La Seleccion Mexicana in Los Angeles

LOS ANGELES, CA- 

The Mexican National Team kicked off its 13^th annual U.S Tour in Los Angeles, CA with a matchup against Ecuador at the historic Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on Saturday, March 28. After this match, they will face Paraguay on March 31^st in Kansas City; for these encounters, Mexico just like their rivals will use their best players since these teams are preparing for major tournaments such as CONCACAF Gold Cup 2015 and Copa America 2015. 

La Seleccion Mexicana in Los Angeles?!? 

When I first heard that the Mexican National Team would be coming to LA back in early February, I thought then I would have the opportunity to see my favorite players like  Javier “Chicharito” Hernandez and Hector Moreno. But as the date got closer, I realized that I was not going to be able to attend the game due to economic hardships. I knew that it was not everyday we see the Mexican National Team in Los Angeles and it was once in a lifetime opportunity, well maybe not a "once in a life time", I'm sure that they will be back one day. 

UCLA North Athletic Field

Most of the Mexican National players arrived in Los Angeles on Sunday night, while the others arrived the next day. Even though I had no chance is attending the game, I knew there was another way I could see my favorite players. So, I investigated where the team had planned to practice and found out that they were in UCLA North Athletic field. For a slight second, I jumped for joy because I had the opportunity not only to see them practice but also the chance to meet them each player. But
after Wednesday, I had a feeling that I was not going to get the opportunity to see them because how far of distance it was from my house and I had no transportation to get there. However, through the use of Instagram and using the hastags, #ucla #seleccionmexicana #mexico, I scrolled down pages of pictures and videos of people who were taking pictures with Moreno, Herrera, Chicarito, Dos Santos and among others. 

(Left to right): Corona, Herrera, Ayala, Reyes, Moreno
Dos Santos, Vazquez, Aguilar, Guardado, Layun, Hernandez

Game Day 

The line-up for tonight's game was: (1-5-3-2)

Goalkeeper: Jesus Corona
Defense: Paul Aguilar, Hugo Ayala, Diego Reyes, Miguel Layun, Hector Moreno
Mid-Field: Hector Herrera, J.J Vazquez, Andres Guardado
Strikers: Giovanni Dos Santos, Javier "Chicharito" Hernandez


Truly, it was a miracle that Mexico won today's game, and despire the goal from el Chicharito, there were several defensive and midfield problems that should be fixed before summer. Mexico needs to have more control of the ball and the players need more communication between them.

Player of the Match would be Mexico's Jose de Jesus Corona, the goalie, not only he prevented a tied on the penalty in favor of Ecuador but also several attempts of goals during the game. I had my doubts of his capacity in the net but after tonight's game I have no doubt he's a good contender for being the goalie of the Mexican National team. Don't get me wrong, I love Memo Ochoa and have been his fan for years but I think it's time to give someone else a chance.

Overall, I enjoyed the game but I would have been great if I was there but too bad.

Let's see how Mexico places against Paraguay on Tuesday. The line-up for Tuesday's game will change do to the departure of some of the players that are needed in Europe.


Here is a picture taken by a fanatic of the LA Coliseum:

World Poetry Day

Dulzura

Sandra Cisneros

No More Perfect Smile

If I was ashamed of smiling because of my yellow teeth, now I have a better reason not to smile anymore. Today I was told that there was no way in saving my broken tooth and the only possible solution is to get the tooth taken out. I just came back from a dentist appointment I had in my mother's dentist, I had already seen a dentist but my mom felt that there was another way to save the tooth without extraction, but just like the other dentist he agreed that there was no way of saving it.

I'm not surprised that this is happening to me. Ever since I had my braces taken off I had not visited the dentist office often as I should have. I guess it's my fault because I knew I could not afford visiting the dentist and especially afford the fillings for the cavities. So I ignored the problem for several years and I know I'm paying for the consequences. The dentist provided me with several options for my tooth lost, I have implant and bridges. And by the way he explained the two options and I think the bridges might be the only solution. Before anything, I think things through before making a final decision, especially financial wise.

I must admit I'm a bit terrified and not only because of the process of the extraction of the tooth but the feeling that I will have a gap between my teeth. I never imagine my teeth were so bad that I needed to get them remove. Before I had braces, the dentist had to remove 4 of my teeth so the rest of the teeth could be align better, so I know the feeling of getting my teeth remove. I feel so ashamed and guilt for not taking better of my teeth. A person's smile is an important feature, more important than a body figure; a smile is what makes each individual special.

Take care of  your teeth and visit your dentist regularly, that way you won't end up like me. Just think, it's only one tooth what if my other teeth are damaged as well.

Here's to a long road to dentists visits. Wish me luck

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez 12:37pm

Paramount Swapmeet

Well done is better than well said. - Benjamin Franklin

For this week's post I want to share with you guys about one of my favorite places to shop. A few weeks ago I mention about Compton Fashion Center and how my family use to shop there a lot as growing up, well Paramount Swapmeet is one of the places that my family and I enjoy coming. Not only there's clothes and shoes but a variety of things such as plants, furniture, toys, and the list goes on.

