Diana's Thumb of Approval @dianasthumb - Tumblr Blog

#Latinxgradcaps

(caption: ”i’m a bitch, but a bad ass”)

So, I’ve been obsessing over #latinxgradcaps on ig. (If you haven’t checked it out yet, I really recommend it.) There is a mix of artistic, linguistic, hilarious and all heartfelt grad caps inspired by the journey of Latinx students to the graduation stage.

For some, the road to the end of the stage didn’t start on the first day of college. It started in a different country, and in a different generation. For children of immigrants, it is hard to ignore the struggles, the work and the triumphs your family has had to make in order for you to have success. When we accept a diploma, it is more than a piece of paper. It’s a victory flag - for crossing a border and for leaving behind everything you ever knew to take a risk on the dream of better opportunities (no guarantee). It was more than the receipt for hours in a classroom; it was an honour and a privilege to deliver my degree to my parents as the meagerest thank you for the sacrifices they’ve made to give me a life they never had.

People will say they pulled themselves up by their bootstraps and accomplished everything they had on their own. You forget the people who bought your first pair of boots (or kept you alive long enough to buy your own), who taught you how to lace them, and the passersby who have pointed out your boot was untied before you tripped on yourself. That is not to say that you did not put in the work, but it is to acknowledge that you are the culmination of those who came before you as well your present self. When you carry the dreams and struggles of others, it’s more work than looking out for yourself, but it’s way less lonely and it makes the celebration that much richer. If you have been to a Mexican (or pretty much any Latino) party before, you know what I’m talking about.

My parents have always instilled in me to value education over anything else. They have never cared about designer labels or material things, but worked hard to put me through catholic school from pre-k to university. Even now, they keep saying I should get a master’s - and they will help pay for it. The best thing I can do is advocate for education and free information for all. One of my favorite grad caps reads, “Cuándo me vean volar, recuerden: ustedes me pintaron las alas.” In English: “When you see me fly, remember: you are the ones that painted on my wings.” A victory for one is a victory for all. Congratulations Class of 2017, everyone it took to get you here and everyone you will inspire <3

(^caption: chingones son mis viejos” = “my old lady and my old man (parents) are bad asses”)

Credit Unions.

People like to be in control. People get angry when things like their taxes are used on expenses they do not approve. Because taxes are government regulated, your control of how that money is used is limited. But..you do get to decide where your money goes outside of taxes, right? (After living expenses, bills, of course.) Especially the money you’re putting away.

When you put your money into a big, corporate bank, they are making decisions that will benefit their shareholders. They do things like offer bad credit card rates, bad loans and low interest on savings/checking accounts...this helps them to create profit which benefits these shareholders. They invest bank users’ assets into risky speculative trading as well as destructive, uneccessary things like oil pipelines which are environmentally disastrous and backwards-thinking.

Credit unions, on the other hand, keep your money in your community. Instead of looking out for shareholders, credit unions are not looking to make a profit. They are attuned to the needs of their members because members are the only shareholders. Any profit comes back to the members as better loan rates, better interest rates, better credit card interest options, expanded services, etc. Instead of your money going towards an executive’s bonus, your neighbor might be getting a better home loan.

Funds are NCUA-insured up to 250k$ just like a bank with FDIC. They’re friendly. They got sister branches so it’s not any less convenient than a corporate bank (for me, at least). They don’t charge hidden or additional fees. I put off the switch for a long time because it seemed annoying, but it was so quick and painless, I wondered why I had not done it sooner. If you’re thinkin’ about doing it, divest!

This post was inspired by Sarah Silverman’s video:

Unpacking the Invisible Knapsack

When I first started Diana’s Thumb, I posted something called The Heterosexual Questionnaire, which I picked up from my first-ever Women’s Studies class. (So young...) I thought it was such a good tool for pointing out absurdities in everyday homophobia, that I wanted to share it with the world. I’ve since only posted my own words on things I find awesome, but Unpacking the White Knapsack was a very useful tool for me as well, and it might help you.

These are simple, easy-to-read texts which point out some points of privilege which are easy to ignore if you are on the end that receives them vs. not. Because this is a .pdf file, I’ve included a link and only a small excerpt from the work, but much worth reading and pretty quick, too. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- <<< Read the full text/Open your eyes >>>

“I was taught to see racism only in individual acts of meanness, not in invisible systems conferring dominance on my group”

8. I can be sure that my children will be given curricular materials that testify to the existence of their race.

14. I can arrange to protect my children most of the time from people who might not like them

17. I can talk with my mouth full and not have people put this down to my color

24. I can be pretty sure that if I ask to talk to the “person in charge”, I will be facing a person of my race.

39. I can be late to a meeting without having the lateness refl ect on my race.

#invisible knapsack #peggy march

Bernie Sanders.

