There Are Two Roads to Walk Down and One Road to Choose

August 4th, 2013

If you are waiting on- whatever it is you are waiting on- to take a leap of faith, here are 50 Awesome Quotes That Will Inspire You To Take That Risk.

I love reading quotes...it's kind of a thing. I can read them for hours, like a book. I believe you learn something from/about another person just by reading a single sentence that makes perfect sense. Enjoy...

It's Times Like These

August 2nd, 2013

Well... it's been a while since I have written anything on here. I know I tend to abandon this once in a while, but life just got really busy and crazy all of a sudden. A lot has happened in the past two months, so I think it's time I share the details.

Moving from one state to another is quite complicated. There's a lot of planning involved (and we all know how much I loathe that). From movers, to renting a house from far away, to getting to say my "see you laters" to all of our loved ones, was a hard process. What I can say- now that all this has passed- is that we were blessed that no major disasters befell us. Our move went smoothly and we made it all the way to TN safely. Every time I meditate, this thought crosses my mind: we are blessed. But I won't lie, it hasn't been all that easy.

Living in a new place where you don't know anything or anyone can be really hard. I do think, however, that it can be somewhat freeing. Being in a new place, you get to explore yourself on a deeper level, and re-connect with who you are and what you want. Some of the best times I've had are times when I am doing absolutely nothing. Even thought I am still working for my previous employer, I constantly find myslef thinking about this, so I will enjoy it for the time being. Funny thing is- time flies.

Fast forward two months and it is already August. I usually hate this month for various reasons, but this year I decided to just let it go and let it be. This month will be amazing! I believe whatever is meant to happen, will happen. I think positive, therefore I attract positive. This month I am letting go of my fears of being in a new place and letting life unfold as it should.

Until Then...

I Belong To Me

May 2nd, 2013

It's finally May!  The month I have been waiting for.  The month we will finally move to a new home, in a new town.  Good news- we found a house!  A cute three bedroom, two bath, private fenced in yard, patio, fireplace, etc.  Needless to say- I can't wait for Fall/Winter.  Now all I need is a fur!  But as the day gets closer and closer, this message is now as true as ever-  it is only when you find yourself making the biggest life decisions that you realize just how important your relationship with yourself is.  I am just blessed that I have someone who also loves me as is, whom I am about to embark on this journey with.

'Cause You're There For Me Too

April 19th, 2013

"Pay no mind to those who speak of you as if they know you.  Truth is, only a handful of people actually know who you are, and one of them is you..."

A couple of years ago, I went through a really hard time in my life.  A time I lost everything: a relationship, a job, a friend, sold a lot of my belongings, and almost lost my apartment.  As a result, I decided to get a tattoo.  Something I can have forever, something that is mine.  Something that is secret, something I keep hidden. But also something that serves as a daily reminder that we are NO ONE to judge anyone.  That we are all human and make mistakes.  That we've all done things we wish we hadn't.  That we are all in this fight together.  That we are all going through the same things, in different ways.

As I look at it today, I feel grateful.  Grateful that I am surrounded by beautiful people who are honest, cheerful, positive human beings, who have taken the time to actually get to know me, and not judge me for who I am not.  Who love the me I love, the same way that I love them.  Now that I am close to leaving this place, these people are the ones who I will miss the most.  In a world where most people don't invest time in getting to know you personally, where people think that- just because someone says something about you, or someone else has an opinion about you, they should forge the same opinion.  These are the people I treasure.  They are like little miracles.   Not the people who speak of me as if they know me, their opinions are irrelevant.  They are based on nothing and, therefore, carry no weight.

But remember, every book has a cover, even yours...How you see others, is a reflection of how you see yourself.  So get to know your book, before you start reading someone else’s.  Because it all starts with you.

Until Then...

I Just Ride

April 19th, 2013

Today is Friday.  Possibly my favorite day of the week- and very importantly- the day I put my resignation at work.  Yes, you read right, resignation.  A letter I wrote this past weekend and have been carrying around my bag for about 4 days waiting until today.  If I tell you why it took me a couple of days to hand it in, you might think I'm crazy, but being that you already think that, I'll humor you and tell you why: 9 is my favorite number, and today is the 19th.  (Ok, go ahead and laugh. I'm already laughing.)

