Merry Christmas 2014

Abrazos,
Monica

Panic

*Christmas is in a few weeks and I'm not even close to being ready. I finally came up with the dinner menu today thanks to All Recipes.

*I am making an early resolution, I will be spending a lot less time on social media. I'm not deleting any accounts at this time. There are many people I would like to stay in contact with, I just hate all the racist idiots taking over. It's tough to keep up with world events without coming across complete nonsense.

*Soaps used to be such a fun and relaxing way to spend a few moments at the end of the day. Not anymore. The writers have such low opinions of the viewers it's insulting to watch. I think I'm going to back to telenovelas.

*I'm watching companies and entertainers closely. Who ever is remaining quiet during this time of unrest will not get any support from me. #blacklivesmatter

*Right now I'm not Interested in dating. I have to get healthy. My number one priority is surviving. Plus I feel like I look a mess. I'm super pale and blotchy. My Lupus-like rash is back with a vengeance. I don't even feel sexy.

*Mi amiga is looking at dresses from one of my favorite designers!! She is going to be a beautiful bride.

*I hope all of you are getting ready for the holidays and are healthy and happy. Please sprinkle a little extra joy my way.

xxoo,
Monica

Going to the Chapel...

One of my best friends is getting married next year!! She just announced her engagement and I am so excited. I feel like I'm getting married. I'm incredibly happy for her and I'm honored to be helping her out during this wonderful time of her life.

This is going to be a beautiful wedding. I'll keep you posted.

Joyful,
Monica

Frozen

-Every state in the United States has temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit today. I love cold weather so this makes me happy.

-Make sure you take care of your kidneys. When something goes wrong with them the pain is terrible. Awful. Go to the doctor as soon as you experience symptoms.

-I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week. Where has 2014 gone?!?

-I hope there will be peaceful protests around the world after the grand jury announces its decision in Ferguson, MO.

-Physical therapy is helping, it's painful but helping.

-The fat free pumpkin muffin/bread recipe was good, but not holiday worthy.

-I miss mi hija. So happy I get to see her soon!

Abrazos,
Monica

So sick.

I ate a fast food hamburger for lunch yesterday. It was my first since my gallbladder was removed in May. I wish I had a time machine to go back. I would have stopped myself.

Fat has to stay out of my life.

I really hoped I would have been part of the 75% that have no issues with food after having the surgery. Not so.

I want to feel better. I want to be me again. I am determined to have a healthy and happy Holiday season!

So tired,
Monica

Daylight Savings Time

I love the time of the year when we turn our clocks back. The sun is so pretty in the morning and it gets dark around the time I'm getting ready for bed. The world is on my time schedule. It feels fantastic!

I'm seeing a new rheumatologist at the beginning of 2015. She's supposed to be the best. There is actually a waiting list to become a new patient. I have to keep a symptom diary to share at my first appointment. Writing down every thing that is wrong with me is more difficult than I imagined. It is helpful because I am starting to see a pattern. I will be making serious changes soon.

Thanksgiving is quickly approaching. I found a recipe for fat free pumpkin bread. I plan on making a loaf this week so I can test it out before I serve it to my family. I hope it's delicious. If it's not I have time to come up with a plan B.

xxoo,

Monica 

Life in October

I began physical therapy today. I am sore, but know that pain brings change.

Mi hija gave me a product called "Rapid Lash". Chemo treatments made my eyelashes fall out. I've been using Rapid Lash for almost a year and my eyelashes are back and they look amazing. I still like wearing false lashes, but I'm only going to wear them when I want to look extra special. Gracias Brianna :).

Lack of estrogen es no bueno. Hormones are so important. My GYN is working with me to fix the problem. Lack of hormones causes bladder and kidney issues. If you can avoid having a hysterectomy do so. I can't say this enough. 

I finally found a new rheumatologist. This doctor comes highly recommended. So much so my appointment isn't until February. That was the first available! I hope good things come to those who wait.

