So I've been sick this week. Really sick. With a sinus infection and an ear infection. I have missed 4 days of work, soon to be five. On top of losing all the money from not working, I had to shell out 100 bucks for antibiotics. I also happen to be PMSing this week.
So I've been having a little pity party for myself the last couple days. You know, laying around feeling sorry for myself, listening to sad music and crying. And then today I was suddenly like...what the hell is wrong with me!? Did it really only take me a week to forget my new "At least I'm not cutting off my own arm with a dull knife" philosophy? Sure I'm behind where I want to be financially. Yes I've had a couple of lonely days. But I am still so lucky. I opened up my curtains for the first time since the summer. I let the sun shine into my room and into my heart and I felt so damn grateful to be alive.
I'm grateful for the sun, for my room, for music, for the ears that allow me to hear music, for my friends, for my boyfriend, for my family, for my body, for my soul, for this beautiful city, for this beautiful planet, for being born in Canada and having the right to an education, to a career and to credit, for having access to clean water. I am so lucky to be going after my dreams and fighting for the right to do what I love. It's hard sometimes but it's worth it.
It's so very easy to forget how privileged I actually am. I'm trying to work on that. To be grateful every time I turn on a tap or take a breath or use my legs.
What are you grateful for?
Friday, February 25, 2011
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Blargh Blargh Blog
Okay so I haven't written in two weeks. Guess this is why I have never started a blog before. Please forgive me. I always forget how exhausting it is to begin working full-time again when you haven't done it in a while.
I'm still working doing my street canvassing thing. I really do like it. Some days it is very cold. But the time is passing quicker the more I do it. I feel like pretty soon I will feel more able to actually get stuff done after a day of work. I notice myself getting sloppy and lazy. Not hanging my clothes up, not making my bed, not cooking, not getting back to people I should be getting back to. Basically...I become a disorganized mess for a few weeks. So I apologize to all those affected by this.
I'm very anxious. For many reasons. Mainly being that simple little question, "What is the meaning of my life?" But! I'm also happy for many reasons. I went to see the movie 127 Hours and it really put things into perspective. Whenever I feel grumpy or frustrated with my life I'm just like, "Hey! At least I'm not amputating my own arm with a dull knife!" (SPOILER ALERT) haha. Whatever. It's a true story. So...no surprises.
I've started re-reading the book that made me go vegetarian. "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. Not that I think everyone in the world needs to go vegetarian but I do think everyone should read it. I think many people are afraid to read it. Probably because they already have an inkling of what they would find out. Which I get. And I don't necessarily blame people for it. Because here's the thing...once you start making changes...you start to feel hypocritical if you don't make other changes. For example...I went vegetarian. Soon after that I began eating vegan. But then it's like....if you aren't going to eat animals then you probably shouldn't wear them...and then if I'm so worried about animal rights...shouldn't I worry about human rights? So then I street canvass to help children in "developing" countries. But then I shouldn't buy anything made in factories in those same countries because it's all being made by the very children I'm trying to help....see where I'm going with this?
So I get why people don't want to know. But don't you feel as a consumer you should know? Don't you think you owe to the people and the animals affected by your decisions to educate yourself?
I dunno. I guess I think we do. But that's just me.
One of these days I'll actually get around to talking about cooking. I promise.
Please be patient with me. I'm in the midst of a quarter life crisis.
I'm still working doing my street canvassing thing. I really do like it. Some days it is very cold. But the time is passing quicker the more I do it. I feel like pretty soon I will feel more able to actually get stuff done after a day of work. I notice myself getting sloppy and lazy. Not hanging my clothes up, not making my bed, not cooking, not getting back to people I should be getting back to. Basically...I become a disorganized mess for a few weeks. So I apologize to all those affected by this.
I'm very anxious. For many reasons. Mainly being that simple little question, "What is the meaning of my life?" But! I'm also happy for many reasons. I went to see the movie 127 Hours and it really put things into perspective. Whenever I feel grumpy or frustrated with my life I'm just like, "Hey! At least I'm not amputating my own arm with a dull knife!" (SPOILER ALERT) haha. Whatever. It's a true story. So...no surprises.
I've started re-reading the book that made me go vegetarian. "Eating Animals" by Jonathan Safran Foer. Not that I think everyone in the world needs to go vegetarian but I do think everyone should read it. I think many people are afraid to read it. Probably because they already have an inkling of what they would find out. Which I get. And I don't necessarily blame people for it. Because here's the thing...once you start making changes...you start to feel hypocritical if you don't make other changes. For example...I went vegetarian. Soon after that I began eating vegan. But then it's like....if you aren't going to eat animals then you probably shouldn't wear them...and then if I'm so worried about animal rights...shouldn't I worry about human rights? So then I street canvass to help children in "developing" countries. But then I shouldn't buy anything made in factories in those same countries because it's all being made by the very children I'm trying to help....see where I'm going with this?
