20 Questions for 2008

Happy New Year everyone!

Today I received an email from a friend of mine which lists a bunch of questions we should ask ourselves for the New Year. I really enjoyed it so I thought I would post them below. Have a safe and fun NYE!!!!

Questions for the New Year

1. In 2008 name one person that you will make the attempt to have a stronger relationship with?
2. In 2008 what is one risk that you promise to take?
3. In 2008 what is one aspect of your personality that you will be willing to change to make yourself more likeable?
4. In 2008, what is one daily ritual that you can commit to?
5. In 2008, what song could you choose to represent the year you are going to have and will you download that song after reading these words?
6. In 2008, who is one civil servant that you will say hello to for the entire year?
7. In 2008, what is one body of water that you promise yourself you will swim in?
8. In 2008, name one person that you will truly thank who rarely gets thanked.
9. In 2008, what is an artistic experience that you promise to have?
10. In 2008, what is one argument that you will no longer have?
11. In 2008, what is one thing that you will do to give back to the world or community that you live in?
12. In 2008, what is one thing that you will learn?
13. In 2008, what is one thing you will let go of knowing you don't have the power to change it?
14. In 2008, where will your quiet place be?
15. In 2008, name three people you will surprise with a random gift?
16. In 2008, what is one thing that you will teach someone else?
17. In 2008, what is one fear that you will overcome?
18. In 2008, what is one food that you will eat more often?
19. In 2008, what is something wonderful about your personality that you promise to consciously appreciate?
20. In 2008, what will you do that you have always known you had to do?


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Please note that the 20 questions where from Stuart Knight. He is a pretty interesting motivator and he does have an interesting perspective on life, I urge you all to check it out:
http://www.stuartknight.com/

3 Things

Last night a got an email that really touched me and got me thinking about life which I think is appropriate as this calendar year is coming to an end and another one is about to start. The email is called 3 things, and the portions I enjoyed are:

Three things in life that, once gone, never come back:
1. Time
2. Words
3. Opportunity

I really believe that this is true; you can never get back time or take back words, which were said. Usually you don’t get another opportunity once its gone, even though I believe that its up to you to create opportunity. Time is something, which is so fragile that it important to make the most of everything you do, everything you want. None of us know when our clocks will end and so it is vital to live every moment. In times of anger in times or pain it is easily to spill out words which we don’t mean, I really think that we don’t understand the weight of our words on other and ourselves. We all need to be responsible for the words we say/don’t say and our actions. Words, which are rushed in the heat of the moment, can scar a relationship for life.

Three things in life that can destroy a person:
1. Anger
2. Pride
3. Unforgiveness

I think there are many more things which could have made this list one of which is selfishness. But its true that the ones above can not only tear you up inside but destroy anyone who cares about you.

The most important of the 3 things list is the following; three things in life that are most valuable:
1. Love
2. Family & Friends
3. Kindness

With that in mind, I would like to wish you all a safe, peaceful and joyous New Year. I sincerely hope you all feel the warmth of love and happiness this New Year.

Thoughts from a runner.

I know I have already written about my running and how I enjoy it. However after my run last night I feel that I need to write some more. Last night in Calgary it was a nice -15 (or so) and with a wind chill factor of course. Making it very cold! The grown is covered in snow and some icy patches.

Yesterday was the most amazing run of my life, to date. I was bundled up in my new running gear and I was afraid of if I could run with it being so cold. I was definitely frozen until 2 mins into the run. Then suddenly everything warmed up, I could feel my fingers and toes gaining warmth and I could feel each muscle contracting and working. My breaths were longer and the cool air in my lungs felt amazing. The run was the most freeing experience I have ever had.

I know that I usually love the rush sports give me, but after running last night I felt something similar but different. In other sports when you’re running all alone you are usually on a break away and you have ppl yelling, shouting, cheering, booing… all these pressure on you. No matter how you separate it, its like a selfish high of doing something. Also sports like that depend on things, depends on the team, on the opposing team, on the crowd….etc. Running is all on you, no one is cheering, there are no distractions, no one to depend on its just you. If you’re having a good run, no one will know, if your having a bad run no one will know. Everything is for you, no one else is affected or changed just you. It’s the most freeing feeling in the world I think, because there is nothing else really where you don’t affect people. It reminds me of the car commercial which has this dude and all these metal, technical objects surrounding he’s face and when he drives they all seem to fly away.


Running last night was the same thing. No matter what occupied my thoughts, no matter what I wanted to think about, it all seemed to disappear. I could just concentrate on how each muscle, each organ, and how my heart and soul felt. There is not enough words to describe how I felt. The only thing I can really say is I hope you all have a chance to feel like that.

Loneliness

Loneliness is everywhere. I don’t think that there is anyone out that who isn’t scared of it, hasn’t felt it and doesn’t fear it. You can find signs of people who are so desperate that they get stuck into a disruptive life style because of it. I find it interesting that some of the harshest aspects of loneliness are in songs. It goes to show that even famous celebrities feel that way. I have included some that I find particularly interesting below.


I'll believe
All your lies
Just pretend you love me
Make believe
Close your eyes
I'll be anything for you
-------
Don't cry to me.
If you loved me,
You would be here with me.

You want me,
Come find me.
Make up your mind.
Should I let you fall?
Lose it all?
So maybe you can remember yourself.
Can't keep believing,
We're only deceiving ourselves .
And I'm sick of the lie,
And you're too late.
----------------
All that I'm living for,
All that I'm dying for,
All that I can't ignore alone at night.
All that I'm wanted for,
Although I wanted more.
Lock the last open door,
Should it hurt to love you?
Should I feel like I do?
Sickened in the sun
You dare tell me you love me
But you held me down and screamed you wanted me to die
Honey you know, you know I'd never hurt you that way
-----
Now I will tell you what I've done for you
-50 thousand tears I've cried.
Screaming, deceiving and bleeding for you
-And you still won't hear me.
Don't want your hand this time
- I'll save myself.
Maybe I'll wake up for once (wake up for once)
Not tormented daily defeated by you
Just when I thought I'd reached the bottom
I'm dying again

Cirque

Cirque du soliel = circus of the sun is absolutely crazy. This show is so remarkable, so creative, so captivating and amazing. Last night they had one of their show’s on TV and some of the scenes were just incredible, I can’t even imagine how they choreographed it, how they thought of it, and most of all how they perfected it. If you’ve never seen it, then you are missing out. I high encourage you to download it or obtain a way to view it now!

The coolest scene was this act, which started off in a typical movie hero scene. You had your building with a rooftop with a hero character and a “bad guy” guy character on top. They of courses were part of this acrobatic fight scene. (Jackie Chan you better watch out for these dudes). The fight scenes were completely amazing; there are no words to describe it. Just as you think that ohh ok that’s cool, one of them kicks the other off the “roof” and then you notice the ground is a trampoline. So the dude bounces back does all these crazy flips and then hits the other guy, who does similar things. By the end of it all the hero with he’s crew and the bad guy with he’s crew are bouncy off the roof onto these trampolines and it looks like acts that one would do in a half pipe. There was one point when it looked like they were juggling themselves on this trampoline and wall.

