Favorite Holiday Movies

This is my favorite time of year. I love the holiday music, lighted houses, decorations, and of course holiday movies! There have been so many holiday movies made, but Brian and I have narrowed it down to our favorites...

Our Top 5 Holiday Movies
1) Love Actually (FANTASTIC)
2) Just Friends (I swear one of the funniest movies around)
3) The Family Stone (Great family film) / The Holiday (Very much a girly movie)
4) National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation (All-time classic)
5) A Christmas Story (Who can forget the leg lamp?)

Honorable Mentions: This Christmas; You've Got Mail

Sorry, I know it's supposed to be a Top 5, but I really enjoy them all. Though I'm sure Brian can do without the first four. :-) He also wanted to put HOOSIERS on the list, but it isn't a Christmas movie. He said it was snowing in a few scenes :-)

With all the holiday movies out there we're all bound to have our favorites. So, we'd like to know...

What are YOUR Top 5 Holiday Movies???

We'd love to hear from you!

Welcome to the Neighborhood!

We have a new neighbor in Bahia Lakes... an alligator! Over the past few weeks, Brian has been stalking it. Every morning and afternoon he's looking out our back patio to see if he sees the gator. It's like he's excited that the gator made the man-made pond behind our house his new home. I, on the other hand, am terrified of real gators, so I don't like the fact that it's here. Oh well, can't very well ask it to leave - right?

It's Great to be a Florida Gator!

Oh my! The Gators just won the SEC championship game over Alabama. It was a very intense game... I honestly didn't think we'd pull it off, especially given that one of our best players (Percy Harvin) was out with an ankle injury. But, with some luck, some great plays, and a Heisman quarterback - WE WON! Tim Tebow is my hero... and the future husband of so many Gator girls! ;-) Gator nation should be very proud.

Brian and I went to the SEC championship game in 2006 and it was truly one of the best games we've ever been to (of course nothing tops the 1996 National Championship game in New Orleans). The stadium, the atmosphere, the excitement. Wish we could have been there again this year.

Hopefully, the BCS system will put us in the National Championship game in Miami. We'll find out soon enough.

I'll leave you with photos from the 2006 National Championship celebration at Florida Field on 1/15/07... It's Great to be a Florida Gator!

Family Visit

Brian and I had an emotionally-draining week... Thanks to our family and friends for your love, support and prayers during this very difficult time. We are so blessed to have such amazing family and friends.

After a heartbreaking week , it was nice to have my brother Andy & family visit. We hadn't seen them since April, so this visit was long overdue. It was really nice to spend some time with them.


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

We had dinner with them Friday & Saturday night, and took them around Apollo Beach and to see the manatees. The manatees were REALLY cool. We've been there a few times, but we've never seen so many manatees there at one time. One of the volunteers told us there were 86 manatees there yesterday. The kids were intrigued by the manatees, so it was cool to see them so excited. I find looking at the manatees soothing and relaxing. Brian and I should spend more time there. It's a great de-stresser (and it's totally free).


Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.

After the manatees, we drove them down the street to E.G. Simmons park to hang out and see the water... Flora really liked the soft sand, while Chance liked throwing rocks/seashells into the water.

Gators stomp the Bulldogs!

UF beat GA 49-10... awesome game! Click here for highlights.

Happy Halloween

Brian and Patrick tried on old halloween costumes earlier this week. It was very comical... so of course I took pictures! Enjoy!

Have a safe & Happy Halloween!


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Seahawks @ Bucs

As promised, below are photos from the game last Sunday...




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Sports-filled Weekend

Brian and I had a blast this weekend...

On Saturday, we went to game 6 of the ALCS playoffs. We tailgated for a few hours before the game. I've never tailgated for a baseball game, but it was cool. It was exciting to see the fans supporting the Rays team. Unfortunately, the Tampa Bay Rays lost 4-2 that night - but, the good news is they won game 7 on Sunday. GO RAYS!

Brian went to both game 1 and game 6 - both of which the Rays lost. So, given that, he's forbidden to attend any of the World Series games! :-) We didn't get home from the game till 2 a.m.! We were so tired on Sunday, but had more plans for Sunday...


