Spinning.
Kicked.
My.
Aaaassss.
I don't think the 2.5 glasses of sangria the night before helped.
9.25.2008
9.23.2008
Guilty Pleasure
...For me, is exactly what I did tonight:
- sitting indian-style
- eating my big home-made salad
- watching The Hills online
- and drinking my glass of chilled sangria
All this while the living room is chaotic and I have loads of laundry to do. I also should be roasting some vegetables.
Oh well. Tuesday night. I'm living a little.
- sitting indian-style
- eating my big home-made salad
- watching The Hills online
- and drinking my glass of chilled sangria
All this while the living room is chaotic and I have loads of laundry to do. I also should be roasting some vegetables.
Oh well. Tuesday night. I'm living a little.
9.22.2008
Lost Battle. FDNY EMT. Jayla. Wall Street.
So Joaquin won this battle.
The battle of the bedroom 30+ inch vs. 26 inch LCD flat screen TV.
BACKGROUND: I wanted to replace my 19-inch TV in my bedroom, which was a pretty ancient model.
MY REQUIREMENTS: Flat screen to save space (it was sitting on top of my dresser), and no bigger than 26 inches b/c it is a bedroom (not a home theater), and I already have a 52-inch mammoth in the living room! Shoot, I'd be perfectly content w/ a 22-inch.
THE RESULTS: Joaquin carrying home a 32-inch from best buy with a tilting wall mount.
HOW THIS HAPPENED: a 26-inch top name brand was the same price as a 32-inch Best Buy brand, with just as good or better specs.
BOTTOM LINE (how this REALLY happened): I was "boxed-in" (lol), as Joaquin's business like to term their "persuasiveness".
MY BITCHING MOMENT: "My dresser is 60 inches and I am not going to put a TV that takes up HALF my dresser b/c it is not a TV stand! I want my 26-inch!"
HIS REASONING (winning moment): He would pay for the wall mount and mount the 32-inch on the wall. And besides, "a 26-inch doesn't look good mounted on a wall. It's too small."
THE DEAL: I will settle for the 32-inch, but the mounting will be done TONIGHT (same night of purchase).
....
AT 3am: As I'm sleeping, I hear "Baby, look.".
WHAT I SEE: The flat screen beautifully center-mounted in the wall above the dresser, facing the bed.
My comments: Nice Job!!! (It was neat and professional-looking - go Joaquin!).... But damn! It still looks big! Lol
MORAL OF THE STORY: Guys seem to think, "the bigger the better".
Funny how I went through the same debate (which I ALSO lost) w/ my dad and Joaquin about the living room TV (me: I want the 37-inch. both men: get the 52-inch!! .. end of story. But in the end, I'm happy with my wall mounted flat screen. It feels so MTV-Cribs like (but not really b/c mine is a 1.5 bedroom in Queens lol). Thanks babe!!! Awesome job! Now let's get the cable to work and we're set for Dexter! Damn. So many other things happened since I last posted.
BACKGROUND: I wanted to replace my 19-inch TV in my bedroom, which was a pretty ancient model.
MY REQUIREMENTS: Flat screen to save space (it was sitting on top of my dresser), and no bigger than 26 inches b/c it is a bedroom (not a home theater), and I already have a 52-inch mammoth in the living room! Shoot, I'd be perfectly content w/ a 22-inch.
THE RESULTS: Joaquin carrying home a 32-inch from best buy with a tilting wall mount.
HOW THIS HAPPENED: a 26-inch top name brand was the same price as a 32-inch Best Buy brand, with just as good or better specs.
BOTTOM LINE (how this REALLY happened): I was "boxed-in" (lol), as Joaquin's business like to term their "persuasiveness".
MY BITCHING MOMENT: "My dresser is 60 inches and I am not going to put a TV that takes up HALF my dresser b/c it is not a TV stand! I want my 26-inch!"
HIS REASONING (winning moment): He would pay for the wall mount and mount the 32-inch on the wall. And besides, "a 26-inch doesn't look good mounted on a wall. It's too small."
