tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65136018584101327592024-03-08T04:38:06.453-08:00Step out of your comfort zoneZilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.comBlogger36125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-31233108611545052062009-04-17T16:00:00.000-07:002012-06-18T00:16:43.247-07:00What I’ve learned from this recession…<p>There is something about difficult times that makes people realize what’s really, truly important in their lives. A good kick in the behind is always good, if it makes you think differently and steers you in new and exciting directions. Or so I think.<br /><br />After talking to a friend and with a newly found enthusiasm about the unknown, here’s a list of what I’ve learned or was reminded about from this recession, that I hope will stick with me (or that I can least archive in my “thought to self” mental file) moving forward:<br /><br />1. “Saving for a rainy day” is more than just 5 words thrown together. Having grown up in a capitalist world, and having had my fare share of “oops”, and “shoot!” financial moments, I’ve learned that “Saving for a rainy day” means more than just a cushion for those “just in case” circumstances one might run across. To me, “saving for a rainy day” now means peace of mind, financial security and stability. Probably peace of mind more than anything else J. </p><p>2. No matter how settled you are in your job, network, network, network!!!! Most of you out there who received that horrendous pink piece of paper probably learned this the hard way, had you not been networking before you lost your job. Some people hate it, but this recession has proven the value of Marketing Yourself 101. Here’s a good Wiki about the subject matter: <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Network">http://www.wikihow.com/Network</a> </p><p>3.Find a support system. Having friends and family know where you stand and not being afraid to ask for help (still learning!), it’s part of building a support system to help you get through tough, unpredictable times. No one will know you need help if you don’t speak up. Nor can they help if they don’t know what to help you with. Everyone needs a hand every once in a while. Go ahead, ask for help! </p><p>4.Volunteer. Now, more than ever before, I’ve seen the value that comes from investing some of one’s “spare” time to benefit others. Not only does volunteering provide a sense of well being, but it also provides a platform, outside of work, to do some of the things that one might not get to do between 8 and 5. (At least in my case, and hopefully not for too long). It also provides the opportunity to meet new people, do something good for others and work with likeminded people towards a common goal. Check out <a href="http://www.idealist.org/">http://www.idealist.org/</a> and learn more! </p><p>5.Do what you like, like what you do. Not new, huh? Though, on my way to working towards one specific goal, I lost touch with many sides of me that make who I am, and “who I want to be when I grow up”. This recession taught me that, no matter how hard one might be working towards one goal, nor how much one might really, really want something, losing touch of one’s core is not what setting goals is about. It’s about finding a balance to do what you like, like what you do, and still enjoy life J.<br /><br />I think the “things I’ve learned from this recession” might warrant a Part II, but for now I’ll leave you with this quote from Grandma Moses:<br /><br />"Life is what you make of it, always has, always will"<br /><br />Peace!</p>Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-31111040447013816272009-04-15T16:25:00.000-07:002009-04-15T16:30:31.401-07:00Moving a mountain…Recently, I was reminded about the idea of how one person can move a mountain. How sometimes it can take one person, with one simple goal, to drive and create change. Although that one person might not be able to move the mountain alone, he/she can sure call on some help!<br /><br /> Idea! + Action = Mountain moved<br /><br />So, I’ve identified a mountain, and I’m on a quest to move it. For clarification purposes, the mountain in case is called “closing the gap on volunteers at an organization” and the organization in case, Child Advocates of Silicon Valley (<a href="http://www.bemyadvocate.org/">www.bemyadvocate.org</a>), a local non-profit whose mission is to provide stability and hope to abused, abandoned or neglected children in Santa Clara County Foster Care system.<br /><br />As a volunteer at the organization I’ve had the opportunity to <em>Pay It Forward</em> and work towards helping raise awareness about the organization among the Latino Community in the area, and also increase their volunteer base. On my pursuit to do my part, I’ve come across wonderful people willing to help that have reminded me about the power in each of us to make a difference. About how one gesture of kindness can have a positive “ripple effect” and help move a mountain, any mountain. And, because I’ve seen that positive “ripple effect” in full force, I have been completely renovated and inspired.<br /><br />So, in hopes that one of you out there might be interested in helping me move that mountain, here’s more information about the organization: <a href="http://www.bemyadvocate.org/">www.bemyadvocate.org</a>.<br /><br /><strong>(Insert shameless plug here)</strong><br /><br />To all of my kickballers out there, I hope to see you on the 25th of this month and thanks in advance for your support. Big, big thanks to Paul diBari for taking the shirts idea to raise funds and running with it!<br /><br />“I believe in the power of each individual to be part of a cause greater than themselves and to be an active agent in the change we need in the world.”<br /> Zilaida Salgueiro<br /><br /><br />P.S. More to come!!!!<br /><br /><strong>About Child Advocates</strong><br />Child Advocates of Silicon Valley has been providing essential services to children in the Santa Clara County foster care system since 1986. The organization trains and supports Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers to work one-on-one with children, helping to ensure that each child will live in a safe and loving environment and has the resources needed to grow up healthy and strong.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-76430379210811053692009-01-09T17:22:00.000-08:002012-06-18T00:26:49.416-07:00Out in the world...For those of you who know me, you probably know that I am applying to grad school after wanting to go back for three years. What you may not know is how hard it has been and how much I’ve thought about life during the process.<br /><br />The situation has been that (I’ve always refused to use the word “problem”), in order to write the essays I had to do a lot of soul searching, a lot of digging deep and a lot of remembering how I got to where I am today and where I want to be in the future. And the fact is that it brought to surface a lot of those things that somehow got hidden underneath the layers and layers of trying to go about life on my own. Without a cushion to fall back on or at least that I refuse to consider since my only back up plan was, and still is, figuring things out and going with Plan B, whatever that may be at the time.