My Autumn Hike

I posted these on my photoblog but not everyone reads the looks at the different sections. This post is for you V - I know how you like Charlie postings...
About two weeks ago, before my hectic schedule, I took Charlie to our favorite forrest trail. I'm glad I made the time and went, because the weather now is too cold to stay outside for long. On this day we were out for a few hours. I loved walking through the fallen leaves and seeing the reflection of the bright colors over the water.

©2005 Araceli Arroyo photographs

Turkey Sings - I Will Survive

A couple days before Thanksgiving Day, this turkey has a message for you. Watch and send this funny e-card from American Greetings - Turkey ecard.

Out of Town Again

Another day has passed and I am now in another city and another hotel. This one is a very quick trip that will provide no time to explore the city. Oh well at least I was able to go out last week in New York. Although today's travels weren't as smooth as usual I don't mind the whole process at all. I like traveling, the waiting isn't fun per say but it's bearable. I just bring a magazine and some headphones and I'm usually ok. I found out yesterday that I had to fly out again, this time out of Midway airport. I was happy to learn that I would finally be able to take a flight out of that airport, which is so close to where I live.

Here's the glitch to that excitement... I haven't flown from Midway in quite some time. All of my flights have been from O'Hare and I always dreaded taking two trains to get there and sometimes trying to get a ride back. I've taken many flights but I think only two have been from Midway. Things have changed! I was surprised that seats are not reserved. I have heard of the expression cattle call used when referring to Southwest Airlines from people that have flown out of Midway, but until today I now know why. I don't like that whole first come first serve arrangement at the time of boarding. I like to know where I am going to be seated. I have a sense of security with that. Security check in was somewhat longer than what I have experienced at O'Hare - I find that VERY surprising, considering how congested O'Hare gets. We'll see how it goes tomorrow, I may never want to fly from that next door airport again :(

NYC visit 2005

Anywhere you look in a great picture waiting to be taken in New York City. That's how I feel as I see the masses pass by through the busy streets. I arrived yesterday settled in and unpacked in my hotel room. I had roughly two hours before going to a welcoming reception for a conference I am at for work. You've probably already guessed it, I went for a very long walk and took some pictures. I have a ritual of things I do each year I come to Manhattan. Unfortunately I will not have time to do all. I must confess the first time I came to New York I didn't like it at all. I found it too congested, dirty and smelly. What changed my mind? The fact that it's never boring and no matter your budget there is something to do, at least for my interests. Here are my suggestions should you come visit NYC.

1. Go to a new neighborhood explore the surrounding shops streets and at some point sit at a park or cafe and do some good old fashion people watching. I use this primarily for my photography hobby.

2. Catch a Broadway show you haven't seen yet. The best thing to do is to go to the TKTS booth and get that day's discounted tickets. Many times you will be able to get good shows at a great rate.

3. This is my favorite thing I absolutely have not missed in the recent past 5 visits I've come here. I usually take the MTA or bus to a new spot in central park (again more pictures) I sit down for a while and read a few chapters of a book.

4. Shop :) I don't get to this one as much as I'd like for obvious reason - time and money.

Well time to go to my next session...

Joke Of The Day - Big Bad Wolf

From E-mail Forward:
Little Red Riding Hood is skipping down the road when she sees a big bad wolf crouched down behind a log.
"My, what big eyes you have, Mr.Wolf."
The wolf jumps up and runs away.
Further down the road Little Red Riding Hood sees the wolf again and this time he is crouched behind a bush.
"My what big ears you have, Mr. Wolf."
Again the wolf jumps up and runs away.
About two miles down the road Little Red Riding Hood sees the wolf again and this time he is crouched down behind a rock.
"My what big teeth you have Mr. Wolf."
With that the wolf jumps up and screams, "Will you knock it off, I'm trying to poop!"

Maze Fun

This takes talent. Try to get to the end, I almost made it all the way through. See if you can get through the end of The Maze

Halloween Pictures

I've been posting pictures left and right - mainly on snapfish.com where I share my pics for printing with family and friends. These past days have been very eventful. Friday was the Gwen Stefani Concert.

