One Eye Rosy

There was an organization change at work. No big deal, it happens, I work for a huge company so I understand. I'm learning all sort of new things. That's awesome, keeps my brain flowing.

Almost two weeks ago, daylight savings time kick in. With the organizational and time change, I am  messed up, can't get it together in the mornings. And the funny thing is, I am a morning person. I worry that I'm not catching on as fast as I should, given my experience.

Well, this week took the cake, took it's toll, I drove in to work later than normal and with one eye done. I forgot to apply makeup to my left eye. I didn't even know it. And this after visiting the ladies room several times in the morning. A coworker did ask if I was ok. I think she must have looked at my face and realized something was off. I took a break and went to my car. Before leaving my car, I check my hair and realized, OMG, no make up on the right eye. I quickly went to my desk and pulled out my purse from the drawer. I opened it, only to realize I forgot my makeup bag at home. I sat there and LAUGHED. Why not, I was One Eye Rosy. Goodness, life always finds a way of telling me, "see slow down, it will be just fine."

As I drove home, I started to laugh. Why not, just another crazy adventure for me. Ha-ha!!!

I Believe In the Good in ME!

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.

The Wild Ride of 2011

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...

Today's Act of Kindness

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.

Hey, I'm Being ME!

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!

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!!!

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.

Misery Does Love Company, When You Allow It!

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!!!)

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

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.

Living With Accountability

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."