Life - As I Know It!

girls...

2007-08-08T16:49:00.000-07:00

There are still some missing, you know who you are...these girls mean the world to me....thanks for making my welcome back stress free!! Love you all!

home.....

2007-07-27T16:22:00.000-07:00

Well after 10 or so months, i am home.....
the relativity of home.

feelings are too overwhelming to try to explain it all in a blog. Basically I can write that I have felt fear, laughter, sadness, excitment and love within the last 48 hours.

There will forever and ever and ever be a part of Brescia, Italy with me. I was able to meet amazing people from all over the world that have left those infamous imprints in my mind and heart. Thank you can't even begin to describe it....

What you've done becomes the judge of what you're going to do - especially in other people's minds. When you're traveling, you are what you are right there and then. People don't have your past to hold against you. No yesterdays on the road. ~William Least Heat Moon

one more thing...

2007-05-15T11:00:00.000-07:00

oh and I had more than half hour so I updated my pics, only with Genova/Cinque Terre from Easter and some more random party pics....
follow the same link as before!
http://almamaria6.spaces.live.com/

the home stretch....

2007-05-15T09:56:00.000-07:00

Well it has obviously been far too long since i last updated my blog....woopsies...
what can I say: c'est la vie (wait a minute, isnt' that French? And aren't I in Italy??)

Life is still good, trying to travel as muc as I can before i head back to the land of no more great pizzas, 'real' coffee and wine, weird hours of work, language barriers and strict time scheduales. I reached my 8 month mark the other day. Didn't even remember until Kristoferlander mentioned the date.

We have had some goodbyes already (Seila in Genova was my first official ciao!) but I have been convinced and slightly threatened that if I am not back for the Magdalena Festival in Castellon next March, the reunion will not occur in a neutral country like Las Vegas....yes, I had another one of those Alma-Moments....

Below are some pics from random gatherings, birthdays and trips....ENJOY!! And see you all oh-so-very-soon!
baci d'Italia

Marta from Bologna: could she possibly carry anything else??
PS: don't know why I can't flip the pic on the right side!

Its all Greek to me: Thannos and his sister from Greece!

InLingua girls night out: me, Rosemary from Irelamd, Wendy from Aussieland, Helen from London...just jokes, Bristol (England)

Kristof from Germany aka: por-el-amor-de-kristof OR Kristoferlander

Sergio's 24th bday: All the boys in our lives. Yes, Fadi is in there being squashed between Onur and Thannos

Onur and I's idea of a 'day-off-work': hike a mountain...not so smart....

Fadi and I in Florence: spur of the moment trip

Posing in Pisa

Happy 6 months!

2007-04-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

6 months...

it just feels like yesterday I landed at Malpensa, Milano carrying 2 huge suitcases, basically what I thought would be a long period of time....
I blinked, and its been 6 months.

it just feels like yesterday I landed at Malpensa, Milano carrying 2 huge suitcases, basically what I thought would be a long period of time....
I blinked, and its been 6 months.
in the last 6 months i have done or learnt quite a bit:
-definately how to spell better (after all, I AM the english teacher here)
-a new language (italian is coming along bravisimo...gonna check the dictionary on that one!)
-created my own new language: alma meets spanish and italian with alot of hand gestures
-have met new friends and family.
-and of course partied hard one too many times during a school night...all i have to say is Helen's wednesday night birthday bash.....
all of this within 6 months. My life has changed, I have changed, i am looking forward to more changes to come in the future!
-----------------------------------------------
Easter came and went. Fadi and I took a trip out to Genova and Cinque Terre. Absolutely gorgeous. We survived and entire weekend together and thanks to Mouddie, who often took my side on the debates, we all ate wayyyy too much Foccia from Recco. But over all it was a great trip!
I am currently shuffling all my pics around, so I will eventually post them up at my album....below is a sneak peek ;)

bdays and rome!

2007-03-04T05:38:00.000-08:00

Wow, its been far too long since I posted anything up. woopsies....
well where to start: Birthdays: Flaviu's, Roberto's surprise or Andreita's all in the month of February. Each with memorable moments, each with slightly large hangovers, each with great pictures and memories!

As well, I finally got a chance to visit Rome! Absolutely breathtaking. Everything I have ever studied, I was able to see in real life. Carravagio, Michaelangelo, Raffael, etc etc. Pics will be posted in my album shortly as soon as Basia, Ula and I swap pics. I think in total we have over 1000 pictures.

I can't believe I have reached my half way point in my traineeship. Time is going by really fast, so needless to say I am trying to savour every minute of it.

I promise a better filled update to come!

until next time.

2007-01-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

ok, that didn't take long at all....here are pics from Anna's 2 day farewell shaker!

the relativity of 'home'

2007-01-24T13:17:00.000-08:00

Home.

what does it really mean? Does it mean: where you come from, where you are born, where you grow up, where you study, where you live for a year or two count as home?

This notion has always been of interest to me considering I have met alot of people through AIESEC in the past 5 years. Home for trainees? I remember I once had a conversation with an ex.LCP of @ Edmonton. She studied in Edmonton as an international student, then went to another city to work on the MC, then onto a traineeship and about 3 years ago, I chatted with her and asked: are you home yet?
her response: Alma, what is home to you?

At that moment, I never really realized what she meant. And I can only speak for myself, and granted i have only been abroad for half of my traineeship, but I now can ask: what is home?

This past week one of my very good friends and roomie, Anna left to go home, back to Poland. After countless party nights, long slightly intoxicated talks, I realized not only was I not going to see her for a while, but at the moment she got into the car, I couldn't imagine the day I go home. Its a weird-undescribable (is that even a word?!) feeling, almost surreal....but with 6 months left, I am sure I will be able to realize what home means for me.

PS: pictures coming soon!

2007....

2007-01-10T05:23:00.000-08:00

I know I have been MIA over the past half a month or so....woopsies....

2006 ended on a crappy and high note at the same time. Our trip to Amsterdam was nothing but filled with shinanigans, coffeeshop endevours (sp?), shopping and great food.

Trip Highlights:
-our coaster collection, now proudly placed on our door frames
-dolphin cafe...need i say more?
-museums gallore: Van Gogh, Anne Frank, Foam, Sex, Rembrandt, Hollocust.
-Waterlooplein market.
-'Greek' restaurant: delicious food with the Syrian, Turkish, Iraqi and ONE greek cook.

Bad part, wallet got stolen on the way home from the trip. Kicker of all this is I was an hour away from 'home'. grrr... more mad, the fact that I lost really cute pictures of my family which I have had forever...oh well, like G.Lopez would say 'that way you learn'.

New Year's Eve: small gathering of 45 in our place. Yeah, 45! I know!! I think we had the rocken'est party in all of Brescia. You know its a good party when people ask you who lives here. hahha
Courtesy of the boys upstairs, a video has been made of the night's festivities. Still trying to convince them to change a few incriminating photos.....we'll see if i upload it ;)

Looking for a great and adventurous filled 2007. I know this blog deserves a lil TLC, as i have emailed and promised, pics and an update will soon come!

a year ago...

2006-12-20T10:51:00.000-08:00

where were you a year ago today?

i am pretty sure this party fell right around a year ago .....oh the good times. the dancing, the music, the constant yelling into the mic., he shall remain annoynmous (did i spell that right?), the chinese food at 4am.

And then there was the cousins' get together, all i have to say is Pepe and the Dakota truck, Pepe trying to buy milk and mentos at Mac's with Rod, and the McDonald's drive-thru....always a good time.

a lil' bit of advice...

2006-12-18T11:16:00.000-08:00

what NOT to do on a tuesday night:

1. don't have a bottle of wine all yourself. even if its accidental, still just share. oh wait a minute, everyone is having a bottle to themselves. *phew* that was a close one. (almost made me look like i have a problem)

2. don't invite your coworkers, who drink like fishes, for a 'couple' of drinks.

3. don't go out with the neighbours to the local hangout on a tuesday night. well, you can go out with your neighbours, only if they are not from spain and portugal and students on an exchange program. on a weekend, much brighter idea.

4. don't accept free drinks. well, accept free drinks, but don't accept drinks you don't like, for example, whiskey and red bull. although smells and tastes delicious, it smacks you around like a lil' red headed stepchild.

5. don't decide to do tequila shots, even if they have been bought for you at 2am. And not just one chupito as we call them here, but 3...bad bad idea.

6. don't decide to decorat the apartment you live in with you neighbour on the 'graceful' walk home at 3am, trying to borrow *wink wink* christmas lights, trees and ornaments.

best roomates ever!

2006-12-03T13:43:00.000-08:00

Below is the picture of what we like to call, the best roomates ever.
left to right: Flavu from Romania, me, Anna from Poland and Onur from Turkey.

Needless to say, our apartment has now been named the aiesec house, united nations, or i have even heard someone refer it to as party central. Now, lets not get it wrong here, our neighbours are up there with in some stiff competition as to the bottle collection. And of course, its not a competition since they contribute to ours and we contribute to theirs.

Life is getting 'normal' around here. Last minute trips to Milan, impromptu thursday nights at a local pub, weekends beginning on a tuesday - of course with a days break on wednesdays...come on now peoples, we are working individuals after all! Below are some pics from random nights....enjoy.
Until next time,
ciao!

Chi, Fura and Laundry

2006-11-16T05:30:00.000-08:00

Ciao Tutti!
well it has been over a month since I moved here.
Needless to say, everyday is still an adventure.
Now, I dont get sooo lost, just about once a week.

New pics will be added soon after our Florence trip this weekend

CHI (pronounced CHEE) dilemna
my flat iron. my beloved flat iron. i have searched all of Brescia to find a converter for it. and finally, i think i have found one but noooo, it heats up way too much. So thanks to Pooj, she calls the salon where we bought them, and they her - and she tells me - all via msn- there is no converter! what!??? curly hair for 8 months. sweet mother of pearl. i am still in shock. i know!

This past weekend, Helen (England) and I (both teachers at InLingua) were taken out by students. Here in Brescia, there are no big discoteques. I say discoteques because if you say club, it means were all the prostitutes and tranvestites hang out...nojoke. I have learnt the hard way as I ask 'wanna hit up a club on friday night?'. then i remember, and i yell - no i mean, disco, disco!
Anywho, the place, FURA. Unbelievable. It was half inside and half outside. Very posh and lots of different types of music. They even threw in a lil' Celia Cruz, but of course, i was wearing new shoes that i couldnt walk in after about 20minutes. I watched Italians get down to none other than La vida es un carnaval and la negra tiene tumbao! Priceless!
Helen and I both forgot our cameras that night,but no worries we are harrasing our students send them to us. soon enough they will be posted.

