tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-64273854899599644242024-02-26T02:14:58.375-08:00Nina vs The WorldThe Never-Ending Well of KnowledgeNinalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.comBlogger134125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-82569920424243396052020-01-20T15:56:00.001-08:002020-01-20T15:56:26.670-08:002020: Little things, Big things Have you ever wondered why even though some weeks seem interminably long, years in hindsight whisk away so quickly?<br />
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We’re in 2020 now, and even for a generation unfazed by the 2000s, there’s something momentous and at times foreboding about what the start of a new decade will mean for us; as a whole, and individually.<br />
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I know there’s not much we can do control things generally speaking. We can’t save every koala in danger in the Australian forests, we can’t save every polar bear that can’t swim to ground. But what can we do consciously and daily, to change negative patterns that play into a larger picture?<br />
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This year I have consciously decided to SLOW down. How? Not in the way of physically living a more sedentary lifestyle, or giving up on my goals.<br />
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Slowing down by giving up the fruitless and futile chase that was my early 20s.<br />
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If it wasn’t trends I was chasing, it was acceptance from others. If I wasn’t after a new body or a new look, I was after a new continent to cross off the list. Enough is enough. All those years of pining for what’s up ahead flew past me in a hurry, and I freely admit that now, slowly grazing into 30; I am nowhere near where I wanted to be and with not much to prove for what I have done.<br />
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That all changes with the little things.<br />
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I commit myself to taking each day and valuing the good in each of it. In not longing for the weekend, in trying to enjoy the rest of coming home each day to a warm and loving home, and the feeling of knowing I will have honest respectable work waiting for me, by tomorrow. In skipping the donut for breakfast, the take out lunch, the snacking; and instead thoughtfully investing time every week to plan for my health, for my wellbeing. To pack my meals and eat consciously. To combat stress and anxiety, not with sweet treats, but with exercise and mindfulness.<br />
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Because when we STOP and slow down every once in a while, we finally have a chance to evaluate ourselves and more importantly: to determine what really matters to us. We learn how small steps, like reducing plastic waste and using natural resources mindfully can pay off in big ways, like caring for the earth we all inhabit.<br />
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Time is an equal investment we are all given- and sadly, many squander away. If we don’t force ourselves to shut out the media, the Instagram influencers, the entertainment business, the commercial world and even popular opinion, we’ll find ourselves castaways in the ocean of murky philosophies and conflicting guidance, with no solid ground in sight and no better equipped to handle the next decade than we were at the start of 2010.<br />
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Because at the end of the next decade, I don’t want to look back and feel a smidge of sorrow for time not well spent.Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-31986104412777285252019-11-28T10:41:00.002-08:002019-11-28T10:41:49.689-08:00Alive and Well-ishGreetings world.<br />
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It has been approximately three years since the time I posted last. Unfortunately, life became predictably busier and most days I only have energy to make it through a long day of work. Any creative juices that were once there have run pretty dry since then. What do with this blog now? Make it a travel blog like every other millennial influencer out there?<br /><br />
Who even reads blogs anymore? I'm pretty sure the only response I'll get from this post is the sporadic Russian bot, or someone from India posting in little squiggly font I can't read.<br />
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But there's something special about this little dusty corner of the internet; and the fact is I have grown attached to it. Most social networks I used in the early aughts have been replaced, closed forever, along with my very bright and snarky commentary. (RIP, multiply) Therefore, stretching back into 2010, this is the only remaining sentinel. I feel a duty to protect it, dust it off; restore it to its early glory.. even if that glory was mostly self-imagined.<br />
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So, in conclusion of this ramble going neither west nor east, this blog will become the collector of my random thoughts and occasional crude sketches. Whatever happens next, happens next. Care to tag along, botties?Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-54382647338550833342016-07-22T06:55:00.001-07:002016-07-22T06:55:34.736-07:002 Months to MayhemWhen I think of September 23rd, 2016.. a wave of emotions sweep over me. Excitement, anxiety, fear of unknowns, and love all overwhelm me simultaneously.<br />
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And it's no wonder why- that day will mark my future for the rest of time. I leave behind my single life, my single goals, and enter a long lasting, permanent relationship with my one true love.<br />
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Planning this day has been stressful, frustrating, enjoyable, rewarding, and surreal. And yes, something can be both enjoyable and stressful. Remember when I ranted about big weddings and my opposition to pompous celebrations? I stand by that. Thanks to keeping my event simple and classic, with the help of a ton of friends, my stress levels have virtually disappeared. Every week I accomplish two or three things, and prepare for the week ahead.<br />
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If it wasn't for my amazing supportive friends, I'm not sure how I would have handled this entire journey on my own. Of course, I have the unending support of my fiance, but with his address being in another continent, the bulk of the legwork has to be done in the place where I live. Nonetheless, I've seen how through the months little details have begun to come together.<br />
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My invitations go out this week and the next, a labor of love.. And soon I will start finalizing accommodations for our friends and family travelling from afar to attend our wedding.<br />
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And once mid September rolls around, it will be a blur of craziness I look forward to with pleasure.Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-1889572297887089922016-07-22T06:44:00.000-07:002016-07-22T06:44:02.584-07:00The K1 Journey- Part III have to admit.. I haven't been as regular in tracking this journey on my blog as I had originally intended. The responsibilities of life, however, a planning a wedding with a groom 6,000 miles away can be incredibly time consuming. Who would've thought?<br />
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In any case, I am happy to report that my fiance will have his interview at the consulate August 1st, 2016. I'm confident things will go smoothly.. after all we've checked our t's and dotted our i's. After the first mountain of paperwork I sent, the second batch was a lot less complicated to gather. It included a written statement from a bank officer detailing how much I have in my bank accounts, as well as other financial evidence of support.. Because I'm a contractor, that meant for me sending copies of my tax return, checks and bank statements, and of course- more love letters and proof of relationship.<br />
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I enjoyed that phase... writing cute little notes and attaching photos of what I've been up to in my nook of the world made me feel like my relationship transported to the early 1900s. Surely, a long distance relationship would have been a lot more complicated back then. Before the instant world of messaging, skype, FaceTime, snapchat.. etc, merely sending a few words through mail must have been a feat. Alas, receiving a letter today is just as exciting as it was back then, now that it's more of a rarity.<br />
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So we're less than two weeks away from the day that decides it all. And I have to say, if you follow the steps carefully (and I strongly recommend Visa Journey website as well, link in previous K1 Journey post) it's not complicated. Careful reading, double checking all the information is filled out and providing ample evidence are key.<br />
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After my fiance's interview, I'll write my final blog post on this K1 Journey.<br />
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<br />Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-91058810749660879632016-03-30T13:16:00.000-07:002016-03-30T13:18:11.319-07:00The Journey of GrowthEveryone (who has a shred of a functioning brain) alive today can concur on one thing: Nobody's perfect. But.. yet.. when we are placed face to face with one of our own ugly imperfections, it's like we're instantly blind!<br />
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Why is it so hard to hear our own faults hashed out but yet simultaneously so easy to pick apart everyone else's around us? I mean, we get legitimately heated when we're wronged-we're even capable of rationalizing the why and how of people's actions,what childhood they must have had, and all of a sudden we're Sigmund Freud over here.<br />
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It's like sitting on a couch, watching a show about home improvement while your own house is being consumed with termites.<br />
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Wouldn't it be easier if we used that amazing capability to analyze ourselves? If only we could do that, without getting distracted by everyone else's shortcomings. It's like I walk around thinking I'm a twinkie and everyone loves me. (The Twinkie of old, the original Hostess twinkie, not the shrunken, less calorie, sad cake of now.) Deep in my psyche, I know I'm imperfect and have flaws but, man! I'm <i>so glad </i>I'm not as headstrong as so and so over there. No wait, that's not where I was going with this.<br />
