Hello, 2012

Going and being home for Christmas break is always strange and wonderful.

I don't feel like my life is in Holt Michigan, anymore. I mean, it's NOT in Holt, Michigan any more. Few friends still live there, and when I go I'm transported back to my high school days staying at my parents house and sleeping in a twin bed. Only now, they have cable. In both scenarios I don't have a car so mobility is a problem. Not that I'd drive much, anyway because I've sort of forgotten how to drive in anything but sunshine and rain.

But I love being in Michigan. A big part of my heart is still there and most of the better parts of who I am are there, too. Plus, with a little creative scheduling and very nice parents, I managed to see quite a few people.

It wasn't nearly as snowy as I wanted--I think it was near 50 when I first showed up. I felt like I brought the Miami weather with me--and brought the Michigan weather back to Miami, unfortunately--which no one in Michigan was mad about. A little snow fell here and there, and I certainly spent a good deal of time being cold, so I guess it felt a little bit like Christmas. Downtown Lansing even looked a little festive.

Hello Capital City!

And here's the snow on our bush in the front yard, from later in the break. I thought it was pretty.

Winter wonderland, indeed.

I spent a good deal of Christmas break, as I said previously, watching rented movies and Netflix. I saw several "classics": The Deer Hunter (intense but amazing and Christopher Walken is the terrifyingly captivating), A Clockwork Orange (Di. Stur. Bing.), Amadeus (long but fascinating, despite the guy from Animal House playing the title character). I saw Young Adult in the theater which... wasn't what I expected but I connected with it anyway. There were some moments the resonated with me, but overall it wasn't as funny or witty as I had imagined it would be.

Christmas festivities were fairly traditional. Cuban side for Christmas Eve, ate some Cuban food, took the traditional cousin's picture (we look better every year, I swear), and loved on some family. Here are the Garcia girls.

Christmas Day with the Palos was also some good lovin' on family time. Both uncles were there, and two dogs (Bubba and Cody, Mema's dog) and a tiny tree, too. We had brunch and the traditional cheesey/bready casserole of joyous life, which is only edible once a year 'cause of how terrible it is for you. But it's so worth it.

Another aspect of Christmas I really love is the tradition: food, family, our own little twists and turns on the days that make my family mine. They're beautiful and probably strange to some, but they're mine. Ours. And they're comforting.

I also got to spend some quality time with my good friend Coot in A2, Ann Arbor. We went to a U of M basketball game against Penn State (I think). Here we are, pea and pod-like as ever. :)

The halftime show at the game was, like, Mr. Fantastic or something, a "magic" act of sorts. It was pretty cool--the guy and his assistant did some traditional tricks--making flowers appear, an endless hankerchief chain, but she also wore about seven outfits and changed into them in seconds (or second, really). That part of it was pretty awesome. Here they are after she has just shed her dark wig and long dress.

Christmas in our family isn't just about the birth of Jesus (although it is) but the birth of my father (Christmas Eve) and my Tia (Boxing Day). My Tia Maki was actually in from California this year, so that was exciting, and we took her out for lunch on her birthday, along with our traditional cousin's lunch. We went to Olive Garden, where I haven't been in ages, and I remembered the glory of those bread sticks. Hallelujah! Molto benne!

The other major festivity was my friend Timmy's wedding. It was on New Year's Eve. Normally, I head back to Miami for NYE, but this year I stayed for the wedding and it was a good life choice. Timmy's a college friend and VanCooter, so the wedding and ensuing reception was peopled with creatures I hadn't seen in ages, since I left Grand Valley in 2004. A NYE wedding is a GREAT idea, by the way--everyone needs something to do, and is looking for a good time. Blam, reception. Good times.

Here's a photo of our table (well, the most important people at it anyway).

Missed these VanCooters like crazy. I was so happy to bring in 2012 with them. :)

Upon returning to Miami, I returned back to school--both kinds. Teaching and taking. I'm excited about my sememster at FIU; I'm actually taking a sociolinguistics class, which is the aspect of linguistics I'm most interested in. Sure, structure is great and necessary, but it just doesn't turn my gears the way looking at actual usage does. So yeah... excited.

I've also had a bit of theater so far in 2012. I got tickets to see the musical Next to Normal from school on opening night. The musical won Tony's and two Pulitzers, so I was excited to see it, but when I looked up the synopsis I was struck--it's a musical about mental illness. Yep. A rip-roarin' rollick in the human psyche.

The music was great, though, and the story was good, but intense. I expect musicals to be a bit light--y'know, love story, some tap dancing, stuff like that. But this wasn't. It's extremely clear why it won two Pulitzers--the writing and subject matter are pretty great. The performances were great as well, and it's a small cast (only six actors, I think) so everyone was really cohesive and acted (and sang) their hearts out. I'm glad I read the synopsis before I went, though, because I was prepared for the intensity. Everyone around T and I was bawling (like, BAWLING) and we were fine. It was kinda funny... but not at the same time.

So far, 2012 has been treating me right! For all of my holiday photos, click here.

Much love.

Hello 2011

Well, Christmas and New Year's are officially over and we're well into 2011. So far, so good, it seems. But first, a recap of Christmas.