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Sunday night we went to see the Bucs vs. Seahawks game. The weather was a bit chilly - but perfect for a football game. Throughout the game, the Bucs honored my FAVORITE Bucs player of all time - #40 Mike Alstott - with shout outs from various sports personnel and celebrities. During half-time, they retired his number #40. It was quite emotional. I'm so happy I was able to be there for the tribute. He was truly a fantastic player and I'm so sad he had to retire. GO BUCS! The Bucs played well. The Seahawks not so much... I felt bad for Brian. His team has only won one game so far this season... We left after the half-time tribute, so that we can get home at a reasonable hour (11:30 p.m.). I mean, both Brian and I had to work on Monday (and I was scheduled to conduct interviews till 8 p.m.)

Pictures from the Bucs game to come soon!

UF 51, LSU 21

What a great football game yesterday. UF played much better than Brian or I (or anyone else) had anticipated. It was such an exciting game to watch... I just had to share some gator love...



GO GATORS!

Remembering Alex

I met Alejandro "Alex" Ferrera in 1st grade. We both attended Tampa Bay Elementary and we were both good friends with my neighbors across the street - Jenelle and Albert. He was buds with Albert; I with Albert's older sis Jenelle. We spent countless hours there - hanging out, playing Nintendo, playing outside and acting goofy.



We were more than best friends, we were more like siblings. He was my protector and I his. Don't know how many talks we had about our individual love interests. We gave each other advice frequently. We were so close, I used to tell him he was my "local" brother - since my brother lived in Atlanta with my dad.

Sadly, on Sat., 10/4/1997, my best bud died in a car accident. I was at UF and vividly remember how I heard the news... Monica and I were up really early that morning and were out running errands - grocery shopping and hitting Wal-Mart. When we returned, Melissa told us that Lucy called the apartment wanting to talk to either me or Monica. Lucy always called Monica (never me), so I was confused why she'd want to talk to me. So, Monica called Lucy while I stood nearby... all I heard Monica say was "Alex? Oh my God!" and I immediately thought Monica was speaking of her cousin Alex. As Lucy relayed the details of car accident to Monica, Monica passed the info along to me. When I learned that my Alex died in a car accident earlier that morning - I sat on the floor stunned. I couldn't believe it (and didn't want to). Alex was just 20 years old. It didn't seem fair. After hearing the heartbreaking news, I wanted to get to Tampa immediately, but first had to break the news to my mom, pack, shower, etc. I couldn't leave fast enough!

Alex was killed in a head-on collision about 4:15 a.m. that Saturday near the intersection of Florida & Fowler Avenues. His red 1995 Toyota Tercel was twisted by the impact that killed him instantly. Based on witness accounts, Alex was driving south in a northbound lane of Florida Avenue and did not have his headlights on at the time of the crash. Deputies estimate he was driving about 50 mph when he slammed head-on into a 1989 Chevrolet full-size van. No one knew why Alex was driving on the wrong side of the street, but as far as I know alcohol was not a factor.

Words can't describe how terrible I felt for Alex's family. Earlier that year in March they lost their only daughter in a car accident. Crista was a passenger in a vehicle that was hit by a drunk driver. She was hospitalized for a few weeks before passing. Crista was 21. Only the eldest sibling - Paolo - was alive. It was such a terrible, heartbreaking year for the Ferrera family.

On my drive home to Tampa, I cried and cried... I wondered how all this could be true? My Alex? The Alex I just hung out with two weeks prior? I remembered our last time together - I stopped by his house before returning to Gville, and we talked on his porch while we watched Buccaneer fans head toward the stadium for the football game. He talked about how much his missed Crista and how badly he wanted to be with her. We had a deep conversation about life and then I left back to UF. I wrote him a letter the week before he passed telling him how much he meant to me and even though he missed Crista that he needed to be here with his family and friends. We needed him here. He should have received the letter a day or two before the accident. I'm still baffled about it all. And I still wonder if he ever read the letter I mailed to him.

