Leena

I went to school in Pennsylvania and graduated from Kutztown University with a Bachelors Degree in Communications. I always knew I wanted to leave my surroundings and start a new life. I have always been a go-getter; it’s in my blood. So after graduation I did just that, I started a new chapter.

Starting my life in Jersey was a bit intimidating in the beginning. The idea of meeting new people, having a new job and starting a new life was a bit scary but really exciting at the same time. Luckily I had the love of my life with me, a good job and I fit right in with the people around me.  Especially one in particular…..

  

Leena

I met Leena while working for the same company; she was the one that trained me when I got hired. That’s how our story began. Leena and I clicked instantly. We’d always go out and grab a glass of wine after work to un-wined. She always ordered a Cabernet and I a Sauvignon Blanc, she likes her red and I love my white wine. We were perfect for each other. Our relationship grew really close fast and that’s how she became one of my five. We were as thick as thieves at that point in our lives. She and I have gone through a ton of life experiences that honestly I will remember for a lifetime. My Costa Rican little wild child.

Jack was deployed almost immediately while we were living in Jersey and I was left alone. Leena was there for me at a time in my life that I needed someone the most. Jack and I were newly weds and I moved two hours away from my friends and family. She and her family became like a second family to me. I would go to her house after work and her mother would cook these wonderful Costa Rican dishes, and her Dad would always have a glass of wine waiting for me (God rest his soul).

I think it was destined for her and I to be friends especially at that time in our lives. We shared some memorable life experiences and were there for each other when we needed it the most.

At that time since Jack was deployed I hung out with Leena all the time, if I wasn’t at work or school we were together. We worked for the same company so that made it easier for our relationship to blossom. We definitely turned out to be partners in crime. We use to go to the city for work all the time. NYC was our back yard and we definitely played in it. Aww I remember us now, we use to have so much fun together. We would get all dressed up and party in the city as if we were super stars. I loved it! One time we partied in a club and Rihanna was twenty feet away from us. Oh the memories!! NYC life is pretty epic and SO much fun; I do miss it at times.

At that time in her life she separated from her husband. Might I add whom she was with since she was only 13 years old, high school sweethearts. I was there at a time in Leena’s life when the most devastating thing happened to her, when sadly her husband cheated. Luckily through time they have mended their relationship and are happily back together, but it was a journey to get there.  Maybe I’ll tell you about it one day.

It was such a memorable time in my life, and I really think it was because I created a new family without knowing it. Leena and I have laughed together, cried together and partied together. It was a great chapter in my life and I was surrounded by a bunch of wonderful people and friends that will be apart of me, my Jersey family.  

I have to say I really appreciate each and every one of my girls, whether they know it or not. They were and will always be such an important factor in my life. Either way I love each and every one of them, and if you keep reading you will know why they are so special to me. We will always and forever be friends.

Sincerely Yours,

Lola

“Veronica”

“How it all began”

Bebah

I had such a great time this weekend! A good friend of mine flew in and was going to be in San Diego for a day. We made plans to go out and celebrate her boyfriend’s birthday. It was a good time and I had a blast with my Bebah.

I met Beeb’s in Jersey about six years ago; I hired her to work for me when she was only 17 years old. This cute, loud, cocky teenager, I still remember her now. We got real close working together. She turned out to me my top seller, which was awesome for me. She looked at me like an older sister and we ended becoming really close when we worked together. Even after my move to California from Jersey Bebah and I remained friends and have grown closer and built a great relationship thus far. Who would have known? We laugh about it till this day.

When I lived in Jersey Jack was deployed in Iraq for about a year. So I had more time to focus on work and school. My friends started to become like family and when I think back to that time in my life I can’t help but to appreciate those people for who they are.  That will always be an important chapter in my life that I will hold dear to my heart. Having Bebah here this weekend, I was able to get a bit of a Jersey fix in California. Even though I will always miss Jersey and keep it close to my heart, I must say California is growing on me.

