I couldn't help myself

So I've been going through a "cute phase" recently, and my senses are acutely aware of anything remotely adorable or endearing. I saw this video a while ago, but it was recently brought to my attention again and it really makes me laugh (especially after something crappy at work). You will either think I'm the biggest nerd, or it will make you laugh at least a little.

Ooops, she did it... again?!?!

So I had a full out post written about stuff that's going on in my life, but I though I'd take the opportunity to comment (being the millionth person to do so, no doubt) about the girl/mom/Girl-Interrupted-in-real-life that is Britney Spears.

I have to admit, I have always been a Britney fan - I can even say she was my girl idol crush at her peak (Slave for You? Hellooooo hot). Every girl wanted her abs, and her love life (circa JT) and her moolah. Because for the girls of my generation, she was the girl who grew into a woman as we became women too - she serenaded our teenage and semi-adult life with lovely, poppy and sugary tunes when we needed the break from the angst-filled Alanis, trippy Radiohead, and boy crushes BSB and NSync.

I really think this is why we are all taking this recent situation with Britney so seriously. I mean, we all thought K-Fed wasn't good enough for her, but felt bad like you do for your girlfriends - who hasn't fallen for a guy that looked great to you but was really a loser to everyone else? And when she got married and got pregnant, we were happy for her in a disappointed way, but we knew she would bounce back because she is Britney - despite her mistakes, we knew her career was huge to her and that the comeback was eminent.

Which is why the break-up with K-Fed was a huge deal - she finally got rid of what was holding her down. Instead, it seems like she got rid of what was holding her together. What is going on now!? Drugs, sex, partying and with two kids at home?

I have to say, I still had faith until the head shaving incident. I became less naive to the possibility that it was all being blown out of proportion, and realized that this is a really, really sad version of Britney. And what's worse, is if it happened to someone like her (albeit she's not the most intelligent), what would stop us, those girls that grew up with her, from having this nervous breakdown potential?

I really just hope that something can save her, because she has (had?) so much potential that she lost in the past 3 months. And lemme tell you, the only person happy about this situation must be Tom Cruise, because "head shaving" is the new Crazy - "couch hopping" has moved to a distant second.

For my part, I'm keeping the electric clippers faaaaar away from my house.

R.I.P. Paula Menendez

The past few days have been filled with shock, sadness and disgust at the Debowski house.

On Monday morning, our street was filled with cop cars and the house right across the street from us was cordoned off with police tape. We had no idea what happened, except that my dad’s physiotherapist, and our neighbour, Paula Menendez, lived in that house.

The story started off with a rumour that Paula had been abducted - her door was found wide open, and her car was in the driveway. Laura, our neighbour, was getting questioned by the police and was really upset.

As the day progressed, the news reported on having found 2 women murdered in a house in Markham. Getting home that evening, the police found out that one of the women was the (alleged) murderer’s husband, and the other was not yet identified. For a passing moment, I thought about Paula being involved in this murder, but dismissed it almost immediately.

Imagine our surprise when news crews showed up on our street, and started interviewing residents about Paula’s murder - her being the other woman in Markham. All of our neighbours are shocked, and disturbed by the constant presence of cop cars on our street. It turns out that it is highly likely that Paula was abducted, by Christopher Little, and then taken to Markham where she likely watched Julie getting stabbed and killed, and was then dragged to the garage, bound and hanged. The details of the story involve a love triangle, with Paula’s husband Rick recently dating Julie, Christopher Little’s husband.

This is really a surreal situation - to think that someone living so close to you could be robbed of their life in such a brutal and violent way. We all keep thinking about the absolute terror that Paula went through on Sunday night, and feel incredible guilt about possibly being just a few metres away when the coward came to attack an innocent woman. I am disgusted, shocked and will forever feel partly to blame for not noticing that anything was wrong. I can only hope that whoever did this will be punished enough for the crime of robbing 2 girls of their mother, and murdering another because of his own fucked up life.

http://www.thestar.com/News/article/181543

This puts a whole new spin on B.O.

I was about to make a comment about how I completely disagree with an article I read (at least on a conscious level) and how sweat is gross.... but I got, and still am, distracted by the hotness that are Brad Pitt's abs (glistening ones, no less).

Damn.

So... back to focus. Reading the news this morning, and trying to sift through the plethora of articles regarding Anna Nicole Smith, I found this great one about how females are sexually aroused and get a faster heart beat simply by smelling a chemical found in guy's sweat.

Mmmmm, crazy delicious.

Of course, the scientists found a useful result of this experiment - the smell of sweat actually increases cortisol levels, which is what makes humans able to cope with stress, and well-being - basically feel-good stuff for the body.

Anyway, as a business person, this is somewhat inspiring - perhaps I will create a product that simulates the smell of sweat and sell it?? “Eau d’homme: guaranteed to make your night a “feel-good” night”.

