The Delicious Life...love how you live it.

Nola Jiselle - Birth Experience

2009-06-03T11:19:00.000-07:00

So it has been awhile. I have been meaning to update this site, but I have been so occupied with my new life as a momma. Yes, indeed, my baby girl is finally here, after much excitement and anticipation. I wanted to write her birth experience before my few brain cells erode my limited memory.

Nola Jiselle was born on May 15, 2009 via a caesarian delivery. She was a breech baby, which means that she was positioned wrong in my tummy. Babies are supposed to go head down toward the birth canal at the latter end of pregnancy, but my baby girl was positioned "butt first." Yes - she was stubborn, even prior to birth. The great doctors at UCI Med tried to position her into place a week prior to the scheduled C section by massaging the heck out of my very pregnant tummy, but baby girl was determined to stay where she was comfortable.

When I found out that I was having a C section, it threw me off guard for a minute, because I was not prepared for it. I was very knowledgeable about the vaginal birth process. I have read up about it, and knew what to expect. Therefore, to find out two weeks prior to my due date that I was going to have a C section, I was nervous for a minute because I was not familiar with the procedure.

I am not going to lie. I was scared about the whole giving birth process - be it vaginal or C section. Some women look forward to the experience. I am not one of them. I don't like hospitals. I don't like surgeries. I don't like pain.

Thank God however for the internet, and bless the heart of so many women who had posted their C section birth experiences on line. I read many, if not all of them. Reading someone else's experience, allowed me to somewhat relax and face the process with a bit more enthusiasm.

I was very nervous on our way to the hospital for my scheduled C section. Once we arrived at the hospital, the whole process was very quick and very efficient. I changed into my hospital outfit and was immediately prepped for surgery (insert IVs, monitor the baby, etc). We came in at 11 AM. A lot of the time was spent waiting around for everything to be ready. I was wheeled into the surgery room just a little after 1 PM. Once inside, they asked me to sit on the OR table. It was very intimidating - there were a lot of people in the room (at least 8, maybe 12). There were nurses, a pediatrician, OR technicians, anesthesiologist, and doctors. I couldn't believe all those people were there for me, performing a specific function. There were wires and machines everywhere. I had to hunch down like a shrimp with my back facing the anesthesiologist, as he injected my spine with a numbing agent. There was a very kind nurse who held my hand and pretty much hugged me through the process. She kept saying, "don't be scared. This is the worst part of it. You are going to have a baby in a few minutes." I kept saying, "I am nervous."

Once the numbing agent was in - the anesthesiologist then proceeded to inject me with the epidural on my freaking spine. The worst part of it was that I felt the needle go in, and I almost jumped out of the OR table. This scared the hell of the anesthesiologist, and he gave me more medicine to numb my spine before giving me the rest of the spinal epidural. He kept telling me that he couldn't find the right space on my spinal disk where he could inject the medicine. This whole process was supposed to only take 15 minutes - but I think mine took at least half an hour or more.

Once the medicine kicked in, everything below my chest was numbed. I couldn't feel a darn thing and it was scary. I vomited all over the place as a side effect of all the drugs they injected in my system. The nurse was right though - that was the worst part of it. Once the drugs kicked in, and they laid me on the table - my husband was allowed in. The staff each introduced themselves - they called time - and they began.

I didn't even know, when they started cutting me open. I just laid there and couldn't feel a thing. Before I knew it, the baby was out! It was so quick. She was born at 2 PM. She was immediately cleaned up, weighed and checked out at a table nearby. I didn't get to hold her because I was tied down at the table, and the doctors had to sew me back up.

They took her to the nursery, but she was given back to me once the surgery was over (took about 30 minutes to stitch me up), and I was in the recovery room.

We stayed in the hospital from Friday to Tuesday noon. The nurses, doctors and staff at the hospital were amazing. Their quality of care was excellent. We felt pampered, well taken care of, and it seemed like they went out of their way to make this experience pleasant for us.

There was pain - yes there was, especially when I tried to stand up that Saturday and tried to urinate. However, it is bearable.

I now have a beautiful baby girl - and she is well worth it.

