MAC's Glitter and Sparkles

Been awhile ....

2015-07-26T02:44:00.001-04:00

Maybe now with the app I will actually remember to blog more regularly.

So much has happened ~ so much.

Both Luna and Chloe passed away. New dog in the house, Harlow. She's a sweetheart. I finally let someone break down my walls and am in a happy relationship with the most amazing man I've met, Bryon. Life is good.

2012-08-20T19:43:00.002-04:00

But this message a student wrote about me, just made it a bit better

You are an amazing person in my life.! I can truly call you a friend.. Its been at least 7 years since we've known each other. You ALWAYS came through for me when I needed it the most.. U have a great personality and you're always fun to be around. With that being said, I appreciate everything you've done for me. ♥ =)

Well then

2012-08-20T19:43:00.001-04:00

Really. It's been a full year since I've posted on here -- and a lot has changed
I'm at a new school, Calusa Elementary, and I'm there as the CIT (crisis intervention teacher)
Today was the first day of school with the kids and while it is SO diff than what I'm used to, I really liked it. It will take a little bit of time to get into the swing of things and all, but I think this will be a good year!
Personal life, not much is different. I've become the asst organizer for our MU group and really enjoy planning events. Meeting a lot of nice people, and can't believe what a great group of friends I now have. It's good

Denial

2011-08-15T20:28:00.000-04:00

I am complete denial - I refuse to believe I have to go to work in less than 12 hours.
Where oh where did the summer go?
It is going to be so hard to get up early again........at least we have 4 teacher work days before the kids start - they start next Monday, Aug 22.
I still haven't officially been told what my placement is for this year & it's frustrating to not know, especially when I have asked numerous times!!

So this week will be interesting and crazy. I also have an orientation at Palm Beach State College on Friday that I don't think I will be able to make due to Village "meet the teacher"
Blah!

3 months, 7 days............

2011-08-07T19:54:00.000-04:00

Til my birthday!! Ha!!
Turning the big 33! I can't believe it

But the purpose of this is that in 3 months and 7 days, I will be spending my birthday at the Jay Z/Kanye concert in Ft. Lauderdale!!
This show is gonna be hot!!!!!!!!

Summer, Summer, Summertime......

2011-08-03T22:40:00.001-04:00

I am soooooooo loving my summer break. I just love being able to lay around, sleep all day, watch movies, read books, etc - I don't have to get up and shower for anything specific!
It's fantastic and I am very bummed that I go back to work soon and all this relaxation will be over!!

I have been staying up super late and then sleeping super late, I don't know how I'm gonna get used to getting up at 6am again! That sounds so early right now, like if it was a school night I would have to be in bed already - at this time.

The dogs are gonna be sad too, because they're used to having me around all day :-)

oooooh! I went to Lil Wayne concert last night and it was SO great!! I was very happy - he is a great performer and put on a great show, with some awesome special guests - it was great!
He brought out Lloyd, Gudda Gudda, Jae Millz, Mack Maine, Corey Gunz - good stuff

Blahhhhhhhhhh

2011-07-31T23:01:00.000-04:00

I hate today - today was one of those days - nothing at all went right, everything went wrong. Even things that shouldn't have felt wrong, did - everything....
Huge dislike - hope things change for tomorrow

Today was a fairytale

2011-07-31T01:00:00.000-04:00

Driving long distance is not the most favorite task for me - we started in Tally this am and I drove 6.5 hours to get home with about 2 stops in there for gas and bathroom.
I had some good tunes going on - Pac, Jigga, Weezy, good stuff

Now I am home and I am so happy to see my babies, and they seem to be happy to see me! They're trying to get all snuggly with me on the couch while we watch mindless tv (oh, how I've missed it)

So I got to watch the premier of Project Runway, which was a-may-zing. I loved it!!
Then I watched the premier of LA Ink, and it was pretty good - for me b/c I like Kat Von D.
The thing is, the whole episode was about recapping her and Jesses's relationship and how they got engaged, however in a super awkward twist, Kat announced their broken engagement the day before the premier was to air. How freaking awkward to have that happen, and then to have to watch the premier where you're all giddy and happy with him. I know many people have problems with both Kat and with Jesse, but I don't and I was happy for them and now am sad for them. Kat is obviously having a hard time adapting b/c she had to cancel a few appearances, which isn't like her.

