I think they should find someone to take this "trailer" and film it into a full length film.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
On finding your passion
Last Thursday, the department at work I just joined had an off site. We began the morning discussing 2010 and where we wanted to go in 2011. And then we spent the afternoon broken into teams of 3 or 4, mastering the art of sweeping and throwing rocks. There were prizes for team themes and costumes, and it was awesome seeing so much creativity on the curling rink (is it called a rink?).
Before the afternoon team building event, we were treated to a guest speaker. Cori Morris (nee Bartel) was the lead on the Canadian Women's Curling Team in the 2010 Olympics. She shared with us her passion and how she works to get there.
The most interesting part of this talk was that Cori's passion was not really a specific thing. It wasn't baking or gardening or curling. Her passion was making herself better. When she mentioned this it was like a light went off in my head. I do all of these things and make all of these plans and imagine all of these outcomes in the hope that I will truly stumble upon the one thing that causes me great elation. The honest truth (redundant? yes, but I'm cool with it) is, I do most of these things because I want to be the best me I can be. I try so many various activities and hobbies imagining all of the time that I will find that "one" thing that will take over my life (in a good way).
But what if, like Cori, my passion is just becoming better. Working hard every day becoming a stronger, smarter, talented person? I enjoy that process of learning and attempting to master so many different hobbies. And if I start really throwing myself into doing things because I love that it will help me become a better person, then it means I have stumbled upon my passion too. And all of those hobbies and activities become even more enjoyable. It just seems win-win.
Another part of Cori's speech was about the Olympics. She described how she felt standing on the podium accepting the silver medal and how the one thing she would change if she could that day would be to smile bigger. To be more proud that she made it not only to the Olympics, but she placed in one of the top positions. The take-away for me while listening to this story was that one should smile bigger with each little accomplishment. Really enjoy the moment and the sense of being apt, capable, strong and worthy. I think too often we don't really realize how much we have conquered and completed in our lives to get where we are today.
Before the afternoon team building event, we were treated to a guest speaker. Cori Morris (nee Bartel) was the lead on the Canadian Women's Curling Team in the 2010 Olympics. She shared with us her passion and how she works to get there.
The most interesting part of this talk was that Cori's passion was not really a specific thing. It wasn't baking or gardening or curling. Her passion was making herself better. When she mentioned this it was like a light went off in my head. I do all of these things and make all of these plans and imagine all of these outcomes in the hope that I will truly stumble upon the one thing that causes me great elation. The honest truth (redundant? yes, but I'm cool with it) is, I do most of these things because I want to be the best me I can be. I try so many various activities and hobbies imagining all of the time that I will find that "one" thing that will take over my life (in a good way).
But what if, like Cori, my passion is just becoming better. Working hard every day becoming a stronger, smarter, talented person? I enjoy that process of learning and attempting to master so many different hobbies. And if I start really throwing myself into doing things because I love that it will help me become a better person, then it means I have stumbled upon my passion too. And all of those hobbies and activities become even more enjoyable. It just seems win-win.
Another part of Cori's speech was about the Olympics. She described how she felt standing on the podium accepting the silver medal and how the one thing she would change if she could that day would be to smile bigger. To be more proud that she made it not only to the Olympics, but she placed in one of the top positions. The take-away for me while listening to this story was that one should smile bigger with each little accomplishment. Really enjoy the moment and the sense of being apt, capable, strong and worthy. I think too often we don't really realize how much we have conquered and completed in our lives to get where we are today.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Meow, Meow, Meow
Tonight I am donating more of my time to help out the MEOW Foundation at the MEOW Rocks! event. There will be live music. There will be an auction (most likely a silent one). There will be a chance to win a 50/50. And there will be drinks. Drinks that you will use tickets to purchase. Tickets that you will buy off of me.
This is another couple of hours to add to my volunteer challenge of 2011. I am estimating about 7 hours, but I have no idea when they will call last call for tickets.
The MEOW foundation is in Calgary and runs a "no-kill registered charity that rescues and cares for stray and abandoned cats, matches rescued cats to suitable adopters and fosters, and provides Trap Neuter Return services." They have paired with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (aka AARCS) and Pound Rescue to "raise funds to benefit homeless and abandoned cats & dogs in Calgary."
