...It's a "Grey" Kinda Day!!!

...So I stumbled upon this... recommended because I like the twilight books... not because I am into bondage or porn haha!

I’m sure you’ve heard a lot about the new EL James series, Fifty Shades of Grey. You might have listened to Ellen’s hilarious reading, in which she can barely choke back the erotic scenes played out in the novel. Your girlfriends might be in love with Christian Grey and wondering how they can get their boyfriend/husband/a kind stranger to go there. You might have heard it called soft porn or “mommy porn”, or maybe you haven’t heard a thing about it.

If you haven’t yet heard of Fifty Shades of Grey... you’re probably living under a rock…or chained up in a basement. This is the smut novel to end all smut novels, and women everywhere are falling for its enigmatic, mysterious, sadistic (and sad) leading man, Christian Grey.

It isn’t hard to see why the book is a hit.  It will never win Pulitzer prize... but Fifty Shades has a certain “je ne sais quoi”, a little something besides endless amounts of kinky sex that has us woman turning pages faster than we can say “orgasm.” In fact — dare I say it? — I believe this book has started something of a sexual revolution. Though its protagonist is young and green, the women that read her story range in age from 18-70. Every woman wants a piece of Grey. No woman is ashamed to admit she’s reading it, and all eyes are being opened to an “alternate lifestyle”.

Additionally, Christian Grey is the kind of man we all secretly want to love us. He’s a gorgeous, rich, an entrepreneur living in an luxurious spot...has an insatiable sexual appetite and... yes..Wait for it... is just so screwed up enough that we wish to be the woman who changes him/heals him.

I won’t deny that my Kobo gets hot from how rapidly I flick its pages, nor will I deny how obsessed with the book I’ve become. But the question is.... “Do I really want a man like Christian Grey?”  Maybe in my craziest and wildest dreams BUT... in reality, someone who’s that damaged, dominating and controlling could never make me happy. Isn’t happiness the whole point where love is concerned? Wouldn’t you rather have a partner that’s your equal instead of your superior? For some of you, this may be a – ahem – grey area, but for me... Im happy with no whips, chains.. gags &  a loveless relationship!

It makes me question what writers are trying to do to the female mind when they write these characters? Creating a female protagonist who is nothing more than a sweet, innocent, smart, shy, quiet, bookish, pale virgin and matching her with a male counterpart who is not only brilliant, but rich, handsome, built, elusive, mysterious, obsessive, protective, possessive and is so taken with this pale virgin, he can hardly control the impulse to have her, right then. Right there. (actually... thats kinda hot... maybe every woman’s fantasy to be desired).

That happens all the time to you, right ladies?

Not to mention... that this is going to take “woman’s roles” in society back so many steps... if they are seen to do whatever it is their husband/boyfriend/mate wants them to know.... Who knows !!!

Regardless, it’s worth the read, and I’ll continue through the three part series!!!!

Reality TV is taking over my Life (seriously)

From the latest "Bachelor" break-up to cat fights among "real" housewives, our  conversations around the water cooler center around reality TV and the train-wrecks that ensue. Do we all secretly want to be famous? (I would for at least One Show).  Reality TV fits perfectly into our socially networked, internet-obsessed culture. For a lot of people, it isn’t enough to watch made up stories being acted; we want to feel like we know everyone, that the people we idolize or at least read about in celebrity magazines are just like us. Reality TV provides the façade that it could be us up there. We take their battles so seriously and so personally, it’s like they’re happening to us.

Our world today is all about the quickest ways to fame... studies show that kids growing up now would rather be famous than contribute anything to the world ...and it is the most efficient way to get there. You don’t have to have special skills or even work particularly hard.  But What exactly about reality TV that turns American/Canadians into a society of curious voyeurs and drama queens? With a combination of deception, sexual encounters, drunken ramblings and sudden outbursts it's no wonder that reality TV keeps viewers glued to their televisions week after week.

Instead of people just living their own lives, viewers can now be there first-hand to witness the dissolution of relationships, watch complete strangers getting stranded on an exotic island, follow amateur singers as they vie to be the next idol and look at the torment of what an "ugly duckling" will have to go through so he or she can achieve some standard of beauty as determined by a show's producer.

It's often said that reality television isn't actually "real" and that the producers are constantly coercing cast members to get involved in certain situations. Who really cares if the cast is being manipulated to become overly emotional? It's moments like those that make for great television.

With reality TV there's a little something for everyone. For us hopeless romantics there is “The Bachelor” Who doesn't like to laugh at those clingy women that sob their way out of the rose ceremony after being rejected by a man they've only spent about a total of 20 minutes with. Viewers realize that the relationships that are built on these shows will probably only last a few months, but that is why it's so intriguing. It's amazing how quickly people fall in and out of love.

There is a show for everyone.... In My case.... I watch them all .. Bachelor..American Idol, Survivor.. Big Brother..  Laguna Beach, The Hills.... and thats not even the tip of the iceberg. People sometimes ask, "When will reality TV end?" I hate to break this to you, but most likely never. And Personally.... I have no problem with that!

Doggy Adventures - Meet Maverick

So, we picked up our little bundle of joy on Saturday the 14th of April. First impressions “what a pretty boy” pictures definitely didn’t do him justice.  So like I was saying... we picked him up on a Saturday... Around 10am. Within the first day he met both sets of grandparents... a dog name Jack, a cat named Jack... & some friends.  He did well with al ... surprisingly.

When we brought him home, we were nervous about how him & Jack the cat... were going to react to one another. .... The encounter was perfect... no barks or retracted claws... however there was a hiss or two.  That didn’t last long... luckily Jack adapts to anything as long it doesn’t eat him & Maverick is used to cats.... so as long as the cat doesn’t dress up as the Easter Bunny... and take off running down the halls... we should have no problem.

The first night was alright... I worked.... BUT... the boyfriend says he did well, slept on & off... used the bathroom @ 1 am. Had some treats... & didn’t eat the cat. I say thats a good night.  Day 2, was a little ruff (rough). Jack started licking his leg & we noticed that he had a quarter size laceration on his leg... were not sure when he got it, if it was before of after we picked him up.  Anyways... not exactly sure why anyone would want to lick and open wound but he does... SO... we started experimenting. We made him wear shirts... we tried to bandage him... He’s talented & got out of every contraption.

So... we decided that on Monday (day 3) we were going to take him to the vet for 3 Reasons, 1) he needed his check-up, 2) for his leg... and 3) because he hurt his toe @ his last Foster families house and he appears to walk with a limp. As a result of this... he was loved by all the vets & animal assistants. Spoiled Much??? His leg... is fine... we just bandaged him the right way & applied cream. His check-up was great.... But... his toe was infected.

