Sic Itur Ad Astra

Catalan Pride II

2010-07-17T22:24:00.004+02:00

July 11th. Spain wins the world’s cup… and we do celebrate it too…then???

A contradiction? I don’t think so! It’s just a balance issue…

Some of us watched it without any problem, some of us watched it with our soul divided in two (Catalan and Barça players vs Spanish Flag) some of us did not watch it at all…

So, feelings towards Catalan players ( Xavi, Cesc, Puyol, Busquets, Piqué, Capdevila…some of them also belonging to Barça team together with Iniesta, Pedro and now Villa…) fighted with the feelings or better the lack of them towards the Spanish flag…

The celebration for some was Spanish Pride, for others Catalan Pride, as 75% of the players were either Catalan or Barça players.. So that’s why…one day you demonstrate with the independence flag…and the following you do not wish the Spanish team to lose…as it’s made of our players, so it’s our team…and the guys deserve it!!!

And they celebrated it also proudly showing our flag, the senyera, while also representing Spain.

Between 75.000 - 100.000 catalans attended to celebrate the Victory in Barcelona streets.

Catalan Pride I

2010-07-17T19:50:00.024+02:00

July 10th ..demonstration: We are a nation, we decide!

Between 1.100.000 – 1.500.000 Catalans, depending on who is giving the news, attended to a demonstration in Barcelona streets due to a resolution from the Spanish Constitutional Court cutting our new Estatut (Catalan Constitution) 4 years after it’s been approved by the Catalan Parliament!!

But what amazes me is that no shouting or posters against the judgment...the slogans were.. In In de Independència...IN in de INDEPENDENCE.... that's what you get when you corner moderate people..now we all know there's no room...

The demonstration was made as we are, in a pacific way, on a saturday afternoon in July, so from the 7 million population of Catalunya, more than a million people walked out to let politicians know what we feel. July 10th ..demonstration: We are a nation, we decide!

Among the things we do not agree from the judgement is that they do not want us to define ourselves as a nation…when we are… as you can see the signs or posters say we are a nation, not we want to be one or we feel like being one. We are a nation within another nation, because once that happened...but we have never, never forgot who we are.

Also we do not agree in other parts cutting language and self-ruling issues

The thing is that Catalunya is not the only nation within Spain...but seems the most feared..I guess because of the economical power we have...is still the main motor...

Els segadors (the harvesters) is the Catalan National Hymn, I reproduce it here so you can see the wording, and is what sounds in the previous video attached (sorry for the translation..I guess is not very professional...)

Catalunya, triomfant, Triumphant Catalonia
tornarà a ser rica i plena, shall be again rich and full

Endarrera aquesta gent move back that people
tan ufana i tan superba! so conceited and so arrogant!

Bon cop de falç! A precise knock with the sickle!
Bon cop de falç,defensors de la terra! A precise knock with the sickle, defenders of the land!
Bon cop de falç! A precise knock the sickle!

Ara és hora, segadors! Now is the time, harvesters!
Ara és hora d'estar alerta! Now is the time to be alert!
Per quan vingui un altre juny For when another June comes
esmolem ben bé les eines! We shall well sharpen our tools!

Que tremoli l'enemic Let the enemy tremble
en veient la nostra ensenya On seeing our flag
com fem caure espigues d'or, as we cut gold spikes,
quan convé seguem cadenes! when necessary we cut chains!

The melody music as it sounds, is from 1892, although the lyrics were from an existent song singed during the 1640’s Catalan rebellion against Felipe IV. (First Catalan written evidence is from S. XI.)

We are in 2010, since the feeling against being annexed to Spain exists and has not been overcomed…we subsist within Spain if you do not push us with our language, culture, business… but if you touch any sensible issue…we all reborn as proud Catalans… It's a latent issue...

L'estaca....The Stake Song...

The stake or post, is a symbol for the Catalans about the resistance against Franco’s dictatorship, where we, as always, needed to be controlled, yeah, we’re the prosper ones so feared for that as we take, day by day our decisions. Composed in 1968, the song is about a conversation between a grandfather called Siset and his grandson.. you can see the irony/rethorical wording…questions and indications to solve the problem…

L'avi Siset em parlava Grandpa Siset told me
de bon matí al portal early in the morning, by the doorway
mentre el sol esperàvem while waiting the sun
i els carros vèiem passar. And watched the carts pass by

Siset, que no veus l'estaca , Siset don’t you see the stake
on estem tots lligats? where we all are tied?
Si no podem desfer-nos-en If we cannot get rid of it
mai no podrem caminar! We shall never walk

Si estirem tots, ella caurà If we all pull, it will fall
i molt de temps no pot durar, and won’t be able to last long,
segur que tomba, tomba, tomba surely it will fall, fall, fall
ben corcada deu ser ja. Must already be rotten

Si jo l'estiro fort per aquí If I pull hard towards here
i tu l'estires fort per allà, and you pull hard towards there,
segur que tomba, tomba, tomba, surely it will fall, fall, fall
i ens podrem alliberar. and we shall be free

Però, Siset, fa molt temps ja, But Siset, since a long time ago
les mans se'm van escorxant, my hands are pealed
i quan la força se me'n va and when strength leaves me
ella és més ampla i més gran. It becomes wider and bigger

Ben cert sé que està podrida Sure I know its rotten
però és que, Siset, pesa tant, but Siset, it is so heavy
que a cops la força m'oblida. That sometimes strength leaves me
Torna'm a dir el teu cant: tell me again your song

Si estirem tots, ella caurà If we all pull, it will fall

i molt de temps no pot durar, and won’t be able to last long,

segur que tomba, tomba, tomba surely it will fall, fall, fall

ben corcada deu ser ja. Must already be rotten

Si jo l'estiro fort per aquí If I pull hard towards here

i tu l'estires fort per allà, and you pull hard towards there,

segur que tomba, tomba, tomba, surely it will fall, fall, fall

i ens podrem alliberar. and we shall be free

L'avi Siset ja no diu res, Grandpa Siset does not say a thing
mal vent que se l'emportà, bad wind took him
ell qui sap cap a quin indret who knows to where
i jo a sota el portal. and I'm still by the doorway

I mentre passen els nous vailets And while new teens pass by
estiro el coll per cantar I stretch my neck to be able to sing
el darrer cant d'en Siset, the last Siset's song
el darrer que em va ensenyar. the last he tought me.

Mallorca break!!!!

2010-07-17T14:44:00.011+02:00

Hi! I am back after my holiday break...one week in Mallorca...that has been able to relax me!!!

Every morning, when I woke up and went outside of my room...I was able to see those beautiful flowers I've captured in a picture...

I've been able to do nothing!!!! Nothing at all!!!!

Just felt great...all day with no wire reception :-), laying on a sunbed but...vip...under a shade...as my skin is so sensitive to sun...and even taking that care and using a 30 solar protection cream...I got sunburned and it hurts so much....

The spectacular beaches and natural environment of Mallorca have relaxed me a lot. Just watching, swimming, breathing, getting in touch again with my inner me...ahhh...I feel alive again...

Beaches were not crowded yet , and we choose little calas, where there was room for everybody, clean waters...

The house where I was staying had its private access to the sea..so some days that I wanted to be alone feeling the world with no human interacting..I was able to do it too..

heheeh...now that I am back...I could not resist checking my email...and ...uffff...it was collapsed...so what I've done is....close the window...and promise myself to enjoy this weekend alone at home..and do not open it again until monday when I shall be back at work...

Si...I said alone...my two little ones are with their grandma... waiting for me...I'll se them in three weeks...aghhhh...a long time...but they shall be doing better than here with me as I have no AC running, and my mother does... she has been calling me daily explaining me all they were doing and that she was amazed...hahhaha...she says maybe she's not giving them back to me as they are so lovely...

So I know what I have to do...the first baby puppie they may have...for my mother!!

Back to life!!!!!

Pantano de San Juan

2010-06-28T21:46:00.008+02:00

Well...

a distraction...this friday afternoon I went with a friend to the Pantano of San Juan, close to Madrid.

And I was pretty impressed there were beaches and beautiful houses in the water frontline, don't know why, in my mind I imagined something full of stones and dry.

All the opposite: Maybe is because as I come from a land by the sea and with natural lakes, don't think of that as a "beach" or "summer" place, so each time I heard about it I was like si si, ya ya, a beach hahahahha

But they have built some beautiful houses, a small port, nice sports area..

If it wasn't because it does not smell like the sea...hhahahah...but oh well...is water at the end...I had a very nice time in a small boat, a whole afternoon, chatting, laughing, feeling free and like at home!!

Had a very nice time, disconnected, breathed fresh air and thought about me and my life... It's been a lot I am repeating myself a change has to be done.. hope to have luck and be able to do it this year..that would mean...months of no complaining online...hehehehe

So now I understand why they say Madrid has a beach... vaya vaya...

sí hay playa...

Ni si, ni no..

2010-06-17T21:36:00.007+02:00

Today I was not in a good mood...and one of my work partnerts just called me a few minutes ago...

...hey what's wrong with you? with your life? I've realized you have a problem, you can share it if you want.

how do you know? I replied.

It's obvious...you are hidding...

Hidding? what do you mean?

You are disconnecting from us. Everytime you have a problem, you confront it, but while doing it you disappear, you don't want help, you do it yourself...and we realize...because you make no noise.. you hide until things calm down...then you appear talkative, sharp, warm, like if nothing happens...but I've realized because this time is taking you a long time to recover.

mhhhhhh...I guess he is right...it's what I've been doing lately. I've even almost disappeared online, where I am free to share without no one knowing who I really am..

It's not that I have "1" problem or "a" problem. Is just that I've realized that everyday is harder for me to wake up willing to enjoy the day. So after a few minutes I am already feeling low. And I have tons of work this days, always in a rush..that's something that does not help if you don't like it anymore and still have to thank to have it.

By the way, I've had two love offers...but from married man...so not acceptable...

The one that is acepptable..is in a dead road... nothing new..

Easy comes...easy goes??

2010-05-15T20:31:00.004+02:00

Agggghhhhh I just got back the 2 kilos that took me "only" a month to lose...

How come?

....I've gained them in just a week...

stress????.....no

socializing?....no

job lunches?..no

Then?????????

My mother is here...spending a week with me!!!

I AM SO HAPPY!!!

And my tummy too...

She cooks so well...just all the opposite I do... if I can say that boiling or frying is cooking...

:-)

She's leaving next week...hopefully time enough to recover my shape on time for bikini season..hahahah

Now, talking seriously, I've been so happy this days with her here, we've been toegether a lot of time, we've shared a lot, and she has enjoyed quality time with her "grandsons", my two yorkies she just loves and laughs at all they do.

Love my mamita!!!!

New era...

2010-05-02T19:57:00.006+02:00

This post updates two previous ones: Miami’s Mud and Possible new flame…

Let’s start with Possible new flames..

The post included…

- Desert Mister-y… he just called last Tuesday…but after all that time…although the conversation was nice…I confirmed I have no feelings towards him any more…He lost his chance.

- On Possible new flame…This is a story that deserves a long and well done post, but until I find my muse…shall summarize it…

Finally there’s someone I like!!!! Close!!!!

But for now it’s an impossible story…

Why? For his job… and because the company…has just set a new rule… they don’t want relationships within the company…

Don’t want to think they have just provided it because of us… Remember my post about harassment? Yeah… the one who has issued that rule is…the person in question… so has he issued because he is jealous? No, I don’t think we are that important… but you know, in the years I’ve been here, only a relationship has been going on, and they are already married and there were no actions taken…

So by now…it’s a forbidden story….

Let’s end with Miami’s Mud…

Remember the girl? Well although she pretends to be my friend…I’ve discovered she is not.

I was so over her childish attitude… so kept acting as usual thinking she would realize…and believed it worked…until last week.. that I knew all what she says at my back…

She needs me to carry on her job as she always ask me how to do things… so that’s why she is apparently nice…

But now I’m aware…so for me the fragile friendship…is over…so now it’s just work…and she will be nice because she needs me…what I’ve to learn is not to rely on her again, I mean, I’ll do anything for her, but I’ve not to fool myself and I must be conscious she is not my friend, so I won’t rely on her for my personal issues...

Here I am again!!!

2010-05-02T19:39:00.005+02:00

Hi….

It’s been so long since last time I wrote a post… Things are like always…trapped in a job I don’t like but impossible to change in these times where what’s important is to keep it, so I feel lucky for being unhappy…In fact economy is getting worst if possible, we have already reached the 20% of unemployment…

I really wanted to write and update my blog, but I’ve had several things going on (which I will be explaining in following posts), that have changed my mood so I’ve been unable to write as I felt I have lost my particular way of expressing my feelings, my personal touch, sense of humour, point of view… I don’t think I’ve recovered it yet, but it’s already time to try…

Want to thank you all for keep visiting my blog, and specially to NeenahPete and Chiara, you already know why :-)

Here I am again!!!

Crazy months..

2010-02-21T13:47:00.001+01:00

So this post is named after a comment left by NeenahPete...yes you're right, what a crazy months...

The truth is that I could have found time to write a little.. but I just wasn’t in the mood… and I did not want to bother anyone with a lot of boring stuff… haaah but now I’m going to… as I’m overcoming it all.

So in order not to make a huge and long post…

I’ve divided it in as many mini-posts/issues I feel I must update, being this one the introduction…I’ve posted them upside down...

:-)

Miami's mud..

2010-02-21T13:39:00.003+01:00

About my friend… after her break up with her boyfriend… she’s behaving like a 15 years old instead of 42 year old woman that is what she really is…

She has paid on me, among others, her break up. As I’m still friends with the Spanish person who organized our trip to Florida, a partner in our company, and she’s now as mad at me as she is at him…

She says that those were his friends, and that he should have been aware what kind of people were… I’ve explained her that if I introduce people to my friends, I expect my friends to treat them as they would treat me, but if the do not, am I to be blamed? So the same in his case. I d not blame him. I think that the behaviour of that people can only be blamed on themselves.

But she’s not been able to separate people and acts yet...

Now she also thinks she deserves a lot of attention for that. Ok, I’ve supported her all possible, tried to help her, prepared jointly messages she could text him…but nothing seems enough…

Her latest actions toward me have been… inviting everybody for a Carnival party… but me; to plan Saturday nights with all the girls..but me…

And after that…explaining me how much fun they had…

At least at work, for job issues she still behaves professionally, that has not interfered.

I know she’s on a fight with herself, she appreciates me but she links me to the mud.

How do I feel? That we are not teenagers any more but mature persons, or so we should. I do not have time to loose in all this. My friends are real friends, I do not have to be depending on if they make me pay my “mistakes” every time..

C’mon…

No horizon...

2010-02-21T13:37:00.001+01:00

About my job… I see no future…

As I’ve explained before, I do not have a boss (as I’m the only one in my department), but multiple bosses, as many as departments exists and need my advice.

But there’s one that I specially call my boss as he’s the owner’s son. Although he’s been away on a trip, telephone calls can be so stressing too…

I’ve been telephonically pressured for 2 weeks, he’s been under a terrible mood so he has shared it…imagine your boss yelling at you and telling you you’re worth nothing and hangs the phone … and minutes later calling and saying he’s just found what he was looking for and hangs again.. no thanks words…of course… that although you’re not supposed to do the new drafts please make them as I don’t want to explain again the story to someone else… and please urgent…do you really check what you send? What a mistake you’ve done…

All those sweet words and more were said in a 48 hours period, more than 15 calls, the issue started with a small shitty mistake, that’s how he called it, made back in spring last year, that no one else detected until February 2010??? I did not admit it was a mistake because as he changes opinion often, that was probably done under a particular approach, and probably after he changed it as he always does without telling anyone else… and I’m not a fortune teller…so I opened Pandora’s box..

I thought I was sick…as I had all the symptoms of fever…that I do not really have.. and my stomach hurted so much I’ve not been able to eat normally…

I guess is just stress..

On man in my life...

2010-02-21T12:14:00.003+01:00

Desert Mister-y insists…

Or so it seems…now he’s calling again every 15 days. He says he’s coming to Spain this summer… I’m not just in the mood anymore…

But he’s not quitting…yet.. we’ll see..

On possibly new flame…

Yes… we’ve been having lunches and some dinners… but we both have crazy lifes…

I need to see if it’s possible to see the light here… not sure yet…

Miami connection

2010-01-17T15:05:00.020+01:00

I've finally found the time to sit and write down a little bit... And I am also posting some of the pictures I took while holidaying in Miami...maybe not the bests, but I like them...

It's a perfect place for shopping... in fact I came back with another suitcase (small one) full of shoes, dresses and presents for my family. My friends came back with 45 extra kilos!!!!!

What happened in this trip? I shall start with the worst part...so after that things can only get better.... :-)

As I advanced, the people who we were supposed to meet failed us, but not from the very beginning, that we could have had time to react and change plans. They had us half alive half dead, we'll make it in two days... so gave us hope and then stubborn us again... over and over...

I am very mad at this people, well not mad, the word is sad. If someone knows that is going to fail, please be clear and let people live. Not being clear can ruin a holiday...and more than that.

All that, plus a previous misunderstanding that happened the very first day, while this people picked us up in the airport; and the following day, that took us to a birthday celebration in a Limo... made my friend and her boyfriend break up theur 2 years relationship...

OK. I know I'm not being clear, but as is not my story but my friend's I don't feel free to explain all details, if she ever reads it she could get mad. I can only say that this guy that had invited us, seemed that had a crush on her... so he made strange moves -approaching- during the first days before he abandoned us, and those actions plus the further lack of accomplishment of the promises made lead to a hard situation between this couple.