ABC has two incredibly funny new TV shows, "Blackish" and "Cristela". So happy to see such diversity on a major network. "Modern Family" is still my absolute favorite comedy show. This season has been perfection. It's nice to take a break from all the stress and enjoy something pleasant.

Abrazos,

Monica 

Tumblr!

The fabulous wedding social networking experiment "Wed Over Heels" comes to an end December 31, 2014. I'll miss posting on WOH, so I've created an account on Tumblr  .

Here is a sneak peek of the stunning content coming soon...

Liv Hart's styled shoot via Bridal Musings. Photos by Laura Gordon Photography.

xxoo,

Monica 

Heaven is Calling

So very tired,
Monica

Take Your Pick

There are a number of critical issues in the world lately...

*Ferguson October

*Hong Kong

*Militarized Police

*Ebola

*Influenza

*Bullying

*Climate Change

*Breast Cancer Awareness

*Domestic Violence

You may not have the latest news on these issues if you are relying on the broadcast media. Twitter and Reddit have updated coverage of what is going on.

Please research the issues that are close to your heart. Take a stand, do what you can to help. The world needs you.

Praying,
Monica

Good Riddance!

Life is too short to deal with judgmental and unstable people. Cleaning out my social media accounts feels great.

Not everyone who comes in your life is meant to stay. This applies to people you meet in real life and online.

The company you keep is a reflection of who you really are deep down inside. The people in your life should uplift you and give off positive energy. People who are constantly angry are draining. People who preach hate and intolerance are part of the problem.

Take a moment and look around at the people you have in your circle. Maybe it's time for you to make a few changes as well.

Abrazos,
Monica

True...

xxoo,

Monica 

United We Win

Buzzfeed

Kindness

Photo posted by RS.

Firefighter in Denmark saves cat from burning home.

We all need kindness in this world and help from others.

Abrazos,

Monica

Hi There!

If you are new here welcome. I've been blogging online since MySpace, but I officially started this site in 2010.

I am brutally honest here. I share the good and the bad. I write in English, Spanish, Spanglish, and Portuguese.

My Twitter account will be changing to 95% wedding related content, so I'm moving all my opinions and observations here. There are so many things happening in the world right now, I can no longer balance my wedding tweets and my personal tweets anymore.

I'm going to write about the problems with the police dealing with black and brown people. I'm going to also be more vocal about climate change and issues with water conservation.

I will always be myself. Sometimes I get really enojada and go off. This is my corner of the Internet and I get to decide what stays and what goes. I do like respectful debating, but if I decide you are un bendejo, adiós. Forever.

I am happy to share my world with you. I believe in the power of social media. I believe in humanity. Mucho gusto.

Bienvenido (welcome),
Monica

What a Week!

Bad News:

Flumist made me really sick.

I got bitten on the foot by a brown recluse spider on Wednesday. I didn't go to the hospital, using alternative medicine home care. We'll see what happens. The intense pain made my coughing slow down.

World events are so disturbing I can't even focus on wedding things.

I bought my father an amazing sweater for his birthday. I am broke so I had to order and send it to him a bit early to take advantage of the great deal. I have not heard one word from him about the gift. Nothing. I know it was delivered early on the 22nd. He is obsessed with the mail so I know he has seen it. So tired of being disrespected.

Good News:

BlackBerry is back in the game. Though in my eyes it has never left. I would like to introduce the Porsche Design P'9983 smartphone which launched in Dubai last week. Beautiful.

*BlackBerry

Ahh,

Monica

Flumist Vaccine

I received the Flumist vaccine last week. Now I have the flu. I've always gotten the shot every year, but this year my insurance company pushed for the nasal vaccine.

The shot gives me really bad muscle pain and bruising so I thought the nasal version would spare me the pain. I would give anything to go back in time and have the shot instead of the nasal.

