Happy Birthday Joanne.

Source: Creations Photo (Edmonton)

Dear Joanne,

Happy birthday friend!

Truth be told, we should celebrate your existence every single day. But since social norms pooh-pooh such extravagance and adoration, then my birthday blog will have to do. Feel free to read it every day, especially when you are feeling sad or low.

Here are some truths about you (some that you probably don't see in yourself):

1) You are stunningly beautiful as you are! Yes, you. I know you don't often think that, but take a good look at the picture above. That wasn't just a random-happens-to-be-great photo of you. That is how you look to us (well at least Steve, Marina, Mark and I) every day.

2) You are a fabulous mother! I know that lately, maybe, you haven't felt that way. Trying to juggle work with motherhood is hard on the best of them. But understand that if children are a reflection of their parents, then you are doing a damn good job. Marina is smart, loving, caring and at her worst, is still better then some kids at their best. Mark and I witness the love you have for your daughter when we visit. It is why we will strive to role-model ourselves after you and Steve with our own children. Don't feel like a failure if things don't work out as you plan. You offer Marina more than a roof over the head and food on the table. You offer her love, courage to grow, and wisdom to know what is right and wrong. Doesn't get much better than that.

3) You are a wonderful wife! I can't speak for Steve, but I can speak for what Mark and I observe when we visit your house. We see a relationship of love and respect. We see a relationship of humour and trust. We see a relationship that is perfect it its imperfections. We see that no matter what, your relationship with Steve (as both wife and co-parent) is the most important thing to you above all else.

4) You are a wonderful daughter! You take care of your elderly mom. There is not one part of you that doesn't show love and respect the wisdom and tradition your mom has given you.

5) You are a true patriot! You love Canada. You are a strong patriot. You speak out on issues, not to complain, but to make the country better. You are patriot, but not in a smug in-your-face way (which I know you detest). You are confident enough in your own identity to be respectful of other countries. You care enough to want to leave a better country for your daughter.

5) You are a wonderful friend! Joanne, you are truly the best friend one could ask for. You know me - not just a dimension of me. Because you know me, you let me be me. That is all one can honestly ask from a friend. If that were all you offered, that would be enough for anybody. But you offer so much more! We share the same humour, and the same style of scathing bitchiness. You got my back and I've got yours. You have enriched my vocabulary with such gems as bonerous erectus. We have travelled, journeyed through life, and experienced amazing things together. You inspire me to be better in many ways (least of which, a better blogger).

Still my favourite pic of us dorks.

This list barely skims the surface of all you are. You are smart, loyal, funny, witty, etc..

So here's the deal Joanne. When you are feeling not good enough (too fat, a bad mom, a bad wife, a bad friend, a bad person, just plain bad), come back to this post.  Recognize that those who love you (least of all me) see the best of you.  There is nothing wrong with wanting to improve yourself, and I will be right there with you, trying to improve myself. However, appreciate the here-and-now, and all that you have to offer. Because you offer a hell of a lot to the world baby! And nobody puts baby in the corner (yep...I am a dork!).

I'll be by your side every step of the way my friend because I love you and you are my siiiissssteeeerrrr! (Aside: will this ever stop being funny? Nope!).

To quote the Golden Girls: "Thank you for being a friend, traveled down the road and back again, the heart is true, you're a pal and a confidant."

Happy Birthday Joanne!

Love,

Your dorky BFF Danielle.

Friday's Top Five: Thing's I'm Looking Forward to This Year

Hello faithful readers of five,

Joanne and I decided to blog about the five things we look forward to this year, in parts to keep up with the desire to stay motivated, positive, and grateful. So this week (by this week, I mean last Friday, but it's Monday, because I actually had to work Friday, because sometimes work interferes with my life), we will blog about the five things we are looking forward to this year. And once again, I could pretty much copy and paste Joanne's Top Five list. Just sayin'.



#5) A Specialist-Free Year
I am so very done with going to specialists. The last two years have been nothing but near-monthly specialists appointments. Unless I have some sort of remission, or say I get pregnant and have a complicated pregnancy because of my condition, the appointments might not be over. But it doesn't hurt to be optimistic about such things. I'm done with all things Sarcoidosis. As an aside, I am glad we have the health-care system in Canada that we have. I will be forever grateful for the care I received during my health-care journey.

#4) Better Overall Health & A Healthier Weight
All that being said in point #5, I do need to get on top of things regarding my health. My Sarcoid is in complete remission. My organs seem to be healthy (most especially my lungs and kidney). My asthma is under control with Symbicourt. My severe Vitamin D deficiency is back to the semi-normal with continued supplementation. My hormone imbalance (caused by said vitamin deficiency) is back to normal. 

That all said, I still have major room for improvement. My vision needs to be checked. My fitness levels are appalling. I'm fat. Not preciously plump. Full on fat. And I am trying to conceive, which surely my weight contribute to the difficulty of conception. More work needs to be done to make a healthier me in 2013!  This will involve some amount of discipline on my part, but I can succeed!

