NYC Island Gal: April 2010

Thursday, April 29, 2010

Bienvenidos a la Huelga

If I may say, this post is probably one of the hardest things that I had to write in a very long time. Not because I didn’t like the subject but instead because I feel really strongly about it and want to say so much but the language barrier affects my way of expressing how I feel. As in my previous post, “lost in translation”, language plays a very important part in our emotions. But never the less here is the story…

Bienvenidos a la huelga was the first phrase I heard when trying to get in. The University of Puerto Rico (UPR) from where I proudly graduated almost 5 months ago is going through a major student strike. For those who don’t know, the UPR, is the state university system of Puerto Rico. It is considered the premier institution of higher education and research in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. The system consists of 10 campuses, and has approximately 64,511 students and 5,300 faculty members. It also has the largest and most diverse academic offer in the Caribbean with 472 academic programs and 32 doctoral programs.

I’m from the Rio Piedras campus, the largest and most controversial campus. For many years the UPR has been subject to many students riots and strikes due to tuition increases and in support of others state department’s strikes. The students are known for speaking their minds and making themselves heard. This last Wednesday (22 of April) the UPR students successfully, and almost without a significant incident, paralyzed academic and administrative operations at the Río Piedras campus after university officials had vowed to keep the institution open (click here to see a video of that first day).

The strike is against the increase in tuition and against of the UPR being sold to the private sector. I know many of my readers can’t relate to the patriotism that you feel knowing that the most premier education in the Caribbean belongs to you. But most of the students here feel that way. This is our institution and we don’t want it to be sold to some strangers that will do as they please. We should all be able to afford it. An education is a right and not a privilege.

Last night many Puerto Rican celebrities made appearances in support of the students and the fight for the right of an education. Ricky Martin, Calle 13, Andy Montañez, Mima, Radio Pirata, Fiel a la Vega, El Topo, among others sang and expressed their support.

Here some images of la huelga:

The famous landmark of the UPR.

Students in the streets making their voices heard.

All of the gates were closed and guarded by students. The only way in is by this little hole in a fence where they only let you in if you have a student ID. The sign on the fence says: "of the people, to the people and from the people".

Students gathering inside the campus to watch the show. At some point that afternoon they stop letting people in to maintain a control. Around 2,000 people were inside the campus.

Many students were camping inside the campus.

The main entrance was always guarded by the police.

The main entrance at night.

The whole fence was covered with banners of different students groups showing their support.

This banner translates to: “A country without education is a country of slaves”

Drama students making a scene to show their support

My sister on the right and her best friend on the left, behind a sign that’s mocking a private and very expensive college

El refugio (the shelter) is a very popular student bar

The crowd

Andy Montanez singing his famous patriotic song: Quien no se siente patriota

Yesterday I remember a feeling that I somewhat had taken for granted, the feeling of home. No matter to how many places I may travel and no matter how many people I meet, this is my home and these are my people. That I will carry in my heart forever.

“I would rather die standing than live on my knees!” –Zapata

Camera recommendations?

Here is the deal; I’m a bit addicted to online shopping. Yes, I’m stuck in my house “studying” for the CPA Exam and there is no escape but the Internet. In less than 3 months I ordered in six different online stores. Very BAD, since I’m suppose to be saving for all the moving expenses.

Anyways, I don’t have a camera (I know, who doesn’t have one?). But this I not a random expense like clothes or shoes so I’m totally allow to buy one without feeling guilty. A camera is an essential part in one’s life. How else are you going to capture all the random moments and great memories during your life’s journey? I survive this long without one thanks to facebook, where I can borrow my friends’ pics of the nights out. But enough! I want my own photos! ;)

I want to buy a digital point-and-shoot camera that I can take with me anywhere and take a photo of everything I see in the city so everyone can see thru my lens. I truly love photography and I wish I could be better at Photoshop so I could get the most of it. Well, I asked a friend some advice and he recommended the Nikon Coolpix. I turn to you my followers… Do you have any recommendation on digital cameras? Any bad experience with a brand?

Lovely Blog Award

Hi! First I want to say THANKS SO MUCH for all the comments and support. I was not sure about this blog fuss but now I absolutely adore it! I love getting feedbacks in my adventures and my random thoughts. Definitely a great way to make friends! I heart all of my followers or as I prefer to call “travel mates”. Since through my blog you will right by my side in my journey, as I become an independent gal and a New Yorker.

