tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20115110550900946732024-03-14T00:50:34.696-07:00"SILVIA URIBE PONDERS"By Silvia Uribe - a freelance writer with a Latino perspective.Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.comBlogger153125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-24356383182746926652022-03-10T22:14:00.003-08:002022-03-10T22:21:51.270-08:00<p> <span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My thoughts on Ukraine.</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;">By Silvia Uribe</span></p><p><span style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: inherit; font-size: 15px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><div class="kvgmc6g5 cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI2_aayGMKND8xJVYy_s36iQxpxE2MCzTV1AqvoCxaFWW0p6R7b2QPcK2Zr30CVTvjmwJER7EXBtsv060KtSEVPzCNi8EIPvfpcYdY6EHcBHc51I4IlIrMKh--AYu6GBwUf_ncRHUuM1a4PO9QA3N2IjmYFEYLJg4s3f1X6wNCDLAIXOswygq8mz4K6A=s300" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="112" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgI2_aayGMKND8xJVYy_s36iQxpxE2MCzTV1AqvoCxaFWW0p6R7b2QPcK2Zr30CVTvjmwJER7EXBtsv060KtSEVPzCNi8EIPvfpcYdY6EHcBHc51I4IlIrMKh--AYu6GBwUf_ncRHUuM1a4PO9QA3N2IjmYFEYLJg4s3f1X6wNCDLAIXOswygq8mz4K6A=w200-h112" width="200" /></a></div>A country is being reduced to rubbles in front of our eyes. The killing of thousands of people, the fear of children, not knowing why things are exploding around them, if they’re going to be safe, or wondering when they will see their father, their brother, their grandpa again. Women trying to save a new generation by fleeing to another country, to another life that they have no idea how will develop. It is like running towards a black hole. A force is taking them to where, as far as they can see now, awaits them with uncertainty, fear, responsibilities. They will have to face that future by themselves, most likely, with no other support except their two arms to work, and the hope that, life will be good again…for their children.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">We, the international community are watching in disbelief, with horror, gasping at the images that leave us with a sense of impotence. What could we do? The U.S.A is giving Ukraine, as a country, humanitarian help already. Perhaps we are donating our hard-earned dollars to an organization or giving other in-kind donations. We are putting sanctions on a country ruled by a crazy, self-centered bas***d, whose mission is to conquer at any cost. But…is this enough? No. Obviously, it is not enough. </div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">On the other hand, the international community keeps buying Russia’s fuel, and who knows in how many other ways we are helping this mad man to kill innocent people. At least the U.S. and Great Britain today declared that they gave the order to stop doing it, but what about the rest of the countries? We are so concerned about the “possible consequences” that those actions can cause our countries. Ukraine’s President, we heard him, is asking for the Allies to help him by protecting their sky, but we are afraid that this will make Putin madder and would try to invade other countries or start a nuclear war. Ukraine is asking for help with troops and weapons on the ground to reinforce what they’ve been doing so valiantly, and the international community keeps showing fear.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Can all countries be strategic about this? The only strategy, from my point of view, is to stop Russia now…today, it is to attack his troops while they are focused on attacking Ukraine. I have no military background, but if 90 percent of Russia’s troops are inside Ukraine, wouldn’t it be logical to get them there now? Or while they are in Ukraine, could we and our Allies nullify their nuclear plants bombard the Kremlin? We have Generals that are great strategic people. Let’s use their skills, please! It seems to me that we are very effectively playing cat and mouse, us being the mouse. Only one man is having the upper hand dictating to the rest of the world what he wants everyone else to do, and we are doing it in a submissive way. It is maddening.</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">I understand that no one wants a nuclear conflagration in which no one will win, but c’mon! Not offering the help that is really needed is as cruel as what Russia is doing. Someone once said this. “When someone asks you for help, if you can, provide the help they are asking for, not the help that that you want to offer. “</div><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Just sitting in front of the T.V., being horrified, but going on with our normal lives seems inconceivable to me. No, we don’t need to start or participate in another war, no we don’t want to pay higher gas prices, no, we don’t want to take any more risks… but we need to get rid of this cancer called totalitarian Putin and finally do something effective to end Ukraine’s suffering, and to protect the world from him, once and for all. Otherwise, we all will be guilty; he as the invader and us, for our inaction.</div></div><div class="cxmmr5t8 oygrvhab hcukyx3x c1et5uql o9v6fnle ii04i59q" style="background-color: white; color: #050505; font-family: "Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px; margin: 0.5em 0px 0px; overflow-wrap: break-word; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div dir="auto" style="font-family: inherit;">Please, call or write to your Representatives in Congress and in your State, and urge them to convince our Allies to take real action now. The kind of action that will effectively save us all.<br /></div></div>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-76315166691132472002021-01-16T12:48:00.000-08:002021-01-16T12:48:49.808-08:00<p> </p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">SO, WHAT NOW?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZesJ07_ltCofPHlFtwzWb-0NlgYCHDQcOsMGX309T0OTiETvPQeptVnQd1SZDuYpH_uIszKJsoUi8_DE2oySFPMDikKj3tB0SKt-z7YuVjIf7i1itxb2h3BhrZ1vpNQvuBewHr7kNfNB/s273/273px-anti-nazi-symbol.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="273" data-original-width="273" height="102" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLZesJ07_ltCofPHlFtwzWb-0NlgYCHDQcOsMGX309T0OTiETvPQeptVnQd1SZDuYpH_uIszKJsoUi8_DE2oySFPMDikKj3tB0SKt-z7YuVjIf7i1itxb2h3BhrZ1vpNQvuBewHr7kNfNB/w102-h102/273px-anti-nazi-symbol.png" width="102" /></a><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>By Silvia Uribe<p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I must confess that I feel kind of lost, kind of empty, kind
of afraid and kind of mad. Driving home earlier, and on the wake of the
insurrection of January 6<sup>th</sup>, which has taken days to sink-in. Having not been in this space before, I needed
to understand it.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I feel lost because although all the writing was on the
wall, I never expected to see what I saw that day. Not in the U.S. Not living
in Santa Barbara, our share of paradise. I felt the same feeling I felt on 9/11
watching the violent images at the Capitol: incredulity, and yet, it was all
real. I felt, like many others did, that this country was far from becoming one
of those countries in which a nut-head gets to power and never wants to leave
it, placing his country and its people in the verge or extreme hunger, and constant
social unrest. Well, there you have it. We have our own version of it right
here; a “leader” who only takes care of himself and those around him, IF they
do as he says, whether legal, good, decent, or not. This is our reality now,
unfortunately.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Was he a good “leader”?
Some might say yes, “he did good for the economy.” But is that all that we must
judge a president by? Is the economy the only standard? Up for debate.<o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Emptiness: Yes, because the question is, what now? Do we
have any options other than accepting the fact that our country, as we know it,
does not exist anymore? We do not have what most of us value so much: peace. I
have lived enough years to foresee what is there and what is not, and to maybe
make a prediction or two. This is not the country that I always admired and
loved. A beast, with a familiar name, was unleashed: Hate. When this happens, we
must always watch over our shoulders. We would never know whether it may charge
us, bite us, or try to kill us. When we hate and distrust each other, as human
beings, what do we have? How can we work together? How can we go back to what
we thought we knew about each other? I do not have answers, and sadly, I do not
feel much hope. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">Fear: Of course, if there is no trust among us; if our views
are so different, what can we expect? Peace means nothing to those who believe
they can take a country with violence, based on nothing but on the lies they were
told, which perfectly plays with their leaders’ insatiable hunger for power. If
you try to tell them otherwise, with reason and evidence, they will still disregard
you. My father used to say, “People will believe what they want to believe.” Americans
are well-intended people, with values, and integrity. We are also prudent and
quiet, for the most part. We do not like to create controversy, and much less verbal
confrontation, so most of us keep our values and opinions quiet, and let the
noisy ones raise their voices without challenging them. That is a problem. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">I am a Latina, and although I might look as white as the
next person, and I have enjoyed the same kind of privilege, many in my family have
not, and I fear the racist and discriminatory environment in which my children
and grandchildren will be living in the future. I am not a person who brings up
discrimination frequently in conversations. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However, the hate that Trump unleashed toward blacks,
Latinos, Jews, and women, has no limits, as we all realize now. Hate is,
precisely, the fuel that ignites this violence. It is the undercurrent. The noisy,
violent individuals come from all walks of life, but their common thread is discrimination,
and the preservation of their privilege. They do not believe in Democracy, they
like leeches, just benefit from it. They want to keep in check those who they
perceive as a threat. It is a very scary notion for some to accept, but if we observe
the images of the mob at the Capitol, we will see the Confederate flags, and
the discriminatory messages written on their clothes. Is there any doubt? <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">This re-ignited hate, obviously, started with the election
of Obama. Many felt that their country was overtaken and wanted revenge. The election
of Trump was their retribution. With him as president, and his servants in
Congress, those who felt threatened and disfranchised before, felt that they
belonged, and felt safe to express their hate. <o:p></o:p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal">So yes, this new reality makes me mad. For me, my family, our
community, and for our Country. This is not what most Americans want or look
for. This social unrest is imposed upon us, and unfortunately, we will have to
deal with it. We might see more acts of violence in the future perpetrated by radicals.
These radicals may expand their reach, and recruit, and radicalize more people:
maybe some of those we think we know and trust. Trump’s legacy, as I see it, is
the beginning of a slow dismantling of our society, if we allow it. <o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal">So, this is a call to action for those of us with real American
democratic values: speak up and push back on every discriminatory comment, joke,
and aggression, against you or those around you, no matter how big or small it
may seem. Let the radicals know that they have a steep hill in front of them,
and that getting to the top will not be as easy as they’d like it to be.</p><p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></p><p class="MsoNormal"><br /></p>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-22906541505610245982020-10-22T22:57:00.002-07:002020-10-22T23:02:50.825-07:00<h1 style="text-align: left;"><p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 24pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">The Fears of an Optimist<o:p></o:p></span></b></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RUlYXR03qmR8hTR0c-9EpxG3KDnE5EDMh3iwnYDMFvBbwhafOS1-k0cnI7W0kq4HiOonvWPiHCVARlueFDjpNH1q8dzTwGykT1KqrL00X924qA7Iq-LKe_cTR_Taz2PrlPGiWHILS0LD/s1024/american-flag-wind.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="1024" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2RUlYXR03qmR8hTR0c-9EpxG3KDnE5EDMh3iwnYDMFvBbwhafOS1-k0cnI7W0kq4HiOonvWPiHCVARlueFDjpNH1q8dzTwGykT1KqrL00X924qA7Iq-LKe_cTR_Taz2PrlPGiWHILS0LD/s320/american-flag-wind.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><span style="font-size: small;">There are only a couple of weeks
from now to election day. WHAT? have you noticed that we have been in election
mode for a good 2 years? I am exhausted! A couple of days ago I heard, really
heard for the first time. that this is going to end in 2 weeks. I have tuned
all things political out that much. I was surprised that there is a light at
the end of the tunnel, to tell you the truth. </span><o:p></o:p><p></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">By now, I can’t stand to watch the
news, or to hear Trump's lies, and some of the repetitive comebacks from
Democrats. I'm tired of the Republican party having no backbone. no decency, no
values. I'm talking about the Republican party as a whole. There are some exceptional
Republicans, some of which I'm proud to call friends, who see the present
reality of their party with pain and with shame. I'm tired of the pundits, and
of people who keep repeating what they are fed by Trump and his entourage. People
can support whoever they want, but then the question is, can they not analyze
and observe for themselves, instead of just repeat what Trump says in his
rallies? <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Covid made things worse. Not just
because all the people who have died, but also because it has killed me and
many others with boredom, inactivity or lack of social diversion. We had to sit
in front of a screen and become victims of all that they wanted us to hear,
throughout the best part of 2020. </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">I just want this to end. But, being
an optimist, I want this to end like in a storybook. ...And they live happily
ever after. However, I well know that this is not going to be possible. I hope
for the best but fear the worse.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I fear that if Trump wins, things
are going to get really bad, really quickly. He will be more embolden than
ever, and since there's no one branch of government that would call him on his
BS, he will really become something no one wants to see. I also fear that if he
losses, those who support him, and who believe everything he says, will be
brain-washed to do who knows what, in their own detriment, and everyone else's.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I wonder how the US is going to look
like after this election. In the past, I never had those fears, and I never,
ever, wondered about what would happen to us, the citizens, those of us who do not
know who's allowing all of this to happen, or maybe even promoting it. Who
are those really in charge behind the scenes? Who is dictating the marching
orders? And, what's the purpose? </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: 12pt;">Why those in power want to
desensitize us? Where do they want to take us? Experts are
talking about a huge recession coming soon. Well, we don't have to be an expert
to see it coming, right? I'm afraid of it too. How will we look as a
country after such immense recession? America is not used to the notion of extreme poverty.</span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Just look around. Talk to people on
the street. If you have not heard how much people are suffering already, try
and get out of your comfort zone and talk to those who perform the service jobs
around us. They are behind in their rent and a blink away from homelessness,
they are indebting themselves into a dark hole, and they don't know when or if
they'll be able to overcome their situation. My heart brakes every time I hear
one of those stories.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">I hope, that for the sake of Americans
of all colors, religions, sexual orientations, ages, origins, races and what not,
and of those who are not Americans yet, who live here, and love our country,
things won't get as bad as I fear they can become. I hope that at some point,
we will again be the country that I got to love so deeply, for everything it
has given me, but mainly for its people, who I know to be different enough to have
their own opinions, but united enough to pull together for the cause of the strong,
reliable country that we feel proud of. <o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Yes, I am an incorrigible optimist.
