Manic Mondays

~Oh gosh, it's been so long since I have posted something other than my Ipsy bags. I gotta say, this school thing has been really driving me up the wall. I am not saying I'm such a great student...but at least, I try.

~As of lately, I have been roaming around the Reddit world and I gotta tell you, that's just another example of how much things there are in the world of the internet. It's overwhelming.

~ JD and E have been acting a lot more like brother and sisters these days. And by that, I mean taking each other's things away, hitting, punching, scratching, biting...name it and I am sure they have done it to each other. I get a little scared sometimes because JD has started to get brave enough to carry enough E and I've seen him just carry her off the couch because she's sitting where he wants to sit. -___-

~ I know I'm only 24, but the other night, my sister-in-law wanted to go out for her 21st birthday (as any 21 year old) and get plastered. My husband was having one of those moments where, since he doesn't really get out much, wanted to stay out all night. Needless to say, we stayed out til 6 AM. I wanted to kill him. -_-;

This pretty much sums him up.

~ Any one up to date on "Once Upon a Time in Wonderland"? Idk about you, but I like it much better than it's original counterpart. I mean don't get me wrong, OUaT was wonderful (1st season) but it lost its spark in season 2. So I just stopped altogether. Maybe it's getting better?

~ We went to the pool after God knows how long. The cuteness of E in a bathing suit  was overbearing. I give you exhibit A:

CUTIE!

~ How was your weekend? Hope you all have a good Monday :)

Manic Mondays -- Happy Veteran's Day!

I can't believe it's Monday already! This weekend business is far too short and my one day with Hubby is unfair sometimes. But I can say I am one lucky gal to have at least that one day :)

~ I am not exactly the epitome of a patriotic American. But I can acknowledge those that are. Thank you to all those veterans and to all those who have served our country. It's a tough job to be away from all your friends and family for the greater good and seriously, thank you. 'MURICA.

~ I have been reevaluating my blog these days. My posts are all over the place and it's just random blubbering of a million things. Subscription boxes, ranting, motherhood...etc. I know that maybe the world doesn't need another amateur blogger to stuff the internet with useless information. But this is therapeutic. It's hard being a working mom/student. But this helps -- to rant about things.

~ My glam room is up!

I am more than excited to know about the stuff that I am getting! Can't wait to get this bag in my hands!

~ I also got my Darby Smart box last week and I can't wait to start my little DIY project :3 I'm pretty sure that I might get December's mystery DIY box too after I got this email:

how could I say no!?

Try it out for just $9 with this link! Or use "howdydarby" for your coupon code!

That's it for today. What's your manic monday like?

How well do you know...?

I have not done this link up in a LONG time. I stopped like maybe a month ago...?
Anyway, I have decided to pick it back up because I think I really wanted to and plus I need something to keep myself from going crazy with the idea of JUST schoolwork. 0.0

"Random facts about your other half."

...Or maybe I like these topics this month? It took me a bit of time, the entire week mind you, to just sit and start listing EVERYTHING I know about Edward.

1. He does not like drinking something hot when eating something hot. Strange? Just a bit. But I took note of this from back when we were dating. I don't even ask if he wants a cup of coffee with his breakfast. Only if it's a bowl of cereal.

2. His lifelong dream is to see Japan. I know this because we share this dream. Japan and all its beauty.

3. He's always wanted to play in a band. Maybe this is most punk rock guys' dream...but I definitely know that this something he wants to do. With that being said...

4. There's a long list on everything he wants to do. It's the equivalent of "the flavor of the week". He always finds something new that he just HAS to do. Name it, it's probably on there.

5. He's not Edward when he is hungry.

6. He gets in a bad mood if the house is a mess. But I mean, a bad mood. He'll call me out on everything that is not clean/organized.

7. He knows a whole lot about nothing. This is very true. He is the wikipedia on random facts and could probably do very well on a trivia game show.

8. He's a generous drunk. (those rare times that he does drink) It's when I know that I may have to start telling everyone that it's getting late and we have to go home because he might just wipe out the bank account trying to show everyone a good time or refill your drink.

What can you say that you know about your spouse? Link up!

Manic Monday -- 100th POST!

