Daily Living

Just wanted to let you know when the big day is, in case you didn't already know. I learned something today. 

Event of the Year

Here are some pics taken at Saturday's event of the year.

The beginning

The end

All in all, we had a good time. I was amazed at the importance some parents put on having their children receive candies, beads, or other stuff given out by the floats. I had an older woman yelling 'Que, te los vas a llevar para la casa or que?" when her granddaughter didn't receive some beads. Another lady behind me was yelling "No ves a mi nina o que? Dale algo!". Yet another person was yelling "Ve y pidele una, mija, te tiene que dar algo". Yet another lady said "Mira que feos son, mija es una nina y no le dan nada!" Having kids run so close to the floats is dangerous and it's annoying for others that are sitting down and trying to enjoy the view. LPD finally got put up a yellow tape barrier for these kids. Aah, it ain't the same as it used to be but I guess that's Laredo for you. Now I understand why my father boycotts the parade. I'm just glad it happens once a year.

Laredo's Parade Craze

I darted out of work at 5pm. It's a feat I haven't been able to conquer for quite a while, but I had a very serious reason for leaving my work duties early: I had to go and set up my chairs for the parade tomorrow morning. I sped thru rush hour traffic and picked up the chairs at home. I hit San Bernardo ready to jump outta my car and claim my spot only to find.....there was none to be claimed!

It was 5:10pm and rows and rows of chairs already lined our infamous street. I couldn't believe it. I was heart-broken. Instantly, my parade hopes were starting to diminish. No Clydesdales, no clowns, no low-riders, no marching bands, no grabbing for useless toys, nada, zip.... I started to head back home and saw that dozens and dozens of chairs had been lined up outside a nearby business. They were ready to be rented by desperate parade-goers. So, I stopped and asked how much these spaces went for. Each chair was 4 bucks but only the third and fourth row were available. Front row seats had been reserved since December. Never mind, I told the guy, I just won't attend this year. I came home.

 I was disheartened and annoyed but more than that , I was mad. This is Laredo! A city that prides itself on silly traditions and any reason to get the family together. I resigned myself to accept the realization I was not going to be going to the parade this year. The fact that I live blocks away from the whole she-bang made things even worse. The thought of lying in bed tomorrow morning and listening to the loud music coming the floats and knowing that I wouldn't be seeing them...well suffice it to say it made me feel crappy. SO I decided to make a desperate attempt to fit myself somewhere on San Ber. I didn't care where. We found a spot.

Our seats, braving a night out on San Bernardo. Good luck

Sure, it's right at the beginning of the whole thing but I know that I will be there watching Laredo's best event take place. It's been a roller-coaster day, but in the end, I'll sleep peacefully knowing that my chairs will be waiting for me tomorrow morning. Good night and good luck tomorrow. All I know is that my seats better be there where I left them!

Amazing how Laredoans actually respect others' property

That's it...next year I'm pitchin a tent and spendin the nite

*We all have our pathetic moments. Most keep them quiet and tucked away so that they don't draw people's pity. Well, I don't really feel like hiding my pathetic moment, so I'm going to share it here. At least I warned you beforehand.*

I don’t know what it is lately; perhaps I want to blame this on the stupid holiday that passed. Perhaps it might be that I’ve reached a point in my life where I want to settle down. Perhaps it might be that I’m just tired of all the freakin’ games. Whatever the reason, the fact of the matter is that I’m on a mission. I’ve tried recruiting individuals to help me on this endeavor of mine, but it’s proven to be fruitless. Then again, what do I expect from guys. I’m not going to turn this into a sad 'why me' rant. Instead I want to focus on the reality of the situation.

