THIS IS MY MIND...

Friends…

I don’t know what happen I swear. As I was coming to work this afternoon I was thinking (more like reflecting) in my life, and I was thinking about my friends. I don’t know how it happen (well I guess I have an idea) but something has happen. Before I used to be really closed to all of my friends all of them loved me very much, we used to go out a lot to the movies, for lunch, to eat, to walk, etc. but now I don’t see them anymore…

I was thinking how I used to go with Araida everywhere and what a good time we had. I remembered all the good times I had with Rodrigo, Rogelio, Janeth, Tricia, Pedro, Pepe, Rocio, and many more. Now that I think about it I hardly see them, and it might seem that I don’t have interest in them or that I don’t love them like before but I DO! Really!!!

It made me feel a little bit sad because I know that 90% of it it’s my fault. All I do now is work, work and work… and the only free time I have I spend it with my boyfriend (is that wrong??) that’s only because I don’t see him that much and I love him very much… I am torn on the inside, felt like I didn’t feel for a long time, lonely, sad, strange… There is nothing I appreciate more in my life (besides my family) than my friends, they are so important to me that I wouldn’t be who I am if I all of those people didn’t have crossed my road… This road that now I call my life, and I don’t want it to be lonely and empty, I want it fill with joy and good company from people I care, and I am going to work harder to recuperate something I still can recover, my friends… This is something I was just thinking about again… bear with me I need you… ALL OF YOU… peace and love…

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

SO EXCITING!

Today I spend the whole morning installing a new radio to my car. Oh man it has been so long since I got this excited for something material. Yesterday I was coming down the stars from my room when my mom told me there was a package for me, I saw this big box and didn’t know what it was or who sent it, all I knew is that it had my name on it. Well, when I opened it, nice surprise there it was a brand new Sony Xplod car stereo, I mean I’ve wanted to buy one of those for a long time now. My favorite feature is that plays MP3 and you know I am an MP3 freak! Well I am so happy about it and I thank my Puchix for giving me that for Christmas. Something funny and that made me remember Will and Grace is that my mom gave me a scarf at the same time I got the stereo (bad idea) hehehe I was so excited for my new toy that I didn’t pay enough attention to the scarf (you should’ve seen my mom’s face… So, after installing myself the radio I recorded my first MP3 CD the coolest mix collection of music ever…. Peace and love!!!

DECEMBER

This is a very hectic month for me, your best friend ever (LOL) a lot of celebrations are happening and well I do my best to participate in all of them. First, my job’s Volunteer party although I wanted to be there I couldn’t do it because I was working for my other job (which I love), then Staff Christmas Party, I was part of that event where I received a one hundred dollars gift certificate from Target (nice uh? Hehehe) anyways, and then my mom’s name day (is a Mexican tradition [día de santo]) on Dec 12th, then her (my mom’s [again]) birthday Dec 18th, then my boyfriend’s birthday Dec 19th, then Christmas and finally new year… Oh my good!! That is a lot for my poor self hehehe.
Ok, for my boyfriend’s birthday I wanted to do something special, because he has always organized something nice on my birthdays. So I started telling my friends and his friends about going to a nice restaurant and having dinner for him. But, because we are used to going to restaurants almost every weekend I wanted to add a nice touch and make this occasion different. I told everybody that they would have to come to the restaurant with: two flowers and one b-day card (do you think that is too much to ask??) heck no! I DON’T THINK SO I mean we are supposed to be celebrating a really nice friend’s birthday (let me tell you that I have come to see that Victor is a very good and nice friend) well everything was going as planned the day of the dinner party Victor went to get a hair cut, while I went to buy the flower base and the card. I called all of the people that were supposed to come and then…. Tragedy!!! One by one, all of them, started to tell me their excuses why they could not make it to the dinner, yes one by one… long story short, we were supposed to get together by 7 pm and when I went to pick one of my friends up to her house, she was not there, earlier in the morning she said she was ready to go and that she was going to buy the flowers and card, but at night she wasn’t home, I called, and called, and called, once more I called many many times (hehehe I know but I did!) and she never answered. When I realized that she wasn’t coming either then I started to freak out, I mean It was supposed to be a special day for Victor and I was supposed to planned it really good, but now everything was turning out wrong!! WHY????!!! (Sigh!) I saw his face (Victor’s) he was just serious and just kept saying (it doesn’t surprise me of them, kind of like he expected it) and all I could do is (what every little girl on a situation like this does) CRY! I cry to see what happen and felt really bad because the plan didn’t work. Well, now is in past (but I’ll FREAKING REMEMBER for ever guys!) I must say that we ended up going to a restaurant near by with one of victor’s long time friend (Daniel) who was the only one that besides coming with us to the local restaurant he brought the flowers and the card as I originally planned (he IS a true friend) So, I hope that next time I organize something turns out the way that is supposed to be… peace everybody…

