UPDATES:

[ Family ]
Charlize is potty potty potty training away. She has #1 down, but #2 is the problem! She's no longer a baby, but my little girl. I love her so much! She makes my day everyday. She's so smart, funny, silly, thoughtful, loving, and everything a mother could ever ask for and more. Her personality blows me away. You know how parents always think the world of their children? Well, I'm one of them!!! She's my favorite. =) ohhh and Christian's doing fine. he doesn't like it when I talk about him. LOL so yeah... =P

[ School ]
3-4 classes away to associate's at PGCC then I'm onto my Bachelors at UMUC... then Masters. It's a slow process, but I'll get there eventually. Better late than never. Yanno? Right now, I feel like a GO GETTER. Hopefully I can keep the motivation up.

[Career ]
Currently in a good company: Booz Allen Hamilton. I work at the client site obviously, so I don't really feel a part of the BAH world, but so far it's been okay. I feel more a part of the IMCOM world. Anyways, this job looks great on my resume. I'm in a position with a lot of exposure working for the leaders of the Command. And I think this is the right place for me as of right now.

[ Future Career Goals ]
Getting a government position.
I should've gotten one in Germany, with the spouse's preference, but it's okay. One is coming up that if a veteran doesn't apply for it, I'm banking on that being my position. The office already knows that I'm interested and I'm pretty confident that they want me. But the government has to go by the rules and it's definately hard getting into the system. But once you're in, you're set. Yanno? If that position doesn't fall through, I will start applying to other government agencies just to get into the door. I have enough experience to get a government position. I also think it would be beneficial to get one, just in case Christian ever gets called back up. Hopefully he won't.

I have some ideas for our business, but we'll see if funds are available. Just know that's on my scope. Need to start working on that again to be up to par by independence day.

[ Social ]
Outside of the Ricasa Clan.... could use some major work. LOL Maybe this summer I'll invite people over for BBQ's, Wii, or Rockband or something. I do like going clubbing with friends, however, I do feel bad leaving Charlize at night and sleeping into the afternoon the next day. I don't have all week to play with her and I feel as though the weekends should be all about Family Time. So, I should find other ways to hang out with friends that doesn't always involve the club. Yanno?

Vacation time is coming up... OC in May, Canada in July, and Florida or the Beach in August. Can't wait to see Cha's face when she sees Mickey. Can't wait. ohhh yeah.... I need to start running. LOL!!!!

[ Finding the Balance ]
Still is a work in progress. I feel as though a lot is on my plate. Young filipino mother/wife/student/career woman/entreprenuer striving to be successful. The odds are definately stacked against me. But I feel as though I can make it.

So.... my total of like 3 friends that read this. That is the update on my life. Sorry I talked about myself. LOL but this is like my personal diary for your viewing. I should get one of my own, but I believe typing is a lot faster and neater that writing. LOL okay... see yall later. BYE!

 look at that. 7 more classes to my associate's. then to my bachelors then to the masters. so close yet still so far. no complaints though. next semester I will only be taking 2 classes because I'll need to get adjusted to my new position. I'll have to adjust to the workload and so 2 classes should be enough for me.

what new position? its the executive assistant to the Chief of Staff and Command Sergeant Major. i'm about 90% of the way there. just need to hear a number, negotiate, and then accept. then "MOVIN ON UPPPPPP!!!! to the EAST SIDE!" I'm getting trained for the position. everyone here at my work has announced it, even the Deputy Commanding General. but i'm just waiting for the job offer from Booz Allen Hamilton. Booz Allen has been awarded the contract for IMCOM, so all the contractors are in transition. Booz is working on my taskorder as we speak and I expect to hear from them early next week, see as though the girl is leaving on the 28th. I'm expected to be up there in the beginning of January.  i suppose if i wanted to be in this profession my whole life, this would be the dream job, but i'm not planning on doing this forever. but if the money's right. LOL money talks. i just hope the $$$ matches up to what I expect.

this position puts a lot more pressure on me. i have to bring my A-Game everyday. The experience is great, seeing the commanders at work, the exposure, and knowing that I make a difference with the Army is a BIG plus. another bonus is that Booz Allen is a great company for advancement. so overall the right move for my professional career.

well, gotta get going. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

and if i'm not on again...
HAPPY NEW YEAR and HAPPY 4 YEAR ANNIVERSARY CHRISTIAN!

Thanksgiving was definately not the same without Uncle Mel and Derek. Every year Thanksgiving was always at Uncle Mel's house, and he always made the Turkey along with other dishes, and made sure that all the food was displayed nice. He took pride in all of that. Derek and Aubrey would stroll in around 10-11PM ish. And the family would eat, exchange bunot, have a great time, and talk for hours.  I looked at my "death by chocolate" dish, I thought: man, Derek would have had a big plate of my dessert, and I would've told him, "awww... you're being bad! LOL" and he would look at me and go "I know, haaahahahahaha." He had a very distinct laugh. This year Thanksgiving was just not the same. It was very sad. I could see the sadness in everyone's faces from time to time. Of course, we all tried to have a good time, but you couldn't help but feel incomplete without them. No thanksgiving would ever be the same. Even though, there is no doubt in my mind that both of you are in Heaven, know that we still miss and love you both very much. Rest in peace Uncle Melquiades Geronimo and Derek Pastor.

Welcome to the world
Jared Joshua Cabrera Ricasa

Who looks like Roy Ricasa III? LOL Jared! I love him so much already. He makes me giggle!!!

congratulations kuya and czar!!!! congrats to my homies for doin it up big: kathy, ranielle, emily, dwight, jonathan, john, emilyn, snow, and neal! wow!!! and everyone else i missed (i've only seen the pics, that's how i know)!!! you guys did it. i'm really happy and proud of you guys!!!!

so this was the year i was suppose to graduate if i stayed in school huh? well... it's alright. sure, i feel a little left out, but you know what... "i don't regret this life i chose for me" (c. daughtry) lol. school is to prepare you for the real world. but i've been out in the real world for some time now. so i guess it's okay. now, school for me is maybe getting paid $10,000 more than what i'm getting paid now, and of course to job that leads to the top. in the business world... it's all about who you know and your work experience. gotta work your way up the corporate ladder. i have four years working in business under my belt. i just need a degree for some shine on my resume. so yeah... in conclusion... it would've been great to graduate this year with all my friends, but if i were to do it all over again, i still would have chosen this path in life.

june 4th is when summer session starts! i'm pretty excited to go back to school. christian will be going to school too. full time work and full time summer school. i feel like i'm really making moves. well anyways.. i gotta go look like i'm doing something productive. bye

------------------------------------------------------------------------

Have a good memorial day weekend!
Honor those who gave their lives to our country. You are not forgotten.
R.I.P. Jose Perez - OIF October 2005