Today's Photo Challenge, day 18th calls for a photo of my biggest insecurity. Well, not that it's going to help much getting over it by sharing it with the world, but here it goes...
My biggest insecurity is got to be my lower belly fat and also to look fat in pictures.
Of course because of this being my biggest insecurity I refuse to post an actual picture of my tummy... but to give you and idea, it's something in the lines of this...
Uuuuugh! I just hate it, and not that I've ever been a flat belly person or even had a "six pack" tummy before, but if only I just could get rid of that "little" mass of fat that is always down there, I would be much more happy and pleased with myself...
Although, don't get me wrong, it's not like this insecurity makes my days miserable, that it forbids me to wear a swimsuit or anything like that... It's just I wish it wasn't there at all specially because of the fact that I'm not getting any younger, even from the health point of view would be a lot better... I guess I'm just gonna have to commit and make a bigger effort to naturally reduce it with plenty exercise and a healthy diet...
So that is it! How about you, wanna share a little insecurity?... I didn't think so!
To post a picture of something that has made a huge impact in your life lately...
Well, I wouldn't say that is was a HUGE impact, but I was deeply moved and inspired when I read the book "Eat, Pray, Love" by Elizabeth Gilbert.
Reading this book was quite a ride, I won't probably put it under the category of "self help" although, that's about all she was doing from beginning to end.
Now "self help" is a pretty wide concept, right? Cause aren't we all always in a constant state to improve our life? Whether we acknowledge it or whether we ask for such help, is another story... But us humans are always in constant pursuit of something, right?
Well, so was Liz in her life, coming from a very hard and difficult break to find herself filled with pleasure (EAT) , rediscovering her faith (PRAY) and then finding balance in her life (LOVE).
There are many things that I can relate to, during the whole book; love for traveling, exploring exotic places and cultures, the love food and beauty, as well as the pursuit to always carry and evolving my faith while keeping (or at least trying to) balance in my life and soul.
Again, this book made some sort of impact in my life from many points of view but in general it also kept me entertained and happy, I highly recommend it to everybody. On the other hand I must say I haven't watch the movie so I don't have any opinion on that.
I will finish my post today to one of the many nice quotes that this book has;
"People think a soul mate is your perfect fit, and that's what everyone wants. But a true soul mate is a mirror, the person who shows you everything that is holding you back, the person who brings you to your own attention so you can change your life."
"Many persons have a wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness.
It is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose."
Helen Keller
Today's photo challenge is to post a picture of someone who inspires me, and right now I cannot think of anybody better than a fellow blogger friend, Joan from Gods Little People.
photo source @ GLP
Her blog was one of the very first jewels I found on this "cyber community". Once I started reading her posts I knew that even from miles a part, we share a great love and interest for the well being of all animals and their amazing souls.
The love, care and dedication she puts into helping animals, is an absolute source of respect and inspiration in my life. So today, I give I am grateful to God for people like her and I specially thank her for giving me inspiration that lights my soul through her posts.
If you've never read Joan's blog, perhaps it's time to get inspired and discover that there's a love over spill in every one of her posts and actions.
Have you ever been to place for the first time, but it really feels as if you've been there before? Well, that's how I felt the very first time I visited Israel.
Back in 1994, right after I graduated from high school, my family and me visited Israel on a 4 week vacation.
The very first day we got there, because of the time difference we arrived very late (around 1am) but after a long flight from Amsterdam (where we connected flights from) and a lot of sleep on the plane, we were not tired at all. So me and my brothers decided to go for a little walk in the middle of the "morning" and explore around the hotel in Tel Aviv.
Well, while walking around the streets I felt like I knew exactly where to go; like I knew the streets, the names and it was very easy for me to find our way back to the hotel after exploring around...
Then, life and God blessed me with the opportunity to return there, not one but twice after that very first trip and every time I've been there, is been nothing but amazing experiences always feeling right at home, like I've been there before and I knew the place like a local...
Now, today's photo challenge is to post a picture of "something I want to do before I die".
