Wakanda Forever

1. Great friends are great
2. Great food is great
3. Black Panther is so great and I love it so much and there are too many attractive people in one film holy smokes I just ughh swoon the whole movie also every bit of the movie is visually stunning and those costumes are to die for and WOW that soundtrack is too dang sick for its own good

December Catch-up

Wow. Have I really not written on here in almost a month? Yeah, I've been busy. But that's unacceptable. Let's get so some smiles

• It's Christmas. Like I know it's not yet, but it's Christmas. And there's pretty lights everywhere and all these fun decorations and outfits and the radio has Christmas music and people are in such a cheerful mood. Yay holidays!
• We keep getting all this amazing food brought to the office. Blessings galore.
• I miss McDaniel and Dog Party and Holiday Cabaret and all those fun things. But it's nice to see everyone else enjoy them and have a whole new generation take part. Plus, Torreke and Veronica danced to Howl's Moving Castle score and I'm still not over it.
• I had my last therapy session on the 9th. I was told that I could always count on my therapist as a resource if I ever needed it, but that I'd gotten to a good place and made a lot of progress in a short time, so I don't need regularly scheduled appointments anymore. I've gotten my anxiety to a manageable place.
• I had a birthday! With lots of fun gifts! And delicious foods. But mostly, with my favorite people. Cutting a cake with my immediate family was honestly so nice. My niece always manages to put a big smile on my face. She even prayed for our dinner and for my birthday. I was a very happy aunt. And the next week, I had a bigger dinner with some close friends. Seeing them was such a treat, but seeing them all get along and become fast friends is truly the greatest gift I ever could have asked for.
• I had a lovely brunch with Jim Dyson, only my favorite alumn ever! We caught up and talked life after McDaniel and RWBY fan theories. He's such a good person and I had a blast. Can't go wrong with Silver Diner!
• I've been able to talk to Nick a lot more. The kid has a life, and finals affect everyone differently, so I am still sad that I didn't get to see him for my birthday, but I refuse to hold a grudge or let that get to my energy. I'm just glad we're talking somewhat regularly again. I'm very happy to have him in my life.
• Michael is such a great friend. He's just so supportive and kind and understanding. I am glad that we've always gotten along so well.
• Hairspray Live happened. It may not have been the greatest thing ever but I had fun and it brought back some sweet memories.
• Pentatonix had their own Christmas special oh my goodness I am way too proud of them.
• I got to see Eric! We had a mini-birthday celebration for the both of us. I need that boy in my life more, seriously, he's a gem and I miss him.
• Brookside Gardens twice. I never ever ever get tired of that place. It's so beautiful and magical and happy. It reminds me of childhood, and it's so fun to walk through, even if it is cold haha.
• Ugly sweater party at church! Even if I didn't win, everyone looked so cute and it's nice to be silly with the youth group every once in a while.
• Christmas party at work was awesome. Exhausting and kinda expensive on my end, haha. But awesome. People are still telling me how much they enjoyed the games, which is always nice to hear. And I just enjoyed some delicious food with people I am proud to call my co-workers. Everyone looked so good. And I got the most beautiful ornament from my boss' wife. There's no way on earth she knew how much I love angels. That's God at work right there.
• Have I mentioned how happy I am that you're here? I hope I have. Because I really am. I almost feel spoiled compared to the 8 years without you right by my side. I have no idea what I'll do when you leave. But I know it's not forever. And until then, I'm loving the mess out of having you in the states.
• There's more. There has to be more. It's been such a good time. I am so very blessed. Bad days happen and bumps get in the way but overall, I am grateful. I pray that the rest of the world be able to feel the love this holiday season. It's a scary time for so many out there, but none of us are alone. And there's always someone, somewhere willing to help in whatever way they can. So I'll do what I can to keep spreading that cheer. And to keep it going all the way into 2017!

It's Thanksgiving Weekend

To make long stories short: Getting out of work early is so very beautiful. Driving in daylight is not fun, but much better than the dark. Christmas music is fun. Food is so good. Family is amazing. My small ones make me happy. Days off from work are much needed. And I'm just blessed in a million ways. My Thanksgiving video is up on my channel. And, as grateful as I am for all the kind messages I received yesterday. I will never ever ever get over these texts from my mentees. It warms my heart to no end.

