Monica and Tony!!!!

You'll never guess what lurks deep within the center of the Earth.

2008-08-06T10:57:00.000-04:00

Handy Kangaroo

2008-07-12T21:35:00.000-04:00

This Guy Will Blow You... Away!

2008-05-22T11:08:00.000-04:00

Engineer's Guide to Cats

2008-04-13T22:17:00.000-04:00

Tony....Tunak has some competition!

2008-03-27T08:42:00.000-04:00

You Thought YOU Were Having a Bad Day?

2008-03-16T15:27:00.001-04:00

Seriously, What Is Wrong With These People????

2008-02-12T15:05:00.000-05:00

Inside Baseball

2008-01-28T11:47:00.000-05:00

Seeing as Monica forgot how to log into her blog and post something, I thought I'd go ahead and post. Again.
Unfortunately for all you readers, this post will be more for me and Monica, since she will probably be the only person to know what I'm talking about (as if anyone ever knows).
There's this video podcast called Tiki Bar which is probably some of the funniest sketches I have seen in a while. One of the stars, the aptly named Johnny Johnny, was in NY recently where he became a hero. A lady had fallen into the subways rails and Johnny jumped in after her and saved her life with the next train moments away.
so the point of my post today is simple. Go watch Tiki Bar. It's funny.

How I Feel

2008-01-25T01:14:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T12:00:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-25T00:57:00.000-05:00

Wishing you all lots of love and happiness this year!

And now, a special message from Scrooge Cat:

Longer and better Lost!

2007-12-23T12:22:00.000-05:00

It says it will start on January 31...Mine and Carlos' 16 year wedding anniversary. Yes, that's right SIXTEEN! (For those of you that aren't familiar, it's one of the numbers!)

I Once Was Lost...

2007-12-12T14:08:00.000-05:00

Merry Christmas

2007-12-08T16:01:00.000-05:00

TALENT! (pt 3)

2007-11-13T01:26:00.000-05:00

Many of you may remember my previous post of internet talent (if you don't, the therapy is working). Here is another inductee into our talent pool. No video, sorry to say, but the audio is enough. The talented artist is known as 'Mrs. Miller' and this is here beautiful rendition of 'Girl from Ipanema'.

PS: Just as a warning, don't have any liquids in your mouth when you hear this. She kind of comes out of nowhere...

I want one!

2007-11-10T21:18:00.001-05:00

YES YES YES YES YES!!!!!!!

2007-10-29T15:40:00.000-04:00

After years of David Duchovny talking about the sequel, and almost 10 years after the first feature, 20th Century is finally ready to start production on The X-Files 2 with the actor in place to reprise his role of Special Agent Fox Mulder. Gillian Anderson is also expected to be back on board to play Special Agent Dana Scully.

Shooting is scheduled to begin on December 10 in Vancouver under the direction of series creator Chris Carter. Carter and Frank Spotnitz wrote the script.

The studio is referring to the film in casting breakdowns as "Done One."

The popular series ran on Fox from 1993 to 2002. Rob Bowman directed the first feature, which hit theaters on June 19, 1998.

Tony...this one's for you!

2007-10-24T08:30:00.000-04:00

Brohemian Rhapsody

The Truth Behind Top Gun

2007-10-21T23:48:00.000-04:00

Brought to you by Quentin Tarantino.

Thanks for the update, Monica. Now here is some non-boring news:

2007-10-16T15:58:00.000-04:00

MY HEART IS BROKEN! My love from CSI, the hottie Jorja Fox, just announced that she will be leaving the show. Her final episode airs next month. Jealous Monica knows of my illicit love affair with Jorja: the emails, letters, late night heavy breathing phone calls. The only thing I can hope for is that she is leaving the show to have more time to spend with the love of her life, moi. I can't wait.

Busy!

2007-10-16T12:35:00.000-04:00

Sorry I haven't updated in awhile. I am actually taking a little break at work to write this. Things have been crazy since I have been back at work. Crazy in a good way, I suppose. I don't really have much time to spare anymore. I went from having too much free time to hardly any free time. I am still trying to figure out how to tweak my schedule so I am not spending all of my free time on the weekends doing Jazzercise. I am really starting to resent the time I have to spend putting sets together and practicing because it is taking time away from the family. I am now teaching twice a week at 5:45am. I know it's crazy, but I really don't want to teach at night because of family time. I need to figure out when to put my set together and practice. Any ideas?

The girls are doing great...playing field hockey! Their games are so much fun to watch! I really enjoy it! Cristina, especially, is very good! She is a natural. Amanda is getting better and better. They both are doing EXCELLENT in school. We are so proud of them. They are one B away from getting straight A's. I hope they keep it up!

The holidays are coming up and we are very excited about having everyone here for Thanksgiving. It should be quite an adventure. Kat will be there as well which will make it very special.

Well, I should get back to work. I miss you all and love you so much.

Love,
Monica :)

TALENT!

2007-10-11T22:40:00.000-04:00

Did it just get ugly and fat in here?

"What A Tease!"

2007-09-25T15:12:00.000-04:00

I like how halfway through the song, it is almost like she gave up and started singing a whole new mess.