THE DEAL: I will settle for the 32-inch, but the mounting will be done TONIGHT (same night of purchase).
....
AT 3am: As I'm sleeping, I hear "Baby, look.".
WHAT I SEE: The flat screen beautifully center-mounted in the wall above the dresser, facing the bed.
My comments: Nice Job!!! (It was neat and professional-looking - go Joaquin!).... But damn! It still looks big! Lol
MORAL OF THE STORY: Guys seem to think, "the bigger the better".
Funny how I went through the same debate (which I ALSO lost) w/ my dad and Joaquin about the living room TV (me: I want the 37-inch. both men: get the 52-inch!! .. end of story. But in the end, I'm happy with my wall mounted flat screen. It feels so MTV-Cribs like (but not really b/c mine is a 1.5 bedroom in Queens lol). Thanks babe!!! Awesome job! Now let's get the cable to work and we're set for Dexter! Damn. So many other things happened since I last posted.
Faisal = Graduated NYC's FDNY EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) program!!!!!! I'm soo proud of him! I couldn't be at the graduation, but Kuya Charlton's pictures brought a little moisture to my eyes. He looked sooo handsome in his uniform!! This picture is on my desktop at
Welcome Jayla Pimentel 7lbs, 5oz. Sept 16 @ 4:44am. Saw pics and she is a beauty!!! Can't wait to see her in person! Congratulations Mimi and Charles! I'm coming over soon.
Wall Street = I can't help but sound like an uber geek here, but I just wanted to sorta kinda brag about the business my team supports: Derivatives Markets (aka Options and Futures). And this is the business that thrives on volatility, which was exactly what was happening to the market last week due to the fall of major financial firms. While the stock market lost money and/or trying to recover, we were MORE than doubling our edge (profits) last week. I'm developing a newfound respect/interest for the business we support. Pretty cool. Ok, enough class-time/brag-time =P
I came across some articles that help ppl understand exactly what's going on and how it affects us:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/09/17/beck.wallstreet/index.html?iref=mpstoryview
Another proud moment was reading Din's blog! You go, woman!! I admire that accomplishment... Hmm.. I have an idea what you might be when you "grow up" hehehe.
Happy Birthday, Jackie! (Sept. 5)
Happy Birthday & Welcome to the world, Jayla! (Sept. 16)
Happy Birthday, Chris! (Sept. 25)
I LOVE MY FAMILY!!!
....
9.13.2008
Viva Mexico!
Joaquin and I are baaack! Tanned and definitely a couple of pounds heavier. :)
Cancun, Mexico was amazing!
To see pics first/only, click here (Not all the pics could be posted.. there was just too many!).
For the itinerary, read on...
Day 1 - Arrival.
Our hotel was literally paradise as soon as you step into the lobby (the 5-star/4-diamond RIU Palace Las Americas). Talk about feeling like a King/Queen! Explored the hotel and had our first dinner. The daily international buffet meals are no joke! All the food you can want/imagine. All the fresh & delicious GUACAMOLE (my weakness) and TACOS (Joaquin's weakness)! DELICIOSO!
Day 2 - Pool time! Me, drunk? Nooo.. YES!!
Breakfast was with an incredible view. Breakfast was also buffet style and I think I had everything - from tacos (yes, again) to fried plantains, eggs, pounds of bacon.. OMG, it was gluttony. Infinity pool. Bluest of blue oceans. Pool bar! MARGARITAS! Jacuzzi. More Margaritas! (definitely better than the margaritas in NYC). Jammy gets drunk (very rare). Recovered. Lunch (all you can eat again). More pool time. Dinner at Brazilian restaurant (couldn't eat bc lunch was filling, as was breakfast).
Day 3 - Chichen Itza.
One of the 7 wonders of the world. The historical background and monuments (Kukulcan being the main pyramid) were truly amazing. Not everyone knows that the Mayans were far more advanced than us mere human beings were. Joaquin says they got help from some other super power out there...
Can anyone say sunburn? Geez! Didn't know it would be hot as balls! Survived. Oh and buffet lunch was included w/ the tour. Tapas for dinner @ the hotel.
