Cherry Bomb

Well Thursday sucks today in Halifax - the sky is a gross, muddy gray colour and it's raining; supposed to get thunder showers later. Today is, in a word, BLECH.

But thankfully a little sunshine was brought into my morning by a great new blogger I've been following: Tasha @ Random Musings gave me a Blog Award!

Isn't is pretty?! I love pink and cupcakes so it's perfect for me! I've said this before but I still feel like I'm a beginner in this "world" and there are so many wonderful blogs out there nowadays I'm always surprised when people pick mine out as worth reading and recognizing. Thanks so much Tasha!

Of course, as always with these awards, I can't just sit back and solitarily (is this a word?) revel in the awesomeness; I have to pass it on - pay it forward, if you will. Here's my assignment:

#1 Answer this question: if you had the chance to go back and change one thing in your life, would you and what would it be? > Ooooo I love this question - quite the brain-burner - thankfully I don't have too many specific regrets but generally speaking, if I had it to do over again, I would have been more brave and confident in the past. I've always been a shy person and it's something I still struggle with, but I've literally done a 360 turn in that department since Jr High/High School. I'm much more confident now than I ever have been and I get more and more so every year. But there was a time where I was very timid and unfortunately I missed out on many things because of it. There are many times when I should have stood up for myself, made my feelings and thoughts known, and taken more chances. I played it very "safe" in a lot of ways, and I always wonder, if I hadn't, if my life would be different today. For the most part though, I'm glad for my history as it's taught me a lot and made me into the person I am today, so it's hard to regret that too much! If we never make mistakes in life we never learn anything and grow as human beings, so what's the point in doing everything right all the time?

 #2 The second thing you have to do is, pick 6 people and give them this award. You then have to inform the person that they have gotten this award > This is also tough - I love so many bloggers it will be really hard to choose only 6, but here goes:

1 - This might seem like a cop-out, but 1st I choose...well, the very person who gave me this award - Tasha! Since she wasn't actually awarded this in the first place, I felt I could pass it onto her. What I love about her blog is how genuine it is - she writes directly from her heart and sometimes about things that must be tough for her to write about/reveal to the world. I appreciate that - plus she just writes interesting posts!

2 - Jill @ Couchtime: This is a blog I've only started following about a week ago, but I love it already! It's a TV blog, so it really stands apart from the sea of "general interest" blogs (like mine, hah!) out there. I love TV and many of the shows she writes about on a regular basis so it's great to hear insights from someone who loves TV as much as I do. Even better, she's a local (she blogs out of Halifax, NS - my home) and we are both participating in a neat challenge being put on here in our city. Can't wait to see what she plans for her big day!

3 - Bree @ .simply.girly: All I can say about this girl is that she's completely adorable! She's another Canadian blogger (Cdn gals kick ass, what can I say) and reading her posts always puts a smile on my face. Mainly because her and her bf Dylan are like the cutest, most in-love couple ever. Dylan has his own blog called 100 Km Love Letter where he writes little love notes to her (they live an hour apart) - how cute and such a great idea for keeping in touch. So, I guess this award is just as much for Dylan's blog as for hers. Bree has such a positive attitude and just seems like someone you would love to be friends with because you would always have fun and she would always be there for you.

4 - Heather @ Boyfriend Challenged: Heather's musings about single life (and the fabulous fun of working as an au pair in Germany!) are hilarious and right on the money. I don't have many single girlfriends and sometimes it seems like there aren't many single bloggers out there, so it's nice to know there in fact is someone that can relate to my dating issues and the challenges/advantages to living the single life. I wish I could be as bold as her sometimes when it comes to guys (and I also wish I could have her hair).

5 - AubreyRose @ My Simple Everyday: This is another new blog discovery I've made recently. Besides being very pretty to look at, it's also fun to read. I loved her recent post about being short because I can completely relate, and she has the cutest pair of dogs ever (the recent photo she posted of them sleeping together was TOO funny - you know me, anyone who loves animals is a great person in my book). The title is right - this blog is simple, it's everyday, but it's clear that she's very proud of her life and the people in it and that really shines through when reading. (Not to mention she's a fellow "30 before 30" lister!).

6 - Kim @ Say What?!: This is yet another local blogger AND another blog I've recently discovered. We have the same name so that's really enough of a reason right there to give her this award, but on top of that she has a really funny, thought-provoking blog. Plus she has shown me real love by commenting regularly on my posts, and that means a lot. I love her blog title, and feel as though she's a kindred spirit since she writes (in her words) "all the outrageous things I wish I could say out loud" - there are many outrageous things I'd love to say out loud too, but am too chicken, so I can completely relate.