Oh my feet....

2007-09-24T17:00:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you how long it's been that I have had to wear actual shoes this many days in a row! Today I wore a pair that absolutely killed me. In fact, while I was strolling down the halls, I was humming a sweet little tune (the theme song from "Weeds"...how charming! People are going to think I am a pothead now!) trying to keep from whimpering with every step. Am I going to have to resort to wearing these?

When I would rather be wearing these?

In an hour I will be required to put on a pair of sneakers to teach Jazzercise and the thought makes me want to cry. My feet are still throbbing and I took off the offending pair of torture devices over an hour ago. Perhaps I should teach class in my bare feet? I would be much happier!

I have heard a nasty rumor around the office that the average "new hire" gains 10 pounds when they start working there. That is because all of the employees are pampered little princes and princesses. We provide a plethora of snacks, drinks, candy, chips, coffee, cookies, muffins, donuts, etc..... FREE!!! I get to work one-on-one with all of the treats and I have to tell you....free candy tastes really good!

I have to stop the madness! I have to start eating healthy! Carlos asked if there were any skinny girls working there. There are three of us that would be considered a healthy weight.....we are all new. All the other women are pleasantly plump. I wish I was allergic to sugar. I need to go back to eating low-carb and just not eating sugar at all. Then I won't be tempted. Yeah right!

I hope you all are well!

I got the job!

2007-09-14T11:07:00.000-04:00

I just got the call! I start work on Tuesday! I am so excited! Now to shop for some new shoes!

Job interview....and shoes

2007-09-12T09:03:00.000-04:00

Hi Guys! Thank you for the comments Novella and Michelle on the family news. It encourages me and keeps me posting more often! Also, thank you for the comments on my blogging conundrum post. There are even a few anonymous people that read....sorry my life is so boring!

The job interview on Friday went very well. After two hours of sheer panic over what to wear, I spent an hour and a half at the interview. I have one tip for you if you ever go for an interview. Make sure your shoes don't squeak! After sitting quietly and charming the crap out of the interviewer (exhausting!) she decided to take me on the grand tour of the office. As we were gliding along the quiet corridors, I noticed a slight "squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak" noise. To my horror, it was my 13-year-old daughter's shoes! (I don't have any closed toe shoes, so I raided her closet!) At first I thought I would die from embarrassment....it was quite obvious! I tried several methods to quiet them down. I tried walking on my toes while trying to maintain a normal gait...meanwhile smiling and nodding at all the people we passed on the hallway....I am sure they were hoping that if the poor girl is hired she would get a decent salary for a new pair of shoes! I realized that this tippy-toe gait was probably making me look slightly constipated, so I went back to a more normal but squeaky gait. It seemed that the longer we walked along the louder the noise. "SQUEAK, SQUEAK, SQUEAK" By the end of the tour, we were shouting above the noise those shoes were making! You can imagine my relief when the interview was finally over. I am sure they were all snickering when I squeaked my way back to the front door. Mortifying!

I was told I would hear about the job by week's end. Hopefully the call will go like this... "Monica, we are delighted to offer you a job! There is one thing.....those shoes....."

Family News

2007-09-07T09:25:00.000-04:00

If family news bores you, then off with you! The family wants news....I shall provide!

Let's see.....let's just update on each person! That should break things up a bit.

Carlos: Carlos is currently in beautiful Reno for Tailhook. Remember Tailhook? Yes, it's still around...although much more subdued. He gets to hang out with his aviator buddies and reminisce about old times back in the squadron. I just want him to bring us back some cool Tailhook swag! Blinking pens are the coolest! Work is going well and we are counting down the days to retirement! (can you say...pension?)

Monica: I am still teaching Jazzercise like a maniac. I am starting a teen-only class next week and I am excited. I get to kick the mom's out! I am also putting out my resume looking for part-time work. The thing about D.C. is that everything is heinously expensive. It will be nice to have a little supplemental income. Wish me luck. This time I am looking for office work. I want to work with people, but not be a grocery whore. I just got a call before posting the blog....I have an interview!!!!!! TODAY!!!! Goodness, I am already shaking!

Matt: Matthew is getting ready to be shipped off to Japan next month. I have also heard that he is going to Iraq in January, but that is still unconfirmed. Until it is confirmed, I will live blissfully ignorant. Matt just turned 19 a few days ago. My baby...all grown up!

Katherine: After two very long years, Kat is coming to visit next week. We keep trying to figure out what to do when she is here and everything seems to revolve around food. I am certain to gain 10 pounds that week! We have missed her sorely and look forward to seeing her again.

Cristina: Cristina, as well as Amanda, is trying a new sport this year. The girls are playing field hockey. They seem to be enjoying it and Cristina's coach said Cristina seems like a natural. They have their first game on Saturday. I wish I could take pictures...our camera is still in the shop and the other one is broken. Ugh! Cristina is also still playing piano (beautifully) and taking her riding lessons. She is a very busy girl with a very busy schedule!

Amanda: This is Amanda's first year in middle school. She was so nervous! The first week is almost done and she LOVES it! She is also playing field hockey, has joined the drama club (yeah, that's all I need....more drama), and will be singing in the chorus this year.

