Got that SPRING in your step?!

Greetings fine friends.

It is with great pleasure to be writing here today. Why? I don't know...there is no particular reason. "Just 'cause". As mentioned in a previous post, I have been reading the book "The Happiness Project", lended to me by my great friend Sio! It's a fun narrative written by Gretchen Rubin, a professional writer with a husband and two kids living in NYC and her quest to being happier. Not that she is depressed or upset with her life. Like most of us (I am being presumptious of all my readers), we live pretty nice lives; we have jobs, we like to go shopping, we have good friends, maybe kids or pets...a pretty fulfilling life, no? In The Happiness Project, Rubin sets out to seek ways in which she can make her life even MORE fulfilling and cheerful in the everyday. Just the simplest things can make a huge difference in the way we perceive ourselves and others.

The Happiness Project is a year long journey where each month Rubin focuses on one goal. For example, January's goal was to "Boost Energy". One of the first things she did in the book to help her feel happier was declutter!! And I must say it does feel good to organize and purge!! She said one of the key aspects to being happier is to first identify your problem!! I think a lot of the time, we know what the problem is, but we find excuses not to solve it. Once you admit to yourself what the trouble is, that is the first step in fixing it. I must admit that cleaning and purging also gives me quite the rush!! My friend is having a clothing swap in a couple weeks and I couldn't be more excited! Today I busted open my closet doors and started ripping down hangers of clothes I barely wear or hardly fit anymore. It felt so good looking at the free space I had made afterwards :)

I am already on month 9 (September) which is about Pursuing a Passion. In this chapter, Rubin promises to write a novel in 30 days. She is inspired by one of her friends who is doing the same thing and learns about video blogging to track her progress. If I could write a novel in 30 days, plus document all of the happenings of the Happiness Project...I would be one tired girl!!

One of the best pieces of advice I read in the book so far was early in the book, in the February chapter, about letting things go and picking your fights wisely. It's so easy to get upset and uptight about the littlest things--an untied shoelace, being stuck in traffic, or squabbling with a loved one. But sometimes it's best to just let it go. Is the minor setback or tiff really worth such a fuss? I think not! :)

So with Spring around the corner...oh wait...it's already here!! Obviously it doesn't feel like it with these cool temperatures and SNOW on the way for tomorrow :( But I think the weekend is looking good...and that gives me something to be happy about!! And I am also seeing Wizard of Oz at the Rose Theatre in Brampton on Friday night with Sio!! I am very excited as Wizard of Oz is probably one of my favourite movies of all time! And isn't it a coincidence that Rubin likes that movie as well!? I mean what's not to like?? It's simply classic!! I will give you my review on the show in my next post!!

Au revoir for now mes amis! :)

Bad Blogger Days

It's been a few weeks since my last post. Sorry, I have been a neglectful blogger! These past few weeks have been hectic because as stated in my previous post, my grandfather had another stroke and was in the hospital. He sadly passed away last week and we had his funeral on Saturday. It was quite the sad week and I am still coming to terms with his death. I am not used to dealing with sickness and death, it seems so surreal to me. When I found out about the death last Tuesday morning, I felt like a tinman because I didn't even cry. We knew it was coming, but I didn't expect myself to be so emotionless. It wasn't until the end of the week when things were coming together that it actually hit me. When I saw the memorial page online, when I was writing my eulogy, when I went to his house to sort through some things...that's when it really hit me. That is when I started to get more emotional. Saturday was a terribly sad day for the whole family. A lot of people showed up, most of them whom I didn't know but all seem to know who I was! It was awkward, but I think with all of the family together it helped us get through it easier.
Death is never easy. And people deal with it on their own terms. Some people avoid it, don't talk about it or even deny it. Some people are very emotional and need the support of others. And some people like to deal with it individually, alone and in silence. I think what helped me find closure was writing the eulogy. I feel as though it gave me some sort of closure to the whole situation. It gave me the opportunity to really reflect on our relationship and what it has done for me. It was hard to get through it on Saturday, but I had my aunt and cousin by my side to make it bearable.
I will miss my grandfather very much. It's hard to believe he is really gone. I am just glad he is not suffering anymore. It seems like it had been years since I had a decent conversation with him. It's so sad what strokes can do to a person. It's not fun. :(
And so now, in the wake of his death, our family will have to stay strong together for my grandmother to make sure she stays healthy and happy. I will do my best to visit her at least once every 2 weeks to check up on her. Family is important. At the end of the day, they are all you have. Remember that.

