tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-20996314446704029242024-03-05T20:55:09.107-05:00On & OnRuminations of a student mind who, on the quest for truth, love and happiness, gets distracted by blogs every once in a while...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-77245681374008943422010-05-21T09:12:00.002-04:002010-05-21T09:12:00.445-04:00Always, Sometimes, NeverThe idea for this post came from the ever talented Lisa from <a href="http://lisasyarns.blogspot.com/">Lisa's Yarns</a>. Bright girl, she is!<br />
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Posts like this are great because you get to know a little more about me! Despite being let into some of my most personal thoughts, we're all still learning about each other, aren't we?<br />
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<b>Always</b><br />
<ul><li> Start off my day by being thankful for what I've been given. </li>
<li>Judge a man's character by the way he keeps his shoes. Something instilled in me by my father I suppose. I remember seeing him polish his shoes every weekend in preparation for his next work week. </li>
<li>Feel sad for furniture that have been left on people's lawns for garbage pick-up. I'm a ridiculous person that gives inanimate objects voices and feelings so nothing makes me more sad then a couch left out in the rain. (makes me sad just thinking about it!)</li>
</ul><b>Sometimes</b><br />
<ul><li>Strut when I walk. It really has to do with the shoes I'm wearing. If I'm wearing sexy woman's power pumps, you can bet that I'll be strutting. </li>
<li>Feel like I should be doing more: love, friendship, to help people, to achieve greater things. I think this is a good thing though; I'm always motivated to gain more ground and overcome hurdles.</li>
<li>buy things for myself that I intended on buying for other people. I usually feel guilty about this...</li>
</ul><br />
<b>Never</b><br />
<ul><li> Leave a desk or a table without pushing my chair in. It's an odd habit.</li>
<li>Go to sleep angry. At least, I try not to. </li>
<li> have enough stationary or shoes. It's a problem that is threatening to take over my life (and the storage space in my apartment...).</li>
</ul>Okay everyone! Now it's your turn to do a <b>always, sometimes, never </b>style post. Let me know if you've done this so I can go check it out!<br />
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If I don't post before the weekend, have a great one! Long weekends are muchos fun - may yours be full of warm laughs, surprises and maybe a good book (or two). <br />
<ul></ul>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-12099764326253525342010-05-20T11:18:00.003-04:002010-05-20T11:31:40.220-04:00Restless<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: left;">I've been entertaining the strangest and most foreign thoughts lately; ideas so ludicrous that I expect my usually-grounded-control-freak mind to rebel against.</div><br />
Throughout last week and into this week, I've been feeling particularly out of sorts. I don't exactly understand why since I'm incredibly content with my life at the moment; I have a great job, excellent colleagues, I make dozens of fantastic contacts on a regular basis, the weather is hot, there's a hammock on my balcony with my name on it, I have a lot of plans in the works for myself that are positive and exciting and I have love. You must be thinking, what does she have to complain about?<br />
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Truth is...very little! So what's the problem?<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I'm incredibly <b>restless</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Although I tend to like "constants" in my life, there's a part of me that yearns to be ill-fated to the sort of life portrayed by Juliette Binoche in <i>Chocolat</i>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">(I picked her rather than a gypsy because she's very stylish and doesn't have the problem of terrible teeth and personal hygene...yuck!)</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Do you ever think about life's what-ifs? What would life be like if you just left it all, right now. </div><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
Pack up. Take what you need. Get on a plane. Build a business... start a life somewhere else. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I vote for my new life on a beach. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/2784342759/" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Our private Koh Kood Beach by B℮n, on Flickr"><img alt="Our private Koh Kood Beach" height="355" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2784342759_0696ed4e90.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
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What an enchanting thought...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
<span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Photo Credit - <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/visbeek/">Ben</a>)</span></div><br />
</div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-25248845051662487432010-05-18T10:39:00.002-04:002010-05-18T10:46:45.537-04:00Quiet thoughts...<div id=":gc" dir="ltr" class="kl">I wonder if this is love.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldo_zoom/4476056425/" title="Empty Chair by Osvaldo_Zoom, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4053/4476056425_6b8e980638.jpg" alt="Empty Chair" width="400" height="333" /></a><br /></div><br /></div><div id=":gb" dir="ltr" class="kl">this constant yearning to just be near you</div><div id=":g8" dir="ltr" class="kl">to hear your voice<br /></div><div id=":g7" dir="ltr" class="kl">watch you</div><div id=":g6" dir="ltr" class="kl">learn from you</div><div id=":g5" dir="ltr" class="kl">that feeling of knowing that whatever I say will be enough</div><div id=":g4" dir="ltr" class="kl">and will be the answer to your questions.<br /><br />it must be...<br /><br />it is.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Photo Credit -<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/osvaldo_zoom/4476056425/"> Osvaldo_Zoom</a>)</span><br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-72257567046977374332009-11-17T23:55:00.004-05:002009-11-18T00:39:36.443-05:00MysteriesHow do we make our choices? Do we logically think them through? Where do our instincts and gut reactions come into play? How about those decisions made in total confidence that fate will intervene in the best way possible?<br /><br />I feel that as of late, I've been waging a bit of a war with my life, the way I live it and how I understand it. It's not so much that I have choices to make that would tangibly affect my life (no new workplaces, new majors, or new houses) but rather, I feel that I've started a mini-revolution of the mind. At first glance, it sounds like an opportunity to challenge myself and to "think outside the box" however, I don't seem to be taking it as well as I hoped.<br /><br />I've been presented with endless possibilities that have the potential to change my thought structure and in so doing, the way I comprehend my existence. Although I am elated at times at this prospect, I feel crippled by the doubts and fears that creep through the depths of my mind. I also can't get over the <span style="font-style: italic;">cost</span> associated with this mini-reinvention of self.<br /><br />I am extremely uncomfortable with the thought of hurting people just to pursue what I feel is best for myself. The risk is acceptable if I am the only one who stands to lose but it rarely is the case that, as Simon and Garfunkel once put it, <span style="font-style: italic;">I am a rock, I am an island. </span><br /><br />Walking into the unknown worries me most when I am choosing to affect the lives of people around me by making a change in <span style="font-weight: bold;">my</span> life. What if my reasons for change turn out to be misinformed? What if this path leads me nowhere? Just because I strive for more, does that mean that I drop everything that can't give that to me? I can't help but feel upset about the possibility of making a mistake and consequently hurting people unnecessarily.