So the Vet gave us antibiotics (750mg) twice daily for 14 days. Seems like a lot eh? & a topical creme. Well the first day he wouldn’t let us near his toe... and the antibiotics made him  very constipated, so we had a very lethargic dog for a day. Which was tough on both of us, especially with us working like crazy people the weeks leading up to getting Maverick.  I shed some tears, Im not going o lie. None of the BTW, was Mavericks fault... it was just tough.. when you feel helpless... and not sure what to do.  Boyfriend called the Vet to see if that behaviour was normal & she told us to decrease his antibiotics & that seemed to do the trick.

In the days after.... he seems to do well with his antibiotics, less lethargic but sleeps really well.  We started him on cod liver oil tablets to help with his skin & we put the muzzle on him @ night when he sleeps so he dose not lick his wounds.  He can do tricks like sit & lay down.. he works well with the clicker. His bathroom breaks are almost regulated. He takes to his crate well & loves to be tucked in at night. He also enjoys long walks... Gormet Wieners & peanut butter haha.

So all in all... no regrets we love our pup, its just unfortunate that his first week with us... hasn’t been the best, but... his toes healing... as is his leg.... he lets me apply cream and clean. I even brushed his teeth today.... So... he’s turning out to be an exceptional dog!!!!

Welcome to our Home Maverick!!!!!

A Blog worth Reading!

Hey Everyone,
I know most of my readers are my facebook followers.... But... I would like everyone to take a minute or a few to check out a friends blog.  She has recently been diagnosed with cancer. She has started a blog to keep everyone updated & to reach out to people who are going through the same thing... something similar & survivors. Although I do not know her very well, her blog has touched me. Check it out everyone.  She is an amazing writer.
A Blog Worth Reading!!!!!

Recipe - Mushroom Neptune

Hey Everyone,
I still seeming to be lagging on the blog front, because I have been very busy. However... I do have a recipe that I think all of you should try.  Its called Mushroom Neptune. The boyfriend and I went to the Keg a few weeks ago...we always seem to get the same Entre’s but love trying new appetizers. This time it was Mushroom Neptune.... It was so good... I went home & decided to find the recipe and make it, I tweeked it a little Bit. This recipe is for approximately 20 mushrooms, but an appetizer has 6-8.

First off You need approximately 20 mushrooms, you take out the stems.
Then in a frying pan you mix the mushrooms with 2 cups of beef broth and 2tsp of butter.
Bring to a Boil. Then dry off the mushrooms & put them aside.

For The Filling You will need.

Philly Cream Cheese - The Lg container the size of a can of soup will do.
Approximately (4 ounces) crabmeat (squeeze out the extra water)
2 ounces green onions finely diced
1 ounces parmigiano cheese
1 ounce fresh squeezed lemon juice
1/2 ounce worcestershire sauce
1/2 ounce garlic powder (not salt and not fresh)
2 drops of tobasco sauce

- Mix all these ingrediants together and stuff it into a piping bag with a large opening.  Then put the mushrooms (opening upwards) in an escargot dish or a cake pan & fill up each mushroom with the mix. You can also do this with a spoon if you don’t want to be fancy.  Bake on 400 degrees for 7-8 minutes. Uncovered.  Then your ready to Eat!!!! Also, if you have extra dip left... its really good cold with a Baguette dipped into it!!! Happy Eating!!!

Doggie Adventures - Its a Boy!!!

So, as all my friends, Family & Facebook Stalkers Know... The Boyfriend & I have taken the next step in our relationship. We have decided it is time to get a dog. At first we contemplated getting a rescue dog, then we decided on something small and cute... But Then.... after much pondering and consideration we decided that a rescue dog is exactly what We are looking for.  We decided to go with The Maritime Greyhound Adoption Program (MGAP), we have heard a lot of good referrals from them.
  
 So this is how the process went. Step one was that we had to fill out an online application. Within one day we were contacted that we were qualified for the in-home interview (step two). This was fun, so the very next night we met with two greyhound owners and their two beautiful dogs. The interview went great, we got to hang out with the dogs and fell in love almost immediately.  The next day we were referred to step 3, which was the final step. We each had to do online testing and pay our fees and then we would be matched up with our very own grey. They do this based on what we need, want and how the dog would fit into our family.
   
One week later we were matched with a beautiful & handsome greyhound named “Raider Conclude” (thats is racing name). He is all black with white on his belly and his paws are white as well. He is 2 years old so he is a fairly young greyhound.  From his stats that we were given... He was in one race, but did not win. He also comes from a family of racers. His mother & one of his sisters have been adopted out to families in the States & his other 4 Siblings are still racing.  We get to bring our bundle of joy home on the 16th of April. We are very excited!
   
We decided that we wanted to call him “Maverick” its a manly name & we both have an undying live for “TopGun”.  So... Maverick will be with us in two short weeks... and in that time... we will be getting a crate, babygates...lots of food & toys and... reading up on everything Grey Hound!!! Its going to be an adventure.... especially getting our Cat Jack used to another animal. Wish Us Luck.... More info to come.... in the Doggie Adventures!!!!

Introducing.....Maverick!!!!

A New Blog Idea

Hey Everyone,
So as you can see... I am having some difficulty keeping up with this blog the past few weeks because I have been extremely busy.  So I decided that I am going to keep my blog.. But I am going to have on-going topics....and updates regularly. Here are some of my ideas.

1) Home Decor & Do it yourself - As you all know, the boyfriend and I purchased a new house in December and we are currently updating  organizing it. So I am going to continue to post pictures and also... show my DIY crafts and home ideas.

2) Marriage & Wedding Planning - I am currently enrolled in a bridal consultant course.... with that I am able to help plan weddings, events, baby showers and a large variety of other events. So I will continue to put ideas on here.

3) Food & Desserts - Different Recipes I have tried and Like!

4) Travel & Dreams - Places that I want to go... Places that I have been....

5) Doggie Diary - Boyfriend and I are in the process of getting a new dog & and I plan to let you know all the details of this adventure.

6) My Randomness - All Other Topics & Ideas!!!

Love Ya's

...From High School To Now....

I remember it like it was yesterday....

I was wearing a white & blue floral dress... under my black and red grad gown.. It was hot, the lights were bright and I sat in the front row. Not because I wanted to but alphabetically thats where it landed me. Our principal stood at the front.. holding index cards with our name on it.. so that he would announce our names correctly as we walked across the stage.

It was a day I had been waiting for since grade 9.. because to me, graduating from High School meant officially entering Adulthood – moving out of my Parents house and living on campus, meeting new friends, joining groups and student organizations, scheduling my own classes, going to parties, not having a curfew, and living the independent lifestyle I had been craving since I walked into high-school.

