Living Conditions

You know I'm living with my in-laws right now.  But did you know we're on a plan to live here for a year?  We're trying to pay off debt, save money to buy a house and buy cars and basically start fresh and clean.  We feel so grateful and blessed that Mauricio's parents have agreed to allow us to live here.  Really, they're great.

But that said, we're a bit tight.  Why?  Because my dear husband doesn't want to continue paying for a storage unit.  He wants to bring in all of our boxes and sell our furniture.  I'm not thrilled with this idea.  I don't think selling our furniture is wise because once we do have our own place, we'll be sitting on the floor.  So we're trying to find a place to store our furniture rent free.

The boxes, however, are here already.  I know what you're thinking... where?  There are already 6 people living there!  Where?  I'll tell you.  Pushed up against every available wall space in our room.  It's organized... but chaotic.  How's that for an oxymoron?!  

No, that's not all... the rest are under Marco's bed and Jonas' crib.  And there's another side of the room I didn't photograph.  So this is how we're living... for a year.  

I keep telling myself I can sacrifice for a year.  I mean, really, what's a year in the grand scheme of things.  We have our whole lives together... one year is nothing.  But the other part of me keeps saying I deserve the "wife of the year" award.  What do you think?

Music Time

Anyone that knows me, knows how much I love music.  And by now, if you've been reading my blog, you've also realized how important it is in my life.  What initially drove me to Mauricio was his musical talent and ability.  Yes, it's that important.

Naturally, I want my kids to be musical.  I dream of the days that we take car trips and sing road songs together... in four part harmony.  Dorky?  Yes!  And I love it.  When Marco tells me his letters and counts, I am happy.  When Marco sings his ABC's or any other song, I am elated.  We play pitch games, rhythm games and learn tons of songs.  I think he's quite talented.  

Even Jonas has demonstrated his musical skills.  He tries to sing along with Marco and he can do some rhythmic "ba ba"'s.  Four part harmony here we come!

Now tell me this isn't dorky... to the extreme.  In the car, we sing the Super Why theme song.  I'm on lead, and Mauricio does the accompaniment and harmonies.  Marco sings along too.  At home, Mauricio plays it on the piano or guitar and we all sing along.  Wow, that's kinda embarrassing... too music-nerd-y.  But we love it! 

This semester, we decided to sign Marco up for Music Time.  It's like your basic Kindermusik class, only a little more foundational.  We go every Friday and Marco loves it.  He says, "We're going to Yukis Cass" (That's "Music Class" for those of you not fluent in toddler).  We sing songs, we play with shakers, jingles, glocks, claves, hoops and scarves.  We do rhythmic training, pitch development and body movement.  What's great is that I know he's learning basic technique that is foundational for becoming a musician.  What's great is that HE doesn't know any of that... all he knows is that he's having a whole lotta fun!  

Marco is a great student too! (When he pays attention).  He sings on pitch and loudly.  He can clap on rhythm and follow directions.  The only thing he wont do is sing alone into the mic.  For some reason he becomes shy at that point... which is completely out of character for him.  I had NEVER seen Marco be shy before this.  But he'll get the hang of it soon enough.  

For now, Jonas just watches the class.  Although there is a class for his age range, we are not enrolled.  I would not be able to bring Marco with me to Jonas' class, and for right now that's not an option.  So Jonas is learning by watching for now... but I'm convinced he's still learning.  Next semester they'll be able to be in the same class, so long as Jonas is walking by then.  That'll be seriously great!  I can't wait for them to play and learn music together!

If you're in Miami and interested in getting music classes for your child, it's never to late or early to start.  They have classes from birth to 8 years of age.  Visit THIS SITE for more information.  

And now I leave you with a few pictures of the class:

Seriously?! Thursday

It's Thursday... so I'm linking up for another Seriously?! Thursday.  You're gonna have to bear with me.  I've had a glass of wine, I'm a light weight, and I'm trying to remember all of my Seriously?! moments.  Mmkay?

Seriously?!  I've been lacking in the blogging department this week.  Sorry!  I could use some topic suggestions.  If you've got any, shoot!

