Saturday, April 30, 2011

Waiting, Waiting, Waiting.....

I hate waiting! Waiting sucks....

It's amazing how time can both go incredibly quickly and incredibly slow all at the same time. It's like when you're not looking or you're having a good time, time flys by and you're looking at the clock asking where did the time go? But when you're waiting for something or you're expecting something, time just crawls and you're looking at the clock going that only took me 5 minutes?

Ugh.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Oh the sights we see...

So I was driving this morning and I really have to wonder how some people get their driver's licences. I was on a major highway, sharing the road with 3 other lanes of traffic, doing about 65 mph. When all of a sudden I watch the vehicle (she was slightly a head of me) to my right veer further right. I figured something was wrong and she was pulling over to the shoulder. I became slightly more concerned when I didn't see any brake lights come on. Without fail this lady went up and over the median (in a minivan) at approximately 65 miles an hour because she had missed her exit!

Where are people's brains when they are driving??!!??

Anywhoo..

J and I watched The A-Team finally. It was hilarious!! There were parts of that movie I was laughing so hard I was crying! I don't know if it was meant to be that funny but it was. I remember I didn't think too much of the cast of characters when I first saw the preview for the movie. I mean Liam Neeson? Turns out it was a really good cast ensemble.

There were some very comical movies put out last summer - The A-Team, The Expendables, Red...I'm hoping this summer has the same field of good movies. I've been perusing comingsoon.net and the trailers on Apple.com and there have been a couple that I'd like to go see. Scream 4 (call me a sucker - I love these movies - they're hilarious), Fast Five, the final (so sad!) Harry Potter, Dylan Dog, Abduction (with Taylor Lautner) and Thor - to name a few.

Random Fact: All major league baseball umpires must wear black underwear while on the job (in case they split their pants).

Saturday, April 16, 2011

I Did It!!!

I did it. I blogged (more or less) for 30 days straight. Yay Yay! Bonus points for me! I enjoyed it - it was nice having a creative outlet and it was nice to write whatever I wanted without a care. It was also nice to have some predetermined topics - something to get the writing juices flowing.

J and I went to Barnes and Noble yesterday and picked up a couple of new books. He got a new book from each of the two authors that he's been reading and I picked up the Twilight Illustrated Guide. I've read a bit into it and so far it's actually pretty neat. The first 80-ish pages are an interview that Stephenie Meyer did with another author that she's friends with and it's really good. It gives good information about how Twilight actually became to being and why Stephenie didn't really consider herself an author until much later (after I believe New Moon was published). It also gave some interesting insight on writing itself. Definitely a good read from what I've read so far.

I think I'm going to start doing a review on books I've read or movies I've watched. I think it will add depth to my blog. Something to think about....

Random Fact: If a wolverine was the size of a bear, it would be the strongest animal on Earth.

Day 30 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 30 - A letter to yourself, tell yourself EVERYTHING you love about yourself

So I've been thinking of how I was going to write this "letter" that is the topic of today's post for the last 3 days. I'm not good at talking about myself. I'm not good at pointing out the good things about me. Sure, I can talk about the wonderful things in my life; my husband, my family, my friends, my puppies...etc.

I love my perseverance. I love my resilience. I love that I can get back up again after being repeatedly kicked. I love my husband and love the way I know I make him happy. I love the fact that I know he loves me. I never thought, despite all of the bumps in the road, that I could be this happy. I love my ability to love to read. I love my desire to write and even when I get stuck I keep writing. I'll start a new story, I'll read someone else's...

I love life. The bumps in the road, while not always pleasant, are just part of the enjoyable ride.

Random Fact: Canada eats the most macaroni and cheese per capita out of every other country in the world.

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Day 29 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 29 - Something you hope to change about yourself. And why.

My weight. I know I'm not at a "healthy" one and I want to get there. I want to look better in clothes and feel better about myself. I want to feel more active and enjoy things more without having to worry. I want to be able to shop without feeling like crap about myself. I'll get there. :)

Random Fact: It is estimated that at any one time, 0.7% of the world's population is drunk.

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Day 28 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 28 - What if you were pregnant or got someone pregnant, what would you do?

If I were pregnant I would be ecstatic.

And scared. I would wonder if this was the real thing or if it would be another cruel trick.

I would be ecstatic. There would be no words.


