What Really Grinds My Gears Wednesday: Hashtag Campaigns

Hello faithful readers of five. Time for a new (hopefully weekly if I can stop being lazy) feature!

I know I said I would be more grateful in 2013. But when so much stupid exists in the world, in the interest of sanity, I really should allow myself at least one day to vent. Or drink. But venting doesn't kill the liver.

You know what really grinds my gears? Hashtag campaigns.

Hashtag campaigns (a.k.a. #insertcampaignhere) are campaigns that originate on Twitter. They are usually about political issues (like #occupywallstreet, #idlenomore #stopKony2012), but they can also include campaigns against corporations or other entities. My specific beef for the purpose of this post is about politically motivated campaigns.

The issue I have is not with raising awareness about important social issues. I think it is good and healthy to discuss topics that affect us directly or indirectly. I think it is important to highlight things that are broken in society.

My issue stems from the fact that, at least so far in my observance, if not done right, these campaigns are polarizing and pointless and stray so far from the issue that nothing actually happens.

Here is a list of everything that typically goes wrong with the campaigns:

1. They are usually ideologically driven, and those who drive it are not interested in hearing other points of views but their own.
2. Should you offer a different, valid point of view, you are labelled a _______. (Fill in the blank. Usually racist/sexist/elitists comes up, but by no means are the labels limited to just those).
3. It brings out the nastiest comments from both the left and right, and ends up becoming a mud-slinging tweet-off.
4. The "facts" or "proofs" are usually cherry-picked, ignoring all other documents, news or court decisions related to the topic. Especially if the word "charter-right" or "amendment-right" enters the fray. 
5. The issue itself is based on a ton of misinformation right off the bat (not that anyone cares). So the warlord we are supposed to stop is not even in the country or power anymore? Minor details. So the chief starving herself is in knee-deep in highly questionable conduct at her own reserve? Minor details. 
6. It creates a bunch of sheeple who know nothing about the topic, except for the 140 characters they read from other sheeples, and they all of a sudden become experts. That 40 year old housewife is all of a sudden a legal and constitutional expert. That 16 year old teenager, whose whole life revolves around Justin Bieber, cares so-o-o much about child labour (while everything she owns that her parents bought her is made via child labour).
7. Journalists and newscasts fixate on all the wrong aspects of the topics, don't ask the right questions, portrays one side as victims and the other side (usually government) as villains. The only time they actually care to portray all the facts is when one side (usually the movement) does some grievance against a journalist. Oh the humanity of it all!

I don't pretend to know about what the hell the #idlenomore campaign is. Up until I started tuning in, I thought it was an environmental movement to stop idling your car. I don't have a clue about treaty rights. I don't have a clue what the constitution says, or what the courts have said, or what the issues are in the aboriginal community. Which is why I have not participated in the campaign. I am not an expert, so I will not pretend that I am.

However, I do think Theresa Spence's antics are taking away from real issues with the government and aboriginal communities relationship. Attacking the government and starving yourself isn't going to make a her reserve look any less ghetto, address why she and her boyfriend appear to be knee deep in corruption, or find out where the money given to her reserve has gone (certainly not to the people or infrastructure). I call bullshit.

Fact is, both the government and the aboriginal community (and the larger Canadian society) need to start addressing aboriginal issues. With all parties at the table. Discussing the actual issues, and how to address them. And each side will need to concede things to move forward. That is a fact. Dispute that. 

I am not against people having an opinion on a topic. That is healthy. But don't just spout rhetoric as an "expert" and slag other people with different points of view in the topic. If you are not interested in engaging in real dialogue,or interested in researching the topic, or interested in hearing all points of views, go back to tweeting angry cat memes. 

2013 Bucket List: The Friday Five Edition (posted late as usual)

Hello faithful readers of five!

Today's blog is not so much about a 2013 resolution, but more like a commitment. Call it a bucket list of what I want to achieve this year. This was originally supposed to be posted on Friday but I was sick with the flu. When you are done, and have commented (because comments are my she-ra sword), then head over to Joanne's blog post on this very same subject!

5) Be selfish & stand up for myself. 

Seems like an odd thing to want. However, as I discovered in 2012, this action is essential for both my physical and mental health. To sit by quietly while someone tries to piss on you is not "keeping the peace." It's not even trench warfare. It's laying down and being shat on is what that is.

I am done with dealing with passive-aggressive people who throw digs while pretending to be nice for the sake of martyrdom. Screw you.

I am done with nagging feelings of doubt about the quality of my work or the contributions I add to the discussion because you are insecure about your own enough to tear down mine.

Don't like that? Tough titty for the kitty. I am not your punching bag. I am not your slave. I am not your therapist. I am putting myself first, and you better be prepared for that.

4) Limit my social media time. 

Confession: I have missed what other people have said to me, including my husband, because I was looking at Facebook or Twitter.

Ironic since I hate it when I go out with friends or family and everyone is glued to the phone. But I am slowly becoming that person. I forgot my phone for Christmas Eve dinner. I thought it would be OK. I can handle one night without my iPhone right? Well I won't lie and say I didn't get...um...twitchy. Especially when at one point at the table I was sitting at, everyone there's head was down, looking at their smart phone, not even talking to me or each other. The living room where the rest of the family was assembled was no better. The next day, I must have checked my phone at least 20 times, as if I missing someones tweet was going critical to my well being.

I appreciate being connected to people so easily. I appreciate making new friends.

But what good is being connected if we are truly not connecting. 

