I recently celebrated my 54th birthday, and frankly, it weighed upon me the enormousness of the age “thing”. I remember when I was much younger, I dreaded becoming 25 years old. To me, when you are 18, 25 seems such an old age. Being 25 meant at the time that I could not continue to live like a little kid, and I really dreaded getting there. On my 25th birthday, I was very depressed. Then my mother called me up to tell me she had spoken with another family member, and during the conversation I realized that I was not 25 but 26! The depression became a heavy mantle that weighed so much on me and lasted several weeks. Even now, I clearly remember those feelings. Now that I’m 54 (or 55, depending on how you look at it), I have a renewed sense of those feelings. The exception is that I feel REALLY old – but much wiser. I have been able to accomplish most of the things I set out to do – and also completed some that I did not intend to do, but did along the way. For example, I got to jump out of perfectly good airplanes, thanks to the U.S. army. I got to travel most of the U.S. I’ve seen many good things – and many bad things. I finished college – that was pretty neat. And along my life’s journey, I picked up a lot of wisdom, that I have tried to pass along to my children. It is they who are my inspiration and the reason why I and every single old geezer like me, lives for. Nothing like children to make you old pretty quick. I met Roberto Clemente, my hero. At the time I did not know he was going to be so famous, and I didn’t even get his autograph. Some things are not revealed to you until much later in life. For example, had I stayed in the military as I had so much wanted when I was there, I would not had met my wife, who lived all of her young life nearby and never met her until we worked together. Her brother and my brother were friends, and my best friend was best friends with her. I even went to my best friend’s sister’s quince and she was there! How much neater can that be? Life is a chain of events, and I’ve come to learn that every decision has a consequence, whether you choose the right decision, the wrong decision, or no decision at all. God has a plan, and whether you like it or not, He will make sure you follow that plan.



So for those who read this, I have an advise: like the movie quote says, “get busy livin’ or get busy dyin”, because life still goes on, whether you are in it or not.

random thoughts for the holidays

Well, much has happened since I last blogged in. Seeking a higher education has kept me pretty much busy with the qualifying and I am ready to go, thank God. Personally, I've had much happen around me to keep me on my toes. Like my father falling and breaking two ribs. It's not much of ac deal, except when you are 80 years old, it is. My little one attended a conference for minority future scientists and received recognition for her presentation; not a small feat considering she is one of three that Miami Dade College sent that got a certificate. Just out of the North campus there were twelve and she was the only one among the group. And believe me, these kids are pretty smart…so I am as flabbergasted as she was when she called me.

The economy continues to tank and reach bottom. We are talking layoffs at my place of employment, but you can't worry about what you can't control. When push comes to shove, good employees will prevail….I Hope….

The events at Ft. Hood have made me realize how fragile our lives are, and having been in those shoes a long time ago, realize the brotherhood that exists among military men. To have a traitor among us ranks up there as one of the vilest things a human being can inflict upon another, all for the sake of my religion being better than your religion. When Jesus was among us, he didn't say Catholics, or Jews, or Protestants or Muslims are better than anyone. I bet there is an African native right now that lives in the middle of the Jungle, and he will make it to the Kingdom of God before me…why? Because it does not matter where you came from or who you are, or how much you have, but what is in your heart, and whether you practice compassion, understanding, and lots of common sense. Thinking about the loved ones, the friends and the brothers in arms fighting for us makes me reflect how precious liberty is, and how much prepared you must be to defend it. They did not ask to be there, but they are there. Whether they believe in the war or not, they are being responsible and accountable, which is much more than I can say for the rest of us. My prayer is that ALL of them return safely….

On the lighter note, it is getting cold - finally. I welcome the climate change because there is no better feeling than waking up to chilly air. My wife hates it, but it makes me feel good about myself that I don't have to worry about sweating….like Forrest Gump said, "good, one less thing to worry about". I spoke with my oldest daughter, and she is such a welcomed blessing. She is the ultimate optimist, she is going to be blessed in many ways, as she has chosen her path in life, and it is a good one. My son is always in my mind…I worry about him, but that is what parents do. He is also on a sure path, and I am so proud of all of them.

As for my professional journey, I am so excited to seek further education. Nothing gives power like knowledge. An educated man is the most dangerous person in the world (see Obama). This holiday season will be a reflecting one. People will be placing more emphasis on thoughtful gifts as opposed to lavish ones. I am happy about this. I feel we have lost our conciousness as a nation and as humankind. It's time to get back to basics and care about the important things...till next blog, I promise not to saty away so long....

If the sunshine is free...it must be Florida (not!)

