"In evaluating people, you look for three qualities: integrity, intelligence, and energy. If you don't have the first, the other two will kill you." -- Warren Buffett

I swear I haven't forgotten about this blog!!! I've just been extra super busy with my new job.  Which... by the way... I LOVE!!  I feel so blessed to have been given this opportunity and I'm trying to make the absolute best of it.

I'd get into more details but I'm so tired.


Yesterday I said to my mom "Wow, it's so weird I haven't been attacked with allergies when I normally do around this time of year."

Today I woke up with the worst sniffles and runny nose and sneezing ALL day.


Just my luck.  I'll be back soon. xoxo

smile when it hurts most.

If I ever inherit one thing from my mother I hope it's her optimism.  She can make any bad situation "not that bad" with just a few words.  It's actually incredible.  Today she was given a lay off date of June 30th.  Her company is folding after a few years of turmoil and after the tragedy in Japan they have finally called it quits.  Instead of being depressed about it and holing herself up in her room she consoled me as I sobbed on her shoulder.  For the past 8 years her job is what has kept us afloat after my dad got sick.  This morning when she send me a text saying "lay off June 30th" even amidst my drowsiness I was unable to go back to sleep quickly instead resorting to tossing and turning and wondering and worrying about the future.  That's what I do.  I worry.  About everything and anything.  But what does she do?  She lays out her future plans.  How she plans to go back to school and perfect her English and see what comes next.

I've never been a religious person but it is so true when they say that when one door closes, another one opens.  Whether or not the big man has anything to do with it I know that it was destiny getting this job at Geico where I'll be paid a lot more money.  My mom's tired, she deserves a little bit of rest.  Even if it was unexpected.  This is only fuel to my fire to succeed.



I need to get back on my feet to make sure she can comfortably put up hers.

April showers bring May flowers.

I'm convinced Spring is never coming.
At the rate we're going it's still going to be 59 degrees on my birthday... in June.

It's pretty much lining up to be another boring weekend in my long list of boring weekends I have accumulated throughout my life.  Nothing really going besides work and watching Lost (again).  On the bright side I only have 4 more shifts until I finally bid adieu to Best Buy and start my new job at Geico.  So here I am just biding my time away waiting for my big break.

Back to the subject of Lost, I thought that rewatching the series would help me unravel some of the questions that were left unanswered.  To be honest, I think I'm more confused now than ever before. If you're reading this, do you watch Lost?  If so, what are your theories?

Music Friday.

TGIF.

Seriously, this week was crawling.

I've literally played this time about a million times this week.  And I know it's not crazy new BUT I always heard it on the radio and kept forgetting to DL it so I was looking through my Shazam and there it was.  And thank God it was there.

Sure Thing by Miguel.

back up plan

If all else fails, I'm living here.  Where ever this magical, magical place is.

Seriously.

MAGICAL.

source

Future home requirements.

All these things are a must... A MUST.

I can see where this can get a little creepy.

1. Huge windows

I want windows that take up entire sides of my house.  Although it might be creepy sometimes, I love the idea of rooms not needing lighting because of the amount of natural light coming in.  I'll always love floor to floor windows and I'll love the idea of curling up next to one, watching the world go by.

Amazing!  Reminds me of 'The Notebook'.

2. Plantation style driveway

I've always had dreams to live on a plantation style home somewhere in the South.  Where ever I end up I want... wait, NEED... a long driveway with a canopy of lush, green trees shading it.  NEED. NEED. NEED.

Waking up to this would be heaven.

3. Lakefront property

As much as I'd be ecstatic about a beachfront property I think there's something charming and rustic about having a lake to yourself.  That's what I'm about!

Just call me Emeril.

4.  Beautiful kitchen

Believe me when I say I'm not God's gift to cooking but hey, with a kitchen this pretty it would make me want to be a better cook.

I would never get out.  Seriously.  Never.

5. AMAZING pool

I swear if I weren't human, I would be a mermaid.  This coming from a person who grew up with no easy access to a pool in her backyard is PAINFUL.  LITERALLY.  I need a pool.  But not only a pool.  I need a jacuzzi, a grotto, a waterfall, beautiful underwater lights, slides, diving boards... the WHOLE 9 yards.  I need to make up for time lost.  I need an effin' lagoon.

Sources from: 1, 2, 3, 4 & 5

"I remember how to be a person by being around them."

Someone Like You

It's okay to say that I've recently become completely obsessed with Adele.  This song is my favorite song off her latest album '21'.  I've wept openly to this song and can relate to it on so many levels.  It's my personal favorite to belt out as I drive to and from work.

Nudes or GTFO.

I'm all about "teh n00dz" this season.  I mean I love nude clothing, nude shoes and most of all... nude make up! I've recently become very obsessed with Revlon's new colorburst lipsticks and all their shades are so pigmented and rich and creamy.  I currently own four of their lipsticks but these three are my favorite nude colors currently.  My other one is "Baby Pink" which is a very pretty light pink but not quite in the same category as these three.

