Never Forget

September 11, 2001 was one the darkest days in our Nation's history. What a sad and truly horrible day. I was a freshman in college. Just starting out on my own. I had lived on my own for less than 2 months.

That was the day that changed our lives forever. It changed our sense of security. Of trust. Of life. But it's a day that we can never forget. What an important day that was. There were so many heroes, people that gave their lives to help others. And so many innocent lives that were lost.

This image, is forever ingrained in my mind. Along with watching the Twin Towers collapse. That's how my life as an adult began, with this tragic day.

But on this day, 9 years later, I celebrate the lives that were lots. They're what's important. So many lives were changed because of this day. But we'll never forget those who lost their lives.

I have some footage on VHS. And I was slightly tempted to bring it with me. Just to watch and remember. But today, I'm not going to be sad. I'm going to work hard at celebrating so many beautiful lives. And I'm going to live my days to the fullest. Because so many people never got the chance. ♥Besitos

Friday the 13th

Today is Friday the 13th. Are you scared? I'm not. I like this date. Even though lots of people keep telling me that it's bad luck. I don't believe it!

The number 13 is supposed to be incomplete. Not regular. Bad luck. Have you ever heard of the saying, "13 seated at dinner. 1 won't make it past." Do you believe it?

People always talk about not starting journeys, new ventures, or big financial projects on Friday the 13th. It makes me wonder...

But I still don't believe that one day, can have this much of an impact on people's lives. But I guess, only time will tell. Let's see if I make it to tomorrow.

Oh, and a good friend of mine is going to be going through a big test today. Please pray for her. Let's see if the 13th day will have a horrible effect on our lives. ♥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

Russian Red

Have you been wanting the perfect red lipstick? With the holidays around the corner, I've heard many of my friends tell me that they're looking for a good red. And they all come to me. Why? Because I'm a performer. And 90% of the time, I'm wearing red lipstick.

Over the years, I've tried many, man red lipsticks. All different brands and price points. That's a plus to working with a makeup artist. You get to try their makeup, before having to hand over your hard earned cash.

But for $14.50, you can get my favorite red lipstick, MAC's Russian Red. It's perfect. Does not budge. For me, that's all I really needed to know. I needed a lipstick that would stay in place. Not one that would be on my teeth when I was trying to sing. Or would smear easily. I work a tough schedule, the last thing I want to worry about is my lipstick.

If you're looking for a great color for the holidays, you can't go wrong with Russian Red. I'm pale. As pale as you can get. It's tough to find the perfect red. But this is it! And under $15 a tube. Nothing says the holidays like a perfect red pout. ♥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

Friday the 13th

Do you think that today is bad luck? I don't. I am actually a fan of the number 13. And of Fridays. Put them together, and I am still very happy!

But I'm also not having the best of days. Probably because I am sitting here wishing I was at the conference. I love Mariachi. Probably, as much as, most women love makeup. Or most men love sports. But this year, I am not attending. Um, it has been a while, since I attended as a student. But at the very least, I usually go to the concert.

But this year, well it isn't happening. And that makes me so sad. This is probably my favorite event all year! I guess, it shows me that my life is going down a completely different path right now. But seriously! One of my all time favorite singers in performing tomorrow night. And I won't be there!

Today, I am determined to get my Goddaughter's nursery ready and done. I agreed and promised, to do the nursery months ago. Because my friends asked. And it was going to be for my goddaughter. Oh, and I LOVE to decorate. But life kind of just got in the way. School and work have swamped me. Then I had a lot of traveling for work and performing. Oh, and my sewing machine just died on me!

It's been a little tough, to say the least, to get my project done. But my Goddaughter is due any day now. And she needs a room to come home to. The painters and contractor have been here. And they have finished everything that they needed to do. The furniture is here. I just need to sew the bedding and the curtains. And get everything in it's place. Decorate. That sort of thing. It doesn't sound like a lot. But I have a pile of fabric staring at me, saying different.

My Friday the 13th isn't bad luck. Instead, I am just sulking a bit. Wishing that I was making beautiful music. Instead of sitting here listening to the wind howl outside. Don't let me get you down. Go and have some fun today! After all, it is Friday! ♥Besitos

Happy Veteran's Day!

In my life, veterans have a very dear place in my heart. Yes, I do come from a military family. Not in the sense, that my dad was in the military. But that we have so many family members who were. My maternal great grandfather fought in WWI. My maternal grandfather was in WWII. During Vietnam, my mom had 2 brothers in the service. One in the Army, one in the Navy. My dad had 2 brothers in the army during Vietnam. My oldest brother also served 2 tours in Vietnam. One was voluntary, so that one of our other brothers, would not have to go to war. He also fought in Desert Storm. And wanted to volunteer for our current 2 wars. Had it not been for age, health, etc. We have another brother who was in the Army. And my uncle who made a career out of the Army.

Today, I have 2 cousins in the National Guard. One who was in the war. And I have countless friends who are currently serving our country. I am a proud and free American because of all these brave men and women. The very people who put their lives on the line, to defend our country and our freedoms.

How can we not be grateful? I still cry when I hear the National Anthem. I take great pride when I get to perform it. To this day, I still love to see members of the Marine Corps in their dress blues. It reminds me of my oldest brother. Every single day, I put my American flag out proudly. And I support our troops and their families. Without all of their sacrifices, we would not live the life that we live today.

If you see a veteran, or a current member of the military, stop and tell them Thank You. They give so much of their lives for us. For people that they do not know. If you have a chance, go to your nearest cemetery, and visit a few graves. Leave a small flag. And for any veteran, member of the military, or family that happens to read this, Thank You for everything! ♥Besitos