<br /><br />Nothing is assured and however heartbreaking it is, I feel that I'm walking blindly just hoping that someone would throw me a lifeline. It is absolutely terrifying to think that I can play all my cards right, agonize and plan but <span style="font-weight: bold;">still</span> be subject to the million other factors that will ultimately decide whether or not the outcome would be as I wished and hoped. I emphasize it again: terrifying.<br /><br />On a more positive note, I turn to one of my favourite poets for words of inspiration:<br /><br /><blockquote>"You are so young, so before all beginning, and I want to beg you, as much as I can, to <span style="font-weight: bold;">be patient</span> toward all that is unsolved in your heart and try to<span style="font-weight: bold;"> love the questions themselves</span>…."<br /><div style="text-align: right;">- Rainer Maria Rilke<br /></div></blockquote>I'm trying...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-2415784577104493972009-11-14T14:29:00.004-05:002009-11-15T23:31:31.265-05:00The Importance of Being EarnestHowever devious you might consider <span style="font-style: italic;">Jack Worthing </span>to be , I think he was on to something.<br /><br />Oscar Wilde's character had an incredible amount of responsibility in addition to a grand reputation to uphold. With all that to deal with, I wouldn't be surprised if he slumped in his large leather chair at night wondering what the hell he got himself into.<br /><br />In response to these overwhelming pressures, Jack had decided to fabricate himself a brother named Earnest who was constantly finding himself in situations that Jack needed to get him out of. What an intelligent way of creating a way out - a much needed vacation.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elvisdea/4098098670/" title="Para Quitarse el Sombrero... by thebigTopHat, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2682/4098098670_25b76882f6.jpg" alt="Para Quitarse el Sombrero..." width="333" height="500" /></a><br /></div><br />To an extent we all give ourselves these excuses to escape from the reality of our lives. I'm not talking about reasons for procrastination though. I'm referring mainly to that tendency that we have to create a justification for whatever wrong/irresponsible act we all claim to fall victim to.<br /><br />A person handicapping their ability to perform at a sporting event by not practicing might sound absurd but it happens. It is usually the case that the individual fears failure and is under immense pressure to succeed.The twisted logic here is that, although they will indeed fail, they would have created themselves an excuse such as, "I was too busy to practice the way I would have liked and had my life been less hectic, I surely would have excelled in the match". This, of course, will bring about some sympathy from others and from the person that tends to judge you the most: you.<br /><br />Don't think you do this? Consider:<br /><br />Recently, I didn't feel like doing an assignment so I made the excuse that it was unfair. In reality, I thought it was actually a fair albeit challenging test of knowledge. By allowing myself to believe in the assignments "unfairness", I didn't feel as irresponsible when I continuously put it off.<br /><br />Sound familiar??<br /><br />In any case, the more symbolic side of this play lies behind the word <span style="font-weight: bold;">earnest </span>and it is this feeling of doing something whole-heartedly that I wish to discuss.<br /><br />I have always tried to live my life with passion and feeling. Although I do find this difficult and futile at times, I feel that this is a necessary part of my self-concept and an indication of how successful and happy I am at the moment.<br /><br />I could have written the last few months but I would not have done so <span style="font-style: italic;">earnestly</span> and the thought of doing something half-heartedly feels like defeat to me.<br /><br />By making a point of being thoughtful about the events of my life, I usually manage to find something that sparks my interest and develops my passions. What normally follows is that I find myself making less excuses about having to get things done. Everything turns into challenge in which I have the opportunity to test my capabilities, stretch my intellectual limits and add to my achievements.<br /><br />What's not exciting about that?<br /><br />Maybe Jack needed some passion...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/elvisdea/4098098670/">thebigTopHat</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-40284325856714991432009-08-19T12:43:00.008-04:002009-08-21T13:50:58.317-04:00Is honesty really the best policy?We all lie to an extent; white lies, serious lies, living a lie, self-deceiving lies...the list goes on. Regardless of what it is, should it always be frowned upon?<br /><br />While I don't condone lying all the time, isn't it okay to "truth-twist" a bit? For example, do you necessarily want to explain to your child that they're beloved dog Fido got smushed underneath an 18 wheeler? Most of us would say things like "Fido went to look for his family in Mexico because even doggies have families...".<br /><br />Sure, certain lies could cause a lot of unnecessary hurt and should always be avoided with those that you care about but this brings me to my next point.<br /><br />I was recently watching an episode of Boston Legal wherein the father of a child has recently divorced the child's mother. The father is now dying of a form of cancer that requires a viable bone marrow donor in order to give him a fighting chance. The mother has rights to the child's umbilical cord which has been kept frozen in a cryogenic lab in case the child should ever need it. Although the father requests use of the child's umbilical cord to cure him, the mother does not want to release it because she knows that her ex-husband is not actually the biological father of the child. The legal attorney, who is now aware of this fact, is faced with the difficult decision of whether she should observe the duty she has to her client to tell him the truth or whether she should keep the truth from him to prevent any additional mental anguish.<br /><br />What does she do?<br /><br />She lies. She tells him that the umbilical cord was accidentally damaged.<br /><br />This brings about another side of things - if you could tell a lie to save a person from being hurt, would you do it?<br /><br />I know this sounds bad but depending on the situation, I know that I would lie. While I know that I have no right to decide what would be best for another person, I would always shield someone I love from definitely being hurt. I can't help it. I'm aware of the moral implications but I kind of brush those aside.<br /><br />Don't take me as the type of gal that would say that you look wonderful in a dress that doesn't flatter your figure. I'm not that black and white. I'll make decisions based on someone's best interest. If I know that a girlfriend is trying to find something that would make them look scrumptious for an afternoon, I will not EVER let them walk out of a change room looking like a pile of lumps and bumps.<br /><br />I think that, in the end, it is important to identify who you are deceiving with this lie. Is it someone else you are protecting, or is it yourself? Are you lying about kissing a floozy while you're attached because you genuinely love him and sincerely regret getting so hammered OR is it because you don't want to get caught. If your answer is the latter, then maybe your best option is to actually get caught so that you can, once again, have the freedom to explore other options.