Update! (Yes, I'm still alive...)


You guys, I have missed you so! I can't believe it's been almost two weeks since I last blogged. In case you don't know why I've been incommunicado for the past 13 days, I've been working on my master's thesis on Displacement, Identity, and Assimilation in Michael Ondaatje's The English Patient. (Which just happens to be my favoritest book in the entire world.)

When I wasn't researching or writing, I was doing a bit of the following:
  • going for cupcake runs with the boyf
  • celebrating my dad's birthday, my parents' 40th anniversary, and Father's Day -- all on the same day :)
  • watching Toy Story 3 -- and crying like a fool at the end
  • cuddling with my adorable cat, Tigger
  • not getting a new iPhone (my little old 3gs works just fine, thankyouverymuch)
  • re-reading the Twilight series in preparation for the July 30th movie premiere of Eclipse (shaddup)
  • watching the new season of True Blood, which has been amazing so far

While I don't know if I'm going to have my entire thesis done by July 1st, like I hoped,  I do have good news to report. I finished the first two chapters on Friday and was able to send them out to my lead professor almost a week earlier than expected. And this was his response:


My lead professor ROCKS, y'all. I sent him those two chapters -- which equaled 41 pages -- on Friday at 6 PM and he sent me the above response on Saturday, 12 PM. I can't tell you how much his response meant to me! I was wearing an ear-to-ear grin all day.

Now I just have to finish my third and last chapter along with my introduction and I am done. I figure that will equal about another 20-30 pages more. A master's thesis needs to be at least 50 pages in length, so that should leave me in good standing in case I need to whittle it down during the editing stage. I hope to finish the first draft of my thesis by the end of next week.

Here's hoping the editing stage doesn't take that long... I can't want to start enjoying my summer without the stress of my thesis hanging over my head! After that, it's just a waiting process until the Fall semester starts at my university and I can defend (eek!) my thesis. And then graduate with a master's degree in English Literature. And then get a $3,000 raise in my teaching salary.

For the first time, the finish line is in sight. I can't wait to cross it...

Please know that I probably won't be back to regular blogging for about another week or two while I wrap up my thesis. But you can keep up with my craziness on Twitter and ask me interesting questions on Formspring.

Now that I've updated you on my life, I want to hear from you! Have you done anything interesting? Traveled anywhere, read any good books, discovered the secret to life, etc.? Let me know in the comments! :-)

Photobucket

Break.

My thesis committee leader gave me the deadline of July 1st to get my next chapter done, but I decided to try and get the WHOLE enchilada done instead. That way I have all of July to edit if need be, and God willing, the entire thesis will be done by the time I resume work in August.

At least, that's what I'm hoping for.

To that end, I decided to take a break from blogging during the month of June. And that includes Lolcats. (Sorry.) It's just that I want to eliminate all distractions that might prevent me from completing my thesis on time. And one big distraction, I will admit, has been this blog.

I will also be taking a break from Facebook and Twitter, but if you need to reach me, I am just an e-mail away. You can write me at:


Chances are I will be back before you know it -- maybe even before July 1st. But in case I'm not, feel free to peruse my scribbles, greatest hits, and archives in the interim. Have a happy June!

picture found here

Photobucket

Lolcat of the Week

funny pictures of cats with captions
see more Lolcats and funny pictures

Have a great Monday, everyone! :-)
Photobucket

point and shoot

You guys, I need a new camera. My Sony Cyber-shot has served me well these last few years, but I think the time has come for a new one. (You know it's time for a new camera when you find yourself using your iPhone more than your camera to take pictures!)

I would love to hear your suggestions. I want a point and shoot style, preferably under $300. Digital, too. As much as I love Polaroids, those suckers are expensive as hell to print.

So give me your recommendations in the comments below! Thanks. :-)

picture found here

Photobucket

Happy Friday!

You guys, I am FREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE! Today marks the beginning of my summer vacation. I don't have to go back to work until August 17. Words cannot describe my happiness. :-)

What are you doing this weekend, bloggy readers? I plan on getting a lot of sleep and doing a whole lot of nothing. Ah, bliss...

As for tonight, I'm just going to relax with le boyf. Maybe watch a movie and snuggle. Whatever you do this weekend, I hope you have fun!

picture found here

Photobucket

Moving Day

Apologies for the lack of interesting posts and bloggy comments this week. I've been caught up grading final exams and preparing for my classroom move. I hope to visit your blogs again this weekend! I miss reading stuff actually written by, you know, adults.

Today was the first day I was finally able to move my things from one classroom to another. Wait, that sounds misleading -- this was no cute move from one room to another just down the hall. No. This move was from the second floor of one building all the way to the third floor of another building. And did I mention that the buildings are quite a distance apart? (I would tell you the exact distance but I am lazy. Plus I suck at math.)

