To Write Love On Her Arms

Happy Free Love Day Everyone!

Free Love Day is a day that promotes awareness of depression and suicide, as well as to advocate a lifestyle of unconditional love.

If you didn't know this, depression is one of the leading conditions that lead to suicide. Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, and for every suicide, there are 11 attempts made. Suicide can occur at any age ranging from child to adult and the scary part is that we don't know who wants to, who has tried to or who will do it.

There are countless reasons why anyone would think to do this and even more reasons why some are brave enough to go through with it. They CAN be saved. One of the many answers to this is LOVE. Today, en lieu of this day, here is what love means: "Love means an action and decision to unconditionally practice patience, kindness, and humbleness towards people. Sharing your story with people, because we all have one. To open up so no one feels alone." I couldn't have said it better myself. 

If you're anyone like me, the mere thought or sensation of love brings such an uncontrollably overwhelming feeling from within, that it causes others around you to feel just that. With my heart on my sleeve, I live to observe a lifestyle of nothing but love, and you should too. 

How do you do that? Here are a few of my personal opinions...

• Ask someone how they're feeling today
• Tell someone how much you love them
• Show someone how much you love them
• Do something on a whim out of love because you WANT to
• Treat everyday like it's a sort of... Valentine's Day, if you will (and no, that doesn't necessarily mean buy whoever it is calorie infested chocolates and sweet little Hallmark cards all of the time, but once in a blue moon do something sweet and loving to someone -- anyone you love because you LOVE them that much)
• Spend quality time with someone you love (especially if they're having a bad day -- they probably need you more than anyone else will at the moment)
• Compliment someone today (tell them how pretty/handsome they look today, how they look really great with their hair that certain way, how happy they seem, how lucky you are to have them in your life, how they have changed your life in some way, etc)
• LOVE FREELY - there is always enough to go around :)

So today, to celebrate Free Love Day, draw/put a heart on your wrist to signify that you will wear your heart on your sleeve and live to observe a lifestyle of love. Today, we WANT to change the world and make people aware of what depression can do. Suicide should not be an option. No one should ever feel the need to take their life for any reason what so ever. No one should have to feel so bad about themselves that they would want to take their own life. You only have one life to live so live it and fill it with LOVE!

I wear my heart on my sleeve because I love with a love that is more than love <3

Laughter in the Rain

I decided to do a double post today because I felt the need to write about something that I feel very strongly about.

Today I have decided to sign up for some VERY important causes that have affected me personally throughout my years of living and I couldn't be any happier to be a part of something so special and so important to me. The reason why I am sharing this is because I want to make these charities aware to the public and inform you of the many ways that you can help in being a part of something worth looking into.  Although there are many more walks/runs that I will be looking into I wanted to share the following dates/charities that I am going to participate in.

May 15 : AIDS Walk in NY
June 4-5: Out of the Darkness Overnight Walk for Suicide Prevention
October 14-15: Avon Walk for Breast Cancer

I have always been involved in donating and participating whether it's by walking or running, for good causes. Ever since I could remember I have always wanted to be a part of something bigger in my life. I don't know if it's due to my caring and loving nature, or because I much rather give my hard-earned money AND time (whether to walk, run or fund raise) to a great cause, or both. I have been a part of so many causes ranging from Save the Big Cats Foundation, Make-A-Wish-Foundation of NJ, HUMC, American Red Cross, Save the Earth, Carlos Negron Memorial Fund, and many more.

My first charity that I signed up for today is the AIDS Walk. The AIDS Walk in NY is slowly approaching and I decided to form a team entitled: Laughter in the Rain. Anyone can join and anyone can donate as much money as they would like to. I have asked both my parents, some family members and friends to join my team and walk 6.2 miles with me throughout Central Park so that I can walk to remember someone very important in my life who spent the majority of his life just Laughing and being a happy soul. I have decided to form a team and register as a Star Walker. As a Star Walker, my goal is to raise $1,000 or more - the higher my goal is, the more money I know I can raise. If you would like to help me/join my team in memory of my uncle and those gone but not forgotten, please do so and let me know so I can personally thank you :). WE can make a difference together. Tread lightly with me on a day in which the celebration of sadness will not be, but of happiness and love.

