Sunday, January 25, 2009

Bread Givers

This weekend...

I been reading this book: Bread Givers by Anzia Yezierska. I had just finished it tonight. It reminded me of the struggles, and the willingness to become something in life. This is the story of an immigrant family as they deal with adversity in life, from starting all over again in a new land to becoming part of their new found home, either by will or driven by the need to survive.

This is my own story in some way. I am also an immigrant. I am trying to find a home in this new land, just as she was trying to find independece. As a woman, I am trying to change this world. I long to see women being recognized for their accomplishments not only for their looks.

Looking back, I can see how far I have walked, but I can also see how far I still need to go. Again, I am once more caught on my own thoughts... Keep looking ahead, never letting your spirit die not matter how strong you have to keep fighting. Keep yourself alive with those Dreams for your future is greater than your past.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Walking on Water

My newest movie is :"Walking on Water". This is the experience of two young surfers as they travel through different countries finding faith on a journey of a lifetime.

Very emotional, inspirational, and will definitely remind you of strengthening your faith and how to be more thankful. Knowing that God is our source of power.

Love it!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

"HOPE" and looking ahead

This is a Historic Moment.

President Barack H. Obama has become the first Black American President ever in our history. He promised Americans to bring "change and hope." This is done with best of intentions from our President, but

Hope and Change CAN ONLY OCCUR WHEN: We respect the WILL of The People.

The American people should never forget that: It is the right of its citizens to take the necessary steps to approve or disapprove laws and regulations. It is the duty of each American citizen to protect the Nation, the future of our children, and future generations. These are the American ideals and of our Founding Fathers.

Friday, January 16, 2009

President George W. Bush Farewell Address to the Nation

East Room, The White HouseWashington, DCJanuary 15, 20098:01 P.M. EST

THE PRESIDENT:

