Saying Goodbye

Today is the last day I will be with my favorite section at Red River College.

I've spent four years at the University of Winnipeg before coming to Red River College.  My time at the UofW was of great value education wise, social wise...not so much.

I've always been told that University is the best time of your life, where you meet your life long friends.  This was not the case for me.  At the UofW it was hard to meet people.  Even though I sometimes had similar classes with students, the whole 'hanging out' aspect never took place.

I was ok with this, as I would hang out with my high school friends, and was ok with not making new ones.  Over the years, and going to different University's, finding time to get together, even to just catch up, became increasingly difficult.

Coming to Red River this year, I've had a completely different experience.  I've enjoyed my time spent with my fellow section 3 CreCommers.  We have become a bit of a family.  We have movie nights and the Kings Head on Fridays.  Spending time with this group has been nothing short of amazing.

I'm really sad to have to say goodbye to this group.  Being with this group has changed me as a person and for the better.  We may be split up next term but we will always have section 3.

Holiday Moments

I was asked today by my CreComm friend Kristen, "What is my favorite thing about Christmas?"

At first, I didn't have an answer.  After working six years in retail, Christmas has lost some of its joy.  As I thought more about it, I realized that there is one thing the I really enjoy about the Christmas holidays, and no it's not the presents.

I really enjoy baking Christmas cookies with my mom.

My mom's Christmas cookies go all out.  It's been a few years since I've actually had the time to help my mom with her baking.  This year, since I'm not working this holiday season, I'm able to help my mom.

I couldn't be more excited.  My mom really goes all out when it comes to decorating the cookies.  It's like a work of art to be honest.  After the cookies; the gingerbread men/woman and reindeer, the imperial cookies, and the shortbread cut-outs, have finished cooling, and all the burnt cookies have been eaten, my mom gets to work.

She sits at the kitchen table with coloured icing, sprinkles, toothpicks, and icing sugar for glue, and gets to work.  It's amazing what she creates.  The gingerbread men/woman look like Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, and Santa Claus.  The reindeer are given collars and sparkles.  The imperial cookies are covered in icing and made to look like wreaths.  The shortbread cut-outs look just as amazing.

My mom really goes over and beyond when it comes to decorating her Christmas cookies, but it makes her happy.  I'm happy that this year I can help her.  I may not be the best at decorating the cookies as she is, but I'm looking forward to sharing this holiday moment with her. 

Even Girls Get Friend Zoned

It's true, girls can get friend zoned too, and let me tell you, it's not fun at all.  I'm saying this to sound bitter, having personally friend zoned a few of my guy friends over the years.

What sucks, is that sometimes, you don't even know that you have been friend zoned.  You keep waiting around for the guy, thinking that one day he'll come around and see that you've been there all along and are the right girl for him.

Sentimental at its best.

When you finally realize that this is never going to happen, you begin to get down on yourself and wonder what's wrong with you, why doesn't he want to be with you.  This can become very self-deprecating.

The truth is there is nothing wrong with you.  Majority of the time, there is something wrong with him.  It doesn't matter what his excuses are for why he doesn't want to be with you, if any guy is willing to lead you on and not be honest, he's not worth your time.

The worst part is when the guy expects you to wait.  Keeps leading you on, telling you that they're interested, but then disappears for days on end and expect that you're going to stay.  And we wait for them!  I don't know why we do this.  It becomes frustrating not knowing the truth, and the truth is, they love the way we linger.  It's a game to them - see how long she'll wait for me, and when I'm not busy she'll be there waiting for me.

Girls, we need to stop allowing this.  If a guy is going to treat you this way, don't wait around for him.  Move on.  It's his loss in the end.  

There's no need to stay in the friend zone waiting for some guy.  It may be hard, but there is a guy out there who doesn't see you as 'friend zone' material, and actually wants to be with you.

Patience is a virtue.

What's Your True Colour??

BULLYING.

It happens every day.  It may have even happened to you at one point in your life.  Or maybe you were the one doing the bullying.

National Bullying Awareness Week is November 12-17.  For Manitoba, it's November 13-19.

Bullying awareness needs to be more than just a week long event.  It's needs to be on going.

Bullying sucks, plan and simple.  It hurts and has cost many lives.  The sad part about bullying -of any type, is that it takes the extreme for it to be noticed.

Any one who has ever experienced bullying needs to talk to someone and find a way to stand up to the pain.