Bebah still lives in Jersey but comes out to Cali to visit her boyfriend as much as she can. I tell her all the time she needs to just move here already! She actually met her boyfriend stationed in Afghanistan.  Can you believe this girl was actually in a combat zone? She’s one tough chick! She worked as a translator for the Military and he was a Marine. I’m so proud of her she did amazing. Awww she no longer is that 17-year-old little smart ass that used to work for me. LoL She has turned into a grown woman.

We really had a good time this weekend. I really enjoyed hanging out with my Bebah. I’m so glad we have been able to maintain friends and get as close as we have. It’s so funny how life works. Who would have known six years ago she and I would be partying in California together?

I was super excited to hang out and see her. I had a really great time with her and her friends. We ended up going to a place in downtown San Diego, which had a line down the block. The night was pretty epic; we had bottle service and a VIP section. We stayed on a balcony over looking everyone as they danced and partied. It was actually a pretty cool place.

But as I looked down from the balcony watching everyone party and have a awesome night all I could think about was being at home with my boys. Wow how the times have changed.  Not too mention the place was not my scene, I felt like such an old person, even though I didn’t look it. LoL (oh NO when did this happen!!!) I don’t know about you but as I get older and time passes I feel like my style of life changes. Trust and believe I had my days and fair shares of partying like a rock star. I had a fake ID at 18, oh the memories!!! Oh the stories I can tell you!! I will save that for another day… But as I get older, its so crazy how some things are just not for me anymore. I guess people actually grow up even if they don’t want to. I like to think of myself like a bottle of good wine, I get better as I age I just taste different. Needless to say I do feel myself acting my age and becoming more mature. When did this happen?!?!

All in all it was a pretty fun night with my Bebah and definitely a night to remember. I’m so glad I was able to enjoy my night with a good friend. This was for you, I love you Bebah.

Sincerely Yours,

Lola

Check out “How it all Began”
Meet Veronica

"The Love of My Life" Part One

When I think back to how it all started, I can't help but smile. I would have never thought in a million years that this is how we would turn out. Let’s go back, way back to the day I met HIM…..

When I met Jack I had recently ended a four year mess with someone who shall remain nameless. The idea of getting into another serious relationship was out of the question. After my previous mess with nameless, I just wanted to focus on me, myself and I. All my time and energy was going to be spent on school, work and my success. I have always been a driven person and at that time you couldn’t tell me anything! I knew I was going places. I didn’t know where exactly, I just knew I wanted to take over the world no matter how much work it took. Not to mention that a husband and having a family was at the bottom of my “To Do” list. And as much as I adore my beautiful husband it wasn't love at first sight, for me anyways.

As you get to know me more, you will soon find out about the five special ladies in my life. Veronica was the one that introduced me to Jack. At that time, Veronica was always trying to match me up with different guys, especially ones that worked with her husband. It seemed as though her mission in life, was finding me a man. She wanted me to marry a Marine like her, so that she and I could be together forever. As if the military gives you that option! Everyone she would introduce me to, I would never take serious. Why should I? Being a military wife was the last thing I wanted to be, and besides, having a family was not what I wanted. Until I met Jack. Well not quite, but you'll see.

I remember the day Veronica told me about Jack. I was at work and she calls me up and says, "Lola, I've met the perfect guy for you!" I thought to myself, seriously not again with this! She goes on to say, "I just know he is the one, he is perfect for you!" As you get to know more about me and my five girls you will soon find out that V and I, grew up together and were as thick as thieves growing up. Before children and marriage came along in life we did almost everything together. So raising families together was her plan for both of us. Key words, “her plans” not mine. I on the other hand, had plans of my own and it did not include being a housewife. I just wanted to make tons of money, live in New York City and live fabulously.

