Prom | 13

(prom: May 16, 2014

photo taken: October 18, 2015)

I still have my corsage and the pin thing that Milton wore for prom. It's so ugly but something about it makes it look beautiful, maybe it's the memories. In the end, my corsage fell off because the strap ripped, and we weren't able to get it on Milton, FAIL! 

DISCLAIMER: Yes I have actual pictures from prom, but the purpose of this blog is to not show faces. Just want to keep it that way, I know people know who I am or they can see who I am through social media, but through here I don't want to reveal faces.

Well I remember the day of prom us seniors were expected to be in school, we would face "serious consequences" if we didn't show up. We were allowed to leave by 3rd period, which the office was packed with students calling our parents to give permission for us to leave. I really don't know why they needed their permission, IT WAS THE DAY OF PROM!!! I left immediately, no time to hang out, I was supposed to grab the corsage and pin on my way home but they messed up the order and they wouldn't have it till later in the day, 4pm to be exact! I was walking home on the phone and I fell! I don't think I've told anyone, but it was sooo embarrassing! I don't know how it happened, I guess I missed the little bump and I fell to the ground, kind of scraped my knee. I immediately got up and kept walking. That was the first time I fell like that and I felt humiliated because I was alone! My mum kept telling me to take a nap so I would be good for the night, but I don't like taking naps. Instead I got home, ate, rested a bit, and then showered. I headed to the salon around...I'm actually not sure. But before I left I laid everything out: shoes, purse, backup flats, dress of course, and other things to finish getting ready. I got to the salon and the lady was dying someone's hair. Like c'mon I'm important, at least for that moment, I made an appointment for a reason! So I had to wait there, mad. When it was my turn I told her what I wanted. I showed her several pictures. I had asked for LOOSE CURLS and like a braid thing across behind my head, can't explain but here...

Something like that. I asked if she would be able to do it, if not I had some other ideas in mind, she said she knew what to do. LIES!!! She gave me like Shirley Temple curls with the dumbest hair part and held up in a weird way. She used hairspray to keep away the baby hairs, it looked like a cow licked my head. I WAS ANGRY! To make it worse, the makeup was bad! I wanted a really nice pinkish natural thing. She gave me ugly chola eyebrows. I dreamed of my eyelashes looking DREAMY that night (since eyelashes matter the most to me), she gave me some cheap ugly mascara that left my eyelashes faaar from dreamy! She used a weird color for my lips. I WAS NOT HAPPY!!! I honestly don't know why we paid her! The night I was supposed to look AND feel BEAUTIFUL, I felt like a complete mess! Plus we were running late already. So I got home, I tried fixing my eyebrows a bit, changed my lipstick, and tried fixing my eyelashes but they were dry already. I quickly changed into my dress, stepped into my heels and got my things, Milton was already waiting for me. My family and I quickly took some pictures, but we didn't get to take them all or the classic ones with Milton and I *sad face* It's okay cause we got a cute polaroid of us. I was pretty mad already I felt bad for not acknowledging how good he looked. Plus it was hot, trust me this was already disappointing. We were already at the gas station when we realized, Milton forgot his ticket! Lol he thought we'd be able to enter just like that so we had to go through even MORE horrible traffic since his dad or brother couldn't bring it to us. So after all that we finally got on the freeway and we were off! We got to the "venue", and I started getting excited. I tried pinning the flower onto his suit in the parking but it failed. I honestly didn't think it would be hard! We found friends and took pictures outside before going in. I had my favorite eyeliner in my bag, so when we got checked they told me I had to toss it because that wasn't allowed inside. Okay whatever I wanted the night to begin! We enter...IT LOOKED SMALL AND LOOKED LIKE A FREAKING QUINCEANERA VENUE! I was instantly mad. Like I expected something so cute and princessy and dreamy, a big venue, some fancy chandelier light, beautiful setups. But yet again, WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SANTEE??? The food was literally a pechuga de pollo, not even warm that thing was cold and dry along with like mashed potatoes or I don't know. I only tried it once and never touched my food. PISSED. This wasn't what I had imagined since HSM3! 

