The Most Beautiful Song of All Time

When I was a little girl, my parents listened to a very famous and very talented singer/poet named Juan Luis Guerra. If you mention him to any Dominican person, they know exactly who he is. He is like the Bob Dylan/Bruce Springsteen of Dominican Republic.

Basically, Juan Luis Guerra turns his poems into music. So his songs are not only pleasant to the ear but they are also lyrically beautiful. I am in constant search of artists that are exceptional writers. To me, lyrics are more important that the sound of the artist. There are a lot of people out there that sing fantastically but to be able to both write and sing well is rare.

With that said, I was listening to some old Spanish songs I grew up with. One of them is a Juan Luis Guerra song called "Burbujas de Amor." I have to say that this has to be the most beautiful love song ever written. The imagery expressed in this song is out of this world. The meaning get lost in the translation into English but basically he discusses how he wishes he was a fish that would forever be wet with this love he feels for a woman. He would touch his nose to his fish tank and make love bubbles all over the tank. He would make silhouettes of love under the moonlight and he talks about how just the sound of her voice makes him weak. It all sounds so strange in English, but I guarantee you ask any Spanish person and they will understand.

In any case, I have never heard a more beautiful metaphor for love. It stirred up a lot of memories and I was overcome with nostalgia about the past and my childhood. I dont often think about my childhood, but this song took me right back and man did I break down. I had such a strong connection to my past through this song that I could have sworn I was 8 years old again. I remembered my parents listening to this song, I remembered when I first heard it. I remembered how simple life was during that time.

Mostly, I remember my dad and I cried like a baby because I realized how much I miss him. I would do anything to have my dad back. Remembering how he used to be really opened my eyes to how much he has changed and this realization has left me helplessly broken. 

To Sacrifice But Knowing to Survive

I made a huge decision a few minutes ago...I have decided that I am going back to school to get my Master's degree.

And I'm scared....quite shitless

I have been out of school for almost 5 years now. I've always wanted to get my Master's but I have kept putting it off for years now. The best time would have been right after I got my Bachelor's since I was still in school mode but instead I needed a break. It was initially supposed to be a short break, like a year or so, but it has turned into a 5 year break.

I dont know how to get into the flow of school again. My last year in college, I worked 32 hours a week at a hotel and I was a Resident Assistant at school. The stress of work and school contributed to my mental downfall. I am scared that I might be overexerting myself again since I work so many hours at IBM. I dont even know how I will find time to take classes or much less study.

I could keep putting it off but when I make up my mind about something, there is no turning back for me. Something clicked this morning and this is an official decision. I am going to apply for Fordham Grad School since I got my Bachelor of Science there, but I think I'll aim a bit higher and perhaps try NYU or Columbia Grad schools. I mean, if I'm gonna do this, I'm gonna go all out and aim for the best. I also have to think about the financial aspect of this decision, so I might have to choose cheaper schools but I'll figure the details out as I go.

I'm terrified that this wont work out or that I'll fail, but I never want to look back and regret not doing this. If my mind is made up, I cannot and will not let fear stand in my way. I've always known sacrifices result in rewards and I have always survived all my sacrifices.

This one will not be any different

Title post is "Walk" by the Foo Fighters

And I'll Love You Always

I've been planning my wedding and so far it is really not as simple as I thought it would be. I really don't want this whole big event with 200 people and a catering hall. Truly I want the most minimal type wedding. I am not the Cinderella kind...I wouldn't have minded eloping in Vegas to be honest.

However, we decided to have an actual ceremony. When I picture myself getting married, I see myself on a beach so we have decided to do a destination wedding in Dominican Republic. I love the appeal of waves in the background and pictures with the sunset and my feet dipped in the ocean.

I want something simple, minimal, and elegant with a touch of vintage. The more minimal and simple things are, the better. I want everything to be white, including flowers and decor and have a pop of an accent color. I'm thinking yellow. I would also want the bridal party to all wear white too and I think it would be beautiful if all guests were dressed in white as well.

With the simplicity of my requests, I thought this would be an easy thing to plan. It really, really isn't. There are so many little things involved...invitations, music, decor, menu, etc. Decisions, decisions, decisions!

 

Title of post is "Part One" by Band of Horses

My Worst Addictions

Has anyone noticed that Netflix has a shit ton of TV shows available for instant viewing now? At first, there were only a few ones there but now, they have EVERYTHING. Even National Geographic shows and How It's Made, Wicked Attraction, The Wonder Years, etc.

I have been on a TV show rampage lately. All I do is watch TV shows on Netflix. Mostly I'm stuck on How I Met Your Mother and Vampire Diaries. I'm obsessed really...it's pretty sad. How I Met Your Mother is HILARIOUS!!  Like roll on the floor, slap your leg, wiggle around, laugh like I've never laughed before hilarious. I swear there have been many a times where I have had to catch my breath from how funny this show is. I just love the relationships between all the characters on the show and I think it's so corny in the most hilarious way possible. I absolutely love this show!

