Change of Pace

Yesterday, an interaction made me feel like someone at work may not like me so much. Which is fine. Different personalities meet sometimes and that's okay. I am not everyone's cup of tea and I should not expect to be. There are plenty of people I feel that way about and I can still be completely civil towards them. This honestly does not affect the work environment at all and I can count it as just another experience. But of course, me being me, I started to kinda be hyper self-aware and wonder about what I might be doing wrong and who else might dislike me. It's silly, but it's very me. Well today, the new kid in the store was actually very kind to me. And we joked a lot today. He also went out of his way to start conversations with me. And it just felt really nice! I love meeting new people and making new friends. And it just makes work so much easier when you feel like it's a safe environment and you can be comfortable with the people around you.

ALSO. After two weeks of working there, 

and me wondering why 97.1 is not playing certain songs,

SHUT UP AND DANCE CAME ON.

TWICE!!!

That song never fails to pump me up, oh my goodness

It Is Completed!

Hooray for travel video that I worked super hard on!

6-28-15

I am HOOOOME I AM HOOOME i am hooooommmeeee. Homebody who likes to be home and is now home. That is me. YAY.

6-27-15

I have to be kind of vague about this one because some stories are not mine to share. But I heard a story on Saturday. About a woman who gave a lot of herself for some wonderful children. And, even though she was in a tough place herself, she still had such a big heart that she found a way to save these kids. It makes me think of how very blessed I am not to realize that this is a reality for very many people. But also, it fills my heart that people like her exist. She has done a wonderful thing, and despite only having met her, I admire her greatly.

Why Oh Why Oh Why Oh

We are going to Ohio for the weekend! Eric's sister Lisa is having a baby shower and we have been invited. Eric's mommy was super excited about getting our room all nice and pretty for us, which is way too cute. Going elsewhere will be a nice change of pace. Also, a weekend with Karla & Cristina! Always something to look forward to. Sidenote, hella proud because I'm packing ultra light and I honestly don't feel like I'm missing anything. Mommy might be struggling with that a bit more, but I'm sure she will manage okay.

Grid is not going with me on this trip ('cause let me not be rude and on my computer all weekend) and accessing blogger on my phone is a hassle and a half SO I shall see this blog again on Sunday!

She Feels Me

I just don't enjoy Glenmont anymore because it's so ghetto and I have no patience for the people who hang around there.

So I went into CVS by myself today to get stuff done. I'm done shopping and I'm waiting for someone by the registers, when the helpful host gentleman offered to help me, except he escorted me to self-checkout. Kay, I guess. He was speaking in Spanish, so I guess I looked obviously hispanic to him. And he did the typical "I'd be happy to help you, as long as your boyfriend won't yell at me, right?" Cue cheesy smile. 'Scuse you child, I am alone, don't go making assumptions. I could be a lesbian for all you know. In no uncertain terms I made it very clear I was unamused, smacked my lips, and asked, "what boyfriend?" in a "shut up and tell me what this machine is" tone. He was less than impressed and speedily helped me out, and then left before I could thank him. Bye.

So I leave CVS like what even just happened and am walking down the strip to the hair salon so I can meet my mommy and see what magic they have worked on her. And some old guy starts the typical "que belleza" lines about "wow you are so beautiful look at yo-" and I straight up said "oh no" with the most stank face I have made in a WHILE let me tell you. I wasn't aware that I was gonna be a little sass master today, but my throat hurt and my nose was stuffy and I just spent way too much money so I just wasn't having it. And about seven feet behind old and creepy walks a young black woman, maybe in her late twenties, and she sees that oh so sassy interaction. And she just smiles at me. Like the "hah good job" smile. The "gurl same" smile. The "LMAO 'go head" smile. And I felt proud. 'Cause I always did what I was told and ignored and kept walking. But in these instances where I knew I was safe and that they weren't speaking just for a reaction, I stood up for myself in this little way and did not take that disgusting talk. Seriously, I could've been dude's granddaughter. And not only did I do something for myself, but someone else was there to cheer me on, even in the smallest way. A smile can do a lot of good for a person :)

Cute-Tea!

