Wishing on a Star

I wrote this story about a little girl that wished on a star. It was inspired by my 5 yr old daughter. She helped me remember what it was like to be that age and to wish on a star. What I would wish for. As a child I wanted to do so much, I still am the same way, kind off. I wanted to travel all over the world. Become an actress, singer, dancer. In high school, I wanted to be an archeologist. I love history. ( I also wished I could travel in time to the past. To see what it was like to live in earlier times, 1800's) In my story the little girl got her wish. After enjoying her wish she realized that she could not return to her family unless she gave up her wish. She had to choose between her biggest wish and her family. When you were little, what did you wish for? Or what did you want to be when you grew up?

What Luck...

So my husband had to go out of town and left on Sunday. Why is it that as soon as he leaves my car breaks down? As I was driving home from dropping my 5yr old in school, the accelerator stopped working. Getting closer to the house, I pressed on the gas pedal, and it would barely give gas. As I was around the corner from the house, the car coasted into the driveway. Normally, I have no problems being an independent woman. Though in this case, I did not know where to start. With my husband's advice, after I called him, the car had to get towed from my driveway. My neighbor, thank goodness that she was home, drove to me to the car rental place to get another vehicle.Though I hope she is available again when it comes time to return it. I looked into getting a small SUV because of the 4WD capability. It's winter and the possibility of snow is still there. In return I receive a free upgrade to a Chevy Tahoe. I love it; very roomy. 
 
This is the fourth time in one year the car has been in the shop. Mostly it has been because of recalls. The last time was just in December. It was because of the fuel gauge/fuel tank. The mechanic called my husband today with the diagnose. It's the sensor and something else in that area. These problems are really motivating me to get rid of my vehicle. I hate to do so, but I have to. There is reason to believe that out of all the other vehicles in the car lot, I left with a lemon.

   With the spring semester starting, I have my first weekend class session on Saturday. The class is College Algebra and I won't be able to make it. No babysitter and the neighbor has plans. I have no problem with that. Curiousity drove me to look at the syllabus, just to make sure that I won't be missing anything important. Well, according to the professor there will be a quiz every week after the first day of class. Somehow I have to review the information at home and be prepared for the quiz next week. Oh, I forgot to tell you one little detail. I suck at math. That is the main reason I am taking a classroom lecture instead of taking it online.

   It's only Tuesday and boy what an eventful week. We are expecting snow tomorrow. Yayy!! I love it when it snows. Good thing my daughter is off from school tomorrow due to a teacher day. That's enough venting for today. Thanks for listening. Talk to you next time. Happy Snow Day!!  :-)

Update on my Progress

Since I started my personal weight loss journey, I weighed myself this morning. I am down to 149lbs. I love food and that has also been my downfall. On this journey I'm learning that it is ok to eat but to just control portions. There is a tendency of me eating until I can't eat anymore instead of stopping when I'm actually full. The working out has been a very disciplined area for me. No matter what I make time and make sure I at least exercise 3x a week. If I can't make it to the gym, the living room is transformed in my own personal gym. I've been attending Zumba classes when I am able to, and I love them. The Zumba DVD's are used at home when making the trip to the gym is impossible. At the gym, if zumba is not availble, 30 min on the elliptical and 30 min on the treadmill. Even after class, I like to hit the treadmill. I've been logging my progress on the machines thru my iphone since I connect to the machines and syncs the results to Nike+ online to track. There is an app called myfitnesspal, it tracks all of my calorie intakes. Helps me keep tabs on what foods I decide to put in my mouth. One thing that has been helping me to push it hard is when my husband pinches my love handles. I hate how all of these years he has been able to eat anything he wants and all it takes is an order of fries to gain a pound on my end. aarrgghhh. Good Luck to everyone else on their personal journeys. Continuing on my fight to get rid of my love handles.

Finding the Perfect Puppy, Part 2

With a big smile on his face, Alex slowly, taking his time, started to walk by the cages. He walked by a Chihuahua first, and petted her head. The puppy was cute, but too small. “What do you think of this one?” asked dad. “She’s too small, daddy. She won’t keep up with my bike.” Replied Alex, so he kept walking.

            He stopped by the beagles, but they were all sleeping. Alex tried to get their attention by whistling, but that didn’t work. “What about this one?” asked dad. “No, daddy. They sleep too much.” And he kept walking down the aisle. Alex put his hand to his chin and rubbed. “Where could he be?” asked Alex himself, wondering where his perfect puppy was.

            Just as he started to think that his perfect puppy was not there, he found him. He was white with black spots. The little puppy was rolling around with his brother, playing. Slowly, Alex walked over to his cage and was about to try to pet his head. But instead the puppy stopped playing with his brother, gave a quick little bark, and rolled over so Alex could rub his belly. Alex giggled as he rubbed his belly. The puppy couldn’t stop shaking his leg from the belly rub. As Alex stopped, the puppy got up quickly and started giving doggy kisses to Alex’s hand. The sign said he was a Jack Russell Terrier. Not too big, and Not Too Small. He gave great doggy kisses.

            “What about this one?’ asked dad. Alex looked up at his dad, still giggling from the doggy kisses. “Yes, daddy. Yes, he is the one.” Alex picked up him from his cage to give him a big hug. He laughed as the puppy started to lick his face. “Can I have him?” Alex asked his dad, with hope in his eyes. “Yes, son. If he is the one, we can take him home.” Together they started to walk to the front of the store to pick out a collar. Alex looked up at his dad, still holding the puppy. “Daddy, he is the one. I’m going to call him…….. Spots. He has so many of them.” They both laughed as they played with the new puppy that’s coming home with them today.

