And aside from the rant, I found this on youtube. What a marvelous, delightful combination. The most magnificent cello player of our century, Yo Yo Ma, playing Bach's Cello Suite No. 1 in G major and by far my most favorite artist, Spaniard Salvador Dali. I think there was some Picasso in there too (also a Spaniard).
Enjoy.
venerdì 30 gennaio 2009
Monster
I just finished watching the movie Monster, with Charlize Theron and Christina Ricci, and I must say that it was more intense than what I anticipated. One detail caught my eye, I guess it's not a detail, more like the overall perspective of Aileen (the prostitute). In the movie, although it may be distorted from the actual true facts, she murders those men in order to lead a "happy" life with her girlfriend. The girlfriend is obviously young and feeds off of the fact that someone has cared enough to pay attention to her, so she and Aileen stay together and try to get a life. But what shocked me was to see how much she claimed she loved Aileen, but yet she was the one to testify against her. Granted, she knew all along what was going on, and she chose to stay by her side. She proclaimed all this love for Aileen and in the end it was her who pointed that finger and ruled against her. So that scene got me thinking, to what extent do we love? Do we love to the extent in which we can save ourselves? To the extent to which we can be immune to pain, to time, to trouble? Aileen trusted her, and yet she turned her back against her. (I am aware that she killed 6 men, that's beyond what I would like to focus my attention, I am focusing on love and how far does it reach) So speaking of love and its reach got me thinking about feeling betrayed, you know, when you give your everything to someone after so many sacrifices and in the end that person turns your back on you, either by changing somehow, or by ignoring their feelings. As Aileen stood there in court she sought out her ex's eyes and they looked at each other the love that once resided in her ex was no longer there. So where is the love? I mean, it had to have been in there somehow, right? People just don't stop loving when they choose to. I just thought it was fucked up, because i've been in that situation (NOT the killing 6 men part) and it's like multiple stabs in chest when you seek in someone's eyes the love that burned so strongly, and then just like that they just ignore it and you feel so betrayed.
How true is love? Seriously. I loved the last lines in the movie.
"Love conquers all. Every cloud has a silver lining. Faith can move mountains. Love will always find a way. Everything happens for a reason. Where there is life, there is hope.
[laughs]
Oh, well... They gotta tell you somethin'"
Awfully pessimistic, but really, love is not what people put it to be. None of that "we'll be together for eternity, we were meant to be together, you are my soulmate/twin flame/yin/yang/twix bar, we will have kids and a house and pony with rainbows" bullshit. Life is real, and so is love. I'm not saying I don't believe in it, but all these idealist ways of looking at it simply taint it and ruin its purity. People need to stop playing martyr stop making all these excessive sacrifices that in the end come back to haunt you because they were never fully reciprocated. Making sacrifices for the sake of pleasing someone else, when in the end there are more sacrifices than joy, that's not love. Love is not about sacrifice, it is the utmost representation of balance, of equality, and egalitarian amount of give and take, not take take or give give.
rant rant rant. once i start, i can't stop.
How true is love? Seriously. I loved the last lines in the movie.
"Love conquers all. Every cloud has a silver lining. Faith can move mountains. Love will always find a way. Everything happens for a reason. Where there is life, there is hope.
[laughs]
Oh, well... They gotta tell you somethin'"
Awfully pessimistic, but really, love is not what people put it to be. None of that "we'll be together for eternity, we were meant to be together, you are my soulmate/twin flame/yin/yang/twix bar, we will have kids and a house and pony with rainbows" bullshit. Life is real, and so is love. I'm not saying I don't believe in it, but all these idealist ways of looking at it simply taint it and ruin its purity. People need to stop playing martyr stop making all these excessive sacrifices that in the end come back to haunt you because they were never fully reciprocated. Making sacrifices for the sake of pleasing someone else, when in the end there are more sacrifices than joy, that's not love. Love is not about sacrifice, it is the utmost representation of balance, of equality, and egalitarian amount of give and take, not take take or give give.
rant rant rant. once i start, i can't stop.
mercoledì 14 gennaio 2009
Sxe Phil
People who are obsessed with the whole 2012 hype, the Mayan calendar ending, and ohhhh our demise, should really watch this.