Back to the story….. V goes on to say, "You’ll see! The next time you’re at the house I'm going to make sure Junior brings him by." Needless to say I paid no attention to the idea of him and the first time I met him. I was not interested in him at all. When I first laid eyes on him I was like, "OMG he is a giant!" I remember telling Veronica, "OH HELL NO! He is too big for me he is a beast!" Jack is an extremely tall glass of water, 6'5 to be exact. But in the beginning I was a bit freaked out by how tall and big he was. I was so small next to him, it just didn't feel right. So we met and that was it, we never spoke again after that. Until maybe two months later when we crossed paths again.

I remember that night clearly, we all met up at a house party for one of the Marines promotion celebration. A house full of Marines, what more can a girl ask for LoL. It was LIVE that night and definitely a night to remember. As I write this, I find myself smiling as the memories come back to me. A group of us were all taking shots of So Co and Lime, the drinks were flowing and the vibe was “HOT”. What initially caught my eye with Jack, specifically that night, was that he barely acknowledged me and paid no attention to me what-so-ever. Or so it seemed. I remember saying something funny, and everyone in the group laughed (mainly the guys) except him! This bothered me but also attracted me to him even more. It's as if he wasn't amused by me at all. At this point my interest level was high and I had to have him! I was not about to let this guy off that easy, so I told Veronica to do something about it. It’s so funny to me, the way a women’s mind works. We tend to want the things we can’t have the most, even if we never wanted it in the first place. Funny how that works….

Of course since I told Veronica to do something about it, her tipsy self decides to be overly obvious about it and initiates a conversation with Jack. The next thing you know she brings me into the conversation and ironically disappears, leaving just us two. Needless to say it worked and it did get his attention. Jack and I had a great conversation that night, talking to him made me realize how smart he was. His conversation opened my eyes to his personality and that made me want him even more! But the kicker was I didn't know if he wanted me! We flirted with each other but he never tried to make a move or implied otherwise. A perfect gentleman he was. This confused the hell out of me! At this point, a bit of desperation kicked in and I had to take matters into my own hands. I wasn’t going to let this hunk of a man go, so I took charge of the situation and decided to make the first move. Hey, a girl has to do what she got to do! Game on! Jack was not ready for what I was about to do to him. Lola always gets what she wants. To be continued.....

Hope you enjoyed the first half of my love story. When I think back to when and how we first started I still get butterflies. I know it sounds cheesy but that's the love of my life, and this is our story.

Part Two

Sincerely Yours,
        Lola

If you missed "How it all Began" you can click here for Part One and for Part Two here.

Veronica

As every day goes by and I get older, I find myself sitting and reminiscing on certain events that have happened in my life. Memories of who I was in the past. The definition of me.

I can't imagine my life without my girls. They have impacted my life in more ways than they know…..

There are five women that have been a part of my life since I can remember. These five ladies have individually impacted my life in so many ways... You have NO idea.  As you continue to get to know me more you will also get to know my girls, my best friends. Each of these girls has an interesting story behind our friendship. I honestly don't know where I would be if it weren't for them. These women are truly magical! Let me introduce you to Veronica, Leyla, Marie, Leena and Mel. Today, you will meet Veronica...

 

 
It’s so fascinating to me how the smallest things can trigger a distant memory. A memory that was almost forgotten, if it weren't for that single moment. For instance, today I was at one of Jack's work functions.  We were at a Mexican Restaurant in Old Town, I left work early to meet him there. The lunch was almost over and there was a happy hour sign that caught my attention immediately. Drinks half price from 3-6. I looked at my watch, 3:15. I immediately said, "Babe can I buy you a drink, its happy hour!?" "Let's go for it" he says.

We looked at the menu and noticed that they had long islands on special. Damn, it's been a minute since I've had a Long Island, I thought to myself. I ordered two, and just like that Veronica came to mind. Aww, I just had a throwback memory.
 

This was my long island, It was super yummy

Veronica and I use to always get Long Island Ice Teas at this little pub back home. It was a cute, bit outdated bar/restaurant it usually consisted of an older crowd and the perfect spot for her and I. We use to always go there to have one of our talk sessions about current drama that was happening in our lives. Mostly stuff that was happening with the current yet questionable men that we were dating at the time. It was the perfect spot to go and talk without any interruptions, no one to bother you when you’re in deep talk. Not to mention the best part about this pub are the long islands, the best in town if you ask me.