Laundry experience:
I finally had to do some laundry - just to give you an indication as to how much clothing I brought, it was week 3 before i needed to hit up the washer and dryer.
So, in our building we have no washer and dryer. We have to go to the Lavararia (or something like that). I know where it was, so I packed my bags, took my detergent and fabric softner (which i never use back in CA) and proceeded to attempt to do laundry.
I walk in, and the machines, I kid you not, are from the 18th Century! And all the instructions in Italian. Now, in walks in this guy and he sees my Canadian backpack and he busts out the french! Let me tell you, how grateful I am to speak more than one language. he expalined to me the procedure. I threw my clothes in and said a lil' prayer hoping my clothes wouldnt come out all one color or all too small!
And I did it! Did laundry at some laundramat from a previous century, all by myself! woot woot!
Holiday season is coming up. Don't have definate plans,but we are thinking with one of my roomates to visit Ms. L'Heureux in Amsterdam.
Anyone else in Europe up for some company? just let us know!
until next time.
hugs,
alma

pictures

2006-11-07T04:08:00.001-08:00

Ciao tutti!

go here http://almamaria6.spaces.live.com/ to see pics of Italy.
its better for quality. i will eventually update this blog. i promise.

ce vidiamo.

Bells

2006-10-29T04:35:00.000-08:00

Our apartment is in the middle of downtown Brescia. As I look out my window to the left is Basilica San Faustino (the old one), I look to the right, I can see the tower with the bells of the Cathedral on Via San Faustino. If you look behind, you can see a couple of more towers from churches.
Bells...
They ring.
They ring at 6am,8:15am, 9:30am, 12, 3pm, 6:15pm, 9pm.
Yeah, they ring. Best part of it all, they don't ring simultaneously. No, first its one, then its the other, and the other, and then the other. Oh and on weekends, they don't just sound one or two times, they play a song.
Bells...oh the bells....

i am canadian?

2006-10-23T15:33:00.000-07:00

at least once a day scenario:

me: 'scuza, ei non parle italian'
Local: So where you from.
Me: well i am from Canada, I am Canadian.
local: no, no. You no understand me bella, where you from?
me: ah, well ok. I was born and partially raised in El Salvador. But have lived in Canada almost my entire life. So I am canadian.

I am Canadian. Not America. Not from Mexico, not from South America. I was born Salvadorian, raised in a Canadian environment with some Salvadorean flavour. I have now started to say: i am latina-canadianense. All of my students will now know this new terminology. I have started my very own language. Yes! I love it. I love it all. I love explaining the difference between being American and being Canadian. I love telling people how I am still able to speak Spanish at home with my family, yet switch over to English and French. So becoming a local is creating an identity for yourself in a new environment, an unfamiliar environment. It teaching and learning all at the same time, pretty cool if you ask me.

bonjourno de Brescia

2006-10-20T04:54:00.000-07:00

Well it has a been a week since I arrived in Brescia, Italy.
flight was really long but overall good. Scandanavia airlines - rock!

Impressions so far:
-Beautiful.
-the town is smaller than edmonton, but really cute and friendly.
-tonnes of students, so very mutlicultural. I have heard Polish, Spanish, Pidgin and French within the first couple of days.
Irony at its best. For a culture that takes a passive way of life (people here walk slower, take their sweet time for everything, never no real rush) you would think they would have a million and one places to sit and have coffee. No, instead, coffee - which by the way is a shot of espresso, is downed in 2.5 seconds at the bar. All I want is to sit down and have a cup of coffee. hehhehe. Its great, I laugh about it as I have learnt to walk in, order un caffé, take my shot and keep on walking. Fabulous. Needless to say, i am addicted more than ever to caffeine.
Fashion: everyone decked out to the 9, all the time! I attempted to try it. Got dressed, threw my stilleto pumps on and walked to work. I cabbed it home. As if, cobblestone and pumps = a recepie for disaster. It was a good learning experience.
will post pics as soon as i go out and buy the usb cable i forgot at home....grrrr...
luv
alms

jour d'action de grâce

2006-10-09T12:37:00.000-07:00

To everyone near, far, overseas, across town, etc. Happy Thanksgiving.

Giving thanks for everything I have been given not only this past year, but throughout my whole life. Wanting to say I can't believe I am bound to leave in less than 3 days to another life, another country, heck, another continent. woot woot.

People ask every minute they get as to how i am feeling. This is what I go through within an hour:
it seems surreal,
excited and scared,
happy and sad,
nervous and restless,
and best part of it all - i am trying to pack for a year.

Oh my gosh, I think that is my biggest concern right now right now.
But, it will all work out.
It always does.
My next post will probably be from Brescia, Italy....
ciao

farewell party - round 1.

2006-10-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

All they kept screaming was Ciao Alma. Ciao Alma...drunken fools...
Saturday night, my cousins wanted to have an impromptu farewell party for me. called the girls, and basically the pictures say it all.

Moments of the night:
-my parents coming home and finding 25 drunken peeps inside the house - what i have a big family.
-the cabbie trying to scam us on the way to the bar. too bad, we know his game and beat the mofo to it.
-a two piece cellphone.
- coming home to the partying continuing until 6am!
-Mario and his pilates while eating a PB&J sandwhich while watching best of Will Ferral
-Pepe's has his own hilarious moments includign: artisctic capabilities - canvas: Rodri's face, trying to share a sleeping bag with Jaya, the Sherpa Robe, and passing out in the hallway - two feet from his bed.

Gaby's id

2006-09-27T23:21:00.000-07:00

I know....

It is sooo going to work!! hahaha

Ciao Bella!

2006-09-19T10:53:00.000-07:00

I am leaving. To none other than......

Italia!

Yeap, I leave in about 3 weeks for at least 8 months (hopefully a year). More details to come... still have a tonne of stuff to do...

new dance partner?

2006-09-10T13:25:00.000-07:00

Lily's bday last night at Azucar.

Not gonna lie, really wasn't into the whole lets-go-out-N-salsa groove last nite, but am I glad we went (of course, I dragged Tanvi with me).

Starting off at Veronica and Darren's housewarming at their sa-weet new loft on Jasper ave. They have the best view: off the 18th floor, they overlook city hall and the river valley.
Chilled there, Darren made us a drink that he had invented right before we had walked into the door, and he decided to serve it up for us. Red Bull +Rum + coke. Ok, minus the coke, and i think it was only a splash of Red Bull ;) I had to be responsible after last weekends shinanigans, so I only had one sip of mine before adding a whole can of red bull to my cup.

Upon arriving at Suga', it was kinda slow but all of our krew was there. We danced reggaeton thanks to DJ Touch it (Ronny you rock), merengue n salsa with the team. Feet were already hurting by 1am. But taking one for the team (and thinking how I hadn't gone to they gym earlier), I kept going. Then, near night ending, this guy asks me to dance so I accept. AMAZING dancer! I am still in shock. We ended up dancing the last set of the band. He was good. I mean real good, he even dipped me. One of the moves was straight outta this clip from a salsa clip on line. Its nearing the 35second mark.
http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5061062132646680465&q=salsa

Its the one where he spins you by the neck and then dips you but all is held by the neck. WHAT!! I KNOW!

Worst part of it: didn't even catch his name. Not that I am good with names or anything (evidence: Ahmed? Andre? Jessie? whats your name again?). So, i will call him the mystery dance man. I'm shocked and sad the man doesn't live here. I need a new dance partner considering mine is TKO for a while. boohh. Now, this makes me wonder some things: does that mean all guys in TO can dance like this?? ohhh, if so, I may need a trip out there asap.

picture worth how many words?

2006-09-07T20:54:00.000-07:00

Don't feel much like typing it all out. So I decided to go through pics and pick out memorable nights...if you don't remember, you either:

a) weren't there/weren't invited (ohh low blow! just jokes)
b)had way too good of a time.

one more candle!

2006-09-04T21:08:00.000-07:00

Another year, another dolla'. That shoulda been the theme for Saturday Night. Lupe and I celebrated our birthdays together at The Bank. Yes, the picture here on the right is obviously wayy before everyone started handing me drinks.
In my defense, I swear I only had 3 drinks at the bar, and then Tanvi enlightened me that we both had 3 drinks and two shots togethere. So there goes my theory in only having a couple of drinks at the bar.....damn!!

Highlights of the night include:
- Smiley from brooklyn (champagne and all)
-Sheila Tequila and JT:basically the whole ride there....poor JT.
- Dancing with the entire krew : shada shake!
- No more drinks...ok, fine one more.
- Ahmed? Andre? Whats ur name again!?

Birthday gals! & Paula, Me and Mari

Pooja and Ardyce. Rodrigo and Cristian

events

2006-08-29T21:29:00.000-07:00

Priscilla's 25th birthday. Hot tub, a round of sociables, and some dance tunes. Yeah, Oxoford 'hood saw a shaker like no other. Added new gals to the krew: Meiko and Liza. Hilarious both of them. We almost peed our pants laughing so hard, especially the Meikpo cleaning up the spilled beer in the basement, nearly died laughing soo hard. And theres evidence - thanks to Tanvi's camera. Oh yea there is.

I love random friday nights. You know those nights you don't plan to do anything except go home after work and chill. Take 5 girls, one stressfull week and a whole lotta after work drinks and you get us below. Starting at Jaya and Ardyce's, Black dog, Monkey Island and then Hudsons....yeap...sure did!

Yeap, it had to happen sometime.... We lost another founding memeber of SWAT. Des and Rick
became Mr. & Mrs. Kil (pronounced k-ee-l) ;)

Wedding was beautiful. Of course you can dress us up and put us in new clothes yet we still manage to act like a bunch of doorknobs: heels and all!
For example: Tanvi, Pooja and Alma running, more like the 100 meter dash (à la cancun style) to the ceremony because we thought we were late. Then Des in true Caribbean style, made a fashionabley late enterance. Hey! don't hate, its the girl's wedding day, she can be late and its all good ;)
Example #2: during vows Pooja makes the slightest move on her chair and out comes this sound like she let one rip. I nearly died of laughter. And you know when you are trying so hard not to laugh, you laugh even more....yeah...that was us two. I swear it looked like I was all emotional as they were signing their marriage certificates....yes, thats what we'll go with....emotional ;)

Tageshwar

2006-08-21T22:27:00.000-07:00

Tagged by...John in T.O.

I am thinking about...
how I am going to fit in lunch, shopping, gym and yoga class all in one afternoon tommorow.

I said...
that was the last time it would ever happen. ever.

I want to...
enjoy the remaining sunny days with those i love.

I wish...
I could see my friends from Cameroon: Steve, Sri, Alpesh, Andres, Landry, Habib, Denise, Shanice, Uncle Sam, Primus, Ariel

I miss...
knowing what i will be doing in exactly 6 months from now.

I hear...
the trees outside my window,whistling as it has finally cooled off in the night.

