Wait, correct me if I'm wrong, the calendar already is showing March 2009?
It's official, I've become just another once-upon-a-time blogger as we now pass time three months into the year 2009. What's new? Everything... really, things change so quickly and my life has become californiacated (not a word).
The last two months have been filled with doing random sales gigs. I was a door-to-door salesmen for about six weeks working 60 hour weeks learning how to convince residential homeowners that they need monitored security on their home. I was an independent contractor for Pinnacle Securities during this time, however I was working for the middleman, a company known as Cydcor which is a marketing firm that does face to face sales for companies such as Pinnacle, AT&T, etc. This was a short-lived career for me as I was putting in many hours and energy and would receive my commission checks days, sometimes weeks, after they were scheduled to arrive. Not very convenient for a young man in debt who needs money for rent when its commission-only.
Great learning experience!
In two weeks since, I've been interviewing for other sales positions and have done pretty well. Looks like I'll begin working for Agent Advantage selling digital advertising and paperclip ad campaigns for real estate agents and brokers next week. I was supposedly going to be offered a position with CBeyond doing business to business sales but was basically not offered the position because I mentioned the book "Four Hour Workweek" at some point in the initial interview for the position that requires 60 hours a week.... time is money Robin, didn't ya know?
Great learning experience!
Life has been quite amusing nonetheless in the first several months of this year as I'm learning the ropes of the U.S. job market on the shoestrings of sales positions. The most recent book that I have to rave about and recommend to anyone who hasn't already read it is "Way of the Peaceful Warrior" by Dan Millman. The subtitle of this book states A book that changes lives. True statement. I realized after reading this book that I don't really need that much in life, I'm pretty content with simplicity. Financial independence is still something that I strive for but I believe a more frugal lifestyle can only help me achieve this. I also realized that I would just love to wake up everyday and be a Spanish teacher and an athletic coach (wrestling, football, baseball). I can just hear my Dad saying at home, ''I told you so!" He always claimed he saw me as a coach or teacher, well that is really what would make me happy. However I feel like I have things to accomplish and places to see before I settle into this lifestyle.
Thanks for reading, I put no minutes of planning into this blog post, more of a journal entry for me, getting my thoughts out in the open on the public forum. I promise my coming posts will have more value for you. This was more of a personal blog entry to rid the thoughts, now that I've done that, time for a little meditation, which is always more attainable with a clear mind... or is it the other way? A clear mind is more attainable via meditation, ahh yes what a beautiful cycle, more on this later...
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Goosebumps and 'Hope'
"America is a friend to each nation and every man, woman and child... and we are ready to lead once more" 44th President of the United States Barack Obama
It has been some time since I've seen a leader or public speaker who has the ability to captivate an audience and transcend goosebumps at the end of each powerful statement. Barack Obama has that power! Since my roommate Josh and I are abstaining from having a television, youtube has been my one-stop Obama shop for the regular dose of powerful speech and goosebumps.
I really feel like we once again have a great leader steering the fate of this country. Being fully aware that change for the better will not come overnight but with many days of 'cutting the fat' of unethical government and commercial practices. It is truly time to become responsible in all manners of our lives and I know it begins with myself personally. The United States of America has had a 20-year period of excessive consumption on luxuries that we cannot afford, once again, it begins with me. It's a great feeling to actually listen mindfully to our nation's leader, I can't recall the last time I've had this sentiment of trust and faith in the captain of the ship. A fresh start for us all, the key is simplicity. One of the greatest things I learned in 2008 in Argentina, happiness can be revealed through simplicity. Hold me too it por favor!
It has been some time since I've seen a leader or public speaker who has the ability to captivate an audience and transcend goosebumps at the end of each powerful statement. Barack Obama has that power! Since my roommate Josh and I are abstaining from having a television, youtube has been my one-stop Obama shop for the regular dose of powerful speech and goosebumps.
I really feel like we once again have a great leader steering the fate of this country. Being fully aware that change for the better will not come overnight but with many days of 'cutting the fat' of unethical government and commercial practices. It is truly time to become responsible in all manners of our lives and I know it begins with myself personally. The United States of America has had a 20-year period of excessive consumption on luxuries that we cannot afford, once again, it begins with me. It's a great feeling to actually listen mindfully to our nation's leader, I can't recall the last time I've had this sentiment of trust and faith in the captain of the ship. A fresh start for us all, the key is simplicity. One of the greatest things I learned in 2008 in Argentina, happiness can be revealed through simplicity. Hold me too it por favor!