Day 4 - Ike visits.
Thunderstorm (remnants of Hurricane Ike). Italian lunch. The storm didn't stop us from going to the pool and pool bar. Met fellow New Yorkers. Tequila shots for everyone! Ay ay ay..
Joaquin fell in love with the idea of room service so we practically ordered everything on the menu. Oh, did I mention that unlimited liquor, food, and room service is included in our All-Inclusive package? ;)
Day 5 - Xcaret! (ecological park)
Oh. My. God. Gorgeous! Thanks to Mimi for the recommendation! Swam and snorkeled in the underground river that flows through underground caves (I still need to scan a pic of it later). Tropical animals (also pending a pic scan). Sea turtles bigger than you! Holding parrots. Swim with dolphins (but we didn't do that). Enjoy the pools that seems like to be naturally formed next to the sea (the pics will show you what I mean). The view! Hammocks! Beautiful & lush vegetation everywhere. Buffet lunch (again). Don't get confused by the buffets you are used to in the U.S. Their buffets are out of this world! Imagine your mom/grandma cooking for the buffet... THAT was how amazing and plentiful it was.
Day 6 - Good bye, Mexico :(
Spent the last few hours before checkout soaking up as much Mexican sun as we could. Took one last advantage of the outrageous amounts of food. We'll be coming back. And hopefully, to the same hotel (I recommend it!).
No time for partying in Cancun. Its ok. Not that much our cup of tea. But anyway, we're New Yorkers. Our night life here is as good as it gets (prideful New York moment).
Viva Mexico! :)
...
Cancun, Mexico was amazing!
To see pics first/only, click here (Not all the pics could be posted.. there was just too many!).
For the itinerary, read on...
Day 1 - Arrival.
Our hotel was literally paradise as soon as you step into the lobby (the 5-star/4-diamond RIU Palace Las Americas). Talk about feeling like a King/Queen! Explored the hotel and had our first dinner. The daily international buffet meals are no joke! All the food you can want/imagine. All the fresh & delicious GUACAMOLE (my weakness) and TACOS (Joaquin's weakness)! DELICIOSO!
Day 2 - Pool time! Me, drunk? Nooo.. YES!!
Breakfast was with an incredible view. Breakfast was also buffet style and I think I had everything - from tacos (yes, again) to fried plantains, eggs, pounds of bacon.. OMG, it was gluttony. Infinity pool. Bluest of blue oceans. Pool bar! MARGARITAS! Jacuzzi. More Margaritas! (definitely better than the margaritas in NYC). Jammy gets drunk (very rare). Recovered. Lunch (all you can eat again). More pool time. Dinner at Brazilian restaurant (couldn't eat bc lunch was filling, as was breakfast).
Day 3 - Chichen Itza.
One of the 7 wonders of the world. The historical background and monuments (Kukulcan being the main pyramid) were truly amazing. Not everyone knows that the Mayans were far more advanced than us mere human beings were. Joaquin says they got help from some other super power out there...
Can anyone say sunburn? Geez! Didn't know it would be hot as balls! Survived. Oh and buffet lunch was included w/ the tour. Tapas for dinner @ the hotel.
Day 4 - Ike visits.
Thunderstorm (remnants of Hurricane Ike). Italian lunch. The storm didn't stop us from going to the pool and pool bar. Met fellow New Yorkers. Tequila shots for everyone! Ay ay ay..
Joaquin fell in love with the idea of room service so we practically ordered everything on the menu. Oh, did I mention that unlimited liquor, food, and room service is included in our All-Inclusive package? ;)
Day 5 - Xcaret! (ecological park)
Oh. My. God. Gorgeous! Thanks to Mimi for the recommendation! Swam and snorkeled in the underground river that flows through underground caves (I still need to scan a pic of it later). Tropical animals (also pending a pic scan). Sea turtles bigger than you! Holding parrots. Swim with dolphins (but we didn't do that). Enjoy the pools that seems like to be naturally formed next to the sea (the pics will show you what I mean). The view! Hammocks! Beautiful & lush vegetation everywhere. Buffet lunch (again). Don't get confused by the buffets you are used to in the U.S. Their buffets are out of this world! Imagine your mom/grandma cooking for the buffet... THAT was how amazing and plentiful it was.
