Religion

After experiencing different religions I've come to a realization that there is no right or wrong religion... Ive learned that all religions aim to offer something positive in people's lives.  Religions that are anywhere between conservative or liberal are all equal; theyre just different (like apples and oranges).  They're all searching for the same thing: peace, love, and happiness.  A religion that brings joy and comfort to anybody is something worth appreciating.  God even said to "love thy neighbor" and what that means to me is that different religions are like different neighbors.  Therefore we all must learn to love and accept one another despite our religious differences.  Redefine religion--religion shouldn't have to be a popularity contest or a bunch of cliques on the playground.  We might as well learn to live together.

I was brought up to be afraid of the Catholic church.  But after participating in a Catholic prayer for Brians dad for 9 days in a row, I realized how it was not scary.  Regardless if it was repetative, it was still a prayer that was bringing comfort to those with heartache and pain.  It blew my mind...all these years I was hating on something I didnt understand until now.  When I went to Sheryll's Christian church, I realized how much it was helping Brian and his family go through these difficult times. I guess you can say I've come to appreciate different religions because of their healing abilities.

I love seeing those awesome car stickers that say "coexist" because that's exactly what I currently believe in.

2 Weeks has passed...

It's been tough for Brian and his family. I cannot imagine or put into words the emotions they are feeling right now.  I've never lost anyone so close to me.  Brian's dad was the closest person I knew to pass away, and it really hurt.  What hurts me most is seeing Brian and his family in pain.  They were so close to their dad. The day after Uncle Ben passed away, Brians family held a 9 day Catholic Rosary prayer.  Family, friends, and people that knew Brian's dad came by... it was nice to have supportive people around the house and to hear the stories they had of Brian's dad.  It was a healing experience.  I fell in love with two songs that they were playing, "Fly Like A Bird" and "In His Time."

The Sunday after Brians dad passed away we went to Sheryll's Christian church called Cathedral of Faith located off Curtner in San Jose.  It was the first time I went to church with Brian and his immediate family (his mom, sister, and older brother)... Not only that but it was also the first time I went to church in YEARS.  It was a beautiful experience and it felt really nice to see Brian and his family uplifted.  The lesson was about prayer.  Sometimes you dont know what to say in a prayer and that sometimes all you can do is just cry, grunt, sigh, etc. But even during those times when you dont know what to say to Him, God will mold those prayers into something great.  I loved the lesson because it was something we all needed to hear.

This weekend will be Uncle Ben's viewing and burial.  Friday, Jan. 31st at 9am, we will begin Uncle Ben's viewing.  It will be the first time Brian will see his dad since he passed.  Its gonna be so hard... but I want to be strong for Brian. Saturday, Feb 1st will be the mass and vigil/eulogies.  There will be a video montage and performances as well.  Then finally Sunday, Feb 2nd at 10:30am will be the Burial.

A Decade with Brian

Happy 10 Year Anniversary, Brian!!!!!!  Simply put: He's still everything I want in a guy. He still makes me want to better myself. He still inspires me. People have asked if I ever got bored because of being together for so long but I feel that every year has just gotten better and better. We still flirt, we still play, we still argue, we still make up, we still learn, we still appreciate each other... I really believe that Time does stand still when you're having so much fun in a relationship... I couldn't believe it myself that it has already been a #decade! My only relationship advice that I'd like to share to those in a relationship is to find a way to laugh in the midst of a serious argument. It works :) I love you, Brian! #happyanniversary #10years

RIP Benjamin Salamanca Nicolas

February 3, 1948-January 15, 2014

This Wednesday I lost my second dad, Uncle Ben. These past two days have been truly difficult because I'm still in disbelief.  Sometimes I think we're just waiting for him to just walk thru the door from work or I'd catch myself saying "Wait for Uncle Ben!" But then I'm reminded again that he's gone. Uncle Ben has cared for me like his own and was there for me through my problems and successes.  He has taught me the true meaning of unconditional love just by seeing what he does for others.  I'll continue to carry with me all the fatherly advices he had given to me, Brian, and Sheryll.  I miss him so much :( but I know he would want us all to be happy--not sad.  I know he'd want us to just remember all the good times we've shared, to continue to be strong, and to build more memories with those we still have in our lives.  Brian is just like him and I'm blessed to have a boyfriend who takes after his dad's best qualities.  I love you, Uncle Ben! #RIP

My New Daily Work Schedule

8:00-10:45am
I'm at Burnett Elementary School in a 4th thru 6th grade classroom for Autistic children.  There are a total of 8 students in this class and I'm assigned to the only girl in the class.  She is still learning to use her words to communicate and my job is to keep her on task and focused.