I wonder...
what life would be like had i not met you 6 years ago.

I regret...
Nothing.

I am...
Myself.

I dance...
to relieve stress and keep in shape

I sing...
to every song, every time.

I cry...
at night, when I am frustrated, confused or sad.

I am not always...
"On the ball"

I write...
To relieve stress, to see what I am really feeling. I even date the paper, use colored pens and doodle like a madwoman.

I confuse...
what I want out of life and what I need at the present time.

I need...
to recenter, balance out and keep walking towards the path I have envisioned myself.

I should try...
to listen more.

I finish...This at 11:33pm on Monday night - August 21, 2006.

I tag....Jen L'H., Celine, Desiree, Tanvi & Justin (if they ever updates their blogs), Maria (if she can get long enough time on the net in her trip).

whats wrong with us?

2006-08-15T11:08:00.000-07:00

There is a link below to an article.

I think this article is nothing short of disturbing yet real. This is why the cycle of war is so vicious and why the human race never learns from history. Apart from the article, I watched a documentary on the war in "Place Z". I say place Z because I want to make a point, point being that you don't need to tell me this person is this ethnicity and they are fighting for this cause. To me, war is about human tragedy and loss. Not about being of a religion, a culture or from a land.
So, the documentary....
People A: being forced out of homes.
People B: attacking for their cause.

Woman of People A is interviewed. She is carrying her life in her backpack, her 8 year old twin boys, and her comment made: "my sons are going to grow up and kill people from People B! I am going to make sure they kill all of them!"

Me thinking aloud: OH MY!! This is why we don't learn!!

Then a friend sent me this article. Link is below. Disturbing.
http://www.canadiancontent.net/commtr/article_824.html

chilling

2006-08-08T10:18:00.000-07:00

Pretty chilled weekend. Since the weekend before took alot outta me. Actually, I did some mathematical calculations and looking back since Mother's day in May, we have been partying. Mother's day, Tia Yvonne's bday, Tio Tony's Bday, Jose's bday, Zai's Bday, Louiepalooza, Almapalooza, Des' stagette, Sylvan part 2. So, i decided all of august, i wouldn't be partying. And rightfully so. I need a break. I know, I know, its alot but i am gonna do it. And been off the yoga and gym bandwagon, its taking a toll on me. I decided to post it for shits and giggles. wow, sounds like i am entering rehab or something....ohhh ackward

We graced Joey's patio for a solid 5 hours on saturday night. We even had people come in for rotations to sit in through the Alma n Jordan gongshow! Heidi, Mari and Paula joined us as well. Basically, we became the loudest table on the patio. Does it really surprise you? does it??

At heritage days. One of my favorite festivals in the city. Tanvi, Pooja, Jordan and I walked there from Jord's place. It was only a 15 minute walk, wasnt it?? Oh wait nope, no it wasn't. best line of the day, courtesy of Tanvi "bitches, you lied to me, it wasn't 15 minutes. 15 minutes my ass". hahaha. Oh yea, and the reason for the picture below was because it was the funniest story ever. Standing inline at the "helllo-greece" pavillion, we ask this cute, old, quaint, man behind us to take it for us. Then he turns out to be slightly of a perv. With his wife standing next to him. ahhhh......way tooo ackward!

disclaimer.

2006-08-03T21:06:00.000-07:00

Disclaimer: before i start .... i'de like to say that i have been noticing most of my blogs have been about the parties i throw, the parties i attend, the weekend bbq's. And although it may look like alcohol consumption occurs in excessive amounts at these outings....well, lets be real here, there is!

Sylvan lake one more time. July 28, 29, 30:
we basically live there now. This time, our reason to go was to have a farewell party for Laura n Andres. Pics tell it all.
Enjoy :)

Luis - supporting his grandma by shaving his head.
Then he began playing Mr. Clean

Pepe and his sensative side

Some of the primos: Renu, Luis, Lauta, me & Mel

Renuka - learns the hard way y not to fall asleep early

Me and Andres

what shall we call it?

2006-07-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

What oh what shall I call it?
Almapalooza?
Alma's Bar-BBQ?
Biggest Lake District Shaker ever?
Longest Lake District party ever?

How about all of the above! Thats right ladies and gents, for 3 days straight the party didnt stop. Starting with Friday night at Tio Beto's for Luis' bday/Welcome home Laura n Andres.

Look even Tonio was ready to party!

PS: i think thats the best picture i've ever taken of the lil' munchkin. Yeah it is!

Saturday -well lets be realistic it started with the room still spinning and the hangover settling in at around noonish. Oh wait, did I forget to mention, it was the hottest day of the year. We reached a scorching 35 degrees. Boy, i know how to pick the party days.
Getting help from some primas, we started the process in what I thought was going to be a quiete night with 50 of my closest loved ones....

6pm was the invite, too bad it was latin time and well lets be real here, it people started to show up at around 7pm.
What continued lasted until 5am on saturday....

Luis n da ladies

some of the gals

Inside the house - we've been kicked outta the yard at 4am!

Sunday morning - waking up to my heart pounding outta my chest thanks to the ridiculous amounts of redbull consumed (of course vodka free, hehe) i took in what had happend the night before and hoped Sunday would be a day of rest and recovery....oh but wait, it wasnt....part 3 of the party continued. Since we had all that food and liquor left over, the family came over again and here it goes....

Yes ladies and gents, it does get progessively darker and we get slightly drunker as the night 3 proceeds on!

More pictures of the gongshow can be found in the album, no other than titled Almapalooza.
Thanks to my family both immediate and extended - oh who am I kidding, in this familia we are all immediate. Thank goodness it takes an average of 5-6 years in this family to graduate from post-secondary, because a party like this every year...oh no!

Charlie!

2006-07-18T20:58:00.000-07:00

No people, he is for real!!
This is Charlie.
The cutest thing in the world, a maltise and only 6 months old.
Weighing in at a whole 3lbs, Jords hopes to have him at a 5lbs at full grown weight.
SOOO CUTE!! So cute in fact, he deserves a post of his own!

still no justice...

2006-07-12T09:46:00.000-07:00

More pictures have surfaced from Louiepalooza 2006. Finally, we have some evidence of the shananigans at Sylvan. I tell you that cresent didnt know what hit 'em. Disclaimer - Sweet Lou maybe looking for a new neighbourhood by the end of this summer ;)

Pepe: Cowboy hat n all!

how many people does it take to put a tent? Answer is below: Timbit, Rod, Me, Gaby, Jaya, Adriana, Pepe and Marcela. Wow - only 8! Not too shabby!

Team Serrano & Lopez. Go Team go!
Earlier in the day. Some of da familia.

Girls - what what! Me, Kelsey, Gaby, Jaya, Marcela and Melissa

Louiepalooza 2006

2006-07-03T14:26:00.000-07:00

Survived.
survived another weekend with the familia. This weekend, we took over Lark Close in Sylvan Lake. At the expense of my cousin, Luis and his neighbors, we set up camp. So a few tents were pitched onto his lawn in the back, what else could we do? its not like the hallways, the living room and bedrooms had guests in them. Oh wait a minute - they did ;)

(pics: Our campground, Danielle, Luis, and Chris - no wait, Eric) - what?? I am horrible with names-- ackward! to be honest, there are just way too many funny moments to type out, and the fact that we averaged about 2 hours of sleep per night, makes typing this blog just that much more draining.
Highlights included:
-Building the deck so that there would be no accidents - although we came close.
-the massive bon fire.
-running out of wood the second night, thank goodness there are houses being built all around ;)
-Manolo y Ramon.
-Luis and his speedos (at the house and at the beach)
-Shakira's "new" song: hips don't lie. Basically the anthem of the house.
-Whos to say a living room isn't as good as the dancefloor at a club? Evidence below:

The photos are up on the album, follow the link on the right hand side tab: my photos, under Louiepalooza.

Till next time....
oh yea and Brazil lost. I am still too heartbroken over the crappy way they played against France. so lets not even go there!
me :0)

soccer frenzy!

2006-06-15T15:50:00.000-07:00

the only place where Brasil belongs - number one! woooo hoooo!

World Cup fever has taken over the Lopez's household (inlcuding all the relatives). Some have come down with a flu version that lasts from June 10-July 9th. Ironically, the beginning to the end of the world cup! hmmmm...

This past week, Brasil played Croatia, winning only by 1 (1-0). We face Australia on Sunday at 10am. no worries, we are all gonna be up, even though its Tio Tony's 40th bday bash the night before. Quite frankly, i think we won't be going home till Sunday at about 1pmish. Other teams I am cheering on:

Que viva Mexico!!

Espana (spain) Oilers won last night in an overtime short handed goal by northside's one and only, Fernando Pisani! Goo northside!!

bdays & convocation

2006-06-11T21:39:00.000-07:00

Woops, so we kinda forgot the real bday candles! But, at least she got a tealight. Thats her roomie's (Jaya) hand holding it for her. And thats the bday girl,making her wish.

Ardyce's bday bbq bash! June 3rd. We got the bday girl the best gift ever! What can I say? We know her too well. Funny thing is, we don't have a picture of it. Or at least i don't!
I know Pooja, Tanvi and I have about a million and one pictures of the three. But in my defense: different occasion + different outfits = new picture!

---------------------------------

June 7th - Lil' Gaby turned 16th! I remember when she was 3 years old! Ahh I feel old. Here's her surprise ice cream cake. Oh, thats what candles look like. hahah.

Below is the bday girl herself. Btw: her family was decked out in head to toe in Oiler's gear.

---------------------------------

June 8th

3 inch stilletos and a strut along the Jubilee stage and I officially became a teacher/UofA grad/Alumnus! Woot Woot! The ceremony went by really fast. Thanks to the 2 random drunk dudes next to me. They even pulled out a flask out of their robes. It was too funny!

---------------------------------

Random Sundays!

I love random sundays with the family.

How many people does it take to set up an easy-1-2-3 badminton net? Apparently - at least 4 of us! The marketing on the box said it was easy. They lied!! After breaking the poles, we duct taped the hell out of them, anchored the net and began to play. Too bad, we were exhausted from the net-setting up process, cuz Gaby and I totally had Pepe and Rod beat ;)

Summer-y time (get it: Summary?!)

2006-05-28T21:18:00.000-07:00

I know I love the title too! ;) Its been a while since I last posted so here goes a summary of whats been going down. Everything from Tia Yvonne's bday shinanigans to Oiler Fever to fashion shows, playdates and some news from the summer of george HQ.

Chromee Fashion Show.Heidi hooks it for a the four of us and what do you get? A ridiculously good night. Pictures can be seen in the album "Chrome party". Warning: copious amounts of wine were consumed before, during, after and way after. Thanks Heidi n Krew for a crazy night. One for the record thats fo' sure.