A couple days before, Mom, Dad and I took my cousins, Megan and Tiffany, out for lunch. It was great to see them and spend time with them, considering I never get to. It's crazy to think that Tiffany could be one of my students... and I remember when she was born. I=old. But I'm not so much worried about Tiffany, she seems to be making good life choices. Megan, on the other hand, doesn't watch Glee and listens to Lil' Wayne, so we had to have a chat. She has since informed me that she has watched Glee and I gave her some Florence + the Machine, so she could be on track to good life choices. :) That's what big cousins are for, right?

There was also the annual trip to Rum Runner's, where Eric and I celebrate our anniversary because that's where we met, realized our mutual love of piano bars, and became friends. And now he's in Miami and I'm so happy about that fact. It's kind of magical, how life works out... :)

The night was also slightly magical because a dream of Eric's and mine came true. The piano player did the "Bedroom Intruder" song, which was basically amazing and hilarious. In fact, I think all of our requests got played (the serious ones, anyway). Key. And I got a video of it... also key!


Christmas Eve we did the Noche Buena thing, which I never even knew WAS a thing until I moved to Miami. It's also my dad's birthday, so that's pretty cool. The piggy was better than I ever remember it being and seeing the fam was good too. It's sort of a somber gathering these days, with everyone getting older and, it seems, farther apart, and my grandmother being, on a good day, somewhat cognizant. Still, it was a gift in and of itself to even see everyone, and spend time with them, and talk for a little while. I'm lucky that I get to see them at holidays, even though we live far away.

Here's the traditional cousins picture... I remember when Liz and I were the only tall ones in the picture!

And this one might be my favorite, my dad in his new beret lookin' straight pimp. Holler.


That night, we did Christmas at our house, with the cool, new edition of texting back and forth with Steve, Raquel, and J.P. in Texas. It was kind of cool, actually. The miracle of technology at work. I must've been a good girl this year because Santa was good to me, hooking me up with a GPS that will certainly be useful and help me break my addiction to GoogleMaps. Even Bubba got in on the action, opening his present (almost) all by himself.


The next morning, Christmas Day, we drove to the Creek to have Christmas with Mema. It was a little sad, not having Grumpa there physically, but we all know he was with us anyway. Brunch was delicious; I've missed the cheese casserole Mema makes. It's a good thing we only eat it at Christmas because it's pretty aweful for you, but oh man is it delicious. Grumpa used to love it.

Bubba and Kody got along well, and Kody was actually quite the little doggie mode, posing in his favorite spot.

Brunch and family time was great as always, and we did the traditional family photo. I played with the timer on the camera and after a few tries, finally got it right.

As you could see out the window, it was a white Christmas, but it was mostly leftover snow. I think it started to snow a little bit as we arrived, but it didn't snow much on my trip overall. Sad day. I did borrow the really nice camera and I was taking pictures all break, trying to familiarize myself with the camera and see if I could get some good shots. I ended up with this one, which is kind of my favorite. I don't know what kind of plant it is, but I took it in the backyard.

The day after Christmas we had VanCooter Family Christmas. Trash and Gary picked me up and dropped me off at Coot's house, where I played with his iPad and watched the Lions win (what?!) and waited for the rest of the VanCooters to arrive. We went for hibachi, which is becoming a tradition, and then we went to the Wayne County Festival of Lights. Here we are at dinner...

And here are some of the lights:

The festival of lights was at a park. Basically, the displays were set up throughout the park, and we drove through and looked at all of them, oohing and ahhing at the elves playing baseball, the brontosaurus eating leaves, the elves skiing, and the tall Advent candles in a wreath. It was actually pretty cool, but extremely difficult to photgraph, even with a fancy dancy camera. After the lights in the park, we went out to Livonia to the house of some people who love Jesus so much they have a huge light show every year that goes along with music. Most of this music is of the Christian Christmas variety (I dig) but when we got there, the show happened to be almost over and the song playing was "Happy Birthday Jesus" which is even worse than you imagine it to be. Anyway, it was still pretty cool to see. I imagined all the other people in the neighborhood, thinking their lights were awesome, and then realizing... fail. The House family (yes, we went to the Houses' house) wins.

After Christmas, I went shopping at the Howell outlets with my mom and dad, where I got some work clothes. The key is that I could buy short-sleeved spring stuff because I live in Miami where I can still wear them. KEY! I also got to see Bob for a bit, 'cause he came to Lansing one day. We went to Beaner's, excuse me, Bigby (lame) and chatted. It was necessary that we catch up, so I'm glad we got a chance to.

I also saw a couple of movies over my break, namely Black Swan and Tangled. was super intense and I'm not sure I "liked" it, per se, but as a work of art, as a film, it was pretty spectacular. It was well acted, well directed, well filmed. The story was interesting; it all worked. I'm just not sure it worked for ME. I do love some Natalie Portman, though, so that aspect was a win. Tangled was super cute, and I love fairy tales where the princess saves herself, or even saves the prince. I think that's how fairy tales should be anyway--instead of teaching little girls to wait for Prince Charming to save them, they should save themselves and hope Prince Charming can keep up. If he can't, peace out princey.

