Last Day

Today was the last day of our Church Fiestas. Is it OK to say that I was disappointed? Over the last few years, it's been hit or miss if I come. I just have had so much work at the hospital. It's tough to get away. But this year, I really wanted to be here.

First the food wasn't all that great. It was much better last year. The fact that I needed a fork and knife to cut through my sopapilla, that was a bad sign. After all, it was drenched in chili and beans. And they ran out of so much early today. Like hamburgers, burritos, and snow cones. How does that happen?

The King and Queen...along with their Court, don't work half as hard as we had to. Do you know that I had to raise over $10,000 to be the Queen? We worked hard. For months and months! This year, they wrote a letter. Yes, a letter! And the committee picked the best one.

Then this afternoon it poured. In the middle of my dinner. Rain was coming in buckets! And there was a horrible band playing. We all had to pile up under the tents, water dripping everywhere. And listening to this band. It was so bad!

What happened to Red Wine? Or any of the good music? Because they were not here. Yes, last night, The Garrapatas played. And we're not even going to get into that. Maybe another day. But the music was amazing! I even got a free CD. I didn't steal it. One of the musicians gave it to me. With a little extra note inside... But today, the entertainment was horrible!

I guess I was just disappointed in the entire thing. We did enjoy ourselves. But you can see where lots of traditions are falling to the wayside. Oh, and our good friends didn't make it either. That was one of the main reasons I came home. I just hope they are OK.

In the end, it was a 50-50 deal. But I'm glad I got to come. I spent time with my parents. I saw family, that I haven't seen in forever! And I got to see some good friends. Oh, and my Mom and I won all but 1 of our Silent Auctions. So I guess I can't complain too much! ♥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

Pretty Little Liars

OK, I'm going to confess something here. I like Pretty Little Liars. And I finally watched this week's episode. Which I enjoyed. A lot! Would have liked it more if Aria and Ezra were together. But that's the name of the game. Right?

I really like Aria's style though. That's the real reason why I watch the show. :) I know, teens watch this show. But what can I say? I really watch for Aria's style. I love her makeup and hair. It's a girl thing. You know what I mean? I guess because you don't see many brunette actresses that get attention. But the stylist for this show is doing a great job!

Now if I just had some money to go out and buy some similar items. But a girl can dream. And I wish, my hair would do that same thing. Oh to have hair that is beautiful. And that makeup too. ♥Besitos

Italian Wedding Soup

I must be feeling better. Because when I seen this video, I suddenly felt like cooking.

I don't know if I've mentioned this before, but I'm part Italian. And yum, this looks delicious. Something that we'd eat. I'm a HUGE fan of Italian Wedding Soup! And as much as I love to cook, I've never tried to make this.

That is going to end very soon. Because I'm going to go grocery shopping. And I want to make this. OK, maybe not this ginormous amount. But enough for me to eat. Because I seriously want some of this yummy soup! ♥Besitos

Violin Huapango

This is not just one of my favorite songs, but one of my favorite Mariachis. Rafael, he happens to now live in my hometown. I've had the pleasure of seeing him play and sing many times. He's so talented. And a really nice guy.

You just have to love the violin duo at the end. A father and a son. Doesn't get much better than that. I LOVE this song. And not just because I'm a violin player. I've always liked this song. But this particular video, with this group, just makes it amazing!

I know many of the current musicians in Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlan. Wonderful musicians. And down to earth. I've had the pleasure in playing with many musicians. In a variety of genres. But there's something about Mariachi musicians, they're always down to earth. No matter how popular they are. It's like family. ♥Besitos

Friends?

Today, we're going to talk about friends. as in the kind that you don't need. The kind that are only there for themselves. As in, they only call or some around when they need something.

Unfortunately, I've made some horrible choices in some friends. Not all. But in some. But one in particular, I don't know what it is. I can't seem to not be friends with her. It's like an illness I believe. Because the other slackers, life suckers, horrible people...I've ditched them.

But somehow, this "friend" has stayed around. It's been nearly 6 months since we've seen each other. In the last 18 months, we've seen each other twice. Twice people! But now, she is making my life pretty miserable.

I am always the one having to call. Having to make the effort. Having to plan our lunch meet ups. And having to drive an hour there and back. She doesn't make the effort. And if I call, and she knows that I'm too busy to meet up, she just doesn't answer the phone.

