An ambitious weekend

It's an ugly, rainy Saturday that's supposed to be crappy all weekend. I don't really mind as long as I have a good book, internet access and a well-stocked kitchen.

In anticipation of my sloth-like existence today, I prepared a yummy raspberry-topped plate of french toast.

Be jealous. It's only 9:30 and I'm ready for my morning nap.

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My MOMA trip

Wednesday was an adventure day. I was meeting @vivzan at the Museum of Modern Art to see the Tim Burton exhibit.

I started my day in Jersey City as I waited for the Path train to take me to midtown Manhattan.


It was a nice day so I walked the 20 blocks from Herald Square up to 53rd Street.

I often forget that New York is a tourist spot. To me, it's just an extension of my neighborhood. So when I walked into the museum lobby at 10:30 on a Wednesday morning, I was a little shocked to see it to packed and humming with a dozen different languages.

I was thankful that I ordered and printed out my entry ticket last night because the lines were just too much to bare. I found a spot on a comfy ottoman and waited for @vivzan as I watched the people take pictures.

There were two things that caught my eye in the lobby. The first was this inflatable Tim Burton creature with many eyes. Even though he has a grotesque style, this thing seemed friendly and cuddly.

The second thing was a large painting hanging above an information desk.

At first glance, it looked like a silly painting of sailors with big noses. But upon closer look, I realized. Those weren't noses.

Viviane arrived and we set out immediately to the exhibit space for Tim Burton.

I really had no idea how talented he was as an illustrator and painter. I was even more floored when I learned that he was an animator for Disney. But the detail and shading in even his notepad doodles were so amazing.

Soon we were hungry and tired and needed a break. We went to the cafeteria on the 3rd floor and MOMA even made the meals another art instillation.

Each plate was presented as beautifully as it tasted. I had a tender chicken pannini and Viv had the yummiest pollenta I ever tasted. Then dessert... I had a rich, chocolate torte that could only be enjoyed with a glass of cold milk.

After lunch, we forced our tired and full bodies to the rest of the museum. I loved the Monets and Van Gogh, the Seurat and Cézanne. I can even appreciate Picasso, Warhol and Pollock. I loved the photography exhibit where everyday, mundane pictures made the cut. Some, no more impressive than a candid shot of my dog chasing a squirrel outside.

But then we got to the strange stuff and I just have to wonder, what makes it art? There was an instillation of a chair, and another of four pushpins stuck in a wall with string all around them.
Then my favorites are the canvases painted one solid color with a line of white running down the side.

Seriously? WTF?!

But then we'd come across something interesting again.

It was a long day and by 4:30 we were all tired out. Damn, we were getting old.

I walked back down from 53rd through Times Square and came upon a little NYC drama.

I have no idea what happened. But 7th Ave was blocked off with tons of fire trucks, cop cars and a couple of stretchers. There were lines of people taking photos and videos but no one had a clue what happened. Typical. Just another day in New York City.

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Time to spring into action

Things on the job front has begun to slow down considerably. Only temporarily, mind you. I start my new job April 5. But between now and then will be a glorious month of just...being.

I started my Tuesday laying in bed for about an hour reading a collaboration with Sue Monk Kidd and her daughter Ann Kidd Taylor in the book "Traveling with Pomegranates: A Mother-Daughter Story". I've loved her books since I read "Dance of the Dissident Daughter" and started my own personal journey searching for myself and the sacred feminine.

Traveling with Pomegranates starts with the mother-daughter team traveling together in Greece. They are both on a journey to find themselves: Sue as she enters her 50's and Ann as she graduates college; as women coming to terms with their new role in life. As the story describes the incredible heat of the Athens streets and the spiritual connectedness they felt at the Acropolis, I was taken back to my own pilgrimage to Greece last summer.

Sue mentioned a quote that she inscribed in her own red leather journal that resonated with me.

"Pilgrims are poets who create by taking journeys." -Richard Neibhur

I am a poet to the core. I find myself by traveling. I am especially looking forward to this month off because it provides me with an opportunity to recharge my batteries. I will be driving down to Florida to attend the Learning Solutions Conference and Expo in Orlando. I loved it last year and I'm sure I will get as much out of it this year. After the conference, I'll be catching up with sorority sisters and finally meeting up with family and hopefully scuba diving in the Keys. Like any of my travels, there is a lot of room for change of plans so each day I will have to answer the question "What do I want to do today?"

