Friday, December 11, 2009
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
The blessing in the move
I was watching a show called Hoarders on TV. I felt real pain watching these people who live surrounded by stuff. The things become invisible to them after a while, they don't see the trash or the squalor. I can relate, somewhat.
Ever since I was a child, I was considered the "messy" one. I would never throw anything out. I think it had something to do with being the last of four children. We were a nice middle income family, there was never any lack. Still, we were usually blessed with many things from other family members who had outgrown theirs. My theory is that in my head, I prized those things that were given to me, either because certain things were purchased for me and then I could be the one handing them down; or maybe because subconciously I felt that if I did not keep these things one day the flow would stop and I would be left with nothing.
When I was 21, I married the oldest of three and he is not a collector like me. He always tells me that if I let him, he will get some garbage bags and send everything to the Salvation Army I guess after a while, he got used to living with me, and my stuff. We have been married for 22 years. Some times, we've had too much stuff, clothes pilled up on the floors, entire rooms that we use for storage. I did not feel like a hoarder because I don't hold on to trash, I don't do well with roaches and I kept the house messy and clean. I do not like dust on my books or stains in my clothes. It is one thing to have too many books, it is another to disrespect books. I guess that is the difference between a hoarder and me. I was halfway there, I just quite could not cross that corner into filth.
There is also the fact that we could move through most of the house. In my last house, we could actually eat in the dining room table some times. We could always use the living room and my daughter could have her friends over. The common areas were mostly clutter free. The bedrooms were a completely different story.
Then, one day, I moved to Florida with two suitcases. For the last four months we've survived with plenty of food, two air mattresses, two tables, three lamps, one TV with its stand, a small bookcase, three chairs, three stools and four or five pots and pans. We have some books and magazines, few clothes. My parents are scandalized by my nomadic lifestyle. Why don't you buy any furniture? How can you sleep on the floor? What about your daughter? They cannot even imagine that this has been the biggest blessing in my life. Living with close to nothing has inspired me to let go of many of the things that I still have.
I discovered this last week, when I received a box from home. My husband, who is still in Puerto Rico getting the house ready for whatever, sent me a box. I could not believe how many books and things I managed to pack in a four gallon box (called so because it is the box usually used to ship four plastic gallons of water). That is not a big box,and it had over 40 books. That was the day I decided to start READING all the books I collected. For every ten books I own, I am either tossing, selling or donating nine. This new rule applies to all the regular books, the art books are not included on that deal. The way I see it, I own about 1,000 books, so when I am done, I should have 100. The fact that I am actually reading the books is a marvel in and of itself. I was so overwhelmed before I would read a couple of chapters and give up. This is improvement, and it will continue.
I also became a member of my local library. Their selection is fantastic and I hope to add to it very soon. Yes, it might take me a long time to read them all. I might find after the first couple of chapters, that I don't want to read some. The important thing is that every time I grab one, I finish it and set it up on one of three piles: donate, sell, keep. The ones that are getting tossed out don't need to go on a pile. I will keep a spreadsheet of the books and how I do, so that I find out if my projections are correct and if I am keeping my promisses. I will keep you posted. I will keep getting rid of things. I would love to hear from you, specially if you have stories of being a pack-rat. Let's work together.
Ever since I was a child, I was considered the "messy" one. I would never throw anything out. I think it had something to do with being the last of four children. We were a nice middle income family, there was never any lack. Still, we were usually blessed with many things from other family members who had outgrown theirs. My theory is that in my head, I prized those things that were given to me, either because certain things were purchased for me and then I could be the one handing them down; or maybe because subconciously I felt that if I did not keep these things one day the flow would stop and I would be left with nothing.
When I was 21, I married the oldest of three and he is not a collector like me. He always tells me that if I let him, he will get some garbage bags and send everything to the Salvation Army I guess after a while, he got used to living with me, and my stuff. We have been married for 22 years. Some times, we've had too much stuff, clothes pilled up on the floors, entire rooms that we use for storage. I did not feel like a hoarder because I don't hold on to trash, I don't do well with roaches and I kept the house messy and clean. I do not like dust on my books or stains in my clothes. It is one thing to have too many books, it is another to disrespect books. I guess that is the difference between a hoarder and me. I was halfway there, I just quite could not cross that corner into filth.
There is also the fact that we could move through most of the house. In my last house, we could actually eat in the dining room table some times. We could always use the living room and my daughter could have her friends over. The common areas were mostly clutter free. The bedrooms were a completely different story.
Then, one day, I moved to Florida with two suitcases. For the last four months we've survived with plenty of food, two air mattresses, two tables, three lamps, one TV with its stand, a small bookcase, three chairs, three stools and four or five pots and pans. We have some books and magazines, few clothes. My parents are scandalized by my nomadic lifestyle. Why don't you buy any furniture? How can you sleep on the floor? What about your daughter? They cannot even imagine that this has been the biggest blessing in my life. Living with close to nothing has inspired me to let go of many of the things that I still have.
I discovered this last week, when I received a box from home. My husband, who is still in Puerto Rico getting the house ready for whatever, sent me a box. I could not believe how many books and things I managed to pack in a four gallon box (called so because it is the box usually used to ship four plastic gallons of water). That is not a big box,and it had over 40 books. That was the day I decided to start READING all the books I collected. For every ten books I own, I am either tossing, selling or donating nine. This new rule applies to all the regular books, the art books are not included on that deal. The way I see it, I own about 1,000 books, so when I am done, I should have 100. The fact that I am actually reading the books is a marvel in and of itself. I was so overwhelmed before I would read a couple of chapters and give up. This is improvement, and it will continue.
I also became a member of my local library. Their selection is fantastic and I hope to add to it very soon. Yes, it might take me a long time to read them all. I might find after the first couple of chapters, that I don't want to read some. The important thing is that every time I grab one, I finish it and set it up on one of three piles: donate, sell, keep. The ones that are getting tossed out don't need to go on a pile. I will keep a spreadsheet of the books and how I do, so that I find out if my projections are correct and if I am keeping my promisses. I will keep you posted. I will keep getting rid of things. I would love to hear from you, specially if you have stories of being a pack-rat. Let's work together.
Monday, November 23, 2009
All dried up?
I have a system I follow in order to write, work, live. When I write something, I always leave the door open for the next thing. It might be something obvious like "next week we can talk about....", it might be a comment towards the end of a chapter. No matter what, I always know where I am going when I do something, even if it is not obvious to anybody else.
Except for today. I went to AvidDiva to write my regular post, nothing. I checked my files to see if I have something written in the past that I can use today, nada. I looked at my notebook, where I usually have ideas or thoughts that I have gathered during the week, NOT. What happened last week? Where did the inspiration go? What was I supposed to write about?
So, here I sit, without a thought on my head. For once, I am the one who needs some juice to get my morning (and my week) started. I have a business meeting this morning. I am going to concentrate on that. Hopefully by the time I get back, I will have PLENTY to talk about. I am not letting this stop me from making this day great. I hope you have a great day too.
Except for today. I went to AvidDiva to write my regular post, nothing. I checked my files to see if I have something written in the past that I can use today, nada. I looked at my notebook, where I usually have ideas or thoughts that I have gathered during the week, NOT. What happened last week? Where did the inspiration go? What was I supposed to write about?
So, here I sit, without a thought on my head. For once, I am the one who needs some juice to get my morning (and my week) started. I have a business meeting this morning. I am going to concentrate on that. Hopefully by the time I get back, I will have PLENTY to talk about. I am not letting this stop me from making this day great. I hope you have a great day too.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
I slept for 8 hours and did not feel guilty abot it. #win5000
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Thursday, November 12, 2009
I got out of the house and out of the environment that has been surrounding me for 3 mths in order t... #win5000
"I am taking care of myself. Are you? If you are, share it with others and compete for a chance at $5000."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
This has to stop
For the last year, this blog has been a second thought. The AvidDiva site is getting most of my attention, as well as my need to turn this blog into a coaching business.
As you all know, my emphasis has always been on women over 40. For some reason, this blog does not reflect this.
For the next couple of weeks I will be working on my buddy, Papo Piernas website and on my own, AvidDiva. I will also begin redisigning this blog. Keep checking this site for the latest news.
