A couple more things that ended 2008 for me...

Community Christmas at FUMC in the Toy Room:

(we helped about 1,300 kids get toys for Christmas)


I went to Vegas (Baby!) for my Birthday:




Some pictures are here...everything else...stays there ;)

Christmas at Kellie & Alizabeth's:

Scott's Christmas Party 2008:

Saw a ton of people that I knew way back in the Garland days...good times. :)

All in all, it was a pretty good way to end 2008. Hope you all have a wonderful and safe New Year!

much love in the '09!

Ok so there were a few pictures...

...and a video from Jason & Casey's Christmas Party.

(thanks Raney...and those that used Raney's camera)

much love

Today I am 18...plus 10.

So this morning (after deciding last night that I would "sleep in" and not workout) I woke up at 4:45 am and could not go back to sleep. I went ahead and got up and began the cold day. :) Although I've been stuck in this horribly boring studio shoot...hope is not lost on having a wonderful birthday! In fact, I began celebrating slightly early last night/this morning at my co-workers/friends Casey & Jason's Christmas Party. I had too much fun. (I have to admit I am now slightly addicted to playing the Wii...who knew virtual archery, bowling, Jenga, etc. could be so much fun. lol) In addition to the Wii, there was food, drinks, and of course "dancing girls" (yes I was part of this, no there are no pictures (with me in them) as not to incriminate myself.) lol

A little after midnight I headed home after a PACKED weekend...did I mention that I worked the final Texas Stadium Cowboys' "game" Saturday and didn't get to sleep till 3 am...then woke up at 5 am to drive to Coldspring (near Houston) then back in Dallas by 4pm...then off to the previously mentioned Christmas Party. :) Yes it was tough...but worth every minute...the festivities will continue tonight after work with some family. Thanks to everybody that wished me Happy Birthday by text, Internet, call, smoke signal, etc. Hearing from everyone (including my dad in Mexico) makes me happy. :)

much love

from the:

A Month of Movies

So even though I've been super busy with work but I have been able to sneak in about a movie a week.

*Side note...remember back in March when my truck was broken into? Well I think about it every time I go to the movies these days. The thing that I miss most that they stole was my college Student I.D. from 1998. That's right, I miss the discount. lol

Anyways, here are the movies I've seen in the past 4 weeks...not in chronological order, but in least fave to most.

First up...

Just because I put it first, doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it...because I did. Definitely a typical Bond flick, filled with action, action and more action! And I don't care what "purist" Bond fans say, I'll watch Daniel Craig ANY DAY fight the bad guys and romance the bad girls. ;) If you like action...you'll dig this!

Next...

I saw this yesterday and it was pretty cute. A couple plans to go to Fiji for Christmas but their flight gets canceled due to weather. So they're forced to go be with (all) of their families on Christmas day and wacky-ness in sues. The cast is full of random people that you may or may not recognize. After seeing this, it's quite possible that I would be fine with NEVER having to go to someone else's family's house for Christmas. (At this rate, I won't ever have to worry about such a thing...but I digress.) Anways, go see it if you're in the mood for some holiday spirit and family mayhem.

Halfway there...

If you're into seeing beautiful things, this film is packed with amazing Australian cinematography...speaking of beautiful things, Hugh Jackman (aka People's Sexiest Man Alive) stars in it. ;) Nicole Kidman's character heads to Australia from England (yes I know she's Australian) in hopes to bring her newly acquired land back to life and protect it from being taken over. Alot takes place during this 2 hr 45 min film (yes you have to devote quite a bit of time to this "epic" flick) such as cattle drives, post Pearl Harbor bombing, Aboriginal families, bar brawls, etc. The kid that plays Nalluh, an Aboriginal kid that lives on the property, will steal your heart ...and if he doesn't, I don't know what to tell ya, except maybe you're just plain heartless ;) If you've got nearly 3 hours to kill go see this Baz Luhermann (Romeo & Juliet/Moulin Rouge) film. It's not for everyone but I dug it. :)

On we go...

