Monica - Café Con Monica

Mother’s Day!

May 11, 2019

With Mother’s Day coming up on Sunday I like to take a moment to reflect on how lucky I am to be surrounded by some amazing moms.

My Mother

I know i’ve said this many times over but my mom is one of the coolest people I know. She had a rough go of it during her childhood, became a parent far too early (had me at 18 and my sister at 20) and worked really really hard to get where she is. In her early 40’s she up and decided she was going to be a marathon runner and did it. She has bungee jumped, scuba dived, traveled a ton and started two of her own successful businesses all while being a mom. I feel incredibly lucky she put up with my teenage years with every year that passes. She is always supportive of my inability to settle in one place, my need to travel and see the world and my need to learn everything! She kicks ass and takes names and I don’t think she has any plans to stop.

My Stepmonster

She isn’t a monster, I promise. When I first met her at 17, I was an angsty teenager who hadn’t seen her bio father in about 8 years and I was having major troubles respecting my parents back home. She was not that much older than me (think its about 7 or 8 year difference) and was probably not all that happy about having to deal with a teen but she sat me down my second night there and said “I am not your mother, you have one. I love your dad and I love his children and I’m here for you. I can be your friend but there has to be respect. I don’t have to be your step monster.” Guys. To this day she is my friend. We text all the time. Though her and my bio father are divorced I speak to her more than I do him.

My Sister

I could gush about her till I am blue in the face regardless of the fact that she is a mom. I’m mushy like that. She had my first nephew at 22. Kicked ass and took names and finished college while still working and being a good mom. She is now a mother to 3 in a grossly strong and affectionate relationship and every day she questions how she is doing, is constantly seeking to improve and to make sure she gives all 3 kids the best life she can give them. Every year I am amazed by her and so grateful for my amazing niece and nephews.

With all of that said I’d like to say to all of you Mothers out there:

Exploring Austin: Lonestar Roundup

May 8, 2019

We love Exploring Austin so I thought it would be great to share some of the fun things we have been doing since we moved down here! You can see more posts with things in Austin here.

Lonestar Round up is a giant outdoor car show with live music and tons of vintage and custom cars! People come from all over to showcase their cars and hang out with like minded people and listen to music.

AJS is a big fan of hot rods. He grew up with a step dad who, to this day, can always be found in the garage tinkering with old cars. He has a lot of fond childhood memories that include old cars and sitting in the garage handing his stepdad tools. He found this event while pursuing the interwebs for things to do on a Saturday in April and decided we needed to go.

Turns out we have different tastes in cars. He loves the Hot Rods and I am apparently partial to 1920s and 30s style coupes. Incase you don’t know what any of this means a Hot Rod is a typically a classic American car that has been altered for speed. Traditionally they stripped the cars and used random parts to patch them up with the engine being the focus. Some of the more expensive ones are really fixed up.

Meanwhile…I’m over there taking pictures of all the pretty pink and purple cars!

We had some drinks, looked at thousands of cars and listened to some great music. Overall a success!

Do you ever check out events your SO likes that are maybe not all that interested in?

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What Cinco de Mayo Is & How to celebrate Respectfully

May 3, 2019

There seem to be celebrations that take place that sometimes inadvertently (or the opposite) end up being really culturally insensitive. Cinco de Mayo is one of those times of the year. So I thought I’d take a minute to share some good tips with you all!

A Quick History Lesson

Cinco de Mayo is not, I repeat IS NOT Mexican Independence day. That is in September. It is, on the other hand, a day to commemorate the Mexican army’s victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of General Ignacio Zaragoza. It is not widely celebrated in Mexico and isn’t a national holiday for the country. Chicano activists in the 60’s celebrated in the US as a way to commemorate. Like all things beautiful and cultural it has morphed into a way for lots of people to make money over the years.

Can we celebrate?

In short, yes. I don’t begrudge you. I have had plenty of fun and the drink deals on Cinco de Mayo can’t be beat…except maybe on St. Patrick’s Day (see what I’m saying?) But, that being said, there are plenty of ways to have a good time without being a culturally insensitive jerk.

How to do it…

DO: Make sure you spread the correct information about the history. Acknowledge it and correct anyone who tells you it is Independence day.
DON’T: DO NOT…just don’t do anything resembling brown face, wear sombreros, fake mustaches, dress in anything resembling authentic or culturally significant attire, make up fake Spanish words or slogans.
DO: Celebrate responsibly. No one needs a bunch of drunk passed out non-Mexican fools parading around on a holiday that is not about them.
DO: Check out your local Mexican Museum or Cultural Center they likely have some wonderful information and exhibits!

It seems pretty simple right?

Go out, have a margarita (or 3), check out your favorite LOCAL Mexican restaurant. *Please make sure it is actually Mexican and not some other Spanish speaking country and you are in there making a fool of yourself talking about Mexicans*

Enjoy the day and remember that being culturally sensitive is awesome!