Like Sue and Ann, I also feel like I'm at an important point in my life. I have finally found a career that I enjoy, I found an opportunity to give back through coaching and mentoring the women of my sorority, I can live a comfortable (and not extravagant) lifestyle, and I'm enjoying the skin I'm in. I'm in a really good place right now and I have to constantly remind myself to stop and appreciate it.

Better than coffee as a pick-me-up

Stage mom

There are moments, in hindsight, where you reconsider your actions.

This weekend I was asked by my sorority chapter that I advise to be a judge in their fund raising event, Karaoke for the Cure. All proceeds were to benefit the group Autism Speaks.

I had a lot of fun with the two other judges getting all Simon, Paula and Randy-like in critiquing the competition portion of the evening. There were some shining stars and some duds, but overall it was a fun-filled night.

After the competition portion of the night was over, it turned back to open karaoke. After watching everyone, meaning the college students who this event was for, have their turn on stage, I felt left out and wanted to give it a go.

I am no stranger to karaoke. My family has been having karaoke nights for several years. When the family gets together, its a ridiculum of hats, wigs, glasses, props and many, many drinks. We turn on our inner rockstar and give the most outlandish rendition of Aretha Franklin, Guns 'N Roses or Queen that we can muster. Embarrassment has no place with us.

So that night, completely sober among people who were toddlers when I frequented the Rider Pub as an undergrad, I grabbed the mic, took the stage and belted out Madonna's 'Express Yourself".

I didn't suck. And I hope I didn't embarrass the women of my chapter. But I had fun and there was dancing on the floor.

But looking back now, all I can think of is someone in the back probably asking one of the women "Gee, who brought your mom?"

*Sigh*

Life update, part 1

I've been radio silent for a long time. But don't think that I've been lounging around in my pj's on the couch. At least, not all the time.

I have had quite the amazing few weeks; it's been hard to keep up with writing it down. Even my journal has been feeling neglected and I do feel a little bit bad about that.

For the most part I've been keeping up with the 365 Project. It has been easy since I always have my iPhone on me. The more difficult part is finding shots that I think are interesting or that I haven't taken before.

First on the job front.

I have been loving my job lately. I finally feel like I know what I'm talking about, that I'm taken seriously and that I can see actual positive results of the work that I'm doing. After putting in a few hours work, I can stop and having something to show for it. And I'm proud of it!

The first project that I finished last month was the writing and development of 6 online courses. They weren't life-changing or the most creative things in the world, but I built them on time, with little to no issues and the client was pleased. So much so that they asked me to stick around for another 6 weeks to work on developing a classroom workshop that will be delivered to 150 people in 5 breakout sessions.

Again, working with the client and my project manager has been wonderful and actually inspiring! Brainstorm sessions to determine what the goal of the classroom session will be turned into great collaborations; and I got to draw all over the whiteboard to help pull together all the ideas into something spectacular. It's moments like that where I feel great. Everyone on the team was pleased and excited about the work that we were now all required to do.

Already, all my preparations have been spot-on and I can write all my documents and practice for upcoming train-the-trainer sessions without panic because I'm ahead of schedule. I have such a sense of calm about this that it's almost frightening.

Also job related... I got a new job!

A few weeks ago I applied for a contract instructional design job. I had a phone interview with Cammie, the recruiter, that turned into a wonderful 45 minute conversation. I completely geeked-out talking about training and elearning and the challenges of clients 'not knowing what they don't know' and the additional job of trying to explain better training options rather than showing them 100 PowerPoint slides of fluff.

It was so exhilarating to speak with someone else who 'got it' about adult learning. It reminded me about all the little things I've done to bring me to this point and how it all ties together. Project Management, web development, graphic design, audio/video production,... even the skills I picked up while in a sorority is valuable -- but that's another posting.

She suggested that I speak with Stacie, the Director of Instructional Design for a full-time position with the company that she works for. That turned into an interview the next Friday where I traveled to King of Prussia, PA. It's over an hour away from my house, but the great part is that the job is mainly virtual.

The interview was more of a meet & greet. It was easy and interesting. I showed some of the projects that I worked on and spoke intelligently about my experience. It was just fun! I was asked to come back the following Friday for my 2nd interview which went equally well. Before I left I was given a verbal offer and just a few days ago I received my official offer letter. Granted, it's a bit of sticker shock to go from a consultant salary to a full-time salary, but I think the opportunities this job will provide will be invaluable and I am really excited to start this new gig in April.

Also career related is an opportunity I have developing a workshop for my local ASTD chapter. ASTD is the American Society for Training and Development of which I'm not a paying member, but I attend local meetings.

