This year, there will be more:

• running;
• writing;
• dissertation;
• yoga;
• reading;
• girl friends;
• cooking;
• Guanajuato;
• dancing;
• and getting all dolled up (con makeup también).

1. Went to an NHL game (Red Wings vs Kings)
2. Woke up early to watch a presidential inauguration (okay, this was the first inauguration I watched)
3. Got a speeding ticket
4. Joined a gym
5. Cooked a pot of beans
6. Saw Fabulosos Cadillacs live
7. Took a daytrip to a winery with my mom and sister
8. Won at the Black Jack tables in Las Vegas
9. Got my first pair of Nikes (Cortez!)
10. Played Brain Age on Nintendo DS
11. Watched (most of) The Wire (’nuff said)
12. Had catfish made by Alan’s mom
13. Took a yoga class
14. Learned why a 4-6-3 double play is called that
15. Ran a 5K (and lots, lots more)
16. Got a porcelain crown
17. Went to the Hollywood Bowl for a classical music concert (twice!)
18. Celebrated my birthday at Disneyland
19. Went kayaking in Lake Casitas
20. Went to a Yankee game at Yankee Stadium
21. Spent an afternoon alone in Central Park (see photo)
22. Ate sweet potato fries
23. Saw the Dodgers hit a walk-off hit in the playoffs
24. Had a glazed donut at Bob’s Donuts in San Francisco
25. Was published in the NY Times blog
26. Went to a NBA game (Pacers vs Clippers)
27. Became friends with Jordan
28. Made albóndiga soup (my mom approved!)
29. Went to the opera (The Barber of Seville)
30. Fit in to Lori’s pants
31. Lost [redacted] pounds

Of course, there’s more firsts for this year, but I wanted to keep the list limited to 31 (and to not-so-personal topics).

1. Checked out Rose Parade floats at the end of the parade route
2. Passed my qualifying exam
3. Wrote a haiku for someone and sent it via text message
4. Craved coffee
5. Went to a country music concert (this was at the Houston Rodeo)
6. Visited Austin and had beer in a movie theater
7. Met some of my favorite bloggers and attended monthly informal meetings with other Latino bloggers in LA
8. Hailed a cab in NY
9. Was recognized by a blog reader
10. Watched Lost with someone who likes the show much more than me
11. Partied on Tijuana’s Avenida Revolución
12. Enjoyed Chican@ (or post-Chican@?) art at LACMA
13. Served on a jury
14. Watched Yo Gabba Gabba! (my life has not been the same)
15. Played Wii
16. Won two free ticket giveaways for the same concert
17. Made a movie using iMovie
18. Had veggie soy tacos, and really liked them
19. Went on a blog-strike
20. Fell for someone outside my age range
21. Talked about blogging as part of a panel at two different academic/professional conferences (NACCS and UNITY)
22. Ran around barefoot in the Crown Fountains at Millennium Park in Chicago (bonus: really enjoyed Chicago)
23. Took pictures in an old-school photobooth
24. Used a dishwasher
25. Raced go-karts at Speedzone
26. Participated in a presidential campaign
27. Told off at a stranger at a Dodger game because he said something racist
28. Was in an art show (not as an artist, but as a subject in a portrait)
29. Celebrated on election night
30. Got caught in hail (in San Francisco)
31. Felt an airbag deploy in a car accident

First for 2009? How about I really make headway on earning my PhD.

Yeah, I know I’m about a week late for 2008 favorites lists, but I was too busy enjoying the last week of my vacation to stop and write about an overall pretty great year. Thanks to Sean for this concept (and for contributing to #10).

In no particular order, my favorite things of 2008:

1. MacBook: I finally made the switch when my Fujitsu LifeBook died. The switch was smooth and simple. My only gripe is that the LifeBook was much lighter.
2. Wii: one of the best birthday gifts ever. I spent most of my time playing the games I downloaded from the virtual console like Donkey Kong Country. It’s strange how I remember secrets and other details about the games despite not having played in ~15 years.
3. Muxtape: The concept was simple. Choose 12 songs (or less), upload them to the site, title your mix and then share with friends. I made a few mixes based on different themes and shared them with my friends. Sadly, the RIAA shut Muxtape down.
4. This outfit, sans giant sombrero. I wore dresses and skirts a lot more often this summer, but this one was my favorite.
5. Headbands: I cut my hair shorter than ever in June. There was little I could do with it and it was too short to pull back. I took to wearing thin headbands and liked the simple look.
6. The stools in my parent’s new kitchen (forgive the rude brother): the kitchen and living room were remodeled over the summer. The new kitchen is nice. My favorite part is the tall stools for the counter/table. I love them because they make me feel tall.
7. Jay Smooth’s videos: people, people, people! His videos are smart and entertaining.
8. The Ojitos series, plus comments: I had fun telling the story and keeping people guessing. Plus, it opened me up to writing more vignette-ish posts.
9. Free admission at LACMA after 5 pm: I’d taken advantage of this before, but this year I seemed to go every other week. During my visits I discovered this dog. I want this dog.
10. Concert buddy application CDs: okay, so no one who sent a CD lived in LA, but that was okay because several of the songs/artists on those CDs quickly became new favorites.