As you all know, my emphasis has always been on women over 40. For some reason, this blog does not reflect this.
For the next couple of weeks I will be working on my buddy, Papo Piernas website and on my own, AvidDiva. I will also begin redisigning this blog. Keep checking this site for the latest news.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
I got out of the house and out of the environment that has been surrounding me for 3 mths in order t... #win5000
"Let's do this. Let's help each other. Let's win some cash. Let's inspire others."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Monday, November 2, 2009
A wonderful massage #win5000
"It is time to stop complaining and start doing things to better your situation, and the outlook for yourelf and others."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Ageless, Boundless, Limitless
I absolutely love what these ladies have to say. Ageless, boundless, limitless.
Made arrangements to invest in two courses for my self development. #win5000
"This is a reminder that there are still ways to win money. And this one requires very little on your part, for free."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Why wait?
Recently, I've been asking several questions to find out what you want to hear about. The topic of procrastination seems to be a hot button.
You told me you wanted to learn how to deal with delayed tasks. You said that you keep forgetting some of your to-do items. You mentioned you had a lot on your plate.
To read on, press here.
You told me you wanted to learn how to deal with delayed tasks. You said that you keep forgetting some of your to-do items. You mentioned you had a lot on your plate.
To read on, press here.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Made arrangements to invest in two courses for my self development. #win5000
"This is yet another week that I do not post. I want to offer you this reminder, because for every day you post, you get another chance at the $5000."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Took a huge goal and broke it down into manageable pieces. Now I am actually getting something done... #win5000
"Wow. Thanks for the support. Keep at it, develop some proclamations to improve your life."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Cooking a healthy meal that includes couscous, onions, and organic veggies. #win5000
"Be nice, do good, who knows. Maybe you will inspire someone else to do great things. Maybe you can win $5000. Decide, Act, and Enjoy."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Being organized = Progress
No organization = no progress. That's all folks.
Right now, I have this situation where I have two living quarters, a house that I pay the bank for in PR, and an apartment rental in Florida. I thought if I made a list for my husband to follow, we could tackle both having things here and there sorted out.
My procrastination (there's that word again)has made it impossible for me to keep up with what is going on in PR and then I have no furniture, car or things here either. What am I supposed to do now?
I need to get a life, stop the fear and break through. Can I do it? Do you have any advice for me? Send your suggestions. Stay tuned.
Right now, I have this situation where I have two living quarters, a house that I pay the bank for in PR, and an apartment rental in Florida. I thought if I made a list for my husband to follow, we could tackle both having things here and there sorted out.
My procrastination (there's that word again)has made it impossible for me to keep up with what is going on in PR and then I have no furniture, car or things here either. What am I supposed to do now?
I need to get a life, stop the fear and break through. Can I do it? Do you have any advice for me? Send your suggestions. Stay tuned.
Sunday, October 11, 2009
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Cooking a healthy meal that includes couscous, onions, and organic veggies. #win5000
"Take a chance. Get out of yourself and be an inspiration to others. Who knows, you might actually win a prize."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Cooking a healthy meal that includes couscous, onions, and organic veggies. #win5000
"Yet another reminder that you can make a difference and win a little money. Get to it."
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Thursday, October 8, 2009
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Bought some chocolate chip cookies and did not feel guilty about enjoying them, once. #win5000
"Few chances in life for inspiring others and winning a little cash. How about it?"
Make a Proclamation and be entered to win $5,000 to pursue your dream! Enter daily and bring friends to increase your chances of winning. There are weekly prizes too. No purchase necessary.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Frustration and hard work
It does not matter how well you get along with others, every once in a while you will feel frustration with some of their behavior. I would be lying if I said that I can motivate all the people around me to do what I ask them to do. And it would also be a fib if I told you hat it never gets to me.
I am sitting here, advertising furniture for sale, announcing it on every network media I can find, setting prices, writing copy. And when I see that my efforts are not met with optimism and enthusiasm, it deflates me. Am I going to let it get me down? NO. I am going to express my feelings about the subject.
For the last three years, I have changed my negative attitude and subscribed to a mentality of abundance. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that if you want positive results, you need positive efforts. And I expect those people around me to be in tune with that point of view. And so, on this day, September 23rd, 2009 I declare that my family and my friends are going to join in on our efforts to sell the furniture and the house successfully, in order for us to achieve our dreams.
I am sitting here, advertising furniture for sale, announcing it on every network media I can find, setting prices, writing copy. And when I see that my efforts are not met with optimism and enthusiasm, it deflates me. Am I going to let it get me down? NO. I am going to express my feelings about the subject.
For the last three years, I have changed my negative attitude and subscribed to a mentality of abundance. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that if you want positive results, you need positive efforts. And I expect those people around me to be in tune with that point of view. And so, on this day, September 23rd, 2009 I declare that my family and my friends are going to join in on our efforts to sell the furniture and the house successfully, in order for us to achieve our dreams.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
The new 120 day challenge
I am living in Florida now. My house in Puerto Rico still has all my belongings, and my husband. The new challenge, to get him here without bringing absolutely everything, and to sell the house.
The tools to get this done: sheer determination and a lot of lists.
The goal: to sell my old furniture, which we will be showing here from time to time, pack all my belongings, send them to Florida, clean the house, fix the house, sell the house.
If you have any suggestions, they are all welcome. If you live in PR, stop by and buy some furniture. If you just want to comment, go ahead. We are waiting.
Last but not least, those two units are for sale and that hurts, because I absolutely love them. Tell me your stories. I am waiting.
Monday, August 31, 2009
Frustration
It has been 19 days since the last time I posted. There is a reason, I don't like to post when I do not have anything positive to report. Today, I am making an exception. The reason is that I figure if I get it out of my chest, I might be able to get some work done.
Frustration is a terrible thing. It can also be a hot challenge. Why am I frustrated? There are a couple of chicken and egg analogies here so stay with me:
1) you need a job to get a car, but you need car to find a job in this town.
2) when I am frustrated, I like to go for a drive to clear my head, but I don't have a car, which frustrates me and since I have no car I cannot go to far.
When people ask how am I doing, they always make the same statement: oh, well, you have public transportation. Obviously, none of those people had to go on the bus to find a job in a town where public transportation is not a priority. The two buses that go by my house are always on time (yeah!!). One drivs by once an hour and the other goes every two hours (boo!!!). That is not including that August is probably the hottest month of the summer and you end up looking like you just came out of the shower...very pathetic. However, since there are many ways to work from home, I am not really worried about finding a job. It is the proving it to the dealership part that puzzles me.
The life of a writer is an interesting one. If you are an artist, a performer or a writer, you understand how easily we block ourselves. We all have our ways of getting through it. Mine is going for a long drive. That is not happening right now, so I started walking. My energy level is up, and so is my frustration. I don't know what else to do. Getting in the bus is just not the same thing. And going to Orlando is not an option either...it takes almost four hours to get there from my house in the bus.
So what is the solution? Any suggestions? What do you do when you feel frustrated? My little rant works for me, what works for you? I am waiting for your comments.
Frustration is a terrible thing. It can also be a hot challenge. Why am I frustrated? There are a couple of chicken and egg analogies here so stay with me:
1) you need a job to get a car, but you need car to find a job in this town.
2) when I am frustrated, I like to go for a drive to clear my head, but I don't have a car, which frustrates me and since I have no car I cannot go to far.
When people ask how am I doing, they always make the same statement: oh, well, you have public transportation. Obviously, none of those people had to go on the bus to find a job in a town where public transportation is not a priority. The two buses that go by my house are always on time (yeah!!). One drivs by once an hour and the other goes every two hours (boo!!!). That is not including that August is probably the hottest month of the summer and you end up looking like you just came out of the shower...very pathetic. However, since there are many ways to work from home, I am not really worried about finding a job. It is the proving it to the dealership part that puzzles me.
The life of a writer is an interesting one. If you are an artist, a performer or a writer, you understand how easily we block ourselves. We all have our ways of getting through it. Mine is going for a long drive. That is not happening right now, so I started walking. My energy level is up, and so is my frustration. I don't know what else to do. Getting in the bus is just not the same thing. And going to Orlando is not an option either...it takes almost four hours to get there from my house in the bus.
