It's Official...

Erin Go Braugh!
When I turned 30 I treated myself to my first trip abroad by meeting my ex boyfriend at his home in northern Italy. This May I am turning 35 and treating myself to a trip with Patrick to his home in northern Ireland... SO excited!! I hope it doesn't rain too much. I can't wait to see the gorgeous, lush countryside where he grew up riding his Arabian horse and being eye witness to historic IRA bombings in his youth. Wow. Only one question remains: "Will it be a nice day for a Guinness?"

"De Colores.."

*I always said I'd get married in a bright Latina orange or vibrant green dress. I guess that says that I am incredibly sexy on the inside AND I put others first. :) he he he

Most of us have a favorite color. Maybe you’re drawn to sky blue because it makes your eyes stand out or you find forest green particularly comforting. Whatever the case, your preferred hue can reveal a lot about what makes you tick. And the same holds true for the people you date—you’d probably have a different impression of a date if he or she said, “My favorite color is yellow,” versus “My favorite color is black.” That’s because color speaks a powerful, silent language. Welcome to Color Theory. So, look up your favorite color below — and your date’s best-loved shade — and get some colorful insights that will benefit your romantic life.

Red
What it represents: Ah, the color of passion, anger and high blood pressure. Red is a primal color. It represents primal urges, like lust (“I must have you now!”) and fury (you know the phrase, “seeing red,” right?). Yes, red is a commanding color: Think of how stop signs get you to halt in your tracks and how you stand back when a red fire engine goes whizzing by.

Understanding people who love it: They act — sometimes without thinking — on immediate desires. In fact, they’re usually the poster child for immediate gratification. It’s up to you if you go for it... or proceed with caution.

Orange
What it represents: OK, orange is not exactly the easiest color to wear and it’s not the most common favorite color, but guess what? Orange is as sexy as it gets. Orange is a mellowed red—and it takes primal, lusty urges and mellows them with a softer vibe. Orange is the color of early attractions, emotional responses, and inner magnetism. Oh, and one other thing: Orange is also close to gold, the color of success and wealth.

Understanding people who love it: Someone who likes orange is alive with feelings, the ability to nurture, and can intuit a path to success. If your favorite color is orange, you don’t have an “off” switch when it comes to passion. This is all good stuff, but there’s nothing casual about the connections this kind of person usually forges.

Yellow
What it represents: Yellow is the color of the sun, vitality, power and ego... but it’s not a great indicator of romance. Watch out for self-centered, me-first energy when someone prefers yellow to the rest of the rainbow.

Understanding people who love it: If yellow is your favorite color, temper your use of the word “I” when you’re interested in someone else. You can come across as too ego-centric. Now, if you’re dating someone whose favorite hue is yellow, make sure to jump in and share stories about yourself, since this person may not give you much room.

Green
What it represents: Here is the heart of the matter. Green is the color of love. (It’s no coincidence that we make our money in the same color...) Green is the color of life and abundance — leaves, grass, plants — it’s all about growing, expanding, and living. So why don’t we give ferns instead of roses on Valentine’s Day? Because green is about expansive, humanistic love and acceptance, not bodice-ripping romance. What’s more, green is a nice person color, a do-gooder, be-gooder kind of color. This person has a warm heart. Hot passion is probably in there somewhere, buried under the integrity and honor.

Understanding people who love it: If you love green, you put the greater good before your own good—but try a little selfish behavior once in a while.

Blue
What it represents: Blue is a color of clarity, communications and charm. And regardless of the shade, this hue says: “I like to be understood.” On the downside, under stress, a “blue” person can send mixed messages, have trouble making up their mind, or just space out.

Understanding people who love it: If blue is your favorite color, you never run out of anything to say—expression is your strong suit. And if you’re dating someone “blue”? The same holds true; you should always know where you stand.

Purple
What it represents: Purple evokes the energy of illusion, imagination and fantasy. Or should we say purrrrple? Purple tends to inspire foreplay, romance, flirtation and teasing—it builds anticipation with playfulness. The downside of purple is unrealistic expectation. Is it easier to live in your fantasy world than the real world? Some purple-lovers prefer it.

Understanding people who love it: If you love purple you can be an imaginative romantic or prefer imaginary romance—depending on how you feel.

White
What it represents: White is light—the combination of all colors. White symbolizes purity (the virginal bridal dress, the christening gown) and spirituality. There’s a simplicity to it, too.

Understanding people who love it: People who love white are probably clean and orderly. While white isn’t the sexiest color, it is certainly healthy.

Black
What it represents: Like white, black is a combination of all colors, but instead of purity, it represents the unknown, the unseen—mystery. Black basically holds back information... but there’s no denying that it has strong associations in our culture with “the dark side” and evil.

Understanding people who love it: If your favorite color is black, you are more hush-hush than ha-ha. The silence of this color lets others fill in the blanks. Black says “I’m not telling you anything.” People who love black can be tough nuts to crack, but quite possibly worth the effort.

The Oscars 2007

Somehow Patrick let me sit on his couch (for what seemed an eternity) to watch the Oscars. He even watched some, little..very little, of it with me. He rolled his eyes at the pro-Democrat Hollywood elite, and, especially, when Al Gore's documentary, "An Inconvenient Truth" won an Oscar. As usual, the Oscars were pretty political. But I LOVE that the above movie about global-warming won, although I knew it would simply because of Gore taking part in it. I also LOVED that there were 3 MEXICAN film-makers honored with Oscar nominations AND wins. For any of you who know Mexican cinema you would know that it unfortunately is in a sad state. It is TRULY remarkable that these men and their films all hailed from Mexico - muchas felicidades, Senores! Of course I was amazed, if, even a little shocked, that American Idol alum: Jennifer Hudson won Best Supporting Actress - holy cow! Now, I trumpeted in a December blog how wonderful a job she did in "Dreamgirls", but if you don't think Hollywood LOVED her story of this being her first acting role and being booted off American Idol..well..
Cate Blanchett got my vote for best-dressed as well as ultra hunk: George Clooney (who, I am realizing more and more each day that my handsome Irish beau has the same dark eyes, bushy eyebrows and salt and pepper hair..yummmy)!!
Congrats to all the nominee and winners!