#3 The third and final thing is, thank the person who gave you the award > DONE!

So, there you have it! Another bright spot in my day is that tomorrow is Friday and then it's a long weekend! Can't wait to spend some time with my brother and his wife who are visiting from Vancouver (fingers crossed for good weather!). And of course I can't wait to continue following all the lovely ladies above, as well as the other great blogs I've been privileged enough to come across. Happy Weekend, all!

Downtown, waiting for you tonight...

Ok I realize I'm posting twice in one day, but considering how excited I am about this and the fact that my original post for today is quite long enough on its own, I felt a whole new post was in order.

Tonight I'll be attending a launch reception (not sure if it's really classified as a reception but that's what I'm calling it) for a fun new promotion being put on by the Downtown Halifax Business Commission. It's called #bigdaydowntown, and I think it's a great way to promote downtown and from the unique perspectives of just some of the amazing writers and commentators we have here. Basically the DHBC is giving 30 bloggers $100 to spend anywhere downtown, however they want, then asking them to write about it (of course!).

I've been following and connecting with some of the other participants on Twitter and I can't wait to read their postings of their Big Day experiences! Some of the activities they are planning sound really fun. There is so much to do in our downtown the sky is really the limit for how you could spend your day, but I love that everyone has their own favourite places to go and their own priorities. Sure, some of us will inevitably visit some of the same places, but each person's "mixture" of experiences will be different and that's pretty cool.

I still feel like a beginner when it comes to all this social media stuff, so I'm still pinching myself that I'm participating in such a cool challenge, and with some of my favourite bloggers and writers in Halifax. I can't wait to meet some of them in person tonight.

I'm not 100% set on my activites for "the big day" and I'm also not sure what exact day I'll be doing it, but I do know that what I'll be doing fits into three categories: Food/Drink, Shopping, and Art/Culture. When I think of downtown and my favourite things about it/why I go there, this is what I think of, so it seems only fitting to try and fit a little bit of each into my big day!

Stay tuned for the report of My Big Day, coming soon to a blog reader near you!

Time Warp

So I was in the dollar store the other day (don't judge me - I KNOW you shop there, too! Besides, this was Dollarama which is the Marks & Spencer of dollar stores, so that makes it ok). I was nonchalantly browsing for items to vastly improve my karma when all of a sudden I was confronted with three vibrant columns of bright orange, with some black and purple accents. Spider, pumpkin and cobweb shapes danced in front of my wondering eyes. It took me a moment to process as I did not recall ever seeing such a thing before.

Because, of course, orange and black and cobwebs can only mean one thing...fruit that's been sitting on the counter waaaaay too long?! NO! HALLOWEEN!!  Yes, that's right, Halloween merchandise is now on the shelves...IN JULY!

Ummm, hello Dollarama-merchies-on-high?! Halloween is in OCTOBER, in case you forgot.

I mean I realize the people that make the decisions for a store chain like Dollarama probably aren't the sharpest tools in the shed (all the more proof that you don't have to be smart to become a freakin millionaire). I also realize that stores get shipped holiday merch months ahead of time so that they can have any chance of selling it off, and that sometimes they have empty space that they need to fill (especially during the slow hump time of mid-summer...hm, slow hump, that conjures quite the image). I have worked in retail and I currently work for a retail company - I understand how businesses work. I also understand shopping quite well since I do so much of it, and as such I realize that just because this stuff is IN stores doesn't mean I have to buy it, or even look at it, and I completely see the value of shopping early to avoid the rush and sifting through picked over crap.

However, it's the principle of the thing that bothers me. I think there's such a thing as TOO early. I mean, seriously, Halloween in July?! What the eff?!

Seeing this crap in the middle of summer reminds me of the darker, colder days to come and that's one reminder I just don't need. Summer is a time I especially like to enjoy the here and now - since I live in a country where winter is bloody cold and lasts most of the year and I am a huge sun-worshipper but can't afford to move somewhere that's warm all the time without a sugar daddy. I very much look forward to the four-or-so months that it's sunny and warm. I love going to the beach, wearing sandals and cute summer dresses, eating popsicles, laying in the sun and soaking up Vitamin D, and other such enjoyable warm-weather activities. And I've got news for you California - unlike you we only get to do this for a very short time before we have to start layering and shivering again. Four months goes by in the blink of an eye (especially when you spend most of it inside an office). Hey, it's already almost August and I feel like summer just started last week!

Given this reality, I wish to make the most of summer while we have it. And that means I DON'T WANT TO BE REMINDED OF THE SEASONS THAT AREN'T HOT AND SUNNY (that is to say the entire rest of the year) IN THE MIDDLE OF SUMMER!!

