Back to Half-A-Homeland

So, this summer, the kids will be heading to Puerto Rico for 14 days. They will be visiting Abuela and probably run into their uncle, who lives in Fort Lauderdale. I was excited about joining them until American Airlines announced its ridiculous baggage fee. Luckily, I read a little further and since we bought a ticket prior to June 15, we will only be charged $25 dollars for the second bags checked. I guess American Airlines doesn't want to stay out of bankruptcy. This kind of behaviour is atrocious and money hungry.
So, I am going to check on FedEx's website to see what the cost is to ship from San Juan to Chicago...seems that it might be cheaper to just through my souvenirs in a box and ship it on home. Probably wouldn't come out all damaged either.

All Growed Up

Jaiden is graduating from Kindergarten tomorrow and I am excited for her. I hope that this graduation will be the first of many to come. Recently, in the past 6 months, I have really developed a stronger relationship with Jaiden. I enjoy being around her and I like her personality more and more. I can't believe that this baby is now a little girl! Jaiden is extremely smart and beautiful and I couldn't be any prouder of her or else I might burst!
I am growing up more too! Finally, after 2 1/2 years of living with my mom, I am a "pile" of paperwork away from owning my first home on my own as a single mother. I am proud of myself and I am happy that I can provide my children with a home that I never had when I was growing up. I am excited about decorating the whole house and letting the kids have rooms of their own. And I am definitely not afraid to ask for help --- https://www.target.com/lists/29JS45N4AV8DP - my wish list at Target...

Grateful

I never thought 10 years ago that I would ever utter the following words (or write them for that matter) I am so grateful for my sisters. I can honestly say this now. Sanity, Laughter, Understanding are all things that my sisters provide.
I know that my sisters have had a difficult time being grateful for me too. In the past days, my two kids, almost exactly the same age difference as my sister and I, have been fighting constantly and I wish that they could understand that the other one is the only one in life that will always be there for you, more than I could ever be as their mother. I hope one day they will be grateful for one another.

Fat Ass

It has been a while since I posted anything new - i guess because of the amount of craziness in my life. Jaiden turned 6 in January (what? did someone tell me that I had a 6 year old) and Julian is trying as ever. His three year old antics conflicting with his mommy and me attitude have been extremely hard to deal with. One second "I don't like you anymore" the next "I love you Mommy." Aw, turning out to be just like his mother. (gotcha - you thought I was going to say his Papi)

All the meanwhile, I left my job and started a new one. I was definitely sad to let go of my old gig - but things were getting strange there. Lots of closed door meetings, whispers, etc. So, good bye good job, hello awesome job. Okay, so maybe it's not awesome, but it seems like it will be better. I start later and I don't have the stress of rushing the kids out the door. One thing that drives me crazy about my new job is - THE QUIET! I need constant interruption, noise, people asking questions, clients demanding things. I think the iPod is going to join me tomorrow so I don't lose my mind.

So, what else has happened? I'm finally getting my car fixed after the lovely dying tree in my front yard fell on it a week after I got it.

Resolutions - I don't have any. How's that for ya? I don't have the will power to quit anything or to start anything ..... except.....I want to lose the weight. I have been separated from my ex (the rican) for 2 years now and I have not been on one date, kissed anyone, hugged someone (besides the kids). Gets a little loney if ya know what I mean. I was going to do Nutrisystem, but after a little bird said that was sickola (Fox), I decided to look up a dietician and I am going to set up an appointment to get a game plan in place. The goal is to lose 50 pounds by year end. So I can be cute and have some semblance of self esteem.

Don't worry - I 'm not crying.

J

Why I Hate Walmart

I hate walmart. I absolutely hate this store. I actually gave them a chance to produce and yet again they have disappointed. I really shouldn't have purchased anything from them - but I wanted to get my nephew a DS for his birthday (yes, I know, I am a cool a@@ aunt) and of course nintendo's ridiculous supply and demand left the entire chicagoland area with a lack of DS. I quickly went on line the day of my nephew's party and bought one at walmart.com that stated that it was in stock, they charged my credit card and proceeded to send only 2 of the items (it was a bundled product) and no DS. See below for the email correspondence (God forbid they gave a phone number...I guess they don't want people calling and saying how awful that company is)

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Dear Jessica,
My name is Malene. I am with the Walmart.com Customer Service Team.
Thank you for allowing me to assist you today.
We have received your email confirming that you would like your order to be filled with Nintendo DS Lite in Cobalt Blue. To ensure that we provide you with accurate information, we are researching the matter. We will email you with the requested information within the next 2 business days. We appreciate your patience and apologize for any inconvenience.
We apologize for any inconvenience you may have experienced.
Thank you for visiting Walmart.com. We appreciate the opportunity to serve you and look forward to your next visit.
If we may be of further assistance, please email us at help@walmart.com.
We're here to serve you 7 days a week!
Sincerely,
Malene
Customer Service at Walmart.com

Original Message Follows:
------------------------
Hello,
I received the email below regarding my order number @@@@@
I would like the substitute item sent asap. Please confirm via email that my item will be substituted. I find it absolutely ridiculous that you don?t have the original item ? don?t you keep your website updated?
Thank you,
Jessica
Nintendo DS Lite, Polar White
Unfortunately, this item(s) has been placed on back order and is
currently not available.
We wanted to let you know that we have contacted our suppliers and expect a limited supply of this item(s) in the future, but we do not know the exact date it will return to stock or the number of units we
will receive.
We are very sorry for this situation and any inconvenience it may cause
you.
Substitution
We do expect to receive a similar item over the weekend and we would
like to offer it as a substitute:
Nintendo Lite DS, Cobalt, same price
Please note that we will only receive limited quantities of this substitute. If you are interested in receiving the substitute, please contact us by 4:00 p.m. (PT) on Monday , February 11th so we can give your request priority. You can reach us via email at help@walmart.com.
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Can someone please explain why this company that treats women like sh*t, locks their janitors in at night, refuses to let unions in - can't afford to pay some person to keep their website updated?????

I HATE WALMART

P.S. They still are investigating, my credit card is still charged and I will not link to them. Visit www.wakeupwalmart.com today!

I am currently online searching for an in-stock DS.

For Gabi and Friends that Crochet

I don't but this website is too cool. http://www.purlsoho.com/purl Really interesting yarn, fabrics, etc.

I know Emily would like this.

QTips

This all started when thinking of Christmas gifts to get my employees. Yes, i said Christmas gifts, how un-politically correct. Whatever. So, i have a saying (to myself) in the office and it goes like this - I know what I'm going to get you...Q-Tips, so you can clean your f***ing ears out.

It makes me feel better to think it and say it to a chosen few (Fox). In addition to that, I love Happy Bunny. He's cute *like me* and very, very sarcastic (Gabi's language of love). I often find myself muttering "I just realized. I don't care" and smiling to myself when the day gets rough. It's fleeting of course, this feeling of joy, but it makes me breathe easier for about an hour.

My sister and I used to talk about items that are now known globally as their brand names and not the "actual name". To name a few, because I am tired:

QTips - Not the real name, Cotton Swabs
Coke - Um, if you are from outside the midwest - Soda. Us, midwest folks, call it Pop.