Almost Home and 10 things I hate about NYC :) 

Tuesday, December 21, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:18 AM
Happy Holidays everyone!

Hopefully, the hubs and I will make it on a plane together for home tomorrow. We fly standby and we've heard it's a zoo at the airport, but I have faith that we'll get on the flight! I am very much looking forward to coming home and relaxing with family and friends.

It's not that I am not enjoying NYC, but I miss my family a lot, so this will be a nice treat for me. Yesterday, as we were heading to IKEA, for what seems like the 100th time, we talked about how much we actually do like NYC. But then, as we were carrying an 80 lbs bookshelf up three flights of stairs, I realized there were some things I hate about NYC. So here they are for your consideration.

1. There are no elevators in my building.
--- This is my fault and I will own up to it. Bad news is that we live on the 3rd floor. Good news is that it's a short flight of stairs. Bad news- carrying heavy items up the stairs sucks. badly. ask my thighs. Yesterday we had to carry an 80 lb bookshelf all the way up and let me tell you. It was not fun at all. As a matter of fact, those type of events put me in a bad mood for about 10 minutes, then I get over it.

2. I hate walking up from St. Nicholas.
--- This is the stop that Mando takes, or makes me take home when we are together, but it's a crappy 2 block up hill battle to our apartment! And if you are passed St. Nick at Frederick Douglas Blvd., well it's even worse! This is where we pick up our zipcar and drop it off, and I despise walking home from here after we drop off the car! boo.

3. Morning Subways
--- This sucks because I feel like a sardine when I'm in and like a timid puppy when I'm out! From 8-10am, the subway cars are jam packed with people getting downtown to work. I wouldn't mind it so much except that some people stink, sometimes I can't touch the pole so I don't fall and it leaves me molesting everyone next to me since I lose my balance, and people are all up in your face. Now, when I successfully get off and try to get on my next train, well that's a whole other story. I am still getting used to using my "big girl" voice as the hubs calls it, so I struggle to get on to an already jam packed train. I usually sound like a whimpering puppy trying to get in. Sometimes, I get so nervous or so annoyed that people won't let me in that I have to wait until the next train arrives. Then that makes me late. boo.

4. BAD chinese food
--- I love Chinese food. Usually, it's either super great or really crappy. Lately, when we order out, the food is horrible and it makes me angry! I figured it would be easy to find great and cheap chinese by our house, but no. It's been awful. One place I went to looked ok from the outside, but when I got home and looked at the chicken in the chicken fried rice, it looked like shaved baby chicks! It was awful and it made me angry and I threw it away. That goes for some of the Gyro carts too. They are awful!

5. One errand = One hour
--- If you have to run an errand in NY, it's going to take you around an hour. Even if it is right by our house, it is still going to take you one hour. I think that is why they call it the NY minute.

6. Nobody smiles
--- I've been complimented so many times on my smile, or people will ask me why I smile so much. I never thought it was weird, but here, they don't really smile or say hello. Odd right?

7. Dunkin Donuts Sucks
--- I am used to donuts from Lamar's back home, now those are real donuts, not these sissy ones out here that are nasty! On every street corner here you see a Dunkin Donuts. They're not horrible but they are not good and that makes me sad too.

8. The Wind at South Street
--- I swear that the wind is waiting to really gear up the moment it see's me coming up the train stairs. The wind by the ferry is ridiculous. Especially when it is really cold out. I feel like I am gearing up for battle or for a lunar walk everytime I exit the South Ferry train station. I put my gloves on, then I tuck them into my sleeves with my fleece over the gloves, then my scarf, then my hat, then my hoodie.. check. check. check and I'm off! I feel like it slaps me hello everytime!

9. Spitting
--- Men spit everywhere, everyday, all the time! It's disgusting! They'll even see you walking towards them and they still spit! It grosses me out so bad and I believe it's absolutely rude! Especially the ones that they gargle from their nasal pasage or throat and then spit! Ugh- I can't even talk about it I'm so grossed out.

and the biggest thing I hate... is...

10. Homelessness in NYC
--- Homelessness in NYC is unlike anything I've seen back home. I can't say that it is the worse ever, because I believe that title goes to India. But the homeless conditions in NYC are extreme. Recently Mayor Bloomburg decided to cut the funding for Youth Shelters. Coupled with the fact that only a few youth shelters exist, this is a devastating blow for homeless youth. You see alot of them on the trains, performing for some money. You also see homeless adults with no shoes, no coats or jackets, no socks, nothing, begging for anything you have to offer. You see them on the trains or sleeping in the train stations. I made mando and I check on one person who I thought was dead or injured in one subway station, but then I saw them move and realized they were just asleep. :) I think I am going to get involved with some homeless initiatives in NYC because this is a tragic and devastating problem. It's not like home, it's on a much different level here, and I can't seem to understand how they survive the winters with no jackets, no socks or shoes!

In general- New Yorkers are a bit jaded when it comes to certain things and the homeless is one of them.

Sorry to end on such a bummer note, but on the bright side, there's always something we can do to help! And that's my plan.

You can always donate time or money to your local shelter too. Such as these places, and these places.

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Major Bummer 

Saturday, December 18, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 7:35 PM

Today was an incredibly disappointing day with politics in America. The DREAM Act was finally up for vote in the Senate after passing in the House, and we didn't get the votes to pass it on for a vote. Truly disappointing and incredible disheartening. It took us 10 years to arrive to today. 10 long years and I feel that both sides failed us. I've lost hope in politicians because today was simply about politics. No matter which way we explained the bill, haters on both sides used the same lies, scare tactics and hate to get votes against it. What good is it to have a representative in Congress when they don't listen to what you need? We made over 100,000 calls, probably even more, students and Dolores Huerta went on a hunger strike, and a caravan of undocumented students arrived at the capital in the last couple of months to urge their support. There were students in the senate hall, praying for a vote, and I bet all those cowards didn't have the decency to look at them when they voted no.

It's upsetting especially for the students who are literally facing deportation next year. Yesterday was my first day with my KIND client and it is a 15 year old boy who is a straight A student at school and fled his country because he was being chased by gangs. He came here by himself and now lives with his dad, siblings and uncles. He's working so incredibly hard and yesterday he told me about the DREAM Act and how he hadn't made his phone calls yet, but that as soon as he got home he would. It touched my heart and it made me realize a lot of things. More than anything I realized how urgent we need this legislation to pass and how much my heart and passion is in this work. I want to help undocumented and unaccompanied minors in the United States. That was my goal 10 years ago, and today and yesterday is a reminder that we keep fighting on for them. We put up a good battle for them. We push forward for them. We don't give up for them. It reminded me to have courage with the bar exam and not to be afraid to come into my profession because I am amazing at what I do and yesterday proved it.

I will not forget today and I will do everything in my power to make sure that those who voted against the bill WILL NOT be in politics EVER again. I think I even got sick because I was so upset. I have a stupid cold now. I don't know how yet, but a project is brewing and it will be seen around 2012. As I said in my facebook posting, we need to start the Cafe con Leche party because these politicians are not serving the needs of their constituents.

I'm upset and angry and will keep fighting for our cause.



To dream the impossible dream,
to fight the unbeatable foe,
to bear with unbearable sorrow,
to run where the brave dare not go...

To right the unrightable wrong,
to love pure and chaste from afar,
to try when your arms are too weary
to reach the unreachable star!

This is my quest —
to follow that star
no matter how hopeless,
no matter how far —
To fight for the right
without question or pause,
to be willing to march into hell
for a heavenly cause!

And I know
if I'll only be true
to this glorious quest
that my heart
will be peaceful and calm
when I'm laid to my rest.

