Tag Archives: goals

Goodbye 2021. Hello 2022!

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I can’t believe it’s been a year since I last blogged and/or updated my website. Life and staying busy have prevented me from posting updates…up until now. Truthfully, nothing much happened in 2021, but I’ll provide a short recap here.

2021 started out excruciatingly slow. In February, I received an email from the editor of a local publication…two years after I had originally emailed her indicating that I was interested in a position at the publication. I went in for an interview and she stated that if I didn’t take the job, she’d still like for me to contribute to NorthBay biz magazine—which I agreed to. I’ve been contributing to the magazine since about June 2021 and this contributing position works perfectly for me right now with my schedule. In fact, there could possibly be a new opportunity soon with another publication. 📝🙏🏽

The writing position came at the best time since I’m still helping or caregiving for my parents and my (older) brother—which consists of me providing transportation, taking them to follow-up appointments, going shopping for them or taking them shopping with me and much more. Although it can be difficult, I still try my best to incorporate some self-care time for myself (e.g. a walk, lunch with a friend, etc). What I could use though is more help, especially when I need to take an extended break.

I’m extremely grateful to the editor at NBb magazine for giving me the opportunity to contribute to the magazine AND to those who have helped me with my parents and brother, either by providing transportation when I wasn’t able to or by just providing me/us with moral support. Those are the people you need in your corner whenever you don’t know where else to turn to. 🙏🏽❤️

This winter, I’m also grateful the weather has cooperated for the better for my county. We have had several days of rain here and there between November and December, which has tremendously helped our area! The drought here is no longer as bad as it was these last five years, when at least twice we were evacuated due to fires (the last one being the Kincade Fire in late Oct. 2019) that were located within close proximity to where we live. I’m intending that the upcoming rain will provide us with more relief between now and through April. ☔️💦🙏🏽

Despite being busy with my family, I’m so glad I have never given up on my goals. I hope 2022 will allow me to: work on my other writing goals, help me to fulfill another dream of mine later on this year and celebrate a milestone birthday come this fall. 🖊☀️🏝🎂

On one final note: thank you to the ’man (or woman 😏) upstairs’ for always guiding me and for answering some of my prayers involving my family’s health and for allowing me the time to complete a few lifelong accomplishments in 2021. 🙏🏽❤️🙂

I hope you have a healthy, joyous and prosperous New Year! 📆🎊😃🎉

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Happy New Year, 2021!

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Well, I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated my blog/website. In all honesty, 2020 was a very stressful and chaotic year not only for everyone else, but also for myself. 😣😱🙁

2020 started off rather quiet. For those who don’t know, since July 2015, I’ve been a caregiver to my parents and brother, so I don’t always get an opportunity to take some time for self care. However, my No. 1 BFF (LM) and I had spoken for months about taking a road trip together in March. Although I was a little hesitant to go on this trip because COVID-19 was at its beginning stages, my friend convinced me that we should go because I would regret it later on.

Somewhere in California.

 

The Brady Bunch home in Studio City. Exterior shots of this real home were used for the series.

 

Portraits of actress Rita Hayworth at the Hollywood Museum.

 

One of my favorites, Natalie Wood, at the Hollywood Museum.

 

Paid my respect to one of my other favorite actresses.

 

Olvera Street is a wonderful place to visit for some great food and souvenirs!

 

A quote as you enter the Getty Villa.

 

One of the beautiful pools located at the Getty Villa in Pacific Palisades.


We originally had tickets to see Carol Burnett speak in Los Angeles, but the day before LM and I were to leave, a spokeswoman from the venue called me stating the show was going to be rescheduled in the fall and if I wanted to save my tickets for then—which I quickly said “no” since I already knew my schedule was going to be hectic. As we proceeded to L.A., we had intentions of visiting many familiar attractions, like the Santa Monica Pier and The Grove, but we ended up cutting our trip short. The fact was that it was raining the entire time we were there and the COVID virus was playing more of a prevalent role in our minds, which is why we drive home a day early.

The stay-at-home order, which was implemented the Tuesday we returned home, certainly put a damper on our future plans, as well as everyone else’s. I still continued with my role as caregiver, which meant going grocery shopping (sometimes to multiple stores) and running errands for my family, amongst other things.

In the midst of the pandemic, I’m very grateful to the ‘man upstairs’ that none of my friends and family have gotten sick. I do know extended family members and other friends—who live elsewhere—who had COVID symptoms, but thankfully are feeling better now.

I think we can all agree that 2020 was a complete dud! 💩 One thing is for certain: I’m eternally grateful for my parents, brother, sister, nieces, nephew and closest friends—who are pretty much like family. I’m also thankful for my health, for having a roof over my head and food on the table, and for the support and love of my family and friends. 🙏🏽❤️🙂

My intentions for 2021 are to take some more ME time. These last couple of years have been difficult for me because I haven’t been able to work nor pursue my passion for writing. Nonetheless, I intend to work on my goals (again) and pray 2021 will provide me with more opportunities, which will benefit my future.