Honorable mention:
My canas. I’m beginning to really like them.

Things I did for the very first-time over the long weekend (starting Wednesday):

1. Ate a bacon-wrapped hot dog (made by my brother, I have yet to go the street vendor route)
2. Played a drinking game with playing cards
3. Played over the line, a version of softball, at a local park with my brothers and some of their friends
4. Watched a bubble show
5. Played Pictionary (the actual board game)
6. Wore a clown wig
7. Attended a pro football game, but I have yet to tailgate
8. Visited Balboa Park
9. Tripped and fell in a restaurant (my knee is still tender)
10. Shared a hot fudge sundae with DB

After we broke up and we’d still talk occasionally, my ex would begin conversations with my least favorite question, “so, what’s new?”

If I was in a bad mood, I’d respond, “I hate that question.” It was too general. Besides, he could just read my blog and find out.

But the truth is, I write less and less these days about “what’s new” in my life. Maybe I’ll change that, maybe I won’t. For now, here’s an update.

1. I’m quite happy these days.

2. Aside from the longer/hotter days and outdoor concerts, I don’t really feel like it’s summer. I’m working the same schedule as I did during the school year. And since I don’t take classes normally, the summer doesn’t bring much different.

3. I’m applying for a dissertation proposal writing boot camp. The six-week workshop begins in August. By the end of it I shold have a draft of my dissertation proposal. I reallyneed/want to get in this program. I need the discipline and structure so I can be done with school before I’m 30. That’s the plan.

4. I cut my hair on a whim last Wednesday. It’s shorter than I’ve ever had it. I told Ana, my stylist, that I was cutting it in mourning for the Lakers’ loss. We laughed. A Latina getting highlights next to me looked at me with wide eyes as Ana snipped away and my hair fell to the floor. It was one of those “damn girl, you have ovaries” looks.

5. My parents’ home in Hacienda Heights look like a tornado went through it. Our entire living room and kitchen has been stripped of tile and insulation. All that stands is the wood frame and wiring. It’s kind of hard to imagine it becoming the kitchen of my mom’s dreams.

6. I’ve already done a lot of my typical summer activities in the first official week of summer, but sadly I won’t be taking a trip to Guanajuato. Funds are low.

7. Last week at the LA Latino blogger meeting, P3000 asked (again) when I’d be writing Ojitos-like stories about the ex and filling in the rest of the story. I alluded to the relationship a few weeks ago. Each time, I always say something along the line of “no, I don’t want to go there” or “uh no, that’d make me look bad.” Well, not bad just human. But still, I part of me wants to tell the story. Maybe I’ll write those posts and keep them as unpublished drafts.

8. My back was bugging me last week so I went to a Chinese massage parlor in Hacienda Heights. It was my first time paying for a massage since I usually just bug my brothers for a massage, they’re pretty good. The place charged $15 for an hour massage (not including tip). I’d definitely do it again.

9. I’ve been listening to a lot of N*E*R*D’s latest album Seeing Sounds these days. I can’t get “Happy” or “You know what” out of my head. The whole album feels perfect for summer.

10. I recently read The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao and Drown by Junot Diaz. I was so into Oscar Wao that I ditched my cousin’s birthday luau to hide upstairs and read. If you’ve never read anything by Diaz, I’d suggest listening to him read from two of the short stories in Drown on This American Life.

1. I’m rarely on time.
2. I was tested and admitted to GATE (Gifted and Talended Education) in 5th grade. I think that’s when my life changed. Tracking worked for me.
3. I don’t drink coffee.
4. I prefer my hair short rather than long
5. I was separated from my mother at birth (briefly).
6. I rarely drink soda.
7. My sister says I overuse my iPod. I don’t think that’s possible.
8. I eat Altoids Tangerine Sours like candy
9. I did better on the math portion of the SAT and GRE than the verbal portion.
10. I’ve been reading Cien Años de Soledad for more than three years off and on.
11. My favorite types of apples are Golden Delicious #4120.
12. I have a complex about being too pale.
13. I have great vision but have wanted to wear glasses since I was a kid.
14. I blame 6 years of marching band for my bad hearing.
15. I’ve seen Café Tacuba live 10 times.
16. I’ve met the band twice.
17. I took AP Statistics in high school and loved it. Graduate school killed my love for statistics.
18. My favorite type of pens are Gelly Rolls. I was obsessed about owning all of them, but grew out of it.
19. I don’t like taking the bus, but I don’t mind saving money (or reading on my commute to campus).
20. I finished paying off my car in September. I thought that was cool
21. I still sleep in a twin bed (my room is kinda small).
22. My favorite book is In the Time of the Butterflies by Julia Alvarez.
23. My dad is my guitar hero.
24. My brother thinks I should start playing Guitar Hero songs on the hard level because I’ve mastered medium level.
25. I prefer Facebook over MySpace.

