Black Panther - Amazing!

Greetings everyone,

And Happy 2018!! I cannot believe I have not posted anything in 2017... Goes to show I had plenty of things and life lessons to learn and do... :)

But I must say this: Marvel's "Black Panther" was and is still amazing! The action, the humor, the cinematography, the drama, the beautifully layered story and dialogue, and the actors (entire cast is beautiful in every way) are PERFECTION. I loved the parallel between the world today (past and current) regarding slavery, war and overall politics without being preachy. Definitely made one think how life was and the progress of how life is today.

For a comic-book adapted movie, this is the third film that is loved by all (doesn't matter if you're a comic book fan or not; Wikipedia and Marvel.com are your friends for character backstory) alongside "Wonder Woman" and "Captain America: Winter Soldier". And the popular opinion I'm hearing from audience reactions is it doesn't matter if you follow the previous Marvel (and DC) movies. The story is strong enough to draw in the audience. And Black Panther's story is no exception.  

I encourage everyone to see the film. Enjoy! 

Photo credit: Marvel/Disney Co.

Popcorn Time!

Disclaimer: I’m not a film critic; just a movie goer sharing a few thoughts without spoiling it (I hope). :)

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story

Wow, what an awesome kick off to the Standalone Star Wars movies! In my personal, little humble opinion, the tone of this film is closer to A New Hope than Revenge of the Sith based on the timeline. If I had to rate this film along with the other Star Wars films, this one ranks underneath The Empire Strikes Back! (Yes, I'm a big Star Wars fan.) 😊

The plot was on point despite the slow pace in the 1^st act. But the action picked up lovely as soon as the gang landed in Jedha and beyond. *pew pew*

The new characters (good and bad guys) are excellent but it’s all I’ll say about them: Cassian, Saw Gerrera, Bodhi, Director Krennic, Galen, and K-2SO. Okay, I really loved K-2SO, lol! He is a hilarious, wise-cracking droid and a bit of a badass too; definitely set the comedic tone when needed perfectly. Also, it’s always an honor seeing Mon Mothma, a true rebellious soul in her own right.

Lastly Jyn, the true heroine fighting for survival and redemption for herself and others. Her purpose of stealing the Death Star plans is much deeper than one may realize and that's all I will say on that.

And last but NEVER least, Darth Vader is simply the badass villain of all time. His appearance made me love him even more. Just sayin’.😄

A true must-see Star Wars gem!

I'm Baaaack!

Well, I haven’t really left. Just took a very long break….since well, last December.

It feels good being here again. Looking forward in sharing a bit of myself with everyone very soon. :)

xx

Dear 2015...

Dear 2015,

You gave me life lessons I will remember, forever. 

It's been real.

Thank you, and good bye.


Hey 2016, let's make life FUN, HAPPY, and FABULOUS HAPPEN!!!!!! <3

2014: A Reflection.

Happy 2015!! :)

Before I begin I want to thank God that I am alive and in good health in the New Year! Originally I wanted to write this post in lengthy, private journal detail, expressing my highs and lows I've experienced in 2014. Instead, I’ll share my life lessons with you in three short, but detailed paragraphs! ;)

Mind and Heart: Poor brain went into over-thinking overload in 2014!! Too much thinking over where I want to be at this stage in my life, where I thought I should’ve been in life – the "shoulda’s", "woulda’s", "coulda’s", etc. Ugh, a waste of energy, especially when I think AND over-analyze the possibilities, missed opportunities in the past, etc., etc. Enough!!! In time I had to train my thoughts/ego by connecting with my heart and trust whatever happened in a situation happened for a reason and leave it be. Now, I didn’t say it worked miraculously instantly, haha, but this change allowed me to practice “go with the flow”...after I stop analyzing and take some deep breaths. It’s worth it, I swear! ;) What did I learn in 2014? Follow my heart since my mind controlled over every aspect of my life all the time. Why not follow my heart’s lead for once? Why not take a different approach by trusting what feels right for me. If my heart doesn’t like what it feels, change it. I’m sure my brain wouldn’t object to this idea...I hope!

Health: 2014 tested me health wise with my journey on fibroids. On January I had a pelvic ultrasound exam which the results showed I had three huge fibroids outside of my uterine wall. Later in September I had an MRI scan exam and those results showed I had SIX fibroids in my uterus! In no time I decided to have the partial hysterectomy surgery and the timing was perfect for two reasons. One, my new OB-GYN who is also a surgeon, did an excellent job performing the surgery on October 3, 2014. I have no regrets of this decision because physically and spiritually, I feel SO much lighter and happier! I made my peace for not having biological children long ago. The second reason was working with an amazing woman named “Lady” who’s a naturopath and a Reiki Master healer. She guided me greatly by seeing food differently in how it affects my body when digested especially sugar. And there’s already awareness about GMO products so I won’t go into detail about those foods. Those products are another species to avoid altogether! So yeah, say goodbye to sugar, one brave step at a time! My resolution for 2015 is to keep up with my new eating habits and stay on top with my exercise regime!

