Puerto Plata

was BEAUTIFUL!!! I should have visited sooner. We had such an amazing time. Not one dull moment. I am dying to post up some pics but for some reason I am having a bit of trouble. I will post up pics as soon as I can. The weather was great every single day. The food was delicious except that I was kind of expecting a more traditional feel but I guess you can't go wrong with a buffet. It was all inclusive....lol.
We ventured on 3 different excursions. One of them took us on a tour of the Brugal Factory. Then we visted a few museums in the "Old Town" before we headed off to Sosua Beach for the rest of the afternoon for some shopping and some sun if you chose to go in the water. Our second excursion took us to "Ocean World" where we got to go snorkling and pet the dolphins and see a variety of sea animal shows. The Sea Lions and the Dolphins were the best encounters but it was a fun day regardless. We even got to lay out on the beach...:-)
Our last excursion was called "Monster Truck" where you ride on an opened hood truck threw the Country side and visit people's homes. It then takes you to a "Rio" where we sun bathed and jumped off cliffs...it was truly amazing. Other small excursions that were unforgettable were the "Funny Bikes" as they call it which are actually quads. It's a 3 hour tour that takes you thru the Sugar Cane fields, up to the country and back. I took tons of pictures and can't wait to share them with you. One of the best gifts that we got out of this trip was definitely enlightenment. The poverty that overwhelms the Domincan Republic is astounding but there is no segregation. Everyone is happy!!! It's what they know ....Can you believe that those people who work for the government only make $95.00 USD a month? People who work in tourism make more money and that's only $150.00 USD a month but it's enough to pay their bills and feed a family of 5. Incredible. It's no wonder Dominican people are so proud. I loved Puerto Plata and look forward to visiting the Island of the Dominican Republic again in the near future.
We are now planning on next summer's vacation....hmmm, the Bahamas, maybe a cruise.

Soulful sounds of Frankie J

So I attended the Album Release party for Frankie J's second spanish album debut lastnight at Villa. I had a nice time despite the fact that I had to drink soda water all night. Not for any health reasons but Chivas was sponsoring the event and so the open bar was all Chivas and wine, not even beer. I did not opt for wine because it makes me sleepy so I chased down my appetizers with Club Soda...lol...lol...

Villa is a nice local, very cozy and chic. I have been there several times for other events and parties so I like the atmosphere. The event began at 6pm but by 7pm, the place was packed with industry people. Over 150 people showed up. I got to see many people whom I have lost touch with since I left the business and met knew people who have just come into it. Frankie arrived at about 7:30pm and was lead to the second level for press and pictures. At about 8:15pm, an announcement was made that Frankie was going to head to the podium to speak to the audience and describe the album and what it meant to him to make it. It was short and sweet but the mic should have been louder. I could not get over how rude most of the people were while we has talking. It was as if he had to yell over everyone else voice because some people just wouldn't shut up. I was amazed by that. The lack of respect that he recieved by his own peers threw me off. How self centered can people get to not even give their full attention to the one person who you are there to see. I was annoyed but enjoyed it none the less.


Aside from Frankie J being the only artist, the Barrio Boyz also attended the party. They recorded a track on Frankie's album. I wasn't able to take a pic with them because they were being bombarded by all the press wondering if they were going to get back together and record a new labum so I took this pic while they were doing press. They still look good.

After all the mingling and networking it was time for me to hit the road but not before I approached Frankie and asked him to take this pic with me. He is adorable. Short ofcourse but so cute and very humble. I wished him luck (which I am sure he doesn't need) on the album and declared myself a fan.

I picked up my goodie bag with press kit and cd and was on my way home. While waiting for the 4 train in Grand Central station, it hit me. I really do miss working in the music biz but it's so over bearing. I think maybe I will start my own Event Planning company, something I have been considering for the longest. I thrive in all this, its where I belong but sometimes it just doesn't pay the bills so maybe I will start slow. Rebuild contacts, attend more functions and do some thorough research before I go way in over my head.

Oh well, at least I had fun.

Summer is here...

Well, not officially but at least now it's starting to feel like it. I have to say, it's been a pretty chilly Spring, don't you think?? Not that I am complaining but just thought I would put it out there. How does the saying go? "April Showers Brings May Flowers" hmmmm, yeah I think that's it. But I don't see many flowers...lol. Oh well, at least we are getting there.

