just Want to Scream!

This past couple of weeks have been a nightmare:
-Mi abuelita passed away.  I was in the room alone with her holding her hands when she took her last breath.
-The next week one of my good friends was killed in a motorcycle accident. He was only 27 years and the father of a one year old baby boy.
-We have a new administrator at work. She was moved to our building because of issues. No bueno. A lot of unhappy people.

Two funerals in two weeks. More crying than I have done in over a year. Everyone tells me that I am so strong. Now that's a perfect lie. I don't feel strong right now. I feel weak. I feel like running far away and never coming back.

The new boss has still not given me my assignment. School begins in a week and I have no clue what or where I'm teaching. It makes me feel unprofessional. Mi madre asked me what I'm doing to cope with all these things. I was dishonest when I replied. I'm not coping.

I've had my phone off for days. I can't communicate with anyone unless it's work related. I feel so stressed. even feel it in my heart. It's a strange feeling. My heart muscle actually hurts.

There is a teeny bit of good news. I have discovered the perfect pair of jeans for my body. Now I just need the money to purchase them :).

Wishing for a vacation,
Monica


Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Go...



I'll be fine on my own,
Monica

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Bridal Beauty 101


Este post fue patrocinado por el desodorante Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - diseñado para visiblemente reducir las manchas rojas y oscuras y dejar un tono uniforme.

Being a wedding consultant is more exciting than I ever imagined. I love working with brides and their family and friends. If you know me you know two things about me. I like to be in charge and I'm super organized.

A wedding consultant must make sure that her client, the bride, is prepared for one of the biggest days of her life her wedding day. In order to be ready and stunning as she walks towards her groom a bride needs a little preparation.

Bridal Beauty 101!

After he pops the question get yourself ready to say "I DO":

  

  • Dove Body Lotion- Everyone wants to touch the bride, make sure your skin is smooth and supple.
  • Handmade Soap- it's gentle and cleansing. No harsh products before the big day!
  • Dove Intensive Repair Daily Treatment Conditioner- Your hair has to be strong and ready.
  • Teeth Whitener- Lots of smiling between the proposal and the wedding reception. 
  • Calming Candle- Preparing for the big day can be stressful. Take time to relax.
  • Makeup- Start practicing now. Choose good products that enhance your natural beauty.
  • Wedding Consultant's Card- She'll be there for you whenever you need her to be. It's her job! :) 
Now there are many other items you'll need on your actual wedding day. Pack your wedding tote bag with bobby pins, super glue, deodorant, nail polish, nail polish remover, extra makeup, cotton balls, tissue, cell phone charger, Tums, pain meds, eye drops, feminine products, extra underwear, bandaids, and a protein snack. You can never be too prepared. If you've forgotten anything be assured that your wedding consultant will probably have it in her bag!


You've got this!
Monica

I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com. All the opinions expressed here are my own. Claro ;)

Saturday, July 21, 2012

Showing a Little Skin

Este post fue patrocinado por el desodorante Dove® ClearTone™ Deodorant - diseñado para visiblemente reducir las manchas rojas y oscuras y dejar un tono uniforme.



Me encanta el clima de verano. Puedo usar todas mis camisetas sin mangas, sundresses y faldas cortas. En Ohio el clima puede cambiar rápidamente por lo que mi piel tiene que lucir siempre impecable.

A big part of my skin prep has always included Dove. Mi madre wouldn't buy anything else because her skin is so sensitive. When you grow up using one product line it's usually automatic to continue as an adult.



I begin my day using Dove bar soap. My skin is so dry I need all the moisture I can find. After getting out of the shower while my skin is still damp, I use Dove's Intensive Nourishing Lotion to seal in the moisture from the warm shower. If you have dry skin it's important to take a warm bath or shower. Hot water can actually cause your skin to dry out even more! No bueno.

After I get out of the bathroom I put on my deodorant. Dove is one of the few companies that makes a deodorant that does not get white marks all over your shirt. Grr, I hate that! Especially since I don't usually notice it until I'm walking into work. Ever try to get deodorant off of a black shirt? It doesn't work. Ever.


Estoy saliendo ahora, así que es súper importante que mi piel se ve suave y agradable al tacto. Me encanta dar y recibir un montón de abrazos. Nadie quiere abrazar a alguien que tiene la piel áspera. Los productos Dove me ayude a lucir bien. ¿Por qué me ha consumido alguna vez alguna otra cosa?

Besos,
Monica

I was compensated for this post by the Clever Girls Collective.com. All the opinions expressed here are my own. Claro ;).

