AHHHHHH!!! Christmas break is fast approaching, and I am ecstatic. For the past 3 and a half months my life has revolved around school. My mind has been jammed with thoughts of assignments and deadlines. I have been surviving on caffeine and sugar, and have severely missed my family and friends.
However, the past couple of months have been very rewarding too. As I already stated in an earlier post, I met and made friends with numerous amazing people, and I have been challenged both mentally and physically (sleep, stress, etc.).
What I have learned over the past couple of months is that I really am capable of whatever I put my mind to. It's a really great thing to realize.
But besides that realization, I am immensely looking forward to a little break. I long for sleep and freetime, and my neighbourhood YMCA misses me.
So here is a brief list of some of the things that I will be doing with my newfound freedom come December 12th:
-Sleeping, oh how I missed you..
-Going out for dinners/drinks/movies/bowling/anything not school related
-Watching tv...ok...I still did that, but I had to forgo my usual tv marathons!
-Eating lunch at home
-Eating dinner at home
-Drinking less coffee/pop/anything to keep me awake
-Not stressing about whether my story, screenplay, interview, fact sheet, memo, tv show, brochure, research assignment, talk show, restaurant review, radio read, tv ad, print ad, radio ad, oral presentation, etc., etc. is good enough to be handed in.
-Taking baths...just me? Okay.
-Listening to music. It distracts me when I'm doing schoolwork.
-Hanging out with my sister. I miss her so much.
-Hanging out with my friends. They miss me so much.
-Going shopping for more than an hour at a time.
-Going to the gym! I am brutally out of shape.
And for all the things that I couldn't do this semester, I will be doing those too!
Christmas break....I love you.
-Christa
Monday, December 7, 2009
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Ever since the Tiger Woods fiasco I have had friends and family ask me why I think that men cheat. I am definitely not an expert on men, nor on the reasons why they cheat. Therefore, I have "borrowed" this explanation from Cosmo, and it seems to make sense to me.
The bottom line is that men rarely cheat simply because of their significant other. The line "it's not you, it's me" really does apply to this specific situation. That is, of course, unless you're not holding up your end of the bargain in the bedroom, but that's another issue entirely!
So ladies if this ever happens to you *fingers crossed that it doesn't* don't beat yourselves up about it. Drop him where you found him, dust yourself off and move on! He obviously just wasn't worth your fabulousness! ;)
When we heard the rumors that Tiger Woods had an affair, it was hard not to wonder if he'd lost his mind. What reason could there be for him to risk losing his wife, the smoking-hot former model Elin Nordegren? Although we don't know the behind-the-scenes details of their marriage, infidelity experts say it's not surprising that guys like Tiger indulge in sideline action. As it turns out, the reasons guys are unfaithful are rarely about the sex itself, but because cheating fuels a deep psychological need. "Several factors make some men more likely to stray, even if they are dating or married to a beautiful woman," says Don-David Lusterman, PhD, author of Infidelity: A Survival Guide.
The first factor at work is the man's level of success. Guys in high-profile, powerful positions — such as celebrities, athletes, business executives, and politicians — often have a sense of superiority and entitlement. "These guys have achieved a certain status, and bedding several attractive women further reinforces it in their mind," says Lusterman. Moreover, these men are constantly on the road, away from their girlfriends and wives. At the same time, their prominence attracts a slew of hot chicks who offer no-strings-attached sex. "They may have a wonderful partner waiting at home, but the situation they're in, coupled with their role of pursuer, makes it that much easier to cheat," adds Lusterman.
But celebs aren't the only snakes. Plenty of regular guys are unfaithful too, especially when their backgrounds condone it. Many two-timers come from chauvinistic cultures or families where their fathers cheated. “There are internal blueprints (created by watching our parents) that make cheating more of an option for some guys,” according to Dr. Debbie Magids, author of All the Good Ones Aren’t Taken. Also, men who were ignored as children often develop deep trust issues, which can make long-term relationships really difficult. “Chronic cheating is rooted in an emotional emptiness that can give people the need to feel constantly desired,” she says.
Then there are guys whose bad behavior is actually a mental disorder. Sex addicts, for example, are so enslaved to the rush of sexual activity that they have affairs, visit prostitutes, and consume porn. "Ironically, many of them have happy relationships and feel guilty for cheating, but they can't stop," says Lusterman. Someone with narcissistic personality disorder, on the other hand, can't resist the temptation because he is obsessed with being adored.
Guys who have such extreme compulsions need psychiatric help. But just because a guy fits some of the other categories doesn't mean he'll automatically cheat. "It's important to pay attention to the warning signs, but whether a man will stray or not boils down to his level of honesty within the relationship and his loyalty to you," says Lusterman.
Information taken from www.cosmopolitan.com
I hope this helps!!
The bottom line is that men rarely cheat simply because of their significant other. The line "it's not you, it's me" really does apply to this specific situation. That is, of course, unless you're not holding up your end of the bargain in the bedroom, but that's another issue entirely!
So ladies if this ever happens to you *fingers crossed that it doesn't* don't beat yourselves up about it. Drop him where you found him, dust yourself off and move on! He obviously just wasn't worth your fabulousness! ;)
When we heard the rumors that Tiger Woods had an affair, it was hard not to wonder if he'd lost his mind. What reason could there be for him to risk losing his wife, the smoking-hot former model Elin Nordegren? Although we don't know the behind-the-scenes details of their marriage, infidelity experts say it's not surprising that guys like Tiger indulge in sideline action. As it turns out, the reasons guys are unfaithful are rarely about the sex itself, but because cheating fuels a deep psychological need. "Several factors make some men more likely to stray, even if they are dating or married to a beautiful woman," says Don-David Lusterman, PhD, author of Infidelity: A Survival Guide.
The first factor at work is the man's level of success. Guys in high-profile, powerful positions — such as celebrities, athletes, business executives, and politicians — often have a sense of superiority and entitlement. "These guys have achieved a certain status, and bedding several attractive women further reinforces it in their mind," says Lusterman. Moreover, these men are constantly on the road, away from their girlfriends and wives. At the same time, their prominence attracts a slew of hot chicks who offer no-strings-attached sex. "They may have a wonderful partner waiting at home, but the situation they're in, coupled with their role of pursuer, makes it that much easier to cheat," adds Lusterman.
But celebs aren't the only snakes. Plenty of regular guys are unfaithful too, especially when their backgrounds condone it. Many two-timers come from chauvinistic cultures or families where their fathers cheated. “There are internal blueprints (created by watching our parents) that make cheating more of an option for some guys,” according to Dr. Debbie Magids, author of All the Good Ones Aren’t Taken. Also, men who were ignored as children often develop deep trust issues, which can make long-term relationships really difficult. “Chronic cheating is rooted in an emotional emptiness that can give people the need to feel constantly desired,” she says.
Then there are guys whose bad behavior is actually a mental disorder. Sex addicts, for example, are so enslaved to the rush of sexual activity that they have affairs, visit prostitutes, and consume porn. "Ironically, many of them have happy relationships and feel guilty for cheating, but they can't stop," says Lusterman. Someone with narcissistic personality disorder, on the other hand, can't resist the temptation because he is obsessed with being adored.
Guys who have such extreme compulsions need psychiatric help. But just because a guy fits some of the other categories doesn't mean he'll automatically cheat. "It's important to pay attention to the warning signs, but whether a man will stray or not boils down to his level of honesty within the relationship and his loyalty to you," says Lusterman.
