Under the Berkeley Skies-Day 40: Lost for words…

09 Monday Jun 2014

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

Tags

Berkeley, bucket list, change, feelings, friends, grateful life, happiness, happy, life, love, Ross Gellar, Ross Gellar Hi, self-love, Winnie the Pooh

Hhhhhiiii, I have not been drinking any of the funny juice this evening, I’m just trying to sound like Ross Gellar from “Friends.”

Not sure what I’m talking about? Watch this really quick:

Because today is a Ross kind of day, for some reason or another this day dragged. I should have known it would have been a tough one from the 100 times I hit snooze this morning. I don’t know if it was the heat or just the “meh”. Not sure what “meh” is, it’s that nonchalant feeling you get about everything and anything, that “I’m conserving energy, so don’t expect me to think or move fast, and you best not make any sudden movements either” type of mood. Mixed in with “don’t ‘puck‘ with me”, dazzled with “I want to be anywhere but here” feeling. Sprinkled with “I want to take a nap for at least 5 or 6 hours” mode. You know what I mean right? For both or safety, I think you should just nod and say “yes!”

I refuse to think that Monday’s suck, there’s just no way a day of the week could suck that bad. Could it?

Let’s just say that for the first time in a long time, I was the first one out of the office. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough, I didn’t say goodbye to anyone. I was out!

Okay, I’m sorry I will have to change the tone. This just all seems trivial.

I was going to try to do a weekend mashup, but I can’t stop thinking of the news I received. A daughter of a family friend, passed away this weekend in a horrible motorcycle accident, leaving behind a 6-year-old son and a husband who is in critical condition. Out of respect to the family and honestly because I just can’t play the image in my head again, I will not post how it all happened, for it was pretty gruesome.

I wasn’t close to this young mother, I knew her from family get-togethers. But I’m close with her Aunt, Mom, and little sister, which is what breaks my heart to think of the pain they might be going through. When I was contacted with the news of what happened, it just stopped me in my tracks. I couldn’t believe it, my heart sunk, someone so young,I was utterly lost for words.

Since, I was informed of what happened, I have been thinking of how easy we are wiped out from this planet. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not afraid of dying. But it just makes you question your notion of life. Are you living the life you intended for yourself? Are you happy? Do you have a happy life? If not, why? What’s stoping you from being truly happy? What goals have you achieved? Do you still have many more to go? What’s stoping you from achieving them? Do you have a bucket list? Why? Why not go out and do those listed items today, in the present, and not tomorrow? As my grandmother use to say: “Tomorrow is never promised, today is your gift, live it as such”

Do we live it as such though? Wasn’t I just complaining of how crappy this day was? I bet she (sorry out of respect to the family I don’t want to mention her name), would have wished to have a “crappy” day with her son.

Life. Ain’t it a hoot? You just never know how things are going to be or in what direction your next journey will take you. Will you live to be 50, 80, or 100? Only God knows, only the Universe knows what awaits you. I think our job is just to enjoy every second, minute, hour, day, year we have on this planet.

I use to be the type of person that saved items such as jewelry, perfumes, clothes, shoes, etc, only for special occasions. But a while ago, someone forwarded me an article written by a widow, whose wife had passed away from cancer. He was narrating how the hardest part of her passing was going through her items, all her “special occasion” items. He emphasized that every day he was with her was a special occasion, she was his special occasion, every day together was an occasion-to be happy. The moral of the story was that we should not wait for that “special occasion” or special event to come, we should make every day special. Simply because it is special, we get to see another day, spend time with our loved ones. We get to add another page to our story, if we are lucky enough it might be the start of a new chapter.

I’m not going to bullshit you and say that after reading the story I went hang-gliding, and climbed Mt. Everest. Nope, not even close. I did; however, make subtle changes. I do dress up, I wear my fancy perfumes, jewelry and even those special sexy undies we buy for our mate. This chick wants to be and feel sexy for herself.

I’m not going to lie there’s day’s I’m like Winnie the Pooh and other’s I’m like Eeyore, but lucky for me I snap out quick, if not I have a few Tigers in my circles that will.

What’s up with all the Winnie the Pooh references?

I’m not going to say something enlightening here folks, that’s just too much pressure and I’m pretty darn tired to come up with someone awe-inspiring. But I’ll leave you with this Moni-ism:

Don’t be stupid, don’t waste your time fighting, hating, or complaining about the crap you don’t have. Be grateful for the things you do have, be grateful for the blessing that is today because I don’t want to scare you or anything, but tomorrow is not guaranteed. So don’t let the last impression you leave on this earth be of acting a-fool

Not poetic enough? Fine, here’s a better one, by Earl Nightengale:

Learn to enjoy every minute of your life. Be happy NOW. Don’t wait for something outside of yourself to make you happy in the future. Think how really precious is the time you have to spend, whether it’s at work or with your family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored

Love you beautiful people.

May she rest in peace, and may her husband get better so he may remind their son of the amazing mother he had.

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 15: New Year’s Eve!

01 Wednesday Jan 2014

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

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Tags

Goals, Happy New Year, New Years Eve, NYE, real talk, Traveling, traveling first class, truth

So I skipped a few days again, getting back from San Diego and the drive back to Berkeley really killed me. My usual drive from LA to Berkeley usually takes me about 5 hours, this time it took me almost 9. Flying is looking much more attractive, the last few road trips to LA have all been the same. Not sure why, Los Angeles is not all that big of a deal. I know, I’m from there. I love it, because it will forever be home for me, but you tourist causing traffic there’s nothing for you there! Google it!

Now, it’s New Year’s Eve and in pure Moni fashion, I find myself at Gate A-12 with no cell phone because I forgot it in the car. Thus, until 9 am, January 2nd, 2014 I will be without a cell phone. This seriously sucks! Not as much as the fact that the nearest bar to my gate is about 100 miles away! I know, you know, I know, that you know I’m exaggerating but let me be!

This morning turned out to be one of those mornings where all I could say to myself was “That’s right 2013 you made me your bitch this year, but I will come out on top in 2014!” I woke up this morning with a migraine; I would like to think that it will be last one for a very long time, and an extremely sore throat. I stayed home sick, my headache went away not much luck with the sore throat. I did drink Emergen-C like crazy, but didn’t help much. Hoping the vodka I will consume tonight helps!

If it wasn’t for the “Originals” and their ridiculously hot vampires this day would’ve just gone to shit. But something about sexy vampires just makes all the pains go away. Oh lord, especially that Elijah guy, who knew Canada could breed hotties like that.

I don’t know which one I like best, can I take them all for a test drive?

Before I forget, please remind me to get a new ID. Again, I got the dreaded “you look better in person” comment. That picture has haunted me for years now, I seriously need to get a new one. Although, it is flattering to get told I look good, it’s also a bit embarrassing.

Seriously, why is the bar so far?

Okay, so since I’m going to post this before I’m in a drunken stupor, I feel the need to share what my goals for the new year will be. No silly, resolutions that I cannot keep. This year it’s all about my happiness, I will stress more about what makes me happy and not what just worries or stress’s me just for the heck of it. If that makes any sense.

I will strive to meditate more, at least once a day.
I will study French at least once a week. I seriously need to use that Rosetta Stone I purchased earlier this year. The box is starting to look a bit sad. Especially if I’m planning on traveling, keep reading to find out where.
I will try to rest more. Not necessarily sleep, but just rest, do nothing. I need more days of nothing, even if I don’t bathe for a day. Nothing = relaxation.
I will date ~~more~~…okay, I will date.
I will stop getting involved with emotionally unavailable men. I already started with this. I told my BC that we should stop ‘playing’, he’s ‘unavailable’. Remember, I’ve claimed to be a good girl, that my dear was your assumption. It’s not the ideal situation, I’m not fond of what I’m doing or to be honest even of the guy. He’s an elitist and I’m well far from one. I already told him we couldn’t continue, he didn’t agree to it, but I don’t care. I want to start with some good karma, I’m serious about finding someone I want to build something real with and I have to let go of all the bullshit in my life; unfortunately, for him he falls under that category.

Now I really do hope I haven’t lost some of you, with this piece of raw truth. I said I was going to be honest with you and this is part of that honesty. I never said it was going to be pretty, if you think about it the truth never is, it’s just raw.

For those of you that are still with me, thank you. Like I said I’m ending it, our arrangement was not one that took place as often as you would think. If we saw each other six times this year, I may be over estimating. Like I said earlier, I’m not really proud or happy of this arrangement, but in my moments of weakness he was my go to guy. So as my friend Theresa always tells me:

Keep it in your pants and think with your other head!

I will do just that, which means I might turn into a virgin again, just kidding. I was celibate for four years when I decided to go back to school, this will be just that. I can do it, I will have to run like Forrest and have other methods to let out steam, but I got this!

Now let’s get it straight I am not holding out until I find the man I’m going to marry, we don’t even know if I might ever get married, so I’m not even going to go there. I’m holding out until someone single and emotionally available steps into my life. Now it would be great if that person would be “the one” but you just never know what the Universe has planned for me. But I will be keeping it in my pants!

6. I will work on getting healthier, but I will not let the scale control me. I’ve already gained 1000 lbs. this holiday season, and I hate the way it makes me feel. I need to stop giving the scale so much control of my life. I’m f’n hot, smart and have you seen these curves?

7. I will experience the arts more. I love the theater, the symphony, and art. I will allow myself to experience these more. These things give my soul pleasure, why not please it every now and again? Shit, since I’m going to start keeping it in my pants this might be the only pleasure I get. So bring it on Strauss, Beethoven, and Bach, I’m all yours!