How long has it been since I actually posted a weekend recap on a Monday? Unheard of.
Regardless, happy Monday blog world.

I gotta say, I have weekend recaps. But my life is not very eventful sans birthday celebrations and those very few and far in between travel plans. Life of a mom?

- Last week we took JD to Home Depot for their monthly craft sessions. I gotta say though, the fact that JD was having a meltdown, was difficult more on Edward than me. Is it that I'm used to him melting down in public?

before the meltdown. picture perfect, right?

- I spent a good part of my afternoon taking a nap with the kids yesterday. It was rainy, all dark and grey...seemed appropriate enough. :D Man, it was good. 5 hours! Lucky me for spending an actual lazy Sunday in bed.

- Now that I (finally) have cable, you'd think I'd have plenty of shows that I could watch during downtime...Nope. None. I know I have the Season Premier of SVU coming up on the 25th, other than that...I've got nothing. I should really look around to see what shows would be interesting to watch. (Please don't say Breaking Bad, I know how good it's getting and I swear I'll catch up!)

- Do you know any various uses for vinegar? I stumbleuponed this and thought it might be nice to share! I use it for cleaning more than anything else since I have E and all...do you know any other ways to use vinegar?

- Also, my ipsy tracking number arrived in my inbox this weekend but it seems like it hasn't moved in a while. I hate that. Seriously.

- Edit: I also like to include that this is my 100th post! 100 lovely posts since I started my blogging journey and I couldn't be more excited! :)

How was your weekend?

Disclosure: This post may contain referral links unless otherwise noted.

ENFJ = ?

I took a personality quiz my second semester of college. I think it was one of those Personal Effectiveness classes. I don't remember, my first year of college was a blur. (not because of parties, by the by!)

Looking back on my old score, I am still almost exactly the same! Still a ENFJ :P

What the hell does that mean???? What do letters have to do with personality?

More like personality types. I know that the test consists of a few questions in different areas regarding personality so depending your preference, you'll score more in one area than the other. Let's start with the first letter:

E = Extrovert vs Introvert.
Pretty self explanatory in my opinion. I tend to more extrovert than introvert but only with 12% preference for extrovert. That is pretty spot on. I like to socialize and do well in social settings. But of course, I enjoy being alone when I can and I'm okay with it.

N = INtuition vs Sensing.
I am a future planner, not a spur of the moment kind of person. I like to plan my days out and follow protocol. I don't think of today because I already thought of it yesterday. Which is not always a good thing, because I miss the finer details (the big picture person). I just know where I'm going and not about the how.
Also a 12% preference over sensing.

F = Feeling vs Thinking.
Although I look at the big picture, I am using my feelings instead of thinking objectively. I don't really like to use logic because I am concerned with the social implication of my decision making.
I have a 38% preference for this.

J = Judgment vs Perception.
Just like in intuition, I am a careful planner because I like predictability. I need the sense of control.
I have a 63% preference. (Explains my nature VERY well)

According to Wikipedia:

Extroverted feeling types seek continuity through harmonious relationships and collective values. They excel at picking up on values, simply because shared values are what create harmony. Some will profess the importance of tough-minded logic, justice and scholarly debate because their environments have these shared values. They tend to adopt the collective values of those in their social group.

I think it was pretty accurate then and now my score on this personality type test.

What about you? Are you an ENFJ? Or are you something else? Do you find this to be scary accurate? Tell me all!

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday -- Week 12

What being a mom looks like:

Typical E, putting things in her mouth which can be a pain when you look away for one second and find her putting something new into her mouth that she REALLY shouldn't.

Luckily her cousin took it as her playing with his face. Because otherwise, I think this kid might start crying.

She'll grab onto something and won't let go. Another pain when she's holding on to something she shouldn't.

 Where he goes, she goes. This is not a joke.

 How can you not fall in love with a baby's smile? Even at the crack of dawn?

 Before I took this picture, he was crying and screaming because E was playing with eggplant toy. 3 year olds. Am I right?

No matter what. No matter how much they cry, how much they whine...even if you find yourself falling at the edge of your bed because all the kids wanted to sleep in your bed with you and your spouse...Seriously. I think these moments that you are able to capture of pure happiness and joy are what make this worthwhile.

