Arts and Crafts - not just for kids

When I started pinning on Pinterest, I was a mad woman. I pinned and liked everything I could click on. As time progressed and I still hadn't completed ONE THING from all my pins and boards, I lost interest. It no longer gave me the rush it once did because I was depressed that once again, I was not completing lists. (I LOVE crossing things off lists and completing projects).

However, slowly...Pinterest crept back into my life. Opportunities came up for me to actually do some of the projects I had thought about pinning, but didn't and only bookmarked on my computer to later use because I didn't want to be a Pinterest poser. 

Pinterest Poser: pin-trest/po-zer 
Noun: a person who constantly pins items to boards but doesn't know if they'll work or how to do them.

But now I can pin them! And I can write comments below stating their use and how they worked! Success! This was so exciting! So many exclamation points!

Remember how much fun you had in elementary school when your teacher would have you create some very cool project and how good it felt to see it come to life and know that you, yes you, were the mastermind behind it? No?! Well I do! I have been having so much fun doing arts and crafts the past little while I've contemplated creating an Etsy account. (Not really).

Below please see my Pinterest creations and I've included the original website so you too can create these magical wonders. Note: I am not a photographer. In fact, all these pictures were taken from my phone so yes, they are of poor quality. But be aware, everything tasted awesome. Looked awesome. I am awesome.

The first pinterest project. Marriage Survival Kit. So much fun to do and so easy to make. The original found here is great but I made changes, additions and adjustments to make it work for me.

*This is very important in any relationship.

Yes I made the 52 Reasons I Love You Cards. Yes I am a sap. But they turned out so well thanks to the detailed information on this webpage. The only thing I did different and it turned out REALLY well was printing them on labels! No glue necessary and easy to do.

I did this for my friend's birthday with her and her new husband's wedding song. They turned out beautiful. They are pretty easy to do too. The only issue I ran into was the program I was using. I don't have In Design as the original post suggests, but I made it work...In Excel nonetheless!

These Funfetti Cake Balls were delicious! My G Man just had his birthday and confetti cake is his favourite so I wanted to try something new. I did come across a few hiccups though but they were my fault. For one, don't try to add milk to melted white chocolate chips. Also, make sure you have enough candy coating.

These Turkey Lasagna Rolls don't look good from this picture I know. But oh man...they were! Plus I made them a little lower in fat - bonus! I actually merged 3 different recipes so they're all listed below. I can post the recipe but I'll save that for another day. 

 

 

 http://www.turkeyfarmersofcanada.ca/recipe/20108-Tasty-Turkey-Lasagna-Rolls/

http://homeiswheretheholmansare.blogspot.ca/2010/08/lasagna-roll-ups.html

http://picturetherecipe.com/index.php/recipes/lasagna-rolls/

So just do it! Tap into your inner Martha Stewart and whip up some of those Pinterest ideas. Some will fail, but the successful ones make up for it. Plus it feels really good when people ask "You made this! Where did you get this idea/recipe?!" And you get to reply back enthusiastically "PINTEREST!" It never fails to impress.

Check for Cheddar

Quick little update. I successfully crossed off a bucket list item and raised $200 for a great cause.

September 30th I ran the CIBC 5k Run for the Cure. I have been wanting to challenge myself for almost 3 years now to enter and complete a 5k race. What better cause than for breast cancer? It is near and dear to my heart as one of my Grandmothers is a survivor.

I did some training, probably not as much as I should have but my goal was small, run the whole race. I didn't care about time (cause it wasn't really a race in the competitive sense). Not only did I run the whole thing, I did it in under 30 minutes. I could not have done it of course without the love and support of my fabulous friends, family and G Man. My small fundraiser goal of $150 was also surpassed and raised $200. Thanks so much for everyone who donated, not only to me, but to the cause.

For my strong surviving Grandma! xo

G Man is very supportive! He's a keeper.

The running crew post run.

Run, Cheddar Bob, Run!

Well I did it. I signed up for my first 5k run and there's no backing out of it now. I signed up for the CIBC Run for the Cure Run September 30th. I haven't really been training like I should be. I know what you're thinking...5k is nothing! You don't need to train for that. Well I do! I have never been good at running long distances so I need to build up my endurance. Plus I'll have friends running beside me so I have the motivation to keep going.

Not only is this on my bucket list, but it's for a great cause - all proceeds go to the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation. This is near and dear to my heart. Some years ago, my wonderful Grandma Ronnie developed breast cancer. Our family is one of the lucky ones because she survived and is still kicking around today. She is one of the most positive and strong people I know so I am running to support her and the many others breast cancer affects.

I am only part way to reaching my goal and if you should feel so inclined, please donate to this wonderful cause. If you would like to support my run you can click here. There is also the option to make a general donation if you wish. 

 Bras aren't the only way to save your boobs!

Relating to Relationships

Does anyone else know this little tune that we were forced to sing during choir practice in elementary school?

"Make new friends, but keep the old. One is silver and the other's gold."

We had to sing this little ditty in a round to warm up our voices. I still remember it. It's burned in my brain.
I never really thought about the lyrics until I was a little older. I have to admit I completely agree with the first part of it. Of course you should make new friends! As often as you can. Meet new people, learn new things, expand your world. However, the second part of the tune...a little trickier. Maybe ranking your friends a la Olympic style isn't so great. But of course, don't take for granted those that have been in your life for years.

I have to admit, lately I have been a not so great friend. Or least felt that way. I have been completely preoccupied with a new relationship. Yes we are in the honeymoon phase and most people shrug that off but I feel guilty about it. Although I love my G-Man and spending time with him, I have had no time for the other loves of my life - my friends.

It's really hard for me to be on this side of the fence this time because for most of my life I've been the third wheel. The single friend. The one that experiences 'absent friend syndrome', not the one causing it. It's probably extra strange for my friends to not have me out and about because I am ALWAYS the party-goer. You want to do something? Name it. I'm there. It might be hard for my friends to get used to this side of me because they've never had to. A couple of buddies asked what I've been doing and why I haven't been around. Honestly, I'm busier than ever. I have been out. I have been doing things. I'm not locked away somewhere. I swear! Making room in your life for not only your friends and events, but his friends and events is hard! There is only so much you can do.