Sunday, January 4, 2009
A New Year
Happy New Year 2009!
Yes I know I am four days
late on the whole New Year's blog post however I have just arrived back in the confines of San Diego from a 2-week 'unplugged' visit in Colorado visiting family. By unplugged, I mean without much use of internet, it was great being with family and seeing old friends. However, this time home with family was a good time for me to objectively view my current place in my life and what lies ahead. After a year of great travel and cultural experiences, I have a sizable amount of financial debt to go along with the rich experience and perspective gained in the last year. 2009 will surely be a great year as I am faced with new challenges, more responsibility and more expectations.
My way of transitioning the calendar years is to ponder on what I learned in 2008 and how it can be applied in 2009:
You really are what you eat: This was by far the most healthy year I've lived on average in my short 24 years. Much of this had to do with being on my own in a new country and relying on a healthy diet to keep me out of 3rd world hospitals due to illness. From what I've read and lived, two simple things may help you avoid costly medical bills, prescriptions, etc.; healthy diet and exercise... bet you've never heard that before :) . I look forward to being even more healthy in '09 in regards to my diet and I also plan on running a marathon. Due to convincing of a great friend, I've also decided to take up the practice of boxing and muay thai, just to keep in shape. Look for more posts on the martial arts game and marathon training this year.
The most interesting person in your life is the one most interested in you: This is a paraphrase from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and has been repeated many times by my good friend Amit. Nothing can be more true if you sit and think about it. Think of those people in your life right now, friends or family. Do you really want to spend any energy or worry on people who could care less about you? I'm a firm believer that you always have to take care of yourself before you can care for others but in some instances caring for others has a direct correlation in self-care. Studies show that volunteering and helping other human beings creates a natural feel-good effect on the conciousness and may strengthen your immune system. Moral? As Jimi Hendrix said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace."
I dislike losing money twice as much as I enjoy earning it: Not that I've really ever earned a substantial amount of money but I do know one thing; it's easier to get into financial debt than to get out. I currently sit with nearly twelve grand of debt that I didn't have a year ago and am mapping how I can pay it off in one year, it's not easy but it will be sweet to be in a financial surplus this time next year. However if you were to ask me if I were to go back a year and change anything, I would not, the last year was the most educational year of my life and the education you receive from living in foreign lands and travelling is more than a college education, it's priceless.
In any struggle, creativity is your friend: In hard times with relatively high national unemployment and a struggling economy, this is where we must be most creative and I believe many more entrepreneurs will flourish in the coming years. If history repeats itself, think of the '70's when Carter was President and the economy was in a slump after Vietnam. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs seized their opportunities and are sure-handed role models for today's striving entrepreneurs. Always strive to work smarter not harder... hopefully I'll follow my own advice.
Es Como es: Now that I consider myself fluent in Spanish, I look to apply it as much as possible since I really do enjoy speaking Spanish more than English. However this is not where I'm going with this. Es como es translates to ''that's how it is.'' When things aren't going your way, try to see it as a breakthrough instead of the world against you because in life, es como es, it is what it is. You can't change anything that has already happened, it is what it is and look for any positive that you can from the situation. My good friend Mike taught me this just by living with him, he seemed to always find the positive in any 'es como es' situation. I look to find the positive in even the most unfortunate situations that I'll surely encounter this year. 2008 was a year for the ages in which we elected our first African American President, our economy is on the rocks, my favorite comedian George Carlin passed away, people were scammed into a $50 billion dollar ponzi scheme, Fidel passed the reigns to his brother and the US further polished its unfavorable reputation in the international community.... es como es. Here's to a great 2009: Cheers, Prost, Salude, Salud!
