Can you guys believe it? Another year has passed, old things have gone and new have come. I remember how horrible 2009 was, and how I just wanted to forget about everything that happened in that year. The reason for this post's video is because the end of another year always means broken promises, things that you didn't get to do and many regrest but I think 2010 was very kind to me in spite of everything that has gone wrong.
This year brought me struggles and huge obstacles but it also brought new opportunities and new horizons. This year I've gotten closer to my faith... I've learned to say goodbye and hello, and that no matter where I am the fact is that I can..and will survive. Most importantly, I've learned that it helps to count your blessings because chances are that they are far greater than all the yucky things we go through. I'm thankful for the obstacles, for the struggles, and for all the things that make me angry because they make me who I am and teach me new things. The thing I am most thankful for is my family and how close we've gotten to one another, especially during the past five months....which have been the toughest months ever! I wish I could go back to earlier in the year and enjoy some moments a little bit more but I am excited to see what 2011 has in store for us...hopefully great and fantastic things!

Happy 2011

-Italia A.

(click on pictures to watch videos)

1. Chromeo- "Don't Turn The Lights On"
2. Odisea- "Cabros"
3. Carla Morrison/Babaluca- "I'm Lost"
4. Natalia LaFourcade- "No Viniste"
5. Adele- "Rolling In The Deep"
6. The XX- "Crystalized"

Crystallization: a concept which describes the process, or mental metamorphosis, in which unattractive characteristics of a new love are transformed into perceptual diamonds of shimmering beauty "What I call 'crystallization' is the operation of the mind that draws from all that presents itself the discovery that the loved object has some new perfections"

Theory developed in 1822 by the French writer Stendhal as an attempt to describe the act of "falling in love" and how the moment one begins to take interest in a person, one no longer sees him or her as they really are, but as it suits one to see them.

(from wikipedia)

My list of Currently Reading. It's been quite a long time be since I've had the true passion of actually reading something other than facebook ha! I decided to re-start feeding my brain with these three books:

• A Short History of Medicine by F. Gonzalez-Crussi.

• The Language of Cells: Life as Seen Under the Microscope by Spencer Nadler

• Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert.

and of course, Eat Pray Love is the ultimate favorite after watching the movie. I hope I haven't ruined the actual book by watching the movie first, but then again, my spark for it wouldn't have ignited. I'll tell you people more about the books as I keep reading them.
Cheerio!

I had the opportunity of watching this documentary earlier this year and I can't explain how amazing it is!!! I just found out it won the Sundance Film Festival award to best directing, and i'm incredibly glad because it truly is a great documentary.
It talks about Mexico's president in 1924, Plutarco Elias Calles, through the memories of his daughter, narrater by the great-grandaughter. It sort of introduces you to the history of Mexico's politics and how Calles affected present day citizens' view of the government. Really, if you have a chance to see it, please do! I especially recommend it because it is filmed in my hometown of Mexico City. Here is the actual synopsis of the film by POV.
P.S. Click on the picture to watch the trailer.

SYNOPSIS

Past and present collide as award-winning filmmaker Natalia Almada (Al Otro Lado, POV 2006) brings to life audio recordings she inherited from her grandmother, daughter of Plutarco Elías Calles, a revolutionary general who became Mexico’s president in 1924. In his time, Calles was called El Jefe Maximo (Foremost Chief). Today he is remembered as El Quema-Curas (Priest Burner) and as a dictator who ruled through puppet presidents until his exile in 1936. Airing during the centennial of the Mexican Revolution, El General moves between a daughter’s memories of her father as she grapples with history’s portrayal of him and the weight of that same man’s legacy on Mexico today. Winner of the 2009 Sundance Film Festival U.S. Directing Award: Documentary. A co-production of ITVS in association with Latino Public Broadcasting. A Creative Capital project.

In the last few months I've felt a strong desire to get closer to my spirituality, to God, and my faith. It only seems fitting that this be my 100th post!!!! I can't believe it...one-hundred posts already..time flies.

Tell me if this isn’t the cutest book you’ve ever seen! I'm sort of a very visual person, and whomever designed this cover has my unconditional love. Look at the colors...and the bird, anything that has a bird on it is absolutely stunning! Haha, yes...I know I'm talking about a book.

This also has a very special meaning to me however. I’ve been taking a Global Warming course this semester and I am completely fascinated by it. To tell you the truth, I don’t think we can ignore this issue anymore, and anyone who does is illiterate and doesn’t want to accept the facts. Back in the mid-1800s someone must have thought Charles Darwin was crazy when he published “On the Origin of Species,” and now we know him the as the father of evolutionary biology.

I would be a hypocrite if I said I don’t contribute to further global warming, but I think that the change is coming along quite well, we can’t expect things to positively change in a few months or years, but if we don’t do something now we might never ever…ever be able to recover from our foolish actions today.

I want this book SOOOO bad, hahaha I guess I am judging the book by it’s cover but ahhhh who can resists to the beauty of it…I’m sure the inside is just as beautiful!

A good friend of mine recently brought to my attention that you guys couldn't post comments on my blog! You can't imagine how sad I was to hear this!!!!!!!! Comments are the most amazing thing in the world of blogger. So after tweeking a few things I hope you will be able to comment if you want...and remember you can do so even if you don't have a blogger. So now it's all settled...toodles!

