Thailand bound, again

So, we have a great vacation planned for November.  We'll be heading to Thailand again, and I can't wait.  I just hope all the flooding in Bangkok doesn't fuck screw up our plans.

While we are on vacation, we're going to meet up with a good friend of ours.  The only problem is my friend has had some work done.  She's had a nip and a tuck and an implant inserted here and there-- if you know what I mean.  Of course she looks amazing because she doesn't have an ounce of cellulite anywhere on her body.  It has all been sucked out, literally!  I'm usually not too self-conscious because I think I look alright.  I mean, yes, I'm a little jiggly.  And yes, my boobies hang a little lower than most.  And yes, I've got a little pot belly.  But, I don't believe I look that bad considering I'm a thirty-something, Hispanic, Tejana, who has pooped out a kid.  However, you stand me next to her, and I look like a beached whale with saggy, banana boobs.

I know I shouldn't worry about how I look in a bathing suit standing next to her, but all of a sudden I do.  I know.  It's so stupid of me.  And I know she achieved her look by having surgery and putting her life at risk for the sake of vanity.  I know all of this, but my brain can't seem to turn off all of these insecurities.

I know perfection cannot be accomplished without surgery.  I know putting one's life at risk for vanity is stupid.  I know I can never look as good as her.  I know all of this, but, yet, my mind keeps focusing on my jelly roll, muffin top, spare tire or whatever you want to call it.  I see my thighs in the mirror, and I hear thunder.  I see my deflated boobs, and I think of pancakes.

Oh, why is this vacation with her starting to stress me out?!

Well, here are a few pictures from our Thailand trip last year.  I used Jude as my cover-up.   

30 Days of Denim- Day 24

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Shirt:  Banana Republic (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Gap (bough in Japan)

Jeans:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Belt:  Gap

Necklace:  Lia Sophia and a Silver Necklace with an Amber Charm (I bought this necklace about 15 years ago, but I can't remember where.)

Earrings:  Gift from Running Babe

Shoes:  Crocs

Yesterday I got scalped, I mean, I got a much needed haircut.  However, I think the hair stylist got a little carried away!  Oh well, it's just hair and it will all grow back soon enough.  Until then, I'll have to wear lots of makeup and jewelry, so I'm not mistaken for a pre-teen boy.  

At least I don't look like Rod Stewart anymore!

30 Days of Denim- Day 23

30 Days of Denim

Here is Friday's outfit:

T-Shirt:  Petite Sophisticate 

Knit Top:  Seiyu (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  Uniqlo (bought in Japan)

Jewelry:  Lia Sophia

Shoes:   Laura Ashley Kids'

Friday was a fun-filled day.  I had to work in the morning so Jude had a play date.  Then, I picked up Jude and his buddy and took them to McDonald's for lunch.  They spent the afternoon pretending they were Jedi Knights, attacking evil doers.  

30 Days of Denim- Day 22

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap 

Sweater:  United Colors of Benetton

Jeans:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Scarf:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Shoes:  (bought in Japan)

Earrings:  JCPenney (I know you can't see them, but I promise they are there!  I really, really need a haircut!)

FYI:  My jeans are not white.  They are a very pale green.  The lighting in my apartment sucks donkey balls!  And my photo editing makes them look white, but they aren't.  So, all you fashion Nazis out there who think I'm wearing white pants after Labor Day, well, you would be wrong!  And besides, if I want to wear white pants after Labor Day, I will.  I don't subscribe to any fashion rules.  Obviously!  I wear whatever the hell I want to whenever the hell I want to.  That's how I roll!  

And, yes, I'm wearing teal colored shoes.  Yes, I know they don't match, but I like it that way.  I like a little splash of color here and there.  

30 Days of Denim- Day 21

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Shirt:  (bought in Japan at a resale shop for about 2 bucks!)

Leggings:  Danskin

Earrings:  Pearls (They are really small and you can't see them because my hair is in the way, but YaYa bought them for me when I was 15 years old.)

Necklace:  Lia Sophia

Shoes:  Wilson (bought in Japan)

I totally need a haircut!  My hair is somewhere between Rod Stewart's and Justin Bieber's.  It's really out of control!  Edward Scissorhands, I need your help!  

30 Days of Denim- Day 20

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  The Limited

Shorts:  (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Earrings:  Express

Sandals:  Seiyu (bought in Japan)

Today was almost 80 degrees, and probably the last day of the year that I'll be able to wear shorts, so I wore shorts-- really SHORT shorts!  And, no!  My ass wasn't hanging out mainly because I have no ass.  I have a back with a crack.  You would think that since I'm Hispanic, I would have a nice, juicy ass like JLo.  You know, like the kind of ass that needs its own zip code or the kind of ass that you can rest things on.  But you'd be wrong.  Really, really, really wrong!  With a capital W-R-O-N-G! 

