9/11: My Memory

So as many of you know today is September 11, 2012. Today is not only 3 of my cousins’ birthdays..shout out to Mark, Erin and Jordan…Love y'all!! But today is also the day that many Americans will never forget. It’s been 11 years since a terrorist attack took down planes, buildings and killed thousands of Americans. As we remember those who were lost and those who so courageously aided in help I cant help but be thankful that though this was a horrific tragedy I’m still proud to be an American. We all came together at a time of need and forgot about politics to be help one another mourn and rebuild. As I think about this day and remember those who were lost I’m reminded about where I was and how this day affected me and family 11 years ago.

I was a freshman at Whittier College (my first time at college) and I remember vividly the day that brought terror throughout the country and the worse stomachache I have ever felt in my life. My mom who had been working in DC and was supposed to be flying home from DC the morning of September 11^th. I received a loud bang at my dorm room just a little before 7am (pacific time)…of course this bang startled the hell out of me because what college kid do you know wakes up before 7am??!! I opened the door and saw the scared look on my friend’s face as he tried to ask me if I had spoken with my mom that morning. I said no dude it’s 7am..I did not think it was weird he was asking about my mom because I lived in small co-ed dorm and everyone knew everyone else’s parents and everyone’s business all the time so many of my dorm friends knew my mom was in DC at the time. As he tried to speak he just grabbed my arm and said come downstairs to the TV room something has happen in DC. As we ran down to the TV room I had no idea what was going on. I just thought my mom made national news for boycotting something or standing next the president or something (she loves her politics). I had no idea what I was in for. The TV room was packed with my whole dorm (all 40 of us) as we were glued to the TV to find out what was going on. By this time the news was already thinking it was a terrorist attack. I immediately grabbed the phone and tried to call my mom’s cell phone..all I got was a busy signal...so I hung up and tried again..at this point I was beginning to tear up with fear that my mom was on a flight that had gone down or was at the pentagon. Next, I called my dad.. I could hear the quivering in his phone as he tried to assure me that mom was fine but he was not able to reach her. My brother was calling on the other line so my dad had to hang up to keep a line open in case my mom called..he said he would call me back after he tried to get info and try to reach my mom again. I continued calling my mom’s cell phone throughout the day but only to receive a constant busy signal. Our family rallied together to stay in touch and try to continue reaching my mom. Not being together as a family made this all so much worse. I was hundreds of miles away from any relative. By the end of the day we still hadn’t heard from my mom and I immediately thought the worse..she was on the plane that went down or she was at the pentagon. I was glued to the TV all day in hopes for information or names. I’ll never forget the fear and helplessness I felt that day. Finally, at the end of day my dad was able to get through to my mom. She called later and explained that there was so much chaos and the city went on lock down. She said the cell service was impossible to make a call or get on the Internet. She said being in the city that day was the most eeriest sight she had ever seen. As she returned to our boathouse from the airport she said the city streets were emptiest she has ever seen and army tanks strolled the streets for civilian protection.

My mom inspired me to write this today because as she pulled up from work she saw the American Flag flying in our front yard. She immediately began taking video of the flag and became very choked up and emotional as she recorded a message for my brother, sister and I saying how scared she was on that day and all she could think about was her kids and fear she would never see them again. As I think about this day and the fear my family and I felt I’m thankful that my family was one of the lucky ones to come out as a survivor. However, I think about all those other poor families that went through the same feelings and emotions as I did and their outcome was much more different then my family’s. September 11^th is a day to remember but it also a day that I’m thankful for what I still have..which is my family and my freedom. I hope each and every one of you will remember this day in history and how it’s important to never forget those who were lost.

Update on life/Burning Love

Omg it's been way too long since my last post...I hope all my readers are doing well! I have been super busy since my last post July 11th!! My family had their annual family and friends fiesta..it was so wonderful to see all of my California family...I love all of them so very much!! My niece, Ellie celebrated her first birthday..I cant believe she is already a year old!! We also went to Mexico to celebrate Bunnies 30th birthday..it was an awesome trip and I became a local celebrity at the resort because I was the only other Mexican there that wasn't working!!!! Lastly, we have been working like crazy to get the new house ready..we move out of our Austin home on the 27th..we are so sad to leave Rearden Rd but excited to see what SP (Sunshine Parkway) has in store for us..plus we get to do whatever we want to this house!! I'll have some pics up from the new house hopefully next week...the next few weeks are going to be super hectic but we can wait to get into our new home!