We tried to take all what happened in the best possible mood, but was not easy. I mean if we had had the ability to react before, maybe we could have enjoyed the trip and forget abut everything. But to those situations we ad they left us alone, my friend's boyfriend thought it was due to that he was there, that if he had not travelled with us, all plans would have hapened... so with this clues...I guess you can see what kind of problems arised...

What I can say is that my friend, she's one of the sweetest persons I've ever met. She was madly in love with her boyfriend; that he has a gealousy problem because she did not know anything, neither I, and we all were so surprised that a person supposed to be a friend did that.

Here's a view of miami center, I took it from the metro!

Typical...South beach front line.... we were staying in a very nice hotel in Collins Avenue, we could go walking wherever we wanted to, and had the beach almost in front!

Miami has a lot of day and night life, in la Española way and Lincon Av. there's a lot of nice restaurants and places to go. My friend were crazy for tatoo's, so we had to pay a visit to Miami Ink.

Although we were that far from home...I did not miss any Barça game...watched them in the Barça supporters place in coral gables, a place call fritzz or something like this, was amazing...

Coral Gables, Coconut Grove..all is so nice... I love houses by the sea... find them just amazing!!

One of the hot night spots we went to was the Delano, very nice hotel with great restaurant. We had dinner there and after partied outside, by the pool, here's a view of the hotel from the gardens.

We were sitted by a well known NY socialite...Ms. Jocelyn Wildestein... my friends did not know who she was, they just told me ....have you seen that woman's face??? I looked and inmediately recognized her and told them who she was, and minutes after you could see all the waiters and people in other tables looking at her...she's easy to recognize...

The inside....

Last time I was in Florida did not travel to the Keys, so this time we did. A long and beautiful road surrounded by the ocean in both sides.

And we finally arrived to Key West, a very quiet and nice place...

We went also to the everglades, but no pictures available as I had no battery, so I've to exchange pictures with my friends...

I'm not very inspired those days, although have good material to write about...and is due to stress... I've not had a very good week, and I was already told I'm going to have a crazy january and february...I really really need another job...

That's why I did not write before.. strange because I love to talk and to write, to express myself.

Pout-pourri

2010-01-10T17:51:00.008+01:00

Well… I do not even know how to start…

Florida? Work? Desert Mister-y? Possible New Flame?

I’ll advance a little bit of everything, and later shall explain widely story by story; hopefully I’ll have a little more time next weeks…

Florida….Dream and Nightmare at the same time...

Dream? Yes finally my holidays arrived and we three departed from Madrid, very happy altogether thinking on how much fun we were going to have… it all promised that… until we got there…

At the beginning we stayed in Fort Lauderdale and after few days we moved to Miami, Fort is a very quiet place, not what we were looking for, although was the place were some of the people we were supposed t meet lived.

Miami is a very nice city with a lot of life and nightlife, I love it, and in fact we had a good time despite….

Nightmare? Yes…because all we were supposed to do with some friends…failed…but in a strange way…plans were postponed from Sunday to Wednesday, from Wednesday to Friday, to next Sunday and uuhh oohhh we were leaving on Tuesday… so you can imagine that 10 days in Miami is too much, I mean, 4/5 days living a full is a blast, but 10 days, making plans just for 2 days because the next one you were supposed to live to Bahamas, and then not and another 2 days…. Well, as we still believed we did not make decisions. Now we know we should have made, we should have forgotten about blablabla and should have made our own plans…

Nightmare….because things that happened those days caused the breaking of my friend’s relationship with her boyfriend of 2 years that was travelling with us.

Work...

Before I left had no private live or so I thought…now I know you can have even less…hahaah, en fin… I’ve been working since I came back, Christmas included, official holidays included and company holidays included. I’m very tired...

Desert Mister-y ...

has called me 6 times between the 30th December and January 2nd. The thing is that for the first day calls I had the cell off as runned out of battery, and the second row of calls I was deeply asleep when he made them so did not hear them. Just send him a text message, guess he will call back. But hey, after all that time I’m very low on that friendship.

Possible new flame?

Yeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A work partner…very nice…let’s see… right now...just checking...

:-)

Countdown...

2009-11-22T11:41:00.010+01:00

The countdown has just started... finally my holidays are here!!!!!!!!

Starting next friday...

I'm really expecting to make it, I am so tired of working until late lately, and also on weekends... Yesterday from 9 to 18 hours was closed in a Notary, preparing toegether with the official all the drafts of the deeds we must sign on monday... and they are not all ready so took work home for today and tomorrow shall be there early to finish them... I missed my arab classes and my belly dance course to do it all... sniiiiiiiiif... But one has to do what has to do in order to leave everything done before HOLIDAYS :0)

So I really expect not to receive calls this time, and being able to enjoy my superb holidays, I'm waiting a lot of Miami, have already there people waiting for us so really hope will be funny and stressed (trips, dinners, shopping, sun, party, relax...) holidays !!!

My friends want to go to Miami Ink for a tattoo. I just want to go to Victoria's Secrets for obvious reasons. And I really want to buy a lot of things for my puppies, in US there's so many things for pets... I'll bring back a full 2nd suitcase !!

So I attach a picture of me on Friday getting in the airplane, sick and tired after this crazy days...

And the same picture applies to me when I get back, exhausted for the great time I'm sure I'm going to have there!!!

When my flight gets back to Spain, I've to go straight to the office... as I keep the rest of the days for X-mas holidays... so I really hope jet-lag does not bother me a lot...

Tuesday I shall start looking for all the clothes and bikinis I shall take with me, would have liked to do that before but has been impossible. I hope I find everything!!!

Shall explain when I get back all I've done, post pictures and if anything very interesting has happened...of course explain it asap!!!

:0)

Missing you...

2009-11-15T17:47:00.005+01:00

As my holidays are almost here... I had to plan what to do with my puppies... so I found out a friend who was travelling south and took them to Grandma's house... and... I already...

Miss you both!!!!!!!!!!

But, I've been able to be "single" again this weekend, so my house looks like a woman's house and no a pet's house ...hahahhaha

Did not know I was going to cry when they left... now I know they are having so much fun as doggysiter is sending me videos so I can check what a nice time they are having!

So now I'm at 14 days fr my trip, need to plann what to wear, guess is like summer in Miami so I shall look for all the summer clothes.

I'm having lots of work these days, in fact I don't even know how I'm going to make it to leave ... they all know I am but unplanned things happen (MURPHY) when you have planns!!!!

So have to try to do my best in order to leave things done, or almost done but keeping control on them!!

Ahhhhh working on holidays??? Do I miss that? NOOO... But maybe will be The ony way to keep along with my trip...really want to go!

So Florida...wait for me!!!

La Castanyada

2009-10-28T21:36:00.009+01:00

The name Castanyada comes from the catalan word castanya, chestnut in English, so the Castanyada can be translated as the chestnut party. Is the Catalonian traditional All saint’s Eve. We did not know about Halloween until a couple of decades ago, so for us it’s always been like that, but globalisation is changing things… a pity in this case, hopefully we’re combining both.

Roasted Castanyes:

Until recent, you could find castanyeres (name for the woman that sell chestnuts) in the corners of the streets, with their burner, with or without a stand. They roasted them and also sold roast boniatos, sweet potatoes, and they served them in a newspaper roll that we call paperina.

Boniato:

People prepares at home little cookie balls made of almonds, nuts or hazelnut and sugar and we call them panellets. My mother makes them just with amazing taste!!!

Usually served with a traditional local sweet wine called moscatell.

Different kinds of panellets:

It’s traditional to celebrate this party with friends or family.

But here, where I live now…I can’t smell the roasted chestnuts…I’ll have to have enough with a Halloween party… not bad… but I know the best of both worlds… :o)

Picture of a traditional castanyera (well.. a beautiful one...)

Just sharing a tradition due...next 31st october!!!

Slimming!!!

2009-10-19T21:12:00.005+02:00

Well...

good news... I'm slimming... sisisissi, it seems I'm doing a good job as I'm getting back to my normal shape easily...

Is because I need to wear a bikini in a month... so I've had to behave... and I'm very happy because I am not hungry at all, and I eat 5 times a day!!

The only thing is that is very boring... luckily will just last a few more weeks and then...DONE!! Just wanted to share, Im so happy for that!!!

:o)

Long weekend!!

2009-10-12T21:19:00.022+02:00

Ohhh si...this has been a long and wonderful weekend!!

Today is the spanish national day so we've added one day to a normal weekend, so I've had time to do a little bit of everything such as...

REST!!!!

On friday working until 15 h and t after I went downtown to buy some things. Saturday I started my arab classes again, from 10 to 14 h, and also started my belly dance classes from 19h to 20,30. Sunday...like the cat in the picture...nothing else than resting, I needed it!

Today.......... cleaning the house.... because I do a lot of things....I don not spend money yet in a cleaning lady...... maybe I should as I'm exhausted...

NEWS:

- I started a diet 2 weeks ago, so I can wear with no problems a bikini when travelling to florida next month...and I'm already seeing results!! Soooooooooo HAPPY!

- we almost sold one of our apartments..but finally did not make it...hope we can sell one by X-mas...

-My company has finally bought a monster with more than 1500 employees ... 8 in-house lawyers ... uh uh... will see what happens next...

- I was told last week two nice things hahahah, I already laugh from what I'm going to write..

1.- You don't look 37, you look 32! (C'mon!!! I look over 35 and less than 40, so 37!!!)

2.- Your eyes, your look in the eyes resembles that of Angelina Jolie ( well that last one was just unbelievable.. did not know people was blind! My eyes are not even blue!! yes, he wanted to be nice...but got a way too far hahahahha).

That's all folks!!

:o)

Happy birthday to.... me!!!!!!

2009-10-02T16:23:00.005+02:00

Turning 37... tomorrow Saturday, October 3!!

So I'll just celebrate it with my closest friends here, and my cousin, and of course my 2 cuties!!

I expect a lot of family calls, and friends from Barcelona too... ... but I'm not expecting presents because I'm far from all of them so calls feel just great!! :o)

My own presents for me...this year...

- 2nd arab course (starting next week)

- belly dance classes (starting next week)

- trip to Florida

But no... Jimmy Choo birthday cake...hahhaha

I've to say that all those things I was going to do anyway are my own birthday presents ... the thing is that all that costs enough to not deserve anything else this year. Enough is enough girl !!!!!!!!!!!!

And despite my family situation I am doing it, first of all because is my money and my life, second because learning another language is culture, so investing in that is always worthy, the dance because I like it and send my stress away this hours, and the trip, ohhhh the trip... I'll explain later all the intringulis behind it.....is a GREAT story!!!

That does not mean I'm not helping, because I'm doing, and a lot, in fact 50% of my savings have been already abducted by this situation. Hopefully before x-mas we can sell something so I can get it back.

And now I've to leave... my cuties are waiting for a walk. Hopefully this weekend I may have time to write a post again, with all that's been going on I've had no time, but now I do!!!!!

:o)

Update!!

2009-09-25T19:10:00.024+02:00

A loooot of things have been going on this days, so I had no time for posting but now I do, and I need to explain some of the things that have happened, so it's time to...

My company has been in the media lately due to some possible investments we're trying to close, so we all have had a lot of work. Don't know if we'll finally make them all but have achieved some. That means a lot of team work and tiredness.

At the same time, the HRSS-man has slowed down, he has made a temporary change. And what's more amazing he has told to the same person I explained what was going on, that he has a crush on me, but he did it so well she could only laugh. The thing is that I think she explained the situation to the CFO because he was very receptive when I told him I had something to explain him, I mean he always is, we have a great professional relation, but he said, personal stuff? He said I'm here for anything you need, and when not, just call me and explain me.

By now as the HRSS-man is very quite I won't move an inch, have to see the light in my work future first. Trying. But at the same time there's a lot of different things I want to do, improve... I am thinking in a big change

But what I want is so different that I need to be patient and see how things develop, and in a while think again which of the possible ways I really want to follow.

In the meantime a great thing has happened!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

A trip to Florida at the end of november!!!!!!!!!!!!

A pleasure trip, not a work one! And it has just been decided in 48 hours, one of those life coincidences I shall explain later, as although the short time in which has all been decided, is a long story. I already got the airplane ticket, really cheap :o) so if work doesn't spoil it, shall be there in less than 8 weeks!

Last time I was there was...ah si on my way to Costa Rica, but truly enjoying what florida is, back in 1993 I think... My puppies are growing so fast and are so lovely!!! I already asked my mother to doggysitt them those days, hopefully she will be able...again!

This weekend I want to visit my cousin, she's feeling sick those days, and she's so wonderful..I've not seen here since July so I'm really waiting to see her!

Ahhh life.. everything goes so fast..... still dreaming on owning my time...

uh uh...someone has crossed the line...

2009-09-07T23:41:00.023+02:00

...well... let me explain... I don't remeber if I've already spoken about this issue, but if so I'm going to update it. Since some months ago, one of the directors among the ones I get along better, confessed me in a phone conversation, and after in person he liked me. I thought it was a joke because I knew and everybody knew he was married. In fact he allowed me not to answer him instantly because I was in shock...

Also thought it was a joke but a bad one because I felt outraged, sorry to be so superficial (some of the given reasons are)but at that time was one of the 100 things that came up to my mind and made me feel angry towards him... I felt outraged because how a man like him would think I would fall that easily for:

- a married man ( that is really a BIG impediment for me. I'd never do anything I do not want for me. So a married man is absolutely forbidden!!, so just the fact he thinks I can do that makes me think he does not even know nothing about me so it's not even real interest, just lust).

- not as tall as me, with a stomach hat resembles a 9 months pregnant woman but obviously it is not, being physically one of those grey persons, dressed in that colour by the way, grey face, grey personality, grey suit ... someone that far from his glamorous position, in private reunions no one would give a dime for him.

- with a changeable personality, I mean, he's a nice partner, but listening the way he talks about his wife and how he treats others you can easily see is a kind of man that is nice at the beginning and when you weaken takes advantage and he grows. I see him as a energy vampire, if you know what I mean.

I felt outraged because the only way I understand a man like him thinks he can with a girl like me is because he thinks he has found me in a weak moment or worst... that he thinks I'm on sale for money or power. Ok with that I do not want to say I'm the 8th world wonder, what I'm trying to say is just the opposite... But he was speaking seriously...

Since then, he's been calling me during week days, weekends, holidays... he always starts saying it's something very urgent for the company, then he relaxes and in brief is asking or explaining personal questions and it's almost impossible to escape, if you don't talk, he does it all. And if I don't answer, he says so loud in the office so everybody can hear it.

He has also told me that he is going to divorce and that when he does, he will be free to say loud what he feels for me. In the meantime he has asked me for silence. And I have to because he's very powerful.

I spoke of that issue with Desert Mister-y and my mother, as in the company I can not. Both gave me the same advice, so I did. It has worked for a long time. But since September started things are different...

I've to say that we, spanish, are very friendly touchy people, we put hands in shoulders, give two kisses to salute, an embrace, sometimes we even put hands on hips, no problem at all if you know that does not mean anything to who is doing it, I mean if his look and intention is pure.

But the look in his eyes has changed. His approaches too... now I fear to find him in the corridor... today he has given me a spank in my butt, and last week, several times he did not lean his hand on my shoulder but grabbed it... the worst part is the nasty look in his eyes though... so I'm worried his divorce may be happening any time soon ...for what may go on... but at the same time if that happens I may feel relieved...

because.... I can say again NO to him, but in public, so he shall be ashamed enough to stop it all!!!! He has crossed the line between friendly partners and harass.

Well he did before with all those long calls that woke me up in the middle of the night as he does not care for time change when he travels; and all those text messages I did not answer. NO man, I'M NOT SHY, is just that I'M NOT INTERESTED ON YOU.

I've not corresponded him at all. I'm just being polite after I told him no and that that would never happen. As a man used to get what he wants he just said.. we'll see... and until now he was just so calmed..

In summary, probably the best that can happen is that he gets his divorce, speaks loud and then I can say before everybody I'm not interested. Once that happens if he continues.. harass will be public and I'll be able to speak about it.

I apologize for the strange way to unite all this thoughts, as I don't see the final pic yet, little nervous as its a very personal issue, I do not know how to arrange this lines in a coherent way.

Island in the sun land

2009-08-30T16:26:00.017+02:00

Ahhhhhhhh finally some relax... as there was no phone coverage where I was... well in fact there is, but not for my personal phone company neither my work phone compay... I've not only been free but felt so!!!!

Difference with Dubai and Marbella holidays? my phone did work there so... a call could be received any time... in holidays but aware ... and happened... so this time WAS very different as I already knew I had not..and I told all my work partners... I woke up everyday knowing it was not going to sound... so I've spent wonderful relaxing days in a beautiful place as you can see from the pictures posted.

I've been invited in a house by the sea, in fact is built in the coastline, on the cliffs, with direct access to the sea... just amazing... I could choose between go down the stairs for the swimming pool or equal ones that lead me to the sea.

Those are the views from the guest room - mine- as there were more. Just love this house, I've been here almost every summer since 10 years ago, and if I ever am rich enough to buy-and-support one, I would like to have one like this. But well, that's just a crazy dream of mine... very far from reality... I'm lucky enough just to be invited and enjoy it!

One day went to the beach, so here's the picture of the cala we went to. I've to say I spent all time under the umbrellas and with a high protection...but even with that I got sunburned... grrr... so delicate...

And when I arrived back home... got the car and drove down south to marbella to let the doggysitter safe at her home and spend there the last 3 days of my week off. Here's a picture of the sunset. When I realized I had the camera was too late, was a very beautiful one, pink, purple, orange... just fantastic!

And tomorrow...back to work... hahah I can see tons of papers and emails waiting... and after this holidays that I've been able to forget about my stress... It's really hard to go back...

Doggysitter update: She's so wonderful, she's done such a great job that the first 2 hours my puppies ignored me!!! After that... like always!! She adores them and they do too, they are so cute!!!