That's why I voted already. That's why I have been working to encourage people
to vote. And, that's why I invite you to vote. Exert your voting power, so our
country can see a less dark and a more hopeful time. This is not the time to be
complacent and watch from the bleachers. It is not, either, a time to take is as a joke and write-in any name. Take it seriously! Do whatever is in your power, your
country is at stake.<o:p></o:p></span></p>
<p class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman",serif; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Please... VOTE!<o:p></o:p></span></p></h1><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: left;"><br /></p>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-55505326728647930242020-04-27T22:19:00.000-07:002020-04-27T22:26:56.415-07:00<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>A QUARANTINE PERSONAL EVALUATION…<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>By Silvia Uribe</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU1m-dUzF56O6Nbhpm3gAQSG04utg1sWwrpEFe7jSAvORIo-VqvyUx86iHIQ1j4mm8VHmRcucg8N1ah92QVlPcWgcFxwOgRXldNP23YQDf9R-4phivqPxNZ0WBIA3rGMaCZHdzJV0ylKh/s1600/IMG_0559+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="540" data-original-width="1004" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCU1m-dUzF56O6Nbhpm3gAQSG04utg1sWwrpEFe7jSAvORIo-VqvyUx86iHIQ1j4mm8VHmRcucg8N1ah92QVlPcWgcFxwOgRXldNP23YQDf9R-4phivqPxNZ0WBIA3rGMaCZHdzJV0ylKh/s400/IMG_0559+%25281%2529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<b>I’m sorry to say this and go against the current, but I am
quite content being quarantined. I’m healthy, don’t get me wrong, and I’m not dying
of fear of becoming infected either, but I’d like to remain healthy. I do get around,
every now and again. I like seeing what’s going on “out there.” I like talking
with family and friends over the phone, on FaceTime, and seeing some of them,
very few, in person. I work from home most of the time, but if I leave my
fortress’ safety, to exercise or run to the store I cover my face and wear gloves, as the scientists advise.
So, if I have to evaluate my social distancing is at an 85%, and I’m content
with that.<o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I must say that the “out there” that I mentioned, seems a bit outlandish. The empty streets with mostly empty commercial spaces give an
eerie feeling. However, every tone of green of the trees is greener, the sky appears brighter (either because I have less chance to look at it, or because there is less pollution, or
both) and these things give me joy. The view of the ocean is completely unobstructed and the sense of calm, due to the abundance of birds singing, and the lack of car noises, is like a river of peace. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>However, there is one thing that disturbs me more and more, as the days go by. Face masks. As necessary as they are, they make me
sad. Why? It is simple. I miss your face! I may or may not know you, but I miss your face. With
the masks we are faceless beings, moving from place to place, with no
expression; making lines at stores with no identity that we can account for. We
look cold and... generic. If, on top of wearing masks, we wear shades, it is even worse.
I cannot see the expressions that your eyes convey. I cannot see the human
being inside you at all.</b><br />
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>I miss seeing my fellow humans,
and I’ll be fully content when, after the quarantine, I can see your face again,
with the peace of mind of knowing that both of us will be ok.<o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Teleworking, is another thing I love. I must admit that working from home is quite different and has its challenges. But c'mon! isn't it great to not be rushed in the mornings? I have been a proponent of this for years, and for years I encountered a myriad of nay-sayers. Today, the world is finally
understanding that most of the things we do in the office can be done from
afar, and in much less time. I feel validated. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>And finally come the concerns that I have: Other than those who contract the virus, of course, are the small
business owners. Those who have put all their money and dreams in their
venture, and they might lose everything. And their workers that relied in their
now nonexistent jobs; their families, that not being able to have a steady
income can’t pay their rent, or buy food, or clothing… I have the tendency of
getting very anxious about things like these, things that I cannot change; because they are way over my scope of influence. So, I immerse myself in whatever I can do, like
cleaning my closets of unused items and donating them to those who I know need them.
And, volunteering for an organization that offers financial resources to those
who can’t get any financial relieve from anywhere else. This makes me feel that
I’m doing something to contribute. We all can do something. If you have a sense of impotency, I invite you to
help someone you know, in any way you can. We all know people in need. We
know who they are. Reach out. Don’t wait until they come asking for help.
Helping others is the only recipe I know to finding satisfaction, and contentment during uncertain times. </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><o:p></o:p></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>As for the things I cannot solve, I do my best to pray that
the situation won’t get as bad as I fear, and then I put my head in the ground,
as a self-preservation method. <o:p></o:p></b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Please, stay safe.</b></div>
<br />Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-11450775293331727442017-02-28T10:27:00.000-08:002017-02-28T10:27:45.117-08:00ARE YOU A FEMINIST?<span style="font-size: large;">By Silvia Uribe</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, a friend of mine asked if I consider myself a feminist, and whether feminism spoke to me as a woman today.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Here is my response:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkP7zz9HUOFhVTCeLm35P7IYaHYGsO1HC6v0tFy1qamPKOFUnMVDbM9WgPwjbPC090Ut0Vs9pwrUV6Bw7UeDoUMjA1GvaCX6cLK9ILcbbhoyymAgWoyDjTBtGY8-edJbWH0hD9EtGq3B1/s1600/FEMINISM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrkP7zz9HUOFhVTCeLm35P7IYaHYGsO1HC6v0tFy1qamPKOFUnMVDbM9WgPwjbPC090Ut0Vs9pwrUV6Bw7UeDoUMjA1GvaCX6cLK9ILcbbhoyymAgWoyDjTBtGY8-edJbWH0hD9EtGq3B1/s200/FEMINISM.png" width="200" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am a woman, who raised women, and support women. I try not to judge other women. I try to be an ally to all women. I respect women and their right to choose the way they want to live their live. I value my freedom and all women's freedom more than anything. </span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I like, love, and admire, men who do the same. Men that are free and confident, who support women, and our right to be free and confident.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I want to see more women read more, and be more prepared to be more independent. Independence goes far beyond making money. Being independent is a way of conducting one self in all circumstances, and in front of anyone. I believe that independence of our minds is the most important, so we don't let anyone dictate how we feel, or how we think, or act. We are as capable, and as strong as anyone else. There is historical proof that women have always found our own way.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I frequently remind women about the unavoidable personal responsibility that comes with freedom: Making sure that we use that freedom in a way that will elevate us, personally, and as a group, a little bit more every day. Of course, we will make mistakes, but as soon as we realize that we've made one, we need to show our strength by correcting the path immediately.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Finally, I always warn women about something that can even be a life preserving point - It is true that we, women, can do anyting we want. No doubt about it. Any-thing! Just never lose sight of the fact that everything comes at a price. So when we set a goal for ourselves, we should honestly evaluate, in advance, if what we desire is worth the price.</span></div>
<div style="border-image: none;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Yes. I am a feminist!</span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; display: inline; float: none; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: pre-wrap; word-spacing: 0px;"><br /></span>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-244099176816523932016-11-20T21:32:00.000-08:002016-11-20T21:32:24.213-08:00THE PLEASURES OF TRAVELING<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>By Silvia Uribe</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU9aoG7H23ebUahXuFsGTTZ_7NamTqhYP8BWvwXg9FU7E124uRdj6p9wD4EZ5HgsdTARGXq_5T3mk2d1bV6FaCgn-EDTx7okc0fh9fRVjuLJ75-rBktHDHgFmlpg0fqn56M0gU0v-E66e/s1600/Maleta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdU9aoG7H23ebUahXuFsGTTZ_7NamTqhYP8BWvwXg9FU7E124uRdj6p9wD4EZ5HgsdTARGXq_5T3mk2d1bV6FaCgn-EDTx7okc0fh9fRVjuLJ75-rBktHDHgFmlpg0fqn56M0gU0v-E66e/s200/Maleta.jpg" width="200" /></a><b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Traveling, no doubt,
is one of the greatest pleasures for those of us who like adventure, people,
new experiences, and surprises. Also, as Gustave Flaubert said "Travel makes one modest. You see what a tiny place you occupy in the world."<span style="color: #333333;"><span style="background-color: white;"> </span></span>I totally agree.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">The first step when traveling,
is to think about where to go, and draw a mental map of what I want to see
there. I like suggesting a place, and waiting for the counter-proposals that I
may get from my travel partner. The decision is always based on the place that
offers the most, at the best price. Then looking for comfortable accommodations,
also at a fair price, may take some time, but this proves to be a good investment.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">I enjoy the
investigation part – an elementary step, my dear reader. What is there to
discover? The great internet window reveals the answer to me in my own living
room, while I sip a delicious coffee. I take mental and written notes of what
will later become a reality. With each day, the excitement grows and the wait
decreases. The anxiety is unavoidable, mainly, because we leave our obligations
behind. We feel we are indispensable.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Finally, the day is
here. Maybe we will travel a few hours or many more. If we travel by plane, we
accept the idea of a stressful trip, due to the time wasted at airports,
cancelled flights or marathons through those long hallways with electric bands
that go so slow that using them may mean losing our connection flight. We run
next to them instead. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sooner or later we
get to our destiny. Big sigh of relief.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">After I get to a new
place, I like to go out for a walk on the nearby streets, to know what’s
around: the names of the streets, convenience and other stores, transportation,
and what have you. Maybe, I want to know this to feel, from the get go, that
I’m not lost, and so that things can slowly become familiar to me.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Once I get to the
place I will call home for a pre-determined amount of days, I love looking out
the window, and filling my eyes with whatever I can see, what’s different, what
I never saw before and, maybe, to point at places that look interesting. I
enjoy setting the goal to get to those places, even if I don’t know how to get
there. This experience, of figuring things out is exciting to me. Maybe little
children don’t feel as excited, because that’s their life. They discover new
things every day. For us, adults, is not like that. We know and have
experienced most things, or so we think. But, when we encounter something new,
our sensation progresses from insecurity, to excitement, and once we figure it
out, to satisfaction. <o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Taking a trip and not
walking a lot, is not really traveling. During my travel adventures, I walk 6-8
hours a day. I walk, and I also take all kinds of transportation. Because of
this, I have traveled by horse, mule, car, bus, motorcycle, bicycle, pedi-cab,
tram, metro, train, bullet train, rickshaw, “trajinera”, “gondola” aqua-bus,
“aliscafo”, jetski, boat, motor boat, ship, aircraft carrier, small planes,
commercial planes, and war planes, funicular and helicopter. Never in a
submarine, because I’m claustrophobic, or in a balloon because it scares me to
death. My transportation dream? A flying car, like the Jetsons’, but I must
wait a few years for that one.</b><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">However, what I like
the most about traveling is the people I meet. I like knowing, and so I ask
them, how they live, what they like, if they are satisfied with their life. I
ask them who they consider important life, what they their government gives
