Mood: incredibly lazy.
Hating: that I have no motivation to work on any of the 101 things I have to finish in the imminent future.
Loving: the beautiful snow that's falling tonight.
Lip-syncing: Thriving Ivory -- Twilight
------
At the risk of being declared the most cynical out of Me, Myself and I, I once again return to the topic of relationships and love. With one of the most Hallmark Holidays just past, I find it hard to believe amidst the stress and horror stories.
I wonder why. Why have we been programmed into sharing? Why do we risk the heartache? Yes, sometimes it is better to have loved and lost, and whatever is worthwhile is worth the fight. Sure. Cliches are cliches simply for their relation to reality, right? But eventually, all the things we love fade away, going places we can't follow. Friends, family, pets, lovers. We surround ourselves with these things so much that levels of attachment are created, some stronger than others.... But it's these attachments to the things we love and care about most that will do nothing but hurt us in the end. It always happens that way. We always lose the ones we love...
So why bother even loving at all? Why put ourselves through the time and effort of forging these bonds when we know that it will only end in heartache?
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Your Thoughts of War, Religion and Love
Mood: confused, tired.
Hating: that I got nothing done today.
Loving: the amazingness known as chocolate.
Lip-syncing: David Cook -- Last Request
-------
As of Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama officially became the President of the United States of America. Only two days into office, and he's started his work. I like to think that closing down Guantanamo Bay is only the first of a great many of changes.
I've noticed that lots of people are buying into the "Obama-mania". There are the shirts, the buttons the mugs, the books, the hats, the bobble heads; they're even putting him into a curriculum in a Toronto school! This Obama Fever is just incredible to witness.
Although not quite old enough to remember first-hand, I can't help but think of the Canadian equivalent. "Trudeau-mania", anyone?
Some people are just being negative though. Their criticisms are flying left and right, and so many are claiming that Obama will be ruined by coming into power during such a time of economic crisis. He's just making more promises that, as a politician, he is bound to break.
When did we start viewing politicians as the lowest of low?
Why is it not okay to view Obama as a sort of hero? I don't 100% agree with the idea of throwing him into an educational curriculum just yet, but I think that Obama has accomplished a great deal. He is the first African-American to win presidency. He's renewed the faith in democracy and the freedom of men that many had lost.
Sure, he may not follow through with everything he's claimed, but I think Obama - for lack of a better word - overseeing the U.S. is such a feat in itself, that anything else he accomplishes is just icing on the cake.
Just listen to his speech, if you doubt. It's nice to hear coherent sentences from a president, is it not? The vivid imagery and strength in his words encourage and inspire; isn't that what a politician should do?
So perhaps people should tone down the politic-hating, and appreciate the beauty and freedom that is democracy. If only for a little while.
In the meantime, despite the creepy factor, I'm going to out and hunt down an Obama bobblehead.
Hating: that I got nothing done today.
Loving: the amazingness known as chocolate.
Lip-syncing: David Cook -- Last Request
-------
As of Tuesday, January 20th, 2009, Barack Obama officially became the President of the United States of America. Only two days into office, and he's started his work. I like to think that closing down Guantanamo Bay is only the first of a great many of changes.
I've noticed that lots of people are buying into the "Obama-mania". There are the shirts, the buttons the mugs, the books, the hats, the bobble heads; they're even putting him into a curriculum in a Toronto school! This Obama Fever is just incredible to witness.
Although not quite old enough to remember first-hand, I can't help but think of the Canadian equivalent. "Trudeau-mania", anyone?
Some people are just being negative though. Their criticisms are flying left and right, and so many are claiming that Obama will be ruined by coming into power during such a time of economic crisis. He's just making more promises that, as a politician, he is bound to break.
When did we start viewing politicians as the lowest of low?
Why is it not okay to view Obama as a sort of hero? I don't 100% agree with the idea of throwing him into an educational curriculum just yet, but I think that Obama has accomplished a great deal. He is the first African-American to win presidency. He's renewed the faith in democracy and the freedom of men that many had lost.
Sure, he may not follow through with everything he's claimed, but I think Obama - for lack of a better word - overseeing the U.S. is such a feat in itself, that anything else he accomplishes is just icing on the cake.
Just listen to his speech, if you doubt. It's nice to hear coherent sentences from a president, is it not? The vivid imagery and strength in his words encourage and inspire; isn't that what a politician should do?
So perhaps people should tone down the politic-hating, and appreciate the beauty and freedom that is democracy. If only for a little while.
