DOBLE MUNDO PRODUCTIONS WEBSITE IS UP AND RUNNING!

Our Doble Mundo Productions Website is up and running! Make sure you check out the site for all the latest updates! It takes a lot of work to manage all these online accounts, but the hard work pays off!

http://www.doblemundoproductions.com/

WEBSITE COMING SOON

 The Doble Mundo Productions Website is under construction but will be up and running by the first week of May! Exciting new updates and Eddie Michael shows-all on one page! :)

"Live and Breathe" By STARCHEZZ- Featuring EDDIE MICHAEL

We are excited about a current collaboration with a producer from L.A.! Her name is STARRCHEZ and she has multiple musical influences from genres such dance, electro and house! She has been hittin' the studio with our very own Eddie Michael and will be releasing the track, "Live and Breathe" on iTunes soon featuring E.M! There is some HOT tracks to follow so stay tuned for all the latest updates as DOBLE MUNDO PRODUCTIONS is ready to share this talent with the world! Enjoy the snippet below-you heard it here first!

"LIVE AND BREATHE" PREVIEW

Lady Gaga's "TELEPHONE" video featuring Beyonce has finally arrived!!!!!!

THE VIDEO IS FINALLY HERE! Check it out! HOT!

LOVE IT!!!!

"Ring Ring, It's Coming Little Monsters"

Gaga, just let all of us, her "Little Monsters" know through Twitter that it's coming....what else but her video for "Telephone!" Her caption read, "Ring Ring, It's Coming Little Monsters!"
The suspsense is driving me nuts!

FIRE!!!!

Are You Buying Dirty Chonies?

Wow, I always wondered just how many of those undies seen on hangers at retail outlets, are actually returned items? Being returned is one thing, but then having to worry about whether the undies were USED -that is a whole new level of FOUL I did not really want to think about. Maybe someone wanted to show off an expensive pair, just for that one date on Friday night? Or that busy college student had no time to wash their clothes for the weekend of partying so they bought one, only to return it after one or two nights because they caught up on laundry. Or....need I go on?

When I typically see (in the men's department) briefs, boxer briefs, and boxers hanging on racks at popular retail stores, I usually attribute it to underwear that was orginally in a closed package. It eventually find's its way onto a rack after someone opens up the plastic wrapping to get a better look at the size. Yet, after seeing this report with the TODAY SHOW, regarding woman's underwear, I don't want to think about how many dudes out there have had their junk in the trunks and then returned them to the store! From a public health perspective, there are numerous risks that the public could be exposed to if these used articles of clothing were worn by individuals with potentially contagious or untreated bacterial conditions. It just isn 't sanitary!

I am assuming this is common practice (at a higher rate) at woman's outlets because you often see lingerie and other intimates hanging individually- all part of the marketing, presentation, and appeal to the consumer. Guy's stores don't usually have speedos or trunks hanging individually or in a provacative manner, lol.

Now let's be honest. How many of you have ever returned chonies that you bought, after realizing it wasn't quite the fit or look you were going for? Or maybe you wore it, washed it, and then returned it?

Check out the report in the link below. Disturbing! 

RETAILERS CAUGHT SELLING DIRTY CHONIES!

TELEPHONE REMIXES! By Lady Gaga feat: Beyonce

The REMIXES are here! The remixes for Gaga's fierce track, "Telephone" featuring the sexy one herself-Beyonce - will be available exclusively on iTunes and other online retail outlets tomorrow, March 2nd! I am listening to some of them as we speak, and so far I am a fan of the Kaskade and Ming remixes! Where is the video? We want it already Gaga! :)

It Didn't Bite Him In The Ass, But On The Face! Eddie Michael's Unpleasant Wake Up Call

The last weekend in February was set to be a busy and productivs one for the team of:

We were excited to be collaborating with some colleagues during Eddie Michael's (EM) visit to the Bay Area, with a busy weekend that consisted of photoshoots, recording video blogs, choreography discussions, social networking dates, and most importantly-studio time. We had to put in overtime on some long and overdue items.

Eddie Michael and I had planned a phone meeting on Saturday night to discuss details about our upcoming weekend. When I text him around 7 pm, he mentioned that we was at dinner and was already feeling a little relaxed from a few drinks. I was like, "oh great, there goes our meeting" but he reassured me that he would be good to go. When Eddie says he is good to go, it usually means he is GOOD TO GO!

• 
  
  8:30 pm rolled around....no call
• 
  
  9:00 pm.....nada
• 
  
  10:00 pm.....nope
• 
  
  11:00 pm....you can imagine what I started thinking

Midnight rolled around and at this point I was a little frustrated and decided to send him a text message that read something like, "Eddie, I am rather dissapointed that we didn't touch base...." We have an interesting Artist/Manager relationship. We keep many things on a business tip, yet we have a long history of friendship that sometimes works as a double edged sword. At the end of the day, our personalities have a great way of complimenting each other while maintaining lines of communication open and respectful. About 5 minutes later I receive a phone call from a distraught and irrate EM (and my loving text of choice words didn't help) - he had been bit in the face by a dog!