Information taken from www.cosmopolitan.com
I hope this helps!!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
The Pink Palace
I have recently wrote a 2500 word short story for my Creative Writing class. I knew automatically what I wanted to write about, but was not too sure how to execute it. Over the summer of 2005 I was backpacking through Europe, I can honestly say that it was the most fun that I have ever had to date! There was one place in particular that I could never get out of my head.
This place is The Pink Palace. It is an enormous youth hostel located on the island of Corfu,Greece. We boarded a ferry in Bari, Italy and at 5am we docked at the port of Corfu. It is impossible to explain the scenery there, and how it makes you feel. The air is so fresh and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The people are what make this place, both the locals and the visitors. The locals are amazing, so friendly, happy and easy-going. The visitors (or working backpackers) are forever on an extended holiday. The island is a mixture of the old world (churches, monuments, etc), and the modern one (bars, restaurants, hotels).
The hostel itself is situated along a hillside. The view from our room in particular was spectacular; mountains, water, sky. If there is anywhere that you would want to go just to "get away from it all" this would be it. My travel partner and I often refered to it as "paradise". But this paradise is not for everyone. It is specially tailored to a certain kind of traveler. The traveler who enjoys a drink (or two, or three, or four), members of the opposite sex, loud music, sleeping in, and spending the entire day mulling around and sitting on the beach.
My friend and I spent an entire week doing just that. We also became friends with the "busboys" who were essentially just glorified eye candy. There main purpose, I believe, was to make sure the female travelers were having a good time. But besides that the bartenders loved us, the kitchen staff loved us and the DJ loved us, which worked out fabulously because we always got to hear our favourite music in the Palladium (on-site nightclub). I even met the owner and shook his hand while he gave me the "elevator glance".
Every summer I contemplate going back there. Maybe I would work there for a couple of months, maybe I would only stay for a week, but maybe I would stay there and never leave!
I am still deciding whether or not it would be a good idea. If I never go back than I have all these great memories of the place, and perfect vision in my head always. But if I do go back them maybe I will have an even more amazing time, but maybe I would hate it.
Either way, this was the most amazing place I have been in my life (and I've been to a lot of places) and I HIGHLY recommend you visit there before you die!
Go check out their website (it doesnt do the place justice though)
http://www.thepinkpalace.com/
This place is The Pink Palace. It is an enormous youth hostel located on the island of Corfu,Greece. We boarded a ferry in Bari, Italy and at 5am we docked at the port of Corfu. It is impossible to explain the scenery there, and how it makes you feel. The air is so fresh and the atmosphere is warm and inviting. The people are what make this place, both the locals and the visitors. The locals are amazing, so friendly, happy and easy-going. The visitors (or working backpackers) are forever on an extended holiday. The island is a mixture of the old world (churches, monuments, etc), and the modern one (bars, restaurants, hotels).
The hostel itself is situated along a hillside. The view from our room in particular was spectacular; mountains, water, sky. If there is anywhere that you would want to go just to "get away from it all" this would be it. My travel partner and I often refered to it as "paradise". But this paradise is not for everyone. It is specially tailored to a certain kind of traveler. The traveler who enjoys a drink (or two, or three, or four), members of the opposite sex, loud music, sleeping in, and spending the entire day mulling around and sitting on the beach.
My friend and I spent an entire week doing just that. We also became friends with the "busboys" who were essentially just glorified eye candy. There main purpose, I believe, was to make sure the female travelers were having a good time. But besides that the bartenders loved us, the kitchen staff loved us and the DJ loved us, which worked out fabulously because we always got to hear our favourite music in the Palladium (on-site nightclub). I even met the owner and shook his hand while he gave me the "elevator glance".
Every summer I contemplate going back there. Maybe I would work there for a couple of months, maybe I would only stay for a week, but maybe I would stay there and never leave!
I am still deciding whether or not it would be a good idea. If I never go back than I have all these great memories of the place, and perfect vision in my head always. But if I do go back them maybe I will have an even more amazing time, but maybe I would hate it.
Either way, this was the most amazing place I have been in my life (and I've been to a lot of places) and I HIGHLY recommend you visit there before you die!
Go check out their website (it doesnt do the place justice though)
http://www.thepinkpalace.com/
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
I sent my first "tweet" today!
I officially joined the world of Twitter today! Since I am interested in a career in Public Relations I feel that Twitter will be an essential tool for me. It will be a great networking device and keep me updated on the latest current events/news stories.
Just a head's up to those of you who have yet to join the Twitter world, it took me about a half an hour to set up my account. This was not because the application process was extensive, but because the system would not add me. I sat in front of my computer, and hit "retry" about 50 times before it actually logged me into the system. But do not be deterred, because behind that barrier lies a world with a wealth of knowledge. I (along with millions of others) found out that Heidi Montag is going shopping for Thanksgiving Day groceries to make her husband "the best Thanksgiving Day dinner, EVER!"
Had I not been on Twitter, I would never have known that.
I am also now best friends with Lady Gaga, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Jimmy Fallon and Jeremy Piven. I hope that they will be "following me" back...
I look forward to my venture into the world of Twitter, but fear that a strong addiction may develop, and people who love me and care about me may never see me again...unless they come visit me at home, where I will be tweeting from my laptop.
Just a head's up to those of you who have yet to join the Twitter world, it took me about a half an hour to set up my account. This was not because the application process was extensive, but because the system would not add me. I sat in front of my computer, and hit "retry" about 50 times before it actually logged me into the system. But do not be deterred, because behind that barrier lies a world with a wealth of knowledge. I (along with millions of others) found out that Heidi Montag is going shopping for Thanksgiving Day groceries to make her husband "the best Thanksgiving Day dinner, EVER!"
Had I not been on Twitter, I would never have known that.
I am also now best friends with Lady Gaga, Lauren Conrad, Whitney Port, Jimmy Fallon and Jeremy Piven. I hope that they will be "following me" back...
I look forward to my venture into the world of Twitter, but fear that a strong addiction may develop, and people who love me and care about me may never see me again...unless they come visit me at home, where I will be tweeting from my laptop.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Flirtoproson?
Last week I heard on the radio that there is a new drug called "Flirtoproson". This new drug is supposed to help people to learn how to flirt "better." It also aids in detecting genuine sexual interest over platonic interest.
I thought this was absolutely ridiculous, but super interesting. I googled like crazy, and all I can find is this video...
Now, obviously this is a spoof and all in good fun, but does Flirtoproson actually exist? When I listened to them discuss it on Curve 94.3 it sounded legit, and they were asking people if they would use it and so on and so forth..
I went onto the Curve 94.3 website and saw that there was a blogpost made about Flirtoproson. But the blogpost doesn't clarify anything, it's just shows the same video that I have posted here.
I need to know the truth! Does anyone know anything about this? Were there any actual medical statements made or anything?
And, if it does exist, do you think anyone will use it? Is it really that important to know how to flirt "better"? I don't feel like it would enrich my life to enhance my flirting skills, but some may feel otherwise.
Also, what constitutes good flirting anyway? Everyone has their own style, and some people don't even flirt at all and they seem to be getting by ok.
So basically this is half-ridiculous, half-fabulous, and fully weird.
