The Hell with New Year's Resolutions

As we approach the end of a decade, I thought I'd share with you some things that we should be thinking about in the new year.

Normally, I don't have a New Year's Resolution because there is no point unless you continue your resolution for years after that. I told my fiance last night that I've tried to become a better person, better witness of God and overall living life to the fullest this year. I want to continue to do this as we begin a new year and new decade.

Health:
1. Drink plenty of water.
2. Eat breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince and dinner like a beggar.
3. Eat more foods that grow on trees and plants and eat less food that is manufactured in plants..
4. Live with the 3 E's -- Energy, Enthusiasm and Empathy
5. Make time to pray.
6. Play more games
7. Read more books than you did in 2009 .
8. Sit in silence for at least 10 minutes each day
9. Sleep for 7 hours.
10. Take a 10-30 minutes walk daily. And while you walk, smile.

Personality:
11. Don't compare your life to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.
12. Don't have negative thoughts or things you cannot control. Instead invest your energy in the positive present moment.
13. Don't over do. Keep your limits.
14. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one else does.
15. Don't waste your precious energy on gossip.
16. Dream more while you are awake
17. Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you need..
18. Forget issues of the past. Don't remind your par tner with His/her mistakes of the past. That will ruin your present happiness.
19. Life is too short to waste time hating anyone. Don't hate others.
20. Make peace with your past so it won't spoil the present.
21. No one is in charge of your happiness except you.
22. Realize that life is a school and you are here to learn. Problems are simply part of the curriculum that appear and fade away like algebra class but the lessons you learn will last a lifetime.
23. Smile and laugh more.
24. You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree...

Society:
25. Call your family often.
26. Each day give something good to others.
27. Forgive everyone for everything.
28. Spend time w/ people over the age of 70 & under the age of 6.
29. Try to make at least three people smile each day.
30. What other people think of you is none of your business.
31. Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends will. Stay in touch.

Life:
32. Do the right thing!
33. Get rid of anything that isn't useful, beautiful or joy ful.
34. GOD heals everything.
35. However good or bad a situation is, it will change..
36. No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show up.
37. The best is yet to come..
38. When you awake alive in the morning, thank GOD for it.
39. Your Inner most is always happy. So, be happy.

Last but not least, Faith:
40. TRUST in the Lord that He will make all your paths straight.

It's Been a Minute...

And lots has happened. If you know me, you know that I am recently engaged to the love of my life and dearest best friend, Mike. He proposed to me in Central Park after a long day of being out and about in Manhattan. I had no idea that he had previously asked my family if it was okay to ask me to marry him - awww! We were walking around the city looking at Christmas lights, I was soooo cold and we were this close to leaving. We troop it to Central Park and within minutes I am the future Mrs. Mike YAY! I am writing this blog to capture it in the peak of my life but there is so much more to this story.

Not to mention my Chargers have won 8 in a row!! YES!! One game at a time...and we can do this!

At What Point...

Do you know when its that time to move on? Especially if you have never been in the position before.. This could be a job, a relationship or a friendship. You feel distant from the comfortability that you once knew. You question the next step - is it smart or is it silly?

I don't doubt that someone always knows when is the right time for anything. How would they know? Is it a feeling that you get or is it a blantant sign? Life is a constant moving ride that has its ups and downs so what if that time you know is when you are down? What if the up pulls you back in?

At what point to put 100% into your intuition? Should we trust our friend's opinions or should we trust our own thoughts? The thoughts include God as our guide so essentially we should be trusting His way. Right?

At the end of the day, are we stronger by struggling through life or smarter by knowledge that its time to move on?

Try hard to be yourself, listen to you and be honest with your own life. That's when you will know when to move on or push forward. At what point?

What an AMAZING weekend! Thanks for all the support!

I couldn't have asked for more!! This weekend was such a success and I thank all those that helped out!

Here is a video that a friend made: When Giants Fall by Darbe Rotach

Silent Agreement, I Think Not

New York is a very opinionated city and everyone is so conceited about their beliefs, views that they cannot hear anything else. I think I am guilty of the same, however, I want to have a healthy discussion about issues that are important. I don't think our country is the same as it was 8 years ago, but, I also don't think we're going in the right direction. I hate to say it, but it's most likely true. Dubya didn't help at all. Obama isn't steering us in the right direction either. Most of my friends know this, but, are too stubborn to admit it. The starry-eyed phenomenon is corrupting our nation.

