Meet Veronica
Veronica is originally from Tijuana, Mexico. She was inspired to become a nursing assistant after being a stay-at-home mom and a housekeeper at a memory care facility.
What’s the scariest thing you’ve ever done, and why did you do it?
When I was 20, I left the comfort of my parent’s home and my family and friends to chase the American dream. I had a passport and a little money. You either chase your dreams or stay comfortable and unhappy until I belonged. It was not easy. There was a time when I was almost homeless and I only ate one meal a day.
What would be the first thing you’d do if you won the lottery?
Buy a farm out in the country in Oregon and get all the stray animals and give them the best life.
What is something you’ve done that made you very proud of yourself?
I never accepted money from anyone I was dating. I always worked and paid my own way. People would tell me that I was so cute..that I should have a boyfriend get me an apartment or a car..but I wanted to be free. I didn’t want anyone telling me what to do. I always tried to live my life ethically and decently. I was a hardworking single girl and just told myself to be happy with it. My proudest moment was getting my high school diploma in Pasedena, CA when I was 33.
What’s your go-to guilty pleasure?
Binge watching Outlander, Bridgerton or Downton Abbey.
What’s the best piece of advice a friend or family member has given you?
My mom always said to be kind to everyone no matter what–because you don’t know how much people are suffering inside. You don’t want to cause anyone any more pain by being a jerk.
What’s something you cook that is super easy and super delicious?
Chicken Fajitas: I make it twice a week and no one gets bored. For a family of 4 I use 4 chicken breasts, 4 different colored bell peppers, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tomatoes, 1 red onion. Slice the Chicken and veggies into strips. Stirring frequently in a skillet over medium-high heat, semi-brown the chicken strips with salt until almost cooked. Add veggies to the pan and keep moving the veggies and chicken with a spatula until everything is browned and marinated, soft and smells delicious. Heat up tortillas and top with guacamole and salsa. Deliciosa!
What are the products you use, love and that make your life a little more awesome?
Yeti insulated bottles;
I love these bottles. They’re not cheap but they are really good quality. You’d have to be crazy like a kid if you wanted to spill them on purpose. They keep the cold things cold and the hot things hot. I have 3 different sizes and I use them every day for my coffee when I’m dropping the kids at school or Taekwondo, for my oatmeal and smoothies when I’m at work.
Apple AirPods:
My husband works nights so I try to be quiet when he’s sleeping. I love to cook and I have my “me time” when I’m listening to music and cooking. With the AirPods I listen to music without bothering anyone else in the house. I wear them when I go to the gym and workout, when I walk the dog.
Apple music subscription:
For $10/month I can listen to anything I want, anytime. I use it as therapy. I have all the songs that make me happy. It really makes a difference when I feel a little bit low. When I have a patient who is in a very sad mood or needs extra TLC, I use my phone and put on music they request. I cheer them up with music!
Snapware Pyrex Glass food storage containers:
It’s more healthy to reheat food in glass. I have 3 sets and I wish I had space in my kitchen for more. Food always stays fresh. The lids are very secure and nothing leaks. Leftovers can be heated up and served directly in the glass. I use them to store dry goods and for bringing food to work for lunch.
Old Navy clothes for kids:
They are fashionable, not expensive and are good quality. My kids grow so fast. They change sizes every six months and the clothes don’t wear out.
Bob’s Red Mill gluten free rolled oats:
I order the oatmeal on-line and eat it for breakfast everyday and I take it to work. They have a lot of fiber and taste delicious and I love the company, Bob’s Red Mill. It’s from Oregon, has lots of healthy products and treats its employees fairly.
Kirkland Signature 680 Thread Count Sheets:
They are really soft and last forever. I change my sheet once/week. 2x in summer. There’s nothing I love more than the feeling of going to bed after a shower in clean sheets. It just feels so good. When there’s so much going on in the world, I’m very grateful to have clean, soft sheets.