(from left: Rosy Nude, Icy Nude and Soft Nude)

(with flash)

(no flash)

Car hunting.

I've been flirting with the idea of signing for a new car for a while now.  I almost made the mistake of signing for a Honda Civic a few months back and now I am SO glad that I didn't sign like I wanted to.  I was SO totally getting ripped off!!  I'm thanking my sweet stars that I didn't let my impulsiveness get the best of me and that my mom was actually with me because God knows I would've dove into that mess haha.  For a while I was OBSESSED with the Honda Civic.  All black, coupe or sedan, 2008 and up.  Seriously obsessed.  But now I've found a new obsession...

I need this white girl in my life!

The Nissan Altima in pearl white.  I've never been a white car kind of girl but DAMN, this thing is sexy.  The reason I want an Altima is because my cousin Henry has an Altima and it's literally a beautiful thing when it comes to gas mileage which is VERY important to me.  I'm now working at Geico which is a ways away from my house and I don't want to be filling up my tank 2x a week just to get to work!  I need a fuel friendly car and all arrows are pointing to this hot mama.  Although ideally I would love a coupe, the price range for a coupe is a little too far out there for my pockets.  Who would've thought something with LESS doors would cost more?!  Haha, I'm kidding but yeah.  Although I love the idea of "all black everything" I'm intrigued by the idea of a white whip.  As for interior, I'm not picky although I think a white exterior would look like sex on wheels with a cream interior.  That and I don't wanna burn my booty in the summer!!  What car do you drive?  Suggestions?

xo

Music Friday.

Music Friday!

Thank God it's Friday.  Every Friday I'm going to share a song that I've been obsessed with.  When I get obsessed with a song I literally run it to the ground and replay it until I can't hear it anymore. Ha ha.  This week's song is "Cleveland is the Reason" by Kid Cudi.  I effin' love this song, it's so chill it literally makes me want to be driving down a highway on a hot summer day with the windows down, sunroof open.

On my mind this fine Thursday afternoon...

• I was totally born in the wrong generation.
• I cannot stop listening to Kid Cudi's "Cleveland is the Reason"
• I partially blame it on this little girl.
• I FINALLY MADE IT TO THE GYM!!! Realized 2 things:  I'm terribly out of shape and I miss that post workout feeling.  Back in January when I was in my workout frenzy I was still out of shape but I was NOT hurting after 25 minutes on the elliptical like I was today.
• After much debate as to whether I should keep pushing myself or get off before I pass out I decided to get off.  Back in January I felt really similar and decided to push until I felt like dying and then scared myself away from the gym.
• I think I'm going to start Jillian Michaels today.
• I need an everyday ring.  Or an every other day ring.
• I can't believe I put in my notice for Best Buy!!!  I can't believe I have a new job!!!
• I'm definitely going to see about signing for that new VEE DOT SIX.  To quote Jay Z.  But not really I just want a white Nissan Altima.  2008 and up preferably.
• For the first time in a long time everything seems like it's looking up.
• It's going to be a long 12 weeks.
• If you read this, I love you.

photo cred.

YAY!

I HAVE A NEW JOB!!!!! NO MORE BEST BUY FOR ME!!!!!

After being a retail slave for the last (almost) 5 years of my life I'm finally putting my big girl shoes on and LEAVING retail... hopefully, FOR GOOD.  After a year and a half at Best Buy I'm finally putting away the blue shirt and getting into some business casual attire.  I just got hired as a Claims Representative at Geico.  Will it be better?  I don't know.  Is it better paying?  HECK YES!  For the first time in a long time I finally feel like I'm progressing a little.  I've been out of school for almost a year now and right when I'm beginning to feel desperate and useless I obtain a better paying job.  I am so excited.  Official start date?  April 25th.  Welcome to the rest of my life.

Fat Bitch.

These past few days have been hilariously great.  Monday night my supervisor Lou, my coworker Ray and I decided it would be a great idea to drive down to Jersey to the grease trucks on the Rutgers campus to pick up some infamous "Fat Bitches" sandwiches.  What a great/terrible idea.  I definitely must've gained 20 lbs. just from that night alone!  If you're unfamiliar with what a Fat Bitch is it's a philly cheesesteak with mozzarella sticks, chicken fingers, french fries and ketchup all up in it.  It's like a fat girl's dream (fat girl being me) but seriously after half of this baby I felt like I was going to EXPLODE.  What a terrible idea, but at the same time it was also a great idea.  After eating fat bitches we went to Wawa!!  My favorite convenience store ever (so pissed there are none in New York) where we stocked up on some Wawa lemonade and iced tea and coffee and Now N' Laters and muffins and werewolf gummies and everything else we can fit in our little baskets.  The only thing better than that night was the next morning waking up to a delicious banana nut muffin, lemonade and a Fat Bitch in the microwave for lunch.  I love spontaneous nights.

Fat bitch!

Lou stocking up on some Wawa goodies, yum.

Amazing banana nut muffin from Wawa!