Saturday I went dancing with some friends and family. Sunday was a usual movie trip - movie choice this time: North Country. It made me appreciate women's rights. That's another topic all together. I have to start writing in my movie review section again.

I digress, yesterday I took my nephew trick-or-treating. Here are a few pictures of the family, I even posed in some pictures, something I don't normally do. It was fun!

Happy Halloween

Trick-or-Treet, said the BOooBees

Automatic Flatterer

I needed this, this morning! I might just click on this link every morning. Go ahead give it a try, enter your name when prompt and watch the Automatic Flatterer make your day.

Happy October

What an eventful week this has been! October is usually filled with fall and Halloween events, which are always fun. My nephew and cousin always look forward to the Halloween activities, pumpkin patch, hay rides, parades, trick or treating and of course dressing up in costume. You guessed it I like the doing all the same things as well. This past Thursday I even carved a pumpkin, I hadn't done that since third grade.

As many of you already know the Chicago White Sox won the World Series and as such Chicago is in celebration. Yesterday the city had a ticker-tape parade for the team, running from Cellular field to a pep-rally in the middle of the loop. Luck would have it that the parade route passed directly in front of my company building. Talk about a festive lunch hour :) I'm glad I usually carry my camera, I was able to zoom up close.The partying continues...
Last night I went to the Gwen Stefani & Black Eyed Peas concert, pictures soon to come. Now I have to go get some missing pieces for my Halloween costume and get set for dancing tonight.

Amazing - Chicago White Sox Win!!!

The 2005 world series was just ended culminating in a victory by the Chicago White Sox! The White Sox are the 2005 World Series Champions. As the Chicago Tribune states: -- BELIEVE IT! -- My community immediately turned on the neighborhood alarm - it usually turns on only for local fires and emergencies. The fireworks are also bursting around here. Needless to say I live in the Southwest side of the city, where the majority of the Sox fans reside. My brother in law is a die hard Cubs fan and is terribly upset of this win. As I had said before, I am a Yankee fan, but as a Chicago native I'm happy for my city. Congratulations to the Chicago White Sox, after 88 years they finally gain their long awaited victory.

MySpace.com

It seems myspace.com is gaining ground in membership and popularity, especially with the Y-Generation. The third party add-ons are also popping up all over the place. What differentiates from the add-ons I've seen on blogger is the 'bling-bling' factor. This common hip-hop style of flashiness is a definite known factor for this generation and it is apparent by the looks of some blogs I've seen. Here's an example that can be found @: MySpacePimps.com

I've joined the network of course! My sister and friends are on it and influence me. We'll see how this site compares with friendster and hi5. I don't mind contributing to the cyber garbage. It's just another venting spot and creative outlet. Who knows I think I'll have fun pimpin' my space.

I think I'm going to add this one to myspace as well. If you know me well, you know I like cosmos :) Hey if you can't beat them join then :)

Interview With An Honest Boss

This was rather funny, it reminded me of the move 'Office Space'. What do you think your boss would say if you asked him about the your different options? Check out this flash movie and have your interview with an honest boss

Hurricane Wilma

The New York times published incredible shots of different locations where Hurricane Wilma has struck today. The Storm is expected to hit the Florida border tomorrow (Sunday). The storm was downgraded to a category 3 storm, however it has caused serious tragedy upon many inhabitants of the Yucatan Peninsula.
Hurricane Wilma hung over the Yucatan Peninsula Saturday, deluging the streets of Cancun. The storm was expected to reach Florida border on Sunday.

Cubans herded cattle to higher ground as flooding threatened part of Pinar del Rio. More than 500,000 people were evacuated from the western part of the island ahead of drenching rains and dangerous winds.
Multimedia & Photos - New York Times

This Weekend

I'm not sure what this weekend will bring. I doubt it will be as eventful as last weekend, which by the way I finally posted the pictures from Hawthorne Race Track and the petting zoo in my photoblog. Please check it out every now and then - what do you think?

