Real Life, just doing what we do!

Wow, I just heard this weird sound out the window, jumped out of bed to check and it is RAINING, Yeah! Today was our firm's bowl painting party, Tay was my guest since Adolfo was working. I know she hates it when I sign her up for artsy projects, but she did really well, this wasn't her first rodeo and I was excited she finally got to meet the characters I work with, just kidding their great!

Tay and I at CAFB painting our bowls....

My first bowl, it was supposed to resemble the bowl on the blanket, it will come out a harvest orange pink and bright orange, don't let these colors fool you!

My second bowl was a lady bug theme, it will be bright red and black! This one was actually my favorite...

My last bowl will be a bright blue and green, VERY BRIGHT!

This one reminds me of Adolfo, he LOVES Bob Marley! Their music is awesome...If we had a dog Marley, for a name, would be a contender....

So this was our evening simple as that, Adolfo had class, and by the time we got home and talked to family, it's time for bed. Tay's being studious, Adolfo is playing video games and I am relaxing in bed....just talked wedding with my sister, making my Christmas budget and getting my shopping ideas together, and finding sales for my mom when I should be finding sales for ME! All in a good days work....We are still thinking about our weekend plans, never really been a huge fan of Halloween, just don't get the point, I know the little kids are SUPER cute, but that' s about all I enjoy???? I might have a test this next weekend/week, but our professor is soooo random we don't know! So I am keeping myself open just in case.

Real life with The Castros...C.

TuEsdAy!

What a day it has been! Ever had a day where you started your morning off super focused and headed out the door ready to get things done, and then lay down in bed, sit to write your blog and think, geez what did I get done today????

Well I did today, on this wonderful Tuesday! I got to work and everything was great, prioritized my day, caught up on what felt like a million emails, and then just started working.....it was my first day back to the clients since we got the news my friend had lost her child. They knew her so I felt like I spent most of my day answering questions, and saying thank you for every one's thoughts, prayers and kind words. After our emotionally draining week last week, this just wore me out all over again. But what can we do, just regroup and start a new day tomorrow!

Traffic was crazy as usual in ATX, but I used my time to call my GMA Janie and just check in on them, I only have a short window of opportunity from when they get home and their novela's start, so I took advantage of it, and set up a tentative date to go shopping together, she gets excited about shopping just as much as I do! Now for getting together with Claudia's schedule, this should be fun!

I got home, and really have been making an effort to make sure I either prepare dinner or have something easy for the gang to prepare. Tonight I tried homemade chicken parmesan, it was so good! Adolfo had seconds, and well, Tay said she liked it! I kind of messed up because I ALWAYS buy boneless chicken breasts, but for some reason I wasn't paying attention and got bones! I just deboned the chicken and it worked perfectly. Again, I almost burnt the bread, but saved it in time! What is it with me and bread, so simple yet so dangerous for me!

I decided to straighten the house up a bit, and well when I start I can't finish, so I picked up, cleaned up, dusted and then said, there we go! No more work until the end of the week for me, PLEASE! I submitted some homework, and am now just winding down with a blog, while my husband is sound asleep on the couch, ha, I'll wake him in a little bit! It's so hard to fall asleep when he isn't taking over the bed, haha!

So that's all that is happening at the Castros....I would talk about Tay's ordeal with Amazon, but I'll let her share that one with yall! Ces.

Out and About...

A few months back Adolfo and I signed up to volunteer for the Texas Advocacy Project's Black and White Ball on Friday night. We had a really good time hanging out with other volunteers, and enjoying the food, drinks and desserts! It was so fun to get dressed up and spend an evening downtown on the lake.

The Castros...before we headed out!

Saturday, Adolfo and I pretty much had 2 different to-do lists. I started my morning early finishing up arrangements for Baby Emily with a few ladies from the office, and then spent the day getting our Christmas cards, Thanksgiving outfit and Christmas outfit (well for me!)....I feel so ahead of the game! Adolfo relaxed a little at home and then did all our laundry and enjoyed a day of Football...not much else after that but a great deal of relaxation and down time.

Sunday, we met my parents and Tay for lunch to celebrate my Mom's Birthday and their Anniversary...and just spend the day with the family since we hadn't really seen them since our Anniversary weekend....