"and all I could do is (what every little girl on a situation like this does) CRY!... Rolo"

Have a good trip fella!

Is time to write something about my friend el Chilly Willie (LOL) El Willie is going away to Mexico for almost four weeks, he says is for vacations but he just wants to get laid!! (I’m just kidding Willie! God…) anyway, he is going to our beloved Mexico to have a good time, visit friends, family, and to just relax after a hectic year with a lot of work and stress produced by the busy life we have. Willie, you know that I am always kidding about me being glad of you leaving and things like that, I know you know that I am just kidding when I kick your butt (hehehe) I really care about you and I’m going to miss you now that you are going to be gone for these days. Seriously though, I always listen to you when you come to me with all these situations that make you sad man, and I think that those situations are just going to make you a greater person and even more mature kind of guy. Wey, ya no seas tan dramática hehehe (I’m telling you) just act instead of just reacting (and you KNOW how to react hehehe) But yeah man, in general I wish you have a very good and fun trip and I am already looking forward for you return. Have a very good trip my friend! Love you!!!

Accomplishments of TLC for 2005

Hello dear readers,

It feels good when some or all of your work is appreciated. Today I read a report my boss was giving to a foundation and well I know that everything has to sound good in those damn reports but this sounded just about right describing the work I do at my job. (And this is only a small part of everything I do)

Accomplishments of TLC for 2005
For the “Community Center”, 2005 was a very busy year for TLC. Rolando Renteria has been the computer Lab coordinator since September 2003. He has been at “The Community Center” for the past six years working in the Youth Program. The children in the program know him well and learn many things about computers and its applications. Mr. Renteria also worked very hard on updating the computers in the lab and researching for software that the children can benefit from. His goal is to teach the youth how to use the computer but how to use technology to further their future academic endeavors. In addition to the Computer Lab Coordinator, there are four consistent volunteers- Two high school students and two college students- that assist the coordinator. They provide tutoring and technology assists to the students.
The TLC project has had a group of 30 steady students ages 6-12 and another group of 20 ages 13-17 that attend a series of trainings every quarter. The students are eager to learn and work hard towards their personal academic achievement. They want to learn a variety of skills, and we want to provide them with the latest resources and information.

Susy's new BLOG

Today I am really happy because I finally made someone to start a web-blog on the same website as me. I just think it is a good chance to see what are you up to through your writings and see what is going on with your life. Susana Mclellan is one of my favorite girlfriends and well she was thinking about having some kind of online journal and I convinced her to do it at blogger. Susy, things always happen for a reason and I have learned it the hard way. Willie has told me that over and over and over and I think is true. So, Susy start writing a lot and you will have fun you’ll see. So in the picture above there is Susana with her goddaughter...

P.S. Janeth maybe you are next baby!

What a day uh?