The worst part was that today was quite possibly the hottest, muggiest day ever. I hate sweating (crazy, I know, since I live in the tropics *shrug*), and I was sweating like mad. Thank God I had a small group of students there to help me, one of whom came at 7:30 AM on her day off just to help me. Love her. And when they left at noon, le boyf came bearing lunch and his loving, helping, lifting arms. Love him!!!

God bless the boyf. I honestly would not have gotten the move done today without his help. He lifted so many heavy boxes for me, pushed so many overflowing carts full of books for me, and all without complaining. Truly I don't appreciate my man enough.

Tomorrow begins the second phase of moving: unpacking. *groan* Oh well, I really shouldn't complain. At least I have a job! And at least I was moved to the main building. Let's hope I stay there for many, many years to come.

picture via we heart it

Photobucket

To all HHS seniors graduating today...

Dear HHS graduating class of 2010,

Congratulations! The day you've been waiting for has finally arrived. Some of you approach this day with fear, others excitement, many of you a heady combination of both. But what I want you to leave this day with is pride. Be proud of your hard work, your perseverance, your accomplishments. I am certainly very proud of you, and I am sure your family and friends are as well.

You are about to begin one of the most exciting stages of your life. For perhaps the first time, the "real world" will open its doors to you. This can be a daunting thing -- there will be great opportunities for success, and for failure as well. Friendships will be tested. Futures will be planned. You will cram for finals like you've never crammed before in your life! (I suggest you become friendly with your local coffee shop.) But there will also be time for fun, and for making new connections with people from different walks of life. Study hard, have fun, but remember Cicero's advice: "Never go to excess, but let moderation be your guide." If you let moderation be your guide, you will excel in both your educational and recreational activities.

To those of you I was fortunate enough to teach during your time at Hialeah High, please know that you weren't the only one learning something in class -- I honestly learned much from you, too. You will always be in my heart, and I will always wish the best for you.

I'm going to close with J.K. Rowling's commencement speech to Harvard's graduating class of 2008. She imparts many choice words of wisdom -- and a few memorable jokes along the way. Enjoy. And congrats again!!!!! :-)









Photobucket

10 Confessions [the movies version]

One of the first movies I remember seeing as a kid was "E.T." I was so excited to see it, but when the scene began with E.T. being hospitalized and having to undergo tests, I went ape-nuts and had to be escorted out of the theater by my mother. The icing on the cake was that my mom tried to calm me down in the lobby by purchasing a poster for the film and then hanging it on my bedroom wall -- which then proceeded to give me nightmares. D:


When "The Little Mermaid" first came out in the theater, my mother and I watched it two times straight. (Yes, we only paid for the first viewing. And yes, we are dirty criminals.)


I have a thing for watching film adaptations of books -- and then reading the book after. 


I have a soft spot in my heart for the "Toy Story" movies because my boyfriend and I started dating on the night he took me to go see "Toy Story 2." 10 years later, we're super excited to see the latest sequel, "Toy Story 3," together. And we're still going strong. :-)


I absolutely hate horror movies. I will not sleep a wink if I watch them. After I saw "The Exorcist," I couldn't sleep for two nights straight.


While I don't like horror films, I especially detest horror films that have a religious/demonic subtext. Those freak me out the most!!!!


I never liked watching animated movies as an adult -- until I met my boyfriend. Now we watch animes all the time!


I have a thing for movies from the 1980s -- the cheesier the better.


The movie I saw the most times in the theater was "Twilight." I saw it four times!!! (To be fair, I only had to pay for my ticket one of those times and I honestly don't think I would've paid for the other times.)


I have never seen a movie in the theater by myself.

One of my favorite 1980s films! "Ferris Bueller's Day Off." Awesome, awesome movie.
 
Do you have any confessions you feel brave enough to share?
(Doesn't have to be film related!)

Photobucket

Lolcat of the Week


Hahaha! I just love that cat's expression. And speaking of census, did you guys see Betty White on SNL a few weeks back? She did a skit on the census that was hee-lar-ious. But don't take my word for it. See it for yourself!

Hope you have a great Monday! :)

Photobucket

Week in Review

The first half of this week kind of sucked in that I still had the cold from hell. But the second half was great. :D

Monday, I spent all day with my boyf, thankful I had the day off from work so I could recuperate some more. Most of it was spent in bed, reading.

Tuesday, I wrapped up the book The Five People You Meet in Heaven with my juniors, which was bittersweet. I hope to reread the book again next year with my future students. On Tuesday, Ricky and I also saw the movie "Whisper of the Heart" from Studio Ghibli which I loved. Amazing, amazing film.

