Midnight Run To See King Tut!

The mask of the face of King Tut. This no longer leaves Egypt as it is too fragile to travel.


Just a little recap before I go on with my story. The King Tut exhibit had been at the Dallas Museum of Art since October 2008 and this past weekend (5-16 - 5-17) was the last weekend.

In honor of that and because the turnout was not as had been expected (600,00 visitors as opposed to the 1 million they predicted), I guess the organizers of the event decided to pull a 36-hour marathon - let me explain. The regular hours of operation ended around 8 p.m. or so and what Friday night and Saturday night would would be a midnight run of tours - 12 a.m. - 7:00 a.m. for half price ($16.50).

I heard this on the radio and read it on the news somewhere and thought well what a fun thing to do - watch King Tut at midnight - how cool is that. Well, once I shared this with my sisters, and some friends, they thought I was psycho for sure! I managed to make others be psycho with me as I kept getting told that I could still get killed for free downtown at the Arts District - so around 11:45 on Saturday night, we headed out towards the Dallas Museum of Art to catch a glimpse of the exhibit. Oh and before I continue, I did call Ticketmaster and confirmed with them that advance purchase would not be necessary as tickets would be sold at the box office and you would be able to go in right after.

After getting a little lost in ghettoville, we found some parking only to realize that as my sister and friend said, "I was not the ONLY CRAZY PERSON!!!!!"

I'm telling you people, there was a line that stretched almost an entire block. We got in line only to hear through a blaring microphone a couple of minutes later that the tickets that were being sold at that moment would be for the 4:00 a.m. showing. I don't know if I was more confused about what was going on or just didn't want to believe it, as we still stood in line (my doing of course) and walked right up to the ticket booth only to walk away from it with no tickets. My accompanying guests didn't really look like they wanted to hang around until 4 a.m. even though it was already 1:30 - what was a couple of more hours, right?

Well based on the disappointed faces I was looking at, I decided we'd head back home. Sunday would be the last day the exhibit would be open and if I wanted to come, I'd have to pay the full price $32.50, but I was determined to see the exhibit and walked away knowing that somehow I'd be back in a couple of hours.

I went home and because I was so wired, stayed up 'till 6:00 a.m. on Sunday morning all the while trying to figure out a way to go back and see the exhibit later that day. I finally went to bed and slept until around 10:30 and decided to call Ticketmaster, AGAIN!

The young lady told me that no tickets were being sold in advance and that I'd have to purchase them at the box office - she assured me that I would get in. I asked Frank if he'd be interested in going and we decided we would go and drag Sydney along and see if she'd pass for a 5 year old to get in for free instead of pay the $16.50 that would cost to get her in. We decided it might be a better idea to go to the last showing and maybe we wouldn't be so rushed through the exhibit - as that's what I was reading on the DMN blogs and comment sections.



This is Kraft's Miracle Whip new advertising campaign. After the bad night I'd had that night, I thought it was the funniest thing seeing these signs - and they just seemed to be ALL over the place. I've adopted this as my new slogan, "Don't Be So Mayo!" It's just another way I'll suggest that when life throws lemons your way, grab a little ice and some sugar and make some lemonade people!!!!!!!

Marathon Weekend.........

but not the kind you are probably thinking of, it did not involve running of any kind. It was more of a pretty busy weekend with very few hours of sleep.

It started with fishing on Friday night. Went out on Lake Tawakoni with a man that owns a party boat of sorts that he's fixed up to accommodate about 15 people - you pay him $20, well, $25 now (you know with the economy being bad and all) and he takes you out to a fishing spot of his. Every other time I've gone, we've been out there until 1:00 or 1:30 in the morning and Friday night was not the exception. It turned out to be a really good fishing night, caught me a couple of fish. We ended up having to call it a night because we ran out of bait, which mind you, has never happened before. Anyways, it was about 2:30 a.m. on Saturday morning by the time I got to bed - I was tired. On the way back to the boat ramp, I just crashed out!



The lake.



Sound asleep...zzzzzzzzzzz'!

I woke up early Saturday morning because I had an eye appointment at 10:00 a.m. and headed out to that. After that I went over to Liz's and stayed there until about 2:30 p.m. then headed home with just enough time to jump in the shower and get dressed to meet up with a friend of whom I won't disclose her name for obvious reasons that you'll find out next.

