S.W.E.A.T.

(Read while listening to Dogs Days are Over by Florence + The Machine)

Back on the market it is! With that comes a huge responsibility…with me! I’m happy to report that I’m no longer battling with AS. For reference read “Thank you for my AS” blog post. I’m feeling better, walking and enjoying normal activities without complications. With this said, I need to lose weight.

The months I spent with minimal physical activity finally caught up with me, add to that being unemployed for almost 5 months. I had no motivation whatsoever to get fit or at least get moving. While living in PR I tried to go to the gym where I lived and on walks in the afternoon but I wasn’t enjoying them. My mind was filled with worry and uncertainty to let my body do anything. Once in NYC I decided to work not only on my body but my mind as well. I shut down all negative thoughts and distanced myself from negative energy and people.

With the same motivation and goals as my sister in law Noemi, we embarked on a healing and nurturing journey. We started to listen to our bodies and what they needed; we began a work out routine and healthier eating habit. It’s not about a diet or insane boot camp (although we might do it), it’s more of a lifestyle! I’ve always enjoyed dancing, biking and doing anything physical; add to that the will and good company and you are set. So far I’ve lost almost 10 pounds and feel fantastic, not only do I want to get back to my goal weight, I want to be fit and disciplined. Soon, we’ll be trying juicing, that should be really exciting and interesting. Can’t wait!

Check out a before/after shot so far! Stay tuned...

Have You Seen Me?

(Read while listening to Have you seen that girl by Lee Ann Womack)

It's not often I find a song that truly describes how I'm feeling right now. It's a beautiful song and even though is a little bit on the sad side, to me, it also shows the willingness to find yourself again. Let me share with you the lyrics, and if you find yourself in a similar situation, I encourage you to find yourself... once again!

                                                 "Have You Seen That Girl"

Innocent, Confident
With a hint of curiosity and an air of what you see is what you get
Fun to be around
Laugh at herself
Never worried
Life is short but what's the hurry
Bright-eyed and ready to take on the world

[CHORUS]
Have you seen that girl
That everybody says I used to be
Have you seen that girl
Where along the way did I lose me?
Have you seen that girl

She was full of life
Looked on the brighter side
If it was worth a chance she'd take it
Said that life is what you make it
But a few wrong moves led to a few wrong turns
And once you're burned you're not the same
You tend to shy from the flame
I hate to think shes givin up her dream

[CHORUS]
Have you seen that girl
That everybody says I used to be
Have you seen that girl
Where along the way did I lose me?
Have you seen that girl
Where along the way did I lose me?
Have you seen that girl

Boston Strong

(Read while listening to Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond)

I recently visited my second home, my beautiful Boston. It had been 3 months since I moved, I didn't realize how much I missed it. Sadly my visit came right after the marathon bombing, the ambiance was sad yet hopeful. Seeing such a great community come together makes your heart bigger! Let me share with you some visuals of this beautiful city; make it a destination to visit soon!

I’m a Hunter

(Read while listening to Eye of the Tiger by Survivor)

Who hates job hunting? I certainly do! I haven’t worked in almost 5 months and I’m going insane. It’s amazing how much you appreciate the early morning wake up, commute and sometimes dealing with stupid people while getting paid!

Don’t get me wrong! I’m enjoying the down time; after working 7 days a week for nine months it’s certainly a good breather but I’m done and done. I actually would like to go back to working 7 days (never thought I’d say that). Now my days consist in getting up and checking facebook, the news, Law & Order and job sites. I’m a regular at craiglist, indeed, monster, linkedin…

I've been to several interviews and gotten the "You're over qualified for the position" Don't they think I knew that when I applied? When they tell me that I just want to say: "Clearly I need a job, just give it to me!" 

I have faith that not only I’ll find a job but also it’ll be one that I love and fulfills me! Wish me the best.

“I’m a survivor, I’m not gonna give up” – Destiny’s Child

Leslie & the City

(Read while listening to New York, New York by Frank Sinatra)

So… I’m in NY! As much as I love to travel, getting on a plane gets the best of me. I’m a nervous wreck, this time after a two-hour delay I slept the entire flight. My brother and his wife picked me up and we made our way to Staten Island.

The day was beautiful. I left all my stuff in my room and we headed to the city. Temperature in the 70’s, sun shining… we walked that city like we were getting paid! It was the perfect way to start a new life. As I was enjoying my day, I couldn’t help to have those moments were your mind wonders and makes you revisit current events. I’m sad, disappointed, frustrated, nervous…yet hopeful, relieved, in peace. Be a part of this wonderful journey. Let the unpacking begin!

"Take the first step in faith. You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Adiós, tchau, à bientôt!

(Read while listening to the Power of Goodbye by Madonna)

It’s that time again….

I hate saying goodbye, and this will be the second time I have to say farewell to my family and close friends. This time around seemed harder than when I first moved to the states 3 years ago. The first time I was breaking free into the world, an opportunity to grow and learn. However, in this case it’s more to recover what I lost. 

This is my time to live…. for ME.

“Freedom comes when you learn to let go.” - Madonna

(Pics from my farewell bellow, enjoy!)

The Emancipation of Leslie

(Read while listening to La Vida es un Carnaval by Celia Cruz)

It’s only the first quarter of the year and I’ve learned so many lessons to last me ‘til New Year’s. I should start with a little recap so you can understand where I’m coming from. This one is a sit down and stretch afterward recap.

The year so far in a nutshell. Left Boston and moved back home, started a relationship, moved in with him, got engaged, broke up and moving to New York next week.

That right there is a plot for the next How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days! Clearly, there was something to be learned from all of this. It was one of those situations were I thought I could have it all; a person I love, my family, good weather and a fulfilling job. Sometimes things don’t work out like you’d want them to, but two things you can always count on are good lessons and I told you so’s!!

What did I learn from all of this?

God is my strength. Pray. Have faith. I’m not alone. I’m stronger than I thought I was. Cherish blessings. Complain less. Respect yourself. Move out and move on. Ask for help. Crying helps. A hug goes a long way. Listen to advice. Always have a Plan B. Be an adult. Laugh. Remain calmed. Do not pay attention to negative people. Take responsibility. Don’t dedicate songs, which will hunt you. Be positive. Forgive and forget. Things will get better. Be careful. Be smart. Protect your heart. Trust less. Give your all. Smile, even when you don’t feel you have reason to.

The beauty of life is that there’s always a tomorrow and a new opportunity to start again. Thrive to be a better version of YOU. And hey!  At least I didn’t have to change my blog’s name!

“Shake, Shake, Shake, Shake… Shake It Off” – Mariah Carey