I feel like crap. Fever, chills, runny nose, awful sore throat, and coughing. Think long and hard before you go the nasal flu vaccine route.

Surrounded by tissues,
Monica

Nothing Left

I give up. I have no more fight in me right now.

Many people have so much and are so ungrateful. I read an article about how many designer purses North West (Kim Kardashian and Kanye West's daughter) has and she can't even walk yet. I understand that the Kardashians have millions and it's their money, but thousands of dollars of purses for an infant seems wasteful.

I just want to feel better. I want to work again. I've had a job since I was 14 years old...

This is a crazy and unstable world. Stay safe, trust few, and always watch your back.

Take care,
Monica

September 11th

My prayers go out to the families and friends of the victims of the September 11, 2001 tragedy.

Birthday Wish

My birthday is tomorrow. My wish is for world peace, personal safety, less stress, no pain, and a vintage sapphire ring.

Besos,
Monica

Happy Birthday Dear Coda!

My dog loves muffins, so I baked just for her lol.

xxoo,

Monica

El Dinero

My financial stress is physically destroying me. It all began with my emergency gallbladder surgery. The bills are arriving daily.

Since my forced retirement things have been rough. I have to eat fat free organically or I cannot digest food. Organic food is expensive. I've lost 41 pounds since May. Being poor is a "great" diet :'(.

My mortgage company just sent me a notification yesterday that my escrow is severely lacking. I cannot afford to live here. The property values in my neighborhood have gone down significantly. I am stuck. Working as hard as my body will let me to get my house in good condition to sell.

I have a leased car that I cannot get rid of until next year. Long story. Terrible situation. Love my vehicle, despise the leasing company.

I am NOT asking for help. I would appreciate prayers, positive energy or healing vibes. I need the physical ability to work. If I am not online, I am trying to figure out how to make money and keep a roof over my head.

I'm so sick and stressed right now. My RA is making it almost impossible to walk normally. Living on a fixed income is a nightmare. I have never taken anything for granted, ever. I don't waste money. I have always given to charity, church, and others.  I feel like I am drowning.

I have not been myself lately and now you know why. My faith is strong, but I can only take so much.

Praying for a miracle,
Monica

Ferguson, MO

The recent events in Ferguson, MO are frightening.

*All police officers must wear body cameras. This should be a law.

*Mike Brown was a human being first. A black man second. All humans should be treated with respect no matter the color of their skin, religious beliefs, or creed.

*Looting is wrong, but I empathize with the rage and hurt behind it.

*Take a stand. Stop hiding from the news. Your town might be next. What will you do then? Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it.

Praying,
Monica

Natesvlogs!

The internet has struck again.

Robin Williams' daughter Zelda Williams was forced off social media because of trolls and bullies. This happened before she was even able to bury her father.

Now my favorite YouTuber Nathan Fisher has lost his channel "Natesvlogs" because of spiteful people.

Some of you may question why I am so upset about something so 'simple' as a channel on YouTube.

After my cancer surgery in 2011 I was a mess. I was stressed out, in serious pain, and completely alone. I was confined to bed rest during the chemo treatments. During this time I read, watched movies on Netflix, and watched hours of Natesvlogs' videos. He made me laugh until I cried tears of joy. Those precious hours of laughter helped get me through one of the lowest points of my life.

So you see why this is personal to me.

It's also important to take a stand again the trolls and low life cowards behind a keyboard. The bad people are winning and that is not right.

There is a petition on change.org. It's a way to tell people it's not okay to bully others, to ruin lives because they 'can'. Imagine it was you who lost your job because of lies told by evil people. Sadly one day it might just be...

Sincerely,
Monica

The New Normal

-There are completely different rules for people who have brown skin. There will always be until the end of time.

-Everyone must comment on every single event posted on social media. Especially rude and insensitive people.

-Nothing is ever good enough. If someone makes a statement about one of the many horrific news stories happening in the world right now, others flip out because you haven't mentioned the event THEY are the most passionate about...

