Keep your coins, I want change!

With the elections only less than three weeks away, there has been a couple of articles on the SGV Tribune about contributions and campaign spending.

I'm doing my best fundraising, but in this economy, it's hard to ask people for money. Others have offered volunteering  - walking, making phone calls, campaigning for me - instead of money. I say, "Yes! Your actions are worth more than gold."

I just read an article dated July 2005 about how the City of Glendale voted for reputation over money. Glendale put the message out there that eventhough a candidate raised gazillion dollars, they wanted leaders who can talk the talk and walk the walk. Good for you, residents of Glendale!

Residents of El Monte...please, learn from this example.

As I prepare for another candidate's forum tonight, I will stick with this week's mantra: Keep your coins, I want change!

Go ahead, make my week.

Last week, the campaign sign fairy was so busy driving all over El Monte. The Verna de los Reyes for City Council signs popped up in the middle of the night all over El Monte, while the city slept. And, my campaign signs even survived the mini-Southern California storm last Wednesday.

I also had another busy week juggling funerals, politics, family obligations, and work.

On Sunday, I met Hilda Solis, the United States Secretary of Labor. As a resident of El Monte, she came to our campaign headquarters to give a few words of encouragement. She told me, "I know what you're going through. I spent many hours in this room putting together literature and signs when I first started."

Then, Hilda Solis, who is 7th in line for the presidency of the United States, patted me in the back and said, "You're doing a good job."

That made my week.

Nobody Walks in LA

I did my first walk throughout El Monte yesterday. I met great people and received great ideas and feedback. I drove from one block to the other. Too hot, too far to walk.

It's true, nobody walks in LA.

Survived!

I survived my first big fundraiser...it was really more like a party that my mom usually throws. Lots of food, lots of dancing, lots of laughter.

So happy to see my BFFs: the OG Azusa Girls, Team Davis, Team Mascorro, Team Poveda and John V. My cousin, Melanie came down from Las Vegas, and my cousin, Gale flew down from Michigan. Hardcore support! They had a first-hand glimpse into my new political life. Thank you, dear friends, for fighting traffic on a Friday night to come out and hang out with me. Now, if only I can convince them to move to El Monte by November 8, so they can vote...

I survived my first political party.  What I didn't survive is Medicare Open Enrollment. It's 2:21 a.m., and I'm still working on the Web site.

I'm telling you it's easy to survive politics...surviving Medicare is questionable. 

Medicare vs. Elections vs. Santana

Wanna see something crazy? How about my schedule today...

Work started at 9 a.m.
Conference call at 2 p.m.
Drive to Target at 3 p.m.
Pick-up posters at 4 p.m.
Pick-up Ally at 5 p.m.
Get dressed, drive to Alhambra 5:30 p.m.
Get balloons at 6:30 p.m.
Fundraiser at 7 p.m.
Medicare Web site content release at 11:45 p.m.
Medicare Web site Go-live at 12:01 a.m.
Scrub Medicare Web site until 1 a.m.
Fundraiser ends at 1 a.m.
(Yes, that's right. I'm working during my fundraiser event)

My savior: Santana at the Hollywood Bowl on October 1, at 7 p.m.

All I can think about are brownies

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11
Last Sunday, I interviewed with the Democrats of the 49th Assembly District (49th AD) for an endorsement. I sat at Denny's for about five hours waiting for my time.

It was absolute torture: I was nervous, anxious, and hungry. The dessert menu kept tempting me. I really wanted to order that warm brownie a la mode to calm my nerves. But what if brownies get stuck in my teeth?! What a horrible scene that would be standing in the middle of the room, smiling, giving my campaign spiel and bits of brownies are over my teeth...and what if I order it and they call my name. Wasted brownie and melted ice cream. No, thanks.

Plus, I need to stop eating when I'm stressed. I have to keep this girlish figure. LOL


MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 12
Received good news that I was recommended for an endorsement by the 49th AD. I thought about having a brownie a la mode to celebrate...but, NO (Must. Have. Self-control - woosah, woosah).


TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13
Attended the Los Angeles County Democratic Party meeting to hear the campaign endorsement decisions. It was such an experience to see the democratic process into play! The voting process, the speakers, the energy. Proud to be a Democrat!

But, I was still was on pins and needles until I heard the words, "Congratulations, you have been endorsed by the LACDP." On the way home, I drove past two Denny's...brownie a la mode continued to haunt me.

Just writing makes me want to jump in my car and drive to Denny's... SMH

If in doubt, reboot

Had an endorsement interview with Firefighters Local 1014. Had long Medicare meetings. Did three loads of laundry in between meetings. Back to School Night at 5:30 p.m. Lastly, the United Democrats of the San Gabriel Valley endorsement interview at 6:30 p.m.

Worked on Medicare site for a little bit then CRASHED...not me, IE 7! Two hours of content entry gone. I really dislike you IE 7 and your friend, Windows, too.

I'd really like to reboot my entire day, and be in Safe Mode...