I seem to have had a flare-up. This is the first one in a good couple of months. As I type I am running a fever of 100.7. My ears are burning up and the rest of me is shivering with chills. I seriously wish my mom was here. I don't mean so she can wait on me hand and foot. Just knowing she's near by would make me feel a whole heck of a lot better! Ah hell, lets be honest I wish my entire family was here in San Antonio. Even Sebastian. During flare-ups he never leaves my side! Animals are amazing creatures. I've been in bed most of the day and I miss him snuggling up close to me and seeing his ears perk up on alert with every cough, move, or sound I make. I miss my lil' brother sneaking into my room and peeking at me when he thinks I am sleeping. I wish my sister was here so she could sing me a song or tell me a funny story so that I don't slip into self pity. I wish I could hear my daddy's stern voice say, "Ileaaana...put that down! You're sick and you want to eat junk!" I've been reminded again and again that I am a "big girl" and shouldn't give way to tears, but who cares? My mother raised me to be the emotional enigma that I am! We cry when we're happy and we cry when we're sad. We cry for no good reason at all sometimes....
Sweet Virgil stopped by after work and brought me crackers and ginger root (for tea to soothe my tummy). My dad said, "Isn't great to be surrounded by friends who love you and will come to you in your time of need?" Um, YEAH! Marciece is slated to make an appearance along with Law. We shall see because at the moment it is pouring rain. I coulda sworn I drove 16.5 hours (straight) AWAY FROM FLORIDA!!!!!
Well, my hands are shaking almost uncontrollably so I am going to crawl into bed. Night all.
~Lady Musiq~
Pressed by a Fairie // 8:04 PM
Hey world...
It's Tuesday and I don't go in to work for another 5 hours. I've been here 11 days and I've yet to spend one at home doing nothing. My friends back home would be shocked. Yesterday I was off so I spent 12 hours out and about. Actually, I spent most of my time at Lisa's house, playing with my Godson. I seriously can't get enough of him. Usually I'll play with a baby, goo goo gaa gaa type ish and then give them back, I almost didn't want to give him up. Any way, so we went here and there and I met some more of Lisa's uncles. Her family is too funny! Last year when I came down for Spring Break her Uncle Terry took a liking to me. Well this time around Uncle Terry has some competition. It seems Uncle Ronnie has a thing for me too. We were shooting pool and he just kept staring at me! At one point Lisa said she has a message for me...I won't repeat it here, but I had to laugh out loud! I did turn a bit pink, but that's what usually happens to me when I am flustered. It was on the tip of my tongue to let Ronnie know that I was Terry's but I didn't. I should've gone with my gut. LOLOLOLOLOLOL!!! Those gents are much too old for me anyway and I hope they realize that.
It was getting late and I decided I wanted to have some dinner. I called The Beast to see if he wanted to grab some grub but he'd already eaten so he asked if a movie would suffice. Who am I to turn down a free movie? Seriously, one of his friends is the manager at the movie theater RIGHT UP THE STREET from where I am staying. I scooped up Law and we all met to see The Island--"Lincoln Six-Echo (Ewan McGregor) is a resident of a seemingly utopian but contained facility in the mid-21st century. Like all of the inhabitants of this carefully controlled environment, Lincoln hopes to be chosen to go to the "The Island," reportedly the last uncontaminated spot on the planet. But Lincoln soon discovers that everything about his existence is a lie. He and all of the other inhabitants of the facility are actually human clones whose only purpose is to provide "spare parts" for their original human counterparts. Realizing it is only a matter of time before he is "harvested," Lincoln makes a daring escape with a fellow resident named Jordan Two-Delta (Scarlet Johansson). Pursued by the forces of the institute that once housed them, Lincoln and Jordan engage in a race for their lives to literally meet their makers."--Courtesy of Y! Movies Any way, the movie was interesting, kinda weird, surprisingly humorous, had some action, but ended quite poorly. I'll leave it at that so as not to give it away to those who may want to see it. There is a line in the movie that has now become my FAVORITE, especially since it pertains to kissing, which is also a fave of mine!!! There was some drama after the movie, but I'm not going to get into it here. Law and I are both off tomorrow so it seems we'll be spending the evening together. I can't wait! We might be able to persuade Marciece into hanging too.
