Smashburger | 20

(photo taken: November 9, 2014)

Yes, I'm coming at you with another food place/review! This one happens to be Smashburger, the one at L.A Live! So sit back and get ready to be hungry and have a watery mouth!

DISCLAIMER: I was sooo close to missing another day! I missed yesterday because by 10ish I was dying of sleep, don't know why. But I'm backkk! 

I remember this as a great evening spent because we went to the theaters (maybe it was a Kevin Hart movie, maybe I'm wrong) and afterwards Milton suggested we go try this burger place. Burgers, yeah I'm down for that! I chose the Avocado Club (hamburger) and ohh lawd was it bomb! It comes with "fresh avocado, applewood smoked bacon, lettuce, tomato, ranch dressing and mayo on a multi-grain bun"! *thank you smashburger.com* I think the total comes out to $11, for a combo, but it's worth it! The patty tastes really good, probably maybe even real meat! lol Bacon, always crispy and the avocado, well you know avocado makes everything great! The fries are pretty good as well, they're skinny hey, size doesn't matter! 

I think this was also the first time that I saw those round things they give you in restaurants and it vibrates when your order is ready. I was so amazed, and I kept checking to see if the food was ready. I thought the vibration would be like a phone, pretty quiet. No. That can wake uo someone next door! So no worries about missing it! 

Bottom line, really good! We were actually planning to go there tonight...but we didn't. However, we did go back for Valentine's Day, and once again BOMB! It didn't let me down, so it's worth trying it! Some people, such as my mum, would say that all burgers are the same and no burger is special. Well I'd have to take her here to change her mind! I think what makes it really good is the fact that the burger patty tastes legit, like if there's no artificial meat in there...The reason why I always choose chicken burgers over the regular burgers. I've had bad nasty experiences so I stick with chicken. And yes I know chicken can also be under cooked or raw or whatever, but it hasn't happened to me that's why I still eat them! 

Soon I'll most probably have a review on The Counter *also located downtown* and I think I spoke about The Habit in my Santa Barbara post. The Habit and Smashburger both taste great! The Counter, that's more for people who enjoy eating a variety of stuff, because you build your own burger, add whatever you want to it! The burger I chose (at The Counter) was probably an ordinary chicken burger *except I added jalapenos*. More about that in a future post!

But for now, like the previous blog, if you haven't tried it, you definitely should! They have separate menus for both hamburgers and chicken burgers so that's a bonus! And the people there are so nice and helpful. They'll give you honest opinions, they'll help you out if it's your first time there, and they make sure you choose the right thing without paying more for something simple! Definitely worth the try, don't be like me scared of trying new things! 

DISCLAIMER PT. 2: I'm sure I won't get comments on this *secretly hopes for comments* but I think if I talk about restaurants I should see if they have things for vegetarians, or other options, right? I'm not sure who exactly reads these posts, but maybe someone is interested in healthier options, so I'll start to look out for that. And I think I just answered my own question. 

Egg Sluttt | 19

(photos taken: November 2, 2014)

I'm not sure if there's other EggSlut locations, but this one is located in the Grand Central Market (you're welcome). Well first off, I want want to say that I love that little mercadito! It's so cute and the fruit stands I feel really give it that Mexican feeling, along with the candy and seeds and peanuts stands! But I feel lately there's been other businesses opening up and it's just taking away the Mexican feeling. Like yes it's still there, and I don't want to sound racist or anything, but there's more white people with their vegan or their organic stuff. I feel those things at el mercadito don't really go together. All Mexican food is delicious and yes unhealthy, but that's how it is. So this is one of those places that I was mad about. Everyone deserves a chance to open up their own place, but I feel it's not the same anymore.

My best friend Laura (heeeyyy gurrrl), was the one who took me here for my first and only time because I haven't gone back! Not that it's gross or I didn't like it, but I ALWAYS eat tacos de carnitas when I come here, and it's always from the same spot! But anywho, we always have trouble deciding where to go, she had come back home for a few days and I was lucky to have seen her during that time! She told me of this place, I hadn't tried it so we decided, why not!

