tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31366029391239462492024-02-21T11:38:59.615-05:00A Penny for My ThoughtsBecause even the most random thought is worth something.....Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.comBlogger308125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-42365815732275427982017-08-04T09:09:00.003-04:002017-08-04T09:09:52.656-04:00I'm Back.... <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I've been itching to blog again...<br />
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So what exactly has deterred me from writing for so long? I can't exactly say. Life, perhaps. But I think the most accurate reason is that I allowed certain negative aspects of life to get in the way. I allowed certain individuals to get under my skin. In doing so, it launched me into a downward spiral of inner turmoil. No one but those closest to me saw how these actions affected me. Reason being, I continued as business as usual in the outside world. But when I arrived home, I retreated into my bedroom and close myself off in my own little world. <br />
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<b><span style="font-weight: normal;">Like a phoenix rising from the ashes...</span></b></h3>
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There were two instances in the past 18 months that finally gave me that urge to pick myself up from my boot straps and reclaim myself. Not to return to the woman I once was, but rather a new and improved version.<br />
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* Quitting My Job- Although I loved what I did, I was being suffocated by my manager. Imagine yourself driving to work and dreading what you would find there. Would this woman be moody? Imagine coming in each day with a smile on your face and brimming with an optimistic attitude and having someone crush any sense of positivity from you? I know her home life was difficult and I sympathized with her. But when it comes to work, you leave your personal life at the door and come in to get your work done. It was not only difficult working in that sort of stormy enviornment, but the scattered nature of how she delegated task made it difficult to seem like you've accomplished anything. The last straw was on a particularly trying day she chastised, ridiculed, and reprimanded me for the actions of another employee. This person had missed major deadlines and instead of bringing it to her attention she blamed me. I calmly told her she had the wrong person. She blew up in the middle of the office floor. And that my friends, was the day I walked out. I met with the president and told him there is no way I can continue under his manager's direction. He too, knew about the issues in her home life and was sorry to see me go. <br />
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When I walked away I felt an overwhelming sense of relief! As though this huge weight was lifted from my shoulders. Eight months later, I received a call from the president letting me know he had let the manager go, would I like my job back.<br />
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* Finally Said No - The second instance I needed in order to renew myself wasn't as easy. I have always been a people pleaser. I've never wanted to cause waves. I've always swallowed my disappointment especially with family and would rather take their negative behavior without holding them accountable than stand my ground and tell them "Hey, this is disrespectful to me!" That all came to a halt this past June. A fun-filled week of festivities were carefully planned out and schedules were created months in advance. Three days prior to the first event, C's graduation, the one person who I thought would NEVER make him feel unimportant did just that. Better plans with "friends" came up, and she said, "Boys don't care about graduations. And its just middle school anyway. Besides I need to do ME." I was disappointed and told her these plans have been set in stone for months. But if that wasn't enough, she said "wel, I will attend C's graduation, if you let me borrow your car". That was never the plan. I told her I couldn't do that. I need my car to get around. I need my car to get to work. You will only attend C's graduation if you get something in return? I couldn't believe what I was hearing.<br />
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<b>I said No.</b></h3>
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That didn't sit well with her. Neither did the fact that L and myself told her C was looking forward to her attending his graduation. She didn't care. That wasn't what she wanted to do. And more importantly, how DARE I tell her no. In her mind I was being disrespectful for telling her she could not have my vehicle for 5 days. No care for the fact that this would leave me stranded at home with no way to get to work. She then said "its a minor inconvenience, you can make other arrangements". So this wasn't a request but more so a demand for my vehicle. I'm sorry, but No, that can't be done. I was then told "HONOR THY MOTHER". I stood my ground. It isn't feasable for me to let you borrow my car. This led to her bad mouthing me (and my brother who had his own set of let downs from her which he pointed out to her) to anyone and everyone she could contact. I didn't give her my car as she demanded, therefore I would feel her wrath.<br />
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I thought after that turmulteous exchange that I would feel guilty or depressed. But I felt neither. I felt a sense of relief. After a lifetime of doing exactly as I was told if not I would be deemed as bad, I felt cleansed. My heart felt at peace. I was finally, after 44 years, was standing up for myself. I was finally standing up for what is right. My children's feelings are important. My family's needs are important. My own sense of mental well being is important. The whole ordeal left me with a sense of pride in myself. I went on to enjoy the week's festivites with exhiliarating happiness. Did I miss not having my mom there? Of course, you want your parents to share in your joys. But I didn't want anyone to share in these life events if A) they felt as though they were being forced to be there or B) they were there only because they were getting something in return (in this case, my car).<br />
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Its funny how we don't realize our constant need to please others can be damaging to our soul. Whether it be a coworker or a parent, we must stand up for what we feel is right. A person will continue disrespecting you until you stand up for yourself. Finding that voice has given me my sense of absolute joy again. <br />
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Like a Phoenix rising, like a butterfly emerging from its cocoon, like the sun rising.... I too have a sense of renewal.<br />