Canadian artists Pierre Bouvier of Simple Plan, Hedley’s Jacob Hoggard, Lights, Kardinal Offishal, Fefe Dobson, Alyssa Reid, Walk Off the Earth and Autotune the News, have come together in the remake of Cyndi Lauper’s track: True Colors.  They call themselves Artists Against.

The track is to help bring awareness to bullying and to encourage kids and teens to call Kids Help Phone so that they don't have to feel alone.  The net proceeds from the single go to Kids Help Phone, so I encourage everyone to purchase the song.

Artists Against - True Colors:

"Show me a smile then, don’t be unhappy
Can’t remember when I last saw you laughing
If this world makes you crazy and you’ve taken all you can bear
You call me up because you know I’ll be there

I see your true colors shining through
I see your true colors, that’s why I love you
So don’t be afraid to let them show your true colors
True colors are beautiful (Cheer up!) like a rainbow

I see your colors though they appear to be different
You should never be afraid because your difference is the difference
We live in a time where to be yourself is hard
And the way you really feel can leave you emotional scar
But stay strong, stay firm and never back down
Being yourself is the only way to act that
(Like a rainbow)
Trust me, I’m a fighter and a lover
But the only time I fight is to reveal my true colors"

So what are your true colours??

My Body - My Canvas

This is a close up of my tattoo

As a society, people are quick to judge someone based on appearance.  the choice comes as to whether or not we voice these opinions or keep them to ourselves.

I got my first (and only at the moment) tattoo when I was 19. I had wanted one ever since I had started wearing those temporary tattoos.  I wanted to get something that would remind me to stay true to who I am and to never let any one change me.  Growing up, I was used to people telling me what to do, or who I should be, just to fit in.  Changing yourself for someone else never works.  That person will always be telling you that you are not good enough.  That's when I decided that I'd rather be comfortable being me and my tattoo is there to remind me every day of what I gave up to gain.

A lot of people (those who don't have tattoos) would ask me 'why would you do that to your body' or 'why would you permanently deface your body'.

I never understood why people thought they needed to ask me why. It's my body, shouldn't I be allowed to do what I want with it?  If something is important to you enough, why let someone tell you no.

When ever I see someone with a tattoo, I become curious about them.  Like any art piece, each tattoo tells a story about the person, who they are, and what they have been through. 

So before you judge someone based on their tattoo(s), take the time to get to know them.  They might just have an interesting story to share.

Any Ideas

It is at times like this that I begin to realize just how fast life has begun to catch up with me.  Free time seems to be a thing of the past and I'm filled with thoughts of 'What am I doing with my life?'

My latest worries consist of:
 homework, when is it due, what is due, when can I get this done, etc. That cycle never seems to end.
Then there is the issue of money.  I'm currently unemployed.  Trying to keep up with the requirements of my last job and school became too much to handle.  This decision has now left me watching how much I spend (which is probably a good thing). Sadly, it also means not being able to go out and spend money the way I used to (again, probably a good thing).

But anyways....

Trying to keep up with school work is hard when you have five different subjects to keep track of and trying to remember each side assignment (eg. this blog).  My point is, I have decided to change my blog idea.  Believe it or not trying to find time to watch TV has become difficult, that or my time management skills are not what they used to be.  I've been trying to come up with a new blog idea that will hopefully be easier to keep up with, but have had no luck. 

So this is were you come in fellow CreCommers, what should my blog be about?? 

A Night That Almost Went Horribly Wrong

On July 15, 2010, Winnipeg put a ban on the use of cell phones while driving.  As of October 22, 2012, Winnipeg needs to put a ban on pedestrians walking with cell phones.

Last night, as I was leaving the Marianas Trench concert, I almost witnessed the loss of two young lives.  I was sitting in the passenger seat, in the center lane, at a red light at Eastbound Portage and Donald.  When the light had turned green, vehicles going Southbound on Donald had blocked part of the intersection.  The bus in the right-hand lane began to honk his horn.  I figured it was out of annoyance at the blocked intersection.

Then, out of nowhere, two young girls come darting across the street.  The oldest had a cell phone to her left ear and her right hand was holding onto her younger sister.  As they passed in front of my car, a car came driving past us in the left-hand lane.  The two girls just narrowly made it to the median.  I was in shock.  The two girls did not even seem to notice what had almost happened to them.  The oldest was still talking on her cell phone, as they stood on the cement block waiting for the light to change.