And then it happened.

Fast Forward: Early March, 2012.

I logged into Facebook and saw and remembered that I am somewhat organizing my 10 Year High School reunion.

< insert emotional breakdown here >

“Holy shit,” I thought to myself,“Where the hell did those ten years go?  And how do I get them back?!”

After graduation I had a plan: graduate from college, graduate from nursing school school, work for a hospital somewhere, travel the world, and get married by the age of 30.

Clearly that was my imaginary plan, because my actual plan consisted of: graduating from college in Quebec, Going to college in Miramichi..  drinking my body weight in vodka, sabotaging friendships, getting my heart broken, spiraling into bad relationships & hookups, and getting bitch-slapped with a Quarterlife Crisis. However... within the last 2 years... things have changed a bit.. went back to School to be a Paramedic... working & love it.... met the man of my dreams & we recently just bought a house!!!

We spend our whole lives worrying about the future.  Planning for it.  Trying to predict it.  As if figuring it out will cushion the blow.  But the future is always changing.  The future is the home of our deepest fears and our wildest hopes.  But one thing is certain -  when it finally reveals itself, the future is never the way we imagined it. At least it wasn’t for me.. some regrets but its finally where I want it to be! Yet here I am at 27, happily taken, childless, employed and somewhat freaking out because my classmates have gotten married, had babies, traveled, and lived these rock-star lives and I feel like Im just starting to grow up now.

Why do we insist on growing up so quickly and having our lives all figured out by the time we’re 30?  And for those of us who don’t have it figured out right now, why do we feel like we’ve failed?
Truth is, I don’t think I would be happier had my life gone according to plan.  I’m a firm believer that everything happens for a reason,   I also believe that this Quarterlife Crisis hit at a time when I really needed to figure myself out.  Even if I don’t have all of the answers yet, perhaps I’m one step closer to finding them.

I can’t help but wonder – of my high school classmates who are married, have children, and have fancy schmancy jobs, how many of them are authentically happy?

Maybe I’ll find out at my reunion....it is just around the corner.

Just Another...Weekend Night Shift....

I'm thankful that I still have a job and all but working the overnight shift this week has been sucking (not the people I work with.... they are great!!!!!)  It's not so much the change of pace it provides, which I kinda like... it's the complete reversal of my sleep schedule that's been kicking my ass! Lately I have a hard time sleeping during the day,  it feels like a complete waste of a decent day to be wasting it sleeping.

Feels like just yesterday that I was a fresh faced student showing up for Day 1 of the PCP course, all bright eyed and bushy tailed… full of excitement. Going on 2 years later my eyes have even more excitement but are little less bright and the tail a little less bushy. It has been one hell of a ride, but through good and bad, I have thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

As a rookie everything is brand new and you cannot get enough of what is being thrown at you. Flashing lights and sirens, rushing to the sides of people in distress, being the one in control of an emergency…or so you think. Hell even the call for abdominal pain at 3 in the morning is exciting. It’s all a chance to learn and get experience, learning from your mistakes and always improving your patient care and clinical judgement.

I have had the good fortune of having some amazing partners and encouraging paramedics to help me stumble through my first calls, although I have yet to respond to a serious emergent call, I feel I will be in good hands when I do.

Heya!

Alright, the delay.. yeah I know it came, spent a week working out of town & spending time with friends and then I got lazy, oops! After a week of being lazy I got sick, then I burnt my hand on greese so I was kinda down for the count. But I'm back! Sometime it feels like homework I didn't do. If it were a class, I'd a failed by now.
So I guess I will just keep you up to date.  I had a fantastic V-Day with the boyfriend ( we both agreed not to do anything major< cause we just bought a house). So when I came home after a long day of teaching... I found my teddy bear and a glass of wine! We spent the night in eating chinese food & having some drinks... catching up on all the shows on the PVR. It was amazing!
Since then... I mentioned that I burned my thumb... yup it was pretty bad... second degree... but I am back for the count now and also back to work which has been really good lately!
...somethings I promise to do over the next few weeks...

• continue with my bridal consultant course
• register with MADD Canada
• DIY crafts for the house...
• Income Tax..
• Go to the Gym.... (very important)
• get back on track with my weightloss
• and start looking for a simple yet fun PT job.. 

So thats about it folks.... oh yeah.. My dad isn't in Africa anymore... Boyfriend and I are fantastic.. I had a passion party last week and it was so much fun!

...to all cat lovers be warned!

....Being a fellow cat lover.... I LOVED this!!!

Updated Bucket List!!!!

I think we all have a bucket list, whether written down or not, of the things we want to do before we head north.  My life experiences have taught me to get busy, because none of us knows just how long we have.  I’m not being all gloom and doom, I’m just saying get off your hiney and make some things happen.

While my 20-something years have been filled with lots of adventures, beautiful travels, lots of laughter, a few tears and hard work, there’s quite a lot of time left to get things done.
So in no particular order, I fully intend on accomplishing this bucket list at one point or another throughout the next several decades of my life. I see these items mostly as goals, dreams, ambitions, hopes, wants and desires. As I make progress, I’ll cross them off....Of course, I’ll consistently add to the list too–ya know, to keep you on your toes.

- Go to the Grand Canyon (went to Vegas in 2009.... but didn’t go to the GC)
- Skydive
- Start my own blog
- Learn to speak a new language fluently
- Read a new book every week (.... always in progress)
- Buy a fancy camera (like one with a fancy lense and flash)
- Take a photography class
- Learn how to drive stick shift
- Purchase a home of my own or with a partner
- Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
- Go on an African safari and see a Giraffe in the wild
- Run a Marathon
- Buy a new car
- Go to California
- Take a U.S. road trip
- Fly a Plane (Best Birthday Present Ever)
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Change a Tire on A Car
- Be Engaged
- Be a Wedding Planner
- Go down South on an all inclusive trip (Cuba 2011)
- Eat Sushi
- Travel Across Canada
- Swim with Dolphins
- Create Something Out of Wood
- Read 100 books on my kobo
- Be a Maid of Honor
- Be Good @ Baking
- Ride on top of an Elaphant
- Go To Paris
- Be a zombie for Halloween
- Get a Tattoo on my Wrist
- Go into school for something in the Health care Field (graduated, Now a Paramedic)
- Get Married
- Write a Book
- Have Children of My Own
- Sponser a Child from another country ( I have from Lebanon)
- Go on an All Girls Trip Somewhere
- Be a bridesmaid (Mindy's Wedding 2011)
- Sang in front of Strangers
- Learned To Play Guitar
- Take Nude Photo's Professionally
- Be some Kind of Teacher  (First Aid Instructor)
- Adopt a Pet  (Adopted two Kitties)
- Go on a Cruise
- Become involved in a Church
- Be in a Movie or Commercial
- Go to Hawaii
- Be debt Free
- Backpack Across Europe
- Go White Water rafting  (Summer 2008 in Maine)
- Be at My Goal Weight
- Climb a Mountain
- Learn to Ski
- See Elton John in Concert (February 2009 in Las Vegas)
- Meet Someone famous
- See The Northern Lights
- Paint a Complete Room
- Be Paid to Make a Scrapbook
- Start My own Buisness
- Learn to Make Wine

 This List... Will Continue to Grow....

