Life Changing

It was a few years ago that I watched this movie, Paris Je T'aime and it quickly became one of my favorites of all time. Secretly, I'm a romantic at heart. I can't help it.



This short film changed my life:

It taught me that I controlled my love, I just had to be open to it.

Bastille (XIIe arrondissement) — by Spanish writer-director Isabel Coixet. Prepared to leave his marriage for a much younger lover, Marie Christine (Leonor Watling), a man named Sergio (Sergio Castellitto) instead decides to stay with his wife (Miranda Richardson) after she reveals a terminal illness - and he rediscovers the love he once felt for her.

Lord, what fools these mortals be!

Over hill, over dale,

Thorough bush, thorough brier,

Over park, over pale,

Thorough flood, thorough fire,

I do wander everywhere,

Swifter than the moon's sphere;

And I serve the fairy queen,

To dew her orbs upon the green.

The cowslips tall her pensioners be:

In their gold coats spots you see;

Those be rubies, fairy favors,

In those freckles live their savors.

I must go seek some dewdrops here

And hang a pearl in every cowslip's ear.

Farewell, thou lob of spirits; I'll be gone:

Our queen and all our elves come here anon.

Happy Summer you crazy fools

inspired by Daniel

written by Shakespeare.

More Travel on the Horizon?

I don't do pink but I do dress up for flights.

There just might be! Can't say for sure... but we'll see!

Fact: I want to get out of town for Stampede (one of my favorite things to do)
Fact: I want to keep my lazy, comfortable, travel additute that I've found myself with. I can actually sleep on planes. That's a first!
Fact: I want to see more, do more and it's so easy.
Fact: I'm full of motivation and enegry to get stuff done.
Fact: I felt a little stale and need to continue the upkeep.
Fact: do, do, DO!

Truthfully

Strip it all away, let's be truthful here for a moment. Breaking-up sucks. It does. I realise that it's for the best because even if I thought I could do more, he doesn't. He took the initiative to end it therefor he's done. He does not want that relationship anymore, he didn't see it as being something worth continuing on with... he's done. That's fine. I can't change his mind about any of that and nor would I want to. The last thing I would want is to be with someone who just doesn't want to be with me. But that doesn't mean that I still don't feel sad. I'm mourning the loss of possibility. Of dreams, of good times that will never carry on. I loved with my whole heart and I got hurt. I told myself that might happen when I dove in. And I'd do it again. I'm not scared of love. Maybe I wouldn't rush things as much as I did. I kept having this gut reaction at times "whooaa Blanche, slow down" but I didn't. I just jumped right in. My intention wasn't too but it just seemed like I should. So I did. It wasn't that it went to fast for me, I didn't get scared but the timing just felt a little off. There was an unspoken time limit that I felt like we were working against. First it was August, I thought I had to know how I felt and if it was all worth it by August but then that turned into January- still, more time but in my head there was still a time frame we had to know by. I had to know for sure how I felt by "x" amount of days. It was all mechanical and nothing was natural. We constantly tested each other. Can we live together, can we travel together, can we be together, can we love together. It was like a business. But a business that involved emotions. The first rule of business is not to use your emotions in any decision. Relationship Fail. And that is that.

I am optimistic, I have been since the day after the break-up. The first 24 hours is always the worst, as the mind and the heart tries to adjust and catch up to the facts. The reality hits and then comes the real healing. It only gets better from there. I know I won't be alone for the rest of my life. It will happen. I have a lot to offer the right man and I'm going to make an excellent partner, spouse and companion. I'm not going to rush anything more. I'm going to cherish this time I have with myself. I actually feel so lucky that I can take this time to just do me before I move along with another person in another adventure. I no longer have time frames to work with and deadlines to reach. It's all wide open space from here. I'm excited for everything but then again, that's just me. I have so much emotion for such a little body!

I took some space from the world for a while. So I logged out of Facebook and left this blog alone. I knew that my thoughts were distracted as I digested reality. I wanted to give myself some space to figure out what I wanted and take a good hard look at what my goals look like now. There isn't anything better than heart break to motivate the soul. Isn't it true? I've been through much heart break in my life that I know it can take some time to get it all together but in the end, something amazing always comes from it. 

As I read this, I am kind of annoyed with myself. Why do I sound so happy? Why am I so happy? I don't know, I can't answer that. I guess I'm just moving on with my life. There isn't anything left for me here. There is no point in staying stuck in the past. I am doing the work I need to do to move forward. It doesn't do anyone any good hanging on to a stale fraction of a relationship that is long time done. Though, he was as kind as he could be during the break-up and I can see how some people might find that misleading or hopeful-- I know he's done. If he's not then we'll deal with that as it comes but personally, I think he was very honest with himself and things just weren't going to work for him. So acceptance was my first step. Actually, my first step was giving-up and then the second was acceptance. True Story.

I wonder if I should post this. It's honest. It's who I am and where I am right now. I'm sure in a few days it will be different again. Perhaps I'll stop dreaming about him by then. I'm always on some adventure with him. Last night, we were in a volcano and this evil doctor had captures him. I got along well with this evil doctor but the whole time I was trying to save him. This evil doctor was trying to enchant me with these birds that lived in this volcano (which actually ended up being a tropical lagoon on the inside). They were small, made of blue diamonds and presented me with tiny bottles of champagne which smelled like flowers. They were beautiful and made this sweet, high pitched twinkling nose and they flew by. Such a strange thing but it was beautiful. I don't think I was able to save him from his imprisonment. Other nights I have.

