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....

So... here in Xalapa, at least the area I live in, trash pickup has its own, specific routine. Around here, the trash is picked up between 6 and 8 pm, everyday (except Sunday. there is NOTHING on Sunday). Such a HUGE time gap, you say? Well... no need to worry. A few minutes before the garbage truck pulls up, a cowbell is shaken up and down the streets to let everyone know "Hey, its almost time..." Then, everyone runs to the designated street corner with their bags of trash. Simple, no? I just never really knew where the cowbell came from exactly. A truck, a car...? CLEARLY not. Yesterday, I was walking home from my Jarana/Zapateado workshop downtown at around 7:45pm, when I FINALLY saw it... a boy, about 17 or 18 years old, walking up and down the streets in my neighborhood, cowbell in hand. I couldn't believe it... I stared for a bit, then went inside the house... bring the trash out.

Imagine doing THAT every evening!

On a side note, I've been taking a Jarana/Zapateado workshop everyday. I finally decided to give the strings a try. Its fun. And, I finally feel comfortable with Zapateado! I've been doing some tap dancing/zapateado exchanges over the past couple of weeks. Just wish I could've started it sooner!

2 more days until CHIAPAS!!!! YESSSSSSS!

Current Musical Obsession

:)

"There are short-cuts to happiness, and dancing is one of them."

I'm on a high. Long overdue.