Sunday, March 31, 2013

Mea, spirituali res


Mea, spirituali res
March 31st, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman


Shelter, comfort, escape, blessing, craving, habit, benefit, good, asset, protection, source, preference, advantage, risk, stake, improvement, influence, interest, dominance, gain, choice, pain, gratification, self-fulfillment, profit, protection, recognition, strength, emotional, spiritual and physical support, stability, help, alleviation, care, furtherance, guidance, encouragement, endowment, relief, reinforcement, rescue, reward, salvation, shot in the arm, engine, fuel, sacrifice, sustenance, enrichment, merit, enrichment, sacrifice, focus, determination, persistence, insistence, virtue, superfluity, quality, convenience, confidence, assurance, enhancement, drive, power, goal…. my sanctuary.



Religion is a very broad topic and one of the most sensitive matters to get into because everyone sets their own beliefs. The bottom line is, that whether it’d be, catholics, protestants, christadelphians, budhists, islamics, jewish, orthodoxs, and so forth, everyone holds on to spirituality for any given reason. One of those argumentations is that of being at ease and remaining like that amidst good and bad, ups and downs and through black and white. 

As for my personal encounter with spirituality, it began long ago and since a very early stage in my life, there isn’t any true religion but Catholicism. I was born and raised catholic, I eventually detached from all it all during a long-lasting period of rebellion. Later in my adulthood I once again bonded with my faith, la fe en la que debes y siempre debiste haber confiado. 

It all started when I unwillingly went to Sunday mass (in Spanish) with my parents as a child. I didn’t know why, how, since when, all I recall is sitting on the bench trying to get through that endless boredom. Staying alert was not one of my virtues and I am too transparent to hide anything. I’ve never been able to conceal what I feel. The moment I feel discontentment, irritation, stress, it is easily mirrored. My parents knew they were taking me against my will but they were the boss so that was that. During my early life, I could care less about spirituality as the young, busy, and hyperactive young girl I was, there were other things to prioritize. 

The first time I truly experienced a true desire to willingly devote some time to this, was when I hit adolescence. At that point I underwent somewhat of an inner turmoil due to unknown reasons. It could’ve been because I was blossoming into a young woman, was caught between two cultures and trying to decipher right from wrong. From what I was told and from what I witnessed with young people my age and in my surroundings. In search of answers, I continued my quest and joined a catholic youth group.

Throughout that process, I honestly never looked for God nor was I 100% spiritual. On the other hand, I enjoyed attending our weekly reunions, I was very enthused to meet new people and engaged in fun activities. After that experience, I would manage to attend Sunday service very randomly, continued praying, giving up, talking to God, going through a list of requests, looking for answers and trying to find my purpose, at no avail. 

Between the breaks I took, I still prayed when I remembered or when I was in the mood for it. I was too young and full of life, there were many fun things to do, why sit and pray when I was not going to be heard? 
Later in my twenties, I was ready for a new spiritual quest when I moved to Sacramento. As a result, I started going to English mass which I really enjoyed but had a hard time learning the missal but I eventually narrowed down most of it. I never confessed this to anyone but during all or most of my high-intensity season trainings up in the mountains in Howarth Park in Santa Rosa, on the Sacramento River trail, at Mckinley park, or at the stadium in Sacramento City College, I constantly prayed silently and did a lot of self-talk. Time after time, I asked God to manifest his unconditional love to me by helping me find my (his) way. I asked him to reach out to me not based on my appearance, my intelligence, the color of my skin, my social status, or my  failures but based on the grounds of being another one of his children who wanted to serve his purpose but those talks went unanswered. I possibly denied myself from sensing and seeing his intense, direct and clear presence.  I kept telling myself, “I have the right attire worthy of a competitive and professional athlete and I’ve done quite well at keeping at a physically fitness level...yet, I long for mental fitness which is as equally important to compete for your glory. If my head is not fully in you, I will always lose.”

All through my life my intuitive self has challenged my faith and raised many questions, such as: Why is this happening? Where is God when it hurts? Why doesn’t he doesn’t do something? Why doesn’t he reach out to me when I need him the most? Where is the protection he promised? Why doesn’t he answer prayers and grant me all my requests? 

My broken and inconsistent religious crusade continued, I paused, started again, doubted, held on to praying to believe, gave up again. In 2004 fate had something in store for me that would leave a very painful scar. Now when I look back and as time progresses, I envision the purpose of that more clearly. It’s like they say, “whatever doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.” As saddening as it was, I would not changed anything because I have indeed become stronger, and more ready for what lies ahead. That experience along with others, bent me temporarily but nothing has broken me completely. That is when I strongly believe that there must be a God who is watching me from a distance. I mean there has to be because I make endless mistakes and he is there. Is he really?

Upon my arrival here, that unsteady relationship went on until 2009. After a series of ups and downs, I decided to seek for answers once again. I attended mass and prayed irregularly, tried to hold on to my faith but never succeeded. Ending that year, I gave up. Later in 2010, I made a serious commitment to attend mass on Sundays plus every chance I got during the week. So far I’ve missed two or three Sundays and a lot of during the week masses because of work issues. 

Becoming a traditionalist at F. S. S. P. has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve come across. Number one, mass is held in Latin, number two, women have to be dressed in below knee length skirts and wear a veil. Another reason F. S. S. P. has been some sort of trial or test, is because I have to abide to someone else’s will, give up my mundane desires and vanities, and reach out to those in higher need.  I tend to be a bit egocentric sometimes so this personality trait makes it difficult for me to think about others besides me.  

My rebellious nature keeps telling me to only think about me, myself and a lot of times I am the protagonist of the entire world until I become aware of how selfish that can be. On a day to day basis, I come across many impending obstacles that obstruct my view and make me lose focus but I bounce right back. My difficult character is not easy to get convinced so I do not give in easily. I tend to do all the talking, I pray and look for God at no avail, maybe my skepticism is blocking me from seeing in furtherance. 

That is why, due to my turbulent nature, I’ve been very oblivious to fully resonate with my beliefs. I’ve not been lenient enough to build the credibility upon anything or anyone. I’ve always battled with whether or not to believe. I’ve tried to reinforce that certainty by reading bits and pieces of the bible, Are you there God, it’s me, Margaret, by Judy Blume,The Purpose Driven Life, by Rick Warren, Escape to God, by Jim Hohnberger, The Power of a Praying Woman, by Stormie Omartian, Email from God for women, by Claire Cloninger, among others. 