I’ve tried about 15 times to write this, but everything I write pales in comparison to the man that is Bernie Sanders. But I’mma try.

I’ve got a confession. I wasn’t with Bernie from the beginning. When he first announced candidacy, and my roommate told me, I was like, “I just know he’s old. I mean I like Hillary...she did some good stuff.”

And then I read something. Sanders was doing it without a superPAC. I don’t know if you know this about me, but I love voting. I believe in voting. And to meet a nominee who loves voting/democracy so much so that he would refuse big money was something out of an alternate universe.

I took it slow in the beginning, knowing that we were soul mates, but not wanting to rush into things. Posting something on facebook here and there, ordering a lawn sign, talking to my family about why I love Bernie and engaging in political debate with aunts, uncles and cousins. Sometime in January, I went to my first march. I was inspired by the people I met. Some older, some younger, all with different stories, but all of us with fire in our hearts and a belief that we can be better, we deserve better and our fellow humans deserve better - regardless of creed, color, gender, orientation, economic background.

These people inspired me to step up my game. I did a bit of phone banking (in Spanish and English) and signed up to be a caucus site leader. In one of the proudest moments of my young life, I stood up on a stack of gym mats and made a lil speech which turned some voters to Bernie and earned us a delegate. I met more people - my own neighbors! -who believe in a better tomorrow and heard a bit about their stories.

At every level of the caucus/convention game, I met more Bernie supporters and their stories. I’ve been exposed to so many more lives, so many more experiences and learned about so many new ideas from minds greater than my own through this entire experience. I have met some of the most intelligent, compassionate, socially-minded people through this process. I have become a better citizen through this process, a more informed citizen and a more active citizen.

In a sense, Bernie losing the candidacy is a benefit in that people are still working to make change at the local levels, running for office, building initiatives to get money out, and working to flip this congress instead of thinking getting him elected would fix everything. Bernie built a movement around love and compassion for fellow humans, a movement of mutual respect, inspiration, motivation - a movement of powerful understanding, not fear. “And what is done in love is done well” to quote my boy, vinny van gogh.

I originally started writing this when Bernie lost the Democratic party’s nomination in the national convention, but couldn’t get it right. I was stirred to pick it back up by seeing Nina Turner (Bernie surrogate) speak at a YES ON I-735 panel last week and felt that inspiration and motivation again. Also, this election is really turning my dreams weird, but last night...last night, I met Bernie Sanders and gave him a big ol' hug and just said "Thank you so much!" over and over again.

Thank you, Bernie.

#NotMeUs #bernieisbae #BerninForever

Dancin’

I've been doing quite a bit of dancing lately -- with old friends, with new friends, with people who become friends on the dance floor, alone. There was a time when dancing, or merely the idea of dancing, in front of others sent me into an anxiety spiral and I would probably end up being “funny” instead of actually trying to dance -- muttering jokes to distract from how utterly uncomfortable I felt and accompanying everyone to the bathroom so I could pass the time.

Today, it feels a lot like therapy as I can get absolutely lost in it. Or maybe it feels more like meditation as I align my spiritual, mental and physical energies in the present moment. But, then, it feels a lot like a battle cry. Like a howl at the moon. Like I am absorbing an ancient energy from the earth every time I stomp, letting it flow through me and releasing it into the ether.

I surrender, yet I feel unstoppable. Knowing the best thing I can do is let go, I shed the layers of insecurity and shame I’ve worn for years. I am enough. I am better than enough. I am a force to be reckoned with.

I am free. I am alive. I am celebrating, and I am gearing up for the next round.

See ya on the dance floor.

#dance meditation letgo dianasthumb

Running

Outside of learning how to breathe (sort of), how to pace myself (at an impressive 10:30 mile) and how to dress for the weather, I've learned more about myself and about life through running than I ever knew I didn't know. I'd heard people say they use running as a form of therapy, as meditation, an escape. Because it makes so much sense. Running is a reflection of life, of growth. It takes time, patience, build up. If you try to take on too much before you're ready, you get hurt. If you just quit, it's harder to get started again. If you envision yourself crossing that finish line, you will. If you tell yourself you're too tired, you'll stop. If you give yourself an attainable goal, you'll work hard to reach it, and then you might even push yourself past it. And, you know what, some days you just. can't. Despite what place you finish in, no one can take away the experiences that got you to the end goal, they're yours and yours alone. After learning all these things through running, I thought it so silly that I didn't understand them before.