Baby Nola Slide Show

2009-05-27T23:20:00.000-07:00

Here's a slide show of Nola Emralino:

1 day and 20 hours to go

2009-05-13T17:05:00.001-07:00

We are now nearing the tail end of my pregnancy adventure. My much awaited baby girl is going to be born via c section on Friday, May 15, 2009, at 1 PM. This is going to be a day that I will celebrate and cherish every year for the rest of my life. Wow...I am going to have a baby. I have waited so long and have gone through so much to have her, and finally, she is only hours away from arriving.

I am very scared about the whole abdominal surgery process, but my friend, Raazia was here today, and reminded me that in exchange for any pain or discomfort of childbirth, I am going to get a child - what a gift! I thought about it more and more, and she was right - I would have given anything up to have her and to make sure that she is okay and perfectly healthy. The pain and discomfort of surgery seems miniscule compared to what my child will give me - the chance to be a mother, to experience the love and joy, of holding her tiny little hands and kissing her tiny little feet. I should be so lucky to even have that opportunity. I have yearned for so long to be a mom, and now, she is only hours away from arriving into this world.

Oh, baby girl...you have no idea how long I have waited for this moment. I am about to embark, in one of life's most beautiful adventure...motherhood. What a blessing.

3 more weeks to go!

2009-04-30T10:55:00.000-07:00

As we approach THE DAY - I found myself more and more excited about meeting this little human that has taken over my body. I can't wait to see her.

I have been feeling more and more anxious lately - like time cannot go by any faster. I wanted to move on to the motherhood part. I want to fast forward to the giving birth and all the pain and aches associated with labor. The more I know about the child delivery process, the more it freaks me out.

I have been on maternity leave now for 7 business days. I thought I was going to be able to do more at home, but of course, as soon as I go on leave - my body starts falling apart. I have a severe case of carpal tunnel and my wrists are in so much pain - that it hurts to even just un-snap my bra hooks. My hands are numb. My feet are swollen. I waddle around the house like a big disabled elephant (literally!). The last 6 weeks of pregnancy is definitely uncomfortable, to say the least.

Well, at least we finished her nursey. Progress! Yey - we can check that off our list. We are still in search of a few minor items (just as a little bookcase) but for the most part - it is done!

See you in approximately 3 weeks, baby girl. Don't get too big in there.

Nola's Baby Shower

2009-04-19T08:01:00.000-07:00

Our families and close friends hosted a beautiful baby shower for Norm & I, in celebration of our soon-to-arrive baby girl Nola. It was held at the Mayfair Park in Lakewood. It was a sunny Saturday, wonderfully spent with family and friends - many of whom I have not seen for months and months. The food was great. The gifts were so super cute. Most important of all, it was nice to see and catch up with my friends whom I have not seen in awhile.

Raaz was there with her family. I missed her dearly. Angelica was there with her baby boy Jakey. Sherry got us the cutest looking lady bug three tier cake I have ever seen. She holds a big space in my heart as the sweetest and one of my most dedicated friends - the kind you keep for a lifetime. I finally got to meet her sweetie - Raul. Terry came by - she came all the way from Northern Cal & was just here for the weekend! Maria who has been M.I.A. for awhile was there with her hubby. It was definitely nice to see her. Jan and Jay were there. Jan made the cutest little favors. She is so talented. My little sis took care of all the games (and even bought us a gift!). My other sis got us my fav mulberry playpen - very cute!

It is really such a nice feeling to celebrate this special moment with everyone. In between this baby shower, and the one thrown by my work - our baby girl has gotten SO MUCH gifts. She is one lucky baby girl. She is definitely well loved.

Thank you all. We appreciate everything very much.

29 weeks...11 more weeks to go!

2009-03-04T18:30:00.000-08:00

hello there...so it has been awhile. I am now 29 weeks pregnant, and just 11 weeks shy of giving birth. I cannot believe time has gone by so fast. I don't even know what happened to February. I woke up, went to work, went to sleep, then it was March.

My pregnancy has been wonderful. I feel good. I don't feel sick and I haven't really had anything to complain about except for the sleepiness and fatigue, that I think could be blamed more for the long and daily commute to work, than to the pregnancy itself.

