Christina DiBlase:  

t tests. But I gradually began to hate the business, got out and let the licenses lapse. If I was to get one do-over I would liked to see where my relationship with John would have gone. Based on what I know now it would probably have been a train wreck. In 10 years, I hope to be financially independant from my husband and have at least one child. I'm going to get there by continually working hard at work and practice, practice, practice. Barbara Mendez is my oldest friend and I think we stuck together because we are both Cuban and share many of the same old school family values. Being Cuban means you are raised a certain way. Cubans hold on to their heritage and success is the second word out of their mouth after mama. Mandee Quinones is my other closest friend and I believe that we stuck because at the time that we met were in the same place in life. My classmates would be surprised if we were to meet at a reunion because I dont have any gray hair or wrinkles. I really haven't aged much. I gain some weight but thankfully its slowly come off. My first job was at at my parents pizzeria, where I got paid sqwat to bust my hump. What I remember most about it is paying for my car payment with the tips I made. UPDATE: Met up with my first love and we talked over lunch. He put on some weight. I noticed some gray hairs too. We talked about the past and he was surprised that I felt as strongly as I did back then. It was an interesting lunch. I knew instantly that I wasn't attracted to his physical features anymore. However, though slightly different in character, I could clearly see why I fell in love with him in the first place-- it was his personality. Still there were other things that I could not approve of that he's done. Things I would have found other ways to deal with. Those things were a turn off to me. So much so that if I was single I would never consider starting a relationship with him now. Funny how time changes people. Looking back at life's journey is so mind blowing. UPDATE 12/30/10: No children yet and Im not financially independant from my husband yet. Im wondering what the hold up is? Bear passed away in 2009. The magnatude of that event is something I dont think I will get over. Its incredibly painful. I feel guilty whether warranted or not. I think about her just about every day. Imagine it was a child I lost, I dont think that I could hack it. As for a car well my husband got me my beautiful Cadillac CTS cranberry with camel interior. Love the look of that car. Sucks in the snow though even with the all wheel drive. Reflecting on the entire year. It wasn't bad but could have been a lot better financially. Check off another item of my list of to dos in my life that hanging on my refrigderator (sp). Love dogs but not willing to replace Bear just yet. Wheeling and dealing with contacts to keep this business going. Started SEO work on and revamped my website and its been running a few months now. Trying to earn a little respect in this business. Using a lot of smoke and mirrors just long enough for the financial end of the business to catch up. Hoping for a steller year next year.