Friday, January 31, 2014
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Just remember you heard it here first....
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Just remember you heard it here first....: So I went on Instagram to post a picture for Friday and realized that Flashback Friday is more or less the same as Throwback Thursday. Afte...
Just remember you heard it here first....
So I went on Instagram to post a picture for Friday and realized that Flashback Friday is more or less the same as Throwback Thursday. After giving it some thought, I decided to change the name.
To me, family and friends are everything, so I asked myself, why not change Flashback Friday to something different that makes more sense? Something that's more meaningful. I came up with.....!
These days everyone is trying to save as much time as possible. I decided, why not come up with a portmanteau of family and friends? Drumroll please! Tata! Friemily! From now on I will be calling my Instagram Friday, Friemily Friday, coined by none other than me. Thank you very much!!!
For those not familiar with the word, a portmanteau is a combination of two words, for example frenemy, Brangelina, etc. While I was at it, I decided Men-friends Monday and Women-friends Wednesday are okay. However, Saturday was lacking a name, a proper one, at that. Step-out (or, Step-up) Saturday, sounded ideal, and I think I'll be using it!
Just remember, you heard it here first.
Comments are always welcomed!
To me, family and friends are everything, so I asked myself, why not change Flashback Friday to something different that makes more sense? Something that's more meaningful. I came up with.....!
These days everyone is trying to save as much time as possible. I decided, why not come up with a portmanteau of family and friends? Drumroll please! Tata! Friemily! From now on I will be calling my Instagram Friday, Friemily Friday, coined by none other than me. Thank you very much!!!
For those not familiar with the word, a portmanteau is a combination of two words, for example frenemy, Brangelina, etc. While I was at it, I decided Men-friends Monday and Women-friends Wednesday are okay. However, Saturday was lacking a name, a proper one, at that. Step-out (or, Step-up) Saturday, sounded ideal, and I think I'll be using it!
Just remember, you heard it here first.
Comments are always welcomed!
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Just remember you heard it here first!
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Just remember you heard it here first!: So I went on Instagram to post a picture for today Friday, and I realized that Flashback Friday is just another word for Throwback Thursday....
Wednesday, January 22, 2014
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: what is it about New Jersey folk?
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: what is it about New Jersey folk?: What is it about New Jersey folk that makes us want to stay here? Is it being part of the Metropolitan area without actually being in it? ...
what is it about New Jersey folk?
What is it about New Jersey folk that makes us want to stay here? Is it being part of the Metropolitan area without actually being in it? Is it the shore allure? Gambling at Atlantic City, or Kelly Ripa? Those are just some of the possible answers that come to mind, when asked why we are still here.
For those of us who grew up in cities closer to New York, for example Hoboken, Jersey City, or Weehawken, I guess part of it would be having the advantage of being part of the most exciting city in the world. But is that all it is? I think about it often and wonder why the attraction, why am I still here? A lot of my friends have moved to other more appealing places like say, Florida, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. And let's not forget the thousands who go west every year, and not necessarily seeking to be stars.
I am going to attempt to answer the question of why the rest of us are still here.
I, for one, lived for two years in San Jose, Costa Rica, and another two years in Mexico City, two of the most sought after vacation spots worldwide. My family and I were lucky to have lived in luxury in these two cities for four years. Yet, after four years we chose to come back to New Jersey. Several years later, we were presented with the chance to live in Coral Gables. Now what could be more beautiful than Coral Gables? Yet, I turned it down, opting to stay living in New Jersey and preferring to let my poor husband move there by himself for two years. Oh, don't worry, we would visit each other every two weeks. When he couldn't come up, we would go down and stay with him.
New Jersey's location makes it prime for all kinds of crazy weather, below freezing temperatures, snowstorms to boot (no pun intended), fog-like conditions, heat waves, etc., etc. We are not exempt from the harsh climate changes, and lately the polar vortex that has besotted more than half of the country.
We are also not in denial of the dirty politics that have plagued our beloved state for so many years. They are still going on, but that's the nature of the beast. Even with the highest car thefts in the country, it could always be worse. But here, we are among family, like the librarian at Hoboken High assured me. We love our shore and look forward to the day trips to the beach. We have the longest boardwalk in the world in Atlantic City. The first baseball game was played in Hoboken. We love the fact that we can catch any Broadway play on a moment's notice like tourists do, but yet be back in our comfy homes by midnight. New Jersey is referred to as the diner capital of the world, because we have so many diners. We love our suburbs. They are clean and for the most part safe. We feel comfortable here.