Mom and Curt, enjoying their Happy Ever After!

The Castros...after a nice meal with the family (minus Claudia and Jaime, next time!) and next time we will get a picture of Tay too!

The guys left us and enjoyed the bookstore and Academy and we enjoyed the mall!

This evening we are just relaxing, trying to motivate myself to get exercising again, and we finally rented Year One, so that's about it for us! Gotta go enjoy my walk, ha, we will see!

Walking and napping, The Castros.

Prayers....

Every day, I am grateful for my job and the place I work. I am more grateful for my team members and every person I have gotten the opportunity to work with these past four years. They are my 2nd family; we see each other 50+ hours a week sometimes, we share happy times, stressful times, and sad times together.

Tuesday, our work family received some extremely sad news; one of my co-workers had lost her child. Baby E was only 5 months old, and I couldn’t get enough of her. I worked with her Mom a great deal these last few weeks. I loved hearing new stories, bugging her about when I could meet her, and just wanting the opportunity to squeeze her little one. She would suffice me with pictures, but not for long. This past weekend I finally got to meet her, she was so beautiful and perfect in every way. I am in shock, but so grateful I got to meet and play with her and see all of them together as a family.

This week, by far, has been the most challenging thing we have all experienced together. My heart is so heavy for their family. I can’t even imagine the pain they must be feeling in this moment. I only knew Baby E for a short moment, but was able to witness the joy she brought to both her parents through stories and just watching them interact together. My heart just aches, and I can’t explain it, they are such wonderful people, their lives are forever changed, and I just hurt for them.

It has been a very gloomy day here, very numb feeling, and I am grateful I have work to do to take my mind off of what they are experiencing at this very moment. I have been in constant prayer for their family that God just wraps them in his arms and provides their family the comfort and strength they need to face this horrible situation. I trust in God’s plan and His faithfulness. I believe with all my heart, He alone is our true source of strength and I know He is going to carry them through whatever challenges they face together.

Please keep their family and my co-workers in your prayers during this very challenging time.

No more words, C.

Not so crazy about Mondays!

Sunday, I spent the day doing CAFB things. A few of us girls went to the office and decorated for this weeks festivities...United Against Hunger, Let the Games Begin! I made all my donation bags because I knew I wouldn't have time towards the end of the week.

Today was our first round of events! Pretty exciting, we had the 10-Key race, my team got a 3rd place ribbon, but no luck in the rubber band archery contest! Better luck next time blue team! It was exciting to see everyone having a good time, and coming together to take on the fight against hunger! I am so grateful for my co-workers, they make my work days all the better!

Adolfo and I love Monday night TV, he has class late on Monday, so the only thing I watch is DWTS, and then we DVR all our other favorite shows. Our little ritual is to try and go to bed early Monday, so that we can lay in bed, and then watch our shows.....

The Big Bang Theory, I love these guys, they are so nerdy it makes me laugh, weird since of humor I know, but I can't get enough of it! Then we watch CSI:Miami, it's our favorite, we watch, understand the story, and then half way through we give our prediction, and then wait to see if we are right, yep we are kind of competitive, but it makes it fun! Then we end with Heroes, Adolfo LOVES Heroes, some nights I'm into it some not so much, but I follow it because he likes it. So there you have it...We love our Mondays!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did, other than that we are just getting things done this week, and then volunteering at the TAP Black and White Ball on Friday. We get to dress up, not often does Adolfo wear a suit, so I am super excited!

Much Love, The Castros.

And it's only Saturday....

The weekend isn't over, yet it has already been action packed! Friday, I couldn't wait to get off of work because my college roomie and her husband were in town. We decided to have dinner before they left for the weekend, so we met and took them to Hills Cafe.

Adolfo and I, just playing before we went to eat...

The Rosenbaums and The Castros...2009 Hills Cafe...

We had such a great time enjoying the weather outside, listening to live music, and eating great food. It is always fun getting to catch up with these two. I was so blessed to have a wonderful college roommate experience, and we are even more blessed with wonderful friends, can't wait to go visit these two again!

Like I said a few blogs back, our firm has joined forces with Austin CAFB, and in November they put on a great event, The Empty Bowl Project!

