I have waited quite some time to write this blog. Perhaps the reality that adulthood is still creeping in has marked my forehead with the words IN DENIAL. But, after many requests and a realization that I am growing; I decided to write it. Here goes…

I recently marked one official year since I graduated. Can you believe that? I can’t! Life after graduation has been so interesting; full of adventures and self discovery. You have probably read some of the summer blogs I wrote. If you have not, go ahead!

After my summer dreamland, reality soon kicked in reminding me I needed a job to pay off my loans. Oh, the burden of Sallie Mae! Unexpectedly, I started working for this small remodeling company in Brooklyn where I jumped in to be the Director of Administration. This was definitely not in my plans, yet it seems that the opportunity was placed in my life for a reason. For one I had the opportunity to do the two things I am best at: organize and administer. Soon I noticed that one thing remains constant in my life: the responsibilities on my plate. The joy! Immediately, I began to grow professionally and sharpen some of my strengths. Of course, I also learned about all of my weaknesses and how much work I really needed.

The months of September through December were crazy because I began to get deeper into ministry work. So many times my character was stretched, my temper tested, and my faith challenged. I was growing as a unique leader while unaware of what was going on behind the scene. God was getting ready to show me some realities that were going to change my life forever.

By the time it was January I was losing desire for everything. The New Year felt old and the burden of ministry was weighing me down. I was getting bored with everything. This was an awkward feeling for me because I hate boredom and try to avoid it! So much so that I have a list of things to research when ever I feel bored, that way I am still entertained. Yes, I love research.

I could not understand why I felt lifeless and unmotivated. Was this really Eliana? Was I missing something? Why was I not being productive at work or feeling on fire in my personal life? I could not stand being in my own head! My emotions were riding a rollercoaster everyday!

So one morning after I finished praying and got ready to go to work it hit me like a ton of bricks. I was still thinking like a college student!

What!

Life was challenging me! It was building character in me and weaning out of my spirit the cyclical tendencies produced in college students to hang in there with something for 3 ½ months and then go on break, then another 3 ½ months and our assignment as a student leader or staff is over. Here I was 4 months into my first post graduation job and it made sense why I was feeling that way. My mind was expecting a new assignment in January, but life said “No sweetheart you have work to finish and a purpose to fulfill.” I realized I needed to come up with strategies that will help compliment my weaknesses. My strength, for example, is motivated by passion, but when the passion is gone and my assignment is still undone, I need to have something in place that will carry me in faithfulness in the tasks until the second wind of passion kicks in. Have you been here before? Did you develop strategies or a game plan?

Let me assist you. Below are a few realizations that have helped me persevere during these last couple of months. So if you feel like you have been in my shoes or currently feel as if you are getting “bored” with what you are doing, read below and hope you are blessed!

1. Realize that there is always a bigger purpose at hand. Your life is one big assignment, and each season in your life represents a different step that is getting you closer to the completion of that mission.

2. Focus on the task life has in front of you right now. It could be school, a certain job, a certain position, etc… What can it help you develop and what are things you want to impart on it?

3. Take it a day at a time. You can’t conquer the world so quickly. Everything takes preparation. Do the best you can every day.

4. Let go of the things you have no control of. But rise up to take control of what is in your hands.

5. Balance! Wake up with a mind to work, but know when to relax.

6. Discipline yourself to finish what you start. Distractions will come. Don’t dwell in them, keep it moving.

7. When the road gets tough, don’t quit. Hang around long enough with something to know the value of why it’s in your life to begin with.

8. Be patient. Sometimes life presents us with the unexpected, but just because something doesn’t look the way we hoped, does not mean it will not work out for our good.

9. When its time to move on, move. You are not doing the world any good by staying where you are not suppose to. It’s like being a square peg in a round hole.

10. Realize that it’s not about you. Ever! Sometimes it’s about helping others reach their vision and soon enough you will stumble on your own dream

11. Lastly, know that your ending will be greater and sweeter than your beginning. You might not necessarily know what that end point is, but be assured that where you start or are currently standing is not where you will end up. Greater things are coming your way!

