PAVEing a Blog

Thanks for making this blog a HUGE success!  I am trying to reach a total of 15000 views before the start of 2014, so stay tuned with today’s posts !! See this year’s report below!:

The WordPress.com stats helper monkeys prepared a 2013 annual report for this blog.

Here’s an excerpt:

A New York City subway train holds 1,200 people. This blog was viewed about 7,200 times in 2013. If it were a NYC subway train, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

…and warning you, they had it their way – so – this is the crazies for you that have been asking me…:)

Okay, HI!! I’m trying to evade the camera and enjoy this vaca so Happy New Year from the nuthouse!

They want to see me? I’m chillin’ for cryin’ out loud.

Whoa, check HER out by the fountain!

Amaya here, yes, we look alike, I mean, Wriggley and I ARE related you know!

Amaya prefers the hair back in the breeze look.

Wriggley has of late liked the California look, so be it, he gets it.

Hangover, Helen Kang’s feline, has made his home quite lived in!

Dewey claims her spot! 🙂

It’s funny, life.  If “played” right, the unplanned become the most exciting aspects.  Yes, yes, examples in order with a statement like that in the morning, right?

Dreams.  Do you think dreams can make you money?  I mean, you know, the real elaborate dreams, that we often let go, never do anything with.  Can you imagine if we recorded everyone one, not analyzing them or looking at them in the way of, “What does that mean?” but a chance to say, use them in National Novel Writing Month in November each year and see what we come up with?  I bet each one of use, if we combined all our dreams together, and put them towards such an event, we would get a mad mix of something that would be off the chart.  Just a subtle inkling I had when I woke up with what was a dream I had going on and on, and this one, not a happy, go lucky, sappy one, a kind of dreading what happens next one.  Yet I forced myself to get into the computer as quickly as possible, amazing at how much you know a password in your computer, and no matter how much you type it in the morning, it refuses to open the computer as your dream fades away (there is a start for a NANO story) – and why did I wake up so bent on NANO this morning?  If I personally had to start analyzing my dream, my morning, it would be my things to do are haunting me and turning into a maybe story of dread/drama that needs to be solved by finishing them, so I better go onto my next topic to finish this blog I meant to do last night…:)

Taking the Turibus was enlightening(not amazing, but it was).  I have lived here in Mexico City three years, and never took the Turibus, not once, and when I did yesterday, I rode it TWICE.  yeah, twice.  I realized I caught an awful lot in Spanish, but not all, and I wanted to not miss a thing.  So on the Coyoacan Historical Square  part, I stopped, I bought earphones for 80 pesos (they better last for awhile), and inserted, and wow.  I had caught alot but also missed alot, it added tons to the experience.  It was also amazing how the city fit together in front of my like a puzzle, seeing how the various delagacions fit together, all the while, me trying to imagine in from a metro, metrobus, and walking. This helped alot and painted a different picture.  Also, realizing the malls, murals,

and parks that were around me that I never realized, also a revelation.

There are these pet peeves I have been listing in my head lately, and not sure why.  But here they are – (I think they make for a good blog posting).

1- People that walk right towards you on a sidewalk, when you are walking three huge dogs, and refuse to move even when you are positioning yourself to miss them.  it is like they target you, directly despite the efforts you are making to avoid them.  (I want secretly to teach my dogs how to ATTACK!, and see how they move THEN!).  Not that this happens to me, just hypothetical of course  🙂

2- What is the deal with watching my dogs poop? (Darn, I just gave myself away there).  I mean, what is the special deal, is it because they have to go and they are living through my dog externally?  Is it that they never saw my dog poop before?  Do they like Poop?  I am going down a path I do not want to experience here, so I am will leave this one, but I mean, seriously, I might flash out a camera, a Polaroid since we do not see those much anymore, take a picture, and give it to them, since they are waiting it out while my dogs do their thing, and say, for you!

