Theme me

I've come to the conclusion that I am rather disappointed in my blog. It has no theme! I am a creature of theme. It provides me with structure. I crave themes! Every party I ever threw had a theme, even if it was so subtle that only a select few noticed... it was there.

So my blog needs a theme. At the moment, this so-called theme appears to be chaos. *eye roll* which isn't such a bad thing, but I'm becoming bored with it and need to move on.

There are some great blogs out there, like PINK IS THE NEW BLOG http://trent.blogspot.com/ and then there is POSTSECRET http://www.postsecret.blogspot.com/ My sister-in-law has an awesome blog too http://iamaloverofchaos.blogspot.com/ Now I'm not saying that I want my blog to be up there in the list of awesome blogs.... but I want a purpose!!! The Realist http://realist.liberalsonly.net/ had purpose... Shakespeare's Sister has a purpose http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/

So what should my focus be on? Motherhood? Politics? Art? General hobbies? .... sigh...

I think I'll stick to chaos for a little while longer.

La la la

I am so tired. I have so much to do, but I'm just too tired to do anything productive. LOL I've been fighting a cold for over a week, and I'm feeling a little on the lazy side.

I have reports to write, service coordinations to complete... a closet to clean before it swallows me one day... magazine articles to read that remain sitting on the table, covered with more articles, books and magazines that I would love to one day read... maybe during Spring Break.

Yes... spring break can't come soon enough! Maybe I might actually return to drawing or painting even... HA. Yeah, I know, that was funny... LOL

Above is a photo of Julius, snoozing in our bed... he usually joins us with his pillow around three or four in the morning...

Hi there!

It's been a little while since i've updated. Let's see... work has been draining the life out of me. I have a yucky cold... oh, and I just recently had a birthday! Yay Me. I'm 28 :)

So we've been working on Best Practices for children with autism spectrum disorders. That's been very exciting. I'm really happy to be a part of this decision making process. I presented what we've done thus far at a teacher meeting a few weeks ago. I got a lot of nice feedback.

Do you know that 1 in 150 children under the age of 8 in the USA have a diagnosis of autism? And that in New Jersey that number is 1 in 94?

For more information, you can check out:

The autism society of america http://www.autism-society.org/site/PageServer

cure autism now http://www.cureautismnow.org/site/c.bhLOK2PILuF/b.1021889/k.BFD8/Home.htm

NIMH's brochure on ASD http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/autism.cfm

Autism Speaks http://www.autismspeaks.org/

Tenple Grandin http://www.templegrandin.com/

some much to say...but thankfully I don't have to

LOL. I have so much to say, but there are people better equiped than me, so I'm just going to post the links LOL

1. http://liberalsonly.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=417&sid=ec2847e0141439a18e73df1612396f7e Basically, an Arabic linguistic was discharged because he's gay. Seriously, read the whole thread.... it'll make you want to scream.

2. http://www.pollyticks.com/item/2027 Bush Cuts Off Diplomatic Relations With Congress. This is a really funny site, BTW... you should check it out.

3. http://shakespearessister.blogspot.com/2007/01/30th-carnival-of-liberals.html Carnival of the liberals. It's a light-hearted read (sometimes)

4. http://www.theblindphotographer.com/main.asp?CL=ENG A happier note. I think this is really awesome and just wanted to share it.

So.. that's what's going on. I mean, wow. What a wild world we live in. But I suppose there has to be bad with the good, right? But if you don't believe in complete BAD and complete GOOD... then what? Where is the balance in the world? People like to make believe that everything is so simple, but it is and it isn't... and somewhere you just have to choose where you stand. I think balance is really a "personal perspective".: just like so many other things in life.

I think it should be a requirement that every individual take a class on sociology of social psychology. The world might actually start to make sense, even if it is sometimes rather fucked up. And don't think that because I'm saying this that I'm actually agreeing with the nonsense that is going on right now in the world. No way in hell! I'm just saying that it helps to understand why people are doing and saying what they're doing and saying, and all it all interconnects. We all mesh someway or another whether we like it or not.

What else to talk about? Hmmm..well I have been loving the show "Bad Girls" on logo. OMG, it is really intense. I love it. http://www.logoonline.com/shows/dyn/bad_girls/series.jhtml

I just wish that Logo didn't censor so much. I mean, they have awesome movies and series, but, (holy crap!) they censor so much, that sometimes they actually ruin really important scenes. But I can't complain too much, because at least they have the balls to show stuff that other networks won't.

So, as a shout out to logo, here is their website: http://www.logoonline.com/news/ I've linked you to their NEWS page because it can really open your eyes.