-Christa "I ♥ Flirtoproson" Campbell
I thought this was absolutely ridiculous, but super interesting. I googled like crazy, and all I can find is this video...
Now, obviously this is a spoof and all in good fun, but does Flirtoproson actually exist? When I listened to them discuss it on Curve 94.3 it sounded legit, and they were asking people if they would use it and so on and so forth..
I went onto the Curve 94.3 website and saw that there was a blogpost made about Flirtoproson. But the blogpost doesn't clarify anything, it's just shows the same video that I have posted here.
I need to know the truth! Does anyone know anything about this? Were there any actual medical statements made or anything?
And, if it does exist, do you think anyone will use it? Is it really that important to know how to flirt "better"? I don't feel like it would enrich my life to enhance my flirting skills, but some may feel otherwise.
Also, what constitutes good flirting anyway? Everyone has their own style, and some people don't even flirt at all and they seem to be getting by ok.
So basically this is half-ridiculous, half-fabulous, and fully weird.
-Christa "I ♥ Flirtoproson" Campbell
Friday, November 13, 2009
To Section 1.. As we near the end.....
Friends....We are rapidly approaching the final weeks of our Section 1 time together. Pretty soon we will be shuffled around, and our worlds as we know them will be turned upside down. We will cry daily for one another's company and pass eachother in the halls with a knowing glance. That glance will say, "yes, I miss you, and I yearn for your embrace."
Ok, so maybe it won't be that terrible. I am sure we will make some awesome new friends, and life will go on.
But if we're all being honest here, it will be somewhat sad. We have all become close in the brief time we have spent together, laughing (always laughing), almost crying from a failing grade in ANYTHING, talking at lunch (I especially enjoy when someone "goes there" and pushes the comfort boundaries of the conversation), working together to accomplish what seem like impossible group projects, and just generally being awesome together!
So....I am using this post as a tribute to all you fabulous folk. I appreciate you all very much, and have thoroughly enjoyed our times together these past couple of months :)
Scroll down and find your name, I have written something heartwarming about all of you. I tried to do it alphabetically...
Christa- You are the best. I really enjoy your humour, and you brighten my day...LOL.
Eman- You have a heart of gold. Keep Smiling.
Neil- You're too damn smart for your own good. You'll be a great journalist someday.
JB- You infamous fellow. I love your mysterious ways, and you're fun.
Mike Choi- You are a hilarious character. I enjoy the french braid.
Karleigh- From high school to here, you know I love you. Were gonna kill it in PR next year, I cant wait!
Chris- You have the wisdom of the ages..haha j/k..kind of...Super nice guy, always smiling, treats everyone like gold. Radio tech genius.
Steve- What a gentleman, and you don't look half bad either! haha.
Lennie- Oh girl, you're too stylish for your own good, and pretty, and smart, and the list could go on and on. Love you lots!
Michael- Always happy, don't you ever get in a bad mood?!
Jen H.- You always have intelligent feedback in class. I also appreciate your honesty during lunchtime chats.
Amanda- Such a smarty pants. You have a great personality and sunny disposition!
Berea- Beyonce! Bootay! You got the cutest little dimples! Master at Ad/Graphic Design. I appreciate all that you do! Love you lots hun :)
Tiffany- I've liked you since we had chilled at the Kings Head on Orientation. You have a radio voice!
Tammy- Obviously she's gonna be on like CNN or something!
Melissa- You are so cute and small, and such a sweetheart. I love our boy talks!
Lisa- (not alphabetical but you belong beside Melissa!)- I also love our boy talks, but girl you don't listen to me! I love that you're always laughing!
Keith- Guy who can kick it with the girls. You're awesome, for real. Good times always had, I cant stop laughing!!
Brietta- Very outspoken and articulate. Leads 8am classroom discussions when were all half asleep! Thanks for taking one for the team, every monday and friday!
Sam- Friendly and inviting. I don't think I've ever heard a mean word come out of your mouth!
Jen. T.- Quiet and reserved. But claims to be super weird once you get to know her...I cant wait to see just how weird you can be...!
Tom- I dont know where you are half the time, and you have to start coming out with us! Its making me sad!
John- Oh props to you for putting up with all of us kids. I know it must be tough sometimes, but you never let it show....!
J. Wlliamez- Are there any words?! Everyone loves you. For too many reasons to fit in this one post. Stay awesome.
K, if I missed anyone, I suck. But I don't think I did.
You guys are all the s**t....MUCH LOVE, CHRISTA
Ok, so maybe it won't be that terrible. I am sure we will make some awesome new friends, and life will go on.
But if we're all being honest here, it will be somewhat sad. We have all become close in the brief time we have spent together, laughing (always laughing), almost crying from a failing grade in ANYTHING, talking at lunch (I especially enjoy when someone "goes there" and pushes the comfort boundaries of the conversation), working together to accomplish what seem like impossible group projects, and just generally being awesome together!
So....I am using this post as a tribute to all you fabulous folk. I appreciate you all very much, and have thoroughly enjoyed our times together these past couple of months :)
Scroll down and find your name, I have written something heartwarming about all of you. I tried to do it alphabetically...
Christa- You are the best. I really enjoy your humour, and you brighten my day...LOL.
Eman- You have a heart of gold. Keep Smiling.
Neil- You're too damn smart for your own good. You'll be a great journalist someday.
JB- You infamous fellow. I love your mysterious ways, and you're fun.
Mike Choi- You are a hilarious character. I enjoy the french braid.
Karleigh- From high school to here, you know I love you. Were gonna kill it in PR next year, I cant wait!
Chris- You have the wisdom of the ages..haha j/k..kind of...Super nice guy, always smiling, treats everyone like gold. Radio tech genius.
Steve- What a gentleman, and you don't look half bad either! haha.
Lennie- Oh girl, you're too stylish for your own good, and pretty, and smart, and the list could go on and on. Love you lots!
Michael- Always happy, don't you ever get in a bad mood?!
Jen H.- You always have intelligent feedback in class. I also appreciate your honesty during lunchtime chats.
Amanda- Such a smarty pants. You have a great personality and sunny disposition!
Berea- Beyonce! Bootay! You got the cutest little dimples! Master at Ad/Graphic Design. I appreciate all that you do! Love you lots hun :)
Tiffany- I've liked you since we had chilled at the Kings Head on Orientation. You have a radio voice!
Tammy- Obviously she's gonna be on like CNN or something!
Melissa- You are so cute and small, and such a sweetheart. I love our boy talks!
Lisa- (not alphabetical but you belong beside Melissa!)- I also love our boy talks, but girl you don't listen to me! I love that you're always laughing!
Keith- Guy who can kick it with the girls. You're awesome, for real. Good times always had, I cant stop laughing!!
Brietta- Very outspoken and articulate. Leads 8am classroom discussions when were all half asleep! Thanks for taking one for the team, every monday and friday!
Sam- Friendly and inviting. I don't think I've ever heard a mean word come out of your mouth!
Jen. T.- Quiet and reserved. But claims to be super weird once you get to know her...I cant wait to see just how weird you can be...!
Tom- I dont know where you are half the time, and you have to start coming out with us! Its making me sad!
John- Oh props to you for putting up with all of us kids. I know it must be tough sometimes, but you never let it show....!