Well in my case is more like "to do again", because I would choose to go back to Israel one more time, but this time with my wonderful husband. I would love to show him where his roots come from, the amazing culture that the Jewish people have, their approach to life and death, their food, their traditions. Show him that despite the size of their territory, they have a very rich in culture, amazing natural places and how their history is linked to everybody in this world one way or another...
I would love to walk around the streets of Old Jerusalem again, listen to all the many languages that are spoken there daily, being surrounded by people from different cultures.
Climb up to the city of Masala and see the sun rise from up that mountain.
Visit the beautiful Ein Gedi Nature Reserve which is a natural oasis in the middle of the dessert. The Death Sea is just a must see... Or even the Sea of Galilee on the way up to the Golan Heights...
To me it's just amazing that on such a small country, in a matter of hours you can go from the hot dessert to the green and luscious Golan heights, where it even snows some part of the year... Just amazing!
So, yeah, I will definitely put a visit to Israel on my to do (again) list, before I die.
And for those that mainly know about Israels through the "eyes" and interpretations of the media, when all we hear is about conflict and terrorist attacks, all I have to say that not once while being there in any of my trips I felt threaten or in danger and when you talk to the Israelis, you soon realize that their concept of life is very different that the one we have on the Western Hemisphere and that's one of the many things I admire of their culture!
What about you, any "to do before you die" ideas???
Day 14 - A picture of someone you could never imagine your life without.
I love my husband Mark and now that we have been together for a few years I cannot (and don't want to) imagine my life without him... He is the best and I love him with all my heart!
Today's Photo Challenge is no other than my favorite artist Bob Marley. Every year on "Marley Day" which is the day of his birthday (Feb 6th) I make a post on his honor, well, this year he deserves two!
I do have to mention on today's post that besides that I love the rhythm of his songs, mainly the power in his lyrics is what makes him my number one...
I've been blessed twice in my life with the opportunity to see his house and the mecca for most of what he left behind in his life at the Bob Marley Museum on 56 Hope Road, Kingston Jamaica.... A must see place while visiting that lovely island and specially if you are a Marley fan.
Friday is here and it's a great way to celebrate the beginning of the weekend with a photo of something I love....
I have to say, there are many things that I love but on today's photo challenge I am giving that special honor to something I love and enjoy having in my life everyday.... Our awesomely fun, loyal, friendly and loving dogs...
Ditto & Sheba!
Without them my life would be very different; their love, companionship and loyalty fill our days with such happiness that they definitely deserve a mention on my blog today (and many more days!!!)....
To me "hate" is such a strong and heavy word that I only like to use it lightly. Dunno if this makes sense?
Basically what I mean is that I don't like to have or even just use to word "hate" when it comes to a living creature but only maybe in certain situations that make our lives more "challenging".
On today's photo challenge I am to post a picture of something I "hate"... well here are some examples of possible "hate scenarios" in my daily life...
Sitting in traffic, specially when you are on a hurry, could be pretty close to something I despite enough to call it "hate"....
Of course there are other things that "grind my gears";
- rude people that have no manners to even say a greeting, excuse me or even thanks.
- when you phone rings and you run to get it, only to make to the very last ring and once you pick up you already have missed the call.
- sleepless nights and when you finally get to fall sleep the alarm goes off in an hour or two.
I guess if I keep on thinking about more things that bother me, I could come up with more to add to my list, but in general I try to be a very positive person that focus on the bright side of things instead of those that could bother me to the point of having to use the word hate...
Also on another note, today is St. Patrick so here's to all things Irish!!! Have a extra lucky day!!!
Today's photo challenge is about posting a picture of your favorite sport or athlete. Well, I don't think I have a favorite athlete and when it comes to think about a favorite sports there are a few points of view to consider.
When I think of a favorite sport, is it one that I like to watch on tv or live? Or maybe is one that I like to participate on?
I've always liked football (aka soccer) but I've only played in high school and I sucked at it, still it's a sport I really enjoy watching on tv and specially when the World Cup comes every 4 years.
A few years back I learned how to surf and it's an awesome sport, one of the most amazing exercises ever and I believe I was in the best of shape ever when I used to practice it...
But then I've always enjoy watching ice skating and gymnastics, but I have never practice any of the two.
