Last Friday afternoon, I was hanging around the house, like any other day I am off from work or school. I heard rustling outside the front door and looked to see what it was. It was someone struggling to tape a piece of paper on our screen door. It was funny at first as I wondered for a second who he was and what he was doing. Then I asked him, "Is there something I can help you with?" This man said, "Yes, actually this is for you and if you call this phone number, I'm sure they can work something out..." As he stepped back while informing me, he took a photo of our house really quick then left.
I took the paper inside to my older sister while glancing at what it could be. We read and noticed a court date. This piece of paper was notice saying our house is foreclosed and the auction is scheduled for October 8, 2009. I couldn't believe it. My older sister and I stood in shock as we reviewed the given information on this piece of paper. She immediatley called our dad. He rushed home from his lunch break at work, and began making phone calls. Because we are not the owners of our home, it was very unfortunate to think we would have to up and leave our house of 5 years because a bank decided to buy it from our owner.
This foreclosure business that is taking place is scary to me. I'm nervous that we will not find a place to live in time. Even if we get an extended 2 months to vacate, Im worried we won't have the money to move in time either for a potential down payment. This is actually not the first time that my family was give a "notice" move, and do it quickly.
I remember when I was in sixth grade, coming home from a day at school and seeing all of our stuff outside: furniture, the t.v, tons of trash bags filled with clothes and toys, the fridgerator, and my mom and dad outside with all that stuff trying to fit it in the only car we had. It was wierd because earlier that day, all that stuff was inside where it belongs. I was only 12 years old. My dad, mom, brother, 3 sisters and dog was being evicted. I didn't know what this meant other then we had to move fast.
After this day, we left our perfect home in North Park and never seen it again. We went from living with a few of my dad's friends for a while, then our grandmas house, then another friends house, and then for about 4 years moving from motel to motel that always had only 2 beds. It took my family years to be approved for housing we qaulified for through section 8, which is a system that financially assists low income families in finding homes. After being approved, we then lived in a studio for about 2 years, then moved into a 2 bedroom apartment where we actually had some type of privacy finally. After living in that 2 bedroom apartment for a while, my dad recieved a promotion and new information on better housing options, and decided to move closer to work in San Ysidro. We were sad but glad to be moving into a 4 bedroom house. It was the most exciting thing we could remember growing up. We thought that this house was a mansion, and we also we were rich.
By the time we moved to what we called a "masion" of 4 bedrooms, I was already in 11th grade getting ready to graduate from high school. My brother and younger sisters were in the middle of grade school. We made friends quickly and to my younger siblings, San Ysidro was where they grew up. They hardly remember the struggle that my older sister and I went through growing up and watching my dad try everything he could to support us and have a good life. It's not financial issues this time. My dad has a steady job, my older sister and I pitch in financially so we don't have issues with paying bills or rent. Instead, after being there for 5 years, the bank buys our home and now they're telling us to get out. It sucks.
After all those year struggling to find a descent neighborhood to grow up in, now we've grown to call San Ysidro our home, it's being taken away. My siblings have made so many friends, and I would hate for them to have to go through what my older sister and I went through moving from here to there not knowing how long we'll live in one place or another. My dad keeps reinforcing that it will be okay and that this time he is better prepared to move then when we were evicted.
My dad is from Brooklyn, New York, so he has a survivor's mentality about things. Going through that hardship years ago have shaped my older sister and I into survivors as well and to be strong during tough times. I just worry because if we don't find a place to live, my little sisters are old enough to know what's going on this time. I want my family to be well off and my siblings to enjoy life like they should.
My financial aid check should be in the mail any day now, and instead if saving it so I can move out on my own, I'll probably give in to my dad towards the downpayment for our next home. I've already mentioned that as a reliable option and he laughed about it and said, "Chrissy that's your money. Hopefully my plan I have will work out and I won't need it." My family is strong and we love eachother dearly.
We're always there for eachother, especially my dad. He's the best dad in the world. when my parents divorced, he raised 5 children (4 girls and 1 boy), never gave up on hope, and always had food on the table, clothes on our back and a roof over our head. It's not too common that the father of the 1 parents stand that strog through tough times. But my dad did. I know everything will be okay because God is on our side. Another thing I have learned throughout the years that have made me the young lady I am today is that it's not the location that makes it a home, it's the love and unity you have among the people living there. Where ever we move next, it will have just as much love as those motels, the studio, the apartment, and the 4 bedroom house did.
