Let me praise. I've been short on dough lately because of the budget cuts and all that. I promised one of the moms that I would help her pay for the sleep over Harambee is doing with the kids this friday. And I promised chabela I would take her and her sister to watch a movie for her birthday and then i realized hmmm I'm kind of short on dough. How am I going to be able to do all this. I was like yo JC hollar at your boy need you big man. So, today this lady walks up to me and is like hey man how are you? I'm well. So she is like here let me see your hand this is for you. So I extand my hand and puts 50 bucks in my hand. I was like score thank you daddy, I couldn't stop hugging her.
So now I can take the girls to the movies and help this woman pay so her kids can come to the sleep over. One of the things I wish for is a girl to be part of the ministry who would be willing to do the things I do with the boys but with the girls. A lot of the Hispanic girls who don't get churched want to hang out with me and be part of the bible study I do with the boys but its not inteded for them, its specific for these boys. I might just have to start a separate bible study. And another thing yesterday one of the high school seniors was asking me to start a bible study with him. It gets hard for me at times. In order for me to live here I have to fundraise which takes a lot of time, writing and all that. And also to be able to go to school I have to be doing full time so I won't lose my scholarship and studying requires a lot of my time. On top I have the demands that are put on me by Harambee. Its crazy. Pray for me. A lot of things. Cheryl told me that once you get married with that right person you get some stability in your life. Oh I long for that day. Today a friend of mine was asking me if I ever think about getting married. I'm like sometimes. But one thing is for sure, with the work I do I can't be chasing after no girl making her like me. She needs to see what I do and be able to understand ministry and be okay with me teaching my boys and raising them up and spending time with them or else it won't work. I need to prepare for bible study. Peace in. Glenn you are awesome.

The next step in this blog for me is to be able to upload mp3s. I email blogger and they've told me that its possible. I knew you could call and leave a voice messege with your phone. but I didn't know if you could actually post songs. I spent about 3 hours trying to figure it out with out reaching for help from my teq friends. But now I know I can do it. All I have to do now is figure out the html for it. Hey Jason help a brother out.

So for now until i figure out how to do it. Here is a song I like very much by the friggin' greatest band of all time. U2 rocks! The first time i've heard them was like in 8 grade trying to figure out what the heck I was doing in the US of A. Where was I headed. To an apple orchard to work day in and day out without any health insurance or any retirement plan. Hey! you all need to be thankful for all the immigrant workers that serve ya'll day after day. These people breakk their back to help carrry this country forward so be thankful for them. God comands us to love the alien to give him/her food and clothing. And I know God ain't talking about no imaginary space creature.

But until i figure out the html for audio here it is in writing another great tune by U2 titled 'Do you feel loved' I know I do, loved and blessed to have so many friends that care for me and love me. Do you feel loved?


Take these hands, they're good for nothing
You know these hands never worked a day
Take these boots they're going nowhere
You know these boots don't want to stray.

You got my head filled with songs
You got my shoelaces undone.
Take my shirt, go on, take it off me
You can tear it up if you can tie me down.

Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?

Take the colours of my imagination
Take the scent hanging in the air
Take this tangle of a conversation
Turn it into your own prayer.
With my fingers as you want them
With my nails under your hide
With my teeth at your back
And my tongue to tell you the sweetest lies.

Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?
And it looks like the sun
But it feels like the rain, oh.

Love's a bully, pushing and shoving
In the belly of a woman.
Heavy rhythm taking over
To stick together a man and a woman
Stick together man and a woman
Stick together.

Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?

And it looks like the sun
But it feels like rain
And there's heat in the sun
To see us through the rain.

Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?
Do you feel loved?

I miss my family very much. My birthday is coming up and I will get a phone call from my mom instead of having her coming to the side of my bed early early in the morning and give me a kiss on the lips and one on my forhead telling me how much she thanks God for having me as a son. Dang! I miss her so much. I miss the touch of her skin. And I miss not having that connection with her, she makes me feel wanted and accepted when i'm with her and there is no other place I rather be than with my head resting on her legs while she sits and watches novelas. Expensive thoughts these of mine. Its hard being away from them I miss them a lot and I feel like I can't wait any longer to see them but I know I have to be patient.

Getting To Know Sergio

My friend Edith has so much time on her hands tath she is always coming up with surveys. I normally just delete stuff like that when I get it (sorry Edith) but these time I decided to honor Edith and answer the one she sent to her friends. So here you go my friends, I hope you enjoy reading this and its not a waste of time on my behalf.