So one Monday night my mom and I headed to the Magnolia (where most good films are shown these days). I thought this was going to be about a kid that gets on India's version of Who Wants to Be A Millionaire? in hopes that the love of his life will see him and they will live happily ever after. Well it kinda was but not exactly and SOOOO much more. The main character, Jamal, is an 18 year-old kid that grew up on the streets of Mumbai, India with his brother. He ends up on the gameshow and is one question away from winning 20 million rupees. During the show's break he is brought in for questioning by the police because they think he's cheating and that no street kid would ever know the answers to all the questions. It turns out that the reason he knows the answers is because he LIVED them. That's all I'm going to say plot-wise. I think it would be so worth your while (and money) to see this. One catch though, it's directed by the same guy that directed Trainspotting. (another fave of mine) This being said, the violence is pretty heavy throughout the first part of the movie, but if you can get past that (like my mom did, sorry mom) then you're golden. :)


Last but not least...

Slumdog Millionaire was my most favorite movie that I've seen all year. Until I saw:

This is the story of Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the USA. He was elected in 1977, but of course it didn't come easy and his road to the office was filled with opposition. The amount of hatred in this country boggles my mind. The amount of people against Human Rights then (and now...31 years later with Prop. 8 ) makes me unbelievably sad. How can people say they are better than someone else? We are all HUMAN. (Ok, ok, down girl, down.) The cast is absolutely incredible. Shawn Penn, James Franco, Diego Luna, Emile Hirsch, they all give stellar performances. Very few will see this film, but I wish this wasn't the case. There is so much we can learn from history, our history.


So that's Carolina's movie review for this month, I hope you can get out there and see something good, or perhaps even great...if not wait for them to hit DVD and let me know what you think down the road. Also, if you have any films that I NEED to see, please let me know. :)

much love

Prop. 8 ... The Musical

See more Jack Black videos at Funny or Die

I think you know where I stand. :)

much love

In Honor of Tomorrow...

...This still makes me smile. :)

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Feel free to wave at the TV during the Cowboys' game...and eat something good for those of us working :)

...and yes, I'm very Thankful for having work to go to.

much love

*My apologies if "Turkey for Me, Turkey for You" is stuck in your head the rest of the day. :)

6 Things

So Blake tagged me a few days back to tell 6 quirky things about myself. I've come up with these: (feel free to tell me if I'm wrong about one ore more...but if you do, you must give me a replacement "quirky" thing) :)


1. I have no problem working days, nights, weekends, holidays (pretty much doing all of the above theses days)....but only if I have something to look forward to. I must always have a trip (of some sort) in the works. Traveling makes me happy...money is needed for such happiness...therefore work (alot) I must. :)

2. I do not cuss, swear, curse, etc. I just don't see the need for me to and quite frankly, I think it sounds weird coming from me. It doesn't bother me if others do. I just choose not to. However, this being said, some of my favorite songs that get me pumped, dancin', drivin', or just make me feel good (dunno if good is the right word but ya know) are filled with words I would never use. For example Buckcherry's album 15 lived in the CD player of my truck for a good part of 2006 and 2007. I don't plan to like these songs, it just kinda happens.

3. I work in television, however, I have yet to really invest in it in my own apartment. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE TV!!! And due to 1., I'm not home to watch it live. I have no Tivo, DVR, etc. Instead I have a sweet setup of 2 TV/VCR combos (that I'm borrowing from work, until they ask for them back)...

Each is hooked up to a VCR/DVD player...

So, in theory, and if I plan right, I can can record up to 4 shows at a time! My only fear, is that one day Walgreens, WalMart, Target will all stop selling VHS tapes. Until that day arrives, I'm good. :)

*You might as well know, I was also one of the very last ones to let go of tapes and switch to CDs back in the day. I don't give into "hype" all that easily. ;)

4. I have never had anything pierced. It's not because I'm afraid of needles or anything. It's this weird fear I have about the earring, stud, hoop being ripped out in some fight or some random accident that you would never expect.

