A new method

     Hey bloggers !!! Oh wait it's just me posting for an audience that is never really there yeahy. Anyways, the popularity of this blog is never gonna lead to profit and that is okay. Yes, I did say "gonna" instead of "going to" -- proper grammar is annoying sometimes-- so excuse me for not following the grammatical rules all the time. I prefer honest verbal free verse writing instead. 

    My writing will never be supercalifragilisticexpialidocious with exuberant verbiage and literary devices like using similes or metaphors. I write to share content that pertains to my life experiences or my own point of view. Writers should be true to their own identity, and portraying high level of scholarly writing without actually speaking that way in your dialogue in person is just a lie. Alright, let me get to today's main topic of blogging. 

    Women are all talkative by nature and that is just a fun fact of the female species. I won't deny I have cut off a few people in my dialogues as we are in conversation; my intention was never to be rude I just couldn't help getting my thought process out in the open before it faded. So, I have done some reflection on my past experiences and I have drawn one conclusion which I have incorporated as my new method. Before I say what it is and keep your curiosity for a few more seconds, let me also say that executing it is absolutely the most difficult thing I have had to learn to do. 

    Drum roll please ... the new method is no other than to SHUT UP -- that simple -- in all seriousness. I have always known the common phrase, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all" ; however, it goes further than just keeping negative opinions to yourself. A lot of the times it is best to keep your feelings and opinions about something or someone to yourself without sharing it at all. 

    Let me elaborate on the specific scenarios I am referring to:

    > When you are (for whatever reason) speaking to a person with obvious personal issues such as addictions, anger, hate, or low self-esteem etc. 

> When you are at work, volunteering, in public at the grocery store 

> Meeting new people through established peers 

Each time you find yourself in these particular scenarios is when you should be alert of everything that you say before you say it. I know, I know it should be common sense, but as a woman who loves to talk nonstop it sometimes just slips out or I am so into the interaction I am not mindful of the scenarios. Therefore, I have had to really tell myself to just Shut Up over and over again in my mind to keep myself from creating more conflict or problems with people who can't handle the truth, are plain immature, or are in the wrong state of mind.  

    I am not saying I am perfect and I don't fit into one of those categories for someone else; I am merely stating that if we (including myself) are more mindful of what we say when certain people are around we can save ourselves a lot of headaches and drama in general. In the past, I have shared how I really felt about the situation or the person's lifestyle, and just as a mentioned they were not equipped to receive it. Instead of having an open mind and realizing there was truth in my statement, they just lashed out at me for "criticizing" them. They looked at me like I was just being judgmental, but the reality was I was only attempting to bring light into their distress. 

    For example, I was so frustrated with the double-load of work being expected out of me at a previous job that one day without being careful I shared my feelings about it. One other personnel then used that against me and told on me with upper management. I had to learn the hard way that no matter how injustice or frustrating the work situation becomes -- you are never to share how you really are feeling EVER. Of course there is a right way of approaching any abuse in the work environment, but it does not involve our personal feeling in regards to the situation. 

    On that note, my best advice which is also again a no brainer -- never ever become friends with coworkers -- it never ends well (TRUST ME). It becomes a distraction at work and the line always ends up being broken where it stops being a professional environment and there is just too much leniency between each other. All we have to do is be courteous to all our fellow coworkers, but never socialize with them outside of work. One must not be friends with everyone or anyone. I encourage everyone to respect one another despite our differences, but to abide by this level of respect does not imply we have to be friends. 

    "Keep your friends close, but keep your enemies closer" is just an awful cliché statement that people like to adhere by and it is absolutely wrong. No one should be pretending to be friends with someone you know dislikes you and has a strong desire to hurt you. A friendship is built on the honesty of liking that person's personality, and the enjoyment of interacting with them. So keeping your so called enemies closer is just bringing you and exposing you to so much more problems. If you know they are not good for you then just stay away and pray for them instead. 

    Back to the main point, it is best to avoid sharing too much and better not to say anything at all when people are pushing your buttons. I am so used to having a comeback response for every attack or ill comment, but it leads to nothing and just prolongs the agitator from being even more aggravating. You really do have to be the bigger person without saying that you are being the bigger person by being quiet. 

    Alright, there is not much more that I could add to this topic of discussion. I hope my own experiences with not keeping it to myself help you not make the same mistake. Become more reserved in your speech and know that people may say one thing in person but really have other intentions. Understand that certain people are not ready to hear what you have to say even if it is your own good intentions to help them.