:o)

Doggysitter

2009-08-20T15:47:00.005+02:00

As I’m departing tomorrow… destination Mallorca… I had to found a doggybabysitter for my 2 fierce :p … so I just called the best one possible… my mother!!!

Why? Well after all… she’s the grandma isn’t she? I know, I know…but is the closest she can get to that situation right now, none of us is going to give her that title yet so… she can start practicing with my cute puppies….

So I called her and asked her if she was willing to take care of them for a week...she said OF COURSE, I MISS THEM A LOT… heheh they are so nice, and every time they see her they just follow her all around..

I offered her to take them to Marbella, so she did not have to travel and they could stay at her house… or… if she wanted she could come to my house but you know, it’s in the middle of the peninsula, so far from the sea and so hot this summer although there's a swimmingpool in the urbanization… But she preferred to come here….

I was, and at the same time was not, surprised by her answer… not surprised for the first part, taking care of them. Surprised because why changing wonderful Marbella to and also wonderful town but with no sea closer than 400km north?... the answer was easy…because my brother (33 years old) is still staying at her house, after 3 months… and she needs to be free and relax for a while… just want to do nothing, read, watch a movie, nothing special she said… uffff I understand her so well, sometimes just doing that is the ultimate luxury…

So, as any babysitter…there’s a check list of to do and not to do things…

- Give them all the love you want…they are so nice they will ask you to pet them 1000 times every day, so feel free to do it.

- Please do not allow them to eat the corner of my walls… there is already a big hole in one of them, I promise they do that, and I’ve already put a protection but now…they are trying with the marble baseboard…I found out today there was beige powder in the floor, the wall was protected so I checked an there were two tiny holes.. jezz I just think that must be harmful…but they keep doing it…

- Give them all prizes you want, no human food although they will ask as professional beggars, they will even cry, walk around in 2 legs, anything for food!!

- Do or … do not leave the pillows close to the bed…because depending on how you put them…you’ll find out after 1 minute you’ve rested on it…that you’re not alone… and the bed will turn into a wrestle fight ring…

- Change the diaper of the pipi/popo can tray… and watch A…he’s the one that feels entitled to do all he wants…so be ready to make him pay attention.

- When taking them for a walk…be ready to use both leashes at the same time. And be ready for a long walk…they love to walk and they love to cross each other, stop and play, share their happiness with you and start running again. And you need to know they are future PR experts, they ask everyone they met to pet them, so you’ll meet a lot of people.

- Those strange noises at night… no castle, no ghosts... is just them walking around and chasing each other... they still have jet lag…

- If you see C barking to the washing machine while lying down and scratching it…is just because she thinks there must be something under it… so don’t worry..

- If any shoe, pencil... whatever… is missing…just go to their igloo…you’ll find a whole world there… they are like magpies…

- Do not lose time trying to put their toys toegehter in a place, they love mess, so if you do, asap they will bring it all back to “normality”…

- Do not need to make a report on how they behave, they follow nature patterns… he acts like a man and she does as a woman… I had no idea those roles were almost exactly in animals…and so young… so I see we all born with some of this characteristics …

- Stairs. He does not know what those are for. And do not want to know. She can climb them easily, but does not know how to go down yet.

- Be careful if you take a bath… C is a professional jumper and last time almost made it…if only she knew there’s water at the other side… hahaha

Good luck mami, and I’m sure after that week…life won’t be the same without them!!!!!!!

I’m already just thinking how sad it's going to be not seeing them…. Agggghhhh and I’m still here…

And at this moment C is trying to bite the laptop, well not trying, she is… he is just resting under the sofa, someone had to do it…

Hope I can take nice pictures of the places I shall visit, so I can share!!!!

Thanks mami!

Olé torero!!

2009-08-16T00:01:00.023+02:00

So today, well in fact yesterday, as now it's already tomorrow... I went invited to a corrida de toros. This is the poster were the toreros are announced.

This is a picture of la plaza de Toros de las Ventas, Madrid.

In a traditional corrida, there are three toreros, and each fights two bulls, he is accompanied by his cuadrilla or entourage, lancers mounted on horseback, banderilleros or flagmen and a mozo de espada or sword page. Here's the picture of their entrance at the arena, before the traditional salute to the authorities.

The toreros are the three first ones, the one in white, pink and blue/green.

Today was the confirmation as torero of one of them, just the one of whom I've obtained the best pictures posted here. His first day as an official torero has been...dangerous...at the first minutes, while testing the bull, he got caught..but luckily for him his guard angel was working at that moment because although it raised him with his horns 3 times..he had not even a scratch...but I guess had a good fright and a hiding!!

Here is when the banderilleros participate, they plant the sticks on the bull. 3 banderilleros x 2 steaks at a time each.

Oooohhhh now I've realized I've not uploaded the picture of the lancer and the horse...aggghhh can't restart as takes so loong to upload it all again. Sorry, was one of the best pictures. they are used to make the bull less dangerous as has been already hurted.

The followings show the different moments in which the torero is using the cape to attract the bull so he goes where the torero wants.

When done well is really art. The dress is called traje de luces or suit of lights.. weird when translated..

See...how close...

This one shows when the bull surrenders after the estocada (stab the sword). A good torero kills the bull at the first one, and it takes less than a minute to die. But if they do not do a good job, may take two. If more are needed..then they give him a peak in a special place so it dies instantly.

Here's when they retire the body of the poor toro.

Personally, I'm not a fan of the corridas de toros. Although some think is a practise in all spain, it's not true. In Cataluña is not part of our tradition, So I've not been raised with this being normal. So my first corrida was in 1992 while holidaying in Sevilla, and my second one was yesterday...and next one...ufff not before another 10 years... Why? because although I'm not against them, as when you are there you really see its art, I feel so sorry for the toros. But not for the way they die, because today is done very fast and the less suffering possible for them. And their life and death is far better than those animals raised just to be eated. Toro's at least have a chance to fight us back. I know it may sound strange but the look in their eyes reminds me my past and current dogs. Noble animals. So while watching it there's a pure contradiction of feelings going on, like it as much as feel sad. And I hate those people watching, that shout to the toreros when they're not doing a good job while testing it.. If I was the torero would stop and say ok, come down and you finish. And in the other hand I love when we, in this case I include myself, shout to them if they are unable to kill him with a unique and clean estocada.

Last break...

2009-08-11T16:00:00.013+02:00

Just posting the pictures I took while driving south… so you can see a little bit how landscapes change…

Road under works..

Going green...

This one was taken close to Granada, you can see the Sierra Nevada mountains...far but there! They still had a little snow...but can't be appreciated in the picture.

This pictures below were taken after having lunch, you can see Marbella's Nueva Andalucia area, with mountains views in this side.

Just houses with swimming pools...as any other place in the world that have them...

Sunset views from a friend's penthouse... you can still see, although not as clear as during the day, Gibraltar's rock at your right, and far left you can see... Morocco, that land you can see far in the horizon!"

Auuuuuuuuuuuuu some wolf howled..

We spent a really nice night that finished as spanish standards require... by 3 in the morning :o)

Quiet holidays due to what explained in my previous post, but the times we did not think about it, could be spent nicely.

I'm making plans...shall update soon if it turns as a positive story :0)

Hope you enjoy the pictures...because this time...I'm sooooo lazy I'm not writting that much... Let's blame it on the heat... hahahaha

Short circuit...

2009-08-04T11:50:00.009+02:00

cwzzzzwwssshhhhfffftttttt...here I am, brain short circuit has happened again...

Not in my brain...but in my fahter's... luckily not as important as the big one he faced 7 years ago, when he was just 60.

Yesterday, as last time it happened he was alone with one of his sons, last time it was me, as all other family members where far away, happened in a weekend and everybody was holidaying but me... and with cellulars off, so I faced it all alone for 48 hours.

And this time is my sister who's been encharged of everything while we directed her by phone.

As last time, my father is mad at us because of all of the "circus" as he calls being in hospital. In fact this time he is very mad... hahhah... you know why? ... now you will... when all that happened my sister forgot her mobile at the car, so had to use his, she found a voice message of a girl saying that she was very happy to see him in a week... so now..he's not going to be able to meet her... no love weekend trip..

He's very mad with me, because he knows I was the one that organized all again. As my mother noticed he was talking slow, but he told her it was because he drunk a glass of wine. My mother said ok, let's wait until tomorrow and we'll see. I told them not to wait as I remember last time the doctor told us the crucial hours are the first 24. So my sister, who noticed his slowly talking at the afternoon, picked the car, and took him to the hospital.

As he is a great dramatist actor, when the doctor attended him he said he drunk a glass of wine and that we all do exaggerate. Doctor told my sister that if he said so, they had to make him a blood test to see if he was just drunk, because if it was that, they did not want to loose their time.

We 2 lost hours!!! as results said he was not drunk at all, and also his blood pressure was up to 22!! He prefers again to lie than being cured, and why? to try to save his next weekend! just crazy!

So he has spent the night in the hospital and shall be there today too as tests are being made, we know is not as bad as it previously was, but have to determine the importance of that last one and possible sequels if any. My mother is travelling now to Barcelona. We already know is not as serious as last time, it's just a short circuit, a warning, and already under control or so it seems, so my mother is going to be there with him and my sister while I'll keep staying in Marbella.

We've just asked him to respect us while we are there. Respect in this case means not to call his lovers as we feel very uncomfortable when he whispers..as we all know what that means.

We know he has 3! OMG 3! how is that possible...I mean... uh uh.. better not to think... The best is that I do not know how, my brother has a copy of all sms he has sent and received, and he's so basic, he sents the same to the 3.. hahah... well I laugh instead of crying. I already passed a drama for this like 10 years ago or even more... First I felt outraged. Now I can just feel sorry for him. He's always been crazy about woman... one day I shall talk about this issue...

Feel sorry for him... because after all he is my father and he prefers to think that I've spoiled his love weekend trip instead of thinking I've tried to save him, again.

I just spoke with him at the phone and he was saying so and after started crying, so my sister who did not listend the conversation and has found him crying, asked me what was I telling him, that she's the one that is there and can't stand his bad mood and neither his tears.. I guess he's ready to emotionally blackmail my sister as he does want to go on a love trip...

Want to think is the sickness who makes him behave like this... although..is not...we prefer thinking that.. relieves us a little...

Size does matter!

2009-07-28T22:50:00.019+02:00

I am talking about to do list size of course :0)

The pictured above is an aproximation to what's left to do before friday! Hopefully this year, the closing of the first semester has been quiet... the precedent years was a drama, one of those authentic venezuelan culebrones.

I mean, if the law stating company's anual accounts deadline to enter in registar has not been changed for decades, so the deadline is the same year after year, how could be possible that every single year last weeks of july have been so stressful? can't people plann in advance? It seems this year we've been able to make it with time enough we all can breath. Including me!! So we've been able to finish some other things left, and we'll be able to relax in brief.

So I believe it's going to ve a very quiet summer, that's why I'm thinking in what to do, although at the first moment what came to my mind was to do just nothing but rest...

I think I want to do a lot of things!!!!!!!!

This first 10 days in the South I plann...

- Visit my dog's eternal home and show it to my new puppies although I know they won't understand it heheh.

- Try to walk a few miles everyday, and try to make my puppies follow me...

- Go to the beach and swimming pool... not talking about tanning because is an impossible mission even without protection :o(

- Socialize a little bit...go out to dinner... some beach clubs parties...

- Relax

- Read

- Catch up via email or phone with some friends I've not had time lately to speak...

- Give a thousand hugs to my mother (that shall be very easy :o)

Ufff it does not sound as a very interesting to do list...but suits me at this moment of my life... don't want to get stressed hehehe, things will come alone...or not :0)

If everything goes as planned... holidays start this friday afternoon!!!!!!!!!!!!

Work at home Job

2009-07-23T16:50:00.013+02:00

hahah, no, I've not changed of work yet, but this days I am working part time in the office, part time at home...

Why? well... due to my sore throat that has not improved an inch in this weeks... first i tried to overcome it on my own... after the time passed...I decided to go to the doctor. He gave me pills, powders, and a cough mixture... and he recommended me not to get close to air conditioning..so he was willing to give me a sick leave...

But as a sick leave is not an option in my mind because despite of my throat I'm ok; but at the same time I want to be cured.. so... I took a salomonical decision... split work...spending mornings in the office, with my AC off, the door half closed and a silk scarf, and spending afternoons at home, being a little bit more relaxed as no AC is fighting against me, and at afternoons, now, in summer, people tends not to bother you that much... as most companies have intensive or continuous working day and they do not work in the afternoon.

So due to the AC...I'm home, enjoying my yorkies infancy while working, watching them play, and that makes me feel so happy because my decision of buying two -and- now, it's been a great decision, worth my smiles when I see they are so happy toegether, and that they like me a lot!!

Only left to say... thanks work partners, thanks for having the AC in a temperature simulating Groenlandia... because although my throat is hurted, I can enjoy my babies so much!!!!!

(simulation of my office's temperature atmosphere :0)

Anxiety

2009-07-17T17:14:00.012+02:00

Hundreds of years ago, in my last university years, I had to help my family as we faced a tough time due some trouble in my father’s business. So I had to start working after a life within cotton walls. I worked for/helped my family during 5 years after which, as things went better, I flied away in order to continue my life...

This affected me in my personal life but also professionally, as I still feel I’ve a delay in what I supposed was going to be my career,but not regrets as that is what I felt I had to do.

The thing is that it seems my father due to some tax misbehaviour that we’ve acknowledged a few weeks ago… has a problem with the Inland Revenue…so WE have a problem.

I’m so mad at him, because my way of doing things is just so different! I pay all my taxes, bills whatever in due course and declare them right and do things as law establishes, not only because is the law, but also because I feel I have to do things right. But he is just the opposite…and now HE has to face consequences. For me that is fair, he must pay!

But in the other hand, as he has not all this money he’s been requested…WE are supposed to support him. AGAIN. We’ve spoken with Inland Revenue in order to quantify the debt, interest, fines and agreed payment terms. We’ve taken control of the debt return as we know he would miss a payment or any other strange thing…and if you do then you’ve to repay all in once and it’s just impossible, but he seems not to care that much.

I’ve to say that he suffered a brain ictus some years ago, and we can think, being benevolent, that he could not realize of all …but it’s not 100% truth…because when you talk to him…he knows what he has done… and then cries…and after he says he can’t afford it (he has not cash enough, but has some properties) and minutes after…he does not remember of anything..and later he remembers all even better than you and gives the precise reasons why he did it… and smiles..he’s so smart you know? ...and it's not his first time... but we hope is the last.

And, who is supposed to pay that? Me and another family member because we are the ones that “can”? I’ am a supportive person, as I proved before; I sacrificed 5 years for the family, in which I worked 7 days a week and my earnings were for the family business.

So just thinking in the sacrifice paying that requires me again, (estimated in 2 years) … I’m fainting….

I mean is not fair. I need to live my life. I can not pay every time for sins that are not mine. I can accept what happened before because was not 100% his fault…but now? And were did all that money went? To his pocket. And he spent it how? With all his girlfriends we know he has as he has never hidden them!! After he knew it…he went on holiday with a special friend for 5 days…of course he paid…

I deserve a life. I can’t do that again. But if I don’t, I don’t know what will happen. Yes he does have properties to sell, but selling in this moment is not an option as nobody can buy and those who can will buy for nothing… mortgage would be an option but banks don’t give a penny even if the house is already yours.

Why doesn’t he learn from his mistakes? Because he never pays for them? Probably, last time my mother and I sacrificed. Who can tell me he is not going to do it again? Do I have to put my counter to 0 again? We all are very nervous right now trying to see how everybody’s going to contribute. But I already know. And I already did. So please, I really hope there’s another way to solve it…. As lottery :o)

Anxiety because since I’ve been aware of the problem, a problem with the food has happened again. I pay all my anxiety with the food, never did it before, but it started after I moved, when the work mobbing happened. Now I calm myself eating and eating again, a controlled lack of control. Because I know I’m doing wrong but I just push myself to do it again in order to silence the big knot in my stomach. And that is what really bothers me…because at the end, money is just that, money, 2 years are just TWO MORE YEARS of sacrifice. But what I’m doing affects my health, both parts of it, physically for my body and psychically for my self-esteem. I know my problem and how to fix it. Is just that unconsciously I don’t want to.

So this is going to be a white wale summer...

San Fermines

2009-07-12T13:15:00.015+02:00

The Pamplona Bull Run…

As my father is from the north of Spain, not Pamplona region but close to it, La Rioja (where Spanish vineyards are located), and although we’ve never seen in any bull race directly in Pamplona (although we’ve been often in that town), there’s one thing every year had all the family woken up early and watching TV together, everyday during a week, a few minutes before 8 in the morning, when it starts, my father used to wake all as up, and we reunited in the salon around the TV to watch the San Fermín race. It last only a few minutes, but its so exciting!!!!!

The San Fermines begin on 6th July with what we call the 'chupinazo' (a rocket). Thousands of people stand in the square waiting for the mayor's official announcement that the fiesta just begins. It is a fiesta that is being followed since the 13t century, and it’s not just a bulls fiesta as its name recalls it’s also a religious one.

In fact there’s something really amazing and beautiful at the same time that is very dangerous. This year a 27 year old boy died 2 days ago.

At the same time this fiestas have become a meeting point where thousands of people come to spend this week. From a population of 200.000 people, in San Fermín Pamplona is up to 3.000.000 people…just crazy overcrowdment. That means… danger while running before the bulls… abuse of drink, permissiveness…plenty music, dancing, drinking, street theatre and bull running and the religious focus of the occasion…is left out to a second place, followed only by locals.

The streets of the old city centre are closed, and the bulls are left free in the circuit of streets that starts in the stables located in the cuesta of Santo Domingo, while the ‘mozos’ (people that runs) sing a pray to San Fermín for protection, and ends in the bullfighting square.