I read an article some time ago that said when you enter a new relationship you will lose 2 friends. That is the most depressing thing I have ever heard. Yes, inevitably there will be changes. There may be less days and nights spent dissecting a love interests' texts or hanging out at the beach. You won't exactly be out on the prowl with your single girl friends. But I never say no to a couple drinks with friends. Or a free drink for that matter. I'll take that. Thank you. The thought of losing a friend simply because you are no longer a single seems ridiculous.

I'd like to think that my friendships are strong enough to last a little MIA. It won't last forever. I've had to go through with it with the majority of my friends. You know they're a good friend when you pick up right where you left off. And even if you haven't seen them in a few weeks, they will be there when you need someone's shoulder to cry on or rant about something stupid he said or did. Golden friends stay golden.

I couldn't have said it better.

Oh the Humanity

There are times, more often as of lately, you read a news article, hear a radio clip or watch a video and think "What is wrong with people?" Most recently a friend of mine told me about a news headline that made us laugh reading it out loud.

"Daycare staff charged with running toddler fight club"

A toddler fight club? I cannot even imagine those cute, little 3 year olds whaling on each other, let alone what the rules would be for this fight club.

#1. You do not talk about toddler fight club.
#2. You DO NOT talk about toddler fight club.
#3. If someone cries, you still fight.
#4. No pinching. Only punching.


Most sane, rational and moral people cannot fathom this as a real thing. Sadly it is. The news article can be found here: http://www.lfpress.com/news/weird/2012/08/21/20124111.html

The Hands of our Future will never be the same.

Summer Lovin'

When most people are asked their favourite season, probably the vast majority say Summer. (Especially all my teacher friends out there.) I can't wait for 2 months of freedom and debauchery when I am finally a professional teacher. That is after all why we become teachers right? (Don't worry I'm kidding. I'm not one of those.)
Summer is when us Canadians crawl out from the darkness, blinking into the sunlight and spend 2 glorious months frolicking in the sun, splashing around in the water and shot gunning beers. Ah the simple pleasures in life.

So even though, yes I love summer, this blog is dedicated to everything I hate about this time of year.

1. Too much is happening:

I have not had a weekend to myself since the beginning of June. Every Friday and Saturday night has been booked weeks in advance for various events. So even if something cool pops up unexpectedly, the chances of me being able to attend are slim. That cool festival I wanted to go to? Sorry - I've got a shower that day. That band I've wanted to see for years? Can't - family reunion. Summer is prime time for random road trips and crazy adventures. But I can't go, I have baseball. At least most of the events are in fact fun and I have a good time. It's just slightly stressful to have so much going on. It's tough being popular. 

2.  I can't save money:

Saving that ever important dollar is hard in the summer. There is so much fun stuff happening and so much to do (*see above) and it all costs money. I thought happiness was free? Well not in this case.

3. Bathing suits:

Yes, I'm pretty sure everyone has this fear at this time of year. In the Spring the gym is busier and people are getting their bikini bodies ready for the beach. Well, Summer is also the time of year when beer has never tasted better. Especially my new love of Somersby. Have you heard of it? It's so delicious and full of sugar apparently. YUM!

But beer is not your friend during bathing suit season. You can be like me and drink as much beer as you want and avoid the beach at all costs. It's really the only solution.

4. It's hot out there:

Yep, it's summer. Yep, it's hot. I'm not complaining about the heat (how cliche would that be?). I do hate what the heat does to me though. I am a very sweaty person. Two minutes outside in humid weather and I am dripping in places I didn't even know had sweat glands. Wearing makeup is useless. There's no point in making my hair look all pretty. It's going to be in a ponytail in a few hours. Needless to say, I am very attractive in the summer.

5. The beach:

You are sitting in the hot boiling sun (*see #4). You are forced to wear minimal clothing (*see #3). There is sand everywhere. It gets in everything. Stuck to you, in your pockets, in your bag and somehow in other very strange places. Sand is the devil's handywork.

6.  Work:

The pace slows down at the workplace. I get distracted easily (this blog was in fact written during work hours). I have to work very hard to look busy.

Also, our hours change and we have to start earlier! Sure we get finished earlier too but it is surprisingly hard to get up and going for a 30 min change in time. Plus, I don't holidays yet and work really gets in the way of all the fun things I have planned.


So there it is. My grinch/scrooge take on Summer. Love it or hate it.

Sing a Song of Love

I'm at that particular age where my weekends are consumed with weddings, bachelorette parties, showers, stag and does, etc. Lately my life seems to have been consumed with celebrating the lives and loves of friends and family. Which is so exciting. Yes, my schedule for the summer is already pretty much booked up, but I am so happy to be a part of these special days in any way. Celebrating the good fortune of the loved ones in my lives is something I look forward to. (Except, as stated in a previous post, long-drawn out showers where I am obligated to seem excited about heart shaped dishes). I've never been good at faking it. I'm glad you like it and will use it...but it's not clap-worthy.

I'm not sure when it happened but I've become a little more emotional as the years progress. I find myself getting weepy at sentimental speeches or getting teary eyed at romantic or sad commercials. The tin girl seems to have grown a heart somewhere along the way.

This past weekend I was able to celebrate a great friend's wedding and have to admit, some tears were shed. I know what you're thinking - what happened to you Cheddar? I can't relate to some mushy girl. Yuck. But wait! Before you go, please note that heavy drinking and dancing still happened and I kept the tears to a minimum and hid it as much as possible. Better? Thanks for sticking it out.

The sentimental stuff has to be said. It has to be acknowledged that you are happy your friend has found happiness and love and that they deserve it. In fact I was so overwhelmed with joy I sang a little song. I thought I'd share it with you.

The intro got cut out of the video so I'll say it here:
"For those of you that don't know me, I have a little hidden talent and love of singing. I usually try to keep this to the car or in the shower. But Mego was there the first time I performed at karaoke and have since performed a favourite song of mine over and over. So I thought it appropriate to share a little diddy on her special day..."

Maybe next time I'll choose a shorter song.

