I only wish I was getting a tattoo tonight!! I have played with the idea of getting a tattoo for about 10 years now. I finally became certain of the image I really wanted imprinted on my body forever a couple of years ago and knew I was ready to actually get it done. Getting a tattoo is something that I am doing for myself, and not something I want visible to the world. So...the word "Serendipity" will tattooed on my lower back (Call it a “tramp stamp” if you want, I don’t care!!!!). Serendipity because it is my favourite word, both for its meaning and how it rolls off my tongue. After much pestering to get Dave to design my tattoo, I finally vowed (in some sort of ultimatum to get Dave on designing my tattoo for me!!) last January that I would have said tattoo before my 37th birthday. As is Dave's style, I FINALLY received my design for Christmas. I absolutely love it and can’t wait to get it. Too bad I didn’t realize how bloody expensive it is to get a tattoo! So it will have to wait…hopefully it will be on my body before I turn 38.
Saturday, April 25, 2009
A Permanent Stamp
If you had to go tonight to be tattooed, where on your body would you have it done and what image would you select?
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Making The World A Better Place
If you could make the world a better place, how would you do so?
(This question comes in response to my posting “The Seven Deadly Sins”. One reader suggested I pose the question “How am I making the world better?” )
I felt compelled to answer this question not only because our world needs a little TLC, but because I think it is important to stop and think about how we can all contribute to making our world a better place. All sorts of issues arise here, but I believe making the world a better place begins with ourselves and extends out from there
So what would I do? I would continue to live my life as I do. Perhaps not perfectly, but with the good intention that my actions do contribute in some small way to the good in our world. I would continue to practice tolerance, kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect for all my fellow human beings. One cannot judge another until one knows where that persona has come from. All human beings are to be valued simply by virtue of the fact that they are human. Differences are to be respected and are what make our world a better place. I would try to educate those whose ignorance leaves them unable to practice those virtues mentioned above. I would pass out smiles freely. I would step less over the many homeless people I pass on the street and would instead more often meet their eyes. I would continue to practice random acts of kindness, not only because they give me pleasure, but because I think they give the receiver both pleasure and the idea to practice the idea themselves. I would hold myself accountable for my own actions, both good and bad, in hopes that by doing so others would follow. I would not hesitate to speak out against those things which I believe harm our society (ideas such as intolerance and disrespect, as well as larger issues such as violence and war). I would respect our earth and continue to do my very small part in reclaiming its greenness –not only by recycling, turn off my energy efficient lights etc. but by educating myself about what is happening to our planet. I would like to say that I would eradicate war, poverty, homelessness, genocides, disease and all other major afflictions occurring in our world today. But that is not the job of one person. No, making the world a better place starts with how we as individuals lead our lives and if we all choose to be kind, compassionate, respectful and value our fellow human beings the status of our world as it currently sits would increase tenfold.
(This question comes in response to my posting “The Seven Deadly Sins”. One reader suggested I pose the question “How am I making the world better?” )
I felt compelled to answer this question not only because our world needs a little TLC, but because I think it is important to stop and think about how we can all contribute to making our world a better place. All sorts of issues arise here, but I believe making the world a better place begins with ourselves and extends out from there
So what would I do? I would continue to live my life as I do. Perhaps not perfectly, but with the good intention that my actions do contribute in some small way to the good in our world. I would continue to practice tolerance, kindness, compassion, empathy, and respect for all my fellow human beings. One cannot judge another until one knows where that persona has come from. All human beings are to be valued simply by virtue of the fact that they are human. Differences are to be respected and are what make our world a better place. I would try to educate those whose ignorance leaves them unable to practice those virtues mentioned above. I would pass out smiles freely. I would step less over the many homeless people I pass on the street and would instead more often meet their eyes. I would continue to practice random acts of kindness, not only because they give me pleasure, but because I think they give the receiver both pleasure and the idea to practice the idea themselves. I would hold myself accountable for my own actions, both good and bad, in hopes that by doing so others would follow. I would not hesitate to speak out against those things which I believe harm our society (ideas such as intolerance and disrespect, as well as larger issues such as violence and war). I would respect our earth and continue to do my very small part in reclaiming its greenness –not only by recycling, turn off my energy efficient lights etc. but by educating myself about what is happening to our planet. I would like to say that I would eradicate war, poverty, homelessness, genocides, disease and all other major afflictions occurring in our world today. But that is not the job of one person. No, making the world a better place starts with how we as individuals lead our lives and if we all choose to be kind, compassionate, respectful and value our fellow human beings the status of our world as it currently sits would increase tenfold.