So, for this particular challenge I've decided to post a picture of a sport that I like and that I practice (well, at least used to, when my lower back wasn't in such bad shape), hope to practice more of it in the future... Scuba Diving!!!
Yes, that is me in the picture, taken by my boyfriend back then... now my amazing husband!!!!
Not sure where I first read or hear the following quote, but it sure does make sense to me and I find it very true.
"If you make friends with yourself, you will never be truly alone".
Today's photo challenge is to post a picture of the person who has gotten you through the most and that person could not be other than...
ME!!!
Of course I haven't done this all by myself. First and most important is always been the help of no other than my creator, the one that is with me at all times and in all places, taking me by the hand to live this life as best as I can, God.
There's my family that has always giving me love, support, trust, education and values, they also gave me the faith and confidence to always strike to the best and be myself.
There's also somebody very important to that helps me get through the ups and downs in life, but in this case it's a mutual love and understanding that feeds our body and soul... My amazing husband, love u baby!!!
And last but not least I need to mention my friends, some have come and gone, others are still a big part of my life... specially my blog friends, thank you all for the daily comments or even for just taking a little time of your busy days to read what I have or want to say, you guys rock!
Who's there?
Todd
Todd who?
Todday is Monday again!
On today's challenge I am supposed to post a picture that makes me laugh, well for this I must admit a have a "funny" bone for cat and animal photos, specially those when people put words on them... Dunno why the first pic of the cat wearing a sweater, cracks me up.... LOL
But before you proceed...
love her face and outfit
who needs a roller coaster?
I can totally see my dog Sheba wearing this outfit.... LOL!
cat soup anyone?
LOL!
typical "cattitude"
what do you mean,, I'm adopted?
geek kitty
who brought the cat along????
So, there u have, this are some pictures that make me laugh... hope I got at least a smile out of you!
Well, I've reached my seventh day on the 100 days photo challenge, so far so good because I've not missed a single day, yeah!
Today's challenge is a picture of Me and somebody I be lost without, and that person is not other than my Mom Lorena.
Although my Mom Lorena is not really my birth mother (but my Aunt as she is my father's sister), giving birth to me is about the only thing that she has not done for me, so I would definitely be lost without her.
She is an amazing person, very wise and intuitive, realistic and intelligent, but specially a great Mother, wife, sister and friend to many people...
She knows me like the back of her hand, knows every single one of my moods and ways. Sometimes if I am sad and I call her, with a simple "hello" she knows that there's something going on with me...
But besides the many great attributes she's got, she is also an inspiration to me. Been that she went through breast cancer twice, I am very proud and happy to say that she is a survivor.
Cancer was a very hard and difficult test for her and all of our family members, but being the person that she is, going through it, proved me one more time, that God gives us certain obstacles in life to find more love and gospel in our lives and relationships, although it's never easy to see the blessings in disguise. My blessing out of this situation was to be able to be there for her with full support, love and trust, our bond became even stronger...
So, yes, for this and many more reasons I would be lost without her in my life and although we would all be called to be closer to God one day, I know that everything she is and everything she has teach me would always be a very big part of who I am, I love you Mami!
It's just like the following "adapted" quote....
"It's not the flesh and blood but the heart that makes us Mother and Daughter"
Today's photo challenge is about posting a picture of me and somebody I would like to switch places with, for a day.
After some thinking and realizing that I probably would not like to do that (if I had the opportunity to) at all, my gut reaction tells me that in any case I would really like to switch places with one of my dogs or any other animal.
Otherwise maybe I would like instead of switching with anybody just go back to my past for a day and see if my way of thinking would change the way I see life!
Anyway, the challenge must be taken, action is required so here's my number one choice. If I was to switch place for a day with somebody I would choose... My husband Mark.
Of course if I had the opportunity to do such a thing, it could be good or it could be very bad and dangerous, although being inside my husband's head and see how he thinks might be the only way to affect my actual life in any way and get some benefits out of this one day.
But in any case I have a very nice life, maybe not a perfect one (but who does?) and switching with him would just a way to see the world through a man perspective and see me with his eyes.... Still, I am glad this is just a photo challenge and not an actual one, because being in somebody's life for a day could be very freaky!
Who would you switch life's with for a day???