1. Full Name: Sergio Alfredo Castaneda Munguia
2. Nicknames: Serg, Cheko, Papi Chulo, Cookie, Horchato
3. Birth Parents' names? Roberto And Maria Del Rosario
4. Number of candles that appeared on your last birthday cake? 24
5. Favorite animal: Turtles
6. Tattoo? 5
7. How much do you love your job or jobs? I love
it, Urban Youtwork Rocks!
8.Birthplace? Colima Mexico
9. Favorite vacation spot you have been to? San Diego
10. Ever been to Africa? Hecky no
11. Stolen any traffic signs? Hecky no, I’m already breaking the law by being as an undocumented Messican.
12. Ever been in a car accident? One time
13. Croutons or Bacon bits? Bacon bits
14. 2-door or 4-door car? 2 door small truck
15. Coffee? Yes please! Venti iced coffee with 3 pumps classic.
16. Salad Dressing? Rancho
17. Favorite dessert? Spumoni ice cream cake…mmmmmmmmmmm…….
18. Favorite Number? 13
19.Favorite movie? Amorres Perros and Traffic
20. Favorite color? Blue..South side for life what what!!!!!!!!(j/K, I don't gang bang anymore)
21. Favorite Holiday? Christmas
22. Favorite Foods? Messican…favorites are carne asada and chicharron tacos.
23. Favorite days of the week? Saturday and Sunday
24. Favorite TV Show(s): Road Rules and the Real World
25. Most recently read book? Always Running
26. Perfume: Gucci Envy, Liz Clairborne for Men, Curve, Aqua de Gio
27 . When was your last hospital stay? Never
28. How many times did you fail your drivers test? None
29. Where do you see yourself in 10 years? One day at a time (right Esther?)
30. What do you do when you are bored? Nothing that’s why I get bored
31. Last Vacation? The Caimen Islands….ha.. yeah right. Mexico City
32. Next Vacation? The Evergreen State
33. Last concert? OP10 and Enoc
34. First thing you would buy with a million dollars? Give half of it
to my parents. With the other half finish college, buy groceries, and a Ducati Monster 900.

Good stuff. Apart from almost falling asleep during my anthro class, having to clean Peppers doo dooh off the porch, having to confront Devaun about his missbehavior, having to say no to some of the kids I have a special bond with, getting lip from different people, I had a pretty good day. But I forgot about all of that after I met two new boys from the community. One of the reasons why i'm working with Harambee is to do outreach. I got a chance to do that, two boys from the community asked me a question about the center. Both are seniors in high school, I got the opportunity to get o know them and talk to them find out what they do where they work where they live. I found out that I tutor one of their little brothers. So it was good. I think I need to start doing more fundraising because I'm getting busy with all the people I'm working with and I've noticed I've been short on dough.
I need to remember to go up the street and pray with a family that lost a son. The boy was burned alive inside their garage. I feel sad about it. No parent should outlived their children, they are doing a novenario this week for him. A novenario is a nine day prayer at the home of the disceased its a Catholic thing, for ya'll who don't know about Catholicism. I think this is the right explanation. I'm I right Panda?


Computer Classes are awsome.

Ana exercising her computer skills. She come from a family of 11 kids. I'v known Ana since she was 4 years old.

This girls is awsome look at her focus.

Sometime its gets too complicated and stressful to know what to do and this is an example of it. Neto was frustrated about not being able to type as good as Bryce. This is the first time Neto has gotten any formal computer training.

Let me admit I was falling asleep today during class. Need to stop going to sleep late, although I have a good escuse I was spending time with my friend Von last night. We were out in the back porch talking about our day. It was nice out there, there was a full moon which was nice, it reminded me of a friend. I pray you are well.

I found a nice walkman today. While walking back from the administration building to meet up with Chris so we could come home. There on the edge of one of the gardens in the quad was it. So, i picked it up of course with the thought of doing the right thing. I'm checking tomorrow if they have a lost and found at our college. I have doubts about that. Maybe I'll put a sign up in on the messege boards about it.

Had a good day in the first full afterschool program. And I took some pictures so ya'll can see what we added to our curriculum. Here are some pictures. Enjoy.

First we started with Karate. This is Master Lee, 30 years expierence of Karate. Do not I repeat Do not mess with this guy.


Teacher Amber given the kids tap lessons

And one and Two and come on guys......

Go Omar its your birthday....


Tio Sergio holding Baby Green. Dimitri said I look like a natural father, now if I can only find a good woman to marry me.

