GWB Challenge

A couple weeks ago I had the pleausre of participating in the GWB Challenge. A walk across the George Washington Bridge in NYC. I performed the 5k walk and donated $20. My organization did a wonderful job on raising funds, volunteering and participating. Afterwards, there was a great BBQ, music, face painting, fake tattoos and just a plain old good time! Only the pics can truly capture the feeling. Enjoy!

It ends in The City

This past weekend was a curse and a blessing all in one. Let's start with the good news:
My boss recently moved into a new apartment and then got sick, leaving me...YES ME...in charge of the department for about 2 days. Wasn't too bad. I got things done and held it together, the place didn't burn down so I did a great job. Spent time drinking with my Ship and her friends and received a "Cheers" type greeting on the patio of Fridays on the Parkway. Off to a CUS probate (never a disappointment), then home to rest. Hopped a train to Jersey, then off the The City with mi lady. Met some cool people, ate some great food, and broke the bank my getting tatt'd up. Honestly, at this point couldn't have asked for a better Memorial Day weekend.

The Bad News:
After a "blah" Sunday, and a Monday filled with Star Wars watching (don't judge! The movie is madd deep if you pat attention), mi lady comes home--with Taco Bell--both of which made me happy. Now at this point I am content and answering some text messages, then...it happened... the lady is being aggressive (as usual) and I am not in the mood (as usual), not at the moment at least. Maybe after a shower...who knows. Then the question "who are you texting?" Innocent enough. Jokingly, I respond with another person's name. No real reason behind it. It was a bad attempt at a joke that I was immediately going to correct, but decided not to because it was "no big deal"...or so I thought. Then it came; the questioning, the worry, the tears, the consoling.

The Result:
Mental and Emotional death. In ANY situation there are always 3 choices: "Change it. Accept it. Leave it." I've already tried 2, maybe its time to choose the other.

I thought this was 2009?!

I am fresh off my 1st official "CUS Tour" of Northern New Jersey, and I must say it was a pleasant experience. My days were filled with sisterhood, fun, jokes and love.

Needless to say I was brought back down to Earth when today I got blasted with the news of the infamous "Swine Flu". Seriously?! Now, in my experience, whenever the U.S. news/media make a HUGE deal out of something trivial, let's say...... the flu they're usually covering up something more serious. I mean c'mon! Mexico has been ravaged by human trafficking, the influx of a 2nd generation drug war, and a devastating earthquake and we're going to focus on.......the flu?! Why, you may ask? Because is affects us close minded, egotistical Americans.

Now, I remember this one time in history class, where I learned about this Influenza Epidemic of 1918 (which was also referred to as the Spanish Flu. Hm. Interesting). Killed hundreds of thousands in the U.S. and millions worldwide. Since then, we've had the advent of the flu vaccine and other medications that can help stop the virus in its tracks. So to get people's mind off of the Credit Card crisis, the collapse of the automotive industry, human trafficking nationwide, the depleting value of the dollar (not only caused by the "big crash" but also by buying scrap gold. This means that our "money" is no longer worth its weight in anything, its more or less a piece of paper), and natural disasters........ we focus on a COMPLETELY treatable virus that is affecting a developing nation, which doesn't have the resources to treat its people with the medicines we have here, ONLY because we frequently travel to this nation to rape the land, and its people of their natural resources, and support and fuel their drug trade. Way to go America! We've done it again! lol. Seriously!

Its necessary to be aware and pay attention, because if you don't YOU too can fall into the panic trap!

The Steak Sandwhich on I-95

What a great weekend! Spent time at one of my favorite chapters in Delaware. They co-sponsored a stroll show and after party with 2 fraternities. I COMPLETELY missed the annual show, but I did attend the afterparty. From what I remember it was great! I saw many people I hadn't seen in literally years, and got to spend the evening showing off my trophy of a gf, lol. I also enjoyed a BANGING steak sandwhich (which would later end up on the side of I-95 in liquid form)! I then proceeded to North Jersey where I spent the rest of the weekend loving her. It was great and much needed.

Work is PAINFULLY slow.....in both areas. No bookings. Minimal appointments. My patience wears thin in general, but to add on to that....not a good combination.

I came across a positive musical group called The Luminaries. They're performing at a Quantum Leap 2012 conference in Cali soon. The concept and reasoning behind the conference is intriguing. I am hoping to add the Luminaries to my aresenal of energy and positivity. Its past midnight now. I need sleep. Let's hope I get it.

Snowstorms & Yoga

Apparently March has roared in like a lion. I went to bed in the wee hours yesterday to a virtual winter wonderland. As much as I love when the snow falls (its the only natural thing that "falls" from the sky, yet makes no noise), I hate to travel in it. Cold feet, frozen face, wet clothes, SEPTA delays, snotty nose...ugh! So I braved the weather and took the late shift at work. While waiting for my train to come (damn near an hour thanks to the regional rail line), I paroused the Faber Bookstore in Suburban Station (after grabbing the Power Special @ the Enerjuicer, my fav place. Everytime I walk in the stout Latino man behind the counter greets me with a warm smile, salsa blasting through the speaker (today's choice was Marc Anthony), and an AWESOME beverage. The combo for fruit, nuts, yougurt and vitamins keep me alert and wired ALL DAY!! Love it. Today, he finally gave me a "frequent juicer" card, a sure sign that out consumer-merchant relationship had now moved to the next level. I found myself staring at the new releases and N.Y. Times Bestsellers. As usual I scoffed at the "urban" books, and moved on to something that was going to feed my mind and not enhance a stereotype.

My eyes landed on The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Mao by Junot Diaz. I have not been able to put this book down! I am enjoying it immensely. Junot narrates the book so realistically, not sugar coating anything. I think I enjoy the book so much because it reminds me of my favorite book of all time; Maniac McGee by Jerry Spinelli. In both novels, the hero of the story is an intellectual loner who yearns to feel and be normal, dreaming up a grandiose life they will never have. Reminds me a lot of myself. Growing up and now. I also enjoy the fact that Junot is from North Jersey and lives in NYC, so the book mentions, places, things and historical events I am familiar with. I also LOVE that the family is Dominican. I'm a huge lover of all think Puerto Rican...we all know, but now I get a chance to learn more about my beloved platanos, with whom I am always mistaken (I have my dad's mixed heritage, and my mom's random Anglo lineage to thank for my awkward skin tone, and fine yet kinky hair. I swear if I added "pero" strategically in conversation, no one would doubt I wasn't a Latino). Reading 2 books at a time, and starting a new work out regimine will be interesting. I hope my brain and body can keep up with each other!