We all had such a great time. We were transported back in time (6 years ago) when we were dubbed The Three Muskateers. Ciece would say something and Law and I would die laughing. Oh man, or Ciece would laugh during the movie and we would just crack up too cause it sounds sooo funny coming from him!!!! (Laughing RIGHT NOW at the thought). I got a little teary eyed. I missed them sooo much. We were consumed in each other. We were there for one another through rough patches in our lives and we never judged. We accepted one another w/o question. My mom wrote about the guys in her blog. I'll repost it here at the end, but I never knew she felt that way. I knew she loved them, but I didn't know how much. I remember the VERY first time she met Law she asked me if he was gay. I quickly said no, he had a girlfriend (naivete at its finest). My mom dropped the subject completely (or so I thought). I asked Marciece later that night before we all went to bed if he thought Law was gay and his response was, "Nah, I just think he's not afraid to explore his feminine side." So we just let it go. Continued enjoying the summer. Marciece had just graduated, I was officially a Senior and Law moved from Fish to Sophomore. That right there should tell you how great of a person Law is...the fact that a Senior and a Junior had no qualms about hanging with a Freshman (and I don't mean the actual status, but the age difference and maturity level). We spent most of the time in my pool. Remember the nights we'd go skinny dipping? ROFLMAO! Don't worry, I told Mami a loooong time ago. The three of us would spend hours laying in my bed just talking. Things we'd like to do, people we'd like to meet. Our hopes, goals, and dreams. Life in general. We only left my room to eat (since I had the master room). Law came out the end of his Soph/beginning of Junior year. He came over and was quite nervous. He kept laughing, then he decided he needed a smoke. So we head out to the front yard and he's looking everywhere but at me and says. "yeah soooo, I'm bi" I asked if it was bi but leaning more towards women or men? He said men and I said, "Honey, you're gay." He said he knew but he wanted to ease into it. I just hugged him, said congrats on finding himself. He was so surprised at how I took it, even more surprised that the people in school didn't turn on him. Of course he'd been throwing off signals left and right that year, I guess we knew it was coming. I told Marciece and he was like, that's cool. As long as he's happy. The other night Ciece and I were chillin' at his place, reminiscing about the three of us and I asked if he was just BSing me all those years ago about him thinking Law was just in touch with his feminine side. He smiled and said he didn't want to think about the possibility of Law being gay because he didn't want it to hinder their budding friendship or deter him from enjoying Law. He said that when Law finally came out, it didn't even matter. I just smiled and thanked my lucky stars to have friends like him. Ones who don't prejudge others. Ones who won't sit there and impose theirs beliefs of what's right and wrong onto you. You know the type-they'll sit there and say, 'I don't have a problem with your lifestyle cause you'll have to answer to God...' That really pisses me off. Don't say anything if you don't mean it. That sentence is a contradiction. Law was scared to death of what his parents would say, because they're religious. Law denied what he is because he knew he'd go to Hell if he admitted and gave into his being gay. I told him I'd be sitting right along side of him because I'm for everyone being happy and finding acceptance and love. I believe, contrary to what anyone says, including the Bible (GASP!!!!!) there are too many foul people running around in this world for God to truly be upset over someone loving another person of the same sex. Who are we to stop them from spreading love around? Who are we to treat them like second class citizens? I've had the pleasure of meeting and becoming friends with lesbian couples and gay couples. Some who have families and some who are fighting for the right to have/adopt children. I also know PLENTY of HETEROSEXUAL couples who are HORRIBLE at parenting, yet they're allowed...funny that two people so full of love that have the means and the desire to share that love can't do so because they love the 'wrong' person...Law calls me up and says. "I'm going to do it. I'm going to tell them." I asked if he wanted me to come over. He said no. An hour later I get a call and he's a bit emotional and hasn't told them yet. He wants me there. It's close to midnight and I have work in the morning, none of that passed through my head at the time. I threw on some PJs and headed over. We had a pep talk and then I waited in his room. About a half hour later I hear my name being called. I was sooo scared, I thought they'd hate me for not telling them or cluing them in...Law's parents were GREAT about the whole thing. We were all a little nervous for him. We'd be lying if we said differently. He's the ONLY son and the ONLY child AND he's Hispanic. They were shocked, and they admitted to seeing the signs (hindsight) but just brushed it off. His parents thanked me for being such a great friend. They were crying and so I started crying. I told them how I feared they'd hate me for keeping the secret, but hoped they understood it wasn't for me to tell. They embraced me and said they were proud to have me as part of their family. Of course his mom said something about no grandbabies, but Law and I clasped hands and I told them we'd already discussed that. One night, when the three of us were making pacts with/to each other it came up. Should Law and his partner (whomever he may be) run into problems adopting, I'd be their surrogate. That did them in.
Geez, start off in one area and end up in another. Sorry about just spilling it all on yall like that. I'm just so emotional over being home I guess...
Mami's Blog Entry:The Children of my HeartWhile I have three children of my own, and have mentioned them here. I have not mentioned the children of my heart. These children came to me through my kids. Little do many of us realize, our children's friends can touch us in many ways.Enter Lorenzio (my name for him) and Marciece (I always want to put a Q in his name). They sort of came in at about the same time, both in high school with my oldest, and they along with my daughter quickly became the Three Muskateers and stationed themselves in my home. From the moment I first met these two, I felt an emotional pull, and I also knew two things right away. One, that my daughter had a thing for Marciece, but I knew he was not THE one for her. Two, that my Lorenzio was gay. Yes, You read correctly! Of course, at that time, I am not sure he knew he was, I never asked him, though I did ask my daughter and she said no. It was for Lorenzio that my love grew even faster. I guess I was preparing deep down inside for the day when He realized he was gay, and for the day he would tell his parents. I guess I prepared myself to give him all the love I could because I had seen too often what rejection from family does to a gay person. I was NOT going to allow him to feel that there was anything wrong with him!!! Thankfully, he did not need what I was prepared to give, his parents understood and accepted him. Lorenzio keeps in touch and he is doing well. He better always wear a raincoat too.Marciece on the other hand was very much a heterosexual but with such an open mind. His quiet strength and his beautiful mind would leave me in awe sometimes. At that time, I could see the inner turmoil he may not even know he battled with. He seemed adrift for a while, not sure what he wanted to do with his life. He was sometimes quiet but always honest, I found that such a refreshing quality in someone so young. He is grown now, still handsome, writing his music, he has made a CD which I am still waiting to hear, and I am sure that which ever road he takes, it will always be the High one.