This morning I had a meeting with one of my coworkers, and something really funny happen. I have been having some kind of issues around some stuff that has happen before with this guy, there was no collaboration or flexibility from him, sometimes I felt really frustrated because I wanted to have his accessibility and didn’t happen… (I am not being specific I know) but bear with me. Anyway, this morning while I was talking to him about the plans I had in mind for the program I’m running at work, I explained how I didn’t want to be a pain on the neck for anybody, and at the same time I didn’t want to be a pain in the neck for no one either. As I was explaining to him how I was responsible for things that happen in my program he was looking at me kind of surprise and (with a very serious look in his face he asked) Did you take a training on management or something?? His question caught me by surprise, and then I asked why? He said that I was taking things really professional and it seemed I did not want any kind of conflict with anybody… I just laugh and said that I didn’t take any workshop or training. I just want to have a better and positive environment around me at work, that’s all… But it is funny how sometimes some people have expectations on the way you are going to react to some situations, I understand that but we shouldn’t be prejudice I guess and don’t have any expectation on what’s going to happen on any situation just take it as it comes and everything will be as it has to be… right? Ok my people be in peace and talk to you later!

Positive remark!

Today I had a conversation with my friend Luis from Durango, the one who came last October to visit remember? Ok, well I was chatting with him and he was really nice and told me something that left me really emotional (so typical of me I know) but is just he was really nice and sometimes is good that some people tells you positive things such as he did… This was our conversation: (P.S. is in Spanish)

Chamoy says:
Oye Rolo seriamente
Rolo says:
Que?
Chamoy says:
Mi más sincera admiración por ti y tu trabajo
Rolo says:
Como? porque? que quieres decir?
Chamoy says:
De verdad que me siento así como orgulloso de darme cuenta de cuanto has hecho me leí todo tu web site y no es más que el reflejo de un ser inteligente, pensante y sensible a su entorno exteriorizar las emociones cuesta mucho, tu lo haces de manera divertida, magistral.... provocas mucho, comunicas muy claro lo que piensas me quedé atónito, estupefacto, anonadado es en serio
Rolo says:
Enserio???
Chamoy says:
Admiro mucho la manera en que has crecido
Rolo says:
Que pensabas que como era yo o que?
Chamoy says:
Totalmente en serio conocía esa parte hermanable, linda, apoyadora no sabía de tu sensibilidad para interpretar tu realidad de tu talento para mostrarlo de tu capacidad de analizar lo que ocurre logras una empatía formidable eso me explica el porque la gente a tu alrededor te quiere tanto no hay otra manera de responder ante alguien que se muestra como tu lo haces sino con cariño y compromiso
Rolo says:
Aaaaahhhhh me vas a sacar el moco jejejeje!! Nadie me había dicho tantas cosas tan bonitas
Chamoy says:
Mereces saberlo, pues tu empeño por dar cariño a quien se acerca a ti es constante que de alguna manera debo regresarte alguito de la buena vibra que tu me has dado a mi
Rolo says:
Gracias!!

aaawwww! that was so sweet! I love all of my Friends, all of you!!! Thank you!

GABRIEL GARCÍA MARQUEZ "13 LÍNEAS PARA VIVIR"

Trece líneas para vivir...
No se podría esperar menos de García Márquez, realmente vale la pena leerlo con atención.
1. Te quiero no por quien eres, sino.......por quien soy cuando estoy contigo.

2 Ninguna persona merece tus lágrimas, y quien se las merezca no te hará llorar.

3. Solo porque alguien no te ame como tú quieres, no significa que no te ame con todo su ser.

4. Un verdadero amigo es quien te toma de la mano y te toca el corazón.

5. La peor forma de extrañar a alguien es estar sentado a su lado y saber que nunca lo podrás tener.

6. Nunca dejes de sonreír, ni siquiera cuando estés triste, porque nunca sabes quien se puede enamorar de tu sonrisa.

7. Puedes ser solamente una persona para el mundo, pero para una persona tú eres el mundo.

8. No pases el tiempo con alguien que no esté dispuesto a pasarlo contigo.

9. Quizá Dios quiera que conozcas mucha gente equivocada antes de que conozcas a la persona adecuada, para que cuando al fin la conozcas sepas estar agradecido.