I've also noticed Fall clothing popping up in stores, school supplies in WalMart (yes, I shop at WM too! That's right, keepin it classy since '84), not to mention bloggers and tweeters et al talking about how they can't wait to get into Fall knits and tweeds! Speak for yourself, people - I'd be quite happy to wear shorts and sandals all year 'round and I'd appreciate it if you didn't ruin my summer lovin' with thoughts of heavy sweaters and jackets.

I feel this is a phenomenon that permeates our entire society, and one that completely baffles me. It's always about the NEXT season, the NEXT holiday; never about the here and now and savouring that. It seems like every year the NEXT thing comes out earlier and earlier. Christmas merch used to be out just after Halloween ended - now we are seeing it out as early as September or October. Easter candy is now coming out before Valentine's Day. It's like we live in this strange time continuum where every year time speeds up and months seem to completely disappear from the calendar.

This phenom can't even reasonably be blamed completely on retailers - they are just giving us what we want to buy - which means that this time warp is happening because we, the people, are making it happen (well not ME, but all you crazies who are actually thinking about Christmas at the cottage). And WHY are we demanding this? Do we just want to get things done earlier and earlier to avoid stress and effort later? I can sympathize with that, but think about it: is your life really going to be that much easier if you buy your Christmas lights on Labour Day weekend? Are you really getting better Halloween candy if you buy it on Natal Day as opposed to, say, a month ahead?

The answer is NO. Chances are you are still going to be stressed and rushing to get all your shopping and wrapping and baking done in time for Dec 24th because (in keeping with another human phenomenon - that, in a strange irony that only human beings could live up to, is the exact reverse to the one I'm discussing while also operating hand-in-hand with it) you will likely STILL leave many things until the last minute. And, chances are you are buying the EXACT same lights and decorations and food three months ahead that you would be buying one month ahead (though obviously prices could vary). The only difference is you have to find space to store all of this stuff until the holiday actually comes, which means you don't get to enjoy it right away and (if you are anything like my mother) will most likely forget you ever bought it in the first place.

Holidays have become FAR too commercialized anyway, but that's another blog post and this one's already long enough.

Let me be clear: I'm certainly not advocating that we never plan ahead and just let life come to us as it will. TRUST ME, I'm one of the biggest planners out there - ask anyone who knows me well and they will tell you that I'm always looking ahead and anticipating. I'm also not advocating against buying holiday merchandise - I for one LOVE holidays, especially Halloween and Christmas, and really enjoy decorating for them. All I'm saying is that we don't need to cross that bridge until we come to it, as my mom often says. Let's plan ahead, but not so far that our present is forgotten and wasted.

So, I have an idea: lets enjoy summer while we have it. Lets enjoy the sunshine and the flowers and the green grass and the ice cream, and lets wait another month or two before thinking about Fall and Winter. Or think about Fall and Winter if you want to, but keep it to yourself and let me enjoy what's left of my summer, thanks.

The Best Day of My Life

I've seen a lot of buzz around the Blog and Twitter-sphere lately about what different people consider their "ideal day", i.e. if they had a day off with no obligations, what would they do? I've seen this discussed on some blogs I follow and have even recently learned of a local blogger challenge along these lines, and it got me thinking about what my "ideal day" would look like.

In this case, I'm NOT assuming that money is no object, because (though this is also fun to think about) I feel it makes the parameters WAY to broad; essentially it means you could do anything you want, and I want to keep things a little more realistic. Call me boring if you want, but I think it's possible to have an "ideal" or close-to-it day without venturing too far!

Well to start with it would be sunny outside with a slight breeze (around 20-25 degrees would work - NO rain or fog, Halifax - I mean it! I know that will be tough for you, but work with me here). I would rise not too early but not too late (maybe around 8am), feed the cat and such and head out into the sunshine.

I would hop in my car (yes, there would be a car sitting in my driveway just for this one day to make things easier), blast some 60's or 70's rock music with the window rolled down and head to Coastal Coffee for an awesome breakfast - cappuccino, yummy food (perhaps the Deee-Loxx or Eggs McCoastal?), perhaps a yummy, fresh, warm muffin (best thing about daydreams is calories don't count). I'd take my time nursing my caffeine, and digesting not only the food but a stack of fashion magazines and the latest issue of The Coast.

Once I had my fill of reading and food, I'd hop back in the car and drive to the beach (any beach will do). There, of course, would be no other people there (except maybe a cute single guy to chat with). I'd lay on the sand in the sun for a while, reading and snacking on gummy candy, maybe going swimming and for a walk. I would get a great tan (not a burn).

