Xavierism

Bravo to Megyn Kelly!

Recollections

 

***Random Play

*Francesca Battistelli: My Paper Heart - Deluxe Edition

*Whitney Houston: I Look To You

*Matt Dusk: Two Shots

*Judith Owen: Here

*Sophie Ellis-Bextor: Read My Lips

*Will Young: The Hits

Great weekend. I kept to myself for the most part. I did enjoy a Saturday morning run and breakfast with friend, Lark. I attended early Mass on Sunday and returned home and meditated, prayed & spent time recollecting precious moments from my past. I sorted out boxes and boxes of old photographs, letters & cards.

I thoroughly enjoyed the 84th Academy Awards. I am happy that Meryl Streep took home the Oscar for the Best Actress for her role as the Iconic Conservative Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. I wasn't too fond with how the movie show cased the former leader as senile but Meryl was superb during Thatcher's peak years. I was quite happy to see that recognition was given to a woman that portrayed the Life of an amazing woman of the 20th Century. The Academy got it right this time!

I'm ready to start training for my next half marathon: Six Tunnels to the Hoover Dam Half Marathon. My right foot feels good. I'm so ready to prove to myself that I can run a better race after that last half marathon.

A close friend of the family passed away last weekend. This woman was part of my childhood memories. She had 3 children but I was close to the oldest daughter that was a year younger than myself. She was diagnosed with Cancer and after her long battle of illness, she was never quite the same. I had various conversations with her during the last of her years and she was simply tired. When I last visited with her, I didn't see the 73 year old woman but rather the young woman she was that I remembered during my grade school years. She was a strong and fierce woman. This served as a reminder that we are all apart of one another's lives.

This week I reconnected with former best friends during two very rough periods of my life. I'm so blessed to have these 4 people back in my life. Ann was a dear friend of mine just before I came out. We parted ways because she was engaged to her then boyfriend and didn't like our relationship. The three male friends became my best friends during the years I came out. They were there for and with me through the beginning of my 'gay' life. I don't know how I would have made it this far without them. Kim, Rodney & Harry were true gifts of friendships. Love or hate Facebook, it has the power to reconnect with the ones you've truly missed in your life.

I treasure the friendships I currently have and those I lost for one reason or another. Last Summer I was constantly praising three people for their friendship. Turns out I'm no longer friends with those three individuals. Sad but Life goes on. The blessings that resulted from those friendships were two people that are still in my Life - Patty & Arriana. I am thankful that my inner circle consists of the same friends as always. 2012 started off rocky but I feel the tide turning. I'm ready to get back on track and follow the detour so that I can get back on my path to this journey called Life.

Ben Rector recored an outstanding cover of Whitney Houston's ' I Wanna Dance with Somebody' on January 15th, 2012. This cover is special because he recorded this before the Woman with 'The Voice' passed away. He played all the instruments & sang the back up vocals. Love how musicans turn an amazing song and mold it into a song of their own. Hope you enjoy this cover as performed by Ben.

Simple Joys are all around us - they're like little treasures. Take a moment and search - you'll be surprised at what you'll find.

****CHEERS!****

Current Music: Judith Owen's Here

Current Mood: Wide Awake & Thankful for this Moment!

Empire State of Mind

State Farm's 9/11 New York Commercial

Pepper Kane!

I thought it was about time to update my blog. Lately, I can't get enough of Pepper Kane, another one of Tracey Ullman's zany characters from 'The Trailer Tales'. It originally aired in 2003 and this episode still continues to make me laugh on a daily basis. For real...for real, right?

As for my new workout regiment and healthy eating habits, I'm happy to share that I've lost a total of 27 pounds. It's such a great feeling knowing I can fit back into most of my clothes again. March madness! I'm ready for the Big Dance. Go HORNS!

*****Cheers!*****

Current Music: Joni Mitchell's Both Sides Now
    Current Mood: Hungry, Happy, & Praisin'!

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football!

Ella & Kylie Enjoying Saturday Football! from Xavierism on Vimeo.

