As I sit in the lovely Block 1912 eating a grilled cheese sandwhich and drinking a cup of coffee (don't worry, still decaf) my mind wanders to a conversation that I happened to overhear today while I was in line at the bank. Although it was not directed at myself I was somewhat offended by the conversation that went on, and so I decided that I needed to interject. Even if it was just to get my opinion out in the open with no one to hear on the opposite end.
It occured as follows:
Two business women walked into the bank carrying a boquet of flowers and approached the front desk where a gentleman was sitting at the computer. Pleasantries are exchanged and the ladies continued on to explain that these flowers were left in their office for someone by the name of Janice K--- (to be honest I don't even remember the last name). It just so happened that the elder of the two women shared the same last name as Janice, but her first name was not a match. Somehow they found out that the woman meant to recieve flowers worked for TD and in hopes of helping them reach their destination they brought them down to the bank in the mall. There were other words exchanged that I missed, but as the women walked away someone suggested the man behind the desk email Janice. I thought it was a good idea... apparently not. After the ladies had left this man went on a small tirade exclaiming that he is not a delivery service either, why would they even expect him to deal with a matter such as this. Now, clearly this was not enough to make him feel better because he continues on to rant about women in general. This rant included, how ALL (apparently) women dissolve their resposibilities in order to make their life easier, they can't deal with problems themselves, and ALL (again, apparently) women throw everything on him and expect him to do it. This was frustrating to say the least. While I cannot disagree that there are women out there who do in fact have the characteristics he is describing I have an issue with him lumping all women together. This is unfair and a stereotype. I polietely asked him if he felt his statement was necessary, or would it have been easier to simply send Janice K--- an email explaining to her the situation at hand. I'm sure that she would be quite happy to come downstairs and pick up her flowers. Or, here is a thought... the chances are that the flowers were meant to be a surprise, soo... keep it a surprise. Talk a walk (lets face it, you don't even have to walk far) grab and elevator and bring them to her. It would give you a rest from all the laborous work you're NOT currently doing, and you could brighten someones day instead of harvesting this sour attitude which is not doing anyone any good.
Now, I am not sure he took my adivce or shared some choice words about myself after I left. Regardless I felt like it needed to be said.
As an aside, he works in a customer service industry. He needs to be careful of what he says while on the floor, you really don't ever know who is listening. I can atest to this from experience.
Women have come a long way in the business world, they have proven themselves to be just as and in some cases more successfull than men in certain fields. By treating women with the disrespect this man chose to, he is forcing women to have to continue to prove themselves immesnly in an area and man could achieve greatness in easily. Women are capable and powerful, treat us as such.
Monday, 26 March 2012
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
Returned again.
I've been neglecting my blog responsibilities. Fear not followers, I have returned again. Hopefully this time I will continue to blog regularily.
So what have I been up to in my absence?
1. School, school and then a little bit more school. As always. The year is coming to a close which means I have a lot of work ahead of me. Following that I will have 4 months of freedom! Here's to hoping that my summer is full of lots of adventures and hopefully a decent summer job.
2. I have been working on a couple of pieces of art for the YESS organization and Friday March 16th I will be attending a fundraiser. It promises to be a wonderful night and I cannot wait to see what the other artists have come up with for show! If you are able to attend the show and support this wonderful organization, tickets are available at Tix on the Square. If you need any other information, please feel free to contact me!
3. My minimalism challange failed, and miserably I might add. I truly don't believe that I was in the right mindset to do the challange. I have some things to mull over and then hopefully in a couple of weeks I will be able to begin the challange with a new outlook on how to approach it. Until then I do vow to eat better, (actually) go to the gym, work on purchasing only what I really need instead of all the things that I want, and of course not spend all of my extra money on going out to eat. It may be easier, but home cooked meals are always much more delicious.
4. Shancy and I recently had our 2 year anniversary, yes... 2 years. There are moments when I feel like it has been such a long time, but then I realize that it really hasn't been. At least in comparison to the years that we have ahead of us! Each day I realize how lucky I am to have someone who is so supportive and loving. Not to mention he deals with the crazy mood swings you get when you're dating an artist! (I really hope that did not come off at cheesy as I feel like it might have.)
5. With the flourish of information about Kony recently I felt like it was important for me to make my own informed opinion on the subject. I had no intention of mindlessly following a flock of sheep headed towards the capture of a man they knew nothing about. All in all I have to admit that the cause is a great one, and I mean the overall idea of it. The non-profit corporation Invisible Children is in fact NON-PROFIT so I wasn't surprised to hear that about 30% of the profits go towards their efforts the remaining is required for administration, salaries and travel expenses. This is why they push so hard to raise even more money for their cause, it's simple - the more they raise, the more money they are able to contribute to what they aim to accomplish.