One of my “travel mates”, Mishieru, has given me an award! Yay! The Lovely Blog Award! This makes me very happy! Thanks Mishieru (you can check her amazing blog here)!

Well the in order to accept the award I have to nominate a few other blogs that I really like. If you receive this award you have to do as I did and nominate other blogs that you like and link the person from whom you received the award. So my award goes to:

Blair Socci – I really like her random creative posts! -- http://www.peterspoison.com/

Hannah B – I just love how different lifestyles can be! -- http://offthecuffandindypendent.blogspot.com/

Annabelle – Love her writing style! -- http://illtellyouanyway.blogspot.com/

Missy M – From couture to highstreet to handmade! Pure genius! -- http://thefashionfusion.blogspot.com/

The Brunch Girls – My all time everything fashion favorite blog! -- http://brunchatbarneys.blogspot.com/

Emily Dupuis – An art teacher blogging! Do I need to say more? ;) -- http://www.emilyjonathan.blogspot.com/

Sweet August – My favorite baby blog! August is so cute! -- http://s-august.blogspot.com/

Lydia Isabelle – My favorite Latina blog! -- http://getrealitychecked.blogspot.com/

I’m so sorry if I did get you there but I promise when I get my next award I will nominate different ones! Thanks for such great blogs that make my day more fun!

Real estate disagreement

Since my last post about my roommate situation everything has taken a turn. First, my boyfriend couldn’t get the classes for summer that he needed to graduate so he will be moving May of next year. That means I’ll have to take a one-year lease with my friend after all and yes that means I will have to pay the first month by myself.

My friend is really fun and outgoing so we get along perfectly. Like in all friendships we have our moments because she is the kind of person that always has to win in every discussion but I always tend to keep my calm and in the end just agree to disagree. Besides that, I have really high expectations living with her. I think is going to fun and over the top awesome.

We have been looking for apartments via Craiglist.com and NYTimes.com but its really hard just by photos. Also I want to live more midtown between 80s and 20s. At the beginning my friend was good with the idea since her boyfriend lives in midtown west but now she wants Upper Side meaning 90s or lower Manhattan meaning Financial District. What? No way! I want to live near my job (midtown) and being able to take a cab without a hole in my pocket. I know this might sound a bit uptight or spoiled but I’m not a subway person. I really don’t like them. They’re dark, scary and I’m so afraid of getting mugged. I know that people in NYC are fearless and ready for everything but I still no New Yorker. I’m just an island girl.

I’m sure I will get pass my fears as soon as I get a chance to experience things but at least for the first year I want to be close to everything and especially my job. I tried to tell her but she keeps saying things justifying the alternative. Like Financial District has express subways and its way faster to get to our job or the difference between 90s and 80s is just $3 a cab. Also she says that its cheaper which is true considering that I was looking for a $2500 to share, that would be $1250 each but she wants a $2200 and pay $1100 each. But the truth is that I don’t mind paying $150 more for a better location or a bit bigger apartment. I’m going to be moving overseas without my family and not knowing anybody in the city so at least I want to like where I live. It’s not that big of a difference in budget and we can afford it.

I’ll be apartment hunting at the city in August and as I said before I had never lived in the city so I’ll be open to the different possibilities and options. I will look at all the neighborhoods and after all maybe I get there and fall in love with the Upper Side or perhaps the Financial District. Who knows?

Any NYC real estate advice? General real state advice?

Roommate advice?

Exercising dilemma

I have to admit, I’m not a sports gal and anyone who knows me will tell you how awful I am at any sport. Since high school I had never been into them. I have tried but I just get bored until the very end when I enjoy the excitement of winning or losing. Yeah, I do watch soccer and sometimes pretend I like NBA games but God knows I’m only looking for a cute guy to stare and hope time passes fast (such a girly thing to do, I know but lets keep it our secret). I hate getting up to do any workout besides yoga or the usual waking (the mall! That counts, right?). Well, there was a time where I run almost every day but it was because I discovered that it helped with my depression (nothing mayor just your average I’m-spending-more-that-12-hrs-a-day-alone-styding and seeing-no-one-but-a-book for-about-4-months kind of depression.) and I even kind-of liked it. I have to be honest, besides that time, I never see the point. I have always weight between 109 and 115 so loosing weight in never the issue.