If there is a most creative award in performance art that has got to be it! If your not convinced do yourself a favor and watch a show. I guarantee that you will be impressed. Check out the pic
http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/wdw/moreMagic/moreMagicLanding?id=DTDCirqueDuSoleiLandingPage&bhcp=1

Sports

Sports teach you three life lessons. Trust, Communication, Perseverance as highlighted in an imprint article this week. As soon as I read this article I had two initial thoughts… where is this guy I want to marry him and I can’t believe someone else feels this way. Sports can teach you how to be an amazing person, they can take you to heights never reached before and they can help you develop your analysis skills. I can’t imagine my life without sports. I can’t imagine how dull it would be how I could survive.

There are few substitutes to the adrenaline rush of sports. I think that’s why when you ever come across someone who had the same feelings as I do after they have stopped playing sports they are usually depressed, or substituting the high with something else. People will argue that painting or dancing or other things can give similar highs. I’m sure that its very possible, but for all the athletes who make millions, for all the hardcore fans out there, for all the hype around world cups and Olympic games there must be something special about sports.

subconsciously attached?

Recently I found out that we are allowed to listen to music at work. Similar to my elementary days, the phones play a predetermined radio station, which has been approved okay to be played at work. (Rehana, remember when we changed it back in the day). So I was busy doing my own work and randomly had a strong sad feeling and memory surface and I soon realized that it was because a certain song was playing. The memory that it brought up has been dealt with and I haven’t even thought about it in the longest time but I guess somewhere subconsciously there was an attachment with the song and certain feelings and memories.

I find it extremely interesting how our memory works with our subconscious. It makes me wonder if we should be listening to music or associating things with people or events. In some sense it ruins it actual song or scent or taste if it is associated with something, which turns sour. Our perception of the actual content can be drastically altered. I guess it why celebrities make perfume. I mean what does David Beckham really know about smells? He must be sweaty and nasty when he plays! But our perception that we smell like him and he’s hot or good at soccer changes how we feel about the product.

We should all buy perfume without knowing the name or looking at the fancy bottle. We should listen to every song without trying to remember events or feelings. Or is this what we want from the products and songs?

Running

Recently I joined a running group which teaches you how to run and which trains you do complete a 5K race. I was never into running, I don't enjoy running long distance. Running is what I did because it was a part of a sport or part of practice or a just a part of a bigger aspect. Therefore, I never really thought much of this running club, I always saw it as an endurance builder for my other sports but it has become something completely different.

Anyone who knows anything about me knows I love sports. Its a part of my life which makes me feel alive, which helps me in all other aspects of my life, its a thing that lets me be me. Recently, I've discovered running to give me a similar feel. Rather then the adrenaline rush that I crave, it gives me a chance to really think about stuff and to evaluate their importance. Huffing and puffing on the cold winter days, this running opens up my mind and my heart to the real things in life. I think its important that we all have a way to block out the world and just observe ourselves, our life, our souls, and our goals. Most people seem to do this in a yoga or meditative environment but for me it just happens to be running.

For those of you who have wanted to achieve and get in this state of mind, I think its important to know that its doesn't happen in any specific way for us all. Its for each of us to discover. It make be while in calm surroundings, it might be with an altered mind, it might when your outside running.

Working

This is my sixth week of being a full time working gal. Though I have worked in various jobs before this is the first full time job where I have no 4 month escape. Most people have asked me if I like it and to most I respond yes money is always good., But in reality I hate the inflexibility of the working life. When I say this I do not mean, the 8-5 attendance requirements or the constant traffic to and from work but rather the dramatic change in lifestyle and relationships.

The main issue I think is the fact that I feel I am fading away from my friends, my family for the past 4 years. The majority of my close friends are still in university, or starting their graduate degrees and all are still back east. Therefore their life is a lot more flexible and outgoing than the cowtown working life. They can still go out or hold events or generally be able to meet a lot more often.Even with all the technology advances nothing is the same as being there in person and being a part of an event.

Since I got back I’ve been alone. I haven’t been able to go to any events that have been a staple in my life due to work. I have tried to make the most of it and to reach out to what the world has to offer over here, but, sadly, it does not even come close to what was the norm over the last couple years.

But the question is what is a solution? Is this something temporary that everyone will have to soon go through, or is it an abnormality on my part? Its getting to the point where I want to cut off all connection so that I don't have to be bothered with thinking what I am missing.... yes I guess I have become a hater... at least its nice to be getting paid......

Vacations

Vacations are supposed to relax the body, mind and soul. Well at least suppose to be an escape of thinking about work. But no matter where I’ve worked, this is never the case. Before you go, you need to work extra hard to clear off any loose ends before you head out, then when you return you get all the phone calls, emails and work that you would be doing if you were on vacation piling up. In the end you still make up all the work you would have done in that time, which leads to overtime and extra stress.

I think that if you go on vacation and you still have to do everything that you would have while there, then that’s not a vacation and so it shouldn’t be called that. Vacation means you aren’t in the office and when you get back any of the work you would have had to do is taken care of.

Happy Halloween!

There are something which seem to always been in my memory every Halloween. So I figured I should share them with you.

1) Thriller- Michael Jackson

This video and the song is exactly how I picture Halloween. There is something about growing up, hearing the record (yes I did say record) and the association with this fine day. No matter what has been going on in MJ’s life.. all the bad press and law suites no one can disagree that he’s music was amazing. Moreover that he’s video concepts were out of this world. If you have been living under a rock and have not seen this video it is a definite MUST SEE.

2) Candy Talk

Halloween = free candy for all kids and people who are short enough to pass as kids. Today on the radio they did a celebrity candy status, where they went to some famous people who live in Calgary and found out what they are giving away. They rated these celebs on the candy choices and the over all Halloween spirit. I remember my trick or treat system and how we’d always know the “good” houses. Also the ranks of candy which are

i. Full Size chocolate bars (doesn’t really matter which one, but the bigger the better)
ii. Large bags of chips (cheetos or cheese puffs are the best then hickory sticks… and so on)
iii. Small chocolate bars (mars, , rease, kit kat, crunchie, … and the least best crispy crunch)
iv. Small bags of chips
v. Big Candy (usually the Popeye sticks, Fuzzy Peaches, Berries, Sour Patch Kids, tootsie rolls)
vi. Gum Balls (though the flavor last all of 1min they always seem good)
vii. Small Candy
viii. Random candy
ix. Healthy stuff (yes I got some apples and even a toothbrush before…. I know some of u ppl are dentists but u cant write of trick or treat as a biz expensive… and you should want kids to have bad teeth because it means more $$ pour vous

3) The noises and colors

There are always these noises, which I associate with this day. The screams, hallows, evil laughs. There is also some colors which are Halloween, black, orange, green, red, purple… I find that its always brighter colors as we’re younger and darker as we grow up…. Also the difference’s in age is best said in a line from the mean girls movie… for older kids, Halloween is an excuse to dress slutty and no one can say anything. hahaha happy halloween :)

Randomness on the roads.... a rant

I’ve been driving for a while now and across Canada and I must say that every place has their share of crazy drives. I always wonder how certain people get their license, and if maybe they were good drivers then but because they don’t drive much or imitate bad drivers that they become that way.

