Surprising My Best Friend

It's like 6:30AM here. I'm on the east coast. And I'm lucky to have gotten 2 hours of sleep. We got here in the middle of the night. And immediately, I went to work on the nursery surprise for my best friend.

It's been crazy! But I'm OK, I actually just landed. You see, my friend is the one that got me here. I couldn't afford to come. But he knew how special it would be for my best friend. Oh, and he's my boss. We'll call him D. So D flew out to get me yesterday. And we're going to be my best friend's baby's Godparents. Did you get that? My best friend wasn't expecting me until later today. But this morning, I was put on a helicopter to come and surprise her. Right now, I'm in a car, on my way to pick her up! She thinks I'm still back home, trying to catch a flight. :)

H, my best friend, has a doctor's appointment today. And I get to be there. I'm so excited! I can't wait to see what her little girl looks like. Heck, I can't wait to see my best friend! Oh, and her Baby Shower is tomorrow!

So the surprises that we have planned...a nursery at D's house. And a surprise Baby Shower on Sunday. Yes, a 2nd shower for all of her friends that have to work tomorrow. It's a long story. But there are going to be 2 showers!

I probably should get going. I'm sure we're almost there. And all I want to do, is enjoy this time with my friend. She is amazing. She has been through so much! And well, H just needs a little "Girl Time." I know that the last few months haven't been to easy on her. So I'm off to help her enjoy her weekend. :) ♥Besitos

Weekend Wrap Up

So this weekend, my parents came to visit me. Obviously, it was a holiday weekend. And they had 3 days off. Um, they haven't been here since Christmas. So it was a nice visit. :)

They came late Friday night. Nothing too major happened. My Mom and I stood up talking. My Dad was in bed by 11PM. But Saturday, we had a full and fun day. It started with my Mom making the best breakfast ever! OK, so before going to bed, my Dad put a pot of beans on. Saturday morning, they were perfect! OMG! My Mom also made fresh tortillas, yummy chili, papitas, huevos, and bacon. It was so yummy!

After breakfast, we headed to the Farmers' Market. My Dad sat and listened to the music. My Mom and I did some shopping. We bought some yummy fruit and veggies. I really like buying food that's fresh like this. We also bought some fresh bread. Oh, and some cookies to snack on while we were there. Those were my Dad's favorites. :)

I also managed to do a little shopping for my Goddaughter. Yup, I bought Sarita some presents. Her birthday is next month. A book, some Muertos, and a hat. My Mom and I also picked up a few barrette's and hair ties for ourselves. It was such a relaxing morning. So much to see and do.

Later that day, we went to eat at the new Chinese place in town. OMG! They gave us so much food. I was lucky to eat 1/3 of it! But honestly, we were just trying to get out of all the heat. We also made our way to Hobby Lobby. Of course, my Mom and I spent almost 2 hours in there. We bought all sorts of things. I needed some supplies to finish up some projects. And my Mom bought some fabric. And a bunch of beads. We then went home and relaxed for the rest of the evening.

Sunday we went to church. And of course, my Dad had to go to VI for breakfast. Makes me laugh. But he really enjoys the place. Then we headed back to my house. To work on some projects. It took us a while, but we fixed my gate. And did a little weed pulling. My Mom worked on the leak in the roof. And well, we just got some projects done.

While my Dad took a nap, my Mom and I decided that we wanted to have a BBQ. So I pulled out some meat and we wrote up a list. Wally World wasn't too bad. We were in and out, in about 20 minutes. And then, I was grilling. We had hamburgers, hot dogs, chili beans (homemade!), grilled veggies, calabacitas, and papitas. A lot of food, huh? I know! I had a burger, and lots of veggies. Not too bad.

We also had dessert. Ice cream and chocolate chip cookies! :) It was so yummy. And relaxing. We sat out in my yard. Under the shade. And just enjoyed the evening. My Mom and I watered all the flowers and plants. And just relaxed.

Monday morning, well it proved a little difficult. My parents wanted to eat out. But everything was closed. All of my favorite little places. Finally we found a place open...Los Compas. It was so yummy! But it did take over an hour, to find a place to eat. After breakfast, we headed to Home Depot. Who doesn't like that place?

