Friday, December 31, 2010

2010



It's time to deport 2010 into the past and welcome 2011 as it just illegally crossed the border. I have a stale sense of humor, I know. Anywho, what would an online journal be without writing something to recap the last year. And what a year I must say. It flew by before I knew it. I'll re-frame from ranting and going over everything that happened this year because even I don't wanna do that. But what I do know is that in my 26 years of life, this has been the best year for me. There will always be set backs and low points, but I can honestly look back into the year and say it was a very good year. I didn't even have to use my AK.

I'm beginning to enjoy the aging process. Noticing that I'm maturing as an individual and growing old with friends new and old. It's kinda hard to explain it right now, but in the back of my mind there is a feeling of comfort. A feeling that everything will be alright and everything is going to work out in the end. I probably won't be able to articulate that feeling until I get there. Still, I know that the next year will have it fair share of struggles and low points. Friends are moving on in their lives and leaving and I'll still be in L.A. doing what I always do in a different time and place. I'm looking forward to the continued growth and maturing that is developing within me.

Who or what 2011 will bring remains to be seen. Hell even I don't know where I'll be. But I do know that I'll still be here writing and sharing those experiences and thoughts. The DREAM Act fight is still gonna continue of course. Now more than ever, will all the noise we made, there will be more people stepping up and coming. The movement put people in check and asserted itself. We are here and we aren't going anywhere. Hell, it's gotten to the point that people know of it anywhere we go. We must be doing something right. So, with that being said, here's to another random year of random thoughts. Salud.


Erick

Saturday, December 25, 2010

One Hot Minute


It's been a hot minute since I've put words to my thoughts. Well, any words that I would wanna share with the internet anyway. Not much is going on that I need to put thoughts to words considering it's coming to the end of the year. I also noticed that I seem to be averaging a post a week, which is something very doable to keep myself sharing and creating a routine. Which probably explains why I'm writing something up on Christmas before I go mimis. If I don;t do it now, it'll never get done. Anywho, I've been on a bender since I wrapped up school and the Dream Act came to a vote. Making the time to spend times with friends and getting to know them better. The holidays bring out the blues in people and usually I would be included in that crowd. Not soo much this year really, which is a nice change.

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Dream Act Didn't Pass


So chances are that if you're reading this, then you already know DREAM Act didn't get passed. So what's next? Good question. I'm not sure myself but I'll still be around and so will other people. Others are finally moving on because of personal reasons, which are understandable. At the same time, for every one person that wants to retire from activism, three more are taking their place. that's the kind of impact the movement made this year. It's been more visual, vocal and outspoken than ever before. You can't walk down the street now without someone having an opinion on DREAM, good or bad. The fact of the matter is the next generation knows they're not alone and that's there's an entire movement behind them now. Nothing is ever easy. So, while I'm not in the best of moods, I'll get by soon enough and the cycle will start all over again. Tis the way of life.

Friday, December 10, 2010

Pre-umtive Jubilation



Not to be anti-social or anything, but when everyone else was cheering and hugging when the DREAM Act made it past the House of Reps., I was standing outside of the building staring at the crescent moon, palms trees, lake and people around me. The one's that were going about their normal day, because for them it was just another Wednesday. Still, I won't front. I'm not a bubbly person when it comes to moments of jubilation and joy. It's hard to be succinctly, but more or less it comes from the dysfunctional habits I've accumulated over the years. Being happy is still foreign to me, so when I'm around it, I act differently than others, simple as that. There's nothing wrong with being melancholy, because that's how I am really. I don't look at a glass as half empty or half full, I look at it as it would be pretty cool if I threw that glass outside the window because I like the sound of glass breaking.

Sunday, December 05, 2010

A blur


Waking up at 4:30 a.m. to be on television at 5 a.m.


Eating unhealthy, but delicious foods at all hours of the day


organizing different events to spread DREAM Act awareness. First L.A. DREAM Act Bike Ride.


Hanging out with the Mayor of L.A. and other peeps saying how the DREAM Act is good for business, education and all that good stuff.


Calling out city officials who wanna criminalize DREAM Act allies and supporters for holding it down for us. Making a bunch of noise and making sure people know we are here to stay.

The DREAM Act will come up for a vote no later than Wed. Dec.8. We will be working for one last push to make the DREAM a reality. Pass or not, life will go on. We will continue to work and continue to advocate for education not deportation.

Con Safos