Then when she's having a bad day, like yesterday, she calls me in a panic. I don't know what to do. Yesterday, I was sleeping when she called. And by the time I noticed her call, it was 10PM. Not bad for us normal folks, but she goes to bed at 10PM.

But the worst thing of all, and probably why I've avoided her when I could have met for lunch, or an occasional trip to Barnes and Noble or Target, is that I've seen her stealing. No lie! And crap that she doesn't need. Like Rose hand salve, Burt's Bees lip balm, or pens. It's not like she doesn't have money. She comes from a family that is very well off financially. She also works a full time job, and still lives at home. In so many words, girl has got some serious cash!

So I'm stuck here. I don't know what to do. I'm unsure of what I should do. Because I'm the only person that makes an effort. I do all the calling, e-mailing, and planning. And to be honest, I'm not at all comfortable around her. I just need to think long and hard about this. ♥Besitos

Creepy Crawlies

I found this crochet pattern today. I'm still not feeling well. So I've been in bed. And exploring a bit more of the internet. This is the free crochet pattern of the day from Free Crochet. They're cute in their own way. Reminds me of the kids at the hospital. I always had a hard time trying to come up with toys for the little boys. I think this is perfect. What little boy doesn't like bugs? ♥Besitos

Makeup for Shows

I'm still feeling a bit rough. I managed to make it to church. Then, came home and went to bed. I just hate feeling so sick! But it lead me to YouTube. And to pixi2woo's channel. Where I found this video.

I find that this is a nice dramatic look. Something that mariachi performing requires. Something that I need to learn how to perfect more. I really, really think I look ridiculous with such a bold lip. But who knows, it's probably just my own insecurities. I really want to try this look. Perhaps this week, I'll be feeling better. One can only hope. ♥Besitos

Boucle Bag

I'm still under the weather. Hoping and wishing that all the medication I was given yesterday, starts to work soon. Until then, I was ordered to stay in bed. And to rest. Well, between my 6 hour naps, I decided to look at some of my favorite blogs.

And I found this post on Crochet Everyday. Here is the pattern to this beautiful bag. I'm not one for crochet accessories. I LOVE to crochet. But I rarely, if ever, make wearables for myself. But this one, I definitely want to make for myself. Now I just need to get some yarn. ♥Besitos

Zumba

I get tons of questions about how I get into shape for my shows. To be 100% honest, it's constant up keep of my body. I cheered in high school. And I was used to working out for 8 hours a day. Hard workouts. Cardio, weight lifting, running, our routines, gymnastics, etc. It was tough. But we did it 7 days a week, for 11 1/2 months a year!

Then when I graduated, I started running. I've run at least 1 mile a day since. But lots of time, I run between 2-5 miles a day. Just depending on the day and weather. I don't run often on the treadmill. I'm not that coordinated. And I like to do a variety of workout DVDs. Mostly dancing.

Also, for my degree program, I have to go to the gym. I have a trainer. And I workout with him at least 5 days a week. For 90-120 minutes a session. Sometimes that can get boring. So I tend to spice it with various classes at the gym.

I like Pilates, yoga, and I've even taken some cardio pole dancing classes. So much fun! But my favorite thing to do is Zumba. I found this video on YouTube. It's a lot easier of a routine than I'm used to. My instructor is a lot like my high school cheerleading coach. And you leave there drenched in sweat.

My 3 biggest tips are to find something you enjoy doing, take your friends, and don't forget about what you're eating. I like to run. And I also like Zumba. About 6 weeks before big shows, I call up the girls, and we all take daily Zumba classes together. Nothing like laughing about the silly routines you're doing. And it makes the time go by so quickly.

But the biggest thing is, watch what you eat. I like to eat. A lot! But before a show, I change my diet a lot. I make myself eat 6-8 small meals a day. I pay extra attention to what I'm eating. And I make sure to limit my salt and sugar.

And you have to be consistent. If you're trying to lose weight, remember you didn't gain it over night. It's going to take a while to lose it. If you're trying to get into better shape, you need to just be consistent with your routines. You can't workout one week, and forget about it the next. Just find something you enjoy, and have fun! ♥Besitos