Now, let me tell you a bit about my boyfriend. He is the most athletic guy you will ever meet. He was in his high school volleyball and basketball team. He goes to the gym 6 days a week and never skips a day (he says its like "cheating to yourself", whatever). Plays volleyball on Mondays, basketball on Tuesdays and Thursdays and baseball on Saturdays. He coaches basketball little leagues and is a mayor Yankee fan. I must confess I am a fan too (sorry Red Sox fans but Jeter is HOT). And to top it all he eats somewhat healthy. No fast foods, no sodas and nothing fried (at least that we share in common).

He calls it a “healthy lifestyle”. I couldn’t agree more but the true is that I’m lazy when it comes to exercise. Last conversation about the subject:

----- BF: “Promise me that you are going to jog for at least 4 days a week and in exchange I’ll bring you some donuts.”

(DONUTS? What I am I? A dog? Was that like a treat? Here boy, fetch. Good Boy. Umm I don’t think so. But... I do like those frosty little suckers.)

----- Me: “Ok I’ll do it!”

Talk about motivation, eh? No but seriously we talk about it and we still have some points were we don’t seem to get anywhere but at the end we just agree to disagree. I support him on everything he does and go to almost every game (I want to say every game but they’re too many). We are not the most compatible couple but we make it work.

But this I honestly promise, as soon as I get settle in NYC I will exercise more. After all it is better for anyone’s health*.

* Exercising and health facts:

Dr. Ken Cooper, of the Cooper Institute of Aerobic Research, added that exercise reduces heart attacks in women by 40 percent and in men by 60 percent. Exercising, even after 60, increases life expectancy.
The University of Michigan Health System reported that exercising can increase your emotional well-being because you sleep better, feel better and have more emotional and physical stamina (God knows I could use a better night sleep).
The University of Michigan Health System also reports that exercise can increase your physical health by reducing cholesterol, blood pressure and blood sugar.

What about you? Any couch potatoes, when it comes to exercising, out there?

Lost in translation

I like to think I can speak fluent English. Don’t get me wrong; I’m a native Spanish speaker so naturally I do have a bit of an accent. But when I think of having to speak English 24/7 it scares me. Not because I couldn’t do it but instead because I feel like I will loose a part of me. I’m very outspoken, spontaneous, playful and funny in my style of communicating. Also speak with a tone and rhythm. How can you translate that?

Have you ever seen a movie in another language (one that you understood) and then saw it in English? It’s kind of different. Sometimes they translate things that are funny, sarcastic or even ironic in English but in the other language not so much. Or make literal translation of common saying or phrases that makes no sense at all. I feel like I’m one of those phrases that would not make any sense in English.

It’s also like movies where two people from different countries begin to fight. The fight always starts in English but them someone starts shouting in other language because that’s their native emotion language. I think I invented this term but what emotion language is the language that’s in your mind when you have strong feelings like love, anger, sadness and even hate. When you have a rush of any of those strong feeling you think fast so your brain acts fast and you want to say everything that comes just as fast, giving no time to your brain to translate. So it’s easier to say it as it comes to mind, being that your native language.

Writing is different because you have time to look up the proper translation and channel you feelings. Still when you hear the translate version of a song is not that catchy or deep as the original version. I always write in English if it’s meant to be in English that way I don’t let my mind play games with me.

Yes, I believe that with time you become more natural with the other language and express your feelings better. But in my opinion your original you is in another language. Try explaining your deepest thought in another language. Hard, right? But hopefully I’ll all be a process and I’ll get better with time…

I am me in Spanish. Everything else is just a translation.

"Speak up"

I don’t think what I’m about to say next is a matter of my adventures in becoming a New Yorker but I just needed to “speak up”!

I was doing my weekly (ok, sometimes more often) routine wedding dress porn. Wedding dress porn? You know, when you spend hours just browsing over wedding dresses even if you’re not yet engaged or have a boyfriend for that matter. Come on! I’m not alone here, right?

Well, I came across a wedding board of discussion quite good I might add. Everybody is really nice and supportive. They even have threads about “waiting ladies” for gals that are not engaged yet and want to vent (funny right?). It was all peaches and cream until I see a thread about why conservatives aren’t “speaking up”. Let me remind you that this is a wedding site where everyone including same sex marriage shares their ideas on décor, dresses, favors, cakes and all the drama before and after the wedding. I will quote to you the exact post:

“Everytime I turn on the tv I see people making fun of my conservative values. So why is everyone so against saying "Hey I'm conservative and I don't think that marriage should be between 26 women and one man or 26 men and one woman or 2men or 2 women." I'm so sick and tired of conservative people not saying "Hey i don't believe in that". When they see a controversial topic on forums and in public they keep their mouths shut too often. Lately I have seen a subject on here about homosexual marriages. I politely pointed out I didn't agree or feel guilty that I could get married. I was the only person who said they didn't agree and I KNOW that I can't be the only user on WB that doesn't agree with same sex marriage. Or the health care reform and so much more. I'm just so annoyed that people aren't speaking up.

so conservatives: why do you not speak up? “

Just to clarify, I live outside of the US so I don’t vote in the US. Now that I will be moving to NYC I agree with some points of views and differ with others from both liberals and conservatives. But if there is something that I strongly believe is in peace, love and RESPECT.