Here’s to good health, happiness, new ventures, love and prosperity in 2021!  💉📝❤️📅🎉🙂

Welcoming 2019

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In perspective, 2018 seemed somewhat tame compared to 2015, which is when I stepped in to help my parents and brother, who all became ill that same year. It’s been tough, not only for them, but for myself. I’ve had numerous challenges come my way and I am still learning. Fast forward to the present, they are fine at the moment, but only God knows what will happen in the future. I’m trying my best not to worry when it concerns them, but–as with most families–you sometimes can’t help it. 🤔 At this point, all I can do is just take it one day at a time and not dwell on what could happen.

For the last three-plus years or so, one of my best friends (“C”), who I’ve known since fifth grade, has been encouraging me to start writing again. I’ve hesitated to pick up my pen and paper to do just that because I’ve been going through my own personal challenges, as well as keeping busy with helping my family. For the most part, I felt unaccomplished for much of 2018. 😔 I also know that I’ve always placed a lot on pressure on myself into setting goals and completing them. However, I didn’t complete any of my goals for lack of motivation and because I became discouraged. It wasn’t until I read an article written by a friend, where she briefly discussed her upbringing, the genre of writing she got into and the television pioneer, whose own life inspired her to follow her dream of becoming an entertainment writer and reporter based in Los Angeles. She has inspired me to seek out new opportunities, as did my brother, who has encouraged me to carve my own niche and write about things around me. In 2019, I intend to seek out more adventures and write about them. I may not be taking that once-in-a-lifetime trip to Europe just yet, but I can find other things or places to discuss and share with readers.

In 2018, I took small steps into practicing self-care. As a caregiver, you tend to forget about yourself because you’re always taking care of others. Well, in 2019, I intend to do the opposite. I will still be there for my family, but I will also be putting myself first when it comes to working on tasks that are of importance to me.

On a sad note, 2018 ended with the deaths of two people, who were part of my extended family: my cousin’s husband–who I had known since I was an infant–and my other best friend’s (“I”) father, who was a good friend of my parents’ and who I had known since I was three-years-old. This will be a somber week, but both families are strong and they have the support of one another, including their friends.

Intending you have a joyous New Year, one filled with great health, happiness, love and prosperity. 📆 🤞🏼

Goodbye, 2017. Hello, 2018!

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Well, it’s time to say goodbye to another year. 2017 was a year of learning, growing and chaos.  It started off alright…until September and October arrived. 😩 I certainly do NOT wish to see a repeat of what happened this year happen in 2018.

As for the new year, I have one major wish: To have God watch over my family–especially my parents’ and brother’s health.  ❤️🙏🏽💙

One thing I will no longer worry about is going out of my way to communicate with someone, who doesn’t reciprocate the communication nor the friendship. Friendship is a two-way street, which means I don’t have time for clique-like or short-term friendships. 👋🏽 🙄

Finally, in 2018, I will focus on myself. The last 2+ years have been really stressful and taxing–especially on me. As a result, I intend to take more time out for myself and will work on completing a few goals on my bucket list. 🙏🏽😃

Wonder Woman

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Just saw the film Wonder Woman. As a child, I often watched actress Lynda Carter’s portrayal of this heroic woman, one who epitomized strength, intelligence, compassion and beauty. She was someone I always strived to be. Two years ago and up until now, I found myself in a similar situation–only sometimes I feel I lack one of WW’s best qualities.

Gal Gadot’s portrayal of the present day Wonder Woman was outstanding! She’s been handed the torch and has exemplified everything the original Wonder Woman was…and more.

And kudos to director Patty Jenkins for directing this amazing film, whose character has empowered little girls and adult women everywhere to always follow your dreams, to strive for the best, to not be dependent on others–specifically a man–and to use what you already have to make this a better world for YOUrself and for those you care about.

The added bonus in the film: Chris Pine as Steve Trevor. 😍

The best line in the film: “Be careful in the world of men, Diana, for they do not deserve you.”
📺🎥💪🏼👸🏻💥⭐️😃❤️

Quote: Ralph Marston

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Every once in a while, I need to remind myself to stay positive with setting my goals so that I can accomplish my dreams. 🙂

“You’ve done it before and you can do it now. See the positive possibilities. Redirect the substantial energy of your frustration and turn it into positive, effective, unstoppable determination.” ~Ralph Marston

Quote Of The Day: Chances

I’ve had a lot on my mind lately, which is probably why I haven’t been getting that much sleep–amongst other things. Recently, I was talking with a good friend of mine. With her advice and encouragement, I believe I can see things much more clearer now. 🙂 #thankyou #wisebeyondheryears #thedreamisstillalive #nexttimeIwilllistentomyintuition