As you may know (or not know), I am in the process of relocating to Nashville, TN with my significant other.  We have both lived in FL for a couple of years now and have personally grown tired of it.  I can understand the basic appeal of people wanting to come down here to vacation: it's always sunny, there're amazing restaurants, AND we are surrounded by- not so amazing- beaches.  (I come from a tropical island.)  But for someone who actually lives here, the appeal goes quickly.  As I get older I realize more and more that this is not the place I would want to raise my kids (when and if I have any) or plant roots, and making this decision has been one of the hardest things I've had to do. Reason why? Because this would be the first time that I am moving- not only for myself- but for someone else, and THAT is scary.

Throughout my life, I have been to too many places, and lived in many places.  My parent moved us around a lot (I believe I have mentioned their "gypsy" tendencies before) and I never seemed to mind it.  When it came time for me to move to Orlando, I literally bought a plane ticket out of nowhere and left two weeks later with $160 in my bank account.  I was fearless.  This time around, not so much.  So I wonder- what happened to me?!  Becoming an adult, that's what happened!

This time around things have been different.  This time around, I actually planned. (Well, I just saved money. I think that counts as planning?)  We actually started toying with the idea April of last year.  Back then, it was just an idea.  We were in between two places: Nashville, TN and Los Angeles, CA, and even did a trip to Nashville, TN (With The Radio On).  (I had gone to L.A. earlier that year- Baby Let's Drive Away To Malibu.)  When the time came to narrow it down, it was a really tough decision, but when you consider all the pieces, Nashville was a no-brainer.

So here I am now, trying to go back to that mentality I had when I was 22 and fearless.  Trying to remember how it felt to not have that many responsibilities and make rash decisions about my life.  For some reason when things are not planned, they tend to turn out better for me; therefore, the only thing we know for sure is that- we are moving to Nashville and that we saved enough money for it- everything else is unknown...and I kind of like that.

Until Then...

But It's A New Day, Don't You Know?

March 22nd, 2013

I just recently read "30 Things Every Woman Should Have and Should Know by the Time She's 30" by Pamela Remond Satran & the Editors of Glamour magazine. I just so happened to stumble upon it while browsing for books at Barnes & Noble. And like every single trip to the book store, you never leave with just one.

The book is simply fabulous. It's based on a column that Glamour magazine did back in the 1990's, and the list became somewhat of a cult classic and a guide for all women. Being that I was about to turn 29, the book caught my eye, and so I read it from cover to cover in one rainy, scotch drinking night. (I only had two...No Judging!) After I read it, I quickly realized that I was right on track to enter the fabulous 30's.

Today as I was browsing one of my favorite sites's, I found this list and absolutely agree with it 100%...and so I thought I should share the wealth. Here is the full list:

Source: MSN

1. That when he doesn't call back, it's not because he didn't get the message.
2. That there's a difference between love and lust.
3. That sometimes sleeping in (and sleeping alone) is the ultimate luxury.
4. How to strike up a conversation with a handsome stranger.
5. How to get ready to go out in less than 20 minutes.
6. That the dishes can wait. (But not forever.)
7. That time really does move faster as you get older.
8. How to prepare at least one dish that doesn't require a microwave.
9. How to dine out alone—and truly enjoy it.
10. How to change your oil. (Or just the fact that your oil needs changing.)
11. How to live without a credit card.
12. How to ask for a raise.
13. How to respond if you don't get one.
14. How to make the most of your vacation days.
15. How to sign up for a cell-phone plan/pick a data package/buy a car without getting fleeced.
16. What a retirement plan is, and how to make sure you're setting aside enough.
17. Your drink of choice.
18. Your alcohol limit.
19. That sometimes nothing feels as good as being carded.
20. How to tell a couple good, non-dirty jokes. (You never know when you'll need an icebreaker.)
21. That a good friend will forgive you if you forget her birthday.
22. How to put someone else first.
23. How to agree to disagree—and really mean it.
24. That your family baggage is too heavy to keep carrying around.
25. That staying out of the sun really is the best anti-aging advice.
26. That certain fashion trends aren't worth trying… ever. (Harem pants, we're looking at you.)
27. That you're either a person who can wear bangs, or you're not.
28. That making timelines for your life is really generally a waste of time.
29. That changing your mind doesn't mean you're inconsistent: It just means you're smart enough to know that our views and opinions evolve.
30. That someone will always be prettier or younger or smarter or more successful. But no one else will ever be quite the same combination of those things that you are.

There's Caos In This Discord

March 21st, 2013

 

Having my routine coffee this morning, I stumbled upon this wonderful little bit of knowledge that I felt the need to share. I found this fascinating- mostly because it’s true. (Even though 90% of the population might disagree with me.)

I always prided myself on being as independent as I can be. Being your own person and realizing that you belong to yourself, are two of the most freeing thoughts one can live by. So much so, that it can change the entire course of your existence.

