Check the Scenario: Family Loyalty (Latinos)

Check the Scenario: Family Loyalty (Latinos)

Remember when you were a kid, and you broke dad’s favorite tape, or you dropped mom’s mazetas (flower pots)? Remember how scared we would get? Trying to put the Dad’s favorite tape back together, or hide the mess you did before mom gets home and notices. Growing up, our misfortunes are more serious, your mom found the weed stash in your room, or got caught with boy/girlfriend in the room (having a conversation of course [hint* sarcasm]). Our parents would go off the meter, I mean passed the rules of parenting and turning into militia torture. Looking back now, we remember the experiences we had and how there were too funny you cant help but laugh, but now you’re an adult. Our parents figure that they beat the common sense in to us, they thought that “la chancla” (sandal) carried a power of knowledge so they aimed it at our heads. Even as adults we make mistakes; “why did I get that stupid loan?” “I shouldn’t have been drinking and driving... i stained the leather seats (sarcasm*)” “I should have known better.” Hey, even though we are adults we are still open to so much wonderful things we don’t care if its stupid or not you just want to try it out. Most of our generation lives in an age where we can’t always see eye to eye with the ones who raised us.

Check the Scenario

My father and I don’t always agree in the same subject. Its been a rough few months and bringing in the money hasn’t been so easy, applying everywhere and collecting unemployment is a bitch (none yet). One of the things he tells me to do is “hey, get a job as a buss boy” I understand why he said that. Working as a buss boy or waiter you gain a better work ethic, you meet and greet people, pick up on some tip, and maybe learn a thing or two on cooking or whatever. My thing was that... why? I was working as a transportation clerk, why would i aim low when i have the experience? “Men start from the bottom up” WTF? I did start from the bottom! I worked at Old Navy then USC to clean the Carl’s Jr kitchen and wash dishes! I know what work ethic means, i appreciate things just as you did, I may not have to support my whole family like you did growing up but it doesn’t make me less of a man on how hard i work. I didn’t come to this country hungry to feed my family, I was born here to learn from you and what it means to value, not to be judged. “Ah, eres pendejo (dumbass), you don’t know what its like to work” Fuck it maybe I don’t, but watching you break your back isn't something I envision myself doing. I may not know what i want to do with my life but, i know for a fact that isn’t it.

I know my dad means well, I honestly try so hard to understand him and for him to understand me. That’s where we get to the term of loyalty comes in. In some Latino families, your perspective on things affects on what they value; religion, music, politics, sex, even the work ethics. Sometimes your opinion on things changes your status in the family, and how loyal are you to them. “Why don’t you like rancheras?” “Why are dating that girl/boy she’s/he’s not Mexican (Latino)” “Why aren’t you doing things our way, why are you changing it.” All these questions lead to suspicion, then questions grow to labeling; “Oh, el que no les gustan las rancheras”, then at times they exclude you from things. Loyalty in the family is more than follow the rules, its following the exact same steps our parents took, because to them its normal and anything else is not. They decision we make will affect us, and it will affect them too. We can’t always hide our emotions and opinions, we are born to strive for what we feel is right. doing things behind our family’s back isn’t always the right thing to do, we’re not children hiding from the mistakes we did. We are human beings who have minds that keep molding on the experiences we have and the things we encounter. I really don’t have an answer on how to break the barrier between us and them. We can’t always expect that the pieces will fall back together. All i can truly say is try, to explain, to understand, to listen and figure out why they think the way they think. Honor your family, and most importantly honor yourself and be proud of who you are and where you come from.

For the record, I love Rancheras.

Peace.

C.R.E.A.M. it really does

I’ve heard many of people say that money doesn’t play a role in creating a relationship. For those who don’t know C.R.E.A.M. is a Wu-Tang Clan song, it stands for Cash Rules Everything Around Me. I stand to believe that its true, you can’t get credit without having money first, you can’t live a life in this society without it, you can’t enjoy society to at its fullest if you don’t have enough of it, and women (at least for us guys) won’t turn the other way to look at you if you don’t show it.

Now, Im not saying that all women are money grubbing whores, that’s just stupid. Let me put women in a scenario were a guy; fairly groomed and dresses well to his capabilities asks you out. Mind you that this guy is polite, and treats you very well for the first time meeting you. You saw this same guy walk out of a bus (public transportation), and that is what he uses to get around town. But wait! there’s is a second guy who asks you out, but this guy is well dressed and groomed, is just as polite as guy #1, but you see this guy in come out of a car that he was driving. Well who would you choose, be honest.

Some of you might say “Well, guy one asked me first so him,” if you’re really diplomatic when it comes to who you will date, lucky guy. My assumption, (and experience) is that most women will go to guy #2. I have nothing against it a woman’s decision on who she wants to go out with, and I can’t blame them. A person with money, (wealth or enough of it) will more likely be successful when it comes to creating a relationship. Why you ask? Well for one it shows security, you’ll go out more, won’t eat at the usual restaurant all the time, and most likely you’ll have more fun.