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Portugal





One day,
Monica

Monday, July 9, 2012

Weed!



An article "The Price of Weed" on Business Insider has created a buzz on google+, so I thought I'd repost and share with all of you. Does this map surprise you? Were you even aware that so much weed was grown and sold in the United States?

Now mind you I don't sit around and think about marijuana all day. If you do that's a personal decision. No judgment here. The fact that surprised me the most is the huge difference in the cost state to state. Factor in weather, climate, cost of living adjustments, and criminal activity there is still a huge gap in price.

I am 100% for the legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The facts and statistics are staggering. Medicinal marijuana has been a life line for those suffering from chronic pain, cancer, depression, eating disorders, and glaucoma. As long as it is not abused by people who truly do not need it for medical reasons, marijuana can save lives. Imagine the ramifications!

Business Insider

Enlightened,
Monica

Monday, July 2, 2012

A little of this and that.

The last couple of weeks have been a little loca. I've gotten involved with a male friend (damn 50 Shades), my favorite Model Latina Maytee has been eliminated from the competition, I had surgery, my ex esposo broke my heart, and mi madre has fleas!

My friend Z and I have been close for a long time now. He's got a great sense of humor, works two jobs, is 100% muscle, and has the most beautiful green eyes. One evening he sent me a text message that said stay with me tonight. I was shocked. I called him and he wanted me to come over and see all the renovations he had done on the house he just purchased. I drove over and I really liked what I saw...

Monday comes around and it's time for Model Latina South Beach. Maytee Martinez is a beautiful model on MLSB. I haven't seen such a sweetheart on a reality tv show since Nancy "@VH1sPocohontas" Olivares from the Real Chance of Love 2. Here's Maytee's exit interview video:

She's so classy and gorgeous. We'll all see her again. I'm sure of it. If you don't have nuvoTV episodes of Model Latina South Beach are on hulu.com.

A week goes by and it's time for surgery again. Yes again. My elbow has been hurting me since high school. I've seen doctors for years and no one could do anything about it until now. The pain of surgery is a cake walk compared to what I have been dealing with since age 18. I can't wait to be 100% healed. I just know I'm going to be way less grumpy.

It's now Thursday and I decided to be nice and send N a Happy Birthday text. Big mistake on my part. N called me got upset with me and admitted that he cheated on me during our last year of marriage. Long time readers will know that is the one thing I knew that (thought I knew) N would never do to me. He harped on cheating almost daily. His precious and perfect ex-fiance Natalie cheated on him and he never recovered from it. Now I find out that he did it to me. Deep down I had a feeling when things were so bad between us something was going on, but I ignored my intuition. We're divorced and I'm still heartbroken.

Rounding out the week mi madre calls me on the phone yesterday afternoon and leaves a message saying I think we have fleas over here. I told her a week ago when she kept complaining of a rash around her ankles that it sounded like fleas. Even though mis padres don't have any animals at their house and mi madre cleans every second of the day, fleas can still find their way into a house. It turns out that there are 5 homeless cats living at my Dad's rental house. He apparently brought them back to their house and they're attacking madre. I told them to bomb the house twice and if that didn't help, to call in the professionals. Needless to say she's freaking out.

New guy, no more Maytee, surgery, broken heart and fleas. Just a couple of regular weeks in my world.

Cansada,
Monica




Sunday, June 17, 2012

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Fifty Shades of What??

Unless you've completely avoided any kind of media in the last several months, you've heard of the novel that has brought BDSM into the mainstream, Fifty Shades of Grey by E. L. James. I had the pleasure (or is it the pain?) of reading this erotic romance over the last couple of weeks. The only reason it took me so long to read it was due to my horrific schedule lately.



E.L. James has created the ultimate fan fiction masterpiece. Fifty Shades of Grey is interestly written and immerses you in a world you may not have even known existed. I particularly enjoyed two things about the book, chapter 8 and the emails between Anastasia Steele and Christian Grey. Make sure you pay attention to Christian's signatures at the bottom of each of his emails.

After finishing the novel I asked myself if I would date Christian Grey. No. Here's why. I have a medical condition, undefined connective tissue disease, that causes chronic pain. Every moment of every day I struggle. Being involved with a man who 'needs' to physically hurt me doesn't do it for me. At all. People within the BDSM community may say it's a pleasurable pain. In my opinion there is no such thing. My wish is to have a day when I don't have any type of pain.

I highly recommend Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James. Once you read the first book you'll want to read the rest immediately. The trilogy is a fascinating read. If you're up for a little kinky fuckery and not easily offended, these are the books for you.

