The Adventures of Rosyblue

I Believe In the Good in ME!

2011-07-27T20:54:00.000-07:00

When I wake up in the morning, I say to myself, "today is going to be a good day." And I mean it. I want nothing better than to have a great day full of laughter and joy. Most of the time, my days are good.

I have learned that each day is different. I don't fight the change, I flow with it. I see the potential in things. I see the joy in everything- well, I try.

If I have a bad day, I flow with it. I'm trying to see if I can learn from it.

I laugh every day. I remember something funny that was once said either from a friend or from family. I used to feel guilty for laughing on my days filled with sorrow, if that makes any kind of sense. But, now I know that I need to flow with it. If I want to laugh, I will. If I want to cry, I will. If I want to scream, I will.

Why? Because, I believe in the good in me... Thank you Patti Digh.

A Real Nightmare!

2011-07-11T23:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I get in my car and scream, "SOMEONE PLEASE WAKE ME UP FROM THIS DREAM. IT'S A NIGHTMARE THAT DOESN'T END!!!"

But, it's no dream, it's a real nightmare.

It's been 4 months, when will I feel normal again! "Jordan, your Aunt Ana, had a bad day today."

The Wild Ride of 2011

2011-06-18T05:22:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile... It seems that I say this every couple of months. But, like before, if I'm not in the mood to write, then the end result will be CRAP!!!

This year has been a challenge. I'm not ready to share but will soon. All I can say is that 2011 is turning out to be a Wild Ride with many twists, turns and sadness.

I feel that I'm hitting rock bottom. And rock bottom is simply forcing me to face my many fears. No, I'm not homeless or being thrown in jail, nothing that extreme. I'm being force to just face the challenges that life brings. I know I'm being vague, but I need to get this out.
Life is wonderful, fabulous. I'm here so I'm grateful.

June 21st is the beginning of the Summer of 2011. I can't wait. It's my favorite time of year. I love the long days. My hope is that I can use the summer to encourage me to reevaluate my existence in this wonderful, challenging world. The Wild Ride of the Summer is the perfect beginning to free myself.

We never stop learning and changing- this I know for sure! So Viva the Wonderful World of Life! And Cheers to the Summer of 2011.

More to come, so stay turned...

The Curly Windshield Wipers

2010-12-17T16:34:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since my last post, but honestly if I'm not in the mood to write, then the end result is always crap.

I usually drive in to work around 5:15 a.m. every morning- since I work with east coast peeps at times. Well, this past Thursday, it was raining. Raining enough that I noticed my windshield wipers weren't doing their job. My 35 minute drive to work was pure misery. I finally got to work by the grace of light traffic and being super careful.

Around mid morning, I noticed it stopped raining. I walked out to my car to take a good look at the wipers. What I saw was just shocking, the wipers were curling up, like my curly hair. I was appalled! I realized that I had to get the wipers replaced a.s.a.p. it was going to rain that very night and the forecast said rain all weekend.

As I walked back to my office, I was in deep thought asking myself, "when was the last time these wipers were replaced???" I just couldn't remember, so sad. Well, I called my local Acura dealer to see if the wipers for my car were in stock. The wipers were there and after promising to be around 4 p.m. I hung up.

As I drove up to the dealership, I said to myself, "My cute car is a mess outside and inside." Goodness, I'm tardy with everything. I have been meaning to clean my car for weeks. Anywho back to my story...

I asked an employee of the Dealership that I needed new wipers. He said to park, purchase the wipers and come back. He will replace them himself. I did just that.

I gave this nice man the new wipers. He had a rough time removing the first wiper (the long one). He was turning red at the face. He turn to me and asked, "huh, when was the last time you replaced the wipers?" I said, "I don't know, perhaps a year." He said, "ah, no. I think it's been awhile." I admitted to this nice man that it was probably over 2 years since I last replaced the wipers.

I asked him to check the tire pressure since I have been wanting to do that myself for weeks, even though I don't have a clue how to do it. I thanked the nice man and drove off.

I got to thinking as I drove home. This "Curly Windshield Wiper" experience has opened my eyes. I have been putting things off for months. My brain has been so cluttered with crap that it's making me a little absent minded. I got home and opened a notebook. I wrote all the things that I needed to accomplish that I have been putting off.

Is it working??? Well, I knocked off three items from the list this morning! I will continue to add to the list and cross any accomplishments goals off. I feel better about myself. Who knew that a little rain and a pair of worn out windshield wipers would get my brain flowing again!

Hugs and cheers,

Rosy!!!

The rock band, Muse, and the Law of Attraction!

2010-09-27T07:57:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite bands of all-time is MUSE! I mean, I totally bore my friends and family (who aren't on Twitter or Facebook) about Muse. And, of course, I bore my Twitter and Facebook peeps with my love of MUSE! In fact, I was completely shocked when my cousin, Martha, asked, "who is Muse?" I thought, "HELLO!" Anyway, back to my post.