At the last meeting was a presentation about the useful of social media to develop your personal brand. I was excited about it because I'm all about social media! I blogged about the presentation which then led to a conversation with one of the local chapter officers about creating a hands-on workshop for members who want to know how to set up their own social media accounts.

W00t! Game on! I meet with the group this Saturday to discuss a plan for creating this hands-on workshop. I am so excited!

Phew, that's enough for now. There's still plenty of stuff going on, but I'll save that for another post.

365 project: snooze

Sometimes it's just not worth fighting it.

365 project: Rainbow!

My gas gauge was blinking at me with its furious orange light. I pulled into a gas station and was annoyed with the attendant (yes, it's Jersey. We don't pump our own gas) because he couldn't make up his mind as to which pump he wanted me to park in front of.

After I handed over my credit card I noticed the trickle of rain had stopped and the once gray sky had turned golden. I immediately looked up and there in front of me was a huge rainbow that arched from one side of Route 1 over to the other side of town.

That's when the attendant pointed and shouted, "Rainbow! Look!"

And that made me smile.

Today's Horoscope

You really do want to go out and play and it has (almost) nothing to do with the fact that it's your day to goof off. What you're really after is socializing -- but not on a lighthearted level. You're in the mood for intense, penetrating conversations, late into the night, about the big issues -- politics, religion and education, for example. All the topics that no one would usually dare to bring up at the dinner table. Good luck!

I love when my horoscope seems to align with my life. This is exactly how I'm feeling lately. I feel involved. I feel like I want to do stuff, to discuss stuff.

Sorority Nerd

Image by bearclau via Flickr

I have become obsessed.

Since I have been asked to serve as the Chapter Advisor for my sorority at my school, I have charged at this responsibility full steam ahead.

First, I am a sorority geek. As an undergrad, I was my chapter president, house manager (our version of a RA), and was heavily involved in the recruitment of new members. As an alumnae, I was the Recruitment Advisor for 2 years and worked on several iterations of a chapter/alumnae website.

But now I've taken on this reaction that I can only describe as passionate. For the first time, I find myself doing something that just seems so incredibly fun, and professionally relevant. All the things I've done career-wise is coming together: project management, technology stuff, training & development. And matching it up with the joy I received out of being in a sorority: the sense of belonging, natural leadership, relationship building -- has turned into the perfect blend for me.

Within the two weeks since I agreed to take on this role, I have already formed a relationship with my 'mentee', met both the Greek Advisor and House Director, contacted most of my fellow alumnae advisors and created a website for the Advisors to communicate with each other. I've gone through the manuals and the electronic file-sharing site. I'm even preparing a 4-hour officer retreat program from scratch to be delivered next weekend.

I am overwhelmed with information which will take time for me to process, but all these great ideas are coming to me like lightning strikes and I have to record then when it happens, on paper, in a file, or even a voice memo on the iPhone.

I haven't been this charged in I don't know how long. It feels pretty good.

Things I like: Super Mario Jesus

A marker, a post it note cube, and a little bit of creativity is apparently all I need to smile. Oh, and a ass-kicking Jesus.

Things I like: Edible Art

This is the coolest thing I've seen. And its making me hungry.

100 Games Cupcake Game
100 cupcakes were decorated like board/video games. They are amazing!




(found this from my geek-lover Wil Wheaton)

things I like: Animals bombing photos

This seal looks like one cool dude that I'd like to hang out with!

I bet he knows this guy.

365 project: floppys

I opened a seldom used drawer at work and found a bunch of 3.5" floppy disks hiding in the back. I wonder how long they've been in there. I wonder what's on them. It's not like I can find out since none of my computers even have a floppy drive anymore.

Hey. 1997 called and it wants its floppys back.

Did You Know?

The higher a patient's body-mass index, the less respect he or she gets from doctors.

Well, crap. Doctors must think I'm Rodney Dangerfield.

See this and 49 other things that was learned in 2009.

WTF? People of Wal-Mart

I'm convinced that there is a different breed of people who frequent Wal-Mart. And that Wal-Mart obviously does not sell mirrors.

See more at People of Wal-Mart.

365 Project: Found buttons

I found these buttons sitting all alone in a tray in the mailroom waiting to be thrown out. I rescued them and gave them a new home on my cube wall.

I love them.

The bright, cheery colors, the sayings. I feel like they were made just for me.

365 Project: Cover me

I've been thinking a lot about health care lately, especially since I'll have to be paying a lot more for it soon when I have to get it through COBRA.

