1 Step Forward 2 Steps Back

Today I decided to exercise my civil duty and vote. Wanting to beat the crowds this upcoming Tuesday I read up on the candidates and the new voting system. Might I say this city seems to always be taking the wrong steps. Its like we take one step forward and two big steps backwards. 

1. We're back to bubbling in our vote. Problem: I know that some individuals will check mark the vote or "X" the spot.
2. We're adding more paper into the mix. Problem: What happened to our city becoming green.
3. The is an added process/step in order to vote. Problem: each machine cost thousands of dollars for a wasted system. 
4. In order to make a correction you must get a new ballot. Problem: First that means wasting more paper and second there was nothing wrong with the finger touch system we used before. You were able to preview your vote on the screen and correct the mistake before pushing the big red vote button.
5. The last step is scanning your bubbled ballot. Problem: You have to type in a code given (extra step) then wait for the machine to say that everything is ok. If not you can either leave it as is or get a new ballot thus more paper. 

Our county has spent tons of money on a system that can be far more confusing than the old one,  less environmentally friendly, and not time efficient. I think it would of been better if we came up with a system that used our old electronic one with a paper trail added feature. Next thing you know we will have new voting system come this presidential election.

Tracking of the Heron

How often do we focus on the negatives of a natural disaster. Today I was enlighten by the beauty that comes with such disasters. To my surprise a white Heron flew into my front yard. Never have I  had a chance to get up close and personal with a heron or any other bird of that matter. I was able to walk behind him and finally get close enough to see him snap a lizard off a tree and eat it. The heron wasn't even shocked how close I was. We exchanged glances or what I would call a slight nod. It was nice to see God's creation in the midst of a storm.

 

Blockbuster's Feable Attempts to Increase Business

Yesterday while in line at blockbuster Merari and I came across the candy isle. Of course the put the overly priced candy right next you while waiting patiently (aka forever) in line. Apparently, that tactic hasn't been working well enough, so they decided that Cocoa Pete's chocolate would be the solution. I'm wondering, do the university marketing departments teach that moan inducing chocolate would be the answer to plummeting sales?

Slava's Snow Show

The Alves-Daily Family and the De Armas Family experienced Slava's Snow Show this past weekend. My mother happened to catch a glimpse of it on on Globo and thought it would be neat if both our families went to it. So we all ventured out expecting something along the lines of  Cirque du Soleil, but instead we got something completely different.  The show is a mix of clowns focusing on pantomime, crowd involvement, and human reaction. It is a must see event, and experience unlike no other. Rey could not stop laughing at the simplicities of clowns falling out of a chair. Slava has a way of triggering your inner childhood yet adding a feel modernness. 

Rainbow of Havaianas

Last Thursday my mother returned from a months trip in Brazil, and of course she came baring gifts. Seeing that this was the third year of her missing my birthday, she owed me huge. I know you're thinking giving birth to me was enough, but in my book...wrong. (Just kidding) 

Now if anyone knows me, other than food and sleep, wearing my Havaianas is the next best thing. So every time someone I know travels to Brazil I politely ask for a pair of Havaianas. So when my mother went she knew exactly what to get me, and boy did she ever. The color of the rainbow is what she brought back.  The best part...now I have a pair for any outfit. Check it out.

One Year!

Rey and I celebrated our one year anniversary on the 21st of this month.  I couldn't believe how quickly time pasted, it's true the older you get the quicker time goes by. This past year has been a great one full of laughter, quality time, vacations, hard times (long distance), and best of all the LOVE. Thank you Rey for making our first year a memorable and I look forward to many more.

This summer the both of us having been really busy, it seemed like we had something planned every weekend. Thank goodness for ical. We've celebrated birthdays, movie openings, and spent time with friends. The down side is that we haven't been able to spend as much quality time with each other. So we decided to get away from our area and travel far away to celebrate our anniversary. Lincoln Road was our distant travel (gas prices= determining factor) we got a chance to sit down and enjoy each others company. We made it a point to turn off our cells phones and focus on one another. One of my favorite things about our relationship is the time we spending sharing things, talking, and listening. Thankfully we got a chance to do all to the point that we almost forgot to refill the meter. Thank you to all our friends who wished us a Happy Anniversary, we have loved having you share in our relationship. 

Ten days later the time has come as good friends of ours Alex, Kristel, and Anne Marie will be leaving us. I will miss them very much, but I know that God has a wonderful plan in store for each of them. Plus with all the upcoming weddings = short visits with them. I can't think of a better way to see them, other than partying it up at a wedding. I love you guys...see you soon.

Ana"isms"

My beautiful mother has been in Brazil visiting family for the past month now. I've been missing her like crazy, but thankfully we've kept in touch via phone but mostly through email. So I decided to email her about my birthday and how everything went. Instead of writing a long winded email I told her to read my blog. Being the supportive mother that she is, not only did she read it she wrote me back a comment via my email here it is:

Dear Lauren, a read your blog, but only one little thing is missing I bilieved a call to you early that day before everybody. love mom

What it should of said: Dear Lauren, I read your blog, but only one little thing was missing, I believe I was the first to call you early on your birthday before everybody else. love mom

I about died laughing reading and rereading the email. You see one of the things I love most about my mother is her "isms" or Ana"isms". You'd think that it was just her inability to write, but that's where your wrong my mother actually speaks like that, just add a somewhat strong Brazilian accent to it. Reading her email only made me miss her and love her even more. Funny thing is now you can see where I get it from...hopefully you enjoyed the laugh as much as I did.