Although for the most part, my pregnancy has been great - I am constantly worried about her well being. I worry that my belly is smaller than other pregnant women, that she doesn't move as much as I think she should, and I make up these scenarios in my head that could go wrong. My co-worker said that it is normal, given my personality, and the fact that I have never been a mom before. I like to be in control of things. I like to know exactly what to expect, what is going to happen, how it is going to happen, and how to make sure it is going to go according to the mapped plan. Motherhood however changes all of that, and throws it out the door. You just do not know what you are going to get. Will she cry a lot? Will I be a good mom? What if she gets sick? Did I eat something bad that could affect her development?

I need to learn how to relax, and just enjoy the experience. I really should be thankful that I have an easy pregnancy thus far, and that from what the doctors can see - everything is okay and normal.

My tummy is round as a ball. I am carrying high, but I usually feel the baby just under my belly button (no stretch marks yet! yey!).
I think her head is down there now, and she is now in birth position. She wakes me up at night and I usually have to go to the bathroom every two to three hours. When I hold my pee, the little brat wiggles around until I use the restroom.

Until next time. I have to cook.

Baby Furniture for Valentine's Day

2009-02-17T07:35:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is a time of love. It is when women generally receive chocolates, flowers and jewelry from their husbands, boyfriends, or significant others.

For Valentine's Day - my husband and I went shopping and purchased baby furniture. We bought Nola's crib, mattress, and changing table/dresser. I know some may say it is unromantic, but buying needed things for my baby makes me incredibly happy, and spending the day with my husband discussing which crib, which mattress, and which dresser/changing table will work best for our bebe is just priceless. We have been going back and forth to Bergstroms and other baby furniture places around the area for three months now. We have been attracked to a few pieces of furniture, and we finally decided to just make a final decision and buy the crib and the baby dresser/changing table.

We purchased the empire cherry crib and dresser from the Creations Carragio baby furniture collection. The Creations Carragio Bedroom Collection is influenced by the French and Rococo revival designs that became extremely popular during the reign of King Louis Philippe. The crib converts to a twin bed that she can use once she is older. The dresser is also a piece of furniture that will grow with her. My hubby and I think the pieces are a really good buy, and suits exactly what we need.

So that is it. The nursery room is now completely furnished - we have a crib, a dresser, a rocker, a crib set, and curtains. All we have to do is empty it out and paint.

We are ready for you Baby N - see you in a approximately 3 months. Can't wait!!!

24 weeks pregnant - Nola is swimming

2009-01-23T18:58:00.000-08:00

I am just about 24 weeks (6 months) pregnant, and we have quite awhile to go. My tummy is definitely getting bigger, and our little "fish" named Nola is definitely swimming in Mama's tummy. I can feel her more prominently at night now - it is not just a wave or bubbles, like how it was before. When she moves, it feels more like a nudge - like someone is touching my insides. It is very weird, and freaky, and amazing at the same time.

I have bought many maternity pants (thank god for Target!) and have been using all the maternity clothes that I received as gifts this Christmas. My feet are a bit swollen. I feel huge and sometimes look huge in pictures, but my nurse said I really did not gain that much weight - about 15 pounds, which is not bad.

Aside from needing more sleep than usual, I feel pretty much the same. I am not craving anything or hungry for anything. I just eat more frequently, and I am just more tired than I would usually am....other than that, so far so good.

See you in 3 1/2 months, little fish.

Purple Madness

2009-01-20T11:48:00.000-08:00

I must say, one of the perks of knowing that we will have a baby girl, is that I get to enjoy shopping for really cute and girly stuff for our baby's nursery.

I have this desire to give this baby the best that we could give her. It is not necessarily the amount of how much something is, but rather, I want to take the time to savor every little detail that will touch her daily life. I look into every little thing...from her pillow, from the paint on the walls of her room, the crib, her crib set, her stroller, her car seat, her baby monitor - everything and anything.

I have waited a long time to be a mom - and I want to enjoy every little thing that has anything to do with my baby.

Anyways, we have decided on a room motif for her. It has changed a few times over the course of a couple of months, but I think we are set - and her father and I are in agreement. We looked, and we looked and it is hard because there are so many cute decor. However, there is something about the color purple or lavender that holds my attention, more so than others.