8. I will spend wisely. This is much easier than saying I will save. Let’s face it every year we say we are going to do this and we don’t. Since, I don’t have a sugar daddy and I like to splurge every now-and-again I’m going to cut myself some slack on this one. I will go about things wisely, there’s a few things I want that I could really go without. Plus, I’m planning on traveling next year, so my money needs to go to that first.

9. Traveling. As I mentioned in #8, I’m planning on traveling come the new year. Some of the trips that are on the horizon are El Salvador and Guatemala and Europe. My friend is going to do a semester abroad and I will be going to meet her in London and we will travel for three weeks. Since, I promised myself I would travel first class if I ever went to Europe, I have to save for that. It’s a worthy sacrifice; moreover, I will be able to have my Bridget Jones Christmas. I will be traveling around Christmas time, I have yet to let my family know of this (so I might get some shit after this post from them), but I would rather let them know until everything is finalized and 100% certain.

Another trip I’m thinking about is to the East Coast. My nephew is graduating high school, so I might just go for that while making a few stops on Broadway. There’s also my trip to Wine country and I’ve been dying to make the road trip to the temple of 1000 Buddha’s. These are less expensive and with the help of Groupon or Living Social I’m sure I can make this happen.

10. I will get more mani’s and pedi’s. I will also do my brows more often, as in professionally.

11. I will cook more…new recipes.

12. I will stop beating myself up when things don’t go as planned. Some things are meant to happen while others aren’t.

13. I will learn to say “no.” Especially when my schedule is already tight.

14. I will paint my apartment, I’m seriously not a white wall person.

15. I will send out birthday cards, not just buy them.

16. I will continue to juice; until, I get tired of it.

17. I will read more. I’m in the middle of three books right now. I have three more I’m dying to start, but I have to finish at least one of the ones I’ve already started.

18. I will not be lazy with my hair. I spent over $100 on it, so I have to rock it!

: This is what I’m going for…

19. I will stop complaining…as much as I do. I’m blessed in more ways than one and I must remind myself of that.

20. At the end of the day or of 2014 I will not get all bent out of shape if fail to accomplish any of these. Whatever happened in 2014 needed to happen. I just hope it involves a lot of love, happiness, sex, wine, and good friends.

As I get ready to land, I toast to you 2013 for teaching me how f’n tough I am. What friends I can really trust and how much family means to me. You taught me I still have tons to learn as I am still capable of making the wrong decisions, you taught me to self love first, then everyone else second.

2013 you were a bit of a dick, but I appreciate it. Not really, but I have nothing else to say other than I’m still here. Stronger because of the hell you put me through. I hope that 2014 didn’t take notes from you, because I need some TLC, and I have a feeling that this will be the year that will do just that.

So farewell 2013, thank you for the lessons and the insight. Hello 2014 and thank you in advance for the goodness and hope you are bringing with you!

Happy New Year loves!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 13: Christmas

27 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

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Tags

Christmas, crappy gifts, kindness, Santa Claus, teenagers

Christmas has come and gone, I’m about 50 lbs. heavier (and counting) and here I am trying to play catch up with my blogging. Today was Christmas day and I spent it watching Christmas movies, eating, and lounging. Heaven is what today was. I just felt so relaxed and the best part of it all was that I didn’t feel guilty for not doing anything. Okay, I did feel a bit guilty for not posting anything, I did open up the laptop a few times. But dammit those ladies in “Steel Magnolias” get me every time, we will not even start with the Hallmark channel. I’m a sucker for their Christmas movies.

I woke up to a beautiful spread that my Uncle Eddie had prepared for Tio and I. I am so spoiled, I know. As we ate, we laughed and talked about the night before. Christmas Eve was awesome! We had family, friends, food and more food. My older brother came over with his kids and wife, my mom and little brother were here, and my friend Sandra came over. We had so much fun watching the kids play Jenga and playing “Heads Up.” Watching the kids open up their presents, opening up my presents. Yes, I love opening up presents, who doesn’t? Let’s keep it real.

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I received everything from books to purses, baked goods and journals, chocolates, wines, and gift cards. Loved it all!

Well…

As “Love Actually” taught us we should say the truth on Christmas, there was one gift that I was not all too keen with Luckily, my mother is willing to swap; since, the gift that was given to me seems more appropriate for her age and vice versa. I totally understand that this might sound completely ungrateful, but I’m simply being honest. Furthermore, we’ve all felt like this. You know what I mean, the fake smile, followed by the fake “oh, wow I love it!” Because contrary to what you might think, we do not want to hurt the ‘givers’ feelings; moreover, the last thing we want to do is seem ungrateful.

I know I’m not the only one that feels like this, but I might the only one saying it with my outside voice.

Sometimes, all you can do is wonder: “what were they thinking?” or “do they even know me?” You see the gift that I was not too thrilled about did not come as a surprise. I’ve gone through the same routine every Christmas for about 5 consecutive years. Yes, my dears 5 years! The gifts I’ve received from this individual have ranged from pajamas that were too large, body lotions that didn’t smell so good, slippers that were too small (they were meant for a small girl with a size 5 shoe size), and the purse received this year is nice but not for me.

I’m grateful for every single gift I get; however, most people really put some thought into the presents they give out. They either know what that person needs, likes, or at least hear or reads when a person gives out the-not-so-timid: “If someone is wondering what to get me for Christmas this would be great….” Facebook posts. That’s how I got the two books I wanted this Christmas.

The sad part is that you would think this person would know me, they’ve known me all my life. It’s sad to think that there’s been some years that I’ve actually returned the presents. But I have, I would rather get me something that I know I’ll enjoy than have something that I know I will never use. If I don’t return it, I usually end up donating or re-gifting the presents. What? I see nothing wrong with re-gifting, if I’m not going to use it why not give it to someone else that will? Maybe I’m ungrateful but never wasteful, don’t get it twisted!

What I don’t understand is why some people believe they have to give a gift. I strongly believe that this feeling of responsibility towards gift giving is what leads to crappy gifts. Because you don’t really think about the person that you are giving something to, you just want to cross that name off of your list.

I don’t know maybe it’s just me. I love to think ahead of time of who I’m getting something for and what I’m getting them. I play close attention to things they mention and things they like. I tend to make things for them or if I go the store bought route I make sure it’s something that really identifies with the ‘receiver.’ Sometimes I even ‘jazz-it-up’ a bit. I might be overzealous but this is how I work, if I’m not filling it sorry buddy “We just ain’t that close.”

I love Christmas. The smells, the lights, the music, but most of all the joy that most people seem to have around this time. Maybe its just me, maybe I’m the one that sees everyone a little happier and merrier, because everything about Christmas makes me that way. Plus, I tend to stay away from the malls so I never really see the ugliness caused by holiday shopping. Suckers!

Yes, my dears I give gifts without stepping one foot in the mall. I hate the mall, I’m not big on shopping either; unless, it’s a bookstore. My God, I can stay at a bookstore forever or Michael’s, love me that craft store!

Does everyone get a gift from me? No, but everyone might get a Christmas card from me. With a mushy note letting them know I’m thinking about them during the holiday season. I do the same on birthday’s or I try to. I tend to buy cards and never send them. I really have to work on that, the birthday cards are piling up.

I hope this post doesn’t make me sound as an ungrateful spoiled brat or makes me out to be someone that only cares about the gifts during this time. Because you would be so incredibly wrong, but I mean wrong! I do believe “Jesus is the reason for the season” remember I did say I was spiritual; so of course, I believe in Jesus and not Santa Claus.

What? I’m serious and I’m not embarrassed by this either. I don’t know why I would be, but just in case you were curious, I’m not. I was asked by a coworker if we did “the whole holiday shebang with Santa too?” To which I replied “No, we do baby Jesus!” I could tell that some people didn’t know whether to laugh, smile, or look away. I continued: “…you see we put out the nativity scene with the exception of baby Jesus, we wait until midnight on the 25th to bring him out. We celebrate Christmas eve, the kids stay up until 12 am which is when we sit by the tree, my Tio will bring out baby Jesus and place him between Mary and Joseph in the manger. Then we open our gifts”

In a country such as the US, it’s hard to uphold certain traditions celebrated by your family in other parts of the globe. I’m just glad we held on to this one. I think it is a beautiful tradition and I will continue to do it with my children (or cats) in the future.

I love the fact that we were not raised with this whole notion of Santa Claus, it just seems a bit deceitful. You guessed it, we didn’t grow up with the tooth fairy or the bunny rabbit either. Your tooth fell out because you’re getting big and should not be awarded for something that is part of life. I mean if that would be the case I would get a quarter each time I went poop. The whole fairy thing doesn’t make sense to me, I will not be practicing that with my kids. You want money kid? Get a job, no I’m not paying you for chores either, you live here too so the least you can do is clean. Oh yea, I’m going to be that type of mom. I might change my mind when the kid is a teenager, but that’s still debatable; especially, because there comes a point when as a parent you feel guilty for hating your teenager. Let the parenting books try to deny that, we all know it’s true.

For Easter we focused on the spiritual meaning of the holiday versus the chocolate bunnies and colored eggs. My mom was not all that bad, I did get an Easter basket, but we didn’t go all out as some people do.

Some might state that Jesus can also be considered a figment of our imagination a false entity, to which I reply “Live and let live!” If it works for us, then so be it.

