When I heard the SLiCK training was in Vegas, I just knew memories would return of those moments waiting in the freezing desert cold for my parents to come back to the car. And so the memories came back and so did many others.

SLiCK is Student Leadership Inspired by Consuelo Kickbusch. For information on SLiCK go to
http://www.iamslick.com/.

Bring these young men and women to your school districts to change the lives of children who need help with school, peers, bullying, drugs, gangs, with their home, and life.

I and 39 other talented individuals from across the country were invited to participate in a training and to audition to help spread the work SLiCK does across the country. I was humbled from the very beginning at the level of talented individuals that I was surrounded by. As some of the readers on LatinosNJ.com know, I don’t hold my tongue for no one, and I’m as honest as I can be when it comes to Latino issues. This is no different.

As talented as I always tell myself I am (and people say I am, and I know it — plus I’m humble), I was in awe at the talents of individuals; from their singing ability to their pursuit of higher education and the changes they make on kids on a daily basis; from college recruiters that risk their lives driving to schools in snowy icy roads, to people who work in criminal detention centers that make a difference in the lives of kids in the “system.” I can sit here and write all day about the talent and loving souls in the room but it would take too much, plus I have to get back to writing a book (side note, in the last four months a copy editor from the Wall Street Journal is writing a book about my life, hence it has been difficult to write blogs) and the copy editor is a slave worker.

But what I do want to touch upon is the lives that touched my life, the stories that I will carry in my heart, the hugs and the tears I shared with so many people. We were there to get training and audition and we walked out of there with so much cleansing and release. Too many of the stories are too personal to share and it’s not my right to do so but one thing I can share is that we are all troubled and we all need this sense of release. As tired as I was from crying on Monday and as tired as I was trying to get my speech down to 20 minutes, I felt a calm, and I still feel a calm about me that’s different, I can’t even explain it, don’t want to, all I can say is that it’s SLiCK.

Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch once told me I had a gift, when all I did was stand in for a friend at a lecture and then because of a free ticket and hotel room in Chicago I went to do a workshop. I was not ever thinking of doing lectures for a living nor was ever thinking of someone writing a book about my life and now I feel even more humble because my story is not nearly as powerful as the stories of others in that room. I have not written a blog in a long time, but this experience moved me so much that I felt the need to tell people how wonderful this is. If grown professional men and women can reach deep into their souls and their inner demons and let them out, and feel at ease, I can only imagine what it can do to young men and women who have so much to live for.

As I was boarding the plane I had tears coming out of my eyes, which I thought was impossible from all the crying I had done on Monday. I had tears of joy; a place that I hated so much growing up, had brought me so much joy in the last three days. We took advantage of the buffet at the hotel, we went on a scavenger hunt, Consuelo said I looked “so cute” with my long hair ( I blushed) , we laughed till we couldn’t laugh anymore, I wore heels (don’t ask), and although hardly anyone saw this, I did a windmill at Coyote Ugly and won the dance-off against the Michael Jackson-looking guy, saw performances that couldn’t be topped anywhere else, saw a few friends I haven’t seen in a while, and felt inspired by humanity for the first time in a long time.

Yes, I thought, “How ironic, that I’m crying because I’m leaving Vegas and the memories and friends I leave behind, when I was crying a long time ago, that I was forced to come to Vegas.” Those things I can’t explain, but all I can say is, SLiCK made the change. Who’s SLiCK? I’m SLiCK!!!!

How did Latinos do?

If your candidate didn’t win, stop moping for a second (and perhaps stop polishing your resume) and listen up.  Ditto for those who correctly bet on the winning ticket and are busy gloating (and polishing their resumes).

Did Latinos stay home like thousands of New Jerseyans because we thought there was no one on the ballot that made it worth our precious time to take a few minutes and head to the voting booths?

Were Latinos feeling disenfranchised, believing that no one listens to us in this so-called Garden State of ours, so why bother to get off the sofas?

Here’s some good news: Some 10 percent of the total electorate – the folks who cast ballots – were Latinos. Yep.

Compare that to 2001 when it was only 7 percent.

So that means that not only are we coming out to vote, our presence in those booths is increasing over the years.

Let’s break it down further.  Based on information provided to me by those who are better at numbers than I’ll ever be, the 10 percent figure comes out to 234,476 Latino votes.

I’m told Bendixen and Associates found 75 percent of the Latino vote went to Governor Corzine, or 175,857.  Edison Research says 65 percent of our peeps voted for Corzine, or 152,402.  And yes that means our other votes went to Chris Christie, although a few lone gatos went for Independent Christopher Daggett’s pitch.

