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.
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”.
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.
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…
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
the 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.
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!!!!!
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.
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!
Grad school here I come… fingers crossed!!!
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!!!!!
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.
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!
Grad school here I come… fingers crossed!!!
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
New 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!!!
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.
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.
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.
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: http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida
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.
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.
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.
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: http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida
Thursday, June 28, 2007
I'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!!
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
P.S. To learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and/ or donate to the cause go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida
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.
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.
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!
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.
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!
P.S. To learn more about the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and/ or donate to the cause go to: http://www.active.com/donate/tntsvmb/zilaida
Friday, May 11, 2007
Family, mofongo and some things here and there
So, 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.
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!!
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.
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…
Isn’t life just a delight? Buen provecho too me! Bon appétit Zilaida!!
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!!
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.
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…
Isn’t life just a delight? Buen provecho too me! Bon appétit Zilaida!!
Thursday, April 26, 2007
Condiment your life
Haven’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.
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.
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?
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!
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.
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! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrUkFQHYpg
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.
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?
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!
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.
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! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxrUkFQHYpg
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Not your typical knock-knock joke
Knock, knock.
Who’s there?
The UPS.
The UPS guy?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Arr u…
Arr u who?
Are you thinking how stupid?
Who’s there?
The UPS.
The UPS guy?
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.
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!
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.
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.
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…
Knock knock
Who’s there?
Arr u…
Arr u who?
Are you thinking how stupid?
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