I agree with what he says wholeheartedly, and think that people should get over the whole 2012 thing. Stop using it as a cornerstone. It is a year, it does not signal the beginning nor the end of anything. Everything that happens on Earth and within society occurs gradually, not from a starting point nor an ending point. So I think people need to stop talking about the 2012 in a way that implies the beginning or the end to something.
I agree with what he says wholeheartedly, and think that people should get over the whole 2012 thing. Stop using it as a cornerstone. It is a year, it does not signal the beginning nor the end of anything. Everything that happens on Earth and within society occurs gradually, not from a starting point nor an ending point. So I think people need to stop talking about the 2012 in a way that implies the beginning or the end to something.
Artistic inspiration, or just mere obsession?
I (somewhat) learned how to play the guitar. I'm getting used to it, it's hard, my fingers hurt like crazy, they don't always stay in the right place. I am also thinking about taking violin lessons, since I already have a violin. But also, I want to get a keyboard so I can resume my short-lived career in piano-playing. Yes, I can tell this is a rather big task. My reasoning behind it is that something is itching at me in the form of artistic oppression, and it wants out. I feel like there's something I need to uncover, some sort of talent maybe, or just creativity that is screaming to get out of me. I am a woman with a purpose and I intend to find a vehicle for it to present itself! Whether that is the guitar, the violin, the piano, painting, photography, more writing, singing.... haha who am I kidding?
Speaking about kidding, it seems that I spent my entire life kidding math professors about my actual abilities. I suck at it. I have to take the GRE's soon and there is a dreaded quantitative reasoning section! This section is gonna make my scores plummet like the economy!! I know that I am an intelligent person, maybe even above average, however my intelligence is in other fields like, sociology, literature, philosophy... Notice the patterns with words and thoughts? Now, numbers is something that I just do not grasp; it's almost as if I was incapable of learning that crap.
It's so beyond me that I think that in my past lives I was never human, and therefore never needed math, so now I have to deal with this bullshit that I do not need. Seriously, I have never needed to find X to figure out anything in my lifetime. I intend to keep it that way!
Now I need to fake-study. You know, when you go over things just so you can solve a couple of problems but in fact you're not really learning it? Yeah, it took me failing pre-calc twice to discover that math+me=disaster. My brain just doesn't grasp it. I'm sure that the left part of my brain that deals with math is just shut down. It went on strike, god knows what.
Screw math, it does not determine my level of reasoning or my achievement in academia! It does not! I am a perfectly (i)logical person whose worth or value is not determined by stupid little numbers or stupid fractions (don't get me started with the fractions!!).
Speaking about kidding, it seems that I spent my entire life kidding math professors about my actual abilities. I suck at it. I have to take the GRE's soon and there is a dreaded quantitative reasoning section! This section is gonna make my scores plummet like the economy!! I know that I am an intelligent person, maybe even above average, however my intelligence is in other fields like, sociology, literature, philosophy... Notice the patterns with words and thoughts? Now, numbers is something that I just do not grasp; it's almost as if I was incapable of learning that crap.
It's so beyond me that I think that in my past lives I was never human, and therefore never needed math, so now I have to deal with this bullshit that I do not need. Seriously, I have never needed to find X to figure out anything in my lifetime. I intend to keep it that way!
Now I need to fake-study. You know, when you go over things just so you can solve a couple of problems but in fact you're not really learning it? Yeah, it took me failing pre-calc twice to discover that math+me=disaster. My brain just doesn't grasp it. I'm sure that the left part of my brain that deals with math is just shut down. It went on strike, god knows what.