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The point is, personal growth is <b>seriously deterred</b> when we keep turning the mirror around and using it to blind people with sun-rays of truth. Instead, when we find ourselves pulling out a magnifying glass and tweezers, we need to <u><b>STOP</b></u>, offer the same allowances (namely, the same convenient blindness) for other's shortcomings,<br />
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and <i>remember:</i> we're no deep fried Twinkie.<br />
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Your liver and friends will thank you in the years to come.<br />
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<br />Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-15023319091805212732016-02-10T13:12:00.002-08:002016-02-10T13:12:32.796-08:00The K1 Journey - Part I<span style="font-size: large;">Some words of advice: If at all possible, try to avoid falling in love with someone who lives farther than 500 miles from you. 500 miles is <i>still</i> driveable, a short flight away, and chances are the laws and regulations are not too much different from yours. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">On a hot summer day in August, I met a guy.. who somehow without my permission found the handle to my heart and picked it until he opened it, and occupied every available space. Without going too mushy here, we decided to get married- at some point later this year. But of course, there's one, </span>small<span style="font-size: large;">, </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">little </span><span style="font-size: xx-small;">detail.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">He's in Argentina. And I'm here in glorious New England. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">So, after weighing out our options and hearing truckloads of horror stories, we decided to apply for the K1 visa. All of you who have found international love, and know the plights of long distance relationships, can relate to the intricacies, specifics, and minutia of filling out the insurmountable paperwork. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">These K1 Journey posts will document our odyssey to ultimately having this visa approved and my future husband living here, in the US.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's like a scrapbook project, except, if you get a failing grade, you lose the chance of being married to the love of your life, in your country and surrounded by friends and family. So yeah, no pressure.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">A friend of a friend offered guidance and help during this stressful and nerve-wrecking process, and she showed me this very useful tool, which I will now pass on to those of you who may be in a similar scenario. It's the Step by Step visa journey site, which guides you literally as the name implies to properly fill out and conquer this task. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide#proof" target="_blank">For the link, click here. </a></span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">It took me about a month to gather all the necessary information, copies of letters, photographs, plane tickets, passports.. And as a side effect..made me nostalgic to think how our lives collided, and how close we were to having not met each other at all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway, today I marched into Staples, with the application and supporting documents in hand, and made painstaking copies of everything, for my fiance and for myself.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Then, I heroically arrived at the Post Office, gigantic pile of papers in hand, and sent that baby on its way. Not before realizing that I had left the single most important thing on the copier, at Staples. The check. I drove back like a civil maniac, retained said check, and then retook the mailing portion of the journey.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">I hope and pray whomever opens it up on the other side has a good sense of humor <i>(I know, I'm asking for a lot)</i>, and is at once impressed and annoyed by the ridiculous amount of photographs and proof that we are indeed, a legitimate couple. I decided to document this journey for various reasons. One, it's going to be interesting for sure, and I think some of you may get a kick out of it. Two, there will probably be moments where I do something wrong and get annoyed or irritated and will have to rant about it, and inversely, receive some support, and three, if it helps another couple out on this very same journey, than that's reason enough for me. :) You may have heard lots of horror stories. So I offer my journey, from the very beginning, and in contrast hope it's a happy ending! </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The package is due to arrive Friday, and this is the first phase of documentation, the I129-F, along with a G325 filled from both of us. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Soon I should receive a notification that they have received my documents are in the reviewing process. Stay tuned for Part II! </span>Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-57616154383843457322016-02-10T12:43:00.003-08:002016-02-10T12:43:41.838-08:00Nina vs Wedding Ideals<span style="font-size: large;">If you're reading this, I have to thank you. I haven't been a regular blogger, and the theme and style of this here blog has run the gamut from being obnoxious and snarky to introspective and gloomy. I guess that's what happens when you start blogging at 19 and keep up ( in the loosest meaning of the term) blogging at age 25. </span><div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Irregardless (it's actually a word now..) despite popular belief, about a month ago, a very wonderful and special man asked me to be his wife. As I type those words, they still feel unreal. Yours truly, the snarky horse, the people observer and explorer of worlds, is settling down. That doesn't mean I have to do it without a fight, of course. And we all know how keen I am at being against something.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Lucky for me, as soon as that ring was placed on my ring finger, an entire universe of things to be against blossomed into a lush garden. The question was inevitably asked, at least three hundred sixty two million times. "When's the wedding?" And subsequently, "What colors are you choosing?" and then, "Have you started planning yet?". </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I'm a girl, so the answer is "Oh, just about since I was 5." </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, this girl grew up and became a woman, in a country dragging out of a recession and working part time. And after sitting at my share of wedded bliss receptions and ceremonies, I decided (surprise!) I don't want a traditional wedding. And no, it's not because I'm a hipster and decided to rent an airplane hanger where I hire indie bands as entertainment to strum shoe box guitars and cry into a tuba. I'm also not about having kegs as chairs and stalks of corn as centerpieces just to be "different".. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">It's because I cringe at the amount of money that people willingly pour into a wedding. And I already have an added layer of complexity thanks to having a fiance in South America.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Tell me, why do you have to have 500 people at your reception? Ten years from now, will you even still be around these people? Will you still even live in the same area? And why does everyone have to be fed a 50 course meal by a posh set of hands? I just don't get it. The average bride & groom drop a nice 25-30 G's on a wedding. That's enough for a lovely down payment for a home, or to feed a number of villages in East Africa. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Anyway- to each their own, right? If you want to spend a fortune on a few hours, it's your world. I just never heard anyone say, "Wow, remember Angie's wedding 20 years ago? That five layer cake was delicious!" </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Maybe I just don't hang in those circles, which is fine by me. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I happen to see something lovely in the simple union of two people who love each other, and may not have a lot to impress hoards of strangers, but have two key ingredients: a lot of love and creativity, and the mutual understanding that an entire future of days is waiting to be lived together, bound by love and an absence of wedding day debt.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Sure, a wedding day should be special, and it should be a marked occasion, a day different from the rest. But it's also at the end of such day, simply the beginning. And despite the entire industry targeted at making me feel bad if I can't afford $500,000 worth of flowers- I will refuse to conform to those ideals. </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">I will, however, finagle, bargain, and DIY until I die.</span></div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-19938171808835118962015-07-22T09:45:00.000-07:002015-07-22T09:45:32.468-07:00ohmagerd, Nina's getting oldI never thought I'd see the day where a teenager would correct my modern lingo.<br />
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Granted, I've never been one of the prominent cool kids, (saying words like prominent may not have helped either) but I held my own among the community. I certainly wasn't the one responsible enough to be in charge in a group, and as the youngest sibling I remember the time when adults would sigh and say, "You have so much to learn."<br />
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Then something <i>happened</i> to me in the last four years. What exactly was it? Avoiding loud parties, preferring a Friday night in bed watching Netflix versus dancing til dawn is a side effect for sure, but what's the underlying cause? What do people call it these days?<br />
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<i>Oh that's right</i>.. Getting old.<br />
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As I type those last words, I realize in a way, everyone alive is getting old, so I'm perfectly normal. In fact, maybe even blessed, as some people don't live long enough to age.<br />
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Still, when you reference a movie or a song and your audience looks up at you, angling their head sideways, giving you a blank stare <i>("wuuh--?")</i> you know you're there. You have officially arrived to Oldtown Funk. Grab yourself a wheelchair, it's downhill from here.<br />
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There was a time when I knew every hot social media network and had my cards spread equally among all of them. There was a time I spent more time visualizing the wardrobe of an entire month than folding washed clothes. Do I miss it?<br />