3- I get it.  People like dogs, they like my dogs, they ARE different.  Golden, tall, Afghan, but a mix of Retriever, long tail, yet retriever coat, it IS different.  Now imagine being stopped by these individuals, who realize this, in a say, 45 minute walk.  What what is SUPPOSED to be a 45 minute walk.  That almost 2 hour journey makes ME want to go the bathroom, right in front of someone, just to prove the point of the above points that drove me crazy.  Gross I know but um, let me let you take my dogs for a walk, and I want to analyze you afterwards, see what you think.

Okay I have more but I think I might put a damper on a perfectly good day, so, we’ll just stick with it being dog themes peeves and how is that?

Loved the past few days in a chance to not only be invited for Thanksgiving, Christmas, but New Year’s to some amazingly funny, spontaneous and optimistic people.  You need that.  It helps you recharge.  Then there is the food.  Ohmygosh the food.  yes, say ohmygosh real fast and you will get the swing of it.  I will actually be gaining some poundage the next few days, yet, I have never gained weight in ,y life and well, my friends helped manage that.  It is not the same as family of course, I do miss the so much, yet, it is funny when friends, new and frequent, start to become your family, and it seems to me that happens much more in an international situation, as thins are different. In being different around you, you all cope differently with things, an then, well, it causes a different set of conversations to originate, and before you know it, you are brought closer with the creative ways of dealing with those!  For me, it was setting a personal record to see how many restaurants I could go to, name, record with pictures, create as part of an overall blog to leave behind for others, to change the persona of Mexico of what I thought it was before I came, and for others, to take adventures into the movies and see what is good, bad, and ugly, see parts of the city I live in and get to know it well, well, well, before taking on the large world outside what I have come to known as Mexico City, (sounds like Prince), be able to explore my creative side of writing and do something with it, take ideas that float around and turn them into something substantial…OH!

I DO have a 4th pet peeve, but to your relief, not dog related.  Conferences.  Here, (or hear) let me officially label it below:

4- Conference.  I LOVE conferences, LIVE for them.  Yet, I see myself living for them for different reasons than most.  I get it, a chance to get away, go to some place huge, exotic, unknown, feel like a guest in a hotel, all of that.  I LOVE that too.  Yet, when you come back, I have this panic, urgency to want to share as much as I can with everyone, somehow.  Yes, we all know we cannot present at every meeting and the luster of the magic of what we learned fades within days after coming back, hard to show others.  BUT yet it seems people that go, and then come back, and do not do ANYTHING with that, I mean, am I the only one that gets bugged by that?  I mean – it is like, going on the Pony Express to deliver the mail, and coming back with the mail, just because all you wanted to do was ride the Pony (I so made that up just now, but um, yeah, same thing).  I HATE the fact that visibleness of conferences that in the beginning, that are made to sound so elaborate of why you should go, end up with this Poof! – nothingness.  It brings the visions of seeing the people get together at these things, and dreading the meetings, workshops, and ideas, and pushing towards, “Where are we going tonight to PARTYYYYYY?!” and seeing them live for the party, and neglecting the very reason why they are there!  How about some PARTTTTTAY!!!!!!  after some major kickbutt accomplishments?  Could that occur sine you came all this way?  That is the geek in me coming out, yet, pet peeve as it is, there it lies.  So this is a broader statement worth passing on…

Life – is so much what you make of it – it could be the lame things that pet peeve you to death (OHYGOSH, PET peeve, and I did three about my PETS – HELLO!  How ironic is that, and yes, it is 7:21 AM and I JUST get that connection –

but life is like the PET Peeves that get in the way, about the promises of what you will experience when you go to a conference and decide to bring nothing back for the good of others or bring back info that many people might ignore, but MIGHT just make someone’s day in hearing, about the details that exist around us and we push aside and choose to take for granted.  I fall and have fell unto all the above somewhere, yet realizing this, helps me change.  Life is so amazingly and very few have time to want to admit it, but do want to take time to complain about it.  I fall into the same category, yet, LOVE that I have this ability to take those things, and have them motivate me to be a better person, push others to do the same, and want to make the change in myself. I life that, that things can compound each other in a positive way, if we just have that perspective.