Have you guys heard of NEED magazine? It's incredible. http://www.needmagazine.com/index.htm It's the most beautiful humanitarian magazine I've ever seen. After reading it, you just have to sigh and be grateful that there are still some really incredible, wonderful and compassionate people out there in this world that we live in. And thank goodness for that because we would be in a terrible state without them.

I heard about NEED from (RED). http://www.joinred.com/home.asp Which, is another one of those beautiful organizations that people should really get to know and be a part of.

I haven't written in awhile. I've been overwhelmed at work. As much as I love my job, it can be incredibly emotionally draining and often downright frustrating... but the reward is immesurable. So it does balance out in some way: but I'm tired, and sometimes I feel like I'm cheating out on spending time with my own child... and then that Mommy Guilt rears it's ugly head and I get all sad and mopey... but then I just have to shake it off and "keep on swimming," and hope that it all works out: and it usually does.

Julius is so awesome. I sometimes just sit back and watch him in utter amazement. I mean, he just blows my mind sometimes. He's creative, smart, sensitive, funny... he's his own person, and it wows me on a daily basis. I can't believe he's going to be 32 months... he'll be three in about four months?!?! I can't believe it! Time has really flown by.

TGIF

I'm so glad it's Friday!! Even better, it's a three day weekend :)

It's not that I dislike my job or anything, but some of the people I have to work with are so arrogant and snarky and have an incredible talent of PISSING ME OFF.

So, like I said, I'm glad it's Friday.

gender roles

Today Julius, my two year old son, astonished me with his observation of gender roles.
I mean, before he was even born, Josh and I knew we would expose him to all toys and not fall into the trap of gender specific toys and "this is for boys" and "this is for girls."
Julius has played with dolls, pushed toy strollers, owns a kitchen set, and enjoys painting, singing and dancing. He also loves rough-housing, playing hockey, ball games and playing with cars/trucks/trains.
So to me, I felt we were doing a good job raising Julius to not believe in gender specific toys, etc.
But then today, Julius blew me away with a comment he said:

We were in the car. I was driving and he was in the back in his carseat. I hear his voice ask, "Mommy, are you a boy?"
Now I thought that was a silly question since Julius was able to identify boys vs. girls since he was 18 months old. So I figure he's being silly. I answer, "No, silly goose. Mommy's a girl."
He pauses, then says, "No, Mommy. You're a boy."
I'm baffled. So I ask, "Why do you think Mommy is a boy?"
He replies, "Because you play with my toys."
"Yes, I play with your toys with you."
It makes so much sense in his two year old mind, "You're a boy."
So I ask, "What would make me a girl?"
Again, his logic astounds me. "Claire (his neighborhood friend) plays with girl toys. She's a girl."
So I explain to him that boys can play with boy toys and girl toys. And that girls can play with girl toys and boy toys. And that it's okay to play with whatever toy you want to play with.

So now I sit here wondering how he had come to that previous conclusion about Mommy being a boy because I would play with his toys with him? Did someone tell him in school that he had to play with certain "boy" toys or else he was a girl? And if so, what two year old says that? Did he see it on television? And I think about what shows he watches, and none of them are gender specific. In fact, he barely watches television. But he does love watching Little Bear before dinner, and that is rather conservative IMO. Though I like the idea of Little Bear using his imagination and flying to the moon, blah blah blah... the roles do seem a bit gender specific (mother bear stays at home: cooks and cleans. father bear is a fisherman and often at work. Emily plays with dolls and has tea parties.... hmmm, could that be it?)

How can a two year old (okay, he's 31 months, but that's still a two year old) conclude that boys must play with boy toys and girls must play with girl toys? Is this an example of the Social Learning Theory at work? But I always thought that children didn't notice gender roles until the age of four or five....
Julius is TWO!!

Blows my mind. Totally blows my mind.

It's a new year!

A new year. I can't believe it's already 2007. So, let's start this blog off right with some really funny videos!
http://break.com/index/effect_of_drugs_and_alcohol_on_spider_webs.html My friend Jen sent me this and I was LMAO.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k8x14cLGh5o&eurl= This one has caused some controversy over at YouTube... but I think it's funny
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NINJQ5LRh-0 Just a really fun video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BHPS6do13V8&eurl= Sweet video from one of my favorite bands
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vE6UOHJcyjE&eurl= My other favorite band performing an old song based on a story I remember hearing when I was younger
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8yEOjcU4ZtI&eurl= Just a really cool video with a great beat
And lastly, for any QAF fans out there, this video will definitely make you laugh, or at least smile http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9Jof9zf2vo&eurl=



HAVE A FANTASTIC DAY :) :)

December 30, 2006

Early this morning, Julius and I began putting away the Christmas decorations before Josh came down the stairs. Josh was bit more than surprised, but I told him it had to be done. Better to do it now and spend this weekend together doing whatever we wanted without the gloom of having to clean up and put the decorations away at a later date.