All in all, I’ve had to find emotional sustenance during a few stages of life so I’ve decided to attach to my spiritual affair - Mea spirituali res, mi aventura espiritual because that’s what nurtures my mind and soul, and it keeps me aligned. 

I’ve led a spiritual life throughout my entire existence but that doesn’t mean I have not failed. I am human and just like everyone else, I will never abide by the rules 100%. I pray so I don’t fail...but the truth is that I always do. I stumble, I gain my balance right back, I hit the bottom, I immediately bounce back, I take two steps forward and five or six steps back. I am bent temporarily by life’s encounters, but I get through good and bad, ups and downs, black and white without a problem. I’ve tagged on to this matter because that’s what nurtures, strengthens and aligns my mind, body, spirit and soul, plus it helps us fellow catholics encourage, support and build up one another. 

I constantly think of how each time there are less people giving up religion or spirituality and it honestly saddens me. On the other hand, I am hopeful because I can guarantee that a high 90% of the entire society worldwide, has looked for spirituality and lived a devoted later life. A perfect example is, prior Mexican President, Plutarco Elias Calles, an evil atheist who defied God’s will and ordered to have all the churches shut down ‘for good,’ during La Guerra de los Cristeros - The Cristero War, making Mexico bleed in its own land from 1926 through 1929. 

As a doubtable human being, I’ll always continue doubting, questioning, pondering upon, asking,...Perhaps most of my requests or concerns will never be answered nor granted but I don’t want to give up my faith to the lost, empty and vain society we have made. All I ask if there is a God, is to allow me to live a dignified life, an existence worthy of being a truthful and honest human being in order to build and leave my legacy behind to my husband and lifetime partner if I am meant to be a wife, to my victories (my children), if my purpose is to reproduce, to share my principles, morals, values with my parents and loving brethren and to be an example to my community, my society, my country, my world and ask what I can give and do for them, not what I can get from them. 

That is the only way I will have fulfilled the purpose I was set to accomplish and to make the woman I was to become, whole...

“Those who wait for the Lord, will gain new strength; they will mount up with wings like eagles, they will run and not get tired, they will walk and not become weary.” 
Isaiah 40:31

Wednesday, March 27, 2013

Quantum of solace


Quantum of solace
March 27, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman




From Wednesday March 20, till this Monday the 25th, I was at a loss due to an unexplainable and unexpected emotion. Inside me stirred a feeling of loss, emptiness and solitude, as if just losing a loved one. Not only was it hard to remain faithful to my workout routine, but I was not eating at my regular times, was having very low quality and heavy meals, was not focused to pray, or read, got very little work done, only managed to do one day of volunteer work, only posted once in an entire week, it all accumulated to a deep sleep. All this unnecessary drama, made me drop two kilos in such a short span of time. I am always caught off guard by my temple as it is an out of control weight dropping machine when my spirits are low. It is most definitely NOT the best way to shed off that stubborn extra weight!

On Monday, getting out of bed at 11:30 was such a drag that I basically had to force myself! Then I Managed to get some cleaning done, took a long and cold shower to get myself together, made myself a nice, late lunch, got some work done, and went to Spanish class. That kept my mind busy enough to avoid letting the drama queen come out again. LOL!

The day after, while conversing with one of my sisters, I mentioned the way I was feeling and she put my eleven year old niece on the phone for her to tell me about her busy agenda and all her goals and accomplishments within the next few weeks. She was chosen to represent her school in a small project, therefore, she’s going to Washington D. C. in June! The second I heard her voice, was instantly miraculous. All it took to soothe my solace, was her angelic little voice, and there I was, unable to hold back a wide smile!
THANK GOODNESS I chatted with another communicative damsel because she informed me of her brother’s A. B. J’s, 8th birthday (yesterday) which completely slipped through my mind. 

Yesterday morning right after reading a book about spirituality, I wrote myself a note on my left palm as a reminder of the promise of a new day...his birthday. I called my sister’s cell phone and was very happy to hear his blissful little voice pick up. My mental abatement somehow withered straightaway when hearing him giggling. The presence of my niece and nephews, brings incomparable happiness to my existence. Witnessing them blossom and knowing that they will always be just a phone call away, is beyond any highly priced possession.

That is why each time I hear their voices, my obscure quantums of solace goe unrecalled. Number one, because it was only a feeling that robbed me from sleep for a number of nights. Number two, I have not lost a loved one. On the contrary, I only gained more closeness with my sweethearts (my family). That is why my philosophy about this emptiness lying within, is that through those cloudy moments the ones who really care about us, will step up and reach out to fill that empty void with lots of TLC!

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

Tardes negras

Tardes negras
Tiziano Ferro
March 26, 2013


Y rodaran los angeles
Al despertar se con tu cafe
Pasara distraida la noticia de nosotros...

Y dicen que me servira
Lo que no mata fuerza te da
Mientras pasa el sonido de tu voz por la T.V
Por la radio el telefono resonara tu adios

De tardes negras
Que no hay tiempo ni espacio y nadie nunca entendera
Que darte puedes
Porque le vida duele duele demasiado aqui sin ti
Aqui sin ti, Aqui sin ti
eh eh eh eh....uh uh

Aqui yo estoy y tu no esta
Y me distraje a la publicida
Entre horario y el trafico trabajo y pienso en ti
Entre puerta y telefono tu foto me hablara

De tardes negras
Que no hay timpo ni espacio y nadie nunca entendera
Que darte puedes
Porque la vida duele demasiado aqui sin ti

Y lucho contra el silencio hablando con el
Y he rimado tu ausencia solo junto a mis brazos
Y si me quieres ya no me veras
Si menos me quieres yo mas estare alli
Y si me quieres ya no me veras
Si menos me quieres yo mas estare alli
alli alli lo juro ohhhh uhhohh uhhhhhh!