Let me tell you, and Milton out of everyone should know this because we're always eating: I don't really like trying new things...especially when it comes to food! Just recently having a sensitive stomach, I don't like taking the risk and not knowing how my body will react! So I was a little scared about trying it. When we saw the menu and I immediately laughed because "SLUT" was on the menu...yes I'm a child. We ended up getting the Bacon, Egg & Cheese...

Ohh yusssss, I'm getting hungry just looking at the picture! It's "hardwood smoked bacon, over medium egg, cheddar cheese, and chipotle ketchup in a warm brioche bun" *courtesy of eggslut.com* Like I said, I'm not into new food, everything sounded good except for the medium egg. Like no, I like my eggs scrambled! But I didn't wanna seem too picky so I just went for it, and ohh lawd! It was sooo amazinnng! *thank you Laura* My mouth is watery at this moment no joke! The bacon is just really delicious and crispy, when you bite it you can feel the egg explode and then you have the cheese, and you have the CHIPOTLE KETCHUP! I thought it sounded weird but it tasted so good! However, I got it on the side instead of having it inside *I always get dressings on the side because I don't want it all over my food if it's not good!* But ohh gosh, this was such a great meal! We ate there at the little booth which I was happy about it because I love booths!

For dessert we tried some ice cream that I believe their first store was opened in Santa Barbara, so that's what it's called. I don't know the story, but it was also really good! I chose strawberries with something else, not sure...

I guess it was strawberries and cookies and cream? Really good although a bit pricey for the amount they give you. But seriously, thank you Laura for introducing me to the (Egg) Slut! *no slut shaming* If you guys haven't tried it, definitely worth going for it! I don't think you guys would be disappointed. I mean, the girl who's pretty picky and has a sensitive stomach enjoyed it and survived! So that should be a good thing!  

Day of the Dead | 18

(photos taken: November 1, 2014)

DISCLAIMER: Last night I wasn't able to post anything. I had an annoying headache, it got worse just by looking at the screen. My fault.

Coming from a Mexican background, I feel proud to be part of this culture that celebrates the dead in a beautiful way. I would love to spend the day in Mexico, just to see how they celebrate it. I've heard stories from my parents, and I've seen videos, but I want to actually experience it. 

The day is celebrated on November 1st for Los Angelitos, all the children who have passed away, and November 2nd is for everyone who's passed. Mexico celebrates big. Cemeteries are cleaned and altars are made. Altars have photos of the person who has passed away, their favorite food, snacks, drinks, toys (for the children), basically anything that the person enjoyed. The altars are also filled with flores de muerto, which is a bright orange yellowish flower, it's petals spread around. Sugar skulls are also placed, along with pan de muerto, and blankets and pillows so the dead can rest throughout their journey. People bring bandas or mariachis to the cemeteries, it's a day to remember those who are no longer here, and feel as if they are sitting there with you. 

People also make altars in their house, like we do. And ever since I was a kid I always found it fascinating, but I was a bit frightened when I learned what it was. The way I would see everything placed, I thought I would see a ghost coming into our house and eating the food, drinking, being there. Until my mum explained what it meant. There's a belief that the dead "consume" the food, so even if you eat it, the food won't have any flavor. Don't ask me, I've never tried it!

People also celebrate by doing a dance with shells around their ankles and hands, the shells or the sound you hear is supposed to wake up the dead. The dancers usually paint their face as calaveras. Another tradition is similar to trick-or-treating. Kids dress up, usually as the dead, and go door to door or ask anyone passing by for a "calaverita" (this can either be candy or money). And of course many prayers are said and candles are lit, respecting the dead.  