<br /><br />Like for many of you, my life has been far from perfect. I know… what a shocker, whose has anyways? Though, I’ve realized that the older I’ve got, the more I’ve forgotten about the things that made me who I am. I’d say forgotten, although I sometimes think that I just push things down into a vault as to not remember the bad days, the hard parts… the facts. The fact that growing up we couldn’t afford extracurricular activities, which I died to take part on. Or that my neighbor was the one who took us to school because we didn’t have a car and when college time came around I’d take a two hour bus ride to make it to class, and then back. Or that every time a new year would come around we all hopefully thought… next year… next year will be better. Truth is it just kept getting harder and harder.<br /><br />Though, I have never given up. And I found a way to make my life and that of those I care about the most better… going back to school to pursue an MBA. And so, the application is in. Yes, application without an “s”. Just one school talked straight to me and made me feel “at home”. Though, a few days before and a few days after, life sent me so many messages that I’ve got a bit overwhelmed.<br /><br />I met two random human beings that I think came around to remind me of why I was applying to school in the first place. One helped me organize the ideas for the essays that had been going around in circles in my head for MONTHS, and the other helped me define the reason why I want to be a <em>Leader of Consequence</em>, Duke’s business school motto.<br /><br />Days after, the facts came to surface again. The struggles, my mom’s sacrifices, the reminder of why I want to “put my life on hold” so that the rest of it may look better. At least a part of it. I’m 26 you know!! I’m already thinking about… WAIT, don’t say!! YES, a family. I guess it is true about what they say about our “internal clock”. And so it hit me… maybe it IS meant to be. Maybe it’s life’s way of saying “Way to go! It’s your turn now! You CAN make a difference. You already did, you submitted your application!"<br /><br />So, (queue Carrie Bradshaw from Sex & The City), “I can’t help but wonder”… is it really meant to be?!<br /><br />So, for those of you who know me, for those of you who may identify with me, or just those of you who want to wish someone a good thing… cross your fingers so that in two months my acceptance letter comes in.<br /><br />Oh, and yeah, share this with someone who you think will get a kick, a laugh, a tear or whatever, out of this. Once it’s out into the world… the world can do its part!Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-76349133297375377282008-11-05T00:52:00.000-08:002008-11-05T00:57:49.806-08:00Yes we can!!!I grew up in Puerto Rico, an Island just shy of 4,000,000 people and just 100 x 35 miles of land. My parents divorced when I was 7, and my mom became a single mom, head of the household, with 3 kids and no job. I grew up really quick and took on responsibilities that most would agree are not meant for a kid/teenager. Our resources were limited and our circumstances hard. The story of my life? Doubt it. The building blocks of who I am? Absolutely.<br /><br />I’ve come to learn that there is something about overcoming obstacles that helps build one’s character and define the human being one will forever be. Today, as I watched the 1st African American to become President of the United States, I was reminded of a quote I read over two years ago, and still holds strong in my core: “You are not your circumstances, you are your opportunities”.<br /><br />Today, as I am part of history, I was reminded of the reason I decided to move thousands of miles away from home. I was reminded that I came to the United States of America because this IS the land of opportunities. I came to the United States of America to prove myself, be my own person, make my own decisions and stand on my own two feet. Has it been easy? Sure hasn’t. But today, my faith in this nation, in the opportunities it can provide, has been restored.<br /><br />I was reminded that it is not a name, one’s skin color, nor where we come from, that defines who we are. Rather, it is in the understanding of our differences and in finding common ground that we become one with our nation.<br /><br />I was reminded that one’s life does not have to be defined by circumstances. Obama defined his life by his opportunities, and he defied the odds.<br /><br />I have faith in this nation, I have faith in Obama! Yes we can!!!<br /><br />Go Oh!Bama™Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-13618638314967731702008-10-20T17:38:00.000-07:002008-10-20T17:41:14.548-07:00Oh! Bama…I am delighted to be part of this year’s Presidential election. Not only is it my first time voting for a president, it is also the first time that I strongly support a political candidate.<br /><br />Although I always exercised my right to vote since I turned 18, no one in my family ever knew who I would be voting for. I grew up in Puerto Rico, where politics is considered a sport and most people support their team… no matter what. Even when their team captain (aka Candidate) might be investigated by the FBI, which is the case of one of the candidates for Governor in this year’s election.<br /><br />Also, almost everyone in my family, if not all, strongly supports one of the main political parties (also no matter what), and I always had a hard time agreeing with their perspective on politics. Thus, I kept my mouth shut and I avoided the confrontation.<br /><br />Though, this year, I am not the only one in my family voting for a Presidential candidate, and it just so happens that we strongly disagree on who should become our next President. Some of the reasons are based on those “fundamental differences” that have been depicted by the candidates over and over again, that do not leave room for compromising, but, some other reasons are based on pure “media buzz”, and this time, I am not keeping my mouth shut.<br /><br />I’ve followed the candidates’ debates, read up on about how they got where they are at, have been watching CNN for a more detail coverage of the campaign trail and have kept my eyes open for whatever comes up on the Internet and news. And, one of the most recent “media buzz” reasons my relative uses in her argument is Obama’s “relationship to 1960’s radical William Ayers”. My argument has been, in simple words, that I don’t think the United States would be so dumb as to let anyone that could potentially be a threat to the Nation get even slightly close to running for president. Last time I checked, we still had the US Department of Homeland Security.