Love Never Fails...

Happy Love Day, everyone!  Here's to celebrating all the love we have in our lives, romantic or otherwise.  I don't know about you, but I could always do with a little celebration, so go out and show a little love to someone who deserves it today, I say.

Valentine’s Day has always been a bit odd for me (even though I love it). When you’re single, it’s almost an inescapable reminder that well, you’re single, and two, you’re still single. Perhaps it’s just me, but the heart shaped chocolates and the ultimate question of “What are you doing for Valentines Day” makes it seem a bit awkward that you are single,even though that isn’t the case any other day! Almost like a reminder.. of  “what are you waiting for”...get a boyfriend!!!

And then when you’re in a relationship, there are often expectations and and an uncomfortable sense of pressure around the occasion. I don’t think you have to buy someone something, to prove your love.  Well, I’ve decided this year, that Valentine’s day really should be a day like all others, a day of love, appreciation and affection. You don’t need to be in a romantic relationship to celebrate your friends, your family and even strangers. I believe there are many different people who are all sources of love that surround you.

So, I am going to stick to three points. 1. Have low expectations (..what I mean by this is... don’t expect to much and enjoy the small things life has to offer). 2. Tell at least 5 people in your life that you love them (including friends, family.. the one you love). 3. Just be….with love. Be it, act it, think it, embrace it and be open to it!!!!!

This is Hillarious!!!

http://www.litefm.com/pages/news-story.html?feed=421220&article=9738000

Love For Everyone...

As a Happily Taken Lady, this is one of my favorite times of year. I know it’s a “Hallmark holiday,” and therefor shouldn’t carry much weight, since we should appreciate your significant other every day of the year, much like you should appreciate your parents all the time, not just Father’s and Mother’s Day. However.... you should always express love to all the ones you care about... its not just for your significant other.

Thinking about it though, I realized that I have many loved ones. No, not like that; I’m just blessed with many wonderful friends, which hasn’t necessarily been true throughout my life. I was a weird kid, one of the types who wanted braces and glasses. Middle and high school weren’t much easier,  I bounced around in many different group of friends and I didn’t really find myself with a solid group of friends until college.

Friends can give you the best type of love.  I think it’s important to remember the quieter love of the friend who stays up drinking wine with you after a bad day, even though they have work in the morning. The love of a friend who you can laugh so hard with you both start to cry. The love of a friend who will sit in silence with you after you’ve had a bad break-ip, your boss was an ass... or your altogether just having a bad day. Those are the kind of friends I’ve found in the last three years, and I wouldn’t trade them for the world.

So in the month of February, a time of romantic love and flowers and chocolates, I ask you to remember the friends you hold dear and where you might be without them.

Valentines Day

I don't know about you, but I find that Valentine's Day creeps up on me way too quickly! January tends to be a catch up month for me. It's about putting away holiday decorations, re-organizing, decluttering, cleaning, making resolutions and getting back to life as usual. I begin to enjoy the less chaotic life and before I know it, it is Superbowl and then January is gone. There are only 14 days in February before Valentine's Day and those 14 days fly by....currently now.. there is 9 :(

I love spoiling my family, my boyfriend, my friendsthe people I love, with fun homemade cards, crafts and fun Valentine's Day food. I tend to go all out with pink and red hearts and flowers... I might even say I am a bit obsessed with this over-celebrated holiday.  This year I am off, I will probably spend the day baking cupcakes.... reading sappy books, watching lovey-dovey movies and sipping wine, thinking about love, marriage and everything romantic.

On a personal, stupid level, I love Valentine’s day because pink is my favorite color. I like it because it’s a happy, cheerful color that reminds me of cupcake frosting, cotton candy and everything girly. Yep, it’s true Valentines Day is my absolute favorite of the year.  More than Christmas, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Easter combined. So, for all you haters of my favorite holiday, just know that it is so much more than romantic trysts and expensive gifts.  It’s about taking one day and putting special focus on loving the ones you’re with, and letting them love you back.

When You Thought I wasn't Looking

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you hang my first painting on the refrigerator, and I immediately wanted to paint another one.

When you thought I wasn't looking saw you feed a stray cat,
and I learned that it was good to be kind to animals.

When you thought I wasn't looking, saw you make my favorite cake for me
and I learned that the little things can be the special things in life.

When you thought I wasn't looking I heard you say a prayer,
and I knew there is a God I could always talk to and I learned to trust in God.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you make a meal and take it to a friend who was sick,
and I learned that we all have to help take care of each other.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you give of your time and money to help people
who had nothing and I learned that those who have something should give to those who don't.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw you take care of our house and everyone in it
and I learned we have to take care of what we are given.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw how you handled your responsibilities,
even when you didn't feel good and I learned that I would have to be responsible when I grow up.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw tears come from your eyes
and I learned that sometimes things hurt, but it's all right to cry.

When you thought I wasn't looking, I saw that you cared
and I wanted to be everything that I could be.

When you thought I wasn't looking, learned most of life's lessons
that I need to know to be a good and productive person when I grow up.
 
When you thought I wasn't looking, I looked at you and wanted to say, "Thanks for all the things I saw when you thought I wasn't looking."


LITTLE EYES SEE A LOT. Each of us, parent or friend, influence the life of a child. How will you touch the life of someone today? Maybe by reading this, you will think about the influence on children and others.

My New Obsession

Like thousands of people I have become obsessed with Pinterest. It’s not necessarily a bad thing. I have been motivated to bake more and craft more and even ponder the thoughts and quotes of others more.  UH. I can’t even act like I’m upset about my newest addiction. I’m a serial pinner (my fellow Pinners would appreciate that), and I have no shame, ya’ll.

It starts every night when everyone is asleep. I meander Facebook, answer a few emails that I put off throughout the day, and then it just happens. It’s 3:00 AM and I’ve got about 10 new pins to my name. At first it started of being a reminder of the clothes I will never afford, the home décor I can never fit into our small home, the recipes and crafts I am too lazy to ever make, the saying I wasn’t clever enough to think of on my own, the photos I wish I had taken but didn’t. Then, I started to see that there is things on there for everyone!