The reason why we choose to stay in Jersey? I think I just answered in that last paragraph. But the most important reason I think is the size of our state. We are not a huge state, neither are we the smallest. Most of us know the state like the back of our hand. We are comfortable whether we are in Bergen, Hudson, or Ocean county. It doesn't matter, it's all home to us. And that's a great feeling that I won't get in another state.
Cheers to New "Joisey," like others jokingly call it, and like some of us don't care if we're called "cancer central." Here, we don't have our own baseball or football team, but that's okay. We live in the shadow of the most exciting city in the world, but that's okay. We are still reaping the benefits. And now with the Super Bowl being played in New Jersey for the first time, we are still relegated to second place, but again, it's okay. We don't mind. We know who we are and we are proud. We are New Jersey strong! like Governor Christie refers to us. And like he said in his last address, we welcome anyone who comes here with the purpose of working hard and making it.
New Jersey, ranked the second highest per capita state in the country, the most densely populated, but also the most beloved state by its residents! There are so many interesting things about this humble state that bond us. Google New Jersey so you can see for yourself, or better yet, vist us.
New Jersey so appropriately called the Garden State! Any more good things, and we would be called the Garden of Eden!
For those of us who grew up in cities closer to New York, for example Hoboken, Jersey City, or Weehawken, I guess part of it would be having the advantage of being part of the most exciting city in the world. But is that all it is? I think about it often and wonder why the attraction, why am I still here? A lot of my friends have moved to other more appealing places like say, Florida, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico, to name a few. And let's not forget the thousands who go west every year, and not necessarily seeking to be stars.
 |
| 80 West before the Delaware Gap |
I am going to attempt to answer the question of why the rest of us are still here.
 |
| River Edge Public Library |
I, for one, lived for two years in San Jose, Costa Rica, and another two years in Mexico City, two of the most sought after vacation spots worldwide. My family and I were lucky to have lived in luxury in these two cities for four years. Yet, after four years we chose to come back to New Jersey. Several years later, we were presented with the chance to live in Coral Gables. Now what could be more beautiful than Coral Gables? Yet, I turned it down, opting to stay living in New Jersey and preferring to let my poor husband move there by himself for two years. Oh, don't worry, we would visit each other every two weeks. When he couldn't come up, we would go down and stay with him.
New Jersey's location makes it prime for all kinds of crazy weather, below freezing temperatures, snowstorms to boot (no pun intended), fog-like conditions, heat waves, etc., etc. We are not exempt from the harsh climate changes, and lately the polar vortex that has besotted more than half of the country.
 |
| Van Saun Park, Paramus, in the spring. |
We are also not in denial of the dirty politics that have plagued our beloved state for so many years. They are still going on, but that's the nature of the beast. Even with the highest car thefts in the country, it could always be worse. But here, we are among family, like the librarian at Hoboken High assured me. We love our shore and look forward to the day trips to the beach. We have the longest boardwalk in the world in Atlantic City. The first baseball game was played in Hoboken. We love the fact that we can catch any Broadway play on a moment's notice like tourists do, but yet be back in our comfy homes by midnight. New Jersey is referred to as the diner capital of the world, because we have so many diners. We love our suburbs. They are clean and for the most part safe. We feel comfortable here.
 |
| View of the Freedom Tower, site of the World Trade Center attack, as seen from the NJ Turnpike. |
 |
| 12th & Hudson, Hoboken, with Empire State Building in the background! |
The reason why we choose to stay in Jersey? I think I just answered in that last paragraph. But the most important reason I think is the size of our state. We are not a huge state, neither are we the smallest. Most of us know the state like the back of our hand. We are comfortable whether we are in Bergen, Hudson, or Ocean county. It doesn't matter, it's all home to us. And that's a great feeling that I won't get in another state.
 |
| One of our many beautiful rivers! |
Cheers to New "Joisey," like others jokingly call it, and like some of us don't care if we're called "cancer central." Here, we don't have our own baseball or football team, but that's okay. We live in the shadow of the most exciting city in the world, but that's okay. We are still reaping the benefits. And now with the Super Bowl being played in New Jersey for the first time, we are still relegated to second place, but again, it's okay. We don't mind. We know who we are and we are proud. We are New Jersey strong! like Governor Christie refers to us. And like he said in his last address, we welcome anyone who comes here with the purpose of working hard and making it.
 |
| The famous Tick Tock Diner - one of so many in the State |
New Jersey, ranked the second highest per capita state in the country, the most densely populated, but also the most beloved state by its residents! There are so many interesting things about this humble state that bond us. Google New Jersey so you can see for yourself, or better yet, vist us.