De tardes nagras
Que no hay tiempo ni espacio y nadie nunca entendera
Quedarte puedes
Por que la vida duele duele demasiado aqui sin ti
Aqui sin ti,aqui sin ti
ehh ehh ehh ehh
Aqui sin....tiiii

Sunday, March 24, 2013

My writing affair


My writing affair
March 24, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman




Speaking, writing, thinking, reading, fully understanding, and functioning in a language not of my own, didn’t come natural to me at the get-go but I was not put off. I instead retaliated by engaging in consistent voluntary labors to augment my knowledge in the English language to be able to master it at a crystal-clear level (I am not at a 100% yet and I don’t think anybody will ever reach that 100, not even in their native language because languages are so extensive).  
Looking back at the timid and introverted me at the age of 10 or 11, when I started speaking English, I can vividly see myself uttering my first words in a foreign language “the cat coffee,” amongst many other two-word out of sequence sentences. One of the biggest obstacles I had to overcome, was placing my adjectives first in English, ‘the red cars,’ and remember that nouns are the ones that indicate plurality, as opposed to Spanish. ‘Los coches rojos.’ The noun takes the first place, followed by the adejctive and both have to be pluralized when referring to more than one. On top of that, there is the article which is either ‘la,’ or ‘lo,’ to identify a feminine or masculine noun, unlike English. Everything is either, ‘a,’ or ‘an,’ or ‘the,’ which at least this part, makes life simple.  

Thereupon when the affair with my second language was initiated, I was caught in a never ending labyrinth unable to find a way out, on the grounds of not having the right frame of mind to even get to the right place to begin with! I alternatively didn’t preoccupy myself with that unimportant matter at such young age so I nonchalantly let myself flow, enjoy my childhood and communicate however it pleased me. 

That early age was to mark my ‘alpha,’ the beginning of an avocation...I was to become passionate about (more so the older I get). My writing kick off got started somewhat like this. A little notebook was always placed in my backpack ready to be pulled out everywhere I went, to jot down notes, thoughts, reflections, feelings, and anything that came up to my indefatigable and busy little mind. As time progressed, that notepad was replaced with a diary which became my most faithful companion. At this point, the number of journals and where they’ve ended up, is unbeknownst to me. All I know, is that traces of my writing have been left somewhere along the line, spreading a little touch of my essence. 

Later in High School and college I always looked forward to my advanced writing courses. Essay writing was not my cup of tea, unlike assignments where we could write about anything we wanted. Despite not A’cing a single one of my writings, doing fairly well was the fuel that kept me going. That mission went on for many years although even in my wildest desires did I dream or think of writing professionally until my arrival to Guadalajara. 

In 2008-2009, when I worked teaching English as a volunteer at AMSOC (The American Society of Jalisco), I learned of ‘La Voz,’ The Voice, their monthly newsletter. I asked one of the members of the board if I could collaborate as a writer, he asked to see some samples of my work which made me nervous since they were very scarce. As the steadfast, challenging and competitive woman I always thrive to be, I quickly wrote another two or three articles to add on to my profile and became part of the writer's team of La Voz.

A few months later, I decided to go on a higher quest in order for me to grow professionally. I looked for local newspapers, magazines, or other resources to demand more of me. I once again, wrote another few audacious articles to ‘impress’ the Chief Editors I had contacted. I met J. K. head of the Lake Chapala Review, the overall turnout was quite pleasing. The first article I was asked to write, was an introductory bio of me which was immediately done. So to speak, as an amateur writer, I was a nerve wrack because I thought I was going to run out of ideas. Little did I know that once I got started, one idea would flow right into the next, the one after and many more.

‘Living in my two worlds,’ ‘Teaching inglés con spice,’ ‘Celebrating Mother’s Day in Mexico,’ ‘A. W. interview,’ were some of my articles. I always believed they were the bomb until this day when I look through them from time to time. A few years later, having gained more experience, I now trash my own work like a professional writer friend of mine did when I met with her to get some feedback of one of my first articles. I walked out of her place my face burning red because my so called master piece that had taken me a long time to put together, had just been completely shattered. 

As a writer for The Lake Chapala Review and Mexico insights, I was now responsible of coming up with constant ideas for articles. This huge responsibility marked a higher demand of me. I was honestly extremely overwhelmed but I was not about to give in to that challenge.

From thereon, I’ve forced myself to take writing more seriously to at least scratch a greater level. I’ve read various books, essays, newspapers, magazines, blogs, to get familiar with each writing style, I’ve chatted and gotten feedback from other writers, I’ve taught advanced writing courses and workshops to High School students and professionals, I’ve purchased my writing bibles: ‘What a Writer Needs,’ By Ralph Fletcher, ‘Writing with Style,’ By Sue Young, ‘Rules for Writers,’ By Diana Hacker, and ‘Proofreading Handbook,’ Second Edition, McGraw Hill, By Laura Anderson. I’ve forced myself to improve with the aforementioned resources along with my jobs combined that are very vast and which are always boosting me to learn about a million topics. 

In view of my persistence, I’ve been offered a few writing assignments that have been forsaken because I was either not ready, the timing was not right, there were other professional priorities, because I was not familiar with the required topic/s, or because my potential client/s is/are not ready. 

All in all, my love for writing has accounted to the following:

1) 2008-2009: La Voz The American Society of Jalisco
2) 2009:  The Lake Chapala Review
3) 2009-2011: Research and collaboration with other online magazines and newspapers
  1. 2009 - 2013: My blog - Gina Yoryet Roman (a more personalized writing that mirrors my daily life, drives and passions).
I’ve received invitations from these online magazines and/or clients:
  1. October 15, 2009, I was invited by Foreign Exchange Translations to write about pharmaceuticals, medical devices, health care & language technology. I can’t deny being overly enthused but I had to give this one a go because of the mere fact of knowing close to nothing about these topics. 
  2. One of my clients invited me to write his company biography. I immediately said, “YES,” to this one in a lifetime opportunity but it is on standby. I would have to get the green light from my client.  
  3. I recently had a conference meeting with Self-Growth, an online magazine to collaborate in their book titled, ‘101 Great Ways to Compete in Today’s Job Market, for Riklan Resources LLC,” I didn’t even hesitate to say yes to this offer but sadly for me, the turn out was not positive due to the fact that it was an unpaid assignment on top of other reasons that didn’t favor me. Not making money was not the biggest disappointment since I wanted to get my name out there but there was a stronger acumen for that. 

