I usually stick to one hard and true rule: I never discuss politics or religion. This rule came about in high school when one of my favorite teachers taught me they are too heated to ever conduct a civil conversation. For years I've held true to this however these past 2 historic days have caused me to break that rule.

100 years ago a non-white male person in the US was the equivalent of nothing. African Americans were counted as less than a person. Women weren't heard at all. Our grandmothers and great grandmothers were granted the right to vote and be heard after much pain, debate and cruelty. The world changed for the better. Over the past 50 years African Americans fought long and hard to be seen as equal. Men and women died for this right and the world again changed for the better. Here we are, at the beginning of another amazing change in our nation's history. We have our first African American president.

Now, a lot of others attribute this win to racism, sexism, and ageism. The polling data (from Gallup) backs up these allegations for the most part. 99% of African Americans voted for Obama. 19 to 29 year olds came out in droves for Obama. 56% of women pulled the level in favor of Obama as well. The numbers reflect large portions of certain groups identifying with Obama.

Now I'm a 28 year old, hispanic woman and my vote was cast for Obama. While there are aspects of his platform that I don't completely agree on (Head Start, NCLB) I see eye to eye with the majority of his views. For example, I'm a devoted Catholic, but I believe in a woman's right to choose. While its not something I would EVER consider, I feel the verdict of Roe v. Wade needs to be upheld at all costs. 53% of other Catholics voted with me.

Is it suspect that 99% of African Americans voted for the African American candidate. No. If I were an African American, I would have voted for him too simply on that aspect. This was a moment they all got to live the dreams they have watched white Americans live they entire life. Its not like they were electing a gang banging drop off to the highest office. They elected a well educated, open minded man who happens to be the same color. They voted for the person they connected with the best. The same way 64% of gun owners and 59% of veterans voted for McCain.

I think John McCain is an American hero and treasured Veteran. However, being a POW doesn't give you the key to the castle. In my very humble opinion McCain sunk his campaign the day he named Palin as his VP choice. I wasn't necessarily "undecided" but once I learned about her and her beliefs it was clear I wasn't crossing the aisle and voting Rep. Why should the VP candidate deter me?

You have a high visible black candidate in a still very racist country and a rather old (72 years old) man who has had health issues in the best. The likely hood that these men could die or be killed was quite high and if this were to happen while they were in office, Palin or Biden would be named Commander in Chief. I'd rather the highly educated D.C. vet over the new comer "outsider". She is too conservative for me. Plain and simple.

I've always been a Democrat. I've always voted Democratic. The party's base of views and beliefs most reflect my own. After the past 8 years of progressive decent into the recession we are currently facing and being lead by a President who barely made Cs in school. The majority of the nation wanted a change. The presidency wasn't the only election that went from Rep. to Dem -numerous house seats switched too. Change means actually changing. As simplistic as it may be (and we've seem it before in 1992 with Bush and Clinton) when the economy is in such a poor state the incumbent party usually doesn't retain their office.

I respect those who a line themselves with the Grand ol' party and their ideals. Hard-core republicans in NYC aren't a dime a dozen. So to hold true to those beliefs here and in other metro areas is a sign of strength and courage. What is upsetting me these days is that hypocrisy of a few of them and how they are living up to the title of "sore losers". Who wants to move to another country? Who wants to contest the outcome? So on and so forth. The measure of a person isn't how they react when they are on top its how they act when things don't go their way. This is a time that we when we are living history and instead of stepping back and taking notice of the amazing event that has taken place they are whining and resorting to name calling.

Had the tables been turned and President-elect McCain was in transition we would still be living history by welcoming the first female VP. That would be momentous! While I would be just as critical I'd still be a proud American. I wouldn't be threatening to leave the country because regardless of the winner the process works. Regardless of who is holding the office - this is STILL the greatest country in the world and its our job and duty as Americans to live up to the hype. There are parts of our country that haven been forgotten, where Americans are living in conditions that mimic those of 3rd world countries. Children starving, drinking contaminated water, families living in filth with no means of fixing it. We need to get past the ME mentality and really put our money where our mouths are, step up and help our new administration. Its clean our current administration couldn't be bothered with it (Katrina anyone...) so hopefully the incoming administration will live up to its promises.