Each day six fighting bulls run the route as well as two herds of bullocks, surrounded of thousand of young and not that young man and woman. I guess my mother never let us go there because she knew we loved it and that if we were there, we would have liked to be running in it…

The Run finishes when all bulls are in the square. Although they all start together, while in the run they get separated, and that’s when danger starts, as all together are easy to handle by runners. It is very important not to touch them or tease them, although not everybody follows that rule.

The good runner is the one that goes in front, and when bulls get close to him, he just opens to one side in order to allow them to follow their track, accompanying them in that goal.

As noticed in the pictures, the traditional dress for this fiestas is dressing fully in white (t-shirt, trousers and shoes) and having a red scarf in the neck, and another one by the waist. It is pretty exciting to watch. I still do although I do not live with my parents.

Memories… :o)

Sick and angry...

2009-07-09T12:24:00.010+02:00

Mmhhhh

This post is not about Karl Marx theory's…nothing to do with it in fact…

Did I ever complain about how it feels being sick at home? No? I don’t remember, probably I did before. Well I am right now… Both things. Sick and complaining. Here is the picture I took of myself this morning… hahah… pretty approximate…

I’ve had this sore throat since Monday, I started taking medicine in order to cure it, but instead of that, yesterday night and until 3 in the morning could not catch sleep because it hurt so much, and every time I had to sneeze was a nightmare, adding to that the fact that it spread to my ear…so painful… Results: I woke up this morning feeling very tired and sick and did not go to work. I am sure I got that from the mania of my partners on having the air conditioning working at full, and even though I have my own control for my office turned off, I feel so cold for what gets in from central spaces equipment.

Complaining for what? For the fact one can not be sick!!!…I’ve received so many “urgent” calls for nonsense issues that I’m sooo mad. Can’t I be sick? Give me a break!!

I am responsible, so although I would prefer not to, if there’s something important or urgent while I’m sick or on vacation, I do it, as I’ve always done, and I may complaint but don’t get angry, as its needed for the company’s sake.

What makes me feel angry is when I receive those calls from lazy people that instead of checking their emails or their files (as they know I have mines well organized), and instead of taking the time to search in their mess, prefer to call me because “in 1 minute you can find it” as it would take longer to me….so this - I’m not bothering you that much - call means overall a lack of respect, si ok, I understand, but as you’ve noticed as you’re calling me because you’ve seen I’m not in the office and are aware I’m sick… I’m sick, so please let me rest! I feel like I’m being penalized for being organized!

I'm Sorry for the non positive post, but at this moment I’m so mad…and sick… just like pictured above... agggggghhh

Maybe is not just that they are lazy...they are also directors from other departments, so used to have everybody working for them that although I'm not their secretary, as I am a woman, they feel free to call me instead of searching the documents by their own. I am sure that if I was a man would not be bothered for those small things.

:0(

So you think you can dance...

2009-07-06T21:06:00.009+02:00

Taking into account I already have as natural assets long hair and a tummy (uffff)... I count with 2 of the most important things you need for belly dance.... hahaha just kidding, I wish just with that you could become a good dancer hahaha

As I explained in the tagged post, one of the things I was willing to do, and currently doing, is belly dance. It is very difficult, but to my surprise I'm doing pretty good... Although I'm usually as a brush stick when talking seriously in dancing terms.

I use that expression because I'm unable to dance a waltz or a salsa or whatever that has to be danced with a partner as I just turn sooo rigid, I'm so used to do everything alone, dancing does not escape to that... and I get very nervous... Still trying to relax...

But in the other hand, when dancing alone (surrounded by friends), I'm unable to dance seriously as I always clown around, I'm a comedienne, I need to have fun, pose... so I dance making fun of everything, music sounds, wording, me... I really like to do the faint gesture, or the bullfighter one... or if I know the lyrics, do the gestures that match them... you know, what comes out naturally in me ... very silly.

Continuing with belly dance. my teacher has told me I separate very well the body parts being used, and that although when I see myself in the mirror I don't see a dancing Queen but a dancing Mr. Bean, she says I'm doing very good.

I'm already in my 4th class, and I've been hooked with the beginners that started back in October, to dance in 2 choreographies, one with the veil, one without. Of course I'm not in the visible part as I try to hide because above all...

... I'm so shy... :o( ... and all this strength and decision of mine is just a mask, my inner me is VERY shy, so I've had to fight everyday with myself in order to do things such as talk in public... but with all this time knowing that handicap, current fights take only seconds, so right now are natural reactions :o)

The thing is that is a very interesting dance and I'm having so much fun, not only practicing but also thinking ahead how I'm going to use what I'm learning next time I'll go out at night... hahahahah

So contradiction is my last name as you can see... but hey, with years I've done a pretty good job with me!!

:o)

Scared...

2009-07-04T23:54:00.012+02:00

Last night, friday to saturday, at 1.20 hours in the morning, after 15 minutes of games between A and C, to whom I was not paying attention at that moment as I am so used now to those games I've been observing the whole week and I've seen were not dangerous... or so I thought... because... I heard one of them shrieking ... and what I found made me cry...

Poor A was paralyzed, his head and right leg were immobilized, and he was looking at me straight in the eyes with a sad look in his eyes, he was scared, and so was I.

I did not know what to do, and that late at night I did not know who could I call. I wanted to call a veterinary but before the laptop got on I was so nervous I called the breeder.

Of course in every other country of the world, people is sleeping, but ehem, luckily for me, we are different here, and although we don't make phone calls that late at night, most of us are still awake, and hopefully was friday, when there are more chances that that is true... (in week days I tend to go sleep within midnight and 1 in the morning)

So, she answered, asked me for the symptoms, I explained, she said it was something braquial. She asked me to turn him up, and grab his tongue, so he could not swallow it. And although she lives 50 km from here, she drove until my house, with her husband.

In the meantime I woke up all my family... I tried to raise him, but as his leg and head was paralized he could not stand up as he was heading towards his left side and felt over.

But after 15 minutes and before the breeder arrived... something magical happened...he just jumped and went straight to drink water, eat something, said hi to Cleo and started licking my hand... jssss I was broken in tears one minute before and now so happy he was fine...

When the breeder arrived, she tought me what to do next time, and she told me that I was lucky, as not all of them survive, not because it's a serious injury, but because most of them get so nervous that swallow their tongue and die of asphyxiation.

They gave him an injection of I don't remeber what. They are so nice, as they have their own veterinary they offered me to take care of him themselves, in a friendly environtment rather than taking him to a clinic... I owe them my peace.

News are that he's perfect, it's been nothing but a fright, no sequels, no nothing but a fright. Anyway he shall receive a little treatment (injections) during four days, and like new again.

They also told me not to feel guilty about it as when puppies play they go crazy, and things happen ... but I can't.

I've had a real BAD time...

Getting the VIP treatment..

2009-07-02T00:41:00.012+02:00

A few days ago, a new financial expert joined the company’s department. Resembles a little bit the one pictured below….same hairdo!!!

His great start…

Now I share office with the CFO, that day I was not dressed up as a lawyer, I was wearing beige jeans and a silk and cotton t-shirt of the same colour. He asked for the CFO and I told him it was about to arrive. I remember I had a phone call from reception, asking me for the trip details of a meeting going to be held out of town… so with all that… he thought I was the personal assistant of the CFO… that should not mean anything, but he treated me as a “simple assistant” you know… just said hi, looked at me and left …uhhhh I’m over that…

The CFO arrived, received him, they were talking, and in one moment of the conversation, while planning and talking about the holding affiliates I printed a copy of the organizational chart as I realized they would need it, and he said… you have a very efficient secretary, hope mine is too!!

At that point the CFO and I could not help bursting out laughing. He kindly said to him, sorry I did not introduce you before to our in-company lawyer. He smiled, and as if I was a completely different person…. He gave me the two courtesy kisses, and started chatting as if we were old friends… that meant I had just been admitted to join his super selected club…and get a vip treatment from him ( hahah if he counts success by square meters…my office is 4 times his although I share it with his boss…)

I could do nothing more than laugh (inside of course), and I still do as I remeber his first day.

I’m lucky as I’m one of those who he has to respect, once you treat him he’s a very sweet boy and an awesome professional, and he's obviously good looking; but he behaves different depending on the position of the person he's talking to. Is just that he was born and raised like this, so posh you know...why wasting time with “inferiors”, in his micro world or circus circle, being like this is just normal, and it works… (you know, they have a special language, way of calling things, dressing, sense of humour... matching their lives).

My work partners can’t understand him, as being so posh is very far from what they know. As I live in between 2 worlds I understand both lifes, both comments, worries, jokes and way of living.

I am able to make nice trips, see beautiful houses, see friends buy purses that cost more than what I earn in a whole month, ride cars that cost more than the house I’d like to buy but I can’t, and finding them cheap as I’ve seen lots and know prices and of course by being able to immerse in their lifestyle; and at the same time understand those of my friends that know how to stretch a cent, because I do too … hahah what a contrast, I'm very versatile!!!

Mine has never been a rich family, but we’ve always lived ok, had the family house and also a summer house in Sitges, we’ve been able to study, travel abroad and make a lot of things but always counting, choosing what to do, earn it, and having to resign to something... can’t have it all !!

One day I shall explain our economic fall more than 10 years ago.. from living a comfortable life to almost living under a bridge. A dramatic story that we overcomed with years with a lot of personal sacrifice, fight, and working as pack mules; that experience changed me, my life and also my family's, and made us who we are today, as all experiences toughen you… But that's another story..

:0)

Got a Queen!!

2009-06-29T21:48:00.006+02:00

Hi There,

here's me, A, before I met her... so lonely, so lonely, so lonely... I feel lonely, Im so lonely, I feel so low...

And suddenly.... I met her, my queen :0) ....

and now life is:

imagine me and you, I do think about you day and night, its only right to think about the girl you love and hold her tight so happy together...

If I should call you up, invest a dime and you say you belong to me and ease my mind, imagine how the world could be, so very fine so happy together....

I cant see me lovin nobody but youf or all my life... when you' re with me, baby the skies will be blue for all my life..

me and you and you and me no matter how they toss the dice, it has to be the only one for me is you, and you for me so happy together...

Well she's been here since friday, and him not too long either. It's a big change and challenge as their personality is very different, I'm very proud of them, and I already love them so much, they are very special to me.

So now ready to see them grow a little, take them to walk, and start travelling as I'm planning to go with them to Marbella, Barcelona and Mallorca this summer... let's see if I /We can make it!!

:0)

Revetlla de Sant Joan

2009-06-24T00:00:00.013+02:00

Ohhhhh I’m spending this so special day for Catalans, St. John or "Sant Joan" for us, here in the middle of nowhere were they don’t celebrate it, so no party no bonfire, no fireworks… no nothing tonight, and of course no Holiday tomorrow….snifffff

We all meet to have dinner, go to the beaches or city squares if no beach is available, were we burn old wood stuff in a big bonfire, that we call "foguera".

Usually by midnight there are also amazing fireworks…we call them "focs artificials".

And the party goes on until next day!!!!

About the typical food tonight...

Coca is a very typical pastry, and the Sant Joan one is usually made with fruits or what we call “llardons” that I do not really how to translate, but is my favourite one!!

We usually take it while drinking Cava (catalan sparkling wine, we can not call it champagne because the method champegnoise belongs to Frenchs, so we call it Cava and the local name has expanded to all Spain).

Here's a picture of a typical fruit one

And a picture of a Coca de llardons!!

If anyone is interested to know the several kinds of catalan coques (plural for coca), I attach hereto a link in which you can find a lot of answers!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coca_(pastry)

I cut the post here because I can’t resist writing all this and not being able to enjoy it grrrrrr… always want it all…jsssss

:o)

3 tenors...

2009-06-23T22:23:00.009+02:00

Ok, here they are... I introduce you to the 3 tenors...............

ehem.... I've said the 3 tenors...

jssss it's been impossible to capture the third one... don't know because he is already flying...or all the opposite... jungle's law...

I've been watching them since my last post (new kids in town), seeing they grow and being so proud of them everytime I got into the garage... and saw first their three beaks, their three heads...

I promise there were three.. but today when I took the picture there were only two of them... and I had already chosen the name of this post so....

... here we go again... I introduce you to the 3 tenors, featuring the invisible one!!!

Yeah... try harder he should be there...

Just updating the happy end of the old post. I guess very soon they are going to leave us until next year!!

:0)

Nothing but another week..

2009-06-19T22:53:00.023+02:00

Hi!

I was trying to think of anything special I’ve done this week in order to post it… but the only thing that came to my mind was…

So I tried to think a little bit harder and…that’s all I can remember I did this week apart from working 50 hours…

On Monday... I woke up, put feed in Atila’s plate, changed his water and add an ice cube to it, so it’s a little bit colder..is getting so hot here… . Then work all day, visit him on lunch time…supermarket and at night, teach him how to watch CSI.

Tuesday… without my puppy, as the breeder came for him in order to give him his last vaccine.. he was out until late at night and I went to have lunch with my work partners at a nice restaurant close to the office. Tuesday…House!

Wednesday… I’ve lost the track of what I did, I think is the day I arrived soooo late home due of course to work stuff :o(

Thursday… after work one of my best friends came to know my puppy… she loved him, and luckily he did too, so we all had a great time playing.

Today… after work I am soooooo tired… all afternoon resting, and 1 hour ago I took Atila for his first “walk” outside. Well in fact he can not yet so he was in my arms smelling everything. I also gave him his first car ride, as I want him to get used to it, so from now on he’ll be able to come with me wherever I go.

I’ve not had many sleeping hours this week, because he does not sleep that much… he sleeps some hours and then he wants to play, so you have to see me playing with his toys, and talk with this soft voice… How does he make it to wake me up? As easy as chewing my hair… grrrrr

What I’ve learned this week…has been leaving a little bit my work apart so I could go home to be with my baby… I felt so guilty when finishing late... he was home alone… So leaving the stress apart, for those precious moments, the balance is so positive!!!

PS. By the way, I already know the result of my arab exam… I passed it with a 6,5/10, not as good as the partial that I got a 8,5/10, but allows me a final grade of 7,5/10. Anyway, the grade is not important, the important is that I can already read texts, well, if vowels are marked, if not is a little bit difficult for me to read the the words if there’s not long vowels that give me an idea which the vowel is…, write a little bit, as it’s difficult to get wich j, k, s, h... are they using… there are so many!! ... And also able to speak and held very basic conversations. But I could survive in an airport, hotel, restaurant, and a bank, as we’ve already seen those lessons because yussuf (main character of our book…) has been there!!

مَعَ اسَّلَامَة

Tagged!

2009-06-14T16:38:00.018+02:00

…I’ve been tagged by Errant… :o)

So here you have the answers to the challenge made… not really originals, some of them a little weird and contradictory... but hey.... that’s who and how I am… can't help it :o)

So....here I go...

Things I'm Looking Forward To:

1- Having my second puppy here soon
2- Losing the 5 kilos…
3- Summer holidays… Marbella probably
4- Learning Arabic dance
5- Travelling around the wooooorld..
6- See my friends with their bunch of kids soon
7- Finding a new job whether here or abroad but…with the below condition…
8- Move to a place near the sea

Things I Wish I Could Do:

1- Start a family
2- Be able to walk classy in stilettos or other so high heels shoes…
3- Have time to study another career, or make a new master... always eager of knowledge..
4- Move to Dubai o NY… aaahhhh
5- Feel happy for what I’ve achieved
6- Not complaining all the time…
7- Anything that comes to my mind…
8- Be rich enough to buy an island where I could bring all my family, friends and puppies… a micro world where I can disconnect of society impositions and live a down to earth quiet and real life.

Things I Love

1- Read
2- Music& sing & dance
3- Atila
4- My family and friends
5- Chocolate
6- Huevos rotos con jamón…
7- Sun & snow & sea…
8- Sitges & Marbella

Things I Did Yesterday

1- woke up with Atila
2- listened wagner early in the morning
3- did the laundry
4- ate a salad
5- try to get some tan by the swimming pool
6- went downtown
7- took my first class of Arabic dance
8- watch movies until late..

Soooo interesting....

Shows I Watch

1-CSI
2-House
3-El Hormiguero
4-Polònia & Crackòvia (by online connection to TV3, catalan shows)
5-Dirty Sexy Money
6-The Mentalist
7-Without a trace
8-Medium

Can’t follow them all, but if the day they play any of them, it I’m able…I do watch them!

People I tag

1-Cois
2-NeenahPete
3-Chiara
4-Lirun
5- Ohmommy
6- 3 coins nella fontana
7- Pintoreta
8- Inal

I’m trying not to tag those who I’ve already seen have been tagged before (desertmonsoon, his sweetheart…Susie…) …sorry if I do re-tag someone …

And remember… feel free to continue the chain…or not…

:o)

Long life the King

2009-06-11T18:10:00.010+02:00

Hi!!!

Puça is not lonely any more...

Now I'm here....

I've been here not even 24 hours...and I'm already the king of the house... as you can see, I've already made friends... and... as I move a lot, she has not had the chance to take clear pictures of me...

I think she already had another yorkie... I've seen the pictures all over the house, but hey, in only one day I've made it through her blog, I rule!!

You can see I'm a very small male ... because I'm 3 months old...but when adult I'll weight as much as 1'5 kg.. I shall be a macho man!!

She has promised me that in no more than 3 months... I shall have a yorkie girl coming home.. grrrreat...

By the way, although I'm very nice and I love kisses and hugs... she has named me... A___A... so gardener... you've a problem with the grass... never grows again if I pass... (guess its due to my super-size..hehe).