And once everything was cleaned and stored away, I could breath a little easier. It was then that I realized that even though Christmas is my favorite time of year... it's exhausting!! I was actually happy that it was over and we could start the new year fresh.

I was tired of hosting parties and going to parties and shopping (yes, shopping.) and dealing with the emotional stress of life in general. I just wanted to relax and do nothing but spend time with my husband and son. And I also knew how important that would be for Josh as well. He has been working such late hours and has been so tired this week...

So now it looks like we're hosting a New Years Eve dinner. How the hell did that happen? (cue scream now)

LATER THAT AFTERNOON/EARLY EVENING:
So I'm really excited about hosting dinner tomorrow! I know, what can I say? As tired as I am, I'm excited. :)
I'm planning to make a risotto and stuffed zucchinis. Josh is going to barbecue steaks and we also picked up some fresh shrimp. Being the vegetarian in the family, I had to make sure we had plenty of non-meat items... so we did a lot of shopping. Oh, and wine! I love wine. I wanted Kahlua, but it turns out that not many places sell it because it's a liqueur. Drat. LOL
Happy Holidays!

Merry Christmas

Wishing you and all your loved ones a wonderful Merry Christmas and a very happy holiday season!

My sister and her family left today. I'm a bit sad about it because my sister and I didn't get a chance to talk much. We used to be so close, and now.. well, life makes it hard sometimes. I wish we had more opportunities to talk and hang out the way we used to. I'm hoping Josh, Julius and I will be able to visit her and her family during spring break.

'Twas the night before Christmas

We had a wonderful time at my parents. Josh, Julius and I arrived in time for everyone to head to the Children's mass. Julius was phenomenal. I mean, we got there an hour early to get seating, and then the mass itself was an hour long: that was two hours of church time. Can you imagine how long that must feel for a two year old?? Julius was incredible. He was so well behaved: I was in awe. I mean, yes, of course he talked often and was a little squirmy here and there, but he's only two! He was incredible. Josh and I were so proud of him.

And then we went back to my parents for dinner and presents. Everything went so well, and I really appreciated how considerate everyone was about Julius' allergies. It was so nice *smile*

After Julius went to sleep, I wrapped the presents and Josh & I put them under the tree... I can't wait to see Julius' reaction tomorrow morning when sees them all!!!!!!

Oh, and the issue that I had mentioned in the last post: everything was settled. I really think everything is going to be okay, and that makes me really happy.

My husband

My husband is wonderful. I just need to say that. He's always been great, he really has, and for these past two days he's been so supportive and fantastic... I just have to write it down. LOL

You see, last year my parents and I had a bit of (okay, a big) fall out. And though my mother and I were able to have our relationship resolved (though I still have some residul feelings over that fact that she will probably never see my perspective of the situation), my father and I, however, have yet to speak to one another (other than one brief encounter of a 'hi' when my uncle came for a visit).

So... on Thursday my sister and her family flew in. I was so excited to see them, but I was also a bit trepid.

I knew that my father had spoken to her about me. What am I saying? I mean complained to her about me. He told her exactly what he thought about me. So... I wasn't sure what was to come from this rendevouz we were going to have on Friday afternoon. Friday afternoon was going to be when we would have the whole family photographed: my mother, father, sister, her husband, her kids, myself, my husband and my son.

I wouldn't say I was nervous. I was anxious. Yes, definitely anxious. In fact, I nearly hyperventilated in the car because I was sure we were going to be late and punctuality is very important to my sister. I didn't know what to expect, and I hated that feeling. I didn't want to be thrown for a loop (which had happened before and I did not want to rel-ive that again.

So in any case, the afternoon went FINE. And then we had dinner, and it went FINE. I tried talking to my father, but he was either ignoring me or just not listening. I told myself he just wasn't listening. And then they came back to our house for dessert and everything went FINE. And Josh was wonderful. He had gone out to the store and bought flowers for the table, he picked up the vegan cake and cookies (everything has to be egg-free for Julius), he picked up the fruit tray... I mean, really, he was great.

And then this evening we went to my parents for a holiday gathering, and I really think everything went fine. I wasn't nervous or anything, but regardless, Josh was by my side and would say such sweet things to me... he is so awesome.

I'm a little nervous though because as we were leaving I heard my father tell my mom, "Did you tell her?" And she said, "No. I'll tell her tomorrow," and she glanced at me and therefore I knew it was about me... and that made me paranoid.