10. No llores porque ya se terminó, sonríe porque sucedió.

11. Siempre habrá gente que te lastime, así que lo que tienes que hacer es seguir confiando y solo ser más cuidadoso en quien confías dos veces.

12. Conviértete en una mejor persona y asegúrate de saber quien eres antes de conocer a alguien más y esperar que esa persona sepa quien eres.

13. No te esfuerces tanto, las mejores cosas suceden cuando menos te las esperas.
"TODO LO QUE SUCEDE, SUCEDE POR UNA RAZÓN"
"For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others."
Nelson Mandela

WINTER!

Yap Winter IS here and I ask myself where all the nice weather has gone. Instead I find my self facing the cold –windy-snowy weather every morning. The bad thing is that because of work and all the things that I have done in the last few months time has gone really fast, leaving summer, and fall behind. Now is time to plan ahead for a nice Christmas dinner (even though I am working until 11 pm that night) we are going to have a small get together. When my mom and I used to live in Mexico Christmas used to be a big deal, the WHOLE family got together in my grandma’s house (whole family for Mexican’s means more than 50 people) but here is different, my family is only my mom, her husband, my husband, and me hehehe. Well now I am trying to organized a small get together-dinner-Christmas celebration I think is going to be nice, I even invited a friend of mine so that she doesn’t spend Christmas alone (Susy I love you). But yeah, this year I am going to make sure that everything turns out to be nice and I get to spend time with the people I love… Peace!

WORLD AIDS DAY 2005

Today is World AIDS day.

World AIDS Day is commemorated around the globe on December 1st. It celebrates progress made in the battle against the epidemic and brings into focus remaining challenges. Also, today is a day to remember those who have died due to this world wide epidemic. AIDS affects every continent, and every country more than 40 million people live with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, or with AIDS itself. There were five million new cases this year more than half were in sub-Saharan Africa and more than half were among young people. AIDS has orphaned 15 million children and in some countries HIV education is not happening. (Sad isn’t it?) So, remember to take all the necessary precautions people, (you know) use a condom, don’t share needles if you use them, (Try at least) to be monogamous, and most important educate your self about this important and huge issue.

So that said, I hope that you and all of the ones around you are in good health and good company. Peace and LOVE to all!

MADONNA NEW CD...

OK I know this is going to sound too gay for some of you (LOL I know even for me) but Madonna’s new CD, OMG!! (Oh my god!!) Is so cool! I love all the songs they are a mix of dance, relax, and tempo music. Is really great if you have a chance to get it just go and do it you are not going to regret it!
My favorites are:
Hung Up
Sorry
How high
Isaac
Push
Like it or not

But in general the whole CD is great! :-)

What is Life..?

For some life is difficult (I’m on that list), others is just a place where we were predestined to have fun, some other have heart aches and well there are those who are just going with the flow.
Confusion, depression, personal grow, love, happiness, sadness, and many other feelings help us be the human being we are now. Friends are a key of the door to success their maturity, knowledge, and experience is just a little something they throw in together with friendship. So Willie, we will keep growing with time… Keep it up my friend!

Stephanie Cospelich

Here is another of my beloved friends. Stephanie and I used to work together and from there we found and develop a great friendship. A super-doper-hippie-revel-cool person is what she is… Like the wind she is everywhere, I mean I met her when she was living in Chicago then she went home to Kansas City MO, and then she moved to New York, and then she moved back to KC, and the she went to Colorado or Arizona?? Anyway now she is living la Vida Loca in San Francisco!! And like the awesome tempo dance song from Global Deejays says:

“If you're going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your head If you go to San Francisco you’re gonna meet some gentle people there”

So! This is to let you know (Stephy Lucas, I know you are reading) that I love you, that I miss you, that I remember every crazy moment we lived, that it brings warm memories the time I came to see you in KC, and that I know someday we will see each other again and play like two little girls (LOL) having a pillow fight… I love you and wish you the best in your new beginnings…

Sincerely, Roly Poly

TEST!!

