Home and Away

It's been two weeks now and I've enjoyed being home. That's not to say that I didn't enjoy my recent vacation, but I have a true appreciation for the freedom's we have every day.

Recently, I visited China - a country that has never been on my list of places to visit but when the opportunity presents itself, one must accept it's potential. Not knowing what to expect, and having very little to do with the planning, I was sure that what I was about to experience was going to be a true adventure.

Traveling with the Hamilton's Children's Choir, this trip was about to teach me many lesson's that I was not expecting. Organizing my thoughts about the trip has proven to be somewhat challenging as it all seems overwhelming, but below are some of my reflections.

1. China - a country so unique and interesting from it's physical beauty to the mentality of its citizens. Although my pictures below will not stand as proof, understanding the sheer volume of people is inexplicable.

2. The freedoms we face each day become invisible until plunged into a new society. Things like Facebook, Twitter, and CNN are simple things we take for granted. Thankfully Instagram still worked.

3. The sun is a revitalizing and powerful energy. When not present, it will affect your emotions, your outlook, and not to mention, all 6oo photographs from your vacation.

4. Food is nourishment. It can be as simple as a bowl of rice or as interesting as a platter of duck meat, garnished with the duck's head. Needless to say, I mastered the chopsticks and rice became my best friend.

In all seriousness, beauty takes all forms. Whether it be through the physical attributes of something, the vocal sounds of a group singing or the cultural characteristics of a nation, elegance is present in everything that we encounter. I feel fortunate to have had this opportunity.

Shenzhen, China

Shenzhen, China

Guangzhou, China

Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China

Canton Tower, Guangzhou, China

Life

The old adage “time flies when you’re having fun” has recently invaded my thoughts.

The end of this month will mark eight years of leaving my home town, filling me with nostalgia and reflection. During this time, I’ve lived with family, on my own, with roommates and back on my own again; I’ve met so many people through work, through travel and through everyday life; I’ve changed jobs several times (although with the same company) and tried many new things in life. I feel so fortunate to be where I stand today.

I’ve always looked at growing up in a small city as being a part of who I am. In saying that, I always knew that I was bound for a bigger life than the constraints of a small city. The hustle and bustle of everyone on the streets of Toronto can be somewhat overwhelming (just ask my mother) but it’s in this same environment where each individual is unique, eclectic and wonderful in his or her own right. Nothing, in my mind, beats walking Queen Street West on a hot summer day and soaking in the individuality and spark of life that exudes every pore of that neighbourhood.

I was standing on a subway platform the other day when it dawned on me that I was about to board a train that travels underground carrying thousands of people every day from one point to the next. Feat of engineering? Most people don’t think it so, but then again, when you’re from a small city with a limited public transit system, it’s quite amazing. I still marvel at the size of this great city and the vastness of its opportunities

So yes, over the past eight years I may have changed, even grown and I may be that person who has absolutely no problem sitting in Starbucks reading a book and sipping tea, but I’m also that person who once came from a small city, not knowing what to do but willing to trying something new.

Life is all around you, give it a try!

Step one...

It's been some time since I last posted anything on this blog. I must admit, I've been indulging in the beautiful weather whenever time permits. Sure, certain things in life aren't getting the attention they require, but who knows when the sun will stop shinning and the rain comes rolling in.

With the summer upon us and the amazing weather we've recently encountered, I'm trying to spend what little time I can confined to my basement apartment. If not for the simple reason that I don't know what the weather is like outside, I want to escape the darkness and live. This being the true downside to any basement apartment, I'm making it work until better things come my way. So, recently while doing some reading - following one of the many different RSS feeds in my list of fashion blogging, I came upon the never ending argument "should men be wearing flip-flops". The article went on to say how men shouldn't be wearing flip-flops in public (especially cities) because no one wants to look at feet, especially ones that aren't maintained.

Having imperfect feet myself, and being completely self-conscience of them, I can relate to not wanting to see men's imperfect feet. But that's where that thought ends. I hate being limited to anything that keeps my feet in socks and having to tie laces or constraints of any sort when the sun is shining bright. I want the freedom of slipping my feet into a pair of shoes, without wear socks and enjoying the ease of simplicity. I also want choices. Women seem to have umpteen options for footwear; men's choices are so limited. So, I'm taking a stand (in my flip-flops)!