With the release of their new short film they are simply breating life into an issue that has been ongoing for many years now, they do not claim that Kony is the only culprit, he is simply the current leader they are aiming at. Not unlike Bin Laden in my opinion. Not only do they intend to stop Kony but Invisible Children is also commited to saving the lives of the countless children that have been, are being and could be affected by this. Now that I can stand behind.
I have heard a lot of "my involvement will do nothing" lately, and I have to disagree with all those people, in order to capture this man and begin the long process of righting all the wrongs being done, there need to be voices. It takes millions of voices to bring awareness and support to those who choose to take the next step and risk their lives to follow through with the entire process. So if all you do is talk about it, great! If you choose to do more, even better. Let's make people aware. The more people that become aware the higher the likelihood of the capture and reconciliation.
I really don't know what more to say except, realize that this company is doing the best they are capable of to follow through with their promises, they are not breaking any laws nor are they hiding any information from the general public. If you have an issue with the way they are spending their finances, say your piece by all means but also know your facts to back yourself up.
I will be supporting this cause, a friend of mine asked if I would cover the night with her on April 20th, and after doing my own research I agreed. If you don't feel like you should you don't have to. There is no one forcing you to.
I hope this made sense! If you'd like to chat more about this feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call! I would love to talk about it!
6. I got a new mattress! Maybe that isn't as exciting to everyone else as it is for me, but I am super stoked. There is only one way to describe this new bed: sleeping on a warm hug. I will never not have a memory foam mattress again in my life.
I really don't think there is too much else going on right now. If it comes to mind I will be sure to share with everyone!
5am comes early though so until then, be well.
*Disclaimer, I am exhausted. This may have grammar and spelling errors - sorry!*
So what have I been up to in my absence?
1. School, school and then a little bit more school. As always. The year is coming to a close which means I have a lot of work ahead of me. Following that I will have 4 months of freedom! Here's to hoping that my summer is full of lots of adventures and hopefully a decent summer job.
2. I have been working on a couple of pieces of art for the YESS organization and Friday March 16th I will be attending a fundraiser. It promises to be a wonderful night and I cannot wait to see what the other artists have come up with for show! If you are able to attend the show and support this wonderful organization, tickets are available at Tix on the Square. If you need any other information, please feel free to contact me!
3. My minimalism challange failed, and miserably I might add. I truly don't believe that I was in the right mindset to do the challange. I have some things to mull over and then hopefully in a couple of weeks I will be able to begin the challange with a new outlook on how to approach it. Until then I do vow to eat better, (actually) go to the gym, work on purchasing only what I really need instead of all the things that I want, and of course not spend all of my extra money on going out to eat. It may be easier, but home cooked meals are always much more delicious.
4. Shancy and I recently had our 2 year anniversary, yes... 2 years. There are moments when I feel like it has been such a long time, but then I realize that it really hasn't been. At least in comparison to the years that we have ahead of us! Each day I realize how lucky I am to have someone who is so supportive and loving. Not to mention he deals with the crazy mood swings you get when you're dating an artist! (I really hope that did not come off at cheesy as I feel like it might have.)
5. With the flourish of information about Kony recently I felt like it was important for me to make my own informed opinion on the subject. I had no intention of mindlessly following a flock of sheep headed towards the capture of a man they knew nothing about. All in all I have to admit that the cause is a great one, and I mean the overall idea of it. The non-profit corporation Invisible Children is in fact NON-PROFIT so I wasn't surprised to hear that about 30% of the profits go towards their efforts the remaining is required for administration, salaries and travel expenses. This is why they push so hard to raise even more money for their cause, it's simple - the more they raise, the more money they are able to contribute to what they aim to accomplish.
With the release of their new short film they are simply breating life into an issue that has been ongoing for many years now, they do not claim that Kony is the only culprit, he is simply the current leader they are aiming at. Not unlike Bin Laden in my opinion. Not only do they intend to stop Kony but Invisible Children is also commited to saving the lives of the countless children that have been, are being and could be affected by this. Now that I can stand behind.