*steps off soapbox*

This is going to be a spoiled brat post. So if you don't want to read it - don't.

When I was younger I had envisioned my dream wedding as most young girls do from time to time. When I met Thomas, I already had a plan for my wedding. When he proposed, I already knew actually what I wanted for our big day.

The problem is you can plan and plan and plan but all the planning in the world doesn't actually help.

Every time something good happens in my life, something else bad.. worse happens around me.

(1) The day I got into the high school I wanted - my dad lost his job.

(2) The day of my h.s. ring night - my dad came back from Puerto Rico after being gone for 5 months. No word to anyone.

(3) The day I got into college - my grandfather was diagnosed with lung cancer.

And now my wedding... my mom was diagnosed with lung cancer this past May. My mom and I don't always get along but she's still my mom. We argue and disagree on taste in things but I was looking forward to planning our wedding with her. Both of us are creative so she was really excited about adding all of the special tastes together. I've done everything I can to make it easy on her, saying that it's ok and her health is more important. But part of me is so pissed and upset that we are both being deprived of this time together. I've gone up to Binghamton as much as I can but it's hard.

Because of her health, there's a lot that she as the "mom" couldn't do so I had to take them on. One of is my bridal shower. Yes, I've had to plan and execute my own bridal shower. With every aspect that I've had to do for it I get more and more upset, and then I get pissed. My whole life I've had to do things the more "economical" (cut-corners) way. I learned early on how to save here and there. I was really looking forward to not having to do that with my wedding. But since I have to pay for my own bridal shower, I had to cut-corners on the wedding itself. I had to settle for not having things that I really wanted. It's just not fair.

I've never been the princess my friends were in their families. I knew for the most part of my life I'd have to be responsible for the costs of my wedding, but I always thought I'd have some of the perks. I always thought my bridal shower would be a surprise - like everyone else. I always thought my bachelorette party would be a surprise or at least I'd be kept out of the drama - like everyone else.

I always hoped I'd be bouncing off the walls, not a care in the world, over the moon in love that all the drama wouldn't touch me. Shockingly enough - that doesn't happen.

I have a friend who even though they know I have bratty qualities, want what I want and get it most of the time (pouting is a gift I was given! lol) they always say I'm too nice for my own good. If I had 10 dollars in my pocket, and you asked for 15, I'd give you the 10 and feel sorry for not having the 5 or worse, I'd borrow the 5 from someone else for you. I try to help when ever and how ever I can, but it feels like most of my friends wouldn't do the same for me.

I'm just hurt today and I'm venting. I just want this wedding over with. The marriage is more important anyone. The wedding is just a day and at this point, thanks to a bunch of petty, drama-driven individuals it's something I'm not looking forward to nearly as much as I should be.

Thomas and I are always on our computers. We started to really talk to each other on the computer, even though we knew each other in "real life". He asked me out for our first day, on the computer.

A lot of our wedding planning is being done by the computer as well. Excel spreadsheets, Word docs, bargain hunting on various websites for numerous things, Backpackit to-do lists, Google Calendars syncing our personal lives with wedding appointments, etc. Basically, you name it - we can (and probably) do it online.

I am a member of an online forum for local brides-to-be and a fellow "08er" posted this cartoon and it just screamed Tom and I. We'll be in the same room and I'll email him a question.

Anyhow... just wanted to share!

Well, today was not only productive but expensive. We made our last scheduled payment for the Fox Hollow until the "big one" in the fall. When Tom gave them the envelope, I could have swore I saw a tear fall from his eye.

We also finalized our reception decor with Fox Hollow's house florist. He gave us exactly what I was looking for at a fabulous price. Our centerpieces are very rustic, but elegant and simple. Since both Thomas and I aren't big "flower" people, we went a different route. When we saw the sample a few weeks ago we knew this was perfect for us.

Everyone knows the key to successfully planning is organization. If you’ve ever planned anything with me or have been to something I’ve planned, you know how I am - no detail is too small and I try to think of everything. Planning our wedding is no different than planning a dinner party, except it’s on a much grander scale, so instead of a notepad, I have a binder.