I was driving eastbound, several blocks from my home, when a man in a van ran the red light and literally forced me off the road into oncoming traffic. I was trying to avoid him, maybe I should had hit him (I could use the money), but my better judgment made me avoid him ( I don't need the aggravation of a traffic accident). I immediately reacted as any reasonable person would...I was angry at the guy, and my initial response was to cut him off as well. Except that my educated mind told me I would descend into the same hellhole the guy lived in and I would be no better than he was. As I have thought about the incident several times since, I now need to put the incident in perspective.

You see, I live in Miami, where the mayor just gave his best close and personal friends a substantial raise, even though he knew fully well there is no money or funds to pay for the other county services. Not only did he give them a raise, he made the raises retroactive, so that when he was investigated, it would look as if they were given the previous year. He still had the audacity to defend the raises, even though he was supposed to merge his office with the county manager's to eliminate duplication - something he conveniently has not done, and now states he forgot - or better yet, he did not address when confronted with his misdeeds.

On the other side of the salad bar its the only utility company for the state claiming it needs to raise their fees by 30%. Never mind that they are in the midst of buying a new jet for their well-paid executives (which by the way, they fought ardently and lost to hide their salaries) aroud the state. One of their executives, who flies from Miami to Juno Beach on a regular basis for "business", has the audacity to defend his regular trips. I wonder how many of us have a helicopter ready at a moment's notice to fly in and out of our homes to go to work. I say, let's buy him a home in Juno Beach and skip the corporate jet. We could save so much gasoline spent stuck on I-95, and we would have a daily bird's eye view of those poor suckers not rich enough or connected enough stuck in traffic. How easy life would be!

Now back to my incident: put into this perspective, it is only a microcosm of the lawlessness that has pervaded Florida, and South Florida in particular. No longer is living an hoest life worthwhile, in fact, is merely dangerous to do so. Florida has become a haven for not only retirees, illegal aliens, but also crooks and corrupted officials. So living a virtuous life is like finding a virgin woman- good luck with that (no pun intended).

I was perusing old photographs tonight.... I was amazed at how much memory can be evoked from a picture. Your mind gets flooded with feelings, and sounds, and smells - just from looking at picture. For example, looking at one picture of my daughter I can distinctly remmeber a dozen occasions where I thought to myself: " I am such a lucky guy!" It's amazing how the brain can remember - and recall - everything about that one point in your life. Now that my children are adults, and only one remains, I get feelings of bittersweet memory whenever I look at their baby pics. It's the one connection with the past that is instant. Herein is what I am trying to say: it is so important to know as much as you can about your past, because it drives the future. The more you know about yourself, the more confident you feel about who you are and the possibilities of becoming a great person are easier. Life does not forget to teach - so I advise you to pay attention. Even in loss, there is a lesson to be learned.

Having had a great childhood despite much suffering, I came to appreciate the good life has to offer. As I look at the picture of my hometown, happy (and bad) memories come afloat, as if they had happened yesterday. Reminiscing about the past has kept my journey in a straight path. I have learned to respect the power of wisdom, and to use it wisely. I have learned to instill good values and morals to build character in my family. I have never forgotten where I came from, and however humble, it gives praise to my accomplishments. And that is what life is about: to love your fellow man, to do no harm, and to continue my journey , to trust the wind in my sails, wherever it might lead me.

Life is what happens when you are making other plans...

Much has happened in the past few days and I would like to ruminate and ponder. First, I got a speeding ticket. There was no way I could avoid it...yellow Mustang, sliding down an overpass hill and around the curve...the hemorrhoid with the Polaroid! The car next to me didn't get pulled, only the guy in the shiny yellow Mustang did...I have resigned myself that I will not lt it bother me... it is what it is. Life goes on.

As a bright spot, I received the news my oldest daughter was coming home. THAT is great news....now that she moved away, I realize how much I love her and miss her. But, then my son needs to move from one city to another....and he has no car, or at least a decent car to do ti. So, I have to depend on my logistical mind and schedule a complex series of events to make it happen. I rent a small car, tow the "new" old car I have for him, to do I just drive it up to him? My mechanic, Chino, says it's all right to drive. I trust him. He knows the immense potential for failure there is taking a used car across the state. My wife, God Bless her, is willing (as always) to help. So, I rent a U-Haul truck from where my son is to my home city, so that I can bring that sorry excuse he has for a car home. The night before I can't sleep well, because of excitement and worry. Halfway in the state is his destination, to start graduate school.