*I have never, EVER been in physical fight.
**I wanted to put a picture of the word "OUCH". I do not suggest you Google Images that word, unless you wanna see some terribly nasty stuff.


5. There are certain things shows/movies that I will come across on TV that (if I have time) I must watch all til it's over. Even though I've seen them (in some cases) 100 times. Here are a few of them.

Any of VH1's...

6. I put my left shoe on first. Once both are on, I tie the right one first.

I'm now supposed to tag 6 people to do the same...no worries if you don't. :)

Kristi
Todd
Stacey
JD
Kathryn
Megan

much love

I'm a PC...and I hate being sick!

So yeah, due to the fact I was super sick last week I was forced to cancel my trip to Hawaii. One of the toughest decisions in awhile...but I just knew my ears/head would explode after 11 hours on a plane. What's that great Lennon quote:

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans.

Being sick was not in the plans for last week but eventually a little good came out of it. After 2 1/2 days for solitary confinement, sans LAPTOP, (it was also sick and off to be repaired...but now it's back and all is right in the world ) I ventured out to the West Village and saw two movies.

Up first:

This was highly entertaining. Don't worry it questions ALL religions, not just yours. :) I know what I believe and would never try to force that on anyone. I do think that there is both good and bad in all faiths and because of that I don't see anything wrong with asking questions. Peace.

Followed By:

For roughly 10 years I've been a huge Kevin Smith (Clerks/2, Dogma, Jay & Silent Bob, etc) fan and so I was pretty psyched to see this movie. I was not disappointed. Hilarity did ensue...and I kinda adore Seth Rogen. :) Again, not for everybody.

After my double feature, I was so glad I got to hang with my sisters, niece, and bros at a party thrown in honor of Mykey being home and it being his birthday last Thursday.



One Mexican tradition I will never understand...probably the reason why I'll always pick a cookie cake over a regular one. ;)


Check out the happy family together again (Nena, Mykey & Mia)


Later on, as I arrived home I saw Michael, Tony and another friend walking out of m apartment complex to find a cab. I couldn't turn that down, so seconds later, we were off to Trader Vic's.

It's kind of a Polynesian-style restaurant/bar. They have fabulous fruity adult beverages...many randomly funny conversations (and texts...shout out TODD) followed said beverages.

*This did not replace the fact I was supposed to be sipping Hawaiian-style drink...IN HAWAII at that exact moment! But I digress...

Back in a cab and JR's was next up on the list. There we met JD and others. Much people watching to be had here (as always). As the lights came on we walked over to Zini's where there was a ton of people and some of the best pizza I've had in quite awhile. :)

Back to my apartment and straight to bed. Ended up being a most excellent day followed by an even better night.

much love

History, Hope, Happiness

We Are Experiencing Technical Difficulties;

So I'm sending in my laptop to DELL to be "repaired." Not thrilled about this but whatcha gonna do? So blogging is on hold for now (I know you're distraught about this. lol)


But I will ask you (for the last time this year) PLEASE go out and:

Oh...and I'm heading to Hawaii on Thursday

much love

Halloween Proper and Mykey's Home!!

So Friday was Halloween. (Have I mentioned I (heart) Halloween?) :) Once again, I was the only one dressed up at work (this doesn't bother me in the least). Dorothy is now retired but she definitely had a good run. (I did feel slightly terrible when the cleaning lady was vacuuming the office at about noon...as my red glitter would continue to "shed" for the rest of the day.) lol

After work, I headed to my cousin Kellie's house in Bedford where we would Trick or Treat with her and her daughter Alizabeth. We ended up at "Trunkfest" at a nearby church. This is where about 100 cars/trucks/suvs decorate their "trunks" and kids make the rounds getting candy at every vehicle. This was brilliant... I also got to see the cute, adorable side of Halloween with the kids. (as opposed to the sexy, trashy side I witnessed last weekend with adults. lol) We weren't there very long when Alizabeth and Jullian mentioned that their baskets were too heavy (due to massive amounts of candy) and that was our cue to leave. In and out with a ton of candy and 2 happy, hungry kids in about 30 mins!

