Reflections on El Salvador, Thanksgiving, and Black Friday

From Democracy Now!
http://www.democracynow.org/2009/11/20/blase

I interviewed Carolina F. two weeks ago for my Ethnography graduate class in Sociology. What a trip for myself and for her (I'm sure) to talk about her own experiences as a young adult during those tumultuous times. She was part of a folk group that sang songs the oppressive military dictatorship labeled as 'Communist' so their singing group was targeted. The leader of the folk group was captured and tortured as a "lesson to learn" for the community. Carolina is such a strong woman, with beautiful, strong jaws. At the end of the interview, she sang two songs from those times. What an honor and privilege for me.

Another thing:
Thanksgiving is coming up, and as it is wrapped up (in my family anyway) in prayer and praises to God, my parents did not know that 'white people' crossed borders to get to this continent. My parents did not know about the indigenous natives, and the horrible experiences they have been put through by colonization. I know it's such a bleak story for what's supposedly a warm holiday, but it's the truth.

I will still take this time to remember what I am thankful for, alongside my family and relatives. I will also offer a moment to remember the dead and the suffering.
I will not celebrate the capitalistic Black Friday.
I will buy nothing, but make some things happen! =)

Because keeping joy and pursuing peace makes room for being angry at injustice and compassion for those in pain.

Some reflection music provided by Chris Ian V.

I climbed my first boulder rated V3!

I just wanted to mark this day! Especially because my fingers are still hurting as I type this. But YEAH! What a thrill! I started the puzzle last week, and then I solved it this week. I did a victory dance right after, and Robert said the dance reminded him of the dance I did with Sarah (which is the video I had posted yesterday). WOOHOO!

Too bad we don't have a video of it to post. But I'll post a happy picture up. Yay!

Everytime I start writing on this blog, I freak out.

That's why this would be my first post.
And I don't even know where to start!

Maybe, for now, I can just put a video that makes me happy.




Sarah and I were just getting ready to hike a little over 9 miles. In the mountains. Maybe we should have reserved our energy, but how can I refuse a dance?

There.
That wasn't so bad...