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Well, not really. I've always been one to enjoy the phase of life in which I'm in. I lived the school years, I struggled through the high school years, I went off the handles in the early 20s, and now in my mid 20s, I'm correcting the wrong turns I made, specifically financially.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wDzO2ngqU/Vabo_EvoVCI/AAAAAAAAMv4/TTQlcmeEu70/s1600/sketch%2B1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-R3wDzO2ngqU/Vabo_EvoVCI/AAAAAAAAMv4/TTQlcmeEu70/s320/sketch%2B1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I iz old</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But despite the fact I'm losing touch with what's modern and current, I don't have to lose my edge. Being independent and responsible is the new "cool". Travelling the world, having your own identity, choosing where you live and how you live is something that comes only with adulthood.<br />
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And it wasn't all sunshine and roses back then, either.. I also remember the loads of embarrassing things I said and did at the height of my self-proclaimed "coolness". And lucky for me, there was no Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat or Twitter growing up. Life is an inevitable cycle. Ten years from now, the pipsqueaks making me feel ancient will have their chance to look through years of embarrassing footage as they "facepalm" and "I can't even" on their way to Oldtown Funk.<br />
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SO you know what, little squirts? I will age with dignity, having the freedom you can only dream of now. You keep asking your parents to drop you off at the movies and lend you money, feeling like you're on top of the world until your $20 dries up.<br />
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Oh and one more thing kiddies... nothing on the internet is ever completely deleted.. ;-)Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-51508338959937916332015-07-15T09:19:00.001-07:002015-07-15T16:19:06.285-07:00The Cost of Comfort<br />
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Living in a first world country at first glance, seems like the perfect picture. Ample job opportunities, education prospects abound, varied and accessible places to find food, laws set in place to protect us, safe roads, a plethora of entertainment options.. Convenience and comfort at an affordable price. It's no surprise millions migrate to the US (and other first would countries) every year to find their patch of ground and get a taste of this life. But what's the cost? </div>
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If we step away from all the glittering gold.. Living in a world that offers this and more has its definite drawbacks. They're not apparent at first, but they come attached like the fine print footnote you decided to click "I read and agree" to without so much as a glance. Even in this charming, promising bubble of a world, major depression is one of the most common disorders. And almost everyone at one point experiences episodes of anxiety, panic attacks, and staggering levels of stress. But how is it that in a world where comfort and self-indulgence are constantly promoted, people in general can be unhappy? Did we lose the key to contentment along the way</div>
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There's no one answer to this question, I know. But the reason may lie in the fact that in one's desperate pursuit of luxury living, the basic needs of mankind that constitute the basis for happiness, are left wanting. Ironic, isn't it? Take for example, the father who works long hours at his job. He's bringing home the bacon for sure- sprawling home, spacious yard, all the electronics to run a small country-but absent 90% of the time from the lives of those he's struggling to make "more comfortable". </div>
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Before he knows it, his kids are teenagers, and they might as well be strangers, because he has no idea how to start a conversation with them. His marriage, probably not in a better state either, as he spends his time off going to long drawn out court proceedings deciding who gets what, or he spends his energy bickering with his significant other. All because he pursued a life of comfort.. Isn't that what his family needed? </div>
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No. His family needed him to be present. To be there in the everyday lives of his kids. To attend PTA meetings, to scare the monsters away of frightening nightmares, to be there for his wife when she felt anxious or lonely.. A relationship is solidified by years of small moments conquered together. But alas, hindsight is 20-20. </div>
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As a 24 year old living in a part of the country that is renowned for its fast-paced life, I'm growing weary of it all. True, unmarried and childless, my burden is significantly lighter, but I am still spread thin across life, work, and responsibilities. I constantly battle from gastritis caused by stress. In the mornings I awake groggy, at night I can't shut down my overworked brain. I spend my life in a car.. And suffer acutely from muscle tension that makes the bravest masseuse flee in fear. In my frantic rush from home to work, most times I leave without so much as a crumb of bread in my stomach. Another basic need, but not a priority, at least in this world.</div>
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Speaking of massages, I received one Sunday from a professional experienced masseuse. She told me the following after a nearly 2-hour massage: You are so stressed! You must carry everything on your shoulders. I have never seen a worse neck in all my years of massage therapy. </div>
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That's nothing to be proud of. That's my cost of comfort. That and gastritis, and the grinding of my teeth at night. I'm sure I've sanded them down to 1/4 of the size they were. </div>
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But alas..</div>
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Living in a third world country is unspeakable and ghastly, at first glance. Dirt roads, no plumbing, village doctors that have been certified by word of mouth, questionable safety.. Right? </div>
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Yet, research has shown the population in these countries are among the happiest. Families spend time together. Work is rewarding, but kept in its place. Communication with friends abound. Fresh food is always available. Neighbors are friendly and actually know each other. Nothing is conveniently located or even "to-go".. But why would you want that, when you can clean and cook your own freshly caught fish, relax in a hammock in the early afternoon, watch the waves crash ashore, and hear the birds sing to each other? At night you rest your head on the softest pillow, a relaxed and soothed mind, and gaze at the stars as you sink into a deep sleep.. Your muscles are tired of course, but from working hard in the fields, and you reaped the benefits. Doesn't that sound like the ultimate comfort?..</div>
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Ultimately I guess the question is, what's your cost for comfort? And is the effort truly worth it? </div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-80628954630778056852015-03-18T13:39:00.001-07:002015-03-18T13:42:24.685-07:00The Voice of NinaAnother year, another venture.<br />
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That's right! Yours truly is slowly making her way in the freelance world. It feels great to be the master of my own schedule again- to stroll supermarkets at 11 AM while simultaneously meditating in peace and quiet, to read an entire book cover to cover comfortably -enjoying a remote lake location at an hour most are chugging away in the afternoon grind-, to almost begin to forget what a traffic jam feels like, and alas- perhaps God's best gift to freelancers- visiting the gym during quiet hours- and having the wonderful pleasure of choosing a row of empty elliptical machines.<br />
<br />
But enough about the best life ever. Let me tell you a little bit about my newest offering. It's really not all that new- but I have decided recently to take promotion matters into my own hands and put my services on the market- as a voice talent.<br />
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As a kid, I always imitated the voice of telemarketers, commercials for corporations, and even <i>telenovela</i> ads. I realized only later in life that some people would actually be willing to pay for me to speak their message. And that leads me to... drumroll......</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8zwoKSsdQSA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/8zwoKSsdQSA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
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As an impersonator, linguist and full time goof ball, I've learned to master different styles and tones in both Spanish and English. Today that offers me the ability to speak both with a neutral, undetectable accent and varying ranges from enthusiastic and confident to smooth and solemn.</div>
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Every year brings new challenges and more opportunities, and 2015 is not different by any means. </div>
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This year is going to be the Voice of Nina! <i>(not to be confused with the voice of reason..)</i></div>
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For inquiries and quotes, please email me at geanina.torres@gmail.com</div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-37136957664153881792014-11-12T08:19:00.001-08:002014-11-12T08:19:39.052-08:00A Time for New Beginnings..Everything comes to an end. That's something life teaches us. From the best vacations, to the worst relationships, however interminable things may seem, they always <i>end</i>.<br />
<br />
And ends aren't always bad. Sometimes the end <i>is</i> jagged and sudden, jarring like a collision of two powerful forces. And sure, the connotation is usually linked with weepy goodbyes, hard feelings, bad blood, tension or just general sadness. But it doesn't always have to be that way, because..<br />
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Sometimes the end is subtle, parting away slowly and imperceptibly, like a younger age being replaced by a new one. And beyond that, there are also the pivotal moments in which <b>we</b> determine the "end".<br />
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After all, there is no new beginning if something else doesn't yield its place. Fresh starts, new chapters- they never coexist with the past.<br />