I consider myself pretty lucky that I could get bloodwork done, talk with my primary physician and get x-rays without an appointment all for a $20 copay.

I thought about letting my health insurance lapse when I go unemployed, but decided against that. While I'm all for living spontaneously, I'm not about to get irresponsible. Even if it means shelling out about $350 a month when no income is coming in.

I sure hope Congress figures out this health care bill soon.

2010: Resolutions

New Years Day I sat with my cousins around the breakfast table talking about what we wanted to accomplish in the new year.

Liam wants to put on weight (unlike millions of other Americans)
Ken wants to finish working on the laundry room.
Eric wants to take Ali on a trip to Europe.
Priscilla wants a job (so do I).

Me, along with my usual wish of seeing a new country, I also want to take pictures, video or write every day to record the wonderful but sometimes mundane aspects of the year. Because when you look back on it, it's a beautiful reminder of what you accomplished, witnessed or just survived.

So, with the help of my wonderful family, here's my first fulfillment of my 2010 New Years Resolutions.

2009: Year in Photos

I say goodbye to another year, and look forward to the next.

Wishing you health, love and laughter in 2010.

Don't Stop Believin'

Don't Stop Believin'
Originally uploaded by Rich Anderson

I love the fun you can have with stop signs!

See more Hacked Stop Signs

What Christmas Means To Me

Christmas seems to change for me over the years.

When I was little, there was magic in the air. From the lights on the christmas tree, to the sounds of spanish christmas music to the anticipation of listening for the reindeer on the roof.

During my tween and teen years it was about what cool gift was waiting under the tree.

College was about meeting up with your friends after all the family obligations were over.

Now Christmas is about none of that -- yet all of that.

Its about the magic of having my extended family all under the same roof.

About the cool gifts of laughter we share.

And about getting together with my family after all the work obligations are over.

I love Christmas.

Caro Christmas 2009 from Claudine Caro on Vimeo.

I really poop, too!

This is my response to Skim and her tweet.

2009, ready to see you go

Looks like I'll be job hunting again in a few weeks. My horoscope knows the deal and has send timely advice:

If you remain calm, cool and collected right now, your performance rating will soar. You may be paying a price for your independence and uncompromising attitude. You might have joined the wrong team, but it's too late for regrets. Jump overboard at the first sign of trouble, but think fast once you start swimming. Nobody wants to be at the wheel when the ship goes down. Prove to others that you can be counted on during a crisis.

So you know that huge project I was hired for in July? Well, it was continually pushed back and pushed back, so now it won't actually begin until January.

However, the company that I'm contracting for has just signed an exclusive contract with a training developer vendor that begins January 1. What that means is that independent contractors who are currently with this company will not get their contracts renewed.

I've been working on smaller, pick-up projects at this company since I got here, so that's been keeping me busy... and paid. But my current two projects will last through the end of January and once they're over, my contract is officially over.

Let the job hunt begin again.

The good news is that I've had some good experience here and I've received excellent recommendations from the clients I worked with. I was even recommended to the new vendor as a new hire to aid with the transition.

I'm not freaking out yet about being unemployed in a few weeks. Ask me again at the end of January.

Barry found the warmest spot in the house

Barry found the warmest spot in the house
Originally uploaded by bearclau

I <3 Wil Wheaton

I have been having this completely ridiculous, irrational crush on Wil Wheaton these past few months. I've been listening to his Memories of the Futurecast religiously and am truly saddened that they're over for a while (although I will be listing to Radio Free Burrito). I obsess over watching The Guild and I've rented Star Trek:TNG on Netflix just so I can watch the episodes as he narrates them on the podcast. I've even spent hours just reading his blog and articles that he's written all over the InterWebs.

I love his snarkiness and the sound of his voice. I love the way he has conversations with himself and imaginary things.

But most of all I love that he's a complete geek and revels in it. Actually, with his beard, to me he's kind of a sexy geek... but I digress.

He has this great writing style where I imagine it's just him and me, sitting in his living room with his dogs while his lovely wife is in the kitchen making nachos.

This is the fundamental difference between what JJ Abrams did with Star Trek, and what George Lucas did with Star Wars. Lucas told us, "Hey, you know all that stuff you love so much? That stuff that's been a huge part of your life? Well, you're stupid for liking it because I didn't mean it. These are my toys, always have been, and now I'm taking them back. Ha. Ha. Ha. Fuck you, now give me more of your money."

I wish there was a Teen Beat or a Bop magazine for adults about famous adults. Sure there's People and other TMZ-worthy trash, but that's not what I want. I want articles and photos of the innocent sillyness of Wil's favorite ice cream flavor or highest score on Centipede. I would totally be in his fan club, hell, I might even be Treasurer.

