Busy winter

Quick post (without pictures) to mention that Monico got a teaching position in Renton at Black Rock High School (beginning January 4th) as leave replacement Social Studies teacher through mid/late March. Its a great opportunity to gain experience and money, even if it is only short term.

In addition, he is taking 9 credits this term, which means he will have all the necessary credits as of March 30th or so to receive his endorsement in Special Education... and will DEFINITELY be on his way to a permanent full time position shortly thereafter.

It is nice to be on the way to more calm and security after months of wondering what is coming up on the horizon... but it will be a VERY busy couple of months as he both studies and does lesson plans on the fly. Looking forward to spring break...

Tis the Season

Our countdown has begun...
(we leave for Cali for a DeLeon Family Christmas on the 20th)

Frosty is waiting patiently for the first snow of the season...
(it is amazingly dry so far this year)

The stockings are hung...
(Monico, Oliver, Lexi, George, Melissa)

The "tree" is trimmed...
(in consideration of puppy and space, I opted to be pine-free this season)

...and our newest Hallmark Keepsake Ornament is once again the centerpiece...
(we try to make it as reflective of our year as possible; this seemed very appropriate)

This year my holiday traditions have shifted a little bit. First, I have almost ALWAYS set up all my decorations the first Sunday following Thanksgiving. However, this year it took me until the following weekend. (I cannot believe I let a week without decorations pass!!!) Then, for the first year since we were married (i.e. 11 years past) I did NOT set up a Christmas Tree. For those of you who know me well, that is HUGE! But really, in the grand scheme of things, it just wasn't as important as the time it took (2-3 hours), the space it required, and the possibility of destruction to our collectible ornaments our animals (well, mostly Lexi) threatened. So, instead I got creative and put our lights and ornaments on our wall. Although it isn't my standard holiday decoration, I am still enjoying the warm glow it gives all the same.

I LOVE THE HOLIDAY SEASON! Bring on the cocoa.

More Lexi

I know you have all been eagerly awaiting more photos and videos of Lexi, right? Okay, so maybe not "eagerly"... okay, maybe not even "awaiting" but I hope you enjoy them nonetheless.

From the moment we got her, this has been Lexi's favorite place to lay. (This photo was taken when she was about 19 weeks.) But as she has grown bigger, it has become a little more difficult. She keeps trying though.

Since we don't have a yard, we have to take Lexi on walks. This was back in early October at Mathew's Beach. (You can see Lake Washington and a distant Kirkland in the background.)

Like all parents we think Lexi is the cutest pup alive, but are frequently startled when we are in public and she gets second looks from people passing by, with the just as frequent "did you see that puppy?" or "Oh my gosh, it is so cute!" So, we have nicknamed Lexi "Miss Congeniality" since she seems to appeal to everyone she meets.

Because we would never want the responsibility of being grandparents to her puppies, 2 weeks ago we took Lexi to be spayed. Her incision was very small, less than two inches, but they shaved pretty much all of her stomach. Luckily her buzz-cut isn't visible without her rolling on her back!

To help show her growth progress, we have been taking pictures of me holding Lexi. At over 30 pounds now, she is nearly too much for me to hold anymore!

And here is some more of Lexi's tricks. Enjoy!

New Challenges, Careers, and Friends

In March 1998, I was home from college for my grandmother's funeral the same weekend Monico proposed to me. The events of the last few weeks felt oddly familiar, as once again I received amazing news amid the extreme sorrow of the sudden passing of my cousin's little boy.
While I am not unfamiliar with being simultaneously elated and sad, out of respect to my cousin and his family, I had delayed sharing our exciting news. (No, we are not expecting.)

First, a little back-story. In June 2009, Monico walked at graduation and received recognition for a Master in Teaching from Seattle University.

(Monico and I at graduation)

I clarify this because some people I speak with are still not quite sure whether or not Monico is a teacher yet. Yes, he is. Monico is endorsed to teach History, and is "highly qualified" in Social Studies, which means he is able to teach those subjects. However, the job market has been tight and he was unable to find a teaching position prior to the start of the new school year.

Prior to starting his student teaching in March 2009, Monico was told that his placement with a high school history class fell through and there was a last-minute scramble to find him a new position only a week before he was to start. Fortuitously, a middle school teacher in another school (whom Monico had worked with previously on another school-related project) generously offered to let him take over her class to complete his student teaching. The catch: she teaches Special Education. (The subjects taught included Pacific NW History, US History, Social Skills, Language Arts and Academic Lab, and the students are high-functioning with social and behavioral disorders.) Although apprehensive at first, Monico learned a great deal and gained a love for his students, their parents (an essential relationship for Special Education Instructors), and teaching in general.