Most people, especially on Twitter, aren't really interested in my point of view. They (like me) are more interested in sharing their points of view.  I have seen friendships fall apart over posts on Facebook and Twitter (over politics and other "issues"). I have gone months without seeing my actual real-life friends and family, as if somehow, Facebook or Twitter is enough to sustain that connection. It's not for me. I assure you. However, I am guilty of doing the things I so despise.

If I miss things my husband is saying, then a line has to be drawn somewhere. BALANCE has to be part of the social media equation. (Blogging excluded of course... he he).

Let's not even begin to discuss how much time has been wasted at the expense of other meaningful activity...which leads me to my next bucket-list item!

3) Get more active

Things I discovered in 2012:

1. Activity helps me lose weight, feel energized, contributes to my overall health improvement, improves my mood, and strengthens my connections with others.
2. Lack of activity causes plateaus, weight-gain, fatigue, health problems, adds to my negative feelings about myself, and weakens my connections with others. 

Remind me again why I am not out there every single day for at least 30 minutes? Remind me again how hard it is to find 30 minutes when I can easily waste that amount of time watching shows on TV I don't even like, or scrolling Twitter and Facebook?

There really is no excuses for avoiding what I actually enjoy. There are so many things I can do at my current weight (like aqua-size, walks around Beaumaris Lake, the elliptical etc..), that any excuse is pitiful at best.

2) Lose weight and stop putting crap in the trap. 

Source: Someecards.com

I know that the easiest thing to do is cut my calories, watch my portions, and eat more of the healthy stuff. I know how to do it. I know the tips and tricks on how to create safe environments. I even know how to eat out in a way that is safe and controlled.

So if I know all of this stuff - if I am this oracle of weight-loss knowledge - how come I am not living the knowledge? How come I am abusing my body with crap food?

I will work on this. I already am to some degree. However, what I am thinking I am lacking is respect for the food that is produced to make me healthy, and respect for my body to seek those foods.

1) Life my life to the fullest potential with grace.

Source: The Biggest Loser, NBC

Good question Bob. What am I going to do with it?

I firmly believe that if I implement the principals above, I will be living my life to the fullest possible potential in 2013 and beyond.  There is absolutely nothing to hold me back but myself. I believe that I will achieve these goals with a good attitude.

I must be grateful the gifts in my life (including my very breath) that God has loaned out to me. That is right. Loaned out. Not given. He can very easily take those away - call in his chips as it were. Nothing is guaranteed to be permanent, good or bad. It is not my life to live. It is His. And I owe it to Him to be the best of me and represent Him well.

I must be authentic to Him. I must be authentic to myself.

Here is a song that I think best represents my life going forward.

It's Your Life

Album: My Paper Heart

Artist: Francesca Battistelli

This is the moment

It’s on the line

Which way you gonna fall?

In the middle between 

Wrong and right

But you know after all

(Chorus)

It’s your life 

What you gonna do?

The world is watching you

Every day the choices you make

Say what you are and who

Your heart beats for 

It’s an open door

It’s your life

Are you who you always said you would be?

With a sinking feeling in your chest

Always waiting for someone else to fix you

Tell me when did you forget

(Chorus)

To live the way that you believe 

This is your opportunity 

To let your life be one that lights the way

(Chorus)

Here is a video if you want to hear they lyrics. 

Thanks for peeking into my life and thoughts this week. Share your bucket list items in the comments!

~Dani.

2012: The Year that Was

It's that time once again to look back on the year that was. (Joanne will post hers shortly at A Warm Cup of Jo).

1) What did you do in 2012 that you have never done before? I got married! I also went to Penticton for the first time (that I can consciously remember), and I stayed at the Banff Springs Hotel. I ate edible gold, and tried fois grois for the first time. This was a year of many firsts!

2) Did you keep your New Year's Resolutions, and will you make any more next year? I did. Some happened (I blogged a bit more, I got married, I started a weight-loss program). Some didn't (I didn't blog as often, I lost the same 15 pounds over and over again, I didn't conceive a baby). I am OK with where I am and how things worked out one year later. There is always next year. And yes, I will make more mini-goals. I will post those next week.

3) Any major life events happen in your life? Yep. I got married!

4) Where did you travel? I went to Banff, Southern BC, Pentiction, Las Vegas

5) What did you lack in 2012 that you would like more of in 2013? I think if I had to pick one thing, I would say a backbone to speak-up and stand-up to others who think it is OK to dictate to me how to live my life, all while belittling me in the process. I did it a little bit in 2012, with good results. But I've bit my tongue a bit too much in 2012. No more putting up with bull just to make peace.

6) What dates from 2012 will remain etched upon  your memory? July 14, 2012 was my wedding day, so I better remember that! LOL.

7) What was yoru biggest achievement of the year? Getting married (and avoiding a destiny of being the cat-lady), and standing up for myself at work.

8) What was your biggest failure? Not being able to push past a certain weight plateau. It's one big mental hurdle.

9) Did you suffer illness or injury? No, thank God. If anything, my health improved quite dramatically!

10) What was the best purchase you made? For my husband's birthday, I bought him the 50 Years of James Bond DVD series. Not only have I finally been able to watch these movies, but my husband and I have grown closer. I look forward to our "Bond" date nights and the discussions afterwards.

11) What things/people inspired you the most? I am inspired by some of my Weight Watcher friends that I have met online, like Christina and Suzi (amongst many others). Not only have they been successful at losing weight, but they are also honest about the struggles, open about their journey, and just great people to get to know. They give me hope for my own journey, and have given me the encouragement to keep on truckin'.

