Amazing Food

AMAZING FOOD

I grew up loving food and eating fast food. On weekdays, my family and I sit together as a family, and eat delicious home cook meals. I always serve myself second plate, sometimes thirds, if I’m really hungry. My mother never gave us a limit of how much we should eat. “You can eat as much as you want, you’re still a growing child, and enjoy the food as much as you can,” My mother said. I sure did enjoy every bite of her cooking. When my mother goes groceries shopping, she will always buy us all sorts of junk food; chips, candy, cookies, and ice cream. My two siblings and I loved it, but we always had to ask permission when to eat them.  My mother knew how much we should be eating. There will be times we use to eat behind my mother back; all of us had a weakness for candy. She would be upset when we get caught, and she would be yelling at us explaining, “This is not real food!”  She would hide them from us, but she was never successful. We were determined to find it, and we always do because we loved candy.

            My family was very active, every year my parents sign my two siblings and I some sort of sport. My sister and I played Softball in the spring season, once it was over, we would be recruited to join the All Star team in the summer and also for fall. My parents were busy driving us everywhere on the weekend; my mother didn’t have time to cook for us. There were time we had back to back games, my parents would buy us food from any chain restaurant that was close to the park we were playing. After a big tournament, our coach would treat us to our favorite place to eat to celebrate our victory, “Topper’s Pizza.”  All the 12 girls would have four slices of pizza plus a drink. Some of the girls and I had a favorite drink to make at Topper’s pizza. We would not drink one specific type of soda, we would add all the different sodas they offer in one cup from the fountain drink station, and it was delicious. On Sundays, when we don’t have no tournament; my family would go out to our favorite place to eat for brunch at Denny’s after church.  Most Sunday is the only time we can reconnect with our family. My parents would invite all of our family members and have a huge BBQ. We always had so much food, it was a buffet of all you can eat, and everybody would come over with one of their signature dish.

            I look back and realized I use to eat too much food, and they weren’t always good choice for me. If it wasn’t for me being active playing Softball, I would have been obese. Now, I know what good nutrition is; I try my best to cook healthier for my family, and eat moderate, but I still have a weakness for candy, definitely for chocolate. Now I know why my mother would say, “enjoy the food as much as you can.” Getting older, I notice my body changes, and it’s not the same as before. My metabolism has slowed down and it’s harder to lose the weight. I recognize what I put in my body and I decided to make healthier decision.

I'm Free! Let's Party!

I’m Free! Let’s Party!

Being in the real world can be rewarding, adventurous, and fun. I had to understand the reality of life is not always fun or easy. Life can have bumps along the road. I was 19 years old when I learn my first lesson in being an adult the hard way. My journey of becoming an adult included deciding to move out, having the courage to confront my mother, learning the intricacies of living with others while still having a good time, and lastly straggling with my finances.  

In June 27, 2007 was the day I turned 19 years old; realizing I'm still living with my mother in a two bed room apartment in Camarillo, California. Living with a strict mother wasn't always fun. My mother had a set of rules I had to fallow: wake up every morning by 7 A.M., prepare breakfast, lunch, dinner and lights out no later than 10 P.M. I was treated as a prisoner with one phone call a day. If my friends invited me to go out late at night on the weekends, my mother would say, "You know the rules, be home before 10 P.M." Knowingly, I wouldn’t go out because the parties didn't begin before after 10 P.M. That night after talking to my mother, I locked myself in my room all night; striding back and forth in deep thought. I was wondering to myself, "Why do I have to go through this? I'm 19 years old, who has an amazing full time job at Guess Accessories with a great management position, who is never late to work, gives a hundred percent in everything I do, responsible, pays all the bills on time. Why can I go out with my friends late at night and have a good time? I don't understand why my mother is treating me this way. I'm not a bad child, but she treats me like I'm a felon in prison."