At the time of graduation, just after his student teaching concluded and the prospects of positions for History/Social Studies teachers looked grim, Monico and I discussed our future in the Seattle-area, as well as his future in teaching. At that time, we decided that it would be beneficial for Monico to continue on with his education through Seattle University and add a Special Education Endorsement to his resume.

For Monico to become a SpEd Teacher, he has to obtain 24 credits, 9 of which he has already satisfied through his Master in Teaching Program. When he met with his SU advisors in June, they told Monico that although he can get his "endorsement only", for 45 or so credits he could get another Masters degree, this time in Specialized Education (i.e. Special Education). Furthermore, because of his Mexican heritage, if he chose the Masters program, he was eligible to receive a scholarship through the Martinez Foundation. (Monico would have also qualified last year, but Seattle University and the Foundation were not working together yet.)

(Edgar and Holli Martinez, the Foundation founders)

Monico was initially hesitant to obtain a second Masters, as his immediate need was to obtain his certification/endorsement in Special Education so he could become employed again. (We are both SO OVER being a single-family-income home!!) But, near the end of September a few weeks ago, after receiving a telephone call and a meeting request from the head of the Special Education Department at Seattle University, Monico was left to reconsider that decision.

Apparently Monico had made such an impression on everyone at the middle school and SU because of his amazing work during his student teaching, someone from SU had submitted his name for consideration for a Martinez Foundation Fellowship (e.g. scholarship), and Holli Martinez contacted SU to find out why Monico had not yet formally applied for it. In short, Monico was told "agree to get the Masters, fill out the application, and the Fellowship is yours." This particular scholarship is SPECIFICALLY for a minority who is enrolled in the Masters in Specialized Education program. (The funds for this scholarship were donated by the Armendariz Family in memory of their son with special needs, Nick, who died at age 19. Coincidentally, I worked as a paralegal for the law firm that represented his parents in their guardianship petition last year. Amazing!)

Of course this left us to talk about how this would change things (more time in Seattle, more school, more debt, etc), and the benefits (he would be able to complete the essential classes pertinent to his endorsement first, and able to work just as quickly), and decided it was an amazing opportunity not to be missed.

It all happened quickly. Monico accepted the change in program from "endorsement only" to "masters" on a Friday. The following Tuesday we submitted the application for the Fellowship, Wednesday he received a call that he formally received it, and Saturday we attended the 2nd annual gala, the Foundation's major fundraiser for the year. (So quickly, in fact, Monico's profile is still not yet updated on their 2009 list... it will be soon...)

(Monico with Edgar after the Gala)

Since then, Monico has become more acquainted with Holli and Edgar (amazing people!!), and also attended a weekend "retreat" with the other 15 Graduate Fellows (his first real opportunity to get to know them). We still giggle with childlike excitement when we think about how Monico's "chauffeur" to the weekend event was Edgar himself!

We are still a little in shock about the exciting opportunity Monico has received, but are extremely excited about the new future(s) this creates for us. We are also extremely grateful to Seattle University and the Martinez Family for the extra "push" we needed!

Lexi, our puppy

Meet Lexi.

Lexi is our half-Keeshond, half-Samoyed 13-week-old puppy.

We got her from a family friend, who owns the mommy dog, upon our promise to take excellent care of Lexi. Well, we love her lots, give her tons of attention, take her on walks/runs, and teach her smart little brain new tricks, which I wanted to share.

I think we'll work on "beg" or "roll over" next, although "stay" is also an essential!

More photos to come in the future as Lexi learns and grows.

Mr. DeLeon

Look what arrived in the mail yesterday:

Yep, my man is now a "certified" teacher!

Congrats Monico. You deserve it.

40 years

Next week is my parents' 40th anniversary. To try to make it special, we ("the kids") coordinated a special anniversary gift for them. Because of our various schedules and obligations, we didn't have a lot we COULD do together, but when the idea came up to get a photo taken, things came together relatively easily.

So, the plan was this:

my oldest brother, Damon, was going to visit Washington for the first two weeks of July, so we arranged he would make a Seattle trip part of his schedule, where my other brothers Joe and Matt are living as well, with my sisters, Katy and Alissa, to drive up and meet us from Vancouver, Washington, where they live. Damon's wife, Heather, (with her nice new camera) was to serve as our photographer, so prior to everyone getting together, Monico and I scouted outdoor locations to use as backdrops. Ultimately, our best location option was University of Washington campus, which has various flowers, foliage, brick buildings, fountains, and benches to stage our photo(s).

After Heather digitally formatted the photo on her home computer, she ordered development online and delivery to Alissa, then Alissa located a frame and mat to finish it, and Katy took it to my parents this weekend to present them with their gift.