Now I am onto Nick and Vanessa's big special wedding - or whatever it's called.
I can't be the first person to ask and wonder, why would people care to see Nick Lachey get married once, nevermind twice. Like why is his second wedding publicized and made into a TV special? Weird.
Well leave it to me, to be the jackass that is sitting here watching this show, and smiling and tearing up too - yep, I'm a sap!!
This Vanessa chick seems pretty cool - I can see why he loves her, and she is just enthralled with him. You can see it in the way they look each other, which is so nice since they've been together for awhile.
Happy wedding to them :-)

I have decided that besides using my Groupons that are already purchased, I will be staying in for the next month - I have ZERO dollars and I am really stressed about it. I know going out at night is a culprit, so I am not going to be going out. Kinda sucks, but I have to do it
I am also going to sell some bags and shoes........if anyone wants anything let me know.

Have a good night

College Life Part II.....

2011-07-29T23:06:00.000-04:00

So, the college experience is over - it was good stuff - a lot of information again today. And I got to debate with the housing department as well. I think I won that one :-)

Today the students and the parents were split up for the whole day and the parent sessions were about things such as auxiliary services and campus safety. The students got the fun stuff like registering for classes and making their schedule!

There was, of course, a number of idiotic parent questions today, however the best one came during the campus safety presentation. Now this mother had asked this question yesterday and the Dean didn't even know what to say in response other than, "this would be a good question to ask during the campus safety presentation tomorrow" LOL!!
The head of campus police is there and talking about how the campus is safe and there isn't really any campus crime, etc. Very clear cut, easy information.
When it came to Q&A time, this one parent says her daughter is a commuter student and she (the mom) is really worried about her driving back and forth to class each day, more so worried about the drive home. So the police officer is telling the mom that there is a "service" where the student can be escorted to their car, plus there really hasn't been any problems on campus at all - the campus is kind of tucked back in one area of the city, so no one is really on the campus if they don't need to be.
So then the mom asks if the student can carry a small key-chain with mace on it, or is that considered a weapon. The police officer's response is pretty much the same - which makes sense to me (and the other people there....), but the mom continues and says her main concern is her daughter driving back home after the classes; not the campus safety, but the actual drive - like while she is in her car driving.
Dude!! Seriously!! I am like, dumbfounded at this because I cannot fathom what in the hell a campus police officer is going to do to help this mom/student when she is on regular public city streets and/or highway.
I mean, what can he do? He is not too quick to reply, but when he does, he suggests she contact some kind of neighborhood patrol to help, b/c again, what can he do?
So as I think about this, I am wondering, what did she want? If she is that worried about her daughter driving, then maybe she shouldn't be a commuter student - then she wouldn't have to drive? This conversation threw me for a loop because I just don't understand where people come up with these questions!!
It boggles my mind that people think things, never mind saying them out loud. But whatever.

The students had an awesome day of sessions (from what I hear) and from how it sounded at check-out, they were excited to have met each other and exchanging contact info and I heard a lot of "I will friend request you on Facebook!" Pretty cute.

We drove to Tallahassee tonight. Just got to the hotel. Ready for a good night sleep and then the rest of the drive tomorrow - 6 hours or so I believe.....this trip has been awesome so far, but I miss Luna and Chloe and can't wait to see them and to sleep in my bed!!

College Life....

2011-07-28T23:55:00.000-04:00

So here I am, in a little dorm room on the University of West Florida campus - home of the Argos. (don't even ask me what an argo is).

There are so many things to bring up here - so this is going to be a bit random.....first off - dorms. DORMS!

I am 32 years old and sleeping on a single bed with a mattress that has the thickness of a cardboard box, in a dorm. The bed is killing me - (between sitting in the car for 10 hours and sleeping in this bed, my acupuncture appointment is going to be very well needed on Monday - I already cannot wait!!), but the dorm room is actually quite nice!!
Dorms have come a long way since I was in college.....there isn't even a communal bathroom anymore - haha! Each room (at this college) has it's own private bathroom!! Now they say the downside to this is that the students (2-3 in a room) have to clean the bathroom on their own. Are you kidding me? Clean your own bathroom or share with an entire floor of teenage girls......hmmmm......not a tough choice!!

Ok so I have a private little room with a private little bathroom (and it comes with a microwave and fridge!) and I'm thinking - this isn't so bad! I could do this college thing! Then there are the slams of other doors in the middle of the night, and the late night chatter and laughing in the hallways -- ok if this was really where I was living it would piss me off, but since this is orientation, to hear the excitement of the freshman is actually amazing!

Day 1 of the orientation - so today was the first full day of orientation and it was so packed with information my head was spinning! There was a joint parent/student/family session in the morning and then the families were split up from the kids until dinner. - Oh I will have to tell you about dinner later!