Yes I know I am four days
late on the whole New Year's blog post however I have just arrived back in the confines of San Diego from a 2-week 'unplugged' visit in Colorado visiting family. By unplugged, I mean without much use of internet, it was great being with family and seeing old friends. However, this time home with family was a good time for me to objectively view my current place in my life and what lies ahead. After a year of great travel and cultural experiences, I have a sizable amount of financial debt to go along with the rich experience and perspective gained in the last year. 2009 will surely be a great year as I am faced with new challenges, more responsibility and more expectations. My way of transitioning the calendar years is to ponder on what I learned in 2008 and how it can be applied in 2009:
You really are what you eat: This was by far the most healthy year I've lived on average in my short 24 years. Much of this had to do with being on my own in a new country and relying on a healthy diet to keep me out of 3rd world hospitals due to illness. From what I've read and lived, two simple things may help you avoid costly medical bills, prescriptions, etc.; healthy diet and exercise... bet you've never heard that before :) . I look forward to being even more healthy in '09 in regards to my diet and I also plan on running a marathon. Due to convincing of a great friend, I've also decided to take up the practice of boxing and muay thai, just to keep in shape. Look for more posts on the martial arts game and marathon training this year.
The most interesting person in your life is the one most interested in you: This is a paraphrase from the book "How to Win Friends and Influence People" by Dale Carnegie and has been repeated many times by my good friend Amit. Nothing can be more true if you sit and think about it. Think of those people in your life right now, friends or family. Do you really want to spend any energy or worry on people who could care less about you? I'm a firm believer that you always have to take care of yourself before you can care for others but in some instances caring for others has a direct correlation in self-care. Studies show that volunteering and helping other human beings creates a natural feel-good effect on the conciousness and may strengthen your immune system. Moral? As Jimi Hendrix said, "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, then the world will know peace."
I dislike losing money twice as much as I enjoy earning it: Not that I've really ever earned a substantial amount of money but I do know one thing; it's easier to get into financial debt than to get out. I currently sit with nearly twelve grand of debt that I didn't have a year ago and am mapping how I can pay it off in one year, it's not easy but it will be sweet to be in a financial surplus this time next year. However if you were to ask me if I were to go back a year and change anything, I would not, the last year was the most educational year of my life and the education you receive from living in foreign lands and travelling is more than a college education, it's priceless.
In any struggle, creativity is your friend: In hard times with relatively high national unemployment and a struggling economy, this is where we must be most creative and I believe many more entrepreneurs will flourish in the coming years. If history repeats itself, think of the '70's when Carter was President and the economy was in a slump after Vietnam. Bill Gates and Steve Jobs seized their opportunities and are sure-handed role models for today's striving entrepreneurs. Always strive to work smarter not harder... hopefully I'll follow my own advice.
Es Como es: Now that I consider myself fluent in Spanish, I look to apply it as much as possible since I really do enjoy speaking Spanish more than English. However this is not where I'm going with this. Es como es translates to ''that's how it is.'' When things aren't going your way, try to see it as a breakthrough instead of the world against you because in life, es como es, it is what it is. You can't change anything that has already happened, it is what it is and look for any positive that you can from the situation. My good friend Mike taught me this just by living with him, he seemed to always find the positive in any 'es como es' situation. I look to find the positive in even the most unfortunate situations that I'll surely encounter this year. 2008 was a year for the ages in which we elected our first African American President, our economy is on the rocks, my favorite comedian George Carlin passed away, people were scammed into a $50 billion dollar ponzi scheme, Fidel passed the reigns to his brother and the US further polished its unfavorable reputation in the international community.... es como es. Here's to a great 2009: Cheers, Prost, Salude, Salud!
Friday, December 26, 2008
Most Wonderful Time of the Year?
A week has passed since I've arrived in my home state of Colorado to celebrate the holiday seasons with the family and friends that I love. Every visit to Colorado since my departure after high school graduation has been short and sweet. This visit has been relatively different. Maybe it's my perception that has changed or maybe it is the struggling economy reaching all homes and families or a combination of both. The people here, especially in my hometown of Salida, are really down with a low or negative energy. I am witnessing firsthand the struggling economy reaching the back roads of our country at a time when everyone is supposed to be joyous celebrating their respective holiday.
I was sitting at a bar in our town last weekend watching some football and that one Christmas song kept playing in my head "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." just then, I witnessed a friend's mom storm through the bar in a high-strung ball of stress because of lack of money, being lonely, etc. Those who were trying to help kept saying, "it's the holidays, tough time of year." Let me get this straight, the most wonderful time of year really ends up being the most stressful time of year for many... especially in a struggling economy, why is this?