Even when I hated running, I liked the idea of it. I've always enjoyed watching people run races, fighting themselves through the last of the course and, ultimately, crossing the finish line. (You should know by now there's nothin' I like more than witnessing the triumph of the human spirit. See: love of olympics.) I'm not very fast, and I haven't all that many miles under my feet, but I am a runner. I dream, and so I am a dreamer. I run, and so I am a runner.

Happy trails. A thumb of approval to running, and everything I've gained from it. A thumb to all the runners going in the opposite direction with whom I make eye contact and kinda nod to.

Avocados

Not long ago, I was but a small, Mexican child. And, you know what? I didn't like avocados. I ordered my tacos/tortas de asada plain and happily chomped on my meat + flour meal. After years of staying away from the green, pitted fruit, I dipped a chip into a bowl of guac at a family party. Mmmmmmm. What had I been thinking that whole time? Why had I robbed myself the joy that comes from biting into a slice of avo? Why had I betrayed my Mexican soul? What an idiot boy I had been. I'm happy to say those dark days are behind me and I now look forward to the avocado in my day. I hold it tenderly in my hands before piercing its skin and slicing around. Not only does it taste great, but it makes me believe I could become a vegetarian if I wanted to. When I look at a menu now, my eyes automatically search for something containing the term "California" because I know it means my little, green friend will be there. Also, there are a bunch of nutritional benefits and all that or whatever. Mmmm avocados, I'll never let you go. Holding and avocado in one hand, giving a thumbs up with the other.

#avocados #diana's thumb of approval

Hello, I'm a recent college graduate. I spend most of my days looking at job descriptions, filling out applications and writing cover letter after cover letter (read: I spent most of my days thinking about job applications and loathing cover letters). My constant job search has led to a deeper and much more important relationship with LinkedIn. I spend hours researching jobs that interest me, the companies that post them, the past employees, current employees and overall impressions of brands. I like to call it lurking or dedicated lurking, something I've dedicated my life to since I was first granted home internet access (though previous work was focused on favorite bands/late night tv show hosts/etc).

When I'm looking into a potential employer, I make my way over to LinkedIn and find current or past employees (hopefully 1st or 2nd connections) to whom I can ask questions regarding the position and interview process. I spend time building up my network of past classmates/co-workers/professors and tweaking my profile. I might be addicted to LinkedIn. I never thought I'd say it and I know what you're thinking: Diana's boring. I know, I know, I seem like I've gone bland, but I'm a social media bee and this is another flower to pollinate.

Truth is LinkedIn makes me feel like I'm truly accomplishing something for my professional self, even if I'm just "adding connections." Much like writing this blog entry is making me feel like I'm accomplishing something while it's really just serving as a distraction from writing cover letters.

Voting

I guess my love of voting started when my mom took me with her to the polling place every time she voted (which has been in every election I can remember). She votes in local elections as well as presidential. (Through writing these thumbs, I've really come to realize how much I am like my mother.)

Voting counts, friends. I'm not sure where people get the idea that voting doesn't count (besides the electoral college, but more on that later). The decisions made by local officeholders will affect you more immediately and obviously than those made by federal government. Choose who will represent you at that level (and at the federal level as well). Some people tell me they don't feel well-informed enough to vote. Well, take ten minutes out of the time you spend scrolling your feed on facebook and Google it. There are websites that will outline the basic differences in policies of candidates; all the work is done for you, you just have to stop being lazy. The truth is the easiest way to have your voice heard is by picking people who will represent your beliefs. Protest, petition and strike all you want, but electing a senator/representative/governor that represents your views in the first place is going to help a lot more.

Our political system is far from perfect. I'm not arguing it is. But the first step to changing things is voting. I dream of a day when the electoral college is abolished, a vote for a third party candidate actually means something and election coverage is not based on who could raise the most money. That day's not today, but your vote can still make a difference. So exercise the right your forefathers have fought for, your parents have relocated for and your foremothers have marched for and go vote. (Just listen to me. I cried when I saw the Constitution in real life, okay? I am not serious about a lot of things, but voting is definitely one of them. Your vote and Donald Trump's vote count as exactly one each. Come on, that is awesome. He could buy your house and have it demolished if he wanted to, but he can only vote once just like you.)