And the world will be better for this
that one man, scorned and covered with scars,
still strove with his last ounce of courage
To reach the unreachable stars!
--Man of La Mancha


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It's cold and I think I've become a hippy in NYC and not in Boulder or Colorado... 

Thursday, December 16, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:04 AM

Hi there!

We experienced our first real snow fall in NYC this week! It did stick and it was beautiful, except for the slap-you-in-your-face-and-call-you-nancy cold! Mando and I kept saying over and over, "we're from Colorado, where polar bears are from, so how cold can it get?" Well, this week has been teetering in the low 20s-30s and it is FREEZING! It's even colder on the island, about 10 degrees colder!

The cold here is like a frigid acupuncture treatment on your face and any other area that is exposed. Lucky for me, I got the top of the line women's Northface jacket to keep out cold, wind, rain, snow, and republicans. Just kidding. It doesn't keep out the snow. Just kidding about republicans, some of them are super nice. Some.

Mando got a nice Northface too, but his doesn't cover his whole body like mine does. So, all in all, we are prepared for this cold. We even have Isotoner smart touch gloves that are water proof and allow us to use our touchscreen on our phones. Although, mine are too big, but there's nothing I can do about it since it said "one size fits all." They lied. I've also learned that long socks here are essential in the winter but hard to maintain. We, really I should say I, walk around so much that I keep tearing holes in my long socks.. it's quite annoying because then that one toe is really cold for the rest of the day. To make matters worse, our heater comes on when it feels like it then makes noises and shuts off. Our house is freezing, but thank goodness all of our stuff arrived so I have my snuggie again to keep me warm.

Anyways, here's why I feel like a hippy. You might notice a new button to the right of the welcome screen on the blog. This is a donation link for an organization called heifer.org. I came upon this organization during my daily CNN read. This article talked about the concept of giving on Christmas. Some of you might not know this about me, but I don't like giving senseless things on Christmas. I think as a child we love it because we get toys and clothes, but as an adult, I think it's an absolute waste of money. If you are going to buy something for someone, it should be meaningful, not something you found at Walgreens the day before. Giving for the sake of giving is dumb. I read this article and I fell in love with the idea of giving to charity for Christmas or Birthdays! For our wedding, Armando and I considered making a donation to a charity instead of having little mementos, but my crazy and lovely mexican mother didn't like that.

As I was reading the article, I particularly liked Heifer.org because of the work they do around the world. What a great concept, that you can go to your BFF's birthday dinner and inside her funny bday card is another card that says "you bought a flock of baby chicks!" These baby chicks help sustain a family somewhere in the world! You've helped them financially and generously.

Their mission is to work with communities to end hunger and poverty and to care for the earth. By purchasing a flock of geese, chicks, a goat, a cow, etc., people can help others around the world in a such a simple way. If you bought someone a cow, they can milk it, breed it, eat it and make a living off of the animal. (Although I am sad that most of the animals will probably get eaten) I think this is a great idea! Now, don't worry, I am not becoming a vegetarian, but I think living in NYC really opens your eyes to the hyper consumer culture we live in and how dumb it is.

Along the same lines, I read another article today on NPR.org about how our electronics kinda help suppor the war in the Congo, with "blood minerals." Many of the wires used in our phones, computers, cameras, etc, come from the mines of Congo. Fortunately, Apple, has been ranked as one of the top companies trying to make an impact and stop using or changing the environment by which they gain these minerals for their products. But how do you boycott Apple? Microsoft? They run our technology...

The same goes for the clothing industry, much of what we wear, regardless of brand, is made by child labor. It's all conflicting and angering, but how do you really get around all this? You have to wear clothes right? And even if it is sweatshop free, where were the original materials made?

That is why I really like Heifer.org, because they offer a simple solution to a larger problem. But imagine, if you were to take those $200-300 we spend on family and friends on X-mas, you could buy families pigs, goats, cows, farms, etc! Or maybe just make home made gifts. I like those the best, because they mean something and they come from the heart. :)

Ok, i'm done with my random ranting, but I wanted to just share these thoughts with all of you this holiday. Make it meaningful, and think about what your $20 can do for others in the world! I am just thinking of who I am going to buy a flock of chicks to first.

Check out their blog.

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Sasnor Awards Continued 

Monday, December 13, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 1:37 PM

I hope everyone had a lovely weekend. I got furniture from IKEA so that was good, but my weekend flew by too fast. I did eat at a delicious Italian restaurant in Lil Italy, and it was phenomenal!

So, in honor of good food, and as I promised, here are more amazing spots to eat in Denver. I am going to start off with my favorite place to buy real, home made, italian shells, pasta, cheese, meats and yes MEATBALLS!!



Carbones Italian Sausage Deli

Carbones!! Located at 1221 W. 38th Ave, is more than delicious, it's an institution. They have been around forever, serving the best italian sandwiches you can find anywhere in the state. Everyday (except Sundays), you can find Rose, the lovely and older, foul mouthed, jokester owner of the shop. She still has an accent, and I am pretty sure that if I looked at her the wrong way, I would find a horse's head in my bed the next day! I kid, I kid, but she's amazing and a darling! She's always offering up free samples of everything! You must go in and try their meatball sandwich with peppers. Oh, just thinking about it makes me hungry and salivate. Once, I bought one on a Saturday as I was heading home from a volunteer event, and the smell alone was so tempting, that I ate the entire sandwich before I even got home! I was a little ashamed, but it was delicious. Any sandwich here is amazing, and the best part is that you can buy the meatballs and the sauce (Frozen or not) and take them home for later. This place just has amazing food in general, so if you're looking for something fancy to make for your dinner guests, you can find it all here at Carbones.

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Another good lesson learned… :) 

Friday, December 10, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:34 AM

I apologize for my delayed posts. I don't have an excuse, I've just been really tired. Sorry. :)

I think I can pretty much forget about hearing back from the Vera Institute, which is fine. I actually had the opportunity to tour some of the New York Harbor parks here, specifically Gateway. I got the opportunity to meet an amazing and talented person out of Fort Wadsworth, and hopefully, if all goes well, I will be helping them on a Latino initiative with their park. I also had the chance to meet someone who is in charge of youth engagement for their park, and that would be an ideal position for me, here at Governors or at some other park! Her position is exactly what I want to do, and I truly hope I get a chance to work with her soon. So, it was a great week because of that, but I did get a bit sick on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. I think it's my new vitamins, they mess up my stomach and it was bitter cold when I went walking around Jamaica Bay (bird watching, which is really fun!).

I am still getting used to my commute, I've missed my ferry twice this week, and it annoys me to all ends because I've missed it because I woke up late and because the train sat at the previous station for 10 minutes! So, I really can't afford to wake up late, but recently it's been hard because I haven't been sleeping very well at all, so the last thing I want to do is wake up in the morning.

We got the chance to go see the Knicks at Madison Square Garden this Monday! That was fun, but it took us forever to get to MSG. I tell you a funny story about Monday as well. I told my mom about it and she couldn't stop laughing. Here it goes…

So Monday, I decided to wear a skirt, with some cute pattern tights, and my flat black boots. (Which I love). So, I get on the first train and everything is going great until the second stop. I have to get off the train to catch the express train. I noticed how crowded and packed the train was, and I tried to push through with no success. So I decided to wait it out until the next one. The next one was delayed, and finally when it arrived I jumped on. Looking at my watch, I was still doing good time. I got off and got back on the original train to my final stop (South Ferry). The train sat in the freaking station for about 10 minutes, and then it waited at the next station for another 6-8 minutes. This is critical, because, if all goes well on my commute, I make it to the ferry station with 10 minutes to spare. So, this coupled with the fact that I had opted out of the second train made me late. I had 3 minutes to catch the ferry, so of course, as soon as the doors opened, I flew out and ran up the station, up the stairs, around the block to the ferry and too late… it was gone.

