Guarded and Cynical

Sometimes I'm too overprotective about who I am. I'm guarded and cynical at times and I'm growing tired of it. My genuine self wants to be joyful and utter happy. Is this possible?

A certain someone has renewed my faith in humanity; the healing has begun, progress is in motion and I love myself just a bit more with every passing day.

Being guarded and cynical just ain't for me.

The most loaded question I've been asked

Do you think you love yourself enough for someone to love you?

Wow, my fraternnity brother Erick just asked me this question and I don't have an answer just yet. Keeping in mind that I believe you have to love and embrace yourself before expecting anyone else to love you for who you are.

I wouldn't turn to someone to provide me with my internal happiness. The special people we find along the way are icing on the cake, they aren't and shouldn't be my pathway towards happiness. I have to be okay with myself, beyond that, I have to love myself and that's how people shine. That's how someone discovers you; when you're comfortable enough in your own skin, comfortable with who you are, when you love the you that you are...that's how you shine and that's how someone discovers you and vice versa. Sometimes that's how you find a connection with someone.

This is something I'll have to think about more carefully. How would you answer this question?

Quote from a friend

Love freely, love without expecting! Just love.
-Alex Loera

Chasing Amy: Dedicated to You

Several thoughts are rushing through my head. I'm experiencing catharsis and I can think of one specific person who would understand this more than anyone based on a previous conversation. Without a moment's loss I'm instantly drawn to a movie that reminds me of how rare yet so precious it is to find a genuine connection with another human being. Amidst disappointment with how things have to be, I remain optimistic having grown from this positive experience because I've found a friend for life. I remain smiling, no regrets.

Many lines in this movie ring true in how I perceive certain moments of my life especially with regards to people and these connections. This movie has several notable scenes, below you'll find some of my favorite. Pay close attention to the words. Do they remind you of anyone special then or now?

An outburst of raw emotion is captured through song...


Humor and sincerity fuses a friendship between two people...


A risk is taken and expressed with an open heart...

You're Invited!

FRUIT LOOP 2008

When:
Saturday Apr 26, 2008
at 6:30 PM

Where::
ALL WeHo Bars
West Hollywood, CA 90069
United States

You've been invited to the West Hollywood "Fruit" Loop on Saturday 4.26.08 @ 6:30pm. The Fruit Loop is an fun ass event where we'll be strategically (to avoid covers and and get in on the drink specials) hitting up EVERY bar/club in West Hollywood.

ONLY RULE:
You MUST have at least 1 drink at each spot!

We won't rush since we'll start in the early evening. Bring a camera, cash, friends, and an awesome attitude.





Meet @ East-West Lounge
8851 Santa Monica Blvd.
Saturday 4.26.08 @ 6:30pm


Places We'll be hitting up (not in order):

East West
Trunks
Fiesta Cantina
Rage
Mother Load
Here
Abbey

Hit me up for more information
ucmex@yahoo.com


TYRA THINKS ITS GONNA BE

"FIERCE!"

Last American Virgin

One of my favorite 80's flicks of all time, The Last American Virgin. This movie is a cross between American Pie and Say Anything, funny yet touching. The soundtrack features many notable hits and complements the film exceptionally well.

Check it out for yourself!

Busy Saturday: A quick run-down

I woke up early Saturday morning to finish up some work at Parsons. I headed home to change then met up with Eduardo for a Tae-Kwando tournament that a friend of his organized and participated in. We scoped out Old Town then settled for a bite to eat at the Cheese Factory where half way into our delicious lunch we're spotted by no other than Councilwoman Jacque Robinson! It's always great to see her, even she's on Team Obama.

I carpooled with Eduardo and his friend Juan to Hector Silva's Art Exhibit then proceeded to Akbar for Jame's Berfday. It's so much fun expanding my circle of friends in addition to strengthening my current friendships. After Akbar we headed to Arena but only after a pit stop to have a beer. I had such a blast at Arena, even though it was rushed, I got to chat with a bunch of friends like Jose NAK, Gerardo (one of Tarsi's closest friends), Dedan (I got a huge this time), Mikey and Brooklyn (these guys are so much fun). The night ended with some beers and some much needed sleep, I had a blast!

CHIRLA Annual Gala

On Thursday April 10th I volunteered at CHIRLA's Annual Awards Gala which took place at recently renovated L.A.'s Union Station. I invited several friends and in the end Alex volunteered as well as two of my colleagues, Yuny and Daisy, who serve as Board Directors of the Pasadena Latino Forum. The night evening went very smooth and Whelma the event coordinator did a great job of rallying a lot of volunteers.

I took advantage of focusing on some key networking with the hindsight of collaborating and coalition building with respects to my current project as I chair the Pasadena Human Relations Commission's committee on immigration.

Thanks to everyone who hooked me up with complimentary drink cards! I met a lot of great people and feel much more confident as I approach my own endeavors with regards to immigration. It was a great night for sure!

Balance to the Force

I'm experiencing euphoria and have reached a stable and healthy balance in my life that I haven't experienced in a long time. Through working out & exercise, enriching my life with positive community involvement & awareness, spending time & communicating with friends, and other factors that I haven't been able to point out, the stars in my life are aligned!

No more feeling dead inside, no more grudges, no more feeling cynical; I feel strong, able and immensely powerful enough to take on challenges that will develop growth.

French Kiss-off the Olympic Torch

The Olympic Torch made it's way to Paris, France on Monday as part of Beijing's elaborate relay for the upcoming Summer Games. Swarms of protesters disrupted the Torch relay spotlighting China's poor human rights accord and the country's dominance over Tibet. The scene got so bad that the Torch was forcibly extinguished and transported on a bus.

The Mayor of Paris, Bertrand Delanoe has already infuriated Beijing by displaying a banner on city hall declaring that his city supports human rights around the world.

The next stop for this Torch relay is San Francisco, the only stop in all of North America. You can be sure thousands upon thousands of activists will be on hand to dismiss the flame and China's politics. Here's a preview of what to expect as protesters climbed Golden Gate bridge on Monday to display their own message in the United States.