37 Days

I haven't been posting lately and that's bad, I know. I've been busy with work and school, like always! However, there are only a few more weeks left in the semester and I can't wait for it to be over so that I can go on my trip! First, though, I'll have to pick up a few more shifts at work, just to make sure I have enough money to take with me! It's going to be awful, I'm probably going to feel like I live there, but it will be worth it in the end. I hope...
Today is the start of a new week and so far it has started off quite well. I took a test in class and I got a 100 on both parts! I'm thinking that I'll actually be making all A's for the first time in a while, so I'm very happy with myself about that. Granted, the classes are quite easy, but I'm actually learning a lot. I'm very excited about tomorrow also, I have an appointment for some new ink and I can't wait until it's on me. I'll be sure to post a picture, if I can figure out how?
As for the rest of the week, it will be filled with Bravo and work, and maybe a small getaway on Sunday, if I can get my shift covered. I'm going to try my very best, because it will be a great ending to the week.

P.S. 37 more days!!!

4/20/21...

Well, obviously I'm a day late on my post and I'm very sorry about that. I was distracted all day and before I realized it, it was past midnight and I had forgotten to make a post entry. Hopefully that won't happen again, but at least now I have a clear topic that I want to write about!
Yesterday was 4/20. To some, just another day. To others, the un-official weed holiday. There were movies on all day long honoring pot smoking, documentaries and news reports covering the topic. A reporter that was on TV yesterday was reporting from the High Times cup in Denver, Colorado that was taking place over the weekend leading into Monday. Pot everywhere. It was one of the coolest things to see that something like that is actually taking place here in the U.S. We have our own little Amsterdam, for lack of a better word. It baffles me to see how much money it is bringing into the state just from taxes alone. In one of the documentaries that I watched a family that moved into a small shop in Breckenridge, Colorado turned in a check to the city at the end of the month for over $120,000. The family was bringing in close to $50,000 a day in cash from sales. Yesterday was an insightful day, the documentaries that I watched really helped me realize how much money pot brings in and how many people smoke pot. I hope that throughout the years the holiday grows to be even bigger and hopefully legally celebrated throughout the entire country someday.

Best wishes. 

Sincerely, 

Jairo

The Weed Conspiracy

For years now the idea of smoking weed has become more and more popular. In all age groups, from what it seems. There are even two states now, Colorado and Washington, that allow the recreational use of Marijuana and it has people on both sides of the spectrum rattled up! Whether it is a family attempting to create a business and make money selling the now legalized product, or people getting together to protest in the streets, fearing that the legalization of Marijuana will occasionally harm society. So, I thought I would do an interview and really get an inside look as to how they feel about it and why. I chose to interview one of my friends who I’ve known for a few years now, we rarely speak about the topic because it isn’t something that is really on our mind when we hang out, but what I found out is that I still have much to learn about the topic.

            I chose to start the interview with a simple question, “When I say the word weed, what is the first thing that comes to mind?” To my surprise, his answer was simple, “Marijuana,” he replied. It was simple, yet insightful. I found this to be true after asking the next few questions. He didn’t have much to say about what the word itself means to him, because weed is a simple thing, “a plant,” as he put it.

            My next question was designed to get an answer as to whether or not he consumes or smokes weed, wanting to also know the reason as to why he does or does not. “I smoke almost daily and for a variety of reason,” he said. “In most cases I smoke to help with my anxiety. I find that taking one or two hits periodically throughout the day help to keep me awake and energized as well as focused.” It was an answer that surprised me, because the general population has been lead to believe that it does the opposite, makes people lose interest in what they are doing, become lazy and lose focus. He went on to say that “at night I smoke to help me sleep comfortably throughout the night and at times I smoke recreationally with my friends.” I found it interesting that he uses it for multiple purposes, both recreational and medical. To my surprise, my friend mentioned that at times he has problems with headaches and stomach pains, he told me that he “goes home, takes a few hits, and the pain goes away.” It was interesting to hear that because I’ve heard multiple times of it medical benefits, that it helps with all kinds of things, so it was nice to see that he has a way to relieve his pain.

            Moving on to a more controversial question, I asked him about whether or not he believes it should be legalized nationwide and why or why not. “I believe it definitely should be legalized nationwide,” he replied. “Evidence proves that states that have already legalized it have a lot of money coming in, simply just from the taxes.” I liked his answer because it really proves what we all see on the news and articles, stating that the economy in Washington and Colorado especially is booming thanks to the money that recreational Marijuana is bringing in. His answer wasn’t a simple, “because it would be fun.” He actually brought up a good reason for it and it is supported with facts. He elaborated even further on his answer when he mentioned the second reason it should be legalized, “It would cut down on meaningless arrests, freeing up police resources to spend time pursuing serious drugs and real dangerous criminals,” he said. “It cuts out the middle man as well, so otherwise, law abiding citizens do not have to deal with sketchy individuals, which means less dealers on the streets.”

            I was interested to hear as to whether or not he believed Marijuana to be dangerous or not, and if so, how. “No, I wouldn’t say it is dangerous,” he said. “The worst that happens when I smoke is I get hungry. It can possibly be dangerous for your health, because of the smoke that you inhale, but I have not noticed any negative side effects in my time smoking Marijuana.”