Cali Family

Ellie's 1st Birthday

Group in Mexico

Happy 30th Bunnies

Rearden Rd for sale..so sad :(

Before I end this post I wanted to share a little gem I discovered on the world wide web a couple of weeks ago!! I love comedy and find reality tv to be so ridiculously awesome...so I wanted to share my new comedy find..Burning Love!! Burning Love is a scripted web-sweries spoof based on the Bachelor and Bachelorette shows! Oh my gosh this series is so hilarious...Mark Orlando is the fireman bachelor looking for love and the contestants are all bunch of unstable women. This show has great cameos such as Ben Stiller, Kristen Bell and Jennifer Aniston and is worth watching each 8 minute episode!! Here is a little preview...let me know what you think of the web series @OMGItsMoT

Hasta la próxima mis amores (Till next time my loves...I have been practicing my Spanish since Mexico)

The Jonika Diaries: The DQ Debacle

This past weekend we celebrated my girl, Sarah's 30th Birthday....her real birthday is not till July 28th but we will be in Mexico for her real birthday..so for those who can not attend the Mexico birthday we had a stateside party for her at aunt Janet and uncle Steve's house in San Antonio!!! Janet and Steve were wonderful hosts and there was plenty of food all weekend ( I like Pizza)..which we all love!! We even got to see John's Grandpa, Popo and celebrate his 83rd birthday!!

The birthday kids..Sarah, Popo, and Will

Over the weekend John's family brought up how John and I sometimes get in the most heated arguments over the silliest things but they usually only last about 5-10 mins and then we go back to laughing about it. So the idea of the Jonika Diaries began...stories of John and Monika's silliest arguments!!! I wanted to share a more recent argument with my readers..it is the time I left John at Dairy Queen all because they didn't have a chicken wrap!!!!

About a month ago John and I were moving back to Midland and following each other from Austin to Midland in our own cars. John called me and asked me if I want to stop and get something to eat in Eden. I was secretly hoping he would say lets get some BBQ or beef jerky...not Dairy Queen! But then he said it..I decided to go along with his decision of Diary Queen even though I'm not very fond of the place. I had to walk Luxie so John went inside to order....I told him to get me a grilled chicken wrap and if they didn't have it I would take chicken strips. Well, when John came out to bring my drink he informed me that they did not have a grilled chicken wrap so he got the next best thing a grilled chicken sandwich! His decision to order me a grilled chicken sandwich really set me off..I barked at him telling him I didn't want a sandwich...after he called me a spoiled brat..he went back inside and ordered chicken strips...at this point I was super pissed off because he called me brat (which I was being a big spoiled bitch) and I was no longer hungry! He was very angry and I was super mad that I just put Luxie in the car and continued on my way to Midland. John went inside the Dairy Queen and ate his burger, chicken strips, and grilled chicken sandwich by himself!! I sped off angrily at what had just gone down and wasn't even paying attention to my speed. About 20 mins after I left John at Dairy Queen I got pulled over and was given a ticket for speeding. I saw John pass by me and smile as I pulled over on the side of the road. But he is so sweet that even though he was mad at me for the DQ debacle he still pulled over to make sure I was ok! I knew this ticket was my punishment for being such an ungrateful spoiled brat over a grilled chicken wrap!! I called John after I got my ticket and swallowed my pride and apologized to him for being so ridiculous about a chicken wrap..I explained to him that the reason I got so heated was that I really strongly dislike DQ and didn't even want to eat there in the first place! After we laughed about my ticket and the ridiculous behavior John now knows not to ask me to stop at DQ unless it's to get a blizzard! I hope you all got a laugh out of this and realize when you are in a relationship and you don't want to eat somewhere..then you should speak up and say so!! There are many more Jonika stories just like this one so stay tuned there are more to come!