New Jersey so appropriately called the Garden State! Any more good things, and we would be called the Garden of Eden!
Sunday, January 19, 2014
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: A new year, a new challenge ...
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: A new year, a new challenge ...: First off, I want to thank my Lord for another year. When, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I would make it to 2014? In my mind, I a...
A new year, a new challenge ...
First off, I want to thank my Lord for another year. When, in my wildest dreams, did I ever think I would make it to 2014? In my mind, I always thought 2000 would be it for me. Yet here I am still, after fourteen years.
So 2014 has started off very slowly, dragging its feet, if I may. Which I'm guessing has had to do with several factors: recovering from the holidays, not looking forward to the challenges of a new year, and asking, 'where have I been and where am I headed?' among others.
Yes, we started with Victoria's birthday celebration, and that was awesome as always, but that's as far as it goes. It could be because I entered the year with a horrific back pain, which comes and goes on a whim's notice. Or maybe the below-freezing temperatures have been to blame. Or, the fact that we just celebrated Mom's first year anniversary of going home to The Lord, which is always painful.
It's been so slow as a matter of fact, that there are still boxes of Christmas decorations hanging around. Why the reindeer are still hoisted out front, for good measure?! The dollhouse I put up for the holidays, is still garlaned in lights, though not lit and twinkling, still out on the porch in all its splendor. The doll family will be celebrating the holidays, with their decked tree and all, for heavens knows how long. Blame all this on the back pain. The wreaths are still hanging on the bottom front windows.
Because of the snowstorm on January 3rd, my very important eye doctor's appointment was cancelled and I still haven't called back to reschedule it. Since then and even before, like many parts of the country, we've had snow, rain, fog and even some nice weather in between. But it's been mostly snow, rain, and frigid temperatures, which if you ask me are not very conducive to any outdoor activity except skiing, for those who can afford it, that is. I, for one, certainly can't afford it. I was financially wiped out with the holidays, and am extremely lucky to have just enough money to pay my bills and to eat.
But not to worry, it's not all that bad. Some positive things have happened so far. For example after so many years I visited my high school last week, and experienced the unique opportunity to bask in the memories of the innocent high-schooler. I was both honored and in awe to be walking the corridors and going up and down staircases I had only been able to see in my dreams. I felt so blessed to be there after all those years. The libarian assured me, "We are all family here." And what a nice thing to hear her say. I gifted the school with an autographed copy my book, The Women in White. If I can inspire just one student to succeed, my job in life has been accomplished.
Another wonderful thing came about - Cristina landed a dream job with a major women's magazine as writer, in addition to her regular job as researcher. It's right up her ally, because if anyone can research a story, that would be Crissy. Glamour you are so lucky to have her! As for InStyle, you missed out on having on board, one of the most dedicated and talented people to come out of Princeton. Like the saying goes, "One man's gain, is another man's loss."
On another positive note, our own chef Christian, family pride and joy, landed a place as a judge of this season's Top Chef in Puerto Rico, another in his list of many accomplishments. We are so proud of both Cristina and Christian. Congratulations, you guys!
In the meantime, in my job as a wannabe writer, I am always researching, be it by reading anything I can get my hands on, on the internet, or by traveling when the opportunity presents itself. This last week, some Godsend information landed on my lap and I literally ran with it. It turns out, I may have found the missing link to our family tree which I had altogether given up on, but found one day short of Mom's anniversary. I couldn't help but think that it was Mom's last gift to me, before she left the realms of earth completely. I've always believed that the first year, our loved ones stay with us jut to make sure we're going to be okay and then depart to her eternal home. If you get a chance read my last post.