If you haven’t yet heard of this amazing site called Pinterest, the virtual bulletin board phenomenon taking the Internet by storm, you soon will.  The food… the party planning… the crafts…  The D.I.Y ideas.... YOU WILL! Pinterest is slowly taking over my life (but I love it). And I’m not alone in my obsession. So I promise you that, I haven’t given up on my blog... I have just been ummm... Distracted haha! If you want to follow my pinterest... here I am! Follow Me

Happy Pinning!!!

I am a Workaholic!!!

Yes, I consider myself a "workaholic". Before you judge me, listen to my reasons... I love my job (and I mean I L♥VE it!!!). It's usually the first thing I think of when I wake up and the last thing I dream of before bed. I've saved lives, taught classes and planned weddings in my sleep (but, who hasn't?). After several years of long hours and sacrifices I still can't get enough. The experience of working at my goals is more fulfilling than the end result. I don't imagine retiring when I'm older, I imagine having more time to work, plan, sew, help and create. It’s what I love.

With that Being said, one of the questions I hear often is, "How do you balance work and personal life?" or "How do you stay so productive?". The answer is a balanced lifestyle. Over the years I've learned (sometimes the hard way) what my personal boundaries are. Every person is different and needs a special sense of balance.

I've learned that I can work long hours without breaking down if I have things to look forward to. I schedule date nights,  Beauty based Appointments  and coffee dates with my friends. This give and take method works really well for me. For example, right now I am working long hours every weekend away from home on the ambulance. Im also taking an online Bridal consultant Course... getting back into teaching... while still planning Passion Parties with My Ladies... and Trips to NYC with the Gals. I also make time for my amazing boyfriend, My family and my Kitty! Don't be afraid to give yourself incentives for a job well done... if you can keep your chaotic life organized.

The second important lesson I've learned to keep myself cheerful (and sane) when working a LOT is steady sleep. I used to be really proud of my all night work sessions, but I was drained. These days I sleep four to eight hours every day... somehow and I've never been happier. I get more done when I'm awake and, most importantly, I feel human! If you're a young entrepreneur, give yourself some sanity and go to sleep. Just trust me....♥ Naps can be your best friend... and don’t use the line “I’m Just resting my eyes”.. instead curl up with a Blanket and Let sleep take you away!

The last piece of advice I have to offer is all about attitude. It's easy to get overwhelmed and feel victimized by a crazy schedule. I have to choose to remind myself daily that I chose this career (and all that it entails!) and that I have to be thankful for the opportunity to do it. Complaining and getting discouraged is easy. The challenge is keeping a positive perspective about what needs to be done. Maintaining an optimistic and enthusiastic energy for my career/future & Goals is one of the most important contributors to my continual growth into adulthood. This kind of attitude propels us forward, and the absence of it can be pretty devastating. We're all human and we all have difficult times, but I feel very strongly that staying inspired and positive about my work is my responsibility. No one else can do it for me.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is that while my lifestyle may never be "normal" it's working really well because I've found a way to work a ton while still enjoying life to the fullest! I feel like my career adds so much to my life and it's something I will never regret making sacrifices for, even if I am labeled a "workaholic".
Chow 4 Now

My Bucket List

I think we all have a bucket list, whether written down or not, of the things we want to do before we head north.  My life experiences have taught me to get busy, because none of us knows just how long we have.  I’m not being all gloom and doom, I’m just saying get off your hiney and make some things happen.

While my 20-something years have been filled with lots of adventures, beautiful travels, lots of laughter, a few tears and hard work, there’s quite a lot of time left to get things done.
So in no particular order, I fully intend on accomplishing this bucket list at one point or another throughout the next several decades of my life. I see these items mostly as goals, dreams, ambitions, hopes, wants and desires. As I make progress, I’ll cross them off....Of course, I’ll consistently add to the list too–ya know, to keep you on your toes.

- Go to the Grand Canyon (went to Vegas in 2009.... but didn’t go to the GC)
- Skydive
- Start my own blog
- Learn to speak a new language fluently
- Read a new book every week (.... always in progress)
- Buy a fancy camera (like one with a fancy lense and flash)
- Take a photography class
- Learn how to drive stick shift
- Purchase a home of my own or with a partner
- Scuba dive in the Great Barrier Reef
- Go on an African safari and see a Giraffe in the wild
- Run a Marathon
- Buy a new car
- Go to California
- Take a U.S. road trip
- Fly a Plane (Best Birthday Present Ever)
- Go on a hot air balloon ride
- Change a Tire on A Car
- Be Engaged
- Be a Wedding Planner
- Go down South on an all inclusive trip (Cuba 2011)
- Eat Sushi
- Go into school for something in the Health care Field (graduated, Now a Paramedic)
- Get Married
- Write a Book
- Have Children of My Own
- Sponser a Child from another country ( I have from Lebanon)
- Go on an All Girls Trip Somewhere
- Be a bridesmaid (Mindy's Wedding 2011)
- Sang in front of Strangers
- Learned To Play Guitar
- Take Nude Photo's Professinally
- Be some Kind of Teacher  (First Aid Instructor)
- Adopt a Pet  (Adopted two Kitties)

- Become involved in a Church
- Be in a Movie or Commercial
- Go to Hawii
- Be debt Free
- Backpack Across Europe
- Go White Water rafting  (Summer 2008 in Maine)

- Climb a Mountain
- Learn to Ski
- See Elton John in Concert (February 2009 in Las Vegas)
- Meet Someone famous
- See The Northern Lights
- Paint a Complete Room
- Be Paid to Make a Scrapbook
- Start My own Buisness
- Learn to Make Wine

 This List... Will Continue to Grow....

Scales

Lately, I've been pretty darn happy with my body. I've been away from home, so I haven't had access to junk food that we have at home, but I do think I'm getting more fit or in shape. While my clothes may not be fitting loosely (yet), they're fitting very comfortably - which is a step up from when I used to be working @ the Nursing home... masking my weight under scrubs.  Wearing regular clothes would be constricting me because of the extra poundage I was putting on (and water retention from all the salt in most restaurant foods).

This morning, I decided to step on the scale at my parents house to see where I stood, weight-wise...so I thought I'd see a big drop. But... no such luck. I was a little disappointed, but then I turned toward the mirror - and I really liked what I saw. My stomach looks flatter, my arms and legs look more toned, and that made my day. So how could the scale be so high? Muscles being heavier than fat be damned; I wanted that number on the scale to go down!

I didn't dwell on it, as I had a million other things to think about at the start of my day, but later in the morning I happened to come across this cool picture ( look @ the bottom)  I read it and wholeheartedly agreed with it.. 

