When Tools Become Extensions of You

When a tool in your hand "becomes part of you" it's not just a metaphor. Whether they are tools, toys, a musical instrument, or a smartphone, they become extensions of you. Tools relax me, they make me feel good knowing that I have the ability to fix things. I feel most comfortable surrounded by them.

A person losing their belongings in a fire is a traumatic experience I don't wish on my worst enemy. It happened to me at a storage unit I rented 3 hours away from Philadelphia over 25 years ago. Some of the things lost that day, held deep sentimental value and they are irreplaceable. 

What I miss the most are all my personal school notes, my Kawasaki KX-125 dirt bike, and a lifetime collection of tools used to make a living as a motorcycle technician. Tools of all brands acquired since the 1970's. 

It's been more than three decades since the last time I worked at a motorcycle dealership and or worked full time on motorcycles. Returning to the motorcycle repair business, at least part-time, it is going to be a huge adjustment for me. Especially with all the new motorcycle technology available now. 

At this stage of my life, I plan to spend time at the motorcycle repair shop as a part-time hobby and to stay busy for a few hours. I had been preparing to this day for years now. I've been buying tools gradually, little by little, to replace the ones lost in the fire. Knowing myself, just in case I live to be a productive 100 years old, I'll probably keep buying new tools until the day I die. 😀

The Rat Race in a Nutshell

This AI caricature image of myself, encapsulates the long hours and hectic schedule that surrounded my previous work life. 

Managing time between patient's home visits and completing documentation on time was very time consuming. In the meantime, they were days where you have to add education workshops, pre-post test HIV counseling and testing. Helping people with HIV with access to medical care and social services. Assisting with appointment adherence and to stay engaged with HIV treatment. Plus offering street sex workers outreach, and last but not least, visiting shooting galleries to promote our health center medical and mental health services. 

As is always the case, the documentation often falls behind due to high caseloads, and not enough staff to complete all the tasks. If the worker does not take care of him/herself and manage stress effectively, work burnout and employee turnover is usually the end result in most healthcare scenarios. 

It is a mystery to me how I did it for 26 years. Passion for one's work is a great motivator for success. In my opinion, when you have a genuine passion for what you do, it becomes easier to overcome challenges.

All-White Attire Party

Looking at some old pictures from 2018, I came across the image that inspired this caricature. Earlier that same year, I was invited to an all-white attire birthday celebration during the month of August at Willie's Steak House in the Bronx. 

Prior to this event, I had never been at Willie's before and didn't knew many people at this bar/restaurant. The one thing I was confident was that they play and dance Salsa music. I don't drink alcohol, so I knew I would feel weird to sit at the bar if I am not spending money in alcohol. I contacted a friend from the Bronx to meet me there; so she and her partner could make my visit at Willie's Steak House more comfortable. 

I rented a hotel in midtown Manhattan and spend my first full day in NYC taking pictures. The following night I took the #6 subway train to St Lawrence Ave Subway Station in the Bronx. I am glad I attended the all-white party event. It was a great birthday celebration among friends. As I recall, I didn't even dance once, not sure why. It didn't matter, it was a great night listening to good Salsa music and hanging out with friends. 

Thanks to Artificial Intelligence, I was able to revisit the all-white attire I was wearing that night, and the NYC subway ride to the Bronx. AI created this new caricature from one of the pics taken that night. Cheers!

No Kings Philadelphia Protest - Saturday, March 28th, 2026

Parece Que Fue Ayer - Seems Like Only Yesterday

Uno de los logros mas significantes para mi, lo fue el dia que me gradue de mi alma mater, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute en el 1986. Este año marca el aniversario numero 40th de mi graduacion. Para ser honesto, la unica razon por la cual vine a Estados Unidos lo fue para estudiar en MMI en Phoenix, AZ. Tengo que admitir que ha sido una de las mejores decisiones de mi vida.  

Uno de las motivos por el cual personas buscan una educacion avanzada es para tener un mejor futuro. Ya sea un futuro financiero o para desarrollar su maximo potencial intelectualmente. Es importante adquirir las herramientas necesarias para crecimiento personal y para mantenernos actualizados; a la misma vez se abren nuevas puertas y oportunidades en el futuro. Parece que la graduacion en MMI fue los otros dias; ya han pasado 40 años. 

Seems Like Only Yesterday

When it comes to education, nothing means more to me than the day in 1986 when I graduated from my alma mater, Motorcycle Mechanics Institute in Phoenix, AZ. 

While looking at some old pictures, I came to the sudden realization that this year marks a significant milestone, my 40th year graduation anniversary from MMI. To attend MMI is the only reason why I relocated from the Enchanted Island to the United States many years ago. Seems like only yesterday.

HIV/AIDS Education Workshops

There are many things I miss about my old job. If given the choice to pick the top two, they would be running the support groups. And doing HIV/AIDS prevention & education workshop presentations in schools and the local community. It was a deeply rewarding experience, while cultivating lasting connections with students and families.

Dreaming Of Being Back At My Old Job

For the last several weeks I keep having recurring dreams about my former job at the Health Center; a job I haven't had since retiring in 2021. It's been five years since retirement, and I am very happy to be retired. So, I don't understand why this keeps happening since I haven't even set foot in any of the Health Centers.

Soñando Con Mi Antiguo Trabajo

Llevo semanas que frecuentemente he estado soñando con mi ultimo trabajo en el Centro de Salud. Han pasado cinco años, ya que he estado retirado desde el 2021. Estoy contento y satisfecho con mi retiro. En todo este tiempo tampoco he visitado ninguno de los Centros de Salud y son pocos los ex-compañeros de trabajo con los que he compartido o me mantengo en comunicacion.