Proud to be Latino

***Random Play
*Celia Chavez: Sailor's Daughter
*Laura Marie: Drawn
*Salvador: Aware
*Nichole Nordeman: Woven & Spun
*Diana Winter: Escapizm
*Paolo Nutini: Sunny Side Up

Like so many other Hispanics, I was glued to the television so I could watch CNN's Soledad O'brien's Latino in America. I was watching this show along with many of my Latino Brothers and Sisters. Thanks to the social network power of Twitter, we were able to share in real time. Actually, most shared their thoughts while I sat back and watched the show.

From what I gathered so many Hispanics felt that their similar Life history wasn't revealed within any of the stories shared. While I did agree with this take, I also felt that the show didn't take me on a journey of any sorts. Yes, it shared life stories about those that struggled to find a place within our American society but I wanted to feel the human interest element about every day Hispanics coping with every day life. 

I was expecting to watch a story about a single young Latina woman raising her children on her own and working a full time job. To share her powerful story...an every day struggle that women of all colours can relate and understand. I know so many of these Hispanic women. These woman can't even enjoy a time out because she has to deal with Life in the moment. Stories about Mothers that thank God that their teenage sons return home at the end of the day for fear of gangs and it's 'dark alley'. This was far from what I expected. It seems as though I had a whole show playing in my head and it was nothing like the segment I watched on CNN.

I know numerous Hispanic people that could be considered mentors for our young youth. Many that would inspire those of all ages. I wanted to watch stories that would have me cheering for my brothers and sisters as I would a football game. I wanted to be proud of our those that were part of Soledad's story. Instead, I was left feeling as though I watched a bad movie and kept asking myself, "Was that it?"

I was blessed to be born into an amazing family. I grew up to believe that Education was the key. What I learned early on was that Education also came in the form of every day Life's experiences. Since I was a young child, I knew I was gay. I didn't know the 'what' or 'why' details but I knew I was different from most of the boys. I can remember being ridiculed for 'being different'. I now know that these feelings caused me to be an emotional eater and the main reason for being overweight during those years. I was up to 250 when graduated high school. I am so thankful for my Catholic faith. Yes, I am very thankful that my Buelita raised me to believe in Angels and Saints. Because of her, I believe my Faith in God, helped me through so many dark moments.

After battles with Cancer, I believe that I am here for a reason. I'm here to share, inspire, and be inspired. Latinos, like every colour and nationality, we want to be respected. We are more than just a maid, gardener, or gang member on a TV show. Maybe I do have more stories to share...

Final thought? I want thank those Latinos that have inspired me throughout my Life. I want to thank those Latinos/Latinas of today that inspire me to be a better person tomorrow. I'm proud to be surrounded by so many Brothers and Sisters that are doing just that. I'm one of 51 million Latinos in American. I'm proud to be Latino.

    Current Music: Laura Marie's In Code

Current Mood: Proud

The Clinton Exit

Hillary Clinton gave an incredible speech. I'm glad she didn't give this speech last week. She deserved to go out on her own terms rather than take lead from the Media and others. It's such a damn shame she will not be the Democrat's nominee this coming election. It's time to support Oprahama.

A Little Somethin' Somethin' About An Upcoming Gig

Terra Naomi's Say It's Possible Playing In The Background on Private Practice.

***Random Play
*Terra Naomi: Under The Influence
*Annie Lennox: Songs of Mass Destruction
*David D'Alessio: Songs To Undress Your Ego
*Luthea Salom: Sunbeam Surrounded By Winter
*Allison Sattinger: VOX
*Jon McLaughlin: Indiana

I've been looking forward to sharing this bit of good news. I landed a great gig for Phoenix music lovers! On Saturday, December 15th @ 7:30pm, at The Big Fish Pub, Joe Firstman, LA singer/ songwriter and band leader of Carson Daly's show,Last Call with Carson Daly, will headline a great showcase. Other musicians on bill: Angie Stevens, voted Denver's best singer/ songwriter for 2007; LA's very own Sacha Sacket and Tony Lucca. I'm still working on a local acoustic musician to open as well as a local band to be added to the line up. I'll be working with a few radio stations concerning promo and free ticket giveaways. If you're from Phoenix, be shure to mark your calendar: DECEMBER 15th/7:30pm @ The Big Fish Pub. Boo-Yah!!!!