Random Fact: A lump of pure gold the size of a matchbox can be flattened into a sheet the size of a tennis court.

Monday, April 11, 2011

Day 27 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 27 - What's the best thing going for you right now?

I have to ask what is up with these questions? Ugh. The best thing that is going for me right now? Spring is coming and with that comes warmer weather.

I have J. I have family. I have friends. They are all wonderful, supportive, loving and the best people someone could ask for.

My answer feels like a bit of a cop out because it feels like the standard answer but it's the first thing that came to mind when I read the question (which might I add, with atleast the 2 questions that preceeded it, not feeling the positivity right now). And ya know what? It's the truth. I have a wonderful, caring, supportive husband who loves me very much. And my family and friends are always there. They've all been with me through thick and thin and with everything going on their support and listening have never once wavered. So I don't have just one thing going for me, I have everything.

Random Fact: Having blue eyes is actually a mutation. Before the mutation occurred, all humans had brown eyes.

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Day 26 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 26 - Have you ever thought about giving up on life? If so, when and why?

Wow -- Two days worth of introspective and morbid questions that in my mind are decidedly the same. Seeing as how I basically answered this question yesterday I'm going to choose to ignore this one as well because the short answer is no. *shakes head*

So onto...I'm not exactly sure. I'm having an emotional day today and I'm not enjoying it. I hate feeling unsure of myself and where I stand with things. I hate days like this. I have so much to say yet when I try to get it out - I have nothing. In my mind my thoughts are some good and some bad, and I don't know if I'm thinking it out of anger because I'm ticked off due to the struggle or if it's truly how I'm feeling. I don't want to say things that I'll regret so I'm hesitant to put down the things I'm thinking into words. Yes, I can always delete the post(s) but that won't delete the memories from the people who read it while it was up.

I've been thinking of trying to put up some of the writing ideas I have in my head or that I'm working on. Just to see what people think. Not sure though; not sure I want anyone to be able to read them because well, not sure they're that good...I do want to get back into writing more. I would really like to be published one day.

I'm glad spring is coming. I'm glad that the warmer weather is approaching. I'm looking forward to spending more time outside. I can't wait to see my lilacs bloom this year. J and I bought two new ones last year and I'm excited to see what they look like. One is supposed to be a grey color (the picture looked really pretty) and the other is a striped one (Very excited about that one - I've never seen a striped lilac).

Random Fact: When Heinz ketchup leaves the bottle, it travels at a rate of 25 miles per year.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Day 25 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 25 - The reason you believe you're still alive today.

Because my parents taught me not to play in the street as a child? Because I don't run with knives or scissors? Because I know better than to wear a plastic bag over my head because it tells me not to?

Seriously what kind of question is this???? It is incredibly ridiculous and to be honest morbid. I honestly would like to think if I became anywhere near suicidal that someone in my family would love me enough to get me the help that I would need. As someone who's family has been affected by suicide, I can not think of another way to wound another so deeply.

I know I get down on myself when things are looking rough but it's never looked desolate. It's never looked so bad that there aren't any other options. And beyond that I have so many, many wonderful things in my life. There are so many thing that I haven't done that I want to.

So I guess my real answer is...because my life, no matter that there are hard times; no matter how dark it looks; no matter how frustrated I get; is worth living.

Random Fact: Thomas Edison, the inventor of the light bulb, was afraid of the dark.

Day 24 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 24 - Make a playlist to someone, and explain why you chose all the songs. (Just post the titles and artists and letter)

I didn't forget yesterday - I've just been struggling over what to do with this day's blog. The topic is dumb (I literally felt like a pre-teen again making a mix tape when I read it). For those of you who don't remember mix tapes - or tapes in general anymore - a mix tape was the geriatric version of burning a cd for someone with a bunch of songs that have meaning for you/them/or of you being together...etc. I thought about posting video from Youtube that I liked; such as Glee's renditions of the True Colors and Over the Rainbow....
And then I found these really awesome fanmade videos that I thought would be pretty awesome to post because well that's the Booth and Bones Shipper in me....And that was going to be the post - real fluffy and light - nothing specific or really motivational or mind blowing.