J. Wlliamez- Are there any words?! Everyone loves you. For too many reasons to fit in this one post. Stay awesome.
K, if I missed anyone, I suck. But I don't think I did.
You guys are all the s**t....MUCH LOVE, CHRISTA
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Places to find love
I was watching Sex and the City the other night. But this is pretty typical cause I'll watch it anytime that it's on. Actually the inspiration behind this blog is from Carrie Bradshaw, if that wasn't already very obvious. So back to the issue at hand....the episode where Carrie coaches women on where to find mates was on, and I started thinking about where to find mates in Winnipeg. Now I'm talking about real mates here, not those disposable ones! So where do women in Winnipeg go to meet men? Is it at bars? I hope not cause those guys are skeazy. Is it pubs/lounges? And if so, how do they come about it? Do you just slyly approach a full table of dudes and take your pick? And how awkward is that?! But besides the obvious bars/pubs lounges I brainstormed on some other places to meet a potential mate:
-Work (can at times be quite the scandal)
-School (also quite the scandal)
-The gym (endorphins make you feel sexy)
-The grocery store (good if you're over 30)
-Getting gas ("Oh can you help me with the pump, it's not working for me!)
-Some sort of class (pottery, cooking, sewing, etc.)
-At a concert (one of my personal favourites)
-At swimming lessons (I saw this one on Cosmo TV)
-At a cafe (only for the brave)
-At a sporting event (sister/brothers soccer,baseball,hockey game)
-Bowling! (way easier when it's glow bowling, dim lights work wonders)
-At a shopping mall
-At a restaurant
etc, etc, etc...this could go on for awhile, I think you see where I'm going with this.
Since there are obviously tons of places to meet a potential mate why are there still people finding love online? Now you see where I'm going...I finally got there! I don't comprehend online dating sites/chat forums such as P.O.F. (Plenty of Fish), E-Harmony, and whatever else is out there! And why all the complaints and rationalizations that these are being used cause its "hard to meet someone". I meet "someones" everyday of my life, and sure, I am single, but I bet if I actually wanted a mate I could find one, and without the help of the internet. Also, I'm not just ragging on these dating sites because I think people should go out and meet people in person (ok thats half why) but because these sites are a farce! Thats right, a farce! I have several girlfriends who have been lured into the trap of these sites searching for love and companionship only to find that it does not exist here. These men are not on these sites to find true love, they're just looking for a good time. Thats the truth! They are looking to prey on desperate females, and catch them in their most vulnerable states. When women decide to dive headfirst into these dating sites, it is because they have exhausted all other avenues. These men know that, and they come onto these sites with evil and deceit on the menu.
Anytime a friend has met up with one of these P.O.F. Pervs they suggest "going back to his place", or ask personal questions regarding their current/past sexual experiences. My friends are then sad and disappointed that this one wasn't "Mr. Right". I always tell them, "You can't find Mr. Right when you're all wrong." If you are putting out the message that you're desperate and dying to find love, then Mr. Right will be hella turned off! Would you want to be with someone that is giving off the impression that no one wants to be with them? I sure wouldn't.
So basically I have a couple pointers to take away from today's rant
-There are plenty of places to meet potential mates
-You don't need the internet
-The majority of males on dating sites are perv's
-"Mr. Right won't want you if you're all wrong"
As always I invite criticism and/or agreement/praise. But I'm pretty sure that I'm right and you all know it!
-Christa ;)
-Work (can at times be quite the scandal)
-School (also quite the scandal)
-The gym (endorphins make you feel sexy)
-The grocery store (good if you're over 30)
-Getting gas ("Oh can you help me with the pump, it's not working for me!)
-Some sort of class (pottery, cooking, sewing, etc.)
-At a concert (one of my personal favourites)
-At swimming lessons (I saw this one on Cosmo TV)
-At a cafe (only for the brave)
-At a sporting event (sister/brothers soccer,baseball,hockey game)
-Bowling! (way easier when it's glow bowling, dim lights work wonders)
-At a shopping mall
-At a restaurant
etc, etc, etc...this could go on for awhile, I think you see where I'm going with this.
Since there are obviously tons of places to meet a potential mate why are there still people finding love online? Now you see where I'm going...I finally got there! I don't comprehend online dating sites/chat forums such as P.O.F. (Plenty of Fish), E-Harmony, and whatever else is out there! And why all the complaints and rationalizations that these are being used cause its "hard to meet someone". I meet "someones" everyday of my life, and sure, I am single, but I bet if I actually wanted a mate I could find one, and without the help of the internet. Also, I'm not just ragging on these dating sites because I think people should go out and meet people in person (ok thats half why) but because these sites are a farce! Thats right, a farce! I have several girlfriends who have been lured into the trap of these sites searching for love and companionship only to find that it does not exist here. These men are not on these sites to find true love, they're just looking for a good time. Thats the truth! They are looking to prey on desperate females, and catch them in their most vulnerable states. When women decide to dive headfirst into these dating sites, it is because they have exhausted all other avenues. These men know that, and they come onto these sites with evil and deceit on the menu.
Anytime a friend has met up with one of these P.O.F. Pervs they suggest "going back to his place", or ask personal questions regarding their current/past sexual experiences. My friends are then sad and disappointed that this one wasn't "Mr. Right". I always tell them, "You can't find Mr. Right when you're all wrong." If you are putting out the message that you're desperate and dying to find love, then Mr. Right will be hella turned off! Would you want to be with someone that is giving off the impression that no one wants to be with them? I sure wouldn't.
So basically I have a couple pointers to take away from today's rant
-There are plenty of places to meet potential mates
-You don't need the internet
-The majority of males on dating sites are perv's
-"Mr. Right won't want you if you're all wrong"
As always I invite criticism and/or agreement/praise. But I'm pretty sure that I'm right and you all know it!
-Christa ;)
Friday, October 23, 2009
My masseuse/My bestfriend?
So.....for those of you who don't know...I am big on massages. They relieve stress and tension, and are very relaxing. I like to switch up my masseuse often. Each one is different, and I like to experience their different techniques. Now, ok....here is my question..I have been wondering what the answer is for awhile now. Why do I always become "besties" with my masseuse?!
This is my scenario....I walk into the room and think to myself, "I am not going to talk to my masseuse, I will lie there and enjoy the peace and quiet." But it never ends up that way.....My masseuse and I always turn into chatty kathy's.....then everytime we are silent it gets awkward and one of us starts up the convo again. I don't know why I can't just lie there and shut up?!
But at the same time, I love making new friends, and for some reason people just feel comfortable telling me their life story. For example, last night, I went for an awesome massage. The girl/woman who massaged me talked the entire time, and not just about anything, but about really personal stuff. But I liked it, it was interesting! So she's telling me about her mother in law...who is evil and hates her. But she pretends to like her. This little old lady is out to get her because she gets her and her husband to go to her house and do chores when she knows their busy. Then she tells me about how her own grandma is evil, and she has a theory that little old ladies from the "old country" (Europe) etc...are all evil because they don't understand the modern day woman. Then we talk about her son, and I guess I must have rudely cut her off or something because she says to me, "oh so you must not want kids hey?". I just laughed.....she was half-right.
Then the conversation turns to her husband, how they met, how old they were,15 (her mother in law hated her then too), how and where they got engaged, their wedding (ceremony and reception, King's Head, super cool), and her other married friends. She tells me about how her friends husband "sucks" and he never does stuff with his kids. Then we "went there" and started talking about how her husband is the only man she's dated/been intimate with, and I told her that I thought that was cute/weird/rare.