I came back to Miami the 30th, in order to spend NYE here. Michigan New Year's just doesn't cut it, probably because everyone I'd want to spend it with there is so spread out, or visiting people because they also have time off, that Miami is just a better choice. This year, a friend had a party at his place, and I headed there. It was a small gathering, but the new year came anyway, and the ball dropped, and champagne was drunk, and merriment was made. I meant to take pictures of the evening, but somehow ended up without any. Fail. But I suppose all I wanted was to ring in the new year with people who make me smile, and I certainly did that. Let's hope my year is filled with such a gift.

Much love.

Holiday Happiness

Since we last met, I've celebrated Thanksgiving, finished a semester, and gotten into the holiday spirit, which is a rarity for me.

I spent this Thanksgiving as I did last year. Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade in the morning, followed by cooking, and then a trip to FIU, where my friend and fellow piano bar lover and Michigander, Eric lives. Last year, he made a delicious Turkey and this year he did the same. There were a couple other misfits there--those who didn't or couldn't go back home to their families, and we shared a delicious meal together. Check out our spread...

There was beer bread, salad, butternut squash, rolls (which were really buns, lol) mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, green bean casserole, and, of course, turkey. I dunno, maybe it's because it's been my way for the past few Thanksgivings, but I kind of like spending the day with people who are bound by the similarity of not having a place to go; I like just opening an invitation and allowing any misfit or out-of-towner to come in. It's the second best thing to being with family.

After dinner, Eric and I played American Idol Karaoke on his Wii. Not gonna lie--it was pretty awesome. I feel a new tradition coming on... especially since I was pretty decent at it.

My semester at FIU ended much as I had hoped it would. I got a B and B+, which is really what I was aiming for. I think a B in two classes and a full-time job is more than remarkable, and I'm quite proud of myself. I did learn quite a bit, although it's sort of tough to work phonetics or language acquisition into normal conversation, but I'm working on it. Next semester I'm excited about the classes I'm taking; one of them is a historical linguistics class, which I'm so interested in I already started reading the text book. It's okay--I'm a nerd. I'll own it. :) Five more semesters to go!

The week of finals at FIU was stressful, but I had a few holiday gatherings to look forward to. First, I went to a "cookie party" which I'd never done before but turned out to be kind of cool. Everyone brings a dozen or so cookies and the recipe, and then everyone sort of trades. I made almond cookies, otherwise known as Mema's Best Cookies in the Whole Wide World, but they didn't turn out like hers do. It's okay, I guess, she DOES have several decades of practice that I don't have. I think my problem was the eggs... Here's hoping they're better next time.

Our becoming-annual Dadeland Family Christmas Party was the following week , plus the yearly Christmas luncheon, where I win booze. It's what I do. This year was no exception--I won eighteen Guinness (score!) and enjoyed some holiday merriment with friends I'm blessed to also call co-workers. I was getting to think I wouldn't win anything--it was down to the wire and all the Garcias had won, as had most of my department members, AND most of the people at my table, but luckily I pulled it out at the end. Yes!

The family party was a good time. All the usual suspects were there--beer and cheese soup, hot schnocolate, beer, Christmas cookies, pie... oh yeah, and some cool people were there too. :) It was a delicious and fun evening, and we even managed a bit of flippy cup, where, I believe, the girl's team was the big winner, although some may object to that.

Here's some of our reverie... Eric and Sparty, who made the rounds in his Christmas shirt and green bow.

And our annual picture by the tree, which turned out super cute thanks to an awesome photographer... ;) Don't we look festive and full of holiday cheer?

And I couldn't resist posting this, possibly the cutest picture of Lancelot that I have. He, of course, enjoyed the party, possibly more than anyone else, considering his big, brown eyes, still wield great power over other people, even if they no longer work on me.

The Aussie had a bonfire that same weekend, with all of her "Shakespeare" friends, but I joined in anyway considering my great love for the bard, my boredom, and my overwhelming desire to procrastinate instead of pack. I had met some of them already at other various gatherings, and knew I was in for a nice evening when I walked in and started quoting "Sassy Gay Friend" to a dog named Ophelia, and people knew what I was talking about. And then we made s'mores, and performed the monologue from The Sandlot in tandem with another guest, which was basically awesome. Too bad I smelled like fire for, like, three days afterward. lol

I left to come to Michigan on the 20th, and arrived with only one small incident. Chicago, which had been bombarded with what airline folks like to call "weather," had to re-route a few planes, which were sent to DTW. And arrived just before we did. And were taking up ALL THE GATES. For me, the worst part of any plane ride is the minutes between landing and getting off. I hate it. You're there, where you wanted to be, but you're still so far away. Needless to say, sitting in the airplane buckled in, on the runway, for an extra half an hour was NOT enjoyed by anyone on the flight, especially at 11:00 at night. Still, I arrived, I'm in Michigan, and all is well. I'm home for Christmas.

Since I've been home, I've been playing. Tuesday I saw Black Swan, which I still think I'm recovering from. Definitely worth seeing, and definitely stays with you for a while. I think I liked it; I certainly think the performances were outstanding, and I love Natalie Portman. That's about all I can say about it. lol. Yesterday, a few Holt kids went to Beggar's Banquet for 1/2 off bottles of wine and some nibbles and laughs. It was great to see The KG, who is a baller, and my sister as well. I'm looking forward to the rest of my time here, and a New Year's back in MIA.

Much love.