Paramount Swapmeet is located at 7900 All America City Way in Paramount, CA 90723. One of my favorite things that I used to do a lot when I was growing up was that whenever we passed by the snack bar my family would take a break and order some chili beans nachos with a ice cold pepsi. However in the last couple of years we've stop doing that and I know what a shame. There are two types of visits when going to swapmeet, one is when you take most of the day to look around and the other just looking for something specific. When looking for something specific, we tend to wait until closing time so we won't pay the 2 dollars, why pay if we're just going to be there less than 15 minutes.
                                                                                                                                                        Usually I shop at places that sale forever21 clothing just like the image below. They have a variety of clothing at a cheaper price. There are days in which I don't buy anything, for some reason whenever I'm looking to buy there isn't anything appealing to buy. However, whenever I'm not there to buy stuff, the clothes suddenly appear to be calling out my name.

Credited to:

My favorite day in going to the Paramount Swapmeet would have to be on Tuesdays. Every Tuesday for a strange reason that swapmeet get's super packed, I mean, parking lot packed. Every time I go, for example, this last Tuesday I went with my mom, and I asked her Where do these people come from? Don't they have jobs? I laugh a little. It's true though, I see kids and families coming in and out of the swapmeet. It's amazing how this swapmeet has their customers.


Below are some pictures that I took this last Tuesday:

       

If you want more info, you can check out their website at: http://www.paramountswap.com/

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez 10:30pm

Driving Solo

In the last few Sundays, as I already mention, my parents have taken my sister and I practice our driving skills. This past Sunday I felt more confident about my driving that I decided to put myself for a test. So yesterday, I decided to take a bold move and take the car for a spin, and before you  get any ideas, no I didn't go to the mall or anything like that. Due to a tooth accident I had to visit the dentist, so I decided to drive down there and luckily the dentist office wasn't too far from my house. To be honest, I was not nervous at all, I thought I would be because I was driving alone but I wasn't, it felt like I've been driving all my life. I still need a bit more practice, but overall I think I got it. My father thinks I should go for my driver's license and I think I will take his advice.

Something amazing happen today. Like I had to go back to the dentist for a re-evaluation from another dentist and instead of going home like I suppose to, I made a detour. Guess where? Lakewood Center Mall. Yes, and no I'm not kidding. I took another bold move but more like driving hazard to the drivers, just kidding. I don't know why I did it, I just took a risk and went for it without looking back. It was nerve wrecking; I told myself that I was crazy for what I had just done. I made it to and from Lakewood Mall in a good condition. I need improvement but who doesn't. I must admit, it's better than taking the bus.

Let's see when I go for another adventure. Perhaps, Long Beach will be my next destination...

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez 2:01pm 

La Raza Resource Center

CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, LONG BEACH-  For this week's post I want to write about a place that held a significant role in my life, well my college life that is, La Raza Student Association. La Raza is a cultural organization on campus, it's purpose is to meet "the social, cultural, political, and academic needs of Raza students on campus." Through this organization I was able to learn more about myself, my family, my history and my community. This organization shape who I was and made me think where my life is heading to. Because of Raza, I decided to minor in Chicano/Latino Studies, I wanted to know more in depth about my history and where my people come from.

When I first started college a few years back, I never planned to be involved in any sort of organization and especially a cultural organization. Thanks to two people who help me get myself involved in this organization and from there I started to make new friends. I was involved in La Raza for almost four years and within those years I served as a member and as an board member. In the years that I was in Raza, there was a place on campus that I considered my second home like how La Raza used to be my second family. La Raza Resource Center. It was the perfect place to be despite how torn up it was. Let me take you a virtual tour:

As you walked in the door this is the first you thing you see, computers, yes working computers. I remember the many laughs and conversations I use to have with my friends. It's been a year and it seems like it's been forever that I haven't been there.

   

 In the next room, a little bit more wider and larger than the computer room. This space was occupied with people talking, laughing, making jokes, etc. Don't assume just because there was a lot of laughing and talking you could not get any studying done. If the door was close, that meant don't disturb people are studying or taking a nap and usually they would respect it. The board, was use for announcements, messaging board but usually as a drawing board. People would just doodle random stuff.

Seriously. I miss this place. This was the only place on campus that I felt right at home. I just want to share a little bit of my life with you all. Hopefully one day that La Raza Resource Center will get a new location, I love the place but it's a death trap. People in the ASI or whoever is in charge should not be greedy with the money.

Anyways.

So long for now...

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez 9:55pm

Job Interviews

Who likes going to Job Interviews? No one does, and especially for a job industry that one is not familiar with. I thought I was well-prepared to go into these interviews and kick some ass but turns out I need more practice than I thought. I had the confidence and the positive mind set to feel good about myself but it wasn't enough.

At the start of the new year, I've been applying to every store that I could think of and out of all stores I've applied only two called me back. One was for a position as a team member in Chipotle and the other as a store associate in Payless. Well, both interviews were okay but were not the best and I walked out I felt like I could have done better. I had a second interview for Payless today and turned out to be a group interview. It was a panel 12 girls and across from us there was the District Manger and 3 store leaders. It was intense, I was a bit nervous but I thought I had control myself with the responses that I gave. And for Chipotle's Interview, it was also a group interview but I knew this would have serve me as a practice before today's interview and it did a little.

What's the deal with group interviews? Anyways, I learned several things for these interviews, I need more practice in speaking and being able to get my ideas through. I hope next time I'll be more prepare.

Margarita "Maggie" Hernandez 9:39pm