So needless to say, we were basically bestfriends by the end of my massage. Now this is only ONE example....but I swear it happens every single time, with different women who massage me.
Cool? Not Cool? I don't know.... I haven't decided yet.........Can anyone tell me if this is normal? If not....then why does it always happen to me?
I must also say that I was a little bit insulted when she didnt ask for my number to hang out sometime......I already knew her life story, and she already saw me half-clothed. It was a bestfriend match made in heaven......Oh well I guess I'll just wait until my next encounter with my "bestie"/masseuse.
This is my scenario....I walk into the room and think to myself, "I am not going to talk to my masseuse, I will lie there and enjoy the peace and quiet." But it never ends up that way.....My masseuse and I always turn into chatty kathy's.....then everytime we are silent it gets awkward and one of us starts up the convo again. I don't know why I can't just lie there and shut up?!
But at the same time, I love making new friends, and for some reason people just feel comfortable telling me their life story. For example, last night, I went for an awesome massage. The girl/woman who massaged me talked the entire time, and not just about anything, but about really personal stuff. But I liked it, it was interesting! So she's telling me about her mother in law...who is evil and hates her. But she pretends to like her. This little old lady is out to get her because she gets her and her husband to go to her house and do chores when she knows their busy. Then she tells me about how her own grandma is evil, and she has a theory that little old ladies from the "old country" (Europe) etc...are all evil because they don't understand the modern day woman. Then we talk about her son, and I guess I must have rudely cut her off or something because she says to me, "oh so you must not want kids hey?". I just laughed.....she was half-right.
Then the conversation turns to her husband, how they met, how old they were,15 (her mother in law hated her then too), how and where they got engaged, their wedding (ceremony and reception, King's Head, super cool), and her other married friends. She tells me about how her friends husband "sucks" and he never does stuff with his kids. Then we "went there" and started talking about how her husband is the only man she's dated/been intimate with, and I told her that I thought that was cute/weird/rare.
So needless to say, we were basically bestfriends by the end of my massage. Now this is only ONE example....but I swear it happens every single time, with different women who massage me.
Cool? Not Cool? I don't know.... I haven't decided yet.........Can anyone tell me if this is normal? If not....then why does it always happen to me?
I must also say that I was a little bit insulted when she didnt ask for my number to hang out sometime......I already knew her life story, and she already saw me half-clothed. It was a bestfriend match made in heaven......Oh well I guess I'll just wait until my next encounter with my "bestie"/masseuse.
Friday, October 16, 2009
Buyer Beware!!
I just finished my first BIG group project! It was for my Advertising class, and it was called Buyer Beware. Essentially the idea behind the project was to find something (a product, service, etc) that could be potentially risky or misleading for consumers, and research it. I ended up being the only female in my group, and worked with three other boys. Oh sorry, MEN! The project ended up being a success. From the moment we chose our topic, I think we all knew it was a good one.
My group chose to investigate "text short codes". Now for those of you who don't know what those are....than too bad. No, no I'm just kidding...they are hard to explain though. Just take a quick look at the short clip below, and you might recognize it as a tv commercial that plays over, and over, and over again while you're trying to watch your favourite show-
So basically a text short code is used when you are purchasing services directly from your cellphone. Typically the ones that are offered are ringtones, wallpapers (dancing bunnies, teddybears, etc), contests, voting options (American idol, DWTS), and some really pointless stuff like horoscopes and "joke of the day."
First we began by deciding who actually uses these services. We unanimously decided that we were all way too smart, and that they must be targeted at younger users. Since the ads are flashy and fun we decided that their target demographic was teenagers, aged 13-17. Technically, these age groups are not supposed to subscribe to these services, but most of them don't know that. The fine print on most of these ads is so small and blurry that it is hard to see if there is even a charge for the services. But a more savvy consumer (us, adults) would know that nothing is free, and we would be wary of texting in for these services.
From there it was decided that we would examine these "text short codes" from several different angles. In order to confirm that this service was legal, Neil contacted the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (they regulate text messaging in the country.) He managed to speak with Marc Choma, the Director of Communications for the CWTA, and was told the following, "There are no unsolicited short code messages. Protection of privacy is mandatory as part of the terms and conditions of leasing a short code." Sure, it sounds like a lot of corporate jargin, but what it basically means is that these services are legal. If the print ad, commercial or online ad has a terms and conditions listed somewhere in the body of the advertisement, than it is good to go. But since these advertisements are so distracting in other areas, the fine print can go unnoticed.
Despite being assured that these services were legal we still wanted to investigate further to see if anyone had experienced any "scam" scenarios with the product. Teammate John looked into some questionable scenarios and found that these "text short codes" can be deceiving. One woman from the UK had a text message sent to her cell phone which read, "I fancy you." Wanting to find out who her mystery man was, she texted back. Little did she know she was subscribing to a text code scam. Her cell phone bill reflected numerous charges from an unknown source, and she ran into some billing issues. When searching through internet references it is evident that this is not an isolated incident.
Group member Emannuel was brave enough to try a couple of these short codes from his own personal cell phone. We needed to try these out first hand to fully understand how they worked. He subscribed to an online quiz to find out who his celebrity love match was, and it turned out be Natalie Portman! The initial cost for the service was a miniscule charge of $1.25. But the next day he got another message from the same service, but this time it was a daily horoscope. The charges would continue at $1.25/day until he texted a number back to opt out of the service. He also subscribed to a billboard advertisement for Curve 94.3 where he could put his vote in for whether he thought that the band Pearl Jam was good or bad. Driving by the billboard the fine print is easily missed, but it does say that each time you vote you will be charged 50 cents. The fine print is located at the very bottom of the billboard in small text. The constant here is that the charges and/or fine prints are misleading.
My job was to get our target demographic to fill out surveys with the following questions:
Have you ever used these services?
Is there a charge for these services?
How old must you be to use the services?
Do you read the fine print of the ad? What does it say?
Any experiences, good or bad, with the service?
As you can see these are pretty standard questions, and having the target demographic fill out the surveys would give us a good grasp of their knowledge of the service, and if they are using it.
But since we don't have any teenage friends, I was went about trying to get clearance into high schools. I thought it would be easy, I would walk in there with my surveys, speak with the principal and get into a class, hand them out, and leave. Apparently I was wrong. These teenagers were nearly impossible to reach. Every school I contacted (there were about 15-20) told me I needed to get in contact with the school Superintendent. Now these guys are also impossible to reach, as they were either, "out of town", "out of the office," or "in a meeting." I guess they have no knowledge of customer service, or don't have to practice it cause they work for a school division and not a McDonalds (not saying you get good service at McDonalds, but I needed a comparable!).
I had to scrap that idea, and instead decided to use a more underhanded approach to the whole thing. From what I've seen with my fellow classmates projects, this was pretty standard. I gave the survey to my sister, her boyfriend and my cousin. Their ages are 13, 14 and 16. They got 50 surveys filled out and some interesting statistics were generated from their findings:
As you can plainly see, the target demographic does use the service. On top of that, they have minimal knowledge of it's monetary implications.
!!! WARNING!!!