Your number one answer can be pointed to the fact that our religious family holidays have succumbed to the pressures of corporate America and has become a consumer-based holiday. I believe we should give gifts to those we love at any point of year, not just on Jesus Christ's birthday. What is so wrong or politically incorrect about that? The pressure for lower to even middle-income families begins to build around mid November and takes full swing on black Friday, day after Thanksgiving when all the blowout sales take place. This year especially has been very alarming since the Wal Mart employee was trampled to death in Long Island due to frenzied shoppers who somehow forgot what the true meaning of these holidays are. It seems to me this holiday season was a great national gut-check for our conusmer-based society. I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time with those that I love and didn't ask for a single gift, though my Mom gave me several books to add to the collection, thank you Mom.. you really didn't have to!
The point I'm trying to make should be absolutely clear by this point, I only hope that for a country that has had a 20-year party of over-consumption on the next hot buy for the bigger and better, we are beginning to realize what really is important in these times and any time for that matter.... friends and family. Material pleasure is only satisfying until the next best thing comes out, which happens more and more rapidly these days in a Web 2.0 digital world. Let's take some time, even one day during holidays from time to time to keep the credit card in the wallet and show our loved one they are loved by being there for them, hugging them, and letting them know what really matters, a simple "I love you."
I was sitting at a bar in our town last weekend watching some football and that one Christmas song kept playing in my head "It's the most wonderful time of the year..." just then, I witnessed a friend's mom storm through the bar in a high-strung ball of stress because of lack of money, being lonely, etc. Those who were trying to help kept saying, "it's the holidays, tough time of year." Let me get this straight, the most wonderful time of year really ends up being the most stressful time of year for many... especially in a struggling economy, why is this?
Your number one answer can be pointed to the fact that our religious family holidays have succumbed to the pressures of corporate America and has become a consumer-based holiday. I believe we should give gifts to those we love at any point of year, not just on Jesus Christ's birthday. What is so wrong or politically incorrect about that? The pressure for lower to even middle-income families begins to build around mid November and takes full swing on black Friday, day after Thanksgiving when all the blowout sales take place. This year especially has been very alarming since the Wal Mart employee was trampled to death in Long Island due to frenzied shoppers who somehow forgot what the true meaning of these holidays are. It seems to me this holiday season was a great national gut-check for our conusmer-based society. I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time with those that I love and didn't ask for a single gift, though my Mom gave me several books to add to the collection, thank you Mom.. you really didn't have to!
The point I'm trying to make should be absolutely clear by this point, I only hope that for a country that has had a 20-year party of over-consumption on the next hot buy for the bigger and better, we are beginning to realize what really is important in these times and any time for that matter.... friends and family. Material pleasure is only satisfying until the next best thing comes out, which happens more and more rapidly these days in a Web 2.0 digital world. Let's take some time, even one day during holidays from time to time to keep the credit card in the wallet and show our loved one they are loved by being there for them, hugging them, and letting them know what really matters, a simple "I love you."
Monday, December 15, 2008
Lose Your Shoes, $50bn Fraud and Internet vs. Sex
First off, thank you to those who took their valuable time to respond to my last blog, it means a lot. Much of my time recently has been filled with job interviews, networking events and reading. Being unemployed has been an absolute blast because I've been able to fill my time with reading what I enjoy, authors Robert Kiyosaki and Deepak Chopra specifically. Also I've been able to enjoy the finer side of San Diego; farmers market, Argentinian restaurant and a Spanish tapas bar. However, I'm fully aware with the many interviews I've had recently, one of them will pull through and provide me a paycheck in exchange for my time, woopie!
The recent current events have had me engaged. What's the latest?
Did you see Dubya's reaction time? Though he hasn't necessarily been the brightest President and has probably been worn out from 8 years of being surrounded by dead-end ideals and administrators, he sure hasn't lost his cat-like reactions. Who in the world who has seen this hilarious seen doesn't wish at least one of those shoes connected, it would have been one of the most remembered scenes in his Presidential career. I commend Bush for being quick to duck out of the way and laughing it off, however I don't think he's fully aware of how large an insult shoe-tossing is in Arab countries. It made me think that Bush and Cheney probably play ''duck the shoe'' at their holiday gatherings every year, how else could have Bush ducked quicker than De La Hoya could manage against Pacuqiao? Cheney and Bush probably had a recent ''duck the shoe'' game just to prep for Bush's last visit to the country he liberated.