Even after not pursuing most of the just mentioned writing propositions, I’d like to think that they are/were not meant to be. If I am meant to do something, it’ll have to be something that I am a lot more passionate about, whcih will be my drive forever. At least I am now at a point of getting a sense of being wanted. Nothing beats that feeling. Whilst I get more offers, I will continue forging myself into a better writer and will keep adding on more to my blog. I will never be like Walter Isaacson, Ayn Rand, or any acclaimed writer, but I am not trying to be. 

My affair is different, it started like this...

Long ago, when I was a little girl, my love for writing emanated from my surroundings. Coming from a very close-knit Mexican family, there were many forbidden topics and taboos, that’s when I confessed everything to my diary by writing it down. I guarded those words with my life to keep my parents from finding them. I decided to put writing on my top list of hobbies for the mere fact of being secretive...
It later became some sort of therapy..
Then it turned into a passion...
After that, it’s defined who I am...
It will later sprout into something bigger...
Writing has seen me develop into the woman I’ve become, it’s formed and defined the “I,” now. That is why I will always gift myself with the greatest presents one can give to oneself:..
Writing, reading, working out, praying, volunteer work and working. 


I now write when I’m happy or  down in the dumps, when I want to confess something and no one is around, when I am getting ready for a challenge, when I start a new writing course. And when I want to think, reflect, and let it all out. When I am heart broken or in love. 
My hobby, has turned into a habit, a lifestyle, one of my sanctuaries that I will never leave nor forsake, whether I write professionally or not.....

Saturday, March 23, 2013

What I need today


What do I need today?

Did you know the exact thing you need today is right there in front of you?
You must demand to see it, realize who to talk to, what to do, where to go...
and then insist you will get exactly what you need to fulfill your deepest desire in this moment.
I believe in you...
BE your best... receive the best

Nan Akasha

Thursday, March 21, 2013

Eating fruit

EATING FRUIT... 


We all think eating fruits means just buying fruits, cutting it and just popping it into our mouths. It's not as easy as you think. It's important to know how and when to eat.

What is the correct way of eating fruits? 

IT MEANS NOT EATING FRUITS AFTER YOUR MEALS! * FRUITS SHOULD BE EATEN ON AN 
EMPTY STOMACH. 
If you eat fruit like that, it will play a major role to detoxify your system, supplying you with a great deal of energy for weight loss and other life activities. 

FRUIT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT FOOD.
 Let's say you eat two slices of bread and then a slice of fruit. The slice of fruit is ready to go straight through the stomach into the intestines, but it is prevented from doing so.

In the meantime the whole meal rots and ferments and turns to acid. The minute the fruit comes into contact with the food in the stomach and digestive juices, the entire mass of food begins to spoil.....

So please eat your fruits on an empty stomach or before your meals! You have heard people complaining — every time I eat watermelon I burp, when I eat durian my stomach bloats up, when I eat a banana I feel like running to the toilet, etc — actually all this will not arise if you eat the fruit on an empty stomach. The fruit mixes with the putrefying other food and produces gas and hence you will bloat! 

Graying hair
baldingnervous outburst, and dark circles under the eyes all these will NOT happen if you take fruits on an empty stomach.

There is no such thing as some fruits, like orange and lemon are acidic, because all fruits become alkaline in our body, according to Dr. Herbert Shelton who did research on this matter. If you have mastered the correct way of eating fruits, you have the Secret of beauty, longevity, health, energy, happiness and normal weight.

When you need to drink fruit juice - drink only fresh fruit juice, NOT from the cans. Don't even drink juice that has been heated up. Don't eat cooked fruits because you don't get the nutrients at all. You only get to taste. Cooking destroys all the vitamins.

But eating a whole fruit is better than drinking the juice. If you should drink the juice, drink it mouthful by mouthful slowly, because you must let it mix with your saliva before swallowing it. You can go on a 3-day fruit fast to cleanse your body. Just eat fruits and drink fruit juice throughout the 3 days and you will be surprised when your friends tell you how radiant you look! 


KIWI: Tiny but mighty. This is a good source of potassium, magnesium, vitamin E & fiber. Its vitamin C content is twice that of an orange.

APPLE: An apple a day keeps the doctor away? Although an apple has a low vitamin C content, it has antioxidants & flavonoids which enhances the activity of vitamin C thereby helping to lower the risks of colon cancer, heart attack & stroke. 

STRAWBERRY: Protective Fruit.. Strawberries have the highest total antioxidant power among major fruits & protect the body from cancer-causing, blood vessel-clogging free radicals. 

ORANGE : Sweetest medicine. Taking 2-4 oranges a day may help keep colds away, lower cholesterol, prevent & dissolve kidney stones as well as lessens the risk of colon cancer. 

WATERMELON: Coolest thirst quencher. Composed of 92% water, it is also packed with a giant dose of glutathione, which helps boost our immune system. They are also a key source of lycopene — the cancer fighting oxidant. Other nutrients found in watermelon are vitamin C & Potassium. 

GUAVA & PAPAYA: Top awards for vitamin C. They are the clear winners for their high vitamin C content.. Guava is also rich in fiber, which helps prevent constipation.. Papaya is rich in carotene; this is good for your eyes. 

Drinking Cold water after a meal = Cancer! Can u believe this?? For those who like to drink cold water, this article is applicable to you. It is nice to have a cup of cold drink after a meal. However, the cold water will solidify the oily stuff that you have just consumed. It will slow down the digestion. Once this 'sludge' reacts with the acid, it will break down and be absorbed by the intestine faster than the solid food. It will line the intestine. Very soon, this will turn into fats and lead to cancer. It is best to drink hot soup or warm water after a meal. 

A serious note about heart attacks HEART ATTACK PROCEDURE': (THIS IS NOT A JOKE!) Women should know that not every heart attack symptom is going to be the left arm hurting. Be aware of intense pain in the jaw line. You may never have the first chest pain during the course of a heart attack. Nausea and intense sweating are also common symptoms. Sixty percent of people who have a heart attack while they are asleep do not wake up. Pain in the jaw can wake you from a sound sleep. Let's be careful and be aware. The more we know the better chance we could survive. 

