On one of my first blogs, I wrote about memorable movie moms. And to commemorate Mothers Day, I decided to write about another memorable mom. She may not be known world wide, but she's a super star in my eyes. Yes, I am talking about my mom. One of the strongest women I know, she still to this day has me guessing how she was able to raise us brats and not go (completely) insane ;-) As I try to unravel this mystery, I am brought back to great memories of when it was just us kids and the head honcho, Mom. Although growing up was a bit hard to do, especially when you're forced to do it so quickly like my older sister and I were, there were still some great things to think back on. Some of my best/hardest memories for me to think back on was living in Orange on Fashion Park Ave.
We didn't have much money growing up. In fact, that's an understatement. But one of the reasons why, and I am very greatful for, is because my mom wanted us to grow up in the nice part of town. This, unfortunately, came with a big monthly price tag. Rent was super high back then in the part of Orange I spent most of my childhood. In fact, I'm sure that if Vince and I were to try to move back to the same exact spot (never happening) the place would easily be in the $1400s right now. But my mom insisted that we live there because it was one of the nicer areas. I'm sure she could have saved three to four hundred dollars a month if we grew up in the bad parts of Santa Ana, but she didn't want us surrounded by gangs or violence. I loved growing up on Fashion Park Ave. Yes, some of the hardest memories for me, but also great ones! My Aunt Yollie lived next to us, so we always had other kids to play with. Not to mention the ones I made when I was 6 and had up until I was 17. My little sister Kat has a vague memory of this place. She was only 2 or 3 when we moved there but did make a great friend. And although we did make childhood friendships there, we also saw our mom pick herself up every morning and give what she could of herself to us. Although I had great memories here, I know those years were the most try of times for my mom. On the verge of an over due divorce and pregnant with our lovable baby sister, Sally, I can remeber being an 8 year old wondering how she was able to peel herself from the fragile bed every morning and brush my hair. I didn't know what depression was at 8 years old, but I was introduced to it. And I have to believe that she didn't want my sister and I to see her that way, but did the best she could with what little energy she had. And at 9, shortly after Sally was born, we left the city of Orange and embarked on a new journey.
When I was ten, my mom met my dad (I'll elaborate on their story in a different blog) and things very slowly but surely got better. As a young girl, it's very important to have a strong female role model in your life. And thankfully I had my mom. When she met my dad things got better. Maybe not so much money wise, but happiness, hope, and love. At ten I was able to take the traits that my mom was showing me (although I'm not sure she even knew she was) and use them going into my adolesence years. She carried herself much higher now. And I think a lot of it had to do with her divorcing my father. She no longer had to peel herself out of bed, but rather was making us get up by singing Disney songs. It was quit horrible waking up at 6:00 am to a mother singing out loud, but a refreshing memory; because now when I look back, she was trying to get us in the same mood she was in at the time. No one wants to wake up early, but if we must, it may as well be in a chipper mood. And as the years went on, things progressively got better.
Now that we're all grown up (and I use this term loosely) my mom has a new house (that she chooses to share with my pop, haha) and a new beautiful grandson, I like to reflect back and think about all we've been through as a family and how we were able to get through them. Had it not been for this wonderful lady that we call mom showing us every step we needed to take even at times she herself was confused about life, who knows where we would have ended up. And although I don't like to think about where we might be without the strength of this one woman pushing and fighting for us, I still think about it once in a while and thank god for giving us such a strong, vivacious, and caring mother, for whom without, we'd still be scratching our heads wondering how in the he'll we got on this earth.
I love you Mom! Happy Mothers Day!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Birthday
Who knows your birthday
Who knows your number
Who knows your color
Who knows your hands
Who knows the sum
The sum of all your parts
Who knows your limit
Who knows your highest
Who knows your lowest
Who knows your in
Who knows that bottom
The bottom of your heart
Hold on hold on
Keep holding on to me
I will love you from the bottom
No one holds you better than me
Hold on hold on
Doing the best we can
I will love you on your birthday
I will love you better than them
Who knows the reason
Who knows the cure
Who knows the answer
Who knows the cause
Who knows the pain
The pain when we're apart
Hold on hold on
Keep holding on to me
I will love you from the bottom
No one holds you better than me
Hold on hold on
Doing the best we can
I will love you on your birthday
I will love you better than them
Who knows your number
Who knows your color
Who knows your hands
Who knows the sum
The sum of all your parts
Who knows your limit
Who knows your highest
Who knows your lowest
Who knows your in
Who knows that bottom
The bottom of your heart
Hold on hold on
Keep holding on to me
I will love you from the bottom
No one holds you better than me
Hold on hold on
Doing the best we can
I will love you on your birthday
I will love you better than them
Who knows the reason
Who knows the cure
Who knows the answer
Who knows the cause
Who knows the pain
The pain when we're apart
Hold on hold on
Keep holding on to me
I will love you from the bottom
No one holds you better than me
Hold on hold on
Doing the best we can
I will love you on your birthday
I will love you better than them
To My Love
Today, is one of the best days ever. Specifically because this is the day that Lucy gave birth to the love of my life, Vince. *"What a wonderful world" playing in the background*
This isn't just another day for me. Yes, it is vinces bday. But Its also the day in which I thank his mom for giving birth to and raising such a wonderful man.