Back home from school. Today was good we met for an hour in stats and went over our exam I got a good grade which makes me extremely happy. After stats I met with my stats teacher and went over my proposal for the topic for field study. She was very pleased with my topic and very encouraging. She really liked it plus the brown nosing helped i'm sure. After meeting with her I came home to get some grub before my photo class.

Okay photo was interesting today. But the most interesting was before the class actually started. I formally met a peer that is in the class with me. This person sent me an IM and had a few stimulating conversations about randoms things mainly around tamales and religion which were good. Someone I can actually conversate with as oppose to well whatever. So i'm sitting outside of class and this person introduces themself to me. I was like uh uh uh hi! nice to formally meet you. And then I let ackwardness take over. I felt a little dumb about not being better at the whole intro thing. But I did reedem myself and apologized for being so awckward. Okay Pandita?

Now I'm home getting ready to go tutor.

Carne Asada y Shower para Pepper

Hello kiddies. I wish ya'll could of been here but ya'll too busy doing something else. Yo Lili and Valeria yas missed an awsome cena punks. Wish ya'll could of been here. Well moving on, It was my turn to cook dinner 4 da household homies. I made some carne asada tacos with sopa de arroz and guacamole. Here are some good pictures for ya'll to check it. And I also gave baby Pepper her first bath. I was proud of her. She stayed in the bath and didn't try to escape.



Any guesses on what this is?


From the grill to the table. We had carne asada, with grilled cebollitas and zuchini. And i made some homemade sopa de arroz and guacamole. Got good reviews from the household and from baby Isabel.


Daddy giving Pepper her first bath. Isn't she so cute.

gO oN gEt yOur eAgle oN giRl, What What!!!!!!

I can't remember how long its been since I've gonne out to a club and enjoyed my self so much. Well, apart from some cat trying to brush knuckles and some chick trying to rub up on me everything was cool. It was a good time, Shannon, Erik, Grace, Jade, Rob and Kiki I had fun hanging with ya'll.
Today I got dinner duty for the house. I'm making carne ranchera tacos con guacamole and some sopa de arroz. Ramiro and his family are coming over to eat with us, I'm excited about that. I went to Rascoes this morning to get some chicken and waffles which were goooooddddddd!!!!!!!!! Time to go peace out.


For my friend in the Chi, just in came you want to make this for your hubby.
Guacamole: You get your self 3 good size avocados and a bottle of green salsa dip. You smash the avocados and the salsa together. The texture may vary the more salsa you put in the mix the more liquidy is going to be and the less, well you know what I mean. Garnish with chopped cylantro and onion. Put a little salt and pepper to add to the flavor. Oh! and make sure you leave one of the avocado seeds in the guacamole, this helps to keep it from turning black. Peace out Fresa :)

Rigo can't believe I have my own website, he said put a picture on it of me to prove it. I think he just wants publicity. Regardless, there you go papi chulo amor de rey su foto en la web

My Friend Blair On Grace

I have read this book a couple of times about grace and it says something like this.  Grace is this:  There is a building and it's the most beautiful building on earth and everyone wants to be in there.  It's perfect in every way, but not like TBN with gold seats and overdone makeup, truly perfect and amazing.  And all the people in there are perfect too, also in every way.  They have the best conversations, laugh harder and longer than the rest of us, and they all have the most beautiful bodies you have ever seen.  Outside the building is all of us, and we're really really ugly, noses falling off, open wounds, missing limbs.  And we're boring, in the worst way, I mean John Kerry boring, and we never laugh and are miserable and all we want to do is go in the building, but we're not perfect so we would ruin it.  But one day the perfect building's doors open and all the beautful people inside invite us all in and hug us and talk with us and you would never know we were any different and it's amazing.  But we didn't change at all.  We're still the same ugly, deformed, broken and generally dead people that we were before, but for some reason that just doesn't matter to the people in the perfect building.  And that's grace, we change nothing, but Jesus dead and ressurected changed the game entirely and the doors are wide open and all we do is just walk in. 

Maybe that's cheesy, but I always found it to be rather profound, I mean the grace I grew up with was God accepts you just the way you are, but then, man you better get to changing once you get in the building, make a U turn if you will, but that's not grace at all.  Foolish Galatians I think is what Paul said about that theology.  Anyway, I think grace is really big, and truly, probably more frightening than we can even begin to imagine, but good to continue to think about.  Peace, Blair

Now Blair I know I didn't ask you if I could do this. But don't go and sue(spll?) me for it

How can you teach killing is wrong by killing?
Blessed are the peacemakers,
       for they will be called sons of God or God bless the preemptive wars? Is God Republican or Democrat?