As we get older- we move from one thing to the next, one job to the next, one home to the next, one relationship to the next- and we do this without realizing how we grow attached to things, places, and people. We keep riding this wave we call life without any concern of what this could be doing to us. But out of everything that one can become attached to- perhaps the most detrimental- is becoming attached to another person.

Many people- especially women- fancy themselves as “independent”. Thinking that This must be it, He's the one, I will fight for this…It’s kind of a sad thought. (I unfortunately lost myself once.) Eventually it all comes to a halt; a moment that you and your relationship are tested, and to not sacrifice your relationship- in turn- you sacrifice yourself. If you are reading this and this is a tune you know, I am sorry to tell you that it is not going to end well. (And this can apply to any relationship.)

But there is still hope…hope that you will become the independent person you already should be. Someone whose happiness does not- by any means- depend on others. Someone who is complete. Someone who is well aware of who they are, and who they want to be. So don’t think of it as being "unattached" (as there is no such thing in basic human emotion); think of it as someone who looks at everything and everyone around you as a part of you.

Better look around- if you don’t like what you see- change it.

Until Then...

Cha Cha Cha Changes...

January 3rd, 2013

Well well well, if it isn't the New Year... One that I know for sure will be full of changes (at least for me). So I am strapping my big girl pants on and letting go of all things negative. We are looking into moving to another state, so we'll see what happens...

But, in the mean time, I will tell you about my Holidays because they were simply amazing. I took a trip to PA. As always it was filled with lots of food, wine and desserts. Oh, and presents!

I also got to visit Gettysburg for the first time, and I fell in love with the old colonial architecture. Here are a few of my favorites:

Until Then...

Go Shorty...

December 11th, 2012

...It's my Birthday!

Your 20's are your "selfish" years. It's a decade to immerse yourself in every single thing possible. Be selfish with your time, and all aspects of you. Tinker with shit, travel, explore, love a lot, love a little, and never touch the ground... A little wisdom found to be true by this 29 year old woman.


Until Then...

With The Radion On

October 28th, 2012

I just got back from an amazing roadtrip my boyfriend and I took to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Nashville, TN.

The Smoky Mountains were absolutely breathtaking! Kind of a dream come true for me. I got to go hiking, rapelling, zip lining... exploring really. I fell in love with the beautiful autumn colors, the waterfalls, the scenary, and the people.

Nashville is also a site to see. A great city that can only be called "The Biggest Small Town". Reason why I say this is because there's this at-home-feeling as soon as you get there. Everyone kinda knows everyone. Music is EVERYWHERE!!!!!

Here are a few pics for our trip:

Until Then...

Pass You By

August 27th, 2012

I celebrate the one year anniversary of my big move this month. A moment that took me 5 years. Throughout that time I learned that it's ok to fall down, pick yourself up, make a lot of sacrifices, change what you don't like about your life, always be present, never be afraid of what's to come, that I belong to me, and that I'm perfectly content with that. Today, I want to celebrate this moment with those who took part in that chapter of my life, and with all of you who made it to the next one. I am forever grateful...

Until Then...

I'm Forever Yours

June 26th, 2012

Today is my 3 year anniversary! To celebrate, my boyfriend planned a surprise romantic getaway to The Westin Diplomat. It was a complete and total surprise, but it also gave us a chance to have quality time together.

Beer, boyfriend, balcony, beach, dinner, wine, candlelight...Perfection!

Here are a few pictures of our stay:

Room

Lobby

View From Our Room

Until Then...

Leaving On A Jet Plane

May 1st, 2012

I am currently packing my awesome bags to go see one of my soul sisters in Los Angeles, CA. I have never been, so I am looking forward to this new adventure...and also putting an extra pin on my map of places I've been to!

But, I loathe packing! What to choose? Can't they just invent a closet that turns into a suitcase and then travels through space & time and unpacks itself before I even get there?


Until Then...

When We Found That We Could Not Make Sense...

April 18th, 2012

Someone once said, “Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.” THIS could not be truer.

As we get older and we explore the infinite possibilities that life brings us- we grow, learn, and with that, modify things in ourselves. Do I believe that people have to power to change? Yes, but not completely. Who we are at seven is who we will always be. Yes, we can change certain aspects of ourselves (it is the game of life, learning and evolving), but do we really change who we are at our core? No. We are who we are and that’s ok. Differences are only but what makes us unique. They make us who we are. So imagine being surrounded by someone who looks at you as a form of influence. I know I have my fare share of people that I look up to and admire, but little did I know that one day I would become that for someone else.