    Till next time, remember I do not have it all together, but I share with caution to encourage someone else in need of it. To uplift is always my main goal and to make you realize there is a lot heartache in this life, but always opportunity to do better and be better. God is patient and His unconditional love never runs out so don't give up. 

- Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo, 

Love - Ana ") 

 

Fitness 101 for me

 

    Greetings bloggers!!!! I am here again, so come spare me a few minutes of your time and let's get going. To the new readers (which hopefully there are new comers) I just want to inform you I am an open-book as much as possible about my life. I do my best to keep people's identity private and only share that which is directly my experience. 

    Growing up in my childhood, I have always been an active person. I remember being so excited about recess time every day in school; playing on the playground nonstop with my classmates. The monkey bars were truly my favorite to the point that I developed a bacterial infection on my left hand and was out of school for a whole week -- recovering with daily treatment. Even with my medical restrictions to be out of the sun and be careful not to fall or scrape my legs: I still kept my playful time with the rest of the kids until they forced me to take a break. 

    I also admired the cheerleading, figure-skating, and any sport that kids were allowed to play in school. In my mind, I always wanted to be a part of the school's team, but the reality of the lack of resources always kept me away. At the age of eleven I discovered my favorite sport -- basketball -- and since then I always wanted to shoot hoops in school and in my own personal time as well. I admit after all these years I still can't dunk or dribble the ball in between my legs. 

    Unfortunately, with my love of good food and college stress I never lost the extra few pounds I've always needed to loose. I began walking more vigorously right after high school as my primary means of transportation. It helped me not gain any more weight, but it never really helped me get in better shape. I had a desire to join a gym and it didn't happen until last year. Men always admire women who have a six pack or have flat abdomen -- I knew I wanted to look that fit too. 

    The real catalysts for my fitness began at my local church. We have this awesome fitness instructor who began giving us some free workout classes, and I was really excited to see the progress. Unfortunately, with COVID-19 everything got derailed and we no longer came as a group to exercise. I then was able to take maybe 3 or 4 more classes as my budget could afford. He motivated me to start running and I was so impressed with the progress I was making each time improving on my distance and times. During full lockdown quarantine, I also challenged myself to do a 45 minute workout on my own and later on found a great YouTube workout that I also did several times. 

    The weight loss journey is literally the hardest thing anyone can go through as a person. It takes so much dedication and will-power to push through especially on the days you are sore. The most recent workout I came across is the 500 abs challenge: it is a set of 4 or 5 different ab routines and you just go through them each until the full cycle is complete nonstop. I thought it was just too much for me to handle; however, it really takes just the initiative to begin something new. I took about 40 minutes to complete the cycle the first time and took approximately 15 to 30 seconds in between each set. I tried three different variations of the 500 abs challenge and then created a version I liked best out of all the routines available. In full disclosure, I do wear a jacket/hoodie to ensure I break in sweat because the workout itself goes by quickly. 

    So there you have it, summed up with my experience in fitness. I do miss my gym membership, but I know I can still be fit on my own as long as I am consistent. Exercise equipment is helpful in maintaining movement -- yet it is the self-will that ensures real progress. Yes, it is scientifically true that having sex is considered a type of exercise because calories are being burnt. DISCLAIMER: You should ONLY engage in this activity if you are RIGHTFULLY LEGALLY MARRIED!!!!!! Otherwise you are only exposing yourself to emotional pain and it is NEVER worth the few calories burnt. Best recommendation for exercise is something you can perform with no equipment and outdoors with proper fitness clothing such as walking, jogging, and running.    

    One last inside personal experience, I did enjoy the eye candies while I ran by the Riverwalk because they were shirtless (only men should get away with it) chiseled abs with overall good shape bodies. Major Lol. Well that is all I have to share about my fitness endeavors. Remember it is part of your personal responsibility to take care of yourself physically by ensuring you are healthy. So be kind to yourself and loose that excess weight one sweat drop at a time before illness strikes back. God created the perfect human body to endure so much, but also it is our duty to maintain it and not abuse it. 

Love, 

Xoxoxoxoxxoxoxo,

Ana :) 

P.s. if you want to view me in the gym in action just click here

  

Viral Outlook

 

    Good evening beloved bloggers!!! I am here -- finally after again in my usual slum of non-dedication to this blog site. I have to own it: I used to think if only I had internet at home I'd blog daily or weekly. It has been a year now since I reinstated my home service and as you can see -- that commitment is non-existent. The irony of wanting to blog so badly when I didn't have access to it fully versus having it and not doing it. Anyways, it's just an observation I had to put out there because it just popped into my brain as I started blogging. 