So what is the solution? Any suggestions? What do you do when you feel frustrated? My little rant works for me, what works for you? I am waiting for your comments.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
Examining the progress
IT has been a while since I wrote, mainly because I was busy with the move and my nerves. I don't like flying, I love traveling,except for the getting in the plane part. I am happy to report that I did not freak out on the plane. In fact, I calmed others down. Great experience!
I have spent a week without TV, internet, or radio (except for my IPOD. I can tell you there is a lot to learn about the sound of silence. I think that is the name of a song. It is also a very true statement. You can't help but look at yourself and the world around you in a very different way. News don't affect you that much when you are not stuck to the tv or hearing the play by play. It was fantastic.
So as I start a new chapter in my life, I work on the idea that technology is great, if you are not addicted to it. I will keep experimenting with this idea in future posts. Let me hear what you have to say.
I have spent a week without TV, internet, or radio (except for my IPOD. I can tell you there is a lot to learn about the sound of silence. I think that is the name of a song. It is also a very true statement. You can't help but look at yourself and the world around you in a very different way. News don't affect you that much when you are not stuck to the tv or hearing the play by play. It was fantastic.
So as I start a new chapter in my life, I work on the idea that technology is great, if you are not addicted to it. I will keep experimenting with this idea in future posts. Let me hear what you have to say.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
About to start a new chapter
The last few months just flew by and now I am about to start a new chapter in my life. Will you join me?
In the next couple of weeks you will see a couple of changes to the blog, when I move on from "moving" (pardon the pun) to life changes. It should be an interesting ride for all concerned.
As I start on this journey, something fascinating is happening. First, some background information. I am 42, my daughter is 17 and we are moving from an island in the Atlantic to Florida, where she will be starting college. I am moving on to the next chapter in my life when I stop being overbearing, overprotective mom and turn into "roommate occasionally known as Ma".
My husband said to me a while back that many people would love to be in my shoes. I am currently unemployed and it is his theory that people would love to have the guts to decide one day they want to change their whole lives and just get on a plane and start new. Oddly enough, one of my dearest friends said the exact same thing this morning. She validated his statement.
If truth be told, I am not a big fan of planes and the thought of getting in one terrifies me more than this "new life" I am working on. I am not scared about the journey of my life...I am scared of the three hour plane ride. Once I am there, I am making stuff up as I go. And no, that part does not scare me at all.
If you want to know what happens next, stay tuned.
In the next couple of weeks you will see a couple of changes to the blog, when I move on from "moving" (pardon the pun) to life changes. It should be an interesting ride for all concerned.
As I start on this journey, something fascinating is happening. First, some background information. I am 42, my daughter is 17 and we are moving from an island in the Atlantic to Florida, where she will be starting college. I am moving on to the next chapter in my life when I stop being overbearing, overprotective mom and turn into "roommate occasionally known as Ma".
My husband said to me a while back that many people would love to be in my shoes. I am currently unemployed and it is his theory that people would love to have the guts to decide one day they want to change their whole lives and just get on a plane and start new. Oddly enough, one of my dearest friends said the exact same thing this morning. She validated his statement.
If truth be told, I am not a big fan of planes and the thought of getting in one terrifies me more than this "new life" I am working on. I am not scared about the journey of my life...I am scared of the three hour plane ride. Once I am there, I am making stuff up as I go. And no, that part does not scare me at all.
If you want to know what happens next, stay tuned.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Why is moving so hard and....
why am I putting myself through this again? It has been too fast, and now, 16 days before the move, there is a shortage of carton boxes in PR and I can't get my hands on a shipping box in a certain size (so that I don't overpack books) anywhere. What is a girl to do?
So today is a packing day. Why am I sitting in my office writing this message? Because I am wondering what I should pack next. This is a short message. Everything will be great and this is my inspired action. I will be ok and so will everyone around me. Life is wonderful.
Have a great day everyone.
So today is a packing day. Why am I sitting in my office writing this message? Because I am wondering what I should pack next. This is a short message. Everything will be great and this is my inspired action. I will be ok and so will everyone around me. Life is wonderful.
Have a great day everyone.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
This is week 4, last 27 days
Interesting weekend, this Independence day weekend. I was able to spend some time with my old friends, and with my daughter's friends. I spent some time clearing my office, and I am considering not selling my house, yet.
So, what does this new week have in store for me? First, I have to get more boxes. Need to pack 20 boxes this week to stay on schedule. My daughter needs to get her shots. I need to double check the dog's shots. I need to buy the plane tickets for all four of us and the dog craddle. I have to check the status of my tax return. I need to clear my office desk, take pictures of the furniture I have not sold yet and start a couple of bids for my Barbie doll collection.
I will keep you posted as the time progresses. There are more things to do, but these are the requirements, everything else I get done is bonus material. I am getting more excited every day that goes by. And I get less sleep. That is ok, I will sleep once I am there.
So, what does this new week have in store for me? First, I have to get more boxes. Need to pack 20 boxes this week to stay on schedule. My daughter needs to get her shots. I need to double check the dog's shots. I need to buy the plane tickets for all four of us and the dog craddle. I have to check the status of my tax return. I need to clear my office desk, take pictures of the furniture I have not sold yet and start a couple of bids for my Barbie doll collection.
I will keep you posted as the time progresses. There are more things to do, but these are the requirements, everything else I get done is bonus material. I am getting more excited every day that goes by. And I get less sleep. That is ok, I will sleep once I am there.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
It is the 30 day deadline today
Wow! The time has flown by faster than I expected. It has gone by so fast that I have had no time to think of what I am missing or how am I really going to pull this off. Some highlights:
1) I did start packing my books so that my husband can mail them to me as soon as he gets back here. I have ten boxes ready to ship (except for my new address).
2) My daughter is registered and has an orientation on August 5. I have a parent orientation on the 11th. She has a test on the 24th and then start of trimester is the 26th.
3) I am taking my dog when I leave now. I don't have the heart to leave him behind. He is, after all, like my son.
4) I have been able to do some research on the internet of the County where I will be moving and the info I need to register the business, etc.
5) I have done apartment rental research and have some places picked for posible lease.
There are other things that I have accomplished, but the most important is to sell all my furniture so that I have some spare money. Here is my prayer to God: "Let me have some money, great health and a positive attitude to survive and thrive in these circumstances. I refuse to participate in the meltdown mentality. I only have eyes for prosperity, happiness and service. Amen".
1) I did start packing my books so that my husband can mail them to me as soon as he gets back here. I have ten boxes ready to ship (except for my new address).
2) My daughter is registered and has an orientation on August 5. I have a parent orientation on the 11th. She has a test on the 24th and then start of trimester is the 26th.
3) I am taking my dog when I leave now. I don't have the heart to leave him behind. He is, after all, like my son.
4) I have been able to do some research on the internet of the County where I will be moving and the info I need to register the business, etc.
5) I have done apartment rental research and have some places picked for posible lease.
There are other things that I have accomplished, but the most important is to sell all my furniture so that I have some spare money. Here is my prayer to God: "Let me have some money, great health and a positive attitude to survive and thrive in these circumstances. I refuse to participate in the meltdown mentality. I only have eyes for prosperity, happiness and service. Amen".
Friday, June 26, 2009
Nine boxes...
I got nine small boxes, 12x12x12, and I started packing them with my books. It is scary how many books you can pack in a little box. Some of those boxes have 38 books in them. They are all different sizes and because the postage varies, I cannot put other things in those boxes. This is fine with me. By the end of today, I am going to need more boxes.
It is close to lunch time. I need bigger boxes for my clothes. I guess I am going out to the family business to see if they have some boxes that need recycling. This has been a long week. Even though I see changes, I feel like I am standing still. Let's see what the next few days bring.
It is close to lunch time. I need bigger boxes for my clothes. I guess I am going out to the family business to see if they have some boxes that need recycling. This has been a long week. Even though I see changes, I feel like I am standing still. Let's see what the next few days bring.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Got some boxes today
My plan is simple. I am taking my books and my clothes, and my music. The rest I will sell, give away, throw away. Today I bought 9 small boxes to start packing my books. I am finally beginning to see some progress, which is nice, since I am now officially on the last 40 days.
