Tag Archives: writing

Witnessing majestic nature

03 Tuesday Jun 2025

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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I was so blessed this morning to see a turtle returning to sea after laying her eggs.

Every day I have been seeing a lot of different turtle tracks and taking pictures of them.  This morning I went to walk a little earlier than usual.

I was at the beach around 6:15am. I wanted to go to walk earlier, but was still dark. It is safe here, but why take chances.

I was rewarded with this beautiful sighting.  I am sorry about the shaky video.

 

Pause for a bit of venting

23 Friday May 2025

Posted by in Daily Life, Daily Message

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This was going to be a long, detailed post regarding my last dental surgeries and my unhappiness at the result.  Instead, it will be just a quick summary, I mean, as quick as I can.

Life is too short and I am way too blessed to continue raging about this. 

I had my 4th follow with the oral surgeon after my last two procedures.  He was very dismissive about my complaints.  He told me that all is fine and that this is the way it is.

While none of what I did was for aesthetic reason, I didn’t expect that this procedure would make the receding gum around my front implant even worst.  What I did was various treatments in the gum around the implants, including LANAP and LAPIP.

I also cannot believe that he charged me to add more filling to the top of the implants that his assistant did on the last follow up, but that it had already come out. 

This is where the Universe is funny and always finds a way to make things even for me.

The day I saw that the dentist had put in a claim and my part was $52.50, I get the gift card for $50.00. Almost even 😊 Perhaps I just like to see meaning in these unrelated events, but it is comforting somehow.

I was going to fight this charge, but for someone that paid $5,000.00 for these procedures (it was 6K, but the insurance paid 1K), what is another $50.00?  I know there is the matter of principal, but my time is valuable, so I will just leave it alone.

He lost a patient, and I will never refer him to anyone. I cannot believe I drove almost 2 hours to Stuart, Florida, to supposedly the best oral surgeon, to get this treatment.

Prior to the surgeries, I had already warned him that procedures in my mouth normally don’t work as expected and it is always the worst-case scenario.  I feel he disregarded that warning and just assumed that all would be fine. 

Perhaps he was just guilty of not managing well my expectations and not letting me know that what he was about to do would actually make the gum recede even more.  His answer now ii to say that the only alternative is to do a procedure to lower my lip, so my gum and teeth would not show as much when I smile.  Really?!?!?!?  That is absolutely insane to me.

So, my plan now is to try to keep my teeth impeccably clean (which I have always done) and hopefully not have any infections or inflammations that will need any additional procedure.  Eventually I will have to redo the front implant.   This is a huge undertaking because of the way the original implant was done, and I will postpone it as long as I can.

I have gone to the best (and most expensive) dentists around, so it is disappointing that no one seems to have the right answer or to do a job that is lasting and correct.  I have been going to the dentist since I was 6, and it has always been a struggle.

At this point I have spent over 60K in my teeth – not a single penny has been for anything aesthetic.  Insurance has paid about 5K on top of that, and they normally cover nothing.

I made the decision that I will no longer do any more extensive and expensive procedures in the US.  If I am going to be left disappointed, I may as well do it all in Brazil for a fraction of the price.

We do have amazing dentists in Brazil, but I could never spend the required time there to do anything extensive such as implants, bone and gum grafts.   But now that I am more equipped to work remotely, staying for long periods of time in Brazil is a reality.

There is more to this case, to the procedures done, including something that I said no to, but was done anyway.  But as I said, I am moving on.

All is for the best.  There is always a lesson.  My advice, get it in writing exactly all that is going to be done.  Don’t ever assume that if someone has only 5-star reviews he will be amazing to you as well.

My real estate attorney that cost me $9,000.00 more when I sold my condo, also had only 5-star reviews.

Wishing you all a blessed Memorial Day weekend!

Daily Writing: A new challenge starts today!

22 Monday Oct 2012

Posted by in Daily Life, Finding Me

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I need a new challenge now that my “1 Year without chocolate”  is coming to an end.  I know that a perfect new challenge would be to just cut out sugar, but honestly that idea is totally out of question.

So my new challenge is to write/post something every single day – even if it is just one line.

I hope this challenge will get me in tune with the writer in me again.  I love that person much better than this “non-writing” person!

I have been extremely lazy when it comes to this blog.  Some may see it as a good sign.  A sign that my heart is healed so I no longer have the need to write or I will explode.  Well, it is partly true, I no longer feel like exploding, but I am not sure my heart will ever be 100% healed.

Moving on …

When am I going to start? No better time than the present!

So here we go to 365 days of daily writing.  Prepare to be bored to tears on some (most) days!

October 22nd , 2012

What am I going to write today? What makes today special?

Hives makes today special!

I have hives all over my stomach and chest area since last night.  I have no idea where they are coming from.  I don’t think I am under any stress and I have not eaten anything other than my usual.

I am so drowsy sitting here at work now.  I have just taken a second Benadryl – which doesn’t seem to be working! It is only making me feel more tired than what I already am.

Perhaps this hives attack is serving to make me look at everything in my life, from my food intake to my stress level, etc.  It will certainly force me to start the food journal that I have been planning forever.