Monday, April 13, 2009
You're The Next Contestant
If you could be the contestant on any game show, which would you like to be on?
Hands down, no questions, no doubt, I’d LOVE to be on the Amazing Race. I know it’s not the conventional game show, and maybe it’s really classified as a reality show, but since it does involve games and a big cash prize, I think it’s a fair choice.
This show is perfect for me – action, adventure, major competition. I know I’d be good on this show. First of all, I’d get to hop all over the world, seeing all kinds of new and exciting places. This game is one big adventure after another, and you never know where it’s going to take you. It’s a scavenger hunt on a global scale and who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Not to mention all the wicked things you get to do! The unknown and spontaneity of it all is enough to make me sign up. And yes, I realize I do like planning and order, but not as much as I like the thrill of an unknown adventure! Second, I love a challenge and this game is full of them. Could I survive if I had all my money, clothes, and every other belonging taken away from me? Third, I would take Dave with me (hopefully the possibility of a huge cash prize would override his unwillingness to travel great distances with me) and while I’m sure I’d be doing a lot of yelling and freaking out in my over-competitive zealousness to win the game, he’s so damn calm we’d kick ass over the rest of the squabbling couples. We travel well together, make good decisions together and don’t spend a lot of time fighting about how to go about things. Well, I may be bossy about how to go about things but he knows how to handle me. Fourth, I can get along with just about anyone, so making friends with the enemies would be easy. This always seems to prove useful at certain points in this game. On the other hand, I’m a smart cookie and can be sneaky and devious if necessary, and wouldn’t hesitate to further my own future at the expense of others when it comes to winning the prize (we are talking about a lot of money here!) Finally, my highly competitive nature, drive and unwillingness to lose at anything would most certainly set me up for a real good chance to win.
Postscript…I once participated in a mini Amazing Race around the city put on by the Georgia Straight. It was only 4 hours, but I got totally mmersed in the game and it was an absolute blast.
Hands down, no questions, no doubt, I’d LOVE to be on the Amazing Race. I know it’s not the conventional game show, and maybe it’s really classified as a reality show, but since it does involve games and a big cash prize, I think it’s a fair choice.
This show is perfect for me – action, adventure, major competition. I know I’d be good on this show. First of all, I’d get to hop all over the world, seeing all kinds of new and exciting places. This game is one big adventure after another, and you never know where it’s going to take you. It’s a scavenger hunt on a global scale and who doesn’t love a good scavenger hunt? Not to mention all the wicked things you get to do! The unknown and spontaneity of it all is enough to make me sign up. And yes, I realize I do like planning and order, but not as much as I like the thrill of an unknown adventure! Second, I love a challenge and this game is full of them. Could I survive if I had all my money, clothes, and every other belonging taken away from me? Third, I would take Dave with me (hopefully the possibility of a huge cash prize would override his unwillingness to travel great distances with me) and while I’m sure I’d be doing a lot of yelling and freaking out in my over-competitive zealousness to win the game, he’s so damn calm we’d kick ass over the rest of the squabbling couples. We travel well together, make good decisions together and don’t spend a lot of time fighting about how to go about things. Well, I may be bossy about how to go about things but he knows how to handle me. Fourth, I can get along with just about anyone, so making friends with the enemies would be easy. This always seems to prove useful at certain points in this game. On the other hand, I’m a smart cookie and can be sneaky and devious if necessary, and wouldn’t hesitate to further my own future at the expense of others when it comes to winning the prize (we are talking about a lot of money here!) Finally, my highly competitive nature, drive and unwillingness to lose at anything would most certainly set me up for a real good chance to win.
