A few weeks ago, I was having a conversation with a close friend over lunch. We spoke about one specific job I applied for that I didn’t land and my blog came up. A blog where I post pictures of me out and about at parties, traveling, talk about racial issues amongst Latinos, speak about my neighborhood, and write about my ups and downs.

My friend stopped short of saying ‘maybe that’s why you haven’t gotten those jobs.’ I knew that’s what he really wanted to say, but I guess he thought he’d offend me.

Personally, I believe there should be nothing that holds me back from getting a job - whether it’s a picture of me having cake spread over my face at my birthday - or talking about racial issues in an honest, personal manner. I’m not a clown, nor Minister Farrakhan. If I’m qualified, I’m qualified; that’s how I view things. But I know that’s not how the world works.

When I got rejected from the last position I applied for (NBA), I wasn’t even hurt. It took so long for them to get back to me that I lost interest within that month. If I didn’t get the job because of my blog, so be it.

When my friend mentioned my blog, I actually took the time out to go through all the posts I’ve ever put up - and honestly - I don’t think anything I post here makes me look like a risk to an employer. Well, maybe a few picture posts here and there (rarely happens) of me at other people’s parties, but in terms of content, I don’t think so. I think this blog makes me look like what I really am: a smart, young adult who goes out, travels, and writes about his life.

I mean, I just can’t picture how I can’t be myself on my own blog.

Through the year and three months this blog has been open, it’s done nothing but good for me. So many people have contacted me, commented on posts, left inspired, and thanked me for sharing my thoughts. I don’t know if I was ever rejected for a job because of it and never will. All I do know is that it’s helped me get through tough times, meet people, and be presented with new opportunities.

As you all know, I’m a big “The Wire” buff as are many of my friends. In one episode, Marlo Stansfield said: “My name is my name.” When I was writing this post, I thought of that scene.

Everyone that knows me knows how/who I am. Anyone that reads my bio and the posts here who never met me can get an idea as well. I just can’t imagine how I ever sullied my name in any way while I’ve been operating this blog. If anything, I feel like I’ve made every Cabrera in my family proud of how I’m representing it…

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As you all know, I’ve been battling with the decision of whether to attend Grad School or not since I graduated from Brooklyn College. But I’ve finally made a decision. I will be applying and hopefully attending the CUNY Graduate School of Journalism in Fall 2011. I plan on focusing on Broadcast and Radio.

Now, I will have a bunch of friends who will urge me to go to Columbia University’s Journalism School. I know it would provide me with more connections and prestige, but I loved my CUNY Undergrad experience and the people over at CUNY J School are just as good (if not better) as the ones at CU.

Plus, paying 11,000 for a Masters in comparison to 40,000 also helps.

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I’ve been gone for a while, so I figure I’d update you on what I’ve been doing.

- Recently, I wrote a piece focusing on Haitian/Dominican relations which I’ll post here soon. I pitched it to a few sites/publications and am waiting for answers on whether they’ll accept it or not. Thanks to everyone (Ricardo, James, Eric, Carla, Mark) who helped look over the piece and provided feedback.

- I was recently video-taped for a documentary a Columbia University Journalism Grad (thank you Jennifer) student is working on. It focuses on color issues around the world. She contacted me to speak on color issues in the Dominican community and speak on my own personal experiences.

- My former elementary school, Our Lady Queens Of Martyrs (Arden Street in Dyckman), has asked me to speak at their school. I’m one of many candidates they have in mind for a speech at this year’s graduation. But, even if I’m not selected for graduation, I’m sure I’ll be speaking there before school’s out.

A special thank you to Robert and Noel for recommending me as a speaker.

- I’m expanding in the ticket business. Aside from the Yankees (I passed on the Phillies this year because their packages weren’t any good), I invested in the Texas Rangers and may jump on board with the San Francisco Giants for the 2010 season.

Next week, I will begin researching College Football markets so there may be more additions to the portfolio. I’m also on pace to surpass last year’s numbers by a healthy percentage which is great.

In final, I’m trying ladies and gentlemen, I’m trying…

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26 feels better than 25,24,23,22,21,20,19, and 18.

It just does.

Thank you to everyone who came out on Thursday and Saturday to celebrate with me. I appreciate you all more than you can ever imagine.

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Yes, we were born on the same day (January 21st). I turn 26 and whatever she’s turning doesn’t matter because she looks no older than 35.

Poor woman had to give birth to me on her birthday. But hey, can you really get a better gift?

Happy Birthday to the most important woman in my life. I hope to spend many more with you.

Love you…

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Special shout out to my close friend, Albert, for taking me up and down LA.

I had a great time and really appreciate your friendship. Thank you.

As you can see, we did (well, Albert did as I have horrible knees) a bit of parkour in Santa Monica. We hit up The Game’s block on Brazil and Wilmington in Compton. Went to Baldwin Hills, Crenshaw, Long Beach, Pasadena - you name it, we visited it.

Hit up the Clippers game and got to see all the beautiful women/groupies vying for Lebron’s attention. Met my friend Tameka out there (congrats on the new job). Partied in Hollywood with a real cool crowd. Shouts to my man Del Amino with the swisha sweets (I got you when you come out East with the Boricua girls).

What else did we do?

I went to Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles at noon and barely ate anything the rest of the day ’cause I was so full. Hit up Randy’s Donuts (best glazed donuts I’ve ever tasted) and visited UCLA and USC.

If anyone ever needs a tour guide in LA, Albert is your man. He managed to pack everything non-touristy to touristy in LA in 2 1/2 days. Applaud that man.

I loved it so much I can see myself moving there one day. But, ’til then, farewell LA. Hope to see you soon.

Next up: Miami, San Antonio (come playoff time) and Demar holla at me about Brazil or Argentina…

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Be back Monday…

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It’s heartbreaking when those who are the worst off, keep getting hit the hardest.

Local drop-off/donation sites in Washington Heights & Inwood

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I have a cousin. Never mentioned her on this blog before. Early twenties. She has a Black (I would say negro as that’s back in style) boyfriend. He was supposed to make it to our recent family reunion on Christmas, but one of her parents told her he couldn’t come because “you aren’t embarrassing me.”

Why?

I suggest you go through my blog and read volumes 1 through 9.

“You can’t expect a young woman to like a certain type of man, when 90 percent of the neighborhood she grew up in is one color.”

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“Claudio, what are your goals for 2010?”

My goals are just to have fun and be happy.

On the eleventh day of January, I must say that I’m having more fun than I’ve had in a long time.

I know you guys see the pictures and must think I call “fun” partying and going out all the time. Wrong. I barely do that. It’s just know a lot of people with birthday’s these past two months.

For the last few months of 2009, I’ve been able to spend more time getting to know myself, crash at the crib on the weekend, meet new people, reunite with old classmates, hang out with my buddies, and just feel no real obligation to anybody but “myself.”

That last thing is the best. I feel no real obligation to anybody but myself.

I’m also happy. Not completely happy with all aspects of my life, but most of them. I feel like I’m able to finally do “what I want, when I want, and how I want.”

This year, a whole bunch of things will make me happy. Instead of telling you what they are, you’ll just see them when I post them here. Just know that I’ll be busy.

I know I’m eleven days late, but I wish you all the best.

10 days ’til 26. I used to be scared of getting older. I now embrace it…

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