The who, what, where, when and why of it all

I've been asked quite a few times why I blog. Honestly, I'm not sure there's an easy answer to that question.

I'm not doing it for money (I wish!).
I don't have a specific niche like a fitness blog or healthy recipes or even educational ideas.
I definitely don't have deluded dreams of becoming a professional writer. I know I'm not a gifted writer. Many bloggers are. Just not me.
It is simply a personal blog. A little glimpse into my life. I truly don't think the story of my life is so much better than anyone else. Trust me, my life is probably boring in comparison to most people.

It started because when Menace and I moved to Taiwan to teach, it was how we kept our friends and family updated about what we were doing and that we were in fact, still alive. But when I came back home and went to teacher's college, I realized how much I missed it. Which is why I started this one. There's something therapeutic about jotting down some words and sending it out into cyberspace. 

I've always enjoyed writing as an outlet and when I was growing up kept a journal/diary. What girl didn't? I still have those old diaries and sometimes when I'm looking for a good laugh or have an overcoming feeling of nostalgia, I like to look back and read those stories that seem so meaningless now. I'm pretty sure in elementary school I had a crush on everyone and reading Judy Blume books caused me to overthink everything.Things like why weren't my boobs growing faster (I still wonder when they'll come in fully), and when would I have my first kiss.

I even have a book of things I would write. Things like poems and (when I thought I would be a singer when I grew up) songs. I keep it hidden and tucked away. I never shared these with anyone. It was embarrassing to me - as a very shy little girl - to have people read something I thought so personal. But I've kept it up over the years. I still won't let anyone read it. Stay out of my room please.

Everyone has a story. Everyone has a voice and something to say. I guess the reason I blog is I like to think that some little anecdote I've shared makes someone out there smile or nod and say "I know exactly what you mean!" It makes us all feel a little less alone. A little less weird. Although I still get extremely embarrassed and shy when friends of mine come up to me and say they love reading my blog. It is so surprising sometimes at who is reading my little blog. Although, it's good to know there are people out there actually reading it and enjoying it.So thanks and read on my friends!

Does this make me a bad person?

We've all had those moments. When we wonder if we are the good people our parents raised us to be. To  treat others how they would like to be treated or if you have nothing nice to say, say nothing at all, etc. Although I really do try to be nice to everyone, there are certain instances when I have myself wondering..."Am I a bad person when...?"

1. I avoid eye contact with homeless people. I don't work in a big city where I'm accosted everyday by a homeless person but when I am approached, I try to avoid eye contact and walk away as quickly as possible. Don't get me wrong, I have and will give some change if I can. You can't ignore them all the time. But yesterday, when I was driving home from work and that cardboard sign flashed me at a busy intersection I rolled up my window up and suddenly paid attention to nothing in particular on my radio. I really didn't have change either but even if I did, the chances of me doling it out would be slim to none. The advance only stays green for so long!

2. I don't like showers. No, not the cleansing kind. I take those daily. But bridal and baby showers to me are just so painful. I LOVE celebrating the happy occasions in my friends and families lives, and I really do wish I was loaded and could give them extremely extravagant gifts. But, showers just feel so obligatory and forced. You can only sit through so much toilet paper bride. It's extremely difficult to 'ooh and aah' over a set of mixing bowls. If it were a group of guys doing a shower you know it would turn into a drinking fest - which I would support, except at the baby shower. Inappropriate.

3. I laugh when other people fall down or hurt themselves. I think we've all had that moment when we burst out laughing at someone else's pain. I mean how can you not find it hilarious when a baseball hits someone square in the ass while they're running to third base? Sure, that's gonna leave a mean bruise and they are probably in pain. Our first reaction is often to burst into hysterics. It's human nature to try to laugh off something that is obviously painful to try and trick ourselves and others that it doesn't hurt. Otherwise I don't think America's Funniest Home Videos would have been so popular.

4. I find some children intolerable. We say that all children are beautiful in their own ways and that they say the darndest things. Which is true. I love kids, their energy and their innocence. But if that Nanny show on TLC has taught us anything, it's that some children are just little assholes. Unnecessary temper tantrums and spoiled to the bone. I have absolutely no patience for this and can't believe what their parents will let them get away with. I would have gotten a swift kick in the ass (with steel toe boots) if I acted in that way.

5. I hang up the phone on people. Telemarketers and other annoying people are always calling our house and even my cell phone. I will often just hang up the phone on them in mid sentence. I have tried in the past to make up excuses and explain to them why I couldn't chat, but to no avail. So I often resort to just hanging up. I feel bad about it though. I know these are people just doing their job and trying to make money but they are wasting my time and their breath.

You may have read this list and think to yourself...what a monster. But I assure you, there are other qualities about me that aren't so questionable.

• If we share an appetizer or some food, I will always let you have the last one. (As long as I'm full and it's not fried pickles. Otherwise, every man for themselves.)
• I will let you sneak in front of me when traffic is slow and heavy. Unless of course you are that jerk that tried to speed up ahead of everyone in the lane that is shut down. Then you deserve to wait.
•  I will always tell you if you have something stuck in your teeth or weird stuff on your face. No one should be punished like that.

 

I tried lipstick once. I don't recommend it. 

Virtually There

So...maybe some of you have guessed it before. I don't think I've come right out and said it on my blog (from what I can remember...) - but yes I am a former online dater. It's a really hard thing to confess for me because there's just something about it that makes me feel ashamed or dirty. It could be the late night conversations or the inappropriate comments received. It always felt like I was doing something I knew I shouldn't be - like meeting a stranger in an alley to buy a most likely stolen TV you found on craigslist (which I have NOT done by the way). Online dating is this secret world that people are afraid to admit they're part of. If you start asking around though, probably 75% of people you know have either been on a dating website 'just to look' or have met someone that way.

It can be extremely hard to meet people in everyday life that you would potentially like to date or get to know better. Especially if a lot of your friends are married, engaged or coupled up. But...in my experience the success rate of meeting people in the virtual world doesn't exactly work. If you measure success by the amount of people you meet once and never talk to again, then yes, online dating is very successful. I have met a lot of people this way. I've also had lots of awkward conversations at a pub or bar from this as well.
"Hey, you look familiar. Don't I know you from...."
"No! No you don't. Walk away."