Postscript…I once participated in a mini Amazing Race around the city put on by the Georgia Straight. It was only 4 hours, but I got totally mmersed in the game and it was an absolute blast.
Friday, January 30, 2009
The Seven Deadly Sins
If you could practice only one of the principle vices henceforth, what would it be?
First of all, what are the principle vices anyways? Sex, drugs and rock and roll? Or are we talking about the so called Seven Deadly Sins – lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.
Well, let’s see. I don’t like to practice Envy, so cross that one out immediately. Wrath isn’t all that pretty on me either. Nix that one. I am way too Type A for Sloth, so forget that. Gluttony. What does that even encompass? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary we’re talking about “excess in eating or drinking; greedy or excessive indulgence”. Hmmm. I do like that. Lust. Not sure I want to give up that. But is it the only vice I want to practice? Likewise with Pride. (Quite frankly, I don't even see how this is a vice!) And finally we have Greed. I personally think this is the way to go. Defined as “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed”, I figure Greed gives me the most leeway. Should I feel Envious, well, I think I’m covered by Greed. I definitely believe Greed will cover any Lust I may have. I feel I could stretch the meaning of Greed to include any Pride I may feel. Certainly it takes care of Gluttony – I mean that is pretty much defined by Greed. And I am fairly certain it covers Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll. Yes, Greed seems to be the best principle vice to practice, should one have to choose only one. And quite frankly, I’m already known to be a little greedy so why try to change my major vice at this point in life?
First of all, what are the principle vices anyways? Sex, drugs and rock and roll? Or are we talking about the so called Seven Deadly Sins – lust, gluttony, greed, sloth, wrath, envy and pride.
Well, let’s see. I don’t like to practice Envy, so cross that one out immediately. Wrath isn’t all that pretty on me either. Nix that one. I am way too Type A for Sloth, so forget that. Gluttony. What does that even encompass? According to Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary we’re talking about “excess in eating or drinking; greedy or excessive indulgence”. Hmmm. I do like that. Lust. Not sure I want to give up that. But is it the only vice I want to practice? Likewise with Pride. (Quite frankly, I don't even see how this is a vice!) And finally we have Greed. I personally think this is the way to go. Defined as “a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed”, I figure Greed gives me the most leeway. Should I feel Envious, well, I think I’m covered by Greed. I definitely believe Greed will cover any Lust I may have. I feel I could stretch the meaning of Greed to include any Pride I may feel. Certainly it takes care of Gluttony – I mean that is pretty much defined by Greed. And I am fairly certain it covers Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll. Yes, Greed seems to be the best principle vice to practice, should one have to choose only one. And quite frankly, I’m already known to be a little greedy so why try to change my major vice at this point in life?
Monday, January 26, 2009
Sir John A. MacDonald
This lovely question was sent in by my father (you do know this is not what I had in mind, right dad?!!!)
If you had the opportunity to meet and interview the great grandson of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first prime minister, how would you proceed and what would you want to know?
Well, jeez, talk about a homework assignment here! Given that I’ve sort of blanked out much of my history lessons, I guess it would probably be prudent to brush up at little on Sir John before talking to his great grandson. I certainly wouldn’t want to look like I didn’t know much more than the fact that his great grandfather was our first Prime Minister, had a lot do with establishing the national railway, and I think was the key figure in our country’s confederation, although this is sadly about the extent of the knowledge I can conjure up off hand.
So, assuming I had done some research and had also figured out exactly how old this great grandson is himself (for the purposes of this exercise, using no calculations whatsoever, I am arbitrarily imputing an age of 80) I would suggest meeting at comfortable location of his choice. (Where does the 80-something crowd hang out these days?) After some pleasantries and trivial chit chat, I would get down to the questions. Which, by the way, were not easy to come up with. I mean, we’re not talking about a conversation with Sir John A. MacDonald himself, we’re talking about a chat with his great grandson. How much connection do any of us really have with our great grandparents, if any?
Anyways...Here are the questions I would pose:
Did you know him and if so, what memories do you have of him?
Is he your mother or father’s father? What kind of relationship did he/she have with him?