My Dad was looking for some fence things. Oh and a new kitchen drain thing. My Mom and I were looking at all the plants. We ended up buying 2 bushes and 2 pots of flowers. My Mom and I split them when we got back to my house. I ended up with 3 separate plants of one kind, and 2 of the other. My Mom got one of each. And we each got 3 separate flowers from one pot!

We had such a nice weekend. Just hanging out. Doing a little bit of shopping. And well, just enjoying each other's company. It was nice to have them back here. And I thoroughly enjoyed myself. I didn't need to go shopping. But it was a nice thing to do. Just to hangout with my Mom. And I really enjoyed working with my Dad. Hopefully, they won't take another 8 months to come and visit again! ♥Besitos

Fun Saturday

I've really had a nice weekend thus far. I had a good show on Friday night. A really good one actually. I just need to find a Mariachi that is from "The City Different." It would make my life a whole lot easier! But because Zo and a few other friends were in town, I was able to pull a group together for the show. :)

Yesterday, it was busy. And crazy! I went home. To my parents home. Only after a morning run in "The City Different." If you were driving around, yes that was me. In the shorts and tank top. Running on one of their main streets, at 5AM! My parents and I went out to breakfast and then, we had to do some quick birthday shopping.

I head out to a friend's house. And we started decorating and cooking. One of the girls that performs with me, she's getting married. And we were throwing her a Lingerie Party. After all the prep work, I headed to the other side of town. For a birthday party. It was for a friend's little girl. She was turning 8. I only stayed for a little while. But it was nice to see my parents there too!

And then, I headed out to meet the girls. We took the bride-to-be for a mani, pedi, massage. We all had our hair blown out. And just had a very girly afternoon. Then off to dinner. I had prepped everything for Tapas. Our favorite! I cooked, and we all talked and laughed. Before long, the place was packed with friends!

We played games, ate, danced, laughed, opened presents, relaxed, and embarrassed the soon-to-be-Mrs. It was such a fun night. With some of my very best friends! I always enjoy spending time with them. And I can't wait until the wedding! I'm sure, the Mr. will appreciate all the loot from the party too! ♥Besitos

Morning Morning Glory

I'm home for the night. Day. Whatever it turns out to be. It's going to be a busy weekend. I drove from "The City Different" early this morning. And when I walked in the door, my Dad said, "Morning, Morning Glory."

Apparently, he used to tell my Mom that. But since I was little, that's how he has told me "Good Morning." It's cute. And it's our thing. I tell him, "Good Morning Sunshine." When I was little and I didn't want to get out of bed, I've always hated mornings! My Dad would tell me "Morning, Morning Glory." And he would tickle me until he knew I was awake.

It was funny, because my Dad told me, that he better be the only "Sunshine" in my life. I wonder what my Dad is going to do when I bring home "The One." You know that is something that freaks me out. How am I ever going to introduce a man to my father. He will probably scare the poor guy away!

I always tell my parents, when I decide to get married, I'm going to elope. Then they will get to meet their son-in-law. But only after it's official. Because I fear that they would be so upset. At least my Dad would. It's tough being the baby of the family. People just don't get it. But for now, I'm my Daddy's "Morning Glory," and he's my "Sunshine." ♥Besitos

Yum!

This my friends, is one of my favorite "Mom and Pop," "hole in the wall" restaurants that I love! Doesn't hurt that I grew up less than 5 minutes away. Heck, it's about a 2 minute drive from my parent's house.



Just looking at this picture makes me hungry. For a tortilla burger. Or chicharrones. Even huevos rancheros. And I don't like breakfast. But this breakfast is amazing!



Just look at that plate! It makes me so hungry. Yes, I like to go eat there. After a yummy breakfast, you can walk across the street and spend a few hours at the Cultural Center. Which I love too! There may or may not be some pictures of me and my family there too... :)

But this is definitely one of my favorite places to eat. It just screams home to me. Probably because I have so many great memories of the place. I love going with my parents. And with my friends. We like to eat outside. We tend to be a little loud when we get together. Then we'd head down the road to a local music shop. Or head out to play gigs. Heck, I remember a handful of times my friends and I would go to the Zoo after a yummy breakfast.

And if you don't believe me, the place is always packed! During the week, business men come in, wearing their suits and ties. And a bib! You gotta make sure you don't get the chili on your work clothes. On Saturday mornings, the line is out the door. No lie! Those are probably the only mornings I get up early. Just to go have a chicharron and bean burrito. ♥Besitos

The City Different

Today, my parents and I decided to head up north. My Mom needed to get away. And we had heard that the Indian Market was happening this weekend. So after church and breakfast, we headed north.

