Day 03 – Your Parents

I grew up a poor, black child.
I kid, I kid. Ahhh, but I do love me some Steve Martin.
I am first generation American.  The product of a Cuban mother and Puerto Rican father.
My mother had the unfortunate fate to be named after her Patron Saint-Gliceria. Her middle name is Margarita and after making it to the USA, she thankfully took on the moniker of "Maggie."
She was the elder sibling and had to take on the role of translator at an early age.  At 18 she began working in the Workman's Comp Claims industry and has been there ever since, despite a few attempts to revisit College.
She met my father shortly thereafter and I was conceived before she could legally drink. (In case you were wondering, it was in Vegas while watching 'Saturday Night Fever')
My father hails from Puerto Rico and swept my mom off her feet at an early age.  I'm not sure if it was his long hair, his penchant for great music or his brief stint in the military, but boy she was smitten. 
Sadly, their relationship perished by the time I was 2.  As much as I wish they would have/could have stayed together, I am happy they didn't because now I have 4 wonderful siblings that came from their future relationships.
I love my parents deeply, and they did the best they could-I could never resent them for that. At 21 I didn't know what color I wanted to dye my hair let alone could consider having a child. Kudos to them doing what was best.

Day 02 – Your first love

Ah, young love. So sweet, yet so cruel.
I remember being 5 and madly in 'love' with Richard.  Richard was this sweet, timid, perfectly mannered little boy with dark brown skin and darker hair and eyes.
He could do no wrong.
We were both in the same Kindergarten class with Mrs. Thomas who had to be pushing 90. Seriously.
Anyway, we were both in the same class, but I'm sure he didn't realize I existed.  You see, Richard was madly in 'love' with Irene...my best friend.

Eventually I got over Richard and soon realized that boys came and went.  I did, however, realize that there would be a kind of love that would always be reciprocated.  Music.
Music is and always will be my first love. It moves me.  It soothes me.  It inspires me and calms me just the same.
I can relate any aspect of my life to a particular song.
I envision my future via soundtrack.
It makes me smile, it makes me cry.
No matter what, it is always there...
a love, to last a lifetime.

Day 01 – Introduce yourself

Hello.
My name is Jessica Marie and I am a procrastinator.  To prove it, look at the date on my previous entry and look at today's entry date. 'nuff said.
I also am a fan of lists and bullet points.  So, without further ado-my life in bullet points:

• I was born in Glendale, CA and lived there until I was 11.  Sadly, I've only been back once, but I do plan on taking my husband and son within the next year or so.
• At 11, I moved to Miami, Fl.  Graduated from Miami Coral Park Senior...famous Alumni? Yea, Edward James Olmos, Steven Bauer and wait for it...Pit Bull.
• I met my high school sweetheart at 14, married at 18 and we separated at 21.  Divorce came later...like at 25.  See? Procrastinator.
• I began writing on a weekly basis for this little place called 'DyingDays.'
• I met my now Husband thanks to that little place and we fell in lust-love on a slippery cobblestone street in New Orleans.
• Three months later, I drove my little, white, Dodge Neon to Mississippi to move in with him.
• Two years later, we were fortunate enough to make a trip to Cuba  to meet 92 relatives.
• Shortly after that, a hooker named Katrina decided to huff and puff and ruin home.
• Moved to Tampa, FL.  Gave it a go for 2 years and decided that Houston, TX would be a better match.
• Got Married in October (my favorite month) 2007 and moved to Houston in Dec.
• A year and a half later, we were blessed with the most precious boy ever. Ulysses Noel.  Think James Joyce, not Grant.
• I recently (September 1st) turned 31 and I can honestly say that I feel like life is just beginning for me.
• I have many quirks. 
• I love music. All sorts.  But, if I were to be honest, I would love for life to bring back grunge.
• I believe in sappy, over-the-top romantic gestures and also know that the little ones can truly be just as grand.
• I'm not a sports fan (though I played a wee bit of Basketball and Volleyball in Elementary) but this year I joined a Fantasy Football league.
• I'm not a true 'girly' girl. I never played with dolls, but I absolutely love make-up, mani/pedis and my hair taken care of.
• I love Tattoos. I currently have 7 and I hope to have my Ulysses Tattoo by his 2nd birthday.
• I strongly feel that no matter how old you are, you should always be made to feel special on your Birthday.
•  I am strong-willed and opinionated.  Though I recognize when it is best not to voice mine.
• I am compassionate, caring and empathetic to a fault.  I cry during commercials. 
• I love anything and everything Horror.  The "campy-er", the better.
• I love anything and everything Vintage.
• I surprise many when I speak Spanish.  Yes, I am Cuban-Puerto Rican and very proud.

So, yeah.  Introduction complete.  Hopefully the next few entries will allow a closer glimpse into who I am and what makes me, well, me.

Woah. I should dust this thing off...

I love to write.
I think too much for my own good. 
I like to write my thoughts out. 
When did I forget to do what I enjoyed?  Not sure, but here is another attempt to get these creative juices flowing once more...

Day 01 – Introduce yourself
Day 02 – Your first love
Day 03 – Your parents
Day 04 – What you ate today
Day 05 – Your definition of love
Day 06 – Your day
Day 07 – Your best friend
Day 08 – A precious item
Day 09 – Your beliefs
Day 10 – What you wore today
Day 11 – Your siblings
Day 12 – What’s in your bag
Day 13 – This week
Day 14 – What you wore today
Day 15 – Your dreams
Day 16 – Your first kiss
Day 17 – Your favorite memory
Day 18 – Your favorite birthday
Day 19 – Something you regret
Day 20 – Your morning routine
Day 21 – Your job and/or schooling
Day 22 – Something that upsets you
Day 23 – Something that makes you feel better
Day 24 – Something that makes you cry
Day 25 – Your sleeping habits
Day 26 – Your fears
Day 27 – Your favorite place
Day 28 – Something that you miss
Day 29 – Your favorite foods/drinks
Day 30 – Your aspirations

I saw this in another journal that I read and thought it was great inspiration.  So later, I begin with #1.