The first time we met, Vince opened my door. I was so flabergasted by this. No man had ever opened the door for
me before. And he still does to this day. He also makes sure that when we are walking, that he's closest to the street. And he helps me over puddles. Still a fine gentlemen and the personification of chivalry. He makes my heart go Thump Thump. I get butterflies when he goes in for a kiss and i still get excited when he gets home from work. He knows me better then I know myself, and he calls me out on my bullshit. Without Vince, I wouldn't know what the true meaning of what love is. One of my favorite traits of his is his selflessness. Constantly putting others before himself. I'm so lucky to have someone like him in my life, and I thank god everyday for him. This wonderful man who helps me cope with sorrow and loss. Who helps me celebrate good times. Who never let's me win games. And who is constantly by my side. I love Vince. Happy Birthhday.
This isn't just another day for me. Yes, it is vinces bday. But Its also the day in which I thank his mom for giving birth to and raising such a wonderful man.
The first time we met, Vince opened my door. I was so flabergasted by this. No man had ever opened the door for
me before. And he still does to this day. He also makes sure that when we are walking, that he's closest to the street. And he helps me over puddles. Still a fine gentlemen and the personification of chivalry. He makes my heart go Thump Thump. I get butterflies when he goes in for a kiss and i still get excited when he gets home from work. He knows me better then I know myself, and he calls me out on my bullshit. Without Vince, I wouldn't know what the true meaning of what love is. One of my favorite traits of his is his selflessness. Constantly putting others before himself. I'm so lucky to have someone like him in my life, and I thank god everyday for him. This wonderful man who helps me cope with sorrow and loss. Who helps me celebrate good times. Who never let's me win games. And who is constantly by my side. I love Vince. Happy Birthhday.
Monday, May 3, 2010
"Everybody wants to rule the world" playing.
Beautiful day outside. And I'm stuck at work. Although it could be worse and I could be stuck in jury duty (haha Sheree). Just kidding! When I was stuck in Jury duty last month it actually wasn't too bad! At the Santa Ana court house, the jury room was right next to the cafeteria. So as long as you bring your debit card or cash, your set for the day. And the court house is two blocks away from Downtown, so during lunch you have many GREAT options for comida. As long as you manage to NOT get your group # picked, jury duty is a breeze.
They have TVs that play ch2 all day. So you start your day off with "Lets make a deal", which I had no idea they still effin played (poor Wayne Brady).
Then "The price is right", some news and top it off with Americas Funniest Home Videos (one of my favorite shows). And by the time AFV starts, and you still haven't been picked yet, the room is pretty empty enough for you to laugh like a hyena at all of the crotch shots the kids make on that show. I know I did. It may not be as fun for Sheree right now, but my experience wasn't too bad. Binge eating all day, reading the latest in Sandra Bullocks quandaries (thanks gossip mags) and watching tv...AND GETTING PAID FOR IT!!! Would I like to do it all of the time? No. But once a month ain't to bad. :-)~
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
They have TVs that play ch2 all day. So you start your day off with "Lets make a deal", which I had no idea they still effin played (poor Wayne Brady).
Then "The price is right", some news and top it off with Americas Funniest Home Videos (one of my favorite shows). And by the time AFV starts, and you still haven't been picked yet, the room is pretty empty enough for you to laugh like a hyena at all of the crotch shots the kids make on that show. I know I did. It may not be as fun for Sheree right now, but my experience wasn't too bad. Binge eating all day, reading the latest in Sandra Bullocks quandaries (thanks gossip mags) and watching tv...AND GETTING PAID FOR IT!!! Would I like to do it all of the time? No. But once a month ain't to bad. :-)~
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Cartoons and Controversy, whodda thought?!
