Write Your Story Series
Chapter 7:
As The Clock Strikes Midnight A New Decade Has Begun!
Wow, as the clock struck midnight I officially became 50!
My Official Fifty & Fabulous Theme Song: Tú sí sabes quererme By: Natalia LaFourcade
I picked this song because it expresses all who I am as a woman, a Latina who lives her life out passionately, loves her culture, her music. I get lost when I dance to this song, closing my eyes allowing the beat to let me flow.
I don’t know if I should laugh, cry or dance – maybe all of the above? Yes, that is what I will do!
I bought myself some prosecco, chocolate covered strawberries and a beautiful rose gold ring, because I can! I've worked my butt off since I was 13, working hard. There were times where I worked a full time job, a part time job and went to school all at the same time so that I can someday buy nice things for myself. That's the beauty of being this age, the joy of being able to do that and it feels darn good!
I Laugh because I am happy, simple as that!
Cry because I have some amazing memories with so many of you and I am so, so thankful that I have been able to cross paths with you all, even if it were for a few moments in time. I have lived a good life. Even with COVID my life is full despite making some amendments.
I Dance, because it makes me feel free with no inhibition and I LOVE me and frickin’ COVID is not going to stop me from dancing my heart out on my birthday. Even if it’s just me and 2 dogs that I am babysitting for a relative, they make pretty good dance partners following me every where I move. Oh ya, and can’t forget about the Baby Yoda that was left on the sofa. I have gained much wisdom from him these past few days. LOL
COVID may have changed my plans, but heck I am still enjoying the night!
Do I feel different than what I did at 11:59pm? I don’t know, I think so. I do! Hahahahaa
Looking forward to what this day holds for me, one more dance before I go to bed, I plan on waking up early, go for a walk outside and take a deep breath of fresh air. Nothing smells better than the air after it rains.
Cheers to 2021and being 50! On to the next adventure in life!
Chapter 6:
1 Day to 50! Family - We Flock Like Birds Of A Feather
Fifty & Fabulous Countdown!
Today's theme song: We Are Family By Sister Sledge
It took me a few hours to pull some pics together because I have such a HUGE fam! Each grandmother had 12 kids each and you can imagine how many cousins I have!
Family is there through thick and thin. I am so fortunate to have so many aunts and uncles who have mentored me and helped shape my life! I truly was raised by a village.
Cousins, oh, my dear cousins you are the very first best friends I have ever had! To the younger ones who I babysat and were travesos, It's been wonderful to see you grow up into beautiful young men and women. Also missing those cousins who have passed before us, their memories live within our hearts.
Grandparents and parents, I would be lost without them!
Note: I tried to collect as many pics as possible. We are such a big fam that it was hard to get everyone! The old pics my mom sent me.
Everyone can see we're together
As we walk on by
(And) and we fly just like birds of a feather
I won't tell no lie
(All) all of the people around us they say
Can they be that close?
Just let me state for the record
We're giving love in a family dose
We are family
I got all my sisters with me, yeah
We are family
Get up everybody and sing
Chapter 5:
2 Days to 50! Friends, The Ones Who I Can Count On
Today's Theme Song: You Can Count On Me (Connie Talbot version)
Friends -- I have been extremely fortunate to cross paths with so many amazing people! You have all made these past 50 years the most incredible.
Thank you for being a shoulder to cry on, laughing at my funny jokes, praying for me, being my co-conspirator in all things adventure and listening to my crazy ideas!
I can't imagine life without you all.
Note: There were so many more people that I have befriended that are not pictured here. Remember, digital cameras and cell phones did not exist back in the day, so we didn't take as many pictures as as we do now.
Also, FB kept crashing on me as I went deeper into the years looking for pics. If you are not pictured here doesn't mean I don't value our friendship just the same and it also means, we need to take a pic together when all this COVID stuff is over and done with! LOL
Love you all and thank you for making my life won-der-ful!
Chapter 4:
3 Days to 50! Those Life Changing Moments
Today's Theme Song is a mix so that you can dance as the clock strikes 12: "Los mejor de los Angeles Azules mix 2019"
Why am I starting to feel nervous? Got those butterflies in my stomach. Maybe because it's going to be an amazing year?
One of my most life-changing moments is when I joined
the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Believe it or not, I
was a bit shy and so "green" when it came to networking when I first started.
I had no idea that through this organization I would have established life long friendships. Being the Chamber President of Sonoma County in 2017 & 2018 was another lifelong dream of mine to run an organization. I got to live this out at ae 46. At age 47, I was invited to sit on the Executive Board of the California State Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as Secretary.
But, it's just not about that, its a mutual love for community that we all have and a desire to open doors so that others too, can reach for the stars to pursue their dreams!
Chamber Family, both local and statewide, how I miss you on this New Year's Eve. Our parties, dancing until the hotel kicks us out and singing Mariachi in the middle of a hotel lobby at the top of our lungs!
Most of all, advocating for small business, our Latina Empresaria days celebrating the
accomplishments of Latinas, creating programs that make an impact and open doors for so many throughout the state and mentoring our young professionals.
I miss the hugs and conversations and absolute love for our culture. You have changed my life.
Today is dedicated to you. Until we hug and dance again!
Jenny
Chapter 3:
4 days to 50! Ignite Your Light & Let It Shine!
It's never too late to pursue your dreams "You just got to ignite the light and let it shine ..." It has always been my life long dream ever since I was a child to either write a book or a play. At the age of 48, I had the opportunity to co-author a book along with 21 other women titled
"Destiny Talks". This was a project that my good friend and colleague Sonia Hassey founder of Destiny Women's Global Leadership and author of Butt Naked Leadership began 2 years ago.
"Destiny Talks - 21 Brave Conversations" is a book is about women that have faced failure and setbacks, but through it all, they never quit! They never gave up on hope to reach their greatest potential.
I had a great conversation with Sonia this morning, this time I had the opportunity to invite her to be a part of a fun 50th birthday celebration as part of a special edition of "Tea Time With Jen" that I am planning that will involve all of you too!
COVID won't bring me down, still going to celebrate "Like The Fourth of July" because baby, I am a firework!
Need some inspiration? Pick up your own personal copy. Although I am one of the co-authors, I was immensely inspired by all of the women in each chapter who shared their life.
You can purchase the book through Amazon at:
To learn more about Sonia and the Destiny Women's Global Leadership programs: https://destinywomenglobal.com/
There is no time to wait, today is the day to take the first step through the door that is opened for you!
Chapter 2:
5 days to 50 Countdown!
Don't You Worry Child, Heaven's Got A Plan For You
That one time I flew over the Pacific Ocean in the cockpit of a 747 on my way to Tokyo, Japan for my first business trip. I worked for one of Japan's premiere airlines ANA - All Nippon Airways.
No, I was not a flight attendant, I worked with our top 15 accounts in the U.S. and was an International Trainer. I was probably about 25 in this pic.
What's up with those big glasses? Ahhh ... the 90's, there are some things we don't miss like humongous glasses! LOL
Chapter 1:
6 days to 50 Countdown!
Countdown To Fifty, Fabulous & Single
The countdown to 50 is on!!
Although I need to celebrate unconventionally due to COVID this year, it doesn't stop me from dreaming of "Para-para-paradise, para-para-paradise..."
Working on something that can express on I how I feel about my special day and share it with all of you! Stay tuned for more info!
6 more days!!!