them, and what it takes from them; what they can and cannot do in terms of social
freedom, and what are their ambitions. I also enjoy sharing what they want to
know, of course. These interactions are usually a humbling experience, and
gives the other person, and me, an intellectual intimacy and understanding that
goes way beyond words.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">Talking about words,
languages come easily for me. But, when I do not speak the language, I truly
enjoy the goodwill of people to understand what I say, and their willingness to make themselves
understood. It is like playing “charades”. We use our bodies, our minds, and we
get frustrated, and then we laugh, and start all over again, until
communication is achieved. Traveling without communicating with natives is not
a complete experience to me; I may know the place we visit, but I don’t get to know
the culture’s soul.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">So, I like those
traveling days with no obligations or concerns other than looking for
experiences or objects that will remain in my mind and possession, and that I
will be able to share with those interested. Today, one can make a book of each
trip. Mine have pictures and brief comments. I like this online technology
option because that way I can capture
the images and sensations of the moment without eventually forgetting about
them or losing the pictures who knows where.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-size: large;">After each trip, my
friends ask me if I would go back to the same place. My standard answer is no. It
is not interesting to me to see what I have already seen, when there is so much
to discover out there. The world is vast, my friend, and it always has something new and
intriguing to offer.</span><o:p></o:p></b></div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.2112 -120.02091360000003 34.630461000000004 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-59927217498971062002016-05-24T16:27:00.001-07:002016-05-24T16:27:51.614-07:00CUANDO CALLAMOS....<br /><div class="MsoNormal">
Por Silvia Uribe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cuando callamos, nuestra mente vuela,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
nuestras ideas se expanden,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
nuestros ojos cuchichean<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
lo que la boca no osa decir;<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
eso que intriga, que muerde o que mata,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
a veces, lo que ninguno desea oir.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Cuando callamos, el sonido puro <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
del pensamiento no se interrumpe.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
La voz tenue del alma sigue alli<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
y es como si guaradáramos un tesoro<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
que a nadie le quisiéramos descubrir.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
Los pensamientos se esfuman con tan poco<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
y el silencio es tan efectiva proteccion,<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
que si lo rompemos primero<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
el pensamiento vuela y se escapa </div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
de la mano de otro pensamiento seductor</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-47715659024345630232016-05-11T11:21:00.000-07:002016-05-11T11:21:45.825-07:00NO TE VAYAS AUN.<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b>Por Silvia Uribe.</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_EnJbzGW_0uIIjsGLT_CgKwLJxFGGNKtOArrgMdhaw772I1VsDtXa0N0g00WP0KgBzHAJEVeGB147saaO1aPjvZjRl6kChIWHiFdSMGvu6xxq7pRwc-zfkhNtOwZtxSHTF_nKZ78OPZ7l/s1600/No+te+vayas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<h4>
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">(Para Adolfo)</span></b></h4>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">No te vayas aún, hay tanto por hablar</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tanto que decir, tanto que preguntar,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A pesar de ser cercano, no se te conocía,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hasta que un buen día, por fin, nos pusimos a charlar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Te fuí descubriendo de a poco<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Y fuí apreciándote
cada vez más<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Ví por primera vez a esa persona<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">A la que es tan sencillo querer y admirar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Te extranaremos todos; mi madre en especial,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Tus bromas, tus cuentos y tu memoria sin igual,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">¿Quién nos relatará la historia?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">¿Quién nos dará nombre, fecha y lugar?<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">No te vayas aún, todavía hay tanto por hablar,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Cuando te vayas nos quedará un vacío,<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Que solo a tu retorno se volverá a llenar.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
</div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.211274 -120.02091360000003 34.630387 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-59568545629969250792016-05-09T11:00:00.000-07:002016-05-09T11:00:28.331-07:00VISION AND INTEGRITY ARE POLITICS MAIN INGREDIENTS… OR ARE THEY?<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Silvia Uribe <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNdWTozrmNlAWX3v2iX7DHyuAKQkcKTe0S2fyuWiw-4cXi8HWX8ubwjrvcvghyphenhyphenaicGdUQCn8BxNcg6CN5bftB37xS7f2vueoZsY7Fd5sToUf9K-C1z-7wn3dxtfDU0PvXdScjm004byMW/s1600/Trump.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="116" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirNdWTozrmNlAWX3v2iX7DHyuAKQkcKTe0S2fyuWiw-4cXi8HWX8ubwjrvcvghyphenhyphenaicGdUQCn8BxNcg6CN5bftB37xS7f2vueoZsY7Fd5sToUf9K-C1z-7wn3dxtfDU0PvXdScjm004byMW/s200/Trump.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Maybe I should start with a full disclosure. I am an
independent thinking Democrat, which, to me, only means that I don’t follow, or
agree, on everything with the Democratic Party. By default, this also means
that I have the ability to see, and agree on certain points coming from the
opposite side. What? I know, I know. This not only raises a few brows here and
there. It also puts me in the “endangered species” category of the, so called, political
pragmatics. Precisely because I am an independent thinker, I would like for
everyone to be one. However, this seems a lost battle these days when we,
as a country, are so polarized, so intolerant of others’ opinions, and so close
minded, with the cliche attitude of “it is my way, or the highway.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The result of that extreme polarization? Donald Trump and
his boisterous campaign. In my humble opinion, he is also the result of the
lack of imagination and vision on the Republican Party side (sorry Republican
friends). If we look back on how things developed, we can vividly remember that the
Republican Party never liked Trump as a candidate; they thought he was a “joke”, at the very least. Joke or not, however, Republicans were afraid of him and his
threats of creating a third party “if not treated well.” They thought that if
he did, it would weaken their party, so, they let him be. By lacking action, they
also allowed him prey on people’s primary instincts: fear, anxiety, anger, desire
for power, hatred. He used then and now, the "psychology of the masses", as they call it. By the time Republicans were willing to do something about
it, it was too late. They most likely will have an unscrupulous presidential
candidate, who in his own words, is “greedy for power” and doesn’t care that
his inflammatory words can cause riots, or even the possibility of people physically
and verbally attacking members of “undesirable” groups, i.e. women, Latinos,
Muslims, and counting.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The only good thing that I see about Donald Trump is that, now,
many Republicans and most Democrats despise him, and are able to see him for
what he is: a fraud and a danger to this country. Hey, we have not agreed on
anything else for years now!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The reason that I write this column at this point, is
because it is sickening to me to think that the Republican Party could give its
endorsement to this “trumper” (urban dictionary: A brash, pretentious,
narcissistic man who makes outrageous, controversial statements and engages in
attention-seeking behavior for money or fame.) who's willing to trump up ( Dictionary.com:
to devise deceitfully or dishonestly. Fabricate.) everything and everyone. His opponents, and other party members, from Chris Christie, Marco Rubio, Ben Carson, and Carly Fiorina to
the Bush family and even Paul Ryan have declared their distaste for Mr. Trump, but
some of them have, and others might gather around him, and give him their endorsement after having a few meetings
with him at the White House next Wednesday. Seriously? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Do Republican Party members really think that they can
trust this guy? He is going to say anything in order to get his hunger for
power satisfied. These are a few examples to prove it:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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their presidential campaigns – He is, as we speak, getting ready to raise serious money and has a
Super PAC already in formation</span></div>
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immigration (I would rather have those who work on the fields to have the
opportunity to live here legally too) and wants to deport people left and
right, but he yesterday said he loves Hispanics, and celebrated 5 de Mayo with
a “huge” American style tostada bowl.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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the military to use torture with terrorists, waterboarding or worse, and then
when confronted in an interview he said “I would not ask the military to do
anything illegal”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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attacked women. He now wants to gain
their vote by being quasi-charming (not really), and so on.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Paul Ryan said that he is not ready <u>yet</u> to
support him, unless he thinks that Trump will run a campaign of which Republicans
could be proud. Is this a possibility in Ryan’s mind at this point? Is he, and
others, ready to go ahead and endorse him just to have a vocally (not politically)
strong contestant against Hillary Clinton? I believe it is morally wrong that
they are willing to put our country at stake that way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'times new roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Sad. Very sad.</span>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.211274 -120.02091360000003 34.630387 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-1770033866934908202015-11-22T20:24:00.000-08:002015-11-22T20:24:35.324-08:00THE MOTHER OF THE BRIDEAdvice on how to plan a successful wedding in two months.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlupjFC0fx_V36b6LYjDavlGQ_ogCuKQu0TUAtWHSfaRtNkRMY8qphWc-lE24mCYAaZq_yrtp5Xu5smYuvafVmc7jCc5IY25zF0heGeoiN2HQkKk8ZSkOFz0FM0yBwGXlunIIQOAN6bTz/s1600/o-MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE-facebook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOlupjFC0fx_V36b6LYjDavlGQ_ogCuKQu0TUAtWHSfaRtNkRMY8qphWc-lE24mCYAaZq_yrtp5Xu5smYuvafVmc7jCc5IY25zF0heGeoiN2HQkKk8ZSkOFz0FM0yBwGXlunIIQOAN6bTz/s320/o-MOTHER-OF-THE-BRIDE-facebook.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Without a doubt, when our daughters are ready to start their life as Mrs. “Je ne se pa quoi”, we, as their parents, know that the time for change has arrived, and that a somewhat stressful time is just ahead. A lot is expected from us. From the emotional to the financial, the commitment is huge, and at times, more than we can handle. An additional stressor is, of course, dealing with the nerves of the bride, the groom, and of everyone around them.<br />
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Some parents see this time as a time to make decisions: the ceremony, the venue, the guests, the food, the dress and the accessories, just to name a few. Other parents want to be hands off, they’re the “just tell me where to show up” type of people. They simply don’t want to be involved.<br />
In my case, supporting my daughter was paramount. I wanted to be as involved as she wanted me to be; no more and no less. She, and my now son-in-law -, were the ones calling the shots.<br />