In the meantime, despite the creepy factor, I'm going to out and hunt down an Obama bobblehead.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
writing blah
I find it weird because i don't mind writing when i'm in the mood but most of the things i write i would never let anyone see. When i write i write fromthe heart and it is all very personal. I don't write stories or amusing antidotes for fun, i write them when i must. In writers craft we had to write many times and i did everytime, most of the time however i wrote the night or worse the period before. The worst mark i ever got was a 75. But when it means something to me i can actually write well, and enjoy it!
i think thats the problem with this whole blogging thing, nothing inspires me to write because i just don't care about anything!i am the only intressting thing in my life! :P
kidding but honestly i can't think of my own topics. but not a lame one because lame topics create lame writing.
i think thats the problem with this whole blogging thing, nothing inspires me to write because i just don't care about anything!i am the only intressting thing in my life! :P
kidding but honestly i can't think of my own topics. but not a lame one because lame topics create lame writing.
Monday, January 12, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
Christmas Lists
Mood: excitedHating: that Robbie's flight has been delayed; hopefully he'll still make it here in time for Christmas...
Loving: THE HOLIDAYS =D
Lip-syncing: Kelly Clarkson -- My Grown-Up Christmas List
-------
Dear Santa,
My parents and I recently discussed our Christmas wish lists. It was a short discussion, because all of us said that we have enough stuff already, and we didn't really need or want anything else. Actually, I'm going to ask my mom to mend a few loose buttons on my jacket. It would take me ages, but she's an ace with a needle and thread. That aside, I'll be happy to enjoy a week with my family and friends.
I'll be honest, Santa, my cup of Christmas cheer has seemed half empty lately. With news stories about acid being thrown on schoolgirls in Afghanistan and terrorist attacks in Mumbai, it's easy to get discouraged about the state of the world. Of course, the one in six people living on less than a dollar a day don't even make the headlines. That's not “news” - it's “still happenings”. The Walmart worker getting trampled to death by a consumerism-crazed mob*, now that's news!
(*mob: noun, some regular folks whose enthusiasm for low prices cannot be contained by silly little things like electromagnetically locked doors)
So this year, Santa, I was thinking that it'd be great to leave the sweaters and toy dump trucks in the workshop and focus on some things that will put a smile on people's faces and leave their cup of cheer overflowing! It doesn't take any money to make a positive difference: bake cookies for a neighbour; study a world map with a child; write a handwritten letter; ask someone to teach you a skill they have; even just look a homeless person in the eyes as you pass. It doesn't even need to take a lot of time!
Still feel like you should spend some money on someone anyway? One of my friends wrote a blog a few days ago (*cough* check underneath *cough*) that really got me thinking. And I agree. Try making a charitable donation in someone's honour. It'd be a phenomenal gift! There are so many organizations doing such great work. Choose your cause: Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Heath, Environment, Poverty... the list is huge!
In fact, Santa, I discussed this idea with a friend of mine. And unlike me, he has his dream job of speaking to and inspiring people; he also has enough time to make an online wishlist and set an ambitious goal of raising $1000 from 50 donors to support my three wishes:
1.Canadian youth become engaged global citizens, committed to fighting poverty.
2.Canada's government becomes a global leader in the fight against poverty (instead of riding out a reputation of past good deeds).
3.Fair Trade products become a common consumer option for all Canadians, allowing people to support farmers from the developing world with their daily actions.
Obama's inspiring democratization of fundraising made it obvious that every donation counts. Whether it's $1, $10, $20, $100 or more, I'm asking YOU to be one of the 50 people who give the gift of opportunity. I'm kicking off the effort by donating $100 myself (Any gift of $20 or more is tax deductible).
Visit http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1772106&msgid=56121&act=GG24&c=223122&admin=0&destination=http://www.giftofopportunity.ca/joel for more info on how you can help make wishes come true. And please, pass this letter on to your friends, family and colleagues. There's simply no better gift!
Thanks Santa, and have a safe and happy holiday!
My parents and I recently discussed our Christmas wish lists. It was a short discussion, because all of us said that we have enough stuff already, and we didn't really need or want anything else. Actually, I'm going to ask my mom to mend a few loose buttons on my jacket. It would take me ages, but she's an ace with a needle and thread. That aside, I'll be happy to enjoy a week with my family and friends.
I'll be honest, Santa, my cup of Christmas cheer has seemed half empty lately. With news stories about acid being thrown on schoolgirls in Afghanistan and terrorist attacks in Mumbai, it's easy to get discouraged about the state of the world. Of course, the one in six people living on less than a dollar a day don't even make the headlines. That's not “news” - it's “still happenings”. The Walmart worker getting trampled to death by a consumerism-crazed mob*, now that's news!
(*mob: noun, some regular folks whose enthusiasm for low prices cannot be contained by silly little things like electromagnetically locked doors)
So this year, Santa, I was thinking that it'd be great to leave the sweaters and toy dump trucks in the workshop and focus on some things that will put a smile on people's faces and leave their cup of cheer overflowing! It doesn't take any money to make a positive difference: bake cookies for a neighbour; study a world map with a child; write a handwritten letter; ask someone to teach you a skill they have; even just look a homeless person in the eyes as you pass. It doesn't even need to take a lot of time!