It's kind of our tradition, aside from making altars at home, to go to La Placita Olvera on these days. Or prior for the novenario. Grand Park also recently started to place altars throughout the park. At La Placita you will be able to pray, you will be able to walk around with a big group who are there for the same reason, walk around the little shops. There are many altars which you can actually put up, or you can just see the ones that are up. Examples of the altars there consist of children who have passed away, immigrants who lose their lives coming to the U.S, families, Las Mujeres de Juarez, which if you don't know the story you should look it up. It's women who have been missing for years now and they are never found, or they are found dead, and treated in horrible circumstances. And some altars are also for dogs, cats, any pets! You stick around for the dance which is quite entertaining, if you're lucky they will pull you to dance with them. And be careful because La Llorona is always around creeping up behind people, and before you know it she's screaming "Ayyy mis hijos" in your ear! It's pretty funny seeing people get scared, when it's not you! And at the end you can probably get conchas and champurrado!

It's a great holiday, something really meaningful behind the whole thing! And if you haven't experienced something like those activities I mentioned, you should definitely check them out! One of my favorite "muertos" from La Placita is a bride and the groom, dressed up for the wedding, very elegant, but of course with their faces painted like calaveras, or a mask. There's also little kids dressed up as them, a lady who holds her dead baby *not an actual dead baby* in her arms, and of course the loud La Llorona just waiting to scare people! I remember when I was probably 8, I was invited by one of them to go on stage and dance. Obviously you don't need to know how to dance, it's just to have a good time! And you can take pictures with them as well. Ohh wait, I remember last year we went there was a new addition, it was a muerto dressed as a high school (maybe college who knows) graduate. It gave me the chills, but I guess that's the point of involving different characters because you don't need to be old to die. I see this country every year is slowly starting to celebrate it more. You see sugar skulls and other related things in stores, when years ago you wouldn't see as much. I don't know why my mum claims I don't like to go, I do enjoy it. And since it is coming up, I recommend you guys check it out! 

Norwood | 17

(photo taken: October 22, 2015)

Last year I decided to volunteer at the elementary school I went to, and it was probably the best decision I made! I ended up helping out with a teacher that everyone in my family had, except for me. So it felt great, being back in that school, helping out with kinder, and being with that teacher! 

The months I was there was great, despite the fact that there would be a whole week I wouldn't go *disappointing* I think the thing that made it more wonderful was the fact that it was kinder! Those kids were some smart little munchkins! They were my kids, especially 2 of them! I began in September and I left in April for stupid Subway. But the teacher and the lady in the office kept telling me I was always welcomed back. 

I guess you can say I had my favorites, because some were so obnoxious, but in the end they all made me smile. I would do learning activities with them, and towards the end I went with them to field trips which were really fun! I was scared, having to be responsible for my own group. I thought I'd lose the kids, or my mind. I would go to recess with them and to lunch, the cutest moments would be when they colored some pages and gave them to me, I still have them. 

I was so excited for Halloween! I made little candy bags for boys and girls, and I ended up leaving that day with so many candy that they gave me. They all looked sooo adorable, I was happy to be a part of the Halloween parade! Most of the girls were dressed as Anna and Elsa (one 'n' or two?), and the boys were dressed as superheroes. My kid looked adorable because he has a Charlie Brown face and was dressed as Batman. Since the chest part is always so inflated, he just looked adorable! 

I was sad when Christmas break came. I didn't think I'd actually miss the little kiddos! I wore my Santa hat and we all just watched movies that day. During lunch I ended up taking selfies with them. My favorite thing was hearing them sing Christmas songs, and what I learned from them was what Mele Kalikimaka meant. I was having so much trouble trying to pronounce it that I was impressed when they were able to sing it correctly. Catchy song, I ended up singing it all throughout December! Coming back from Christmas break I was so happy! 

Valentine's Day was another great thing. I took cupcakes and before I left all the kids came to me giving me Valentine cards and candy! Those moments definitely melted my heart. Like when I came back in January and everyone would scream my name and come hugging me! Or when I'd miss a few days and when I'd finally come back they'd ask me why I left and that they missed me. Lies or not, that made me feel warm!  

