I was unable to go home for Thanksgiving and celebrate with my family but luckily my friend and co-worker Dominique and her family took me in. I spoke with my family just before noon and was saddened when I heard everyone laughing in the background. This was the first holiday that I was unable to spend with my family and coming from a small close family that made hearing them having fun without me really difficult. But my frown was soon turned upside down when I arrived at Dom’s apartment. Her loving and welcoming family made me feel at home and within minutes I was enjoying some hot turkey, ham green bean casserole and all the delicious other sides. Thank you Garcia Family for making me feel at home and welcomed. The Dallas Cowboy victory made the pumpkin chocolate chip cake that much more sweeter (thanks Dom’s mom it was delicious). To add to the happy and joyful day, this was my first Thanksgiving in Victoria and it turned out to be alright…now thinking ahead for Christmas.

I was at home this past weekend and astonished to see that many areas are still under water. The current rainfall in the valley has just added to the damage done by hurricane Dolly. It seems to me the valley just can’t catch a break. My mother and many other residents have to cut their yards every time the rain lets up (like once a week). And bug spray seems to be the new perfume. All the mosquitoes and standing water has many people opting to stay indoors. I think we’re really lucky to have some run but not as much as the valley. The rain in the valley is keeping me away and in Victoria for the weekend.

I’ve written a couple of stories about the possibility of University of Houston-Victoria’s  downward expansion. I want to know what people think about the possibility? Will it benefit the community? Will it affect enrollment at Victoria College? What would happen if UHV became a 4-year university?

I want to know what people of the community think.

I have now been in Victoria for about two and a half months and I’m starting to get a feel for the area. I can get to where I need to go without getting lost…well sometimes. Anyhow, I’ve come to the conclusion that not knowing my way around most of Victoria is my own fault. I leave any chance I get. Don’t get me wrong there’s nothing wrong with the area; I just seem to miss my family and friends. You’d think my years in Kingsville would have prepped me, but for some reason as soon as Friday rolls around I’m filling up my gas tank and driving home or to Kingsville, it’s closer. I see it as kind of running away. I’m prescribing myself a weekend in Victoria; however, it might not be this weekend but may be the weekend after.

I'm from the Rio Grande Valley a small place called Edcouch-Elsa. Even though I don't live there anymore yesterday I felt like I was there for Hurricane Dolly and her path of destruction because my mom and sister kept me up to date. Luckily my mother’s house did not receive any damage but the yard now looks like a lake and a tree in the back yard fell over. There was much more damage in the Brownsville, South Padre Island and Port Isabel area. My family and many others in the valley went without power from about 7 p.m. to 9:30 a.m. July 24 and many are still without power. My mom had a radio so they were able to hear all the emergency updates while the power was out. At about 10 p.m. July 23 listeners were informed that power crews would get to work on the outage as soon as it was safe and since Dolly wouldn't leave most everyone went the night without power. Now that most of the storm has passed residents are left with the aftermath. They now look at the damage and say Goodbye Dolly!

To go along with my new job and new apartment I have decided to cut my hair. I am using that as a symbol to let go of the past and concentrate on the future and what it might bring. I want to be the best reporter I can be even if that means asking for help. I am a very independent woman and don’t like to ask for help even if I really need it…some of my closest friends will tell you the same. I have decided to leave the bad habits of the “college Rubi” in the past (procrastinating, staying up late, eating late, waiting to the last minute, not asking for help, etc.). I am a new person; well I’ll try to be until I get it right. I just want to leave the past in the past and keep walking towards the future. “Working Rubi” is up for the challenge. I know the new area will help me to move forward.