So, next time you visit my parents' house, you will see this photo added to their hallway "wall of pride"...

Haha, just kidding... The real photo is this one.

New fav candy

I blame/thank Walgreens and their promotional candy at the register.

As another fan stated

(on a site I saw when looking for a photo of the package):

"Tasty little bastards!"

Yes. Very tasty.

Monico's Graduation

Monico walked at graduation on June 15, 2009. (His classes will officially end as of July 17, 2009.) His parents and sister came for the event, so we spent the few days prior to graduation playing tour guide to them.

Seattle University Campus
(and obligatory stop at the book store!)

Lunch at the Crab Pot

Walk to the Ballard Locks

Graduation boy and his mama!

Way to go, Monico!!

Home Decor

I thought this was amusing, so I wanted to share. (Disclaimer: my idea of amusing may not be the same as yours!)

In today's office mail was one of those "ValPaks" blue envelope things that has coupons for savings and discounts at local businesses. I tend to quickly glance through the coupons to see if any of them are worth keeping and then discard the majority into the recycling bin.

However, today one of these coupons caught my attention, and like "Headlines" on the former Tonight Show with Jay Leno, I did a double-take at what was being advertised, and how the advertisement was worded.



So really, it's not like it's incredibly or outrageously hilarious or anything, I just laughed myself and had the following thoughts:
"Think Wallbeds Are Expensive?"
Um, no, because I don't think about wallbeds... ever.
"Discover the Seattle Wallbed Difference!"
Wouldn't I have to know what the non-Seattle Wallbed experience was like first?
Do I care?
"Affordable Pricing"
Is nearly $1800 a deal? I'm pretty sure that my bed (frame & mattresses) was $600.

And yes, I realize this is a completely random blog post. Oh well, what can you do.

Behind on Blogging

My sister, Katy, has complained to me that I have been a bad girl for not updating my blog more often. So, here are some of the things I was up to during April 2009.

I went shopping at Old Navy and was disturbed, to say the least, that they are now selling WHITE demin! Gah!!!! Who is the marketing genius that said, "Hey. I got an idea. Now that we are the FATEST nation on the planet, why don't we sell white jeans in sizes up to 20 at our stores?" And apparently others agreed with him, because "whal-ah!" there they were. Ick.


Who needs a man to have beautiful flowers? Now that I work just a few blocks from Pike Place Market, I have to resist the urge to buy myself flowers every week! But, an occasional splurg is okay, right? (Then again, this beautiful bouquet of daffodils and tulips only cost $6.00!! I heart Pikes flowers.)


On our first weekend with weather over 70 degrees, we headed with the masses outdoors. Monico and I made a trip over to Alki Beach (in West Seattle) in time for some ice cream, fish and chips (ala Spuds), and a sunset.



And, of course, it wouldn't be Spring without baseball! Monico and I bought a family pack (i.e. 4 tickets for the price of 2) and invited my brothers Matt and Joe to join us for our first game of the season at Safeco field.


Welcome back, Griffey! (Now earn your keep as the Designated Hitter and HIT THE BALL!)

That is enough for now. This is already quite a jumble of recent activities anyway.

All done

Well, after 8 Seasons, I guess Scrubs is officially done. Last night's hour long finale saw Dr. John Dorian leaving Sacred Heart Hospital to take a job closer to his son, and (likewise) the actor Zach Braff leaving the show. (It may return again, if ABC choses to renew contracts, but it would not be the same... think "Joey" after "Friends".)

I'm a little sad to see it go, but am surprised it was able to make it as long as it did. It was the little-engine-that-could of television shows, always managing to hang on for another season. The show was ALWAYS being moved around in the weekly schedule to different days and times, and some seasons wouldn't even start until January, and would then running double episodes thru May, only to make us wait again until the next January to find out what happens next. Not to mention that last year NBC cancelled the show entirely, only to have ABC give it one more year on their network.

Bottom line: this was a really great show, which might only be appreciated by those who watched it enough to know and love the quirky characters and their memorable sayings like "Eagle," "Bambi," "Newbie," "Chocolate Bear," "T.C.W. [Tasty Coma Wife]," "Dr. Acula," "Dr. Jan Itor,"... and my favorite, "Who's got two thumbs and doesn't give a damn? This guy, Bob Kelso."

So, farwell Scrubs on TV... see you again on DVD.

Bound to rustle feathers with this post

I am not a very political person by nature -- just ask my family. But, I am getting older and now I realize there are topics that I am drawn to, and inclined to comment on. Apparently this is one of them.