<br /><br />Thus, I was satisfied to read that former Secretary of State, Colin Powell, is supporting Barack Obama’s campaign. Not only does this support my argument, but it also reminds us that this election goes well beyond political denomination, race and/or gender. It all comes down to who has the skills, ability and knowledge to get the United States back on track. I moved to the United States because this was, growing up, the land of opportunities. Now, as I also fear about what my future will hold as the economy keeps shacking us up, I trust Obama’s competence to do just that.<br /><br />Oh, Vote OBAMA!<br /><br />To read the article about Powell’s endorsement, check out this link: <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/20/powell.endorsement/index.html?eref=rss_topstories">http://www.cnn.com/2008/POLITICS/10/20/powell.endorsement/index.html?eref=rss_topstories</a><br /><br />Not registered to vote yet? Check out non-partisan Voter Registration website: <a href="http://rockthevote.com/">http://rockthevote.com/</a>Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-58674212926973097052008-07-30T11:27:00.000-07:002008-07-30T11:31:45.394-07:00Oh to be young… and learn to go with the flow…As we get older life either gets more complicated or we learn to go with the flow… I’ve tried to go with the latter since I’m always working on reinventing myself, either by means of a new point of view, new hobby, new goal, or as it has happened in the last 3 years, just a new place to call home. <br /><br />Although some would debate the decisions that I’ve made and the conclusions I’ve come to about the many things life has thrown at me, looking back I can say I’m happy with them, and I’ve made peace with a lot, if not all, of those that might have caused a few sleepless nights.<br /><br />Today, as I celebrate one more year on earth, I also celebrate where I am, and where I’m going. I celebrate the friends I’ve made along the way, the challenges that have made me a stronger and more independent woman, the joys of experiencing new things, the tears of pushing my boundaries to become a better person and the overall satisfaction that comes with seeing the life I've always wanted and how the tools to get there are provided along the way.<br /><br />Tonight I’ll be celebrating the welcoming to the “late twenties” by doing one of the things that make me the happiest… I’m going Salsa dancing!!! Some of my friends will be joining and I’ll be sharing with them a piece of me that screams Puerto Rican! I’ll be sharing one of the things that reminds me where I’m from, what makes me who I am and what life is all about; I’ve learned to go with the flow by dancing to my own rhythm and always having “the music in me”. <br /><br />So, if you ever see me walking with a huge smile on my face and kinda’ going side to side, no I haven’t had “one to many”, I’m probably going with the flow with some Salsa music in the background :)<br /><br />Oh, to be young and celebrate life!<br /><br />Happy Birthday to me!!!Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-19691650417169149032008-06-04T17:39:00.000-07:002008-06-05T20:38:04.775-07:00Letting go…I’ve always been intrigued by Buddhism. And, lately, I've found myself searching about it as I’m looking to find some answers for questions with big question marks. I also picked up a book I read awhile ago, <em>If the Buddha dated</em>, and am finding that by re-reading it, some questions are somewhat answered.<br /><br />I guess in our search for love, we sometimes lose ourselves as we look for what we think we want in others. And then, when we think we’ve found it, we try to hold on to it, even when what got us there in the first place is clearly not there anymore. But, why?<br /><br />In my case, and as the book says “longing for a lover is an expression of longing to awaken our hearts, to know love”. Funny enough, that’s what I lost sight of. I wanted to awaken my heart, know love, but as my fears started blinding me, I also lost clearness of reality.<br /><br />Although it took my awhile to canalize my emotions, I’ve let go of the anger, I’ve let go of the questions, I’ve let go of the fear… there’s a reason for everything, and that’s what I need to remind myself of.<br /><br />“Buddhism is about self-knowledge, a fearless exploration of all we are, so we can be friends with ourselves. Dating with a Buddhist consciousness means a willingness to confront anything inside that kindles fear or anxiety”.<br /><br />I’m not afraid… I’ve let go…Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-86558529490254403002008-05-29T10:53:00.001-07:002008-05-29T10:54:54.921-07:00Roots, rocks, Salsa… this a Salsa musicIf you see me Salsa dancing, you might see a hint of my half Cuban, half Puerto Rican roots… Salsa just runs in my veins. I’ve always loved dancing, but never took the time to do it more than just every other family wedding or every other outing 6 months apart that just happened to end up at a Salsa dancing place. Though, 2008 has become the year of me doing the things that make ME the happiest. And, it just so happens that dancing is on top of the list.<br /><br />There is nothing in this world that makes me happier and more in tune with where I come from than Salsa dancing. Thanks to a really good friend who would always say “let’s go Salsa dancing!” I started dancing on a regular basis. Now, I just can’t get enough of it. Not only is it bringing out my roots, it is also giving me new friends, many nights of joy and an overall sense of satisfaction.<br /><br />Now, every Wednesday night I have a commitment to myself, my dancing shoes and my new friends. Now, I look forward to every Wednesday!<br /><br />Thanks Katherine!Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-45383885629823862292008-05-09T10:41:00.000-07:002008-05-09T11:45:53.238-07:00Al ritmo de bomba y plena…For those non-Spanish speakers, that would mean “to the rhythm of bomba y plena”. I know, I know, there are still two Spanish words, but those can’t be translated. Bomba y plena is Puerto Rico’s folkloric dance, dated back to when the Indians and Africans first inhabited the Island. For those of you who may not know how Puerto Ricans came about, we are a mix of Indians, Africans and Spanish. Indians where the first to live there, then came the Spanish when they “conquered” the West and then the Africans who were brought as slaves. (it kinda sounded like a kids song, didn’t it).<br /><br />Although Puerto Rican’s love dancing and music, our folkloric music is not played on mainstream media. You’ll mostly hear it during festivals or national events. So, to come about MY music while going out Salsa dancing in Mountain View, CA, was as sweet and delightful as a mid-summer night dream. Also, there aren’t many of us in this neck of the woods, so let’s just say I had a moment…<br /><br />I let the music bring out my roots, loosen up my hips and let my “shake what your mama gave you” side come out. For those 4-5 minutes, I was in heaven. Didn’t bothered if anybody was around me or looking at me. For those few minutes I was Zilaida, the Puerto Rican girl who traveled miles in seconds and went back the Island where the sun is always out, the sand is white and the palm trees remind you the wind is blowing and you are alive.