I realized at that moment that there was something burning on my thighs. I ignored it and called work and told them that I missed the ferry. They were fine with it, and just told me to catch the next one (they run every hour), but they asked if I could pick up cupcakes at Crumbs on Wall Street. I obliged because I had one hour to spend and I trusted that my phone would help me find it. It didn't. Stupid thing froze half way through the search and the walk, so I was on my own. I walked for a good 20 minutes through Wall Street asking for directions and with a painful burning sensation in between my thighs. I finally arrive, there's a line, I look at my watch and I now have 15 minutes to make it back. I wait and wait. Finally, my turn! I order the cupcakes (which are AMAZING!, if you come to NYC you must stop here!). Then I flew out of the bakery and stopped on the corner. I didn't know which way to go. So I went straight down the wrong direction! Stupid phone, I ran towards the waterfront because I knew that would lead me back to the ferry. What I didn't realize is that I had walked about a mile away from the ferry station. So, I looked at my watch, 8 minutes till the ferry leaves, and I started to run, no not run, sprint! I ran so hard that I didn't realize how bad my legs hurt. I ran as fast as I could, only to miss the ferry again. Fail. So, I sat there at the station, reading my paper and starting to worry about the pain I was feeling. I finally realized what had happened. With all the running I did that morning, the material on my tights had warmed up while rubbing together and had burned my skin. At first I thought it was a regular good ol' chaffing. But when I got to work, I realized that the actual "cute" pattern on my tights had actually burned itself into my inner thighs. Nice. Fail again.

So, I tried not to walk at work. But just in case, I grabbed some extra Retro 1950'sRanger pants and put them in my bag, because I realized I wasn't going to survive walking home or anywhere else for that matter, and I had agreed to attend the Knicks game. Thank goodness I have an amazing husband who saw me in pain and took me to buy some leggings at H&M. He's the best. That night, I saw the extent of my damage, and after showering and moisturizing my wounds, I was better in the morning. Not great, but better. I could walk at least. But I still have that pattern etched into my thighs. I wish I could take a picture, but that would be embarrassing (as if telling you this isn't already). I'm taking this as a lesson learned. Don't run in tights.

I promise to post more Sasnor Awards on Monday, so stay tuned for more delicious food spots in Denver.

p.s. Our furniture is on its way, it arrives Tuesday or Wednesday! Thank God!

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Videos from Governors Island! 

Sunday, December 5, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 9:57 AM
This is where I work. It shows my commute home and a little bit of the island. Did I mention it's abandoned? :) Well, not totally, there is a high school there with 400 students, but they catch the ferry with me everyday. No one lives on the island. :) ooy. enjoy. xoxox (I apologize for the poor quality. They were on my iphone.) :)







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Time to Hustle & Dance in the 99cent Store! 

Friday, December 3, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 11:07 AM

Great news, I received my first volunteer assignment with Kids In Need of Defense (KIND). This is absolutely, without a doubt, my dream organization to work for. They work with unaccompanied minors in the United States. This cause alone, is one of the reasons that I went to law school. I will begin volunteering with them as an interpreter between the children and the attorneys, and I get to stay with the same child throughout the entire process. So I get to gain their trust, and be with them through their ordeal. You have no idea how excited I am and how incredible this is.

I have looked up to this organization for years! I knew I wanted to do this kind of work since I was in undergrad! I applied to one of their open positions this fall, but I never heard back, which is ok. But I plan to show them that I am a hard worker so that if another attorney position opens up, then I can step right in! Ha. :) sneaky me. In reality, these types of organizations fuel my passion and my goal to pass the bar in July and to keep pushing through. :) It's all worth it in the end because we get to touch and change people's lives. That is what I love about the legal profession. So, that is why it is time to hustle and show NYC what I'm made of. :) Hard work, love, compassion and dedication. Time to jump in and start hustling to create my network and make myself known! BAM!

On a side note, I went grocery shopping last night with my homeless buggie. This is what I call the cart I use to carry my groceries. At first I was embarrassed, but then I remembered that I carried a small version of this all through law school. There are a few things that I LOVE about our neighborhood. First, there is a Taco Express truck two blocks over that has delicious tacos al pastor! They are pretty comparable to the ones at home and paisa hang out there every night. Second, there are some Mexicano shops that sell any Mexican product that I need. Three, The "Almost Everything is 99 Cents" store plays salsa and bachata while you shop. So, everytime we go in, Armando and I can stop dancing our faces off. It's quite funny and fun to watch everyone dancing while they do their shopping. I love it.

Happy Friday everyone! I hope you have a great weekend. I just want to sleep.

1 comments

Positive Energy and Thoughts needed... 

Wednesday, December 1, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 2:28 PM
Ok..

so i received funky news today from work. Apparently, the Federal Career Intern Program (FCIP) that i am under has been suspended. Good news is that i am grandfathered in so i still have a job (for now), bad news is that come February, the office here has to get creative if they want to hire me. But i know for a fact that their budget is not where they would like it to be, so it might not happen at all. Kinda had me worried for a little bit.

i started to browse through idealist.org, which is like a dreamers job bank, and came upon this position with the Vera Institute of Justice. I love this organization because of all the good and positive work they do for an assortment of communities across the US. The position is for a Program Associate for their Center on Immigration and Justice!!! I am sure they don't know this, but I am PERFECT for this position.

Vera's Center on Immigration Justice seeks a Program Associate to work primarily on two federally-funded projects that aim to improve police-immigrant relations through researching promising practices and trainings. Vera has a long history of collaboration with law enforcement to improve policing practices and service. Vera is widely acknowledged as one of a few national experts on police-immigrant relations. Its work positions it at the forefront of the policing field's growing interest in police-immigrant relations. The Program Associate will have a key role in currently funded projects, as well as in developing future projects.

Amazing right? All they need is someone with a JD like myself, and they are looking for someone who understands immigration law, criminal law, juvenile law and especially U-visas!!

So... i threw my name in the hat, because i believe i am worth their time and would be a valuable and enthusiastic asset for their organization. The hubbs has his dream job, now i want mine. This is where you come in. i am sending out all the energy in the world and into the universe so that it knows that i want this job badly! i need it badly! Can you please send me some of your good juju and positive energy so that this can maybe become a reality. i would surely appreciate it. ;)

Thanks all!

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You can stand under my umbrella, ella, ella, hey hey hey! 

Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:15 AM

Holy crap.

Today has been nuts. It's raining in NYC, and not just normal rain. It's like how Forrest Gump describes the rain in Vietnam. The rain here coupled with the wind is coming in from both sides, the sky and at one moment today, I was pretty sure it came up from the ground!

I have only experienced similar winds like today ONCE. And that was at the Great Sand Dunes in Southern Colorado. Here, they are stronger and wet. They were so intense today that the rain was stinging me like sand particles as I tried to walk to the deli. I was hyperventilating from so much water hitting my face and was walking slanted towards the wind. I am pretty sure I was the only moron walking down Whitehall Street in the middle of such crazy winds.

I thought about pulling out my umbrella, but that idea quickly passed over once I saw not one, not two, but three umbrella tops just tumbling down the street hitting people like gigantic spider tumbleweeds. I decided to keep mine in my purse and just allow the wind to have its way with me.

At one point I considered the idea that I might be in a tornado. That was the only way I could explain such ferocious wind. It had to be around 70-80 mph winds, maybe even more. I don't know. When I finally walked into the deli, the Mexicano (paisa) cooking staff couldn't stop laughing at me. They said that I looked like a wet and frightened cat. :( I imagine that's what I probably looked like.

