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Alan Ice
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Ariel Vidal
Like at the beginning, I was feeling so selfish because since Joseph is special needs, I was just like, how selfish is it of me to try to have another baby when my first baby needs extra attention more than the average child? When an average child already needs so much attention.
Alan Ice
What is up, everyone? I'm your host, Alan Ice and this is Noche de Pendejadas, your favorite podcast turn talk show un episode. So without further ado, please help me welcome my guest tonight, Ariel Vidal.
Ariel Vidal
Hello. Htown is here in la, baby.
Alan Ice
You guys, first of all, thank you so much for being a kikonos.
Ariel Vidal
Thank you for inviting me. I literally cannot believe you invited me. I'm so excited.
Alan Ice
I was like, you know what's so funny? The fact that you're like, let's do it, let's do it. I really did think it was going to be moved to like January because I'm like, okay, the holidays are a little, like, packed. They're a little busy.
Ariel Vidal
Baby, you send me that dm. I texted, I said, my babysitter, I said, you need to take care of these silver tooth ass kids. Sour gummy worm is gonna be at work. I am ready, baby.
Alan Ice
No, you guys.
Ariel Vidal
I'm not ready.
Alan Ice
I was prepping it for like next year. I'm like, okay, you know what? Maybe we'll have her in January. So excited. How has it been in la? Is this your first time being.
Ariel Vidal
Yes, it is. It is. So honestly, I'm not even gonna lie. If you see my camera right now, it's. I keep taking pictures of the mountains. I have never seen mountains. No, in Houston it has a flat ass. It's just flat. No, I don't know what we look at, you know, and people have always said, like, what do you mean it's flat? Like, so what do you see? I'm like, what do you mean? Like, it's just road. I don't know. There's no mountain over there. And like, we. You could hear. You can literally see, like the houses, like, are on mountains. I'm like, what the hell? So you go out, you're back here at the Puerto Rico.
Alan Ice
My backyard is like a little mountain.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, you see, that's crazy. Yeah. I've never seen mountains before. So I Keep sending pictures of my family group chat to my husband. I'm like, look, look. And they're like, what the. I'm like, I've never seen mountains before. It's beautiful. The air crispy.
Alan Ice
Is it. Is it polluted in Texas, or.
Ariel Vidal
No, no, it's so. Okay. The air of it. Okay. It's super humid. I want to feel like I'm sweating over there. Like, sweating. Like, it's not. It's not polluted. Tampoco. But I think the air is just not crispy like here because it's so freaking humid. It's just like you're sweating even in tempo. So whenever I pick this up, I was telling her how literally yesterday you could have worn shorts in Houston, and Today it was 30 degrees in the morning. You have to wake up, put on a jacket, and by lunchtime, coochie, sweating, baby. Signed to put on some shorts.
Alan Ice
I've been to Texas before, and literally, you guys, salas y parese, because that's an un pinchy sauna. Because I'm the type of person that. I hate the heat. I hate the fucking heat. Because I hate the feeling of feeling. But I don't think it's as bad as Florida if you're a Floridian.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, maybe.
Alan Ice
Because I've been to Texas and I've been to Florida, and I feel like Texas is like a hybrid between, like, Arizona and California.
Ariel Vidal
Middle.
Alan Ice
Right in the middle. Like, you're like, ah, it's not that bad.
Ariel Vidal
Arizona is desert. No.
Alan Ice
Literally, I'm glad you made it safe and sound. I know. Yesterday.
Ariel Vidal
No, I'm in trouble, girl. TJ Maxx, I even bought. I found this. The cutest strawberry cup. It's a teacup. And I told him. I was like, can you triple wrap it? Because this hoe is going on a plane. It has to make it to you.
Alan Ice
Wait, so did you actually have to buy another Malletta? Actually, I went shopping, and I had to get another.
Ariel Vidal
No, I went to TJ Maxx, and I had to get a duffel bag. I had to get a Target. This is the nicest target I've ever been to. Very organized. And everything was in stock. I. Mine. Mine sucks. The one in my town actually doesn't even have, like, it's not up to date. It's like, literally the last one in the United States, I guess, to get up updated, so usually even travel, like, 45 minutes to go to another Target, because that's a good Target.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And even then, it had nothing. Like, nothing compared to this one. That I went to. I said hunching, almost stay here. I need to move over here.
Alan Ice
You know what's so crazy? Hearing her say that. You guys is making me want to appreciate my target more. No, I love my target. But then I also be complaining about our target. Like even that TJ Maxx that was next to the target, the one that you went too. I love and hate that TJ Maxx because like the hello Kitty stuff. You remember when hello Kitty was hella.
Ariel Vidal
Trending, My TJ Maxx and I always put this in my vlog. My TJ Maxx is full of that damn kitty. And I think I'm honestly becoming a hello Kitty person. But because I have no choice. Cuz I'm a strawberry shortcake girly. If you know, you know. But I have literally became a hello Kitty person because I have no motherfucking choice. It's either this or I ain't getting shit. But it's. I've even said. I'm like, I think hello Kitty owns my fucking town. Like, hello Kitty is part owner of my motherfucking town.
Alan Ice
Because it is very crazy how like this past year, she's everywhere.
Ariel Vidal
Blew up.
Alan Ice
Because like, me too. I. Okay, so I have a lot of friends that are huge hello Kitty fans. Like, I have Annette, I have Sobrinas. I have friends that like, love her. I would always be like, imagine. Yeah, Yeah. I would not be like, I didn't know what the buzz was about until I started seeing people going crazy. Like going to like home goods marshalls, finding the kitty. And no, literally, we would go to so many TJ Maxx to try to find hello Kitty.
Ariel Vidal
Okay. I'm not gonna lie. I think that the. The Christmas hello Kitty has been my favorite. If I say something hello Kitty Christmas, it does come home me, I'm not even gonna lie. I'm not.
Alan Ice
You know where you need cvs. CVS has a lot of hello Kitty stuff.
Ariel Vidal
Wait, actually, wait, actually, don't put that in the video game.
Alan Ice
Keep it. You're like, you know what? Actually, CVS has ran out. See, Like, I feel like hello Kitty has taken over everyone.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, no, definitely. And I've realized, Tamian, from my little girl, my daughter's name's Emerlyn. They're like, I think you're making Emerlyn to hello Kitty girl. So you could be a strawberry shortcut. I'm like, yeah. So then I just get like best of both worlds. Yes.
Alan Ice
Wait, so you've always loved like strawberry.
Ariel Vidal
Yes, I have. I actually have a vintage hello Kitty. I mean, hello. No, a vintage strawberry shortcake, like, from when I was little. And I have it there.
Alan Ice
How much is, like the resale value?
Ariel Vidal
I don't. I haven't even looked. I don't even want to look it up because then find me on ebay.
Alan Ice
Guys, I'm so excited. But I found you literally within the last couple of months. I've been consuming your content and I literally build the courage and I was like. So before we jump into the cheese, amigas.
Ariel Vidal
Of course. My name is Ariel Vidal. I am 25 years old. I just turned 25 in November. So I am freshly 25. I am from Htown. You already know. I am a proud Houstonian. I love Houston. I have two kids. I am married. I'm locked down. Oh, no. I love. I love my husband. I love my kids. I'm all about family. And I started social media just because I was in a very dark place. I just needed an outlet and I really just needed to find myself because being a stay at home mom just really consumes you. Don't get me wrong. I love being a mom. That is my first job, absolutely. But I also just wanted to be something else besides just a mom, besides being a wife. I wanted to find my own space and literally just make a name for myself.
Alan Ice
And you've been doing just that. Amigas, ustes nola sigen. Yo sequeze esto sevana ser mega fans por que tambieno literal. As soon as I started, like, seeing her on my for you page, you guys, I was literally just telling her, yeah, that I had seen her maybe like 2 months ago prior to, like me actually following her, per note. Because as soon as I follow someone on TikTok on your following and I never really check, like my following tab, I'm always like on the for you page. And I was like, you know what? No, keep up with her, guys. We're going to go ahead and start that. I love starting with how was Ariel growing up?
Ariel Vidal
I've seen a lot of your podcasts, don't get me wrong. And you know, just seeing people on social media and a lot of people have a lot of trauma, which is sucks, you know, that's terrible. But I actually had a really good childhood. And what I mean by that, my parents always like, if I wanted something, they're going to get it done. My parents had me very young. My mom was 15 when she had me, so very, very young. So the thing was with that was she was growing up at the same time as I was growing up, you know, and so my parents were, were very young, so they didn't live together. I didn't get that two parent household. I grew up at my grandma's house. My mom has two sisters and a brother. One of my aunts is. We're two years apart. My other aunt's four years apart. So I was an only child for 14 years. But I grew up with my aunt, so I was really never alone, you know, and there was times, I remember my grandma's house where there was like 10 people living there. Like, you know, like the very like the Mexico. My grandma had to work, my mom had to work. So I remember we were in school, I was, I was in kinder. And I would say, man was maybe like in first, second grade, we would get off the bus, go home, and we were home alone. My, my aunt would literally get a step stool to be on the stove to cook us something because if, because my mom had to work. And I remember my mom knew exactly what time we were supposed to unlock the door and get home, so she would call us. My mom was a banker at Wells Fargo, so she, she would call us like, hey, you made it. Yes. Yeah. Yes. Because you, you had to work because it's like, then who's gonna pay the bills? We, we weren't rich. Nothing was handed to us. But like I said, trauma. I don't use that word because I had a very beautiful childhood. Every, you know, I was loved anything that I wanted. If my mom had to work overtime, my parents had to work there. We're gonna make it happen. Yes. And that's why my husband complains sometimes that I'm spoiled, but that like, he, he added on to it. That means like, I've always, I've always been very blessed. That's the word. I'm very, very blessed. I came from a very loving family and I've always been. It doesn't matter how much money you have. That money was never the issue. It was. I always felt love. My mom has two sisters and a brother. If you want to say a trauma. I would say my, my uncle did have to go to jail. He fell in like with the wrong crowd, you know, you know, just high school, teen stuff. He was always like that, that man figure. He's, he's, he's literally the only man or my, our family is very, very small. I think that's why I'm so family orientated because it's, it's always just been us. Not that I don't love my family. I love my Family. But I think that's why I grew up with, like, now it's like my husband and my kids. Yeah, that's your family. Yeah, that's my family. Like, I am all about family. And I think it's because my family, I grew up with such a small family that we've always. Always been so connected. And so I remember when he. When he went to jail, like, my grandma and. Okay, I don't know. I'm sure y'all know, you know, in the Hispanic household, like, the boy, especially being the only boy. Oh, my. And my grandma told me, ninja. I'm like, relax, you know? So that really took a big toll on her, you know? But I remember. I think he. He might have been, like. I would say, like, like 10 or 12. Yeah. So I was like, you know, you still knew what. What was going on. Yeah. So I remember you and my grandma, she would drive. It was me and my. And my Aunt Ashley, she would take us to go visit him on the weekends. Every weekend. I think it was, like, sometimes it was an hour, an hour and a half.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And I remember she would always call, like, hey, like, I think it was, like, almost for two years.
Alan Ice
Did you like going to see your Dion jail?
Ariel Vidal
You see, now that I think back then, I would, like, oh, like, you know, I was so excited just to see him, but now that I think about him, it's like, I wish I didn't see him like that.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Because I, like, that's not the person he is now. You know?
Alan Ice
What's so crazy? Talking about gel, you guys? I don't think I've ever talked about this, but when I was really small, my dad went to gel. Maybe, like, for a year. It was like, a year. For a year. My mom would take me and my siblings, and we hated it because it was so ghetto.
Ariel Vidal
Have you ever seen that? Like the prison shows on Netflix where.
Alan Ice
They show different, but I think in Mexico, worse. You guys, like, I'd rather go to jail here.