After the beach I'd head to downtown Halifax for some shopping (most likely at Biscuit) and definitely refresh my candy supply at either Sweet Jane's or Freak Lunchbox. I'd take my time trying clothes on and finding cute gifts for friends and family (and me, of course). I'd definitely pick up a cupcake at Susie's (she would have a few "E.T. Phone Home" on hand just for me, which are "chocolate cake swirled w/ peanut butter chips, topped with chocolate peanut butter buttercream and E.T.'s favourite candies - Reese's Pieces". Ummm, ya I know) and a Tim Horton's iced coffee then take a walk through the Public Gardens, sit on a bench and people-watch.

From there I would go home to change, clean up and put on one of my new smoking outfits then meet friends for dinner at one of the awesome Greek restaurants around town and have some great wine and great laughs. After dinner we would go to Pacifico or Taboo for a night of dancing and flirting. We would dance until our feet hurt or the lights came on (though I'm willing to bet the former would happen first), then take a walk in the moonlight (or sunrise?!) along the waterfront (most likely with pizza or an ice cream from Cows - can you tell I place a lot of importance on food in this scenario?). We would nonchalantly watch the boats go by, listen to the water lapping and the light over the waves, have some deep discussions, then head home.

Upon returning home I would crawl into comfy, soft sweats with a cup of tea and watch a few Sex and the City, Friends, Glee, True Blood or Dexter re-runs, then curl up with the cat and go to sleep.

Hmm. I mentioned something at the start about wanting to be "realistic", didn't I? Well, think that went out the window right around "cute single guy". Ah well, this is all in good fun, and in any case this day could actually be achieveable so I'm not reaching TOO far.

It sounds cheesy but when it comes right down to it, any day could be great for me as long as it involves a little bit of good food, laughter, travel, the outdoors and some alone time/relaxation thrown in for good measure. It's funny how, no matter how lofty and exotic the dreams in our head might be, in reality most of us don't need that much to be truly happy; and often it's the least expensive and/or free things closest to home that can bring us the most joy. Sure, it would be nice to hop on a plane to Thailand tomorrow, but since there's no way in hell that will happen, I have to settle for what's right here. And sure, on some level that sucks, but in most cases once you really open your eyes and look, you will see that there are tons of "ideal" things right on your doorstep! And what's REALLY great is...well, exactly that - they are right on your doorstep. You don't have to fly for 15 hours and spend $5,000 to get it.

Considering my priorities (that have clearly showed themselves in this post) I could be happy pretty much anywhere where there's food (particularly cupcakes).

*Come to think of it, dancing and singing on a float ala. Ferris Bueller would be pretty sweet too! Perhaps I could fit that in somewhere....hmmm, note to self: will definitely have to edit the above to include more dance breaks*

Get On Your Boots

I have something like 50 pairs of shoes. Mind you, I've never actually been dorky enough to sit there and count every one, but that would be my estimate. When I moved into my apartment, a friend was helping me unpack and started on my shoes. Once she saw how many pairs I actually had she let out various exclamations of surprise and shock, and in her gobsmacked state proceeded to count them. At that time, the count was 40. That was over a year and a half ago and I've definitely bought 10 pairs or so since then.

I know. Shopping is a sickness for which there is no cure.

The thing is (probably like most other people) I don't even wear like half of those pairs on a regular basis. Especially in the summer - I LOVE sandals and hate socks (I basically just wear them because I have to) so when the temperature rises and the sun comes out, I tend to live in the same 4 or 5 pairs of sandals. I also have odd-shaped feet that don't agree with most dressier styles of shoes (my feet are basically shaped like triangles - slim at the heel and wide at the toe. Like a duck) so it's just not realistic, or in any way comfortable, to wear those pairs on a daily basis.

Besides I take public transit and walk everywhere so I'm sorry but I need to be comfy! I have certain pairs of heels that I've worn around enough to know that they are comfortable (it's not as if I wear flip-flops or flats ALL the time) and I will wear those to work, but mostly I wear flat or mostly flat shoes. Most people find this wierd because I'm practically a midget (I top out at 5 ft nothing, on the dot) so technically of all people I "should" be wearing heels (according to the ever-elusive "they").

The thing is I actually (get ready for it) don't really mind being short. I like blending in. Plus, people tend to take pity on you and help you reach things, which can be rather handy while grocery shopping (which makes me think: WHY exactly do stores display some of their merch so freakin high up anyway?! Seriously, is it really necessary to have shirts hanging just under the ceiling so that they require a forklift to get down? I mean, really).