I didn't want anything too babyish or ordinary- I wanted something classic, elegant, sweet and beautiful. I saw this set from Lambs & Ivy - on one of our many baby furniture visits. It looks so much more enchanting on person than how it all looks on a photo. It is purple, but not too purple - it has accents of sage and gold - that will easily match the rocker we have in mind.

I hope she likes it. Mama sure does.

Welcome 2009...Here's to a blessed and wonderful year

2009-01-02T11:11:00.000-08:00

2008 sure did go by fast. It was a whirlwind of a year, leaving behind traces of my happiest and saddest moments...

IN 2008....

We renovated our home, added a family room...

We landscaped our backyard...

Transferred work location to our Los Angeles office...met new co-workers.

My first and only nephew Aiden was born...

I took and failed the bar exam...

I went to the East Coast, for the first time...

I re-took and passed the bar exam...

Teddy Bear, my beloved dog, died...
I got pregnant...the baby is healthy, seeing her in the sonogram

I bought a new car...sold my old one...

I got a new dog...named him Bear

IN 2009 I LOOK FORWARD TO

Decorating a really cute nursery

Buying lots of baby girl clothes and furniture

Giving birth and meeting my daughter

Seeing my husband become a father

Experiencing motherhood and all that it has to offer

Aiden's baptism and first birthday

My daughter's baptism

A well-deserved long vacation / international travel

A successful career

Good health for my family and friends

My grandmother's 85th birthday party

Here's to 2009!

She's a GIRL!!!

2008-12-29T17:33:00.000-08:00

We had our second sonogram last December 23rd and we were fortunate enough to find out the gender of our baby. Well...she's a GIRL! We have lots and lots of photos of Nola (well, that is going to be her name), and seeing her get so big was so absolutely amazing.

My daughter is about 9 ounces at 20 weeks - that is give or take about the size of a coke can. My baby moves quite a lot inside my tummy - but too bad, I can't quite feel her movements just yet because the doctor said that the way my uterus is positioned is a bit odd (retroverted, I think was the term). I am pretty sure I've felt her move, but the movements were very slight...they call it "quickening" - it feels more like butterflies in your stomach.

My daughter was moving a lot during the sonogram session. She has really long legs and long arms. The doctor caught this photo of her with her hand on her forehead ("I am stressed pose"). We all thought it was so cute, and so very diva-ish of my little one.

I am 5 months pregnant now. I probably won't see Nola again until March. Keep growing my daughter. See you soon.

Introducing, Bear Emralino

2008-12-22T19:53:00.000-08:00

Losing Teddy has been a devastating and heartbreaking experience for me, for my husband, and for my little doggie, Rascal. There is not a day when I do not miss him, and there is not a day that I wish he was still with us.

To help us cope with the loss, and to help us move on, we have decided get another doggie in memory of Teddy. Rascal always had Teddy with him, and we were afraid that he was going to feel neglected especially when the baby comes, and we will not be able to give him 100% of our attention.

Having said that, we decided to get a 6 month old, 9 pound Coton de Tulear dog. The breed, Coton de Tulear are pretty much like Bichon Frises, but their hair is straight and easier to maintain.

We named our new doggie, Bear, in honor of Teddy Bear. Here is a video of Rascal and Bear's first meeting at the park.

I must admit, I do not yet have the same connection to Bear as I did with Teddy. However, I am sure that affection and caring will come in due time. Additionally, Rascal is still very aloof with Bear, and I guess, he was trying to figure out if this white fluff of hair is staying in his house. Bear has been very nice but very shy.

Welcome to our family Bear.

Mama's Getting Big - 18 weeks

2008-12-20T19:58:00.000-08:00

My body is undergoing a lot of changes as I progress through this pregnancy phase. I am now 18 weeks pregnant (19 weeks on Tuesday) and I am now starting to show.

I work in a law firm full of women. Since I started sporting a mini belly, the women in my office are NOT SHY on commenting that I am now showing and that my belly is so super cute (I look like I swallowed a cantaloupe! That's not cute). As they make these comments, however, they feel that we are close enough as to touch and rub my stomach! (Hello! Personal Space! That's my tummy you are rubbing! I don't know you that well.)

Anyways, I don't mind it really - I just thought that was weird that people feel the need to touch your belly when you are pregnant. I am sure I will get used to it, as my belly continues to grow.