<br /><br />I shared that moment in time with a really good friend who’ll be moving away for a year to follow her dream, so yes, it was a great moment. I went, I danced, I lived, I am. Boricua aunque naciera en la luna… Puerto Rican even if I was born in the moon.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-38055851283986631502008-05-02T09:40:00.000-07:002008-05-02T09:44:11.008-07:00Came what may…So it looks like I should have followed my instincts, go with my guts…. And “drop him off the curb” a couple of weeks ago…maybe when I told him I was sick and he chose not to see me to avoid the slight chance of getting sick. Why didn’t I? Don’t know and won’t waste time thinking about it either.<br /><br />Since I’ve been all about saying what I need to say, I guess I should not hold myself back and write. Not out of resentment, I guess if you take him out of the equation and put someone else in his place I would be feeling the same way, but out of “put it out in the world, and things will get back into place”.<br /><br />I guess I knew the moment the door opened that there was nothing else there…well, I guess we both knew. Why did he have to speak his peace and ruin what could have been a better way to end the evening off, and everything else for what matters, I don’t know. I do know that HE wanted to make sure I knew that HE just didn’t feel the same way, HE has all these other things HE wants/needs to do, and that HE just wanted to say it in person because HE has to learn how to deal with “this type of situation”? I guess I had seen A,B,C things about him and had missed, or ignored D,E,F, which included selfishness. Ouch! Then again, not resentment, just putting it out there for there world….<br /><br />My nice side would say that underneath it all HE is still a nice guy and that at some point he might have got scared or overwhelmed , but my “out of my comfort zone” side just thinks that well, it was meant to be the way it did. I had to step out, jump, take a leap… and learn the hard way.<br /><br />I learned that I should never, ever “make a priority someone for whom I’m only an option”… (Although this one looks more like a reminder that hopefully next time I’ll remember). I also learned that sticking with my instincts will save me time, energy and efforts. And that, although I might not know which of the three or why, HE came into my life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.<br /><br />I know I could have said this yesterday, but it probably wouldn’t have come out this way. Also, there are things better not said out loud when there are feelings involved that might be hurt, especially if it’s not yours. Plus, I think the ABC-DEF part might have come out too strong. So by writing it I can say… Came what may… and now I also spoke my peace.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-89217580297681306022008-04-23T14:16:00.000-07:002008-04-23T14:19:29.581-07:00Simple things worth celebratingI’ve always thought, or at least try to remind myself often, that the simple things in life are worth celebrating. Although as we get older it gets harder and harder to just sit back, relax and smell the roses, this last weekend I had many “simple moments” that I’m still savoring till today.<br /><br />I moved to the States about a year and a half ago, and on Saturday I had a 1st timer… I saw my 1st shooting star since I moved!!! For a Sun, Moon and Stars enthusiast as I was growing up, it was a moment worth celebrating, and so I did. I was so blown away I couldn’t even think of a wish, but at that moment I didn’t have to ask for anything else… I saw a shooting star in California!<br /><br />On Sunday, after I got home from going hiking with a friend, I decided to walk to a park near by and “just be”. No music, no books, no company, just myself and the world around me. I just laid on the grass and immersed myself in the moment. Surprisingly enough, it turned into an afternoon of sounds. The sounds of kids laughing, running around. The sounds of the cars driving by on the highway near by. The sound of dogs barking, a couple laughing, runners’ shoes hitting the ground. The more in tuned I was with sounds, the slower the world around me appeared to be. A kid must have been playing with bubbles close by because I was even able to appreciate a bubble going up and then disappearing on thin air. Simple things that we sometimes miss.<br /><br />Having wonderful friends to spend time with is great and comforting, but sometimes we have to get back to being in tuned with ourselves, to step out of the new comfort zone and just enjoy the simple things in life :)Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-59416212296229840502008-04-09T14:07:00.000-07:002008-04-09T14:20:01.446-07:00Say what you need to say… per John Mayer ;)That’s what I’ve been doing all week long, which is why I think it was funny AND refreshing I listened to John Mayer’s new song on the radio last Friday morning, on my way to work (I think it’s new, at least new to me). Long song short, it says repeatedly, say what you need to say.<br /><br />Although my major is in Communications, PR and Advertising, I still find it hard to say what I need to say, when I need to say it. It was something we never did when I was growing up, and it kinda’ hasn’t changed... up until now. Since I’ve been in California, I’ve met incredible people that have changed my life forever and have been my "Opening Up for DUMMIES" to learn how to open up. Some have challenged me in ways that has brought out the best side of me, and others have put my ideals and patience to the test.<br /><br />In any case, I’ve been learning how to communicate when I’ve really felt the need to say what I need to say. Although it takes me a while to nurture the courage and voice down the anger, in some cases, I’ve been able to some how, verbalize what needed to be said. And that, ladies and gentleman, is a huge step for me.<br /><br />I think I’ve been lucky enough to have songs play on the radio at the right moment, come home to the book I’ve been reading at a chapter that “walks me through”, and also the support of friends that understand where I’m coming from and can help me put things into perspective.<br /><br />I still have a long way to go and some things I need to say. Though, I’ve also learn to understand that there should be a time and a place to do so. Although I need to say some things, the receptor of the information should have the same opportunity to receive the information, canalize it, and say anything back if and when he/she feels like so.<br /><br />I’m opening up, and I feel refreshed. I guess moving forward, I’ll keep following John Mayer’s advice…Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-42038510543090542882008-04-01T11:17:00.000-07:002008-04-09T15:14:59.557-07:00I’m kinda’ lost…So, this year is already ¼ gone, and I can say that at least some of the things I told myself I was going to do, change, improve, etc., I’ve done, changed, improved, etc. Though, I have not been committed to the blog. I guess I’ve been afraid of putting my thoughts out there, and become too vulnerable, since a lot of the things that I could have talked about would expose a side of me that I’ve kept to myself for a really long time. But I guess today, feeling a bit kinda’ lost, and my PMS kicking in giving me a bad case of mood swings plagued with nostalgia, sadness and too much emotion, I feel the need to write… yeah, yeah… type.