So I am in the family sessions, and I am sitting in there trying to take notes as fast as possible, and trying to really process everything that I am hearing. I am looking around at the parents in the room with their blank stares, and I am wondering - "~~does anyone in here know what the fuck is going on~~?"
Of course people do, but it's a shocking moment, when after hearing from everyone under the sun that "students do not have a curfew in the dorms", one parent raises her hand to ask not one, but TWO stupid ass questions!!

1. Do the kids have curfew on campus? - Um, hello. This is stupid for the obvious reason stated above. We have already been told this by the Vice President, the Dean of Student Affairs, the Director of Housing, and the orientation guides. DUH!

2. Well, so if my son is leaving campus, doesn't he have to check out with someone and then check in again when he's back? Are you saying he can just come and go as he pleases? - Well. Surprise Surprise.....it's college!! Do these people seriously think that on top of educating the students, living with the students, keeping an eye on the students, growing the students, etc. that they also have a damn sign in sheet? Come on now!! Like seriously - come on - I did not just hear that question come out that lady's mouth!!

OK - so her questions got me, but then we have, what to me is the best question of the day........ready?

"Does this college offer a car service to the airport so my son can fly home when he wants?"

Hold on - WHAT. THE. HELL. DID. YOU. JUST. ASK...???? I couldn't even help the face I made - a car service? To the airport? Is this college or is this a damn hotel?! Seriously!!!!!!!!!!!

Whew. Anyways -- so this is how the sessions go all day - info thrown all over and then parents asking the exact same shit that was just presented. I mean, I sat in there feeling like the smart kid that paid attention in class. . . and we all know that is NOT the case!!! :-)

So financial aid, housing, transitioning to college - you want to know? I can tell you! I can tell you anything you want to know about UWF!! Well, maybe.....
Eating in a college cafeteria is the freaking single most dangerous thing in the world if you are trying to watch what you are eating. I mean, could there be more food in one place? And you can eat as much as you want? As many times as you want? And there is ice cream cones? I can scoop the ice cream myself? Damn. Bad news for the diet but good news for the foodies!!
The items to eat were pretty good - I was disappointed in the lack of veggie options, or even chicken options (since I only don't eat red meat/pork), but I was good.

There is so much more going on tomorrow, I just can't wait to stand in line with the parents at the housing office to find out when I can find out if my student is off the waiting list and actually in a dorm!! Because when they suggested to the parents to start looking at off-campus housing and/or hotels for the students that aren't assigned dorm rooms, well you know that's when I had to get up and walk to the front to ask this woman wtf kind of crack she was smoking!! I'm gonna send a kid 10 hours away to college to live in a HOTEL? I think not. Get your shit together UWF. Come on now!

Ok, so I am back to the dorm room ---- nice and cozy (trying to imagine being cozy) and ready to go to sleep and wake up to a bright day in Pensacola, filled with tons of more information and fun.
I am so glad I did this trip - the experience is great, but to experience it with Vanessa and see her excitement and happiness, it's so nice.

Friends

2011-07-26T22:09:00.000-04:00

I know I mentioned just a few days ago, that I had met some really amazing friends - and it's true.
This trip that I am leaving for tomorrow - I am doing a nice thing for this student, however it is putting me out of pocket a lot. . . My friends came up with a way to watch the babies for free, so I dont have to worry about the pet sitter issue while I am on this trip.
This is hands down, one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me. I am not used to people going out of their way (and this is really out of their way!!) to do something for me!! I feel so thankful and so happy to know my friends want to help me out this way.
I get to save all the pet sitting dollars, plus I know that my babies will be in such good hands the whole time, so I wont have to stress about them.
I am smiling as I say a huge thank you and I love you to Brooke Davis and Stacey Antonio.
xoxox

Brooke, me, Stacey <3

Road Trip 2011

2011-07-26T11:47:00.000-04:00

This title may sound exciting, but the reality is that I am taking one of my recent graduates to her college orientation in Pensacola. Pensacola is a 10.5 hour drive each way - whew!! I don't think I've ever driven that far alone! Ever! So this shall be an experience!!
We will leave on Wed, July 27 in order to get there in time for the orientation which is from July 28-29
I will be spending 2 nights in a dorm...........yea! Reverting back to the college life --- thankfully the dorm that parents are being put in do have private bathrooms and I do not need to pack a shower bucket and shower shoes. . .
On the way home, we will stop in Tallahassee to spend the night, getting back on the road to come home on Sat, July 30 - the plan is to stop at MOMO's on Sat am, to get a slice that's as big as my head, but we will see how that works out.
One thing I know for sure, this is gonna be CRAZY!!