P.S.
Be happy everyone! Great things are always on the other side of the roadblocks!

Nothing better than a little samba to accompany a rigorous day at school. Click on the fabulous picture to listen to one of my favorite samba songs "Mas Que Nada" by Sergio Mendes and Brasil '66. I love the ladies in this video...such glamour! This kind of music has a way to lift your spirits and make you forget about everything else for just a few minutes. It makes you imagine a beach party during the '60s with classy men and women just dancing, playing with some beach balls, sitting down and enjoying a nice cold tropical drink and just having a heck of a good time. Is it just me imagining all of this? ha!
I hope you like it...AND I hope you are fighting the urge to get up and start dancing some samba just like I am right now!

Never be afraid of being alone. It is only when you are ok with being with yourself that you can be with others.

❝ Sometimes when I look at you, I feel I’m gazing at a distant star.
It’s dazzling, but the light is from tens of thousands of years ago.
Maybe the star doesn’t even exist any more. Yet sometimes that light seems more real to me than anything. ❞ Haruki Murakami

Today is November 2, 2010. Today is not only important because it is national Election Day (I hope all of you who can vote actually voted!) but also because in many Latin American countries we celebrate El Dia de los Muertos. When I was a little girl, it was a common custom to celebrate this special day in school and at home. It is said that on November 1 and 2, the spirits of the dead descend down to Earth to visit their loved ones, who have an altar ready with a whole bunch of goodies for the spirits to munch on. The altar consists of the ancestor’s favorite fruits, bread, meals, wine, candy, flowers, and candles. What I remember the most about this holiday is the “calaveritas,” little candy skulls made out of sugar or chocolate (as shown in the picture above). My brother and I used to love them not because of how delicious they are, but because of their intricate designs drawn out of candy…we used to stare at them for a while before actually eating them. There’s so many amazing things about this day, I adore the emphasis Latin communities around the world put on it…it is quite beautiful.

During “El Dia de los Muertos” we recognize and celebrate the lives of our ancestors; it is because of them that we are who we are. Take a moment to remember them, to tell them that we miss them, and thank them for the legacy they left for you.

I’ve never been very good at giving advice to anyone, but I do want to share something with all of you out there: never allow anyone to tell you OR make you feel like you’re not worth it. One of the biggest mistakes a person could make is to give the time of day to someone who doesn’t belong in your life, no matter how much you want them to belong. Don’t ever let anyone else implant in your head the idea that you won’t amount to anything because, if you do, the victory will be theirs. It’s taken me more than a year to come to this realization, but I’m glad I’ve gotten to this point. I think that being away from everything I knew has helped a little. When you no longer have that voice in your head making you nervous, making you wish you were someone else, when you stop wondering what it is that you did wrong and you stop going over the situation over and over again...only when you stop doing all of this you will be able to move ahead, but only then. Let go of those who have hurt you, release them from your heart and mind.

From this moment on, believe that the power to change your life is born in your heart. Praise yourself, believe in yourself, and trust that all your goals are within your reach. Forgive yourself for all the mistakes you’ve made, and cleanse your spirit and soul for a new beginning. Have a positive attitude from dawn to dusk, connect with nature, tell the people you love that you love them. Enunciate how great you feel, because YOU are an amazing person…everyone is! I believe that God doesn’t create us to be in the dark, to suffer, to hate ourselves. God creates us so that we can surround ourselves in light and share it with those who have lost their path, to share joy and happiness. So start today and no more “wimpy, wimpy, wimpy!”

I leave you with a great passage a friend shared with me; I thought it would go great with this post:
“I am at peace with my own feelings. I am safe where I am. I create my own security. I love and approve of myself.”


Currently listening to: Mientras Tu Dormias. Album by Carla Morrison.

Because we all need new music from time to time. Click on the pictures to listen to the new music I accidentally came across. Very funky, very suave, very happy.

What a man, what a charm!!! I do not know why but Mexican men from the 60's and 70s had a really great gentleman-like appeal to them!
This song has quickly become one of my favorites you guys. It is called "El Rio" by Miguel Rios and it is such a pity that I hadn't listened to it years ago! Miguel Rios has been a very well known artist for decades now. The video was probably filmed late 60s, which makes it even more endearing. I found this video while listening to "She's my man" by Bigott, which is another great song by the way, I really recommend you checking it out. I noticed in the comment section of the video that Bigott had paid some sort of tribute to this song and voila...this song came up. I love the fact that it has such a retro feel to it, but it is also something we would hear nowadays in the indie genre.