So I get why people don't want to know. But don't you feel as a consumer you should know? Don't you think you owe to the people and the animals affected by your decisions to educate yourself?
I dunno. I guess I think we do. But that's just me.
One of these days I'll actually get around to talking about cooking. I promise.
Please be patient with me. I'm in the midst of a quarter life crisis.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Little Things
Since my slightly bleak post the other day I've been doing some thinking. I think apathy is necessary for us to get through the day to day. HOWEVER, that being said...I honestly think we all need to make an effort to address the problems facing the world that we live in. So I thought I would start by making a list of those little things we can all do every day that help make a positive difference in the world around us. Feel free to add on.
1) USE your re-usable bags. Stop forgetting them. Leave some in your car or get the fold up ones that you can leave in your purse.
2) Use a thermos instead of a paper cup. If you get a stainless steel one it can keep your coffee or tea hot for HOURS. Your life will never be the same.
"The average American office worker uses about 500 disposable cups every year.[1]" - Clean Air Council
3) Bring your own utensils. My Mom and Dad got me this amazing spnife? (spoon, knife, fork in one)
1) USE your re-usable bags. Stop forgetting them. Leave some in your car or get the fold up ones that you can leave in your purse.
2) Use a thermos instead of a paper cup. If you get a stainless steel one it can keep your coffee or tea hot for HOURS. Your life will never be the same.
"The average American office worker uses about 500 disposable cups every year.[1]" - Clean Air Council
3) Bring your own utensils. My Mom and Dad got me this amazing spnife? (spoon, knife, fork in one)
"Every year, Americans throw away enough paper and plastic cups, forks, and spoons to circle the equator 300 times." - Clean Air Council
4) Buy as much local and organic food as you can. The amount of energy and oil used to transport food from place to place is absolutely shocking. Plus! It's better for your body to eat the food that grows naturally in your climate.
5) Go meatless at least one meal every week. Even one meatless meal makes a HUGE difference. "For every 2.2 pounds of beef not consumed...you remove as much carbon dioxide from the air as NOT driving a car 155 miles."
6) Buy as much as you can second hand. It helps break the cycle of consumerism and keeps used items out of the landfill.
7) RECYCLE. IT'S SO EASY. YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE NOT TO.
8) Compost. (This is one I need to take on. I don't right now but it's one thing I am going to change)
9) Donate. Time, money...give what you can. Every bit helps and the karma kick back is always great too!
10) Smile!!! Smiling makes you feel happier and a simple smile can make someone's day. I honestly believe smiling makes the world a much better place.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Mad World
So I had my first day working for Public Outreach yesterday. (For those of you who don't know, my latest job is street canvassing with this company called Public Outreach that offers their services and street teams to do fundraising for other organizations.) The organization I am representing is called Plan Canada. It's one of the world's oldest and largest child aid and development organizations. I am so proud to be working for them. Check out their website: http://plancanada.ca/ You'll be amazed at the work they're doing. I know I was.
Anyway, yesterday was my first day. I always thought I could never do this job because I would get angry and discouraged by all the people who walk by and never stop. I know I used to cross the street to avoid walking by street canvassers because I felt SO guilty for not stopping. What I realize now, (and all those of you who have similar thoughts to mine will be relieved to know) is that it's okay. We don't expect most people to stop. I didn't feel angry at anyone. I ended up signing up my first person for child sponsorship and that cancelled out the hundreds of people who didn't stop. I have to say it was beyond exciting. I loved riding the bus home after work knowing that I had a hand in helping a child and their community on the other side of the world. I was cold, my feet hurt and I was tired. But this job is much easier then I expected it to be. I think it's because I believe in it. It's important.
It's hard when you start to really look at the state of the world because then you have to start making changes. That's scary. That's why people prefer not to know. I totally get it. Once you start tapping into the true and honest state of the world...it's pretty overwhelming. So sometimes we have to pretend it's not happening. We have to pretend there aren't people all over the world suffering and dying because of simple things like a lack of clean water while we go and indulge in a soy chai latte, or we take that extra bit of time in the shower. I do these little things for myself and then I feel guilty about it later.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel incredibly overwhelmed. And afraid. And powerless.
Wow. Uplifting isn't it? Sorry for being such a downer.
Am I just being dramatic or does anyone else know what I mean?
Anyway, yesterday was my first day. I always thought I could never do this job because I would get angry and discouraged by all the people who walk by and never stop. I know I used to cross the street to avoid walking by street canvassers because I felt SO guilty for not stopping. What I realize now, (and all those of you who have similar thoughts to mine will be relieved to know) is that it's okay. We don't expect most people to stop. I didn't feel angry at anyone. I ended up signing up my first person for child sponsorship and that cancelled out the hundreds of people who didn't stop. I have to say it was beyond exciting. I loved riding the bus home after work knowing that I had a hand in helping a child and their community on the other side of the world. I was cold, my feet hurt and I was tired. But this job is much easier then I expected it to be. I think it's because I believe in it. It's important.