If I try to bring up these topics, I'm automatically seen as crazy or too old-fashioned...Why is a moderate view in politics seen as wrong? Did Dubya really fuzz shizz up for us middle-of-the-road thinkers? I hope not. But, honestly, I have been silent about specific topics lately. Not because I agree but because I hate the backlash. My freedom of speech is not taken as such.

Are we losing ourselves in this overly left media hungry political climate? Do you follow the media that much and agree with them? or do you criticize them?

For now, I'll keep my views on specific topics to myself.... I just hope I never have to say I TOLD YOU SO!

Fall in the City

So I left work a bit later than expected last night, but decided to take a walk up to Herald Square since the weather was pretty nice. On a mission to take some good pictures with my point and shoot. Here are some of my favorites:

Passionate

So I think I've found another thing I'm passionate about.... even though I kind of already knew. Photography.

Here's the thing, I need a new camera and all that good stuff. I have to pat myself on the back for taking some great photos with my handheld but I would love love love to have a SLR or whatever you want to call it. I think my dad has one that I like, wink wink. Anyway, I need some suggestions on types of cameras, settings I would need, etc.

Am I the only good photographer in my circle of friends? Dang, I get so mad when bad photos (not centered, too candid, bad positions, etc) are taken. I take offense that the pictures I'm in are not centered properly, etc. Why is that? Am I stubborn about it because I am passionate about a great photo?

my love affair with this concrete jungle

Ever gotten lost in the city and felt weird about the ones that surrounded you? I guess it depends on how you interpret that question because although it's a huge city, it is very easy to lose yourself.

New Yorkers struggle with identity like most people, where do i go? who do i call? it can be a lonely place when you're away from your family. but this love affair is like any other. you are starry-eyed and amazed at the power of this city. you struggle to find the best route to work, just like you struggle during your first argument with your significant other. you appreciate its culture and understand what the city is about as time goes by. you gain a better sense of self by identifying with something "new york". eventually you appreciate everything the city has to offer, both good and bad.

i've been here for 6 years and counting (yes, i left for 14 months, but, my heart never left) and it's been a love affair like no other. this is only temporary though. temporary like most love affairs.

it's not the capital of the us nor the capital of its state, but, it is the capital of the world. living in the capital of the world has helped me grow as a person and understand the richness of people. i take people who they are (even if it doesn't seem like it). i enjoying learning about new places, things. new york and i are getting along greatly now however, i must get out eventually or i'll become a bitter, unhappy person. upon leaving, i will go back to my first crush. as in san diego, america's finest city.

just a little note about my love affair with this concrete jungle. as i finish up here i leave you with this:

"There are roughly three New Yorks. There is, first, the New York of the man or woman who was born there, who takes the city for granted and accepts its size, its turbulence as natural and inevitable. Second, there is the New York of the commuter--the city that is devoured by locusts each day and spat out each night. Third, there is the New York of the person who was born somewhere else and came to New York in quest of something...Commuters give the city its tidal restlessness, natives give it solidity and continuity, but settlers give it passion."

ps. this in no way is an indication that i am leaving new york soon.

Do you hear what I hear?

If I could wish for something right now and have to pay nothing for it, I'd wish for a shiny new iPod. I am always listening to some type of music. I appreciate it all: hip hop, blues, soul, oldies, country, rock, pop, etc. Right now, I'm listening to the Blueprint 3 and I'm enjoying it up through track 4 now. A part of me is missing though, I used to frequent the concert scene. I don't go to shows anymore because shows have become too expensive. I tried to get Jay-Z tickets today and within 20 seconds the "public sale" was over. It's a conspiracy yet, it doesn't destroy the growing love I have for music. This morning I was listening to Paramore and KOL catalog... I told you, I like it all.

So yea, back to the iPod. Mine broke years ago and it was past the warranty period so I went without. I pretend like my blackberry is a good replacement... it is not :( Until I can decide on which iPod to grace my presence it will have to do as my main music device (not to mention my phone).

