My New Hobby - Sewing

Tonight I spent about an hour with my mom, listening to her - yelling and shouting out instructions. My mom is loving and caring even though when she talks she yells, "NO, MIJA!" or "Sew! Push the pedal, like the gas!" She was teaching me how to sew, especially because for Christmas, they bought me a fabulous Brother Project Runway Sewing Machine.

It is great for beginners according to the reviews. I am excited to sew, especially because of all the creative projects I have seen on ilovetocreate and Crafty Chica.

I will definitely have to buy this book which I've already thumbed through numerous times, just did not have the sewing machine to pursue the projects.

I think I will do great at sewing; it was not that hard to catch on this evening with my mom. My foot was hesitant to press the pedal, a little press, and then I pressed harder and the needle moved faster. I know I need to find that steady steady rhythm of sewing without hesitation or too much speed. I definitely will have to post my updates on here as I learn and practice and ultimately achieve a comfort with this soon-to-be new hobby.

Holiday Week has been sick :(

It is my week off from work, and I have been sick with a bad cold - fever, body aches, sore throat, stuffy nose, chest congestion, sinus head-ache - everything!   So I've had to take it easy since Sunday morning when I awoke full of fever and my head throbbing that I almost missed misa.  But I still went, shaky and achy, but still went.   

Today I have felt stronger -  thanks to God! I finished wrapping gifts and picked up my hubby's gift in a hurry while we were shopping at HEB, when he stepped away from me for awhile.  I bought him Wii Sports Resort, not the typical gift for a 31 year old, but he is a big kid at heart and enjoys staying active, even in front of the tv.  

My mom got sick again from her kidneys, and even though I was groggy and wanting to stay in bed, I still bought her medicine and took it to her, 30 minutes away.  Not a problem though, because I do enjoy doing things for my mom.  I say giving is a cycle -whatever we give, comes back to us, or what has been given to us - we must give back.  I know she is scared during this time, so I try my best to talk to her about faith and trusting in God during this battle.  There is an old Mexican tradition that says the youngest daughter must take care of her parents, sometimes, she is not even allowed to marry.  Si, soy casada, pero todavia, puedo cuidarse de mis papas.  I like to honor old traditions, mixing them with the new ways of my generations, but still honoring and respecting what has been passed down de los antepasados.  When I am able to place my parent's needs above my own,  above my own selfish desires, - I feel I am honoring God and what he expects of us - to honor our parents.  

it's beginning to feel a lot like Christmas

the cold weather has arrived, pulling me outside with frozen fingers and pinching my cheeks till they turn red. All at the same time, I like stepping outside of my warm apartment which is soo warm and insulated, we don't even turn the heater on. It's amazing to step outside and be greeted by a rush of cold air and sunlight peering down at me. Only in Texas have I seen such beautiful cerulean skies with puffs of cotton ball shaped clouds.


So we are preparing for Christmas right? This year I am relaxing a lot more, not stressing about what to buy or what to make or what party to go to etc etc. I'm really focused on the coming of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ. Church has been beautiful with the Feast Day of Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe. Yesterday my hubby and I sat in the front row, and we could not help but marvel at the sight of Our Lady dressed in blue with the luminous rays of the sun behind her and the beautiful morenita skin that we, proud Mexicanos, identify so well with. All the red roses placed around her are only a fraction of her love and prayers for us. A mothers love is endless, without a number, and I truly believe in Our Lady and her intercession.


During December, I think a lot more about the Virgin Mary and what she must have went through prior to giving birth. I give her special honor for her strength. When I was growing up as a child, images of her surrounded me. A white statue of her in the yard. A tapestry rug hung on the wall above the couch. Her face on the medal of a rosary. A small image of her cradling the baby Jesus. I always picture her in blue, this remains the common color in many pictures as well.


I am sad to say when I look at Christmas decorations I see more snowmen, Santa clauses, and reindeer. The true Christmas spirit has fallen to more materialisms & what am I getting instead of what am I going to give? I can truly say I would rather give my prayers to all those in need and my time to those who I love dearly, because true gifts are treasures money cannot buy.

Tonite's Christmas Party

In my ESL class tonight, we had our Christmas party.  An assortment of food appeared! I love the fact we have a Korean and a Filipina in the class; it adds such diversity among the class of primarily Spanish-speaking Mexicanos.  The two ladies brought sushi that was placed in an arrangement like a Christmas tree, noodles that resemble lo mein but lighter, like I could eat the whole bowl and have room for more, and fried egg rolls, filled with ham and carrots and onions, yum! By the way, I just grabbed these pics off the Web.

The best food I tasted - flautas!  Those  slim rolled-up corn tortillas stuffed with chicken and deep-fried to perfection!  The toppings were crema, lechuga, tomate, queso mexicano, y guacamole.  For the brave people, there was some burn your tongue and clear your sinuses, salsa verde!  I've got to make these soon! It does not look that hard, and I know if I set my mind to it, I can cook anything.

testing the blogging app

Trying out this blogging app.
Even though it like never snows in south Tx. This photo reminds me of the winter months.


This week has been busy as usual, but at the same time laid back. A lot of kids have been out for basketball games, choir rehearsals, and other school activities. I have had on average about 10 kids in Spanish 2. So we have been watching Spanish music videos, and they really liked RBD Christmas songs. It's awesome, because although it's pop music of Latino pop culture, I really love this group, and I'm so excited my guerito students like them now as well!

Welcome December

December is...


warm cafecito several times a day 
to keep my body warm
from that cold winter chill 


Soft sweaters and winter boots
extra Chap-stick and facial cream
to keep my skin soft  


the Feast Day 
and big celebration 

of La Virgen de Guadalupe 


the season of Advent 
when we get ready 
to receive the baby Jesus 

Going to church
to sing Christmas carols 
Midnight Mass and candlelight services 


Lots of baking of sweets
hot cocoa de Abuelita 
with cinnamon and marshmallows 


good times with family and friends

laughter and joy 
lots of parties to attend 


Christmas shopping
the rush of crowds in the Mall 
gifts wrapped in festive paper and shiny ribbon 


December is...
the holidays, candy canes, hot chocolates, and the warmth of family around me.