Ariel Vidal
No, I'm telling you. Well, now that I'm in calmness, I'm gonna be in my best behavior. I don't know how. Kelly Jo is not me, baby.
Alan Ice
You know, de La pa, that your parents were super young when they got pregnant with you. Do you remember the time when they officially, like, moved in together and. And you guys became like, a little family?
Ariel Vidal
Yes. So, you know, it was actually when my mom got pregnant, when my sister was born, so it was 14 years.
Unknown Sponsor Voice
Oh, yeah.
Ariel Vidal
It's a big gap. But we would see my dad like on the weekends, like I already knew. Like my mom was off usually Saturdays and Sundays, if not Saturdays, like half days. Cuz she did work at a bank like I said. So it was always a half day. So I would always not get, you know, Saturday, Sunday. So he would pick us up. My, my dad would stay with his siblings. They came from Mexico. And my dad Tamien is very family. Family oriented. So he would just stay. Oh because he, he came with his sisters and his brother. But I always knew like the weekend was, was to be with him.
Alan Ice
Did you get excited to be with your dad or do you feel like. Because you would not see him too?
Ariel Vidal
No, you know. You know, now that I think about it, I actually think I liked it better because I would look forward to the weekend and I would be like, you know, and he had those days to like spoil me, you know, so. And I always, I always have a core memory. Like when you stop at a gas station. He would always give me the lemon lays with the Gatorade. But I remember he used to always make me open it and I had to offer first and I'd be like.
Alan Ice
For me. And it was like the $1.
Ariel Vidal
All right, just like three chips.
Alan Ice
Like buy me the family pack then.
Ariel Vidal
Literally. I remember those, those weekends. So it did take. I mean my mom's always made it sure like that I didn't know her personal problems and like I said, she was very young so I was growing up with her. So honestly like my grandma, I call her mommy, I call her Ma. Like my gr. My grandma helped help raise me. And again I think when I was a teenager, like maybe like 13, 14, I.
Alan Ice
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Ariel Vidal
Not resent my mom, but I would be like oh like you know, like she's so young and it used to bother me that she was young. It really would, you know, especially why Especially going to school. They're like oh, like your mom or they're like oh, my mom's this. My mom's 40. My mom like hutching out 40 because that wasn't normal. Like I was just like I. I started realizing like my mom is very young. Like some sometimes that two two plus two a.
Alan Ice
When you were like 14, maybe like 30 something.
Ariel Vidal
Well yeah, yeah. So right, okay. Right now I'm 25, my mom's 41 and my dad's 40. Yeah. You see. So this is. Yes.
Alan Ice
And I feel like it does make a big difference. Anyone like your, your peers ever be like yeah, are you joking?
Ariel Vidal
My husband is. It literally is my mom's number one fan. He loves his mother in law. Yeah. And my like they both go to the gym. They're very active. So like they look good for their. I think they even look younger than what they are. So sometimes I'm just like mom, stop going to the gym.
Alan Ice
That's how I feel with my swag.
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
Because my, my swag. She just turned 40. She had my nobio when she was like 14 too. So super, super young. And.
Ariel Vidal
Yes, I need that too. I posted my grandma too on Tik Tok and they're like there's no way that your grandmother. Because even my grandma, it's like. But it's cuz my family's always like taking care. Like my grandma goes to Zumba the six days out of the week. My grandma does not play. Like she's at 10 o'clock, call her 10 o'clock. She's like no. Like my grandma does not play.
Alan Ice
I love that though that she's super active.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. She takes care of herself. When she retired she decided I'm just cuz she retired. She lives with my uncle. So she retired and she was just at home like in her room. And my uncle was like uhuh, you need to get some because you know like you're going to rot there in bed. No. Yes. She started doing Zumba. My family's just very, very young. It is. And like my mother in law. My mother in law's in her 50s. She did have her kids older. So sometimes I'm like oh, like you know, like some. My mother in law and my grandma.
Alan Ice
Are almost the same age.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. And they're like, they're. They're closer like you know, because. Because it's, it's like that. So honestly my mother in law too is like literally like my second mom. Like it's completely different than talking to my mom because my Mother in law is older. Like my mother in law. Yes. Yeah, it's. It's like different or two like Las Costas, me, mother in law. My mom didn't eat. Vice versa. So it's like, it just depends on, like, on the advice that I need at the moment. Like, who. Who. Who am I going to call? Who's going to be the lucky winner? Wait, let me see. Which will be better because one is older than the other. Yeah.
Alan Ice
After 14 years of your parents not living together, you know, separate with your sister, and then after that and you end up having two sisters, what was that like? You know, the transition from being an only child, being chiquita, to now having to almost share your parents with both your sisters.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. So when my mom got pregnant, it was. It was two months. My sister was two months at my quinceanera. Literally two months. My mom remember how, like, is she gonna be able to have her shots? Because, you know, in the Hispanic household, if you don't get your shots, you're not going out, baby. And I was like, mom, you better hurried up. My sister was born in September, and my. Me continue. It was in November, so she, like, made the mark, barely. And. But you know what's crazy is when I. Her name's Atlantis. My sister named Atlantis.
Alan Ice
I love that.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. My mom. Oh, my parents have a seat thing. So I'm Ariel. Atlantis is where Ariel lives. So. Yeah. And then my sister's Athena. They're my parents, and they're all ace. My mom's April with an A. That's. What's your dad? My dad's Miguel. No, my mom said screw my dad. Right. So when she was born, I literally, like, fell in love. Like, I. At first, like, maybe I'm gonna be jealous. I'm like. I'm like, I'm like 14. Maybe I'm too old to be jealous. I literally saw her and I fell in love with her. It is, like, crazy. Like, I know. I mean, I know she's my sister, but. And I think now that I'm a mom, like, I have a motherly love for her. I worry about her. Like, she is my child. Like, it's not even a sister. And, like, it's crazy. And I actually like being older than that because anything I do, like, I'm so cool to them. Like, anything. Like me being on Tick Tock, Even back then when I would get like 100 likes. Oh, my. You got 100 likes. Like, they're so proud of me. Like, if I need an eagle boost, I'm calling my sister. Yeah, she's 10 now, so I'm literally the coolest person to her. She'll be like, oh, I told my friends in school, ah. Like she, she airheads me. If I need someone to airhead me, it's my sister.
Alan Ice
You're like call the sister. How was it like, you know, in La Manera, they raising them. Do you feel like you had to take almost like that raising role because your parents were busy working?
Ariel Vidal
Well, you see, you know, cuando nacion me for sister Atlantis. My mom Yano, she, she would work and pose. I was in school, so she had a baby. My tia, my dad's sister would take care of Atlantis. But honestly I never saw it as like oh, like oh, you know, something like oh, I have to watch like La Chiquita or like it wasn't like that because I was alone for so long. Like it was all new to me. I mean my parents, I mean a 14 year gap is really insane. They literally, they literally restarted. So I remember it, it was like I was experiencing my first child with my mom because even though it was her second, but with my little sister, my mom and I were pregnant at the same time. I know, it's very embarrassing. Very embarrassing. Yes. So I was six months pregnant with my first child with Joseph when my mom found out she was pregnant. So I didn't, I already didn't live with, with my parents because I had gotten pregnant and I had gotten kicked out or whatever. So she called me on the phone. I remember I was, I was leaving school with one of my friends who was giving me a ride home and she calls me, I need to tell you something. So it actually really wasn't exciting because it was a terrible time for me while I was pregnant. I, you know, I was a teen parent. I remember I was like, what do you mean you're pregnant? Because I was, I was already embarrassed myself being a teen parent. And then she wants to call me, tell me she was pregnant. I'm like, cuz I was, you know, a te. And then my mom's pregnant. But it's cuz my mom is young and you see. And that's, that's what I'm telling you. That's, that's why too. Like obviously my mom was older. I'm like, mom, why are you getting freakiness at 50? You know, like see. So Joseph and my sister's name is Athena. So Joseph and Atena are six months apart. That's exactly.
Alan Ice
Yes. Latia.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah.
Alan Ice
That's crazy. I've always Always thought that is like, funny when like the TIA is younger.
Ariel Vidal
Than I seen that like on like on memes and stuff on Tick Tock. They're like, oh, like it's. It's known in the Hispanic, like, Hispanic culture. And I'm like, oh, like, it's true.
Alan Ice
I feel like your mom. How old was she when she had her third baby?
Ariel Vidal
Ah, let me see. She's four. She's like 30, 33.
Alan Ice
Okay, that's so good. Did she have like a risky pregnancy or.
Ariel Vidal
No, no. With my sister, Atlantis. She did actually, but no, the. This. No. You know, and she actually wanted to have a fourth one because some. Three girls, they really wanted a boy. I'm like, there's no way you're gonna be 40 and have a baby. I'm sorry. I was like, I'm not letting that happen. Like, I don't need like, 40 is crazy to have a baby, like, for my other side. Mom, I already have a baby myself. I was just like, I have two kids. Imagine. I cannot have a sibling like, younger than my baby.
Alan Ice
How are your parents growing up? Do you feel like they were like, strict, lenient, or like a little mix of both?
Ariel Vidal
Growing up, like, before I hit teens, let's say like 13, 14, I was really like, to myself, you know what I loved? I loved reading. I was a reader. I. I wish I had time now to read. Like, I really missed it. I was like, three favorite books.
Alan Ice
I've never read before.
Ariel Vidal
I'm like, just kidding. Honestly. I was telling my mom, I wish I had time now to sit down and read, but it's like it's either read or edit now. Yeah, yeah, at least I have to edit. But. But I was really to myself and it was very hard. Like I said, my aunts were really close in age. So I remember, like back then I was very confused of like, who I wanted to be because I would see my aunts and like, they're more like my older sisters. I'm like, I'm like, do I want to be like them or. Or I'm like, but I hate them. I don't even like them. I don't want to be like them, you know, so being like my, my aunt Ashley, I'm two years apart from her. So like two years knows. Not that if you think about it. So it's like, I was like, I. There's times like, like, you know her favorite color is purple, right? So I. My mom be like, which purple? Purple ice. I love her. I hate purple. But she even had a Purple room. I remember clearing my grandma's a purple.
Alan Ice
Influenced by her.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. Oh, I love purple. I love purple girl. Ask me now. I hate purple and I think I hate purple because of her. I was really like of who I wanted to be. And back then, like she was older, so like she. She wanted nothing to do with me. Please.
Alan Ice
I was star.
Ariel Vidal
I would tell her no.
Alan Ice
But you guys fight a lot.
Ariel Vidal
No. She would literally just ignore me if we would fight. I think cuz I wanted to be in her room or something. She was a little older. Sometimes she could have friends over or something. And like I like, I'm like, oh, I want to be there. She be like, what the hell?
Alan Ice
Yes.
Ariel Vidal
You see? And it was different. I was very confused. Like between the ages of like I was like maybe like 12 to 14.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Because it was like, like, I don't know would like step eat them into like I was in a certain. I was in a school and it was like the people I don't like, I guess ghetto, you know. And so it's like, oh, it's like, should I be like that? Like, you know, like, should I start fighting? Should I be like this? Because like that. I mean, that's what I'm seeing, right? My mom put a sub to that sh.
Alan Ice
Movie schools when you wanted to fight people.
Ariel Vidal
I wanted to be like, I'm like, oh no. I wanted to like I was gonna hand out three piece extra crispy combo. My mom said hell no. And she. She moved me schools. She said yes. My mom was like that. My dad. I think my dad is a type. Even now, like, if I talk to my dad, it's more through my mom. Like my dad will ask my mom, like, oh, like have we talked to Ariel Ninos this and that. You know, it's stuff like that I. We talked about. But he's always been like that. I think it's just like a his. You know, it's a dad.
Alan Ice
I think it's a dad thing too because. Because I feel like myself like even though you guys know I don't have like the best relationship with my dad, but I feel like even now. Yeah, you know, I'm able to have a convo, but I never really like talk on the phone with him. Like, mom, cool.