Pressed by a Fairie // 11:32 PM
I feel like I've been away from the blog for soooo long. In reality it's only been a week and two days. Surely I've gone longer than this without an update. I made it to San Antonio, Tx from Port Richey, Fl in 16.5 hours. That's right, I drove down non-stop. I was weak though and did stop for food once. Shame on me. I think I am going to buy stock in the SoBe Energy drink company. Good stuff.
Since getting into town I have seen and played with my beautiful Godson Daylan James. It sucks that he's already walking and I missed out on all the baby stuff, but late is better than never. Then there's my lil' chocolate nugget, Khristopher. He's Daylan's cousin and as cute as can be. He's sooo sweet and loving. They seriously make me want some chirrens!! All in due time. I spent almost my first week at Ida's house. I got in Saturday morning around 3am and had my first day of work on Tues. I am off tomorrow and Monday (YAY!) Any way, I saw Virgil and his little girl. She's sooo freaking cute and BIG! His entire family is over 6' (Mom, Dad, Bro, and lil' sis). She's only two and is the size of a 4 year old. God bless her and the others...
It feels so wonderful being home. The familiar sights and sounds and even smells. There's truly no place like home. Everyone here is so polite. I'm no longer the outsider. People don't look at my skin color first here, they see a bubbly chic with a smile on her face. They see the face of contentment.
Any way, can't really talk too much, I have to drive out to Helotes (sp). My Grandma is there visiting from FL. It's about 45mins. from here, so I need to get a move on...
To my family, Y'all are missed every hour of every day. I wish I could come home and smell food cooking and have to help set the table. I long to hear you Mami lead the dinner prayer. I missing peeking and catching Vero and Estevie peaking too...I especially miss eating Dad's cornbread...On the flip side, I'm being taken care of. Ida is the closest thing I have to family out here. Her and Victoria. I wish you guys knew them two better. You'd love them as much as I do. All ready people are asking us if we're related!!! Even when we went to Hardbodies...LOL I'll see if they have post cards Vero...I'll send you one with some nekked mens that reads: Wish you were here! ROFLMAO!!!!! Okay, about to start tearing up, take care all, be safe and God Bless! It's already going to be 8pm here and I need to get some rest cause Marciece is taking me to church tomorrow. HUSH! Not one crack about lightening striking or fire or anything else (I've gotten my fill from Ida and Ciece himself)!!!!! I love you all. Hugs and Kisses and Fairie Wishes
Ileana M.
Pressed by a Fairie // 7:37 PM
Goodbye bed. Goodbye memory board. Goodbye nightstand. Goodbye Computer desk. Goodbye computer. Goodbye Dresser. Goodbye chest of drawers. Goodbye stuffed animals. Goodbye entertainment unit thing. I'll see yall in about 3 maybe 4 months. Goodbye space heater! Goodbye room! Goodbye Frank, my fave hairstylist. Goodbye mall, Target, movie theater, Chili's, Olive Garden, Post Office, and bank all in the same area and only 3 minutes away!! Goodbye Ryan. I love you sooooo much. Everyone always speculated that there was more between us than what met the eye. That's small minded people for you. They can't understand how an X and a Y can be friends w/o the 'with benefits' at the end. (Here come the waterworks). Geez, any way, you are so sweet and so kind its amazing. Quiet and a little shy around those you don't know, but once they crack that shell they'll find a wonderful person so full of love it might knock them down. Keep writing and playing your music. You have a gift, use it to move you out of where you are now. Bigger and better things are sure to come your way. Just follow your heart and your dreams Ry. You'll always have a home in S.A. should you find yourself in need. I'll miss you so much. Dangit, I already miss you. No late night Whataburger or chocolate chip cookies ;) PLEASE be safe. I love you.Goodbye Alicia. My (play) baby nephew's momma. Man oh man, where do I even begin Ms. Taurus? That's why we hit it off so well you know. Scorps and Taurs are the most compatible signs in the entire zodiac. Keep your head up Lici. Don't let anyone drag you down or hold you back from doing what's right for you and Connor! Yes, that includes your family. Enjoy them as I do, I love you more. I can't wait until I am settled in and you and the baby can come out for a visit. My goodness, can you believe he just turned 2? Seems like only yesterday I was in your hospital room with you. One of my proudest moments let me tell you. Sheesh, I can't turn the pipes off!!! You have been such a blessing to not only me but my family. Rushing over here during emergencies, visits to the hospital, emotional support...the list is as endless as you are priceless. I love you Lici and you too Connor. Visit soon and often, heck maybe you'll want to stay. You've lived in Tx before...think about it...Goodbye Michelle. Just saw you yesterday and will probably see you a little later today. We started off on the left foot and when we managed to find the right foot, we didn't stay on it too long. That's the problem with us Scorpios. We are either excellent together or a disaster. There's usually no middle ground. I'm thrilled that we sought ours out and I am leaving with us as friends (again). This pretty much blows huh? All that stupid time wasted and now I'm leaving. Such is life I guess. I LOVE the apt. I am so happy and oddly enough, proud of you. Juggling not one but TWO jobs, college and now an apt. Big things!! I'll miss you a great deal. Who will know exactly what I am thinking when I'm out shooting the breeze with friends? You know when someone makes a stupid comment or someone's wearing the wrong thing for their body