peruvian-american

10.10.2017

Hoy Es El Dia

 Buenas noches a todos,

Today is the day...hoy es el día. I've been my father's soccer watching companion for as long as I can remember, my earliest memory being the 1998 World Cup in France. Through soccer we've created a special bond that's so dear to me and that I'm sure many of you can relate to. That's the beauty of soccer, it's power to unite and instantly turn your day from a bad one to the best one in a manner of seconds. It's power to make us feel home despite being thousands of miles away. 

Just like the Peruvians at home, we've suffered through the lows like when Peru missed the World Cup in 1997 by a difference of one goal and screamed our hearts in the highs like when Peru tied the Argentina game in 2010 in the last few minutes, a game they didn't deserve to lose.

Right now Peruvians all over the world are all united, with butterflies in our stomachs thinking about this paramount game.  A game that can bring us back to the world cup after 35 years. Win or lose I know I will fall into my father's arms with tears in my eyes of happiness. Of happiness of all the wonderful moments this soccer team has brought us and the immense pride we have to wear the Blanquirroja today.


Que viva el Peru carajo!

Buenas noches a todos,

Hoy es el día que todos hemos esperado. Desde pequeña he sido la que acompañaba a mi papá por las mañanas para ver partidos de fútbol, como una fiel hincha. Mis recuerdos más tempranas son la de la Copa Mundial de Francia de 1998. A través del fútbol mi papá y yo hemos creado una relación muy cercana y especial para mi, y esa es la belleza del fútbol, su poder para unir y instantáneamente cambiar tu día de uno malo a uno bueno en solo unos segundos. Su poder de hacerme sentir en Perú aunque este miles de millas de distancia.

Igual a los Peruanos en casa, nosotros también hemos sufrido cuando perdimos la clasificación al mundial del 1998 por una diferencia de un gol. Y también hemos llorado de la emoción cuando Peru hizo un gol en el último minuto empatando a Argentina en el 2010, un partido que no merecimos perder. 

Hoy Peruanos en todo el mundo estamos unido, no importa en qué partes del mundo estemos. Con mariposas en el estomago y con un nudo en la garganta pensando en este partido tan decisivo. El partido que nos podría regresar a un mundial después de 35 años. Ganen o pierdan, se que está noche con lágrimas en los ojos abrazare a mi padre de felicidad. De felicidad de todos los grandes momentos que nos ha brindado este equipo y con inmenso orgullo de vestir la blanquirroja nuevamente. 

Que viva el Peru carajo!


9.16.2017

Mis Guerreros!

¿ Imaynalla kachkanki?

Yes, I have been MIA from my beloved blog and readers but I have a pretty good excuse, I got a new job over the summer that has been taking up most of mental energy and well in terms of physical energy, I've become immersed in different activities that have kept me exhausted. I decided to try kickboxing and I ended up loving it more than I imagined, it's an amazing way to get in shape and let out all that stress! I've also decided to try Colombian salsa and Brazilian samba classes after contemplating it for a while and they're both dances that require very quick feet movement. These are all things that bring me immense happiness and I've lately just been doing things that bring value to my life. No one will care or push you through your internal fears more than YOURSELF so always remember, to TREAT YO' SELF!

On that note, my blog has always been in the back of my mind, and now more than ever with what's been going on in the past few weeks with DACA. You guys are going through a difficult time and I would like to share a quote to anyone going through difficult times:

Tough times don't last, tough people DO
- Robert H. Schuller

Life in general, the life of an immigrant and being part of an immigrant family is one filled with many obstacles but think about all that we've gone through until this moment. Find strength in all the times you 've pushed yourself through the lows of your life and overcame them. You know what is something we all have grasped from these painful experiences? We. get. through. them. Fate puts these experiences in our lives to make us stronger and wiser...guerreros, warriors.

This may sound cliche but my parents are my heroes. When I'm in a situation where everything just seems dark and it's impossible to get out, I think of all that my parents have done to get to where they are now. Our parents didn't have the option to say "It's impossible" when they got here, there was no turning back. These experiences gave us the thick skin and perseverent mindsets that have made us unstoppable.


Achieving a dream never comes easy, and for those who do have DACA and for those that didn't qualify, the path is not as smooth and filled with bumps along the road, but never lose faith and get to the finish line. The plan you originally had may not work but change the plan, not the goal.

If you need anyone to talk to for some uplifting, I without a doubt am all ears and you can email me or send me a message through my instagram; kay_monge

Also, application fees are very expensive ($495) and by going to Undocumedia's page you can help sponsor a DACA beneficiary!
To donate, click here
And to see what other ways you can support the #HeretoStay efforts, click here 

With much love and support,
Karen

-The Chic Engiruvian

2.15.2017

How is it February already?!

Happy 2017 my lovelies!

This past month and a half has been filled with new changes that have taken time to adjust to and I really feel like I'm now in a position to get back on the blogging grind. Also the truth is that lately I haven't felt the inspiration to pour out my heart into this blog like I did last year and I didn't just want to write whatever for the sake of putting content into this blog. I have jotted down a list of things I plan to write about on this blog on my beloved bando 2017 planner for the next couple of months and I'm very excited!



