There has been a whirlwind of events unfolding recently, filling my days with a sense of excitement and opportunity. Thanks to the Internet2 Inclusivity Initiative Scholarship, I had the incredible privilege of attending the Internet2 Community Exchange Conference held in vibrant Atlanta, Georgia. The conference served as a nexus, connecting me with esteemed experts and professionals hailing from diverse institutions. Accompanied by my niece, we also took the time to visit a few Civil Rights museums and paid homage to the legendary Martin Luther King Jr. by visiting his cherished home.

Barely catching my breath from this enriching experience, I found myself thrust into the SoCal Cybercup Final Competition upon my return. Despite the lack of preparation time, our team managed to secure a commendable fourth place, a remarkable achievement considering it was our inaugural participation.

Amidst the whirlwind of activities, I felt an overwhelming need for a moment of respite and self-reflection. Luckily, my dear friend James guided me through the soothing journey of the Lotus program, providing the much-needed pause I sought in the midst of life’s relentless momentum. Through practices such as Karma Yoga and engaging discussions on mysticism and magic, we delved into the realm of design and personal goals.

Through this program, I was fortunate enough to meet Karen, who kindly invited me to accompany her to a concert by The Cure—an experience for which I am immensely grateful. Additionally, I’ve been actively involved with the Slacker Hackers group, where I not only compete but also take classes. One of my hacker buddies from this group introduced me to an enticing offer at her Hardcore Fitness gym, granting me five free days. Although I’m currently nursing some sore muscles and have two more days to endure, the prospect of achieving a well-toned physique entices me. However, I acknowledge the need to wait until the pace of life eases before fully committing.

As my schedule burgeons with commitments, I find myself juggling a few personal upgrades on my priority list. Furthermore, an upcoming Thrill Kill Kult concert awaits, followed by an exciting journey to Cisco Live, and then off to France and Prague. Indeed, my life brims with a multitude of captivating endeavors.

Sadly, amidst these thrilling moments, I received the somber news of my mom’s brother, Uncle Obet (also known as Roberto), and my dad’s brother, Uncle Toribio, passing away. Their departures mark a painful tally of 15 deaths I’ve encountered since the onset of the pandemic.