Love What You Do

Today, Steve Jobs, Apple founder passed away. In reading through all of the news articles, I came across this which gives me hope for what I'm going through now.

"Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on."

Epcot International Food & Wine Festival

My dearest hubby hit it on the nosh when he purchased annual tickets for Disney this past summer!

And of course, a trip to Epcot's Food & Wine Festival was a must! So this weekend, a group of 6 of us decided to meet and tour around the world!  

We started in the UK, made a quick trip to South America, back to the US, Asia, and Europe.

So maybe I skipped the lava cake in Ireland, but my favorite countries in this mini world tour were Argentina's Steak with chimichurri, Brazil's Frozen Caipirinhas, Canada's Spicy's sausage and polenta, Greece's chicken pita, and Belgium for their mussles, waffles, and Hoegaarden.

Hopefully we will have one more trip around the world before the season is over!

Love vs. Hate

Love. Hate.

Two very powerful words. Two very powerful feelings.

Is it possible to love someone so much you begin to hate them?

Is it possible to hate someone to the point you fear you love them?

If two people are in love, both of them win.

If one person loves another, but does not receive love in return, love can turn to sadness.

If two people live with hate, they both lose. 

Love. Hate.

They are words, feelings. Undescribable energies we all search to understand, to find.

Taking Indy by Storm!

Wow...my first solo trip. Not work related of course. I mean, I had just finished unpacking from Orlando and then...bam must get ready for Indy. I was very excited, and a little nervous. 
I get off the plane and just in a few minutes I am bum rushed by 2 of my fave sister trio! Allysson and Elysabeth tell me stories about their most recent adventures on the way to the hotel. After a few hugs and see you laters, I am off to rest in my hotel room. Once I arrived, I find myself trying to decide between 1 out of the 5 dresses I brought (yes 5, a girl has got to have options!!). I may have rested for all of 5 minutes, but I was already making plans for a late lunch. The mini cab ride to The Bar made me feel like I was in my mid-20s again, well, at least I was told that I'm too young to be a New Kid fan (YES!) At The Bar, the food and rounds of grape vodka and sprite kept coming and I was enjoying my time with Jules, Jenni, and Devon.
It was finally time to get ready for the concert and hug my dear friends I don't get to see often! So I admit it, I had a little dance party with Megghan, Allysson, and Elysabeth. And yes even Joey was trying to copy my moves, but all in all, a really good time!
After show was so much of fun, laughs, and hugs with Jules, Lynnie, Sheltons, and Danny. We might've allowed some other Kids to make us laugh a few times too. Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, we were startled by a truck tire explosion. And well after that it was the walk back, oh my little feet and toes, I love you both for still being part of me despite all of the torture I put you through.

This was the short version of the 36 hour trip I will never forget :)

BH's Pink Gala in Orlando

I couldn't believe it! Our dear friend Barby organized this amazing meet and greet and BH (BlockHead) meet-up in Orlando the day following the concert. And guess what...the New Kids went too!!! Well, at least, my friends and I would like to think we got our "Ultimate Photos" taken with them. Bottom line, we had a blast and well we raised over $1,100 for our Komen team!!! Go us!

NKOTBSBIIMen!

I had the most amazing concert experience with my amazing girlfriends in Orlando this past weekend. It was the first time the 4 of us had gone to an NKOTBSB concert on our own (sans significant others). We danced, we laughed, and we giggled as we saw a few of "those boys" pass by when we hit the behind the scenes areas pre-show.

Once at our seats, the music blared with Matthew Morrison's voice as an accompaniment. The "Mrs. Robinson" intro into "Goldigger" one of my faves. We looked around and noticed Kirstie Alley was in the audience walking to her seat and wait, so was Joey Fatone, sitting in the row behind ours! Wow! We thought, this show is special! 
Soon after it was time, for NKOTBSB! The boy band SUPERGROUP! And oh my gosh did we scream and jump like we were 11 all over again! An elderly lady holding on to her walker with a BSB all access pass was screaming louder than we were! We knew the show would be special, but just the thought of being there and dancing to the music and seeing the 9 talented boys...well phenomenal. 
Just midshow, when we thought the boys would come out and rip off their shirts as they had done at previous concerts (youtube spoilers), they had a very mini introduction of the band. At the same time, we also noticed Danny Wood had a handheld videocamera. So as NKOTBSB talked on the mainstage, Boys II Men decided to jump out at the end of the shaft! Seeing them almost got me teary eyed because they are such an amazing group! I tried serenading to my hubby and leaving him a voice message, but he wasn't having my screaming notes either..haha! 
And well, as always, NKOTB ended the show with Hangin' Tough, Boston Celtics style. There may have been a bit of Otown Magic, but then again, BSB had to represent were they were "born." 

Fighting the good fight x3!