Me and my Lover, John

in Australia

Blue Office (Love it or Hate it?)

So as many of you know John and I haved moved to Midland and are working on remodeling our new home (I'll have before and after pics up soon)!! John has been working furiously, pulling out carpet and scrapping popcorn off the ceilings. We have now started to discuss paint because this is the next thing on our to do list before the new hardwood floors go in! The other day John brought home a block of about 2,000 paint samples. I did not know that so many colors and variations of one color even existed. I was exhausted just thinking about having to choose. I don't care about spending hours choosing colors for the house so I am willing to let John take on that responsibilty. However I have stood my ground firmly about one room in our new home..the office! I have always wanted a blue office (and a blue formal dining room as well) and I already have a vision for the way I want the office to look! Because the room is small we want to have one long desk with 2 chairs and shelving above it (see my idea of how I want the desk to look below)! I cant wait for this room to be done..Im so excited..we have narrowed the blue color down to Sherwin Williams Blue Plate! However im wondering if I will get tired of the blue..So what do you think of a blue office? Love it or Hate it?? Here are some blue offices that I have seen and like...tell me what you think!!

Sherwin Williams..Blue Plate

I'm digging the zig zag rugs

our desk setup will be model after this desk but blue of course

I hope to have this dining room one day..the next house..hopefully

Sugar Ray

So random thought for the day..this morning on my drive to work I found myself listening to the 90's station on Sirius/Xm radio when all the sudden Sugar Ray came on. I haven't heard Sugar Ray in forever and I found myself singing along and suprised at myself that I still remembered all the lyrics to Fly. When Sugar Ray first came on the scene in the 90's..I was like whoa that's one good lookin man..Im speaking of Mark McGrath. So of course as Im singing I am thinking whatever happen to Sugar Ray and why did Mark McGrath sell his band out to become and entertainment reporter on Extra/ host of Don't Forget the Lyrics. Mark I just don't undertand..you were making hits and your good looks helped your band keep constant followers. At this point in my drive Im starting to get angry at Mark McGrath for becoming a sell out sorta like when I got mad at Pat Green (but that's another story). As soon as I got to work I decide to google Sugar Ray and Mark McGrath and to my suprise I found that I judged Mark McGrath too soon!! So in case you are wondering Sugar Ray is still together..however they did go on a hiatus for a little bit but they are back and making music! In fact they are having a sumer tour this summer with lots of other lost 90's bands including Everclear, Lit, Gin Blossoms, and Marcy's Playground...I would maybe kind of want to check this tour out! I would like to take this time to apologize to Mark McGrath for thinking he sold out Sugar Ray for a gig in entertainment reporting! Good Luck Sugar Ray..hope you guys can make a comeback!!

Sweet pic of Sugar Ray from the 1990's

Mark's hair hasn't changed much since the 90's

Working on my Fitness with NTC

Summer is here and I know I probably should have started amping up my workouts back in January but hey it's never too late to start getting into a healthier lifestyle routine! Since we are going to Mexico at the end of July I have really been working on eating better and working out 5-6 times a week. A friend recently told me about the Nike workouts she does and now I must share with all of you my new obsession with the Nike Training Club App. I have finally found a badass workout that really works!! The NTC app is awesome...it's like I have my own personal trainer in my very own living room or bedroom. You don't need a lot of room or materials for these workouts but they will make you sweat like a pig and when it's over you really feel like you have had the best workout ever! It's hard work and trust me you will feel the pain and soreness the next day but it's worth it. First you choose your goal and fitness level then you choose from over 80 workouts that will help you get lean, toned, or strong. There are videos that show you how to do every move correctly and you can pause take a look at the video and then resume the 15, 30 or 45 minute workout. The best part about the NTC app is that it is FREE..yes FREE...so download it and try it..trust my you won't be disappointed. If you have any other workouts that you would like to share leave them on the comments are....I love discovering new ways to jazz up my fitness time!!

