Release

I literally felt my heart break today.

I've felt a terrible sense of loss since Tuesday when I learned about the devastating earthquake in Haiti. I'm not Haitian. I don't really have a lot of Haitian friends. But for some reason this disaster moved me immensely. From the minute I saw the pictures, I felt compelled to go there, not just as a journalist to report, but as a human being to help.

Every time I eat a meal, I think of the little girl who has none. Every time I take a shower, I think of the elderly man who hasn't had one in nearly a week. Every time I hug my mother, I think of the little boy who lost his entire family in a few seconds.

Today at church we sang a song about how there will be no weeping, no hurt or suffering in our final destination, heaven. It was already moving, and at the end a slideshow came up of all the different images I had seen earlier this week. No suffering. No dying. No sick or lame. I looked up and literally sobbed for those people who, right now, are dying or have witnessed some of the most horrific scenes you could ever imagine. I thought of all the suffering they have endured over the last few days, and thought about all that God has in store for us in eternity. And it was so liberating. I know there are amazing things in store for the next life, and they are so much better than all the pain and suffering this world has to offer.

I'm continually praying for all the people of Haiti and for those who might know of someone who was affected, and I hope that God would be with those who were left behind.

Development

Last night, I watched Julie & Julia with my mom. It looks so easy writing and maintaining an interesting blog in the movies. So, I decided that I need a new focus for this blog, and a new, catchy, witty title.

Any suggestions from any creative folk out there?

Also, I'm pretty excited about this semester and all it has in store. For one of my classes, I'll be heading out to Liberty City to cover the Social Services beat for my journalism class's as-yet-unnamed online newspaper (The Liberty City Link? The Liberty City Wire? The Grid? We can't seem to decide). It's something new and exciting and fresh, and I can't wait to get out and start telling people's stories. Stay tuned, I'll be posting links to my articles as well as the newspaper once it's up and running.

For another journalism class, Multiethnic Reporting, we are to focus on an area that we would otherwise be scared of going due to prejudices or bias, and then we have to go there! And just hang out. Another cool class. It promises to be politically incorrect and never dull. We have to create a blog to journal our experiences, so if you wanna check that out, click here.

:)

Perspective.

This video was shown yesterday at church (click through to the link, because embedding is disabled). It moved me so much that I wanted to share.

The pastor's message today was about getting rid of those worldly things which give us a temporary feeling of happiness and instead focusing on the greatness of God.  This has been an area of weakness for me lately. I've been letting things get in the way of my relationship with Him, and, I have to admit, I've caught myself relying on worldly things rather than on Christ to make me happy.

The video made me realize how perspective can change everything. I mean, here I am, healthy and happy as a clam, and I take God's goodness for granted so often. But for this man, who is facing the reality of death, all he wants to do is praise God. Amazing.

Merry Christmas!!

Merry Christmas everyone!

I hope your holiday was full of fun, food and family! We really had a great time today (and yesterday as well). Yesterday was, of course, Noche Buena, which is really a Hispanic's pre-Christmas celebration spectacular. We had the family over for dinner and I was in charge of decorating the table! I totally ran with it, and I just love how everything turned out. I had to give myself a pat on the back. ;)

It was great to have all of my mom's side of the family together for Noche Buena. Gabby's family stopped by as well for some yummy dessert! After dinner, I went with my love to his church's Midnight Mass. Beautiful service, and most importantly, a beautiful message of Love! Overall- great night. Noche Buena indeed.

After an extra long night(by the time mass finished and I got home and finished cleaning up, it was 3 a.m!), I woke up bright and early at 8 a.m. to head on over to Gabby's for the opening of the presents. His sister wakes up at 6 a.m. every Christmas morning (mind you, she's 20) and I usually go over and bring gifts and open their gifts with them there.  I was pleasantly surprised! Gabby bought me a beautiful Coach wallet that I'd been eyeing for some time! I totally wasn't expecting it, but then again,  he wasn't expecting getting an awesome GPS system, yet he did! Santa was kind this year. ;)

After opening presents at the Medinas', I headed on home to wake up my mom and brother for our own Christmas morning! I was, again, pleasantly surprised! Mom got me an awesome camera, which I was in dire need of. I will definitely be wearing it down! ;) Also, my brother got me seasons 1 and 2 of the greatest show ever, which totally made my morning.

After gift time, we went to my cousin's house in Pinecrest for our traditional family brunch. Each year we have Pan con Lechon, yummy cinnamon rolls from Knaus Berry Farm, and my grandmother's traditional manzanitas. All that food, plus a huge family and a ton of kids, makes for a great day!

I was reminded today just how blessed I am. I can truly say that, even if I didn't recieve one thing that I wanted, I would still be so grateful for just having everything that I already own. I have a great family, a wonderful boyfriend, health, food, shelter, and a means of transportation! Seriously, what more can someone ask for this Christmas?

YES!

I'm soooo excited for this movie! <3

Im Ba-aaack!

It's been way too long since I've updated this thing... my sincerest apologies to anyone who still has interest in this little blog! The semester got pretty crazy, and with all my deadlines and assignments, plus my crazy work & school schedule, I barely had time to do anything at all.

Big News to announce!!! My awesome, amazing boyfriend Gabby graduated from FIU this week!!!



I was so proud to see him walk across the stage. He has worked SO hard the past three and a half years, and I'm so happy that all his hard work has paid off. Now, off to grad school! We're still praying on that one, keep Gabby in your prayers as he makes this big decision!

Last night I hosted a surprise get-together for him to celebrate with his friends. We all had a great time, and his surprised face was priceless! ;)

I also did extremely well this semester and I must say I have to give myself a pat on the back! I had this Spanish professor from hell who would assign a truckload of work from one day to the next. It was terrible!! I honestly thought I would fail that class, but luckily, I ended up with a "C". I've never been so happy to achieve mediocrity!! Hah. I'm just really happy it's over with.


Anyway, I've been meaning to revamp this blog for quite some time. Hopefully I can maintain it for a while! I've been getting a lot of inspiration from a bunch of different little blogs lately, so now that I have some time on my hands I will try my best to blog more.

All the Single Babies

I can't get enough of this kid!