Summer is over another Fall begins...

Hello,
yes I know I have "been away" for a small period of time and have neglected this blog for a few months. I would like to say that I have been running around like crazy and did not have time to blog but that would not be true, as based on the title of this blog I write during my lunch break and I have been at work every day (no standing ovation required), ergo no excuses for me other than that I did not feel the longing to blog.
However, I am missing the enjoyment of writing my thoughts and observations and will make better attempts in the future to continue on a more consistent basis.

What I would like to discuss is the fact that summer is yet again over and here in Canada when you only receive a few weeks of summer sun, it just seems that more depressing when the chill of Fall arrives. For some reason every year we are confused by how short our summers are and I feel that is because we are such a hopeful Country that next year might be just a little bit better and warmer for just a bit longer. But to no avail...

I would also like to point out that I have started this blog almost a year ago (and no need to point out that the blogging has been minimal), therefore this means that I have also been at my "new job" for a year and yes I still feel like I just started yesterday. It is moments like this where I can see & feel how fast a year really is....sorry for those just about to go on Mat Leave thinking they have a full year with their beloved new addition when in reality its quick year (and sorry Americans who only receive 6 weeks mat leave, this will make you envious to Canadian who receive a full year and the fact that I'm complaining that a year goes by quickly....again, sorry).
Not to end on a depressing note but my lunch break is again over, so to provide you with a bit of happiness I leave you with this....

Fashion Trends for 2012!

Summer is just around the corner and already I'm seeing the summer trends for 2012 everywhere. And from what I can see, this summer is going to be a colorful one!  The top trends that I am seeing are colorful pastel colors, mainly in mint green (or some would call seafoam), but it's true, it's one of the top trends and everyone is buying mint green colored clothes from dresses, sweaters, shoes and jeans!

More trends are based on color blocking (with a twist from the 60's version of color blocking). Can you see the difference between the 2012 version and the 60's version?

 - Fashion really does repeat itself!

Another fun trend that I have seen is colorful geometric patterns....Speaking of repeating we have seen the geometric patterns before in the 60's, the 80's and now again for 2012. It seems as though this particular pattern returns every 20 years. so hold onto you clothes and you could be in-style again in 2032!

 

Last but not least...BOWS. No matter what you're age you can rock a bow. Either by wearing a bow ring, necklace, broach or an actual bow in your hair. This style is available to all ages!

  These fashions are fun and very girly which is perfect for flirty summer nights, so enjoy these trends for as long as they stick around and hopefully the next trends will be just as fun and colorful! 

Reality TV Taking Over?

Some of the highest ranked TV shows are reality TV shows, from Fear Factor (its baaaack), to Survivor and even Desperate Housewives are bringing in the viewers.  How many times have you thought, I should have my own reality tv show because my life is far more entertaining than the ones I'm currently watching! This now brings me to the phenomenon YouTube. Everyone's a star and some lucky few have actually found their career through this online link. Which poses the question, do we not look for the talented few any longer or are there such a mass majority of free links and anyone who owns a camera have the ability to "make it big" or get at least a shot of fame.

When I watch older films the actors and actresses could sing, dance and act, which was known as the triple threat, but are we losing these big talents for simple in your face drama and cat fights on screen? I'm definitely not against reality tv and I watch the occasional Biggest Loser, The Voice and even a few episodes of Desperate House Wive’s, because the truth is that just like a car crash, you just can’t help but look.

If I listed all of the reality tv shows that just I know of it would take up several pages...for example you have: Celebrity Apprentice (& The Apprentice), The Shark Tank, Cake Boss, DC Cupcake, The Ultimate Cake Off, Survivor, The Amazing Race, Fear Factor, The Biggest Loser, American Idol, The Voice, The X Factor, America's Got Talent, and not to forget The Bachelor, and Big Brother....to name a few.  I'm just putting the thought out there that this reality thing might be getting out of control and if you need that much reality in your life, then you should simply go outside!

 - Just something to think about!

Let the Resolutions Begin!

It's that time again....the beginning of a new year. The time to reflect on the year that has passed all the good, bad & embarrassing! It is also the all-important time to start the year off right by stating resolutions, goals to set for one-self in hopes to improving a lifestyle or image! 90% of the resolutions promised at the beginning of the year are mostly about health & wellness, this includes weight loss. But how many people actually maintain these goals throughout an entire year? The shocking truth is only 3% of people will maintain a fitness resolution for the entire 12 months! Gym memberships are filled out in fury and gyms are filled to capacity every January. Then by as early as February and March the once avid gym goers are cut by half as the familiarity of their regular busy lifestyle gains control once again. 