Week of Elections & Gratitude

I'm grateful for Saturday, and all the fun people it brought. I got to spend the day with the lovely Jess Mies and WOW had I missed her. It's always good to see her and share life with her. Her presence brings me joy. And then you joined the fun! It's such a good feeling to have my two best friends in the whole world together. There was a whole lot of love surrounding me that afternoon and it felt great. Add in good food and I'm set! And that evening was the Bad Suns concert which was amazing. They're so good live. Jess is such a great concert buddy cause she and I can just jam to literally anything. It was also cool seeing Kimberly & Camillo! Talk about all the best friends haha. Catching up with her is always so lovely, and I'm glad to see her brother is doing well, too! Especially since I hadn't seen him since I was like 10 and still a baby.

I'm grateful for Tuesday. I got to vote in my very first election. It may not have turned out how I wanted, but I still voted! I did my part. It was really cool actually. I feel grateful for the chance to do it. Plus it was nice to see Weller Road in its new form. I hadn't been in there since I graduated in 2005! And now I'm a voting adult. Crazy.

I'm grateful for Wednesday and the spur of the moment concert. The 1975 never ceases to amaze me. On top of amazing music, the aesthetic is absolutely to die for. It was a much welcomed distraction from the insanity of the day. I cannot thank you enough for persuading me to go. I'm glad we could jam together haha. I think Matty Healy's words will be held close to my heart for a very long time. I expected him to talk about the election, and I know that he can be a smartass so I was ready for some jokes and big talk. But he took it so seriously. I honestly believed what he said. To hear those words from someone who isn't even from here, RIGHT after the fact, and IN the DMV. I can't tell you what it means to me.

I'm grateful for Thursday, and for McDaniel Madrigals. Our beautiful little choir group performed at the Kennedy Center last night. They did so so well and they looked so good. And IT'S THE KENNEDY CENTER. I'm endlessly proud of them, especially of all my Alpha Psi babies. Seeing them on my newsfeed and watching all the alumn comment on the stream was the highlight of my day.

10-15-16

My laughing trio makes any day special. We got to celebrate Charlottes 22nd birthday together. It was such an amazing time. I'm so grateful that we got the change to get together. We had some DELICIOUS sushi and ice cream, we caught up, and we even got real philosophical haha. And of course we laughed. We laughed lots. And that's always the best part. As an added bonus, I realized this week that, as a group, we only had 5 pictures together. Which seemed ridiculous considering all the time we spent together. SO. We went for picture number six. Special shout out to the precious people who let us bug them. Much obliged haha. Seriously, any night with my girls and some good food is A+.

10-14-16

My lovely cousin, Cindy, visited from Arizona this week. She's been living in Arizona for three years as a teacher for autistic students in grades 4-6. She was sent there as part of the Teach for America program, and now she's just there because her job genuinely makes her happy and she loves those itty bitties. Seriously. She's a super hero. The things she does just blow my mind and it's such an inspiration to watch her not only do so much good for these kids, but LOVE every second of it. Passionate teachers, man. They change the world.

The family had a dinner for her since her birthday is coming up. Wow was it lovely to be with everyone. I enjoy catching up and seeing all the babies. And of course, they make me laugh to no end and understand me on a level that no one else can. This group of people fills my heart. AND, Cindy, coming in clutch, got pupusas, yucca, and pumpkin cheesecake for us all. GOD IS GOOD. Hehe successful night all around.

Start the Weekend Right

Hooray for sweetness! Yesterday, we were visited by Corner Bakery and they gave the office tons of delicious desserts, on top of some DELICIOUS sandwiches (and chips that ran out before I could get to them). They were all super great. The brownies are fab and the cookies are so soft and lovely. But the CHEESECAKE BARS. CHILD. I was in heaven. It was just such a nice surprise. And when it was time to go home, my mommy surprised me with two slices of cheesecake! What a wonderful life.

Today is a new day. We FINALLY fixed the copiers, so I no longer have to do a 20 step process to complete my work (nor do I have to give other people more work). The boy also FINALLY checked his mail! No response for the letter just yet but honestly, I'm just so relieved. I'm no longer wondering whether or not USPS did their job haha. Now the ball is 10000% in his court. And even if the conversation has ended, I'm okay. And I'm happy knowing that I'm okay. I did all I could and I'm genuinely satisfied with the situation. I look forward to the future, whatever it may have in store. Today is Friday, so I get out of work at four. I will head home, go to McDonald's, stop by an ATM, and head to Jeannie Bird Bakery in Westminster. I am gonna see Dead Man's Cell Phone at McDaniel tonight and I'm gonna love on all my babies. Things are good. God is so good. I've got a feeling that it's just gonna keep being good. One way or another. Let's keep it up!

