Changes..

I've become fed up with saying I'm going to go on a diet and not doing it... So I'm making it official.

I'm going on a diet! :)

I'm praying for willpower, something of which I (greatly)lack. Please pray for me too!! I haven't really decided on a specific program... for now, I'm just going to try to stick with eating more salads and proteins, and cutting back on bread and pasta and the like... and I'll definetly be writing everything down. That always helps. Maybe I should create a special blog to vent about the frustrations that come with eating right (i.e, not eating when I'm angry or bored!)? lol

I've been telling myself that I would start eating right for months now, but I always end up telling myself that I'll do it "tomorrow". That inevitable tomorrow that never seems to come!!!
But I saw some recent pictures of myself, and I've been noticing a change in my self esteem and general body image... and I decided it's time for a change. My goal is to lose 20 lbs. by my birthday (September 18th), which, I think, is a pretty sensible goal... I can do 20 lbs. in 4 months! :)

The only obstacle I see in my way is the issue of exercise. It's the most important aspect in weight loss, but unfortunately, I'm not registered for any summer classes at FIU, so I won't be able to use the gym there until the fall semester. I don't want to spend money on a gym; times are tough!! Have you looked at gas prices?? I'd much rather spend $40 a month on my gas than $40 on a gym.

So, if anyone is interested in joining me for a daily jog or workout session, I'm available ;)
I get out of work at 6:30, so holler if you need a workout buddy! :)

Forgiveness

I've been thinking a lot about forgiveness... when to forgive, who to forgive.

I came across this devotional, which is e-mailed to me daily by Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life Daily Devotional.. check it out!)Here's a little excerpt:

We have to forgive the people who’ve hurt us, and it has nothing to do with whether or not that person deserves forgiveness. They don’t deserve forgiveness, but then, we don’t deserve it either.

we should forgive knowing we will need God’s forgiveness sometime in the future. Jesus said, “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins” (Matthew 6:14-15 NIV).

Carrying a grudge just keeps us stuck in the past, and when we’re stuck in the past, we’re controlled by the past. Our unforgiveness can control us. The Bible says, “Surely resentment destroys the fool, and jealousy kills the simple” (Job 5:2 NLT).
The Bible also says that only the foolish harbor a grudge (Ecclesiastes 7:9). Accept forgiveness from God and give forgiveness to others.

Forgiveness is a powerful thing, but it's not always the easiest thing to do.
I wonder sometimes if we, as Christians, are obligated to forgive those who have done wrong by us. I wonder if turning the other cheek is always the best policy, or if fighting back will solve any of the problems we had in the first place.....

What do you think?

The Wedding of the Year!!

Last night was the night!!!
Gabby's oldest brother, Luisi, got married!

It was a beautiful ceremony held at St. Kevin's Catholic Church.
Everything went perfectly... the only thing missing was Janet's mom. But I know that she was there in spirit. :)

Of course, I cried. I love weddings. I'm a sucker for all things romantic. But knowing the bride and groom so well made it even MORE romantic, and a little surreal. To think that this is just the beginning of their life together! It's such a beautiful thing.

I'm so happy for them both! It's so amazing to see life in action. To think that these two have known each other their whole lives, fell in love, and are off to create their own family is so amazing. God is truly at work, and I pray that He blesses their life together in the years to come.

In the meanwhile, here are some pictures of the night :)

Small group will be held at my house this week! Yay!
We'll be discussing and dissecting the book of Job, and how the lessons from this book pertain to our every day lives.

Should be interesting!!
Please come!
(BYOF- Bring Your Own Food!!) :)
E-mail me for the address & information ;)

What a Weekend!

This weekend was definetly eventful. My (future) sister in law, Janet, had her much-anticipated bachelorette party at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. What a BLAST!!


The hotel was beautiful, and we had such a great girl bonding time by the pool the next day. Of course, I can't elaborate on the details... you just had to be there ;)

In all seriousness, though, I was so happy that Janet was happy that night and that she had an amazing time. And I was even MORE happy that she's marrying Gabby's brother!!!
I remember meeting her wayyy before they began dating... and it's really cool to see their relationship blossom in such a beautiful way. I can't believe the wedding is almost here! It's this Friday.. such a big day in Gabby's family's life, but I know that it will only bring good things. A happy marriage, babies (my future neices & nephews, I might add!)... I couldn't be happier for them. :)


After the party, of course, was Mother's Day. I felt pretty bad, since I had been putting off buying my mom's gift until I got paid (on Friday, the day I left for the bachelorette party..go figure). I never actually got around to it, so I woke up early on Sunday morning and told her that I needed to go to Publix to get some "feminine care products".. wink wink.

Anyway, I went off to Publix and picked up some stuff she needed for the brunch that she was preparing for some family members who were to stop by later. I wasn't sure she would like it, but she absoloutley loved her gift!

My cousins and aunt came over for brunch, as well as my uncle. Mom made a delicious egg casserole thing.. It sounds nasty, but believe me, it was amazing. Afterwards, we went to visit my grandmother. I was so happy to see her in such a good mood! She had trouble pinning the names on me and my cousins, but sitting there looking at her grandchildren talking and laughing together, she said (in Spanish), "I'm so happy that you are all here!" It pretty much made my day. I know she might not know what's going on all the time, but she still had a wonderful time with us. And we were just as happy to see her up and about. :)

All in all, it was a terrific weekend! (Pictures from Mother's Day to come) ;)

ahh, work distractions...

It's true, some of Hillary's Top Ten Reasons why she Loves America had me chuckling.

But I think that Barack's was way funnier!

Hello Lover!

I am beyond excited for the upcoming Sex & The City movie!

The hype has been building now that there is less than a MONTH before the movie comes out... and I am in desperate need to catch up on my DVD collection! (If anyone has Seasons 3 and 6, holler! I need to catch up!!)
So I want to plan a special outing in honor of this fan-tastical film! Holler if you are interested!! ;D

(Girls-only, of course... unless you're crazy enough to drag your significant other along) ;)