Alex was always cool and always stood out in a crowd... he was the center of attention and everyone gravitated towards him. He had a way of making everyone smile and have a good time. He was the life of the party. He loved Marvin the Martian and spent many hours drawing the cartoon. He also gave the BEST hugs! Hugs so tight and full of love, they would take your breath away. No one has ever been able to replicate his hugs. After he passed, I told myself that I didn't want to forget the sound of his voice or his infectious laughter. As time went on, I regretfully have forgotten them. All I want is to remember his voice and it pains me that I can't.

Eleven years have passed and I still miss my best friend, Alex... dearly. I miss our talks... I miss his hugs... I miss his laughter... and most of all, I miss the sound of his voice.

The photo below is from 1994 - after a pep rally - Class of 1995


The photo below is from 1996 - when a group of us were getting ready to go clubbing in Ybor City


The photo below is from Summer 1997 when I had friends over my house for a summer gathering.



Alejandro "Alex" Ferrera
8/11/77 - 10/4/97

And the stealing continues...

Saw this on Yahoo today... The former Seattle SuperSonics are now the Oklahoma City Thunder. They unveiled their new jerseys.

YUCK!

Based on the article, the jerseys look familiar to that of another team... so Bennett continues to steal from others... LOSER!

A Love for Guacamole

JC Mirasola LOVES guacamole - as you can see below. I couldn't resist taking a few photos of him eating... he had guac EVERYWHERE! :-)


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Go Rays

After having the worst record in MLB last year, the Tampa Bay Rays clinched a spot in the playoffs yesterday by beating the Minnesota Twins 7-2!


(Today's Sports page cover of The Tampa Tribune)

Go Rays!

I've been tagged...

So, I was tagged by one of my college roommates, Melissa, to post six quirky things about myself.

Here are the rules:
1) Link to the person who tagged you.
2) Mention the rules on your blog.
3) Tell about six unspectacular quirks of yours.
4) Tag six fellow bloggers by linking them.
5) Leave a comment on each of the six blogger's blogs letting them know they have been tagged.

Hmm ... this was really difficult, but here's what I came up with -

1) In true Virgo fashion, I am a bit crazy about things being in their place. I can't focus when things are not where they should be (shower curtain wide open when no one is showering, dresser drawers left even slightly open, toilet paper not on the holder, etc). Drives me crazy!

2) I won't drive by myself at night to get gas in my car (or anywhere for that matter). Don't know why - just don't do it. Poor Brian gets the wrath when I ask him to come with me somewhere and he doesn't want to go. :-)

3) Typos (especially on a resume) drive me bananas! You can't imagine how many senior level, educated folks have sent me emails (or resumes) with typos. Can someone please show them how to use spell check?

4) I FREAK if I see anyone’s purse on the floor. My family is from Cuba, and I’ve always been told it’s bad luck and brings money trouble. So, I’m that crazy friend (and coworker) that tells people to pick their purse off the floor. Yes, I know I’m weird (but at least I acknowledge it).

5) I could eat pasta and ice-cream every day and never get sick of it! But, then again if I did - I’d have to submit a tape to be selected on the show “The Biggest Loser!” While I LOVE ice-cream and pasta, I don’t think I’m ready for all that exercising and crying!

6) The dishwasher has to be loaded from back to front. I don’t want to see any glasses in the front of the rack when there’s plenty of room behind it. I tend to re-organize the dishwasher a bit.

According to the rules, I'm supposed to tag six more people... but, being that my blog contacts are minimal - I can only tag my sis-in-law Stephanie. What are your quirks?

Re-energized

I attended the annual HR Tampa conference today. I try to attend every year, as they usually schedule excellent presenters/topics. This year was no different. All of the speakers and breakout sessions were GREAT, and each gave me ideas to incorporate into my life as a Recruiter/HR professional.

These sessions came just in time. Over the past year, I've been REALLY stressed at work, but didn't really feel challenged - just overwhelmed. I've worked many hours each week - but haven't felt like I've made much progress. And I actually began to question whether or not I wanted to continue in the recruiting field. I felt so disconnected from the HR world. I was drained.

