ARE YOU POLLING YOUR WEIGHT?

I'm getting pretty excited for the upcoming election!  I think I'm actually going to get to vote for the first time in my entire life!!  Usually I'm at work and can't manage to make it to the polls.  I know that employers are required to let you have time off work so that you can go, but... if I only get one day off and have to drive 16 hours one way.... you do the math...  It's not happening!

I've had a few conversations lately about the election and I've found that a good majority of people my age don't actually follow politics.  Some of my friends on the other hand know exactly what they are voting for.  I think its important to know a little bit about whats going on.  I'm not saying you have to know every move, of every party.  If you're unaware do a little research.  Find what party you think is going to do the best job for you. 

Moral of this post:  VOTE!  Make your voice heard.  You might be one small voice, but a bunch of small ones put together makes an awfully loud one (and a majority)... and that's what we need!  Besides, you can't really complain or have an opinion of how YOUR tax dollars are being spent if you don't voice your opinion.  If you're unsure of who to vote for, ask friends (as your friend, I say go with the Conservatives) or family or do some reading of your own on the Internet!  Just don't vote NDP!

PS... Don't forget to Register, and make sure you mark May 2, 2011 down on your calendar!!

SLEEPING WITH THE DEVIL

Have you ever woke up and wondered why your bed was such a mess?  I do.  Every day.  I don't know how I manage it, but every morning when I wake up I have sheets wrapped around my neck, blankets on the floor, and pillows strewn from end to end on my bed.  Really!?!?  Do I really have to flop around like a dying fish every night?  What the heck am I doing in my sleep?  All I know is... I hate making my bed, so this NEEDS to stop!

I've been trying to figure out why I sleep like such a spaz.  I don't wake up with nightmares.  Actually, once I'm asleep, I don't wake up at all.... (I suppose now that this is public information, I'd better start locking my doors, or I may wake up to an empty house)... I avoid caffeinated beverages before bed, and I'm still at a loss.  

It could be worse...  I had the "pleasure" of having a sleep over with my cousin this Christmas.  Now to picture her you need to think of a string bean.  She's around 12 (I went to facebook to verify her age, and she has it as being born in 1990, which makes her 21... NICE TRY Brooke!)  Anyways, she's tall (for her age), skinny, all arms and legs and maybe weighs about 75 lbs, soaking wet.  Her mother warned me that she was a "nightmare" to sleep with, and I figured that my Aunt was just exaggerating.... Oh my goodness... NEVER AGAIN!  This kid took the entire bed!  Loved to snuggle but would never lay still, which resulted in bony little body parts being jabbed into me all night.  Talked non-stop, with a little yelling thrown in.  Tried twirling my hair into dread locks.  And decided that grinding her teeth all night long would be "extra" fun.  Needless to say, I was the first one up Christmas morning.  Anyways.  I'm pretty sure I don't do ANY of those things in my sleep.  So life could be worse! 

MY HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Lately a few people have been asking about where I live when I'm at work.  For those of you that don't know already, I'm a Medic in the Oilfield.  Sounds glamorous... it so isn't... (just in case you were wondering)  I usually work 6 weeks on, (yes, that's 7 days a week for 6 weeks) one week off.  The other kicker is I'm on location 24 hours a day.  That means NO social life for Corrine!  Here are some pictures of where I live when I'm not at home!

Outside View: My side of the "shack" is from the door all the way to the left



Kitchen View/ Entrance View



Close up Kitchen View



Desk/Livingroom/Bedroom Entrance View



Bedroom/Bathroom View



Into Shower/ Toilet



Shared Entrance: Yes... that is the boss-man with his feet on the desk sound asleep! lol

There... you've officially had the tour!  I hope this satisfies your curiosity!  I have to admit... Its not too bad for being in the middle of nowhere!