I was happy I finally got a job, but I was sad because I was leaving the school. I didn't tell the teacher until it was a few minutes before lunch. And before they all lined up he told them that it was my last day. Even the teacher was upset but happy for me. They all came to give me a big hug and all at the same time said "THANK YOU MS.ZULEMA" witht heir little high pitched voices, my heart was melting!!! I took them to their playground and they all said bye and hugged me and I was about to break down. I made it back to the classroom and said I would try to come back whenever I could. Milton went to pick me up and when he hugged me...I began to cry! Yesss it hit me hard because I was attached to the kids, even though I wasn't there full time but I was going to miss them. No other thing than working with those little kids that brought a smile to me, aside from when they would try to act up! We were leaving and I saw them by the gate and they all came running as well. They also knew Milton because he came along with us to the zoo! 

I went back on the last day of school and in less than 2 months that I wasn't there, I felt they all grew up. One of my kids' teeth had fallen out, one of the girls' hair had grown so long and beautiful, they were all soon going to be 1st graders! Emotions, feels, all over the place again! Which is why I wonder why I haven't gone back! The motivation for me to start school is that me being enrolled in school will give me an opportunity of working as a TA there. I miss the little kids, I miss the activities, the holidays, the drawings, they're so adorable and so smart they shocked me sometimes! I remember on the days we'd have subs, they all asked if I was a paid worker. When they found out it was because I liked it and I was volunteering, they seemed shocked. Well yeah, you don't really see something like that now a days, a 19 year old giving up their free time to be with kids. It's just something I love, and I feel the time I was there made me love it even more! 

Let me tell you one thing. I think that one of the greatest things in life, at least for me, is being  called "teacher". They all had trouble pronouncing my name at first, like always. I was first called Ms.Zulema and I got warmed up with that. But the day I got called "Teacher Zulema", my life was made! It was such a great feeling to be called that, I felt like an actual teacher and I felt honored they called me teacher! I guess because it's my "career goal" and because kids, at least that age, look up to their teachers as like heroes or role models. Many great things happened, and many things made my heart feel warm, but that was probably one of the first things! I hope to be back soon and get to know the new kindergartners, and hopefully see some of my kids around the school as now first graders!

Uforia | 16

(photos taken: August 16, 2014)

Uforia is a music festival that had been running for 3 years, and I was so excited for this year's festival but I never heard anything about it, so I guess they stopped? I had heard about it before but I never really had anyone to go with. I mean there was my mum but she didn't want to take me because she thought I'd complain because of all the people and the standing and the heat. Well it wasn't until last year, and a bit last minute, that I finally got to go. I thought I was going to miss out until a best friend, Laura, said she was able to get tickets and that's when I rushed to get them. I was mostly excited to go see El Dasa perform because, he was and still is bae! 

That day my mum dropped us off by Exposition Park, which is where it was held, and we made a stop to Starbucks. I really didn't want to buy anything to drink because I didn't want to leave in the middle of a performance to pee. Heading to the event we were lost because we weren't sure where to enter or where exactly it was. We finally got around to the entrance and I was stoked! Despite the fact that it was getting a little warm, I was still excited because this was about a week before my best friend would leave to Berkeley (yes, my best friend goes to Berkeley, represent!) so it would be a great way to end the summer I guess and have a great time before she'd leave!