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Bending the rules


Bending the rules
March 20, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman






Just a little, sometimes…


Have not written, worked out, prayed, done volunteer work, read for several days, 
and had not focused fully on work issues, till today.

Trying to come up with an excuse, there really isn't any valid justification, it just happened. When balancing my responsibilities, spiritual affairs and work, have to always be lined up at the front. Following those two, there's working out, writing, reading and volunteer work. I always try to hold on to something meaningful to make me feel useful and productive but sometimes I cannot keep up.  

As of last Wednesday exhaustion hit me all of a sudden leaving me completely drained until now. My whole system has not taken this determinant too well. This feeling normally goes away within 24 hours, unlike this time. This sensation went on till Thursday and Friday, and on top of being worn-out, I came down with a sharp throbbing pain on my lower back. Once again, this normally goes on for a day or two at the most. Unalike to now.

On Saturday I got my workout done, came home and spent a couple of hours cleaning, by the time the clock hit 1pm when I was supposed to meet a friend for lunch, I was MAJORLY exhausted that I almost called it quits before hand…
but I didn't.
When I got home, I tried to take a nap at no avail. 
Later that night, I went out with a recently met friend and we stayed out very late, or at least way past our bed time (either one of us is much of a nocturnal person). We each had two glasses of wine, enough to cause a serious hangover the next day.

On Sunday I tried to get some work out of the way before Monday to have a lighter week but the all day long severe headache, allowed me to get very little done. I once again attempted to force in a siesta without succeeding. I instead got ready to go to my friend's place for dinner. 

School was out on Monday because of the holiday, so I met another friend for lunch and brought along my lovely new friend. Later that night, I met that friend again for dinner. After that, we popped by Alfredo's for a sweet dessert. Yummy! Got home at about 10 and instead of heading to bed immediately, I checked my email, did a million things and finally hit the sack at about midnight. 

Yesterday I went to class very early am, I came home, got a little work done and my new friend came over, we hung out for about two hours, went to grab a bite and then I went to class. Later that night we went to Andares VIP movie, just for him to take in the new experience. We got home at almost midnight. At this point my lower back and exhaustion are making me delirious. Plus I detached from my passion/s. Like they say in Mexico, 'Tire la toalla,'  or I threw in the towel responsibility wise for a couple of days. 

In another occasion I would've nagged myself implying, "If you don't remain faithful to your greatest loves,  your passion has not been completely unveiled because you bent the rules." or, "You are not as competitive as you always claim to be."

I would've tortured my mind with all those thoughts before and even now… slightly because I guess it is 'ok' to bend the rules a little every now and again. Only when my dormant body cannot withstand the daily tumultuous routine I set it to accomplish. 

I am using my better judgement and assuming that if all mortals can slow down, why shouldn't immortals (a friend of mine considers me an immortal because I tend to juggle a million things at once), stumble with tiny matters, pause briefly to take a deep breath, and keep going? 

Therefore, my point is, NO, I  am not used to this rhythm and YES, I longed for reading, writing, working out and everything that gives me a sense of being me, but everything is still in place. I twisted things for a few days, broke my curfew and I am very sleep deprived right now, in two days, my alcohol intake was more than what I can normally handle in six months, I ate a lot more than usual, but so what!?

I met a very nice and charming someone whose company was very refreshing for my mind, body and soul. I spent a beautiful five days and enjoyed every single minute of it. I am behind on sleep, the pain on my back has not vanished but I am still enlivened by the turmoil of the rapid events that happened so spontaneously with a better turn out had we planned it. 

Yes, it is definitely ok to bend the rules…sometimes!
So now that I've met my writing goal for today, I am more than ready for some intense zzzzz's. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

Love vs. Infatuation





Love vs. infatuation
March 13, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman


Right before I stepped inside home two nights ago, I was practically typing some writing ideas that came up, for them not to slip through my mind (that happens all the time). The second reason was because I longed for writing due to not meeting my weekly goal. Every time I don't do something I really like frequently enough (working out, writing, reading and praying and volunteer work), I can easily get seized under angst and solitude.

My writing goals look like this: Post onTuesday, Thursday, Saturday and Sunday, and alternate another day of the week adding one more post. 
Reality is otherwise, owing that to my unstable and hectic multi-tasking agenda.
I get small and sometimes long translation and proofreading projects that have an immediate deadline.
I start new courses when the young athletes and/or High School students I work with, need to prepare for a special exam.
Working independently has many advantages as well as disadvantages. I can be working at all times. Sometimes I find it exceedingly overwhelming to keep up with my work and personal email accounts. 
On top of that, I try to schedule three or four workout sessions a week and a power walk or some type of movement on my non-workout days because I am in complete disagreement with sluggishness. 
Once upon a time there was 'me,' reading time. I still do A LOT of reading but not necessarily a topic of my preference. I have each one of my classes read a book to increase the reading literacy in Mexico so there's never reading scarcity in my life. 

I try to attend mass as many days of the week plus Sundays, but that can only happen in a perfect world.

In an unmarred sphere, life would be nice and rosy….

I am constantly juggling four or five crystal balls and when I can't seem to maneuver all of them in the right direction, I start questioning what needs to be forsaken for me to lighten the weight on my shoulders.  
These are the types of questions that rummage through my tireless brain:
1) How much do you love working out? What is it the main attraction? The inner/outer aspect, is it vanity, health? Are your crack of dawn workouts worth your while? What are you trying to gain from this? Would you be able to give this activity up? Is it infatuation or true love? 

2) Are you really in love with writing or are you only infatuated? Is it your competitive and high-standard nature that pushes you to do more? What is the purpose of it? Will you have some type of reward? Perhaps you should think things over and forgo this 'burden?'

3) Are you honestly enraptured in teaching? Were you really a natural born teacher like grandpa told you during your early adolescence? Will you carry on with this career choice forever? Love vs. infatuation. Ponder upon it, love, infatuation, or infatuation, love?

4) What does translating/interpreting represent in your life? Do you see the signs that this is a lifetime profession? Why did you incline towards this career choice? How much longer will you be able to cope with the highly demanding deadlines and stress? Look at both palms of your hands. One of them is love, the other, infatuation. Which of the two would better reflect your real feelings?