I Love You M.O. <3

Run, Rabbit, Run!

The microphones were set, the booths were stocked with some of the finest apparel for men and women, the dressing rooms were brightly lit, the scent of coffee was lingering in the air and the only sound that could be heard was that of laughter and soft treading of the feet... in sneakers of all brands. Adidas. Brooks. Saucony. Asics. New Balance. Mizuno. Zensah. Garmin. Vibram. I had never been so overwhelmed with running apparel exhibitors in one room in my life. For a runner, this was indeed a sight for sore eyes. I was like a kid at a candy store - eyes enlarging with amazement the deeper I set my foot into the dwelling, and all I could think of was, "Man, this is almost as good as  being at Disneyland." And boy, was I right.

It was 8:50 in the morning when I set foot inside the JackRabbit NYC Running Show yesterday, April 22nd.  I had signed up to volunteer as a worker during the show about a week or two ago and I was just as excited to walk around and take a look at everything and listen to the guest speakers, than I was to work. With over 10 guest speakers, over 35 exhibitors, and an edifice filled with inspiration, I felt right at home. There is something to be said about being in an (extremely) large room surrounded by runners of all ages and types, clad in their running sneakers and fit bodies, with their own stories to tell and hearing them speak about past races, upcoming races, what they love to wear when they run, what they've accomplished (or rather, what they would like to accomplish) and more. There is something to be said about these people. They have heart. They are goal oriented and just... blissful. I've seen people with passion in their eyes do things that truly make them feel whole (and not to mention sparkle-eyed shoppers spend tons of money on things that are new in the market) and it just doesn't compare to what I've seen in my 11 years as a runner (or yesterday for that matter). It was such a beautiful sight to see runners carrying around JackRabbit bags filled with gear. And I'm sad to say that I was not one of them, but my heart, too, was happy to see them just as happy as I would have been if I had the opportunity (and the money) to buy some of the finest gear in the industry.

Working the dressing room at this show was quiet the experience. I not only met some pretty amazing and motivated runners, but it filled my heart with joy to see many of these athletes walk out of the dressing rooms with a smile and a, "I'll take this, thank you." I would have to say about 3 or 4 people decided not to buy what they tried on and to me, that says a lot. During the show, I had the privilege to shy away from my station and watch a 25-minute information session by 2004 Olympic Runner, Grant Robison, on good form running. He was one of the most knowledgeable and down to earth people that I was more than excited to watch speak and he gave some real helpful tips on how to make running more comfortable, less painful and most importantly, more enjoyable. So in turn, I will say, Grant Robison : You Rock! Keep up the great work. With your tips, you have made me a better runner already.

Working the JackRabbit Running Show was one of the best 6 hours I have had in a while and if I could do it again, I most definitely would. If you just so happened to miss yesterday's JackRabbit NYC Running Show, don't fret! Today is the 2nd (and last) day where the show WILL go o! It goes on from 10 am - 6 pm and covers another amazing schedule of guest speakers (with various informative topics that are extremely helpful) as well as a layout of exhibitors that, if I may add, will be seling some pretty amazing gear. So head on over (with $10 to enter) and a smile on your face and turn this rainy day into a sunny one!

JackRabbit NYC Running SHow 

Have You Hugged a Vegetarian Today?

If you haven't, you sure as heck should! And if you have, well, good for you!

You might ask why. I'll tell you this much. Hugging a vegetarian is like hugging ... well, me! And if you KNOW me you know I give the best hugs EVER! They're long and sometimes real tight and warm and yeah, so what? I'm a little on the thin side so I guess bony would be another good descriptive word BUT that doesn't mean they're not good :)

This entry has nothing to do with hugging vegetarians, but I thought I might put that out there for you folks. Because I have already shared with you some of my hobbies, accomplishments and dreams, I figure I add a little something different to the mix. I for one love to cook. I mean Love Love Love. LOVE to cook. It puts me in another state and allows me to use my right-brained creativeness. Being a vegetarian also allows me to take my love for veggies and make things I never thought I'd ever like or be able to make for that matter. Here is something I tried for the first time today and while it was a ton of fun to make, I wanted to share my Vegetable Lasagna recipe with you!