Off to Texas Roadhouse where Criss Angel (mindfreak himself) waited on us. Followed by a RockBand demonstration back at Kellie's. Classic Halloween fun. :)

I was so planning on heading out after but the minute I got home, I crashed...hard and decided I was Halloween-ed out for this year...and it make take until next year to get rid of all the glitter in my apartment. :)

It was a good thing that I didn't stay out all night because I awoke slightly on the early side to the phone ringing, and a pretty happy sister on the other end of the line. Nena (sister in Killeen) called me asking if I could pick up Mykey from the airport at noon. Um yeah I could! For those that don't know, Mykey is my bro-in-law that's been in Iraq since June (2nd time to be over there)...we thought he'd be arriving some time mid-week, so this was a fantastic surprise and birthday present for him (it's Nov. 6th)!

Brenda (my youngest sister) and I arrived at the airport. DFW is pretty cool in that they have a terminal strictly dedicated to troops arriving "home" for R&R. The walls are decorated with signs and pictures thanking them and welcoming them home and there are usually groups of people there welcoming them. I got the privilege of being part of the "welcoming committee" a couple years back with work. It gets to ya. There's all sorts of emotions that run through you. But man, this time around was a whole different story and about 10 times the emotions occurred being that WE had a soldier in the group. They asked if friends and family members would get at the front of the line so that we could connect with out soldier ASAP and thanked US for OUR sacrifice. I'm not gonna lie there was a lump in my throat in the eyes were at the welling up point. (*I myself have not sacrificed anything...but I'll take it in honor of my sister, Nena, and my niece, Mia, that weren't able to make up to the airport on time.)

The 160-ish soldiers begin to file out. Well at least one did and then there was a good 10/15 minutes till the next would arrive. That was the hardest part...the waiting. Every time we saw a short Mexican guy come by we got excited and then immediately let down. Finally, after about 100 or so guys and gals, Mykey came down the hallway and we immediately attacked him with a hug and got on our way through the good people that were there cheering the soldiers on. Mykey's (and another guy, Brian Hall, whose flight home would not leave till the next day) first request was to head to the mall so they could get out of their uniforms.

We did just that. It was interesting to see how the "public" reacts to those in uniform. Those who did come up to them always were very cool and very proud and thankful to them.

*Half a second of me on my soap box...I don't, like probably most of you, understand the war that's going on right now, but I do know that I will always SUPPORT our men and women who represent and protect our country and or rights and freedoms. They asked me if I voted. I did. I felt extremely good inside when I learned that they voted the same way I did. I realize there's a ton of things not so great in this country money wise, etc. but my main concerns deal with human rights (straight, gay we're all HUMAN) and what is going to help our troops more or just flat out get them HOME...and I'd like to think that who I voted for shares these concerns. GO VOTE tomorrow if you haven't already! Down from soap box. :)

So they bought stuff and changed in the bathroom at Chili's they were THAT ready to get back to "normal"...if only for a couple of weeks. It was good being with them for the day. I hugged Hall as we dropped him off at his hotel and that was probably one of the best hugs I've ever received. I only met him a few hours before, but by that hug, I know he was happy and thankful to be home. We then drove Mykey to Hillsboro were Nena & Mia met us and off they went back home...as a complete family. :)

At about 10 o'clock Saturday night I arrived back home and got changed and met up with Michael and watched the last quarter of the Texas/Texas Tech game. GREATNESS!! And I don't even care about college football in the least. I was so pulling for Tech (I like to be different lol) UNTIL they rushed the field before the game was over...at that moment i wanted something so phenomenal to happen that Texas would end up winning. That didn't happen but it was still a super great game.