Ariel Vidal
Boom. Is he breathing? Okay, don't call me. No. Yeah, siesta mien. Or to like he's a lot like on Facebook. So like we'll send like memes because now honestly he calls me is for the kids. They don't give a about Me, but that I. It's really is like through my mom. But there was times. So when I. When I got pregnant, I didn't talk to my dad for a year. I think it was a little over a year. Like, even after I gave birth and everything with my. With Joseph. So it was like, very, very hard at. Because even, like I said, even though I didn't talk to him sometimes directly, just knowing that he wasn't asking for me, which I'm. I'm 100 sure he was, but my mom wouldn't tell me. I mean, just not to bring up that convo. Because even, like, talking to my mom during that time, I was like, walking on eggshells. Like. Because it was like a. Like a very difficult time. Like, it was a very, very bad time.
Alan Ice
Which we're gonna talk about right now.
Ariel Vidal
Yes, we're gonna get into that.
Alan Ice
We're gonna get into her pregnancy and all of that. About your school life, were you like, estudiosa nos cuentas. You were trying to become a peronoso?
Ariel Vidal
Yeah.
Alan Ice
What was Ariel like in school? Like, do you feel like you loved school or you were just like, aches?
Ariel Vidal
I love school. I was a type, straight A's. If I got an 89 and my mom can literally, like, there's been times where I would come home with 89, I'll be crying and I won't be like, estab. I'm like, no, it's not a 90. I'm like that. I am very book smart. Like, give me a book. I'll memorize it. A book bit on the street. Oh, hell no. No, I need to know. It's free smart. No, but book smart. I'm really smart. Like, not even to, like, be cocky or anything. I am very, very book smart.
Alan Ice
Like, did you graduate with, like, a high gpa?
Ariel Vidal
I graduated with four. Yeah.
Alan Ice
Wow.
Ariel Vidal
And even. Yeah, I'm just built. But like I said, not in the three. I need everything figured out. No, but I've always been very in. Like, I love to read. I was. I wouldn't say I was, like, popular, I think just like, right in the middle. Like, I would talk to the popular kids, just to everyone. I've always been told that I've been really funny soc. I'm like, oh, of course I'm funny. No, but I've always been. Always said that. That I'm very funny. I think I'm just very outgoing. And even when my mom's like my mom, I love to talk. I love. I love that, though.
Alan Ice
I love when I Meet a talker, you guys. Because.
Ariel Vidal
Someone can like, yes, like, have a conversation. So that's like.
Alan Ice
That'S who you need.
Ariel Vidal
My dad always actually says she spend the house gases. So before we got here, my mom said, you know what? I haven't even told your dad podcast. It's like, tell him, cuz he always says. And I was like, look, there you go.
Alan Ice
What was your favorite maa growing up?
Ariel Vidal
Okay, my worst. Math. I hate math. But you know, my husband is so smart at math, so I'm just like, okay. Like he, he, he makes up for the math part of me. But my favorite was English. I love writing. I loved essays and all that that. I know I love writing. I always, I wanted to be a teacher. I wanted to be an English teacher. I always wanted to be that when I was little. Always.
Alan Ice
I could see you being a teacher. Honestly, I can't see, Ms. Vidal, why.
Ariel Vidal
I didn't decide on teaching is because they. The pay is so low. They do not deserve that. That's the only thing. It's like they do so much better. I remember when I would play, I would save like all my like, papers and stuff and I would grade them. Yo, like I had a classic union. Like, I was very big on imagination, but I would just talk to myself. I'm still like that. I'm just like. And I was like, really? Like, like with stuffed animals, like everyone had their own place and like, and even like the light switches, I'd be like, oh, I need to turn off six times. Like I was one of those.
Alan Ice
Wait, so you had like imaginary friends growing up?
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
What was that like?
Ariel Vidal
I always wondered.
Alan Ice
Because.
Ariel Vidal
Like, it's not okay. Like it's not like I would be like, I would see someone. But like, I guess when I was like playing, like, I would get like too much in the zone and so I would, like, my stuffed animals would be talking to me. I'm like one of like, like Toy Story.
Alan Ice
Like they would have like conversations.
Ariel Vidal
But I think I would just like play like too. Like, like I would get so deep in it or sometimes still remember. I've always been like, very like.
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Ariel Vidal
Affiliates Northbrook, Illinois I'll give you this example. One time my mom was driving and she ran over A cup in the street. I'm like, oh, my God. Do you think the cup is her? Like, is a cup okay? Like, I would think everything had.
Alan Ice
Your mom's like, no, bitch.
Ariel Vidal
No one's just like, what the fuck? I'm gonna run it over again. That I've always been like that. Like, sometimes I still catch myself like that. I'm like. I'm just like, no, but it's okay. It's okay. Or like, if you close the door too hard, I'm just like, oh, my God.
Alan Ice
You know what I do now? I don't have imaginary friends, but I talk to myself a lot.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, I still talk to. Yeah, Yeah. I don't have imaginary friends. I left her in my grandma's house.
Alan Ice
No, I feel like I talk to myself, but only in. Let's say, like. Because I have, like, a lot of things in my head. Right? Like, I'm like, thinking about things. This, this, this and that. I just. I think I worry too much.
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
So I have to, like, verbally say what I'm gonna do. Like, okay, I gotta do this, I gotta do that, I gotta do that. And then my boyfriend.
Ariel Vidal
Your thoughts flow out because they're so full up there.
Alan Ice
I'm like, who are you talking to? I'm like, oh, no one, I'm.
Ariel Vidal
No, that's my husband too. Or like. Or two, like, when I'm filming, I'm like, why don't you do this? He's like, well, I'm like. I'm like, mind your business. I'm doing. I'm in the zone. Literally into, like that. Like. But it's. I was just always. Or you know what two I really liked was like, I wanted to be a cashier. So one time we stopped. We. We passed by a garage sale. Magically. No. They were selling three cash registers. And I was saving my money. I used to. My dad's always had bought me, like, piggy banks and stuff. So I think I had just. I had just broken one. So I had money and I told him I was like, stop on buying the cash register. I got my cash register. I. I don't know why I want to be a kid. Yes, I want it. So if tick tock stops, I'm gonna go be a cashier now. I'm ready for that resume, baby. That's.
Alan Ice
I'mma make that happen.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. I love that. I love. I was just very. I guess I was. I was just in a lot to myself. Like I said. I think I was a little like, you know, I was a little weird, I guess. And that's why two of my aunts were like, what the. Because they were like older and they were cool, you know? And I'm like, oh, and you're over.
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Ariel Vidal
Okay, let me just say I am hashtag forever same D that's me, baby. That he is. I think when I I know this is so cringe, I would hate and be like, oh, like it was love at first sight. Okay, mine I don't think it was love at first sight. Babe, I love you, but I don't think it was. And I'll explain why, but where it all started was so back then on Instagram you would do like TB8 to be honest.
Alan Ice
Yes.
Ariel Vidal
So I did it to be honest and he liked it. Right? But back then, like when someone liked her, to be honest, you would put like, oh, like I don't know you. But hit me up because that was his comment. So he liked it and I commented. I was like, hey, like, to be honest, I don't know you, but hit me up. So he took it serious. And I remember he DM me on Twitter. Back then, Twitter was a really big thing. I don't even think Twitter exists anymore.
Alan Ice
It's X now.
Ariel Vidal
Oh yeah, no, I used. I don't have X. Well, I think I like got it, but I never use it anyway, so he messaged me, I left. I was like, what the. Like, why is this guy message like Nakibe, right? And then he messaged me again. Yeah, I fell for it. I fell for each raw. And so it all started on Twitter. He DM me and then we started talking. So he's actually, he was actually a grade above me. It was the summer of me going into high school. So it was going to be a freshman and he was going to be a sophomore. He had just finished his freshman year. I had enrolled to a different school. So we weren't even going to go to the same school. But we started talking and we just. And we kind of hit it off. And then we actually found out that my brother in law, well, his, his brother is older than him. So his older brother and my uncle were best friends growing up. So his older brother had actually been to my grandma's house. His older brother knew me like, has seen me in diapers. Yeah. So he like knew my family and everything. So I'm like, wait, like it's meant to be. Like, the road is so small. I was like, what do you mean? Like, yeah, like, my brother says he knows your uncle this. And I'm like, no, the uncle that.
Alan Ice
Would be in jail.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. They were best friends. Like, wow, like that's crazy how literally the world is so small. You know, actually to this day I tell him all the time he never asked me to be his girlfriend. He never. It was just one of those. He just kept talking and talking and I was like, hey, like, you know, he never asked me out. And he's like, oh, like, yes, I did. I'm like, no, like I would remember. So we literally sat there and we made up a date for anniversary.
Alan Ice
What is the date?
Ariel Vidal
It's September 6, 2014. It's 9, 6, 14. I clearly, I remember another thing. I'm like, maybe we've been dating longer. When I said, I'm like, hey. I'm like, you know, you never like ask. Like we never celebrate anniversaries or anything. And he's like, oh. Like. And I'm like, but it's cuz you never asked me out. He like yes, I damn like no you didn't. Like we just literally like started talking and we just never stopped. Like we were even separate in separate schools. No, no, no, no. So I think it was like for a good like six, six, maybe even nine months getting nor like we would, we wouldn't. It was just online AC and back then he had Android and so we were talking the phone like, like till we fell asleep on the phone. I remember my phone be hot as matching over Takamando. But I was on the phone with him all night because he had underway. Yeah until like I said I was in a different school freshman year and he was passing a memorial. I don't know how I convinced my mom to move me and I just. Cuz, cuz. Oh like I have no mom. If you're watching this, don't watch this Skip. Mom. I would always tell her like it's cuz I have no friends. Like I don't like it, I don't like it. But it's cuz I literally I wanted to be with him because I did not see him. Where we met was at the movie theater. So I went mom again please Skip. I went to the movie theater with my friends and I told okay, I'm going to go to the movie theaters. And back then it was there's always like two movie theaters in our town. It's AMC or Hollywood movie theater. My mom wanted to take me to Hollywood because it was closer to us, but he lived closer to amc. So he kept saying like well like I can't go to AMC like this and that. And I was, I can't go to Hollywood. I'm like well can you like force your mom? My mother, his mom was like oh no, like what? That's too far. That's too far. So it had been a lot of times where we try to meet and know because like we were literally on opposite sides of towns kind of. So like the movie theaters were zoned differently until one time I convinced my mom like no mom, it has to be mc. Like it's this time you're telling me mom, it has to be this.
Alan Ice
It has to be.
Ariel Vidal
So finally it worked and I went with my friend Segun and he met me there. And I remember the movie. How do you remember what movie it was? It got sold out so he literally had to sneak into the back. It was. And you know my first reaction was in person he didn't look short. He is short. I have short king. I do but honestly, like, when I sound like, oh, like, he is short, but that never like. Like, they wasn't like, okay, yeah, I was already too deep in. I guess a lot of people were like, oh, how do you do it? I'm like, what do you mean? Like, it's. What's in the pants. I met him that one time and then. Yeah, it was literally like, through. Through the phone. Like, you know, we. We would. And two, he used to have, like a. Like a laptop. I think we would even, like, not zoom. I don't even know what it was back then, but we would make it work. Yeah, I guess. Yeah.
Alan Ice
Yes, I remember that. Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Because he didn't have. It was Android. I'm. I'd be like, dude, like, why do you have an Android? Like you. An iPhone? But back then, they were all Andrew, like, his family. Like, dude, can you, like, switch? Like, I need a face.
Alan Ice
Like, I didn't FaceTime you and see your face. What was it like at the beginning? Obiamente sekonos and super, super young. And I feel like when couples date super, super young, I feel like it can kind of sometimes get hard, especially because Obiamente non madurado. You know, it's your guys's first relationship. Do you guys feel like you guys struggled at the beginning? Like, when you guys started dating? And if so, how did you guys overcome those struggles? Struggles?
