What makes YOU happy?

In honor of today's celebration: International Day of Happiness, I decided to make a list of 10 things that make me happy. Why? Lately, I've been watching the news and seeing so many people do bad things because they're not happy with their lives. 

Just this week my beautiful alma mater UCF went through a terrible scare that had me stop and think for a bit. 

Life is not perfect. Then again if it was, it be a little too boring. We all have our ups and downs and times when we love waking up and others when we want to sleep in and never leave our room.

Days like today though, when we're celebrating happiness, we should really stop to think what makes us happy. 

Why not write it down? Once I write this list, I can go back to it on days I feel a little blue and remind myself on why living is so important and why life, even at it's most imperfection, is still beautiful and filled with happiness.

Here we go:

1. Food makes me happy. There's nothing better than getting home from a long day and have a warm plate of mom's food ready for you. If mom isn't there to cook, a delicious gooey pizza pie with Blue Bell neapolitan ice cream will do the trick! 

2. Sleeping makes me happy. And if it's in your own bed...even better. I've noticed that you could be sleeping at the nicest places in the world, but there's nothing like wrapping yourself up in your own cozy bed.

3. Family makes me happy. Even if they drive you insane about 95% of the time, you know that at the end of the day your family will be there supporting you and loving you. And don't think it has to be a big family, sometimes smaller families have a stronger bond.

4. Loving someone makes me happy. This can be your friend, your boyfriend, your family or who ever. That moment when you unconditionally offer your heart to someone is simply an amazing feeling.

5. Being loved makes me happy. It kinda sounds like the one above, but this time you're that special someone to that person. Again, this doesn't have to be a romantic feeling. You can be loved by your dad, your aunt, your professors and friends.

6. Learning new things makes me happy. Finding out that I don't know something is the best adrenaline rush I can get (unless is how to solve a math problem or do my taxes, that I'll skip). I constantly try to learn new things because my philosophies are: 1) It's not like your brain has an "only fill up to here ^" and 2) You never know what you don't know until you don't know it. 

7. Helping others makes me happy. As cliche as it may sound, helping others really does make me happy. Do I help everyone out? No. I try to help those who seek help and need help and especially those who are appreciative of your help. And this doesn't have to be financially, you'd be surprised how much you can help a person by just talking to them or listening.

8. Dancing makes me happy. Anyone who knows me has realized that I can't stand/sit still when music touches my ears. It may be the Latina blood burning inside that makes me swing from side to side or at least bop my feet if I must remain subtle.

9. Traveling makes me happy. This kinda ties in to some of the things above, because when I travel I get to check things off this list. There's so much more to this world than the fenced backyard we see when we wake up or the same people we greet at work. The whole world is our backyard and we should try to greet everyone who lives in it.

10. Finding my purpose in life will make me happy. BAM! So this one a tough one because I'm still trying to figure that out, however, I know that if I attempt to include the above items on my everyday life, finding my purpose in life will be one happy journey!

Now it's your turn to make a list! If what you're doing right now isn't helping you check off items of that list everyday, think about what you can do to make your life a little happier. 

Don't forget to smile...it's contagious!

Paula
xOxOx

That little voice inside...listen to it!

It's funny how I decided to write this post after watching a Full House episode last night. (Yes, I still watch Full House because it's awesome!) In the show young Stephanie wanted to ride with two immature high school boys and TJ, the older sister didn't let her go saying it was unsafe. After Steph's friend gets in a car crash with the boys, she realizes her older sister was right and asks her how'd she know getting in that car was a bad idea. TJ's response? "You know that little voice inside of you? As you're growing up, if you're lucky, you'll learn to listen to it!"

I can tell you that as I'm growing up, I'm really learning to listen to that little voice and I want to make sure that you are too. This "growing-up" stage of our lives is extremely fun and exciting but it's also a stage where you have to be very careful and aware. You know what? At any stage of your life I think you have to keep those eyes and ears wide open. 