or someone's boring me to death with rambling convo...? Who'll feed my appreciation for order and things that match? We are truly two of a kind. I can't wait until Dallas has to go to San Antonio. It'll give you and Nicole the chance to come and visit me. Like you need a reason. Pop up anytime, just call ahead first ;) ;). I love you Bubbles. Take care. Be safe. Don't drink too much burr!! You're a dancer, can't have a burr gut on a dancer now can we???Goodbye LJ. Talk about two of a kind...You ARE me, just a 4 years younger version. Seriously, from our problems with our siblings and the trouble between parents, it's like looking into a mirror that shows the past. You are so strong and vibrant. You truly can do anything LJ. Everyone who meets you can see that right away. You were the level-headed Scorp of us three. The mediator. Michelle off being a jealous looney (hahahahah YOU LOVE IT MICHELLE) and me being a stubborn mule, I don't know how you put up with either of us. It's the nurturer in you. Our problem is, we don't know when to let go. People tend to take advantage of us and our kindness. Granted, most of the times we know their game, but we still let it continue. Don't let it get to the point where you lose yourself, you hear me? Don't compromise yourself or your happiness for someone else's. Period. Now, CONGRATULATIONS on your engagement!!!!!!!! Raise your hand if you saw that coming....I have to be honest and say I didn't. As long as you're happy and JD's the reason, I'm all for it. I'll send you my address so you can send me an invite (whenever it is).Goodbye Amanda. You are the epitome of friendship. You work hard to make sure others are happy yet you don't take crap from people...well...most people. I love you Mandy. Your cheery disposition and warm smile will be missed. I'll have friends who'll accompany me to Chili's, but who will bask in the after Chicken Caesar Pita glow with me?? Life is a vicious cycle and sometimes we continue the pattern of life our parents lived. I worry about that and you. You know what I am speaking of. I won't place your biznatch out here. Just take care of yourself Mandy. Seriously, you more than the others. Your future happiness is my main concern. I don't care if you'll have peace of mind knowing you'll be financially stable in the future, that's called settling, compromising and rationalizing!!! Don't be lulled into to thinking those things will make you happy in the future. True happiness comes from within. Remember that!! I am proud of you Miss Mouth. 18 and already you have a brand new car (that you're paying for), going to school, and negotiated yourself the BEST pay I've EVER seen a cashier get. Kudos to you. Take care sweetpea. If you ever need to just get away, I'm only a phone call and plane ride away.Goodbye Erica. Wild times!!! Didn't we? LOL...Any way, we've got one great thing in common and that's Ryan. He was mine first though. Naninanibooboo. Okay, I'm back from my trip to 3rd grade. Any way, it's been a blast knowing you E-Bomb, fizzle rizzle chizzle. Yizzle nizzle cizzle wizzle Rizzle if hizzle cizzles tizzle Texizzle. Izzle lizzle yizzle sizzle mizzle. Izzle hizzle fizzle kizzling yizzle. HAHAHA. Moving on, You get the gist. Take care of each other. I don't want to get a phone call saying you know what (think camping trip). You're a part of my life forever and I hope it stays that way. Lay off the drizzles and stuff, and get Ryan to too! Be safe Love!
I TRULY count my blessings. Each and every person listed above came to me through The Angel Dinner Theatre. That's where we all met, worked, and became a family. A family in every sense of the word except by blood. We brought Ry out of his shell and into the fold. Showered him with all the love and attention he seemed to be missing. In return he gave us is ears when we needed to cry/complain/or just vent. Alicia brought a baby into the family and we all love and adore him as if we each had a hand in the whole thing! Michelle and Donald had a rollercoaster of a relationship, one we all played counselor to a few times. LJ met her (now) fiance JD there. Some time in the near future we will all gather for their wedding. I met Amanda through LJ when the theater closed and I needed another job. LJ worked at Ron's and got me an interview. The rest, as they say, is history. So see...I think there was something more to the Angel Dinner Theatre than just a nice name. It's a place where a few Angels actually existed and have become an eternal part of my life.
Goodbye (for now) Ron: Next month we'll celebrate a year. How time has traveled passed us...and along the way has taken us for a heck of a ride. We've done the through sickness and health, for richer (you) and for poorer (me) (LOL), the love, honor, and cherish part...I guess all we need now is for one of us to die. I AM JUST KIDDING!!!! You get my drift. We're as close as we are apart. I love you.
~Lady Farewell~
Pressed by a Fairie // 12:08 PM
Pressed by a Fairie // 6:40 PM
Leaving crept right up on me. I balled myself sick day before yesterday! I was just beginning to pack all of my stuff when I went out to ask my mom if she'd help me. Everyone was gone save my lil' brother. I went to his room to ask after everyone. As I was leaving I gave him a hug, told him I'd miss him, and preceded to cry like a baby. I managed to pull myself together enough to give him a sloppy kiss on the cheek and scurry off to my room. That night my mom came in my room and saw my empty closets and shoe racks and started crying too. I managed not to join in the waterworks. If I don't think about it, I won't cry...too much. Later that night, around 1am Vero and I hopped in the car and headed to Tampa. She broke down. I really have NO clue what I am going to do without my family. I'm going to feel like I am on vaca until I sign a lease somewhere!