But, after today - I feel RE-ENERGIZED! As I sat in these sessions, my mind was racing! I came up with several ideas to not only enhance my career, but improve how a few things are handled at work. Some of the improvements seem minor, but I think will make an impact on our employees - especially new hires. Right now, I handle the recruiting function (and have a lot on my plate as the only Recruiter), but I want to incorporate on-boarding and leadership development into my functions. I mean, these go hand-in-hand with the recruiting role (at least I think so). Recruiting, on-boarding of new hires, and developing future managers/leaders within the organization - how cool! I am going to spend my free time researching these functions to learn as much as I can, so I can come prepared to discuss with my manager during one of our weekly one-on-one meetings. I may need to work on this slowly though as she recently offered me another project...

When I interviewed for my position, I explained how I wanted to learn more about compensation and was told that perhaps I could work on comp projects as a Recruiter. I've always had an interest in learning about the compensation role, but never had an opportunity to learn from/observe anyone in the position (since I've never been based out of a corporate office). I even looked into taking online classes to receive my CCP certification. Since my interview (nearly two years ago), my manager has remembered my interest in comp and recently offered me to participate in the annual merit review process starting in December. It's approximately a four month project. There's a lot involved with it - spreadsheets, following up with supervisors, reviewing performance assessments, working with Corporate compensation, etc. One HR Generalist handles the process each year for our business unit, but I will be assisting her with it this time around. Definitely will add a ton of more work to my already full plate, but I'm VERY excited in taking part in this process and want to do a great job!

Thanks HR Tampa (& fabulous speakers) for inspiring and challenging me to make a difference, to learn more, and to aspire to give more for the betterment of our organizations and employees. All the things I set out to do years ago, but somehow lost track of for a brief moment.

My Husband, the Great

So, I lost one of my pearl earrings when we first moved into the house. It was a pair given to me by my mom and grandmother when I was a teenager. I didn't really value them as I should've till just a few years ago. I was really upset I had lost them and talked to Brian about it all the time.

Brian has always given GREAT gifts. He listens to the things I really want or need, and at any given occasion - SURPRISE! I love that he listens to the details. Even though his listening skills are truly selective. None the less - he listens.

For my 31st birthday, he bought me pearl earrings from my FAVORITE jewelry store in the world... Tiffany & Co! I absolutely LOVE them! I don't ever want to take them off, but I will. I'll take excellent care of them. I don't want anything to happen to them.

I can't wait to buy the strand of pearls to match. It's such a classic set. But, the necklace will have to wait. I'm going to need to designate a savings account to save for it! :-)

Goodbye 30, HELLO 31

Today I turn thirty-one. It's a bit strange to know that I'm no longer just thirty... I've actually begun my climb into thirty-something. My twenties were great; I hope my thirties are even better!

Some exciting things occurred during my 30th year - we moved into our first new home and Brian was promoted to Assistant Principal. I have so much to be thankful for - a loving husband, wonderful family, great friends, promising career, new home... There's still so much more I want to do and become. There's a lot to look forward to in the upcoming year. I hope year 31 is as good as (or better than) my 30th.

Thank you all for your birthday wishes! Your thoughtfulness and generosity are overwhelming.

I am truly blessed.

Happy Birthday, Monica!

Legal to drink 10 years ago,
Back when we thought 30 was old.
Now 31 and a lot has changed,
With husbands to love and babies to raise.
And though we don't see each other as often as we did back then,
You're still one of my very best friends.



HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MONICA!

I found this picture yesterday... it's from your 21st birthday. Gosh that was a fun night out in downtown Gainesville. The week of partying was fun... three Virgo roommates - all turning 21 within a week's time... CRAZY! Oh, at that's Melissa putting bunny ears behind us... Awww, do you remember the gigantic 3/2 apartment we had for only $600 a month? Those were the days!

We've been friends for a very long time (at least 16 years) and been through a lot together - good and bad. And despite all of the crazy stuff, we've managed to stick together. I love you like a sister. I hope you have a FABULOUS 31!