I've been sleeping well. It's been about 6 weeks since I came off that sleepy time medication and I'm finally sleeping fitfully. It's been ever since the last day in Maui. I feel good. That chapter of my life is finally over and I'm looking towards the new now.

Bossypants

Today at lunch I bought the book Bossypants by Tina Fey. I don't really know that much about her, I don't watch 30 Rock (I've been non-committal with TV recently and I'm totally okay with that) and all I've ever really seen of her was in "Date Night" (I do not recommend). But she looks interesting, I like reading books about people regardless of what kind of impact they have on the world and so I think it will be interesting. It's a difficult thing to be a funny person, to be someone that others find amusing. It takes intelligence and timing. To be a funny person without putting others down is even more difficult and to be a funny person without putting anyone down (including ones self) is ever harder. To be someone who is able to amuse so many other people must mean that there is great depth to Tina's character; her personal character.

So bring in the bossy pants (that's something that I can relate to a little) and enchant my senses or at least make me laugh a little more than I already do.

If you've read the book, tell me what you thought of it.

The Journey

Yesterday, I went on an adventure with Spaceman Spiff. We were exploring the bumpy (slight under exaggeration) trail which at one time was the only path to Banff, before planes, trains and automobiles were a part of our life. Half way through our exploring we came across a clearing made of screamers, charred trees and one lonely totem pole. I saw it right away and knew I had to get closer.

Standing about 10 feet tall, it was crude compared to the ones I have seen in other parts of Canada. It was worn and built out of necessity rather then beauty. I was so drawn to it... I can't really explain why. Perhaps it's because I don't really know why it's there. It's somewhat of a mystery to me. Something unknown and not understood. It was beautiful in it's solitude.

The Eagle totem has the following to teach us. Granted, this fits well for me given the turn my life has taken. Thank you life, I love you!

• People with eagle medicine need their alone time. This gives them the opportunity to confront their fears and be honest with themselves. Eagle may be showing himself to you to remind you of the necessary time you need in solitude before you are able to take flight.

• With your great vision you may also be looked upon as a mentor by others whether you actively seek this roll in a traditional sense or not be aware that others look up to you. You have great wisdom to share.

• Opportunities are coming to you that will enable you to reach new heights. Be aware they are coming and have the courage to grab them.

• Do you feel free to say what you want to say or do what you want to do or are you acting the way you feel others want you to? Release yourself from what others think and do what you need to for your growth and development.

• Do you feel like you will never find a partner who understands or respects you or have you met somebody who seems unwilling to commit. Be aware that those with eagle medicine choose mates carefully but when they do its for life. If you give your best and value yourself expecting the best for yourself you will attract a mate who feels the same.

• Eagle is a reminder of our connection to spirit. Have you forgotten yours? Spend some time in meditation and nature reconnecting to source.

Fits very well for me. Right now. Go Eagle!! Heehee...

I'm not sure if I am back to blogging, it all depends on the twists and turns my life takes. I want to make sure that I write with responsibility and that I am present with my life and not focusing all my energy on writing in here. Balance. That's what I am looking for.

Pictures taken by ME! Yay!!

For Now

I'm taking a break from blogging on My Dog Dinner. I need to take some time to focus on myself as I have some big decisions to make. I will be back when I am ready. Warmest Thanks to my loyal readers.

Lots of love,

B

Friends

And they come together in a beautiful group of 8. My friends. Coming to my side when I need them most. It's touching to me, the warmth and care that they have for me and what I feel for them. I am so lucky. I saw my own sadness reflected in empathic tears of one, I heard the love in the phone calls, I felt the support from the text messages and commitments to being by my side will I get my footing again.

Already things start to turn around for me, I've always been so grateful for the opportunities I have been given. There are always open doors to go through. But I am even more grateful for those who stand by my side as we all act human.

The Perfect Storm

Jet lag, sickness, PMS, concerns about family well being, change. It's a perfect storm. Looking forward to the clouds clearing but it was all worth it. Even if the timing feels a bit off.

I'm a Monster

Eat Me. I'm disgusting.

I stole a bag of Cheezies from the snack cupboard on the 26th floor. I never go up there for food but I was so hungry after lunch that I couldn't help it. Well, long story short- that was the most disgusting decision I made all day. I ate 2, gagged and then threw them away (story doesn't end there) then I picked the bag out of my garbage and ate some more, gagged again and threw them away and then picked the bag BACK out of the garbage, ate a few more.. shuddered and then threw it away again only to pick it back out a little while later and eat one more and toss it back in the garbage.

I took a picture and haven't gone back in to eat some more. Every time I throw them away I resolve (and believe myself) that I don't ever want to eat them again. But then something comes over me and all I can think about are those nasty little corn puffs with processed aged flavor coating every crusty cranny. Is this what crack addiction is like?

Gross.

Haleakalā

Did You Know?

You pass through as many ecological zones on a two hour drive to the summit Mt. Haleakala as you would on a journey from Mexico to Canada.

In any given day the temperatures in the park can range from a high of 80°F (27°C) in Kipahulu to a low of 30°F (-1°C) at the summit. In either area clouds and rain can quickly replace warm sunshine.

This special place vibrates with stories of ancient and modern Hawaiian culture and protects the bond between the land and its people. The park also cares for endangered species, some of which exist nowhere else. Come visit this special place - renew your spirit amid stark volcanic landscapes and sub-tropical rain forest with an unforgettable hike through the backcountry.

A Wilderness Experience

If you are prepared for a hike, the Wilderness is open to you. You may choose to spend a few hours enjoying the solitude and open space on a day hike, or you may want to plan an overnight backpack trip where you can share a temporary home with the Hawaiian species that thrive here.