Mary: Very fat and pretty lazy for a cat. She is annoyed most of the time by Nemo and sleeps a lot.

Nemo: Getting chubby and determined to piss off Mary most of the time.

Constantine: Our zombie fish that just won't die. Try as we might to neglect him, the fish lives on.

I will try to post more often...comments will help!

blogging conundrum

2007-08-31T13:23:00.001-04:00

Hi Everyone!

Yesterday my sister mentioned that I hadn't been writing lately and that is true. I guess I feel like I am talking and nobody is there. I don't even know if anyone reads this thing anymore. I don't mind updating you all on our family stuff, if you are interested. Sometimes it must be boring as heck! If you are reading and interested, please let me know...just post a one word comment. Oh geesh, I sound like a comment whore, and that isn't the case....it just feels kind of stupid to post things out there that aren't read. Know what I mean?

So let me know if you are reading....You don't need to be a member to leave a comment, just log on anonymously....although feel free to sign your name! :)

Proud Parents

2007-08-30T13:13:00.001-04:00

Recently discovered video of Miss Teen South Carolina's parents in the audience.

P.S. Does anyone still read this thing?

Post Secret

2007-08-15T18:38:00.000-04:00

I don't know if you are familiar with Post Secret, but it is a website where people send their secrets on a postcard and they will possibly be posted on the website. I have read these secrets for months now and they almost always bring me to tears. Here is a short video that they recently published. Enjoy. I love Post Secret and don't know if I would ever be brave enough to send in mine.

Love you.

Vanilla Snow

2007-08-10T09:54:00.000-04:00

This really isn't going to make much sense unless you go watch Tony's video first. Tony, this is for you baby!

All I Want for Christmas Is...

2007-08-05T11:13:00.000-04:00

What LOLCat are You?

2007-07-18T10:52:00.000-04:00

Your Score: Cheezburger cat

67 % Affection, 54 % Excitability , 57 % Hunger

Sure, you deserve one. You helped popularized lolcats from a running gag to an online sensation. Now mainstream media writes asinine columns on this 'phenomenon', students write theses on the topic, programming languages adopt the grammar, and losers write tests about them on dating sites. Now take your cheezburger and never touch the internets again.

Link: The Which Lolcat Are You? Test

Human Tetris

2007-07-03T08:35:00.000-04:00

This is absolutely hysterical!

Daft Hands

2007-07-01T11:40:00.000-04:00

It starts slow...trust me, go with it.

Camping success!

2007-06-30T15:36:00.000-04:00

Our venture into camping was great fun! Since it was in the mountains, there were hardly any bugs. The only bugs we had to deal with were gnats, and that was just during the day, and even then it wasn't too bad. In the evening, it was cool and clear. No flying pests! I think I am hooked on mountain camping!

It is also funny how camping brings out the inner pyro in people! My husband and children couldn't resist constantly poking and prodding the fire. It was rather comical!

Here are the pictures, if you are interested:

Camping at Big Meadow

We did a lot of hiking in the forest and walked .05% of the world famous Appalachian Trail. Hee hee! Will we go again? Absolutely! Next time we will bring more wine! :)

In other news, we bought a new kitchen dining set and a china hutch. Excuse the picture of the china hutch, as I haven't properly cleaned it yet, but you get the gist of it. Love you all!

The Unspoken Victims of Re-Made TV Shows

2007-06-28T14:21:00.000-04:00

Gratuitous Amounts of Energy

2007-06-25T10:28:00.000-04:00

Camping

2007-06-21T08:38:00.000-04:00

We are going camping tomorrow with the girls! We haven't camped in two years so we are really looking forward to this experience. When I was little, we used to camp all the time. With all of the preparations we are going through right now, I can only imagine what Mom and Dad had to do to camp with four children!

This will be our first tent camping. Last time we camped, the weather looked like it was going to rain, so we opted for a cabin instead. The girls said it wasn't "real" camping and I think we lost a little respect that weekend. ;) The weather this weekend looks gorgeous and we are getting excited!

This is the place we will camp: Big Meadows

Right now, I am trying to plan our menus. Since I am eating low-carb, it makes planning a little more interesting. Luckily there is a lot of great ideas on the internet. How on earth am I going to resist the smores?

We will be sure to take the camera and hope to get some great pictures. Wish us luck!

Dramatic Chipmunk

2007-06-20T14:07:00.001-04:00

Intense!

Johnny Depp is a patient man.

2007-06-15T13:34:00.000-04:00

This video is so freaking funny! I love how gracious and kind JD is.

For Our Next Family Photos

2007-06-11T10:12:00.000-04:00

Shawskank Redemption

2007-06-08T15:18:00.001-04:00

Poor Paris.

HAPPY WEEKEND!!!

2007-05-25T14:36:00.001-04:00

Just for laughs:

Perimenopause

2007-05-17T14:36:00.000-04:00

I have decided that I don't want to be on the pill anymore. Now, many of you are probably thinking it's because I am too embarrassed to pick up my prescription. While that is partially true, it's mostly because I am slowly gaining weight and the pill isn't helping matters.