Some highlights (or should I saw lowlights) of my driving experience include an asian lady going the wrong way up the 427 exit ramp onto the 401 in GTA. Now for those of you who don’t know where this is let me explain…. The 401 is the biggest most traffic highway in Canada. It has at least 8 lanes each way in GTA. So the setup is 4 collectors, barrier, 4 express, big barrier, 4 express and 4 collectors. So for anyone to go the wrong way…. its just ridiculous. Now the 427 is another large highway with 4 lanes in each direct. The average speed on the roads that day I would say is 120km//hr. By now you should all be as stunned and shocked how that chick ever got her license. I guess everything has a price…..

Another fun experience (this has actually happen a couple of times) is when there is 2 lanes on a highway, in the middle of nowhere between two large cities such as (Ottawa/Montreal, Toronto/Niagara, Toronto/Ottawa….) and two friends think its normal to drive side by side and talk while traffic is backing up behind them. Whoever does this I say should automatically get their license removed and fined. When I say fined, I mean they should pay every person in every car behind them for wasting their time at the rate of their worth. So if you held up a CEO for 1hr and they make $700/hr then you should pay them $700. A friend of mine suggested that stupid accidents, which tie up the roads and cause major delays should be handled the same way. I think she’s really onto something. I also would charge all the rubber-neckers who end up backing up traffic in the opposite direction because they can’t mind their own bee’s wax!

I said BRRRR is cold in here

Today I am sitting at my desk shivering because its freezing cold for some reason and we don’t know why. So I figured I should blog about fun things to do when its cold/snowy. Yes, those of you who are enjoying the summer conditions of Ontario should know that its snowed here at least 3 times (and some parts of the city more).

5. Sitting in warm clothes and watching the fireplace channel
4. Go snowboarding/Skiing
3. Drink hot chocolate, Coffee or warm soup
2. The maple syrup shacks caban a sucre
1. Traybogganing aka taboozing, sliding down a hill with a magic carpet


I think as a kid it was always more fun to enjoy the cold weather. As I’ve aged I seem to like it less every year. Maybe its because I have to scrape the car when I’m running late for work, or maybe its because I actually feel so cold and I wonder why I have to suffer when there is heat indoors and warmer places. As children we are better able to judge the moment and the things we have around us and not really compare to what is possible and what we could have. I think that as adults this ruins a lot of things and makes us less happy. I know kids can be fussy but its more about what they like and don’t like. While the issues with the adults is what I have and what I don’t have. What I have to do and what others don’t. The added responsibility and the fact that you are in charge of getting things you want makes life less enjoyable because if you want something then you have to work for it and even then you aren’t guaranteed to get it. Just because you work hard and are a good person doesn’t mean you will ever be able to afford the life you want or get to see and do the things you want. As a kid, if you’re good then you can usually get away with whatever. So how is it as adults that we can let of the pressures and stress and comparisons so we can enjoy what we have?

Some things just make you wonder....

It would so awesome to have a concert here, with the band on that middle suspended island.

Though I'm sure that not why they built it.

What is the purpose of that triangle thing suspended on top of the road?

Interesting concept. I guess at the end of the hoop is where they make you pay the tole or something?
Whoa, now this civil eng was definately into rollercoasters.
Kinda reminds me of MTL for some reason :P

Why are there random tipis on the bridge?

Come on ppl, no camping on the bridge!

Must be some hick town with no other attractions?

Let call it the double bridge arc?

If you can't go over, or under, or around...

I guess you go through it?

Again someone who likes rollercoasters.

At least you don't have to blast through a mountain

Paper Cuts – the white collar work place hazard

I’m currently at job number 5 of my career and luckily all of my jobs have been white collar. God knows how horrible I would be if I had to make things or fix things. Most people associate work place hazards with construction, chemicals, and other similar things. Don’t get me wrong, they are really dangerous but it doesn’t mean that white-collar jobs don’t also have many risks and hazards.

Paper cuts are not the only things, which affect the office worker. Don’t get me wrong, paper cuts are bad, you end up having a tiny gash, which ends up bleeding so much, and stinging. Other office hazards are usually long term, things like stress, wrist issues from typing, sight issues from constantly looking at computer screens, back pains from sitting on bad chairs, and so on. What are preventive measures that companies and governments doing for the increasing number of office workers?

There are laws where an employer must provide adequate office environment enhancements for disable employees to the point until it would take them out of business. But what laws are in place that assures healthy employees also get reasonable working conditions in order to stay healthy and not to burden the employer and the health system in the future.

There are so many things out there for after issues therapy but nothing really in place for prevention. Even for terminal illnesses the focus is always on treatment, never on prevention. Why does everything have to be about money? If things were prevented then corporations would not make money from of selling us stuff to treat our problems. I think in the coming years we need to stand up for ourselves in order to assure that white collar work places hazards are prevented. There needs to be more laws and public exposure to the real hazards of the office.

Love and Pain

Love and Pain,
Sunshine and Rain.

The question on my mind today is, what hurts more. Being hurt by someone you love, or hurting someone you love. Does the receiver or the giver have the larger burden? We all are humans and we all make mistakes in life. Sometimes these mistakes or oversights hurt the ppl we care about the most. Is it a harder burden to forgive someone who has caused you pain or is it harder to be the one who ended up hurting someone and having to wait for them to forgive you?

In the movie sisterhood of the traveling pants (or something like that), there was a part in the movie where this chick ended up getting mad at her friend instead of dealing with the real issue. But her friend instead of hating her supported her and urged her to see what the real problem was. In the end the girl realized that we end up hurting the ones we love and can depend on because we are unable to face the real problems. In some sense we create tension with people who we know will still love us and forgive us in order to hide from the real situation. In relation to the question above, is it harder to be the one that has to be latched out at as the friend or is it harder to be the one with the troubles? Is there really one role that is worst? Or do we end up playing both sides in different situations?

a little bit of this and a little bit of that = bs

Halloween, which this year might as well be called Halo-ween with all the crazy sales of Halo 3. But anyway… every October 31 I am faced with the question, to trick- or-treat or to not trick-or-treat. Being a great 5’3 I can usually get away with going door to door with all the kids and getting free candy. For me free is good. I see no difference in pretending to be waterloo staff to enjoy a nice bbq my tuition paid for and for pretending to be a taller JR high kid for free candy. There are few things I get an advantage for while being short, but this happens to be one of them… so why is it frowned on?

Life and school always teach us to make the most out of everything; to find weaknesses of rules and profit from them. So why is this any different? I say if there is something free it is our duty to take advantage of it.

So… now that I’ve convinced myself of that…..what should a dress up as?

Snacking

Recently I started my first non coop job. Though its not really any different than a coop job, except for the fact that it won’t end after 4 months unless I don’t like it and or they don’t like me. While working I realized that I seem to always have the urge to snack while at work. I’m not really sure if this is appropriate, I never remember seeing any Sr staff members doing it, but I really enjoy it. I remember my past co-op days where a co-worker (turned friend) and I used to go on snack hunts as every floor at different snack you could buy. We also had our snack stash, so whenever we were bored, or hungry or just had a certain craving we could grab it from a convenient desk drawer and eat it while still working away.