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<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-41818676486104980892015-12-30T10:07:00.000-05:002015-12-30T10:07:44.296-05:00{ Wednesday Words of Wisdom }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GIFDnkFSym_ESwU4wFAPt7kA49k5SxQwDyz5r45qFm4NEpxHwPdLBMM2Idg6-VACx-0MwJVZWBECg2X_CWlNbyxa892lGfIIUCmASrNSC0SKBMKowaLEK1PFkW-re6PaX-6gn9Fl_44/s1600/Most-romantic-couple-shots-took-in-Paris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1GIFDnkFSym_ESwU4wFAPt7kA49k5SxQwDyz5r45qFm4NEpxHwPdLBMM2Idg6-VACx-0MwJVZWBECg2X_CWlNbyxa892lGfIIUCmASrNSC0SKBMKowaLEK1PFkW-re6PaX-6gn9Fl_44/s640/Most-romantic-couple-shots-took-in-Paris.jpg" width="426" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">A beautiful day begins with a beautiful mindset.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">When you wake up, take a second to think about what a privilege </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">it is to be alive & healthy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">The moment we start acting like life is a blessing</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I assure you it will start to feel like one.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Time spent appreciating is time worth living. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- unknown</span></div>
<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-85766509403829841902015-12-29T09:13:00.001-05:002015-12-29T09:13:40.791-05:00{Tuesday Tidbits} Another Year Gone....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_-nyym5B8cKMSQEWSgBHZKgZlcv7gadsfv4ztHaCKqAat7z4y6wzzI0IXbJRPrhUNxVdAXZwbNpxWc1LMjQ42pYPuie80GZTZ3vXeKF8vvx_LOv1CltEP7IsFp3by2d7C79sS_82drQ/s1600/walking_away_by_mony03d-d377p4e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd_-nyym5B8cKMSQEWSgBHZKgZlcv7gadsfv4ztHaCKqAat7z4y6wzzI0IXbJRPrhUNxVdAXZwbNpxWc1LMjQ42pYPuie80GZTZ3vXeKF8vvx_LOv1CltEP7IsFp3by2d7C79sS_82drQ/s640/walking_away_by_mony03d-d377p4e.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
* It's hard to believe that another year is drawing to a close.<br />
* Which means I will be one year from seeing Lil Diva graduate high school?!? Is that even possible?<br />
* The weather here in the northeast has been insane. Christmas Day was 70 degrees. We went to dinner and our traditional Christmas Eve events without even a sweater. Hence, it didn't even feel like Christmas.<br />
* Santa brought me a new laptop. Which makes me really excited, I can get back into my writing now that I have the time for it. <br />
* I am working on my list of New Years Resolutions. What are some of yours?Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-69998439496050523262015-12-05T08:23:00.001-05:002015-12-05T08:23:34.501-05:00{Loving} Kat Von D Everlasting Lipstick<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOwCRWLhUd0P3iBybcGU7LiWwJPa8Ny8E8oRuJUO75A2Nv8ES4w_DY3ujx0620GL6II7tfbHBpr5XG6GT6Fj_MXp-0jjCblVjA05bqrLD3KGaHtSfDYXP7_qFyc_j_5oqr77stwOO1pM/s1600/Kat+Von+D.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyOwCRWLhUd0P3iBybcGU7LiWwJPa8Ny8E8oRuJUO75A2Nv8ES4w_DY3ujx0620GL6II7tfbHBpr5XG6GT6Fj_MXp-0jjCblVjA05bqrLD3KGaHtSfDYXP7_qFyc_j_5oqr77stwOO1pM/s400/Kat+Von+D.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div>
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There is only one word to describe this lipstick..... AMAZING!</div>
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It took me a while to purchase Kat Von D's Everlasting lipstick. Why? The price. You would think, spending $20 for a lip color shouldn't hold me back. After all, I buy MAC lipsticks at $17. This one is only a few dollars more right? But here is my reason. It's a liquid lipstick. A MAC lipstick will last me quite a while, a liquid lipstick, will likely be gone in half the time. Another reason, what if I didn't like the consistency? What if it was dry? What about longevity? But Lolita was just calling my name. Finally, I just took the plunge.</div>
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My review: The color goes on creamy. Unlike many matte liquid lippies that give you little time to apply, this lippie takes a couple of minutes to dry to matte. Which is great because with many other liquid matte lipsticks, it is very obvious the areas you've made corrections or filled in. As far as wear, I literally only touch up once throughout the day. I am able to drink coffee and eat and not have to worry that my lipstick is gone. And the color is amazing. Black Friday I purchased "Truth or Dare". But there is a reason why "Lolita" does not stay on the shelves for long. The color is simply amazing.</div>
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<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-5312635428861874122015-12-02T07:49:00.002-05:002015-12-02T07:49:42.028-05:00{ Wednesday Words of Wisdom }<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_C7S7QFsFOS_RhqFpDcN5ZMFsrbO8yb4ceeXQ4PMnzqiSqBgiwMNhULCRS18kMfN6CQ5WHO6hkj2AKXZKWQbSKJIpw5bGMYq_7mfeFD-LRJC5lCYPkyMq1Uo4ivQamzqMyeSpC8AzNw/s1600/1236620_1372024435913_full.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="576" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd_C7S7QFsFOS_RhqFpDcN5ZMFsrbO8yb4ceeXQ4PMnzqiSqBgiwMNhULCRS18kMfN6CQ5WHO6hkj2AKXZKWQbSKJIpw5bGMYq_7mfeFD-LRJC5lCYPkyMq1Uo4ivQamzqMyeSpC8AzNw/s640/1236620_1372024435913_full.jpg" width="640" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">People who shine from within don't need a spotlight. </span></span></div>
<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-16942303151318896452015-12-01T16:35:00.001-05:002015-12-01T16:35:12.595-05:00{Tuesday Tidbits} Post Black Friday Thoughts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhioB3X8bJnDedBTxv6-PnnSWhYGmR8vSJqaYsXwamGbVj6m8AJ2DHtyNFEraPp8gg_Dq9QfRMRgobwcLFjbj-dErbLkK0-aHYonD_D-3tJCAr234cOBd84Zp8vmLRajGTUX5T4zWfFE/s1600/Rky5J4bwzlC4y52zIbR4UsSBT2fi0D4UcyCLGs1JmP0.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmhioB3X8bJnDedBTxv6-PnnSWhYGmR8vSJqaYsXwamGbVj6m8AJ2DHtyNFEraPp8gg_Dq9QfRMRgobwcLFjbj-dErbLkK0-aHYonD_D-3tJCAr234cOBd84Zp8vmLRajGTUX5T4zWfFE/s400/Rky5J4bwzlC4y52zIbR4UsSBT2fi0D4UcyCLGs1JmP0.png" width="293" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kmspdYahghP52mYa-6M79e_U8uTK72734DF8VVKm7kEuDQEGrOK5f6S8WIovBfOLxquqpboH_221gpJMK5W30aW0vAVbmIqe0p3V0Q0JTe_LUnYUzGEd_wMut9xQS1vpjOWv4AeQllE/s1600/Screenshot+2015-12-01+07.54.02+%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8kmspdYahghP52mYa-6M79e_U8uTK72734DF8VVKm7kEuDQEGrOK5f6S8WIovBfOLxquqpboH_221gpJMK5W30aW0vAVbmIqe0p3V0Q0JTe_LUnYUzGEd_wMut9xQS1vpjOWv4AeQllE/s400/Screenshot+2015-12-01+07.54.02+%25282%2529.png" width="286" /></a></div>