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We only had two months to plan the wedding due to a job offer they got in a far away and unexplored land (by us) called San Jose, CA, so things were a bit hectic. I’m happy to report that the bride-to-be and I, remained busy, and at the same time, emotionally stable (for the most part.) In full disclosure, I have to confess, that I had a few recommendations for her as we started the wedding planning journey. I knew myself, and I knew her well. I knew what we needed to do in order to maintain our sanity (as much as possible in such circumstance) so we could be able to function well and be efficient.<br />
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Here is what I suggested:<br />
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DO NOT LET DRAMA DRIVE THE PLANNING - In order to pull this off, they needed not to be capricious about stuff. She and I have planned many events in the past; from community events to fundraisers and family dinners, we’ve done it all. If we treated this as “another” event, I knew that things would gel just fine with minimal hiccups. To accomplish this, and due to the emotion involved, she would have to be as flexible as possible, to open her ears, and listen to suggestions first, then evaluate them, and then, make a decision.<br />
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CHERISH YOUR FUTURE MEMORIES - When she asked me to go with her to buy her wedding dress, I was elated. I also mentioned that bringing other people along was unnecessary. Despite what the show “Say Yes to the Dress” wants to drill in our brains about an “entourage”, having so many opinions can be detrimental, and slow down the process, plus it would have driven me crazy! Call me romantic, but to me, this should be a very intimate daughter-mother time, as opposed to a stage for personalities to compete.<br />
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BE PRACTICAL - I suggested to choose the color and the length for the bridesmaids’ dresses, but let them choose the model they preferred. Due to time constraints, and very different body types, it would have been difficult to choose only one style. This part always has the potential of becoming a real nightmare!<br />
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CHOOSE A CLASSICAL LOOK - Wedding portraits will be seen for generations to come. Modern looks won’t look as modern ten - or more - years later (just look at some of your friends’ old pictures!) I suggested a classical bride look as opposed to an “avant-garde” one; you know, hair in a bun, conventional jewelry and a professionally done, discrete make up.<br />
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FOOD – Since this is one of the focal points of a wedding, think about everyone. It should be well presented, tasty, and easy to eat and digest (so guests are not at risk of staining themselves, or be uncomfortable.)<br />
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I didn’t mention here the ceremony, the venue, or the music – the other focal points of a wedding – because the happy couple had made up their minds and I had nothing to do with that whatsoever. Their taste was impeccable!<br />
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You may be wondering if all my suggestions were put into practice. Of course, the answer is no, and it was ok with me. After all, this was their wedding, not mine. <br />
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I gave my daughter one last piece of advice. The same one that someone gave me when I got married some 33 years ago:<br />
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“In every wedding, there’s always something that won’t happen as planned. Don’t worry. You will end up laughing about it, and telling the story to your grandchildren.”<br />
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(I know all too well about things that don't happen as pIanned during a wedding, but that story will be for another day.)<br />
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Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.211274 -120.02091360000003 34.630387 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-37912301981601363522015-06-30T00:37:00.000-07:002015-06-30T00:37:29.829-07:00A STAND AGAINST INJUSTICE.<div class="MsoNormal">
By Silvia Uribe</div>
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You might have heard Donald Trump’s remarks as a “presidential candidate” regarding Mexicans, but in case you didn't, he said something like: most Mexicans in the US are affiliated with drug cartels, and that most are rapists. Whether you agree or disagree with him on his hate-based ignorant assumptions, and gross generalizations about Latinos in general, and Mexicans, in particular, you have a right to your opinion. If you agree with Trump, I hope you’re not afraid of reading on. If you’re not in agreement with him, and think that he was out of line with his discriminatory comments, I also hope that when reading this letter you analyze your own actions, or lack thereof -immediately after you heard those remarks, and even to this point in time.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo5LLBQlO7EcDL5o8JfHScedF95fe57D_3yuEjhzgA0SuZAlO-rOGZwd1x7JP8tDbb7JeRjJyv9lr29czR536Hz6THnQW5S7i-5mAa0C3ZtLFUpJiWWgXuichjqH7q3a0pAXtJRmYCrnz/s1600/Einstein.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZo5LLBQlO7EcDL5o8JfHScedF95fe57D_3yuEjhzgA0SuZAlO-rOGZwd1x7JP8tDbb7JeRjJyv9lr29czR536Hz6THnQW5S7i-5mAa0C3ZtLFUpJiWWgXuichjqH7q3a0pAXtJRmYCrnz/s200/Einstein.jpg" width="195" /></a></div>
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I was born and raised in Mexico. Yes, I am Mexican, as Mexican as they come. I’ve been living in this wonderful country for 22 years now, and I am as American as anyone else. I love this country, my country, the USA. When I hear the kind of ignorant remarks that Trump expressed so openly, I can very easily see that, what this country was, it is no more. Historically, the US has been a country with advanced ideas and the highest ideals. Those two characteristics were the USA’s trademark. They were also the springboard that propelled our country into becoming the power that it has, so far, been. Unfortunately, things have changed. When was the vision lost?</div>
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Trump’s comments reflect not only his own biases, but those of some people for whom the only ideas and ideals are to preserve their “cast”, which they believe is entitled to judge and make decisions for everyone because they “are better” and “know better.” They are part of the 1% who has all the wealth. They want to have everyone else under their thumb, and want others to have the least educational opportunities, so they can pay them little money. This cast wants to preserve their lifestyle at the expense of others. It seems, however, that this 1% is being successful at establishing new values for our land. They don’t have advanced ideas, or high ideals. On the contrary, they want to live in a shameful past, enjoying the servitude of those of whom they see as inferior. Individuals who think like Trump, are the ones bringing this country down by creating such a wide gap between the ‘have and the have not’s.’ Soon, if we let them continue on this path, we will all realize that there is not going back, and other countries, with a clear vision, will take the power over.</div>
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However, I’m really writing this letter to get the attention of those who believe themselves to be inclusive, and progressive; to those good, non-discriminatory people who really appreciate others, their hard work, and who believe that everyone should have the same opportunities to succeed in life.</div>
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In the aftermath of Trump’s statements, I have observed that no allies are speaking up. Where are you? When someone makes this type of comments, you just shake your head in disapproval but comply with your silence? We know that when we see an injustice and do nothing, we are part of the problem. Unfortunately, it is easier to remain in the dark, not stick our necks out, and not be criticized. I know it. I used to do this too.</div>
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I also know that being vocal regarding injustice is risky business, but at some point in our lives we have to decide between being accepted, and putting our ethical and moral values and beliefs first. Situations like these are the perfect opportunity for us to make a definite statement regarding what we want to see in our country, and what we don’t want the US to become.</div>
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During the 60’s, and more so recently, we see individuals of all skin colors protesting injustice, discrimination and violence against our black brothers and sisters. Why is this not happening when someone discriminates against Latinos? Are Latinos the new target minority? By being silent, we are condoning the undermining of Latinos and other discriminatory behaviors against them. (I'm happy to report that at the time of this publication, NBC and other corporations are cutting business ties with Trump due to his racist comments)</div>
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But, regardless of Trump’s statements, I believe that it is a must that we, as Americans, hold steadfast to our values and beliefs independent of what is popular. A stand against injustice should be a permanent stand. Acting on our values must include speaking up when injustice is witnessed against any person or group, on a national stage, or at a grocery shop. Speaking up against injustice can mean interjecting, or simply discussing the matter within our circle of influence to bring the issue out in the open. Talking about selfies, fashion and entertainment is fun, but we cannot expect that these conversations will make our lives and our country better. However, justice and equality will.</div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.211274 -120.02091360000003 34.630387 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-19173281193607752312015-03-17T01:24:00.000-07:002015-03-17T01:24:08.595-07:00 DISCRIMINATION<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b>D </b>reading to be positive</div>
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<b>I </b>n fear they live</div>
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<b>S </b>tanding on the fence, always </div>
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<b>C </b>alling the other “weird”</div>
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<b>R </b>eaching out to know others? </div>
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<b>I</b> mpossible! Plus, who cares? </div>
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<b>M</b> uch easier to judge, only, </div>
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<b>I</b> nstead of taking the time to learn </div>
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<b>N </b>o! why should I accept them? </div>
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<b>A </b>lways, they scream and shout </div>
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<b>T </b>ime should not change us</div>
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<b>I</b> ‘ll be exclusive, and will still pout</div>
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<b>O </b>n the other hand, they don’t know that </div>
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<b>N</b> o one, in fear, can truly carry out </div>
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Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-42303165877959194532015-02-24T15:52:00.000-08:002015-02-24T15:52:02.092-08:00 RECENT REALIZATIONS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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EMPTY NEST OR WELCOME LIBERTY!</div>
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<span style="text-align: start;">By Silvia Uribe</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wkBaHxmdxULoOoF7IHVDjlTZtF3eRnFVPxdLPkKo4nC_hqPxp2OXXEPrR7g_-4Hs5hf9tz_o3NR0QxBFC1HqUnsp7KaqGYyUGsMLeGkPAZ6sie7fPf0KoAtNU-TVEKgw1pgtGAqPRXJx/s1600/Freedom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-wkBaHxmdxULoOoF7IHVDjlTZtF3eRnFVPxdLPkKo4nC_hqPxp2OXXEPrR7g_-4Hs5hf9tz_o3NR0QxBFC1HqUnsp7KaqGYyUGsMLeGkPAZ6sie7fPf0KoAtNU-TVEKgw1pgtGAqPRXJx/s1600/Freedom.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Yep. I'm the very proud mother of 2 young,
smart, educated, independent women. I'm in my 50's, and I have devoted 30 years
of my life to giving these human beings my very best with all my love, effort,
time, advice, and most importantly, with my example. During these years, I
watched them like a hawk, hovering over them, but not only to protect them –
although no one would have been allowed to hurt them on my watch – it was more
for guidance. It was very important for me to teach them about life, and about
the art of making intelligent decisions; a handy skill that they would use all
their life.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">True, 30 years is a long time, but for responsible
parents, as you know, time means absolutely nothing. They are up early, go to
work, come back to cook and clean, and at night, if need be, they are ready to
take care of an ill child. Do parents complain about this? All the time!