Meeting someone for the first time after already getting to know them is hard. You have expectations, they have expectations and very rarely are those expectations met. Which leads to disappointment. I'm glad I can put some math knowledge to use here and state that if the actual outcome < expected outcome, there's probably going to be a negative result. Which is why these 'dates' very rarely go beyond the initial meeting.

I don't think I'm being too picky. I don't think it's too much to ask for someone you meet to have all their fingers and toes or for their voice to be deeper than yours. Which makes me wonder...is this the norm of the online dating pool? And if so, what is wrong with me? Maybe "Fingers" refers to me as "Elf Girl."

Which is why I am so glad to say I no longer have a profile and have no intentions of having one again. It's exhausting to constantly message people and have the same conversations over and over again.I have had more luck meeting people at (gasp!) bars. The probability of you having a great conversation with someone you're actually attracted to is much greater (as long as your beer goggles aren't tinted). Although meeting people online is all well and good for some, it never worked for me. I like to read body language, hear a person's voice and look at who I'm talking to (if only to make sure he has all his limbs and digits in place). I guess you can just call me old fashioned.

Rumour Has it....

Everybody loves gossip. Don't try and deny that you're one of those people that does not and will not partake in talking about other people. Humans are nosy creatures. We like to know what's going on in other people's lives. Which is probably why TMZ, Perez Hilton and trashy celeb magazines make a killing. We don't know the people they're talking about and yet we're enthralled. Can't get enough of what's going on in their lives. When gossip comes around about someone we do actually know and is in our lives, the better. It's so much more juicy.

Men love it too. Over and over all I hear from men is "You women are so gossipy. Always talking about other people..." Excuse me, but in my experience, men love gossip just as much. Most of the stuff I hear comes from the mouths of my male friends and family. But I will admit, men may gossip but they will usually just tell you the facts. Women will gossip and attach their opinion to something. This is when innocent gossip turns into rumours. In my opinion (which is usually right, let's be honest here), gossip is more about something you heard (which may or may not be true), but rumours usually have a meaner side to them. This is when they start to mold into something slightly (or completely) different from what they started as. It still baffles me as to where this starts. Much like the telephone game we played as kids. You start off with something completely innocent and it magically transforms into some sort of dirty or illicit thing. 'Purple monkey dishwasher' become 'Paul like it in the washroom.' Neither one really makes sense.

I wouldn't consider myself a 'gossip' by any means, but yes, I like to know what's going on in the lives of my friends and family. I am admittedly nosy. I like to be kept in the loop. I would of course never spread vicious or mean things about people and if it's a secret - I'm basically a vault. (I say basically because alcohol seems to loosen the door to the vault slightly - but normally only on my own hidden secrets.) Which is a good thing, because friends, acquaintances, even strangers seem to like to tell me things I don't really want to know. There have been times where people I have literally known for barely an hour blurt out secrets to me. Maybe they just needed to get it off their chest and I seemed like a safe choice. Luckily I also have a memory of a goldfish so I will probably forget about the massive secret within seconds and continue on. I probably should have went into psychiatry to get paid the big bucks to listen to people unload, I might've been a millionaire by now.

It's not very often that I hear about rumours going around about me. Which is a great thing! Nothing is worse than someone asking you about a ridiculous rumour that they heard from someone. I'm sure we've all had at least one moment where your friends ask you about something that doesn't make sense or sound like something you would do. It goes somewhat along these lines:

Friend - "Hey I heard you got in a fight with so and so..."
Me - "Who is that?"
Friend - "Bob's girlfriend."
Me - "Well that would be hard to do seeing as how I've never met her."


Usually I just laugh about these things that happen. It does bother me a little that people are talking about me a little bit but it's not usually bad and if it seems ridiculous at least I know people wouldn't believe it (or I hope they wouldn't!)

Living in a small town/rural area you're bound to have this happen to you. Even if you don't know the person of subject, your Grandparents probably do and their hairdresser heard about it from your aunt's friend because you're friends with her daughter. Seriously, hairdressers also know an obscene amount of information. Hairdressers and manicurists could rule the world with what they know.  

Texting Etiquette

I'm not sure if Alexander Graham Bell had text messages in mind when he invented the telephone. But it makes things so much easier and helps us all escape the dreaded phone call. Text messages make it easier for people to keep in touch and keep up to date with social situations. However, with anything there are definitely pet peeves that I have or rules that should be followed when sending messages.

Do's:

• Flirt via text. You just got that cute guy's/girl's phone number. You now have an opportunity to win him/her over with witty conversation while sober. It's also a great way to stay in that person's mind and keep them interested. Much better than coming across as creepy/needy/psycho with multiple calls the next day. Beware of sarcasm though. Unless the person knows you well enough to get your sarcastic sense of humour you may come across as an ass. (There really should be a special sarcasm font.)
• Send quick confirmations. Telling a person you're on your way or will be there in a couple minutes is a great way to make use of the text. Calling people twice within 10 minutes with little pieces of information like this is not only annoying, it's unnecessary. 
• Keep it short and sweet. Telling me a life story about how you and some buddies played a hilarious joke on your friend doing this and that is really more of an in person anecdote. Or going on and on about the prices of meat. Sometimes phone calls really are better. (Or just keep certain information to yourself).
• Reply back. There is nothing worse than when your friends don't reply back to something you've said. The chances are you received it. Even if it's hours later, I appreciate a text back - even if it's to say sorry, I couldn't text I was driving/at the gym/making out. No one likes to be ignored. (If you are however trying to ignore that person because you don't wanna talk to them - continue to ignore them. Or send a note saying "Sorry, I didn't text. I was ignoring you.").

