Lori: guess what, did I tell you I signed up for a marathon?

Me: really?

Lori: yeah, the Pasadena Marathon.

Me: huh? There’s a Pasadena Marathon?

Lori: it’s new.

Me: oh. So you’re gonna run a marathon? You’ll be the first Mosqueda since tío Johnny. Cool!

Lori: yeah, I’ve been wanting to do it since I saw the pictures of tío Johnny crossing the finish line in the LA Marathon years ago. He can’t run anymore, but I can.

Me: [sad face] I know.

Lori: I started training today, we just ran a little mile. The next Saturdays we’ll run more.

Me: when is it?

Lori: in November. Will you go and cheer for me on the route?

Me: of course! I’ll make a sign saying, “Run, GP! Run!”

Lori: yay!

Me: are you doing it on your own?

Lori: no, my friend and I signed up with the American Stroke Association. I have to fundraise.

Me: you should have no problem with that, you know lots of people. I’m sure all the people you bake cookies and cakes for owe you a buck or two.

Lori: I hope.

Me: I’m proud of you. You’re such a do-gooder. First you cut off your hair for sick kids, now this.

When I was a kid, I never understood why Mamá Toni called a birthday a “día de tu santo” or “santo” for short.

No one explained to me that Mexicans often chose a name based on feast saint’s days.

Mamá Toni was named Antonia because she was born on San Antonio de Padúa’s feast day.

Feliz día de su santo, Mamá Toni.

Earlier this evening, I listened to an NPR story about a recently-released book, Perfect Pitch: The Quest for Collegiate A Cappella Glory, following the a cappella competition circuit.

I figured the book would be a great gift for my older brother, Danny. He’s been part of Fermata Nowhere a group at Mt. San Antonio College for a few years. I’ve seen him perform a couple of times and heard him practice many times. Unfortunately, the International Championship of Collegiate A Cappella quarterfinals on March 1st conflicted with my cousin’s wedding. Danny went to the competition with the rest of the group while his family — or his number one cheerleaders — went to the wedding.

In the middle of the reception, Danny text messaged us to let us know that Fermata Nowhere placed first and would advance to the next round of competition. You can view videos of their performances at the competition here, here, here, and here.

Danny doesn’t perform any solos in those videos, which is a shame because he’s got a great voice. Luckily, I found an older Fermata Nowhere video featuring Danny singing one of the solos for Ricky Martin’s “María.” Enjoy! Maybe one day there’ll be a video of me singing something on here. Hah.

Video after the jump.
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I know I’m beautiful.

I know this because of my parents*.

My mom is beautiful. My dad is handsome. Since I have their genes, and many of their other not-so-visible but more wonderful qualities, I think that makes me good looking.

This logic works for my siblings too. Lori, Adrian and Danny are all beautiful/handsome.

*Going back to my grandparents and looking at my extended family, I’d have more evidence to support my conclusion.

A conversation between me and my almost 14-year-old cousin on Saturday during our other cousin’s baby shower.

Stephen: did my mom tell you about my birthday party on the 21st?

Me: yeah.

Stephen: are you gonna come to my party?

Me: yeah, I’m pretty sure I can make it… Is there anything you want for your birthday?

Stephen: oh, you don’t need to get me anything.

Me: but it’s your birthday.

Stephen: yeah, but birthdays are not about presents, that’s what my parents taught me.

I was initially baffled by Stephen’s response. What 14 year old kid these days does not want birthday presents?

But then I remembered my 8th birthday party. My tía Patty and her husband showed up without a present. I was a brat/mocosa back then, so I went to her and asked, “what did you bring me?”

Oh man, she put me in my place.

I told tía Patty what her son said. She wasn’t surprised.

“Iván and I taught him that birthdays weren’t about presents. He knows that if people come to your birthday party, that’s enough because they’re there celebrating with you. If they want to bring you a present, that’s okay, but you shouldn’t expect a gift.”

I like Stephen and tía Patty’s attitudes.