When I think back to all the memories I have with this girl, I can't help but smile to myself. She and I have come a long way. V has seen it all when it comes to me. We have been in each other's lives for the majority of our lives together. She even introduced me to my husband and I ironically introduced Junior (her husband) to her. Although, that seriously was not my intention. It literally just happened that way. Go figure! LoL

The life experiences that we have been through together is insane! I can honestly say that I don't know where I'd be if she were not in my life. How could I? She literally introduced me to the love of my life. I honestly love this girl! Not only is she my friend but I consider her my sister. One thing I will say about Veronica is that there is never a dull moment when it comes to her life, and I'm sure as you get to know her more you will see why. As a matter of fact when I talk about all the girls in my life you might find it more interesting than not. Who knows, either way they all come with a different story and were there for me at a different time in my life. I truly appreciate every one of them. I love my Amiga’s!

Trust me! You’re going to love them as much as I do!

Seriously Yours,
Lola

"How it All Began"

Barstow Part 1

Leaving New Jersey was SO devastating for me, it was one of the saddest times of my life. You don't know how much you love people or appreciate them like you should. Until you don't have them around, like your use to. My life was about to enter a different world and it was so far away from who I was. I was going to live a life that was completely different then what I was used to living. Don't get me wrong I was excited about coming out to California, but also so scared and sad at the same time.

I remember the day we drove into Barstow, all I could do was stare out the window with my eyes wide open. I was not used to this kind of living at all. Don't get me wrong it wasn't a horrible place but it was the furthest thing from city living you can get! I was use to the city life. You know a lot of people, streetlights, noise, sirens and sometimes even crime lol. The moment I drove in I immediately started missing Jersey. The ability to get up and go to NYC, party with friends, and live glamorously was officially over. If you haven't been to Barstow, it's located right between LA and Vegas which is right in the middle of the desert.

You know what a desert is, right? Cactus, tumble weed, scorpions all that crap, oh yeah and tons of sand! SMH! The fact of the matter was, I was going into a completely different world.

I lived in Barstow for three years and it wasn't too bad, their definitely were some memorable moments and interesting experiences. Now that I think about it, it truly was a blessing in disguise for both Jack and I. Career wise it was a great move for Jack, he was able to take on a leadership role and excel while doing it. And that's where I became pregnant and was a brand new mother to an amazing little boy. I met some really great people from all walks of life, which was pretty cool. It definitely was a great experience, although, in the beginning it was hard for me to adjust to.

It was super tough for me the first couple of months. Trying to adapt to this new life was not easy for me. I even flew back East after only two months to get away for bit. Jack and I fought a lot because I was just so miserable. I felt like he had taken me away from who I was and now, I was just some military wife who stays home all day. It was hard for me because I was used to making my own money, working, hanging with friends, shopping and now I was home with nothing to do. Not to mention I had a closet full of goodies that I couldn't wear! The worst part was, because it was practically in the middle of nowhere the job selection was scarce and practically nonexistent. So not only was I lonely but getting a job wasn't so easy, unless you wanted to work in fast food. And that was not an option for me, considering I had a Master’s degree.

I will say that the most interesting part about living in good ole Barstow, were the people. I met some great people and made friends that I cherish near to my heart. Friends that I would have never met or know if it weren’t for the military. It's so funny to me when I think back to that time in my life. In the beginning I stuck out like a sore thumb, you have no idea! The way I dressed and carried myself was not what they were use too. I would never leave the house without four inches heels and of course looking super fab and glam. Hey, I came from Jersey we do everything big and loud there. You go to the grocery store in heels. Even when I was pregnant I would wear heels and people looked at me like I was crazy.