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This week is one of these "ends" for me. My last week sitting at this desk, staring at this screen, plugging away hour after hour with intermittent coffee breaks. During this week, I've had moments of reflection as I walk along the halls, remembering my first few days and how unnerving everything seemed. In time, I carved my own path and constantly made it a goal to challenge myself. Now, nearly three years later, a new challenge awaits me, the biggest one yet, and it is outside these walls I've learned so well.<br />
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Moments like these always brandish mixed emotions. Excitement over plans ahead overlaps with apprehension of the unknown. But the reality of life is, sometimes the greatest growth lies just beyond our grasp. And that's exactly when we have to close a chapter, and reach towards a new beginning.<br />
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Because that is the thrill of being alive.<br />
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<br />Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-6123292808067542872014-09-29T08:33:00.001-07:002014-09-29T11:24:50.432-07:00iPhone 6 and iPhone 6 Plus Review<div class="MsoNormal">
As most of you must have heard by now, Apple unveiled two
new iPhones of sleek design and beauty on September 9<sup>th</sup>. The phones
have checked off some of the biggest complaints from current iPhone users and
jeering Android users, whom are always close by to remind us they’ve had these
features for years. (Thanks for all the free beta-testing, btw) <o:p></o:p></div>
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And while it is true that Apple has included features that
Android has had for a few years, the opposite is also true. Regardless of your
phone preference, my purpose is not to bash Android, or Blackberry, or
Microsoft or any other phone maker. I feel every phone and ecosystem has its
own perks. I am perfectly happy with my Apple devices, and chose to continue
the legacy with another addition to the family.<o:p></o:p></div>
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With these latest models, came not only larger displays, but
the ability to use NFC for payments, much better cameras, and overall- a better
phone. Yours truly had been holding on to her faithful (now
primitive and dwarf) iPhone 4S, since June of 2012. So clearly, it was time for an
upgrade. I would have held off even longer had I not managed to finally crack
my screen in a fancy mosaic of sorts. (Talk about glass splinters on your thumbs)</div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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The new and glorious iPhone 6 comes in two different models,
the 4.7 inch screen iPhone 6, and the 5.5 inch screen iPhone 6 Plus. I
pre-ordered the 6 Plus on Sept 12<sup>th</sup>, and received it later than I
originally expected, but thankfully earlier than the horror backorder stories
promised. <o:p></o:p></div>
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My good friend Ingrid opted for the iPhone 6. Now that we've
both had a few days to mess around with them, we are ready for write reviews
for those of you contemplating either one of these gems. <o:p></o:p></div>
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The features we will be looking into are Battery Life,
Processing Speed, iOS 8, Camera, Overall Feel and Design. Keep in mind these reviews are not from your typical tech-savvy person- just the average user that wants a phone to be a phone, and also much more than that. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Without further ado.. let’s take it away!<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>IPhone 6 <o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Battery Life:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The battery life on the iPhone 6's doesn't seem like it’s
any different. I have to say that apple could have done a better job with that.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Processing Speed:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The new A8 processor on the iPhone 6 is quite faster but not
much any different from A7…..I don't know if it’s just me.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>iOS 8:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The iOS 8 contents looks gorgeous and crisp!!!! <b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Camera:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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I can’t really say much on the iphone 6 since it does not
have the optical image stabilization like the plus….. at least the iphone 6 has
digital stabilization.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Overall Feel &
Design:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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The fact that my phone fell inside the sofa……yes literally
inside the sofa where the box springs are can give you an idea how thin the
iphone 6 is. I am so glad I got the iphone 6; even with a <span class="description">bigger screen it’s very easy to handle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="description">Even though a lot of people might
not care very much but I found that the </span>Glass from the front that folds
slightly around the edges gives it a whole different beautiful look.<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MwTzdYAhdU/VCl7kf1PKSI/AAAAAAAAMMc/Luuqmgp0OQQ/s1600/iphone-6-mockups.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0MwTzdYAhdU/VCl7kf1PKSI/AAAAAAAAMMc/Luuqmgp0OQQ/s1600/iphone-6-mockups.jpg" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>iPhone 6 Plus<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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<b>Battery Life: </b>In this day and age in the arena of smartphones, it's almost a draw. All smartphones improve our life in someway, and are practical and efficient, with features unique to the phone. The dealbreaker for me is usually battery life. I use my phone constantly, as it contains my appointments, reminders, events, photos, photo editing applications, etc.. Therefore I need a phone that can handle the 9-5 without having to be chained to a power outlet. After full day usage of my iPhone 6 Plus, on slightly less than halfway brightness, the phone lasts an impressive 12 hours. This includes messaging, photo taking and editing, streaming music, calling, tinkering on apps, instagramming of course- reading news, i.e. Needless to say, I am more than pleased. I'm blown away that a phone with such a large screen and so many features also has a respectable battery. </div>
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<b>Processing Speed:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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Man. Oh man. What a beauty it is to tap something and be
taken immediately to it. On my aging 4S, clicking on an app, or switching from
open app to notification took at least a few seconds. On my Plus, it slides
over immediately.. I’m almost gliding from app from app, and sometimes I find
myself a few steps ahead. The A8 processor is glorious. Faster than lightning
diarrhea. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>iOS 8:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As with any new massive update, there’s always a few
glitches along the road. Most of the time these glitches come from apps that
are two steps behind. But with developers zooming away to fix it all, I’m sure
these apps will be back to functional perfection soon. One of my favorite post
process editing apps, Repix, is not yet fully functional on the iOS 8.
Technology will catch up as it always does though- and in a few weeks
everything will be settled to normality. <o:p></o:p></div>
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iOS 8 has some really neat perks- living leaving group
messages, naming them, sharing your location via the iMessage app and some
other nifty tricks. This weekend I met up with some friends in New York, and we
found each other quickly using this method.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Camera:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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One word: Spectacular. The crisp and color in the photos are
gorgeous. The ability to record slow-mo and time-lapse videos is impressive.
The quality in the pictures, especially the ones taken in lower light, is a
vast improvement over its predecessors. The front-facing camera got a boost as
well, taking bright, vivid and sharp photos. I am not one bit disappointed.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Overall Feel &
Design:<o:p></o:p></b></div>
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As with anything new, it takes some getting used to. Single-hand
texting is an added challenge, but now with the addition of Swype, I can still
manage to hold the phone with my right hand and text. After a week of using
this phone, it doesn’t feel cumbersome or large at all. One interesting aspect
is it alters your perception of other phones. For example, I can no longer tell
the difference between the 5S or the 4S, as they both look small. I’m very
pleased with my little gadget here, and can’t wait to take stunning photos on
my upcoming vacation.<o:p></o:p><br />
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OH- how could I forget? The phone has NOT bent. I also haven’t
put my entire body weight upon it for kicks and giggles. But even applying
force to it, it did not bend. I dare say, you kind of have to be a baboon
with your phone or venture out to bend it for it happen. I’m not sure why it’s
such a novelty to people; it’s an extremely thin phone that is also light. Is it
really that surprising that it will change shape if applied enough force? <o:p></o:p></div>
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I've always wanted the ability to carry less around with me, and with the nearing implementation of NFC payments, it seems I will be only needing to carry this slim and efficient device with me wherever I go. </div>
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If you have any questions or comments about the phone, feel free
to comment below!<o:p></o:p></div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-56490848728499401682014-07-02T07:33:00.001-07:002014-07-02T07:37:24.370-07:00By Personal ExperienceI'm quite sure everyone can relate when I say there have been some great pieces of advice I have been given that I wish I had taken. From saving money starting young, to fighting for something that may have been worth it, life is riddled with coulda, woulda, shouldas..<br />