Still feel like you should spend some money on someone anyway? One of my friends wrote a blog a few days ago (*cough* check underneath *cough*) that really got me thinking. And I agree. Try making a charitable donation in someone's honour. It'd be a phenomenal gift! There are so many organizations doing such great work. Choose your cause: Racism, Sexism, Homophobia, Heath, Environment, Poverty... the list is huge!
In fact, Santa, I discussed this idea with a friend of mine. And unlike me, he has his dream job of speaking to and inspiring people; he also has enough time to make an online wishlist and set an ambitious goal of raising $1000 from 50 donors to support my three wishes:
1.Canadian youth become engaged global citizens, committed to fighting poverty.
2.Canada's government becomes a global leader in the fight against poverty (instead of riding out a reputation of past good deeds).
3.Fair Trade products become a common consumer option for all Canadians, allowing people to support farmers from the developing world with their daily actions.
Obama's inspiring democratization of fundraising made it obvious that every donation counts. Whether it's $1, $10, $20, $100 or more, I'm asking YOU to be one of the 50 people who give the gift of opportunity. I'm kicking off the effort by donating $100 myself (Any gift of $20 or more is tax deductible).
Visit http://click.icptrack.com/icp/relay.php?r=1772106&msgid=56121&act=GG24&c=223122&admin=0&destination=http://www.giftofopportunity.ca/joel for more info on how you can help make wishes come true. And please, pass this letter on to your friends, family and colleagues. There's simply no better gift!
Thanks Santa, and have a safe and happy holiday!
Friday, December 19, 2008
December Never Felt Better!
While the weather outside may be frightful, I believe that this time of year is really all about warmth and companionship. I may seem hypocritical as I always write complaining about the materialistic mess that secularized Christmas has become.
Christmas shopping never seems like a daunting task to me, partially because I love to shopping. Many of my holidays are solely devoted to finding a new wardrobe for back-to-school, winter, summer, any excuse will do. In addition, I never find myself grasping for knick-knacks on December 24. Many ridicule me as I tend to do thing way ahead of time. Unlikely many people my age, I don't find myself procrastinating, but rather managing my time to fit everything into my somewhat busy schedule. It was November first, and I was already planning my ambush on the malls of Mississauga.
This year, my grandmother has stressed that she does not need anything. Nothing, at all... Years past, we ended up giving her a candy dish, or tickets to a show. Yet, how many of these ambiguous objects can one person get? At over 70 years old, she has simply realized than rather receive, she would rather give back. Sadly, the fortunate few do not realize that the amount of Christmas gifts we see under the evergreen is not the standard in every household. One in every eight children live in poverty in Ontario, not to mention the startling numbers overseas.
So while it may seem a bother to brave the malls this season, why not give a spin on the tradition present? With all "need" extinguished, many things that grace the lists of our friends and family members are fillers and wants. A suggestion to the traditional gift is to give to a significant charity in the person's name.
In grade nine, I was affected by my mother's breast cancer diagnosis. For our drama class' Secret Santa, my friend donated to the Cancer Society in my name. Although I didn't walk away with a sweater or a stuffed animal, the thought and meaning behind it was more than any present stuffed in a box.
Another great aspect to these gifts is that crowd-fearing shoppers can purchase these gifts online, over the phone, and in place (such as the hospital) where you aren't going to find a mob of people. While it is personal, the gift has an impact on the person on the receiving end, and at the same time sets an example to give back at this time of year.
Christmas shopping never seems like a daunting task to me, partially because I love to shopping. Many of my holidays are solely devoted to finding a new wardrobe for back-to-school, winter, summer, any excuse will do. In addition, I never find myself grasping for knick-knacks on December 24. Many ridicule me as I tend to do thing way ahead of time. Unlikely many people my age, I don't find myself procrastinating, but rather managing my time to fit everything into my somewhat busy schedule. It was November first, and I was already planning my ambush on the malls of Mississauga.
This year, my grandmother has stressed that she does not need anything. Nothing, at all... Years past, we ended up giving her a candy dish, or tickets to a show. Yet, how many of these ambiguous objects can one person get? At over 70 years old, she has simply realized than rather receive, she would rather give back. Sadly, the fortunate few do not realize that the amount of Christmas gifts we see under the evergreen is not the standard in every household. One in every eight children live in poverty in Ontario, not to mention the startling numbers overseas.
So while it may seem a bother to brave the malls this season, why not give a spin on the tradition present? With all "need" extinguished, many things that grace the lists of our friends and family members are fillers and wants. A suggestion to the traditional gift is to give to a significant charity in the person's name.