Last note on the wind: It doesn't howl on the island, it SHRIEKS. I like wind, but I hate the sound of howling wind because it freightens me. Weird right? Of course, I have a gorgeous view of Fort Jay, but I am constantly looking over my shoulder because I feel that La Llorona is screeching outside my window! ooy.


Last night we went to go see the Rockefeller Tree Lighting ceremony. It was fun but I though overrated. We stood for 3 hours and listened to Mariah Carey, Boyz II Men (my fav), Susan Boyle, Jessican Simpson and Cherryl Crow. NYC is an absolute mess for these events. We now have been to the Macys Thanksgiving Day Parade and the tree lighting. I hope to make it to NYE ceremony, but I don't know about standing in one place for 18 hours! The police here shut down certain streets that you can't walk on, so you have to walk 4 blocks down to cross and 6 blocks back up, and they block the subway tunnels so you can't go anywhere, then they don't tell you what's going on, so we all look like a bunch of herded sheep or goats, everyone yelling in their New Yorker accent at the cops and at each other. Honestly, getting there was so overwhelming that I panicked and wanted to go home. I was not in the best of moods.


Coming back home was nuts too. I don't think the hubs and I can go to those events unprepared and without the proper shoes to stand (and his stupid laptop! That thing is heavy!) It was fun and I am glad we did it, but good lord I was annoyed.


Tonight, if I don't get blown away, I might try to cook something at home. We'll see, I am already tired! ha!

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Sasnor Awards Round 2 

Tuesday, November 30, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 12:33 PM
So, I am a bit delayed in getting out the recommendations for food. I think it's due to my ridiculous obsession with finding the best spots to chow down in NYC. You might be happy to know that I found a delicious soup dumpling place in China town. Not as good as my Lao Wangs, but they are still delicious.
So, here are some of my other favorite places to munch in Denver.

Mulberries Cakeshop
For cupcakes, cakes, and other amazing desserts, I love Mulberries Cakeshop on Colfax. They have super soft, moist and delicious cakes and cupcakes! I buy most of my birthday cakes there and at another shoppe in North Denver that is right next to Taza de Cafe, which is my next recommendation to you.

Taza de Cafe
If you want GREAT coffee drinks like Horchata Lattes, Hot Chocolate Abuelita style, with good food, then this is your spot. Taza de Cafe is a locally owned coffee shop and is located at 3565 W. 44th Ave. Denver, 80211. (44th and Lowell). I studied for all of my finals at this spot during law school. They are open early and during the week they close at 5pm and then they close at 2pm on the weekends. I truly think that this place has the BEST smothered burrito in Denver. The green chile is amazing and the sour cream is bomb. You can't go wrong with a smothered burrito and a chocolate abuelita with extra whip cream ( a la jazmin). They also have monthly art exhibits that you can literally buy right off the wall. The owners are amazing and the shop is comfy and delicious. Definitely worth the drive. (ugh, i am still searching for the perfect smothered burrito out here...)


Saigon Bowl-Vietnamese
If you don't know about this place, then I feel sorry for you. This is, hands down, the BEST vietnamese in Denver. Hence, why they are receiving the Sasnor Award. Now, you must know that the service here is not great. Hell, it's not even good. But they are busy and they are nice and they know their food is the bomb. If you are nice and patient with them, they will be nice and patient with you. Everything here is fantastic, except the Pho. Don't go here and order Pho. That's like going to your favorite sushi spot and ordering water. Don't do it, it's lame. The combination appetizer is my favorite and so are their noodle bowls. They are gigantic and cheap and delicious. I've tried other places but nothing compares. Not even in NYC can I find vietnamese food this good. They are located at 333 South Federal Boulevard, on Federal and Alameda. Trust me. It's delicious. If you have a large group you should call ahead (303-935-2427) because they get full fast. Sundays are the busiest times.


1 comments

How do we know if we are selling ourselves short? 

Monday, November 29, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:03 AM

Happy Thanks to be Given! :) I hope everyone had an amazing Thanksgiving full of love, good food and family and friends. I was surrounded by friends, but I really missed home.

I apologize for the delay in getting out a new entry, but life here in NYC has been rough and hectic. We finally moved into our new apartment yesterday in Hamilton Heights, Harlem and I absolutely love it. Although, I didn't rest much last night and I am not sure if it is because of our bed (Tempurpedic) or because our quiet neighborhood sprung to life at 10pm. Hmmm, not sure which one it might be. I've also had a hard time getting my mind to rest lately. I feel antsy and my brain will not stop talking to me. It drives me nuts.

This weekend was a bit rough. I have been thinking alot about my career and my future plans and what I want to do with my career. I should inform you all (all 6 of you) that I have decided to postpone the NYC Bar examination until this summer. By then, I will hunker down and get my studying in and conquer that S oh B. But, I was pretty sure that my plan after that was to just work for the Federal Government and take on pro-bono cases with immigration organizations in NYC. I feel confused and anxious, and uncertain about what I should do. A good friend of mine here in NYC, who is a Columbia Law 3L, was telling me that many of his friends and he might also be working with firms making $160,000 a year. As a matter of fact, most of his friends have already been signed into firms, and have a nice firm job lined up after graduation.

For some dumb reason, I became upset at this comment, and I wasn't upset with him, but I just got really upset and started telling him about my plans after the bar. He put it correctly and said, "Jaz, you don't have to justify it to me." This caught me off guard, and I began to wonder if I was selling myself short with my J.D.? I also began to wonder if it was me who was doing it to myself or if it was other factors? When I think of the "other factors" I started to get more upset and blamed everything and anyone. I thought about how it isn't fair and I don't stand a chance in NYC firms because I come from dinky DU Law and not Columbia, Harvard, NYU or Yale. And I figured with that type of heavy clout to back your degree, you can pretty much work and do whatever you want. I blamed my stupid resume for stating that I was out of town, and that is why I didn't get any of the firm jobs I applied to in NYC.

I just don't know how to handle this weirdness right now, or what this will lead me to because I love my job. I love what I do at Governors Island and with the NPS because I am good at it and because I get paid well and I can climb ranks fairly quickly here. I also love it because it will pay off my student loans in 5 years. BAM! (And please, let's not even talk about how rich I am in debt..6 figures...ouch!) But I love where I work. And to be completely honest, I don't think I would be happy in a firm job, unless I was doing immigration work. And even then, I might be making the same amount of money as I am today. I didn't go to law school to make money, but I do have to make ends meet with my 6 figure (school) debt.

I finally realized that I love what I do because I am comfortable in it. Is it what I thought I would be doing with my life? No, but it's a means to an end. I realized I have no one to blame but myself because sometimes I am afraid to push myself that extra mile to get that extra effort in things that I know will be difficult and that I have a likelihood in failing at. I am scared to be a lawyer. The thought of it, scares the bejeesus out of me, and understanding this reality allowed to be aware of this fear and to make a remarkable effort to push through it. Or as Rosie Perez said, "You must push through your fear and into your greatness!" That will be my mantra for the next year, but I have to admit that saying it is easier than it sounds. In a weird way, I am scared of my potential, and I don't know why I limit myself.

This still doesn't really help answer the question as to what I want to do with my career, but I know that I need to stop doubting myself and my ability and really push through all those shades of crazy doubt. I know I am smart, there are just days when I feel that the Columbia kids are way smarter than me. I think we all have those days, and we have to remind ourselves that we are extraordinary beings capable of anything. If anything, I am fully aware of my fears and plan to work through them as best as I can.