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday -- Week 11

Every one who isn't a parent does the same thing after hearing that kid in the middle of the grocery store (you all know the one). "I would never this or I would never that." I found myself eating my words after being a parent, but not all my words thankfully. There's a few that you might be nodding your head to as we go down the list and agree that we are guilt of such things...

I said I would never...

...bribe my kid. I'm not a horrible parent to be bribing my kid from time to time. If it gives me at least 5 minutes of quiet time when we are somewhere that we need to be silent (and not kid-friendly), the least I can do is bribe him with my phone, iPod or a piece of something yummy (not candy or anything with sugar, the last thing I need is for him to be even more up the wall). I'm sure a few of you can relate.

...be that mom to let my kid be the screaming kid. JD screams...loud. And I mean he has (or had) this ear-piercing scream that would make most moms want the ground to swallow them whole because it sounded like you just beat the shit out of your kid. I had such a difficult time when those terrible twos came along (and threes? they don't tell you about the threes). Believe me, it became more and more frustrating when I really wanted to give him something to cry about. But instead of reinforcing that behavior with my (very obvious angry) tone, I ignored him. I did. I let him scream and cry it out in the shipping cart while I kept shopping. My behavior analyst professor would be pleased. After a lot of patience and the dirty looks from fellow shoppers, it (THANKFULLY) went away. Now of course there's other things that I wish would change (sigh), but it part of his growing experience and mine as well.

...be a stay-at-home mom. The idea of staying home and being a housewife instantly made me cry. I hated the idea of it. Instead I am a work-at-home mom. I am still home with the kids and I wouldn't change it for the world. I have the ability to see my kids grow and to still provide for the family. Of course that'll change once JD starts Pre-K. Oh, the feels. D:

...let my kid stay up late. Ok, I have been pretty good at keeping up a routine and a night schedule. But there are nights where my husband does not get home until after 12. So sometimes JD misses him and tries to stay up to see him...of course his little self can't stay up until 12 so by 11 he is knocked out. He's so frikin sweet, that kid...

...let my kid watch T.V. I never wanted him to. But sometimes...I find myself that it's the only he'll let me get any work done. Sure, he helps me get some stuff done like picking up his toys or he "helps" me cook. But other times, he can get in the way. -_- 

What about you? Did you find one that made you think, "crap, that hit close to home"? Share some of your thoughts or link up!

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 9

My goals for Motherhood...

I still remember the day I saw that little plus sign on my pregnancy test. All sorts of scary thoughts passed through my head: "What am I going to do?", "Am I ready for a baby?"

<insert any other scary thought here>

I was only 19 years old and I had JUST started dating my husband. Also, we had just met. "Did the condom break? What the fuck am I going to do??? Will he stay, will he leave?"

I had flashbacks from the first time around too. I was 16, irresponsible and stupid. My bf didn't want her, I did. I lost her, it wasn't meant to be.

I was still determined though, of having this baby. Despite if he (my now husband) didn't want to. Lucky for me, I was partnered up with someone who was determined to take care of this baby...with me. Who wanted to be with me. A marriage and another baby later, I am happier than I have ever been with a beautiful family who keeps my world interesting.

To those of you who are now veterans and those of you who are going to experience having your baby for the first time, I'm more than sure we share similar goals...

- To provide love, lots of it. So they may learn to love and love in return. This to me is important. Love is the strongest force that exists. It is amazing and incredible powers that we do not understand. I want my children to learn that love is important. Love for your family, love for your future spouse, love for your neighbor and love for everything that you do makes everything better and it really does make the world go 'round.

- Raise them to be sure of themselves. Security is important in a child. It makes them grow up knowing that they are someone who are cared for and it lowers the chance of growing up with low self-esteem and depression. I want my kids to grow up knowing that they are important and that they are loved.

- To be the example my children need. As a psych major, I did a lot of classes in the development of human beings. Especially as children and adolescents. Believe me when I say, that parents are a MAJOR part of a child's development. How you handle situations, they will learn from it. How you handle arguments with your spouse, they will take note. We as parents make up most of how our kids will handle whatever life throws at them. WE ARE THE EXAMPLES. Whether you like it or not.