5) When I meet a man I TOTALLY like, I can immediately tell whether it is infatuation or love. From moment one, INFATUATION takes over. That fascination can last days, weeks or even months. When I know deep down from my heart that he is not for me, I combat that sensation to cut out the frenzy from the root. I withdraw completely by not  calling, emailing, skippe'ing, facebooking, text/instant messaging or any type of contact. 

I have a tendency to stumble over insignificant, temporary, empty and vain obstacles, that's when I have to separate the two sentiments. Why do get so hung up over this hurdle?  As the independent woman I've been for many years, I am pretty much together in many aspects, thus, when the idea of losing the incredible self-control I always claim to have hits me, it is very daunting! Am I enamored or beguiled with willpower? 

My current doubts and distractions are a perfect fit for that Déjà vu, (the experience of thinking that a new situation had occurred before). Perhaps it is something new.That feeling is unbeknownst to me, all I know is that there's something out there that I cannot resist and I haven't got the will to resist or fight it. I am mentally disturbed (in a good way). The unveiling truth of me wanting to clear and define the why, how, when, where… what I was meant to be…


"Only time reveals the truth. You can go and investigate if you want, but you must be careful."

'Time is the best remedy to enrich, heal and cleanse our mind, body and soul...

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Sacrifice


Sacrifice 
Elton John
March 12, 2013


It's a human sign
When things go wrong
When the scent of her lingers
And temptation's strong

Into the boundary
Of each married man
Sweet deceit comes calling
And negativity lands

Cold, cold heart
Hard done by you
Some things look better, baby
Just passing through

And it's no sacrifice
Just a simple word
It's two hearts living
In two separate worlds
But it's no sacrifice
No sacrifice
It's no sacrifice at all

Mutual misunderstanding
After the fact
Sensitivity builds a prison
In the final act

We lose direction
No stone unturned
No tears to damn you
When jealousy burns

Sunday, March 10, 2013

There's a great woman behind every idiot


There's a great woman behind every idiot
March 10, 2013


“As usual, there is a great woman behind every idiot.” 

“Women and cats will do as they please, and men and dogs should relax and get used to the idea.” 

“For most of history, Anonymous was a woman.” 

“A lady's imagination is very rapid; it jumps from admiration to love, from love to matrimony in a moment.” 

“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” 

“There are no good girls gone wrong - just bad girls found out.” 

“I, with a deeper instinct, choose a man who compels my strength, who makes enormous demands on me, who does not doubt my courage or my toughness, who does not believe me naïve or innocent, who has the courage to treat me like a woman.” 

“Lock up your libraries if you like; but there is no gate, no lock, no bolt that you can set upon the freedom of my mind.” 

“I would always rather be happy than dignified.” 

“You educate a man; you educate a man. You educate a woman; you educate a generation.” 

“Above all, be the heroine of your life, not the victim.” 

“A girl should be two things: classy and fabulous.” 

“Here's all you have to know about men and women: women are crazy, men are stupid. And the main reason women are crazy is that men are stupid.” 

“I hope she'll be a fool -- that's the best thing a girl can be in this world, a beautiful little fool.” 

“What would men be without women? Scarce, sir...mighty scarce.” 

“When a man gives his opinion, he's a man. When a woman gives her opinion, she's a bitch.” 

“No woman really wants a man to carry her off; she only wants him to want to do it.” 

“Why are women... so much more interesting to men than men are to women?” 

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me: I am a free human being with an independent will.” 

“In politics, If you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman.” 

“How wrong is it for a woman to expect the man to build the world she wants, rather than to create it herself?” 

“There is more to sex appeal than just measurements. I don't need a bedroom to prove my womanliness. I can convey just as much sex appeal, picking apples off a tree or standing in the rain.” 

“Any fool knows men and women think differently at times, but the biggest difference is this. Men forget, but never forgive; women forgive, but never forget.” 

“I'm tough, I'm ambitious, and I know exactly what I want. If that makes me a bitch, okay.” 
Madonna

“After all, Ginger Rogers did everything that Fred Astaire did. She just did it backwards and in high heels.” 

“A woman has to live her life, or live to repent not having lived it.” 

“Most books on witchcraft will tell you that witches work naked. This is because most books on witchcraft were written by men.” 

“I'm no model lady. A model's just an imitation of the real thing.” 

“As a woman I have no country. As a woman I want no country. As a woman, my country is the whole world.” 

Saturday, March 9, 2013

My fitness affair


My fitness affair

March 9, 2013
By: Gina Yoryet Roman


Shelter, comfort, escape, blessing, craving, habit, benefit, good, asset, protection, source, preference, advantage, risk, stake, improvement, influence, interest, dominance, gain, choice, pain, gratification, self-fulfillment, profit, protection, recognition, strength, emotional, spiritual and physical support, stability, help, alleviation, care, furtherance, guidance, encouragement, endowment, relief, reinforcement, rescue, reward, salvation, shot in the arm, engine, fuel, sacrifice, sustenance, enrichment, merit, enrichment, sacrifice, focus, determination, persistence, insistence, virtue, superfluity, quality, convenience, confidence, assurance, enhancement, drive, power, goal…. my sanctuary.

Reminiscing of my childhood, and reflecting upon how, when and why I started my fitness affair, brings back the healthy and uninhibited (food-wise) little girl who always came last because she had to stop ant catch her breath when running after her thin as rail sisters. As 'La gordita,' she never "fitted" in the picture completely. I don't like comparing myself with my sisters because we are all very unique in our own particular way but I felt like the ugly duckling with my excess belly spewing right out of any clothing I wore standing next to my sisters. 

All through my childhood and most of my adolescence were a rebellious process of denial and self-acceptance. In middle school, I started liking boys but not a single one even dared glance at me convinced I was one of their kind (my mother used to cut hair very short, making me look like a chubby little boy). During my Freshman and Sophomore years in High School I wanted to date like my oldest sisters but all I landed was NOTHING! All the boys I liked, only had eyes for my girlfriends. By Senior year, I had already trimmed down quite a bit so I met my soon to be first boyfriend - a 22 year old chilango (someone from Mexico City), who I dumped right after prom because I was young, not that bright, and immature. I later regretted that decision only for a very short while because I was too young, there were still many people to meet, places to go, and things to do.

