If you were not aware of it, which is very doubtful, there was an election this past week- This is the one and only time I will involve politics in my blog, those of you who are upset, and angry about the outcome of the election, should probably skip the next few paragraphs-Don't worry I'll let you know when to come back!
I am an immigrant......SURPRISE! I was born in Venezuela, where I lived until the age of 11. My mother and I came here shortly after my father passed away. It was his dream for me to learn a second language, and to live in a country where one is allowed and encouraged to be an individual with a voice. Many people will say things to me like, "so what is your country?" or, "do you miss your country?" and my favorite, "when are you going to go back to your country to visit?" Friends, the United States is my country! Venezuela was the place where I was born, and yes, it is my part of my heritage, however, America has been my home. This is the place where I became me. This is the place that accepts me, this is the place where I share my little family with my loving wife, this country is where we live, this is the only country I love. I know that some people have a problem with this statement, but it is how I truly feel. America has given me my whole life. And I love her for it.-Man I'm getting teary eyed, but damn it! 'MERICA!
As I was saying..................................................................
Americans let their voices be heard this past Tuesday. President Barack Obama was re-elected for his second term as commander in chief of the Free World. He has been the only President in my adult life that has inspired me. My republican friends, I love you all dearly, I am sorry that the person you wanted to run our country has lost the race, however, I could not be happier. If your opinion was shared by the majority of America, then P90X guy and permanently constipated face guy would be in office, but alas it is not the case. (My friend Matt said he looks constipated because he is so full of Shit!, I'm talking about Romney, but most of you knew that) In my loving State of Maryland, Question 6 was passed, which means that gay couples are now able to get married. Love is love people, at the end of the day, everyone deserves to be loved. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, creed, gender, or religion. That is what The Matheus (Jenn, Kai, Neko & myself) believe in. Love is not an abomination, not matter where it comes from.
If you are walking down the right path and you are willing to keep walking, eventually you will make progress- President Obama
It is his words of wisdom that have encouraged me to continue my path to be in control of my health, and making sure that Diabetes does not define me. Yes the journey is not going to be easy, and yes there will be hurdles to jump, but if Obama can beat the odds, so can I! It is the definition of what makes this country great. It is also a place where medicine is advanced enough, that diabetes is no longer a death sentence, and so I will continue to move..................
OK REPUBLICANS, THIS IS WHERE YOU CAN START READING AGAIN! SORRY!
Another tradition in America is the beloved Halloween, yes I know I am a few weeks late on reporting on the holiday, but relax alright? Jeez!
That was my costume this year, I went as a "Mac Genius". I never dress up, but my work encouraged us to just have fun. If you can't tell, I am a BIG fan of Apple. It was Jenn's idea for the costume, and she got me the shirt. She also made me pose for this surrounded by all my beloved electronics! The iPhone and the MacBook didn't make the shot. Anyway, as you know Halloween is based around costumes, but mostly around CANDY! It is the season where "fun size" means bite size versions of my favorite candy bars. After being diagnosed, I knew that the fall/winter holidays would be a challenge. The meaning of this fun day has changed for me. It is no longer about going to the grocery store on November 1st and getting ALL the candy you can buy and directly going home to eat it.-what? like you never did that?!- It was not as awful as I thought it would be. I made an appointment with my nutritionist before the day, and she told me that I have lost plenty of weight, and again reinstated the fact that I cannot torture myself about my cravings. I have stayed on the right path, and a few treats every now and then will not break me. So I had a little bit of all the treats that were available at the pot luck at work to celebrate the day! And come on, my favorite holidays are coming up, I will reward myself then too!
Having the chance to meet with a nutritionist has been extremely helpful, and having my friends encouraging me has meant the world. My "family" Friend Katie- you know the hipster from Philadelphia who is pretty awesome? yeah, her-She has started a new blog where she talks about her journey to becoming a nutritionist. Peroxide and Protein, you all should take a look, it is helpful, informative, and of course hilarious, come on, I only have funny friends! (well Jenny King is an exception, she is funny, only sometimes, but I love you and Oliver!)
This week the Matheus relocated to a new apartment in Germantown Maryland! It has been stressful, hectic, and amazing. We decided to make the move because we would like to save money so that we can buy a house in a few years. We are all adjusting, and there are boxes EVERYWHERE, but we will make our new apartment our home soon. And then you will all get to see it! (probably in pictures, it's pretty small ya'll, can't fit everyone in here at once!) I would like to thank all of our friends who pitched in to help us move, we love you all and thank you with all of our hearts!
In conclusion, I love my life. I love my wife, I love my boys (Kai and Neko), I love my family, I love my friends, and I love my country. Where else could a little boy born in Venezuela become the man I am today? Only in America.