Needless to say, I felt bad about the text I had sent, but I had honestly assumed that EM had sipped one to many drinks and completely forgot about our important meeting. A trip to the emergency room and 10 stitches later, I came to find out that one of his friend's dog had lunged at EM's face while he was in the process of saying goodbye and reached over to pet the damn dog. Below is a picture of the end result (not for the weak of stomach).

Make sure you don't get grossed out easily....

Your aren't eating right now-are you????

 

It really isn't as bad as you might think......

Yet it is still a painful sight.......

I warned you........

Here you go........

OUCH!

As cliche as this might sound, a very powerful outcome came from this unfortunate encounter. It allowed Eddie Michael to look at the bigger picture, while acknowledging habits that are kind of a part of his "L.A." lifestyle. It has served as motivation for him to give up alcohol during lent in what he hopes will be the commencement of a gradual but permanent change. One's worst fears and biggest challenges often transpire when we are reminded by those we love, that we are a spitting reflection of our family's history and dangerous habits.

 Through this new state of mind, we (his friends first, colleagues second) and Eddie Michael are confident that all of the blessings that he has been showered with in talent,will shine even brighter through empowerment. He is ready to take control of a potentially dangerous situation, thus allowing him to not only reach out to the gay community loud and proud, but to music lovers all over!

Here's wishing for a year of lots of music and love! Who's your LOVER? :)

The Anticipation For Lady Gaga'a Music Video "TELEPHONE" feat. Beyoncé Is @ An All Time Peak!

VIDEO SHOOT FOR "TELEPHONE"

The anticipation is at an all time peak- I can't wait much longer! Last week, Lady Gaga and Beyoncé filmed the music video for "TELEPHONE" which has got to be my favorite song on the Fame Monster album. Well, aside from Bad Romance of course (pumps lil monster claws in the air). Pictures are circulating all over the internet from the video shoot in LA last week, with some having been captured in the desert! If you look into it, there is interesting information about how they borrowed the "Pussywagon" (calm down, it's the name of the car, not because there were two female artists in it people!) from Quinten Tarintino-the same car Uma Thurman used in "Kill Bill!" Did Gaga just have a dream one day and say, "I want that car for the video shoot?" Some things we might never quite understand when it comes to that chica. That's why we love her!

"Telephone" has so many interpretations when it comes to the concept of the song. As Gaga shared with MTV News, regarding that non-stop creative brain of hers, the concept for the song isn't only about an actual cell, public or home telephone. It also has to do with the person that is inside of her. "That's my fear — that the phone's ringing and my head's ringing," Gaga explained. "Whether it's a telephone or it's just the thoughts in your head, that's another fear." (MTV NEWS)

What is even more exciting is that Lady Gaga and Beyoncé are scheduled to perform the song together at the Brit awards where Gaga is up for three awards ('International Female Solo Artist', 'International Breakthrough Act' and 'International Album') later this month! Where can I watch this????? I guess I have to wait for YouTube?

For more pics from the video shoot, check out:

http://www.photoshelter.com/c/onlocationnews/gallery/EXCLUSIVE-Lady-Gaga-Beyonce-Telephone-Video/G0000JWHxD_Wuu_o/

Meanwhile, I can't help but enjoy the creativity of my fellow lil monsters-check out the videos below! Hilarious! Love it!

GRAMMY TIME: Doble Mundo Productions Represented With Our Very Own EDDIE MICHAEL In The Building!

THE GRAMMY'S

Doble Mundo Productions' very own, EDDIE MICHAEL attended the Grammy's on January 31, 2010! Eddie's extensive work in the industry, long before joining the Doble Mundo Productions team, has earned him some amazing and respectable contacts that acknowledge his talented work. When you are talented and have the right contacts- small perks such as attending the freakin' Grammy's come into play!

Honestly, we were more excited to know what was going on with GAGA on this special night, more than anyone else! As you can see below, she didn't dissapoint us with her out of this world outfit!

photo by John Shearer/WireImage.com - January 31, 2010

As I sat through the show, watching it with my sister and the bff, I received another 411 from our amiga, La Chica Fresa, who was also in attendance. She apparently was scurrying to grab her camera phone and was able to catch the back side to Lady Gaga inside the actualy ceremony with a VERY interesteing change in gear....

Photo by: Sandra C.

I don't know about you, but I see a tail? Hehe. The night would not have been complete if Eddie Michael, didn't get to share his love towards Lady Gaga as he explains:

" As usual, Gaga gave a stellar performance - she even got Elton to weear Gaga glasses. When I saw her passing I yelled, " I LOVE YOU GAGA!" She looked me dead in the eye and didn't say a word. She didn't snob me but acknowledged me with her eyes. I got a little scared!"