An hour later, my Mom and I were trying to find a parking. There were so many people in town. We hadn't forgot about the Church Celebration. But we didn't think that there would be that many people there.

My Dad's leg is still bothering him. So we met up with him and walked him to the Plaza. Where he sat and watched people while my Mom and I looked around. We did a little bit of shopping not much. Just a few things for my best friend's baby girl. Who will be here before we know it! And my mom bought me a little jewelry box. Mostly, we just enjoyed looking at all the shops. And getting so many ideas for our upcoming Craft Fair.

By the time we got back to my Dad, he had found some good entertainment. "Balloon Man." If you live in the area, do you know him? He was...well, let's say, he was different. And interesting. But the kids enjoyed all the balloons he made them. One little girl was fascinated by him. And walked away with about 5 different balloon animals and flowers.

It was hot day though. And we were hungry. Honestly, we couldn't decide between the Fajita tacos and ice cream. But the heat won out. And we decided on some ice cream. You have to try the pineapple coconut. It's delicious! It tastes just like a Pina Colada. :) Although, it is a very soft ice cream. And almost immediately, the scoop fell over. And I had a ice cream cone in a cup. A little messy. But delicious! I don't know the name of the place. But it's the only ice cream shop in the main plaza.

We also managed to see the church precession. Which was very nice. And it was nice to just get out and see something new. We never made it to any of the Indian Market festivities. And we only encountered one extremely rude lady. I was going to buy a bracelet. And I guess she thought I didn't understand spanish. In case I haven't mentioned it before, I'm very light complected. After she insulted me in spanish, I said screw it. I didn't need to buy her $200 bracelet. But the day was a lot of fun. I just wish we could have found some Mariachis to listen to. I've been craving some good music.

My Dad was clearly hungry by this time. It was around 5PM. So we decided to head out for some dinner. I was praying that we'd stop at Tomacita's. It happens to be one of my favorite restaurants around. But my parents were wanting to go to the Casino.

We headed back south. And maybe 45 minutes later, we were having dinner. I do believe, I was the only one that ate though. My parents were ready to gamble. And they didn't eat much. Honestly, they had little more than a salad. So while I ate, they hit the slots. We didn't stay a long time. Just a couple of hours. But we had a lot of fun.

We also ran into a cousin of mine and his girlfriend. They're were really winning. In all, I probably lost $3. Which is not bad. And I had a yummy dinner. My parents had a blast! And when we finally decided to leave, we walked out and found that it was pouring!

My Mom and I ran to the car. We still got soaked. But we laughed the entire way. And after we picked up my Dad, we got lost. Yes, between the parking lot and the Valet parking. But all was good and we made it home safely. We actually just got home a few minutes ago.

It was such a fun day. Mostly because I got to spend time with my parents. Which I don't get to do often. And I didn't have to worry about anything. That was also nice. I know that I'm heading back north in about a week. And I'm so excited! It's for work and school. But there are a few shops I want to go to. I really like the city. I honestly wish I could live there. ♥Besitos

Church Parade and Fiestas

Today, my parents and my aunt and uncle were in our Church Fiesta Parade. Something I did for a while. Because I was the Fiesta Queen. And for about 5 years, I had to be in the parade. Always a lot of fun. But now, my parents are in it. Because they have an old car. And they like to go to various parades and Car Shows.

Then we went to the Fiestas. The whole reason I came home this weekend. So much fun! I still wasn't feeling 100%. But I wanted a Fiesta Burger. Still haven't met a better burger than the ones from our fiestas. My Mom and I also bet on a few things in the Silent Auction. They are so many gorgeous things!

And we listened to lots of great music! Oh, we also shared a burrito. And some popcorn. Which was so yummy! So many friends were there. And we had a great time! Did I mention the music? Ya, it was really good.

But the highlight of my day, was seeing my 2 uncles. One of which, is not doing so well. And he was really excited to see my Dad. So that was good. Then my other uncle (who lost his wife, my Auntie, in March) was so happy to just be out of the house. We really enjoyed just talking.

