La vida, la vida

I don't want to be too full of myself but I think the following is true:

"Life gives us seeds of experience. It is up to us to sow them and harvest true wisdom."

What seeds have you planted today? Which ones are you harvesting to take you to the next level? It is up to you... take control and live life to the fullest.

Loving every minute,

D

Yes, I am still alive - and Recruiting!

What a ride! I had so many visits this summer that I would need a vacation from vacation time. It seems that every weekend we are doing something. On the other hand there are a lot of interesting things happening. I can't believe that my last post was back in May!

I really have meant to blog again... I never thought that starting a business will be so much work! There are some checks for the win column. We are moving forward on several countries in Central and South America.

My company is currently recruiting for several well paid positions in San Diego, CA; Columbia, MD and Rochester, NY

You can visit our website at http://www.munify.org

The keys to the city

On a ceremony on Wednesday yours truly and other fellow veterans were recognized by the Miami Beach City Commission. An initiative of Hon. Comissioner Libbin, is a token of appreciation from the City of Miami Beach to its veterans. An effort that should be emulated across the nation.

So you want to be an entrepreneur

Here I am. It is me against the paperwork. Getting registered and applying for Small Business certifications (namely 8a certification and Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business) There is a long road ahead, but hopefully I will be able to document it others can benefit.

For starters - to learn almost everything there is to know about 8a you need to read Section 13 of the Code of Federal Regulations (13 CFR) which is available at the SBA

Another area that you might want to brush up on a couple of Small Business Administration's Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) I will post later which are relevant when starting your own business among other tips.

Back in the saddle

Well, it is official! For the last couple of weeks I have been offline working hard at contributing to the establishment of a new small business. It should be launched by mid-summer. I am excited at the possibilities and the projects that might come along.

I have used just about every minute of business school in the last couple of days, I am exhausted and happy at the same time. We have ordered our business cards and should have out website up and running at the end of the month. Stay tuned!

Quo Vadis Puerto Rico?

Here I am, writing in English what my heart is yelling in Spanish. It is often cited that Puerto Rico has suffered from a "brain-drain" in the last couple of decades. Anecdotally, I can relate closely to this statement because I have lived it. As many of my dearest friends; some of the smartest people I know; have left our beautiful shores to find their future somewhere else.

What can be done to help our your professionals stay? For starters, as in words read in the newspaper the other day; Puerto Rico is in dire need of true stateswomen and statesmen (to be politically correct) that will place the collective needs ahead of their short term political motives and allegiances. It is imperative the only agenda that matters is that of moving Puerto Rico forward. No matter how you call it a bus, a train, a ship, or a plane - opportunity is saying good bye and will leave Puerto Rico behind.

It is clear that the current system is not sustainable. Big and inefficient government, duplicity of work, a demoralized workforce, lack of job creation power, the cancer of politics in the workplace, the list can go on forever and many in the island as well as outside of it know them very well. A vibrant private sector is necessary to bring about the change that Puerto Rico needs. Examples of community based organizations are few but often successful in bringing about change. We must not loose sight that sometimes the so called "grandes intereses" might be those of ourselves.

Slowly but surely...

Things are falling into place for my projects. The future sure looks bright in this confusing and uncertain times. People always ask me how can I keep my head about the water when all you hear is bad news from everywhere. The 24/7 market and news networks have plenty of experts that say that the markets are going south, and for the most part they have. What many people forget than rather than spell trouble it should really be seen as an opportunity. The old rule of "buy low, sell high" still applies.

If I had the money, I will do my research and pick those stocks that represent value. Those that have behind them a sound business model but have been caught in this credit/market mess. I know, it is easier said than done. I don't consider myself a makets expert... but in the long term the markets will recover and following tried and true concepts might serve you well into the future.

Another week starts

Another week, 20 gazillion things to do... not enough time. I have been enjoying my new found freedom of information. I don't have to miss some of my favorite NPR shows... that is a good one. So when my wife watches her favorite shows, I can get my Marketplace fix... how's that for convenience!