Cell phones, as convenient as they are, pose as a distraction to/for everyone, no matter the circumstance.  What started out as a night of fun for those two young girls could have easily ended in a night of devastation for their family.

So please, to everyone out their, drivers and pedestrian, take caution when using your cell phone.  You never know what might happen if you're not paying attention.

Double U-Turn Ahead

This is what I like about the show, when teams will agree to not use the U-Turn and follow through.  There's no need to use the U-Turn when you're in the lead, or really at all.

I understand that it's part of the game, but at the same time it can, and does, cause a lot of animosity between the teams.

Abbie and Ryan; Jaymes and James; Trey and Lexi; and Josh and Brent, all agreed to not use the U-Turn and stuck to their word.

I was disappointed when the monster truck drivers, Rob and Kelley, used the U-Turn of the substitute teachers, Gary and Will.  And then Gary and Will used the U-Turn on Rob and Kelley.  The circumstances are funny cause Gary and Will had no idea who U-Turned them at the blind U-Turn.

Using the U-Turn, to me, is a cheap move.  Even though it can advance you in the game, I believe teams should finish the race clean - with no extra help.


Read and Comment :)

It's Not Over Yet

The Battle Rounds have begun and I'm loving the 'Steal' aspect of the season.  After the coaches have picked the winner of the Battle Round, the other coaches can steal the other artist for their team.  It gives an extra incentive for the artists to give it their all to stick around.

The Teams:
Christina: is down to 13 artists and 0 steals
Blake: is down to 14 artists and 1 steal
Adam: is down to 15 artists and 1 steal
Cee Lo: is down to 14 artists and 1 steal

How Do You Not Know Your Own City?

I hate it when teams get eliminated too soon.  Especially when it's due to a bad taxi driver. 

On this weeks episode of The Amazing Race, Amy and Daniel were sadly eliminated when they had the misfortune of getting into a taxi that did not know the city.  The taxi driver was unable to find Wijaya Motor where teams were to find their next clue.  By the time they found their destination, most teams had checked into the pit stop.

How is this even possible.  Isn't it a requirement of taxi drivers to know how to get anywhere and everywhere in your own city? 

According to Education-Portal.com a taxi driver should have a "knowledge of local geography and map-reading skills are essential." 

This information is based in the United States, but I should hope this should apply everywhere, even in Indonesia.

I felt so bad for Amy and Daniel to be stuck with a taxi driver that couldn't find a simple locations.  I wish that The Amazing Race wouldn't eliminate teams in these situations. The sad thing is that this happens every season and the taxi drivers never change.  Someone always ends up coming in last due to a taxi driver that doesn't know their own city.

To all the taxi drivers out there, learn your city or invest in a GPS, everyone will be appreciative.

The Amazing Race

My guilty pleasure has started up again this past Sunday September 30th and this time with a twist.

This year teams have the opportunity to win $2 million.  All they have to do is come in first place in the first leg of the race and win The Amazing Race.

First Destination: Shanghai China

The first challenge is a Road Block that requires one member from each team to play table tennis (Ping-Pong) against a Chinese junior champion.  All they have to do is score one point to move on.

The best part of this challenge is watching the team members lose against the Chinese junior champion when she was playing with household items instead of a Table Tennis paddle.

The show was only on for 15 minutes when the first argument happened.  Sisters Natalie and Nadiya are already getting frustrated with each other because Natalie has been unable to complete the Road Block. I guess some people don't know how to be supportive.

At the next challenge, teams members were required to eat frog fallopian tubes that were in a papaya shell.  It was so disgusting to watch.  I felt bad for Rob who had to eat the dish twice because he didn't read the clue that specifically said, you can't use your hands.  Remember, always read and follow the clues carefully.

After eating the disgusting fallopian tubes, to find the finish line, teams had to find a lady using an abacus.  I couldn't believe how many teams didn't know what an abacus was.  I can understand not being able to find the lady since the abacus wasn't visible, but to not know what an abacus is seems a little ridiculous to me.

Abby and Ryan won the first leg of the race and are the only team that can win the $2 million.  Talk about target on your back.

Amy and Daniel came in a very close second.  I felt bad for them as they should've come in first.  If they hadn't told Abby and Ryan where the lady with the abacus was, Abby and Ryan would never have found it when they did.  Also, for those who do not watch the show, Amy is a double amputee, having lost both her legs, making running extremely difficult.  This also allowed for Abby and Ryan to get ahead and come in first.

I can't wait to see what happens next Sunday.

Remember to read and comment.