Anyway, getting off-topic here. See, I got to thinking about shoes (deep, I know) after reading a post on one of my favourite blogs yesterday contemplating why women love their shoes so much. I thought it was an interesting question-why the heck DO we love our shoes so much?! I mean, they're just SHOES. As "Mel" says in the post, "their purpose is to protect us from stepping on gross stuff and messing up our feet", not to adorn or make a statement. Shoes have simply morphed into more than protection over time.

I suppose everyone likes their shoes for different reasons and, hey, I'm sure there are some women out there who don't give two shits for shoes and have like 2 pairs.  But I think we've clearly established that I don't fit into that category; and I've thought about why this is and I think hit the nail on the head as to why. It's not because I want attention, or I want to be taller. Sure, I just LIKE fashion and shoes are a part of that, and I just like putting outfits together so part of my love for shoes comes from that.

However, to go even deeper, I see shoes as a vehicle for me to get where I want/need to go. Shoes get me places. They allow me to walk, jump and dance and they carry me along as I do those things. Can you really say that about your clothes? Not really. Clothes can transport you in an emotional sense, but they can't literally transport you somewhere like shoes can.

Think about how important shoes are in travelling - what you put on your feet can make or break your trip. And they not only travel WITH you, but in a way they do the travelling FOR you. Once you travel a few hundred miles in a pair, they become not only associated with particular outfits and weather, but also with the places you have travelled while wearing them. They become memory-keepers for your journeys and your journeys are literally imprinted on the shoes in dirt stains and scratches from the roads you have walked.

Just look at the photo above - seeing their worn, dirty state doesn't your imagination run wild with the adventurious scenarios the wearer must have gone through for the shoes to look like they do?

I know you're probably thinking, "Really, Kim? The Philosophy of Shoes? Little dry on the blog ideas today were ya?" *cue eye roll* And I know it's kinda silly to wax poetic about an accessory, but I don't care. That's the great thing about fashion - everyone has their own interpretation and derives pleasure from it for different reasons. Whether it's silly or not, no one can deny that shoes have become much more than practical protectors; we all have emotional connections to what we wear for one reason or another and that's human.

Shoes take me places; I'm constantly going places; therefore shoes are important to me. And considering the number of pairs I have, it's clear I've been around!

Blog the Change for Animals

I'm not a pet blogger - I blog about many different things that I am interested in and inspired by, and animals/animal issues is just ONE of those things. Nor do I consider myself an "activist" in the traditional sense. However, there is a movement happening all over social media that I feel I have to be a part of and spread the word about: it's called 'Be the Change for Pets', and it was started by the amazing folks at BlogPaws, a pet/animal blogging network.

Yesterday, I posted on Facebook that I plan to participate in their July Challenge 'Dog Days of Summer' and document it with photos and posts on Blogger, Facebook and Twitter (as well as linking back to the rest of the participants so that they can track participation). I can't wait to tackle this!

This all fits together with Blog the Change for Animals (if you check my sidebar, you'll see I added their badge to let people know I'm taking part) and this blog posting and my participation in the BTC Challenge is my official contribution to the umbrella movement.

Through this blog, Facebook and Twitter I'm hereby inviting others in the Halifax area to join me in this challenge. My plan is to visit a chosen local shelter sometime between July 19th and 31st to donate a box of supplies and food for the animals housed there. I will be going shopping (with help from this list) sometime in the next week to pick up a few items for the box, and anyone who wishes to contribute a few more items to the box, or even a couple of bucks to put towards an item or two, please contact me through the above links, or by email at khumes186@hotmail.com. You can feel free to come with me when I go shopping, as well as to drop off the items to the shelter, or if you're strapped for time I can arrange to pick up items from you and add them to the box myself.

I would love to go on a spree and fill a gigantic truck full of supplies, but alas I'm on a tight budget and cannot afford to contribute as much as I would like. I also don't have as much time to give as I would like. However, with your help I can "flesh out" the donation a bit more, and at least spread a bit of word about this shelter and cause.

To give you all extra motivation to help me out - here is some information about the shelter I am supporting:

Bide Awhile is a No-Kill shelter, which means it is committed (as much as resources will allow) to finding homes and help for the animals it takes in while avoiding euthanasia at all costs.

Mission Statement
Rescuing and caring for unwanted and abandoned animals. Placing all our animals in suitable and caring homes. Providing an environment free from the threat of unwarranted euthanasia. Cultivating awareness, respect and appreciation for the animals whose world we share. Vigorously promoting spaying and neutering. Managing all our resources and contributions in a responsible manner.
 