Screw math, it does not determine my level of reasoning or my achievement in academia! It does not! I am a perfectly (i)logical person whose worth or value is not determined by stupid little numbers or stupid fractions (don't get me started with the fractions!!).
martedì 13 gennaio 2009
My blog is tainted
I had a dream last night that Danielle and I went to Dublin as planned, and from there on decided to take a random trip up to Germany. The problem was that when we got there we didn't have a return flight so we ended up having to stay in Germany and miss the St. Patrick's parade! Blasphemy!
That's NOT happening.
I figured I would write down a couple of ambitions I wish to accomplish prior to the spring break euro-trip. Among those things include:
1) Lose some weight!
Seriously, stop eating so much crap so late at night. And start exercising! For the love of god, I desperately need to exercise, hopefully my asthma will allow it.
2) Figure out a budget for the trip and stick to it!
Can't be spending too much extra money, I still have to eat ya know?
3) Buy clothes!
I need shoes and all that crap. Yes, I am allowing myself to be a consumerist capitalist for the sake of the mean; come on now, I'm going to Paris!
4) Cut hair!
Yes, I'm chopping it off.
5) Get new glasses!
These old ones suck a lot of ass.
6) Reconsider Argentina
Don't know if it seems all that plausible...
7) Work on Honors thesis for the Spanish Dept.
I have actually been avoiding this much like the plague.
8) Stop worrying about boys.
Seriously, they can kiss my ass. I'm done with this whole giving numbers, never calling back bullshit. You know what, I deserve the best, and I am not settling for immature little bastards that wouldn't even have a clue how to handle me. I am not putting myself through this, no way. So I am letting things transpire smoothly, no efforts on my behalf unless they have proven themselves worthy of it. Yep, that means I will be a bitch. Deal with it.
9) Figure out these headaches, jeez!
10) Lay back and look up at the sky more often.
Everyone needs to, it soothes the mind and the soul. Every now and then one needs to stop the constant whirlwind produced by incessant thoughts that cram in and out of that inconspicuous brain of ours and appreciate what we have been given. You'll realize how happy it makes you, and how it makes your life worth living.
Sláinte !
That's NOT happening.
I figured I would write down a couple of ambitions I wish to accomplish prior to the spring break euro-trip. Among those things include:
1) Lose some weight!
Seriously, stop eating so much crap so late at night. And start exercising! For the love of god, I desperately need to exercise, hopefully my asthma will allow it.
2) Figure out a budget for the trip and stick to it!
Can't be spending too much extra money, I still have to eat ya know?
3) Buy clothes!
I need shoes and all that crap. Yes, I am allowing myself to be a consumerist capitalist for the sake of the mean; come on now, I'm going to Paris!
4) Cut hair!
Yes, I'm chopping it off.
5) Get new glasses!
These old ones suck a lot of ass.
6) Reconsider Argentina
Don't know if it seems all that plausible...
7) Work on Honors thesis for the Spanish Dept.
I have actually been avoiding this much like the plague.
8) Stop worrying about boys.
Seriously, they can kiss my ass. I'm done with this whole giving numbers, never calling back bullshit. You know what, I deserve the best, and I am not settling for immature little bastards that wouldn't even have a clue how to handle me. I am not putting myself through this, no way. So I am letting things transpire smoothly, no efforts on my behalf unless they have proven themselves worthy of it. Yep, that means I will be a bitch. Deal with it.
9) Figure out these headaches, jeez!
10) Lay back and look up at the sky more often.
Everyone needs to, it soothes the mind and the soul. Every now and then one needs to stop the constant whirlwind produced by incessant thoughts that cram in and out of that inconspicuous brain of ours and appreciate what we have been given. You'll realize how happy it makes you, and how it makes your life worth living.
Sláinte !
lunedì 12 gennaio 2009
Ghosts from yesteryear
Sometimes you get the feeling that people who are not welcome into your life snoop around your things. It's a similar feeling to the one you get when your younger sibling goes into your room without your permission and starts reading your diary. And the reason why it bothers you so is because this person (your sibling, in this illustration) is not a part of the universe you have created through the words you have printed in that piece of paper, nor do you want him/her to be. In fact, it is almost insulting, unnerving and offensive when they do, because if this person isn't a part of the world you are creating, then why do they bother?