New Career

As many of you may know John and I are in the process of moving back to Midland. We will still keep our place in Austin till the end of the summer (our vacation home) but we have moved back to Midland temporarily (few years). After many discussions and pros and cons lists we decided that Midland would be the best place for us right now. We are going to miss Austin very much and we are so sad to leave! We want to be with family right now and Lydia (my mom) offered me a position at Express Nursing with generous pay. I have accepted this offer and I started my new career last week! I am the director of finances which means I balance money all day and deal with medicare!! I know this new career transition has been tough on my bff Sarah because she no longer has anyone to talk to during the day..but this transition has been tough on me as well...it's kinda hard getting up at 6am!! On my first day of work I was 30 minutes late and spilled hot tea all over myself and burned my lips...I miss college!!!! It's been a crazy 2 weeks at my new career and I'm constantly asking my co-workers questions but overall I think I'm going to like it here..plus I get my first pay check today!!

my new office ( I need to jazz it up)

Last Day with Ethan and Rhett

Friday May 18th was my last day with Ethan and Rhett! As many of you know I have been a professional babysitter and CEO of babysitters club for the past four years! I have been with the Jones Family since I moved to Austin 4 years ago! When I started working for them Rhett was 2 years old and still being potty trained...I often had to change his poop diaper when he woke up from naps!! I can't believe he is 6 years old now! Being a part of the Jones family was truly an entertaining and wonderful experience. I can't believe the parents trusted me with their kids!! On my last day they boys gave me a framed picture of themselves and some fancy champagne! Ethan told me that this wasn't goodbye forever because he said I would probably see them again soon when they invited me to their birthdays or maybe I could still take care of them on the weekends or possibly be Rhett's teacher..ha kids are so funny!! Rhett also asked me now that I have graduated college if i was going to make it rain...Im not sure if he was referring to my new money situation that will come along with my new career or if he was talking about the weather???? I have been truly blessed to see them grow up and I will miss our daily conversations on the way to school!! I'll miss you E and Yeah!!

Ethan age 11and Rhett age 6

Graduation May 12, 2012

Graduation has come and gone by now but I still wanted to recognize the wonderful event! This was one of the best weekends of my life! Im so lucky to have so many family and friends who love and support me and came out to graduation and to the party! St. Edwards lied to us and told us graduation was only going to be 2 hours long..it ended up being 3 hours! So thank you to everyone who sat thru that long ceremony....I'm sure it was just as boring for you as it was for me! Immediately after graduation when Celina, Gilbert, and I were walking to Scholz Garten I tripped over some loose gravel (my story is that Celina pushed me) and fell face first into the ground! I laughed the whole way down to the ground and so did Gilbert! I skinned up my knee pretty bad! The lunch at Scholz Garten was really tasty and I'm so happy all my family and friends were able to attended. After a quick cat nap and 160 nuggets from Chick-fila I was able to throw up about 15 nuggets and make it out to my Grad Party at Cedar Street! Supposedly I really enjoyed this party and did not want to leave even though I probably should have called it a night at 11pm! However, I was able to make a comeback and go to Kerby Lane (or Kerby Lannnneeess) for 2am breakfast. Leslie has been wanting Kerby Lane for over a year and she finally go to go! Her brother Will was even able to take a nap in the booth next to us while we ate!! Overall, this was an amazing day and weekend and I wanted to thank everyone for coming out! I love all of you so very much! Below are a few highlights from the Graduation weekend (I will be adding more pics soon)!

Thanks to Aunt Janet, Aunt Sherri, and Nancy for the making the koozies, coasters and cake

Thanks to KO and Brian Fancher of making grad cups and kooizes

Stay Tuned

Hi Friends..I just wanted to write a quick note and let you know I have not forgotten about my blog! I have been super busy graduating, moving, and starting my new career! I also forgot my password to this blog so I haven't been able to log on...please stay tuned for new entries with grad pics and new career info!!!

Happy Moments of the Week

Ok, first things first..I finished college today..I took my last exam at 3:45 today and now I am free!! When I got home from school Jamie had some congratulatory flowers waiting for me..how sweet is that?? It still hasn't hit me yet and I already think I have something due tomorrow! Graduation is on Saturday and I'm looking forward to seeing all my family and friends!