True Story! Our first Holiday Christmas party for Jack's job was the worst ever! I thought a Christmas Party, finally something fun to do. I was so excited to finally get all dressed and fabulous for an event. I remember that night clear as day. I walked in and everyone was in flip flops and shorts. I was like WTF! It's a Christmas party why are you not dressed up! I was so pissed! I stuck out like such a sore thumb, all glammed up in five inch red patent leather heels six months pregnant! I remember walking in and I felt like everyone just stopped and stared at me, as if I was from out of this world. Pregnant and in heels. Needless to say I definitely had to tone my wardrobe down a couple notches.

This is where I end the first part of my story. Barstow wasn't too bad. Now that, that part of my life is a distant memory. I can really appreciate it for what it was. It will forever and always be a chapter in my life and a story to tell.


Sincerely Yours,
   Lola


If you missed “How it all Began” click here and “The Love of My Life” click here.

Part Two "The Love of My Life"

If you missed Part One click here

If you know my husband you would know that his personality and character may come off as serious. I think he comes off a bit mysterious if you ask me. So when we were hanging out that night at the promotion party, it was really difficult for me to read him. Back then most of the guys I would meet showed interest in me right away. But Jack was different he was so smooth and chill, I wasn't use to that reaction from a guy. I had expected for him to be all over me, so I could brush him off like I did to the other ones. But that wasn't the case with him and that wasn't working for me. I was the one that was supposed to play hard to get not the other way around!

That night our conversation was flirtatious but in a casual grown and sexy way. It was like something I would have seen in a movie, sounds cheesy but so true! This drove me insane and it made me want him even more! I knew I had to do something to see if he was into me but, I didn't want to be obvious about it either. I had to know if this guy was interested in me! Don't get me wrong I didn't want a relationship, considering my past mess but I did want to go on dates. And I wanted to put him on my list, my dating list. Hey, a girl needs to have options! Besides when you’re single, working full time and going to the University, that little bit a free time you have is priceless. So why not date?

Okay, back to the story… As our conversation starts to dwindle down, a group of our friends call out to us “Shot Time?!” I take another shot of So Co and Lime with everyone and immediately grab Veronica and take her to the bathroom with me. "I don't think he likes me!" I say as I close the door behind us. "Yes he does, go back and talk to him!" she says. What more was there to say to him besides the fact that you’re hot and we should hang out sometime? But who does that? Not me! That’s the guys’ job. What was I supposed to do now? Then just like that I had an idea….. I thought to myself, if I go outside and he looks for me then he had to be into me?!?

This day is implanted in my memory. When people ask how we met, this is the story I tell them....

After I left the bathroom with Veronica, I decided to quietly go outside and sit out on the patio, while everyone was inside at the party. By that point I was away from the party and Jack for some time, so he had to be wondering where I went. I figured if he would come out and look for me then he had to be into me. Right?!? I sat there for a good five minutes before I started questioning my own idea. Maybe my bright idea was not going to work after all or worst, maybe he really wasn’t that into me like I had hoped?!? And just like that Jack comes out and says, "What are you doing out here all alone? I was looking for you, come back inside." I quickly responded with (in a cute and sexy tone), "Why, do you miss me?" he smiles and says "maybe, so come back inside." YES! I thought to myself I knew he couldn't resist me. LoL

We hit it off instantly and would speak on the phone and go on dates. I liked him but because he was military, I wasn't serious about the idea of him and I would date other guys. At that time I was dating a couple guys, I was in college so I would date regularly. I loved getting all dressed up and eating free food, best part about dating. Besides, I wasn't looking for anything serious anyways, I just wanted to have fun. Ironically though, as I continued to date these other guys I would find myself gravitating more towards Jack, he was just great to talk to. Our conversations were always so intellectual and sexy, he was definitely different from the rest. I remember I would go on dates with these other guys and would find myself thinking about Jack. Wondering what he was doing at that very moment. Wishing I was hanging out with him rather than the guy sitting in front of me.