An Encounter With Native Hawaii

Have you ever seen a native Hawaiian honeycreeper? Heard the haunting call of a Hawaiian dark-rumped petrel? Noticed the thin pink lines on the creamy petels of the nohoanu (Hawaiian Geranium)? Been surrounded by a truely Hawaiian ecosystem? A visit to the Summit Area may provide you with these experiences and many more.

A Tropical Adventure... or A Brush With History?

Streams, waterfalls, rocky coastlines, and lush vegetation greet you when you arrive in the Kipahulu Area of the park. But the attentive visitor will notice that aside from the natural beauty, there are many layers of history to experience here where Hawaiians have interacted with the land for hundreds of years.

An Explosion of Stars

Have you seen the Milky Way? Have you seen it so bright that you swear you could reach out and touch it? The summit of Haleakala is one of the best places in the world to observe the night sky. The park is open 24-hours a day so you can experience the wonder of a clear, high-elevation sky. Don't forget to dress for freezing temperatures!

A Ranger-Guided Discovery

Each day in the summit area, park staff provide talks to help visitors grasp the wild high-elevation world at the top of the mountain. Twice a week, visitors can join park staff on a guided hike to experience a rarely-seen ecosystem. Staff are always available during Visitor Center hours to help inquiring minds get the most out of their visit.

Click here to view some activity ideas. (76-KB PDF)

Zip Line info here
The road past the Road to Hana on the way to Haleakala

info borrowed from here

More info here

Tips for The Road to Hana

You are steering around a hairpin turn with the intoxicating scent of the rainforest filling your head. The view? A waterfall churning, and an African tulip tree bursting in bloom. You really can have this thrilling experience on Route 360, aka the Hana Highway. A narrow, coastal-hugging road built in 1927. It connects Kahului to Hana, a snoozing village that seems caught in a slower more graceful past. Along the way, you’ll find 600 hairpin turns, 56 one-lane bridges, temples, black-sand beaches, quaint churches and waterfalls. It’s a Maui must-do, but be ready to make a day, and maybe part of a night, of it. Use our feature-rich affordable Maui rental car service and experience the Road to Hana. Read on. . .

Top Ten Hints for the Road to Hana

1. Gas Up In Paia, the last substantial town before you get on the road to Hana. Be ready to pay for the most expensive gas in the continental U.S. There are no service stations until you reach Hana.

2. Fuel Yourself, Too. Buy a boxed picnic lunch while you’re in Paia; our favorite place is Hana Bay Juice Co. (808-579-8686)

3. Indulge In Tropical Local Fruit. Along the drive, you’ll find stands selling ono (tasty) banana bread or fresh fruit smoothies. Pineapple-papaya blend, anyone?

4. Stay Dry. It rains on the way to Hana. A lot. Bring a rain poncho or umbrella and a few plastic Ziplocs for your camera and wallet.

5. Stay Safe. When you get out to explore, remember that many areas will be muddy, slippery, steep—or heck, all three.

6. Do Dress Down. Tuck a plumeria behind your ear and relax in a sarong.

7. Do Bring A Swimsuit. It’s romantic to skinny dip near a waterfall, but the road to Hana is pretty and you probably won’t be alone. Pack a suit and towel.

8. Do Respect Road Conditions. If heavy rainfall or falling rocks make the road hazardous, don’t try to pass.

9. Do Smell The Flowers. Roll down that window and let the muggy air waft in the scent of ginger, ah.

10. Do Believe In Stories. There are some great Hawaiian legends along here. At Waianapanapa State Park, for example, you’ll find a cave where a princess hid from her jealous husband. The pool of water there is red, supposedly, from her blood.



Top Ten Things o Avoid on the Road to Hana

1. Don’t Sleep In. You’ll need a full day to do the Hana Highway properly. It’s a good two to three hours from Kahului to Hana, and that’s just if you drive straight through.

2. Don’t Rush. The drive is not just about the views, but about the places you stop along the way. Dip into a waterfall or check out an ancient temple site.

3. Don’t Bulk Up. Be careful what you eat—a giant bran muffin or a huge bean burrito may not make for a great road trip, if you know what we’re saying.

4. Don’t Hurl. The road is twisty, so bring some Dramamine, crackers and a ginger ale if you’re likely to get motion sickness.

5. Don’t Hog The Road. Pull off to the side of the road if you have a pile of cars behind you. The locals, after all, have to go to work.

6. Don’t Steal The Fruit. Buying fruit from an “honor-system” stand? Wonderful picking papayas off a tree? Not as nice, and you’re probably on private property.

7. Don’t Drink The Water. The streams, waterfalls and pools are pretty, but the water isn’t safe to drink. Stick to the bottled water you brought with you.


8. Don’t Build Ahu. Rock piles (ahu) are considered sacred, and casual use of the idea is frowned upon.


9. Don’t Drown. You’ll come across many beaches on the road to Hana. Be extremely careful if you go swimming; the currents are notoriously strong and dangerous.


10. Don’t Expect A City. Hana is a small, sleepy, laidback town. If you think the clouds will part when you arrive, you’ll be disappointed, but if you explore and enjoy, you’ll truly have made the journey to Hana.




info borrowed from here

Info on the road of more places to stop here

more site info on Road to Hana

Mouth Work

Some people get all the talent....