Don'ts:

• Text on a date. The same rule applies for phone calls. You just don't do it. Everyone knows the phone call is for emergencies only (or when a date is going poorly and you need an exit strategy). Give the person your full attention for a couple hours. You can live without your phone for that long. If you really need to talk to an outside person, excuse yourself to the bathroom to text. Keep it classy.
• Use short forms or slang. This is one of my personal pet peeves. Shortening words that otherwise are short tells me you're either a douche or you don't wanna take the time to put in that extra letter. You will come across as uneducated and lazy. These are just some examples:
• C (see)
• U (you)
• N E (any)
• K (ok)
• Y (why)
• B (be)
• L8R (later)
• 2nite (tonight)

•  Using text words in real life. This is more of a personal pet peeve of mine. Having a conversation with  a person that is all like: "O.M.G. Can you believe she did that? I was like W.T.F!" I'm not sure if you're trying to keep your word count for the day but saying oh my god (or gosh) or what the fuck (or fudge) is totally appropriate.
• Text in public, all night. So...you went out to a restaurant, bar or bowling alley. Instead of enjoying the company of your present friends you decided to have a text marathon with people who aren't there. There's nothing worse than seeing a bunch of people sitting in silence in a very loud place.
• Send text after text after text. I get it. You want to talk to me. I don't need 7 lines of information that could have been made into one cohesive sentence. 

So, those are just a few of my personal rules. I'm sure I've broken some of them before. But I really do try to be a polite text messager. I think we are all thankful for opposable thumbs.

The Burning Question

I've seen the movie "When Harry Met Sally" probably a dozen times. It's up there on my list of favourite movies. But with this movie comes the question - Can men and women be friends?
I'm not sure the movie really answers the question. Or it answers it with a negative, proving that men and women cannot be friends. I mean in the end - spoiler alert! - Harry and Sally eventually consummate their relationship and this ruins their friendship. Although they realize that they are in fact perfect for each other.

I really don't think this movie sets out to try and answer the age-old question because it really is just a love story. I like to think that yes, men and women can definitely be friends.

The fact is, I have many different friends, both male and female. I truly believe there are many benefits to having both sexes as friends.

Girls are great at listening and being there when you need it. They will be a shoulder to cry on. They are the first ones to offer a hug or a much needed glass of wine.

Guys are great problem solvers. They will fix what's broken. They are all about action.
They are the first ones to offer to beat up anyone that threatens your happiness.

Of course, you can only maintain this friendship if it is truly platonic. This is where it can get complicated. If one friend secretly wants more from the friendship then things can get messy. Or if you have a past together it's not a truly platonic friendship because there was obvious attraction to one another. I'm not denying you can't have a friendship with an ex or past lover but let's be real - it's not the same.

There have been numerous times when people have questioned my friendships and went as far to declare that I should just date them anyway. These people simply don't understand that it would be like dating my brother. I mean I love those boy friends of mine but they already know too much about me. I can't have the chance of a horrific break up occurring and all that secure information be threatened. I'm also pretty sure that this voids their interest in me. I may not exactly be 'one of the guys', because let's face it, I'm a girl. But they've seen me at my worst so I'm sure they don't see me as much of a girl either.

If however, there are men or women out there that befriend the opposite sex in hopes that someday you will date. Stop it. At this point you've probablye entered the friend zone. If you really think being someone's friend for years is gonna get you a girlfriend/boyfriend....there are much faster ways. Try online dating, post an ad on kijiji, go to a bar. Don't hit on your friends.

I went on a dinner date recently and was asked about my male friends. I assured him that there is no romantic level to my male friendships. We are simply friends and have been for over 20 years. I have many relationships like this. He couldn't fathom the idea that any man would just want to be my friend. I'm not sure if this was suppose to be some sort of compliment toward my personality or an insult to my friendship.

Sadly, I told dinner date man I liked him as a person but not romantically, but we could still be friends?! I won't be expecting a friendship Facebook request from him anytime soon.

Bulletin Boards are for Losers

I caved a short while ago. I had been fighting the urge to do it for a long time because I knew I would get addicted. All my friends were telling me how great it was and that I should just do it. Get on it. Once the offer was put out to me, I couldn’t say no. So I did it. And I can’t get enough.

Hello, my name is Cheddar and I’m a Pinterest addict.

This is another big time waster that most of us try to justify. Whatever you’re into, you can find it. And you can pin it for later use (which you probably never will because you have pinned hundreds of things and will never find the time to do them all).

This is truly an ADD’s dream world. You go from fashion, to movies, to fitness, to food, to laughing, to crying, to saying wtf? All in the matter of minutes.

My time spent on the site does something like this:

8:00pm Whoa...what a babe. I better start working out more.

Yup, tomorrow morning I'm gonna go for a run and then I'll do yoga. I'm gonna be so fit...

I love this song! Better add this to my running playlist.

HA! That's so funny. I better pin that one so I can look back on it and laugh.

OMG! That looks amazing.

sfdhfksdfklsdfdsf

Oops I just drooled on my keyboard. I'm totally gonna make this. When there are other people around to help me eat it.

Aw these pregnancy pictures are so cute. I better save these so that 10 years when I have a baby I'll know what I want in pictures.

10:00pm zzzzzzzz

I haven't quite gotten the routine of pinning and actually doing. Apparently there's not enough time in a day to go to work, workout, make dinner, spend time on pinterest and actually get those things pinned completed. There's a flaw in this plan.

This website doesn't really help my issue of making big plans and not following through.

Genuinely Insincere

Ah technology. We now have the privilege of staying in contact and meeting new people through so many different portals I can't even keep track. Facebook, Twitter, online dating, forums, blogs, pinterest. It's overwhelming and exhausting.

Especially when you get messages from people you don't know like this one:

"have been staring at your profile picture speechless and in awe for the past hour or so. That deep gaze in your eyes, your perfect smile, all of your features just seem to all come together so well, almost an...gelical in a sense I suppose.

The reason I am writing this is to let you know that I think I have found the most beautiful woman to grace us with her presence on our planet, and I am of course talking about you.

I know this might mean absolutely nothing to you, and you probably get many of these types of messages/posts here and in real life BUT please understand that I am being as genuine as ever when I say that you are the ultimate dictionary definition of perfection, and I hope that one day God can bestow me with a woman as beautiful as you, I would be forever grateful.

I hope that this message finds you well, I do not care if I get a response to this, I am just simply stating the obvious and had to let you know how I really felt"

Well, person I don't know...Thank you. But there is in no way that I believe you think this about me. I mean your instincts must be great because yes, I am pretty awesome. But people need to get to know me before they realize this. I'm not even sure if people would say this type of thing about Brad Pitt or Megan Fox.

