It's a tough world out there, and I need your guidance. Please vote (link below) or give me suggestions:
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Today, January 20th, 2009, was a great day in history, and I was fortunate to witness the magic with one hundred of my colleagues in a presentation theater at our headquarters at Mattel. We were clapping and cheering like we were all right there in Washington. I felt we were united and connected by our feelings of overwhelming happiness, hope, and pride for this country and its new leader. We were celebrating for him and for ourselves.

I have never been motivated by politics, but this election was different. I don't view what is happening as a political event, but rather I see this moment in history as a massive social movement toward change and the reinvention of this country and the world. I felt that Obama's speech was speaking personally to each of us; it was a call to every one of us to reach our maximum potential, as a country and as individuals, and not to settle for less. I'm proud to be here, to be an American, and to be a Mexican. I'm ready to take on President Obama's challenge--and the risks and rewards that come along when you follow your dreams. I'm ready for change.

I called in sick today to my job at Mattel. The corporate air-conditioned flu viruses finally got me...

I figured this would be a good opportunity to sneak a glimpse at what my life may look like in the coming months--or years--and it is not that bad. I'm in bed, wearing pajamas, making phone calls, chatting on Skype, updating my blog, and e-mailing on both of my blackberries (yes, I have 2!). I even treated myself to a nice quesadilla with guacamole for breakfast. I couldn't help but think, "This is the life!"

During my first week out of Mattel, I want to go snowboarding on one of the local mountains during the week--maybe on a Wednesday, because that was the day I had my weekly status with my boss. Then, once I'm at the top of the mountain, where there is better Blackberry reception, I want to send an e-mail with a photo to all of my snowboard friends. It will be my way to rub it in! After that, I will start worrying about life...

This is an interesting article my friend Amy sent me that I can relate to:

http://www.cnn.com/2009/LIVING/worklife/01/08/jumping.ship/index.html

Source: www.cnn.com                  Big company. Big salary. Big sendoff.

I'm about to leave a cozy, highly-paid job after almost 13 years to open my own .com start up. Drinking a Michelada in Mexico inspired me to write my farewell letter to all my friends at the company. I received over 170 replies, full of the most encouraging and positive words I could ever imagine, and for that I will always be thankful.

I feel both excited and panicked (depending on whether I'm thinking about the day that Google buys my website or the responsibilities of my mortgage), and the words of my friends gave me the best boost of energy and confidence anyone could ask for.

I would like to share my progress, struggles, joys, and tears through this medium as I go through this adventure. I welcome your advice and comments as I head off toward uncharted territory.

Thank you all.

By the way, the recipe for the Michelada is at the bottom of my farewell letter.