I am so bored at work, I finished all I had to finish and now there is only ½ hour more to go before I head home but it's killing me. The time is just dragging...argh!

I have had alot on my mind lately in regards to my son and work and just everything around me. I don't feel irritated just helpless. I feel like I am stuck somewhere and can't find my way home. I keep myself busy so that I don't have to think so much but then when it comes right down to it, all I do is think. I need to find an extracurricular activity or something. I start school in the fall but what will I do until then to pass time? I try to keep myself busy at home but that doesn't really work because I end up infront of the TV. I guess I will get thru this in due time.

My boyfriend and I are going to have dinner with the kids this evening at Pio Pio. We love that place and it is so inexpensive. They have the best Rotisserie chicken!! It's a small Peruvian spot on the upper Eastside. Tomorrow we have dinner with our co-workers and then we're off to Sequoias for some dancing...that should be fun. Not much will be going on this weekend since we are strapped for cash, paying off our trip has pretty much gotten us for this weekend but at least next weekend we will be more relieved. This is the part I hate about being a grown up, paying bills.....

I saw X-Men last weekend and really liked it despite the bad reviews that some friends gave it. Maybe it's cause I don't get all involved in the comic thing so I don't feel like I have to compare it but then again, I also saw Davinci Code and liked it as well. I did do some comparing to the book there but I don't really have any complaints about it. My boyfriend on the other hand had tons of questions, he even asked one of the protesters on Time Square why they were protesting. It was an interesting 15 min there. Next movie I want to see is "The Breakup" with Jennifer Aniston and Vince Vaughn. I just love Vince. I think he is so sexy...yum!

Well, until next time. Maybe I'll be off this emotional rollercoaster and can post something worth your time but until then, this is all of me right now.

Caio!

Some pics....

Friday, April 28, 2006 - "Yo Soy Boricua, Pa'Que Tu Lo Sepas" Screening at Pace Univeristy

Me and Liza Colon-Zayas

Jimmy Smits, Me & David Zayas

JC, Me & Ruben Santiago-Hudson

Me (looking scared), Haizel & Mos Def

May 6, 2006 - The Knife Restaurant in Coconut Grove celebrating our 1 year Anniversary!

Me and my baby!

Me and Eli

Eli and Charly

Miami Heat!!

One doesn't realize how much stress they are under until they are away from it. This weekend was an amazing weekend!!! My boyfriend and I went to Miami to celebrate our 1 year anniversary. We had such a great time. We vegged out at the beach all three days. I am blessed to have found someone who loves the sun as much as I even though after a few hours he was dying and wanted to run for the shade...lol. Here is a break down of our weekend: Thursday, May 4 - Arrived at Ft.Lauderdale Airport about midnight. Elizabeth picked us up and we headed to Hialeah. Had some grub at home and off to bed we went.

Friday, May 5 - Cinco De Mayo!!! Charly (Eli's Boyfriend) dropped us off at South Beach where we had a not so yummy $31.00 breakfast at News Cafe before catching some rays. We met up with my friend Karolyn, rented some beach chairs and began our tanning. Damn, it was hot on that beach. At about 4pm, we headed to Wet Willies where we met up with the rest of our friend's to surprise Janessa for her bday.....lol.

We headed home after a few drinks to change and head out to La Carreta for some dinner. La Carreta is a Cuban restaurant in Miami. Very inexpensive and very good. Yum!

Saturday, May 6 - "Our Anniversary" we drove down to Isla Morada, it is the 2nd key heading South. They have a Tiki Bar and Hula Dancers. There were no Hula dancers there on this day but we enjoyed ourselves nonetheless. We contemplated the whole water skiing bit but for $80 per ½ hour, well it wasn't worth it. The weather was beautiful!

Once the sun began to wear us out, we headed back North but not before making a stop at Dairy Queen for a Heath Bar Blizzard but also to take a pic of this ginormous Lobster. Need I say more??

Can I just say that once I took this pic, I craved Shrimp...lol. I don't eat Lobster or fish but I love me some Shrimp.....lol.