I just have to say -

2011-07-13T22:45:00.000-04:00

everyone thinks having summer break is the best part of being a teacher --- so WRONG!
while it is nice to have the time off, it's so easy to get bored, be a slacker, lay around all day, and get nothing accomplished
That's the route I am taking - again - this summer
I know in a few weeks when I am back at work, I will be like "ah! I wish it was still summer break!" - but really, I worked all of June, went to NJ for a week, and since I have been back, I. have. done. nothing. Absolutely nothing.
Ridiculous waste of time~!!

I think year-round school is a good idea - few months of school, time off - over and over and over - sounds good to me. Sign me up

Its only Monday....

2011-07-12T00:28:00.000-04:00

Today was a great day - I went to acupuncture and besides being needled for 45 mins, I was also cupped! I've wanted to try the cupping, so I am glad it was offered - I now have big circle marks on my neck and back - heeheee...... It was a super cool feeling - I could feel the muscles stretching out and feeling good.

After that, a friend came over and cooked a superb lunch - we had salads, rice, crab legs, shrimps, and for dessert --- strawberry shortcakes - which I'd never had before!! Apparently I grew up in a bubble because this strawberry shortcake sure seems like a very easy dessert to make and eat, I don't know why I was kept in the dark for 32 years!! I mean, damn mama!!! Don't worry, I already called her and told her about this travesty.

So tomorrow is another day......what to do, what to do............?

Summer TV

2011-07-09T15:46:00.001-04:00

I love to watch TV series by season, the whole season at once
This summer, well, this weekend, I have been watching GAME OF THRONES on HBO
OnDemand is a wonderful thing - I can watch the whole season of the show in one sitting if I choose to

I am very surprised that I have enjoyed this show so much - it is SO good!!!

some random thoughts...

2011-07-07T18:02:00.000-04:00

I have hit the damn summer weight gain again - I think this is like the 3rd summer in a row - I don't know why I wait til bikini season to gain weight and hate my body, but apparently that's what I do.
I need to just stop keeping food in my house!! I eat fine for meals, but goodness the late night snacking is out of control!! I can just eat and eat and eat ----- it's ridiculous!!!
I am doing my treadmill daily, so I feel good about that, however it doesn't help me lose weight if I am eating so much!!

I just got back from New Jersey & had such an awesome time - I missed the dogs (and paid freaking $400 for them to be taken care of) but I really did have fun. I am already ready for my next trip up there!! Mayne next summer I will drive up, and take the dogs with me - then I could stay much longer!!

I worked for the month of June, and while working in the summer is not something I want to do, I need the money! I was just looking on Craigslist for something I can do part-time for the rest of the summer.
Summer will mess you up, so much time off & it's so easy to spend money!!

Excited for next weekend - Wiz Khalifa show and Harry Potter within 2 days - whoohoo!!

here i am!!!

2011-07-06T23:46:00.001-04:00

Well now I know it's been a hot minute since I've updated my blog. I would really love to get onto a regular schedule for this!

So another year has passed - my lovely seniors all graduated and are on their way to do something (?) positive with their new diploma. I will miss working with them, but I hope they do so well in the future. I am excited to take one of the graduates on a road trip to visit UWF in Pensacola for her orientation. I think this will be a great trip!!!

I just got back from New Jersey last night, and I am kind of missing it already - I love being there during the summer, but the dogs create an issue with going for more than a few days. I am thinking about driving up next year, taking the dogs, and staying for almost the whole summer. I think it would be awesome!! Will have to see where my career seems to be going at the end of the 2011-2012 school year.

I have been super happy in my personal life, I have made some really great girlfriends who I love and cherish. We spend a good bit of time together, and they're always there if something happens. Shout outs to Stacey, Brooke, Gina, Angela.

So I have a big weekend next week ---- Wiz Khlifa concert on Friday, the final Harry Potter on Saturday, and then just a couple weeks later................................LIL WAYNE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I cannot wait!!!!!!!!!!!

Life............

2010-06-06T19:41:00.000-04:00

Well goodness.......it sure has been awhile................I need to get back into this
So this past Tuesday at work, I found a puppy that was laying in the bushes behind the secondary building....clearly waiting to die. She was extremely skinny - all bones showing - she was scared, thirsty, hungry, and just........sad!
Well I decided to rescue her!! I took her home and Luna loved her, which is crazy! Took her to the vet & found out she has hookworms and she already got the first dose of medicine for that
She's doing really well - and Luna is doing really well with her - not sure if that's b/c she's a puppy or if Luna senses the need for love and recooperation. Either way, its good and we're happy!!!!
School is over and its hard to believe my babies are now seniors! I am so excited for them to start the next year and appy to colleges and become adults! So exciting to me.