I really think that businesses should encourage more of this. It reduces the need to go on a coffee break, if you already have a snack near you and it also allows a delay in the lunchtime hunger call. It would be nice for businesses to even offer snacks at a reduced price, or even just healthy snacks. A healthier work force is more productive. I can understand how a desk full of snacks can seem awkward if you are about to speak with a client, or that if you happen to take a bite of your snack just as your phone rings it might not be very professional. But I do believe that the overall positive of snacking should have companies encourage it.

My Top 5 Snacks:
-Nibs and Twizzlers: they are small, sugary but not too much, have no crumbs, and in general are less fat than other sweats).

-Chocolate covered raisins or nuts: (they are semi healthy and also have the same benefits as nibs, but hits that chocolate craving)

-Grapes and Nuts: very healthy and tasty, though watch out for people who might be allergic

-Pringals or Pretzels: (for those of us who get the salt craving, these work well because they aren’t very messy or too loud when you crunch)

-Cheese Strings: I know that its suppose to be a childish snack, but it does hit that cheesy craving well and its very portable and potentially even nutritious

What are your favorite snacks?

D

You’d pull out the picture album, to show others as we grew.
You’d kiss our cheeks, and tell us that we were cute.
Annoying that this may sound, I miss all of that
I would give everything, to have it all back.

The last time I saw you, you told me to stay here
But in my heart, I know you just wanted me near.
I wish you were here, to see me smile
If you were I know you 2 would smile.

You've always had a gift, to make us all feel loved
And your remembrance to me, is of unconditional love.
You were happy, peaceful, beautiful and serene
Never once did I think you were mean.

I wish I had you here with me now
I know you will always be with me somehow.
I never fully appreciate all that you gave
Now I'm alone taking flowers to your grave.

Its so hard to stop the tears from falling, I really don't want to cry
But what I miss most of all is the twinkle in your eye
It saddens me that the Dude has taken you away
But he decided that today was your day.

Traditional Food

Over the past couple weeks it has been both Canadian Thanksgiving as well as Eid. Both these holidays have traditional food associated with it along with various other customs. For example, thanksgiving is all about giving thanks, as the name would suggest. It started with giving thanks for the harvest but it has moved to a much larger north American scale. Eid on the other hand is a celebration for all Muslims who have finished their month of fasting. For thanksgiving the traditional food is Turkey, I’m not really sure why this is but I’m sure it has some symbolic value. Eid has the tradition of eating sweets along with other specific foods.

If one has always been observing a holiday in a specific way, eating traditional foods, why would one want to change what you eat? How can one appreciate thanksgiving without the turkey if you’ve had it all your life. What is eid without the sweets? Sure the point of the holiday is to celebrate something else, but traditional foods set the mood and atmosphere for these holidays. Yes I do realize that sometimes people forget the true meanings of the holidays and just concentrate on the traditions of gifts or food. But I still think its wrong for someone to take away the turkey or the jelabi.
To the mothers, institutions and whoever else seems to want to take away traditions, especially food traditions I highly urge them to leave the traditions as they are. We like our turkeys and jelabies so don’t take them away.

Yummmy Food

A couple of my good friends who are recent graduates and young professionals always seemed to be hooked to the food network. Personally I hate cooking, I seem to have a week stomach for blood and raw food even though I love the end products. Every time I look at a recipe books or watch on television they always seem to do it which such ease. Ye the second I touch something raw a bad feeling comes to me. Cooking is a survival skills, we all need to eat to survive. But real cooking is an art. From the décor, the aroma, the initial taste and the long lasting satisfaction its just so amazing. Everyone should take advantage of programs such as summerlicious and winterlicious and enjoy amazing food and you will for sure to agree it can be art.

Sometimes even the name of a food can make you drool. How does a Warm Chocolate Praline Tart sound like? It really does sound like a piece of heaven. Would making a Hazelnut, Coffee, Chocolate Bomb make you a terrorist? Maybe to the obese? There is something spectacular about fine dinning and culinary art which just impressed me beyond words. I really think that food can be a very power tool, not only can it solve world hunger, bring peace to nations it can also be use as a powerful control tool. There must be a reason other than video games why children are all obese, and I’m sure the smell of McDonalds fries aren’t helping any.

Phone Cards

I have used my fair share of phone cards, dialing the local number, putting in the random pin and then getting to call someone for 100mins, which really turns out to be 20 mins. I hate how most phone cards have all these hidden fees, and random charges if you do not use it all within the same call. If I pay $5 and you tell me I’m going to get 500 minutes then make sure it is 500 minutes and let me talk for that time. If its not going to be 500 minutes I rather that you be honest with me and just tell me its going to be 200 minutes. I think that the average consumer rather get the actual value of the card rather than have large unrealistic values for their phone. Also why is it that the convenience store sells me a $5 phone card for $5 and that in china town the same card (which isn’t fake and works just as well) sells for $3.I still laugh ever time I remember this cop who stopped he’s randomly on a busy Toronto street and got out just to buy this $3 phone card. I actual question if he gets paid to do that, so that people like me would trust the phone card stand and buys the cards. Lastly, does anyone really know how they pick the phone card pins? There must be a way to decode it….let me know what you think.

Yours Truely

Recently I’ve been talking to a bunch of people about their loved ones who have passed away recently. There are two things which seem to be the same no matter who I talk to, so I figured that I would share it today with you. The first is that the pain never goes away. No matter what religion or beliefs you may have, the pain of loosing someone close to you never goes away. It doesn’t matter how long it has been, it doesn’t matter what has changed in your life it will always be sorrowful. Sure time does help, I mean everyone had tons of different things happen to them and over time you learn to adapt to life without them. But in reality there will always be days, occasions where you will miss the loved one. This may not be a bad thing because their memory lives on, and what they were to you will live on. However, it would be interesting to see how many ppl are sad and lonely on days like Christmas, Dilwali and Eid.

The second things ties into the first, and it is that most people wish they could have done more for the person. We are all guaranteed death but unfortunately we never know when that is, so it important to appreciate the people in your life who mean most. Appreciate people you love, appreciate ppl who care about you, appreciate people so that you will not say I wish I had done this or that. I know its hard don’t get me wrong, but I think that in life if we truly love someone then it is our duty to make sure they know it and that they feel loved. It can be as simple as sending them a card and reminding them how much you mean to them or picking up the phone and telling them. I urge you all to go to the dollar store the next time you are at the mall, pick out a nice card (doesn’t matter if there is no special occasion) and mail it to people you truly love. It will cost you less than $2 but it will mean more than anything.

On that note…Dadima, Didi and Buggie you are three people in the world who mean the most to me and I love you with all my heart. Thank you for being in my life, you mean more than words can express.

Happy 75th Birthday!

Promises

I’m sure we have all made promises in our life. Some of which were probably simple things and other things which were more serious. At the same time I’m sure that at some point everyone has broken a promise. Of the more serious promises or commitments how long is one bound to that? I mean there are such high rates of divorces, best friends who no longer talk, family who hate each other. So is a promise really forever? It is something you should really hold on until the grave or are there situations which even if you promise its only pending certain conditions?