So I tried calling after Julius went to sleep but I got their machine. So I thanked them for a wonderful party (which I would have done regardless) and said I'd see them tomorrow for Christmas Eve mass.

I'm a little paranoid because I really feel that these two days have been great and I just don't want to ruin this feeling of "wow! everything is finally okay!" Hopefully I'm just being paranoid.

hair hair hair

Julius had his hair cut today. I specifically said "a trim." I didn't want it cut in the first place but it seemed that everyone and their mother felt that his hair was getting too long.

I happen to like my son having long hair. But I supposed a little trim would be healthy, plus we are planning to have our pictures taken this Friday so it could have worked out well.

Sadly, my ideal "trim" turned into a CUT. I wasn't there, so I obviously couldn't smack the woman with the scissors; but my mother-in-law was: and she told me she tried to tell the woman what I wanted and how to trim it. She told me she was very strict with the stylist. She told me she tried her best. But that bitch with the scissors had her own agenda.

So of course my knee-jerk reaction when I saw my son was a loud gasp followed by tears down my face. Yep, I was really subtle.

My poor mother-in-law felt terrible, but it wasn't her fault. I totally don't blame her for it at all.

And the cut doesn't look BAD. It's just...short. It's just hair... I have to keep telling myself that.... it'll grow back... he still looks adorable. He is adorable.

We are NEVER going to Cartoon Cuts again.

MY CAR!!

So I ran some errands this morning, and guess what happened? SOMEONE HIT MY CAR!! Yep, no note or anything. Just a huge scratch and dent... a looong yellow scratch and dent.... it looks terrible.
So I called my insurance company and I'm going in next week to get an estimate of the damage and all that. Geesh!!

new 'do

So I went to The Red Door for a new cut and some awesome highlights. You can't see the highlights in this photo, but they're two-toned: chocolate and golden blonde. I love it. I wanted to go with mostly golden blonde, but Janelle (the colorist) convinced me that for this time of year, I really needed to add chocolate into the mix; and of course, she was right! I love my hair!!!!

Happy Holidays

It's been a great start to the holiday season (which technically began in November when Josh had his birthday, and then it was Thanksgiving...). Julius is having the best time right now!

I admit, we are overindulging him with presents, but we can't help it. Plus, it's not like he's a terror or anything. In fact, Julius readily shares his toys and is such a compasssionate child...it's just beautiful. Like once, a little boy began to cry at his nursery school, so Julius went over to him, gently patted his shoulder and said, "Mommies always come back." Isn't that sweet?!?!? Josh and I couldn't ask for a more wonderful child. He is just the absolute greatest. :)

Deck the halls!

I love this time of year: the lights, the bright colors... the sales at the mall *wink*
We've already put up our Christmas tree, decorated the house inside and out (Josh did an amazing job with the outside decorations!) and have holiday music playing for most of the day.
And Julius is LOVING the fact that he not only gets presents Christmas eve and Christmas morning... but also for Hannukah :) Yep, he's one lucky toddler.
I remember a lot of people had told Josh and I that we would need to pick a religion to raise Julius with. I didn't see a reason then and I still don't. Interfaith is the way to go. I mean, God is God. Most of his fans scare me, but God is God and the basics are the same in every religion. I don't understand why so many people have to judge one another and demand that their religion is right and all the others are wrong. Seriously, why can't we all just get along? It's so frustrating. And the organization of religion is truly the root of evil. Don't get me wrong: I think religion is a wonderful thing... but the ORGANIZATION of it is freakin' scary. There is just too much politics where there shouldn't be. Religion should be personal and nonjudgemental against others.

Anywho: enough of that drabble. Back to the happiness of holidays!!!! :) :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Hi everyone!
It's been awhile: we've been quite busy. This past weekend was Josh's birthday, which was really nice :) And today is Thanksgiving. There is a lot to be thankful for: a wonderful and loving family including a fantastic son who's healthy and happy, great friends, a rewarding job... so many good things to be thankful for.
And still, it's a time to be reflective about what is going on around us. Let's not be so selfish and overfocus on ourselves, that we forget about those around us: it's their world too.
Let's remember that.

Hugs,
Julieta
"We can bomb a world to pieces, but we can't bomb a world to peace." I don't know who said it, but I agree!

it's a lovely weekend

A Democratic victory! Hooray!
It's nice to know that people can make a difference in the world. I mean, those who never thought there was a problem were obviously not paying attention.
Thankfully however, it looks like a lot of people WERE paying attention and we can now breathe a collective sigh of relief.

The Democrats took back the House and the Senate.
It's been a beautiful week.

LIBERAL IS NOT A DIRTY WORD.

Let's all remember to vote today.