I am starting to put on weight. I no longer fit in my regular work pants and had to buy maternity pants over the weekend. I also had to buy a few maternity tops. I need more though, but I will take my time in buying as I don't know how much bigger I'll get. Hopefully, not too big. I don't want to gain too much weight as women in my family tend to keep their pregnancy weight after the baby is born.

Just a Dog?

2008-12-05T19:28:00.000-08:00

From time to time, people tell me, "lighten up, it's just a dog," or,

"that's a lot of money for just a dog."

They don't understand the distance traveled, the time spent,

or the costs involved for "just a dog."

Some of my proudest moments have come about with "just a dog."

Many hours have passed and my only company was "just a dog," but I did not once feel slighted.

Some of my saddest moments have been brought about by "just a dog," and in those days of darkness, the gentle touch of "just a dog" gave me comfort and reason to overcome the day.

If you, too, think it's "just a dog," then you will probably understand phrases like "just a friend," "just a sunrise," or "just a promise."

"Just a dog" brings into my life the very essence of friendship, trust, and pure unbridled joy.

"Just a dog" brings out the compassion and patience that make me a better person.

Because of "just a dog", I will rise early, take long walks and look longingly to the future.

So for me and folks like me, it's not "just a dog" but an embodiment of all the hopes and dreams of the future, the fond memories of the past, and the pure joy of the moment.

"Just a dog" brings out what's good in me and diverts my thoughts away from myself and the worries of the day.

I hope that someday they can understand that it's not "just a dog", but the thing that gives me humanity and keeps me from being "just a man or woman."

So the next time you hear the phrase "just a dog" just smile... because they "just don't understand."

Teddy...My heart, my love, my joy always

2008-12-04T14:35:00.000-08:00

Today is a very sad day. I lost a good friend today, a faithful companion, a loving part of our family. Teddy died today at approximately 8 AM in the morning.

My husband called me at work, in a panic, and informed me that when they were taking their usual walk this morning around our block, Teddy, my 8 year old Bichon Frise, got out of his leash because he saw two big dogs across the street. In his attempt to bark at the two dogs, he got out of his leash, slipped through his neck collar (which was new and I just bought yesterday), and ran across the street. In a matter of seconds, a fast approaching car ran over him, one of the tires hit him through the stomach. The car didn't even stop.

My husband was in shock. He carried Teddy home, he was still alive but barely moving. Teddy was looking at him calmly but in pain, and before they reached home, Teddy passed away. He took him to the vet, but there was nothing else they could do.

Tears starting streaming down my cheeks as soon as I put the phone down and headed home. I cried out loud all way from Los Angeles to Anaheim. I was hoping and praying that he was just injured and that he was going to be okay. I had this sick feeling in my stomach. I was so filled with grief.

There are so many, "I should have known better....I shouldn't have bought him a new collar chain....We could have trained him better so he would be more friendly with other dogs...." regrets going through our heads. My husband and I are incredibly sad. Teddy was my first rescue dog. I took him home with me on my very first trip to the pound. There was something in his eyes, I couldn't dare leave him there. I had to take him home. There was a part of me, that said, he was supposed to be mine. The pound was going to put him to sleep, if no one adopts him. He was a stray, they found him wandering on the streets of Riverside. He was so skinny, so dirty, so scared. When I took him home, he was so hungry that he ate the whole can of dog food so fast, like he has never eaten before.

I remember, how he wouldn't let me touch him the first few weeks, he would scower low to the floor, afraid that I would hurt him (his previous owner probably did). He didn't trust people. God knows what he has been through.

With love and patience, he started to trust again, and he loved us. Boy, did he love us! He was thankful that he was part of our family. He would follow me around the house. He would wait for hours under my office chair, until I got back from school. My husband taught him how to kiss, and lick our faces. He would pick up a tennis ball, and drop it by our feet, in a shameless effort to force us to play fetch with him. He would pace up and down by our side, signaling us that it is time for a walk. He contently sat by our sides, and was happy just to be near my husband and I. Our schedules rotated around our dogs.