SHOWERING WITH FLOWERS AND LUMBERJACKS

Do any of you have any good places that you always seem to come up with the most random of ideas?  Seems like I do all of my brainstorming for this blog in the shower.  If someone could see what was going on in my brain as soon as I step under that continuous stream of water, I'm pretty sure they would be alarmed.  For example:  Yesterday, I thought about re-tiling my bathroom, planting a potted garden, how I remember going to a friends house, from my childhood, that used to smell like dead fish and cat pee, and still managed to have time to wonder what the national flower of Bali was?  My other shower dilemma was.... Why do I always forget to shave my knees?  I know they need to be done.  I think about it when I start shaving my legs, but somehow every time I get out of the shower and go to apply lotion, I notice that I did indeed forget to manicure them.  I know I'm not the only one who does this... but why?  Why?  WHY??!?! 

Yesterday, after I was all done showering, I went to my good friend "GOOGLE" and I learned all about DIY tiling.  I researched the "garden in a pot" and made up a plan for my soon to be potted garden.  I also realized that my house is never going to smell like something died in it, because I'm obsessed with those little plug-in air fresheners, candles, and Pine sol (in the Orange Scent)....  And just for the record.   The national flower of Bali (Indonesia) is Jasmine.

My solution for the hairy knees is...  I'm going to invent a shower to-do list!  I'm sure this isn't only going to help me, but its going to change the future of showering as we know it!  It's going to encourage those "smelly people" to wash in places they didn't even realize they had.  You all know who I'm talking about.  Mostly it's men... The over 45-ish male, plaid obsessed, suspender wearing, who can usually be found sporting a bushy beard, a greased slicked comb-over, and some coke bottle glasses.  Okay, so maybe I'm stereo-typing, but I'm pretty sure that every "natural smelling" older man I've run into has had at least one of those characteristics!  And for the love of God!  If you know one of these people, fill their Easter Basket to the top with soap!  Bar soap, liquid soap, mini soaps, travel soaps, and my favorite of all... soap on a rope!  Pretend your new hobby is soap making and give them my "Shower To-Do List" in support of a friends new entrepreneurial adventure...

Anyways, now that I've probably disgusted most of you, HAPPY SHOWERING!!

IT'S JUST A PIECE OF PAPER

“We don’t need a marriage license to show our love. It’s just a piece of paper!” I have lost count of how many times I have heard this over the years. “It’s just a piece of paper.” Those who say that often declare that they are doing their own thing. They are being different… Not adhering to the norm and so on. They don’t seem to realize that they've just stopped being like one group to act like another group. They are like the people who wear spiked hair to be different. They are not different. They are just like everyone else who wears spiked hair. With some of everything being done by so many different people, it is very difficult to be different. And living together without being married is hardly “different” these days.

“It’s just a piece of paper” they say. The deed to your house is “just a piece of paper.” Your apartment lease agreement, your car registration, your check on payday, your driver’s license and so many more things qualify under the title of “just a piece of paper.” But you make sure that you have these in place, and you are very protective of them. High school diplomas, certificates of completion, college degrees are all “pieces of paper.” But, they are highly valued. Shouldn’t you value the most important relationship in your life at least as much as you do your house, car, or level of education?

When you sign any contract, there are conditions that you have to live up to in order for the contract to remain valid. The contract in essence gives you a goal to strive for. A marriage contract is no different. There are terms. You agree to love, honor and cherish each other in good times and bad times; in sickness and in health; whether rich or poor; until death do you part. That is the goal that you are shooting for.

A marriage license is a symbol of the love and life that you will share with your spouse until the day that you die. It is just a piece of paper that declares to the world that I am my beloved’s and she is mine. It’s just a piece of paper that is a symbol of a relationship that means so much more to me than the wood and plaster of a house or the tin, plastic and rubber of a car. It’s just a piece of paper that reminds us of why we are together when we want to go… So you stay, and build, and grow. - Charles Perkins

BEYOND THE RACK

A friend of mine introduced me to Beyond The Rack a little while ago.  This is the greatest place to shop!! I've been finding some killer deals on here lately.  The great thing about this website, is it changes everyday.  You get high end brands like: Jimmy Choo, Christian Louboutin, Coach, Michael Kors.... the list goes on.  You also get brands like Guess, Parasuco, Triple 5 Soul, London Fog.  This place isn't just for clothes.  It has some kick butt house stuff in it sometimes too!