When Harry Stalked Sally...

Witty remix trailer of movie, "When Harry Met Sally" set to dark music. Just goes to show how music can totally manipulate a scene. Love it!

Teacher Application

My wonderful Aunt Gini sent me this (I have been teaching public middle and high school for 8 years). THIS IS SO WELL SAID. THANK GOD FOR TEACHERS.....OVER WORKED, UNDERPAID AND MOST DEFINITELY UNDER APPRECIATED!!

Teacher Applicant

After being interviewed
By the school administration,
The eager teaching prospect
Said:
"Let me see
If I've got this right.
You want me to go into that room with all those kids,
And
Fill their every waking moment with a love for learning,
And
I'm supposed to instill a sense of pride in their ethnicity, modify their disruptive behavior, observe them for signs of abuse and
Even censor their T-shirt messages and dress habits.
You want me to wage a war on drugs and sexually transmitted diseases,
Check their backpacks for weapons of mass destruction, and
Raise their self esteem.
You want me to teach them patriotism, good citizenship, sportsmanship, fair play, how to register to vote,
How to balance a checkbook,
And
How to apply for a job.
I am to check their heads for lice, maintain
A safe environment,
Recognize
Signs of anti-social behavior, make sure all students pass the state exams,
Even those who don't come to school regularly or
Complete any of their assignments.
Plus,
I am to make sure that all of the students with handicaps
Get an equal education
Regardless
Of the extent of their mental
Or physical handicap.
I am to communicate regularly with the parents
By letter, telephone,
Newsletter and report card.
All of this I am to do
With just
A piece of chalk,
A computer,
A few books,
A bulletin board,
A big smile
AND
On a starting salary
That qualifies my family
For food stamps!
You want me
To do all of this
And
Then you tell me...
I CAN'T PRAY?"

Away on Business

A couple days away. A small addition to the very few that I haven't spent with you since the day we met. Validation and appreciation in a job well-done. A real "People Person". Exhausted but allowing just a little bit of fun. There are no worries on my behalf but debauchery and selfishness abound around me. My advice sought out and given, I feel my experience and my mother's words flow out of me to welcome but lost, young ears. And I feel that faint memory of satisfaction that: I made a difference. A long time unappreciated for my generosity, it felt lovely to hear, "thank you".

80s Song of the Week - Wham! "Wake me up Before you Go-Go"

This 1985 bubblegum pop ditty by British duo, "Wham!" is a TOTAL guilty pleasure of mine! Bouncy beats, perky melody, horn brass in the chorus, playful deep bass voice chanting, "Jitterbug", at regular intervals - sweet fun! As for the video - well, those are some pretty short, 2-toned, 80s shorts (I later heard George Michael comment that he and Andrew Ridgely, did indeed er, stuff them for the video). And the use of glow-in-dark lighting - so groovy! Looking back now at the wardrobe, song, video and the swinging and clapping dance choreography there is no doubt that George Michael came 'out' years later. That said, he is deliciously cute, became a master of pop songs and he DID write them as well (always a big plus in my book). Also, everyone who knows me knows that I love gay men - maybe way back in Jr. High school when this song came out I already knew I was destined to be a friend of the 'girls'... :)

Ben Stein's last Column is a lesson learned...

** I saw Ben Stein tonight as a guest on the uber-Republican "O'Reilly Factor" (Patrick loves it). It made me remember this that my sister-in-law sent out a couple years ago. It's some serious food for thought... **

For many years Ben Stein has written a biweekly column called "Monday Night At Morton's." (Morton's is a famous chain of Steakhouses known to be frequented by movie stars and famous people from around the globe.) Now, Ben is terminating the column to move on to other things in his life. Reading his final column is worth a few minutes of your time.

Ben Stein's Last Column...
============================================
How Can Someone Who Lives in Insane Luxury Be a Star in Today's World?

As I begin to write this, I "slug" it, as we writers say, which means I put a heading on top of the document to identify it. This heading is "eonlineFINAL," and it gives me a shiver to write it. I have been doing this column for so long that I cannot even recall when I started. I loved writing this column so much for so long I came to believe it would never end.

It worked well for a long time, but gradually, my changing as a person and the world's change have overtaken it. On a small scale, Morton's, while better than ever, no longer attracts as many stars as it used to. It still brings in the rich people in droves and definitely some stars. I saw Samuel L. Jackson there a few days ago, and we had a nice visit, and right before that, I saw and had a splendid talk with Warren Beatty in an elevator, in which we agreed that Splendor in the Grass was a super movie. But Morton's is not the star galaxy it once was, though it probably will be again.


Beyond that, a bigger change has happened. I no longer think Hollywood stars are terribly important. They are uniformly pleasant, friendly people, and they treat me better than I deserve to be treated. But a man or woman who makes a huge wage for memorizing lines and reciting them in front of a camera is no longer my idea of a shining star we should all look up to.

How can a man or woman who makes an eight-figure wage and lives in insane luxury really be a star in today's world, if by a "star" we mean someone bright and powerful and attractive as a role model? Real stars are not riding around in the backs of limousines or in Porsches or getting trained in yoga or Pilates and eating only raw fruit while they have Vietnamese girls do their nails.

