My Life, Uncensored

I'm just a girl, pretty plain, pretty ordinary. I love food, culture, people and just life in general. My heart belongs in Germany.

[paloma-glz]

Had no idea what I was ordering but at least I got the coffee part right

[paloma-glz]

Had no idea what I was ordering but at least I got the coffee part right

[paloma-glz]

[paloma-glz]

[paloma-glz]

Do these make me look hipster? I hope they don't!

[paloma-glz]

Verona

[paloma-glz]

Who else has been affected by the first-generation Americanism? Being a daughter of parents who came illegally from Mexico, I too have gone through personal hardships as a "first-generation" American. I'm proud of my Mexican culture. I'm also proud to be an American and feel incredibly lucky to have been born here. I will be graduating with a bachelors in December. I feel lucky to have made it this far. Lucky to have has the opportunity to go to school that may parents did not have. You see. My parents barely went through elementary school. My mother was the eldest daughter so when my grandmother became ill, she had to stop to care for her father and younger siblings. She became a pseudo-mother at age 12. My father, being one of the oldest boys, had to stop going to school and was forced to work on my grandfathers fields. That's the life they lived. Work to survive and put food on the table or stay home and take care of the family. Girls are expected to stay home until they marry. Boys are expected to work to maintain the family. I'm sure many are familiar with this way of living. I wouldn't trade my current life for anything in the world. However. My relationship with my parents and family has been strained. I want to go to school. I want to work. I don't want to have kids yet. I want to travel more. I want to live somewhere else. All of these "I wants" are pretty much taboo in my family but I am doing it. I guess my parents should have known that this was the price when they decided to come to the U.S. I was afraid to study at a big Univeristy, out of state or even out of my hometown of San Antonio. I opted to stay here and study here. That is one decision I do regret. Since then, I have learned the importance of following my dreams and living my own life. It's tough because it is not the way my family is or grew up so I've had a price to pay regarding family relationships. It hurts not having that closeness but I think that in the long run, it will be worth it for myself. And my family will always be my family. They've learned to be proud of me and have even stated that its good to have something under my belt and not depend on a man. So perhaps I am getting somewhere with them. I've spared you many experiences but I've given my personal insight regarding being a first-generation American. My question: am I being selfish? Who else has been through this experience? How have you handled it? Is it okay to want to be a strong woman and individual? Anyways. Thank you for reading my silly post. I hope to hear from others.

[bacheloretteabc]

Is this the cutest Bachelor ever? Watch the season premiere of The Bachelorette Monday at 8|7c on ABC!

[taylormccutchan]

[taktophoto]

[paloma-glz]

LOVE ❤

[allthickwomen]

[paloma-glz]

I love how the writer where I read about this article refers to our President as "Barry". Seems to be a cool guy. Love the way he uses "foxy" Time Magazine: Prom

[paloma-glz]

The Christmas markets in Germany are absolutely amazing. Great food, great people, great shops and the perfect excuse to eat until you cannot fit any more food.

[paloma-glz]

[paloma-glz]

OMG This is so scandalous. I praise her bravery though. She's always down to wear clothes that are risqué.

[paloma-glz]

One weekend is not enough

[paloma-glz]

Weekend in Berlin

Sometimes I wish we did not invent the concept of time. However, it only makes me appreciate that much more. This weekend was filled with lots of walking in seriously cold weather for this Texan girl. My one girl friend Claudia and I shared the room with our other female classmate who was absolutely horrendous. Needless to say, we  had a "Mean Girls" moment and bashed her with the other guy over drinks. I must add however, we truly did make an effort to be nice and be friends with her. In the end though, we are there to have fun too so if she wants to be a sour puss, then that's her choice. Going through Checkpoint Charlie, seeing the museum was looking from the outside in. I had read about this in books and online and never once imagined I'd be here myself. Despite the seriously cold weather, it was an awesome weekend. By day 52 in Europe, still do not miss home.