I’ll explain why I’m okay with the spiritual end of Christmas versus the whole Saint Nick and his reindeers thing. First, let’s get things straight I don’t boycott the old fat guy or his pal’s, I just don’t give them credit for any of the gifts we get. Our parents and loved ones got them for us, they worked extremely hard for them. Why would I think it to be okay to give some white guy credit for them? Unless, that white guy is my brother-in-law nobody else but baby Jesus is getting credit for anything.

The breakdown is simple: We work hard for the things and in our lives, we are grateful to the Universe for that job we have. We are grateful to God for the health we are granted that allows us to work and provide for our loved ones. We are grateful to God for our loved ones and the things we have: food, clothes, roof, etc. It’s a cycle, we are grateful to One individual or entity and it’s not Santa Claus.

I believe the people that get dressed up for their kids and go the distance with the whole Saint Nick bit are awesome, that takes a lot of heart to go the distance. I admire it, but I wouldn’t practice it. I wouldn’t burst the bubble of a kid that believed in it either, I’m not that mean. Plus, I volunteered at a city Christmas Festival helping kids and their families take a picture with Santa. I loved watching the kids react to Santa, some where scared out of their minds as they kicked and screamed wanting to get as far away as possible, while others just couldn’t get enough of the guy.

At the end no matter what you do or how you celebrate the holiday season doesn’t matter. What matters is the joy, love, and compassion you have and share with others around you. Yes, even with yourself. As cliche as it may sound, I really do wish people would keep these feelings and mindset all through the year. I know some try but life gets in the way, but instead of diets for the new year why not try a Negative-free diet or a victimless-diet, or good deed’s routine or my personal favorite “bitch-free diet?” This one is simple, you don’t complain about anything, no bitching whatsoever allowed and when people ask how you’re doing instead of reading the laundry list of all the things that have gone “wrong” in your life, simply state “I’m grateful!” Might be tough at first, but can you imagine all the bitterness we might lose?

So let’s recap what we’ve learned this Christmas kids:

Don’t give people crappy gifts. If you don’t know what that person is into go with gift cards or to play it safe nothing. Being known as someone that gives nothing on the holidays is way better than being known as the person that gives crappy gifts.
No white guy in a red suit is getting credit for my gifts.
Teenagers suck…but we love them anyway
Your tooth fell out, you didn’t find a cure for cancer. I need my quarter for laundry kid.
Bitch-free diet should be #1 on your resolution list for 2014.
Kindness and compassion should not be worn as a Christmas sweater, they are more like an LBD for day and night all year long!
Christmas rocks!

Merry Christmas my dears!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Days 11 & 12: The Coupon Lady!

26 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

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Tags

Berkeley, change, coupons, saving, starving students

Hello darlings and Merry Christmas! I know it’s been a while, as you can imagine things got crazy last week as I was preparing for the holidays. Please, please forgive me. The following post was written on the weekend of the 13th. I will follow up with a more updated post. Promise, but enjoy this weekend mashup, which will be followed up by a larger than life mashup!

Sorry my dears, I know I’ve missed about two nights; of course, this will be another Mashup (and the crowd goes wild). Enough of that, I know it’s all exciting but we most move on. I’m currently sitting at Big O Tires in Berkeley, let’s just say I’m not really a happy camper right now. I’m exhausted, worked until midnight at my Happy job last night, and I’ve been here since 8:40 this morning. I was originally told I would only be here for two hours max, well that was about an hour ago. As per the last update, it’s going to be another ninety minutes.

To add more pain to my misery I’m freezing, it’s insanely cold in this shop. I’m on one cup of coffee, and the one they have here is not hot or strong enough for my personal taste. Plus, I’m hungry as heck! I didn’t bother to make my juice this morning, because I was only told two hours. I didn’t bring snacks like I usually do because I was told only two hours.

On top of that they found something else wrong with my car, which added to the final cost. So I’m looking at about $2000 in maintenance right now. Wow! Good thing I already bought my Christmas presents, because I really do feel a “bohumbug” making it’s way out of my mouth right about now.

So, now that I got everything that is wrong with this situation out of my system. Let’s focus on the positive:

I woke up this morning in a warm house, in a nice comfortable bed
I have a car and the means to get it taken care of. Wait this one needs to be tweaked a bit, I have the credit to get maintenance that my poor baby needs. Luckily for me they offer financing.
I have the means to buy food and have food at home, I’m just choosing not to eat out. Or was ill prepared because I was told two hours.
After this my car will have four brand new tires, will be aligned and some other thingamajig that will keep my tires from wearing out before they’re ready.
Plus, I have you to keep me company!

Now that’s better, I think Julie Andrew’s would be proud of me, don’t you?

Now let’s start with the Mashup:

Day #11

Oh yes, how can I forget this day! A Christmas Miracle took place on this day. Yes, indeed! This is the day that my fabulous Physical Therapist Christopher told me I could get off my boot! I told you all that the new year would not find me in a boot, see how I don’t lie? I’ve never felt so happy before in my life (I’m sure I have, but just feel the joy here). I was already planning on walking out of there with two shoes on, not just one, T-W-O! I prayed and meditated on it that morning and since I believe in vision work, I took left shoe with me in a bag in my purse. I was on a mission.

He started laughing at me when I looked at my boot and said “DEUCES” as I was taking off the sexy velcro straps. While we were working on stretches and whatnot there was a moment when I thought he was going to say: “on second thought…” As I was busting a move or as I was stretching, I shouted in pain, he immediately made me stop and sit down. He checked out the area that made me scream and luckily it was nothing major it just hurt due to lack of flexibility in the foot, I just need to stretch it out some. Enter sigh of relief here.

I will be able to start exercising. By this I mean, doing some walking up and down my usual running route but walking instead of running. No running until February, which for me is good, as long as I get out there. I do have to wear a brace for about a month. I’m okay with that, a brace is nothing compared to a boot, I might also need to use a slip-on brace for my runs now. But I think that’s just for prevention of future flare-ups.

Apparently, I have to work to strength my back, my sciatic to be precise as he believes it is all connected. He also recommended pilates versus yoga. Which was odd because the first time I tried Pilates, I hurt my back. But Christopher is confident that it could be of benefit to me, he just recommended I speak with the instructor first and fill them in on my back problems. However, I will still be doing yoga, ten classes to be precise. I bought a coupon on Groupon, so yea I must get those in. Christopher is just worried that the stretching might be too strenuous on my back, but some of the exercises we did in PT for my back came from yoga. So I don’t know. The only thing I know is that I’m going to get better. I can’t be going through back problems every year.

My plan is to try out a few classes and see how it feels. I’ll let you know if I survive or not.

Day #12

Nothing major happened this day, it was a busy day though. I ended up working from home, I was only going to work a half day anyways so it just made sense to stay home.I got my oil changed. Yes, I’m on a whole let’s get this car in top shape before I make my drive down to LA.

While shopping for tires and car “things” I noticed that my shopping habits have changed drastically. Let’s say for instance, I was in the market for tires. I always went to Sears, I had an account there, I walked in and walked out. Didn’t shop around or anything, whatever they were charging me that’s what I went for. This time around though, my friend Nelson recommended a few places for tires and he said he always shops around first before buying. I cringed and just said: “I don’t have time for all of that!” Well, I ate my words because I did just that. I called a few places before agreeing to purchase anything, I also went online to see what discounts/coupons I could find. Yup, I’m officially a coupon lady. Saved me $15 on my oil change and $50 on my tires.

You might think that’s not much, but after being a starving student for two and a half years, that is a lot. If all I could save is fifty cents, I will go for it and declare it a win. I’ve come a long way my dears. I don’t splurge on big ticket items anymore and I don’t go for brand names either, I was never really a label person anyway. I have clothes that my friends give me, I shop at the dollar store, clearance or sale racks, thrift stores (best finds ever sometimes), and I go by the “do I really need this or do I really want this?” rule.

I know I’m no longer a student, but I will be soon (crossing fingers). But I promised myself I would never go through what I did when I was in school. Things were insanely rough. I worked the entire time I was in school, I don’t know what it is like to not work. It’s not easy. You can’t really get a full time job when you’re an undergrad, because your classes change from semester to semester. In my case I was doing two majors, so I had an incredible academic school load. My last semester especially was pretty tough, I lived off of food donations from friends, credit cards, and my fun job and financial help from some friends.

I will never go through this again. That’s my promise to myself and I am sticking to it. I’m on a mission to save as much as possible. I am going to treat myself from time to time, but I’ll do it wisely. I have some friends that just amaze me, they have found a way to save enough money to last them a semester if not more. How in the world….? I had to use up my 401k to make the move up here for school. I’ve never been able to have more than $400 in my savings account. Sad? I know.

But I’m determined to start saving. Especially for and when situations like car maintenance, medical or any other situations come up. I’m planning on traveling in 2014, I better start saving for that. I need to pay off my credit cards not charge more. I’m hoping I stay true to this plan. I need to, I’m getting older and I’m starting to get into the nesting phase. I want to buy me a nice car, but I want a house of my own even more. A nice house in Berkeley would be nice, with a lawn and extra rooms for my books and my momma. Yup, I want my mother to live with me. I want to be able to take care of her. She loves Berkeley and I know she wouldn’t fight me too much on it.

Since, I believe in visioning, I’m planning on visiting open houses in 2014. The secret to visioning is not only about seeing what you want, but feeling as if it’s already yours. Whatever it is: health, a new car (go for a test drive in your dream car), a new job (see yourself already hired or go to the place where you would like to see yourself. Be smart about this one, don’t just walk in to an office and sit at a desk.), you want to travel buy books of the places where you want to go cut pictures and keep it present. It works, seriously.