They can be interesting, nice people, but they are not heroes to me any longer. A real star is the soldier of the 4th Infantry Division who poked his head into a hole on a farm near Tikrit, Iraq. He could have been met by a bomb or a hail of AK-47 bullets. Instead, he faced an abject Saddam Hussein and the gratitude of all of the decent people of the world.

A real star is the U.S.soldier who was sent to disarm a bomb next to a road north of Baghdad. He approached it, and the bomb went off and killed him.

A real star, the kind who haunts my memory night and day, is the U.S. soldier in Baghdad who saw a little girl playing with a piece of unexploded ordnance on a street near where he was guarding a station. He pushed her aside and threw himself on it just as it exploded. He left a family desolate in California and a little girl alive in Baghdad.

The stars who deserve media attention are not the ones who have lavish weddings on TV but the ones who patrol the streets of Mosuleven after two of their buddies were murdered and their bodies battered and stripped for the sin of trying to protect Iraqis from terrorists.

We put couples with incomes of $100 million a year on the covers of our magazines. The noncoms and officers who barely scrape by on military pay but stand on guard in Afghanistan and Iraq and on ships and in submarines and near the Arctic Circle are anonymous as they live and die.

I am no longer comfortable being a part of the system that has such poor values, and I do not want to perpetuate those values by pretending that who is eating at Morton's is a big subject.

There are plenty of other stars in the American firmament...the policemen and women who go off on patrol in South Central and have no idea if they will return alive; the orderlies and paramedics who bring in people who have been in terrible accidents and prepare them for surgery; the teachers and nurses who throw their whole spirits into caring for autistic children; the kind men and women who work in hospices and in cancer wards. Also, let's honor the dear Christian man who after 8 years of devoted study,became a missionary in Indonesia, with his wife & 2 small sons; and all the missionaries all over the world who bring Jesus into the hearts of foreigners!

Think of each and every fireman who was running up the stairs at the World Trade Center as the towers began to collapse. Now you have my idea of real heros.

I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters. This is my highest and best use as a human. I can put it another way. Years ago, I realized I could never be as great an actor as Olivier or as good a comic as Steve Martin...or Martin Mull or Fred Willard--or as good an economist as Samuelson or Friedman or as good a writer as Fitzgerald. Or even remotely close to any of them.

But I could be a devoted father to my son, husband to my wife and, above all, a good son to the parents who had done so much for me. This came to be my main task in life. I did it moderately well with my son, pretty well with my wife and well indeed with my parents (with my sister's help). I cared for and paid attention to them in their declining years. I stayed with my father as he got sick, went into extremis and then into a coma and then entered immortality with my sister and me reading him the Psalms.

This was the only point at which my life touched the lives of the soldiers in Iraqor the firefighters in New York. I came to realize that life lived to help others is the only one that matters and that it is my duty, in return for the lavish life God has devolved upon me, to help others He has placed in my path. This is my highest and best use as a human.

Faith is not believing that God can. It is knowing that God will.
By Ben Stein

45 Years of A Lot of Hard Work and Faith

45anniversary

Click on Slideshow!
Today we spent at my sister's house. It was my parents 45th wedding anniversary. 45 years - almost half a century! I am so proud of them: 6 kids and 8 grandchildren later; working through their own life issues and now the top leaders internationally of Retrouvaille - which helped them, along with their strong Faith, to save their own marraige. My siblings and I are very blessed to have such decent, hard-working, God-serving role models. We should all be so lucky. Felicadades! Con mucho carino de parte de su h'ija menor

"A First Dance"

With your desires tangled in my dark hair,
you are lost in the strangeness and newness of my form.
Bronzed hands grasping mine, the Courtship begins
with a First Dance.

Tell me your name again.
I like forgetting the shape of it in my mouth
and then remembering.
Small talk safely transcends shy humour.
Ah! The music!

An unbuttoned shirt revealing a slice of strength.
Perhaps access to your soul?
From the corners of their eyes
angels and devils watch the possibilities rise in our steps.

Embracing, your breath soft and warm;
bodies turning and touching.
Your eyes reveal the path to the wild winery
where we intoxicate by one anothers glances.

Under a blanket of darkness
our souls are bare.
Truth is as simple
as a bed and its covers.
Shall we be Lovers? Or Friends?

But the dance ends
and I walk away
without a word:
leaving a sideword glance
to interpret as you wish...

West Elm - for the metrosexual in you!

* Yes! I own the capiz table lamp below!! * :)~
I love interior decorating. I am fond of saying that I must have been some gay interior decorater in some other life. My personal taste is a clean, modern (NOT contemporary) "retro-chic" look. Very mextrosexual. That said, I LOVE, love, LoVe the home decor store West Elm! There are only a few around the country and San Diego was lucky enough to get one about 2 years ago. My apartments and now the house I currently live in, are 90% full of furniture and decor from this place! It's like walking into a showroom for it. I favor dark espresso woods in my furniture and their use of bright colors (hey! I'm latina - we love color!) in their rugs, vases and decorative pillows are right up my alley! Now, I am not saying they are the cheapest place, but they are certainly not the most expensive either. And when things go on sale - they are a STEAL. Even my hip ex Italian boyfriend and frugal gay friend decorated their apartments similar to my old one - imitation is flattery! :) Check it out! You can always shop online or on the catalog - link.