            Months passed by, and I was still dealing with my mother’s harsh rules. One morning, I woke up 30 minutes earlier then 7 A.M. noticing a bright glim shining through my blinds. I was curious to why? I rolled out of bed and walked towards the blinds, moving them over to the right. It was similar to a blazing ball of fire; blinding me with its golden spheres. My eyes burned with its luminous light. I turn quickly; running away into the darkness, fearing from the light. I gave myself some time for my eyes to adjust. I walked towards my window a second time. I looked out noticing how vivid the flowers, grass, and leaves on the trees were. It was the most beautiful morning to wake up to. While I was enjoying the morning view through the window, an exciting idea came to mine, "Today is the day I am going to seek for a room to rent! I am ready to be out in the world on my own and be free!" I said to myself out loud. I turned around and walked towards the bathroom to get ready for work, knowingly my good friend Christine is opening the store with me. She is not only my friend but also my boss. When we first met, we connected instantly and we’ve been friends ever since. We would get together before or after work to catch up; she knew my situation back home. I was excited to inform her of my great news. Within an hour of waking up, I was dressed and out of the house. We meet up at Starbuck to get our usual Ice Coffee Caramel macchiato with cream cheese bagels before we began our day at work. While we were waiting for our drinks, I didn't waste any time; I had to tell her. I expressed to her I had great news. She turned around with a curios look on her face. She quickly asked, “What is it?” Enthusiastically I replied, "I decided to move out of my house! After work I'm searching for rooms to rent. I'm ready to live out in the world independently!" She responded in a positive way with encouraging words. "What a coincidence, last night my parents informed me, they are moving to Ohio and leaving the house to myself to take care of." I was not expecting that, "Really, no way! That is a coincidence." "You don't have to waste your time looking for rooms. If you like, you can move in with me. I have an empty room that I need to fill!" I was happy to say, "YES! Of course I would love to." I had to pause for a second, and have a breath. Everything was falling into place.

 I wasn't expecting to receive any great news, and find a place so fast. I barely made the decision this morning! I thought to myself, "It's meant to be!" I was so excited that I asked her, "When can I move in?" She said I could move in Mid-September, and start paying rent as soon as October began. I was so happy with her generosity and for allowing me to live in 2 weeks rent free. I told her how happy I was to have a friend like her in my life. I will always remember her words, "You’re a great friend and I want to help you out!" I felt over whelmed with happiness, I told her, "Wow! That is more than enough time to save money to move out! By the way, how much is the rent?” She said rent would be $500 plus the cost of utilities. At the time I felt like $500 was doable and I would be able to afford the rent. Assuming the utilities were not going to be too much money. Then I realized the time, we had to go open the store soon. We had to wrap up our conversation. We set a date, when I would move in. I remember setting the date as if it had happed yesterday; September 17, 2007.

            After our conversation, we drove separately to work and went on to doing our jobs. Four o'clock rolled along and I clocked out, and I walked towards my car feeling great. I had no care in the world.  I opened my door, stepped into my car, sat down on my comfortable diver seat, put my key in the ignition and started my engine. I looked behind me and didn’t see any cars. As soon as I shifted my gear to drive, I realize. I still had to discuss my decision with my mother. I was nervous and my hands started to sweat. While I was driving home, every turn I took, the wheel was getting harder to grip. As I was driving closer to the house, my heart beaded faster and louder. Before I knew it, I parked in my apartment complex. I sat in my car for couple of hours as I was contemplating how to confront my mother. I was too timid and worrying how my mother was going to react or what would she say. Finally at 6:15 P.M., I finally collected enough courage and stepped out of my car and walked upstairs towards the front door. As soon I arrived, my first instinct was to turn around and drive away. I knew sooner or later I had to go through with it. Why not do it now? My hand reached in my pocket to pull out my keys, at the same time I was telling myself over and over, "I can do this! I can do this!" I insert the key into the keyhole and turned the door knob, opening the door wide open. I took one step into the house feeling anxious.  I felt like I was heading to a minefield, not knowing what I was stepping into. Once I had seen my mother, I blurted the words instantly, "I'm moving out!" I stared at her looking for a reaction, or a response, but I received nothing from her. The room was in total silence for two minutes. It was the longest two minutes I’ve ever encountered in my life. My mother was killing me inside from not knowing what she was thinking! When finally she responded saying, "Teresa, you are 19 years old. You’re old enough to make your own decision. If you want to move out, you can move out. The only thing I ask is to be careful and take care of yourself. I'm here for you and I love you!" I was not expecting this reaction from her. I baffled the words, "For real? You are okay with me moving out?" She was calm and collective. She replied, "Yes, I think is a great experience to have. Besides you are old enough to be on your own.” I couldn’t believe the words coming out of her mouth. All I could say was, "Thank you and I love you!” I was relieved and surprise at how easy our conversation went. I was in total distressed for no reason. We talked for a little while longer. We gave each other hugs and called it a night.

