5 Miles Tell All #amilikey

 

    Hey you beautiful people!!! So, this year is really coming to a close sooner than later and I have yet to meet my goal for the year of posting 50 blogs. I know this was a projected number to be ascertained; however, I am gonna have to do some major comeback because I haven't even reached the half mark of 25. I know I have it in me and all I need is some serious discipline. My writing is not Noble Prize worthy, but I feel that I do have things to say that will help someone over the struggles they may be facing like I once was enduring. People will always criticize your work regardless of its value. Therefore, why waste time letting that prevent you from creating the work you know you can put forth. I have always loved writing, because I love to talk and it's the only medium through which I can say as much as I want to without being interrupted or cut off. 

    The emphasizes of my writing is solely founded on encouraging people to do better and be better by allowing Jesus into your life, and believing there is more to accomplish in this world than the bare minimum. In my work life, I have created a lot of friendly coworkers which I am grateful for, but it means more to me to reach them on a personal level and leave behind the same spark that drives me to post each and every time -- encouragement. A lot of them have told me that I do inspire them from my own bubbly personality and that is a confirmation to my purpose. I have what it takes to lead people to knowing that life's obstacles are not a sentencing for failure and defeat but the reason to push harder when you are down. Apart from my own personal attitude of positivity and love, I also have attributes that enhance my skills to fulfill this purpose in life of doing better. I am a funny person by nature and I do enjoy laughing (making silly faces, sound effects, joking around, being playful, etc.). Not to toot my own horn, but even complete strangers within a matter of minutes draw a fondness to me and I am not even trying but being me. Major Lol. Like for example, when I get into my feelings -- full disclosure, I end up chatting with online strangers seeking that human interaction and this one male allegedly in his 40s said I was so much fun to talk to after just maybe 20 minutes of small talk. Obviously, this wasn't the first time hearing this same notion in regards to my persona. I honestly can say 90% of all the people I've ever met would not have anything bad to say about me in regards to who I am as a person. Does that mean I am perfect? Hello-- you know the answer: No! No one is ever perfect, but you can be perfect for someone and that is the someone I want to be to my future husband. I say that to make emphasizes that I am a likeable person in the real world once you give me a chance to talk and interact with you. 

    So at the BoltRun, I arrived super early from my deluxe suite nearby and per usual no one approached me before the race began or when it ended. Everyone was just glaring at me in disbelief that someone with so many physical burn scars could be out here running 5 miles with the rest of the fit people. I am never going to genuinely win any race because logistics are real and no matter how much I improve or train (which I will continue doing so) I cannot out run physically taller women who can cover more ground with ever step. Given the reality of my own height, strength, and physical ability -- I am more than satisfied with running and finishing every race before at least a small group of people. In this last race, I did beat 28 other runners who came after I already crossed the finish line and two women in my own category. I am happy to know I wasn't the last one and given my physical condition -- I deserve credit for performing as well as I did given the other setback of my right knee hurting the last mile and a half to go. 

    Other than the usual social aspect of it, there isn't much juicy intel to disclose. I am like 95% sure I saw my former science teacher from high school for a split second, and I thought about approaching her, but than I know what kind of questions she would have and I didn't want to have to explain myself in that moment. Honestly speaking, my former teachers/professors wouldn't be satisfied to see me where I am today career wise. I was that "A" student who excelled and was always so dedicated to my studies to be struggling to be taken seriously at almost age 35. I expected so much more from myself too and I know they were expecting great things from my career. I just don't like having to face people from my past and be a let down when I am not where I dreamed I would be this late in the game. Even to this day, despite the friendly rhetoric people still make fun of me for not having a career and not reaching basic milestones like driving. They say it jokingly, but I am not an idiot to receive the real meaning behind their smartass comments. 

        Anyways, apart from seeing two former runners from previous races, I didn't met anyone special or have a fun story to tell. I saw one coworker volunteering and that was basically it. It's sad to say that in the crowd of over 1,000 people and my presence was like I wasn't even there. I didn't make any paparazzi news not even at work with their overview video. Another race in the books for me, but still no social game change. C'est la vie. Those that wish they could interact with me are literally miles and miles away in foreign lands and those that are right next to me could care less. Either way my vida goes on and I am forever grateful to be able to run even if it's slow. Thank you for your support and till next time hashtag amilikey out!!!

