House Hunting

This past winter we loosely talked about buying a different home in the summer. One day I was feeling really overwhelmed and powerless having my privacy and lifestyle criticized yet again by family. It made me want to run away. While driving to work, listening to X96 Radio From Hell there was an ad about Newdwello having grant specialists who can help you find money for a down payment. I looked into it and was contacted by a man named Sterling. 

Although we don't qualify for any grants Sterling has been a great help. We went from not really looking for a home to placing an offer on an amazing home with a breathtaking view. Our offer was accepted, we received financing, paid the down payment, and signed the papers only to find out the owner's deceased wife's children placed a lien on the property. We ultimately declined to continue with that home. It is a beautiful home in the perfect location, but logically we were biting off what we could chew, but could possibly choke on. The yard may have been too much work for us and I didn't want to cut back on eating out and living comfortably. If it was supposed to work out then it would have. We believe in recognizing signs that guide us. It's all about making smart choices and this home would not have been the smartest choice for us.

We did get a family picture after going to closing and signing.

We've continued looking for houses but we have some specifics that make it challenging. It's a sellers market, inventory is scarce. There aren't enough houses on the market for as many buyers that are out there.

What I love most about our current home is the location. We're in Ogden, but tucked away on the west side. It's close to the river and trails, the freeway, lots of local eats and entertainment and I have an easy drive to drop the baby off at my mom's. 

What we don't love about our place is that we don't have a dish washer and only one bathroom. We'd really like an attached 2 car garage. We don't want to do the old fixer-upper house again. It's a lot of work and money and we're tired. 

The dilemma is I want have to be in Ogden. My favorite activities and groups are in Ogden, like Yogis of Ogden and the O-Town Babywearers. I need the beautiful mountains and quick access to trails. I want to raise my child(ren) in Ogden so they can develop a strong sense of community involvement. Ogden is more diverse than the surrounding areas. It's not California diverse, but my children will be exposed to other cultures and religions as opposed to if we moved to a Davis County suburb(I REFUSE). 

The type of house we want and the lifestyle we want conflict. Ogden is made up of old homes. Many of them have been renovated inside so they're gorgeous, but the whole garage thing, they're all detached and rarely fit two cars. We're looking for 4 or 5 bedrooms because we want a whole tribe of children. We're okay settling for 3 bedrooms and possibly moving later. Here's what I'm thinking, if I can convince my husband that a detached garage is something we can work with, could we settle for a lovely Ogden home tucked on the side of the mountain with trees and a view? The downside is we'd have to carry shit a little further and maybe run from house to car in the rain. I think we'll live. 

Our agent tells me to be patient. We'll find a home that aligns with us. 

I'm Grateful for My Baby Daddy

Now isn't that the trashiest blog title?

I'm grateful for my husband. Being married is weirdly a lot of work. Recently so many of my family are struggling through divorces and it makes me sad for them. It sounds so painful that people can just stop loving each other. Shitty things happen and sometimes I get really judgey towards people who give up, but I suppose people know what they can handle.

Anyway back to my life. We're in family mode, focused on building and raising our clan. We're so different so I know we'll face parenting challenges, but I believe we both have great qualities to pass on.

While I was recovering from childbirth if I've ever questioned if he loves me, in those moments, I knew he absolutely does. He would tell me to do my self care rituals, go to my room, shut the door, and take a nap. The best thing a new mom could do.

Watching how he interacts and loves his son puts the biggest smile on my face. They're lucky to have each other.

Lunch With An Old Friend

My friend Brook-Lee is in town from Georgia. I don't think we've seen each other since her high school graduation in 2006. Since then we've become much nicer girls than we were in jr. high. We reminisced and reflected on life back then. We are both proud to say we didn't become another statistic that dropped out of high school or got pregnant at sixteen. We both have our bachelors and are working on graduate degrees. May we continue to be positive role models for each other and other girls who are minorities like us. 

Updated YouTube Channel

I recently went to Peter Shankman Takes Utah hosted by the Social Media Club of Salt Lake City and aside from the humor, I took away two things from Peter that I want to place more emphasis on in my life.  

The first was to reach out to people when you don't need anything. I feel like I already do this by visiting people when I'm in their area and texting or calling them when I'm thinking abou them, but I can always do better. 