As a final disclaimer, and as you can probably already see for yourselves, text short codes are misleading. Not always, but most of the time. If you are ever unsure of what you are subscribing to, just don't press the numbers on that cell phone! For you teenagers, you don't want to get in trouble from your parents so if your name isnt the one on your phone contract, do not subscribe. Your parents could end up forking out A LOT of money if text short code services are improperly used, and you will be grounded! Right Mom, and Dad?
In all seriousness, feel free to use the service, we can't stop you, but consider yourselves warned.....
My group chose to investigate "text short codes". Now for those of you who don't know what those are....than too bad. No, no I'm just kidding...they are hard to explain though. Just take a quick look at the short clip below, and you might recognize it as a tv commercial that plays over, and over, and over again while you're trying to watch your favourite show-
So basically a text short code is used when you are purchasing services directly from your cellphone. Typically the ones that are offered are ringtones, wallpapers (dancing bunnies, teddybears, etc), contests, voting options (American idol, DWTS), and some really pointless stuff like horoscopes and "joke of the day."
First we began by deciding who actually uses these services. We unanimously decided that we were all way too smart, and that they must be targeted at younger users. Since the ads are flashy and fun we decided that their target demographic was teenagers, aged 13-17. Technically, these age groups are not supposed to subscribe to these services, but most of them don't know that. The fine print on most of these ads is so small and blurry that it is hard to see if there is even a charge for the services. But a more savvy consumer (us, adults) would know that nothing is free, and we would be wary of texting in for these services.
From there it was decided that we would examine these "text short codes" from several different angles. In order to confirm that this service was legal, Neil contacted the Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association (they regulate text messaging in the country.) He managed to speak with Marc Choma, the Director of Communications for the CWTA, and was told the following, "There are no unsolicited short code messages. Protection of privacy is mandatory as part of the terms and conditions of leasing a short code." Sure, it sounds like a lot of corporate jargin, but what it basically means is that these services are legal. If the print ad, commercial or online ad has a terms and conditions listed somewhere in the body of the advertisement, than it is good to go. But since these advertisements are so distracting in other areas, the fine print can go unnoticed.
Despite being assured that these services were legal we still wanted to investigate further to see if anyone had experienced any "scam" scenarios with the product. Teammate John looked into some questionable scenarios and found that these "text short codes" can be deceiving. One woman from the UK had a text message sent to her cell phone which read, "I fancy you." Wanting to find out who her mystery man was, she texted back. Little did she know she was subscribing to a text code scam. Her cell phone bill reflected numerous charges from an unknown source, and she ran into some billing issues. When searching through internet references it is evident that this is not an isolated incident.
Group member Emannuel was brave enough to try a couple of these short codes from his own personal cell phone. We needed to try these out first hand to fully understand how they worked. He subscribed to an online quiz to find out who his celebrity love match was, and it turned out be Natalie Portman! The initial cost for the service was a miniscule charge of $1.25. But the next day he got another message from the same service, but this time it was a daily horoscope. The charges would continue at $1.25/day until he texted a number back to opt out of the service. He also subscribed to a billboard advertisement for Curve 94.3 where he could put his vote in for whether he thought that the band Pearl Jam was good or bad. Driving by the billboard the fine print is easily missed, but it does say that each time you vote you will be charged 50 cents. The fine print is located at the very bottom of the billboard in small text. The constant here is that the charges and/or fine prints are misleading.
My job was to get our target demographic to fill out surveys with the following questions:
Have you ever used these services?
Is there a charge for these services?
How old must you be to use the services?
Do you read the fine print of the ad? What does it say?
Any experiences, good or bad, with the service?
As you can see these are pretty standard questions, and having the target demographic fill out the surveys would give us a good grasp of their knowledge of the service, and if they are using it.
But since we don't have any teenage friends, I was went about trying to get clearance into high schools. I thought it would be easy, I would walk in there with my surveys, speak with the principal and get into a class, hand them out, and leave. Apparently I was wrong. These teenagers were nearly impossible to reach. Every school I contacted (there were about 15-20) told me I needed to get in contact with the school Superintendent. Now these guys are also impossible to reach, as they were either, "out of town", "out of the office," or "in a meeting." I guess they have no knowledge of customer service, or don't have to practice it cause they work for a school division and not a McDonalds (not saying you get good service at McDonalds, but I needed a comparable!).
I had to scrap that idea, and instead decided to use a more underhanded approach to the whole thing. From what I've seen with my fellow classmates projects, this was pretty standard. I gave the survey to my sister, her boyfriend and my cousin. Their ages are 13, 14 and 16. They got 50 surveys filled out and some interesting statistics were generated from their findings:
- 35 out of 50 do not read fine print
- 17 out of 50 said you had to be 18 or older to use the service. From those 17, 10 of them had used it anyway.
- 20 out of 50 answered "no" when asked if there is a charge for the service.
- 21 out of 50 have subscribed to the service. (some of them had several times)
As you can plainly see, the target demographic does use the service. On top of that, they have minimal knowledge of it's monetary implications.
!!! WARNING!!!
As a final disclaimer, and as you can probably already see for yourselves, text short codes are misleading. Not always, but most of the time. If you are ever unsure of what you are subscribing to, just don't press the numbers on that cell phone! For you teenagers, you don't want to get in trouble from your parents so if your name isnt the one on your phone contract, do not subscribe. Your parents could end up forking out A LOT of money if text short code services are improperly used, and you will be grounded! Right Mom, and Dad?
In all seriousness, feel free to use the service, we can't stop you, but consider yourselves warned.....
Monday, October 12, 2009
What an Inspiration!
I am always inspired (and hopeful for my future) when I get the opportunity to meet successful, independent and intelligent women. I am impressed when a woman can be successful professionally, and have a career that she is proud of. After all, we are not only here to make babies and get married.
I am grateful to have been in the presence of one such woman at a Red River College presentation on October 8th. There are seminars held for our CreComm program every Thursday, but this particular presentation was especially memorable. Our guest speakers' name was Jackie Shymanski, and she spoke of a career which many of us only dream of. She got her start in TV and Radio, and landed her "dream job" at CKY several years later. A woman of many aspirations, she moved on to a career as a "fireman" for CNN. She was stationed as a Journalist to cover news in war-torn countries, and as a result her life was in danger more than once.
She has since returned to her hometown of Winnipeg. She is working on a book on the Middle East, and a documentary on the psychology of aging. While my classmates and I sat in awe of her accomplishments, she plainly stated that she "just never gave up". When she had a goal she went for it. She also said to work in this profession you "have to have balls", and "not be afraid of change." It was so inspiring to see someone who has done all the things that she has, and it gave me a lot of hope for my future as a professional. She concluded her speech with a quote that I won't soon forget, "Try different things, figure out what it is you really want to do and pursue it, PURSUE, PURSUE, PURSUE!".
It was an honor to hear your story, and I'm sure I speak for everyone in that room when I say you are a true inspiration!
Thankyou Jackie
(I also appreciate your honest response at the end of the presentation to my very blunt question. I will always keep that advice in the back of my mind!)
I am grateful to have been in the presence of one such woman at a Red River College presentation on October 8th. There are seminars held for our CreComm program every Thursday, but this particular presentation was especially memorable. Our guest speakers' name was Jackie Shymanski, and she spoke of a career which many of us only dream of. She got her start in TV and Radio, and landed her "dream job" at CKY several years later. A woman of many aspirations, she moved on to a career as a "fireman" for CNN. She was stationed as a Journalist to cover news in war-torn countries, and as a result her life was in danger more than once.