As you know I am a people watcher. (I should have been a therapist of some sorts.) The more I watch people the more I learn about patterns in human behavior: someone needing attention, insecurities, daddy/mommy issues, relationship problems, differences/similarities, etc. I tend to notice things in people that they don’t see in themselves (or maybe they do see them, but are swimming in the Nile, if you know what I mean). Lately, I have been noticing certain aspects that are characteristic of who I am in other people. It is somewhat flattering, but I also find myself not knowing how to interpret it. (I am trying to write this without trying to sound like an egotistical douche, so bare with me here.) More than flattering, I find it humbling and being humble = being happy.

I am a Sagittarius, which means that I have an inner desire to communicate what I do know with others. I love to read, travel, and absorb as much knowledge as I can. The speed in which I attempt to absorb this knowledge is equally proportionate to the speed in which I want to communicate it to someone else. (Thankfully, I have found a partner who is just like me in that sense, and we are able to talk endlessly about everything we have learned on any given day.) I always thought that people just hear what I say, but never really listen. But lately, I have noticed that people are listening, and more than listening they are learning and evolving. That’s the humbling part: to know that you may be making a difference in someone’s life, however small or stupid it may be. I never forget the things I have learned in the past and whom I have learned them from, so hopefully I will be able to pass that on to someone else and be remembered for it.

Until Then…

All I've Got Is A Photograph...

April 6th, 2012

This week has been a very relaxing/productive one. All of the big projects that I had set to do in the beginning of the year, are finally finished and launching today. I feel relieved I survived the madness that is marketing!

Being that the past two weeks have been insane, I didn't have time last weekend to put up pictures. Here they are! Enjoy:

A little Wine & Cheese and lots of food kind of girl's movie night...

Florida Sunset...

Spring has sprung...

Look at my hiking companion...

Afternoon hike...

Water Lily...

  Canoeing at Loxahatchee National Wildlife Refuge with my friends...

Sun in my skin...

Nature pee break...

Afternoon delight...

Aeris fully blossomed...

When in doubt, go shopping...

Have a fab weekend!

Until Then...

Something In The Air Feels A Little Unkind...

March 23rd, 2012

I think it's safe to say this week has been the Week of Abandonment. I have successfully managed to set aside everything in my life to sit around and feel. Feel something, anything. I've been a bit numb lately and I thought that maybe silence would spark something in me so I can see what is really happening. Yesterday, I managed to figure it out.

Ever since I can remember I go through cycles- moments of blissful happiness and moments of pure numbness. I really wish I knew what sparks this, since it doesn't really happen very often. But when it does, I am left feeling somewhat confused with myself. I call these moments of pure numbness Artistic Bliss. Why? I think it speaks for itself. Art is always fuelled by sadness or numbness or anything that speaks to you. I think it's something every artist craves, doesn't matter what kind of art they may do. Funny thing is that this hasn't happened to me since 2008, so it's been a long time.

Now, don't get me wrong- I am in no way depressed or sad about anything in particular. In fact, I live my life day to day very happy. Everything is in order. But inside I feel disorderly- as if something is out of place. For the most part, this is when I feel more creative than ever. So with this feeling, I will be writing more than usual. It always helps me, and by the end of it I usually have figured out what landed me here in the first place. I think I may have an idea, but I will need to explore it further.

It all started last week, when I found out my best friend was coming to FL for a couple of days. I haven’t seen him since 2010 and he was only going to be here for a limited time on business. I didn’t find out fast enough to be able to take off work. At the end of it, he left and I didn’t even get a change to give him a big hug. I feel so far away from him, and this week, I felt even further. I just wish that we could sit down on the balcony and talk for hours like we used to. Listen to him as he plays the guitar and sings to me. I can’t imagine anything better happening. Just talking and saying everything that we have been wanting to say for all these years that we’ve been apart. Finally getting to have a real conversation with one of my favorite people. We used to talk about everything and knew each other’s moves like the back of our hands. Ever since I moved to FL, we haven’t had a chance to just talk. Share things that we don’t tell anyone. He is that person for me: My secret keeper.

And so my hope is this: that by the end of this year I would have sat down and talked with my best friend about everything and nothing all at once. For me, that will always be enough.

Until Then…

What A Night For A Dance, Yeah You Know I'm A Dancing Machine...

March 11th, 2012

I will start this post by saying that I am old. I mean, right about now I'm feeling like I am maybe, hmmmmmmmmm, 65. I'm pretty sure this is what 65 feels like. Yes! This is it: like crap.