The Bendixen data means that we surpassed the number of Latinos voting Democratic in 2005 and 2006.  If we use the Edison Research numbers, we are at about the same number as in 2006 when U.S. Senator Bob Menendez captured 154,000 votes.

Keeping in mind that we make up more than 16 percent of the state’s population, seems to me that these are numbers – an “amazing trend,” as one political operative put it — that all the political parties need to keep in mind as we move forward.  But those are also numbers we Latinos have to keep seared in the forefront of our own minds.

We just witnessed an election in New Jersey equivalent to having the rug behind yanked from under all of us – no matter if we voted Democratic, Republican or Independent.  For those of us who voted for Corzine, we’re still feeling a bit disoriented.  For those of us who said Christie was our hombre under the Golden Dome, we’re feeling almost giddy as we contemplate the possibilities of the untested waters.  For those of us who went the Daggett route, we’re feeling all of the above.

If Latinos don’t grasp this incredible opportunity to take a collective magnifying glass, if you will, and honestly and unflinchingly study what’s been going on in New Jersey when it comes to the political scene, then we deserve what we get.  Or perhaps better said, we deserve what we don’t get.

And let’s not pretend that this is a Republican Party versus Democrat Party problem or issue.

Yes the majority of the Latinos that came out on Tuesday voted overwhelmingly Democrat.  No surprise there.  “Although that doesn’t mean that the Democratic Party is the better party for the Latinos,” noted another statewide political operative who has been in the trenches for many years and doesn’t make that kind of observation lightly.

And it doesn’t mean the Republican Party is the better one.  And the Independent Party is still a bit of a mystery for most of us.

So if we are to move forward in this crazy New Jersey political world and not just be led along, I submit to you that we have to start our journey together.

We’d be fools to shut out fellow Latinos from our discussions just because they are – or aren’t – a member of a certain party.   Or because they do – or don’t — belong to a specific Latino organization.  Or because they do — or don’t — have roots connected to a specific island or Latin American country.  Or because they’ve been part of the Old Guard and we need fresh blood.  Or because they are young and don’t know what they’re talking about.

And I think some of us will agree we’ve been fools long enough.

A few days ago I discussed this topic with some girlfriends. Obviously none of us are even close to thirty, but we are still single. The thought of one day reaching that age and the possibility of still abiding in singlehood is quite frightening. The more I thought about friends who were still not sharing their lives with a significant other the more I asked myself, why?

Why is it that most beautiful, successful, and well-educated Latina women are still not married? As I thought about this,  three things immediately came to my mind. The first possible reason is the fear of commitment because of past hurt. Most of this hurt probably comes from a broken household where she was not validated by her father or she had a bad experience with the father figure in her life, which marked her perception of a man. Perhaps she once gave herself whole-heartedly to a man who did not appreciate, value or reciprocate the same commitment. In turn, a core belief was created in her mind that says: “I am never giving my all because it’s never appreciated.”

The second possible reason is the fact that some women don’t know what they want. It’s like being hungry, but not knowing the type of appetite you have and how much you can really handle. So many of my friends go from one unsuccessful relationship to the next, desperately trying to find who they are. I always tell them, how can two broken people fix each other? We must find wholeness in ourselves first so that we become a blessing to that other person.

The last possible reason is that the Latino culture is mal acustumbrado. In other words, couples are accustomed to “living together” and getting the benefits of companionship without true commitment or responsibility. One of my good friends said that since so many women are more focused on their careers, the tradition of marriage is easily thrown out the window. Plus, “with so many government programs that support single women and moms, who needs the support of a man,” she added.

Apparently, this is not only a problem for Latinas. African-American women also have this issue. I mean look at successful women like Oprah and Tyra Banks. Are men intimidated by them? Or are they intimidated by themselves and not being fully valued by a man that is not at their level? One of my girlfriends told me that the main issue for black women is the small pool of “eligible” men they have to pull from. Personally, I have seen a lot of handsome and eligible black men, but often they are with someone outside their race.

Hannah Bruckner, a researcher at Yale University, noted a difference in dating preferences between some black men and women. “Black men are more likely to marry outside of their race, and black women are more likely to marry outside of their education,” she said.

I wonder if this is also true for Latinas. I wonder why most are still single. Is it a personal choice and if so is that any justice to their passionate hearts? Have they given up hope, or are they still hiding behind the “waiting for the right one” excuse? Maybe they have settled with just “living together,” commitment not included.

Regardless of the reason (and I am sure that they vary throughout the different women) there is hope if you are in your thirties and still single. That is, if deep down you still desire to be with someone. One thing is certain — men that approach you will be tired of games and will be finally at a maturity level that can stimulate your intellect and the right type of desires.