However, if someone would offer to take care of our little one while he/she is
boiling in fever, so we could have a good night sleep, most of us would have
not taken the offer. Why? Because parenthood is an arbitrary and self-imposed control
of our hearts, minds and bodies. However, for it is self-imposed, we simply
assume it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">That’s exactly how I experienced it. My
family and I went from one day to the next, with lots of love, laughter,
enjoyment of life, and collectively, we took all the lessons that life gave us,
and we moved right through them, until just a few months ago.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Last November, my oldest got married, and
moved to a different city. Her wedding was perfect! The guests were the most
loving guests. The bride and the groom </span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">couldn't</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> be happier, and both families
were walking on clouds. Everything was so perfect, that it was a rather surreal
experience. When I finally touched ground again, in December, our youngest
daughter made the decision of living independently, and moved out. She had
contemplated the idea for a few months, and she did it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">After cleaning what was left behind, I
found myself looking at the empty rooms like I have never seen them. They
seemed bigger, lighter, inviting. But their rooms were not the only think that
changed. All of a sudden, almost magically, my husband and I had more time to
spend with each other. Go figure! Good thing we kept our love intact after all
these years, right?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">People ask about our empty nest. They wonder
if I am doing ok with our new state of life. They say things like “Take it
easy” and “You’ll get used to it” – Hell
yeah!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">I’m finding out that as much as I enjoyed
raising my daughters, I am enjoying the fact that I am back in possession of my
freedom, my time, my house. So, if you
are anywhere near, or already at this stage that I’m in, here are five tips
that may help you go with the flow faster. I'm sure you'll think of more:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">1 1) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Start thinking about what YOU
like! Find an interest – or two – for
yourself. Whether work related, or volunteering, or doing something artistic. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">2 2) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Make whatever you like for
dinner, or don’t. Cooking is a free ride for you now. Make it when you want, IF
you want.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">3 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Move furniture around the
house, or change some pieces if you can. You are in/at a different space in
your life. Make your living space reflect it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">4 4) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Treat your children as the
adults they are. You are now an advisor. The fact that they don’t “need” you as they
did before means that you did a good job raising them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">5 5) </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">Redirect your energy. Time
spent with our kids will always be time well spent. But, as their priorities
have changed, your priority now should be yourself and your spouse or partner,
if you have one. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">So, it may be an empty nest now, but being
able to savor our liberty again, is not only a welcomed surprise, but also a satisfying
way to live life after fifty. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-48798509417812196372015-02-02T22:25:00.000-08:002015-02-02T22:30:46.973-08:00WE ARE A COMMUNITY <div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">And we can come together to serve a greater purpose</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">By Silvia Uribe<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS19vQgt9nq1AFvFAjtwqlEuUem7uUm4TXs-ve8cvSxMKihPpPUeJk4_pZ-81gYTYheMFa5D4Mn7_rAxkBeH245nRC9NSYRYaQXjm_GnQ4grvhK1Rd-NONjnw6JK9JZhXZ56Owkz8qRneY/s1600/GRACE+FEAST+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS19vQgt9nq1AFvFAjtwqlEuUem7uUm4TXs-ve8cvSxMKihPpPUeJk4_pZ-81gYTYheMFa5D4Mn7_rAxkBeH245nRC9NSYRYaQXjm_GnQ4grvhK1Rd-NONjnw6JK9JZhXZ56Owkz8qRneY/s1600/GRACE+FEAST+1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">This
is a tale of a beautiful young woman and her family, her church family, and a
caring community, and how they (we) all came together in a time of crisis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">During her birthday party, in December 2014, 17 year
old Grace Fisher suddenly began to feel alarming sensations in her body. Her
hands were numb and her neck sore. She insisted they call 911, and she was
rushed to the hospital. After getting to
the hospital, she gradually lost all mobility. Grace had to be intubated, unable
even to breathe on her own. <s> </s>This came
as a shockwave that hit those who know her, including her friends, and her schoolmates and teachers at Santa BArbara High School.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Due to an unknown reason Grace contracted <i>acute flaccid myelitis, </i>a polio-like, paralyzing syndrome that has impacted 107 children in 34 states between August of 2014 and January of this year; Grace is only the 101st child patient to be diagnosed in our country.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Although Grace had medical insurance coverage, after a month in the hospital, the medical out of pocket expenses for her family were exponentially mounting. The idea of a fundraising event was brought up. This idea resonated with the Missions Committee at the First United Methodist Church, which already had a fundraiser planned with Via Maestra Providing the food. When they learned about Grace's family situation, it was decided to make Gracie the beneficiary, instead. From that, an outpouring of love, compassion, and positive energy emanated. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The Moiso family, members of the church, and owners of the well-known restaurant Via Maestra 42, prepared and donated food for all those who would be willing to pay $25 for a meal. Many church members, rapidly RSVP'd and signed up to help with setting up, waiting tables, dish washing, and with clean up. Other people advertised the event via Facebook, by email, and in any other possible way. It was widely announced that 100% of the proceeds would go directly to the family. The media, KEYT3 and Santa Barbara NewsPress played a crucial role informing the greater Santa BArbara area, in a compassionate and socially responsible way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">The rest is history.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Over five hundred people, from all walks of life in
our community, gathered to achieve one single purpose: To support one child and
her family during this crisis. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">It was
refreshing to see strangers interacting with each other, greeting each other,
like old friends would do, except this was probably the first time they had
ever met! My self-imposed duty that day, was to clean up tables, and although
my intention was not to eves drop, I couldn’t help but listening to some of the
conversations. One woman said “there is something for all of us to learn out of
what has happened to Grace, and it is that we are still a community and we can
come together to serve one greater purpose, no matter where we come from, what
we do, or who we are. We sometimes forget about that”</span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 107%;">Totally agreed!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The
results? More than $34,000 were raised, at the event, and more donations are
still coming in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">You can still
make a donation:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Gracie Fisher Fund</span></strong><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br />
308 Paseo Del Descanso<br />
Santa Barbara, CA 93105<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Grace was air transported last Wednesday, and she is
now at the Craig Rehab Hospital just outside of Denver, Colorado. </span><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">For
updates on Gracie’s progress, see web site:
</span><a href="http://www.posthope.org/gracefisher"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">http://www.posthope.org/gracefisher</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoPlainText">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;">If you are interested in sending Grace and her
family a note of hope you can do it at:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoPlainText" style="text-align: center;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Hospital Address: </span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Craig Hospital<br />
c/o Grace Fisher<br />
3425 South Clarkson St.<br /><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt; text-align: center;"> Englewood, CO 80113</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"> </span></div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-30747685512262092742013-04-01T23:15:00.000-07:002013-04-01T23:15:39.545-07:00WHEN LIFE IS NOT IN PERFECT BALANCE...<div style="text-align: center;">
FOLLOW THESE 5 STEPS</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Silvia Uribe </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Life, in its simplest
way, tends to work quite well. We wake up every morning, and start our daily
routine: maybe some exercise, a shower, breakfast, and off we go, with our
“magic touch” to put things around us in motion. Our family –whoever is
encompassed in it –each one of them do their thing too. Our work, is no
different. We know – hopefully – what we’re doing, what needs to be done, and
even we know what cannot be done at a particular time, and we plan for the right
time to do it.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpMkbag0ml47jG1_7xHtCBjPRkRJllHDmQ7LKxttBiIgSHhynnEmqFzHV51aSjLwhgZU6KMrYOdPiQ6oruAFWzmwSpoWHkT0gII-mf8tkkFKGITrx15BP-eh242kxwo_4d_YEMU6Z8BVf/s1600/Healthy-Balance-1024x681.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGpMkbag0ml47jG1_7xHtCBjPRkRJllHDmQ7LKxttBiIgSHhynnEmqFzHV51aSjLwhgZU6KMrYOdPiQ6oruAFWzmwSpoWHkT0gII-mf8tkkFKGITrx15BP-eh242kxwo_4d_YEMU6Z8BVf/s200/Healthy-Balance-1024x681.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
We do this – within
reasonable parameters - every single day of our lives. We count on perfectly
balanced bodily functions, a perfectly balanced family routine, perfectly
balanced work activities, and in general, we count on a perfectly balanced
life. Until one day, in which it becomes very clear that, what we have been
taking for granted, is in fact a delicate, constant balance act of us walking
on a very thin thread of good luck, at a great height, with no protective net
beneath us.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
What are we to do if
anyone in our family gets suddenly sick, and the perfect balance in his/her
body doesn’t exist anymore? What if that person needs to stay in the hospital,
and you have to be at his/her bedside? What would happen then to your routine, your
family, your work, and your life? What if, because of this situation, you
cannot plan how your next week, or even your next day will look like? In one
word, what if the balance you’re so used to, crumbles beneath your feet, and
you realize you are on a free fall, or at least you think you are? This very
scary experience recently happened to me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
From it, I’ve learned
a few things that are worth sharing:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1. <b>We cannot predict the future</b> – when things get out of balance, the
next hour becomes a huge question mark. No matter how much we try, we
cannot know what’s to come. Stop trying to predict. It is not for us to
control what happens next. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2. <b>Stop resisting</b> – the more we resist, the more we suffer
and make others suffer. When things are not in balance the whole situation
becomes foreign to us. We cannot understand it, and we don’t have the
power to change it. Acceptance then, is our best bet. Accept the situation
as it is, and let it go through as it will. What’s going to happen is
going to happen, no matter how much we fight it. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3. <b>Take one day at a time</b> – Maximize the enjoyment of each good day
– not anticipating what will happen tomorrow – and deal with the not so
good days as best as you can. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4. <b>Know that you are not alone</b> – Trust in a higher power. Whether you
call it God, Jehovah, Allah, Brahman, or Nature. You can be sure that he
or she is watching over you. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5. R<b>each out to your family</b> <b>and
friends </b>– Many of us have the false believe that we must be
super-heroes, and quietly deal on our own with anything that comes our way.
Well, we are not so. Ask for help to those who love you. If nothing else,
tell them the situation, and ask them to call you, and cheer you up. Or,
to lend you a helping hand if they can. Or, simply, to tell you that they
love you, which may be just what you need to hear. Or to pray for you – sending
you good vibes – since these are never excessive. Or, to distract you with
their conversation – a couple of laughs never hurt anyone. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Particularly when things are “out of whack” around us, we tend to be
nervous, frazzled, and lost in our own imbalance. That’s when it is important
to put the right ingredients in place, much like in a fast cooking recipe, to
calm our souls and restore our inner peace, if nothing else, until the
circumstances around us – whatever they may be – come to a perfect balance once
again… and, they will.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-80617158453943944652013-04-01T22:12:00.001-07:002013-04-01T22:12:19.690-07:00A SUCCESSFUL MARRIAGE<div style="text-align: center;">
HOW TO SURVIVE THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND THE UGLY?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXB8SNm0c5FXXYbfyj3H5bV58BfvHEcF9rZeA-PF-p3kO-0IW9Kg9vdfe2-K8uChXmnGzA5N2e56p1OZC1URrMpUfddfqn_s1LDZPfdALG395Irj_dRTWpJR6iyB-teTZJmP_XrQGWVYi/s1600/marriage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicXB8SNm0c5FXXYbfyj3H5bV58BfvHEcF9rZeA-PF-p3kO-0IW9Kg9vdfe2-K8uChXmnGzA5N2e56p1OZC1URrMpUfddfqn_s1LDZPfdALG395Irj_dRTWpJR6iyB-teTZJmP_XrQGWVYi/s320/marriage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #080000; font-family: Arial, Georgia, serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As my husband and I
celebrated our 31st wedding anniversary, people asked me to write about how to
achieve a successful marriage, so I’ll share a few of my thoughts on the
subject.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Getting married is
such a big commitment - we have all at least heard, if not experienced, this
fact of life. Frequently, however, we see that the supposed commitment is
broken with such ease that just the opposite becomes clear - people are, in
fact, not committed. From the get-go it was just an empty promise. Particularly
for those who, before they get married, are thinking, "if it doesn't work,
I'll divorce him/her."<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I’m not advocating
here in favor of allowing someone to disrespect our spiritual, physical, or
emotional boundaries, as would happen in an abusive relationship. Abuse should
not be tolerated. What I’m talking about is the kind of commitment that gives
us the internal strength that allows us to fight to unknown limits in order to
save a good relationship with a person who’s worth the effort.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
To break it down,
let’s say that the good times are those whimsical periods in which everything
goes well; when both parties are very agreeable and there is almost no
noticeable difficulty. This period usually happens in the beginning, and during
many different periods along the life of the marriage. After a few weeks, even a few months, when
we discover the differences we have with our partner, the bad becomes obvious.
Even though we try to be tolerant, it is not always possible. The friction –
from differences in education and customs and from those shenanigans that we do
every day – becomes insufferable. The arguments ensue, the passive-aggressive
behaviors take center stage, and we start double-guessing our decision to tie
our life to such an undesirable person, who quite frankly doesn't listen,
doesn't understand, is selfish, and is not willing to change. Since using logic doesn't seem to work, and
yelling worsens things, we keep those feelings silent. We avoid making waves
until the day comes when we cannot stand it any more and hell breaks loose.
