Na Vida Tudo Pode Acontecer

My Baby Felipe!

2011-09-02T20:23:00.002-04:00

Sol Protests

2011-06-12T19:49:00.004-04:00

I had the opportunity to be right here in Madrid during the protests in Sol, the city center. It was inspiring to see such massive mobilization and coordination, but also incredibly disappointing and sad that it turned out to be mostly empty talk. If only they had put half as much effort into deciding on clear concrete goals as they did into organizing the occupation of the plaza, it would be a different story. I was shocked and disappointed when election day came and went without voters. What's the use of putting on a show like that if you're not going to exercise your voice in the voting booth? I'm a foreigner here, and I have no stake in what is going on. I am a neutral observer, but even as a neutral observer I felt let down. Is this what I have to expect from my generation? A bunch of loud nothingness? In answer to the poster seen above, no you aren't a lost generation. A lost generation would have to have a destination figured out first before they could become lost. As they say here in Spain: siento verguenza ajena.

New Year's Resolutions

2011-01-05T23:22:00.002-05:00

1. Stay in one place long enough to buy at least one piece of furniture that I don't have to get rid of.

2. Get up @ 8am during the weekday.

3. Go see the Lorca and Dali exhibition @ Caixaforum.

4. Wear my high heels.

5. Lose 5lbs.

6. Learn one dance.

7. Go to bjj regularly.

8. Visit that museum archeological museum near Atocha.

9. Get more work done during the week.

10. Use all of my clothes at least once.

2010-07-08T17:30:00.003-04:00

I'm on my way back home to visit my family. I love being with my family, but I have to admit I also love living in Spain. It's really become very much like a home to me in such a short time. I've gotten used to the rhythm of Madrid and all of its hustle and bustle. So far I don't know what I'm going to do next, but for right now hearing people cheer on the streets whenever the team scores a goal and getting used to the fact that almost nothing is open between 1pm and 4pm (let alone Sunday) has gone from being annoyance to just being the way things are over there. Everything is so much more relaxed and peaceful.

meu bebe!

2010-02-23T07:35:00.000-05:00

Snowstorm!

2010-02-06T23:00:00.000-05:00

Here is the deck, somewhere underneath all this snow there's a deck at least.

I love Malaga!

2009-12-08T18:11:00.001-05:00

Here's a picture of beautiful Malaga! Well, it's not the city itself, it's like a suburb. I really loved the area.

Prospect Hill Cemetery

2009-08-14T21:05:00.002-04:00

Prospect Hill Cemetery is located in Front Royal, Virginia. I went there expecting to get some nice shots of a historic cemetery with quite the local color in the form of the ghost stories that circulate concerning it. Instead I found a beautiful place, morose and melancholy despite the horrible heat. I took a few pictures of the place and some are posted here. It really does seem to be a place that could inspire quite a few writers. In order to get there you have to go into a small road that looks like it's going into a neighborhood and which one would not think leads to a cemetery. The neighborhood itself seems quite downtrodden itself.
The cemetery itself has an astoundingly beautiful view of the mountains. It truly is a peaceful last resting place for those buried there. The creepy things though, are that the houses are right beside it and there appears to be a school for young children on one side. I can't imagine the nightmares those kids must have!

Random Babbling

2009-08-02T00:28:00.001-04:00

First things first, I hate my phone! As if it wasn't bad enough that I can't connect (for free) to any signals here at Borders, my phone has to freeze while I'm trying to check my facebook account. First it was the battery which wouldn't work on me, and now I can't use the mobile web service I'm paying for. I think Verizon must hate its customers. (However, on its behalf, it doesn't seem to be half as bad a provider as AT&T which has royally screwed over my uncle. His phone just broke down for the millionth time it seems and he's not getting another one until Monday.) I really need to go and see if they can fix it yet again.

On other news, it looks like it's going to rain. I like rain, just not when I have to go outside. Well, maybe that's not entirely true. I am just cranky because of the weather. What I really hate is hot muggy weather. It always seems to put me in a nasty mood. I should be happy at least for now because I get to catch up on my much needed sleep tonight. These past few days have been terrible. I've practically become an insomniac because I've had things to do for other people. I'm happy that this weekend I'm free to sleep!

Lastly, at least for this post since I have to leave in a few, I've been thinking about writing again. I'm not quite ready to give it a full go though. I've barely started to become comfortable with the thought of writing something. It's such a big step for me to write something, especially fiction. I always feel I have to censor myself, as if I can't be completely blunt or honest about things. (I know the terms honesty and fiction don't seem to go together at first, but I will write another post on that. Let's just say in this one that for me they do.) It will be a while before I attempt to write some fiction, if I ever do. I think that writing some nonfiction about something like politics or current events would be easier and something I might attempt before I venture into fiction.