12) What things/people disappointed you the most? I can`t say any one person really disappointed me. If I had to pick one, it`s politicians in general. I really wish that a politician would look above partisan politics and meet people in the middle to get things done. It was particularly bad this year...

13) Where did most of your money go? The wedding, without a doubt. Although our vacations were a bit of a wallet muncher too! LOL.

14) What did you get really excited about? Marrying the man I love! I also got excited when things seamlessly fell into place (because that never happens to me), and exploring new places with my husband.

15) What song will always remind you of 2012? There are so many to chose from, but for me, it will be an old relic, God Only Knows by the Beach Boys, because that was my wedding song.

16) Compared to this time last year, are you:

• Happier or hardened? Definitely happier!
• Thinner or fatter? Sadly, I am fatter. Blah.
• Richer or poorer? Richer in so many ways...

17) What do you wish you'd done more of? I wish I had exercized more.

18) What do you wish you'd done less of? I wish I had spent less time on facebook/twitter/social media in general.

19) What was your favourite TV program? Least favourite? I would say that Downton Abbey was my new favourite program this year (followed closely by Duck Dynasty! *Quack*). 

My least favourite was probably Season 13 of The Biggest Loser. It is normally my favourite show, but this season was uncomfortable and unbearable to watch because of certain contestants (Jeremy, Conda etc...). It was nasty and NOT the show I love. Next season promises to be better. It better be!

20) What was the best book you read? Worst book? The best book, far and away, hands-down, was Rules of Civility by Amor Towles. I would even say it is in my top-five books of all time. It was that good!

I can't say that there was a bad book necessarily, but I have had to read some dry and boring books as part of my formation at work. Blah.

21) What was your favourite song/album/artist (and least favourite)?

• Fave song: Skyfall by Adele, followed closely by Call Me Maybe by Carly Rae Jepsen (so addictive!)
• Fave album: Best of Bond: 50 Years of James Bond Themes
• Fave Artist: Zac Brown Band continues to impress me (as does Lady Antebellum and The Band Perry). I find country music has stronger overall artists then pop music (in general).
• Least fave song: Someone That I Used to Know by Gotye made me want to rip my ears off
• Least fave album: I had a chance to listen to Kisses From The Bottom by Paul McCartney. Not good. Not good at all. He needs to throw in the towel and just stick to the music we love from him.  {Memo to Rod Stewart: same to you buddy}.
• Least favourite artist: Gotye. What the hell was that?

22) Favourite film this year? Worst film? My husband and I didn't see a lot of movies, but Skyfall was definitely one of the better ones! Goon was also an excellent movie (unexpectedly so).

Because we didn't go to many movies, I don't really have a worst of 2012. But I did see Live and Let Die (the James Bond movie w/Sean Connery) for the first time, and I did not like it. Made me mad watching the stupid film. I am willing to suspend belief watching Bond films, but I refuse to throw my brain out of the room!

23) What was one thing that would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying? Being able to stick to my diet and actually loose more than the same 15 pounds over and over.

24) How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2012? Is fat-clothes and sweat pants a fashion concept?

25) What kept you sane? My husband, repeatedly!

26) Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most? Fancy the least? This may sound weird, but I had a lot of respect for Mitt Romney this year. It was clear to me (at least) that he was the Republicans choice because they expected to lose and want a better candidate then him in 2016 (when there is no incumbent president). He did way better than anyone, most of all Republicans, expected. While he had many "bozo eruptions", he also brought back the moderate voice that is missing in the increasingly polarizing, tea-party driven, conservative right in the USA.

Fancy the least? The following people can leave the planet: The Westboro Baptist freaks and Rhianna.

27) What political issues stirred you the most? The least? The Alberta election probably excited me for the first time in forever, probably because there was an actual opposition. Not a good one, but one none-the-less. 

I don't/didn't really care (maybe as much as I could) about any twitter/facebook-led political viral campaigns such as #kony2012 or #idlenomore. Too many sheeple who know nothing about the actual issue become two-second experts who do things (like post pictures on their walls) which have no real impact.

28) What news story did you like the most? Hate the most? I am a sucker for anything royal, so this was a good year to satisfy that (like the Jubilee events, the royal pregnancy, weddings, births and so on...).

Hate the most? It's not a specific story per se, but I cannot tolerate when real reporters clearly use Twitter or Facebook as their only or primary source without contacting or investigating the motives of the source or story itself. It is sloppy journalism. I have a general distaste for the latest trend that local news agencies (print, radio, TV) of reporting people's "twitter" reactions as news/stories.

29) What sports moment did you like the most? Hate the most? I liked the Summer Olympics, specifically Oscar Pistorius competing in a regular race with artificial limbs and qualifying. That was a great moment!

I am tired of any sporting news/moments that has to do with either the downtown hockey arena or the NHL lockout. But suck monkey balls and makes me angry!

30) Favourite blog (other than yours)? Blog Post (other than yours?). 

• Fave Blog: A Warm Cup of Jo
• Fave Blog (and my guilty pleasure): The Royal Order of Sartorial Splendor
• Fave Blog Post #1: The Fart That Almost Altered My Destiny (I cried laughing).
• Fave Blog Post #2: Dear Sweet Mom That Feels Like She is Failing (I cried)
• Fave Blog Post #3: The Mom Stays In The Picture (I cried some more)

31) Favoutie Blog Post (of yours)? Well, with only 13 posts to choose from in 2012... I would say I tend to like my posts where I feel the most vulnerable and honest.