Three of my bridesmaids, Madeline, Tania and Christina, can attest to the wonder of my wedding binder. It is divided by the various aspects of the wedding such as ceremony, music, transportation, honeymoon, etc. Within each section I have contact sheets, package summaries, questions I had and any answers I've gotten. I also have tips and tricks as well as checklists and worksheets.

I used pocket dividers, so any samples I receive or examples I find are all neat and in one place. I don't like clutter so having all the wedding stuff in one remote area was very important to me. Each divider is a different color with typed tabs, which are very easy to read. I even put binder card holder pages so that all the business cards we get are all in one place too. It's been very helpful when it comes to suggesting our vendors to others.

It has officially become a second bible for us. Thomas laughed and rolled his eyes as I assembled it, mostly because I was getting pure enjoyment out of it. To explain it as a labor of love would be a huge understatement. The only down side of my work of art is it's a bit on the heavy side. =)

Celebrating with Friends

On March 1st, we celebrated our engagement with friends at Stouy NYC in Midtown. We had a great time. The drinks were great and food was even better. They also had karaoke which was so much fun.

We officially have a photographer and videographer for the wedding! After reviewing tons of companies, and meeting with a handful we've narrowed it down to a company that has a flawless reputation, reasonable prices, friendly personal and most of all - an incredible portfolio.

This weekend Tom and I decided to actually get our butts in gear and start working on our major vendors for the wedding. We met with our day of coordinator on Thursday. On Saturday we meet with a possible florist and a videographer/photographer. The florist put together the most incredible centerpiece sample. It was so grand yet simple which is my hope for the day. Grand, regal but simple and comfortable.

I felt bad for the vendors because I'm such the "anti-bride" that every time they thought they had a handle on what I'd like, I would have to explain I wanted something totally different then what they thought. The florist did pick some beautiful flowers and had very nice ideas.

The next two weeks we have meetings to get quotes from 2 more florists, 3 photographers and 2 videographers. So by the end of the month we should most of not all of our wedding vendors.

After a nice weekend in Vermont, Tom and I met with Msgr. Romano on Thursday so officially book St. Bernadette for our wedding. Watching him erase the pencil-hold and ink it in the book was so satisfying. We discussed pre-cana and other requirements which also really started to make it so real. We are having a full mass and Sister Beata will be able to sing.

At 2pm on November 15th, 2008 our ceremony will begin and around 2:30-2:45pm, we'll be husband and wife.

First of all, Happy New Year! As soon as the ball dropped, Tom an I looked at each other and said "We are getting married THIS year." I can't believe it.

This weekend, my mom came down from Binghamton and we went dress shopping. On Saturday, Tom picked my sister and mom up and we went to Valentina's Bridal to see I dress I found with Tania and Christina a few weeks back. While they liked it, they weren't head over heels about it and I was still a little leery. On Sunday, Tom drove my mom and I to Carle Place on the Island to Bridal Reflections. I tried on a few more and even though one of them was amazing, it still wasn't "the one". Monday we took the day off, because my mom had to attend a funeral.

We were going to head into Kleinfelds just to see, since cousin Nicole works there (youngest manager in the store's history, you go coli!!) but my fear was in was going to fall in love with a dress that was more than I had budgeted for. Its a dress I'm going to wear for a day - paying over $5 grand for it is a waste of money in my opinion.

The next day I met my mom and grandma at Doris Fashions on 18th Avenue to try on more dresses. We actually found a dress I liked more than the one at Valentina's but again... I didn't have the feeling. I explained to the bridal consultant that I had a specific dress in mind and that even though she carries the designer she doesn't carry the sample. I really loved her personality and her demeanor. She was so helpful and generous, she said no matter where I decide to buy the dress that I have to track down a sample so I never have any doubts. We all left, came back to my apartment and I started calling every salon in Brooklyn trying to find a sample of this dress. I found one - the ONLY one - all the way out on Ralph Avenue.

Tom got home and played car service again and drove my mom and I out to the boonies of the borough and I finally got to see the dress in person. As soon as I saw it, I got chills and butterflies in my stomach. Within milliseconds of having the dress on I was officially in love. When I came out of the dressing room, my mom stood there and she was floored. I was literally beaming because I finally got that "this is the one" feeling. Having my mom tear up, really sealed the deal.