I've wanted to write a book since I was a child. For one reason or another that idea never moved past a flirtation. What am I so afraid of? Well, many things. I can't claim not to know what I'm afraid of exactly. One of those things is my inability to be open, really open and just write. Another is that I didn't feel like I had enough life experience to write a book before. I feel like I needed to experience more things, even though I also argued with myself that the Bronte sisters wrote even though they lived the life of a recluse. I don't know. I just really don't know at this point.

Michael Vick is a Sorry Excuse for a Human Being

2009-07-28T23:12:00.002-04:00

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated”-Gandhi

I am beyond disgusted at the thought that this man will be allowed to play for the NFL again. After everything he did to those poor animals he does not deserve to play for the NFL again. Football is a sport that represents America. It is synonymous with this country in pop culture and to have someone like Vick playing is an insult to this country and to the ideals that this nation holds.

2009-07-21T18:10:00.001-04:00

Today was one of those days where I felt so close to having a major epiphany. One of those moments where all of a sudden things make sense and I can see the road ahead. It didn't happen though.

2009-07-12T23:45:00.000-04:00

Here's my baby! I caught him mid yawn.

Gender Roles and Female MMA Viewers

2009-07-05T21:04:00.000-04:00

I am a fan of mixed martial arts and I love watching the fights and following my favorite athletes. I am also a straight female. I'm pretty sure that I am not the only such woman who enjoys following mma, yet it seems like the mixed martial arts establishments ignore this. Everytime I try to watch a show on Spike, such as the Ultimate Fighter series, I have to endure commercials geared towards men. It seems like even though we are in the 21st century, television executives are still stuck with the belief that women are not interested in rough sports.

Women are a growing part of the mma fan base, and there's also plenty of women practitioners. So why are the tv networks and magazines ignoring them? How many magazines featuring mixed martial arts are women friendly? I dare you to look through them and you'll see the answer is zero. Other sports magazines are somewhat balanced. Would it kill them to add commercials that aren't full of breasts? If we wanted to look at breasts we would just look down.

Honestly, I don't see any reason why these shows have to alienate their female audience. They would certainly increase their female viewership if they just accepted that today's woman doesn't conform to their idea. We like programs that they deem as "men's shows" and would feel far better watching them if they weren't so obviously geared to men and men only.

Waiting for the Bus

2009-05-25T19:42:00.001-04:00

I'm here in the Rosslyn station waiting for the commuter bus that will take me home. Sounds fun doesn't it? This place is supposed to have free internet, but for some reason I cannot connect to any of the free networks. I still have about half an hour before I have to go outside and wait for my bus. I wish I could write something mind-blowing, but right now my head is full of other things, namely mundane problems. Isn't that sad?

So much time has passed and I'm still no closer to solving my life than I was before. I have an idea of what I want to do with my life, but I still cannot say I know for sure. I just cannot differentiate between something I like to do, and something I want to do for the rest of my life. What's worse than that is my complete inability to do all the things that I should be doing right now. I mean, I know the economy is a huge part of the problem, but seriously. When will I get my act together? I am completely exasperated with myself.

So, what else has been on my mind? Well, there are many things. What has been on my mind that I can actually post? I can't say there are many things. I am annoyed with all those shows about people who have far more children than they can afford for one. (I refuse to watch the shows by the way.) I do wish that I could go to the supermarket, turn on the news, or check cnn.com without having to see news items on them too. Why are we giving these people attention? They made a conscious decision to have children like a dog has litters so why reward that behavior? I just don't agree with all of this mess. People should be responsible for themselves, especially when it concerns bringing other beings into this world.

Because of Course This is Exactly What I Should Be Doing At This Time

2009-04-18T03:53:00.002-04:00

It's almost 4 am and yet here I am blogging. I was thinking today about how difficult it is to be happy. There were times when there was nothing I could do about it. I wasn't free to make the choices I wanted to make growing up. I had no power over whether my family moved or not, or where they would move to. All I could do was follow even if that meant leaving my friends and the one school I ever enjoyed. In total I ended up going to four different schools during high school.

I would have thought that as an adult it would be a different story. I wasn't too happy in college but things were better. Now here I am, finally I have the tools to go where I please (well, except financially...) and yet here I am. I am hesitant to take the necessary steps to do what I've always wanted to do. If I do A, I get result B. Maybe I can't control whether or not I get that specific B, but I get a result B nonetheless. So, what's keeping me from A? I don't know. Yes, that's right. I don't know, the answer I hate most in this world.