Friday, September 25, 2009
Thursday, September 17, 2009
The dramatic beginning turns into a happing ending
Ok, 2 years ago I met my boyfriend as just a friends here at school. We were in the computer lab with all of my friends and his friends. Soon enough, we all start planning things with eachother and hanging out a lot. 2 years ago, I had a close girlfriend who I usually always was with. Her and I always did fun stuff together like go out to the club, parties, and even go shopping or share eachother's clothes. I guess you can say we were pretty close, and even best friends to what other people thought. After a few times going out with eachother and getting to know everyone farley well, I started to really like, who wasn't my boyfriend at the time, our new friend Angelo. He seemed really funny, and sweet. I became atracted to that. Unforunately, my close friend was the type of person who wants what she can't have.
There was a point that after we all went to the clubs every Thursday nights, when club Caribe was 18 and up night, and we just got tired of the same stuff, seeing the same people. Angelo and I sort of drifted away from the party scene for a moment and started hanging out with eachoher on our own. We would make plans to get a bite to eat, go to the mall, go to the gym and even one night, we went to the club (just him and I). My girl friend was getting wierdly jealous and would somehow always find a way inviting herself when Angelo and I made plans alone. she was my friend, and even though I liked him a lot and just wanted to spend times with him, if she invited herself, I just let her be the third wheel.
After many plans, invloving my new crush and this annoying friend of mine, Angelo and I met eachother at school one day, and spent the rest of the day to ourselves. Nobody else. We didn't answer our phones so people knew our whereabouts, and it was just us. Later that same fun day, we decided we wanted to go dancing. Caribe was the "hot spot" Thursdays, and everyone went there. Well, this day was za Thursday, so we knew we would probably run into people who may have tried to contact us throughout the day. (I don't understand why it became such a big deal, but people were really eing nosey about if Angelo and I were "seeing eachtother" or dating already).
We get to the club this Thursday night and my annoying friends happened to come outside while Angelo and I were in line waiting to get in. She gave us this dirty look and went right back in without even saying hello. I didn't think anything of it but that she was becoming a "hater". We get in, begin to have a good time, and soon enough my friend comes up to us and starts asking questions like where we were and what him and I did that day. Come to find out, people were saying she liked this guy, when she had been seeing about 3 different guys around his time. I had no idea, but her name was not on him, and I asked Angelo if he ever liked or had feelings for my friend. Angelo told me, "I only had eyes for you since we met at the computer lab." I know, cheesy but this same Thursday night was when we established our feelings for one another and became boyfriend and girlfriend.
We ended up not caring about how people acted or what they said, just remembered that there will always be people who want what you have at some point or another. My friendship with this girl officially ended when trying to confront me about her dating him...when they never dated. Things happen for a reason, and friends come and go. Girls will always be jealous of other girls and always gossip. But it is my job at the end of the day to brush all the negativity off my shoulders and be thankful for all the good in my life. I love my boyfriend more then anything in the world. We have been together for 2 years and 6 months. I'm so happy and blessed he is in my life.
There was a point that after we all went to the clubs every Thursday nights, when club Caribe was 18 and up night, and we just got tired of the same stuff, seeing the same people. Angelo and I sort of drifted away from the party scene for a moment and started hanging out with eachoher on our own. We would make plans to get a bite to eat, go to the mall, go to the gym and even one night, we went to the club (just him and I). My girl friend was getting wierdly jealous and would somehow always find a way inviting herself when Angelo and I made plans alone. she was my friend, and even though I liked him a lot and just wanted to spend times with him, if she invited herself, I just let her be the third wheel.
After many plans, invloving my new crush and this annoying friend of mine, Angelo and I met eachother at school one day, and spent the rest of the day to ourselves. Nobody else. We didn't answer our phones so people knew our whereabouts, and it was just us. Later that same fun day, we decided we wanted to go dancing. Caribe was the "hot spot" Thursdays, and everyone went there. Well, this day was za Thursday, so we knew we would probably run into people who may have tried to contact us throughout the day. (I don't understand why it became such a big deal, but people were really eing nosey about if Angelo and I were "seeing eachtother" or dating already).