Besides that, I will like to sort of update you on a few things I've been up to and share with you some of the things I did for:
- New Years which was one of the best thus far 🎆 (besides my Ano Nuevo in Peru)
- The going away party I planned for my sister who is studying abroad in Europe 🗺
- Some protests I attended (cause Immigrants Make America Great Again) 🗽, and
- A few pictures that I took yesterday for Valentine's Day 💖

New Years 2017

This was my first New Year's Eve that I spent away from my family and instead spent it alongside my boyfriend, his sister who came to visit from Los Angeles, and her best friend. His sister is friends with a DJ who's a party promoter for JunXion and they planned an incredible, one of a kind event! The party took place at the Paper Factory Hotel in LIC and the place was divided into different rooms that each had their own theme. There was an electrical Chinese dragon going around, aerialists, contortionists, body painters, drummers, and incredible performers that made the night memorable (sober or not).  Some of the people who attended came in costumes and you danced around fairies and even an astronaut! The place was filled with nothing but positive vibes and I highly recommend any of their other events, you can check out their events here.



Johanna's Going Away

My jojo bear is currently in the Netherlands studying for the Spring semester and to celebrate I decided to throw her a going away/ early 21st birthday party with the help of my mom and her two besties.  It was definitely not as easy as I thought since she's such a chismosa and I really didn't want her to even sense that there was any type of planning going on. I also don't know the majority of her friends and what type of food they will all like that is affordable yet delicious and presentable and I couldn't think of a better option than...PERUVIAN FOOD 😋. The place we went to is Mezquite Restaurant which has both Peruvian and Mexican plates, it's BYOB (yas!), and there's an Italian bakery AND awesome family owned liquor store across the street. It was difficult bringing her into the restaurant (did not expect that at all haha), but overall it all went great with the yummy food, moscatos, and the company of her great friends. Miss and love ya jojo.




SJW

It's been not even a month since the inauguration of...that person, and the country has literally gone haywire under the power of someone who is not even qualified to be president. As a first generation American, the order of the Muslim Ban ( which has thankfully been taken away) blew my mind not only as a human being, but as someone who lives in a strong Muslim community. Going to these protests gave me hope in the future of this country and that we do have an impact in what happens in this country. I've been told that going to these protests is a waste of time but history has shown that peaceful protesting not only increases the visibility of the cause but it demonstrates the power we the people have. Politicians and federal judges notice this and make the moves to go forward and make our voices heard.



Valentine's Day

Yesterday was literally the fastest I have ever gotten ready for a date.I got ready in less than an hour and anyone who truly knows me is probably shocked because I'm very well known for taking forever to get ready. My bf made a reservation at our favorite sushi spot for 8:00 pm and I got home at 6:45 pm!!! I still don't know how I managed to be ready by 7:35 pm but I did and I will be in awe from that achievement for a very long time haha. We ended up being in a food coma after underestimating their bento box but overall we had a great time laughing over random stuff and reminiscing on our past V-Day's experiences. So thankful for you. Also, shout out to the sushi restaurant with the sweetest waitresses, Aji Sushi House in Ditmars Blvd in Astoria, Queens.They were so busy yesterday yet were so accommodating to everyone and their food was bomb af 👌.




I will be posting a Peruvian goodies haul very soon!

Buenas noches and love always,

Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian 

12.06.2016

Count Your Blessings

Hello there,

It's finally December! Christmas is just around the corner (as well as finals week but lets get our minds off that just for a bit) and I know many people that have their mind set on all the gifts they yet have to buy for their friends and loved ones. I think we should also take some time to reflect on the billions of people in this world that have their minds set on how they're going to make it through the next day.  I was actually going to write millions when I then decided to google how many people in this world are living in poverty and it's really heartbreaking to see the statistics that are part of our reality. Just a little over three billion people live on less than $2.50 a day and at least 80% of our world population lives on less than $10 a day...and to think that there's that 1% of individuals that owns 50% of the world's total wealth.

Knowing this makes me feel so thankful and full of gratitude for the circumstances I was born into which is better than 80% of the world. Escaping from the inflation and terrorism that was occurring in Peru, my parents didn't have much in the beginning and we were very humble yet very rich. Very rich for the simple fact that we had a roof over our heads, running water, yummy food to fill our bellies, and to be living in a nation where my sister and I had many freedoms and opportunities we would've been deprived of if my parents stayed in Peru.

My loves
We have the tools and laws in this great nation where with an education and hard work, you can make what you dreamed as a child a reality. There's so many children who wish to have the luxury of being able to go to school and become the person they envision themselves to be, and it's so important for us to not take that for granted. To not take for granted whatever tools we have here in this country, because by simply having access to the internet and by simply owning an electronic device, you are so much far ahead and wealthier than over half the population in this world!