Wow-maybe he knew the Eddie was a special little monster from her rainbow collection?:)

Eddie Michael had a few close encounters of the STAR kind and kept reporting to us via his facebook and  text's with me. He was on a rolling, shaking hands with several A-list celebs such as Beyonce, Jay Z, and Ricky Martin. The interesting link here is that Eddie Michael has often been vocally compared to Ricky Martin himself. Perhaps that is whay a formal connection was finally made at the awards ceremony last night? Whatever it may be, it was a cool experience for our pop prince to mix with some very respectable artist's in the industry!

Oh and apparently a few artist's felt like posing for Eddie Michael-the diva herself, Celine Dion, struck a quick pose as she was escorted back to her seat!

The rest of the night was a blur to Eddie Michael as he attended some of the after parties and watched Ne-Yo perform, while consuming lots of bubbly drinks! Until next year-I will make sure to have tons of cameras ready to go, as we plan for an extra ticket for me to check this puppy out for myself!

The Journey Begins, Or Is it A Continuation?

   When I was a little kid, I thought it would be cool to be a doctor. My parents used to encourage me to help people and I thought that a road in medicine was the way to go-no questions asked.
   Throughtout the years, I gained perspective, was slapped with reality and found myself having to re-assess what exactly my role was through a career in medicine. Granted, my other passion includes music and I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by talented individuals who allow me to tap into that dream.
   I majord in the sciences during my undergrad years and struggled, for many reasons that I now have a better understanding and grasp over. I went on to obtain my Master's of Public Health degree and it provided a platform in which I understood the importance of preventative medicine/health awareness and the power in community organzing. 2009 served as a re-energizing of sorts for my life. I had the opportunity to reflect and enjoy myself during a time that I really needed to gain a better understanding of what I want out of life. My amiga Gabi recently helped me put things into perspective when I asked her if I was selling myself short by not going to medical school. Simply put, she asked me if my ultimate goal was obtaining the M.D. and having that almighty title of "Doctor" or whether it was the ability to provide for my communities through clinical training and my heart.
   I realize more than ever now, that I want to provide for my immediate family, future family and the communities that I work for. These include the underserved, underrepresented and populations that often times do not have access to quality health care. I can achieve this through various avenues and medical school is not the only choice. My focus is peeked and I am going to make the attempt...................a career as a Nurse Practitioner is what my heart is telling me to pursue. It would compliment many of my dreams and aspirations, while having the ability to make a significant impact in my community while still having a life! The road is by all means, not an easier one to take but it seems like one that I can achieve with passion and conviction. I must attempt it. Are you with me?

GA-GA for GAGA!

I just can't get enough of her! Who am I kidding? WE can't get enough of her! Since I purchased Lady Gaga's  MONSTER FAME album, there is no going back. Aside from the radio hit, "Bad Romance" I can't get enough of her song "Telephone" featuring Beyonce!

As some of you might be aware, Beyonce has a track that features Lady Gaga, titled "Video Phone!" The song is cool and the video is another one of Beyonce's recent trends, more emphasis on the artist and bodies of people versus the extra's via scenary, props etc. Not one of my favorite videos but I am not going to diss it either. BUT the wait is almost over! According to MTV News this week, GAGA is not only busy rehearsing for her OPENING performance on the Grammy's this Sunday (according to Perez!!), she is also in the middle of "rehearsing for video shoot for her next single "Telephone" (featuring Beyoncé)!" I CAN NOT WAIT!!!!!!!!!!  Doble Mundo Production's very own, EDDIE MICHAEL will be attending the Grammy's and will have the privilege of seeing the new Diva of Pop do her thing-LIVE, while the rest of watch at home! Oh..and no-no...Eddie Michael isn't nominated for a category just yet. Soon though! :)

How many of you are going to check out the Monster Ball Tour when it comes back to the states, as only Gaga herself would do it, RE-Invented!?!?

"Un Dia A La Vez"

This song holds so much meaning to me for various reasons. It has pulled me through some of the toughest times and has inspired me on various occassions. There are different interpretations of the song but the overall message is a reminder that we have to live life, ONE DAY AT A TIME! I want to thank my Abuelita Paulita for instilling this life long concept within me!

Drums-Rock 'N Roll, Bad Ass-Vegas Whores, Late Night-Booty Calls, Shiny Disco Balls! Oh, And A BEAUTIFUL Wedding In Between!

VIVA LAS VEGAS!