October  15, 2011 will mark my 3rd year in my efforts to fundraise and support the Miami Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure. I want to make a difference in the fight against breast cancer.
Every year I dedicate my efforts to my mom, Ana Maria, who is also a breast cancer survivor. It was a shock to my family when we were told of the news. Approximately 80% of breast cancers occur in women 50 years and older, my mom was 47. My mom toughed out through surgeries, numerous treatments, and even hair loss. Her strentgh and courage is what made our family see it through.
The chances that you know someone who has been affect by breast cancers are high: 1 in 8 women! That means either a spouse, a friend, a co-worker, a student at school, a neighbor has either had breast cancer or has been affected by this disease.
The team I have been running with came together in memory of Betty Wood. She lost her battle with breast cancer 11 years ago. Betty is Danny Wood's mother. Danny is a member of NKOTB and dedicated Susan G. Komen supporter who has active in the fight against breast cancer for several years.
You can help find a cure. Your support helps us get another step closer to a world without breast cancer.  
Breast cancer does not care, that's why we have to!


You can support my efforts by clicking here:
http://miamiftl.info-komen.org/goto/andie-mrb2011

Living Healthy

What does it mean to live healthy? 
What does it really mean? Is it all about working out? Is it about eating right? Is it about avoiding bad foods? Hell if I know, but I do know that I am trying. 


Ok, so I'm sort of trying. I may not be choosing the correct foods, but I'm sure making an effort to get my cardio in at least 4-5 times a week. I still eat the chocolate, I still eat fried food, but really, maybe once a week (each).


I'm also desperately trying to get my husband in the diet mix since he has joined a bet with 5 other friends on who loses the most wins $500 ($100/person). So I'm making him feel guilty about eating out and forcing him to eat my kitchen concoctions, which are some time, not quite delicious. ha!

The one thing I will swear on is how just switching from sodas to water has changed my life. It is to the point that if I have one glass of soda, I will have a new bulge in my stomach and will have difficulty running the next day!


So if you make a change, any change at all, is to add more water to your diet. To eat from smaller plates so they appear fuller. And to eat with a smaller utensil so that you eat slower. It takes 15-20 mins for your stomach to tell your brain you are full, and by then, you may be double stuffed!


May start reading more of the series for Eat This! Not That! to get more into healthy eating habits!

Love Is All You Need

The state of New York has recently lifted the ban on gay marriage on Friday, June 24. Of course there will be many opposing, but some take heed of this with a sense of humor. 

Happy Pride Day NEW YORK!

Remember No Hate Worldwide. Love is all you need.

Instant Greatness

I absolutely love the Instagram application on my iPhone! Super bad ass! Share and play with pics all together!

BoneFish and Girls

These are the girls that have been there through thick and thin...most for over 10 years. I definitely love them dearly. Even when things...are...well...not quite right ;)

Sugar Free Dreams

The Day Blockheads Took Over Miami

It's so nice to be able to see my awesome blockheads at least once a year. The best part, it happens in Miami. Wish I could see them more often, but when the ones that come from afar make it to my little town, well, then it becomes a party! I ♥ these girls!

Celebrating Life

Thursday, May 12th, came and went. It has taken me over two weeks to finally write my goodbyes. The main reason you ask? Because I knew that this month would be a tough one. Once I knew you were gone, I knew how many special dates this month would no longer be the same. How my usual laughter next to yours would be accompanied by tears. But I have learned that I can overcome these tears, with the company of my family. Mi gran familia.

I am after all really thankful that God let you be with us for so long. For us to have enjoyed so many years together and even so special moments, not only in my life, but also in the lives of all of your grandchildren and two amazing great-grandchildren. Nonna, you are an amazing human being and when I grow older, I hope to have even half as much love and friendships as you do. I want to know the spice for life that you carried for so long. And even if I have to, I will begin cooking, because that is the main reason you kept our family together. By adding food to the table.

Today I sing "Happy Birthday" to you, because I know you are dancing, just like you love to do up in the heavens. I miss you so very much even though I know you are right next to me and watching over me. Please say hello to Nonno and give a huge hug to my Mama Dora. I know they are happy to have you with them. I am happy you are now in peace and in the company of so many wonderful others.

Nonna, you are an amazing woman and I am so proud to call you my grandmother. 

I love you.

Enjoying a brunch after a long day of wedding dress shopping

I iz edjuckated!!!

I did it!!! I finally graduated and with a 3.94 GPA! World here I come!

With Nonna

Next steps...get a job

Truly Outrageous: Jem Returns To TV!

Truly Outrageous: Jem Returns To TV!

It wasn't long ago that I mentioned how much I loved Jem! Apparently, now it is coming back to the tube!!! If memory serves me right, my English speaking abilities sparked up after my visit to Miami in 1988, at which time I watched Jem, My Little Pony, CareBears, Poggles, and Strawberry Shortcake. I still think Jem had a lot to do with my "love for the English language." Ha!!!  But NKOTB just refined it a bit more.