I spent a lot of today around chocolate and tea during work. I was getting all the barcodes for aisle five (yay I'm on aisle five!) and, in my delirious I'm-tired-and-possibly-sick-get-me-home-now state, was commenting on how I wanted to consume all of the things. There were some pretty cool teas, like the Tension Tamer (seriously WHAT KIND OF A NAME). And I was enjoying all the packaging. And I found this brand called Bigelow? Never heard of them. But LOOK WHAT THEY DO WITH THEIR BARCODES!

Too cute. It made me smile super big.

Ultimate Fan

THE RED VS BLUE BOOK IS REAL

IT IS HAPPENING

IT EXISTS

AND IT LOOKS SO COOL

I NEEEEEED IT.

I might pre-order it.

I think I have to.

I think I'm gonna do it.

With what money I have no idea.

But I will find some because THIS IS SO COOL.

(I am the target audience)

More LITTLE Things

Specifically, I love my Little. Which we all knew. But today, she had her first day of camp. It's a theatre camp she works at every year. I know very little about it, other than kids in, I assume, middle school put on mini-shows or recitals after two weeks and learn more about performing. Yay! She has been looking forward to it a while. And today, she sent the zebras a picture of her Disney princess lunchbox! The one I bought for her as part of her giant reveal gift. I'm super happy that, not only did she liked it, but she's actually found a use for it! And it turns out that her coworkers enjoyed it as well. It was actually so great to hear. Yay perfect Little!

Hello Compliments :)

Well today was quite successful! I'm pretty happy about the way events transpired today. Church was just a nice time full of people with nice things to say.

I got lots of compliments on my dress! That gold and green one that I wore on New Years and to the Friday show of Wendell. I like that dress. It's pretty fancy so I don't wear it often. But I wore it today cause special occasion. And lots of people really liked it! I looked nice today. Points for me!

Also, I sang today! Our big group number and the solo I did last night. Both went very well. Although apparently it was the first time a lot of people had heard me sing solo. At least like that. They're used to the big group numbers and the duets and the pretty, sweet songs from our hymnal. But pulling something new in had a really big impact. I enjoyed doing a fun, belty song that's actually in my range. People said SUCH NICE THINGS. It made me so happy. They all said that it was great of me to share God's gift and that I should do it more often. So very kind. I just. Ugh.

One person in particular said "looks like that schooling is paying off!" Can I begin to tell you how much that means to me? Can I even express how important that was to hear? Like. This is what I do. What I have always wanted to do. To perform in front of people. To act and sing and tell my story and the stories of so many others. And for a long time I thought not very many people got that. My friends obviously, because they feel the same way. But most other people mention doing good by God with nursing or construction or law or volunteering or anything but the arts, especially with a Hispanic congregation where we are basically raised trying to prove ourselves to America. It's easy to feel unappreciated or like people are looking down on what you love. So hearing someone say that following my dreams has made a difference just touches my heart so deeply. God gave me this gift and this passion for a reason, and I do not feel ashamed for following it. I'm glad that others are starting to see that, too!

Successful Special!

Our song was performed today! I finally got to sing it. I think it sounded pretty great. One of the boys is still super unhappy with his guitar solo but I cannot for the life of me understand why. It was wonderful. I could listen to him play forever. I am happy I got to share this beautiful song with my youth group.

Pff. Musicians.

Lieder is at his music thing again! He's actually been working on this song for a good while now. I really like it. It's super dancey but chill. It makes me think of driving down Rodeo. It has an early Daft Punk vibe tbh, maybe that's why I like it. He's in the lyric phase now and is struggling. Mind you, his stubborn mind thinks he should keep the bit he wrote, which I am not so sure about haha. But he still asked me for help! And is brainstorming with me! And liking my suggestions! And is running things by me! I dunno, he's picky obviously because this song is his baby and it means a lot to him. But I just feel really cool making a contribution to something he cares so much about. Yay! I can do lyrics!