 

 

Friendship

.....So I have said.... “I look at every female friend I have... as a potential bridesmaid” or “they have the characteristics I want in a best friend and bridesmaid”.  I often think about my friends, probably a little to often. I miss my friends that i have lost touch with, I long for the friends I have yet to meet and... enjoy the friendships I have that are blossoming.

Women, more then men, have great urges to hold on tightly to old friends. Sociologists have data showing that women who can maintain friendships through the decades are healthier and happier with stronger marriages. Not all women are able to sustain those friendships, however. Its true that countless grade-school girls arrange themselves in pairs, duos, threesomes and foursomes, vowing to be best friends forever. But as they reach adulthood, everything gets harder, when women are between the ages of 25 and 40 their friendships are most at risk, because those are the years when women are often consumed with marrying, raising their children and establishing careers.

I honestly believe that when women think about their friends, they find themselves pondering every part of their lives, their sense of themselves, their choice of men, their dependence on other women, their need for validation, their relationships with their mothers, their dreams for their daughters...everything. For girls, friends form the center of their lives. Friends light up girls' days in preschool, become inseparable in elementary school, and help girls in middle school develop their own, separate lives. As girls grow up, it's not unusual for them to find best friends, break up, and reform friendships time and again.

As an adult, friendship is no less important to me than it was in elementary school.  A lot of my friends can be very crude. They are comfortable with any flaws I may have.  Because there is no one road map for the relationship, friendships are allowed the breathing room to develop naturally over time. Close friendships can have a level of effortlessness, naturalness, and grace that all but the very best romantic relationships lack.

The best times are when we lounge around a friend’s bed like sloths, talking about whatever happens to come to mind. We don’t have to think about what we are saying; whatever comes out of our mouths is generally ok, no fears, no censorship, you can be utterly yourself.  Friends understand each other; if they had to work at understanding each other, they wouldn’t be friends.

But is basing your life around your friendships the best way to live beyond your twenties and thirties? Friends are still going to get coupled up and married, and people have children. Friendships, like amorous relationships, take time to maintain, and in the middle years, inevitably, people need to pour energy and time into their homes, their spouses and children. However, I consider my friendships very important and will continue to let them be a very important part of my life!!!

GoodByes....

I thought once I grew away from the curfews, parental house rules, and the occasional ‘you’re grounded’ catch phrase and into a land where all of those things became obsolete that I was home free. Well I was sadly mistaken. If this is ‘home free’ then I want a do-over and would gladly allow my mother to revisit her ‘days of grounding. Unfortunately life doesn’t have a do-over option So instead, I will take a moment of silence to bid farewell to a few things that I have taken for granted over the years. Goodbye free room and board or any sort of parental donations (we had a good run and my bank account & I will shed some good tears over our separation), goodbye college (you may be in my past, but don’t you worry I will try my best to pretend you are still with me on the nights where I can procrastinate till the early hours of the morning...when i should be doing something else!), goodbye weekly social life (my liver will still smile, but I have my Facebook account to remind me of your past existence and the many drinks shared with friends!!!)

,,,Tears To my Eyes!

I fell in Love with this Little Girl & This Video and wanted to share it with you all!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hkNzRjXK3hc&sns=fb

Please Go Check it out!

Routines

So, I thought I would take a different approach for todays Blog. I remember being young and silly and always living by what was in my horoscope. Its been years since I have read one... so today I did just that and here is what it said.

“You will want a break from the predictability of your usual routine and methods. You're in the mood to experiment and to learn something new. Offbeat or original ideas excite you and you will seek people who can offer you a different way of looking at things. Discovery, inventiveness, and spontaneity are major themes now.”

...So this got me to thinking of how much my life is actually based on routines, patterns and prediction.  We all have them... but did you ever stop to think about them? This may sound very strange to you, but to me it made perfect sense. Have you ever noticed how small and narrow your life is? Now I don't mean children, or husbands and wives, cars or houses, how much money you have....I just mean you and what you do. 

Think about your day, Ignore the pieces that you have to do, like going to work. This is about your free time. What do you do? Start from the very beginning. You get up. How do you get up? Do you always place your left foot on the ground first? Put on your glasses? Do you drink the water that is beside your bed, walk straight to the bathroom, clean your teeth first? How do you do it? Think. Is everything always in the same order?

The Question is why do we do it this way? Try and think of how many habits you use in just one day. Then ask yourself why. Is it just the easiest way to do everything?  Have we subconsciously programmed ourselves so that everything falls into place perfectly. I have always been one for routines, ever since I was young,  I did everything a certain way so that I wouldn’t forget things.  So many of us walk through life, on a narrow strip of routines... never stepping outside the box, never changing our ways. I know I feel so much better when I am back inside my house, making tea, sitting in my certain place on the sofa, and watching my favorite TV show..curled up in a blanket.

Crazyness....I like my routines... my plans and the way my day goes.  Just some food for thought!!

Hey

Heya,
Just a little note saying... you may not see me until Tuesday! But I am here in Spirit... I am working away this weekend! xox

Parenthood!!!

...So I have a new obsession....The Show “Parenthood”. This show is a way for me to see that my craziness is normal and enjoy some “quiet time” to myself… (yes for all you work-a-holics like myself, there is such a thing as “quiet time”). Oh my gosh, I love my alone time! As much as I love being around other people, I really just need my own time to do... nothing? Haha, usually my alone days are spent tidying the house, or catching up on blogs, or procrastinating, reading, or something like that. It's weird, but if I don't have some time to myself, I start going absolutely crazy.

If you feel frustrated, tired, overwhelmed or just out of balance with yourself, maybe it's because you don't make time for yourself. It often seems that our days are engulfed in a pyramid of tasks. Does it seem like your life has become a series of tasks to complete, rather than moments to enjoy? We often get so caught up in life and all of what needs to be done... that sometimes we forget to take time for ourselves.  Lack of time for ourselves often leads to feeling frustrated, tired, overwhelmed and out of balance (at least that is how I often feel).

This past year, I have come to appreciate the power of truly loving and caring for myself. Most of my life, being alone was one of my biggest fears. I found myself in numerous relationships for the wrong reasons and ended up settling for ‘partnerships’ just for the sake of having a relationship. This fear and lack of understanding of myself caused the relationships to become my whole world; my focus of attention; my center. I would sacrifice my own goals for the other person. And, when the relationship collapsed, so did my sense of self. I was nothing without someone else, or at least so I thought.