• #3: Happy Anniversary to The Cockroaches - 17 September 2012
• #2: I Miss My Friend(s) - 9 May 2012
• #1: Friday's Top Five: Things for Which I Am Grateful - 21 December 2012

32) Who is your 2012 Person of the Year? My husband. Best man ever.

33) Who do you miss? I fondly miss Wendy, Grandma & Grandpa, especially at my wedding. But it is time to move forward with happiness, always with them in my heart. Every ladybug, glorious sunset, and butterfly reminds me that they are there with me always and want me to be happy. So I shall be!

34) Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2012: Say what you mean and mean what you say. If you don't want people to walk over you, stop lying down.

35) Quote a song lyric that sums up your year: It's My Life - The Beatles.

There are places I'll remember
All my life though some have changed
Some forever not for better
Some have gone and some remain
All these places had their moments
With lovers and friends I still can recall
Some are dead and some are living
In my life I've loved them all

But of all these friends and lovers
There is no one compares with you
And these memories lose their meaning
When I think of love as something new
Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more

Though I know I'll never lose affection
For people and things that went before
I know I'll often stop and think about them
In my life I love you more
In my life I love you more

Friday's Top Five: Things For Which I Am Grateful

Source: unknown

While 2012 was infinitely better than 2011, you would never know it by my general day-to-day attitude. I would like to think I am a positive personality, and I am, but when it comes to how I feel internally, I don't always gratefully reflect on the gifts I have been given. Nor do I take compliments very well - mostly because I feel unworthy of them.

Just the other day, I had a co-worker compliment my new haircut and said "you are so beautiful and photogenic," and I scoffed at those remarks. She said to me "you need to learn to take a compliment and be more grateful for your blessings." 

That, my faithful readers of five, is total and complete truth.

 

I have decided that for 2013, I will be more grateful. I will try to focus on the positive things in my life. This has to be a conscious decision on my part. This will also require detailed review of where I am negative, and how I can turn that into a positive.

One place where I can start is on my blog. Next week is Christmas, and what better time than to express my gratitude for my life's blessings. When you are done reading my list, leave a comment, then head on over to Joanne's Top Five list.

5) My Health

Source: unknown

In 2011, I was diagnosed with Lofgren's Syndrome, a mild form (spectrum-wise) of Sarcoidosis. While the worst of it is over (hopefully forever), I have basically spent the last two-years seeing specialists from every walk of life.  I am more-or-less done with those appointments now (except for a yearly follow-up to ensure that all is good). But there are three things that I am extremely grateful for, having lived this experience:

1. Excellent heath-care in Canada that I don't have to pay upfront for!
2. My disease is in complete remission!
3. Because of all the tests I had to take, other stuff has been discovered: asthma; a severe vitamin D deficiency and the related thyroid issue (both which are better now); a higher than normal risk for pre-eclempsia (sp?) if I am pregnant (which is good for the doctors to know so that I am more closely monitored).

Because of my experience, and the results from tests (expected and unexpected), I am in a much better position to take control of my total health moving forwards. I am grateful for my health.

 4) My Faith

Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton: Trina & Omari Lewis

It is not easy to live my faith. I don't live it particularly well all the time either. It's not easy to agree with all doctrines of my faith.  Plus, with my job actually being an administrative assistant for the Church, it can be a fine line between feeling like I am doing God's work vs. working for The Church. Add to that the constant negative rants I read on a daily basis from some of my Atheist friends (sometimes logical, sometimes hateful), it's just plain hard.

That said, I love my faith. I love that when I am down, out, and not doing so good, God steps in. I love that when I am up, in, and doing well, God is still there. I love the feeling I get when I step into church for the one hour sanctuary against the daily grind of life. I love that my Church has solutions, even if you disagree, with almost every aspect of life. I love that I can share my faith with my husband and friends - the people that matter. For all the rants I read, nothing replaces the experience and truth I feel. I am extremely grateful for my faith.

3) My Friends

Yah, that's how we roll! Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton: Trina & Omari Lewis

My friends make me laugh when I otherwise want to cry. My friends are the joyful sounds that comes out of the musical instruments of life. They are the soundboards for my rants, the vine for which the gossip flows, the vein of my heart that sustains me. Generally speaking, they are also one brick short of a load, but that's neither here-nor-there. :P

I love my friends. Simple as that. No matter how busy we get, or how things change in our lives, I will always be there for them, and they for me. I am grateful for my friends.

2) My family

This about sums up my family. Source: unknown

Why do they call it a family tree? Because if you look deep, you will find some sap!

 

I love my family. And now that I am married, I have more family to love. On any given week, someone is driving me nuts. I wouldn't have it any other way. When the going gets tough, you have family in your corner. I am grateful for my family.

1) My husband

Love. Source: Creations Photos, Edmonton, Trina & Omari Lewis

I love my husband with all my heart and beyond. He is everything to me. Every single day, I grow deeper in love. Our love is not particularly dignified or newsworthy, but it means everything to me. I am grateful for my husband.

****

Merry Christmas everyone, all faithful readers of five! I leave you with this quote:

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be. ~Abraham Lincoln

 



 

Friday's Top Five (Late): Least Favourite Christmas Carols

Hello faithful readers of five (possibly six now). Today is not Friday, but I was kinda busy so I am posting this on a Monday. Meh.

A couple of Friday's back, I posted my Top Five Christmas Songs that I love. It was hard making that list, because quite frankly, I could have included at least twenty songs (some that I forgot about that would probably make that list, like U2's Christmas, Baby Please Come Home).