I have heard a lot of "my involvement will do nothing" lately, and I have to disagree with all those people, in order to capture this man and begin the long process of righting all the wrongs being done, there need to be voices. It takes millions of voices to bring awareness and support to those who choose to take the next step and risk their lives to follow through with the entire process. So if all you do is talk about it, great! If you choose to do more, even better. Let's make people aware. The more people that become aware the higher the likelihood of the capture and reconciliation.
I really don't know what more to say except, realize that this company is doing the best they are capable of to follow through with their promises, they are not breaking any laws nor are they hiding any information from the general public. If you have an issue with the way they are spending their finances, say your piece by all means but also know your facts to back yourself up.
I will be supporting this cause, a friend of mine asked if I would cover the night with her on April 20th, and after doing my own research I agreed. If you don't feel like you should you don't have to. There is no one forcing you to.
I hope this made sense! If you'd like to chat more about this feel free to shoot me an email or give me a call! I would love to talk about it!
6. I got a new mattress! Maybe that isn't as exciting to everyone else as it is for me, but I am super stoked. There is only one way to describe this new bed: sleeping on a warm hug. I will never not have a memory foam mattress again in my life.
I really don't think there is too much else going on right now. If it comes to mind I will be sure to share with everyone!
5am comes early though so until then, be well.
*Disclaimer, I am exhausted. This may have grammar and spelling errors - sorry!*
Saturday, 11 February 2012
Day six through eight.
Day six: Something that makes you happy.
Day eight: Something you wore.
A cup of tea and some great conversation will make my heart soar each time.
Day Seven: Inside your closet.
Day eight: Something you wore.
Hello, favorite scarf :).
Until next time, be well.
Wednesday, 8 February 2012
Day five.
Day five - 10am
My morning, starring Art History and tea. Soundtrack courtesy of the Beegees.
Tuesday, 7 February 2012
Day two through four.
Minimalism so far has been a success, not that I thought it would be hard for the first couple of days. Luckily I have had midterms to distract me... You attempt to memorize the artist, era, and location of 100+ images and then tell me you aren't distracted! So all in all, no faulters as of yet!
In other news, here are my instagram pictures the last couple of days!
Day two: Hands
In other news, here are my instagram pictures the last couple of days!
Day two: Hands
He had to finish his match first!
Day three: A stranger.
Day four: Breakfast
Onions, peppers, spinach, avocado, cheese and egg... yumm.
Until next time, be well.
Saturday, 4 February 2012
Day one.
So far so good!
I figured in light of the 6 weeks minimalist challenge I am doing I would also join the herd of sheep in Instagram and do a photo challenge as well. I put a little twist on it though, instead of only doing February I will be doing a photo a day for all 6 weeks. I combined a couple different lists of photo-a-day pictures and this is what I came up with:
1. You
2. Hands
3. A stranger
4. Breakfast
5. 10 am
6. Something that makes you happy
7. Inside your closet
8. Something you wear
9. Your sky
10. Where you sleep
11. Water
12. Something you adore
13. Someone you love
14. Blue
15. Heart
16. Phone
17. Your shoes
18. Something you're listening to
19. Nature
20. Something you're reading
21. Something you made
22. Reflection
23. Light
24. In your bag
25. Something old
26. Guilty pleasure
27. Color
28. Sweet
29. Lunch
30. Happiness
31. Daily routine
32. Time
33. Handwriting
34. Something you hate to do
35. Front door
36. Favorite place
37. Dinner
38. Button
39. Money
40. Dinner
41. Something new
42. You, again
Since this is day one here is photo one:
I figured in light of the 6 weeks minimalist challenge I am doing I would also join the herd of sheep in Instagram and do a photo challenge as well. I put a little twist on it though, instead of only doing February I will be doing a photo a day for all 6 weeks. I combined a couple different lists of photo-a-day pictures and this is what I came up with:
1. You
2. Hands
3. A stranger
4. Breakfast
5. 10 am
6. Something that makes you happy
7. Inside your closet
8. Something you wear
9. Your sky
10. Where you sleep
11. Water
12. Something you adore
13. Someone you love
14. Blue
15. Heart
16. Phone
17. Your shoes
18. Something you're listening to
19. Nature
20. Something you're reading
21. Something you made
22. Reflection
23. Light
24. In your bag
25. Something old
26. Guilty pleasure
27. Color
28. Sweet
29. Lunch
30. Happiness
31. Daily routine
32. Time
33. Handwriting
34. Something you hate to do
35. Front door
36. Favorite place
37. Dinner
38. Button
39. Money
40. Dinner
41. Something new
42. You, again
Since this is day one here is photo one:
Disclaimer: I took this one about a week ago.