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It strikes me as a phenomena that even though we can recognize at face value that the advice we receive is timely and appropriate, and sufficient conclusive evidence exists to support it, we may very well decide to do the wrong thing anyway. Then we suffer through it, build up our own awesome advice book, and try to convince a younger generation.<br />
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So what's the root cause of this situation? I can only speak from personal experience of course. When my parents first told me not to open up credit cards and max them out, I nearly laughed. Of course I wouldn't do that. Wouldn't that be foolish of me? Yet here we are two years later and I'm throwing money every which way at those sharks to zero them out.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U06wqc4ydkU/U7QYdDqYoII/AAAAAAAALog/ulsHYoN1Eqw/s1600/download.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-U06wqc4ydkU/U7QYdDqYoII/AAAAAAAALog/ulsHYoN1Eqw/s1600/download.jpg" /></a>I can't say I didn't know this could happen. I can't say I wasn't warned. So why did I let it happen? Because I thought it wouldn't happen to me, despite making irresponsible purchases and forgetting that life can change at the flip of a switch.<br />
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So that brings me to the main idea. Instead of just offering advice (which has historically been proven to be as effective as diet pills) maybe we should just explain choices and consequences. The little choices we make today affect us in big ways tomorrow. That goes for everything from health and lifestyle, to relationships and of course, financially. Not all is lost, of course. While your lungs still work and your walnut still ticks, recognizing where you went off course will always help you the next time you see a flashing sale sign, or a bad boy with an incredible flashing smile, or a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.<br />
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Just stop thinking you have everything under control, you know what's best for you, and it won't/can't/shouldn't happen to you. That kind of thinking takes you all sorts of places that are everything but fun. ( See Darwin Awards: http://www.darwinawards.com/stupid/ )<div class="fb-like" data-href="http://ninavstheworld.blogspot.com/2014/07/by-personal-experience.html" data-send="true" data-show-faces="true" data-width="450">
</div>Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-12134767114090917372014-06-17T07:10:00.002-07:002014-06-17T07:11:31.921-07:00World Cup MadnessEvery four years, the world stops for me. Well, in actuality, I just stop caring about the triviality of day to day even less than I usually do, and focus my attention and energy on the international, thrilling, unpredictable World Cup Games.<br />
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/WC-2014-Brasil.svg/719px-WC-2014-Brasil.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/WC-2014-Brasil.svg/719px-WC-2014-Brasil.svg.png" height="320" width="256" /></a>Brazil 2014 has already given us some major surprises, which is in part why I love soccer so much. You can have the world's most renowned players, experience by the boatloads, but that does not guarantee you a win. Spain, World Cup 2010's winners, were witness to this as they were pelted 5-1 in their first match against the Netherlands.<br />
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Yours truly was never expecting the upset between Uruguay and Costa Rica, the latter beating long-time South American favorite in a 3-1 final score. Yet, with two goals scored in four minutes, it was clear who was going home the winner that night.<br />
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Portugal stood defeated and awe-struck in a national spanking of 4-0 against Germany. Even US, against rival Ghana, waged an intense battle on the field that eventually led to their 2-1 victory.<br />
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This World Cup will definitely continue delivering more surprises, all the more reason to watch the games. And if you aren't a soccer fan, I promise you will catch a little World Cup madness too if you watch the intensity of this year's matches.<br />
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As always, I am loyal to my favorite team, Germany, whom so far hasn't let me down. And I will gladly watch some of the underdogs, such as Costa Rica.<br />
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Who are your favorite teams? Who do you think will go far? Will be a huge disappointment?<br />
<br />Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-83580528975638157292014-05-06T08:33:00.004-07:002014-05-06T08:38:48.943-07:00My Happiness AdvantageWe recently watched this video at work.. part of an all-encompassing positive change to the company.<br />
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At first glance, I thought the video would entail some sort of problem-solving or dealing techniques, a way to cope with life's pesky little problems. Instead, it was an hour long interesting discussion on how your brain is powerful and dumb, at the same time. That in a way, you can "trick" yourself to be happy and in doing so, become healthier, happier and more successful.<br />
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And it all boiled down to the philosophy that happiness is a choice, and one we must make every morning.<br />
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I listened intrigued, to the research that this Harvard graduate had combed over from years of observation and studying, finding what happy people have in common and how this relates to their health. And from that, he narrowed happiness down to five key factors; five habits that breed positive outlooks which in turn equate happiness.<br />
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I couldn't help but smirk when he went through all five. It sounded like he was narrating my life. All those habits were tactics I applied in some shape or form since I was a cognizant adult. Be grateful for three things in your life every day? Check. Smile more than three times a day, consciously? I'm surprised my maxillofacial muscles aren't permanently locked into smile mode sans botex. Send positive notes to at least one person every day? It's no wonder why my phone can't hold a charge to midday most days of the week. Spend 15 minutes a day doing some "fun activity" that requires physical movement? In most cases, it's 2-3 hours per day for me. And last, the cornerstone: Have a social support network, of at least 21 people. Since I can think far back enough, lack of people in my life has never been an issue. In fact, normally I am torn between saying no to a good friend because another needs something as well. So, I guess I should be super happy right? Well...<br />
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I am. Despite the occasional dark clouds that roll in, despite the potholes in the road and the inclement weather, I am a happy person. And on that note, I'd like to modify my previous statement that "Optimism is the staff and companion of those unblemished by life." It's not that life hasn't blemished us, or that we don't hurt at times because of events in our past; but we choose to rise above it and focus on the big picture.<br />
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I have great friends, a wonderful, united family, and everything I need to lead a fulfilling and satisfying life. I strive to see the positive in life, I don't sweat the small stuff, or things I have no control over. I like to cultivate and maintain friendships like careful little plants. My life is incredibly busy; I work full-time, I work part-time, I volunteer an average of 70 hours a month- and that's just how I like it. Being productive and busy in life has kept me focused on the future and the wonderful things that still lie ahead. However; I am not happy only because I do those five things every day. Surely, they play a big role on being optimistic.<br />
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But at the end of the day, what's my happiness advantage? It's derived from my stalwart hope of the future and the solid relationship I have with most important person in the universe.<br />
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Oh, and P.S. I plan on living <i>way</i> past 94..<br />
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-64739597113745082082014-03-31T13:27:00.002-07:002014-03-31T13:27:52.528-07:00Nina vs AgingWell, I wish I had a more cheerful topic to ramble about as my first belated post of the year; but given as the weather has been anything but normal and the level of craziness has skyrocketed in my universe lately, you get what you get, and you <i>probably will </i>get upset.<br />
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I've been contemplating a lot lately; (I always do when the world around me ceases to be a place of amazement and wonder) drawing inwardly to reflect on life again and the crazy paths it takes us on, willing or not. I wonder to myself: What if aging is just a disposition of the mind? It seems the older we get, the more negative our outlook becomes, and the grimmer reality becomes. If we boil down aging to its nitty gritty: I truly believe we'd find pessimism and dissatisfaction in its basic form.<br />
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When we are children, most of us share a delusion of the world being bright and inviting; our "oyster" per se. As we grow older and run into concrete wall obstacles that are belittling and unrelenting; our stamina and courage dwindle. We begin to double think rash changes, speaking up, alternating course, plunging into unknowns. Because the fear of the unknown is crippling when the past has taught you disappointment can be waiting for you on the other side.<br />
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So we slow our roll, we hunch our backs, oppressed and capitulated, riding the waves of cynicism and skepticism, ruefully observing younger generations and scornfully amused by the future that lies in wait. Optimism is the staff and companion of those unblemished by life. And with time and trials that attack and consume this companion, soon all that's left is a glum recollection of days without a dark cloud.<br />
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Despite the chances that disillusions and let downs are part of life; we can't let negativity reign us in. After all, balance is needed in life. Should you toss the rose colored glasses? Yes. They only amount to greater disappointments. But on that note, toss out the smoke colored sunglasses, too.<br />
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After all- life may not be a merry boat ride of a dream; but it doesn't have to be a depressing opera, either.