I hope that was helpful. Feel free to share realizations or truths that work for you! Knowledge is power, but the application and sharing of it is even more powerful.

As I write this, I am full of emotion and awe: Judge Sonia Sotomayor is President Obama’s nominee for the Supreme Court.

A Latina! A fellow Boricua! A contemporary! A lover of Nancy Drew books! Dios mio!

As I watched the live announcement, I couldn’t wait to hear her first comments about her selection. And she certainly didn’t disappoint us.

After thanking President Obama, she quickly zeroed on the people who helped her throughout her life: her family and friends.

But then she singled out her “life aspiration” – her mother.

I know Latinos across this country who were watching were already choked up just for the simple fact that a Latina – an Hispanic – was being named. But I know that we all lost it in tandem when she began to speak in honor of her mother, Celina.

“I have often said that I am all I am because of her, and I am only half the woman she is.” said Judge Sotomayor who blinked rapidly to keep her tears at bay.

Awwwwwwwwwwwww!

I know many of us thought of our own mothers who did all that they could to make sure their kids had better lives. They fed us hot meals, forced us to go to school when all we wanted to do was hang out, yelled at us, went without so we wouldn’t, perhaps administered a few beatings with la correa, and were ready to give up their last breaths for us.

Today, on this historic day, Celina was the stand-in for all of our mothers who prepared us for our lives. But, for now, the spotlight was on her hijita.

“Awesome news about Sotomayor!” wrote Cynthia Maldonado Gonzalez, a Bronx native now living in Paterson, in a text message she sent me just moments after the announcement. She said her own mother, Miriam Maldonado, who is still in New York, got very emotional at the news. “Yeah, that’s us Bronx Puerto Ricans. That’s where my family made it out from housing projects and it’s a success for us all!”

Idida Rodriguez made sure she took breaks during her business meetings to get updates and share her sentiments about the nominee.

“It’s a great day for Latinos in this country, particularly for Puerto Ricans,” said the Paterson native who grew up in public housing just like Judge Sotomayor.

Idida said she was touched that Judge Sotomayor, who will be one of the most highest profile Puerto Ricans ever in history, described herself as just “an ordinary person who has been blessed with extraordinary opportunities and experiences.”

Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, who made history in 2008 when she became the first elected Puerto Rican female mayor in New Jersey (and considered to be the first one in the nation) described Tuesday’s announcement as “one of the proudest moments” for Latinos.

“This shows that we count,” said Mayor Diaz who as a child also lived in public housing.

I also believe that one of the best things about Sonia Sotomayor’s nomination is that people from around the world will learn a bit about Puerto Ricans and our roots. The mighty New York Times recently got such a lesson.

On May 16, 2009, they ran this correction: An article on Friday about Judge Sonia Sotomayor, a possible candidate for nomination to the Supreme Court, referred incorrectly to her parents. As people who moved to New York from Puerto Rico, they were United States citizens. They were not “immigrants.”

So felicidades Sonia Sotomayor! Felicidades to us all!

And, with all due respect, may I add the three little words that sums it up for Latinas all over this world?

You go girl!

I wasn’t sure where I wanted to watch the inauguration ceremony for Barack Obama. I thought it would be cool to watch it in Times Square. Or perhaps in a bar while sipping a drink (although I’m not one for drinking that early unless I’m in Puerto Rico and having lunch with my Tia Alicia who insists the only beverage that should accompany a meal is a vino tinto).

Instead, I chose to watch this so very historic moment in my livingroom as La Gorda de Oro took advantage that I was distracted and snoozed away on my favorite chair. So I felt free to shed tears.

I think initially they were tears of relief that this day had finally come. Today our world changed and I felt grateful that it - and we - would never be the same.

I am so in awe that a young man that I met a few years ago during a campaign stop in New Jersey – when he came to stump for my ex-boss Jon Corzine – is now our country’s leader. As I wrote in an earlier blog, I approached Senator Obama to ask for his signature on a program at the request of a local community organizer. He was sitting in a back room with his jacket off and looking a bit weary. Without a moment’s hesitation, he graciously signed the program as did then-Senator Corzine.