Live your Life

With each post I write, I hope to at least share something new with all of you whether it be about myself, a new movie or a good book. Today at work I attended an all day course on communicating up, down and across the organization. It was actually quite interesting and I learned a few key concepts about making my messages clear and concise, not only at work but in my everyday life.
The course instructor touched upon some really valid points about how your message is intened and perceived. He explained this equation about communication in general:

I (Intention) + P (Perception) = C (Communication).

To summarize, communication can only happen when there is an understanding between two parties, therefore, if your message is somewhat misconstrued and read in a different context, you could have difficulty getting your message across. Sometimes it is hard to be 100% accurate with your intention, especially with the use of email. It is hard to read tone, and tone of voice makes up for about 93% of your message, the other 7% is the actual context. I think if we all put a little more effort into the way we create and execute our messages to others, there would be a stronger sense of understanding among one another.

This was just one of the many points that we looked at today, but one that definately stuck out for me. It seems like common sense right? But it's funny how quickly we can sometimes forget these things. We aren't all be mind readers, which is why it's very important to say what you mean and mean what you say.

Speaking of which. I came up with a little rhyme today associated with that phrase:

Life is too short. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Live life to the
fullest everyday.

Now, I like to think of myself as a happy, go lucky person who always seizes the day. But sometimes I get some depressing news and it really shakes me up and almost humbles me. Yesterday morning I got word that my already ill grandfather had yet another stroke (3rd one in about 15 years). It was a really bad one this time and the doctor's don't think he has very long to live. Of course we all knew this was coming as he was already very ill from his previous stroke, but just hearing it being validated by the doctor makes it all very real and all very upsetting. It makes me sad to think about his poor life, the opportunities he never had, the hardships he faced as an immigrant to Canada and the last suffering years of his life. It really puts things into perspective, at least for me, about what is really important in life and how precious life is. So what if you are stuck in a traffic jam one day? So what if you couldn't buy that new laptop on sale? So what that your bonus wasn't as big as last years? At the end of your life, will these things matter? Will you be remembered fondly? Did you make an impact on people's lives? Will you leave a legacy for the people you are leaving behind? What can you do today to make your life that much more interesting?
It's weird how death can provoke such emotions from people. But for me, I just want to be happy. I am currently reading "The Happiness Project" by Gretchn Rubin (leant to me by my great friend Sio! I am hoping to get some good insight from it about how to make my already content and complacent life just a little bit more cheerful. So far so good. Please note this is not a book for people who are depressed! (I am the furthest thing from depressed). I will give my full review on it once complete.

French and Fun

Bonjour!
Comment ca va? Bien? Tres bien?
Haha I am in a french speaking kind of mood today. Ever since I started taking french in January, I have been trying to speak in full sentences, but sometimes it is hard. I guess it's not as easy because no one I know speaks french; it would be different if I were more immersed into the culutre but I am happy with my progression thus far. Next week is my final class before moving onto the next level. We have a little test, so hopefully I do well. I was never good at tests. There is just too much pressure to do well. In high school my marks at the end of the term would always drop just a little because my exams were not the best. Maybe it's just the nerves. Je ne sais pas! :P

My friend Sio just tagged my blog in the 7 facts blog awards! Check it out:

The Rules:
Link the person who awarded you.
Post 7 random facts about yourself.
Pass the award on to 7 other bloggers. (Sorry I don't think I have that many people to tag) Haha

1. I still sleep with my baby blanket. It is yellow (more like an off green now). It used to have a matching pillow, but it vanished.
2. My favorite animal is a pig. I want a teacup pig so badly!! Dogs are so last century!!
3. When I was little, my dad's nickname for me was SLASH.
4. I am a proud owner of the cutest west highland terrier in the world, Beau!
5. Despite my independant lifestyle, I must admit I am a good old fashioned girl who wants a husband, house, 2 kids and a white picket fence and obviously a dog!
6. I hate sushi!!! But I really wish I liked it. I think people who like it are so sophisticated and cultured.
7. When I make waffles or pancakes, I break them up with my hands. Why make a dirty knife?


TAG, YOU'RE IT! I'm passing the 7 Facts Blog Awards on to these friends:

Half way there!! Woahhh Living on a Prayer!!