Then we start considering the possibility of divorce. Yes, most successful
marriages have gone through these periods, also.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In my view, it is at
these very moments when the difference can be seen between a successful
marriage and one that ends in divorce. Marriage is a contract, after all. Those
couples who stop in their tracks during the difficult times and go back to
analyzing why they signed this "contract" in the first place, have a
better chance of achieving their common
goal. As in business, when we sign the
contract we shouldn't expect that it'll be an effortless endeavor, or that we
won't find pebbles, stones, rocks, or even boulders in the way. We sign knowing
that we will overcome almost anything in order to realize the desired outcome.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But wait, we have not
yet gotten to the ugly part of marriage, which I consider those periods in
which huge, life-altering events come our way, out of the blue in most
instances. Those moments in which it seems like not only the marriage, but also
the whole world is coming to an end (most couples go through at least one of
these periods, if not a few). It is then that a couple needs full commitment,
the decision to succeed, and reassurance that they can hold onto each other
until the storm passes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
You may have noticed
that I used the word successful, and not “long-lasting” marriage, as these two
things are not necessarily the same. A successful marriage is one that both
parties value and enjoy throughout the years. A long-lasting marriage may
persist even if one or both people are miserable but for one reason or another
– family pressure, custom, or finances – it doesn't get dissolved. Long-lasting, successful marriages aren't
always easy and breezy, but they are not impossible either, as long as we
choose the right person – not necessarily the cutest, funniest, or richest, but
the one who’s going to have the same level of love, respect, and commitment to
work on the relationship as we do. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Then, our marriage
will be strong enough to survive the good, the bad, and the ugly, hand-in-hand
with the one we love.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara, CA, USA34.4208305 -119.6981901000000334.211273 -120.02091360000003 34.630388 -119.37546660000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-8784060973170235332012-12-29T18:01:00.000-08:002012-12-29T18:01:33.089-08:005 STEPS TO RECHARGE YOUR SPARK.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Silvia Uribe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlnA7SkaHtCtJdhyphenhyphenJ0cPm0ejHCsPh41VqEY3GpEw5DWM78vCTSeILfuZ60jPfJoufE6AcgY7lNMzQe8lwXdquT0G5vIMFB8oa7GgD7B1Nx8dcnW-RLf8LFKxL3sCbE3kPbNR9HDVtHiUT/s1600/sparkle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="160" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMlnA7SkaHtCtJdhyphenhyphenJ0cPm0ejHCsPh41VqEY3GpEw5DWM78vCTSeILfuZ60jPfJoufE6AcgY7lNMzQe8lwXdquT0G5vIMFB8oa7GgD7B1Nx8dcnW-RLf8LFKxL3sCbE3kPbNR9HDVtHiUT/s320/sparkle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all have a spark, the spark of life, and joy within us.
Just by the simple fact of living, we own that little spark: This is the spark
that brightens our eyes when we are happy, that pulls upward the corners of our
lips when we see or hear something that pleases us; the tiny little spark of
hope, that gets us going in difficult times, and makes us remember that
tomorrow will be another day.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
We all know someone who’s spark is so bright, it brightens
us, and bring us back to life even when we are tired, or just simply
bored. These are the people whose energy
is contagious; those who can manage to infuse us with an injection of
excitement out of the blue. These are people that produce an attraction on
others, and good, positive events around them. We call them lucky. Bun in
reality, they are responsible for creating this cosmic synergy, with their
spark; one that others don’t want to miss.
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
However, when life gets tough, our little spark deems. It
deems so much that it almost becomes imperceptible, even to ourselves. But, it
is then, when we need our spark more than ever. So the question here is: How to
re-charge our spark? </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 – <b>Do not just complain
about your problem. Take action. – </b>Continuously thinking about a problem without
making any decisions, and taking any actions is a recipe for disaster: the
problem won’t get solved, and you’ll be overwhelmed. Don’t stay in the
analyzing stage forever. Start making decisions, and take the appropriate
actions. Now, you’re on your way to solve your problem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 – <b>Do not create a
snowball – </b>If you happen to have more than one problem at the same time,
try to separate them, and deal with both, but one independent from the other.
Snowballs are hard to stop once they get rolling. You may have a couple of
problems in your life, but your whole life is not a problem, unless you allow
for this to happen. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
3 – <b>Cry if you will,
but limit your suffering time – </b>Do not allow yourself to become a victim of
your circumstances. Realize that although your problem might be big, and it
causes you a lot of stress, there are other aspects of your life that are actually
enjoyable. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
4 – E<b>very day, do one
thing that brings you peace– </b>Whether it is exercise, meditation, prayer,
therapy, or a good conversation with a friend, we need to decompress. Maybe it
is a peaceful walk on the beach, or a cup of hot chocolate and a good read. Do
this for only 30 minutes if your time is limited, but do something to
reestablish your inner balance, and the intensity of your sparkle. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
5 –<b>Do not allow your
sparkle to be extinct – </b>When life gets tough we feel that our sparkle is
the last thing we want to think about, but we must. Without a conscious effort
to find the affable side of life, we have the risk to fall into depression, and
once we’ve fallen, it is quite difficult to recover.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And, remember that having a bright spark, could help you
tremendously this time of the year.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
HAPPY NEW YEAR!</div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0Santa Barbara31.952162238024972 -119.39061641693115-21.102693761975029 157.99219608306885 85.007018238024969 -36.773428916931152tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-20193597448680430252012-12-28T14:21:00.001-08:002012-12-28T14:21:58.367-08:00 AMERICA HOSTAGE OF ITS OWN CONGRESS?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VIrOWlIchcg3YqyRz-kTQ-c_ay_R9zmY03mlMNr0PAUuQcuZ_NBKW7C5p5ziLR45wdo5mPnM_5TKBffeu3GrSYaDVNTkszrZeFygfCMYEDJQSggfOvglMG5uTKMw-OOk_T1bqTvWf5P/s1600/US-Congress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh3VIrOWlIchcg3YqyRz-kTQ-c_ay_R9zmY03mlMNr0PAUuQcuZ_NBKW7C5p5ziLR45wdo5mPnM_5TKBffeu3GrSYaDVNTkszrZeFygfCMYEDJQSggfOvglMG5uTKMw-OOk_T1bqTvWf5P/s320/US-Congress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
By Silvia Uribe</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the midst of celebrating the Holidays, it seems that we,
the people, are oblivious to the financial/political reality that we face as a
country. We hear about the financial troubles, we are sort of aware of the
risks to come, but for now, we don’t want to think about the possibility of our
country falling into a second recession. However, the possibility seems
inevitable, especially if we consider that as of now, we are already being
strangled with a 2% increase in our taxes. Why? Because <st1:place w:st="on">Washington</st1:place> didn’t come to a rational
agreement on time. Whose fault is this?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As a country, we’ve been fighting the fight, a big one, all
over the world, against terrorists and terrorism. We have spent trillions of
dollars in such a quest. But, how is it that Congress is holding us
hostage to their political interests, their lack of vision, and of their
ineptitude altogether?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Our representatives’ tantrums are tiring, insulting, and
dangerous for our county. Most of the time, they behave like capricious infants
- when they don’t like the game that’s being played, they want to take the ball
go home -. As citizens of this country we should hold these career politicians
accountable for their actions. We are only a few days from another financial debacle, and they don't do their job. Meanwhile the whole country nail-biting, and waiting on them!</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The President is doing what he can to avoid serious
financial consequences for 99% of Americans, while the Speaker of the House
shows his party servitude to interests that are not the majority’s. Among the
people, there is an overwhelming feeling of lack of control, and hopelessness. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Congress' careless attitude makes us wonder why, if we are going after terrorists all over the world, we let our
government terrorize us with their indolence toward the majority, and their
less than stellar performance while doing their job?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
In the meantime, those inept representatives are indulging
in their libation of power – as intoxicating as the strongest drug – and
trusting that for them, not facing the average Joe’s problems, next year will
be a good one. What about us? They should realize that they’re stretching us too thin.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The people of this country are hard working individuals. We
do our part. We are not a mass of 300 million people living in the <st1:place w:st="on">United States</st1:place>.
Each one of us is a human being with dreams and hopes for a better future for
our families. Our country is strong due to the individual effort of each one of
us. We deserve from the people we elect to represent us to be responsive to us.
Our representatives are not there to rule, but to make sure
that the needs and wants of the people are met. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Through our world history, we know that indolent governments
and financially oppressed societies make a very dangerous combination. Our
country has always striven on giving its people the chance to do well during
their productive years, so that they can enjoy life in their retirement. All of
us, citizens of this country, expect to savor the fruit of our hard work. It
is only fair that we are granted the chance to do it. </div>
Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-47170685833674699392012-07-03T08:30:00.000-07:002012-07-03T08:30:02.627-07:00Parents: Guides or Cheerleaders?<br />
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />How Much Is Too Much Praise?</div>
<div align="center" class="subhead">
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY3CxuPCCZtlfb37ZKSKNhdHZwKSpOHtU4Im-21aT_V1Gw-bIuznJ5RYamMikWba0q88FtxkBw_bwKyCyiXtGiNCELVbZtNVx_PC94PBa8Bh3timhzRF5hZGUVp5eEtybd0DnXBWkS7g/s1600/whyarekidsbrats.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioY3CxuPCCZtlfb37ZKSKNhdHZwKSpOHtU4Im-21aT_V1Gw-bIuznJ5RYamMikWba0q88FtxkBw_bwKyCyiXtGiNCELVbZtNVx_PC94PBa8Bh3timhzRF5hZGUVp5eEtybd0DnXBWkS7g/s200/whyarekidsbrats.jpeg" width="140" /></a></div>
<h5 align="center" style="font-size: 16px;">
Tuesday, June 19, 2012</h5>
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<div id="story" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
This might be one of those times in which I get in trouble with my readers, as I do every now and then. When I do, it is usually because my opinion goes against what’s trendy or, at the very least, considered as accepted in today’s society. So, here I go.<br />
<br />
Since we just passed graduation time, let me say this. I have an issue with children having big graduation celebrations — with guests, presents, and fancy parties — before finishing high school, and in general, with parents overly praising their children for everything they do.<br />
<div class="inline inline-left photo-inline" style="margin: 1em 0px;">
</div>
Some parents exaggerate their praises even when their children have done nothing at all. Have you watched the show “Sweet 16,” or attended a “Quinceañera” lately? Praising children for what they do well is one thing, and I completely support encouraging them, the same way I support parents being their children’s handy behavior thermometer. When they do something good or when they are responsible, we should moderately praise them; when they don’t, we should give them feedback — from a couple of words or time-out to eliminating privileges, depending on the child’s age. It is all about balance.<br />
<br />
As parents, our role is to be our children’s guide, not just their cheerleaders.<br />
If we excessively or disproportionately praise them, we’re at risk of causing the opposite effect than the one we’re trying to attain. Throwing a big graduation party, for example, before finishing high school could harm our children more than it could help them get ahead with their academic achievements.<br />
<br />
Why? Because it is like with anything else: Human beings try to accomplish the things that they can dream about.<br />
<br />
When kids see what a high school or college graduation entails, all the preparations, the presents given, the diploma, the party, and in general, the excitement that this generates in our society, it is something that they can look forward to. That’s the right time to really praise our youth for a successful career as a student. The message here is this: First comes the commitment, then the effort, then the dedication, and at the end, the big celebration.<br />
<br />
That's how life goes. Is it not our goal as parents to give our children tools that they can use to craft a successful life for themselves? The meaning of that celebration gets diluted if we do it over and over, starting from kindergarten. If we take the anticipation from the equation, what are they going to look forward to? The risk with this lack of motivation is that they may be tempted to not finish their basic education, and the consequences could be devastating - they wouldn't have the knowledge to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.<br />