:o)

2009-06-07T16:10:00.018+02:00

Architect Digest(ion)

Let’s face it, after weeks listening about this so special person who was going to be seated by my side, AD, one is never prepared for the real person; even if you don’t want, you’ve a great curiosity to see who are they talking about, maybe after all, one of this days, shall be my day.

I heard only good things about AD; he is so well positioned in society, smart, and good looking, blablabla…

You are also told that the table will be full of couples, he’ll sit by you so please treat him well, be nice and smile, he won’t have anyone else to talk to. And you reply, c’mon mom, you and your friends should not insist. You don’t need to worry about me, you don’t need to corner a man for me, in fact you do not have to decide which men is meant for me, but ok, I’ll be nice, even if its only for all the time it has taken to you to plan this. But mom, don’t expect anything…and please while there, you and your friends do not stare at me/us all night…

Then, something special happens… a few days before the wedding party… expectations start lowering…. As my answer was not an answer of a hungry lady and I did not seem to appreciate the honour which I had been awarded, they decided there should be more ladies involved as he was such a good deal, so in the table, we finally were 4 single ladies for 1 single man!!!

And news about him, start pointing not bad but different situations about him they hided before, as he was divorced with kids (that situation, per se, is not a problem at all for me if the person has overcome the split)…

OK, let’s go straight to that night…

I check where I am going to seat, great a table very close to the happily married, so great views of all what’s going to happen while dinning, and I confirm that although 4 single women are going to seat in my table, my mom’s influence works, as I’m 1 of the 2 possible selected to sit by his side…

So here I am, the first to arrive to the table, so I seat, and in minutes, the couples arrive, kisses for everybody, and then the 3 other single ladies arrive, again kisses for everybody and the score round starts..( you know, analyzing rivals… great that I did not feel at all I was competing that night, because I’m good looking, but they all were stunning, so my possibilities, in a first sight approach would be 0!! )

So, now waiting to see AD, THE MAN who deserves all the strategy moves to arrange that this 4 splendid woman sit and entertain him that night….

Hahahahahahahaha – this is the onomatopoeia of the answer to the expectations… no… wait… the one that really matches is HAHAHAHAHAHAHA

Don’t want to be mean, is just my opinion and at my standards that of course are not better not worst than others, are mines. For me he was pretty average, one of those standard men, no handsome no ugly, not tall, not short… that at a first sight. My opinion about him would have been the same if they had not told me wonders of him before…but maybe I’d not be that rude when describing all that…

Once conversations started, he was not bad but not too brilliant, nor with a special sense of humour, no charisma... nothing that made me pay attention to him... so after 5 minutes my thoughts were like, ok, let’s play the role just 1 more hour, and after... party time… the dessert is what… ohh chocolate yummy… I love this girl earrings…where did she got them… oh oh there’s a spider in the marquee and aghhh it’s coming straight for me..let’s move an inch... ahahha now it’s going straight to him…should I tell him…no wait it seems is going up again… oh no now it’s going faster direct to his curls… then I heard myself interrupting his soliloquy, please AD, just move a little bit your head because...and pointed the spider…I saved him…and we all started laughing…

I have to tell you that for me, although in the first moment nice physics smooth things, how a man looks is not important, I’ve had really good looking boyfriends (for me and everybody else), and some very ugly ones (for the rest, not for me..), but there has to be a sparkle...that’s what makes the difference on being interested or not to know a person. So no sparkle, no light not a single flash, no nothing at all.

But he had the same luck with the rest of the ladies.. I was laughing inside, I was like c’mon who planned that.. no no the real question was, what were they thinking when they planned that?

That 1 of the 4 was going to fall for him just because he was rich? Jsss he was so average!! You know, one of those grey persons you don’t see even if they are just in front of you!

His conversation did not help either… he was talking so speedy, trying to seem so secure of himself… you could easily realize his hyperactivity was due to his recent divorce…he had all the symptoms:

- he just bought a new car, a really speedy sportive one
- he just signed up in a gym
- he just wanted to meet, meet and meet young ladies
- he wanted to sign to this boat love trips organized every once in a while
- he just opened a nightclub
- he was sooo positive
- he had already overcome his recent divorce
- he had no regrets
- he had divorced just 1 week ago
- well, in fact one week ago the court proceeding was held, but not judgement obtained yet..
- he has perfectly overcome a divorce process which was due to the fact his wife was with another man who she is going to marry when she gets the divorce
- I was not going to divorce her, in fact I still love her, but she decided so, but hey… I feel perfect
- He has decided to go out with friends every weekend he won’t be in charge of the kids, so we’ll break the night..
- He is ready for another relationship
- And 100 of blablabla statements…

That obviously leads to the conclusion…you’re not ok, you’re obviously traumatized, you have a lot of personal work to do, you have to go out but please do not get involved with anyone yet as you’re not you, do not try to fool any young an innocent lady! You should cure your soul and do all the mourning process, and once you do it, you can really say you overcome the divorce and you shall be ready to offer and give love… anything else until then is a farce, and can only lead to endurance for you, and a broken heart for her.

But as I’m not an NGO for man anymore, I didn’t even advised him we all realized about it ... he was old enough to know… and he sure has friends that can tell him.

So that was the amazing start for a night that obviously improved a lot as I had a lot of fun…danced, sang until lost voice…

I assisted to that first act I’ve just explained as if was not me, as if I was watching it on TV, as you can see I disconnected from the dinner most part of it… but had a lot of fun with my own thoughts.

Ahhh si, I also forgot I should add an extra explanation on what was going out that night, as the bride’s brother is married to one of the only 2 evil persons I know that live in this world, and the only one that is a girl. So we were all night trying to avoid each other’s presence…very difficult as

I did greet all the family, sited chatting with her husband and other friends for an hour…but I can tell you we did not even take a look at each other. I knew she was expecting me to do it, as she considers now to be overhead, as she married a heir … and all that avoiding comes from a long story which summary is:

I had a boyfriend for 3 years (the only time 1 has lasted me more than 6 months) that she fancied, it was a local heir of her hometown, and she was sure was going to be hers...until he met me… Then, she tried to spoil the story continuously, but she could not. We split for other reasons, after he asked me to marry him. So after the break up she finally haunted him but they split too.

So when her now husband knew I knew her, asked me for references, I told him that apart from the fact you could easily see she was a social climber, she was not a good person because I had experienced her real her. Of course he did not believe me, neither his mother, that asked my opinion too… but now, after 2 years married…I’ve been told…you were right…sorry we did not believe you, now it’s too late… I did not know how to react, a laugh and a yes, I told you… could have been a possibility, but knowing what that meant…I felt so sorry for him…I’d not like to be in his place… she's one of those ladies able to do anything to get what she wants..uhhhh

Ufff this post seems a 90210 chapter… and sorry … I know it’s too long… but I’m not really good at summarizing…

:o)

The phone call

2009-06-05T00:49:00.013+02:00

I did not doubt and got the call, as I was partying that night I was very relaxed, and after all that time…I was kind of surprised... In fact, in honour to truth, I was VERY surprised!!

Desert Mister-y has a very nice and strong voice, as I’ve always said, and he is a very intelligent man.

So the first thing he did was apologizing for the delay in this call. He said he’s been so busy travelling through all gulf countries for work purposes, as his business is suffering a lot in this worldwide crisis, his company is fighting very hard in order to finish on time what still going on and trying to get all the pending amounts paid; and also have to move very fast to be the first to close the deals, as everybody is bussiness hungry right now. So he said this last weeks he’s not been able to sleep more then 4 hours per night.

I listened to his words and told him that I can understand that. Sometimes I have weeks you work so much than when I arrive home I don’t do anything at all because I’m very tired. BUT that was not a reason strong enough to not make a call, at least a single one giving an explanation on why you’re not going to be calling in weeks, or just making this same call before!! C'MON!

He replied he thought about it, but after the first three weeks without saying anything he though I’d be mad, and as he was under a lot of pressure he thought it was not the moment for this kind of call. But as time passed, he realized that although things in his work were relaxing... his initial delay and after postposing the call because he was ashamed and didn't even how to face the conversation, he knew he was heading to a tough job to do to recover my friendship, because as he has a lot of sisters...he knows woman… at that point I started laughing, hahaha yes he does know woman, his fears were so right hahah…

So after that, the conversation got amused and relaxed. He kept apologizing, but there was no need. I was not angry, just deceived, but nothing new in my life.

After all this time spent talking on the phone, why not continue the friendship? He did not quit, and although knowing the reaction he thought he was going to face, he made the call. It takes a little bit of courage to do so...we all know us when we really get mad :o) He lives oooonly 5.000 km away. Having a phone friendship with him is great, I really enjoy our conversations, and he does too, that’s why he finally called back, or so he said.

When you grow you realize you can't make somebody like/ love you, so things are what they are. And you are how you are, if someone likes you how you are, great, if not… no problem, one of this days someone will. I really believe that things have to come easily, natural. If forced, it’s because is not meant to be.

Songs of this story:

Before the call took place, the song that could match my mood was "Qué lástima pero adiós" (what a pitty, but bye), from the Mexican singer Julieta Venegas, which link I attach:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0v92OsaD40w

During the call, the song that came to my mind was the one from Simon & Garfunkel, which lyrics say: You see I've been through the desert on a horse with no name. It felt good to be out of the rainIn the desert you can't remember your name 'Cause there ain't no one for to give you no pain… hahah for the whole desert and forgetting thing...

So the post Desert Mistery’s blues is on hold right now… and he still swears he’s single… although everybody but me (because I tend to believe people’s word) is sure that a man of his age in his country is almost impossible that is still single… well he agrees with that statement, but he says he is, and that that cost him a lot of small fights with his mother that is still trying to marry him with close family.

To sum up…. I still have a phone friend…alhamdulillah!!!!

This phone story still is a big secret to the majority of my friends, and to ALL my family. In fact, it's still is just a phone story, and I'm not very sure this status will ever change, so let's enjoy it as it is and while lasts !!!!!

:o)

Wedding bells

2009-06-01T14:38:00.009+02:00

heheheh but not for me!!

This weekend I attended a wedding in Barcelona!!

So I took an airplane on friday afternoon and travelled to Barcelona, and…I got so emotional when I saw the sea, and the beach frontline when arriving…sniiiif

The wedding was on Saturday, in a small village 70 km far from Barcelona, in a typical catalan Masia (rural home) reconverted to a posh hotel.

I did not have anything to wear so I put in my suitcase an old formal dress for weddings, and a party dress (not really appropriate but you never know your mood…), because I did not want to buy a new one, I have no more weddings in the near horizon and preferred to spent my money in a trip or just trying to save it, that is becoming an impossible goal!!!

So guess what… my mother did not like any of them, the first one because everybody knew it, as we are all almost the same in those weddings, so it was unconceivable to repeat (grrrrr) and the second because it was too wild (hehe) so … I had to buy a new one, at 19.30 pm the day before!!

There it is... front view...

I’d have not done it if it was any of my friends weddings, as we all know each other, you don’t have to give explanations on what you’re wearing or why, but I did it because that was the daughter of one of my mother best friends, so it’s kind of a social test not to repeat… en fin…

Now I’ve a nice classic dress that I’m not going to wear again any time soon..., it has its own life, it stands alone heheh has a special shape. But too serious, can not use it for parties…but the consolation is…

- that I bought it with a 40% of discount, as it was the last one!!

- that I could have a quiet dinner eating whatever I wanted…no one was able to notice it…

- that if I ever win or lose some kilos, get pregnant…still can use it… because your figure is not important in that dress, it has its own life, it’s a very full dress, baby doll.

Back view..

Can't really see it but is what we call wild silk and the colour is very cute, between grey and green. And..the picture has obviously been taken...after using it...as you can realize :o)

By the way, the wedding was fantaaaaaastic!!!

During the last two weeks my mother and her friend where like, oh, by your side its going to sit a prestigious architect… so please be nice, smile… blablabla... si si... very prestigious but got divorced during last month!!! Vade Retro!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And, while partying…I received a call…from…yes…unbelievable… I know… Desert Mister-y… but that is another story I’ll post soon, it deserves a whole post.

:o)

We're the champions ... of the wooorld!

2009-05-27T23:39:00.005+02:00

Hey!!!!!

We made it!! We won the european champions league tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!
Against Manchester!!

No words to describe what Barça has done this year, we've won the 3 titles! we've made the impossible, the TRIBLET!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

That video is a mixture of Coldplay viva la vida and Barça greatest moments of the year. Why coldplay? Because is the music that the coach, Pep Guardiola, played every training day to encourage the players..and it seems it has worked...and the lyrics match...

We won the King’s Cup - LA COPA!!!

We won the Spanish national league –LA LLIGA-!!!!

We won the CHAMPIONS tonight!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

COPA+LLIGA+CHAMPIONS!!!

Oeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee
Oeeeoooeeeoooeeeooooeeeoooeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

What a loooong night!!!!!

Visca el Barça!!!!
Visca Catalunya!!!

As we say, el Barça és més que un club = Barça is more than a club, it's also a national feeling!!

This is not our official song but a version made in a cult modern catalan song, in catalan laguage. Not great audio. The red tag is the catalan written version, in the blue one you'll find the spanish written version.

Sorry I have no words…AWESOME TRIBLET!!!!!

:o)

Congratulations!

2009-05-24T22:20:00.004+02:00

I’ve been very busy this week, so I hadn’t had time to update the 2 last things that happened related to previous posts…

1.- My wage raise……… The CEO decided, after the time I’ve been waiting, to increase it half of what I asked for, but, he said, that’s not the last amount, as he’s not been able yet to submit it to who has the final decision (tough times), so I may get more in a few months… GREAT

2.- I AM very surprised………I recovered my Bulgari watch, the one I lost while in the gym. They found it!!!! It seems it was under the tanning machine, when they move it, they found it so I’m sooooo happy!!!

While in Dubai I went to the Bulgari shop in Emirates mall, I was thinking on buying the same one again, so I asked if they had it … and they told me there was a waiting list for it!!! I could not believe it as it was a limited edition of last year collection, but it seems it had a lot of success, in fact is so cute!! This year they have made a similar one but instead of black and silver they have done it with black and pink gold, and in this mix, in that particular model does not match at all!!.

I got my first adult watch when I was 16 years old, my parents gave me a Gucci, one you could change the colours matching what you were wearing. At 28 I bought a Rolex (to attend weddings, parties, professional meetings…), and at 35 I lost the Gucci watch, after almost 20 years with me, so I had to buy a new one, and after seeing all the watches I finally found the one that matched my personality at that time, and it was a Bulgari, and still is.

Great they found it because it’s not that easy for me to find something I like, so I was thinking to buy it again, that means getting the same watch per double price…and that is absolutely against my catalan gens!!!!

Yeah, I know, so superficial………………but sometimes, I am ......

:o)

What doesn’t kill you…makes you stronger

2009-05-18T22:48:00.008+02:00

All situations in life are meant for some reason. At the beginning is hard to understand. While you’re going through it, it seems that is impossible that that can be happening to you. You do not deserve that, but its happening. And you feel so bad... but although sometimes it’s hard to see the light…there is always a sparkle…

I say that because of a situation that happened 2 years ago, just 5/6 months after I arrived to this company. She was there for 5 years when we met. I shall call her the blonde villain.

At the beginning, although our departments have nothing to do with each other, as I’m in the legal department, in one moment or another I interact with them all.

Our work relation was just perfect, I just arrived and she offered me her wing, she was so nice I thought I was very lucky she “adopted” me. My partners were telling me not to rely on her but I could not understand why. I thought bad persons were just an urban legend… I always try to find all the positive things a person has to offer, and believe me I do, but that is also why I have a big list of heartbreaks... hahahha all my ex are the black sheep of their families…

After a short time I knew what they meant…I suffered her…

A new girl came to the office (let’s call her the villain apprentice), her department had nothing to do with mine either, but before she arrived I was dealing with some of the things she was supposed to do. I had a lot of work the first day she arrived, so when she asked me for the documents, I gave them to her. She asked if I had them scanned, and I gave them to her too, sincerely I had so much work I did not realize that the pen drive was full, and I did not notice that although it seemed all files where there, they were not, when you opened the last ones that were copied, were empty.

Instead of telling me that, she told the other girl that I was trying to boycott her, as I did not want to give her all the documents, because I wanted to keep all information with me… Hahaha c’mon, you’re going to lighten my work by taking files that do not belong to me and I am going to boycott you instead of celebrating it???

She asked me to explain her the situation of those construction work files. I told her that I was having a really hard day, and that if it was ok to her, she could start reading them, by buildings, or locations…and I could give her tips or clarify her doubts, but that until next day I had no time for her as I had to finish some contracts for that afternoon.

And with that “second try of boycotting her“, she lighted the fire….. she went straight to the blonde villain and…a 4 months campaign of mobbing felt over me….

At the beginning, I thought they both were crazy, so I just did my job and did not care about what they were saying or doing. But I could not understand why the blond villain, so nice until then, became my worst enemy and allied with the new girl, because, I thought that she knew who I was, how I behaved and my professionalism. Months later I find out they were friends, that was the reason why she was contracted.

After a while… they started to put traps on my job, trying to see if I failed in something, cause strange situations with other partners, provoke fights, planning business and cancelling them without telling me, and after they were saying they did tell me, or doing just the opposite, making me feel like a fool and appear as one in front of others, trying to avoid my advice when necessary (a plot purchase..), doing it by themselves….

Don’t want to bother with details, because I’m sure that a lot of people has gone through more than I did, but I’ll just say that I felt so bad that I saw no light after the tunnel…

I went to talk to the CFO. I remember I was crying, and that I felt so much shame, I was a 34 years old woman, and there was me, crying like a child, unable to control myself, they almost succeed!