Next month will be the anniversary of the first time I went to Iraq. I look back and looks almost surreal. I spent a birthday in a foreign land eating a steak and listening to bachata... yes bachata. I can't remember if it was Aventura or Monchy y Alexandra...lol

War touches many people in ways that are to complicated to ever understand. Many people, insulated in their busy lives get tired of the news and opt to tune out what is happening on those forgotten lands. I am beyond the games politicians play... after all they are not the ones that put the uniform and put their lives on the line. My heart goes out to all military families and the troops wherever in the world they might be. That God always protect them and bless them every day.

Just my thoughts...

So much to write about... so little time

So here, I am after a brief hiatus... Today my workplace carries a somber atmosphere. We have been sold to another company and the first half of the transaction is today. The other half of the operation will be transferred sometime in May. Half my coworkers will be at another location from Monday and the rest of us will keep working at tying the loose ends. It has been only about six months, in which I have learned a lot. I can say that I am truly looking forward to what is going to be next. I have a good feeling. It is weird, to stare and so many challenges ahead and still be hopeful. But that is the way, "a llorar pa' maternidad"

On other news I finally have started using my iPod a little more. I downloaded my Marketplace podcast, a couple of stand-up comedy podcasts, and my fix of The Economist. Being a tech guy, I find it funny that I do not have always the latest gadgets. Heck, I had a paper dayrunner until last year! But, if you had work with computers for an average of 10 hours per day for the last 12-15 years you might want to back off from technology a litle bit. Honestly, I should have started sooner.

PMP Update - I am at a loss here... Almost three weeks behind schedule!! My application is ready just need to complete my training and study. It is crunch time and I need to finish!!!! I need to tighten my belt and complete it!

I have been trying to avoid news from Puerto Rico, the whole thing is a complete mess. Another example of how the system can be used to favor those with real power. In my view, it boils down to a matter of money. For example Rossello's net worth was a several hundred thousands of dollars which became several millions at the end of his administration. Now, at less than 70,000 a year sounds a little strange. Get's an illegal pension in which one person is in jail. In less than 24 hours over $80k were raised to cover the excess payments that he received, and no one even hinted the word investigation. I agree with Anibal Vega Borges, that the Governor does not need to resign if he has done nothing wrong. If he or anyone in his circle failed, then they have to pay the price.

The problem I have is with the circus that has been put up around the case. Politicians have been like vultures trying to gain anything from it. Additionally I have a problem with the State Comptroller "cogiendo pon" with the federal authorities when his responsibilities to Puerto Rico are to submit any referrals to the State Justice Department not playing the opposition paladin asking the Governor's resignation. In the end the personal tragedy transcends into our institutions, and society in general. The people's faith in their legal, political and economic systems will continue to deteriorate as politicians care more about how much money they can make for them and their "compadres" and making the opponent look bad not matter what the cost rather than act like true statesmen and doing the right thing for Puerto Rico.

Keep tuned.

What a week

It has been some time since my last post, is not a moment for excuses. Rather a moment for reflection. The mother of a good friend of mine passed away last week and the Governor of Puerto Rico was charged with 19 counts in Federal court. For my friend I wish the best and pray that God will give her strenght and wisdom in her moment of need.

I ask for strenght for Puerto Rico and everyone involved in this sad chapter of our history. As to the political and social ramifications, that would be topic for another day.

Who's responsibility is it?

I was reading the other day an article in the online version of El Nuevo Dia, a newspaper in Puerto Rico detailing some of the reasons that ethanol is not currently available in Puerto Rico. One of the persons interviewed was identified as a leader in the association of gas retailers, he said something to the fact that it will not be up to them to bring ethanol to the market. That was government's business.

Now, that sounds to me like a lack of vision from a person that should be providing leadership in an industry that directly affects the consumer in the island. Rather than assuming a "that's not my problem attitude", a really savvy business leader could seize on the opportunity and get involved and start looking for ways were he can capitalize on renewable technologies. It is no longer a matter of if, is a matter of when we will start moving from the dependency on fossil fuels to environmentally sound altenatives.