Well since my mind hasn’t been working as it should, I have not been able to write anything and sureee, a lot of negative and bad stuff has happened to me but I don’t want this to become just something were I only throw my frustrations but instead, I want it to be both, serious and fun at the same time. So, THIS IS A TEST PEOPLE! If anybody is reading this please respond by posting something ok?? Ok... :-> PEACE!!! PAZ!!!

GOOFYS!!

Love!

Is funny how you are when you are in love, you think of that someone all the time especially when you hear a really nice song. This morning driving to work, as I usually do was listening to a Backstreet boys song (I mean there is nothing wrong with listening to them) anyway and paying attention to the lyrics I heard this:

"Close your eyes, make a wish
This could last forever
If only you could stay with me, now
So, tell me what it is that keeps us from each other, now
Yeah, its coming to get me
You're under my skin
No, I can't ever let you go
You're a part of me, now
Caught by the taste of your kiss
And I don't wanna know the reason why I can't stay forever like this
Now, I'm climbing the walls cause I miss you
Take my hand, take my life
Just don't take forever
And let me feel your pain kept inside
There's gotta be a way you and I together, now
Yeah, it's coming to get me
You're under my skin
No, I can't ever let you go
You're a part of me, now
Caught by the taste of your kiss
And I don't wanna know the reason why I can't stay forever like this
Now, I'm climbing the walls cause I miss you""

I mean, I can’t let go of the love of my life, I love him very much and well I guess that how love works… (For my Puchix)

New buddy!

OK so there is this new guy at work and he is so funny! He is I don’t know, something really in one word “Varied” that’s how he described himself in one word when I asked. No really this guy is always happy, smiling, and girly (in a good way) and he kind of transmits that positive energy to you. Hehehe yeah he is so super girl that he even on hallowing night wore a super girl shirt (LOL) I know but I just love the way he is, so careless and free. Maybe I’ll learn a thing or two from him. (I just hope is not his girly ways LOL) Seriously though, you know what I’m happy for, because I keep getting blessed and I keep getting to know really good heart people and he is definitely one of them. Thank you for being my new friend Erik. and like he so proudly says “Peace afuera!” (LOL)

Mood? Luck? then... what?!

"I don’t know how things get messed up sometimes… Life can be something really wonderful to be living, but sometimes can be living in hell… Rolo"

I get the impression that whatever you do or how ever you are, they will be chapters in your life when happiness will be all around you, love will be at your feet, and family will be at its best. OH! But there are those chapters when it looks like everything has to be wrong, sadness will be all over you, hate will be from your feet to your head, and family will be all disoriented trying to get it together… and I ask my self why?? Why does it have to be like that? Is there any hidden rule to life that states “no man shall be happy for eternity”? I just simply don’t know, but it looks like there is one, I just wish I could know where so that I can go and start scratching that M&*%$#@g! rule. I know life doesn’t have to be easy and sometimes you have to work harder to obtain that so sought peace. It may be just me, but since I was a teen I’ve known that when you feel you couldn’t been happier, then some kind of weird tragedy happens. That is how after some kind of good moments in my teenager years my mom once have a terrible car accident and she shows to our house door all cover in blood (that’s one) on my sixth birthday my dad tried to kill my mom (that’s another one) When I was around seven years old, I was sexually abused by a cousin (another) oh god! I could just go on and on and on, but I won’t (I know, I know, everybody have tragedies in their lives) some worst than others. My point is that when is this going to stop? My sister is going through a really difficult time and that of course makes me be in a very sad and stress mood. I’ll try to be strong and just keep doing what I do best, support my family as much as I can… sigh!