Mysterious Miami

I think sometimes the wonders of Miami will never cease. Just yesterday afternoon I took Lancelot out for a walk--the sky was lovely and blue, a flew fluffy white clouds over head; it was hella hot and the sun was beating down something fierce. Not an opportune time to take him out, I realize, but some things need to be done. So we get outside, and I start to feel these tiny, wet drops on my skin as we begin to walk. Must be washing something nearby, I think. Maybe the 7th floor balcony or something. But the drops were a little too infrequent for that. I continued to walk and continued to feel drops. It can't be raining, I think looking up, it's sunny as anything! As I walked, the drops got bigger and bigger until it was legitimately raining...WITHOUT A RAIN CLOUD IN THE SKY. I felt like that kid in the YouTube video, "Is this real life?"

About two hours later, as I'm looking out over the mall and seeing a cloud that looks like it could usher in the apocalypse and hearing thunder and lightning, Tiffany asked me to take the dogs out again in case it started to pour before she got home. Funny thing was--IT NEVER EVEN SPRINKLED. I don't understand this place. For realz.

Then today we had an adventure to El Palacio de los Jugos (The Juice Palace, lol) where it was really like a different country. She and I both managed to get food, and a beverage. I went for the "muddle your way through some Spanish" plan of attack, and Tiffany did the "find a friendly native" approach. It was awesome. And we had some delicious blackberry juice for dessert. Yum!

In other news, I've been dealing with FIU and ILS stuff pretty much non-stop since I got back. I'm ready to start class on Wednesday, minus one book that will hopefully arrive Monday. I even have a parking pass and student ID after an epic morning of trying to obtain both.

At ILS, my room's set up, minus a few posters I can't get to stick to the wet walls, my syllabi and policies and written up, I'm ready to tackle another year of American lit and my first year of journalism. I'm excited for the challenge, but nervous that I won't know what the heck I'm doing. But it's cool--I can fake a whole lot.

This school year is going to be an exercise in balance and focus. I know I'm a good teacher, and I know I was once a good student, I'm just not sure if I can be both, at the same time. So pray for me, if you're so inclined, and if not, send good ju ju my way. I'll take both. :)

I'm glad to be back to my regular life, to see my clothes and shoes and bed again. I missed my friends here in Miami, and I missed my job. I'm glad to be back, which is a good feeling. Hopefully I'll remember what this feels like when I've had it with Miami.

I signed up for Netflix when I got back; it was a deal through one of the zillion emails I get. I've been watching movies practically non stop (while I do other things, of course) and I have to say it was a good life decision. I've watched everything from the Leondard Cohen documentary Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man to a season and a half on Dexter, which I have to take a break from because too much gives me nightmares. The "Watch Instantly" feature is pretty darn amazing. I'm diggin' it. So yeah... I'm back to the movie world in a big way, friends. Watch out.

Please forgive me if updates are even less frequent from here on out... I've got a lot on my plate. :o)

Much love.

Bienvenidos A Miami

Well, here I am, back in Miami and back to my "real" life. Leaving Boston, and family time in Michigan went by quickly, and now... life calls. I've been dealing with FIU stuff, which is annoying and lame, but whatever. I guess that's what I'll be dealing with for a while--a school that I'd LIKE to give my money to but which makes it difficult to do so.

My last day in Boston was spent in the boy's dorm, watching the boys trickle out one by one. It was sad to see them disperse, but all things must end, and they, too, had real lives to get back too. So they left, and we watched them go, and then... we were free. That afternoon, not wanting to sit in my room and contemplate the return of reality, I went shopping at Filene's Basement with a few co-workers. I discovered nothing exciting, except the most HIDEOUS "necklace" ever, which, at retail price, cost over $550. At the Basement, it was about $250. But price doesn't indicate beauty 'cause this thing is NOT okay!

Really? REALLY?! What IS that? Out of control! lol

After the Basement, we made plans as a staff to get takeout and eat it up on the 9th floor of Shelton so we could all really hang out and be together one last time. I got Thai food and split a bottle of wine, and it was a fun night. There was laughter, senior pictures, Flip Cup, Apples to Apples, inside star gazing, and Apples to Apples. Oh yeah, and we managed a group picture, too.

Aww! I'm going to miss everyone, and Boston in particular. Best of luck, friends. I'm sure the Freedom Festivities continued until the wee hours of the morning, but I did not participate in them because I had a huge day the next day. Not only was I heading back to Michigan, I was going to meet my brother.

This part is hard to say because it's still so surreal sometimes. All my life, until this past September, I thought I was my mom's oldest, but I'm not. It turns out, I have a brother named Steve who lives in Texas with his wife, my sister-in-law, and their new son, J.P., my nephew. It took a while for this news to sink in, absorb, roll around, and take hold in my mind. I still sometimes can't believe it. But it's undeniable that he belongs to us, and we to him. I can't explain what it's like to meet someone for the first time, and yet know that they just... belong. He belongs with us, but we barely know each other. There's so much of each other that we've missed, but so much also for us to look forward to. Finding out about him has been horrible and wonderful, strange and natural, awkward and comfortable, and a whole plethora of oxymoronic emotions that I can't really describe accurately. They don't tell you how to do this in the guidebook--you kind of just have to figure it out, this new definition of "sibling" and "family" and even "love." I'm at the point now where I see him as an amazing gift; I mean, think about it like this: ever since I was a little girl, I wanted a big brother with hot friends who could beat up every boy who was mean to me or didn't like me or just looked at me the wrong way. Now, he may have missed out on some of the beatings so many guys in my past deserved, and the friends are yet to be determined as hot (not holding out hope 'cause he's a bit older than me), but I got the big brother I wished for. That's pretty crazy.

