Don't worry, I'm still single

Yep, guys in the UK are pretty much the same. Except they tend to open doors a bit more for ladies.
Other than that they still gawk at the usual ladies. I'm usually standing beside them in 'site clothes.' Meaning jeans, a jumper and trainers.
I really do want to just dress to the nines and do some shock and awe. Perhaps Friday evening.

Don't be strangers - I still see when you visit my page and comment.

xoxo
Cheers

Still alive, still kicking, head held high

No, I did not drop off the side of the earth. Besides, the earth is round, didn't you get the memo?

It's been a month of the 'embargo'. No one talks about it, no one asks about it. But yes, I'm getting the f*ck outta dodge and heading to the Olde Country.

If you're reading this and have supported me and given me pep talks when needed, thank you. Those east of Port Coquitlam can shut down their web browsers and wipe off their brown noses. Cuddling up close with an unintelligent ogre will get you no where in life.

And that is all I have to say on that matter. More to come. Increased positivity and hopefully some nice looking gentlemen in ties with British accents.

Hodgepodge collection of words

I had a tonne of things to say the other day, I promise. It was enlightening, lifting, encouraging and funny.
Now. I got nothing.

Topics that came to mind:
-surviving a toxic environment
-how to make people feel uncomfortable by being super nice
-Christmas
-running
-appreciation
-authenticity
-reliability
-friendship

Let's chat about today then.
I had the opportunity to visit a Christmas bureau here in the Lower Mainland (location undisclosed).
I consider myself lucky (blessed if you choose to use that word) having grown up in a fairly middle class family. My parents were able to provide me and my siblings with all the fixings every year. And more. I sure there were things that I wanted but didn't get but my parents didn't spoil us (that was my grandmother's job).
Today, however, I got to see what makes up a Christmas bureau and all the hard work that goes into providing a great Christmas for the children of low-income families. Each family must go through a vetting process to confirm that they are income eligible. This involves an interview process where they must produce a number of documents. In a month's time they will be able to select a few toys and stocking stuffers for their children.

Imagine seeing a shelf full of toys that you know will help make a child happy. Some of the shelves were just packed with great selection. Then, I saw the teenagers' shelves. It was sad. Really, what do teenagers want for Christmas? Hoodies, hair products, movie tickets. A Barbie doll just isn't desirable for a 16 year old.

What is the point to all of this? I'm not too sure. There's an opportunity to help make a Christmas a little bit better for these young people and their families. How will I help? I've got some ideas and hopefully a few will work out. Check out your local charities and donate today. If you're not sure how you can help, ask. They have answers!

Remember to appreciate what you have. There are always those with less. Do we define the fullness of our lives by what we have? Food for thought my friends.

Perception

I'll ask for forgiveness up front as I feel that this entry is going to be a bit disjointed and probably a little random. But bare with me, please.

The people I have in my life are amazing. There are family, friends, random acquaintances, twitterazzi followers and followees that I have nothing but respect for. First of all: thank you for hanging in there with me. This week I had 2 separate folks tell me the same thing. Their summary: upon meeting me, first impressions would be that I am a fairly conservative person. What? Hold up. How? Have you actually listened to me?

(Before I continue I'll say that I did not take offence and if you're reading this please don't unfollow!)

It actually got me thinking. There are so many 'labels' that I can attribute to myself. Conservative just isn't one of them. I was a little shocked.

I'm a woman, a runner, feminist, sister, daughter, student of life, snowboarder, union member, planner, cat owner, pseudo-writer, an activist at heart.

I have struggled my entire life to be comfortable with who I am. I will never be a size 2. I will always have a booty, I will never be a crafty person that can knit a wicked scarf for a friend. I was the shy kid in the corner for years and even had a teacher tell my parents that I was ' too shy'. One day, it changed. The picture became a little more clear: not everyone is looking at you. If you are, you're doing something right. I've hosted a radio show, travelled the world (solo), worked on global events and this year, ran my first half marathon.

