"What's Next?"

Apparently, it’s national sibling day. I’m sad I found out so late, but that’s cool. I’ve definitely spent some time talking about why my parents are the bomb. My brother definitely deserves a post. So, with the 30 10 minutes left of National Sibling Day, and the fact that my brother has no clue that I am writing this, here we go.

This is my big brother, Paco (and my dad, far left). He’s 2 years older than me, and he’s pretty fucking awesome. Here are some key reasons why:

• He’s really smart.  Seriously. He’d never want me to talk about this, but I’m going to anyway, because I’m really proud of him, and I’ve had a glass of red wine.
  
  Paco has always just been a really fast learner. He did really well in school. He got into great undergrad universities and (again, he would never tell you), but I’m pretty sure he got into every law school he applied to. He’s a talented pianist, violinist, and taught himself the bass guitar AND the guitar. He’s not just studious; he’s just naturally bright and clever. He connects things, and just naturally can see the bigger picture while analyzing the little bits you need to get there. He’s a great writer too.

• He’s really strong. Again, I think he’s too modest to tell you, but my brother’s overcome a lot of things I don’t know that I could have. He had both hips replaced by the time he went to law school. He overcame that physical issue and still bikes and plays IM sports (rugby? or something? wtf did you play, Paco?!). On top of that, he never, never lets anyone (including the family) make excuses for him or give him special treatment. He’s also just consistently pushed himself to be the best, and to do what he thinks is right. He is commited to his convictions (sometimes to the point of stubbornness, but still) in a way that I find really inspiring.

• He’s really funny. No one makes me laugh quite like my big brother. Even in inappropriate places, like mass. He gets me to laugh longer and more than anyone I know. We have conversations where I just nearly pass out with laughter. It’s probably because we have nearly the exact same sense of humor. That’s probably because we share nearly the exactly same genetic structure.

• He’s really nice and fun. My brother is just a really loving guy. He’ll pick you up from the airport. He’ll offer you his bed instead of making you sleep on the air mattress. He’ll buy you drinks. He’ll like my facebook statuses because I ask him to. He’ll dance at a bar. He’s just cool.

• He’s really wise.  My brother, besides being smart, is just good at listening and giving advice. He’ll also (at least with me), really push you to be a better person.
  
  Like, when I say I said I was going on a date with a fitness model with whom I had nothing in common, my brother was the only one to look past the “girl power!” sentiments and say, “Chrissy, do you know yourself outside the context of a relationship? I think there’s more to life than trying to make out with a body builder. This is a bad idea.” #oh. I see what you did there, Paco Torres. Asking the tough questions, forcing me to reevaluate my life, etc.
  
  He was right, by the way. It was a bad date. There was no making out. 

• He has the power to change the world. I’m not like, forcing him into it or anything, but I’m just saying.  Big brain. Big heart. Creative ideas. Very charismatic. Belief in the power of the constitution and the general good of mankind. Law school and undergrad from Stanford. Passed the CA bar. Mexican-Filipino kid whose parents kind of embody the American dream. 
  
  I’d clearly be the first to tweet the HELL out of #TorresForAmerica, but I think others would too. I’m not saying, but I’m just saying. 

So, there you have it. My big brother is awesome.