Chicago Dreamin’

Driving to work on Chicago’s Lake Shore Drive and listening to the song of California Dreamin’ by the Mamas & the Papas I suddenly realized that the summer is gone!

“All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray I've been for a walk on a winter's day I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A. California dreamin' on such a winter's day”

Yeap, it was just like the song this morning, the leaves are brown, the sky was gray, and it feels so cold that looks we are in a winter’s day already. But no way Jose, this is not complain about the weather (oh no!) but is more like a nostalgic way to say where the summer’s gone?? I love spring and fall because of the color displays from the trees and the not so cold and not so warm weather I would say they are my favorite times of the year. But my point is that the year is going to fast for me, every day, every week, every month, they are just passing by without letting me have a chance to really enjoy them. (Why???? Why people? Why????) (hehehe so dramatic, I guess is the weather) Anyway, I just hope I learn how to take time to see and enjoy the things that are around me including the people of course…. Peace & Love!

Daniel Capdeville Yedra

Once upon a time I met this guy, (yeah I know what you are thinking) (Freaking internet slut!) noooooo (LOL) I mean yeah I met people over the internet way before I came out of the closet and that was the only way that my queer side would get released from all the stress built up inside for being suppress in a life that wasn’t mine (But anyway) so I met him and we just chatted every now and then. Now more than 4 years have passed and we have a really nice friendship he one of my best Mexicans friends living in Mexico, yeah he is living in Mexico DF, he is one of those poets with free spirit, he knows what he wants, and best of all he is one of the nice guys with a HUGE heart. Yes Danielito, this one is the one you have been waiting for. Daniel is teaching whenever he can (because he is a teacher duh! hehehe) and he finds time to help the most wonderful human being he has by his side, his mom. Well let me tell you Dany that I really appreciate your friendship, and I want to say that I am very thankful for you being there for me in my happy moments, in my sad times, and whenever I needed you, you were there for me and I will never forget that. I wish that you and Damian can live together sometime soon and live the life you deserve and want I wish only the best for you because you are the man!
Thank you my brother!... peace….

Next time will happen!

Second strike and counting! No people I am not talking about a baseball game (you know how I don’t like sports) but rather talking about today was the second time I go to Wisconsin trying to get some papers and I get denied because really small details. I guess the logic of all of this is that whenever you are trying to get a bank, government, or institutional process to happen you better be ready with all of the requirements if not you are just going to repeatedly denied.

Cousin and Friend VIsit

I'm Back!!

Ok my bloggers (blog lovers)! Did you think that I forgot about you? Well no, I was very busy with work and things I had to do around my house. Something I have to tell you is that a friend of mine came to visit straight from Mexico, from where you asked? Well Durango to be exact. I met my friend a little over 4 years ago in a chat room from Durango, he was there and I was here in Chicago already. But the exciting thing of all is that after all this time we kept really good communication by email and phone but we never really met in person. He sent me pictures of his school graduation and also pictures of his personal life, just as I sent him stuff too. Well one day my friend tells me that his is going to come and visit for personal reasons which I didn’t believe, but when the time came all of a sudden he was here. I was so happy to see him for the first time ever and I don’t know it was just an awesome experience.We went all over town, down town, boys town, south side, north side, west side, and of course we went to have the famous killer margaritas from Cesar’s Mexican restaurant were we really had a great time. Almost everybody was there, Rodrigo, mi Puchix, Daniel, Susana, my friend Luis and me. Boy they are really nice in there, my friend Victor was taking care of us and he even gave us three shots of tequila (Tequila Sauza, Tequila Rose and other shot that either I was to drunk to know what it was or he didn’t say what was it LOL) it was really cool. After the show and the drunkies and all (LOL) we went to a night club out in burbs called Hunters we had a little dance and kept having a good time. The visit of my friend was really fun even though I had to work a lot but I think he had the opportunity to get to know a little bit of Chicago. Everything ended when Rodrigo, Victor and I took him to O’Hare Airport for a final goodbye or “Hasta Pronto” as I wish it is

A Very Special day!