So, on the day Tom and I say our "I do"s I won't be in my signature jeans and sneaks.

This past Thursday we signed the contract with our DJ. We are using Five Star Entertainment and I highly reccomend them. The reason we went with this company and didn't even LOOK at others is because we've seen them so many times before that it was just a given we were going to use them.

It was very exciting, especially since I'm such a crazed music fan that it's one of the most important parts of the reception, in my humble opinion. It sets the entire mood of the event. If it's bad - the event is probably not to good either.

In other wedding news, we finalized the bridemaids' dresses today. I'm very happy with them and I think all the ladies are going to look fabulous.

My dress is next. *wink*

Today one of my beautiful bridemaids, Donna and I went to look at wedding dresses. The idea of searching for my dress was actually causing me to have anxiety attacks. I'd get flustered and feel my heart beating a mile a minute. It was actually one of the last things I wanted to do, however everyone in the salons and Thomas' cousin Nicole said I have to order my dress by mid-January. So today was a trial run; just to wet me feet as it were and get a feel for it.

We went to Kelly's Kreations and I really liked the women there. It was small but sweet. I tried on about 5-6 dresses and really liked 2 of them. One of them was a Demetrios dress and very detailed and rich looking. The second one was a Maggie Sottero and was simply amazing; lavish and classical. However I didn't put on either one and say "this is the one". To coin a phrase, I wasn't able to "say yes to the dress".

I've sent a deadline of January 15th. I want to order my dress by that day.

I'm all for a regal, elegant and timeless wedding with a dash of fun & spice. However, I'm not ready to sacrifice our financial future just for a fabulous party. So how can I get the first without devastating the second? Simple, by doing some of the things myself.

The first of these "DIY" projects was our save the date magnets. First we priced customized magnets from various online retailers. They weren't very expensive but still felt like more money than needed for something that is going to be throw out in a year. After a little research and photoshop magic I created our own magnet and printed that with Vista Print. I based the design of the magnet on the web design I used for our wedding site. I love how everything is tied together with the same colors, layout and fonts.

It's the little things that define events so I feel comfortable making the little things matter (without breaking the bank too!)

We were in our apartment getting ready to go to his parents for Sunday dinner in November 11th, 2007. I was sitting on our loveseat, when he turned off the football game, took my laptop from me and starred at me for about 5 minutes. It freaked me out. He just kept smiling and kissing my hand. He started to speak and at first I honestly thought he was breaking up with me, so I started to mentally plan his death. =) Then I realized what really was going on that I was just trying to breath. I didnt hear 90% of it. lol.

This is what Tom said:

"These last four years have been incredible. We are like two puzzle pieces that just fit together. I love you more than words can say. You are everything to me. You have made me so happy. You make me smile. Every time I think of you it puts a smile on my face. You have made me a better man. From the moment you put makeup on me at New Year's eve I knew you were the one I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Anyone who could survive my family and on top of it put makeup on me was definitely for me. I knew that next morning that you were the one. I want to have kids with you. I want to raise a family with you. I want to hold grandchildren with you and spoil them with you. I want to grow old with you. Since this apartment is where we took the first step together on this next stage of our relationship, I figured it only appropriate to take the next step. (kneels down) Athina Marie Sanchez, will you marry me?"

I finished the christmas video for my mom. I burned it on a DVD and it's 2 parts. i love my macbook! lol.

Here is the first: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZJYb3JoZWUY

And this is the second: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3O9RcZalvKc

sorry for the quality but youtube.com optimizes them for webstreaming lol

I woke up this morning with no expectations except of seeing Daughtry perform. However, I'm grateful because the reality was so much better than anything I could have dreamt up.