Enough with shoe games, let's talk about something that really does concern me and should concern anyone who has any kind of investment in ''securities.'' Former chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange, Bernard Madoff, was arrested and charged with fraud which has affected some of the world's largest banks and is estimated at a value of $50bn, 33 billion Euros. You can read the article here. This is likely to cause hedge funds to go out of style as well. What comes of frauds like this and the Enron scandal? I hope it leads the average investor or citizen to become financially educated instead of always relying on your financial advisor who probably knows less than you and has just mastered sales jargon. My opinion is if you really want to place your hard-earned or inherited money into the markets, read up and educate yourself on what the hell you're doing. How do you do this? Read Benjamin Graham's "Intelligent Investor," "Prophecy" or "Financial IQ" by Robert Kiyosaki or any literature by Warren Buffet. Don't let yourself be a victim of any frauds or schemes.
The final piece of news that caught my eye today was how nearly half of the women surveyed by Harris Interactive would rather go without sex than losing their internet connection. Meanwhile, almost half of men in a similar survey earlier this year by electronic retailer Comet would give up sex for six months in exchange for a 50 inch plasma television. This is how we know we are truly in the digital age. It makes me wonder if this could be a cure for overpopulation? There's no doubt that people are addicted to clicking on the 'inbox' tab, opening messenger chats and have blackberries attached to the ears at all times, but giving up a basic human need for it? It just goes to show that sex really isn't even a human need anymore, just a luxury that is a backseat complement luxury to your plasma screen.
What can we conclude from all of this? When losing your investment to a fraudulent hedge fund, show how pissed off you are by throwing your shoes at the situation and telling your significant other that you're a reborn virgin who can't escape internet blog junkies like myself.
It's a strange world we live in and I love every minute of it, after all it is the most wonderful time of the year right?
The recent current events have had me engaged. What's the latest?
Did you see Dubya's reaction time? Though he hasn't necessarily been the brightest President and has probably been worn out from 8 years of being surrounded by dead-end ideals and administrators, he sure hasn't lost his cat-like reactions. Who in the world who has seen this hilarious seen doesn't wish at least one of those shoes connected, it would have been one of the most remembered scenes in his Presidential career. I commend Bush for being quick to duck out of the way and laughing it off, however I don't think he's fully aware of how large an insult shoe-tossing is in Arab countries. It made me think that Bush and Cheney probably play ''duck the shoe'' at their holiday gatherings every year, how else could have Bush ducked quicker than De La Hoya could manage against Pacuqiao? Cheney and Bush probably had a recent ''duck the shoe'' game just to prep for Bush's last visit to the country he liberated.
Enough with shoe games, let's talk about something that really does concern me and should concern anyone who has any kind of investment in ''securities.'' Former chairman of the Nasdaq stock exchange, Bernard Madoff, was arrested and charged with fraud which has affected some of the world's largest banks and is estimated at a value of $50bn, 33 billion Euros. You can read the article here. This is likely to cause hedge funds to go out of style as well. What comes of frauds like this and the Enron scandal? I hope it leads the average investor or citizen to become financially educated instead of always relying on your financial advisor who probably knows less than you and has just mastered sales jargon. My opinion is if you really want to place your hard-earned or inherited money into the markets, read up and educate yourself on what the hell you're doing. How do you do this? Read Benjamin Graham's "Intelligent Investor," "Prophecy" or "Financial IQ" by Robert Kiyosaki or any literature by Warren Buffet. Don't let yourself be a victim of any frauds or schemes.
The final piece of news that caught my eye today was how nearly half of the women surveyed by Harris Interactive would rather go without sex than losing their internet connection. Meanwhile, almost half of men in a similar survey earlier this year by electronic retailer Comet would give up sex for six months in exchange for a 50 inch plasma television. This is how we know we are truly in the digital age. It makes me wonder if this could be a cure for overpopulation? There's no doubt that people are addicted to clicking on the 'inbox' tab, opening messenger chats and have blackberries attached to the ears at all times, but giving up a basic human need for it? It just goes to show that sex really isn't even a human need anymore, just a luxury that is a backseat complement luxury to your plasma screen.