I would like to think that I'm taking the necessary steps to get to the point where things don't scare me, but I'm not so sure. Lately I'm just not sure about anything anymore. I feel like I need to breathe, to take myself out of the environment I'm familiar with and just breathe.

2009-03-13T01:38:00.002-04:00

I've been thinking lately about the whole getting what you want deal. What I mean is that growing up I couldn't get what I wanted. I mean, I wanted to do so many things but instead I was stuck being unhappy. Now there's really nothing stopping me from doing whatever it is that makes me happy. I mean, all the "obstacles" are fixable. Yet for some reason I just can't get past all my old mindsets.

My old ways of dealing with things just don't work anymore. I'm dealing with things that no longer stop me. So why can't I just get myself to go out there and do something about them?

Dutch Cityscapes at the National Gallery of Art

2009-02-28T21:52:00.004-05:00

Today I went to the National Gallery of Art to see their new exhibit on Dutch city paintings from the 17th century. Unfortunately, no pictures allowed. Cameras do have the museum setting, so I'm not sure why they think that pictures will damage the paintings if there's no flash. Regardless of that, I had a great time. I really enjoyed the entire exhibition and have nothing but respect and awe for these works. It really is a treat to be able to see them in person.

It's amazing how much detail these old masters put into the paintings. You can see birds even though they are made of only two brushstrokes and details in the foliage. I really want to see the Netherlands after seeing these paintings. It would be an amazing experience to be able to compare the Amsterdam I saw in the 17th century rendition versus the one of today. It's quite humbling to stand in front of something to amazing that was made so long ago.

Housecleaning for Happiness

2009-02-05T12:26:00.000-05:00

Housecleaning for Happiness

I have been finding it difficult to do all the things that I need to get done. Today though, I decided that I would start anew. Things can’t change unless I do something about it, even if it is something small. For example, I now have a gym membership. It doesn’t sound like much, but I believe it is a step forward. Sound body leads to a sound mind, no? It’s the first step towards taking charge of things for me.

I’ve also done “housecleaning” without meaning to, at least consciously. Subconsciously it’s been a long time coming. I’ve decided that I will surround myself with positive people from now on. Life is difficult enough as is without more problems and negativity. Friends are people who wish you the best and want you to do well. They aren’t people who push you and belittle everything and everyone in your life. There are some people who push you to be better, and sometimes there are some who just push you to feel worse. It’s the difference between true friends and those that have other motives. That’s not what I need in my life. I don’t need to figure out other people’s motives. All I need to know is that whatever those may be, they result in someone caring more about them than about being a good friend.

There is something existentialist to this. I’m reminded of Kafka’s The Trial. The main character goes through this whole nonsensical trial when he could just have walked out. I think that we all tend to do this in our life. We are the ones who create a great deal of our problems. Why don’t we just refuse to play the game? I’m not suggesting that this attitude would solve all of life’s problems by any means. However, I do believe that it would solve a good many of them. Get rid of all the problems that you can control, and then you only have to survive the ones that you don’t. Get rid of everything that you place upon yourself. Say enough, I won’t play your game to all the toxic people and situations in your life.

As long as your conscience is clear and at the end of the day you have done the best you could in the situation you are faced with, that’s all that matters. It isn’t my job to help people who delight in putting others down. I have enough going on in my life to also put up with problems created by others for me, especially when it’s for reasons that don’t even have anything to do with me. I may not be able to solve everything, but when there is something I can do, I will. I will say enough is enough and I will not let others try to spoil my day or my relationships with others. I know why I like the people I do. If I know that deep down that they are good people regardless of what family or background they come from, then that is all that matters. I know who I associate with and why I associate with them.

2009-01-22T22:59:00.002-05:00

I have to say this has been the strangest winter I've ever been through. It's almost February and still no snow. The weather had some of the coldest days I can remember, but yet, no snow. I know this is rather a inconsequential topic to write about when so many other exciting and important things are going on. Yet somehow I feel it is worth mentioning for a reason I can't quite explain.

Of course the biggest news here is the inauguration of Obama as president. It was really amazing how many people came from all over to Washington. On the day itself the streets were deserted. Everyone seemed to be at the inauguration. I doubt that the number of people here numbered the four million that the television said, but it was the greatest number I have ever seen since I've lived here. It really makes me hopeful to see that the country is this involved with politics. It's uplifiting to see so many people united for a better future. Especially during difficult times this is the way that things should be.