    I've had five personal laptops/desktop since I graduated high school, and I have to say I do miss the big screen and wireless keyboard. Another non-relevant side note I shared just because I like to get personal. Now to my topic of the night, I wanted to shed my POV on this COVID-19 pandemic we have been going through since last year. Everyone's experience is different and that is what makes our lives worth living. In my particular case, after being reluctant to resign from my then employment because I didn't want or was convenient for me to work from home -- I too abhorred this virus. 

    We can all agree that this virus has made our lives a lot more uncomfortable than we wanted and it made us realize we did not have it altogether. In the beginning, I never thought wearing a mask would actually become the norm for all public gatherings; these masks are now a new item on the grocery lists, because the reusable ones aren't long term use friendly. On the hot days of summer and fall, wearing a mask at work just was brutal even if it was outdoors. The mornings or times I actually forgot my mask I had to pay up the gas station fee which was ridiculously pricey for just one mask alone. 

    During these early days, I also thought well given the fact that I am uninsured there's no way I'll ever be able to afford the vaccine. Obviously, I wasn't paying attention to the news when they discussed the roll-out of the vaccine. Fast-forward to today -- I can finally say with confidence -- I am one shot away from my full vaccination. People are hesitant to get the vaccine and I understand their concerns, but if you are able to get it done than I say go for it. I am grateful that this vaccine is free of charge and they have made it accessible to all communities with multiple sites opened. 

    Honestly, I never thought I'd be vaccinated so quickly and above all I am merely assisting in our efforts to finally recover from this pandemic in the smallest of ways -- by being vaccinated. I want to do so much more -- I do -- and make a bigger change in society, unfortunately for now this is my way of contributing. If it was up to me I'd be the one administering more shots or being the one to help with distribution or just the actual medical care of those infected. I'm not an irresponsible person, so I know I am not medically qualified to do most of these medical care treatments, but I encourage those who are licensed and know how to medically help to do so. 

    I miss seeing people's smiles and I miss people seeing my smile. Although I never really got to enjoy all the outdoors activities there are to participate in: I still believe we are social people who need one another to socialize without so many restrictions. I am praying we no longer have to wear masks and that the gathering capacities return to normal everywhere. My biggest lesson during this pandemic has been to appreciate my freedom to go outside. The few consecutive days I quarantined felt like an eternity, and it made me appreciate my freedom that much more. Let us pray for those who have given up that freedom by being locked up in jail/prison or who are being held captive against their will. 

    Well, that is all I have for you all right now. Hope these short blogs someday make a difference in the life of somebody. Fame is never the end goal, but if it takes that to reach those in need than I do not objectify against it. One last small personal share: I probably have more journal entries than I do blog posts, but I just love writing period (mainly because as I write I am the sole speaker without interruptions). Again, I thank you for viewing my modest blog and I welcome your feedback!!! 

    If you messed up again, if you can't find the answer, if you are in the valley low: I want to let you know as hard as it is -- things can get better if you do not give up. Open your eyes and heart to God's calling and remember just because you are curious about faith doesn't mean you're a religious freak. Okay, have a great night and day too (in case the other side of the world views it ) Major Lol. 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo,

Ana :) 

    

This is who I am - Song/poem #amilikey

 

    Good Morning blogger viewers!!! I wanted to share something I wrote a while back that was very special to me and I had sort of left it on the back burner. I thought it could be a song, but I can't sing eloquently --- so it's easier to read it as a poem. 

    Some people say it's not good to talk too much about yourself; however, I think if you have a great story behind yourself: then what are you waiting for? Just share what you have to share if you know it can help someone in the smallest of ways. Believe me when I say people are too shy to admit they need help with the simplest tasks sometimes --- you could be the one to assist by just sharing what you know/ been through yourself. 

    Okay without further intro -- my song/poem :

    "Grew up thinking I was fine 

     But later on I realized 

     My truth was blurred by a mother's love 

     Am not the same as you 

    Why is it so hard 

     To live a life where I belong?

