They Takin' Pictures...

I know I will be in the minority when I say that I dislike taking pictures. Every event, get together, bar, short trip, restaurant, birthday party, casual visit, and random running into has become, "Wait, let me get a picture with you." Not "can I?" or "would you like to?". Now let me be clear, I actually like the people that ask so it's not like I mind being seen with and or standing close to them. I just do not understand the need to take a picture every 2 seconds. Yes I am at a social gathering and I am publicly being seen but I don't want to take thousands of pictures of the same thing over and over again. I genuinely do not like the whole picture taking movement that has been happening for the last few years. Consider me to be a private person that enjoys company. I blame social networks such as Myspace, Facebook, and Twitter. They have created the new wave of amateur photographers and models that have no business doing so. So think about how many terrible pics you have seen lately of that chick who really thinks she is cute with her goofy look and jacked up hair with a gut in some random place and tubby over there thinks he is built so he has decided to take off his shirt being all baby oiled up for no reason.



In all seriousness, I would like to share a story with you. This actually happens a lot although people don't like to admit it. Picture this if you will, I am at a random event and I run into a married woman. She was there with a couple of female friends and I was flying solo at that time. We haven't really seen each other in a while so while her and I we catching up briefly, her friends suggest we take a few flicks. She grabs me close and after a few smiles and being blinded by the flash later, we go our separate ways. That's it that's all. Now a few hours later I see the pictures on Facebook because her and I were tagged on them without her or my consent with a certain type of caption. Now my understanding is that her husband saw these pics and thought the worst. He didn't like what she told him (the truth) and knew of me through reputation alone. Now one thing lead to another that out of respect, I will not go into details. That was an extreme case but it has been brought to my attention that his happens often and there are many fights and issues cause of it. The trust issue comes into play and it's one of those instances where not everything is as it looks.



I do think that there is an art in photography when done right. I am a big fan of art and photography as an extension of that culture. There are many photographs that are powerful and beautiful in their own right and I thoroughly enjoy them. I actually know some who are involved in the field such as Jarvis, Rocio, Thomas, and even my youngest daughter to name a few. It is cool to look back at certain places you have been and who you were there with but just like anything, all things in moderation. Don't ruin the moment because you are too busy trying to capture it.

Communication

I find this to be something that although we have seperate methods of communicating, we communicate in a less effective manner. It's almost like things get lost in translation. I think that the written word although powerful, can be completely misunderstood. This is not just in the written because when talking to someone a single word can be hung on to and it can create a misconception. Being that everyone is super sensetive, things can get quickly out of hand. Pride is a hell of a drug...

I consider myself to be an expert communicator. To give you a brief background, I get paid to talk. To the point that they have made me in charge of others and how they communicate. I excel in sales because of this and business is my strong point. So for the life of me I cannot understand why I experience as much difficulty as I do when I communicate with friends. Since this weekend I have basically had nothing but miscommunications and it is terrible that things are going all over the place. From the small and meaningless to pretty major. I was speaking to a very good friend about this very thing and I ended up making her very upset. She is extremely hurt by our 2 hour long phone conversation that I feel that she was hurt. I think it is not the message but the presentation that causes the confusion. Who knows though, maybe I am just rambling but I am really trying to get an idea of why it seems that there is a commnunication breakdown between me and many right now.

This Does Not Surprise Me

I have long known that the racism and prejudice towards hispanics is at an all time high. We are accepted whenever it is convinient for them. For making money, getting people voted in, and cheap labor to name a few. As a people, we are looked upon as a joke. To be used and discarded whenever the job has been done. Looking at this comic strip that came out here disgusts me. It confirms what I have written in the above lines. It is proof as to why you could do anything to the Hispanic in North America and get away with it. Do you think that they could have done that with the Asians, Africans, African Americans, or Muslims???? Of course not. They have pride in themselves and demand respect. I don't think violence is the answer but why do you think people think twice at depicting Mohammed in anything? They know that if you go to far, there will be someone ready to straighten you out.

We will not have that in our communities because we lack direction. We lack leaders that are worth anything. The ones who are able to or in a position to lead are content in the fame and the money that goes along with it and not the betterment of our people. There seems to be way too much division within hispanics. This country does not like that country. Even worse, people of the same country do not like the indeginious people because they feel they are beneath them. Regardless of what you think, we are all the same. We have a very beautiful, powerful, rich culture and we are slowly forgetting it for this countrie's modern day trappings. I am sorry but my soul is too valuable to sell out for a few possesions. There is a line from Drake that says it best, "transitioning from fitting in to standing out". This line hits home because we should respect their culture but we should not dilute our own.

What is surprising is the feedback that this comic strip got from so called latinos. Some did not find offense to it (which is fine), others found it funny (dude, they are laughing at us, not with us). Regardless of you dressing like them, acting like them, or even trying to be like them, YOU WILL NEVER BE THEM. You come from a distinct rich history. We have our own language, art, culture, food, mentality, WORK ETHIC. Be proud of this and add on but do not take away from it. Do not be ashamed of who you are, be ashamed that something like this can be printed and we are not doing a thing about it. Please learn to take yourself and what you represent seriously. We have seen what happens when we don't. Look no further than Arizona...