Seriously?!  An old guy hit on me at Publix the other day.  And I'm not talking "could be my dad" old... I'm talking "could be my GRANDfather" old.  First of all, SERIOUSLY?!  Secondly, yuck yuck YUCK!  He's all, "you've got great eyes... what's your name... oh my you are beautiful".  And guys, I seriously ran away... gagging.

Seriously?!  Jonas has a major ear infection.  And has probably had it for weeks.  But HOW should I know.  Fever? no.  Yellow/green mucus? no.  Loss of appetite? no.  Crankiness? no.  Fatigue? no.  So, tell me Mama's... with no symptoms, how's a woman supposed to know?!  I feel so bad for him.  He's probably been miserable!

Seriously?!  Did I mention that Jonas is also getting 4 teeth at the same time right now?  All on top!  So, on top of the ear infection, he's got FOUR teeth piercing through.  Miserable indeed.

Seriously?!  When we took Marco to the doctor today, they did his growth chart.  And he's off the chart for height.  As in, there is no number that high.  Like, he's a good half ince above the the highest line (97%).  He is seriously going to be TALL!  Mauricio is already having dreams of Marco playing for the Miami Heat.  "And now, your center MARCOOOOOOO AVESAAAAAAANIIIIII!"  Can you hear it?  He can.

Seriously?!  Speaking of the doctor.  It was a new one since we just moved to town.  The doctor was great.  The nurse, not so much.  She was short with me and then spoke to me in Spanish the whole time.  Yes, I know Spanish, but it ticks me off when people ASSUME that I know it and EXPECT me to speak it!  And, to top it off, she wants me to speak medical terminology in Spanish.  That means I have to translate it into what I think is closest to the actual thing.  That's not fair to me or my kids.  I told her I couldn't explain these things in Spanish and asked her if she spoke English... no... so I ended up filling out the questionnaire for her.  Very professional.  And people always tell me, "Well, this is Miami, you should know Spanish".  Ummmm... This is AMERICA... you should know ENGLISH!  Seriously?!  Am I crazy or right?

Seriously?!  I am becoming a woman.  No, I didn't just get my period (look at the next line for more on that).  For a long time I had been carrying around a kiddie sized monkey book bag as my purse.  I have a few nice Coach bags, but I don't want to screw them up with leaky sippy cups and cookie crumbs... so I've been super klassy with my monkey book bag.  But not anymore!  I bought a purse!  It's perfect.  It's got 2 side pockets that are big enough to hold the sippy cups.  It's trendy, small and purple.  But that's not the best part.  It cost... wait for it... $8.99!  BOOYA!  Thank you Ross!

Seriously?!  Now that my tubes are tied, I really get ticked off every month when Flo comes to visit.  Now that I can't get pregnant, ever again, it really seems pointless.  Yes, I know I still need it for hormonal reasons and blah blah blah, but it's more annoying now than ever.  And I just keep reminding myself that I'll have to endure it every month for the next 30 years.  Do you know how many periods that is?!  360!  Seriously?!

Seriously?!  I am planning another giveaway.  I don't know from where yet... but there WILL be a giveaway.  But not until I have 50 followers.  I've got 9 to go.  Make it happen people!

Back in Business, Baby!

Woohoo!  I'm baaack!  Today I taught my first voice lesson in over 2 months.

By the time I left Greenville, I had 13 consistant weekly voice students.  For an afternoon gig, 4 days a week, that's pretty sweet.  But I didn't start off that way... it took me over 2 years to get there.  I started off with just one, and little by little with a lot of patience, more started coming.  "If you build it, they will come".  (sorry, I had to).  In Greenville, I got all of my students either by THIS site or by word of mouth. Took me 2 years, but my studio was finally large enough to have a recital!  Remember my professional accomplishment?

But, alas, I had to give all that up and move to Miami... you know, because I kinda love my husband and HAVE to follow him.  So, upon moving here, I updated my listing on Vocalist.org and my website:  www.SingWithNicole.com and put out a few posts on FB about my availability.  But I didn't hear anything.  I didn't get a single bite.

Now, my sister-in-law, Alaina is also a musician and knows a lot of people in the music world in Miami.  I asked her if she knew of anyone wanting voice lessons to please pass them my way... and thankfully she did!  This girl's mom knew Alaina from mission trips and was looking for a teacher for her daughter's entrance exam into the FIU vocal program  Alaina sent her my info and just like that, I got a new student! My first private Miami student!  And I'm sooooo excited!