Ariel Vidal
So, you know, honestly, I would say our struggles started when we became parents. I think, at first, because it was just like, like a childhood love, you know, like, no one had problems, if that makes sense, you know, like, no. No real issues. And I've said this before, like, on Tick Tock Live, my husband also does Tick Tock here and there. He. He likes to get on live. So Live. So back then, he has been really good. He's a shoe reseller. Like, he's a sneaker head. So he would resell shoes and all this. This to. And he would have money, and he would always buy me, like, Tory Burch, Kate Spade, like, in high school. And that. That was big. Like, that. That was designer back then. Yeah. And he didn't have a job that he couldn't work yet. So, like, back then, like, my, like, our problems would be like, oh, okay, you're gonna be able to buy me this person, you know, like, hey, Christmas is coming up. I want this. Like, it wasn't real world problems, you know, and it was really, like, like I said, childhood love. Like, it was just like, so, so innocent. We started struggling when we became parents because it's like, it went from childhood love to like, okay, bitch, you're in the real world now. Like, you need to step the fuck up. And both of us, like, that's how it was at the beginning. I would literally not. I mean, it wasn't perfect, but even after, I think the biggest obstacle was that we wouldn't see each other. But then my sophomore year, I did end up moving to the same high school, and he was a junior, so we were. We were finally together.
Alan Ice
Three years after knowing him and getting to date each other. What was that like?
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, you know, this is actually always my number one question, because I've never talked about this, because when I think about it, it still, like, takes me back. And I. It's been years, and everyone has moved on, you know, but it's like, it was very traumatic. So he was actually. Okay, so let me. So we were three years in, but we had actually just started having sex because I. I waited a whole year, like a year and a half to have sex with him. And I remember he would always be like, oh, like, we're gonna be each other's first. I'm like, okay, I'm waiting. Because that was so sacred to me. It really was. You know, I. I think for some people, it's really easy. Like, but for me, baby, that still embarrassing me. I'm like, can you turn off the light? Like, can you put it back? No.
Alan Ice
Like, can we not do it?
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, I'm gonna keep my shirt on still my husband be like, what if I'm like, shut the fuck up. I'm just like, you know? So that was something very, very sacred to me. We waited a bit or whatever, and actually, when I thought, you know, what's crazy is when I got pregnant, we weren't together. We were on a break where I guess we were being toxicos or whatever. But since I wouldn't have sex with anyone else, I would still. Mom, dad.
Alan Ice
The urges.
Ariel Vidal
Yes, I would. We would just. I would call him to have sex because I wasn't gonna have sex because I said, like, that was very sacred to me. I was, like, talking to other guys, like, here and there, you know, just like high school guys. And he was always a type where, like, if I caught him over the first, I would open the door and he would be recording because he would be like, no, like, they're gonna know. Because he would get pissed off that I was talking to other people. He was one of those. He needed video evidence, so. Or. So he was like, let me take. I'm like, are you get the.
Alan Ice
He's like, let us record.
Ariel Vidal
No, he was one of those. And I'm like, okay. Like, it's not that serious. Because he would get pissed off. That. But a lot of the other guys I would talk to, like, they had cars and stuff. So, like, I would. You, Like, I would use them for rides. Like, it was high school. Like, that's what. Exactly. And it's like, oh, like, I'm hungry. They were like, give me something to eat. You know, like that. That's how it was back then. And so. No. So every time I open the door and, like, I'm like, I'm gonna smash your phone on your head. So we weren't together, and I. I can. I remember the day I actually got pregnant. I had a feeling that I was gonna be pregnant, which is crazy. But I remember telling him like, hey, like, do you think I need a plan B? And he's like, no. Like, I think I'm like, we're good. I'm like, are you sure? Like, I don't need a plan B. And he would be like, no. I'm like. And I remember that. I'm like, no, you know what? I'm. I'm gonna. I'm gonna go get a plan B or anything. Yes. He said that we were fin. Fine. Like, that he put out on time because, I mean, we were having unprotected sex. No birth control. Okay. So that's why too, like when people like, oh, like, did you plan? I. No, I didn't plan my teen pregnancy, but I don't believe in accidents because I knew exactly the consequences of what can happen. No condom and no birth control. I mean, hello. I don't think kids are accidents when you know what can happen. So I remember saying. He's like, no. Like, I'm like, it's fine. It's fine. This and that. It was a Friday. Right? Right.
Alan Ice
So.
Ariel Vidal
And then I remember I. I texted one of my friends from high school, and I was like, hey. Like, I. I, like, I think I might need a plan B. And she's like, no, like, I think you're okay. You're okay. And mind you, I had a. I had a weekend job, so I was just like. Like, I could have easy, but like, I didn't even need my parents money or anyone's money, and I just trusted it. I told my friend, you know, and she's like, no. Are you sure? And I was like, well, he said no. And she's like, okay, so maybe you're fine. I'm like, yeah, yeah. So like, yeah. I'm like, okay. Yeah. And I. Back then I was always like my period that day of like no pasava. Like I knew so. And I didn't get my period. And I was like. And so I already knew I was pregnant. I was like, okay, I'm pregnant. Cuz I was like, there's, there's no. Like, what. What are the odds? Like, were you scared? No, I was on myself. He was actually supposed to go to San Antonio. So you like, okay. And mind you, we, we. We still weren't together. But I told him, okay, like I need pregnancy test. And I remember he's like, for what? I'm like, are you kid? I need a pregnancy test. And remember he still had the audacity to ask me like, well, are you sure? Like, like it's mine. Yeah, like, are you. Are you sure you're asking like the right person? I'm like, give me the pregnancy test that you're pissing me the off. So his best friend brought him, I remember, and he. He dropped it off. He's like, oh, do you want me to come in? And I slammed the door in his face. I'm like, no. Like I already. I wanted to do by myself. I go. And it's crazy because I could literally close my eyes and I'm like there. Like in that moment.
Alan Ice
It takes you back.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. Yeah. So I go and take the pregnancy test. You didn't have to wait the. Was it like two minutes? You have to wait? No, instantly I literally passed the out. Like when I mean pass out. Like I remember heard in my ear and I fell on the. On the floor because I think my mom had gone home and heard the door open. So I don't. I was like passed out for hours. I don't know if I don't even know. And I'm like, oh. And I'm like. And I just like picked up the thing. Like she knocked. I'm like, oh, I'm going. And I went to my room and I was like, no. Like, there's no way. Like there's no way.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
But I like I black like literally black out.
Alan Ice
Like I just tell first Tim or your parents.
Ariel Vidal
No, no, no, no. I told. I told my. One of my best friends from. From high school. I bullshitted it for. For a while. And what's crazy is I would like go out to eat with my grandma or like with my ideas and. Okay. Are you okay? Like you look like zoned down. I'm like, oh, I'm. I'm fine. And you see, in my mom, like, I said my period was always very punctual that my last period pads. So I would have to ask her. So I remember I was late, so. And she was like, hey, you haven't asked me to buy pads. And I was like, and I already got my pure. She was like, but you finished. Someone's like, oh no, I found some better. Like, she was like, like, you know, because I had me in. And I was like. And she was like, are you sure? I'm like, I'm like, yes. Like. And I would get offended. I would gaslight the situation. I was a gaslighter.
Alan Ice
You're like, I would know what I'm doing.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, yeah. And I would get mad. I'm like, what? I would tell you, like, you know, like, because I was trying to like brush off the situation, but I was just thinking like, there's no way, there's no way, there's no way. And mind you, I. I didn't even take another pregnancy test. Like, that was the only one then.
Alan Ice
And by then you hadn't even told your man.
Ariel Vidal
No. But like, I was like, like there's no way, there's no way. Like. And I was as soon I was like thinking and thinking and so like one night I was with my aunt Ashley. I don't even remember where, where we had gone. But then like, yeah, like at that time, like my content was eating me up, up. So like I like told him, okay, like I haven't gotten my period. And so she looked at me, she said, well, can you be pregnant? I said, yes. And I didn't even tell her I knew I was pregnant. You even to that moment, like me, I was like, no. Cuz maybe that PR was wrong. I was like, why am I going to tell her?
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And mind you, my dad had just. My, my dad and my mom, they had just bought me a car. My dad was, was fixing it up like literally at that moment. Yes. So. And then my aunt, I remember her dad, her dad was out of town. So she's like, well, we could go take the pregnancy test there. And I remember she told me, she's like, you know, we'll take it. She's like, I won't tell anyone. Like, you know, we'll just. Maybe you could just tell your mom maybe if you could get on birth control, make something up or just use condoms. And like. But I won't say anything. I'm like, okay. So we went, we went to her dad's house. No one was there. We Took it. Eat them instantly. Because again, I had her. By then I had already probably been like a month, a month and a half. I'm sure I acted like. But I already knew. I already knew that I was pregnant, but I like, just couldn't accept it until like, we're like both crying or whatever and honest, like, like, she's like, well, I have to like, call your. Like, you know, you have to tell your mom. I call her and I didn't tell my parents. She did. To this, like, I, I was, I was too scared. I was too pussy. And like, and honestly, to this, like, even now, like, I don't think I would have been like, like, now that I go back to him, it's like I still wouldn't have been able to do it. My aunt calls, it's on speaker and my dad answers and it's my mom's phone and she's like, hey, like, where's April? Like, I need to talk to her. Right? And oh, like, though. And I guess he could hear like, her like, her voice and he's like, oh, like, you know? And she's like. And he's like. Because you could tell her, you know, in her voice. Yes. And my dad was just like, oh, like, I could go get her out now, you know, and she's like. And so he was like, okay. And my aunt was like, just. And so like she comes out and I'm. I'm assuming it's on speaker.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
My aunt tells my mom, like, oh, like, ar's pregnant. And honestly, I can't even tell you because I like, literally like blacked out. Like, I don't even remember, but I'm pretty sure they were like yelling and I think my dad was just like, was fixing it and I'm pretty. Like, everyone, everyone was just crying.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And two, we're really close to my other aunt Melissa. She's. She's five years older than me. But my, My aunt Ashley and her, they're like three years apart. So we're all like super close. So then she called her and she's like, oh, I'm on my way. I'm on my way.
Alan Ice
Th.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. And mind you, like, I had called my best friend to pick me up, cuz, like, I'm not going like, going back home. Like, how am I going to go? Like, what? So I had called her and yeah, I was just like. And my aunt was like, no, you're going back home. Like, oh, you're going back home, not me. Yeah, so see, so in mind, you like it was my aunt's. My aunt's dad's house. He was out on a trip and everyone was fighting there. The thing is, with the teen pregnancies, everyone in my family was a. Was a teen mom. So my mom and then my two aunts were teen mom moms. So it really was about breaking generational curses with me. And just how I said earlier, I was very book smart.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And so, yeah, when I got older, I really wanted to be a nurse. Like, nursing was like, it was teacher or nurse. And then I decided to be a nurse because teachers were underpaid. Are underpaid. It was all about college. Like, I was going to be that one to graduate, and no one. And no. No one graduated. My family, my. They have gds.
Alan Ice
Did you feel like you disappointed?
Ariel Vidal
Yes. And I think that's why too, because it's like it was all on me. Like, because they. They didn't finish school. They had. So it was really about generational Breaking generational curses at that moment. And it's like, I had it. I had it all. Like, I literally had, like, the world literally in the palm of my hand. And when I got pregnant, like, it literally felt like it was over.
Alan Ice
Was that because of the pregnancy?
Ariel Vidal
Yes. So I don't think they don't. Not that they kicked, but I think that mean. It was like, I could not face him.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Like, I didn't. I. I didn't want to see that. So I was like, I think I deserve to get kicked out. Like, I was like, no.
Alan Ice
Like, I'll pack my.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. And mind you, like I said, my. My husband, he was in San Antonio.