If I am completely truthful though, on the whole, there are waaaaay more Christmas carols that just annoy the piss out of me. I didn't realize just how many songs annoy me until some of the radio stations in Edmonton started playing 24 hour Christmas music. There is some seriously awful shite that has come out.  Having to choose just five? 

Like-but-don't-like-but-like Honourable Mention: The Pogues, Fairy Tale of New York

I actually like this song. I do. I think it is great. However, it's just...how do we say this... not Christmas. I mean it's fun and all. And possibly a great bar song with your mates, drinking over a hot toddy. But it's not one I would necessarily have playing in the background at pretty much any family event. So it's an honourable mention on the hate list (even thought I like it). Got it? OK then.

And now the real list!

5) Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer - Randy Brooks

This stupid song was a gag song written 30 years ago. It keeps coming back, year after year. The joke is clearly on us. What did your grandma do to you Randy? Did she hit you with a frying pan or something? If not, she should after this horrid song.

4) I Wanna Hippopotamus for Christmas - Gayla Peevey

General rule for a sucky Christmas carol: anything sung by kids for kids will be bad. Horribly bad. It will sound like some phony-contrived piece of garbage. This song is no exception. It's been annoying people for generations. Think about it for a second. Do you really want a hippo for Christmas you snot-nosed kid? Where are you going to store it exactly? Will you shovel the pooh when it takes a dump? No. It will be poor mom and dad stuck with that task.

But these questions are irrelevant, because the hippo will rip your family apart. They aren't that cute, and they are the most vicious beasts on earth. Better stick with the goldfish there Gayla.

3) I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus - The Jackson 5

This song is the reason why parents everywhere decided to Irish-up their egg nog. Because it sucks. It is an awful song to begin with. Want a recipe for a great Christmas tune? Let's sing about how mommy is an adulterous hooch in front of her children.

Then, because the premise of the song isn't awful enough, let's have the Jackson Five sing the tune. How I can even listen to the song with all the blood spilling out of my ear amazes me. If you want to know why Michael Jackson turned into a pedo-freak, this song might garner some clues. Just sayin'.

2) Any Christmas carol sung by the Beatles

How does the greatest band on earth manage to suck so horribly much when it comes to Christmas Carols? Seriously? This is a lesson for all great bands out there: if your manager says "let's make a Christmas album" then fire him.

1.5) Anything sung by cats and/or dogs

I couldn't have a list without including this. Back in the late 80's/early 90's, some ass-clown decided it would be a stellar idea to make an album of cats meowing and dogs barking to timeless Christmas classics. The results are equal parts horrific and annoying. This is why Bob Barker begs us to have our pets spayed and neutered.

1) Last Christmas - by anybody really, but Wham specifically

I loathe this song (as does Joanne). I hate it with every fiber of my being. It's bad enough that it is sung at all by Wham. For a while, I thought it would just make an occasional radio appearance and move on. I was content with this song being a bad 80's memory.

But then that damn TV show Glee aired it on a Christmas special a few years back. Next thing you know, other artists jumped on board! The song started biblically begatting itself. "But it's a different version, sung by a different artist, so it must be OK to play it five times an hour" said the radio stations.

NO IT IS EFFING NOT! 

The song is beyond stupid. Just because you change a word with Christmas, does not a Christmas song make. "Last Christmas I gave you my heart..." That is the only time the word Christmas is mentioned in the entire song.  Why not just play the song all year long to go with the seasons?

"Last St. Patrick's Day, I gave you my heart..."   "Last Kwanzaa, I gave you my heart..."  "Last National Talk Like A Pirate Day, I gave you my heart....".

Utter and complete bullshit is this song.


So faithful readers of five, what are on your loathe lists? Leave some comments! Then head on over to Joanne's Blog to see her Top Five Least Favourite Christmas Songs!

Friday's Top Five: The Best Christmas Carols

This makes me laugh.

Hello faithful readers of five!

I had this wonderful awesome good idea that Joanne and I should blog about our favourite Christmas Carols! After all, it's that time of year where I can finally unleash my Christmas crazy, right? RIGHT?

This was hard guys. I love me some Christmas music, I do. How do I narrow it down to five? Sigh.

I decided that when selecting my music, it would be five songs that are simply enjoyable, that evoke an emotion or memory, or may possibly be used to torment any future children I have. Win-win all around!

Gather around children. Irish up your nog. Sit back and enjoy!
 
5) The Huron Carol 

I first heard this song in Church during Advent in 2008, a few months before I became a Catholic. It immediately resonated in my conscience and filled my heart. Sometimes, you simply cannot express how the beauty of a song can evoke an emotion.

This song is Canada's oldest Christmas carol, written in 1643 by Jean de Breabeau, a Catholic Jesuit missionary, to the Huron peoples. It was originally written in Huron as a way to explain the Christmas story. Haunting. Beautiful.

4) O Come O Come Emmanuel - The Civil Wars 

I love everything about this song, which we sing during Advent at Church. When I was searching for a version of this song, I came across this wonderful version by the group, The Civil Wars. This version is absolutely amazing. (I also recommend Enya's version, which weaves in Celtic lyrics in a haunting way).

 

3) Now the Bells Ring - Rita MacNeil

CRTC rules dictate that Canadian content be played on the radio every day. It is how I am able to hear Now the Bells Ring year after year. Which is fine by me. My mom loves this song, so it was played a lot at home. Rita MacNeil has one of the clearest and best voices out there.

 

2.5) Little Saint Nick - The Beach Boys.