Over the weekend, I watched last week's episode of Private Practice. The episode tugged at my heart strings. It didn't help that Terra Naomi's song played during the climactic scene at the end. Oh, Terra...you are incredible!

*****CHEERS!*****

Current Music: Terra Naomi's I'm Happy
Current Mood: Rejuvenated

Emotionally Grounded & Spiritually High

***Random Play
*Skye: Mind How You Go
*Tara Leigh Cobble: Here's To Hindsight
*Maria Long: Here Without You
*Edie Carey: Another Kind of Fire
*Jann Arden: Self Titled CD
*Judith Owen: Here

Last week, I learned a big lesson about business. I had an uncomfortable situation with a client. From the get go, I pandered around with this client and  knew eventually I was destine to be the victim of the black widow. This bite carried quite a sting. I went against my gut instincts. The sixth sense of intuition is powerful...and I won't let it down next time. When inner convictions are screaming so loudly inside to the point that there's no escape, I won't deny myself.

I've been so busy with work. My clients are keeping me busy. Plus, I have a few benefits, event planning, & music projects that I'm quite excite about. To be accepted as a PR & promotions consultant is one thing. To be hired for a specific project because they like the work I'm doing with a mutual client or dealings on another project makes me feel as though I'm headed in the right direction.

One of my favourite television shows is ABC's Grey's Anatomy. I always forget to zap the show on to DVR...but luckily I was flipping the channels just in time to watch a great scene. The scene involved a highlight moment for so many characters. The music used for this particular scene is from Skye's debut solo project, Mind How You Go. Skye was the singer for the group, Morcheeba. Anyway, the song was perfect for this particular scene. So whether you're a fan of the show or not, fan of Skye's or not, watch the clip. Maybe you'll connect with the show and/or Skye.

Day by day, when I felt somewhat cocky and confident, I always felt in control of matters. Last week, I was reminded that I am not in control of matters, personal or business related, that make up the bigger picture of life. God and angels reminded me that I am not in control of even the simplest of matters. I am not the one that has the final say with matters in my own life. Basically, I am happy that I was reminded. I needed to be brought down and feel grounded again. Once again, I feel emotionally grounded & spiritually high!

Enjoy the Moments!

*****CHEERS!*****

CURRENT MUSIC: SKYE's What's Wrong With Me
CURRENT MOOD: Peaceful & Content

Pre-Oscar Night Thoughts

Rodan and I sharing a moment at Good Hurt in West Lost Angeles.

I'm ready to enjoy a night of Hollywood joy with my main man, Rodan. We have been cleaning the house and doing laundry for most of the weekend. We've planned a nice Pork roast and dessert for dinner...along with wine & martinis. I'm looking forward to our "date".

My sentimental Oscar favourites? Little Miss Sunshine for Best Picture, Peter O'Toole for Best Actor, and Helen Mirren for Best Actress. I can't decided which actress I'd prefer to win Best Supporting Actress. It's a three way tie between Abigal Breslin, Cate Blanchett, and Jennifer Hudson.

During my recent trip to LA/Hollywood, I was driving to a meeting and got lost. I found myself at the intersection of Laurel Canyon and Mulholland Drive. Once I knew where I was, I found my way back.  I must admit, I enjoyed the detour.

Like many of you, I love movies. I owe so many thanks to those that are in the movie industry. It's so nice to be able to come home and pop in a DVD and relive moments of my favourite movies.  Love or hate Hollywood...but I am thankful that Hollywood exists. Good or bad...it's magic lives in my heart.

Time to get ready for The Oscars!

Enjoy the Moment!

*****CHEERS!*****