So I have spent most of last weekend researching. I really didn't know I was this person, but I am definitely drawn to more holistic kind of healing. I don't want you to think I am pulling out my crystals and burning incense to the earth goddess for healing powers, but I am certainly not keen on taking more and more drugs.

So I have discovered a website called Women To Women. I read everything on that website and thought that joining their program couldn't hurt. I have decided that if I am going to try it, I will do it full-force. I will be taking the supplements twice a day and rubbing progesterone cream into my skin twice a day. Also, they recommend a complete overhaul of your nutrition. I just so happen to be very familiar with the program they are recommending, so that is good. The hard part is the detox process.

I quit all caffeine, refined grains, processed food, and sugar...among other things. It is not easy! I told Carlos that I was going to wean myself off the caffeine and he encouraged me to go "cold turkey". I think he hates me.

For two days I have suffered with a migraine so bad that blinking hurts. Carlos' remedy..."then don't blink". I would have smacked him but it would have hurt my head. It's a little better today, but the sugar cravings are out of control. Pray for my toxic little soul!

Love you!

Another Show Announces End is Near

2007-05-11T08:02:00.000-04:00

I just read that ANOTHER show I watch consistently is now going to enter it's final season. Yup, Blue's Clues is going off the air.
No wait, the show I'm speaking of is non other than Battlestar Galactica. Edward Olmos (Adama on the show) was recently interviewed and had this to say:

“This is the final season as we speak. All of us are very saddened by that, but we always knew there was going to be a conclusion and we would find Earth, so we will be finding Earth this season.”

The rest of the interview can be found here, he even talks about the two hour Galactica movie!

Finally, Progress!

2007-05-10T09:48:00.000-04:00

Japan's first "baby hatch", where parents can drop off unwanted infants anonymously, opened Thursday despite opposition from the conservative national government.
How funny would it be if the hatch lead to an incinerator? Baby burning funny, that's how!

The End is Near!

2007-05-07T08:00:00.000-04:00

ABC has announced their plan for the show Lost. You can get more information by heading over to the Variety website. Here is a breakdown:

“Lost” will run three more seasons after the one that concludes this month.
Each of the final three seasons will only contain 16 episodes, instead of the 23 or 24 produced for the first three seasons.
The 16-episode seasons will run without repeats.

Enjoy it while it lasts!

Body Movin'

2007-05-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

So, once again, I'm packing up my stuff and moving to another city which I have never visited in my life. A position opened up in Houston, TX in my company, I applied, and was accepted. I have to be there by August 1st.
The new job is really interesting and I am very looking forward to it. Monica is sad because I'm moving away. Carlos is sad because I'll be closer to the Cowboys than he is (Monica, stop pissing him off because I don't want him appearing at my door one day hehe).
So, goodbye, sweet Southern Maryland. I enjoyed your muggy summers, bugs the size of large cats, black shoes with white socks, unpredictable winter weather, and F-16 flybys over my apartment.

Texas, here I come.

Piano Tuning

2007-05-01T12:20:00.000-04:00

I am getting my piano tuned right this very moment. The reason I am blogging....because I am about to commit some sort of homicide. Imagine banging on the piano keys for 2 hours straight. That is what I have been living with. I am paying this man to annoy the crap out of me. I can't put my Jazzercise set together, I can't watch TV, I can't listen to music. Just listen to the incessant banging on the keys.....going crazy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

MySpace still sucks

2007-05-01T10:54:00.000-04:00

Well, it turns out that the only people who can see the pictures are people who have whored themselves and created a MySpace account. So I have two choices....I can get you all to sign up for an account or find another alternative for pictures. It looks like the second option would be best....so off I go to figure it out.

Love you!

MySpace

2007-04-30T12:34:00.000-04:00

Jazzercise asked their instructors to make MySpace accounts. I guess they are interested in free marketing for the program. I have actually had this account for over a year as I had created it as a joke with pictures of hottie Gary Coleman all over it. But since Jazzercise asked, and I happened to have one that I didn't use much, I deleted Gary and went legit. I don't really care for MySpace, but I am finding it to be a very interesting way to stay in touch with the people who are my "friends". Also, it was MUCH easier to post my photos and it took only a fraction of the time it usually takes me to stick them up on MSN. I don't care for the interface of Flikr or PhotoBucket so I don't use those much. Soooooo, long story short, I will maintain both places, but will be posting pictures over there....as long as they keep it easy.

Click HERE to see my Space.

You won't be able to leave comments on MySpace unless you are a member, but you should have no problems looking at the pictures. Let me know if there are any problems.

Love you all!

Depeche Gervais

2007-04-27T07:37:00.001-04:00

My Generation!

2007-04-22T11:21:00.000-04:00

My Dad and Eileen sent me the link to this video. I wanna be a dancing granny!

What I Love About Baseball

2007-04-17T14:11:00.000-04:00

The food fights...

Easter

2007-04-10T15:48:00.000-04:00

We had a very nice visit to Pennsylvania for Easter. Del and Iris did a wonderful job hosting and we had such a nice time seeing family. I would have to say that the only down-side was that it snowed every single day we were there. WTH?