Every single person in this world, as our brothers and sisters, deserve to have the right to every single life necessity. No one should be sleeping tonight on an empty stomach which happens very often for example in Yemen where their children are currently suffering with severe malnutrition. Every child deserves the chance to make their dreams come true and have the right to an education and not have to drop out to start working at very young ages. We have the means to restore faith in so many people around the world and an impact so much greater than a Huda Beauty Rose Gold palette for a make-up lover can for Christmas and it doesn't take much! 

 I don't have much, but I know for certain that the little amount I can give to some charities has contributed in making a difference in someone's life. And that by little by little, when we all come together, that 20% of us (especially that 1% on the top), we can make a great impact and monumental step forward in helping eradicate the severe poverty that is still existent. My mom always tells me,
"Lo ultimo que se puerde perder es la fe" ~ "Faith is the last thing we can lose"
We CANNOT allow them to lose hope in a better tomorrow. Here are some charities that are my favorite and where donations will be great Christmas gifts to give:
  • itsjudyslife and benjimantv with their Dancember movement. Every December, they dance every year for their viewers in order to raise money for the charity of their choice. Other Youtubers also tend to tag along and I know this year is supposed to be HUGE! The charity of their choice for 2016 is feedONE, a Convey of Hope initiative where they plan to raise $500,000 to feed children in poverty. 
  • Angelina Jolie with USA for UNHCR, a charity that focuses on providing aid to dislocated people, refugees, where sadly the numbers keep increasing. They help those who are fleeing Aleppo and Mosul as well as many other places. 
  • Pencils of Promise where since 2009 they have been able to build 380 schools. It takes $35,000 to build a school, so if just the people of NYC each gave one dollar to this charity, and in NYC there's 8.4 million people, that would make 250 schools. Just one city with 1 dollar.
Gotta add a Mulan quote up in here because Disney can be deep.
Count your blessings this holiday season and try to give the gift of opportunity and faith to those who need it so much. So little can do SO much.

With lots of love,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian


11.27.2016

Fearless Changes

Hello there,

Long time no see! I've been a bit busy these past few days with assignments, work, and catching up with my sister who lives in Massachusetts and was back for Thanksgiving break. I've also been pretty pensive...can you believe that this week it'll be December, the last month of the year?! It blows my mind how quickly this year went by and also all the things I was able to do that I had my mind set on doing back in 2015. Many of these goals I achieved wouldn't have been possible if I wasn't fearless and accepted making some changes in life. Without overcoming whichever fear you may have, you will never see the change you want to see in you...in your life. In the words of Eleanor Roosevelt:
"The purpose of life is to live it, to taste experience to the utmost, to reach out eagerly and without fear for newer and richer experiences."
This quote happens to be my reflection of the day in my beloved National Geographic book, Daily Gratitude: 365 Days of Reflection (click on the title if you are interested in purchasing it). Through being fearless and accepting change, I've had wonderful experiences this year that have been enriching to my soul and have helped me in discovering who I am. Helping me to become the very best version of myself.

Overlooking Los Angeles from the Griffith Observatory. Always a dream of mine to go here at night.
Don't be scared to go with your gut feeling and what your heart is calling for. Don't be afraid to try new things, whether it be a new vegetable or a new hobby. Don't be judging to get to know someone just because of their appearance or religion or sexual orientation. Being scared, afraid, and judging are all fears, fears that are stopping you from being open to experiences in your life that you may come to love and value. I know so many people who have these fears ingrained in them and they are deprived of so many wonderful experiences.

A few years ago I was very fearful of many things, of thinking in a different way and leaving someone I was used to be around always. I was afraid of change because I was so comfortable with where I was. Little did I know, that this mindset and this person didn't go in sync with the kind of person I wanted to become. The decision to make this change in my life suddenly happened and I'm no longer the person I was when I started college and that itself has been very rewarding to me. I now care more about what I need to do to achieve the goals I've set for myself and what I can do to better myself in order to help out my community with my heart and soul. To be surrounded by only people who truly love and care about me, no matter how few of them it can be and to try new things that will lead me to enriching experiences. I became exposed to new places and new opportunities that I wouldn't have known of if I didn't make these changes.

If you are in a position where you're afraid of change and feel fearful of the unknown and uncertain, just know that, "Things happen for a reason"(life motto). What would've happened to the bird in the nest if it decided to stay comfortably and safe in there? It would've never learned to fly and discovered all the incredible places in this beautiful world of ours. Every mistake you may make comes with a lesson that will make you a wiser and better version of yourself. Every experience in life, whether it be bad or good, is intended to bring you closer to your dreams and purpose in life.

I believe that we are all destined to do something great in our lifetime, with a special gift that no one but YOU has. Destined to live life fully and this is only possible if we are courageous to overcome the fears that live in our mind and stop you from making the changes in your life that will lead you to your life purpose.

With the sister at LACMA clinging for dear life. 
 This week, challenge yourself and do something different everyday, BIG or small.

With love,
Karen
-The Chic Engiruvian
Wearing aviators while leaning on an aviator mural.  

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