To me is a way out of context statement to post this kind of statement in a wedding site. You don’t have to agree with the choices that someone makes in life to share all the excitement of planning a wedding and I found this thread completely offensive to any homosexual couples that visit this site. Is it really necessary to point them out, "speaking up" and judge them?

The comments ended up being a fight between parties and soon it began a “who speaks louder” thread. There are places where is ok to be outspoken and “speak out” what you believe in, but a wedding site? Come on people! We need be more respectful and if anyone what to talk about political matters that may offend others they can always go to Fox or CNN.

This post was not meant to be offensive in any way to anyone. So please excuse me if you fell uncomfortable.

The commotion starts!

As happy as I am with the idea of moving to the big city, there is something inside me that feels sorrow. I’m leaving my little island and everything that it represents in my life. Also for the first time I will be living on my own. I’m feeling very vulnerable as I realize that this experience, for good or bad, at many levels will infiltrate my perspective and even my so guarded innocence. And by innocence I don’t mean that “I haven’t committed any sins” look in my eyes. I’m rather referring to my philosophy of true love, my theory that there is good in every person and my unbelievable strong believe that there is a purpose for everything and everyone.

(A piece of what’s on my mind at this very moment.)

Well about the moving, the process is still at hold. I’m supposed to be moving with a dear friend of mine to a two-bedroom apartment in midtown but there had been many inconveniences with timing. I have to be in NYC by September and my friend will move in October. That is one month of rent difference that I have to cover all by myself. Let me remind you that paying a two-bedroom in midtown alone is quite out of my budget. A part for that, my boyfriend is moving with me in January of next year. The apartment lease is for one year so indeed that means that she will have to look for another roommate to live in the leased apartment and us move out or her to move out and leave the apartment for my and my boyfriend. The idea of the three of us living together for the remaining months of the lease is out of the question. They don’t get along good enough to live together. Fairly complicated, I know. I haven’t found a decent solution yet. My only suggestion is to lease a one-bedroom apartment and my friend to live with me for those three months that I will be without my boyfriend and I believe by then she would have time to find a roommate and move with her. I made a commitment with her to share the rent so I have no desire to leave her lacking of options.

That's pretty much what is going on at this stage. The commotion starts…

Introducing myself...

Well, I’m a newbie in blogging so let me introduce myself. I’m a very spontaneous (mainly random) 22 years old gal. I’m originally from a beautiful island in the Caribbean that in due time I will reveal, just trying to avoid stereotypes. I have a BBA in Accounting and studying so hard to pass the CPA exam but that’s a very long story. Anyways, I’m moving to the Big Apple a.k.a New York City or as many would call the land of opportunities (“If you make it here, you can make it anywhere”, right?). That’s the reason I decided to start this blog, a memoir of my countless adventures as an aspiring New Yorker with an island heart.

I will be working in one of the Big 4 or as Urban Dictionary describes: “The last form of slavery in the US. This is where many young professionals begin careers and work 115 hours a week until they either quit or die from exhaustion”. Great job, hu? The way I see, if you can pull thru then afterwards everything will seem like a piece of pie.

I come from a small family and my parents are in the begging stage of a divorce (Yes, the battle of the sides). My little sister in on the path of becoming a pediatrician and she’s my favorite person in the world. She is probably one of the few people that understand my way of viewing the world.

I don’t collect anything other than memories. I’m also a devoted humanitarian, mac geek, travel junkie, fashion enthusiast, music addict, movie crazy and a TV shows lover! I like any way of expressing your mind (often referred as art). And as Pablo Picasso said “Everything you can imagine is real.”

There, a little bit of me. I hope you enjoy my blogs since they are a pure reflection of my journey in becoming an independent gal in a new city. Signing off now but stay tuned for as I begin to face many challenges as an immigrant and a young women in the business world. Let the good times begin!