My life and my painful choices

Tori Amos in Antwerp Lotto Arena Oct 09

I went to see the talent that is Tori Amos. She played at Antwerp's Lotto Arena, and I fell in love with the venue straight away... now I just want to find good concerts to go there.

She blessed the audience with hits like Cornflake Girl, Spark, Little Earthquakes and many more. I have never seen anyone play the piano with such genius. Gorgeous sounds.

Picture by Cuttingedge.be

My Birthday

It was my birthday today.

I got to share the afternoon with my best friend and companion. For this I feel blessed.

I am thankful for having a crazy little dog keeping me awake all day. For this I smile.

I'm glad for the lovely creatures that text, email and call me from many points in this planet. They are all my family and I miss them dearly. For this I am the luckiest girl.

I thank God I am in good health and for this I am proud.

I am blessed to have my little sister so close to my heart, though physically far. For this I am not lonely.

I am fortunate to have such a lovely family in the UK, quite close to reach. For this I feel safe.

I am grateful for having friends that still try to surprise me. For this I laugh.

I am happy because I live in a quirky little flat. For this I am comfortable.

I am grateful I have made some special friends these last months. I love their silly jokes, friendship and companionship. For this I feel listened to.

I am blessed with shopping trips to London. For this I jump around.

I am thankful for great TV shows like The United States of Tara. For this I enjoy my afternoons.

I am delighted Madonna still produces fantastic music. For this I dance.

Every day I say thank you for Stella McCartney and Christian Louboutin. For this I know I am worthy!!!

Thanks to everyone who thought about me today, xxx

Right now...

Right now

I am listening to - Take a Bow by Rihanna

I am remembering - holidays in Greece

I am wearing - an old pair of jeans, and old shirt

I am thinking about - friendship and what it really means

Last thing I ate - chocolate...yes, I broke my long fast

I am feeling - the pain in my wrist, too much weight-lifting and too much time spent in front of the computer

I am hating - Facebook and Twitter... I do, I really do

I am loving - the pink dress I made for myself

Now I am listening to - Toca Toca by La Mala Rodriguez

I am not understanding - how did I become 29 so fast

Looking forward to - Seeing Madonna in one month exactly, a good excuse to dance the evening away

Changes I'm making - removed one of my piercings...it's just not me anymore

Next thing I am going to do - clean my face, brush my teeth and head to bed

It's funny how chatty and communicative one becomes after choosing to be alone. It's funny how silence becomes good company, and music an excellent muse, a certain reflection of everything.

I should write more now...

It is about time this went to No 1

I Kissed Katy Perry

On the 7th of March 2009, I headed to the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels to see Katy Perry. The crowd was a funny mix of very small teenagers and younger folk with their parents, women in their 30s, gay men and some random creatures that had surely been dragged along to the event. It wasn't bad, yes the set list was limited as she only has one album, but she treated everyone to a great cover of Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now" and a truly energetic performance full of tongue-in-cheek introductions, blow-up strawberries and a giant chapstick, and a great voice that was determined to have fun and entertain from start to finish.

Seek and Destroy

Finally I get to post some pictures of the Metallica concert, 5th of March 2009, in Antwerp. I have always been proud of how much I can dislike this iconic rock band, but then I owed someone the favour after dragging them all the way to Paris to see Madonna. So along I went, and away I was blown. The stage was magnificently placed in the middle of the Sportpaleis, and as soon as the band arrive, the audience stood up and respectfully stayed that way throughout the concert, and gave Metallica pure passionate and adoration.

Fantastic music, and a great performance, and although I am going to become a fan any time soon, I can assure everyone I had the time of my life....Seek and destroy! ;) 

Funny Friday

Thanks to Sabine at Muse Communication for showing me this. It made my day.

Enjoy, xxxx

Will it be over?

Seriously...enough with the snow, the cold wind, the grey skies...will we ever see Spring again?