The Bible says, “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing.” Life gets to a point where the outer shell of a person is no longer of importance because there is a deeper longing for understanding, love, and true commitment.

Pernil.  Pollo asado.  Pollo frito. Lechon. Chuletas.  Biftec.

Even meat — or stuff that resembles meat — that come in cans makes many of us salivate: Salchichas. Corned beef (basic instruction for cooking: Dump in a pot with some tomato sauce, sofrito, and a few papa fritas; mix, heat up and serve with white rice.)

And how about that morsilla?

So now I’m hearing one of the cool things to do now is “D.I.Y. butchering.” As in do-it-yourself butchering.  So says a recent article in the New York Times.

“ … D.I.Y. butchering also allows self-conscious carnivores — who in the past were candidates for vegetarianism — to justify their flesh-laden dinners. By learning to slaughter and butcher, they say, they can honor their pigs and eat them, too.”

Ha!  Latinos have been doing this for years. For better or for worse.

So on behalf of Latinos everywhere, I guess I can say: Welcome D.I.Y. butchering newcomers.

I was just a little kid living in Puerto Rico when I learned – very unexpectedly – where we get our chuletas from.  It was shortly after we moved back there from New Jersey after my grandmother, Mamita, got sick.

In the morning, the sound of roosters would signal the start of a new day for us.  We didn’t own any but it sounded like everyone else in Barrio Blondet did.

And some mornings, I would also hear high pitch squeals coming from the direction of the house across from us.   My “Nancy Drew” addiction hadn’t yet kicked in, but still I knew there was only one thing I could do: Go and investigate.

I set off alone one morning.  I crossed the street and walked towards the sound coming from the backyard.

I stood there and watched as the neighbor slit the throat of a screaming pig.  I didn’t move while I watched the blood flow from the gaping wound into a bucket.  I didn’t leave until the ghastly sounds subsided.  I never returned.

Many years later, as an adult, when I was walking with my mother Ines on Bergenline Avenue in Union City, I would avert my eyes whenever we passed the stores where live chickens in cages waited to meet their destiny.

The thought of fellow Latinos slaughtering pigs and sentencing chickens to death never bothered my mother.  In fact, she herself was quite handy with a knife (as one of my father’s girlfriends found out when she showed up on our doorstep).

And my mother never quite understood why her daughter did not want to eat meat.  Here’s a typical scene that played out year after year after year.

“I found the most beautiful chuletitas en Shop-Rite.  Mira que linda son! I’m going to make you two.”

“I don’t want it.  Yo no como carne!”

“Que que?  Pero estas muy flaca.   Tienes que comer!”

And often I gave in.  It was tough to look into her hurt eyes and say no.  You know how it is.

My mother is no longer around to tempt me.  I don’t eat meat anymore.  At least I do my best not to.  When I eat out, I’ve learned to ask if pork is used when I order habichuelas.

For so many years, I simply didn’t want to eat meat for ethical reasons.  And it turns out my eschewing animal flesh also has health dividends. And yet, when I talk to Latinos about this, I often get puzzled looks.  Like the ones my mother used to give me.

And while we may have differing views when it comes to meat, I have a sneaking suspicion there won’t be a lot of Latinos in these D.I.Y. butchering classes.

Their families would probably laugh themselves silly if they found out they had to pay to learn how to “honor their pigs and eat them, too.”

Education is a great example of an issue that this year has caused great animosity among people who a year ago were brothers and sisters.  We fight for the side that we know in our hearts will be best for our Latino children.  Some will attack anyone who disagrees with their side.  They will attack anyone who agrees with what they consider the wrong side.

Why are we so passionate about education and our children that we are willing to risk the unity we have built?  I don’t want an answer! I was there in Dayton St. School, Franklin, Garfield, Elizabeth High, and too many others to mention.  I had my Spinal Cord Injury in my sophomore year but before that I experienced it all.  I was jumped by eight other students because I was Puerto Rican.  I chipped my teeth when another student tripped me.  I was told not to aspire to great things because nothing great ever happened to kids like us.   Teachers sometimes acted more like wardens than educators.  I was there with my brothers and sisters and our struggles were those of our young kids today.  In some schools fear still reigns as king and we pray for a better future for them.   I know why we would do anything — so that they can do better than us.