We loved Teddy, as if he was our child, as if he was a person. We were so incredibly attached to him emotionally, and now that he is gone, I don't even know how to cope. He was eight years old, and I knew he'll have to leave us someday....I just didn't imagine it'll be this way, or that it'll be this soon. Gosh, this is going to be so difficult. No one else could have loved a dog, as much as I loved mine.

I hugged his lifeless body at the vet's office, and my heart was so filled with grief. I didn't know what to do with myself....I know, it sounds weird, but for us, he wasn't just a pet...he was an integral and significant part of our lives, he was family, he was my baby.

I am going to miss him so much. It is going to be awhile before our household goes back to normal again. It will never be the same again.

Teddy, my heart, my love, my joy always. Mama loves you. I am going to miss you so so so much.

What's for dinner? Tinolang Manok! (Chicken Ginger Stew with Vegetables)

2008-12-01T19:30:00.001-08:00

Now that I am going to be a Mama...I am "trying" to make an effort to do more motherly duties such as cooking dinner, in order to practice and someday, be decent with these chores. I have spoiled myself the last few years, as I have not had to worry about anything really, except myself. When I am hungry, I buy food or my hubby cooks me something. But obviously, now that I am going to be a Mama, I'd like to someday be able to feed by child, healthy and edible food.

Here is the recipe for our dinner tonight....Tinolang Manok. I used to eat this chicken ginger stew a lot, when I lived with my parents. Lately, I've only had the chance to eat it when I go to the Filipino eatery places (and what they have was never that good).

Ingredients:
Chayote, Spinach, Chicken (cut into desired size), Ginger, Onion, Garlic, Patis or Salt, Pepper

Procedure:
Saute, ginger,garlic and onion. Add chicken and brown all sides. Add patis or salt, ground black pepper and let it simmer. Add enough water to cover your chicken, more can be added if preferred. When chicken is almost done add the Chayote (or Papapa if you can find it) and do not over cooked it. Lastly, add the spinach. Once the spinach and chayote are cooked, it's ready! Serve hot with steamed rice.

Yummy!

I am going to be a Mommy...what a blessed year indeed.

2008-11-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

This weekend, we took out my family and my hubby's family for Sunday Brunch. Everyone thought that they were there to celebrate me passing the bar exam. However, they did not know, that hubby and I had another surprise.

Well..we have been keeping it a secret for awhile...but my honey and I are going to be parents for the first time. I am going to be a Mommy. Our families were both surprised, but definitely happy.

It is the most wonderful feeling indeed....I always wanted to be a mother. I just wasn't sure when the right time was, but I always knew, I wanted to be a mother. I wanted to have that chance to raise that little someone and impart a part of myself. I wanted to experience the whole thing...the raising, the burping, the kissing, the baby words, the potty training....I wanted that, and a lot more.

It is an amazing feeling to finally see my baby last week and hear his or her heartbeat (it was loud! sounded like a train!). My hubby was so amazed seeing this little creature with a big head, and a backbone, and arms and legs, and eyes. This little creature that was moving inside my tummy, that can be viewed on sonogram machine...this creature that we created, this creature that we have been anticipating is finally here. It felt great as a woman, to be able to give him that feeling of amazement.

It puts everything in perspective. It was very emotional and was a relief, to know that my little peanut was growing just fine (he's now the size of an apple!). My angel is 15 weeks old, 4 1/2 inches long from crown to rump, and weighs about 2 1/2 ounces.

See you soon, my child. Keep growing.

I am ready, we are ready. I am definitely looking forward to the best journey I am ever going to undertake in this lifetime.

Merry Christmas to me!

2008-11-18T16:10:00.000-08:00

Hubby and I have been thinking about getting a new car now that my 2002 Toyota Camry has reached 100,000 miles. I really didn't think we'd get one though...I thought it was mostly talk.

We have been hearing a lot of good deals for Acura MDX cars, and today, we stopped by an Acura dealership to "look" and of course, we ended up with a deal we simply could not walk away from (well, I guess we could have). We did not even test drive the car. Who does that?

So there you go, we pick her up tomorrow. Black on black 2008 Acura MDX. Mama has a new ride. Goodbye my dear Camry, I will miss you. You have served me well - may you find a second good owner.

Merry Christmas to me!