-The concept of mind "your own business" is gone. Posting a picture of Kermit is still not minding your own business.

-No one in this world is perfect, stop trying to pretend you are. It's incredibly annoying.

-Constantly lecturing people about your own agenda/exercise regime/diet/spiritual path, etc is tiring. We know how you feel. Talking about it every second of every day may be the reason no one can stand to be around you. Being passionate about something is phenomenal. Shoving it down others throats is abusive. Stop it.

Exhausted,
Monica

Crowns

Future wedding cake,

Monica 

*Image from Brides Magazine (UK edition)

Life

Why does almost every moment of everyday have to be so difficult?

Why does everyone in my life think they can say hurtful things to me and it's just 'okay'?

I am so sick and tired of being disrepected. I know it's my fault for being so nice to everyone my entire life. Giving everyone whatever they wanted. Pretending not to be offended with constant critiques, put downs, and flatout disrespect.

I see why people become hermits and close out the world. Disconnect phone numbers and stop going to all social functions.

I see why people travel on holidays and go on vacations instead of attending Thanksgiving dinners.

I'm extremely close to becoming one of those people.

Freedom of speech is a joke.

Seriously everyone should just shut the fuck up.

Done,
Monica

What Makes Me Happy

*Cotton dresses
*Socks from "Sock Dreams"
*Frigid weather
*Reading books
*Funny Tweets
*Mi hija's sense of humor
*Coda howling
*Wearing pajamas
*Fresh pedicures
*Videos about cats wearing "Thunder Shirts"
*Dusting
*Mundial2014
*Wonder Woman
*Hello Kitty (wearing a pink bow)
*Dogs (especially bully breeds)
*Lemon Italian Ice
*Earth Fare grocery stores
*BlackBerry phones
*American football
*Music
*Comet Cleanser
*Hugs from mi sobrinito

xxoo,
Monica

Vintage Rings

I have always loved vintage rings. One day I'm going to own one...

Thinking Big,
Monica

Love is Patient and Kind

Jhené Aiko - The Worst (Explicit): http://youtu.be/oEm3lY3trRU

Besos,
Monica

BRI

Mi hija got a JOB today!!!!! I am doing flips (in my head) with joy and thanksgiving. God is so good!!! I'm going to let her give details on her social media accounts first, pero I just wanted to share this amazing moment with you all.

Crying happy tears,
Monica

July 11th

Our baby would have been 10 years old today.

I've been throwing myself into social media, LeBron James' lack of a decision, Krispy Kreme's 77th Birthday, wedding stuff none of it is working. I just want to cry. Maybe that's what I should do. Things might have turned out different if little Nick made it. I always say everything happens for a reason. I hate that saying now...

Triste,
Monica

Foolish Clothing

One of my favorite video producers has launched his own clothing line. Por favor check out http://shopfoolish.com.

xxoo,
Monica

Statement

If your own Mother doesn't love you, how can you expect anyone else to.

Unworthy,
Monica

Gossip Girl

I love, love the show "Gossip Girl".

When "Gossip Girl" first aired I was unable to truly enjoy each episode for many reasons. Now I can savor every moment, each song, and delicious plot twist in peace.

I did watch the series finale first. I had to. Writers and producers of current tv shows should watch it too because it is by far one of the best series finales I have ever seen.

Ah guilty pleasures...

xxoo,
Monica

Four!

Right now I have four significant men in my life.

*C - Smart, nerdy, muy guapo, and brown. Everything about him is confusing. Plus he lives far, far away.
*T - Sexy, all muscles, really good job, but young. He's unreliable and if he's not at work he's at the gym.
*R - Guapo, wonderful Dad to his two children, so kind, attentive, and sensitive. He's a player. That smile of his attracts hundreds.
*M - Dangerous, multiple prior felonies, tall with perfect lips. He can fix anything. Complicated doesn't even touch this situation.