I’m sure we have all been in situations where we made a packed with someone for something drastic or just important but then they didn’t follow through with it. It reminds me of younger kids who promise to dye their hair some crazy colors, and one person shows up to school the next day with pink or green hair and the other comes in and says I though you were just joking. Is that breaking a promise? Is it looking out for oneself? How the person who is stuck with pink hair for months feel? I think the same thing goes for friendships, family and partners, when does what one have the right to cut off other people from their lives in order to advance their life? When does it become being a bitch and breaking a promise of support and love and when is about self progress? People often say if that person jumps off a bridge will you, so where is the line of being that person’s support and being the stupid person who also jumped? Is there every really a good reason to break a promise? Or are promises no longer excitant in our greedy world and so it really is everyone on their own? There must be significance to the saying, only when times are rough do you know who your true friends are.

Cities

The other day I was bored so I did this online test (http://www.brainfall.com/test27_1.php) which is suppose to be able to predict what city I should live in. Its an interesting concept that by answering some lifestyle questions they can put me in certain categories and find a city which fits that type best. So apparently I should pack my bags and go live in Rome… and do what the Romans do? Their reason being, “You should live in Rome. You avoid conflict and take life a little slower than most. Rome's sun, culture, food, and siestas are a perfect match for your easy-going attitude.”

I guess this is a good thing, I mean I do enjoy chilling and taking life easy. I mean why be stressed? But really how much does a city have to do with a person? I mean obviously some cities are better for certain work industries and smaller cities/towns have less commute but what is really different between Toronto and New York and Los Angeles? We are all adaptive people and each city has things to offer, but even if you’re a hardcore clubber and you go to a small city you will find the spots to hit up. Maybe it won’t be so glamorous but eventually you adapt and that becomes home. I know environment does encourage certain things but still it’s the people of the place.

Cell Phone Reception

Cell phone reception is an odd and very annoying thing. I have had my current cell phone for 3 years (hurray my contract is done). Throughout the contract I have been in various large urban cities including, Calgary, Ottawa, Toronto, Waterloo among others. While living at these places I had the joy of having 0 to 3 bars maximum. However the other week, I went to a mountainous normally private ski area. In the middle of nowhere and I had an amazing 5 bars on my cell! It wasn’t even like there was a tower anywhere either. What is up with this?

Shouldn’t reception be in relation to where you are and what is needed? I mean in my room on campus I wouldn’t even get reception at times (no I wasn’t in a basement). Even when I was working in downtown Toronto, there were places I couldn’t get reception. I really think that companies in Canada need to work on that. I hate it when I’m roaming anywhere in the US that I get so much better reception than anywhere in Canada. Why is it that Chicago, Bismarck or even random towns in Wisconsin should get better coverage than large Canadian cities? We should all petition to have them send out better reception. We are all getting cancer from cell phones and wireless stuff either way, we might as well get good service while we’re at it. Stop selling the government and ppl the rights to listen to our convos... start letting us have clear and reliable connects to make our calls

Weddings

This long weekend I get to go to a family friends wedding. I don’t really remember going to many weddings and in general I never really liked or understood it. Especially Indian weddings! If you know nothing about Indian weddings pretty much all you need to know is that it lasts forever.. usually 4 days or so, it involves a lot of greasy, deep-fried, sugar filled, gonna increase your change of heart attack yummy food. Its always very colorful, and full of gold (as it was the original traditional gift to give… now of course the modern world prefers a stack of presidents/prime ministers).

I always believed that religion is between a person and God (or whatever they believe in) and that weddings are the feeling between two people, everyone else has no place in it. Sure if someone close to you decides that they want to spend their life with someone that you will be happy with them maybe even want to celebrate but the thing is why do such fancy ceremonies. Why all the stress and expense just to please everyone. If you call people then because you called them you also have to call all this other people you really don’t care about and you get to pay for it. I really think that bachelor parties and stuff is where you go an celebrate with anyone who wants to be happy for you and that the actual wedding is just with the closest of people. Weddings should not be family reunions, they should not be places to show off the latest Prada suite or Saatia Paul wedding ensemble. Who really cares about all that junk anyway? If your in love then celebrate your love and that all it should be.

Apparently all girls are suppose to dream of their weddings… so here is mine…
Option 1: its winter, I go to the mountains have a small ceremony max 10 ppl and get married
Option 2: Its not winter...we go to city hall, we sign the papers, then we fly off to some tropical place all inclusive.
And yes with both the options cash will be the accepted gift

So now that my dream weddings are planned, I just need one more thing…. Hmmm what could I be forgetting… ohh yeah the dude I’m going to marry… how silly of me

Distance

Distance is something that I find to be so odd probably because its all relative. Some times the same thing can be seen in so many different ways by different people in different times. The thing that intrigues me so much is the barrier of distance between two people. I don’t only mean in a physical lovers sense but more so the distance between two people. I don’t know what worst. Being so close to someone you love and having to be so far in terms of distance you live in or being so close to someone that you are in the same city, area, block, apartment, room but having your soul feel so far from each other. I’ve moved around a lot of the past four years and every four months or so I’d have to pick up my stuff and leave everyone I was close to for a new destination. However the odd thing is that whenever I left to go to a new place, my relationship with the people I was closest to always for some reason grew stronger. And after that separation when we are finally within a couple minutes to each other that we are no longer as close.

So does it really hurt more to love someone and be so physically far from them or does it hurt more to be so physically close to them but have your hearts/souls be so distant? Is it worst to turn over on you bed and have an empty spot for someone or is it worst to wake up next to someone you feel so distant? Does one potentially cause the other some how. Are the expectations different? Is there a greater gain from being apart from someone you love because you enjoy every moment you do have all that much more?

I don’t know the answer to this, or if it even has an answer but the closest thing I can compare it to is if you don’t eat chocolate for a month and you finally get a small quantity of it, it doesn’t even matter what kind it really is but you will enjoy it so much. Where as if you eat it everyday then you are pickier about the type you want or the flavors or what store you might even get it from. This leads me to yet another question; does a physical barrier to something we want or love actually drop our expectations which we would normally have?

DD: Bonsai

Ontario

As my time here in Ontario seems to be winding down I decided to do what I always do (its human nature after all), to have a top things I will miss list. Yes, even though I have cussed out most of your province there are still sometimes that I will surely miss… and other which I will not.


10 things I will not miss
10. The Ontario mountains… which are really hills but Ontario ppl don’t know the difference
9. Having to go down to hell to ride the subway
8. Random news flashes of someone getting shot in a place you often go to
7. All the ‘homeless’ people who are capable young adults
6. Hearing constant Mandarin and other incomprehensible languages in public places
5. The TTC smell
4. PST
3. All the construction road closures which don’t have detour
2. Traffic on the 401 and DVP/404
1. The Smog

10 things I will actually miss
10. Highways
9. Cheaper Gas prices
8. Having constant events, celebrations happening
7. Getting Indian and English movies for cheep
6. Being able to work/speak/use my French
5. Awesome Transit systems
4. IW Hockey
3. Campus Rec Sports
2. All the friends I have made while at UW and Co-op
1. My sister

Avril Lavigne When You're Gone Lyrics

I post the lyrics below for someone who holds my heart. For those of you who have someone similar you will find this to be true. I love you

I always needed time on my own
I never thought I'd need you there when I cry
And the days feel like years when I'm alone
And the bed where you lie
is made up on your side

When you walk away
I count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
All the words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you

I've never felt this way before
Everything that I doReminds me of you
And the clothes you left
they lie on my floor
And they smell just like you

I love the things that you do
When you walk awayI count the steps that you take
Do you see how much I need you right now?