Alan Ice
When it all happened.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, when it all happened. So I'm calling him and he's like, well, I'm in San Antonio. I'm like, well, you had to come back. And he was on vacation. He has an older brother, so his older brother at the time and his sister. Yeah, I did. I had told him already. I had. I told him on text. Aso. And he. And he. He was like, no, you're not. I'm like, no, I am. Am So. I think. And so I caught him that night when everyone was like, I was like, hey. Like, I just told my parents. Like, my aunts found out. My aunts had to tell my parents. My best friend from high school say, so I'm like, hey. Like, y is like, on her way to pick me up like, this and that. He's like, like, what do you mean? What's going on? I'm like, what do you mean? Like I told you I was pregnant. So I think that's it wasn't a big deal cuz I think like l was pregnant and then we just started talking like yeah. And they were like oh what are you doing? Like this that like it, it reality didn't hit.
Alan Ice
I think also because you guys were.
Ariel Vidal
So young that you're like what do you mean exactly? Exactly. Yeah, I mean like I'm saying into that night when like the adults found out. Because at that moment I wasn't an adult. You know, I, we really were children having a child. We, we were. And to this day it's like I, I don't glorify teen pregnancy. I really don't. Because that was hard. Like I had to grow up, you know. And it's like I, like I did it to myself. I have always said you'll never, at any age, you'll never be ready to have a child. I really, I strongly believe that you could be 26, 30, whatever. But back then I was a teen, we were broke. So the difference between when I got pregnant as a teen and when I had my daughter, I didn't have financial worries. My husband, we were already stable.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So it's like you're worrying about like being a first time parent, a team mom. You have literally no family talking to you and then you're still broke when a child is so expensive. So like, like the financial burden was literally insane. Like and he didn't even have a job back then. He, he had literally just quit his, his job cuz he want, he, he was going to go to school full time. We were like jobless and I had no ma'am. Yeah, sorry. Back to work.
Alan Ice
Your dreams.
Ariel Vidal
Get that social working. Absolutely. That night I ended up going with my best friend. And then until he came home from San Antonio, he, he picked me up. I remember that night he called his mom and his mom was having a party at her house. So she told me like that night like she was out and she was in. He was like, can you talk to you? And she's like oh, what's up Miko? And he was like no, like I really need to talk to you. She's like well, what's going on? Like I hurry like I have, I have people over. And he's like no, like I'm about to black out. He's like no, like it's something serious. And she's like okay. Like what's wrong? Like what happened? Like mind you, like he's always been really to himself. So to this Day my mother like that he didn't know he was even dating one. So we have been dating for years and like she knew of me but since it wasn't that relationship of like, oh, they come over like, let me go over like. No, exactly. Yes. So like, see, maybe like two times. Like, oh, you know, they just. Yeah, you know, because we were so young, you date other people or whatever. So she was really confused. Like, what do you mean you got someone pregnant? Like what? What do you mean? Like, it was so it's like. And at that moment you don't think about how it literally affects. Affects everyone. Yeah, like you're just worried about. Yeah, but you don't really think about how it literally affects everything because everyone.
Alan Ice
Has to turn everything around and they'll.
Ariel Vidal
Be like, exactly, exactly. And you see, and it shouldn't be like that. It should just be our problem because we were kids. It was everyone's problem.
Alan Ice
How was your pregnancy overall? Do you feel like you had a very smooth pregnancy? Like aparte like the economic parts? Do you feel like you struggle, struggled being pregnant or just in general? Like towards the end I did have.
Ariel Vidal
Preeclampsia, so I actually had to give birth a little sooner than what I wanted to. But I was just very depressed. Like it wasn't. And I was very, very embarrassed. I was, I was. I was going into my senior year and Julian had just graduated. So I remember telling like, it's because like you don't know, like the stairs like this. And at the end of the day it's like I'm. I was the one that was gonna have the stomach anyways, you know, so like the stairs, like everyone knowing that I had sex. Please, I don't need people to know I'm horny. No, it was, it was just like a very. And like I said, like my family didn't really talk to me. I really just at that time I really had my mother in law. I have the best mother in law in the world. I will do anything for that lady. Like to this day, like I owe her so much. She. She's an incredible. Even now, like a grandma to my kids. She literally became my mom for that, for that time period. Because it was a very, very difficult time. And even my mom would call me. It was kind of more just to check, check up on me, just to see that I'm alive. Because like we wouldn't talk. It was extremely hard because like I said, I'm very family orientated and not talking to her and I just felt I was so embarrassed, I think, too. Like, I knew she didn't want to talk to me because, you know, she was hurt. She was disappointed. But I, like, put myself back. Like, I really isolated myself because I was so embarrassed. Like, I said, I was like, the one, like, oh, you're going to go to college. You're going to go to stay. You're going to do this, this and that, and not that. That's not possible. But, okay, let's be realistic. And that's what people don't realize, that you have to be realistic. Yeah, you could go to college, but how the hell am I going to go to college six states away and be in a dorm with the baby? Yeah, like, be realistic, you know, so, like. And it's. It affects everyone, and it just makes everything harder. Yes, that's what I'm saying. It's like, oh, struggling. Like, oh, like, you know, I could get, like, financial aid this and not. It doesn't even matter no more because I need money to buy diapers.
Alan Ice
All the financial aid money was going to go to the baby, not to your actual studies.
Ariel Vidal
It doesn't matter. So that's. And that's what I didn't realize. Like, it was just very, very hard. And even now, like, I try. I've always tried, like, not to think about those moments because I was always so close to my mom.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Like, you know, my mom's always. And it's like, she's always been so hardworking, you know, like, to give me anything. Like, I was never a troubled teen. Like, no problemas. Like, if I did, she'll shut that down. Okay. I learned my lesson. Like, I didn't need to be like, oh, no, let me. No, no. Like, if my mom said no, it's no.
Alan Ice
So you literally just felt like you let not just yourself, but everyone.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. You know what's crazy is, during that time, my un. My uncle's wife was pregnant, and they knew it was going to be a girl, so he actually wanted to name the baby Ariel. Because I. I've always been his favorite. I know.
Alan Ice
She disappointed.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. And I was like, no, darn it. I'm not even joking.
Alan Ice
Was this the same pregnancy where you were kind of like, with your mom pregnant at the same time, too?
Ariel Vidal
No. Yes. Yes, yes, yes.
Alan Ice
How was that? You know, meant that you're pregnant, you almost feel isolated, and then you. Was that, like, a big reason why you almost didn't want her to be pregnant, too?
Ariel Vidal
Yes. Yes. Because I already, like, felt like, in the. I mean, because it's Embarrassed. Like, I was already so embarrassed of being a teen. A teen parent in which, now that I think about it, maybe I should have been so, so embarrassed. I think I could have done things differently just for my sake, you know? But I really, like. I really felt like it was the end of the world, you know? And back then, I mean, it was. It was seen, but I think, like, compared to it was. It was 20. 2016, 2017. So 27 to now. Now it's like, yeah, I think if I would be a team parent now. Embarrassing that part. But back then, it really. I think there was only, like, a handful of girls that you would see in high school.
Alan Ice
And in school, I feel like, too. I feel like when people are pregnant in school, I feel like. Like the kids in psa Navlar.
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
Or sometimes my school had, like, a little daycare.
Ariel Vidal
People would talk. You know what I mean?
Alan Ice
So I'm sure you were like, oh, no.
Ariel Vidal
It's like, yes, exactly. No. Yeah, it was terrible. So that's. I ended up graduating early. So I. I am Class of 2018, but I finished in 2017. No mascamine. With my cousin. 2018. Which I was fine because I had already given birth and everything. I don't care. Yeah. So I graduated in 2017, and now I was home. I finished. It was December 2017. And then you didn't. You didn't walk until May of 2018.
Alan Ice
Was that hard to, like, be able to balance, you know, being pregnant and also being able to be like.
Ariel Vidal
No. Yes. And that's why, too. And I remember, like, I know that was one of my mom, like, one of my mom's biggest problem issues, like, thinking that I wasn't going to finish because, like I said, no one has graduated. My family. Everyone has gotten a gd. Everyone in my family is successful. So now I. My family is literally, like a prime example of you don't need a degree to be successful. Everyone in my family is successful. They are. In one way or another. They. They make it so I don't even believe. Like, but back then, it wasn't like, back then. No. Like, I. I need to have a degree. Like, my. Back then, it was like, if I have a degree, I'm literally gonna be homeless.
Alan Ice
That's like, people that are successful. So I'm sure your parents are like.
Ariel Vidal
And I think that's why, too. Since my parents were young parents, they're big. Like, they didn't. And now that I'm a parent myself, I completely understand. Back then, I'm like, what you know, what the hell you saying? But back, you know, they just didn't want me to struggle, you know, and it's craziest because before I got pregnant, my mom knew I was having sex because she actually had caught Julian at my house. She had caught us having sex.
Alan Ice
Like you guys having sex.
Ariel Vidal
We were. We had just finished having sex. Sex.
Alan Ice
Okay. Okay.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. Not daring. I really would have been here. I really would have been here. Yes. But thank God that it was my mom and not my dad, because then it really. But it was. Yeah. So she. She had caught me and she literally. She slapped the. That's one. Only my mom literally slapped the. Out of me. You're like, there's your trauma in front of him. Like, in front of. And you know, we like. Like my husband would try to bring it up to joke. I'm like, no, it's too soon. Still. Like, we still don't bring it up to my mom. Like, we know. We never talk about that. Like, we don't bring that up.
Alan Ice
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Ariel Vidal
Yeah, so it was a big difference in the aspect of like, we were financially stable. My husband already had his career and everything, but it was actually, I would say it was worse than Joseph's because the baby had gotten diagnosed with spinal bifurcation. So in the spine. Her spine wasn't attaching. She had a big hole in the middle of her spine. So she had like two pieces of the spine instead of it being one. She was supposed to like, not be able to walk. She could have club feet when it's like the feet go in.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So just like all these problems. And I remember, I remember when I found out I got pregnant, we. We weren't trying, but we were not not trying, if that makes sense. Until I was in nursing school at that time. But I was like, no. Like, by the time I have the baby, I would already graduate. So like, it should be fine. Like at the beginning, I was feeling so soft because since Joseph is special needs, I was just like, like, how selfish is it of me to try to have another baby when my first baby needs extra attention more than the average child, when an average child already needs so much attention. But I was like, no. But then I feel bad because, like, he's by himself. And my thing with Joseph is there was when I was younger, I used to always be scared of dying, but that's because I didn't really know heaven and hell. I'm like, oh, like, oh my God. You know, I knew about God, you know, but I just didn't know what was going to happen. When I had Joseph, I started getting the fear that's like, he, he is non verbal. So it's like I got the sense of like, okay, I'm not scared of dying no more because I know heaven and hell and hopefully I want to go to heaven, please. I don't want to burn to death, you know, for eternity or anything. But then when I had Joseph, it's like, I'm scared of dying because I don't want to leave him by himself because he's non verbal. So. And then I'm like, no, like, maybe if he has a sibling, you know, not that it would be the siblings, you know, Tampoco just over till the sibling can take care of Joseph of. But because like what if something happens, you know, like, and he's by himself, maybe he will be independent but just for someone to check up on him.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
You know, because if it's. He's an only child then you know, it's, it's not the same having a sibling or a cousin, you know, but that has always been my. And even now like if you ask me, it's like I, I have came to acceptance with God and heaven and hell, but that's like I don't want to die, you know, And I know I have to, but I really don't because like I, I can't stand leaving like even like thinking about like he's going to be hearing like no one's going to understand him or. And it, you know, I love kids. I love every child and every. But it's like when you have a special needs child, it really gets to you because it's like he's like so innocent. He is like he lives like in a bubble. His world is so perfect. And sometimes when I'm having a bad day or something, I'm just like, like I wish that I could like think like him because he has no problems whatsoever. He is just so happy like with any little thing. And yeah, he, he has. Sometimes he can be like a little bipolar. Like he has aggressive states. But even like when he's having an aggressive state, I can look at him and I'm like, this isn't even him. Like I just know that it's a bad moment and that's why I always say like it's just a bad day, not a bad life. But his bubble is like literally insane. Like you know, kids are pure and all of this, you know, every child is pure. He has autism. I'm sorry. Yes. He's non verbal. Verbal. I would say he's semi verbal now. He says like one or two. One or two phrases. But overall he's, he's, he's on.