One of the opening singers was Luis Coronel. I personally don't like him, but he seemed so cute in person I was dying to catch one of the roses he was throwing to the audience. Did I get one? Nah, but I did get pictures! I have no idea why I deleted the performances instead of saving them on my computer! Well after him I remember we went back to the main stage since we already knew the schedule of the performances. We saw Becky G, Sage the Gemini, and a few others before making the complete transition! So after an artist finished, Dasa was supposed to perform and we, I, made sure I got as close as I could for his performance. But for some reason, I guess it took them long to load the previous artists' equipment, it was taking longer than expected. I kept telling her they better not switch the stage or else I'll be upset! And a few minutes, not too long after, we hear Mentirosa playing and girls screaming at the other stage. OHH HELL NOOO!!! I immediately grabbed her hand and told her we'd have to run to get a good spot! Of course because of the confusion everyone was running toward the stage. I went through people, I even stepped on some lady's toe, but we were able to get a good spot! Once I saw we couldn't move any forward, I was settled and I was enjoying his performance! I felt guilty for recording parts of it instead of putting away the phone and truly enjoying it. But at least now I can look back on it! He did get close at some point that I wasn't singing along anymore, I kept screaming his name, jumping, and waving my arms trying to get his attention. So darn cute! I enjoyed that set to the FULLEST and once it finished I was both sad but I was HAPPY! He was the main reason for me being there so I was settt! 

After El Dasa performed I remember J Balvin also performed a few songs! I was into him as well but not as much as El Dasa! I also enjoyed his performance, I think it would have been better if his performance was at night because of the effects! I remember hearing some obnoxious teenage boy say, "what is he going to sing? He only has two songs" Like shut up annoying turd, he has more songs, and even if he only had two songs, they were hits and he's making more money than you sooo! After J Balvin all I remember was Camila and of course La Arrolladora! When La Arrolladora came on stage I was sooo happy because I had been wanting to see them perform since my mum and I are always singing their songs, and I was finally here with my best friend! I remember her being overwhelmed as well because she had always wanted to see them. (Dammit I missed my deadline) It was great singing along to their love songs and especially because it was night time already so it wasn't as hot!

 After they performed I knew every Mexican family or parents would leave because after was Ludacris and just non Mexican Spanish artists. We did the same, well we were trying to look for food since all day I think we only had a gatorade and some water. I hadn't realized how tired and sore my feet were, I was wearing sandals. So we rested a minute sitting on the grass, we found some taco truck and decided to buy some and ate on the sidewalk (original). Afterwards we got some free Dr.Pepper and decided to go back towards the stage to see what was happening. We stayed a bit because there were so many throwback songs from our middle school dances! We stayed, danced, sang along, and we ended up leaving a bit early just because I wasn't sure I wanted to stay for the rest of the performance. It also started smelling like marijuana, like really? You guys made us throw away our sealed water bottles but the smell of marijuana is okay??? 

All in all that was an unforgettable music festival! It was so worth it, and it wasn't even expensive! The aftermath was worth it because my feet were tired the next morning and my throat hurt, but I had a great time! And a special thanks to Laura for that great last summer memory before she headed to Berkeley! 

Graduation | 15

(graduation: June 5, 2014 

photo taken: October 8, 2015)

DISCLAIMER: Since I did miss a blog post Wednesday night, I figured I'd make two in one day to "catch up". I don't know if I have any loyal readers, but I'll do it for myself.

So remember what I had said in my previous posts about me having high expectations? Well the same story repeats itself for graduation. I'm telling you, so many things have seemed disappointing because I expect them to be over the top. Well I don't remember much from graduation day. I know I tried finding a dress the day before. I bought one at H&M but I guess I didn't examine it right so I returned it. I ended up just buying a shirt at Target and wearing it with a skirt and heels. Yes heels, not wedges, I'm so lucky I didn't fall! Well, I know it was hot that day! Everyone at home was getting ready, I remember I didn't like my curls but I was going to wear the cap to cover at least the top! I got everything ready, and I wore my cap and gown inside the car.

Ohh wait, graduation rehearsals! They seemed endless and were so annoying! There was so much "pressure" to look right and give a great perspective as "Class of 2014", so there was a lot of practicing on the entire class sitting at the same time, standing at the same time, so we all got some squats done! Looking back it was fun, although in the moment I wanted it to be over with.