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-16084144602684552692013-12-30T07:02:00.000-08:002013-12-30T07:06:12.628-08:002013, 2014 & New Year's ResolutionsWell it's safe to say the year is practically over. Sure, we still have about 35 odd hours in which some global catastrophe can still happen, such as Miley Cyrus twerking up a storm for New Years. But for the most part, we've had more than a general idea of what the year was about.<br />
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And may I say, I am Not Impressed. <Insert Makayla Meme><br />
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Between the garden variety of school shootings and bombings, the world is becoming a less and less wonderful neighborhood to live in. Sure we can talk about medical advances, charity water, and all sorts of movements to bring food to Syrians and everyone else caught in crossfire. But at the end of the day, the issues ranging from debt ceiling and medical insurance for all, to famine and crime- have only gotten murkier and more complex.<br />
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Not that 2014 deserves to be written off before having started; but we also can't throw all of everything that's wrong on a symbolic time-keeping concept and hope for it to magically sort itself out. I've heard many people say "<i>2014, please be good to me.</i>" Quite honestly, you sound pathetic. Praying to and beseeching an inanimate, intangible concept is absolutely puerile. Let's grow up, people- and start taking accountability for our lives.<br />
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New Year's Resolution? How about this. How about instead of saying how much we're going to be healthier, we simply stop zombie-walking towards any flashing neon sign with a dollar menu? You don't need a New Year, a new month, or a Monday. How about now? Today?<br />
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How about instead of seeking to amplify the drama in your life by constantly exploiting it, you try to get along with others? How about learning to be at peace with oneself? How about doing something for someone else, without expecting something in return?<br />
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I guess what I'm trying to say here is that reasonable expectations and personal determination are really going to be the deciding factor for your 2014. You can't plant peach seeds and expect orange trees. You reap what you sow. Pretty much the easiest maxim in life to understand and one that holds timeless truth that supersedes generations.<br />
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So 2014? It's going to be my year; to continue on this road of self-improvement and being a better human being for others.<br />
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</div>Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-59070970421528531752013-11-18T12:05:00.002-08:002013-11-18T12:06:08.168-08:00On past, present and future<div style="text-align: center;">
"Accept what is</div>
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let go of what was</div>
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and have faith in what will be.." (Anonymous)</div>
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You know, I don't normally share these kind of maxims here and there, because I think most of them are cheesy. In my opinion, they are created to be generic sugar-truths to make people feel better about embarrassing pasts. (Yes, we know what you did last summer..) But in all sincerity, I really liked this little nugget of realization/coping mechanism that someone passed on to me after hearing of a rough day I went through.<br />
I'd like to add to this maxim though. Accepting, letting go, and having faith are all good pointers, but too vague. Accepting what? The things we can't change? Letting go of what was.. well, that's pretty straightforward. But having faith.. well, in what? For how long? In reality I truly believe you need to take a slightly more proactive look at life. As an intuitive feeler/thinker, I can get lost in my own maze of thoughts and wonder about my future. It really is the only thing that helps unravel the mess of frustration I find myself in when things aren't going my way. I constantly have to ask myself, where am I going with this? Why is it worth the effort? And well, having faith in that my path is going to lead to the goals I set for myself in the future.<br />
In reality the biggest hurdle we face when it comes to goals is our present life. Because goals require focus, and distraction is everywhere, it is a constant challenge to stay on the rails and beam the headlights in the right direction; forward. When distractions inevitably do happen however, it's only a short while before frustration and confusion abound, claiming center stage. And when that happens.. well. You do what I do.<br />
Take a step back, and sit down in a quiet corner. Think of where you want to be and how to (realistically) get there. Speak to encouraging people who will motivate you and direct you in the right path, keeping you steered. Do your research. And set a date. Without a date, goals are only dreams. And with a date you can constantly say to yourself when you feel overwhelmed, this is only until _______. Only _____ more days.<br />
And that my friends, is how I plan to be in another part of the world at a certain point in the future..<br />
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-84966168457210006162013-10-31T12:18:00.000-07:002013-10-31T12:23:51.489-07:003 Year Anniversary<img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcSqVbdhnUV37EUsXRpz2YpnsDd_7rAGg6kGfwgWM1BCudSmbv05" /><img 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/><img src="https://encrypted-tbn2.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTA1w98oXXE4zPajZCi__nS3ifaczGrTsizGrM8X-J4OLGc3futNg" /><br />
<br />
In case the subtle pictures above didn't get the point across..<br />
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I am celebrating my three year blogging anniversary!! Yay!<br />
<br />
That's right. My blog has now been alive and kicking longer than most celebrity marriages. It has survived Hurricane Sandy, <a href="http://ninavstheworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/judgement-day-impends.html" target="_blank">the Faux Rapture</a>, The End of the World, <a href="http://ninavstheworld.blogspot.com/2011/05/osama-and-smokescreen.html" target="_blank">the controversial "death" of Osama</a> the death of Gaddhafi, a couple bad haircuts, and even the Government Shutdown. So I guess I'm here to stay. Until I am kicked off the internet or come down with a new strand of swine flu. For the last time, GET THAT FLU SHOT AWAY FROM ME!<br />
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Anywho. I guess its the time of year to get reflective on the past and prance on the soapbox about how my life has been a voyage and how much I've grown, and blah blah blah.. But really I don't want to do that this year.<br />
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I just want to say <b>THANKS</b>. I don't make money from this little blog here, but I get a lot of great feedback from friends and strangers. As an extrovert that places high value on communication and relationships, that's worth more than the occasional buck.<br />
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My life is pretty funny sometimes. I work in an office where the general hiring age is 35-75. Being 22 and impossibly snarky, I often feel like I live in a world full of memes. I volunteer a minimum of 70 hours a month to the community. And I also love spending time with my wonderful friends. Yet regardless of how busy life is, I am always drawn back to my little corner on the web where I can say deep things, ridiculous things, remotely humorous things and eventually get a bone here and there.<br />
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So thanks for coming back and reading my insanity. Disclaimer: It's probably making you crazier too. But stick with me, and I promise I will always provide you with material to enjoy while you are supposed to be working. (It's okay.. I won't rat you out)<br />
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As a token of my appreciation, for my first four readers I am giving out a $5 Starbucks gift card. Here's how you can get your hands on some nice java, compliments of yours truly.<br />
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1) Follow me on twitter.. nin_famous<br />
2) Like me on facebook. (links are on the right side of my site)<br />
3) Choose your favorite blog post I've written and link to it in your tweet as well as share it on your wall.<br />
4) Mention me!<br />
5) Leave a comment on this post after you did all of the above.<br />
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And finally.. wait for awesomeness to be poured into your cup.<br />
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Now back to work.
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-27959872321324389042013-10-24T09:13:00.002-07:002013-10-24T09:17:32.584-07:00Not Sunshine, but Not RainI'm going to start off this post by saying to my dear friends, I'm okay. Maybe even good. I know a few of you worried after yesterday's atypical somber post. But sometimes you have write through the rut you're in to come out to the sunlight on the other side. After a tough day, or week, or month.. it's nice to have a little respite and feel optimistic again. Granted, it may not be sunshine yet, but it's not rain.<br />
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It's funny because my situation yesterday and my situation today are at face value, exactly the same. I haven't had some quintessential revelation or hit the lottery. (Not that I would ever want to deal with all that unasked for limelight) Yet today I have a better outlook.<br />
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I don't know. Maybe it's because I got a good night's sleep. And all the support and love from friends helped to save the day, too. In any case, I am ready to get over myself and get back to mocking other people and things. (You knew it wouldn't be much longer.)<br />
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I'm actually quite happy that my little side gig at www.fiverr.com/ninalocks is going so well. I never thought two years ago when I told people I'd write their articles for cash it would actually pay off. Lucky for me, writing is the one (and only thing) that comes easy to me and is quite enjoyable. Hence, my gig has really made it possible to improve my writing style and expound on the versatility and scope of my words. Which I guess, is partially why I started blogging; to not let writing become a dusty, rusty skill.<br />
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In any case, it's a nice feeling when someone tells you they like what you wrote. Someone can call you pretty, or even funny. Those are nice compliments as well. But when someone says things like, <br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It's nice when someone who says that writing is their gift is indeed gifted at writing"</span></i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i>"There is a reason this woman does not have a single bad review and it is simply because she is absolutely amazing at doing what she advertised. If your hesitating don't, you wont regret it."</i></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">I can literally feel my heart smiling. I love writing. When everything in my world seems obscure and uncertain, my fingers furiously take off quickly formatting thoughts to ideas to words. And when those words touch someone, the gratification is overwhelming. </span><br />