Through much thought, I realized that I didn’t truly love or appreciate myself and had relied on external sources for love and approval. I decided to change. I had to overcome my fear of loneliness by finding independence and personal freedom (which I did, I learned that it was okay to be alone). Even since I found true appreciation for myself, the quality of relationships I have attracted has been phenomenal. I feel as if my friendships are less toxic, I am hanging out with people who are positive and inspirational. My relationship with my parents has greatly improved and I have begun to appreciate the little things they do for me. Also, my romantic relationship with my boyfriend, is mature and amazing and for the first time in my life I feel, “Happy in Love”. I have discovered that the more I love and understand myself, the less I feared being by myself, and the more healthier relationships I was able to attract into my life.

I started doing what I called “date night”. Regardless of my relationship status, I would schedule time with myself. I would literally take myself out on a date and spend that time totally focused on myself. It’s my time.  However, what I like more then time alone, is time with people. I love my dates with my boyfriend, and value each and every minute we have together. I work away a lot, so sometimes we can go days without seeing one another! So I try to make each moment count! Today I had a lovely date night with a great Gal, JM! We went for Sushi and did some Lingerie shopping... It was fun and enjoyable!

..So this whole rant started with the show “Parenthood” which I am watching in the dark @ 130 in the morning. At this present time, my boyfriend is sound asleep in bed, Jack my cate is asleep @ my feet and I am listening to the Thunder... yup thats right... thunder in the middle of January! Mother Nature Got her wires crossed.... but thats another blog for another day.... xox ya’ll

Do You Ever Have Days...

Do you ever have days where you feel like your to-do list is just so long, you'll never complete everything?

Do you ever have days where your e-mail inbox, or text box is so full, you just get overwhelmed?

Do you ever have days when you just want to lay in your bed all day with the coziest blanket, the warmest slippers... and just not do anything????

Do you ever have days where you want to upload all photos on your camera, but oh yeah, you don't have the time, so you end up posting blog posts titled "Do you ever have days..."?

Do you ever have days where you just don’t care, you know you have things to do but...meh? It can be done another day right?

Do you ever have days where you have multiple tabs open on your browser because you have so many things you need to look at yet, and if you close them, you'll forget? And... They are important!

Do you ever have days where your kitchen table is piled high with bills to sort and notes to take and lists of things to buy at the store, and...

No?

You don't?

Oh.

I do.

Be back when I've found my sanity...and if you have it, please give it back. Thanks. :)

Saying Things We Don't Mean!

Whether we like to admit it or not, we've all done it... You and your partner are arguing, and in the heat of the moment, you or they blurt out some very mean things to try to dig the knife deeper... I am extremely guilty of this. I get in heated arguments and just as I know I shouldn’t..I say something negative, something rude, something unforgivable and unacceptable. Soon as the words exit my lips, I regret. When a couple is seriously locked in a battle and the adrenaline is surging, odds are they are not going to solve the problem and usually one or both will say mean and hurtful things that they will come to regret later. And as I said, these words can be very damaging. I believe it’s something we would never normally say and it pops out in anger, it’s not what we really think. Honestly, if deep down inside we actually thought it, surely we would have said it before. So, this is my online apology! Im sorry to all the people that I have told off during a fit of anger! It wasn’t my intention and although I cannot take it back, I do sincerly apologize.

Lies Lies Lies!!!

Well, I am back as promised! So I was kind of busy there for awhile, life took over (How dare it come between me and my blogging)! So I have been doing a lot of reading lately while working @ my new job.. waiting for people to get hurt or sick so I can tend to them (it sounds bad, but thats my job). Lately I have been a big fan of the Emily Giffin books.. She wrote the something Borrowed, Something Blue collection. Emily Giffin’s  books are funny, sensitive and truthful depictions of female friendships and the complexities of marriage and motherhood and the ever so popular question of “What If”. I enjoy her books because there is always a sense of truth to them. With that being said....a truth for her books is that people always life. That is what I am choosing this blog to be about!
   
Women & men alike are taught to lie from childhood. Those simple, altruistic lies such as saying we've had a lovely time  out on a date when we actually hadn’t, that someone looks nice when she doesn't, or that we're delighted with a gift we don't really like, are just some of the small ways that lying oils the wheels of our social lives, keeps the peace, and makes other people happy (admit it we all do it).In fact, we lie so much and for so many reasons that often we don't even think of it as lying at all, but as 'relationship management'.
 
  In Emily’s last book that I read.. and interesting quote states that couples often lie to other couples about how often they have sex with their partners. Common, you’ve heard it eh? You speak to a new couple... in there first few months... Having sex like rabbits, everywhere and anywhere. Then comes the ring & the baby and the sex stops altogether?  So I dug a little further and found some interesting information. What I discovered after doing some research, was that age is not necessarily relevant to regularity of sex, and that it is not unusual to find a couple in their seventies enjoying intercourse three or four times a week, or for a couple in their thirties to only have intercourse once a fortnight... and it really has nothing to do with how many kids they have, or how many years they have been together.
   
  I believe that as long as both partners are open in their communication about their desires & dislikes, and they both make a conscious effort to maintain their sex lives, they can keep happy & healthy intimacy going for decades. So Why do you think we lie? Do we look better to our friends if we say we have sex every day versus once a week? Does it mean our relationship is in a rut? Who knows... but we all do it!!!!

Howdy

Hey Everyone,
So it probabley seems like I have been a little MIA lately, and I have! I have been extrememly busy ending one job and starting another and haven't been aroubd a computer to blog about it! However I will not be one of those that starts a blog and end it a month later! I promise! I work one more night shift tonight and then I am off for a few days, Yeah!!! I have some great blog ideas and topics that I want to share with you! so stay tuned until tomorrow!!! xox

Break Even..

I've been super Busy.. But I found a song I absolutely love....  Its called "Break Even" its originally by The Script but Colbie Calliet re did it.... heres the lyrics... look it up on youtube :)

Breakeven...
I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven

Her best days will be some of my worst
She finally met a man that's gonna put her first
While I'm wide awake she's no trouble sleeping
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven, even, no

What am I suppose to do
When the best part of me was always you and
What am I suppose to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay

I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces

They say bad things happen for a reason
But no wise words gonna stop the bleeding
'Cause she's moved on while I'm still grieving
And when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven, even, no

What am I gonna do
When the best part of me was always you
And what am I suppose to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay

I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces
(One's still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven)

You got his heart and my heart and none of the pain
You took your suitcase, I took the blame
Now I'm tryna make sense of what little remains, oh
'Cause you left me with no love and no love to my name

I'm still alive but I'm barely breathing
Just prayed to a God that I don't believe in
'Cause I got time while she got freedom
'Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't break
No it don't break, no it don't breakeven, no

What am I gonna do
When the best part of me was always you
And what am I supposed to say
When I'm all choked up and you're okay

I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces, yeah
I'm falling to pieces
(One's still in love while the other one's leaving)
I'm falling to pieces
('Cause when a heart breaks, no it don't breakeven)

Oh, it don't breakeven, no
Oh, it don't breakeven, no
Oh, it don't breakeven, no

Know Before Your 30

So.. I am 27... not quite 30 years old... but I found this and thought it was interesting and very insightful, so I decided to share it with all of you "almost thirty year olds" like myself. Its a compiled list of things you should know before you are 30.