For months, I have been telling my friends and family that I was going to see Muse perform for the first time in Los Angeles. When I knew the date that Muse was playing in Los Angeles, I started to telling everyone that I will be at the September 25th concert. Here the problem, I didn't have tickets and I made no attempt to buy the tickets. But, deep in my heart, I was going, no matter WHAT!

September 23rd arrives, I'm thinking OMG, MUSE SATURDAY the 25th - I WILL BE THERE! Saturday morning arrives, with no tickets in hand, I log on to ticketmaster. I attempt to purchase two tickets to MUSE. AND my tickets were available, but it said, "limited view." I didn't care because as long as I was there and listening to my band.

I happily got ready to see my band. I drive up to the Staples Center (where the Lakers play). I go in and I'm shown to my seat. OMG, the stage is right in front me. I mean I have NO ONE IN FRONT OF ME. The problem, there is a huge curtain. I'm thinking, "is this what ticketmaster meant by limited view?" Goodness, the opening band is Passion Pit, I could hear them, but not see them. I stayed positive and said, "I'm going to see Muse!" I did finally see the band, Passion Pit, as they were finishing up. You see I realized then that I was by the soundboard. How cool is that!

All around me, people were complaining, "I can't believe ticketmaster sold tickets... what are we going to see... this is b.s." And it goes on and on, but I stayed positive. I said, "I'm going to see MUSE!"

Suddenly, it gets dark and I knew my band was coming up. The intro started, imagines on the curtain. The images continues for about three minutes, then the music for song, Uprising, begins. And The CURTAIN FALLS!!! The stage is five to six feet in front of me. I CAN see the bands' faces! I'm so close that I can see the expressions on their faces and every detail of their clothing. OMG, I knew this was going to happen, I knew I was going to see MUSE. As I jumped and danced to the song, I thought, "the law of attraction is working for me once again!" Going to this concert, I was reminded I need to believe in me, believe that I can do it, believe that I can make. I will forever think of my band, Muse, with a big smile face.

I attached a video of the opening of the concert. (BTW, my seat was left hand side of the stage.) VIVA the LAW OF ATTRACTION- ALWAYS BELIEVE!!!
p.s. I, also, watched Kate Hudson leave the soundboard. She's dating the leading singer.

Conquer your FEARS!

2010-08-25T20:24:00.000-07:00

When we have fear inside of us, it causes us to make some bad decisions.
When we have fear inside of us, it causes us to miss opportunities.
When we have fear inside of us, it causes us to change our persona.
When we have fear inside of us, it causes us to live life in limbo.

Bottomline, fear is part of life. It's really how we handle fear that separates us from the rest. Fear is nothing but our minds going into overdrive without direction.

And remember, as Dale Carnegie once said, "You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind."

Fight fear- life is just too short.

Peace out!

Coach John Wooden

2010-06-04T22:57:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile that I have written a blog post. My brain has been going through a lot lately. But, tonight, after hearing of the passing of Coach John Wooden, I had to write. I love sports for many reasons. I love the competition and the drama. I love what sports usually represents- TEAM WORK. Because it's so true, there is no I in TEAM.

When the UCLA's Men Basketball team went back to the NCAA National Championship game in 1995, I was introduced to the Wizard of Westwood, Coach John Wooden. I heard about his famous Pyramid of Success, his 10 National Championships, and his speech on putting on socks the correct way at the start of every new season, just to name a few. I read how he truly cared about his players and treated everyone with respect. I found him fascinating. I found him exciting. I found him just plain awesome. I said, "WOW, why don't we have coaches like him today? Imagine the state of our sports teams in America?" He represented the reason why I love sports. I have since read several of his books.

I'm so grateful that we have the technology to just go on a site like youtube and hear him speak. Listening to him, I am always reminded, that it's never too late to be greater. He reminds me that only you can stop you for achieving what you want out of life. He reminds me to appreciate what I have.

Coach John Wooden- you will be missed, but you will, truly, never be forgotten.

I have attached Coach Wooden's TED Talk. If after listening to him doesn't inspire you, I don't know what to tell you. And remember in the words of this great coach, "Success is peace of mind which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you did your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming."

Back to Blogging!

2010-02-03T19:10:00.001-08:00

It's been so long since I have last written a post. My hands are dirty from all the dust. My main challenge has been balancing my social networking and blogging with my life. I love Twitter and Facebook, just do. I have learned from so many cool, interesting, amazing, smart people. My Twitter peeps literally opened my eyes to all kinds of possibilities. I am reminded every single day that it's never to late to change and explore the world.

SOOOO, In order to get things moving with my social networks, I have decided to log on every morning and night for a half hour or hour. I need to get back in the groove of things.

In order to get things moving with my blog, I have decided to write mini posts every day for a month. I'm hoping that it will stir my brain to write. And I think it's going to work.

Stay tune, this story isn't over!

Peace and Hugs,

Rosy

I'm hungry - My Adventure In Search of a BAGEL this Morning!

