When life gives you lemons, ask for tequila and salt!

A clang, a toast, whistles and cheers, and then, bottoms up!

It's funny... sometimes life tastes just like tequila -- fiery hot, bitter, and never easy. And yet, if you drink it right, it oozes out a smooth, tantalizing flavor that pumps the blood, warms the belly and leaves you wanting for more.

When I got my first taste of tequila, I knew that I've found my drink. Oh yeah, I've heard bitter tales about it from those who've gone before me. That's why, in defense, I did not sip, but gulped down my first shot-- bottoms up!-- and that, I believe, made all the difference. And I was fast to grab the lemon and wise enough to taste the salt. And in that instant, I knew that's how life is supposed to be.

Every time I have a drink, I do not mind the bitter flavor for I know it clears the mind. I do not fear its fire for I know it awakens the senses. For me, it's all passion and wonder contained in a shot glass.

That's why, I realize, life should never be lived in sips. You only prolong its bitter taste if you do. It's either you choose to drink all of it or not at all. It's either you embrace all of it -- its unpredictability, its different flavors, its constant change-- or not at all. Nothing in bits. Nothing in half-measures.

So go ahead, fill up your shot glass to the brim, swirl it if you can (never mind the spills), lick the salt and don't forget to suck the lemon. Most importantly, drink it bottoms up!

For life, no matter how funny or twisted it goes, always is beautiful and wonderful!

So, let's drink to that. Cheers!