Do something you never thought you would do....4/20/09

3 Years ago TODAY I was preparing to leave to the Peace Corps! I posted on my Blog, LIFE IS CALLING. In that entry I wrote:

I propose that in the next two years you TOO try to do something you never thought you would do. Pick up a new hobby, take a trip, do something spontaneous, or COME VISIT ME!!!!A friend sent me a quote today that is so true: "You will always have time for things you put FIRST". Too often we are tempted to fall into a routine or live vicariously through others (T.v. Shows, movie characters, books, friends). Remember--YOU ARE THE MAIN CHARACTER in the story of your LIFE!! 

I'm happy to say that I have taken my own advice in this time. I have lived many experiences and done MANY things I never thought I would do (especially not in this time):

• Built an oven out of CLAY, COW Sh*t, rocks, sticks, water
• Eaten food that i've planted with my own hands
• had my mother teresa/ Princess Diana moments that i'll NEVER FORGET while teaching english on my back porch.
• Got married on a running trail to a person who inspires me to be better everyday.
• Delivered my son NATURALLY
• BECAME A MOTHER--and have started to learn what the truest definition of unconditional LOVE is.
• Lived in 2 beautiful US cities...now 3.
• horse back rode bareback on the beaches of Panama, on the beautiful beaches of Vieques,  and horseback rode on the Beach Side cliffs of MALIBU, CA
• OWNED my VERY OWN HORSE!!!
• hiked yosemite national park with my family
• sold furniture and artwork that I MADE!
• gone actual rock climbing on the green belt in austin
• ran my first full marathon
• I've swam in the FREEZING pacific ocean, like a true local...in my bathing suit!
• "surfed" on the beaches of CA
• lived 2 blocks from the beach!
• became a vendor at a farmers market
• been able to HOLD my entire family in my arms
• have taught FBI agents spanish
• Hung out with the US Ambassador to Panama and her husband (who were GATORS!)
• I've become a character in an ACTUAL book...my own PUBLISHED children's book!
• plussssss a million more.

SO WHAT if most of those things weren't what I had in mind when I proposed the challenge 3 years ago: try to do something you never thought you would do. Pick up a new hobby, take a trip, do something spontaneous---these still qualify!
It's been a ridiculous journey that LIFE has surprised me with and keeps SURPRISing me with. There have also been some not so happy things that I never thought I would live through, AND (if won't say but, because I don't want to negate what I just said...so AND) overall I must say that I've lived a life WELL LIVED and quite successful if I may say so myself (or according to Emerson):

• I've laughed a lot and LOVED with all my heart
• I have won the RESPECT of some intelligent people
• I have earn the affection of many children---which used to never really be a priority of mine until motherhood.
• I have won over some critics and made believers out of some non believers, but can't say that I was able to win over the critic that I most wanted to believe in me.
• I've appreciated the BEAUTY that has surrounded me, whether its taking in a spectacular view, a sunrise, or simply taking a mental picture an unforgettable moment.
• I have tried to find the best in others...though I have come short a couple times--I'm still trying.
• I've given of myself...my time, my energy, my thoughts, my ideas, my hopes and dreams. I've been there for friends in their hard times and they've been there for me in my hardest of times. 
• I know i'm leaving the world a better place with my healthy son, gardens in Panama, SEEDS that i've planted in friendships, and am working on social conditions part.
• I've played with enthusiasm 
• I have sung---poorly(so poorly that it has brought my son to tears), but i have sung none the less.
• I know that many lives have breathed easier because I have lived!

I've filled the passed 3 years with adventures, memories, and experiences that many people live their whole lives yearning for...and this post doesn't include anything about my other 23 years! I know I'm just getting started. Adult life isn't EASY and in the midst of all the hardships, heartbreaks, let downs, and struggles I deal with EVERYDAY I feel light sprinkles of blessing and joys that remind me HOW FORTUNATE I truly am.  Some days it's hard to feel blessed but when I step back and look at my life...I realize that I'm asking to have it all....and NO ONE has it all, especially not all together.

Hanging out with MAMA and TIA at the baby Beach!

 The move to Miami has not been an easy transition, but there have been some very special days...One of those was a morning trip with TIA to Matheson Hammocks Park. It's a park/beach that me and my sister used to go to with my mom when we were little! Now I'm the mom =)

I'm so in love with this little man!

 Thank you TIA for an awesome day!!

WE LOVE YOU!!!

EEG DAY

Today went as well as it could...we have to wait for the results...but Nico did his part GREAT!

5:00am we were up and hanging out watching CARS 2 (again).


5:30am- Nico finished eating breakfast--which would be his last meal until after the exam.