In Lak’ech Ala K’in. This is a Mayan greeting meaning “I am you and you are me.” I came across this amazing greeting through a facebook friend who is a great artist, you can look at his artwork here, I HIGHLY recommend it…my favorite pieces of work are his Frida Kahlo paintings.
I became attracted to the phrase, In Lak’ech Ala K’in, immediately after he posted it because it refers to the fact that ALL living things are interconnected, that whatever we do will affect the world around us and, in effect, ourselves. This phrase teaches us to open our hearts and give the best we can to the world but give it in a truthful and sincere manner. When we give the best of ourselves to the universe we receive in return only the best. I like this phrase because I really do believe that we are connected to the earth we walk on, the air we breath, birds, life, etc…and by having a positive energy radiating from us, we embellish what is around us…and in return we embellish ourselves in the most beautiful of ways. In Lak’ech Ala K’in encourages us to have a positive attitude towards life and be grateful to be able to be here...surrounded by the things we love most. Because I am you and you are me we are able to experience love, friendship, hardship, success, struggle, and happiness. Exactly because I am you and you are me let’s love life together, protect it, and cherish it. In Lak’ech Ala K’in.

"Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swaps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in the lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists...it is real...it is possible...it's yours."-Ayn Rand

"All that's left to see is what kind of flowers we'll become. I'm sure we'll be the kind that bring children out into the sun." -Wolves in the Garden, The Deadly Syndrome

Sometimes when we're sad, or happy, or maybe not feeling nothing at all we turn to music to brighten up our spirits and give us an escape from the here and now. I've always believed that music is a good way to get away from it all because, in reality, they're just like poems and literature. When one is looking for consolation for a broken heart, inspiration, or just something good to read one might read Shakespeare or Pablo Neruda. Lyrics are the exact same thing! Whenever I want a little something to relate to I find myself going back to Adele's lyrics, or The XX's and, of course, carla Morrison's. All of their lyrics are melodious poems written from the author's heart to express something that can't be said directly and without music. Here's one of my favorite songs, a song that I liked as soon as I heard it but when I carefully analyzed the lyrics I learned to love every aspect of its composition.


When Soul Meets Body
by Death Cab For Cutie


I want to live where soul meets body
And let the sun wrap its arms around me
And bathe my skin in water cool and cleansing
And feel, feel what its like to be new

Cause in my head there's a greyhound station
Where I send my thoughts to far off destinations
So they may have a chance of finding a place
where they're far more suited than here

I cannot guess what we'll discover
Between the dirt with our palms cut like shovels
But I know our filthy hand can wash one another's
And not one speck will remain

I do believe it's true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
If the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you're the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body
Where soul meets body

I do believe it's true
That there are roads left in both of our shoes
If the silence takes you
Then I hope it takes me too
So brown eyes I hold you near
Cause you're the only song I want to hear
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere
A melody softly soaring through my atmosphere

I most recently came across this video on one of my favorite blogs called Club Fonograma in which they highlight some of THE best music out there and what do you know...they shared this video with all of us music lovers. This is the kind of thing that fills me up with extreme happiness because not only is the music fantastic but it was shot in my hometown of Mexico City. I can't tell you how much I miss my beautiful city, I haven't visited in about eight years which makes me very sad when something as amazing as this comes out because I wish I could visit often..I miss it way too much! But anyhow, enough sad thoughts and let's surround ourselves with the great and cheerful vibes radiating from this video!

“The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known struggle, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassion, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen." -Elizabeth Kubler Ros

I think Frida Kahlo is one of the most beautiful people to have ever walked on Earth. I first saw this picture on my brother's tumblr and I thought it was the most breath taking picture I've ever seen. If you haven't heard of Frida Kahlo, look her up. She has an amazing story.

Recently, I stumbled upon this video which has been the highlight of my week!!! The song and video are so incredible, so soothing, so intimate...this video and me are like love at first sight!!! It makes me wish I lived somewhere in Europe and be older, and not have a worry in the world...just be the kind of person I anxiously hope to turn into. I hope you enjoy it and get to love it as much as I do.
P.S.
I promise i will stop uploading so many videos...i just HAD to share this one!

Carla, tu eres la que "Me haces enloquecer, tu me enchinas la piel."

What did I tell you guys? Completely obsessed. This is Carla's first single from her second EP. Her lyrics are just incredible, endearing, truthful. It's like listening to a poem, all of her songs are melodious poems! Loving it!

This advertisement is wrong on so many different levels!!!! I can't believe politics will drive a person to attack, not only a family, but a whole sector of society. How is this family a threat to America? Is it because they're Hispanic? Is it because they look Mexican and therefore illegal?
I look Hispanic, does that mean that me and my family are a national threat to America? Does that make me a public hazard? No!!!
For all you know these individuals could have been born in the United States, they could be naturalized citizens, they could be great members of society. To me, this isn't a public safety issue, the people in this picture (and by association, the entire community they represent) indicate a hard working, goal oriented, and a good influence of family values in America.
As a society, when did it become okay to degrade an innocent family and a community to win a political campaign? Didn't we fight for sooooo long to show that everyone is equal, that no person is better than others? As a person, I'm offended..as an American I'm disgusted there are people representing us politically that resort to these kinds of strategies to win a simple battle. There's just no shame...no shame.

This movie looks intriguing! For some reason this seems like a futuristic film but also a period piece which is so interesting, it reminds me of the book "The Giver," well more like the half that I read. Someone get me this book!!! Click on the picture if you want to watch the trailer.

Perfection? I want these shoes...well, any kind of new shoes at this moment would be pretty much amazing!