I am so assless that I have ass envy.  When I see a nice, firm, round ass, I get the urge to slap it.  So, it's probably a good thing I'm assless, because if I had said ass, I'd be too preoccupied with slapping it that I'd never get anything done.  

So, if you are endowed with a great bottom, wear tights and show it off.  Work what your momma gave you! I would if I could!

On your 7th Birthday

Dearest Jude,

I can't believe you are 7 years old.  Where has the time gone?  It seems like just yesterday we were changing your diapers and teaching you how to use silverware.

I know this past year was difficult for you with the earthquake and relentless aftershocks and evacuating back to the States and being homeless for a month and all that.  It was difficult for your dad and me, too.  And that's okay.

You don't know it yet, but those moments, when things were most stressful and crazy, those were the moments when you shined as bright as a star.  It was during all the craziness when I realized just what a good, strong, kind, mature, charismatic kid you are.  I mean, I've always known you are amazing, but during those stressful times, you came through to the other side tougher and stronger, like a champ-- so willing to go with the flow and take whatever it was that was coming your way.  You made me proud--so very proud.  In fact, you make me proud every day.

I know I tell you this all the time, but its true: of all the children in the world, I was lucky enough to get the best one...you!

Look, I'm not perfect and neither is your father, but we are two imperfect people who came together to create a perfect boy...you!

So, Happy Birthday, Sweet Boy!

Love,
Momma

30 Days of Denim- Day 19

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Reaction by Kenneth Cole

Khaki Pants:  Gap 

Jean Jacket:  Uniqlo (bought in Japan (at a thrift shop for about 2 bucks))
Shoes:  Crocs
Earrings:  Gift from Husband

In case you didn't notice, I didn't have a Denim Day yesterday, and that's because I spent the whole day in my pajamas.  Yep, that's right.  I was bumming it yesterday in jammies.  I don't do that often, but when I do, I love it!  

30 Days of Denim- Day 18

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Leather Jacket:  JW

Earrings:  Lia Sophia

Necklace:  New York & Company

Hat:  H & M (bought in Japan)

Rain Boots:  Capelli Kids' 

Today was a rainy, dreary day.  We attended Jude's soccer picnic (which was moved indoors), and he received a metal for all his hard work.  After that, we went to our favorite recycle shop, searching for goodies.  Then, Husband and I took a long nap, while Jude watched Star Wars Episode VI on Blue Ray (he got the entire set on Blue Ray for his birthday).  When I woke up from my nap, my hair was jacked up!  Seriously, jacked up!  So, when we went to sing karaoke this evening, I put on the hat.  

I know sometimes I wear too many accessories, but that's just me.  I'm too much most of the time. I'm too loud, too opinionated, too mouthy, too stubborn, too mean, too much!  I guess I over compensate for my small size.  And, besides, accessories add flair, and you can never have too much flair!

My Little Jack-0-Lantern

Just in time for Halloween, Jude lost his front tooth.

30 Days of Denim- Day 17 and Jude's Birthday

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

T-shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  Uniqlo (bought in Japan)

Jewelry:  Gift from Husband

Shoes:  Crocs

Today I had the day off.  I spent most of the day getting things ready for Jude's birthday play date.  Since Jude didn't want a birthday party this year, we thought we'd invite his friend over instead.  So, I made a cake, bought gifts, met Jude for lunch, and hung out with him and his buddy after school.  Jude and his friend played with his toys, went to the park, watched Star Wars, and we went out to eat for dinner.  It was a fun filled day!

I'm pictured above with 2 of Jude's birthday presents.  Yes, Star Wars has become my life, too!  

Don't hate!  Appreciate!  

Here is what I look like without the Clone Trooper's helmet and gun, and without ANY photo editing:

30 Days of Denim- Day 16

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Shirt: (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Banana Republic (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  (bought in Japan)

Boots:  Nine West

Necklace:  Lia Sophia

Earrings: (bought in Japan)

I had to work yesterday, and it was a chilly out, so I thought I'd wear boots, and pretend to be a grown up.  Oh, wait.  I am a grown up!  Shit!

**And a special thanks to my photography team (which consists of Husband and Jude).  Husband takes the pictures, and Jude tells me when I look like a dumb ass.  Thanks guys for all your help!  