The second thing he talked about was using video. It's so easy to record footage on our phones and share it. Every once in awhile I'll record, but only recently have I started understanding what a great way it is to preserve memories far beyond what a photograph can do. People are looking for an experience and video is a way to give them that experience. He also mentioned how important it is to put your name on your work just in case you go viral. 

This past week I had been thinking about my sister-in-law and reached out to her just to say hi. She told me how fast life goes when you have children and how amazed she is with all the new things her kids are learning. I mentioned that she should record some videos and share them. A few days later she emailed me the cutest video of her 2 year old daughter cleaning her room and making her bed.

I started thinking about the videos I've recorded but never shared, so I started uploading them to YouTube, 107 videos later I finally finished with what I recorded between 2006-2012. I'm pretty sure Jose thought I was nuts laughing uncontrollably at things that probably aren't funny to anyone but me and maybe the people in them. 

There's a huge range from teen years, church choirs, and family time. Now that they're backed up everyone can share in the memories and I don't have to worry about them accidentally getting erased and lost forever from my hard drive. 

Check them out, maybe you're in one. 

Almost Started a New Job

I applied for a program coordinator position at a non-profit organization that is literally 4 blocks from my house. I submitted my application, then contacted the HR director via LinkedIn to introduce myself and make sure she received my application. I honestly think it was a great move to director her to see what I’m about.

I went to the interview on a Wednesday. I prepped the night before by brushing up on key facts about the organization and going over what I would say about myself. I could tell they were impressed. They even mentioned that they just posted a volunteer coordinator position that they think I would be qualified for, if I was interested. I received a call the next day asking my permission to contact my current supervisor. I really appreciated that they asked me first because she wasn’t aware that I was looking into this new position. I had a quick chat with her about expecting their call and to my surprise was extremely supportive.

I got a call on Friday that I didn't get the program coordinator position, but they wanted me to come in for interview for the volunteer coordinator position the following Tuesday. I went not feeling completely in love with the position, but after hearing more about it I was interested. I received a call Wednesday saying that they wanted to offer me a position, but it wasn't going to be what I was expecting. They wanted to offer me the first position because their original choice declined. I accepted and we set my start date for 2/25/13.

I was excited, but didn't want to tell my employer yet because I wanted to live off of the high and wasn't ready to deal with everyone knowing I was leaving, wrapping up loose ends and answering questions. My plan was to wait until Monday to give my two weeks notice.

I received a little feedback about being second choice, but I didn’t care, I was just happy to have an offer and the chance to move one step closer to my career goals. The organization has a fairly good reputation for being a great non-profit to work for with exceptional benefits and I could walk to work. I was excited!

Friday I received a call from the HR director saying that she hated to tell me, but the position was being placed on hold for a month while the executives reviewed whether they actually needed the position. I was disappointed, but still had hope that they would realize they needed it. I was also really grateful that I hadn't put in my 2 weeks yet and that they told me this lovely info before I was actually in the position.

I followed up this Monday, the day I was supposed to start, and got the final answer. They have decided to shift responsibilities around among the current staff.

I noticed something really odd after I was offered the position. I was feeling really sentimental and attached to my current place of employment. I've spent three years learning about the trucking industry  and realized it was probably something I would never dabble in again. The day after I was offered the position my department had a mini field trip to the new coffee shop across the street and it hit me that I was going to be leaving these people, and that I actually really do like them. I am in no way against change. I love it, so my sights were set on the new experiences. After all of this I’m okay where I’m at. Thankfully I don’t wake up dreading work and my job allows a lot of flexibility. 

I change my mind daily about whether I should keep looking or just take advantage of the comfort and flexibility my job offers as I finish my masters degree and focus on Arriba Latinas, a mentoring program I’m building with two other amazing ladies. 

Valentine’s Day and My 25th Birthday

It’s Valentine’s day and my 25^th birthday and I love it! Twenty-five feels like a good age to me. I enjoy getting older and growing as a person. Maybe I’m not where I thought I’d be, but it’s where I’m supposed to be. 

For the past 14 days I've been receiving sweet gifts from my biggest fan—my mom.  