Any way, I won't be online much today and not at all from Thursday-Sunday (at least). It may be a bit longer. I'll have my trusty sidekick so we can chat on AIM or Y! when time allows. I am going to head out now. A few of my friends want a few minutes of my time before I leave. Tonight will be a family night. Poker, Game Cube, PS2, Xbox, maybe even some scrabble. We'll see. Peace and love to all.
~Roaming Spirit~
~Lady Musiq~
Pressed by a Fairie // 12:37 PM
I hvae FANTASTIC news! The HUNGER STRIKE is over. SunTrust has come on board!!! They've pledged $24 BILLION and they'll meet with Al Pina to go over the communities and decide which ones need the most help. Excellent job SunTrust!
Pressed by a Fairie // 11:52 PM
I can't go into too much detail as the matter is still open, but I would like to ask every visitor to say a prayer for my sister Veronika Rivera. Today just may be the first day of the rest of her life either. I don't usually ask others to pray for me or those I love. I find it a very personal issue. Today however, I am asking. Please pray to whoever it is that represents your God that things go well for us today. That all things are taken into account and that equality leads the way and the decision of the courts. Thank you ALL!!!
Ileana Rivera
Pressed by a Fairie // 7:58 AM
Life has so many little curveballs and let me tell you, sometimes I don't think I can handle them. Thankfully, I've done a pretty good job. I wonder what my life will be like in 5 days. I've always been great at baseball, so here I stand in the batter's box, ready to knock life out of the park.
Any way, don't really have much to say. My aunt is visiting and driving us all crazy!! She's talking about traveling with me to San Antonio and I've just sat back and said nothing. I can't drive her to Texas!!!! She'll want to stop EVERY freaking 2 hours because she her back is hurting, she has to pee, or needs something to drink to take one of her many pills. Musiq is my life and she'd drain that little pleasure right out of me. 'Ay Nena, the words in this song. How can you call it music? Does it have to be so loud? Can you turn that down, I have a headache.' If she seriously wants to go, might think about flying instead. Yeah right, I would be stuck without a car! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
It's going to really suck, not being able to talk to Ron every day. It already sucks only being able to speak sporadically throughout the day. This is going to be one of those tests. How strong is our bond? Our friendship? Our love? Any way, it's late and I have to be up and at court by 8:45 a.m. Goodnight!
~Lady Musiq~
Pressed by a Fairie // 11:10 PM
Here I am, eight days away from the rest of my life. Dramatic aren't I? LOL. At least I'm honest and aware. I have a flare for the dramatic, that's something only those close to me (and now you) know about me or get to experience. It's part of what makes my personality so dynamic. Some might mistake my words for narcissism, but those who know and love me, know nothing is further from the truth. I may be a tad self-indulgent, but never to the point where I think people are beneath me. Any way, my point is that now I have to change my sleep pattern. Normally (as you can see by the time this is posted) I am just going to sleep when the rest of the US is rising to begin their day. I'll be heading out of here around 4 a.m. on Sat. so I'll need to have slept most of the day. I guess time will tell. I plan on enlisting the helps of Tylenol's Simply Sleep. Don't fret over much, it's non habit forming and contains NO pain reliever. Any way, I checked w/ my Doc and he says it's fine. So if you don't see me around much, I'm not ignoring you or trying to distance myself, I'm trying to prep as best I can for my trip.
Speaking of ignoring and such, I'm not sure how much time I'll have on a pc. While I'm taking my laptop with me, I can't use my wireless card because wherever I am at needs to have a router and some other techie crap. I know Tony has a pc though and he uses Roadrunner, so I am sure I'll be able to update here and there. Hopefully he won't mind if I install Y! and AIM. Unfortunately Mr. Stevenson, I will not download Paltalk. It's unpredictable and a nuisance! I've got the google, Y!, Windows AND Spybot pop-up blockers activated and I STILL get about 3-5 pop-ups everytime I open a new window. And that's when I don't have the stupid thing on and running! It's more than retarded to PAY for a service just so the inconveniencing pop-ups will stop when I have 3 messengers that get the job done w/o ONE pop-up and for FREE!!!!!! Did I mention my COMPUTER FREEZING in the middle of important ish and having to reboot the darn thing? Ick.
Well, that's all for now. I'll be around.
~Head Mistress of The Peanut Gallery~
Pressed by a Fairie // 5:18 AM
If you're receiving this email it's because I firmly believe you can help aide the cause. I believe that because of our friendship you'll stand with me for a cause I believe in and since EVERY ONE of you that is reading this is a MINORITY, it concerns you too. Maybe not directly, but definitely indirectly, because its affecting YOUR people! If they disregard ONE Latino/Hispanic or African American, they're saying to US ALL that WE are NOT good enough!! SunTrust doesn't want to give back to the communities that are lining their pockets, fine, Wachovia and Bank of America have come on board. They've stepped up, opened their doors and put THEIR money where THEIR mouth is...so please if you or anyone else you know uses SunTrust Banks, give them the boot and for kicks and giggles hand them this email when you do! Please continue reading and then, pass this email along. It's not a chain letter and we're NOT asking for anything more than YOUR voice!