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
And when you're gone
The words I need to hear to always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you

We were made for each other
Out here foreverI know we were
Yeah Yeah
All I ever wanted was for you to know
Everything I do I give my heart and sou
lI can hardly breathe, I need to feel you here with me
Yeah

When you're gone
The pieces of my heart are missing you
When you're gone
The face I came to know is missing too
When you're gone
The words I need to hear will always get me through the day
And make it OK
I miss you

begining of the end

Its a fact, all good things must come to an end. Sometimes we don't know when this end is so we aren't prepared to do whatever needs to be done to have closure to enjoy every moment to give our goodbyes. Then after we are either so engrossed with whats next or else we are left to the side and we just have to deal with it our own ways.

However sometimes you get the opposite you know how long is left in the countdown and you have to decide how to spend the last days. Do you enjoy and squish out every bit of happiness or do you let it fall so that the healing process can start earlier? Do you try to replace what is about to end? How do you find a way to fill something that means so much to do, something that is what has given you happiness after so long? What if its something that really had no meaning until you gave it some, then what? Do you owe something back, do you feel that your owed? Its it your fault that its ending? What if someone decides for you, does it make it any easier?

Somethings have an ending but its best not to know, not to have to deal with the pain of knowing that things are going to change. That happiness will be sadness that a full glass will be empty soon. Ignorance is always bliss so why not stay ignorant?

With all my heart

b&d: Thank you for keeping my heart warm even on the coldest days, i love you both very much I will never let either of you go

You have my heart
And we'll never be worlds apart
Maybe in magazines
But you'll still be my star
Baby cause in the dark
You can't see shiny cars
And that's when you need me there
With you I'll always share
Because
When the sun Shine
We'll shine Together
Told you i'll be here Forever
Said I'll always be your friend
Took an oath
I'ma stick it out till the end
Now that it's raining more then ever
Know that we'll still have each other
You can stand under my Umbrella
These fancy things,
Will never comein between
You're part of my entity,
Here for Infinity
When the war has took it's part
When the world has dealt it's cards
If the hand is Hard, Together we'll mend your heart
You can run into my Arms
It's Okay don't be alarmed
There's no distance in between our love
So Go on and let the Rain pour I'll be all you need and more

Recap of the Madness

5. Boo Duke,

4. UNC pretty decent job

3. UCLA messed up my bracket

2. Awesome Final game good job Ohio and Florida

1. YEAH LADY VOLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!! CHAMPS

AWESOME TEAM EFFORT BEST COACH EVER! PAT SUMMITT ur my hero :)

da Anthem

Copywrite LiL CoCoNuT January 14th 2005

repin from c town to b town with a pit stop in da loo....

All you need to survive

CoCoNuT

Why throw tomatoes when u have

CoCoNuT

Grows on tall green palm trees

CoCoNuT

The best rapper of all time

LiL CoCoNuT

Didnt grow up like regualar desi fried clowns

Got my style and respect from da CowTown

Crusing around town with my sweat, Breeze

All the refs be begging for a ride, please

No time to chill with em fake dip bitches

Got my own ride, hoops, dudes and niches

I definitely be da illest of all them players

All you need to survive

CoCoNuT

Why throw tomatoes when u have

CoCoNuT

Grows on tall green palm trees

CoCoNuT

The best rapper of all time

LiL CoCoNuT

Got me a room full of gold

Trophies with balls & dudes all bold

Got a crew of Benz, caddies and crx

Not to forget Gucci, Prada & Rolex

Flaunting our style all over da worlds

Everyone knows we be the hottest girls

Now bee the time 2 try something new...

All you need to survive

CoCoNuT

Why throw tomatoes when u have

CoCoNuT

Grows on tall green palm trees

CoCoNuT

The best rapper of all time

LiL CoCoNuT

Lately been chillin with a fresh crew

on the other side of the country in da loo

Got some black, white, yellow even dips

chillin wit me in my new click

Friday u know we b at jk then reving it up

Sats about Bollywood & chai in our cups

its a little different but we still as cool as can b

All you need to survive

CoCoNuT

Why throw tomatoes when u have

CoCoNuT

Grows on tall green palm trees

CoCoNuT

The best rapper of all time

LiL CoCoNuT

No matter where it’ll be CoCoNut be fly

Drink rum & coke, vodka, whiskey & rye

Covered in gold from head to toe

Definitely got the tightest flow

even people with cars cash & hoes

Fear coz they can all feel my blow

This be the truth for sure.

All you need to survive

CoCoNuT

Why throw tomatoes when u have

CoCoNuT

Grows on tall green palm trees

CoCoNuT

The best rapper of all time

LiL CoCoNuT

For you

Copywrite LiL CoCoNuT January 23 2005

I've been watching you from a distance
This distance sees through your disguise
Before All I want from you is to confort your hurting
All I wanted to do is heal you
I wanted to save you from the dark
Even if it killed me, I would for you

Give unto me your troubles
I'll endure your suffering
Place onto me your burden
I'll drink your deadly poison
Even if it kills me I would for you

Why should I care if they hurt you
But Somehow it matters more to me
Than if I were hurting myself
To Save you, continuously save you
Even if it kills me I would for you

Give unto me all that frightens you
I'll endure your anguish
I'll have your nightmares for you
If you sleep soundly
Even if it kills me, I would for you

Open your eyes to the love around you
You may feel you're alone
But I'm here still with you
I'll stand alone in the storm
Even if it kills me, I would for you

I wanted you to be with me
For so long I don't even know why now
But now that I've given up on you
Defiantly you see what I would have done for you
Even if it would have killed me, I would have for you

Walking away I see the pain
You put me through
Lost in your game to change the same
Forever gone, for ever for you

There's something very wrong about this
I think you knew all along somehow
You'll only take me to change my mind
And leave me broken and defeated
Even if it would have killed me, I would have for you

So far away I see the truth
I see through you
Now that I know the way you playI don't want to
Even if it would have killed me, I would have for you
I would have for you... I would have for you...

A Nice Read

Please forgive me
But I cant be here again
Maybe someday you’ll look up
And barely conscious you’ll say to yourself,
Isn’t something missing?

You won’t cry for my absence I know,
You forgot me long ago.
Am I that unimportant?
Am I so insignificant?
Isn’t something missing?
Isn’t someone missing me?

Even though Im the sacrifice
You won’t try for me… not now.
Even though once you said you’d die for me.
And when I bleed, Ill bleed
Knowing you don’t care
And if I sleep just to remember when things were good
I’ll wake up and it won’t be good…
Isn’t something missing?
Isn’t someone missing me?

Sexism in Sports

As a female athlete I hate when we do not get the same respect as the male counter parts. Why is it that I can never watch any NCAA women’s games? That networks think its better to play reruns of the men’s games and even high school basketball over women division 1 NCAA? I guess its true that nothing in life is fair of equal. That some will have more than other and some will be happy while others will be sad.

Go Lady Vols!!! Its too bad that you will make the final four and that your men’s team is already out. Same with the duke gals, maybe now the school will sponsor you more.