We get to the club this Thursday night and my annoying friends happened to come outside while Angelo and I were in line waiting to get in. She gave us this dirty look and went right back in without even saying hello. I didn't think anything of it but that she was becoming a "hater". We get in, begin to have a good time, and soon enough my friend comes up to us and starts asking questions like where we were and what him and I did that day. Come to find out, people were saying she liked this guy, when she had been seeing about 3 different guys around his time. I had no idea, but her name was not on him, and I asked Angelo if he ever liked or had feelings for my friend. Angelo told me, "I only had eyes for you since we met at the computer lab." I know, cheesy but this same Thursday night was when we established our feelings for one another and became boyfriend and girlfriend.
We ended up not caring about how people acted or what they said, just remembered that there will always be people who want what you have at some point or another. My friendship with this girl officially ended when trying to confront me about her dating him...when they never dated. Things happen for a reason, and friends come and go. Girls will always be jealous of other girls and always gossip. But it is my job at the end of the day to brush all the negativity off my shoulders and be thankful for all the good in my life. I love my boyfriend more then anything in the world. We have been together for 2 years and 6 months. I'm so happy and blessed he is in my life.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Addiction to Caffiene
Okay so I finally realized that I am addicted to caffiene. Whether I am going to school or work, it is important that before I begin my diligent day of tasks, I must get a boost of energy to get me going. I make it a requirment to stop at starbucks; for a tall inside of a grande cup pikes blend of hot coffee, or stop at 7/11 on a fairly hot day; for an ice cold monster energy drink. This sounds bad I know, but I know I am addicted because if I don't drink coffee first thing in the morning, I end up suffering with a throbbing headache, that turns into a migrane. If I am at school for instance and have tons of homework or studying to do, I know I won't be able to fully focus unless I drink a monster energy drink.
For my class schedule, I made it so that my first class begins at 8am and 9:30am every other day. This gives me the rest of the day to what I call "handle business". I either go to work, or study. It's unfortunate that without caffiene, I will be unable to complete either of the two.
I work at Bath and Body Works. We are known for our fantastic customer service and to "pamper" him or her depending on what they are lookin for. I was recently promoted to a sales leader, who is in charge of influencing my team to assure him or her the best customer service and make their day speacial. Obviously, this is not a job for anyone who is not friendly or who is tired all the time. Also, since I am one of the managers at the store, I have to always exemplify great leadership skills. For me, it is tough to mentally be at work unless I have that extra boost of energy, whether it's coffee or that high calorie energy drink. This is how I know I am addicted; I give myself and extra 30 minutes before a shift at work to walk into starbucks, make my coffee and sit in the break room to wake me up before working on my sales floor.
Being a full-time college students means that I have to be disciplined, dedicated, and determined. Being able to be fully focused in class, and making to school on time is important. So when I begin my early day, I know I have to make a stop at the store or at starbucks. Caffiene makes me alert and focused. Without it, I feel very exhausted, cranky, or like the day is going so slow. This is pretty sad, but I am addmitting to my addiction. I love the challenges I have at work or at school. If I didn't, I would be careless about my energy level at both.
For my class schedule, I made it so that my first class begins at 8am and 9:30am every other day. This gives me the rest of the day to what I call "handle business". I either go to work, or study. It's unfortunate that without caffiene, I will be unable to complete either of the two.
I work at Bath and Body Works. We are known for our fantastic customer service and to "pamper" him or her depending on what they are lookin for. I was recently promoted to a sales leader, who is in charge of influencing my team to assure him or her the best customer service and make their day speacial. Obviously, this is not a job for anyone who is not friendly or who is tired all the time. Also, since I am one of the managers at the store, I have to always exemplify great leadership skills. For me, it is tough to mentally be at work unless I have that extra boost of energy, whether it's coffee or that high calorie energy drink. This is how I know I am addicted; I give myself and extra 30 minutes before a shift at work to walk into starbucks, make my coffee and sit in the break room to wake me up before working on my sales floor.
Being a full-time college students means that I have to be disciplined, dedicated, and determined. Being able to be fully focused in class, and making to school on time is important. So when I begin my early day, I know I have to make a stop at the store or at starbucks. Caffiene makes me alert and focused. Without it, I feel very exhausted, cranky, or like the day is going so slow. This is pretty sad, but I am addmitting to my addiction. I love the challenges I have at work or at school. If I didn't, I would be careless about my energy level at both.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
A day at school
School school school! It takes up all my time and I am always tired. I never get any rest. Ever since the new semester started, I have gone back to the same old routine like last semester: wake up, go to school, go to work or study (depending on if it's one of my only 2 days off during the week), then go home. When I actually, usually around 10pm because of work, I admit I am relieved that the day is over so I can attempt to get some rest, however not as much as I wish much because there are only a few hours in the day left before the next one begins all over again. It's not that I dislike school, I just wish there was an easier way to just finish already.