Were you curious about that part of your family history? What stories were passed down to you about your great grandfather by other members of your family?
What was it like to learn about your great grandfather through history books in school? Did the information taught in school match what you were told by your family?
Would you tell your classmates that you were related to him? Would they believe you?
Has being the great grandson of Sir John A. MacDonald impacted your life in any specific way?
Is there anything you can share about him that others can’t?
Whew! Back to answering the more important "what if" questions, like, "if you were granted one wish, what would it be?" (to be answered in a future post)
If you had the opportunity to meet and interview the great grandson of Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada’s first prime minister, how would you proceed and what would you want to know?
Well, jeez, talk about a homework assignment here! Given that I’ve sort of blanked out much of my history lessons, I guess it would probably be prudent to brush up at little on Sir John before talking to his great grandson. I certainly wouldn’t want to look like I didn’t know much more than the fact that his great grandfather was our first Prime Minister, had a lot do with establishing the national railway, and I think was the key figure in our country’s confederation, although this is sadly about the extent of the knowledge I can conjure up off hand.
So, assuming I had done some research and had also figured out exactly how old this great grandson is himself (for the purposes of this exercise, using no calculations whatsoever, I am arbitrarily imputing an age of 80) I would suggest meeting at comfortable location of his choice. (Where does the 80-something crowd hang out these days?) After some pleasantries and trivial chit chat, I would get down to the questions. Which, by the way, were not easy to come up with. I mean, we’re not talking about a conversation with Sir John A. MacDonald himself, we’re talking about a chat with his great grandson. How much connection do any of us really have with our great grandparents, if any?
Anyways...Here are the questions I would pose:
Did you know him and if so, what memories do you have of him?
Is he your mother or father’s father? What kind of relationship did he/she have with him?
Were you curious about that part of your family history? What stories were passed down to you about your great grandfather by other members of your family?
What was it like to learn about your great grandfather through history books in school? Did the information taught in school match what you were told by your family?
Would you tell your classmates that you were related to him? Would they believe you?
Has being the great grandson of Sir John A. MacDonald impacted your life in any specific way?
Is there anything you can share about him that others can’t?
Whew! Back to answering the more important "what if" questions, like, "if you were granted one wish, what would it be?" (to be answered in a future post)
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Burned Down House
If your home were to be destroyed by fire but you could save just one thing, what would it be?
Interesting question, as I know exactly what I would save and have actually recently been wanting to purchase a fireproof box for said items ( where do I go to buy said fireproof box anyways?) The most important and invaluable possession(s) I own are my journals. Containing my most private, innermost thoughts and feelings and providing a snapshot of sorts of my life to date…they are irreplaceable. Close to 15 years of writing is stored in a box, just waiting to be tied together into one ultimate journal – the best selling, award winning book I intend to pen. So, if I was going to survive the destruction of my home to fire, I would most definitely find it in me to haul out that box containing the stories of my life. Everything else is just stuff. Insurance covers that. Insurance cannot recreate the multitude of journals I have written. Yes, I would definitely get my journals out of my burned down home.
Now, i f I happen to die in said fire but my journals survive, I remind my friends (you know who you are) once again of their strict instructions to retrieve and burn journals first, mourn my death later.
Thursday, January 15, 2009
Bye Bye Toothbrush
If you could cancel forever a single thing you have to do every day, other than your job, what would it be?
Okay, now I know this is going to disgust everyone, but it's a toss up between taking off my make up and brushing my teeth. And since I don't really HAVE to take off my make up, and I really do have to brush my teeth, and HATE teeth brushing the most, I'd have to give up teeth brushing. I hate the gag reflex I get every time I stick my toothbrush in my mouth, making me want to puke up the white foam building up between my cheeks. I hate the taste of toothpaste. (Can't they come up with something good for God's sake?) I hate the texture of toothpaste. And generally, it just feels like such a damn chore! I know, I know, it's gross, the thought of never brushing your teeth. It's gross to me too. (I'm not saying I don't brush, I just really don't like it). But I figure I could gurgle with mouth wash everyday instead. Maybe I wouldn't be scrubbing off plaque but at least my breath would be minty fresh!
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