But people can't always put a lock on their diary, or on a blog. Case in point: I've been getting the feeling that there are intruders snooping around my things. And the feeling I just described is reflected in this situation as well. I am aware that this is the internet, and 'tis the main reason why people spill their guts publicly, because they know that someone on the other side of the world will probably read those words and maybe offer some advice, maybe criticize them, maybe relate to them, or maybe do nothing in regards to it. But that's alright, this is the reason why people keep online journals, blogs, and all these things. And what bothers me isn't that people read what I write, please, I love that! What bothers me is that ghosts from times past roam around trying to be a part of a world they no longer belong in.
It's like an actual ghost; ghosts haunt for multiple reasons. Maybe they are not aware that their life is over, maybe they are haunting the person which they roam around due to a wrongdoing or unfinished amends, or maybe they just don't know how to continue without at least being invisible, silent, in the life of someone else. I suspect that the ghost that roams around here falls into the latter category. And you know what, it is ok. But when that concerned ghost brings over some of his current baggage, then it is not ok.
I am ok with the fact that this "ghost" lurks around from time to time to check on me, but why be shady and sneaky. I mean, for all I know I am a perfectly approachable person, a quick line just asking how I'm doing will suffice; it's more personal this way, don't you think? So what bothers me is that you are masking a feeling, an urge. You want to know how I'm doing, you want to see what I've been up to. I know that you care, but you are lying to yourself by pretending you have cut all ties with me. What, do you think that it's done? Quite the opposite actually. My theory is that by being up-front you deal with everything, it's is much less disturbing than keeping it inside, like a secret; a secret that eats at you because you know you can't stop doing it.
Blah blah blah. More rambling, I know.
But people can't always put a lock on their diary, or on a blog. Case in point: I've been getting the feeling that there are intruders snooping around my things. And the feeling I just described is reflected in this situation as well. I am aware that this is the internet, and 'tis the main reason why people spill their guts publicly, because they know that someone on the other side of the world will probably read those words and maybe offer some advice, maybe criticize them, maybe relate to them, or maybe do nothing in regards to it. But that's alright, this is the reason why people keep online journals, blogs, and all these things. And what bothers me isn't that people read what I write, please, I love that! What bothers me is that ghosts from times past roam around trying to be a part of a world they no longer belong in.
It's like an actual ghost; ghosts haunt for multiple reasons. Maybe they are not aware that their life is over, maybe they are haunting the person which they roam around due to a wrongdoing or unfinished amends, or maybe they just don't know how to continue without at least being invisible, silent, in the life of someone else. I suspect that the ghost that roams around here falls into the latter category. And you know what, it is ok. But when that concerned ghost brings over some of his current baggage, then it is not ok.
I am ok with the fact that this "ghost" lurks around from time to time to check on me, but why be shady and sneaky. I mean, for all I know I am a perfectly approachable person, a quick line just asking how I'm doing will suffice; it's more personal this way, don't you think? So what bothers me is that you are masking a feeling, an urge. You want to know how I'm doing, you want to see what I've been up to. I know that you care, but you are lying to yourself by pretending you have cut all ties with me. What, do you think that it's done? Quite the opposite actually. My theory is that by being up-front you deal with everything, it's is much less disturbing than keeping it inside, like a secret; a secret that eats at you because you know you can't stop doing it.
Blah blah blah. More rambling, I know.
domenica 11 gennaio 2009
My head is about to explode
I'm going to be honest, this whole planning for my future thing does not sit well with me at all. I am probably the worst person there is to plan for long-term commitments, my body just reacts against it. And I am aware of the fact that most of the headaches and the anguish arise from doubting myself. I truly believe that I am capable and ready of proceeding with the responsibility of handling a PhD workload and such, but I fear that those who judge won't feel the same way. So there's the part that gives me the biggest headache of all, and that is coming up with a back-up plan. A back-up plan, seriously? Yes.