7:30am- drank his last milk 

9:00am- drank his last Apple juice

9:30am- We were in the first waiting room all checked-in and ready for our hospital visit

10:30am- we went into the second waiting room where he was weighed and given a SWEET ELEFANT and CLOWN hospital gown. We read some books and played with Talking Tom on mommy's IPHONE.

11:30am we were in the EEG room. On the way there Nico said Hi to EVERYONE he saw...and said WEEEEEEE all the way down the hall as he was rolled on the big "crib" to the EEG room. Everyone laughed and smiled!

12:15pm The EEG started.





1:30pm the test was over. And Nico slowly started to awaken from his little nap. I don't know anything about the test since the TECh didn't say ANYTHING at all (i know he's not allowed to, but still....he could have given me a thumbs up or down at least). On our part, the test went well! Nico was a trooper without sleep and food......it almost seemed like it didn't even phase him!!

He was only upset when they started puncturing his arm to put the IV in (about 10 mins- 3 pokes on two different arms). And then when he got up from the exam he was half asleep half awake for about 15 mins---during that time he was upset at the EEG TECH....but soon after....he was happy as a butterfly. As we left he said bye to all the doctors and nurses and other patients, the elevator, the hallway, and the christmas trees.

My pumpkin bread is such a trooper. I'm so proud of him! When we go home, he wanted to go night night in the Wagon/Train that abuelo made him.

Hopefully tonight Nico can get 2 nights of well deserved rest!! Te amo mi rey!!!

We have to wait about a week or so to get the results and will work from there with the doctors to see what the next step is...but he's doing great! On our way home from the Hospital, Nico and I stopped at Santa Monica Catholic Church to say hi to Baby Jesus and thank you for watching over Nico and all of us. And as we were leaving, Nico said bye bye baby Jesus.

End of November

As we mentioned before, November was a very sickly month and I AM SOOO HAPPY IT's over!!
But we have to share the HUGE events that happend in the last couple days of November:

We decided to go Celebrate Thanksgiving with Kelly and Josh in Arizona!
Tia Kelly was ready for Nico with fun-filled activities planned for the WHOLE WEEKEND!!

When we were packing to head out----I received a call from a Doctor's office that I had interviewed with....and they told me that I GOT THE JOB!!!

The drive was LONG, thanks to LA traffic....






Thursday- Thanksgiving Day!
We got up early for a run (Kelly and I) and Peter and Nico joined us for a little and then went back to kelly and Josh's place to help him  PREPARE THE TURKEY and MAKE BREAKFAST for us girls =)

We have so much to be thankful for!

Friday at midnight we hit up TARGET for BLACK FRIDAY!!
Friday during the day we went to a mall and joined the masses in shopping for things that we were told we couldn't live without...lol like candles from bath and body works, and an 8th pair of jeans...hahaha
BUT we did find some great BARGAINS!!!!
Friday evening we met up with Kelly's friends who have a little 2.5 year old---Her and Nico had an unforgettable first date. They were huging and holding hands the whole time! We all got to hear a live concerts and see SNOW (bubbles) come down from the sky!! It was AWESOME!!!

Then Peter and I went to Melting Pot (tradition) and to a Comedy Show to celebrate our 2 year Anniversary! Crazy that it's only been two YEARS and at the same time already two years!! Two Years ago we were at TOWN LAKE saying: I PROMISE to LOVE YOU FOREVER....sometimes its hard but there are those moments that really do take your breath away--when you feel SO LUCKY that you get nervous that it might

Saturday we did a little more shopping then we got ready for the UF vs FSU game....which led to some heated discussions at the Allegro residence.
Sunday- Our 2 year anniversary!
In the morning we got up early for breakfast and to head out to "avoid traffic".
At breakfast,Manuela and Juan called us with some GREAT NEWS!!! THEY GOT ENGAGED!!!!

I feel so connected with my sister and friends.
Angela and Andrew got married on my birthday.
Kelly and Josh got engaged on my birthday.
And now, Manuela and juan got engaged on Peter and mine's anniversary.


But the end of november craziness continues....
 Monday morning I started working at the Optomologist office! I told everyone in the elevator that I was super excited that it was my first day of work! Everyone at the office was super nice!

However 1 hour after walking out of my first day of work, I got a call back from another job I had applied for...I was happy and excited about the job I had just started but I thought I would hear her out. Peter said it wouldn't hurt to interview them so I did. I scheduled an in person meeting.

My dad arrived on the 30th! From the second Nico saw him...they have been inseparable!!
It was an amazing way to close NOVEMBER!

Catch-up post part2-November

November came and (almost) went with out me getting a chance to take it all in!

I'll divide this post in sections:

Important Dates

Progress/Updates

First I'll start with IMPORTANT DATES this month:
Abuelita's Birthday was on the 2nd. So was mommy's friend-Galey's Birthday.

