I have very little connection with my Mexican-American heritage, as I have mentioned before. So when I have the chance to connect with family, I take the opportunity. This month, my mother's uncle, Manuel Santana, will be turning 80 years old. He is a very unique man. He has had a successful restaurant for over 40 years, he is a very talented artist, and he has contributed much to the community that surrounds him. I look forward to being among my family and celebrating the life of Manuel. In him I find the last little bits of Mexican pride. His strong, community-bound dedication gives me inspiration for what I want to do with my own life. I don't want to become President. I don't want to become a movie star. I don't want to discover the next great electronic miracle. I just want to be connected to where I came from and give that back to the people around me. What that means, I'm still trying to figure out. Who knew that you could still be looking to find yourself in your thirties?!
And by the way, if you're looking for the most delicious authentic Mexican food - and the best refried beans ever - you must visit Manuel's Restaurant in Aptos (just south of Santa Cruz on Highway 1) or Jardines de San Juan (in San Juan Batista). 
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