Goodbye 2011- Welcome 2012

Being just a few hours away from 2012, it becomes inevitable to think about all the things I did and didn't do during 2011, and to be honest I can't complain. I've been happy and healthy,  had the chance (or the time actually) to read more books, and to play guitar, learned new things at work, made new friends, and have kept on trying to help dogs in need. My partner and our dogs are very healthy, and keep me laughing on a regular basis.
Of course I did not exercise at all, didn't write on my blog as often as I would have liked but to be honest I can only be grateful for what I have and who I am.
May 2012 be an amazing year for everyone.

LIVING ONLINE

A couple of days ago I bought Florence & The Machine's new album Ceremonials on iTunes (by the way it's a really good album, I highly recommend it) and all of a sudden 1995 movie "The Net" came to my mind.
Long time ago, when I watched the movie I remember thinking I would never buy anything online, it seemed so, how can I explain? so dangerous, so out of reality (at a certain level)
So here I am, sixteen years later, buying music, books, song tabs, apps, movies and I could go on.

I guess it all began with my first iPod touch and the App Store. I haven't been to a music store in a long time, I rarely go to Blockbuster anymore (yes we still have Blockbuster in Mexico)At least I still go to bookstores but not as often as I used to. In fact I've bought eBooks instead of the old fashioned (although adorable and necessary) books.So, my point is that, I would be lying if I didn't admit that my shopping has become easier, faster, and friendlier, but in a way it has made me (and some of you I guess) miss beautiful days outside.
I guess I (or we) should try to find some sort of balance, between real life and living online. 

I'm so glad I still go to the supermarket and don't buy online.....OK it was just that one time when I bought the groceries online, but that was it!

I wish

I wish I had the patience the intelligence to make my neighbors realize that they are terrible to their dogs, that their dogs should be respected, should be taken care of. Or at least I wish I could keep their dogs.

A great app

While trying to find interesting apps for my IPhone I came across Blogger, and I'm really excited I can start working on posts as soon as things come to mind. Hopefully I'll update my blog more often.

Life @ Twitter

Over a year ago I joined twitter. I remember thinking it did not sound interesting at all, and the whole concept of following someone seemed like stalking, and being followed felt like being stalked. I couldn't have been more wrong.
For the past 15 months I've talked, or better yet chatted with so many amazing people.
Painters, writers, teachers, housewives, musicians, students, gay, straight, transgender, and I could go on but it would definitely take a long time.
Being on twitter has been quite an experience (and by far a positive one)
Actually, I wish my friends in real life were the ones I have on twitter, I have so much more in common with them, than with my "friends".

Lost Girl Season 2

Just a few more days, and then what I (among many fans around the world) have been waiting for: Lost Girl's season 2 Premiere.

WE HAVE TO STOP...ANIMAL CRUELTY!

Hello dear readers, it's been a while since I wrote something.Today my post refers to Animal Cruelty.
 Let's begin with this:
I totally understand that there are people around the world who simply don't like animals, and I think they have the right to not like them, but, there's a huge difference between not liking them and being a fucking asshole who consciously decides to hurt/kill them.
These are some of the horrible things that have happened lately:
- Two Teens tortured two pregnant cows. They were injured so badly they had to be euthanized, they also tortured a bull which is being treated for life-threatening injuries. This happened in the USA.
-Last year a man beat a fox nearly to death with a golf club, just because it was trying to steal a biscuit from his belongings. This happened in Scotland.
- A couple of days ago, two police officers (go figure) shot a dog called "CANELA" (which means Cinammon) because she barked at them, while they were walking towards a store to buy soda. It took Canela 7 hours to die, she had been shot on the hip and was bleeding internally. This happened in Ciudad Juárez,Chihuahua. (Mexico)

It's taking me forever to write this post, tears roll down my face, and I have to breathe.
Different countries, different cultures, different people, but still, evil and cruel.
What's wrong with us, people? How can these actions be justified? What or who gives human beings permission to do that? Who told human beings that animals are inferior to us? Is it because we have opposable thumbs? because we use computers and they don't? Who says that any animal's dream is to be skinned alive, just because designers want them so they can sell more clothes? How can some people think that hunting is a sport?(really? imagine you're the one being hunted)
Do you people get my point?
We HAVE TO STOP this nonsense, for our own good. No good can come out of this.
Please, think about it.