Quick Tips On Being Healthy

Diet and Exercise. Many if not all can quote this but hardly anyone knows how to do it and stick to it. Going outside of what your likes almost always insures failure (crash diets, nasty diet foods, diet diets, exercise with little to no results, boring routine, etc.) LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING!!! You don't have to do that to be healthy. I dropped at least 30 pounds by doing this...

- Cardio. Running, biking, or elliptical for 5 times a week for about twenty or so minutes. This serves as an excellent warm up. It burns calories and opens up your breathing for the upcoming workout. *If you don't like running, walk briskly.* Also, jumping rope for 5 minutes is equivalent to running for 20 minutes...

- Weights. Isolate muscle groups and focus on form not weight. Repetitions and proper form outweigh straining yourself with heavy weights. Also, do it with little rest periods to keep the cardio aspect of it.

- Once You Are Seeing Results or Getting Bored... Switch up your workouts. Keep it interesting.

- Activities. Bike riding, running around paths, walking the city shopping, playing basketball, football, are all great ways to keep in shape. When you actually enjoy what you are doing, you don't realize that you are working out. You are just having fun and look forward to doing it.

- Water. Drink it, Love It. If you are thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Drink before, during, and after the workout. Drink during the day as well

- Adjust Your Diet. Replace processed foods with more organic alternatives. Whole Wheat Everything(my rice and pasta lovers)!!!! Eat plenty of dark leafy veggies, chicken breast, turkey breasts, some lean red meat every now and again, and FISH! Fish such as Atlantic Sockeye Salmon are rich in Protein and Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

- Protein. Your body can only absorb about 20 grams of protein at a time so make sure you eat enough of it after your workout and through the day. One Can of Tuna Fish posses your necessary need for protein serving. Drink milk as well. Great source of protein and calcium. Stay away from Soy Milk. It is full of sugars and it carries plant ESTROGEN! It causes thyroid problems within females as an example.

-Alcohol... Just don't do it. If it is not a glass of wine per day, you are not doing your body any favors. Don't believe me??? Look down at your gut tubby.

- SEX!!!! Did you know that sex burns a ton of calories??? Have lots of sex!!!! It is good for your heart and not to mention the high you get afterwards!!!! *Please do so with your husband/wife or significant other* This is not the time for you to get sick because you are having sex with the wrong people. You are getting in shape and we don't want you getting too skinny and/or dying over being healthy. That would defeat the purpose, no?

- Enroll in Zumba, Kickboxing, Boxing, Tae Kwon Do etc... Since you are already getting in shape, this will help you stay active while while meeting people. Each of these activities burn 1,000 calories per hour and satisfy the necessity for cardio.


Well, I hope that these tips help. If you require more, please do not hesitate to ask. God Bless and Much Success.

Tips On How to Interview Successfully

Tomorrow I have an important interview for what could be a lucrative position with a Fortune 500 Company (If I choose to accept this position, it means lots of $$$ and I can actually help clients for the better). Since I have been working since 14, I have picked up a few things about properly interviewing for the position.It also helps that in all my management positions, I have interviewed extensively for my team as well as others. I have compiled a list of a few tips that will help you obtain the career you are pursuing.


*Preparation is Key - Learn about what position you are applying for before hand. Googling the position and the company and discussing how the company differs from others shows you have done your homework. Also, use the way the company sets themselves apart from the competition (company missions, motto's, direction) as a way on how you do business and how you share the same ideals in business.

*Know Approximately How Much It Pays - This also goes along with the doing the homework part of the list. You should more or less know what kind of compensation you should be getting so you can have a realistic expectation. You would not want to waste their time nor have your time wasted. To gain that information, use sites such as http://www.glassdoor.com/index.htm. They are accurate and also include employees feedback

*Dress for Success - For men, suit and tie. For woman, business formal. Nothing too revealing or form fitting, just right. For both men and women, wear dark and conservative colors to the meeting. Make sure shoes are polished and that everything is lint and wrinkle free. This step is also important to insure if you own pets. Take it easy on the colognes/perfumes and make up for the ladies. All things in moderation should be the motto. An inside tip is to wear glasses if you own any. This little accessory goes a long way.

*CONFIDENCE! - Not arrogance but CONFIDENCE! EYE CONTACT, STRONG FIRM HANDSHAKE, SMILE, STRONG CLEAR VOICE. BE YOURSELF!!!

*Humor - This is only for those that actually have a personality. If you interject a bit of yourself and add some humor, it cuts the tension. It puts them in the " I like this person and I can see myself working as a team with them". Very valuable component.