Fellow citizens: For eight years, it has been my honor to serve as your President. The first decade of this new century has been a period of consequence -- a time set apart. Tonight, with a thankful heart, I have asked for a final opportunity to share some thoughts on the journey that we have traveled together, and the future of our nation.
Five days from now, the world will witness the vitality of American democracy. In a tradition dating back to our founding, the presidency will pass to a successor chosen by you, the American people. Standing on the steps of the Capitol will be a man whose history reflects the enduring promise of our land. This is a moment of hope and pride for our whole nation. And I join all Americans in offering best wishes to President-Elect Obama, his wife Michelle, and their two beautiful girls.
Tonight I am filled with gratitude -- to Vice President Cheney and members of my administration; to Laura, who brought joy to this house and love to my life; to our wonderful daughters, Barbara and Jenna; to my parents, whose examples have provided strength for a lifetime. And above all, I thank the American people for the trust you have given me. I thank you for the prayers that have lifted my spirits. And I thank you for the countless acts of courage, generosity, and grace that I have witnessed these past eight years.
This evening, my thoughts return to the first night I addressed you from this house -- September the 11th, 2001. That morning, terrorists took nearly 3,000 lives in the worst attack on America since Pearl Harbor. I remember standing in the rubble of the World Trade Center three days later, surrounded by rescuers who had been working around the clock. I remember talking to brave souls who charged through smoke-filled corridors at the Pentagon, and to husbands and wives whose loved ones became heroes aboard Flight 93. I remember Arlene Howard, who gave me her fallen son’s police shield as a reminder of all that was lost. And I still carry his badge.
As the years passed, most Americans were able to return to life much as it had been before 9/11. But I never did. Every morning, I received a briefing on the threats to our nation. I vowed to do everything in my power to keep us safe.
Over the past seven years, a new Department of Homeland Security has been created. The military, the intelligence community, and the FBI have been transformed. Our nation is equipped with new tools to monitor the terrorists’ movements, freeze their finances, and break up their plots. And with strong allies at our side, we have taken the fight to the terrorists and those who support them. Afghanistan has gone from a nation where the Taliban harbored al Qaeda and stoned women in the streets to a young democracy that is fighting terror and encouraging girls to go to school. Iraq has gone from a brutal dictatorship and a sworn enemy of America to an Arab democracy at the heart of the Middle East and a friend of the United States.
There is legitimate debate about many of these decisions. But there can be little debate about the results. America has gone more than seven years without another terrorist attack on our soil. This is a tribute to those who toil night and day to keep us safe -- law enforcement officers, intelligence analysts, homeland security and diplomatic personnel, and the men and women of the United States Armed Forces.
Our nation is blessed to have citizens who volunteer to defend us in this time of danger. I have cherished meeting these selfless patriots and their families. And America owes you a debt of gratitude. And to all our men and women in uniform listening tonight: There has been no higher honor than serving as your Commander-in-Chief.
The battles waged by our troops are part of a broader struggle between two dramatically different systems. Under one, a small band of fanatics demands total obedience to an oppressive ideology, condemns women to subservience, and marks unbelievers for murder. The other system is based on the conviction that freedom is the universal gift of Almighty God, and that liberty and justice light the path to peace.
This is the belief that gave birth to our nation. And in the long run, advancing this belief is the only practical way to protect our citizens. When people live in freedom, they do not willingly choose leaders who pursue campaigns of terror. When people have hope in the future, they will not cede their lives to violence and extremism. So around the world, America is promoting human liberty, human rights, and human dignity. We’re standing with dissidents and young democracies, providing AIDS medicine to dying patients –- to bring dying patients back to life, and sparing mothers and babies from malaria. And this great republic born alone in liberty is leading the world toward a new age when freedom belongs to all nations.
For eight years, we‘ve also strived to expand opportunity and hope here at home. Across our country, students are rising to meet higher standards in public schools. A new Medicare prescription drug benefit is bringing peace of mind to seniors and the disabled. Every taxpayer pays lower income taxes. The addicted and suffering are finding new hope through faith-based programs. Vulnerable human life is better protected. Funding for our veterans has nearly doubled. America’s air and water and lands are measurably cleaner. And the federal bench includes wise new members like Justice Sam Alito and Chief Justice John Roberts.
When challenges to our prosperity emerged, we rose to meet them. Facing the prospect of a financial collapse, we took decisive measures to safeguard our economy. These are very tough times for hardworking families, but the toll would be far worse if we had not acted. All Americans are in this together. And together, with determination and hard work, we will restore our economy to the path of growth. We will show the world once again the resilience of America’s free enterprise system.
Like all who have held this office before me, I have experienced setbacks. There are things I would do differently if given the chance. Yet I’ve always acted with the best interests of our country in mind. I have followed my conscience and done what I thought was right. You may not agree with some of the tough decisions I have made. But I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.
The decades ahead will bring more hard choices for our country, and there are some guiding principles that should shape our course.
While our nation is safer than it was seven years ago, the gravest threat to our people remains another terrorist attack. Our enemies are patient, and determined to strike again. America did nothing to seek or deserve this conflict. But we have been given solemn responsibilities, and we must meet them. We must resist complacency. We must keep our resolve. And we must never let down our guard.
At the same time, we must continue to engage the world with confidence and clear purpose. In the face of threats from abroad, it can be tempting to seek comfort by turning inward. But we must reject isolationism and its companion, protectionism. Retreating behind our borders would only invite danger. In the 21st century, security and prosperity at home depend on the expansion of liberty abroad. If America does not lead the cause of freedom, that cause will not be led.
As we address these challenges -- and others we cannot foresee tonight -- America must maintain our moral clarity. I’ve often spoken to you about good and evil, and this has made some uncomfortable. But good and evil are present in this world, and between the two of them there can be no compromise. Murdering the innocent to advance an ideology is wrong every time, everywhere. Freeing people from oppression and despair is eternally right. This nation must continue to speak out for justice and truth. We must always be willing to act in their defense -- and to advance the cause of peace.
President Thomas Jefferson once wrote, “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” As I leave the house he occupied two centuries ago, I share that optimism. America is a young country, full of vitality, constantly growing and renewing itself. And even in the toughest times, we lift our eyes to the broad horizon ahead.
I have confidence in the promise of America because I know the character of our people. This is a nation that inspires immigrants to risk everything for the dream of freedom. This is a nation where citizens show calm in times of danger, and compassion in the face of suffering. We see examples of America’s character all around us. And Laura and I have invited some of them to join us in the White House this evening.
We see America’s character in Dr. Tony Recasner, a principal who opened a new charter school from the ruins of Hurricane Katrina. We see it in Julio Medina, a former inmate who leads a faith-based program to help prisoners returning to society. We’ve seen it in Staff Sergeant Aubrey McDade, who charged into an ambush in Iraq and rescued three of his fellow Marines.
We see America’s character in Bill Krissoff -- a surgeon from California. His son, Nathan -- a Marine -- gave his life in Iraq. When I met Dr. Krissoff and his family, he delivered some surprising news: He told me he wanted to join the Navy Medical Corps in honor of his son. This good man was 60 years old -- 18 years above the age limit. But his petition for a waiver was granted, and for the past year he has trained in battlefield medicine. Lieutenant Commander Krissoff could not be here tonight, because he will soon deploy to Iraq, where he will help save America’s wounded warriors -- and uphold the legacy of his fallen son.
In citizens like these, we see the best of our country – resilient and hopeful, caring and strong. These virtues give me an unshakable faith in America. We have faced danger and trial, and there’s more ahead. But with the courage of our people and confidence in our ideals, this great nation will never tire, never falter, and never fail.
It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve as your President. There have been good days and tough days. But every day I have been inspired by the greatness of our country, and uplifted by the goodness of our people. I have been blessed to represent this nation we love. And I will always be honored to carry a title that means more to me than any other – citizen of the United States of America.
And so, my fellow Americans, for the final time: Good night. May God bless this house and our next President. And may God bless you and our wonderful country. Thank you. (Applause.)
END 8:14 P.M. EST