I tend to complain and be angry and just be negative if others around me do it alot. It is like a human barometer for me.  Hence, often, I sometimes have to go on my own.  it is just my way, maybe a by-product of coming from a large family, yet sometimes being an only child at home alot, I swear it is true.  However, the exciting this is what we can do with those possibilities, and being able to start a spark in someone else and seeing them take that spark, turn it into a fire, and ultimately, someone makes a SMORE, which we ALL can share and love.  (I love SMORES, but the true reality is some people do not like to share).

Sorry for the hilarity it this post, but honest, there are some truths in there too.  By the way, I love the fact that I have this amazing gold cup in front of me,

from La Liga, but like even more the fact that one J.P. does a great job of running La Liga football fantasy.  I have never played until  last year, and the two years I have learned so much about it, so major Kudos to J.P., and Happy Belated Birthday Joe E., I took a monster nap last night….sorry!

…to eyewitness great events; to watch the faces of the poor and the gestures of the proud; to see strange things-machines, armies, multitudes, shadows in the jungle and on the moon; to see man’s work-his paintings, towers, and discoveries; to see things thousands of miles away, things hidden behind walls and within rooms, things dangerous to come to; the women that men love and many children; to see and take pleasure in seeing; to see and be amazed; to see and be instructed…”

The above comes from the movie The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, but more importantly, the exciting aspect is this can be the mantra of all our lives if we want it.  I left the movies today after seeing The Secret Life of Walter Mitty, with a breath of fresh air and the knowledge that the road is open, for our next move.  That move could be anything.  Some people do not delight in that opportunity, as after the first few times Walter Mitty goes into his daydreams of adventure, and I found being slightly annoyed as they increased, I was right with him when he decided to break from the mold that had always been his day to day life.  I loved him for the courage to make that break.

So yes, I celebrate this film, not for being like the book by James Thurber, but taking the path not taken, and showing  all those, willing to see it, change and adventure is around every corner.  I also like that Ben Stiller directed and starred in this film.  I think he is definitely saying what life can be and should be if people choose that path in life.

I loved jumping into the truck and taking off to Cuernevaca today, just a whim, but it was refreshing to feel the wind, air, and openness of mexico as you leave the city embrace you as you travel down the road, on you own time, in your own space, and with your own thoughts.  Life is funny like that, it can change on the turn of a dime, and it is even better when you are able to ride that turn and have no idea what is next.

I loved this film, not for the reasons love films, but for the message that can reach out and speak to each of us, and there is a definite statement of what happens to those that can get to a point and not try to plan EVERYTHING, and also throwing caution to the wind at time and seeing what life has to offer you.

On Christmas Day, in light of so many sad things that occur:

http://mx.noticias.yahoo.com/fotos/tragedia-en-el-guardarropa-1385960913-slideshow/

I have realized the concept of gifts has changed for me as I have received a taste outside of the borders of the United States. Seeing children on the metro at 3:00 AM begging for a peso, people living on the corner covering up with cardboard in the park as I walk my dogs, and individuals in rags when I am struggling to put on my sweatshirt, I see the urge and need to be where the real life is, and not compete for box after package after want after device, to have as my own. I want a better life for those around me, and gifting now comes to me in the form of what can I do for others, what can;t be opened and received that competes with last year, but what can be given and last for years to come – that is what Christmas needs to become for others, for myself, and the idea of buying, buying, buying, and competing, and opening, and wrapping fades to the side. I am rich in friends and family that do not have to be near me to be appreciated, and only hope that others will realize the same when it comes down to how the world can be made better with us in it!

MERRY CHRISTMAS! (from Mexico!)

Films, there has been an onrush of some amazing nonfiction films and here are the ones I have experienced… in one line.  (hard for me as I am HARDLY brief!)

Diana  I am disheartened due to the way Diana is portrayed, and thin there is definite lack of accuracy, but, what should stand out, is her commitment to others, this stood out about her despite the film not showing that enough (in my opinion).

The Butler (Loved, touches your very soul and heart, and is Forrest Gum x 10)

Gravity (Okay, fiction!) But, it stunned me and sucked me in, I like that about films.