Buy the trilogy!!

Laters baby,
Monica

Thursday, May 24, 2012

Model Latina!!!

Do YOU have what it takes??? Model Latina South Beach is a new reality tv show on nuvoTV. Thousands of beautiful latinas auditioned at the casting call, but only 10 were chosen to compete on the show. Take a look at the teaser on YouTube:


This is going to be a wild season. I even spotted a curvy model?!? Unheard of on most model shows.  Plus Carlos Ponce, muy quapo, is one of the cast members!

Meet the Cast

So far I don't have a favorite, but I always start out liking everyone and giving all the cast a chance. I can't wait to get to know all the girls better. Names like "Hollywood-Bound Hottie Rachell", "Sexy Smartie Oneisys", and "California Girl Cindy", mean the drama has to be totally over the top! Boricuas, Colombianas, Cubanas, Dominicanas, y Chicanas all in the same house. Under the same roof. Ay Dios.

This year the judges will be in a mentoring role with the girls. I wonder who is going to fall for Carlos? It's going to be tough for him with all those beautiful and competitive bellas surrounding him all day. What's going to happen in one of the sexiest cities in the United States? Remember what happened in the Las Vegas season? This one looks even hotter.

According to the press release the girls are competing to win a $25,000 cash prize, a role as nuvoTV’s spokesperson plus a contract with international modeling agency Q Management.

Want to see how all this plays out?? Join me and watch Model Latina: South Beach on May 28, 2012 on nuvoTV at 10:00 pm EST.

Model Latina on Facebook 

Model Latina on Twitter 

Besos,
Monica





*Compensated blog post in collaboration with nuvoTV and Latina Blogger Connect.










Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Native American Prayer

Creator,
Walk through my house
Help me carry my worries
Watch over my family and friends
Bring calm where there is chaos
Bring light where there is darkness
Bring peace to my heart
Aho!

Siempre,
Monica



Friday, May 4, 2012

A Good Man

You finally meet Mr. Right. He meets every one of your qualifications on your mental checklist. Degree, good job, tats, big and tall, plus a great sense of humor. Everyone tells you how cute you two look together. Every time you go out, you have so much fun. On paper life is perfect. What everyone doesn't know is that he doesn't want you. He only wants to be your friend.

He's been honest with you from the very beginning. He flat out told you it was never going to happen. Do you believe him? No. You imagine all the fun you two could have in the future. You sit around thinking about him all the time. Every time you see him you make sure you look your best. Hoping that he'll change his mind and fall madly in love with you.

One day you wake up and look at the news feed on your favorite social networking site. He's poured his heart out in a status update. He's finally fallen for someone. He can't sleep thinking about her. He even knows his Mom is going to like her too. Your heart skips a beat for a second. "Is he talking about me?!?", you think to yourself. All day you have butterflies in your stomach. All of your 'hard work' has paid off.

Hesitantly you text him to feel him out. His texts back are totally normal and friendly. You think to yourself, this doesn't sound like someone in love. You stew about it for the entire day. The next day you can't take it anymore and bring it up. He admits he's fallen for someone...and it's not you.

He may be a good man, just not for you.

Reality check,
Monica

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Stay Tuned!



-My review of the novel Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James
-He may be a good man, just not for you!
-Part 3 of "Los Colores"

Besos,
Monica

Tuesday, April 24, 2012

Really?!?

Facebook strikes again. My friend D jumps in my mind one evening and I decide to write him a nice little note on his wall:
          "Hello D. I feel like I haven't talked to you in years. I miss you handsome :)."

Please correct me if I'm wrong. I think that was a sweet and innocent message. All I wanted to accomplish was to say hello. If you object to the 'handsome' at the end, know that I call everyone pretty, gorgeous, bella, beautiful or handsome. I always have. This was his girlfriend M's response:
          "Miss having him in class? Cause otherwise that's a little weird" (no period at the end)

Okayyy, what's with the snarky response? She's quite obviously insecure. D and I have a long history. A history M is not a part of at all. He is a former student, but over the years we have become friends. Good friends. I think of him as my little cousin actually. Clearly I'm a threat to her. I'm going to take this as a compliment. I've still got it!!

Smiling,
Monica

Saturday, April 7, 2012

French MONTANA!!!

My enchantment with French Montana is still going strong. I've spent a good portion of today watching his videos (including the underground stuff) and I'm a little impressed. I see real improvement with his rap skills. He doesn't sound like a drunk mf anymore. Bueno. That was bad. Don't drink and rap. Ever.