So after three long, excruciating years of waiting for new music by Chromeo (following 2007's Fancy footwork), on September 13, 2010 we will able to enjoy their new album Business Casual.
I've listened to it and, let me tell you, it is above and beyond anything they've ever created before. Tracks like "Hot Mess," "I'm not contageous," and "When the night falls" among those previously released such as "Night by Night" and "Don't turn off the lights" will leave you sticky, sore, and tired from so much hip-shoulder action and hair flipping but that will only make you want more and more. Just when you think Chromeo can't outdo themselves...they just do! Dave1 and P-thugg come together to create a magical combination of 80's funk and today's techno beat. If you're a sucker for romantic ballads and funky songs with tons of gentleman-like swagger then Business Casuall is definitely for you.
And if you're like me, then you won't be able to wait until September 13th to listen to chromeo's amazingness. Don't worry, this duo thinks of all of us loyal funketeers...you can listen to it for free on the National Public Radio's website (NPR) by clicking......HERE (or on the picture if you're more of a visual person).

Enjoy and two-step your way through this album!

I think some obsessions are healthy...obsessions like Carla Morrison that is. This woman has a type of talent that the world has not seen for a very long time. I saw her perform once in Phoenix along side great bands like Kinky and my brother and I fell in love with her music right from the start. I love this song called "Yo sigo aqui." Please notice how she creates a wonderful melody by recording different pieces of the song, adds them all together, and creates a whole new level of incredibleness...I've never seen another artist do this, she is just incredible. Other songs I love from her are Buena Malicia, Lagrimas, Nunca Me Dejes, Pajarito del Amor, Como Es..etc. All her music is amazing...check her out.

So one of my goals for the summer was to watch 50 NEW movies and I think I won't have a problem with this because watching movies is pretty much the only thing I've been doing, it's too hot in Arizona to do anything else! But I'm pretty happy with the movies I've seen so far...so I made a list and these are all the movies that I've watched already. I was going to rate them and have a description but after rating about 200+ movies on Netflix, I've realized that if I like something about a movie I'll pretty much give them four or five stars so I guess my ratings aren't that reliable haha...but I can assure you that they're all great! So here they are (in no specific order), all the movies I've watched this summer and be on the lookout because the list will definitely grow:

1. The Royal Tenenbaums
2. The Breakfast Club
3. Me and You and Everyone We Know
4. This Is It
5. Pushing Daisies: Season 1 & 2 (technically not new but first time I watched them in its entirety)
6. The Ugly Truth
7. Chloe
8. The Bounty Hunter
9. Predators
10. Eclipse
11. Say Anything
12. Sixteen Candles
13. Martian Child
14. Law Abiding Citizen
15. Remember Me
16. The Crazies
17. Wolfman
18. When In Rome
19. Shutter Island
20. Fantastic Mr. Fox
21. Valentine's Day
22. Day Breakers
23. Legion
24. It's Complicated
25. The Blindside
26. Did You Hear About The Morgans
27. The Defendor
28. Tuck Everlasting
29. Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant
30. Race to Witch Mountain
31. Two Weeks Notice
32. HellBoy II: The Golden Army
33. The Runaways
34. New York, I love you. (does NOT come close to being as great as Paris, je t'aime)
35. Inception
36. Fight Club
37. Percy Jackson & the Olympians: the Lighting thief
38. Kick-ass
39. After. Life
40. The Backup Plan
41. The Invention of Lying
42. The Imaginarium of Doctor Parnassus
43. Clash of the Titans
44. Obsessed
45. The Losers
46. Pretty Bird
47. I Hate Valentine's Day
48. She's Out of My League
49. Made of Honor
50. Donnie Darko
    

I've been listening to this remix for over an hour!!! This remix includes tropical sounds that include a little bit of Cumbia, Techno, Spanish hip-hop (Calle 13), and even a little bit of a 90's sound that includes "Lick it" by 20 Finger (something I used to hear constantly when I was little). I'm not a great music connoisseur but I can definitely recommend this 36-plus minute tape that will have you moving! This is not for everyone though, I'm sure only those with a "latin background" might like it, but you should listen to it and decide for yourself...I don't wanna make any assumptions! Just click on the picture and it'll take you to the page where you can listen to the entire thing. Enjoy!

"Every atom in your body came from a star that exploded. And, the atoms in your left hand probably came from a different star than your right hand. It really is the most poetic thing I know about physics: You are all stardust. You couldn’t be here if stars hadn’t exploded, because the elements - the carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, iron, all the things that matter for evolution and for life - weren’t created at the beginning of time. They were created in the nuclear furnaces of stars, and the only way for them to get into your body is if those stars were kind enough to explode. So, forget Jesus. The stars died so that you could be here today. "

I would scratch the "forget Jesus" part.... So disrespectful! But I like the rest of the quote...I love stars, I wish I could be an astronaut and be up there surrounded by them!