The Voice

It has been to my own disappointment that I have not been able to keep up with this seasons The Voice.  I love watching the blind auditions, they are what make the show.  Not to mention the fact that I am also missing out on Adam and Blake's beautiful bromance.

All 4 judges have now acquired 14 members on their team.  They're going to have to be more selective now in order to get the best members on their teams.

Remember to vote in the poll below for which judge you think will win this season.

Congratulations!!!

Dreams really do come true :)

Oh Big Brother, you never cease to amaze me.  Dan sure knows how to play this came.  He got himself to the finale three with two finale two deals.  He got both Ian and Danielle to throw part one of the HOH competition.  If I were Ian or Danielle, there's no way I would've thrown that competition.  Once you get to the final three, you have to play for yourself to ensure that you get HOH and are the deciding vote for the finale two.

I loved Brittany's reaction to Danielle coming out as the finale juror.  I don't blame her for being happy, she wanted to see Ian or Dan win this game.  Danielle looks so upset to have been voted out.  You played Dan's game not your own.

Dan's reaction to Ian's responses are hilarious.  Dan's answer to Joe's question was the honest truth, and on a biased response, I hope it helps Dan win.  Ian may have played a different game then Dan, but Ian was just as controlled as Danielle was.  Danielle has the best shocked face ever.  Great question though, she just showed the jury how Dan has played the game with his many promises.  Dan, I'm worried for you.

Ian is furious after learning that Dan would've back stabbed him, poor Ian.  Dan's speech was better than Ian's.  He pointed out the strengths in each of the jury members, and how he had to play the game the way he did to get himself ahead.  And the crowd cheers for the real player.

Danielle-Dan, Shane-Ian, Jenn-Ian, Joe-Ian, Frank-Ian, Brittany-Ian, Ashely-Ian.

I can't believe Ian just one this whole thing.  If you had asked me from the beginning of the season if I saw Ian winning this competition, let alone in the finale two, I would've said no.  I'm happy for Ian, he deserved to win this game.  He was a fan, played the game with heart, and did what he could to avoid lying and scheming.  Congratulations.

Do You Trust Me?

We're down to the finale 3 and it's time for the house guests to figure out not only who they can trust, but who they can beat in the finally.

It's hard for me to say this but I worry that Dan may have ruined his chances at winning by voting out Shane.  The only way he can guarantee final 2 status is by winning HOH.  I think that Ian might take Dan if he wins HOH and keep to their renegade pack, but you can never be too sure in this game.  It's seems that Danielle is finally realizing that she can't trust Dan any more, and is thinking about blindsiding him. I can't blame Danielle for wanting to do this, after all, Dan has done the most manipulating to Danielle, playing on her emotions.

Tonight's show wasn't all that entertaining. I really could've done without all the reminiscing and gone straight into the competitions for HOH.  I do have to admit that watching Britney beat on Frank's teddy bear was pretty funny. I guess the Big Brother house really does make you crazy.

The only question left now is, who do you want to win Big Brother 14?

Shocker!!!

This show just keeps getting better and better.  Nothing like a back door shocker, especially when the HOH isn't even aware of the back door herself.

Danielle, are you really that surprised that Shane went home.  Dan has told you that he has wanted to send Shane home and he did just that.  Bye bye showmance.  I just don't know how Dan does it, he has managed to manipulate, scheme, and lie his way throughout this game.  I hope that Dan wins BB14, he's played the game they way it's meant to be played.

Even though I've never been one for showmances, I do feel bad for Danielle.  Shane, finally tells Danielle how he feels after they have their first 'date', and then he's sent packing.  Doesn't really seem all that fair does it?  I hope that they continue to see each other outside of the house.

The Jury House:
Could they be any more explosive? Frank needs to lose the chip off his shoulder.  To say that Big Brother isn't a game and should be taken seriously is insane. If Frank couldn't handle the drama of the game, maybe he should've given more thought before signing up to join the show. Here's a message to you Frank: Get Over It!!

The Blind Auditions

The Voice seasion three started Monday September 10th and has had three episodes of the blind auditions.  The teams currently stand at: Christina with 7, Blake with 5, Adam also with 5, and Cee Lo with 4.  Each team this seasion is allowed 16 members, allowing for more opportunities for the struggling artists to join a team.