I feel for the constant year round gym goers (even though I am not one) who have to put up with these re-focused gym groupies filling up their gym for the first few months every year! There is probably an audible sigh of relief when the gym begins to lose the less passionate and allows more space for those who remain! If any gym was smart they would put together a program with a possibility of a money prize to be claimed at the end of the year for those who sustain their workouts throughout the year! They might be able to maintain more gym flow, but then again once a membership is signed does the gym really care if you come back as long as the monthly fees are being paid?

Other resolutions could be possibly finding a new job, learning a new skill (like cooking or some sort of craft). Some could be very subtle like, taking the time to read more or contacting family more consitantly. Whatever you decide you would like to improve, just start off slowly as several small changes are easier to maintain then a few large changes. In this case, slow & steady really does win the race!

Happy New Years and good luck in 2012!

This Favorite Time of Year can bring on the most Disturbing...Awkward Family Photos!

It always amazes me what people deem "good ideas" when putting together a family photo. I have gathered a few of the most awkward due to limited time and a VAST amount available (seriously people). Do they not realize that these photos are put online and mocked endlessly...but I want to thank you just the same for the smiles and LOLing that happened while accumulating these fine memories.
Let the mocking and shamlessness begin...

Ah, the classic kid & santa photo...wait, it looks as though Santa was on the receiving end of somone's fist... now who's on the naughtly list Santa you hypocrite!

Just after this photo was taken the parents explained to the kids that they were all presents to each other this year and there would be nothing else under the tree. Thankfully with limited reachability no one was injured badly during the family brawl, a few paper cuts and a sharp corner in a few eyes.

Wow, so your passionate about swimming? hmmm that doesn't come across in this photo, maybe add a few more ribbons to your tree to really relay this message that your family is awkward (FYI, no body cares about your ribbons, so decorate your tree with real christmas decorations & leave the ribbons on the corkboard).

I'm really not sure if this photo could get any more awkward with the poor awkward looking girl to the creepy santa in the background....ah good memories to mock, I mean share, hmm no had it right the first time!

Ever feel depressed during Christmas?  Well, feel happy that you're doing better then this poor lonely girl! This would equal to someone posing for a picture with 20+ cats. Congrats to one of the most awkward photos ever.....maybe I spoke to soon, this next picture below is definitely the most awkward I have ever seen and I just have no words...

I just want to know if anyone has called the authorities on this family after receiving their Christmas card....Seriously, who thought THIS was a good idea. Good job awkward parents for scarring your children and the world!
Before I leave you with that last disturbing picture now etched in your mind. Here's one more to show you that all families enjoy posing with Santa, even if they don't look like it...or because they're goth....

I wonder if they each asked each other for black lipstick and eyeliner for Christmas!

Enjoy putting together your Christmas Holiday cards and try to stay away from matching costumes or wearing nothing at all because as "fun" as it is to have my eyes bleed, there are really other options (better options) available that will still be just as awkward but probably less damaging to your friends and families receiving these treasures.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Traditions to be had at Christmas!

Every family has their own traditions that they may or may not look forward to during the Christmas Season.  Some may or may not enjoy caroling in the snow, going from neighborhood to neighborhood until your feet are frozen, voice is strained and ears aching from someone in your “choir” with a particular high pitch falsetto who isn’t afraid to belt it out.  Other traditions can be more subtle like opening one gift on Christmas Eve, reading the Christmas story or watching the same Christmas movie from year to year.

 It is these traditions that make the holidays special. We know that once we are performing these traditions that the long awaited holiday has in fact arrived and we can let loose and enjoy those great dinners, delicious deserts while enjoying time spent with great friends or family reflecting on the blessing of that year!

It makes the stresses of the year bearable and I’m not just talking about the hectic malls and supercenters while gift buying. Although, that can be pretty stressful!  I’m talking about the yearly-long stresses that occur. People seem to deal with stress better around Christmas, you bump into someone else’s car and a simple “oops, sorry” might do (depending on the bump). But generally people seem lighter and it could be these traditions that they know to expect or perhaps are creating new ones this year that they cannot wait to start!

So pull out your list of carols and warm up your vocal cords because the Christmas Season is here and it just might be someone’s tradition to open their door to you singing a few traditional Christmas tunes!



Among the Great Christmas Gifts are the Awkward & Weird...

Everyone has recieved an awkward or weird gift at one time in their life during the Christmas Season. I find that it is usually these gifts that are the most memerable!  So before you spend your hard earned cash on what you feel is an "original" gift, here are a list of gifts for you to walk on by:

First we have the "Boyfriend Pillow" or what I'd like the call "The Awkard Man-less Arm"

This would definitely freak out the guest staying over during the holidays! In replace of this gift I would suggest getting a real boyfriend or a dog. Moving on....
This next gift is called "The Running Alarm Clock" Great in theory. I would recommend this gift to those who enjoy being annoyed the moment they wake up.