Beautiful Souls

So a couple of work things that make me super happy, despite mother constantly hovering over me as if I don't know how to behave in a work environment. I love having young people around. That feels weird and old of me to say. But the last time I was working at this store, I was the only person in her teens or near her twenties. It sucked feeling so formal all the time. I felt like a baby, not an employee. But now I have Kevin (my godsister Ariel's little brother) who is like 18 or 19 now. And a guy named Rony (Roni? Ronnie? Ronny? Must ask). Who is probably like 16, and goes to Blair. He doesn't talk to me as much, but he is really chill. It's just NICE to have those people and feel like I can be goofy without my only "peers" going "aww look how cute she is". Joke WITH me, people! Also, I was hired to do a very specific job, but I still find myself helping the cashiers do some of their stuff (as long as it's not behind the register. I remember the struggle. I got their backs). And my boss told me today how she is so happy with me and that I am helping out because she's been asking for all this stuff to be done for MONTHS and I did more work in one day. That felt awesome.

These two videos are very important to me.

Both for very different reasons.

(R.I.P Monty Oum. You make me so proud)

My Darling Laughing Trio

A lot of laughing today. Like a lot a LOT of it. And really stupid stuff of course, like "hot puberty" (its a noun) and "deep restrooms" (undecided). And a lot of really serious talking, too. Stories galore. Some scary. Some sad. Some cutesy. Some funny. Some romantic. Some exciting. Some shocking. All so wonderful to hear. I do not think there are words to say how much I missed my girls, Margie & Charlotte. I'd be so lost without them. I was so lost without them. But now we're all back. The laughing trio is back.

Baby's Steps

CRISTINA HAD HER FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL (summer program) TODAY! She looked so freaking cute. And her backpack was so huge next to her! She had lots of fun, especially with her best friend Ava. They ran to each other and played :) And Eric said she seemed very happy when he picked her up. She even napped. Ugh! So proud. My baby girl. Oh my heart <3

Also THIS IS SO EXCITING AND CUTE

#YouKnowI'mUpsetWhenIStartUsingHashtags #Part2

I don't remember what part 1 was, I just know that there was one. Anyway.

After a very long and trying day (it took everything I had to not have panic attacks slash cry behind the wheel, no bueno) let me TELL YOU about my glimmering beacon of hope hahaha.

Rewind to two years ago when I was working at my mommy's grocery store as a cashier. And all the crazy customers. And all the awful stories. Specifically the idiots working with the phones. More specifically, the #PeruvianIdiot named Danny, who was the reason for my #OhDannyBoy hashtag on twitter. He effed up a lot. And OH THAT GOODBYE was high-larious. But still a piece of trash. You remember? I remember. I remember errrthang.

So going into work today was fun. Because I got to see. All. Those. People. All those customers! Loyal and true two years later. Dunno if they recognized me, but I sure as hell remembered all of them. It was kinda cool. Mostly because I did not have to interact with a single one of them. Oh and Danny is still there. Didn't see me. Or saw me and didn't acknowledge me. I'm sure he will at some point, I mean I am there all summer. But not today! And I just got to laugh at the fact that he's a real person existing in this world.

#Blessed

"I Take Their Vitamins!"

This is incredibly important to me.

Good to be Herd

Get it? It's a pun. Like heard. But also part of the herd. Kay.

My Little Pony released it's 100th episode today. It was incredible. Because not only was it COMPLETELY about the background ponies, but they kept fanon names, included cool music, made jokes about the "slice of life" genre as opposed to the action and adventure genre in regular MLP episodes, AND made Doctor Who references! I'm so proud of them. Seriously. Why wouldn't everyone want to fall in love with a show by a team that listens to their fanbase? Flawless.

RWBY Mermaids

I made a tweet containing a picture I made today. The tweet now has 314 favorites and 48 retweets. The picture was of mermaids.