However, I was troubled this year by the disrespect we have shown one another.  I was more troubled by my willingness to entertain gossip, innuendo, and half-truths.  I did not like the way I spoke to friends.   The truth is we are trying to have our kids taught by one entity or another but we are the ones that need an education.  I started believing in the abilities of Latinos to unite and be empowered while at Rutgers, when survival instincts told us we better stick together.   We knew then what we have forgotten now.

I have spent the last 10 or so years as a delegate of the Latino Leadership Alliance of New Jersey. Throughout that time I have grown to value differences of opinion and in some cases differences of ideology.  It is what has made us a strong organization; in fact, it is the founding mantra.  We work and tolerate others’ differing beliefs because the substantive issues like immigration, diversity, discrimination prevention and, yes, education are workable by us.  We can do something about them, or at least try.

I don’t know who will win in November.  I support one person and others may support someone else.  The truth is that a day after the election we will still be faced with the same issues as a community. The same struggle to form a better future for our children out of blood, sweat and tears.

However, we must not continue the tone of disrespect, which has prevailed.  We must show our children that we are leaders who came together despite our differences for one purpose.

Them.

It’s self-explanatory.

I consistently encourage Latinos to send letters to the editor as well as opinion pieces.  We must have our voices heard!  Drop me a line if you want some advice on how to go about it: imendez@latinosnj.com.

So here’s my two cents as expressed in the below letter to the editor:

The Star-Ledger’s front page headline “First Hispanic Justice” over a photo of a beaming Sonia Sotomayor was a sight to behold.  Thursday’s confirmation vote was historical and Latinos throughout the country and New Jersey were bursting with emotions and pride.

But wait!  When I went to read the coverage, I was stunned to see that the state’s largest newspaper chose to use newswires.   You didn’t bother to assign a reporter to capture what Latinos in New Jersey were thinking and feeling on a day that will be emblazoned in our memories until our last breaths.  And you couldn’t even be bothered to include any comments from our own Senator Bob Menendez, one of only two Latino senators in the country, who proudly cast a vote on her behalf.

I know you have all the relevant statistics regarding the Latino population in New Jersey, including the large number of Puerto Ricans.  Indeed, your editorial that ran that same day (“A Supreme moment”) noted the nation’s combined “minority” population has reached 100 million but, alas, there was no mention of the more than 1.4 million Latinos in your own backyard.

The editorial succinctly notes that the Republicans who voted against Judge Sotomayor “seemed trapped in a disappearing past.”    Well, I believe the same can be said about the Star-Ledger in this case.  You missed the boat in a big way by ignoring what New Jersey Latinos were thinking and saying on what certainly was one of the greatest days in our country, in New Jersey, in our communities, and in our lifetime.

I know many of us had been planning to save a copy of the Aug. 7, 2009 edition of the Star-Ledger as a keepsake. But given the paper’s decision to ignore the voices of New Jersey Latinos who regard Judge Sotomayor as a family member, I wouldn’t be surprised if those copies land in the recycling bins.

So it was particularly delicious – and appropriate – that a head waiter by the name of Henry Mendez made this So-Called Power List. The irony almost made me laugh.

Here’s a news flash: You don’t have to go into the kitchens to find Latinos who are making a difference in New Jersey. So where are they?

Since I have no interest in taking part in that “Name that Powerful Latino/a” nonsense, here’s my quick take.

We are lawyers, business owners, heads of non-profits and constituency groups, educators and law enforcement professionals – and so many more. We are office-holders who believe change can come through public service (and who won’t sell their souls to the highest bidder). We are political strategists and communication consultants. We are women and men who are working to make changes in a political system where decision-makers pretend to be engaged in conversations with us while looking over our heads to see who else has entered the room.

I want to note that numerous names on the So-Called Power List are the same ones that get a lot of airtime. Alas, you won’t see Latinos on the local television or radio talk shows because it appears the hosts and producers are either unbelievably lazy, clueless or both, and prefer to dust off their Rolodexes and tap the same old tired faces that don’t reflect the colors and experiences of the more than 1.4 million Latinos in New Jersey.

Ditto for the news stories about issues (other than immigration) where reporters often can’t seem to find a Rodriguez or Rivera or a Perez to provide some comments.

(Folks, believe it or not, Latinos have opinions on issues beyond immigration. Yes that is a crucial issue, but we can also discuss politics, the economy and such. Imagine that!)

So regarding the PolitickerNJ Editor’s note about the “glaring absence of Latinos” from the So-Called Power List and its “hope” that “by bringing our view to light it engenders meaningful discussion”:

Trust me. Those discussions are already taking place among Latinos, and they have been for quite some time.

We welcome PolitickerNJ to our world. Or would it make it easier if I said welcome to our table and here are today’s specials?

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.

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!

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/