I got to school and I searched for friends so I wouldn't be the only one outside. I found Kimmy and Jennifer and of course we had to help each other fixing our hair and making sure our outfits were good, and don't forget the pictures! We all ended up sitting by the quad and just touching ourselves up, taking pictures and talking about the day and how we were finally leaving hs, some of us relieved, some of us sad/nervous. After several trips to the restroom we had to go to the gym to line up in order. That of course took forever! The jitters were getting to me, but I was excited to walk the stage and for the whole ceremony! The panorama picture also took forever! It was exciting but I kept thinking we were going to fall! I ended up paying for it since it came with the package, but I never received it! I wanna get a copy of it since Milton, Rudy, and I were all close in the picture! 

We were in the gym getting in line and getting ready for the ceremony. The pictures continued while I was texting and tweeting and talking with Jennifer. Finally, we were making our way out! Since I suck at walking with heels, even though they weren't big at all, I was nervous about falling! We once again had to get in line and in order by the softball field before entering the football field. I was nervous, but this whole time it was the happy excited jitters! We finally walked in and I saw my little Mexican family ft. Laura! Btw, thank you for coming! We sat down and the ceremony started. Not even halfway through it I was already bored. Graduation ceremonies are so predictable. People give a speech and words of encouragement, students give speeches of how they struggled both academically and socially but along the way they met great people and had great teachers and experiences, then you have the students who "cry" mid speech, then you have the valedictorian or president who forgets the Pledge of Allegiance. The thing that also sucked is that I was around people I didn't like or never talked to. Plus it was hot. But then finally after the cliche talking it was time to walk stage!

I saw my friends, best friends, boyfriend, people I hate, walk the stage. Clapping, cheering, cringing, rolling eyes, and then it was our row's time to get up. I quickly got up and turned to wave at my family, making sure they got me on camera! I was so nervous of falling. So you know in movies when people say walking the stage is your "I did it" moment and you feel so happy and everything? Well I kind of felt that, kind of didn't. One because I never really struggled. And two, I never forced myself to get straight A's or spent all nighters studying. I was an "average" student so academically, I didn't struggle. Ms.Portillo, my Spanish teacher junior year, was there at the stairs and when I stood there she smiled at me and congratulated me saying "you made it"! Many students hated her, I don't know why. Then they announced my name and I'm like "ayeeeee!" I look like a rockstar in the picture, putting my fists in the air! I was happy, just not really what I guess others felt maybe. I shook Dr.Gomez's hand and as we took the picture (which I don't know if we were supposed to get) he whispered saying I looked even more tall lol. I stepped down, making sure not to fall on my face, and I saw my parents and the rest of the family clapping and waving and cheering me on. Let me tell you, that felt great seeing your family cheer you on and being that happy! But, at least for me, graduating high school doesn't seem like much of an achievement. You're expected to finish 12yrs., that's what you're supposed to do! But I guess it is an achievement and I guess a lot of work because others don't get to walk the stage or even finish high school. So anyway I got off the stage and Rudy captured a picture which I look fab in! 

After everyone received their diploma, or should I say rolled up paper, they said some last speeches and then the time came! The time I was really looking forward to. "Parents, family members, I present to you the class of 2014!" or whatever, and we switched our little tassel and threw them in the air! It felt RELIEVING! I felt like that cap carried all the pointless essays I stressed or did last minute, all the crap I received/gave teachers, all the drama, everything negative that happened was in that cap. And throwing it in the air at the end of the ceremony felt right and I was filled with joy! I kind of regret not decorating my cap! Sad thing was that I couldn't hug my friends cause they were far from me. Then the whole process again, making sure we all moved and exited the field at the same time, happy Dr.Gomez?