But then I got on Facebook yesterday...and well truth be told I struggled whether or not to address what I had read on there. The status really did irritate me and originally I thought that it was pms but then I kept thinking about it and I kept going back to it. I read the comments and I kept thinking about it. The post made me feel bad (and I had nothing to do with it) because I do occasionally swear and for those who know J & I know that with his profession it's something that's heard frequently. People in his profession are actually taught/trained not to be sensitive to it. I don't swear (intentionally) around children, and I certainly don't go yelling it at the top of my lungs for anyone in the world to hear. I wondered if I wanted to go there on my blog - did I want to post someone else's status because it amazed me? Because it irked me? Would people think I was too critical of the poster and tell me that my opinion is lacking because I don't have children of my own yet? Some may say that I can't really have formed an opinion on this situation because I don't "know" what I would do yet. Would it open up a can of angry worms? Then I decided - screw it - this is my blog, these are my opinions and well tough donkeys if you don't agree. Post a comment - let me know - give me some feedback. I'm always willing to listen to an opposing position. So without further adieu - here we go. I have copied the status from Facebook - but I have blocked out any and all identifying factors because it's the right thing to do (and even if it wasn't I'm not that cruel/mean/insensitive to go blasting people's names and faces all over the internet!) In order to read each section please click on the picture - there are three in total.




Now I agree that the children were acting inappropriately and should have been spoken to because I would have done the exact same thing. Children need to learn that there is an appropriate way to act/talk in public - especially if they think that they'll get away with it because their parents aren't there.

Now people who know me (and J for that matter) know that we're not overly religious. We believe in God, we believe in Heaven and Hell, we believe in Saints...etc. The things that bother me with this post have nothing to do with the praying for the schools or the commenter who suggested homeschooling as the answer to "protect" the children. I will not attack someones beliefs because I do not wish mine to be attacked. That's another issue with this world that people have no qualms about attacking another's beliefs because they feel theirs to be superior. I do not believe that mine are superior over this posters (or those who commented) just different. Ok..now..

 The things that bother me are that:
 #1) You're the adult. You shouldn't be afraid or bothered to approach a group of children that are doing something in appropriate to correct them - unless there is an adult that is responsible for supervising them. It's called discipline/correcting/behavior modification (whatever you want to label it). That's what responsible adults do -- among other things they teach them respect and responsibility for themselves as well as respect for others. That's what our teachers do in the classroom, daycare providers or babysitters do when you're not around because that's how children learn right from wrong. Why do you think schools ask for adult volunteers when they go on field trips? To help keep the children engaged and attentive.

I agree that there is such thing as overexposure that can lead children to think that some things in life are the norm when they aren't. But again, that's why there are adults that are supposed to be regulating access and allowing a child to have a childhood. Children should never be able to dictate and usurp authority from an adult.

#2) Use it as a teaching experience for children! Yours or otherwise. The poster admits that her children didn't even acknowledge this situation. Children are not going to be able to be protected from everything. They can't be put in a bubble, you can't keep them locked up at home forever (well at least you shouldn't because that's unhealthy). At some point, somewhere, at sometime in their lives they are going to encounter something that you don't like/value. Use these things are educational experiences. "Son, I didn't like those words that man was using. That kind of language is unacceptable in our family." "Daughter, did you see how that woman was dressed? That's not how someone who respects herself (and/or her body - depending on the age in my opinion) dresses." 

#3) Don't blow stuff out of proportion. Kids are going to be kids and at a certain age they rebel. They push buttons, they try to blur boundaries. They're trying to form their own identities, figure out who and what kind of person their going to be. It's part of growing up! Don't you remember your parents telling you not to look in that box, say that word, poke your sibling -- what did it make you want to do more than ever? You wanted to look into that box, you wanted to say that word, you wanted to poke your sibling. By blowing something way out of proportion and making it a bigger deal that it really it you just drive the urge to find out why....

Now that being said - I have to say that I have seen a serious decline in responsibility these days - both in parents and in children (and how can you expect children to be responsible (and take responsibility for their actions) if their parents aren't/don't?). There are some people that definitely shouldn't be parents because they can't, whether because they're too young, or they're constantly struggling to make ends meet and then there are some who - and this is sad to say - just repeating the cycle that they know. I've seen people who just seem like they don't care and get defensive when you tell them that their child is tearing down a display of cookies (because their little angel could never be doing that). People really do need to be held responsible for their actions and those of their children. And yes at some point in a child's life - and I believe this point to be before they are actually a recognized adult (which is usually around age 18 in most modern parts of the world) they can be held accountable for their actions. Most children are taught right from wrong from the start (No! Don't touch the stove - it's hot!.....You need to wait in line until it's your turn....We need to pay for this/that/things before we can use/play/eat it...Yes, that's a good way to share...etc) and they are plenty old enough (I would say by age 14 for most things) to understand the consequences of their actions. The line my parents used to use with all of their kids was that when we weren't with them - we never knew who knew them. And think about it - did you know everyone who knew your parents? And I (and I'm sure my siblings did too) knew that if my parents heard about anything that wasn't kosher with them if wouldn't be a good thing.