Brandy

Yeah Brandy used to watch his eyes when he told his sailor's story
She could feel the ocean fall and rise, she saw it's raging glory
But he had always told the truth, Lord he was an honest man
And Brandy does her best to understand

Top 10 Hotels with a Heart

Community help: Hôtel de la Paix, Siem Reap, Cambodia: Sleek Siem Reap stay Hôtel de la Paix within easy reach of majestic Angkor Wat, is actively involved in the local community through a multi-tiered charity and social scheme. Hôtel de la Paix supports the Life & Hope Academy Sewing School, teaching disadvantaged women basic seamstress skills, and funds the Green Gecko Orphanage.

Eco-chic: Azura, Benguerra Island, Mozambique: Located in a national marine park, Mozambique eco-escape Azura is a covetable collection of 16 thatched villas overlooking the Indian Ocean. It’s also Mozambique’s first carbon-neutral hotel, and is committed to sustainable and responsible fishing, as well as building projects to help the local community.

Animal encounters: Anantara Golden Triangle Resort, Chiang Rai, Thailand: Chiang Rai boutique retreat Anantara Golden Triangle Restort & Spa plays host to the northern branch of the Thai Elephant Conservation Centre (TECC), a park for both wild and domesticated pachyderms

Carbon-neutral: Urbn Hotels Shanghai, Shanghai, China: China’s first carbon-neutral stay, Urbn Hotels Shanghai wears its eco cred with pride. Fashioned from reclaimed materials, including hardwoods, house bricks and even antique leather suitcases, this cutting-edge urban retreat uses energy-efficient technologies and organic cleaning products.

Strays: Bon Ton Restaurant & Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia: Set on a former coconut plantation near Pantai Cenang beach, luxe Langkawi getaway Bon Ton Restaurant & Resort isn’t just an island refuge for world-weary travellers. Bon Ton’s owner Narelle McMurtrie also runs a private animal shelter next-door called the Langkawi Animal Shelter and Sanctuary (or LASSie for short).

 Mountain highs: Kasbah du Toubkal, Atlas Mountains, Morocco: Perched in the Atlas Mountains at the base of Jbel Toubkel, North Africa's highest peak, Moroccan boutique hôtel Kasbah du Toubkal is regarded as one of the world's best eco-lodges.

Nurturing the future: Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia: Through its Gift to Share programme, romantic Bali retreat Alila Villas Uluwatu supports the Bali Life Foundation, an orphanage in Jimbaran, South Bali, that was established by Australian expat Brad Little and his wife Siska. Children here not only receive shelter and support, but also lessons in English, IT, farming and cooking.

Green living: Kiaroa Eco Luxury Resort, Bahia, Brazil: The eco-credentials of Brazilian beach escape Kiaroa Eco Luxury Resort go through the palm-and-eucalyptus-thatched roof: it’s located in an ecological sanctuary on Marau Peninsula, at the tip of South Bahia, makes use of solar energy, treats its own water and sewage, and employs exclusively from the local community.

 Sea and spirituality: Laluna, Grenada, Caribbean: Luxury Caribbean hideaway Laluna in Grenada, is made up of 16 blissful Balinese-style cottages overlooking the Caribbean. The hotel is closely associated with the island’s turtle conservation programmes and beach clean-up operations, ensuring this pristine stretch of sand remains just that.

Wildlife: Bay of Fires Lodge & Walk, Bay of Fires, Australia: Well, trekking must be the most environmentally sound mode of transport, but that’s not where the awareness of Tasmanian eco-retreat Bay of Fires Lodge & Walk ends. As a member of Green Guardian Initiatives, it takes an active interest in the surrounding area: guides collect litter during coastal treks and help in the removal of sea spurge, an invasive weed.

Okay, I swear... this is the last post of the day. Maybe even of the week. I just though these places were interesting.

Better Luck Next Time

Okay, I'm ready to share my disapointment *gulp. I didn't make it into the final cut for Calgary's Next Travel Blogger. It was worth a shot and I tried the best that I could. I think I lost marks on my video which I created last Sunday night (yes, after spending all day out in the sun drinking Long Island Ice Teas at Lilac Fest). It was rough compared to the people who qualified and amateur. Looking at the other videos, I am pretty impressed with who they chose! I admit... I was a little disappointed but I tried and that's in its self is good. This had nothing to do with luck, it had to do with the best person for the position. It didn't pay anything aside from experience. The idea of blogging while traveling is inspiring through so, if plans work out as I would like them too in the new year I might have lots I can write about. That would be great! Just like this little blog, I don't care who reads it and it has nothing to do with money. It's just a space where I can share myself and if someone finds it interesting or informative then awesome! I'm pretty sure though, there are only about 5 people who actually find what I have to say on a day to day bases all that interesting. But that might change once I start talking about the world and all the little things that inspire me. I like to teach you all about the little things!

So that this is my journey so far. I leave for Maui on Wednesday. It will be my first ever jet lag inducing trip (I've traveled down but I haven't traveled much further than the east coast) and even though I'm in full swing of PMS (oh JOY!!) I'm excited and expect to be amazed by at least one thing a day. I'm going to be an annoying, babbling, giggling, squealing mess and hopefully by the end of it I won't be sun burnt or grouchy. Hee hee! Squish! Squish! Squish!

(apparently I am making up for being so quiet last week)

The Theif of Always

you are a theif of time; a theif of always...

I was 12 when I read Clive Barkers book The Theif of Always and it changed, forever, how I looked at time and my life. It was this book that changed my wistless time wasting and taught me that each day counts. Though at the time, I didn't realise that Clive Barker was know for incorporating graphic elements of sex and violence into his novels. This book had a child like qaulity with an adult understanding. Though dark, it still remained innocent where it mattered. I believe that adults would read it and be reminded of thier own childhood dreams, resonating from that level rather then that of a jaded adult (Much like how the Harry Potter books are).