Mama (and this one too!)  – A long time since I have seen a scary flick, and this one made my jump a few times, so it qualifies as certifiably scary!

The Conjuring  The crazy thing is this is true, yes, scary, yes haunting, and true, ohmygosh watch out!

Captain Phillips  Loved this.  Interesting that there has not been a film on this before, but you are on the edge of your seat several times!

Hunger Games: Girl on Fire – LOVED, privileged to see the premiere, then went to see the firs day of release, loved better than the first and thought not possible!

Soon: The Secret Life of Walter Mitty  OHMYGOSH, based on the trailer, I can hardly wait!

…Christmas Eve?  Since I had moved to Mexico, there were a number of firsts I never even realized were happening to me, and seeing myself three years into Mexico, I see a totally different person.  I am sitting here, Christmas Eve, my first ever time without family (actually I think I did this my first year here  🙂  ) so lets say second time without being surrounded by family, and a sort of famous question always comes at you, “What are you doing for Christmas?!”  and yes, in the states I was always feeling like I would be ostracized if I had an answer other than I am spending with my family….yet…

Since coming to Mexico, I have changed so much!  Deb posted this article,  and I have to say, I agree.  I used to have these insecurities about taking a risk, leaving dramatically, seeing the world as the WORLD instead of through an article on the web, and losing so much value placed on material possessions.  On top of all that, I find myself so much more independent and wanting to see things, experience things, and interact with experiences on my own, to ultimately learn more about myself, and I have found in the process, I have become a calmer, more contemplative person as I have gone through such an amazing experience as being overseas!

Overseas is a transformation of the whole person…had I known so much would be seen in a different light, my gosh, what would I have been like if I would have done this years ago?  I am amazed at how the city speaks to you when the noise of 117.41 million people, the 7th largest city in the world now, halts, and you see the city in a totally different light!  What I did not realize was all the things you realize about yourself if you allow the time for the city to speak back to you.

The independence I have gained truly has made me more excited to see what I am capable of.  There is always this stigma or stereotype that being alone on the holidays is bad.  Ugly.  Or abnormal.  Heck, when I was in the states the stereotypes of Mexico was that people were kidnapped everywhere, drugs abounded, and it was a typical scene out of a Clint Eastwood movie gone bad.  Wow.  I realized that most cities in the states are way worse than here, AFTER I saw what Mexico had to offer.

Somewhere in the three years, I stumbled across my confident self I had lost years ago in countless relationships I thought I needed to be me.  As years go by, I realize, I need these things…

Family is every important and needed and I am still able to maintain contact, just in different ways, friends, and challenges.  Sometimes they come in the form of friends, but more and more, I see the opportunities I relish being discoveries I make on my own, and that coincides with me having made the break for teaching overseas.  Coincidence?  Hmmmmm…

On a night that is quiet, peaceful, and full of promise, I have to say this Christmas Eve is one of the best in the form of how difference things can be, and yet how right they can be.  There is that feeling of nostalgia and magic that Christmas Eve brings, and if you let it in, it will impact you no matter where you are in the world!

I see the opportunities at our feet, if taken advantage of, will leave us never, ever with a feeling of emptiness and/or loneliness.  If those opportunities are not take advantage of, then, something vacant remains.  I have been blessed with family and friends that never leave a hole in my heart, holiday, or life, and what more could you ask for?

Happy Holidays EVERYONE and enjoy what is a complete celebration of ow lucky we are to have opportunities waiting for the taking.  I think the 2014 year will be full of many surprises – enjoy!

Now only a small percentage of you would recognize that heading.  That would be the small percentage that have played the second year of Fantasy Football with me this year. Last year I would up somewhere near 5th or 6th place overall, not shabby for the first year.  This year, I found myself researching more, changing, changing, and more changing the lineup, and well believe it or not, I found myself in the championship game and then look below:

…somehow I managed to win it all. I am still well, amazed, but I think I owe the credit to the song made in my honor last week, and please do not hesitate to listen to it here  😉 (2:45 starts the actual song, lol).  I honestly have no words – and I NEVER thought that John could put my name and team to a song…um, wow…

I think the amazing scores I had below,

were due to the researching for a defense, the weather, and then…

researching more about Wide Receivers, and geez, over 35+ hours of research – I have to say, I know so much more about football, but when it comes down to it –

the members of this league are AMAZING and I have to say, this is one of the best Fantasy Football Leagues, and I think so for last year as well, because, well, the owners are AWESOME.  The creator of La Liga, is to be saluted…we salute you!