Remember you are not a mistake because God is perfect and He does not make mistakes. You are here for a purpose and a reason so go let Jesus show you the way!!!! 

Xoxoxoxoxooxxoxo,

Ana :) 

       

Hurricane Milton #amilikey

    

    Greetings my beloved bloggers of mine. I am beyond grateful to know that I have survived the literal hurricane that just passed by our Tampa Bay area. I am forever grateful to know I am well and despite the unexpected living situation – I can move forward from this and continue my livelihood. It was a lot of rain and wind, but I was never scared or worried I’d suffer any physical harm. I walked outside the streets in my neighborhood and the inner streets are completely flooded and that was a shocker to see that much inundation.

          All the main stores are closed but thank God for the Hispanic spirit to work hard and the Latin store was open. We purchased a few goods and made our way back to our temporary home. I am currently without power in my refurbished laptop as I type out this blog. I made sure to have it fully charged before I left. I am praying the power gets restored before night fall because I only have one other small portable charger and that is for phone usage. My actual phone carrier has left me very disappointed in the aftermath of the storm considering my mom’s carrier gets WhatsApp messages better than me on an iPhone (an old edition but still). My mom’s android phone gets better signal on another carrier, and I am just like – wow that’s not fair and I might jump ship when I get a chance or perhaps maybe just sign up for a real phone carrier other than the third-party carriers.

          I wish I would have also grabbed my books to use this time wisely and do my non-fiction reading but oh well that is a little too late to process now that I am here, and my books are not with me. I had to ensure I saved my laptop for sure for sure!! Major Lol. We are all putting on a brave face, but internally still questioning and wondering how our living situation will change and continue from here on out. I’ve had to sacrifice my body for the greater good and sleep on the floor, because there is only one full size bed and one sofa bed, and me and my family are a total of 4 people. I am the strongest out of them all and I can sleep whenever which has always been my advantage, so I’ll nap before the night starts so I can get some sleep time on a bed.

          It makes me happy to know someone came to our rescue in this desperate time of need and we didn’t have to end up at a shelter or paying out of pocket hotels. Our landlord has always failed the safety inspections that should take precedent over profit. They act like if it is not completely broken – it can still wait till later and later ended up leaving us with a collapsed roof. I was shell-shocked when I went upstairs, and all the drywall debris was laying on the floor all over like wet confetti. I couldn’t believe my eyes and the water was pouring down through the drywall onto the living room downstairs. It was not safe at all especially considering a hurricane was about to pour over.

          So that is where we stand today, and my hope is always on the Lord because through it all He remains loyal. He shall provide a new home for me and my family and that is what I am standing on. Thank you for always being my outlet to share and express my feelings about my whereabouts. All the love and support for all the people who survived and endured this hurricane Milton.   

Xoxoxoxoxo, 

Ana :)

Day Dreaming #amilikey

 

    One of my all time favorite activities to do is daydream. I know it's not exactly healthy because it heightens the expectations of what is real and what is not. I also resort to it as a coping mechanism to the current situations I may be dealing with in my life. I know that in due season what is meant for me  and my life will come to pass but it is hard at times to wait for them to come. 

    I wanted to discuss it because right now I have one or actually two events coming up. As an amateur runner I do participate in a few races throughout the year. In each and every event, I always have this hope that maybe just maybe I might meet someone new that will bring something new into my life. Obviously the first thing I think about is will my future partner perhaps be there and will this be the means by which our love story begins. I know how naïve and hopeful that sounds for something that is not at all guaranteed or probable for me. In the past races, no one has ever even spoken a single word to me, so why would a good-looking man ever approach me and be interested in getting to know me. Clearly, these events are all against me in terms of the social group aspect of being one of the chosen females to approach. Super athletic and pretty girls are out there showing off their perfect bubble butts and long legs; meanwhile I am just showing my scars and little kids size shoes. Also, not to be so critical but the majority of the men out there are either gay and total stuck-up jocks that care more about their appearance than anything else surrounding them. 