She has since returned to her hometown of Winnipeg. She is working on a book on the Middle East, and a documentary on the psychology of aging. While my classmates and I sat in awe of her accomplishments, she plainly stated that she "just never gave up". When she had a goal she went for it. She also said to work in this profession you "have to have balls", and "not be afraid of change." It was so inspiring to see someone who has done all the things that she has, and it gave me a lot of hope for my future as a professional. She concluded her speech with a quote that I won't soon forget, "Try different things, figure out what it is you really want to do and pursue it, PURSUE, PURSUE, PURSUE!".
It was an honor to hear your story, and I'm sure I speak for everyone in that room when I say you are a true inspiration!
Thankyou Jackie
(I also appreciate your honest response at the end of the presentation to my very blunt question. I will always keep that advice in the back of my mind!)
Thursday, October 1, 2009
Matchmaker Extraordinaire?
Sooo....I have heard about this upcoming IPP thing.....don't really understand what it is, but that hasn't stopped me from preparing for it! I have decided that I will start a matchmaking service for my fellow schoolmates! Lonely twenty somethings will come running to me, begging me to find them a soulmate. Well, thats how I am seeing it in my head anyways! I figure my honest and brutal approach to love and romance might actually work in "setting people up". I am a great judge of character, and I have single friends, both male and female. I would also feel very accomplished if one of the couples actually got married or something....? Cool right?! The reason I am posting this is because I really really really need to know if anyone else (besides myself) thinks that this could work, and if there is even a market for it. Picture "E-Harmony" without the cheese, and with the ability to meet in person prior to being set up....hhhhmmm sounds pretty harmless right?
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Megan Fox has the best quotes ever!
Quote of the week goes to my favourite, Megan Fox. She is sexy and funny! I love her, platonically!
"Women hold the power because we have the vaginas. If you're in a heterosexual relationship and you're a female, you win."
Oh how right you are Megan!
-Quote from interview with Cosmopolitan.
Just Friends?
Can guys and girls ever "just be friends"? Since I was around 10 I have always had really close guy friends. There have been one or two instances where it has gotten a little bit "messy", but for the most part I love having guy friends. They are fun, spontaneous and avoid drama (most of the time). They are also able to give me good insight into the male pschye (is that something I really want to know about...?? sometimes not...) I can go to them for advice, a sort of "he's just not that into you"-thing, and they always tell me the truth because they don't care if they're hurting my feelings. Lately though I have been hearing about these "just friends posers".....and let me tell you, they're very sneaky and they give a bad name to true platonic boy/girl relationships. These jfp's, as I call them, disguise themselves as a platonic friend, but then every once in awhile they pounce on their prey (the friend). The friend is then confronted with proclaimations of love and/or infatuation, and must then have the dreaded "but I just like you as a friend" talk.
Now me and my best guy friend both agree that yes, in the beginning there is some sort of attraction (whether you act on it or not totally sets the stage for the rest of your platonic relationship). But this attraction is based on mutual respect for a fellow "good looking", and does not need to blow up into a full-on lovefest. Furthermore, if it ever does then the enamoured party should not keep it a secret, that is wrong. But these jfp's go around pretending that they're all la-tee-dah happy about being friends, when secretly they're dying inside.
All I have to say is that if he/she didn't like you at first glance, didn't like you after a month or year, and you've never slept with that person chances are that they don't like you like that. Professing your undying love and devotion won't change that, and your friendship will be ruined. Now for jfp victims, stop being selfish and tell that person it will never happen, and if you lose a friend because of it then better luck next time. Stringing someone along and toying with their emotions is wrong no matter how "good looking" he or she may be.
......And could someone please tell me where I am getting that "good looking" thing from? I keep saying it in my head in a low man's voice....I know it must be a movie, but I can't figure out which one? Is it a popular Will Ferrell line maybe? Whoever can tell me where I got it from will win a prize!
Now me and my best guy friend both agree that yes, in the beginning there is some sort of attraction (whether you act on it or not totally sets the stage for the rest of your platonic relationship). But this attraction is based on mutual respect for a fellow "good looking", and does not need to blow up into a full-on lovefest. Furthermore, if it ever does then the enamoured party should not keep it a secret, that is wrong. But these jfp's go around pretending that they're all la-tee-dah happy about being friends, when secretly they're dying inside.
All I have to say is that if he/she didn't like you at first glance, didn't like you after a month or year, and you've never slept with that person chances are that they don't like you like that. Professing your undying love and devotion won't change that, and your friendship will be ruined. Now for jfp victims, stop being selfish and tell that person it will never happen, and if you lose a friend because of it then better luck next time. Stringing someone along and toying with their emotions is wrong no matter how "good looking" he or she may be.
......And could someone please tell me where I am getting that "good looking" thing from? I keep saying it in my head in a low man's voice....I know it must be a movie, but I can't figure out which one? Is it a popular Will Ferrell line maybe? Whoever can tell me where I got it from will win a prize!
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"The Creation of Woman"
I read this the other day and thought it was fabulous, and just made way too much sense. So I must share it with all of you. I will warn you it's kinda dry until the end.....when it all starts to make sense.....
Taken from a Sanskrit fable called "The Creation of Woman":
In the beginning when Twashtri came to the creation of woman, he found that he had exhausted his materials in the making of man and that no solid elements were left. In this dilemma, after profound meditations, he did as follows: He took the rotundity of the moon and the curves of the creepers, and the clinging of the tendrils and the trembling of the grass, and the slenderness of the reed and the bloom of flowers, and the lightness of leaves and the tapering of the elephant's trunk, and the glances of deer and the blustering of rows of bees, and the joyous gayety of sunbeams and the weeping of clouds, and the fickleness of the winds and the timidity of the hare, and the vanity of the peacock and the softness of the parrot's bosom and the hardness of adamant and the sweetness of honey, and the cruelty of the tiger and the warm glow of the fire, and the coldness of snow and the chattering of jays, and the cooing of the kokila, and the hypocrisy of the crane, and the fidelity of shakrawska, and compounding all these together he made a woman and gave her to man.
But after one week, man came to him and said: "Lord, this creature that You have given me makes my life miserable. She chatters incessantly and teases me beyond endurance, never leaving me alone; and she requires incessant attention, and takes all my time up, cries about nothing and is always idle, and so I have come to give her back as I cannot live with her." So Twashtri said: "Very well," and He took her back. Then after another week an came to Him and said: "Lord, I find that my life is very lonely since I gave You back that creature. I remember how she used to dance and sing to me and look at me out of the corner of her eye, and play with me and cling to me, and her laughter was music and she was beautiful to look at and soft to touch, so give her back to me."
So Twashtri said, "Very well," and gave her back. Then after only three days man came back to Him again and said: "Lord, I know not how it is, but after all I have come to the conclusion that she is more of a trouble than a pleasure to me so please take her back again." But Twashtri said: "Out on you! Be off! I will have no more of this; you must manage how you can." The man said: "I cannot live with her." And Twashtri said: "Neither can you live without her." And He turned His back on man and went on with His work. Then man said: "What is to be done? For I cannot live either with her or without her."