Happy Weekend All! It's the last weekend of February if you can believe it. Where did the month go? I am glad to see February go though, bring on the warm weather!!
I went for a quick 30 minute run today at the gym but at a slower pace. I find that doing timed workouts as opposed to distance workouts are better for me and I end up going a lot further and I am less tired at the end. So today I ran 5.25km which is about half way to my 10km! (Nothing to do with Bon Jovi--just thought I was being funny) I am tres excited!! I can't believe I am actually doing this. It makes me happy to know I will be running with some of my closest friends. It will be a great accomplishment we can say we did together.

Tomorrow Katrina, Eric and I are taking my parents to go see the Johnny Cash tribute show happening at the Panasonic Theatre downtown. I am looking forward to it! It seems like a really good show and the lady I was speaking with at work yesterday told me at the end, the actor who plays Cash comes out to the audience to take pictures and answer questions. Hopefully it will be a nice little afternoon for the family.

I am going through Beau withdrawl. That little guy has his paw imprinted on my heart!! He just makes me so happy inside!! Shannon and I were joking around about getting a dog for the condo...I mean who doesn't like being tackled by a sweet little puppy when you get home from work? I feel so loved!! The only downside is they are a lot of work and need constant attention. I would feel way too guilty leaving him alone, and I am rarely home so maybe not such a good idea :P

The Oscars are on this weekend and two of my favourite stars are the hosts: James Franco and Anne Hathaway!! I think they are both just lovely and I think they will have a good chemistry for the show. I can't wait to watch the red carpet and check out all the nominees and winners.
Who do you think is going to win big this year?!

New Season: New Layout!

It's almost spring time so I decided to brighten things up with a new blog template. I am tired of the drabby black...time for colour and fun!! Goodbye winter, hello spring!!

Hopefully the temperatures begin to rise soon. Wireton Willy would never lie to us! He said it was going to be an early spring this year, and I believe him.

Speaking of brightening things up, I am getting some highlights in my hair next week. I am bored of the super dark locks. I am not going as blonde as I normally do because I want to keep it healthy and natural looking. I will probably keep it to a nice warm golden brown. I am embracing the brown because I feel like I have spent a good portion of my teens and early twenties as a blonde! Don't get me wrong, I love being blonde, but I am a true brunette so I want to showcase my natural roots for a bit.

I have been sifting through hair pictures online, trying to find the perfect shade but I am so indeceisive. Above are a few of the ideas I like.

So come on winter, get on out of here! I have had just about enough. I want to run in the fresh air, add shimmery highlights to my hair and stuff away my bulky coat. Oh and get rid of this nasty sore throat!!

Paranoid Android

Oh happy Tuesday! Hurray for 4 day work weeks.
Yesterday was Family Day but I didn't do much with the fam. Shannon, Eric and I went out for dinner at Moxie's and we are like our own little family I like to think :)
The work day flew by as I was very busy since I was off on vacation last week. I like being busy, it keeps my mind off other things...like worrying! As most of you know I am a big worrier. I worry about the little things and over analyze everything. I am probably what you would call paranoid. What do I worry about mostly? I would have to say health and safety. I always think something bad is going to happen or chatastrophe strikes everytime I go to the doctor's office.
A good example of this unnecessary paranoia was today during my french class when I got a phone call from my doctor's office about my blood and urine sample from last week.
They simple requested I come and redo the urine test but failed to explain why. And what do you think my mind is thinking at this point: I have a disease. I am uncurable. I am going to die. To be honest I am still a little worried.

I am currently reading a book about worry and how to control it, it is called The Worry Cure.
I am almost half way in and it has some good insights. It explains how worriers always assume the worst case scenario possible as a method to try and prevent things from happening. Sounds kind of messed up doesn't it? But as I read more and more, I realize how much I relate.
Worriers always need to be certain about things. If they are not certain, then they worry until they are 100% positive everything will be okay. They see negative outcomes as the only possible outcome and reject any possible answers except for negative ones.
So after the call from the doctor I thought about it and figured I was worrying just the way the book had described. There is always a possibility that something is wrong with me, but there is also a possibility something is not. It is possible the sample was not good enough or not large enough. But my mind will not accept those possibilities because they are positive or neutral. I will only accept the worst and most negative answer. And that way I can find ways to prepare for devastation, fear and pain.
So I have decided to write about my worry as a way to help me try to control it. This way, when I read it outloud I can actually see how unreasonable I am being and not jump to any conclusions without getting hard facts.
So for those of you for reading, thanks for being a source of help. It means more than you know.