<br /><span style="background-color: #ffd966;">The messages that we communicate to our children with our actions, are even more important than those spoken. We should avoid communicating that little or no effort will do the trick for them in the future, or that others should or would be as accepting and benevolent with them as we as parents are.</span><br />
<br />
Our children are special to no one else but us, their parents. For others, our children are exactly like any other kid now and will be treated like any other adult in the future.<br />
<br />
They will have the same challenges we had, or more, and we better make sure that they have the tools to rise above those challenges and understand that they will need the abilities, the resiliency, the brains, and good work habits to succeed. If we as parents exceed our praises, they will expect the same thing from the rest of the world, and that would make for a false promise that we're making to them.<br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: #ffd966;">Let’s give our children the right praises in the right amount, at the right time, and let’s also teach them that nothing will be simply given to them because they’re cute. Let’s not make them feel special, but smart and capable.</span><br />
<br />
And, let’s also make sure they know that the only path to success is hard work and an endless amount of perseverance on their part.<br />
<ul></ul>
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<br class="Apple-interchange-newline" />Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-49013441749797369562012-05-29T08:30:00.000-07:002012-05-29T08:30:03.223-07:00WHAT'S NEW IN GOLETA?<br />
<br />
By Silvia Uribe<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswubJ8mTqFknGzOIE1T27Lzna5T1j1F36SKt8gYvJhlIrXi32wd1KOxpr8CCLD6vzx8QXmxa8cAPF2i6bYpwGGaUTfssBF8nVHsfVruYIOChirVii7v6SvYZ_uY470KAe4SRkgXP3-wtC/s1600/LosCarnerosRoundabout.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjswubJ8mTqFknGzOIE1T27Lzna5T1j1F36SKt8gYvJhlIrXi32wd1KOxpr8CCLD6vzx8QXmxa8cAPF2i6bYpwGGaUTfssBF8nVHsfVruYIOChirVii7v6SvYZ_uY470KAe4SRkgXP3-wtC/s320/LosCarnerosRoundabout.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Living in Goleta, we don’t always notice all the construction that happens over time in our city, but the reality is that there have been a number of new things in Goleta in the last few months that have made Goleta a more dynamic, safer, more welcoming, and earth-friendlier city.<br />
<br />
For those who have not been paying attention to all the changes our city has undergone lately, here’s a list of five things that I can remember off the top of my head, including of course, my humble evaluation of these changes:
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="inline inline-left photothumb-inline">
<div class="caption">
Winchester overpass</div>
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbd4tZsf-hafWJSL_cuOVazRDx0UPQXQSQLhDOGDLxdtEBNGhu0C9PD0fV35MzaDA182emXrrWeaXJoxxgsNTVCrtOXOvbO8_r-pkLbNWDmVhFIRP2MPbWs2HcJ1FgSbTdeRZvJt2HCwh/s1600/WinchesterOverpass+-+May+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="136" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUbd4tZsf-hafWJSL_cuOVazRDx0UPQXQSQLhDOGDLxdtEBNGhu0C9PD0fV35MzaDA182emXrrWeaXJoxxgsNTVCrtOXOvbO8_r-pkLbNWDmVhFIRP2MPbWs2HcJ1FgSbTdeRZvJt2HCwh/s200/WinchesterOverpass+-+May+12.jpg" width="200" /></a>1) The new Winchester overpass — It is great! Wider and with sidewalks, so everyone can cross the freeway in a much safer way. But turning from the overpass to the northbound on-ramp is a little cumbersome during the day, and trying to do it at night is plain dangerous, to say the least. This point is, there's a screaming need for better signage, or a terrible accident is imminent.<br />
<br />
2) Montecito Bank and Trust — This is the "new bank on the block," if you know what I mean. Its building is nice and smartly located at the very corner of Storke Avenue and Hollister Avenue. I’m saddened, though, that it covers part of the mountain views as you come in from North Hollister Avenue. I know that things have to change, and the landscape of the city is not the exception. But, due to the fact that I grew up as a city girl, around tall buildings only, I wrestle with the romantic idea of keeping the open views of the mountains, and the citrus groves, which my family and I have enjoyed during our 14 years here in Goleta.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Tfa-uRf7nPgh2iYIdjG4wYZIDvq1a7QgrHqa5NWL5g7OSwIC-RdpBV0sx63Nov5FsO_DH842HAw5wa4_kLdDLUXHJyCIrgQVTCWLJfk3HiSqMx3JrtuJtd0CcD_Kqdzfd9_5Kjdq7fZT/s1600/Creek.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6Tfa-uRf7nPgh2iYIdjG4wYZIDvq1a7QgrHqa5NWL5g7OSwIC-RdpBV0sx63Nov5FsO_DH842HAw5wa4_kLdDLUXHJyCIrgQVTCWLJfk3HiSqMx3JrtuJtd0CcD_Kqdzfd9_5Kjdq7fZT/s200/Creek.jpg" width="200" /></a>3) You have probably seen traffic cones and very tall cranes along the 217 Highway — You will probably see them around for quite some time. Yes, they are there because the San Jose Creek Restoration Project is ongoing. The City of Goleta is preparing for the installation of precast concrete panels up and down both sides of the creek. In the end, the creek will be deeper and easier for fish to pass.<br />
<br />
Please remember: Safety is first! Obey all traffic signs, and remember that this is an active construction site. Do not try to get too close to it.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1APAngeKz0q7CAHEH2evepwPhBuB2rbv1JbJob6Ywu5DMlzBUhiWNsuc3Rf6_DKjPflUhWPol4nDcGWk0dUc0W5lAPP9x0uvMoXumWrlZzxw0JRs-UX9oEk2ZjP6Q7SE2SxkuLifYO8V/s1600/1110-Camino_Real_Hotel-+May+12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="100" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV1APAngeKz0q7CAHEH2evepwPhBuB2rbv1JbJob6Ywu5DMlzBUhiWNsuc3Rf6_DKjPflUhWPol4nDcGWk0dUc0W5lAPP9x0uvMoXumWrlZzxw0JRs-UX9oEk2ZjP6Q7SE2SxkuLifYO8V/s200/1110-Camino_Real_Hotel-+May+12.jpg" width="200" /></a>4) The Camino Real Hotel on Storke Avenue and Phelps Road — This hotel is going up fast, and pretty soon it will be ready, I’m sure. We know that the demand for rooms during graduation time at UCSB and Dos Pueblos High surpasses existing capacity, but I wonder if the flux of tourists in the area will be there throughout the year. The owners seem to think that they will have no vacancies for the most part. They must know better than I do, and I wish them well.
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5) This construction hasn’t started yet, but Goleta will have its first roundabout in the months to come (top picture) — It will be located at the intersection of Los Carneros Road and Calle Real. This will definitely be an improvement on the dangerous three-way intersection there now, which has an elevated number of side-impact collisions. However, I know by experience that using roundabouts is not always an easy thing for everyone. If you missed the workshop that the city offered but would like information on how to appropriately and safely use a roundabout, don’t hesitate to email the project manager, Rosemary Gaglione. Her email is <em>rgaglione@cityofgoleta.org</em>.<br />
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It is amazing to me how little-by-little our city takes its own form and develops its own personality and culture. I’m so thankful for those who had the vision of a vibrant city and worked really hard for the City of Goleta's incorporation. I have the pleasure of knowing several of these visionaries, starting with our city’s first mayor, Margaret Connell. Some of the others are also well known to the community through their participation in government, but there are some unsung heroes who, through their silent but constant work, have shaped our city’s future.<br />
We can all contribute to it by taking care of this great city and making sure the right people lead our way in the years to come.<br />
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<br />Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com09580 Dos Pueblos Canyon Rd, Goleta, CA 93117, USA34.415973384481866 -119.987182617187533.996993884481867 -120.6188966171875 34.834952884481865 -119.3554686171875tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-4219721992604414212012-04-19T23:05:00.000-07:002012-04-19T23:05:39.106-07:00ARE WE THERE YET?<div class="byline"><br />
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</div><div class="byline">By Silvia Uribe</div><br />
A few days back I went to see <em>The Hunger Games</em>, which was in three of the six movie theaters at Goleta’s Camino Real Marketplace. I didn’t read any of the three books on which this movie was based, so I didn’t have any particular expectation about it. I didn’t have great interest in it either. Judging it by the name, I was convinced it would be a rather depressing movie. I was right.<br />
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Don’t get me wrong. The movie has what one can call a “happy ending," which I won’t spoil, in case you haven’t seen it. But, the more the movie progressed, the more I was subject to the unsettling feeling that this movie presaged some sort of reality the initial stages of which we are already living. Yes, I’m talking about the reality of our infamous “reality shows."<br />
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The parallels are stunning, if you think about it. People chosen to be a part of the entertainment have to do whatever the producers tell them in order to get the prize. Like in the movie, we reality show fans are avid consumers of whatever is sold to us as “fun to watch.” But – is it really? Or are we simply becoming insensitive, uncompassionate, and, to put it plainly, <em>dehumanized</em> beings? Is it right for us to laugh about other people’s misery, vices, depression, pain, or confusion?<br />
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Although I don’t watch a lot of TV shows in general, just by surfing the channels I’m aware of a number of them - which many times seem to be the only option available - that could very well be driving us to not think for ourselves, and to simply follow the path others draw for us. Here are some examples of what I’m talking about:<br />
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- <em>The Bachelor</em>, and <em>The Bachelorette</em> – Self-abasement for fifteen minutes of fame.<br />
- <em>Hoarders</em> – Extremely depressed individuals who bury themselves alive.<br />
- <em>Intervention </em>– Drug addicts who at times consume in front of the cameras.<br />
- <em>Jersey Shore</em> – Low-living individuals with amazingly high levels of ignorance.<br />
- <em>Wiped out</em> – People risking their lives on a bad fall sparkled with snarky comments<br />
- <em>Ultimate Fighter (UFC)</em> – Pure bestiality.<br />
- <em>Toddlers & Tiaras</em> – Bordering on child abuse.<br />
- <em>Sweet 16</em> – Brats’ empowerment at its best<br />
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Is this uplifting, positive, or even interesting? I venture to say that most of us don’t think it is. However, driven by a morbid impulse, we keep watching.<br />
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Who is to say that one of the <em>Intervention</em> participants won’t inadvertently overdose in front of the camera, or that one of the <em>Jersey Shore</em> cast members won’t badly hurt another one during one of their drunken brawls? What if one or more of the <em>Wiped Out</em> participants “accidentally” breaks their neck? Or if, while we’re watching, an ultimate fighter gets killed?<br />
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Will we stop watching then? Or are we going to coldly say that they knew what they were getting into? And will this explanation help convince us that we bear no responsibility whatsoever? Oh, wait a minute. Didn’t the husband of one of the <em>Real Housewives</em> commit suicide? Yes, he did.<br />
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To be fair, there are a few positive "reality" shows on the air, too. <em>What Would You Do?</em>, <em>Undercover Boss</em>, <em>Restaurant Impossible</em>, <em>What Not to Wear</em>, and a couple more. However, they don’t get half the attention from the media and the public as the other ones do.<br />
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At the pace we’re going, in not too long, our children may be “volunteering” for <em>The Hunger Games</em>. The question is: will we – like the colorful people in the movie – still be watching?<br />
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<h1> </h1>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-60995034096469058922012-02-09T22:03:00.000-08:002013-04-01T23:01:12.795-07:00THE POWER OF COMPASSION<span style="font-size: large;"> </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 21px;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/%3Ca%20href=%22http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4824238/Untitled%22%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20title=%22Wordle:%20Untitled%22%3E%3Cimg%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20src=%22http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/4824238/Untitled%22%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20alt=%22Wordle:%20Untitled%22%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20style=%22padding:4px;border:1px%20solid%20#ddd"></a>"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></a><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.wordle.net/show/wrdl/4824238/Untitled" title="Wordle: Untitled"><img alt="Wordle: Untitled" height="150" src="http://www.wordle.net/thumb/wrdl/4824238/Untitled" style="border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: solid; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-image: initial; border-left-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 1px; border-right-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-right-style: solid; border-right-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: solid; border-top-width: 1px; padding-bottom: 4px; padding-left: 4px; padding-right: 4px; padding-top: 4px;" width="200" /></a></span></span><br />
By Silvia Uribe<br />
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We all tend to think that we are the center of the world, the most important person, and of course, we feel we are the only one who has problems, who suffers, and we find it very difficult at times to navigate through life. We stop enjoying life just because we’re focused on our problems. </div>