            The morning of September 17, 2007 was the day I moved out. I was ecstatic, nervous and anxious to move into my new home. I wasn’t aware of the days passing by, and the two weeks flew instantly. I had been busy packing all of my boxes. Once I was done with the last box, I realized how much junk I really had. I knew all the boxes would not fit into my little four door silver Chevy Aveo car in one trip. Conveniently, my new place was only ten minutes away from my apartment. I loaded my car as much as I could fit into it. After 7 trips, driving back and forth plus borrowing Christine’s truck, I finally moved in all of my stuff from my old room into my new room. The thought of moving and feeling excited, forced me to be determined to unpacked and set up my room the same day. I didn't care how exhausted I felt. The minute I completed my room, I turn 360 degrees. Glancing at every detail of my room and said under my breath, "I'm finally free! No more rules to fallow. I can eat, sleep, wake up, and go in and out of the house whenever I pleas." I had no care in the world as I felt a weight had been lifted off my shoulder!

            Later that night, I hear a knock on my door. It was Christine of the other side of the door. I let her in to see my new room. She was impressed at how fast I had moved in my stuff. I noticed she had some sort of vanilla envelope in her hand. I asked her, "What is that you’re holding?” With a serious look on her face she said, "It’s the rental agreement, we need to go over it together." This took me by surprise. "Rental agreement! What is that?" With a soft tone she explained, "It's a contract for roommates." This took me by surprise because I had only known of a contract for leasing a car or an apartment minimum of one year. She explained to me that for a contract was to protect ourselves, and the great thing about this contract was that the policy to give 30 day notice and $500 deposit with consent would not be required as she was my friend and trusted me to give her a inform for the 30 day notice. I learned something new that day! She also mentioned, "I found two people, who are a couple to move in with us. Their very nice and friendly." "Nice! I'm excited to meet them tomorrow." We went over the contract and it wasn't too bad, but I didn't know I had to fallow rules again. The reason why I moved out in the first place was to get away from them, and yet again I still had to follow some rules. They weren't too bad. For instant, cleaning the bathroom once a week, and clean the house alternate weekly between us.

            The next day, mid-morning. I meet the new roommates moving into the room next to mine. I had to introduce myself, "Hi, my name is Teresa. What is your name?" They introduced themselves as Gaby and Andrew. "Nice to meet you Gaby, and Andrew. Welcome to your new home!" I said. We became good friends instantly. That same night, we talked for hours. We exchanged life stories about each other. Gaby was outgoing, funny and easy to talk to. She would talk about anything and everything. It doesn't matter what it was, she would always have something to say. As her boyfriend Andrew, he was completely the opposite. The only thing he would talk to us about is how impressive his big 19" laptop screen looked when he plays video games or movies. Overall they were great!

            A couple of days passed by, finally we settled into our new home. That same afternoon, Christine decided to have a house warming party for tomorrow night and to invite all of our friends over to celebrate with us. I was extremely happy, it was the first party I had gone to without a curfew to worry about and it was also my party. Christine and I decided to have the party in the garage. We decorated it with balloons, banquet table with lots of food and refreshments. We also made a mixtape we could dance to. We were set up for a good night. I was ready and eager to party. I began getting ready, but I was excited and nervous to meet everybody that night. I had to dress up to impress but I was having trouble deciding which my outfit to wear. When I finally decided on skinny black jeans with a sexy v cut red blouse and my 4 inch stiletto heels, I was looking dashing that night. By 9:45 P.M. people started showing up, I was ready to Rock N’ Roll! Next thing I knew, the garage was full of people and everybody was enjoying themselves. I walked around introducing myself, and I meet most of Christine’s friends. They were very nice and fun to be around with, we talked and danced all night. They even taught me how to play a drinking game called "Beer Pong." I was a natural, beating most of the opponents in the house. That was a great experience!

            The weekend came to an end, and reality strike. I had to go back to business. After work, I decided to go groceries shopping, buying my essentials. As soon as I was at the cash register ready to pay for my food, I wasn't expecting to pay $130 dollars only on groceries. I was in shock at how much I had paid for food only. I knew I was fine with my finances, so far my rent wasn't due till next week. The first of the month rolled along and I paid the rent with no problems. When I gave the check to Christine, I asked her, "when is the utility bill due and how much?"

She said, "It’s due every month on the 15, and the dollar amount fluctuates."

