Meet Newton mother and daughter Rosello and Victoria Lillo
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In our “Around the Corner” feature, each week the Daily News’ Josh Koehn will track down a random Newton resident on the street and ask him or her a series of questions in a free-flowing conversation. This week we will be talking with Rosello Lillo and her daughter, Victoria.
Josh Koehn: I take it you guys are …
Rosello: Mother and daughter.
JK: Mother and daughter, alright. I didn’t know and some people take offense, so I didn’t know which way. If I said sister—
R: She would probably take offense if you said sister.
And where were you guys born?
R: Des Moines.
And yourself?
Victoria: Des Moines.
And what brings you to Newton?
R: We moved here 16 years ago, before she was born.
So you didn’t have adecision in the matter? What do think of Newton?
V: It’s OK. It’s pretty small, but I’m used to it.
I was going to say, I would think you’d be used to it having lived here your whole life. And each of you, what’s your favorite thing about Newton?
R: I like that it’s a small town and you know everybody, who your kids are hanging out with.
OK, (looking at Victoria) and what kind of scumbags are you rolling around with then?
R: (Laughs)
Does your mom keep a close watch on you?
V: Kind of.
What’s one thing you think people could do a better job of around here?
R: Just taking more pride in their environment.
How so?
R: You look around and see some of the buildings are dilapidated, and when you’re looking for prospective businesses and outsiders who buy the houses that are going into foreclosure; they don’t want to come to a town that is crumbling.
And what’s one thing you would like to see improved?
V: I want more trees. I like oak trees. That would be kind of cool. Just more shady (areas).
OK, so less wide open spaces where it’s 100 degrees with humidity. … I have a hypothetical for both of you. Finish this sentence: If I had a million dollars I would …
R: Move to Florida.
I was pointing at her, but you went right away.
R: (Laughs)
V: I don’t know. I probably would move to France.
Why is that?
V: There’s a lot to do and it’s really pretty.
You’ve got the architecture and cafés—
R: And the fashion industry, which she is into.
V: I’m interested in fashion and photography.
Well, that’s definitely the place then. What’s the farthest you’ve been from Newton?
R: Probably San Diego.
I lived in California so I’m definitely a big fan of that area.
V: I like the people out there and everyone is riding bicycles. People here need to ride more bicycles.
You mean people here might be slightly out of shape?! In Iowa?!
(Both laugh)
R: Put down the corndog and pick up the bike.
V: (Laughs)
OK, so you want to get into fashion and photography, and what do you do for a living?
R: I’m an assistant manager at the Ankeny Walmart.
A lot of people have their own thoughts on Walmart, and a lot of people like to make fun of the greeters because sometimes they’re old. What do you think of Walmart, having an insider’s perspective? Is it trying to take over the world?
R: No, Walmart is not trying to take over the world. They’re definitely a free commerce society. If there’s a niche, they’re going to take it over. If somebody can’t beat them, that’s their problem.
What’s one issue that really gets your goat lately? There are all sorts of things in the news. You got people burning Qurans in Florida. What really gets your blood boiling?
R: At this point, why is anyone a Republican or Democrat? Why can’t we all be in between? Just be independent and make up your own mind. Don’t let somebody think for you, think for yourself.
And you?
V: I heard about a woman being stoned (in the Middle East) ... That would be pretty harsh to be stoned.
R: She’s also really upset about the oil spill and everything.
V: Well, it’s ugly to have oil in the water; killing the land and the animals.
It’s funny you say that because you hear about a hundred people dying in a bombing and that sounds terrible but you can’t put it into perspective. But then you get a picture of a little bird in oil and it sends it home more. … Let’s try a free word association. I’ll throw out a topic and you just say the first thing that comes to mind.
R: OK
Favorite movie?
V: Superbad.
And you?
R: That would have to be Avatar.
Did you watch it in 3-D?
R: No.
And it’s still your favorite?
R: I’m a big sci-fi nut.
Did you dress up like a blue person on Halloween?
R: Not that far.
Are you considering it? We’re only a few weeks away. And what’s your Halloween costume going to be?
V: Probably nothing. I’ll probably just follow my (younger) brothers around.
Favorite music?
V: Psychodelic pop!
R: She’s really into MGMT … and I’m really into Eminem.
You like Eminem? Really?
R: Absolutely. I like angry Eminem.
Really? He seems like such a dirtball, the kind of guy I wouldn’t want to hang out with.
V: He criticizes his mother and talks about killing his girlfriend! That’s why I don’t like listening to rap.
Listen to your daughter here, the voice of reason.
R: That’s the way it’s going as we get older.