I know, I am totally cheating. I am a cheater mccheaterson. Whatever. I can't have a list without Little Saint Nick by the Beach Boys. So. Much. Fun.

2) Christmas is All Around - Bill Nighy (from the movie Love Actually) 

Some may ask how I can hate Wham's Last Christmas so much, and yet this song, which does basically the same thing (insert the word Christmas into a generic song), is my second favourite Christmas Carol?  Easy. This song, unlike the monstrosity of Last Christmas, is funny. I first heard it watching Love Actually. I laughed then. I laugh now. My husband loves it. I love it. Heck, we will even play the song in the middle of summer (and still laugh). We will even sing it in our fake English accents. Bill Nighy MAKES this song a classic.

Watch this movie clip. Then you will understand how I can defend this choice.

1) Do They Know It's Christmas - Band Aid

This is easily my favourite Christmas carol. This selection is all about happy memories and 80's nostalgia. I remember listening to this song over and over (and over) again at Grandma's house with my aunts and uncles.

This was back in the day when big stars got together to compile songs for charities (save the whatever cause of the day). There is no mistaking that this is an 80's song. All you need to do is listen and watch the video to determine that!

What makes this song great 28 years later is that it is still awesome, still a great song to listen too, and still socially relevant. I crank this song and sing along every single time.  Plus, it has Phil Collins, who you all know is my favourite.

Feeed the world...let them know it's Christmas time...

My selections either caused you to enjoy your rum nog, or drink more more rum nog. Leave comments about my choices and some of yours, then head on over to Joanne's blog to see her 5 choices.

Things that make me go hmmm?

Me this morning. Me every morning. Source: who knows.

Hi faithful readers of five. I'm here at work (not technically working), watching the snowmageddon arrive in my fair city. I feel like making random comments/questions/musings/ramblings about the world-at-large (mostly political). The things that make me go hmmmm.....

• I have heard the Progressive Conservatives of Alberta describe the Wild Rose Party of Alberta as extremists. If that is the case, then why did you let that element rest in your party for 30+ without censure, constraint or expulsion? Don't you have yourselves to blame for the party that emerged? Hmmmmm....
• I have heard the Wild Rose Party of Alberta describe the Progressive Conservatives as corrupt. Really? You sure enjoyed the hand that fed you for 30+ years without complaint. I guess as long as you don't get to share in the pork, then it's an issue. Hmmmm....
• Interesting debates about meals costs for politicians and health care executives. On some instances, sure the complaints are legitimate. But do we honestly think that you can have a meal for two under $50.00 in Edmonton anymore? Do people think that they should go for meals to McDonald's? Hmmm.....
• If I hear one more squawk about how awful the National Energy Policy was for Alberta in the 80's, immabout to lose my sh*t. First off, can we all deliberately ignore what was going on in the rest of the world that probably had a larger effect on the price of oil and gas? Also, it's been 30+ years. Policies have come and gone. Alberta is doing more than fine now. In fact, are we not now pushing for a national energy policy by our own conservative/federal conservative government? You can call it under any name you want now, but it is essentially the same type of policy. Hmmm......
• Let's stop pretending that any vote for Justin Trudeau as a leader of the Liberal Party of Canada is because of any policy ideas he is putting forth, and more to do with the fact that he is a Trudeau, and a handsome one at that. Hmmmm....
• On that note, how long will it take before anyone in the Liberal Party of Canada realize that Marc Garneau is the best possible leader of the current hopefuls? Will it be too late? Hmmmm....
• Why do we complain about how early Christmas music is released onto the public? I remember Christmas music blaring in the malls in November when I was a kid. So why are we all acting like this is some sort of new phenomenon? Hmmmm....
• Why do we treat Advent like Lent? It is not the same. One is a joyful period of anticipation. The other is a solemn period of anticipation. While we are always to be mindful and reflective of our interior selves, we don't need to treat Advent like a funeral. Hmmmm....
• How much privacy and platform changes will we truly accept from Facebook before enough truly becomes enough? Hmmmm.....
• Can we all agree that TWITTER = Total Waste (of) Intellect, Time, Talent, Energy and Resources? So let's stop pretending that we are intellects in 140 characters. Hmmmm.....
• For that matter, why do people act like self-proclaimed experts on all subjects on social media? Hey, I can pull a quote from a Google search too. A fact doesn't always trump a viewpoint based on personal experiences. Let's stop pretending our "facts" don't stem from a personal bias. I can hunt down any "fact" to support my bias too. Hmmmmm.....
• Can we all stop pretending that Gordon Lightfoot's performance at the CFL half-time show was any good? I get it. He is a legend. But it was not good. He needs to retire his guitar. Hmmmm....
• Speaking of not good, did the organizers of the CFL half-time show really think that those who like Justin Bieber would become fans of the CFL? Are you kidding me? Do you know the audience this boy attracts? More importantly, do you know your audience?  Hmmm....
• On that note, whoever decided that Gordon Lightfoot and Justin Bieber would be good CFL half-time entertainment should have tossed that plan in the garbage and booked Rush and Trooper. Surely they aren't busy these days? Hmmmmm....
• Now that Nascar, Baseball and CFL are over, sports TV suckssssssss! Hmmmmmmm......
• Is there anything good on TV anymore that doesn't involve "reality" TV and singing/dancing/food competitions? Hmmmm.......
• Why can't I get frozen borscht from the grocery aisle? Hmmmm....
• If men celebrate Movember for prostate cancer research, can I propose that women celebrate Janu-hairy for ovarian cancer research? I will gladly not shave my legs for a month. Hmmm......
• I will say this once: please stop playing Last Christmas by Wham EVERY FREAKING HOUR. It is stupid. Replace Christmas with any word and the song applies. "Last Ramadan, I gave you my heart...", "Last election day, I gave you my heart..." Adding the word Christmas randomly does not a Christmas song make. Hmmmm....
• For that matter, I'm tired of radio stations switching to an all Christmas music format. Can't you just slip some Christmas songs in between Careless Whisper and Boys of Summer? Hmmm....

