Scoot scoot!

When I called my dad in Chicago to show off that his grandson was gliding up and down Reade Street like a pro, he laughed and said, “Oh, you got him the patineta del Diablo? The devil’s scooter?” I gasped and said, “Pa! Why would you say that?” Chuckling he replied, “because when people see you chasing after your kid they will think the Devil’s gotten into you”.
Growing up in the South Side of Chicago taught me at an early age to duck at the sound of shootings on “L” platforms inside crowded trains. Now, my heart beats fast and I develop a new type of anxiety as I chase my zig zagging 3 year-old son up and down TriBeCa streets and yelling “Slow down! Diego! STOP!!!” as he zips by focused New Yorkers, minding their business but aware to dodge and move out of the way at the hundreds of toddlers and children on scooters. I find myself apologizing, embarrassed to pedestrians who sometimes do (or don’t) feel the impact of a 35 pound boy on wheels crash on their heels. Some people avoid the kids on scooters on the streets by playing a little “chicken” but always lose the game to the flying child with smirks on their little faces with no fear. Once, a man carrying an oversized orange leather bag, was talking on his cell phone and didn’t notice my son. Diego, who thought he had cleared the height, was unaware of the couple of inches his helmet adds to his height, bounced off his bag and flew off his scooter. I screamed and the man never turned to see if Diego was okay. Hurriedly and scared that my son had broken a bone, I blamed myself for wanting my son to be a true little New Yorker on the smartest wheels invented for city kids. No more stroller up and down subway stairs and no more complaining by Diego, wanting to be carried after a few blocks of walking. It had to be worth it. I was determined to make him a tough, careful and smart little guy on wheels. He brushed himself off got back on and just as my heart rate went down, Diego was distracted by a girl’s pink and shiny wheels that he ended up crashing into a wall. He bounced right up and scooted away without a tear or second thought.
The gang members I used to identify based on the colors they wore and signs they threw up with their hands has now been long forgotten and replaced by watching little boys and girls compare helmet designs and sticker applications on the base of their boards. They race around the smooth path inside Washington Market Park confronting new obstacles and terrorizing young couples strolling by hand in hand. I now identify with screaming mothers and father chasing their kids down west Greenwich smooth sidewalk, catching up with their child before arriving at the corner of Chambers, a busy intersection with school children, gossiping teens and complaining college students, and then scolding their little one on wheels for not listening. How can they? My 3 year old has never moved faster and his young 2 year old neighbor and friend can keep right up with him. I’m world’s away from the childhood I left behind but the anxiety of a parent lives within no matter where you are.

Full Circle

I'm a true believer in hard work, good luck, ambition, faith and positive energy. Nothing is impossible. Happiness is always welcomed. Today, we leave Singapore and return to New York City. I made that first trip away from Chicago exactly 5 years ago, days after our wedding.

As I look out the window of our hotel room in Singapore, I can see our last apartment building...home for 6 months. I can see the gorgeous Marina Bay view and a stretch of Indonesia. I see the wonderful 5 years I have spent with my caring, devoted, intelligent husband, who loves us, works hard for us, laughs with us and inspires us. I can see the bright future ahead of us. Today is our anniversary and we are spending it with Diego and savouring a bottle of champagne (Diego only gets a bubbly bath!). We are celebrating life, love, health and good fortune and I'm not afraid to be happy.

See you in New York.

Lots of love,

Betty

Forever 2

My big love is away for 3 weeks. Jose was called to go to London while we were enjoying our last day in Phucket. Man, have I been feeling sorry for myself since last Monday. Really, the whole power of the mind is incredible. I was so down, upset, and ruined our last day in Thailand by bickering with Jose and simply being bitchy. I am now suffering from an intense lower back pain and I'm all alone with Diego. Far, far away from any trusty family help. Oh how I miss my mami's calditos right about now. Boo hoo. Karma ya'll. Jose wasn't thrilled to go and I made his last days in Singapore hellish.

Interestingly enough, I have discovered something so amazing, something so fulfilling that makes me want to laugh out loud every 30 minutes or so! Diego is really, really funny!!! He's the best pain killer on the market! I thought for sure my life would be horrible with a 2 year old running around in my desperate hour of need. He has been such a good boy that I realized that the terrible two's have been put on hold for a bit (until Daddy get's back...I'm sure).

We went for a nice walk this morning and I brought my camera along because I have homework. So Diego had to be my model since there is no one else around and he was such a good little boy. I would tell him, "Okay Diego! Run across for Mommy" and he run across and then come to look at my screen to review the shots I had taken.

We then walked to Starbucks to cool off and reward my little model with a banana nut muffin and a nice chocolate chip frap for me (oh, my back!) He sat in his chair and said to me, "escucha"-Beyonce was playing and Diego started to dance in his seat. We danced and didn't care who was looking.

Also this week, for no apparent reason, he just stops what he is doing (usually in the middle of lining up all his hot wheels), looks up and says, "besos Mama". Gets up, comes over with wide arms and kisses me. He then proceeds to walk over and continue his task. I'm just amazed. His love is so great, unconditional, pure and I'm loving it. It's like he knows I'm missing Jose, knows that I'm in pain and knows that I feel lonely.

He's the best little partner anyone can ask for.

xoxo,

Betty

P.s. Man, this is the best shot I got and it's not even great. After taking 130 shots today, 1 works for the 9 required on Thursday. Yikes.