Alan Ice
When did you started noticing that he was a little different? Did you have like a moment where you're like, oh, like I'm seeing his milestones lined with like the, the your typical child. Like what? When did you find out? Or when did you be like, you know what, I want to go get him checked. Did you have a moment?
Ariel Vidal
It was so hard too because we lived with my mother in law for, for three years, you know, until we got our, our life together or whatever. In the Hispanic community, it's always like, oh, it like elinos. Or like put them down. Like, you know, which is, you know. But it's like, oh, like, no, just do this or do that. And two. One of my biggest regrets back then is like since I was a teen parent, I would rely a lot on other people. Like I would call like my. Or to ask my mother in law or ask someone else, my grandma, my mom. Mom. I would rely on them a lot to parent because it was hard because I, I didn't know anything.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So they're like, no, do this. And then I'm like, okay, okay. And I think like, deep, deep down, like I always knew. And especially when he hit two years old, he started going backwards like you would call him. Like, he would not turn around. It's like, it's like he wasn't even here on earth. He wouldn't look at you. Like nothing. And two, he, he would at first like say like, mama. Like he, he reached his milestones and then he completely went backwards. Like he was completely silent. Like, like literally, like, no, no, establish. Like his behavior was just like terrible. Like, like he would, he would climb and he, even to this day, he has no sense of danger. If you tell that man he could. He can jump off the roof. He's gonna jump off my roof. And he has no sense. Like, oh, like, yes. He's not like that. And he has no fears whatsoever. Like I'm talking about. I'm like, you should be scared of that. And I have to tell, like, hey, like this can happen. Like you have to really sit there. And so back then I'm like, the kisses. Like he is. And we. My mother in law has a two story house with the stairs. I'm like, hey, like, you need to be better. He would never grasp it. And two, he always wanted to be naked. Always. Like he couldn't put on long sleeve, short sleeve, short pant. It did not socks, nothing. It didn't matter. So I remember and I'm like, like, no, like something's wrong. And I remember I would tell June, like, hey, like, I think we need to get him. Like something's wrong. Like, I, I didn't, I wouldn't even think I would say test it. But I'm like, I think I need to talk to Patricia. Because back, no one I didn't know, no one with autism. I didn't. And even back then, no, like, it wasn't talked. As it wasn't talked about, it wasn't out. And you see, and sometimes too I think about like I feel so Bad for those, for like kids like way back then when it wasn't known. Like, imagine how they live their life, like suffering. Because autism wasn't like so, so, so known. Like there wasn't no resources for it. And that's like, I can't imagine how you could live a world like that, you know, know or two. Like I said in the Hispanic, like, I was like, and it's very hard to accept it is because even now, like to this day I remember after he got diagnosed and stuff, my first instinct, like at a store or something. Oh, I'm sorry, he's autistic. Oh my God. I'm sorry, he's autistic. He's autistic. I'm just like, how am I sitting here like having to explain myself and like I'm trying to advocate for autism, like, oh, autism. But it's like I, I'm not even accepting autism. How am I going to be av. Like how am I going to advocate for my son if I can't even accept it? And I remember like I said I always knew deep down and you have to talk to a pediatrician and we did early intervention and she even said like, maybe we should wait a year to get him tested. Cuz he was 2. I was like maybe at 3. I always knew deep down I, I just kind, you know, it's just a motherly, I'm, I'm a big believer in motherly instincts. Like when you give birth, like, I don't know, God, God made, made the body perfect. And he knows like when you have a child, like it, it, the switch flips and you have your motherly instinct. It's very like a superpower. And I think Julian too also knew, but I think with the man, it's just, he's not very good with feelings.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So not that he would brush it off, but he was like, okay, well like whatever you think. And he's, he's always been that way. Like, oh, like okay, well whatever you think. Okay, if you want to do that, that's fine. But sometimes it's like, I don't need to pour, I need to know your opinion.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And to this day, like I think honestly if we have an argument, it's sometimes like, okay, I know, like I'm right, but can you tell her, you know, like, what are you thinking? But he's always been wrong. I just want to hear your wrongness. And I've always. Yeah. And two, like I, I tied my tubes with my second, with my second child. And I remember I Asked him like, what do you think? He's like, what's your body? I'm like, I. I know but like what do you think? He's like, what's your body? Like whatever, you know, this. And I'm just like, you know. Cuz I kind of wanted him to tell me like yes or no? Like yes. But he's always been like that. Like that's a big topic that we saw. I'm like, hey, like, I need you. You. I love that you're supportive, but sometimes I don't need support. I need opinion. Which is, you know, because sometimes it's like if you keep telling me that I'm right, then like, what if I'm not right at that moment?
Alan Ice
So how did you find out? Like did you guys wait like a year or.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. Yes. So we ended up wait, Waiting a year. And yeah, when we, we. When we went to go get him evaluated, it's like at a different doctor. It's a, it's a specialist. We walk in, he literally took off all his clothes. He was in the waiting room naked. It. And I remember I looked over at Julian and he tells me like, oh, they don't even need to test them. Like tell him just to put it on paper. And I'm like, huh. Because he could not stand close. And yeah, we, we went back then. Yeah. And we, we, you know, we got the diagnos. And it was crazy. Like seeing it in paper, like literally like synced in. Yeah, synced in. And it like literally felt like day one again when I had speculations that he was going to be autistic. Because seeing it in paper, me just thinking like, I didn't want to be right. Like for the first time in my life that that was a moment right there was like, I don't want to be right. Right. I don't. And like I said, it was already very hard being teen parents, you know, we, we financially struggled. And it's crazy because it's like they say like with your first one you go through everything and they're not like. Because I even remember like new like newborn maybe we had gotten his first car. It was like a Jeep that he, like we bought off someone. It have no ac. So back there, back then you had to rear face the car seat. Yeah.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So I remember would sit back there with the fan, like with the like, you know this, like I'm just like. And I remember too, in those moments I think, like, it's crazy, like I'm literally a team. Like it's, it's a financial struggle. Someone that is 35 or 25 and has financial freedom can go buy a new car because it's hot. We live in Texas, 120 degrees outside. You go through everything when you're first starting. Sometimes I'm just like, I can't imagine what he was thinking. And you know, I, I do believe you're, you know, he was born with autism. I don't believe that you just, you know, I believe he was born that way. So like imagine like he said. I'm sure he was probably like, what the hell was that? You know?
Alan Ice
Yes. How was it like, you know, you know, what was your day to day life looking at now after the diagnosis? Do you feel like you had to implement a lot of things and a lot of things did have to change.
Ariel Vidal
The day that we left the specialist. I remember clearly that night when everyone was asleep, like how I just googled search, like I went down a rabbit hole on Google and you know, Google sometimes is not the best, the best help but I went down a rabbit hole just like, oh, it's like therapies and this and that. But then I remember, like I remember and I vividly remember I like locking my phone. And it was just like me and God at that moment because like I said, we didn't know anyone and it's not the same talking like to Julian sometimes. So it was literally just me and God at that moment. And I would ask him for like strength and patience because I was like, like, you know, if I think that I needed patience yesterday, tomorrow I'm going to need more patience because now I, I know that he's autistic and a lot of people don't see that how it's a lot of lonely nights and it's even to this day now he's, he's almost 7. He's 6 now. He'll be 7 in February. I still have lots of those lonely, lonely nights with just. It's just me and God that I, you know, that I talk to. And that's why too, I think my relationship with God has gotten better because there's, there's could be moments that I'm looking at Joseph and I'm just, I have to close my eyes and be like, God, please give me strength, please give me patience. Because it's completely different than a regular child, you know, and it's, and don't get me wrong, you know, but sometimes it's more of like, of how you have to go things like maybe this child, you could tell them one Time. But sometimes Joseph, I have to tell him three times because, you know, or I'm like, hey, like this, this, this and that, that. And we, we do, we do ABA therapy. It's therapy just designed for autism. And back then that therapy is so freaking expensive. And they don't take Medicaid or, or none of that. It's like in insurance, like out of pocket. Yes. Because the government, like, you know, those government things, they don't see it as like, needed because ABA is more like. But it's not needed. Your child's, you know, it's not. Your child's alive. That's how they see it. It's not, it's kind of like medical. I get, you know.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So it wasn't until my husband got his, his career going. You know, he, he has a career, he's financially stable. We have insurance. And he started aba. The little boy that Joseph was at three years old when he got diagnosed, he's not the same little boy. You could tell he's autistic, don't get me wrong. But like, yes, advance you. He, it's like if you see him and he. Now he, he goes out in public. He knows when and where to do things.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Now he goes and he, he wears his clothes. Hey, what that. He'll turn around. Hey, come here. And he's, he's, he's bilingual. No, he's bilingual. I'm like, hey, close door. He's obsessed with turning off the lights. Yes. He is a light person. He loves to be in the dark. He is literally obsessed with the light switches. There's been times where I'm on Tik Tok live and he'll go, turn off the lights. And they, they'll, they, they'll. They're on the comments and they're like, oh, it's time for bed. Joseph said he, we have to be in the dark. We live in the dark. He loves to be in the dark. It's because he really knows, like, Guo, like when it's bedtime, he's like, okay, everyone's going to bed. Like, if I'm going to sleep, you are too. If I'm sleepy, you. Everyone's up, Everyone. He's like that. He's ready for his day to start. He don't got time. Oh, let's lay up. Let's cuddle hay on all.
Alan Ice
You wake up pretty early because today you texted me like at 8 o'clock. I saw it and I was like.
Ariel Vidal
But you know, it would have been 10 in Houston, so I actually Slept in, in Houston, but here, yeah, I'm always up by like 6:00. I'm up really, really early. I like to get, I like to wake up before the kids because Silver to that's kids. I need a break first.
Alan Ice
But do you feel like he's doing so much better now? You know, taking him to the doctors.
Ariel Vidal
Specialist, he's nearly completely different child. I really do. Oh, I really do owe a lot to therapy and I am just honestly so blessed that we are like financially able to give him the therapy that, that he needs that that is suited for him. Yeah, it's, it's, it's beautiful to see his progress.
Alan Ice
When you were pregnant.
Ariel Vidal
So during that time when I was pregnant, I can actually tell you the day that I found out that she had spina bif. That she was supposed to have spina bifida. It was December, December 6th. I clearly remember that day. I actually had a wedding planned for January of the next month.
Alan Ice
Like your wedding?