Love ya,
Jolee
(sorry for the cheesy poem - I thought of it today at lunch)

P.S. - I wish I could still fit into those size 2 pants in the picture! Hmmm... how much exercise would I have to do to get back into a size 2?? :-)

It's Shutter Time!

With the threat of Hurricane Fay, we decided to put up our shutters yesterday (for the first time). It was a team effort to get both of our houses done. Then, Brian and Patrick were so kind to offer their help to one of our other neighbors - Roland. We think we started a trend (or scared everyone else in Bahia Lakes), because eight additional neighbors put up their shutters last night! :-)

After the shutters were up, the inside of our houses were SO DARK! It was weird! Thankfully, Fay turned more East than originally expected, so we only had a lot of wind (no rain though). So, needless to say - shutters were down by 6pm tonight.

Below is a slideshow of us putting up the shutters. Below that are a few pics of the sky today at 10am.


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Over five years later...

Those of you who know Brian, know that he HATES vegetables and has refused to eat them for years. It's hard for me to believe that this list of his even includes corn (strange, I know). This has been a real challenge for me for years now. It's been difficult to plan a meal, making sure vegetables aren't included, especially since I enjoy eating them. There have been times where he's actually picked them out. I don't really understand his resistance to even "try" them, but then again I didn't eat many of the vegetables I eat now until college.

Last week, I made yellow rice & chicken (with sweet peas). Brian must have been in a really good mood (or just delirious), but he actually ate the sweet peas! This is something I've tried to get him to do since we met over five years ago! FINALLY!

I was shocked... Even though I had witnesses (our awesome neighbors), I couldn't pass the opportunity to capture this miracle on film!

Mr. & Mrs. Zeiler

A month ago today, Mark & Renee became husband and wife... I've wanted to post pictures from their wedding for weeks now, but given that I took over 400 pictures of their special day - I was scared to download all of those pics to my ever-so-slow laptop. Anything to prevent my laptop from becoming any SLOWER! So, anyways - a month later I bit the bullet and downloaded them all... here's a few for your viewing pleasure...


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Brian and I had a blast at their wedding. The fact that my hubby actually DANCED at the reception was a special treat for me! I wish he danced more often - it's so much fun to be out on the dance floor with him.

My Hubby is Heartbroken

About three weeks ago, THE announcement was made.

THE one that broke my darling husband's heart in many, many, many little pieces... the Seattle SuperSonics are no more. Their TERRIBLE owner moved the team where he wanted it all along - to Oklahoma City. And the NBA Commissioner - David Stern didn't do much to save the team either.

Brian has been so upset over losing his hometown NBA team - the one he grew up watching (even when they lost more games than not). He's been searching eBay for memorabilia - especially since the team's website DISAPPEARED the day after the announcement was made! He wants to keep the memories he's had throughout the years Alive! The Seattle Times has a great memory site... take a look - http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sonics

ESPN commentators have discussed possible names for the new Oklahoma City team. The best one so far - the one that truly defines the new team and their ownership = The Outlaws!

I just hope Seattle builds a new stadium so they can get another team soon. Brian will be anti-NBA until then - I'm sure of it!

Holy Snake!

Once upon a time, in a far, far away land (called the "Ru"), there lived a fair maiden. One Friday evening, as she waited for her prince (outside their castle) to go out to dinner, a HUGE black snake invaded her space. She initially thought it was a fake snake - one in which the jester next door left in humor... however, when the snake opened it's mouth - the fair maiden started SCREAMING for her prince and the jester next door (and then ran as far away from the castle as she could). Both the prince and jester came to her rescue and fought the snake to its death! Although the snake did put up quite the fight!!!




The prince and jester saved the day and saved the land of the "Ru".

Jordyn Elizabeth

Mark and Kim welcomed their baby girl on May 28th! Brian and I spent some time with Jordyn on Sunday... she's so beautiful! Congratulations Mark and Kim!





Jordyn with Uncle Brian

end of school bbq

To celebrate the end of the school year (and Brian's promotion to Assistant Principal), we had some friends and family over our place last weekend. Instead of barbecuing in the 90+ degree weather, we decided to pick up our favorite bbq from First Choice. We had a great time hanging out with everyone - especially little JC. He's such a cutie!