Oilers are Western Conference champs. Here in the city, we have been out and about most game nights. As a matter of fact, we are the first bunch to have a VIP pass to the blue mile (aka: Whyte Avenue). Most of the time, we end up chilling at Jaya or Jordan's for the game and then head out to meet the crew. Along with texting several other die hard fans like B, Ayesha & Rod. (pic on right side: Tanvi, Jords, JJ, me at Billiards)

first pic: Sam the fireman, Shell Bell, Me.
second pic: Migs, Kristin and Jordan. Oh yea, they were decked out for their grad. Not their high school grad but Ainly's Prom. Not that they are Prom Crashers but those two knockouts are teachers ;)

Probably the cutest 2 year old I know! who's this hot shot in the pics below? He's my lil guy, Antonio. I had a bright idea one day to have a play date with him. Ok, in my mind, I envisioned: the park, the swings, and lunch. Reality: chasing him up and down a hill, watching him feed the ducks and playing with a ball. I was exhausted. I kid you not, I met with a friend afterwards for dinner and nearly fell asleep because the cute lil' munchkin doesn't stop at all. not even for a water break. Here I thought I was in tiptop shape with runs for about an hour three times a week, and Antonio kicks my ass everytime. A day in the life of Tonio.....

JoB news...i am no longer living the good life *Tear* Last week I started at my new and fabulous job at none other than Lululemon. Amazing! The company has thrown me into a loop of unrealistic way they treat their employees, values and expectations. It has only been a week but I can't wait to see where I go within this company.

there's a first time for everything

2006-05-15T12:53:00.000-07:00

I know! I know! I replay the moment in my head over and over. What if I had gone the other way? What if I stopped to answer the phone? Or taken longer at selecting the mother's day card? Would I have avoided my first time....my first accident?

AHH! I am frustrated thinking about it because it was soo stupid. I basically bumped the dude in front of me in the merging lane. The one time I am not on my cellphone, not even listening to music and I manage to hit a guy. I know, I know, thank goodness it was minor but still! 7 years of driving and nothing, no speeding tickets, neva' have been pulled over and somehow i manage to do this. I am gonna need a new bumper.
Best part of it all was when all my uncles showed up to the intersection, which ironically is only a 10 minute walk from all the houses.
guy: ohhh, why are there so many people here?
me: oh, that just my uncles. well some of them...
Then I had to go to the police station. Nothing like walking into a police station with my dad on oneside and my godparent on the other. Oh theres' a first time for everything!

summer of george continues

2006-05-12T13:16:00.000-07:00

so i figured out the best job ever. People should pay me to bring laughter into their lives. Contrary to popular belief and mostly my younger brother, that doesn't mean i should be a clown...or does it!? For example, the time i put Janelle into a box and made her into a Jack--in-the-box. Or the other time when Janelle and I played prison with the freight elevators, or the spinoff: shumka versus salsa girl. See....F-U-N! or complete dorkness?! hmmmm...

the second best job ever would be: being paid to work out. I now live at my gym. Frankly, when people start wondering why you are there for 3-4 hours everyday instead of the usual mad dash to get a run in half hour before they close, they start to get to know you. I now have gym buddies. These gym buddies include the seniors at 10am - who btw kick my ass at spinning classes; other buddies include the fire dept. boys headed by my friend's dad: who train vigrously on the treadmills, the usual 5 o'clockers, and the late nite krew headed by the banker, the bartender and the weirdo that won't go away. I love the gym! The gym is my favorite! [*cue in my brothers, "make work your favorite!"]

brace yourselves

2006-05-08T13:48:00.000-07:00

After 5 wonderful years at the GAP, on Friday, I quit.
yes people, just like that. And to be honest, although my reasons for leaving are controversial and uncalled for, I love myself first and foremost versus my job/career *gulp*. But seriously, I do.

I was sad, but now I think its for the best. There is always a time for everything and this is my time to go. I leave sadly, but with my head held up high and my pride in tact. I will miss all my coworkers, but I know, I will see them! thats my promise to Janelley and Ayesha.

Now, I am not sure what lies ahead for me. I have decided to take a couple of days "off" as in Yoga & gym time, oilers games and chillin' with others who are on "real" holidays.
till next time
Me

leaving on a jet plane...

2006-04-30T14:22:00.000-07:00

ok, so it isn't really me that is leaving...yet. But last night at a BBQ -turned into a par-tay (for some, ok, fine for most), I realized alot of people are leaving this summer. If its not europe, its cuba, or mexico, hell i even heard a trip to El Salvador was in order. Which then makes me wonder, why am I not leaving on my traineeship earlier? Oh wait, because I want to have my summer here. And why shouldn't I!? read below and you guys will want to be here too!
-Festivals: musical ones, ethnic ones, hip hop ones, salsa ones.
-Chilling at Sylvan Lake con los primos and some.
-attempt at "real" camping. Although I am sticking to my guns about the a)shower thing and b) bringing my flat iron.

OK, so I do want to stay. But it is hard to grasp the fact that 6 people i know and hang out with are leaving. But no worries, there are still 6 other gals who we know are waiting for more BBQ gone wrongs, houseboating and running outside.

Now, if the weather would clear up and stop being so cold outside, maybe I wouldn't be blogging about summer and leaving....hmmmm...

It is never goodbye....

2006-04-26T13:30:00.000-07:00

Jaya, Tanvi, Maria and Me at The Bank. Its neva' goodbye! Its more like, we comin' to Australia to visit you! A woot woot! ok, but kinda sad that you won't be in the city anymore.

Part one of Maria and Nigel's going away happened last friday. Pictures of the random yet so much fun night are posted in the album "the bank". Technically it was a ladies nite cuz we started at Jordan's with a "couple" of bottles of da vino. really, only a couple....tee heee. Meeting some old friends at the Bank was fun. For now, we shall call them boys A & B.

Saturday nite: i realized how small this world really is.
Scenario A:
Omar - a guy i've knows for ions. Has a baby with Chantelle.
Desiree- a diva (not in a bad way) i've known since 2nd yr of Uni. She has a niece named Tianna---and a cutie she is!
Omar and Chantelle have their baby, Alexander, baptized the same day as my Alejandro (the bapstism i was there for). Long and behold, Tianna's mom is Chantelle's older sister and Alexander's godmom.
Funny thing, Omar and Desiree also know each other.

Scenario B:
New Year's eve....partying with Tanvi, Priscilla & Pooja at Dantes. We get a ride from Priscilla's cousin's cousin. Random boy with glasses "A" and his actor- friend, "B" .
Foward 4 months down the road, we (as in Tanvi, Jaya and I) end up hanging out them again. Funnier thing, of course we didn't remember them in detail, but they sure remember us....ohhh ackward!

So really, it is a small world after all.

Off to run into more people who know other people, who also know other people, i am out!

PS: Easter 2006 pics are also up.

Happy Easter

2006-04-17T17:39:00.000-07:00

I think this picture sums up Easter 2006. Needless to say, we were given the opportunity to partake in conversation, dancing, and some sharing of beverages with la familia. Props to sweet-Lou from the new area of Sylvan Lake. Not the ol' area, but the new area as he so eloquently put it.

Although the traditional egghun was in danger due to the rain, we still pulled through....

---------->Luis, Rod, me, Gaby.
Near the "end" of the night.

Whats coming up....Maria's bday, Adventures of Jords and Alms, salsa dancing with Janeley and work of course.
oh yea - and i am applying to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity through the company. Its pretty much a whirlwind of a trip. A couple of past managers have done it traveling to Honduras and Guatemala. Don't really get a chance to decide where i get to go, but the countries selected are sooo cool. and the experience to go make a difference through the company i have been so dedicated to for the past 5 years!! who knew, i would be suckered into staying for that long, oh who am i kiddin' i love my job! :D

even longer....

2006-04-11T19:30:00.000-07:00

ok, i am officially really busy "growing up". oh who am i kidding, i serioulsy don't know where my days go.

Calgary - such a random trip and more like a joining at the last minute. but it was fun. See below for some of the shots....
<------------ inspired by ANTM.

Bouncin' it out at Whiskey---->

Pooja and Alma - at the Mynt-------}

highlights include the following moments [not in any particular order cuz we know they were all "fall-on-your-face" laughing moments.

1)boy: hey, are you half?

Tanvi: yeap, i am half.

Jaya (in the loudest voice ever): no, your not! I'm half! *as boy is wondering what the hell is happening*

2)a certain someone examining Pooja's eyelashes across the bed. but in slow motion.... can't even describe it. i don't do it justice in this blog ;)

3) theme of the weekend: "se menea" number 2 on the Take the Lead soundtrack!

4) doing absolutely nothing on saturday, and still being tired that nite.

5) walking home from the Mynt in 2 inch pumps, then having the worse feet ache the next day. did i mention that my feet hurt as soon as we stepped outside the club? oh wait, lets walk back to the hotel (a good 20 minute hike btw!). although in their defence, they did ask if i wanted to take a cab back, but i am not a quitter!

6) last but certainly not least...... blasting "Hey Jude" by the Beatles. oh boy lets take it back to Cancun '05.

The following weekend saw Janelle, Alana, Marcela and Lizet take in some of the salsa atmosphere here in the city.... here is what happens when you throw us all into one room.....<-----classy gals! Alana!!

whats coming up: easter aka: family gathering.

more good times: Jords, B and I have decided we all need to get together. This could be trouble.

To sum things up: life is great! work is crazy (who woulda ever thought?), working out 6 times a week takes up alot of my time at night. And weekend are reserved for all the shinanigans seen above. Imagine if i didn't go out on the weekend, what would I blog about? :0)

until next time.... ciao.

its been a while

2006-03-26T21:26:00.000-08:00

wow, thats probably the longest i've gone without blogging - and people do read this....weird....hahah
alot has happened in the last couple of weeks. Starting with friends who have found out they will be going to Kenya and Brazil for a CEED....sooo exciting. Others have bought a condo, moving across the city and some of us are still planning a summer full of house boating, camping and enjoying the Alberta scene.
This past weekend was basically one fiasco after another. The Bank on Friday nite hosted 5 drunken gals - no names mentioned. I must say the music is wayyy better than last time. Crowd is still the same: older but not too old. Saturday night, Ms. G hosted a get-together. The wine was a flowing (after all she is half chilean) and lord knows it got messy. Oh, two days have taken a toll on me. How did I do it back in the day....Remembering the days when the weekend would start on thursdays and end on monday mornings. ohh my. Needless to say, i have grown old and weak. *dare i admit it?!* nahhh...