On our drive back, we decided to pay a visit to Eli's niece Monique and check out her new house. We sat back and relaxed a bit with a cold Presidente Beer....ahhhh! Waited a bit for the sun to go down and then we were off to go home and change for dinner. Charly, Eli's boyfriend, wanted to take us to eat at The Knife. It is an Argentinian Churrascaria located in Coconut Grove.

We had a fabulous time!!!! The food was delicious, then we were off to Fat Tuesday's at Coco walk. After some Piña Coladas and too much Hip Hop music, we departed to our humble abode back in Hialeah.

Sunday, May 7th - I made some breakfast, simple breakfast....Fried eggs, Pan Cubano y Cafe con Leche...que Rico. Eli dropped us off at South Beach for what would be our last day of sun bathing. I called my friend Karol and Janessa to let them know that we would be at the "Usual" spot, on our $10 a day beach chairs...lol. We talked about how much we enjoyed our weekend and about how sad we were to see it end but at least we have Dominican Republic to look forward to. We can't wait for that. Anywho, the girls showed up all hung over from the night before...lol. We took more pics and before we new it, it was 4:30pm. We took our last swim, walked to the showers to wash off the salt and went back to our chairs to dry off. My goodness, feeling the sun warm my back as I lay down was so comforting. I was so at ease, so relaxed.

We decided to have our last dinner at Puerto Sagua, a small family owned Cuban restaurant on Collins Ave. We orderd our dinner and indulged in the buttery garlic bread that they brought out as we waited for our main dishes. I devoured my Bistec Empanizado con Yuca and JC swallowed his Bistec Encebollado.....with a side of maduros, all for $21.00. That was lovely. I have to say, we did very well sticking to our budget for the weekend but I still can't get over the fact that we paid $31.00 for breakfast for the both of us, mind you there were no pancakes included... After dinner, we did some window shopping as we waited for Eli and Charly to pick us up. I stepped into Urban Outfitters and bought a cute shirt that I normally wouldn't wear but since I lost some poundage I figured why not. It fit well and looked cute. Eli and Charly showed up at about 7pm and we headed to Monty's by the water at Coconut Grove. That was fun, they had a live Reggae Band and the Super Nachos were to die for. We went home after the band finished and just vegged out as Charly showed us some funny cartoons from Argentina.

Note: I am trying to upload some more photos but I am having some problems....will post more pics soon.

Monday, May 8th - Our last day to enjoy Miami. Eli and Charly had to work so we decided we would take it upon ourselves to experience Dade County's Public Transportation System. We headed for some breakfast downstairs at the Cafeteria. Again, two orders of two eggs, french fries, pan Cubano, two Ham croquettes, bacon, 2 cafe con leches and extra order of pan cubano for a whopping $7.35. Incredible.....and delicious!!!! We walked about 3 blocks to the nearest bus stop and waited for about ½ an hour. We decided we would go to the mall. When the bus arrived, we paid our fair and asked the bus driver to inform us when we got to our stop. The ride was about 15 minutes, not bad. But now it might have been much more comfortable if the bus had an AC system. Ok, so beggers can't be choosers, oh well. "Westland Mall, Next stop!", we got up, JC quicker than I since I decided to wear a skirt, my thighs were stuck to the leather seats. Off we proceeded to the mall. Ahhhhhh, AC, now thats more like it. We window shopped some more, had a quick lunch and walked 4 more blocks to the nearest bakery. After rating the pastries from behind the glass, I decided I did not want to get the pastries from there because it didn't look like the ones from the other bakery. I know, I know..I am picky but what can I say. Once it reached 4pm we walked back to the bus stop and waited for our bus back home. The sun can be so draining, I was exhausted but we didn't have time for a nap, we had to be at the airport by 7pm, enough time to finish packing, make whoopie...shhh and shower and dress. Ely got home by 6:30 and our journey to the airport began. We were running a bit late so I started to regret not buying those pastries since now we wouldn't have time to stop at the other bakery. There was no traffic, thank goodness and we made it back to Ft.Lauderdale airport by 7:20pm, check in was a breeze. Our flight began to board at 8:00pm. We took off at 9:00pm and arrived at JFK at 12am.

Well, thats pretty much all of it. The pics speak for themselves but I will have to post the remaining next time. Mother's day is coming up so I am sure I will have alot to say then but until next time, enjoy my life.

Caio!