Wednesday, I began giving my seniors their final exams, which was also bittersweet. I can't believe they're graduating! :*) On Wednesday, I also found out I'm definitely rehired for next year, plus I'm teaching freshmen English and SAT/ACT Verbal Prep. -- no AP English because the numbers were too low. I'm kind of sad because I will miss teaching AP, but at the same time, it's a bit of a relief knowing I won't have to grade all those essays next year! I also found out they are relocating me to the main building (my school is comprised of two buildings: the original, or "old" building and the main, or "new" building). So I will have to start moving my stuff -- and soon!

Thursday was the day I finally felt like myself again -- I wasn't as congested and throat-achey as before. On Thursday, I also went to a luncheon celebrating the retirement of one of the most beloved teachers at my school, Mrs. Palmore. It was a great time -- she will be missed next year.

Friday, I gave my last group of seniors their finals and spent the afternoon reading their dedications in my yearbook ... and crying my silly little eyes out. After work, Ricky took me to The Pub where we had beer and shared some fried pickles and a plate of fish and chips. Yum! Then we went to Barnes & Nobles where we bought the newly re-published books by J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter Schoolbooks: Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them/Quidditch Through the Ages. (Both came in a box set.) They are a must-have if you are a fan!

Saturday, I slept in late and graded some finals, and then Ricky and I went to Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza for some of their amazing pizza before going to pick up Ricky's dad at the airport -- he spent a week in Haiti helping the sick and injured with other doctors from his center. He showed us the pictures he took during his stay, and it was so sad to see how devastated Haiti still is after the earthquake. They are still badly in need of our help. I'm planning on donating more money. I think anyone who can should do the same. It's going to take a lot of work -- and money -- for Haiti to get back on its feet.

Today I just plan on relaxing, maybe reorganizing my closet. Next week is my last week of work, and since I'm spending only the first three days with my kids, the last two picking up my classroom (and moving to my new one!), I can put all my work clothes to the back of the closet now. Until August anyway! :D

Here are my posts from this week in case you missed any:







picture via we heart it

I hope you're having a relaxing weekend, bloggy readers! :)

Photobucket

Crybaby.

I've been in the mood to watch  eternal sunshine of the spotless mind again. I just love that movie. Normally, I don't like Jim Carrey's acting all that much, but he is amazing in this film. And Kate Winslet is always wonderful. Always. As is this film. Here is one of my favorite parts:

I always cry at the end of this movie. Then again, I'm such a softy, I've been known to cry during especially pathos-laden commercials. Like the one with Sarah McLachlan and all those abused animals. It gets me every.single.time. *tear*

Lest I scare you away from watching this film, please know that is one of my absolute favorite films ever. It is romantic, uplifting, funny, and yes, heartbreaking, all in one. Watch it tonight if you want to watch a thought-provoking film. And then come back and tell me what you thought of it.


Do you cry during movies, too? Or am I just a big crybaby... :*)

Photobucket

Happy Friday!

Happy Friday!

Today was the last Friday of the school year -- which is just insane. This school year FLEW! As did this week. I'm so happy it's Friday. Next week, we still have three days of school left, but they're all half days -- which is just awesome!

I plan on relaxing this weekend (in between grading some final exams) and maybe putting some work into my thesis so my committee leader doesn't kill me. Tonight the boyf. and I just plan on hanging out, maybe catch a happy hour somewhere. I kind of want to go out because I've been sick all week and I'm finally feeling like myself again. :D

Before I close, here are my answers to Lauren's fill in the blank for this week. Make sure to link back to her post if you want to play along, too!

1.  My dream vacation would be  a trip that takes me all over Europe -- especially France, England, Spain, and Italy -- for at least six months .

2.  The best trip I've ever taken was  when I went to Tokyo, Japan in 2008 with le boyf. It was a totally last minute trip, literally planned days before we left -- and it was the best trip of my life.

3.  The most important items to take on a road trip are water, snacks, music, and a good traveling buddy .

4.  The next trip I'm looking forward to is  my upcoming trip with le boyf. to Islands of Adventure in Orlando for the new Harry Potter section .

5.  If I had to pick one CD to listen to for a long road trip it would be a mixtape that includes Arcade Fire, Interpol, Grizzly Bear, plus some show tunes thrown in for good measure  .

6.  The biggest disaster I've ever encountered while traveling  was  not a disaster per se, but it involved a small commuter plane on the way back from the Bahamas and a bad rainstorm. I thought I was going to die for sure, but thankfully, I arrived in one piece. Other than that, I really haven't had traveling disasters (thank goodness).