The weather is expected to be cold and rainy, not great weather to be outdoors much. Besides the Chicago White Sox will be playing their first game in the World Series against the Houston Astros. Hey I'm not jumping on "the bandwagon." My sister says she hates posers. I always said if the Yankees lost I would root for the Sox. Go Sox!

I Can't Afford My Gasoline

Cute Flash movie but such a true sad message: I Can't Afford My Gasoline

Joke Of The Day

Why the Chicken Crossed the Road?
John Locke: Because he was exercising his natural right to liberty.
Machiavelli: The point is that the chicken crossed the road. Who cares why? The ends of crossing the road justify whatever motive there was.
Timothy Leary: Because that's the only kind of trip the Establishment would let it take.
The Bible: And God came down from the heavens, and He said unto the chicken, "Thou shalt cross the road." And the Chicken crossed the road, and there was much rejoicing.
Darwin #1: Chickens, over great periods of time, have been naturally selected in such a way that they are now genetically predisposed to cross roads
Darwin #2: It was the logical next step after coming down from the trees.
Jerry Seinfeld: Why does anyone cross a road? I mean, why doesn't anyone ever think to ask, "What the heck was this chicken doing walking around all over the place anyway?"
Martin Luther King, Jr.: I envision a world where all chickens will be free to cross roads without having their motives called into question.
Grandpa: In my day, we didn't ask why the chicken crossed the road. Someone told us that the chicken had crossed the road, and that was good enough for us.
Bill Gates: I have just released the new Chicken 2000, which will both cross roads AND balance your checkbook, though when it divides 3 by 2 it gets 1.4999999999.
Colonel Sanders: I missed one?
Plato: For the greater good.
Aristotle: To actualize its potential.
Albert Einstein: Whether the chicken crossed the road or the road crossed the chicken depends upon your frame of reference.
Ralph Waldo Emerson: It didn't cross the road; it transcended it.
Joseph Stalin: I don't care. Catch it. I need its eggs to make my omelet.
Dr. Seuss: Did the chicken cross the road? Did he cross it with a toad? Yes the chicken crossed the road, but why he crossed, I've not been told!
OJ Simpson: It didn't. I was playing golf with it at the time.
Get yours @ joke-of-the-day-mail.com

Great Article - Has It Been “One of Those Days”?

I clicked on a link that caught my attention onmy msn page. There was this little icon wuth text that read - "bad day at the office". My answer, kinda! Pretty hectic times right now, I liked some of the suggestions in this article...

So you’ve had a bad day at the office. Nothing seemed to go right, from disastrous client meetings and bungled reports, right down to the deli giving you the wrong sandwich order at lunch.
It happens to everyone at one time or another. But now how do you deal with it when you leave work? Are you going to stomp home and slam all the doors? Take it out on the dog? Let’s hope not. Here are some suggestions for putting a dreadful day behind you. | Read more at MSN Career Advice

This Damn Cold

I hate getting sick, when I get sick I get REALLY sick. A regular cold for someone else turns into flu-like symptoms for me. Well guess what I am SICK!!!! I know exactly when I caught this cold and it was my fault. I went to montrose harbor on saturday with just a t-shirt and Jersey on. The Chicago weather of course changed for the worse as the hours progressed. I think it went down to sub 50 and windy. As Vigdis would say "f***ing Chicago weather". Yeah, V I said it! These weather changes are killing me.

BK Halloween Masks

BK Halloween Masks
Did I ever mention that the burger king mask guy freaks me out? Oh and that commercial where he catches the football and scores a touchdown is just stupid. I hate that guy! To make matters worse I might run into that creepy mask this Halloween. If you must get one, get the subservient chicken, I didn't mind that one.