MTV's music is gone

The MTV has changed. It hardly plays any music anymore, it is all rubbish reality shows, all fake, all bad.
Madonna has also changed. Singer, icon, mother, dancer, film director etc. And she has always been a great actress. I stand by these words and give you below:

To My Grandfather

Not everyone is fortunate enough, but…
Everyone should have a grandfather with impressive stories about the war and the old days, scary dares involving knives and your own shaky hands
Everyone should have a grandfather teaching them card games such as “Snap”, and how to successfully cheat and get away with it…most of the time
Everyone should have a grandfather showing them what a tattoo is and how it is done…inspiring a young granddaughter to get one, or two!
Everyone should have a grandfather sharing his knowledge on “old stuff”, finding treasures in weird and exciting new environments called boot sales
Everyone should have a grandfather buying them fun gifts from a boot sale including the uncut version of “In Bed With Madonna”….when you are 10
Everyone should have a grandfather who will introduce them to country music, viking films starring Kirk Douglas and the Wonder Woman 70s TV show
Everyone should have a grandfather who would squeeze your hand when walking, then deny any wrong-doing when you were in pain, crying to your mum
Everyone should have a grandfather whose idea of fun is faking heart attacks, falls or other accidents after suddenly disappearing during a family walk in the forest
Everyone should have a grandfather who will buy you a real-size toy St. Bernard, so your parents can have fun trying to pack into the plane’s small overhead compartment
Everyone should have a grandfather telling you to behave and cheekily believe otherwise when told “yes, I was good”
Everyone should have a grandfather they can call Grandad, forget his real name and surname and talk about him to strangers as “my grandad”
I was fortunate enough to have all of these.
Everyone should have a grandfather like you, Grandad.
Thanks for all the fun.

Wonderful Electric - Goldfrapp

I was fortunate enough to get tickets for Goldfrapp's concert in London's Brixton Academy, on the 9th of November. Having been a fan of the band since their exquisite second album, Black Cherry, I was excited to see them, experiencing the usual feelings of worry at a possible disappointment, and also a positive impatience and eagerness. What I was to eventually feel, is undescribable...but oh so good.

Alison Goldfrapp appeared on stage wearing a black sequined tunic. Visually, the stage, the band and back-up singers, were stunning. Dancers and their costumes provided colour and a lot of fun during numbers such as Happiness. Musically, the concert was a fantastic treat. Alison has, truly, the voice of an angel. Over and over she effortlessly reached the highest notes, beautifully performing their latest creations, and treating the audience to magnificent renditions of Oh La La, Train and Strict Machine, amongst other hits.

It was an evening I will never forget. A stunning performance, musical gorgeousness and a voice so divine it almost seemed unreal.

Anyone can do it...right?

Unpredictable, therein lies our femininity.

The REAL Sticky and Sweet Show - Seville

It's been 7 years since Madonna last visited Spain on tour. And it was a electrifying event. I had seen her in Cardiff, and I just couldn’t help myself, found some golden circle tickets and flew to Spain, and I am delighted I did. The two elements making it a perfect evening? Madonna and the crowd.
People had been orderly queuing in the hot Sevillian sun and I heard no complaints, only expectation, love and positive feelings all around. When Robyn, the first support act got on stage she got a taste of what the audience was going to be like. She is not that known in Spain and despite that people where jumping with her up-beat music, chanting her name and getting the party started. Fifteen minutes after that there was a DJ set, and the crowd partied even harder. Twenty minutes after this, at 9:42 pm Madonna came on stage.
The Stadium exploded with excitement, and so did I, and I cried with excitement, something I didn’t really do in Cardiff (well, only a little! hell I always cry!)Her voice was impeccable, so beatiful, and there were no technical problems (if there were they were swiftly resolved, going unnoticed).During the gipsy section the stadium went wild, jumping, chanting "ole-ole" at Madonna's flamenco moves, clapping flamenco style and treating M and her crew to an unforgettable experience. Miles Away was a huge success, the audience clapping all the way through. You could see it in Madonna's face, she had to shush (with a cute smile) the crowd so she could be allowed to sing You Must Love Me.
Like A Prayer again set the stadium on fire, and Ray of Light had everyone jumping to exhaustion, including Madonna. During the "request" bit she had us all at her feet. She made us show “how much we loved her” doing her now characteristic "uhha uhaa" several times (to exhaustion!). She was laughing, choking and giggling at the crowd's reaction.
It was unforgettable...thanks Seville and thanks Madonna for making me the happiest girl on earth.