I went to the market and bought some lasagna noodles, mushrooms, yellow and green squash, carrots, chopped spinach, ricotta, low fat mozzarella, your favorite pasta sauce and oregano. In a bowl, I mixed a jar of my favorite sauce with some oregano and grated carrots. In another bowl, I mixed a container of ricotta, 2 eggs and chopped spinach. In a glass dish I put some of my sauce mix on the bottom, layered it with 2 lasagna noodles and topped it with my ricotta mix. I then placed some thinly sliced yellow and green squash and sliced mushrooms on top.

After you layer the veggies, you sprinkle on some shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Then you place 2 more lasagna noodles on top and you do the whole thing all over again! And when you're done with your second veggie layer, you place 2 more lasagna noodles on top, some more sauce and cheese and you're all ready to go. This is what mine looked like before placing it in the oven.

 

You place this baby in the oven at 350 degrees and cook for about 45 minutes and wah lah: You have a delicious veggie lasagna!

But what happens when you look around and see all of these extra ingredients hanging out? What do you do? You don't want to throw it out. You might not have enough to make another lasagna. Don't fret!

 

You make veggie lasagna rolls! Same rule applies EXCEPT you don't layer.. you just roll! Take one lasagna noodle, place some of your leftover sauce on it, some ricotta mix, some green and yellow squash and mushrooms and roll that bad boy!

 

Now, I had about 3 lasagna noodles left (because I only boiled 9) so I was able to make 3 rolls. When you've got your rolls all set, top them with some more sauce and cheese and there you have it, some delish veggie lasagna rolls!

 

I put these bad boys in a Tupperware and put them in the fridge for lunch tomorrow or even dinner. If you have friends or family members who are into tasty food, you can even share them! It's easy and super delicious and healthy and if you are a veggie lover like me, I will guarantee that you will enjoy this!

Oh, and don't forget... Take the time to hug a vegetarian at some point this week. It's healthy ;)

Kindle Your Heart!

A wise man once said, 

"Success is a state of mind. If you want success, start thinking of yourself as a success."

What is success? Is it following in your parents footsteps of them wanting you to become a doctor or a lawyer? Is it getting accepted into graduate school so that you can obtain your MA or your PhD? Is it winning the lottery and never having to work again as long as you have that money in your possession? 

 Success means something to everyone and is something everyone (or almost everyone) wants. 

To me, success is wanting something, anything, so bad (whether it's out of reach or right under your nose) that you are willing and ready to work the hardest that you can in order to get it. It's looking at yourself in the mirror and smiling at the successful YOU you are even if you're the only one who sees it. I have many dreams and goals of becoming one of the worlds most recognized and respected writers, but I can't become one if I just say it and dream it. There are millions of people in this world who want to do things and don't act upon it. Success stems from actions and executions. I haven't always been the most confident person, but when it comes to my writing I would have to say in modesty, that I believe that I am a successful writer because I feel it and know it deep inside. It's as simple as this... if you want to be successful you have to be willing to do the things that the failures don't like to do.

Not too long ago, I had one of my closest friends send me a news link about a woman who attempted to sell her books to publishing companies and repeatedly failed due to rejections, and she decided to translate them into e-book form and is now a success! I have thought of doing this once before, but it slipped my mind. With technology being so popular and constantly growing, it's sad to say that a lot of the bookstores that I have lived in many times (Barnes and Noble and Borders, for example) have been closing down because people just won't buy books anymore. Instead, people have been going online and purchasing/reading e-books and buying Kindle's and iPads and all of those hand-held book reading devices to replace those precious books that I will NEVER stop buying. But like I mentioned above, if you want to be successful you have to think of yourself as a success, so in turn, I have decided to follow in the steps of this determined and talented woman and do just the same! My published paperback, "Down the Rabbit Hole," can ALSO be bought and read as an e-book on Amazon.com and is readily available to YOU on your Kindle! What an accomplishment this has been for me and I am so excited I had to share. I long for success and will continue to obtain it with every idea in mind that I will never be anything else other than that!

Thank you for your support and to those who do decide to purchase it for their kindle (the link is below), I will NOT let you down. Also, be on the lookout for the sequel coming in both paperback AND e-book. Stay tuned.

Down the Rabbit Hole for your Kindle!