Taking things for granted

A couple of weeks ago, something happened, that got me thinking.
We had a microwave oven  at the office that needed to be fixed. Since they are generally quite cheap to buy, and that having it fixed would cost at least half it's price, we decided to buy a new one.
So, the next step was throwing the old microwave away, right?

I asked one of my employees if he wanted to sell it (I don't know in other countries, but in Mexico you can sell them,since some parts may help fixing others) and he said yes.
Much to my surprise, a couple of days later, he told me he had decided to get it fixed, but he did not know how to use it. How can I explain how I felt? I was so embarrassed, so...I mean, here we were buying a new one while this 60 year old man decided to get it fixed,because he has never owned a microwave oven.

I mean, unfortunately, we are so used to buying things and throwing them away, that we forget (first of all to be thankful for what we have) and second of all that there are so many people all around the world, that simply don't have the same opportunities, and that it really sucks. And this is not not only about a microwave oven, I mean, what about food, or education for everyone?

I guess I'm still speechless.

HOW CAN WE HELP ANIMALS?

For many years I've asked myself: how can I help the seals, the polar bears, the elephants, among hundreds of different species?
I've never found THE answer. I try to sign every petition that I find, try to feed strays and when I have the chance I try to explain to certain people why we, as human beings, should be HUMANE and respect, protect, and love animals.
I believe deep down in my heart that if we all try to make simple changes, eventually things will get better.
So these are basically a few things that I've done:

-First of all I became  a vegetarian.
-I don't buy fur
-I don't buy leather jackets, wallets,purses,shoes.
-I do not purchase (or at least try not to)buy products from companies that support or practice animal testing.
-I do not "teach" or "train" my dogs using violence or violent methods, if they learn a few tricks, it's great, but if they don't well it's not the end of the world.
-When my neighbor's dogs are wandering on the street I take them to their house. Sometimes I don't even tell my neighbor because he's just an ass.(Luckily his front door is usually open, and I make sure I close the door after the dogs are inside)

I am, in no way, saying that I'm perfect, or the most noble human being (which I'm not)but what if (if not wanting to be vegan or vegetarian) you decided to eat less animals?
 Or what if you decided not to beat the crap out of your dog because he/she (yep I'm sorry I won't say "it")peed inside your house?
What if instead of buying that awesome leather jacket, you buy something else and use the extra cash and buy some food for all the strays?
What if you take a couple of minutes of your life and finally sign a petition,to stop animal abuse?

Change begins with us.

Zeus

Yesterday, when we woke up,we found out that our beloved betta fish Zeus had passed away.
He was almost two years old, which is as far as I know a fish's life expectancy.
I remember when we broght him home, "N" (our dog) was so intrigued with the fish, that he kept on jumping to see it. Both of our dogs enjoyed watching him being fed because they knew that after feeding him, we would feed them.

Every time we went on vacation, my mother-in-law took care of him.

Basically what I want to say is that he was a good,funny fish and that he made us very happy.

You will be missed kid. 

LISTENING TO NATURE

Every once in a while, I confess that I feel stressed out. Most of the times it's work related.
Living in the city,  can be quite stressful too, everyone is in a hurry, or really mad, or aggressive, so at a certain point stress becomes contagious.
One day I just realized something that was SO obvious, that I couldn't understand how I had never paid attention.
Or could it be that the fact that it's being obvious makes it barely noticeable?
Listening to nature has been extremely relaxing. I just focus on those sounds. I listen to the birds singing, the wind blowing, and a peaceful feeling invades me.
If I pay close attention to a combination of sounds like the sound of an airplane,the wind and a few cars, I can sometimes hear the sound of the sea, and in a few minutes I'm relaxed.
There are millions of wonderful sounds around us, we just have to be aware of them.