Calm down-the title of the blog is an actual song (the first part at least, lol)! This town always manages to bring out the best in many of us. The incoherent words, deepest of our inhibitions, and the alcoholics and foodaholics in many of us! I love me some Sin City! This trip was just a little different though..we were in route to see a very dear friend marry the love of his life. I really love Frankie and Cristal and have always felt like they have reciprocated this love, even throughout the many years of my insecurities and transitions. Yet, in the end, I was reminded that I can upset my friends more in not being comfortable enough to share my whole life with them, rather then worrying if I would be judged.
Anyway, the weekend was fabulous!! :)

FRIDAY
I left the house at 6:40 am to pick up the girls! Whose bright idea was it to catch such an early flight? LOL. Yet, I was happy to see my Bio chicas Roxy and Vero. It's funny to think back to the days in the library when we thought we would never get through finals...and here we are today: with careers, families, and attending each other's weddings!

AM: The girls and I checked into our hotel PARIS and the lady at the check-in counter had us rolling! Roxy asked if we could have our rooms on the same floor and the lady was like, "oh yeah, I can even put you guys next door to each other!" Of course I was like..."woohoo" (then I remembered I wasn't in Disneyland!) The front desk lady knew what was up, lol:

Front Desk Lady: Ahhh...I don't think he (pointing at me) wants a room right next to you ladies
Me: Was my face that obvious? "Noooooo....I didn't say anything"
Front Desk Lady: Oh but I know honey...its Vegas baby!
Me: LOL. "I am actually more worried about them, then me"
Front Desk Lady: "Oh now, don't worry-remember what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas" as she proceeds to wink at me. LOL! Why did she end up keeping us next door to each other?

After freshening up, we went to have some buffet for breakfast (a big boy's dream), at the Wynn hotel. Roxy insisted that we have unlimited Mimosas and well-we could not resist. Vero and I also thought we could handle third's but after our second serving, we called it quits!

Afternoon: We decided to walk off our food (and i was so wishing I could include these miles for my January fitness challenge), checked out some of the strip, and went to the mall for some last minute shopping before the wedding. My changita Marcy joined us after she got out of her internship and we shared some laughs. While sitting with the girls and making myself look like a pimp, we were approached by a couple of different promoters and decided we would take up the offer to get some VIP for the girls at Club Jet where singer MYA would be performing that night.

By late afternoon, the mimosas and margaritas had me talking nonesense so we headed back to our rooms for a lil R&R before the long night ahead.

PM: We grabbed some dinner that night at a restaurant named Okada-one of the most delicious Japanese restaurants I have ever been to! Thank you Rox for the suggestion! Unfortunately, we had to rush through dinner in order to make it to our show, Le Reve, on time. Le Reve was awesome and what beautiful gymnists they had!:) I wouldn't mind having one of those shows on a weeky basis! LOL. After the show, and a little chaos later, we ended up inside of JET nightclub and had a blast!

It was an awesome night at Jet and at one point, I was crying while Frankie (the groom to be) got a little emotional. The tears were quickly wiped away when the music got Bay Area hyphy, lol, and before we knew it we were all pulling a Latino Jersey Shore with our "fist pumping!" LMAO! A sight to see! It was awesome hanging with my Bio nerds. I love them!

Then Mya hit the stage! It was cool to see an artist I had only seen on MTV and music awards before, so up close and personal. After the show was over, we kept the party going and about 15 minutes later, as I happen to turn around, who do you think was passing right by me? Yes, MYA! I couldn't help but call out to her:

ME: MYA! You did a great job!

MYA: Stops...turns around and says, "Thank you hun"

Roxy: Hi MYA!

MYA: Hey girl!

Just as Mya was about to mingle with us for a second, some drunk idiot starts a rumble and they quickly take her away, while the rest of us took cover and covered our girls. It took 6 security guards to subdue the 6'2 animal. Anyway...that was my moment with Mya-good enough considering the circumstances!:)

Now, have you ever had an annoying little brother or sister that would always knock or call you at the most inapproriate times? Just picture my lovely neighbors (yes Vero and Roxy) knocking on my door and calling me non-stop for about a 30 minute time frame in the wee hours of the morning. Of course, I could not get out of bed since I was "resting" :)!

SATURDAY

The wedding! Needless to say, we had a very long night and were struggling throughout Saturday for the big day. By the time we had breakfast and got back to our rooms, it was about 2 in the afternoon. We needed to be at the ceremony by 330 pm.

I tried fighting it but took a surprise nap at 2:55 pm (last glance I got at my watch) and woke up at 32o pm. OH SH........!! The wedding was in ten mins! I have NEVER gotten ready so fast in my life, lol! Luckily, we stayed in the same hotel as the wedding and showed up a hot tired mess.

We made it in time and it was a beautiful ceremony. Short but meaningful enough, as we saw both Frankie and Cristal giggle from nerves through their vows. There was a moment when one of Frankie's best men (he had two) gave us all a little scare as he franticaly searched his pocket for the rings, lol. It all worked out though! We are very happy for them!

The reception was sweet and intimate, inside of a suite at Bally's! There was an open bar, appetizers, music and mingling of family and friends. We hit up the Eiffel Tower Restaurant after and I had some of the best Filet Minon ever! All I know is that V and R have expensive taste, lol. I need to collect cans next time to eat out with them!