One thing that my parents gave me growing up was their trust. I had their trust unconditionally until I lost it and once I lost it there was no guarantee that I was ever going to get it back (Their words not mine). I cherished that trust because I was allowed to do a lot of things, such as going away to Canada for a week with my boyfriend (who is now my husband J) and his family one summer, going to see midnight showings of movies with my friends, not having a set curfew...etc, because my parents trusted me to make the right choices. I still had to ask for permissions for things but the answer was rarely no unless my parents had a good reason (and I respected that).

The only thing you can do is raise your child and have faith that what you said/did/taught them stuck. They're going to do things that you don't like and hell, they may even choose a profession that you don't agree with. They're going to be their own person and yes you can guide, shape, influence those choices but for the most part (and this when they are older) you can't make those choices for them.

I guess I'll get down off my box now...

Random Fact: The first couple to appear in bed together on national television: Fred and Wilma Flinstone.

Thursday, April 7, 2011

Day 23 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 23 - Something you wish you had done in your life.

Started trying to have a family sooner. Maybe we'd have more answers. Maybe we'd have a child or two already. Maybe there'd be less incertainty. This whole situation sucks. I hate it.

Random Fact: Recycling a 3 foot stack of newspapers can save one whole tree.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Day 22 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 22 - Something you wish you hadn't done in your life.
I wish that J and I had done a little bit more looking when we were looking for a house. I wish we hadn't been in such a rush - for lack of a better term - and had taken more things into consideration before we had decided. We were anxious to move out of my parents house and start our married life. I wish we had thought about location a little bit more and layout. It's not that I don't love my house, I do - there are just some major things I would like to change. However because we have decided that we're not going to live here forever we've decided that we're not going to make the house exactly the way we want it (ie gutting the first floor to redo the layout). We'll do renos - don't get me wrong - we have been, just everything we are doing is more for resale value and quality looks than necessarily our idea of "perfect".

Random Fact: The typical porcupine's body is covered in 30,000 razor sharp quills.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Day 21 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 21 - Read this scenario - Your best friend is in a car accident and you two got into a fight an hour before. What do you do?

No question. I would be at her side in an instant. Arguments are trivial and when a life hangs in the balance it doesn't matter anymore what you were fighting about. There will be time for discussion and resolution (if it even matters anymore) later. You never want the last words you say to a person to be something mean, spiteful, or hurtful because you'll regret it the rest of your life.

Best friends are best friends because they are alike enough to not let trivial things come between them. And hopefully they are grown up enough to realize that when the big things come along, that they can't be controlled and it's not anyone's fault. Be supportive and be there for each other through thick and thin on both sides. It's a hard lesson to learn and yes - it hurts. There are times it hurts so much you think it would be easier to just run away but it wouldn't be. So you swallow the pain and put on a smile and you're there for each other because you know if it was the other way around, she'd be there for you.

Random Fact: The reality TV series Jersey Shore is called "Macaroni Rascals" in Japan

Monday, April 4, 2011

Day 20 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 20 - Your views on drugs and alcohol.

Personally? I don't think you need alcohol or drugs to have a good time. I don't drink that often - if I have 5 drinks a year that'd be alot for me. I just don't see the point but then again I'm a control freak and alcohol (as well as drugs) take away that control so maybe there's a point to me not seeing a point to them....Anyway...Alcohol is already legalized and controlled - works out well for the most part and there are laws/consequences to those who use while underage or in a manner that's not safe (drinking and driving). J will have the occasional beer and he usually limits it to 1 or 2. He doesn't get sloppy drunk and he doesn't drive if he's been drinking. I have no problem with alcohol as long as you're not fall down drunk near me and you don't puke on me. I do think that people who have to continually get that way to have a good time, then blame the world when something bad happens to them have a problem and should seek medical help to kick the habit. I'm not saying that they deserve to have a bad thing happen to them but when you put yourself in that situation it's hard to feel sympathy - not that it isn't there. I hope that makes sense.