There you go. I sound kind of angry. I am a bit owly today. I blame waking up. I had a nice warm blanket, was in dream land, and then woke up to an alarm clock with Christmas music. Bastard world!

Friday's (Way Overdue) Top Five: Vacation Destinations

Sheesh, you tired of me yet, faithful readers of five?

So it is time I post the second (and final) catch up FT5 post. Staring out my window, looking the snow, and longingly makes me think of my best vacation destinations.

This list reflects the places I have been and recommend to you all, not necessarily the places I want to go.

5) Penticton and Disneyland

 



 

I lump these two destinations together for one reason: this is my vacation future. Once I have kids, this is where I will likely go most of the time. I am A-OK with that.

Disneyland is magic, pure and simple. My time there was short and I only got to experience California Adventure. But I know that when I get to experience Disneyland through the eyes of my child, then this place will where my best memories will come from. Sometimes you need a vacation to simply experience happiness, and Disneyland is that place.

Penticton is relaxing, pure and simple. My time there on my honeymoon was restful and enjoyable. When we have kids, we simply won't be able to afford extravagant vacations. So we need a place that is a reasonable drive away, affordable, enjoyable, with lots to do but in a relaxing manner so that it feels like a vacation. Penticton is that place.


4) The US South


Source: Unknown

Y'all, I love the South.

My love affair started on the Great US Road trip of 2002 with Joanne when we travelled trough Northern Florida, Georgia, South and North Carolina and Virginia. The South is like nothing I had pictured or expected. It was a sudden and passionate love affair, cut short by the journey I had to take north. I even said on the trip "Jo, now I know why the South tried to separate." It is truly like a different world. It feels like it's own culture, fiercely patriotic but distantly removed from the hectic pace and thought, that is the rest of America. I almost feel like I stepped back into a different (better) era when I stepped off the bus.

Everyone is so friendly. Everyone is so helpful. Everyone is so curious about you. Everyone is so hospitable. It is like the clocks stop because the connections with people are more important than anywhere you need to go.

The food - oh God the food. Where do I begin? You feel the love of the culture in every spoonful. You feel the pride in every bite.

Source: Travelwire.com

I had the pleasure of spending two weeks in North Carolina with a dear friend and her family in 2006. So I got to *know*  North Carolina. I got to *experience* North Carolina. There was simply so much to do, as is the case with all of the South. There is something for everyone...the beach bum, the military junkie, the history buff, the sports fan, the nature freak.

If you are looking for a slow-paced vacation with many options, go to the South.

3) Washington DC

Source: Telegraph.uk.co

I can't explain how much I love Washington D.C. There is much to love.

You have to appreciate a city has no skyscrapers (because no building can be taller than the the Capital Building). You have to appreciate a city that charges free admission to The Smithsonian's, giving everyone equal opportunity to experience historically and culturally significant artifacts that defined the nation. You have to appreciate a city so powerful and rich in political tradition. You have to admire a city that goes out of its' way to honour those who have served by way of vivid memorials and poignant grave sites.

There is so much to do that my one 3-day visit alone wasn't enough. There is so much to love. There is so much to recommend. Just go. You won't regret doing so. It will stay in your heart forever.

2) Las Vegas

Source: unknown

 

"Bright light city gonna set my soul, gonna set my soul on fire." ~Elvis Presley 

Vegas, you saucy lady. You grew on me. I didn't care for you at first. Sure, you had lights and excitement and endless buffets. But you were busy and hot. I was tired. I wrote you off.

But circumstances in my life kept bringing me back when I would have rather gone elsewhere. And each time, you revealed yourself to me, real and artificial. I got to experience a wedding, Vegas-style. Most importantly, I learned how to travel and be alone in a foreign city.

By around the third date, you and I decided to take our relationship to another level. I was with friends, and I got to genuinely enjoy every minute of you. I even got to see every bathroom in every hotel thanks to a pregnant friend. I got to see a whole new side of you...

By the fourth time, I was with the man I love. He took me to The Mix at the top of The Hotel at Mandalay Bay. With your beautiful lights displayed to me in an exhilarating fashion, the love of my life proposed to me.

When I tire of your bright lights and loud slot machines, I can rent a car a drive to both a man-made (Hoover Dam) and God-made (Grand Canyon) wonders. Each time I do come back to you, there is a new hotel or display or restaurant to explore. You continue to reinvent yourself.

I visited you again last month. It will probably be the last time for a long time. I got to eat the most amazing food, and relax by the pool without a worry in the world. You rejuvenated me.

I worry you are about to get tired, but I fear not because the cranes of construction tell me you are reinventing yourself again. I worry that you are starting to become elite and unaffordable to the masses, but you will adapt to the needs of the masses, like you have for the past century. So when the time comes to visit you again, you will offer me new attractions and new sites to explore.

1) The Canadian National Parks in Alberta and B.C.

This was my view from the Banff Springs Hotel!