80s Song of the Week - Pat Benetar "Love is a Battlefield"

For all the romantics out there this week of Valentine's Day, I'd like to go against the grain and dedicate this kick-ass 80s diddy by Pat Benetar. This gal was originally primed to be an opera singer like her mother and was also a ballerina and I love that she ended up being one of the few real women rock stars to this day. She was way ahead of her time, man!

And so was this video. Come on, how many rebellious and just plain misunderstood teens could relate to her story of being thrown out of her house by her dad and leaves to find her calling in the Big (Bad) Apple of New York City?! Shoot. I love how she resorts to having to work in some seedy nightclub and has a pimp with a silver tooth(!) before it became "in" with today's Rap stars. he he he. And this video was also one of the first ever to have a completely choreograped dance section to it - like I said: way of ahead of it's time. And don't get me started on those 80s clothes and big, hairsprayed hair... Those are some darn, tough chicks in this video! Rock and roll!

El Dia de Amor y Amistad

*I told my boyfriend, Patrick, that I do not wish for anything out of the ordinary on Valentine's Day. (I may be the only woman I know with this perspective.) Each to her own: I just am not into gifts or pressuring who I am dating to dish out money on gifts or an overpriced dinner. His love for me is proven every day on a day-to-day basis. Life is hard. He is strong. And he is there for me. No amount of gifts, roses, candy or jewelry could ever prove his commitment more to me than that.

That said, I love to reflect. And I love writing. I came across the following that I wrote September 13, 2006. Almost 5 months ago to the day. It was a turning point for me in our still young relationship. I am so proud to be here, P. I love you.

There is an idea of our relationship.

Undoubtedly in the minds of family.

Of friends.

Of our exes.

And our past.

But no one can come close, my Love, to understanding and deciphering just exactly what it means that both of us have arrived to this place. To this moment. To open ourselves to the utter happiness (and inevitable pain) that comes with trusting when one is not trusting by nature or is introverted, or has been through some traumatic experiences.

I shall work very hard to never fail you in what you have given me. That is my pledge to you.

A long time ago someone once told me that they couldn't return my love. That it was difficult to be responsible for, or on the receiving end of such feelings. I remember apologizing. Broken and confessing to myself that the only way I know how to love is to own a part of my mate's soul...

I never dreamed someone would be strong enough to want that kind of love. For the pain that is involved with that kind of passionate emotion can be utterly devastating and crushing.

We found each other only a short distance away. With already signs of our paths and past crossing. It was inevitable that I be yours someday. Wholeheartedly yours.

Absolutely everything hurtful that I have gone through in my life has been worth it now that I have you and know what a healthy relationship is. What an equal relationship should be. And to truly know what it is like for the first time to be in love with a man who knows how to give as well as receive.

I've dreamt about this feeling and your embrace since I was 13. Twenty-one years later I can say that I have undoubtedly found the one I want to be with for the rest of my life. Everything I laugh at or enjoy without you hurts because I want to share it with you. You are such an integral part of my life now that I can't imagine spending a day without seeing you.

I am so blessed.

I am so happy.

I am so in love.

Booty-licious gets coveted Sports Illustrated swimsuit cover!

Congrats to singer Beyonce who can lick her wounds a bit since her co-star, Jennifer Hudson, is winning all the awards for their movie musical, "Dreamgirls". The booty-licious performer graces the cover of this year's Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. She is a very pretty girl, no doubt about it, and they pose her to show off her ass-etts real well. But as Miss Tyra Banks - retired Supermodel/Talkshow host/ex cover model several times for the SI issue - would point out, "She has no neck in this photograph..." Hear that, Gurrll, you better work! http://music.msn.com/music/article.aspx?news=251607>1=7702

Christiane F. - Wir Kinder vom Bahnhof Zoo

Last summer Patrick introduced me to Christiane F. – a beautiful, middle-class but essentially hopeless young girl of 13 from Berlin, West Germany.

Okay: it was a movie. But Christiane F. is a real person. And her story is terrifyingly disturbing. The movie was filmed in 1981 and unapologetically realistic in recounting her struggle with drug-addiction against the backdrop of a dark, black and gray Free Germany still trying to overcome its Nazi past.

The film is brutal. Filmed in documentary style we see beautiful, prepubescent Christiane living with her mother and new boyfriend after her sister has left to live with their father. Like many teens coping with pain, Christane escapes from her seemingly abandonment issues by losing herself listening to music in her room – in this case, David Bowie records – and daydreaming of the new disco, “Sound” which assumes in her mind some sort of fantasy world. She is not poor, not abused, not even unloved – and, yet, she feels utterly empty.

Eventually Christiane starts to frequent the “Sound”, lying that she is age 16 to get in. In a dreamlike state she wanders her dream world amongst other angst-ridden youth all the while with her beloved Bowie songs playing on the dance floor. She befriends some older teens and meets gentle, chivalrous Detlev – with whom she falls in love with. After a few months stint of hanging out with her new friends and boyfriend at the underground Zoo train station where the kids would drop acid and sleep there if homeless, Chistiane eventually becomes addicted herself to heroin - even though her friends warn that she would become hooked after only one try - and loses her virginity to Detlev at 14.

Her mother finds her one day collapsed at home and in a very open-minded (almost insightful) gesture – fetches Detlev and locks them both in her room to quit cold-turkey. The scene is harrowing – with nothing left to the imagination. The 2 young lovers vomit, sweat, bleed, writhe in pain and shake uncontrollably while alternating trying to consol one other. It is absolutely ghastly to watch. (And I join the critics who believe it should be mandatory viewing in schools.)
They do, eventually, make it through and are clean – but only for a moment. As they visit the old gang at the station to encourage sobriety they immediately relapse suggesting to each other to just “do it one last time”. Devastatingly, they are hooked again....Immediately.