<br /><br />Questions, questions...answers anyone?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-10173305637420697252009-08-16T13:36:00.002-04:002009-08-16T15:31:15.918-04:00Weekend FunnyA few months ago, a family friend bought a laptop and now has no use for it. He had originally bought it as a gift for someone but that person ended up already having a similar laptop and to make a long story short, I ended up having the laptop in question.<br /><br />So, I am now the owner of a shiny new acer aspire one <span style="font-weight: bold;">however</span>, there is one small problem.<br /><br />The entire computer is in French.<br /><br />Luckily, I do have a fairly decent understanding of the language and so, I proceeded to try and play around with the language settings but to no avail.<br /><br />It turns out the entire operating system is in French and needed a full system recovery to solve the problem. After having done this, the computer was still opening up in French but it was at least decent enough to ask me what language I communicate in most of the time.<br /><br />I obviously chose "English" to which it said, "d'accord!" and continued speaking to me in French...<br /><br />*forehead slap*<br /><br />Honestly...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-29066790154051794272009-08-15T11:52:00.003-04:002009-08-15T11:56:41.127-04:00Couldn't find the cat...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJard0XKtVztzeJPpGSouaeFTkhQuJq8eve-yCrq2qwEfJ7IMtVG0KcgnsisUmVpjedlqqkFgEiorTVpr3jXAer0ojBLfQ3maO9fU5J5TVzF0Kx-qqrLHdDc5ZM_3Wa_gUBdPvL6eZuwPY/s1600-h/IMG_0003.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJard0XKtVztzeJPpGSouaeFTkhQuJq8eve-yCrq2qwEfJ7IMtVG0KcgnsisUmVpjedlqqkFgEiorTVpr3jXAer0ojBLfQ3maO9fU5J5TVzF0Kx-qqrLHdDc5ZM_3Wa_gUBdPvL6eZuwPY/s400/IMG_0003.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5370219801352352498" border="0" /></a><br />It doesn't help that he's all black. He kind of disappears in shadows in the apartment - very discrete.<br /><br />Finally I did find him hiding in his little tent.<br /><br />I guess everyone finds the sun a bit overbearing today! Although he's quite the cabana boy...Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-53417705757215853972009-08-12T13:55:00.003-04:002009-08-12T14:04:08.832-04:00Soundtrack to my life...I often have a soundtrack playing in my head and its never "cool" music either. It could be something I've heard before like a popular melody or a guitar rift (think white stripes 7 nation army...) It could also be something I've made up without quite realizing that I have. Either way, its odd when I catch myself doing it.<br /><br />For example, I have a very bubbly "driving" specific tune that sounds a bit like the beginning of Nelly Furtado's "All good things".<br /><br />What encouraged me to write this post however was the emergence of something odd with respects to mental soundtracks. When I'm riding my bike on the way to work with a skirt on, I get the Wicked Witch of the West theme song stuck in my head. Maybe it's a function of all that billowing cloth and the feeling that I'm on a mission because I'm, once again, late for work...I don't know. It's still disturbing.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-65378291864463474512009-08-05T21:34:00.003-04:002009-08-05T22:42:35.105-04:00Random Acts of KindnessI'm feeling a wee bit anxious tonight - perhaps it's due to the full moon. Maybe I should take the hint and anticipate some sort of morph into a werewolf. Now THAT would be cool!<br /><br />Although I highly doubt that I will become a hairy, howling shewolf anytime soon, I've been perusing the internet looking for something to distract me from constantly looking at my hands expecting to see fur...<br /><br />Sir Plantalot came through with a great distraction in the form of an enchanting web - article. Usually, he provides distractions in the form of the chicken dance or something else equally humiliating and embarrassing. So consider yourselves lucky dear readers. You wouldn't want me to share video clips of his chicken dance. That's just something you <span style="font-weight: bold;">could</span> live without...<br /><br />In any case, enough with the werewolves and ramblings.<br /><br />Has anyone ever heard of the<a href="http://www.sconestone.com/"> Sconestone</a> yet?<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNglPyRd_y5zF36piFyu1u9yRUMiRlwJHibToKV5Xio8esdkWGDPH97LMJUzYwQ9XmMRdl6NVKMKIlt6asoa7WPQbySw3FrtwOGdEtJldobrrgeuA-_zE_FIabQbsfGCkdqcOZ5mMfTbT/s1600-h/Sconestone+001.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 283px; height: 213px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeNglPyRd_y5zF36piFyu1u9yRUMiRlwJHibToKV5Xio8esdkWGDPH97LMJUzYwQ9XmMRdl6NVKMKIlt6asoa7WPQbySw3FrtwOGdEtJldobrrgeuA-_zE_FIabQbsfGCkdqcOZ5mMfTbT/s400/Sconestone+001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366665161776183410" border="0" /></a>Beautiful, isn't it?<br /><br />The idea behind it is even more so.<br /><br />Warren MacLeod, from Nova Scotia, Canada, created this for his wife, Kari. Inspired by her random acts of kindness, Warran wanted to give her something special so that her kindness would never go unnoticed.<br /><br />The Sconestone however, is not the sort of gift that he wanted her to keep on her desk for the rest of her life. In a few weeks time, it will leave her care and be given to a stranger. This stranger will be tasked with the <span style="font-style: italic;">SconeStone </span>rules:<blockquote><br />1. Do at least one Act of Kindess to a person, animal or anything that is good for the planet as a whole.<br /><br />2. Keep the stone for no more than 7 days.<br /><br />3. Encourage friends and strangers to touch the stone and pledge to do an act of kindess. Be creative!<br /><br />4. Please pass the stone on to a person you trust will honour the purpose of the stone<br /><br />5. And lastly, post on the Sconestone website about your experience with the stone.<br /></blockquote><br />What a beautiful way to eternalize the kindness in one person and promote small waves of change.<br /><br />The Sconestone is destined to travel the world, and influence change both large and small.<br /><br />To read more about the making,<a href="http://www.sconestone.com/WhatistheSconestone/tabid/57/Default.aspx">concept</a> and events leading up the Sconestone launch on August 28th, be sure to visit the <span style="font-style: italic;">Sconestone </span><a href="http://www.sconestone.com/Home/tabid/36/Default.aspx">website</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfigc8iqSs4CYS4bgepttzSosL4W0bXxXdSxueEp26uUE2-yoPMG8ITytzvjqDmvdxGSHjsr7tGbjsbnhK4PF_f2SooQ2cHk3Kz0brOM-AiVp-w6-EuEuDU-GnpbvAJsLf8n6nu2EUvViV/s1600-h/Signature.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 85px; height: 61px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfigc8iqSs4CYS4bgepttzSosL4W0bXxXdSxueEp26uUE2-yoPMG8ITytzvjqDmvdxGSHjsr7tGbjsbnhK4PF_f2SooQ2cHk3Kz0brOM-AiVp-w6-EuEuDU-GnpbvAJsLf8n6nu2EUvViV/s200/Signature.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366675459942463954" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br />(</span>photo credit; Sconestone website)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-3815746124325016962009-08-03T23:49:00.008-04:002009-08-04T15:40:34.064-04:00Happy Tuesday and....a Guest Post!<span style="font-style: italic;">Yesterday was a civic holiday in Canada! I spent part of my day cleaning my apartment which was a lot dirtier than I thought it was and then, I put up hammocks on the balcony and tada! A restful start to my holiday began! I'm nearly finished reading </span><span style="font-style: italic;">Shantaram</span><span style="font-style: italic;"> which is good and bad at the same time. It's such a wonderful book in so many ways however, I'm eager to start on </span><span style="font-style: italic;">The Angel's Game</span><span style="font-style: italic;">. I'm surprised at how long it's taking me to get through a book this summer - I suppose I have less time than I thought I would have to dedicate to reading.