Only 90 more days until our vacation in Puerto Rico. Somehow I doubt it will snow. Thank GOODNESS!

I will post the pictures soon! But in case you don't believe me:

Play Ball!

2007-04-04T10:40:00.000-04:00

In honor of Baseball's opening day, here is the mayor of Cincinnati throwing out the first pitch of the Reds' season. Sort of.

Getting old....

2007-03-31T11:31:00.000-04:00

I got the biopsy results back and they are completely normal. Thank goodness. Honestly though, I wasn't worried. I just want to figure out what's going on with my wonky cycles.

Turns out.....................

I am in peri-menopause. WTF!!! Yeah, in other words, I am getting old. Hello!!!! I have two older sisters and THEY aren't slipping into early menopause!!! (Jealousy is an ugly thing!)

They put me on "the pill". HAHAHA! I haven't taken the pill in 12 years!

In fact, I was rather embarrassed picking it up at the pharmacy yesterday. I leaned on the counter and tried to look like a cool horny babe. In reality, just a psycho old chick trying desperately to hold onto her youth.

Jazz hands!

2007-03-27T12:25:00.000-04:00

Well, the paperwork is being processed, I have taken my ONLINE CPR renewal. HAHAHAHA! (I think that is so funny!) Today I paid for my insurance. I am officially an instructor again! Wooooo!

I have already gotten a call about a sub job, so that is awesome!

Here is the only picture I could find of me actually demonstrating Jazz Hands...kinda out of context, but it's funny.

Uterus for sale!

2007-03-25T09:37:00.000-04:00

Does anyone need a uterus? I really don't want or need mine anymore! Honestly, it's just a major pain in the ass!

I went to the GYN recently to figure out why my uterus is being so annoying and she decided she wanted a little piece of it! WTF?! TODAY??? NOW???? (Thank God I shaved my legs!) How the hell are you going to get it?

Needless to say, it was a VERY uncomfortable procedure that I am not anxious to repeat.

I know I have had four children. Many people have seen the hoo-hoo, but under the circumstances, they were going to give me a pretty little baby at the end, so it certainly justified the teams of doctors, nurses, interns, janitors that had to see what's going on down there. But in reality, I am VERY modest, and VERY shy. (I will be soon fitted in my Amish clothing, surely!)

So imagine my utter horror when a BOY walks in with the doctor to assist in the biopsy! A young boy! Ok, don't be a pervert people, he was probably in his 20's. I must have been staring daggers at this poor boy because he never looked ONCE! He kept his back turned and was practically throwing the instruments over his shoulder to the doctor. Good boy! Then he walked off with my little uterus pieces and I never saw him again.

Yesterday I took a percocet and had a nice little nap. Percocet is my new BFF.

Woo hoo!

2007-03-14T11:54:00.000-04:00

I have decided to join the ranks of Jazzercise Instructors once again. I had a 9 month hiatus and it's back to the tight pants and sneakers!

I originally thought I could be a student. I took classes for a few weeks and kept getting bugged by the instructors to reinstate....after Carlos started badgering me I really thought seriously about it.

So here I am...I have started the paperwork and hopefully will be teaching again soon! I absolutely love this program and am very happy to be teaching it again!

Love you all and see in you class soon!

This music video is HAWT!

2007-03-13T07:45:00.000-04:00

Brace yourselves, people! Prepare to be dazzled!

Lost in Translation

2007-03-01T21:50:00.000-05:00

Keep in mind, she's TRYING to say "sparkling wiggles".

Just Because

2007-02-27T14:33:00.000-05:00

No reason, I just thought it was funny.

Summer Party!!!!

2007-02-27T10:27:00.000-05:00

This past weekend we went to Virginia Beach for Jane's party. We had such a great time! These are some crazy people! I hope you all have a fantastic week. Enjoy the pictures!

Here is the link to the picture blog:

Beach Party in Virginia Beach

Fat Tuesday

2007-02-20T19:22:00.000-05:00

Today is the last hurrah before Lent begins. I am having my last (several) glasses of wine as I have decided to give up wine for Lent. (Along with sweets and sugary goodness).

Tomorrow begins the most holy season for our religion. Tomorrow is a day of fasting and abstinence. I am going to try to attend mass as much as possible these next 6 weeks and renew my faith. These past 6 months have been rough with the move and all and I feel like we have drifted away from our faith a bit. We are still attending mass every Sunday, but I feel like my heart isn't into it. So I am going do do my best to renew my spirit and my family these next 6 weeks.

So that is my goal. What are your goals?

Happy Mardi Gras Everyone! (Michelle, keep those boobies to yourself!)

Ski Trip!!!