Her life spiraling out of control, Christiane is forced to steal, sell her beloved Bowie albums, see friends die from overdose, and eventually enter prostitution herself. Her once angelic, unmarked child’s face is now bloated, with dark circles, her long hair matted and ratty. When her love, Detlev, moves in with a homosexual client as a last resort of survival – albeit the most unhealthy, reckless and hopeless way of life – Christiane finds herself even more alone and isolated than ever before. The movie ends with her voiceover stating that her mother sent her away from Berlin to live with a grandmother. She never saw Detlev again. A couple years later her autobiography was published before the age of 20 and she became an overnight news and talk-show sensation. Amazingly, her battle with drugs remained off-and-on until 1996 with the birth of her son.

Even with the dark, unforgivingly realistic subject matter of the movie, it remains one of my all-time favorites. For 8 years I have been working with teenagers and have been moved and mostly disheartened at their plight. Whether or not kids turn to drugs, alcohol, lying, gangs, immoral or promiscuous behavior to deal with life, the underlying common denominator is the universal feeling of having no sense of identity and belonging which leads to feelings of utter isolation. Virtually all youth experience this as “growing pains”.

As “weak” or “naïve” as one can judge Christiane F., upon watching the film one cannot help but still root for her as a young heroine, all the while relating to her youthful crush that then blossoms into her first Love. We’ve all been there. We recognize her excitement when she attends her first concert of her larger-than-life idol, David Bowie (who believed so strongly in the story as to score the film and make a cameo appearance reenacting his 1975 Berlin concert).

The best scene of the movie literally makes me ache a mix of nostalgia and yearning of some unattained youthful dreams. With “Heroes” (my favorite Bowie song of all time) as accompianant - and before she and Detlev have yet to become hooked on drugs – this magnificent scene follows them as they run hand-in-hand like nymphs along with their gang of friends in the middle of the night through a darkened downtown Berlin building. Playfully falling down only to get up and do the same again, their laughter, camaraderie and free spirit echo what youth so desperately crave while belying the angst that they, in fact, truly feel. Even when Detlev breaks a window to steal money and the kids suddenly become criminals outsmarting and running away from the police, one still finds themselves rooting for the young lovers’ escape and eventual first kiss. The scene says so much – without any dialogue – with Bowie singing, “I can be King. And you can be Queen. There's nothing that can drive us apart. We can be Heroes: just for one day.”

And so they were…

49th Grammy Awards

Last night I watched the Grammy Music awards while sitting on the ground stretching and doing various Pilates and Yoga positions for 2 hours. Now, I haven't watched this awards show in years, but my beau Patrick set up my cable-less TV with some rabbit ears (antennae) so that I can now watch -albeit still fuzzy - American Idol - heh heh heh.

Back to the Grammys - I have mixed reviews. I was very interested in seeing The Police reunite and open the show - but did anyone else feel like it was good but nothing great? I thought the best performance was John Mayer, John Legend and Connie Rae - highlighting the fact that they are excellent singer/songwriters. They didn't rely on pyrotechnics, stage lighting or a load of sexually-suggestive choreographed dancers - it was just a simple, understated example of great musicianship. Bravo.

Ah, Justin Timberlake. Why did he get to perform twice? His song was interesting - and I have 3 questions: did anyone else think that he was NOT playing the piano? Did anyone else think that the song was written for Brittney? And lastly, does anyone else think that the "My Grammy Moment" where the public voted on a lucky gal to sing a duet with him - was worthless TV time? The winner wasn't even that good - and I noticed they lowered the volume on her microphone after her first few notes were sharp in pitch.

Beyonce - Lord, she is beautiful and can sing but 2 things: she needed a slip with that dress and that song from the "Dreamgirls" movie is borrrringgg (click on previous blog about all that).

Well, kudos to my Latina sister - Shakira. I don't like the song, "Hips Don't Lie" (MUCH prefer "La Tortura" with Alejandro Sanz) and her voice is unique at best, but she sure was groovy to watch. (Although I am starting to think that the world is going to think there is a major middle-eastern influence going on in Columbia with all that belly-dancing going on). Shouldn't she be showcasing some "Vallenato" dance moves??

Also: Cristina Aguilera - who evidently has a part Mexican 'nana' (grandmother) which makes her Mexican-American somehow. Right?? heh heh heh. In any case: that little chica can sing - and oversing really well. Her rendition of, "It's a Man's World" showed that it might be a man's world but a petite, peroxide blond young woman can sing about it - she was pretty heartfelt with her vocal theatrics and her dramatically grasping the microphone stand while down on her knees - "No te ensucies, Mi'ja!!" Whew!

I think I can probably stand to let a few years go by without seeing another Grammy show again. Congrats to all the nominees and winners :)

Feng-shui - don't let it get away...

I like a little re-arranging in my life at times. (Must be the Basque gypsy blood in me). This weekend I found an old feng-shui (pronounced fung - shway)chart that my ex boyfriend, Mark, from my 20s had given me. Feng Shui is a practical science, closely linked with nature, that was developed and expanded by the Chinese over six thousand years ago. In English, the term means ´wind and water´. It is based on the belief that everything is interconnected in our lives. I certainly subscribe to that!

For example, I realized that my bed was not in the best position to receive the good chi that flows in from the bedroom door - a lot of people get ill in bedrooms without proper chi and flowing oxygen. That was quickly corrected by placing it kitty-corner to the door. Most people do the coffin position - and don't realize that that is encouraging bad chi and needs to have a mirror, crystal or plant placed between the foot of the bed and the door to correct it. I think feng shui is definitely an interesting and useful way of thinking. People in China really subscribe to it's use of colors (each with different signification), plants, waterfalls, mirrors and furniture placement to help ensure one is receiving the best chi energy possible.