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Black Friday seems to get earlier and earlier with each passing year! This year was no exception. Most of the stores were open by 5pm on Thanksgiving Day. It has to stink if you work retail and you are one of the unfortunate ones that is <i>required </i>to work. It seems that businesses are itching to get the Holiday season under way.</div>
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Lil Diva and I made plans to go out to the local shops after relaxing a bit from our food coma. We headed out to Target, Kohls, and Old Navy. We didn't need to be there when the doors open since we weren't in need of any of the doorbusters. She was mostly shopping for herself. I had saved some cash I received for my birthday and figured I would add things to my winter wardrobe. I found the above two sweaters at an amazing price. Both stores I purchased them from were having 40% off everything. We thought it was going to be outrageously crowded and were surprised to see how manageable the crowds were. We went to all three stores and were back home before 9pm. We went to bed and headed out to the mall at 5am. I picked up some LUSH products (not on sale) and some make up items at Sephora. Again, the mall was so quiet. </div>
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Since Lil Diva had to work, we didn't stay out long. We went for breakfast at this new bagel shop that specializes in fancy bagels (think fruity pebbles,oreo and captain crunch bagels) and then stopped to get some last minute decorative items for the Christmas tree. </div>
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Great part about Black Friday was I did manage to finish the majority of my Christmas shopping. Just a few more names on my list to go!</div>
Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-19033205039092869132015-11-29T14:43:00.000-05:002015-11-29T14:46:14.555-05:00Weekend Highlights : {The Most Wonderful Time of the Year...again!}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYCXL1BgWuhEerT3kC-K9hUy3ccChPtA8lc5ff14YlRheiyHKoEobAbF_DcnTRZC_78Xy45NaC2qs02IAFpVEupgsR3lOrO4drhtNFlqZXmfqXO85bqmIgBYYbGLZ4hUSaU9oRuKeAk/s1600/tree.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjIYCXL1BgWuhEerT3kC-K9hUy3ccChPtA8lc5ff14YlRheiyHKoEobAbF_DcnTRZC_78Xy45NaC2qs02IAFpVEupgsR3lOrO4drhtNFlqZXmfqXO85bqmIgBYYbGLZ4hUSaU9oRuKeAk/s640/tree.png" width="480" /> </a></div>
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* Thanksgiving has come and gone. We spent it quietly at home, the four of us plus Grandpa A.</div>
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* Made a delicious pumpkin cheesecake for the first time. Thankful for Pinterest!</div>
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* Can't believe that now I have my daughter as my Black Friday shopping partner. Where did the time go?!</div>
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* Decided to change up the color scheme on the tree this year.... red, white and silver it is.</div>
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* I am 75% done with my Christmas shopping.</div>
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* Even though it was an emotional week, I am thankful for the series of events. Through reflection I realized when you are in constant contact with someone who sees the world negatively, you can't help but to slowly start doubting in the world and in part in those around you, even yourself. Being a positive person, this was slowly draining me. Everything happens for a reason. By Thursday, I started to see the bright cheery person in me who has been slowly disappearing without me noticing. So thankful I was pulled away from a toxic environment.</div>
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* Looking forward to truly enjoying the holiday season!</div>
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<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-58902630037777702092015-11-25T08:14:00.001-05:002015-11-25T08:14:26.540-05:00{ Wednesday Words of Wisdom}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUXLacPwC-z-NaggOxcSxgld5oj_LQ1pcOPy6QFSb5lmOTFpSf7UPyS-6IoQp27dpvbkAsIK0ZT373BOdS5DjYw7zMKeMyGkUQ1KxhwvtjzgQNzAVHwmEzPBA735r9LdzZHThZ4cikpo/s1600/every-time-i-thought-i-was-being-rejected-from-something-good-i-was-actually-being-redirected-to-som-153666+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzUXLacPwC-z-NaggOxcSxgld5oj_LQ1pcOPy6QFSb5lmOTFpSf7UPyS-6IoQp27dpvbkAsIK0ZT373BOdS5DjYw7zMKeMyGkUQ1KxhwvtjzgQNzAVHwmEzPBA735r9LdzZHThZ4cikpo/s400/every-time-i-thought-i-was-being-rejected-from-something-good-i-was-actually-being-redirected-to-som-153666+%25282%2529.jpg" width="247" /> </a></div>
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Sometimes we believe something is a great opportunity for us.... when we don't get it, we wonder what could we have done better in order to get it. But, sometimes has nothing to do with how well we did it. We probably did an amazing job. It could be that we are meant to do something else and being tied into that particular opportunity could prevent us from gaining the better one. </div>
<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-57993511766440315152015-11-24T08:50:00.000-05:002015-11-24T08:50:28.366-05:00Sometimes Change is Necessary....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu4yOLpQUacE3PFNfQDbka90GHaTB4ToK4K8wHCkDlZb2-_G2UgTVrlmyKfcq5t9hpzA4u8IsHWNTBYGEmohYzC01vkwxMhBfEu1G-0y0iHtr90AyjseJacmLhaxpNOtArd11-3QXYPs/s1600/happy.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsu4yOLpQUacE3PFNfQDbka90GHaTB4ToK4K8wHCkDlZb2-_G2UgTVrlmyKfcq5t9hpzA4u8IsHWNTBYGEmohYzC01vkwxMhBfEu1G-0y0iHtr90AyjseJacmLhaxpNOtArd11-3QXYPs/s400/happy.png" width="400" /> </a></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">It was a long time coming.....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Before Hubby and I got married, we discussed the future. We knew for certain we would become parents. Planners that we are, we talked about what our hopes and dreams as parents would be. Both of us grew up in a home with two full time working parents. But both of us had very different situations.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">For me, I remember having to take on big responsibilites very early on. I specifically remember having to wake up every morning and not only get myself ready for school, but be certain that my siblings were up, fed, dressed, and groomed. I then had to be certain my brother was off to school and I would then drop off my sister at her elementary school. Seems like an easy task? I wish I could say it was. Most mornings consisted of me having to douse my brother with water to get him out of bed and hearing my sister yell at me "You are not my mother!"</span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: small;">as I did her hair.