A Heavy Dose of Puerto Rican History....

is what I got from the film "Yo Soy Boricua, Pa'que Tu Lo Sepas!" directed by Rosie Perez. It was amazing! This documentary featured a little bit of everything from the Taino Genocide to the Young Lords, from "Operation Bootstrap" to the Sterilization of Puerto Rican women in order to minimize reproduction. I was completely in awe of how detailed and well put together this documentary was. I give Rosie props for the great research and honest portrayal of her Island's history. I took PR Studies in College and they didn't discuss half of what I saw in the film. All Nuyoricans need to watch this movie! It will be airing on the IFC Network on June 12. Go to www.TribecaFilmFestival.org for more information.

Prior to attending the movie screening, I went to the Pre-Party that took place at Armani Casa in Soho. That was so much fun. I got to meet Mos Def, Jimmy Smits, Liza Colon and her husband David Zayas, Ruben Santiago-Hudson and Zoe Saldana. I got to takes pics with all except Zoe Saldana who was hanging out with Nina-Sky. Then after the screening we were off to 323 for the after party. Wow was it crowded. My friends and I got a table and just chilled out and took more pics, by 3am we were ready to go home. I will post the pics up soon.

Woke up Saturday morning and began taking my antibiotics. Yes, antibiotics! Why? A bad case of Foot Fungus that I contracted from a pedicure gone wrong. My foot swelled so much it looked like a stump. I was in so much pain but thank goodness I caught it in time. The downfall now is that I have to take antibiotics for 10 days, why is that a downfall you ask? I leave to Miami on Thursday for the weekend. It means I will have to remain sober on my vacation!!! Arghhhh!!
I won't even be able to have a drink in honor of my celebration with my boyfriend. Virgin Piña Coladas for me. At least I will still have the sun.

On Sunday, my boyfriend and I decided to go to Target and purchase luggage for our trips. We bought a good set on sale and then decided to take the kids to my favorita Pizza place, Pizza Hut! We had an early dinner then drove home. A nice ending to a relaxing weekend. At least now I am no longer limping and my allergies have calmed down.

Packing is what I have to look forward to tonight and tomorrow and Thursday we will be on a plane to Miami Beach where the sun awaits me. Ahhhhh!

Caio!

April Showers bring May Flowers

Ahhh, can you feel the warm air as it let's you know that summer is around the corner? How sweet it is. It reached 80 degrees on Saturday and I was home all day. Why? Well because my son is punished therefore I am punished. He is 15 so leaving him home alone won't work. I have to actually babysit in order to make sure that he won't go out. I tell you, it is tough raising a teenager. My goodness, if only I had it so easy. When I was growing up, there was no grounding, there were beatings, not to the point where I would consider it "Child Abuse" but I got hit, hard. It was how we were reprimanded back in the day. My dad is Peruvian so he is not an easy person to deal with. My mom is the lenient one. She is the one who always let us sneak out just to get some fresh air.
After everything that's been going on since the Nixmary Brown case, a spank will land you in jail these days. I think that people get out of hand when it comes to disciplining a child. To torture your child, starve and practically mutilate is so out of whack for me. How does a parent even comprehend that doing that is "ok" or "teaching them a lesson". The thought of any child "deserving" such a way a punishment is insane. Everyone has their own opinion as to how a child should be disciplined and I won't argue that. I got hit when I was younger, alot and maybe if someone would have made a complaint to ACS then my dad would have been in jail also. Not that I want that because as an adult I now understand why he behaved that way towards me. I don't resent him anymore but the thought of him hitting me whipped me into shape.
The "cordon" and the "chancleta" were always stashed somewhere in my own hididng place so that when I did get hit, it wouldn't hurt as much. I look back on those days and laugh it now but then today's reality comes into play and it just breaks my heart. Children are dying in the hands of their own parents who are supposed to take care of them. How can someone be so heartless towards their own flesh and blood. There are other ways of getting the point across to a child without hurting them. My son is 15, 6'0 feet and 260 lbs and he is a pain in my butt but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I would rather go through what I am going through with him now than have it any other way. Where is the compassion for those children with terrible parents? How is it that people who long for a child are punished by not being able to have children yet those who don't know how to be parents and hurt their children are blessed with having them? I mean, I know there is no handbook on how to be a parent, everyone is different but come one people. Common sense will help distinguish between loving and hurting. Arghhhh! I don't know what else to say on this topic except that it saddens me deeply. RIP Nixmary!