The krew: Jaya, Pooja, Heather, Tanvi, Alma

The new southside girls...south siiiiddddee

on the dancefloor

degree please

2006-03-14T23:17:00.000-08:00

Since it is mid-march I figure it is time to figure out when I will take the walk across the Jubilee Auditorium at the U and be an official U of A grad. After being put on hold for about 5 minutes I figure I would check the online stuff and maybe the answers could be there to my very general questions.
Yeap, just like I suspected my questions were answered online. Thank goodness cuz we need to start planning my graduation party. Then in conversation with my brother, he informed me of the most shocking part ever. I recieve my degree when I pick up my gown for convocation. What the hell?! Thats soo beyond cheesy and to be frank, it kinda makes me sad.
I worked long and hard for this degree and thats when I get it? When some random person passes me my gown, cap and tickets? I picture it now. Allow me to paint you a picture.....

Me: Hi, i am here to pick up my gown.
Randomee: last name, first name.
Me: my last name is Lopez, first name Alma
Randomee: Student ID please
Me: yeap here it is.
Randomee: thanks. Here you go. all the info is in the packets. do you need more than 3 tickets?
Me: 3 tickets? In case you didn't notice, my last name is spanish, i gots to have more than 3 tickets. Is it possible to request 10? * thats not including the cousins*
Randomee: request it here, sign here and initial there. (Passing me my $40,000 degree)
Me: (graciously and kinda in shock accepting my degree) oh thanks. have a good day.
Randomee: Next.

What about all the late night cramming? the countless breakdowns (ok, granted that was only in first year)? the papers? the assignments? the group projects? Don't they count for something??
thought i would throw that one out there...till next time.

making me happy

2006-03-05T20:34:00.000-08:00

making me happy right now right now (and not later later) is:
good ol' skool house parties...finding out that different isn't really all that different...laughing so hard, it hurts...trying to be quiet and the harder you try, the harder it really is to be quiet...good coffee first thing in the morning ( i am really hooked on the colombian roast at Starbcuks on 109)...looking at pictures from years ago and laughing at the ridiculous clothes we thought was cool.
till next time
me :)

Happy new-mo!

2006-03-01T08:48:00.000-08:00

I think thats how you spell it. A local station was celebrating the fact that its a new month. so shall I. You are required to have one new resolution for the month. it as simple as smiling, cutting down on caffeine, etc etc.

March brings the following:
-NCAA! woot woot!
-My older bro's bday. and 2 other cousins too.
-Spring - oh no wait a minute its snowed 10 cm last nite. hahah

this past week has been busy but not sure with what. Friday was chilled, bought a TV and in true ghetto nature it involved a TV, lots of yellow rope, an open trunk, an orange shirt and driving 30km/hr home. hahhaha need i say more?
Saturday i was conned into going to Azucar but all i really wanted to do was stay home and enjoy the TV. hahha. Just jokes Lizet, you know i luv ya, and really did wanna go....hmmm...

Off to shovel snow, ok and maybe make a few snow angels ;)

Tis' the season of sports

2006-02-21T22:49:00.000-08:00

All right, so for all those international friends of mine, that had no hope in that Canada would make a comeback in men's hockey - to you i say: ha! Over in Torino - the boys pulled it through this morning! With a win over the Czech, the boys are back. Sakic was cool, calm and collective in his interview after the loss to Finland. Granted, it was touch and go here, the boys shaped up and reminded us the Canadian hockey spirit. Speaking of spirit, I think i have found his number one fan (well its a close tie between him and the BSB)....she shall remain nameless ;) and i sh*t you not, its not me!

I have become addicted to the Olympics. I am following it as close as i do to NCAA March Madness - ohhh less than a month till it all starts! Important dates...keep it open people. And the ironic thing is i don't really follow NBA, just watch NCAA!? weird no!?
March 12 - selection sunday
March 16- round one
April 1- final 4
April 3 - Championship

Then comes world cup 2006 in June. oh no...Check out the link below to see who's qualified. Pretty cool graphic. thought i'de post it.
http://fifaworldcup.yahoo.com/06/en/w/team/index.html

well as it turns out, its gonna be a season filled with sports. Who knew i was such a sport fan!? wait a minute, i think all the years of dance, soccer and swimming did have something to do with it...ohhh..
until next time, keep cheering for Canadian athletes in Torino!! woot woot!

randomness

2006-02-15T19:28:00.000-08:00

thats what friends are for....
along with the new anthem of 2006, that would be the runner-up line.
happy belated valentines day! And really, if you are or aren't in a relationship, why not celebrate either way. And ladies and gentleman, thats what we did.

I don't mean to put a damper on this month of love, but i read a couple of quotes both very different and kinda random but at n-e point, they stuck in my mind....

"it is ok to dump a perfectly nice guy. so what if he is kind, responsible and his ancestors all had full heads of hair?! That doesn't make him right for you."

"Knowing other people is intelligence, knowing yourself is wisdom; mastering others can be strength but mastering yourself is true power. Being able to stay in the center, embracing simplicity, patience and compassion allows me to embrace the possiblity of life. And no doubtly, i will survive."

with these random thoughts, i bid adieu ;)

Full House

2006-02-13T00:07:00.000-08:00

My house is full.
It hasn't been this full for like 2 years.
My brother has returned from Brasil after a 2yr plus stint to grace us with caipirihnia (i am sure that not how you spell it) and himself ofcourse. My mom returned from her holidays in El Salvador. so yeah, my house is full.

It is weird having everyone home again. Mind you, it will be my turn to leave soon. Where in the world i will end up, not sure. althought i hear south america is great. and the language barrier wouldn't be there. but then its kinda cheating because half the battle in adapting to a new culture is the language barrier. hmmm..so everyday my mind changes. Ask me again on wednesday and i'll tell you that i want to go back to Sub-sahara africa.

this past weekend was pretty chilled. Friday nite we went for dinner and then rented "a lot like love". According to this movie, it will take 6.5 years to meet the person i will end up with. I don't believe it. So we are going to take the approach she takes in the movie. hehhee. for those of you who have seen it, i am soo joking! for those of you who haven't, then no worries!
Saturday, we had a welcome home bash. Oh boy and did we ever welcome them home. A round of impromptu sociables and Pepe, Marcela, Rodney, Rod and I were welcoming everyone home. Pics will be posted in the albums.

Speaking of pics- i added a link, graçe à Jefa, so the Canmore Ski Trip pics are up under none other than "Canmore Trip". I know, say it with me, ori-gi-nal! As for health wise, still sick. Not only am i sick of being sick, i am sick of complaining about being sick! And no pun intended. oh well, till next time...peace

wait a minute, whos bday was it really?!

2006-02-06T11:32:00.000-08:00

so after much a-do, it was time to celebrate Pooja's bday! Well, as we can all recall last year's festivities, ok, fine - most of us can, we know its gonna be a party! And in true friendship nature, it just wasn't the bday girl celebrating, like the marines: leave no one behind!*ok, this year*

Hittin' up our same ol' spot, Dante's provided nothing less than usual gongshow activities.
Hmmm...where shall we start. Running into people from junior high, Tanvi and her greetings to certain individuals, the randomness of wandering, Denny's afterwards - oh no - the cheeseburger with no cheese and the bread that looked like it had been to world war 2 and back! fitting all of us into Deepak's car - thats a record considering there were 5 of us in the backseat. Waking up the next morning to find out that my head had a heartbeat and so did Pooja's feet from the hot shoes she intended to break in.

here are some random shots, again, waiting for all the other pics to come in. no word of a lie, we had like 3 cameras going on at once.

This week: my mom comes home, so does my older brother! super stoked to see them both!! but i am not so excited about the trips to the airport. well its like a field trip ;)

Priya, Indra, Simmi, Pooja

Group Shot

Indra, me, Pooja: best dance ever! really we do need a new one each time we go out! hahah ;)Cousins

somethan' kinda random

2006-01-31T18:16:00.001-08:00

well its been a while. getting into the work groove. i miss school, but i don't.
Met up with a friend from back in the day, Telisa, aka: Teli! it was nice to catch up and to know she's the kinda girl, who we lose touch for a while, but then somehow bump into each other.

Still kinda sick. grrr.. its been a month now. i am sick of complaining about being sick. I am hoping it is just a January thing. So i have until tommorow morning to get 100% better!

Some of the most random pics ever. Each and everyone has a special story behind it. Of course, i shall not release those kinda things, cuz well you know ....

smile

2006-01-22T12:35:00.000-08:00

in a very reflective mood.

what makes me happy right now:
random nights...finding steal on deal designer jeans....those ackward moments when you know that he knows but won't say it....dancing all night long - we definately claimed our spots last night ladies!...countless laughters with the lil' gangta': you know who you are...finding out I will be going abroad this year...laughing with friends at all the stupid stunts pulled this past year...

here is a "toast" a friend of mine once sent me:
Here's to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The roundheads in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They're not fondof rules. You can quote them. Disagree with them. Glorify or vilify them. Butthe only thing you can't do is ignore them. Because they change things. They push the human race forward. And while some may see them as the crazy ones, wesee genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change theworld, are the ones who do.

till next time, i'm out.

man down!

2006-01-17T10:39:00.000-08:00

wow being sick sucks bum! (as Janelly would say).
i have been out for the past 5 days, and it looks no prettier today than yesterday.
let the meds start working, cuz i gots to get me back to work.
and let me tell you, i have slept more the past 5 days than i did all of 2005! Jealous!?! don't be, i am slightly bored now. and i can't read becuz ihave a severe headache borderlining migraine. i hate being sick....

New Years and a new year

2006-01-09T14:28:00.000-08:00

Happy new years everyone! i know i know, a lil delayed. com'on now ...did u expect anything different ;)

New Years recap: Party at Dante's with 200 of my closest friends. just jokes. but our krew was exceptionally big including Tanvi, Pooja, Pricilla, B, Andrea, Christine, Ardyce, Sheila, Shayleen, Da, Joy, Nick.

link to new years: http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=bed4&.src=ph

Ski trip 2006: celebrating Pepe's 18th birthday, 13 peeps in Canmore. Skiing and snowboarding in Sunshine. and of course a lil' partying here and there.

Ladies watch out!! another Lopez barstar to be born. ok fine, maye not. All i have to say is SOCIABLES! with the newest and best rule ever!!Wait until we play again. hahha. Thanks to Alex and Chelsea for coming up with it.

Rod and his new style (above)

Caught in the moment: Rod and Mel

See a big sister neva' forgets her lil' bro's fave. cake!
New year = new resolutions....we'll see how we do with mine ;)

PS: pictures of the ski trip are coming, just waiting for Marcela's camera.

Recap of the festivities '05

2005-12-28T21:19:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe christmas 2005 is over.

