Only a month to go...

After much hype and anticipation, the countdown is on.

1 month from today, I will be in the IMAX with my LB to enjoy this Tim Burton masterpiece.

ALICE IN WONDERLAND
(click title to view trailer)

A moment of realization is so refreshing.

I am not a motivated person by nature. This has caused lots of problems in my life but has also caused a lot of chill and relaxing moments amidst what should be chaos. Because I am not easily motivated, I am worried that I will be the laziest, most lax and uncontrolled mother. I don't really want that. So, I realized that I need to change. I want to change. I am ready to change. Luckily I am blessed with about 4 months of FREE TIME, before my world changes completely. If I can't practice being motivated with out pressure and succeed, how will I ever survive motherhood and the rest of my life, full of pressure and others needs!?!

Things I want to do:
THINK, WRITE AND CREATE - not over think, more like dream, and decide my favorite things, figure out my style, etc., and not long journal-entry based writing, but simple lists, sketches and thoughts as they come and are imagined. I want to make what I need and produce the art in my mind.

Things I want to happen:
FEEL, EXPERIENCE AND EXPLORE - my body was made to move and be strong, I'd like it to feel and experience the fullness of its capabilities. I want to explore and experience nature, by which I feel the best and happiest feelings and receive the most timely and satisfying inspiration. I want to enjoy music again, not only by my own hand, voice, breath, but by the talent that surrounds me.

Things I don't want forget:
EVERYTHING I LOVE AND KNOW - the way I'll hold on here and control this area is to practice what I already know, share what is dear to me, show what I am good at, and continue to tap in to the things of importance in my life thus far. I will quench my hunger not only with the new but also with the familiar.

The goal:
Allow a new strength to be born inside of me, that it may help me with the transition to motherhood, that it may help me to be the happiest I can be, that it may help me to add joy to those around me, especially my little family. This strength will offer a good foundation for the growth and work that is ever ahead of me.

I can do all of that. It is not even hard. I want to feel prepared and this I feel is the way for me. I will just focus on the moments at hand, and rest when I need to. I will go, I will work and I will not be in need of a lack of motivation moment again. (At least not for a long time!)

Here's to me and my final 4 months (if that is the way my body will have it) as my own.

I love Zack!

My Grandma Esther

My and my grandma on my wedding day.

I am going to miss my grandma. She lived 90 years and left her mark and impact in each. She passed away suddenly 2 days ago, but it has not quite set in. I just look forward to being with my dad and family in a few days.

Esther Preciado Montoya is the proud grandmother of one son, 7 grandchildren, and 20 great-grandchildren. She will be remembered by all. I am happy that I know I'll see her again and I'm happy that she is now with her husband and several other loved ones who have previously passed too. Life is good and mine was made particularly special because I had such a perfect grandma as a part of it.

We had a great weekend.

We went to the crown of the Statue of Liberty! It was awesome.
Check out this post for a recent photo of my baby "bump".
It's somewhere among the other shots.

After school, I'm making pajama pants with my beehives.
Can't wait.

New Year, new way of living.

I am not going to be able to wait until next week to get going on my 2010 mentality and projects. For me the new year starts today. I have made lists and lists of projects that I will aim to finish by the end of my year, which will end some time in May. haha. Then I'll have to revamp my whole life and lifestyle to fit the needs of another. That is ok, I am just grateful that I have a 5 month window of me time, for the last time.

I am so excited for what 2010 will bring.

Wassail

While I am studying for my last 2 finals today,
I am making some of my favorite cold weather beverage.
My house is filled with the smell of Christmas.
I can't wait to taste it.

Get the recipe here.
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A TRUE Christmas Story

For some Christmas spirit, read THIS.

from TravelinOma

Can you imagine?

The kids of New York (all neighborhoods) doing this.
There would certainly be less of this, that's for sure.

see more photos
images from AMSTERDAMIZE

Not bad places to spend some time.

50 of the world's best design blogs

Two down...

...two to go, finals that is. And then I am finished with another semester. Then, I will be taking a break to get ready for Zack's birthday. hehe. I'll enjoy the time I am sure. I have a few things up my sleeves that will fill my days. Many projects and a few visits and get-togethers.
Stay tuned.

I feel the spirit of Christmas.

I am feeling the Christmas spirit in my own way. This is one of those posts I thought I would document for my future. One day, I was asked by my favorite person in the world if I would be his "for ever and ever and ever and ever and ever..." you get the idea. I said yes and now we are together, for that long. hehe. I was given a token more special to me than even the rings I wear now to represent our union. I was given this necklace. I loved it and was so impressed that he would give me not only the traditional token of love but a unique one of his own. Well, I don't have much to say other than to say that I lost it. I lost it a while ago but sincerely hoped it would turn up in all of my organizations and reorganizations that I do to my stuff. Well, no. The fact is I lost this most precious possession that I have ever been given to me by the most precious person I have ever known. This is a sad fact but it is true. I've wished to replace it but we all know the second is never the same as the first. Having a new one to cover the place where the original one is just not enough. Its not THAT one from THAT most special day from THAT most special person with THAT same special moment engraved in it. The single thing that keeps me from dying over this loss is that I still have him, the one who gifted this precious item. I love him and am grateful that I could never loose him. This experience of loosing this possession has taught me a lot. This may be silly but I think God knew that I would never be able to hold on to possessions that I love and for that reason he gave me my husband that I could always have to love and hold. I know that is a blessing to me. I think that God has enough faith in me to know that I'll cherish him as my forever "possession" and even feel that I am capable of handling yet another "possession" as is/will be our baby.
I am excited to add an additional someone to love and hold.
God loves me.
It is obvious and not that complicated but it is huge to me.

Merry Christmas!
I love Zack!

I feel good about wanting one or all of these.

After a time of genocide in Rwanda, women come together to build their economy and their spirits. These baskets were featured on the Martha Stewart show. They are made by the women of Rwanda. Read more about the project here. I love the cause and I am going to buy one. This topic reminded me of this book I read recntly.

Rwanda Path to Peace Project
Recap: Rwanda Path to Peace Project
Guest: Willa Shalit, Fairwinds Trading
Giveaway: Hand-woven ornaments courtesy of Fairwinds Trading
Shop: The Rwanda Path to Peace Collection

You can also purchase these at Macy's with free shipping.

A New Yorker

I guess now I am officially a New Yorker. Today, I was summoned to Jury Duty for Criminal Court. Tomorrow, I should have been there but I got a deferral for 6 years and paid for the few hours I was there, $40. It was a pretty cool experience and I met a new friend that is very similar to me, among many other things, she and her husband love Costco too. Instant friend. haha.

Now I can check that off my list, even though I don't even have a bucket list of any kind at all, but it is accomplished, nevertheless. It was fun to recount the details to my true-crime (books) loving husband.

Our country is awesome. We as the people get to participate and judge our fellow citizens. What other country does that?
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Holiday cards out

We finally got them out.
Our intention was to buy stamps at the airport before flew out for Thanksgiving.
Better late than never, you will agree. hehe

If you didn't get one and want one, email me your address.
If you should've received one and didn't, email me too.

Happy Holidays!

Let the season begin: Christmas 09

I walked around Barnes and Noble today and read a bunch of children's Chistmas stories.

Here are a few of my favorites:




Click to read:
'Twas the Night Before Christmas








Click to read:
The Night the Chimes Rang









Click to read:
The Gift of the Magi

Won't you share your favorite one with me?
I know there are more out there.

Happy December!