VS

We then proceeded to The Grapevine. It was a gorgeous night, met a new friend (shout out JD) and I even saw an old blast from the past, Charlie Contreras! (We went to the Sadie Hawkins dance together way back in the day when we went to Bryan Adams (not the Canadian RockStar) High School). We had too much fun...and being that it was the end of Daylight Savings time, we had an extra hour of fun.

Another great weekend!

much love

Pre-Halloween Fabulousness

Saturday

The week ended with a Bang. After working the Stars game I rushed home quickly and got into my Dorothy costume (complete with red glitter Chucks and all).

I then headed to to Halloween Parade/Block Party on Cedar Springs. (This is always held the Saturday before Halloween...you know the "girls" need a whole day to get ready. lol) It was getting late and parking was sooo frustrating but I finally found a place. I'm soo glad I didn't give up and go home. :) I didn't take as many pictures I would have liked...but some of the most fabulous and fierce costumes I saw when I was still driving around for a spot. :(

My friend Seth (in chaps) met me and we headed to the Round Up Saloon. The place was completely packed and completely fun!!! After making our way back from the bar we found a great place to look out on the dancefloor.

Where else can you see ...


Pac Man dancing with a ghost?

Pinocchio getting down to Britney?

Or two Mormon Boys Two-Stepping???? Um I'm gonna say not alot of places. lol

Such a great time. And Michael even showed up after working Edgefest which was an added bonus. But much too soon the lights though did come on (sigh) and we headed into out into the street and ran into some more friends.

It was one of my favorite nights of the year in Dallas for sure! We headed back to Seth's and a few hours later I was up, showered and ready to head to Texas Stadium (glitter still kinda everywhere) to work the Cowboys NOON game! They did end up winning (yay) and I crashed pretty quick after...soo tired but TOTALLY worth it!

Thanks Seth for coming with! I (heart) Halloween and can't wait for tomorrow night!!

much love (and be safe) :)

*Note to those planning on being winged creatures for the night (yes I made this tragic mistake once and I apologize to all those I hit back in 2001 @ The Red Jacket on Halloween.)...Wings are pretty but SOOOO NOT COOL in CROWDS...can't tell you how many times I was knocked in the head.)

But wait! There's more... to the great week I had...

So one of my favorite things to do is to see concerts, shows, gigs...basically any and all LIVE MUSIC. My top list of people/groups to see in person are (in no particular order):

Dave Matthews Band
Kenny Chesney
Better Than Ezra
Jason Mraz
Matt Nathanson
Buckcherry
Matchbox Twenty
Flogging Molly

If I'm in town (or the town that they happen to be in) I will see them. You might scoff at this list but I don't care (as this is MY blog) and I do not push the music I like on others. (hence the beauty of the earphones) I like what I like and you like what you like.

Besides digging their talent, the energy that they give off to the crowd and that the crowd gives back is why I go. I LOVE it when (almost) everyone's on their feet singing along. When this happens, I know that they're doing something right. (yes, I'm envious and wish I was in a band but that's besides the point lol)

Anyways, my most excellent week continued with me being lucky enough to see to of the artists on my list.


Thursday

Although I despise the the complete corporate-ness of the Nokia Theatre, I headed there anyways and paid a ridiculous amount for parking (which reminds me I need to get that darn sticker off my window). I got inside and to my seat (on the 3rd row) and was already smiling because I knew I would be enjoying the next couple of hours. Jason Mraz took the stage and as he began to sing the first song my being was filled with happiness. Dude is amazingly talented and funny and not bad on the eyes either. ;) He's also not afraid to drift off in the middle of one of his songs and do a bit of a "cover" and then back. (I love the cover song.)

For over 5 years I've had great and slightly random memories when it comes to seeing this man do his thing. :) The first time I saw him was back in 2003 when he opened for Johnny Lang (good show). But the next time was during halftime of SuperBowl XXXVIII in 2004. (Yes I missed the Janet Jackson/Justin Timberlake wardrobe malfunction.) Back in 2005, I got the pleasure of actually meeting him when he opened for Alanis Morissette at the Bass Hall. Super nice guy (hugs, autographs, pictures)...I'm sure it had nothing to do with the 2 hot girls (that got his attention on the streets of downtown Ft. Worth) I was with. ;) Anyways, each and every time I've seen him has been a good one. :)
Thanks MR. A-Z.