It really does make my home with it's metro sexual urban furniture feel extra zen - I love it and highly encourage looking into it. You can even practice fen-shui just on your desk or your entire office in the workplace to ensure greater success, health and financial prosperity. Who can argue with that??!

A PEEK at New York Fashion Week

So, I definitely like Fashion - I don't eat, breathe or sleep it like some people I know, but I certainly appreciate it after modeling for 10 years. I love the theatrics of it, I love the details that go into it, the talent, the creativity and vision: it can be very similar to putting on a professional stage production.

In any case, I was browsing articles on the recent Fashion Week in New York and came across some great and not-so-great styles of clothing. This one from designer Duckie Brown may get someone arrested trying to wear it in public, but I have a certain unconventional European ex boyfriend who would absolutely don the duds at least in Hillcrest, San Diego!

What do YOU think?

David Beckham is coming to Los Angeles, California to play for the LA Galaxy team. It still seems so strange. I wonder to myself: is he doing it because he is older now? By soccer standards his hey-day in Europe is coming to an end so he can play here in the USA as a semi-retired old man at 40, eating cookies and twinkies and STILL overpowering our league's players easily? I mean, shoot: the USA league is easily on par with the 2nd tier level of Europe's futbol teams.

Or is it that he came here because he is so accosted in Europe by the paparazzi that he and his wife, ex-Spice Girl, Victoria Beckham, just want a little more freedom??

Well, I think I know the REAL answer. This man is GORGEOUS (and E doesn't even prefer blonds). And his wife - although WAY to skinny and strange-looking to ME, is considered HOT by most men. My theory???? I think that both of them want to break into.... Hollywood. Come on - you KNOW his wife is urging him, "Honey, I so want to be on that Desperate Housewives show!"

And that is why they chose to come to play in Los Angeles. Enough said...

Simple Pleasures

I once wrote a blog (see previous) about simple pleasures. Nowadays one can get very caught up in the many gadgetry, technical toys to play with. Perhaps it's a good thing to be reminded that quality time with loved ones doesn't require anything more than simply getting outdoors.

A couple weekends ago I told Patrick and his daughter, Ciara, that I was taking them to one of my favorite places in the afternoon. Ciara was bouncing around pleading, like any 8-year-old would, for me to tell her where I was taking them. I ignored her and told her after we did some chores around the house we would go.

Eventually I corralled everyone into my Scion car and I drove us to La Jolla Cove. I have always loved this place. It's great. You can go down into the sandy cove to the beach if you like, or stay dry and have a picnic in the grassy park. Or perhaps you choose to climb around the big rocks on another part of the beach or simply stroll along the sidewalk along the top of the cliffs and enjoy the view of the waves and people from above. Ciara had a blast and of course opted to go running into the water. Then we searched the tidepools while Patrick took some great shots of the big waves crashing. It was such a lovely afternoon - reminded me of my childhood when Sundays after church were always Family Day and my mom would pack a picnic and we'd drive the 8 of us to the beach, park, mountains or somewhere in nature. We are so blessed to live in such a beautiful city with nice weather and I was so pleased to share it with my special ones.

At the end of the day I commented to P, "Wasn't that a lovely afternoon?" And he answered, "Yes... it was all about simple pleasures."

Simple Pleasures

Click to watch on slideshow :)

80s Song of the Week #5 - David Bowie "Blue Jean"

ok, ok if you've been reading my blog by now you know that I dig David Bowie something awful! *that's a good thing, by the way :)

I was not introduced to Bowie, though, until his 1980s period - quite different than his earlier heyday. That said, when he reached the 80s, whether or not with the birth of MTV and music videos - he did a major makeover - and the sexy, suave, non-effeminate but still unique Bowie was born. THIS was the David Bowie that I first cut my teeth on. Hubba hubba.

I remember this video quite clearly. I LOVE it not just for the swinging, danceable song that it is but for the video production. Firstly: the duality that plays a theme throughout it - the duality of his makeup shading (SO sexy on his angular bone structure) opposing the different color duality of his one brown eye and one light eye. Then there is the duality of him being a sexy performer onstage with the crowd in the palm of his hand and his double role of him playing the nerd in the business suit trying to impress the attractive woman watching the show (I remember that 80s makeup on her by the way!). Lastly, I love the choice of having the crowd sometimes choreographed to playfully repeat his gestures onstage. And what could be cooler than them applaud his performance at the end by doing the very French retro-chic 'snapping' of fingers instead of clapping of hands?

This video was actually only part of a 20 minute video which is hard to find nowadays in it's entirety. Until next week, my 80s friends!

Mexican Birthday Parties

The Top 15 ways to tell it's a MEXICAN birthday party:

1. Some of the guests didn't bring a gift - but brought
extra uninvited kids.

2. The party is separated into women cooking, men
drinking, and kids playing.

3. The party is at Chuck E. Cheese but they brought their
own food, cake and a Pinata.

4. It's a child's party, but there are more grown ups
than children.

5. It's "M'ijo's" 1st birthday and the party food is carne
asada, arroz, frijoles and 10 cases of beer.

6. For entertainment, instead of playing pin the tail on
the donkey, there is usually a televised baseball or futbol (SOCCOR) game, or a live fight.

7. The party was supposed to be over at 5pm, but its 7:30pm and the party is just starting.

8. The host calls someone who's on their way and tells
them to stop and get some tortillas and ice.

9. You hear someone go up to the birthday child and say, "Mira, que lindo. I'm going to have to get you something next week when I get paid."

