What It's Like To Reach A Milestone

This has been the best week of the year (so far), and yesterday it was one of the best days of my entire life. Are you ready? Because I'm about to tell you why. 

Australia Day is celebrated on January 26th, and I decided to make a video for the Embassy's Facebook page to celebrate it. They told me they wanted a video with photos and text, but they also told me they wanted something different. And I decided to follow those wishes. 

I've worked at the Australian Embassy for six months now, and I've learned so much about the country. I'm totally in love with it! So my goal on this video was to express how I felt about Australia. 

I spent last Sunday working on my ideas and ended up creating something I'm really proud of. My bosses were completely speechless when they saw it and showed it to the whole Embassy staff the very next day. We celebrated Australia Day with drinks at a bar, and it ended up being a celebration of my video. 

Everyone, including the Ambassador, came up to me and said "Congratulations, I loved your video!" They kept saying how talented I was and how big I was gonna be in the future (professionally speaking, of course). I honestly thought that was it, until I found out my video went viral and got more than 45,000 views! People commented on the video, they shared it, and they liked it. There was even another Facebook page who shared it and said the nicest thing about me! I mean, seriously?! That's totally insane!!

I ended my day with dinner and margaritas with two dear friends and three Aussies. And yesterday I went to work feeling the proudest. I've been feeling so amazing that I even shared it on Facebook! And I got more compliments! I still think it's completely insane and ridiculous, like this is just a dream I don't want to wake up from.

I guess the best way to describe how I've been feeling is one of my favorite songs called "Long Live" by Taylor Swift. If you haven't listened to it, please do because it's amazing. Like I said at the beginning, this has been the best week. I have loved every second of this experience, and I can't wait to live more like this one. This is definitely one feeling I don't want to stop having, and I'll do my best to keep creating things that make myself proud. 

5, 4, 3, 2, 1... Happy New Year!

There's a movie I really like, and maybe you've heard about it. It's called New Year's Eve. For the last four years, it's been a tradition of mine to watch that movie on the very last day of the year. There's this scene almost at the end, where the Time Square's ball is about to drop, but it gets stuck. Everyone get really upset, and the woman who's in charge takes the microphone and says this:

"And as you all can see, the ball has stopped half way to its perch. It's suspended there to remind us before we pop the champagne and celebrate the new year, to stop, and reflect on the year that has gone by, to remember both our triumphs and our missteps, our promises made and broken, the times we opened ourselves up to great adventures... or closed ourselves down to fear of getting hurt, because that's what new year's all about, getting another chance, a chance to forgive. To do better, to do more, to give more, to love more, and stop worrying about what if... and start embracing what will be. So when that ball drops at midnight, and it will drop, let's remember to be nice to each other, kind to each other, and not just tonight but all year long. 

-New Year's Eve movie

This quote is quite long, but it expresses everything I think about New Year's Eve. It's that moment when you think of the things you've achieved and the ones you haven't. It's that moment when you hope to do better next year. It's also the moment to have a chance to be closer to real happiness. 

The year 2015 has probably been the hardest I've had so far. I had many challenging moments, and I didn't know how to react on all of them. I made mistakes, but I also handled things the right way. 

I learned to be patient, to be more considerate, and to never give up. I'm in the process of learning to put myself first from time to time and to let myself be. 

In 2016, I want to continue having this attitude of trying new things all the time and change the routine. I hope I can be better at organising my time, so I can take advantage of it. I want to have more discipline, so I can be able to learn new things and make personal projects. I want to read more books, and I want to start to work out. And, last but not least, I want to ride my bike more often.

I don't want to be braggy, but I must confess this year I'm proud of myself because I achieved things I never thought I would. I hope 2016 is not as hard as 2015, but I do hope it brings me challenges. I'll have my last semester of university, so I'm sure it's going to be exciting and full of surprises. I sure can't wait to see what's coming. 

I hope you have a great New Year's celebration. I want to thank you for reading my posts. I also want to apologise for not writing as much as I wanted to or sharing projects as I said I would. I promise I'm working on that, and that's another resolution I have. I hope all your wishes and resolutions come true. Remember to thank people for what they've done for you this year and to remind them you love them. I'll meet you next year, my dear reader.

I'm Feeling 22, But She's Feeling 26!

Today is a very special day, do you know why? 'Cause it's TAYLOR SWIFT'S BIRTHDAY!! As you already know, I'm a huge fan of her, and today I'm gonna tell you why. I promise I'll do my best by not getting too excited writing this post.