I will summarize my thoughts in a haiku:

Breathtaking beauty
There is so much to explore
This is God's country

I am fortunate to live a short drive away from Jasper and Banff. Thanks do my brilliant husband, I got to explore the National Parks in ways I never have before while on my honeymoon. My husband took me hiking all over the place. We didn't just stop, take a pic, and drive on. We hiked around every lake we came across. I saw some of the most incredible sites of my life, sites I never explored the previous 20 times I went to Banff.

We continued our journey through Yoho National Park and Glacier National Park on our way to Penticton. I got to see amazing sites like Takkakaw Falls:

I would recommend that everyone take the time to really explore the National Parks of Alberta and BC. Stop on your journey to where ever you are going. Plan an extra day or two. Really live in the moment. You won't have any regrets.


What are your top five vacay places? And head over to Joanne's blog to see her choices!

Fridays (Way Overdue) Top 5: Guilty Pleasures

Hello faithful readers of five. I am way overdue on a blog post. Blame a combination of work-crazy, life-crazy, and laziness. Mostly laziness. OK. Just blame laziness and move on already.

My beautiful gurl crush BFF Joanne, at a A Warm Cup of Jo, has been faithfully committing to our quest to post weekly top fives. In fact, it was my suggestion to do this series as a way to blog more faithfully. How's that working out for me? Sigh.

So I need to catch up to the two posts FT5 posts she has posted (what a keener she is), I present my catch-up post #1.

We all have them. Some of them are more embarrassing than others. Here are my top-five guilty pleasures.

5) Libraries and Bookstores.


Source: National Library in Ottawa

I shouldn't feel guilty or embarrassed by my love of books, libraries and bookstores. There is nothing to feel guilty about.

 

But I take my love a new level. I will go in and wander just because. I have been known to have "dates" with my friends at libraries and bookstores. On a few occasions, Wendy and I went to Chapters just to look-around. Joanne and I spent many, many, many days in our youth going to the library (which was a conveniently located next to the fire hall *ahem*).

 

If there is time between bus connections at Northgate Transit Centre, I mosey over to Chapters. Bookstores and libraries are my paradise.



 

4) Weight Watchers

Source: Weightwatchers.com

It might be odd to have a corporation as a guilty pleasure. And for full disclosure, I am currently on Weight Watchers. But have you seen my WW stash? Have you seen the lengths I have gone to to attend a meeting?

 

True story. While I was on my honeymoon in Penticton B.C., I made my new husband drive around and then wait in a car for an hour just so I can attend a meeting. Was it dedication? Well sort of. But mostly, it was because I wanted to get my hands on products we couldn't get at our meetings at home.

 

My reading nook in the basement has an entire shelf dedicated to Weight Watchers. I have books going back to when Sarah, the Duchess of York was a role model. I have every single "weekly" magazine since the new Points Plus program came out in 2010. I have the latest book Weight Loss Boss by CEO David Kirchhoff (a book I highly recommend). I spend hours looking at other people's blogs. I go to message boards (via my App). 

 

So how am I doing in my own journey you ask? *cough cough*. Let us move on...

 

3) PBS

Source: PBS.org

Arguably, the previous two pleasure can be defended as reasonable and rational. But this is pure guilt at it's finest.

What is embarrassing about this choice:

• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch PBS.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch stuffy period pieces.
• It is an acknowledgement that I, at 35, willingly watch documentaries and cooking shows

I know there are friends out there who would say "stand proud, stand tall" (right Rebecca?) I have always felt like an old soul. I have always felt that when I reject Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo for Downton Abbey, Jane Austen films, Ken Burns Documentaries and America's Test Kitchen, I am saying to the world that I am better than than you.

Which I am if you watch Jersey Shore and Honey Boo Boo willingly.

Yes, I am a snob. But some of the best 10 hours of TV footage of my life have been spent watching Ken Burns documentary Baseball. Seriously.

Source: PBS.org

 
2) Duck Dynasty

Source: A&E Television

I am a dumb complex individual. The same person who watches Downton Abbey while poo-pooing those who watch Jersey Shore will spend an entire Saturday watching Duck Dynasty marathon. My Wednesday nights have never been the same since I first saw welcomed the Robertson family into my life.

You have no idea how much I love this show. It is great for two reasons:

1. It is genuinely funny. Side-splitting funny.
2. The family are harmless and unoffensive in their red-necked ways.

Here are the gems they say on this show:

• "I don't know about this Justin the Beaver"- Kay
• "You kids ever hear of the term 'Nam' "- Si
• "Most people named Willie are either in prison or on the arm of a wrestling circuit"- Jase
• "First it's pretty tires. Next it's pretty guns. Then the next thing you know, you're shaving your  beard and wearing capri pants." — Si

Pure. Solid. Harmless. Enjoyment.

1) Cooking shows

If I had one guilty pleasure above all else, it is probably that I waste spend hours a week watching cooking shows.

There are the shows that I watch to actually learn how to cook, like America's Test Kitchen, Martha Stewart's various shows, Jamie Oliver, Nigella Lawson et. al.

Then there are the shows I watch for pure foodie enjoyment, such as Chopped, Just Desserts, You Gotta Eat Here and so on.

Watching cooking shows, even in mass quantities like I do, wouldn't be other people's guilty pleasure. In fact, it would seem quite normal.

But shall I casually state that, much to the displeasure of my husband, my actual cooking skills are less than stellar? The fact that I am the anti-Nigella in the kitchen (under the delusion that I will actually get better by watching these shows) makes this my #1 guilty pleasure.

So head on over to see Joanne's guilty pleasures, and share your own guilty pleasures in the comment boxes.