2009-09-17T17:55:00.000-07:00

Last night, I had dinner at Claim Jumper- baked potato with veggies and some steak. It was yummy and filling.
Fast forward to this morning, I wake up and the first thing I do is try to go on the internet: Facebook,e-mails and read current events. While I'm reading, I realize I'm running late! I leave home hungry and say to myself, "I will stop and get a bagel!" As I drive away from my house, I realized "Oh no, I must pay the water bill!" Yes, it's tardy, meant to drop it off earlier this week, but failed to do that, so off I go to the Water Company. I drop the envelope in the night drop box and realize, "Darn it, I don't have time to stop and get a bagel!" #$%^&!!!!
As I sit at my desk, I realize that I have a guy downstairs who sells bagels, fruit and makes coffees. I take out my wallet, open it and realize NO CASH! But, there is a cash machine downstairs. I take my wallet and off I go. I get to the ATM and it says, "TEMPORARILY OUT!" #$%^&!!!!
I go back upstairs, sit at my desk and STILL VERY HUNGRY!!! I guess I will stay hungry until lunch time!!!

THE END!

Or so I thought.... my boss walks by my desk and notices the pathetic look on my face. She asked, "What is wrong?" I gave her my sad story of my quest for a bagel. She said, "Silly, I have two dollars. Now, you can go downstairs and get yourself the bagel!" I was beyond excited. I given went down via the stairs. I get there and asked Mr. Bagel Guy, "what kinds of bagels do you have?" He replies, "I'm sorry, I ran out of bagels." WHAT, WHAT!!! He says, "it's weird, normally, I don't run out, but today I did." #$%^!!!

SIGH, I go back inside the building and take the elevator back to my floor. As I walk back to my desk, I heard my stomach growling. I just give it a pad.

I tell my story to my friend Turtle Chairez. She says to me, "Today is not your day for a bagel! Maybe it was a blessing in disguise (the Bagels were old). And you know the moral of story is PAY YOUR WATER BILL ON TIME." You know, I agreed with that.

Now, it is truly THE END!!!

Today's Act of Kindness

2009-09-01T18:52:00.000-07:00

I haven't been feeling so good for about a month due to a sinus/ear infection. It's to the point that I'm actually feeling blue about it.

This morning my boss left bagels for everyone in the office. Around 9:30 a.m., I decided to get myself one (I was hungry). When I got there, one of my coworkers was there cleaning, so I helped her. She was telling me that her hubby always use to say to her that she's a bit of a clean freak. Well, as she continues to talks, I learn that her husband of twenty years passed away a year ago. Just like that, she was a widow with two high school aged children. Her son is about to started his first year at UC Riverside this month. She continued to talk and I continued to listen.
She went on to tell me that before she married her husband, he told her that he had renal disease and that he just had his first kidney transplant. If she wanted to break up with him, he would understand. She didn't breakup with him and that first kidney lasted 10 years. Then he got another transplant that lasted 7 years. But, the final crisis, he didn't survive. She feels guilty that she didn't call 911 as soon as he was having his crisis. She asked him if he wanted her to call 911, an ambulance or his doctor, he said no, not yet. The next morning around 2:30 a.m., the choice was taken from him, she called for an ambulance. A few days later, he passed away from renal failure.

She continued telling her story with tears rolling down her face. She said to me, if only she had called sooner, he would have been alive today. By this point, I'm crying with her. As I'm listening, I realized she needed to talk and I needed to listen. I told her if it happened that fast, then there was nothing to be done and it wouldn't have matter 24 hours earlier. She told me that the hospital told her that as well.

She then went on to say that she moved in her sick mother, because no other member in her family wanted to care for her. My coworker's children are helping take care of her as well.

I told her that she has gone through so much. She hasn't had a chance to grieve for her husband. She needs to give herself that time.

We never get over a love ones' death. We just accept that the person is gone and are thankful for the time we had with them. This is how I got over my beloved cousin, Diana, passing away. We gave each other a hug and went back to work.

As I sat at my desk, I decided to send her an e-mail. I said to her that in her grief, she lifted my spirits. I have been so sick that my moods have been gloomy. I said to her that she reminded me that life is bigger than illness. I am taking meds, eating right and taking care of myself. In time, I will heal and feel better.

She Thanked me for listening and that I was a blessing today for her.

Later that afternoon, a friend of mine gave me a fortune cookie, I opened my fortune and it read, "If given a penny for every kind act you'd be a millionaire." I smiled and Thank God that I was there for my coworker, who in her own way was there for me.

Music and Moods

2009-07-18T07:38:00.000-07:00

I'm a huge music fan. I listen to just about anything. WHY???

Music can make me HAPPY!
Music can make me Sad!
Music can make me Think!
Music can make me Dance!
Music can make me Write!
Music can make me Cry!
Music can make me Sing!
Music can make me Move!

Music inspires me to do my best. Thank goodness for Music-what would we do without it.
Life is a party, enjoy it, live it, love it!

Best Wishes from ONE, BIG HUGE Music Fan!!!

Hey, I'm Being ME!