2007-02-18T10:54:00.000-05:00

Well, we made it out alive!!! Woooooo! We all had such a great time! I decided to just post all of the pictures here on the blog, as I can't seem to get the picture blog to work. The first day, Tony, Cristina, Amanda and I all took a lesson while Carlos skied the expert slopes. Our lesson was pretty funny with the right perspective. The girls didn't enjoy it all that much as the instructor was very Hitler-y. The most disgusting part were the snotcicles on the instructors face
clinging to his beard. We fell a lot, and learned how to stand up. "YOUR SKIS MUST BE PARALLEL TO THE MOUNTAIN!!!!!" I can't tell you how many times we heard our instructor shouting this at us! Turns out, it is a really handy tip! Otherwise you are inadvertently skiing backwards down a mountain and that is slightly embarrassing and scary.

The girls were amazing! They picked it up so quick and were so brave! I was really impressed and proud of them! Yes, Tony, I was proud of you too. He was also very brave! I was not as brave but that was probably due to the highlight of my skiing trip. On the second day we were on an intermediate slope. I was cruising down the hill thinking "please don't fall, please don't fall, oh shit, oh shit, you are going too fast..... oh shit, there is a kid and he is stopping......" Then suddenly CRASH!!! I ran over a 6 year old. Skis and poles were scattered everywhere and I slid down the hill a few feet. I look up and there is a little crumpled body laying in the snow crying. I got my other ski off and crawled up the hill to him. He was laying there crying and saying "It hurts, it hurts". I am feeling pretty shitty at this point and trying to comfort him. I untwisted his little legs and helped him up and he skied off with his class. He immediately stopped crying and seemed fine. I, on the other hand, was feeling incredibly mortified and embarrassed! The worst part, was as I was falling, I was experiencing some interesting body contortions as I was trying to avoid landing on him. As a result, I think I pulled several muscles in my left leg. I managed to ski a few more runs after that, but the pain was increasing and I had to finally quit. Luckily it was at the end of the day. On a very embarrassing side note, this crash happened right underneath the ski lift and I was had given the people a little horror show. Mortifying!

In spite of my little mishap, we all had a very good time. Skiing is exhilarating and scary, but very fun. Enjoy the pictures! Love you guys! (If you click on a particular picture, you will get a much larger version).

Tony and Cristina in the lodge. Tony looks so introspective!

Amanda in the lodge looking so cute!

Amanda on the slopes. So confident!

Beautiful Cristina!
Cristina on the ground. It's the first day, she didn't fall that much on the second day.

Carlos and Tony. Tony got a lot of dirty looks from his hat.

Me and Carlos getting ready to go down the slope.

Me and Amanda on the ski lift.

This is the start of the second day and we went to the intermediate slopes. The ski lift was much higher and much longer. Amanda looks a little nervous.

View from the ski lift. It was more overcast the second day. The views were so pretty!

Self-portrait! I was still feeling confident and hadn't almost killed a small child yet.

I love those guys! Don't they look so cute?

Tony holding his imaginary ski poles. What I love about this picture is the little monkey behind him. HAHAHAHAHA!

Another picture from the top of the intermediate slope. That is Amanda on the left on her way down. So cute!

Amanda and me in the lodge having lunch.

Amanda and Carlos in the lodge.

Cristina and Tony.

View from the bottom of the mountain. This is the intermediate slope.

This is a picture of the more advanced runs. Carlos, Tony, Amanda and Cristina did the runs to the left of the lift. They are so brave!!!

I hope you enjoyed the pictures! I love you!

Roses are dead...

2007-02-15T10:54:00.000-05:00

Lovely little Valentine's poem found in a middle school computer lab:

What is the saying???? Hell hath no fury....well, you know the rest. Someone needs to tell the girl that "too" has two "o"s.

To the author of the poem above: You will get your message out there much better sweetie, if people aren't making fun of your spelling skills.

By the way, the link was broken yesterday to the ski resort. In case you were wondering where we are going to lose our dignity, here it is again:

Whitetail Ski Resort

I am here! Quit nagging!

2007-02-14T15:43:00.000-05:00

Ok, I am bowing to the pressure! I will post! If only to stop the incessant weird-ass postings from Tony. (Those unicorns still haunt me in my dreams).

Today is an absolutely lovely day. I quit my job yesterday! Yippee!!! Actually, they convinced me to put in for a leave of absence. I guess I could get stupid in a few months and go back. Honestly, that job was boring me senseless! Today I was prepared to sleep in...already being informed of the impending snow day. The freaking loud ice storm kept me up for hours last night and the freaking kitty wouldn't stop begging for food this morning. So I was up at 6:30. *sigh* oh well! Tomorrow is a snow day too! Yay! The girl's are ecstatic. Here is the gloomy picture of our front lawn this morning. Sorry for the bad pic..... it was freaking cold and I wanted back inside!Here is another picture I took this afternoon.

They plowed the road, but notice you can't even see our walkway? Lots of lovely snow! Carlos can't shovel either because of the ice. It is hard as a rock. Lovely! This is making me very excited for our Puerto Rico vacation this summer.

We are going skiing HERE on Friday. I have never been skiing before and I am really looking forward to it. Tony, Amanda, Cristina and I will all be taking a lesson. Should be interesting! I will bring the camera so we can all enjoy our pain and embarrassment!

Hopefully I will be blogging more now that I have more time on my hands. Hope you all are well! Miss you! Please post messages, as it makes it more fun!

Love you!