I know Steve didn't want to meet at the airport for the first time, but my flight was delayed for a little over an hour due to a missing co-pilot and then a mechanical issue that caused us to have to switch planes. This meant a lost hour, so we ended up meeting for the first time, at Gerald R. Ford International Airport which sounds awful, but was actually kind of perfect. You see, I've always loved airports--they're great places to both say hello and goodbye to someone, both of which Steve and I did. I love to travel and so does he, although I never thought that trait came from our mother. He even works at an airport himself. So while it may not have been the greatest of places to meet a long-lost relative, it was what it was, and it was totally appropriate.

After our union (because you can't very well have a REunion with someone you just met), and meeting his wife Raquel and my nephew, we piled back into the Suburban, like so many family vacations, and headed to see Lake Michigan, where any first time visitor to Michigan should spend at least some time. I hadn't seen it in ages and I'm so glad I got to see it again. It's such a beautiful body of water, and the perfect back drop for our first sibling photo.

We enjoyed our day on the west side, the weather was beautiful, and, well, my family grew. Here we all are at dinner.

The next day, we went to see my grandmother (they had all gone two days before, when I was still in Boston) and go to Frankenmuth. I haven't been to Frankenmuth in years, probably since I was fifteen or so, and it was much like I remembered it, although without the hologram store and doll house store, which were always favorites of my sister and I.

We went to go to Bronner's, a HUGE Christmas store (and a real CHRISTmas store, not just Santas and reindeer), and to go to the Michigan Military Muesum, where my grandfather has a display. He's not there all the time, as many brave military men and women have donated to the museum, but Stan, the guy who runs it, made sure Grumpa's stuff was there so Steve could see him. It's still sad that they never got to meet; they would have liked each other. Anyway, here's his exhibit.

He was a handsome bugger, he was. And my grandmother, due to my mother's prompting, got herself another handsome bugger, although he's a four-legged one. My mom found Mema a cute little dog, much cuter in person that in pictures, and he and Lancelot, while not exactly best friends, at least tolerate each other. They even pose for family pictures!

We had lunch at Zhender's, which is famous for their chicken. So famous, in fact, that they have a giant evil mascot chicken that I spent the meal trying to avoid. Thank God it only came to the table while I was in the bathroom, and I only had to wait about an extra half a minute for it to be completely out of my way. All this, mind you, after the waitress promised to keep him away. Lies.

The following day was spent chillin' at my parents' newly decorated house because Steve, Raquel, and J.P. didn't return to Texas until that evening. I finally got a chance to give J.P. the sweater I'd spent time knitting in Boston. It fit (wahoo!) and was the first time I've actually SEEN something I've made on an actual baby. Although he lives in Texas, I'm sure he'll get some use out of it. :)

Meeting Steve and family was, and may always remain, an experience I can not accurately articulate but I do know that my heart and my family have grown to include him and his, and I look forward to building our relationship and sharing our lives.

The rest of my time in Michigan was spent hanging out with my parents, although I did get to have Beaner's, go shopping, get my eyes dilated, and see Abita. My parents and I (and Lancelot, too!) had a lovely weekend in Traverse City as well. We went to a couple of wineries, walked around downtown a bit, went on a few little walks, got our feet nice and muddy. It was fun. Here are my dad and I near the lighthouse in TC. The ground was SUPER muddy and squishy, but we just figured it was basically a free spa treatment.

Lancelot also got a good wander near another beach and I managed to get the ADORABLE picture of him. It might be my new favorite!

Some day, Bubba, some day...

I really love that area of Michigan. It's really beautiful, which I forget every time. I mean, look at this view from one of the wineries:

Out of control--and people don't even realize it! When I think of Michigan, my home, THIS is what I think of, not the third world wasteland of Detroit that most people know. This blue sky and green for miles.

Much love.

The Holidays are Upon Us...

I know... It's been too long. I'm sorry about that, but I DO have a lot to update about, so get ready!

First of all, I meant to mention in my last post that, well, a while ago now, UM had an advanced screening of Precious and Tiffany and I went. That movie... was brutal and beautiful all at the same time. It's hard to describe it--it's almost so shocking you don't even react to it. I dunno... I'm really happy I saw it, and everyone in that movie or that had anything to do with it deserves a nomination of some variety. It was definately an experience, and I would reccomend the movie. But be prepared for brutality.

Now onto my Thanksgiving celebration. I went to Eric's house on FIU's campus and he made an amazing turkey. It was only his second bird, but man, was it good! He's a winner, ladies and gentlemen! In fact, here he is with our little friend...

I contributed pumpkin pie (which Rent-A-Husband ate four pieces of) and rosemary, garlic, and goat cheese mashed potatoes, which were DElicious. Rent-A-Husband made stuffing (enough that I ate it for the next two weeks) and sangria which was like the nectar of the gods. Here's our little bartender doing what he does best...