Daylight savings! What used to be my favorite holiday!

Tia Manuela Celebrated her 24th Birthday on the 14th with a very creative VIP style BASH in Miami's Latest hottest CLUB---BYOB with a red carpet entrance fit for the best sister!!

Nico Celebrated his 22month Birthday. Yes folks that means that this little man is 2 months from being in his TERRIBLE TWOS...lol. Just kidding....well I hope, for my sake. You can see more about his stats and such on his 22month Update.

In the Progress/Updates section:
I have three topics to report on:
1. MARATHON TRAINING:
 Training has been difficult to get into a routine but I've been out there pounding the payment and trying to get in as many miles as I can. Race day is creeping up on me and I do want to be ready. My longest run till now has been 11 miles which I know is about 6 miles too short for this time in my training....but I've done 89% have been done with Nico in the stroller; So maybe I can add a couple miles to total milage and subtract some seconds from the average pace!
Recent events-> the time-change and  sicknesses running around have gotten in the way. But NO EXCUSES...I know. I'm ramping up the training...come race-day, I'll be ready!!!!

2. Children's Book: I am proud to report that the manuscript, images, and what-nots were sent to the submission coordinator at Xlibris, Cherry. Tomorrow I should be hearing from Patrick, my assigned Design Consultant who will be contacting me to go over details for my books initial designs and layouts!!!! THE BOOK IS NOW IN THE DESIGN PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT!!! All very exciting!!! We'll see what the coming weeks bring!

3. Working Momma:As you know I've been hard at work applying for jobs EVERYWHERE...and ALL KINDS of jobs...and have been TURNED AWAY, shut down, told : "No Thanks", "Not Hiring", "We're going in a different direction", "We're looking for someone with more experience", "We'll contact you",or SIMPLY...NOTHING...
BUT this past friday was different! I had an interview at a Opthamologist's Office. How I got the interview in the first place is a great story of FATE...I think. I went to my regular primary care doctor and asked to see an eye doctor cause my vision was blurring after a couple hours of drawing. She recommended a doctor she really likes that happend to be not too out of the way. So I made an appointment for later in the week. While getting my eyes checkout by this doctor, we started small talk....and I ended up telling him that I studied biology, that I have been looking for work and wanted to make sure my eyes were ready and all set for when I did get a job and have to focus my vision ALL DAY...He asked me about my work experience, and I was honest...telling him that after college I went to the Peace Corps and then since moving back have been dabbling. He recommended that I shadow his head technician if I was interested. I happend to have a resume with me, so as I checked out at the front desk, I asked the girl...By any chance, are you guys hiring? To my surprise, I didn't get one of the past answers....she said: I don't know, but we are super busy and can always use the help. So I gave her my resume and I got a call from the head technician for a job interview a couple days later. Friday I went in for an interview where they told me the position that they were looking to fill, and the hours. I talked with the manager for a while about my resume and then I waited in the "kitchen/break room". One by one the office staff, and doctors came in. Most of them said they had all already heard about me, and were super nice. The head tech who called me also noticed how funny I was =) which made me happy that he had such a great sense of humor. The hiring manager thanked me for coming in and said she'd call me Monday with an OFFER. I don't know how close I am to actually having a NEW JOB...but I can't help but feel super excited and hopeful. Tomorrow can't come soon enough, it's gonna be a BIG DAY!


On not so important news,  I got a new phone =) with a new NUMBER...IPHONE BY THE WAY! If you call my old number you'll hear the message-with my new number on it. Some of you may be wondering why I haven't  texted you back....we'll there you have it!

Happy Birthday Buela!!!

Buenos dias Mommy!!!! 

Espero que te sientas muy celebrada hoy! Nico y yo nos despertamos super temprano para hacerte esta tarjeta! TE QUIERO MUCHISIMO!!! Gracias por ser tan buena MAMA,  por todos los sacrificios, y por querernos tanto! MUAHHHH!!!!

Happy Birthday Buela!!!

Nico and Abuelita in Colombia =)

Happy Birthday Great-Grandmas!!!/ Feliz Cumple Anos Bis- Abula

October has been a BIG MONTH and there is still one more special B-day coming =)

Nico's Bis-Abuela Chava celebrated her birthday on the 4th And Today is Great-Grandma, Florence's Birthday!!!!

What a lucky boy to still have 3 GREAT-GRANDMOTHERS around, who love him so much!

Abuelita, Feliz Cumpleanos! Espero que hayas pasado muy celebrada y acompanada. Aunque estamos lejos....te queremos muchisimo y siempre te pensamos.

Florence, I hope you have an amazing day!!!! Nico sends you a BIG "HELLOOOOO" with a big smile. May all your wishes come true today =).

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!