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Madonna's Amazing Opening Night

Yesterday I returned home after seeing Madonna’s opening night at Cardiff. Her Sticky and Sweet Tour kicked off in true diva style. My opinion? If you have been to any of her former shows (this is the 4th Madonna tour I attend) you may be disappointed that the show is not as visually stunning as the others, lets face it Confessions was incredible, but this tour is more a raw Madonna performance, where she dances from start to finish. And, with that, she did shock us.

At one point I was only a metre an a half away from her, and she is as stunning as ever. I also managed to notice how she asked one of her dancers for “just one more” shot of whatever they were drinking when the gypsy band took over.

She performed a perfect rendition of You Must Love Me. Borderline took us all by surprise, and the updated version of Like A Prayer had us all dancing. And I have to say that the Britney bit was out of this world, Human Nature has never sound this fantastic.

And, contrary to what some silly British newspapers said there were no incredible amounts of empty seats, it was a full house, and I have the pictures to prove it.
Madonna doesn’t want to slow down, we don’t want her to. She danced, we all danced, she smiled and we all smiled…it was one hell of a party!

Wembley Memories

Madonna's hand-prints at the new Wembley. And yes, to my surprise, Madge and I have the same hands.

A new love affair - Foo Fighters

When David Grohl asked "For how many is this the first Foo Fighters gig they've been to?" That is when I screamed, jumped and proudly yelled "Meeeeeeeee!!!!" he then immediately added that we should be ashamed of having waited 13 years to see them live :)

Well I publicly apologise for being one of those virgins, and I kick myself for not going to a concert of the Foos before. The concert on the Friday 6th of June 2008 was an unbelievable display of talent, passion and an absolute master class of rock. It was a historic moment and I was there.

David Grohl and his band powered through their 13-year catalogue to the delight of everyone there. The stage was unique, providing a stunning visual spectacle. The highlights of the show the exploding beginning with The Pretender, the crowd-moving My Hero, and my favourite, All My Life. My calves hurt for days, my back ached like the most horrid torture, but I would surely repeat the experience, all over again.

My only complain? Ticketmaster.co.uk for holding our tickets instead of sending them via post as we had arranged, and the organisers of the event for leaving so many seats empty and so many Foo Fighters fan unable to witness what was the gig of the decade.

DON'T BUY, ADOPT - NO COMPRES, ADOPTA

The best thing I have ever done is adopt a gorgeous dog called Nero. He gives me unconditional love every day. When I cry he is quick to make me smile, when I am down he makes laugh. All Nero does is give love, and all he asks is to be given love back...oh and some walkies, and maybe a biscuit :)
El ARCA DE NOE in Córdoba (Spain) is one of many great organisations in Spain, a humble and hard-working group of people trying to find caring homes for the most wonderful creatures in the world. Sadly, they are overwhelmed with puppies, cats and dogs. Nevertheless they don't give up, and deserve my admiration. See the video below: DO NOT BUY A PET, ADOPT ONE!
WARNING: This is an extremely beautiful video.



If you feel like adopting one of these gorgeous creatures e-mail me or contact elarcadenoecordoba@groups.msn.com
Go to http://groups.msn.com/elarcadenoecordoba/

Madonna's latest candy

Since last Friday everyone is asking me the same question: What's Madonna's new album like? As I kept repeating myself I decided to post my opinion on my blog and direct those apparently curious minds to it.
I bought Madonna's latest album, Hard Candy, last Friday 25th of April, in the FNAC store in Brussels. I had heard so much about it, the usual buzz accompanying any Madonna release, and had ended up quite nervous about the whole “Madonna embraces Hip-Hop” rumours. It turns out the album is not hip-hop, but classic Madonna, and I mean classic as in retro, as in the Everybody, Lucky Star and Physical Attraction years. Hard Candy is so reminiscent of that era, it has you tapping your feet from the word go. Give it 2 Me (the next single) is much better than 4 Minutes, a jumpy beat, destined to be a fan-favourite and a new classic in her discography. Other gems are Dance 2night, duet with Justin Timberlake, a fantastic retro-disco song, Heartbeat, Candy Shop, Devil Wouldn’t Recognize You, and should I go on? My only “diss” is Spanish Lesson, I have listened to it several times I still don’t get it.
Madonna has managed to create, yet again, a hit, on the dance floor and on everyone's ipod. It is Madonna as we know her best, talking about sex, inviting you to dance with her, and knowing how to make the hippest producers walk her way. The general public may think The Neptunes, Timbaland and Justin Timberlake rule Hard Candy, but it is her majesty Queen M. who controls the whole project from beginning to end, and we like that.