That does not mean that government's role is not necessary. Government can start by setting targets for the government fleet to be on ethanol. This could be the spark that can ignite the fire of the alternative fuel market and make it commercially viable. The experiences of cities like Caguas and others that have experimented with biodiesel has been positive, it is time that we start working together to cut our dependency on the black gold.

Customer support

At one point or another we all have been in at either end of the customer support spectrum. As a receiver or as a provider of customer support. It does not matter if it is at a restaurant or while taking a flight, customer service has great impact on how an organization is viewed and the likelihood of repeating business. Even if you "are your own boss" you still have clients and customers that you have to support. Next time that you are taking care of a customer, think about what you are doing and analyze if you are treating them the way you would like to be treated yourself. It might make the difference between a one-time customer and a regular customer.

Another day

"Another day, another dollar", at least that is what I heard. Six courses and one half hour excercise done. Plenty more to go, one day at a time. :-)

New projects, exploring new frontiers

It is amazing how new projects can influence your mood and your interests. I am excited at the projects and I have on the pipeline and the difference those projects can have in many lives, specially my personal and professional future. As part of that I have to master new technolgies which I should start shortly. But, at the same time I am developing and using all my skillset from business, to soft skills that make for a very exciting phase in my life For the time being I have started preparing to become a certified Project Management Professional, I am taking a course online and my PMBOK guide should arrive shortly.

I have to admit, I have been surprised about how much of what I learned in my undergraduate and graduate studies I have been able to recall. Now, I just have to remember that I am just starting the course and that it will become more challenging as it progresses. I am plan to complete my certification in the next two months. It is a tight schedule but I am confident that I will achive it.

If you want to pursue a career in IT you need to be able to adapt and learn or pick up new skills to stay relevant. One of IT's biggest challenges as a career is adapting to the idea that you might be working with a technolgy today and look back in just a couple of years and look at that as ancient history. The only difference is that "ancient history" can be just 18-24 months ago. I you think you can get accustomed to that, then IT might be the career just for you.

Being and "IT guy"

Being by accident or by divine intervetion somehow I ended up working with information technology. I have to admit that I like the challenges and the constant change. Technology changes at such a dramatic pace that it amounts to almost having to learn a whole new language every 18-24 months. On the same token it contradicts past notions of learning your job and doing it until retirement age. Today's economy for better or worst does not allow for such luxuries anymore. No matter how we miss the old days in order to stay competitive you need to commit to updating your skills continuously and adapt to a rapidly changing environment. It should not be confused with entering a rat race, of "keeping up" you should do your homework and strive to maintain a certain level of skills to help you be more competitive. It is not a assurance of work, but it will definitely make your search a lo easier.

La vida te da sorpresas

Bueno, me estoy preparando para certificarme como gerente de proyectos. Mientras preparo la solicitud me sorprendo de la cantidad de proyectos en los que he estado envuelto. El tiempo no pasa vano, y no te das cuenta que pasa si te gusta lo que haces.

Just short and .... sweet?

Al ver mis entradas en la bitácora me he dado cuenta que hace mucho tiempo que no escribo en el idioma con el que crecí. Pues aquí esta mi esfuerzo por escribir aunque sea un poquito en español. Hasta he tomado el tiempo par asegurarme de que los acentos estén donde se supone. Quizás vestigio de criticas pasadas a aquellos que no tenemos el beneficio de un teclado en español o no hemos tenido la necesidad de aprender los códigos ASCII para escribir como Dios manda.

Pero esos son otros temas. Estamos en el tiempo de cuaresma y he tratado de meditar en lo que pasa a mi alrededor tanto como dentro de mi. Las memorias que no puedo dejar atrás, los retos y las oportunidades que se me presentan día a día. Es increíble la manera en la cual tu vida puede cambiar de un día para otro, y aun así hay que seguir adelante.

You are on the internet

I have to admit it, sometimes I do "google" my name to see what I can find out there. It never ceases to amaze me the amount of data that is collected about everyone and posted online to accessed. Even some people have developed entire business to provide this data. Nonetheless we have to be coginzant of this fact and beware of what information you post online. You never know whom might be reading; I know it goes against this whole speech-individuality thing but certainly what you post online can come back to hurt you (or maybe help you launch your celebrity as some hollywood types might have found). Bottom line... if you do not want poeple to know... don't post it online.