            I chose my next question because it is one of much controversy, in fact, there is research being conducted to help answer the question, “Can it be addictive?” “No,” my friend replied. “I have had no problems quitting in the past. I have not quit altogether because I would rather smoke than take the various medications I would otherwise need for my anxiety and ADD.” His answer was simple, but very helpful. It helped me to understand that he can quit, if he wants, but finds it easier to deal with his medical conditions with the help of smoking.

            I really wanted to know how my friend believed that we, as a society, should educate our younger generations about weed. I thought this would be a good question because, as hard as it may be, the answer really requires an opinion that is not bias. “Same way we educate them about everything else, by providing accurate information and facts,” he replied. I believe this to be true; it should be presented to young adults in a scientific manner rather than a public opinion.

            One of my curiosities during the interview was to know whether or not my friend believed Marijuana to be a “gateway” drug. “No, smoking Marijuana has not made me want to try any other drugs,” he responded. I honestly expected that answer, just because I’ve known him for a while, but I still wanted to know.

            I wanted to finish the interview with a question that would require a bit of explanation, “In your own words, as many as it may be, how would you describe weed?” “Weed is a plant that can be used for both recreational and medicinal purposes,” he said. “While it is most commonly known for its recreational use, there are in fact a lot of benefits to using Marijuana whether through ingestion or smoking for a variety of medical conditions. It is definitely great to help you relax and unwind, just like alcohol or tobacco, and can be abused just like those other two, but in the case of weed, the side effects are not as extreme and you are not as impaired as when under the influence of alcohol. From my experience, weed has never impaired me.”

Rituals

I woke up today to follow my usual cycle that I do every single morning. Wash my clothes, brew coffee, shower and get ready. Always in that order. I can't seem to break that, is that weird? 

I also have rituals writhin rituals, which is even more weird! 

Once I start to get ready, I wash my face, clean my ears and brush my teeth, which are actually some of my favorite things to do. Ever. There is nothing like the minty-fresh feeling you get after brushing your teeth and the clean, like-new feeling you get after washing your face. But it isn't until after I eat my bacon, potato and egg tacos that I am ready to take on the day. 

The last step to my now memorized cycle of rituals, three sprays of cologne, just before I leave the house.

We all have those weird rituals and cycles that we follow each and every day of our lives. What are yours? More weird than mine? I truly believe that they define who we are.

Best wishes. 

Sincerely, 

Jairo

Bucket List

Recently I updated my bucket list, only by 2 or 3 more things, but I don't think it'll ever be a complete list, because I add things every so often. The most recent additions to the already existing list are: learn a third language, change a life and interview an influential person. I'm excited to complete all three, whenever that may be! 

What are some of the items on your bucket list? Never give up on trying to complete it no matter what. It'll never get done unless you do it. 

Best wishes. 

Sincerely, 

Jairo 

Baby Steps

So, today I signed up for one of my last semesters of school! I will be graduating next year and I am very excited and ready to be done with school. For now, at least. I also got an email this morning from the woman that I interviewed with last week. She let me know that if I email or call her when I get back from my trip, then she would be more than happy to hire me! I am taking baby steps at the moment to accomplish my long term goals of having a successful career. I'm really focusing on taking it one step at a time, so that I don't try and take on too much, and eventually fail. I'm excited of the things to come, whether they are good or bad. I can't wait to see what the future holds and embrace any changes to my plan. Life is a marathon, not a sprint.
What are the little steps that you are taking to accomplish your goals and dreams? Whether those steps lead to a family, career or just a short term goal, they are all important. Never lose track of where you want to go.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Jairo

The Little Things

I tend to do most of my thinking at random times throughout the day, finding reasons to try something new that will make me happy and a better person. I find those reasons to be the "little things" as cliché as that may sound. But really, I do! I had a few of those moments today, while I was stuck in traffic. I was feeling hungry so I thought about what I'd like to eat while waiting for my third class to start. Chips and salsa was the first thing that came to mind! Simple yet delicious. Accompanied of course by some even more spicy steak tacos, which are my favorite. I found joy in that first bite of fresh, crip tortilla chip topped with just a corner of cold, freshly blended red salsa that is just spicy enough to mess with your sinuses but not BURN your mouth.

What are the little things that brighten your day? Or maybe the little things that make it not so bright? Both are significant. At least to me. 

Best wishes. 

Sincerely, 

Jairo

P.S. Better, more creative topics coming soon. As well as pictures and video. 

My Inspiration

Finally. Really the best way that I could think of to start this blog. It's been a goal of mine for many years, but always put aside for something else. So, I thought I would start today. I finally found not only the reason to do it, but most importantly, the inspiration to do it. Hence the name! I've had a few people in my life that have been inspiring me to do this for many years and have been unsuccessful but, now I finally am ready to do it. To be perfectly honest, it really was with the help of one particular person that I found the inspiration, and I am forever thankful. I am in a good place in my life and there really is no better time to start this. I finally feel like I have a plan for my life and am ready to work every single day to make that dream come true. In a few more weeks I will be taking a long awaited trip to Europe with two of my best friends. With this trip I hope to come back a new man with a more open mind and better understanding of the world around me. I'd like to not only share my experiences with my close friends and family, but also on this blog, so that maybe with a little bit of luck I can inspire someone to accomplish their own hopes and dreams. Throughout our trip I will be writing everyday and possibly, maybe, making a video blog as well, that could possibly lead to a mini-series? I hope! 

I can't wait to continue posting and look back at this first post when I get back. 

What's inspires you? Looking forward to reading the responses. Best wishes. 

Sincerely, 

Jairo