So what do my back-up plans consist of? Since I am aiming for the stars going for the PhD, as usual, my best bet would be to apply to a masters program instead.
Now, it would probably be a good idea to explain the background of this whole ordeal. I am broke. The only way I can afford to go to school is if I am given a grant and/or fellowship through the institution that admits me to their program. Which is the reason why I am applying directly to a PhD program as opposed to applying to a masters and then proceeding towards the PhD. Now, most masters programs don't offer any sort of financial aid, which would entail me paying for that out of my own pocket or in the form of loans. Hence, I am avoiding this option at all costs. However, there is a masters program that is cheap and well-respected, in fact it is one of the best in my field, and where do you think this program is?
You guessed it, Puerto Rico.
Where should I begin to describe Puerto Rico? Let's just say that Puerto Rico is to me what kriptonite is to Superman. I am pretty sure this illustration suffices.
I wouldn't mind living in PR at all, as a matter of fact I would enjoy it very much. But I have changed a lot in the last couple of months and years, but some things from my past still remain the same. I don't want to deal with drama. I dislike this because no one gets in the way of what I desire. If anyone knows me, they will tell you that I have always, always, gotten what I have wanted. But I also don't step into the pit of what I do not want, and I certainly do not want negativity. Of course, none of this bullshit would stop me if in the end this were most beneficial to me. Everyone else would just have to suck it.
I have decisions to make, somehow I wish I could wave a wand and make it all alright.
You know how I feel? Like I am recovering from a lobotomy. Seriously, my head is about to explode.
So what do my back-up plans consist of? Since I am aiming for the stars going for the PhD, as usual, my best bet would be to apply to a masters program instead.
Now, it would probably be a good idea to explain the background of this whole ordeal. I am broke. The only way I can afford to go to school is if I am given a grant and/or fellowship through the institution that admits me to their program. Which is the reason why I am applying directly to a PhD program as opposed to applying to a masters and then proceeding towards the PhD. Now, most masters programs don't offer any sort of financial aid, which would entail me paying for that out of my own pocket or in the form of loans. Hence, I am avoiding this option at all costs. However, there is a masters program that is cheap and well-respected, in fact it is one of the best in my field, and where do you think this program is?
You guessed it, Puerto Rico.
Where should I begin to describe Puerto Rico? Let's just say that Puerto Rico is to me what kriptonite is to Superman. I am pretty sure this illustration suffices.
I wouldn't mind living in PR at all, as a matter of fact I would enjoy it very much. But I have changed a lot in the last couple of months and years, but some things from my past still remain the same. I don't want to deal with drama. I dislike this because no one gets in the way of what I desire. If anyone knows me, they will tell you that I have always, always, gotten what I have wanted. But I also don't step into the pit of what I do not want, and I certainly do not want negativity. Of course, none of this bullshit would stop me if in the end this were most beneficial to me. Everyone else would just have to suck it.
I have decisions to make, somehow I wish I could wave a wand and make it all alright.
You know how I feel? Like I am recovering from a lobotomy. Seriously, my head is about to explode.
giovedì 8 gennaio 2009
I AM GOING TO PARIS!!!
uQIWDHFDIFKMC8wefui39r82389~~!!!
I
am
going
to
am
going
to
PARIS!
Ok, now back to being civilized. I am going to Paris, France, and I could not be more excited. Paris is probably one of the most famous cities in Europe that I have not gotten to visit; I am ecstatic! I am going to be able to go see the Eiffel tower, L'arc de Triumph, THE LOUVRE (I know you are jealous now).
Oh yeahI booked my ticket today, and after spending St. Patrick's day in Ireland, I am going to Paris! I will post many pictures for your viewing pleasure, worry not. I have danced, I have squealed, I have jumped, I have bounced, I have hugged strangers (not really) but no metaphors or figurative adjectives could possibly explain my over-the-top sense of joy and excitement!