Thanks for the final salute movie to the 2013 season!  Honestly, I just want some turkey, ham, desserts, appetizers, food, and some relaxing non-thinking football events for Christmas Day, and we are almost there….:)    Happy Christmas Eve everyone!  🙂

As things begin to finally wind down for the year – there’s so much that is deserving of contemplation.  After roughly six years of starting, partially working on, and moving towards a completion of my Mansfield School Library and Information Technology Degree, the final stages are arriving.  The last course, my Introduction to Electronic  Cataloging came to a close.  I have always been driven with a drive to strive for nothing less than an A, and yes, receiving a C in the course, I looked back after some anger, mixed emotions of putting in work that received all A’s, and missing the last two assignments due, that dropped me to a C in the drop of a hat, seconds.  Yet, as is true with so much, there was so much going on beyond just two assignments not being turned in on time.  Being able to get back into the Middle School classroom and teach a lesson on Scott Westerfeld, NANO, as well as finish a literacy lesson at the Lower School on paraphrasing, and maintaining the record of hours for my activity log, along with actually feeling there was an end to the semester of courses, and then in the background alot of other stressful moments working through, I had a talk with my own reasoning and realized…the C doesn’t matter in comparison to the knowledge I was obtaining, the time I put into give the Repentino. staff a boost, a push forward, the time I spent with students over the last few weeks and months, and so much more occurring, I realized this…

My view that anything less than a C was a waste, well I had to lay that aside.  The benefits I reaped along the way despite a letter grade in my course, and knowing I had really tried on all the assignments, as well as analyzing the other activities that occurred around me, I found myself wanting to look past the letter grade and beyond to other aspects, the same thing we want our students to do.  I could not trade the moments I shared with my students in the last few weeks as we saw the 2012-2013 came out, we worked through some issues the students needing working through, and so much more, the C now began to settle into the word content.  I find I still am learning much about myself through others.  Was it disappointing?  Yes, but, it is my responsibility to still keep learning what I feel weak in, and that can’t be defined into a letter grade, and I aim to finish with quality as I slowly close out this period of study that has seemingly lasted so so long.

Last week, I had had it with seeing the straggly hair on Wriggley and Amaya, and to be honest, Kinah was looking a little shaggy herself.  I was recommended from Cynthia Kaplan’s Lucky Dog to take in the services of the Doggie Bus, on the corner of Parque Mexico.  The patience, time, and care they took with Kinah, Wriggley, and Amaya, along with the price for such qualities, unmatched anywhere.  I came in around 1:00 and almost five hours later, some new looking canines emerged and were surrounded by spectators noticing!  The amazing job that they did, the care they gave the three, as well as the bandannas, all added to an amazing grooming experience for the puppies that had NEVER BEEN GROOMED since birth.  So you can imagine.

During the process, I was interviewed by Jean Guerrero, wait, not me, Wriggly, Amaya, and Kinah were publicized and photographed – as the celebrities that are (first Aeromexico Magazine and now the Beacon in Mexico) where I told them the story of Kinah, her pregnancy, and the crazy soap opera that has become the family of three now.

Smelling amazingly clean, and literally seeming like different dogs, we left and they seemed lighter as well as cleaner.  Being able to relax at Sandra’s apartment, the dogs LOVED every stretch of her apartment and immediately made themselves at home, lol.  She helped much with that too!

Alas, it seems they will stay celebrities and that seems fine with me as they had a rough history to get to the point of being polite and having major manners, thanks to Walking Dog as well, an overall collaborative effort!

Lots more to share but thought the limelight special would go well with the pictures I am taking of them wishing everyone a Happy Holidays!  Soon!  🙂