"Si se puede," which basically translates into "yes, it can be done" is a phrase that can fill people with hope and faith that things will get better...eventually.
For Silvia, a college graduate who was recently been accepted into Harvard, si se puede means much more than that. For her, it means turning her dreams into a reality. It means making a difference in a community that has no tolerance for her or any other student in the same situation. Silvia works directly with people who want to make Arizona a better and safer place for everyone. She's an advocate, she's a leader, she's a great artist, and being accepted into one of the most respected universities in the world just proves what we all know...she's one of the best students in the country.
Right now, as we speak, Silvia's dreams are being put on hold. She, as well as hundreds of thousands of other students in the United States, is struggling to turn her dream of going to graduate school into a reality, and all just because of her legal status. Thousands of students graduate each year from U.S. high schools and can't obtain a higher education because of their legal status; the few that do reach graduation face many obstacles to finish their careers and go to graduate school. These are students who graduate with honors, help their communities, and are trying to better their surroundings...who are we do deny them the tools to do so? Instead, we keep putting more obstacles in their paths so that they can't keep moving forward. Students in this situation can't often times work, can't get financial aid, can't get a drivers license, and have to pay up to three times more than a citizen does to go to school. It just doesn't seem fair to me.

I had the opportunity to hear Silvia make a speech this weekend, and she said something that I don't think I'll ever forget, it ran along the lines of:

"It is crucial that I go to Harvard this fall...because I cannot wait. I don't know if I will be here tomorrow, I live under constant fear of being deported, I could be picked up by the police or immigration and see my dreams shatter"

Students who are in the same situation live under constant fear and, yet they find the strength to keep going and make everyone proud along the way. The road is hard, but not impossible and Silvia is an excellent example of this. Silvia has just launched a campaign to raise funds so that she can go to Harvard. Please, if you can help do so, any contribution helps tremendously! Below is the link to her blog so that you can know more about her!!! If her story doesn't touch your heart...I don't know what will.

Chromeo, one of my favorite bands...no wait...MY FAVORITE BAND!!! They just released a brand new song and not that I'm biased or anything but it is out of this world! It has a very smooth, 80's, romantic feel to it. Definitely something worth checking out! Here's the LINK if you want to listen to it. Enjoy!

I've been obsessed with butterflies lately...especially blue ones. They remind me of "Americana Exotica" which appears in one of my favorite movies (although I really doubt americana exotica exists ha!). The ones in this picture look amazing, so captivating, endearing, beautiful.

To Make You Feel My Love by Adele. I love this video because she's actually singing in it! I wish I had her voice, it's truly amazing!
I love this song most of all because I dedicate it to three incredible people!

Is a good night. Something about it seems different. I love nights like this because there's something in the air...peace?! I don't know. Tonight's a good night.

I think it's funny how all of the sudden you start missing people, places, things, feelings...and you really don't have any idea why. I think right now I miss having really good conversations with people, conversations about the good things in life like movies and super heroes and future career plans and work and high school and things like that. I miss the feeling of everything being carefree, easy, and simple. I miss feeling smart. I miss my hometown, my family, the food, many things. I miss you, him, her, them, and us.

One of my favorite movies. I can't help not to cry every time I watch it. I like it because in it, we see a young woman who has to learn to become who everyone expects her to be and she does..but in her own style.

Today was one of those days that, no matter how much I tried, I couldn't stop thinking and thinking about stuff. To start off, I had somewhat of a great dream about someone and that was amazing, it made me wish all my dreams were that nice. Then I woke up and had nothing to do on a Sunday so it got me thinking about school and moving and family and other things. This probably doesn't make much sense but I started to think that whenever I start "trying" something better always comes along, I hope someday I'm that something better. I know I will be.

Lately I've noticed that there are periods in one's life when everything is just so....heavy. I've been thinking of that one part in Up in the Air where George Clooney is doing his "motivational" speech about the backpack...he talks about putting every little thing that's in your life: your car, your TV, your house, your neighbors, friends, family..absolutely everything. He goes on to saying that if you do, the backpack will be extremely heavy....that's how I feel right now; and to that backpack I've not only added the accessories that make up my everyday life but also my worries, my ideas, alienation, anger, sadness, uncertainty...so many stuff! This week has been so mentally tiring, I can barely stand it. It literally feels like I'm carrying something huge on my back!
sigh......

Everything will be better soon, I hope. I think this backpack deserves to be emptied out and have something not so heavy in there...like flowers and fulfilled dreams.

One of my most favorite songs at the moment!

It's been a few weeks since summer began and I just came up with a list of things I want to accomplish in the next few months before I become a bookworm again. This is my list:

Read my Biology books and not be ashamed because I don't know the basic material
Learn how to say NO
Run/Walk at least two miles everyday
Lose 30 lbs by the time summer's over
Re-read the twilight saga (I know...shame on me)
Watch as many movies as I can
Look up requirements for transferring schools
Read Women Who Run With The Wolves which a teacher recommended in high school and recently saw on a blog that reminded me of it.
Finally understand that the chance for somethings (more like one thing) to happen are really slim and almost nonexistent
Do a lot of advocacy for the DREAM Act
Be a better sister, daughter and friend
Start doing things because I want to do them and not because I think I have to do them
Read a lot
Listen to music a lot
RELAX

Hopefully I get to do all of the things in my list. Wish me luck!

"No youth should be barred from pursuing their dreams if they are willing to work hard. That is the basis of the DREAM Act. Each year it doesn't pass, another estimated 70,000 undocumented students graduate from high school with little hope for higher education. Ten years adds up to a lost generation."