Oh man! Maybe that’s what the put in Axe? Bummer… I’m always the last to know…

I can NOT believe he didn't do this when I went to see him!!!

I can't believe this... I'm incredibly jealous. Next best thing is to watch it on video...

Oh Justin, you are amazing even with a box over your crotch.

http://www.collegehumor.com/video:1740879

Romeo and Juliet

This is definitely something I've never seen before...
Apparently archaeologists have found 5000 year old skeletal remains of a male and female in an embrace near – where else – Verona, Italy. It seems like it’s the real proof to Shakespeare’s story, despite the 6000 + year difference between the age of the remains and the classic tragedy.

The article is pretty self-explanatory, but I just love to think what the background is behind this story – were they really lovers trying to escape something and dying together? Could Shakespeare have been inspired by some variation of an original true story, and used it to write his own?

There’s something to be said about seeing such a tender moment captured in history, underground for over 6000 years. Seeing these kinds of discoveries makes me appreciate what it means to be a human, and a small but important part of our history – I wonder what fossils our generation will leave for humans in 5000 years… hopefully it’s not just a legacy of indifference for the environment and a global crisis on their hands.

The inevitable post has finally come...

So with Valentine's Day quickly approaching, and a few recent changes in my friends' singledoms, I thought I would finally post about the inevitable conversation topic: relationships.

I don't know whether it's the recent holidays, or whether spring fever has come early this year, but at least 4 of my close friends have recently given up their precious single status to be nauseatingly happy in fast-moving relationships.

That sounded incredibly bitter... and I don't think I am, although there is something bewitching in the thought that there actually is someone out there willing to put up with your crap and still be with you despite it.

As an outsider, I can say that I find all the PDAs and constant hand-holding a little over-the-top, although I guess it's not as disgusting when you're actually in the relationship. But with my recent resolution to become more open to dating, I realized that it's increasingly difficult to find someone - especially since I am very clear and decided in what I want in a guy.

Perhaps I am a little bitter this morning... having gone on several dates recently, I had a fantastic experience this weekend but it made me realize that there are so many factors out of my control - even if I do manage to meet this close-to-perfect man, there is always the issue of timing which seems to always get in the way.

However, after reading this article on msn, it lifted my mood a little bit - it's a pretty accurate measure of what you can gain from being single: http://msn.match.com/msn/article.aspx?articleid=6320&TrackingID=516311&BannerID=544657&menuid=7&GT1=8953.

That being said, I am happy for all you couples - if anything, it makes my life easier because you're all in such good moods. Keep it up - just try to tone down the PDAs and get a room.

I don't believe in resolutions... but here goes nothing

Alright, I have caved into the pressure, but for more than just the silly reason of it being a new year.

I have decided, as so well put by my friend Jess, that I have lost my "groove". It may be that time of year, or the fact that work is consuming my life, or perhaps that in exactly 11 weeks I will be crossing the threshold into my mid-twenties (gasp! yes, run away in fear, I am becoming middle-aged...)

Whatever it is, I have identified it as "negative" and not how I want to live my precious few weeks of early-twenties. Therefore, on the eve of the 11 weeks preceding said birthday, I am giving myself one goal - to become the best version of myself that I've ever been. I read some BS somewhere that once you write something down, you become much more committed to it or something, so here's my strong (and ulimately regretable) written contract to myself to fulfill my goal. That way, if I don't achieve it, I will not only be sorely disappointed, but be aware that this public declaration will also lead me to new levels of humiliation should I fail.

I have not decided yet what it means to become this best version - you'll excuse me for my vagueness, since I am on 3 hours sleep and see not many more hours on this proposal-filled horizon. But, I will be writing down these goals as I think of them, and will write what I have achieved at the end of 11 weeks. I do promise, however, that my goals will not include taking up smoking, avoiding Nutella or frequenting that gigolo place I mentioned before... I'll save that for my breakdown as I approach my late-twenties (Good God, can you imagine being thirty?!?)

Good night, and good luck (to myself, I'll need it).

Tis the season to be...lonely?

During my morning breakfast (at noon) today, I noticed an article in the G&M about relationships during the holiday season. Apparently, Christmas brings out the loneliness in people - specifically women. In fact, we miss having a man around so much that apparently the use of gigolo services increases by 25% during the month of December.

At first glance, I scoffed and pitied the poor women who needed a little lovin to make up for the lack of a companion during the holiday season. But upon further reflection, I realized that I am not so different at all!! Mon, the "strong and confident woman", is also missing a male companion as of right now, and is defintiely feeling it. I hate to use the word lonely, and I won't admit to it, but there's definitely a void that I never noticed before. And as I've admitted to Amal - I miss having a guy around. There, I said it - and I won't say it again.