So after indulging in what could have been my most damaging meal ever I blew the dust off my Jillian Michaels' DVD and 3 lb. weights and decided to take on the 30 Day Shred Challenge.  I'll post results here and my progress throughout.  #teamworkthatassout!!!!!

New challenge.

xo

It's the little things. Monday Edition.

Just a few things to remind me that Monday's aren't all that bad.

So here's to a Monday Funday, hope everyone enjoys their Monday! xo

Vintage bicycles paired with cute flats.

Beautiful homes with crazy big windows.

Just a reminder to change my alarm to read this so I'm not so hateful in the morning.

One day...

I miss you so...

Currently watching for the umpteenth time.  I'm obsessed.

Disney's Tangled.

I wouldn't want to have it any other way.

I find that my memory is the most betraying thing of it all.  I go through my cycles of fighting to forget things and when I least expect it everything comes flooding back.  One of my coworkers said something interesting today when telling me about his recent break up... "No one has a nice past".  This struck out the most to me because it's so true.  No one has a past they're completely proud of.  I think I've taken so many wrong turns in my life that at times I feel helpless and alone when trying to make the right turn.  But in reality, this is the person I am and I have to accept that.  All these mistakes that I've made have made me into the person I am today and I can't say I regret much.  I regret not being smarter about situations and not following the logical path of things instead of the emotional path.

It's funny because today I sat down and asked myself why I am the way I am.  I think it has to do with a lot but I found myself cursing the fact that I was a Cancer because I am the EPITOME of a Cancer.  Seriously!  Emotional basket case.  But you know what?  Every feeling that I have is so real and so raw that I'm okay with that.  When I love, I love.  When I hate, I hate.  There's never any second guessing when it comes to my emotions lol.

So you know what?  Here's to all my feelings.  All my memories, beloved and betraying.  All my heartbreaks and tears.  Laughs and shouts.  I'm a feeler of sorts (that sounds weird) but I would rather feel everything the way I do rather than feel nothing at all.

Glowstix. Day 3.

Who knew how much fun a couple of highlighters and black lights could be?  I went to a co worker's party tonight and had a ton of fun with my girls.  I complain a lot about not having too many quality friends but the girls from my job are the absolute bomb, I adore them.  It was great seeing everyone out of work clothes and drinking and dancing and having fun.  Though the party did end really early and abrupt (1:50 AM... whatttt?!) I can say I had genuine fun.  It's been a while.

As for my day... still no gym. :( I did do some hardcore dancing on Dance Central today but I want to get to the gym soon.  I went to Bloomingdale's with Maribel today and picked up the cutest pair of Betsey Johnson earrings in the shape of red lips!!  So cute!  I love funky jewelry.

Thrift Shop Blues.

I went thrifting today with my little sister and although I didn't find much for myself she scored this pretty sweet dress and belt for less than $15!  The dress is actually floor length but our grandma is going to cut and hem it for her.  I love it!  Definitely a cute and feminine look for the spring time paired with some cute flats I think this should be a spring uniform!

I didn't leave completely empty handed.  I did find these pretty sweet gold knot earrings.

H.A.M.

I am a natural born ham and I've come to figure that the higher my blood alcohol content, the hammier I get.  So now I'll grace you with some pictures of me at my hammiest.

All of those pictures were taken December of last year at my cousin's pre-Xmas party in Brooklyn.  Look at how in love Luis and I look!  Haha that's one of my best friends ever.  Love him to death.  I am such a ham!

Day 2

Was anyone else's March as uneventful as mine was?  I'm glad that March is over, that just leaves us one month closer to the summer!  Today was a pretty good day.  I spent 30 minutes rolling in bed this morning unable to get out of it.  After only sleeping 4 hours your body does a crazy thing and literally traps you in the warm chains of your blanket.  Weird.  Enough said, I was late to work by a few minutes. OH and on my way to work it was raining which then turned into slush which then turned into FULL BLOWN SNOW.  Seriously!  Like a blanket of snow was falling and I felt so helpless.  Needless to say nothing stuck and by the time I left work at 3PM there wasn't a single trace of snow.  Nice trick, Mother Nature!

As for my goals I set today I completed a lot of them.  Woke up early, went to work, thrifted a little with my sister.  No, the gym didn't work out so well for me because I am so exhausted.  I did pick up an Xbox Kinect today with Dance Central so in all fairness I did put in some work on that game.  I love it so far!  I'm probably going to head to bed in a few so I can catch up on some much needed ZzZz's and hit up the gym in the AM with Ashley my sister.  For real this time.

I'm feeling good, universe.

Enough with the want's, more with the do's

Small to do list to remind myself of the small, yet important things that need to get done tomorrow:

- Eat breakfast and take vitamins.
- Pay half of my AT&T bill.
- Pay half of my student loan bill that is overdue.
- Pay Maribel what I owe her.
- Visit a thrift shop with Ashley.
- Make a week's worth of a meal plan.
- Food shop.

- Gym.


Happy April!! Looks like April is staying true to its roots. New York is a very wet state right now. Despite my disdain for cold weather, I actually enjoy the rain.