I stumbled upon French Montana's new "Coke Boys Vlog" on World Star Hip Hop a little while ago. Side note: Stay away from WSHH. You are not ready for the things on there. Trust me. Es la verdad. This new vlog featured one of my favorite new rappers, Mac Miller. There is good flow going on despite their, ahem, activities. Check it out for yourself!

Warning, this video contains adult language and content.




So, what did you think? Interesting look at the behind the scenes in the rap game. Now many of you have noticed that French looks like my ex. He does. I think part of the reason I'm so enchanted by him is for this very reason. N and French are a lot alike. I have this addiction to bad boys. I love them.

I know bad boys are not good for me. I've tried to be attracted to good guys. I get bored. I turn around and fall for the tattooed criminal and I get my rush and end up hating him. It's a vicious cycle. I know this.

I actually had a long conversation with my friend S about this topic. We are both in the bad boy rehab process. She broke things down for me. We need the look, the excitement, and the danger. It's addicting. S thinks we should date guys that LOOK like bad boys, but really are not. I have yet to meet one. If you are one or know one please send him my way.

Besos,
Monica

Friday, April 6, 2012

Sigh...

It's sad when a friendship ends. I look at all the sayings about people and relationships and think blah, blah, blah. A cute quote on Pinterest or Twitter doesn't even get close to understanding how much it hurts when your best friend hates you and walks away. I will never know why it happened, what I did to deserve this, or how we got to this point. I do know that this is goodbye forever. Thanks for the memories...



 **Update**
This person who I considered my best friend continued her betrayal in one of the most hurtful ways. When called on it this is the text message I received:
  
"Listen, I don't know what beef you have with me. I have not done a thing to you. I would really 
appreciated you stop the lies and harassment directed towards me on Facebook. I thought I made it very clear that I no longer want to be friends with you, so please just leave me alone. Thanks."

Dear, you started this. I deleted your number and was finished with you. YOU decided to try and humiliate ME on Facebook. You posted what you did to hurt me. It worked you did hurt me. I even cried. I never did anything to you. Ever. Now you've worked so hard to get my full attention and you can't handle it. Well Lux LaRue keep bothering me and the world will see what you really do and who you really are...

Amused,
Monica

Wednesday, April 4, 2012

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Trayvon Martin

Justice for Trayvon Martin. A bag of Skittles and an iced tea are not weapons. Arrest George Zimmerman.


Prosecute the killer of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin
Greetings,
I'm writing you today to call for justice for Trayvon Martin and his family.

Trayvon Martin was only 17 years old when he was gunned down by the Neighborhood Watch captain George Zimmerman. All Trayvon did was go to the store to get his brother some Skittles.

According to police, George Zimmerman admitted to the shooting and killing of Trayvon Martin. Why has he not been charged and his case been handed over to prosecutors?

Trayvon Martin was unarmed when he was shot by Zimmerman. All he had in his hands was some candy when he was followed and approached by Zimmerman - who ignored instructions from police not to confront the young man.

Please uphold justice.

----------------

Sincerely,
Monica G.

Justice for Trayvon Martin 

Wednesday, March 14, 2012

Burnout to Bliss!

*I'm taking a grad class on teacher burnout. One of my assignments is to write a paper based on the book
Finding a Path with a Heart: Burnout to Bliss by Dr. Beverly Potter.*

Right now I am in a unique situation. At least I think it’s a unique situation. The year 2011 was an awful year for me. In January, my husband decided he didn’t love me anymore and moved to Seattle, Washington. In March I was rushed to the hospital via ambulance with two pulmonary embolisms in my lung. The doctor’s told me that if I hadn’t gone to the ER and just stayed at home like I wanted to, I would have died. I spent a week in the hospital undergoing several tests. I now have a blood disorder called Factor V Leiden.

Things did not get any better. The judge granted my husband and me a divorce in May. I never thought I would be divorced. It broke my heart. I felt like a failure. That summer I went completely crazy and did things I never imagined I would do. I didn’t sleep or eat. I just partied to forget about all my issues.

School began in August. I felt like a loser. I also got sick, really sick. I tried to ignore what was going on inside of my body. I was no longer myself anymore. I was so sick for the next couple of months. I did the bare minimum at work. My students knew something was wrong with their teacher.

In October, a man tried to break into my house at 9:00 am on a Saturday morning. My dog woke me up because she was running around the house barking. I walked into my kitchen to find a strange man destroying my porch door and trying to get in my house. I called 911 and the police responded in record time. The man was arrested immediately. I still get scared every time I look at my porch door.