Rhyme, Rhythm and Risas Tour

Last Thursday my sister and I went to a concert at the Aragon. It was called the Rhyme Rhythm and Risas Tour, sposored by Volkswagen. I loved it. If it comes to your city you must check it out, especially if your Hispanic. It showcases poetry, comedy and music. Comedian Pablo Francisco and poetry and music by La Bruja filled the audience with food times, but the best part - Ozomatli. I really enjoyed their performance, but especially like the ending. The entire band got off the stage and jammed for about 20 minutes in the middle of the crowd. If you can't check out the Rhyme, Rhythm and Risas Tour, make sure your check out Ozomatli.

I May Be A Chicago Traitor Soon

Here I am watching game three of the American division Championship, rooting as usual for my Yankees. Series is tied one a piece and I can't help being scared of the decision I may be faced with soon. My hometown White Sox clinched their spot at the League Championship Series, winning their division series against last year's champions the Boston Red Sox. I may be over confident in already thinking the Yanks will battle the sox in the next series, especially since they are down a run now at the fifth. I will admit that I am not a addicted baseball fanatic. I watch a few regular season games, but I always watch the finals. I have always rooted for the Yankees since the beginning of the 90's. I've never really gotten into the cubby/sox feud. I will root for both teams, although I've been to more cubs games than sox games. Both stadiums have a different aura to them.

Today Chicago is celebrating the fact that the White Sox are the ALC champs and might even win the World series. I caught the end of the Sox's game on the radio during my ride home. I rooted for the White Sox, just as I rooted for the cubs last year. Why I am scared - because I cannot stop rooting for the Yankees. Should Yankees battle White Sox, guess who my loud cheers go for?

WOoohoooo! Game tied, Matsui just tied the score....Second batter up hits sends Cano scoring at home plate and now Yanks are up 6-5. Gotta love this game!

Find The Man In The Coffee Beans

From E-mail Forward
----- This is pretty interesting --
it is actually a test (not a joke), although I don't know how scientific the explanation is. Read directions below and give it a try.

This is an actual test-Can you find the man’s head within 3 seconds?


According to medical experiments: If you can find the Man's Head within 3 seconds, your right brain is more developed than normal people. If you can find the Man's Head within 1 minute, your right brain is developed normally. If you can find the Man's Head within 1-3 minutes, your right brain is slow in reacting, you should eat more meat protein. If you can't find the Man's Head in 3 minutes or more, your right brain is a disaster ... extremely slow in reacting, eat way more protein and try some Ginkgo Biloba. AND, YES THERE REALLY IS A MAN IN THERE.

Give up? Here's the answer... Are you sure?
Look in the lower left between the middle and side. I hope you didn't cheat!

La Vergüenza De Pedro

No he defendido mi dios. Otros se rien de los creyentes. Me cayo y no admito creer en mi señor. Que clase de cristiana soy yo. Me siento como Pedro quando negó a Jesús Cristo cuando lo llebavan a su crusificacion.

La vergüenza peza pero dicen que la fe puede mover montañas. Si es asi, porqué mi fe no tiene las fuerzas de enseñar su cara? Proclamo aquí que dios es mi creador y salvador. Dios mio quitame esta cobardia para proclamar lo mismo enfrente de esas personas que reniegan de ti.

Weekend Recap w/Charlie Pics

I had to go into the office this Saturday again - I've been working like a dog, well not like my dog who is the laziest dog I've ever seen! This weekend was the first one in a very long time when I was able to truly enjoy it. I came home Saturday evening and I took Charlie on a very long walk. The day was beautiful, warm and slightly breezy, just how I like it. I walked several blocks to towards a park where I knew at that point Charlie would need a rest. Sure enough when we arrived, as soon as I sat down Charlie plopped himself onto the grass. He loves rolling over on the grass and getting dirty. I am not a fan of the mess and his stinky-smell afterwards but I will admit that it looks cute when he does it.

Later that night was relaxing as well, I laid low and stayed in. I missed the Roy Jones fight, but I guess that was a good thing since the next day I found out he had lost. I would have been upset the entire night. It still irks me to think he lost to Tarver.