Swag, does it work? Fuck yes it does. Especially when you find a person who is in the same situation as you and can enjoy the simple pleasures. Swag isn’t being funny, its knowing how to speak to a woman. Some men carry this trait, other’s have to work on it some more (me). Being funny (to some women works), but I will guarantee no matter how hard you make that girl laugh at the bar, she will still get closer to the guy buying the drinks.

Ladies, there is no game that men play to get women (well at least not one that I’ve played), its all about who attracts who. Money plays just as important for guys to girls. From my perspective, it looks pretty expensive to be a women. I mean seriously, shampoos, conditioners, other hair products, perfumes, make up, skin care products, clothing, gym membership (some, some are just blessed), other feminine products. How do i know these things you ask? My family is mostly made up of women, so yeah anyone can pick it up. Without all these things do you believe that a man will come up to you and ask “want to get a cup of coffee?” And if there is, lucky you and i wouldn’t go out with that guy.

Presentation is key, no shit. Swagger, it’s real. Laws of attraction, varies. Being funny isn’t enough. And I’ll I have to say is “I need to step up my game” But there is no game. just to get that clear.

Halfway Man

I heard somewhere that God punishes you when you loose faith in him. For sometime now i believed he was punishing me, for doubting him, for leaving his son on wood that soaked in his blood. I am loosing my hair, people don't show it but they take pity on me, I'm at that point where age really means nothing. It really doesn't. I lost interest in savoring the small victories, these little accomplishments don't feel willing, they feel expected. When the sun rises i face to the shadow, i don't know if its a feeling of shame or i can't feel it's warmth anymore. I feel more rage than compassion sometimes, you can imagine a guy cussing out the world inside his little "black" Honda. I'm gaining weight, or i just stop loosing it, instead of filling my heart with whats missing I'm filling it up with cholesterol. Yes, i doubt myself. Many times, i am encouraged then the reminder of my limitations kicks in. I am the halfway man. Halfway to the finish line is more like halfway from the beginning. i don't remember what it feels like to be tired. physically tired is different, mentally exhausted is what i look for. They say i have a mind of a thousand voices, I thought they meant i was hearing voices, but they told me to listen to the voice that sings to you. That voice hasn't performed in a long time, because i ignored, ignored its vocal energy that filled me. I can hear it faintly sometimes, but its just a reminder of what i lost. I'm looking for that song in my head, I'm looking for that warmth from the sun, I'm looking for that feeling that used to fill my heart as a child. I understand that as we grow, things change. Demands grow more than simple favors, and expectations are forced down every one's throat. God isn't punishing me, i did this to myself, there is no Hell, we give ourselves hell and a lot of other shit along with it too. I'm looking for those simple pleasures, I'm looking for adventure, love, different, appreciation, encouragement, feeling, faith and all that stuff that makes us smile in the morning. I think i see it, i think I'm halfway there.

This WETBACK

trecherous son of immigrants, from ancestors of the hot blooded aztecs. Oh no, i fear for you fragile white man, your guards can't stop me, no law or organization, no man. i will die a hundred deaths, while you just one. You made me this way, this gangster, this drug dealer, this ignorant wetback, this uneducated greaser. but you forget. oh you forget so much. hate me now for that is all you can do. I am a roach, as like my other colored brothers and sisters, you can't kill a roach. you can't get rid of us. call me your names, add fuel to me. in your time in need, should i give you my hand or let you watch my shadow disappear. Watch me know as i grow.

L.A.U.S.D. (Lost Academicly Unscrupulous Student Destruction)

As most of you know LAUSD, along with many other school districts in California are cutting left to right; Teachers positions, classified positoins, programs that students need, Tittle 1, etc. Unfortunately, people out there take this situation very lightly, knowing that people’s lives are at stake. There’s a saying that goes “You can’t put a price on education”, but you cant devalue something that last eternity. No one ever stops learning; everyday there is a new lesson to be learned in the classroom, or in general life. However; its funny how people in power (principals, Superintendents) decide to cut peoples jobs, and figure that everything will be fine and jump back to its regular course. If you believe in that strategy, then you shouldn’t hold any position with power.

About a week ago, in Compton Ave Elementary school, the staff read a story about sheep and wolves. To sum it up, the sheep were tired of being eaten by the wolves, so they decided to think how they can get one step ahead of them, mission accomplished the sheep out smarted the wolves. The moral of the story is that people can never stop learning and analyzing situations. The following day, our “belovoed Principal” and other, decided to work on the school-wide budget by themselves, and presenting the budget plan ready to turn in, and having seperate “special meetings” to get it approved by the staff. One thing sheep should never do is undermined a wolf, and that’s what our Principal did. A week later, after phonecalls to our local district Supervisor, the budget was extended and today the staff met and the budget was discussed. There was much information that the staff did not know about, what was cut, whats was taken away, what is priority and who has priority. Teachers and staff had their say of concerns and questionable items, all I found out today was my position is disposable as unused paper stashed away in the school garage (hint*). I appreciate all that teachers do for us Parapeofesionals; giving us encouragement and taking us under their wings, and for all that they do with the students; knowning the hard task it is teaching in Watts.