As any familiar readers here know, I have two little fur brats that are both quasi-rescued animals. Molly is from the shelter and Oryx was fate. Oryx's mom was a stray that I witnessed stupid Magpies attacking and I brought her to a friend's house. Little did we know she was prego at first. The mom was too wild to be a house cat, so (I believe) is now living the dream on a farm and Oryx is the complete opposite, living the dream as an overfed cat who gets to chase a larger than life rat-dog (aka Molly). The rest of the litter went to good homes.
I have always enjoyed having a pet around. The unconditional love you receive from your dog or cat is the best part. Supporting a charity that helps cats (as well as other charities that help both) is important to me as I think these little guys definitely deserve to find a forever home.
You can find out more about the MEOW foundation here, AARCS here and Pound Rescue here.
And about tonight's event here
UPDATE: I was actually put on the VIP table for will call tickets and to check in the Stampeder CFL players that put in an appearance. The night was a blast, I added another 6 hours to my goal and the band rocked this charity event so hard, they blew a fuse! It was pretty awesome :)
This is another couple of hours to add to my volunteer challenge of 2011. I am estimating about 7 hours, but I have no idea when they will call last call for tickets.
The MEOW foundation is in Calgary and runs a "no-kill registered charity that rescues and cares for stray and abandoned cats, matches rescued cats to suitable adopters and fosters, and provides Trap Neuter Return services." They have paired with the Alberta Animal Rescue Crew Society (aka AARCS) and Pound Rescue to "raise funds to benefit homeless and abandoned cats & dogs in Calgary."
As any familiar readers here know, I have two little fur brats that are both quasi-rescued animals. Molly is from the shelter and Oryx was fate. Oryx's mom was a stray that I witnessed stupid Magpies attacking and I brought her to a friend's house. Little did we know she was prego at first. The mom was too wild to be a house cat, so (I believe) is now living the dream on a farm and Oryx is the complete opposite, living the dream as an overfed cat who gets to chase a larger than life rat-dog (aka Molly). The rest of the litter went to good homes.
I have always enjoyed having a pet around. The unconditional love you receive from your dog or cat is the best part. Supporting a charity that helps cats (as well as other charities that help both) is important to me as I think these little guys definitely deserve to find a forever home.
You can find out more about the MEOW foundation here, AARCS here and Pound Rescue here.
And about tonight's event here
UPDATE: I was actually put on the VIP table for will call tickets and to check in the Stampeder CFL players that put in an appearance. The night was a blast, I added another 6 hours to my goal and the band rocked this charity event so hard, they blew a fuse! It was pretty awesome :)
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Dear new boots
I love you. I am sure the other soles in my closet are feeling a little jealous. You were a fantastic investment.
Sinecerly,
LB
UPDATE: Just for Canadian Saver, here is a picture. They rise to sit just over my knee.
Sinecerly,
LB
UPDATE: Just for Canadian Saver, here is a picture. They rise to sit just over my knee.
Monday, February 14, 2011
BBMing with Muds*
Laura: Hi I'm watching Basic Instinct. I feel disappointed by the epic leg crossing scene. Why is this so epic?
Muds: I think in an uncut version you see more than u bargained for (at least that is what guys said...). In any case, that is what the script suggest the cops saw and they were drooling over the flash
Laura: Agressive love scene was more "flashy"
Muds: Yes, but not as suggestive
Laura: Um. I just saw Michael Douglas's wang. Pretty Suggestive.
Muds: Too blatant
Laura: Fair enough
Muds: Love you -- Happy Valentine's Day
*muds is my mommy
Muds: I think in an uncut version you see more than u bargained for (at least that is what guys said...). In any case, that is what the script suggest the cops saw and they were drooling over the flash
Laura: Agressive love scene was more "flashy"
Muds: Yes, but not as suggestive
Laura: Um. I just saw Michael Douglas's wang. Pretty Suggestive.
Muds: Too blatant
Laura: Fair enough
Muds: Love you -- Happy Valentine's Day
*muds is my mommy
Dear World,
Today was amazing!
My place of employment offered me a position that is so much more close to my personality. And it only made sense that I said "hells yeah," but in the completely professional manner of "that sounds wonderful!"
I will be aiding in the organization and hosting of events for customers (present ones and potential ones). I believe that my stint with GirlTalk Events will help me with this new role AND I love working with people representing the company I work for.
And to top the day off, there was candy every where that people brought in! SO EXCITING! Candy is one of the best perks of working in an office during holidays.