Madonna's favourite song of the moment

Katy Perry is a singer and occassional actress from the US. She was born in Santa Barbara, California. She grew up listening to gospel music and performing in church. Some of her musical influences are Queen, The Beach Boys, Heart, Joni Mitchell, Paul Simon and Alanis Morissette.

Something different. Enjoy.




Peace,
Jess

The Short Story of Life and Confusion

There are times in your life in which you think you are the only one with the problem. You believe the burden only affects you and no one else. Then you speak with the work colleague you don’t normally talk to, or maybe you catch up with an old friend, or you come across an article in your girlfriend’s magazine. And voilà, you realise that your particular problem is not unique, that a lot of people are also suffering from it.

You start wondering whether is a generational thing, maybe it is something to do with our origin, our background, maybe even with the job we chose, or our studies. However, this general confusion affects nearly everyone, but in different grades. We all react to it in diverse manners. It becomes really bad if you are one of those who really must do something about it. Then this "need" becomes painful. If such desires are not fulfilled it can end up leaving someone with a strong depression.

These are eternal doubts, ongoing “why don’t I” questions, forever regrets or longings. Some took the wrong decisions, others didn’t even have the chance of choosing their way, we just took what we were given and kept walking. I am constantly asking myself the reason behind every decision I make, I am always questioning my actions, and make a conscious effort not to take the wrong one. Now I am living in the heart of Europe, Belgium. It is the second time I am here, and both times I have moved here for work. Why am I here? Will I feel personally and professionally satisfied? Or do such concepts really not exist? Will my best friend find his true calling? Will my colleague manage to beat her troubles and become who she really wants to be? Will my sister choose the right path and never regret her choices? Is such peace of mind possible? Am I going on one of my boring existential rants again? Somebody please stop me…

UPDATE: According to a study published on the BBC website, people spend an average of 4 years and 10 months in jobs that do not make the best use of their skills and abilities. Additionally, one individual in five, is at present, in such a position.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/education/7323033.stm

Local Spanish government kills dogs- The Death of Golfo

This happened on the 29th of January, 2008. It was midday in the natural park Punta Entinas, in Almeria, South of Spain, and only 400 metres away from a populated residential area (El Faro). Esther was enjoying her daily jogging session, as usual, accompanied by her loyal Griffon Golfo, a lovely-natured, playful 2-year-old rescue, a vital part of their family. Golfo fulfilled all official and legal pet requirements, properly vaccinated, identified with a collar and a tag, and he was also dully micro chipped. Esther, after greeting the environment agency official (Agencia de Medio Ambiente) began calling her dog to continue the run. Golfo was 50 metres away, sniffing the grass. His mistake? standing in the aim of a worker for the local government (Consejeria de Medio Ambiente). This man, following a new law approved by the local government, identified Golfo, beautifully groomed and wearing his perfectly visible collar, as a "dangerous" stray dog, and shot him down. Golfo could only yelp three times before passing away.

On the 3oth of January, Esther and her partner saw the car from the ecology department drive by El Faro, and they run to stop the official in the vehicle. Mariano (that is his name, known by Esther and her partner as they work nearby) immediately admitted that on the 29th of January he had shot 3 dogs, that it was his job and proceeded to show them a written authorisation stating that from the 19th of September 2007 he had "terminated" at least 40 dogs. This was too much for Esther who broke down in tears and could not help but scream at the officer. Her partner asked for a copy of the document, but this was denied him. He could not take a picture of the paper, though he was allowed to take some quick notes. The agent was openly proud of what he had done and never denied anything. The authorisation was signed by Sr.D. Juan Jose Luque Ibañez (from the local government, the delegate, representative for the environment).

They soon discovered that La Agencia de Medio Ambiente en Almería (the environmental section of the local government) had ordered the immediate execution of dogs that could appear in the areas they administrate. This decision was of course approved without consulting the public, and it was not openly advertised so owners of dogs could be aware and avoid losing a precious family member to a murderous government policy.