I come to school fulltime and work part-time. Being a fulltime student is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I have a total of 12 units which isn't bad, but I work at least 22 hours a week at my job. In between school and work, I try to find down time to study and meet deadlines I have. If I have even more extra time I will sleep, or make plans with my boyfriend of friends. Having a social life is important throughout college, so I try not too work hard and forget that I am still young and need to enjoy life now before I get too old to experience some things like going out to the club, or hanging out at teh beach all day to watch the sunset and enjoy a bon fire when the sun goes down. So I try to attempt all these things to enjoy life as well as handling business regarding my personal obligatins, but I just wish there was an easier way to do it all.
One of the things I tried to do in order to make school easier for me is taking classes everyday throughout the week. I come to school Monday through Friday. My days begin at 8am and 9:30am every other day. My days end at 10:45 everyday, except Tuesdays and Thursdays where I have an evening math class from 5-6:15. I have Tuesdays and Thursdays off from work so I usually study during the 6 hour and 15 minute gap period I have. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays are the days I work after school, which means another long day for Tina. As far as Satudays and Sundays, I either sleep in, then wake up and go to work, or wake up early for work and get home in time to study a little before the day is over and I am getting ready for bed or trying to fit some "evening social time"; having a girl's night or spending time with my boyfriend. At the end of the day, all I think about is my comfortable bed and how much I want to be laying in it! I am not a pessimistic person at all, I always try to find the positive in evreything to keep me going, but if there was an easier way to do it all, I wish someone would tell me.
This is my second to last semester here at the college and I cannot wait to transfer to SDSU next fall. All this hard work I am complaining about right now will pay off when I am moving on to bigger an better things next year. My goal is to learn all the basics right here at Southwestern college, then take everything I have learned and apply it to more challenging projects later in life. I stress out about all these things I have going on right now because my first 2 years in college determines a lot. Once I have officially accomplished my last semester of community college, I will look back and say I am glad I did it all then versus waiting until I was older. So when I say I wish there were easier ways to do things, it actually goes against what I learned growing up, "Things are always difficult before they're easy."
I come to school fulltime and work part-time. Being a fulltime student is not easy. It takes a lot of hard work and dedication. I have a total of 12 units which isn't bad, but I work at least 22 hours a week at my job. In between school and work, I try to find down time to study and meet deadlines I have. If I have even more extra time I will sleep, or make plans with my boyfriend of friends. Having a social life is important throughout college, so I try not too work hard and forget that I am still young and need to enjoy life now before I get too old to experience some things like going out to the club, or hanging out at teh beach all day to watch the sunset and enjoy a bon fire when the sun goes down. So I try to attempt all these things to enjoy life as well as handling business regarding my personal obligatins, but I just wish there was an easier way to do it all.
One of the things I tried to do in order to make school easier for me is taking classes everyday throughout the week. I come to school Monday through Friday. My days begin at 8am and 9:30am every other day. My days end at 10:45 everyday, except Tuesdays and Thursdays where I have an evening math class from 5-6:15. I have Tuesdays and Thursdays off from work so I usually study during the 6 hour and 15 minute gap period I have. Monday, Wednesday and Fridays are the days I work after school, which means another long day for Tina. As far as Satudays and Sundays, I either sleep in, then wake up and go to work, or wake up early for work and get home in time to study a little before the day is over and I am getting ready for bed or trying to fit some "evening social time"; having a girl's night or spending time with my boyfriend. At the end of the day, all I think about is my comfortable bed and how much I want to be laying in it! I am not a pessimistic person at all, I always try to find the positive in evreything to keep me going, but if there was an easier way to do it all, I wish someone would tell me.
This is my second to last semester here at the college and I cannot wait to transfer to SDSU next fall. All this hard work I am complaining about right now will pay off when I am moving on to bigger an better things next year. My goal is to learn all the basics right here at Southwestern college, then take everything I have learned and apply it to more challenging projects later in life. I stress out about all these things I have going on right now because my first 2 years in college determines a lot. Once I have officially accomplished my last semester of community college, I will look back and say I am glad I did it all then versus waiting until I was older. So when I say I wish there were easier ways to do things, it actually goes against what I learned growing up, "Things are always difficult before they're easy."
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