 #3) Baseball Season
This year, more than any other year, I am EXCITED about baseball. There is a lot to be excited about! The Toronto Blue Jays look like they might actually have a team in contention this year, with some pretty major off-season signings (including 2012 Cy Young winner R.A.Dickey).  In Edmonton, there has been a major drought because they suspended the 2013 season of the Edmonton Capitals (because of the weak NABL system). However there is a strong possibility of baseball returning by way of either (maybe) American Association of Professional Ball League or a (slim) chance of getting a single-A farm team. Now, with the schedule already posted for 2013 in the AAPBL, I am trying not to get too optimistic. But it would be nice to have something. Baseball is easily the cheapest and most enjoyable entertainment in town (ticket, beer, hot dog for less than $20).

In addition, a trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame might be in the works...

Source: sportscasualties.com

#2) Vacation to Ottawa and Upstate New York
Nothing is set in stone yet, but husband and I plan to visit Ottawa. This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl. I am excited at the prospect of visiting our nations capital. Being the dorky über-patriotic Canadian (and history majour), I am super excited. What adds to the excitement is the possibility of meeting up with Joanne and her family for a side-trip to upstate New York, where her husband is from. This may include a day trip to the Baseball Hall of Fame. I hope to see the Niagara Falls and Toronto, as well as the Gatineau area of Quebec. But for me, Ottawa is what I am most looking forward to visiting. To be able to be in the Parliament Buildings, the same buildings that Pierre Trudeau and other leaders have walked, overwhelms me.

#1) Having a Baby...(hopefully).
Husband and I want a baby. The TTC process is a bit frustrating. But at least I am enjoying the trying part, even if the conceiving part isn't quite happening! ;)

You totally know I will do this to my kid, right?

So there's my list. What's on your top-five look foward list?

P.S. Today would have been my friend Wendy's 37th birthday. I miss her so much. In times of sadness, reflecting on hopes and dreams seems apt. She would want me to have these, achieve these, and be a better version of myself. I miss you dear friend. I love you. And I will always strive to be happy for you.

Friday's Top Five - Motivation Songs

Hello faithful readers of five:

A typical conversation with Joanne from A Warm Cup of Jo:

"What are we going to blog about next week?"

"Um. What about songs that motivate us?"

"Awesome. I'm so motivated about this topic!"

Fast forward one week

"Can we postpone this one week?"

"Hell yah! I am so unmotivated to write!"

Yes my friends, Joanne and I feed each others laziness. We are enablers. I love my BFF!

So what songs motivate me? What songs get my fire going? What songs inspire me to be a better me? When I'm feeling lazy, down, unmotivated, and rejected, music helps my soul.

Today, with the inauguration, it is a perfect day to stop being lazy and start sharing my songs that motivate!

Awesome picture, eh? I have no idea who to give credit to though.

So without further ado, here are my a list of my go-to songs (by no means limited to this, but these stand out). Joanne's list could easily be my list too, so check hers out too!

#5) God Bless the USA (and a Canadian version too!) - Lee Greenwood

I love my country. I love the United States for that matter too. This song may be dorky by the musical standards of today (and may be every politicians go-to campaign song) but I love it! I love the American version, and to my surprise, Lee made a Canadian version too! Patriotic love all around!

Lyric sample:

If tomorrow all the things were gone I'd worked for all my life, 

And I had to start again with just my children and my wife, 

I'd thank my lucky stars to be living here today, 

'Cause the flag still stands for freedom 

And they can't take that away. 

US Version: 

Canadian Version: 

#4) That's What I Love About Sundays - Craig Morgan

This song represents for me what is truly important - faith, family and friends. If life were truly this simple, life would be great.

Lyric sample: 

That's what I love about Sunday:
Cat-napping on the porch swing;
You curled up next to me,
The smell of jasmine wakes us up.
Take a walk down a back road,
Tackle box and a cane pole;
Carve our names in that white oak,
An' steal a kiss as the sun fades,
That's what I love about Sunday,
Oh, yeah.

#3) In My Life - The Beatles

This song represents where I am at in my life right now. That it is important to look past, with fondness, at the memories of the past and the friends that have come and gone. However, it is important to not be stuck in the past, or the what might have been, but rather, move forward in life and in love.

Lyric sample: 

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

#2) That's Who I Am - Jessica Andrews

This song is me. I am who I am. It is important for me to recognize that I am not perfect. I make mistakes. I am very clumsy. I may never cross-off the all important bucket list.I matter in this world, even if only to those who love me most. Being me is all that matters to them, and to myself.

Lyric sample:

Sometimes I'm clueless and I'm clumsy
But I've got friends that love me 
And they know just where I stand
It's all a part of me
And that's who I am

#1) Everyday - Dave Matthews Band

In 2002, Joanne and I went on my first vacation out of the country (and the first without my family). This was one of those life-changing vacations for many reasons (independence, confidence, deepening my love for travel and for the USA, etc...). On our tour, this was our morning song. Not only does it conjure up great memories though. It is a genuinely great song that wants me to strive to be a better person and contribute to society in a better way. I think if everyone lived this message, we would have a better world.

Lyric sample: 

Pick me up, love, from 
the bottom
Up onto the top, love, everyday
Pay no mind to taunts or advances
I'm gonna take my chances on everyday

Left to right
Up and up and inside out right
Good love fight for everyday
Jump in the mud, mud
Get your hands filthy, love
Give it up, love
Everyday

All you need is
All you want is
All you need is love.
All you need is
What you want is
All you need is love.

So what are your motivational songs? Share!

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.