"God is pro-war." - Jerry Falwell

"I think George Bush is going to win in a walk. I really believe I'm hearing from the Lord it's going to be like a blowout election in 2004. The Lord has just blessed him.... It doesn't make any difference what he does, good or bad."
- Pat Robertson, AP/Fox News, January 2, 2004

"It is the responsibility of every political conservative, every evangelical Christian, every pro-life Catholic, every traditional Jew...to get serious about re-electing President Bush."
- Jerry Falwell, The New York Times, July 16, 2004

It hurts, it really does the way our country has behaved in Irak and other parts of the world. I'm not against anyone or any gorvernment. Last time I said I felt bad about the way America has behaved. A friend of mine told me "why the hell are you here? Why don't you go back to Mexico?" This is a "Christian" friend of mine. But what can I say? Its just the way I feel.

Hey faithful readers. Please intercede for Rudy and Kafi and Sam Sam with almighty. Kafi was in a car crash earlier today. From the information I received the car was totaled, thank God Kafi is well but she is pregnant expecting the baby at any time now. And its been hard on all them, I know it has been on Rudy. My prayer is that God gives him strenght of heart and mind to remain faithful.

Esther your sister is in my prayers, Matt bro I love you for speaking on behalf of children from around the world. Everyone should sponser a child, don't you guys feel some kind of guilt that somewhere out there, a child is suffering hunger in the streets? And that you could intercede by sending some money to an organization who is already doing work somewhere in a place of need. Well don't want to make anyone feel bad but please pray for those children. I don't want to sound all churchy and stuff or make you believe I'm a "good" follower of the almight. I have many issues and they are problably worse than yours. But let us all be real to ourselves and to the place where we stand and encourage each other to move forward.

How do you want your Jesus?

Man the church is so contraversial. You never know what you are getting. On a personal level I haven't found a church that I would like to become a member of. I've visited plenty of churches but I always tend to find something I don't like. Don't get me wrong, churches have their good stuff. My issues are more on finding something with a solid foundation. And which is reflected in the congregation. And that has a congragation that is real and when I say real I mean real. Where you feel comfortable to share your life and the things you are dealing with. There are few people that I know that reflect that. Ya'll can light a candle for me on that regard or whatever else you do in your spiritual connection with the Almighty.

Here are some pictures that reflect Jesus in different forms. I think they are awsome. My favorite one is the last one as Revolutionary Jesus. Because Jesus was a rebel like it or not. He went against the norm in a very loving, peaceful and respecful way. He walked with His deciples and people need to understand this. Everyone needs to understand we going to have our own experiences in our walk and they are going to look different from everyone else. A few weeks ago I went to a church service on a friday night. The guy speaking was talking about how he has a great life. And is serving Jesus, blah blah blah. He was like "thats what i'm doing for God, what are you doing? How are you worshiping God, you should worship Jesus like me" blah blah bla. I"m like who are you preaching about? Your self or Jesus? So, for now i'm still searching. I'm visiting a church in Eagle Rock called Christian Assembly, we will see whats up with it.
Which one is your Jesus?

Which one is your Jesus? Lets hear some responses, let me know you are reading this mess.

Rasta Jesus


Ruler Jesus


Laughing Jesus, Cheryl I know you have this painting somewhere at the Center For Sharing


Revolutionary Jesus, my personal favorite

One dream of mine

One dream of mine is for starbucks to serve breakfast burritos. Think about it! You want coffee in the morning and for those of us that can afford starbucks everyonce in a while, we go get our coffee there. For me it would be convienient to be able to get a chessy scramble soft eggs with bacon and salsa and a touch of ketchup burrito at the same place I get my venti iced coffee with 3 pumps of classic. It would be a great thing. But then if starbucks did this would problably be a seaweed and tofu con salsa burrito. Which wouldn't be that bad but still come on, keep it real. I bet that not to long from now they are going to do something similar. And you can bet your bottom dollars I'm going to be enjoying it. Well, if they keep the burrito under 5 bucks of course.
What do you guys think? How can starbucks serve you best?

Right now I'm waiting for Ramiro to show up but este vato is somewhere stuck in traffic problably.
Okay kiddies catch ya'll later.