It's hard when you start to really look at the state of the world because then you have to start making changes. That's scary. That's why people prefer not to know. I totally get it. Once you start tapping into the true and honest state of the world...it's pretty overwhelming. So sometimes we have to pretend it's not happening. We have to pretend there aren't people all over the world suffering and dying because of simple things like a lack of clean water while we go and indulge in a soy chai latte, or we take that extra bit of time in the shower. I do these little things for myself and then I feel guilty about it later.
I guess what I'm trying to say is that I feel incredibly overwhelmed. And afraid. And powerless.
Wow. Uplifting isn't it? Sorry for being such a downer.
Am I just being dramatic or does anyone else know what I mean?
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
It Starts...
When it comes down to it...I'm just a person who started reading too much about too many issues in our world to sit idly by any longer. It all began when I became a vegetarian (now a vegan) after reading a book called Eating Animals by Jonathan Safran Foer.
I have been thinking about starting a blog for a long time but I've been afraid. I'm no expert. Who am I to get up on a soapbox and tell other people how to live their lives. WHICH I'M STILL NOT GOING TO DO! I promise! BUT! I LOVE to cook. And being vegan is leading me to this amazing place of cooking (and baking) all kinds of fabulous things that I never would have before. Instead of feeling deprived, I feel more excited and inspired then ever. After sharing a great deal of vegan cookies, muffins and dinners with people, I've been encouraged to share my experiences. People said they would LOVE to read about my kitchen triumphs (and failures) soooo I'm doing it!
And WHILE I'm doing it...I also may try to persuade you to examine your own eating habits. Just a warning. That's not to say that I expect everyone to go vegan. But think about the food we eat. Processed. Full of white sugar and white flour. I lived for years with all kinds of stomach pain and toilet trouble (I'll spare you the details on that subject FOR NOW) and it wasn't until I really took my eating habits seriously that I realized I didn't have to live my life that way anymore!
I have to go because I have rehearsal tonight and I still have to cook dinner. (More on that later) But I watched Oprah's special on Veganism today and decided it was time for me to start my blog.
AND REALLY QUICKLY before I go, it's not all about to meat or not to meat either!! What I've come to realize is that it's all connected. This "Western" culture of ours that's all about consumerism is at the root of a lot of unpleasant things. That's why I called my blog Just Cause. BECAUSE...I'm going to be sharing all kinds of things with you. Causes that are BIG, important and JUSTIFIED.
So stay tuned!
I'm excited.
I hope you are too.
(FOR DINNER: I am making a quick fix of mine. I'm using what I lovingly refer to as gateway tofu to whip up a quick vegan stirfry. This tofu comes marinated so it's nice and flavourful! AND the texture is awesome! Speaking as someone who struggled with tofu at first, this is what got be hooked. http://www.sunrise-soya.com/soy-products/sunrise-tofu-stirfry.php )
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!
I have been thinking about starting a blog for a long time but I've been afraid. I'm no expert. Who am I to get up on a soapbox and tell other people how to live their lives. WHICH I'M STILL NOT GOING TO DO! I promise! BUT! I LOVE to cook. And being vegan is leading me to this amazing place of cooking (and baking) all kinds of fabulous things that I never would have before. Instead of feeling deprived, I feel more excited and inspired then ever. After sharing a great deal of vegan cookies, muffins and dinners with people, I've been encouraged to share my experiences. People said they would LOVE to read about my kitchen triumphs (and failures) soooo I'm doing it!
And WHILE I'm doing it...I also may try to persuade you to examine your own eating habits. Just a warning. That's not to say that I expect everyone to go vegan. But think about the food we eat. Processed. Full of white sugar and white flour. I lived for years with all kinds of stomach pain and toilet trouble (I'll spare you the details on that subject FOR NOW) and it wasn't until I really took my eating habits seriously that I realized I didn't have to live my life that way anymore!
I have to go because I have rehearsal tonight and I still have to cook dinner. (More on that later) But I watched Oprah's special on Veganism today and decided it was time for me to start my blog.
AND REALLY QUICKLY before I go, it's not all about to meat or not to meat either!! What I've come to realize is that it's all connected. This "Western" culture of ours that's all about consumerism is at the root of a lot of unpleasant things. That's why I called my blog Just Cause. BECAUSE...I'm going to be sharing all kinds of things with you. Causes that are BIG, important and JUSTIFIED.
So stay tuned!
I'm excited.
I hope you are too.
(FOR DINNER: I am making a quick fix of mine. I'm using what I lovingly refer to as gateway tofu to whip up a quick vegan stirfry. This tofu comes marinated so it's nice and flavourful! AND the texture is awesome! Speaking as someone who struggled with tofu at first, this is what got be hooked. http://www.sunrise-soya.com/soy-products/sunrise-tofu-stirfry.php )
THAT'S ALL FOR NOW!
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