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">But enough about me, here's a treat for you! I recently participated in a blog swap thrown by </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.20sb.net/"><span>Twenty Something Bloggers</span></a><span style="font-style: italic;"> where we got teamed up with another interested individual to create guest posts for each other's blog. You can check out my post for Andy's blog at </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://wildarschase.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WildARSChase.blogspot.com</a><span style="font-style: italic;"> later on today. Without further ado, here he is!</span><br /><br />----<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmdtYAmDJ4cJkedIR8ERIzveG9oIBNMLZiTTGbt_Tv7nhSjfpjyWA1uhYWoWT9nkLZ1f7GiuK7DnNaHjDl1rPpQ6mjtCP3qgYNtWa_rSuaI9ZXcathYquPfWd4oqixVOodB3oJb-8RHmr/s1600-h/DSC_0833.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 352px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDmdtYAmDJ4cJkedIR8ERIzveG9oIBNMLZiTTGbt_Tv7nhSjfpjyWA1uhYWoWT9nkLZ1f7GiuK7DnNaHjDl1rPpQ6mjtCP3qgYNtWa_rSuaI9ZXcathYquPfWd4oqixVOodB3oJb-8RHmr/s400/DSC_0833.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365952065956914738" border="0" /></a><div style="text-align: justify;">What's crackalackin', On & On readers?<br /><br />Just kidding. I would never use crackalackin' in everyday conversation. I'd wait until I was cast in the appropriate teen romantic comedy.<br /><br />So I'm Andy, from <a href="http://wildarschase.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">WildARSChase.blogspot.com</a>. As part of 20 Something Blogger's recent blog swap, Salut! chou chou* and I got paired up, not unlike a blind date.<br />But unlike a blind date, we weren't forced to awkwardly hug at the end, and I didn't get stuck paying the bill while she tried to text her friends for an escape plan.<br /><br />It's tough writing a post for a blog you only just discovered. I don't know anything about you, chou chou's readers. You could all be Victoria's Secret models. You could all be homicidal. You could all be homicidal Victoria's Secret models (i.e. Tyra Banks).<br /><br />I figured my best bet would be taking an element of her page and giving you my own spin.<br />So, here you go, straight from her sidebar:<br /></div><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Can't:</span><br /><ul><li>Say no to cookies</li><li>Limit my America's Next Top Model intake</li><li>Keep a straight face</li><li>Do calculus (ooh, we're alike)</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Can flirt in a bar:</span><ul><li>If I want my girlfriend to kill me</li><li>In one, monosyllabic language<br /></li><li>If I feel my self esteem needs to be lowered</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Recommends:<br /></span><ul><li>Taco Bell</li><li>Beings best friends with a mechanic who will fix your car for free</li><li>Drinking hot chocolate at Starbucks so you feel trendy</li><li>Pittsburgh</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold;">Happiest when...<br /></span><ul><li>My laundry gets done magically without me doing it</li><li>I dream of genie</li><li>I hand in my newspaper articles on my job</li><li>In bed with my eyes closed because I'm asleep<br /></li></ul><br />* Confession: As I'm an ignorant American, I had to google "chou chou." Google says it's a French way of saying "sweetie" or "honey" or any other random nickname. I will ask my girlfriend to call me chou chou. Don't see that going well.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-32284113805106146562009-07-24T14:41:00.002-04:002009-07-24T15:38:02.128-04:00Mentally checked out...I don't exactly know where I've been lately. Feels like I've been sucked into a life-encompassing void of...nothingness. To put the last few weeks in review would be impossible. It's strange how I feel as if weeks have gone by with nothing memorable or poignant punctuating its passing. <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span><br /><br />Oh well, I'm back from outer-space.<br /><br />Brief update on some exceptions to the nothingness that has vastly consumed my life lately (which, by the way, shouldn't be the case any longer - I shall be muchos busy from here-on-in):<br /><br />1. I realized that, while rock climbing might seem like a cool thing to do, it scares the crap out of me. I'm eager to get over this completely irrational fear and give it another shot. In my defense, my hands are always unusually sweaty (I know...it's gross) which makes it incredibly hard to grab onto tiny weeny holds. Go figure, huh?<br /><br />2. I totally engaged in some ridiculous retail therapy. I am now I proud (?!) owner of a new Canon Powershot SD9901S, a puma jacket and some new yoga pants. Although I got all of the above items on sale, I still feel as if I just got manipulated by corporate America. On the bright side, I can now take better pictures since my camera is no longer in Japanese. That's the trouble with buying things off eBay sometimes...your products come in surprising languages. * Sigh * One day, I will have the pennies to buy one of those super duper photographic master cameras and I will be photo-taking extraordinaire. You just wait. You'll see.<br /><br />3. As a result of the happenings of the above mentioned shopping spree, I have just ran up my 2 day old credit card with more than $360 worth of merchandise. Great! I'm off to a wonderful start! But, as <span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span></span>the Hitchiker's guide says, "don't panic" - I have money to cover it and more. The joys of working full time before going back to my peasant ways of full-time student are endless.<br /><br />4. I've recently been reminded that no matter how many times you repeat something, and no matter how many seemingly reassuring and comprehending looks I recieve from him, my cat does not have a clue about what I'm saying.<br /><br />5. I'm a heck of a lot stronger than I used to be. I can now lift more weights than the group of 20 something year old international students that are always on the <span style="font-weight: bold;"></span>weight machines before me everyday. They need to seriously learn to strip their weights so I dont giggle my ass off when I get to the machines and see that I'm doing more then their burly selves.<br /><br />6. One of the guys in the tech department in my office sneezes with a force comparable to a mighty tsunami. It's awesome.<br /><br />Okay, that's all that comes to mind. Until next time - live long and prosper.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-81802383093167859522009-07-10T23:30:00.005-04:002009-07-11T00:29:11.286-04:00Hot Bed for CultureIt's Friday and it is also a beautiful night in the city. Any energetic, outgoing twenty-something would be out enjoying the weather, having a good time and basking in the beauty of a hot summer night. I am, however, not doing any of the above. As you'll get to know me, you'll notice that I'm not too much of a party-sharty kinda gal. I love taking it easy at home, reading, writing and catching up on the world and all its goings-on that I didn't get the chance to see during the week. I think this partially has to do with being locomotive-ly challenged (a.k.a without wheels - my bike doesn't count guys...) as well. Somehow, going out to enjoy nightlife, isn't as <span style="font-weight: bold;">hot</span> when you're forced to be back on Hamilton Public Transit before 12:35 a.m so that you aren't stranded in shanty town.