</span> No, I definitely am not. But I had to do what my mom asked of me since she had an hour commute to work before 6am every morning. Things got easier senior year. I literally asked the secretary at my school if she had a position for my mom. I truly believe she saw the look of desperation on my face and decided to take pity on me. She asked for my mom's resume, called her in, sent her to get fingerprinted and by October of my senior year my mom was working at my high school. This meant she was around to get my siblings ready for school and I was able to be a regular teenager. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Even though Michael's parents both worked full time, his story played out differently. He was an only child for one. And his parents decided they would work different shifts (Mom worked days, Dad worked nights) in order to insure that he always had a parent home for him.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">So when we discussed parenthood, my biggest desire was having the opportunity to be home for our children. Since we had one of very good friends and my mother in law to watch Lil Diva. I continued working till she was two in order to help save a larger down payment for our first home. Before she turned three years old, we were moved in to our home and I was a full time mom. We would make the commitment, even though sometimes financially difficult, that I would be home for her and Lil Man until they are out of school. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Once the kids were in school full days, I decided I wanted to find a part time job. I was home all day, and aside the hours that I volunteered I thought I could make a little extra money while they were at school. My only problem was I needed something very flexible due to the kids unpredictable auditioning schedule. I could be called at a moments notice to take them into the city for an audition. Enter my friend M. Her husband was having a hard time with his current staff and was looking for some help during their busy season. She told him about me and how I required flexiability and he said I'd like to try her out. It turned out being a perfect fit. I worked three days a week, part time, and was home in time to get the kids off the school bus. He was happy, the advisors were happy, and my family was happy,<b> I</b> was happy. However, there was one person who wasn't.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">The manager never truly liked the idea that I was there part time. Ever meet those people who do not have a poker face no matter how bad they tried? Well, yes that was the case here. Throughout the almost three years I worked for the manager I would always get comments like "well, my kids can get themselves off and on the bus." or "If they need to get somewhere and I am not home they need to find a ride there themselves". Or a big one "well, my kids are learning to fend for themselves and becoming independent". All of us have different ideas of parenting. No one is the correct one. We each make the choices we need for our own particular situation. Mine was right for my family but it may not be right for another. I was always repectful and never answered back to the manager about this. To each its own. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">As time went by, the comments ensued. I'd let it roll off my back. After all, my job was to get my tasks done and get back home to my family. But the work enviornment became increasingly difficult. Not only for me, but for the rest of the staff. Some people are excellent workers, but aren't really cut out to be management in my opinion. It takes a special kind of person with excellent <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140919053536-76444171-top-10-traits-of-a-successful-manager">work ethics</a>. I started seeing I was coming home stressed over the things she would say, or the unorganized nature in which she ran the office. If something went wrong, she would lash out at the staff. I noticed I was no longer happy to go to work. Who can blame me, when you had no clue each morning what you would be going into?</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">After a very stressful week, I decided to take the weekend to evaluate the situation. After talking to Hubby, I decided I would resign from the position. It's sad to say but I know that the manager was secretly happy I did. I was emotional saying goodbye to the owner, my friend's husband. and to my coworkers. I loved what I did and I enjoyed working with my coworkers. But in the end you can't live happily with stress. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: small;">Change is good in the pursuit of Happiness.</span></div>
<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-87867416921179829092015-08-26T11:24:00.001-04:002015-08-26T11:24:11.785-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://7-themes.com/data_images/out/40/6906495-beach-sunshine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://7-themes.com/data_images/out/40/6906495-beach-sunshine.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Be nice to everyone,</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Always smile and</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Appreciate things because it</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Could all be gone tomorrow.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">- Ed Sheeran</span></div>
Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-13256554608668251062013-08-07T07:19:00.004-04:002013-08-07T07:19:47.819-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ygpwTOAsIqkPsVgKrbd5mLf6ZUU4ds6KE5zwjn7znGo7uRrQeknrHJTyhA5kDB9Zr7OfopS3taU3BH1RhRnknZKDNh5Ibc5iAR6030H_nVxRsn0bgPSdycmic8u-aHig36xy-X8nknI/s1600/645089e4ce29a7fb53812f793adbd969.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4ygpwTOAsIqkPsVgKrbd5mLf6ZUU4ds6KE5zwjn7znGo7uRrQeknrHJTyhA5kDB9Zr7OfopS3taU3BH1RhRnknZKDNh5Ibc5iAR6030H_nVxRsn0bgPSdycmic8u-aHig36xy-X8nknI/s640/645089e4ce29a7fb53812f793adbd969.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">via Pinterest</span></div>
Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-58936370513363469202013-07-31T15:27:00.000-04:002013-07-31T15:27:01.577-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho80W0zLn4zptx7qqhrLIrLgCmIHh72O9D8xnYSLgpPEoAAUjZ3BYEouP-fm8U1PGeB2rZN6Zxk1YZilTuKts5DKS6rid2HYnODDv5zvpwoQ_MWbYCMEgFq4DUN8V6SbV5ofKxpABkXxs/s1600/148322_146192512095451_134525373262165_225295_509628_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho80W0zLn4zptx7qqhrLIrLgCmIHh72O9D8xnYSLgpPEoAAUjZ3BYEouP-fm8U1PGeB2rZN6Zxk1YZilTuKts5DKS6rid2HYnODDv5zvpwoQ_MWbYCMEgFq4DUN8V6SbV5ofKxpABkXxs/s640/148322_146192512095451_134525373262165_225295_509628_n.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Develop you confidence,</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">recognize your worth.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Make time to pursue</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">what you love to do.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Those three goals</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">may seem selfish, but</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">they will make you </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">a better, happier, more</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">encouraging friend to </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">everyone you know...</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">and that isn't selfish at all</span></span>.</div>