Que onda Ana? I'm here posting up a new blog and Ana just sent me an IM which caught me by surprise. She was asking about this blog.
Today was good. Had my first exam in stats which went rather well. Then I had photo which was kind of boring well at least the lecture always is. The professor should let us spent more time doing lab work rather than in the classroom. I believe when it comes to photo it is better if we are doing hands on work. But thats just me. Got a busy schedule coming up. Tomorrow I got Anthro, after that I meet with the homie Ramiro for couple hours, Gotta pick up a fridge and stove (anybody in need)
Friday helping Eliel with a concert he is putting on, Saturday mijo Eric's birthday I'm going to make him some guacamole. And on Sunday church, studying and household dinner. But for now I gotta rock out kiddies. Have a good night. And get with it.

Got Spanglish?

Puchale_To push or press
Maicroguey_Microwave

Exa/ "Puchale off al microguey por que se estan quemando el popcorn"

What a long day Monday and Wednesday is. At the moment there is four of us doing homework here at the house. I was feeling a little tired to dig into my math a while ago so I headed to Starbucks to get me a venti iced coffee with 3 pumps of classic nomas. Thats all I can afford now a days. I was glad I decided to go not just because of delicacy of coffee but because I saw Patti Rogel there. She is one of the girls I used to work with when I was working for NorthWest Neighbors. She was hanging out with her cousin, I think the cousins name was Marisol, any way. The cousin offered me a seat so while the baristas where getting my shiznet ready I decided to sit with them for a few. Patti is now going to college and i'm excited about it. Her brother whom I was more close to than her is doing good as well. They are both working at The Soup Plantation so she is like come by on Sunday Sergio and let me hook you up, I'm always working the cashier. So, this Sunday I think I'm having lunch there. Anyone up for it?

My life shouldn't be here
It should be in a story book
somewhere fighting for something more meaningful
than receiving an education
doing someting more than struggling to please a professor
by getting an A on a take home quiz
wouldn't you be more interested in knowing my dreams and helping me achieve them
why do I have to show you a diploma of completion with my name on it
when at the end
all i'm going to remember is a social security number that doesn't belong to me
wouldn't you rather train me to do what I feel called to do
without me having to write a grammatically correct paper
when in reality I'm not going to change lives by helping them write
I'm going to change lives my sharing mine
I could scream so loud
until the veins on my neck become thick with blood
and yet you still couldn't understand my feeling
you still haven't seen how numb you are
Tired of American sarcasm
At times I lay down hoping to wake up
A long time ago
Superficial eyes passing me by
someone said let the world change you
and you will change the world
I live trying to understand it

Harambee Faces

If you ever have been to the Harambee you will problably recognize some of these faces. Pray for them. If you ever plan on volunteering these are some of the faces you will encounter.


Lil Rich staring strong.

Horchata after being caught playing the piano

Joanna trying to hide behind grandma

Danny, whats uuuppp?

Tierra devoted to doing her work

Who wouldn't love Brenda

I love this boy, his name is Calvin and he is one of the 25 nieces and nephews I have. A few months ago my sister and Calvin came to visit me for a couple weeks. It was good having both with me.

Feliz Birthday Ty

We celebrated Tywanda's birthday. It was fun especially having it in Jills backyard which is very cozy. Esther I told you I was going to put some pics up, here you go. By the way I forgot to tell her happy birthday for you but I will tell her next time I see her aight.

First off we start off with the birthday girl, Miss Tywanda


A little dancing


Happy birthday to Vic Demone as well


The homie Deon


Musiki I had fun performing with you


Rebe it was fun haning out


Mami estas son para ti, espero que estes bien. Quiero decirte que te amo mucho y te extraño mucho a ti y mi pa'. Espero verlos pronto, tu hijo Sergio Alfredo




A part of Jills driveway has a little car port which is covered by a grapevine and its really cool plus it smells great underneath there.

BE STRONG

Be strong!
We are not here to play, to dream, to drift;
We have hard work to do, and loads to lift;
Shun not the struggle-face it; 'tis God's gift.

Be strong!
Say not, "The days are evil. Who's to blame?"
And fold the hands and acquiesce--oh shame!
Stand up, speak out, and bravely, in God's name.

Be strong!
It matters not how deep intrenched the wrong,
How hard the battle goes, the day how long;
Faint not--fight on! To-morrow comes the song.