Just a little info about the project from their website:

Potters from all over Central Texas donate bowls of all sizes, shapes, and colors. Thirty restaurants and bakeries donate delicious soups and breads, while musicians donate their time and talent to entertain us. Then, on the Sunday before Thanksgiving, friends and families come together to purchase a bowl for $15, have it filled with soup, and enjoy the music. The bowl is yours to keep, as a reminder of those whose bowls are empty. The proceeds go to the Capital Area Food Bank to help sponsor the Kids Cafe Program. Kids Cafe provides a safe, nurturing place where children receive a hot, nutritious dinner, as well as help with homework.

Our firm is one of the big sponsors for the event, financially and with our time. This weekend started things off with their painting party at Whole Foods, and we were volunteers....It was super fun, and I made it home in time to watch the 2nd half of the Texas Game.....

Just a little taste of some of the bowls that will be for sale!

I am so excited because our firm will be hosting our own painting party the last Wednesday of this month, and our bowls too will be sold at the event! Adolfo enjoyed the game with me, and then headed out to work on the deer blind, and spend the night at my Grandparent's ranch. Just another one of the million reasons I love him, he loves spending time with my family without me! I love his big heart and how he takes the time to love on, take care, and help my Grandparents when I can not be there....

I am staying back in Austin this weekend, because I have to get ahead in my class, and help decorate for all the wonderful festivities going on at work with our Office Olympics, I am super excited....soooooo Saturday is here, and what a weekend!

I will spend the rest of the day still excited about Texas' big win, missing my husband, and turning up the radio really loud to cleaning house, then off to Starbucks to do a little reading for class and cut out letters.....

Just another slow weekend, right? C.

Kitchen Closed...

Tonight, with the weather still being WONDERFUL, and inspired by my sister Claudia, I thought I would attempt a pot of my Mother's Chili. When we all were at home, and the weather started changing, we all knew what that meant, 100% agreement for CHILI!

Last week I was talking to my sister and her and Jaime made a pot, so I thought well, if I am ever going to learn why not now? So this weekend Mom left me with the recipe, and Tay went to the store today for all the ingredients and I think we were all pleasantly surprised, It was very yummy! We have so much left, so it will probably be lunch, and well dinner again, but no complaining because we love it!

I get so excited when recipes turn out for me, because I wasn't the strong one in the kitchen, Claudia got that award, but it gives me hope that one day I will be a good mommy and my children won't starve, at least they can have Chili night like we did growing up!

On another note, Adolfo has been pricing around for car insurance because we think ours is ripping us off, we have gotten a few quotes and are looking at a savings of about an extra $275 a year, every penny counts! I am so proud of him, and grateful he is so patient to do all the research and make all the calls, I hate the telephone, which is kind of ironic considering I love to talk! But anyways, thanks Babe for taking my stress away, I love you!

Oh, if you don't read my little sister's blog (Taylor) check it out, its kinda funny, and MAYBE she will share her new hair-do, ha!

Other than that just another crazy week at the Castros.....C.

Staying Cozy...

We really enjoyed our weekend! Saturday, Adolfo and I attended the Mullin's Wedding. I was so worried the weather was not going to cooperate for them, but Saturday was perfect, a slight overcast, cool fall weather and NO RAIN! It was outside at Arbor Inn down town, and it was so sweet and romantic. At one point when Adolfo and I were dancing, I remember saying Babe, I feel like I am in a fairy tale, the lights were twinkling, the weather was perfect, the music was so romantic, and all around us were trees, you almost forgot where you were!

The Castros enjoying our evening...And I got to see Adolfo in his cute sweater, I LOVE IT!

The girls with the Bride....Mrs. Mullins!

We had so much fun just hanging out with everyone, it was such a wonderful evening and are so grateful they let us be a part of their celebration!

Saturday morning, Tay and I had to run to the mall and Target because I couldn't wear my dress that I had planned because, at the moment, we are experiencing our Texas winter and it dropped in the 60's....so on our quick shopping trip I finally bought me my red umbrella and I LOVE it, it is definitely being broken in, it is perfect for me!

Other than that, things are pretty low key at the Castros. Today my parents came in after church, so Tay and I met them south for a late lunch and a trip to the GAP, Tay's heaven on earth! We watched the Cowboys play at Applebees and now we are back home relaxing!

Adolfo in his "stress free" zone...