We all started taking pictures which took foreverm trying to get the perfect shot, with 5 different phones! I come back to find some chick trying to pin the flower thing on MY boyfriend. I don't know who reads this but I honestly don't care, why the hell is some other female touching my man? Like last time I checked I was his prom date, wtf you doing putting it on for him? "She's a friend" well IDGAF! I later found out that she was a friend and was part of their group or whatever, I still didn't care. This night was turning horrible, I felt like crying. Dancing started and I'm like okay this is where things will turn around! It was fun and all till they started playing like ghetto music. I get it you know, a DJ needs to have different genres, people wanna get "turnt", girls wanna get "ratchet", whatever, but where's my Mexican music? Where's the merengue, where's the banda, the punta at least? I was feeling my dress, my dress was the only thing making me feel like a princess, and a princess does not get freaky on the dance floor! Although people claim I did but that was like 10 seconds and it wasn't what you imagine! I went to sit because I was really disappointed, people don't get it. I wanted to leave and go to the beach or something. The biggest highlight was the slow dance. MY LORD THAT WAS BEAUTIFUL! You know the cheesyness in movies where you don't see anyone else but the person you're dancing with and you feel the butterflies and all that? I felt that. Those like 2 maybe 3 slow songs was what made my night! It felt so lovely, everything else, all the worries and everything that went wrong didn't matter there. I was with my high school sweetheart, dancing, slowly, and for me it was just us two, none of the 95% irrelevant people from high school. That's also the first time I told him I loved him *cheesy asf I know*. 

The night completely turned around after that. In the end we were told to go home. The security or whoever they were, were so rude. Like you work for the DoubleTree, not the president, calm the heck down! We headed to NORMS after that which was also another highlight of the night! It was really good and a great way to "end the night". We went back to Milton's house for a while with his brother and his girlfriend. Once I got home and in bed my mum turns to me and says "So early? I thought you'd get home later" OMG! I was home around 3, 3:30 I believe. I had been telling her I wouldn't come home till like sunrise and she kept telling me to be home before that. But I guess she was joking or she just wanted me to enjoy the night. I wanted to call him back to pick me up and go somewhere but it was too late. 

I'm realizing how depressing and awful this sounds! But it's true! If it wasn't for those slow songs, I would have been even more upset! I realized too late that it's true prom is like a relationship. Both putting in 50%. Prom is one thing. but you need to put your enthusiasm and make it really a night to remember! It probably wasn't so horrible if I didn't have HSM expectations. Yes I enjoyed Gradnite more than prom! But in the end they're still memories. I appreciate Milton trying everything he could to make my night fun and memorable! 

PROMPOSAL | 12

(photo taken: May 7, 2014)

It had been my DREAAAM (high school dream) to be asked to prom in a cute way ever since I saw High School Musical 3 and Troy and Gabriela had that waltz dance at the school's rooftop/garden. Besides that being my favorite movie, I was like yup, I want something like that to happen to me when it's my turn to go to prom. I was sooo sure that wasn't going to happen because hashtag single life. But then Milton came along! I knew we were going to prom together, duh. But I didn't imagine he'd make this whole thing for me in front of the school! Yes with less than a month of going out, this moment confirmed I was in love with this boy! I always blog between 11-12 (before the day ends) but I'm just excited for this post today so let's start from the beginning!

I thought it was cute but dumb when a guy would do something like this for this girlfriend. Like of course she's gonna say yes, you guys are dating! I also thought giving flowers to a girl was stupid because in the end they die. But these thoughts changed as soon as they happened to me!

So the day before this my boyfriend made sure I was going to school the next day (since I would either get to school by 3rd period, or once in a while not go to school). I didn't know why he was so persistent but okay. I didn't think about it because we agreed, obviously, we'd go to prom together since I was the "bae". This day (promposal day), I went to the restroom (as usual) during 3rd period. Ohh btw he had come dressed up in a button up shirt and dressed pants because he had a "presentation for AVID". So when I went to the restroom I saw him running out the building and heading towards the cafeteria. Once again, didn't think anything was going on, he asked me what I was doing outside of class and I just told him to get to class. Whatever, so I went back to class everything normal. A little before the bell rang for class my best friend (acquaintance) Jennifer texted me asking if I could accompany her to the girl's P.E locker rooms to get something. As soon as the bell rang she was standing outside my class and we walked to the locker room. I saw that there were people at the quad and there were trashcans and that yellow tape, I just thought we had those guests that encourage us to be college bound and try to bond with us, so I didn't really pay attention. We made our way to the locker rooms, it was closed. (Btw this was all part of the plan, to get me away from the quad so they can finish setting up.) We waited a bit and she said we should just go back and come back later. Making our way back she said, "I heard someone's gonna get asked to prom but since things aren't ready yet they took the girl to walk around school while the guy gets prepared." I just laughed and said, "They should take that *itch to do bleachers so she can get an ass for prom!" Obviously me not knowing what's happening. We started making our way to the quad, I felt people turning to look at me, but I always feel people are looking at me. I then ran to go hug Rudy and she handed me flowers, STILL I didn't know what was happening!