Maltbie Davenport Babcock

MY ALL TIME FAVORITE U2 SONGS

-Dancing Barefoot
-Do You Feel Loved
-Gone
-I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking for
-I will Follow
-New Year's Day
-If God Will Send His Angels
-Kite (Picture this- My mom told me when I moved out and away from her and her husband that she found my dad in the bathroom holding his face looking down and crying because I moved away and thought I didn't love him anymore. I love my dad dearest and I miss him. Well, that night while driving and my two friends were sleeping I cried the whole time listenting to this song missing my dad and since then I think about him everytime I listen to this song when I'm driving by myself I cry to this song, it holds so much feeling).
-New York
-Where The Streets Have No Names
-One
-Please
-Wake Up Dead Man
-The Playboy Mansion
-In God's Country
-Pride (In The Name Of Love)
-So Cruel
-Staring At The Sun
-Stuck In Moment
-Sunday Bloody Sunday
-Sweetest Thing
-Trash, Trampoline And The Party Girl
-Trying To Throw Your Arms Around The World
-Walk On
-Who's Gonne Ride Your Wild Horses
-With Or Without You

Everyone of these songs is a theme for a past season in my life and I can connect each to a feeling I've had for something or someone.

¡¡¡¡Happy Birthday Eric!!!! Love You Man!!!!

Gâteau de café et de chocolat


Had an awsome time at the Hollywood Bowl, all the orchestral pieces were captivating. The Moulan Rouchachas were good, these girls can kick high. My favorite part of course was sharing the experience with friends after that my favorite was the Paris Quintet. Here are a few pictures from tonight as well as some from earlier today. Mind you I was not trying to take "good" pictures. I was just taking pictures.

They had an awsome fireworks ending, not quite RoseBowl 4th of July but it was a good closing for their summer series


The Moulan Rouchachas did a good job doing the Can Can. These girls were awsome.



My favorite part of the concert was when the Paris Quintet played. They were awsome. Rebe thought the singer could of worn a better outfit I plead the fifth(spll?).


I hate fact that this picture didn't come out very clear. Oh well.


My friend Robert walking past the Harambee on his way home from school


This is my class please ask God for us. I will do another picture later because some of my class were missing


I think its time for me to go to bed. I didn't realize it is already 1:17am. Dang! I'm out have a good night.

There goes one more week of school. Philo was good today.
Now i'm getting ready to have an executive meeting for our afterschool program.
I don't know if anyone has seen the video for Audioslave's song "Show Me How To Live" It rocks! Me and Danish Boy are watching it right now. Tom Morello is awsome, everyone needs to listen to "Bring Them Back Alive which is on the same album as "Show How To LIve". Tom Morellos has a sick guitar solo in that song. We have special classes today for the kids at the afterschool program. A group of people called "The Junction" are coming and doing photo, art and some other classes. I'm excited about it. I'm going to the Hollywood Bowl tonight I got $93 tickets to watch the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the orchestral debut of Paris Combo, a quintet that has created a jazzy and seductive twist on French cabaret, and 16 high-kicking dancers perform the Moulin Rouge’s original French cancan ending with fireworks inspired by Paris will light up the night sky. But for now gotta go to this meeting so I'll catch you all frijoleros later.

Sore Throat: Any of various inflammations of the tonsils, pharynx, or larynx characterized by pain in swallowing

Sore Throat Remedies: Increase your liquid intake.
* Warm tea with honey is a favorite home remedy.
* Use a steamer or humidifier in your bedroom.
* Gargle with warm salt water several times daily: 1/4 tsp. salt to 1/2 cup water.
* Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol Sore Throat®, Tempra®) or ibuprofen (Motrin IB®, Advil®).

I can't say that it is the worst thing to have but it sure is bothersome. I pray you feel better and are taking care of yourself in your daily doing. Remember the best medicine is laughter so why don't you go get yourself a few good comedies and indulge yourself with tea and honey. And of course get a lot of rest and drink plenty of water.

What a day what a day. I have to say this day was better than others. Got up this morning without feeling very sleepy like I usually do. Like yesterday, I set my alarm to get up at 5:45am but then when it went off I didn't realize It was time to get up. Oh! its time to eat dinner i'm over a the Carrascos and we are about to eat dinner with all the interns.
Okay I am back after 2 hours. In between I showered and got myself together. Now I'm over at a starbucks in east pasadena doing homework for my Anthro class and enjoying a venti iced coffee while thinking I should of brought a sweater because this place is a little chilly but I don't mind it. I was listening to four Latinas who sat by me. They are discusting their new jobs as teachers. Good for them. We need good role modes who know the mind of our children and are going to shape minds and direct them in the way to go.
Well time to get back to evolution in language.