Based on the main girls from the show RWBY

Who are voiced by these amazing ladies.

The tweet was retweeted by Barbara Dunkelman, voice of Yang

And by Lindsay Jones, voice of Ruby.

It was favorited by Arryn Zech, voice of Blake,

and by Kara Eberle, voice of Weiss, who ALSO followed me

As well as actress and real life cute, Mica Burton

and Anna Hullum, wife of the Rooster Teeth CEO Matt Hullum,

and creator of these amazing costumes for the girls.

I'm kind of sort of on a high right now, don't mind me.

But actually I'm screaming I'm so happy I could burst.

God's Sense of Humor

Never, ever, ever, EVER say never. 'Cause then God will laugh in your face and be like LOL LIFE DOESN'T WORK THAT WAY. So when I spent two years saying "I will never again work in my mom's grocery store", God was like "k. That's cute". And now, in this summer where no one is hiring, my mommy lets me know that they need somebody.

I would be a cashier for a week in July while an employee is on vacation, but otherwise I don't even need to go near the register! I'd do something closer to what I do at my job in Westminster. More or less making my own hours, though definitely working hard because it is a lot. Inventory work. It's not the most ideal but it's a job. A job when I very much need a job. I'm grateful that they'd ask me. And I already know the environment. So. Yay! Blessings all around.

Controversial Opinion: I Still Like Frozen

Rewind to December 2013 when I posted this.

I still love it. I really do. Do You Wanna Build A Snowman is still a very sweet song. I've never liked Love is an Open Door. Let It Go is still impressive. I still adore Idina. Anna is still literally me, and I'm still in need of a Kristoff. This movie is so good. The animation is beautiful. And it's just fun all around. Is it the best thing Disney has ever done? Of course not. Did it deserve the Oscar over The Wind Rises? Nope. Do I love hearing the songs over and over? Not a chance. It is not without several flaws. Hype is hype and hype killed this movie. But if you ignore all that and just sit down and watch it, there is a lot to love. I liked being reminded of that fact today. Especially when my brother-in-law, who is not a fan of animated movies in general, was enjoying himself and laughing right along with sweet little Olaf.

Costume Shopping!

We are getting little Cristina ready for school. Part of what they do at her school is every Tuesday kids dress in a theme. There's a camo day, a superhero day, a 50's day, and so on. So Karla went on a nice shopping spree and bought stuff for her little outfits. All very cute. I'm super excited!

Sidenote: ELMO IS SALTY AF

(watch the first little skit in this episode)

6-8-15 (BY ONE MINUTE, UGH)

My Little has already watched as many Studio Ghibli movies as I have. She has learned about the magic that is Carrie Hope Fletcher. And NOW she is starting My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic. OOOH it's so exciting. I just love when people get into new fandoms and explore new worlds. Those are my favorite kinds of journeys.

Happy Best Friend Day to my absolute best friend in the whole wide world.

Family is family, and I know my girls are always there for me.

But what you and I have will always be so special to me <3

First Rehearsal

So I mentioned earlier that I'm doing a solo in church in a couple of weeks. I finally got the chance to rehearse the song with Diego. It's very simple but the song is close to my heart. I love how it sounds and I love how enthusiastic he is about it. That means a lot to me, to know that the person helping me feels as touched by the song as I do. He says he wants to play around a bit more for a fuller sound which is cool. Also, we asked Bryan to help out with his electric guitar. I'm incredibly excited. It's something small and will only be for the youth group, but I can't wait. From the moment I heard this song, I knew I had to sing it. And now I will, and it will be better than expected! :)

OOOWHEEEEOOOOHHH

I finished Doctor Who! I am finally caught up with this ridiculously long series. I got through 4 doctors and like what, seven companions. 8 seasons. And it only took me several years. But I'm caught up! I did it. I had a blast! And now I can move on to other summer marathoning things :) Finished Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Finished Paper Towns. Finished Doctor Who. I feel fab.