<br /><br />What saves my weekend from complete domestic boredom has to be my Saturdays. I usually go to Toronto and spend some time enjoying the city, hanging out with my oh-so-classy mother or some friends and just having a great time.<br /><br />Tomorrow, I am squeezing in a little appointment with mr. foot doctor podiatrist extraordinaire. It turns out that I have some serious foot related lower back issues and I'm excited to start getting it all sorted out. Best of all, it's covered by my mother's insurance (thank goodness) and I won't have to pay very much at all.<br /><br />I should be done my appointment in the early afternoon and so, that leaves a bit of time to catch up with some friends, hang out with mummy dearest, and roam the streets in search of one of the many festivals that go on in Toronto <span style="font-weight: bold;">every</span> weekend. That sounds like a good enough day except...there's going to be more!<br /><br />Sir Plant-a-lot had a stroke of genius and a few weeks ago;he made reservations for din din at <a href="http://www.thedrakehotel.ca/">the Drake Hotel</a>. Now normally, we wouldn't be able to afford such extravagances but <a href="http://www.toronto.ca/special_events/summerlicious/index.htm">summerlicious</a> made it possible.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlgMzl7FbPI/AAAAAAAABpM/3JjYholQAj0/s1600-h/Drake.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 269px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlgMzl7FbPI/AAAAAAAABpM/3JjYholQAj0/s400/Drake.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357045837249998066" border="0" /></a><br />Essentially, Summerlicious is a prix fixe menu of some of Toronto's best restaurant and food venues. This of course, makes the inaccessible, accessible to those who need to justify the need to purchase another bag of milk (haha, it's not that bad, but sometimes it could be!).<br /><br />In any case, Sir Plant-a-lot and I are on a mission to not be 102 years old and actually indulge, enjoy and act like we're less than 30. This is a start.<br /><br />The Drake Hotel, I've been told is a really artistic, swanky and vintage inspired place. All-in-all it's been described as <span style="font-weight: bold;">a hot bed for culture in Toronto</span>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmwlUHnz0AwIIyFZyp-TYN8gJUsu_lMypBg9KQ0crM-jazYtu7Z8RJsnqhjGVyQ5RmIKwN6osYZO9l1cDVihcW_NrBSdX6zOl_MqIEBiwRwZlGdRYsdFAkBoR8wwuXtEo5MlHDUlGSH9_/s1600-h/Drake+2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 347px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbmwlUHnz0AwIIyFZyp-TYN8gJUsu_lMypBg9KQ0crM-jazYtu7Z8RJsnqhjGVyQ5RmIKwN6osYZO9l1cDVihcW_NrBSdX6zOl_MqIEBiwRwZlGdRYsdFAkBoR8wwuXtEo5MlHDUlGSH9_/s400/Drake+2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357046135562723746" border="0" /></a><br />I'm looking forward to the experience and will be sure to let you guys all know how the night went down =).Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-58473639170374611572009-07-08T11:59:00.004-04:002009-07-08T14:27:49.997-04:00Didukh<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlTCewziAyI/AAAAAAAABm0/Ot_rqB81h1A/s1600-h/wheat.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 314px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlTCewziAyI/AAAAAAAABm0/Ot_rqB81h1A/s400/wheat.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356119690603266850" border="0" /></a>Lately I've really begun to enjoy the natural taste of vegetables and grains. Growing up eating a very rich, saucy and spicy cuisine was wonderful, however, I rarely tasted what flavour each element of a dish would have on its own. This also continued to be the case in first and second year of university when I was still learning about how I can balance my studies and my personal life effectively - essentially, cooking never really happened and if it did, it consisted of something saucy (because it is quick way to add flavour) and some sort of grain or vegetable (which was also drowning in sauce).<br /><br />Now that I use cooking as a sort of break from schoolwork, work-work, and all the other stuff in between, I'm beginning to truly notice the taste of all those fruits, vegetables and grains. I no longer cook with sauces unless I make them from scratch and all the flavours in my food tend to be from a natural source (less spices!). I love the nutty taste that some of the grains have and how simple salad dressings (example: mixing balsamic vinegar, honey, olive oil, garlic, salt & pepper) can just bring out the flavour of bronchoccini cheeses and hot house tomatoes.<br /><br />We have so many unique and interesting tastes at our disposal that it's shame that our society focuses around processed foods. I understand this is a function of our busy lives and perhaps our financial situation however, if one wanted to eat well, one could. Healthy doesn't mean tasteless either as I am discovering. So put away those bottled sauces! Your taste buds & heart will thank you!<br /><br />Adding on to the heathy-does-not-equal-gross-tasting point, I would like to point out the yummyness of <a href="http://www.kashi.ca/products/snacks.aspx"><span style="font-style: italic;">Kashi's cherry dark chocolate chewy granola bars </span></a>. I recently tried them because they were on sale (usually, I can't afford them - starving student, remember?) but holy teapot, they are SO good. Soft, chewy, with chunks of cherry (like serious chunks, not just little bits) and dark chocolate chips. So amazingly good in taste and for you, they contain 7 whole grains and sesame. Fantastic!<br /><br />So next time you're in the grocery store, go back to the basics and find out what asparagus really tastes like when it's not covered in butter...<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/obsessivephotography/2146633653/">Trish Mayo</a> )</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-85240415825237527512009-07-07T09:18:00.004-04:002009-07-08T14:28:45.458-04:00Simplicity<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lyptonvillage/3697943218/" title="nottoc by {manda}, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3563/3697943218_067b7d99aa.jpg" alt="nottoc" width="400" height="500" /></a><br /><br />I hope to have a simply lovely day regardless of the dark rain clouds that loom in the distance. Maybe a nice cup of tea would do the trick.<br /><br />What are your simple pleasures?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(photo credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/lyptonvillage/">{manda}</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-79244563748044915902009-07-06T23:47:00.001-04:002009-07-08T14:29:14.035-04:00ListAlright, this is it. The list.<br /><div> </div><br /><div>In it, I find the things that I fear most, desire most, want most and need most. All those things I feel I need to accomplish in this lifetime. Please don't take this as a list that is all inclusive. I acknowledge that this list will change, shorten or even grow during my life time. The evolution of this list is proof of my existence and my will to live. </div><div> </div><div>Most importantly, it is proof to myself that I'm alive...</div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlLEx8kPMNI/AAAAAAAABmQ/CpYHIm6Aoas/s1600-h/someday2.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 391px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlLEx8kPMNI/AAAAAAAABmQ/CpYHIm6Aoas/s400/someday2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355559269247693010" border="0" /></a></div><div> </div><br /><div>1.<span style="font-weight: bold;">To be self-sufficient and independant</span> - I feel like life can throw lemons at any time. I would to be able to know that if I happen to end up being a cat lady without friends or family, that I would be okay. On my own. By myself.<br /><br />2. <span style="font-weight: bold;">To continue learning</span> - I never want to feel stagnant and mentally "dead". Even if my life becomes so routine that my days feel like duplicates of an old boring photograph , I want to discover other things that feed my mind and challenge my skills and capabilities.