Growing Up With Tina

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In honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, we’re giving cyber hugs and lovin’ dovins this week to the two women who birthed us… that’s right… ol’ Tina and Jayne (JOON!).

Without these two kooky, sweet, endearing souls, Steph and I (and this Nobel Award-winning blog) would never have existed.  The world would have a lot less fart jokes and a much larger supply of peanut butter, THAT’S for sure.

My mom Tina was, and is, a legend in our family.  No… really.  Whenever I’m around the Mexican side of mi familia, I’m referred to as “La Hija de Tina”, or “Tina’s daughter”.  I’m the girl who, to them, doesn’t have a name…. but who is the spawn of the wild woman who, in ’76 at the age of 18, hopped a ride with a friend in Indiana and made her way across the country in an old classic pick up to glorious San Diego.

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Her wandering spirit and, shall we say, love of life (1 part joie de vivre, 1 part splash of Jim Beam) were cemented in family history.

In my 31 years, Mum’s taught me soooo many things.  Below, a smattering of these gems:

1) “Pretty is as pretty does” – From the time I was a teensy little girl, I can remember her uttering these 5 words to remind me that no matter how cute I was, the only thing that mattered was my behavior to others.  Whether it be the school bus driver or the little snot rags at school, she instilled in me that to act towards them all in a decent, kind manner was the only way to go.

2) A greater appreciation for sweet-ass music – She would blast U2’s “War” album in our country kitchen, sing along – and then explain lyrics to – Neil Young, Skynard, Allman Bros, and generally express an encyclopedia-like knowledge of great, great music.

3) When a camera’s whipped out, no matter what the occasion, do not ever, ever smile.  Take this time to let your personality shine.

4) When times are tough, “put your pin stripe suit on” – The pin stripe suit being the symbol of rolling up my sleeves, facing my fears and just “making something happen”.  A job interview?  Check.  Breaking up with an idiot boyfriend and moving on?  Check, check.  Keeping my head up in my first job when senior level staff would tear me a new one?  You betcha! Mom coulda taught Tess McGill a couple things.

5) Never, EVER rush settling down – I thank the LORD I grew up with a mom who didn’t make me feel the need to rush into finding a hubby, etc.  An adventurist herself, she made sure to encourage traveling, independence and all that good stuff.

6) The cure for a bad day, for ANYTHING really is a hot shower and a good night’s sleep – I’ve called her weepy, exhausted, scared, disheveled, and the advice that’s come from thousands of miles away, that’s always been comforting and SPOT ON – is to just take a hot shower, and, you guessed it… get a good night’s sleep.  Mind you, it’s 12:09 AM and I’ve yet to shower post-gym, so………

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Happy early Mummy’s Day, Mom.  May your week be as peaceful as the many days spent raising us sweet, well-mannered children.  Mwah!

Love,