I am one of the most open-minded people out there (at least I think I am.) My friends are from all walks of life: India, China, Australia, artists, labourers, academics, gay, lesbian, trans, queer, with a disability, educated in school, educated in life, rich, poor. I embrace all of their differences and uniquenesses because they make me a better person. If you have a passion for life, I want to know you.

Back to the conservativeness though. I have been a little plain jane lately but mostly due to budgetary constraints and my tits are usually tucked away in classy clothes. Then of course there are special occasions where the fancy shoes come out and I wear some wicked tights.

I'm trying to get to a point here and it's not working out so well.

Basically, take a minute and get to know someone's story. Find out what makes them tick. Introduce yourself and meet the real person behind it all. Listen. Our initial perception is often incorrect.

After all this I still ask - who am I? Ask me tomorrow and it may be different.

Randomness

The past few weeks have been full of randomness and busyness. Which, if you know me, isn't necessarily unusual.

Autumn officially arrived this week and with it brought sweaters and pumpkin spice lattes from the Bux. Autumn is one of my favourite times of the year for a number of reasons. I sleep well at night, running in this weather means I don't have to feel like a sherpa and bring gallons of water along plus, sweaters come out :)

This month was also a big ticket purchase month. I finally sucked it up and bought a new computer. Thanks to jeremyball I purchased a beautiful Macbook Air. My poor iMac G5 from 2005 is looking sad, sitting on my desk.

I also had a relatively successful blind date last weekend AND we won at soccer. Not sure which one I'm happiest about. We'll see this Tuesday once we've had our second game and a second date.

For now, I'm off for vodka slurpees. More of a summer drink I know, but the Twitteratzi kids wanted to try it and I'm for IRL meet ups. Especially if they involve slurpees.

So yeah, nothing saucy from me right now. Very busy with lots of things. Life is pretty good. My new slogan for Monday-Friday is "Just get through the goddamn day." Just one day at a time.

Single gal out.

My mistake, I thought you weren't like the others

Ah, yes, those proclaiming to be unlike the others are generally just like the others. They play games, lead you on, send nice messages. And then. Nothing. Thank you for not being different, that would have been an absolute shock.

Really? I gave you respect when you didn't deserve it. Once again providing a laughable story to share with the world, or at least those on the grand internet.

But I digress, life is not all bad news. This wasn't even that terrible anyways. I've moved on. Very quickly.

Summer is closing out with a final burst of heat and while I enjoy the sun and the warmth I am looking forward to cooler weather and a renewed passion for running. It's a season of change. And I can't wait for a drastic change.

The above 'situation' happened a few weeks back - pretty much immediately after I posted my previous entry.

The following are reminders for any boys/men/males that happen to read blog, courtesy of http://therulesofagentleman.tumblr.com/. Read it. Take notes.

Nobody expects the Spanish Inquisition!

(Note: This was written Friday evening after an unexpected wicked night out.)

I've made a point not to drunk blog whenever possible. Tonight is an exception as it come as a request.
Setting: the party (read: drunk) train ride home after the first epic day of vacation.
I've been up since 7am, done the Grouse Grind, had lunch at Wally's Burgers, had the 'precious' waxed, met a friend visiting from NYC for drinks and dinner and THEN met 2 absolutely hilarious guys from #twitter at a bar downtown and had a fabulous night. Needless to say their humour was on par with mine. We even talked #vagina, unphased. A-mazing.

Unfortunately responsibility and commitment call and I must be ready at 7:00 am for a ball tournament tomorrow. Sometimes I hate commitment. Especially when I'm actually having a fun night out and didn't really want to go home.
Alas, there is still summer yet and sleep is important. I wouldn't want to strike out tomorrow.

So this entry is fairly tame and does not have anything too risque for you followers/readers. I will however leave you with this thought: be patient, the stars do align when you least expect it.
Also, drink lots of water.

I'm off for a brief excursion to the US of America. Back Thursday!