2009-05-25T18:23:00.000-07:00

Lately I have been feeling guilty for just being me. Isn't that silly? I mean usually I can take it but lately every little comment is bothering me. I think it stems from my feeling the blahs. Let me tell you about me:

*I live in Los Angeles, California- to me, it's the best city. I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I proud of this fact. Besides, it's warm and sunny most of the time.

*I love sports-I,especially, love my Steelers, I love the Lakers, I love U.C.L.A. basketball , I love U.S.C. /U.C.L.A. football, in fact, I love all L.A. based teams and I will, also, cheers for All California Teams (unless they are playing against my L.A. teams). What can I say, as Randy Newman says, "I love L.A.!" I love Michael Jordan-I can still watch an old video of him playing and I still get chills. I love Secretariat, the race horse, such a beautfiul horse who just crush everyone around him.

*I love to read-I read anything and everything I can. "You never know where the big ideas may come from."Tess McGill-Working Girl.

*I'm a loyal friend till the end, just ask my best friend of 21 years.

*Oh, I talk a lot. That's because I have a lot to say. And, most importantly, I listen. And I want to engage in conversations. I love getting to know people. After all, we are in this world together.

*I am a student of health and fitness. I can talk about health all day long. I find the inside and function of the human body fascinating.

*I love to learn new things. I'm self taught at a lot of things. If I ask a question and I don't get the answer, no sweat- I will find the answer somehow.

*I love make-up, clothes and shoes. I love wearing skirts-hello, floral, pleated, a-line! I get excited over the new shades of lipgloss every season. I love great bags with matching wallets, of course. I love shoes-don't mind spending money, because I always get my wear out of them. And if I like a trendy shoe, I go to payless or target to buy a knock off.

*I love music. I love all kinds of music; from classical to rap (old school rap that is) to techno. Music makes me happy, makes me dance. How can anyone be in a bad mood after listening to good music!

*And most importantly, I'm excited if you are excited. Seriously, that's the truth.

And that in a nut shell is who I am, I'm just being ME! Life is just too short. I've come a long way-I had a choice to either be miserable or to be happy. I think I made the right decision. As Baruch Spinoza says, "What everyone wants from life is continuous and genuine happiness." So no more will I be bothered by people's comments, why??? Because I'm Rosy!

Feeling Blah!

2009-04-16T18:58:00.000-07:00

I named this blog, The Adventures of Rosyblue, but my life has been lacking material. Not to say, I haven't been having fun, it's just lacking something. I'm just feeling blah!

I'm forgetting birthdays, events, and sometimes conversations. It's like my mental me is taking a break, forgot to tell me and let me go on with life. I guess I had to discovered it myself. I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed at the moment. My outlet used to be complaining all the time to friends and family, poor people or as my jersey friend says, "poor bastards." Oh, the other outlet was eating. Yes, I have issues with food (but that's another blog post).

Solution to conquer the blahs? I'm working on it. I'm trying to eat one raw food meal a day. I'm already feeling difference. I'm trying to do more meditating. I do feel a bit more relaxed. I'm trying to just dance to feel better. It's helping. Well, I'm always dancing, guess it's been my saving grace. I'm logging all the little changes I'm doing and will write about it soon. I'm just excited to be working on The Adventures of Rosyblue. I love saying that, I know it's silly, but it makes me laugh. Afterall, "thou shall not whine", but live.

Cheers!!!

2009-04-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I have updated my blog. My goal is to do better in the month of April!

Craig Sutton, a cool Twitter friend, asked me if he could interview me. At first, I thought to myself, I'm not interesting and who would read it? But, after speaking with some friends agreed to the interview. And let me tell you it was a lot of fun.
So now, I decided to share it, here is the link:
http://thebitboss.com/craigsutton/getting-to-know-rosy-villa

I would like to Thank, Craig Sutton, for giving me this cool opportunity to express myself.

And remember "always be a first rate version of yourself, instead of a second rate version of somebody else. " by Judy Garland.

Remembering To Pick Yourself Up... Again!

2009-03-19T17:36:00.000-07:00

Why is it when a Hollywood actor dies the world stops? Is it because the person was young and you could see him/her flourish as an actor? Is it because the person had children, who will never get to know his/her parent? Is it because it forces us to see on our morality and think what if? I think it's the later. As someone once said, "Make the most of the time that you are given." We, Americans, rush through life and don't stop to smell the roses, all we smell is the dog crap. We tend to focus on the bad, instead of the good. We tend to say the glass is half empty, not half full. We make excuses for not doing what needs to be done. Change is painful, but necessary, in order, to strive and grow as a person. Remember when we were kids playing in the yard, well, when we would fall, we would just pick ourselves up and keep going. Somehow, we lose that as we get older! So when you think life is bleak, take yourself to a place in your childhood when you were knocked down and see yourself how quickly you picked yourself up!

And remember, as Henry Ward Beecher once said, "The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't." Amen! (I love this quote and here is some interesting information about, Henry Ward Beecher. He was a preacher in the mid to late 19th Century. He became famous because in 1875, he was accused of having an affair with a married woman. It was one of the most famous American trials of the Nineteenth century.)