Sanity does not want to come back

Well, the teacher's union strike is on full swing already the newspapers report of bruises and cuts as well as arrests. As expected the government moved to decertify the union. You do not have to be a gifted legal mind to know that the actions of the union are illegal and unconstitutional. I sure hope that union leaders had given serious thought to the potential consequences to their actions. Granted 27 months of negotiation without a contract is long enough. I truly wish that this situation can be solved in a timely and safe manner for eveyone's sake.

Of faxes and other things

Granted, one of the interesting things about being an " IT guy" is that you cannot complain that your days are really boring. Case in point: our fax server and sending faxes overseas. So it happened that I could send a fax across the street but not to another country and the fax server gave out transmission confirmations but it did not actually saved any fax messages. In the end the problems were caused by misconfiguration in the analog phone gateway and the fax server database. One more example where the lack of documentation can cause a lot of problems. Until next time... D

Special interest o los grandes intereses

Seems like every politician trying to bring themselves some time in the spotlight speak of special interests o los grandes intereses as they are frequently referred to in Spanish; as if could impart a halo of populism into their campaigns. Don't get me wrong I am no fan of lobbyists and those that thrive in backroom dealing. We have to be honest with ourselves. Sometimes those special interests fill very important roles in our society. Let's agree that abusing power, economical or political is wrong no matter what. Nonetheless we all serve a purpose in today's economy. You can be a laborer or an entrepreneur. Just because your situation did not particularly allowed you to become an entrepreneur it does not give you a right to criminalize those that take the risk and open their own business.


There are actions that can be pointed out as wrong on both sides of the aisle. For example labor unions often fail to recognize the competitive pressures that we live today, on the other hand corporations look for creative ways to have taxpayers to bail them out of pension obligations and in effect shun their responsibility with current and former workers. In a perfect world I would say that working out a compromise could be achieved if both sides agreed that the issue at hand is not what we want to get or what we'll have to give up; rather the negotiation point should be how could we work together in a mutually beneficial agreement. Workers on one side could continue to have a job while corporations can continue to fulfill their obligations to owners or shareholders.

The same holds true for civil servants. The current threat of a strike in Puerto Rico by the teacher's union could potentially bring chaos to a system that serves over a quarter of a million students throughout the island. I have friends that are teachers and I agree that their working conditions are borderline inhumane in some cases, but you cannot negotiate with threats. Resorting to a strike, although their prerogative is not the best course of action. It might force some concessions, nonetheless the union is negotiating with a state that borders into being bankrupt. Just a little dose of common sense can help you see that their demands although warranted, are timed badly. I do believe that Puerto Ricans deserve the best education possible, and that in a strong education system lays the foundation for our future. Let's take a moment and reflect what can be done and be realistic, for our children's sake.

Welcome to the civilian world

After spending 8 years in the military, I have to admit that reincorporating to the civilian workforce has not been without surprises. First, it took a fully bilingual, experienced MBA over 6 months to find a position where I decided to relocate. I imagine that if I was living somewhere else the story would have been different maybe not. What I can say is that I got my first taste of how ruthless corporate life can be. A little after two weeks after I started my worplace was sold to another company and plenty of missteps have gotten into the way. Still, I remain hopeful. I have worked hard to achieve a lot and I am not afraid of taking on new challenges. Let's see what happens next...

Un nuevo comienzo

Hello, it has bee a while since I have written anything. Work, family, personal changes, life, I can think of a million excuses but I have been thinking about several ideas to write for some time now. Well, anytime is as good as any. This will be my fist attempt at returning to write as I used to.

The last three years have been of great changes in my life, a year in a war zone, my dad passing away, a divorce, leaving the military, finishing my MBA, and last but not least getting married again. It has been a roller coaster, but it has shown me what I am made of. If there was anything like a trial by fire, I believe the last three years could qualify.

See you around.

D