I stayed up late Saturday night fixing a computer from a client. I still freelance on the side from time to time. You name it, websites, graphics, virus cleaning, PC repairing if it pays and has to do with computers, I'll try to do it. Sunday was full of sleep and a movie night with Carson again. We saw Lord of War, which actually surprised me. I liked the movie and recommend it.

I'm Tired

It was a very long day today...

Vanity Plates

Every year I am tempted in getting vanity plates of my own, but I can't justify the cost and simply don't. Besides I'm not sure what letter/number combination to use. I think I would get bored of whatever combination I came with. Any suggestions?

404 Research Lab

Inspirational 404-web pages - 404 Research Lab

Volaré En Mis Sueños

Como quisiera ser una ave para poder volar sin preocupacion. Anelo la libertad y la capacidad de conocer otros países. Quién como la paloma, admirada por su belleza y simbolo de paz por su cuerpo fragil. Quién como un pájarito con plumaje de varios colores vibrantes dando alegría a esos ojos que lo ven. Me imagino sentir el viento bajo mi cuerpo alzando mas alto mi vuelo. Esta noche espero con anticipación el poder volar en mis sueños.

The LaughNetwork of Humor

DO you need a laugh today? I found this cute site that has many fun sections. Check the LuaghNetwork.com = The LaughNetwork of Humor, Greeting Card, and Entertainment Websites

I'm Such An 80's Kid!

You're an 80's kid if:
You ever ended a sentence w/ the word "SIKE"
You watched Pound Puppies
You can sing the rap to "Fresh Prince of Bel Air"
You wore biker shorts under your skirts and felt stylish.
You yearned to be a member of the babysitters club and tried to start one of your own.
You owned those lil Strawberry Shortcake pals scented dolls.
You know that "WOAH" comes from Joey on "Blossom"
Two words: M.C.Hammer
If you ever watched Fraggle Rock
You had plastic streamers on your handle bars.
You can sing the entire theme song to "Duck Tales"
It was actually worth getting up on Sat morning to watch cartoons
You wore a ponytail on the side of your head
You saw "Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles" on the big screen
You got super excited when it was Oregon Trail day in computer class
You had a clip that held your shirt in a knot at the side
You played the game MASH (Mansion, Apartment, Shelter, House)
You wore a Jordache jean jacket and you were proud of it
L.A. Gear... need I say more
You wanted to change your name to "JEM" in kindergarten
You remember all of the Ramona books
You know the profound meaning of "WAX ON, WAX OFF"
You wanted to be a Goonie
You ever wore fluorescent clothing (some head to toe)
You can remember what Michael Jackson REALLY looked like
You ever wondered why Smurfette was the only female smurf
You took lunch pails to school
You remember the CRAZE, then the BANNING of slap bracelets
You still get the urge to say "NOT" after every sentence
Barbie and the Rockers were your fav band
You thought She-Ra and He-Man should hook up
You thought your childhood friends would never leave you b/c you exchanged friendship bracelets
You ever owned a pair of jelly shoes (and probably in neon colors)
After Pee-Wee's Big Adventures you kept saying "I know you are but wha am I"
You remember "I've fallen and I can't get up"
You remember skating before inline skates
You ever got seriously injured on a Slip-n-slide
You had a Skip-it
You had or attended a b-day party at Mc Donalds
You've gone thru this nodding your head in agreement
"Don't worry, Be happy!!"
You wore like 8 pair of socks over tights w/ high top reeboks
You wore socks scrunched down
"Miss MARY MACK MACK MACK all dressed in BLACK BLACK BLACK"
Boom boxes vs. Cd players
Both Gremlin movies
"CARE BEAR STARE!!!"
You remember Rainbow Bright and My Lil Pony Tales
You thought Doogie Howser was hot!
Alf, the furry brown alien from Melmac
New Kids On the Block when they were cool
Knew all the characters and there life stories on the ORIGINAL Saved by the BelL
Know all the words to Bon Jovi- SHOT THRU THE HEART
You just sang it to yourself
You remember when Mullets were cool
You rolled your pants tight
You owned a banana clip!