And now, I am off to spend an amazing evening with my Valentine. Movies and dinner and maybe a celebratory glass of vino to commemorate this new chapter in my life.
I think this is my favorite Monday EVER!
Sincerely,
Laura
PS. Happy 20th anniversary of Silence of the Lambs. If you know anyone turning 20 this November, good chance his or her parents had a date with this movie first ;-)
My place of employment offered me a position that is so much more close to my personality. And it only made sense that I said "hells yeah," but in the completely professional manner of "that sounds wonderful!"
I will be aiding in the organization and hosting of events for customers (present ones and potential ones). I believe that my stint with GirlTalk Events will help me with this new role AND I love working with people representing the company I work for.
And to top the day off, there was candy every where that people brought in! SO EXCITING! Candy is one of the best perks of working in an office during holidays.
And now, I am off to spend an amazing evening with my Valentine. Movies and dinner and maybe a celebratory glass of vino to commemorate this new chapter in my life.
I think this is my favorite Monday EVER!
Sincerely,
Laura
PS. Happy 20th anniversary of Silence of the Lambs. If you know anyone turning 20 this November, good chance his or her parents had a date with this movie first ;-)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
It's like re-connecting with old friends
I went to help my brother out with some things this afternoon and while I was at my mom's house decided to load up my car with some boxes she has been storing for me.
This evening has been somewhat magical. These boxes she stored for me are filled with my childhood toys and books. There is even some of my art work, poetry and stories from when I was a kid. The books have been my favorite thing to peruse.
When I was kid, life in my household was slightly dramatic. At times, more than slightly. Other times, a little bit less. But there always seemed to be some catastrophe or another we had to deal with. I fell in love with reading as a way to escape from my family and join another one (even if it was only for a couple of hours).
Pawing through the books brought back so many memories. So many good memories. The anticipated Scholastic book fairs, browsing through bins at Costco while my parents grocery shopped (where I obtained almost the entire Baby-Sitters Club series -- some were sold off when I was 11, but I kept my favorites), and (the one that makes me laugh a bit) when my parents signed me up for the Especially for Girls mail order book club. Every month for a year, a new book about teenagers was sent to me. At 10 or 11, this was super exciting as I believed life was really going to start for me at the magical age of 13.
The selections this book club sent to me included What Every Girl Should Know About Boys! and Teen Girl Talk as well as countless romances staring the dream boy (in fact, one is titled Dream Boy). I re-read what Every Girl Should Know tonight in about half an hour. The advice may explain some of the decisions I have made in relationships. It's pretty solid advice, but I think I warped it to fit my preconceived notions of having the fairytale romance.
I'm not going to lie, I am pretty stoked to reacquaint myself with some of my favorite characters, get some more style tips from NYC sophisticate Stacy McGill and artsy Claudia Kishi, travel the rough seas with Charlotte Doyle and fully understand the grown-up humour that I missed in the Ramona Quimby novels.
I haven't gone through all of the boxes yet, but I do believe I saved a few issues of my old YM and Seventeen magazines too.
I can't even explain what I am feeling this evening. Just really super content, remembering myself as a young teen. If you're all lucky, maybe one day I'll post one of the poems or short stories I wrote.
This evening has been somewhat magical. These boxes she stored for me are filled with my childhood toys and books. There is even some of my art work, poetry and stories from when I was a kid. The books have been my favorite thing to peruse.
When I was kid, life in my household was slightly dramatic. At times, more than slightly. Other times, a little bit less. But there always seemed to be some catastrophe or another we had to deal with. I fell in love with reading as a way to escape from my family and join another one (even if it was only for a couple of hours).
Pawing through the books brought back so many memories. So many good memories. The anticipated Scholastic book fairs, browsing through bins at Costco while my parents grocery shopped (where I obtained almost the entire Baby-Sitters Club series -- some were sold off when I was 11, but I kept my favorites), and (the one that makes me laugh a bit) when my parents signed me up for the Especially for Girls mail order book club. Every month for a year, a new book about teenagers was sent to me. At 10 or 11, this was super exciting as I believed life was really going to start for me at the magical age of 13.
The selections this book club sent to me included What Every Girl Should Know About Boys! and Teen Girl Talk as well as countless romances staring the dream boy (in fact, one is titled Dream Boy). I re-read what Every Girl Should Know tonight in about half an hour. The advice may explain some of the decisions I have made in relationships. It's pretty solid advice, but I think I warped it to fit my preconceived notions of having the fairytale romance.