I wish I could take parts of each one and build the perfect man. Impossible. Right now I'll just enjoy the attention...

Update 7-14-2014
All four men are out of my life. New start. I did enjoy the attention, but I need to start making better decisions.

xxoo,
Monica

Forgiven...

Good advice,
Monica

"Friendship"

Just because the past taps you on the shoulder doesn't mean you have to look back...

Moving on,
Monica

Wedding Things

A lovely wedding blogger by the name of Danielle took the time to interview me for her fabulous blog. I am honored to be featured on "Chic Brown Bride".

Vendor Spotlight - Bliss by Monica

Happy,
Monica

Toxic Parents and Personality Disorders

Toxic Parents and Personality Disorders

Extremely helpful article and blog.

Learning,
Monica

Thoughts

*"Orange is the New Black" is a cautionary tale. I enjoyed season one and parts of season two.

*Hot and humid weather makes my RA so much worse.

*My stress level is at 98%.

*Coda is getting older by the minute. I can't even think about her going to doggy Heaven one day.

*Looking at pretty wedding stuff immediately puts me in a better mood.

*The elderly neighbor across the street from me has a friend staying over doing chores and yardwork. This friend makes me very uncomfortable. The way he parks his truck directly in front of my bedroom window and stares at me while sitting in his truck smoking cigarettes is un-nerving.

*Do not do business with any company that has the word 'financial' in their name.

*I'm finally taking down the ugly wallpaper in my kitchen. I have hated it since I bought my house. It's going to take me all summer at the pace I am able to work, but I will get it removed.

Take care,
Monica

Bridal Emergency Kit

Bliss by Monica


 

I am so excited about this new venture. I hope you all are too!!

xxoo,
Monica

Purple Flowers

Every year since mi abuelita died random purple flowers grow in my yard.

I miss her so much. She was the only person in my life that thought I was perfect. She was perfect in my eyes. Now she's an angel in Heaven.

Missing her,
Monica

Protect Yourself

I will no longer live in fear.

Confident,
Monica

Villalobos Rescue Center

Villalobos Rescue Center is a wonderful place. It's a place where pit bulls and parolees get a second chance. Everyone deserves a second chance.

Villalobos Rescue Center
P.O. Box 771127
New Orleans, LA  70117
504-948-4505
Villalobos Website

xxoo,
Monica

Congratulations Brianna!

Perfect day,
Monica

Gallbladder Surgery -Tips and Hints

If you're reading this you may be having gallbladder pain. You may even have had a gallbladder attack or two. I've been where you are and it's not pretty.

Do your research. Find a surgeon who specializes in gallbladder surgery. Make sure you have all of your ultrasound images, hospital and doctor reports and most importantly the results of your HIDA scan.

Before your surgery get a notebook or your smartphone. Write everything down. Pain levels, dates of gallbladder attacks, and any home remedies you may have tried.

When your surgery is scheduled begin preparation for your aftercare. Clean your house, change your bedsheets and go grocery shopping. You may not even want to think about food right now, but there will come a time you want to eat again.

My grocery list consisted of organic chicken breast tenders, jello, popcicles, plain white rice, no yolk noodles, and my favorite muffins.

The day I came home from surgery I tossed the chicken tenders in the crockpot along with organic chicken broth (low sodium, no msg) and italian seasoning. I didn't eat it day one, but I loved myself for making it on days two and three after surgery. It was delicious over plain white rice.

Hints:
-Take your pain medication on schedule. If the pain gets away from you it will be almost impossible to get it under control.
-The first time you go to the bathroom after your surgery is going to hurt. Prepare yourself mentally for it.
-I bought a new bath towel. So glad I did. Drying myself off after showers with a new fluffy towel made me smile.
-Use a pillow pressed against your incision(s) to get in and out of bed. *Thanks Mary Anne*
-The breathing tube used during surgery will make your throat sore. Ginger ale helped mine feel better.