The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo

I watched this documentary on PBS today - Again. I am drawn to the life of this great Mexican artist. I know that this is partially due to my own Mexican roots, however her willingness to live life through many hardships amazes me. I know such is the case with many unknown individuals, though her life and artwork always captivates me.

Tree of Hope Stand Firm

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, the paintings from this strong woman give great insight to her deep heartaches and physical pains. I've watched this documentary twice, I saw the Salma Hajek interpretation twice also, and I have a few books showcasing her paintings. I was thrilled when a few of her paintings were showcased at the Mexican Cultural Museum a couple of years back. I can't describe the feeling when you see an image you've seen on paper many times finally in real life up close and in rich vivid color.

If you have time I suggest your watch
The Life and Times of Frida Kahlo on PBS

Kiddy Wasssuuup!!

You thought the wassup fade was over?!?
Check out the remake for the younger (much younger) generation. Cute kids at: ot Milk? - Wahh-zaaaap

My Sister's Wedding Pictures

Another weekend has past and I finally can see the light at the end of the tunnel. With work,my sister's wedding, baby sitting, and just having too much to do I am looking forward to more relaxing nights. My sister's wedding was a success, all her guest showed up, and a few more. What could have been a disaster was actually a loving and enjoyable night. I took many pictures, as too be expected. I'm only going to share a few here. I can't wait to see the pictures from the actual photographer. The weather was nice, sunny and warm. Alex and Sis returned from their honeymoon today, and by babysitting duties were relieved. Key word relieved, although Jules was very good to me. Here are a few pics of the wedding from last weekend.

Nevashut: Game

Nevashut: Game

Mexican photo exhibit

An opening reception for the photography exhibit "Mexicans in Chicago" will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St.

The photos can be viewed in the Main Reading Room throughout Hispanic Heritage Month, Wednesday through Oct. 16.

The exhibit is based on the book "Mexican Chicago" by Rita Arias Jirasek and Carlos Tortelero. Arias Jirasek will open the exhibit, and copies of her book will be available for purchase.

A Mexican Independence Day Fiesta will be held in the library's park lot at 6 p.m. Thursday.

For information on other activities at the library during Hispanic Heritage Month, call Dan Carroll at (708) 388-1078, Ext. 15.

Wedding Bells Will Ring Tomorrow

Tomorrow is the big day, my little sister is getting married. We just came home from the rehearsal dinner. It went well, I hope Julian is a bit more clam tomorrow. My nephew will be the ring bearer, he looked so cute today. I can't wait to see him in his little tuxedo. I pretty much finished my speech, I just still have to find the closing quote I want to use.

GasBuddy.com - Find cheap gas prices in your city

This is my new buddy! It's coming in very handy lately.
Gas Buddy

Side View Jazz Fest

I am so bummbed :( I went to Grant park today in hopes of seeing the Jazz fest that is going on this weekend. I made the mistake of assuming my dog would be allowed and took him with. Hey, he needs to enjoy the city too!

I parked my car a few blocks away from Buckingham Fountain and strolled through the middle. I stopped at the fountain for a while and took some pictures. Charlie was good, he was calm and enjoyed the nice walk. We passed the vendor tents and Charlie was petted multiple times by friendly strangers. At the entrance of the fest I was told by an officer that Dogs aren't allowed in!

I continued walking through the outskirts and listened to the music for a while. It wasn't too bad, it was still within the grassy area, I just didn't get to have a decent view. Tomorrow I have a family function to go to and won't be able to get away. Oh well maybe next year.

Mozilla Update :: Extensions - List - Developer Tools - Page 1

I just beefed up my firefox browser and I am loving all the extensions and developer tools. One thing I wish it would include is to use these tools in my development environment. Oh well, update your mozilla browser today!
Mozilla Update