Archives for 2008

Its that time again… another year over, a new one just begun.

2008 wasn’t very exciting for me personally or Horsepower & Heels, but it could have been way worse, and for that I’m thankful.

LOWS

• The Big “C”— This is probably the hardest and scariest thing I’ve ever had to go through. You learn who in your life you can count on, and you learn what people around you and what YOU are about when you go through something like this. On the HIGH SIDE: Thankfully, after several stressful months and many shed tears, I’ve reached a stage that everything is at peace. No new developments, and that is great news!
• Losing Scott Kalitta— It seems that every year is plagued with the loss of one of my favorite drivers. This year, after spending the Gator Nationals in the Kalitta pits, and watching his passionate warm-up of the funny car, we had to say goodbye to Scott Kalitta in Englishtown’s fatal accident.
• Losing Steve Engel— Even harder when you lose a fellow Pro Mod driver.

HIGHS

• My First TV Segment— My first TV feature with Hispanics Today TV Show. It was shot in late 2007, but didn’t air until early 2008. I learned a lot about TV production and the time it takes with this segment.
• Made. Progress. on. Getting. The. Racecar. Done.– Its been a long, long road, but the car has finally made it into the final stages.
• Watch ladies in racing make serious strides– Celebrating the success of Danica’s First Win and Ashley Force’s First Win
• Participating in the Piensa Mas Alla fundraiser for the Palomita Education Fund– I am proud of my hispanic heritage, and very proud that I could help out with this cause. Advancement opportunities for Hispanics who want to think beyond the sociological borders is very important to me.
• I Became a Mom Again— No, not like THAT. To my chihuahua baby, Blanca! The single most spoiled chihuahua in existance I think!
• Attended my 10 Year HS Reunion— And was proud to be there, and not at all uncomfortable with what I’ve become in 10 years.
• Joining up with the Dixie Derby Girls— I’m still in Fresh Meat training and have a TON to learn, but I really, really enjoy derby and the friends I am making.

I’m excited for 2009 and looking forward to a FINALLY tour with the racecar. Here’s to the memories of 2008 and a kick ass 2009!

Dearest Santa,

I’ve been a very, very good girl this year. I’ve been very patient while not racing, I haven’t complained very much through all the tough times, and I’ve gone out of my way to help elves in distress. I know that its been a tough year for us all, and I’m sure that’s probably also true of the North Pole. But I’m only asking for a few things this Christmas…. and I’ve even included links since I’m sure you’re not as Racing Saavy as my favorite reindeer Blitzen.

1. A 28′ Enclosed Trailer— all aluminum, so the reindeer don’t have any problems pulling it, and so that my little F250 isn’t sucking down unbelieveable amounts of diesel on the roads this season.
2. A sponsor for my Top Fuel Team. I’d really, really like to see my dream of running Top Fuel become reality. I know its a big thing to ask, but you’d be making the whole team happy! Consider it several birds, one stone.
3. Stainless Steel Braided Hose and AN Fittings to finish off the fuel system and cooling system!
4. A Fire Supression System for the racecar to keep me safe next season!
5. My very own Drag Racing Christmas Tree to practice on!

Thanks Santa! And be careful out there! If you need a tune-up to the ole sleigh, let me know!

Well Behaved Women Rarely Make History. — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

In Memory of…
Bettie Page
April 22, 1923 — December 11, 2008

A woman who dared to be different in the Fifities era of Bobby Socks and Golly-Gee Suzie Homemaker status. She awoke the sexuality in a repressed and stuffy era, becoming the most legendary Pin-Up model of her time. She dared to escape the limitations that society placed on her as a woman. Some called her notorious, others revolutionary. Bettie Page helped to blur the lines and open the door to the world of women expressing their sensuality.

But she was definitely a woman of her own making. And that is what makes her legendary.

I was not trying to be shocking, or to be a pioneer. I wasn’t trying to change society, or to be ahead of my time. I didn’t think of myself as liberated, and I
don’t believe that I did anything important. I was just myself. I didn’t know any other way to be, or any other way to live. –Bettie Page

And for that… and all other women who haven’t been afraid to be anything else but themselves, we thank you.

Rest In Peace, Bettie Page.

No doubt, its been a rough year across the board for most people in this country. Which is why Thanksgiving is such an important thing this year… to profess how truly thankful we are for what we DO have.

Every year, I’ve made it a point to write down what I am thankful for, and to revisit it later down the road. This used to be done on paper, but thanks to the blog world, I now have it online for all to see. So with that, here’s my 2008 Thanksgiving Offering:

• Health.
  You never realize how precious it is to you until something threatens it. Going through what I have in the last year and the ongoing struggles have really made me thankful for my health. I’m here today, for better or worse, for sicker or poor. That’s better than some were able to say.
• Learning to be Independent.
  I’ve always thought I was an independent person, but I realized that a lot of me depended on other people and what their feelings entailed. This year, through all ranges of emotions, I’ve learned to be independent. I’ve done for myself, I’ve made sacrifices, I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve learned from them. I feel I’ve carved out a piece of this world that belongs to me, not to anyone else. And with that comes the feeling that I will be okay…
• Friends: Old and New.
  I have had my best friend for almost 20 years now, and no matter how often or little we talk, she is still as much my BFF as she was sitting in class at Sterling Park back in 5th grade. We’ve gone through thick and thin, we’ve grown up, we’ve lost touch and reconnected, but above all, she is always there and knows that I am there for her likewise. I’m always grateful for the wisdom that my friends old and new empart on me, for the support through my tougher times, and for the unconditional love of friendship they bring. Whether they are my friends in real life, or online, they are appreciated in my life.
• Enjoying my Job.
  I’m very blessed to really enjoy the work I do, which is something that I learned to really appreciate after last year. We all must make a living, but doing something you enjoy versus something you hate can really define you. I’ve been working at this job for almost a year now, and I’ve learned a lot that will come in very useful as my career progresses.
• Hope and Optimism.
  When things get tough, its easy to be drug down into the despair and negativity. I believe things happen for a reason, and sometimes it isn’t always evident why. But even when things are not going how I wanted, I’m thankful that there is still hope and optimism kept alive. Looking towards the future, I’m ever hopeful and sure that things will improve, and that all the struggles will have paid off.
• Family & Loved Ones.
  I don’t get to see them as much anymore, but I am always thankful for my family and their support in my life. I wish I could be closer to them, but even with the distance, they are always in my heart. Distance has been something that has been difficult for me being seperated from the people I hold closest to my heart, but there’s never a moment that goes by that I’m not thinking of them. I read a beautiful quote today: “True Friendship continues to grow even over the longest distances…. the same is true with True Love.”
• Dreams.
  Its been hard to keep my racing dream alive sitting on the sidelines for the past 2 years, but I’ve grateful that all the work is starting to come together finally and that I might get the chance to turn dream into reality for the 2009 season.

From all of us at Horsepower & Heels, we wish you a Very Happy Thanksgiving!

What are you thankful for this holiday season?