Teddy's Wash Day

2008-11-09T20:21:00.001-08:00

Okay....so it is not a big surprise that I love my Bichon Frise doggies. I do...I love them a lot. I think more than an ordinary human would love a dog. I don't treat them as dogs. I don't see them as dogs. I look at them and treat them almost but not quite my babies. Some people might think I am crazy, but that's just who I am. When there is something or someone who makes me feel happy and loved, I am hooked and quite devoted to that something or someone....be it an animal or a person.

My oldest doggie is Teddy. Papa and I washed him this weekend because he was STINKY! I sometimes hate the fact that my kids have white fur, because they get dirty so fast. They run around in the yard, and next thing you know it, they are gray. I love it when they are all white and puffy, and cute. It is hard to wash them. We usually take them to the groomers at least once every 6 weeks but no more than that, because it can get quite expensive, especially since we have two. My kids hate bath days, and I actually have to chase my little one (Rascal) around the house, because when I am holding the bottle of shampoo....he knows it's bath time and he hides under the table.

NJ Bar Exam - July 2008

2008-11-04T18:15:00.001-08:00

Results of the NJ bar exam was posted last night, and this morning at work, I found out I passed the NJ Bar Exam administered July 2008!!! It would have been sweeter to have passed CA in February, but I am happy to have passed July 2008.

I have waited over 4 years to see the print out above - and finally, after years of hardwork...I can officially say, I am a swearing-in-ceremony away from being a licensed attorney!

To be honest with you, I really didn't think I'd make it this far. Four years of law school at night while working full-time in the day was not a walk in the park. I was never the smartest person, and I was never the most eloquent one, but I was always the most determined...and that determination, along with the love and support of my family and friends, carried me through.

The print out above opens many doors that would allow me to dream more, aim more, do more, and be more...and for that, I am rejuvenated, excited, and looking forward to an exciting and fulfilling future.

Thank you all for all your prayers, kindness, support and love during this life journey.

Halloween West Hollywood Style

2008-11-03T21:34:00.000-08:00

For the last few years, I have had to miss Halloween because there's school or I had to stay home because there's school the following day. This Halloween however hubby and I decided to go to West Hollywood to celebrate Halloween. I was hesitant at first, because I had already purchased a bunch of candies for the neighborhood kids - but I figured I could leave the candies by the door, and I am sure the kids will happily help themselves (and they did!).

Halloween was a work day, so hubby and I met up in Los Angeles after work to go to West Hollywood, since I work in West L.A., and he had to drive all the way from Aliso Viejo.

I have never been to the West Hollywood Halloween event before, although I've heard so much about it over the years. I was always discouraged by stories that it was too crowded and difficult to park, however, I must say, it was not that bad. We did have to walk for quite some time, but it was not horrible.

I am glad we went though. It was definitely an experience. They closed the whole street, there were vendors, and the costumes were just spectacular. Okay...there were some slutty customes that really did not belong in a Halloween parade but there were also just elaborate and gorgeous customes that probably took forever to put together.

We had fun. I'll be back again in the future!

Thought of the day...

2008-10-21T19:59:00.000-07:00

I haven't been able to sleep well the last few days. I have been having nightmares actually. There has been a lot in my mind lately, none of which I can really discuss at this time, but trust that my mind is full of worries and my heart filled with blind hope that everything is going to be okay. I close my eyes, and I worry. I drive, and I worry. I work, and I worry. I eat and I worry. I rest, and yet I worry. My mind wanders all the time, filled with unexpectant worries that wouldn't leave me or my thoughts alone.

Why do we always worry so much? I guess, it all depends on how you approach life and the challenges it brings you. I am a pessimist by nature. I expect the worst, prepare for the worst, and I am armed for the worst - the pessimistic attitude helps me cope in the worst of circumstances. Growing up, people and circumstances have always disappointed me, and so I learned to cope by expecting the worst.

I work hard in trying to control what I can. The things I have control over - I do well in. However, there are things, many things I can't control. They are out of my hands...and for those things, I leave it nervously to faith. I calm myself, and reassure my nerves, that there's a reason, reason for everything. Please let there be a reason for everything.

Mr. & Mrs. Alfred and Sherry Valera

2008-10-15T20:22:00.001-07:00

Our good friends Alfred and Sherry were married this past weekend at St. John the Baptist Church in Costa Mesa, and had their wedding reception at Wyndham Hotel. I love weddings.....especially the ones with wonderful and romantic love stories behind them.