In those 4 months I gained over 12 kilos (from 56 to 68, I've not ben able after all that time to lose them all..still 5 left... 1'67 m tall). When I was at work I thought I was sick, because I had cold sweat, fever (or so I thought), felt sick and dizzy, my blood pressure was 11-15, could not sleep because I was so nervous, and when I could…I had such horrible nightmares in which they both were involved that I preferred not to sleep. I was such a mess…

The CFO stood by me. He told me that he was very happy with the job I was doing and that since he already realized something was wrong as noticed my physical and mood change, he started to pay attention to what was happening in my office, I did not realize but he had been taking notes and stepping by when all that was going around, he had a dossier he shared with me. That was a good beginning in my self-esteem recovery.

We all are still in the company. The villains tried to find reasons to fire me, and although they pushed hard, they could not do it. I know that because after a time, the apprentice told me. Now with her we’re not friends, neither enemies, we get along. With the blond villain we just tolerate our presence.

She is still here because although she did all that, she’s good at her job. The owners supported her.

I’m still here because although she did all that, I’m good at my job too. The CFO and CAO supported me, and now that the owners know me better, they do too.

I don’t know how long I will continue to be in this company, as I’m willing for a change, for personal and professional reasons, and I’m trying, but it seems that I shall be able to see her fall…by her own acts… That does not make me feel better, but I won't feel sorry for her either.

The point is that with that experience… I think I’m about to close the circle and I’ve already tasted almost any kind of slap life can give you… I survived to all of them, so I’m a little bit stronger than before that happened.

…by the way, although it was a really hard experience…I’ve been in worst places… :o(

But…I’ve also had so many happy moments and experiences…I prefer to think only on the good ones, that allows me to wake up everyday!!! :o)

I just thought of that story…because today I had a little misunderstanding with her…but hopefully now I can laugh of her, and treat her in an amusing way…and she gets desperate because she does not understand I don’t fear her any more… the clue is respect…or the lack of it..I do not have any left for her … and i do have a lot for me!!

New kids in town…

2009-05-15T11:29:00.008+02:00

Well…the story is that I’ve new neighbours… I realized while entering into the garage…they are back!!!

There’s a nest in the middle of the picture, close to the yellow column….I highlighted it in red…but I’ve not done a good job as is not easy to see the mark either…

And here is the proud owner….a swallow!!

In fact, there’s another nest, this is a little big bigger. I don’t know if there are some others …

It’s a very safe place, no predators around. But I’m not sure about the noise, because when getting out of the parking we’ve to stop just where they are located until the gate door opens…

I saw them last year too, I find them very cute, the gardener allows them to live there, and when they have already left, removes the nest…until the next year that they come back.

By the way…today I do not work :o) community’s day!!! So I’m going downtown to have lunch with some friends…we’re lucky today is sunny, so we’ll be able to sit in terraces, while chatting we’ll be soaking the sun… 2x1

:o)

1st of 3 !!!

2009-05-13T22:38:00.008+02:00

Football Club Barcelona, aka Barça, has just won tonight the first of the 3 championships he’s playing, la Copa del Rey (King's cup) played against Athletic de Bilbao, with an amazing result of 1-4 !!!!

So…… our war cry, has the first of the three words that compose it COPA, lliga i champions (cup, league and champions), in brief we’ll know if we can make it too in the Spanish national league, and the final of the European Champions League, UEFA.

I attach some YouTube videos with Barça's hymn, as you can see…I finally found out how to hang them, I'm sooo happy for that too :o)

The first one is a very clear one, and you can read the lyrics of the hymn, in catalan, of course.

This one is a “live one”, in which you can also see a mosaic made by the followers, impressive!!!!

As you can see I’m very excited about that possible treble!!

I’ve been texting a friend of mine in London, also a Barça fan, so he could follow almost in time how was the match going.

Min.9, 1-0 Toquero
Min.30, 1-1 Toure-yayá
Min. 54, 1-2 Messi
Min. 59, 1-3 Bojan
Min. 64, 1-4 Xavi

And... soon playing the Champions league final against Manchester United, in Rome. Can you believe tickets are already being sold by 2.000 euros? I know that because one of my friends is going, and I can’t believe he is paying that amount for 1 ticket!! Well maybe if I was very rich, and that represented for me a mere 20 euros I’d do it but if not…no way!

By the way…it’s our 25th King’s Cup!!!! That’s why at the end of the match our players have changed the official T-shirt for one that says…King’s of Cups …

oeeeeeee oeeeeeee Let’s go for it!!

:o)

PD I can not post yet a resume of the goals...as it all has just happened minutes ago... and there are no videos available yet...

Smelling life...

2009-05-11T23:38:00.009+02:00

Yesterday, while going to collect the post into the community’s safety guard lodge, I realized that the rose trees were just splendid, so I could not resist taking pictures and posting them.

I’m very proud not of those roses, because I’m not the gardener, so it’s not my merit they are marvellous, but because finally…. I’ve seen them!!!

I know I live in a wonderful place, although my apartment is small, 55 square meters, enough for 1 person…but not room enough for my life clothes accumulation…

The thing is that I’m always in a rush, so I almost never have time to pay attention to things, but since a February call from Desert’s Mister-y, I realized I was missing a lot of beautiful things nature offers us and that I didn’t even take a minute to enjoy of them, as moon views, landscapes, garden trees or roses, the sky…

Always going from my apartment to the garage, drive 5 minutes and park the car into my work parking lot, elevator and already in the office. Fast lunch, back to work, and never getting out before 20.00pm ..no natural light then, so time to go to the supermarket, gym or whatever … so….where all that ends?

In Living for working instead of working for living…. As I realized I?ve been doing that for the last 2,5 years, I decided I’d pay attention.. and I’ve done it!!

Now every morning before leaving home, I say hi to those roses, smile, smell them, and get to the garage thinking that a life change begins with small things like that.

I’m improving!!! Approaching to my goal…although still a long road to go!!

For the instance, I decided this year I’ll take advantage of the community facilities so I’ll invite my work partners one of this sunny summer days, to enjoy the swimming pool and a have BBQ… can you believe I have not done it yet???

:0)

Desert Mister-y's blues...

2009-05-08T00:01:00.005+02:00

While browsing into internet I found this statement:

“The top relationship struggle fronted by most of today’s women is the dating relationships that have failed because the man pulled away, stopped calling, or just turned out to be Mr. Wrong. Women report that these unsuccessful relationships leave them feeling powerless, mistreated, and sometimes wondering if they are even worthy of love”.

So right.

As I said in one of my previous posts, I’ve not been involved in a relationship since 2-2’5 years ago.

I met Desert Mister-y last august and since then we had a phone relationship, if you can really call that a relationship, but it kinda was. But now it’s OVER.

Why I now it’s over. For the second reason: he has stopped calling. Why? Well, don’t really know as I’ve not been told it was over, I’ve just realized. But I guess was due to some of my points of view on certain issues, or that I just deceived him in something he expected to hear from me, or maybe he has just married…you never know.

I put marriage as an option because once, I had a really nice boyfriend, we broke up (he did) on July, and in august he asked me to be his girlfriend and met my parents again. He told me to maintain a low-key relationship, our friends should not know so that way they would not interfere in our reconciliation…

On December that year, he called me and said our relationship was over, I asked for the reason and he said I was so selfish that he could not stand it anymore. OK. I did not understand why he was so rude and upset.

By May of the following year - just 5 months after we broke up- I found a common friend and went to have lunch together. While talking he asked me if I knew that my ex had just married with the girl he was dating a month before our first split back on july last year. He thought that I knew it, and that thas was the reason of our split!!!!

You can imagine my face…Not only I did not knew he dated someone as he was with me, but neither that in tat short time he got married!!!

And something curious happened after he gave me the new. In seconds, I felt released of all my pain.

My pain was not only due because he left me twice, but mostly because a person I really respected and loved, when breaking told me I was selfish, so at the beginning I was going crazy asking all my friends an family if I was, because maybe although I didn’t realize, I was !!, he said so, I knew him well....so it had to be truth although I was not conscious of that fact.

I think he just preferred to say that instead of truth because thought it would be less harmful, but in my case, was just the opposite.

When someone tells me that is in love with another person, I can be sad and/or cry during a time, but this reason gives me a lot of energy and strength to move forward, touches my pride so I react.

The selfish reason left me touched and heart broken. During a time I thought I had to be such a bad person and did not deserve love. Even someone as special, faithful and patient as him was leaving me… I thought that…just because I was young.

Now I absolutely would not accept that as a reason, I would laugh and leave, and that reason would not affect me as it did a 100 years ago...

:o)

I almost made it...

2009-05-04T22:12:00.010+02:00

Last year I almost made it...I applied for a job in an international development bank which main offices were in washington. As you can see in the picture, I prepared hard my panel interview...

This is how the main mirror and bathroom door looked like for a few days ... A completely MESS... full of papers with tips and answers I already prepared, because although I knew everything I wanted to say, wanted to be sure I'd not forget!!

I hang them because I'm used to study, since I was in school, stand up, walking before a mirror, so I look at myself and I explain me the lesson, or in this case repeat the answers to myself, as if I was in theatre. Weird no? But it worked for me. My family still laughs when they remind about that..because I only could find mirrors in those times..in the bathrooms, so when exams period came, there was only a bathroom for 4, and the other one was only for my use, full of papers, with me inside studying all day..and part of the night.

Ok, going back to the picture of this post, it was my first panel interview, my first long distance inteview (by phone) and in english...and only lasted..45 minutes!!!

I was so nervous. Uff too much, mainly because it was in english, and I feared they could not understand me, my accent, you know...

But also because the lack of warm that a live one allows, you can see who interviews you, their faces during it, so you can see or imagien what they think of you or expect, as they watch and study you, you can do the same...and there's nothing a frank smile can't do for you. But nothing of that was available by phone...

Panel interviews are not that usual here, and also american way of interviewing a candidate is very different, so I had to do a lot of research to see how interviews are approached for american employers. And OMG I was so scared, because it had nothing to do with what I would answer here. I mean, americans like to emphasize the positive things, and if there's something that is not right, they express it so polite. In that I was more naïf...but after this preparation, I learned a lot...

Well, but as we say...la cabra siempre tira al monte..that means the goat always tends to go the mountain... so sometimes I forget all I learned while preparing the interview.

As I'm still in Spain...you can realize I was not successfull....but in fact I ALMOST made it!!! Got SECOND!!! hahaha being realistic, 2nd or 25th is the same, you don't get the job!

But I'm very proud of my second place, they called me to say they liked me a lot, but that there was a candidate who previosly had worked in the same position in another IO, so matched 100%. But as they were impressed with me, they offered me to keep me for this position or an equal category one, if there was a vacant in 24 months.

Not a year has passed yet...but, let's be realistic, when you get the chance of becoming a member of the staff of an international organization..it's very difficult you or anyone quits...

:o)

That's what you call football (soccer)!!!!!!

2009-05-03T15:50:00.011+02:00

This is the pic of the previous moments to THE MATCH between Barça and Madrid, held yesterday night at Madrid's field.

Wasn't there because those are high risk games if you're not from the town's team...and although I'm in Madrid...I'm a Barça fan...

Although I have a new TV and more channels to watch, yesterday's soccer game between Barça (Barcelona), and Real Madrid could only be seen through a pay per view chanel which I don't have.So my californian friend married to a proud madrid follower, invited me to watch the match at her house.

We had a great time, I went with enough time so we could talk girlie stuff, chose carefully and order pizzas, and prepare everything so we did not have to look after anything once tha match has started. To me it was funny to see how she jumped everytime Madrid scored, because I find it so natural on him, but as I think of her as a californian, was funny to see. She's so nice, she's my best friend here. At the end of each goal, from their team or mine, we all embraced each other. That's a great way of watching a game!

There's always been a natural rivalry between Barcelona and Madrid, political (independence, language), economical, sportive... so the classical matches between them stop life in half of the country during 90 minutes. No one in the streets, everybody stays at home or at bars stucked watching TV, including me!!!!

Barça still is alive in the 3 main championships going on, the european champions league, the spanish national league and la copa del Rey (King's cup), so our war cry this year is copa, lliga i champions (cup, league and champions), Treble is possible!!!

And yesterday's game was just..... A M A Z I N G

We won 2-6!!! Six goals to Real Madrid...unbelievable, if they tell me before I thought someone wanted to tease me! A superb display of soccer, attaccking until the end, both teams, fair play...but this year Barça is just playing at the best possible. In newspapers they repeat the word poetry applied to the kind of soccer played.

As I tried to hang the video but don't know how to do it yet, if anyone is interest of watching the goals, attached you'll find the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8BbHZ5pKTS8

1-0 Higuaín (min 13)
1-1 Henry (min 17)
1-2 Puyol (min 20)
1-3 Messi (min 35)
2-3 Ramos (min 55)
2-4 Henry (min 58)
2-5 Messi (min 73)
2-6 Piqué (min 82)

Each goal is seen twice, so there were not 16, only 8!!

I bet you can see I'm VERY prouddddddd!!

:o)

Catalan feeling...

2009-05-01T12:04:00.016+02:00

I'd like to introduce you a little bit to my home place, Catalunya, well in fact introduce you to the topics of the ones born there...so you'll have more clues to understand me and my comments :0)

We Catalans are proud self-confident people, honest, practical and hard-working, we describe ourselves with two main adjectives:

- “seny” : common sense and fair play

- "rauxa”: good mood and a sarcastic sense of humor similar to the English one (from my point of view).

Our flag, or as we call it, la senyera:

Our national dance, la sardana,the dancers link hands with raised arms, forming circles which grow bigger and bigger as more people join in

We are very responsible at work, but also manage to have time to enjoy life and party. We’re very friendly.

We’re also known to be ever aware of ways to save money, and to make it too…we are born like that, I promise… I am a proof too…you can see how almost anything I talk about...ends with money related issues...

Once I grow up, and travelled a lot, I remember I asked my mother if we were normal people. I realized that among us, we were normal, but once outside Catalunya not that much…why?...I’ll give you an example…we arrive to a restaurant or hotel or wherever, and after talking about the nice decoration, views, whatever, we were calculating space and people and saying, here they have space for at least two more tables of 2/4 people, with a rotation of 1 hour time, at the end of the day they could earn xx more… I did that with muy friends too, but if I do it here..no one understands me and looks at me and laughs and say yes..you’re a truly catalan, and I laugh too because I realize it is so true hahaha

We love the fire...

We’re not ostentatious people, unlike in the centre of Spain, where I live now. You see those big and fancy houses made only to impress, while we (not me :o( ) do have them too but always hidden after trees or walls, don’t want to grab attention; the way we dress is the same, always polite but minimalist, one colour, grey, brown, white… black in my case…dress down and give the impression that one has less money than actually have.

We also share costs, we’re used to pay for our own drinks and food, man and woman. Our laws, since hundreds of years ago state that what you have before you marry its only yours, and we have separation of goods once you’re married, what you get is yours, not from both. If you divorce you can get a compensation if the life pace has been very different, but you’re not entitled to half. We find it so normal because we have it on blood.

But that does not mean we’re not generous, we just don’t spend if its not need it. And although at the beginning it may seem to you we’re friendly but reservate, is because we’re studying if you can be a good friend. When we Catalan invite you into our homes you know you’ve got a friend for life, he/she will open the circle for you and then you're in society!!

A typical dance, la moixiganga

And our unique human castles...people that makes them are called the castellers

Another typical dance, ball dels bastons

To be accepted as a Catalan is very easy, we do not distinct between a born one or a made one. The clue is just willing to adapt to our culture and learn the language. Easy as you do not need to wear our traditional hat for man: La barretina

:o)

Updating...

2009-04-30T00:41:00.008+02:00

While trying to find a picture to introduce you to my new TV…

I also found a picture of a TV remote control I wish I had… If you take a close look…you shall notice it has a Boss Key… if I could only have it and use it at work… Can you imagine that?

Pressing the mute key when you don’t want to listen to them, or just turning them of… great…but even better, pause and repeating some great moments…hahaha..because there are a lot..luckily they are humans although not sure 100%!

I’ve been in the opera as I advanced in my previous post, Il ritorno d’Ulisse coproduced with La Feniche Teatre (Venetia), has been just great, awesome singers, and splendid costumes and scenario. Really enjoyed!! It has lasted 3 hours, with a break of 25 minutes!

Barcelona’s soccer time lost against Valencia, and in European championship only got a 0-0 score playing against Chelsea. Next Saturday THE GAME is on…Barcelona (Barça)- Real Madrid… the eternal rivals…

About my wage raise..no news yet..the CFO says that he agrees with it, but since the end of last year, the company owners want to decide over everybody’s wage, and lately they have done some strange movements on my partners wages, so he’s not been able to ask for it et, because every time that seems the moment is right…there’s something really important going on, that means bad mood and not a good moment to ask.. snifffff …I have no idea how long will I have t wait….

It’s a potpourri post, sorry, but all those things, separate, do not fulfil a post and wanted to update and close some things so I can move forward in next’s..

:o)

Opera Time!!!

2009-04-25T20:51:00.002+02:00

My company has given me two tickets for next week opera Il Ritorno d'Ulisse (Claudio Monteverdi) playing at Teatro Real.

So exciting!!! I like opera a lot, Wagner, Puccini, Rossini ...

So when the CFO asked me if I liked and if I wanted 2 tickets……. I replied fast and loud siii, of course!!!!!

So now I’m the proud owner of 2 tickets wich entitles you to seat in one of those so posh box seats, so close with amazing viewa...I've checked my seats on internet and they are just greaaaaaaaat! I shall ask one of my girlfriends to come with me!

Since I left Barcelona I haven’t been in the opera…so it’s time to make up this lost time, and Teatro Real seems a great place, I can only compare it to the Barcelona’s Liceu or Buenos Aire’s Teatro Colón. I’ve only listened opera before in those places, so after being there I shall have an opinion about Teatro Real's “grandeur”.