    

When I got to work today I found this on my desk from my dad. It’s his thing and it’s really special to me because he’s away working, but remembered. He would always send me flowers at school on my birthday, now that I have to be an adult I loved getting them at work.

I love this día de amor y amistad. It’s not just for lovers, but for friendship. I was able to have my friends Ashley and Kevin over this week for a little Valentine’s dinner, drink and conversation. I wish I would've remembered to snap a picture of the 3 of us.

Jose says he doesn't care about Valentine’s day but one year I gave everyone Valentine cards and not him and he was butt hurt. So this year I decided I was going to be cheesy and love on him. I saw this idea that my cousin, Asa, did for his fiancé and thought I’d steal and tweak it. I placed 52 card throughout the house with things I love about him! 

At work we had lunch from Chik-Fil-A and my favorite, yellow cake with chocolate frosting. It’s fun sitting around bullshitting with my department. 

 

That was a whole lot going on for one post, but I want to end off with this little playlist of songs that remind me of my love for my husband. P.S. I recently started using Spotify and I love it! 

It was such a great birthday with the people I love. There's more to come this weekend at Sunday family dinner. I hope you had a special Valentine's Day! 

River Silas Martinez

He's finally here! Jose's best friend and wife announced on April Fool's day that they were going to be parents.You can imagine how hard that was to believe, but after Natalie refused a drink we knew it had to be true, because WHY would Natalie refuse a drink?

I know we were all meant to be friends, we have such similar views on child birth, babywearing  breast-feeding and circumcision, which makes me feel good to know that I will have their support when our time comes. They decided not to find out the sex of their baby until he was born. They planned an at home water birth, but after being in labor from Monday morning until Friday morning River was finally delivered by cesarean.

It's amazing how you can love someone you've never met. Jose and I can't wait to meet the new addition to our family. I hope it doesn't make us baby hungry.

Milk Drunk! My favorite picture so far.

Having a baby is hard work 

Nap Time

Abuelito Pepe and his new grandson

I Want In On The Daily Gratitude: Day 1 & 2

Day 1: Marriage
I'm grateful for marriage.  I didn't think marriage would make a difference since we already lived together, but making that commitment to each other felt so special.

I can't believe how extremely challenging it is at times, but I'm grateful for my partner. Jose always asks me if I'd marry him again and I usually agree. Once I said yes, but later on in life when we're both more mature. He reminded me that we get to mature together. That's good and bad somedays, but I'm glad we are learning together.

I'm grateful for the examples of enduring marriages in my life. My parents, in-laws, and all of our grandparents inspire me to continue on in love.



Day 2: Home
I'm grateful for a place to call home.

• My house
• Ogden
• Utah
• USA

Plasma

This weekend Jose and I went with my brother to donate plasma. Bro gets $50 a referral so we figured we’d earn an extra $95 each and he could get $100. If anyone would like to be my referral I could use an extra $50.

As I sat across the room staring at my handsome husband I wondered if we didn’t know each other and we happened to cross paths in that facility would we approach each other, would we go on a date, would we marry? Are we soul mates that were destined to find each other? I don’t believe in soul mates, he does.  

Donating plasma wasn’t so bad; it hurt more than donating blood. I haven’t decided if I want to continue. Depending on our financial situation it might be a good idea and extra Christmas money is always good. I felt like it was very time consuming and I barely have enough time to get my normal tasks done. In reality I waste a lot of time on the computer and watching TV so why not be more proactive and donate, make money, and work on homework.

Jose had an allergic reaction to something while donating. I was across the room and saw five techs gathered around him fanning him, propping his legs up, and ripping out the line. I was scared because I didn’t know what was going on. I felt helpless not being able to be by his side.  He said his hands cramped up and his wrists felt like they were going to snap. When we got home his back was itchy and full of welts. He has to speak with the doctor on Friday. Maybe he just shouldn’t go back.

Morning Ride

Today was our first time up Ogden Canyon on our motorcycles. I'm such a wimp sometimes, but I'm glad Jose pushes me because I always end up having a good time. We stopped at The Oaks for brunch. After eating we rode around Pineview Dam and down the North Ogden Divide.

We stopped and hiked for a bit. We saw an old car that probably ran off the rode long ago and found some bones. 