I did find it weird, but I played it off and asked if she was going to ask me to prom. We both laughed and she turned me around and led me to the quad. At this moment I saw everyone move, making space for me to walk. OHH NO I FINALLY KNOW WHAT'S GOING ON! They open up so I can get through, Rudy and Jennifer still behind me, and once I get there I see Milton standing there smiling! Rudy takes off the yellow tape so I can get through and I look up to see a big poster saying, "I know this is cheesy" and down below a bunch of kids holding a looong poster thing saying "but would you be my date to..." and him holding this... 

Yes ladies and gents, that's a heart shaped pizza (': Ohh btw, in the background "our song" Me Interesas by Noel Torres was playing! So I get to him and then he asks me to prom, I immediately shake my head no...but laugh it off and say yesss! And then the hug and kiss and cheering and of course pictures! But I was so shocked, so impressed, so happy and feeling lucky that something like THIS happened to me! My high school dream, at least one of them at least the one that counted, came true! That some guy went through so much trouble, ordering pizza, trying to cut it into a perfect heart, getting help to make the posters, rushing last minute to get flowers and the speakers for music! I felt incredibly happy and so lucky! The downside was that we only had one slice of pizza...to ourselves. Everyone came rushing asking for some since they helped out. We decided, more like he decided, to leave school during lunch! This was my first time ditching like that but hey, I felt spontaneous! We left school and went to Yogurtland, carrying the pizza box and flowers! Walking there people honked at us and people asked what had happened, I felt like if we had gotten married! lol After Yogurtland we realized we had to go back to school. I had to go for AP English test prep and he had to go for a volleyball meeting.

So after Yogurtland we decided to get chicken nuggets from McDonalds, we walked to his house, rested a bit, and then headed back to school, which kind of sucked! But the whole day I had a smile on my face and I felt sooo happy on the inside! After we both got out, we hung out a bit before leaving again. I decided I wanted to keep the poster, which Rudy made, and to this day I still have the poster, the "PROM" part of the pizza box, and a rose from my bouquet of flowers! I got home and everyone saw me carrying so much stuff. I told my mom and she was amazed and found it such a cute gesture. Then I told the rest of the family and they also thought it was really cute, my dad was excited to meet him! 

And that ladies and gents was the story of how I got asked to prom! I had to cut some things out because I didn't want to make it too long, don't know how that worked out. But as I was typing this, I felt like I went back to that day and had the same feelings, along with a big smile on my face! I feel so grateful and lucky that this happened, along with many things we've been through *getting too cheesy* but that was like the beginning. And yes we hadn't even been dating a month yet, but this promposal made me fall in love with him! Every time I listen to that song it takes me back to that Wednesday! Btw, what did we do for our "one month anniversary"? We went to PROM! Prom landed the day we made one month which was another thing I found cute! And before I go off telling other stories, I'll just stop here! 

P.S. A huge thank you to everyone who were involved and helped make this happen! And of course props and bigger thanks to Milton for making my little high school dream come true! I love you! *sorry for the cheesyness* 

Ciclavia 2014 | 11

(photo taken: April 6, 2014)

Honestly, I don't know why I haven't gone here at night! The first time I ever saw them was in the movie "Friends With Benefits" when the guy takes the girl out on a date for Valentine's Day but since she hates all that romantic committed stuff, she pushed and punches the guy when he tells her he loves her, I think that's what happens. And I'm pretty sure the 2 people who will read this have seen the movie, therefore I should stop!