Ariel Vidal
Yes, my wedding was in January. Right. So I was pregnant. This was 2020, 2022. Going into 2023. I had a destination wedding planned. It was going to be in Cancun. So after I find out, found out about her having spina bifida and stuff, I didn't even know her gender yet. But they, they found, they caught that quick. It literally just ruined like my whole pregnancy because I was just like, there's absolutely no way. Like I was being selfish and I was like, there's absolutely no way I'm going to have two special needs children. I'm just like, I had already felt so much guilt getting pregnant because I had special needs. I was like, how am I going to add another one? Anyone? Like, how is that fair to everyone? So I literally like went straight into depression. Like it was very difficult. I, I was supposed to have a general tooth. I mean in December, Nilo, we say I found out her gender just like me and Julian at home and that was it. So I had my wedding, My wedding was planned for January and they're like, oh like you shouldn't travel like this and that. Mind you, it was a destination wedding in Cancun. Everything was, it was paid for family this and that. My whole, my whole family went to Cancun in January almost. They, everyone, it was paid. Everyone went, yeah. So to this day they roast me. They're like, oh yeah. That one time when you said, I'm just like, at least I see Cancun. I'm like, you should be happy cuz something like oh, let's go on vacation. They're like, we're not going nowhere with you. I'm like, bro, come on. But grac. Like, like perfect, healthy. And that's why too, I think, you know, and I think like, it all goes back down to like God. Like, literally never, never fails. Like, until I had to seek God. Those moments of my pregnancy. See, because I was like, I was like, there's no way. Like I didn't feel it. Like, I would see it in the, in the ultrasound and we had pictures and they would print them out and circle and I would go to specialists and they're like this. I was like, no. Like, I. I just don't. I. I just don't think so. Like, I was like, something about, like God's not, God's not telling me that Julian would be like, yeah, like maybe not. Maybe they're wrong, you know? And I was like, like they have to be wrong because God is not telling me. I was just like, I. Like God would tell me. Cuz I'm talking to him every. I'm talking to him every night. Like he has to tell me.
Alan Ice
So it was like a fake diagnosis.
Ariel Vidal
Okay. No, so it, it was real. So the whole pregnancy. So from December all the way, I had her in June. Uhuh. I went to specialist doctors and she had it. She had it. And then I believe when I was like six, six months, the hole in her spine, it closed. But now there was a lump on her neck.
Alan Ice
Oh.
Ariel Vidal
And due to ultrasound, they're like, well, we can't tell you specifically what it is. You know, the ultrasound just shows up, you know, the lump. She's like, maybe when she's born she needs surgery to remove it. It could be fluid XYZ. Like, you know, you still in as mismas. She was born June 6th. I had a C section. I have C sections with my kids. What the f. Like, she came out and I was. And I told you, I was like, julian, get up and look at her neck. Look at her neck. And his father's like, look at her neck. Like, I was, I was like, please look like, yeah, like, no kids expect her. Yes. And she was perfectly healthy.
Alan Ice
How was that moment for you?
Ariel Vidal
No, it was, it was unreal. And I remember he was like, she's fine. Like, no, like, I'm just gonna wait till I see. And he's like, I promise. Like, no, no, I need to see her. So I'm laying there, I'm like, oh, like, like, please hurry up because I need it. Like, I needed to see her. Like, I, I, I, I didn't feel that comfort or, you know, I didn't feel that comfort until I was holding her. I'm like, okay, she, like, she, she is perfectly healthy. And like, I said that. And that's why, too. It's like, that was really a miracle from God, because I'm telling you, like, even now, I, I have the ultrasound pictures where they would circle and they would like, oh, look, this highlight and videos, and like, oh, you need to go. I would go see a cardiologist and see all, all of these things. I'm just like. But it's crazy because I think, like, the, the. Not that I wasn't worried, but, like, God really didn't let me worry too much. Too much because he would literally comfort me because I was like, I, like, there's no way. Like, there's no way. Like, I really feel like those months God was telling me, like, no, like, a miracles and don't worry. Like, you know, so why he did it, I have no idea. But I, I just really. I was like, it's because there's no way.
Alan Ice
We've talked previously on other podcasts about postpartum, and I feel like it's such, you know, a very important subject that we should be talking about because depression isn't even real. And it is, you know, do you feel like you struggled, you know, with any of your pregnancy pregnancies, with postpartum, with anxiety or any of that with Joseph?
Ariel Vidal
I would say I had the depression due to not having any family. And I was so young, so, like, with everything being kind of new was, like, very scary. I was very naive. And back then, it was like, just like in every, like, okay, like, let me just try to live day by day. With Emerlyn, it was extremely hard because I had. I was in nursing school. I had to quit nursing school. And I know this is so selfish. And I, I, I, even to this day, I always regret feeling like this, but I was so jealous of my husband that he had his life figured out. Like, he had his career. And, like, I, I felt like I had nothing, even though I had everything. But it's like, it's because of him. And he's, he's always. And I remember telling people, like, dude, like, I do everything for you. Like, why do you think. But it's like, I'm the hormones. I'm just like, Like, I have nothing. Like, at that time, I felt like the biggest loser ever. Like, I was like, I have nothing thing. Like, at that moment, I was just a mom and a wife and that was it like that, that it didn't matter.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Like, and I was like I don't want that.
Alan Ice
Like you didn't feel like you had anything going on for yourself.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah. Like I, and I was like how is this? Like how am I, like how am I just going to be known for a mom? And I remember too, I would get, when I would go out, like, oh, what do you do? I'm a stay at home mom. I would be so pissed off to say, I'm like, like I'm just saying, oh mom. And. But now that like being a stay at home, it's a job. I don't care what anyone says, I will go to war. Yeah, stay at home moms is, it's literally never ending. Like you, you get. And I told my husband that like you get to go to work. Yes. You're stressed and it's, it's hard work. No one's saying that if you go clock in it's work, but you get to clock out. If you're, if you're at home after your 9 to 5 and they call you, we're going to be like oh, I'm not at work, I'm going to enter now. I'll do that, deal with that tomorrow. Because yes, it's, it's work. But when you're a stay home mom, if your baby gets a fever at 2 in the morning. Oh I, I had to wait till 8:00am no, you're, you're going to get.
Alan Ice
Up at 2:00am it's like an ongoing job.
Ariel Vidal
Yes. And you see in my husband, like I said and back then too, like I said, he had to look like in back then I was just so selfish and I'd be like, oh, like he's, I, I would see him asleep and he would piss me the off. Yeah, like how. But he had to wake up at three in the morning. So it's like how am I going to wake up at one in the morning that I need a bottle. But he has to wake up in two hours, two literally go clocking. But back then I, I had very bad rage. I would get so like I'm saying I would see him there. I'm like there's no way he's asleep right now. The up. I was just like so focused. Like in that moment I wouldn't think like okay, like he, he's gonna go and get up into to go pay the bills.
Alan Ice
But I feel like it's very valid though because even though like you Said it is a job. You are working. You have to make sure your kids are good. You have to make sure the house is good. You have to make sure there's food.
Ariel Vidal
I just think I could have gone, like, a little better off because I said, like, I started seeing him and I was like, jealous, like, and it's like he's, he's such a good person. Like, he literally, like, like he is a type. Like I can ask him for something ridiculously and somehow he'll, he'll make it work. Even when we were teen parents, I have, I have even stated this, like, on a Tik Tok Live. I have never struggled financially. He has, but he has, he has never, never made, made that an issue for me. He's gone on Tik Tok Live and, you know, they ask him questions and they'll. He'll say on there, like, I will work two, three jobs before I have to work as. That's the type of person he is. So, like, I just regret because it's like he was trying and like showing me so much love and, you know, and me, I was like, I was being a hater, but I just literally, I was being a hater. I was like, there's no way, like, that this man has a career. This and that.
Alan Ice
And what do you feel like helped with your mental health?
Ariel Vidal
Honestly, it was when, when I decided to pick up the camera and when I started doing TikToks and I remember like my aunt, my Aunt Ashley and stuff and my family, they'll be like, just like, pick it up. Because like I said, I'm. I've always been very outgoing.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Like, I love to talk. I love it. So I remember at times where they're like, just like, pick up the camera and I'll be like, I see other people doing it. At first, when I started filming, I don't know why I had this crazy idea, but I wanted to be someone online that I wasn't in person. Now that I think about it, I think it's because I hated my life at that moment because I was so down bad and I was so jealous of my husband.
Alan Ice
You felt like losers.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, I felt like a loser. So, like, you know what? Like, I'm going to be someone else because I want the validation, at least online, maybe not in real life. But you see, that's not how it should be in social media. You should be your organic self. You should be yourself. Because at the end of the day, like, if you're not yourself, then who? You know, like, then it doesn't matter. So it's like I started like, you know, getting followers and stuff and I'm just like, these people don't even know me.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
You know, these people, I really don't talk like this. Like I would not cuss or say like, you know, jokes or whatever. Just like that's not who I am. They don't love me still. Like I, I still didn't have validation even though that's what I was seeking, you know, at the time. And I see a lot of people like, oh, I get on, you know, on TikTok for like to help financially and this and that. You know, I've been very blessed in the aspect. I, you know, I didn't do social media for, for money, you know, but if you get on there, hustle for that money, you get it. That's amazing. You know that, you know, hats off to you. But me, it really was for like, I was like, no, like I need to make a name for myself.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So honestly my, even my videos, I noticed my videos started doing good when I, when I started showing my, my personality.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
Cuz not even. I've always said this. When you have a video go viral, yes, it's amazing. You get the views, you get all of this.
Alan Ice
But it's that one viral video.
Ariel Vidal
Exact. And people don't. Yes, you get followers, but engagement is always better than followers. And some people, when you're first starting you're like, no, I need followers. Followers and then two. Cuz you need, you know, you need that 10k to get in the creator program. When I got, when I reached 10k, the money still did not start falling. And still, I'm still waiting for it to fall, you know, yes, it pays but for the lifestyle that I live, the lifestyle that my husband has provided for me and what I'm used to. Yeah, baby, I'm not, I'm not going to afford not a damn thing. And people don't realize that.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And that's the thing too. People see us, oh, they have money, they have this, this, they have. Yes, I have nice things. I'm very blessed. But it's not because of Tik Tok. And you know, and I, I've said this before on Tik Tok, that the exact words that came out, it's not because of Tik Tok. And people are like, no, you're lying. Like this and that. I have owned two houses before Tik Tok and it's not because. It's because of my husband. So it's Like, I'm not going to have. I don't have this big house because of Tik Tok.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And I've said this. The money that I make from Tik Tok goes to Dunkin Donuts. Yeah, it goes to Dunkin. I'm not even going to lie. It goes to like, yes, I go to TJ Maxx to see. You know. Yeah. You know, yeah, it's money. Money's money. No, no one's just handing me money. I make.
Alan Ice
I will say I feel like Tik Tok, you can make a lot of money. But. But it is like you said, I think it is very important. Like, her fan base space is so like, yes.
Ariel Vidal
They're like literally my. And that's what I said. Like, I wish I could literally meet everyone. Like, how we. If we could all get in one spot. Because people don't realize it. Like, these people become like, they're not even followers. Like, I hate that word. It's literally their supporters. Like, they're my. Like, they know your life.
Alan Ice
Yep.
Ariel Vidal
It's. It's. And it's like people that will literally, like, someone's talking, oh, I'm gonna defend her. Why? They. They don't even know me. But they do know me. They know me online fine. You know, and sometimes does that feel good? Yeah. And I'll be. Before I started posting online, I would see people. I was like, why are they defending that person? Like, they don't even know him. So I really wouldn't get that. But now, like, that I post and stuff, I'm like, you know what? Like, it is. It's so beautiful to see. Like, you really don't. Like, if you want to be a nice person, you can be. It doesn't matter. It really doesn't. And. But if you want to be a hater, that man, you could be a hater.
Alan Ice
You ciales. What do you feel like has been your aha moment? You know, nos cuentas. Like, you're not making millions, but I'm sure there was a moment where you're like, what the hell? Like, yeah, I can be doing social media as a full time job. Do you have like a big brand deal or just like a big day where you're like, oh, like, I made this much.