Here are some of the other ways you can Help them out. I'm not one to get on a soap-box or to use this blog as a political forum, but animals and all of their issues are very close to my heart and since they don't have a voice of their own, it's up to animal-lovers like us to speak on their behalf. Please help me make my voice louder.
 

I mean, who could resist that face anyway?!

I should mention as an aside that my family has always adopted cats from this shelter, and we have had nothing but the best pets as a result! My mom's current cat, Lily, was a rescue from BA.

Dream On

As you may or may not know, I'm currently looking for a job. Well, I have a job, but since I was filling in for someone while they were on mat leave and they are now back, it's sort of imperative that I get my butt out the door at least sometime soon. However, it's easier said than done. As you also may or may not know, I've been looking for a job for about 4 months now. This sucks. Especially for someone such as me who is not good at waiting.

Luckily my current boss is like, THE BEST BOSS EVER, so she's being very accommodating while I look for work. I'm basically allowed to stay until I find something else, which at the rate I'm going could be at least another month (ugh). So, thank goodness I'm not in the position I was last year in that I'm actually able to pay my rent (huzzah!). However it is taking longer than I would prefer.

So, as you might imagine, I kind of have jobs on the brain right now. Pretty anything job-related is on my mind. It's there right now, and probably will be another dozen or so times before I head home. My mind wandered the other day as it often does, and I started to think about "dream" jobs. Honestly I think "dream jobs" are not really realistic for most of us, and are frankly overrated. Ultimately I don't care where I work or what job I do as long as I enjoy it, have enough responsibility that I feel useful and productive, have freedom but also opportunities to collaborate with others, and have mobility. Obviously it's nice to make good money, too, though "good" in my case translates to being able to pay my bills in full and still have money left over to put some in savings, enjoy a trip here and there and being able to buy myself something if I really want it.

Still, it's fun to think about - what jobs would I love to do, if money and practicality were no object? With these factors eliminated, I would be doing a job purely out of a passion for it, and for the adventure and fun it brought me. Here's a few jobs that I think would be just awesome (in no particular order except in which they tumble from my brain, and thoughts rarely tumble from my brain in order so there you go):

1. Host of a travel tv show - ok, I'm guessing this would be at the top of the list for many people. And why wouldn't it?! How amazing would it be to stay in hotels, eat amazing food, get spa treatments, lounge by some of the best pools and beaches, and drink some of the best wine ALL FREAKING DAY! And all with VIP treatment...need I go on? (personally, I had me at "food"). Another job that would be very cool (and would fit in this category as well) would be a "hotel reviewer" - I'm pretty sure sites like Hotels.com and the like employ people to go stay in hotels around the world and then report back. I'd be quite happy to do this.

2. Pet-sitter - this might not be one that many others would choose, but I think it would be great. I love animals so getting to walk them and play and cuddle with them all day would be so much fun. I would even love to be a combination house-pet sitter professionally - I love houses, don't mind minor cleaning (and I'm good at it), plus there's the whole adventure and escapage of staying in someone else's home for a while and not having to worry about your own. Sure, it could be fairly thankless, taxing work at times (plus you could very easily be taken advantage of or be put in a hairy situation with some more 'exotic' pets) but you could certainly set boundaries for your work so it would only have to be as strenuous as you want it to be. Professional dog-walker could also be placed in this category (picking up poop is not fun, but let's be honest, pretty dogs are date magnets).

3. Butler - ok, I know you probably think I'm crazy for picking this one, but hear me out! I actually read an article recently in the Globe and Mail about a Canadian Butler "academy" and how real-life butlers are not so much considered "servants" as confidante's, companions and nurturers. As the article mentioned, at "butler school" nowadays you learn about "garment care and laundry, cigars and coffee, wine and mixology, event planning and first aid, even household mechanicals (that's fixing appliances) and private-aircraft management." Call me crazy but these are all skills I think would be interesting and handy to learn (minus the cigar thing)! I would feel a very smug about being able to install an airplane engine (can you install an engine? Is that the right word?) and put on a dinner party for 100 people, all in a day's work. Also, I'd feel ten times more intelligent and cultured than everyone else - I could speak in a hoity-toity English accent and say things like "quite" and people would think I'm quite charming. Plus, everyone knows butlers are privy to all of their employers nasty secrets and exploits, and who wouldn't want to (literally) be a fly on the wall in the home of rich people?

4. Taste-tester - I read a book recently that mentions a chocolate institute in the Caribbean that actually studies chocolate flavours, and they employ people to taste CHOCOLATE! Umm, so where do I sign up?! I'm sure they use similar testers at pretty much all food companies to make sure they are turning out a quality product. I love food and eating, so this would be the perfect job for me. Sure, I'd probably end up weighing about 300lbs, but I'd be happy. Call me, Cadbury!