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Frequently, we complain so much, that it becomes our norm: we don’t have enough money to buy enough stuff to compete enough with our friends, and even with our enemies. We complain about how we look, about our hair, about the dress size we cannot fit in, about our house, our neighbors, and about where and how they park. We also complain about our friends, and about our work; about our short eyelashes, and about not being able to buy a newer car. The list goes on. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In short, we forget to live, and we consume ourselves with negativity.<o:p></o:p></div>
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I don’t usually write about my private life, but when talking about compassion, it has to be personal to illustrate its effects and results. <o:p></o:p></div>
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For the last 10 years, life has given me the opportunity to be close to vulnerable individuals who are, or at least feel, very lonely. With those who think that their bad luck will never cease, and they seem to be right. With those whose sadness has found a way to settle in their souls, and despair seems like the only thing alive within them. Many of them are individuals without resources to make their life better, they lack options at that point, and perhaps they never had them. Many of them did nothing to deserve what they got. One can say they’re victims of their circumstances.<o:p></o:p></div>
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To some, it sounds a bit illogical for me to say that working with and around these individuals is an opportunity. People I know often perceive it more as a challenge, something that, due to the emotional charge involved, they would not be able to do. My close friends know that I see it as a meaningful, relevant thing to do, but most of them also think they couldn’t do it, if offered the option. I disagree. It is, not as hard as it seems. In fact, it is not hard at all. <o:p></o:p></div>
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Compassion is the secret. Compassion gives us a chance to relate and help other human beings, and to see how relatively little effort on our part it takes to make someone’s life a lot better. This is an encouraging experience. But, as altruist and romantic as this sounds, it is not the main reason why I think being compassionate works. The right question would be: What’s in it for the one who is compassionate? And, the answer is: A lot.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Compassion gives us the opportunity to put things in perspective. <o:p></o:p></div>
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In my case, I realized that my life was as easy as it can get, even though I have my share of minor troubles. My family life, with all its ups and downs, is strong and stable. I have a constant income, and a place I call home. My body is not perfect, but it definitely works much better and is healthier than many of those with whom I work on a daily basis. I have good friends, and I’m able to spare a little money to have some fun with them. When I came to the realization that compared to others’ my life was so much better, I stopped complaining. I started living a purposeful life, and up until now, I enjoy every minute of it. I am thankful for all the good I have. The words need, and pain, and life, and justice suddenly acquired a new, and a very real meaning, and compassion was not only a word anymore. It became a way of living. <o:p></o:p></div>
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However - and this is very important - what I understand for compassion is very different from pity. I believe that compassion speaks more to the personal feelings and attitude that one has towards other people and their circumstances, and pity is more a diminishing impression of another. With compassion, we can put ourselves in the shoes of the other, and imagine how we would feel in their situation, and this is usually a humbling experience. This is what helps put things in perspective.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Practicing more compassion towards other fellow human beings has done more for me, than whatever I’ve ever been able to do for them. True, I may have assisted them, but they have changed my life for the better. By being focused on someone other than myself, unexpectedly, I became a happier, more thankful person every day of my life.<o:p></o:p></div>
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That’s the power of compassion.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-89514247996626409332012-01-14T16:00:00.000-08:002012-01-14T16:00:03.487-08:00What's Your Wish For Goleta in 2012?<h4>Goletans Sound Off</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTEA-IOy0sBZdG2Zj2WZ1wu2CLjZCUpxGbY222ffGjoDnSRSnMPqnHriyR4LotVrECpoK7flAhX0NbfhFxGPi4H8ycwym2Uv4NjMT3bLs9t42KkNB5h8EqDoOIk7LoKpBJoArOPmO05M1/s1600/GoletaCommCtr+-+Jan+11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizTEA-IOy0sBZdG2Zj2WZ1wu2CLjZCUpxGbY222ffGjoDnSRSnMPqnHriyR4LotVrECpoK7flAhX0NbfhFxGPi4H8ycwym2Uv4NjMT3bLs9t42KkNB5h8EqDoOIk7LoKpBJoArOPmO05M1/s320/GoletaCommCtr+-+Jan+11.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br />
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</div><div class="byline">By Silvia Uribe</div><br />
Happy New Year to you all! We are in January, and in the wake of this new year, I can hardly believe that we are in 2012. For most people, the New Year represents predictions of what is to come and resolutions to accomplish — once again — what in the past has already proven to be just a bit less than impossible. Losing weight, becoming a millionaire, buying our dream house (or at least the car that we think we deserve), or even sending our job (and our boss) to hell are among the most popular desires expressed every New Year. The most optimistic may think that this is the year when we will start recovering from this seemingly never-ending recession. Others, in agreement with the ancient Aztec culture, predict that this year will be the end of times.<br />
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But, for most of us, whatever we think the new year represents, it is for sure a time to renew our commitments, to think big, to dream of all that we want to see happening in our lives, in the lives of our loved ones, and, in general, of what we want to happen around us. No more wars, a lower cost of living, increased living standards, lower unemployment rates, the possibility of a salary increase, a nice vacation for the family, a cleaner environment, and justice for all. The thought alone of the possibility of achieving these wishes gives us the hope of a better, more comfortable, and more enjoyable future.<br />
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With this in mind, I did one of my non-scientific surveys and asked random Goleta residents of different ages and occupations, “What’s your wish for Goleta in 2012?” In no particular order, these are the responses they offered me:<br />
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A vibrant downtown. A cross-town shuttle stopping every 15 minutes. Better lighting around Cathedral Oaks. Coordinated traffic lights at The Glen Annie overpass. Kmart staying in town. The view of the mountains and agricultural land to not be blocked. A sign telling drivers that there’s a continuous right turn at the southbound on ramp at Glen Annie. Fewer sexual assaults in Isla Vista and a friendlier I.V. Foot Patrol. Agricultural land to be preserved.<br />
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People were not shy in expressing their wishes:<br />
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The Goleta Community Center to become City Hall. Another Elephant bar at the Camino Real Marketplace. No more construction on the Goleta Bluffs by UCSB. Visible signals at the on ramp of the new Winchester Overpass (which is very dangerous at night). A local newspaper and radio station. For the Hallmark store to stay in Goleta.<br />
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Very creative ideas were offered:<br />
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For the Kellogg Project to become the “Kellogg Community Sharing Grounds,” where community members can share once or twice a week their own produce, their thoughts, their news, and their concerns, and get to know their neighbors and elected officials on a personal level. The historic gas station at the end of Hollister to be restored for tourists to visit, obtain information, and buy souvenirs. To identify rooms in the city that community members can use free or at low cost for meetings. For City Council to offer Spanish interpreting services at their meetings. To have a space at the airport dedicated to exhibiting memorabilia of the marine base that once was there. For new constructions to be self-sustainable.<br />
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Always present, of course, opposing opinions on some well known issues like Bishop Ranch and Target.<br />
And the most mentioned wish is one that I would have to agree with: Activities for kids 13-18-years-old to do after school and during weekends.<br />
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Here we have quite a comprehensive list. And, although I’d say not everything seems possible to accomplish in one year, at least some things seem quite viable.<br />
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We’ll see who's listening.<br />
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Have a great year my fellow Goletanos!Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-24237369538523879532011-12-24T20:00:00.000-08:002012-01-14T09:28:02.879-08:00Free Expression with No Reservation<h1><span style="font-size: small;">First Amendment Applies to Religion, Too</span></h1><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPSZR9zpfNmOkmWxKy88JNCuaECQdKpRs9vPYerzzzR1zJ7LU84W59tpB8Yznb6aVH0pvSnLX7K8AtQrlz3Bq8930ZohM-h8QUkisJ68VEwt4wMoO__LYiLsRPbDLJDqfPs9lr11i-x03/s1600/FreedomofExpression+-+Dec+11.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJPSZR9zpfNmOkmWxKy88JNCuaECQdKpRs9vPYerzzzR1zJ7LU84W59tpB8Yznb6aVH0pvSnLX7K8AtQrlz3Bq8930ZohM-h8QUkisJ68VEwt4wMoO__LYiLsRPbDLJDqfPs9lr11i-x03/s320/FreedomofExpression+-+Dec+11.png" width="320" /></a></div><div><span style="font-size: small;"><br />
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</span></div><div class="byline">By Silvia Uribe</div><br />
This season, we’ve heard a lot of conversations regarding the expression of religious beliefs. One big reason for the revival of this old discussion is Tim Tebow, Denver Broncos quarterback. He kneels down right in the middle of the field and makes hand and head gestures that unequivocally show that he is a believer.<br />
Many criticize him, arguing that this could make some people uncomfortable. Some believe that this is an imposition of his faith upon those who don’t share the same beliefs, or any religious beliefs for that matter. Is that so? Hardly.<br />
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When someone openly displays his or her faith, it is not a signal that others have to follow suit. The only expectation is that they will make a connection with the higher power they believe in. They are exercising their freedom of expression. That is it! His reasons for doing it so publicly? Your guess is as good as mine, but I truly think it is none of our business.<br />
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Is there any valid reason to take that freedom away from him or anyone? Perhaps non-believers have nothing to express in this regard – but surely that should not remove others' right to express their faith.<br />
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If we extrapolate this reasoning to a completely different realm, it would be very difficult to make any sense of it. Consider, for instance, if those who have no car, because they prefer walking, were able to force others not to use their car either; or if, because I choose not to buy in Wal-Mart, others were not allowed to get in these stores. You get the idea.<br />
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This time is different from the Inquisition time. Today, most believers have no problem knowing and accepting that others may be agnostics, or atheists. Why should agnostics or atheists have a problem accepting the fact that others have a faith? I am convinced that in the same way no one should judge, or impose action on others, no one should impose the absence of action either.<br />
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To each his or her own, and everyone should be able to act, as far as religious matters go, in the way they feel most comfortable, without having to please anyone else.Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2011511055090094673.post-38389070200741835692011-12-12T22:28:00.000-08:002011-12-12T22:28:09.900-08:00<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">URGENT </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #c00000; font-size: 27px; line-height: 31px;">CALL TO IMMEDIATE ACTION!!!</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 20.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">THE NEWSCAST "NOTICIAS COSTA CENTRAL" IS GOING OFF THE AIR LEAVING THE LATINO COMMUNITY IN THE DARK, AND ISOLATED FROM WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE COMMUNITY<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Make a call, and write tomorrow to Entravision’s Owner and CEO Walter F. Ulloa.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">Tell him that you oppose their decision, and ask him to reconsider.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
</span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;">We need the support of the whole community to prevent this from happening!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-size: 16.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US;"><br />
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</span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Walter F. Ulloa<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Entravision Chairman and CEO<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">2425 Olympic Boulevard Site 6000<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">West Santa Monica, CA 90404<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #ffd966; line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Tel: 310-447-3870 Fax: 310-447-3899<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><span style="line-height: 115%;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: #ffd966; font-size: large;">Email: wulloa@entravision.com</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: medium;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>Silvia Uribehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09880675327968060837noreply@blogger.com0