I’m very happy, and now I just have a very superficial thing left to do… choose what I am going to wear…mmmhhhh :o)

By the way, tomorrow is going on Bahrein’s Formula 1 race …… really waiting to enjoy it with my new TV, only a few hours to go, hopefully shall be a very interesting one...pleeeease

;o)

Sant Jordi, April 23rd

2009-04-23T00:01:00.007+02:00

The most popular legend in Catalonia is Sant Jordi (Saint George), it’s been said that hundreds of years ago there was a terrible dragon which used to attack any men or beasts he found in our land. In order to pacify him, population offered him periodically a person as a sacrifice.

As anyone could be chosen, one day the chosen one was the king's daughter. But luckily she saved her life... and that was because a strong and handsome knight challenged the dragon to a fight, and finally killed him. The legend says that a red rose bush born where the dragon's blood was. The tradition in Catalunya is that couples celebrate their love this day; all women receive a red rose. This tradition comes from VIII - IX century!

At the beginning of last century, the 23rd of April was chosen as the book day, and women started to give a book to their man.

Believe me, no woman stays without a red rose (together with the typical spread of wheat), because if you do not have a sweetheart to give you one, your father, brother, friends, work mates, even your bank director has one ready for you. I used to receive from 1 to 5… and that is normal average.

It’s such a beautiful tradition….but now I do not receive them but digital, by @, because where I live now, Saint George day means nothing but the day of the book, and when buying one you also get a rose, they do not really know what's behind, so the feeling is not the same at all.

We Catalans did not celebrate Valentine’s day as ours until recent, because of globalization and because in the rest of Spain is also the lovers day, but our Saint Valentine is Saint George,the truly day at our hearts is April 23rd.

The best part is that in lunch time or after work we all are in the streets choosing books and roses, the Paseo de Gracia or Rambla de Catalunya gets so crowded!! There are hundreds of professional stands (libraries, florist’s) on the streets and also a lot of students have stands to in order to raise money for their graduation trip..

Visca Sant Jordi!!!

And….Visca el barça too !!! (1st classified of the national soccer championship)…we won yesterday in the amazing game against Seville (3rd classified), by 4-0. I'm soooooo happy!!!!

:o)

Bye bye Dubai

2009-04-21T15:06:00.010+02:00

So here I attach some other Dubai pic’s…

As I said I think is the perfect mixture of East and West. It’s a city of contrasts, old ways and new resources, colourful, vibrant, alive, well cared for, planned, with a respectful balance with their beliefs and tourism, wealthy, clean...

Burj Al Dubai...160 floors...

The food was great at any place, and the service was pleasant. Almost all people in hotels and restaurants are foreigners; no emiratis in sight in services, taxi drivers are 50-50 Pakistanis and Indians.

Silly pic..

The old air coinditionig towers they used before the A/C arrived, got inside and the house was cold although outside was so sunny...amazing...

The desert starts at 20 minutes from the city, you only realize you’re in the middle of the desert if…there’s a free plot, not build yet, so you are able to observe that the ground is sand, not land; and there are also sand storms to remind you where you are…I suffered a very light one my last day.. My first one!!!

Desert BBQ place

I spent a wonderful week. Didn’t sleep much as Dubai nights are as anywhere else but with all that luxury embracing you…so dress code is not like any weekend in your hometown…

My pictures are very strange, I’ve more than 300. Most of them are buildings, skyline in general. Some are from advertisements, as I am learning now Arab I like to see how they spell words. Some others are parks, bus stops, signs, civil engineering, landscapes…colours, shapes or buildings contrasts… I feel strange when I show them at work because I see an evolution if I compare them to pictures of my previous trips. I take pictures of things I’d have never taken before, and forget some others, and I’ve realised after watching them all.

Mmhhh… don’t know if now my point of view is better or worst, but is clear its become very different. I’ll see how that evolves now that I’m aware of my change...and let's see if I can find out why...

:o)

GP China

2009-04-19T09:31:00.004+02:00

I just woke up early to watch the F1 race... but I can't see it...because...

last year you could watch it through a public TV, this year too, but to watch it your TV has to have TDT, mine is still and old one and does not have it. As I knew it, yesterday I went to buy a new LCD TV. Ok I did, but they are sending and install it on monday, so I don't have it to watch this race.

So I´m trying to watch it through internet, because that TV says you can follow it live by internet...hahahah si, I see, it's just radio, because you see one image every 5 minutes......aghhhhhhhh, I hear the motors, the interesting commentaries and can't see anything.............

But is just my fault...the championship started a while ago, missed the two first ones because of dubai trip and other reasons, and had plenty of time to buy a new TV...shame on me.....

Hopefully I´ll be able to follow next race, in two weeks, with no problems....
...this one seems so interesting...it's raining a lot ........ sniiiif.......

:0)

And the winner was… Dubai!!

2009-04-13T20:56:00.012+02:00

Hi, I’m already back from my long holidays! I arrived today and went straight from the airport to the office, so its been a long day too!

I do not know how to start so I’ll introduce you to some of my Dubai pics and comment them………………A M A Z I N G DUBAI

Burj Al Arab

No comments. I think is the most beautiful building I’ve ever seen, and I’ve seen a lot!

Night and day!!!!

Dubai’s creek, separates Dubai in 2 parts, Deira Dubai and Bur Dubai

Spices Souk

Contrast

Skyline

Camel’s competition…took it from TV…see the rider???

Pilot’s school…….of couse the building has to had an airplane shape, to get familiar with it!

Ok, My opinion is that Dubai is just amazing, It’s a young city and you realize about that by the way the city is divided in perfect planned squared blocks, long and wide enough, something that can not be done in millenary or centenary cities. They have superb infrastructures, bridges, highways, meeting points… and they take good care of the city, clean and full of flowers! Still under costruction!!!!

The buildings are fighting to be the most tall, luxurious and sharp designed each one you see surprises you more than the previous, if possible. It suggests/reminds me as a new manhattan-by the sea + beach resorts.

You smell luxury! Hotels, hot spots to go out at night...all so posh… you feel such a small ant hahhahah

The mixture of east and west is perfect, seductive combination. Emiratis are very polite, although I can not say the same of the private guides (Arabs but not from emirates), as I was alone my first day in town while waiting for my friends to arrive in next flights, they insisted to give me their phone/ask for mine/and even trying to get my room number to take a coffee OMG I hate that!

Dubai nights……great too, Buddha Bar, Kasbar…the play all kinds of music, and the Arab modern

one is so good too. It was very easy to see who is who, not for skin colour, dressing codes or other external clues, in doubtful cases you just have to look how woman and man dance… westerns go from front too back, easterns from side to side…we move so different and in different peace too.

1001 night hotels …from really modern design to ancienne, or just mega luxury, anything is possible in Dubai!!!

Ok, shall stop for today.....

I’m back…and how hard has been to reincorporate to real life………

:o)

What's next??

2009-03-30T14:56:00.012+02:00

The Holy Week is the week which precedes the Resurrection and which consequently commemorates the last week of the earthly life of Jesus Christ culminating in his crucifixion.

Currently we celebrate it but we use it not only to commemorate but also to travel, as it allows us some days. This year is from Thursday 9 to Sunday 12th included, so I just asked for 3 free days (Monday/Tuesday and Wednesday) and adding to that the weekend before (next weekend)... voilà…. almost 10 days to celebrate, and also enjoy and relax!!!!!!!!!!!!

That is great, but what’s even better is that in may and July I can repeat the same pattern, because there’s the same long weekend possibility in all!!! You know what they say...Spain is different hahaha...

So right now I’m planning what to do starting Friday afternoon… the idea is to go, with a friend, to Turkey, Egypt or Dubai, but still do not know if we can make it, shall know in brief, if not I fear it will be very difficult to book places.

I’m excited if I can make it although I’ve already been in Egypt, not only for the places themselves, but also because I might be able to practice my little Arab language knowledge, you know those so basic expressions…

If finally is not possible, I shall go to Marbella again, and we’ll let this destinations for next month, or even June.

As you can see… any place shall be amazing…

Egypt:

Dubai

Turkey

Even if I stay in Spain……….

See some pictures of the Seville’s procession which I shall attend if not travelling overseas….Impressive…

Those are internet pictures, shall post my own pics when I get back… and before that I really hope I can tell a new… not sure yet … we’ll see..

:o)

Beautiful Marbella!!

2009-03-25T23:12:00.006+01:00

That’s the reason why I travel south…

- The picture above is Puerto Banús, Marbella’s marina.

- The picture below is a coastline view.

- Here’s a picture I took last weekend, those are the views I can enjoy from my mother’s apartment, is a view of the beautiful mountain that dominates the Skyline of Marbella, called La Concha.

- And finally, some pictures I took while walking along the looong waterfront road…

I am very lucky...and that's why I talk abou Marbella a lot!!

:o)

My yorkie’s home...

2009-03-23T23:04:00.011+01:00

I’m already back from my mini-holidays in Marbella. Among all the extraordinary things that can be done there, there’s one special and personal thing I like to do every time I come back… visit my Yorkie’s eternal home, it is located inside of my mother’s community gardens :o) … so she’s so close!!!

We take care of her home; well in fact my mother does as she lives there. I paid a visit, to see everything was ok. Looks pretty cute, although the white flowers have not grown yet!

There was no rocks near those gardens, so we went to look for them far away from home, I still remember when last summer we were walking around trying to find some lonely rocks to protect the plants we put around.

And I watered again her place with a little bit of coca cola, she loved it!!

…This weekend I went to the cinema, saw Marley and me… I do not want to spoil the end to anyone, so I won’t say anything but that I cried like a little child. If you watch it and you know a little bit my story…you’ll understand…he’s so

Am I a "winner"?

2009-03-21T12:53:00.004+01:00

Ok, the story that gives the name to this post is the following:

We are going through a long weekend, started last wednesday night. I am right now holidaying in Marbella!!!

I got ready for my trip, and had to take the metro (subway) to get to the TGV (AVE) train to go south. In the first stop, 4 young males from a central american country which name I'm not going to say although I exactly know which it is, got into the wagon. Two stayed behind me , and one stayed to my left while the other at my right side. The one in my right side asked me if I let him cross to the right. I had my handbag and my suitcase with me. Ok, I said as he did not move, which of you is going to cross, you to the left or your friend to the right? He was surprised and said I am, and he crossed. He didn't know I realize they all were toegether.

The thing is that when he finally crossed, I realized that a jacket the other man had in his arm, was touching my breast, so I looked down and I saw his hand inside my handbag!!!!

I'm still amazed a my reaction, I said very loud, but not screaming, WHAT IS YOUR HAND DOING INSIDE MY HANDBAG? he turned red, took the hand off my handbag, and replied "you are confused lady" and I said YOU ARE THE ONE CONFUSED, YOUR HAND IS INSIDE MY PURSE.

So he just disapeared in seconds and left to the other side of the wagon. His pals did the same, and in the next stop they runned fast off of the wagon...but I fear they finally made it to someone else's purse.

So once in the station I went straight to the police man and they told me they already knew there was a band, but that they could do nothing!!!! grrrrr I do not understand that.

I was very lucky I realized what was going on, and that has saved my "loser" week, I can't imaging adding a stolen wallet with all the money ready to spend for holidays, to my list of odd things of this week!!

:0)

Am I a “loser”?

2009-03-17T23:18:00.005+01:00

This week, and yes I say week although its just Tuesday... I’ve lost so many things …

Starting from worst, the list is as follows:

Bulgari watch (grrrrr, I do not how, I lost it in the gym, and I say lost it because I do not even want to think about anyone stealing it from my handbag).
I lost the key of my private office in the company offices, and of course we did not have any copy made…
If that can be called a loss, I bought a box of socks, and inside there was only a pair, not the two that were supposed to be.
I forgot in the supermarket the tuna tin I bought and paid for, did not put it into the shopping bag.

So I just really hope this picture of a St. Patrick’s day vine gives me some luck for the next days…

Please....

:o)

Almost here…

2009-03-15T21:23:00.005+01:00

In two weeks the F1 races start again!!!

I’m very excited with the idea; I really enjoy those wheels fights, the amazing speed they reach, and the motor sound!!

I have to start thinking right now if this year I want to assist to one. And I must start saving too!!

As I said in a previous post I’d love to assist to a race, but not in my own country. Want to take the chance of visiting one I’ve never been, and travel at least for a week, so I can do some tourism too!!

But there’s so many things I just thought I should do this year…that I do not want to squeeze neither my visa nor my brain. Little by little, but without loosing any time, I have to set the priorities for this year…

:-)

Are we really free?

2009-03-11T23:17:00.010+01:00

It is supposed that a free person is one that can live life as he/she wishes, and that freedom is what we have obtained in our modern society.

You can....do/think/say/go wherever/be whatever/choose/buy all... you want...

If you lack those things… you can be considered as a slave. So at a first look we can say WE ARE FREE.

But just at the first look. I believe we are less free every year. There’s been a turning point, while trying and fighting to be free, we’ve changed one kind of slavery for another, sibylline, you think you are free, you act like if you really are, but… are you? Really? Think twice...

Yes we have a lot of things our ancestors did not have. More wealth, health, the right to work, the right to have a house, technology improvements, we can travel, we call elections, we choose our presidents, we can think and say what we think kind of loud, we’ve got almost sex equality.… but is all that really true?

An important part of what we earn is for the State, the idea is that has to be used to improve the country services to all its nationals; but sometimes you just earn enough to pay direct and indirect taxes, a minimum life quality, as a ceiling to live under(rented, not property) and enough food to survive. So you just earn to live, not to enjoy life. You’re a perfect working machine, generating profits for the state which really does not care that much for you as you’re just a number that provides an income, the state is entitled to a share of your output, it owns your ouput.

We can freely express ourselves…until a certain point… you may be regarded as a fool, visionary, socialist, fascist, racist, separatist … whatever you say that does not fit with the idea of the political party governing is considered against them. But I have to admit that in private life we can say and complaint as much as we want.

Trough our medical records, income data, bank accounts and visa cards, emails and telephone conversations, we are being monitored and recorded. Did you know they keep your phone conversations and emails?

You can travel wherever you want…if you have the money to afford it, of course. In Spain the government provided us with a high speed train that was supposed to fight in prices/services with the airplanes. Well I can tell you that train is more expensive than the airplane (train 100-175€, airplane 90-120€, and what’s called Puente Aéreo, one airplane every 30 minutes, open ticket so you arrive and fly costs 250€-320€), and yes it’s true that it has stolen more than 50% of the airplane clients in the Barcelona-Madrid route…but because those were tickets paid by companies to directors, for them it is really worth it, the cost of their trips has been lowered, but normal people has not seen any change. At least those under 60 years, over that you have discounts.

You can be whatever you want…haha.. that’s if you’ve studied in a private university or you’ve been one of the best students, or very lucky or wise. But what about the rest? Trapped between what we want to be and what we can be.

So where does the line between free person and a modern slave ends? With all my respects to the real slaves that still exist in this world, incredible at this point of human history.

Don’t want to compare situations or offend anyone, is not the idea of that post. Just want to point out, that although there is a big difference with slavery (as usually understood,) and what we are/we have/we live now ( modern slavery), I believe we are not as free as we think.

I know I am not. Although I’ve no house of my own…I owe some years of my life to the bank, because I had to ask for a credit to get a car (which I only use to drive back and forth of the office, when I was in Barcelona, I used to ride a motorcycle), and had to ask for another one to pay my master (that has allowed me to progress in my work and earn more than before). So until I shall be able to return those amounts to the bank I am not free to decide to earn less and have a quieter job, or to just leave everything behind and start a new life, or jus t do nothing…I can’t think of options because I’m trapped… so I can not really decide or choose, I have to!!

I complain because I feel that is not fair. I’m lucky I can afford a lot of things, above all being able to live on my own, not with my parents, travelling… study my master in a private university… but I still think that is not fair.

You’re supposed to have more, earn more, spend more…but why? Where did we lost the track of living the life? To consume more means freedom? No. To ask for finance to a bank to afford all those costs means you’re free because you have the choice to ask for it or not? I guess nooo…

It’s a big tale. A big lie. At least for me. We are as much slaves as free persons, 50%-50%.

So let’s live, let’s laugh, let’s learn how to enjoy nature and simple things… starting myself!!

:o)

Eating great!!

2009-03-08T14:51:00.003+01:00

Hehe, these days I’m eating like a normal person!!

My mother and my aunt arrived on Thursday night… and since then I’ve been eating just great!!

They cook the old way, with time and tons of love.

Time to do all the things properly, including choosing carefully what they are going to buy, cutting, peeling…

And with love, the special ingredient that makes food even better, because they really care doing it the best way, for me in this case.

Nothing to do with my super-style cooking, if you can call cook to what I do… just boiling and frying, and that’s when I do an effort… Usually it’s worst, just opening things and serve them heated. Grrrr…shame on me!

But they are leaving tomorrow…so mediocre meals are back again… the only positive thing is… that my weight shall be back again on track when they leave…I’ve been eating sooo much because everything they make is delicious!!

I always think I’ll learn how to cook when I’ll have a family (a reason), cooking for a husband and kids; because for me... I do not really care that much. I eat in restaurants or whatever kind of meal I can prepare in five minutes. But husband and kids deserve to be fed properly!

So you can see how much I love myself….

:o)

Playing hard..

2009-03-05T22:57:00.006+01:00

Today I asked for a pay raise…

I know it’s a bad time to do it, but what should I do? Wait until its over? I was going to ask for it last September, but the crisis emerged. I waited. And as it is going to stay here for a very long time, am I supposed to wait that much? The thing is that luckily my company is doing pretty good, we do not notice the crisis because we just sold before it started, so our company is very healthy at this moment. And I'm fed up of seeing what people earn, wether they deserve it or not. I know what my work is worth it, and until now my wage is been slightly under what a man in the same position would earn... so I asked for the same "he" would earn in my position.