I was reading this mini article ab how some cartoons were know to be very controversial...which brought me to this next topic....Controversial Cartoons.
I did some homework on some that I already knew of and came across one that was a bit surprising to me, but also made sense.
1) Speedy Gonzalez.
This one is a bit obvious as to why many Hispanic-Americans should take offense to this cartoon character. But most of us don't. Looney Tunes took it off of the air in 1999, for fear that the brown man might start riots over this (and I tip toe around this next phrase) racially offensive character. But truth be told, we didn't care. And yes, I am speaking on behalf of all Hispanics, haha. We have too many other things to worry about. And when we aren't working our asses off, we are partying them off. As a Hispanic adult, Ive come to realise that my race knows mostly only 2 things: 1)how to work and squeez every last penny out of that dollar. And 2) how to party like it's 1999. The League of United Latin-American Citizens campaigned to resurrect him, and by 2002, he was back on our television sets. Including his two best friends who are portrayed as lazy boozeheads. (which kind of remind me of my Aunt Conchas ex boyfriend, hahahah!!!)
2) South Park and Scientology.
South Park is known for making episodes that stir up controversy. Including their latest episode in which they depict Mohammed as a person, or something. But the one I chose was the episode in which the depict Tom Cruise as being trapped in a "closet" and fears of "coming out" to the public. And also pretty much says that Scientology is nothing but a religion that wants and praises money (ahem, catholocism). After this episode ran on air, it was taken off and not shown again...for a while. After Comedy Central got a barrage of letters from fans asking them to re run it, the network did so. It was rumored that Tom Cruise himself was behind the network taking it off the air,although he has denied it. After they made this episode, Chef, played by Issac Hayes, wanted out of the series, asking the creators to kill his character off. He said that he didn't agree with the way they portrayed the religion. Uh, Hypocrits, are you there? It's me, Mr. Hayes. What about the episodes where they bash Christianity, or Catholocism, or even straight up deny Mormonism, calling it a huge hoax?! Anyway, you have to have a sense of humor, especially when it comes to politics and religion, otherwise you'd be walking around pissed off all of the time.
3)Aladdin (this one took me by surprise, but makes sense).
In this movie they have an opening song. If you are one of my siblings, then you know this song, as well as the whole movie, verbatim. You know, "Oh I come from a land from a far away place...". Anywho, one of the original lyrics in this song used to be, "Where they cut off your ear/if they don't like your face" and "Its Barbaric, but hey, it's home!". Arib-Americans said that it played on stereotypes and asked for the lyrics to be removed. "Can Arib-American children feel good after seeing this movie? No!" said an official with The Arib-American Anti Discrimination Commitee. They also took offense to a part in the movie where Princess Jasmine steals an apple from a merchant and said merchant wants to cut her hand off. They kept that scene in. (I can hear my sisters now, "duh they kept it in! We know that!"). Although Disney did take out the original lyric and replaced it with, "where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense" but kept the "Its Barbaric..." line, they defended the movie saying that it was the first movie in a long time to depict an Arab hero and heroine.
4)Family Guy and Sara Palin.
In this episode, Chris has a date with a young lady who has down syndrome. When Chris asks what her parents do she says that her mom was the ex governor of Alaska. Needless to say, Palin went on a media frenzy going to all of the major (republican) media outlets, forshaming Seth McFarlene. Saying that no one should make fun or use humor w anyone who has DS. Also proclaiming that she speaks of behalf of all mentally disabled persons. Unfortunately for Palin, the actress who played the girl with DS, actually has DS. She made a public statement telling Palin to never speak on her behalf again and, in otherwords, get a sense of humor!
5) Song of the South
A 1946 movie featuring the song "Zip-a-Dee-doo-dah" which won an Oscar in 1947. This film was also made into a ride at the Park, minus the racism. I have seen this movie once as a little kid and I like the songs and the live action with cartoons idea. But unfortunately, it's a bit racist. Set in a post civil war south, the former slave "Uncle Remus" regales kids with amusing stories...which kind of depicts an offensively "Idyllic" master-slave relationship. Giving African Americans in this film an "Im happy to have been a slave" attitude. A big slap in the face to many generations before its time and after. Although I remebered this movie as being entertaining, you have to take into account that I was 5 when I saw it. Needless to say, my nephew will NOT be watching this one. Not with Auntie Amy at least. And not just because of the underline racism, but because Disney declines to release it ever again fearing the outcry over the crude stereotypes.