(more…)

Reasons why my 27th birthday was so enjoyable:

• See above. Rio surprised me with a birthday activity sheet. I printed it out and shared it with family at a small family BBQ on Friday night. They got a kick out of the trivia corner, but were a little lost when I mentioned the ghost of Corky Gonzales.
• Oso had his own little birthday greeting, with a photo of me doing a cara de fuchi.
• My sister, Lori, and her boyfriend gave me the coolest shades ever. There will be more goofy photos of me in sunglasses.
• Lori and I tried to beat the heat (triple digits!) by washing my car. Never underestimate the power of playing with the water hose on a hot summer day.
• Despite the heat, the family BBQ and night out at the Little Temple was a lot of fun. Thanks to DJ Anthony Valadez for spinning some excellent music and putting my family and friends on the guest list. There were several times when I wanted to sit down and take a break from dancing, but then was compelled to keep going because the music was that good.
• Partying with new friends and old friends alike. Lots of smiles.
• I got to see (well, more like hear since I couldn’t see the stage) Los Lobos on Thursday evening. I kicked myself when I saw them doing a post-concert signing and realized I didn’t bring a single CD. Damn.
• I got messages of folks singing/texting Las Mañanitas. Too bad I insisted on sleeping in.

Now… if only it would cool off a little.

Five things I’m looking forward to:

Los Lobos at the Santa Monica pier. It’s been a couple years since I’ve seen Los Lobos. I don’t think I’ll come away feeling as nostalgic as I did last time, but I intend to enjoy it. Oh yeah, it’s free.

My birthday. I don’t usually look forward to my birthday, in fact I kinda dread it, but it’s different this year. I’ll have a small family BBQ and then go out dancing at one of my favorite clubs/lounges. The DJ is a friend, so I know he’ll play good stuff and not the crappy dance music you hear in other clubs.

The Dodgers having a winning September and making a run for the playoffs, actually getting in to the playoffs; baseball playoffs in general; UCLA football and tailgating for the first time ever at the Rose Bowl.

The start of the fall quarter. Weird, I know. Still, the sooner fall quarter starts and ends, the faster I make real progress toward getting the hell out of grad school. I’ll also get to know the incoming class of students in the program I help run and welcome back the sophomores.

Café Tacuba’s new album, Sino, which will be released on October 9th. To listen to the first single, “Volver a Comenzar,” check out this e-card (have your speakers on). Yes, that’s the same song I posted a while ago on YouTube from a Mexico City concert. The official website hasn’t been updated, and the splash page points to their MySpace page. My friend Hector sent me a link to Este Encanto where you can download the single. A new album means new tour, possibly in December. Hopefully when los Tacubos play LA again, I won’t be able to predict the setlist.

I think I’ve done this one before, but Rio tagged me so I’ll do it again.

Rules of the game:
a) give eight random facts, chisme or confessions and post to your blog
b) tag eight other people at the end of your piece (I’m ignoring this one)
c) that’s it.

The Cheese

1. I’ve only been to one Dodger game this season. I didn’t stay for the whole game because it was way too hot and I had to get to a wedding. My friend Gabby would probably say this makes me a bad fan.

2. I’m still in grad school even though I threaten to leave all the time. I’m done with my coursework and need to take my qualifiying (quals) exam in the fall. I’m scared about that. It’s not my ability I’m worried about, it’s my own motivation to sit for a three-day weekend and write three 10-page papers. Yikes. I even had a nightmare about quals earlier this summer.

3. Some of my best friends are named Victor. I’ve never met a guy named Victor who I didn’t instantly get along with. The thing that sucks is that my four favorite Victors no longer live in LA. Two recently moved to Texas and the other two are in the Bay Area.

4. I just got a new nickname. Flower. As in Flower the skunk from Bambi. I think I like it.

5. If there’s a fire in my apartment or in the building, I can be pretty certain I’ll get out safely. As I’ve been interrupted three times in the past 10 minutes by the smoke alarm. It keeps going off because my roommate burned bread in the oven. Oops. Oh well, at least we know the batteries in the smoke alarms are still good.

6. I used to have a very low tolerance for alcohol. My friends made up a rule: Cindylu gets two. Luckily, I’ve built up my tolerance over the years but I still have to limit how much I drink because I usually need to drive home.

7. As I walked in to Kerckhoff, the student government building, this afternoon I noticed that the photos of the student government officers and members of governing board for the student union and student media had been changed. The old members are now gone and in their place, just the names. Soon enough, the names will be accompanied with photos of all the students. It made me sad that I’m no longer up on that wall. I liked seeing my photo on that wall with the title External Vice President. I miss the travel and being in on all the University of California chisme. I even miss the conference calls and day-long meetings. I miss my stipend too.

8. My favorite song to play on Guitar Hero II is “Let’s Talk More Rokk” by freezepop. However, as of yesterday “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses might creep to first place ’cause playing it allows me to do the cool Axl Rose dance.

I know, I know… that wasn’t all too juicy. I save the real chisme for the one-on-one communication.