I remember noting that Senator Obama was left-handed. I again watched him use that left hand today as he signed his first official documents as president of the United States, and as a CNN commentator noted his “excellent penmanship.”

(On a side note, I was speaking to my brother Donato on Sunday while I watched Obama at his stop in Baltimore. I had to laugh when my brother recalled being in Baltimore back in 1960 and winning first prize in a dance contest. The dance? The Twist! )

In addition to a feeling of relief, I think I also cried today because President Obama – first time I type those words together – looked so achingly young as he walked to take his oath and as he slightly stumbled on the words after he placed his hand on the bible. My “Tia Ivette” mode kicked in and I wanted to hug him and tell him that everything was going to be alright.

As I wrote this blog, I spoke with Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz who was at her parents’ home in San Sebastian, Puerto Rico where she was wrapping up her vacation and celebrating her father’s 71st birthday. The mayor and a host of relatives watched the inauguration with pride – while also gleefully noting they were wearing shorts on a beautiful day on the island while thousands were standing outside and freezing back on the mainland.

The mayor said: “This is a proud moment … It’s about all of us.”

I do feel more optimistic about our country now that President Obama is in the White House. And I know we’re all going to be watching carefully how his administration deals with issues that affect Latinos.

But for now, I’m going to enjoy what happened today and put aside any worries. And tonight I will join others at a celebration.

And no more tears. Indeed, here’s a song from my college days that I think summarizes how a lot of people are feeling today.

Enjoy.

http://www.imeem.com/ilovemusic259/music/a0cjjsm7/eddie_
palmieri_un_dia_bonitoeddie_palmieri/

My involvement on the issue of cultural competence and access to language smart service delivery began when my family arrived in the mainland United States, in New York City. I was eight years old and was thrown into the semi-bilingual school systems of New York, Newark and Elizabeth.

Yes, my family moved around; a lot. By the time I graduated high school I counted 13 different schools in three states not including schools in Puerto Rico. The one thing that amazes me the most is the resilience of my parents to navigate the system by using the pre-existing communities of Puerto Ricans and Cubans (they were the main Latino population at the time) to survive. How did those communities learn to survive? They learned from other pre-existing communities before them, such as Italians, Irish, and Chinese, to name a few. The truth is that regardless of the existing support structures at the time and now, Latino communities continue to struggle with a system that needs fundamental change.

As a professional I have sat on many conference planning committees, cultural competence boards, government and nonprofit commissions all dealing with access to services by the Latino community. Time and again we have discussed and determined the need for culturally competent and community sensitive services to the Latino community; there have been reports and recommendations on what to do and how to do it. Through the years one thing has remained constant: the actual drive of culturally and linguistically competent services into the Latino community are spotty at best. I find myself, reliving and rehashing the same issues year-to-year and hoping for a different outcome. However, I am usually disappointed in the actual results.

I am always intrigued by the reasons “professionals” give for their “inability” to penetrate the Latino community. The first, of course, is the amount of money it would take to serve this community at 100%. This is also the most troubling answer as it purports to separate the Latino community from the general service delivery system. In reality, it is probably less expensive to rework the system to be culturally and linguistically sensitive, than to continue service delivery in “reactive” and “crisis” mode. Individuals who need services will get them, one way or the other. The question is whether they will receive the services in an emergency setting or as part of a routine or preventive schedule. When evaluating how agencies or councils serve the Latino community it may be wise to look at the overall cost savings that society would garner from preventive and routine service delivery. How do we get to a point where it is not about the initial investment but the eventual outcomes?

The second response usually involves a “fairness” question in the minds of those in charge. Sometimes, it takes on a historical approach, such as, “Well, when my grandparents came from X country they didn’t have bilingual services or materials in their language.” The other and more common answer is, “You know if we do it for one group then we’re going to have to do it for all groups.”

The truth is that many of us were not here when someone’s grandparents came to the shores of a country that promises equality and justice for all. But I do know that even then there were established groups such as the Sons of Norway, which was formed in 1895 in order to protect the rights of Norwegians living in the United States. The group also allowed Norwegians to purchase insurance as only natural born U.S. citizens were allowed to purchase insurance at the time. The initial charter and rules called for all the groups’ communications to be in the Norwegian language.

