We made it!

Yes we did!
This morning was an emotional moment watching our new president take oath. His speech was another very inspiring one and it filled me with joy, pride, confidence, and yes, tears. We can now finally look ahead and hope things fall into place sooner than later. It was a crazy year of politics and I'm glad it's over with. All the talking, debating, arguing and discussing were exhausting to me; and I was only here for the last few months of it all!

A year ago to the day I was in South Africa giving my thoughts about the possible outcome of the primaries to very curious locals. Interestingly enough most South Africans and Namibians we ran into throughout our journey thought Hillary would be a better candidate to the presidency and ultimately a better symbol of change.

During the same period Zimbabwe was gearing up for its general election. The people we met from there were all refugees who had fled the oppressive government of Robert Mugabe. Last year their country experienced the highest hyperinflation rise in the history of the world topping 100'000%. Yes, that's one hundred thousand percent! Just to illustrate the consequences, today thirty US dollars will buy you one hundred trillion Zimbabwean dollars (100'000'000'000)... If anyone is ready for change, it's the people of Zimbabwe. So the election took place and amidst high fears of corruption, Morgan Tsvangirai, the opposition leader beat Mugabe at the polls. At last the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) had prevailed. My friends Anthony and his wife Celina, both from Zimbabwe and awaiting to see their five year-old daughter for the first time in two years were incredibly relieved to say the least. It was an emotional experience living through those days with them while awaiting the results.
But wait! T.I.A. (This Is Africa), and to cut the story short, as of today, after another bogus election last summer Mugabe is still in power and shows no sign of giving up what he believes is his "duty". Starving and brutalizing your own people? We obviously don't have the same concept of leadership.

So my point is... you might wonder. Well it's pretty clear. Today we celebrated the result of a fair and stable democratic process and I can only be thankful to be a part of it and have the privilege of living in a country where laws are upheld with respect and dignity. Even if the sight of Bush's helicopter disappearing in the sky over Washington was an image I could only dream of a few years ago, I know the guy (with all his flaws and mistakes) tried his best... in some way. What I'm saying is that even if the outcome of november's election wasn't what he favored, he handed power over with a smile and was willing to help with the transition because he respects the values by which our nation was founded.

Eight years of endless frustration, intense anger and unparalleled embarrassment have finally come to an end, thanks to a process that has been maintained by our leaders and the people for over two hundred years. I can only hope that the people of Zimbabwe and of all nations lead by oppressive regimes will once experience fairness and the satisfaction of believing in their government. This is a great day for Americans and for the rest of the world. Lets hope this new start can spark change in other places and trigger a dynamic movement of renewal around the globe.

As for Anthony and Celina, although they can't call Zimbabwe home anymore, they were reunited with their beautiful daughter Natasha a month after I left them in Cape Town. So when we lack hope, there's always love to fall back onto.

Cheers to Obama, Mr President!!!

2009 - the year of Target, Craigslist and SAG

Well I guess it's not too late to wish you a happy new year. It feels very different this time around. Not only for me personally considering I had a completely different experience last year, but everyone seems to be more "tame" and calm about it. I'm sure everyone's happy to bury 2008 but I think we're all a little fearful of this new one not knowing what's in store for us. I feel a mixture of that and excitement. I thrive on the unknown. It's scary but thrilling. It makes me feel alive.
So I haven't posted anything yet this month because aside from settling back into my old apartment (which is so great and convenient), I've spent most of my days browsing Craigslist, Mandy and all the entertainment job listings I could find. There's actually a lot out there these days. Probably the fear of a Screen Actors Guild strike is pushing many people and companies to get as much in the can as possible before the end of the month. So lets hope actors are not foolish enough to start this now. I agree there needs to be restructuring and producers need to be more fair towards performers but this is just the worst possible time for all of us to face a SAG strike.
Thinking of the tough economic times, I mentioned a couple posts back how bewildered I was at the fact that people were out shopping like crazy this holiday season. Well, guess what, it's not over. I was at Target last week getting a few things for the apartment and wholly shit I've never seen such long lines at the counter. A solid ten minute wait. They were evidently under-staffed, but there were still way too many people in there. I couldn't believe it and was almost pissed. First because I hate shopping, and second because I'd made sure to leave a buffer between the post-holiday craze and me venturing to Target. So needless to say you won't see me there anytime soon.
Now excuse me but I must continue my relentless job hunt. I hope we'll all experience great and exciting things this year, work on interesting projects (whether professionally or leisurely), and that Target will hire a few more cashiers.