I’ve never been lucky in love. I’ve heard the saying ‘lucky in love, unlucky in life’ or something like that. I guess I would be extremely lucky in life cuz I ain’t been so blessed in the love department. Yes, yes, there’s family love, friend love, blah blah blah. I’m talking about the other kind of love. The kind that makes those romance novels and movies the big bucks. The kind that makes single woman all over the world desperate to find their soul mate. If they only knew that the person doesn’t really exist. Ok, ok,  I won’t be so damn pessimistic. I’ll try and tone it down.  I’ve had one relationship in my life. Obviously, it didn’t end the way I would’ve wanted it to finish. There was no white wedding, where doves are released at the end of the ceremony. There was no buying of a house in which to grow old in. There was no planning for children. There was none of that. It ended, that was it. So now, I find myself single….again. Never was good at it the first time around; now to be in this predicament, yet again. You can just imagine my chagrin. I’m a bit different than the average single woman (ha, denial). I won’t pine away for a man. I can’t do it. I still live my life the way I want and do whatever has to be done. I like not having to report to anyone.  I’m not looking to have someone complete my life. I’m happy with what I already have but to have someone to enhance the experiences that I will face…I wouldn’t mind having that around. I’m guarded, that goes without saying but I’m capable of letting it down a bit in order to provide some guy the opportunity of getting to know me. Men, unfortunately, often times don’t possess such a quality. Some woman hurts them and they’re almost beyond repair. At my age, it’s hard to find a guy that hasn’t been through the ringer. Forget about them having the ability to still think of happily every after. Take my word for it, I’ve been around quite a few guys with this attitude and they’re really no fun. They kinda make life more stressful than interesting. Word to the wise: steer clear cuz they are not going to be giving out much.

Carnival Fun

I finally made my yearly trek to the carnival a couple of nights ago. I have always had fun at the carnival, even if I haven't gotten on the rides for a couple of years. This year it was a tad different then previous years. In the years prior, I had gone as a 'visitor'. I wouldn't really have to commit to pitching in for anything. First it was my father who would buy the tickets and pay for the games. Then it was my brothers who would take over my father's role. This year, it was my turn to stand in. I really had to do it cuz my daughter wanted to play the games. The rides she didn't really give them much of a thought. I guess the sound and the crowd kinda overwhelmed her but the games didn't scare her at all. The game attendants were nice enough to let her play some games for free but if she wanted to get a toy, well then I'd have to fork over the money. Well, I didn't just fork over money, I kinda bulldozed over a huge chunk of cash. I mean, how could I possibly tell her no? At the end of the whole carnival adventure, I ended up spending $75. I dunno. It seems like a lot of money and all I have to show for it is a couple of teeny, tiny stuffed animals. But my lil girl had the time of her life and it's a once a year deal so I'm all for it. What's $75 when it comes to having a lil girl remember some really good times with her family? No es nada.

Aah, what can I say when he's family? Just an example of we roll at the carnival...
(FYI: He is NOT my brother; just wanted to make that clear.) 





Attention Ladies!!!

Apparently, finding a boyfriend is a whole lot easier than one would've thought. I, myself, was gifted with one today. With 5 bucks, you too can purchase your very own man from a local gag store. 'He always listens. He is never late...He is always be there for you.' Pos, que mas quiere uno?!

Make sure you add enuf water for him to grow....

Last Minute Ideas

I know tomorrow is Valentine's Day but I'm kinda surprised at how dedicated some of these street vendors are. Last night, I was driving around Laredo around midnight and found that there were still plenty of people selling V-Day gifts. I know que uno hace todo por dinero, but being out in the cold that late at night? I should've bought something just to support their business. Pero, at least be assured that if you hadn't gotten anything for your sweetheart yet, there are still tons of people selling their arts and crafts on the calles de Laredo. It makes me wonder though, does this also happen for Mother's and Father's Day?

La Boda

Very recently, I accompanied a friend to the wedding reception of a fellow co-worker. As usual, we didn't make it to the church ceremony, but we were sure on time for the shin-dig at the Casa Blanca ballroom. It had been a long time since I'd entered the ballroom. It hadn't changed much. The decorations and color scheme were beautiful. The bride was amazing in her white gown and the groom was handsome in his tuxedo.

Very nice center piece but I dunno how people were gonna take this home

I was having a good time, joking around and talking to our companions when all of a sudden, the party got kinda quiet. I didn't understand what was happening but then I heard it. I heard the music start and I was instantaneously transported back to the summer of 1994 and I was my 12-yr-old self again. "Tenia el corzaon de cristal y se lo fui quebrando de tanto llorar pero una manana sin decirme nada se decidio volar." It was Los Palominos!