I am not sure what my future holds for me, but so far, it has worked out well. I might end up in an immigration firm, or I might end up doing Diversity work for the parks and be the greatest Pro-Bono attorney in the nation. Who knows?
p.s. i inserted a pic of governors island, because i love this lil ghost town.

2 comments

My Neighborhood.. Harlem-->Hamilton Heights--> Sugar Hill 

Sunday, November 28, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 12:12 PM
Yes. We moved into Harlem. I love it. (so far)

We live in the northern part of Hamilton Heights, 3 blocks away from Washington Heights. It is a predominantly Dominican/Latino neirghborhood with delis and bodegas on every corner. You hear more spanish spoken here than in any part of Denver!

Hamilton Heights is named so because of Alexander Hamilton. He lived in this area of NYC. Within Hamilton Heights, we live in the historic disctrict of Sugar Hill. This was the neighborhood of W.E.B. DuBois, Langston Huges, Duke Ellington, and Thurgood Marshall. It was an area where affluent African Americans lived. Today, the neighborhood is going through gentrification, but it is still an African American neighborhood. I would say that to the west of our block is all Latino, and the east of our block it's mostly African-American. Either way, it's fantastic. :)

Our apartment is a bit of an anamoly as it has a dryer, washer and dish washer. Apparently nobody gets to have this in their apartments. This makes my heart happy because I wouldn't want strangers to see my wash my chones. Gross.

Bad news about the apartment- no elevator and we live on the third floor. Which, is not bad and I just keep thinking about what a great butt I'll have by the summer time.

I'll post pics as soon as I can. But I am grateful for my little comfy Harlem home.

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To Bar or Not to Bar… 

Monday, November 22, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 8:02 AM


The countdown has begun for me to sign up for the NYC Bar exam. Actually, it began on November 1st, 2010 and given all the craziness with the move, I haven't registered for it yet. I am not sure what to do about it since I only have 8 days to register and pay for the exam, and only 8 days to pay $2200 for a Bar examination course.


I think that I am secretly scared of finally taking the bar examination, so I have to take a very strong look at myself and assure myself that I will be prepared and that it will be fine. I have to be honest with myself and acknowledge the fact that I am scared, but that I can get through this, just like I get through everything else in mi vida loca. I hate failing at anything, and this thing has scared me since the inception of law school. Think about it… 20 topics that we must remember and answer semi-correctly so we can practice law. Why? When we practice we use books and collaborations and research, so why would they do this to us? I feel like I have to relearn some of the basic subjects because one of my professors was a total idiot about teaching it correctly.


I am also worried about the stress factor of the preparation because I just moved to a new city, new location for my work, new perspectives, new everything. I am not sure if throwing in a bar prep course and preparing for the bar is going to be the best idea. I don't even have an apartment yet and I don't know how I'll pay for that BARBRI course!


The other side to this is that I would like to get this over with and not take it again, ever. And if I take it in February, and if I fail (yes, I said it) then I can retake it in July. L Not my ideal situation, but still, I have to be realistic about what could happen.


I've been thinking a lot about what I want to do with this J.D. of mine. I think I've come up with a good idea for now. I love what I do now, and I absolutely love where I work. Governors Island is the like the cool creepy location where I've always wanted to be and the people I work with are great. Plus, I earn about what a first year associate makes in NYC, and that makes my heart happy, not to mention the fact that if I stay with the Federal government for the next 5 years, I can pay off my student debt. J Woo Woo. So, this is what I proposed to myself. I will keep my job (if I can) working with the Federal Government, and when I pass the bar, I will take on pro-bono cases from organizations like KIND (kids in need of defense) and immigration cases in the community or other legal non-profit organizations. I feel that this is a safe approach because it makes me happy and I don't have to charge people for my services. I went to law school to be an attorney for the people and with this plan, I can truly make it happen. At least for now, this is what my plan is.


Now I just need to decide if I am taking the stupid bar exam. L ugh.

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My Feet Hurt 

Sunday, November 21, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 9:53 AM

Oh New York, you are like the Jackie Chane sensei on Karate Kid, and I am Jayden Smith, your sassy mouthed student. I know you are trying to teach me lessons, but good lord, do you have to kick my ass this bad? In the end, we will be one. :)

holy crap. I knew that I would be walking a lot around the city, but my feet are on fire. I am pretty sure that I have plantar fascitis. (not sure if that is the correct spelling, so don't quote me on that.) I see all these women walking around in their high heels and I don't know how they do it. I admire them. They don't even look like it hurts. I, on the other hand, wear the pain on my face and in my feet, I imagine that I look like a messed up looking velociraptor, all hunched over with my toes tapping on the ground.

I am still enjoying the city. It's definitely a much more accelerated lifestyle than Denver. People run everywhere and it is always go, go, go, go, go! People run everywhere! I take off running too because I figure whatever they are running to, I must be running to the same place too.

I am not resting as well either and I think it is because of the stimulation of everything. That and the comfort of the air mattress is slowly wearing off. Good news is that we did find an apartment and have submitted our application. Now we wait.

Today I need to do laundry and just chill out because tomorrow is another busy, crazy, day. Actually, it will be a busy, chaotic, crazy week.

I hope you all have a great week and tomorrow I will post on what's happening with my job and this week I promise to post more places to eat in Denver! :)

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Apartment Hunting Sucks 

Wednesday, November 17, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 11:15 AM
The last couple of days have been difficult on us. Not so much the emotion of feeling like we're homeless, but because we left Denver exhausted after packing up our life then arrived in NYC exhausted, and I've been exhausted ever since. In between all this exhaustion we have to go to work and find a place to live and love.

Yesterday was insane. We went to over 10 different apartments and made the fortunate error of walking into an apartment agency. We signed the fee agreement that charges us only "If" we move into an apartment that they find us. The good thing is that they showed us tons of apartments, the bad thing is that the one we liked we can't afford because of their fee agreement ($2800!!!!). To get an apartment in NYC is like adopting a child from another country. They want your credit score, bank statements, letters of employment, taxes, W2s, and your first born child. Oh, and you must come to the signing table with first and last month's rent AND a security deposit. Throw in there a broker fee and BAM! You've spent $8000 securing an apartment in NYC. Congratulations, you're broke.

As we walked around Hamilton Heights in Harlem, I couldn't help but wonder how the immigrantes do it? I mean, I have a full time, government job, and I still can't afford half of these places! So how bad are they getting screwed over? That's just rent, what about food, clothing, kids, etc! It's nuts! Now, here's the thing too, I knew it was going to be expensive, but I didn't know it was going to be this difficult to find a good apartment.

In the morning we met with a different (no fee) broker who decided it was a great idea to show me an apartment building that was basically a project building. The neighborhood was super sketchy, and the moment we walked in the door, the paramedics were wheeling out an elderly man who had overdosed on something. The broker kept his composure, and turned around and said, "Wait till you see the views!" I couldn't believe it. I didn't care how nice the views were, I wasn't going to stay in this place. To top it all off, the elevator got stuck twice. Once with two very tall angry men, and then a second time with 4 teenagers who were banging on the buttons for the door to open. Priceless. He didn't even acknowledge the shadyness that had just occured.
He then told us he had a second property, and I should have known better but there we went. Following his dumb ass across Harlem to the complete opposite side. All that walking for what? He took us to the largest apartment unit in Harlem. Again, sketchy neighborhood and even sketchier people and this place was HUGE. It was like the Mega Projects. I couldn't help but wonder if he thought this was my thing. Like I was looking to get myself shanked in whatever neighborhood I wanted. Geesh! It was tiring and annoying and disheartening. And the rent was ridiculous! Again, I saw gente, and I just wanted to ask them how they do it.