Example: When I made my first vision board, I had a picture of UCLA. That was my dream school since I was a kid and when I went back to school that’s where I wanted to transfer to. But you went to CAL? Yup, I know but I got accepted at UCLA and every other school I applied to. Since, I like to update my vision boards I worked on another one. I added traveling: first class flying and I even put Costa Rica on there. Well, you guessed it. I traveled first class last year from NYC to Colorado, I got a free upgrade and I studied abroad last summer in Costa Rica. Furthermore, while I was in NYC I went to the UN offices. I went there specifically to do some vision work, I wanted to see myself there. Well, I was able to travel to Costa Rica because I got accepted to the UPEACE program, which is the United Nations University for Peace in Costa Rica. How do you like ‘em apples? It works people, seriously.

Well there you go two days worth of interesting facts.

I have to go now, my friend Sandra is picking me up before she goes home to LA. I’m starving and craving pupusas. My car will not be ready for another forty minutes.

They said two hours!!!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 10: The Party’s over!

12 Thursday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Motivational, Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

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Agape, Agape International Spiritual Center, Berkeley, change, Hellen Keller, inspiration, meditation, pity party, prayer, self-forgiveness, self-love, The Secret

Hello beautiful people, sorry about yesterday but this chick needed a day off. For some reason I was extremely tired both physically and emotionally yesterday. I think it had to do with a conversation that I had earlier that evening. No need to get the shot-gun (nice of you though), it was more like exhaustion from talking about all the things that went wrong this year (or at least in my head they did). I think I need to change my tune, the band is getting tired and bored of playing the same sad song. So I had to make my peace with that, I was mourning the victim in me.

Helen Keller said it best:

Self-pity is our worst enemy and if we yield to it we can never do anything good in the world.

I’ve already mentioned how I’m working on my healing, I believe it was Day 4 when I mentioned the few steps I would be taking to a better and healthier me, but just to recap:

Well, as part of this “let’s get healthy” plan of mine. I’m including: juicing (thanks to my mom), meditation, yoga, and meal planning.

For more check out: Day 4

I also just realized that I forgot to mention that I’m going off wheat! I wouldn’t really say a Gluten Free diet, because I found out that some stuff might say Gluten Free but might still contain some wheat byproducts. Weird, I know. I just have to really, really read labels now more than ever. The same Nurse Practitioner that recommended Acupuncture recommended I get off wheat too. Wheat causes joint pain and increases arthritis pain, can cause diabetes, and high blood pressure, amongst other things.

I’ll keep it real, I’m not 100% off. Because Wheat is in everything, I mean everything. But I’m 95% off of Wheat, not too shabby if I do say so myself.

My NP recommended a book “Wheat Belly” by Cardiologist William Davis, so far so good. It’s an interesting read, talks about how wheat is no longer the wheat of the good old days. Yes, folks wheat too has also been modified and is no longer 100% healthy for you. Yes, they are worst things out there for your health, but I’m on a mission. My great-great Grandmother lived to be 110 (her name Monica-yup family name), and my grandmother out lived two cancers (her name Virginia-yup my other name).

My grandmother and I, celebrating my 15th birthday.

Because I carry the name of two amazing and strong women in my family I feel the need to continue the legacy of being just that-a strong woman.

But it’s not just about health.

Warning: If you are not a person of faith, you might want to skip this day.

Okay, now that a few individuals have left the room, I will continue. I am a person of faith, I’m not a “bible hugging-honk if you love Jesus” type though. I don’t identify as a Catholic, Protestant, or any other organized religion. I consider myself spiritual. What is the difference? I’ll give you my personal version. To me this means that I do believe in a higher being, but I do not see this higher power in the same way that the church (I was raised Catholic) wants me to. I do not fear this Being, I do not believe it to be spiteful, or jealous, or vengeful. The way I see it those are all human traits, so how in the world are you going to give something that isn’t human a human trait?

I don’t believe that you will be thrown into hell if you don’t behave a certain way. I don’t think that homosexuality or sex are a sin. I don’t believe there’s a certain way to speak to your Higher-Self, I don’t believe that death is the end, I don’t believe you have to go to a church or synagogue to have a direct conversation with God. I don’t think that priests, reverends, etc. are holy beings. They are men and women of flesh just like you and me, don’t expect them to be perfect if you can’t be. Don’t put them in a pedestal and expect them to do no wrong, because honey you will be in for a rude awakening.

I do believe: that we were all created in the image and likeness of God, I do believe in unconditional love, I do believe I’m a spiritual being having a human experience. I believe in the law of attraction, I do believe in the power of prayer, meditation, and vision. I do believe that I am a child of God, I do believe that I was brought into this world with a purpose. I do believe that we are all unique beings. I believe that even with my imperfections I am still perfect in the eyes of God!

I do practice: Unconditional love, compassion, service, meditation, and prayer.

I study: all the holy texts: Bible, Qur’an, Buddhist Scripture and texts, and even some modern day gurus: Michael Bernard Beckwith, Wayne Dyer, Sylvia Boorstein. If it will help me spiritually I’m reading it.

Although I’m in constant contact with God or JC (as I tend to call him at times-we are that tight folks! I also use the following terms: her, Universe, creator, father-mother-God, you pick), when I do feel the need for that spiritual push I attend my spiritual center Agape. This center was founded by the ‘guy in the dreads’ in the movie “The Secret”, Rev. Michael Bernard Beckwith. I’ve been attending it for almost 7 years and I love it. Luckily for me they have live streaming, so I get to still attend via the internet.

Fun Fact: I remember when the Rev. mentioned that they were now going to live stream the services on the internet, I thought it was a bit much and a bit off. I didn’t get it. The funny thing is that a year and a half later, the only way I would be able to stay connected to my Agape community would be through Live Stream; hence, I transferred to Berkeley for school. I’m telling you, it’s amazing how the Universe works.

Since, this Summer I’ve been hit with quite a few things that made me wither in faith and just threw me off balance. But the crazy thing is I knew that at the end of the day God had everything under control. Even though I knew this I still wanted to feel sorry for myself and wallow in my shame and guilt. Luckily for me, JC does not give up on me as easily as I do on him. But that’s not the best thing here, the best thing is that there’s always a RESET bottom when it comes to you and your Higher Being. You can start all over, as if nothing happened.

I heard about the Reset bottom today during service and it really hit home. I’ll explain why. Have you ever felt so guilty or shame for something that you feel as if you don’t deserve any of the good that comes your way? Well, I did. I couldn’t even pray because I felt as if the Universe was looking at me like “Are you kidding me?” When in reality it looks at me through eyes of love and understanding.

I pressed the RESET bottom a few weeks ago. When I decided to get my zen back through prayer and meditation. It’s not easy, but I learned that I apparently don’t do easy.

Heck I’m not even easy! Sorry guys, keep it moving!

I’m also working on forgiveness, I don’t need to forgive anyone other than myself. I need to realize that things happen for a reason, cliche? I know, but I believe it to be true. We don’t understand why certain things happen at certain times in our lives, but the fact is that something is meant to be learned or it kept you from danger or a bad decision.

The hard ones come when you think you are doing everything right. You’re living by the book. I mean damn I don’t even J-walk! Bam, shit happens! The way I see it or shall I say what I have convinced myself of is that these things happen to help you realize that you still have a lot of growing to do, you are still capable of making the wrong decisions.

We think we have it all figured out so we get lazy and not try as hard. We are kind, but are selective with who we practice our kindness with. We love but conditionally. We are nice, but maybe not genuinely. Or the worse crime of all: treating others better than you treat yourselves.

“What do you mean?” Let me explain. We may be the best human being in the world: best friend, best son/daughter, spouse, parent, employee, etc. However, when it comes to self love, we suck! I mean really suck! We are not kind to ourselves, we are not compassionate with ourselves, we are not as forgiving of ourselves as we would be with others. We give people the best advise, but when it comes to practicing what we preach we come short in some if not all levels.

Does this sound like you? It sure sounds like me. I’m working on forgiving myself, made a wrong decision and I payed the price highly for it. But I know a lesson will come from it. I have to believe that at the end of the day I will come out stronger, wiser, and taller (an inch or two would be nice) from all of this.

So I’m choosing to get over the pity party for one and get on with living! Get on with enjoying the people, the experiences, the lessons, and everything around me.

I’ve come to realize that the more I dwell on that one thing, the more I will be missing out on many things. If you close yourself off because of the negative in your life, how are you going to be open to the blessings coming your way?

There’s a saying that my grandmother use to say: “No hay mal que por bien no venga” which translates to “every cloud has a silver lining.” It’s hard to see things when we are in the thick of it, but its true.

I’m not expecting for the sun to shine brighter, or for the birds to start chirping a special tune like they do in the Fairy Tales. But I am expecting to feel better, be healthier, wiser, stronger, and darn it kinder to my damn SELF!

Oh no, what if I flake out or wither from time to time? That’s okay, I’m human. It doesn’t matter how you fall, what matters is that you get back up after you fall. Plus, I have you to keep me accountable. Now, don’t tell me you were expecting this relationship to be one-sided. It’s a two-way street here dear!

I’m not waiting for 2014 to change my attitude. Honey, 2014 is going to find me a changed woman.

Getting off my soap box now!

Love ya!

Video

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 9: Younger men?