Y se pone la gente a bailar

Let me explain my excitement at having seen them live. Back in the day, I was a genuine tejano lover. I used to listen to all the tejano bands: Mazz, La Mafia, La Fiebre, Jaime y los Chamacos, Los Palominos, etc. My Walkman was permanently tuned to 92.7FM. This was before my cousin moved down from Nebraska and showed me just how 'uncool' I was because I liked tejano. After that, I switched my tastes to something that was much more acceptable (Too Short and McLyte).

Mixed drinks can't really capture the essence of tejano music

Hearing Los Palominos play some of their more popular hits was such a treat. A couple of friends had their personal flashbacks and some wanted to cry at just how much life had changed since then. But that's how the cookie crumbles. Still, the night was a darn good one; a lil dancing, a lil drinking, and a lil nostalgia. There can't be nothing wrong with that.

Passing Through Duval

This makes me feel sooo much better when traveling alone.

Thursdays are my day for traveling. My destination had, until recently, been restricted to Freer but two other little cities have been added to my journey. I don't mind the drive at all. Aside from the fact that I'm getting paid mileage, I have time to ponder away to my  heart's content. Now, when I head over to Duval county,my first priority is work, but I am afforded my lunch hour to take pics. I'll try my best to capture some of the spectacular views over there but I'm gonna have to do it when the cops aren't around. Small towns can be kinda picky and I don't want to get noticed and be stopped. What with Laredo being a metropolis, I'm sure I stick out like a sore thumb over there (I'm being very sarcastic).

While on the topic, I want to vent about something. I have to travel from Freer to San Diego and TX-44 is the fastest route from point A to point B. While I was there this past Thursday, I realized something: these people drive with a New York City mentality. I don't know why these individuals are rushing around but damn, there were times when I pushed my car to 80 mph (speed limit is 70) in order to avoid being run over by the truck behind me. I say truck because everyone has a truck over there. I guess everyone always has to be at their destination like, yesterday. Aah the joys of being a visitor in small towns. Whatever happened to small town life existing in the slow lane? When did that ever change? 

San Diego, TX City Hall- my friend didn't believe it existed

Benavides, TX- this is the stuff scary movies are made of

Coming up, pics of Freer's famous rattlesnake statue. Remember, if you don't hear from me after Thursday, please go and bail  me out of the Freer jail. You know never how serious small towns can take their beloved reptiles.

High School V-Day

Written my senior year for the school paper. Some things don't really change.

     Last Valentine's day Mucia got flowers, Cindy got a teddy bear, and Ray got chocolates. As for me, I got nothing. When I looked around and saw how everybody was carrying red roses, "I love you" balloons, teddy bears, and heart-shapes chocolate boxes, I felt left out. I felt like a loser. I didn't get anything but something did visit me: loneliness. Yeah, loneliness has always held my hand through all kinds of holidays. Of course, Valentine's Day is the worst because it brings home the fact that I have no one. Yet I decided to look on the brighter side of being alone: I don't have anything to carry.
     My friends kept complaining because they didn't want to carry balloons. The balloons would get in their way and some even popped. It was funny because they would start off with six balloons and by the end of the day, there would only be one left. That was the highlight of my day. It wasn't as if I was wishing for something like that to happen. It just did. A smile would appear after the explosion of another balloon.
     Mucia also had a hard time with the flowers. She was carrying around a whole bouquet of roses and water kept spilling on her clothing. People would also pick the petals off the roses. By the time she went home, she had five beautiful blood-red roses and seven bald stems. I felt bad for her, but what could I do? These things were bound to happen. I had nothing to do with the picking of the petals.

Sorry!!!

I've written about my family a lot. They're kinda my main priority. When we get together, it's all about the laughter, the stupidity, and the innocence. Yes, we're all pretty much grown up by now and we're set on our own life journeys, but whenever we get together, it's like time stood still and our maturity levels are permanently stuck in our teens. My brothers have a killer sense of humor. They're sharp as hell and I (believe it or not) cannot keep up with their wit. When my dad's included, it's nothing but them trying to one up each other. It gets fun. It's the simple times like these that I adore. Throw in a game of Sorry or Uno and forget it, our night is made.