The good thing about yesterday is that I love Hamilton Heights in Harlem on 145th and Broadway. Bad part is that we can't find apartment there and the one we found is too expensive. I have to call back the Broker and tell him that I'm sorry but that I can't afford to live there or his fee! This makes me nervous because he and his lovely wife spent ALL DAY with us yesterday showing us apartment.

The last couple of days I've learned three things. One, that I must have patience with everything! Patience with myself, the hubs, and with NYC. Two, all the gueras out here look like Ke$ha. I see them and I can't help but start singing "Wake up in the morning feeling like p.diddy..." But oh well. Lastly, you can wake up in the morning and put on yellow tights, rain boots, a purple skirt, green vest and a white button up, and you will look just fine. Nobody stares (like I do) at you, because you, my friend, are stylish in another dimension. :)


Patience, patience, patience.

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Adios Denver... Hola New York!! 

Sunday, November 14, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 5:27 PM
We arrived yesterday, on my birthday, to NYC! It was one of the most emotional birthdays of my entire life! I cried the moment my mother asked me if I was "ok" at the airport, and then didn't stop crying until we got to the terminal. Then I was ok. Then I cried again as we boarded the plane and then I was ok. I watched eat, love, pray on the plane and I found it fitting since it was that book that forced me to light a fire under mando's ass to make a real legit attempt at moving to NYC. The movie is just like the book; boring at times, then it picks up, then it gets boring with its brilliant moments. :) The end of the movie is it's shinning moment. She speaks about something she calls the "Quest Physics." This is a force of nature governed by laws as real as the force of gravity. The rule of Quest Physics is this: "if you are brave enough to leave behind everything familiar and comforting, which can be everything from your house to your bitter old resentments and set out on a truth seeking journey, either externally or internally; and if you are truly willing to regard everything that happens to you on that journey as a clue; and if you accept everyone you meet along the way as a teacher; and if you are prepared most of all to face and forgive some very difficult realities about yourself; then the truth will not be withheld from you." All this is of course at the very end of the movie. They should have just stated this at the beginning and then said "the end." I actually do like the book because it inspired me, but I think she's somewhat of an idiot. This is for a different blog entry, but I recommend the book. ;)

I feel that I am on my truth seeking mission and although it is very difficult for me to leave my family and friends, I feel that it is something I must do. I cried again on the airplane right as we were about to land because I was listening to a really sad song. Which of course I must insert for you to listen. I was staring down at the rolling hills of green and lakes and rivers, and I started thinking about Pocohontas. Weird right? But I was thinking that I was somewhere over in the east coast (and of course that is where Pocohontas lived based on that disney cartoon documentary) and I got sad that I was so far from home. And then the mixture of that sadness and the song made me teary eyed and I cried again. I missed my home already, and that made me sad.



I spent my birthday eating a crepe and some hot chocolate with the hubs (aka husband) and then we came back to our friends apartment and went straight to sleep. Yup, that's right, I didn't go out for my birthday, I slept my face off. I was so tired and I think my body was begging me to go to bed. So I did. I also realized last night that I don't have to go on an olympic sprint to eat everything I see. I usually do because I am just visiting and I have to eat everything in sight, but last night I reminded myself to chill out, because I live here now. How weird is that? I reminded myself to relax and to wait for my hotdogs or that delicious shishkabob cart, because I will see them everyday.

Today was a good day of exploration and I didn't get sad. It will probably be an up and down couple of weeks, but my priority right now is to find a place and get settled in. I need a bed. I am sleeping on a twin size bed in my homies living room. The last time we slept on a twin was in college, and it was much easier then compared to now. Oh and I also embarrassed myself royally in front of a good crowd today! I was looking at my phone and didn't see a giant curb as we crossed the street. I kicked the curb so hard that it made a loud "bang" sound then I flew forward and landed on a poor guy. Landed is such a kind word, I shoved this guy SO hard, that he must have thought it was a pick pocketing gone bad. He looked at me like he wanted to fight me then said, "oh my god, are you ok?" I squeeked that I was, then huddled into the hubs arms as he laughed out loud at the hilarity of the scene. Oh, and I learned it's not a good idea to walk around all day in cowboy boots and a skirt. NYC 1, Jazmin 0.

:)

2 comments

all is well 

Wednesday, November 10, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 12:57 AM
I'm over my moment. It certainly will not be my last, but it's over. (Aside from my BFF's uncle passing this morning, but then again, maybe it is good for him and her family that it is over.) The night has passed and morning came. :) I still have to make it through dinner with the familia but I survived saying bye to my beautiful friends. We ate at Lao Wangs and literally shut the place down by ordering what seemed to be almost everything on the menu.

The other two BFFs came over tonight to help me pack. Idiots. Apparently, I pack like an idiot. It took CPO 10 minutes to do what I could not in a day! Also, Armando is super super sick. I think he might have strep. Bad news for us.

I will write more tomorrow but it is 2am and I need to sleep.

P.S. i wanted it to snow today, it seemed to snow everywhere but here. boo.

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ugh 

Monday, November 8, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 11:41 PM

I don't know if my quotable card will get me through this one tonight... lol.

It's almost 1am and I still cannot finish packing. This sucks. I am slowly losing my enthusiasm and fear is kicking in. I'm annoyed, I'm sad, I'm angry and more than anything I am not ready. I thought I would be more put together with all this packing but I think deep down inside I take my time so I can stay longer. And that makes me mad.

We got into our first big blowout tonight about moving. I tried hard not to fight but I wanted to leave earlier. I wanted to leave Friday so I could slowly come out of my shell in the city and not be that much more afraid. I wanted to slowly acclimate myself to the city and not be scared of it, like I am now. I am still excited but I am scared. We fly out Saturday, and it's really not that big of a deal but for some reason it messed me up. I'm like his sister in that way, because when I create a timeline I plan to stick to it come hell or high water and when it changes, ooh, it makes me angry. But I realize that I am just scared of it all.

I haven't cried until right now because I've been telling myself to be strong. This is the first time that I am admitting that I am scared and I think for that reason I just want to go so that I can just launch myself into it and get used to it that much faster. I think tonight was just a bad night in general. My BFFs got into a fight and the other one has a sick family member and it makes me sad for her and her family. She doesn't need this now, and the other two crazies need to stop fighting because it hurts my heart. Oh yeah and my poor sister's dog got run over and had to be put down as well. It's been a rough weekend. Especially for her. <3

I think I just need to go to bed. I hope I have a better week.

I hope you all have a great week.

<3-
jaz

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The things I will miss the most... 

Thursday, November 4, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:38 AM
One of the very nicest things about life is the way we must regularly stop what we are doing and devote our attention to eating. ~ Luciano Pavarotti

Aside from family and friends, I realized this weekend that I should probably go to all of my favorite restaurants and bid farewell to them all, and explain to them why they will not be seeing me for a while. I don't want them to think that I don't like their food anymore or that I have found another love to replace them. That is unthinkable. (At least I won't find a replacement here, but I plan to locate them out there!) :)

I figured I would create my own foodie awards in case any of you ever want to know where you can find delicious food to eat, all over town! I will call them the Sasnor Awards. :)




I will start with the most obvious one. Lao Wang Noodle House. Ohhhh sweet dumplings of sunshine, oooohhhh my Xia Long Bao! How you will be missed. For those of you who have never EVER been to Lao Wang's you must go immediately! Lao Wangs is a Taiwanese mom and pop dumpling and noodle restaurant. A cute elderly couple cook, wait and greet the customers. They are notorious, and I mean nationally, for their soup dumplings known as the Xia Long Bao. These lil' dumplings of love are filled with pork and a soup broth inside! You poke a hole and throw in some chile, vinegar and soy sauce and you are set! This is one of my favorite restaurants and I love going there with family and friends! Their address is 945 S. Federal Blvd. #D, Denver CO 80219. They are open 11-9, and closed on Mondays. :) Yes, I know their hours. so what.