My wife and I pick up a rental car, and we drive off. About halfway to my son's new apartment, I decide to ask him if he has been in contact with his new landlord. He informs me that his apartment has been given away because he forgot to call them to confirm he was coming. I do not panic - I refuse to panic. My mind starts to think of all the alternatives. His new apartment will not be ready until Saturday, and today is Wednesday! Well, I tell him, ask them if they can keep your things somewhere until Saturday. Nope, he replies. Then I tell him - start looking for a nearby storage place. I decide not to tell that crazy woman following me because if I do, she might crash into someone....She's a worrier, I mean, that's what mothers do, for God's Sake! He finds a storage place near his new apartment. At least, he owns up that it was his fault....not bad for a boy grown into a man.

The "new" car makes it beautifully. When we get to his apartment complex, I decide to tell my wife. She takes it very well, thank you ( I greatly overestimated her) and I quickly tell her my plan B. Had it been me the culprit, I never would had heard the rest of it. But this is her baby boy, and he can do no wrong. We drop it off at his new apartment, get his parking sticker and off we go to get him and his belongings. My wife (isn't she beautiful?) drives all the way from where we are to my son's place, while I collapse in the passenger seat, asleep. We get the truck and it was night time - no time to pack it up. So, we rest. My son buys skirt steak and we prepare to a delicious meal of churrasco, with pigeon peas and rice. Between the full tummy and the tired body, I collapsed and fall asleep.

In the morning, I am ready to go. I forgo coffee (It helps me stay awake) because I can feel the rush of adrenaline. We pack the truck, pick the car carrier, and load up his lowsy Honda. We take off back to his new apartment, 280 miles away. We get there, he gets the storage, and we unpack his belongings into the storage shed. I had come prepared - I bought him a lock, and some rope. He asks how much did I spend, I tell him none of his business. Come on, you screw up my plans and you want to snide me about my spending? I think I have the right to buy and psend whatever I want at this point. It's for him, not me. I feel sorry for him, because when he moves his stuff he has to do it alone. At least he doesn't have much - he is like a bohemian, and for some reason I feel sorry for his girlfriend, who's a saint. It is she who has to put up with him - I wish her luck!

Well, just as I prepare to leave, his mother call me hysterical, because the "new" car has developed an engine noise. She accuses me of maybe not checking the car properly (Iworked on this car for two days prior to this trip), or of ignoring the chirring noise the engine makes. I deduced it is loos valves, and there is a magical lubricant (you should use it often in your oil) called Lucas oil conditioner that is pretty good. So off I go, leaving my wife, my son, the truck and the "old" car in rear, looking forn auto parts store. Luckily there is one nearby. I purchased one bottle ands raced back, add 1/2 of the bottle and instruct him to use it during oil changes as an additive. The noise disappears - we are delighted! You won't believe all of the bad thoughts running through my mind if this car craps out now! I was determined to stay in town until the morning to take it to garage for a check up.

So off he goes, and I instruct him to call me. Of course, I don't trust him to return my call anymore than I trust a snake in not biting me. So, I call his grilfriend (his return to her is a surprise for her upcoming birthday) and instruct her to have him call me when he arrives safely - well, he might be a man to you, but to me he is still that crazy son I used to know!

We then take off for home, my wife and I. She is following me. We make it home, four hours later, unharmed, and so does he. I sigh relief. You see, halfway on the trip he informs me he does not have his cell phone (remember I told you he was a crazy son), so I tell him NOT to tell his mother (yikes!) She eventually finds out, and of course does what every mother does - worry. She poo poos her and even makes a joke about it - I cringe and close my eyes - I thought I saww the lady's hand s beat him to a pulp right there in front of me. She does not, she stays quiet, which can mean something very good, or something very bad...I don't want to think!

Well in conclusion, we make it and so does he. What am I telling you this story? Look at the title of this particular blog. It tells you everything you need to know. We take so many things for granted - yet we somehow manage to make it. Call it karma, or God's Will, or Destiny. If you have ever taken Statistics, you learn about chances and outcomes - and we take so many chances! Anything deviates one nanosecond, or a millimeter and it changes the outcome, however small the change, but a change nonetheless. So the next time you look at a specific event, think not that it will be O.K., it could chnage, and if it does, you must adjust your sail, just like a sailor does his....

Life is a song worth singing...

Welcome to my blog! Those of you who meander through it, will find that I am a man of many passions, one of which is appropiately life itself. Having lived through some happy times as well as tumultuous ones, will leave an indelible mark on those around me as I travel my roads and byways in search of enlightenment. So enjoy the ride; you will be treated to a plethora of emotions on issues and views.