Help my feet turn from wrong
heal my heart and forgive my sins
that I may walk straight
that men will give you honor for my actions
let them turn to you and give you glory
give me strenght in times of loneliness
let me hold my tongue in time of contempt
let my feet not stumble
keep my thoughts on things pleasing to you
give me time that I may be devoted to you
hold me still that I may hear you
hold me still so my heart can feel you
take away the purple sheet that I may see
don't let me wonder in the wilderness lost
clear my heart that I maybe hear your voice
Lord I beg you breath your breath on me
make me strong and fierce oh young lion of Judah
your name gives me strengh
for you alone made the mountains
oh that I may feel your shadow keeping me
stamp me with your zeal
by my love let it be known I belong to you
glory to you
teach me to be a man after your heart
you alone made the sea and your wonder is seen in it
oh great creator that my faith would grow a bit
Please receive glory from your servant and teach me how to live
I scream your name in all direction and you hear my cry
thank you for delivering me time and time

HC-110 Smells Like Onion Juice

What the deal is yo. I'm elated about having developed my first roll of film today. My photo professor an adbet photography instructor showed us through the whole process of putting a roll of film on a reel to developing negatives. Eventhtought I was amiss through the process the lab tech Ron was there to help out.
Here are a few pictures I took with my handy digital camara duirng the process (thanks Cheryl). I hope ya'll enjoy and my classmates don't hate me for making them famous on line.

My professor guiding us through the process

And then you mix the acid guys...

I wish I could get closer to the action

I love this lady she is so attentive

Hmmm..(comida chinaaaaaa)...I wonder what Ana's sister was thinking

Did he say 3 or 6 minutes for Ilford 400?

Josh, what exactly were you trying to do with your fingers?

Ohhhh Grecia u r so cool! Viva Las Vegas

Sitting listenging to poet Tupac Shakur. Did anyone know that his name is part Inca? Tupac Amaru was an indian chief. Trying to remember how old I was when I started listening to Tupac, and I think it was in '93. I know it was before "Poetic Justice" came out. And there is always something about the fall that reminds me of days, of the days when I owned a dropped down low money green Buick Regal in which I used to hit the streets. Speaker bumpping "Two Of Amerikaz Most Wanted" and "Nothing But A Gangster Party" they were some crazy days boy. Thinking back I was trying to recall what made me change and turn around, bottom line it was Christ. But I remember a time when we stayed out in the bonnies with nothing but homies under the night sky Mary Jane, Tequila and I. Jamming to Mellow Man Ace tunes like Pillow Talk and Hey Stranger to please the hynas. Until that one day. I almost witnessed one of the things I would never slike. A few homies tried to get over on a girl that was just hanging out. I knew that it wasn't something I could ever be part of. They didn't do anything to the girl but that night when I got dropped off at my aunts house at 5am because I could never arrive at my own home that early. Laying there in the living room looking at the ceiling I knew something had to change.