One of my favorite lines comes from this book, it is the opening line actually. Harvey Swick is "imprisioned in the great grey beast February". I've always dislike Feburary in Calgary and often felt that it was indeed a great gray beast. This line has always stuck with me and I try to remind myself when Feburary does come that it's just another collection of days that you will never get back. Take full advantage of them.

So,  Like most kids, Harvey is bored, not up for a few chores around the house, and asks only for fun. In short order, he's whisked away to the "Holiday House" by Mr. Rictus, who makes him promise not to ask questions about the house or its mysterious proprietor, Mr. Hood.

For a while, Harvey just accepts the Holiday House for what it seems to be; a luxurious estate where it's sping every morning, summer every day, Halloween Fall every evening and Christmas every night. Despite the strangeness that surrounds him, Harvey is able to call his parents, who tell him that they've arranged for him to have an extended holiday in the "House of Always". Barker brings off this exposition by using his flair for inflicting the imaginary on the mundane.

But when Harvey discovers the shadowed lake behind the house, he begins to doubt his surroundings: "Despite all the entertainments that the Holiday House supplied so eagerly, it was a haunted place, and however he had tried to ignore his doubts and suppress his questions, they could be ignored and suppresed no longer. Whoever, or whatever, that haunter was, Harvey knew he could no longer be content until he'd seen its face and knew its nature." In this manner Barker cleverly weaves the moral of his fable with the nature of the supernatural story.

For when Harvey tries to leave, the modern moral imperative to "Question Authority" becomes a matter of survival. Barker's employs a light but sinister touch throughout the novel. The short chapters will make the book accessible for younger readers, while having the effect of making the book into a page-turner for their parents. The illustrations by the author are, like the prose, evocative without being overly graphic.

This is not to say that the book is without shocking scares. When Mr. Hood is finally revealed, in a primarily terrifying scene, even the most jaded horror fan will be impressed. Barker culminates the seasonal themes in this novel with a description of a storm that demonstrates his facility for creating wonders as mesmerizing as his horrors: "It had more than lightning at its dark heart. It had the light rains that came at early morning to coax forth the seeds of another spring; it had the drooping fogs of autumn, and the spiraling snows that had brought so many midnight Christmases...shafts of sunlight pierced the storm-clouds in the name of Summer, only to be smothered by Fall's fogs, while...Spring coaxed its legions out of bough and earth, then saw its buds murdered by Winter's frosts before they could show their colors."

The Thief of Always is "a fable for all ages", a dark amalgamation of Peter Pan, Pinnochio and the Wizard of Oz. Because it's a fable, it has a moral content, but one that's distinctly modern in tone and light in touch. Most importantly, it's a joy to read, as Barker's clear, poetic prose carries the reader into the world of Harvey Swick, a ten year old boy with a penchant for asking questions.

Since first reading the book I believe I have returned to it at least a dozen times. Always enjoying the moments and story almost as though I am reading it for the first time. It always comes as a gentle reminder just how valuable life is and how important it is to take advantage of it. If you are full of health and vitality, grasp it and make it your vessel.

And this is my book report for the day. Butterfly's in the sky, I can go twice as high. When you take a look, it's in a book. It's Reading Rainbow...

Talking in Colors

Happiness is an interesting thing. It's something that comes easy to me almost to the point of fault. It has in the past pushed everything else out creating an in balance of emotion because with only happiness you can not feel the depth of everything else in life. I always relate it to a painters pallet. Though you can paint a picture with just yellow, using all it's wonderful tones but eventually your perception is limited. However if you add blue and red you suddenly are able to experience the world. Completely. My life is more fulfilling having the ability and strength to experience a whole range of emotion. They each have thier purpose and the give me my ability to experinece empathy to the degree that I do.

It still doesn't hurt to be happy the majority of the time as long as you are not suppressing other emotions that may pop-up for you. Within that suppression can come depression. Here are some basic steps to happiness and maintaining it ( I have NO idea why I am writing this today- i blame the coffee I had WOO WEEEE):

• Never regret the decisions you make though. Just live by the 3 C's of life: choices chances, and changes. You need to make a choice to take a chance or your life will never change.

• Follow your gut

• Make enough money to meet your basic needs: food, shelter, and clothing. In North America that magic number is $40,000 a year. Any money you make beyond that will not necessarily make you happier.Oodles of money didn't make them any happier. Once you make enough money to support your basic needs, your happiness is not significantly affected by how much money you make, but by your level of optimism.

• Comfort may increase with your salary, but comfort isn't what makes people happy. It makes people bored. That's why it's important to push beyond your comfort zone to fuel your growth as a person.

• Our relationships with our friends and family have a far greater impact on our happiness than our jobs do.

• Find happiness in the job you have now. If you have a positive outlook, you will make the best of any job, and if you have good relationships with people, you won't depend on your job to give your life a greater sense of meaning. You'll find it in your interactions with the people you care about. Now that doesn't mean you shouldn't aspire towards a job that will make you happier; it means you should understand that the capacity of your job to make you happy is quite small in comparison to your outlook on life and your relationships with people

• Smile. Science suggests that when you smile, whether you feel happy or not, your mood will be elevated.

• Forgive. An attitude of forgiveness contributed to better cardiovascular health. You could say that forgiveness literally heals your heart. While it is unknown how forgiveness directly affects your heart, the study suggests that it may lower the perception of stress.

• Forming friendships based on mutual interests and beliefs (and meeting consistently based on that mutual bond) is what makes the difference.

What is your relationship to happiness?