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So what I think I'm trying to get at here in this hopelessly digressed post, is that even if the light is flickering and the "Welcome to Hope" sign is miles away, I can always write myself back to contentment. That is, as long as I have fingers.<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #555555; line-height: 18px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></span>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-72373288507344402772013-10-23T07:57:00.000-07:002013-10-23T07:59:12.568-07:00Carry OnLife is full of little surprises. And bigger surprises. And colossal surprises that take the wind out of your sails and leave you scrambling to get up in the dust.<br />
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No.. this is not one of those "pity me please", posts. Everyone has it rough in life somehow. Yet we dust ourselves off and carry on because.. well why, exactly? If life is so complicated and so little reward is returned, why do we carry on?<br />
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We carry on because no one wants to die. We carry on because others depend on us. We carry on because there is a shred of hope in us somewhere, perhaps beat up or shriveled up, abandoned in a corner but not ultimately forgotten. We carry on because its the only thing we can do.<br />
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In a way life is like a governess. A stern, and unforgiving governess. She humbles you constantly and reminds you of your puny limitations. She smirks at you when you feel bliss because she knows what's coming for you around the corner. And she hands you life lessons served cold, when you weren't hungry for them.<br />
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What do I chalk up the wonderful obstacles in my life to? Timing is one of them. Had I been born 10 years earlier, I may have avoided a few of the pinches that came my way. But seeing as I can't crawl back into a uterus and rocket back to 1981, that idea is useless.<br />
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So.. I do what I know how to do. Pray about it, get some guidance, and push forward. If the mantra is right, if it doesn't kill me, it's supposed to make me stronger. Well, just call me Iron Woman. Because I am not going down without a fight.<br />
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Bring it on, life. I may be bruised and I may be weary, but I have a secret weapon you won't ever take away from me.Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-17481566916584715432013-09-06T20:11:00.000-07:002013-09-06T20:18:30.553-07:00Teach Me to ForgetI know I can't be alone on this boat. I know I am not the only one that has tried for years to forget a certain event, a certain person, a certain circumstance.. and yet despite all that trying; find themselves staring at a memory embossed in the soul. Etched in eyelids of the heart. Forever branded in your mind.<br />
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Why is it that things I want to remember- deep conversations with friends that reveal the trenches of their being and the make up of their persona, words of comfort and direction that will light the path you saunter, pleasant memories that make your heart swell, etc- are all held captive in the foggy room in your brain that shrinks and swallows these moments away forever? Geez, it's an uphill battle for me to even remember what I had for lunch yesterday, but when it comes to one topic in particular.. it's almost instantaneous. Effortless. Like blinking. And all of a sudden.. there it is, in all its glory.<br />
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Every hue in the spectrum vivid, the reflection of sunlight, the day, the occasion, the moment. I want to forget it. For good. Not just stash it away in a treasure chest and drop it in the deepest part of the sea of my soul- only to find it gained buoy abilities and has glass-bottled its way to the shore. No. I want it gone. Out of sight <i>and</i> mind. I want it to be gone as smoothly and easily as hitting backspace on this sentence.<br />
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Hence, its not meant to be. (I've tried that too.)<br />
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I'd really like to crack the code on why certain synapses stay forever lodged in repeat mode. You throw them in a dusty corner, cover them up with mounds of new memories, (which require a lot of hard work) only to realize that any unexpected trigger will electrify them into rebirth. There has to be a better way.<br />
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My explanation for this- because it's the only semi-rational thing I can conjure- is that the deeper the emotion for a memory, the longer the memory sticks around. Were you utterly embarrassed, humiliated, hurt, lovestruck, shocked, amazed.. ? Then the memory associated with it will probably last a lifetime. (Sorry) Take for example, your first day of school. Because of the nervous apprehension and excitement of that day, you probably remember it vividly, if not pretty well. You probably can recreate the scene in your mind. Same goes for your first day of work, or your first time being lost, etc, etc..<br />
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But can you remember what you had for dinner two months ago on a Saturday? Or what time you took the trash out that day? If you're normal; probably not. Why should you, right? But here's the thing- somewhere in your mind, that information is there. The brain doesn't just arbitrarily choose what to store and what to discard, right?... Can it be that it takes cues from your emotional make-up to decide whether information is worth storing? In such case, you are subconsciously telling your mind what memories to hold dear and what is useless data.<br />
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So... in a nutshell.. don't care = forget. Care to a degree = remember.<br />
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It has to be the reason why I keep forgetting not to dry my face with a towel before removing my make up, even though my mother has no problem reminding me every. single. time.<br />
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Anyway- I digress. The point in case is- care less, forget more.<br />
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I've tried re-conditioning. For the most part, it's effective. I call it "Overlapping Memories". Revisit the place you want to forget, and create new, positive memories. But all the effort put into this sometimes reminds me why I'm putting so much effort into this. Which then reminds me of the original memory.<br />
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Clearly if all these years of hard work, of deleting, casting away and throwing out objects that remind you of that moment hasn't worked; maybe it's time for a different approach.<br />
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Yes; maybe it's time to take a walk down to the abandoned basement of the mind, dig through the piles of dusty boxes, remove the furniture and broken knick-knacks, drag out and stare this memory right in the face. Invite it for musing, accept the fact it will probably always be a part of you, and decide not to care any longer. Save yourself the mental homework, the draining process of burying it with a ton of physical and mental creations, and let it be.<br />
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After all, you can't control the past, or even most of the present and future. But you will always be able to-and you can always find solace in the fact, that ultimately <b>only you</b> can control your reaction to any situation life throws your way.<br />
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</div>Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-5932325915143822782013-09-05T08:40:00.001-07:002013-09-05T08:53:21.829-07:00The Reality of Exercise<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">There's a lot of hubbub these days for people to try all sorts of extreme sports and fitness activities.. from cross-fit to insanity, to circuit and suspension training.. there's definitely an exercise to float your boat. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Yours truly here kicked laziness in the butt and started hitting the gym regularly in March of this year. I am now at the 7 month mark, and I feel it is time, dare I say, I have earned the right to express the reality of exercise. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You may have heard a couple things about working out, and of course, I'm going to bullet point them and give you my two cents. Because that's what you're expecting by now. I am not an expert by any means. I am just an ordinary girl like you that wants to make sure she works off the french fries and buttery breads she eats on a regular basis. The points below are just my opinion. Always remember to check with your Doctor before starting any exercise routine... I don't want you passing out mid way through Zumba. </span><br />
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<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Exercise is addicting! </b>Um; to put simply- NO. It's just as addicting as electric shocks and sitting on forks. Even though I have maintained a regular routine; I have yet to feel withdrawal symptoms from not going to the gym. Really, the main driving force to going back is the fact I'm paying for it. Okay, that and the fact I feel better. Here's the deal- its easier to stay in bed and watch Netflix, or sleep in and feel groggy all the time. But when you get out of bed, or leave work and head straight to the gym, your mood does improve post workout and your energy levels rise. But the knowledge that you are going to put yourself through torture is never tantalizing to me, personally. I much rather sit down at a table and indulge in freshly cooked bacon. Of course, after working out I always feel like an Olympic medalist, with a little extra flab here and there. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>It boosts your self-esteem. </b>Yeah sure, once you pull your hair back in a bun and wear dark colored yoga pants, it can all be uphill at that point. Not to mention sweating bullets next to a life sized barbie and ken on steroids to your right. But in all sincerity, I have to agree with this one. Knowing you made the right choice that day and your body is thanking you in the long run is a positive note. At the end of the day you will sleep better, feel more relaxed, and overall better about yourself. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Structure your exercise with cardio and weights. </b> I guess here it all depends on your goals. I'm not looking to become the next Mrs Universe, but I do want to stay a healthy weight and have a happy, regularly beating heart. Cardio is definitely a good way to start, but make sure you change it up and continually increase the intensity. Otherwise you won't be doing yourself much of a favor. For example, if you start running on the treadmill, try to hit new levels every week. Try to outdo your personal best so that your stamina and endurance increase, which in turn will give you a positive boost. Add weight training for muscle definition, less weight and more reps for a leaner definition and more weight less reps to bulk up. Don't forget to take your protein post workout! I love to add frozen fruits to mine and soymilk. