18 years ago today - on October 1, 1996 - I moved to Virginia to work in I.T. at the General Services Administration (GSA - the federal governments main Acquisition and Building agency) in DC. My family gave me a going away party where my Uncle Gil gave me the longest time out of everyone - 3 months - before I would go back home. No one believed that me, of all people, would move from the NY/NJ metropolitan area and so far from my family. I moved with my clothes, half of my records, a receiver that played tapes, little tiny speakers, no CDs, one turntable, my old mixer, a security guard sized 5 inch TV, some pics of my oldest daughter Taisha Vargas and my family, some kitchen pots, pans, and dishes donated by my family, and my word and my balls. I slept on the floor on some blankets and sleeping bags for 2 months. I was a federal contractor (consultant) for 6 years and then in 2002 I became a permanent federal employee at GSA, complete with a security clearance (that some of my old friends still cannot believe). By this time I had met some really good people like Damian Campbell, Casey (RIP), Javier, etc. I had acquired some furniture and an amp and some speakers. I started collecting CDs while still buying records. I traveled to NY and NJ for every holiday, every one of my birthdays, etc. I dated Brenda, Jennifer, Christina, and eventually met my first wife Roza from Bulgaria who I married in 2004. When she got pregnant I bought a house for us and a 4 year old Beemer. That didnt last very long at all - about 2 or 3 years. I now had to take care of the house and car by myself so I upped my DJ game and along with my full-time day job, I got a DJ gig 3 nights a week, where me and Cerone Cruz became close DJ partners. I kept working and started dating again and began cooking even more because I cant find good Puerto Rican/West Indian food down here - so I had to make it myself. Through the years, my Pops died and we also lost Tia Ester, Mami Sele (Gma), Roberto, Marcus, Vince, Evelyn, and a few others in my family. Eventually, I met Jaime in 2009 and we hit it off immediately (and we didnt even have any handcuffs yet lol). I was introduced to her daughters Katie & Rachel and that was it - I was sold. We got married the 1st time in 2010 (justice of the peace) and then again in 2011 at St Louis Church in Alexandria, VA. That same year we were blessed with our baby Gabriella Luz Seleña Vargas Benitez. This year (2014) we put the townhouse up for short sale and moved to a single family home in Aquia Harbour, aka paradise. I get to work from home where I can watch Gabbi crawl, walk, talk, and learn. Jaime is an amazing mother and wife. Ive taken her to Puerto Rico a half dozen times and Gabbi and Rachel and Katie have all made the trip with us also. So, on this 18th anniversary of my move, today, on top of the aforementioned group of people, there is Derrick Dolphin, Cerone, Roberto Rodriguez, Christopher Sanchez, Howard E Bolden III, Keith R Jackson, DJ Loud Tone, Marilin Spille, Diane Tansey, Esther Mercado, Toney Smith, Brother Anthony A-tone Muhammad, Qamarah Muhammad El-Shamesh, Deejay Soyo, Solb Juiceman Duh , Lana Gabanna, Andres Perugachi, Doneliya Deneva, Sabrina Bermudez, Olive Scott-Williams, Sheldon Williams, Micki Miles, Jennifer Mizroch Rosenberg, Pamelita Nunez, Kim Wyborski, Borislav Yanev, Bruce Duceyduceduce Nash, Tyisha Boriqua Marvin, Vlad Tanov, and a whole bunch of good people around and although we dont see each other all the time, I know were cool. A wonderful group of Facebook friends add to my social circle - too many to name. I would like to give thanks for my blessings, my ability to generate a wonderful income, and for putting wonderful people in front of me. All thanks and praise are due to the Most High.
Posted on: Wed, 01 Oct 2014 13:54:45 +0000
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