Next up, Spring Fling. Yes spring fling is like crack to me. (I assume crack or the meth tastes like spring fling to addicts.) Actually, I think Spring Fling is probably every woman's dessert addiction in the Mile High City. Spring fing is a unique zucchini cake that is piled high with fresh fruit like mango, grapes, strawberries, etc and topped with a whip cream, creat cheese, butter cream frosting. This is heaven to me, this is my crack. From the moment we met, we've been in love. It costs around $7.00 (with tax) per slice at the Market 15th and Larimer, but it's worth every penny because they give you a GIGANTIC slice. I love you spring fling, and I'll miss you alot.


Next up, is Panaderia Rosales in North Denver. BEST pan dulce in Colorado. Hands down, I've had a lot of conchas (esponjas) from various panaderias around town, and NONE of them compare to this one. I have been going to this bakery since my family and I arrived in Denver in 1892.... jk, 1984. :) I know the family and my grandmother went through dialysis with one of the owners of the bakery. This panaderia sells the most delicious tamales, menudos, tortas, pan dulce (sweet bread) and much more! They also sell amazing sugar skills for your day of the dead celebrations. When I was younger I would have my mom or dad bring me home esponjas after work. Sometimes they'd forget and stop by a different bakery close to home. The moment I smelled the bag, I knew it wasn't Rosales. That's how well trained I am in determining what makes a great esponja. Trust me, I can't be fooled. Panaderia Rosales is also near and dear to my heart because they are one of the great last Mexican places in North Denver. Gentrification has changed that entire block but they, along with Patzcuaro (another yummy place) and La Mexicana Taqueria, have remained. I love them and suppor them and know that they will never leave if they can avoid it. Rosales is located at 2636 W. 32nd Ave. Denver, CO 80211.

These are a few of my favorite spots so far. I will post more this week and next week, but if you can, check these places out because they will not dissappoint and they are super affordable. I ask that you love them as I have loved them. Visit frequent and love every bite! Viva la Vida y Buen Provecho!!














1 comments

Now, I feel bad. 

Tuesday, November 2, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 9:02 AM
Well, we found the zombie mouse, and I will spare you the details of the condition he was in. It makes my heart so sad to wage a war against these little guys, but I don't know what other options we have, because if we do it the humane way, they keep coming in!

Also, last night, for some dumb reason, I woke up at 3:24am and heard a shrill squeek coming from upstairs. I was going to wake mando up because I thought it was two mice fighting by our bedroom door, but then I realized it might be one that got caught in the trap. I felt so awful that I couldn't sleep for awhile after that.

I really hope he is the last one, because I can't bare the sight of another one. I feel like a total jerk. Please let it be the last one.

On a much happier and less depressing note, I VOTED TODAY! Hooray! Since becoming a US Citizen, this is one of the things I was looking forward to the most. That and losing the anxiety I felt whenever I crossed any international borders because I was only a U.S. resident. I was actually very nervous, but excited. I hope my vote counts. Go Dems! Boo Buck!

The house is nowhere near packed but we've sold TONS of things! We've sold almost all the big ticket items. I am starting to get overwhelmed because even though I am packing daily, I feel that I am getting nowhere. It's very emotional to detach yourself from all your physical belongings, and at the same time, it is ridiculous how attached we become to things. For example, remember those Diesel shoes I told you about? Well, I finally gave those to a little girl whose family bought our tv and dining set. I gave her and her little sister TONS of stuff. I realized that they would have better use for it then I would. Although it's all a bit overwhelming right now, it's quite liberating to get rid of crap and just let go of it. There's something beautiful in all this chaos and it reminds me that those physical things are not what is important in life. It is the relationships we have with each other and the people we surround ourselves with.
I am getting more and more excited about the move. I think in all, I just want it to be done and overwith so I can be in NYC and working, instead of moping around packing up my life. I was informed yesterday of where I was going to be working, and honestly, I couldn't be more thrilled! I will be placed in Governors Island in NYC! This island is awesome, and I am excited to explore the haunted history of the island! There is a castle and an old fort on the island that are being restored, so if I am lucky, I might get to work on these projects as well!
The days are going by fast and I am sure I'll be an emotional wreck next week, but so far, I am ok. I apologize now for sounding like a zombie in my blog. I sleep, but in the mornings when I wake up, I feel like I got hit by a bus. :)
Have a great day!

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No Time to Waste 

Sunday, October 31, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 4:19 PM

I have come to the reality that I only have 12 frantic days left in Colorado. I don't know how I am going to get it all done, but I imagine I will. This is kinda difficult timing as I take my MPRE (Ethics) exam this Saturday, so this week I will be studying, packing and working at the same time! I feel calm for the most part and I can finally sleep because I am usually exhausted by the end of the day. J More great news is that I haven't started to eat my emotions yet. (Yet is the keyword!)

I also have to tell you that somewhere around my home is a mouse that is somehow slightly deformed and possibly not dead. You see, it hit the trap and SURVIVED! I told you these are like ninja-israeli trained mice! I secretly think that this is why I can't sleep. I think that he is hiding somewhere in my house just waiting for me to fall asleep so he can eat my face or dump poison down my throat. Just the thought of it freaks me out. And then I thought about all the mice we've killed and how bad I felt because I wondered if there were ghost mice haunting the house and that is the pitter-patter I hear sometimes upstairs. I don't know. My BFF Daniela recommended a much more humane approach to the killing. She recommended that I capture them in a humane trap, then take them down to the Cherry Creek and drown them. J She's an idiot, and plus, that would be much worse for me.

Ever since I was a child, I've always had this ridiculous fear of revenge by small animals or inanimate objects like Barbies and dolls. When I was younger I would go to my grandmother's ranch in Parral, Chihuahua where I would play ALL DAY in the fields and the mountains with my cousins. There were these horrific brown toads all over the hills that made them look like rocks. My cousins would tell me to never step on a frog or else it would find me in the middle of the night and pee in my mouth. Sure enough, one day I stepped on that ugly sonofa..., and that whole night I was petrified! I swear to this day that I heard their footsteps as they crept closer to my bed, but I didn't think they could climb up, which was a huge relief. Although, I guess they could've jumped if they wanted to. Another fear that was instilled me since I was a little girl, was to not play with your dolls after the sun went down. My cousins told me that if you did, they would come to life and scare you in the middle of the night. I was never much of a doll player, but my sister was and I would get nervous as the sun started to set, and she was still playing with her stupid dolls. So, as the sun set, I grabbed all her dolls; duct taped or tied them up and I threw them on top of the closet shelf; closed the door and placed a chair in front of the door with books stacked on top of it. This strategy worked for me since I never got attacked by those stupid dolls.

Wish me luck as I pack up, I hope that I don't find the zombie mouse somewhere behind the couch or in a shoe. GROSS!!

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i love him 

Thursday, October 28, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 8:42 PM
I just found him and Shazammed him. I'm in love. Check him out. And if you already knew about him, then you are that much cooler than i am. I had a better post but then I took a shot of patron, tylenol pm, and sleepy time tea, so I am slowly losing consciousness and logic. Just kidding, I only took tylenol pm and sleepytime tea. :) No patron. That's for Saturday, which by the way, I still don't know what to be. boo.

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These Lights Will Make You Feel Brand New.... 

