Brick by Brick

Girls Night In Retreat

by Marisa D.

The girls from St. Mathew’s high school youth group put on their annual Girls Night In Retreat. The director, a high school junior, wrote a talk about their theme, His strength is hers. I would like to thank Danielle for allowing me to share her story. “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and...

May 5, 2018

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Life Tips, Religion, World of Pearls
Unfair Advantage

by Marisa D.

Unfair Advantage – Robert T. Kiyosaki The power of financial education My mother is a stay at home mom but has undertaken the challenge, what Kiyosaki calls to be, “financially free.” This all started with the expensive process of both her daughters going to college and wasting more money on dorms and renting apartments. She decided she no longer wanted to waste her money...

August 15, 2017

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Book Reviews, Finances

My first interview: Dora’s Tips to Financial Success

One rainy Saturday morning I found myself sitting in the back of a coffee shop, shaking water droplets out of my hair and settling my hands around my warm...

Life Tips, Lifestyle

You Never Know Until You Walk Out That Door…

Now this might be more of an instance with introverts, but… You usually like to stay home, watch a movie with your favorite choice of snack, maybe read a...

Photography, Travels

Follow Your Eyes to Heaven

Milan, Italy Duomo di Milano You need only Look And see Me You need only Ask And hear Me You need only Pray And feel Me

Photography, Travels

Priceless Moments

Oahu, Hawaii It seems that in this life we all strive for perfection, searching for that ultimate nonexistent level. Thinking this world only offers the finest to the richest....

That age old college question: Should I study what I love or what will make me money?

by Marisa D.

I want to thank my good friend for sharing her insight and wisdom. She has just graduated with her Masters in Architecture. She is powerful, independent and courageous bringing strength to everyone she meets and determination to every task she encounters. I asked for just a piece of her wisdom… Q: People always ask the question: Should you go to school for your passion or for a degree that will get you a good job. Now that you’ve finished school and have had jobs throughout the entire process, what is your answer to this? A: The idea of passion has vexed me since the moment it really became important, right before college when you are finally asked to determine a major, likely for a profession which you have no right to claim passion to. Passion, as many loved to tell me, came from this vigilant search in which you are this puzzle, with a singular answer to light the way into the dream land called, “happiness.” “If you find your passion, you won’t work...

First Day of Work

by Marisa D.

Oh the beginnings of a new internship… We’ve all heard the stories about interns getting the bottom of the barrel tasks. Nothing wrong with it, we all have to start somewhere, and the stories can be entertaining to read. Since graduating I found myself working small contract jobs, joining a small startup Architecture firm, working as a Construction Leader at Habitat for Humanity, even starting up my own Airbnb, but I had never held an official Architectural Intern title. Turns out the stories are true! I started my new job at SAWS (San Antonio Water System) as an Architectural and Construction Management Intern. On my first day I sorted through FFE sheets (furniture, fixtures and equipment) counting how many trashcans, desks, chairs, whiteboards, ext., would go in each room, making an Excel sheet to stay organized. My boss joked with me that she had me working on trashcans my first day. Not the most exciting first day but at least now I had the classic intern experience! There are probably worse first day stories...

My first interview: Dora’s Tips to Financial Success

by Marisa D.

One rainy Saturday morning I found myself sitting in the back of a coffee shop, shaking water droplets out of my hair and settling my hands around my warm coffee mug to dry. I was in fact waiting for someone, my mentor for the day, and despite the dreary weather I was excited. This was to be my first interview. Now I should say it was a relative’s sister so the stakes weren’t too high, but it was to be my first nonetheless! I pulled out my notebook and pen, readjusted it a couple times, and fixed my eyes on the door. And waited… It seemed I had picked the perfect location on the perfect day. Because no matter how much trouble rain puts us in no one can deny the comfort of coffee in the ambiance of a coffee shop. On this sort of day we find ourselves less in a hurry… And almost in sync with my thoughts she walked in. Owner of 7 rental homes and 1 commercial property, I consider...