Is this really what we want? A generation of hardworking students who have the desire, the drive, the willingness to do great things for America, students who believe themselves to be American in every sense of the word but who are denied of the basic American rights? We need something like the DREAM Act now!!!
The DREAM Act (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors Act) is a bipartisan legislation that would allow certain students who currently do not have a legal status in the United states to gain a pathway to residency and eventually citizenship. Unlike any sort of immigration bill, the DREAM Act would only benefit those students that were brought to the United States before the age of 16, have lived in the U.S. for at least five continuous years, and who have graduated from high school and are pursuing a college education. There are A LOT of requirements to this bill, contrary to what many people believe.
We are talking about students who graduate at the top of their class, athletes, leaders, students who want to make a difference in their communities! Why not give them that chance? Personally, I think that not being able to go to college because of your legal status is ridiculous. I believe anyone should have the right to better themselves and to contribute to society!

Here are 8 reason's why we need to pass the Dream Act THIS YEAR!!!!

The DREAM Act has been introduced in Congress for 10 years now without making it to the President's desk. One of Obama's promises was to work for the Dream...let's see if he keeps his word.

If you would like to know how you can help go here.
If you live in Arizona, visit the Arizona Dream Act Coalition's page to see how you can take action.

for the FIFA World Cup!!! Starts on June 11, can't wait!

Waste my life away.

I just re-opened my twitter account, and I still have my formspring account. Sigh...this summer is looking very promising. ha!

http://twitter.com/italiaaranda

http://www.formspring.me/italiaaranda

I've always found relationship stuff very difficult to handle, maybe because I haven't had much experience in that area but it seems like there's only two options: happiness or heartache. I think In for the Kill by La Roux is a perfect title to describe the dating scene. It's like when you like someone at first...well most of the time...you're not sure if they like you too. The uncertainty of the situation is unbearable, but in the end they either like you or not and in the process of finding out your heart can flourish in ways you never knew existed or it could be "withered by the sun." Yes, I'm being a bit melodramatic but like I said, I haven't had much experience so I'm only guessing here.
For me it's always been hard to find out if a guy I like likes me too because, when I like someone I usually ignore them, I try not to talk to them or have anything to do with them for the fear of him knowing that I like him. Stupid, I know! I just don't know how to deal with those situations, and I'm not sure if or how I can deal with rejection, but then again how will I know if I never put my feelings out there?
If you haven't guessed it by now, I'm writing this blog because I'm starting to develop somewhat of a crush on someone. I'll make nothing more out of this for now, I guess. But this recent development had me thinking about my past "friendships" and it seems like I never open my heart enough, people are able to get a peak inside but they never get the full picture..it's always more comfortable this way, but I need change and I need it now!
I'm entering into this phase where I'm trying..and trying really hard...to change. I want to be this open, loving person. I want to be more attentive, more responsible, more loving, have better relationships with people. It's a slow process but hopefully it will lead me to a happy stage in my future, a future where being honest about your feelings doesn't seem like a war zone you can get out of alive or die trying.

From the movie: WRISTCUTTERS: A LOVE STORY. One of my favorite movies.

Someone like him, including the british accent.

Even though I've taken some human development classes and sociology of adolescence in college it still amazes me how much and how quickly the human mind changes. It's crazy how the brain controls every single part, emotion and action of the human body. Among those emotions are mood swings, you know..those things teenagers are really fond of. Is it weird that I'm almost 20 and I still consider myself a teenager? I'd like to think not! But anyhow, I find it weird how when I was younger nothing really bothered me, nothing offended me, nothing made me furious...but now..oh boy!!! Almost EVERYTHING bothers me, most things could be turned into offensive comments and a lot of things make me furious. Is that a part of growing up? Realizing that life is not a fairytale?
Maybe because it wasn't until long that I started having to take part into family decisions, having to do things by myself, having to deal with things on my own, and giving advice to friends...ugh I sometimes really hate giving advice to friends...especially if they're pessimistic. I hate pessimistic people...like no matter how much you try to cheer them up they won't listen, I think that's one of my biggest pet peeves. Why can't people think "things will get better soon...have a little bit of faith" more often? Sigh...see what I'm talking about? I think I've turned into somewhat of a bitch. Excuse my french. hehe.
I hope my brain still has a bit of changing in it so that when I'm older I can see things clearer. I want to feel old and wise, not just old.

In other more exciting and totally unrealated news....
SUMMER HAS BEGUN!!!! so, soooooo exciting. I can't wait to see what summer has in store for me. Hopefully a lot of good things. What are your summer plans?