<br /><br />3. <span style="font-weight: bold;">To be in the company of those I admire </span>- Now this can sound a bit harsh but I won't revoke it. I don't like being around people whom I do not admire. I believe that friendships are an amazing way to learn and grow. I like to look at my friends and say, "yes, you are truly unique and I know exactly what it is about you that I would like to see in myself". I want to surround myself with people that I can learn from and always be in constant company with those who are more successful, stronger and more creative than I am.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlLEEtXKthI/AAAAAAAABmI/QXtGV6Ed7aQ/s1600-h/Some+day.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 384px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlLEEtXKthI/AAAAAAAABmI/QXtGV6Ed7aQ/s400/Some+day.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355558492072228370" border="0" /></a><br />4. <span style="font-weight: bold;">To never forget where I came from </span>- As far as family drama goes, mine could contest the best and take the prize. Although I can't say that I want to necessarily be exactly like my family, I don't ever want to forget where I came from. I came from humble beginnings and I grew up to understand and appreciate the simple things in life since that sometimes was all that we had. I learned to be so content with this that hardly anyone knew that we were struggling financially and emotionally and so, because of this, I feel prepared to take on the world. I want to hone what I love about my family and improve on their weaknesses. Overall, I consider myself a better person for it.<br /><br /><br />5. <span style="font-weight: bold;">A place to call my own </span>- I can't say that growing up in two households was easy. Although my parents did everything possible to make my weekly transitions from one house to the next pleasant, I always felt disorganized, anxious and uprooted. As a result, I'm always seeking consistency even though I know that settling into a routine makes me one boring gal. I want to have the walls of my house painted with me and the voices of those I love echoed through its hallways. I feel well on my way towards this and so, this is one goal I'm not worried about achieving.<br /><br />6. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Seeing things for what they are and not what I've been told they should be </span>- Little is attractive to me than the ability to relate to people genuinely. I want to challenge my preconceptions (I'm not going to lie, I have some...) and step out of my comfort zone. When I look around me, I want to see my shelves come alive with memories of old friends, travels, and tests of faith and inner - strength. I want to come to my own, well contested, conclusions. World, here I come.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span>Thanks for hearing me out - there's a lot more where this comes from but these are the first things that come to mind. I'm neglecting a lot here, and I'm well aware of it. I think I'm still trying to figure out how to word the hardest, most intimate thoughts. Ha! We'll see how it goes the next time Inspiration takes hold. Stay tuned for more about me =)<br /><br />- interlude -<br /><br />p.s = get used to seeing "interludes" - I would consider it a tragedy if I ever actually finished this list. To consider the thought of never dreaming and striving for something would be to consider me dead. Yikes.<br /><br />(Photo credits:<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/34201248@N06/3490541774/">Some.day</a>)<span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></span></span></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-10517324031338096322009-07-05T17:44:00.004-04:002009-07-05T18:32:04.445-04:00Can't wait...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlEo5Vk5rfI/AAAAAAAABmA/oXvEpMuEFV0/s1600-h/zafon-angels.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 261px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SlEo5Vk5rfI/AAAAAAAABmA/oXvEpMuEFV0/s400/zafon-angels.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355106397429804530" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">Every book has a soul,</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">The soul of the person who wrote it</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">and those who have read it, and lived and dreamed with it. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Every time a book changes hands, every time someone runs their eyes down its pages, its spirit grows and strengthens. </span><br /></blockquote></div><div style="text-align: right;">- Carlos Ruiz Zafrón<br /><div style="text-align: left;"><br />The trouble with waiting for a foreign written novel to come out is that you have to wait for someone to translate it. It was nearly close to torture for me just to know that people in Europe were able to read this book a year and some prior to it even coming out in North America! With this in mind, I even contemplated learning more Spanish so that I could read his texts in their original language...Crazy, I know.<br /><br />Although I'm dying to dive into this book, I have a few reservations. His previous book, <span style="font-style: italic;">Shadow of the Wind</span> was so remarkable that I find myself a bit cautious in approaching this book in the same way, and with the same expectations. It was the type of book that I found myself buying multiple copies of in the last five years just because I kept on giving my copy to friends (if you haven't read it, read it now!!) Needless to say, the expectations were high for this book. It's almost like watching the first part of a trilogy, loving it, and then being scared to watch the second because you doubt that it could be exceed the impression the first one has left on you. Zafrón's writing gives words to my dreams; that being said, I'm so immensely worried that he will be changed with this new book.<br /><br />Also, since I am still reading <span style="font-style: italic;">Shantaram</span>, I've decidedly promised to not pick up the Zafrón until I'm done it. I wouldn't want to become enamored with <span style="font-style: italic;">Angel's</span> and forget about all that <span style="font-style: italic;">Shantaram</span> has brought to the table. Even though <span style="font-style: italic;">Shantaram</span> is wonderful, it is taking me a while to get through due to all the things I find myself doing after work. It's hard to get through anything when you only get the chance to read for about half an hour a day.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Has anyone awaited the release of a book recently? Are you ready to plunge in or are you just as reserved as I am?</span><br /><br />p.s I will begin making my book reviews available on this blog. Hopefully they'll inspire you to put one of my reads on your list. I always welcome conversation on literature; very little makes me happier =)<br /></div></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-28372233720334609942009-07-03T18:33:00.003-04:002009-07-08T14:29:45.014-04:00A summertime gift to myself!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzryu5GzuQ1Evg2-7YHi2xtfGVdmzl9SFRDzvYDjGhPrbcPbJaHSIZO27_dDqh4ZLcCtwexZal6Xk1bRNuX3cLquC1JGKKTIV-PeFmW-kuwjIq7cMwAYWkGjl1FATawwUEivgTd6AjCMkn/s1600-h/DSC00011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzryu5GzuQ1Evg2-7YHi2xtfGVdmzl9SFRDzvYDjGhPrbcPbJaHSIZO27_dDqh4ZLcCtwexZal6Xk1bRNuX3cLquC1JGKKTIV-PeFmW-kuwjIq7cMwAYWkGjl1FATawwUEivgTd6AjCMkn/s200/DSC00011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354366003380410562" border="0" /></a>Those would be my feet. Please note that they are all pedicured up. A reddy-orange nailpolish seemed to be the perfect addition to my summertime look. The choice of colour had nothing to do with the colour of the t-shirt I was wearing today when I got the pedicure done - it was merely a coincidence<br /><br />Somehow, no one believes me!Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-13941928775913664742009-06-26T13:32:00.003-04:002009-06-26T14:45:05.199-04:00The writing's on the wallThere's something special about the last stall at the back of one of the ladies rooms at my school.<br /><br />If you should happen upon it, there, you will find a wall full of writing - hopes, dreams, fears, quotes, advice, awkward questions...everything. Contrary to what you might have seen way back in elementary or high-school, most of the messages are positive and reassuring. None of that "Molly + Jake = True Love" business. Individuals have written about abusive boyfriends/parents, friendships going awry, body image and weight problems to name a couple. In the end, the wall usually gets so full of messages that they get painted over and so, the writers start again.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yewenyi/2442152464/" title="writing on the wall - jugiong by yewenyi, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3188/2442152464_e880b7a9ae.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="writing on the wall - jugiong" /></a><br /><br />I wanted to discuss this because I think something this simple says a lot about how we live our lives.<br /><br />Why is it that we find it so much easier to gain advice from a stranger in a bathroom stall than it is to get it from people that know us, care about us and genuinely (at times) want to help?<br /><br />The obvious answer would be because we don't want the people we love to be disappointed by us or judge us. If this is the case, couldn't the argument be made that our friends/family care about us and should do so unconditionally regardless of what they may think or feel and so, one should feel safe speaking to them? Anyone would know that it just doesn't work that way; we hide parts of ourselves from those we love and can be, at times eager to share it with a stranger anonymously just to let it out. Isn't it strange that our relationships work this way?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Photo Credit: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yewenyi/">yeweny</a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/yewenyi/">i</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-24440928299395774572009-06-18T23:12:00.005-04:002009-06-18T23:57:26.856-04:00ComplexityBeing my friend can be tough but satisfying. You're in for long talks, genuine interest, contemplative advice, encouragement and...brutal honesty. I know that at times this might not always be the best thing. Hell, even my friend Frank doesn't like <span style="font-style: italic;">frankness</span> (hahaha...okay, I know, that was bad...)<br /><br />I told a colleague of mine today who was complaining about being too blunt and brazen that I rather enjoyed it and that I rather not spend the time having to decipher what someone is saying instead of actually <span style="font-style: italic;">hearing</span> what they are saying. Fair enough?<br /><br />The strangest part of this all is how, regardless of all the candid, downright, direct statements and actions I throw out into the world, those coming back at me tend to be...complex. So here comes my inquiry on the topic of complexity. Not necessary complexity of words, or life events specifically, but as a whole. Complexity. Let's talk.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onedayrico/3084346035/" title="a/flower #3 by Rico*oneday, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3238/3084346035_acc8ccc86b.jpg" alt="a/flower #3" width="400" height="336" /></a><br /><br />Not to get too analytical but is it possible that it is just the nature of things to be complex? Thinking about it, the world is full of events that aim in different ways to combine, build and become more complex. Take the Big Bang for example; the universe was a rich soup made out of simple bits of things and then it expanded and cooled so that these bits came together to make particles. Particles then came together to make the first atoms and consequently more stars and planets. Here follows everything else in the history of the universe that we come to know.<br /><br />The aim of civilization is to continue to grow and improve upon what our forefathers founded. We naturally try and attain the unattainable, discover the unknown and charter the most complex paths through innovation and ingenuity. Success will always bring about a relative level of complexity for any party involved. You must push your limits to legitimately obtain all that you work for and I know that all would agree in me saying that "it ain't easy".<br /><br />Do we have a natural tendency towards complexity?<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">(Photo credit<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/onedayrico/3084346035/"> Rico*oneday</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-74353989898716403592009-06-17T22:53:00.003-04:002009-06-17T23:08:57.146-04:00The forecast calls for rain for the coming days. It has started today and, according to prediction, ends on Saturday. That means a lot of worms, hurrying from place to place and/or just giving up that cause all together and surrendering hair, shoes, business clothes and all with arms outstretched to the rain.<br /><br />However, there is something else that happens <span style="font-weight: bold;">only</span> when it rains...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-iQt_Lwoaofa5okdLw4FhvzQvgrk0ojPY9RNfRdf3o3DrK3oHCHFrV1zKF0UOTTY0i28zd-BvKWA-UVy1Wapn-Uz7K_eH5U8usDbw5LMqC_Ycj5zqcIPM1DtoDXoPWiVFxHlEZ6MvbMq/s1600-h/DSC00002.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt-iQt_Lwoaofa5okdLw4FhvzQvgrk0ojPY9RNfRdf3o3DrK3oHCHFrV1zKF0UOTTY0i28zd-BvKWA-UVy1Wapn-Uz7K_eH5U8usDbw5LMqC_Ycj5zqcIPM1DtoDXoPWiVFxHlEZ6MvbMq/s400/DSC00002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348497323938976258" border="0" /></a>Snail conventions!!!<br /><br />It's always neat to see them all gather on a big tree stump. I often wonder if they're discussing anything important or just sitting there and staring at one another. What a life huh?<br /><br />Today, a snail very nearly became a the sickening crunch noise that occurs when...well...when you step on a snail! It happened to me a while ago (I swear, I didn't see it) and I felt <span style="font-weight: bold;">so bad!</span> I vowed to always watch my step when it rains and to save any snails that looked as if they would be subject to impending doom. Hence the reason why, towards 4:45 pm, I could have been found scooping up snails and putting them wherever they seemed to be headed. I had originally tried the pacifist approach of letting them take their own course (at their own pace...) whilst I waited to ensure their safety. I obviously underestimated how <span style="font-weight: bold;">slow </span>the little things could be! After getting really impatient, I just started moving them.<br /><br />Does this make me a crazy snail lady? I wonder...<br /><br />Another snail query; do you think they get dirt and muck stuck in their slimy bits when they're sliming their way around? If so, how does it get out of there?<br /><br />Forever questioning,<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SjmvrRpg_LI/AAAAAAAABeI/9MY9FjROvDc/s1600-h/Signature.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 85px; height: 61px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SjmvrRpg_LI/AAAAAAAABeI/9MY9FjROvDc/s200/Signature.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348499190485941426" border="0" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-47955957865911337142009-06-16T23:21:00.003-04:002009-06-16T23:28:57.811-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SjhiW5L88VI/AAAAAAAABdw/57JoMt9YpL4/s1600-h/lollo.