Latina Bumper Sticker - Priceless

This says it all...Thanks Cindy Rodríguez. It was on her facebook page. Check her out at http://cindyrodriguez.wordpress.com/

Why I Write

I write because as I grow older it provides me with a personal catharsis and renewal. These past years writing has helped me heal. I would put every thought onto the page and I’d felt relieved.

For a brief time, I stopped writing because what I was writing was raw. I don’t know how to describe it but it was powerful at times. The words would flow onto the page and I felt all the emotions on the page. I don’t know how else to describe it, but it was intensely, completely raw.

So I stopped writing…but you can never be away from something you love intensely. And, I love to write.

Now, the blank page is my friend. It invites me to come over and spend some time to share my thoughts. Thus, I write because it is like breathing for me. It keeps me alive.

Random Thought #1 - Wow!

I am in love with Quetzal Guerrero, a mohawk playing violinist, who played the music intro for Payaso Comedy Slam. Check it out - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMRYYM80Fyw or http://www.qviolin.com/
Mo' Mozart, por favor.

Being the 1st -- All "Pinata Breakers" Unite

I have to say being the 1st in your family to break the mold is TOUGH. No easy way to say it. That's why I am asking for all "pinata breakers" to unite -- aka pioneers of the world hear my call.

I was talking to someone I love dearly who is experiencing "the joy of being the 1st" and I feel for her dearly.

It's tough being the 1st period but when you are a Latina female, it's sometimes even tougher. There are expectations placed on you -- culturally, by family, by you, etc. We are considered to betray the family or our culture if we go against the norm they placed on us. Who said you have to follow a certain pattern? Just because your tia, or abuelita, or mom did it that way does not mean you or I have to.

As a Latina, doing what others consider "usual" things are considered "radical, new" experiments by our family. For instance, I moved out of my parent's house and you would have tought I had literally torn my father's heart of his chest (okay, maybe I did but didn't he see this one coming). As a kid, I remember asking to attend a sleepover. "Que, que??" Somehow, someway I managed to make that one happen.

Growing up, this "breaking the mold" does not getting any easier.

You: "Hey, I want to go to college away from home."
Parents: "Why? Don't you love us anymore? Y nosotros que.."
Your Reaction: "I am going to XYZ city or state, not to another freakin country."

You: "Dad, I met the man of my dreams but he is not Mexican (or fill in the blank -- Puerto Rican, Cubano, etc.)."
Dad: "Mija, yo no se pero pienso que a la mejor no es para ti. La vida sera dificil porque no entiende nuestra familia/cultura."
Your Reaction: What? I am an adult and I can choose any man to be by my side.

You: "Guess what? I am buying my house."
Them (aka Family): "Sola, vas a comprar la casa sola. Con quien vas a vivir?"
Your Reaction: Dude, if I waited until I got married to buy a house, I'd be waiting...Not only that I can afford my own house so why not?"

Does any of this sound familiar? If yes, lift up your homemade broomstick "palo" and hit your own "pinata." Join me as a "pinata breaker." It will be uncomfortable but so much fun.

Anyway, you'll give your familia something to talk about during the holidays. Yes, you'll become the "chisme."

Why a Radio Commercial Impacted Me...

As I drove to work, I heard a radio commercial that caught my attention. The announcer was asking if you were a female who took care of yourself. He asked -- are you a nonsmoker, did you exercise, do you take care of yourself. I was thinking yeah, yeah, yeah, I am what you are looking for. Mind you, I rarely get suckered in but this morning I was suckered in.

Then, the announcer says we are looking for single women. I'm thinking I'm one of these. He goes on -- single women who are healthy, non-smokers, blah, blah, blah. Next he says (here is the clincher) -- women in between the ages of 21 to 32 who would like to donate their eggs so couples can have an opportunity to have children.

When I heard this "age requirement," I caca'd in my pants. What -- I don't qualify because of one measly birthday? All of a sudden my huevos are not good enough to help a couple out.

Mind you, I have never really cared about my slowly, shriveling huevos until right that split second. That freakin radio commercial!

I immediately called a married friend and told her about my epiphany. She laughed at me because it's unlike me to think about my huevos. I guess I always thought they'd be there until I was ready.