Festivities started with a "gathering" of cousins at Armando and Kims. Well, it wasn't everyone everyone, there were only about 10 of us. A half-ass round of sociables later, and we were gooned.
Highlights from Thursday nite:
-Laura making us drinks: 'Peg style'
-Pepe and Mario's debate on religion - wait a second, they were in agreement.
-Rod to Marcela " you're driving, right?"
Marcela's response "yeah, no worries, I am drinking"
-McDonald's drive thru
-Pepe buying milk .... enough said.

Friday nite saw me as the DD and we ended up at ...dare i say it ... Rum Jungle. wow, i must love my cousins cuz i worked 10hrs and then went out. although it was nice to see Ryan spinning tunes, you know bringing some flava' to aplace like that. shout outs!!

Christmas eve/Christmas day:
all i have to say is: Monacles, 11am and a whole-lotta vodka! Oh, nothing like spending christmas with 30 of your closest family members.
Thanks for SweetLou for providing some drawing entertainment, Pepe n Rod dancing and Laura nursing the 3 liters of wine. Oh the memories.

Now, its the 28th and work is busier than ever. Customers are grouchy and bitchy. Hey, it aint my fault we don't have your size! you shoulda came earlier. New Years festivities are ahead, so definately be on the look out for those gongshow pics to come!
Until then....peace.

Some of the cousins

Lopez What!!

Laura and Alma - very thoughtful!Check this sh*t out: we clean up well!

Gaby and Alma all ghetto in their PJs and stripe socks!

Happy Holidays!

2005-12-20T20:37:00.000-08:00

Well it has been a crazy week over at the GAP, in life, with family and friends. In true latino nature, a lot of family has arrived from El Salvador & Winnipeg to celebrate holiday 2005.

First though came the friend's parties: Miguel's "holla-day" shaker on saturday night. Highlights include:
- "helllo" & "oh-yea" being repeated into the mic. all night long.
- good tunes courtesy of DJ Migs.
-Soul train
- discovering Happy Chinese restaurant at 5am! although, I can't say I would go back on my own. But I will admit, the peach shrimp was good ;)

This one turned out really crappy!

Next was the girls' annual christmas dinner/gift exchange. *picture is coming soon*
It was nice to see everyone at once: Maria, Ardyce, Jaya, Desiree, Tanvi, Heather & Pooja. I realised, this might be our very last Christmas together - so tear. Good food, great company and amazing memories. Who knew the PJ's would be the gift to steal :)

Up next: family season 2005. You know, there's bound to be gongshow activities going down soon! Keep it posted ...till next time...Alms

in memory of...

2005-12-12T16:06:00.000-08:00

when was the last time you said good-bye and really meant it?
how often do you walk away with feelings of anger, mistrust or disappointment?
How many memories can you remember with that someone you'll never see again?
I don't know why things happen, but I do believe they happen for a reason.
Rest in Peace and we know you are in a better place.
Your sister & family are being looked after by everyone who loves them, and no doublty by you from up above.
cuidate siempre.

it is all over!

2005-12-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

So the past 4 days have probably been the most stressful ever! Or as some friends say - longest days ever!

With 2 works of art and 2 finals all in one day, my limits were definately tested. And in true Alma nature, i sleep in for my last day of school. hahah oh it was priceless, and of course everyone at home - wasn't all that shocked. But, in my defense, i pulled a 13 hour day in the library the day before.
Speaking of the library, I was fortunate enough to meet a couple of ya-hoos *who will remain nameless* not too long ago. After the much needed study break, not only did they try to convince me that Ho Ho's Chinese food in HUB mall serves the best spicy chicken on rice, but they also were set on the topic of classy girls at a club. For confidentiality purposes, we won't go there!
Tuesday roles around and at 7:20 pm, I walked up to the front of my CHRTC class and handed in my last exam. I walked out the room and yelled:
I AM DONE!!! a woo hoooo!!

Now what? What is this growing up ?? no, no, young at heart forever.

What have I learned throughout the past 5 years of university? Thats right folks, I said 5, not 4 and definately not 6! ;)
- how to be independent (sorta).
- caffeine does work & so does Red Bull.
- you can't really study or learn 15 minutes before an exam.
- term papers can be whipped up in a day or two - and still kick ass at them!
- graduating is only a stepping stone to where I want to go in life.

Enjoying my first day off.....till next time.

counting them down!

2005-11-30T17:38:00.000-08:00

Just finished my last university paper!! a whooo hooo!! Well at least in my undergrad degree ;)

& I am also counting down the days till next tuesday where I will walk out of my night class as an official teacher - ohh - that is one scary scary thought....

overall weekend update:

nothing but -shina-ni-gans-weekend

Saw Russell Peters with 3 other comedians. Sooo funny. Somebodys gonna get a hurtin' real bad...i don't know who..but somebodys ...hahahha. Kinda the you had to be there moment.
That same nite the Foff's had a shaker. And shaker it was...They had a DJ, a dancing cage, a bar, lights, and a smoke machine - wait for it...all INSIDE their house! thats right - all in the house!
Needless to say alot of fun was had. At midnight Jefa (Tanvi) turned the graceful age of ??(oh -dare i post something like that on this!?) .....nah...

Till next time...

oh yea & Happy Birthday shout outs to Brent, Marcela & Christina

My soundtrack

2005-11-27T20:20:00.000-08:00

So, I got this idea from another friend, who he got it off another friend. The whole point is to create a soundtrack of your life and let me tell you this was not easy!
Can you tell i am procastinating my paper thats due any day now....woops.
Try this out, its fun & way more complicated than I thought ;)

Waking up: Light in your eyes – Sheryl Crow

Average Day: Wide open spaces – Dixie Chicks

First Date: Something kinda wonderful – Joss Stone

Falling in Love: I wanna love you – Bob Marley

Love Scene: Humble Me – Norah Jones

Fight Scene: Hello Time Bomb – Dave Matthews Band

Breaking Up: Because of you – Kelly Clarkson

Getting Back Together: Better Together - Jack Johnson

Secret Love: Foolish - Ashanti

Life's Okay: Video – India Arie

Mental Breakdown: If it makes you happy – Sheryl Crow

Driving: Naci Orishas - Orishas

Learning a Lesson: Unwritten – Natasha Bedingfield

Deep Thought: The Mystery - Janelle

Flashback: I like big butts - Sir-mix-alot

Partying: Fat Man scoop & Crooklyn Clan – the one that goes: engine engine number 9 ….

Happy Dance: Magdelena – Sergio Mendez

Regretting: Volverte Ver - Juanes

Long Night Alone: Tu Guardian - Juanes

Death Scene: Lightning Crashes - Live

And with that said and done, I am out.

feeling creative....

2005-11-21T17:58:00.000-08:00

So after all my ranting and raving about painting class, I have finally bucked up and took a couple of pictures of 2 of my favorite works. Now here is the warning: they are part of the seven deadly sins collection my class did, thus the content of the paintings.
As well, I also have to paint several self portraits at unique angles, so I decided to post some of my own photos....i ain't conceided (spell check please), it is what my prof wants. Enjoy.

Acrylic on canvas, greed

Acrylic on masonite, Lust.

Last but not least here are a couple of the cool shots that turned out. Now keep in mind, they are photos, so I don't think I'll be able to reproduce them. We'll see though.

Well thats all for now folks, my final submission is mid-December, so we'll see what else I can muster up between now and then! ;)

I thought we left Edmonton!?

2005-11-14T18:45:00.000-08:00

So this past weekend we hit up Cowtown in our annual: lets-tear-up-Calgary festorama....way too many stories.
the ride itself was hilarious. Ms.Ardyce tends to be a lil' talkative to other drivers on the highway. NO, no, that wasn't us flipping u the bird ;)
The hotel was sweet too, we stayed at the Hotel Arts smack downtown.

Friday nite we hit up The Whiskey where i procedeed to run into a dude from my french class, Murat, Natasha and some of the Dante's crew.

Saturday we shopped and watched (to recover ofcourse) Prime with Uma Thurman. soo cute!!
Saturday nite we did our own lil' tour: Bamboo, CherryLounge, Soho and ended up at My Apartement. This nite, I ran into Silvia - who was happening to stay at the same hotel. small small world.

Then before we knew it, it was all over. no more partying and chillin'.... but here are some of the pics from the "scandal-free" nights. Enjoy.

And to da ladies: thanks once again!!

Ardyce, Jaya, Pooja, Alma & Tanvi @ The Whiskey

Trademark shot @ My Apartment

Gurjars What!?! Reetu & Jaya

Beauty - in the eye of the beholder?

2005-11-08T12:34:00.000-08:00

Have you ever really looked in a mirror? Really seen the shapes, the shadows, the creases and dare i say, wrinkles? Have you ever thought what you see maybe is completely different than what the rest of the world sees?

This past week, I have been forced to stare into a mirror for 4 to 5 hours at a time and painting not only what I see physically, but as well the mood I am painting in. Needless to say it has been a very enlightening experience. And once I step away from my paintings, I can see a resemblance sometimes, but more often than not, it is my mood that has transpired onto the canvas or masonite.

After weeks of enless ranting, i have decided to show some of my art pieces, I will posting up pictures soon. Over the past month, our instructor got us space in the fine arts building to show some of our work. And yes, there are way more talented painters than me, but I am really happy with some of my works, they have taken long hours into the night and some even early in the morning.

Back to playing Picasso, Van Gaugh, Seville, or even Baroque I go....until next time :)

Halloween, yoga & cutie!

2005-11-01T14:00:00.000-08:00

Halloween 2005
came and went just like that. First stop of the night: Noelia's birthday pregaming at Miguel and Gloria's house. Then headed to Leduc (no word of a lie -thats how far) to Lupe and Alex's party.

All of their outfits were really cute, but number one goes to a fellow gal, no names mentioned, but damn she rocked the Lil' Bo Peep get-up. Or as Miguel called it....we'll leave it at that! ;)

New found exercise: Bikram Yoga!! It it the most intense workout I have ever done. Imagine this: 20 people, yoga mats, and a 45 degree celius room and bam! 90 minutes later you've done 26 poses and feel like ya gonna die!

And last but not least: Alejandro came into the world a lil' early but here he is!!

Sooo cute!! Congrats to Delia and Ricardo who are super-stolked 'bout their new bundle of joy. He got a big name for a lil' guy...weighing in at just about 6 pounds. So ladies watch out: there's a new dude on the block!! ;)

Coming up this week: more painting, papers and more Yoga! Also Calgary Da Remix has been officially booked...so cowtown wacht out. here we come (again!) Details to follow.

new found 'tude....