<br /><br />I just came back from being out of town for a couple of days and went back to work knowing that end of quarter meant I had a bunch of stuff to get done… and then the mood swings kicked in. So, as I tried to hold everything in, and avoid picking up the phone so I could get everything done and avoid the emotions, I stumbled upon one of those moments where something that had never been clear before, just kinda’ unfolds. I somehow could put myself in my grandma’s shoes, and understood why she has kept herself inside four walls and not put herself out there after she divorced my grandfather. Because it is freaking scary knowing that after you’ve opened up, closed your eyes and taken a leap of faith, at the end you could get hurt.<br /><br />I think growing up around my grandma and listening to her say with so much hurt what happened more than 30 years ago, on a consistent basis, has made it really hard for me to open up, close my eyes and take a leap of faith. Even more when the few times that I’ve closed one eye (I always kept the other one open, just in case), I’ve got burnt with 3rd degree burns, not literally.<br /><br />And now, at the age of 25, although I can understand somehow that part of my grandma’s life, I’m kinda’ lost… I thought I was ready to close both eyes and be open to what comes. But what comes is unknown... and what’s unknown is scary. And thus, I slightly want to retreat back into my comfort zone, and keep myself locked up in my bubble so that I don’t get hurt. But I guess I’m past the safe zone. My emotions are talking to me louder than they have had in such a long time, so although I keep fighting myself so I don’t quiet them down, I also owe it to myself to see what comes, even if what comes hurt.<br /><br />I just hope I could have a GPS to the soul… to take me there, open up, and lead the way. I’m kinda' lost… and hope I can find my way… come what may, may what come.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-71122646444637342972008-02-13T14:34:00.000-08:002008-02-14T10:15:57.345-08:00New year… new life?Well, kinda’. The truth is I went home for the holidays and as soon as I was back in California, I moved to a new place with a way much better, and nicer, roommate. So, with just that, it IS a new life.<br /><br />I’ve loved seeing the new place come together, finding just the right thing for the right spot, and making it all look “put together”.<br /><br />This year has started really good, and I have no complaints. Lately it has been a lovely, lovely life, and I’m looking forward to what’s yet to come. Keeping the good relationships that started back during my kickball days (*sigh*), nurturing them and enjoying the time well spent.<br /><br />I made a pinky promise to myself to make the time to post here more often, so it is on my shoulders to keep it. Plus, my new place is filled with good energy… a great place to let my mind wonder for a while…Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-90589493602296393812007-11-07T14:40:00.000-08:002007-11-07T14:41:41.225-08:00the next big one...Shame on me! My last posting was back in July. Why? Maybe because I had too many things going on. Excuse or no excuse, I shouldn’t have dropped the ball on the blog. So, just as a recap of the last 3, almost 4 months, I’ll just say my time was consumed by, training for the marathon, working full-time, playing recreational kickball (yes, it’s a sport for adults who like to “kick it” and drink some beer while at it), meeting new people, networking and just enjoying life to the fullest. So, looking back, I don’t know why I didn’t sit my butt down and write about it, since those were all great things.<br /><br />But now that I’ve found myself with more “spare” time because I’ve cut back on some of the above (except from the full-time job, that’s the part of the equation that pays the bills : P). Now my time will be spent on preparing for the next big ‘out of the comfort zone’ move. Applying for GRAD SCHOOL!!!!!<br /><br />I love California, the life I have here, the friends I’ve made, the happiness it has brought, the experiences, the volunteer work, the weekends filled with stuff to do, the new adventures, the challenges, the things I’ve done that I never thought I would or could (A.K.A marathon), … and now I want to add something else to the list…learning new things by immersing myself in school and everything that comes with.<br /><br />Some will debate whether grad school would be a good choice or not, but for me it’s not a matter of choice. It’s a matter of commitment… to myself and the future that I want. I started my essays a long time ago, and now I’ll need to sit my butt down, just as I’ll do with the blog, and put everything “out there”. Grad school is about taking a leap into a world of opportunities, and that’s all I’m about. The life I have right now is good, is comfortable. But, it’s time to take it up a notch and see what else I can accomplish!<br /><br />Grad school here I come… fingers crossed!!!Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-50463476874834572802007-07-17T22:32:00.000-07:002007-07-17T22:36:56.550-07:00New found respect...This last Saturday I ran the farthest ever... 10 miles!!!!! First time double digits!!!! Woo hooo!! I had never done any sports, so I never knew I had it in me!!!<br /><br />I think that’s why lately I've had this new found respect for athletes. I'm only going to be training 5 days a week, for 4 months, and to think about how much athletes train to win championships, break records, etc., just makes me want to 'take my hat off'. I never knew of all the hard work and level of commitment it entailed.<br /><br />I had always thought to myself it was ridiculous to pay millions of dollars to athletes just for 'playing some sport', but now I think of it differently. Although I still think that millions of dollars is still a lot of money to pay someone, I respect all the hard work that happens before, during and after each and every game that most of us don’t get to see.<br /><br />If you are an athlete, give yourself a ‘pat on the back’… you are doing something that most people don’t even think possible... I was one of them.<br /><br />P.S. If you want to know more about my training with the Leukemia and Lympoma's Team In Training, join my Facebook group "Help Zilaida reach her goal". Or, if you want to make a donation go to: <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida">http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida</a>Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-13139772526827482132007-06-28T23:26:00.000-07:002007-07-01T21:29:04.403-07:00I'm back and running a marathon!!!!So, I’ve done it again. I’ve pushed myself out of the comfort zone one more time. This time physically. So, no more couch potato, no more excuses or I’ll start on Monday. Yup, ‘cause this time I signed up to run my first marathon as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team In Training!! Me running a marathon and I’ve never done any sports!!