Stupid insightful quotes

If you want to know what we think is important, look at how we spend our time. If you want to know what we value, look at how we spend our money. If you want to know what we believe, look at how we live.

Hmm... if this is the case then I must think the mundane lives of others is important, take-out food is something I value and solitude is what I believe.

That sucks. Time for a change in 2010!

things I like: Best Songs of 2009

I love it when the Universe delivers exactly what I was looking for.

I've had this soulful need for some more music. I've been reading this book, "Love Is a Mix Tape: Life and Loss, One Song at a Time" by Rob Sheffield. This biography tells the story of this Rolling Stone writer's life through the mix tape he's created and received over the years. Much of the music is new to me and has started this treasure hunt into locating and listening to the tunes.

Then today I came across the Said the Gramophone which had a listing of the Best Songs of 2009. None of these songs are played on mainstream radio and for a limited time, they're all free downloads.

I can't wait to go home, download them, and become intimate with my new friends.

things I like: Website Stencil Kit

I wish I had a need for this because I love it. A website stencil that can help you create wireframes for online stuff.

Website Stencil Kit, $17.95

Good Intentions

The alarm on my iPhone went off at 6:00 am. I had every intention on doing some exercise in the morning. I only hit snooze once.

Then my dog woke up and I let him out. But instead of getting dressed for the gym or even popping in an exercise DVD, I powered up the Mac and just started surfing.

I just couldn't do it.

And this pains me because I NEED to do something a little more vigorous than walking the dog for an hour. The weather is getting colder and soon I'm not even going to want to step outside for fear of my snots freezing in my nose.

Every morning I keep telling myself that I'll do exercise after work. Then after work I tell myself that I'll do something when I wake up tomorrow. It's a never ending cycle of laziness.

Eh. I'll worry about it tomorrow.

Thanksgiving Wish 2009

The floats are lining up on Central Park West and the turkey is in the oven. It's quiet now, but soon the voices will pick up, the laughter will get louder and glasses will be raised. As soon as the first bite of that drumstick is taken, the holiday season will have officially begun and it will be full steam ahead until the new year.

But before you brave those Black Friday sales, remember that life isn't about what you will get, it's about appreciating what you already have.

2009 has had its ups and downs.

The global economy is in crisis and there are so many who we love who have been affected. Swine flu has ravaged the world and with it raised other concerns about our overall healthcare and how we will be able to afford to keep our families healthy. The seas have become as dangerous as the mountains of the Middle East. And Kanye made poor Taylor Swift feel bad.

But there has also been an overabundance of hope.

We have an intelligent and respected leader who will lead us in the charge to "pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America." We have witnessed miracles in the Hudson and fellow Boriqua, Sonya Sotomayor now sits on the Supreme Court. And the most hopeful of all, Glee now provides smiles and sing-along moments to millions!

There is so much to be thankful for.

For me, this has been an amazing year. I have been able to reconnect with friends from years past, I've completed my graduate degree, and I was actually blessed with losing my job! That one change allowed me to explore my country coast-to-coast and share it with you online and on TV. Then finally to return home to a new job doing something that I actually like.

This Thanksgiving, I ask that you remember all that you have right now. If you have someone to love, a place to call home, a full belly and the belief that you will wake up tomorrow, then you have more than enough. Everything else is just gravy.

Speaking of gravy, can you please pass some along with the mashed potatoes?

Saturn Kitteh

Planets don't have ears apparently.

Today's Horoscope

The positive cosmic energy is flowing your way at a rate that would be alarming if it weren't so good. You'll encounter great opportunities to turn big ideas and beautiful dreams into reality, so make a list of what you want this season to bring. The gifts you're looking for are definitely within your grasp, and your powers of communication will help you take the all-important next step.

This has been a fantastic couple of days, especially at work where I'm finally feeling purposeful and intelligent. Everything seems to be going in the right direction. I hope I don't lose my way.

Getting woken up for sex is one thing...

...but this is ridiculous!


Every morning, I'm woken up by the same thing. A furry pounding against an arm or a leg by my horny dog.

He starts off innocently enough: a nuzzle, a lick. But then he nonchalantly straddles the exposed appendage and just sits. Then his hips start rocking back and forth, slowly at first, until he's in full thrusting mode and I hear the tags on his collar jingling away.

This will continue until he get's a flick in his wiener or a kick in the side of his head. He is from the school of 'no means yes'.