30 Days of Denim- Day 15

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Tank Top:  New York & Company

Pants:  (bought in Japan at a resale shop)

Jewelry:  Lia Sophia

Sandals:  Seiyu (bought in Japan)

Today I took the day off and accompanied Jude and his classmates on a field trip to a science museum and planetarium.  By 2 PM, I was exhausted!  All those little shits wore my ass out!  

I don't understand how certain kids can act so badly while their parents sit back and don't do anything to correct said bad behavior.  Why are certain parents so afraid to discipline their kids?  I just don't get it.  

Today, while on the field trip, I witnessed a first grader biting his mother after she threatened him.  I was appalled!  I can't even imagine my kid trying to bite me.  That would never, ever happen!  Never!  Happen! 

My kid knows how to behave and how to follow rules because I've taught him.  I've stayed home with him and showed him what appropriate behavior is.  He knows exactly what will happen to him if he fails to behave appropriately.  He knows the wrath of his midget, Mexican momma!

I just don't get it.  How do certain parents not know how to discipline their kids?  How have they allowed their kids' behavior to get so out of control?!

All I know it that all my hard work has paid off, because my kid is so freaking amazing!  He is, by far, the best behaved kid in his class, and he's a joy to be around.  No, seriously!   I like hanging out with my kid. 

If you know him, you know just how cool he is!  

30 Days of Denim- Day 14

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  Uniqlo (bought in Japan)

Clogs:  Dansko

Jewelry:  Lia Sophia

Yesterday it was cool out, so I thought I'd wear a sweater and my red Dansko clogs.  I mean, who doesn't love to wear clogs when it's cool out?!  Right?!

30 Days of Denim- Day 13

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Skirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Jewelry:  Lia Sophia

Shoes:  Target (Kids')

On Sunday, I spent most of the day in my pajamas.  The only time I ventured out was to go grocery shopping and this is what I wore.  So, I recycled the outfit and wore it again yesterday.  Technically, I wore this outfit on day 13 and 14, but I'm just going to count it for day 13.  Cool?

Look, I hate washing clothes as much as I hate eating natto (fermented soybeans that have the consistency of boogers), but I know sometimes it has to be done.  Therefore, I recycle or wear my clothes a couple of times before I wash them.  Some of you may think I'm dirty for doing this, but if I don't sweat or stink it up, why should I wash it?!  Right?!   And I'm saving water and energy by wearing things a couple of times before I wash them.  See?!  So everyone wins!  Mother Earth can thank me later!

30 Days of Denim- Day 12

30 Days of Denim

Here is Saturday's outfit:

Dress:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Tights:  Danskin

Jacket:  Target

Jewelry:  (bought in Hawaii)

Shoes:  Laura Ashley Kids'

Saturday was a busy day.  We took a bunch of used items over to the local resale shop and they gave me 1,200 Yen for it!  I love getting rid of crap and getting money for it.  That makes me so happy!  

Jude had his last soccer game scheduled for Saturday, but because of the rain, it was postponed until next weekend.  

*****

By the way, as I'm typing this, Husband is playing the guitar and singing.  My husband is so incredibly talented.  It makes me so hot to hear him play the guitar.  Seriously!  I think I'll have to jump his bones later!  (Wink, wink!)

A Lack of Trust

Today I read an article from the New York Times.  You can read it here.

Or here:  http://www.nytimes.com/2011/10/15/world/asia/radioactive-hot-spots-in-tokyo-point-to-wider-problems.html?_r=1&scp=2&sq=Tokyo&st=cse

The article talks about areas of radioactivity that have been found in the Tokyo area.  

"The government’s failure to act quickly, a growing chorus of scientists say, may be exposing many more people than originally believed to potentially harmful radiation. It is also part of a pattern: Japan’s leaders have continually insisted that the fallout from Fukushima will not spread far, or pose a health threat to residents, or contaminate the food chain. And officials have repeatedly been proved wrong by independent experts and citizens’ groups that conduct testing on their own."

We have been reassured, time and time again, that we are safe and in no danger.  Supposedly, our water and air were tested to ensure our safety, but now I'm beginning to wonder if we were/are truly safe from radioactive contaminants.  

Look, I don't really care about my own health.  I've already got issues.  We all know that!  But, I'm really concerned about Jude.  He's growing so fast, and he's so young!  It would kill me if anything were to happen to him.  

"The reports of hot spots do not indicate how widespread contamination is in the capital; more sampling would be needed to determine that. But they raise the prospect that people living near concentrated amounts of cesium are being exposed to levels of radiation above accepted international standards meant to protect people from cancer and other illnesses."