I'm not going to lie, I am pretty stoked to reacquaint myself with some of my favorite characters, get some more style tips from NYC sophisticate Stacy McGill and artsy Claudia Kishi, travel the rough seas with Charlotte Doyle and fully understand the grown-up humour that I missed in the Ramona Quimby novels.
I haven't gone through all of the boxes yet, but I do believe I saved a few issues of my old YM and Seventeen magazines too.
I can't even explain what I am feeling this evening. Just really super content, remembering myself as a young teen. If you're all lucky, maybe one day I'll post one of the poems or short stories I wrote.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Lists are Magical
When I become a soccer mom, this is how I would like to go about doing it.
Big sunglasses? Check
Killer wardrobe? Check
Incredible Shoes? Check
Hot Soccer Playing Husband? Check
I would love to be able to bake, craft, decorate, and garden my way to be being a multi-millionaire. I would also do this with a martini in my right hand. It would be a good thing.
Mostly, I would just like to play in this teen's closet. Her shoe collection inspires me to get more and more daring with my styles. Stumbling upon her blog was the most magical moment in my life. Oh shoe porn, how I love thee.
Mostly for her tresses, but fluently speaking Francaise would be tres awesome as well.
This girl is cute, has an amazing voice, her music is awesome and she seems like she would be wicked cool to hang out with. All traits I would love to have :)
Who would you love to be for a day?
Sunday, February 6, 2011
200 Volunteer Hours in 2011 Challenge
I mentioned earlier that I challenged myself to give back 200 hours of my time volunteering with different organizations. Yesterday I helped out the Canadian Red Cross with a fundraising casino. I was "hired" in the banker position and I have never in my life touched so much money. Hundreds of thousands of dollars in my hands. I was a little giddy. And stacking the hundreds in stacks of $5000 was one of the highlights of my shift.
The casino itself was busy, but the shift was slow. We had a little bit of a rush before dinner as people cashed in their chips before leaving for home, but other than that I spent most of my day getting to know a group of people I would have never met in any other situation. And we discussed everything from politics to religion to best restaurants in town. The group was super diverse with people from different parts of the world so the view points that everyone had really created a super interesting conversation.
I "worked" 8 hours yesterday which is a great start to my challenge. And the people I met provided me with a lot more ideas and connections to get more volunteer hours in.
Very awesome day!
There is a digital film fest happening in Calgary right now, so this afternoon I am going to go watch The Goonies on the big screen. SUPER STOKED! Sometimes, my life is awesome :)
The casino itself was busy, but the shift was slow. We had a little bit of a rush before dinner as people cashed in their chips before leaving for home, but other than that I spent most of my day getting to know a group of people I would have never met in any other situation. And we discussed everything from politics to religion to best restaurants in town. The group was super diverse with people from different parts of the world so the view points that everyone had really created a super interesting conversation.
I "worked" 8 hours yesterday which is a great start to my challenge. And the people I met provided me with a lot more ideas and connections to get more volunteer hours in.
Very awesome day!
There is a digital film fest happening in Calgary right now, so this afternoon I am going to go watch The Goonies on the big screen. SUPER STOKED! Sometimes, my life is awesome :)
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Thankful Tuesday
Having the opportunity to sit down in a one-on-one with someone I admire greatly and hearing her describe my potential and my growth in positive terms
Finding out a special little girl received her birthday package from me and loves it
Having the ability to read. An ability that many take for granted.
Chinooks blowing in creating a happier mood among every one around
Hot chocolate, bubble baths and sudoku puzzles
Embracing this insomnia I am facing again and using it to complete many goals
Playful bets on Groundhog Shadow Seeing that make work weeks more fun
Cheesy Pick Up Lines trending on Twitter. Bad pick up lines make me laugh. Making me laugh is the way to my heart. Conclusion? I will probably always fall for bad pick up lines.
Finding out a special little girl received her birthday package from me and loves it
Having the ability to read. An ability that many take for granted.
Chinooks blowing in creating a happier mood among every one around
Hot chocolate, bubble baths and sudoku puzzles
Embracing this insomnia I am facing again and using it to complete many goals
Playful bets on Groundhog Shadow Seeing that make work weeks more fun
Cheesy Pick Up Lines trending on Twitter. Bad pick up lines make me laugh. Making me laugh is the way to my heart. Conclusion? I will probably always fall for bad pick up lines.
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