10 Tuesday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

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change, cougars, dating, don't call me ma'am, How Stella got her groove back, let it be, love, love is love, mommy dearest, older women and younger men, younger men and older women

Hello lovelies, I hope you are staying warm wherever you are! I’m currently enjoying 38 degree weather out here in Berkeley. So, unless you live in the East Coast or in the Midwest with snow don’t talk to me about how cold it is where you are, because I might just punch you in the throat.

So today’s topic is: “Younger men and older women-yay or nay?”

“What brought this on?” You ask.

Disclaimer: Since, I don’t want to offend anyone I’m going to make up a name for this person: “Mommy Dearest” or MD. It’s actually what I call her, not to her face, of course. See, she has a major Diva complex and she tends to forget she’s speaking to adults and not children at times, hence the name Mommy Dearest.

Anyways, today I noticed that Mommy Dearest is extra special to someone, I call this person “her favorite.” I simply thought it was because she really liked this kid (Note: I call anyone younger than me a kid, this individual is about 27). I thought she really drank the Kool-Aid when it came to this kid, as in she believed the hype.

This guy is okay. He’s attractive but in my personal opinion he’s a bit oblivious to certain things, and that just decreases his attraction to me. But MD treats this kid as if he’s God’s gift to mankind, praises his every word and move. I just sit there, smile and nod. I don’t agree, I don’t like the flavor of the Kool-Aid, and I sure as heck did not believe the hype. But you can’t tell this person otherwise.

For a moment I thought she knew something I didn’t know. Maybe he wrote a book, won a Nobel prize, is working on a cure for cancer. Something out of this world, I mean that’s how high up on the totem pole she has put him. There just has to be more to what I see, I mean why else would MD be so over the moon for this guy.

Did you already catch on? Then you are naughtier than I am. I didn’t see it until today. Actually, someone had to point it out to me.

I was talking with my friend about how I just didn’t get this guy’s allure with MD. My friend just looked at me like “really?” I looked at her in disbelief, I just couldn’t wrap my head around it. I mean this guy can be her grandson, but apparently there’s something more there. Not necessarily on his part, but in MD’s head.

Okay, not the best example but I love this movie

My friend was and is totally against something like that. I on the other hand, not so much. I don’t see anything wrong with it. Well, in this particular situation it’s difficult because he has someone already in his life, so yea this would be wrong. But in general a younger man with an older woman, I don’t see the issue.

JLo

Madonna

Mariah

Let’s get this straight, I’ve never dated a younger man. I am; however, guilty of having a tryst with a younger chap, for a while. Other, than that I have always gone for older. I believe the most recent ex-boyfriend I had was the first guy I ever dated who was my same age. Thus, you know I’m not biased when it comes to this topic.

The way I see it, they are both adults and if the attraction exists then go for it. Knock yourself out! You go girl!

However, I don’t believe that the women should spoil her younger partner, which is the general consensus and why I believe these type of May-December romances get such a bad rep. Everyone believes she must be buying his attention and that her young beau is in no way truly interested in an older women. I don’t live under a rock either, so I know these type of situations do exist, but we can’t categorize all the relationships this way because of a few fools.

It did Stella some good, why not me?

What if I’m single (hope not) and in my sixties, should young men be off limits? I say hell-to-the-NO! If I look half as good as my mother does now (she’s 62, looking insanely good for her age, I better get them genes!), you bet I’m going to be going for the cabana boys while on vacations.

So, why then and not now? Good question, I don’t have an answer; however, since moving up to Berkeley I have met some very intelligent young men. Calm down men, I’m not claiming that the men up here are smarter, just some of the ones I’ve met. Plus, half of them are not originally from Berkeley (I really don’t think anyone up here is.). Moving on, these young men have made me change my mind a little when it comes to age. I say a little because I still have an age limit. See, I have a younger brother that is 22 years old, I cannot and will not date anyone that is the same age as my brother-right now. See what I did there? That’s called CYA (Cover Your Ass), I’m not going to say anything that I might later regret.

Age is such an interesting issue, people say it’s not an issue but it really is. You are either too young for something, but yet to old for another thing. You have to be 21 to buy alcohol, but you can enlist in the military at 18. I don’t get it?

Men dating younger women, seen as the norm. Women dating younger men, she must be “keeping” him. The paradox, of course, is that the older-woman relationship makes perfect sense when it comes to life expectancy, with women outliving men by an average of five years. But with men’s fertility far outlasting women’s, biology makes the case for the older-man scenario.

Things are changing, advice for women who want to pursue younger men abounds in an explosion of magazine articles and books dedicated to cougardom.

I might need to get this book

Linda Franklin, a former Wall Street executive who is the author of a new book, “Don’t Ever Call Me Ma’am! The Real Cougar Woman Handbook” said she had decided to take what she thought was an insulting term and use it to empower women.“What you see on TV in no way bears any reality to women in real life,” Ms. Franklin said. “These women take very good care of themselves, they are financially independent, and they are making different choices. That certainly does not make them desperate.”

Years ago, having kids when you were still a teenager was seen as normal. Now, it’s frowned upon. However, having children in your 40’s is also frowned upon. I’m 33 and in my culture I’m already an old maid for not having any kids by now. What gives?

Age, is such a minimal thing but it bears so much weight on so many different things, from the relationships you form to the job you have. You can be the cougar or puma, or whatever cat they call women now, simply because you met someone younger that has all the qualities that you have been looking for. The way I see it, if you were to meet someone your age with those very same qualities, you would go for that person.Right? I know I would. Are we expected to walk away from this opportunity because he doesn’t fit in to what society thinks is acceptable? Again: Hell-to-the NO!

I would rather lose some friends that are against my new relationship because of something as trivial as age, than walk away from a potentially good relationship. Are your friends going to keep you warm at night? Okay, maybe. You might have that one friend that is willing to share a blanket or two. But do you a friend that is willing to do what a young lover might do for or to you? Just saying, let’s keep it real folks!

Let’s not forget that sometimes it’s just about having F-U-N! Again, I see nothing wrong with that either. If your actions and choices are not harming anyone, honey go for it! Do your thang! However, make sure you have a strong backbone, you will need it; unfortunately, our world is quick to judge that which it does not understand.

I say live and let live! So to MD, if you are really enamored with this guy, more power to you. However, I would hate this to be true, because he already has someone, it won’t end well. I already know what it feels like to get excited about someone and have nothing come out of it. I wouldn’t wish that feeling on anyone.

What do you think?

Am I just a poor spinster spinning her wheels or do I make a valid point? Love is love, lust is lust, if nobody is getting hurt, just let it be. You can always turn the other way if you don’t like what you see.

Hey that rhymes, I didn’t do that knowingly. Awesome!

This spinster is getting off her soapbox now! Good night lovelies!

Just in case you don’t know who Stella is or what groove she got back, here you go!

Under The Berkeley Skies: Weekend Mashup!

09 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Uncategorized, Under the Berkeley Skies

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Berkeley, ex boyfriends, friends, Kaiser Permanente, KP, migraines, somos familia

Weekend Mashup!

Hello lovelies, so things have been a little crazy out here in crazy Berzerktown! Because of this I’m mashing up days six, seven and eight. I know not fair, but trust me nothing exciting has really happened, I didn’t get slapped, hitched, or ditched. This might happen a couple of times, I’m doing the best I can so it won’t, but hey LIFE HAPPENS!

So let’s start with day six:

Well, this wonderful day started with me hitting the snooze button for over an hour, poor thing it so must hate me. But that was nothing compared to what was to come. As soon as this chick opened her ojitos tapatios my head starting screaming. Nope, not a typo, it was screaming! I’ve had a migraine since Sunday evening, but I was able to control the density of the pain with my prescription and for some reason or another Friday was the day that it decided to go nuclear on me.

I tried to do the whole Yoda and Miyagi on it by doing the whole “out of sight, out of mind” bit. But didn’t work. I did my morning ritual, I even went to work and finished up a major project that had to be done that day.

But apparently, I failed to realize or I must have gotten up to go to the bathroom when Miyagi was teaching Daniel-son how to deal with the things that are “out of sight, but in your mind!” Because I could not see this pain, but God Almighty could I feel it. Once, the nausea kicked in I knew it was time to throw in the towel, and drive myself to the emergency room.

I have no idea how I drove, but I did. I’m sure I was driving extremely slow, especially because the sun was out. If you’ve never suffered a migraine (lucky bastards), let me tell you what happens:

Migraine headaches can be dull or severe. The pain may be felt behind the eye or in the back of the head and neck. For me it’s always in the side, in the temple area. For many patients, the headaches start on the same side each time. The headaches usually:

Feel throbbing, pounding, or pulsating
Are worse on one side of the head
Start as a dull ache and get worse within minutes to hours
Last 6 – 48 hours

Other symptoms that may occur with the headache include:

Chills
Increased urination
Fatigue
Loss of appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Numbness, tingling, or weakness
Problems concentrating, trouble finding words
Sensitivity to light or sound
Sweating

It is no walk in the park, I started having headaches since I was 6 years old. I officially got diagnosed with migraines at the age of 12, after a crisis lasted a week and caused me to black out. I’ve been in treatment since then; however, I’ve had them under control for the past 5 years or so. I know my triggers, and I usually know what to do when one starts. Since, this Summer these bad boys have submerged and with a vengeance, especially this bad boy. It was not taking any prisoners it was out to kill.