What can we conclude from all of this? When losing your investment to a fraudulent hedge fund, show how pissed off you are by throwing your shoes at the situation and telling your significant other that you're a reborn virgin who can't escape internet blog junkies like myself.
It's a strange world we live in and I love every minute of it, after all it is the most wonderful time of the year right?
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
I Need Your Thoughts!
Hola Hola everyone!
I'm now back in California, as many of you know already, and actively ''starting from scratch'' as I like to think of it. I sold my car before I went to Argentina so am actively searching for employment, a place to live and an automobile, or a scooter :) . Amongst all of this, I do wish to continue one of my passions, which is writing. I've received many compliments from those who read this blog and would love to continue.... so....
My next task is what I should do with this blog. Pura Vida came from the Spanish reference of a pure life, which in my opinion, can be lived anywhere whether I'm writing from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, California or Colorado. Regardless, I was thinking that I continue writing that which is of great interest to me and could possibly benefit you and your life for the better, or search for your pura vida. This includes health, diet, exercise, sport, media, current events, comedy or travel. The point is I've had people ask what I planned to do with my blog now that I'm back in the 'boring' United States which most of my readers are fully aware of. Well, I do plan to continue my writing but am not sure whether my readers want more of one niche topic or a very general delivery on my future posts.
Therefore, I would love to hear from you whether you want to read more on the aforementioned topics or whether you could care less... an email from you saying "I don't give a damn," would suffice. Maybe I could even create a new blog tailored to whatever you want to read. If I don't hear anything, no worries, I'll continue to write. I just love to hear from you as well!
Hope all is peachy in your world, and in an effort to gain more Spanish-speaking readers, I will tranlate this, so please pass it on to anyone you know that speaks Spanish or Spanglish. If I am aware of Spanish-speaking readers, I will translate the majority blog postings!!! Take care
Hola Hola todos,
Ahora estoy acustombrandome a la vida aca en California. Estoy buscando trabajo, un lugar para vivir y un coche. Deseo continuar con una pasion para mi, escribiendo. He recibido muchos elogios de los que lean mi blog.
El proximo objectivo para mi es decidir que debo hacer con el blog. El nombre, la pura vida, significa vivir una buena vida. Sin embargo, alguien puede vivir la pura vida en cualquier lado del mundo, ya sea en Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, California o Colorado. Estaba pensando en escribir lo que me interesa y pueda influirles a ustedes por el mejor, en su propie busqueda de la pura vida. Esto incluye la salud, ejercicio, deportes, medios de comunicación, acontecimientos de actualidad, comedia y viajes. Lo que quiero decir es que me han preguntado muchas personas que voy a hacer con el blog ahora que estoy viviendo en los EEUU que es tan conocido. Me gustaria continuar escribir pero queiro una opinion de ustedes, los lectores.
Por lo tanto, me encantaría saber de usted si quiere mi opinión sobre los temas antes mencionados o si no les importa... un email que dice "No me importa," esta suficiente. Si no recibio nada, voy a seguir escrbibir, solo quiero su opinion!
Espero que esten bien y que sigan leer la pura vida!!
I'm now back in California, as many of you know already, and actively ''starting from scratch'' as I like to think of it. I sold my car before I went to Argentina so am actively searching for employment, a place to live and an automobile, or a scooter :) . Amongst all of this, I do wish to continue one of my passions, which is writing. I've received many compliments from those who read this blog and would love to continue.... so....
My next task is what I should do with this blog. Pura Vida came from the Spanish reference of a pure life, which in my opinion, can be lived anywhere whether I'm writing from the beaches of Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, California or Colorado. Regardless, I was thinking that I continue writing that which is of great interest to me and could possibly benefit you and your life for the better, or search for your pura vida. This includes health, diet, exercise, sport, media, current events, comedy or travel. The point is I've had people ask what I planned to do with my blog now that I'm back in the 'boring' United States which most of my readers are fully aware of. Well, I do plan to continue my writing but am not sure whether my readers want more of one niche topic or a very general delivery on my future posts.