I've always thought on some level that it would also be pretty cool to be a professional blogger or writer - to get up every day and not go into an office, but merely spend 10 minutes thinking up some mindless drivel and somehow forming it into a readable post (much like I do now), then go out the rest of the day and walk, eat, sit in Starbucks reading magazines, suntan, and shop. But I don't think either of us want that - I'd be forced to come up with constantly witty and engaging material, and you would be expected to...well, read it. What a nightmare.

If you had complete freedom of choice and money was no object, what job would YOU like to do?

Idiot Box

Confession: I watch a lot of tv.

However, I don't really watch awards shows. I try to catch at least most of the biggies - the Oscars and Golden Globes, plus the Tony's can be fun to watch as well at times - but for the most part I find them WAY too long and overdone.

Confession #2: I was kind of excited to hear this year's Emmy nominations. Well, mainly I was excited to hear that Glee is nominated for 19 AWARDS! Glee is one of my new favourite shows that I've been following this year, so for it to get that many noms is great! I think it's one of the most clever, funny shows out there today and it really pushes the envelope in terms of its dialogue and no-holds-barred portrayal of high school life (and how shitty it can be at times. You feel me, fellow former [non-popular] teens?).

Matthew Morrison (humina humina) is nominated for best actor in a comedy, which is great even though (confession time again) I think Sue Sylvester is actually my favourite character (please let Jane Lynch win for Supporting Actress). Speaking of BAIC (Best Actor in a Comedy), I'm also happy to see that Jim Parsons is nominated for his role as Sheldon on the Big Bang Theory. BBT isn't something I watch religiously, but I'll catch it here and there and it's always hilarious. Sheldon is really the best part of the show. He's just so darn wierd and socially awkward!

I find it rather funny that Larry David is nominated for playing "himself". That's rather ironic, dontcha think? I want his job - newsflash Larry: I play myself on a daily basis and I sure as hell don't get money and awards for it!

Another "like" is True Blood and Dexter noms for Outstanding Casting for a Drama Series - these are two more shows (in addition to Glee) where the casts really make the show. Two personal favs are Michael C. Hall as Dexter himself (holy crap I can't wait to see what happens to him next year - if you follow the show, you know what I'm talking about) and Ryan Kwanten (omgyummyrockhardabs) and Nelsan Ellis (hooker, please!) on True Blood. They just crack me up! And John Lithgow totally deserves the Outstanding Guest Actor trophy for his role as the Trinity Killer/Arthur on Dexter - he was a crazy mix of spine-tingling creepiness and a kind of lost sadness. I believe he won the Golden Globe this year...

I rented the first season of United States of Tara (man, HBO and Showtime just have the BEST shows) a little while ago and rather enjoyed it, so can totally agree with their Outstanding Casting for a Comedy Series nod (though it's rather black comedy). Toni Collette - call me! (she should be a shoe-in for Outstanding Lead Actress for what she does with this character).

It's very interesting to see some new very 21st century categories, like that of Outstanding Creative Achievement in Interactive Media (for Fiction and Non-fiction), which heralds web and social media promotion used by various tv shows and specials. Signs of the times.

So, even though I'm not a fan of awards shows, I'll probably tune into this one to cheer on my favourite shows, since I have so many of them and so many of them are up for such great awards! Sure, there is a whole lotta braincell-sucking drivel on tv today, but there is also a whole ton of shows that are edgy, witty, stylish and have a lot to say about various issues of our time and ourselves as human beings, whether in a serious or satirical manner.

Did I mention Jimmy Fallon is hosting? This makes me very happy considering I pretty much want to marry him and make out with him heavily in a broom closet all at the same time.

But if Mad Men doesn't win, like, ALL of the style awards, I swear to God I'll have to boycott the Emmy's for LIFE!

Tune in August 29th - if for no other reason than to see the gorgeous and/or hideous fashions!

Temporary One

Well, dear blogsphere, I have been away from you a long time but I have a good excuse - I've been very busy for the past couple of weeks. Even though I was off work last week, I still managed to cram my time with housekeeping, continued job searching, nights/afternoons out with friends, and good old-fashioned relaxing. It was great not to have to rush and be completely sleep-deprived for the first time in five Tattoo's! Can't believe I didn't take vacation in other years - what was I thinking?! It is still continuing until the end of this week, but I'm at least back to normal life in some ways (as "normal" as life can be, right?).