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<br />Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-21362907824137746282012-11-02T08:07:00.002-04:002012-11-02T08:07:56.035-04:00Discovery During the Aftermath<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtTriRnfxVJ0QVqVk2lW2OOCWE25JJkXN5XSNMpCbkfBCIvZoFqMy_gWzkSeu9Cd6tXbHPm9uDig8BuBojvV3QJOQUiTBKjHnUYVkNW-J0p_-wNyHpCYn_clMG9JCLnCXR_O5f_tph1A/s1600/large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYtTriRnfxVJ0QVqVk2lW2OOCWE25JJkXN5XSNMpCbkfBCIvZoFqMy_gWzkSeu9Cd6tXbHPm9uDig8BuBojvV3QJOQUiTBKjHnUYVkNW-J0p_-wNyHpCYn_clMG9JCLnCXR_O5f_tph1A/s640/large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This photo is heartbreaking for me.</div>
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Eleven years ago, Mr. Man and I moved to the Jersey Shore. We moved away from the big city I love and adore in order to give Lil Diva a better childhood. Not that our childhood was difficult. We were both raised in very loving, strict, value and moral driven homes.We couldn't have asked for a better upbringing. But when you grown up in the city, you do need to "grow up" a little quicker than those in the suburbs. It means being a little wiser and obtaining street smarts in order to survive and get ahead in the big city. These are all things that are essential for survival come adulthood, but we wanted to make sure our children held on to that innocence a little longer. One silly example: I knew my parents were "Santa" when I was 5. Lil Diva? She discovered the truth at 10. Conserving childhood as long as we can is important....we are adults a lot longer than we are a child.</div>
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One of the benefits of living on the Jersey Shore are the summers spent on the boardwalk. It quickly became a tradition for us to purchase the 2 for 1 ticket booklets Easter weekend, and spend at least one day a week at the beach. (Never on a weekend....that is asking for hours looking for parking and an overwhelming amount of weekenders crowding the boardwalk). It is safe to say, Lil Diva and Lil Man are shore kids. These beaches are a mere 10 minutes from their homes. It's home to them.</div>
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This past weekend Hurricane Sandy wrecked havoc on our shores. What she left behind was utter shocking destruction. Our family was safe, and as I type this, still without power. Our power went out 3pm Monday, in the heart of the storm. By 9pm, those fortunate enough to have power for the past 6 hours, lost theirs too plunging our town into complete darkness. We were very fortunate our only loss was power. But so many Shore residents lost so much more. Trees landed on roofs, homes completely flooded, or worse, completely destroyed. Driving down the the highway to my inlaws, who had power restored 24 hours, two days later was devastating. The lines for gas, the empty shelves at the supermarket, the families walking in the street with pillows and blankets. I couldn't help but cry. Once my FIL internet and cable came back on and I started to see the videos of what Sandy truly did magnified the situation.</div>
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It seems those who lost power last in my town during the storm lost it mainly due to winds and not damage to their power lines because they thankfully had power restored within 24 hours. Mine unfortunately may have sustained severe damage because we are entering day 5 without power. I wish mine were back up that quickly. Not because it displaces us temporarily, but because I'd like to help out so bad. Hot meals, a place to come and charge a phone, coffee, entertainment, a hot shower. Anything to help out. I was so proud of some of my friends who did just that. What saddened me were the small number of individuals who I would've thought for sure would have been out there helping out. Instead they have quietly stepped back into the shadows. I know it is a person's choice to lend a hand to the community, but I can't help to think if it were these same individuals who, if the tables were turned, and they were in need of a helping hand, would be deeply offended if the community didn't offer to help. They say it is during a tragedy that you learn what people are truly made of. </div>
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Today happens to be my birthday....My wish? I wish that power is restored to not only myself, but to others thousands of others in my community who are starting off day 5 without it. The temperatures are dropping, homes are getting colder, children are starting to get sick.... a lot of these people want to get warm so they can get out there and start helping. </div>
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<b>"Our prime purpose in this life is to help others. </b></div>
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<b> And if you can't help them, at least don't hurt them".</b></div>
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<b> - Dalai Lama</b></div>
Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-35209084861220009892012-01-09T14:06:00.001-05:002012-01-09T14:06:31.190-05:00Happy New Year - 2012!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RWw251vCmPlVPSCG_25mQ_MV_N_OiCrPR3YIViop2En7gHk9tUULlY9_dTcoEM-uvNhq4PNqz4GTpS4-sEnBxXXNqFDdvC8rgoEhSSTiGwj-2c3Y6W4ugq48VxGfHeXPN08PvZBkNfY/s1600/297408_10150352860764239_141439374238_7930949_26178611_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1RWw251vCmPlVPSCG_25mQ_MV_N_OiCrPR3YIViop2En7gHk9tUULlY9_dTcoEM-uvNhq4PNqz4GTpS4-sEnBxXXNqFDdvC8rgoEhSSTiGwj-2c3Y6W4ugq48VxGfHeXPN08PvZBkNfY/s640/297408_10150352860764239_141439374238_7930949_26178611_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Hard to imagine that another year has gone by!<br />
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And where has CJ been? Good question! Been super busy. Lil Diva was involved in several shows since the beginning of the school year. She has been having so much fun, building her performance resume, but truth be told, it has been exhausting on this Mom. Lil Man doesn't stay behind either. He has been actively auditioning and getting rolls under his belt too. What can I say, a home filled with thespians! LOL<br />
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What's New?<br />