Day 6 - Good bye, Mexico :(
Spent the last few hours before checkout soaking up as much Mexican sun as we could. Took one last advantage of the outrageous amounts of food. We'll be coming back. And hopefully, to the same hotel (I recommend it!).
No time for partying in Cancun. Its ok. Not that much our cup of tea. But anyway, we're New Yorkers. Our night life here is as good as it gets (prideful New York moment).
Viva Mexico! :)
...
9.01.2008
Labor Day
So today is labor day. Normally, Americans are at the beach (before it closes), at the parks, on the road, in the shopping malls for labor day sale.
Not me.
Other than being in front of this PC, I went to the park before noon with my breakfast bread, iced coffee, and my book. I dressed in sweats and sneakers for the simple pleasure of sitting indian style on the wooden bench (minus any bug bites on my already bug-bitten legs), big sunglasses, curled up with my book. I loved every minute of it: the breeze, the coffee, the book. That was my labor day. That's what I wanted to do. No crowds. Just me. Actually, I wanted to rollerblade, too, but that required someone to be with me in case I fell on my ass and needed help to get up.
Anyway, I don't know if this is just temporary or what, but I find myself enjoying quiet time, me time - more than before. With the events of the past week, I want to cherish what makes us feel alive - the breeze, the sound of children playing, the tree leaves rustling, the sun warming your skin. I want to strengthen whatever measly little peace I have within my self, and solidify it so that I don't go crazy in this crazy world.
I saw my girls last night. That too, made me happy. I witnessed some self- control. That made me happy.
It's hot. It's the noon sun right now. I learned that with the noon sun, I'm better at laying down in my quiet and brightly lit room with the breeze coming through the window and reading a book or taking a nap b/c it makes me feel like I'm reading/napping outside (without that noon sun heat).
I want a laptop. So I could quietly write a book at some remote location/park/corner/room/coffee shop, finish it one day, and by some miracle, publish it (you think?).
I want my IS 250 AWD so that I can drive as far as I want, wherever I want, with the windows down, music up, shades on, not worrying that my engine sounds like it will give up on me any moment. (and I want it so I can shoot out to Long Island upon the birth of Jayla)
I want those materialistic things that lead into an un-materialistic pleasure.
Happy Labor Day!
...
Not me.
Other than being in front of this PC, I went to the park before noon with my breakfast bread, iced coffee, and my book. I dressed in sweats and sneakers for the simple pleasure of sitting indian style on the wooden bench (minus any bug bites on my already bug-bitten legs), big sunglasses, curled up with my book. I loved every minute of it: the breeze, the coffee, the book. That was my labor day. That's what I wanted to do. No crowds. Just me. Actually, I wanted to rollerblade, too, but that required someone to be with me in case I fell on my ass and needed help to get up.
Anyway, I don't know if this is just temporary or what, but I find myself enjoying quiet time, me time - more than before. With the events of the past week, I want to cherish what makes us feel alive - the breeze, the sound of children playing, the tree leaves rustling, the sun warming your skin. I want to strengthen whatever measly little peace I have within my self, and solidify it so that I don't go crazy in this crazy world.
I saw my girls last night. That too, made me happy. I witnessed some self- control. That made me happy.
It's hot. It's the noon sun right now. I learned that with the noon sun, I'm better at laying down in my quiet and brightly lit room with the breeze coming through the window and reading a book or taking a nap b/c it makes me feel like I'm reading/napping outside (without that noon sun heat).
I want a laptop. So I could quietly write a book at some remote location/park/corner/room/coffee shop, finish it one day, and by some miracle, publish it (you think?).
I want my IS 250 AWD so that I can drive as far as I want, wherever I want, with the windows down, music up, shades on, not worrying that my engine sounds like it will give up on me any moment. (and I want it so I can shoot out to Long Island upon the birth of Jayla)
I want those materialistic things that lead into an un-materialistic pleasure.
Happy Labor Day!
...