I was going to take a Zumba class tonight at 6, but now I am thinking that I should take a nap instead. 🙂

It is my hope that they will disappear quickly as they appeared.

Day 1 completed!

 

Welcome to my e-Harmony profile!

30 Monday Jul 2012

Posted by in Dating

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(tomorrow is the last day of my subscription with e-Harmony, please see this post for more on that subject: https://blessedwithastarontheforehead.wordpress.com/2012/07/26/counting-the-days-until-i-am-free-from-e-harmony/ )

A fellow blogger and reader has been curious about my e-Harmony profile.    I think he believes there could lie the answer to my lack of responses problem.

As far as the pictures are concerned (no I will not be posting them) they show me on vacation, and doing stuff I enjoy such as skiing, watching tennis at the US Open, etc.  In hindsight perhaps I should have added one or 2 pictures of my fabulous cleavage – lol.

So, Chris this if for you!  Start dissecting it! lol

Other than your parents, who has been the most influential person in your life and why?

There are a lot people that have contributed to who I am and where I am.  I will be glad to discuss it in person.  I believe that everyone that comes into your life has something to teach you.
What is the most important quality that you are looking for in another person?

Honesty and Respect are two of the most important qualities I expect in a person. I am looking for someone with a good heart, someone that loves and respects his parents. I want someone that is happy in his work , if not then striving to do something else. I want someone that will love me, honor and cherish me.  I want a partner in life and for life, someone that I can dream and plan with.

Other than your appearance, what is the first thing that people notice about you?

My smile and happy attitude. I like to be friendly and to make other people feel comfortable.

What is the ONE thing that people DON’T notice about you right away that you WISH they WOULD?

I wish they would realize how unique, real and honest I am.  I like speaking the truth and being myself and not trying to represent something I am not. I would also like for people to know that I am happy to be alive and feel blessed for each day.  I would like people to know that all joking and laughing aside I am a great friend on hard times too!

What are five things that you “can’t live without?”

  1. Faith in a powerful being and the Universe.
  2. My family that supports me no matter what!
  3. Weekends, a chance to renew.
  4. Work, classes, being productive in society.
  5. The belief that the love of my life is out there.

Describe the last book that you read and enjoyed. What was it about? What did you like most about it?

Peace is every Step: The path of mindfulness in everyday life by Thich Nhat Hanh.   I am still reading it, but benefiting from it very much.  It is about discovering the peace within and living the present moment (something I, sometimes have a problem with.
Is there any additional information you would like your matches to know about you?

I am fun, honest, love life and I am grateful for every moment.  I want to find an equal fun, honest and grateful person. I have a lot to offer.  I am a self made person who has worked hard for what I have. I have been away from my family since I was 17 yrs old.  I try to go to Brazil twice a year to see them. I hope that my partner will come with me.

What are you most passionate about?

I am passionate about leading a good life and about helping my family. I am originally from Brazil but have been living in the US for over 2 decades. I enjoy improving myself and learning new things.  I love traveling.  I like to attend any live events from sports to opera.  I enjoy skiing and playing tennis even though I am just a beginner at both sports.  I enjoy eating great food and quiet nights sipping wine.  I enjoy reading self improvement and inspirational books and blogs. I am also passionate about finding a partner in life that appreciates honesty and respect. I want to be your muse and to make you smile.

What are the THREE things for which you are MOST thankful?

  1. Life and God.  Each new day is a gift and a chance to improve.
  2. My great family: mother, father, brother and sister.
  3. Hope and Faith. My positive outlook in life.  The certainty that no matter what I will always be fine!

The four things your friends say about you are: (chosen from a list of about 30 items)

Optimistic

Intelligent

Hard-working

Passionate

What are three of my best life skills? (chosen from a list of 10 items)

Achieving personal goals

Maintaining an organized life

Managing my finances
How do you typically spend your leisure time?

In my free time I enjoy pampering myself with a massage or manicure,etc.  I enjoy walking around my neighborhood and discovering new places. I enjoy spending time with friends and family.  I enjoy going to live events and eating out. I enjoy dancing, playing tennis and board games. I also go to the gym, even though I do not enjoy it very much. At times I try to be still, mindful of my breath and think how blessed I am. I enjoy a good book or a good tv show.  I enjoy a variety of things.  I can have fun doing anything – it all depends on the right company.

An open letter to my Friend … Letting go of pain and fear and embracing the moment!

27 Friday Jul 2012

Posted by in Dating, EX Files, Finding Me

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(this started as an e-mail to my friend after a long conversation last night.  

Dear Friend, this is to you, and to me, and to all in pain!)

I am really sorry for being hard on you sometimes and probably causing you pain with my harsh words.  But my words are only the frustration that I feel when I think that you are stuck on the hurts of the past. I wish I could just grab you by the shoulders and shake some sense into you.

I hope one day to come up with a magic word that will snap you out of the past and into the present. Until then I will keep trying with the weapons I have: brutal honesty peppered with humor all enveloped in love.