Moving is hard, changing countries is harder. The adventure seems so close now. I am too excited to be upset. I am happy and I accept the challenge.
Moving is hard, changing countries is harder. The adventure seems so close now. I am too excited to be upset. I am happy and I accept the challenge.
Friday, June 19, 2009
The countdown continues
This blog has turned into my diary of a move. Today, I realized that when the clock strikes midnight, I will have exactly 6 weeks before I get on the plane. I have to get a move on.
What have I accomplished? A complete state of panic. I don't have enough time or energy to get this done in 41 days, I tell myself. And then my stomach starts getting ugly on me. I am desperate, but I will not drink a soda...that is bad for me. So I take another water bottle. And another. No alcohol, no Coke, just water. It is beginning to get on my nerves but that is the only thing I can do.
I have lost four pounds in the last two weeks, just by dropping the soda out of my life. I can't backtrack on that progress. My butt is beginning to look like a butt again. I can see something resembling a flat belly. Even my breasts stopped hurting. I am seing progress in one area.
Now all I have to do is channel that energy on other things. I have started to make the move in my business as well, little things that will create a big impact later. Now all I have to do is to get a move on the packing.
I am working on the laundry. I had a problem with the hanging rope, I had none. I could not hang clothes to dry. We solved that yesterday when the last one gave out on us. Hopefully the water company gets moving and we get water pressure and I can do more than a load every three hours (with normal water pressure I can do 3 in those same three hours). I should be done with the clothes on Monday.
I also plan a last Garage Sale next Saturday. I need to clean the furniture (and empty it) so that I can get pics on the Classified and on the flyers. I have great expectations for this next one: the last two made me about $600 and the furniture was not ready yet.
Let's keep a positive attitude and I will keep you informed.
What have I accomplished? A complete state of panic. I don't have enough time or energy to get this done in 41 days, I tell myself. And then my stomach starts getting ugly on me. I am desperate, but I will not drink a soda...that is bad for me. So I take another water bottle. And another. No alcohol, no Coke, just water. It is beginning to get on my nerves but that is the only thing I can do.
I have lost four pounds in the last two weeks, just by dropping the soda out of my life. I can't backtrack on that progress. My butt is beginning to look like a butt again. I can see something resembling a flat belly. Even my breasts stopped hurting. I am seing progress in one area.
Now all I have to do is channel that energy on other things. I have started to make the move in my business as well, little things that will create a big impact later. Now all I have to do is to get a move on the packing.
I am working on the laundry. I had a problem with the hanging rope, I had none. I could not hang clothes to dry. We solved that yesterday when the last one gave out on us. Hopefully the water company gets moving and we get water pressure and I can do more than a load every three hours (with normal water pressure I can do 3 in those same three hours). I should be done with the clothes on Monday.
I also plan a last Garage Sale next Saturday. I need to clean the furniture (and empty it) so that I can get pics on the Classified and on the flyers. I have great expectations for this next one: the last two made me about $600 and the furniture was not ready yet.
Let's keep a positive attitude and I will keep you informed.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Some days are good....nah, all days are good
There are days when you wake up and you want to go back to bed. When you are on a countdown that is less than 45 days and you are way behind schedule, you don't need days like these. Your internet connection is not cooperating, your browser is dead, you find out you have to go to a funeral on Friday, you are really behind schedule...what to do?
Well, the solution is simple. Life is challenging. If you don't have challenges, you are dead. The quality of your challenges is directly related to the quality of your life. What do I mean by this? If you find your life boring, your challenges are crappy. If you find your life interesting, so will your challenges. The better the challenge, the better your life is. Yes, it is that simple.
I have an interesting week. So to me, there are no bad days. Good days and challenging days, the more the merrier. Think about it.
Well, the solution is simple. Life is challenging. If you don't have challenges, you are dead. The quality of your challenges is directly related to the quality of your life. What do I mean by this? If you find your life boring, your challenges are crappy. If you find your life interesting, so will your challenges. The better the challenge, the better your life is. Yes, it is that simple.
I have an interesting week. So to me, there are no bad days. Good days and challenging days, the more the merrier. Think about it.
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
How many clothes can three people own?
It is not a rhetorical question either. I use two hours of my day on the purging process. That means that for two hours every day, I go through the house picking clothes that I am taking to Florida, clothes that I am keeping while I am still in PR, clothes that I am throwing away and the rest goes to charity.
I just packed my bag. It is full, it might fit about three more pieces of clothing. I packed two big bags of clothes for charity. I'm not even halfway done. Every time I empty a closet, I find a box under a bed or another closet to empty. That is not including the six loads of laundry that we have done already, the six or seven we still have to wash and the four bags of clothes I already sent to charity at the beginning of the year. I get tired just looking at the closets.
Tomorrow is another day. I hope that purging will be done. I dream of the day when the only clothes in my closet are the ones I am keeping for now. I look forward to the day I start purging my books...ok, not really. I have enough books for two libraries. Since all I am taking is the books and the clothes, everything else is getting sold, I hope that is all the purging I will do. I have 43 days left and only 38 to do it. I guess I better get back to work.
Keep trying.
I just packed my bag. It is full, it might fit about three more pieces of clothing. I packed two big bags of clothes for charity. I'm not even halfway done. Every time I empty a closet, I find a box under a bed or another closet to empty. That is not including the six loads of laundry that we have done already, the six or seven we still have to wash and the four bags of clothes I already sent to charity at the beginning of the year. I get tired just looking at the closets.
Tomorrow is another day. I hope that purging will be done. I dream of the day when the only clothes in my closet are the ones I am keeping for now. I look forward to the day I start purging my books...ok, not really. I have enough books for two libraries. Since all I am taking is the books and the clothes, everything else is getting sold, I hope that is all the purging I will do. I have 43 days left and only 38 to do it. I guess I better get back to work.
Keep trying.
Monday, June 15, 2009
No internet access, no problem
Yes this is a short post. No, I have not finished with the clothes. Since I cannot work on the internet today, might as well tackle the clothes.
What have you left without doing because "life" got in the way? Maybe your workouts, having fun, or tackling that project at home. Get to it. Today is all you have.
What have you left without doing because "life" got in the way? Maybe your workouts, having fun, or tackling that project at home. Get to it. Today is all you have.
Thursday, June 11, 2009
Three days for clothes
My husband gave me a challenge. Instead of running around like a chicken without its head, concentrate on one thing at a time. The first three days are for clothes. Today was the first, and I was lousy.
Ok, so I did not factor in that I had my trainer over today and every muscle from my butt to my toes is on fire. It was also a rainy day, which does not help when you dry clothes in the backyard.
Enough excuses, the important thing is that I started. All the clothes in the house will fall in one of four places: keep, trash, sell, give away. So far, I have four pieces of clothing folded and ready to go with me to Florida. I also have a bag with about 12 pieces going to charity. I think I will not find that much to trash because we did some Spring cleaning of closets earlier in the year...before I knew I was leaving.
So, for the time being, I am looking forward to the next three days. I will let you know how it went on Saturday, and whether I might need more days, or less. Keep trying.
Ok, so I did not factor in that I had my trainer over today and every muscle from my butt to my toes is on fire. It was also a rainy day, which does not help when you dry clothes in the backyard.
Enough excuses, the important thing is that I started. All the clothes in the house will fall in one of four places: keep, trash, sell, give away. So far, I have four pieces of clothing folded and ready to go with me to Florida. I also have a bag with about 12 pieces going to charity. I think I will not find that much to trash because we did some Spring cleaning of closets earlier in the year...before I knew I was leaving.
So, for the time being, I am looking forward to the next three days. I will let you know how it went on Saturday, and whether I might need more days, or less. Keep trying.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
The last of the big events
Today is my daughter's prom (in Puerto Rico you have the prom AFTER graduation). It is the last of the big events for the family. We are all getting prettied up and getting on the car,driving for an hour to go to a beautiful hotel (La Concha) and we will have a date while my daughter is reunited with all her high school buddies for one last time.