A person can't be genuine if they're talking about your perfection. It's the flaws that make us beautiful. But thanks for the ego boost.

Looking Forward

I recently celebrated my 27th birthday. I thought I was going to be freaked out a little more by the fact that I am now 27. Maybe it's because I've been in my 20s for awhile now so I’m getting used to it. Even though I have now entered my late 20s; no matter how much I argue that 27 is still mid 20s. Apparently it doesn't work this way:

20 - 21 Early 20s

22 - 27 Mid 20s

28 - 29 Late 20s

I have to admit, one of the hardest birthdays was probably my 25^th. I was on the other side of the world, away from most of my friends and family and nowhere near where I thought I’d be in life at 25. It’s funny how we when we are in high school we imagine ourselves with a set career, committed relationship, our own home, a car, kids...etc all right when we graduate University. Goals aren’t always met, dreams change and we move on with our lives. Don’t misunderstand me, I am so happy I didn’t end up tied down doing something I hated or with someone that I would eventually divorce. I really should have listened to my 12 year old self and stuck with my teaching education path...because that's where I ended up.

Instead I listened to my Guidance Counselor - why don't you try Business?

It's really true what they say about aging. You become more comfortable with who you are and happier as a person. I am finally starting a stable career and I feel more at ease with who I am. When I think back to my university days...I was beyond shy. I was in a program I didn’t really love, but came fairly easy to me. I went to class, barely talked to anyone and went home to my roommates and played euchre. (Yes, euchre. We had an amazing scoreboard. Might have to get one for your new pad Lolo. Just a thought). My cousin Lolo so lovingly told me the other day I should've been 'macking' on all those business hotties. Well I missed that boat. But I would never have dreamed of doing that at 21. My face would've gone tomato red and I probably would've ran away. (I still turn that lovely shade sometimes though...can't really seem to get rid of it).

How you feel about yourself really does affect how other people look at you. We grow older yes, but we grow better with time (like a fine wine). At 33 you are your happiest and they say that 40 is the new 20, as celebs keeps getting better with age. Which is probably the argument for all the cougar love.

I'm a Big Kid Now

After countless part-time or "filler" jobs and contract jobs with an expiration date and two degrees, I am beyond happy to report I finally have a real job. The full time kind with benefits and everything! It only took me about 27 years. I'm very lucky in that the whole job really fell into my lap. It completely took me by surprise but I've always loved surprises. The whole process went something like this:

Former boss calls me on Family Day. "Are you currently working?"
Me: "Kind of."
FB: "Would you like to come in and chat about a position that has opened up?"
Me: "Sure! See you Wednesday."

A few days are between the phone call and the meeting. I really have no expectations leading up to this because to me a 'chat' is a very informal and indefinite thing.


Wednesday
FB: "This is basically the job description...you would be responsible for.... Would something like this interest you?"
Me: "Yes definitely. Especially with teaching not really being much of an option around here I would be interested in exploring other options."
FB: "Well you were the first person I thought of when this opened up. We're not even going to post it if you're interested."
Me: "I'm definitely interested."
FB: "Great. The salary is blah blah blah...benefits.... Do we have a deal?"
Me: (At this point my stomach is flip flopping and I just want to jump up and down). "Yes. Sounds great!"
FB: "Perfect! You just made my week!"
Me: "Best Wednesday ever!"

After that initial meeting I was so giddy that something had finally gone my way. It is so frustrating to apply to literally hundreds of jobs (some of which you are overqualified for) and not hear a lot back in return. I'm surprised I was able to walk out of that building without running around or dancing like a madwoman. I just finished my first week there and I really do love it. It's something stable in my life but it also is a job that I am able to put my expensive education to use. Who woulda thunk it?

As the self-proclaimed spokeswoman for the "Peter Pan Generation" of my small group of friends, 'growing up' into a functioning adult seemed unncessary. Career...It'll happen someday. Family of my own...I'm too young for that! But as it turns out, I'm not too young. Do I really want to live with my parents forever? No of course not. (I'm sure you can hear my mom yelping with excitement and high fiving my dad as she reads that). Not all 20 somethings are desperately avoiding the real world of course. There are those that are married, settled and basically have their shit together. I'm not exactly sure why our generation feels the need to hold on to our youth for so much longer. Possibly we're scared. Scared of making mistakes our parents have made. Unhappy or trapped in their jobs or even divorce. But, I am sure that it feels pretty good waking up every morning not wondering if I'll be able to pay my bills.

This full time job thing isn't so bad after all.

It's February, so it doesn't count

January is long gone and February is almost through. Which is why I've decided to take this time to share my goals for the year. These are not resolutions. In the past I have made grand proclamations or promises that I had no intentions of sticking to. Making plans and schemes I happen to be the queen of. Following through with these, not so much. The inner rebel inside of me doesn't want to be told what to do, even if it's from myself. Instead of setting resolutions I have no plans to follow through with, it's probably more realistic and productive to dedicate this year to things I've always wanted to do.

I have nothing against resolutions of course. I think they're a great way to start with self improvement. We all have things we need to work on. (This is probably why the gym in January is a mad house and the parking lot is full. But come February and March, the spots are back). I am constantly late. But I have no plans to change that. How would I go about this really? Who is going to be accountable for my tardiness? If we leave it to me...we're back where we started. I already admitted I'm the problem. I'm sorry family and friends but this may just be one thing you have to love and hate about me. Sometimes there's just to much emphasis put on things we need to change about ourselves. People will never be perfect. So why not try to enjoy your imperfections as they are and make the best with what you've got. So, my goal for 2012 is to cross things off my bucket list.

The bucket list. We all have one. Whether they're officially written down or not. I've been lucky to be able to cross off dreams I've had for a long time (and ones I didn't even realize I had) within the past two years or so. The two goals that I really want to cross off this year are to run a 5k race and learn to play the guitar. The race is a fairly new spot on my list but I can do it on a treadmill. I just need to learn to run outside. Who realized there was a difference? So hopefully by the summer I can enter in a couple races and cross that bad boy from my list. For the guitar playing, I have no idea how I'm going to go about doing that, but I'm excited about it! I love music and would love to be able to just whip out a guitar by a campfire and start a singalong. And I am positive my family is SUPER excited to hear my practice. I took piano lessons one year and still have Ode to Joy memorized. I'm pretty sure I have a little musical inclination.