I've been fan of different artists in my life, but they were nothing compared to Taylor. "Love Story" was the first song I listened to, and that was more than enough to get my attention. Seven years have passed, and I can't be more impressed with all the achievements she's had so far. She went from being a 16-year-old girl playing guitar in the Bluebird Cafe to one of the most influential and powerful women in entire world! I mean, that's so crazy, right?
I love her music, and I find her songs so inspiring. Most the time I feel like she's telling my story in her songs haha. But I don't love her just because of that. 
I love her because she's clearly passionate about music, just as she is about being good to people. I know what people say about her, but, in my opinion, she's a really nice person. She's not like other artists because she actually cares about her fans. That's why she makes donations all the time or she visits them at the hospital. 
I also love the fact that she stands for her believes and makes fun of herself. She's totally fearless. If you ask me, I think that if we all could be more like that, we would live in a different world. 
I know I'm getting too excited, and I promised you something, so I should better stop. Besides, I don't want you get bored by all this me bragging about my love for Taylor. But I do want to say something before I get to the end of this post. Today I want to say I'm a very proud fan of Taylor Swift because she's amazing in every single way, and she doesn't know, but she has taught me a lot about friendships, love, and life itself. So, if you (are lucky enough to) know her or you know someone who knows her, please tell them to tell her she has a huge fan over here, and I can't wait to meet her someday and thank her for the big impact she has been in my life.

If, for some weird reason, you're Taylor Swift, and you're reading this... First of all, THANK YOU FOR BEING WONDERFUL YOU AND READING THIS! I wish you a very happy birthday full of love. I love you!

Because Music Has The Spark To Take You To Places

About a month ago, I had two mayor revelations that I didn't see coming at all. Mark Atkins, a very important Australian musician, came to Mexico to give a couple of concerts. I heard a lot about him in the past, and I was so excited to see him live, but I didn't expect to end up feeling so mesmerised.

The first revelation happened when Mark Atkins started playing the didgeridoo, which is an Australian aboriginal instrument made of bamboo. Its sound is so unique, and it's amazing because it takes you to a whole new world. I don't know how to explain it, but the instrument has a very powerful vibe you can't miss. I didn't think it could get better after Mark Atkins did his solo, but then the drums and the piano happened. I was completely speechless, and I couldn't stop moving my body. I couldn't help but smile because of how great I was feeling thanks to Mark Atkins and his wonderful music. I totally recommend listening to him, he's amazing.
The second revelation happened in the middle of the event. I wasn't at the concert just to enjoy it, I was there because of work.  I'm a big fan of videography, and that day I was assigned to film the entire concert. As I mentioned before, I'm a huge fan of Haugen Creative, and this was my first time doing this. To be honest, days before I was doubting if videography was something I wanted to do as a profession or a hobby. I love following videographers' work, but maybe I just enjoyed it was an spectator. I proved myself wrong. I realised I'm passionate about videography. How did I know this? Well, there was a moment when I stopped and said to myself "I love my job", I looked around and realised my cheeks were hurting because I had a big smile on my face the whole time. I thought it was because of the music, and partly it was, but the other reason was videography. And I was sure of it because right when I found out I was smiling, I dropped tears of joy. I just loved how being behind the camera makes you pay more attention to what you're watching. You have to think in advance all the time and be prepared to catch the small details. I just can't wait to make more videography in my life and improve my passion.
I guess you can tell I had a great time at the Mark Atkins concert. You might think the video it's not the best you've seen in your life, but I think it's good for my first time. I decided to upload it and share it with you, so you can join me in this new adventure I'm decided to follow. I promise you, I'll get better, and I'll be sharing new projects with you. I sure can't wait to do that!

When The Ones Who Left Come Back

Today I want to talk to you about a special tradition called Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead). I’m Mexican, and I have to say it’s one of my favourite traditions in the whole wide world. Why? Well, I’m about to answer that, but, before I do so, I need to explain what the tradition is all about.

Día de Muertos is about making a tribute to our loved ones who passed away to celebrate their lives. According to the tradition, it’s the day the deceased visit the living ones. The main way to do celebrate this day is by making an offering with nine basic elements:

• photos: in honour of your loved one
• candles: to light the deceased’s path
• cempasúchil flowers: to attract the souls
• salt: symbol of purification
• cut paper: symbol of air
• water: for the everlasting thirst
• calaveras: the acceptance of death
• pan de muerto: represents the body
• food and drinks: for your loved ones to enjoy just like they used to when they were alive.

These elements don’t need to have a specific order, you can put them wherever you want on the offering. The important thing here is to make them feel welcomed into your home. So, if your loved one used to be a fan of Coke and pizza, it’s totally ok to include them.

Other way to celebrate is going to the cemeteries and visit the deceased, put them some music, talk to them, and bring them flowers to color their grave. 

This is my favourite tradition because I love the idea of remembering and celebrating the deceased without feeling sad. It's all about making our loved ones feel welcomed when they come visit us. I know it sounds weird and maybe a bit creepy, but if you think about it, it's actually sweet.
This year I decided to make my very first offering, and you might be wondering why is it my first. Well, the thing is I never had someone to make the offering to. But at the beginning of 2015, my wonderful grandma passed away. So, I couldn't just pass this opportunity of feeling closer to her for one night.
I have to say I loved making the offering because it meant something. And I don't know how to actually explain this, but let me tell you something. It's true that the deceased come and visit you that night. I dreamt that my grandma was holding me in her arms, and I couldn't believe it was just dream because of how real it felt! It was one of the most surreal experiences I've ever had in my life, and I totally recommend you to try it someday.

One Night Can Turn Into Magic

Before I start explaining the video, I should let you know I love to travel. It's one of my favourite things to do in life. Why do I love it so much? Well, the answer is simple. I get to discover new places  and learn about food, people, and culture. It's not just the fact that I spend some time away from reality, but the fact that I get into a new world.