Outside the football field, the hugging began! One of the reasons I bought my shades for that day was because I thought I was going to cry! But sadness was the last thing I felt that day! I first hugged Jennifer cause ya know, she's my acquaintance, and then everyone else came. I got so happy to hug Tintor (Gucci)! We all made our way to the quad and take pictures. Which one thing I do regret is not taking pictures with friends AFTER the ceremony! I stayed only a few minutes to get pictures with my family, and they were all individual, I don't know why we didn't ask someone to take it all together. I wish I could have gotten pictures with some teachers, and the girls! But I don't know, for some reason I wanted to leave!

I feel graduation comes with many emotions. Some because it was a hassle to pass classes, others because they worked their butts off to have the best and highest grades/GPAs. Btw I could have worn something gold if I had a 3.0 I had a 2.9!!!!! I was honestly disappointed but ohh whale, my fault! Graduation is probably the last time you'll be united with your friends like that. What I mean is being united in the place you met, and the place you "finished maturing", only applying to a few people. The place that probably stressed you out, made you angry. The place you met so many people, some for good reasons, others not so good. The place where you created memories with people and the last place you were OBLIGATED to go to. Some people say once you graduated you completed your four years. But no, you completed 12 years maybe more of education! You worked so hard for a little paper. And although I didn't cry, looking back I feel if I did take those pictures after the ceremony I might have cried. Yes you'll still see your friends after high school, but not everyday. I feel the only reason I said graduation was a bit let down was because I didn't let my real emotions show, and because I was overcome with so much excitement I didn't really think about the whole thing and the "meaning" to it. But it was a great day! I remember my mum would tell me I would miss waking up early for school. No mum, don't get carried away! I miss certain things from high school, definitely not waking up at 6:20...and yet still being late to school! 

Gradnite | 14

(photo taken: May 31, 2014)

Gradnite was one of the best days/nights of my lifeee! I enjoyed it more than I enjoyed prom, and I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels that way.

DISCLAIMER: Don't have high expectations cause you will be let down! I had high expectations for prom night. As for gradnite, I knew I was going to enjoy it but it wasn't the same hype as prom. 

Read the post below to see all the different emotions I went through the day of prom! Anywho, I was excited to go to Disneyland, since the last time I went was after camping (Troy Camp) in 2007. I was originally going to spend the day with the girls, but that didn't turn out as planned, I'm sure they didn't have as much fun without me lol. I didn't know what to wear, but I knew I had to wear my Minnie ears (basic white girl Disneyland attire). We all met up at school and it took forever to get everyone's tickets and what not. We started loading on the bus (sad I don't really recall much of what happened before gradnite), and took some pictures for the memories and "para el face". We finally got there, didn't seem so long, and I was getting excited as if it was my first time ever being there. Milton and I stayed behind to use the restroom so we ended up spending the entire day and night together! 

I remember it being sooo packed, and I also remember seeing familiar middle school faces. I felt awkward, as usual, so I didn't say hi to anyone. They probably didn't see me or didn't are since they didn't say anything either. The lines were so long, but it didn't feel like a long time waiting in line! We were given a front of the line pass for Space Mountain I believe. But I don't like rides like that so we ended up leaving them. But ohh lord the popcorn there is sooo amazing!...wait I think this was when we went again for Christmas *going off track again* I remember eating some nasty pizza at a pizza parlor, tasted just like the school pizza, what a waste! We later met up with Milton's group of friends in which I wasn't too happy because you know, I suck at socializing. 

I'm starting to realizing I'm mixing the memories with Gradnite and the time we went for Christmas so this sucks...I don't know if I'm the only one, but I don't like the It's A Small World "ride". I always found the dolls creepy. After that we went into Toon Town and got on a few rides. It started getting darker and they were soon going to close so we decided to walk around. We had a little dilemma, nothing that couldn't be fixed. I don't know if I should even be sharing this but ohh whale EVERYONE GOES THROUGH STUFF! At the moment we were solving things out, the fireworks began. And you know, being gradnite and being at the happiest place in the world, it seemed MAGICAL! But apparently we weren't in the right section and we were being told to keep walking and keep the path clear. I was so amazed at the fireworks, and that's when I captured this amazing picture...

