Sweet 15

Recently Andrea and I were invited to our first Quinceañera, or Sweet 15 party thrown for a Mexican girl on her 15th birthday. This was a big deal for us, because it's a big deal for Gringos to be invited to any big social event here, and in Sayulita, which is basically run by 5 families, it is even more of a big deal, so we were stoked. My Buddy Ramon, who built our house, was the proud Papa, and we were honored to be there. Now, this is no usual little party, this is like a freakin' wedding (and we know weddings!). There were easily 200 people there, with food and drink to keep all guests full, and drunk (no small feat in Mexico, my friends). I thought I would share some of the odd and interesting details of the day for those of you who are new to this tradition. The party took place at a ranch near Sayulita, and the minute you walked in, you were handed a bottle of Tequila, which naturally made me feel right at home. Next either Ramon or his wife brought you each a plate of traditional Birria (pulled pork delight lathered in lard... delicious!) and a bucket of beer - they seemed to be doing all the serving, which must be tradition. For the rest of the day, you were never without food or drink. Setting up was a huge 12 piece "ranchero" band, with a lighting set up to rival an early Motley Crue. On the list of uncomfortabley weird moments was when the band was starting to play, they - in broken english - asked if we were enjoying our Coronas - a clear comment on us being Gringos (2 of the only 4 whiteys there, btw), and must have been a joke. Odd to say the least. It was then we noticed that they had brought us Coronas, but almost all the Mexicans were drinking Pacifico. It doesn't seem like a big thing, but naturally i asked for Pacifico next round! When the "Ceremony" started, it was crazy - it literally was like a full wedding. Lots of pagentry, the parents walking the girl around to show her off, there were full attendants, 6 boys and 6 girls, in full formal wear, which later did a big orchestrated dance that they had to have practiced for days. Much of the ceremony was about saying goodbye to the little girl, and hello to the Woman...the 15 year old woman, that is. The last of things, you could say. There was a big swing in the middle of the courtyard, and the parents had to give her a last swing, the girl was wearing flats, and the dad had to change her shoes when on the swing into heels, he gave her her last dolly, and she had to beat her last pinata, and could take a dance with every man that asked (creepy!)... among other things. Really nutty. They had an anouncer for the entire thing, like at an auction, so there was play by play the entire ceremony! We left a number of hours in, but we hear the real party started later, and went well into the morning. I dont know how I feel about a 15 year old girl being considered a woman in the eyes of all, but I sure do dig the party!

My Baby-momma

I love my wife. She is more beautiful every day, she carries within her belly the future ruler of the underworld, my Son, and she is the best friend any person could ever ask for. It seems so long ago that we met - we were so much younger, yet at the same time, she has barely changed.

Andrea is back in the U.S.S.A. visiting her family this week - they are throwing her a baby shower, and sadly, her Grandma Mable passed away this week, so she is there to also support her family and go to the funeral. I miss her, am always thinking of her, and long for her return.

There are certain things I know in this life that often gives us little answers: I am the best I can be when Andrea is with me, and I did not reach my truest strength till she came into my life. I am lost without her, and I mean that in so many ways. I see only the little picture when she is away, short bursts of life, instead of the large canvas that we are painting together when we are united. I cannot imagine what turns my life would have taken without her in it, and I am glad I do not know, nor will never know if I can help it. I help it I try, by trying in my own, simple way to be a good man. Now, I do not see myself as a good man, but I am closer when I have my Andrea to show me the way. And I will keep working on that road so that Andrea and my Son are always safe in the capable hands of a semi-good (bad) man.

In a Family way

My folks visited us recently, and we had a wonderful visit. This is good news, since the last time my Mom and Dad were here together, things did not go so well. You see, Sayulita is a tough town parts of the year, especailly if you are my Mom. The roads are dusty, bumpy, and at that time, very muddy. Never the less, this time was in a better season, and it was wonderful. We stayed a few days in a big, fancy all-inclusive hotel (the good life), and then they stayed in a house here in Sayulita for the rest of the trip (the real life). I love my mother and father, and appreciate deeply everything that they have given me, both personally, spiritually, emotionally, and family wise. They made me the man I am today in so many ways, and I am proud of being their son. Its funny how long it takes in ones life to realize certain things about your family - the bad things are evident right off the bat, but the good things seem hidden behind the latter till we are mature enough to come to terms with them. I think on this much these days, as the birth of my Son nears. What will he think of me? Will it take him till his 30's to realize how awesome Andrea and I are? Who knows, but I do know that he will have loving, wonderful grandparents in his life, and I hope he gets to spend much time with them.

Sucks to be the Pinata

"In Mexico, your wishes have dream power" - William S. Burroughs "Junky" 1953