Taking Back Mi Barrio

It is my adamant belief that not everyone should be able to own a pet. There is no denying the many issues that plague my community better known as the Southwest side of Chicago. Gangs, dirty streets, poor infrastructure, and an abyss of transgression as well as hard working Mexican familias. Through my unwanted daily walks to and from the bus stop, it is overwhelming and inevitable to see the many families residing in this community that own dogs but have them locked up in the backyard only to be heard and not seen. It makes me angry and sad for my furry friends, which I have a devoted love for.  There have been several instances where I have called Animal Control, the Police and the Anti-Cruelty Society to come aid my defenseless friends. Still, not much is done for them. My passion for this matter has even provoked me to peacefully confront some of these owners and try to make them realize that their actions are cruel and selfish. For so many years I have wanted to leave my neighborhood and it will happen one day. However, I have also realized that my community needs me. I would like to see my community become one that people would like to visit and live in.  In addition, I want to help fight the long standing stigma that the "South Side" is a scary place. More importantly, I want to educate. Hey, I may be severely white-washed, but my roots will always remain a strong part of who I am. Still, that doesn't mean I want to be stuck in an oppressive state of mind. I believe in assimilation, as long as it doesn't compromise your values. The dog issue is just one of the endless issues my community faces. Litter on the streets, our young Latino men being sucked into gang life, poor quality of food selection and mediocre commerce that mostly include liquor, dollar and cheap grocery stores, found on every corner. These are all issues afflicting this once clean and thriving community. I realize my mission is clear and attainable.  As much as I appreciate the melting pot that  Pilsen has become in recent years, I don't agree with the concept behind it and which is gentrification. It shouldn't take Anglo-Americans to move in to make our communities "better".  It should be brought on by our vision, our values and our hands. We must thrive because its important to us and because we value a clean, decent and culturally independent environment. 

Let's bring out the best in our Latino communities, e.g., Little Village, Gage Park, West Lawn, Brighton Park.  The potential is there. Furthermore, thinking the streets are our garbage disposal. I expect more from my people, sometimes we just have to shed some enlightenment; and I am pleased to shed it...

To taking back my community!
CurlyHairGirl

Mr. Big? Not SO Much

Who hasn't experienced the emotional recklessness of a failed relationship?  More importantly, how do we find the vigor to pick up the pieces and continue on with our existence? Unfortunately, what often becomes compromised in between such a dark and bleak moment is our maturity level. I know you wouldn't believe it, but even someone as mature and level-headed as myself, has had her moments of desperation and emotional pandemonium. Many times I questioned my own sanity in the midst of this infamous relationship that I would regard as unhealthy and turbulent. Finding myself in a much better place now, I often reminisce on my actions as well as those of my former partner's. The reality is, we both should have dissolved our association, many moons ago. Although, there was once a time filled with bliss and joy, the reality was that it would never be that again; regardless of the considerable effort on both of our parts. Our attempt(s) to resolve the issues that greatly afflicted us, only led us to an obscure and grim place that will forever haunt me. I guess I always thought he was my Mr. Big (gasp)!

As my super clever friend said to me once (jb) : "just remove yourself from the situation."  I will live by these words moving forward. It can be easy to lose focus on your values and beliefs, for the sake of pleasing someone else's. Essentially, I realized, how being honest with myself and my partner about my expectations (which i take full responsibility for lacking) is the only way to go. In addition, I realized that I shouldn't have to work so hard to make a relationship work or I shouldn't have to sacrifice who I am and what my values are for someone who should respect me and cherish me for those same values. I never want to be in that dark place again. Sometimes its not meant to be, but it does not mean things should end in a spiteful and disrespectful manner....

To letting go and being true to myself again....

Truly Yours,
CurlyHairGirl

A Revelation....

A recent quandary has transformed me in more ways than I imagined. This revelation has prompted me to alter my lifestyle to a more holistic one. I started with surrendering a large portion of my favorite foods (predominantly unhealthy processed animal and dairy products), allowing me to implement a more organic and healthy diet. I'm already quite active with rigorous boot camp, body fit and cardio classes. In addition, making the switch to paraben and sulfate-free products was not an easy transition (my hair and underarms are still trying to adjust). My dilemma surfaces as I begin to wonder where to draw the line? Am I ready to completely renounce dairy and meat products? Am I strong enough is the question, really. During my lunch this afternoon, I stopped in to Kramer's,(a store that sells all holistic and organic products) in the South Loop. When I go in here, I try to steer clear from asking for any type of assistance. Usually I know what I want and I check out quickly. Why you ask? Because I tend to come out traumatized and paranoid after speaking to one of the employees, today being the case in point. I proceeded to ask Sheila advice on an effective shampoo for thinning hair. She immediately offers her advice and informs me that the problem is not my hair but my eating habits. Essentially, she accused my liver of being toxic and soiled which is why my hair follicles are "torpid" as she described it. For thirty minutes she lectured me on the need to start a juice diet and subsequently give up dairy and meats produce. Otherwise I am looking at a short-life span. Though I greatly appreciated Sheila's time and advice, this is not the first time I have heard this shpeel. Still, the way Sheila described it put a serious jolt in my day. Exiting Kramers I began to ponder on my willingness to give up two of my all time favorite things to eat. Am I strong enough to overcome this? Can I really stick to it, if I start it? Then I proceeded to contemplate about my favorite dishes; Kumas burger, pizza, and more poignant....my favorite mom dish: sopes. I can't, I just can't. This recent quandary that I speak of has indefinitely changed me and I will eternally be conscious of what I put in my mouth. Nonetheless, I realize all is fair in moderation. I can opt to consume a more natural selection of dairy and meat products, enjoy their invigorating flavors, meanwhile be conscious that I should consume them infrequently. This life-changing journey has also swayed me to want to educate and raise awareness about nutrition, particularly in the Latino community(s). As a Latina, and through much observation of my own community and family dynamics, I realized that we are notorious for consuming large portions of red meat and dairy products. Not always being mindful of the excess of harmful toxins involved. Giving up meat and dairy should be the wise choice, however, I don't think I am ready to jump ship just yet. I have done significant research, finding other great options which are rich in vitamins and are considered "super foods". I feel renewed and I want to help others. Here is hoping to impact at least one life in the near future.

Renewed and Enlightened,
CurlyHairGirl