I was nervous. I had no idea how much the utility bill will cost me. Plus I had my own bills I had to take care off also. For example; my phone bill, health insurance, car payment, car insurance and lastly gas for my car to take me from point A to point B. I was uneasy not knowing if I am going to have enough money to pay. The 15^th of the month was when Christine informed me of the amount. I wasn't expecting to pay $100 more dollars. I had enough money to pay all the bills for the month, but it left me with $20 dollars for myself. I had to do something. I can't live with only $20 in my pocket. Had to be aware where I spent my money. I started thinking of how to save money. "Where do I start saving money from? I can limit myself from driving. Use my car only from home to work. I can't turn off my phone because it is what I use to communicate with the world. I have to pay my car and both of my insurances. What else can a save from?" Then, instantly a thought came to my mind, "Groceries! I can save on groceries. Only buy what I need for the week and start using coupons." From adjusting my finances, I saved up from $40 to $70 on my groceries. It seemed like not a lot of money but it was enough for me.

            My journey made me realized, living on my own wasn’t always easiest and fun. It was the hardest experience I had ever encounter in my life. I learned that before I made any future decisions; I had to be financially stable to be able to pay my finances. Now, that I’m older and wiser; I am competent of renting a room from a tenant and inquire as much information before I make my decision, if I can afford it financially. Knowing I have money in my pocket is the best feeling to have.

Marrage is Forever!

Marriage is Forever!

Every person has their own opinion of marriages, if marriage is a good idea? How Robert Emery mention, people treats marriage as a business relationship. For example, Men support their wife financially. As for the women, can provide household and child care. Now and days in this generation, people are thinking with their hearts, and not with their money.

 In my own opinion, I believe men and women don’t want to commit until they have their life in order. The idea of having a career before marriage is to provide their future family with a good home and financially stable. Most cases people who does go to school and focus on their degree to receive more income, marriage is the last thing they think about. For example, the women who want to be ahead in their life take birth control. Amelia Miller research has shown women who have access to birth control have a higher chance of going to school and graduating from college than the women who doesn’t have access to birth control. Women can have the control when they can plan their future and start their family later. Amelia Miller also found out in her research, when a women delay on having a family in one year; their earnings increases by nine percent. That is why, when women do start their family and have a high income, marriages is less compelling to them.

 I’m one of out of few, who still believe in marriage and what it stands for. How Brad Wilcox said, “marriage conveys a sense of meaning, purpose, direction, and stability.” He believed the values of marriage, is important to intimate relationship. I strongly agree what Brad Wilcox is saying. I believe marriage is deeper than just having a beautiful dress, a wedding cake, or even having a ring in the finger. Love, love, love is the main point of being married and having an emotional connection with your significant other. Knowingly having security, loyalty, and faithfulness towards your partner, will bring you happiness. Emery said there is a psychological benefit behind a happy marriage: you’re less anxious, stressed, depressed, also your less likely get in trouble by the law, live longer, and less likely to drink and do drugs.

Other couples think differently, they rather be in a cohabitation relationship, then to commit into marriage. I believe it gives them an opportunity to leave anytime from their relationship when their relationship turns to the worse. Mostly they don’t want to get married to define their love. But other couples do want to get married but they live cohabitation together. The reasoning behind their decision is to learn more about each other before they make a decision if they are right for each other for marriage.

 When Natalie Rivera mention temporary marriages is allowed in Mexico in her essay. I disagree; marriage shouldn’t have a dead line. Marriage should be forever, Vows pacifically stated, “for better for worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, love and cherish, till death us do part.” It means to be together until death parts you both and also  no matter what situation you are in, you should never give up on your marriage.

All Day! Every Day!

All Day! Every Day!

            My name is Teresa Sanchez-Arriaga. I never knew where my first name came from. I had to find out why my mom decided to name me Teresa? I didn't expect to be interesting story. She explained to me how it all got started. She said,

"You were name after your aunt and her deceased daughter. When I was pregnant by you, your aunt Teresa was determine to name you. She said to me ‘can I name my future niece when she is born?’ I was curious, I said ‘why?’ She said with a simple response ‘I just want to!’ the conversation went on for a while. Towards the end, she finally convinces me to let her name you. She put on a good fight! We left it as that. I never asked her the question again. Throughout my pregnancy she left me thinking, ‘what name is she going to pick? Why is she not telling me? Is it going to be a horrible name?’ It was driving me crazy. Originally I wanted to name you Elizabeth. But I had to keep my promise to her. The day of your birth I remember the nurse coming into the room and asked me ‘What name did you decide to name your baby girl.’ I turn my head and looked at your aunt she already had a huge smile and responded right away to the nurses ‘Teresa!’ I was in disbelieved. I said ‘You made me wait all this time and you just wanted her to be named after you?’ She said, ‘No! She is not name only after me, also after my daughter that past away’, I said to her ‘I'm glad it wasn't an ugly name!’ She just laughs. The nursed asked me ‘so... is it Teresa?’ I looked down to see you and said, ‘yes! That is my little girl name Teresa!’ I'm happy your aunt name you after her and in the memories of her daughter, it's a beautiful name. That is how you received your given name."