• How to fall in love without losing yourself.
• How you feel about having kids.
• How to quit a job, break up with a man and confront a friend without ruining the friendship.
• When to try harder and when to walk away.
• How to kiss in a way that communicates perfectly what you would and wouldn’t like to happen next.
• The names of you prime minister, your great-grandmother and the best tailor in town.
• How to live alone, even if you don’t like to.
• How to take control of your own birthday.
• That you can’t change the length of your calves, the width of your hips or the nature of your parents.
• That your childhood may not have been perfect, but it’s over.
• What you would and wouldn’t do for money or love.
• That nobody gets away with smoking, drinking, doing drugs or not flossing for very long.
• Who you can trust, who you can’t and why you shouldn’t take it personally.
• Not to apologize for something that isn’t your fault.
• Why they say life begins at 30.

 As I’m getting much closer to this milestone birthday I could not agree more with this list. For those of you near or over 30 what would you add to the list?

...My not so Private Life!

So.. I was casually watching the news today and stumbled upon a clip stating that our lives on the internet are not as private as we believe they are. Do you know what kind of personal information about you can be found on the Internet? Do you know that your name, address, phone number, unwanted pictures, bad publicity, and negative comments from Google and other search results can be found.

You'll be surprised to see what kind of information people can find about you. Without your knowledge and permission, most your personal information is published on the Internet and such things are available for public to search. With your name or a telephone number, anyone can pinpoint the house you live in and obtain all kinds of personal details about you. even worse, there are maybe false, negative, and untrue information and comments about you or your business, your children, friends and family that are spreading on Internet too.

..So I googled my name...I was extremely surprised. Any blog, social media website, account... or group I was involved with online... was attached to my name. Not to mention the places that I have lived, my profession, my age and even pictures I have posted. So it makes me wander how private my life really is. Potential employers don’t just have to stalk you on facebook to learn about you.

If you want to be alarmed, like I was...then take a gander to www.spokeo.com a website that has gathered information from various places on the web about none other than YOU. ..If you don't believe me then type your name into the search engine and see what comes up about you.  And then sit back and take in the fact that they know your address, your age, your salary…even your religion.  Same thing with your Facebook page. Apparently,  All someone has to do is copy your photo and put it somewhere else on the web and it becomes public knowledge – including companies that are buying your information.  Don’t even get me started on the so-called privacy of Facebook.  Basically, there is none.

..My wonderful Boyfriend decided to google my name and found everything he ever wanted to know about me (luckily there was not anything incriminating). Anything I have ever signed up for such as myspace, hi5, facebook and any other social media I was involved in, was accessible via google.  Now my name isn't a common name... but the thought is still pretty scary. Do you know what the internet has to say about you?

Break A Leg...

So, I have been looking @ old cliche’s, sayings and phrases and wandering what the origin of some of these sayings meant! One of the biggest I never quite understood was the phrase “Break a Leg”, So.. I researched it.  Apparently wishing an actor prior to his going on stage to ‘break a leg’ is a well-known practice. A pretty strange wish, actually it is meant magically to bring him luck and make sure that his performance will be a success. From the superstitious age it was thought that jealous forces, or an evil force were lurking around performers wishing bad things upon them. A good luck wish would alert and provoke them to do their evil work, however if you wish a negative thought such as “break a leg” a curse will make them turn their attention elsewhere. The underlying principle is the belief that if you wish evil, then good will come. I’m sure it’s called reverse psychology these days.

Always A Bridesmaid...Never A Bride...

You must have heard this expression time and time again “Always a bridesmaid never a bride”??... So tell me this What do you think of when you hear the word Listerine? You probably think of fresh breath, a healthier mouth, and whiter teeth. and the phrase “ Always a Bridesmaid but Never a Bride,”  does not come to mind?  Instead You’re probably thinking of Katherine Heigl and 27 Dresses, or Jennifer Lopez in the Wedding Planner but I’m sure you didn’t know that this catchy phrase originated with Listerine.

 It’s true (hard to believe), in 1923  Listerine came out with this phrase to explain why girls in the 1920’s were left on the shelf instead of out on dates with men. The 1920’s were a very different time from today, it was more important to settle down and start a family. So, Listerine capitalized on the fact that as young women age, there was a simple answer as to why they couldn’t find “the one”. They even came up with a story about a young girl named Edna.

The Article went something like this:

“Poor Edna was getting on for thirty and most of her girlfriends were either already married, or about to tie the knot. How she wished that, instead of being their bridesmaid, she could be the bride! However, any romance of hers invariably ended quickly. There was a reason. Unbeknownst to her, she suffered from bad breath and no one would tell her, not ever her closest friends.”

So basically Listerine wanted all of the single women out there to believe the reason they couldn’t find a man to marry was because they had bad breath and none of their friends wanted to tell them.  So I Guess It worked on Listerine’s end; they sold millions of bottles of mouthwash. 

Leap Year - Irish Tradition

 So, its the first day of 2012 (yeah!!!!) As most of you are very well aware of, this is leap year. In a leap year an extra day is added to the end of the month of February. Therefore this year will have a date of February 29th. Leap year comes along every four years. Which means that since I was born there has been 5 of them! With leap year also comes tradition. The main tradition that most people think of when talking about leap year is the woman proposing to the man. This tradition comes from the Irish and until last night... I had no idea about such tradition until a co-worker informed me (apparently the movie “leap year” is about this... who would have thought??).
The belief is that the tradition began long ago in the 5th century in Ireland. It is said that St. Bridget began complaining to St. Patrick about men waiting so long to ask for a woman's hand in marriage.  Due to that, St. Patrick granted women the 29th day of February, which only comes around once every four years, to propose to their men.

Relationships in the “here and now” are very different these days in the contemporary world in which we live.  At one point in time Women were courted in a certain way, for a set time frame and asked the father for the girls hand in marriage, and so on.  Now times have changed.  Girls no longer come with a dowry and boys are no longer the main bread winners.  Although there is major changes that have occured for careers and whatnot men are still typically expected to be the one who asks for the hand in marriage.  It is he who puts himself in that vulnerable position of declaring his love first and asking her to bind her life to his forever( or so says their vows).

I don’t know about you, but I think I like the excitement of the tradition of being old fashion! I do not think that I could ever propose! I like surprises to much!!!