I arrived at my friend's at about 6:00 p.m. and we headed out towards downtown Dallas were we would catch dinner before going to see a play, "Sor Juana En Sus Colores Una Vida Definida," at the Latino Cultural Center. We ended up at Gloria's (one of my favorite restaurants) on Greenville. I'd never been to this one but even for it being dinner time, we didn't have to wait to be seated and our food was brought out real fast, which was nice. We were almost done with dinner and realized we still had plenty of time and before we realized it, lost track of time and then it was like 7:20 p.m. and we were trying to get out of there to catch the 7:30 play.

The next 15 minutes would be eventful to say the least. On our way to the Latino Cultural Center down Greenville Avenue, I noticed a "Photo Enforced" sign and said to my friend, "Oh look, this intersection has a camera." Just as I said that, I see the light turn red and we are not even near the crosswalk and as unreal as it seemed, my friend didn't even stop but instead went right through the light. When I realized what she was not going to do - STOP - and what she was doing - driving through the red light - all I could say was, "no, no, no!"

After she went through the intersection I turned to her and said, "Did you realize there was a camera back there at that light you just ran?" Her response, "Is that why you were saying, "no, no, no?," I was like yes....you just ran a red light at a photo enforced intersection which more than likely will mean she will get a citation in the mail (I would know this because of course this is what I do for a living) for $75.

As if things couldn't get any worse - of course they would!!!!! We continued down the road and my friend was trying to find the street (Live Oak St) where the cultural center was located. I guess she was just distracted that the next thing I realized is that we are approaching a flashing red intersection which as you all may know, means everyone must make a stop before proceeding (kind of like what you do at a 4-way stop) - anyways, well my friend did not do that and just as she was turning, I again turned to her and said, "You just did something illegal!!!!" (We also enforce right on red through the Safelight program) Right as she was turning and I was pointing out what she did, on one of the other 3 stops, was a Dallas Police squad car. Of course you know what happened next.......

The cop makes a u-turn and heads our direction with lights on. My friend pulls over and the officer comes by and takes her D.L. and insurance card. As we wait for him to decide what he's going to do - we realize that 2 more squad cars are headed in our direction. At first we thought they might just be driving by but won't you believe, they both turned around and parked right behind the first cop car.

My friend and I were just stunned. I mean we ain't no criminals to merit 3 cop cars behind us for a routine traffic stop. Finally the 3rd cop left but we were still left with 2. Right as the first officer comes back to give my friend her documentation and of course the stupid ticket, the 2nd officer comes along the passenger side of the car which is obviously where I was at and so my friend rolls down the window. I thought to myself, I'm not turning around and acknowledging him unless he speaks to me.

Well, let's just say we would both just stay there in silence - he never said a word, just stood there and I, well, I just sat there as well. The officer asks my friend for her signature and proceeds to tell us both to be careful and leaves back to his patrol car. We both looked at each other and just laughed - of nerves I'm sure...what a night this was turning out to be.

We drive off and finally come upon the Latino Cultural Center only to be faced with yet ANOTHER obstacle - parking!!!!!! We went around for like 5 minutes and finally paralleled into a spot. We march on into the center and after the first attempt to open one set of locked doors walk up to another set. I wouldn't believe our bad luck if I wasn't there myself. A young lady comes out of the auditorium to tell us that the place is filled to capacity with 300 people and that no one else can come in - what a bummer!

We decide to call it a night and head back to my friend's where we chat for a while and then I head back to my place. After what happened with the rest of my plans, which I'll finish telling in the next blog, I decided that for whatever reason, none of my plans were meant to happen that night.





The ceiling at the center. I thought it was so cool!

GISD's 32nd Annual Special Education Olympic Games

The Program for the event.


Yesterday, Sydney participated in her very first Special Olympics. It had been originally scheduled for last Friday, May 8th, but was rescheduled due to the whole "swine flu" scare going around.

Thank goodness the CDC decided to put a stop to all this madness and tell the whole world that there isn't all that much to worry about...this whole thing isn't at pandemic status.