You see, everyday you're meeting new people, finding new opportunities and discovering new things about this world we live in. You constantly find yourself in different situations and most of these will be good but a few can be bad. How can you tell them apart? You listen to that little voice inside! 

Usually you will hear that little voice loud and clear screaming: "Paula! Get out of there! Are you nuts?" The problem begins when that little voice is telling you: "Paula this isn't such a good idea," but you think that little voice is wrong. It happens to all of us at some point in life depending on what situation we're in. You think you might miss out on a bigger opportunity, make a mistake if you walk away or even scared that you might burn a bridge. So far my friends, my experience or lack of has taught me that the little voice is ALWAYS right!  

Don't let pressure from yourself or others get you into anything you feel isn't right. Don't associate yourself with people that you know don't have the best interest. And don't let anyone or anything dictate what you can or can't do. 

On the contrary, find great places where you can grow professionally and personally. Get yourself into situations that will challenge you and help you reach your goals. Surround yourself with mentors, friends and family who will guide you, support you and love you because they want to see you shine. 

But most importantly, listen to that little voice inside of you, it's always right! 

Paula

xOxOx

Say yes to the dress...or else!

Paula and Mom (2013)

I've been thinking about writing this post ever since I found the dress I was wearing to Saturday's gala event. 

If you don't follow me on Facebook, this past Saturday I had the honor to not only attend La Prensa's 6th Annual "Mujeres Destacadas" (Distinguished Women) Awards, but I also got to present the amazing women who had been past recipients. I got the privilege to do so because I was the recipient of the 2012 Young Leader Award, something I hold very near to my heart. I also wanted to continue recognizing Hispanic women who made a difference in our community. 

Back to the real purpose of my post "Say yes to the dress...or else!", I noticed that many, many, many people loved the dress I wore to the gala, including myself. 

It wouldn't be fair to not tell you the story behind this beautiful and elegant dress, plus the very special person who allowed me to wear it and actually help me get in it.

Mom and Abu (1976)

You see...this magical pink dress that had me feeling like a total princess was worn originally by my own "mujer destacada": My Mom! This was the very dress my mom wore during her prom at Colegio San Antonio in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico back in 1976 (I'm going to hear it now after giving out her age!) 

I actually wanted to wear this dress for my own prom in 2008 (oh wow I feel old now) but I didn't fit into it. You could imagine what my mom said: "Tu viste, en aquellos tiempos yo era alguien!" ('You see during those times, I was actually someone') 

Little did she or I know that I would have the opportunity to wear this dress a couple of years later. I have to admit, I needed her help to zip it up because man, my mom was a hot skinny momma!  

The most important thing to me though was being able to wear this beautiful dress with my mom right by my side. She wore her dress next to my grandfather and I wore it next to her!

Thank you mom for not only allowing me to wear your dress, but for being the mother that you are! I love you! 

But I think I wore the dress best! :P

Pau

xOxOx

Artista Boricua gana "Best of Show" en el prestigioso Festival of the Masters

Este año, el artista Boricua David Figueroa de Cidra, Puerto Rico, recibío el premio de "Best of Show" en el prestigioso Festival of the Masters celebrado en Downtown Disney en Orlando, Florida.

El festival de arte que culminará el domingo 11 de noviembre hizo la entrega de premios a los artistas en su segundo día de celebración. 

David quien recibió el premio junto a sus hijas y el querido Mickey Mouse me cuenta como se sintió y explica un poco a cerca de sus originales piezas de arte.

Paula
xOxOx

Lights, camera, pixie dust...5AM Wake Up Call??

It has come to my attention that ever since I started my internship at Walt Disney World, a lot of people have been wondering what is it exactly that I do. My only guess is curiosity sparked once I started posting pictures of myself with my Disney friends on my Facebook Page. And by Disney friends I mean Mickey, Minnie, Donald, you know, the big guys in the bizz. lol So I went back and looked at my page, then I thought: "Wow my job looks AWESOME!!!"