<br /><br />And now, after only 3 weeks of training I’m soooo hooked!!! I still have 4 more months until the event and I’m already thinking about next season. Through Team in Training I’ve met incredible people whose life stories have inspired me and turned a light back on that had been blown out by a storm a while back.<br /><br />Although I can’t complaint about how my life has been since I moved to California, this experience has brought back the Zilaida that I was back in college when I was joggling going to school full time, working part time, running a students’ association and networking within my field. I used to look back and reminisce “oh, those day”, but not no more. Now I embrace the present, make the most out of it and look forward to what’s yet to come.<br /><br />Three weeks of training, Monday-Thursday and Saturday runs, and I’ve already ran 4.5 miles and will be going for 6 this Saturday. Imagine that! After this Saturday I’ll still have 20 more miles to go to complete the 26.2 miles of a marathon, but I’m on my way!<br /><br />I’ve noticed my body responding to the intense training, and slowly see that those pains and aches slowly become ‘just part of it’ and fade away. I’ve been told that it's that my body is just getting used to its new regimen. I guess so.<br /><br />Can’t wait to see what these next 4 months are going to be like and all the Saturday runs all over the bay area that are said to be just beautiful!<br /><br />P.S. To learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and/ or donate to the cause go to: <a href="http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida">http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida</a>Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-52336311078467365402007-05-11T21:37:00.000-07:002007-05-12T21:26:25.437-07:00Family, mofongo and some things here and thereSo, I can’t get enough at how life turns around by 360 degrees and shows you its best side. After a long, long year in Colorado, trying to find myself, lost in a world where either you got up and start running, or you’d be hit by a train, not literally, although it did hit hard, finding a place in sunny California where life is good, reminds me of the many blessings received.<br /><br />Not only that, but today, while sitting down watching my mom cook mofongo for me, one of my favorite dishes in the world, I keep counting my blessings. I flew in to Champaign, Illinois, yesterday, to watch my brother receive his Masters degree, and spent some time with my family. Since I was going to this big event (it is a big event for all of us) I got my mom to fly with plantains so she would cook for me!!! BTW, my mom’s the best!!<br /><br />Still trying to put into words how blessed I’m feeling right now...the smell of bacon, plantain, chicken and all the good stuff that will make my mofongo (just Google it!!!) taste so good, is making my mouth ‘water’, and my brain space out.<br /><br />Though, I’m slightly coming back… my brother is clapping and dancing as he watches my mom cook and it is just too funny … it will be soooo good, sorry you all can’t have a taste of it…<br /><br />Isn’t life just a delight? Buen provecho too me! Bon appétit Zilaida!!Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-37665296978203871482007-04-26T23:37:00.000-07:002007-04-27T08:22:36.363-07:00Condiment your lifeHaven’t you felt, at least once in your life, that there’s something missing? You feel like you are stuck in a TV commercial and you watch yourself do the same thing, over and over again. Just the same old, same old. Well, lately, give or take, I’ve been watching my life like a TV commercial. So, I thought I needed to shake things up, put some condiment in my life (if my boss would read this blog he’d be laughing right at this moment, since I’m always screwing up catch-phrases). Yeah, I said condiment and not spice. Heck, if I’m going to shake things up, I better flavor my life with condiments, not spices. Growing up I always heard, ‘put some condiment on it for flavor’, not put some spice on it, so I’m sticking to condiments.<br /><br />The question I had been asking is what condiment I should put on it. How can I shake things up? Should I try the bake and shake with some Honey BBQ flavor? (yeah, yeah, it’s shake and bake and not vice versa. I know, I’m just shaking things up) Well, joke aside, today I came across with this one song that goes with the shaking things up attitude. Well, somehow, but it does go along the awesome day I had yesterday.<br /><br />The overall message of the song is you only live once. So, it tells you to give in to love and passion… forget about what other people say or what might be… don’t stress out and get depressed, just “turn the TV off” (good, because I won’t have to see my commercial again), and “turn the radio on and let the rhythm feel you in”. And, yesterday, for the first time after I can’t remember how long, that’s what I did. I let me be me. I laughed out loud you could have heard me 100 feet away, I called BULL SHITTT!!!!, I shook my booty when I hit home, although I was out, in front of a bunch of strangers and so much more. And no, I wasn’t drunk. I was just playing a game of good old fashion kick ball, with a twist… did someone say beer?<br /><br />I had not had so much fun in a long time. With all these "strangers" I was me. That is, someone who’s loud, thinks is funny, dances with or without music, claps when laughs… and that was just fine!<br /><br />So, I’m thinking I found my condiment… it’s called BE YOU. Sometimes we lose ourselves, for whatever reason, and things become dull. Then, somehow, we find ourselves, our condiment, and life becomes flavored. I’m letting my inner self come out, bit by bit. If you can’t handle it, take some Tums, Milanta or whatever. I’m shaking things up, and so should you.<br /><br />Still thinking about the song? Well, it's old, is in Spanish, the video is old and kinda weird , but follow this link, and ENJOY! <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrUkFQHYpg">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrUkFQHYpg</a><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrUkFQHYpg"></a>Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-19591759500581064802007-04-24T23:07:00.000-07:002007-04-24T23:09:05.835-07:00Not your typical knock-knock jokeKnock, knock.<br /><br />Who’s there?<br /><br />The UPS.<br /><br />The UPS guy?<br /><br />Remember those knocks on the door I had talked about in my previous blog? (Oh, if you have not read it, now would be a dandy time to do so) So it turns out that my roommate had ordered a new phone and UPS was going to deliver it. If I had only known this, I would have saved myself several minutes of feeling scared and more than a few of feeling stupid. Because not only did I do all the screaming, calling for a rescuer and cried in front of the policeman shi-bang, but I did all of these because the UPS guy is hearing impaired.