Well that's all from me today kids!
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
I did some homework on some that I already knew of and came across one that was a bit surprising to me, but also made sense.
1) Speedy Gonzalez.
This one is a bit obvious as to why many Hispanic-Americans should take offense to this cartoon character. But most of us don't. Looney Tunes took it off of the air in 1999, for fear that the brown man might start riots over this (and I tip toe around this next phrase) racially offensive character. But truth be told, we didn't care. And yes, I am speaking on behalf of all Hispanics, haha. We have too many other things to worry about. And when we aren't working our asses off, we are partying them off. As a Hispanic adult, Ive come to realise that my race knows mostly only 2 things: 1)how to work and squeez every last penny out of that dollar. And 2) how to party like it's 1999. The League of United Latin-American Citizens campaigned to resurrect him, and by 2002, he was back on our television sets. Including his two best friends who are portrayed as lazy boozeheads. (which kind of remind me of my Aunt Conchas ex boyfriend, hahahah!!!)
2) South Park and Scientology.
South Park is known for making episodes that stir up controversy. Including their latest episode in which they depict Mohammed as a person, or something. But the one I chose was the episode in which the depict Tom Cruise as being trapped in a "closet" and fears of "coming out" to the public. And also pretty much says that Scientology is nothing but a religion that wants and praises money (ahem, catholocism). After this episode ran on air, it was taken off and not shown again...for a while. After Comedy Central got a barrage of letters from fans asking them to re run it, the network did so. It was rumored that Tom Cruise himself was behind the network taking it off the air,although he has denied it. After they made this episode, Chef, played by Issac Hayes, wanted out of the series, asking the creators to kill his character off. He said that he didn't agree with the way they portrayed the religion. Uh, Hypocrits, are you there? It's me, Mr. Hayes. What about the episodes where they bash Christianity, or Catholocism, or even straight up deny Mormonism, calling it a huge hoax?! Anyway, you have to have a sense of humor, especially when it comes to politics and religion, otherwise you'd be walking around pissed off all of the time.
3)Aladdin (this one took me by surprise, but makes sense).
In this movie they have an opening song. If you are one of my siblings, then you know this song, as well as the whole movie, verbatim. You know, "Oh I come from a land from a far away place...". Anywho, one of the original lyrics in this song used to be, "Where they cut off your ear/if they don't like your face" and "Its Barbaric, but hey, it's home!". Arib-Americans said that it played on stereotypes and asked for the lyrics to be removed. "Can Arib-American children feel good after seeing this movie? No!" said an official with The Arib-American Anti Discrimination Commitee. They also took offense to a part in the movie where Princess Jasmine steals an apple from a merchant and said merchant wants to cut her hand off. They kept that scene in. (I can hear my sisters now, "duh they kept it in! We know that!"). Although Disney did take out the original lyric and replaced it with, "where it's flat and immense and the heat is intense" but kept the "Its Barbaric..." line, they defended the movie saying that it was the first movie in a long time to depict an Arab hero and heroine.
4)Family Guy and Sara Palin.
In this episode, Chris has a date with a young lady who has down syndrome. When Chris asks what her parents do she says that her mom was the ex governor of Alaska. Needless to say, Palin went on a media frenzy going to all of the major (republican) media outlets, forshaming Seth McFarlene. Saying that no one should make fun or use humor w anyone who has DS. Also proclaiming that she speaks of behalf of all mentally disabled persons. Unfortunately for Palin, the actress who played the girl with DS, actually has DS. She made a public statement telling Palin to never speak on her behalf again and, in otherwords, get a sense of humor!
5) Song of the South
A 1946 movie featuring the song "Zip-a-Dee-doo-dah" which won an Oscar in 1947. This film was also made into a ride at the Park, minus the racism. I have seen this movie once as a little kid and I like the songs and the live action with cartoons idea. But unfortunately, it's a bit racist. Set in a post civil war south, the former slave "Uncle Remus" regales kids with amusing stories...which kind of depicts an offensively "Idyllic" master-slave relationship. Giving African Americans in this film an "Im happy to have been a slave" attitude. A big slap in the face to many generations before its time and after. Although I remebered this movie as being entertaining, you have to take into account that I was 5 when I saw it. Needless to say, my nephew will NOT be watching this one. Not with Auntie Amy at least. And not just because of the underline racism, but because Disney declines to release it ever again fearing the outcry over the crude stereotypes.