Tay studying, listening to music, texting and checking email, what a multi-tasker she is...keep it up little sister!

I really enjoy our lazy days, and when the weather is like it is today there is no place else I'd rather be, than home wrapped in a blanket watching movies with my husband, which is how we will be spending the rest of our night! Oh I almost forgot, the whole reason for my parent's trip was to buy Tay her snazzy new glasses in the picture above. She's getting smarter already!

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend as much as we did!

Cozy with the Castros, A & C.

Where did the week go?

I can't believe tomorrow is already Friday, YEAH! Things are really just laying low at the Castro house. My test this past weekend took everything out of me, I think it's going to take a fun and relaxing weekend and a Longhorn win to get me back into a better state of mind.

I've been pretty much useless around the house this week, go figure!

Last night I did get to do something pretty cool! One of my client's that I have worked with my whole professional career opened their new Children's Facility. I was so honored to receive an invitation and share with them in their celebration! It was so inspiring to hear speeches from kids who were once in the shelter, and see how it changed their lives, and what they are doing now to pay it forward. I had a really great time and am actually looking forward to their audit this year!

I am mentally exhausted, I mean by 7:30 this evening, I wanted to get out of my class so bad and needed my bed. Don't get me wrong, what I am learning is super interesting, but 3 hours in one night, REALLY?

I just want to learn everything, and I am making myself overwhelmed, rather than just taking it slow, a little bit each night. Honestly, some nights I just need a break and I don't want to look at it!

So to help me refocus and change my attitude, I need to remember why I am thankful....(Ha this is my counseling/stress management that costs $0!)

I am so thankful I have the opportunity to continue my professional education. I am grateful God has open doors for me to use what I am learning and apply it in what I do everyday. I am extremely grateful for the people I have met in my class, and how each of us assist each other in learning the material better! I am so thankful for the energy, knowledge, and encouragement God provides on days I think I really can't learn anymore because I am so tired!

He is there with me, pushing me, and reminding me, Just a little bit more, I'll help you!

How blessed am I? No matter how difficult and frustrating this process might be, He is right there with me!

Happy Friday, I will definitely be enjoying this weekend!

C.

We LOVED our weekend!

Wow! This weekend was nothing like we expected. The Castro's plan was to get my test over ASAP and then make our way to my parents for weekend festivities. Well, not so much, but we adjusted. It has been so rainy, and cool, these past couple of days, we knew the rain was going to affect our decision about heading out for the weekend. I did not feel prepared Friday night for my test, so we decided to take it later Saturday morning. I was stressing out, imagine that, so I called my parents and told them change of plans....we were just going to hang out in Austin for the weekend and recuperate, and that we did!

Saturday, after my test, we just came home. The weather was perfect, a little cool, and rainy, we were in for the night! It was a lazy day at our house, me on the couch in a blanket and Adolfo on the recliner wrapped up in his blanket too! We watched movies on TV and fell asleep....I slept so much that evening, that I woke up at 2:30AM this morning, ha, full of energy.....well, I thought I'd let my sweet husband sleep but what to do?

I decided at 2:30AM I would get up and clean house, clean out the junk drawers, dust, and finish our little laundry we accumulated this week. I took my time and was done by 4:30! I just enjoyed the morning, took a shower and watched a movie on LMN.... last time my mother was here she left pancake mix, so I thought Hmmm, I'll surprise Adolfo with a morning breakfast, made by yours truly!

I wanted to say thank you to him for being so patient with me, allowing me my time to stress out about my test and waiting on me for forever while I took it! I made him pancakes and eggs, I have never really made pancakes before, ha, I always just buy frozen waffles....so I thought I'd give it a try....

Well, well, not so bad, huh?

We enjoyed our morning together, being lazy! This afternoon we just spent the day together. We needed new pillows, we are pretty picky but we decided on two new Sealys so I hope they don't let us down. I finally used my birthday present from Adolfo and bought me some new workout shirts and running shorts. We also bought a medic ball, since it is doing awesome things for Adolfo in his cardio class he decided we could do them at home together, so I am excited! Well, we are calling it a night early and just getting ready for the week ahead, using our new pillows in bed and excited to watch the season finale of Kourtney & Kloe, I don't know why but I can't get enough of the crazy Kardasians! So, although our weekend wasn't as planned we loved it!