Hungarian Americans were also forced to start their own clubs and societies, many church-related. The reason was discrimination and the inability to integrate into existing services and structures. New Brunswick had the highest percentage of Hungarian Americans in the U.S.; it was referred to as “the most Hungarian city in the United States” according to the New Jersey Encyclopedia.

Polish Americans also began their lives here by fleeing the persecutions their country was undergoing in the late 18th century. Divided by Russia, Germany, and Austria, Poland was under threat of losing its culture and language. Therefore, many fled to the United States to save the culture and language, which they knew and loved. They established banks, newspapers, churches, clubs, and businesses for and by Polish people. It is easy to forget that many who came to the shores of this country were discriminated against and ridiculed because they spoke a different language and had a different culture. This is really no different than what Latinos are going through today with one exception: many of these groups came here before Franklin D. Roosevelt’s New Deal.

The reason why “real change” in linguistic and culturally competent services does not happen is often cited as money. Money seems to be the driving force in many of the decisions made about service delivery. However, the overall cost of not delivering services in an appropriate and culturally competent manner will surely lead to increase cost and inappropriate service delivery.

If money is the answer, then let us imagine all that will be saved by educating people in a language they understand. Remove the guesswork most non-native speakers undergo at mainstream agencies, doctors offices, disability organizations and other institutions by following one of these vetted recommendations:

– Translate materials into Spanish and other languages in order to increase the availability of information to the diverse communities. This would decrease the lack of misinformation about services and programs offered by agencies, councils and others. This would include: web pages, resource directories, pamphlets, and other media such as Public Service Announcements, and direct outreach campaigns.

– Increase the number of individuals who are Latino within boards, advisory groups, councils, and search committees.

– Increase the amount of Latino staff to ensure a diverse place reflective of the people served.

– Provide cultural competency training staff, board members, and volunteers in order to better serve all communities.

– Incorporate the use of technology such as language lines to communicate with Spanish speakers when native speakers are unavailable.

– Include Latino-related topics in conferences, workshops, webinars and trainings.

The New Deal was a first step in the transformation of government to what it is today. It sought to restructure the type of services and way in which individuals could qualify for them. This system to some extent is what many of us have inherited. Today, Latinos need a “New Deal”, from the government that serves us. Many claim to believe in the “inclusion and immersion” of Latinos into all aspects of their departments, agencies, councils and not-for-profits. However, they refuse to lift a finger to change how they serve this same group. This in the face of overwhelming statistics that Latinos are and will continue to be the largest minority group in the United States, for many years to come.

(Javier Robles is currently the President of http://www.thisabled.com/, a disability website and consulting service.)

It’s amazing to think about the things that can happen in just one year. When I sit to think about it, I get inspired to do more, be more, believe more, and give more of myself. The year 2008 definitely brought new beginnings, and also brought sad endings to people and things in my life that no longer aligned with my purpose. Here is a quick rundown of what happened in 2008, a clear indication that the best is yet to come. Not all moments can ever be fully recorded. This is just a glimpse.

January:
Began my year in total consecration from certain people and activities in my life. Wanted a focused mindset regarding the new year. Preached for the first time ever. Discovered that I have more self-control than what I thought.

February:
Saw the International Missions Conference I was planning come to life. Performed in my last show of the Vagina Monologues. Had a vision that gave me confirmation that Kenya was the place for our annual trip. Spent another Valentine’s Day with my girlfriends. Discovered that those who see it in you, will always drive you there.

March:
Went on my last tour with Gospel Choir Ministries. Served in New Orleans and Texas. Got a chance to be on the set with Extreme Makeover Home Edition. Helped on the last night to finish the house for the Usea family. Prayed for the elderly. Celebrated my spiritual birthday. Trained the new executive board for Union Latina, the group I headed at school.Volunteered at a young girls event at the United Nations. Discovered the importance of serving.