Tomorrow is another day.
Be well.
Minimalist adventure.
Mindlessly putting away my laundry/tidying up my room in preperation for the week ahead of me it hit me - I have way to many "things".
Now, I am aware that getting rid of all of these things and attempting to live the strict minimalist lifestyle will be next to impossible. I do believe I should begin to seirously take stock of all the posessions that I have in my life.
Do I really need all of these "things"?
To begin I suppose I should admit a couple of things:
1. I am a self-confessed materialistic person.
2. I shop, a lot. When I say a lot I mean every second day (easily).
3. I like to have variety in everything (clothing, books, music, even blank notebooks!)
At this point my epihany was only taking into consideration all of the material things that I own so I began to think about all of the other things that I mindlessly spend my money on... Coffee, snacks at school (I have perfectly good food at home), junk food, magazines (I read them once - if that), and countless other things. Let's face it, this is incredibly unnecessary. So my challenge for the next 6 weeks is to attempt to live as close to a minimalist lifestyle as I possibly can. Clearly there will be exceptions and rules which I will lay out, and in order to stay accountable I will continue to update and those close to me in life will - hopefully - keep me in check.
Rules:
1. For the following 6 weeks I will not:
- purchase any new or used clothing
- purchase any new or used books
- purchase CD's or DVD's
- purchase food or drinks from the cafeteria at school.
2. Once a week am I able to eat at a restaurant and I must be accompanied by someone. If possible I need to make use to the coupon book that I purchased.
3. Tea is the only acceptable purchase when at Starbucks. Remedy is allowed a max of 3 times in the following 6 weeks.
4. Online shopping in unaccetable, regardless of when the shipment will be recieved.
5. I must take the time to go through all of my possessions and purge anything unused or unwanted.
6. Gifts for others are an acceptable purchase.
7. Everytime I cheat or faulter I must add another week onto the end of my challenge.
8. Instead of shopping I will spend my time drawing/painting/reading/crafting or anything else productive.
9. I will make a valiant effort to search out free activities to do in Edmonton.
10. Groceries are always allowed to be purchased, except for junk food. I will abstain for the 6 weeks.
I am almsot positive there are things that I am forgetting which I will gladly add during one of my many updates.
I vow from this moment on (for the next 6 weeks), I will live on the bare minimum. If for any other reason but to prove it to myself.
Be well.
Now, I am aware that getting rid of all of these things and attempting to live the strict minimalist lifestyle will be next to impossible. I do believe I should begin to seirously take stock of all the posessions that I have in my life.
Do I really need all of these "things"?
To begin I suppose I should admit a couple of things:
1. I am a self-confessed materialistic person.
2. I shop, a lot. When I say a lot I mean every second day (easily).
3. I like to have variety in everything (clothing, books, music, even blank notebooks!)
At this point my epihany was only taking into consideration all of the material things that I own so I began to think about all of the other things that I mindlessly spend my money on... Coffee, snacks at school (I have perfectly good food at home), junk food, magazines (I read them once - if that), and countless other things. Let's face it, this is incredibly unnecessary. So my challenge for the next 6 weeks is to attempt to live as close to a minimalist lifestyle as I possibly can. Clearly there will be exceptions and rules which I will lay out, and in order to stay accountable I will continue to update and those close to me in life will - hopefully - keep me in check.
Rules:
1. For the following 6 weeks I will not:
- purchase any new or used clothing
- purchase any new or used books
- purchase CD's or DVD's
- purchase food or drinks from the cafeteria at school.
2. Once a week am I able to eat at a restaurant and I must be accompanied by someone. If possible I need to make use to the coupon book that I purchased.
3. Tea is the only acceptable purchase when at Starbucks. Remedy is allowed a max of 3 times in the following 6 weeks.
4. Online shopping in unaccetable, regardless of when the shipment will be recieved.
5. I must take the time to go through all of my possessions and purge anything unused or unwanted.
6. Gifts for others are an acceptable purchase.
7. Everytime I cheat or faulter I must add another week onto the end of my challenge.
8. Instead of shopping I will spend my time drawing/painting/reading/crafting or anything else productive.
9. I will make a valiant effort to search out free activities to do in Edmonton.
10. Groceries are always allowed to be purchased, except for junk food. I will abstain for the 6 weeks.
I am almsot positive there are things that I am forgetting which I will gladly add during one of my many updates.
I vow from this moment on (for the next 6 weeks), I will live on the bare minimum. If for any other reason but to prove it to myself.
Be well.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)