2013!!

Ok... I'm about to get all sensitive, boring, and real-life for a minute, so braaaaace yo'self! I just spent the past 2 hours doing house chores. Sounds super boring for the first weekend of the new year, or just boring for a Saturday morning, period. But, it actually felt really good. I was thinking back at how this time, last year, I was broke, lived in the nastiest apartment ever, and was just in a super lame, insecure mental space. And, I dunno... this morning I thought to myself, "Fuck yeah, I'm cleaning my house and bumping Willie Colon on vinyl on a Saturday morning 'cuz this is what grown women do." I will take self-sufficiency, independence, and grown-up responsibility any day. That being said, the holidays this year were AWESOME. Lots of holiday part-ays. Went to some, performed at some. Fam Bam time, homemade mac and cheese by yours truly, and some badly needed time off (not from work, just from living the ongoing teacher/performer double life that I don't see ending any time soon. It makes me feel like Wonder Woman, but with less shiny gold spandex).

 Performing at the Yahoo! Holiday Party. We DEFINITELY opened for Train (sorta...).

Las Primas en Navidad!!

My lil' cuzzo!

New Years... happened. Ja. We'll just say, there was champagne, a whiskey, jukebox tunes, and a party at my house. All fun. See for yo'self!

I like 2013 already, despite it being an odd number (I'm sooooo not a fan of odd numbers). I don't do New Years resolutions, but I DO have a list of 28isms that I totally plan on doing. Here's to another year of Fun, adventure, Dance Dance Dancin', LOVE, and grown-ass woman-ness!!

 XOXO- V

 Soundtrack for today

!

I've decided....

my life isn't nearly as exciting as it used to be. Maybe its because I've been back home for the past year now (eeeek!). Maybe its because I'm not totally happy with my current work situation (though I am suuuuuuper happy about the fact that I am back on my feet once again and have been for awhile. Man, coming back to the US with no monies suuuucked). Who really knows. But, tonight, while hanging out with some friends I haven't seen in awhile, I said to myself "Noooooo more of that!" Starting this week, I will do one new thing a week. Yep, every week from now until forever, one new thing. Sometimes being back home can get kinda monotonous, especially after throwing yourself into unknown territories and loving it. But, I refuse to become one of those sick of work, bored with life, super cranky bears that so many 40-hr a weekers become. First thing on my list- drinking a Hot Toddie in a bar by myself. Doesn't sound too crazy and fun, BUT, it will be a first. I have been to many bars alone, yes. However, they've always been in a different state/country. Other than a show (ie- Ted Leo, cutest guitar playin' man ever), I've never had a drink in an SF bar by myself. This week, that will change! I do have to say, doing things alone used to be one of my favorite things ever. Shows, movies, long urban adventures that took me in circles that showed me new favorite spots in my city. But, as of late... I haven't been so on top of that. Le Boo. On a side note, I've done some awesome things since my last post. Some highlights...

 Performed with Duniya at Sierra Nevada Festival!

Celebrated my awesome nephew's 16th Bday!

Did my first radio interview!

Was reunited with some of my loves from Xalapa and D.F. Not to mention going back to the city que tiene mi corazon!!

Performed on the HOTTEST foot burning stage ever with these lovely ladies.

Went to NYC to perform at Bomplenazo with Las Bomberas de la Bahia!

Got the BEST album ever!

And turned a whole year older!!

Lots of stuff! Following the birthday note... I still need to make my list of "While I'm 28, I will...." Its my annual thing. Next time.

Until then, here is the tear jerking song that my new AMAZING album starts out with. Its amazing, his voice, the intro, the musical build towards the end. If this song doesn't make you wanna cry... I don't know what will. Damn Otis. Daaaaaamn.

 XO- V

 

New Month, new Apartment, New (old) excited feeling about life... I can't wait!! I've decided that I will only surround myself with people as amazing and positive as me (Yes... I said I'm amazing) from now until forever. On that note, had a gig this morning (officially adding "Musician" to my list of awesome thangs) and am heading out to see CALLE 13 tonight! Reminds me of my crazy nights out with my BFF in Xalapa!

 

A mudar de nuevo

The past 3 days days included sweeeeeet vinyl purchases on the corner of 16th and Mission, veggie sliders and beer, grown up dance parties, packin' up and movin' out, yet again, Coffee dates and D Park, and my first ever performance in a Whole Foods! Literally, right near the check out area. What did YOU do that last time you went to a Grocery Store?!




Sometimes I can't believe how much I move around. But, it is ALWAYS great to know that I have AMAZING people in my life that got my back no matter what! Will I ever stop being the moving gypsy queen...? One day I'll commit to a new sofa and quiet weekends in. Until then...

Love You, Cuzzo!!

Lost a loved one this week. In such a horrible, tragic way. its been a tough week, but with the non-stop family love, we're making it through. Just a reminder not to waste a minute on something that isn't worth it.

Still can;t believe you're gone. We Love you and Miss you cousin Spanky!!




Here's to a week of living life to the fullest.

Next Step

Back in SF for 3.5 months. Woooooow!








Some Speed bumps here and there, and way too much obsessing over this whole "transition" phase of life. And too much obsessing over what other people do. But, now its over. Here's to the fun loving, smiling, dance partyin', too much whiskey drinking, Life living girl that ain't going anywhere!

XOXO- V

Al fin...

Its my last hour in Mexico... I still have many more videos, pics, and Mexican stories to post about. But, right now, I need to right about this moment.

I've been living in Mexico for over a year. 15 months to be exact. And, I honestly did not think I would it this long. The first month, I was crying like a baby for coming here, and nor here I am, teary-eyed in the Airport over leaving. How crazy life can get in such a short period of time. 10 months in Xalapa, part of me still can't believe it. From the loneliest couple of months of my life, to one of the best summer adventures I've ever had. Sure, it didn't include any crazy backpacking stories or sleeping on some strangers floor (well.... maybe, ha). But, the people in my life and the dance dance dancin I was doing out-do all of that. Just goes to show, things come around... no matter what. The small, hippy town of Xalapa did me well. I went to study Son Jarocho, but ended up dancing Afro-Cuban and teaching like crazy for the very first time. I am happy to say POR FIN, I know where I came from and am mother f'in proud of it. Veracruz has a flavor to it that could never be replaced. Even with all the cartels messing things up (more on that later) and the government trying to keep people in a state of constant fear. Its un ritmo in the blood that can be taken away. For this, and many more reasons, the city of Xalapa and the State of Veracruz will always be a vibrant part of my life!

Kinda Ironic that I am ending my 15 month long adventure in a WINGS at the airport in D.F. with 90s american pop in the background. Jaja. Between all the drama, crazy moves, Broke-ass days, and a crazy desire to just give up... I am so motherfuckin' happy that Mexico, mi querido, came into my life.



Son Jarocho, Amigos, Cheladas, y las noches loooooocas.... Los voy a extranar!

Te Amo, Mexico. Nos vemos pronto!

-Vane

And the SON that started it all....