9-18-16

Yesterday was Dia de las Naciones at church! It's a day where we all get to celebrate the lovely cultures of Latin America that fill our congregation, and talk about the missionary work going on and how we can be a part of it. I love this day because you get to see everyone dressed up in traditional attire from their countries. The little kids are always adorable and it's a beautiful array of colors. This year, we were joined by the Bowens! Poor Cristina was so bored during service haha but it always feels so good to have them there. I know lots of people were really excited to see Karla and to finally meet David. So many people wanted to hold him! I think people forget how uncomfortable babies can be when they're passed around too much, or how easy it is for them to get sick. It was still sweet though. And we had a huge lunch filled with lots of delicious foods from all our countries. It was good eatin' let me tell you. The ladies did a brilliant job. And then Jaroll, MVP of the day, played his trumpet during lunch. He played every single national anthem. Of course he started with the United States, the patriot he is. But he played all of them beautifully. They're not easy to play, believe me. Karla, my mom, and I belted the words to the Salvadorian anthem as he played. We're a proud people haha. Honestly, yesterday was so good. I'm glad we could have fun together.

Life is crazy and I'm so glad I'm a planner. I have two things planned in November that haven't been written down. But basically the rest of this month and every weekend in October is booked! Thank God for online editable calendars.

Regular Friday Jam

I LIVE FOR FRIDAYS! Today is lovely. Jenny has her last day here at work, so everyone is spreading lots of love. It's nice to see them all nostalgic and see her get showered in the love and support she deserves. I'm glad I will still get to see her at church. She's always been there for me, and I'm so glad she's moving forward in her life and getting back to school. Karla is proof of how great this Physical Therapy program is, so I know she will learn a lot and have many opportunities come her way. Also, Ciara has been hired as an official employee. She'll be taking over Jenny's job. I'm glad that I'll still have someone here who is close to me in age. And someone I grew up with, no less! She'll do great, I know it.

To celebrate, we all pitched in and bought Jenny a yummy cake. Also, Maria, bless her soul she is a saint, made this AMAZING lunch. Chicken in this white sauce that is divine, made with milk and Salvadorian creme, which you already know I'm obsessed with. She's got an insanely good beef dish sitting in that slow cooker that has my nose all excited. And three fantastic kinds of rice. Seriously, she's a super woman and she is absolutely filled with love and generosity. Ugh, that food is so good, man. I'm blessed haha. On top of that, one of Maria's patients is so thankful for her awesomeness that he brought donuts for her and the whole office. So I may finally satisfy that craving after all. WHAT A DAY.

In 24 hours, I'll be on my way to McDaniel for a weekend visit. The hype is real.

Closing Night but Not Really

Tonight was the last night for a while of Panto. We had two shows today. It was certainly incredibly busy, but we made so many little kids happy. Seeing them get excited for Snow White and the Prince made my day. And I loved all the parents complimenting Joshy and me on our Christmas Carol bit. It was so fun. And I'm so glad Emily came to visit! It warms my heart that she always plans her visits so that she can see my shows. She's seen more shows than my own family has, and I will forever be grateful to her as a friend for supporting me.

Also, between shows, the apartment was full! Not only were we all present, but Torreke, Moises, and Norman were all here. And Norman brought some homemade pupusas, so I was literally living. It felt just like home.

11-4-15

Nothing makes you happy like a good meal. And lemme tell you. Hot turkey sandwich made with love from Mrs. Pat AND some amazing fudge cheesecake with an oreo crust made by Bonnie the Baker? Yes. Yes yes yes. Just all the yes. And all the Jess! I got to enjoy the meal with Jess A and Jess Mies. So basically lunch was just a very nice, happy time for me :)

Cheat Weekend

I had funnel cake yesterday. And ice cream today. Let's be real I will probably have dessert tomorrow either at Jose's birthday party or during my dinner with Fabrizio. Ah well. Good food is good. Gotta work it off when I get back to school. Meanwhile I have not been super productive but have been instead relaxing and catching up with family. Seeing baby today was lovely. I love her so much. She makes my heart super happy. There's a lot of love in that house.

Lunch Date

Today, I went out to lunch with Evan! He took me to the Green Turtle, which was nice. I'd never been before, and it's always nice to try new places. And it was certainly nice to catch up with my brother. He's a darling. I'm a little sad Ali (princess girlfriend) couldn't join us (we were meant to meet earlier but snow made us cancel). But I still got to talk to her! And it turns out Evan is headed for Spain in a  couple of weeks. I'm certainly glad I got to see him before he takes such a huge step. Hopefully I'll be able to speak to him in spanish when he comes back haha.