So there you have it. My 2012 goals for the year. Simple? Yes. But hopefully by writing it and 'announcing' it I will be held accountable. And, if for some reason I don't get to these goals...the world is suppose to end in 2012 anyway right?

The L Word and other confessions

No I'm not coming out of the closet. I'm not a lesbian (not that there's anything wrong with that!) I'm referring to the other L word. Yes, love. The often sought after, talked about, song singing, poem writing emotion. With Valentine's Day just around the corner I thought it appropriate to acknowledge it.

A few weeks ago when chatting with some girlfriends the "first love" topic was brought up. I casually commented that I have never been in love. This comment resulted in shocked and appalled looks from my friends. I didn't think this was news to them but (gasp!) apparently it was. Truthfully I thought I might've been at one point in my life and even felt like saying it. As George Costanza so eloquently puts it, everyone else gets to say it...why can't I? Not wanting to have that large matzah ball hanging out there I didn't say anything. I'm glad I didn't though because obviously it wasn't love.

This post is not to make you pity or feel sorry for me though. Depsite not yet having romantic love in my life I am truly blessed to be constantly surrounded by friends and family that I adore and for some reason, love me back. That's what I will always remember Valentine's Day for. Those days when you beautifully decorated a kleenex box with glitter and glue to be filled with Ninja Turtle or Barbie cards signed by all your best friends.

I'm not much of a romantic so Valentine's Day will never be a day I get excited for or choose to celebrate. Except this year. I'm choosing to raise my glass and toast to you this V-Day.

I make a toast to not being in love and celebrating with some wonderful friends.

Cheers to terrible choices I have made in the past and no longer having to date them.

Here's to not having to fake real sentiment with candy and cards. Here's to spending my hard earned cash on myself this year.

I toast to getting hit on by sad and desperate strangers in a dimly lit bar. That's where I'll be this coming Tuesday.

Who needs love when there's vodka.

Now there's a romantic gesture. But seriously, Sir, what do you think you're doing with that spoon? Put the spoon down.

Super Bowl Sunday = not so super Monday

Chances are, you spent Sunday night sighting in front of your television watching the Super Bowl. If not, seriously, what were you doing? It may be the only football game I dedicate myself to watching all year but it's tradition. If only for the commercials and half time show.

If you did tune in, chances are Monday morning you found yourself doing some other Super Bowl traditions:

• Hugging the toilet. For one reason or another, the morning after Super Bowl, your body hates you. You spent the better part of the day shoving terrible things in your body. Cheese, grease, meat, wings, chips, dip, beer, vodka....I'm not sure what it is about this time of year that turns everyone into gluttonous whores but it's the same thing every year. I did my part and made some delicious dips for people to enjoy Sunday evening and hate Monday morning. If you're team won you probably celebrated with drinks or shots and if you're team lost you probably comforted the pain with drinks or shots.

• Which brings me to my next point...calling in sick. Apparently the Monday after Super Bowl is one of the most popular times for workers to call in sick. Be it a booze hangover or a food hangover, nobody feels great. Tsk tsk if you are one of these people. If you chose to stick it out and head into work nauseous good for you! Your employer thanks you I'm sure, even if it is your most unproductive day to date.

• You are on the run from a gambling bet gone wrong. If this is you. What are you doing reading? Pack up and go man!

Happy Tuesday!

Judging a book by it's cover

We've all heard the saying never to judge a book by it's cover. But we all do it. We're all guilty of forming our first opinions of someone based on how they're dressed, walks, looks or even speaks. These famous first impressions are so often off the mark.

Just think back to the story of Beauty and the Beast. The Prince judged that old lady and he paid for it. Tsk tsk. We all want to make a good first impression and we all have a loosely based idea of how we are perceived. Even if our view of ourselves doesn't quite match what others see.

I'm not sure what it is about me but I've had a lot of people admit their first impressions of me and how wrong they were. Maybe I have an identity crisis I'm unaware of or really am that mysterious. I'm always amused by those comments, even if they are sometimes way off base. So I thought I'd share some with you.

1. "You look like a girl that is into black guys."

I will always remember my friend Jommy saying this to me even though it's not the first time I've heard that. Maybe it's my ghetto booty or gangsta swag. (not likely). I am in no way offended or against this, but I have to say it's not true. Don't get me wrong, I have no problem dating anyone that I hit it off with. But, I don't actively seek it out. Living in a small town community I never really had the opportunity to even try. Our options are limited to Dutch, farmer or Dutch-farmer.

2. "You look like you could be a country western singer."

This one I have to admit is not way off base. I did grow up on a farm and live in the country. But I can't help thinking number 1 and 2 are conflicting impressions. However, I do not have big hair or sparkly outfits. Maybe it's all the denim or hats I wear.

To go with that, I have been told numerous times I have some sort of accent. My roommate in first year university told me I had an accent. Up until that point in my life I was blissfully unaware that I spoke with some sort of Canadian drawl. Now I notice it changes depending on who I'm with or where I am. I never make fun of those 'fake British' accents anymore. You can't help but pick up on the lingo of present company. I like to think of it as an empathetic accent. Ever since returning home from Taiwan 2 years ago, I've been told by my American friend MJ that it's thickened. So apparently since returning to the farm, the 'ehs' have increased and my 'hick accent' has picked up.

3. "You're just so innocent"

I'm not sure what it is about me that people think is so naive or innocent but it seems to be a popular opinion of me. I must have that doe-eyed look down pat.
If they only knew.

So I guess my point is that you never truly know a person until you take time to get to know them and hear what they have to say. Even if it is with an accent.

Dating for Dummies

Most people have an exit strategy when a date starts to go awry. I need to work on mine.

In my defense though, I had to drive an hour to a small town for a second date I had recently. So I was committed to it - no matter how strange or terrible.