<br /><br />Yup, you read it. When I came back from work on Friday I saw a box on the living room table. So, I asked my roommate if that was the “thing” to blame for the entire riot and he said: Yeah, and oh, I don’t think the UPS guy can hear. Right after he said that I could actually hear Homer Simpson going Do’h!<br /><br />At least this whole story broke the ice and started off several nice conversations. The best one was with the brave young girl I briefly mentioned about in one of last month’s blogs; the teenager who has had a harder life than most people I know, combined.<br /><br />Well, after two months of “living” at the children’s shelter, yesterday she moved to a place an hour an a half away from here. So, since I knew she was moving, I picked her up on Friday to take her to the one place she had told me she wanted to go, a pizza place called Round Table. On our way there I was telling her my UPS story, and for at least 5 minutes I had her laughing. By the end of the story she gave me her usual…that’s stupid and that made my whole ordeal worth wild. And that’s because I already know that her “how stupid” is what “dude”, “hella” or “are you serious?” are for others. Plus, I was actually expecting her to say it. If she said it, it meant she was paying attention, and if she was paying attention to this story, it meant that more than having a teenager to help out to the best of my capability, I have a friend.<br /><br />I’m glad my story was a nice ice breaker and it made some laugh. I’ll be happier if my friend reads this blog one day because this next joke is dedicated to her. It's not your typical Knock, Knock joke, but she’ll get it. And that’s all it matters. I can hear her now, just as I could hear Homer…<br /><br />Knock knock<br /><br />Who’s there?<br /><br />Arr u…<br /><br />Arr u who?<br /><br />Are you thinking how stupid?Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-16002578172282937182007-04-20T00:48:00.001-07:002007-04-20T09:53:43.483-07:00Wake up callToday I had a wake up call. Not just your daily ‘it’s time to go to work’ one. This time it was one of those hotel wake you up calls that make you jump out of your bed and get your heart pounding so hard, you think you might be having a heart-attack (ok, so it’s not THAT bad, but seriously, aren’t those just darn annoying?) Today, I had my “Miss Salgueiro, this is your wake up-knock on the door-it’s time for your reality check call of the year.<br /><br />So, here’s what happened. I was sitting on my comfy chair watching TV when someone knocked at my door so hard I literally jumped out of the chair. I asked who it was and nobody answered. Who ever it was knocked again way harder, so hard that I though he/she was going to knock it down. I kept asking who it was and still no answer. And then my heart starts pounding so hard I thought it was going to jump out of my chest. And then a third knock comes along and I started screaming I’d call 911 if he/she didn’t tell me who it was… and STILL no answer.<br /><br />In 5 split seconds I grabbed my cell phone, scrambled through my head for names of who I could call and bang… ‘wake up call’… I didn’t know/have who to call. It’s not an emergency, I thought, so I couldn’t call 911. My one friend who I knew would stop doing whatever she was doing and come running is out of town, so I couldn’t call her. My roommate had left 20 minutes earlier and I thought he might think I was stupid. I ended up calling my friend’s roommate, since they live 5 minutes away, and got no answered. I did end up finding someone to call, although I still thought he would think I was stupid, but he answered and he was willing to drive 30 minutes to get here.<br /><br />In between those 5 split seconds and the 30 minutes that would take for my rescuer to arrive, the police knocked on my door (hint: I did call my roommate and he had called the police). I busted into tears as I was telling my story about the 3 knocks on the door, how nobody would answer and how frustrating all this was for me since I could not have been able to see who could it have been since I am too short to actually be able to look through the “peep-hole”.<br /><br />And here’s where the stupid part ACTUALLY comes in. It wasn’t that I had jumped out off my chair by a frantic knock on the door, it wasn’t that I grabbed air freshener to spray the knocker’s eyes in case he made his way into my apartment, it wasn’t that I cried more than when I saw the end of Armageddon (yeah, the movie) an hour earlier, nor the fact that I had not felt so alone since I had moved to 'the states' and stepped out of my comfort zone, one year and a half ago.<br /><br />Nop, it was when the policeman asked me if the UPS guy had stopped by earlier. Yup, THIS is right exactly were I started feeling way stupid. I turn around and find this UPS package slit sticked to the door. In less than 3 split seconds I put all the pieces together. To help you out in case you haven’t yet, the UPS guy had been the knocker who 25-30 minutes earlier had scared the hell out of me!!!<br /><br />So there you go…3 knocks on the door, 5 split seconds of rambling in my head for a rescuer and 1 reality check and I’m back on my feet again in 30 minutes. The fact is that, no matter how strong and independent one might be, there will come times when we'll need of others. Period. I just hope that if you are ever in the same situation, you’ll have someone on speed dial and be safe and sound in 1 split second. I also hope that second time around, so would I.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-4783272304154811692007-04-17T21:26:00.000-07:002007-04-17T21:29:21.566-07:00Take the “just get over it exit” right after the “so what”Ok, bare with me; I’ve taken the ‘what is life if not what we make it to be road’, and can’t seem to get myself off of it. I guess by now we are more than aware that the older we get, the faster time seems to go by. Probably because life starts to take the “routine” road and we wake up when our alarm tells us to wake up, we do what we usually do every M-F, and try to make the most out of the weekends.<br /><br />And yet, although we know it is not going to happen, we are always looking for ways to slow down the clock or get on the “go back in time” road. Perhaps because half the time we are living in denial and the other half we are just still trying to figure things out. So we believe that, by thinking that time might just slow down or that we’ll be one of the firsts to get on board on that time machine, we’ll actually be able to get back to that “unfinished business” road, to that “childhood memory that defined our adulthood” street or on the “one-to many times” highway and be able to make a U turn.<br /><br />I'm glad to say that at least after a long way on the ‘just get over it’ and the ‘so what’, I’ve managed to get myself on “the life you’ve always wanted” road. I still have a lot of miles to go but, gosh, I know I'll get there. Though, if I had only had a GPS system integrated since the day I was born or if I had done a Mapquest search first, I know I would have save myself a lot of time. But, such is life.<br /><br />I'll keep it short, got to save some time. I’ve hit the road, and I ain’t turning back. I’ll see you there if you take the same exit.