Chapter 3

December 23, 2000

I volunteered Cesar and I to build 'La Caja China' the roasting box for Nochebuena pig. We decided we would do it by committee Cesar, Lester and me. How hard could it be?

Next step is watch you-tube. The great educator of all things diy. Armed with our new vast knowledge of how to build a wood box, to roast a pig. We set out to get lumber (plywood) and sheet-metal for the tray. Armed with tools, wood, and metal we put the brain trust together on the project.

Now this is perhaps the most important part of the Nochebuena feast. So failure is not an option.

We measured and cut the wood, next simple corner it and attach the floor., and boom done. Wait the floor board is square and the box is some version of rectangle that is not a rectangle. After conferring with each other we figure out the meaning of the words, "cut once, measure twice"

Back to the store for materials, armed with our new wisdom of measuring twice, now will build a better box. Now knowing the importance of measuring accurately we build another box. This time it fit, next step is make the sheet-metal tray for the charcoal. Again, knowing the importance of accuracy we did this without having to go back to the store. A few cut and bloody fingers later, it's almost done. What should have been an easy-to- build box has turned into a entire day.

December 24, 2000

Delicious cooking aromas, Christmas lights, and laughter, Nochebuena is here.

Mi Tia's and Tio's from Mamá's side and Grandma Celia Rodriguez, even my Tio William came this year, Celia brought her fiancee Dr. Alba, Cali brought her partner Bobbie, and ChiChi brought her partner Lexie,

All the Santos, tia Maria, tio Felipe, Lester, and his little brother Diego.

Our neighbors Ella and Louis Guzman came over their cousin Gennie had just moved here from Trinidad

Then the Manoso contingent from Miami arrived. Papá's family my Tia's and Tio's and their children and mi Abuela Rosa who I hadn't seen since I moved back. She came up to me to give me a big hug, she doesn't even reach my chin I hug her tightly, I have missed her so much. She feels like home, I miss Miami.

Mamá, Abuela, tia's and sisters all crowded into the kitchens cooking, talking and laughing together. They gossip, cook and argue over recipes. Mojitos help the celebration.

The most important part of dinner is the roast pig. Ces and I built la caja china now all the men can stand around and supervise the roasting. All afternoon and into the evening we smoke cigars, argue sports, gossip and roast a pig.

After exchanging gifts, it was time for Nochebueno supper.

We had lechon asada (roast pig), Tostones (fried plantains), Yuca, Beans and rice. Arroz con Leche, and Flan with cuban coffee.

Then we all go the midnight mass together.

New Years I spent with my girlfriend Lucia I always had a girl or so that I was 'dating' but never anything beyond three maybe four dates. It's possible some would say I was training to become a 'player'. I stayed away from the frat parties, not really my scene. Some friends, my cousin Lester and I went to clubs and picked up women on weekends.

We didn't want to get tied down, others could do that but I didn't see that in my future.

I earned extra money to help out the family by doing some tutoring. But debt was piling up with all the financial aid I needed. More and more debt it was getting harder and harder to think I could finish college.

I worked as much as I could while taking summer school classes. Mostly construction jobs for fall tuition.

Early September I was on campus finishing registration, it was nice walking across campus it was a bright sunshiny day. I still miss the sunshine of Miami. I think I might move back once I finish college. Abuela is getting older if I live closer I can help her. She was strict, without that, I'd have probably gotten in with another gang and no future to look forward to.

It was career day, I noticed a table off to one side of the union. There is a soldier with a pressed uniform standing by his table. I don't know much about the army so I decided to check it out. We talked about Army pay and benefits. You get basic private pay and a signing bonus up front. Your housing is paid, free medical and job training. The army will train you with skills that help after you serve. They pay for college tuition even when you are active duty.

'Have you thought about enlisting?'

'I don't know, I haven't ever thought about it.'

'When you enlist, you get a bonus. You'll head to basic training, and after that, you take skills testing. Then training in a field of your choice based on the testing. We have six general fields to serve in. engineering and mechanics, intelligence, logistics, ground forces, aerial, science and medical you can even become a MD in the army.'

'Some things you would need a degree for, but there are a lot that will provide training right away.' he said.

'How long after I enlist until I go to basic training. I am enrolled in classes this fall.' I asked.

'You can go immediately or up to a year after you enlist.' he said.

I think about the Army as I drive home. I could still go to college this fall then leave for basic training. It would help with college, I could have less debt when I finish. Also there would be action. I wouldn't have to be sitting behind a desk all day.

That night when we were all sitting at dinner. I said 'I talked to an army recruiter today.'

Silence greeted that statement.

'It was career day, I saw the army recruiter and talked to him. ' I said.

'Why' Papá asked.

'I want to do things, go places, I don't want to sit behind a desk.'

'When I join I will get a bonus check and then get a paycheck now. It will help me with school.'

'No'

'Papá it could be good for me.' I said.

'Your family has worked hard to get a better life that we had. Your Abuelo came here hoping for a better life, opportunities for all the family. Your Mamá would worry constantly. It is a very dangerous job.'

'It's not so dangerous now, we are not even in a war. It is only for three years then you are just in the reserve and I could finish school' I said.

'No, it is not good for you. You are smart. You should finish school and get a nice job. Make a living, start a family.' he said.

We all finish the meal in silence. I go upstairs sit down on my bed and look through the information I got today. Papá knocks on my door.

'Come in' I say.

Papá sits down beside me on my bed. 'Is this really what you want hijo?'

'I don't know Papá, it might be.'

'Don't do anything now, think about it. This is a decision that should be made carefully. It is a commitment for years. Not just a few months. You must think it through, then if you really want it I will support your decision' Papá said.

I go to sleep thinking about the possibilities.

September 6

Fall semester starts.

Le Caja China Roasting box instructions

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