LAX: The experience that night was all VIP, just the way we like it and the music was hot. J Holiday performed but we were having more fun, fist pumping-Latino style again. As my friend put it, I was going A-Wow! LOL! The most random thing happened to me (as usual) when four random girls entered our section and surrounded me. The dialogue followed:

Random Chick: "Heyyyy, what's up?"

At this very moment, Frankie and Cristal's peeps looked at me as if asking themselves who the heck these girls were.

Me to Random chick: "Hey, um..this is actually a private party"

Random Chick: "Oh, its' cool, I work for NBC"

Me: "Oh, so do you have a card? ( I wanted to see if she was legit!) They will probably still ask you for a stamp so I would check in with the hostess" (as I thought to myself, OK Mrs. NBC-where is your hook up?)

Vinicio (Frankie's Best man): Do you know them Adrian?

Me: "SEPA quien son? " LMAO

They were quickly escorted out as I smiled, trying not to be the bad guy in case I ever apply to reality show and this girl does happen to work for NBC, lol! Hey, can't burn bridges right? For all the guys who are reading this and are wondering-NO, they were not cute! :)

I stayed at LAX until about 2 am and decided to have an adventure since everyone else (my two partners in crime) were a hot mess, but were in good hands. They had promised to venture out with me to the Fruit Loop District for some Fruit, lol, but were enjoying themselves to much so I left in the hopes of finding Carlos who was out partying in Vegas from LA!

I did find good 'ol Carlos with his boys, E & E. The pachanga continued and all I know is that by 5:30, I barely made it to bed!

Shout's to Carlos, Eric and Eddie for completing a great weekend!

What an incredible weekend! It is getting a lot harder to pull off the all nighters in Vegas but the memories are priceless! We joined the newlyweds family and friends for brunch on Sunday morning and caught our flight back home-tired but smiling! I want to wish Frankie and Cristal all my best and I am truly happy for them. It was easy to see the genuine love in the air and there is nothing more beautiful then seeing people who you care about, join in union. This is the first of several very important weddings taking place this year and I am HONORED to be invited and a part of some of them. Sending all my love and until next time......get your rooms on different floors from the friends you are traveling with! :)

Woohoo! 2nd Week Of The Challenge- Bye Bye 3 Lbs!

Ok, so it has only been two weeks, but I have logged in some good mileage and finally lost 3 pounds. The journey continues. 299.2 (was 302.2 @ beginning of year). Yes, the number is big but although I don't always look it-I feel it. Once again, I am putting my personal business out there...as embarrassed as I am ....because I want to hold myself accountable. Having you, my changitos & changitas, keeping me honest is a good thing right now! Let the fitness continue, although it is 12:41 at night right now and I need to head to the airport in about 5 hours. Oh oh....VEGAS, here I come! :)

Check Your Phone: Am I YOUR 1st Number? 'Cause If I Am, You Gave Me A Telephone Show!!

I've noticed that I tend to be the recipient of frequent phone calls from friends, cousins, their kids, and other peeps who have my number stored away on their phone. Why am I so popular? It just happens that I am one of the first numbers on their phones and can sometimes be called, over and over again. Doesn't take me long to figure out that it was an accidental call when:

• I say "HELLO" more than twice with no response!
• I hear muffled sounds OR a
• Muffled conversation

So.....it was recently brought to my attention that I should provide a fair "head's up" to all of you, my changitos y changitas, who have my number stored away in your phone. I know that some of you can talk to me and ask questions about ANYTHING under the sky. I feel very fortunate that many of you trust me with your most scandalous of stories, intimate experiences, or your most heart-felt history. I respect that and hold a true appreciation for those bonds that we share. Now, I just recently realized when it might get just a little bit awkward....let me take it back to the not so distant past...

So I got a call on my cell the other night while in the middle of mixing the masa with my Mom for the tamales we were preparing (can you picture me with my chef's hat, apron & glasses filled with masa? LOL, of course not, that's because I wasn't wearing those articles except for my glasses lol ;P). I didn't answer it immediately because I wanted to avoid getting any more food prints on my poor Blackberry. I looked at the caller ID and thought, "Oh, wonder what ______wants?" As soon as I had a moment I washed my hands off and clicked the handy little #1 on my phone to hear the message. Maybe they were in the mood to hang out? Felt like talking? Wanted to share a laugh? So the message begins to play...

Round 1: I heard it, but I thought it might be a joke. Sort of like when the bff and I get into those modes and start calling peeps, actin' a fool. Hmmm..no...doesn't seem like it (but the onset of the message caused my eyebrows to raise at their highest peek)!

Round 2: I had to hear it again. Was this real? Wait, are they OK? Maybe they were trying to send me an undercover MAY-DAY? Hmmmm..not sure.