Congratulatory flowers from my lover 

 John and I headed out to West Texas this past weekend for a friend's wedding! It was in Nazareth, Tx population 311!! I couldn't wait to get to this wedding and see how this small town wedding was going to go down. It was everything I imagined and so much more!! This is definitely one the best weddings I have ever been to in my life! They had so many small town traditions and everyone was just having a blast. My favorite part of the wedding was "The Hill" this has been a Nazareth tradition for over 35 years! The groom has to pull his new bride up a hill on some sort of contraption that the bride's family makes. Meanwhile the wedding guests walks alongside the bride and groom cheering the groom on and offering shots of alcohol to everyone...it's like a big ass parade for the bride and groom and is so awesome!!

Nazareth tradition "The Hill"

This little boy was just walking around with frogs in his hands at the wedding

I hope he doesn't get warts!!

Over the weekend my friend, Steph sent me the most hilarious video of her baby, Drew...I couldn't believe she captured this moment on camera...I am easily amused and watched this video over and over again cracking up...I hope you find it as hilarious as I did!!

On sunday I had a celebrity sighting in the Lubbock airport! I met Hank Baskett, his parents and Hank Jr! The only thing missing was Kendra!! We made jokes over the fact the first thing out of my mouth when I recognized him was "Whoa I just realized who you were" and then just started giggling. He was very nice and handsome in person and Hank jr is so cute. I did not request a picture with him because I was too hungover looking..so I have no evidence of the encounter but trust me it happen!!

Here is a pic of Kendra, Hank and Hank jr (if you don't know who they are)

Today was also a very special day for one of best friend's, Casee and her husband Curtis! They had their baby a few weeks early today! Baby Lily Ruth Gilbert was born this morning at a healthy 7lbs 15oz! I met Casee my first day at Whittier College in 2001 (she lived across the hall from me) we became fast friends and we were both devastated when I was not able to return to Whittier. I met Curtis a few short months after Casee when he came to visit his brother at school. He pushed me down a hill in a shopping cart and then asked me if I thought he had a chance with Casee!! They married 10 years later!! I love this couple and Im so very happy for them! Im so excited to be a pseudo aunt to baby Lily! Im still waiting on pics..so I'll update soon!

My fave pic of Casee and I at her bachelorette party!

Curtis and Lily

A Teacher Post

So I thought I would take a break from studying and working on projects. By the way there are only 4 school days left!!!!!! I get out at 5:45 next Tuesday the 8th!!! AHH I can't believe it..we are only 10 days away from graduation!!! I can't wait to see all my family and friends and get my celebrate on!! Ok back to what I was saying...I thought since I was taking a break that I would show you what my education has been doing for me! This post is for my elementary teacher friends..shout out!!!! I created a science ELL (English Language Learner) lesson for my pre-k kids. My lesson was in English and in Spanish with a hands on activity. Hope you enjoy: Ciclo Vital de la Mariposa (The Life Cycle of Butterflies).

Since Im in a dual language class I would explain the lesson in English and in Spanish and have the posters as a reference for the emerging readers to look at when they start to create their own life cycle. Everything is color coordinated the same since they are beginning readers they can compare English and Spanish and know that it is explaining the exact same thing in the exact same place in both languages.

The English Version of the explanation of the Life Cycle of Butterflies

The Spanish Version 

Next, have the students create their own butterfly life cycle using pasta, glue, and crayons.

Both languages are on the activity sheet

materials

small pasta=egg/huevo, spiral pasta=caterpillar/oruga, shell pasta=chrysalis/crisálida, bowtie pasta=butterfly/mariposa

Color and enjoy!

There you have it...that is what I have been working on at college all these years!! Maybe one of my teacher friends can use this in their classes! If you have a lesson plan you would like to share..send it me!! Countdown till schools out=4 school days...Thanks to Bunnies (Sarah) and Uncle Steve I have had the Rocky Theme and Alice Cooper in my head all day...SCHOOLS OUT FOREVERRRRR!!! Peace Out!!

P.S. John wanted me to write that I missed him since he is out of town this week...which I do..but I am enjoying his $150 pillow at night and Lux likes his side of the bed!! Miss ya Jamie..get home soon!!!