30 Days of Denim- Day 11

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt: Gap (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Jeans:  Uniqlo (bought in Japan)

Shoes:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Necklace:  Nine West

Today I look really, really short and squatty.  I'm not sure why.  Maybe it's the angle of the camera.  (Note to self--don't wear these pants with these shoes, because they make you look like an oompah-loompah.)

30 Days of Denim- Day 10

30 Days of Denim

Here is yesterday's outfit:

Tank Top:  New York & Company

Shirt:  New York & Company

Sweater:  New York & Company

Jeans:  New York and Company

Earrings and Necklace:  Gift from YaYa (she bought this Turquoise set for me in Mexico).

Shoes:  Seiyu (bought in Japan)

Sorry this post is a day late, but yesterday was a whirlwind of activity.  Jude and his class performed in the Hispanic Heritage Celebration, and we didn't get home until much later than normal.  

On another note, I'm thinking of quitting all my teaching jobs.  I'm so frustrated with the fact that most of my students haven't learned anything I've taught them.  Most of them have been at the same level for the past 20 years, and they don't make any effort to improve their English speaking skills.  I keep trying and trying to get my students to improve, but they make no effort on their part. None!  I feel like a hamster running on a wheel.  I never seem to get anywhere, but I'm always running!  So, in a way, I'm giving up.  

Instead of teaching, I'll spend time volunteering at Jude's school and working on a few projects of my own. 

30 Days of Denim- Day 9

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt: Old Navy
Pants:  Target

Necklace:  Lia Sophia

Earrings:  Lia Sophis

Sandals:  Target (from the grown ups' section)

Today I'm so stinking tired!  So. Stinking. Tired.  

Last night Jude almost had a case of the pukies, so I spent yesterday evening rubbing his belly.  He was really nauseated, but, thankfully, he never threw up.  Because, let me tell you, there is nothing worse than a little kid with a stomach bug.  It's like they lose all control and become these little fire-hoses of vomit.  Last time Jude had a tummy ache, my couch and I got covered in puke.  Oh, the joys of motherhood!

On another note, PoPo (my dad) had knee replacement surgery today.  I spoke to him this morning and he sounded great.  He said he was doing fine.  YaYa (my mom) is there by his side.  

So between YaYa and PoPo, they have had 3 hip replacements, 2 shoulder replacements and now a knee replacement.  Yes, I have bionic parents, and that makes them awesome!  You should be jealous!

30 Days of Denim- Day 8

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap  (bought in Japan)

Sweater:  Old Navy

Jeans:  Gap Cropped (bought in Japan)

Necklace:  Lia Sophia

Earrings:  Gift from Husband

Bracelet:  (bought in Thailand when we went elephant trekking in Phuket)

Sandals:  Target (kids')

I was off again today because I had a doctor's appointment.  Today I spent an hour with my ENT (Ears, Nose and Throat) Doctor, discussing all the benefits of getting my deviated septum fixed along with a  rhinosplasty.   So, this is my I-might-be-getting-a-nose-job outfit.  

Yes, I'm vain.  Duh!  

But vain enough to get a nose job?!  I'm still debating what to do.  

More on that later. 

30 Days of Denim- Day 7

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap 1969 (bought in Japan)

Shorts:  New York & Company

Necklace:  Lia Sophia

Earrings:  Lia Sophina

Shoes:  Target (kids')

In case you haven't noticed, I like to wear short shorts and short skirts.  I figure since I still have nice looking legs, I better show them off while I can, because we all know someday I'll get a case of the cankles.  But until then, I'm going to work what my momma gave me. 

(I know some of you are going to Google the word cankles now.   So, just click here.  I've already done the work for you.)

30 Days of Denim- Day 6 (& day 7)

30 Days of Denim

This is  Saturday and Sunday's outfit:

Shirt:  Freex (bought in Korea)

Shorts:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Sun Glasses:  Target

Hat:  Spam (bought in Hawaii)

Shoes:  New Balance (bought in Japan)

This weekend we went camping with Jude's Cub Scout Pack, and this is the outfit I wore both days.  Since I didn't change my outfit, I'll call this Day 6, but, technically, both days my outfit consisted of denim shorts--the same denim shorts.  And yes.  I smelled like ass, but so did everyone else!

30 Days of Denim- Day 5

30 Days of Denim

Here is Friday's outfit: 

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Shorts:  New York & Company

Earrings:  New York & Company

Bracelets:  Nine West

Sandals:  Seiyu (bought in Japan)

I was off Friday, and it was quite warm during the day-- almost 80 degrees, so I thought I'd wear shorts.   But by the time the sun went down, I was regretting my decision! 

Slacker

I promise I haven't forgotten about my 30 days of Denim.  But sometimes life gets in the way of this useless blog.