Esther and her partner are still battling on, trying to do Golfo some Justice.

For more information on the matter (it has hardly been picked up by Spanish press) PLEASE VISIT http://justiciaparagolfo.blogspot.com/ in Spanish and written by Golfo's family.

Let Love Rule in Ancienne Belgique

Anna and I arrived half an hour before the concert was scheduled to start. By the speed at which the tickets had sold out (within minutes) and the amount of people waiting by the doors we felt this could be one of those once-in-a-lifetime events. And we weren’t disappointed. We didn’t have to wait too long (no cover acts, and after the long performance by Hero the week before at the Stereophonics gig, we were glad) until the band members went on stage followed by the legendary Lenny Kravitz.

It was the first time I had seen him live (however not the first time I had seen him, in the flesh ) and he proved to be the genius I was told he was: he was soon producing wonders with his guitar, pouring his energy out, offering his music to the audience, holding nothing back. The concert was mostly an improvised, jamming session, in which every song lasted more than 10 minutes. Lenny encouraged the different band members to engage on high-quality solos, inviting them follow the crowd’s positive reactions. The audience played an important part during the gig (except for those boring “statues” placed in the vip area, showing hardly any commitment or gratitude to the fabulous artists in front of them. Next time, Live Nation, or Ancienne Belgique, whoever was responsible for them, sell those tickets to people that want to enjoy themselves rather than pathetically pose). Lenny offered some fans the opportunity to choose a song, even join him on stage. The audience thanked him singing every line, and even chanting to the lead guitarist’s birthday. His daughter also enjoyed the gig, dancing in the back.

It was a unforgettable night, and Lenny was king. He is a true artist and sheer talent. Mr. Cab Driver, Let Love Rule and other hits contributed to a vibrant and powerful concert, where Lenny Kravitz presented his new album and his renewed energies after the bronchitis that made him postpone the concert in the first place. Anna and I felt honored to be there, and I am sure we were not the only ones.

Let love rule.

Jess
Lenny Kravitz and his band performed in the Ancienne Belgique in Brussels, on March the 10th, 2008

On Performances and Cocktails in Brussels

I have not written in a long time. I am in Brussels again. I am a technical writer, creating documents, editing texts, fighting with strings of words, struggling to stay awake. Still I keep dreaming. Sometimes I dream nice musings, on other occasions heavy nightmares make me sweat.

Last Monday (3rd March) I watched Kelly Jones and his guys play the most amazing music. It was a mind-blowing experience. Until then I was not a Stereophonics fan. I now pledge allegiance to Welsh guitars and leather jackets.

The experience was so great, it has even inspired me to write a short story. I am working on it right now, and though I do not know what it will end up being, I am at least enjoying the process. I am also loving an early album of the guys, Performance and Cocktails, and I strongly recommend it.

Ales and Vezenobres

Tuesday 10th July

I think we got up rather early, which is something I heavily dislike doing during holidays. Spent the morning in a town called Alés. Close to Euzet, mostly a shopping town, with some lovely gardened areas and great terraces to enjoy a healthy and delicious Niçoise salad. The weather was getting warmer.

We then went to Vezenobres, a medieval town. Stunning, placed on the side of a hill, one must walk up many steps to enjoy the wonderful views. It’s worth the effort, but on a hot day, those steps could be too much work so lots of water will come in handy.

Early awakenings

Monday 9th of July, 4am.

When the alarm goes off I actually think I can get away with sleeping a little longer. Almost immediately I realise why it is that we are up so early and drag my ass out of bed: we are moving. Leaving the south of Spain, Andalucia stays behind, and taking ourselves and our belongings to Belgium. We will not travel there directly, for we stop in the South of France, in Euzet-Les-Bains: our little holiday (10 days).

I run around – half asleep – making sure we haven’t left anything at my mother’s flat. We say goodbye and pack everything in the boot of our 1998 Ford Ka. As we drive off, I cry thinking about how much I am going to miss my sister.