6 Month Check-In 2011

I created an outline at the beginning of 2011. I usually do this around my birthday, I can't help it. My mind just wants to evaluate my life progress but this year, it happened right at the start of the year. I'm moving into my 6 month review of those "goals" i created.

The biggest thing was maintaining the growth I was working on with myself. In 2010 I was finding that in classes and learned activities however in 2011 I am finding that on a much deeper level. It can't be manipulated or forced as I am finding it in the evolution of my relationships. I have had to learn to let go of a lot of those connections. Some of them were easier then others. I've also been enjoying the growth of a relationship that has quickly come to mean a lot to me. I've been stretching my vulnerability and therefore opening myself up for the potential of failure and more importantly... success.

Travel has been slowly occurring, though the steps have been small, right now, I am getting there. In my mind I see everything picking up speed a little later on. It's nice having someone in my life who makes things happen quicker than I do. I'm so used to being the one who makes all the choices and plans and for once, I'm not. I have someone who meets me half way and creates the opportunities for me to grasp onto.

As I start to settle down into a new routine of sleep and relating I am aware that I am starting to make plans. I have a goal to create my own business. Just a small one funded by my own dollars. It's so obtainable that I can taste it. I just need to decide on my direction. With some further focus I think I'll be able to start something. What I have to remind myself is that the first try doesn't need to be perfect. I just need to get my foot wet and go from there. I get stuck on the perfection and details and for once I need to have faith and just do. Obviously not with complete ignorance but I don't need to have every detail hashed out. I'm not going to loose much so lets just jump in and do it!

I am also aware that my job needs to change. I've been hanging in there in attempts to reclaim that sense of satisfaction I used to get from it. It's lost though so I am asking myself questions like "What do I want to do next" "Do I want to stay in the industry?" "What options do I have?"and see where that leads me. I'm keeping myself open to change by talking to different people and checking jobs. Researching companies I might be interested in working for. Its less about what I do and more about who I work for. A company can do so much to a career. I'm always open to changes... I think about the goals I have and how I can use my work to help me achieve them further like should I try to find a job with West Jet? I'm also searching for something that might be that one job that I keep for the rest of my life. Or at least the field. Art Therapy for Children? Dietitian? Social Worker? Geologist? Civil Engineer? Life Coach? Magazine Editor and Founder? Some of these things I can't see myself staying in school for that long but as I have done with most other jobs I start at the bottom and work my way up. Taking advantage of training and experience.

I'm proud to say that most of the fears that ruled my life last year have pretty much disappeared over the last 5 months. The OCD is 96.5% gone- just POOF! Gone. I am still amazed at how authentically I'm functioning. I don't have the created distractions anymore, really... my biggest distraction right now is my heart and that's a good thing. It's healthy. I can tell though I get a little overwhelmed at times with how much capacity I have for feelings towards another person who isn't just a friend but I'm not that scared anymore. I've even abolished that careful nature I tend to exhibit.

I'm still working on the guitar and slowly see an improvement in my playing skills. I practice about 3 or 4 times a week. I don't want to lose those callouses I worked so hard on! I'm also working on my baking, not to the degree that I wanted so I'm going to have to kick that up a notch. I have ideas and plan to jump into some creativity in the next little while. I've been jumping on opportunities as I see them, even if I have no business applying. If want to try something, I put myself out there and see what happens. It's like a lottery, you won't know unless you play. I've been writing and that's hasn't changed. I don't have any direction for it right now but I enjoy it and it helps me work though my thoughts so that's a benefit. I have dissolved most of my photography to my iPhone. Last year, I did all that work cataloguing and listing all the different plants I noticed through spring and summer. I'm not looking to dedicate myself to something like that with pictures this year. Right now, it's just about playing and capturing moments or thoughts. Momentary inspirations. I've been working really hard on myself, personally. I want to give myself a little slack and learn to practice a little more self acceptance. It's been hard but I'm dedicated. I am very aware that I see myself though very critical lenses and that has to stop. Last but not least, I need to figure out a way to help people. More than what I do but actually dedicate an activity to someone or someones. I don't know what I have to offer. I've run personal development courses before with other instructors but I wouldn't know where to start with that. This isn't for money this is me trying to find a way to help something. I think that will come in time but it's something that I have in my head.

This is where life is so far. I think it's right on track and I'm so happy with where things are right now. I have lots of things coming up and lots of things to work on and discover. It's always exciting and it's extra exciting having a strong support system in my relationship.

With that note, I'm going to sign off for the night and watch some bad TV (that's right... somethings shouldn't change) and then read the rest of my book(s). I'm working on two right now. That's actually a pretty decent size. I'm used to reading 4 or 5 books at the same time. Not recommended.

How does your life look so far this year? Is it on track? Has the track changed?

on edit:
I have two goals left that I always forget to write down. I need to have a dinner party and I want to get over this driving thing. I'd like to achive both of those in the next year. Not a big deal... at all.

Pea Soup

The Exorcist from MrPrice2U on Vimeo.


I thought this was going to be for Pepto...

Electricity

That's how you look to me.

When I Die...

and I will always give you shade...

This urn will turn me into a tree. You don't find many designers working in the funeral business thinking about more creative ways for you to leave this world (and maybe they should be). However, Spanish designer Martin Azua has combined the romantic notion of life after death with an eco solution to the dirty business of the actual, you know, transition.

His Bios Urn is a biodegradable urn made from coconut shell, compacted peat and cellulose and inside it contains the seed of a tree. Once your remains have been placed into the urn, it can be planted and then the seed germinates and begins to grow. You even have the choice to pick the type of plant you would like to become, depending on what kind of planting space you prefer. I, personally, would much rather leave behind a tree than a tombstone. 