10. The party is Saturday, and you get a call from the hostess Friday saying, "I'm giving M'ijo a birthday party tomorrow at 3pm"

11. Some guest bring gifts that are still in the Wal-Mart bag.

12. The cake didn't come from the store; it came from the mother of the comadre of your best friend's sister who makes really good cakes.

13. You are told you have to save your plate and fork you ate your food with, so you can eat your cake.

14. Guests automatically wrap up a plate of food and cake to take home.

15. It's M'ijo's birthday, but since his cousin Maria is there and her birthday is in a few days, it becomes Mijo's and Maria's party.

I know that I can relate - verdad, mi gente querido? :)

Maui-Wowee

I am still documenting more or less some of the trips I took in the last few years. I'm getting close to being caught up! This trip took place a year ago when I had a free trip to the island of Maui. Mik from Italy was still my boyfriend at the time, so he, of course, accompanied me there.

Now neither of us had been to the islands of Hawaii before - so this was a treat - although we only got to go for 3 days - too short! We stayed at the timeshare WorldMark in the city of Kihei. This was situated perfectly across the street from one of the pretties beaches there! So nice to walk there, walk the beach, sit in the sand and watch the sunset. And one of my favorite pastimes: people watch. I remember admiring 1 enthusiast doing his yoga moves while enjoying the sheer careless attitude of a gay young man exercising/dancing flamboyantly across the sand wearing his headphones.

Unlike the island of Oahu - where I went with Patrick in July (see blog) Maui is much more laid-back and less touristy. I don't care to shop or be around a ton of tourists and mostly want to soak up the Nature, so I really prefer Maui. It just didn't feel like it was outright catering to the tourist - although, of course, it relies on tourism as well.

One needs to rent a car while there - we spent one entire day driving the circumference of the entire island - SO lovely!! We did buy for $20 bucks a recommended CD that you listen to in your car as you are driving and it tells you about what you are seeing, about the kind of vegetation that is growing there, how to get to hard-to-find beaches and trails to waterfalls. So nice!:) I HIGHLY recommend doing this!

Our main problem is that the time of year we went - end of January - although beautiful, not too hot, not humid, but it did rain off and on so it wasn't preferable for water sports and laying out. Which we also wanted to do. When we rented snorkels and a native told us how to get to a great, hidden snorkeling lagoon that natives know about - we were disappointed that the water visibility after the rains was murky - so we couldn't see anything past 1 foot in front of us. :( Also, hiking the simply stunning trails was very muddy - and we only had brought flip flops!

That said, I truly enjoyed myself. It is a WONDERFUL place to enjoy nature and relax. It is pretty dead at night - as far as social life - but we didn't mind. There are bars of course - but it's not at all like Honolulu, Oahu.

One morning we got up at 3:30 am (whew!) to drive to a shop that shuttled us and a few others about an hour into the center of the island where there is a huge old volcanic crater. One of the big tourist things to do is get up early, drive up there yourself - or do what we did - and watch the sun rise at the edge of the crater. Now, due to the altitude climb - we were warned it would be quite cold up there. Again - we had only packed shorts and flipflops - we never expected cold! So the tour furnished us with space suits - waterproof and thick. And believe me - we NEEDED them! We were amazed so many people got up so early to get there when we arrived. We went outside while it was still too dark to see anything of the crater. The wind was blowing relentlessly - it was quite cold! But, eventually the colors started to change and we saw the sun poking through over the horizon. GORGEOUS - again, I felt that humble closeness to God when I am simply moved by Mother Nature. (Similar to how I felt hiking the Incan Trail to Macchu Pichu in Peru). It took about 15 minutes for the sun to rise, all the while with changing colors. Everyone applauded. We then could finally see the crater - looking like a canyon - very cool.

After a bit our guide unloaded the mountain bikes we all had rented and he left. It was up to us to cruise down the zigzag road of the mountain all the way back down to the coast. FUN! Another Elsa adventure of course!! We set off, still in our Gortex suits and helmets as it rained off and on and was still cold. It was very fun! And eventually as you get lower and lower you start taking off the layers of clothing because it starts to warm up. Once we finally got down to the bottom of the mountain we found ourselves at a little town. Now here is where the real adventure began! We were a little confused about where to go to get back to the part of the island coast where the Tour shop was located. I thought it was one way and Mik thought another. Well, we went my way - with me cheerfully stating: "We have the bikes all day, if we get lost - it will be an adventure!" Well. Getting lost we did. That wasn't the problem. The problem is that we took a very difficult route with major HILLS. I mean, we were huffing and puffing and sweating for a few hours. It was VERY tough!!! Now, I had known Mik long enough to know that he has a patient, sweet disposition so he didn't mind at all that we were lost. But he didn't suffer as much as me - cus the boy is STRONG!!! I, on the other hand, was dying sometimes and had to off and walk the bike. He just laughed. When we finally dragged our ragged selves back into the shop - hours after the rest of the tour - they laughed at us good-naturedly and asked, "Got lost, huh?" We told them what route we had taken and they were so impressed we biked those hills. We DID have the option that if you got lost or too tired to call them and they would pick you up in the van for $50 bucks, but those of you who know me, know that I am stubborn as a mule and that I'll die trying before giving up on some physical adventure.

Another highlight from that trip was that one could really see the majestic Great Whales right off the coastline! We were as excited as kids constantly looking for them to surface and gulp some air throught their blowholes. They were simply magnificent! I couldn't get over how large they were!

I would go back to Maui in a heart beat - the nature was so lovely and green and the native islanders very hospitable. A lovely trip! Click on slideshow below for webalbum! "Mahalo"... :)

Maui Jan. 2006

Happy Birthday to Stefanie!