October 8th it was my dear friend Janix B-day. My boyfriend and I went to her house for a b-day-dinner-get together kind of night. It was really cool, her mom’s boyfriend made a really good Pozole and Victor made his so famous and highly acclaimed (literally) Pico de Gallo that Janeth couldn’t stop eating (I know, my baby knows how to cook). The night went on with laughs, jokes and memories of the day all of us met (Rodrigo, Pepe, Janix, and I). After the party Rodrigo, Victor and I were supposed to go to a “Haunted House” (yap that was the plan) well all at the party ended up going too. It was one of the best haunted houses ever; it was a mix of “A nightmare on Elm Street”, “SAW’, “Friday the 13th”, “the clowns from hell” etc. I didn’t enjoyed as much as I wanted to because it was a two hour waiting on the freaking line to get in, and by the time I was getting closed to enter, well I was about to pee on my pants (LOL bladder control problem victim here!) so I was worried about getting out of there faster than putting attention to all the “monsters” and actors in the H.H. But it was good, a somehow rare experience, but the best part is my friend Janix, and the good time she had, after all it was her day… Love you Janix! Totoroooooo…..

Celebration!

Cabezon!

Talk about hard headed people. On Wednesday I had an argument with one of my coworkers, I was trying to explain on something work related and I just couldn’t do it. Is only that he had an idea on how something had to be done and I know that his reaction was based on his experience as program director but we had to work together and they way he wanted my input wasn’t going to work well. To explain a little bit better, I am supposed to have workshops educating people about HIV and STD’s, well I do it not only because that is my job, but I also do it because that something I’m passionate about. I know that the best way to have a successful presentation is working with no more than 20 people, because of the kind of info that is given. But my friend/coworker wants me to educate 100+ people one night in two groups (50 in each group). Now I don’t know why sometimes I just seem to not be able to get my ideas out there, I wanted to explain so badly why wasn’t a good idea to have that many people but I couldn’t do it. He just kept asking and saying “why? Why? Why?” “I don’t agree with you” “I am going to challenge you” Now I know that If I want to get my ideas into his head I have to have a very good argument planned in advance (LOL) I just don’t want to be frustrated and say “yes” at something I don’t agree with. (Sigh… Ay ay ay…)

Recipe for a great pork roast!

Pre-marinate pork with a little bit of olive oil and a little bit of butter (Melted before mixed)

Lawry’s garlic seasoned salt

Freshly ground pepper & paprika

Now you have to slice some red potatoes to have as a side dish.

Pre heat the oven 350°

Put the sliced red potatoes facing down the bottom of the pan or pot

Now put the seasoned pork on top of the potatoes and the rest of the potatoes around pork

Put a lid on top

Leave pork in oven 15 min on each side

After the first ½ hour has passed take lid off and leave the pork for another ½ hour

Served as desire
I personally recommend having this delicious dinner with a glass of Moscato Wine.

Now I have to give credit to Lynda Garbutt and her wonderful cooking. Thanks for sharing both you recipe and your dish with me I’ll never forget how delicious that was, thank you :-)

Losing Identity?