Cuando gusten, join us for a game. The competition gets good.

Stairs that Lead Nowhere and Everywhere

These here stairs, as you can tell, they don't lead anywhere. My grandmother's house used to be attached to them by means of a room and then the house was moved or something...I don't really know the specifics as to how these stairs came to be but all I know is that they're there. These stairs are very old, probably as old as the house which is about forty-odd years. When I was younger, my cousins, siblings and I would congregate on these steps and play 'la escuelita'. I would play the part of the teacher and try to lecture my students on a variety of subjects. Most of the time, my students, didn't give me the time of day but every once in a while they'd humor me in answering my questions. I guess that's why in the end, even though teaching is a family profession, I couldn't make myself go into the field. I was just not made for that game.

These steps served as our playground when were smaller, our escape destination when our teenage selves needed a break from our parents, and now they serve as a flashback to when times were simpler. They're not the most comfortable seats but often times, we can sit there for hours and hours and just hang out with the family. These stairs have seen their share of events. Whether it be when we were kids using the stairs as our 'base' for our hide-and-seek games, or when the family would sit together and tell their famous ghost stories, or when my cousin and I snuck out of my house for the first time (we were good kids, I swear). If these stairs could talk, I bet we'd hear some pretty awesome stuff.

With life moving at high speeds, the continued existance of these stairs reminds me to sit down every once in a while and just take a breather. It doesn't matter how  many times this stairs have numbed my butt, you best believe I'm gonna continue to visit them often.

At the Car Wash

When I'm driving around my humble hometown, the first impression I have of people is just how clean their cars/trucks/SUVs are. I glance around and either see shiny vehicles or dirty, dusty automobiles. I have to admit I'm one of the latter ones. Sorry, sometimes I just don't know where to fit in a car wash. But after this week, after the ice, my car was especially dirty. Shield your eyes, it was real bad.


my deepest apologies for the insult

 So this weekend, I made it my mission to go and wash my car. Mind you, I wouldn't actually be washing it myself. I pay the local laser washes to do me the favor. Yes, I have manually washed my car, well, once and that was back in July when I bought my car. But hey, at least I did it. Anyways, I headed towards my usual car washes and they were jam packed. I went to three nearby my hood y todos llenos. I wasn't about wait so I decided to head to la mama de los burros over in North Laredo and see if I had better luck there and this is what I found.

Laredoans think alike

 Since I had already gone all the way over here (and it is far from my west side home) I decided to wait it out. Boy, did I sure wait it out. Yes, that goes to show just how interesting my weekends are. A whole hour later and my car was finally clean.

the difference a lil TLC does to my carrito

I love Laredo. Whether it be a rain, ice, snow, or dust clouds, you best bet that the day after, the car washes will be stuffed to the gills. In my personal opinion, it's best to make sure your car is clean and shiny (I wash mine maybe once a month) but it's better than running the risk of having this happen.

some people are just plain rude

I'm just saying.

Laredo's Deep Freeze

Anoche, Laredo experienced freezing temps that sent the city into chaos. Pero YO, because I'm so smart, andaba en la calle como mensa. I had absolutely no reason to leave the warm, comforting embrace of my home but I did. I left it to go and roam the streets of my frozen city. Unfortunately, I didn't take pics last night. I was too busy focusing on my driving and steering clear of all those ambulances and police cars littering the streets. But this morning as I was getting ready to take off to work (yes I worked and to top it off, the day I can get to work late, I arrived right on time) I snapped a couple of shots at home.


Ice skating, anyone?



Today, objects will NOT appear closer than they are. Thank you.

se ve bien pretty el hielo

Last time I remember it being so cold in Laredo was back in 2004 when it snowed on Christmas eve. Even then, I don't think Laredo shut down as much as it did this time. Ice can be a bit meaner than snow. Still, since these kinda temps are rare in Laredo, it was a special occasion. Well, that's if you were inside.


Ice water for the pups.  (JK, don't call animal cruelty. I got them fresh water)