*Please feel free to let me know what you think of my story, and if you would like to see more.*

Finding the Perfect Puppy, Part 1

 Alex and is dad where on their way to the store. Not just any store, the pet store. Today is Alex’s birthday. His dad is letting him get a puppy. His very first puppy, he was so excited.

            “Are we there, yet?” asked Alex impatiently. He was having a hard time sitting still in his booster seat. He was turning 5 years old that day, a big boy now. Alex was very proud to be a “big boy” now.

            As dad was pulling into the parking lot of the pet he looked in the mirror and replied, “Yes, we are finally here. Do you know what kind of puppy you are looking for?” Though, secretly he was hoping for a small dog.

            “Well, he’ll have to like running with me when I ride my bike. He has to like playing catch and digging holes to find buried treasure. Oh, and sleep with me in my bed to protect me from the monsters in my closet. The most important thing… gives the best wet kisses. I love doggy kisses.” While giggling, Alex explained to his daddy.

            “Now don’t forget Alex, you also have to take the puppy for walks and give baths,” dad reminded Alex of his responsibilities with the puppy. “I know, dad. I’ll be the best doggy walker ever.” Alex was anxious to go into the store to find his puppy.

            As dad parked the car and was walking to the other side to help Alex out, he already had his door open. He was so excited he wanted to scream at the top of lungs “Yippee”. But he didn’t. He knew that big boys didn’t do that.

            Dad and Alex held hands as they walked into the store. It was the coolest pet store he has ever seen. Outside the sign, Doggy Heaven, had a picture of a white poodle, but inside there were all kinds of other doggies. There were Poodles, Chihuahua’s, Beagles, Huskies (they look like wolves, too.) and a whole lot of other wonderful looking dogs.

(Dedicated to my other daughter on four paws, Fiona)

Snow day

It's snowing heavily in DC. But not heavy enough. Expecting 2 to 4 inches. I can't help but want a snow day. To relax at home, not having to drive in traffic. Watching the snow fall is so beautiful to me as well as being surrounded by it. Then there are others, like my mom, that panic when it snows. All in the hopes of not getting stuck on the side of the rode. She lives in NY so they will be getting over a foot of snow. I enjoy the tranquility the snow brings and it's purity as it falls. The streets suddenly become quiet and empty. As a child, I remember my fifth grade teacher telling us that if we wanted a snow day we should sleep with our pajamas inside out. Maybe tonight, it just might be one of those nights. Just to be goofy. For now, though I'll sit back with my mug of hot cocoa, watch the weather channel, and watch my daughter sleep. (can't help it, she is in my bed.) Cheers!

Day 1

Today I began Day 1 of my resolution. First thing this morning after feeding the baby and passing her to my husband, I went to the gym. There at 8:00am was a Zumba class about to take place. Nervous about it but I still went in. For an hour I danced my butt off. It was so much fun. Next weekend I will definitely attend again. At least until school starts again then I will do the routines at home for at least an hour a day. During nap time of course. My starting weight is 155lbs. My goal, to be realistic is 140lbs. Now, if I just so happen to reach 130 lbs, I will be ecstatic. In order to push myself and to keep on the right path I will keep you updated on my progress. Curious to know how I will progress. When I met my husband I weighed at 115 lbs. 9 yrs and 40 lbs later, with 2 kids. Good Luck to everyone with their resolutions. (And to me.)

Baby Weight

It is true what they say. For every kid you gain 10-15lbs. Well that was the case for me. My goal this new year is to try and lose it. Trust me I'm not trying to fit in skinny jeans, just want to be fit. To be healthy. Out with the Mcdonalds, in with chicken salad. Being a busy mom I'm always looking for the quick meals. This year I will plan meals accordingly. I have 2 beautiful daughters. With my first pregnancy I gained 30lbs after birth. It took me 3 yrs to finally lose it. My youngest was born a year ago. After giving birth to her, I am 20lbs from my goal. Given it's better than the last, due to a better diet. When the weather warms I vow to walk everyday. Currently I will cut back on sweets. They are my downfall, but I will stay away. No more Ice cream, cake, and pie. Mmmm. Bye love handles, hello to a healthier me. This is my resolution. What's yours?

Perseverance is a key to success.

This New year

For 2011, nothing but positive energy. I think this as I submit queries to various literary agents. During my winter break from school, there was more time to work on manuscripts. Mostly my children's books. I'm looking forward to sharing them with an agent. Just hope they enjoy them as much as my daughter. I will not let rejection letters phase me, as the are a normal part of the process. If I believe in myself, people will believe in me. Primarily I want to show my daughter not to give up on what you enjoy doing.

Mother and Daughter- Poem

Mother and Daughter

Flowers that grow,

Looking taller every hour.

Waiting for them to bloom,

But hopefully not too soon.

My two beautiful flowers,

That grow with every hour.

Such beauty they hold as they blossom,

But to watch them grow is truly awesome.

I cannot keep them always near,

For I’ll suffocate them I fear.

For every bloom differs,

As the current of every river.

I will always be their loving caregiver.

For we are Mother and Daughter,

We will always share the same water.

Poem

Life is full of surprises and disappointments.
Stay strong.
Stay positive.
Live life.
Love your children and family.
If you fall, get back up and fight.
Always give your all.
Never let them in your head, or share your thoughts.
Don't get hurt.
Not worth the heartache.
It might seem right, will not always be.
They smell weakness, and use it against you.
Wear the shield tight, no one will get thru.
There are positive things waiting for me in the future. Though it is all unknown.