This definitely makes me feel better than yesterday. So, indeed this has been the highlight of my day, and possibly my life!
I keep stressing
I'm stressed, again. But why should that surprise anyone? I've been feeling so overwhelmed lately that sometimes all I want to do is erase everything from my internal hard drive and just forget everything that bothers me. First thing that is itching at me is money, woo hoo. I am paying off my credit cards this year and that is it! I will pay them off this year even if it means not eating as much as I should.
Second thing that is bothering me is the fact that I need a new laptop, bad. I want to get a Macbook, but resources are very very low. So in the mean time this piece of crap I am using is testing every bit of patience that may reside within me. *&^$%#@!!
Third thing that is bothering me is the fact that I need to figure out what I am doing after I graduate. I know I am somewhat thinking way ahead of myself, but I have just been getting my hopes up about this PhD program in NY but chances are I won't be admitted due to what I call paper flaws. My GPA isn't as strong as someone who has gotten straight A's all their life, I haven't been as involved as other people. So all these things just jam up into my brain and fiddle around with my thoughts. I become more and more aware of my flaws than of my strength, and I know it's wrong, but I can't really do anything to stop it. I have a couple of backup plans, I am applying to NY, Miami, California, and Puerto Rico. The latter one is still up in the air due to many, many, many reasons and I don't know if that option will come into fruition, however it IS an option. And I guess that's also another bad thing, the fact that there are so many options and I need to make just one decision. It's tough.
ANOTHER thing that is itching at me is the fact that I am not sure if it would be reasonable for me to go to Argentina. As much as I want to, I don't know if it would make much sense considering my financial situation. I mean, I just got back from Spain, and now I'm going to Ireland in march, a trip that will be very expensive, I can tell. I also fear that my reason for wanting to go to Argentina is the desire to somewhat replicate my experience in Spain, but I know that it would be impossible to do so. I don't know what it is, but I am seeking something else. I miss that feeling of freedom, of being unbound.
I'm tired, it's late and, now, I have a headache. I will continue to watch South Park until I fall asleep, perhaps I will have the energy to blabber about my demise tomorrow.
But for now, peace.
Second thing that is bothering me is the fact that I need a new laptop, bad. I want to get a Macbook, but resources are very very low. So in the mean time this piece of crap I am using is testing every bit of patience that may reside within me. *&^$%#@!!
Third thing that is bothering me is the fact that I need to figure out what I am doing after I graduate. I know I am somewhat thinking way ahead of myself, but I have just been getting my hopes up about this PhD program in NY but chances are I won't be admitted due to what I call paper flaws. My GPA isn't as strong as someone who has gotten straight A's all their life, I haven't been as involved as other people. So all these things just jam up into my brain and fiddle around with my thoughts. I become more and more aware of my flaws than of my strength, and I know it's wrong, but I can't really do anything to stop it. I have a couple of backup plans, I am applying to NY, Miami, California, and Puerto Rico. The latter one is still up in the air due to many, many, many reasons and I don't know if that option will come into fruition, however it IS an option. And I guess that's also another bad thing, the fact that there are so many options and I need to make just one decision. It's tough.
ANOTHER thing that is itching at me is the fact that I am not sure if it would be reasonable for me to go to Argentina. As much as I want to, I don't know if it would make much sense considering my financial situation. I mean, I just got back from Spain, and now I'm going to Ireland in march, a trip that will be very expensive, I can tell. I also fear that my reason for wanting to go to Argentina is the desire to somewhat replicate my experience in Spain, but I know that it would be impossible to do so. I don't know what it is, but I am seeking something else. I miss that feeling of freedom, of being unbound.
I'm tired, it's late and, now, I have a headache. I will continue to watch South Park until I fall asleep, perhaps I will have the energy to blabber about my demise tomorrow.
But for now, peace.
martedì 6 gennaio 2009
Starting over
Sweet remote, sweet chalice... New Year, I am set!
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