And the hits just keep on comin'...

Friday

I won't spend to much time on him since I did devote another posting back in March to Matt Nathanson. But I will say, he put on another great show that had me smiling, singing, laughing and rockin' all the way through. He got a much deserved upgrade (this time he was headlining the large room at the HOB) since the last time he was here. It was very cool to see alot of new fans come to the show as well. (I'm sure he's thanking VH1 constantly these days)

You know it was a good show when you're walking home and can't help but have one of the songs playing in your head. :)

much love

Maybe I'm Selfish, but I like to feel Good.

Monday

It's true about what they say about helping others. It makes you feel good...Well at least this has my experience.

Monday night I volunteered at Crossroads Community Services in Downtown Dallas. Here's basically what this is:

• Crossroads Community Services is the mission outreach of First United Methodist Church. (my church)
• Crossroads serves a variety of people with different needs, but their focus is on the working poor and homeless prevention.
• The mission of CCS is to enrich the lives of our neighbors-in-need by compassionately providing ongoing tangible support and the strategic skills necessary to enjoy sustained economic success

Anyways, my job for the night was to help with intake. Which means that I would be helping the families get into the system. (getting all their info, birth certificates, proof of employment, residence, etc.) A lot of the families that come to Crossroads speak little or no English. I (try) to speak a little Spanish (I am by no means fluent...sorry...HALF of my family...I'm so embarrassed. lol) so I thought I could be most helpful in this position.

I got off to a pretty rough start with the first family, but by the end of the night, I was ready to help more families. In all we helped 15 families get food and clothes. (They are eligible to come once a month for food, and once every 2 months for clothing.) As of now they are only set up to being open one night a month (for those who can't get to the center during the day). Hopefully, this will continue to be a success and might have the potential of being open one night a week. :)

It was good.

Here's the link if you'd like to find out more:

http://www.ccsdallas.org/

OR! If you'd like to donate clothes (in huge need of men's jeans, coats, sweaters, etc) shoes, toiletries or anything else let me know and I will either point you in the right direction or come to you myself to get the stuff. If that's not you're thing, you can even make an online donation by clicking here :)

much love

La-la-la-la-la-la tonight

Last week was pretty much one of the my top 10 weeks of the year. Here's how it started...

Sunday
At about 9 o'clock I suddenly became 9 years old again. That's right my cousin Kellie and I headed over to the American Airlines Center to the NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK concert. That's right I said it. No shame here. We were there back in 1990 at Texas Stadium. 5 hours of girls screaming. This time around I'm pretty sure many of the same girls were there...just slightly older...and definitely of drinking age. (I wish I had taken pictures of the girls, the neon, the crimped hair, and homemade T-shirts...all FABULOUS!) lol

The Kids Grown Men hit the stage and they looked good...really good. Sounded great. They put on a great show that brought back memories and created even more.

Remember when we said, girl, please don't go,


And how Id be loving you forever,


Taught you bout hangin' tough as long as you got the right stuff,


Didn't we, girls, ooh, didn't we, girls, aah?



Well, I guess, its a brandnew day after all Every time we hear the curtain call, See the girls with the curls in the hair, The buttons and the pins and the loud fanfares. Tonight, tonight.


Remember when we traveled round the world, There were a lot of people and girls, Fan mail from everywhere showed us how you care, Didn't it, girls, ooh, didn't it, girls, aah?


Well, I guess, its a brandnew day after all Every time we hear the curtain call, See the girls with the curls in the hair, The buttons and the pins and the loud fanfares. Tonight, tonight.


La-la-la-la-la-la tonight, la-la-la-la-la-la tonight. Tonight, tonight

*Forgive me for all the pics, but I'll have you know I started with 153 and edited down to 76.

much love