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!
Friday, 20 April 2012
Thursday, 19 April 2012
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!!!!!
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!!!!!
Saturday, 7 April 2012
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!!!!!
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!!!
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!!!
Sunday, 1 April 2012
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!!!!
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!!!!
Saturday, 24 March 2012
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
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
Tuesday, 6 March 2012
...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.
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.
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