Tash: This is for you... Rose gold INVICTA Ladies watch $905.00  $124.99

I wanted to send you all an invite code!  Make sure you check it out!  Its a great shopping experience!  (No, this isn't a sponsored post)  I just thought I'd share a great shopping secret with you all!

http://www.beyondtherack.com/member/invite/B3AB821A

I hope you all have a wonderful weekend!  Stay beautiful!

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING

Today I started Christmas shopping.  Yes.  I realize that most of you are rolling your eyes, wondering if I am aware that it is "only" March.  I do.  I realize I'm starting this project early, but isn't that a good thing?  I can look for things I know people will love.  I can buy things that I see, when I see them.  Plus, I get things at a fraction of the cost!  Sounds kind of "GENIUS" to me!! 

I have no problem finding things for my sister-in-law, my mom, grandma, and any other woman I need to buy for.  They are so easy!  But MEN?!?  I mean, I don't understand men on a good day, so what the heck do you get a guy for Christmas?  Now the only men I have to worry about are my dad and my brother (this is the only plus side of not having a boyfriend).  But what do you buy someone who has everything?  And I mean EVERYTHING.  Well... maybe that was a bit of an exaggeration, but I don't drive around doing my Christmas shopping in a Brinks truck, and I would require one for these guys.  Now if I did have a brinks truck, I would Christmas shop for myself on a daily basis!  (squeals of glee)... and back to reality.

What are some great gifts that you guys or gals have given?  Any hints?  I'm really stuck this year.  Good thing I started early!  I hope you all have a wonderful weekend.  Stay and play safe!

A TIME FOR JUDGEMENT

I can't believe all of the people I've heard from lately!  Yesterday I had the pleasure of hearing from a friend that I haven't seen in probably 7 years (give or take a few months).  We got the chance to catch up on what was new with each other, with perhaps the plan of getting together soon.  Our conversation turned to her "possible" sister in law. 

I happen to be an expert on the "Sister-in-Law (SIL)" subject!  As some of you already know, my brother met this girl from a neighbouring town, about 7 years ago?!?  (read comments section, I'm sure she can correct me on the dates).  I wasn't quite fond of her.  Actually, I'm going to say that I went out of my way to make her feel uncomfortable.  I figured if I was mean enough that she'd eventually get the hint, put her tail between her legs and head for the hills.  Much to my dismay my brother called me up one night and asked me if she could come on our "Family" Vacation.  Turns out, he thought this would be the perfect opportunity to propose by writing in the sand.  (Aww.. how romantic... yes, I know)  During our vacation I got to learn a little bit more about her.  I still wasn't sold, but she'd moved up from the "tormenting" category into the "non-tormenting" category, just for surviving that trip with my family.  We got back from our trip and a few days, or weeks (onset Alzheimer's pertaining to dates) and she asked me to be one of her bridesmaids.  Well how do you say "NO"?!?  Basically you can't.  I said yes, and as the weeks turned into a few months, I started coming around.  I will admit, my change of heart didn't come over-night, but the main thing is... It came.  Not only have I discovered what a genuine person she was, I realized that it was my own selfishness that stopped us from forming a relationship long before.  I was so consumed with the fact that I was losing my brother (who is partially at fault, for never calling his one-and-only sister as often as he should have), that I didn't focus on the fact that I was gaining a sister.  I have to admit... sisters are WAY more fun! (Sorry Brody).

Anyways... my story is a little off track.  But the discussion with my friend was about how "awful" her SIL was.  After hanging up with her I was brought back to a verse of scripture that "Charlie" and I had discussed a couple of days ago.  It says:

"Judge not, that you be not judged.  For with what judgement you judge, you will be judged; and with the same measure you use, it will be measured back to you."  Matthew 7:1&2

I know not everyone believes in God.  But I believe that everyone believes in something.  Whether it be God, Karma, Buddha, Allah, The Easter Bunny.... the list could go on forever.  Regardless.  Whatever you believe in, it can be applied to that piece of scripture.  It applies to the "what goes around, comes around" kind of mentality.  Everyone is the way they are for a reason.  We might not know every reason behind it, and we may never know, but we need to accept them.  The point is, when you judge others, you will be judged as well.  Judge them, as you yourself would want to be judged.