In another note, today's Sat. Around the World at Amanda & Don's blog, c'mon go check it out, it's fun and you could discover some amazing blogs in the process...
Today I am starting my blog with a prayer for all people in Japan and those that might still be affected by this terrible catastrophe or earthquake/tsunami.
Dear God. Please help all those who's life is being affected by this and any disaster. Please, give strength, love and understanding to those who are devastated by this and others to come. Please, help loved ones and friends who are suffering right now...Help us all to understand this and accept your will. Amen.
In another note, today is day 5 of my photo challenge and one thing is for certain, this is not getting any easier as days go by. Today I am supposed to post a picture of me and the person I've had the best memories with.
Now, when I think of such person I am very tempted to post a picture of me and my wonderful husband, who since I've met has made my life even better than it was before, but again I've only known my husband for 5 years; dated him for 3yrs and now we are getting closer to our 2nd anniversary this coming May.
I have great memories with him and everyday day I look forward to many more years together that I am sure will be full of amazing and the best memories.
Today's person is somebody I call my cousin, my friend, party girl, confident and the closest girl that I can call a sister...
We have been together most of our lives, gone through happy & sad times, worries and joys, and even though we have drifted apart at times, our bond goes beyond ties of blood... She is my cousin Maria Jose.
Maria Jose & Me at her wedding in 2009
Now, she is about 7 months pregnant and I am anxiously waiting for my new nephew/godson to arrive, can't wait to meet him!
Today's photo challenge is about posting a picture of my "favorite missed memory"...
Mmmmm, not sure what that really means? Because the way I interpret it is; if in fact it's a "favorite" memory, why would you miss it, doesn't that mean it's always with you because it's a memory?!?!? I guess it could be a favorite memory of something or somebody you miss???
Anyway, after much consideration I guess I could say I miss my birth Mom and although I don't remember her from the 6 months I actually lived with her, the idea of her falls into the category of a missed memory, right?
Because I mean, I don't remember her, but I do miss the idea of her in my life and from time to time I think about how very different my life would have been if she was still around, maybe I would not be here today, writing this...
Here's a little poem I wrote in her honor.
She might be gone from this terrestrial world
but I know where she is next to God
looking after me every day
and although only a memory on my days,
alive in my heart she remains.
Anybody has any favorite missed memories to share?
Today my photo challenge is about posting a picture of the cast of my favorite show.
Well, for me that's kind of hard because I don't watch much tv, but during times in life I've followed a few shows, most of them are finished at this point, but I can still watch them on the internet or dvd.
So I guess for today's challenge instead of posting just one picture I will post my top 10 shows of all time (in no particular order).
1. Sex and the City; it's a great show, full of romance, fashion, passion, gossip and did I mentioned fashion? This is a very "girlie" show but for grownups, not little girls!
2. The Simpsons, it's been a favorite show of mine for years, it's just so much fun and even after all the time it's been around, I don't think it has ever lost its "mojo"!
3. LOST, this is a great show, first few season were great but then I can of grew tired of it, I think in a way they kind of "lost" it down the road and made way to complicated, by the time it finished I wasn't into it anymore, in fact, I never even watched the last episode...
4. Seinfield, was my favorite show for a while, it's fun, clever and it's not about anything in particular, but just some very particular people living in NY, probably one of the most particular cities in the world!
5. Roswell, I used to LOVE this show, the romance, the mystery of the whole alien stuff... just love it, miss watching it.
6. The X Files; aliens, crime, mystery, good effect, good actors... this was a great show.
7. Friends was a great sit com, great cast and always very fun.
8. Family Guy, it's definitely not for everybody's kind of humor but I got into it because of a co worker of mine and now I'm hooked... I think sometimes the jokes are a bit much, but Oh well, u can take those things personal, right?
9. Saturday Night Live, always good, always a classic, recurring great cast and special appearances.
10. Bones, lately I've really been into this show... I really like it!
So, I guess this would my top 10 of tv shows. I could think of a few more but as you'll notice I'm not very updated as 6 out of those 10 shows I've mention, are already finished... I guess if I watched more tv or had any cable my list would be very different.
"The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. "
~Elisabeth Foley
Today I am posting a picture with somebody I've been close to for a while.