Eric's friend Lora was also in attendance, and she's super fun and awesome. It was a tiny but lovely little party. Afterwards, we played Apples to Apples and this happened...

There is no coincidence, my friends. :)

Also in the holiday spirit, Tiffany and I had a Winter Party to celebrate all things winter. We had our tree up and made wintery food (cheese and beer soup, ham, hot chocolate) and had people over for a potluck. However, we had to clear some counter space to put out all the food (there were crock pots, plural, involved) so we put the liquor in my bathtub. I thought it would be hilarious to take a picture with all of it so... I did!

Nothing says "Joy of the Holidays" quite like a bathtub full of liquor. Nose and horns provided by Tiffany.

And this is our happy little holiday crew, minus Bubba, who's still in Michigan. :(

The night ended, as so many good nights do, with Apples to Apples. But for some reason, I wasn't winning like I usually do. Totally disappointing. Anyway, it was a great time and thanks to everyone who was there! :)

Oh, and just for good measure, here's our tree this year. Tiffany did it in purple. Quite pretty.

Let's see, what else? Two weekends ago I went to Orlando to with Eric to see RENT with the original Mark and Roger. I actually met Anthony Rapp (Mark) in college; he came to Grand Valley for a talk and he signed my CD and sang and talked for a bit. It was awesome. And seeing Adam Pascal (Roger) live has been a dream of mine since I first saw the show in 1997 or 8. I LOVE his voice--I want to liquefy it, put it in a tank, and shower in it every day. That's how magical it is to me. Seeing the both of them was a dream come true--no lie--and I enjoyed it so much. Plus, it was great to spend a day in Orlando with Eric and Lora, and even Lora's mom. It was so, so, so great.

Last weekend I spent at school for ETC #59, which was, as usual, great. I'm always blown away by the ETC experience and the kids that attend. This one was particularly emotionally exhausting for several reasons, but we all made it through and are better for it. I gave the talk on trust and it went pretty well, and a kid was actually able to open up to me about some stuff that was going on with her that she doesn't share, so that was awesome.

Speaking of... one of my kids stayed after school twice this week and, like, poured her heart out to me. It was great, in a way, because I think she really just needed to talk and have someone listen, but in another way it was so tough on me because, like, how do you convince a 17 year old girl she's not in love? Or that there WILL be other boys who will love her? It was hard, but I was there for her so hopefully, that's what she needed. She said to me before she left that she'd heard that sometimes God speaks through other people, and that maybe I was one of those people. I really hope that's true.

Anyway, at the moment I'm killing time before Tanya gets here because we're going to Orlando today! I want to see Disney at Christmas, so I'm really excited.

Wish is safe travels and I'll be in Michigan on Tuesday!

Much love.

When Liz Comes to Town

About two days after my amazing European adventure, my sister came to visit. But that's not where the story starts. The story ACTUALLY begins on my flight back from London, at New York's LaGuardia Airport.

I had just flown over seven hours, I was dirty and tired, and I have three hours to wait until my flight back to MIA. I had just come out of the terminal I deboarded from and into the section of the airport where I'd board my next plane, and I see a guy in a tiny little gift shop wearing a University of Michigan sweatshirt. I was gonna just let it go, but the Michigander in me couldn't let that happen. So I say, loudly, "Go Blue!"

The guy looks up at me, confused, so I repeated myself, "Go Blue." Still confused, I clarified, "Your sweatshirt. Go Blue." Then he says in an Australian accent, "I'm not even from there, I'm from Sydney. I just liked the jumper."

Long story short, Nadim (the U of M "jumper" guy) and his friend Jeff are Aussies who were half way through their 8-week holiday. They'd been all over the U.S. when I met them; they were heading to D.C. and then, fate would have it, Miami. I hung out with the guys until their plane boarded about two hours later. They were really sweet and much better than hanging out by myself for three hours. I gave the guys my number and email, and they gave me a promise to get in touch when they were in town.

Liz arrived on Tuesday afternoon, and the Aussies did the same, just a few hours later. Liz and I chilled for a while and she got settled in, I cooked her dinner, and then we headed to Coconut Grove for drinks and dessert. We went to the French place Tiffany and I have been to before (Le Petite something) and I had this pear tart that wa joy in my mouth. Halfway through, the guys called and we headed out to South Beach to meet them and hang out.

Due to Liz's amazing navagational skills and several panicked phone calls, we found their hostel and parked. We were gonna drive around the island trying to get into mischeif, but the Aussies had rented scooters so we hopped on the back, Liz with Jeff and me with Nadim, and drove around South Beach for a couple of hours. We stopped for a beer on Lincoln rode, then rode around some more. We concluded the night with pool and beer at their hostel. In all honesty, that evening will go down as possibly the best five hours I've had.

Here's a pic of the happy crew, at about 3 am. We still look good, eh?

While I wished we could hang out with the Aussies for another day (their last in Miami), Liz and I had made plans to head to Key West. I made reservations at the Avalon B & B, and was excited to see Key West.

It took us a looooooong time to get there, but we made it in time to check in (thank GOD they had a pet-friendly room available because, apparently, when I said I wanted one the lady taking my reservation didn't comprehend me), sit by the pool for about an hour, and head out to a delicious seafood dinner.