Taken from a Sanskrit fable called "The Creation of Woman":
In the beginning when Twashtri came to the creation of woman, he found that he had exhausted his materials in the making of man and that no solid elements were left. In this dilemma, after profound meditations, he did as follows: He took the rotundity of the moon and the curves of the creepers, and the clinging of the tendrils and the trembling of the grass, and the slenderness of the reed and the bloom of flowers, and the lightness of leaves and the tapering of the elephant's trunk, and the glances of deer and the blustering of rows of bees, and the joyous gayety of sunbeams and the weeping of clouds, and the fickleness of the winds and the timidity of the hare, and the vanity of the peacock and the softness of the parrot's bosom and the hardness of adamant and the sweetness of honey, and the cruelty of the tiger and the warm glow of the fire, and the coldness of snow and the chattering of jays, and the cooing of the kokila, and the hypocrisy of the crane, and the fidelity of shakrawska, and compounding all these together he made a woman and gave her to man.
But after one week, man came to him and said: "Lord, this creature that You have given me makes my life miserable. She chatters incessantly and teases me beyond endurance, never leaving me alone; and she requires incessant attention, and takes all my time up, cries about nothing and is always idle, and so I have come to give her back as I cannot live with her." So Twashtri said: "Very well," and He took her back. Then after another week an came to Him and said: "Lord, I find that my life is very lonely since I gave You back that creature. I remember how she used to dance and sing to me and look at me out of the corner of her eye, and play with me and cling to me, and her laughter was music and she was beautiful to look at and soft to touch, so give her back to me."
So Twashtri said, "Very well," and gave her back. Then after only three days man came back to Him again and said: "Lord, I know not how it is, but after all I have come to the conclusion that she is more of a trouble than a pleasure to me so please take her back again." But Twashtri said: "Out on you! Be off! I will have no more of this; you must manage how you can." The man said: "I cannot live with her." And Twashtri said: "Neither can you live without her." And He turned His back on man and went on with His work. Then man said: "What is to be done? For I cannot live either with her or without her."
Good, right?!
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Babies-The Perfect Accessory?
My favourite show just ended. Since June 11th I have been religiously watching the reality tv series, 16 and Pregnant.
I have very firm beliefs that if a couple is "not ready" for a baby than they shouldn't have one. But, having never been in the position that these young couples are in I have decided that my opinion is completely biased and unfair. The show chronicles the lives of 16 year old high school students who "become pregant". Each episode begins with a summary of the pregnant girl's life to date, and ends following the birth and first few weeks of baby being at home. I personally have my own very specific credentials that must be met prior to having children. But it is still left to be decided whether I will actually have them or not!
1. I must be over the age of 30.
2. I must be established in my chosen career field.
3. I must be financially stable (specifically, I must be able to buy my child a brand new car on his/her 16th birthday)
4. I must be in a stable relationship (preferably married)
Now given my "baby" credentials, I became a viewer of this show mainly to pass judgement. I also like to constantly reinforce the idea that children are hard, and no matter how cute they are I am not ready to have them! As the season of "16 and Pregnant" comes to a close I am left wondering how these couples could possibly think that they were "ready for baby". Furthermore, what happens to their own lives once the baby is the focal point of it? What happens to their own dreams and aspirations? Are they willing to give those up in exchange of the ".....and baby makes three?"
Also, given all my credentials, and how these families "accidentally" come about, who's to say which family will be happiest, or even which child will be happiest. When all is said and done, is it better to just live life spontaneously and take each hit as it comes? Or is it more responsible to preplan life milestones, and hold them off until you're ready for them?
In the end, I am rooting for these kids and their babies. But I would still rather buy myself a new purse than a pack of diapers.
I invite discussion on this one......I think it could get very interesting.
I have very firm beliefs that if a couple is "not ready" for a baby than they shouldn't have one. But, having never been in the position that these young couples are in I have decided that my opinion is completely biased and unfair. The show chronicles the lives of 16 year old high school students who "become pregant". Each episode begins with a summary of the pregnant girl's life to date, and ends following the birth and first few weeks of baby being at home. I personally have my own very specific credentials that must be met prior to having children. But it is still left to be decided whether I will actually have them or not!
1. I must be over the age of 30.
2. I must be established in my chosen career field.
3. I must be financially stable (specifically, I must be able to buy my child a brand new car on his/her 16th birthday)
4. I must be in a stable relationship (preferably married)
Now given my "baby" credentials, I became a viewer of this show mainly to pass judgement. I also like to constantly reinforce the idea that children are hard, and no matter how cute they are I am not ready to have them! As the season of "16 and Pregnant" comes to a close I am left wondering how these couples could possibly think that they were "ready for baby". Furthermore, what happens to their own lives once the baby is the focal point of it? What happens to their own dreams and aspirations? Are they willing to give those up in exchange of the ".....and baby makes three?"
Also, given all my credentials, and how these families "accidentally" come about, who's to say which family will be happiest, or even which child will be happiest. When all is said and done, is it better to just live life spontaneously and take each hit as it comes? Or is it more responsible to preplan life milestones, and hold them off until you're ready for them?
In the end, I am rooting for these kids and their babies. But I would still rather buy myself a new purse than a pack of diapers.
I invite discussion on this one......I think it could get very interesting.
Thursday, September 10, 2009
First blog post EVER!
Hey Guys!! How much fun is this gonna be?! I am a brand new blogger, and I am so excited! I assume you are probably wondering what my blog is about so I will tell you! Ok people, now it's time to get real and be brutal. My blog is entitled "Love Stinks", and it will discuss anything that relates to males and females and their "romantic" endeavors. I am blunt and honest and I tell it like it is. All of my girlfriends ALWAYS come to me for any of their guy woes, and at times they can be so CLUELESS, but I enjoy filling them in. I have always been told that I "think like a guy"......I am assuming this is because I love the single life, have no strong urge to have kids and basically do not have an emotional bone in my body. I also don't over-analyze situations, get all nervous and weird around guys that I'm into, make prank phone calls "just to hear his voice" (OK, I only did that a couple times), cry because a guy doesn't like me back, go somewhere because "he might be there", web-stalk, car-stalk, on-foot-stalk or any of the other ridiculous things that us girls tend to do to boys or for boys. I am not constantly wandering the streets searching for someone to love me because, quite frankly, I love me enough already! I do not want this blog interpreted as "Christa's rant on why love and dating sucks boo hoo", but I would like to "counsel" my fellow 20-somethings and maybe shed some light on some matters in dating and otherwise (the "otherwise" being when a girl thinks she's in a relationship, but the guy totally doesn't, and this happens ALL THE TIME). It would be good to think of this blog as "The Truth about Romantic Mammals 101". It is sort of Carrie Bradshaw-ish, but I am much more cynical and spare no one's feelings. I personally just do not understand why some people, not all, turn romance/love into this big dramatic theatre piece. All I have to say is "Just cool it!". Lastly, and this is geared towards all of my fabulous ladies, just love yourself before you love anyone else, and don't be with a guy just to "be with a guy". Take it from me... being single and happy is the most empowering thing I think a woman can do! Lastly (for real this time), for the boys, read this blog because you might find out some very interesting things! Lastly (for both sexes) I will be posting MY personal dating shananigans which are always good for a laugh! Ok my peeps.... 3, 2, 1...Blast off! Let's get this Love Stinks blog started! Woo-hoo!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)