Olympics

For two weeks every four years (or two years, if you're into winter games). the world (mostly) puts aside its stupid problems and focuses on beating other countries in sports. The flame travels throughout the world as a symbol of peace and unity. People you've never met or heard of before compete on behalf of your country and you cheer them on. You become emotionally invested in their achievements and failures. You cry when they play the dang Star-Spangled Banner (or whatever nation you're rooting for's anthem). You forget the major economic and social issues your country is facing and focus your energy on being in the presence of a TV when women's gymnastics is on. You watch as people triumph against all odds (a sprained ankle, a recent surgery). You watch as people fail against all odds (a fall, not qualifying for all-around individual despite being the world champion). And you cry about it. You watch the parade of nations and judge people's outfits, watch the opening ceremony and feel an overwhelming feeling of love for the entire human race.

To steal from the Olympic Truce website, "Why can't it always be like this? Imagine peace."

I'd also like to offer congratulations to Team USA. Say what you will about Amerika, but...Team USA, guys. Seriously.

(I apologize for the use of "you" throughout this post, but whatever.)

Roller coasters

Hey, wanna wait in line for an hour and a half? No. Hey, wanna wait an hour and a half to go on a rollercoaster? Ehh….okay. That reality alone should be enough to justify this thumb, but I’ll explain further because I like to hear (or read) myself talk. Sometimes after pulling down the lap bar and beginning the slow ascension towards that first drop, I think to myself, “fuuuuuuu.” But, then, at the top of the first hill, my arms go up by their own will and I can’t help but scream and pose for cameras. It’s all about that feeling in your stomach, smiling like an idiot and screaming in public without anyone calling you crazy. It’s also about coming up with funny poses for the camera. But what it’s really about is physics. The only reason I registered for physics in high school is because the class always took a field trip to Six Flags Great America at the end of the year. (The tragic part is there was no field trip the year I took it other than the field trip to Argonne Lab….much less fun.) Still, a shout out to physics and roller coaster designers.

Anyway, the best part of roller coasters is forgetting the rest of your life for those two minutes or so you’re strapped into a seat you have absolutely no control over, being controlled by high school kids, with a bunch of strangers, at high altitudes and fast speeds. Nothing else matters for those two minutes and it’s really pretty hard to be upset while riding a coaster (except for Whizzer…if that counts as a coaster).Thanks, roller coaster. I also want to give a shout out to roller coasters for being the inspiration for the videogame Roller Coaster Tycoon. Double thanks.

(Photo above is myself and my cousin Monica in the front row, making a business deal. My cousins Danny and Jr (Ignacio) in the back row. Taken at Cedar Point on what has been one of my favorite vacations.)

Snow.

I've never been a big fan of rain. I don't like getting wet and having to walk around in nasty soaked clothes. Especially when it's warm out and you're wearing a sweater. And then you walk into an air conditioned place. Gross. Snow is my precipitation of choice. Not only can snow be shaped into men or caves, but you can make snow angels and spell your name in it and make track marks. There are few things as beautiful as a blanket of fresh snow on the ground before anyone steps in it or shovels it or drives through it. Snow makes the entire world around you look pure and perfect. And when it snows at night, it stays light out. There is something incredibly peaceful about simply standing as snow softly falls to earth. Aside from peacefulness and beauty and art, snow makes school close down (and occasionally work). Thank you, snow, for allowing me to put off homework even longer than usual, and making the world a less chaotic place (if only just for a moment).

Bonus good thing about snow: when it's snowing, you know it can't be THAT cold. It's usually a pretty nice temperature when it snows. And another thing: an excuse to wear your Bean Boots.

Yelp.

Yelp, aside from Time Out Chicago, is what gave me the idea to start Diana's Thumb. I love seeing "People love us on Yelp" stickers at local businesses and going on Yelp only to find that people actually HATE them!

I very often go on Yelp to see what people think of the restaurant I've been meaning to try or what kind of funny comments my friends are making. I don't necessarily depend on Yelp reviews to make or break my decision on whether to check out a new place, but it's still fun to read. It's a great place to find brand new places to eat or shop or whatever around you. It's also a great site to visit if you want to laugh! People are pretty hilarious on Yelp. Let's face it: people love to talk, especially about their own thoughts and opinions. Yelp lets people do that, and others actually read it. So, get yourself on Yelp (as a business or consumer) and get some reviews going!