 

my current music obsession: Blood Sweat & Tears; When I Die

Oh Stumber

I just Stumbled Upon this funny little test, this is what my results were:

1. The road represents your attitude towards falling in love.You chose the short road--you fall in love quickly and easily.

2. The number of red roses represents how much you give in a relationship,while the number of white represents what you expect in return.You give 95% and expect 5% in return.

3. This question represents your attitude towards handling relationship problems.You like to get the person yourself--you are a more direct person and like to work out problems immediately.

4. The placement of the roses determines how much you like to see your boy/girlfriend.You want to place the roses on the bed--you like to see him/her a lot.

5. This represents your attitude towards his/her personality.You prefer the person to be asleep--you love the person as the way s/he is.

6. The road to home tells how long you stay in love with someone.You chose the longer road--you will tend to stay in love for a long time.

That's all folks. Best wishes to those who are in love.

That's ME! I'm in love! I'm sure if I had answered that any other way I would have resonated with the results just the same. It's complimentary, idealist and easy to accept. I would agree that all of this is accurate but then if you had received the same you would agree the same for you.

Crazy little thing called love. The spell checker doesn't seem to be working on Blogger today, I hope everything is spelt right before I post it.

I Love You

This is sick. I think I have a problem…

Yes.

Yes you do.

Good thing Honey Badger doesn’t give a shit.

All he cares about are cobras, running backwards and larva. It’s actually pretty one sided now that I think about it.

He's worth it.

Lum

Hello, my name is Lum

On Saturday I played a new computer game with JP called Terraria. It all started because he got me hooked on this other game called Minecraft. Damn, if that man of mine doesn't know how to keep me seated and entertained for.. umm... 13 hours straight. That's right. He hacked into that part of my personality. The obsessive, addictive part of me.

Anyway, as we know from my playtime with Fate ,  I do enjoy a good computer game. Something that isn't too intense but enough that I remain challenged. Well... with Terraria there is a lot of simple stuff to do like mine and find stuff and all the little noises are satisfying. I get to be a girl (not a huge deal but I like to be able to pick my character) and so she's pale with dark hair and green eyes. Her name is Lum. I often use the name Lum in gaming situations because of a character in an old Japanese manga and animi series called Urusei Yatsura.

"Lum Invader (ラム・インベーダー, Ramu Inbēdā?) is a fictional character and the female protagonist from Rumiko Takahashi's manga and anime series Urusei Yatsura. She is often believed to be the main protagonist of the series due to her iconic status. However, Takahashi has stated that Ataru Moroboshi is the main character.[3] She is named Lamu in Animax's English-language dub of the series, and in the Italian anime dub as well. Her name comes from popular 1980s swimsuit model Agnes Lum, as well as Rumiko Takahashi's nickname of "Rum" or "Lum" (from the interchangeable sound of the R's and L's in Japanese).

Lum is considered a magical girlfriend, though significantly different from others such as Belldandy of Oh! My Goddess and Ai of Video Girl Ai. While the latter two are openly considered "ideal" women by the protagonists of their respective series, Ataru often indicates publicly that Lum is the opposite of ideal."

The personality she embodies is one that was a struggle at the time for Japanese women which is enduring. Trying to be independent but also maintain all that is expected of a traditional Japanese woman. I can relate to this, though not Japanese, I like the idea of being both my own independent person but also being a little old fashioned. Deep down I'm just a girly girl with horns, a little alien, often misunderstood but my intentions are in the right place. I have enough back bone to be able to look after myself and stand up for what I believe but I like the idea of a traditional house hold- within balance.

oh my goodness, it's almost lunch time. I'm craving pumpkin pie... Mmmmm...

[Exert borrowed from Wikipedia]

Wonder What She's Doing Now

Summer Lovin' bitches

The intoxication of summer love, it's wonderful. The days are long and the nights are warm, the layers of downy clothing have been stuffed to the back of the closet and naked skin starts peaking out from skirts and shirts. The sun places freckled kisses across noses and the air is swimming with the sweet fragrance of lilacs and apple blossoms.

By this point, the men have simmered down from the site of skin and the art of walking down the street becomes much easier. Souls have been thawed from winter and everyone is friendly, wanting to talk, to meet and make connections.

Summer is a good time to fall in love, like REALLY fall in love because the best time to be in love is winter.

Just ask Sandy and Danny, they were so inspired they got the whole school to sing about it:

(this always reminds me that in high school, I spent most of my time at Jen Wilks house, skipping school and dancing to Grease)

Vancouver Pizza

Doesn't change how the pizza tastes though.

As of yesterday, 62 Boston Pizzas in BC have temporarily changed their name to "Vancouver Pizza" in honour of their home team making it to the finals. Talk about pressure!

The irony is that Boston Pizza is neither from Boston nor Vancouver, as stated in this article, but the company actually started in Edmonton, AB as per the company's own website.

I guess "Edmonton Pizza" just doesn't have the same ring to it?

Apparently, I'm all about pizza these last few days.

Feeling Good

I was on some medication to help me sleep for the last 3 years and due to my concerns with the drug, I quit taking it last weekend. It was prescribed to me by a doctor at a sleep clinic but I think I'm done using it so why not try life without it for a while. I was only taking 0.25mg's each night and never once did I increase it but it was time.

Well, it's as though an iron curtain was lifted and I have unlimited amounts of energy. I'm just buzzing with good vibrations and even in some sleep deprived states, I'm still just feeling good. It hit me 6 days after I last took it and  I just keep feeling better.

