Estimados Amgios,
My Comadre is the best.
What is a "comadre"? According to the Merriam-Webster's English translation, it is defined as: 1) godmother of one's child; 2) mother of one's godchild; 3) neighbor, female friend. When I refer to my Comadre, I use it as a term of endearment for my BFFL, better known as Jennifer to the rest of the world.
Her and I are basically long lost twin souls from two different mothers. I love my family and hers, so I'm lucky to say I am blessed with two loving families, one in the east coast (mine) and another in the south (hers). We met in high school on the second day of the 2002-2003 academic year. I was a sophomore and she a freshman. Since then we have been really close, even when I moved to Houston for 4.5 years. During my time in Houston, we didn't communicate at all, but as soon as I touched-down in Dallas, it was like I never left.
Jennifer gave you her introduction for the purpose of this blog but I would like to share my side of the story. I left Houston back in 2010 because I was done with college and was working, but I felt like my life was beginning to be sucked into this blackhole of nothingness. I felt that I need to get out of that situation and see the world, so I moved back to Dallas. Immediately, Jen & I reconnected and became as inseparable as ever. We had many experiences during our time apart and in some sense were different people, but at the same time, we realized how similar we were. We bonded into a team of starry-eyed idealizers, beginning to see our life with a newfound grandiose perspective. We began to plan our move to LA for 2011, but then we settled on NYC because the schools in NYC were more recognized. Long story short, I got accepted to NYU as a graduate student and moved to the Big Apple. My Comadre stayed in Dallas, not because she wanted to.
It's been almost two years since I made the big move, but my Comadre and I make an effort to see each other at least every six months. Most recently, we met up in Vegas and when we returned to our respective homes, I told her I was ready for LA as she told me the same. I told you we are too alike.
I'll share an excerpt from an email I sent her a few weeks ago regarding our move to LA:
"Subconsciously, I always knew NYC was temporary but that has not been the case in regards to LA. I think that is the place we are supposed to end up but to make it worth it, we had to be ready. And, the Lord has prepared us. It is such a coincidence that yesterday I came across a quote: "The two most important days in your life are the day you were born and the day you find out why" - Mark Twain. I think that we have both discovered, finally, our whys...we both came to the realization that we are ready to take the next step and finally succeed in LA."
To give you some background, my Comadre was utterly distressed and I had to remind her of all the things we have gone through in the last year and a half. Basically, I gave her the whole everything-happens-for-a-reason spiel. Then I gave her the idea to set up this blog (which she did, THANK YOU COMADRE!) so we could have a concrete account of our plan and journey. Most importantly, it would give us another form to communicate despite the 2K+ miles between us.
She already posted three post and this is only my first one. Ay, Dios mio! But, it's all good.
You may wonder why LA? Well, why not? #LA2014!
-Mariela
marielaochoa.com
@TheMarielaO
Math class was as sucky as usual, so I walked out today. I decided to take my confused ass to the library and print out my degree plan instead. Although I thought I had it figured out, after today, I'll probably go crazy. I noticed that I'm pretty much ready to start on my upper classman courses but to do that, I must decide what it is I want to major in. If you would of asked me a couple of years ago I wouldn't of thought twice before shouting out "Fashion Merchandising/Marketing". If you would of asked me last week, I would of said "Public Relations/Advertising". The thing is they are both very much alike. I have a true love for fashion and will forever be obssessed, however, the practical side of my brain keeps reminding me that the economy is to shits right now, PR is the way to go. But then I wondered maybe the reason for my recent disinterest in school is the result of a major that is my 2nd choice rather than my 1st. Fashion has always been my first choice, I have always dreamed of being a stylist. Ever since I was young and playing with Barbies you would hear me say, "I'm accessorizing!". Thanks to the last hour I spent researching several careers and what not, I am more confused today than I was years ago. Should I follow my heart? Should I play it safe? After my post yesterday, I think playing it safe is out of the question. I think I'm going back to Fashion. If it fails, oh well! At least I tried. I won't have to wonder "what if?". I can say that I tried and I failed. However, the only way to fail, is to give up. I don't plan on giving up. I'm going to make this happen. Just like I've made plenty of other things happen, this too shall happen for me. My final conclusion came to being that if I enroll in a couple of Fashion courses, my interest level will rise again, I will stay focused and be steadily reminded of what I'm working for. Not just a degree to have a secure future. But a degree to have the dream career that I've always wanted. With that said, Fashion Marketing/Merchandising it is! And if I don't finish by the time I move to LA, then you guys might just hear from me as a student of FIDM. Tootles!
-Jen
@J3NNYMAR
So during one of the conversations I had with my Comadre, I stated I would move to LA whether I was caught up with school or not. Every now and then I regret saying that, but then I remind myself of how many people have been successful without a college degree. I understand that it is a great back up to have but how long do I have to hold back because I'm not done with it? I just wish I could go out and do what I want to do. Luckily for me, the careers that I am pursuing don't really require a degree. However, I was wanting to have one just in case things didn't work out. But if I keep up with that mentality aren't I already setting myself up for failure? Shouldn't I just run out and do what I want whole heartily and make my dream come true? I have to admit, I'm kind of scared. I have always been more of a free spirit and just go with the flow type of girl but I'm scared to make the same mistakes I have before...I don't want to neglect my school career and then come back and regret it. I already feel as if I'm way behind on the college game. Imagine if I really do just leave it behind? I will hate myself for not finishing. I think I'm just feeling like this cause of my stupid math class. I'm feeling overwhelmed and ready to drop it. I want to make myself stick it out so I can get it over with but how is that even possible when I'm completely lost? Then I thought, well just drop that ONE class and keep going with whatever else you have to do. I'm telling you my brain can process a billinion thoughts per minute. I honestly think I need some form of medication. For now, I'll just keep trying to get through this semester. I know this post might be a debbie downer but I needed someone to vent to. Good day!
-Jen
@J3NNYMAR
Let me start off by telling you a bit about the purpose of this blog. A very good friend of mine suggested that we document our adventures leading up to our big move to Los Angeles, CA. My friend that I will reference to a lot, either as my "Comadre", "Bob" or just simply Mariela is currently residing in NYC, where I should be as well but that's a different story. Long story short, Mariela and I encountered a lot of obstacles and had many adventures leading up to her move that would of made great stories. So this time around we decided we would share the journey. I can only wish to inspire anybody who reads this to follow their dreams. Despite of anything that may cross you, don't give up. At times I feel like I'm too old to try to fulfill my dream but then I remember that there are people in college that are in their 50's. If they decided to chase their dream at that age then I can't give up on mine now. I just want to make people understand that anything you believe you can do, is possible. We can't categorize ourselves into what society says we are meant to do just because of our age, sex, nationality or sexual preference. We must believe in ourselves and pursue what we want out of life. I thought about making this an anonymous blog but then decided against it. I want anyone who reads this to know who Mariela and I are just in case you feel like you want to contact us for any reason. We would be more than happy to assist you with getting started on working towards your dream. Please feel free to share or comment. We also accept any constructive criticism.
-Jen
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Me @J3NNYMAR
Mariela @TheMarielaO