             I was amazed by the story, I had to know more. I called up my aunt and asked her why she named her daughter Teresa. She said proudly “I love my name so much I had to name my daughter Teresa too. If I had a chance to name anybody else I would name them Teresa also.” My aunt made me laugh. I also found out that my grandmother named all my aunts and uncles Catholic Saints names. My aunt was named after Saint Teresa of Avila. The only thing I know about St. Teresa of Avila, she was a leader, love for Jesus and his church. I made a deeper research of my name. Teresa comes from the origin of Greek, it means either “Summer”, “Harvest”, or it came from “The Greek Island of Therasia”, it’s uncertain.

            As for my last name, I have both of my parents combined in one. Sanchez is from my Grandfather, it originated from France. Arriaga is from my father; I never knew Arriaga existed until I was 16 years old and received my first California Identification. I always knew Sanchez was after my mother side of the family but didn't know my father last name. My father died when I was only one month old. Finding out I share not only his blood in my body but also his last name, it’s heartwarming! Growing up, I was known as Teresa Sanchez. Now I introduce my complete full name, Teresa Sanchez-Arriaga. I love pronouncing the double "R" in Arriaga. I can say Arriaga all day every day. When I mention my full name to anybody, I get the same reaction and response. "Wow! That is a mouth full!" I love it!

            If I had a choice to change my name, I would still chose Teresa. Why would I rename myself? I wouldn’t be who I am now. It is a beautiful name and I was named after my cosine I never meet. And lastly if I ever get married in the future, I'm going to keep my last name as my middle name. It's part of me and it’s the only thing I have from my father.

Obsessed With Hair!

Obsessed With Hair!

Hi everybody! Let me tell you about myself. My name is Teresa Sanchez. I lived at Oxnard since I was 18 then move to Camarillo. I love living at Camarillo because the weather is perfect and it's nearby my favorite beach, Zumba Beach. I never moved out since. I'm the oldest out of 3 siblings, twin brother and sister. Who are 2 years younger than me and an 8 years old baby brother. I still call him baby because we are 18 years apart. I love him to death.

            As a child growing up I had many hobbies. My hobbies are in the artistic side. I would draw, dance, color, create different collages, fashion, and much more. My favorite was designing and creating hair styles. I first started when I was 7 years old. I remember playing with all of my Barbie’s dressing them up with different outfits with matching shoes. Most of the time, I would take more time with their beautiful long shiny hair. I would brush it, braid it and tie their hair into a pony tail. I was obsessed with their hair. My sister had a really nice two feet tall doll with full set of long hair, she never plays with. She would never let me play with her doll. So I would take it behind her back! I would practice every day. From practicing, I learn how to french braid. That was an accomplishment because there's so much possibilities I can do with it. Few years passed by, I was 12 years old. I was visiting my cousin. I found out she was going to Beauty School. I asked her to teach me how to do different design and techniques for the hair. She agree with one condition, if she can do my hair every time I come over. Every other weekend or so, She will teach me different techniques and styles. I learned how to flat iron, curl hair, and how to do different up do. I didn't start using my techniques until I was in high school. I would wake up early in the morning and style my hair different every day. My friends and even my class mates would compliment my hair. When Homecoming or Prom rolls along; I would be asked to do their hair. I’m always happy to do anybody hair. What brings me joy it’s to see their reactions as soon they turn around to face the mirror and see their hair the first time. I would never charge anybody when I style. I just love styling hair.

            Now I'm style for fun! It's a hobby of mine that I enjoy very much. I still get phone calls from my friends to do their hair for an event or special occasion. Currently, I'm a full time student at Oxnard College. I'm working towards my X-Ray Radiology Technician. I help my mother as much as possible because she works 10-12 hours a day sometimes more. She doesn't have time to take care of my baby brother. Every day, I take my brother to school, pick him up, take him to his Taekwondo practice and lastly make sure he does his homework every night. Before my mother comes home; I try my best to have dinner ready. I'm always busy doing something. I'm either helping out my family, working on my homework, or studying

            In the future is hard to say. Every year my life has been changing. I'm always experiencing something different and new. My family is always going to be first. My mother helps me out to further my education. I want to repay her back. If everything goes as plan; I will continue going to school and get my masters, send my baby brother to school, and buy my mother dream house. I would be very happy to see my family in a stable home.