Ariel Vidal
My moment, I would say is when people were asking me to make merch. I. When like, merch, right? I'm like, I'm like. At first I was. I'm like, mer. I'm like, okay, okay. Like, let's calm down because, you know, I'm just. It's just three people. But then, like, the, you know, I kept the vlogs. I post. I post three to four times. Right now I've been doing three. I've been slacking a day. Yes. But usually I do four. Like, sometimes I'll do like five. I'll do like four vlogs and then five. Like a little like, using a sound or something. Today I've only posted one, but I'm busy right now looking for. Yeah. So I'm post like, consistently. I'm like, oh, like merch, merch, merch. I'm just like, oh, like, okay, okay. And then, like, I started, like, looking into it and it was very hard to find, like, a merch company. Actually, I found the right people. And when I tell you my. My merch was like, pre order. And I told him that, like, you know, I talked to it for, for like a week. I told, it's pre order. Don't worry, it's not gonna sell out. This and that. When I tell you the day of the merch drop, they. They crashed the site. They did not care. They did not care that was pre order. They did not care that I told them that it, like, it's not gonna sell out, guys. Like, the website's gonna be open two weeks. If, you know, you know, if you get paid this day and okay, that's fine. You know, they did not give a damn. They're like, no, we're all gonna get our merch the first thing. That's it. I was even, like, shaking. And my husband Julian actually worked night shift and I was waking him up. I'm like, there's no way. Because they were like, the merch people were like, hey, you have this many orders, this many. I'm like, there's no way. And again, it's never been about the money for me. So my DMs are flooded. But I do try to look, look through them. And I love when I see the messages where they're like, oh, like, you make my day. Or I've been going through this and, you know, just watching your videos, like, knowing that I make a difference in someone's life even. But just like. And sometimes I'm like, editing my videos. I'm like, should I really upload this? Or like, I'm like, dude, you know, I've. I've kind of when I'm editing and I, like, have a vlog. I'm like, dude, this vlog is whack. Like, I don't. But I have to post it, you know, I post it, it's a hit. This is. I'm just like, there's absolutely no. Like, I hated this, but I like the videos that I hate are the ones always good. And it's crazy, but it's like, I think it's because it's. You're being true to yourself. That's why. And sometimes too, I still try to filter myself, you know, and I'm just like, oh, like maybe no or this and that. Because again, the Internet can be a scary place. There's love, there's hate. But like I said, I have a very loyal, very loyal supporters. Like, the engagement is literally surreal and I, I really do love every single one of them.
Alan Ice
With social media, but I feel like they're all. Always has to be some negatives. You're no stranger to hate. Does it ever get to you? Like, do you ever be like, oh, people hate me. Let me put my phone down, Eastas or how is that for you?
Ariel Vidal
I have gotten a lot more love than hate, you know, thank God. But with the hate, I do see a lot of hate of like, of getting hate towards like my, My parenting style, how a mother, especially to Joseph live. But a lot of people don't realize it's like, you should never put yourself into someone's shoes that you really can't, you know, relate to. Not every parent is a special needs parent. I would never put myself in someone else's shoes because I'm like, okay, well, you know that. That's not a problem that I have. And I shouldn't. I. You. You shouldn't talk on things that you don't know. So at first it would really get to me because I'm just like, dude, like, I know I'm not a bad mom, like, you know, this and that. But like I said, like I said earlier, it really comforts me knowing, like, it. It's not affecting him. Him, like, he's not reading this. He. He has no idea. He's already in a perfect bubble. Toys, food, anything he wants, he. He has it. His world is perfect.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
And that's what's so. And that's like, it's so beautiful to see that. And sometimes I look at him like I need to be like that more, you know, like it. It's just. And at the end of the day, I really try to like, whatever happens under my roof, as long as these people are fine as like my daughter, my son, and my husband, that's all that matters.
Alan Ice
Exactly.
Ariel Vidal
You just have to keep reminding yourself.
Alan Ice
Yes, I Feel like me having done this almost 10 years. Oh, my God, you guys, that's kind of crazy to think about. 10 years is insane since I'm turning 27 next year and I started at 16. No, I've already hit 10 years.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah, you've hit 10 years.
Alan Ice
And I remember when I first started it, the hate used to trigger me. And because maybe I was in a bad state of mind at the time, that whenever I would see that, I knew I was insecure about. About my weight. But when it would come to my weight.
Ariel Vidal
Yeah.
Alan Ice
I would be like, oh, my God, I already feel like a.
Ariel Vidal
And then you're over here telling me.
Alan Ice
I look like one. So I'm like, then it must be.
Ariel Vidal
Real, what I'm feeling. You know when I get hate, when I'm like, on my period, I'm like, oh, my God, you're right. Please. No, But I'm like, no way. It's just my period talking relaxant.
Alan Ice
And I love that, you know, at the end of the day, to silence on top.
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
Because I feel like sometimes we get so caught up on the negatives.
Ariel Vidal
Yes.
Alan Ice
And you're, like, so much positive.
Ariel Vidal
And that's literally recently what I went through. Like, I kept seeing negatives, and I'm like, home, like. But I'm just like, you know what? Or like, they. They're posting me on tea pages and doing this and all these comments. But I'm just like, if you look at the comments, yes, there's bad comments, but then there's loyal people, like, defending you on there when they literally do not have to do that. When I was going through, like, you know, that. That time period of hater, I was just like, you know, like, maybe I should stop posting. And I was like, you know what? I was just like, who gives a. Yeah. And that's not to be in it. A lot of people, too, see, like, oh, you can't defend yourself. Like, you know, you need to stay quiet because you're an influencer. You're this. I'm human. If you're. If you're talking to me in the street or something, like, what the. I'm gonna talk back.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
If you're doing something to my camera. Oh, I'm not gonna say nothing. No. Like, I am a human being. And that's why it's like. I was like, you're not going to sit there behind a keyboard doing all of this just because I'm not. Oh, I can't say nothing. No, I'm. I'm gonna say something exactly yeah. And that's. And that's how it should be. Yeah.
Alan Ice
You know, La Ultima Pregunta that we always finish with, and Donda Tamiras too, and Los Proximo Cinco annuals. Whether that's family wise, career wise, and none of the miras too.
Ariel Vidal
You know, no one has asked me that question in a long time. Family wise. I'm gonna tell you, I'm done having kids. I did. I. I get this question a lot. I am done having kids. I took out my two tubes when I had my daughter. My tubes are literally in a dumpster in China. Maybe I have kids in the black market, but. Yeah, no, no more kids. I have plenty. But honestly, I can't see myself in five years. And I'm gonna say why? The reason I can't see myself in five years is because I really do try to live day by day. My life a year ago, before social media, is completely different. Different.
Alan Ice
Yeah.
Ariel Vidal
So I know for a fact that my life can change completely in one year. I don't. So I can't Even imagine in five years whether it's in Tick Tock and YouTube, another, you know, another platform. I just know that God has a plan for me and I'm ready to take that on, the good and the bad. And as long as my kids and my husband are healthy, that's. That's all that matters to me.
Alan Ice
Complete. You know, I had so much fun. First of all, I want to say thank you so much for being here with us today.
Ariel Vidal
I still have way more to say.
Alan Ice
What is, like, one thing that you want to touch on?
Ariel Vidal
No, I'm just kidding. Part two, Part two.
Alan Ice
Part two, Part two. With that being said, amigas, thank you once again.
Ariel Vidal
Thank you guys so much. I love every single one of y'all.
Alan Ice
I will leave all her links down below as well as on the screen so you guys won't miss any future episodes. And with that being said, thank you once again.
Ariel Vidal
Thank you so much for having me. Thank you all. Love y'all. God bless ht.
Alan Ice
Thank you guys so much for watching and we'll see you guys in the next one. Bye, guys.
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Podcast: Noche de Pendejadas with Alannized
Host: Alannized
Guest: Ariel Vidal
Release Date: December 13, 2024
In this emotionally charged episode of "Noche de Pendejadas," host Alannized engages in a deep and honest conversation with Ariel Vidal, a 25-year-old Houstonian, wife, and mother of two, including a special needs child. The episode explores Ariel's journey through childhood, teenage pregnancy, navigating motherhood with autism, and the role of social media in her life. Filled with heartfelt anecdotes and raw reflections, Ariel opens up about her struggles, triumphs, and the intricate dynamics of her family life.
Ariel begins by sharing her upbringing, highlighting the unique challenges and blessings of growing up in a young family. Her mother was only 15 when Ariel was born, leading to a non-traditional household where extended family played a crucial role.
Ariel Vidal [12:47]: "I always felt love. My mom has two sisters and a brother. If you want to say trauma, I would say my uncle did have to go to jail."
Raised primarily in her grandmother's house, Ariel describes a childhood filled with love and support despite the absence of a two-parent household. The presence of her aunts provided companionship and a sense of community.
The conversation takes a poignant turn as Ariel discusses her teenage pregnancy at 16. She vividly recounts the emotional turmoil and societal pressures she faced during this challenging period.
Ariel Vidal [03:06]: "How selfish is it of me to try to have another baby when my first baby needs extra attention more than the average child?"
Navigating pregnancy as a teenager, Ariel grappled with feelings of confusion and isolation. Her parents remained supportive, working multiple jobs to ensure she and her child were taken care of, alleviating some of the financial burdens but not the emotional strain.
Ariel delves into her relationship with her husband, whom she met during high school. Their long-distance relationship and shared responsibilities as young parents brought both joy and significant challenges.
Ariel Vidal [48:27]: "We started struggling when we became parents because it was just like childhood love, like no one had problems."
The pressures of early parenthood tested their bond, especially as Ariel dealt with her own mental health struggles. Communication and support became focal points in maintaining their relationship amidst adversity.
Ariel shares the heart-wrenching journey of raising her second child, Joseph, who was diagnosed with autism. She describes the early signs, the diagnosis process, and the profound impact it had on her family.
Ariel Vidal [71:01]: "The baby had gotten diagnosed with spinal bifurcation. Her spine wasn't attaching properly."
Joseph's diagnosis introduced new layers of responsibility and emotional complexity. Ariel emphasizes the importance of therapy and specialized care, highlighting the progress Joseph has made through ABA therapy.
Ariel Vidal [80:31]: "The day that we left the specialist, I remember clearly... I ask God for strength and patience."
Throughout the episode, Ariel candidly discusses her struggles with mental health, including depression and feelings of inadequacy as a young mother. She explains how these challenges were exacerbated by the pressures of raising a special needs child and navigating societal expectations.
Ariel Vidal [52:45]: "It was a year, a year and a half to have sex with him. I waited so long."
Ariel found solace and a path to healing through social media, using it as a platform for self-expression and connection. Despite the benefits, she also acknowledges the negative aspects, such as online hate and the quest for validation.
Ariel Vidal [92:42]: "Honestly, it was when I decided to pick up the camera and when I started doing TikToks... it was for validation."
Ariel details her foray into social media as a means to rebuild her identity and find her voice amidst personal turmoil. Her authenticity and vulnerability resonated with a loyal following, providing both support and a sense of purpose.
Ariel Vidal [94:35]: "People see us, oh, they have money, they have this, this, they have... It's not because of TikTok."
She discusses the dual nature of social media—offering both a therapeutic outlet and exposing her to criticism. Ariel emphasizes the importance of genuine engagement over mere follower counts, striving to maintain her true self online.
Looking ahead, Ariel shares her decision to no longer have more children, focusing instead on her existing family and personal growth. She reflects on the unpredictability of life and the importance of living in the moment.
Ariel Vidal [102:33]: "I'm done having kids... I can't see myself in five years."
Her reflections underscore a journey of resilience and self-discovery, as she continues to advocate for autism awareness and support while maintaining a loving and stable family life.
In this deeply personal episode, Ariel Vidal offers listeners an unfiltered look into her life, marked by resilience, love, and the continuous pursuit of self-identity. Her journey from a supportive but non-traditional upbringing to the challenges of teenage pregnancy and raising a special needs child is both inspiring and enlightening. Alannized provides a compassionate platform for Ariel to share her story, fostering a conversation that blends vulnerability with strength.
Ariel's experiences underscore the importance of family support, mental health awareness, and the complexities of navigating motherhood under challenging circumstances. Her story is a testament to the human spirit's capacity to overcome adversity and find purpose amidst chaos.
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Note: This summary focuses solely on the content of the episode, excluding advertisements, introductions, and outros to provide a clear and comprehensive overview of the discussions between Alannized and Ariel Vidal.