But having a relationship is something that can't 100% be replaced by anything else. I've got a great family, friends, job and a chance at polishing up my own self, and I don't even mind spending time alone with just a book, or music or movie. But being with someone is an addiction, like to a drug - once you have one taste, you know what you're missing when you lose it. It's especially noticeable when all of a sudden all your friends have some love interest on-the-go (when did that happen?!?)

I am not the type to just go for anyone - I would rather be alone than to fake some sort of relationship with someone I am not completely crazy about, and I hope to never reach that point of desperation. But my self-righteousness is lessened of late - I have realized that while being alone is great, I am weak/strong enough to want someone else to share my life with. Someone who happens to be tall, dark and handsome, with a great job and family values, who can be modern and traditional at the same time, and who will be loyal for the time that we are together. And to be honest, until that guy comes along, I will continue to fill the void in my life with new experiences and make it as full as I can without him.... and avoid the gigolo clubs until I really, really need them.

Anyone need some last-minute Christmas ideas?

This is the FUNNIEST SNL skit I've ever seen!! Uncensored and everything...

Really? Him?

Does this really look like a man who can lead our country?

Take a good look: he looks like a little boy lost in a playground, seducing the Canadian public with those puppy dog, watery eyes.

With the federal elections not too far in the distance, and the Conservative Party losing ground every day, it seems that the Liberals are well-positioned to win those elections. Which means the timid Mr. Dion will likely be our next Prime Minister.

I’ve been getting more involved in politics recently, what with more than half of my friends either a candidate for or supporting provincial/federal parties. I’m really trying to be passionate about it, but it’s difficult for me to choose sides – I’m a fence sitter, which really isn’t allowed in politics. You choose one party, and then stick with them for life while mocking the opposition.

I was actually a Michael Ignatieff supporter for a while – he’s from my ‘hood, he’s an academic and easy on the eyes. But a few speeches later and I lost my inspiration and stopped following the Liberal Leader race.

Watching the coverage this weekend, I was still convinced the whole time that he would win. However, when it came down to the last ballot, Michael lost that confident smile he had been sporting throughout the whole election and I finally admitted that Dion might win.

It’s just that when you really think about Canada and its reputation, and the current situation we’re in, I can hardly see this man as an assertive, articulate speaker. I’m even going through a French phase (in that I love them and would move to Montreal in a second), but I’m neither inspired nor confident in the new leader. Picture him trying to fight the bully that is the US, or gain an audience with Chinese leaders (Harper had some trouble) or invoke fear into terrorists hearts when we join the fight on terrorism.

I can’t believe I’m going to say this… but next time, I’m voting Conservative.

Fergie - Billboard Awards 2006 Performance

If you watch Fergie on this video, she
a) doesn't move at all
b) looks like she's going to trip on her heels when she walks
c) forgets her lyrics, especially during the her "rap"

This girl is either drunk or high - Will.i.am has to follow her around and fill in the lost lyrics (she even glances at him every so often like a scared puppy).

I can't believe more people didn't notice this!!

Evolution of Dance

I laugh out loud everytime I see this video... the guy is actually talented.

I learn more from the radio in transit to work than I actually do AT work

So apparently myth is true… although it doesn’t seem so much a myth because if you watch any group of women, they prove that it has to be a bona fide fact (every episode of Sex and the City is based on this fact).

Women talk more than men do – 3 times more!

A study stated that on average, women use a whopping 20,000 words in one day, while men barely use 7,000. This brings about an interesting debate…

Do men use less words cause they’re smarter, dumber or just unable to express themselves? Do women use more words because they’re more emotional, and therefore need to voice those feelings? And is this something we should equalize/ attempt to narrow the gap, or is it just one of those differences between men and women that we all love to analyze…

When I compare my mom and myself to my brother and dad, I can definitely see the difference in word use – it’s actually a common spat in our family – my dad tries to get a word in but my mom is too quick for him.

To me, the more you speak, the more you have to bullsh*t – how else can you account for the extra word use? I must say, I have long been a fan of saying more in few words – I have put conscious effort into not talking as much (I find this makes me seem like I understand everything at work while I really don’t have any idea what they’re talking about). I also find people (a.k.a. women) at work who talk too much annoy not only me, but make me doubt their real capability since the BS factor seems to be so high.

Really, some self-control is needed at time- in my male-dominated workplace, I keep myself in check to make sure I don’t sound like a ditz. Once I leave that office though, it’s time to relax – I say let everyone speak! It really takes greater skill to be able to verbalize what you’re saying… anyone can shut themselves up. Otherwise, one day bottling up all that “talk” might turn you into a crazy on the streets of Toronto that just talks to him/herself…

Pho? How bout NO

If evil were to take form as food, it would be Pho.

I'd like to add that I am really trying to be experimental with food choices - I definitely tried a lot of different foods in Europe, and I attempt to keep an open mind (as much as I can complain while I do it).