     I'm just another beating heart

    Trying to make it all along 

     This is who I am 

     scarred & flawed 

     All day long 

    This is who I am 

    Smart and not tall 

   But above it all 

   This is who I am 

          Chorus 

You see me smile 

For a while 

But don't you dare , think I'm scared 

To shed a tear 

To make a frown 

I'll make it clear 

I'm here to stay 

  So click that like 

  Or Step aside 

  I've come this far 

  Don't be alarmed 

  I'm a burn survivor 

  & I can conquer my all " 

Thanks again for viewing and reading my blog. As always don't give up on life as much as it knocks you down. Till next time --- remember to subscribe or like and share my blogs!!! Feedback is always welcomed. 

Xoxoxoxoxoxo,

Ana :) 

     

Chapter 31 starts #amilikey

     Hey beloved people online who give oh so many views (cough cough ) not!!! Major Lol. Alright, it has been official for some time now. I am legally thirty-one years old. This new chapter in my life has started whether I was ready for it or not. I wanted my golden big numbered balloons, but it was so expensive I just couldn't do it this time around. Party city (tiene hambre de la buena --- google it) clearly needs to reevaluate their prices if they want to be a bit more inclusive of everyone who wants to celebrate important events. 

    Chapter 31 was celebrated with a nice birthday dress and cake -- view Instagram for the actual pics -- that I found at my local grocery store. Surprisingly received five different gifts this year and that was very nice. However, the very best unexpected gift in my life was being able to celebrate it with some social declutter and toxic removal. In life it is very hard to let go of what seems so comfortable and attachment to things/people who you think care about you. As they say, actions speaks louder than words: in my particular case, reactions speak volumes. I wish no one harm or hate on anyone, and I hope down the line they can actually see it that way. 

    My overall goals are still in progress and to those who constantly look at me with skepticism: I am not done making progress. Realistically speaking, "Yes" I should be way ahead of the curve but certain very bad choices in my part have hindered that success. Blame is a term no one wants to utilize, but I do blame no one other than me for my lack of achievements. The past 30 years of life have thought me valuable lessons and I will put them in place one at a time. To my past failed relationships: you clearly were not meant to be and I do deserve better even if I am not of your liking. 

    Starting a new chapter in my life is like hitting restart. There will be obstacles to jump over and many moments I will want to skip through; yet, none of it will stop me from continuing my journey with my faith. Despite the opposition and the questioning of my own faith, I know who I am and whose I am. God choose me to survive life altering situations and although I haven't been the most faithful: I have never turned away from God for good. My walk in Christ has been shaky and I've committed many sins I will regret forever, but none of that has ever eliminated my desire to serve Him and do whatever it is He wants me to do in life. People say I am judgmental because I speak truth about concepts I do not agree with or tolerate. I say they are wrong in perceiving me in such manner due to their disagreement of ration. 

    I am excited to live out my purpose in life and relieved that God is clearing out my path for greater things to come. I blog because I can, but more importantly: I do it as a way to express all that I have experienced with those in need of some encouragement. Do I have things to learn? Do I make mistakes? Do I open up easily ? Do I need to grow more maturely? Yes!!!! The answer will always be an affirmative yes. Moreover, as I display my life to you, I merely hope you can obtain a little bit of hope to move forward with your own timeline. Not everyone will be a prom king or queen, so remember that you can at least vote for who will become one. In other words, you may not be physically beautiful to popular opinion, but you can still have an impact on making your life count as a beautiful voice.  

     As always, remember God does not make mistakes and therefore your life has a reason to coexist here on planet earth. Finding that purpose: it won't be simple. Scream, cry and punch the pillow if you have to, but never give up on life because it is a hard one. Rejoice in the very small blessing you have now and get ready to acquire new ones up ahead if you place your full trust on Jesus the son of God. Take care and thank you for reading my humble blog. 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Love, 

Ana :)  

Relationship goals!!! #amilikey

 

    Greetings fellow few bloggers of mine!!! We are here in 2021; I don't know how we made it but we did it somehow. No need to rehash what went down in 2020. I just want to say I am forever grateful for my health and sanity still in place despite the horrible things that went down last year. 

    

    I made new friends over social media and in person. They each are special to me in their individual ways. I can attest to really learning a lot more about the dynamics of friendships and relationships in general. One particular individual, really has opened my eyes to see the flaws no one else was willing to enlighten me in, because they didn't have to interact with me on a daily basis. Looking back on it now I totally see how others perceived me as annoying. I am a mini sound effects lady and I do it naturally all the time without noticing it. My expressions are genuine in the moments reaction and I don't even notice them as they happen. I saw "ewwww" a lot and "Ohhhhhh" with the surprised expression too. 