The following is a transcript of the Q&A between Perez Hilton and Miss California at the competition on Sunday night, which answer (now we find) may have cost her the crown:

Perez Hilton:

“Vermont recently became the 4th state to legalize same-sex marriage. Do you think every state should follow suit. Why or why not?”

Miss California:

“Well, I think it’s great that Americans are able to choose one or the other. We live in a land where you can choose same-sex marriage or opposite marriage. And you know what, in my country, in my family, I think that I believe that a marriage should be between a man and a woman. No offense to anybody out there, but that’s how I was raised and that’s how I think it should be between a man and a woman. Thank you very much.”

Ok. So here are my thoughts:

(1) Miss California was not targeted by a harder question than the other contestants were asked and (as far as I know) Perez Hilton was randomly chosen to make his question to her (although, it is crazy ironic that an openly gay individual was able to ask the rep from the state that recently repealed the law that permitted gay marriage), so I don't think the question itself was part of any conspiracy -- more or less just SUPER bad luck for Miss Cali.

(2) Miss USA has to be able to be a spokesperson (I mean, do they really have many other purposes?), which means that there are going to be instances where she is put in a position that she has to respond and come across intelligible. This answer is not a very good answer. I have read it a couple of times and don't believe she answered the question well at all. (I actually had flashbacks of the one contestant last year who answered that schools don't have enough maps so kids don't know how to find "the South Africa, ectetera...") Miss California starts off well by saying that it is great that we live in a country that lets us make choices, which was certainly a good starting point. Where I think she went wrong was to say "in my country," because she implied she was speaking for everyone out there (which clearly she is not)... and then she says "no offense to anyone out there." Hello, that is THE sarcastic precursor that someone says when they are being bitchy, e.g. "No offense, but you are an idiot" or "no offense, but those pants make your butt look big." So, the answer itself was poor quality, regardless of her opinion.

(3) Just like Miss California has her opinion regarding same-sex marriage, Perez Hilton (and the other judges too -- he wasn't the only one there) has an opinion about the kind of "ambassador" he wants representing the USA.

Conclusion:

After hearing the story, as well as both Miss California and Perez Hilton defend themselves live yesterday morning on the Today Show, I side with Perez (who, as a matter of my opinion, comes across as a far better speaker than the 1st Runner up) on this one.

Ahhh... Spring...

We have had the most amazing weather in Seattle for the last several days. Even though I know it will temporarily end soon, I am trying to take advantage of it while I can.
On Saturday, we went and played tennis until well after then sun went down, then on Sunday, we ventured over to Alki Beach (photo above, courtesy of Google Images) for a casual stroll along the water, sitting looking out at the Sound while devouring an ice cream cone, and some Spuds fish-n-chips for dinner.

I say it again -- I love Spring!!

Looking for luck

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

to all my friends and family.

"May St. Patrick guard you wherever you go,

and guide you in whatever you do--

and may his loving protection

be a blessing to you always."

--- Irish Proverb

Genius! (Wish I had thought of it first.)

So, I was looking through a office supply catalog this morning, and I found this clever little product. It is a pen and a highlighter all in one! (http://www.biceveryday.com/products/pens/duo.aspx)

I have no idea how well it works, so I can't recommend it or anything, but as a concept, it appears to be genius!

My S-I-L

My sister in law, Monica, is THE BEST!

Yesterday in the mail, I received a surprise gift from her --
a super cute new sweatshirt!

It fits perfectly, is sooooo soft, and oh so ideal for the upcoming spring.
Thank you again, Monica!
You are my #1!!

Vancouver, not BC / WA, not DC

As I said in my last post, I visited my sister(s) in Vancouver last weekend. Here are some photos from that trip.

My sister, Katy.

My youngest niece, Keira (2 1/2), playing with their new kitty, Mojo.

My sister, Alissa, my nephew, Callum (6), and my niece, Bridget (11).

My niece, Jocelyn (7... 8 next month), showing me her Science Fair Project regarding "Static."

Although it was a cold and rainy day, Katy and I ventured out to the Oregon Zoo.

The new baby elephant born at the zoo last September.

Sea lions... they were so big but so cute!

Beautiful polar bears!

This is how I measure up to the different types of bears...

Channeling a little Dick Van Dyke ala Mary Poppins. :)

Even though it was raining, this tiger was still out to see us.

After the zoo, Katy and I detoured to "Voodoo Doughnut" in Portland. After seeing a couple of Food Network shows over the last several weeks that featured this place, we went to find it and buy their unique doughnuts.

These are the ones I bought, including the classic "Voodoo" with raspberry (blood) filling. For my carnivore, Monico, I bought the maple bar with bacon. They were all good, save and except the cereal one, which had gone stale.

Thanks again to my sisters for their hospitality!