To be quite honest, my job really is awesome. I mean, who can say PART of their job is to meet and take pictures with the stars who make Disney magic real? But like I just said, this is only part of my job. You could say it's the glamourous side of it. 

The part you don't see on Facebook is that all of these pictures are taken before even parks open in the early morning. In Florida summer, this means humidity at its finest (for us ladies, it means: AAAAHHH!!!!) 

With that being said, I ask you to take a second look at these pictures and notice what I now call my "Disney bun" style (you can find it in all different ways. Maybe I should start a Pinterest board). lol In other words, it's the only style in which I can somehow manage my morning Mufasa hair. 

But going back to the part of my job that you don't see is that I get to meet these characters because I'm usually working on TV show productions or photo shoots that are done very early in the morning and sometimes take long-hour days and weekends to produce. If you saw the amount of hard work and dedication that go into all of these you'd be impressed. 

But all of the hard work that at least I put into each of my projects is very much worth every minute of my time. The people I have met in the little time I've worked here have been some of the most awesome people ever, and they come from all over the world and from all different backgrounds. 

I guess the point I'm trying to make is that if you really enjoy what you're doing every day, it doesn't really seem like it's work (of course, working at Disney sure helps a lot). But find that one thing you love to do and give it your 110%. I promise you, all the time and effort you put into it will seem like you're just having a blast. Maybe your thing is teaching, or solving cases, or even playing music for a living. 


All I'm saying is forget about what every one else is up to and concentrate on enjoying what you do. In the end, the only person you need to make happy is yourself and only YOU can do that. :)

Pau
xOxOx

It's not just Tinkerbell...

Before I start this post...I feel like I need a little introduction of myself since it's been almost a year since I last blogged...so here it goes. 

After 4 years of studying broadcasting journalism and spending endless days and nights at local TV stations during my internships, a few months ago I decided I wanted to make magic. 

This has probably been one of the hardest decisions I have ever made so far, leaving behind my journalism world filled with breaking news, deadlines, and internships and coming to work for a mouse. (I promise I will soon write in more detail how all of this happened...I'm telling you it wasn't easy)

It's been almost three weeks since I started my professional internship at Walt Disney World Public Relations, and so far I've loved every single minute of it, but today, it was something beyond special.

I was called in first thing in the morning to a shoot at Magic Kingdom for the new Dumbo ride where I spent 4 hours in 95+ weather helping a photographer capture the "perfect shot" of the flying elephants. Not the most magical morning so far.

My fellow cast-member then asked me if I could help her out at a second shoot also in Magic Kingdom in the afternoon and despite my hot and sweaty morning I was ready for the second part of the day. 

Boy was I not expecting this truly magical afternoon... 

Meet Sally and Louis

Sally and Louis have come to Walt Disney World to celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary which happens to be on the 4th of july. 

When I asked Louis, who is 93 and a WWII veteran, about his festive wedding date a huge smile came across his face and he responded: "We started our marriage with a BANG!" 

With the help of all of our teams we were honored to have Louis as our special guest in lowering the flag at Liberty Square in Magic Kingdom. 

You could just see the smiles and tears coming from both Sally and her daughters who proudly watched Louis carry the American flag. (I had to hold some tears myself).

We also gave the cute couple a matching bride-and-groom mouse ears for them to wear once they return to Disney on Wednesday to celebrate their anniversary.

When one of the daughters came up to me and said how special we had made them feel today my heart simply filled with joy. 

Watching this couple still celebrate their love after 61 years was absolutely magical...and I helped create that magical memory at Disney today! 

It was then when I realized...It's not just Tinkerbell who can sprinkle some pixie dust. :)

Pau 

xoxox

Parking Nazi

Here is one of the projects that kept me so busy this past semester. Enjoy my first silent one minute movie. Produced, shot, edited by yours truly. Special thanks to my awesome friends acting as the Parking Nazi and Tough Blonde!! :)

Paula

xOxOx