    I am excited because one of the events is specifically geared towards Latinos and I've never participated in a specific genre race before so that will be new and different for me. I hope at the very least that considering that these are my people we will have more things in common to bond over and perhaps I might actually make a pen pal. Hopefully I will experience some of that warmth I've been missing out on since I am no longer in Colombia and in large Latino gatherings. But back to the daydreaming part, I do create a whole scenario of who I might meet at these events and how they will be so fond of me and keep in touch. I imagine them falling in love with me and becoming my best friends (which I have none and I have been friendless for quite some time). To be even more honest that is why I talk so much when I am at work because I have no one to talk to in real life other than my immediate family (and even that is not enough because there are certain things they can't relate to me on). When I thought I had real friends, they often criticized my knowledge and never appreciated me for me. It was nice having someone to talk to but in retrospect, they never fulfilled that need I had to relate to someone going through my same hardships and experiences. More than anything I hope I get to see nice people and have a healthy good run in each of the events. 

    My last little two cents is I need to post more blogs because I am so far away from my 50 posts goal for this year. I only have I think it was 14 blogs posted this year and we are way past the mid-year mark; which means I am definitely so far behind. I have gotten better in terms of not overdoing the daydreaming, but it is like that bad habit you try to break and it is very enticing and addictive. It requires very little effort and I can daydream anywhere- mainly when I am by myself or in a quite environment. It also helps pass the time and it really gets me emotional to where I smile and like enter a zoned out face as if I was watching an actual movie. I pray the people that are meant to be in my life will arrive sooner than later, and I won't have to resort to daydreaming about having a social life anymore but I will actually get to live it out. 

    Alright, thank you for tuning in one more time to this humble blog. As always, " You are not a mistake, because God is perfect and He does not make mistakes." Make sure you like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment - even if it's to criticize my writing - anything at this point would be nice to be acknowledged for once!!!

Love, 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, 

Ana :)

  

Bad Jefes #amilikey

 

Hello mi gente!!! So as I browse the LinkedIn page I read a lot of posts regarding what makes a good boss and everything to do with leadership. 

I’m thankful 🥹 I haven’t had too many bosses in my lifetime because I started my adventure in the workplace until I was 27. It hurts me to know I literally had to wait that long to be acknowledged as a potential and reliable employee. Now, with that in mind the only good thing is I never had to start working at a fast food restaurant or a retail store like 99% of the teenage population. 

Let me see I’ve had an estimate of 7 different bosses not including the labor pools which constantly rotated and obviously were a daily assignment. Out of those 7 primary bosses in part time and full time jobs only two were just 😫😫😫🙄🙄🙄🫤🫤🫤 bad. The first one ironically was my first bad encounter. She was younger than me at the time, and thought I couldn’t take orders because the age difference to which I specifically told her and I quote, “ If a two year old was in charge of the activity I would have no problem listening to them.” What made her a bad boss was her lack of trust in all her employees (3) to do as she asked with just one simple request. She had to monitor the progress every 5 minutes and she had to imply that there was only one way to get things done and that was her way. This bad boss literally had a written process for every little task like someone wasn’t coherent. The general concept of writing out step by step instructions in getting something done is not wrong, but when you have to step by step how to print labels and have a freaking checklist to do what was suppose to be a “small cleaning” —- damn that’s annoying!!!! 

She was a horrible boss, because she had incoherent expectations of what my tasks were as a “administrative assistant” (which was just a fancy title for office cleaning lady/making coffee, shred, copy, stamp, mail) and one day she actually got mad at me for now washing her damn coffee cup that she kept at her cubicle and not at the sink. So she really thought that after doing the daily cleaning and washing the dishes at the sink that I too would go around picking them up. I did text her once at the very beginning of me working there she was the best but it was a total lie and I totally kissed her butt. I didn’t know what to text back because that was another annoying thing that she constantly texted me asking me dumb questions and constant monitoring before she got to work, after she left, after I left and it was super aggravating. 