Misery Does Love Company, When You Allow It!

2009-02-10T10:17:00.000-08:00

Spiritual teacher,Marianne Williamson, said, "Have you ever noticed that when you have a positive attitude, those around you are more likely to as well? Have you noticed that when your attitude is negative, it gets a negative response from others? You are not alone in experiencing the effects of your seeing. Those around you will reflect back to you what you have chosen to see." When I read this, I re-read it. I read it a third time and realized simply, this is so true!!! I worked in a miserable job for far too many years and justified my reasons not to change as every thing for a reason. Meanwhile, I was a pain in the butt to be around and I couldn't look at myself in the mirror anymore. I was so negative and I was getting it back. Oh I had people in my life who were positive ,as well. But, the negative did take over the positive. When it got to be too much, I realized that I had let this job control me. I asked for help. I asked God, what should I do. One Sunday morning, I woke up and realized I knew what I had to do. I made the decision to leave my job. It was one of the most important decisions of my life, because I simply chose to live again. I chose to laugh, sing, cry, dance, and live in the moment once again. I chose to be a better person to family and friends and most importantly to myself. I chose to step away from the toxic existence that was this job. I said no more, no more. Life is too short for that. I'm a much happier person and the future doesn't seem as bleak. And that is the point, when you are so miserable and unhappy, you don't the see the possibilities of the future. You only see despair. So, the lesson learned for today is, we must remove ourselves from situations that restrict who we truly are. We will be happier and more productive people in society. And, remember, for those of you that have children, children don't repeat what you say, children repeat what you do in life.
As Marianne Williamson said, "something amazing happens when we surrender and just love. We melt into another world, a realm of power already within us. The world changes when we change. The world softens when we soften. The world loves us when we choose to love the world." And, remember, life gives back, what you give out.

25 Random Things About Me!!! (OMG!!!)

2009-01-31T22:10:00.000-08:00

I was tagged by several friends at Facebook to reveal random things about myself. So, I decided to, also, include them here:

1. I'm the oldest of 7 (2 sisters and 4 brothers - yes, parents got a divorce/dad remarried).

2. I'm the oldest grandchild on my father's side of the family (there are over 40 grandchildren at last count - Grandparents were busy and had 12 kids)

3. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. (See I'm a L.A. Woman)

4. I have never been married or been in a long term relationship. (I don't feel bad about it, but hoping someday)

5. I am the CRAZY Aunt. (I dance, play and joke around)

6. I am a Fat Loss Survivor. (It means what you think, I have lost weight)

7. My Best Friend is a BOY. (When we met, I was 18 years old and he was 19 years old)

8. I love to read romance novels - you know Harlequin Romance. (I was 12 when I read my first one)

9. I always wanted to experience being a blonde so I dyed my hair. (A very painful mistake)

10. My maternal grandmother is rumored to have been Jewish. (She was raised Catholic)

11. I speak Spanish. But sometimes if you ask me to translate, I can't do it. (Weird huh)

12. The only country I have traveled outside of the United States is Mexico. (Will be changing that soon)

13. I love dipping wonder bread in cherry flavored kool aid. (I haven't done it in years)

14. I google everything that I don't know. (Knowledge is Power - not kidding)

15. I trip and fall down all the time. (I'm very clumsy)

16. When I'm super busy and thoughts are running through my head, I actually talk out loud to myself. (It keeps me focused)

17. I pretty much like any food. (not kidding)

18. I have a hard time finding hats to wear. (I have a biggo head)

19. I can't draw. ( I cried as a child, wishing to be the next Picasso)

20. I have had one fight. (I punched a boy in the eye, in the fifth grade)

21. I take 3 hour naps. (Smart people take naps- not kidding)

22. I can't parallel park or reverse that well. (I have been known to jump of the car and have my passenger park the car)

23. I'm addicted to magazines. (Seriously, I can't throw them away, can't tear pages out,... yes, I have issues)

24. When I am at a decent weight, people say I look like Elizabeth Shue. When I am overweight, people say I look like Monica Lewinsky. (People please)

25. And, finally, I have never seen a true snow fall, let alone snow storm or driven in snow. (Weird huh)

Remembering to Appreciate Life

2009-01-14T21:23:00.000-08:00

When I think life is hard, I think about this remarkable woman. Her name, Irma Lepe, otherwise know as Tia Irma.
And conversations with Tia Irma, also, reminds me of reading a history textbook in high school, her head full of knowledge. I always wish Col. Reynolds (my own personal war hero) and Tia Irma would met, I'm sure that they would talk for days about history.
Tia Irma had many tragedies and triumphs in her life.
Here are a few:
Tia Irma lost both her mother and sister in a car accident in her early 20's, she was the only survivor.
Tia Irma was a teacher and a school administrator in her mid 20's. In fact, she became a true professional in her field of education before she got married and in Mexico that is huge.
Tia Irma had emergency, life saving surgery in her late 20's.
And most important to her, she became a wife to Javier Lepe (Tio Javier) in her early 30's (that was old in Mexican standards). She and Tio Javier were married for nearly 30 years. Tio Javier passed away in 2002.