April:
Enjoyed my last full month as a senior in college. Spoke at a conference for Latinas. Met Linda Nieves-Powell. Hosted various Latino events in celebration of our schools Latino Awareness Celebration month. Spent time with people I care about. Studied hard for finals. Wrote papers. Continued fundraising for Kenya trip. Went to see “ In the Heights”. Pondered about my after-graduation plans. Gave my last college tour. Discovered that I love everything that I am.

May:
Did some illegal, yet fun things on campus. Lived every minute of every day. Received a grant from the Hispanic Scholarship Fund on graduation day. Took a picture with the president of the college on graduation day. Our picture was the one chosen to be in the newspaper the next morning. Received an award from the Communications Department. Graduated on a very rainy day, just like all my other graduations. Went to a women’s networking convention for free. Discovered that the best moments of my life, just began.

June:
Prepared final details to go to Kenya, Africa. Traveled to London. Almost got stranded in London. Made it to Kenya with the group. Kissed a giraffe. Learned some swahili songs. Met the beautiful kids at By Grace Home. Fell in love with life, all over again. Tasted mandazi and chapati for the first time. Met and bonded with some very amazing people. Discovered that God truly is faithful with his promises.

July:
Preached for the second time ever, in Kenya. Walked one of the poorest slums in Kenya, and loved it. Learned that I am truly a missionary. Started constructing the orphanage with the group. Saw live African dancing. Danced with a Catholic priest in front of a whole bunch of people. Celebrated the 4th of July in Kenya. Helped run medical clinics in the slum of Mathare. Prayed for a Muslim woman that was diagnosed with HIV. Felt overwhelmed with everything I was learning. Got my hair braided by the little girls from the By Grace Home. Traveled back to London. Discovered that great things can never be accomplished alone.

August:
Went for a job interview at my friend’s small business. Joined the West New York Women’s Club. Attended a free jazz concert with my sister. Felt a deep desire to run for mayor of West New York. Attended the second annual retreat of Fresh Springs International. Finally figured out the answers to some of my unanswered prayers. Thought about my future husband. Learned that I really do enjoy dancing. Wrote two songs. Discovered that I will always be a little girl at heart.

September:
Was hired as the Director of Administration at BRP. CORP. Got licensed to minister. Celebrated my 22nd birthday. Had a surprise party for my best friend’s 22nd birthday. Tasted clams and lobster for the first time. Got an awesome business idea. Had many prophetic dreams. Felt deep sorrow for the first time in a very long time. Wanted to change my look. Wrote three songs. Had jury duty for the first time. Discovered a different level of friendship.

October:
Interviewed two potential candidates. Hired someone for the first time. Fired someone for the first time. Had my first employee meeting of the month. Received a phone call from the family I stayed with in El Salvador in 2007. Had the first ever Salsa at the Springs event. Noticed how much I missed dancing Salsa. Changed my look. Realized that I was no longer a college student. Spent some time fasting for clarity in life. Wrote a sermon while sitting on a bus. Learned that I love Human Resources. Attended a convention that gave me ideas for future projects. Discovered that there are so many beautiful gifts in people.

November:
Had lunch with Ivette for the first time ever. Began a new season in the spirit. Started a personal project. Learned that I am truly called to help young girls discover themselves. Started and finished reading two books. Celebrated Thanksgiving with the family. Explored other business ventures. Learned that I love being creative. Had endless phone meetings. Had thoughts of my life calling. Discovered the true meaning of discretion and clarity.

December:
Spent much time in my thoughts. Had the annual Christmas gathering with my three best friends. Realized I need to give more of myself. Spent my weekends with the family. Noticed how occupied I am with ministry. Wondered why I am still single. Volunteered at a children’s holiday party for the W.N.Y Women’s Club. Celebrated Christmas with the family. Celebrated New Years with the family. Discovered that if life was like pregnancy and 2008 was like the last month of being pregnant, 2009 will be a time where everything in me will manifest.

Well the year started off with a sparkle (as opposed to a bang), I alone in my apartment with a bottle of wine. Don’t say awww for me; that was my choice. I didn’t want to be around loud, drunk people at Times Square, nor did I want to be with family because Christmas had been enough. I just wanted to be alone, relaxed and no worries. Yeah, that didn’t happen. A subsequent date presented itself and that, needless to say, didn’t go over too well. So 2008 started not too good for the kid.