On a much lighter note, now that I got that off my chest, my boyfriend's surprise Bday party was a blast. Everyone who was invited showed and he was ecstatic. We had a great time and now we're just waiting for May to stroll in so we can be off to Miami to celebrate our 1 year anniversary! How great is that...lol.

Bueno, I will post pictures up soon. Next week I will be attending a screening of Rosie Perez' Directorial debut "Yo Soy Boricua, Pa' que lo Sepas". I t will be hosted by Jimmy Smits, Mos Def and Jeffrey Wright. I am sure I will have a blast!

Hasta la Proxima....

A Vacation.....

is what we will be taking this July to the beautiful island of Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. A very much needed vacation at that. The last time and only time I went to D.R was in April of 1998 and I had such a great time. I enjoyed every minute of that trip even with the overbearing toothache that I endured during that time. With the wacky weather that NYC has been having, I long to sit on white sands and feel the warm ocean breeze. I want to be consumed by the fresh sea water and inhale the exotic smell of the caribbean......ahhhhhh.

But not before we go to....South Beach to celebrate our 1 year anniversary in May. It will be for a long weekend but we are going to make the most of it! JC and I have been thru some obstacles but we have stayed true to eachother and not once did we ever have doubts about our relationship. The rest is smooth sailing from here on. Love is a great thing, everyone should share that experience in their life.

Now if only May can get here already...lol....

Turning a new leaf for the New Year!

Ok, so it's been two months since my last post. Hmmmm, so much was going on with the Holidays and all. Things are starting to wind down so I should be able to have more time to spare for some writing. The Holidays were great, spent it with family ofcourse. Great food, music and stories. Santa was good to all of us this year....hehe. I gotmy first Coach bag...I love it!

Its time to get back into shape and ready for the summer. My boyfriend is planning a vacation for us so I want to look my best. Things have been great with us, perfect if you can use the word loosely. I am very happy. 2005 was bitter sweet for me. I met the love of my life and lost my best friend all in the same month almost. But for what it's worth, I have no regrets. People come and go in your life and we just have to accept that. I have. The hard thing for me has been to trust again. With friends that is. I have found it difficult to trust anyone, afraid of being shot down or critisized for the decision that I make in my life. So I have been keeping to myself and hanging with those that bear no judgement on me. At times I feel a bit sad because I no longer have that one girlfreind who you share your secrets with. The one person who you can call at anytime just to let them know you saw a dress or shoes you liked. I miss it. I have made the effort to keep my line of communication opened with those people who I can still call my friends and so far it's working out. Don't get me wrong, I am not in dire need of a friend. I have very dear friends that I hold close to me and my boyfriend is ofcourse my bestfriend, but sometimes a girl needs another girl in her life who can relate to her and thats what I miss. I think that I was subconsciencely staying away from others because I was afraid of opening up and then losing them. So at least now, I have come to realize that those people who are in my life now, always have been and never gave me their backs. Those are my true friends. Those are the ones who I don't need to call every minute just to check in, or who won't get upset because I hung out with "Mary" two days straight instead of them. True friends give you space to grow and learn from your mistakes, not hover over you like a pet and force you to do things just because they do it.
The day before yesterday I went to the movies with one of those friends and even though we didn't really have much time to catch up, I enjoyed myself. I felt at ease and comfortable. I didn't have to explain my every move. We ate, saw a movie, "Memoirs of a Geisha" and then took the train home together. It was the most fun I have had in a long time. I needed that. I needed to be with someone my own gender and share silly stories with. Be girly and talk about makeup. I loved it. So even though we don't hang out as often as we should, I know I can count on her and if she doesn't already know it, she can always count on me. Thats what friends are for.

On another note, I read "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey and must say it was an excellent read. I couldn't put the book down. It was the most real I have ever seen anyone write. Completely raw with a touch of humor. For someone to depict their life and allow us to feel what they felt is amazing. I give James Frey props and much respect for allowing me to take a peek into what his life was like. My next read....hmmm...probably ....not sure. I guess until I find another good read I will just come back here and pick up where I left off.

Sayonara!