Tia Irma and Tio Javier never had children, however they did see the world. Ask her about her travels, she had plenty of stories to tell. In fact, I asked if saw Vladimir Lenin's embalmed body while she was in Russia, she did. I thought, wow, how lucky to see that. I believe the only countries that Tia Irma and Tio Javier didn't travel to were Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji.

When I decided to accompany my good friend, Diane, to Vera Cruz, Mexico. I had no idea what a lovely, delightful woman she would be. She was generous with her time and home. Tia Irma showed us the beauty and the rich history that is Mexico, information that you don't hear about or see on T.V. She was the ultimate tour guide. She's the only person I know that had visited every single state in Mexico. She's one person that is up to do anything and she's in her 60's. She's a free spirit and so funny! In Tia Irma's little, red car, Diane, Tia Irma and myself were off to sight see. I especially loved Vera Cruz's oldest coffee house (El Grand Café de la Parroquia). It was the best!!! Rain or shine, we all were in the coffee house every single night, drinking our "lechero" (their version of a latte, but better)!

I'm so blessed to have known this remarkable woman. Tia Irma lost her battle with cancer on November 13th, 2007 in Vera Cruz, Mexico. She passed away quietly in her beloved house, the one she once shared with the love of her life (Tio Javier).

Tia Irma had many tragedies in her life, but that didn't stop her from living life to the fullest. Tia Irma appreciated everything she had, this included her relationships with friends and family. She's an example of what life gives you when you give to life. Tia Irma enriched my life in many ways for this I THANK HER!!!

And remember, "It's about living life with integrity, being honest with people that come across "your" path. Ask "yourself" these hard questions at the end of every day, 'Did you live life with integrity today? Did you move closer to your dreams and goals? Did you say 'I love you' to the ones you love? Did you smile a lot, did you laugh a lot? Did you meet someone new along the way? If the answer is yes, then that's a good day. And that's what I believe life is all about."
— 1985 hijacking victim Jackie Pflug

I hope her story inspires you to remember to appreciate life.

Happy New Year - It's Time For Change!

2009-01-01T13:28:00.000-08:00

Oprah says, "Cheers to a new year and another chance for us to get it right.” The thing is we should be changing. We should always be moving forward. We should never be the same person year after year. Change is awesome. I was once so afraid of change that my world literally stopped. I never achieved my goals, because I was afraid to fail. I soon realized that true failure is NOT trying at all. By embracing change, I have developed a sense of ownership to my life. This year I'm super determined to continue to work on myself.

I have goals that I need to work on (I will share my goals at a later post). It's all about personal achievement and satisfaction. At the end of the day, I'm the only person I need to answer to.

Happy New Year, let's rock 2009!

Living With Accountability

2008-12-14T21:13:00.000-08:00

We all need to take responsibility for what we do and what we say. I thought about this while watching a show about real estate earlier this week. A couple were looking into buying their first home. The husband says, "Not only do I have recent bankruptcy, but I'm in debt as well. But, this is what I can afford." And the real estate agent shows them a fix-er-upper, now only does the couple need to come up with the payment, but now they need money to fix up the place. Does that make any kind of sense??? The guy is in debt. But, it represents alot of people in America, buying when they can't afford it. Heck, I was guilty of it myself once. But, I took responsibility and said, "why was I putting myself through this every single month, I deserved better." It's all about taking accountability for the decisions that are made every single day. I think if all of us take responsibility for our decisions and actions we would be a much better world.

And, remember LIFE is still good and each of us can make it better!!! As former President Woodrow Wilson said, "We are not here merely to make a living. We are here to enrich the world."

It's Friendship

2008-12-04T12:59:00.000-08:00

Friendship is the topic of the day. This week I have been thinking about friends that have come and gone in my life. And some of my friends have also thought about their own friendships. Friends come and go, but these individuals do leave a mark on you. You have friends at work, the gym, and even some e-mail friends. All friends serve a purpose in our lives. There a quote I read earlier this week but I don't remember who said it, it goes something like this, "sometimes you pick your friends, sometimes they pick you." It's so true. All friends teach us something about ourselves, whether is good or bad. All friends help us grow in one way or another. And sometimes, friends just drift apart or are no longer around for whatever reason. It happens and it's just fine. Remembering the good parts of a friendship is important. I had two great friends that are no longer part of my life. But, when I think about them today, it's with great joy and laughter. I decided this week that I don't think I would go back in time to change any part of myself, except when it comes to school and weight of course. I couldn't go back, because then I run the risk of not meeting many of my friends. I treasure all my friendships even the ones that are no longer around. Because as John Lennon said, "I get by with a little help from friends."

