Welcome

Welcome to my foray into the blogging world. I don't promise to be your source for political and social commentary, but I will always endeavour to be entertaining, charming and witty (and by witty, you may also want to read that as sarcastic . . . I sometimes mix the two up).

You will see a mix of poems and/or song lyrics, my skewed little musings on life, the odd rant or two, and hopefully I can pass along some inspirational pieces – either from my own personal experiences or from those who inspire me.

I will try not to work Bruce Springsteen into everything I write, though it will be difficult as he does impact a large part of my waking world as well as a good portion of my dream world.

Enjoy. Be kind. Come back often and visit.

Thursday 18 August 2016

365 Questions: Who is my personal hero?


WEEK 31
213. What’s bothering you today?
My life is actually pretty darn good right now. I’ve got a bit of a kink in my left shoulder, probably from the spin class I just did. But other than that, I can’t complain.

214. Are you an introvert or extrovert? Explain.
I’m what you would call a social introvert and people are often surprised when I tell them I’m shy. I like people and enjoy spending time with them but I like to control “how” I spend my time socially with others. I’m more comfortable meeting people one-on-one and wouldn’t enjoy walking into a party or event where I didn’t know anyone. I could do it, but it would be a bit difficult for me. There are times when I can be the life of the party in big, loud gatherings – usually more with people I know really well – but my norm is to sit back, assess and take everything in. I also need my alone time to recharge. I enjoy spending evenings alone with Netflix or reading. I have spent a week by myself at my cottage. I like to think about things before I speak. And, I’m generally better at explaining myself or something through writing rather than speaking. Public speaking isn’t my cup of tea, but if I’m passionate and knowledgeable about the topic, I’m good. And, ironically I am a performer and can sing, dance or play guitar in front of a live audience. I like to be rehearsed though and don’t always necessarily need the spotlight. I enjoy writing my songs but I don’t have the burning urge to perform all the time.

215. What three things do you think about every single day?
Because I’ve been on a nutritional program for the past six months I’m always thinking: What am I going to eat today? Secondly, I’m a great sleeper but I usually wake up exhausted (could be my colourful dream life), so I’m always wondering why I’m so tired – especially after a good night’s sleep. Lastly, I have a sweetie in my life right now and it’s been a wonderful few weeks. He’s someone I have recently reconnected with and it’s amazing. He’s amazing. I think about him every day.

216. What’s the best way to your heart?
I’m a sucker for words. Woo me with your wit and crazy sense of humour and I’m yours. That being said, if you play with my hair I’d likely follow you home too.

217. What are you most ashamed of?
I was fairly promiscuous during a period in my 20s and I used to carry a lot of shame about that part of my life. I don’t anymore. It’s a part of my past and I can’t change who I was back then or anything I did. And because of my sexual history, I really dislike the culture of slut shaming. I was that girl. I never understood the whole double standard of why the girl who had sex was always branded with the scarlet letter while the dude always got away unscathed. They both had sex. What’s the difference? As women (and men too), we need to stop the slut shaming. Women and men both enjoy sex – there’s nothing wrong with that, as long as there’s two consenting adults. That’s important too.

I can also honestly say that I experienced date rape on at least two occasions. I was certainly in no state to provide consent. I bumped into one of my offenders a few years ago. We passed each other going in (and out) of a building. The way he looked at me – with a kind of knowing, condescending expression on his face – brought back a moment of shame for a brief moment. But afterwards I thought: why should I feel any shame? He’s the one who took advantage of me. He’s the “less-than” person, not me. And that’s the message I would like to convey to anyone who’s been through a similar experience. You’ve done nothing wrong. They’re the asshole who took advantage of you.

218. Do you believe in karma?
Definitely. It may not happen in this life, but it will happen. I don’t do good things because I hope to get good things in return. I just try to be a good person as much as I can. And you know: karma can be a bitch J

219. What compulsions do you have?
I’m not a big shopper by any means and I actually don’t enjoy it very much. But if anything will be my undoing, it will be my entertainment budget . ..or lack of an entertainment budget. I have a hard time saying no to experiences, especially good musical ones. I don’t spend recklessly but I believe in living my life and enjoying it as much as I can right now. I don’t want to wait for retirement to do fun stuff.

WEEK 32
220. What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever done?
Some people might say that purchasing a VIP ticket to see Derek and Julianne Hough’s Move – Live On Tour show two years in a row was pretty ridiculous. It was a lot of money, but my friend Laura and I had a blast – both times. I was a complete idiot meeting the Houghs the first year but was totally cool the following year. We’re besties now.

221. What are the five most important things people should know about you?
· I’m a master hugger and am very touchy-feely
· If you need someone, I can be counted on to be there for you
· I’m allergic to penicillin
· I love music and can be a bit of a music snob
· I’m a social introvert

222. Does time really heal all wounds?
Time, a positive attitude and a good therapist or friend(s) to help you heal.

223. What are the key ingredients to a good relationship?
Mutual respect. Open and honest communication. Emotional availability and a willingness to be vulnerable and authentic. Empathy and compassion. Friendship. Shared interests. Chemistry and attraction. Patience. Trust. And the knowledge that love is an action, not merely a feeling. You must choose to love that person every day.

224. What 12 songs would be on the soundtrack to your life?
I actually blogged on this topic last year. Here are my soundtrack songs.

225. If you had a diary, what would today’s entry say?
Dear Diary: I’m so incredibly happy right now. I’ve met someone very special and I’m looking forward to seeing how our life unfolds together. He’s unbelievably sweet and caring. I’m so glad that he reached out to me again and I’m enjoying the process of getting to know him. I’m seeing him tonight and I can’t wait!

226. If the weather person was going to forecast your life, what would they say?
It looks like mainly sunshine going forward. There likely will be rain or stormy weather at some point, but as long as you’re prepared, you’ll be okay. Enjoy those rainy and stormy days because they’ll give you a better appreciation for the sunny ones.

WEEK 33
227. What song best describes you when you first wake up in the morning?
Todd Rundgren’s “Bang the Drum All Day.”

228. What have you always wanted? Have you got it?
Well, I always wanted a horse and never did get one.

229. If you could time travel, would you go to the past or the future? Why?
I would probably go into the past and do some things I didn’t get to do the first time around. I would travel back to the 70s and check out Bruce Springsteen’s early shows. Then to 1978 and go to a few shows on his Darkness tour. I would like to see the Beatles, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, go to Woodstock, visit Haight-Ashbury in its hey day.

230. What words do you think those closest to you would use to describe you?
Funny. Kind. Altruistic. Rainmaker. Generous. Creative. Loyal. Sarcastic. Loving.

231. Who is your personal hero?
This is such a tough question. Most people would assume my personal hero is Bruce Springsteen. But while I love the man, his lyrics, enthusiasm, music and work ethic, I don’t really consider him my personal hero. For me, most of my personal heroes are the people in my life. I have some friends who have been married for over 30 years and I admire their commitment to each other and their marriage – especially in this age of disposable relationships. I aspire to that. I have other close friends – like my friend Kristin – who is so incredibly creative, especially in the ways she reaches out to connect with our community and I am constantly blown away by her ideas. I want to be a part of everything she does. I have other friends who cope courageously with big day-to-day challenges. My friend Carol has lived with MS since her 30s and she is one of the most generous people I know. I love that about her.   

232. If you could choose your last words, what would they be?
I love you.

233. In what ways are you the same as your childhood self?
I was an avid reader as a kid and I still love to read. I’m also still very playful, silly and childlike. I can be serious but there’s a very big silly side to me as well.