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 398px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/SjhiW5L88VI/AAAAAAAABdw/57JoMt9YpL4/s400/lollo.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348132702950060370" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;"><blockquote><br />Love life, engage in it,<br />give it all you've got.<br />Love it with a passion<br />because life truly does give back,<br />many times over, what you put<br />into it.<br /><br /> - Maya Angelou<br /><br /><br /></blockquote></span><div style="text-align: left;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><blockquote></blockquote></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></span><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-size:85%;">(Via <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://leavehappier.tumblr.com/post/124766212/love-life-engage-in-it-give-it-all-youve-got">Leave Happier</a>.</span> Photo credit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7805835@N07/">.lollo</a>)</span></span><br /></div></blockquote></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-52337468168686255982009-06-15T20:14:00.003-04:002009-06-16T00:08:00.909-04:00Lovely but lonely...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NI6vgCC7A_emmIFf7DuxLPHEdkNxJivjSlPFLWS84LqM4d9U4kd8ZTU79AHfs0r37hrBI91PJrQOw3n596ZLOgbNsWwJukWb5uAVTYCt1RsaRQQsgbh6PfSUo5cryWx2f8z13q1DD7Ph/s1600-h/Elies+Flickr.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 341px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1NI6vgCC7A_emmIFf7DuxLPHEdkNxJivjSlPFLWS84LqM4d9U4kd8ZTU79AHfs0r37hrBI91PJrQOw3n596ZLOgbNsWwJukWb5uAVTYCt1RsaRQQsgbh6PfSUo5cryWx2f8z13q1DD7Ph/s400/Elies+Flickr.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5347772001597894898" border="0" /></a><br />* sigh *<br /><br /><br /><br />Who saw <span style="font-weight: bold;">this </span>coming? Sir Plant-alot (a.k.a Vick) has gone on a conference to spread his scholarly wisdom in Boston meaning that I am alone for a week. I know, a week! That's it! Just a few sleeps and he'll be back but still, I find myself pretty darn restless. First of all, I've cleaned the apartment twice already (!!!) and I've done the laundry (mind you, he only left yesterday). You can call me "domestic goddess extraordinaire" but my behaviour ain't foolin' anyone - I'm just lonely!<br /><br />The fact that I'm lonely within 22.45 hours of him leaving (yes, I'm counting) is precisely what shocks me. Anyone who knows me well enough usually realize that although I love people, I cherish my <span style="font-weight: bold;">me</span> time. I enjoy being with myself. Being an "only-child" and progressing through life as a socially awkward/independant twenty something, I find myself constantly yearning for the quiet oasis of my room or the solitude that came with reading a dusty volume off my father's immense bookcase in the basement of my youth.<br /><br />I've always been the type of girl that kills her own centipedes and pays her own bills. The type of person that can spend days on end with herself and still find enough inspiration in her thoughts to sustain her.<br /><br />Lately, I feel like I'm <span style="font-weight: bold;">always </span>around people and while this is a good thing for my moods and for personal development (because you never learn very much if you're the only one teaching you), I feel a bit lost as to what to do when I'm by myself again.<br /><br />I think I will use this time to listen to myself whisper things I should have heard long ago but didn't have the time to hear. I hope to enjoy my time catching up on the small simple things that makes me happy.<br /><br />(<span style="font-size:85%;">Photo credit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/petitreveur/3338288899/">elise</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-57310060097448454682009-06-11T22:15:00.003-04:002009-06-11T22:23:28.209-04:00Something to think about...Often times, we question why we suffer to the degree that we do. We wonder of the moral that we are supposed to extract from the dark days and painful nights we occasionally have to face in order to grow. Do we necessarily have to suffer when we feel pain?<br /><br />I read this recently, on pain and suffering...<br /><br /><blockquote>Pain can exist without suffering, and it is also possible to suffer without feeling pain. The difference between them is...what we learn from pain - for example, that fire burns and is dangerous, is always for ourselves alone, but what we learn from suffering is what unites us as one human people. <span style="font-weight: bold;">If</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;"> we do not suffer with our pain, then we have not learned anything about ourselves. Pain without suffering is like victory without struggle. </span><br /></blockquote>Sorry about the somewhat gloomy subject. It's just an interesting thought that I wanted to share with you and, well, let's face it...life isn't always peaches.<br /><br />Any comments on this?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2099631444670402924.post-46108749533379840442009-06-09T14:29:00.003-04:002009-06-09T15:04:52.140-04:00If you go there, go with me...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tuq-tSGGhPg2Mtb_wKZZ5fuZx8PXxmBN-gd2Z3a3dpABIyDP2YCMwnleIq_4lXwgLxrF0h-9umOrMdgOg61jTn4y73AIydJFiOU4WrdOHanh7PgJmygCgOlKLzyxbqxo_H-sIrUFZEAp/s1600-h/Emily+Van+Ness+3.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8tuq-tSGGhPg2Mtb_wKZZ5fuZx8PXxmBN-gd2Z3a3dpABIyDP2YCMwnleIq_4lXwgLxrF0h-9umOrMdgOg61jTn4y73AIydJFiOU4WrdOHanh7PgJmygCgOlKLzyxbqxo_H-sIrUFZEAp/s400/Emily+Van+Ness+3.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345397046903046178" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/Si6qSiuooeI/AAAAAAAABdY/XEs4c7Vln7A/s1600-h/Emily+Van+Ness+2.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 392px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/Si6qSiuooeI/AAAAAAAABdY/XEs4c7Vln7A/s400/Emily+Van+Ness+2.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345397043272131042" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/Si6qSiMeW-I/AAAAAAAABdQ/V2_enBApumU/s1600-h/Emily+Van+Ness.bmp"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 394px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_M3CoBiaulj0/Si6qSiMeW-I/AAAAAAAABdQ/V2_enBApumU/s400/Emily+Van+Ness.bmp" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345397043128851426" border="0" /></a><br />I woke up a few days ago with <span style="font-style: italic;">Wild Honey</span> by U2 stuck in my head. This is really odd because I haven't heard that song in <span style="font-weight: bold;">years</span>.<br /><br />However, its not surprising because I've been in a dreamy spring/summer frame of mind lately and I've always felt that it was a good<span style="font-style: italic;"> running-through-the-field-with-wind-in-my-hair</span> kind of song.<br /><br />So...<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-style: italic;">" If you go there with me</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wild honey</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> You can do just what you please</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wild honey</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Yeah, just blowing in the breeze</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wild honey</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"> Wild, wild, wild " </span><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size:85%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">(Photo Credit <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/emilyrvn/">emily van ness</a></span> )</span><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></div></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06930815362939942264noreply@blogger.com9