Hello All:
I hope today finds you all in great health and wealth. Not so for Al Pina. He is weakening as the days go by due to his hunger strike against Sun Trust, and Sun Trust still refuses to do the right thing. Lend your support, speak to your neighbors, friends, families. Let's unite our voices by refusing to do business with Sun Trust.
NAMAD (National Assoc. of Minority Auto Dealers (1,400 strong) have all pulled their business away from Sun Trust. A major Non-Profit in Miami has closed their accounts with Sun Trust. Phi Beta Beta (Black Greek Fraternity 170 Strong) in the South of which both Martin Luther King Jr. and Thurgood Marshall were fraternity brothers will be pulling out of dealings with Sun Trust. The Miami Transportation Dept. has put on hold the renewal of their contract with Sun Trust for 90 days pending their investigation into Sun Trust and their LACK of CRA in Florida communities.
The list grows by leaps and bounds everyday of those who stand in solidarity with FMCRC and Al Pina. Let's face it, even if you are NOT in the Minority, you still have much to gain from Sun Trust committing to a CRA in Florida, we all do. GOOD NEWS: NAMAD has received a $1 Billion dollar commitment from Wachovia to assist Minority Auto dealers with the purchase of land for their lots, buildings, and to allow better financing to the Consumers who go to them for auto loans, etc. This was made possible through AL PINA.Copy & Paste Link into your browser: http://www.simplesend.com/simple/textlink.asp?NewsletterID=5224&SI=722977&E=bahia_1@hotmail.com&S=138&N=5224&Format=HTML
Aixa E. Rivera,
727-808-1685
----------
Florida Community Reinvestment Commitments Minority and Under served Communities
July 2005 - June 2010
Big Three Florida Banks
WACHOVIA
YES!
$21 BILLION
BANK OF AMERICA
YES!
$26 BILLION
SUNTRUST
NO!
$0
----------Did you know?Florida is the 4th most populous state in the country with minorities accounting for over 38% of the population. Less than 5% of the SunTrust upper management and board of directors are minorities.
Why boycott SunTrust Bank?
1. SunTrust Bank continues to disrespect our communities.
2. Poverty is on the rise in Florida's minority communities. A continued lack of access to capital and opportunity for our families and our businesses compounds the problem.
3. Two of the three largest banks that operate in Florida are taking action. SunTrust fails to do so and publicly states that the commitment is "unneeded."
How can we bring this to an end?
Encourage the corporate lawyers and leadership at SunTrust to make a $25 billion commitment for minority and under served communities over the next five years.
Action Plan
1. Contact your local SunTrust branch by phone, fax, and email.
2. Withdraw any and all funds currently on deposit or invested with SunTrust.
3. Move your accounts to a financial institution that respects you and your family.
4. Encourage your friends, family, church members, co-workers, employers and associates to do the same.
5. Contact SunTrust investors and shareholders to express your disapproval of SunTrust Bank's failure to act.
Where will the money go?
Affordable Housing
Small Business
Economic Development Projects
Blighted Communities
Philanthropy for Minority Organizations
Minority Businesses
Procurement Goals
Consumers
------------A survey of over 600 minority households in Florida gave SunTrust a grade of F on access, opportunity and leadership. FMCRC Mission Statement Our goal is to empower low-income and minority communities by attracting investments for health, education, home ownership, employment, and minority entrepreneurship using a holistic advocacy approach.
The Coalition's strategy entails six central programs and projects for Florida's minority communities, families and organizations:
1.. Access and opportunity for home and business ownership
2.. Community reinvestment
3.. Sustainable development
4.. Health
5.. Consumer protection
6.. Financial and home ownership literacy educationEconomic segregation is wrong!Economic inclusion is needed!