I finally shared my symptoms with my doctor in November. She sent me to another doctor who examined me and determined something was wrong, really wrong. That doctor sent me to an Oncologist. I had cancer and had to have an emergency surgery to remove it.

My essential goal is to be less stressed. After all that I have been through and continue to go through, this is a tough goal. According to the author, the purpose of a goal is to motivate, to get yourself moving. I’m going to get moving. I’m going to try and focus on the positive things in my life.

I know I cannot do anything about the things over which I have no control. I have to make the best out of any situation I come across. No journey is without problems, detours, and other obstacles. I have to turn obstacles into opportunities.

Dr. Potter states that “It is when we grab opportunities and rise to challenges that we are most likely to experience bliss”. I’m taking this statement literally and turning my stressful life into bliss so much so that I even named my new wedding consultant company ‘Bliss by Monica’.

Bliss by Monica

Thinking positively,
Monica



Friday, March 9, 2012

It's not you, it's me...

Another one bites the dust. Another "relationship" down the tubes. I actually put myself out there again to be hurt. This is the last time. Mi vida will be so much easier now. I don't have to get my hopes up, because my hopes are now dead. I don't have to worry about plans, text messages, or phone calls. I'm going to have peace.

We didn't stand a chance from the beginning. We were connected in too many ways. His grandmother lives right across the street from me. I work with his aunt who hates him. The biggest issue, he's friends with my ex. That should have stopped me in the first place. He had reservations about getting involved with me from the start. The damn "guy code". I hate the guy code. Mi corazon es cerrado, por siempre.

Triste y sola,
Monica

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Celebrate!






Proud to be a woman!

Besos,
Monica

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Expanding my Horizons...



During our schools achievement tests, teachers have completely different schedules. I ended up teaching German class for an entire week last year. It was totally out of my comfort zone, but I had a great time. Since I don't speak German, I went with cultural lessons. A big part of a country's culture is music. Students like music videos, so after an exhausting search of youtube, I came across "Dieses Leben" by Juli. I became and instant fan.

Ich spreche kein Deutsch,
Monica

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Novio...




Dear Guapo,
I want to thank you for all of your support during this difficult time. You were the very first person I told about my diagnosis. Since we have just started our friendship, I thought you would run. Not only did you not run, you have been absolutely wonderful.

You've listened to me, encouraged me to fight, and prayed for me. Thank you for always checking in on me and making me laugh. Laughter is the best medicine. The moments we have spent together have been the highlight of this nightmare. I will forever be grateful that you came into my life.

Muchos besos y abrazos,
Monica

Friday, February 17, 2012

Google Me!

I always tell my students to google themselves once a month to see what's out there in their name. Today I took my own advice and googled my blog. I was pleasantly surprised to see the positive comments and mentions I received. I was especially happy to be listed as one of the "Best 50 Personal Blogs" by Personalblogs.org. This has been an especially trying week and finding this little treasure online made me smile.


Gracias mil,
Monica

Sunday, February 12, 2012

RIP Whitney Houston


Whitney Houston's death is a perfect example of bad choices. Be careful who you let in your life. Surround yourselves with positive people that have the same type of morals and goals. Don't allow anyone to bring you down to their level or distract you from success.

Pensive,
Monica

Sunday, February 5, 2012

NEO Predators!!!

It's almost time for summer league FOOTBALL!!!!




Cheering for him,
Monica

Friday, January 27, 2012

ma, ma, MA!

If you haven't checked out the "Shit ----- Say" parodies on YouTube, you're missing out on an afternoon of laughter. Almost every ethnic group, religion, and sexual orientation are represented.

One of my favorites is "Shit Spanish Girls Say'. Now of course all Latinas do not say these things, but many do. This particular video highlights mostly Puerto Rican and Dominican females. Even if you're not Latino, I think you will enjoy this parody.

Monday, January 23, 2012

Nooooo!!

My dog Coda does NOT like to take a bath. If you even say the word "bath", she'll run. Taking her to be professionally groomed is a problem as well. The last time we took her to Petsmart to be groomed, she completely freaked out. When I saw this picture on Pinterest I knew I had to share this with everyone.




Laughing,
Monica

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Important!


*Need more info? Check out http://www.iblognet.com

Concerned,
Monica

Sunday, January 15, 2012

Yes please!



Besos,
Monica

Wednesday, January 4, 2012

2012!!!

*Image found thanks to Pinterest and Tumblr*

The new me in 2012 :).

Besos,
Monica