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-86299033544882036912007-04-11T12:22:00.000-07:002007-04-11T12:27:35.683-07:00On your mark, get set, go dating!!!Yeah, so lately I’ve been writing about dating a lot. Maybe that’s because I have been giving it a try for the first time. And, coming from someone who has dedicated most of her “adult years” concentrating on other things other than a love life, it IS a huge step. Heck, I still remember one of the first conversations I had with my roommate when I moved in six months ago and I laugh at myself. I recall saying that I just wasn’t into that whole dating ‘thing’. Isn’t it funny how six months can change your ‘perspective’ about things?<br /><br />And what is it about it that just makes it such a profitable industry (‘it’ IS an industry)? We hear about ‘it’ all the time. Hundreds of books talk about the dos and don’ts. Some even pride themselves on being experts on the subject manner and get paid for their “professional advice”. Truth is I’m not even close to the latter. I’m just one of the thousands of singles mixing it up in search for the ‘perfect’ match that will walk along the journey and become a partner in crime. I’m just one of the thousands that hit the night scene, go to parks, go online, etc. etc., with our eyes wide open “just in case”. You name it we’ve done it. Actually, some of us have not done it all; I still think that the ‘speed dating’ thing is a bit too awkward for my taste.<br /><br />Though, I must say that, if thousands of us are still searching for the ‘perfect match’ it means one of two things, either there are a lot of us really messed up inside, or there are a lot of us who are looking for that deeper relationship where two become one and life is just great. I like to think it’s option number two.<br /><br />I’ve seen so many so called relationships where things are obviously not going well, and probably not even started well at all and scratch my head thinking how, where, WHY!!!!! I’ve come to think that some are so afraid of ending up alone that they jump at the first glimpse of “love”. But for what? Just to end up broken hearted and back to square one. That’s why I’m sticking to option number two up there.<br /><br />I don’t want to end up in a relationship asking myself five, ten years later, why I even started it in the first place. I do want to be in a relationship in which five, ten years from the moment that we meet, I’ll still be as happy with sharing my life with him, the ups and downs, the roller coasters, the ‘bed, bath and beyond’ as I felt the moment I decided to take a chance on love.<br /><br />And, the game is on. though, it’s not about winning or losing, or who gets there first. It's about taking one more step towards the relationship you want. So, are you prepared to put on your running (or walking) shoes or would yourather just seat on the sofa and scratch your belly waiting for prince/princess charming to knock on your door? I know I’m ready. Are you?Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-87656879534039730372007-04-10T00:04:00.000-07:002007-04-10T14:57:20.725-07:00Spring cleaningArmed with ‘I’ve had enough with this room been so cluttered’ thoughts, and an unopened divine bottle of Moscato Bianco wine, I decided to take on the task of doing some spring cleaning. Yeah, I decided to just get rid of piles of paper that will not make my tax refund magically increase, or even appear for what it’s worth, since none of my receipts from the supermarket, Friday nights out, Chipotle, not even Starbucks, will somehow become tax deductions. Although I’ve made my fair contributions to Starbucks!<br /><br />But oh, if it wasn’t for that bottle… more than half way, let’s say 77% almost done, (I just like the number 7), Spring cleaning turned into tipsy dialing. Which is a drunken dialing kind of scenario, just a bit less drunk. Get it? And I know you must be thinking, but it’s Monday!!! But, didn’t I say I was having Moscato Bianco wine, with a hint of honey, oh just so delicious, while doing some Spring cleaning?!<br /><br />Spring cleaning turned into let me open that bottle that has been sitting for 3 weeks, opening the bottle turned into tipsy dialing and tipsy dialing turned it to, ‘why can’t I forget that number’?!?!?!? (I needed more than 3 combined with exclamation points, sorry). But I guess we all do it. Don’t we? We all want to be ‘out there’. Just step out of the comfort zone and see what’s ‘out there’. But, before we jump, we just have to make that phone call, or whatever works best for each: burn letters, put away picture albums, etc. etc. For me it was a spring cleaning Monday afternoon tipsy calling. Well, I’ve tried the delete # from cell phone, put away all the pictures, sending ‘before the year ends note’, and blah blah blah. I guess it hasn’t worked 100% accurate after all. But, spring is here and I want to be ‘out there’.<br /><br />So, I’m glad I had the wine, I’m glad I made the call, and I’m glad his phone was dead. It is spring… when flowers bloom, “the sun is shinning and the weather is sweet”. I’ll keep enjoying my wine, finish my spring cleaning and just keep pushing myself out of my comfort zone… one baby step at a time.Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6513601858410132759.post-77948106514060266812007-04-08T20:26:00.000-07:002007-04-08T20:27:53.529-07:00Whatever will be, will be.So I’m back home after the 3 weeks of running on roller blades and I just can’t get myself away from this damn thing called computer. I guess I’m compensating from the time lost, though not lost at all.<br /><br />Although my weekend started off a bit hectic, as I had a two hour delay on my flight back to San Jose, I can’t complaint how it has all worked out. It just so happened that the way the cards were put on the table turned out a fairly good hand. Friday night concert listening to Colombian music that let my hips shake the way the love to shake, Saturday napping all day recovering from all the skipped night sleep, and Sunday afternoon filled with delight, a trip down memory lane and a new story just developing.<br /><br />I’ve always said that things are meant to happen just the way they do, and lately, more than ever, I’ve made it my motto. What’s meant to happen will happen. Whatever will be, will be. So, why bother looking for answers. Why go around rambling questions that will just turn into a loop instead of a straight line with a beginning and an end?<br /><br />I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks are going to be as the new story unfolds, while I just sit back and enjoy the ride. Not too long ago I read a book that said that in life you just have to ‘let go of the outcome’, as in not to put too much pressure on yourself over things that, if they are meant to happen or not, is just out of your hands. So, I’ll just relax and let things be. I’ll let go of the outcome and embrace life. After all, isn’t life just dandy?Zilaida Salgueirohttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15070552487583670047noreply@blogger.com0