The writing's on the wall

There's something special about the last stall at the back of one of the ladies rooms at my school.

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.



I wanted to discuss this because I think something this simple says a lot about how we live our lives.

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?

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?

(Photo Credit: yewenyi)

Complexity

Being 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 frankness (hahaha...okay, I know, that was bad...)

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 hearing what they are saying. Fair enough?

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.



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.

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".

Do we have a natural tendency towards complexity?

(Photo credit Rico*oneday)

The 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.

However, there is something else that happens only when it rains...

Snail conventions!!!

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?

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 so bad! 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 slow the little things could be! After getting really impatient, I just started moving them.

Does this make me a crazy snail lady? I wonder...

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?

Forever questioning,

Love life, engage in it,
give it all you've got.
Love it with a passion
because life truly does give back,
many times over, what you put
into it.

- Maya Angelou

(Via Leave Happier. Photo credit .lollo)

Lovely but lonely...

* sigh *



Who saw this 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!

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 me 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.

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.

Lately, I feel like I'm always 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.

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.

(Photo credit elise)

Something 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?

I read this recently, on pain and suffering...

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. If we do not suffer with our pain, then we have not learned anything about ourselves. Pain without suffering is like victory without struggle.

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.

Any comments on this?

If you go there, go with me...

I woke up a few days ago with Wild Honey by U2 stuck in my head. This is really odd because I haven't heard that song in years.

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 running-through-the-field-with-wind-in-my-hair kind of song.

So...

" If you go there with me
Wild honey
You can do just what you please
Wild honey
Yeah, just blowing in the breeze
Wild honey
Wild, wild, wild "

(Photo Credit emily van ness )

Luminato

The luminato arts festival was fantastic! I hadn't had such a fun day in Toronto in years - ever since Nuit Blanche a few years back where I got hit on by a transvestite (!).

The company was probably what was responsible for the success of my day trip; the French girls were lovely and fun. Not to mention various "funnies" that occurred during our attempts to communicate with each other in both French and English. We ate dinner at Swiss Chalet (pronounced Swisse Chalette by the girls) after which we ran off to Dundas Square to enjoy the Salsa session. We had such a good time and couldn't stop giggling at each other trying to sway our hips. Although Sir. Plant-alot and I have been taking Salsa lessons for quite a while, it was hard to move in such a large crowd and it kind of looked like I had no clue what I was doing! Then again, that could be the truth.



Somehow, we ended up not being able to find the CN Tower (it's gigantic for heaven's sakes!) because we got out of the subway through the wrong exit and the tower was blocked by various large buildings. Marianne finally spotted its reflection in a large building and we headed off just in time to catch the sunset...

Although I've lived in Toronto my entire life, I've never been up the CN Tower. It truly was beautiful to watch the busy streets and flashing lights - almost ethereal.Although I got back to Hamilton all grimy and sweaty at 12:45 pm (when all the crazy people at the GO bus station come out), I couldn't have spent a better day.

As for today, I will catch up on my reading and perhaps post a few of my recent favourte passages. Also, I think a nap is in order =)

My Saturday Plan

(This was supposed to be posted yesterday but it seems like it didn't work...)

Whooohooo!! Another week done and the I'm weekend rejoicing!! I achieved a lot this week that I can be proud of; the most important being my new position at CURE Canada. I'm thrilled to be able to dedicate my time to an organization with excellent methodologies that will empower at-risk youth not only in the present but for years to come through development of confidence, attitudes, positive actions and thoughts. I admit that I've done very little administrative NGO work and so, I know that I have a lot to learn. I think this is partly why I wanted to apply for a more lucrative position and not just one of a part time volunteer - I just love to learn. Wish me luck people!!

I plan to check out the Luminato arts festival in Toronto today with the French students that are here on exchange. Toronto by itself is full of things to see so adding the thrill of the festival should make it even more of a memorable experience for them. Plus it gives me the opportunity to practice my French!!

A bientot!

A funny thing about bicycles

For those of you who have ever been on a yacht or a boat, you would have experience this.

Every time you pass another yacht, a greeting of some sort always ensues. It could be as grand as a yelled conversation about the pleasantness of the water and where the best place to lay anchor would be or it could be as small as a nod of the head. There's always this connection that is instantly there if you drive a boat. It's boat bonding and I think it's cool.

You might perhaps be wondering why the heck I'm talking about and communicative boat love so I'll get down to the peculiar thing I've been noticing lately.


I've been commuting to work by bicycle since Monday, (and no, it has nothing to do with the commuter challenge, I would probably be walking to work anyways since I'm locomotively challenged and do not have a vehicle) and I've noticed a similar thing happening. Maybe it's just the fact that the sun is shining and people are generally happier but...I've been noticing quite a few head nods from other bikers lately. For example, today I was riding my bike home and literally everyone that passed me smiled at me! Let me clarify: it's not a normal smile, I'm talking a big smile; the kind you see without your glasses across the street sorta smile. It's like I joined this super cool club that I never knew existed.

Now before I get carried away with ideas of a secret society of biking enthusiasts where Lance Armstrong has been elected King and supreme ruler...

I have to say, I really like this sort of treatment. It's a lot friendlier than the shoves that I get at crosswalks as a pedestrian.

Have you ever noticed the same thing or is it just me?

(Photo credit .I Travel East)

My writers block manages a thank you if nothing else...

I must apologize everyone. I really haven't had much to say lately and I don't really know why. First of all, I think it might be because I haven't been too well (don't worry, I feel much better now!) not to mention all my crazy evenings and hectic days at the office.

I must make time for this regardless since I have an award (my first ever!) to uphold now thanks to the ever so lovely and talented Carissa of The Lovely Dove. I recently started contributing to this blog on a more regular basis and so, although my readership is still quite low, I'm thrilled to be recognized. So, thank you again Carissa. You honestly made my day!


The rules for this award are;

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you've newly discovered.

3. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

I wanted to share this award with the following blogs (in no particular order):

1. Girl With The Red Hair
2. Working GIRL
3. Folie à Deux
4. To Do:
5. Travel Blissful
6. That Unreliable Girl
7. D -Minor Dilletante
8. Sugar Pop Tarts
9. Style rookie
10. Rachel's Pink Thoughts
11. Pretty How Town
12. One Happy Panda
13. Because It's Better Out Than In
14. Badass Geek
15. A New Simple Something!

These blogs are really "lovely" and are written by enthusiastic authors that display a range of emotions, thoughts and musings. I read/view them all nearly every day - they really add to my day's happiness =) Definitely check them out!

Have a great day everyone!