The first thing I discovered about Key West? It's hot. Ungodly, unabashedly, unfairly, hot. The second discovery? There are random roosters, complete with proudly announed "cock-a-doodle-doo", wander all around the place. Here's one:

Our seafood dinner, a Key West Must, was delicious. I had scallops with chimichurri, yellow rice, and vegetables, and Liz had pasta. We walked all the way to the Pier on the opposite side of the island, and, after dinner, we walked around down there, took some pictures, watched the sunset, and drank our way down Duval Street and back to our B & B.

The next day, we had two items on our agenda. One, go to the Butterfly Conservatory and two, go to Hemingway's house. I'm proud to say we accomplished both.

First, though, we had the obligatory "Southermost Point" picture to take. We got there in the morning and no one was there, as opposed to the night before when there was a line. Um, lame. So, here it is, Obligatory Key West Tourist Photo #1.

The Butterfly Conservatory was right across the street from our B & B, so we headed there after breakfast. Aparently the butterflies are more active in the morning. We saw blue morphos (which I also saw in Costa Rica), monarchs, and all sorts of beautiful unnamed butterflies. There were also several birds (pretty, tiny, nice birds, not gross ones) and some turtles and coy. It was this tiny little oasis within an oasis. By far, this was my favorite butterfly... He/She/It was just SO spectacular!

After the butterflies, we headed to Hemingway's house. Now, we all know I'm not a "fan" of Hemingway's work, but c'mon, I'm an English teacher. I HAD to see it! Plus, Liz really wanted to see it as well. Here's us, in front of the fountain in the entrance's courtyard.

I learned a bit about Hemingway on the tour, and go to see the "office" where he wrote. I also got to see his "last red cent" pressed into the concrete of the pool. As the story goes, Papa was off in Spain reporting on the war (or something manly, I'm sure) and when he got back his second wife, Pauline, had installed a pool and spent quite a bit on it. Hemingway jokingly said to her something to the effect of, "Why don't you just take my last red cent?" at which point he pulled a penny out of his pocket, and gave it to Pauline, who stuck it in the cement. She proudly stated that she was the only one of his wives to have taken him for his last cent. The penny is still there today.

We also saw the famous Hemingway House cats, many of them, including Charlie Chaplin, aptly named for his facial markings. Yes, several of the cats had the six toes as well. I tried to avoid touching them (allergies) but I still enjoyed seeing them. Especally the big, fat, orange one who was clearly the ruler of the roost.

A morning of walking all over Key West took a lot out of us (Did I mention it was HOT?!) so we went back to our room, played with Bubba, and relaxed in the A/C for a bit. We did hit the pool, of course, and then got ready and headed out for another night on Duval Street.

The most interesting part of the night was meeting a guy from Dewitt, who had moved down to Key West around the same time I moved down here. How crazy is that?! He was a really nice guy, and he gave us the locals bar tour, rather than the tourist's tour. His dad, Joe, was also pretty cool and may be a contact for me to get a job teaching abroad. Sweet.

The following morning, we left Key West. But before we left, we had one more Obligatory Key West Tourist Photo to take. This one:

After we checked out, we took a little walk to find the zero mile marker sign. It was great because we had to sit in the car for four hours to get back to Miami, so a nice walk before all that sitting was welcome.

The whole time we were in Key West, the weather was beautiful (but hot), and as soon as we got back to Miami, the rain started coming down. Um... nice. The weather here was pretty crappy the whole time Liz was here, so we didn't get a chance to go to the beach or even the pool. Total bummer, I'm sure.

Saturday, Liz and I hung out with my friend Drew, who chose a rodeo for our Saturday fun. It was the International Bullriding Competition between the U.S.A. and Brazil. We drove up to Davie and had a great night watching dudes in chaps ride bulls. I mean, I'm not that into cowboys, but I certianly couldn't do what they were doing on those bulls. Nor would I want to.

Sadlly, the Brazilians put the Americans to shame and rode those bulls like they were born to. None of the Americans seemed able to stay on for more than about three seconds, but the Brazillians? Dang, I think I counted up to ten or eleven seconds for one of them! It was pretty amazing, and a great way to spend a Saturday night.

Here are Liz and I, getting into the rodeo spirit.

Yee haw!

The album of photos from the rest of her visit can be found here.

Overall, it was great to have Liz here. Especially since I had an excuse to see Key West, and someone to see it with! Plus, it's like I only realize once I see them just how much I miss my family. It's almost like I push it aside while I'm away, because it's not something I can deal with. But when I see them? It's the best thing.

Much love.

Wheelin' and Dealin'!

Memorial Day weekend was a lovely one, mostly because I didn't spend it in Miami. It's been raining here for the past two weeks or so. We need the rain, but grey skies are, after a few days, admittedly a bit dreary.

I spent Memorial Day weekend in Michigan, hanging out with my family. It was a rocky road getting there though, because Ali, who was taking me to the airport, got a flat about five miles away, on the side of the 826. It was pretty awesome. My mom had some Macy's gift cards, so Liz and I went shopping on Saturday. I didn't find too much--just a pretty, red, BCBG top, but Liz struck gold. I even found her this amazing outfit that I made her try on.

Totally rock star. It was funny.