The straw that broke the camel’s back was actually the lack of respect they had for me there altogether. It was a small mom and pop small business, but they discriminated against me because I didn’t have my own MOT and never offered me full-time even though clearly I needed in order to get my MOT. MOT stands for mode of transportation it’s just a fancy way of saying my own car. Once they transferred to a new location, the original “small cleaning” turned into almost 2 hours every day plus a whole 4 hours on Wednesdays and I was feed up with the expectation that I had to complete the cleaning and the office tasks within a 5 to 6 hour shift. I worked for them for four consecutive months and what did I get in return from them: nothing. I was a professional already with a bachelors degree from a real university and they treated me like a coffee and donut cart vendor. They never cared to ask for my input on how to improve things and participate on the more meaningful aspects of the job. The only good thing that came of it was starting my resume timeline. 

The second horrible boss I had truly takes the cake. She number one did not deserve or earn her position at the clinic I was working. She only was placed there because she had a friend in the company who basically put her there. She never met the basic standards for healthcare in regards to being aware and prepared for being in healthcare. I had my medical office administration certificate when I applied and I also had experience working in healthcare as a volunteer and in general. This lady didn’t even know the difference between Medicaid and Medicare. She was a micromanaging freak to say the least. Literally every 5 to minutes she was giving dumb orders that were already implied. I thank the Lord I’m not blind and my peripheral vision is intact. Every time a patient was being discharged and approaches the front desk, I know that they need their discharge papers and I can hear the printer going off. And even then, she still had the audacity just to annoy me and give orders, “ Can you grab the papers off the printer and give them to the patient.” I am aware and you don’t have to say every single time. That is like telling me “make sure you close the door when you use the bathroom” — like it’s an obvious self explanatory thing that doesn’t need to be mentioned!!! 

I could not stand her way of approaching me with tasks and insinuating that the poor customer service rating were my fault. When clearly it was already a poor establishment lacking everything. She was so annoying with her loud mouth and random screams. Truth be told, if she hadn’t resigned to go back to her industry I was on the verge of quitting myself. She made being at work unbearable and frustrating. She acted like she knew so much about management because she had worked for over 20 years at a toy store as a manager. How in the world do you compare managing a toy store with something as delicate and complex as a medical health facility. As soon as she left, we all had a sense of relief and our scores were the highest they’ve ever been and it wasn’t because of her and what she did. I pray for the current employees under her management because I already know what they’re dealing with. No one is perfect, but certain people like her could really reevaluate her way of managing and constantly belittling people with her smart ass remarks. She always prioritize her needs and wants over anyone else: like making me come in for 3 stupid hours on a day I had already requested my 5 hours of PTO which technically hadn’t been updated just so she could go get her damn nails done. It was my family members surgery and had it not been schedule in the afternoon I definitely would have not made it in. She literally threatened me to write me up if I didn’t come in because allegedly I didn’t have enough hours to cover my whole shift. She did write me up two others times for bogus claims that I needed to improve customer service because one angry customer said something even though they never mentioned my name or described anything out of the ordinary. I truly deserve a price for enduring so much at that clinic for two years in a row. 

Anyways I just wanted to share my bad bosses and reiterate that the best kind of leadership is one where trust is given from the boss to his or her employees without questioning their capabilities to perform the job (because why hired them if you doubt they could do anything right). When you are a leader, you lead with example of being kind, prompt, and respectful to everyone’s situation. A leader is someone who aids others to be successful and not in competition to make them feel less than yourself. As always don’t forget “You are not a mistake because God is perfect and He does not make mistakes.” Thank you for reading come share, comment, like!!! 