But anywho, the first and only time I have gone here was Ciclavia 2014! It was a short route but oh lord was it tiring because of the hills! Also because I'm not conditioned for long scooter rides, but whatever I made it! And as soon as we finished the route I was so amazed! I took some pictures but you know, that was before I knew how to take "more decent" ones, so this is the one I got. And I was proud because it was empty for that millisecond! 

I've been wanting to go to the museum and of course take pictures here but at night! But ever since The Broad opened, that's what's my main focus right now. I don't want to rush it though, I'll let the whole fuss about it calm down first. Hmm, I was sure I had a good story for this post but I guess not...

I guess I'll explain what Ciclavia is. For you Angelinos who haven't heard of it, it happens...a few times every year. They either close down the streets or you have people leading the traffic, from point A to your destination. And it's pretty cool, take your bike, skateboard, roller skates, scooter, walking, running, anything as long as there's no cars! The first one I attended was in 2013 and it was to Venice Beach. OHH LORD!!!...I was already writing about that experience but I deleted it and thought I should save it for another post. *waste of time* So this was the second time I had gone, with same best friend and her little brother. Halfway there her scooter messed up and we were thinking of walking the rest of the way, but luckily they have repair tents and we were back on! I was surprisingly exhausted, but the ride back was easier because it was downhill! We stopped by to take pictures, walk around, cool off, and we even visited a different museum. Funny thing, well it's not actually funny but still, after the ride and once I got home I decided to take selfies to post them on Facebook bragging about the event. The same picture and same braces I had that day, is the picture my boyfriend fell in love with! And 10 days after that photo was uploaded, we started going out...feel free to "lol" since I did say it was funny! 

I've clearly gone a little off topic, and I even deleted some stuff. I just don't want to give so much away when it could be another post to blog about! But for tonight that's it! I've seen the views have gone down but you know what, it's cool. You one, two, maybe 4 viewers are the real MVPS! 

Book Haven | 10

(photo taken: April 5, 2014)

Decided B&W would look good for this picture since I haven't had a picture like that yet, and cause it gives it a classy look, I feel. I think it's become more "trendy" or more people are starting to read more and visit libraries and bookstores. I don't know if it is a trend or hipster thing, I don't know but I'm seeing it more than before. But me, I'm never trying to fit in. So since the longessst I've been in love with Barnes and Noble. I don't really remember my first time there, all I know is that I was really into Borders. There was one at the Macy's Plaza years ago, and I would always be there. I bought so many books, some that I didn't end up reading. I actually spent more time reading books there than at my house. Till I found out that store would no longer be there, I settled for visits at the library. I believe it was until my cousin gave me a gift card to Barnes and Noble, that it was my first time there. It was also my first time at The Grove, since that was the closest Barnes and Noble. As soon as I stepped in, I felt I was in heaven. It had different floors, everything so organized and neat, sooo many books, everything was perfect! And ever since then I love going there, even if I don't buy something, but I always leave with at least a magazine or coffee! And everyone in the family knows that if they're having trouble finding a present for me, they can never go wrong with a gift card from B&N! The only ones I've been to is the one at The Grove and the one at Americana, which is where this photo was taken. And the reason I absolutely love this one more than the other one is because of the view! My friend and I went there one night and we decided to check out the balcony and it just felt right. I enjoyed sitting there, looking at the view of everything, all the stores, the people, the lights, the fountain. Also the fact that there's an In-N-Out nearby, cause I mean come out, it's In-N-Out! Although I feel writing has taken over my passion for reading, since I haven't read a book in a looong time, reading was my first passion. I loved picking up a book, starting the first chapter and along the way feeling I was involved in the story and that I was one of the characters as well. Don't even get me started with those cliff hangers! I had to put the book down so I could sleep or go to class, but I kept making up scenarios in my head of what could happen next. Like a little TV series, but in book format. And I'm sure I'd still be as passionate, I just really need to get into it, and find a good book! I remember when the Kindle first came out, I really wanted one! I would see people reading book using their tablet or whatever. But nahhh, there's only so much I want to do with technology. I feel it's ruined/changed so many things. And if I'm going to read something, I want to physically hold the book and flip the pages and put a bookmark or something. Not touch the button to flip the page and turn the button on and off. Hopefully I do get back to reading though, especially if I start school soon. I've wanted to read books as a way to also expand my vocabulary because I want to engage in a "sophisticated" conversation with long words. Alligator. Hypothesis. Photosynthesis. 