I like this show because of what it stands for.  It goes to show that looks are not everything, that when it comes to the music industry, you should be chosen for your talent and not based on if you have the right look for what someone is trying to sell.  Think about it, when you hear a song on the radio, and you have never heard of the artist before, you are not judging them on what they look like, rather you are juding them based on their talent (given that they haven't been auto-tuned).  The Voice works exactly the same way.  The judges can't see the singer, they can only hear them and pick the singer for their team based on their voice and level of talent.

I'm looking forward to this season and the big twist.

Sing because you want to, don't let your voice go unheard.

Vote for your favorite judge. Poll located at the bottom of the page.

Double Crossing Is My Game

Wow! A lot sure went on behind the scenes of Thursday's episode.  Options are limited for all the house guests.  Time of questioning loyalties is about to begin.  Alliances are out the door.  You really can't trust anyone in this game anymore.

I would never have guessed that Ian would be Dan's actual target in the double eviction.  This show is full of twists and schemes.  The way Dan was running around the house, covering his bases, keeping up with each and every lie. I was impressed.  I'm not used to seeing this side of him. I really hope that Dan has it in him to win this game.

Ian winning that veto saved him in more ways than he knows.  To think that Ian's replacement was going to be Shane blew my mind. I didn't see any of this coming.  The things that go on behind closed doors of Big Brother.  At least they show us this stuff to keep the viewers up to speed.  At least Dan doesn't have the intentions to vote out Danielle just yet.  Danielle may have saved her 'showmance'...but was it worth it?

Why do people think they can trust people in this game.  Have they never watched a season before?  This game is cut-throat, every player for themselves until the end.  It's pointless to get worked up about being on the block, or not evicting the player you wanted out that week.  The game is played minute to minute, plans change in an instance.  If you can't adapt to that, why be in the game in the first place?

HOH could've been anyone's game.  To have it come so close between Ian and Shane was nail-biting.  It really is coming down to the wire now.  After this weeks eviction, with Jenn hopefully being the one going home, I don't know who I want to go home anymore.  How does Dan do it?  He has managed to manipulate everyone in this game to keep himself in the house.

Pandora's Box: 
Ian, what were you thinking?  You had a good Pandora's Box the last time, did you really think you would get it two times in a row?  Listening to Rachel was so difficult (sorry Rachel fans) her laugh is so annoying.  I was happy for the rest of the house guests who were able to hear from their loved ones.  Being away from them for that long must be so tough.

No surprise that Jenn and Shane are on the block this week.  Dan seems to be running this game.  I hope Shane doesn't go home.

Go showmance!! (Insert sarcasm here)

Dirty Deals

Big Brother 14 Episode 25

It's not Big Brother without some double crossing.  I got to hand it to Dan. Last week he was hosting his own funeral and now, thanks to Ian as HOH, he's got Frank sitting on the block like a sitting duck (#QuackPack).  To think that Frank actually trusted Dan to work together.  Let's get real here Frank, the two of you have been trying to get each other out since the reset!!!  It was funny to see how Dan almost blew his master plan to #ShankFrank.  Nice cover.  I really couldn't believe that Frank was even willing to stay on the block and have Dan take Jenn off instead.  This is a game about big moves not moronic moves.  I think Frank got confused this week.  I guess Frank's not that strong of a player without Mike Boogie whispering in his ear.

Funniest Moment: "Am I talking to Barney Rubble? Cause all there is up there is a bunch of rocks."
When Dan goes into the bedroom to talk to Joe about next weeks HOH nominations...30 minutes later!!! Joe's ratting himself out thinking Dan is Shane.  Way to ruin your game Joe, not that you had much of one to begin with.

When that happened I was starting to think that Joe might be the one going home.  Sadly Frank's 9 lives ran out and he was sent packing over the guy who was "The single biggest threat in the kitchen." Yes Joe, that is true, and it's the only threat you'll ever be in the Big Brother House.

Big Twist: Double Eviction
Jenn was holding strong in the "Make Your Case" HOH competition.  I have to admit I was cheering for her. I wanted to see another big twist happen.  All and all, probably best that Dan won. I like how Joe went straight for the hot seat.  At least he wasn't playing dumb to being put up on the block.  For the second time in the night I thought Joe was gonna be safe.  He was in the lead in the Power Of Veto until Ian found the right path.  I was so happy.  I was surprised that Dan had put up Danielle as a replacement nominee for Ian.  Then I thought about it, if Jenn went up instead, chances where that Shane and Ian might have voted to keep Joe over Jenn.  At least now Joe is gone and the yelling can stop.

Until next week 'Presh!'