They are all excited, no one more than her mother. Yes, that would be me. As I sit here and remember 24 years ago, my graduation/graduation dinner/prom (all in one night), I think about how fast time goes by. I wonder what new challenges lay ahead. I'm not talking about the move alone, life, as we know it, is changing right now for my family, for my daughter, for me. I am a 42 year old emptynester. I think that is young to be going through that.
Now I am going to have a lot of time for me. Oh, the things I can do now. The jobs I can have, the experiences, the adventures. I served my time as a mother to a baby who grew up to be a wonderful young lady. Now that young lady starts her own adventure. This is the perfect example of what an AVIDDIVA is. It is time for me. But tonight, it is all about the prom. I leave you with this thought: enjoy all the little moments.
They are all excited, no one more than her mother. Yes, that would be me. As I sit here and remember 24 years ago, my graduation/graduation dinner/prom (all in one night), I think about how fast time goes by. I wonder what new challenges lay ahead. I'm not talking about the move alone, life, as we know it, is changing right now for my family, for my daughter, for me. I am a 42 year old emptynester. I think that is young to be going through that.
Now I am going to have a lot of time for me. Oh, the things I can do now. The jobs I can have, the experiences, the adventures. I served my time as a mother to a baby who grew up to be a wonderful young lady. Now that young lady starts her own adventure. This is the perfect example of what an AVIDDIVA is. It is time for me. But tonight, it is all about the prom. I leave you with this thought: enjoy all the little moments.
Monday, June 8, 2009
I need to simplify my life
In obvious reference to my other blog (press here to check it out) am now faced with the dilemma of pairing down my belongings. I am planning one last big garage sale in order to accomplish my goals. After that one is done, I will give some clothes to charity and learn to deal with what I own. And so, as the days approach faster and faster, I need to get my things in order.
Today, I set up a search agent for my partner to find work. I checked my search agents for possible jobs for me. I started researching the site for the county I am moving to. And as today marks the fourth day without soda, I nursed the worse headache in history. I think I did pretty good, all things considered. Oh, and I did three sets of squats and two of lunges. I am doing well. I am proud of myself. Keep trying.
Today, I set up a search agent for my partner to find work. I checked my search agents for possible jobs for me. I started researching the site for the county I am moving to. And as today marks the fourth day without soda, I nursed the worse headache in history. I think I did pretty good, all things considered. Oh, and I did three sets of squats and two of lunges. I am doing well. I am proud of myself. Keep trying.
Friday, June 5, 2009
Lessons learned from my last course
I was recently asked to participate in a transformational workshop. I had never participated or spoken to anyone who had done one before. I was told that it was five weekends spread over a 2 1/2 month period. The workshop started on the same day I started counting down my last 100 days in Puerto Rico. It was not explained to me that the last 6 weeks of this workshop entailed more than just spending three weekends working on different aspects of our lives. It also required spending a lot of time working on related activities. If I would have known that six of the last ten weeks I was going to spend in PR were going to be spent in things other than the move, my company and spending time with my family, I would have never agreed to doing the workshop at this time. My energy and concentration must be put to use in the sale of my house, 60% of the things I own, packing the rest and doing as much as I can over the phone and the internet so that when I get to the new place, I have a smooth transition. Still, I believe that the only way you really fail in life is if you don't try anything new at all and/or once you do, if you don't learn anything from the experience. I did not finish the workshop. I did learn a lot. Here are some of the lessons I learned from the three week-ends that I did attend the workshop.
1) There is no such thing as ONE SIZE FITS ALL: The day you hear someone tell you that they have a product, service or system that works for everybody, run in the other direction. It is impossible. We all come from the same source, be it God, the Universe or whatever you call yours. We are not all in the same stage in our "journey". I am not talking about age either. Some young people are highly spiritual and some adults still think that religion and spirituality are the same thing. Since we are not progressing exactly the same way, it is impossible that all services and products will work with ALL persons. In the fields of psychology, sociology, coaching, etc, there are many doctrines. Some work for many people, they do not work for all. Therefore, a transformational workshop might work for some people but if someone leaves, that may mean that it did not work for that person, not that they are sabotaging their own process.
2) The only real failure in life is when you don't learn from your experiences. I kept in touch with some of the people in the group. They have not learned anything from the experience. What is the use of such a costly investment of time, money and energy, if you are going to finish the process and stay the same? That, to me is real failure. In the month that I was in the process, I fixed my marriage, I learned a lot about myself and I discovered that I am not afraid of heights. That might not sound like much, but for me, that is huge.
3) I learned what I want my company to be and what I DON'T want in my company. The company that I am creating wants to transform the lives of so called "middle aged" women. Thanks to this experience, I know exactly the kind of coaching and coaches that I will not allow in my company. For example: I will never allow any of my coaches to tell a client that in order to get a man, she needs to loose weight. If you need to know what I mean, check this out.
4) "Choose to be happy and not to be right" may be opposite to "win-win" mentality. The group was always saying that they chose to be happy and not right. That depends on the kind of person you are. I know a lot of people that choose to be happy because they "know" that they are right and eventually, the other person will figure it out too. I don't think that is what that statement means. Also, when you are in a win-win situation, you give a little and take a little. Giving in all the time certainly does not feel like winning. A lot of the people that were in group with me gave in all the time and felt resentful after. What is the lesson you are trying to teach?
5) You can have it all, not always at the same time. I kept hearing the staff of the company talking about "you can have it all, declare it and it will be". Oddly enough, on my daughter's graduation day, my mentor told me how he could not go to his own daughter's graduation because he had a rush job from a bossy client and since the economy was so bad, he chose to do the work and miss the graduation. If your own staff does not have it ALL, all the time, what do you think your students are going to do? Which takes me to the next lesson...
6) People learn more from what they see than what they hear. You can talk a good game and sound off on positive thinking, thinking outside the box, having it all, etc. You also need to lead by example. If you are telling people to loose weight and you are overweight, there will be a disconnect between the message and the image. When you tell people you can have it all, and you are not showing it, another disconnect happens.
7) Students can only be as good as the people teaching them. This was a new system for all of us. We wanted to learn from good people that were achieving their goals. The group was always accused of "not doing their best". A group can only go as far as their leaders will take them. If you are not a great leader, a great teacher, a great person, do not expect your followers to be any better.
There were many other lessons I took with me from this little journey. The most important one is this: once you figure out what you got from the experience, let it go. I have a company to create from scratch, a move in 60 days and a life that is a lot more fun since I got out of this workshop. Now that I "cleaned my space", I can put it all behind me and move on.
1) There is no such thing as ONE SIZE FITS ALL: The day you hear someone tell you that they have a product, service or system that works for everybody, run in the other direction. It is impossible. We all come from the same source, be it God, the Universe or whatever you call yours. We are not all in the same stage in our "journey". I am not talking about age either. Some young people are highly spiritual and some adults still think that religion and spirituality are the same thing. Since we are not progressing exactly the same way, it is impossible that all services and products will work with ALL persons. In the fields of psychology, sociology, coaching, etc, there are many doctrines. Some work for many people, they do not work for all. Therefore, a transformational workshop might work for some people but if someone leaves, that may mean that it did not work for that person, not that they are sabotaging their own process.
2) The only real failure in life is when you don't learn from your experiences. I kept in touch with some of the people in the group. They have not learned anything from the experience. What is the use of such a costly investment of time, money and energy, if you are going to finish the process and stay the same? That, to me is real failure. In the month that I was in the process, I fixed my marriage, I learned a lot about myself and I discovered that I am not afraid of heights. That might not sound like much, but for me, that is huge.
3) I learned what I want my company to be and what I DON'T want in my company. The company that I am creating wants to transform the lives of so called "middle aged" women. Thanks to this experience, I know exactly the kind of coaching and coaches that I will not allow in my company. For example: I will never allow any of my coaches to tell a client that in order to get a man, she needs to loose weight. If you need to know what I mean, check this out.
4) "Choose to be happy and not to be right" may be opposite to "win-win" mentality. The group was always saying that they chose to be happy and not right. That depends on the kind of person you are. I know a lot of people that choose to be happy because they "know" that they are right and eventually, the other person will figure it out too. I don't think that is what that statement means. Also, when you are in a win-win situation, you give a little and take a little. Giving in all the time certainly does not feel like winning. A lot of the people that were in group with me gave in all the time and felt resentful after. What is the lesson you are trying to teach?