Love Life

2009-09-07T19:41:00.002-04:00

Things have been going so good lately - I finally got over my mystery 2 week long illness & work is so good!
I love my job - I love working with these kids. I cannot ever imagine having a group of kids like the current 11th graders. I've been working with them on some level since they were in 6th grade, and they are THE most amazing kids ever.
It hit me on Saturday, and it was an emotional moment - thinking about possible having an opportunity to move forward with my career & go elsewhere, and I decided that I don't think I can do it!! I really feel like I need to stick with this group of 11th graders until they graduate - I feel like I'd be missing out on a huge milestone in my life, my career, and their lives if I stayed this long & didn't see it through.
It was so cute on Friday when they asked me if we could set up a website with webcams for when they go to college so they can still talk to me all of the time & I can see what they're doing at college. I loved that. And I love that they say "when" they go to college. They're going!!!!!!

Blah Blah Blah..........

2009-08-13T20:35:00.002-04:00

The beginning of the school year is always such a freaking nightmare. There is so much to do - so many meetings to go to - so many trainings to go to - classrooms to set up - schedules to create - and 4 days to do it all. Unreal.
I know I will be in there this weekend to do work, and that bums me out, LOL.
The kids start on Tuesday - I cannot believe it's already here. I am really excited about some aspects of this year, while dreading others.

On the weight loss story - I've been doing good! Or at least I think I have :-)
I have been eating so healthily and carefully and I have been walking on the treadmill and/or walking Luna in the evenings - I have lost 7 lbs so far! I was told these lbs are the easiest to lose, as they are just water/alcohol weight & that kind of rained on my parade because I thought I was actually doing a good job - I am keeping up with this until I am down to my goal & fit in my pants again!! Too bad that didn't happen sooner, because not a single pair of my work pants fit me & won't for awhile - so I am going to be rockin some dresses here!

Weight Loss!!

2009-08-05T20:17:00.002-04:00

Okkkkkkk, so I've been saying I need to lose weight for months - it became more & more apparent as my pants fit less & less - ugh!
I went to the Dr for my annual check up yesterday, and she confirmed how much I've gained & how much I need to lose - or SHOULD lose, it's not mandatory or anything, lol
I expressed to her that I am pissed about it, so she prescribed me an appetite suppresant & also gave me a nice list of what to eat, what not to eat - and it sucks - I am not good with this
I am going to be walking daily - on the treadmill definitely & this morning I took Luna for a pretty long walk at 6am since I couldnt sleep at all.
I'm on a mission! Wish me luck!

What to do, What to do?!

2009-07-31T23:52:00.002-04:00

Ok - so the month of July has been a ton of fun for me - trip to Mexico, friends came here to visit, trip to Atlanta, trip to Orlando --- however, when I am home........with this newly found free time........WHAT TO DO?????

It's so freaking hot outside, there's no way I can deal with that
I've gained so much weight & have the treadmill right here in my living room, but would rather sit on the couch - it's pathetic.

I've been going into work on a pretty consistent basis, but I want t hese last 2 weeks of summer to be, well, summer! I want to relax, I want to chill, I want to get tan!
I want to have fun - I don't want to sit inside with nothing to do - I dont want to eat & eat & eat. I want to get in shape. Gah. I need someone to motivate me. It's ridiculous.
Someone help me. . .

Oh, I saw The Hangover again - I don't know why I find this movie to be absolutely hilarious - I laugh & laugh at it!!

Headed to the A!!!!

2009-07-14T20:10:00.002-04:00

I am going to Atlanta this weekend; Thu-Sun

I am trying to find something to do every weekend between now & when school starts again because I dont even feel like sitting around here anymore...........any ideas for me?

And on another high note..............HARRY POTTER comes out tomorrow!!!
I shall be there at 11am, can't wait!!!!

Back from Mexico!!

2009-07-08T14:41:00.004-04:00

Oh god, our hotel (Riu Vallarta) was absolutely gorgeous - I've never seen anything like it!

We had a week of gorgeous weather in which we did NOTHING but lay out, read, and drink! We of course ate a ton (all inclusive buffets!) and we watched a few of the shows at night. They were good - the trip was good. It was so nice & relaxing, just what I needed after everything being so crazy for the past few months. It was pure heaven & I was so sad to come back home!

DONE!!!!!!!

2009-06-28T15:41:00.001-04:00

Ok --- here I go --- about to hit submit on my absolute FINAL assignment for my Master's Degree!!!