Have you ever had those moments in which you're staring into pure nothingness, and that nothingness seems to be the most peaceful little piece of heaven you've had all day...or maybe all week...maybe even all month?
That nothing gives you an escape from all the clutter in your head things that you really don't wanna think about but you do anyways because you're tired of thinking of yourself as a procrastinator, of saying "I'll just think about it later..." a phrase that just gives you temporary satisfaction. You think about it because if you don't then you feel like people think you don't care when you actually do, and you do care a lot but you're just not good at showing your emotions.
During those few seconds of staring into deep space, of resting your eyes without actually closing them you imagine all sorts of things, mostly happy things. Things that you know won't happen in a very long time and you know they shouldn't happen for a very long time but you can't help and wish that you could fast foward through all the lessons, the mistakes, the choices you had to make to get there. And you wish this because you don't wanna have to deal with it anymore, you just want to enjoy a carefree life, you want to enjoy being older and independent and you want to find out what's like to have all the things you promised yourself you'd have.
You look into space to get away from the idea that you seem to be taking a different road than all those around you. You want to get away from the idea that you feel like it is time to slowly say goodbye to those you consider friends but sometimes feel like acquaintances, and you look into space to forget that maybe it is your fault that you feel this way but then think that it isn't.
And during those last few seconds before you realize that you're staring into thin air you take a deep breath and you gain courage to go back to reality, to all those cool and the not so cool things that make up your day.

And then puuuff the moments gone, but you feel different, you feel like you soul has rested, like you can and will get through the day because you are that awesome!

I love "reading" men magazines like Details, GQ (well, I don't know if GQ is exclusively for men, probably not) , and Nylon for men because they always have really awesome pictures of really cute models. I love looking at the photographs because they always portray men as classy, educated, well dressed, you know....the type of men you don't ever see anymore.

"Every morning I used to wake up and think that what made us different was the constant fear, the uncertainty, and the unknown struggles we face very single day, but this morning I woke up and realized that what makes US different is our strength, our determination, and the willingness that is born in our hearts to fight for millions" -Italia A.

What can I say? I do get inspired from time to time haha!

Poema para EL.
By Carla Morrison


Tu el portador de mi arca.


Hoy olvidare todos tus defectos
hoy recordare todos los encuentros
que tuvimos mientras me enamorabas
hoy me sumergire en tus brazos
y de ahi no pensare en salir...

Hoy te mirare a los ojos fijamente
hasta convertirme en polvo
porque eso fui y en eso me converti.

Me dedicare a ser el vuelo entre
tus alas,
hoy guardare todo mi aire
para que tu respires.

Hoy me jugare la vida
para que tu sobrevivas,
hoy inventare una receta
para hacerte una comida
que contenga todas mis virtudes
y secretos y sea de ti
un curador enguento.

Hoy te perdonare todas las peleas
absurdas a las que preste atencion
para obtener tu reaccion porque
como tu no hay replica.

Hoy te dire que nunca antes
ame a alguien igual..
Siempre seras el muso de mis poemas
y seras el emblema de mi amor
porque estas tan en mi interior
siempre enterrado en mi corazon
te amo tanto mi amor.


I found this poem in Carla Morrison's Blog. It never ceases to amaze me how much talent this girl has!

An Education came out on DVD last week and my hands had been burning ever since to get a copy, thank goodness for Netflix! I finally watched it this weekend and I thought it was a great film! I really liked the plot and how they developed the story but, what I loved most was the music and the costume design!!! The early sixties seemed like such a liberating era. It seems like a time when girls began to want to think, act, and do things themselves and the fashion clearly symbolizes this! I fell completely in love with the dresses that Jenny, the main character, wore; all those floral dresses, the coats, the shoes, the hair...they're all to die for! They are so simple but yet so sophisticated, I don't know, there's just something so whimsical about them.
There is this scene where Jenny is laying on her bedroom floor and and you could see that she had a floral carpet...I wish I could get one!
Another thing I loved was the soundtrack. Most of the music in the film is music that would have been heard in the early 60s which I really liked! That music reminds me of simpler times, when going going to dance was an important occasion worth of your most breath taking dress. People had class and style back then and I think it's such a shame that we've lost that!

"Crystalised" by The XX.

Chromeo Bonafied Lovin from VICE Records on Vimeo.

I think one of the benefits of being a college student is that you get to take classes which appeal to your interest other than the classes you are "required" to take. This semester I've had the amazing pleasure of taking a class called Transborder Immigration and Economy, which focuses on why people from Mexico migrate to the United States. I love this class because it has helped me understand so many things about my culture and where I come from. Also, knowing about trends and patterns of migration has helped me to better advocate for the DREAM Act, which is a wonderful plus!
Some of the perks of being in this class is that we get to read a lot of papers and research concerning immigration and today I had the opportunity of watching a movie called "Crossing Arizona," which is a documentary about Illegal immigration in the United States, but specially in Arizona.
This movie really touched my heart. Some of the stories you hear and the all struggles people crossing the border go through are all really moving. The movie also included the other side of illegal immigration: those who are against it. I'm sorry to say it but, these people just appeared to be cold and insensitive. It's not that I don't understand their point of view, this is their country and they have the right to protect it but maybe they should focus their efforts on Washington instead of terrorizing people at the border.

I have always known about the struggles people who cross the border face day-to-day but to hear their stories directly from them is heartbreaking. I think people are quick to judge and generalize the situation without taking into consideration how much immigration actually helps this country. In the movie, this quote stood out more than any other:

"...Do you have any idea what it took that person to get there to fix your breakfast, to make your bed, to mow your lawn...the suffering they went through, the money they had to spent, the families they left behind?"