Love, 

Xoxoxoxoxoxo, 

Ana :) 

Summer Updates #Amilikey

 

    So my people I’ve been doing really good overall!!! I as always wish more people viewed my content on this blog, but for various reasons I know that audience is dormant for now. I am currently eagerly waiting for my shift change to come to pass at work. When I first signed on, I had no idea becoming a full time night owl would harm my health the way it has thus far. And before you make the wrong assumptions, let me just pin point what I am referring to: my glucose level is too high or on the incline. I had my annual physical and my A1C is at a 6.0 which is pre-diabetic range. My PCP gave me an ultimatum of either starting meds or improving my A1C in four months with diet and exercise. I said absolutely not going to take meds for something I can improve and get under control. I do admit I love food and excess portions of it obviously does harm to anyone, but eating at night when you’re suppose to be sleeping has had an impact on my glucose for sure. 

   I also miss enjoying the morning sunrise and having my morning routine to do my training and whatever else my precious heart desires. I want to be able to not miss what is happening during daylight hours within my family and in general. So I am just waiting with all my heart to get release from this schedule and onto a normal schedule. Apart from playing the waiting game of life, I just thought I’d use updates as a general topic to blog about for this post. I signed up for another run this year, which is really exciting because I thought I was done for this year at least. I didn’t know of any other run happening that I’d like to be a part of because obviously there are runs going on all the time. I just have a very nice tuned selection for when it comes to participating in races. I have to agree with the cause and enjoy supporting the group holding the event. I am going to make a three day weekend out of it, so that’s super exciting as well. Unfortunately, I already know I’m not meeting my Prince Charming at this event. I won’t make any new connections or meet anyone I can get excited about at all. I already know how it’s going to go down. People will stare and gaze for long periods of time out of amazement that someone with so many scars on her skin could attempt a race this long (5 miles). They will barely say hi or nod and that will be it. Maybe, just maybe someone will briefly chat me up out of the “I feel so bad for her” sentiment and that’s it. I wish I could say, “I am going to run with my family or friends.” I wish I had someone to share the experience with, but no one will be there with me as per usual and no one will be there cheering me on as I cross the finish line. The downside about these social events, but at least I will be thrilled to advance my ultimate goal to prepare for that once in a lifetime marathon. I will also be so happy to have completed a new challenge and successfully finished the race without stopping or walking — just slow running or jogging. 

      On a more semi lighter note, as I scrolled through my past blogs — I thought it would be nice to go on a second coffee date with someone new. Unfortunately, the reality of that happening is a 100% negative, because I’d be doing myself a disfavor for seeking something that always goes wrong. No matter what kind of date I’d sign up to go on, the outcome would always be the same due to my circumstances. It makes sense, and it hurts but I can’t deny it to understand their point of view. If I don’t fit the basic criteria, then what is the point in investing their time to build something I’m not prepared for. Obviously, there is also that hopeful view that perhaps it wouldn’t kill them to be part of the help I’ve always wanted to get me to the place where I am eligible and ready for solid foundation. Well, men don’t want to be a part of the upbringing or assistance in getting to that point. I wouldn’t mind helping someone if I had the resources to get them there, but of course I am a different class of person. I would help anyone no matter who they were and what they have done. I understand that awful feeling of being left behind and not included in so many aspects — even when it doesn’t relate to dating and a romantic relationship I am still going to help. So my point of reference is that no matter how much I’d love to enjoy another coffee date, the person would just be disappointed and dissatisfied with all my lack of resources. My personality wouldn’t make them feel better and they would just look down on me like everyone has in the past. I also just want the experience of going on another date so I can blog about it. Major Lol. 

Alright, well I think I’ve given you micro audience enough updates for now. As always, “ You are not a mistake, because God is perfect and He does not make mistakes.” Allow yourself to open your heart and mind to Jesus Christ and begin to experience change in your life!!! 

Thank you for reading my humble blog and stay tuned for more down the road. Feel free to like, share, subscribe, and leave a comment!!! 

Xoxoxoxo, 

Ana 

Wordpress move? #amilikey

 

 

Greetings my beautiful and beloved bloggers!! I want to thank you for your generous support throughout the years. I have been debating starting my blogging on a new platform and just leaving this one active for the remainder of the time. I have worked really hard to gain a new audience on this google blogspot website, but I haven’t had much progress. Perhaps, in the new domain of WordPress, I can reach a broader spectrum of people worldwide. I am also enjoying my new refurbished laptop I purchased a few weeks back and that has also motivated me to post more blogs.  