Well that's all from me today kids!
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Lame guy at Chilis
At chilis: man telling girl on date, " I made a profound statement today, 'we live in a texting world'". Hahahhahaha
And this is just one of the guys lame pick up lines!
I am so happy that I am in a great relationship. I wouldn't last through one date if they are all going to be like the one we just saw at chillis! This guy was great though. And the chick that he was with was eating it all up! It was a very typical date. She got white wine and a dinner salad. He got a beer and "man" food.
If I was single and someone set me up w this guy, I would have gotten half way through the date, excused myself to the restroom and took off.
Hahaha
And this is just one of the guys lame pick up lines!
I am so happy that I am in a great relationship. I wouldn't last through one date if they are all going to be like the one we just saw at chillis! This guy was great though. And the chick that he was with was eating it all up! It was a very typical date. She got white wine and a dinner salad. He got a beer and "man" food.
If I was single and someone set me up w this guy, I would have gotten half way through the date, excused myself to the restroom and took off.
Hahaha
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Memorable Songs in Memorable Movies
I've been listening to the talking heads a lot lately and I realised that they have a lot of their music in some good flicks!! Which brought me to this topic. Epic songs (good or bad) that are in movies.
Talking heads have the folowing:
"And she was" in Look Whos Talking. I love this effing movie!! The idea for it wouldn't be able to pass for a movie nowadays (although, with all the shit Hwood has been putting out, I'm sure it would.). Kirsty Alley is hot in this movie!
"Road to Nowhere" by the Talking heads was in..."Little Monsters"!!!!! Another awesome movie! I love this flick! I bet you haven't thought about in a while. Good thing my head is full of useless but awesome memories. Keeps you guys on your toes. Haha
"Everybody wants to rule the world" by Tears for Fears. It's in "Real Genius". I kind of cheated for this one because I just saw this movie on TV a couple of days ago. Great movie! Whenever I watch this movie it reminds me of my mom. Val Kilmer is hot hot in this flick!
"Head over Heels" by Tears for Fears in "Donnie Darko". Whenever I think of this movie the first thought that comes to me is specifically the scene where this song was played. I'm sure your first thought is the rabbit.
"Try a little Tenderness" by Otis is Pretty in Pink. I love the scene in which duckie lip syncs this song! It's so memorable and fantastic! And the title song "Pretty in Pink" is also on this list.
Ok ok ok girls, please tell me that you all remember the song "If you were here" by the thompson twins. It's in "Sixteen Candles". It plays at the end when Jake picks her up at the church and it plays out until the end. That song melts my heart!! It was perfect for that scene and that movie.
I know all of the songs I mentioned are from 80s flicks. But those are the ones that stand out for me. I will try to make a list of 90s movies soon.
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
Talking heads have the folowing:
"And she was" in Look Whos Talking. I love this effing movie!! The idea for it wouldn't be able to pass for a movie nowadays (although, with all the shit Hwood has been putting out, I'm sure it would.). Kirsty Alley is hot in this movie!
"Road to Nowhere" by the Talking heads was in..."Little Monsters"!!!!! Another awesome movie! I love this flick! I bet you haven't thought about in a while. Good thing my head is full of useless but awesome memories. Keeps you guys on your toes. Haha
"Everybody wants to rule the world" by Tears for Fears. It's in "Real Genius". I kind of cheated for this one because I just saw this movie on TV a couple of days ago. Great movie! Whenever I watch this movie it reminds me of my mom. Val Kilmer is hot hot in this flick!
"Head over Heels" by Tears for Fears in "Donnie Darko". Whenever I think of this movie the first thought that comes to me is specifically the scene where this song was played. I'm sure your first thought is the rabbit.
"Try a little Tenderness" by Otis is Pretty in Pink. I love the scene in which duckie lip syncs this song! It's so memorable and fantastic! And the title song "Pretty in Pink" is also on this list.
Ok ok ok girls, please tell me that you all remember the song "If you were here" by the thompson twins. It's in "Sixteen Candles". It plays at the end when Jake picks her up at the church and it plays out until the end. That song melts my heart!! It was perfect for that scene and that movie.
I know all of the songs I mentioned are from 80s flicks. But those are the ones that stand out for me. I will try to make a list of 90s movies soon.
Until next time, here's hoping that you're not bored at work.
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