Spirit: Throughout 2014 I focused on doing inner work (breathing exercises, yoga, meditations) while dealing with my fibroids. It took some time but I finally understood the true meaning of self-acceptance, self-love, gentleness and patience when faced with challenges. It was freeing when I decided to accept myself exactly as I am, uncensored and unfiltered. Just being my true self and let go of any expectations on how I should behave in today’s society. It’s stressful trying to be someone or some image when I’m none of the above. Who cares about that, really?!! Shifting this way of thinking AND being kept my spirit light and open. I have more inner work to accomplish but as long my intentions are true and genuine when interacting with everyone, it’s all good! That’s the true goal for 2015: happiness. And connect with like-minded, genuine positive people who want the same thing. Change IS good!

And lastly, again I must thank Lady for our Reiki healing sessions, before and after my surgery! The sessions changed my life! In return I took an awesome course on Reiki 1^st degree basic and on November 22, 2014, I received my Usui Shiki Ryohi Reiki First Degree Basic S.E.E.D. certificate!! I’m excited because not only I’m able to do Reiki healing for myself after having surgery, I’m able to do Reiki healing sessions for other people. I’ve done sessions for my friends and they loved it! :D I am forever grateful for this POWERFUL shift and I’m ready for the next step in this path!

Thank you for reading and let’s have a fun, adventurous, healthy, KICK-ASS New Year!!! XOXO

( Photo credit to Stylipics.com: http://stylipics.com/happy-new-year-2015/ )

Snapshots of Summer, so far.

Ah, it feels good to be back here! :D It's been too long since my last post, but with good reason: hello, summertime! I've been out and about, resting (aka recharging/rebooting) and enjoyed a beautiful, Spiritual experience with Amma (www.amma.org). And here are my photos to prove it, sans Amma; no photos allowed at that event. Enjoy! ;)

NFL Draft 2014. The hotel (fabulous, as always), the Draft at Radio City Music Hall and dinner at The 40/40 Club!

Crowd Goes Wild Studio Taping!

My Gratitude Journal. Thank you Tara for the amazing experience! :) xo

The Governors Ball Music Festival!

 I'm in!

 The Strokes!

Jack White III!

The End! :)

A stroll through Bryant Park one day...

The Kelpies sculptures (www.thekelpies.co.uk)

Hmm, that sign looks awfully familar...

Great vibes at Washington Park!

And a date with a rock star in November...sort of. LOL!

Hotel Paradise.

A little confession here: I love hotels. Its home away from home especially if the hotel’s welcoming guests with their comfy to luxurious décor, has an excellent staff, and if there’s a bar in the hotel available for those late nights. I’m sure some of us had those late nights where you just want a beer / whiskey / wine / (insert your favorite beverage) to unwind after a long day…and bend the bartender’s ear for a bit. It’s a sweet escape from the day to day routine.

My love affair with hotels began on April 2005 in Indianapolis, IN for the Star Wars Celebration III convention. (*Star Wars fan here!*) Granted I stayed in other hotels before, but there was something about the Columbia Club hotel that won my heart. The ambience throughout the hotel was soothing. And then came…the bathtub. (photo credit: Columbia Club Hotel's website.)

I’d never experienced bliss as I had when I took my first bath in that gorgeous, huge bathtub. When I say huge, I mean the tub was about 6’ plus long. It felt like I was floating in a mini-pool! (My true desire is to have this bathtub with Jacuzzi jets. I’m serious!)  

Between the blissful baths, staying on high floors with city views and sleeping in soft bed sheets, I was spoiled and wanted more. And more I’d received from various hotels: free hotel rooms, high-count thread bed sheets (credit: my photo),

sleeping in king-sized beds (credit: my photo),

rooms on a higher floor with fantastic city views (credit: my photo),

spacious suites with a full kitchen/kitchenette (credit: my photo).

I even slept in a hotel where there was a chandelier above my bed. Thank you, Hotel Elysée! (photo credit: Hotel Elysée's website.)

Aside from all of this, I love hotels because I feel more open and creative when I write. Granted I could sit at a hotel lobby, café, or restaurant without actually booking a hotel room. But it’s not the same compared to writing my thoughts under those high-counted thread bed sheets. (Adding those sheets on my must-own at home list too.)

If you travel a lot for business, pleasure and/or both, definitely take advantage of any of your favorite hotel’s Reward Programs and enjoy yourself. It’s worth it!