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Happy Birthday, Sophia!

We drove to Cape Coral on Sunday to celebrate Sophia's 1st birthday! Sophia is the daughter of Harley (Brian's college buddy) and Teresa. And Sophia is ever so cute! Just like her brother (Harley Cole) and cousins... this Brazilian family is packed with beauty! Take a look for yourself ~


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Such Dedication

Ever since we moved into the house over five months ago, Brian and Patrick (our neighbor) have dedicated much of their time tending to the lawn. They have spent every free moment watering, edging, fertilizing... Not to mention several trips to Lesco in Bradenton for fertilizer.























They have sweated and stressed over the lawn day-in and day-out. They work until they literally pass out in the garage from the terrible humidity and bright sunshine! Their hard work has paid off... well, partially... the backyard is looking great! The grass in the backyard is Bahia. While it's gone through its brown stage, the turnaround process has been much easier than the front.

The frontyard has more to go in terms of lush, green grass, mainly because St. Augustine grass is a bit of a pain to maintain. But, I have to say that it's definitely looking much greener than it previously did.

Here are a few photos of our backyard.

The Evergreen State

We traveled to Washington last weekend for Sam's college graduation (see prior post). Brian and I had a blast!

We drove from Everett to Pullman, about a 6 1/2 hour trip. Along the way, we saw many beautiful, natural places (thanks to Mike & Deb). In and around the Seattle area, there are TONS of really tall trees. As you travel East, the trees disappear and you see nothing but farmland and crops... green manure, apple trees, hay, potato, and more. Pretty much everywhere I looked, I saw mountains in the distance. It's really cool!

Early in our drive, we stopped in Snoqualmie Pass - where there was SNOW! I had so much fun walking on the snow and gathering it in my hands! I had the biggest grin on my face the entire time! I can't believe there was still snow in early May! Born and raised in Florida, I've only seen snow once before in Colorado (over Memorial weekend three years ago)... but, the snow was old and melting. Unlike Colorado, Snoqualmie Pass had fresh snow - since it snowed two weeks prior to our trip. I don't know that I could handle a snow storm, but I definitely want to see more snow!

To get to our hotel, we had to drive 45 minutes Southeast from Pullman. We were in Idaho for a few minutes (Lewiston) before circling back around on the highway to Clarkston, WA. We saw Univ of Idaho (only six miles from WSU) and drove through Moscow, Idaho. It was fun.

On the drive back to Everett, we went a different route and saw more beautiful places... many small towns - including Starbuck... Palouse Falls (gorgeous waterfall!)... Wenatchee (Rocky Reach Dam)... Leavenworth (cute Bavarian town)...

While we saw a lot in only four days, there is still so much to discover in Washington and the Northwest. I can't wait!

Thank you Mike & Deb for making our trip so special!


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Goodbye Wazoo!

Pop Rocks,

Congratulations Washington State graduate! Over the last four years, you have worked hard and played even harder. We are so proud of you and all that you have accomplished. And even though life after college may seem a little scary, we know that you will kick butt in whatever you put your heart into. We can't wait to see what designs you bring to Free Ink...

Thank you for being such a fabulous tour guide and showing us around your beautiful campus - "Super Cow", the bears, Ferdinand's. We now understand why you decided to attend WSU vs. UW... Go Cougs!

We love you ~
Brian & Jolee


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Never Enough Time

We went to Georgia this weekend to visit our niece and nephew, Flora & Chance. Their birthdays are only a few weeks apart, so they held a joint birthday party. Chance is now 10, Flora will turn 6 on Sunday. It's amazing how time flies! I remember when they were born. It just seems so long ago now. Both of them have grown up so fast! Every time I see them I'm amazed at how they've changed. Both are so smart and just really good kids! Flora soaks up the spotlight every chance she gets - always jumping, dancing, talking, etc. She's very animated! She LOVES the camera and poses every time she sees the camera looking her way. Chance is a little more reserved - more into building things and playing video games. I wish we saw them more frequently. Every time we see them, it's usually over a short time frame. It's NEVER enough time...