I was shaking, urinating every 30 minutes, nausea, I was cold as heck and my arms and fingers were tingling. Needles to say about the light sensitivity, I was lucky that both the nurses and doctors at Kaiser were conscious of my symptoms. They put me in a dark room, the door was closed at all times, and when they would come in to check on me they didn’t turn on the lights! That my friends is awesome!

The first time I got diagnosed my poor mother and I had to sit in the emergency room at General Hospital in Los Angeles for eight hours until someone was able to see me. During my waiting time, my pain just seemed to get worse because I had to wait under florescent lighting, I tried to cover myself but it was just not happening. At Kaiser I only had to wait about thirty minutes and another thirty minutes to get my shots. At this point I didn’t mind the wait, I was in a bed in a dark room and I knew sweet release was coming my way. Three shots and a nap under a warm hospital blanket was just what I needed.

The sad part here is that I was alone, that made me feel a bit like crap. But that was only momentary. Because; although, I was in the hospital alone I had people willing to pick me up from the hospital, one of those individuals was my boss. Yup, pretty cool ha? That’s a first for me! He was not going to pick me up and take me back to the office either. Honey, I was so drugged up that I wouldn’t even know what to do with a stapler! But I felt a bit more comfortable with my friend Kathleen picking me up, it also felt safer. God knows what might have slipped from my mouth, you never know what you might say. Nothing sexy folks, but something incredibly stupid is a high possibility.

My dear friend left work early to pick me up, what a friend, right? Here she is: If you see her in the street give her a hug! Just because she’s awesome and she loves them too! Who doesn’t love hugs?

Day 7

After waking up with with the most horrible cotton mouth ever, I decided to clean house a bit. See here’s the thing with me, I think there’s a strong connection with the chaos or disorder in your home with the chaos or disorder in your life. Thus, if my house is messy, I feel my life is in chaos too. I have no idea why, but this is how I feel. I mean it makes sense, right? You come home from a busy and stressed day at the office, coming home to a clean home means peace. While coming home to a messy apartment is going to make you run the other way or just increase your stress levels. Simple.

So, if my apartment is a mess, I go nuts. Because I know what it’s doing to me, I mean I don’t go all kinds of crazy either. I do what I can and what I can’t I let it be. Plus, I’m seriously messy. I’ve been like that since I was a kid. I would only make my bed on Saturday’s. I mean why make it if you’re going to lay down again? I didn’t understand and my mother failed to understand my arguments against it. My ex-boyfriend use to call me the “little tornado” because I always left a mess in his room. Not as in dirty stuff everywhere, but bags here, shoes there, nothing crazy like dirty underwear or dirty dishes all over the place. I was and am always in a rush, so I tend to leave stuff out.

Enough with the cleaning.

I had to go to job number two that night, I work part-time at a famous concert venue, in San Francisco it’s what I use to call my fun job (for all intent and purposes we will continue to call it that). It’s losing it’s glamour with some crazy crap that is going on right now, but the people make it worth it. Anyways, it had been a while since I had seen my fun family so it was nice to hang out with them again. It was a busy night, but nothing out of the ordinary. However, the thing that was unusual about this night, was that the ex-boyfriend was nice to me. Oh yea, did I fail to mention that? My ex-boyfriend, the guy whose heart I broke two days before Valentine’s Day (there’s more to this, I’m not that mean) is now my boss, he wasn’t then when we dated but he is now, how you like them apples?

Anyways, ever since he came back as the new boss, there has been extreme weirdness between us. He made it clear before he came back that he didn’t want to be friends, so I just went with it. He was hurt and I understand that it must be hard to be friends with someone you still have strong feelings for. I can’t force my friendship on someone, nor do I want to. Made things hard at work, but we both seemed to deal. But this night it was different, he actually gave me a hug. Would come up to my post and start a conversation, not life altering but nonetheless it was something that had not happened between us for a long time. I realized I missed it. I missed his craziness, I’m not trying to get back together with the guy, I just missed being able to talk and laugh with him. You know, without the weirdness between us.

It gets better. At the end of the night, I discover flowers in my locker. I wonder who?

They are nice aren’t they?

The funny thing is that the rest of the crew didn’t even act surprised when I told them Ifound them in my locker. One guy was like: “We all know who that was?” ha-ha! I guess we all did, he (the ex); of course, played dumb. Responding with a “what flowers?” He is the only one that would ever do something like that, especially to me. It was nice, they are beautiful and look pretty darn good in my altar.

Day 8

This day was hectic, I mean today was ridiculous! I am suppose to be taking it easy, but I keep finding it hard to do. Since, I woke up at 9am this morning I have been non-stop until now, it’s almost midnight! I woke up and got ready for my acupuncture appointment, I’m telling you I’m becoming a pro when it comes to acupuncture now. I get my regular seat, and this time I didn’t freeze or have to wake up because I had to use the restroom. I mean, I did have to use the restroom before I left the center, let’s not get crazy!

My beautiful tiny tree!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to completely relax, only because I knew I had to do a lot today. I had an event I had to go to, tamales to pick up and distribute, and a tree I was determined to have up by tonight!

But I did my best and I was able to get some zen out of it. I had so much energy afterwards, I came home cooked, cleaned, and put up my Christmas tree. Luckily the tamales got dropped off, but I had to go an event for Somos Familia! (We Are Family!) This is a nonprofit that works with the LGBTQ community, to be more precise with families that are coping or trying to adapt to a family member’s sexuality. I have just joined to be on their speakers bureau, which means that I will be facilitating workshops and story telling. I will be sharing my story which will help break that lame ass concept that people have about how people raised by homosexuals become gay too! Honey, I was raised by a great man who just happens to like men. What’s the problem?

Wait, hold the phone! Maybe I am like him!? I too like, I mean LOVE men!

So, after getting the “okay” from my uncle and his partner I will be sharing my story, on how truly fabulous it was to be raised by a gay man. I will share this story with you on another day. They are both a big part of my life, so they deserve an entire post to themselves.

Anyways, got there a bit late. Quite late to be exact, I was only there for an hour. I was not able to participate in any of the games either because my foot was hurting like hell.

Pretty much!

Oh yea, let me tell you how the Universe siked me out today! I was extremely determined to get off the boot by tomorrow, I was going to get up early in the morning, put on my brace, and go for a walk. No inclines, just a flat surface. I was feeling good, in my defense I was on my acupuncture high! But later that afternoon when it was time for me to leave, I realized that my foot was hurting like hell. See all that time that I was running around my house, I was boot-free. I did too much and with no support, I probably should have put on my brace or something. So now, I’m determined to make an appointment with my PT guy, and get this healing on it’s way.

I will not be in a boot for the New Year, that’s the plan and I’m sticking to it.

Wish me luck lovelies!

Hey how about about that, we finished our first week together. Was it as good for you, as it was for me? I guess only time will tell.

Hope you all have a wonderful week!

Good night lovelies!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 4: Time to Heal

06 Friday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Uncategorized, Under the Berkeley Skies

≈ 2 Comments

Tags

acupuncture, BAP, berkeley acupuncture project, chakra energy jars, change, healing, juicing, meditation

Note: Apologies for posting this one so late, but life happens! I hope you can forgive me lovelies!

Almost didn’t go to work today, because I’ve been dealing with the same migraine since Sunday night. But like a trooper I went in, late, but I was there. End of the year madness at the Foundation, so I must be there.I’m sure they could survive without me, but my ego likes to think they can’t from time to time. Let me be, it makes me feel special even if it is in a “get-her-helmet-ready-she-might-be-boarding-the-short-bus-but-it’s-too-early- to-tell” kind of way!

Anyways, so instead of taking those damn little tiny pills of mine I decided for a more holistic approach-acupuncture. I have been taking my prescription but they seem to only be lowering the density of the pain, not taking it away. Plus, those pills either knock you out or give you the worst high ever. I mean seriously, you don’t see unicorns or swim in a chocolate pond, you’re just out of it and dizzy.

This is my second time trying Acupuncture, which was actually recommended by my Nurse Practitioner. I was a bit surprised, for some reason I thought Eastern medicine was a taboo subject for Western medicine practitioners. But my NP was pretty cool about it and recommended some places for me to go.

She also said I needed to quit my second job to which I replied: “Sure, I’ve gotten use to whoring myself off to my sugar daddy anyways.”

Okay, I didn’t but I told her I would think about it-school loans are no joke!

If I could find me a sugar daddy that looked either like George Clooney or Colin Firth I would most likely whore myself off though, let’s not get it twisted. I mean “swoon!”

I love this man!

Sexy Silver Fox!

I went to this cool place here in Berkeley, called Berkeley Acupuncture Project (BAP). They are extremely nice and the best part, affordable. Plus, once you’re in there, you’re in there. What I mean is, typically people go in there and feel so relaxed after the needles are in that people knock out. Nobody will come and wake you up because you’re 45 minutes are up; unless, you tell a practitioner to wake you at a certain hour. At BAP you decide when you are ready to go; typically, this is when I have to use the restroom.

Since, I’m on a mission to heal: physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I’m ready to try anything that will make me feel better.

Off I went, not as tense as the first time because I already knew what to expect. The first time was ridiculous, I’m scared of needles so I could picture the acupuncturist stabbing me with the needles. Not this time though!

As you walk in you’re greeted by an extremely nice receptionist, they scare me. Nice people do. I mean, how can you be that nice? Just me? Whatever, now you scare me too!