It's been a great weekend. I hope yours was just as enjoyable. I know many of us will be starting school, going to work, and enjoying the last bit of summer. I'm ready for it all. Have a great week!

-Priscilla

His & Hers

Jose and I are having so much fun this summer cruising around on our bikes. I bought mine from my mom's friend for a steal of deal. It's a perfect bike to learn on and I love the color. Jose is a KSL pro and bought his from a guy in Kaysville. I say pro because he found me a helmet and boots for a great price. I just don't have the patience to look and barter with people.

After Jose got his Harley I realized I won't be on this little Honda for long. His is so loud and ballsy, I'm bound to upgrade next summer.

I ride my motorcycle to work several days a week and love that I've been forced to practice minimalism. I have two small saddle bags and can't take all of the junk I would usually take if I had my car. I usually only take my lunch, gym clothes, water bottle, phone, work access key, license, and some money when I ride to work. NO PURSE and it's been great. I shouldn't be surprised I really don't need all of the stuff I throw in my purse.

My next favorite thing about riding is all of the looks we get. So many people are thrilled seeing motorcycles. We rode down Washington Boulevard the other night and I saw some of the biggest smiles from people driving beside us. Their smiles made me smile.

Third, I like the social aspect and camaraderie. Along with smiles from drivers I love, LOVE when I receive a greeting from another biker. I know it sounds lame, but it really makes me happy and giddy.

Last, I enjoy that's it's just the two of us having a fun summer with minimal responsibilities--working hard and playing hard.  

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Meeting You

Before                                                  After

 

I received this picture frame at a Christmas gift exchange. I’m a big hater and can’t stand that quote, “Live, Laugh, Love,” not because it’s not inspirational, but because it’s over used and if you know me I’m not into believing the hype and almost refuse to do things because everyone else is doing them. I do allow myself to get suckered into reading certain books though.

I decided to re-design it with a quote I pinned on Pinterest. I reworded it a bit because I didn’t think it would fit and I felt like the word privileged was too formal.

1 Universe, 9 Planets, 204 Countries, 809 Islands, 7 Seas, and I got to meet you.

I think it’s amazing living in this big world where we get the opportunity to meet people who have such an impact on our lives. There are so many people I’m grateful to know, but only 5 frames, so it was difficult choosing who to showcase. If I love you and you aren’t in this frame you’re probably hanging up in another.

Top Left:

When I married Jose I got to join the club of vibrant Angulo women. I can never relate with those mother-in-law horror stories because mine is great. She’s so non judgmental and understanding. The thing I admire most about her is her willingness to serve others. Next, I got a badass sister-in-law Susie who is down for anything. It makes me laugh when her guy, Jaime, describes her as brava because that is exactly what she is. She won’t take crap from anyone, knows how to have a good time and is the best mom. Then there’s Leilannie, my oldest niece, who’s heading towards greatness. This picture was taken April 2012 in Ensenada, Mexico.

Top Right:

This picture was taken in a tuc-tuc in Guatemala on a study abroad trip in 2010. When I started college I knew people went to study abroad, but I never thought it was something I’d do. I’m so glad I went and had the chance to cross paths with Ashley and Kevin. Life is busy so we aren’t able to keep in touch as often as I’d like, but we have great memories together.

Middle:

This is the most recent picture of the PRAMS Girls taken this June. I’ve known most of them for 6 years. We met at a crucial time in life when we were all transitioning into young adulthood. It’s nice to have this support system. (I don’t like the shadow the frame casts on this picture.)

Bottom Right:

This is a picture of me and two of my favorite roommates I had when I was going to the UofU. Frank is a crazy, fun-loving Georgian and Adam is a Portuguese speaking Californian who now lives in Texas with his wife and one-year-old son. I don’t know if we will ever see each other again, but we keep in touch through Facebook, Instagram and Blogger.

Bottom Left:

This was Halloween 2011 out in good ol’ Plain City, Utah at Parker and Caysie’s Halloween party. These were originally my brother’s friends, he and Parker were born on the exact same day and were best friends growing up. Now they’ve become our friends. We always have a nice, drama free time with them.

I enjoyed re-doing this frame, it ended up being way more than just gluing. I got the chance to reflect on how big the world is and how lucky I am to be Where I’m Supposed to Be meeting such wonderful people.