Round 3: Listened to the message a third time. IJOLE. My friend and company were QUITE OK (blushing)!

Sure enough....they were doing their "thing" and did not realize that my phone had been dialed on accident. Now I had to think: For you to have accidentally dialed my number, the phone had to have been really close to you or still attached to one of your articles of clothing? All I could do was LOL and think....."How embarrassing if I ever accidentally dialed someone during one of those moments!" Although I must say, they were enjoying themselves and that is a part of the beautiful circle of life!

Anyhow, the point of this message is that you don't have to worry about me ever thinking differently of you if you happen to share certain aspects of your life-even by accident. BUT PLEASE, be aware of your electronic devices! I am glad I did not listen to this message, while in the car with my Mom or Sis, where my bluetooth is connected to the car for everyone's ears to hear! I would have been left with nothing to say or do but the expression below!

Had one of those moments where I wanted to hide...

Crossroads Trading Company

So I took my clothes to this popular retail store that recycles clothes and accepts name brand, trendy items-hey, that's me- Right? On a previous visit, I had dropped off some items at the Blossom Hill location where they did not purchase one item. So I decided to give it a shot and try the other location on San Carlos, where they actually ended up purchasing almost half of my items. Score! That was then, so I figured I would have the same luck this time around. Um.....

So I dropped off my items, since you have that option so that you aren't waiting in line forever, and then are able to pick your money and what wasn't sold within the next two days. I figured I would go back on Monday (last day I could pick up) so that I could avoid the busy traffic of customers and those selling their items.

So when I went to go pick it up, the divo in the front asked his co -worker if she could get my bags from the back. As she comes back with my bags in hand, I can tell that my items (placed them in a Metropark and Macy's bag by the way, lol) are pretty much all still in the bag but unfolded and sloppy compared to how I submitted them.

She begins to speak and all of a sudden, I feel as if I am psychic and know exactly what she is going to tell me. She then speaks:

"Hiiiii, we actually did not end up buying anything back. Yeah...sorry..."

She could have ended it there, but nooooooo...she had to add that last bit of information:

"It is hard to sell some of those sizes like the DOUBLE XX..yeah...sorry"

Mind you, she said it in a very nice way but loud enough for everyone in the surrounding vicinity to hear loud and clear. The divo co-worker just had to turn around all dramatic after she said that to look towards us, as well as the other customers waiting around. I didn't feel very comfortable to say the least. I grabbed my bags and walked out as cool as I could without making eye contact with anyone.

This was my reality. I was pissed, yet what could I say? At the same time, half of my clothes was not XXL and for those of you who shop with CK and other similar name brands, those damn sizes come smaller than other equivalent XL's which is why I sometimes go for one more X so I don't look like I am trying to wear a middrift.

What would you have done? Or is there nothing to be said, it just is what it is? I do have to say that it did add some fuel to my fire in leading a healthier lifestyle yet I have to ask:

• Do they really not have any bigger boys who shop for trendy clothes?


• Did they really base that double xx reasoning on the minority of items I submitted?


• Even though the girl told me in a nice way, did she feel the least bit bad after she made that comment and probably saw me turn red?

I was a bit emotional that day. Cabrones...is all I could say. I will be back!

Frustration With Weight!

NO change in my weight after a week of continuous excercise. Yet, I am happy that in the first week of our 45 miles in 31 days challenge, I remained consistent and logged in 17 miles of cardio. May the journey continue. I actually took pics for my "BEFORE" documentation. Wow, talk about depressing. I don't feel comfortable posting them yet but I will once a few months have passed and hopefully, some weight loss has occurred!

Our admin office is going to start a weight challenge and some $$ is involved. Yet another motivator! I am on it!

Bad, Bad Practices!

I am not very happy with this article that I came across. With so much poverty, homeless individuals & a society that is currently facing challenges in making ends meet, comes this bright idea from retailers to do the OPPOSITE of what many of us would instinctlively want to do.

Apparently, a college student discovered that an H&M store (a retailer I enjoy) in NY was throwing away clothes and slashing them up so that they could not be worn if found by others. It appears Wal Mart items were also found in the area and as word of this article has spread, other former employees of retail stores are guilty of the same practices.

Why not just donate the items to people who need them? Seems so easy, right? Apparently, individuals who are familiar with these type of retail outlets have voiced their insight about such practices, stating that companies don't want to "de-value" their name brands by having homeless people wearing their items. WHAT? Come on....really? There are so many of us in the community who would easily volunteer our time to ASSIST these businesses in identifying organizations who could distribute clothes to individuals in need. Why not collaborate with your local community and non-profit orgs.? Some stores do claim to have a regular system of donating excess merchandise to local charity but it appears to be rare gesture. These practices are frustrating to hear and have made me aware of where I can keep my eyes open.