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I have officially become a Pinhead! *A name my friend, Jenn's husband, has for those afflicted with the love for the website, Pinterest.* I've known about it for quite sometime, but have never quite sat down to tinker on it. (Of course not, with these two needing chauffeuring!) Wow, the wonderful world that has opened up for me. So many ideas, recipes, photography to admire. I carve out time for "daily pinning". Can't believe I haven't "discovered" it earlier.<br />
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As for the New Year Ahead.....<br />
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I didn't make any New Year's resolutions..... I couldn't think of any good ones. I always resolve to eat more fruits and veggies *although that is difficult when I have a family filled of non-fruit & veggie eaters*, drink plenty of water, keep stress to a minimum, meditate, take "me" time....but I didn't want to categorize that as new years resolutions per say. I think those are lifestyle changes I have had for the past few years, and it is never ending. Although now as I am writing this I can think of one. To be able to say No, and not feel guilty about it. To not allow certain loved ones to work "that" nerve. I hate the depleted, exhausted feeling I feel afterwards when I know I have let them crawl under my skin. And then I become frustrated with myself for not heeding to warning signs and stop the conversation before they get me there. Because it does take a bit for me to get there. *SIGH*<br />
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I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and New Year! My family and I did, and I look forward to sharing my "lil thoughts" in 2012!Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-59089303738819453592011-12-01T07:59:00.000-05:002011-12-01T07:59:45.522-05:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom {Late Edition}<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsCDYRsrjcgK_wSROuqSg7BjF1u7MiwcpVeqOpi7slOIPcyLsUAqRkdm5vQNpjQTjPFl2s-hY2Sms56eyFTFs4OFKEo_ydvLx2I89CZ_l_xVAjp-XkGW1nlxDduALcM4Jedzp55U0pYI/s1600/tumblr_ltc2ts5iQ41qhzv6oo1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEsCDYRsrjcgK_wSROuqSg7BjF1u7MiwcpVeqOpi7slOIPcyLsUAqRkdm5vQNpjQTjPFl2s-hY2Sms56eyFTFs4OFKEo_ydvLx2I89CZ_l_xVAjp-XkGW1nlxDduALcM4Jedzp55U0pYI/s640/tumblr_ltc2ts5iQ41qhzv6oo1_500.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
“<span class="quote">Happiness is like a butterfly: the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder…</span>” <br />
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<tr><td style="padding: 0px 10px 0px 20px; width: 1px;" valign="top"> — </td> <td class="quote_source" valign="top"> Thoreau</td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td><td class="quote_source" valign="top"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-61499355336058290812011-11-17T08:09:00.000-05:002011-11-17T08:09:58.791-05:00Always Look Your Best.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59JI-b_AFh_j5d_wjO0brSRY4nAbta2qWSsCLZshOevFrMTIN8lBcZ1TY1-igdeklg431myRrNl-BH_zRTIKssJRNjtm6_ahH_HPqlSQNhHn4G2zRbgRUcx40Exw4nr615Zh3hHYZVAY/s1600/386129_10150398893354239_141439374238_8155514_902792916_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg59JI-b_AFh_j5d_wjO0brSRY4nAbta2qWSsCLZshOevFrMTIN8lBcZ1TY1-igdeklg431myRrNl-BH_zRTIKssJRNjtm6_ahH_HPqlSQNhHn4G2zRbgRUcx40Exw4nr615Zh3hHYZVAY/s640/386129_10150398893354239_141439374238_8155514_902792916_n.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">“I don't understand how a woman can leave the house without fixing herself up a little - if only out of politeness. </div><div style="text-align: center;">And then, you never know, maybe that's the day she has a date with destiny.</div><div style="text-align: center;"> And it's best to be as pretty as possible for destiny.” <br />
― <a href="http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3004479.Coco_Chanel">Coco Chanel</a></div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-19869309872823530732011-11-03T09:09:00.000-04:002011-11-03T09:09:07.206-04:00It's Been a While.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN1GB5Pjl4EwcY67bZ7rrky9moBGT1EZP0Q1SDbhPlRgNWagd6lJX36BCh9xuBCrEdJHzYCBOMU2bsIHE51wApkvdSwGBi_dFfbT_8OX2DL_Xi4eg-pF5HgUkDnsbu4mFzp0v2NeobQM/s1600/Scarlett-Johansson-218x300.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzN1GB5Pjl4EwcY67bZ7rrky9moBGT1EZP0Q1SDbhPlRgNWagd6lJX36BCh9xuBCrEdJHzYCBOMU2bsIHE51wApkvdSwGBi_dFfbT_8OX2DL_Xi4eg-pF5HgUkDnsbu4mFzp0v2NeobQM/s640/Scarlett-Johansson-218x300.jpg" width="465" /></a></div><br />
Time just seems to escape me these days. I have been dying to update this wonderful little place I call my own in cyberspace, but have felt so glum. I didn't want that to come across in my blog. It's been a rough start of the school year for my little guy and me. I've been handed so many lemons, I can make enough lemonade to quench the thirst of the whole USA!<br />
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I am a non-confrontational person. But in the same token, I am the type of person who can not stand for anyone, children especially, to be treated unjustly. So this makes for a terrible mix. In one instance you don't want to cause waves, but in the other, you are forced to in order to make sure your child is being treated fairly. <br />
<br />
After several therapeutic walks and discussions with a dear friend of mine, I have come to terms with the fact that even though we want to respect a teachers method of teaching and disciplining, if we see it is simply not working for our child, we need to speak up. Letting things go will only escalate the issue and make it grow like a tumbleweed. Some teachers may feel threatened by what we have to say, but the same way we have to hear them out, they need to hear us parents out too. The only way both of us will have a successful school year is by working together. <br />
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I have a second meeting this morning.....wish me luck!<br />