Wined & Dined

I went to a dinner tonight at the Four Seasons Hotel in Baltimore's Inner Harbor. I, along with some other students, went to this dinner as a thank you to all the benefactors who have helped with several of the scholarships the school has awarded us. Everything. Was. Beautiful. The hotel itself was GORGEOUS. That staircase. Ugh. And the salad was so well done. Baby spinach, blue cheese, a sweet vinaigrette, and some fruit, all with light ranch dressing. All the flavors just blended so surprisingly well! And we didn't even add the dressing ourselves, the waiters poured it for us! WHAT? The dinner was a delicious chicken, an interesting take on potato slices, and the most tender salmon I've ever eaten in my whole life. MMM. Dessert was 3 small samples. The first was like blueberry pie. The second was a small chocolate mousse. The third was vanilla pudding? It had these little spheres that looked like Dippin' Dots, but they weren't cold. They tasted of Cookies & Cream. UGH. Dead. And, after some pretty great speeches by both teachers, donors, and students, there was an acapella performance by a group from Mount St. Mary's called "Pitch, Please". The hymns were beautiful, Jasmine and I were fangirling the whole time. People were dressed so elegantly and really treated you so kindly. It was just beautiful all around.

Littles

Mae invited us over to her house! She has a house with her classmate Keira, who is also in Alpha Psi. Oh my gosh, it's beautiful. It's so spacious! And so I got to spend the evening with them, Kiera's friend (slash a sort-of Teacher's Assistant in my Stage craft class) Eric, my twin Joshy, and Emily. Emily is a junior who is in Alpha Psi AND is Mae's little in a different social sorority. Anyway. It was just a wonderful family dinner. We had fun. And I just love spending time with wonderful people. I especially love hearing stories about all the shows and stuff that have passed on campus. I can't wait to tell stories of my own :)

Language

You know how the sad truth is the cleaning staff is always Hispanic? Well, no, but the majority of the time it is. Anyway, there were these two ladies cleaning out the trash bins while I was walking from my room to the bathroom (right across the hall, hah!). I heard them speaking Spanish so I said good morning and excused myself. I could tell they were surprised to hear Spanish from me. The truth is most Hispanic girls on campus don't ever speak Spanish because, chances are, all their friends here don't know the language. Well they struck up a conversation with me and they were just mega friendly and sweet. AND as an added bonus, they told me where I can find tamales and tacos and empanadas and all the wonderful things. Homemade. UGH. yes.

Silver Diner

Took my youth group to Silver Diner! Most of them had never been. Noobs. BASICALLY it was the best time I've had in a long time. It hurts to say goodbye. Yes, I'll be back in 2 weeks. But seriously, these guys are so there for me. Truly. I don't know if I could've survived this summer without them. It hurts. But at least we had tonight. Filled with laughter, good food, and the people who truly just understand.

Cristina also joined us tonight! Karla and the baby made their appearance and had dinner with us (sort of :$ ). I'm so glad everyone got to see them. And I shall be spending tomorrow and Thursday here as well. So you know I'm in for the best last week.

To Pinterest!

Brunch with my laughing trio today, plus Spencer who asked for the whole thing to happen because he wanted to see us outside a work setting. With special guest, Harrison! And oh my gosh did we laugh. And have a beautiful meal, thank you Charlotte and your pinterest board. I'm especially glad I saw Harrison, because I didn't think I would his summer. It's been so nice to just hang out with everyone like old times. Except I think we're all in a much better place than we were a year ago. I see these people being dear to me for very long.

SUGO

Two posts in one day because I don't play by your rules!

Had the LOVELIEST of evenings with Margie & Charlotte. We went to this place called Sugo's in Potomac. Food was so good. And there was NUTELLA CHEESECAKE. Best believe I brought that home with me. The things we talked about. What didn't we talk about? I love those girls. I truly can tell them anything and everything. I love our friendship to an unimaginable degree. ALSO, Spencer, the darling that he is, was working hard! I'm super glad I got to see him. That kid is growing up really well, and I can't wait to see him succeed in everything. ELIGIBLE BACHELOR OVER HERE LADIES & GENTLEMEN! You know who isn't a bachelor? The freaking gorgeous waiter with the exotic name that Spencer set up for us. Like, boo that he has a girlfriend, but he was just so nice to look at. Thank you Spencer. Thank you.

I'll get back to you whenever I stop playing this song

Life With Lindo

Reason 324: Pancakes for breakfast. Pupusas for lunch. AW YEAH, good eatin'!

12 years ago, Carrie Hope Fletcher played Young Eponine in Les Miserables in London's West End.

Today was her first performance in her dream role as Eponine. I'm so incredibly proud and happy for her.