    I do come off as very child-like persona, people don't take me seriously because I am too bubbly/cheery 24/7. It has taken a lot out of me to admit those traits can be overwhelming to deal with and I would benefit from toning it down. I am not a clown that laughs at just everything and anything either. My emotions are coming from a place of self-expression and not an automatic repetitive response to everything around me. One cannot ever please everyone around you; however, there is a medium to contain yourself from overdoing it with people who are not close to you. In short, keep the real you to close peers only so that no one can come back accusing you of being too this too that. 

    A real friend will not take advantage of your situation, but they will help you get out of it or move forward from it. Friends are not meant to hinder your growth or progress; they are to allow you to blossom into the person God created you to be. No one is perfect, the good and the bad times roll along in everyone's life and a friend sticks by your side in the high or lows. Sharing is caring, but the most important details of your life are best left to your inner circle of less than 10 people. 

    Apart from friendships, there are other very important relationships that need to be valued and appreciated. Sons and daughters -- let us not neglect those who brought us into this world --- remember to love your parents despite their method of parenting towards you. Brothers and sisters -- after our parents pass away we only have each other --- let go of rivalry and animosity amongst each other, as we are not here to compete with one another but build each other up for success. Cousins and cousins (Major Lol) --- do not have sex with each other as there are so much more none related DNA fish in the sea please--- beware of your family and bond with them while they're still here. Grandmas and grandpas do not take on the role of parents to your grandkids; it is your child's responsibility to raise their own kids now. Uncles and aunties, do not cover up for your nieces and nephews to gain their love, rather let it be a love that comes naturally from them to you. 

    Romantically, I am so not an expert to having that special someone. I am trying to acquire experience, but above all things my faith comes first. Do not allow someone to change your life long dreams and morals just because they boost to know more than yourself. It takes two to tango and it takes two to make things happen. This notion of having sex with yourself is absolute nonsense; real sex is between a man and a woman point blank. Lord knew it would take more than one person to build a family and a home, so do not rush your relationship status just to have someone next to you. A man should always be the one to approach a woman in a respectful manner and anything apart from that creates a self-doubt of real intention from their partner. Best advice I have experienced in dating, it feels good to split the bills 50/50 -- out for dinning, shopping, movies, Ubers -- it makes the relationship a shared experience. No one is putting in more effort than the other and it allows for both partners to be seen as equal. 

    Well that is all I have for now. Hope this was a nice piece that can help you in some way and allow you to open up your eyes to the reality of relationships. Have a great day and as always thanks for reading this humble blog. Happy New Year too !!!! 

Long live my hashtag #amilikey 

Xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,

Ana :) 

   

Running for my life

 Hey bloggers!!!!!! I know I have neglected you all once more, but what can I say -- I have been pretty occupied. Work is work. No new news there unfortunately. I have met new people thru "work" and some have left a memorable impact on me personally. Wish and pray the very best for them as always. 

The more exciting news to me is the new hobby I picked up about two weeks ago. I have been actively seeking to be healthier and be more active. I took advantage of my lunch hour and asked my now official coach to send me a 10 minute ab workout for me to do. I received the text with the link and enjoyed it. Afterwards, he challenged me to run a mile too and I took the challenge. It started out with just one mile and then incorporated the 2 miles per day for about a week. I feel great at the end of my run when I am actually done. Major Lol. 

The drip sweat feels really empowering like I am a champion. I know there is so much more for me to train and get in shape but I am loving this new fitness lifestyle. Hopefully that 5K will be conquered before my next birthday. I just want to share this new activity in my life and if you are interested there is also a short video on my YouTube channel you can view. Just go to YouTube and type my all time favorite hashtag #amilikey and you will find it. 

It's never too late to start a new hobby for a good reason. Something that motivates you and fuels your inner fire for success. I want to be the best version of myself I can be and this will be manifested in my new running performance. I will see you all at the finish line each and every time metaphorically speaking!!! 

As always, thanks for stopping by and giving me the opportunity to share a little piece of my life with you all, hoping to motivate and inspire you as well. Remember you are not a mistake because God is perfect and HE does not make mistakes. You have a purpose and life gets better when you appreciate the small stuff and share your love with someone else, start with a genuine smile!!!

Xoxoxoxoxo - Ana ")