Victoria has been on winter break as most college kids are, and it's been wonderful having her home. But she seems to spend a lot of time on her ipad, laptop, or watching TV. And although we're somewhat concerned with her lack of physical exercise, I must admit I prefer her home on the computer, than out gallivanting with people who may not have her best interests at heart. We have to be grateful for the little blessings, in however way they come. Brilliant minds do work differently, and who's to say she's not feeding hers with everything in her power. Things could always be so much worse - Miley comes to mind!
Anyway, to quote Helen De Generes, I am truly blessed to have come this far. And, no, I did not make any new year resolutions just like I never do, except to try to stay healthy, to focus on what's really important in life, and to try to enjoy each day to the fullest, if only my back will allow me.
God bless! Stay healthy, focused, and never lose sight of your hopes. They're only a dream away!.
So 2014 has started off very slowly, dragging its feet, if I may. Which I'm guessing has had to do with several factors: recovering from the holidays, not looking forward to the challenges of a new year, and asking, 'where have I been and where am I headed?' among others.
Yes, we started with Victoria's birthday celebration, and that was awesome as always, but that's as far as it goes. It could be because I entered the year with a horrific back pain, which comes and goes on a whim's notice. Or maybe the below-freezing temperatures have been to blame. Or, the fact that we just celebrated Mom's first year anniversary of going home to The Lord, which is always painful.
It's been so slow as a matter of fact, that there are still boxes of Christmas decorations hanging around. Why the reindeer are still hoisted out front, for good measure?! The dollhouse I put up for the holidays, is still garlaned in lights, though not lit and twinkling, still out on the porch in all its splendor. The doll family will be celebrating the holidays, with their decked tree and all, for heavens knows how long. Blame all this on the back pain. The wreaths are still hanging on the bottom front windows.
Because of the snowstorm on January 3rd, my very important eye doctor's appointment was cancelled and I still haven't called back to reschedule it. Since then and even before, like many parts of the country, we've had snow, rain, fog and even some nice weather in between. But it's been mostly snow, rain, and frigid temperatures, which if you ask me are not very conducive to any outdoor activity except skiing, for those who can afford it, that is. I, for one, certainly can't afford it. I was financially wiped out with the holidays, and am extremely lucky to have just enough money to pay my bills and to eat.
But not to worry, it's not all that bad. Some positive things have happened so far. For example after so many years I visited my high school last week, and experienced the unique opportunity to bask in the memories of the innocent high-schooler. I was both honored and in awe to be walking the corridors and going up and down staircases I had only been able to see in my dreams. I felt so blessed to be there after all those years. The libarian assured me, "We are all family here." And what a nice thing to hear her say. I gifted the school with an autographed copy my book, The Women in White. If I can inspire just one student to succeed, my job in life has been accomplished.
Another wonderful thing came about - Cristina landed a dream job with a major women's magazine as writer, in addition to her regular job as researcher. It's right up her ally, because if anyone can research a story, that would be Crissy. Glamour you are so lucky to have her! As for InStyle, you missed out on having on board, one of the most dedicated and talented people to come out of Princeton. Like the saying goes, "One man's gain, is another man's loss."
On another positive note, our own chef Christian, family pride and joy, landed a place as a judge of this season's Top Chef in Puerto Rico, another in his list of many accomplishments. We are so proud of both Cristina and Christian. Congratulations, you guys!
In the meantime, in my job as a wannabe writer, I am always researching, be it by reading anything I can get my hands on, on the internet, or by traveling when the opportunity presents itself. This last week, some Godsend information landed on my lap and I literally ran with it. It turns out, I may have found the missing link to our family tree which I had altogether given up on, but found one day short of Mom's anniversary. I couldn't help but think that it was Mom's last gift to me, before she left the realms of earth completely. I've always believed that the first year, our loved ones stay with us jut to make sure we're going to be okay and then depart to her eternal home. If you get a chance read my last post.
Victoria has been on winter break as most college kids are, and it's been wonderful having her home. But she seems to spend a lot of time on her ipad, laptop, or watching TV. And although we're somewhat concerned with her lack of physical exercise, I must admit I prefer her home on the computer, than out gallivanting with people who may not have her best interests at heart. We have to be grateful for the little blessings, in however way they come. Brilliant minds do work differently, and who's to say she's not feeding hers with everything in her power. Things could always be so much worse - Miley comes to mind!