So tomorrow, we have mass out in the Fiesta grounds. Then another day of the fiestas. I'm pretty excited! The weather has been holding out. So far! But it's supposed to rain tomorrow. ♥Besitos

Heriberto Molina

One of the most talented people, that I've ever had the honor to meet is don Heriberto Molina. "El Maestro." You can read more about him here. But he trained to sing. In a monastery of all places. Later, he learned the violin so that he could play in a mariachi. Not just any mariachi either, Mariachi Vargas de Tecalilitlan.

I've had the honor to train with him. His vocal training is the best out there. And if you ever have the chance, don't pass it up. He has so much knowledge to share. In everything from breathing, wording, performing, stance, and presentation. This is what you call a "God given talent." El Maestro, he just has the talent. It's just there. And he is so willing to share it.

And if you're ever lucky enough to sit down and talk with El Maestro. Don't pass that up! He is so hilarious! And has decades of amazing stories to tell. I'm telling you, he is one of the most talented people I have ever known. And kind, oh so kind. ♥Besitos

An Emotional Win

DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Fans hold up three fingers supporting Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet during the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)


DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr. (R), driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet, and team owner Richard Childress (L) pose in Victory Lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Jerry Markland/Getty Images for NASCAR)


DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane with crew chief Tony Eury Jr. after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)


DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet, hugs crew chief Tony Eury Jr. in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)



DAYTONA BEACH, FL - JULY 02: Dale Earnhardt Jr., driver of the #3 Wrangler Chevrolet, celebrates in victory lane with his team after winning the NASCAR Nationwide Series Subway Jalapeno 250 at Daytona International Speedway on July 2, 2010 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by Rusty Jarrett/Getty Images for NASCAR)



If you're any kind of a NASCAR fan, tonight's race was emotional. You have to admit that much. You had Dale Jr. racing his daddy's number. A man who hasn't won a race since June 2008. Hoping to get the W for his daddy and all their fans.

As you can tell by the pictures, this was an emotional night. For all. But especially for Dale Jr. and Tony Jr. They brought me to tears. It was that kind of a race. The kind that leaves you saying, I just say history. Because, that's what happened tonight.

It was good to see Dale Jr. in good spirits again. I thought he was very classy. He didn't do any burnouts. But acknowledge the fans. Something that was much more classy. This race was all about Dale Sr. From the very beginning. The fans saluting their idol with the #3 on the 3rd lap. The win from the #3 team. It was magical.

It was a time for Dale Jr. to shine. It was a time for him to allow his daddy to shine once again. But there was no holding back the emotions. How could you? This was were Dale Sr. had been tragically and suddenly taken from his family, friends, and fans. All emotion was on the table tonight. It was a nice sight to see Dale Jr. and Tony Jr. in Victory Lane once again. ♥Besitos

Cheerleading

Last month, I posted about being a cheerleader. I got a ton and a half of e-mails about it. Unfortunately, I can't find any of the pictures. I have a feeling they're at my parents house. I did find a VHS of us at our State Competition. And I found my uniforms. But no pictures.

So here are a few things that we used to do. Because lots of you are curious. Let me start off with saying, we had a Texas coach. She had been a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader. And she was as mean as nails. Now, I respect that. Then, I used to just pray for practice to end...



That's a toe touch. We'd do countless in a day. We'd practice them all the time. And we'd continue to practice until they were perfect. She'd stretch us out, just so our toe touches would be perfect. There were days that I could barely walk because of that. But it's what came with the territory. And at games, every time our team scored, we had to do a toe touch. They had to be perfect!



Right there, that's a heel stretch. You grab your foot in the middle, from the outside. And then you pull up your leg. Your leg is at your side, slightly in front of your body. Your knee is facing up and back. Again, lots of stretching goes into this.



This is a scale. Ideally, you're supposed to make a "U" or "V" shape with you right arm and left leg. Your bottom (right) leg is pointed to the right, your upper body to the front, and your left leg us up. Knee pointed forward. Again, ideally, your leg just stays up. You don't use your arm for support. Just balance.



The next move is a bow and arrow. This is like a more advanced heel stretch. Instead of your knee pointed up and back, it is now pointed towards your body. And you hold it with the opposite hand. Again, ideally, you want your leg and body to be parallel.



And last but not least, this is a scorpion. Ideally, the knee shouldn't be bent. You should be holding on with 1 hand. And your body should make a "tear drop" shape. This takes lots of back flexibility.