Happy Valentine's Day! In case you didn't get a card:

Where is Monica?

2007-02-14T09:05:00.000-05:00

Like I said before, if Monica keeps up this non-posting cycle of hers, I'm going to keep posting the weirdest crap I find on the interwebs. So here.

Whatever Is It?

2007-02-12T19:49:00.000-05:00

Can anyone guess what this is? If you give up, just highlight the following -->Over 1000 Daddy Long Legs YUCK!<--

Weird Pairing

2007-02-08T11:07:00.000-05:00

Terri Hatcher (of Desperate Housewives) and George Bush, Sr. (of... well, you know).

Superbowl is Over

2007-02-04T23:20:00.000-05:00

The Colts won. But winning isn't everything, making fun of the losers is!

No New Posts?

2007-01-31T08:56:00.000-05:00

Since Monica is being a lazy bum and not posting, I'll just post strange things I find on the internets.

More painting

2007-01-21T17:42:00.000-05:00

Carlos did a little more painting this weekend. We decided to paint the breakfast room. Here is the before picture:
After: I look forward to getting curtains for the windows. I think it will look great!
It also decided to snow today! Woooo! Finally! Here is the before picture:
And after:
We've already gotten several inches! Carlos is really going to enjoy shoveling the driveway. Poor kid.

Painting

2007-01-14T20:48:00.000-05:00

First of all, I would like to congratulate you, Antonio, on the adoption of your new baby. She is beautiful and I am sure will bring you much joy.

Carlos finished painting the kitchen and family room this weekend. He started last weekend, but I didn't want to post half-finished work. Here are some before and after shots:

Before living room wall:
Here is after:
Here is the kitchen before:
And after:

I really like how it turned out. I love the contrast of the white molding. He will be painting the breakfast room next.

Carlos, the girls and I have discovered a television series that we absolutely love.....here is a picture of our new heroes:
The series is called "Firefly". Yes, we are sci-fi geeks! Unfortunately, the series was canceled after just one season. What a huge disappointment! The writing is very clever and we are enjoying this show immensely. I hope they revive it someday.

I have work tomorrow. Ugh. Poor me! Carlos is taking the girls to the mall tomorrow. What a guy!

Have a nice week everyone!

Love you.

I'm A Daddy!

2007-01-14T17:52:00.000-05:00

And here is my new baby. Isn't she cute?

A Clear View Into the Future

2007-01-11T18:43:00.000-05:00

In the war between Blu-Ray and HD-DVD, I think a clear wiener is about to rise.

Funny Car Note

2007-01-11T15:18:00.001-05:00

Funny Car Note
Originally uploaded by Figerrific.

I hate it when I see something like this: someone with a brand new (expensive) car, taking up more than one space because they are afraid some poor schmuck (how dare they) will need to, I don't know, PARK NEXT TO THEM!

I believe this person got what they deserve. Click on the picture for a larger view.

COMMENTS?

2007-01-04T19:27:00.000-05:00

If you are reading, just comment.....or I will cry. Or quit blogging.

Christmas and other news

2007-01-02T11:50:00.000-05:00

First off, here are some pictures from Christmas:

Christmas Photos

I hope your Christmas was as nice as ours. We are a goofy bunch and always have a lot of fun. A few days later we went to Virginia Beach for New Years. I will post those pictures in a few days.

Things are well with us. Carlos is working hard and is in the middle of budget season. That comes with challenges, but he always seems to pull everything together and do a great job.

I am still employed with Harris Teeter. The job is a little boring, but I am happy with how flexible they are with my schedule. It is nice to have fun money and we are going to start painting our house. I am very excited about that!

The girls are doing very well. They stay busy with school and their activities. I would like to see Amanda make more friends as this last move has been very difficult for her. I hope that she can adjust and settle in. It seems like whenever we do get settled, our life changes and we move again. I don't really want to move, but I am not feeling too anchored here yet either. I guess time will tell. It has only been 6 months. This year I am going to try to volunteer more with the schools and church and hope to make friends that way.

Well, I have more to do, but my love goes out to all of you. I hope you had a wonderful holiday season and have an excellent year to come!

Love you!

All I want for Christmas..........

2006-12-19T12:50:00.000-05:00

"Give The Jew Girl Toys"

2006-12-19T07:48:00.000-05:00

A Very Zach Braff Christmas

2006-12-14T11:40:00.000-05:00

Things you CAN'T do without a pool.

2006-12-05T21:07:00.000-05:00

Cristina's Perm

2006-11-30T16:30:00.000-05:00

Cristina's Hair.

She looks very cute! It suits her.

There are several new posts, so don't forget to scroll down. Love you all!

~Monica

Why don't Men Cry More?

2006-11-30T12:23:00.000-05:00

Because this is what it feels like as a man to watch another man cry.

Pictures

2006-11-30T10:32:00.001-05:00

As promised:

Pictures from Halloween and Thanksgiving

~Monica

Update

2006-11-29T18:35:00.000-05:00

Hello Everyone!

First of all, Tony, love the clip you posted. Although it was sad and made me want to cry. THANKS!