Anyway, to quote Helen De Generes, I am truly blessed to have come this far. And, no, I did not make any new year resolutions just like I never do, except to try to stay healthy, to focus on what's really important in life, and to try to enjoy each day to the fullest, if only my back will allow me.
God bless! Stay healthy, focused, and never lose sight of your hopes. They're only a dream away!.
Friday, January 10, 2014
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Found: Antonio Rosell Carbonell, the most importan...
Snap Krackle 'n Pop!: Found: Antonio Rosell Carbonell, the most importan...: Found Antonio Rosell Carbonell: The most important and missing link to the Santiago family tree. Yesterday I was goog...
Found: Antonio Rosell Carbonell, the most important and missing link to the Santiago family tree
Found Antonio Rosell Carbonell: The most important and missing link to
the Santiago family tree.
Yesterday I was googling pictures for my Women in White page, when I came
upon a very interesting article on the pirate Cofresi. Upon further reading I
found that Cofresi's mother was of the distinguished Ramirez de Arellano family
of Cabo Rojo. Cofresi didn't have any children of his own to carry on his
name. His only son died very young. As for Cofresi's two brothers, after
the infamous feats their younger brother pulled off, they most likely preferred
not to be associated with the Cofresi name, and so opted (with good reason, I
should add) to use their mother's name instead.
One of Cofresi's nephews or grandnephews (I'm not sure, as I need to do
more research), married a young girl by the last name of Roselle. Lorenza, or
Lorencita, died of typhus fever at the early age of eighteen. Her father was
Antonio Roselle, a colonel in the Spanish army and stationed in Guayama, in the
southern part of the island. Antonio was born in Spain around 1820, and married
Juana Josefa who bore him three daughters but no sons.
Antonio met Bernardina Batista, the young daughter of Jose and Mercedes Batista,
much later on in life. She must have fallen in love with the
distinguished older officer, enough to risk getting pregnant and bearing him a
son, an illegitimate son whom she named Juan Anacleto.
Records show that Anacleto was born in July of 1880. Antonio was close to
60 then. As an officer of the elite Spanish army, we're certain that he
could not afford to be mixed up in an extramarital affair, or much less,
beget illegitimate children. At her age, his beautiful young girl lover gave
birth to a son. But because of the particulars of this story expressed above,
Bernardina chose to baptize her son by herself. She did so in the church of Guayama a year
after his birth. She must have deduced
that Antonio Rosell was never going to upset his marriage to Juana Josefa or his
military career; and so she did the right thing. There is no record of the
father, nor any information pertaining to his whereabouts, on the baptismal
certificate. The fact that he was Spanish, would explain why he wasn't found in
any of the island's demographic registries.
That illegitimate son of Col. Antonio Rosell, was none other than our
beloved grandfather, Anacleto Santiago, Mom's dad who loved his children, especially
his Gandulito, with an unconditional love. Read my book The Women in
White.
Records show that Bernardina later took a husband by the name of Jose Maria
de Santiago. It would make sense that her firstborn illegitimate son should
take the name of his stepfather.
In summary, Papa's sister Lorencita Roselle, was married to a nephew or
grandnephew of the famous pirate Cofresi who stole from the rich to give to the
poor. Papa would have been either the nephew or grandnephew of Cofresi
the pirate from Cabo Rojo. Throughout the history of our family there
have been many links between Guayama and Cabo Rojo.
It turns out that our family is in some twist of fate somewhat related to
Cofresi. All this is documented and not a figment of my imagination.
I have all the records to prove everything I write here. I have
been diligently working on our family tree for almost two years, but I gave up
the search for our great granddad, Antonio Roselle, a year ago when Mom passed
away.
What a coincidence that this information was made known to me, only three
days before Mom's one year anniversary of going home to the Lord. Coincidence? I don’t think so. I truly believe this was Mom's gift to us
before she leaves once-and-for-all for her eternal dwelling place. After
all, she was my biggest supporter when I was working on our family tree, and
would spend endless hours on the phone with me trying to help me piece together
our family history. She wanted to know who her grandfather was, as much
as I did.
Mom, this one is for you! You never did cease to amaze me!
Thank you from all of us, your children, grandchildren, nieces and
nephews, for this last truly and unique gift! I will love you always and
forever!
With all my love,
S.
Sent from
my iPhone
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