My sleep is still a little inconsistent but I know in time I'll work it out. My sleep always works its self out. The best thing I can do is pick a time and go to bed and keep that up for 21 days and my body will be loving life.

This is just me sharing how good I feel. Yaaaay!

No Longer on Facebook

I stopped the import of this blog to Facebook today. Reason is because I just don't like everyone I know being able to read this and find me. I'm very selective about who my friends are on Facebook but I'm just done with censoring this. I've been able to track where most of my traffic comes from and none of it is coming from Facebook. Almost 99% of it is just people Googling stuff and stumbling across my blog.  So, I am free to go back to talking a little more personally.  Hardly any of the people who spend any time on this blog are even from Canada. Most of them are from Europe (no idea why).

So, maybe you won't notice that much of a change when you read the stuff I write but I will feel it. There will be less of a concern in the back of my mind of if I'm talking about something that might upset someone and more freedom to write more candidly.

And really, no one is going to care.

Oh yea..

Cuddle Slut

I'm sure everyone in the world (aside from me until now) has seen this video:

Cat Mum hugs Kitten

I love cuddles too, they make me purrrrrr..

The Kindness of Strangers

this was thoughtful of you

It's sweet when a stranger comes in and waits a half hour just to give you a coffee they picked up for you. Just because. Just because they like how happy and nice you are. Just because they appreciate what you've done for them. I've never met the guy, only talked to him over the phone for work a few times to help him out. I could care less about the nitty gritty parts of my job (the accounting/spreadsheet part. I'm a problem solver and a people lover- not a number cruncher) but I am always here for the Field guys. They are my priority. I want to make sure they are taken care of.

I didn't tell him but I don't drink coffee, I was touched by his kindness but I gave the coffee to my co-worker. I knew it wouldn't go to waste. This was something that I didn't feel right about wasting. It's not about the coffee, it's about the gesture.

It's always nice to be appreciated.

Words Not to Say

When Kurt Andersen took over as editor of New York Magazine, he wrote a list of all the words he found annoying and told his staff not to use them during his tenure. They made me laugh out loud.

Do you agree with this list? What other words do you find annoying? (I refuse to write or say "LOL" *shudders)

[hat tip to Jo]

ps: It's LUNCH TIME!! Yammy yammy yammy!

Health Care in Canada

Canadians are paying into one of the world’s most expensive healthcare systems but aren’t getting full value for that investment, according to a new report from Morneau Shepell that suggests a major overhaul is needed. “The crux of the problem is that our system places too much emphasis on acute care and not enough on prevention,” says Fred Vettese, the company’s chief actuary and author of the Vision Report, Canada’s Health Care System – Time for an Intervention.

The report says Canada spends much more on its elderly than every other country except the U.S., but our elderly are no healthier than those in Europe or Japan. By 2031, the report says, nearly half of our healthcare resources will serve those aged 75 and over, even though they will represent only 1/9th of the population.

According to the report, failure to overhaul the current healthcare system and implement solutions designed to increase return on investment will result in a major increase in taxes or reduction in the quality of healthcare provided. It lists ‘possible fixes’ including:

• user-based funding, such as a $10 fee per doctor visit, to reduce the number of questionable consultations;
• health credits to make consumers price-sensitive without restricting access to services; and
• evidence-based medicine to help direct resources to the most effective treatments and improve overall efficiency.

read the full report HERE

As Canadians, what do you think about our Health Care system?

Maui's Plan

Come swim with us

There is a trip to Maui in my near future- good thing because I've been researching places to stay in Maui like they are going out of style!

I have been talking to this one guy, Mark. He and his family own a jungle cabin on the northern side of the Island (near the famous The Road to Hana). This is a rustic little cabin in the middle of the jungle/rain forest that has a shower outside- OUTSIDE (I'm so excited about that shower... I plan to wear sandals though. I don't want spiders walking on my feet as I soap up!). Mark is the publisher of Maui Guidebook which is actually a pretty informative site. He's been emailing me lots of pointers about the Island which has been great. He's adaptable to the fact that I don't want to spend all my time at a resort sitting by some pool. I want to Zip Line and hike and snorkel and eat stuff!

The food I plan to sink my teeth into are:
Fresh Fruits (duh)
Seafood
a pig roast
road side banana bread (it's supposed to be GOOD)
AND (wait for it...)
donuts on a STICK! Yummy!
all while drinking Mai Tai's and Pineapple Wine (and water- OF COURSE).

So far, I have booked the first place we plan to stay. It will be in Wailea...this is a touristy part of the island that is close to other touristy parts of the island. It will be nice to have sprawling beaches at the foot of our door and I can't turn down a fancy new boutique hotel with a stellar deal (show your birth certificate and get a deal- this is in fun of the Obama birth certificate thingy). We'll be there for a few nights.

Then we embark on the other side of the island for more of a natural homage to the island. This is where I plan to stay at the Cabin. I just can't decide if I want to spend 2 or 3 nights there. It's close enough to the airport that it's not that big of a deal.

These are the plans so far. I don't like the idea of moving around too much but I also don't want to be doing too much driving either. So splitting the island up is a good idea. I think.

It doesn't feel like enough time to do it all though. My main objective is to relax. I need it- big time. I haven't been on a relaxing vacation in years. The last vacation I went on prior to LA was to the BC Coast and there was a day in Tofino where I spent the afternoon cuddled into the couch reading news magazines and eating cookies- that was nice. But it's difficult to disengage from things if you are always the one planning things. It always nice to be a follower- so perhaps I'll get a little of that in Maui. Even if it's just am early morning walk along a vacant beach maybe even arm in arm with my man.