Friday my friend was here from Hong Kong, so we partied like it was 1999.  Saturday morning Jude had a soccer game that they won, but we weren't really keeping score.  Saturday afternoon we went camping with the Cub Scouts/Boy Scouts, and we just got home.  I am exhausted.  Who knew that trying not to choke young children could take so much out of me?!

And by the way, sleeping on the ground sucks big fat horse testicles!

I love my child very, very much, but next time there's a camp out, my ass is staying home, where I can sleep on my bed and not have to listen to 28 dads snoring in unison all night long!  And no, I didn't have some giant orgy with a bunch of Cub Scout dads.  Our camping area was quite small and all of our tents were only about  2 feet away from one another.

30 Days of Denim- Day 4

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  The Limited

Skirt:  Gap  (bought in Japan)

Sweater: Banana Republic (bought in Japan)

Earrings:  Express

Necklace: Lia Sophia

Sandals:  Target (yes, these are kids' shoes, too)

Since yesterday was cold and rainy, I was so excited when I woke up this morning and saw the sun.  Today was about 25 degrees warmer than yesterday, so I thought I'd celebrate by wearing a mini skirt and sandals.   I'm trying my best to hold on to the last warm days of the year, but I think I'm failing miserably.  

And, yes, I wore this to work.  I'm so lucky I can wear anything I want to work and no one gives a shit.  

At the gym

I hate to admit this in writing, but I haven't been running.  The last time I ran was before the March 11th earthquake.  The earthquake totally fucked up my shit screwed up my schedule, especially with the whole evacuation back to the States for 4 weeks, and worrying whether or not my kid was going to start glowing green and continue hiding under tables every time he heard a loud noise.

Now, it's not that I can't run.  I'm just choosing not to.

So lately I've been going to the gym and working out.  I've been doing Body Pump and a few other workout videos with a friend.  Yes, I have friends.

Well, yesterday when I was working out, the foam mat I was lying on, while doing 80,000 crunches, smelled like stinky vagina.  Seriously!  I ain't joking!  And, I promise, it wasn't my stinky vagina I was smelling or my upper lip!

No!

The last person who had used the mat must have had the nastiest smelling kooter ever and somehow managed to get their stinky kooter smell all over the foam mat I was using.  It was so nasty I'm sure it would have gagged a maggot, assuming maggots can gag.

I thought about telling the Japanese guys that work at the gym in the front office area, but I didn't know what to say.  Hey, this mat smells like rotten fish, wonna smell it?!  Or maybe, um, this smells bad, can I throw it away?  Or, hey, this mat smells like a stinky vajayjay, oh wait, you don't know what a vajayjay is, well, let me show you...   

Can you believe it?!  I'm at a loss for words.  I'm not sure what to say or how to complain about the mat.

And if I do complain about the mat, I'm sure I'll always be remembered as the-very-small-brown-foreigner-who complained-about- the-stinky-vagina-smelling-mat.  I'm not sure I want that label.

30 Days of Denim- Day 3

30 Days of Denim

Here is today's outfit:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Pants:  Gap Cropped Jeans (bought in Japan)

Rain Jacket: Costco (bought in Japan...so, yes, we have Costco in Japan and it's freaking awesome!)

Earrings and Necklace: Lia Sophia

Rain Boots:  Capelli Kids (yes, these are children's rain boots...don't be jealous!)

Umbrella:  (bought in Japan)

Okay, it's been raining all damn day!  All.  Damn.  Day.  And it's chilly out, too.  My outfit reflects the current weather conditions.  And yes, I wear children's leopard print rain boots, and I don't apologize for it.    I wear them proudly, and I don't give a shit if you think I look silly.  I like them, and they keep my feet warm, toasty and dry!  So, there!   

30 Days of Denim- Day 2

30 Days of Denim

This is what I wore today:

Shirt:  Gap (bought in Japan)

Pants:  Boyfriend Jeans from Target

Sweater Thingy:  Comfo-strain (bought in Japan)

Earrings and Necklace:  Present from Husband 

Shoes:  Crocs with Rhinestone Jibbitz 

I was hoping today's outfit would be more exciting, but since I didn't work today, I went with a comfy outfit.  I mean, what's better than boyfriend jeans and Crocs?!

***I always wear the same Timex Ironman watch.  I've worn the same watch every day since it was given to me by Big D over 4 years ago.  It's my favorite watch, and I wear it no matter what.  I know it's not very trendy or fashionable, but I don't give a crap.  I like it!  I have other watches, but why should I wear them when this one works perfectly and I never have to worry about it.  After all, it's water resistant up to 100 meters!