Anyways, I was glad it didn't get cancelled completely and that instead it was rescheduled as honestly I was looking forward to seeing Sydney participate. The event would be held at Williams Stadium where the Garland High School football team plays their home games.

The event kicked off at 10:00 with a parade featuring the athletes. A total of 35 schools participated with around 400 students. It was really something else to see all these students so excited and ready to go - proudly representing their individual schools.

This was my first year attending and I honestly had no clue what all went on, but must agree with one of Sydney's classmates parents, that next year, we will have our "spirit" on. I will make sure that Luna is well represented with nice, colorful banners and loud horns to let our students know we are PROUD of them and all they do.

After all the students "marched" around the track, they all took their seats and then in groups began forming to do their event at the competition. Sydney would be participating in the 25m walk/run as well as the assisted tennis ball throw.

From what I could tell, not just Luna, but the rest of the schools had "buddies" assigned to each student. Sydney had 2 very nice young ladies, Naaman Forest Seniors, assigned to her. Poor girls, they really did keep on a smile the entire time they were out there with Sydney, as did the rest of the buddies!

When it finally came time for Sydney to do her run, the rest of the kids and parents that came got ready to cheer her on, along with Mr. Howard, Luna's Principal who also showed up for a bit, and Ms. Padden and the TA's and other Luna staff that came along.

Sydney would be competing against 3 other kids. The volunteers lined them up and even though they had practiced like 1 month ago for this, I didn't know how well Sydney would do. I kind of figured, it would be wonderful just to keep them on the track and not have them run in total different directions.

Well, as ALWAYS....I should learn by now, NEVER to underestimate my Sydney poo. The whistle blew and off to the races she went and I do mean OFF SHE WENT! I swear it was as if you were watching Forest Gump run all across America, except she looked back a couple of times, but never fell, and reached the finish line WAY before the other 3 competitors. Okay people, I'm not joking, if I can figure out a way to put the video Frank shot of her running, I'll get that on here so you all don't think I'm just bragging because it's my kid....I seriously mean it....she BURNED all of them and all the while smiling as always.

I of course could not contain myself....I cheered like a mad woman. We were all so happy and just making all sorts of noise. Sydney really represented and did a fine job! Frank mentioned that the 25m she ran was nothing compared to what she will do when they are out at soccer practice. I really had no clue she could run and manage to stay inside her lane too! It was the best feeling ever. She was given a 1st place blue ribbon for her GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!

The rest of the students finally finished their competitions and then it was time to break for lunch. Frank and I took off to the nearest McDonald's to grab a quick bite and then headed back to the stadium.

The way the set-up for the afternoon games was, could use a little tweaking...of course this is the perfectionist in me speaking. Reason I say that is because when the students finished with lunch, they were all directed to the field and the parents, well some..1st year ones like myself, went back to their spots...those more experienced ones knew to go to the field with the students. We finally realized that sitting up at the bleachers would make it nearly impossible for us to see anything so we decided to head down to the field and join the students and teachers.

Unfortunately by the time we got down there, Ms. Regalado told Frank and I that Sydney had already competed in the tennis ball throw and had placed 3rd. I was a bit disappointed that I did not get to see her but still found her to congratulate her on her big accomplishments that day.

I can't even put into words the pride I felt that day of Sydney. Just when I think she can't impress me anymore, she does something like this and makes me feel even more proud of her - to be her mom and be blessed to have her as my daughter - I wouldn't have it any other way!



Sydney enjoying the moment!



Sydney with her buddies going to their place to get ready for the parade.



Representing Luna Elementary. In the picture from left to right are: Brendan, Kristen and Miles.



Sydney in the parade with her buddies.



Sydney and her proud daddy!



Resting right before the big race!



This is the video of Sydney running the 25m. No steroids here - all natural baby!



With her 1st place ribbon and her buddies that cheered her on to the finish line!



A little tired....need a nap?



With her classmates - back to front - Kristen, Sydney & Pamela.



Couldn't be prouder of my Sydney poo.

And the Party Continues.........

Okay, so Sydney's birthday was on May 4th, but because she is soooooo special, her celebration was a weeklong one and when Saturday rolled around, she was still being "honored" and this time with a little dinner with our family and some friends and of course a pinata to celebrate her turning 7!