Hunger Strike: Day 12
Al Pina Chairman Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition Please join us in our effort to get SunTrust Bank to invest fairly in minority communities in Florida. Wachovia and Bank of America have stepped up to the plate to deliver commitments totaling nearly $57 billion to Florida's minority/under served communities over a five year period. These industry giants respect the buying capacity and investment power of people of color. SunTrust executives continue to "talk the talk." However they refuse to back their media spin with positive, substantive action. I have embarked on a hunger strike to cast a spotlight on the unfair actions currently employed by SunTrust Bank of Florida. I am committed to pay the ultimate sacrifice to get SunTrust on the right side of economic empowerment for minorities. As I get physically weaker each day, our movement grows stronger.Please join us in this battle for economic justice.Yours for Florida, Al
"SPREAD THE NEWS"
TAMPA TRIBUNE
Front Page of Business Section:SunTrust Says Minority Pledge Unneeded
By WILL RODGERS
wjrodgers@tampatrib.com
Published: Jun 2, 2005
TAMPA - SunTrust Banks Inc. said Wednesday that the bank would not be forced into making a ``formal financial commitment'' to Florida's minority and under served communities, saying it already makes such investments. The Atlanta-based bank was responding to a campaign launched by the Florida Minority Community Reinvestment Coalition to force SunTrust to promise at least $25 billion over five years in home and business loans, economic development, real estate investment and other financial investments in Florida's minority communities. ``We are serving the community and making loans and doing those sort of things,'' said Mike McCoy, a SunTrust spokesman in Atlanta. ``We don't believe a formal financial commitment is necessary.'' Al Pina, chairman of the coalition of 52 minority community organizations, said that he expected that response from SunTrust and that the coalition will continue holding news conferences and protests until SunTrust agrees to an investment package aimed at Florida's minorities. ``To me, that just continues to show their arrogance, thumbing their nose at Florida's minority community,'' Pina said. ``I'm not going to stop until they commit to Florida's poor and under served communities.'' SunTrust is the third-largest bank in Florida and the third target of Pina's Tampa-based group. After being targeted by the coalition, Wachovia Corp. in August pledged to invest more than $20 billion over five years to Florida's minority and poor communities, and Bank of America on Tuesday committed $36 billion over five years. Both companies are based in Charlotte, N.C. The coalition kicked off a campaign, ``Wachovia Yes, SunTrust No,'' urging people to bank with Wachovia and not SunTrust. McCoy said SunTrust's ``extensive commitment'' to small businesses and minorities is ``well-documented.'' In 2004, SunTrust made nearly 27,000 loans totaling $1.7 billion to small businesses in Florida. Wachovia's goal is to lend small businesses $2.5 billion a year. SunTrust also made community development loans totaling $260 million, including $70 million in the Tampa area, McCoy said. Wachovia has pledged $350 million a year in Florida. SunTrust made $165 million in mortgage and home improvement loans to low- and moderate-income borrowers in the Tampa Bay area in 2004, McCoy said. By comparison, Wachovia plans to loans totaling $800 million to low- and moderate-income people.Reporter Will Rodgers can be reached at (813) 259-7870.
MIAMI HERALD
SunTrust Boycott Draws First Blood
BOYCOTT-Groups derail bank's state dealFlorida minority nonprofit groups derail a $60,000 SunTrust government contract as they push for a stronger minority lending commitment from the state's third-largest bank.
By JIM WYSS jwyss@herald.com
A two-day-old boycott against SunTrust Bank drew first blood Friday when organizers convinced the South Florida Regional Transportation Authority to postpone the renewal of a three-year $60,000 contract with the bank. The Florida Minority Community Re-Investment Coalition said the action was the first of many designed to get SunTrust -- the third-largest bank in Florida -- to make a public commitment to minority and low-income neighborhoods in the state. ''There were questions raised by members of the [FMCRC] and members of the African-American community during today's meeting,'' said SFRTA spokeswoman Bonnie Arnold. ``They requested the board reevaluate the situation, and that's what the board is going to do.''The agency postponed voting on the contract for 90 days to study the issue, she said.SunTrust has held the banking and services contract with the agency for the last 14 years.
The FMCRC -- a coalition of more than 60 state-wide minority nonprofit organizations -- is asking SunTrust to follow the lead of Wachovia and Bank of America, and make a fixed commitment to low-income and minority communities in Florida. Wachovia has pledged $21 billion over the next five years and Bank of America has pledged $36 billion over the same period. SunTrust Spokesman Barry Koling disputed the suggestion that his organization is doing any less than its competitors.
MODERATE INCOMES Over the last five years, SunTrust has made $24 billion in loans to low and moderate income areas, minority clients and small businesses in Florida -- and will likely do so in the future, he said. ''I just don't see how this whole Florida commitment game serves the community,'' Koling said. ``What's important is what we do, not what we say we are going to do.'' Nationally, minorities and low-income areas have been struggling to get funding proportional to better-off neighbors, according to a recent study by the National Community Reinvestment Coalition -- a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization.
THORNY ISSUES The SunTrust issue is likely to get thornier over the weekend. On Sunday, the National Association of Minority Automobile Dealers is expected to announce its support of the boycott and call on its 1,400 members to quit doing business with the bank. FMCRC Chairman Al Piña plans to be at that meeting in Washington, D.C., and use the platform to launch a hunger strike, which he pledges to maintain until the bank capitulates. A last-minute meeting late Friday between Piña and SunTrust officials in Orlando failed to resolve their differences. ''Because of their arrogance I think it's going to take me being on death's doorstep,'' the 174-pound Piña said of the hunger strike. ``I think it's going to take a dying man on the steps of SunTrust bank and exposure nationally for them to do the right thing.''
ST. PETERSBURG TIMES:Poverty/Lack of Affordable Housing
THE BROWARD TIMES: Boycott Called Against SunTrust
HISPANIC BUSINESS MAGAZINE: FMCRC/NAMAD/Wachovia
CHARLOTTE BUSINESS JOURNAL:Wachovia commits $1billion
I ask you, SunTrust, can you truly afford NOT to jump on board and make a (bigger) difference in the communities that need your help the most? Are you willing to let ONE man die for a cause that should never have made it to such drastic measures? Are you willing to let Al Pina's failing health and possible death rest on YOUR conscience? There will be others. How many more HUMANS must be sacrificed before you answer the call? -Ileana Rivera, 23 FL
www.fmcrc.org
Al Pina's current condition is daunting. Join us today!
