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.