2005-10-24T14:50:00.000-07:00

finally after a crazy week of painting for the midterm portfolio submission, I was able to relax a lil' this past weekend. Now, com'on now, it don't mean I didn't go out....actually all we did was chill.
Friday night after my much needed massage, I was out at like 9pm. Tanvi and I hungout and watched Guess Who. Really cute movie, predictable but overall it had its moments.
Saturday - I taught my lil' guys and then off to RosaMaria and George's wedding. Soo cute! Pics will be coming soon.
That night, Heather had a lil' gathering in the good ol' hot tub. A few Pink Martinis later, we were all on cloud 9 - literally....some more than others...no names mentioned. And in my defense, i was the DD that night...so that leaves only a couple of suspects!
Sunday - studied like crazy for my midterms this coming week. I figure i should buy the textbook for my night class since my midterm is in 2 days - hahah.

But, this past weekend I was told that I need to lay off the running or my knee is gonna give out. That was a total bummer, becuz i use running as a stress reliever. I have been able to run 5km in 27 minutes, which is a vast improvement! Over a month ago, it was taking me 35 minutes. So, I asked my OT dude, what could be another intense and stress-relieving cardio substitution. His reply: swimming.
So, after years of not really swimming, I went today. N boy, i nearly died in the pool cuz i can't swim for 30 mins straight. I have decided to start and see how it feels on my knee and ankle tendon. It turned into 10 minute intervals of intense swimming with 2 minutes of rest in between. I completed 3 sets n so far soo good and i feel like i worked out ...so thats my new found attitude.
till next time....i'm out :D

its fusion...

2005-10-16T16:35:00.000-07:00

what do you get when you mix: salsa, merengue and a dash of reggaeton?
A damn good time!

this past weekend, all the girsl got together to look and admire Desiree's ring, and a damn good ring it is! well done girlfriend. And since it might be a long engagement, we decided its gonna be a continuous stagette celebration. maybe a western-canada theme: Vancity, Calgary and E-Town. oh, its soo gonna happen.

Friday night mini-tour of the city:
First pit stop: Dinner at Lazia's with the GAP krew.
Next: Matt, Jordan, Heidi, Torah and I took in Bears Volleyball. Yes, yes we were heckling #4, good ol' Mr. Adam Sillery. And the UCLA team, not too shabby either. Best lines of the night: "number 10, shape up and take it off"
After that: We dropped by O'Byrne's for Shell Bell's 23rd bday, Sherlock Holmes for Mario's 21st, and Armoury for an APT send off. I didn't make it to the Druid to say hi to Maria, I was exhausted. In my defense, it was soo on the way home for Jordan.

thinking about it, i am already exhausted!

coming up: painting portfolio due....grr....
RosaMaria's wedding.
Delia's babyshower (in T-minus 30 minutes)

till next time...i'm out...

leaving a footprint....

2005-10-12T11:59:00.000-07:00

Over my University career, I have met a tonne of people through a student group, known as AIESEC. With doors and opportunities opening left, right and center, I have met alot of people within the last 5 years.
Over the weekend, I found out a former Toronto LCP died, Ahmed Al-Arshi (1981-2005) died tragically. I will always remember the impact he left in his LC, Ryerson; the great triumphs he overcame in his life.; and the nurturing side of Ahmed! Although, I was exiting AIESEC as he was beginning his term, I distinctly remember he made an impression on me. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends who he leaves behind.

This is the project he was last working on before he passed on:
http://whyshouldicare.net/

Mr. & Mrs. Chavez

2005-10-04T22:17:00.000-07:00

After a crazy stagette, it was time for Lupe to give it all up and become a wife. Ay Dios mio, I still can't believe she's married! Needless to say she has found her prince charming, and just because they're married, it don't mean we won't be seeing all of yous at Suga' dancing the night away. Remember, Reggaeton concert this weekend ;)

It is official, Alex and Lupe were married on Saturday, October 1st, 2005. Ceremony was at the Basilica and although it rained all daylong, it definately didn't put a damper on the celebration.

The wedding party was stunning and everything went smoothly. Well at least it looked like it did! ;)
Lupe in true nature looked beautiful and Don Pedro himself was all macked out!
The reception was at the Crown Plaza and we definately tore it up all night long. I am still waiting for the last song! hahah. We danced the night away and I swear to you my feet are still throbbing in pain.

May you two enjoy the "honeymoon" and we all wish you the best of luck.

First dance as newlyweds

the bridesmaids

Me and the bride.

it has been a while

2005-09-27T21:41:00.000-07:00

well after a much needed break from school, i am back! ok, fine, who am I kidding. I am finishing up my last semester with only 3 classes- yeah!! but its alot of work. damn this art minor thing - this painting class is gonna be the end of me!

updates....
2 weeks ago: Housewarming Galore!
Jaya and Ardyce had a housewarming party - including Jaya's hilarious friends throwing a salad bowl (with salad still in it) over the balcony. Yes, yes, those boys are in med. school! ;)
Jordan had her housewarming party too. We literally stepped out the front door and into the Druid.
Gotta love the friends who live on their own, on a prime spot in the city!

This past weekend: shaker at Azucar!
Lupe's stagette was this past weekend and what a gong-show that was. Imagine 20 girls, wait let me make it clear, 20 Latinas at a restuarant and then at the bar, all that spells is
T-R-O-U-B-L-E! Did i spell that one right?!
$75 dollars worth of tequila shots ought to do in a few of the girls. As soon as Clauds sends me the pics, they'll surely be uploaded.
Wedding bells will be ringing this weekend at the Basilica and then party time at the Crown Plaza! Lupe - there's still time ;)

on a serious note ....
i had to replace my digital camera but it was a pain in the ass process! i have a warranty but i had to sweet-talk my way into a new camera. they wanted to ship the thing off and then i'de have to wait a week for reply, then decide whether or not to fix it. What was wrong with it, the lens didn't open. damn it! but in the end,i got a newer camera for $25.00 more. sweet deal! And he threw in the new performance plan in for free. what is to be learned from this lesson? Always be nice and courteous to fellow retail people, and they'll be nice to you!

Leave no one behind!

2005-09-12T13:52:00.000-07:00

From L-R: Adam (Sills), Brice (B-rice), Lindsey (Zimma), Jordan (Jords or Rosentreter), Justin (JT) & Me.

Overall the weekend was per usual another gongshow. Starting with Heidi's fashion show at Zen design house and the hitting up Suede for some drinks. Did you know its Fashion Week here in E-town!? Although Jords and I were ready to par-tay...we burnt out over drinks. oh oh, can you say: old?! no no! its just it was a long week. my longest week of my life (at least in September).
Saturday, i worked and then headed to Jaya n Ardyce's for a "quiet" evening. Ok, fine, we ended up at Savoys and then Thirsty Turtle to dance with the other crazy gals, aka: Ardyce's friends. Definately looking fwd to the housewarming.

BUT where does that leave the pic at the beginning of this blog. Sunday night, Zimma',Jords and I got together for coffee and started remembering all the hilarious stunts we pulled last year. I can't believe it was a year ago we all me. Props to Jords, JT and B-rice for growing up and becoming real teachers!! All i have to say is Porch Climbers! Way too many moments have passed between all of us to even begin to blog. Needless to say I am glad we all met and made it through Assessment!

a week in a whirlwind

2005-09-08T22:03:00.000-07:00

school started....

friends having babies.....

friends getting married.....

friends moving away.....

wow, in a week i have realised i have had the LONGEST 5 days ever (as Jords would say). i am back in school, and i can't wait to be done. i am ready to grow up.

these past few days have been challengind and uplifting. i am slowly trying to get back into the church/faith groove. i have ran into people i thought i would never see again, yet at the same time knew deep down inside i would. i have started my teaching portfolio (Shell - just for you!), and i am looking towards the future with anticipation and excitement. tired but still excited to paint at 8am tommorow morning, i' m out :)

Happy Birthday ....

2005-09-04T18:26:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to me!

Just a quick note on how much fun I had this past weekend celebrating my 23rd birthday. Went out in style of course. We hit up Dante's with da krew and like always turned into a gongshow. Seriously now, who takes 200 pics with a digi? Oh wait a second, we did! yeah we did!

And like always there are highlights and sketchy parts of the evening. Just because the bar closed down at 2:30am, don't mean we don't continue partying. Thanks to Marcela, Renuka, Melissa and Miguel, we were able to watch the sunrise at 6:30 am! Too bad I drank a lil' too much, and swear I saw the sun come up at like 4am! haha

some of the highlights include:
- dancing on speakers with B,JJ, T and Des. I swear I never do this sorta thing, only when we are in a different city or for a special occasion.
- trying to get out of Desiree's car at Denny's: man down man down!
- staying up until 7:30am this morning.
- steam rolling people at 7am.
- playing sociables after the bar.
- Marcela taking notes on quotes being said!

best lines of the night:
- Renuka: oh i hate walking.
- Marcela: alma, where the pan de caja. i swear you are gonna marry rich and hire a soccoro to cook for you.
- in the car on the way: heather just take a swig, it tastes just like water.

- Pooja: theres the snowboarder dude!

evidence of the debauchery can be found here:
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=c2fd&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/my_photos%3furlhint=actn,del%253as,1%253af,0

thanks for coming....

2005-09-03T13:32:00.000-07:00

I can't believe its been a week since Laura came and showed us how dem Winnipeg people party. all i have to say is 2.25 drinks...damn... here are some of the pics

Now all we need is her olda' bro to come and show us his "ricky martin" moves.

I've decided we need a family reunion: cousins style...lets see what we can muster within the next few months....

da cousins: Marcela, Mario, Laura and me

(above) Yes, yes we are all Salvadorenas

9 hours of sleep in 2 days

2005-08-28T21:40:00.000-07:00

let me sum this up:
what i thought was going to be a quick drop in at Iron Horse on friday night turns into a let-try-to-get-Alma-drunk night. Thanks to Laura - representing straight from Winterpeg, Marcela, Mario, Melissa and Renuka for making Friday nite ridiculously hilarious. Got in at 4:30am, and i was up and at work at 9am! not gonna lie, i wasn't looking my best.
Saturday nite: the party continues, in true latino style: its a bday for the 12 year old. Yeah whateva'. Its more like, ok one more time cousins lets start drinking.

And then, who shows up at a BBQ at midnight? Like com'on now....
ok, fine, it was me! (and cousins krew)
Gotta love house parties, a fire pit, alot of alcohol and a round (a really long round) of sociables, Miguel's bday bbq bash was well under way. Best part of the night: saf-e-way soda, bupaz, and the cookie monsta'!
Got home at 5am and was at church singing my heart out by 11am. Needless to say Marcela and Rodrigo didn't look too hot Sunday! BUt on the otha' hand, i didn't have a 19 hr busride home like Laura and Andrew. Yep, they still on the road as i blog. povresitos...

now, i am sick as hell but its aight, bday is this week (ladies and gents) its on Thursday! the big 23! dios mio, que locura. i remember turning 15 yesterday. ok fine, maybe i don't. course we gonna do it up big.