5) You can have it all, not always at the same time. I kept hearing the staff of the company talking about "you can have it all, declare it and it will be". Oddly enough, on my daughter's graduation day, my mentor told me how he could not go to his own daughter's graduation because he had a rush job from a bossy client and since the economy was so bad, he chose to do the work and miss the graduation. If your own staff does not have it ALL, all the time, what do you think your students are going to do? Which takes me to the next lesson...
6) People learn more from what they see than what they hear. You can talk a good game and sound off on positive thinking, thinking outside the box, having it all, etc. You also need to lead by example. If you are telling people to loose weight and you are overweight, there will be a disconnect between the message and the image. When you tell people you can have it all, and you are not showing it, another disconnect happens.
7) Students can only be as good as the people teaching them. This was a new system for all of us. We wanted to learn from good people that were achieving their goals. The group was always accused of "not doing their best". A group can only go as far as their leaders will take them. If you are not a great leader, a great teacher, a great person, do not expect your followers to be any better.
There were many other lessons I took with me from this little journey. The most important one is this: once you figure out what you got from the experience, let it go. I have a company to create from scratch, a move in 60 days and a life that is a lot more fun since I got out of this workshop. Now that I "cleaned my space", I can put it all behind me and move on.
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
On day 58 take stalk of your debt?
Today I am taking it slow. We are going out for the day, watching a movie, having a good time. Since it is going to be a slow day for the house, I decided to take an inventory of all the bills we have and figure out how to cut them in half.
I have only a couple of credit cards and the odd bill here and there. I want to create a budget for paying off 50% of these bills. The biggest one, the mortgage, we hope to eliminate entirely, by virtue of selling the house. That would take care of half of our budget. I still want to eliminate the small ones.
So for the day, I am sitting in my office, making a list and checking it twice. Wish me luck and have a great day.
I have only a couple of credit cards and the odd bill here and there. I want to create a budget for paying off 50% of these bills. The biggest one, the mortgage, we hope to eliminate entirely, by virtue of selling the house. That would take care of half of our budget. I still want to eliminate the small ones.
So for the day, I am sitting in my office, making a list and checking it twice. Wish me luck and have a great day.
Monday, June 1, 2009
New countdown, only 60 days left
The actual date has not been set in stone. It seems to be somewhere near August 1st. There are two reasons for this. I am a little behind, and #2, Anna has to be in school on August 24th. We have a couple of days to play with since I want to make sure we are there way before the 24th, to solve some last minute appointments with her school.
I have wasted a couple of weeks in things that I thought would help me as a person. Turns out that my initial impressions, that I am a lot better off than I thought, and that I know what works for me, was right. I don't believe any one system works for EVERYBODY in the world, and if that was true, there would not be a thousand ways to loose weight, many different psychology practices or coaching methods. If we were all the same, we would all wear the same clothes, like the same shoes, see the same movies. If we all had the same likes and dislikes, we would only eat certain foods. Life is as colorful and different for every person as love and tastes are. The same is true for teaching methods. We have regular school, Montessori, etc. We all do not think or act or speak the same way.
It does not make you a bad person to do things your way. It makes you a bad person to do bad things. Those bad things are determined by God's rules, civilized law and your own morals and ethics. Not all people live by the same rules. And that is ok. If you like purple hair and three rings on your tongue, no one should stand in judgment of you. If I want to sell most of what I own to be able to afford to ship what I don't want to sell, that is my concern.
It is often said that we are one. We all belong to the Universe, or God, or whatever definition you believe in. That is true. It is also true that we are all individuals, what you bring to the table is different from what I have for this world. That is what some people call the "Gift". Do not let anyone tell you that there is only one way to do something, to improve your life or to use your gift. In your heart, you know what the way is. If something feels wrong to your gut, if it makes you feel less authentic or less true to yourself, get away from that person or thing that makes you feel that way. In the end they might call you names, they might say you were irresponsible or stupid, they might even call you good for nothing or mediocre. If you are true to yourself and use your gift wisely, success by whatever way YOU measure it, is its own reward. You live in the world and you should only please two entities - God (or however you call the Source), and you.
When August comes, I will have moved on to my next adventure and this chapter of my life will be a distant memory. I will take the lessons I learned from all my experiences, I will continue to grow and evolve and I will always be true to myself. And I will never stop believing in myself and my ability to decide what is good for me and what is not. Sorry if some think I am mediocre, I have lived and continue to live, an extraordinary life. Maybe the naysayers should look inside themselves and ask, why they choose to insult what they don't understand. Keep trying!!!
I have wasted a couple of weeks in things that I thought would help me as a person. Turns out that my initial impressions, that I am a lot better off than I thought, and that I know what works for me, was right. I don't believe any one system works for EVERYBODY in the world, and if that was true, there would not be a thousand ways to loose weight, many different psychology practices or coaching methods. If we were all the same, we would all wear the same clothes, like the same shoes, see the same movies. If we all had the same likes and dislikes, we would only eat certain foods. Life is as colorful and different for every person as love and tastes are. The same is true for teaching methods. We have regular school, Montessori, etc. We all do not think or act or speak the same way.
It does not make you a bad person to do things your way. It makes you a bad person to do bad things. Those bad things are determined by God's rules, civilized law and your own morals and ethics. Not all people live by the same rules. And that is ok. If you like purple hair and three rings on your tongue, no one should stand in judgment of you. If I want to sell most of what I own to be able to afford to ship what I don't want to sell, that is my concern.
It is often said that we are one. We all belong to the Universe, or God, or whatever definition you believe in. That is true. It is also true that we are all individuals, what you bring to the table is different from what I have for this world. That is what some people call the "Gift". Do not let anyone tell you that there is only one way to do something, to improve your life or to use your gift. In your heart, you know what the way is. If something feels wrong to your gut, if it makes you feel less authentic or less true to yourself, get away from that person or thing that makes you feel that way. In the end they might call you names, they might say you were irresponsible or stupid, they might even call you good for nothing or mediocre. If you are true to yourself and use your gift wisely, success by whatever way YOU measure it, is its own reward. You live in the world and you should only please two entities - God (or however you call the Source), and you.
When August comes, I will have moved on to my next adventure and this chapter of my life will be a distant memory. I will take the lessons I learned from all my experiences, I will continue to grow and evolve and I will always be true to myself. And I will never stop believing in myself and my ability to decide what is good for me and what is not. Sorry if some think I am mediocre, I have lived and continue to live, an extraordinary life. Maybe the naysayers should look inside themselves and ask, why they choose to insult what they don't understand. Keep trying!!!
Monday, May 25, 2009
65 days, the pressure is on
Wow, how fast the last two months have gone by. I sit here in silence and cannot believe that I have two months left to pack and go. I have accomplished a few tasks:
- I did a garage sale for May
- I got my daughter registered in school
- I started research for the move
This week is special and so I need to get my stuff ready. I am two days away from my daughter's graduation from high school. I am excited, perhaps more than she is. I am looking forward to a great event. She has no idea the surprise that we have for her.
Will let you know about it later.
In the next 65 days, I have to get ready and move. I want to have at least some boxes packed in the next 30 days and all the furniture moved. I can't wait to start my life with fresh experiences in a new place.
Life is what you make of it. If you are happy here, you are happy anywhere. You don't need to leave to be happy. You do need to have hope and faith wherever you go. If you are sad, a new place will not make you happy. If you are happy, life will always be good. Think about it.
- I did a garage sale for May
- I got my daughter registered in school
- I started research for the move
This week is special and so I need to get my stuff ready. I am two days away from my daughter's graduation from high school. I am excited, perhaps more than she is. I am looking forward to a great event. She has no idea the surprise that we have for her.
Will let you know about it later.
In the next 65 days, I have to get ready and move. I want to have at least some boxes packed in the next 30 days and all the furniture moved. I can't wait to start my life with fresh experiences in a new place.
Life is what you make of it. If you are happy here, you are happy anywhere. You don't need to leave to be happy. You do need to have hope and faith wherever you go. If you are sad, a new place will not make you happy. If you are happy, life will always be good. Think about it.