My childhood and adolescence defined and formed the woman I was to become one day… in a way! I was brought up in a close-knit family in which sports where not ingrained, at least not in the girls. We never nurtured a love for movement, ate abundant meals; lots of tortillas, pan dulce (sweet bread), rice, and heavy and high-calorie Mexican and American meals…adding pizza, pasta, and other international high carb meals to my daily diet. I grew up believing that satiating my appetite was the equivalent of feeding my body with heavy and abundant food…years later I learned to debunk that myth along with many others, in which the majority of the population worldwide wheedle into. 

Excess and low quality food, frequency, no physical movement whatsoever, mounted into lack of self-confidence turning me into an insecure, quiet and timid young woman who lusted the angelic beauty and slick physiques of the cheerleaders and most popular girls of my generation. I wish I had old pictures to back my statement because everyone I narrate my story to, reflects with an automatic skeptical look. “How can I come close to being like them if I ABHOR any type of physical movement?” That thought roamed in my mind tirelessly throughout my adolescence.

At the beginning of my fitness quest, it was very difficult. One of the major obstacles I encountered was that I am and have never been coordinated nor flexible, therefore dance class was more like some sort of torture. I was slow and clumsy when perfuming other sports, I was the last one to be chosen when P. E. class was split up in teams! LOL!
That is the reason why I kept coming up with a 'good excuse' to all my 'F's' in P. E. "An F, only means, fantastic, formidable, fabulous, flashy, fortunate, friendly, funny, and so forth."

Hence, my fitness mission began with a plan my Senior sister and I, a Sophomore came up with. Make the cheerleading team tryouts! We gathered another three friends and pursued the first step. Ok, at that time, we didn't put the two together, we were oblivious to the fact that in order to improve our performance and to at least make it to the semi-finals, we had to have a sort of dance or athletic background or training. Not only did we miss that, but during our random rehearsals, we didn't have the slightest clue of how to get started or what came next. Needless to say more, we only ended up ridiculing ourselves and breaking out in a scandalous laugh.  My stunning young dance instructor tried to be as supportive as she could but regardless, it took me a while to look at her in the eye out of embarrassment. Now I can get a good laugh out of that defining event that was to introduce me to a long term hobby, later becoming a lifestyle.

Freshly out of High School, my love for physical movement started developing.
1) I got enrolled into weight training, body conditioning and calisthenics classes. Every semester I chose two different Physical Education courses which I unbelievingly looked forward to.
2) My 'vanity' legacy started evolving at the same time. As part of a catholic youth group, in Semana Santa - Holy Week, lent, we were putting on an Easter Passion play together and I was chosen to represent the queen. I was overly contented and looked for THE perfect dress, crown and stilettos. I had to wear them! I mean before that event, opportunities were none existent!

From there on, my fitness affair and beauty legacy have gone hand in hand until now. 
Between 17 and 18, I became interested in running and pursued that activity. I scheduled 5am runs with my sisters, mother, friends and my second boyfriend at the time, until one day we learned a woman's body was found in the dumps, we panicked and stopped going at the crack of dawn.

At 18, September 16, Independence Day was approaching so two local radio stations were looking for female candidates to be 'La Reina de las Fiestas Patrias.' - Queen of the Patriotic Holidays. The minute I heard the news broadcasting, I said to my young and vain self, "I am going to enter one of those contests and I will win!" I indeed came out victorious. That was my first 'A-ha moment with many more following after that. For the first time ever, I started feeling important and noticed. My first photo shoot and others happened, I got a taste of posing in  cute clothes and shoes, met a diverse group of people, the other contestants and I were finely dined and wined at expensive restaurants, we went to bars, clubs and events to promote the radio station, the importance of Independence Day, ourselves, to persuade people as to why each one of us was the 'best' candidate, and to sell tickets to make the event holder money and to pay for the various expenses involved. 

At 19, I joined an indoor co-ed soccer team which not long after, was 'forced' to cut all the ties with for once and for all. I was also invited to play with a women's outdoor soccer team, that only lasted no more than six months, the quickness and adrenaline of playing indoor was more attractive.      
That year I worked a weekend late-night shift at a restaurant as a receptionist when one night I was approached by one of the clients. He attempted to persuade me into working for him at his oil-wrestling bar and thought I was a good candidate. To this day I still remember his deep masculine voice, "Here's my business card, I am looking for young beautiful girls with an exotic look like you, to work for me." He didn't tell me what role I would be playing but I later investigated. The next time he came by to have dinner, assuming I already knew what the job entailed, he told me very bluntly, "I can pay for your breast enhancement to add on to  your sex-appeal and you can pay me back within a year's work." I told him I'd think about it but that was too daunting that I never called or mentioned a single word about the matter and he eventually got the point. That surely was an immediate “.NO,” I’ve honestly always been too afraid to even go there. 

That same year, I wanted to work on my self-confidence and image, with this in hand, that led me to a six month modeling course at John Casablancas modeling agency in mind-blowing San Francisco. What else could I have asked for!? I didn't land any jobs immediately but that was not my main target, I was mainly interested in being 'pretty' and 'attractive' and forming an imposing personality. I had a sleek and professional photo portfolio made along with my biography - I don't recall what happened to it, It must've been left behind in one of the million stays I've left behind. 

Shortly after, there was a modeling job for Bellisima Modeling Agency which I immediately went after. The job required the models to promote different beauty products, going to stores and events to give out samples of Pantene, Revlon products, and more nail, hair, beauty and other types of products and talk women into buying them. I enjoyed every single moment of it. Concealing my face under layers of makeup, wearing tight and very little clothes and stilettos was something to die for at that tender age!
A few months later, I was offered to work at an elegant bar/club serving drinks and appetizers wearing nothing but lingerie!!! I had to skip that as revealing a bit too much has never been my cup of tea! 