I've also been busy in the mental sense - my brain has been on overdrive thinking about my next steps. I know, I know, nothing new with me. My career and personal life frustrations continue, as I've discussed before on this blog. You see, I've been searching for work now for over four months and have yet to find anything. It is slim pickin's here in Nova Scotia I'm afraid. Luckily, I'm able to stay on at my current job until the end of the month or so, so I'm not quite desperate, but I'm getting there. I'm getting to the point where I'm going to have to go back to the temp agency and see if I can find work through them while I keep looking, but I REALLY don't want to do that.

I'm TIRED of the temp thing. All the jobs I've worked - three work terms during school 2004-2007 and two full-time's since graduation in 2008 - have been contracts of a year TOPS. When you're a starving student or just trying to get some work (ANY work!) under your belt, contracts aren't so bad. I've had some interesting experiences and considering I'm such a "rolling stone" who thrives on change, this switching has kept things fresh and exciting.

However, it also means you're always the new person, that just when you get to know your coworkers and your job you have to leave so it's tough to build relationships, seniority and confidence, and what you end up with is a little bit of experience in a lot of areas rather than any concrete, measurable expertise. It also gives one the sense of constant floatation - a lack of bearings and a lack of knowledge as to your own strengths and accomplishments. This is very frustrating. Now that I have two years of job-searching under my belt, I realize that many companies and organizations are looking for three-five years experience in a particular area rather than four-12 mths experience in four different areas. Not to mention that as a contract employee you're often not eligible for benefits such as healthcare, vacation, bonuses, overtime pay and any other long-term affiliations that other permanent employees enjoy. It's much easier to drag a young, eager contractee through the dirt, as sad as that is to say.

I'm not saying I want to settle into a job and work there the next 20 years of my life, then retire quietly. All I want is to stay in a job MORE THAN ONE YEAR! I want to build up my skills in a particular area, build sustained relationships, and work on climbing the ladder in one place, rather than jumping between rocks trying my best not to fall into the stream, if you will. I want to be able to plan for the future and not have to live paycheck to paycheck forever. I'm only 25 but I'll be 26 in December and I'm not getting any younger. I'd like to do things like buy a house and, oh I dunno, be WORTH something someday (monetarily speaking).

Anyway, the whole point of what I'm saying is not even really about my job worries; it's about what I want for my life in general. My point is that I've come back to a plan I had previously contemplated and later put aside - that of moving to another city. I wrote on this blog back in March about my decision to move to Vancouver (for many reasons), but soon after decided that it wasn't the right time. For one, planning the shower and stagette for my best friend took up most of my time and money for the entire month of May, then before I knew it the gal I was filling in for at work returned from her mat leave and I was faced with finding a job ASAP to ensure I could continue paying those pesky things called bills.

However, I realize now that I also let the opinions of others, and my own fear, bring me down and discourage me from taking that step. Certain people in my life (who will remain nameless), though they were supportive of me making a change, planted worries and guilt in my head that ultimately ate away at my resolve. I've always been someone who cares deeply about gaining the approval of others. I hate that about myself, and I hate that I let this deter me from a potential adventure and positive change.

Of course, there is no question that it's a major decision and one that should not be taken lightly; all details need to be considered, positive and negative. Maybe I won't be happy! Maybe I'll hate it there! But the bottom line is, that's my decision to make. And even if it turns out badly, I'll at least have the satisfaction that I tried; pride in myself for taking that leap. I have an itch that needs scratching; an itch to see other places and spread my wings; an itch that has only gotten stronger in the four-or-so months since I resigned myself to move the first time. Imagine how itchy that need will be in another four months if I don't hurry up and scratch it??

I know a lot of this is really repetitive, as I've talked a lot before about my frustrations re. career and my personal life, my place. But I can't help that it's a huge weight on my mind at this stage of my life. It's one of those things that I thought was maybe just a phase and that might fade as time goes on and I "come to my senses". But I now realize that the reason it's been a weight on me is because I've failed to do anything concrete about it. I've been waiting for answers to come and for other people to tell me what I should do when I'm the one that needs to decide for myself. The time has come to be brave, to follow my gut, get out of my own way, and take that leap of faith; to stop talking and thinking about doing it, and just DO IT.

Anyway, I realize I'm rambling. And who knows if I'll actually make a decision and stick with it considering my track record, but I'm going to do my best not to let fear and doubt get me down. I intend to live up to the title of this blog and keep on rollin' somewhere very soon; or at least that's my hope. Anyone who gets in my way (including me) had better watch out or they'll get flattened! Rolling stone coming through, people (and I don't mean this kind)!

*updates to come (I hope positive ones)*