I miss you B, D, DD

Parades

So far in my life I have been 'woken up' by three parades. All of which are totally unique and different and which are in different cities. First time it was the Christmas Parade in Montreal. It was creative, fun, lots of people and an all around awesome parade. Next it was the Pride Parade. Don't get me wrong people can be and do whatever they want, but considering that you need to be 18+ before you can watch adult movies and that music and movies are censored, I think this family parade needs to be more censored in what type of sexual things and entertainment can be showed. Most recently I ran into the St. Paddy's Day parade in Ottawa. First I didn't even know that there was going to be a parade or that the the blocked roads where for that reason. There was very little people and media and it really just seemed like a blocked road. Secondly when the parade started there was your usual marching band and whatever but instead of floats (which I expected coming from Calgary and growing up with the Stampeded) they had semi

trucks with kids and randoms dancing on top of them. WTH?? come on if your going to be part of a parade there is suppose to be floats which are all decorative and in different colors and different themes. People dancing on top of a non decorated truck does not qualify.

Anyway, I would like to take the time so say to important things....

1. Happy Birthday Buggie...

2.Happy ST Paddy's Day... Cheers

IT’S MADDNESSSSS

So if you’re a basketball fan, you probably won’t read this until April, the rest of you should beware…. A month of crazy, amazing, nail biting, basketball action is taking over all fans brains, free time, and life. I know this might be disappointing when you want to go out with your special someone, but you have been warned. For once nothing is more climatic than the dunks, baskets, upsets, and victories than the basketball action. Of course there are some day which the game isn’t play though your special someone might just be paying off he’s bookie or grinning from all the green he’s making. Either way, for all of you with friends, boyfriends, girlfriends, husband, wives who love the game don’t forget to give them their space and support them as they support student athletes. So make some nachos and wings and in April the favor will be returned.

D: i love that you love ball B: i love you

Mandatory Donation

Over my university years I have been subject to fraud by my own university. Yes, the University of Waterloo and affiliated colleges steal your money. Well they randomly take your money, left over from tuition fees or other random fees then if you don’t look for it and claim it you get a nice letter/tax receipt for your donation to the university. You can’t get it back once you have gotten this receipt which is the universities way of laughing at you. Apparently this also happens at work, where they take out certain amount of money has mandatory charity. This also goes by hours you work.

What is up with these organizations stealing people’s money? Why hasn’t there been a major apprise? I want my money back, I don’t care if it’s a good cause or not. I should be able to choose and where and when I want my charity money to go. Mandatory donations are the new form of fraud.

Buggie & Didi: I love you both

SUV

Some SUVs are hot, some people who drive them are hot. Some are just random soccer moms. The other day it was snowing like crazy and the roads were thick with snow. I, with my 97 low American car with no snow tires was going 60 in the 60 zone. After a red light and some difficulties stopping and getting started again I was back to cruising at the speed limit. In front of my however was this nice, black lexus suv who was going 20 under the limit for not apparent reason. My first thought was it was a soccer mom driving, or some ethnic minority so I was getting mad having to sit behind them on a road without traffic. When there was finally an extra lane to pass them I turned to check out which dumbass with an awesome 4*4 suv ride can’t drive in a lil bit of snow I was it was a random caucasian male. I think every car must have a clause, if you cant drive the car and use it the way its ment to be, you shouldn’t be allowed to drive it. The dude should have bough a smart car at least he’d be saving on gas. People this is Canada, it snows it gets cold so expect it and learn how to drive in it. Stupid drivers shouldn’t be allowed on the road, there is a reason why they invented cabs and transit.

The big 100

This is officially number 100 for posts. Society seems to think that certain levels and stages of life, achievement or whatever are worth celebrating and reflecting. I think this milestone represents 100 times over the past 11 months which I have been so bored or have had something random on my mind that I just had to write a post. That means the 5+ minutes it takes me to write the blog and post it would have left me with 500mins to do other things in my life. 500mins is the amount of day time minutes I have on my cell for 10 months. Crazy how good I am at wasting time. I don’t think that any milestone in between has been significant otherwise. For instance, this blog is no better than the last or better than the 32nd. In fact it might just be the worst one I’ve ever written. Well that concludes the reflection part of the big 100. I guess that leaves celebration?

The addict in me

Every place I have worked on my co-op terms have had some food/treat/snack which I have been addicted to and which is the signature snack of that place. Why is it that no matter where I am some random not good for you snack makes feel complete? It all started off from my first co-op experience in the little university city Waterloo where every Tuesday and in general everyday wasn’t complete without a chillate. Something about that soft, cool, smooth drink just made my day. Of course it also made me gain crazy amount of calories. Even the big city Toronto for the first time had the most amazing cookies, and if I eat a pound of them per week my craving wouldn’t be satisfied. However I did somehow manage to loose like 20 pounds while on my cookie diet, I don’t suggest you try it though. The next term way up North in Ottawa there was something about the fancy cheese and tomato bagels which made every morning good and got all of us co-ops addicted. Toronto in the summer had addicted to mmmmmuffins chocolate chip oatmean even though most of my coworkers seemed to be a fan of the cereal bar cereals (I dont see the point of paying $4 for cereal). Finally this term… I have yet to narrow down what keeps me happy but in the running is mr poutine, miss bagel with butter and madame croissant avec chocolat. Hmmm so many potentials but only one winner. Who will it be???

Toronto vs Ottawa a Media Analysis

I know there is a lot of competition between these two cities. They both host two popular NHL and CFL teams, they both host governments and they are both in the same province. One would expect that though population wise one is much larger than the other that both cities would have some similarities. For instance, the Ontario pizza company, Pizza Pizza has a deal with both NHL teams, if either of the team scores a certain amount of goals in the game, those who went to the game get a free slice of pizza. Since both teams are in the same division, play the same teams and play the same game, one would assume the goal count for the free slice to be the same. But noooooooo….. Leaf fans in Toronto can enjoy a free slice of pizza if their team scores 5 goals or more, however the Sens fans in Ottawa have to wait for their team to score 6 goals or more before enjoying the same perk. What is up with this? I know that somewhere an economist or actuary of some sort forecasted the expected amount of goals per game and then set a goal count in relation to how much they are willing to spend. So I guess this is Pizza Pizza’s way of saying the Sens are better than the Leafs?

Other interesting difference between the two cities is their weather report. Living in Ottawa, I know its cold but in general living in Canada one would expect it to be cold in the winter. The weather network however feels the need to issue out a warning to people in Toronto yesterday when the low +wind chill was at -24. In Ottawa however, the forecasted overnight low +wind chill was at -34 but no warning. What is up with this? It was told that Ottawa is 10 degrees colder than Toronto but someone somewhere decided that people in Ottawa shouldn’t be warned where as the people in Toronto should. I guess that’s the weather networks way of saying people in Toronto are weaker than in Ottawa.