She started with me today and it went really well.  Her audition is at the end of November, so we've got a lot of work to do.  She's got to learn 2 art songs... one in English, one in Italian... learn basic theory and basic sight singing for her entrance audition.  Since it's so close to the audition date, she's planning on taking 2-3 lessons per week!  SCORE!!!

My gracious mother-in-law has offered to come home early on those days to take the kids.  We have it all worked out!

And, if you're wondering... I have BIG plans for the money I earn.  This money is NOT to pay for bills, or go towards the down payment of a house, or go towards the down payment of a car, or go towards anything except... a 5 year anniversary vacation.  Next summer is our 5 year and I want to do something fabulous.  I'm saving my pennies to make it happen.  It WILL happen.  Every little bit helps, right?

So my Miami readers... here's a deal for you.  (Because, I'm not gonna be visiting any white beaches with only 1 student, ya know?).  If you or anyone you know want to take voice lessons, I'll offer the first lesson FREE if you mention this blog post.  That's right... a FREE lesson!  Come on, word of mouth is my best advertisement.  Hook a sistah up, would ya?  For the love, I haven't been on a vacation since my HONEY MOON (and that sucked!).  I'm sitting by the phone, eagerly awaiting your calls.  This is just shameless plugging on my part... am I right?

Reunion Recap

Remember when I wrote the post outlining the 10 reasons I'm not attending my 10 year reunion?  (If you didn't read it, click the link... you know you want to!)  Well, right after I posted that, I got into a "heap of trouble".  I was officially BANNED from the FB page and received a message telling me that what I had done was worse than all the comments and issues.  I made quite a splash!

I was once told that I am a pot stirrer... and it's true.  So here I go... stirring the pot once again.

Today is the big day.  The 10 year reunion.  Everyone (minus me) has been anticipating this date.  Dresses have been purchased.  Flights have been booked.  Babysitters have been called.  People have made big plans for tonight.  The one thing people didn't plan on?  Rain.

Ok, seriously?!  How can you NOT plan on rain in FLORIDA!  There is ALWAYS a back up plan... always.  But not for the reunion.  If you remember, they planned on having the party in the porch of rented home.  They had to rent chairs, tables, linens, dance floor.  Hire caterers, bartenders, dj, valet and security.  This whole "house party" was costing $80 per person.  Remember?

So now you're thinking, "if it's at a house, why not move the party inside?" and that would be the logical option.  Only, the interior of the house is under construction and unavailable!  It's like the icing on the cake.  I wonder what they planned on doing about bathrooms?  haha.

A few hours ago, there was a post on FB saying that the reunion has been postponed to a later date due to the weather.  The date is to be determined.  And when someone expressed that this was all highly unprofessional, they were attacked.  I wonder if he too will be banned for coming after the committee... it's like Big Brother, people!

The people who have not grown up in the last 10 years still have some things to say... such as:
- Let's make it a slip n' slide party
-  Wet t-shirt contest!
mmhmmm... riiiight.

What about all those people who booked babysitting for tonight?  What about all those people who saved their money to hop on a plane and see their high school friends?  What about the $80 per person?  I can't believe they would be so UNPROFESSIONAL as to assume that making these accommodations would be simple and free.  To cancel the event on the DAY of the event is unheard of.  Those people that travelled from far away will not be able to book another flight and come back in town on the new day of the committee's choosing.  They should not have to be at their beck and call.  And, the real kicker... they're not going to return anyone's money.  Even if they can't make it to the new date.  Why? Because everyone's been paid already.  No refunds.  That is CRAP.

I think the whole thing has been a spectacle and debacle from the very beginning... but this just tops it all!  This could all have been avoided if they had been NORMAL and booked the event in a reception hall or hotel.  But nooooo, that would be too simple and logical... and "hello, we are like super st. brendan and it has to be absolutely super."  (use your Miami-girl voice for that.)


In all honesty, I feel bad for those people who spent a lot of their hard earned money to attend this event and now they wont be able to.  It's a shame that the committee did not have the foresight to see that Mother Nature always has the last say.