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Updates on the move
A few days have gone by since the last time I wrote. There are now updates to the countdown. I am now leaving on the 30th. That gave me two more days. So officially the countdown is 83 days to move to Florida. What have I done to prepare? Honestly, not much.
I do have a date for the first garage sale, May 16th. I do have a letter of admissions for Anna to go to college. I do have the beginnings of an apartment search. And I do have my girlfriend working the garage sales for the kitchen utensils. Other than that, my brain is in a fog.
I have been working through a workshop that is helping me to put into usable form all the stuff that I have been reading lately. It was a God send that Belkis told me about this place. The people in it are great, and the work is short of miraculous. I have more goals than I had before, and maybe that is a good thing.
I don't live in fear anymore, although I admit to some sense of expectancy, of wondering what else will this move bring. I guess all I can say right now is "STAY TUNED"
I do have a date for the first garage sale, May 16th. I do have a letter of admissions for Anna to go to college. I do have the beginnings of an apartment search. And I do have my girlfriend working the garage sales for the kitchen utensils. Other than that, my brain is in a fog.
I have been working through a workshop that is helping me to put into usable form all the stuff that I have been reading lately. It was a God send that Belkis told me about this place. The people in it are great, and the work is short of miraculous. I have more goals than I had before, and maybe that is a good thing.
I don't live in fear anymore, although I admit to some sense of expectancy, of wondering what else will this move bring. I guess all I can say right now is "STAY TUNED"
Thursday, April 30, 2009
A new chapter begins tomorrow
As for the countdown, I have 88 days to make a smooth transition to Florida. I am really excited and a little nervous but I am feeling great about this new beginning.
Tomorrow I start the second stage on a three stage process that is supposed to teach me a lot about myself and help me break through all the barriers that are keeping me from achieving my goals. I am not going to lie, I am very anxious. I don't know what this process is about, but I can't wait to begin.
The first stage was long, painful but also had a lot of fun moments and I learned a lot. I found out that compared to most people, I have a pretty good life and a lot of love. I also learned that some times I isolate myself. I am working on that. I need to trust more. I am working on that too.
Another thing I started doing was seeing a personal trainer. He comes once a week to correct my form and teach me how to improve my legs. Those were always a source of pride for me and I let them go a little. Now I am working really hard to make them look great and perform even better.
More important, I am doing what I preach. I am investing in me. I am putting me first. I am learning to love myself. The rest, will come on its own.
Keep trying.
Tomorrow I start the second stage on a three stage process that is supposed to teach me a lot about myself and help me break through all the barriers that are keeping me from achieving my goals. I am not going to lie, I am very anxious. I don't know what this process is about, but I can't wait to begin.
The first stage was long, painful but also had a lot of fun moments and I learned a lot. I found out that compared to most people, I have a pretty good life and a lot of love. I also learned that some times I isolate myself. I am working on that. I need to trust more. I am working on that too.
Another thing I started doing was seeing a personal trainer. He comes once a week to correct my form and teach me how to improve my legs. Those were always a source of pride for me and I let them go a little. Now I am working really hard to make them look great and perform even better.
More important, I am doing what I preach. I am investing in me. I am putting me first. I am learning to love myself. The rest, will come on its own.
Keep trying.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Choosing to whine or to win
It is very amusing to watch how many people spend their days whinnying about how bad their life is. I live in a country where everyone owns a car, most people have a place to live and food on the table. Yet, no matter where you go, there will be a couple of people complaining about how bad the economy is...as they sip their beer and eat their chips while relaxing at an air conditioned bar while watching a flat screen TV.
I don't understand the logic. You are dressed, you are eating, you are paying for entertainment. You have it made! What are you crying about. There are people in other countries that live in a hut, have no running water, wash their clothes in the river, eat whatever they get their hands on, probably have no electricity, cook on fire, and they are happy.
I wonder if having more "stuff" makes you immune to the real pleasures in life. Could it be that the more we have, the more we think we are entitled to? Do we actually think that we have a RIGHT to have more just because we live in a civilized society?
I don't know why people complain. But I do know that doing so does not solve any problems and creates more. People who don't value what they have are not in tune with what real needs are. They do not value themselves or their peers and are always looking for the next best thing, keeping up with appearances and making those around them feel like they have more. There is no humble pie for these folks, just greed, inconformity and pain.
I may not have a lot, but I have a roof over my head, clothes, shoes, I eat three times a day and I sleep on a nice bed. I don't have air conditioner, but I have three fans. Sure it gets hot every once in a while, but I sleep. I enjoy everything from the sound of rain to the expensive Godiva chocolates I buy every once in a while. I enjoy life, good, bad, better, worse. And I love sharing with others. I have no time to complain. Life is too short for that.
I don't understand the logic. You are dressed, you are eating, you are paying for entertainment. You have it made! What are you crying about. There are people in other countries that live in a hut, have no running water, wash their clothes in the river, eat whatever they get their hands on, probably have no electricity, cook on fire, and they are happy.
I wonder if having more "stuff" makes you immune to the real pleasures in life. Could it be that the more we have, the more we think we are entitled to? Do we actually think that we have a RIGHT to have more just because we live in a civilized society?
I don't know why people complain. But I do know that doing so does not solve any problems and creates more. People who don't value what they have are not in tune with what real needs are. They do not value themselves or their peers and are always looking for the next best thing, keeping up with appearances and making those around them feel like they have more. There is no humble pie for these folks, just greed, inconformity and pain.
I may not have a lot, but I have a roof over my head, clothes, shoes, I eat three times a day and I sleep on a nice bed. I don't have air conditioner, but I have three fans. Sure it gets hot every once in a while, but I sleep. I enjoy everything from the sound of rain to the expensive Godiva chocolates I buy every once in a while. I enjoy life, good, bad, better, worse. And I love sharing with others. I have no time to complain. Life is too short for that.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
104 days and counting
Wow, time does not wait. According to the calendar, I now have 104 days left. And I feel like I have done so little. Let me think about this for a minute...
No more procrastination. I have to get my butt in gear if I want to leave with money in my pocket, a song in my heart, and almost everything taken care off. So, where do I begin?
Last week, I guess, I was feeling so overwhelmed that I got sick and spent most of it in bed or just relaxing. It worked wonders. I am not yet completely recovered, but I have plenty of energy and I am implementing a few ideas that will help me make my move and my business soar.
What are your challenges for this week? Do you have a plan? Did you write it down? Let me know what you are thinking. Enjoy the journey.
No more procrastination. I have to get my butt in gear if I want to leave with money in my pocket, a song in my heart, and almost everything taken care off. So, where do I begin?
Last week, I guess, I was feeling so overwhelmed that I got sick and spent most of it in bed or just relaxing. It worked wonders. I am not yet completely recovered, but I have plenty of energy and I am implementing a few ideas that will help me make my move and my business soar.
What are your challenges for this week? Do you have a plan? Did you write it down? Let me know what you are thinking. Enjoy the journey.
Thursday, April 9, 2009
Some times you have to give yourself permission
This is a short post because I have a slight fever and a faucet drip for a nose (between you and me, the sneezing and the watery eyes and nose are more annoying than the fever).
We tend to want to take care of everything and everybody, and some times, we don't give ourselves permission to be sick. We think "Not now, I have so much to do".
I believe that when we get sick, it is our bodies own way of telling us to slow down. And so, I am going to turn the computer off, take a shower, but my pj's on and watch some TV. Then I am going to bed. I give myself permission to do nothing until I feel better. I give myself permission to take care of me first.
Have a good day today and everyday.
We tend to want to take care of everything and everybody, and some times, we don't give ourselves permission to be sick. We think "Not now, I have so much to do".
I believe that when we get sick, it is our bodies own way of telling us to slow down. And so, I am going to turn the computer off, take a shower, but my pj's on and watch some TV. Then I am going to bed. I give myself permission to do nothing until I feel better. I give myself permission to take care of me first.
Have a good day today and everyday.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Why I am not watching the Biggest Looser anymore
I would like to start by saying that this post is a personal opinion and therefore, I am entitled by the Constitution to express mine.