11:00am-12:00pm
After Burnett, I go straight to Weller Elementary School to work 1-on-1 with preschoolers who also have Autism.  I was shadowing another BMT all week last week and tomorrow I get to finally meet the kid that I'll be working with 1-on-1.  I was taught to conduct trials and help them master certain skills that they lack, whether it be motor skills, matching,  sorting, cutting, tracing, crawling, potty training, gender recognition, learning manners, socializing, etc.

12:00-1:30pm
After 1-on-1, I join a social group for preschoolers with autism.  We help them build social skills with other autistic children.  They learn to say hello/goodbye, to share,  to take turns, to say please/thank you, to use full sentences, to ask,  to play with others, etc.  It reminds me of when I used to work at a preschool before only difference is that all the activities are jammed in an hour-and-a-half session instead of 4 hours.

1:45-6:00pm
After working with autistic children,  I'm either at After the Bell (Wed-Fri) or at the Milpitas Sports Center (Mon-Tues).

10-hour work days haven't caught up to me, yet.  This is still all new to me.  I still find that even after working all day I still have energy.  All I can say so far is that overall it has been an interesting and challenging past week.

Happy New Year! 2014

I decided that for my first blog post for 2014, I'd write up 14 current things about me... what I'm doing, plans, favorite things...  I think my future self would really appreciate that :)

1.  This year I have 3 jobs!  The first job is what I've always been doing for the past three years, a Recreation Leader for an after-school program for the City of Milpitas.  The second job, which I just accepted, is a Summer Camp Director also for the City of Milpitas.  I'm excited about this one because my partner and I get to plan a whole summer of fun activities for kids between the ages 5-8.  I just feel like I have so many ideas in my head that I just have to let out and I can't wait to start planning this week.  And the third job that I just got hired for is a Behavioral Management Tutor (BMT) for the Milpitas Unified School District.  I'm nervous about this one because I've never fully worked with Autistic children... but I'm excited regardless!  I've heard a lot of good and bad things, but all I care about is that the kids are safe, having fun, and being inspired to learn more.

2.  I love coupon-ing! For the past couple of months I learned how to coupon and I'm truly looking forward to saving more money in 2014.  Couponing has brought shopping to a whole new level... It takes a lot of time but in the end my wallet's happy :)

3.  I'm aiming to be healthier and active.  I say this every year, I know, but I want and need to live a healthier lifestyle.  I had my blood test taken last year and one thing that worried me was my glucose level -- it was pretty damn high.  If I continue to eat the way I'm eating and given my family history, there's a super high possibility that I can get diabetes in the near future.  I've been looking on Pinterest and they have really good ideas on ways to make a recipe book, and it inspired me to create my own healthy recipe book.  This, and working out with my brother, will help me be healthier.

4.  I have one more year to pay off my car.  My 2015 goal: trade-in my car for a brand new car that I want and deserve.  I'm thinking of getting the newest version of my Avalon! lol

5.  I love DIYs - Pinterest and YouTube are THEE BEST sites for DIYs

6.  Current Favorite TV shows that I can replay over and over again:  The Office, Freaks and Geeks, Walking Dead, Breaking Bad, American Horror Story, Family Guy, Southpark, Conan, and Desperate Housewives.  This year I'd like to get into New Girl, Sons of Anarchy, and Scandal.

7.  Current Favorite Movies:  Frozen, Le Miserables, Rent, Django Unchained, Despicable Me

8.  Current everyday makeup routine:

• Primer - Neutrogena Shine Control Primer
• Foundation - L'Oreal True Match liquid foundation in W6 Sun Beige
• Concealer - Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Circles in Neutralizer
• Face Powders - Laura Mercier Translucent Powder
• Bronzer - Sephora MicroSmooth in Tan 35
• Brows - Rimmel Brow Pencil in Dark Brown
• Mascara - Maybelline The Falsies Big Eyes (waterproof)

9.  All-Time Favorite Lipsticks:

• Red - MAC Ruby Woo
• Orange/Red - MAC Lady Danger
• Natural - NYX Whipped Caviar
• Peachy - NYX Strawberry Daquiri
• Bold Pink - MAC Girl About Town
• Soft Pink -  NYX Sweet Pink
• Plum - MAC Rebel
• Purple - MAC Heroine

10.  Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner:  Bain de Terre in Passion Flower

11.  Favorite Alcoholic Beverages:

• Roscato red wine
• Beers: Blue Moon, Shock Top, Corona
• Mimosa - Crook's Brut and Guava Juice
• Strawberry Mojitos

12.  Favorite Place to Eat:  Sizzling Stone

13.  Hobbies:  I still love talking about or playing with make-up.  I still love anything that involves arts and crafts.  I still love decorating a room and turning it into something welcoming, comfortable, colorful, clean, and efficient.  Couponing and crocheting are my two newest hobbies.

14.  Looking forward to mine and Brian's 10th year anniversary.  I still love that silly guy :)