Cups and Spoons (my trick to losing extra weight)

2008-12-01T20:51:00.000-08:00

This past week, we, in America, celebrated Thanksgiving. We traditionally get Thanksgiving and the day after Thanksgiving off, which means most of us get a four day weekend. Thanksgiving marks the start of holiday eating, in other words, overeating. Not only do we eat; Turkey, stuffing (dressing), mashed potatoes, veggies in a butter bath, yams loaded with brown sugar and marshmallows and yummy rolls, we eat it all. Some of us eat tamales, mac and cheese, green bean casserole and ham, just to name few dishes. Oh and let's not forget desserts; pumpkin pies, sweet potato pies, apple pies, german chocolate cake and pecan pie, again just to name a few desserts. We just load up on the calories. It would fine if we all just ate one huge meal on Thanksgiving, but typically we make so much food that we eat the same meal for the four days. YIKES! WOW! I'm mean great food, but not so great on our bodies and minds. All this overeating makes us want to do nothing but sit in front of the T.V. and naps. I have always said, have a party, have your guests bring plastic containers/bags. Let's share the worth that is called leftovers. If you are one of those we continued to celebrate Thanksgiving throughout the four day weekend, I have a simple solution for you.
First of all, don't call yourself names like; I'm a loser, I'm a failure, I'm a fatso and/or I'm a moron, again just to name few. There is no point to it, believe me, I know. Just chalk up the last four days as, "I screwed up and, now, I need to get back on track." Second, get your measuring cups and spoons out (don't have any, go buy some). Now, this is not a proven scientific method, I use it to lose some pounds:

Breakfast:
1 whole egg, 1 egg white with 2 cups of veggies of your choice.
1 piece of whole grain toast.
or
1 cup of oatmeal with fruit
with non-fat/1% or soy milk (use proper serving, use your measure cups)
or
any whole grain cereal (use proper serving, use your measure cups)
drink with non-fat/1% or soy milk (again use the proper serving)

Lunch and Dinner:
1 cup - start filling the cup with your protein (chicken, lean beef, lean pork, whatever you want)- remember protein (meat) isn't brown sugar, no packing please.
1/2 cup - start filling the cup with a starch carb (sweet potato or brown rice)
2 cups -start filling the cup with any kind of veggies you want, if you want more, load up.
If you want a salad (load it up with greens, tomatoes, red onion, any veggie you want).
Dressing (either use lemon/lime juice or take your measure spoons and measure 1 tablespoon of dressing.)

snacks:
non-fat/1% cottage cheese, an medium apple or orange, a serving of nuts (almonds or walnuts).

Third, drink plenty of water. And, finally, increase your workouts by 15-20 minutes. Within a few days, you will see a difference.
I got the idea about using measuring cups and spoons, when my youngest sister was first diagnosed with Diabetes Type 1 (she was 10, I was 12 years old). I read all her materials and pay attention when the doctor spoke with my parents. It just makes sense.

Again, I'm sharing what I do with those who read this post. I'm not a nutritionist, a nurse or a doctor, just someone who has used this method for years.

Letting Go of the Past!

2008-11-23T17:26:00.001-08:00

I learned a lesson this weekend. I realized that I never, really, truly knew the meaning of letting go the past to move into the future. I was hanging on to a bit of my past that was just unhealthy. The thing is, I didn't even realize it until something happened late, last week. But, once I did, it took me 7 hours and 32 minutes to let that part of my past go. It wasn't easy, but I had to do it . I kept repeating to myself, LIFE IS SO SHORT, WHY CARRY THIS AROUND! My intention is not to preach, but let me tell you I felt a huge weight lift off my back (too bad it wasn't weight). I, also, realized that I wasn't paying enough attention to what was happening to me. I remember reading somewhere to take five minutes everynight to reflect on the days events. It's the best way to figure out what you did that day and how it impacts where you want to go. I started doing that and it has opened my eyes. Again, nothing is rocket science, when you know what you want out of life!!! All this reflection reminds me of a quote from President Kennedy that I read years ago, "Change is the law of life. And those who look only to the past or present are certain to miss the future." Why hold on to something that can't be change? There is no point to it. Live life, for we only get one to make the most of it.

Living Your Dreams

2008-11-11T07:47:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, I had the Monday Blues. You know feeling sorry for myself, feeling like crap, feeling hopeless about my future. Then, late, last night, I read an article about living your dreams. The article was titled "Live Your Dream, Start Over." Have you ever thought about your dreams??? Do you feel like that ship has sailed??? I used to and sometimes I do have moments of doubt (like yesterday). But, I believe anything is possible as long as you know what you want. I truly believe this mantra. If your goal is to read more, then do it. If your goal is to finish school, then do it. If your goal is to travel, then do it. Whatever your goals are, it is possible to make them happen, if you believe in yourself. I believe as long as you have the ability to change, you have the ability to make anything happen. Even if you don't achieve your goal, you might discover something new. Life is great in that sense. One of my goals is to stop complaining. It's getting better, but sometimes it still gets the best of me. But, I haven't given up. What's the point in complaining!!! At the end of the day, I'm the one that is in misery, obsessing over something I couldn't really change. The only thing that I can control is what I think. And what I think is, it's time to reach for the stars. Take baby steps to do something that you have always wanted to do for yourself. Because taking the time for yourself, will make you a better you!!!