- Let them know they have shoulder to cry on and someone that will listen to them. I know JD is still very young. But believe any mom who has a three year old, they love to chat! As much as it pains me (he could be talking about NOTHING at all) but I try my best to listen to everything he tells me. I know that when he gets older, I'm not gonna be Mommy anymore. I'll be Mom. I know he'll have friends and I pray that he has friends who will guide him right if they ever give him advice. But, it's good to know that he'll have parents who are readily available to listen to anything he might wanna tell us and not be quick to judge (this is hard but not impossible!).

I'm pretty there are a few goals that I am not remembering at the moment. But these are the top ones that I keep pretty high on the list. I know I can never be my kids' friend (like really. I know JD calls me his best friend now, but we'll see how he feels 10 years down the road). But I want to them to, at least, know that I am there for them, always. And I'll love them even after death.

Manic Monday

Ah, it's Monday already? The past week has been one of those "running around like a chicken with it's head cut off" and is probably an understatement. lol
- The biggest news is that the hubby and I will be taking a much needed vacation cruise to the Bahamas! :3 Four years later, I finally agree to such a thing. No kids, just us. A whole weekend. I'm pretty excited :) First time cruiser!
- Friday night I spent it celebrating my sister's 21st birthday and we had a blast! Seriously. Ladies night with lots of dancing. My feet were killing me! Lesson learned. No heels for dance nights. lol
- This Saturday was the first Saturday of the month. More projects for JD to complete. This time it was a cute little HD pick-up truck.

Honestly. I think this is more for Edward than it is for JD. lol

- My cousin's baby shower/birthday is next Sunday so I spent all of yesterday looking for a nice gift for both of them. I also spent a little something on myself ;) (how could I not? <.<)

- I recently told a friend how much my life has become a little ordinary ever since the big changes in my life has occurred. But he tells me that I'm not missing much anyway plus those few and rare times I am able to enjoy myself, I will be the one to have the most fun because I'll appreciate every moment rather than those who spend every weekend out. Haha, that's why we're still friends after all these years. :)

How was your weekend readers?

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday - Week 7

If I could turn back time...

There would be a million and one things I would change. But then I wouldn't be me. I would never have had experienced a heartbreak. I would never experience what it feels like to love someone. I would have never appreciated the person I said "yes" to the rest of my life. I would have never had kids. (Side note: I never wanted kids or marriage)

Yes, I know that maybe, I could've stopped a lot of things from happening to me. I could've saved myself from all my teenage stupidity. Or saved myself a lot of headaches when my parents decided to split. But I wouldn't be me. I wouldn't be the strong-willed me.

If there's anything I learned on the 23 years I have had on this Earth is that things happen for a reason. For better or for worse, it has made me grow and mature when I needed to.

I am glad that I do not have the power to turn back time. I would've never learned anything. I would have never grown up. I would have stayed selfish and determined to have things my way. There is a reason we do not have that power. I'm pretty sure that a lot of things needed to happen so we can learn a thing or two in the course of history. Even if we didn't learn, we cannot control our final destiny. We are in control of the decisions we make and our actions. Those are what can determine our fate.

Manic Monday

I sometimes wish that my weekends would be eventful. And that I would pick up the habit of taking more pictures. Especially the pictures part.
I could say though that Sunday was pretty fun. We went to an arcade (Arcade Odyssey) which was a lot of fun. A lot of Japanese style games, I spent most of my tokens over at the pinball and FPS(*) games. Only at the end did I find the DDR machine D:. I wanted to see if I still got it...probably not. lol
It was raining most of the weekend. I'm here thinking that maybe a hurricane or some sort of tropical storm was passing by. Nope. -.- Just Florida being all rainy like.

My ipsy bag is already on its way! Already in Orlando as of today and I cannot wait for it to come. Also, UMCheeky was charged on my card so that means that it should be ready to ship soon! I wonder what sort of cute undies I'll get this time...;)

Happy Monday readers :)

(*)First person shooter
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52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 5

If I were to win the lottery, 5 things I'd buy:

A house. Not this one specifically. It's something I googled that was close to what I want (and incidentally what Edward wants). I've always wanted a house that I could say "it's mine" and decorate it, paint it, do whatever the hell I feel like doing. Have a playroom for the kids, give Edward his "man-cave", space to have a dog run around in the patio... Yes, I can dream and I love this dream.