This was my second date with "Chuck" and things started off fairly regular. We went out for dinner at a local restaurant. Had some beers. Nothing crazy.

But Chuck told me about his night before which consisted of drinking till 5 in the morning with his buddies. I have no problem with that. I often do the same thing. But, I could tell he didn't really feel all that great.

As we walked the couple blocks back to his house, a little surprise popped up. Chuck couldn't hold it in any longer. Chuck upchucked. Blew chunks. Lost his lunch. Chuck puked 4 times on the short walk home! Awesome.

Poor Chuck kept apologizing and I honestly felt bad for him. I knew he was embarassed. He's a shy guy in the first place and there's no way this helped him. This would've been my perfect chance for an exit.

"Obviously you're not feeling well. I should take off."

But I didn't say this.

So we went inside his house. Where I was greeted by his mom. His unsuspecting mother who had no idea a strange girl may be coming over. Did I mention this was our second date? So while Chuck slipped to the washroom, to brush his teeth I assume, I talked with his mom. Luckily, I'm great with parents. I'll chat them up all night and charm their pants off.

I'm not sure why I didn't go running in the other direction after this disaster. Maybe I'm forgiving to a fault. Maybe it was pity. Maybe I was curious what would happen next. We all have these stories. As a single girl you tend to rack up these types of stories and because of these you develop flags or signals. Don't ignore those.

From this experience I've come up with two very important dating etiquette points:

1. Even though one of my biggest pet peeves is when people cancel plans or bail out, if you are not feeling well, it's okay to cancel.

2. Warn your roommates (whoever they may be) if you are bringing over company.

Happy dating and try not to get puked on.

Unsolicited Comments

As a woman, I have been subject to unwanted leers, whistles and sexual remarks ever since I hit puberty. Maybe even before that. And also, as a woman I have been disgusted and scowled back at those committing them (while secretly strutting and holding my head a little higher thinking "Damn! I must be looking good today"). As a feminist I am officially offended of course, but every once in awhile we relish in those inappropriate comments when we've had a particularly rough day. I'm not saying you have any right at all to come up and slap my ass. That's assault brother.
And I will return the favour with a swift slap of your face. You slap an ass. I slap an ass.

Not only are we bombarded by catcalls but there are people out there who feel it necessary to unleash their "honesty" on you. I'm not sure if they think their comments are helpful or that they have some sort of right to spew their verbal diarrhea opinion of you. Let me tell you now. If you are one of those people. Please stop, stranger. No thank you.

Telling a woman she is wearing too much makeup. Not your job. Maybe she's enrolled in clown college. Mind your business.

Most recently one of the regular customers where I used to work (yay for me), felt it necessary to make an unsolicited comment. Let's call him Assface.

Assface: "I'm gonna say something, but I don't want you to get mad at me."
(Well this oughta be good.)
Me: Okaaaaaaay.
Assface: "Did you happen to get workout equipment for Christmas?"
(Not a good start buddy.)
Me: No
Assface: "I've noticed since you've worked here you've put on some weight."
Me: You should keep your opinions to yourself.

Shortly after this I had to step into the back because I was red with rage. Apparently I have anger issues.

Now, if I was younger I probably wouldn't have said anything or I would have instantly started crying. But as an older, wiser and much stronger person, I wouldn't and couldn't just let someone get away with saying that. I am proud to say I was not rude and I did not yell. I did make him feel bad and scolded him like a child. Everyone knows, you just DO NOT say those words to someone. Man, woman or child. Only your family is allowed to make you feel bad about yourself.

The truth is, he was right and I know it. I have put on a little winter weight. I usually do over the holidays. It's as much of a tradition in my life as decorating the tree or exchanging presents - but not nearly as beloved. What irks me the most however, is not that it's true. I will lose those extra pounds and I know it. What bothers me is that the opinion of someone who does not matter and a relative stranger to me can affect me so much.

I will never be a size zero. I've got hips and curves and I have finally come to terms with this. As a twenty something woman I feel like I am finally at a point in my life where I feel confident in my own skin and am much less shy than I used to be. However, no matter how good you're feeling that day, sadly it can quickly crumble by insensitive comments.

So my point is this. Never comment on the size of a woman's ass to her face. Or you will forever be Assface to that woman. And, in my opinion she has full right to smack you.

Whatever happened to predicitability?

The car ride home after a big night out, nursing a hangover and struggling to stay awake can be a long one. Unless you have a trip down memory lane and start singing theme songs from your favourite television shows. Of course, these shows were those of our childhood and mainly from the 90s. Growing up in the 90s reminds me of a few things. Pop culture crazes that made no sense (Pogs anyone?), music that will forever bring up nostalgic memories, overalls and family oriented television shows.

Let's touch on one of those at a time. The toys or fads that we became obsessed with. Trading pogs and hockey cards became my full time job when I was a kid. Times were simpler. We were completely entertained by things made of cardboard. Also, one of my favourite games was Dream Phone. Remember that one? I still love it. In fact, when I came back from Taiwan 2 years ago some friends visited me at home and we broke out the game. It still worked and it still angered me when boys would say "I know who it is and I'm not telling, ha ha." Jerk.

The music of the 90s is definitely considered classic in my books. It may have not caused a revolutionary change but it's when I started to really discover music on my own. Hello Nirvana and Alanis. But of course we can't forget the other end of the spectrum. Those candy covered gems of pop music. Britney, N'Sync and BSB.

I used to wear overalls, A LOT. I had jean ones, polyester ones, blue ones, green ones, short ones, skirt ones and yes, corduroy ones. I'm not sure why overalls were all the rage. Maybe they weren't and I just REALLY liked overalls.

Which brings me to the television shows. The theme songs that we know all the words to and recognize immediately. Fresh Prince, Full House, Family Matters, Blossom, Saved by the Bell. Who of us can't rap the entire Fresh Prince theme? It makes us all believe we are rap stars. We are not, by the way. The beauty of these shows was also how they always had a lesson to learn or moral of the story at their conclusion.

Have you ever listened to the themes of Full House and Family Matters closely? I'm not sure how it took me so long to realize the similarities in the 2 songs. But, after a little research, I discovered the singer/writer is in fact the same person. Mystery solved.