I'm on the corner of Lake and California doing homework.
And I was thinking how often we don't give thanks for the friends we have and we over see.
Friends like Tim Grey. Hey Tim, thanks for the bread man and sorry I haven't been by your house to see you and say hi! I wanna let you know I appreciate you and I want to continue and have the brotherly relationship we've had. Or friends like Azucena. Hey Susie! Thanks for calling me and telling me what I missed in class. Hopefull we can go practice our shutter speed some time. Go 'In-n-Out. What about friends like Peydria whom is willing to listen to my nagging and faux pas whenever where ever. What about Wendy whom is willing to bend over backwards for me at any time. Rudy with our stonewalled relationship as a friends,coworkers, boss-employee, mentor, brother relationship is willing to sit and knock heads, cry together laugh together and be upset and still move forward together. God has seen the things you have done for the least of these Rudy and He will not forget it. Kafi for keeping me smelling like mango, thank you. Martha who has unconditionally loved me. What about Mel, whom can put words together like no other and can listen to me like no other eventhough we are more than 2000 miles away. What about Esther who misses me much and wishes she could hang out. What about Eliel who is willing to walk through the valley of the shadow of death at any time with me and will not leave me nor forsake me. What about Musiki with her great strive for social justice unafraid to tell me when i'm wrong and confront me until I correct myself. Ramiro whom has decided to help me walk and teach me great things and help me think things through like a father and a brother. Who will let me stel his music and will not rob me of life but help me understand it and live it fully for His glory. What about Eric who loves and wills to learn more about Hispanics and pushes to spend some time together even thoug we both live busy lives. Glenn who is not afraid to challenge my theology and tell me he loves me, hughs me, gives me a great big wet kiss when I see him and knows how to make me smile. Cheryl who breaths the life of sacrifice for many like me, thank you. Eric Lipp whom without knowing me let me into his life and his home when I was living on the edge, I think of you often bro. Sharon and Judy whom didn't let leave without getting my information that night at CrossCurrents. Anne who cries and gives thanks for me. Lynn who sees the potential and has hope for me. Phil whom over the yeasr has acted like a father towards me and pulled me out of the gutter without knowing it, thank you Phil. Robert Gordon who through his teaching taught me about social justice and helped not to fit into the mold society has put on me but to go beyond the call and duty, thanks Gordo I will always love social studies and history because you. Gordos's wife Jessica who was there for me the first time I spoke freedom into my life and for catching me and holding me when I was falling down. Sam from Broetje Orchards who taught me the beauty of words and gave me a Thesaurus for Christmas 2004 which I still use. My sister Mimi who has loved me since I was born and has shown me what it means to care. My dad who has taught me the beauty of work and has taught me to be thankful for working hands. I will never forget your wrinkled hands dad, their image will be in my heart always, for listening to me and helping me be attentive, for your tears and laugther dad, for your sense of humor. My mother whom has cared for me since before I came into this world and has shown me how to love and portrays Him more than anybody I know, for helping me be gentle. Rebe thank you for being my friend I will never forget our trip to Mexico City and all the fund memories and the realness that you are. Derek for showing me black is beautiful. My sister Nena for being crazy and enigmatic. My friend Maria who because of circumstance beyond her control struggles and doesn't give up and fights, you are an encouragement sweetheart. Diana for your humbleness, I will never forget the frist time we met you were the first one to reach your hand, and for quenching my thirst on some of those hot afternoons I think of you everytime the moon shines on my skin. My brother Luis who through caring for his family has taught me what it means to be there, i love you bro. Oscar and Fernando for helping me with work and letting me teach them. George Tate for telling me army stories. Dan for helping me change the oil in my truck. John and Anne Tipton for letting me Jayden's uncle. And Jesus who eventhough is not around me in the flesh I can say He is my friend for the life He lived and the example he set before my me. To all you whom somehow or another have loved me and continue to do so. Here is a big thank you wrapped in a hugh sealed with a kiss from this Mexican brother whom you will have as a friend an brother until my bones run dry and I'm called to live in eternity. Know i've shed a tear for each and eveyone of you because you have truly left footprints in my heart. I love you ya'll, I love you all, I love you all, I love you all.

I'm thinking to myself how bogus is the last entry. Who the hell wants to hear about recipe (spll?). Lets talk about young black male pride. So a few days ago I'm walking from class to my car. The paths I was taking lead me through a narrow passage. While going through that passage three young black males are walking towards me. When three people are walking together shoulder to shoulder is kind of hard for other people to walk through at the same time. So I'm walking trying to get to my car and make it to work on time. Mindless of the situation I brush shoulders with one of these black dudes, 5 steps past this this one dude yells at me "Hey escuse your self". I'm respond in "yeah, escuse me." This young men was in the wrong and it pisses me off that he was asking respect in a sitution where he deserved none. It is hard for you to see that you need to move over so other people can pass by. I honestly felt like kicking some butt that day but then I couldn't call myself a peacemaker. Give me humbleness Lord and give me patience with these brothers.

Tostada Topped With Nopales Salsa

Today was my turn to cook dinner so I made tostadas. I fried corn tortillas in oil until they became hard. For topping the tostada I made some refriend beans and Cactus salad. For fried beans you can use a can or two of refried pinto beans (can be replaced by black beans or garbanzo which ever you prefer). What you want to do is add a little milk to the fried beans. This will help give them a better flavor and give them a better texture than just plain dry beans. For the salsa you get a bag of freshly cut cactus leaves from your local super market. Or you can get a bottle which are precooked. But you want to make sure you wash them good before making the salsa. You want to chop depending on how many people you are serving. I put in the salsa of course the boiled and cooled cactus, tomatoes, onion, cylantro, avocado, a little black pepper and salt and a few squirts of lime juice.
When serving you spread the refriend beans over the hard shell tortilla, then add the salsa over the beans. You can garnish with Messican fresh cheese or cheddar cheese. And if you dare a few squirt of tapatio to give it a kick. Thats what I had for dinner. With some ice fresh pineapple juice to go with it. If you want to know how to make the fresh pineapple juice let me know.

MEET THE NEW LOVE OF MY LIFE












I got her from my friend Suemy who couldn't keep her in her apartment. The only thing is that if the rest of Harambee says I can keep it then I'll keep it if they say no than I can't.