ARTICLE LINK BELOW

http://shine.yahoo.com/channel/beauty/h-m-and-wal-mart-destroy-and-trash-unsold-goods-562909/

EARTHQUAKE!

For most of us in the Bay Area, we can't help to compare every trembler to the '89 Loma Prieta Earthquake. Today's jolt got some of us thinking..."is this it?" "Is this going to be the big one?"
All of us here at the office thought there was major stomping going on upstairs and a passing big rig but we quickly realized it was a trembler. Luckily, it was short lived, but this is one of four noticeable ones in the last several days.

Are YOU prepared for the BIG ONE (Earthquake cochinos)?

• Bottled/Galloned Water
• Meeting location for you and the family in case lines of communication are down
• Canned Food
• Matches, Candles, etc
• Warm Clothes
• Radio & batteries
• First Aid Kit
• A week or two's worth of your prescription meds
• Board Games (hey you don't want to be bored
• And many more items according to your personal needs.

I need to get my Earthquake kit ready to go!

AVATAR Sex Scene!

So call me twisted, or curious but a sex scene in the Avatar movie (a movie I think ALL of us have seen by now-if not-what are you waiting for!!!) was cut off the big screen to obtain its PG-13 rating! It shouldn't be too weird to be curious to see this right? I mean my bff is obsessed with little dogs that have big packages. Not in a dirty way, but she just always has something to point out or talk about in that category, lol! So why can't I be curious about an Avatar scene of intimacy?

Back to Avatar...so what do you think? Will it involve their braided hair? Yikes? Or do they connect with Mother Earth? I think we saw a brief glimpse of it in the movie and it was pretty intense! Will you be getting the special edition DVD when it hits stores? I think I want to go watch the move again on the big screen!

http://http//www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/05/avatar-sex-scene-deleted_n_411642.html

Upstairs Recording Artist- ANGELINA

ANGELINA, Angelina, AnGeLiNa: For as long as many of you have known me, I have always been such a huge fan of this woman. The first time I met her after one of her performances was at Hollywood Junction, at the tender age of 18 I believe (who remembers that place on 47 Norte Dame Ave). I was in love with not just the talent, but this seemingly down to earth Bay Area native! I remember going up to her behind the club where her limo was waiting with my peice of paper from my planner, asking for her autograph. She looked at me with my peice of paper, giggled and told me "Sure, hold on!" I saw her manager Jo, walk over to the limo and out she came with a poster for me. I was delighted and even slept with the poster next to me that night, lol.

Fast forward to present day. How many people can actually have bragging rights, that one of their favorite artists, is now an actual dear friend? I have so much respect and love for Angelina in so many ways. She has been very supportive towards me and many of my peers during our college days and on a personal note, has added a special touch to my last two birthday celebrations. What brings me even greater joy, is to give many of my peers the opportunity to interact with an artist we grew up hearing on the radio airwaves for so many years. Oh and in my car, room and parties-over and over and over again! :)

She is currently working hard on new material. I have been fortunate enough to check out some of her tracks and they are FIRE! I hope that she continues to record like crazy and that we all get to see her back on the charts. She has a song that she released for all those that were eager for some new music but you can expect some more ANGELINA in the near future. Meanwhile, get a glimpse of Angelina on UpstairsTV, when she performed a couple of weeks before my party last month at the grand opening of Sabor in Stockton! It is also a rare glimpse of her singing some of her new material- "Don't Stop!" ENJOY!

Angelina for life, y que? :p
http://www.youtube.com/user/upstairsrecordsinc1#p/u/6/XNyR7NNcawo

www.myspace.com/angelinamusic

www.twitter.com/angelinamusic

Bloggin Is A Cloggin!

Why can't I figure out how to format my blog? It is beginning to frustrate me. I am also realizing how much time it takes to actually blog. Let's see if anyone is reading this puppy.....I have a question:

Should I:

1. Blog everyday and do a summaryf everyday when I miss some days (as I did on Monday), to catch up?
2. Blog once or twice a week
3. Only blog when its a holiday or something very significant
4. Just try to blog everyday, or as frequent as I can-whether it is everyday or every other day, recaps, summaries of the week, etc.

Please post your vote on this blog! :)

Gracias!

2010 Medley

...And Then It Was Midnight (New Year’s Eve)

9:00 pm: It was 9 in the evening and all through the Espinosa house, not a person was talking ‘cause Adrian was all by himself….LOL. I had tons of food (courtesy of Mama Lupe and sister) and I was wondering if it was going to be just the bff and I (went to pick her up a little before 9). I had sent a text out but it seemed like everyone had plans. I figured even with just her and I, we would have a blast. Do some pranks calls, stuff our faces, talk about life and all those silly things that tend to entertain us!

11:45 pm: Fast forward, and the last of our guests show up as we are about to bring in the new year! We ended up with approximately 25 heads at our place, lol. Go figure? I think the rumor about the great food we have at our parties leaked!  It was a great time with both new and old friends alike. My parents were celebrating in the Salinas Valley so we sent them our love and blessings over the phone but I was still fortunate enough to have my sister’s presence along with our peeps. Great times!