Have a friend who’s always late because he or she can’t wake up? Introduce them to Clocky. This intelligent alarm clock jumps off your nightstand and runs away if you press snooze the first time. It then rings again and keeps running around the room until you get up eventually! Your friend will never be late again (and you will soon have one less friend)!

This next gift is really classy. This would only work for someone who is, well 12 years old...or a guy  in their 30's (or any age really)!

It’s incredibly easy to use – just stick your pencil in a nostril, twist it a few times, and your pencil comes out all nice and sharp. Free of snot too! Suitable for friend (most likely a guy) who are artists, architects, use pencils often or can’t stop or who enjoy picking their noses.

This next gift should not require a description of why it is not a good gift....

Just don't do it, no one wants this!!

This next gift would be awkward, (becasue you should never buy anyone other than your husband/wife a bed), but aside from that, I do not know a single person who only sleeps on their side (left side at that)!

With this next gift, again the idea of this gift is great! But please make sure you measure...

This last gift might just give off the wrong message to those over for dinner, I'm just saying...

If you are really are lost with what to buy this Holiday Season and you are known for buying similar "original/creative" gifts such as the ones shown above. Please bring someone along on your shopping trip (someone who has better sense in gift buying) or just place the money you would have spent on something awkward into an envelope and wrap that up!  I know people say money is not a sincere gift but at least that person won't have to waste gas money in taking your gift back!

Hero's Remembered...

Remembrance Day is a memorial day observed in Commonwealth countries since the end of World War I to remember the members of their armed forces who have died in the line of duty. Rememberance Day is observed on 11 November to recall the official end of World War I on that date in 1918; hostilities formally ended "at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month" of 1918 with the German signing of the Armistice ("at the 11th hour" refers to the passing of the 11th hour, or 11:00 a.m.) I find this fact interesting and the fact that everything was done using the number 11. This is why the moment of silence happens at 11am on November 11am, we are remembering the exact day and time that the hostilities finally came to an end!

The red remembrance poppy has become a familiar emblem of Remembrance Day due to the poem "In Flanders Fields". These poppies bloomed across some of the worst battlefields of Flanders in World War I, their brilliant red colour an appropriate symbol for the blood spilled in the war.

Countries around the globe are commemorating Nov. 11 each in their own way. Whether it be with Remembrance Day, Veterans Day, Poppy Day, or Armistice Day, people come together to be reminded of the ones who've died protecting their freedom.

Remembrance Day commemorates Canadians killed in the First World War, the Second World War, the Korean War and the country's various peacekeeping missions over the years.

More than 100,000 Canadians soldiers have died in conflicts since 1899, including:

- More than 240 in the Boer War.

- More than 66,000 in the First World War.

- More than 44,000 in the Second World War.

- 516 in the Korean War.

- 121 in peacekeeping missions.

So take a moment and really think about the lives lost and appreciate the life that you are able to live because of so many gave their lives for your freedom....Lest we never Forget.

"Greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." - John 15:13

Diets and Chocolate....

or

The Christmas Holiday season is quickly approaching and people are already starting to crave those delicious holiday treats! The Holiday is when you can (and without guilt) finally indulge and savor the decadent chocolates, the never ending snack table and the desert tray stacked high with cakes, pies and other holiday inspired sweets!

I think we indulge more at Christmas than at any other holiday because we have the New Years resolution to fall back on. The New Years resolution or what I'd like to call The Annual Diet Reminder. As it is always during this time where we try to right our wrongs and to re-gain that focus to receive the results we desire. This all sounds extremely admirable but there is a reason why during the first two months of the year (each year) the volume of gym memberships increase, then slowly by March or April the once focused and determined have now lost their momentum and reason for their once required motivation.

I guess it’s a good thing that we get a yearly reminder, to help us regain our focus and make an valiant effort to get back into shape (even if it's for a few weeks)! So, sink your teeth into another brownie and hide the scale because you need to make your New Year’s resolutions worthwhile!



Martini's and Manolos

Once Halloween has been appreciated, celebrated and the candy eaten and gone, it gives any Christmas decorating fanatic the right to pull out the boxes marked "Christmas Decorations" and start getting the house ready for the biggest holiday of the year! I am one of those early fanatic Christmas decorators. Anyone can agree that a house decorated for Christmas always looks better and has a warm happy feeling and feels more like a home!

Parties:

Time to get out your Manolos and clink your martini glasses to another year down and another year done! Christmas parties are a great way to let loose with your co-workers (not too loose, however as everyone now has video & camera's on their phone & can easily capture moments you wish would fade away as the cursed hang over. This is how embarrassing nick names are created). But I digress....

It is a great way to see your co-workers out of the office and to get to know them in a different light (mind the above warning).  Bonding with one's co-workers creates a "family unit" a feeling of camaraderie and therefore creating a common ground.  It's this common ground that paves the way for a fun working environment. Stories that you will talk about later around the water cooler and laugh at the good memories that were made.