Makes me wonder what would happen if the government tried to regulate the sale of drugs, like marijauna, cocaine, and methamphetamines. I mean it would create new jobs in the healthcare industry or something similar because someone would have to distribute it. It would lessen the trafficking of drugs into the country (and those caught doing it could face more severe penalties) becaues people would be hired to grow/create the drugs in a controlled and safe environment. There would be quality control standards so the user would know they aren't getting something cut with bleach or laced with glass. People would have to pay for it which would stimulate the economy...People who want to use are going to use and they're going to get it no matter what it takes - nothing is going to stop that unfortuately - so instead of sweeping it under the rug and pretending it isn't there - why not be proactive about it? It would better educate our children (they could go on tours of medical facilities where people are seeking help kicking a drug addiction as well as to clinics where the medication is sold...) about staying drug free and about the dangers of using.

Just my thoughts anyway.

Random Fact: An iceberg contains more heat than a lit match.

Sunday, April 3, 2011

Day 19 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 19 - What do you think of religion? Or what do you think of politics?

I believe that religion and politics are something that are never discussed over dinner or drinks. Too many people become defensive when their beliefs and/or views are challenged and rather than listening to the other side (even if you think it's wrong) they'd rather get their hackles up. I also think that people have worked too hard in this country (and possibly the world) to make each side such a competition with the belief that only one side can win rather than trying to find a compromise (like we teach our children when they have a dispute) that it's a system that is in dire need of work.

I believe in God. I have no problems saying it. I have no issues admitting it. I'm not ashamed of it. However, do I believe that I have to go to a building on a certain day of the week or at certain times of the day to prove that I do? No. I believe that God loves me no matter how I choose to worship.

With regards to politics...In all honesty I think we need to go back to the way that this country was run centuries ago. That you only got paid when you worked and that politicians were no better than the people who elected them. No separate healthcare plans, no bonuses, no quid pro quo (I'll help get you elected, then you put my people, family, friends...etc in your cabinet/office...etc) no million dollar salaries, and it didn't take being a millionaire to run for office. If you wanted a private driver, they went  on your payroll, not the governments. Just because you are an elected official you do not lose the ability to drive yourself places. Sorry to burst your bubble on that belief.

I'm willing to listen to peoples' arguments on these topics, maybe I learn something new - maybe I learn a new way to look at something. Maybe more people should take that view...

Random Fact: Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

Saturday, April 2, 2011

Day 18 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 18 - Your views on gay marriage.

My views on gay marriage...well so much for the easy questions....

I believe that every person in this world deserves to be in a happy, stable relationship regardless of the choices that get them to that point. I look at it this way - for the most part - just as I don't want someone constantly pressing their religious beliefs upon me, I don't want someone pressing their sexual preference/choice on me. If you're gay or lesbian, fine, that's how you're living your life (choice or not) and if your happy then forget about what anyone else says because frankly, my opinion doesn't matter. We were all born into the world the same way, naked and screaming, and therefore should have the same options for living our life.

Random Fact: In the Middle Ages, chicken soup was believed to be an aphrodisiac.

Friday, April 1, 2011

Day 17 - 30 Days of Truth

Day 17 - A book you've read that changed your views on something.


To be honest? Harry Potter changed my views on books. I judged that book by it's cover as a children's book and I was wrong. While it's no War and Peace or Anne Frank's Diary it's still taught me that, as our gradeschool teachers taught us, not to judge a book by it's cover. Reading this series has definitely changed my mind as to what makes a children's book. It's also changed my views on wanting to be a published author - It's something that I want to do now versus something that would be fun before.

I love books because they allow you to escape into a world that you visually create from words. You take someone else's vision, ie. Hogwarts, Hogsmeade...etc, and you put your spin on them. Yes, you have descriptions of how things look, or smell, and feel but there is still so much more that you can design. I love the power imagination holds. I love that you can read, hear...etc the same thing as someone else, but if you were asked to draw what you see in your mind when you read, hear that particular thing that you probably won't have the same answer as another person.

Random Fact: Hippo milk is pink.