Mari loves music. Bye.

PMS is real...

True story. I was the uber perra this past weekend. NOT CUTE!!

Now back to normal... Sorry to those that were in the path of my wrath.

Aimlessly Walking

Walking.

In the past week, I've probably walked about 12 miles total, just walking, no purpose specifically, but to walk. It was quite humid last night, I had to stop a few times to get new water bottles and people were looking at me all sweaty. LOL! Either way, it was a nice way to just relax and spend some time with myself. I couldn't put my blackberry in my purse, however, it was nice to see a lot of the upper west side. I didn't know there was a Ben and Jerry's on like 103rd and Broadway. There are a lot of outdoor dining spots too from 75th up to 96th Street. I walked past my old job, and Marrakech hotel (which I think looks so cool from the website). (Side note: I was looking at hotel prices for a friend who's coming in November).

Either way, my point is, I think I'm going to start making this a trend of mine. I walked a total of 5 miles yesterday that's more than the southern most point of Central Park to the northern most point. 90 blocks and a few avenues from 6th Avenue to end up on Broadway. Last weekend, I walked 5 miles plus from the hotel to the Lincoln Memorial and back. On Tuesday night, I walked from Avenue A and 3rd to 7th Avenue and 14th Street. If it's a nice out, why don't you try a walk in this great city?

King of Pop, May You Rest in Peace

When I was told he had full cardiac arrest, I couldn't believe it. Would he make it? I had chills. Now despite all the negative press surrounding Michael in the late 90's and beyond, I couldn't help but be shocked by his death. I almost lost it when I found out.
We truly lost a great entertainer, an icon and a music legend!

My very first memory of Michael the entertainer was when my "graduating" pre-school class sang "We Are the World" in front of a crowd of our friends and family. I remember watching the video years later although it wasn't Billie Jean or Rock With You we were all so excited to be singing that song.

Michael was an amazing icon in so many ways. No one can deny his talent, his star power and the music that speaks to us. HIStory was on repeat for almost a year straight for me. We all grew up with him. He touched people around the world and each and everyone of us will remember what joy he brought to us. When we would hear MJ songs in the clubs and get all excited because it "brought us back". I don't know what to believe, if he truly did take the allegations so hard that it destroyed his spirit or he just went crazy, he now has his opportunity to live again and entertain the people that we've lost on Earth.

I can't help but feel sentimental about this and I will forever remember and think "where were you when.."

Rest in Peace KING of Pop!

Lounge vs. Bar: Happy Medium?

Ever get that feeling that you'd like to head out on the town, but, not get all fancy-fancy or wear your newest party dress? You'd like to get out and have a good night in the city, but, you don't necessarily want to stop at a hole-in-the-wall bar. I've made it a goal of mine to enjoy a nice night out (or a few) without all the frills during the summer months. I'm a huge fan of Happy Hour but, I'd like for a happy hour feel at 11pm-2am...New York City is heating up, it's 75 degrees and humid today.

Below is a list of places, I'd like to re-visit this summer:

1. La Linea - 1st and 1st (LES): I've been to this place quite a few times and had a great time each time I went. Great music (well at least what I like, hip hop, r & b, old school, etc.) and cheap drinks. Half price bar until 9pm, Monday thru Friday, gotta love it.

2. Bourbon - -46th between 8th and 9th (Theater District): HURRICANES, comfy seats and pop music happy hours til 8pm.

3. 1849 - Bleecker St (Village): Sweet decor, strong drinks but not enough seating. Good for groups at tables and 1-2 people at the bar. MUSIC can be great and can be weird. The area is perfect though!

4. Madame X - W. Houston (border of NoHo / SoHo): Super cool vibe and ambiance is key here: VERY INTIMATE! Wine is $5 glass and drinks are strong...Music tends to be a few years old, but still a nice place to go to.

A fellow blogger and cousin of a family member has recommended some new places in SpaHa (Spanish Harlem) so I'll probably have to check those out soon! Any more ideas?

I can't wait for more summer activities to start! Picnic in the Park, Water Taxi Beach, Game Nights, etc.

Bring on the summer!
Marisa

Do You Trust Your Media?