Vampire Diaries is so entertaining. The show has so many twists and turns. There is always a surprise in each episode that keeps you on your toes. There is enough action and enough talk that you don't get bored either way. The story line is thrilling and exciting and everyone hooks up with each other. Overall, the show is hot and sexy. The three main actors are all so good looking. I just love the mystery behind the characters and the show in general. Plus, I'm a sucker for vampire romances. Trust me, this is no Twilight though. There is violence, blood, guts and sex here.

I'm also obsessed with The Walking Dead and Dexter :) I see a pattern..I seem to like dark, disturbing shows lol (with the exception of How I Met Your Mother) There's a bunch of other shows on my Netflix queue that I cant wait to start watching (United States of Tara mostly lol). This works out well for me since I'm trying not to go out and spend money all year

I'm Still Around

It seems like I have less and less time to myself nowadays. I literally have not been able to find 20 min to post on my blog. There are so many things going on right now. I have a very bad habit of always keeping myself super busy and working on some sort of project.

Here's an update of whats been going on so far:

1. Work-As much as I hate what I do, apparently I am good at it. I recently got a very unexpected promotion. I am now a balance sheet lead for global technological services at IBM. So I manage the companies technological assets and liabilties. This was truly unexpected as I had only been in my dept for less than a year, but I accepted the promotion for the challenge and the fact that it would look great on my resume. I hope I dont regret my decision

2. Family-The triplets turned one last week and I planned their birthday party. It was a small get together just for our families. I enjoyed planning it and everything turned out great. I spend a lot of my free time with the triplets and my sister. As crazy as those kids can get, I start to miss them if I dont see them every few days. I want to be a huge part of their life and I want to make sure they know and understand this. I never want them to miss me.

3. Relationship-So Victor and I just recently celebrated our seven year anniversary on the 9th of this month. I am absolutely certain that he is the one for me and after seven years together, and almost 2 years of being engaged, I finally decided to get these wedding plans started. We have decided on a destination wedding to Dominican Republic in October of this year. So I have been busy looking up wedding ideas and locations so I can finalize everything ASAP. I know that I'll blink and it will be Sept and I'll have nothing done, so I'm making sure to start early. I am enjoying planning this and it will definitely keep me busy for most of the year.

4. Health-I stepped off the exercize wagon  when I went to DR in December and I thought I would just climb back on but it has proven to be difficult. I am definitely gonna get myself back on, especially since I am going to have to go wedding dress shopping in a few months. I refuse to not look and feel my best on my wedding day.

5. Other-Along with the wedding planning, I am working on trying to finish decorating my apartment. I plan to stay here for quite some time while we save up to buy a house, so I want it to be comfortable and beautiful. So far, it feels large and empty so I have a few DIY projects I'm gonna start working on to fill up empty wall space.

I am also working on getting rid of all my debt by the end of this year. I am taking this so seriously, it's not even funny. I havent been going out at all and I have been so broke this whole year because I am sending ludicrous amounts of money to pay off my credit cards. I even set up this spreadsheet where I can cross off things as I pay them and I'll know how much credit I have available and where to move around my balances so that I could pay the least interest. This is no joke to me

I am excited about this year. I think I am gonna get a lot accomplished and I have a lot to look forward to.

Questionnaire Extraordinnaire

In an effort to get myself back into the flow of blogging, I am posting a few times today. I saw a questionaire that a good friend of mine filled out and thought it would be interesting to do the same..simply cuz I can and because work is slow ;)

1) Put your iTunes on shuffle. Give me the first 6 songs that pop up.

-Dont have my iPod right now but I put my Spotify app on shuffle and here are the first 6 songs:
1. Fantasy-The xx
2.The Kids Dont Stand a Chance-Vampire Weekend
3.Tears Dry-Original Version-Amy Winehouse
4.He Can Only Hold Her-Amy Winehouse
5.Laredo-Band of Horses
6.The Only One-The Black Keys

2) If you could meet anyone on this earth, who would it be?
-Ryan Gosling ;)
3) Grab the book nearest to you, turn to page 23, give me line 17.
-You can cancel the slide show at any time by pressing Escape (I'm at work, the only book around was Quick Course in Microsoft Powerpoint 2000)
4) What do you think about most?
-Losing weight
5) What does your latest text message from someone else say?
-Ok, cool. Thanks
6) Do you sleep with or without clothes on?
-With clothes on
7) What's your strangest talent?
-Hmmm...dont think I have one. maybe..I'm really good at remembering numbers? I dont know
8) Girls.... (finish the sentence); Boys.... (finish the sentence)
-Girls have more power than they realize; Boys hardly ever grow up
9) Ever had a poem or song written about you?
-Yes