THE WORLD HAS GONE CRAZY

I'm writing this post as a result of watching today's news. I can't help but feel absolutely depressed. Many countries in Africa are going through terrible political crisis.
Japan's earthquake, tsunami, and now radioactive danger.
Mexico's tremendous amount of violence, due to drug cartels.And I could go on, but I'd rather not.
I can't help but wonder, how will this all end? Am I wrong to long for peace? I'm overwhelmed right now.

IMac

So, my partner and I decided to buy an IMac. We both use either Mac or PC's at work and at home, but since we have quite a few plans on mind, we thought it would be definitely better to spend a little bit more money on an IMac.
To all the PC users: I know that Mac can be frightening sometimes, but it's definitely worth it.
I guess it's the first time in a long time, that I am reading, writing, tweeting, without looking for my glasses.
It is simply amazing, beautiful, and awesome. There's only one more thing to say: THANK YOU Mr. Jobs

Are you SURE you want to adopt?

Eight months ago, my partner called me to tell me that, while at her office, she had heard a terrible sound and had realized that right across the street a dog had been hit by a car. I left work,drove to my lady's office to try to rescue the dog.We were lucky and successful and rescued her. We just couldn't leave her lying on the street knowing that the next day she would be dead.She needed surgery (her hip had been badly hurt and was in too much pain)
After a few months and knowing that she was fully recovered we started looking for people who would be willing to adopt her.We already had two dogs, lived in a rented apartment, and had no chance to have a third dog.
We got in touch with people, sent too many emails, and started sending out application forms to those who claimed to be interested.
Much to our surprise and heartache many people wanted the dog for the wrong reasons: they wanted her as a birthday present, or as a companion although the woman was never home.
We made a few appointments with the few we thought were not disastrous, and guess what? they stood us up.
So to make a long story short, and after six months, my mother-in-law decided she would adopt her (she had been taking care of her for at least 5 months)
So, our precious girl, ended up having a happy ending. We get to see her very often, and she is well taken care of, and loved.
We still keep in touch with the woman who helped us out (trying to find the right people) and it shocks me everytime I receive emails referring to dogs that were adopted and later on kicked out of their "new homes", or simply got lost.
And this is exactly what I want to talk about. Why on earth do people say they want to adopt a dog, when they are definitely not ready?

How is it okay to want a dog, as if it were an IPod that you'll eventually get bored with,discard it and buy a new one?
The fact that they are animals doesn't mean they are inferior, or that they do not deserve respect or love.
People should be aware that dogs like to play, bark, chew things,among other things, and unless you are willing  to accept/understand that, what kind of life can you give to a dog?

So, I say this again: ANIMALS or as in this case DOGS are NOT toys, and unless you're fully commited to sharing the next 10-15 years of your life with your furry friend, do not ADOPT or buy a dog.

MORE VISIBILITY please!

A few days ago I was reading Grey's Anatomy recaps (I don't watch the show anymore, but I used to like Calzona)And here's the thing:Why are we lesbians treated so badly? Why do we keep on getting those terrible storylines?The lesbian who sleeps with a man, or the lesbian who dies and her partner commits suicide (Dear Shonda Rhimes:stop it please)or the lesbian who ends up being murdered? (and still Ilene I haven't forgotten)
See, of all the years I've been out, neither of my friends have "become straight",tried to get pregnant, killed someone or worse killed themselves.
Don't you think we deserve better?
If you're trying to tell the world that we are, after all, human beings,why do you portray negative stereotypes?(Now I'm not saying that wanting to have a baby is negative ok? I'm just saying that not all of us are struggling couples trying to get pregnant)
We need visibility,I get it, but is it too much to ask for good storylines?
I truly hope that this will eventually change.
In the meantime, I'm grateful for the variety of lesbian web series,(which may not be mainstream)but they are doing a great job, at giving us the much needed visibility.