I didn't think I would catch feelings for him the way I did, but I couldn't help it. Our talks were so powerful, he was smart and wise and that was what I was most attracted too. We would talk about our dreams and what we wanted our futures to be like. It was as if I had met the man of my dreams, somebody pinch me please! The idea that I can find someone that fits me almost perfectly was surreal. I remember I would try and look for reasons not to be with him. But in the end I couldn't help myself. I fell deeply for him. Slowly but surely I found myself ending things with the other guys and spending more of my time with Jack.

As much as the idea about being a military wife was the last thing I wanted to be. I also wasn't sure I wanted to let this one go. Who knew if I could find another guy like Jack, he was almost perfect. We dated for about a year and a half, fell head over heels for each other, traveled and enjoyed our relationship together. He proposed, we got married and then..... Two months later he gets deployed to Iraq, way to start off a marriage! (Another story for another day)

It's been such a long road but I am so happy to call him mine. He is my best friend and the best husband a girl can have. It wasn't love at first sight, but it definitely turned into love and here we are seven years later. I can honestly say I am with the love of my life and I couldn't be any happier. Who would have known I'd actually become a military wife.

Sincerely Yours,
        Lola

Part Two "How it All Began"

If you missed Part One click here

I've always envisioned myself becoming a successful women. My dream in life was to live in New York City, make tons of money, and look fabulous while doing it. If you know me personally you would know that I am a fashionista at heart. I love to dress up really pretty ALL the time, it's just who I am and I wouldn't have it any other way. Living in New Jersey worked for me because I fit right in with the people that I surrounded myself with. So when I found out where I'd be living for the next three years, you will understand my surprise.

I can still hear Jacks voice in my head as he says, "Your not going to be too happy about this, it's not what you think. We're moving to a place called Barstow." "Barstow?!" Where is that, I thought to myself? I quickly researched it on my phone and It was not what I envisioned California to be like at all. That's when reality sunk in. My heart sank to my feet, and it really hit me. I am really moving across the country in a month and it's the furthest way from city living you can get. It was more like desert living! My life was really about to change in a drastic way. At that moment all I could do was cry, and I sure did! I ran to the bathroom at work and let it all out, I cried like a baby!

I remember calling Veronica, one of my best friends, and telling her what had just happened to me. She was the only person I could talk to that would understand me, she too was a military wife. I remember freaking out over the phone to her, complaining to her that I cound´t leave! I had a job and a ton of responsibilities to take care off. It wasn't my fault that they were moving Jack, why should I have to deal with the consequences! I can still hear her voice in my head as she says, ¨Lola, what are you saying?!? This is your husband we´re talking about, you have to go with him. You knew this could be a possibility. This is military life, you go where your told, no questions asked.¨ Those words hit me like a truck, piercing my heart like a dagger. This was really going to happen and there was nothing I can do about it.

That month was one of the saddest times of my life. I remember, I would drive to and from work everyday and tears would just run down my face. I would think about what I was giving up and the unknown really scared me. I would call my dad and cry like a little girl, telling him I didn't want to leave! I wanted to stay in Jersey where home was, I didn't want to leave everything I had behind. I worked hard to get to where I was and in less then a month it would be a distant memory. What was I going to do, stay in Jersey and give up the love of my life, possibly risking my marriage? Of course not! I'm not gonna lie though, the idea did cross my mind. But then reality soon kicked in and that wasn't going to happen.

Needless to say it was a hectic month and crying about it was not going to change anything. So I put my big girl heels on and headed towards the next chapter in my life. I lived in Barstow for about three years and it wasn't a bad experience. There were some bumps along the road, but that part of my life is another story for another day. Time passed and we eventually had to move again and we moved to San Diego. Which is where I currently live now. I have to say that when I think back, my life has been an interesting journey. There were a lot of ups and downs and now that I think about it, I wouldn't change any of it. It truly has helped shape me into the women I am today.

This is where I end my story today. Hopefully you enjoyed reading a piece of my life. Writing about it has really brought back a ton of memories and emotions that I haven't felt in awhile. I am glad I was able to share some of that with you. It still seems a bit surreal to me, this life of mine.

Sincerely Yours,
                     Lola

Check out "The Love of my Life"