Nero, our teckel mix is seated comfortably. It is mostly Rob who sits behind the steering wheel as I am still a bit of inexperienced driver. We begin our drive from Cordoba at about 4.45am. We drive up to Manzanares (near Madrid), and from there take the route towards Valencia-Alicante-Barcelona. We stop at the first petrol station at around 8am.

One thing to keep in mind if you are to do a similar drive, petrol prices soar as you go up north. My advice is to fill up the tank completely, then refilling it as you go along (check prices as they will surely vary and you can save a lot of money) and ensure you fill you tank up completely before crossing the French border. You will find that petrol in the south of France is at least 20 cents (euro) more expensive than in the Spanish territory.

Ah, petrol stations: weird people buying FC Barcelona shirts, children petting our dog, drunken careless chicks banging my car as they emerge from their mistreated vehicles…

Brief explanation

The posts located below this one have been all collected from my former blog at http://tobeagirl.spaces.live.com/
Therefore, I did not write them all in one go, but as I began this new blog I found it necessary to include some of the earlier writings. Feel free to visit the older venue for my thoughts, some interesting things remain hidden there (I say hidden as hardly anyone knew I wrote them in the first place!!!).
Peace,

Jessie

To date or not to date

There are women that date and date and continue dating, relentlessly, searching for the right guy. There are men who see different women everyday, meet up with a new one on Fridays, give a second chance to the nice ones on Saturday. There are men dating other men for weeks, then deciding to call the bar manager they met at that party. There are women who are not settling with the first girl they are introduced to. However, there are many people out there sticking with the first potential lover they find. Some call this love at first sight, sentence any discussion like so, proclaiming they found the perfect partner first time round.
Now I wonder, is that even possible? When I go shopping for a pair of jeans I might know what type I will be going for, might have an idea of what suits me best, but I will not be certain they are a perfect fit until I actually try them on. On many occasions, these jeans I thought were so grand, turn out to be a great disappointment. I can’t help but think about the girl that is too shy to date, gets introduced to a guy one day, and holds on to him, ignoring the differences and completely lack of common interests, just because she is too scared to lose out in a chance for romance, or because she is excessively lazy to bother dating anymore. Is this the right way to ensure romantic happiness? Can this be one of those recipes for success that actually work out for a secret minority, proving all love sceptics wrong? I am left wondering…

IDENTITIES

I have just read a great article on how a transgender has been allowed to run for prom king. High school years… Some of us may believe that the world is changing for good, or we could be pessimistic and say it is all going down the drain. Older people look at the younger ones and think it was all better back in their days. However as I watch my younger sister go through her schooling years and get ready for university, I wonder: was it really that different back then?

I clearly remember being invisible in high school. I blended with the yellow tatty walls, and so did my friends. However, we were never so sure about this fact until we recently befriended the most popular guy in our teen years. He couldn’t remember a single one of us. As our suspicions were confirmed, we ended up having a good laugh about it. It was all about the looks, you see. We knew everything about the attractive popular student: his whereabouts, his (always pretty) girlfriends, we even knew what he had done in University. Me and my friends probably remain a mystery to our former classmates, and for those who were not in the same classroom, we didn’t even exist.

You really couldn’t class us as “ugly”, we weren’t even “plain”. In my case, I wasn’t unpleasant to the sight and, though my eyebrows from back then can only be described as hideous, and instead of hair I had a mop, I wasn’t too bad-looking. I did love wearing my father’s jumpers (picture me drowning in a gigantic pullover, long enough to reach my knees…gorgeousness personified…) trying to resemble Alanis Morissette as much as I could. Extend this attire throughout one’s university years and yes, everyone, including some members of your own family (I think only my beloved dog dared thinking otherwise) will believe you are a repressed lesbian. Of course, having my bedroom completely wallpapered with pictures of Madonna didn’t help. Fortunately I really didn’t care and never went out of my way publicising every guy I dated.