Along with my guest (and boyfriend) Tom and 6 other lucky winners of the special VIP contest, I waited extremely impatiently in the lobby of the MLB studios to be taken to our next location. Anxious doesn't even come close to describing how I truly felt. Our greeters met us and took us upstairs where we were all treated like pure VIPs. A lovely buffet of goodies was set up for all of us to enjoy. But who could eat?? (Well, the guys could of course)

After what felt like days, but probably was just an hour or so, we were escorted into a sound stage area. The orginial idea was we'd go in 4 at a time for 2 songs each and then switch. Thankfully though, we were all able to squeeze in and all 8 of us got to enjoy all 4 acoustic songs. On the stage, which was less than inches away sat left to right Josh, Chris, JP and Brian. (Joey was feeling under the weather and wasnt there.) Each guy with their guitars, laughing and kidding around with each other. At one point even breaking out into reggae. Each song being better than the previous one, including one of my top favorites Breakdown.

After the set was over we headed back into our "green room" for a special meet and greet. Pictures were taken. Signatures were given. Hearts raced and faces smiled. Dreams came true.

The fact is, we all genuinely appreciated and respected this band. Each day miles away from their families, being directed there and back again all for us, their fans. They get to live a dream of sharing their music and talent with us... but we are the ones who come out on top. After meeting them, you see that they are even kinder, funnier and dare I say for the ladies - hotter, than they are on television and in concert.

I'm personally still in awe that I was able to meet these guys, because I admire them beyond explaination. Thank you DaughtryOfficial for allowing me to experience the wonder that is this band - first hand.

Current Mood: cheerful

sorry for the last entry.. i just i made it private.

its custom filtered now.

So... after weeks and weeks of looking at apartments, yesterday we found our new home! We met with a new realtor, who brought us to an apartment 4 blocks from Tom's house. So that was +1. We got there and the landlord was so friendly and sweet, +2. The apartment was on the second floor, but the there weren't alot of stairs and it wasn't steep -/+1.

As soon as we opened the door I got this cozy feeling. We walked to the right and there were the bedrooms. The master bedroom was average sized with a beautiful bay window. The second bedroom (which is going to double as a guest room/office for the time being) was also a good size, with a closet. We walked back down the hallway to the living room, which opened directly onto the kitchen. The living room has a bay-type window too. All the floors are new and in impecible condition. The wood is just gorgeous and the tiles are so pretty. Next we saw the bathroom, which clinched the deal for me. Its stunning. The landlord is a plumber and renovated the entire bathroom, top the bottom a little over a month ago.

So we took another swing around the place, looked at one another and said "this is it!" We told the broker we liked it and she went down to take to the landlord. He then invited us downstairs to meet his wife and have coffee. We were there for 45 mins just chatting about this and that.

Tom and I are over the moon! It's about the same size as my current apartment, but because of the difference in layouts, it feels smaller, which I actually like.

I was trying to explain to my mom and the realtor, that it just felt like Christmas. I could see the tree and the decorations. I could see us eating dinner, etc.

The location is exactly what I wanted too. Its close to his family, but we aren't on top of one another. Its near the avenue without being on top of it. Stores, transportation and laundry are all close by. The church is walking distance and a couple of our friends who recently bought a home, live up the block! It doesn't get much better.

So today we are going to make the payment and get our keys!!

You know when you know something is going to happen but when it finally does it is so muh better than you thought? Well, that is how I feel right now. It felt like home and that was most important to me. Does it have everything we wanted, of course not... but that feeling... the X-factor is so much more important.

I'm just thrilled we both love it so much. Pictures to come!

Current Mood: excited

So... I'm in the process of watching SoapNET's new show "General Hospital: Nightshift" and so far -- I'm not totally impressed.

First off, You have Billy Dee Williams on your cast and you have him as a freakin' janitor. He is an incredible actor and personality. I truly hope his talents aren't being wasted.

Second, the time line doesn't work. You have Patrick & Robin assigned to the ER's Nightshift after preforming an illegal surgery. Yet, they have Jason in the episode who was/is in jail at the time of the illegal surgery.

The sex aspect of the show is ALOT more than I had thought there was going to be. lol. Funny sex, but sex nonetheless. I don't know how I feel about the film either. It's filmed more like a comedy than a drama.

The plus side is as much as I hate Robin's preachiness, her hospital persona (doctor, etc.) is actually fun to watch.

Its only a weekly show so I'll give it another chance. lol

Current Mood: content