Libraries

I've had a Chicago Public Library card since kindergarten (acquired at the old Archer Heights branch - a small storefront). Before that, my mom used to take me to story time at the Brighton Park branch. Before we had an internet connection at home, I used to go to the library to use the computers. When I had a research paper to write in high school, I buckled down at the Harold Washington.

The reason I love libraries is that they provide services and materials FOR FREE. Everyone who knows me knows I love the word "free." If there's a movie in theaters you kind of want to see but don't want to pay for and you don't pay for DVDs on Netflix (and it's not available to stream), you can head on down to your library and check it out! The nice thing about that is you can go look at the collection at your local library and see a new movie that you forgot about, never heard of, has an interesting cover or you've been searching for forever and never thought you'd find at the library. Movies, CDs, books, microfiche...what more could you ever want? Oh, you want eBooks? They have those too (in ePub format. Sorry kindles).

Lest we forget, The Chicago Public Library also has museum passes you can take out to get into museums and zoos for free. The CPL has branches in pretty much every Chicago neighborhood, so one is never too far away. In addition to checking out items for free, you also get free smells. Not only do you get that old book smell, but you sometimes get to experience the smell of people at the library. people who haven't bathed in a while. That one is not so pleasant, but it happens. And it shows the library does not discriminate! (Unless you "have neglected your bodily hygiene so that it gives offense and constitutes a nuisance to other patrons").

The library is the best place to see your tax dollars at work. And the employees are some of the nicest city workers ever! I can really only speak for the Chicago Public Library system as it's the only one I'm really familiar, but I'm sure most library systems (at least in the midwest and northeastern regions of the U.S.) are similar. Let's all celebrate the library by keeping money in our wallets and checking out some classical music CDs. Thumbs up to Libraries. Cheesy blog close: read, learn, discover.

Pizza.

This post has been a long time comin'. What can I say about pizza? I don't know if any words can equal the joy that is pizza. How often have people of different races, religions, classes, sexual preferences come together to eat a pizza? How many times have you been hungry at 3am without a scrap of food and not wanted to get out of your pajamas? Pizza was there. Pizza was there when a bunch of people unexpectedly came over and you had nothing to feed them. how about when you had to cater for a bunch of picky little kids? Pizza. How often do you suggest pizza and have them turn you down? Never (if you get turned down, you shouldn't associate with those people who turned you down for pizza). How much pizza is too much? No such thing. When is the right time for pizza? Always. When it comes to price to goodness ratio, there is no better option. Even bad pizza is still pizza. God, I want some pizza.

Oh, and everyone should follow http://fuckyeahpizza.tumblr.com/

Helpful Neighbors.

I think I've always had helpful neighbors, at least as long as I can remember. There has always been a neighbor ready to babysit me or to lend my mom an egg. Now that I'm on my own, I've still had a very pleasant neighbor experience. (My whole family is friends with my cousin Danny's neighbors). In the DePaul dorms last year, I lived in the very last room of the hallway, tucked into a corner. The room closest to us was a little bit removed, but we were neighbors. We were offered pizza when they had too much, I asked them for help with unbunking my beds (as I wanted to do it as a surprise for Tina :P) and they would sometimes stick their heads in while we played Rockband. Now that I'm living in an apartment, I still have some helpful neighbors. The people who live all the way upstairs (not the people directly above...they're just loud) shovel the snow and taught me how to relight a pilot light in the furnace. I've also had a few weirdo neighbors and neighbors that let their dog into our yard to take care of its business, but I've had a mostly good experience. Neighbors: the friends who ask for favors and you don't really have to hang out with unless you have a barbecue. This thumb is for you, Kramer.

Tina Fey.

I'm not sure it's really necessary to explain this thumb. I can sit here and talk about the 20 awards Tina has won, or I can talk about how she wrote Mean Girls. I could, but I won't. All I will say about Tina Fey is that she is beautiful, smart and hilarious. There are few things I can count on to make me laugh regularly, but 30 Rock is definitely one of them. She's goofy, outlandishly clever and witty, and has broken the glass ceiling for women everywhere; what I find extremely inspiring is she has become extremely successful as a screenwriter and didn't go to an ivy league school. Also, she wears glasses. I love Tina Fey; my hope is to be as successful in doing something I am naturally good at as she is. She deserves all her success and works tirelessly for it, but makes it look so easy. My hat is off to you, Tina Fey. You're a star; you're on top; somebody bring you some ham!

Trending Blogs

Recently Viewed Blogs

Diana's Thumb of Approval