Media outlets have been saturating our minds for years and each time the news comes on, I tend to lose my mind especially when it's local and it's all fluff. I want to hear about the juicy stuff, so I spend about 1-2 hours a day reading up online about all the news going on (even the stuff you don't hear on TV, especially comments).

Anyway, I wanted to know if you heard about the man who shot up a military recruiting office in Arkansas. It wasn't top news on any of the local channels and I was surprised to hear about it on Morning Express (CNN) this morning. Why did this story get less press than the shooting of the abortion doctor? Are we that insensitive to the life of a human being? A human being who could and would be protecting my right to even speak about it right now. I am bit too patriotic in some people's eyes but I don't think that this country has personally done me wrong yet. That's why I still choose to love this nation! When someone who's protecting our nation by choosing to serve for it, I think they should be getting more press than the Frenchies (no offense to the horrible tragedy).

Either way, the point of all this is I want to know if you trust your media, do you look at it with a constructive mind or do you just believe everything? I personally can't stand watching MSNBC all the time nor can I stand half of the crazies at FOX NEWS. How about independent news outlets??? Do we have any?

Giving Back

So there's a part of me that chooses to give back to the community even if its volunteer work or participating in a walk for a cause. I'm not sure if this trait of mine came about during the college years or it's just something that's in my nature.

This year I am participating in New York's Light the Night Walk to benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. Although I had seen advertisements previously, it especially hit home this year. My boyfriend's mother lost her life to leukemia just over a month ago. I am walking in support of her and to hopefully raise money for this often overlooked disease. Myself and many others will be walking in the city to support this cause. If you'd like to join me, feel free to join my team by clicking the link below:

My Light the Night Fundraising Page

Thanks for reading!

Mets Win 4 In A ROW!!

Baseball Fans, listen up here, let me explain myself so you don't think I'm a traitor to my hometown team, The Padres.

I moved here in '03 and the Padres were not even in Petco yet. I love watching baseball and I lived in Queens, so, that combined with my hatred for that other NY team, I became fond of the Mets. I watched them on TV, saw them on TV at the bar, etc and I became a fan of the Mets. All the while, planning to attend the first game at Petco Park, April 2004. As I stayed here in NY, each season, I grew fonder of the Mets and grew farther from the Padres and Padres town (Ted Leitner, Matt V, Channel 4 Padres, etc.)

And now, back in NY, I love the Mets and the METS lifestyle even more now that I know the team, the pitchers, the players, the ups and downs, so I do LOVE the Mets... I feel so disconnected from the Padres since I'm not able to see them live, see them on TV (unless I watch Sportscenter), read about them in the news, etc. I will always love my hometown team but right now, my home is NEW YORK CITY. (You might say then why are you still a Chargers fan?? Well that's another story).

My team, THE METS, have won FOUR STRAIGHT!! That's a big deal because it was against the Phillies our division rivals (one of them). LETS GO METS!! (if you say it fast, it sounds like LETS GOMEZ!!) LOLOL!

Have a wonderful weekend and let's play ball!

A Good Night's Sleep

Good Morning Y'all... I'm yearning for a good night's sleep and I don't know when this will happen.. I stay mad busy in this great city but I can't seem to get that sleep that I dream of (ironic huh?). Either way, I am feigning for a cup of coffee and work is calling my name... See y'all around!

Optimism is Key, Jan 23 2009

Hi,

Someone told me "I'm staying optimistic until he really fucks some (shizz) up"... and I agree.

As most of you know, I was probably the only hater during elections but I want to believe in our country and its leader. I love America like you don't know so of course I want things to get better and for everyone to have the love for the USA like I do. If this man can instill the thoughts of freedom, hope, liberty back into most Americans, then I will definitely give him props.

He hasn't done much in office yet except sign executive orders to give rights to Guantanamo Bay prisoners. Not sure I fully agree with that and I really hope these "terrorists" don't hate America more than they did before considering they've been locked up for years. (Trying to stay optimistic)

Either way, optimism is key... living in NY, I do get scared about terrorists because of all the "rumors" and continued hatred for Americans.

I want stay free and I'm glad I have the opportunity to speak my mind now.