If you have any questions let me know!

Healing,
Monica

The Cleveland Clinic

I finally had my gallbladder removal surgery on May 5th at Hillcrest Hospital. I highly recommend the staff, the patient rooms, and the OR. I have never been to such an efficient high tech place. If you need to have surgery this is the place to go!!

Impressed,
Monica

TikiTrex

TikiTrex Channel Trailer:

TikiTrex

I absolutely adore this YouTube channel. Pam aka TikiTrex, is an urban explorer of abandoned places. I highly recommend her videos. She's from Canada, but the locations she explores are all over the world.

Her husband used to accompany her when she first began exploring, but he's no longer interested so she explores alone now. I think she's brave because a few of the locations look scary! Pam's voice is soothing and her camera work is amazing.

If you give her videos a look do yourself a favor and subscribe. You won't regret it!

xxoo,
Monica

Racism

I received the following messages from a former friend Alex on April 26, 2014. The same day the infamous Donald Sterling recordings came out.

I called the police and made an official report after the message below:

He began the conversation pretending to be his girlfriend. None of this makes any sense. The spelling and grammar mistakes are just sad. These are only a few of the messages he sent me...

 

Disappointed,

Monica 

Coda

My best furry friend.
xx,
Monica

Mila Kunis - Girl Crush

One of my favorite movies is "Friends with Benefits". If you haven't seen it you should immediately!! Mila Kunis and Justin Timberlake are the stars. It's hilarious, sexy, and makes me smile every time I watch it. I also have a HUGE crush on Mila. She's funny and gorgeous. I think we should be friends in real life. Lol.

Relaxing,
Monica

Medical "Professionals"

‎*Letter sent to my PCP's office. Names have been changed.

On Monday I went to my appointment with Dr. Golf. I sat in the waiting room for an hour. I was brought back to the examination room where I sat and listened to the doctor talk to a patient about golf and family members for 45 minutes.

I left the examination room and explained to the nurse why I was going home. Still in very bad pain I called the Cleveland Clinic and was given an appointment with a surgeon Dr. Young  for Tuesday.
When I arrived at the Cleveland Clinic the nurse took me immediately back, took my vitals and my BP was 200/93. Twice.

Dr. Young came in looked over my information and told me ‎my blood pressure was dangerously high and he wouldn't be able to do anything for me until my pcp got it under control.

I give up. ‎Please let Dr. Love know what is going on. Thank you.

**I'm documenting all of this in case someone finds me dead at my house. Enough is enough. This pain is unbearable.

***Update. Had to have a HIDA scan of my gallbladder at the hospital on April 25th. My gallbladder failed and I finally will have surgery to remove it next week! If you know something is wrong inside your body don't give up. You know you better than anyone. Special thanks to Mary Anne @Mappy52. You rock.

Vindicated,
Monica

Attack of the Gallbladder

Hyperbole and a Half: Boyfriend Doesn't Have Ebola. Probably.

This has been one of the worst weeks in my life. My gallbladder has decided to break up with me. I'm totally cool with it except for the horrific pain I am in. The above blog post and pain chart above made me laugh until I cried.



Laughing,
Monica

Back in the Day

I've been going through my diaries from high school for the past couple of days. Grades 9-12 were some of the best times of my life. I lived for school, my friends and most importantly boys!!! I wish I could build a time machine and go back to my senior year. Ahh, memories :).

*My senior prom dress.

Besos,
Monica

Savella

Beware of the prescription drug Savella. I began taking it the third week of March. My doctor gave me a starter pack to slowly introduce the medicine into my system. Everything started out great for the first two weeks.

The beginning of week three I started to feel really sick. I thought I had a horrible case of the stomach flu. I was so sick I wanted to die. My stomach even hurt to the touch.

I broke down and went to my doctor on the following Monday. I told her I had been having headaches, severe stomach issues, major anger/rage incidents, and my heart rate was sky high.