Working is really cutting into my computer time. Things are going well though albeit very busy with all of our schedule wrangling. We had a houseful here at Thanksgiving. Chaotic, but always a nice time. We are taking a little rest until everyone arrives again for Christmas. This will be the first year we have hosted Christmas in our home and we are really looking forward to it.

The job is going just fine. I cut my hours back a bit which is very nice. I was pretty wiped out by the end of the day. There really isn't much stress and the pay is pretty good. I can't complain. Although I admit, I miss my alone time.

Cristina is doing great. She just got her hair permed. Very cute! She is getting awesome grades and stays super busy. She seems to thrive in a very active schedule, so we are doing our best to accomodate her while trying to keep our sanity.

Amanda is also doing great. She misses her friends in Maryland quite a bit which is hard. We are trying to forge some friendships here in the neighborhood. She is thinking of taking up Karate. We will see how that goes.

Carlos is doing well. He was offered a job opportunity in Tennessee....see I don't even know if I spelled that right....so he can't work there! Well, the problem, is that he would be away for at least a year....we are not too keen on that prospect. Career-wise, it could be a good move, but it isn't imperative for his advancement. It just opens up some possibilities for our retirement. What this has done, is force us to really talk about where we want to retire. We had thought that it would be here in Northern Virginia, but now we are thinking that we may land elsewhere. He has asked to have his name taken off the list after much soul searching. It may end up with him having to take this job anyway, but for now, we are out of the running.

Well everyone, I will try to catch up on my e-mails tomorrow as I have the day off...although to be honest, a day filled with TiVo looks very appealing! I love you all!

~Monica

Kiwi!

2006-11-27T15:14:00.000-05:00

Robert Schimmel

2006-11-17T07:35:00.000-05:00

Carlos, Tony and I will be seeing him tonight at the Improv! Fun!

By the way, don't let your children watch this clip :)

F-14 Catapult Footage

2006-11-09T20:39:00.000-05:00

Here is some footage and audio from F-14 catapult launches. Since these are Navy aviators, there is some foul language. Kiddies beware.

Office Space

2006-11-09T15:52:00.000-05:00

Office Space.....the thriller.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

2006-10-30T15:51:00.000-05:00

Today is the birthday of one of my most favorite people in the world. Can you guess who it is????

I love you!!! Happy Birthday!

Working....

2006-10-26T21:16:00.000-04:00

Hi Everyone! I am so sorry I haven't blogged lately. I have now started working full time, and as a result, I am pretty freaking busy. I have to tell you, I really like my job! There is no stress and the people I work with are so nice! Not a bad gig.

Ok, to my regular readers:

Yvette- I hope you are well and the kids are thriving. Thanks for reading. Sorry I suck at keeping up!

Tony- I am glad you come up every other weekend or so or I would never talk to you anymore. I miss our MSN chats.

Michelle- Are you going to Iraq? You look amazing! Keep up the great work!

Jerry- I can't wait to see you in a few weeks!!! WOOOOOO! Go Cowboys!

Eileen- Oh my gosh, just a few more days! I am so excited for you, and as a mother who misses her daughter very much, I can just imagine the joy in your heart. I share your joy, Eileen, and I am so happy for you.

Dad- Are you enjoying your XM radio? I hope it doesn't suck! HAHA!

Novella and Delfin! My silent readers! I love you guys and can't wait to see you next month!!!

Does anyone else read??? If so, post and be known! I love you all so much! Bear with me, once I get a regular schedule, I will post more often.

Peace!

Another Career Offer for Monica

2006-10-20T10:33:00.000-04:00

Because I love her, I figured I would help Monica in finding new career fields in case her current job doesn't fulfill her.

Halloween is Almost Here!

2006-10-13T08:01:00.000-04:00

And to commemorate this special holiday (it's the only day Monica can leave the house and not get strange stares), here's a Simpson Halloween moment for you all. Enjoy!

NRO Autumn Ball

2006-10-10T12:58:00.000-04:00

On Friday night Carlos and I attended the NRO ball. It was a lot of fun. If you would like to see pictures, here is a link to my old blog.

Wacky Ball Photos

We really had a nice time. Carlos showed off his killer dance moves. Next time I will bring the video camera!

In work news:
I am no longer a slave to small children and their rich parents. I now work here:

My New Job

Yes, now I am a slinger of gourmet food. Wooo! I start tomorrow. I have to take 11 more tests. I laughed and thought the girl was joking. No, I really have 11 more tests to take. I will have a BA in Grocery Arts when I am through.

Love you guys and hope you have a nice week! Did you enjoy the video? Amanda looks so sweet!

Extreme Skyflier

2006-10-09T12:29:00.000-04:00

Yesterday we went to King's Dominion. Tony, Amanda and I went on the Extreme Skyflier. You can't hear Tony, but read his lips....he is saying....."I hate you guys. I really hate you guys"! HAHAHA! Enjoy!

Because I Care

2006-10-09T08:54:00.000-04:00

As Monica suffers through Carlos' claims that he is "at his college weight" (I swear he says this all the time, which ends every argument with Monica running away crying afterwards)here is an article I found that will probably spread some light on the situation. We should get him some help.