I later moved to Sacramento. As a SCC student, I kept taking P. E. classes, continued my long distance runs, entered 5 and 10k's and kept myself as active as possible along with my younger sister. I loved spending time with her and doing everything together. It was so much fun when people looked right at us and asked if we were twins! I don't know why they wondered about that, I mean, we resemble each other but we definitely don't look like twins! That year she met the Track & Field and Cross Country coach and introduced her to me. For the first time someone had noticed my  athletic potential - I'm only talking about my potential because my sister is a natural born athlete. Right off the bat, she asked us to try out for the team. I was caught in a mix of excitement, stress and insecurity thinking about my High School failure when we humiliated ourselves in front of the most popular, charming and physically talented girls and coaches. 

To my surprise, I was accepted, the only problem was that I was still commuting from Sacramento to Santa Rosa (a 1hr 45 minute drive 1 way), engaging both soccer and running. One day I was badly injured due to a combination of performing the two activities. Both games, competitions, or rehearsals happened on the weekends. There was traveling involved for several state meets, discipline, rest and focus, a clean diet was demanded, but I refused to get overwhelmed. 
Unknowing what to stick with, I held on to both for as long as I could until one day my coach pulled me aside to put the cards on the table for the following reasons;

1) “I just found out you are playing soccer, I know you love both sports but I need you with me 100%. If you stick to soccer, or running, I will respect your decision but I cannot have you split up into two. We are in high season and I'd like to think we are in high season all the time for better performance and to reach our goal, that's why I cannot afford to have one of my girls getting injured.”

2) “As far as your diet, you either improve that, or improve that!” She was very adamant with me after noticing me sprint straight for the doughnuts after a meet or reaching out for the low quality meals, soda and desserts when we went out to lunch or dinner. She was even less tolerant when she found out that I was the one hindering my performance as well as my teammates' effectiveness. The night before competing I talked them into partying out like animals, drinking out of control and topping that off with a greasy pizza or dinosaur burritos we got at the in an out Mexican fast food on our way back to the hotel! She found out how destructive an irresponsible I was with myself and others! "I understand you are still very young and you want to have fun but I am only going to tell you this once. I am not the one to tell you what to do but it's your call. You can either continue partying and doing what you like, or you straighten up, focus and give it your best!"

Even if I didn't appreciate it right away, I deserved her laying it all out to me very clearly and harshly without hesitating. My first reaction was to fire back my venom but had to count to a million trying to make myself look at the whole picture from her perspective. I eventually understood and accepted her arguments. That serious talk was the most important determining factor that helped me set later decisions, even to this day. I went on 'nun-mode,' as I like to call that: Absolutely NO drinking, partying, AND stay away from unnecessary and compulsive eating, and any performance and physically sabotaging distractions. 

After college I went on to doing 21 and 42.1k's (from 18 to 30) I was fully devoted to high-rendering competition. Only this time, my coach was NOT there to get on my case. Even when that serious talk made a huge difference in my life, I was free to make my own decisions. That's why my negligence walked me right into an injury and to give up running for 4 years now! I recall a salsa congress in San Francisco that takes place the second or third Saturday in October, the next morning, there's a 42.1k in Sacramento. I attempted to do both to feed my ego, pride or whatever. In reality I only ended up abusing my temple, leaving me sour for a couple of days.

In my 20’s, I took another 12 week modeling, etiquette, makeup, fashion, etc. at Maniqui, Modelos y Edecanes which was a huge milestone, for it gave me the chance to create a professional portfolio, (I had to hire a professional photographer), and get myself out there. From that course on, many events lined up that. 

In 2012 I finally got certified in Sports Nutrition. All the material that I read, was only a reaffirmation of a lot of things I already knew. I didn’t have to do that but as usual, I always demand more from me. Therefore, I want to keep adding on to my fitness profile, the more the better!

All in all, my fitness and beauty affair has entailed different events. 
1) Worked as a fitness trainer for 3 years when I came to Gdl.
2) I took a 12 week modeling and self-image course at Maniqui, modelos y edecanes in 2007
3) Worked at different beauty and sports events for 7 + years, such as: Expo Belleza, body painting runways, fiestas de octubre, May-Tai, Valetudo, martial arts, wrestling matches, gym events, casting for sports modeling events/commercials, advertising tequila brands, etc, 
4) I've been interviewed by two different radio stations to give health & fitness tips.
5) In 2009 I was hired by an American company to do a workout video, interview/s, to answer doubts on body trimming and motivating women to get into the best shape of their lives, and put on a brochure with health and body shaping tips. 
6) I completed a certification in sports nutrition
7) From time to time, I get short-term female clients that request to be put on a diet and workout routine to lose weight and feel more confident. 
8) I have informally written about health and fitness for about 4-5 years. 
9) My gym just invited me to help them promote and attract more clients to a new location opening in Gdl in May. 
10) I schedule fitness photo sessions once or twice a year just for self-fulfillment and for motivational purposes.
11) And last, but not least, I’ve got an overly important upcoming event to represent Mayahuel, the Goddess of Tequila, pulque and mescal. This will be the most important happening throughout my physical affair since Phil wants me to be on the cover of the narration. Despite not being at 100%, I am counting the days! 
All these close encounters have amounted to an 18 year relationship with my passion, my life. 

True, although I didn't eat clean, exercised or was disciplined during my childhood and part of my adolescence, yet , that was turned around for the reasons I mentioned before. I developed a love for movement, changed my eating habits, invested in my health, I try to surround myself with minds that think and act alike on a fitness level. I constantly keep myself updated with fitness articles, magazines, videos, I try to eat as clean as I can (to this day food has been my downfall), but overall, I eat fairly clean, I only become an unyielding and craving beast when I go trough serious bouts of stress. All of these factors have been a great influence in my life. That's what's made me be worthy of the name, "Yoryet Roman Athlete," like many people have called me. I would better define myself as a health and fitness lover and enthusiast. As an amateur who is always looking to learn more and gain more expertise. 

Clearly, years ago, vanity and superficial matters were my priority but through trial and error, I learned to not be critical of my body and regard other women's bodies to appreciate what it can do and create. On top of that, help myself and them to make the best with the tools they possess without letting themselves be deceived and try to look like the amazingly fit model on tv or on a magazine. 

This lifestyle describes my nature, the who, why, when, and how.  A frame of mind I would never forsake for anything under ANY circumstances…unless I become a handicap or bedridden. God forbid!