Another year has gone by and it's time tomorrow to wish a happy 32nd birthday to Stefanie whom I met several years ago when we both started working for Skyy Spirits. She eventually became my boss when she started her own spokesmodeling agency, Elios Enterprises, a couple years ago and we got to work at some pretty interesting events. It's been a busy year for her as she just got married in October and began a new job as a sales rep for Leblon Brazilian Rum here in San Diego and Las Vegas. Enough of her resume - best wishes and happy times!
*Click on slideshow below to see a photo shoot we did together a couple years ago for "Where San Diego" Magazine - PS - she isn't blonde anymore!

"Where San Diego" Magazine

Only shots at Shooters

So last night, Patrick and I ventured down the street to "Shooters" bar/club on 30th Street, in the heart of North Park, San Diego. I've only gone 3 times before and enjoy my Thursday nights because it's "80s Night". And if you've been reading my blog you ought to know by now that Elsa loves her 80s music!

As we sipped our Citron-Tonics the sad fact was not lost on us that it was the least crowded we had ever seen it. Well, it did get better by the time we were leaving around midnight but it just plum made us sad. The music was great: hits from Duran Duran, Pet Shop Boys, Midnite Drexy Runners, Falco, A-Ha, Devo - to name a few. Also there is no cover charge to get into the bar with pool tables and a minescule $5 to get into the actual dance floor club - they are playing the same music on both sides.

So P and I just don't get it. The club is situated in a great, central part of town, plenty of parking, great nostalgic music, a choice to go to the dance floor portion or stay on the calmer side of the bar, no waiting in line out in the cold to make it look like it's packed (like they do in the fru fru clubs downtown). Even the drinks aren't expensive. And we know there are plenty of 30 and 40-somethings that are huge 80s fans who would enjoy the atmosphere and music. I mean, I dont' even know of anohter club that does all 80s nights off the top of my head.

Such a shame... I'm afraid that if it doesn't pick up they might do away with my beloved 80s Nights there. And where else can I get my 'skank' dance on where it's appreciated???!!!

Inkan Trail friends play in Bolivia!!

Now back in Sheffield, England - Anna and Jack (some fellow Inkan Trail hikers from our trip to Peru in October - click on past blog) sent us these HILARIOUS pictures of them playing in the salt flats of Bolivia. As Anna said, "(The pictures) are simply maddening!!" I agree - they are simply not to be missed!

You are from San Diego if you know:

*a treat for my San Diego readers! :)

You are from San Diego if you know:
Every street name is either in Spanish or Spanish-related, and you're surprised when other areas don't have this.

You can determine the accuracy of someone's "I'm ghetto" claim by knowing their high school. For example, El Camino High School or Crawford High School.

You see weather forecasts for four different climate zones in the same county, and aren't remotely surprised.

You routinely go or have gone to Pat & Oscar's solely to get breadsticks.

You've ever gone to Downtown San Diego and marveled at the homeless people mingling with the rich young urbanities.

You've gone to Mt.Helix in July and known you still need a jacket.

You've tailgated at Qualcomm Stadium, and for bonus points, also tailgated when it was Jack Murphy Stadium.

You've been to the Wild Animal Park but can't remember the last time you went to the Zoo.

You've ever been on a field trip to see an Imax movie at the Reuben H. Fleet Science Center.

You still call it the Del Mar Fair.

You say "I'm going to the track" and people know what you mean.

You understand what "May-Gray" and "June-Gloom" is.

A famous skateboarder/surfer lives in your town.

There's a North County, a South County, and an East County but no Central County.

"Mossy Nissan! Mossy Nissan! Mossy Nissan Moves You!"

You know what it means when two guys are walking in Hillcrest.

You know what it means when a girl in a short skirt is walking on El Cajon Blvd.

You've gotten stuck in the Horton Plaza parking structure traffic after a Padres game.

You know what "The Merge" is, and will plan your entire day around not being on it during rush hour(s).

You've ever been to Belmont Park and rode the Big Dipper.

(For North County) You remember the days before the all the big movie theaters opened. And when they did. First the Edwards in San Marcos, then the Regal in Oceanside, then the Krikorian in Vista, and finally the Regal in Escondido.

You've ever taken the Coaster and laughed at people sitting in traffic on the 5.

You know the difference between Claremont Mesa, Kearny Mesa, and Mira Mesa.

You can correctly pronounce Tierrasanta, La Jolla, Rancho Penasquitos, San Ysidro, Otay Mesa, and El Cajon.

You've ever gone to Sea World on a warm day and sat in the first few rows at the Shamu Show to get cooled off.

You've ever been delayed at the Border Checkpoints on the 5 and the 15.

There are more bands than people.

Your house doesn't have air conditioning.

You know it's San Diegan, not San Diegoan, or San Diegoite.

Everyone has their favorite beach.

No matter what the weather is, there is always someone walking around in a t-shirt, shorts, and flip flops.

You live on, near or are surrounded by hills.

You hate tourists and their bad driving.

You have family and or friends that have moved to Arizona.

There are four distinct seasons: Summer, Not Quite Summer, Almost Summer, and Oh Hey Look Its Summer Again

Your house is worth more than the GDP of some small countries.

You know what MB, OB, and PB stand for.

You used to, and sometimes still do ride the carousel at Seaport Village.

You know someone who doesn't own pants, and have a neighbor who doesn't seem to own a shirt.

Most high schools have a surf team.

"K-best 95!"

You know what Santa Ana's are, and that they have literally nothing to do with the city of Santa Ana.

You know what a California burrito is.