Please direct all questions, concerns, comments, and media inquiries to:
Reginald J. Clyne,
Esq. Clyne & Self,
P.A. Douglas Centre - Suite 1100 2600 Douglas Road
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: (305) 446-3244
Fax: (305) 446-3538
Email: fmcrc@yahoo.com
Pressed by a Fairie // 3:53 PM
I find it funny that I will sit here and update the blog on all sorts of things, yet I forget to write about something so important...On June 30, 2005 I walked into my DRs appt. Optimistic. All I wanted him to say was that my Crohn's hadn't gotten worse. That would've been enough news to keep my spirits up. Well, that wasn't the answer I got. Instead, Dr. Delgado walks into the exam room and offers me his hand. I extend mine and we shake. He tells me that this is the first time since we've met that he's meeting a healthy Ileana. I'm dazed for a second and am not sure what he means by this. He must've read the bewilderment on my face because he went on to explain. 'Miss Rivera, there is NO sign of Crohn's disease in ANY part of your small intestine, a far cry from a year ago, when the ENTIRE intestine was infected! Add to that that your colon is once again healthy and there is NO sign of inflammation in the ileum or secum.' I sure did almost cry. I couldn't stop cheesin'. I couldn't believe that a year ago (July 7th) I was admitted to the hospital w/ an unknown problem that turned out to be Crohn's disease and here today, almost a year later, I've beaten the disease into remission. This was WAY better news than I'd hoped for. I just wanted to tell my mom something positive so she wouldn't worry (as much) about me when I leave for S.A. I called her up the sec. I walked out of the Doc's office. She did cry. She told me that only the day before she and my Gma were discussing their worries about me being out there all by myself and no (blood) family around. I thank the Lord that my doc and I were able to give them peace of mind.
Let's see...what else is new...finally spoke to Papa Roger. He had me worried cause he hadn't called in a while or emailed. I thought for sure he'd call or write once he got my email about my pending return. I called and called and my anxiety levels heightened after each unanswered/returned phone call. FINALLY on Sunday after calling twice he answered. It seems that they're moving once again. He and his mother just moved into that house last year. Its a long story, one I'm not even sure of, all I wanted to say was that he's healthy and doing well.
My leave date's been pushed back a day maybe four, long story there too, but I'll make my move happen. I've already packed all of my fairies and other figurines around the room. My TV is staying because it's much too big to travel with. Everyone keeps saying to stick it in my trunk...HELLO!!!!! It won't fit. I can't ride around with the stupid thing in the back seat. Bad enough I am a lone female driver, all I need is for them to see something bulky and suspiciously covered in the back seat. I swear, for all their worries, they don't think sometimes. I'm taking my laptop with me, but I'm hoping that when my father drives my stuff down that my mom will add this pc I've grown attached to...Beautiful, black, flat-screen dell 4700...(she reads my blog on occasion). My father was able to remove my sexy, sleek Sony cd player from my old car, but can not install in into my new car because Best Buy made sure they'd have a repeat customer in me! They spliced and diced the crap out of the wires, making it impossible to simply change the harness and wires. Here's to you B.B. and the $100+ its going to cost me for installation. This cd deck and I have had quite a history. I bought it exactly one year ago to the date. Had it installed on the 6th and on the 7th I was admitted to the hospital for a month long stay. So my car gets a $400 stereo installed and my sister gets to enjoy it before I do. I get to enjoy it for about 3 months before I end up in the hospital again. During which time my sister is involved in a car accident (deemed 100% the other driver's fault) and my car is taken to impound and isn't released until sometime in Jan. By that time I'd gotten a new vehicle and subsequently inherited the world's worst cd player. I can't play one of my burned cds/mp3s. I'm beginning to think I'm cursed...
Well, that's the news for now, stayed tuned for more news at ten to the hour here on M(usiq)TV.
Ileana
Pressed by a Fairie // 6:10 PM
This is my political statement for the month of July. Dick(head) Cheney and Puss Bush. Well, also Ryan's political statement. He's the one wearing the shirt. His grandparents almost had heart attacks when they saw the shirt. 'Ryan, why would you wear a shirt like that. Those are good men.' Uh huh, sure, that's cause they're already old, only had one child, a daughter (Ry's mom), and therefore don't have anyone to worry about over in Iraq and Afghanistan. They're not crying themselves to sleep, clutching to the memories of a child they've just lost, in a war that shouldn't have begun. They don't have to worry about the draft returning either because their only grandson is a Canadian citizen, so he's safe. What about the rest of the young men here in the states? What about if the gov't gets their way and women are called up to serve their country. What the heck has this country done for me? I can live as I have been living in another country. Heck, I'd be better off in Canada as it is now. Medical is free. I wouldn't have to pay close to $400 for the two meds I take right now. If Canada can sell the scripts at a 30% cut and still make profit, why can't America? Because then the lovely gov't peeps wouldn't have such cushy homes and vacation homes and body guards, and cars, and boats and let's not forget the 100K plus they'll make for the rest of their life once they retire from office. I can go on for years with all the pent up rage and frustration, so I'll end it with: Damn idiots (Bush voters)!!
Pressed by a Fairie // 10:33 PM