Pleasantly surprised, The Castros.

Our Day of Service!

The firm I work at has joined forces with our Central Area Capital Food Bank of Austin. The next couple of months are jam packed with Community Service events and I couldn't be more excited.

Today we were able to volunteer, during work hours, for a day of caring. If you have never done this before, I am not going to lie, it is definitely hard work, but worth every second of it!

So this brings me to what I want to blog about today, and well probably for the whole weekend. It is so amazing how much they get in donations as far as perishable goods, but today I saw the other end, and it blew my mind how much of those donations never make it a home! Due to the strict regulations and quality of products donated so much can not be given out.

My job today was throwing out all the items that could not be kept, preparing boxes to be filled and lids to be used, but WOW, I broke a sweat walking back and forth to the dumpsters, and it broke my heart each time, thinking man think about how much more we could do if we could use ALL of this! The fight against hunger is huge, and everything counts!

I had so much fun with my co-workers, and our new friends we met. Together we were able to process and prepare a little over 4,000 meals! I am truly blessed that this is part of my job!

So, this made me really want to get a little message out, since Thanksgiving and the holiday season is approaching and there is usually a spike in donations, especially food...just some things to remember, so that every product counts....

1. Watch the dents, because if they are too big they can't be used

2. No open boxes or bags

3. Check expiration dates

4. Make sure both ingredients and nutritional facts are on each container you donate, or it can't be used.

5. No used products

6. No cans with air

Well that is what we saw alot of today, and it just hurt me that we couldn't use a large amount of what we were going through!

Humbled. C.

Its EXACTLY 11:11, I love 11!

Warning: Blog will be a little random in nature, but hey, it is what it is!

I have definitely had my fair share of studying and reading Accounting Literature this week for sure, and I will be so happy Saturday morning, once my test is done and over with. So before class today I had to run by Walgreen's for something, and I passed the magazine rack....I have 2 hours between when I get off and when my class starts, so I decided to treat myself!

I bought the October issue of REAL SIMPLE, I LOVE this magazine, my friend JJ brought it into my life in college, and I just love it! My subscription finally ran out, so I just get it when I remember, or am waiting in line at the store. I won't let myself stand in line and flip through it, I don't like spoiling anything. Haha, I mean I read every part of it, Table of Contents, letter from the editor, I love the monthly quote and life lessons and question of the month, oh the list goes on, but you get the picture!

September is so sweet to me, It really gets me in the mood for fall. I love October for all different reasons, because the cool weather is coming, we start thinking of our "cool weather" food, Mom's Chili (YUM), fall shopping, time change is getting closer! I LOVE THIS TIME OF YEAR....

Focus, ok, back to my magazine, so I thought I would blog about my month, as I go through my magazine. I don't like reading it all at once, I process it, and enjoy an article here and there and just enjoy the $4.99 I can't believe I spend on it, but hey I do pass it on, so I share therefore the price is allocated amongst all the lovely people in my life, it's a gift!

If you read the magazine, stop here, I don't want to spoil anything! If you don't care keep going...

The first thing I do when I open the magazine is read their "Thoughts" so hear is what it said....

"It's completely usual for me to get up in the morning, take a look around, and laugh out loud"- Barbara Kingsolver

I just love this, and I thought, hmmm? How do I start my mornings, not with laughter! Why don't I start my day with a good laugh. I mean it would completely set the tone for my day. Sure I am a pretty happy person, but oh I feel great after a good laugh. Laughter keeps us young, so why don't we make it a point in our life to have a good one everyday? I mean some days I speed out the door, complain on mopac, or listen to my radio, rush through my to-do's, move on to the next activity, dinner, clean up, homework, bed, and then we do it all over again.....UM!

When did I ever stop and just enjoy all that God's brought to my life? Where was my laughter for the day? Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my life, I am blessed, and we do take time to do what we love. But to take the time to be still, appreciate life whole-heartedly, and just laugh, I don't think I take that time as much as I should! So now, thanks to REAL SIMPLE, I am thinking about it, and I am going to try and start my morning with a smile and a good laugh!

WOW! This was just 2 pages in the magazine, can't wait for more, no cheating ahead!

Happy October, and all the joy it brings! C.