I have been a writer since an early age back in elementary school, when I would write in my personal diary almost daily. I enjoy writing because it allows me to speak my mind without anyone cutting me off or rebuttal given onto me. Now, as a grown adult I have discovered that writing reaches many people in need of hearing a motivating voice. Trials and tribulations have made me a stronger person and have enabled me to help others along the way. I do not presume to know it all and be miss perfect; however, I can be a witness to the overcoming of hurdles most wouldn’t want to endure to begin with at all. I just saw a very cool video on LinkedIn that highlighted the importance of going through the rough patches in life: when we go through life in a monotonous route, we take longer to reach of destination versus going in an upward and downward motion we arrive there a lot faster than in a linear setting. People see me smile all the time, and it is a genuine smile, but that smile was gained by paying a price [enduring hardships no one will ever be able to relate to exactly how I lived it].  

I encourage each one to reach out for help no matter the small struggle or doubt you may be facing today. The only way to make it out of hard times is to utilize all the aids available to you. I know teachers and employers always say, “There is no such thing as a dumb question” and I say, “There is no trouble worth not talking about it or seeking help for it.” So be encouraged today and remember, “You are not a mistake because God is perfect, and He cannot make mistakes!” As always make sure you like, share, subscribe and leave a comment below!! Come follow my Instagram for more exclusive content.   

 

 

Xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxo,  

 

Love,  

 

Ana 😊    

Youth Reunion #amilikey

 

Hi everyone!!!!! So today well now technically yesterday was a very special day for me. I have been wanting to see my youth group from my early teen years and obviously could have never imagined it the way it happened. Although it was only a few people and not the whole group, it was still very nice and getting to catch up after all these years was very heart-warming. Our beloved pastor which we grew up, he finally finished his race with endurance and we came together at his funeral. 

     The majority of the people gathered there were his family members, but it is these same people I recall like family to me. I hadn’t seen them in years and to see them all grown up from when they were just kids is remarkable. Most of them are married and with kids of their very own now. Embracing someone you’ve known most of your life and have so many fawned memories with is just so special. Hopefully 🤞 this gathering can serve for a greater purpose of reuniting us and even reunited them as a large family too. It’s crazy to think that once a upon a time you didn’t think much about them, because people grow up and make a life of their own and here you are seeing them again and falling in love with that agape love you have always known. One person in particular really left an impression on me— he definitely looked so different than the memory I had of him but in a good way. To discover he has done so well for himself is also so good to hear and being able to talk to him in that loving manner was just so nice. We are a few years in separation and I never would have expected him to be so open to a conversation and to embrace the moment. Chatting with him was definitely worth the coming in early for the memorial service. I hope I get the opportunity to see him and his family again. Perhaps I’ll be invited to his wedding or invited to hangout in a group setting to keep bonding in fellowship. 

     I believe it would be super epic to have a total youth reunion with the rest of the people I grew up with in church. They were a huge part of my life and it would be a beautiful thing and a blessing to be able to come together again after all these years. I know we all have our differences and separate lives, but we share something special in common and we should embrace that unique bond that binds us all. I was thinking perhaps a weekend event where we rented a large airB&B and hired a small team of childcare workers to also include the family’s children. I know that sounds too expensive and exaggerating, but in order to have the youth that are now all adults be able to share and bond we need that no kids zone time. I’d obviously come up with a great hour by hour itinerary to ensure we make the most of the 3 days. I’d plan fun/creative activities to do and make sure everyone felt comfortable and included!!! It is possible and with appropriate planning/budgeting this youth reunion can become a reality. I pray 🤲 this blog comes forth a reality in the near future and that those who need to be reminded of God’s love can be reached through this post. As always, “ You are not a mistake, because God is perfect and He does not make mistakes.” Remember to live with passion and love people in your life while they are still here. Thank you for your support and remember you can always subscribe, share, like and comment too!!!! 

Love, 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,  

Ana 🥹