2008-12-30T23:35:00.003-05:00

Missing Mexico

2008-12-05T14:14:00.004-05:00

Just thought I'd share a little Mexico. I'm missing the country and the work I did there. Normally I don't like to be confined to the same routine over and over, but it was really rewarding work. What I was teaching also changed so it was a challenge to devise programs that would keep my audience entertained and yet still learning.

Believe it or not, this picture is actually NOT of the rural area where I worked. This is the city Leon where my uncle has a house. Even though it's a city there are still workers who go around in donkey drawn carts.

Anyway, I have to go to lunch. A lunch which won't be half as good as what I used to eat, lol

2008-11-07T20:19:00.002-05:00

Things here so far have been great. The elementary school kids I taught today were amazing. I even received a gift from one little girl who gave me the picture she had colored. The people are incredibly kind there and really in need. Overall I can´t complain about things. I could have had things far tougher than I have had.

The one thing I was really disappointed about was that people didn´t react the way I thought when I told them about burying animal waste. They have various types of animal waste (I couldn´t even identify what came from what animal sometimes) lying all over the road and right by the houses. It is completely unsanitary as you can imagine. I think I have made some headway still though. At least they are willing to give me their attention.

I know I need a bigger update but I´m exhausted! Plus I need to charge my phone unfortunately. I think I´m either going to a party at my boss´ house tomorrow and then Sunday to Guanajuato City or Saturday over there. I´m not sure yet. We´ll see.

Mexico!

2008-11-01T19:39:00.000-04:00

So, I am now in Mexico. It is kind of strange to say that. It is also strange that I cannot type contractions because I have no clue how to put them on the Mexican keyboard. I move to Irapuato tomorrow into a room I rented in a house that is three blocks from the office. My work officially starts on Monday. I will be working with environmental matters (teaching the kids how to recycle, etc) and also legal work. I will be advising the men (they are the ones who immigrate) about their legal rights while in the United States. Many of these men have no idea that they have rights even though they are not citizens. The end result is that they end up getting taken advantage of .

I have a good feeling about my work there. I feel like I will really accomplish something. On other news I am desperately trying to save a maltipoo in need. So far I have asked my grandma, Elisa, and yes, even Rodrigo for help. Grandma has no space, Elisa I have not heard from but she already has a dog so it is a long shot, and Rodrigo I have not heard back from either. I asked Rodrigo if he knew anyone in the country by any chance that likes dogs and would give her a good loving home. :( Pray for me that I can find her a loving home!! I have to go since this internet place has the most bizarre computers ever. Hopefully I will be able to post the pics I have taken of the Day of the Dead here. They even made a figure of the Virgin Mary out of candy. Now, I may not be the most devout Catholic, but even I refuse to consume the Virgin Mary. I did, however, take a picture to prove that they do in fact make candy out of the Virgin.

Flying Out Tomorrow!

2008-10-28T21:31:00.004-04:00

I'm flying out tomorrow for Mexico and I'm kind of nervous and excited at the same time. I have no idea what I'm going to find over there, though I'm prepared for really roughing it. I'm not feeling bad for myself, but I don't want to be taken aback when I get there. It just seems disrespectful to the people. They make do with what they have, and although it isn't much I can't forget that I'm there to cooperate with them. I'm not there to be paternalistic towards them and dictate what they should or should not do. I'm there to share what I know and hopefully they will also share with me. I'm not taking my lap top, so we'll see how much updating I can do! Here's some pictures of a little someone who seems to want to go along with me. I'm going to miss this little guy so much!

Next Wednesday, I'll be in Mexico!

2008-10-25T12:45:00.003-04:00

I'm really excited about my trip, even though I'm also more than a little nervous. I keep asking myself if I did the right thing choosing the timing that I did. That's one topic that I really keep going back and forth on. Yet I tell myself that it was now or maybe never. I mean, things always kept coming up that I had to postpone things for.

Right now things are a bit up in the air as for what I'm going to be doing there. My boss said that he would really like to focus on water (the community doesn't have any) and toilets (no water means no toilets). So, that's what I'm going to be working on. Hopefully we can figure something out to make things both more comfortable and sanitary for the people there.

I've never been there so I'm really looking forward to getting to know the area. I'm not getting my hopes up too high though. I mean, it's incredibly rural from what I've read so far and Irapuato (where I will be staying) is not as big as the last place I lived in while in Mexico. We'll see, hopefully I can do some good while I'm there.