In grade nine, I was affected by my mother's breast cancer diagnosis. For our drama class' Secret Santa, my friend donated to the Cancer Society in my name. Although I didn't walk away with a sweater or a stuffed animal, the thought and meaning behind it was more than any present stuffed in a box.
Another great aspect to these gifts is that crowd-fearing shoppers can purchase these gifts online, over the phone, and in place (such as the hospital) where you aren't going to find a mob of people. While it is personal, the gift has an impact on the person on the receiving end, and at the same time sets an example to give back at this time of year.
December Never Felt So Wrong...
Mood: exhausted
Hating: that I'm still nauseous...hopefully it's a 24 hour thing...
Loving: that winter break is almost here! Christmas is in ONE WEEK!
Currently lip-syncing: Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson -- Winter Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO0gd7cr9o&feature=related
------
It's such a shock to realize that you're growing up. Remember when you were a kid, and you thought reaching 10 years old was a huge deal? You're in the double digits now! Yeah, whoop-dee-doo. When you hit three digits, let me know.
Today, I had to stay late at school to help run a rehearsal. Which normally wouldn't be a problem, but I felt so ill that it was just a trainwreck from start to finish. After that disaster, I ended up having to go out shopping with my sister. I had forgotten I promised her I would start our Christmas shopping today.
So feeling nauseous and shaking uncontrollably, I was dragged from store to store to store. If I didn't feel sick before, the massive amounts of people taking advantage of holiday hours and sales would have done the job. It's insane to see people fighting over little boxes of chocolate, just because they're 75% off (they were those expensive seashell belgium chocolate things, but still...). My sister was picking things off the shelves left and right, throwing them into a basket (or cart, depending on where we were), whereas I was plodding along slowly. Partly because I was feeling like crap, and partly because I like to think about the gifts I'm buying.
This year, I optted out of buying Christmas cards and little trinkets for everyone. I just found that last year, it was just unnecessary work. I'd rather hang out with the person than just hang them a card with a candy cane. Not to offend those who do, of course. But I've tried it. And I don't think it's for me. My sister was outraged, calling me lazy and selfish, not wanting to give people little red and green coloured pieces of cardboard.
On top of that, while I started buying gifts today, I caught myself actually doing some math. That's a big deal, if you know me. But that's not the scariest part. I was calculating how much I could spend, how long it would take me to pay back, and adding in when my bills and such were due. To add more, I was also thinking about my laundry that needed to be done, other errands (like filling up the car with gas, picking up some lettuce, etc.) and my next shift at work. When I realized what I was doing, I literally froze.
It's crazy now that I think about it. Somewhere further back, I became a job-working, bill-paying, hard-working young adult.
Wow. Never thought I'd see the day.
Hating: that I'm still nauseous...hopefully it's a 24 hour thing...
Loving: that winter break is almost here! Christmas is in ONE WEEK!
Currently lip-syncing: Sara Bareilles & Ingrid Michaelson -- Winter Song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HUO0gd7cr9o&feature=related
------
It's such a shock to realize that you're growing up. Remember when you were a kid, and you thought reaching 10 years old was a huge deal? You're in the double digits now! Yeah, whoop-dee-doo. When you hit three digits, let me know.
Today, I had to stay late at school to help run a rehearsal. Which normally wouldn't be a problem, but I felt so ill that it was just a trainwreck from start to finish. After that disaster, I ended up having to go out shopping with my sister. I had forgotten I promised her I would start our Christmas shopping today.
So feeling nauseous and shaking uncontrollably, I was dragged from store to store to store. If I didn't feel sick before, the massive amounts of people taking advantage of holiday hours and sales would have done the job. It's insane to see people fighting over little boxes of chocolate, just because they're 75% off (they were those expensive seashell belgium chocolate things, but still...). My sister was picking things off the shelves left and right, throwing them into a basket (or cart, depending on where we were), whereas I was plodding along slowly. Partly because I was feeling like crap, and partly because I like to think about the gifts I'm buying.
This year, I optted out of buying Christmas cards and little trinkets for everyone. I just found that last year, it was just unnecessary work. I'd rather hang out with the person than just hang them a card with a candy cane. Not to offend those who do, of course. But I've tried it. And I don't think it's for me. My sister was outraged, calling me lazy and selfish, not wanting to give people little red and green coloured pieces of cardboard.
On top of that, while I started buying gifts today, I caught myself actually doing some math. That's a big deal, if you know me. But that's not the scariest part. I was calculating how much I could spend, how long it would take me to pay back, and adding in when my bills and such were due. To add more, I was also thinking about my laundry that needed to be done, other errands (like filling up the car with gas, picking up some lettuce, etc.) and my next shift at work. When I realized what I was doing, I literally froze.
It's crazy now that I think about it. Somewhere further back, I became a job-working, bill-paying, hard-working young adult.
Wow. Never thought I'd see the day.
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