10) When is the last time you played the air guitar?
-Hmm, I am more of an air drummer myself so I can remember the last time I played air guitar..maybe a few months back?
11) Do you have any strange phobias?
-Do I? Yes, many. I hate body fluids, especially spit. I am scared of ghosts, demons anything related to the paranormal. I cant go into tunnels or tight spaces, I fear of being raped and murdered, I fear of not being able to find an exit if being chased or if there is a fire, I could go on and on but I guess these are the wierdest.
12) Ever stuck a foreign object up your nose?
-Um, does a Q-tip count?
13) What's your religion?
-Good question. I am not sure about this at the moment. I was raised Catholic but I dont think that is the right religion for me. I believe in God whole heartedly and I give praise in any way I could but I dont want to tie myself down to any religion, so I guess you could say I am just spiritual.
14) If you are outside, what are you most likely doing?
-Running errands, going to someones house, shopping or eating
15) Do you prefer to be behind the camera or in front of it?
-Definitely behind it
16) Simple but extremely complex. Favorite band?
-Oh boy, impossible to choose..The Black Keys maybe?
17) What was the last lie you told?
-I try hard not to lie so I cant remember when was the last time I blatantly lied about something
18) Do you believe in karma?
-Yes definitely
20) What is your greatest weakness; your greatest strength?
-My organization/OCD/need for structure is both my strenght and my weakness
21) Who is your celebrity crush?
-Ryan Gosling
22) Have you ever gone skinny dipping?
-Nope-I'm scared something will crawl up a hole lol
23) How do you vent your anger?
-Crying behind closed doors or putting it to the back of my mind and moving on

24) Do you have a collection of anything?
-Empty glass jars (one day I'll make something out of them)
25) Do you prefer talking on the phone or video chatting online?
-Phone..or texting
26) Are you happy with the person you've become?
-I'm getting there, slowly but surely. I know I dont want to be anybody else
27) What's a sound you hate; sound you love?
-Hate: burping/farting; Love: my niece and nephews' laughter
28) What's your biggest "what if"?
-What if I would have majored in something I love rather than Accounting? Where would I be?

29) Do you believe in ghosts? How about aliens?
-Hell yeah. I cant watch any movies about ghosts or aliens because otherwise I cant sleep at night
30) Stick your right arm out; what do you touch first? Do the same with your left arm.
-Right Arm: my printer at work; Left Arm: my phone at work
31) Smell the air. What do you smell?
- Soy sauce-I'm having sushi for lunch
32) What's the worst place you have ever been to?
-some hick town in North Carolina
33) Choose East Coast or West Coast?
-West coast-better weather
34) Most attractive singer of your opposite gender?
-Hmm..Adam Levine from Maroon 5 maybe
35) To you, what is the meaning of life?
-To experience, to enjoy, to make mistakes, to find yourself, to lose yourself, to be sad, happy, to be alone, to be accompanied, to learn, to make a difference, to strive, to yearn, to seek, to never find yourself with nothing to do, to be passionate, to love and to be loved.
36) Define Art.
-Visual representations of what goes on in extremely creative and talented people's heads
37) Do you believe in luck?
-Sometimes
38) What's the weather like right now?
-Rainy, slushy, but not too cold for this time of year.

40) Do you drive? If so, have you ever crashed?
-Yes and yes. I had someone crash into me and I crashed into a rail pretty recently
41) What was the last book you read?
-I Wrote This For You
42) Do you like the smell of gasoline?
-Kind of
43) Do you have any nicknames?
-Maure
44) What was the last movie you saw?
-The Rocky Horror Picture Show
45) What's the worst injury you've ever had?
-Thankfully, I have never seriously injured myself. I guess the worst injury has been scraping my knee when I was a little girl to the point where I couldnt wear pants for like a month. It's actually the only scar I have
46) Have you ever caught a butterfly?
-No, while I love butterflies and think they are beautiful, I am kind of creeped out by them. They are still insects after all
47) Do you have any obsessions right now?
-I always have an obessesion..it's how I get by. My current obsessionsare my Kindle Fire, getting my hair to grow, Naked Eye Makeup, How I Met Your Mother, and pinterest.com
49) Ever had a rumor spread about you?
-Not that I know of
50) Do you believe in magic?
-Meh..not really

New Year, New Beginnings

Here is my first post in 2012. I have been meaning to write but I havent been able to find the time since work was overwhelming for the first 2 weeks of January.

In any case, I have decided to make 2012 the year where I cross as much things as possible off my To Do list in life. I have an ongoing To Do list where I basically add more to do's than I take off, but I want that to change. For starters, here is my list. I have kept many of the same things but have also made a few additions and removed some things as well. I want to keep this list as realistic as possible.

Ongoing To Do's

1. Physical and mental health and well being

2. Dedicate more time to pampering myself

3. Grow my hair long enough to donate

4. Get married

5. Finish decorating my apt

6. Eat healthier and greener

7. Take more pictures

8. Pay off credit card debt

9. Save more money

10. Learn new recipes, cook more/bake more

11. Find a career that makes me happy

12. Travel more (Paris?)

13. Find out info about going back to school for my Master's degree

14.Get new glasses

15. Figure out how to stay happy

I am really going to focus on getting these done this year, but I'll be ok if not all of them get crossed off. Some are more important than others (number 1, 6, 8, and 9 are examples) so I will have to prioritize and just see where life takes me this year.