I attended the InfoSport Soccer Combine later in the week. I played with and against some of the top collegiate players in the country and some foreign talent as well. Although I was invited to participate and the fee was waived by a trainer, I still performed poorly. Well, take into consideration — I’ve only been playing soccer two years. My scores are there for the world to see. I suck. But no one can take that experience from me. It was one of the toughest things I’ve ever done and I’m better for it.

I began writing a blog for Latinosnj.com later in that year, which has given me an opportunity to speak my mind and I do so at my discretion. This also has been a great experience. One I wouldn’t trade.

I visited El Salvador where my 86 year-old grandmother taught me the meaning of what young is supposed to be. Vibrant at her age, she does all she couldn’t do when she was young. A mother of 13, she gave her childhood and youth up to take care of the kids. I broke bread with my uncles who are heroes in my book. Seeing my uncles sitting side by side when war just years ago never allowed them to be in the same room was worth the price of the expensive trip. I hung strong with my cousin and drank like I was in college. I visited historical ruins and pyramids. I cracked jokes and was the butt of jokes with uncles and cousins I rarely get to see. Learned about more family history that makes me proud to be related to the great people I’m related to. It was a great trip that almost made me tear up when I left.

My niece was here in August and she once again flipped my life inside out like socks in a washing machine. She ran all over the place, still doesn’t like soccer (‘cause Tio plays soccer) but excels at it. We spent half the summer in a water park called “Sesame Place” in Pennsylvania. We learned that Hannah Montana is really not a good show for girls under 15 to watch. She is the most popular girl in the neighborhood, because she’s pretty, smart and amiable, just like her uncle. She is the light of my life when she is here, except she might not be allowed to come up here after the age of 11, because the boys are already hovering, damn boys!

Then my best friend from California got married. This bringing into reality that I’m the last one left! Three of my best friends have taken the plunge; one has since been divorced and swears never to do it again. The other is happily married and is doing well. Now, my California friend is definitely enjoying married life and hopefully will be bringing in a mini him in a year or two. This event has shaken up my priorities a little. It made me think about my past loves and my once-upon-a-time opportunity to be married. I’m glad I didn’t do it! Pheeew the deep doo-doo I would be in if I would have married the person in question. Congratulations though good friend and like I said at your wedding, “If you are half the husband that you are as a person, marriage should be no problem for you.”

Then we had this thing called an election, wow, talk about your “Holy historical proportions Blackman!” Yup, this country’s first African-American President was elected November 5, 2008. This says something about the direction our nation is headed in forms of racial relations. Although this does not solve the social ills of this country, it does point us in a direction that not too many of us ever thought we would see in our lifetimes. We are all concerned about the economic state of our country and political ramifications this administration will have on the Middle East. We all know who the United States is allied with and with whom it will have all alliance to, no matter who is President, so let’s see what happens and let History tell the story. Oh and this is perfect time for the Independent party to make a move. The Republican Party really lacks vision, and direction at this point.

I went to church for the first time in about 13 years; that was a nice experience (I was invited by a very beautiful woman, I guess God knows how to entice those who are seeking Him). So, I’m trying to include that in my Sunday things-to-do now.

I also resigned from the Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Commission. I’ve learned this year that I have to be a bit more subdued when speaking about my passions. Not everybody can understand why I am the way I am, so if people are not going to take the time to get to know the person instead of just the theories and thoughts, then I don’t need you. I am starting grad school in February and looking forward to it.

Christmas is coming and I’m going to be with my extended family, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Because at the end of the day we are family, we’ve been through death of family members and friends, good times, bad times, sad times, and most of all HAPPY “F”en times!

Finally Facebook! Well, thanks to my great friends, I can officially no longer run for a political office! Thank GOD that obstacle has finally been diminished.

So, for the first time in a long time, I’m very happy. Not ecstatically happy but content. The year 2008 was not as bad as I thought it was going to be. But now, let’s see where this happiness ends.

