Boobies Bracelets

I had heard of these "I love boobies" bracelets before and really hadn't given them a second thought. Yesterday when I arrived at work, I discovered this was our top story. A local 13 year old boy was refusing to remove the bracelet which threatened expulsion and was making headlines.

I went about my business, making graphics and preparing for the news. However, when our producer asked me if I was offended by the bracelet, what came out of my mouth surprised me.

In fact, I was offended. The word "boobies" does not offend me at all. Whatever. What does offend me, however, is the fact that breast cancer is being trivialized and merchandised. It is bad enough that the colour pink has been hijacked by companies of all varieties. (how much of the "proceeds" really go to breast cancer research? Or more importantly, to breast cancer fighters/survivors?) But capitalizing on the word "boobies" with the guise of supporting breast cancer really lit a fire under me.

The kid in our story, as I said, is a 13 year old boy. Why do you think he's wearing a bracelet that says "I love boobies"? His parents claim that he is mature and wearing it to support a friend that had breast cancer. I am really doubtful of this. In addition, no one really seems to know who benefits from the sale of these bracelets. They "assume" money is donated to a charity. Our reporter checked the variety store that sells them and the owner really didn't know either. So, let's admit the bracelets are doing nothing to support either research or breast cancer patients.

Cancer is evil. But, breast cancer hits its victims with a one-two punch. Not only are they dealing with the disease but a very personal and visual part of their body. Let's not insult them by wearing bracelets (or anything else) that say "I love boobies"

Great Expectations

The topic of managing expectations seems to have come up in one form or another with various people in the past little while.  It is interesting to me that the same concept applies in so many different areas of life.

I tend to be a bit of a dreamer and therefore, my expectations can be unrealistic in many circumstances. This is innately who I am, so I have dealt with the rollercoaster ride of disappointment most of my life. It doesn't seem right to me to not be a dreamer... however, in determining that I can manage my expectations, I can have a more predictable/realistic result or reaction.

People are people and they are they way they are. I cannot change how any one person is or how they will react to things. The only thing I can change is me. I have discovered that until you pin your own expectation onto someone or a situation, things are ok. But, once you start to formulate your own plan, you leave behind the reality of the situation and that person or situation will never live up to what you are now expecting.

I hope I am explaining this concept sufficiently. I wanted to share this light bulb moment as it has occurred to me several times in the past few months in so many aspects of life.

Etiquette. Is it dying?

I have recently come back from an "etiquette lunch" at Fanshawe. It was offered to all students in my program as an optional experience. The lunch was at Saffrons - a fine dining room at Fanshawe . Throughout the lunch, we got tips on what is acceptable and expected during a business lunch as well as more formal parties.

For the most part, I think I have behaved acceptable in the past...however, did you know you are supposed to tear a small piece of bread and put it in your mouth rather than biting it off? Hmm. I did not! It was pretty informative and the food was really good!

The thing I thought was ironic, however, was that during the tutorial people were talking to those next to them with total disregard for what the host was saying. There is nothing that bugs me more. I have noticed this a lot lately, whether it is in a meeting, at church, or the biggest offender - in class. I think it is so rude, not only for the person that is supposed to be speaking, but also for those that want to listen.

OK...I'm stepping off my soap box now. Thanks for listening.

It's all in the Aesthetics

Yesterday, while stopped at a red light, I looked over to see a Harley rumbling beside me. The man on the bike was decked out in full Harley leather and I thought... I wish that was me. Is it really about the Harley for me? Do I know anything about bikes? No. It's all about the aesthetics. The Harley just looks good.

Earlier that afternoon, I had driven past a certain house that always catches my eye. As I drove past it, I thought to myself how important the outside "look" of the house is for me and when I it comes down to it, that will play a big part in my purchase.

These thoughts collided as I was sitting at the lights, beside the Harley...it's all in the aesthetics for me. I am naturally drawn to thing (products) that have clean, defined lines, a nice use of space and generally look cool.

The car that I was sitting in...a beetle. Most recognizable lines/shape in automotive designs, I think. Do I love it because it is German engineered, has excellent safety ratings and is good on gas? No! While these things are great perks, let's face it...I bought it because it looks good. (better in yellow, but I digress...)

My laptop...same deal. Did I buy it because I love the operating system and all the technical capabilities? Heck no! That sleek and sexy design is what sold me.

When I look at a magazine, brochure or even an email, large blocks of text turn me off. There has to be lots of white space or it is a chore for me to read. What's worse is emails without paragraph breaks or even punctuation or CAPITAL LETTERS!!! Come on people. Not only is it proper grammar, it just makes it look nice!

So...that is my musing for the day. What can I say? I'm a sucker for the design.

Irises

I happen to live in an awesome neighbourhood for walking. I'm surrounded by huge century homes that are beautiful to look at as I pass by. Along with the homes, the gardens are lovely as well. Right now, my all-time favourite flower is blooming everywhere!

Irises are just so beautiful. Three ruffly petals rise up in the middle, three more petals turn down slightly, as if to reveal their friends. They are large yet delicate and sit on top of a lofty stem. Really quite a marvel. And the colours are stunning! All shades of purple, yellow, white...

I need some of my own I think!!

Let it snow, Let it snow, Let it snow

My intention was to rant about how much I hate the snow...and for the most part I do. However, as I went out to shovel the drive tonight, I realized that the snow can actually be quite beautiful...almost poetic. I went out tonight about 9pm and it was so quiet. The snow was coming down in giant white flakes and landing silently on the ground. Even the cars that drove past were somewhat muffled under the fluffy white blanket. When you don't have to drive in it, the snow can be a wonderful thing.

what's on your i-pod?

I thought it might be kind of fun to see what people are listening to. Leave a comment and list the last 5 songs played on your i-pod.

Mine are:

All Of You - Tony Bennett
F-Stop Blues - Jack Johnson
Politik - Coldplay
Seymour Stein - Belle & Sebastian
Girl Next Door - Matt Costa

Time

A few weeks ago I heard someone say "where you spend your time is where you place your value". Seems like a simple enough concept, but it really hit me. I want to spend my time on things I value. Things like playing Candyland with my 3-year-old niece, having tea with my Grammie or making pie with my Mom. You can see a common theme... my family is important to me and I want to make them a priority. I also want to spend more time with good friends and learning new things. I'm going to try and say "no" more often to things that are not a priority and not worry about it.