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b> Switch it up</b>. I personally enjoy taking classes such as cycling and kickbox, and choose different instructors so that I don't get bored. Exercise is already grueling. It doesn't have to be boring and predictable as well. During the better weathered months, I like to run and jog outside. Sometimes even by the beach if I'm feeling adventurous. Have a somewhat regular time frame, but change what you do, so your body doesn't plateau and you're working out but not reaching the weight loss you were expecting. </span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">That pretty much wraps up the main points. Try not to let more than a week go by without exercising. Once you fall off the horse, it's really hard to jump back to a steady routine. So don't lose momentum! Even if you're tired, or you've had a long day, make the effort. Set a minimum of just 30 minutes. And you will be a happy camper. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Word of advice: if it's been a long time since your body has been put through a regimented exercise routine, take it slow at first. And make sure you always drink plenty of water, especially after weight training. Start and finish with a little cardio to warm up your body and then break up the lactic acid build up. That will help you avoid jellyfish arms the next day. See fig 1A(Take it from me; the inability to use any arm and raise it above eye level is not a walk in the park.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">And after all is said and done, happy working out! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">P.S. Don't forget to have a little reward here and there.. i.e. extra bacon cheeseburger.. yum...<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8LH3_R8dPQ/UiioMv03D9I/AAAAAAAAKhs/Y9A-WdcSOic/s1600/jellyfisharms.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c8LH3_R8dPQ/UiioMv03D9I/AAAAAAAAKhs/Y9A-WdcSOic/s320/jellyfisharms.bmp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Fig 1A</b> Jellyfish Arms. Extremely painful, rare condition caused by extreme overuse of biceps during exercise after a long period of no physical strenuous activity. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</span></div>
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</div>Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-68264443217602335702013-08-29T11:51:00.003-07:002013-09-04T05:57:42.830-07:00The switch to T-MobileHello my friends, peers, audience.. stalkers.<br />
<br />
I recently made the switch from AT&T to T-Mobile. I own an Apple iPhone 4s, and since my relationship on the family plan was soon coming to a bitter end, it was time to go network shopping.<br />
<br />
I haven't had my own phone line since I was 17 and used Metro PCS back in Florida. Pre-smart phone era, it was the best, most affordable plan. Back when unlimited texting wasn't a thing, they offered it. Back when minutes had to rollover and anytime/whenever minutes were crucial. Back when the 'pseudo-internet' for phones was in its glory. Back when Lindsey Lohan had a career.<br />
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So needless to say, I was a little panicky about having to jump into the contracts-for-phones world. It's not that I'm non-committal. I just don't want to be forced to stick with something if I find something better come along. So I did my research (read: googled debates and articles) and settled on T-Mobile. Before I wouldn't have given them the time of day. So what made me change my mind?<br />
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Their new, contract free JUMP! plan. I'm not one to always have the latest shiny gadget, as we remember from <a href="http://ninavstheworld.blogspot.com/2011/01/captivated-by-droid.html" target="_blank">this post</a> and <a href="http://ninavstheworld.blogspot.com/2012/01/on-my-switch-to-apple.html" target="_blank">that one.</a> But once I saw what it would cost to have unlimited everything and 2.5 gigs of data, I sealed the deal. A few days later the SIM card arrived in the mail and I was back on the grid, happily updating nonsensical facebook status and hashtaggin' away. So far here are a few things I've noticed:<br />
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<li>Customer service for T-Mobile is great. Not sure if you've heard otherwise, but when I was contemplating carriers, I kept hearing TM was the worst. In all sincerity I have gotten quick, rapid, helpful and pleasant responses every time. </li>
<li>My phone now displays 3G instead of 4. Okay, so ATNT takes this one. My phone was a little faster on the ATNT network and GPS signal loaded a few moments earlier. Reception as far as calls is about 55/45 with ATNT in the lead. However, talks are that TM is in the works to get their customers 4G LTE. I will continue waiting for it patiently. <i><b>Update: Since Sunday, Sept 1st, my phone now displays the 4G banner at the top left. Not all the time, as it alternates in spotty areas, but for the most part it is 4G.</b></i></li>
<li>My plan comes with standard Tethering. That's a big one for me. I love my iPad and want to be able to netflix on the road sometimes or check something on a larger screen. No wifi? No problem. I can tether my iPad to my phone painlessly and quickly. </li>
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There you have it. Want to know how switch over using your iPhone from ATNT to Tmobile? Read ahead to the steps I took. </div>
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<li>Before the account is disconnected with your current carrier, log onto the TM site. Go through the web process of ordering the right SIM card and choosing a plan. You pay for the SIM cards and decide whether you want to keep your current number or not. Your phone must still be active with the former company for this.</li>
<li>Unblock your iPhone. You can call ATNT to unblock it for you.. or if your nephew's best friend's brother can do it for you for a few bucks, go for it. In a matter of hours your phone should be unlocked. </li>
<li>When the SIM card arrives, turn on your computer and open iTunes. Make sure your phone is connected to WiFi. Insert the new SIM card, and then connect your iPhone to the computer. It should cycle power and when it returns you should be on the TMobile network. Sending photos may still not work for you, no big deal. Open your phone's settings and tweak them using these numbers: <a href="http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-2383">http://support.t-mobile.com/docs/DOC-2383</a> </li>
<li>Your phone should be up and running. Shut it on and off a few times if you don't get it right away. And that's that! </li>
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Enjoy being back on the grid and having cash in your pocket.</div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6427385489959964424.post-43750188001515160202013-07-01T09:01:00.000-07:002013-07-01T09:16:24.525-07:00Failed ExpectationsI'm just going to come out and say it. <b>Nothing</b> is more deflating than a failed expectation.<br />
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You had high hopes for the calorie-to-taste ratio in that chocolate cake to be astronomically in your favor. You were hoping the mere inhalation of its perfect cubed crumbs would satiate your soul. And then.. you took a big bite out of it and found out it was a dog treat brownie.<br />
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So many things in life are like aforementioned doomsday brownie. Buildup, apprehension, illusions and hopes- and then at the apex, a devastating drop from crushing heights. And they apply to many circumstances in life, from movies to vacation, to reconnecting with family from the past . But I am going to focus it on.. ..take a guess.. </div>
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<b>People. </b></div>
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The problem here is, my whole life I have lived by <i>"Benefit of the Doubt"</i> motto. (Blame the die hard idealist in me) If someone seems like a pesky person, a little catty, a little snippy, maybe a little moody.. well, let's sweep it under the rug. Maybe they're having a bad day. Maybe they're sick or battling some deep emotional war. </div>
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Sometimes I am hardheaded, I do admit. I hold on so tight to a friendship/connection I know is absolutely unproductive and going nowhere fast out of stubborn blind hope that it will make a resurgence. Why do I do this to myself? Psychoanalysis has revealed the following concrete information: I keep hoping the good in you will resurface, because I saw it once, a flash, maybe.. but it was there! Because I don't take failure well. Because I live in a fairy tale world where everything is rainbows and coffee rain. Because I don't understand why people can't just be authentic and nice to one another.<br />
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Well. After two decades of the same old baloney and <b>I am retracting the motto. </b>I no longer have the patience and sanity to try to figure you out and give you time to come around, if you ever do. If you have proven yourself time and time again to be intrinsically bitter, irascible, cold, abrasive or just unpleasant, I have no obligation to keep putting myself in the way of such fire. For once, I am going to forgive myself, and stop mulling about it.<br />
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Why? Because the compensation is terrible. Here I am doling out caviar on crystal plates while you are using them as dog bowls and eventually, frisbees.(Not sure why there are so many canine references in this post..) If there are warning signs from the get go, I am collecting those flags and exiting stage right. </div>
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Here is what I have learned, and in hopes that some of you endangered-near-extinct species of kind people save yourselves from the general dilemma that are expectation failures, I have organized them as bullet points, for easy reading, but mainly because I like bullet points.</div>
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<li>It sounds simple enough, and often repeated, but it has to be stated for truth's sake.<b> Don't get your hopes up.</b> That job, that friend, that dessert may very well be the most palatable, but life dictates that it will usually be bland at best, and terribly unpleasant at worst. Lesson? Stay level. "Nothing terrible or completely amazing will come out of this."</li>
<li><b>Learn to be reserved</b>. No, that doesn't mean be COLD. It means cordial and kind, but not out-of-your-way, every day favor kind of kind, if I do make myself clear. </li>
<li>And last.. learn how to <b>Keep Your Cool..Face</b>. These people have only taken your sleep, your favors, your generosity and a shred of sanity. Don't give them your peace and happiness as well. Learn how to keep your cool, stay calm, and disconnect yourself from those draining emotions.In short, stop caring.. for the things that aren't worth it. This is a tough one, especially for those of us that are naturally loyal and have, you know, those weird strings attached to your heart called feelings? But it's not impossible. Practice makes perfect. And there's nothing like having your liver intact.</li>
<li><b>Don't become cynical</b>. It's all to easy to stroll through Scornful Groves Lane and fall into a bitter remorse rut. Not everything is dark and terrible, not everyone is a wasted effort waiting to happen, not every opportunity is a segue to chaos, even though it may seem that way at times. So strive to keep that balance between reality and idealism. </li>
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Moral of the story: keep your expectations low.. and maybe one fine day, someone/something will blow you out of the water simply by being excellently mediocre. Just.. don't hold your breath.</div>
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Ninalockshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15132999898559769215noreply@blogger.com0