The smell of pernil woke me up this morning. Immediately I thought to myself, “Are Latinos the only people who cook pernil, turkey and chicken on Thanksgiving?” We must be really hungry people, or simply creative when it comes to food!

As I laid in bed I thought about making the most out of today, considering it was a holiday and I was going to be with my family. Here are some thoughts:

1. Have some quiet time. Thank God for taking the time to create such a beautiful and gifted creature like yourself! If you love to write, spend some time journaling or even blogging!

2. Be thankful for your mother, even if she woke you up at 6am just so you can witness the pernil entering the oven.

3. Send out all text messages and make all calls in the morning. That way you will receive responses all days and feel cherished at every moment.

4. Bake or cook something different. Typically, Latinos have the usual rice, pernil, turkey, potato salad, flan, and some weird mix of vegetables. Make an exotic dish for a change. Pastelon de platano? Mofongo? Pumpkin Pie? A cultural dish?

5. Forgive and forget. What is the point of being thankful for life and still holding grudges? The truth is that we are all humans and therefore are bound to make mistakes. Get the courage to call that person. “Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

6. Eat, Eat, and continue eating. Today is the day to not worry about your figure or calories. We are all created different for a reason. Indulge in food, embrace yourself and be jolly.

7. Talk to the strange ones. How well do you know your family members? Spend time talking to them and catching up with their life. It’s so easy to get caught up with the busyness of our life that we forget others. Listen to them and feel refreshed.

8. Sing along. How many of your aunts and uncles play that old school bolero? They start talking and reminiscing about the good ol’ days? Sing along and laugh with them.

9. Take pictures. Its always fun to see pictures of what the style was for the year, how everyone had their hair done, what games you played, etc… Make moments and capture them.

10. Hug everyone! Hugs are so refreshing and intimate. Take time to just hug your loved ones and tell them how grateful you are for them.

11. Live the moment. Don’t allow your mind to be at work or thinking about all your projects. Let your mind be with your family enjoying every minute. If necessary turn your phone off after a certain time.

12. Save the leftovers! Make sure to have tupperware. Get a little bit of everything that was left and have fun heating it up in the morning!

History will remember the election of 2008 – when Barack Obama was chosen to be our President – as a groundbreaking, unifying and uplifting moment for our nation. This is the stuff of history books, and it is a sign that the country we love is poised to head in a new direction.

In those same history books, I believe it will also be written that this was the time when the sleeping giant of the American political process – the Latino community – finally awoke.

Over the past year, I have been invited to speak in front of various groups to predict the Latino influence in the election. The message I delivered to those audiences was a simple one: Ya es hora. The road to the White House would come through the Latino community. This would be the time when the combination of a booming Latino population, a mass of Latino youths coming of age and ever-increasing registration and civic engagement within the Latino community promised to make the Latino vote a deciding factor. This is would be the political awakening many observers had long been waiting to see.

On November 4, Latinos did deliver in record numbers (a 25 percent turnout increase from 2004), and swung decisively for President-elect Obama (by a two to one margin). He was able to win in no small part because he parlayed Latino support in several key states into Electoral College votes. Because of Latinos, he broke the one-party rule over the Southwest and took the critical state of Florida. It’s a roadmap to the White House that future candidates will have to follow as the scope and influence of the Latino community continues to grow.

Latinos went overwhelmingly for President-elect Obama not because has was a Democrat, but because his policies and values are reflective of the values shared by many in the Latino community. His economic plan made sense to Latinos, who have the highest rate of unemployment. His health care plan showed promise to Latinos, who comprise the largest group of uninsured Americans. Even the rallying cry “Yes we can” spoke to Latinos who were familiar with the message behind Cesar Chavez’s Si se peude.

Of course, the point of turning out for a candidate and helping shape an election is not to have a blog post written about it – the point is to make sure your government is working for you. Now is the time for the Latino community to realize the power of its votes.

With Latinos having formed such a strong part of the coalition that carried President-elect Obama to the White House, I would hope that the Obama administration feels an obligation to include Latinos in all levels of the government, starting with the Cabinet . And it is our duty to assist and remind the administration of that obligation. The Latino community and its leaders will be watching.