This quote really made an impression on me because it really makes me mad that everyone wants $.99 cent drinks, or cheap vegetables, cheap food, cheap burgers without even realizing the prices depend on immigration. We are able to get "everything" for less money because there's someone behind that product who worked cheap labor. This is the side that no one EVER thinks about. There's a story behind every inexpensive product. Behind every bed made at a hotel there's a family of four who looked for a better opportunity, behind every cabinet in your kitchen there's a brother and sister looking for a college degree, behind every clean floor in your school or office there's a family who left everything behind for just a chance at something better. There are so many roads these individuals have walked, so many struggles they have had to overcome, and so many obstacles still to come; how can we sit there and do nothing?

Next time you buy something...anything...wonder to yourself "what's the story behind this? Where has this been? and AM I BRAVE ENOUGH TO DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT?"

Magnolias. I've found my favorite type of flower.

We all have secret thoughts. Things we can't say but wish other people would find out on their own so that they could comfort us, hug us, donate kind words.

Just four months; four short months before the inevitable comes. I'm not gonna lie, I'm terrified of turning twenty years old. I have no idea why the thought of it scares me so much, I just can't help it. I am a little excited about the celebration though, I still have no idea how I'm going to celebrate my birthday or IF I'm going to celebrate it at all, but the thought of it is the only thing keeping me from going crazy. I think one of the most exciting things is waiting to blow out the candles on your cake, I've always liked that part...even if I can't put the candle out with just one blow ha! I like to wish for things that aren't always possible. These are a few things on my wish list...some are completely crazy but they're things I've always wanted (even though it might be a little too late for some of them).

Things I'll be thinking of while blowing out candles in four months:

1. I wish I'll some how turn into this eclectic type of girl who always knows what to say, how to dress, and how not to freak out and be clumsy.

2. I wish I'd stop making avoidable mistakes.

3. I wish someone...anyone... gets me the Pushing Daisies DVD (season 1 and/or 2).

4. I wish this year would be my year.

5. I wish for a David Macklovitch/Ezra Koening/Jesse Eisenberg look-a-like love interest.

6. I wish I'd become more artistic, meaning I wish I could somehow be a good painter, or singer, or dancer, ugh, any talent would be better than no talent at all!

7. I wish I could go to Coachella with my brother.

8. I wish for my hard work this year to get the DREAM Act passed not to go down the drain.

9. I wish for courage.

10. I wish for a job and car.

11. I wish for Sugar and Spice and all things nice.

12. I wish for a better Italia overall.

Lately I've found myself in situations where I've had to share "my story" with other people. You know...the usual: where I come from, the struggles I've had to overcome, and how is it that I got to this point in my life, among many other personal things. I find these situations extremely uncomfortable. I'm not used to opening myself to people and, to be honest, I feel exposed. Maybe I'm just weird, but I'm the kind of person that has to get to know someone really well before telling them about what's going on in my head and even then, I keep most of the important things to myself. I have no idea why sharing things about me with other people makes me feel vulnerable, like I'm giving something very important away, something I'll never get back.

A few weeks ago I wrote about how much I wanted to see this movie called "The Fall." I finally got a chance to watch it and it has become one of my most favorite movies of all times! It is so creative, the amount of detail is incredible...it is just amazing! I was watching the special features after the movie and the director said something quite funny, it ran along the lines of "i don't care if this is the worst movie ever done..." and I thought it was hilarious because that is far from true. This is probably one of the best movies every made! If you have the chance to see it please do, you won't be disappointed! I'm sorry if this "review" isn't the best one, but there are just good enough words that could ever describe this film.

I am always amazed by what can be accomplished by a small group of people!!! Bread and Roses was a culture night that consisted of live music, poetry, and food. It was organized by a small group of individuals from the Arizona Dream Act Coalition and it took place at Tonatierra, a place that mixes culture, inspiration, and hard work all in one.
Being part of the organizing committee, tension always runs high before an event, there are always so many things to take care of, but when you see how good one of your events turns out and the smiles on people's faces after the event it just makes all of the stress disappear. I am so proud to be part of such an amazing organization. I didn't get to see most of the performances because I was serving food (very delicious food by the way) but I had a BLAST!!! Maybe I'll post some future events on here, because they are always warm and welcoming just like the people who plan them!

MIRAME
by Belanova

Mírame a los ojos dime
Todo lo que estas pensando
Cuéntame
Que hay nubes de azúcar
Que la vida endulzan
Que tus labios las pueden tocar

Y que mañana
Al despertar seré
Un poema
Que se escribió con estrellas
Que te hablara
De un planeta de sonrisas
Que nacieron para ti
Mi niño

Mírame a los ojos dime
Que es lo que haremos mañana
Cuéntame
Navegar el cielo seria buena idea
Y la luna poder visitar

Y que mañana
Al despertar seré
Un poema
Que se escribió con estrellas
Que te hablara
De un planeta de sonrisas
Que nacieron para ti
Mi niño

Song of the week! Belanova always has such sweet and incredible lyrics.

"Take me out tonight where there's music and there's people who are young and alive"
-there is a light never goes out.

Ladies and Gentlemen, please fasten your seat belts for we are about to experience a bumpy ride.