Tag Archives: new opportunities

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!  💉📝❤️📅🎉🙂

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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. 📆 🤞🏼