What A Dirty Whore

So January 1st was a sluggish day. We were tired from the day before and the bff and sis woke up to muah making a killer breakfast. That is about one of my only fortay’s when it comes to cooking. I am going to make a significant other, very happy in the mornings-with food, cochin@s! Don’t let my bangin’ body fool you-I may not cook on my own that much, but I eat great meals very often!  Some of that has to change a little though because I need to get my fitness on!

After watching “Sex and the City” we got a very nice invitation to have dinner and a movie with the Ozuna’s. Although in retrospect, I think I invited Olga and I to Blasa and Mario’s quality time. It’s OK..we are lovable additions.

So we head out to their place and I am in a good mood and feeling like a “Samantha” from the Sex and the City crew. Well, upon getting to dinner, I was quickly greeted by discipline, observations, celebrity look-alike comparisons (no, not Mario Lopez) and was de-throned from my Sex In The City moment.

1. The youngest daughter of the Ozuna’s, Tita, is an adorable little girl and very bright as well as…um..totally observant! She also knows how to lay down the law of the land. I was being polite and wasn’t going to start eating the delicious food prepared by BB until everyone got their plate, but I decided to grab a chip to munch on. Oh boy-wrong move!! All I got was a little hand up in the air waving a big “no-no” and a set of blaring eyes on me as Tita said, ever so eloquently, “ uh-uh, u aw not supowsed to eat until Daddy sits at da table!” I had officially been moded!
2. I then proceed to bring up the movie we had watched and tried to be sensitive to the presence of the young ones and brought up “School in the City”….and the bff (apparently a little slow on child advisory’s) decided to correct me, “You mean SEX IN THE CITY” as if she was on a microphone and was speaking to those hard of hearing. I proceeded to mimic the “look” Tita gave me, right back at the bff!
3. The head of the household Mario then decides he and I have reached a point of respectable comfort-like amigos! Love it and totally agree! With that, came an initiation of sorts. He proceeded to tell me he agreed with some of our fellow peers (who I so lovingly refer to as chismosos) that I write long status messages on my Facebook. My questions to him, as it is to everyone, is –why read them? I wasn’t quite feeling the love. I thought he was going to compliment my cool sense of style or how I devote my heart to thy community. Oh, it gets better…
4. He then proceeds to tell me, that I remind him of a certain television personality on a new hit show that is all the rave. MODERN FAMILY. Enough said, I am not going to open this up any more than I already have-the nerve!  
5. Oh and to top it off, after the movie, I was told I was far from a “Samantha.” I suddenly found myself having to defend my slutty-ness or lack of, according to the laughing Hyenas in the car. Yet, I realize that looking like a nice school boy in the eyes of my respected elders, is only to my benefit. 

 The Ozuna’s-I have so much love and respect for them. I am very happy that we have entered another stage of comfort and that they are now a special part of my circle of friends who I consider familia!  Abrasos!

Chillin' and Spillin'

Saturday was a chill day. Cleaned, rested and instead of going out to the club with my sis (since she does not like to invite her brother sometimes), I went over to Selena and Efrain’s with the bff. Later, Gabi joined us, since she was visiting from LA and we needed some quality time. 

Wow-who knew Sel was so heavy on the alcohol when making drinks! She would be a wino’s dream come true if she were making and serving the drinks, lol. All I learned was that at this age: Alcohol + Olga + Smart ass friends = TMI in one night and some bullying of the chubby guy! It was a riot though.

I am still waiting for the SOON TO WED couple to figure out what my IMPORTANT role is going to be in the wedding, since I was eliminated from the other possibility with the flip of a coin. Thanks guys! Love you both! 

I finished off the weekend in great company. Ah yes, I am seeing the trend as I was put on blast by my Vegas amiga on Facebook-always at social gatherings involving FOOD! Major intervention needed (thanks Stef)!

A Taste of Oaxaca

Anyhow, I met up with my cousins from another mother-who are some of the funniest and most loving Salvi’s I have ever met. Cande, Erich, Lissette, Fer, and myself went to Mezcal Restaurant and had some great appetizers. Minus the chapolines (grasshoppers) this time around! We concluded the night with some pastries and coffee!

Ay Rullliiiiiissss! No more food! What a fitting transition,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,

The Weight Challenge

I did my official weigh in today, 302.2. How the F^$% did I allow myself to get to this point again? It is super hard to even write that on here and put this personal aspect of my life for others to read. It has been over 4 years since I hit this mark. I am so mad at myself, added with a touch of major case of the “self-conscious syndrome” but I HAVE TO make changes-NOW!

The journey continues…..what a great start to 2010 overall! So much left to write in this chapter of my life…of our lives! Adelante!