Post Grad School To-Do List

I have been going to graduate school for what seems like an eternity (5 years!)! So now that I am about 7 days away from graduation, I am starting to think of all the things I want to do with my free time and haven't been able to do in a while....So here is MY list:


1) Dance - I feel like I haven't touched a dance studio nor a stage in about 10 years. I am dying to take a master class in hip-hop or even ballet. I really don't care as long as the class is fun. I can't wait to start calling my old friends for recommendations!
2) Photography - I picked up this little hobby right after my wedding. I bought an SLR camera which has been sitting and collecting dust for the last 2 years. I need to look over and edit the pics I have taken and take classes in photography as well!
3) Read - I do not remember the last time I read a book that was not for a class. I do not think listening to Harry Potter Book on tape counts as reading even if I did do it on my way to- and from- work/school. I need a good book and I have already placed my first order: Parisian Chic.
4) Gym - Go to the gym at least 5 days a week! I always start with a routine, but I would leave it behind as soon as the combination between work and school became more stressful. Probably not the smartest thing, since the endorphins you get from exercise can actually help you feel better and help you de-stress.
5) Travel - I did some traveling while in school, but this time, I really want to take road trips. If I am hired at my ideal job, I'll have the summers off and will be able to take trips around the world which will add on to my photography hobby.
6) Volunteer - I have been involved with a breast cancer charity the last 2 years. I want to continue doing that and if possible become even more involved with my local chapter as a liaison for the team my friends and I created. I have a passion for helping, creating, and winning, I think this can be the trick I need.

I Pray For You

The last two hours have been nothing but me lying wide awake. My husband lays besides me and all I can do is slide closer to him, place my arm around him and press my cheek against his back. "Can't sleep again?" He asks of me. This is the 4th day in a row that I am up, unable to close my eyes. I have been a nervous and anxious wreck.


It has been a pretty rough few days. And sometimes I wonder if my worries deserve the tears that I have been shedding. As for the last weeks many friends have faced their own worries and for some reason I do not feel I should be crying over this. How is my pain to compare? Maybe because I feel this is something I yearned for? Maybe because this is something I tried to fix but was unsuccessful? In the light of my plight I also think of each of you my dear friends, as your loved ones undergo surgery, as the one you love does not return the love you deserve, as you face your inner demons, as you box up the memories of what your family used to be, and as you smile through your own tears.


I know I am blessed for what I have, but the next few pages of worries seem so small compared to everything else I do have. I believe I can do this. I know I can do this. I just can't find the inner peace to get me through this. I have found myself asking God to help my friends through these situations. I do not usually ask God to help me in any way shape or form. But everyday this week I have. I have asked him to please guide me and help me find relief in my worries. I have asked him to help keep me and my friends strong. I have asked him to help me find myself and lift me through the next few weeks which will be the toughest weeks ever as I finish one of the biggest chapters in my life.

Anything for You

This man melts my little heart. My dearest hubby who is always there for me to pick me up when I feel down.

My Journey as a Student

Thinking back about 5 years ago...yep, I finally got serious about applying for graduate school the summer of 2006. Five long arduous years, that for a few months, I thought would become 6. I am now nearing the end of the road as an official student. Nonetheless, I am still searching for so much to learn and with very little time to learn it all. 

The next two weeks will finalize my chapter as a graduate student. 

The next two weeks will determine the thickness of my skin. 

The next two weeks will let me know that I am alive and I can do whatever I want.

I can't wait to get there. The tunnel just seems so dark now and the light so very dim. But I know I will get there.

I cannot wait for this thinking cap to come off. So long Andie Smarty Pants....I really want to be Andie Traveling Pants again.

New music? It is for me!

Miami may be one of the best cities in the US for the sun, sand, and fun; but it certainly is not the best at playing new music on their radio stations. Just discovered Jessie J and although I'm not a huge fan of "Price Tag", I really like some of her other songs!

"Do It Like a Dude" and "Who You Are" two songs, completely different beats!

I love these girls :)

These 3 girls are just the most amazing thing that have happened to me :)

Pinkberry hits Miami

I keep hearing stories of the famous Pinkberry from my friends around the US. So after years of hearing everyone's praises and stories about how delicious and flavorful it is, I had to go there on opening day. Found just across the street from The Falls mall, such a delicious yogurt and you can mix it with crazy toppings! Anything from Cap 'N Crunch, raspberries, Fruity Pebbles, chocolate, kiwi, hazelnut, and I can't even remember! But oh so delish...and oh so worth it!

Gym Bloopers!

Aside from all the muscle heads and tight bodies you see at the gym, every so often you find that one person that is just dressed so completely wrong. Here is an example of one of the most outrageous outfits I have ever seen at one of the finest and spiffiest gyms in Miami Beach. Poor boy, his shorts were so short that when he leaned forward on his machine, his b*lls were hanging out. yep.... #whatnottoweartothegym