Let’s see what happens. Will they use the crisis excuse or will they pay me as a man?

In fact I’m the only person in my department, and I can swear that I work for two, and my stress rate is starting to become dangerous..

I’ve offered different options, to avoid forcing them to either increase it or fire me… because being fired is also an option… If they fire me.... ok... it would not be what expected, but at this point of my life it would be ok for me too; whatever life brings me is because it’s what is meant to be, and although sometimes you hate what is happening to you, with the time you realize how lucky you were because the experience allowed you to change, live, think, know yourself… if it happened now...maybe it'd be the excuse I need to make a change in my life.

I hope by the end of this month I’ll get to know what they have decided, in my previous job it took them three months to decide how much would they increase it!

I asked for the increase not only for justice, as stated above, but also because I want (I need!!!) to buy peace of mind in my free time, holidays... being comfortable far away.. lost in the other side of the world so I can't answer the phone due to time zones.. I'd pay for a lost beach or valley, or a photo safari, or sailing across the ocean... hopefully, dreaming is for free..

:o)

Moving time!!

2009-03-01T17:00:00.010+01:00

Last Thursday my company started to move, we’re changing offices, so I started to pack all the documents I keep in my office… I made up 25 boxes!!

So tomorrow, I’ll have to unwrap them and start putting again all documents in their place.

It will be very easy to adapt to my new office, because although it’s a little bit smaller than the previous one, I’ve a big transparent glass window as external wall, which means… I will have tons of natural light!!

Sooooo happy, I’ve won a lot with the change!!!!

Now I just hope they give me a big parking lot without columns… dreaming is for free!!

:o)

Living contradiction

2009-02-26T00:23:00.005+01:00

OMG... I am a living contradiction in so many issues..but its all perfectly compatible...I am one of the many proofs..

I grow up “knowing” that by 30 I’d have already been married; and that I was going to have at least 2 kids, and a maximum of 4.

Look at me now!!!!!

36, single and no kids around yet :o(

But I am confused. There’s a fight between the mother I’ve always wanted to be and the professional that I am now (not that I wanted to become).

Living alone, not being able to maintain long relations, and working hundreds of hours has led me apart of the family race… it being understood as that now I see all my university friends as a different specimen of man/woman. They can handle a husband/wife, 2-3 kids, a house, their work… And I feel so tied up with mine and with my house that I can’t imagine myself able to anything else right now.

In the other hand, there is a contradiction too with what I feel when I see kids. I love them, and I’ve always had a good hand with them. When my family reunites in Christmas, uncles, aunts, cousins & their life partners and kids, before the dessert is served I am already in the other side of the house with all the kids, non-stop playing for hours.

But at the same time I think I am so lucky they are not mine… how tired to keep after them, to be patient when they want to do something you know its being done in the wrong way and still want to do it their way….of course they are kids, no adults, and I’ve started to judge them as adults!!

So I do not really know what is happening to me…

Continuing the contradiction’s chain, my thinking is that if before 40 I’ve not found a person with whom I wish to share my life, and as I really want to be a mother…I shall find the way to become a single mother (It took me a lot to convince my parents to accept that possibility, but they now start to see it as the only way hahhaha, because years pass by and I’m not really in the mood of finding someone…that’s the last part of the contradiction’s equation…sometimes I really want or so I say…and it seems I do the impossible to find people that is obvious is not going to work well.. if you do it once you can say it’s been by chance; if you do it twice, still can be called a coincidence; three times is suspicious; and always…..means that I’ve set a pattern!!

But then again thinking if being a single mother is what life has prepared for me, is it fair to bring to world a child and being a missing mother because I have to disappear at least 8 hours a day to work, leaving him/her with a nanny or with the grandma because I need money to raise him/her?

mmmmmhhhhhhh

Problem on comments...

2009-02-24T22:49:00.007+01:00

Hi, I need some help :0)

I do not know what's wrong in my PC or in my internet connection...

Since yesterday afternoon I've been trying to answer to Cois Meyer leaving a comment in his blog, and I've not been able to do it because the word verification form does not load. So I've tried to leave it in my own blog's comments, but found the same problem, so I've been obliged to post that in order to let know why I'm not answering, is not that I don't want, is just that I can't.

I promise I've not changed anything in my Pc / internet tools, so where does this poblem came from? Is something temporal or what?

I've also realized that my map is not actualized since last 21 of february...

Is that a PC poltergeist??? uhuh

Don't know what to do about it. Shall wait a few days and hope it is just a temporary adjustment of the blog, and if is not that...after that time I'll start to bother!!

If anyone who may visit this blog knows what's wrong and is able to post a comment, please tell me if you know what shall I do!!

THANKS

My mother is back!!!

2009-02-22T21:48:00.006+01:00

Big hug mami!!

She left at the end of January with some friends and went cruising within Central America.

I’ve missed her so much, we are so close!!

Usually we call each other from one to three times everyday, we have a mother /daughter relationship, but we are also friends. It’s a different relation than the one she has with my brother and sister, they do not get along as well as I do with her or neither my father.

Why? Don’t really know, maybe because I’m the elder of her child, but mostly because we laugh at the same things, we have a very similar sense of humour, and we don’t have a very different point of view about things, life…

She’s always there when we’ve needed her; she always has warm words and a wise opinion to share with us.

Her only weak point......fashion, she loves it too much!! Despite of all what stated above…there are two things she does not know about:

- This blog (sorry mami, as you won’t be able to read it I shall call you tonight to tell you, again, that I love you!!)

- Desert Mister-y (why should I worry her with a story which is not sure yet that can work? She suffers a lot with our heart aches).

Guess what I’m going to do this weekend..

2009-02-20T18:07:00.005+01:00

Without doubt, starting saturday at 15.00 h…I shall...well...as a picture is worth a thousand words…

Hey… a full Saturday afternoon and Sunday of repairing sleep, I’m going to feel just sooo great!!!

So hyperactive during the week............and soooo lazy during weekend!!

Today counts as week day, so after work (from 9-15 h. on friday :0) I just went to the gym for 1 hour exercise, to the supermarket, to wash my car, post my blog and now going to study 1-2 hours for tomorrow's class, but I've promised myself that tomorrow I shall practice this kittie posture ... meowwwww.

Why I miss Sitges…

2009-02-18T00:44:00.004+01:00

Sitges is a lovely beach town near Barcelona where I’ve been spending my holidays since I was 10 years old, and where I lived for two years after I finished my University studies and before I settled in Barcelona.

Sitges typical view

View from behind

The Maricel Palace, built just by the sea

The Port of Aiguadolç

Pictures have been taken from internet pages, as I don’t keep in my records my own pictures… but you can get a clear idea of how it looks like, it is really a splendid beach town, just love it!!

Actually I live 4 hours driving (fast) of the nearest beach. And since a few years ago I’m holidaying down south, to Marbella, but that’s another story…

Sitges, I shall come back any time soon!!!!

Forgot to live today?

2009-02-15T22:58:00.009+01:00

It is sad that sometimes I feel like I’ve forgot how to live. Sometimes work has me so tied up that I use my free time just to rest, exhausted. Is not that my work implies any physical work. But thinking the whole week is very tired too. Sometimes I feel I need a tow truck to move a finger.

Let’s say that, your work schedule is supposed to be 40 hours per week (8 hours a day), but it’s never under 50 a normal week, plus when there’s something really important going on, stay awake until 2 in the morning is usual, and weekends…can be used too. If you listen to the magic words…that has to be done for Monday… (ahh, and don’t think I get paid for those extra ours, in fact none of my partners do either).

All that work leads you to run to the supermarket, and buy without a list, so you buy fast and nonsense because they are going to close in 10 minutes. Of course you buy things that can be cooked in less than 5 minutes… anything else is a waste of money because you are not going to prepare it!

Every Saturday morning I go downtown for 4 hours class, I’m learning a new language (well at least trying to), so I arrive back home by 3.30 p.m, and my weekend usually starts by then. Ready to enjoy? Uffff not yet!! Still have to clean up the house!! I have a house cleaner once a month, but I have to update it myself. Then, ready? Nooooo, not yet, you are supposed to put a washing machine or two, and after hang it out. Ok,let’s postpone the iron and the homework for next class to Sunday.

Is not that I’m complaining for what I do. I’m complaining for what I’m missing:

One day, after a phone call of Desert Mister-y saying he was going to be in the desert for some days, in a jaima, and that was going to be nice because the moon was going to be full moon. When I drove back home I looked up to the ceiling and saw it, and realized I didn’t watch the sky nor at night neither at day, I was missing the gifts nature offers us daily. Thanks to that, one day I heard there were birds singing by my window, isn’t that cute? I’m sure it was not their first day. But it was mine.

And although I know I should practice the Carpe Diem moment (Live the moment), and that is just my fault if I don't do it..... I’m too tired. Shame on me!! Time goes by so fast, and those lost moments can’t be maked up!

Let’s be positive… one day I’ll be able to change job, or find an excuse to slow down my life’s peace (wining the lottery, having a family…), but I guess it’s a cheap excuse, because only I can make a difference in my life..

I guess I love complaining… and being busy too…

Although I’m thinking seriously what to do in respect of time…

Sometimes I wonder if I could leave all behind and start a new life without all the needs we are supposed to have (a house, a car, a brand new TV, cell, iPhone, designer clothes, fancy trips...).

I’ve start practicing, with clothes… In two years I’ve only bought 3 sweaters, 2 pants, a jacket and a pair of shoes (do not worry, before that I was a fashion victim, so my closet is so full nothing else fits in it, but the point is that the less I buy the less I need…

If I’d be able to do that with everything… I would need less money to live… and that might mean a less stressed job…or a part time job… who knows, until then…trying to work it out!!!

Why blogging?

2009-02-14T22:11:00.003+01:00

Writing gives you new insights of yourself and how you see life and what you expect. Right now is easier than talk it out to friends, who are all involved in marriages with children and you don’t even mind to bother them with problems of a single person, because compared to theirs, yours are nonsense, and although once they were single as you, they do not understand any more.

I told my sister I had a blog, and was posting whatever I wanted to say. She answered; well you could write it in a word (Microsoft office). I told her that in fact, in both you write but they had nothing to do with each other.

A word is completely private, like a diary

A blog is public privacy. No one knows who you are if you don’t want to; maybe someone reads it; maybe someone comments. It’s very different, you feel like someone else can be there and see it, so I believe it’s a chance to find answers by letting yourself and others experience the feelings of your present and your past.

You feel much better than keeping it completely private, released… so indirectly is kinda therapy hahaha

:o)

F1 coming soon!!

2009-02-13T21:27:00.004+01:00

Hi there, one of my favourite’s sports is “watching” F1 races!!!

I really enjoy watching races on TV; last year I followed every single race, on Saturdays the classification and on Sundays the race, and the finale one... ohhhhh I almost had a heart attack!!! Until the last meters of the last lap still didn’t know who was going to win the championship…

Here is the provisional chart for 2009 I found while browsing the internet:

29 March, Australia

5 April, Malaysia

19 April, Bahrain

10 May, Spain (Montmeló-Barcelona)

24 May, Monaco

7 June, Canada

21 June, UK

28 June, France

12 July, Germany

26 July, Hungary

9 August, Turkey

23 August, Spain (Valencia)

6 September, Italy

13 September, Belgium

27 September, Singapore

11 October, Japan

18 October, China

1 November, Brazil

15 November, Abu Dhabi

This year I’d like to watch it in person, but I don’t want to watch it in my own country...because I want the F1 to be an excuse for a week-long- trip…

I guess it’ll be expensive but I’ve found the perfect excuse to justify myself the expense:

I can do it as an advanced birthday present :-)
as a L’Oreal present - you know...because I’m worth it - ;-)
or whatever other excuse I may find out in order to justify my visa getting not only used but also abused… :0)

I am thinking of Italy, it’s the closest place and it is also Ferrari’s home, so the atmosphere sure is great; But maybe Abu Dhabi is a good choice too, so I’ve an excuse to travel to Emirates, never been there yet and seems an amazing place!!

Let’s see how things turn until then… but I really hope I can make it this year… could be GREAT!!!!

bruuuuuuuuuuuum bruuuummmm (spanish onomatopeia for the sound of a motor)

Valentine’s wishes

2009-02-11T15:54:00.004+01:00

How would I like to spend next Valentine’s Day…

Well, just like any other day of my life when I would like to share a positive new, or a special moment/situation, or a simple landscape view a sunset or moonlight sight…simple things…with THAT special person that is your life partner...

But when that thought crosses my mind just a few seconds after I realize I am still single, with no one (but my closest familiars or friends) to share any of these moments, no special hugs, no special smiles, no kisses…

To be honest, family and friends are very important, I do love them all, but what I mean is that is not the same sharing those moments with family & friends, than sharing them with that special person with whom you’ve felt in love. It’s just not the same…at all ;o)

But I don’t want to complain too laud because I really feel lucky that they are part of my life, they mean a lot to me, so they all are my valentines until the one arrives!!

How am I going to spend it instead…

As I live far from any family member or friend (except my cousin and her husband), I’m going to spend it in my sofa…alone…watching a movie…with chocolate snacks….and checking my email so I can send and receive all the valentine’s cards my girls (friends) and I are going to exchange!!!!

I also expect to receive a call from Desert Mister-y, so only with that call I will have a very nice and special Valentine’s Day….

So I wish a very special V.D. due next saturday ……to everybody!!!

:o)

Back to Yoga!!!

2009-02-09T22:28:00.005+01:00

A new gym has just opened next to my house….so I’ve no excuse not to try to accomplish one of the many standard purposes I have for the New Year … and I just signed up because they have yoga classes, which I enjoy a lot.

When I first arrived to my new town I looked for yoga classes and there was only a unique place where there were available, and the classes were aaaaaawful (something very difficult…), so after 3 months I quit, didn't want to pay anymore for classes that are not well executed, and also because I didn't want to start hating somethig I loved.

So I really expect classes to be at least acceptable done in this new place, because I need shape up my body -you know.. gravity does exist!! - and also my mind (I really disconnect of the world during those classes, so they are great for my chronical stress).

The first time I went to yoga classes, 7 years ago, before the class started I thought it was going to be very difficult, and after the class, my first class, the teacher told me if it was really my first class as I told him!

What happens is that I've been doing yoga all my life without knowing it!!!

I still remember those competitions I used to do with my brother and sister, in my parents bedroom, in their biiiiig bed; just to have fun we played with our feet, putting them behind our heads, or touching our ears, nose, standing in the bed but upside down with our heads on the bed and legs up to the ceiling (to see who could last more time in those positions) …well you know… those typical postures that I’ve been practicing until now!!!!

So I am really very excited to go back to yoga!!!

I hope I like how they make them.

Shall start this Friday!!!!!

:o)

Self-indulgence time!!

2009-02-08T12:57:00.005+01:00

Sunday at last!!

Time to relax and do absolutely nothing……….feels great!!!!

Now, I shall indulge myself with a bubble bath!!!!

Looooove bubble bath……….with relaxing music…..shall be there for at least half an hour…so I can forget about this wonderrrrrful week I’ve had, and get my “battery recharged” to face up the next one…starting tomorrow…

Why do I deserve one???

I could have done it while having some rest yesterday, but….I woke up at 6 a.m in order to study a little bit for the exam I had at 10.

After this crazy week I was not able to find more hours to invest in studying, so I guess my exam won’t be too brilliant… I finished classes by 14h and when I went for my car, so I could drive to my cousin’s house, I got a 90€ ticket in my car…grrrrr…..

I checked before I parked it, and it was supposed to be a free area on Saturday, and it was, but the fine says I lacked the area resident ticket (?), so if you’re not from that area, and can not park paying/or not doing so because is Saturday, where am I supposed to leave my car?

I went to have lunch with my cousin and her husband, the only family I have closer than 600km, and stayed there until 2 a.m. Had a great time, both are very special to me. Since I live here we’ve been able to know each other better, now we’ve got very close (she always was the cousin that lived faaaar away, and now she’s just 15 minutes driving distance :o) .

I would like to update my blog archive list of “blogs I like”, Photo Library ,Whiskers Tales Round I and Caravan Shelties; the first one has very nice pictures of landscapes and wild animals in South Africa, and comments how those pics were taken and what they are or mean to the author, great sensibility; the other two are funny daily reports of all the things cats and dogs can do, with great comments!!

Resigning is not an option........YET

2009-02-04T15:57:00.002+01:00

I’m soooo tired!!!!
……….and it’s just Wednesday……..OMG!!

I really want (need) to quit this job and get a new one. But it is not a good idea to do so, the country is going through a severe crisis and it is really difficult to change job.

On the other hand, I’ve had enough, I am physically tired, and mentally too. Not fair to feel like this when there are thousands of people everyday losing their jobs.

Spain has approximately 45 million people, from those, approximately half are in legal age to work and do so. Yesterday the statistics showed that in January the country has lost another 200.000 jobs. There’s already 3.300.000 unemployed, and the estimation is to arrive to 4 millions before summer. TERRIBLE.

I’m going to start looking for a new one before I’m fed up and resign. Dangerous times for impulsive acts!!

I’d love to find a job abroad, and if it’s not possible, I’d like to go back to Barcelona. I must tart seeking this weekend, but I guess those are hard times everywhere, so I’ve to relax, calm and take things easy before I talk too much or complain…. I don’t want (need) to be fired!

If it looks like snow…

2009-02-01T13:01:00.004+01:00

When I woke up today ...... there was a surprise waiting ............ that's the view from my window...

Not a sunny winter day, but instead, a perfect SNOWY winter day..........GREAT, it's the 4th time this year.

:o)