Trust me when I say, that was the most decent picture I was able to get! After the fireworks we decided to head over to California Adventure! Little did I know, the real fun was about to happen! Not that I wasn't having fun at the other park, but I had never been to California Adventure so it was going to be something new for me! I do regret one thing. And that's missing the "world of color" water show thing. You can always see the fireworks any other time, but at the end of the water light show it said "CLASS OF 2014", I had to see it through social media. That's my only regret of the night but ohh well! Ohh also not buying that graduation cap with the ears saying 2014! Anywho, we were walking around and Milton kept trying to convince me to get on the Hollywood Tower of Terror ride. I kept saying no, no way was I gonna get on it! After a while I decided, why not. I was led on by lies, something I won't ever forget! He had told me the highest it would be was 2 maybe 3 floors! I thought, hey not so bad I'll survive, plus I thought for some reason it would only drop once. I was so anxious the whole time we were in line and I was close to leaving. So we enter...

We sat down and I didn't know what to expect. They had the little screen showing what had happened. And as soon as it began going up, I counted the floors. 1,2,3...4,5...what was going on??? I immediately panicked and kept slapping and gripping his arm telling him this was MORE than 2 stories! It was too late, the lightning hit and BOOM it dropped! I still get the same feeling every time I remember it! I thought it was over, but nope it kept going up and dropping. It felt so horrible, I felt like I couldn't get air and I felt something horrible in my stomach and all I could do was grip hard and yell, not cause I was enjoying it I WAS HATING IT! And at some point this guy decides to tell me "let go of the bar and put your hands up" he put my hands up and NO LIE, I felt myself lift up from the seat! Of course I wasn't gonna fly off, but the feeling was horrible and I looked at him enjoying it and laughing! At the end it took us all the way up to open the windows and reveal a really pretty view. I was so into it and that was the last heavy drop! We got off and he was laughing, I was shaking and my eyes were teary! It was a rush, I hated it, but some part of me kind of liked that rush. SOME part like 5% of it, would I get on it again? Probably not! 

After this we decided to relax on the sidewalk, well I had to relax cause I was still shaky *yes I'm a weenie*. Afterwards we decided to go to the tea party section where a rave was going on, EDC-California Adventure style! I was having the time of my life!!! Yes I was sweaty, it was hot, guys kept getting too close, I elbowed a few girls (not my fault they're short), but I was enjoying every minute of it! 

After a while Milton was tired and suggested we go take a break. I really didn't wanna go but I thought we probably needed it! We went to buy some bomb soft serve ice cream and sat down! It didn't even take 10 minutes sitting down before I starting feeling my body aching, too much fist pumping and jumping! FIST PUMP, PUSH UP, CHAPSTICK! (If you know the reference, ur kool!) By the time we were done with the ice cream I was too tired to get up. We eventually made our way to another dancing spot, mostly hip hop and reggaeton music. I wasn't really feeling it but whatever. We didn't stay for long because the "security/chaperon" people were stupid. Probably TMI but we had kissed on the dance floor, and all of a sudden a lady told us we couldn't be doing that or else we'd have to leave or we'd get kicked out. When there was a girl in front of her going HAM on a guy being a little whore up and down on him. Like they're basically making babies and that's cool, but I can't give my boyfriend a kiss? Whatever that place was too ratchet! We ended the night going to the stores to buy something, we didn't get anything. We left to the buses at I don't know maybe 2ish? And I ended up sleeping on the way to school, I didn't feel when I fell asleep I just know I woke up because we had braked a bit hard and that woke me up. 

Despite the fact that we had sooo much time there, I felt it went by so quick but I enjoyed it so much! It was a great night, sweaty, tired, shaky, but amazed and happy that the night went way more than what I expected! If I could relive that day I definitely would!