In an effort to socialize and hang out with a lovely friend, I decided to go out last night. I mean, where's the harm in that? I go out, grab a table at this place, eat, have a few drinks, have great conversation and listen to live music. It sounds like my idea of a fun night! Well, you would think that, except we forgot one minor detail: its Spring Break. (*Sigh). Don't get me wrong, it was a lot of fun. But it also made me realize that it's been a long time since 22.

I started the night just like any other night: I got excited, picked an outfit, make up and hair, jewelry and to top it off, a splash of Chanel. I didn't really feel like going out, but being that I just dyed my hair, it made for an excellent excuse (don't you think?). Anywayssss, back to the story (talk in circles)- as we made our way into the place, I noticed there was a bigger crowd than I expected. I immediately turned to ask my boyfriend, What's going on? Which, with a baffled look on his face, he politely answered, Baby it's Spring Break! (*Grunt). In my head, I decided to make the best of it. (My body didn't).

As the night continued, more and more people got there. I was by myself for a good hour, so I ordered a margarita and sat down to people watch (my favorite hobby at bars). My observations? Why yes, here they are:

• Girls seem to have lost their inhibitions in this generation. It's really just missing from their genes.
• People should not fist pump in public.
• Playing air guitar or pretending that you are playing an instrument as you sing along and dance is a major NO NO.
• You should really not follow trends, but wear what looks good on your body. 
• Some people really should not dance in public.
• Some people really should not go out in public.
• Singing a song really loud that you don't know the lyrics to make you look like a dumbass.
• Getting up on stage and dancing next to the band = LAME.
• Resolving situations by yelling, SHOTS!!!
• Hitting on women who are obviously way above you in every aspect of life.

I really hope I didn't look that stupid when I was in college. Truth is, I've always loved music, so I would always be that girl standing in front of the band (who usually were my friends) singing and dancing (properly) with my girlfriends. We never offended anyone, crossed the line or acted like whores. We simply just enjoyed each other's company and at the end of the night, we would always have new stories to share. 

As I look back today on last night's events, it really makes me happy to know that I lived that "college experience" that everyone should really have: I stayed up 'till the Sun came up, smoked, drank, danced, did sleep overs, ate at Denny's at 3 am, got my friends into trouble, picked up guy's numbers and never called them, etc. BUT, as much as I loved that experience, 7 years later I am looking forward to going into my 30's in 2 years. Every woman that I know who's lived through them tell me they are the best years a woman could have. So I'm looking forward to seeing what all the fuzz is about. 

Until Then...

Addicted To Love...

February 5th 2012

I think it’s safe to say that I am currently obsessed with Instagram. YES, I know it’s stupid or whatever, but I love that it’s like Twitter for picture lovers. Being that I had Twitter before anyone I knew did, I quickly became bored of it. Saying a bunch of random things that no one really cared about was not the idea I had in mind when I opened up my account originally. So when my bestie suggested Instagram to me, I fell in love, since pictures have always been a big part of my life.

As a lover of all things artistic: painting, writing, drawing, fashion design, theater, interior design, music, dance, etc - photography has been the one that stands out throughout my life. My mother always had a camera on her while we were growing up. Birthdays, special events, school plays, choir, mini vacations; the camera was always there to capture the moment. When I was 14, my brother got this amazing Canon (which I later inherited) and I will, at one point or another, buy a really professional camera and take some classes (just for fun). I've always loved the idea of enjoying things visually first and then taking a picture. It’s always about the mental picture 1st and, if you have a chance, capturing it to always look back and remember.

This past weekend I got the chance to finally attend a Renaissance Fair. (Many of you are not really familiar with my obsession with this era along with anything medieval and pirates). So I thought it would be mighty nice of me to share some lovely pictures I took with my iPhone Camera using the Instagram app. Enjoy:

And we are here!

Faeries Galore

Serenated

Yay intruders beware...



Where to go? Hmm...

Imagine that...

We can only hope...

I love the vendor. Almost as if he were posing.

Until Then...

If Not Now, When?...

February 9th, 2012

I was in the middle of a project of writing a book and guess what happened...Ok, I know you won't so I will tell you either way: my computer's motherboard died! YES! You herd it correctly, it died. Therefore the project is currently in a halt until further notice. Believe me, no one is more upset about this than mua, however I will look at the situation as my brain telling me I might be due for a writing break.  I was truly attempting to finish it by this month, but it looks like I have many months to go. I will post mor excerpts as they come along. I need to buy a new laptop 1st...


Until Then...