Big ups to the party krew from last nite, my cousins and their friends for making this "relaxing" weekend, not so shabby. till next time, i am out....

finally!

2005-08-25T19:53:00.000-07:00

its about time

here are the pictures!
not all 400, but the ones that show the amount of stuff we saw and of course the "small" amount of partyin' we did. some more than others, oh who am i kiddin', we were toe-to-toe.
Enjoy!

http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=/b8c3

happiness is...

2005-08-23T20:55:00.000-07:00

what makes you happy? really really happy?

me: sunrise and sunset. true friends. good laughs with my family, okay fine: he had the ball last. having more family parties to look forward to. doing my version of pay it forward at the 2nd cup drive thru every so often. falling asleep with the rain tapping my window sill. knowing that when i wake up it will be a brand new day and whatever was nagging me the day before is over and done with. long talks with ol' skool pals. running. knowing that i did it for me and not for you or you or you! watching lil' kids be innoncent and mecetrefes.

listening to: india arie.
reading: down came the water.

7 days in Paradise!

2005-08-21T15:59:00.000-07:00

imagine.... beautiful beaches + 40 degree weather + endless drinks (both non and alcoholic) + 4 friends....
what do you get??

a 7 day gongshow!

Just got back into E-town, ofcourse not with out a pit stop in Calgary - yes, yes I did go out. Thanks to Jordan and her E-town crew.

Cancun was nothing short than AMAZING!

Highlights:
-the city club: no dance floor? no problem! we'll just dance on our tables!
- sleeping in for our first tour and making the bus wait for 4 hungover (more like still drunk girls) running through the resort to make the bus!
- foam party: googles and all.
-running through sprinkler at the golf resort to de-foam ourselves.
- FaT Tuesday: shady shady night!
- snorkling and watching a dear friend flip on the tube down the river. no names mentioned!
- hiking the Mayan Ruins
- hearing our resort dj: Shakey-shakey shakey. uh - uh, uh -uh!
- Canadian krew from T.dot.
- shopping at Mercado 28.
- is she passed out? throw some water on her. no wait, throw some vodka!
- tanning - yes, ladies and gents: i burnt!! its soo painful.
- hey jude!

of course there are tonnes of stories and gong-show experiences that i will foreva' hold dear to my heart. and although i may have lost 5 years with my liver and kidneys..it was worth it! the good and the bad. actually there was no bad. can definately say we spent the 7 days attached at the hip and we still like each other. although the 3 hr car ride home was a true test. heheh ... kidding! All Cancun-ed out. pictures will be coming soon.

4 more sleeps!

2005-08-08T23:07:00.000-07:00

and we will be on the beach with a beer inone hand and a margarita in the otha', ok fine, and some more behind us....

I also want to send congrats to 2 new mommies in this world. Karen had Chloe on August 1st, and her cousin Fatima delivered Valentina on August 3rd! Pics will be coming as soon as I visit the lovely gals!

weekend update: pretty chilling. We are trying to save our energy for the endless party to come in Cancun!

Pepe is back in one piece after his crazy adventure to see Oscar and Susana in Brasil. Not only did he see Southern Brasil, he got to travel through Chile, Peru and Argentina. No worries, i am next!

things that make me smile:
well behaved kids, a good cup of coffee - recently hooked on Sumatra Manhandling from 2nd cup, seeing old friends, seeing the next generation of dancers in the family perform - what can I say -the torch has been passed down!

Weekend in a nutshell

2005-07-31T00:04:00.000-07:00

Cancun watch out...we'll be there in 2 weeks and counting!
So who's to say that the birthday girl can't have a couple of good friends join her in her birthday celebration? NOBODY! And thats why this past weekend, we took it upon ourselves to celebrate with Jaya, aka: Yaya, her 25th birthday.

Jaya, Reetu, Jeevan, Shiz

Alma, Tanvi, Jaya, Jeevan and Shiz

Nothing spells out a good nite like beginning with a round of sociables at her place and then steppin' to Suite 69 on Whyte Avenue. But not before some serious glass breaking in the Stolli's parking lot - thanks Pooj, getting Mr. Gurjar to see if Desiree was okay to drive by walking the straight line - although the girl was seen slammin' back that Diet Gingerale, and last but not least, a lil' more predrinking in the car on the way to Suite. Again, it was no 900mL water bottle like Vancouver but we managed.

Nicknames: in one round of sociables I went from "flower-girl" to "resident-h***"; I was quite shocked to hear that one, but it was priceless. Jaya's friend, Jeevan - became black jesus, Jaya retained her Yaya and Tanvi became TV again.

the pictures say it all
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=9bd9&.src=ph&store=&prodid=&.done=http%3a//ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/my_photos

Saturday morning - not so pretty. I figured out why the alcohol hit me hard, lack of food. Friday was intense and super busy throughout the day, so I didn't even realise I had not eaten a full meal all day. No worries, I have learned my lesson - always have a full meal during the day when you plan to party at night. I must high-5 myself, cuz I survived the amazing brunch that Mrs. Gurjar put together on saturday morning. But, I am not gonna lie - it was tough!

Saturday night - we were all outta commission. We had an impromptu BBQ at Pooja and chilled. It was nice and alcohol-free. Com'on now, have you seen those pics from the previous night?!?

Sunday - all day. checked out heritage days with Jaya. Worked on our tan and ate some yummy food! http://www.heritage-festival.com/home/index.php the website is there, check it out...its pretty cool!

Monday - rain or shine, GAP stores gathered for a baseball tournament that lasted 4 hours in the rain! After all, we are troopers. Money raised went to an amazing cause: Stollery children's hospital. In the end, downtown beat us (Kingsway) by one run! Good games, good laughs and tonnes of hilarious moments.
Quote of the game comes courtesy of B.
Jackie: "ok B, your gonna play rover"
B: "huh? i don't see a puppy anywhere, A.Lo do you?"

Guess you kinda had to be there, but all in all, it was a great time!
Jeffy - u make a great cheerleader btw!

And now, i am spent! Time to rest up for the grueling week ahead!
Till then...i'm out :D

I am sooo busy!

2005-07-27T22:11:00.000-07:00

lets see...what have I been up to that has kept me from blogging: absolutely nothing! Well thats not all true... i have been working like a mad woman, gearing up for B2S: Back-to-School, hittin' the gym and still having time for a social life. Oh! the sacrifices I make ;)

Last week, the girls and I participated in a fundraiser for the Arthritis association; then it was movie and dinner followed with a briefscrap with some wanna be gansta' girls at Iron Horse. Seriously, who starts a fight on the dance floor? Have some respect people, theres a time to dance and a time to do everything else, dancing is a serious thing! Who knew friends from high school were scrappers....Viv, i totally woulda kicked her ass, you took the high road :)
Saturday was spent at work, house party and family party. All I can say is damn we can drink. The adults out did the kids....ah, family parties rock!

Well, next blog will have Jaya's birthday pics and summary....get ready for some more scandalous pictures ;)

365 days ago...

2005-07-18T18:49:00.000-07:00

Think about it...where were you 365 days ago?
Are you in the same city? country? continent? A year ago today, I was traveling throughout Cameroon: Kribi, Yaoundé, Bamenda, and of course my base city: Douala.

on the road in Bamenda Yaoundé in front of the house
The Crew: Landry, Sandeep, Alpesh, Sripad, Andres, Alma and Steve

I started to think of how much my life has changed within a year. I have met new friends, managed to keep contacts from Cameroon near and dear to my heart, new directions towards my career and aspirations, and all the while still living in Edmonton.....at least for now.....

Nigel and Maria Wed!

2005-07-16T13:03:00.000-07:00

Nigel and Maria Soon

The coolest center pieces ever!

So after 3 or 4 years (sorry guys, I can't remember) Maria andNigel officially tied the knot on Friday, July 15th, 2005! Ceremony was amazing, held at Mackay Avenue School, you guys made everyone cry; in true Maria nature, there were still some moments to laugh about. The reception was fabulous too, at the Royal Glenora club. Speeches were fun and tearful, and the bride said it best: "I am just so happy that everyone I love is in one room at the same time."

Tears, laughs, plenty of drinks and even a dance-off (I had nothing to do with it, ok fine maybe I did!) were shared throughout the entire evening. Thank you Maria and Nigel for sharing your special day with everyone! We love you both! Although still in E-Town for the next year or so, you both will be greatly missed when you embark on your journey to Australia.

Follow the link to see pictures of the ceremony, reception and shinanigans from last nite:
http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=/eb5a&urlhint=actn,ren%3as,1%3af,0

Mr. & Mrs. Soon!

2005-07-16T02:02:00.000-07:00

Over and done with. Maria is now a Soon. And a good wedding it was... what?! open bar.... hmmm. Mia: need i say more? posting pics soon - no pun intended ...i know, lame ;)

thanks guys for letting us all be a part of it ... luv ya both!

Quince años de juventud!

2005-07-13T10:26:00.000-07:00

Happy "Xth" Birthday Zairy! (the one in the middle)

Yes it is true, mi prima pero tambien slash-tia is turning a bliss....ay dios mio, she might cut me outta her will if i say the number; entonces, we leave it at: feliz cumpleaños quinceañera!

Accents - hot or not?

2005-07-12T19:22:00.000-07:00

Is a person of the opposite sex considered to be hot when they have an accent?

How about if it is someone who has been in Canada for a year and still has an accent, is that still hot? Or is that pardon-moi the politically incorrect term, fob-ish? I don't get it. What about those of us that travel and find accents in visiting countries hot, but then come home to hear the same ones and claim: oh they've got an accent *negative tone*. I am just as guilty. AND as a language teacher to be this really irks me ...

Why the topic, why not?! Actually no, it happened at work today. Guy had an accent, we thought he was cute. But then in convo (what?? we build customer rapport), it turns out that buddy has been here for 4 years! It was quite the spectical show, thats what you get when you have an all female staff.

PS: 3 more days till the wedding!!

Blogging Phenomena?

2005-07-10T21:28:00.000-07:00

So apparently, I have just caught up to this bloggin' phenomena! woops...talk about SLT: Standard Latina Time.

Although i am not taking any huge trips this summer, ok ok, 1 week in Cancun mid-august (its still no Cameroon like last year) I feel the need not to be left out and post blogs. hehehe. I know, w-i-n-n-e-r!

BUT don't be fooled, my life in E-Town is just as exciting! BBQ Gone Wrong happened on Friday night: lets me sum it up: 3 girls, 2 - 40s of Vodka and a round of SOCIABLES....let me see if i can figure out how to post the pictures up.

http://ca.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/almamaria6/album?.dir=/f909&.src=ph

Warning: some of these pictures contain an absurd amount of .......ENJOY!