This time I was determined to grab a chair in the warmer room, I froze the first time and I couldn’t sleep or really relax because I was so cold. You walk into these communal rooms, with reclining chairs. No private rooms, unless you are getting a massage. You take off your shoes and socks, if you’re wearing pants you roll them up, along with your sleeves if you are wearing long sleeves. I swear I thought I was a pro, I was able to sit back in the chair, I even knew how to make the chair recline this time. Let’s just say that the first time was not as smooth and a bit more comical. Sad, yea it was sad too! I mean I couldn’t figure out the recliner! Wow!

Since, the practitioner saw or heard all the velcro from my boot, she assumed that was what I was there for. Nope! I needed someone to either chop my head off or work some acupuncture ancient healing magic on me stat! She did. It was immediate, you know that sound tires make when the air comes out? Well, that’s what happened. No noise though. I could feel the heaviness and pressure of my head float away, it was replaced by this extreme lightness. She asked me how I felt and I just looked at her and said “I’m good!’ I’m sure I looked like a stoner at that point, because I sure felt high. My body was floating, I could feel the energy (Qi) moving. That’s what it’s suppose to do. I know it sounds like crap to non-believers, but it’s true. It kind of weirds me out on how I can feel and at times see the energy move. This time I was able to see it because I drifted, I got in the zone and off I went.

I was extremely relaxed, felt good. I was cold, but I was relaxed. That is until I had to use the restroom. I hate that, I made sure to use it before, but…ugh, story of my life. Anyways, people usually either feel relaxed and sleepy, extremely hungry, or energetic. This time I felt energetic, the first time I went I didn’t feel good. The areas where they had inserted the needles hurt and I felt as if they were still on me later that night. Weird.

It felt good to have all this energy back. I made use of it. Went grocery shopping and prepared my veggies and fruits for my first day of juicing tomorrow. If you read yesterday’s post you would know I just got a new juicer. I wasn’t kidding. My mother got it for me because apparently she thinks I need more protein in my life. Since, I don’t eat meat drinking my protein is the next best thing-for her.

But wow was I overwhelmed when I went looking for a protein powder. I knew I needed something that was Gluten free, but I didn’t know I also had to make sure it was a vegetarian or vegan powder. I seriously did not know that animal products were added into these powders. I know: “where did you think that the protein came from?” Protein fairies? No? Okay, like I said I didn’t know. There were different flavors, something for this and something for that. Oh, and I’m not even talking about how expensive it is. I could just buy a nice piece of filet-mignon for the same price and I would still have left over for some potatoes. Since, it was my first time I opted for a cheaper version, and it was some berry one: Vegan, Gluten and Wheat Free. I hope it taste good. I’ll report back.

I’m not kidding when I say I’m on a mission to get healthy again. I’m having a hard time, with this leg. Not complaining, stating a fact. Particularly because I can’t go out for a run, which is what I need for energy, mood and weight control. Running clears my head and always puts me in a good mood. Especially because running was something I thought I could never do. I was never a runner when I was younger. I did; however, play sports. So I guess running after balls was okay (yea, I know my mind went there too-naughty!), but you would never catch me running around the track. I would always talk myself out it, I’m sure my PE teacher Mrs. Juarez knew what I was doing. I would just hang out with her and talk, I always made her laugh so I knew that as long as I kept her entertained my feet would not be hitting the track.

I seriously did hate running.

I really did loathe running, I didn’t even run for the bus: “Oh hell no, I’ll wait for the next one…I’m good.” That was my line when my friend would try to make me run for the bus in middle school. Which is why I can’t believe how much I love it now, how big of a part it plays in my life. I’m in no shape to run to a marathon and I don’t see myself doing that, I’m good! However, I do plan on running a 5K one day.

I still remember when my friend called me a runner. I looked at her as if she was high, “Me? Me, a runner? She was like “Yea!” I soaked in that for a while, I’ve come a long way. It might not sound like a big thing to you, but trust me, it is. Especially when you’ve lived you’re entire life having weight issues.

This is the biggest I’ve ever been, I was 22 here. This picture brought on major chnages in my life.

This is the lightest I’ve been, I was 31 pre-injuries.

It pains me to say that one of my biggest issues has always been my weight. Some of it is due to bullying when I was a kid because of my weight (and some) and health issues related to excess weight and unhealthy lifestyle habits.

Maybe this makes me sound shallow, but in my world, I’m just trying to be a healthier version of myself. I don’t want to be a size 2; I couldn’t even if I tried (have you seen my curves?), just a healthy weight that helps keep me away from the doctors office.

I’m not going to lie, I hate the power that the scale has on me. The number that pops up on the scale determines the day I’m going to have. If the number has gone up, I’ll feel guilty and angry for not sticking to my meal plans. If the number goes down, I’m the happiest person on earth and I’m extremely motivated for that days workout. I know this is not healthy or even sane, but many of us with weight issues go through this. I’m not all that bad, I only way myself once a week, some do it every morning. Other’s every hour, each time they go to the restroom, or after every meal.

But; since, I’ve been on the boot I haven’t even bothered in weighing myself. Why? Because I know I’ve gained weight and that is killing me. I’m not sure how much, but I’m sure I have. Don’t worry folks I don’t obsess about it, I’m just being honest about it. I don’t do diets and I don’t starve myself, that’s never been me and it will never be. I stick to eating the right amount and the right foods needed to be healthy. Every now and then I treat myself to something not-so-healthy, I’m human.

Well, as part of this “let’s get healthy” plan of mine. I’m including: juicing (thanks to my mom), meditation, yoga, and meal planning.

Juicing: I already mentioned I got a new juicer, which is awesome because I just found out it grinds coffee beans too! The best coffee you can ever have is that which is freshly ground. My host mother in Costa Rica grounded my coffee every two days, it was heaven! So now, I must do the same…sorry Folgers! I typically buy mine at Trader Joe’s and grind it there, last me about two weeks.

Oh yea back to juicing! Since, I’m always rushing in the mornings I like to prepare everything on Sunday’s for the week. That includes the fruit and veggies I will juice, I just bag them and freeze them. So for the next seven days I will be drinking the following:

3/4 mixed berries (frozen) or 6 strawberries ( I switch every other day)
1 cup kelp
1 cup spinach
2 slices cantaloupe
4 oz. aloe juice
1 celery stick (I mean the whole thing, not just the wings size stick)
1 oz. chia seeds
1 scoop protein powder

Doesn’t that sound yummy? I’ll let you know how it tastes tomorrow.

Meditating: Well, this is something I’ve always practiced. Or shall I say that I always try to practice consecutively? I get on a roll and then when I start getting busy my zen time is the first thing that gets thrown out the window. So, I’m getting back to it. I’m only doing 5 minutes right now, but I’m getting better adjusted and should hopefully be back to 20 soon.

I found these cool Chakra Energy Jars, I got the Chakra Heart Healing Candle, it helps the Heart and body heal. I know sounds weird, but I truly believe in the connection of meditation and healing, whether it be a physical or emotional healing you’re looking for. Meditation is better than medication in my book!

Yoga: Since, I’m still in my dang boot I can’t really go all hardcore on this one. However, I did find a place out here in Berkeley, that does Healing yoga. The best part is that I purchased some classes off of Groupon and they don’t expire! They practice different types of Yoga, which I find extremely interesting. They teach one which solely practices breathing. I know…whaaat? I’ve done yoga before and I really enjoy it, but it has been years since I’ve done it in a studio. I incorporate yoga poses in my mat/core workout after I run, it helps keep me aligned. I have back issues too. I know 33 going on 83!

Meal Planning: This is something that I’ve done for the past few years, it’s helped keep me in check when I’m not working out. I do it through Spark People, they are an online community with different resources and I highly recommended. It’s pretty awesome and so simple to use. There’s an app and different support/interest groups. I’m just going to get more strict with this and make sure I stick to it.

Something else I didn’t mention that I know will help me heal is writing! Writing really helps me, which is why I’m working on Under The Berkeley Skies. With this being said I believe I owe you a big THANK YOU for reading and for keeping me accountable. Knowing that people are reading really makes me happy and keeps me motivated, I would write either way, but knowing other people are taking the time out of their day to read this truly takes it to a whole different level. So, once more:

Okay, I’ll stop with the gratitude I don’t want you to get a big head!

Good night lovelies!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 3: Lesson Learned

04 Wednesday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Motivational, Real talk, Uncategorized, Under the Berkeley Skies

≈ Leave a comment

Tags

#givingtuesday, Bordeaux, Cancer, Cyber Monday, feelings, friends, friendship, tough, tough love techniques

What a day! Why is it that the first day back from vacation is the hardest? I feel as if I need an extra day just to pump my brain back to 9 to 5 mode.

In case you missed it today was Giving Tuesday! It is a National giving day, which always takes place on the Tuesday after Cyber Monday. Its sole purpose is to help us get off Santa’s naughty list, especially after punching that lady who got in between you and that 27” flatscreen TV for $100 on Friday. That wasn’t you? Okay, fine you get to make up for calling in sick on Cyber Monday because you needed to get 75% off that juicer. I’m not judging, I just got a juicer myself!

Okay, that’s not the truth. Giving Tuesday encourages people to give back to others this holiday season. Giving Tuesday is a day that takes the time to celebrate and encourage the kindness and generosity of others. On the Tuesday after Thanksgiving, charities and organizations go all out in order to help others in need. While Giving Tuesday is a relatively new concept as it is in its second year, last year over 50 million people participated in the charitable event. Everyone and anyone can get involved in Giving Tuesday, individuals and families can still get involved by volunteering at a local charity or donating to a favorite cause. For more information visit their site at #givingTuesday.org

I’m going to be honest with you, this is the first year I heard about it. Actually, today was the first time I heard about it, which is not good since I work in a community foundation. Worse yet I’m the one that takes care of our social media communications. I know, I would so be fired if you were my boss! But in my defense I was out on vacation and my bosses did not mention it; as a matter of fact, I was the one that mentioned it to them at this morning’s staff meeting. So, I somewhat did save the day.