Credits: Taken from from The Whitehouse archives

Finance Web Sites

I am posting some common websites, that you might be interested in checking out :)

I hope you find this blog informative, interesting, fun, and meaninful in some way. The purpose is to share ideas, and help each other as we walk together in this Journey that we call LIFE.

Visit the following links:

www.Bloomberg.com

http://www.federalreserve.gov

http://www.nasdaq.com

http://www.investors.com

Reading...

I am currently reading three psychology books. I love reading them. These books give me so much insight about myself, friends, colleagues, and people in general. The most important factor is that I am exposed to search and look for specific issues in my personal life. I need to change and be transformed, so I can become the person that I want to be - a better human being.

A little about my readings...

Two of these books relate to our interactions to each other and our personal relationships. It is so true, your future is always tied to your past. Our earlier relationships are the foundations upon which we will build all of our future relationships. It is in this phase we learned to internalize positive or negative feelings as well as feelings of dissappoinment or validation. We try to identify ourselves with people, places or events that were part of us in the past. Perhaps, it is because we feel comfortable, but remember not to dwell on unhealthy ones or painful memories for too long. This will only bring dispair and a heavy spirity. Treasure the good memories, and store them for life.
"OUR PAST SHOULD NOT BE OUR PRESENT neither OUR FUTURE." - bf

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Rich Dad, Poor Dad

This is a book that I would recommend anybody to read. It will change your way of thinking, especially in regards to money. It is a great book. You can lend it from your nearest Public Library, buy it from Amazon or buy it from the Richdad.com website as well.

Either way, you will find this book to be your wake up call in your journey for financial freedom. I will recommend for you to also read the CashFlow book or in spanish El cuadrante del flujo del Dinero.

Me gustaria que leyeran los siguientes dos libros. Estos libros ayudaran a expander su vision acerca de las finanzas y como hacer mejores decisiones para invertir, ahorrar, o empezar una empresa. Pueden conseguir estos libros Rich Dad/ Poor Dad en su libreria favorita, o en el website de Richdad.com

De cualquier forma, usted encontrara que estos libros seran como su llamada de madrugada para su libertad financiera. Lea tambien el Libro de CashFlow, o conocido en Espanol como "El Cuadrante de Flujo del Dinero."

Escribanme y digame si les gusto leer estos libros, pero sobre todo si les ayudo en su busqueda a la libertad Financiera.

El link es www.Richdad.com

New Year's Resolution / Resolucion para Ano Nuevo

Es un Ano Nuevo, y muchos de nosotros tenemos resoluciones, ideales, nuevas esperanzas, nuevos planes, y muchos deseos de salir adelante. Este Blog, es para compartir a cerca de nuestra jornada para alcanzar una vida mejor. Mi deseo es que aprendamos hacer mejores decisiones en todas las areas de nuestra vida. Compartir con ustedes algunos articulos que sean interesantes y que expandan nuestra vision para un futuro mejor.


This New year, we have new resolutions, new ideas or ideals, new hope, new plans, and the best wishes to prosper. This blog intends to share ideas that can transform our journey on this planet for a better life. I wish we can learn to make better decisions in every aspect of our lives. Sharing some interesting articles, which helps us to broaden our vision.

Please read my link about New Year's Resolution from Dave Ramsey http://www.daveramsey.com I hope this might help to keep us on track this New Year.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Discovering Freedom: Blanca's Blog: Sandy Bell Cartoon

www.youtube.com Discovering Freedom: Blanca's Blog: Sandy Bell Cartoon

Sandy Bell Cartoon

I was excited because I finally found my favorite cartoon on-line. Yes, you guess it right. My favorite was Sandybell and the Robinson Family.

My friend Carmela was right, going back in time is the most wonderful treasure of life. I watched the episodes until the Grand Finale. Now, I remember why it was my favorite? Yes, caring for others, and being less self oriented is the name of the game. Reminding us of protecting our friends, being loyal, and keeping our word. Things that seem so distant sometimes in our world today can bring so so much change in this world. I love the message, and I plan to put my two cents this New Year, I hope you too.

Do not forget to check it out...

JFK; Bush; LBJ; Nixon