A trip to Tokyo, Japan. I'd go as is and buy the first plane ticket to the place I have always dreamed of visiting. Hell, why stop there? Next, Europe!

I'd give some of that money away. Edward and I have discussed that dream to win the lottery. We agreed that we would give some of that money away to our loved ones. (Yes, how thoughtful. lol)

Money for college. My parents never had the idea or maybe did but didn't act on it, to put away money for college for my siblings and I. We already started, but now to add a little more since now we have E in our lives. :3

Anything I want basically. I don't normally want many things. But I wouldn't have to think twice if I really want something. Probably would be the greatest feeling ever. :D

What would you get?

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 4

"My Biggest Weakness"

...No one wants to talk about this. Let alone put it out there for all of the internet world to see. No one is perfect, this is obvious. But I found this to be a very interesting topic once I sat down and really thought about it.

I never want to let anyone down.

I want to be super mom, I want to be the reliable friend, the perfect wife...I know I just said "no one is perfect". But I can't help it. I want to be that person. But I cannot do it. It's impossible. It's a weakness to want to please everyone. I have learned the hard way (and am still learning) that this is something I have to change.

I am scared.

Fear is my worst enemy. I know that fear is also a natural part of our lives but sometimes I feel like my fears have taken more control than I'd care to admit. I fear for my children's lives in the kind of world that I am raising them in...especially knowing that I cannot shield them from everything that is bad. I fear that I might not be good enough mom or a good enough wife...and a number of other things that I dare not to mention.

Fear cripples you...and you (I) cannot let it.

Anger is not the best medicine.

I cannot tell you how many times I have gotten myself in trouble because of my short fuse...or how many times it has saved me from getting screwed. But, it's always the first one that has happened once too many times. I am not an easy person, I know. I know that my fuse needs to lengthen itself...patience and love is the key. Anger is weakness. Anger does not help you grow.

What would you say is your biggest weakness?

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 3

This week's theme: My Life 5 Years From Now.

This was tough. If you would've asked me this question 5 years ago, I would have said something along the lines of "roommates", "single", "crazy cat lady". You can't predict life nor can you control it... but you can dream. It's what living is all about, right?

My life 5 years from now (at least I would hope):
-...I'd like to be living in a house. Not a big ass apartment. No, a house, with a big backyard and enough space to create a play area for the kids. Growing up, I lived a lot with my grandmother. She had a HUGE house with a pool and giant tree with a treehouse. Can you say PERFECT CHILDHOOD?
-...I'd have another baby. What?! Isn't two little munchkins enough? I know that my husband always wanted to have a big family (and I mean he was thinking 5 kids. As a sensible woman, I said HELL NO). But...I grew up with 2 siblings. 3 is my magic number.
-...I'll be working somewhere in the field of my chosen career or doing Grad school. I knew when I was in high school that psychology was something that I always dreamed of doing. I see my path headed towards that direction, even if it's slow and taking me a little longer to finish school, I want my kids to have the best and a role model that strives for the best.
-...I would have at least done one thing off my bucket list. A girl can dream right?
-...If I'm not out of Florida, then I'd be out of Miami. Don't get me wrong, I grew up here and I wouldn't imagine of leaving everything I know. But, sometimes life can call you somewhere else. But I don't think I could leave FL...at least not yet. Not even in 5 years.
-...I'd have visited at least 3 other states. My husband and I love to travel. I never had the chance to do it much when I was JD's age. But once I started, I couldn't stop! And I love to be able to share this with my kids (at least JD has traveled already). Call it, our family bonding.

Just a little reminder of sweet beginnings <3

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 2

Today's theme is 10 Things I live for:

1. My kids.

This is a no brainer. I mean, those kids are part of me and I love them more and more every day. I'd like to think that they love me too :)
2. My husband.