My point is, people are constantly judged by their looks, what they wear, their manner when walking… And it is during those teen years where not only you develop your own identity, but others do it for you. Whether these two identities resemble each other even the slightest, is a completely different matter. In my personal case, having such split personalities has been hilarious. A certain ambiguity can be quite fun. It is all about labels. You may think you are a quiet, studious and fun-loving wannabe hippy-girl, completely normal except for a healthy obsession with certain female pop stars, but for the rest of the world around you…just imagine ;)

FACE IT, SHE’S MADONNA

Don’t ask me how I did it, but I managed to convince my 17-year-old little sister to get up at 6 am and catch a one-hour train ride to Seville with me, die-hard Madonna fan. For the debut of the M by Madonna collection in H&M, we arrived there a few minutes before the store was open, and already spotted some fashion victims strolling around the area, keeping an eye on the cool window displays. Soon enough, the doors were open, and Madonna’s creations were ours for the taking, grabbing, and bagging!
During the few minutes we were there, only a few more women accompanied us to the top floor where the Madonna display was located. However, soon enough, more and more shoppers arrived, leaving the rest of the store empty, and began taking Madonna’s kimonos, suits, hand bags, belts…there was even a girl who picked up the cream-coloured gown to wear at her own wedding. My sister and I tried on many items: I couldn’t resist wearing the cat-suit, several black dresses, kimonos and finally bagging the black gown (YES, I will find an occasion to wear it, believe me!!!). However, the first items to promptly disappear were the sunglasses, but we had ensured they were the first items we picked up.
The main H&M store in Seville stocked up every single item of the collection, except for the sequined-mini-gorgeousness I so much wanted to at least try. That didn’t seem to bother Southern Spanish girls who were trying all of the garments and bagging two or three, or four! of them each.
The verdict? Yes, the collection is slightly over-priced for H&M standards, but the quality and the finishings in each design justify such numbers. The tailored suits were lovely, and the trench coats simply amazing. The collection is quite solemn, black and white being the key tones. There are some rare numbers, such as the cat suit, that will only flatter taller figures, but most items make you look like a million dollars.
Guess what? My little sister, the only teenager around, couldn’t resist taking home one of the pale pink kimonos. If you are curvy, get one yourself: they couldn’t look any sexier on the most feminine shapes.
In the queues for the changing rooms everybody was commenting on how nice the clothes were, the lovely materials, and nobody complained about the higher prices. She’s Madonna, and even if she makes H&M slightly more expensive, face it: we will to anything to have some of her own glamour over our skin.
Entry also featured at http://www.madonnalicious.com/

What are you waiting for?

Tips for a good health? Here are some I have tried and tested:
1- Pamper yourself once in a while: whether it’s an expensive item of clothing, a pedicure, whether you are a man or a woman, spoiling oneself has always been excuse number one for switching off your mobile and ignoring the world. It doesn’t mean your gay, and it is certainly not an insult to feminists out there. It’s not about looking good, it’s about feeling special.
2- Get yourself a pet: Not a joke or invented notion. Medical experts praise this habit ( http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/6279701.stm ) and I second them advising anyone to do so. Not only it’s a good excuse to get us out of our enclosed homes but they also boost our mood, contributing to our immune system. My partner and I recently adopted a dachshund mix, a sausage dog, and the good vibes I get from my pooch everyday are better (and cheaper!) than any psychologist I have come across. Whichever animal you decide to welcome in your home, make sure you are doing it for the right reason and also that you are aware of the responsibility it represents.
3- Plan your holidays: even if you can’t afford them or don’t have the time to go away, decide where your next holidays are going to be, and if necessary, set up a saving scheme. It will give you something to look forward to, and believe me, we all need a bit of hope in our lives. I think I will visit Berlin next (although I will probably end up in Brussels again first…I will keep you posted)
4- Write a diary: you don’t have to become the next Carrie Bradshaw or a recycled Bridget Jones. Just keep a book where you organise your day or week, keep important to-do’s up to date, and set yourself personal objectives. I began this practice three years ago, and it transformed this unorganised girl into an unorganised but tidier, and more satisfied, woman J
5- Watch more films: Try reaching for the classics you have never managed to get round to. I recently discovered the Godfather trilogy…we will make him an offer he cannot refuse… classic Marlon Brando.
6- Learn a foreign language or do a course: on anything! Pilates, art, IT, there is always something new to learn. Yoga is doing miracles to my body, and going to classes is usually a great way of meeting new people.
7- Exercise! seriously, it is great for your body but also for your brain! I admit I am a bit of a coach potato, but being fit is always a boost to my mind…right now I am far away from being fit…but I have the pet and I am doing the yoga, so exercising, AND I MEAN IT!!, will be the next thing! (I hope!)