I do believe that this administration and the countless other lawmakers elected on the strength of a forceful Latino turnout will be working hard to make sure they earned those votes.

That means greater attention to unemployment, health care and education in our community. It means dealing with the immigration problem in a way that doesn’t demean or demonize an entire segment of the population.

Ya es hora. Now more than ever, the Latino community has helped shaped the government. Now more than ever, Washington has a stake in the Latino community. The possibilities are endless.

Today was my first time voting. It was emotional, confusing, slightly exciting, but overall it was real. I woke up feeling calm, but as I walked closer and closer to the booth, all types of thoughts and emotions were in my head.

Is it even worth voting if I am not in favor of the candidates? Does my vote really count? If so, how much of a difference does it make?

I signed my name and was instructed to enter the booth. Standing inside that small space was so intimate, and still I felt so many eyes look at me. It was such a long moment. I stood there, closed my eyes, sighed and then I went for it. I pushed the button. I pushed it so hard it felt like I was smashing a cucaracha on the floor. At last, it was over.

What is interesting are the feelings I felt afterwards. As I walked to work, I was disturbed. I did not feel peace with my vote at all. I felt as if I was suffocating. I thought I would be more excited or at least peaceful, but I was not. I was really bothered and could not understand why.

Did I really vote for who I wanted or did I let myself be influenced? I wonder how I would have felt if I was African American or Caucasian? How about if one of the candidates were Latino? Would I have been more excited?

After having various conversations with myself I settled it in my heart that it is going to be alright. Tomorrow I will wake up with a new president, and the truth is that what is meant to happen, will happen regardless of who is in office. I know what my duties are as a citizen and I will stay focused in making this community better in any way I can.

Let’s stay tuned and see America reveal a new color.

For many years at the 8 PM time slot, “The O’Reilly Factor” hosted by Bill O’Reilly has consistently been the ratings winner over MSNBC. It is widely recognized and understood that O’Reilly is a conservative commentator who embraces Republican ideologies. It is also well-understood that O’Reilly’s network, FOX News Network, is a conservative-leaning news agency.

It is that reason that we find a very interesting development that has arisen recently. For the first time, MSNBC’s “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” show has been beating the “O’Reilly Factor” for the 25-54 year-old group, according to Nielsen Media Research, which tracks television viewership. The recent success of Olbermann at the 8 PM time slot has caught O’Reilly by surprise. In fact, O’Reilly is so upset at his recent ratings losses in the Nielsen ratings, that he has even made Nielsen Media Research a target of his daily rhetoric and, further, is calling for an unrealistic government investigation into Nielsen. (Nielsen’s President & CEO Susan Whiting made relatively small personal donations to Democrats).

Here is what I think is really happening. You have Lou Dobbs on CNN giving his conservative commentary. You have Bill O’Reilly giving his conservative commentary. You have Sean Hannity on MSNBC giving his conservative commentary. The fact of the matter is that the competition for conservative commentary has grown increasingly fierce. MSNBC made a calculated decision to promote “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” as a balancing act between Republican-leaning and Democratic-leaning news shows. The strategy appears to be working.

There may be a correlation between the recent successes of “Countdown with Keith Olbermann” over “The O’Reilly Factor” that could be linked to what may be a big victory for Democrats on Election Day. The sentiment around the nation is that the Republican strategy has not worked and is partly to blame for the recent economic crisis. Given that many of these voters know that they are not going to get unbiased opinions from the conservative commentators about Republican mistakes, they are switching channels to Keith Olbermann at the 8 PM time slot.

Olbermann and O’Reilly have a long-standing feud that has gotten very nasty at times. However, regardless of the winner when it comes to these two men, their news networks remains #2 and #3 in overall ratings respectively compared to CNN, which is at #1. CNN has seen record high viewership due to its unbiased coverage of the elections and the strength of “Larry King Live”, “Anderson Cooper 360″, and “Campbell Brown: No Bias, No Bull”.

I’m sure that CNN will be happy to see the feud continue between MSNBC’s “Countdown with Olbermann” and FOX’s “The O’Reilly Factor.”