People don’t usually see what happens in the classrooms, or forgot their own school expirience. I will tell you what happens behind these doors, miracles. I work with educators that know and understand how hard it is living in the “hood”, for a child that learns how to read is another gold star added to their merit of encouragement. I don’t mind loosing my job, I'm just happy for helping teachers to make this school a safe haven for students who need it. Of course we have our little badasses, but even they change... sometimes.

I guess you can take this as my letter of resignation, well... that’s at least when I find another job. I can’t work in a school were education is limited to periodic test and attendance. So many children in different countries are dying for education, and here we are unable to give them what they need. I can’t work in a place were you are not appreciated (not talking about the teachers I know you love us), like today. Mr. Cervantes did all he could to help have at least one working computer in each classroom. When our Principal said “they didn’t do it themselves”, it really showed me how much value we are to her, and by the way; Mr. Cervantes did most of the work... I helped. I can’t work with a Coordinator (not you Mrs Johnson, We love you!) Who are so closed minded that it hurts the staff and the student he so much “cares” about. Seperating students because of language is the most stupid and ineffective idea ever, we all need ELD, all of us. I dont appreciate him (Merino) taking up tasks he can’t accomplish without delegating and blaming others.

My time at Compton Ave has relifted my spirit and made me remember my shcool expirience. One thing about Compton Ave Elementary has that no the school has is the sence of family. I felt welcomed, loved, and for the most part belonged. Working with the 5th graders was probably the best expirience I ever had, I love all those kids, I would take a bullet for them... or at least push them out of the way. They expirience things that most children shouldn’t expirence, things that I remember as a kid that I had to deal with. For the teacher’s who are so awesome! Taking us under your wing and showing us the ropes. For the awesome Office people who took care of us and tought us never letting our gaurd down, and showing us that you’re never too old to party! For my awesome kickass coworkers, probably the best Lunch Room conversations ever, too bad that some people couldn’t handle our topics. To the one and only true coordinator, thank you for always giving us your love and attention. To Mr. Merino, Ms. Starks, Governor Schwarzenegger, Sup. Cortines, the Governor & Senate of Arizona, Lou Dobbs, and anyone who takes out on true education FUCK YOU!

Thanks for reading!

REVIEW!!:Saturday Night @ the Cha Cha Lounge & Red Lions Tavern

So last Saturday Case and Kieran, good homies of mine, invite me to celebrate their buddy Tim's birthday at the Cha Cha Lounge & Red Lions Tavern. Two cool bars, but diffrent vibes.

Our night started with the 15 minute wait line to the Cha Cha Lounge in Silver Lake, it was nice to see different people, looked like a enjoyable atmosphere. Kieran wanted to go because it was said that they sell $1.50 PBR (Pab's Blue Ribbon). Well we got in turns out the PBR deal is only during 5 to 9pm, but $2.50 is not bad either. The Bar was dark and chill, they twist the style with Mexican art, and mostly every piece of furniture is a peice of art donated by employees and patrons. I wasn't suprised that it was crowed (Saturday Night), i didn't like the restrooms because the urinals were very close to eachother, (too close). I will say this, bathroom very creative design with bottle caps and other art. The Cha Cha Lounge is unique; they got a vending machine with a bunch of crazy stuff; small sombreros, t-shirts and other cool stuff. I think they're the only bar in LA to have a photo booth, (that uses real film) you don't see those every day. Didn't really get to see what selections of beer they had, but I suspect the usual, Coors, PBR, High Life, Bud Light etc.

So after the Cha Cha we headed off to the Red Lions Tavern, which was convieniantly across the street. As we walked in to the bar there was two floors; first floor cozy little bar, many different German beers to choose from they also have pianist. The top floor was a patio, small bar with at least 8 different German beers on Tap. I was afraid of getting my ass kicked in a German bar if I asked for a pint of Guiness. Instead for $6 I got a Köstritzer Schwarzbier, I thought it was going to taste like stout but I was wrong. This is a dark beer, too my suprise it went down real smooth. I enjoyed the beer, and I reccomend this beer to all beer lovers. The bar's atmosphere was indeed very relaxed, for a good while our group enjoyed bullshitting around. The Bar is decorated with German flavor, huge steins on the walls and displayed vintage German artwork and furniture. When you walk in you can feel the coziness and feel snug right in. Security was annoying though, we were drunk I guess.

So both bars very cool but different vibes. Cha Cha Lounge is for everyone, great vibe, cool people, party. Red Lion's Tavern relaxing vibe, older crowd (sort of), warm and cozy.

For more info on these fine establishments here are the Websites below:

http://www.chachalounge.com/losangeles.html for the Cha Cha Lounge

http://76.79.68.130:8099/ for the Red Lion Tavern