Ok this was probably like 2 years ago, but one of my favs
of just the 2 of us.

Another no brainer. He is the love of my life. We have such great chemistry but at the same time we are so different...But it works, you know? He's my best friend and my greatest critic but I love it. I wouldn't change anything about him.
3. My family.
We are dysfunctional, at each other's throats half the time and still, we love each other more than anything in the world.
4. Starry nights.
I know where I live there are WAY too many street lights on and you can't see a damn star in the sky. But sometimes, you'll find yourself in a dark place where there are barely any lights on and you can see a lot of those little diamonds in the sky. I think back on the first time I ever saw so many stars in the sky and it's absolutely breathtaking and I envy every astronaut that has ever been up in space.
5. Random phone calls/texts/messages from anyone I haven't seen in ages.
I am really BAD at keeping in touch with friends. My best friend of 10 years can attest to this. But when someone remembers that I exist, my heart swells up. And I love it.
6. Music. Especially when it can give me goosebumps.
Music, in all it's different genres have something special. Have you ever heard a song that can make your hairs stand on end? I have. It's addicting. [I enjoy a lot of different types of music ranging from classical pieces to thrash metal. XD]
7. Afternoon tea/coffee.
Many of you don't know this, but I am Hispanic. My parents are from Chile. The afternoon tea/coffee thing is a HUGE tradition in my family. Although we don't live together anymore, I like to practice this tradition for the sake of reminiscing all the good times.
8. Friends...and anyone who is close to my heart.
I couldn't very well leave this out, could I? I am a bad friend sometimes (read #5) but to those who have stuck around after all these years, are the ones I know were worth keeping and they feel the same way. :)
9. Dramas.
Yes, I live for this. It is part my persona and I enjoy a sobfest from time to time. This is something I find that helps me let out some good emotions and reminds me that I am human...I can't always be stone-faced. I'd die if I become that way permanently.
10. Video games.
Whether it's on my 3DS, Xbox or Wii, I love it. I love playing video games. Maybe it's the art, maybe it's the art form of kicking ass, maybe it's the those brain teasers I love so much. But something about video games makes it worthwhile and brings out the kid in me. I wouldn't have it any other way.

52 Weeks of Blogging with A Purpose; Show & Tell Monday-- Week 1

I saw this and I thought Why not? So I am linking over for a little Q&A/Show and Tell every week! This week's theme is "Who I am?" I honestly had to think about this one. I couldn't be able to describe myself with just a few words. I am a seriously blob of things and I love it.

WHO AM I? I AM...

...a coffee-addict. I love coffee. Plain and simple. I think of it as my "me" time. I also think of those Snickers commercials "You're not you when you're hungry". Best way to describe me when I haven't had a cup of coffee.

...a drama-addict. I love it and I hate it. But I have enjoyed since my Spanish soap opera days and I haven't turned back since.

...crazy, stubborn, hard-headed and plain dumb sometimes. Yes, I admit it. I warned my husband before he even thought of proposing to me. I am all these things. I'm not proud of it but I've come to terms with my psychotic-ness and I wouldn't want to be anyone different.

...short-tempered and lack patience. -.- Not the best part of me.

...a bit compulsive.

...nerdy and loving it. I still think that the one of the best gifts I ever got was my Gameboy (and rejoice when Edward buys me new games for any of my consoles). I still like to watch cartoons, read comic books and play video games with my husband. I, one day would like to own a game room. And I will. One day.

...not artistic, talented, DIYer or great at anything really. I prefer thinking that I am good at living. And to live, I have been doing it and loving every minute of it.

...a Mom. Hear me roar. I never thought in a million years I would ever be a mom. I seriously honestly believed that I would be a crazy cat lady and live out my life that way. But, now that I am one...I cannot imagine my life any differently.

...a wife. Another part of my life I thought would never happen. Who knew that I would meet the love of my life at a bus stop? And we'd have kids? Yeah, not this one.

...a sister and a daughter. I wasn't the easiest daughter to handle nor was I the best sister. But these are things that shaped me into who I am today. I am nothing without them who have loved me unconditionally after all these years.

For the most part, I am me. A flawed human being who's pretty sure she's been winging everything she does.