10 odd things at work

Awkward situations at work

1. Mocking the parking job of someone then finding out it was your manager
2. Sending a joking email intended for a friend to your supervisor
3. Having various links of non work related windows open as your manager comes in to talk about your evaluation.
4. Forgetting your work shoes and then having to walk around in outdoor boots while in a suit
5. Walking into people expressing themselves in the bathroom
6. Walking into people expressing their love in the caf
7. Having to go to the bathroom really badly in a meeting which you are on point or the minute taker
8. Meeting your supervisor/manager in the bathroom when you have something urgently due
9. Having an open crush on a married coworker
10. Seeing your supervisor do push ups to get pumped for a meeting

Heart

As the big red and pink day approaches its really interesting how the water cooler topics turn from the weather and hockey game to what are the big plans and hopes for vday. I myself have never really been big on this marketing ploy of a day, some might say that haven’t been shown a good one or that when I am truly in love I will appreciate that day. But really if you are in love and really care for the person why don’t you appreciate everyday? I mean shouldn’t that be your goal, to make the other person happy and smile everyday? Why is it that you boast sending roses and chocolate and whatever on one random competitive day rather than when the person is feeling down or on any other day?

I really do believe that some people only bother going all out on vday because its like a competition. I did this for my wife/gf/chick and she loved it and I spent this much and I got that. Life isn’t a boasting competition its rather a journey and an adventure in which you attempt to strive towards happiness. So why some of you maybe in line buying over priced flowers and chocolate and if she’s lucky jewelry remember that time and love are really the most expensive gifts.

B & DD I love you both very much

Opposites

Have you ever noticed that some things are just better under certain conditions or settings? That in general they are plain but under certain circumstances they become magical? Like hot chocolate or poutine while walking outside on a freezing cold day or like ice cream or a cold refreshing drink on a warm summer day. It doesn’t always have to be climate oriented, but in general having a food/drink which is opposite than the temperature makes it the food/drink so much better. It’s the same as getting all green lights on the way home from a long stressful day at work, or a loving hug from someone you haven’t seen in a long time.

Seems like anything which is a break from the norm, whether it be from the weather or the standard routine becomes much more significant and is valued more than if it happened otherwise. I think because we enjoy the opposites so much we are all in some sense attracted to the opposite. We find comfort and excitement in things and people who are part of the norm. Though when this opposite become the norm we don’t seem to appreciate it as much. So then maybe all we all need is a break from reality. A break from ourselves.

B & DD: thanks 4 always making me smile

Inventors

Recently I feel that everything I do and say is being listened to by everyone. Yes I believe my thoughts are being read by corporate entities. I have come up with so many random ideas which have been stolen by some corporation. For example, hamburgers without buns… convenient how McDonald's brought a protein platter which is exactly like my idea. More recently I have a convo with my sister about how they should have delayed Internet texting. Guess what fido has now… yup you guess it.

So this is my plea, at work I seem to be trigger happy with my emails. aka I just send them out then wish I checked the spelling or added something else or that I should have attached the wrong version of the document. So all corporate inventors especially those who work with Google and Outlook….please make a proper retracting e-mail feature. I know there is a way to do it but the receiver still sees that you retracted your e-mail. I bet that this new feature would prove to be very marketable.

Thanks :)

Questions Questions Questions???

When bored, ponder these:

1. Why do they say “an alarm is going off,” when its really going on
2. If mars had an earthquake would they call it a marsquake?
3. If heat rises than shouldn’t hell be cold?
4. Are children who act in rated 'R' movies allowed to see them?
5. If money doesn’t grow on trees, then why do banks have branches?

Coffee

I have always been a coffee addict I think. I remember enjoying one of my first cups at the age of 11. Ever since that first cup I have enjoyed a healthy (or better) amount of coffee pretty much every day. As part of my culture I already was addicted to the warmth and caffeine boost of tea/chai. But coffee is something else. The smell of fresh rich smooth dark coffee is plenty of reason to wake up even on the worst days. It seems to be the best way to engage in a conversation. A cup of coffee always seems to wake me up and promise a better morning/afternoon/meeting/night ahead. It tastefully comes in various flavors, characters, countries and manufacturers. Even the way it is brewed can give it an extra kick. Some cups are even so fancy with whipped cream, caramel, honey, non fat milk, soy milk and so many more varieties. There is just something about coffee that tea cannot provide, something which adds that extra smile with every taste, and something which adds the good in Good Morning :)

Death to snow removers

Okay so here my little vent....

So I'm working in Hull and to park my baby it will cost me an awesome $110/month. Which is more expensive then parking in downtown Toronto. No there is nothing special about where I work, there are no real buildings around, just lots of land and random shops and my work building. So instead of parking my supervisor was kind enough to tell me all the free 3hrs spots which are walking distance to work.

Today/last night it barely snowed. I parked my car in the usual spots. As I was about to change the location of my baby I saw a cop next to it. So I ran to avoid a ticket. I found out that a snow remover decided to remove the side of my car. But yeah my poor baby. Moreover its not like there were other cars around or ice or something odd keeping it from scraping along side of my car. So yes death to the snow removers and all people who can't drive.

NB: baby = my car and Yes, the cop was hot.

Value of a Smile

I think one of the most valuable things in the world is a smile. People who have amazing smiles seem to get further in life. Seem to have people go out their way for them. All the celebrities have mastered the action and even the dental industry try to cash in on the market with teeth whitening procedure and products. All services marketed show the employees working away with these huge smiles? (Except that wendy's with the see you tomorrow sign)

But what is the real value of the smile? Why does it warm the heart when someone you care about smiles? What is it about that action that is so desirable, pleasurable and amazing? Maybe its because in the world most people have an indifferent facial expression or a frown? Which is odd because it takes less muscles to smile than it does to frown. Maybe our dull world gets brighten with a smile, even if its from a stranger? I believe its a comforting feeling a genuine smile. Its something that makes you hope that you can be as happy as the person who is smiling. If you care about someone the smile is a magical way to confirm that they are okay and happy.

Either way I believe the world would be a much brighter place and everyone would be so much happier if we all just smiled a little more. Smile its always in style :)

Buggie and Didi I hope you both always have a reason to smile and that you are both always happy

Gatineau vs Ottawa

Top 10 ways you know you work on the other side of the bridge.


10. You pay double the transit or you save $200/month
9. Everyone loves the Canadians and you are a rebel if you like Ottawa and especially Toronto
8. Your voice mail message is twice as long and starts in French even if you deal with only English people
7. The programs support by government agency you are working for is not actually supported by Quebec. As it does not support federal programs.
6. You have more pay reductions

5. It is acceptable to have wine at lunch in your cubical
4. Wine is more common at your office function than beer
3. None of the symbols in the elevator make sense, RC, SS??
2. A large building has 8 floors
1. You can upgrade your fries in a combo to poutine rather than a larger size

Happy New Year

I know its been a while since my last post. I hope all you readers had an awesome holiday. Hopefully you all got a chance to ponder and enjoy the end of another year. I know I had plenty of time to think and to remember those of you who have been there for me this past year. Holidays are always a time to chill, relax and remember the people in your life who have really made a difference. All year we slave through school or work. We are all too busy for all the things we want to do, should do and need to do. Most of us are all bogged down from the pressure of material things that we forget the feeling of a warm smile or hug.

I personally have many people who have helped me through this past year and who have been there for the smiles and the frowns. I would like to take the time to thank you. Hopefully you all will also get the chance to thank those who have made a difference in your life before its too late.

There will be more blogs to come as another work term starts in the nation's capital.

I love you D, B & DD Thank You :)