The wedding theme was green and red. They had red roses everywhere (which I loved). The bride was stunning and was walked down the aisle by her two brothers. Alfred and Sherry has been together exactly 11 years! Can you believe that 11 years? They met at Chuck E' Cheese when they were teens, and 11 years later he proposed at Chuck E' Cheese! Cute huh?

The wedding reception was very elegant. They used the DJ we used for our wedding two years ago, who was also the same DJ my sister used, and the same DJ my friend Megan used. He's good, and highly recommended. I think the DJ sets the mood for the reception - so it is extremely important to have a good one. As usual, DJ Shane did not disappoint.

Midway through the reception, DJ Shane announced that the bride and groom were set for their first dance....but to the surprise of the bride, Alfred pulled up a chair and serenaded her! He was singing and played the guitar! How cute was that! I think every girl there was envious of the lucky bride, at that moment.

Congratulations, Sherry and Alfred. We wish you a love that grows deeper each and every day. Welcome to the club!

You can make a difference

2008-09-29T21:00:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends:

There are currently far too MANY bichons at all our local shelters -- and the Orange County shelter is just one of them.

We are also being asked to take bichons that owners are surrendering. In fact we had eight (8!) owner surrenders in two days last week. While it is easy to say it is the economy, or a death in the family, divorce or a variety of other reasons, the reality is the same. many sweet, happy, loving and mostly young bichons need homes and a chance at life. Attached are the photos of some of the little ones we WANT TO SAVE. To help them, we need YOUR help.

If you can look into their eyes and find a place in your heart, please let us know.Once they are in loving foster homes we know we can find forever families. The Orange shelter has seven fur kids in ages ranging from 6 months to 6 years available in the next several days.Can you help us save them? Is there a friend or family member, a neighbor or colleague who may want to help?We need fosters desperately! The average time frame for fostering is about two weeks and all expenses are paid. Can you help? If you can, you WILL be making a difference -- and we will be able to save another life.

Please think about the little ones that make you happy and bring joy to your lives – and help us.

www.bichonfurkids.org/

Making a Difference in a Dog's Life

Lobster Fest Goodness at Ports O' Call in San Pedro

2008-09-20T20:53:00.001-07:00

Okay, I am not going to lie. Ever since my cousin Annalyn told me that they have Lobster Festivals at San Pedro every year - I kept a mental note of it, and specifically "googled it" and "calendared it" this year to make sure that I don't miss it. The event has been on my radar for awhile, and sure enough, as the date approaches - I was giddy about it. I mean, come on, it's the Lobster Festival!

I hardly eat (if at all) beef or pork - and my diet consists pretty much of seafood, chicken and vegetables. I particularly am fond of seafood especially shrimp, scallops, and lobster. My ears perk up, when you mention the words shrimp, scallop or lobster. I am weird like that - I know.

This year's Lobster Fest was held at Ports O'Call in San Pedro, September 19, 20 & 21. I was a little nervous knowing that my last lobster meal in May ended up in a 3 AM emergency room trip. I was wondering if my gallstones were going to be able to handle all that butter....but that was not going to stop me, and so we drove out to San Pedro, and headed out to the Lobster Festival.

We went at about 1 PM, and it was not as crowded yet. We walked around for a bit, then went straight to the lobster line in the back. We thought it was a long line, but it only took about 8 minutes. They were pretty efficient and well-organized.

The festival is sponsored by local businesses and civic leaders. They have a lot of booths with local vendors (selling key chains, winery trips, arts and craft, etc). They have a magician, a pirate show, and live entertainment out in the lawn (which hubby and I enjoyed), plus a bunch of kid friendly carnival rides.

The lobster was yummy - the meal was $17 for one lobster (about 1 pound and a half) and it came with bread, butter, and coleslaw. My hubby said it was not enough to fill a person - but it was just perfect for me. Some people bought two lobsters (for $32) but I could NOT have handled that. One buttery lobster was perfectly okay with one.

As we walked out of the festival, I lined up for some caramel kettle popcorn - and I was good to go - I was a happy girl. Until next year, lobster fest!!!