7.  My favorite traveling memory is  the first time I went on a road trip with le boyf. We went to Islands of Adventure and Universal Studios, and I rode my first real roller coaster -- and was promptly sick afterward -- but le boyf. was amazing and took care of me. And now I love roller coasters. And him .


 picture via we heart it

So what are you doing this weekend, bloggy readers? Anything interesting? Let me know in the comments!
Photobucket

Leave a message at the sound of the beep...

I'm not here today, bloggy readers, I'm over at Eyes of Amber, guest-blogging for her Eclipse book discussion. I was lucky enough to get the dramatic 25th chapter, "Mirror," which features the enigmatic new character Bree (who is getting her own book, soon to be published by Stephenie Meyer).

If you'd like to read my guest-post, just click on the banner below! :-D

Are you a fan of the Twilight series? Do you plan on reading Stephenie Meyer's new book on Bree? I'm kind of on the fence about this... Tell me your thoughts in the comments and maybe you'll help me decide! :)


Photobucket

{Bloggy Award!} Ten Things I Love

One of my bestest bloggy friends, kg, gifted me with this splendiferous bloggy award:


Yay! Thanks, kg! I love your blog, too.  Apparently now I'm supposed to thank the Academy. Just kidding. What I am supposed to do is list ten things I love and pass on the bloggy award to ten awesome bloggers. So away we go...


my faves
1. le boyf. (Need I say more? :D)
2. my iPhone. (I can't -- and won't -- leave the house without it.)
3. Starbucks. (Where they really DO know me by name.)
4. my cats. (Love my furbabies.)
5. my DS lite. (Video games, only portable. Genius!)
6. frozen yogurt.(Good for the lips AND the hips. Love.)
7. Harry Potter. (Bit of an obsession, really.)
8. Twilight. (Shut up.)
9. naps. (Especially on rainy afternoons.)
10. books. (They're great company, wonderful bedfellows, and never fail to inspire me.)

my fave bloggers
1. cutie @ super secret twilight blog
2. diana @ our.city.lights
3. danielle @ dinosaur toes
4. rasha @ and this is what she said
5. chelsea rebecca @ TRIUMPHS and blunders of a KOOKY gal
6. lauren @ the little things we do...
7. jenny @ Little Jenny, Big World
8. april @ Mistress of Well Intentioned Indecision
9. micaela @ Dolce Vita
10. hannah @ Pink Chucks

 picture via we heart it

If you've been tagged above, make sure to post the ten things/bloggers you love and comment here with the link so I can read it! :D

Photobucket

10 Confessions [the work version]

Until last year, every job I've ever had never lasted longer than three years.


My first job was when I was still in high school. It was for a record store at my local mall. I was so happy when I was hired on the spot. I had this romanticized idea, you see, that it would be like the movie "Empire Records." When I realized my job was nothing like my expectations, shortly after beginning my first shift, I quit on the spot. (Yeah, I'm not proud of this, but at least I didn't stay and suffer!)


My second job was much better -- I was a copy girl at an automobile insurance company. I got to listen to middle aged women complain about their sex lives all day while I was 18 and still very much a virgin. Let's just say I learned a lot that summer.


My third job was working for the Spanish airline Iberia in Miami International Airport. I was a passenger assistant. My boss was a snooty Spanish lady who chastised me because I was Cuban and didn't speak "proper" Spanish.


My fourth job was working for a much better company in Miami International Airport, Club America. This was a lounge for VIP passengers. My job required me to announce flights, serve snacks and drinks, answer phones, and basically look pretty. This job was also a safe haven for me as I finished up my bachelor's degree in English -- I wrote a lot of essays during my downtime working there!


My fifth job was working for a private attorney who called himself a Christian man. This same man also tried to get me to stop being Catholic, telling me that praying to the Virgin Mary was just a "spiritual stop sign" keeping me from Christ. Needless to say, this job was short-lived.


My sixth job was working as a Language Arts, Social Studies, and Science teacher for grades 4-8 at a private Catholic K-8 school. I thought the private, religious atmosphere would ensure good kids. Yet I had things stolen from my classroom and a student threatened to light me on fire during my first year there.


As vicious as some of the kids at that Catholic school were, the teachers were just as bad. When they weren't "teaching" (aka asking their students to massage their shoulders or brush their hair), they were gossiping about each other and surfing the net.


My seventh and current job is working as a Language Arts teacher for grades 11-12 at a public high school. To date, it's been my best job. I've been working there for four years now, breaking my three year curse, and I hope to stay there many years more. :)


However, if I could have any job in the world, any job at all, I'd love to be a writer. Then I could stay at home all day in my jammies and do what I love best  -- what I love even more than teaching -- write.

 
 picture via we heart it

Do you have any confessions you feel brave enough to share? (Doesn't have to be work related!)

Photobucket