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Miss all my blogs! Can't wait to catch up with everyone!Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-9475126415128447372011-10-12T07:49:00.000-04:002011-10-12T07:49:21.861-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQ1wIJRKvJ-1NqxRWVwVLEeJo-wfn7kWcDTvpmfekCcb5MtZWkKOKLDVmaAt6u6QuPpwl1ITr20C7sqTQXS9DBi06NihyphenhyphenlyNwbj8wHZJlAFxPN_l3fp-4k7LRQjyk-Z81m6Sqv_czxY/s1600/_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiciQ1wIJRKvJ-1NqxRWVwVLEeJo-wfn7kWcDTvpmfekCcb5MtZWkKOKLDVmaAt6u6QuPpwl1ITr20C7sqTQXS9DBi06NihyphenhyphenlyNwbj8wHZJlAFxPN_l3fp-4k7LRQjyk-Z81m6Sqv_czxY/s640/_13.jpg" width="568" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJuH1NrhCvNiDXKLxffej5tIYQd0DIRCgJS_O6QJZzQ7uqT2bS4_xYJK3SfRdWX9S2t5O_BXGrtF3znkzniCtpt0j0PP-7GNaO_9eS0qsL7TNr3rXqY6be3Z4rsSOp1ZQOy1SFz3khyphenhyphenY/s1600/quote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfJuH1NrhCvNiDXKLxffej5tIYQd0DIRCgJS_O6QJZzQ7uqT2bS4_xYJK3SfRdWX9S2t5O_BXGrtF3znkzniCtpt0j0PP-7GNaO_9eS0qsL7TNr3rXqY6be3Z4rsSOp1ZQOy1SFz3khyphenhyphenY/s400/quote.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-56311955269639916562011-09-15T05:12:00.003-04:002011-09-15T08:09:37.929-04:00{L*O*V*E*} Bryce Dallas Howard - Kate Spade Autumn 2011<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO889isVEht1XINSsQnO-R1WCMLfx4NLEEJS4sSWPi7rjKNmJPrgXQ29Hwb5wA7-mnOGu-YU4Rb6Gf3LssHCXb3sbZJqTdvlbMwj27asvY_U18_dBljwl9nE0OoElpvsk7dsvhRtCdUU/s1600/Bryce-Dallas-Howard-for-Kate-Spade-Fall-2011-thumb-450x309-94576.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjO889isVEht1XINSsQnO-R1WCMLfx4NLEEJS4sSWPi7rjKNmJPrgXQ29Hwb5wA7-mnOGu-YU4Rb6Gf3LssHCXb3sbZJqTdvlbMwj27asvY_U18_dBljwl9nE0OoElpvsk7dsvhRtCdUU/s640/Bryce-Dallas-Howard-for-Kate-Spade-Fall-2011-thumb-450x309-94576.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>TOTALLY LOVING<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmwq6YZF0mQ2pGUrdTjAwJ0NpXwp-K21-zOsHX97yanzVNnoPuxetPJVhIMVY3BRC_Z0LcW45_rfxSc6kYbMM1GpjLa6QKMsN4TGvvY_E_5r_rmyoppZ0eI8wOExlbErTujXUECbxsaEA/s640/bryce.jpg" width="468" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS AD CAMPAIGN!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuDoeSZjjt8bLHnWMQMkk5TNKdcOpkxH_8uZIFVw-J1WqKFC8W8ApX_51roq5BIe9ERbygZ1hnkDeMLKC_GYwI-Q_NI6AEAEDYpjwp3R0b-8ImQxoCzQRSEGlBD72VcRKs-XWLHz2woA/s1600/bryce1.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmuDoeSZjjt8bLHnWMQMkk5TNKdcOpkxH_8uZIFVw-J1WqKFC8W8ApX_51roq5BIe9ERbygZ1hnkDeMLKC_GYwI-Q_NI6AEAEDYpjwp3R0b-8ImQxoCzQRSEGlBD72VcRKs-XWLHz2woA/s640/bryce1.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photos via Kate Spade</span></div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-59048403572425932662011-09-14T05:40:00.003-04:002011-09-14T07:26:52.087-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pGPsBgLlZtBnGlSCWaBDMtTQnJzne2pcOKbGlK0VVRt77TbllK-RrFNUUggkbudrpexH_rrMlGPS8J4WE_c11MjiHOQD1rJX20_4TFENQSI7MbOiONs0sbeOQFa5tXsspLhvs1NVmFw/s1600/JV_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="404" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2pGPsBgLlZtBnGlSCWaBDMtTQnJzne2pcOKbGlK0VVRt77TbllK-RrFNUUggkbudrpexH_rrMlGPS8J4WE_c11MjiHOQD1rJX20_4TFENQSI7MbOiONs0sbeOQFa5tXsspLhvs1NVmFw/s640/JV_6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoYfBU-tBKPXENpCEMYzz1Aw-5mD256QSvv6PWuj_IzwXJP_JdMFAP8cvWl-4hmkkcqRfH1OCPOcl7lwqIIEQhO0voLWkgf3tumaSQw0BBVY_ucMm_iqHNTuGGioH1XxPNrhJvmwQVw0Y/s1600/alternativewife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: georgia,bookman old style,palatino linotype,book antiqua,palatino,trebuchet ms,helvetica,garamond,sans-serif,arial,verdana,avante garde,century gothic,comic sans ms,times,times new roman,serif;">Jealousy is simply and clearly the fear that you do not have value. Jealousy scans for evidence to prove the point - that others will be preferred and rewarded more than you. There is only one alternative - self-value. If you cannot love yourself, you will not believe that you are loved. You will always think it's a mistake or luck. Take your eyes off others and turn the scanner within. Find the seeds of your jealousy, clear the old voices and experiences. Put all the energy into building your personal and emotional security. Then you will be the one others envy, and you can remember the pain and reach out to them. ~Jennifer James</span>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-11358894205354681552011-09-13T07:41:00.000-04:002011-09-13T07:41:37.113-04:00{Tried & L*O*V*E} Starbucks Salted Caramel Mocha<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeVb0amLzhgijISgVO3U-JjHw3SXu1D8mPUwb1B3q4iH_WcVdsA7ySpmbWJuId1KWbmzheuaMSOgcFNningclu7_vAMTzQcVN_PEM_NqZXETy8yZkPust5LydvHVTfNhfC5OcMns2Q04/s1600/_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkeVb0amLzhgijISgVO3U-JjHw3SXu1D8mPUwb1B3q4iH_WcVdsA7ySpmbWJuId1KWbmzheuaMSOgcFNningclu7_vAMTzQcVN_PEM_NqZXETy8yZkPust5LydvHVTfNhfC5OcMns2Q04/s640/_3.jpg" width="536" /></a></div><br />
Fall is my all time favorite season.... not just because the heat of the summer is a thing of the past, but because of the rich colors, textures, and flavors only the fall can bring us.<br />
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Last year, I tried Starbucks Salted Caramel Hot Chocolate and their Toffee latte. Loved both. This year they have enhanced their menu with the introduction of the Salted Caramel Mocha. Of course I was intrigued. (Remember, I am the one that believes caramel should be a food group!) Last couple of times the temps were a wee bit too hot to consider anything but a frappachino. But today was perfect. I was greeted Sunday afternoon by a brisk fall breeze upon leaving to run errands. So I knew, this would be the perfect day to try Starbucks new drink.<br />
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One word can describe it....*SIGH*.... DELICIOUS!<br />
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It had just the right amount of caramel and sea salt to enhance the mocha taste. It will definitely be a latte on my autumn faves list.Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-42432892974144495562011-09-12T05:00:00.005-04:002011-09-12T15:58:48.797-04:00Monday Muse....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aiFs8zMiNxX5yyb6TYrEcHLVslcO09ELAoabZ6vXSlrTaNIxLCj-ekdHLyDXwjGa-a2L2wDpy2vOFjuH4I8ncMKN49ShNBzcqWmvQbH9eaQ-mIr4H9fP3jZktvRoX4IHS2B2sryR1Kc/s1600/3194217_JpaTfxWP_c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5aiFs8zMiNxX5yyb6TYrEcHLVslcO09ELAoabZ6vXSlrTaNIxLCj-ekdHLyDXwjGa-a2L2wDpy2vOFjuH4I8ncMKN49ShNBzcqWmvQbH9eaQ-mIr4H9fP3jZktvRoX4IHS2B2sryR1Kc/s640/3194217_JpaTfxWP_c.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">* Schools back in session...miss my Lil Diva & Lil Man, but they are loving school so far....</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Had a stressful week dealing with individuals who should have kids safety in mind, but don't.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Stood my ground, and had the issue corrected... I am, after all, my child's top advocate.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Loving the cool fall weather....</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Have a full schedule of after school activities....they begin today!</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Enjoyed the weekend with the family at Six Flags Great Adventures...</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Got an amazing deal for season passes for next year, had to jump on it!</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Started walking around the reservoir again with a great new friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Began a new tradition of giving Lil Diva mani's Sunday afternoons.