My doctor wants me to take the lowest effective dose. I'm scared of Savella. I'm scared of the awful side effects. Today was the first day I have gone without a dose. I've been able to keep food and water down.

I honestly don't know what to do. The medicine reduced my leg pain and I lost 8 lbs the three weeks I took it. I need some advice. Por favor.

Concerned,
Monica

Aww Yeah!

*I love winter this year. The cold and snow have been making me smile a lot!

*My last day of work was January 31, 2014. I miss my students so much it physically hurts thinking about them. I had to do what was best for my health and me so I took disability retirement.

*Dealing with insurance companies is a nightmare. 

*Mi hija graduates in May. I am so proud of her. She's job hunting. Please pray and send positive vibes to Chicago for her. The job market is frightful, even in big cities..

*I haven't had a vacation since 2007. I think I'm un poco overdue. 

*Totally disappointed in Anna Wintour. She put that awful Kim Kardashian on the COVER of Vogue. Kim is the exact opposite of a role model. Wonder how much Kanye had to pay for that "honor". I will never purchase that magazine again.

*Are you following me on Twitter? I hope so. @mlvlatina

Siempre,
Monica

I Heart Jenna Marbles

*She's 100% correct about selfies!
Laughing,
Monica

Anchorage, Alaska

Earth Cam view of downtown Anchorage, Alaska.

Dreaming,

Monica

Pain

I fell on my knee at work last week. The same day those two women I work with laughed at my dress. My official diagnosis "contusion of the knee". In layman's terms it means you have a bunch of tiny fractures on the top of your knee (bone bruises) and you're going to be in a brace and in pain for months, possibly YEARS. Yay.

I have a goal this year. I'm not going to share it with you all until the end of the year. It's a pretty lofty and almost impossible task, but I'm going to work extremely hard to complete it.

Last night I dreamed I was watching a horror movie at some random guy's house wearing only my jeans. After the movie was over I left and went walking down the street with no shoes or shirt on still just in my jeans. This dream has to mean something. Maybe I'm feeling overexposed?

I cannot stand people at work knowing there is something wrong with me. I struggle with chronic pain daily, but I work really hard not to look like it. Now I have this stupid brace on my knee and I'm walking with a limp. Everyone has heard I fell in the 6th grade hall and most have probably seen the replay on the camera in the office. Ugh.

Despite all that's going on I have hope that this is going to be a better year for me.

Besos,
Monica

Mean People Suck

Today is the first day back at work due to winter break and two snow days due to the Polar Vortex of 2014. I was actually excited to get back to school. I wanted to hear about my student's vacations, see the new technology Santa brought them, and to wear a new dress that I got a great deal on at Macy's.

After my morning hall duty I see two female colleagues walking towards me. Both smile and nod politely as did I. As soon as they were supposedly out of my hearing distance, they began whispering and laughing at my dress.

I like to look professional at work. I go out of my way to dress up. I don't feel it's appropriate to wear polyester pants and frumpy shirts to work everyday. I dress like I work at a business on Wall Street. I think it's important for students to see me as their teacher, a professional woman, and a role model especially since I am the only woman of color in my entire district. Many people that I work with look like they just rolled out of bed and came to work. I'm not judging anyone, but when you go to work, you should look like you're going to work!

I've gotten dirty looks for coming to school early, turning in required paperwork first, dressing up "too much" (a suit is apparently "too much"), starting my classes on time and not standing around in the hallway talking instead of teaching. I've been accused of sucking up to the administration because I say hello and shake our Superintendent's hand when he stops in our building to check in.

I'm sick and tired of these nasty people I work with! I'm tired of constantly being judged for being a good employee. I'm not perfect by any means, but I try really hard to do my very best at work. Today was just another reminder why I want to live far away, alone in the middle of nowhere.

Sad,
Monica

Happy New Year

Wishing you peace, love, and light this year y por siempre,

Monica