*You Are Interviewing Them Just As They Are Interviewing You - Ask them questions just as they are asking you. Ask about benefits, paid time off, information on ADVANCEMENT "Career Pathing" (employers love to hire people who want to make a career and advance in their profession. Clear sign of a producer.) Also ask about job expectations, training, continuous training (there is a difference, it helps you do your job better), tuition reimbursement, and team questions as well.

*Have Responses Ready - Why are you leaving your current job? Why did you leave that job? What did you like most or least about this place and that. Have your responses ready and keep them positive. Room for growth and changing to an industry is always a good response. Also if you were referred to that job because of one of your clients was impressed by your talent is a slam dunk.

*Structured Interviews - More companies are going to what is referred to the S.T.A.R. Method of Interviewing. Situation Task Action Result. They want you tell them about a time that this and that happened what did you do about it and what was the result. It always goes to tell me a time you were successful at something, something did not go according to plan, team building, or you did not see eye to eye with a co-worker. This is how employers weed through the imaginary I would do this on a certain situation to this is what I did and this is what came out of it. Basically they want specifics and not philosophies so please practice this. It will be your key

*Bring Goodies!!!!:)- A proof book of sorts containing recorded accomplishments, trainings, certificates, and past work is best. This proves in writing that you have done what you have done.

*Once the Interview is Done, Act As If... - you had a great interview and they will offer you the job. Ask, "If everything goes well, what is the next step?". This is a powerful and seldom closing technique. It puts them on the spot to where they offer to send a background check if they have not done so and it allows both you and them to set up a follow up interview.

*Revise Your Offer Letter - Since more than likely you are getting the job because you have followed all these tips, please revise the offer letter to confirm start dates and negotiate anything that needs to be negotiated.

*BE HONEST!!!!!!! - By far the most important. When you are preparing yourself, presenting yourself, and selling yourself, this is THE MOST IMPORTANT PART! You need to be completely honest and transparent. Just present it in the right fashion

God Bless and Much Success!

A Connection

This is something most people want and sometimes rarely get. Others have had it, lost it, and are trying to regain it. The way that I can personally describe it as complete comfort and energy with someone. A chemistry. Understanding of what that person is saying and thinking. Almost like reading their thoughts. Once you connect, it throws common sense and rational thoughts right out the window. It makes you forget of any barriers that you have placed because of prior experiences. It's an immediate trust. The funny thing about the right connection is that you feel this almost immediately with someone you don't know. People have often referred to this phenomenon as knowing each other in a past life or you meeting this person was meant to be. A soul mate.

I choose to be single because I have not felt that with someone up to this point. I am lying, I have felt that with someone but the issue is that there is no way in the world that we can be together. I don't even know what she feels towards me. She is someone that I cannot help but wonder how they are and want nothing but the best for, even though I know it will not be with me. I have met many great women with a lot to offer. They were attractive, intelligent, and had great personalities. I just never had that connection that I felt with this special someone. When I feel that rush that I did with someone, I will know that I am to be with her.

I do make connections all the time. Some physical and some more along the lines of friendship. I know that without a certain type of chemistry, it makes things less exciting and outright boring. It almost becomes like a feeling that once you have experienced it, you go searching for it. It is that addicting.

Is There Something Wrong...?

...Why did you delete your Facebook Account? No, nothing is wrong. Everything is right. This is a common question asked once one deletes any social networking site page. Most people treat it as what's wrong instead of there must be a good reason.
I cannot speak for most but I can only write about my reason. Mine are very simple. I saw a magazine cover on Facebook Founder Mark Zuckerberg a year or two ago and saw that they recognized him as sitting on a potential gold mine. He has everyone's info including likes and dislikes. Why this is so important is because he has what advertisers and companies want. The truth about demographics. This is how they cater products and advertisement to people. He has all this info, for FREE! He spent 0 dollars in getting what certain age groups do and like. He was holding on to it because as many people wanting it, he was not selling. He took a gamble and won.

How does this relate to you and I? Well, I personally don't like the fact that all this info is being kept for profit when all I want to do is keep in contact with family and friends that I know and getting to know new ones. I also did not appreciate the fact that my kid's pictures can be viewed and ever worse saved with just a click of the mouse. I like my privacy and I enjoy being social but where does one draw the line. Even when one "deletes" their account, you can log back in and everything is as if you never deleted it. The obvious issue to this is they keep everything! Nothing is truly deleted and what I consider to be somewhat private is part of their info that they will sell.

Another good reason for me is hard to write because I do not want to offen anyone but, do we really have to know SOO much about your life? I have seen more senseless updates that I truly don't believe the authors believe how dumb it makes them look. It also gives people a false impression. It makes it seem that you are a loose alcoholic that does not take care of their kids if you always speak on bar this, drinking that, hungover whatever. You have a family and probably are a great parent and outstanding individual but if all you promote is acting a fool with pictures to serve as proof, how are people going to look at you? I also do not nor did I ever really promote where I was, what I was doing or who I was doing it with. Some things are to be shared and others to be private. I don't do this because don't be surprised that you run into people that you were not expecting.

Well, that's my view on it. Peace...