: About Me

I am 36 years old and have been writing stories, poems and essays since I was 7. At age 11, I was recognized by Duke University for my Ready Writing and Prose skills. I was also recognized by President Reagan for my accomplishments in school and my "Teachers" poem was read aloud during a school award assembly.

By 15, two of my poems were published in my high school's magazine. Of course and naturally, I competed in plenty of UIL Ready Writing competitions. I also had one poem published in college by age 18. I have several poems published on Poetry.com under my maiden name, Perez (although not all of those of mine! There are other Cindy Perez's!) and under my married name, Aniceto. Yes, it was a bummer to find out that Poetry.com basically publishes EVERYTHING submitted, therefore cannot be considered an accredited or even legitimate place of thoughtful and considerate evaluation of your hard work. Needless to say, I was very depressed. I wanted to be taken seriously, not just my money.

I was planning on becoming a photojournalist for the National Geographic and travel the world. I even learned French in high school for my future career. But my soul mate found me instead and New York was history.

Completely changing my life for my love brought me back to my business roots. At age 15, my parents opened a wholesale/retail floral and wedding business. Here is where I learned payroll, time/employee management, cash accounting, bookkeeping, inventory,deposits and banking transactions, etc, etc. During this time, I had many writing inspirations as well. All the diverse people I came into contact with fueled my range and outlook in writing.

By 20, I was working for CPA's and picked up as much experience as I possibly could. I ended up working in many accounting offices and the accounting departments at other jobs.

Everyone thought I would never use my French linguistics, but I sure did! Two different businesses I worked for had French connections (without my knowledge!). Needless to say, my bosses were thrilled to know they could finally communicate properly through me.

In 1996, I opened up a small bookkeeping and tax preparation business with a former accounting supervisor. Kathy and I will be celebrating 13 years in November 2009. Although we had our business, we still needed full time work to pay bills and therefore, I continued working in the accounting field.

When my first son was born in 2003, I became a work at home mommy and have been able to increase my business now that I work from home. Its still small and seasonal, but I have promising prospects. I am also currently working to finish my degree in accounting so that I can take my exam and become a CPA. With 21 years accounting experience under my belt, I just need a paper that says I know what I'm doing.

I have never given up my dream of becoming a writer, though. I can't. Its in my blood. My mother and paternal grandfather were writers. But right now, accounting is helping pay my bills and that's where I need to be for now. With school, home life and a business taking up all my time, it is hard to continue writing at the moment. Whenever I get a chance, I do. I NEED TO LET IT OUT!

I have many, many essays, articles, musings that I cannot publish, as they are very honest and controversial. They deal with real issues: insecurities, politics, sexuality, religion and family dysfunction. I do have humorous writings as well. I'm still trying to find a place (online publication) that will let me be ME. I have a wonderful and sick sense of humor. I love to laugh at life and myself. I'm not afraid to fail and I continue to have a positive outlook on life, despite many hardships endured while growing up.

So, this is me in a nutshell. Enjoy!

My passion is ...

WRITING

I know too much about ...

NOTHING!

My parents always told me ...

My mother always told me to keep my sense of humor...it would help me through tough times

My childhood ambition ...

to be Wonder Woman, but writing would do

My favorite memory ...

that my husband was with me through my most vulnerable moments...the births of our sons

Why I write ...

to teach, to inspire, to make you laugh, to make you cry...to question everything

What I am reading/watching/listening to ...

kid books, kid shows, kid songs..!

My first job ...

family owned floral supply business (didn't get paid!)

My best moment ...

recognition by my peers/teachers for my writing at school assembly, recognition from Duke University as well as high school and college publications

My inspiration ...

LIFE and its sick sense of humor (I love it!)

Creative Writing > Poetry Poetry: Ode to cramps

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Ode To Cramps A dull, incessant, low throbbing jab, The headaches, backaches, mood swings, insanity A mockery for my gender, So vile and hated, Every woman curses it. Those few women, the privileged few who cannot feel the unbearable passing of wasted fertility, Those friends who laugh and play A mockery to my gender, Should be slowly burned alive while being forced to listen to Kenny G albums. My good woman, I know you feel my pain- We are sisters. Sisters cursed with unspeakable evil for anywhere from 4 to 7 days a month (if you're lucky). We are sisters in arms (actually abdomens), Pray...

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