I have been asked by a dearly friend of mine what is it that I think about Mexicans living in the United States. There is not much science to that, really. Most of “us” (Mexicans) come to the United States looking for the “American Dream” due to several different circumstances. Some of us come only for “a year or two” (yeah right!), and some come decided to make it in this country any way possible. It is really easy to say and I know that what I am saying is the honest truth, but Mexicans here in the US and in any part of the world stay Mexicans. Some of us never lose our identity and the older we come to be the more stuck to our roots we are. We don’t lose our traditions, we don’t lose our cultural believes, we don’t lose our religion; we just stay who we are for a long time. But, you know I have to say that also depends in the level of education that the person have. If the Mexican we are talking about has a high level of education it is easy for him/her to blend in this culture, to learn the language faster, and even learn the way society moves. In general I guess Mexicans will be Mexicans. Now, Mexicans born in the United States, form parents that are originally from Mexico, they are a whole different story. I have seen these teenagers and even adults take the Mexican pride in a totally different level (sometimes I don’t agree in it). Some of them don’t know (or want) to speak Spanish, the reason might be because they don’t want to be classified as Just Mexicans but rather be known as “Latinos” only. So I think these compañeros are in a totally misguided definition of Mexicans (and YES I think they lose their Mexican Identity, and yes they became more gringos than anything else). Katie my friend would that be your third category?? Now, I mean come on, after living in Mexico DF, for what? Two? Three years? You come to tell me that you don’t understand why people send US $$ to Mexico?!?!? The answer is so simple, to support their families! This is really true, I mean most of the new immigrants if not all of them, left someone related back home someone dearly. So there, that’s the reason why. And there is Ofelia, she is sending $$ to Mexico so that the construction of her new house finishes. Yeah, that’s right; Mexicans also send money so that they can build their own homes to give a better life to their love ones. And oh man, the sacrifices, well leaving their families back home, and that include: Children, Mother, Father, siblings, etc. that is a huge sacrifice if you ask me, Mexican culture is a strong family oriented. Not to mention all the people that dies when they are trying to cross the border (I’ll never understand it) we Mexicans are a really hard working community, I mean just go to any restaurant here in Chicago (of any kind) the kitchens are filled with Mexicans, Italian restaurants (Mexicans), Indian restaurants (Mexicans), Mexican restaurants (Mexicans), Greek restaurants (Mexicans), and I could go on and on and on and on…. But well, I hope (big hopes uh?) I hope some day, politics, and country policies change for the better of Immigrants in the whole world, because I know is not only with Mexicans, but with immigrants from all over the world that we see all of these similar situations….

Willito!

Only because it has been a short time since I met you it doesn’t mean I don’t care for you. I hope that our friendship grows mature and old. Seriously dude, I think we are so different and many ways, but that’s what I appreciate about you because, that’s the way it is supposed to be. Now, you have to stop telling me to write about you man, (“you are missing me in you blog” crying out loud) (LOL) Thank you very much for the Cóctel de Camarones you made for Victor and I twice already, they are soooo freaking good!! Hoping our good friendship continues, Willie I wish for you only the best! Sincerely, me…

Janix and Totoro!

Ok so I have promise I was going to write about you. I kept thinking and thinking about what should I say or what I should write about, there are tons of things that come to my mind when it comes to you. First, I met you when you were a little girl, so innocent, naïve, and yet so rebel with a strong personality. I saw a part of you that not many know, I know what is going through your mind and yet I don’t know how to help you. I saw you growing, I was there when you got heart broken, I have been there with you (mentally) on your sibling fights, and when you finish high school. I wish nothing more than the best for you. That is the reason why I’m always minding your business (hehehe) telling you what is good and what is not. Of course I let you do your own decisions knowing that you are an adult now and that you have the capabilities of falling and get up by yourself. You are so strong that sometimes you surprise me, because sometimes I don’t expect you to be (I know {that is wrong}, but you are like my niece or my little sis). I promise I won’t be in your back anymore asking questions like: “what are your plans for the future??” “Are you going to go back to school?” “What are you going to do with your life??” “ANSWER ME!” Anyway, I only do that because I really love you a lot, and I care about you and your family so much, that I wish I could have all the possibilities ($$$$) in the world and help you guys grow as adults and as a family. Besides all of what I have said I just want you to know that you are very intelligent and have a lot of potential, please don’t waste it, please use your talents, and grow. I will be here when ever you need me (you know I will) and all you have to do is call my name (just like a chubby genie J)…
I love you Janix I always will… Totorooooo