I wish I could just give you a hug and hold you for a long time and be held by you for a long time.  I want to be like that as day turns into night and then into day again. I just think that you need to be handled with love and care like I do. And I am not talking about sex (even though, that probably wouldn’t be so bad either), I am just talking human touch and connection.  Just that feeling of somebody being there for you – no words necessary!

I don’t know the extent of your hurt and your pains from the past, but I know that is holding you back from being in the present and looking to a future.  I don’t want to compare my pain with your pain.  We all hurt in different ways and different degrees.  We all deal with it in different ways.  I really have no business telling you what to do, how to react and how to feel.  But being a friend allows me no other choice.  I have to tell you how I feel.

.. and in writing this to you I realize I am also writing it to myself!

I really want you to understand that there is at least one person that cares about you: ME.  I don’t want anything from you.  I don’t want anything in return.

Well, actually I do.

I want you to be happy! I love the sound of your laughter! I long to hear it every day! That is why I make the most stupid jokes, all in an attempt to hear your laughter!

I want you to realize what a great person you are! You are not perfect! Nobody is! But among all your imperfections you shine! You have so many great things about yourself, such as honesty, generosity, compassion.  You have morals and lives by them! What I appreciate the most is the way that you present yourself to me: real, fallible, caring and sensitive.

I want you to make peace with the hurt in the past and leave the past in the past!

I want you to stop fearing your future! Live the now in full!  Be here completely now!

You are not your past and your past is not you! Right now you can decide who you want to be and what life and future you want.

Respect the pain! Don’t run away or try to bury your past: expose it, confront it, feel it, cry it, mourn it, forgive it, and then let it go! Stop dragging it around with you.  It is such a heavy baggage and it has no place in your present and future.

Forgive the people that hurt you in the past!  Only when you forgive them, you are able to leave them where they belong:  in the past.  Let them be just a page on your big book of life. You have no idea of the pain that they could be carrying themselves.  Whatever they did to you it was not because of you but because of their own pains and their inabilities of dealing with it and communicating their needs. Wish them well, pray for them.  I still pray for Ex and wish him only the best in life. The peace that I get whenever I send him good thoughts is priceless to me.  It frees me.  It pacifies my heart!

Forgive yourself! Even if you think that you caused yourself pain in the past or that somehow you did something to deserve it, realize that you are a flawed human being. You will make mistakes every now and then – making mistakes is part of our growing.  The key here is to acknowledge it, learn from it, forgive yourself and let it go!

Believe in God without any question! Believe that there is a reason for everything, even in the hurt.  If you believe that God is a loving and merciful God than what do you fear? What do you doubt?  Pray, meditate, talk to God, tell him your fears, place your fears in his hands and let it go!

Be grateful! Remember to thank God for the goodness he has blessed you with.  Remember to be thankful for everything you have in life. Be grateful for your health and the health of family members, for the job you have, for the house you live in and the car you drive.  Be grateful for the beautiful sunshine, and the benefits of the rain, for the food you just had and for the smile of a stranger!

Pain is necessary and unavoidable! The pain was necessary to get you to where you are today!  But it is your choice to wallow in self pity or gain strength from it and move on.  And don’t get me wrong, the future won’t be only love and joy, you will probably get hurt again, but that is called living!  If were not for the bad, the good wouldn’t have any flavor.

The best is yet to come. We both thought that our last relationships were amazing and the one that we were destined to be with, but guess what? Life has bigger and better things in store for us.  That was just an appetizer for the feast that lies ahead!

Am I just fooling myself?  Perhaps, but who really knows what the future holds? No one, but God (if you believe), so choose to live a life that is full of promise.  Concentrate on today and love and live the most that you can! Send to the Universe that idea the your future is so bright you will need sunglasses 24/7.

Hurt? Hurt is growing pains! Hurt is just the price that we have to pay for the ultimate happiness!

Stop looking for answers! Sometimes in life there are no answers.  People behave in the ways they behave and sometimes it makes no sense and there is no explanation.  Yes, they could have been honest and open and upfront about whatever was troubling them instead of blindsiding us with “we are over”.

See hardships as gifts! I totally believe that when people break up with us they are doing us a favor! Of course I wish the break up was different. Pain and hurt are there to makes us stronger.  It forces one to confront themselves and either fall apart or thrive!  It gives us a chance to rediscover ourselves and be the best that we can be!  There is an unique lesson here and we need/want to make sure not to miss it!

Enjoy life-don’t let fear hold you back! I want you to go out and dance and date! Try again, as many times as necessary! (yeah I must admit this was a real tough one for me to write.  There is nothing I dread more than you finding someone and my dreams of ever meeting you and perhaps being more than friends will have to come to an end.  But when you love someone you have to put their needs ahead of your wants.)

LIVE! LOVE! AS MUCH AS YOU CAN, WHENEVER YOU CAN! That is my dream and hope for you!

(Thank you Ex for making my pain so unbearable that I started writing a blog so I would not explode. Were not for that, I would not have gotten back to my love of writing.  Were not for that I would not  have met so many great people that genuinely care and graciously offer their love in the form of comments. Were not for that I would have not met my Friend – the one that I am sure was part of my life in a previous existence.  He walked straight into my heart!. My heart doesn’t have an exit door!  Once you are in you are there to stay)