Wednesday, October 27, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 2:28 PM


The adventure is just beginning and I am excited to carry you all along with me I take on this new venture in my life. I must admit, I never thought I would live outside of Denver (except Mexico) but now that it's happening, I am truly excited. Nervous and excited. Woke up a bit sick today and I am not sure if its because I ate White Folk chile or if I am just so nervous that my stomach is acting up again. Either way, I had to stay home because of it. boo.

Super psyched to be leaving the mouse house and meeting their cousins the rats. Although, someone from New York needs to assure me that they don't come into your home. They are just in the streets.

We are starting to plan out the logistics of everything as this is moving very fast and we only have 2 1/2 weeks to get this done. We'll see what happens along the way and again thanks to all of you who helped us with your positive energy and thoughts. I will be posting later today but I just had to post this video because it gives me goosebumps. Or, at least, I hope that is what's giving me the goosebumps. ;)

ciao- quotablecards.com

(I need to give them a shoutout so they don't sue me. Plus, I really do love their cards.)

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Start Spreading the News… 

Tuesday, October 26, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:32 AM

I'll give you a hint and again, Maktub.

Thank you to everyone who offered a kind word, said a prayer, and sent out that positive energy for Mando and I. We felt the love from our family and our friends and we are eternally grateful to everyone who helped make this happen.
Thank you, gracias, guten tag, merci, thank you!
Armando has been offered the position at Urban Arts Partnership
and we will leave for NYC in less than 21 days.
We are scared, we are nervous, but we are so excited to start this adventure
and this next chapter of our lives.
This is just a true testament to the power of positive thinking and the power that preparation and opportunity have when they collide.
I will keep you informed in the next couple of days as to the madness that is about to ensue our lives, but I am thrilled and I am thankful that he has found his calling, passion and dream job. (Next to being my husband of course!) :)
Again, thank you for all the prayers and excitement.
it helped alot.

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Gratitude 

Monday, October 25, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 10:31 PM

When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude. Live and love each day.


it's amazing to me how life sometimes work out. Maktub.

Maktub is an alchemist term (arabic word) which literally means it is written. From mystical point of view, it points to the fact that whatever happens is already known to the One. It signifies that Destiny exists. It points finger to the fact that everything is already known to God.

I consider myself a catholic but I mostly talk to Our Lady of Guadalupe. I feel she's my homie and she grounds me in my life. I also feel that my grandmother is with me most of the time reminding me to press on and stay calm in life.

Yesterday, a dear friend of mine lost her stepmother and little brother in a fatal car accident. As I sat there and heard the news, I was surrounded by my loving mother, aunt, cousins and little sister. I took that moment to take in how blessed I was in my life, and although life sometimes throws your curveballs, it's always temporary. There are always defeats, but it is temporary.

Today, I was thinking of my friend all day and I found myself in such a difficult position in regards to me feelings and my thoughts. I was thinking of destiny and the direction my life was heading and how good I felt, but then I thought of her loss and wondered what the purpose was for that or why fate had worked out in that way. I got mad and felt an anger that I hadn't felt in a long time. The last time I felt this angry with life was when my grandmother got really sick. I couldn't understand why "God" would allow another human to suffer so much after all the love and worship she had provided to him all her life. I still can't really comprehend those questions and perhaps it's something that there is no answer to. Maybe in life there just mistakes as well. I don't know.

Point is that yesterday and today I took the time out of my crazy life to be grateful for all the beautiful and wonderful blessings and people in my life. You never know what can happen. Don't hold grudges. Forgive. You might get hit by a car or choke on a pickle, I don't know, but we need to be more grateful. I think gratitude is one of the most wonderful prayers you can say, and if all you say is "thank you" to someone every day, than you should be happy that you were able to be gracious in that moment. We are never to busy to be grateful, so I urge you that everyday, just stop for 5 seconds and give thanks to life for where you are now, for your family, for whatever you want. Just be grateful.

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The Hardest Thing a Girl Must Do... *sigh* 

Sunday, October 24, 2010 - Posted by Intellectual Elegance at 2:04 PM

I am happy to report that I did not pee my pants this weekend. At least not at the Haunted House.

So far today I have not been very productive. I don't know why I feel like I have to be productive as well on the weekends, but I do. I did wash the dishes so that is a plus, but now I am sitting here staring at the pile of clothes I need to fold. boo.

Saturday was much more productive as I started the laundry (which now sits before me) and I decided to try and get rid of old items. This is one of the hardest things women and girls everywhere face. Every year we look at our wardrobes, shoes, and bags and we must decide, which one of you are staying and which one of your are cut from the fashion and love lineup. I hate it. I pride myself in collecting the perfect shirts, shoes, handbags and to get rid of any of them is like cutting off a limb. Although, I need to be realistic because I have items and shoes that I have NEVER worn, and it's been like 5-7 years. There are even some items I bought that I thought I would make "cool" and that has never happened. Also, thanks to Daniela, I have to reconsider items that I know will make her laugh and pee her pants if she would see me wear them. I have a motto for this and it's called "WWDS: What Would Daniela Say." I have to think of this especially when I buy sandals because my long middle toe, AKA Darla, tends to get really excited and pop out of the sole of the shoe. Stupid Darla. Supposedly a lot of people from Juarez have a long middle toe because the Tarahumara have long middle toes so they can run fast and long distances. But I can do neither, so that is a lie. liars.

I started out with my purses and handbags. Dear Lord I love handbags. I realized that I buy the same type of style. I have 2 brown bags that are almost identical, and 2 black bags that are almost identical. Ridiculous. I also have the bags that every proud, self-loving Latina must have. They are the bags that are probably made from the shirts of women in Guatemala and woven by the indigenous communities of Chiapas. Otherwise known as our "Chicana" bags. I love them. I even have a giant Virgen de Guadalupe Straw handbag. I love it. My favorite ones are one that my BFF C-po got me in Peru and one that I bought when I had my store, Tonalli. I love them.

One big problem I encountered is that you can't get rid of any items that you have a sentimental attachment to. Unfortunately for me, I am sentimentally attached to everything I own. I think it is because when I was younger my family couldn't afford the super nice clothes that other kids wore, so my parents would give us hand me downs that my dad would get at work or find at work during his trash shifts. I didn't mind. My awesome mom always made us look like super stars. I had one Mickey Mouse shirt that had been torn in half, and my grandmother sewed up and for me it was as good as new. I think that it is for these reasons that I love my clothes and I pride myself on dressing well and in having the clothes that I want. In high school I couldn't afford Abercrombie and Fitch but I loved Polo and would find Polo stuff at Ross. I still love Ross. Sorry, I digress... the point is I LOVE MY STUFF!!

After almost 2 hours of deliberation on just my handbags ( I got rid of 5), I moved on to some of my clothes and shoes. Shoes I think are harder than the clothes, because I feel like if you get rid of one pair, you will regret it when you have the perfect outfit and then you realize that you donated the perfect shoes that would go with them. I sat there and after an hour of deliberation, I got rid of another 6 pairs of shoes. :( Mando wanted me to get rid of my Diesel shoes because I never wear them, but I can't because he bought those for me, and I am attached to them! :) Maybe in a few weeks I won't be but I can't seem to throw away anything he's bought me. Which in hindsight might be bad because I think these are the beginning characteristics of a baby packrat/hoarder. Hmm, I might have to reconsider those Diesel shoes.

At the end of the day, I got rid of two huge bags of items that I will take to our local Goodwill or thrift store, but my closet still looks huge. I am probably going to do this again next weekend. I hope that I can be better at saying goodbye then.

On another note: I hope to have good news tomorrow, but I am not sure. I have yet to hear back from that amazing 20 minute interview (boo) but we'll see what this week brings.

Enjoy this video of "Zapatos Viejos" by the amazing Gloria Trevi. She still reminds me of my sister.

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