I knew Pho and I weren't meant to be when I smelled the coriander in the mix - I don't know what it is, but coriander makes me... I won't get graphic. Not only that, but the smell sticks with me for days after. *Shudder*

Then, Dirk (my coworker) pointed out the pieces of tripe or stomach or whatever it was... I swear, my imagination got the better of me and I couldn't eat anymore.

Good news though - I couldn't eat anything the rest of the day - looks like I found that secret method for sticking to that diet my trainer tried to put me on.

P.S. This post is not meant to offend any Vietnamese people - I'm sure you're all lovely, and that other choices on the menu were delicious, but yuck.

Has someone been reading my blog?

It seems my tirade against O.J. Simpson's TV interview and book made a difference - both have been cancelled today! This is the first time that media has listened to me - and about oh, 10 million other people.

And in the meantime, we count another beloved star making a nosedive in their reputation - Kramer, from Seinfeld, was doing stand-up and was getting heckled by some (apparently) black people, because he went into a shameful verbal assault against them. It seems like he had a mini-crazy moment - possibly pulling an Anne Heche, circa 2001, or maybe a Mel Gibson, circa raging alcoholic. Either way, somewhat unfortunate. Check it out on www.tmz.com (with video!)

"IF I did it" - BS by OJ Simpson

I know I said I’d write about happy things… but the truth of the matter is that happy things are often boring, rare, and I’m unable to rant about them. They just don’t get me into the Mozone, you know?

Hence my next subject – I read about O.J. this morning: he is writing a book and interviewing with Fox about the murders he “didn’t” commit. He will write/discuss how he would have done it IF he was the one that murdered Nicole and Ron.

I don’t understand how people can watch this bull. How can you watch someone describe a murder that he obviously committed with the smug satisfaction that he did not get charged nor will ever be charged? This is an actual quote from the interview: “I have never seen so much blood in my life. I don’t think any two people could be murdered without everybody being covered in blood.” I don’t even know what to say to that… I only hope that his kids aren’t watching, because not only am I disgusted that someone would give this loser any more attention for being a murderer, I am infuriated that the US judicial system would allow for something like this to happen – he should be stopped and silenced forever.

I rest my case.

After canvassing for 6 months and having an amazing team to support him, Andrew’s hard work paid off last night. Although he didn’t actually beat the incumbent/offensive John Filion, he got an amazing 35% from his ward.

Needless to say I am slightly hungover and very tired this morning… my night ended around 1:30 (not bad for a Monday) after traveling home on the subway from Yonge and Sheppard and making several pit stops along the way.

Whatever happened, it was all worth it – I’m proud to say I worked on a campaign for a guy like Andrew. As Pat would say, “a real class act”.

E-Day is finally here...

After helping Andrew out for the past few months, the day is finally here - election time!

Go out and vote, and then come celebrate Andrew Miller's successful campaign in Willowdale - he deserves it!

On a side and completely unrelated note, I just read an interesting article on CNN about Toronto, professors and weed - we should be proud that we got into international headlines with this story.... riiiiiiight.
http://www.cnn.com/2006/WORLD/americas/11/13/canada.professors.reut/index.html

Good ol' TTC...

So although I bitch about commuting, it definitely gives me a chance to satisfy my obsession with Sudokus, books, music and people-watching for about 2 hours every day.

Although most days I'm either touched or amused by people's actions, the past few days have made me realize that a) riding the subway is like a microcosm for the "real world" and the type of people in it b) (continuing on that thread) there are a lot of "weirdos" in Toronto and c) there are a lot more homeless people than I realized (now that it's cold outside, the homeless keep to warmer areas).

A touching moment was yesterday, when an elderly couple got onto the subway, snuggled together and both fell asleep during the ride. It sounds cliche, but it was cute since they were doing it without any false pretense.

Some scarier experiences were when I saw a group of teens harass another teen (damn bullies), then myself got assaulted on the same day. Some guy started touching me, and then following me off the subway - thankfully a pair of knights in shining suits saved me with their white briefcases. A modern day fairy tale perhaps?

The worst part of my commute was yesterday, when I was coming back from Spanish class - as I was entering the subway, sirens were going off behind me and following me up to the entrance. I was trying to get to the Westbound trains at Yonge/Bloor, and as I was transferring through, I noticed a commotion and a man perched on a railing in the tunnel looking like he was ready to commit suicide. Turns out the sirens were cops trying to come stop him...

EIther way, it really saddened me that this actually happens - I mean, I'm not naive enough to think that suicide is more common than the public assumes, but to actually see someone desperate enough to do it in PUBLIC is a tragedy.

On that note, I've decided to write about happier things from now- it seems my blogs always end on a sad note, which is not an indication of me at all. Sooooo.... next blog: rainbows and puppies and raindrops on roses.... you get my drift.