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Figured I would do the same too.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* So ready for my sushi date with a great friend.</div><div style="text-align: center;">* Looking forward to the week ahead!</div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-61821579317818527922011-09-11T19:34:00.000-04:002011-09-11T19:34:16.682-04:00Ten Years Later - 9/11/01<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g_spzz-SOHkPSDT3Zk9vWSAzNaLF0zFoRLq2rU30rICYKMheWKbItjHF2ngOE07YLQDX7w-M6D8QJ86yx_n0uSIUTJCGdlrnYoC6gQXozrsE6MiNqTgHkgiSsy_ndbLTVYW7u80fx7A/s1600/sept11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-g_spzz-SOHkPSDT3Zk9vWSAzNaLF0zFoRLq2rU30rICYKMheWKbItjHF2ngOE07YLQDX7w-M6D8QJ86yx_n0uSIUTJCGdlrnYoC6gQXozrsE6MiNqTgHkgiSsy_ndbLTVYW7u80fx7A/s640/sept11.jpg" width="414" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">It's hard to believe that it's been 10 years since the September 11, 2001 attacks on the United States.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> It is so hard for me to remember exactly what happened two weeks ago, but I can remember clearly each and every detail of that day, ten years ago today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- How blue the skies were that morning, not a cloud in the sky as I walked toward my midtown office building.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- The overjoyed feeling knowing my mom was on an American airlines flight to NYC at that very moment, to visit us and see the very first home we had purchased 6 weeks earlier. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Wondering as I looked out my 34th St office window shortly after 8:46 am, while eating a buttered egg roll and coffee for breakfast, what could have possibly happened to the pilot to make him veer towards WTC Tower #1. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Calling Mr. Man, who worked across the street from the WTC to see if he felt anything, or had seen what happened.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- Looking on in shock as my coworkers and I saw the fireball emerge as the second tower was struck.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">- The sheer panic and fear knowing America was under attack..... my mind registering, my Mom is on a flight that could possibly be filled with hijackers....my husband mere feet away from the disaster happening in lower Manhattan. My sister alone with my daughter and nephew back in our home 70 miles away. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Life as I knew it, had changed forever at that very moment. My mom's flight was grounded in North Carolina immediately. Once they landed, the choked up flight attendant informed the clueless passengers as to the reason why they were requested to land. Hearing her voice on the phone was a welcome relief. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The hours ticked by as I waited to hear any news from Mr. Man. I called his cell phone frantically, but since a Verizon cell tower was located on top of the WTC, my efforts were fruitless. Finally, a little before noon, he contacted me to tell me he was walking uptown from Wall Street....approximately 7 mile walk. I met up with him in front of my grandmother's apartment on Park Avenue and 38th Street. Save for his shoes and bottom of his pants covered in soot, not a scratch on him. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So many lives lost....2,977 innocent people murdered by an act of terrorism. I pray for those families who mourn not only every September 11, but every day. Those individuals will never be forgotten.</div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-41536821371992081372011-09-07T07:56:00.001-04:002011-09-12T15:59:08.028-04:00Wednesday Words of Wisdom<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZvCWDl1DF3fMe0up2zRViQOA9tuDBgaNqnLpBKEX8vzesCf19a0dgK-jjW3FNPLzh6GBK9i_LAmWcMx5J0AaUTxIXhPuGiG6VP5fxs5aep2dBZWqijoNEBPHAETGRepwLVeAdPTZhvw/s1600/6-95d0d40b89b3d0695318f3e1689ca9e7_large.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitZvCWDl1DF3fMe0up2zRViQOA9tuDBgaNqnLpBKEX8vzesCf19a0dgK-jjW3FNPLzh6GBK9i_LAmWcMx5J0AaUTxIXhPuGiG6VP5fxs5aep2dBZWqijoNEBPHAETGRepwLVeAdPTZhvw/s640/6-95d0d40b89b3d0695318f3e1689ca9e7_large.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Everyday is a chance for a new beginning,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">Don't fret about what's been lost, but be thankful of what is left.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;">-Unknown</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: right;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">photo via Tumblr</span></div>Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3136602939123946249.post-26448938880317432472011-08-30T08:20:00.000-04:002011-08-30T08:20:13.901-04:00Good Riddance, Irene!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKiU60xp0RVVyx-8w6lxNCHyU5BdAJY1whZIuQdZAS7MfvDH9GYDv8bK9-pUFqhWjC5RBM6o1ukU1xGli2sSsmCv3XUWEf-hqfrz80fUG3wrdVogH4n2lU3EHnMflN8PsuG2kCdeu11U/s1600/walking_away.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEKiU60xp0RVVyx-8w6lxNCHyU5BdAJY1whZIuQdZAS7MfvDH9GYDv8bK9-pUFqhWjC5RBM6o1ukU1xGli2sSsmCv3XUWEf-hqfrz80fUG3wrdVogH4n2lU3EHnMflN8PsuG2kCdeu11U/s640/walking_away.jpg" width="524" /></a></div><br />
Hurricane Irene came and went with her Category 1 force winds and dumped a whole slew of rain on the tri-state area. She was a bit weaker than expected due to the fact that North Carolina & Virginia took on the brunt of her wrath. To many, this was little more than the Nor'easters we are accustomed to with rain instead of snow. But to us in the northeast, who are not accustomed to hurricanes, even a Category 1 is a big deal.<br />
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We were fortunate, our home, nor that of our friends and family, sustained any damage due to this storm. What Irene did do was cause several hours of lost sleep due to worrying about tornadoes that were developing and the rattling of the window panes due to the wind force. Many around us were not as lucky. Some lost power, many homes and businesses were flooded.... proof that even a "small" storm can cause extensive damage.<br />
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What amazed me afterwards were the gorgeous blue skies that welcomed a new day after the storm. Not a cloud in sight! After this visit by Irene, I can safely say I give it to all the folks who live in the southern states, who deal with hurricanes, most more forceful than the one that visited us, all the time. It takes a lot of work to prepare for what may come when you are in the path of a storm. Hopefully, we don't have to deal with one again for a very long time, if at all!Carmenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02421370604523171879noreply@blogger.com1