Saturday night my mom had an awkward cook-out. I say this because there's this guy that my mom is convinced is my soul mate (a son of one of her friends from nursing school) and she invited him, his parents, and his brother over. I mean, don't get me wrong, he was a cool enough dude, and his little brother I just wanted to put in my pocket, but I just feel like she should have invited more people 'cause yeah... It was just awkward. Fun, delicious, and awkward. But whatever.

Sunday I got to see both sets of grandparents; Mema and Grumpa in the morning, and Abita that evening. Grumpa seemed to know who I was but was otherwise pretty quiet. Abita not only recognized me, but told my uncle I'd be coming earlier in the day! That's pretty amazing, I think.

Of course, we took the obligatory photo with Mema and Grumpa, especially since my sister and I are rarely in the same room...
Oh shaggy Bubba. He's currently in Michigan spending the summer with his grandparents. I just didn't think it was fair to board him for three weeks, or ask someone to watch him for that long, even Tiffany. So he's spending time there and then Liz will (hopefully!!) come and visit and bring him back. I miss his little face and his excitement to see me but he's done this before and honestly? He doesn't much care about me when my mom and dad are around.

Overall it was a great weekend and the weather was amazing--sunny, warm but not hot, perfect.

These past couple weeks have been fun as well. The end of the year is upon us (Thursday WOOO HOOO!) ans teachers at ILS are feeling the need to work less and play more. The night before graduation, we decided to go to this place called Little Hoolie's for Ladies' Night and Kareoke. The best moment was when Tanya asked to sing "Summer Lovin'", only it was the "dirty" version (gross and vulgar) and no one knew. She was slated to sing it with Richard (this guy from work) but pulled reinforcements (i.e. me and, eventually, Nicole) on stage to belt it out with them. Let's be honest here: I saved that performance because, as always, I WORKED that song out. lol I'm sure it was pretty hilarioius to watch, and it was super fun to do.

Here's the whole group:

And in this one, I'm CLEARLY channeling Stockard Channing while Tanya does a mean Olivia Newton John...

Now to relay the adventres of this past weekend. Friday night we had a department meeting at K and Ana's house (beer and pizza were involved, always a plus) and we planned what we're teaching next year. Somehow, we decided it was brilliant to teach five novels instead of four next year. BALLS! I barely got through four! Nightmare. Anyway, I'm excited to teach the new new ones, but that means I have to come up with two new units and shave about two weeks from first semester... Balls again. Yay for summer to actually try to get that done.

Saturday I got up early and was extremely productive by 11 am. It was awesome. I even discovered a shoe repair place that wasn't miles from my house. It was a total win.

Saturday afternoon, T and I hung out for the first time in ages (seriously) and ended up at the mall. She had a total win in the clothing department but I came out the ultimate victor. Not only did I manage to spend my gift card and $10 savings check, I discovered AN ENTIRE ROOM OF CLEARANCE SHOES THAT I NEVER EVEN KNEW EXISTED! And the best part? (Yes, there IS something better...) The shoes in what shall henceforth be known as "The Magic Room" were mostly size 9 and above. HOLLA! Let's just say I got two pairs of shoes for less than the cost of each pair. A. Mazing.

Plus, a Robert Pattinson (Edward Cullen/Cedric Diggory) look-a-like totally works there. His name is Gabriel and yes, I took a picture with him because I am a dork. I would have stalked him until this goal was accomplished, and now I don't have to. Woot! Seriously, though, he looks JUST LIKE Robert Pattinson...

After the magic of Macy's (those commericals are SO right) I just HAD to wear a pair of new shoes to the piano bar that night. I admit it, I'm obsessed. Don't judge! Mellie and Tiffany had't been yet so we went. At one point we were up to a party of six. I had a great time, like I usually do, and it turns out that not just Tommy, but two of the other piano players are from Michigan! One guy, Dave, is from Sag-nasty and another dude (name pending) is from GR. I'm sure, now that I think about it, that he played at Mojo's. One of the bartenders is from Michigan too. It was awesome--Michigan was in the house! I am now even MORE obsessed with Crazy Pianos and want to live there. *sigh*

Sunday I went to church in the a.m. and then T wanted to go to an outlet mall which she THOUGHT was Aventura. It was NOT. What she acutally meant was Sawgrass Mills Outlet Mall, which we finally started heading toward after some aimless driving. I'd never been before and should not go again! Let me tell you--I got some DEALS. Or I could have had I completely lost my mind and bought everything I wanted to buy. But let's just say the Coach outlet was deadly, and I got a sweater at BCBG for $19. You can barely get a sweater at Target for $19! I'm gonna head back there before I go to London, I think, to stock up for the trip and I may go school clothes shopping there too. There were SO MANY stores we barely even saw any of them, but I think it's good we went with a specific shopping agenda in mind. Tiffany? Bag for school/work. Me? Collared button down for work. Missions accomplished, with a few treats thrown in.

Man, this weekend was all about spending money, but I saved more than I spent so that makes it okay, right?

Right?

It's the last week of school, finals week, and I've got two down and three more to go. Let me just say, we can't be done soon enough! I was angry (like, my hands were shaking angry) for most of the day today because of my precious, precious angels. Good riddance to them and God bless David who has to teach them as seniors.

Bring on the department party and the summer!

Much love.