New Year | 09

(photo taken: January 1, 2014, minutes into the new year)

I think it'll be interesting to see other people's point of view and to see if I'm not the only one. But for me, every time we're waiting and counting down to the new year, I feel as if the world is gonna end. Or like there's going to be an earthquake, I don't know just some drastic change. And it's a little fear inside. I'm counting down being like 95% excited, but that 5% is expecting something bad to happen. And as soon as the new year enters I feel my heart skip a beat, my stomach dropping or doing flips, and I stay frozen for a sec then come back to life. Like does anyone else feel like this? Or is it just me being me. New year, new me! lol It sounds pretty cheesy but those last few minutes before the new year enters, I have a mini slideshow in my mind. Of things that happened that year and things I'm looking forward to in the new year. I don't know if any one else does those "superstition" things (not sure what it's called). But like, as soon as the new year kicks in, walking around with a maleta, meaning you're going to travel that year. Carrying lentejas in your pockets so that you'll always have money. Wearing green underwear for money, red underwear for love, etc. Eating the 12 grapes, wishing something for each month. Anyone else do that? It's fun and cute too, never lose your traditions! I've only spent New Year's outside of L.A twice! Years ago when we went to Las Vegas, and 2008 turning to 2009 in TJ. Picture above, we've spent the last 2 new year's in Grand Park. It's pretty cool and all, I just don't understand why there are no fireworks??? They have them for 4th of July but not New Years, instead they just show things on the City Hall building. But besides that it's pretty great!

(photo taken: January 1, 2014)

Speaking of traditions, it's become a tradition of my family and I to go to this wishing well place the day or the day after New Year's. Since we collect all our loose change, we all end up having 365 pennies for each of us. There's pots for different things: money, wisdom, romance, travel, etc. We also like to go to Chinatown for their Chinese New Year. But for that day, we mostly just go here, we might stop by for some coffee or some groceries/snacks along the way, and head home for dinner or something. But this is a MUST for the first of January! I've been talking about holidays for the past few posts, so tomorrow I'll go back to regular topics! Btw, 3 months minus 2 days for 2016, and I'm not excited this time! Why? I'll probably share that a different time, I might have shared that in a previous post...but for now, let's leave it at that! 

Christmas in October | 08

                                        

(photos taken: December 2013/2014)

Yes, I know it's a bit too soon for Christmas posts. But since I just talked about how in love I am with Halloween AND Christmas, why not? So last year it was my mission to hunt down and take a picture of every Christmas tree I see starting well, Christmas time! Aside from Halloween of course, Christmas makes me feel really happy on the inside and warm! I do wish we could have a traditional Christmas. You know, like no gifts, no running to the stores, no brand new outfits. Just family, cutting down our own tree, ALL of us preparing dinner, have family bonding. It'll definitely be different from the rest Christmases, but I think it'll be nice. As well with doing nice things for others, homeless, elderly, the sick, etc.

After all, Christmas is more of a family, unity, caring, type of holiday. If you're gonna be a douche for the rest of the year, might as well do something nice during the holidays! It also makes me really sad when it comes to those old people who live alone. Or whose kids only come to visit, but not for good intentions. Or those who live in retirement homes. I can't imagine how lonely they feel, and come on I don't think anyone can stand seeing and old person sad or worse crying, that just breaks my heart! That's something I'm counting on to do this year, visiting retirement homes. I went once and I was talking to this cute old man. It's true when they say old people are like children. He seemed so happy and at peace coloring
  

Winnie the Pooh purple and they honey red. Hey, the man is creative! He asked me if I wanted to see a picture of his kids. He had it hung above his bed and he was with his kids and I guess grandkids. He said he hasn't seen them since his birthday, and he immediately zoned out and stared looking at the picture with a sad look on his face. It broke my heart. How can a person forget about their "viejito/viejita"? Like that's the person who gave you everything growing up! They were there for you throughout your entire life, and now that they're in need of some love and companion you can't return that? Then they show up with their yearly visit, being hypocrites, but even that visit can brighten  

 up the old man's day! His adorable toothless smile from ear to ear! Just typing this is getting me teary eyed, no joke! But anywho, even if a family member isn't placed there, or isn't living alone, I think it's great if people take their time to volunteer and visit the elderly. Trust me, even if you don't know them, a simple visit, a simple talk and a hug, just coloring with them makes such a difference! And your heart will fill up with happiness and warmth. And if you're like me, there's a chance your eyes will fill up with tears as well! Sounds very cliche, but if you have your grandparents with you, or simply your parents, make sure you let them know you love them and appreciate them. Because it's true, that what we take for granted, others are wishing for it!  