Modern man

I haven’t written for a while now. Somehow my days seem to be filled to the brim, I end up exhausted. I get up at 7am but only if I am brave enough to roll open my yoga mat, on the cold floor, and work out. Then I have breakfast and get ready for my IT class. My study session ends at 2pm. That’s not even half of the day, and I look forward to my break, strolling back home to enjoy lunch with my boyfriend, who lives with me.

I cannot complain, he is an excellent housemate. He is perfectly clean and barely makes a mess. He cooks wonderfully, and he never snores! He is quick in the shower, doesn’t watch football, and has good musical taste. With all these positive traits, you must be thinking, “come on, he can’t be perfect!!” Well, no, he isn’t: he is a smart-ass, enjoys proving that he can cook better than me (that’s only what HE believes, couldn’t be further from the truth), indulges in telling me what I do wrong, turns on the cold water when I am showering…should I go on?

No, seriously, I shouldn’t complain. Why? Because if one takes a quick look at men here in the south of Spain, one realises that what she has at home is a gift. Men in Andalusia are incapable of ignoring football, always expect you to cook for them, they are useless at dusting, ironing or doing anything by themselves…I am not one to defend generalisations, but these guys, this region, need to be labelled and shamed so that any evolution may occur.

Please, at least somebody prove me wrong! I am calling for change. I am asking for fewer women overprotecting their boyfriends, sons, husbands and start forgetting to do everything for them. I am pleading for men to be proactive and learn some basic skills. The simple-minded, unkempt, and useless Latin lover is over. At least, less and less women have one walking by their side.
And if you are still holding on to one, what are you waiting for? Give him the mop and just leave him there…purely in the name of evolution!

The Year Before the Wedding

A close friend of mine is getting married next year. She booked the reception venue and the church almost a year ago. Consequently, this wedding is taking more than two years to prepare. This seems to be the trend amongst Spanish nuptial ceremonies. The bigger the better, and the earlier you begin the preparations, the sooner guests can commence saving up. And I do not mean gathering money to pay for their elegant dresses or expensive suits. I am not talking about booking hotels if the wedding is far from one’s home. And I am certainly not alluding to money that will be spent on hairdressers and expensive waterproof make-up. I am referring to the notes included in a white, discreet envelope. A considerable amount of money for both bride and groom. Because here, in the South of Spain, gifts wrapped in shiny paper, with big ribbons, are a no-no. Cash in hand, please, is the new way to go.
Today my friend was debating with the rest of us (unmarried, some still single) which dress she should purchase, adding that the designer-one she liked was very expensive and a good reason for feeling guilty on her big day. One of my other Spanish girlfriends, as blunt as always (will tell you more about her soon), basically said “Just choose the one you like, I am going to pay for it anyway”. The bride-to-be giggled, and after commenting on the lack of tact of the friend, accepted such excuse and will most likely bag the pricey dress.
This is how it is now. My terribly honest friend warned me months ago how a recent bride had confided to her yet another common practice: writing down what each friend or relative gives to you. This you do, so at their wedding, they can receive that exact amount from you: “It’s a loan, really”. Weddings are businesses, she added. Not only for caterers, make-up artists and photographers, but for the bride and groom. After all, Jessie, how do you expect to pay for the honeymoon?

Love being a girl

I used to love being a girl because I was allowed to cry. But now, women despise those who can't repress their tears. We are supposed to be independent; hence we cannot cry when our lover leaves.
We must be brave; as a result we cannot shed a tear when we board a plane for the first time. Women should be always rational, so following our emotions would be wrong.
I used to love being a girl because we were allowed to look and smell nice. However, now, in doing so, one comes across as shallow, an empty shell, some sort of bimbo.
I loved being a girl as we were allowed be fragile and seek protection. But now those who rely on their lovers, friends or sisters are weak.
Nowadays I love being a woman because we can be a thousand possibilities at once. Any decision we make, any identity we take, any position we based ourselves on, will be loved by some and hated by others. I love being a woman because one definition is not enough, because we are so different from each other, because we are all exceptions to the rule.
Unpredictable, therein lies our femininity.