Therefore, I would love to hear from you whether you want to read more on the aforementioned topics or whether you could care less... an email from you saying "I don't give a damn," would suffice. Maybe I could even create a new blog tailored to whatever you want to read. If I don't hear anything, no worries, I'll continue to write. I just love to hear from you as well!
Hope all is peachy in your world, and in an effort to gain more Spanish-speaking readers, I will tranlate this, so please pass it on to anyone you know that speaks Spanish or Spanglish. If I am aware of Spanish-speaking readers, I will translate the majority blog postings!!! Take care
Hola Hola todos,
Ahora estoy acustombrandome a la vida aca en California. Estoy buscando trabajo, un lugar para vivir y un coche. Deseo continuar con una pasion para mi, escribiendo. He recibido muchos elogios de los que lean mi blog.
El proximo objectivo para mi es decidir que debo hacer con el blog. El nombre, la pura vida, significa vivir una buena vida. Sin embargo, alguien puede vivir la pura vida en cualquier lado del mundo, ya sea en Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, California o Colorado. Estaba pensando en escribir lo que me interesa y pueda influirles a ustedes por el mejor, en su propie busqueda de la pura vida. Esto incluye la salud, ejercicio, deportes, medios de comunicación, acontecimientos de actualidad, comedia y viajes. Lo que quiero decir es que me han preguntado muchas personas que voy a hacer con el blog ahora que estoy viviendo en los EEUU que es tan conocido. Me gustaria continuar escribir pero queiro una opinion de ustedes, los lectores.
Por lo tanto, me encantaría saber de usted si quiere mi opinión sobre los temas antes mencionados o si no les importa... un email que dice "No me importa," esta suficiente. Si no recibio nada, voy a seguir escrbibir, solo quiero su opinion!
Espero que esten bien y que sigan leer la pura vida!!
Friday, December 5, 2008
La Bomba de Tiempo
"Bomba Hoy?" Reading the flow of text messages every Monday would all entail the same topic, 'bomba de tiempo.' It literally tranlates the the bomb of time. So every Monday evening in the cultural arts center Konex located in the Abasto shopping region of Buenos Aires the bomb of time takes place. Not your typical bomb of time, this one is in the form of percussion drums transcending a high level of energy to an audience in attendance just to de stress.
Bomba de tiempo is a drummer group led by Santiago Vazquez. The group has an improvisational style and creates a very festive, rave-like atmosphere for the crowd. Each week, a new guest accompanies the drummers and throws their own style into that continuously changing style of the group. The guests would range from Ecuadorian vocalists to saxophone players to hip hop vocalists. One of the fourteen members would rotate every half hour and serve as the conductor for the rest of the players. Each conductor had their own style and you never hear the same set twice, it's continuously new!
From the moment you enter, the drums take hold and slowly begin to impart a positive, high energy into your bloodstream. You look around and notice people of all ages and backgrounds feeling that same energy, it becomes contagious as the night goes one. The two hour event really starts rocking the crowd with thirty minutes left and you take a momentary gaze around the audience and notice ten different forms of dancing, which do you choose? La bomba de tiempo has no judgement on which form of dance you take part in; jump, swivel, rock, just find a way to move and let the energy take hold so you are no longer aware what day of the week it is. You notice parents with young children on their shoulders rocking, a young man with his shirt off on someone's shoulder performing spiritual-like movements, young women shaking the salsa hips, and hippies swivelling and swirving. Bomba doesn't care, just move por favor, let your body go. By the time the last drum beat has vibrated the sound waves one last time for the evening, you are now ready for the rest of the week to take place, no more stress, no more worries.
You remember why you would come to this event every Monday you had the opportunity to. Thank you for taking a step into our shoes and those who are true 'bomba heads' in Buenos Aires. This is a reminder that music is there to serve you, let it absorb you transform your energy to that which is feliz. My hope is that when if/when you are in Buenos Aires, your Monday evening is taken up, la bomba de tiempo is yours for the taking. Handle this bomb with care, if not, you'll find yourself as a bomba head and never consider leaving.... which case of the Mondays would you prefer to have?
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