So when I hopped out of bed this morning, I was feeling pretty good. I still feel alittle lost, but with renewed energy to start moving forward again. And I remembered my mantra, "anything is possible as long you know what you want." And I remembered one of my favorite quotes by Henry Ford, "Life is a series of experiences, each of which makes us bigger, even though it is hard to realize this. For the world was built to develop character, and we must learn that the setbacks and grieves which we endure help us in our marching onward."

So, join me, NO MORE LIVING LIFE, I COULD HAVE DONE THIS OR THAT!!! Make your list today and start taking steps to a better you!

Proposition 8 and Barrack Obama

2008-11-05T19:15:00.000-08:00

California has always been known for it's progressive views, it's liberal views. Yet, on the same night that the United States elected it's first black president, California passed a proposition that would ban same sex marriages (Proposition 8). We overwhelmingly voted for better conditions for our animals (Proposition 2), yet the yes vote won to ban same sex marriage. I don't understand, especially since over 61% voted for Barrack Obama in California. That begs the question, how many voters voted for Barrack Obama but voted yes on Proposition 8? It's seems so hypocritical to me. How can you say you want change, when you don't support civil rights for all???

In 2000, voters voted not to recognize same sex marriages (Proposition 22). Opponents for this proposition took it to the California Supreme Court and on May 15, 2008, ruled that Proposition 22 violated the States' Constitution. That was awesome, same sex couples were able to marry once again. Then, I heard about Proposition 8, I thought here we go again. We take one step forward and two steps back.

America, California, when are we going to get it right?

What A Smile Can Get You!

2008-11-01T07:34:00.000-07:00

An interesting encounter happened to me earlier this week at the grocery store that reminded me about a show I heard on XM radio about a week ago. The subject of the show: smiling. The host was wondering why people just don't smile anymore. Is it because of too much stress or unhappiness? The host went on to say that she tries smiling even when she is angry, miserable, upset, unhappy and/or depressed. And it makes a world of difference in her outlook for the day.

So, of course, I tried it. I sometimes get comments like; "you look mean, you look sad, you look angry or you look depressed." You can imagine my reaction, if I could boot people, I would. But, I'm in a different place now, so I'm trying the smiling thing. Let me tell you, it works. I wasn't a smiling fool by any means, that's just not me. But, if someone looks at me, I smile and in some cases, I say, "Hello." People's reactions are awesome. A couple of them did ignore me, but it didn't change my outlook for the day.

Now, let me share the "encounter" I wrote about earlier that happened at the grocery story. Here is what smiling can, also, get you. A guy was shopping and his cart was blocking the aisle. As I was going around the guy, I smiled at him and said, "excuse me." You know what his replied was, "oh, oh, I'm sorry I'm married." I replied back, "What? Ok, good for you." As I rolled my cart to the end of the aisle, I realized what he said. I turned around, looked at the guy and started laughing. The guy turned beet red, speed up and rounded the corner.

Try smiling today and see what happens to you!

A Reality Show Motivates Me, WHAT!!!

2008-10-30T19:57:00.000-07:00

If there is a reality show that I look forward to every year, it's the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders: Making the Team on CMT (Country Music Television). It's cheesy but oh so addicting. Week after week, I find myself tuning in to see who can't master the dance routines, the "famous" Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders kick line and who still hasn't lost the weight. YES, throughout the show, the viewer becomes aware that the "uniform" is unforgiving. I soon began to realize that watching this show I'm motivated to move my butt. Why? Because, these women work their butts off to look fabulous.

1.The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders stress physical fitness for endurance (on game day, it's non stop dancing for 4-5 hours). Under the direction of Jay Johnson (Boot Camp Fitness), the basics and importance of proper nutrition and fitness are taught. The ladies met 6 days a week (begin with a 2 mile run, stretching for 1/2 hour, then practice for several hours.) Some of the Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders even blog about what they eat on a typical day, one example is: whole grain cereal with non-fat milk for breakfast, a chicken breast sandwich with a fruit cup and water for lunch and fish with veggies for dinner.

2.The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders, also, stress on appearance. These ladies have an image to uphold and represent the Dallas Cowboys Organization, so dressing for success is key.

This show has reminded me that it does take work to look good inside and out. I have watched this show for three years, I have seen the transformations of some of these women and work they do. The lesson here is simple, you want to look and feel fabulous, you need to work at it.

It's Official- I'm blogging

2008-10-27T20:17:00.000-07:00

So, I have a blog now! You are reading my first official blog post (WARNING: it will be short). Excited, you bet. I have wanted to have my own blog for over a year and just didn't have the courage. Well, I decided that today was the day that I was going to begin to write. I'm passionate about health and fitness. And to be quite honest, I'm passionate about a variety of things. And sometimes I rant, boy do I rant.

In the coming days, I will write about my adventures as only I see it.

Thanks for taking time to read my first blog post.