I was going to talk about this and see if I could get you to donate to the community foundation I work for. But then came the text that changed it all.

Hi. Well the infection is back. They still waiting for my final labs and plan. But for sure getting surgery…a pretty big one.

I received the above text from my friend Claudia. She’s the the sweetest and most supportive person you’ll meet. She has this amazing heart that is just oozing with love; however, in my opinion her best trait is her patience. Especially with my crazy butt.

She and I just hung out this Sunday while I was visiting Los Angeles. We talked for hours, you see we really don’t talk on the phone or even text much; however, when we meet up we pick up where we left off. It might be a bit dysfunctional, but it works. I’m not recommending this for everyone, I just happen to have a friend that is extremely understanding so the results might not be the same for everyone, just like a diet pill!

My friend had the big C when she was a child and because of it is part bionic chick! For some reason or another her hardware (the bionic in her) got infected, and they had to go in there and clean it out. It was rough and scary, but she’s a lot tougher than she thinks and she came out on top. However, the infection is now back and she will have to undergo a big surgery to replace her bionic piece. There’s so much more to this story, but it’s not mine to tell so I’m giving you the short and sweet version.

I still remember when I received her text, my body felt tense and all I could think about was wanting to be next to her to give her a hug. I could imagine her trying to be strong for her mother and family.

Then I started thinking about how worried she might be. See my beautiful friend Claudia is an extreme worry wort, I mean seriously. It’s one of her quirks; however, at moments like these it could also be her downfall. I knew that the biggest worry would be about the costs, see our wonderful and bureaucratic system cancelled her MediCal. She’s fighting the system right now, but I have little to no faith in it. We need a miracle here and I pray that someone in that office actually takes the initiative to do the right thing.

So as I’m thinking about that, I get upset. I’m upset at the fact that our system is screwed, even if you live your life doing the right thing the system will find a way to mess with you. I’ve gone through it myself when I was little, I would hear my mother’s complaints about it. Especially because your dear Moni was a pretty sick kid, the ER’s were our home away from home some years.

However, what angered me the most was that I couldn’t help her. I’m not financially capable of lending my friend a hand to ease some of the burden. The last thing you need when you want to get healthy is to worry about how your going to pay for it.

From anger I went to gratitude. This is not a “better you than me” moment. Far from it.

This is a “Damn the Universe just made me check myself” moment.

At that very moment, I realized that I needed to quit complaining about my boot. Let’s rewind and clue you in. I’ve been wearing a boot on my left foot since the beginning of November. I have an old injury (Ankle sprain and three torn tendons in my foot) that for some reason or another (stress related as per my MD), flared up and started hurting like hell! Seriously, it came back with a vengeance.

I’ve been complaining about it, failing to realize that maybe the Universe and my body is telling me to slow down. Instead, I’ve been bitching about how I can’t go running, how stairs have turned into my enemy, and how I hate being so damn slow. Yes, I’m the first to admit that I suck at being a sick person. I will not argue with you on that one.

All this complaining blinded me from seeing the bigger picture: Too much work and no rest will find a way to come back and bite me in the ass. It sure has. It has taken a big chunk of it. But what I realized today was that mine is momentary. Some visits with my physical therapist, stretching, rest, and lifestyle changes will help get me back to health.

Can she say the same? Stupid cancer hit her when she was a kid, now she’s in her thirties still dealing with it. She doesn’t really complain, she has her moments but she doesn’t throw the towel and just sit there waiting for the earth to open up and swallow her whole. She deals and lives.

She and I have had our differences, mostly in the beginning of our friendship. Because she was a little more cautious and limited herself from experiences because of her leg. I, with my tough love techniques, was not having this. Let’s just say some moments were not pretty, and the only reason why she didn’t punch me in the throat is in part due to the fact that she doesn’t have a violent bone in her body.

Somehow she came out of her shell, and boy did we have such a blast scrapping some of that shell off. We went out and lived. She wouldn’t hesitate when I would just grab her hand and run out to the dance floor because my jam was playing, most of the time we were the only ones on the dance floor. We had some extremely good times. Even when things got tough, when her leg would act up she would still go out. We probably didn’t go dancing, but we still went out. I would tease her and say that her crutch was her date or we would see who could come up with the best story on why she’s walking around with a crutch over drinks. I would always say snowboarding, I mean that does sound pretty darn cool. We would just laugh about it and not worry about anything other than the next round.

Ridiculous. Is pretty much what I am. Complaining about how slow I am, the fact that I can’t run (right now), how because of the boot I have to sit inside at the Fillmore instead of working with my friends at the door. Wow, right? I know throw rocks at me, I suck.

The funny thing is that she doesn’t consider herself a strong person. Well, my dear Claudia let me tell you chica you are one bad-ass woman! You are one of the strongest women I know! Who else could put on a smile for the rest of us, so we won’t worry, and still be worried about us worrying about you? Try saying that three times after a bottle (or two) of Bordeaux.

I still remember how during our lunch at Mimi’s, you were trying to explain to me how the surgery to remove the excess scar tissue on my ankle was not big. How it wouldn’t be painful and how the recovery time is extremely short. Yup, even though she has bigger fish to fry she is still worrying about me and my dumb boot.

Yes, I do feel extremely lame right about now. Trust me the message was received and the lesson learned. No more complaining. I know it might be tough, but I’m going to definitely try. When we are in the thick of things, we can’t think clearly and we are

Rocking my sexy boot in the office on casual Friday.

unable to see the bigger picture.Well, thanks to my dear friend I am having a moment of clarity and I’m realizing that I have a lot to be grateful for. Plus, I rock the boot! I make it look all kinds of sexy!

If any of you know of any resources and/or would like to help my friend in some way, shape or form please contact me directly.

Hasta mañana! But before we go, remember:

Under the Berkeley Skies-Day 1

02 Monday Dec 2013

Posted by monilazo in Real talk, Under the Berkeley Skies

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

Berkeley, Bridget Jones, change, feelings, Keeping it real, storytelling. blogging, writing

A few weeks ago I was at a convening for grant makers, the topic “Storytelling for Social Justice.” It was an amazing conference, the best part was when a young Dreamer went up to the podium to narrate her story. She talked about her journey from Vietnam to UC Berkeley. Her story was powerful, she took us through her heartbreak of losing her mother while still a child and the struggle of her current status in the United States.

She is a part of a new movement that is fighting for immigration reform by telling her story. Yes, storytelling is making a comeback folks, it is no longer something exclusive to your grandparents or campfires. Storytelling is now the form in which individuals advocating for a cause can take control of their story, avoiding the inadequacies that occur when others try speak for you.

Storytelling has become a medium and starting point for many people.We’ve all seen or heard the great stories of how bloggers become Best Selling authors for writing about what they know best-THEMSELVES! Individuals that write about their love for cooking, fashion, movies, etc.

I’m trying to do the same. Wait, don’t get it twisted I’m not trying to get attention, I’m trying to write about what I know-ME! Most importantly I’m trying to write. Let’s say if I do get notice, that would just be an added bonus.

At this very conference, I decided that I should tell my own story. In the beginning I wasn’t sure if this would really work, but then my beautiful mind had glimpses of Carrie writing in her laptop in her stylish New York apartment. I cannot forget my other favorite blonde, Bridget Jones and her diary. Totally different, but you know where I’m going with it.

This site has already been used to express my thoughts and beliefs on certain issues, I am not stating that I will stop doing that. I can’t that’s a big part of me. But I want to take it to the next level. I want to write about what goes on in my life, my world, my days under the Berkeley Skies.

I’m not going to lie, my life is not all that interesting. There are times I bore myself to death, I mean seriously. But the other reason why I want to do this, is because I want, ~~no scratch that~~, I NEED to challenge myself. I need to start writing again, somehow along the line I have put my writing aside. So I’m hoping this will help me get back into the routine of writing again.

So, I’m going to apologize ahead of time for the boring entries. I also do hope that you provide me with some kindness on the entries in which I speak candidly and with no filters.

I mean let’s face it we all need some drama in our lives and I have been called a Diva once or twice in my life. So I’m sure there might be an entry were you will quickly look up at your browser and make sure that you are at the right site and have not accidently clicked on Lifetime.com.

Let’s just see how it goes.

Wow, I can’t believe I’m really going to do this.

Oh yea, this counts as day one!

Double oh yea, in case you missed it this part of my blog will be called:

Under the Berkeley Skies

Till’ tomorrow lovelies!

Voz y Vida

~ Using my Voice to Entertain, Enlighten, and Inspire!

Category Archives: Real talk

Under the Berkeley Skies-Day 40: Lost for words…

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 15: New Year’s Eve!

Happy New Year loves!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 13: Christmas

Under The Berkeley Skies-Days 11 & 12: The Coupon Lady!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 10: The Party’s over!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 9: Younger men?

Under The Berkeley Skies: Weekend Mashup!

Weekend Mashup!

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 4: Time to Heal

Under The Berkeley Skies-Day 3: Lesson Learned

Under the Berkeley Skies-Day 1

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