 Okay enough sad stories. These pictures are all Christmas trees (obviously) that I found throughout the month of December. You may think it's a lot, but for a person that likes to go out to different places, especially during this time of year, it really isn't a lot! The picture at the very top was taken at The Grove, 2 years ago. I haven't gone back since then...let me rephrase that. I haven't gone back since that Christmas season with the decorations! The 3 pictures following that one were taken at Grand Park, last year. I COMPLETELY fell in love when I saw the tree was pink, heart eyes! The three after those (sorry guys, I hope you're able to identify them), were taken in Santa 

Barbara during our trip out there. The second one from Santa Barbara was taken inside the Chumash casino. I had to be careful taking it because you're not allowed to take pictures, at least from the place I was standing. *rebel* And then the following 5 pictures were taking around downtown, no brainer since I'm always downtown... Locations include, L.A. Live in the middle of the ice rink. The second one was inside Taste, the food court at 7th and Figueroa. The following one was taken at the "rooftop" of the plaza there (Fig@7th). The fourth one was taken at Pershing Square, outside of another skating rink. And btw no, I don't know how to ice skate, complete FAIL! 

And last but not least, the last photo was taken at the Water Court, 2 years ago! Only 2 pictures from 2013, the rest were taken 2014! I'm sooo looking forward to Christmas time, just arranging and looking at the pictures made me excited! But deyum was this complicated to arrange since I'm still not used to it! So I would appreciate it sooo much if you guys would take a second to admire this post! lol Made it with 2 minutes to spare! Goodnight guysss! 

October | 07

(photo taken: October 29, 2013)

HAPPY 1ST OF OCTOBER GUYS!!! WE'RE NOW IN OCTOBER AND I COULDN'T BE HAPPIER!!! Okay, relax with the all caps. But fur real, (90's kids do you guys remember Fur Real friends? I always wanted one!) I'm excited for the following weeks, months, everything! I started feeling happy when I saw leaves starting to change colors and fall, then once Autumn kicked in, and now that we're in October it just seems more real! I'm ready for the Disney Channel Halloween movies! I just get happy because everything from here and on is exciting! Halloween and Christmas, mmm I live for those holidays! It does suck that it gets dark soon, because my curfew is "cuando este oscuro" #mexicanparents But everything else is great! I don't know what I'll be for Halloween, boyfriend and I haven't come to an agreement yet. Cheesy, I know. Although here in LA, it's like if we only have 3 weeks of actual cold throughout the year! But aside from all the excitement, deep down, I don't want it to go by quick. October till New Year always flies by because everyone is excited for the holidays and doing so much that you don't feel the time go by. I know that as soon as the holidays end (which in this household is until the first week of January because Dia De Los Reyes), my birthday will come shortly. And I don't want to turn the big two-ohh! Like wth, I can't believe I'm gonna be that age already. I feel I just turned 18 or something. Goodbye to my teenage years, a chapter closing, LIKE HOW SAD IS THAT??? It's even more sad for me because ever since I was little I NEVER wanted to grow up! I wanted to stay "young" and be the little girl. But, whether I like it or not, that day is gonna come and it just saddens me. I haven't and am no where near accomplishing the things I expected to when I was a kid. So hopefully in that way I gain motivation to start doing things. I was so excited for my teen years, I'm not ready for "adulthood", sounds sooo boring and expensive and like so many responsibilities! Okay I'm getting side tracked. For those of you to take the time to read these posts, first off THANK YOU! And second, you'll notice that a lot, I get off topic and it's hard for me to stop lol But for today that's it. I think I've made it clear that I love October and the months to follow, and I hope the following months go great for all of you, your families, and loved ones! *touching moment* 

Btw, I was able to post with 6 minutes to spare! I've been blogging consecutively, and I want to keep going to daily blogs! Goodnight!