I am a huge fan of Biggest Looser. Every season I was inspired by all these people who had lost their healthy ways (some had never developed them to begin with) and Jillian is my favorite. Last season, I became a little disillusioned because one of the contestants (some blond girl who made it to the finals, I believe she was a nurse, but I can't remember her name) was all about playing the game. I felt that her children were not going to benefit from the experience at all, nor would her husband. But being a true Jillian fan, I wanted to see if one of her trainees would win. I was really happy when the beautiful girl won. She and her mom worked really hard at healing themselves and their relationship. I hope they keep it going.
This year, as usual, I started watching for the inspirational stories. A few weeks in, I was a little upset by the drama created by the silver team (or gray). I thought that the show was going in a direction that is not appealing to me, more drama less exercise. The second strike came when Filipe decided to yell at Jillian and Bob did nothing. I am sorry, but if we are both trainers, I can understand Bob taking him back, but I would have gone with Filipe and cleared the air with Jillian first. Besides, Filipe always has an excuse.
The last straw came last night. All that back talking and just playing the game is not what I care about. I want to see the exercise routines, the examples of how to eat healthy. Hell, I even understand the temptations, the idea that you have to decide whether the treat is worth the damage to your new lifestyle. I just got fed up.
In the beginning of the year, one of my new year's resolutions was to watch less TV. I am down to an average of one hour a day. What I usually do is I don't watch TV on Mondays or Wednesdays so that I can watch the two hour episodes on Tuesdays. Well, I guess now I have two hours to use on other days. Because to be honest, I'd rather watch the Travel Channel all day, than to see the drama. At least in the Travel Channel I get Anthony Bourdain, Sam and Dhani's viewpoints on traveling the world.
Don't take me wrong. I do have some guilty pleasures that I watch from time to time. The NYC Housewives come to mind. But the thing is, I tune in FOR the DRAMA. When I tune in to the Biggest Looser, I want to see working out, not working the show. It is discouraging. If that gets more ratings then I am happy for NBC. But they lost one loyal viewer of the show. I might see the finale, but as far as I am concerned, the Biggest Looser lost me.
I am a huge fan of Biggest Looser. Every season I was inspired by all these people who had lost their healthy ways (some had never developed them to begin with) and Jillian is my favorite. Last season, I became a little disillusioned because one of the contestants (some blond girl who made it to the finals, I believe she was a nurse, but I can't remember her name) was all about playing the game. I felt that her children were not going to benefit from the experience at all, nor would her husband. But being a true Jillian fan, I wanted to see if one of her trainees would win. I was really happy when the beautiful girl won. She and her mom worked really hard at healing themselves and their relationship. I hope they keep it going.
This year, as usual, I started watching for the inspirational stories. A few weeks in, I was a little upset by the drama created by the silver team (or gray). I thought that the show was going in a direction that is not appealing to me, more drama less exercise. The second strike came when Filipe decided to yell at Jillian and Bob did nothing. I am sorry, but if we are both trainers, I can understand Bob taking him back, but I would have gone with Filipe and cleared the air with Jillian first. Besides, Filipe always has an excuse.
The last straw came last night. All that back talking and just playing the game is not what I care about. I want to see the exercise routines, the examples of how to eat healthy. Hell, I even understand the temptations, the idea that you have to decide whether the treat is worth the damage to your new lifestyle. I just got fed up.
In the beginning of the year, one of my new year's resolutions was to watch less TV. I am down to an average of one hour a day. What I usually do is I don't watch TV on Mondays or Wednesdays so that I can watch the two hour episodes on Tuesdays. Well, I guess now I have two hours to use on other days. Because to be honest, I'd rather watch the Travel Channel all day, than to see the drama. At least in the Travel Channel I get Anthony Bourdain, Sam and Dhani's viewpoints on traveling the world.
Don't take me wrong. I do have some guilty pleasures that I watch from time to time. The NYC Housewives come to mind. But the thing is, I tune in FOR the DRAMA. When I tune in to the Biggest Looser, I want to see working out, not working the show. It is discouraging. If that gets more ratings then I am happy for NBC. But they lost one loyal viewer of the show. I might see the finale, but as far as I am concerned, the Biggest Looser lost me.
Monday, April 6, 2009
Decisions, decisions
Today starts the Holy Week, for those of Catholic persuasion. I was born into the Catholic church, and even though I do not participate in Sunday services anymore, I follow a pretty simple philosophy in life, do unto others. I don't hurt people on purpose because I hate been mistreated. I do not offer my opinion unless asked, because I find people's unrequested opinions annoying. I try to be happy every day and every time I get upset at someone, I still say "God, please fill them with your blessings".
The reason why I mention the week is because most people go to the beach and forget about their spirit. This is the perfect week to get centered and reflect on your life, your plans, replenish your spirit.
I have million of things to do, so do you. What are you doing to become more spiritual? I am sure that you like to improve your skills, you exercise, you eat as well as your budget, time and interests allow. What are you doing to improve your soul? Can you improve your soul? What are your plans for this week? Share them with me. I will be meditating and listing all the tasks I have to complete: from selling my belongings to renting an apartment, before I get there.
Don't forget, if you have any suggestions, write them here. Have a great week.
The reason why I mention the week is because most people go to the beach and forget about their spirit. This is the perfect week to get centered and reflect on your life, your plans, replenish your spirit.
I have million of things to do, so do you. What are you doing to become more spiritual? I am sure that you like to improve your skills, you exercise, you eat as well as your budget, time and interests allow. What are you doing to improve your soul? Can you improve your soul? What are your plans for this week? Share them with me. I will be meditating and listing all the tasks I have to complete: from selling my belongings to renting an apartment, before I get there.
Don't forget, if you have any suggestions, write them here. Have a great week.
Friday, April 3, 2009
One day at a time
Today, as far as planning, was a complete waste. However, I did go to the beach, which I had not just sat and enjoyed water in God knows how long. I took my cousin to eat one of the best pizzas, Dannys. I started a cd compilation of my senior high school pics, for an event tomorrow.
Even though I did nothing personal, I managed to enjoy myself, nature and feel the love of my people. I kind of miss that. Even though I am home, trying to start a company, raise a daughter, keep my family happy and get a life, the day to day gets so busy that sometimes we forget to enjoy life. It was a good day for me spiritually.
How good was your day? Did you do something today to nourish your soul? Did you do something silly and meaningless that brought you joy? Something that brought joy to others? Do something for yourself every day, and see how you feel better about life.
Even though I did nothing personal, I managed to enjoy myself, nature and feel the love of my people. I kind of miss that. Even though I am home, trying to start a company, raise a daughter, keep my family happy and get a life, the day to day gets so busy that sometimes we forget to enjoy life. It was a good day for me spiritually.
How good was your day? Did you do something today to nourish your soul? Did you do something silly and meaningless that brought you joy? Something that brought joy to others? Do something for yourself every day, and see how you feel better about life.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
New Challenge
So it begins. Two Sundays ago, I decided to move back to the states, for good this time, or maybe not.... So now I have 113 days, and I have to get the house ready, my daughter ready, my business ready and myself. The whole point of being an avid-diva is that I have to be ready for anything. Challenges are the interesting part of the journey.
It is time to begin. Please feel free to send me your comments and suggestions along the way. I am looking forward to your advice, your observations and input.
Let's go.
It is time to begin. Please feel free to send me your comments and suggestions along the way. I am looking forward to your advice, your observations and input.
Let's go.
Monday, January 26, 2009
New things and changes to the blog
I have a new blog. The new blog is moving more towards documenting the transition from just a girl loosing weight and trying to stay motivated, to a woman who wants to own a business and loose weight at the same time. You can check it out at www.aviddiva.biz.
There are changes taking place in this blog as well. For the new year, this is going to serve as my blog for the challenges of improving my health and forgetting the weight issues. There will be more movie blog posts on this blog, and I am hoping that you will follow the transformation.
Stay tuned and keep trying.
There are changes taking place in this blog as well. For the new year, this is going to serve as my blog for the challenges of improving my health and forgetting the weight issues. There will be more movie blog posts on this blog, and I am hoping that you will follow the transformation.
Stay tuned and keep trying.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My secret hideaway
Posts