Roger and me, March 2009
This is my very good friend Roger, I know him since I was 12 years old . We went to the same school but he is 3 years older than me, when I graduated from primary school I went off to high school but I changed schools so I did not see him for a few years.
Years later my cousin run into Roger again (they also used to be classmates in school), so they picked up on their friendship, at the time I used to hang out with my cousin all the time so Roger also became a good friend again.
Roger is a very nice and honest person, as a friend he is a treasure, the kind of person that is always up to help you with anything, he is super easy going and will never judge you for anything, he is the kind of friend that you could call at 2am crying over a guy and he will listen to every single thing you had to say (even if he was half sleep), then the next morning he would remember every single thing you told him before.
Roger was my only close friend that made it to our wedding, he had to do magic to connect with his flights, had an overnight in Miami but made it to the wedding 3 hours before the ceremony.
All I can say is he is an amazing friend, loyal, honest, trustworthy and fun... I am happy to have him as a friend and although we don't live closer, every time I can catch up and talk to him, is as if time does not pass by, he is the same wonderful friend I've always had!!!
Do you have any friends like him? Hope so, cause it's a blessing!
Today is the beginning of the 100 day photo challenge, I am excited to share a daily picture from now on and for a 100 days, will try my best to not miss a single day...
Here's a picture of me for the actual photo part of the challenge...
Now, as far as the 15 random facts go; I'm not sure what kind of fact I should write about, the challenge is not very specific, so it could be, facts about my pictures, about me, about life, about science....
Anywho... let's start with the picture.
1. It is a fact that this would be the very first Photo Challenge I take in my life.
2. Lately I've had on and off swollen eyelids, got a biopsy done about 3 weeks ago and the results are finally in, going for a doctors appointment on Thursday (thinking I might be allergic to Red Wine, hope not!).
3. Being that English is not my first language I've always being curious about certain little things about this language, for example; why is it that the action of removing dust is "to dust"? Shouldn't it be "un dust" of "dust off"?
4. I've always loved "crunchy" food, like celery, broccoli, hard caramel and a hard crunchy apple (hate soggy ones)!
5. I've never had a "twinkie" in my entire life. In fact on Sat. night coming back from a party, my husband wanted me to drive all the way to the only grocery store on the island that sell them, so I can buy one and try it before I made my 15 facts list!!!
6. I've been to Israel 3 times in my life; the first time was a big family trip with the parents and two brothers, the second time was by myself after finishing school in Italy (initially went from 3 weeks, stayed about 6 months), the third was with my Mom on a short medical trip.
7. My favorite city in the entire world is Jerusalem, love everything about it, the old city, the new city, the amount of cultures that can concentrate in the same place at the same time, all with different believes and interests, it's just amazing!
8. When I was in high school I was class president for a year, it was pretty cool but it meant more work and responsibility, I am glad I did it.
9. My first dog was a Cocker Spaniel, my first car was a Toyota Celica, my first boyfriend was a guy named Mario.
10. I love plants and gardening, spending time around the yard is like meditation to my soul.
11. I like to sing to songs on the radio, in fact I've always been very good at learning lyrics and can't help but sing to the songs I know when they come out on the radio. When I was a kid and used to ride with my Dad in his car that had to stereo, I used to sing him the song I would learn in school!
12. I love books and bookstores, I cannot walk into a bookstore if I don't have enough time because I feel it is a waste to not spend the appropriate time browsing around and finding a book that calls my name.
13. I love mythological creatures; fairies, gnomes, elves, dragons, unicorns, etc... I am convinced that if different cultures and generations have all interpreted animals that look alike, it must be because they really existed.
14. I am a firm believer in destiny and the fact that God and ourselves shape our existences every day and with every action, I fully believe in Karma that we gain upon ourselves and I am constantly aware that good actions reflect in blessings.
15. I love animals and as a kid I always wanted to be a veterinarian, now I know that the main reason I didn't do it is because it is so hard for me to deal with their pain and suffering. My love for animals comes right after God and My Family.
And there you have it, my amazing 15 facts to kick off my 100 Day Challenge... I appreciate any support I can get, so stick around for another 99 day, would ya'?