These are just some of the moves we'd do. We did lots of things. Like basket tosses. Were you would through a girl up in the air, and she'd do a trick. Like a toe touch and a twist. And you'd catch her on the way down. We did many, many cheers, dances, and even tumbling. Like in gymnastics.

In lots of ways, these were the best and worst years of my life. But I wouldn't give them up for anything! I learned many life long lessons. And will have some of the most amazing friends for life! Because you don't go to camp in the desert (where I now live) and sweat off your behind, without becoming friends. Let's not even talk about cheer in a blizzard, in the City Different. It was so cold!

It was more than just pep rallies, football games, and competitions. We really did become close. We learned many life lessons. And traveled a lot! From the City Different to Orlando. And everywhere in between. There's a heck of a lot more to a cheerleader than the short skirts and pom poms! ♥Besitos

Happy Birthday!

Today is my oldest, and dearest friend's birthday. She 27. And we've known each other since we were 5. It's been a while since we chatted. But I never forget her birthday. I sent her a quick e-mail early this morning. Just sending her good wishes. I wish we didn't live so far away. I miss our silly girl talk. And all the crazy things we did together. Let's just say, we learned a lot together!

She is the kind of friend that somehow becomes family. You don't see it happening. It just does. And then, one day, you're inseparable! You do everything together. But with age, comes life lessons that we all learn. And my best friend was moved across the country.

I still miss those days. The ones when we'd sit and chat about everything and nothing at all. We just knew what the other was thinking. We'd sit and eat chicken nuggets and talk about boys. We were a pretty hilarious pair. I just hope she has the best birthday ever! ♥Besitos

My Big Brother

Today, my oldest brother goes home. We're actually getting ready now. To go pick him up. It's weird. I'm happy, but also worried. I can't explain it. Like something is not completely right. But I'm not going to think about that. Not today.

My Dad is really excited. And my brother is going to be living at my parents' cabin for a while. It's going to be nice to have him near. And now, maybe my Dad will get some more help in the business. I know, it's a lot of work for just him and my Mom. I try my best to help, but I live over 200 miles away.

So this day, it's a mixed blessing. But I hope it's new start for my brother. A positive start. To make something better of his life. To be a better person. I guess only time will tell. But I'm still hopeful. Now, I need to go get ready for the big day. We're all heading back to my parents' house later today. ♥Besitos

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas everyone! I know, it's early in the morning. But I'm still up wrapping presents. I'm pretty sure it's tradition in my family. To wait til the last minute. I didn't. I had everything done like always. But my parents had to go shopping yesterday. On Christmas Eve!

Yes, we're at my house this year. And we went to our little mall. Which was jammed packed! And I lost my Mom. How that happened, I don't know. But we made it home. And had a great dinner. My Mom's rellenos are the best! She makes special round one for Christmas. And that is pretty much all I had for dinner. :)

This year, I'm not completely in the spirit. It's just been a tough year. But I did manage to get a Christmas tree up. And some lots around the front window. I find that to be a success this year. Most of all, I'm just happy to be with my parents. Isn't that what the holidays are all about?

Well, I better go get some sleep. Before I know it, it will be time to head to church. And then, make something yummy for breakfast. We're not the type of family that opens gifts first thing. We've never been. But it's still a very fun holiday! Feliz Navidad! ♥Besitos

Feliz Navidad

What can I say? It's almost Christmas. And I'm pretty excited! My Mom just wants to hear a Mariachi play Feliz Navidad. But at this point, I think we're all out of luck. As far as hearing it live. Nonetheless, we're in great spirits around here. My Mom is cooking away. I'm still wrapping presents. And my Dad is relaxing in the living room.

It's a nice Christmas Eve. Thus far. We have to go shopping later. My Dad and I are heading out as soon as we have breakfast. And then, later this afternoon, we're all going to the mall. Can you tell that my parents are procrastinators? ♥Besitos

Happy Thanksgiving

Happy Thanksgiving! This is truly one of my favorite holidays all year. I like it much more than Christmas. I think it's because this holiday focuses on family. And time spent together.

My Mom and I are already hard at work with the cooking. We baked lots of pies and bread already. And "Tom the Turkey" is already in the oven. I'm so excited! I'm serious when I tell you how much I LOVE Thanksgiving.

I'm not sure if it's the food, the parade, time with my family, the football, or maybe just my Mom's pumpkin pies. But this is a wonderful day! Have a great and safe holiday! ♥Besitos