Who's your Governor?

Recently, I met the Governor of Puerto Rico Mr. Aníbal S. Acevedo Vilá. During his visit to Boston, he saw his daughter, a freshman at Harvard; performed some official duties and went to a Red Sox game. Yes! Mr. Acevedo is a RedSox fan! A Harvard grad, he is very familiar with our city. This picture was taken at the inauguration of the office for Puerto Rican Veterans in Boston where I was taping.

My mother may get a kick out of knowing I met the Puerto Rican governor. My father, not so much. You see, Puerto Rico has always struggled with its identity. Since I can remember, we had to identify with a particular political party. It was a big deal when my father decided to switch parties to vote "republicano." All it really means is to be pro statehood. My mother has always supported the party of Luis Muñoz Marin, pro commonwealth. I was most intrigued by the college students that returned home with 'ideologias independentistas' - pro independence.

Frankly, it has been a while since I've thought about this. I go back and forth on the status issue. I've always like to see all the options, all points of view. While I was living in the island, I paid close attention to politics - there was no escaping it. Families were torn between political idealism. During election year, flags were placed on top of homes representing what party they were voting for. Little by little, this has subsided. I imagine people have become disenchanted, as I have, with the issue. Meeting the governor brought back these memories.

At the inauguration, I also came to a surprising realization. During the ceremony, Aníbal Acevedo Vila was introduced as our governor, "nuestro gobernador." I've been in Boston for more years than I've lived in PR now. So hearing "nuestro gobernador," made me think. Is he my governor? He may be the governor of my 'homeland', but I had nothing to do with him being elected. So when I think of my governor, I think of Deval Patrick. Maybe it's because I voted for him. Maybe it's because I've set roots here too. Somewhere down the line something in me has shifted. Maybe I like knowing that I am part of a different struggle. I like being part of the Latino community, many nationalities and ethnic groups, striving for an America for all.

I've seen Governor Deval Patrick several times now - I attend many events that he has been invited to speak. This picture was taken at the 2007 St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast. I had to experience it at least once. Though I enjoyed the political banter, I'm still a bit idealistic. This, despite growing up in a land where it's political destiny depends on a decision by the US Congress. With it all, maybe being exposed to politics all my life will pay off - hopefully to finally see some real changes.

Hiding your head in the sand ...

What do you do when you've made a mistake? Do you immediately apologize or you hide your head in the sand and wait for the problem to go away? Apparently this is the position some choose to take when facing difficult situations.

OK, so you sent an email that was meant to your 'compinche' and everyone saw it because you regrettably replied to all - Ouch! Ouch, because the person insulted was also included in the email.

You may think you were just voicing your opinion and leave it at that - but if it is a matter of opinion and everyone is entitled to it, why the silence? You should be embarrassed, but I wonder, are you really? What if you have not issued an apology because of arrogance? Arrogance is just as damaging as calling people names. Unfortunately for you, it's all in the open and we just can't look the other way.

I'm accused "sometimes" of being too nice, but I'm not afraid to point out when something is not quite right. Some may feel they are under a microscope because my high expectations. It may be because I care. I care about my community and how it's represented.

Recently, I was a third party recipient of an infamous email. I don't bother naming anyone here - the person responsible for the mess - his mess, will get a copy of this. Let this be an opportunity to air out this negative energy a rotten apple has created. It isn't like me to ignore a situation when someone insults a friend or degrades us in the public eye. Unlike the ostrich, we should direct our attention to the problem instead of hiding our head in the sand.

The Three Ring Circus that is My Life...

Summer has finally set, leaving in it's path memories of this sought-out season. When I began this blog, I thought summer would be the ideal time to write - the perfect time to slow things down and reflect. Wishful thinking on my part. So for those friends who are wondering why have I not written in a while, I'll give you a glimpse of the three ring circus that is my life...


I'm not complaining. I'm blessed with a good job, great family and circle of friends and a "hobby" that defines my identity. When family ties are challenging, I lean on my trusted friends for support. When my job pulls me in every direction possible, I trust that every new experience offers professional growth. And when I feel most accomplished is when I'm able show my community in a positive light.


A great example of how work has become a juggling act is my involvement in one of the several comities I participate in. This last was the Latino Heritage Month event which was a total success due to a famous sports figure we were able to land as our kenote speaker.

But the most significant personal event happen at the end of spring. In May, there was a new addition to our family. My daughter had a baby. Oh yeah! I know what you're thinking. You are so young... Good genes, I say. So in July we all traveled to Puerto Rico for his baptism. This little someone will revive the meaning of holidays and will give us a second chance to rediscover life's many wonders.

During this summer I also moved. Not far from my old home, but was a welcome change. Now you can add "landlord" to the many labels you may want to refer to me. To celebrate that my house was finally rented, I joined my friends in our quarterly trip to New York city.


In August, my sister visited from Orlando. I took her to The Water Fires in Rhode Island and to Martha's Vineyard - my favorite place in New England. Her favorite place? Fenway Park. On her last nigh here, we went to Tasca for dinner and flamenco. It's amazing all that Boston has to offer.



Even though I wanted to take a break from the program I produce - everyone else runs repeats during the summer. Not a chance, there were too many great stories in Boston not to miss and my summer nights weren't spent sipping lemonade on my deck but in front of my computer editing.


So when you ask, where were you? Try looking for me in one of the rinks that comprise my life: work, family/friends and producing, taping and editing BostonLatino.Tv. I'm constantly moving between them, but when I have a chance to slow down, I try to enjoy a quiet evening at home, sitting with my dog to watch a movie or a previously recorded TV show. Because of my hectic schedule, I have a new appreciation for the normal and my DVR.

Fall is in full swing now. It's always this season, the one that makes the leafs disappear, that I feel is the beginning of a new cycle. I'm looking forward to the new experiences it may bring, new friendships, new opportunities and new challenges. I'll try to find time to share in this blog - not much of a "diary" but the intention to write is there.

If when reading this you feel the urge to write about your summer... Please post! I would love to hear what you've been up to too.