There ARE options.
1. Men - take care of your feet. It's not difficult. Seriously, clean them every once and awhile.
2. Pick a flip-flop that doesn't look like it came from the dollar store. There are so many different styles, get a little creative.
3. Leave the 'less stylish' flip-flops for the beach.

So hopefully you don't mind but with the sun shining, I'll definitely be donning my flip-flops! And if it bothers you in any way, here's a warning - don't look at my feet.

Have a great summer!

Born This Way!

I felt these lyrics were important to post. Yes, the song has been out for awhile, but it's only recently that I've truly listened to the words and felt the importance.

Congrats, Lady Gaga...this song says it all!

Born This Way

It doesn't matter if you love him, or capital H-I-M
Just put your paws up
'cause you were born this way, baby

My mama told me when I was young
We are all born superstars
She rolled my hair and put my lipstick on
In the glass of her boudoir

"There's nothing wrong with loving who you are"
She said, "'Cause he made you perfect, babe"
"So hold your head up girl and you'll go far,
Listen to me when I say"

I'm beautiful in my way
'Cause God makes no mistakes
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way
Don't hide yourself in regret
Just love yourself and you're set
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
Baby I was born this way
Oh there ain't no other way
Baby I was born this way
I'm on the right track, baby
I was born this way

Don't be a drag ‒ just be a queen

Give yourself prudence
And love your friends
Subway kid, rejoice your truth
In the religion of the insecure
I must be myself, respect my youth

A different lover is not a sin
Believe capital H-I-M (Hey hey hey)
I love my life I love this record and
Mi amore vole fe yah (Love needs faith)

Don't be a drag, just be a queen
Whether you're broke or evergreen
You're black, white, beige, chola descent
You're Lebanese, you're orient
Whether life's disabilities
Left you outcast, bullied, or teased
Rejoice and love yourself today
'cause baby you were born this way

No matter gay, straight, or bi,
Lesbian, transgendered life,
I'm on the right track baby,
I was born to survive.
No matter black, white or beige
Chola or orient made,
I'm on the right track baby,
I was born to be brave.

I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I was born this way hey!
I'm on the right track baby
I was born this way hey!

Spell Check

What's happened to our everyday literature?

Recently, I've been reading articles, blog posts and other news feeds through my Flipboard app on my iPad. I enjoy information updating immediately, having access to up-to-the-minute information whenever I decide to peruse the media.

Unfortunately, the one pain that seems to continually creep into most articles and posts that I read are simple errors. Spelling mistakes, missing words or grammatical errors have become the norm for most public forums. Even with the invention of spell check, dictionary.com and many other applications to assist with proper grammar, computers have not made things easier.

Have we become too lazy to proofread our work?

Round is a Shape!

Well, it's time to get in shape.

I've noticed over the past few months that the pants are starting to fit a little tighter around the waist. It's an unfortunate situation as I continuously eat in restaurants (due to the current career).

So, I've made the following changes to my eating habits.

1. Order a salad when it's an option (but I really want the fries).
2. McDonalds is only allowed ONCE a week (but I'd rather it 2-3 times a week).
3. Fries are acceptable when ordering at McDonalds (I can't bring myself to order a salad there).

To top off this new reality, I've "buddied up" with the treadmill at each hotel I visit. I'm happy with the 3 nights a week but want to get to 4 nights a week, walking and running. Slow and steady, then eventually I'll get to the full-on jogging.

I've also started thinking about joining some races this year - potentially a 10 km run and if I'm really determined, another half marathon. No promises though.

Well, here's to good health in 2012.
-b

It's Been Too Long...

Hello old friend. It's been awhile since we last visited.

It's no secret that I've neglected this blog and I almost wish I had a good excuse. The only reason I have is 4 letters. L. I. F. E. Yes, 'life'.

Life has a funny way of moving through time. We instinctively chose our priorities with each new day - determining a new course or path for our careers or personal lives. With each new challenge, and of course, each new day, exhaustion and laziness can be lurking in the darkness or around each corner.

I'd like to promise that I won't be neglecting this blog in the future but promises are just something that can be broken. With that, it's better for me to say that I'll try harder to post some comical stories, some interesting anecdotes and well, simple stories about life.

Cheers,
-b