One By One

I truly, firmly believe that The Lion King has one of the greatest soundtracks out there. Specifically the musical. The score is just lovely. The Disney songs are fun. And the ensemble numbers. Ugh. They are to die for. I could listen to them forever. I think that's what sets the Lion King musical apart from any other Disney production. The second act starts with a slightly different version of this song, with exotic birds all around the theater. It's magical. And this animation, which apparently came out ages ago (this video was posted January 2007!) is nothing short of magical.

Heroes Like Hercules

(Honey you mean HUNKules)

Hero (according to dictionary.com): noun. 1. a man of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. 2. a person who, in the opinion of others, has heroic qualities or has performed a heroic act and is regarded as a model or ideal.

My heroes

1. My sister who fights for what she believes in, doesn't conform to the ideas of others, takes on so much but gets it all done, and is a great person/sister/mother.
2. Mr. Rodgers who saw that there was no positivity in the television of his time and thought there should be a show that inspired people to be good and kind, so he made one. And rather than adapt a persona, he was a genuinely caring soul who was fascinated by the world around him and loved absolutely everyone, showing kindness to families all over the country.
3. Walt Disney, not a man free of his bad points mind you. But someone who went through a hard childhood and serious depression issues, and still dedicated his life to bringing joy and magic to others. Not only did he succeed, but that happiness touched people all over the globe for numerous generations.
4. Hayao Miyazaki who has a gift for storytelling. A true visionary, he sought to inspire the world to believe in purity, bravery, love, and magic. Furthermore, he inspired many young girls that they could be the heroes of their own stories.
5. Lin-Manuel Miranda who created In the Heights after many years of study and writing to perfect his craft. He pursued his dream in the arts, which many people, especially people of color, struggle to do, and he worked until he made it, and continues to create and inspire. For a long time, West Side Story was the only representation Latin Americans had on Broadway. Not that it's bad, it's my favorite show. But it's still only a show about a gang written by a Jew. For the first time, Miranda took the Hispanic voice and made it come to life with our stories, our language, and our music. He "made a hat where there never was a hat. It's a Latin hat at that".
6. Carrie Hope Fletcher who makes youtube videos. She loves so passionately. Her childlike spirit and love for Disney is incredible. She works and works to accomplish her dreams, and has been playing her dream role of Eponine in Les Miserables for over two years now after wishing on stars for 12, among other great roles, and has released her first book, reaching number one non-fiction for several weeks. Despite her hardships, she strives to be a source of light and optimism for herself and those around her. She fell in love with an abusive, disgusting person who did not deserve her, and she dared to want better for herself. She fought and fought to rid herself of this person and, after much struggling, she was able to kick him out of her life for good. She could now prioritize her mental health and her emotions, which was a huge inspiration to me at a time when I needed to do the same.

All these people are my heroes. And not a single one had to go to a different country carrying a gun in order to change my life. The happy news is that Carrie posted this today on her blog. And it's so simple and sweet, but it means the world. I could rave for hours about how much I admire her. I aspire to be like her. She truly is a brilliant light and I cannot express enough how glad I am to see that she is shining once again. There is no one more deserving. 

My Teddy Bear

Did you know there's a breed of puppy called Teddy Bear? It's a mix between a Bichon and a Shih Tzu. I met one today. I fell absolutely in love. Xabiel took me to Just Puppies in Rockville and I got to play with him. And I adored every single second. He was so tiny and sweet and fun and playful and they don't even shed! Ugh. I wish we could've bought him. Someone else did, according to the website. I'm so glad I got to meet the baby though. Ugh. CUTEST ITTY BITTY. I was in heaven.

Evolution of Disney

TODDY DID IT AGAIN!

I'm thrilled. This brings me joy. Laaahhhvvv

6-1-15

Moises posted lotsa pictures! They were from Opening Night & Harveys. A little while back these two events were beautiful beautiful times. And I was so happy to be a part of them. And now we get to relive those wonderful times. Thank you Moises!