Lessons from Abuela

Below is a post I wrote after my grandmother passed away. Today February 29, 2012 is the anniversary of her death. She lived life to the fullest, and was a special, and unique person. Her passing on Leap Day means more--because it was a day as unique as her.

Abuela was my hero. She taught me everything I know; how to be a friend, how to live life and even how to set a table for a formal dinner. She lived life to the fullest extent and until she took her final breath. She passed on Friday February 29, 2008 with her family and those closest to her around her. She passed on a day as unique as her-Leap Day. She stuck her tounge out at me one last time as she always did when I passed by her room as a way of saying I LOVE YOU, and then drew her final breath. It has been hard to let go of someone I love so much. She wanted a party, and that is what we gave her. We celebrated her life this past weekend and lost family and friends were reunited and swore to never part ways again.

It is hard to sit here and type this without sheding tears, but she's probably looking down at me and sticking her tounge out at me because I shouldn't be crying, I should be smiling--she passed on her terms and when SHE was ready. We can only wish that we could do the same.

Abuela taught me the values of family dinner around the table or kitchen counter--time spent with your family is the most important time of all. She taught me that it was okay to eat off paper plates every now and then, but "let's humor my mother and eat off regular plates." She loved all my friends as if they were her own grandchildren. She was my confidant. I could go to her and tell her my problems and she would listen and let me solve them on my own, but never complained that I vented to her. I would lay in her bed and watch TV with her as she sat on her chair. We would fall asleep watching Golf and NASCAR, but she always knew what was happening. She lived life to the fullest!

As she passed on Friday the smile remained on her face--the smile that I will always remember. I know she is sitting in heaven with Abuela Isa (Alyna's grandmother-who was as fiesty and energetic as her) and Titi (Jackie's grandmother) and they are looking down on us smiling at the fact that they did a good job.

Abuela you will be missed, but your values and passion for life will live on with us. We miss you and we will always think of you. We know you will be watching down on us when we need you. I am just happy you made it to see me be a bride--I know it was your happiest day ever!!
I LOVE YOU

Read Across America-Target

Tomorrow February 25, 2012 Target Stores across America will be hosting "Read Across America" from 9AM-11AM. There will be a live reading of The Lorax, free goodie bags, and activities!!

Let's remember Dr. Seuss, and Read! READ! READ!!!

"From there to here, and here to there, funny things are everywhere."

Dr. Seuss

SneekPeeq Freebie with FREE SHIPPING!!

Get it while it's hot!!!

HURRY UP! This offer will be gone before you know it!!
Head on over to Sneak Peeq to get your FREE Scarf with FREE Shipping! All you have to do is sign up, which is easily done through facebook and then fill out your information and it will be on its way!

If you do not see the scarf in your cart when you login to Sneak Peeq, go to your badges and click "spring fling" and that will add it to your cart!

This offer is for new Sneek Peeq members

A teacher's worth

The value of teachers article was posted on Facebook by a fellow teacher today.

Interesting enough, I was just ranting about how under appreciated teachers really are. People laugh or giggle when I tell them "I am a teacher". And I hear "Oh how nice to have summers off!" "How easy! Get paid to hang out with kids and make sure they are doing what they have to" (these are my 2 personal favorites)

Summer's Off???! Really??? Did you know I spend my Summers in intensive Master's Level Courses prepping for the following school year? Did you know that I spend my Summer's preparing lesson plans so that YOUR CHILD will get the most out of the time he/she is with me? Or maybe you knew that I spend my Summers working a 2nd job so that I can supplement my very *Crappy* income?! Bottom line people: WE DON'T GET SUMMERS OFF!!!! BEING A TEACHER IS NOT EASY!!!!!!

"Teacher" is the basic title, but what it entails is so much more. I am a nurse when your child gets a paper cut or falls on the playground. I am the mediator between Johnny and Maria when they can't share the green crayon in the Art Center. I am the comfort to Bobbie when her mommy leaves her at school, and she really misses her mommy. I am a confidant to the student who's parents are separating, and that student is between houses. I am the psychologist to the parents of the student who are separating, and giving them the best advice for their child. (Get the picture??)

The "Teacher" title is not just given...it is earned. Parents, appreciate your child's teacher. Take the moment to say "thank you." Send them an email or a note saying you appreciate them. It reminds us why we do what we do.

Toolkit & Resources for The Dove® Movement for Self-Esteem

Toolkit & Resources for The Dove® Movement for Self-Esteem

A Few Bad Apples...

Because of a few bad apples who are Dishonest and (dare I say it) EXTREME COUPONERS....I was unable to complete a BzzAgent Campaign today.

As part of BzzAgent, I had received a coupon for a free 11x14 Canvas print that expires on Jan 17, 2012. I found a beautiful picture from my friend's wedding that I edited, and uploaded it to a jump drive to take to the store...since I cannot order it online.

I was very disappointed when I went to Meijers today and was told that I could no longer use my coupon. They were very nice, and offered me a 50% off coupon for something else, but it was very disappointing...especially because my coupon had not expired! They said it was due to others who abused this wonderful opportunity and were honest costumers! Part of what we pledge as BZZAGENTS is to be honest, and fair. I was very sad. THis is of no fault of Meijer's or BzzAgent. I wish BzzAgent would have sent an email to let us know that this was happening. According to the clerk, it was over 3 weeks that they had not been taking the coupon. So sad that others went and ruined it!!

I guess I should have taken an old picture, that I wasn't in love with, and gone to Meijer's earlier to take advantage.

There should be a way that you can limit the number of times you print the coupon that was sent. Or, there should have been an actual printed coupon mailed to the BzzAgents who were part of the campaign. From the looks of it, I was not the only disappointed Agent out there.
I am sorry to those who went through the embarrassment like I did.

I am still very happy with BzzAgent and the opportunities they have given me to try new products, but...this was an Epic Fail!! Sorry!!

Clean and Fresh Laundry!!

So it's Jan 2, and in my culture, it is bad luck to do laundry on Jan 1st...it means you are going to wash away all the good that is coming for the year. So you do laundry on Dec 31st, to wash away all the bad, and make sure you have clean laundry for the coming year. If you can't get to your laundry on December 31st, you wait until January 2nd. So...we did most of our laundry December 31st, and finished today. The last few loads, I switched from another brand to Purex Triple Action for High Efficiency washers.

I was very excited to try something new, since I was "stuck in a rut" with my old detergent. I was hesitant to change, due to sensitive skin and all, but I said "why not!?" So we gave it a shot. We definitely have loved the clean smell of our sheets and clothes. But I have enjoyed the softness in my t-shirts most of all. They are not scratchy and feel great. My son gives his clothes a run for their money, but all his clothes look good as new now! The only small thing I have noticed, is the "detergent marker" on the lid is not very easy to see, so it can be difficult to measure the amount of detergent you need. Purex Laundry Detergent has been great, and the price is within our budget.

So, thanks to Purex, I am going to run a contest from now until January 15, 2012 for a free bottle of Purex Triple Action for High Efficiency Washers. To enter this "fun contest" you must:
--Leave a comment about your "wanting" to change detergents (1 entry--mandatory)
**Additional Entries:**
--Follow me on Twitter and retweet contest, and comment here with your Twitter handle (@Twittername)--1 entry
--Follow my blog, and comment with your name (1 entry)
(I am still working on Facebook page)

I look forward to hearing from you!!!

**Purex provided a free sample of their Triple Action Laundry detergent so I could write a review. However, all the opinions expressed here are my own!"**