No More Homophobia

Yesterday while tweeting, I started thinking about something that truly bothers me; no, it not only bothers me but it pisses me off.
It is homophobia.
I was reading all the comments certain people I followed (yes that's right I unfollowed them) make about the politicians they truly disagree with.
I understand we all have our very personal political views and that is perfectly fine, but, when you start ranting about someone you just turn it into a hate speech.And what makes it worse (at least in my opinion) is that in order to make their comments more hurtful, they start using antigay slur.
So, not only do they disagree with these politicians, but they call them fa**ots? d*kes?WTF?
First of all, what does it have to do with it? If their political views are not the same as yours does it mean that the other person is gay?
Now, how can these peolple even consider themselves as non-homophobic? Is that the way they show their "support"?
It makes no sense to me. They support gay rights, but when there's someone they truly dislike they  use antigay slurs?
It is offensive to us,the LGBT comunity.
There's a word that everyone uses, but I'm not sure that we all grasp its meaning, and that word is RESPECT.
So, next time you feel tempted to offend someone, think for a few seconds at least, before venom comes out of your mouth.

Nissan LEAF™: Polar Bear

This is by far, the best add I've watched in a long time.
Go green!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNeEVkhTutY

DOGS

Amazing living creatures, perfectly designed, innocent, and pure. They have heart, lungs, liver, tongue, eyes, ears, so similar to ours, and in some ways, so much better. So much to learn from them: their unconditional love, they fully accept us, no matter who we are, how much money we earn, or the car we drive.

I believe that the least we can do is to respect, love, and protect them.

MONEY

As a human being the most honest thing to say, is that I totally understand that everyone needs money, we need it in order to buy food, to pay the rent, doctors, leisure activities and so on.
But what troubles me, you see, is that as time passes by, people in general think of money as some kind of God.
I find it shocking, to see so many people buying SUV's for instance, vehicles that in general are more expensive than a regular car, just to make everyone else think they have money, even though they may not be paying their bills.And like the SUV's I could name a hundred other items,that even though, they might be useful and needed, having the most expensive one, in my opinion, should not be so important.
Are you really thinner, smarter, more attractive, if you have the most expensive item? The answer is simple: No.
So next time you want to buy the newest gadget (even though the one you have works perfectly well), I suggest you ask yourself if you really need it, if you'll be a better person once you have it.
I think that the most amazing and fulfilling things in life are free.

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU…?

We usually live so fast, constantly multitasking that I guess, we end up taking things and people for granted.

Can you remember when was the last time you went out to a restaurant and ate something delicious, or the last time you couldn’t stop laughing because of a very funny joke?, or the last time you told someone “I love you” before they died? No?

As I was saying at the beginning of this post, a few years ago, I realized I just couldn’t remember so many things, and that it was too late. Very close people had either died or left, and I even though I tried, I simply couldn’t remember, the last time I had told them that I loved them, or the last time we had kissed, or the last time we had laughed together.

It was such a saddening realization, that I promised myself it wouldn’t happen again.

I’m happier now, I’m grateful for the people and things I have in my life, and I pay close attention to the smaller details. I constantly remind my partner of my love for her; I laugh at every single thing our puppies do, I enjoy every bite of my food either because we cooked it or because it’s delicious.

So, try not to waste your time, worrying and getting mad at stupid things, and appreciate what you do have.

LOST GIRL

A few months ago, thanks to After Ellen (what would my life be without you guys) and Twitter I read about a new Canadian series called “Lost Girl”. Since they mentioned “supernatural series” I just couldn’t resist, so I decided to give it a try.

What can I say? I truly like the show. The main character Bo (played by Anna Silk remember her from those hilarious NicoDerm nicotine patch TV comercials?) is a bisexual succubus who drains the sexual energy of humans to feed, heal … and kill.

In my opinion if you like shows like Buffy the Vampirer Slayer (which is my FAVORITE) you’ll really enjoy this one.

Unfortunately the first season is over, and I miss watching the show but there are great news:on November 12, 2010, the Showcase Blog announced that Lost Girl would be renewed for a second season which will be airing on the fall (2011). And you know what? I can’t wait!