Well I have to add that of course no celebration can go without something unexpected happening. What happened you might ask yourself? Well none other and horrible timing than my air conditioner going out. Luckily, or shall I say a blessing from above, a cold front blew in and trust me guys, some people were even pulling out their jackets...it was so chilly!

Overall, the day turned out GREAT! Sydney had a wonderful time....we were able to house and rotate people in 4's to eat at the table and though it seemed like a difficult feat, we pulled it off just fine with no complaints and 100% cooperation.

The meal was delicious, if I may say so myself....spaghetti with garlic bread, pizza and chicken salad that Erica was kind enough to bring over from CJ's party which was a huge success.

It's always nice to be able to celebrate with people you love - I've learned that no day should go by without us thanking God for allowing us to see that day.

I'm very grateful to be able to see Sydney turn a year older and only hope that I'll be around to see many, many more birthdays of my Syney poo!



Sydney and her pinata. She waited patiently all week and obeyed when told not to drag it around the house and leave it alone so that it could be in one piece for Saturday.



If you look closely, some mending had to be done to the pinata even before Sydney took the first hit with the stick. She apparently hit it with her hand and managed to make it break from the loop that was part of the pinata and well Frank had to cut some holes in it to run the rope so we could actually have a pinata that we could hand and have the kids hit.



CJ must really believe his tongue has special powers!!!!!!



Summer taking her stab at breaking the pinata open! Her tongue must do something as well!



Finally after a couple of more hits, that pinata broke open and gave way to all the candies stuck inside!



Sydney displaying her proud collection of candies. This has got to be the most she's ever gotten...in previous pinatas, she usually walks away with only a handful!



The little participants ready to eat some yummy cake!



Sydney and her marble cake!



As always, my kid making silly faces!



Even the big kids needed some play time in the dollhouse!

And here are pictures of her displaying all her nice gifts:



This was a gift from Julie, Jacob, Chuy & their parents.





This was from Summer, Shelby, & their parents.



This was from "Los Argentinos"...el Sr. Julio & la Sra. Adriana.



This was from Rebecca, Ruth & tia Liz.



This gift was from AJ, Joanna, Albert & Laura.



This was from Dathan, Tyler, CJ, Jr & tia Erica.



From her parents....Frank & I!





A total diva already...just check out the way she holds her hand to show off her ring.



This beautiful ring was a gift from Andrea, Adrian and their parents.



Take me to the nearest store now! This was from her tia Eva.



After a long day, Sydney and Dathan felt the need to take a break and plop their feet up.



Eventhough they were all beat, there was still room to do some more playing.



For some reason, CJ just didn't want to play and it seemed like he was mortified at the thought of jumping into the pile........



But he got placed on it anyway! Don't cry CJ.

CJ's 2nd Birthday!

Last Friday, May 8th, CJ, my nephew, turned the B-I-G 2 years old! Erica had a little get together for him at a nearby park with everything from sandwiches, chips, chicken salad to of course CANDY & lots of it!

Although the weather was just as muggy and sticky and humid as it could be, everyone seemed to make the best of it and the people that were in attendance had a good time.

CJ, I swear, is at his most adorable moment ever! That kid makes the silliest faces and says the funniest things in the weirdest ways. His dad gave him a Ford Mustang hot wheel car and let me just say, that boy was a hazard to anyone ahead of him - he even rammed Ruth's leg, which based on her facial expression - it HURT!

Erica had stuffed the pinata to the top with lots of candy, so when it came time to break it, the few kids in attendance got away with a lot of yummy Mexican candy.

Below are some pictures of the night:



Testing out his cool car!



Check out the tongue! I think he's figured out that maybe sticking his tongue out will somehow help him break this pinata!



Just adorable! It was really warm outside by the looks of his red face but he wasn't going to pass up his spot with the pinata.



Sydney taking her shot at that pinata!



Tyler trying real hard to break it open!



AJ giving it his all. Check out Tyler in the background, "Go AJ, go!"



Finally, the pinata was broken & all the kids were trying to get their hands on some of that sugar!



Looking closely as his momma lights up those candles, which mind you, were more than the age he was turning!



Oh no!?! What happened momma? Why did my candles blow out?



A little confused about the sweet stuff on his face!!!!!