Every year, I normally travel twice with my family, but this year plans changed, and I was told we would stay home all year. I have to admit, 2015 has been very productive; however, I've been craving a getaway for months. 
September was my lucky month, and I found this festival called Festival de Globos de Cantolla. For those who don't know what that means, it's a balloon made of tissue paper. It's one of Mexico's traditions, and there are events like this one all over the world.
I have to say it was quite an experience. It's so breath taking to see the balloons all up in the air. And if you ever have the chance to go, please, don't miss it. It's totally worth it, I promise. 

When Someone Becomes Your Person

The other day I read that a person meets around 100,000 people in a lifetime. Seconds after, I started counting how many people I've met so far and gave up five minutes later. I have a good memory, but the task seemed a bit impossible!

I spent days with the idea stuck on my mind. How many of those 100,000 people you meet will end up being part of your life? I would say no more than 1,000. And how many of them will be an impact or a big influence for you? 10 maybe? 50 tops?

Today I want to talk about people who change your life. We all have or have had that someone who changes the game for you and becomes your ally. You know, someone who's your partner in crime, your best friend, your person (Grey's Anatomy reference). You probably thought of someone already, didn't you? I have.

It's weird how they cross your way out of nowhere. Sometimes it takes time to notice it or maybe you know right from the beginning. They tear up your walls, and they catch you when you fall. It might feel weird at first, but you know they're your safe place. And we owe everything to them because without them, we wouldn't be the persons we are today. 
So go ahead and call your person. Thank them for the impact they've been in your life, and remind them that you love them. Because there's never bad timing when it comes to telling someone how important they are for you.

Here's To Those Heroes

I've always been a fan of the concept of being a hero or just having one in life. It all starts when you're a kid, and you say things like "my dad is a hero!" You grow up and admire the superheroes of comics and movies like Spiderman and Wonder Woman. And then it's followed by the famous people who have made history like Martin Luther King Jr., a man who fought for civil rights and wrote the famous speech called I have a dream. These people are not just in the past, we can see them today too. I think the best example is Caitlyn Jenner, who came out as a transgender woman last April. For many people, she's considered a role model, an inspiration... a hero.
Just like everyone else, I've had my heroes. My parents were the first ones, then my grandma, Spiderman when I was a teenager, and I'm pretty sure I've called my dog a hero from time to time. As I've written this post, I've wondered if I have a hero right now, and I don't. I have role models, but that's as close as it gets; however, I've met people, who I say to myself "that's a hero right there."
Today I want to talk about a man named Dave Lyon, who was completely devoted to his wife Judy. She had Huntington's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder that affects brain and body. Taking care of a loved one who's sick with a cold or a stomach ache can be a nice thing to do. Taking care of a loved one who loses herself and depends a 100% on her partner it's a completely different story. Dave was there for his wife from day one and never left her side. 
Maybe you've been in a similar situation, or you've heard a story like this one. If you have, you know it's not an easy thing to do. There are good days, bad days, and days when you just feel like giving up. You try to be strong, but it gets harder with time when you see the one you love being in real pain. 
I don't know about you, but, for me, Dave is a hero and a perfect example of human being. I admire him not only because he was always there to take care of Judy, but because he always had a smile for her. It didn't matter how hard it got, he never wanted to give up on her. And that, people, is amazing.

The documentary The Inheritance tells the story about Judy battling Huntington's disease. It was made by her daughter Bridget Lyon and her partner Jeff McDonald, and it was part of The New Zealand Film Festival. I totally recommend watching it, just like I recommend celebrating the heroes of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. 

Inspiration Becomes A Role Model

For the past year, I've become more and more interested in what people do for a living. Maybe it's because I'm one year away from graduation, and I should figure out what I want to do in the future. So far, I've discovered designers, architects, photographers, videographers, bloggers, and writers that I truly admire. I don't only admire them for their work, but for their achievements. 
Today I want to write about Haugen Creative, a company specialised on video production and motion graphics. I discovered them while looking at pictures on Pinterest. I first followed them on Instagram, and then on Vimeo, the blog Something Devine, Twitter, and all the social media they were on.  
You could say I'm big fan of their work when I tell you about the time I giggled and screamed of excitement when Hailey Devine tweeted me back and answered my question on Instagram. 
Why do I love them? Well, I love their style. I love their ability to capture the spark between a couple and make you fall in love with them when it comes to a wedding video. I love how they take you to their trips and adventures and make you want to join them. Even the commercials they've made, I confess they have convinced me to buy the stuff. I just love the way they capture the moment and make you a part of it. And that's something you don't see very often, at least, I haven't.
The Haugen Creative Online Workshop is pretty great, and I totally recommend it. Thanks to that and their videos, I've realised I want videography to be a part of me (maybe not as a profession, but as a hobby). 
So, Hailey, Brad, and Trevor, if you ever see this, thank you for inspiring me. Your work motivates me to create my own projects. I really hope I can meet you someday in the street, a project, or, who knows, maybe a collaboration. That would be a dream come true.