And in the wise words of another friend (who I'm pretty sure pirated this from The Beatles)  "All we need is love, love, love is all we need." (Words have been changed to suit my purpose)  Hope you all have a lovely day!

WEATHER, PANTS & COFFEE

I woke up this morning to the most awful weather ever!  It is so foggy, and hazy and grey, and snowy that it makes me kind of miserable.  I do believe it is time for all of this snow to go somewhere, and somewhere fast!  Now the only problem with snow melting is the mud that comes with it.  I hate absolutely HATE mud!  I'm the type of person that can be in a completely dry place, and still manage to get mud on me somehow.  This is kind of the reason why the color "WHITE" and I don't get along.

There is no way I would ever chance wearing white pants in public because I already know what happens.  It's like there is this magnetic field attracting every particle of dirt in the ENTIRE (No, I'm not exaggerating) universe to me when I'm wearing white pants.  I'm pretty sure that dust from South America, sand from the Sahara, and mud from some Rain Forest has migrated to Canada and decided to take up residence upon my pristine pants. 

How I just got on a rant about wearing white pants, I'll never know?!?  Truth be told... I don't think I even own a pair (for obvious reasons).  Anyways.  I think I'm off to do a sunshine dance while chanting the  "Mr. Sun, Sun, Mr. Golden Sun.... pleeeeeeaaaasssee shine down on me!!" song.

XOXO,

Corrine





PS... I'm sure I will experience a life altering mood improvement after I consume some warm caffinated beverages! T- 2 minutes until the joyful sound of the death gurgle from the coffee pot!  (Best sound ever in the morning!!)  Good thing my pants aren't white, because I'm pretty sure coffee migrates too!

THIS THING CALLED FRIENDSHIP

I was lucky enough to receive a phone call from a close friend last night.  Lets call her "Charlie" for the sake of this discussion.  Now Charlie is someone I talk to maybe a couple times a year, and see about just as often.  The wonderful thing about our friendship is that no matter how long its been, or how far apart we are, we pick right back up where we left off.  Today it got me thinking about how fortunate I am to have her as a part of my life.  It also got me thinking about some other wonderful people that I have met throughout my travels.  They make my life so joyful, and I found myself asking if I am the type of friend to them, that they are to me?

What is friendship?  We have all sorts of people that we call friends.  Are they really our friends?  How many times have we referred to someone as our friend when in all honesty they are nothing more than an acquaintance?  What pushes people into the "friend" category?  I've done some thinking about this all day and just thinking about the people closest to me has uplifted my spirits.  This is what I believe a friend is:

A friend is someone that knows all of your insecurities, your weaknesses, your flaws, and despite all of that, loves you anyways.  I know it is so easy to say that you have nothing in your life to hide, but in real honesty, most of us are uncomfortable letting someone see the "real" us.  It's not that easy to let someone see your fears, your hopes, and sometimes your dreams.  Lets face it, the majority of people in life are going to judge you.  I know I'm guilty of being judgemental at times.  I think we all are.  I think being aware of it (which I am) is the first step to preventing it.  It's not an easy thing to let somebody into that deep place of your most private and innermost thoughts, due to the judgement factor.  How many people have you actually let in to see the you that you really are?  Let in to see that side of you that you're afraid of showing to the rest of the world?  We all have our insecurities, whether it be, our weight or size, our height, the fact that we have freckles, our lack of finances, that we're not smart enough, pretty enough... etc. When I think of someone who knows every one of the insecurities I have, but likes me regardless, I think of Charlie.  She has been there through thick and thin and has seen me at my absolute worst.  Never judging, and always accepting.  When I think of Charlie, I think of serenity, of belonging, of love.  What a gift that is. We might not speak often but she is always in my heart. 

Now friendship isn't always about being there in times of sadness or grief, insecurities or longing.  A friendship is about sharing the good times as well.  A true friend is the first one to be there to celebrate our successes.  Never with jealousy, but with a glad heart.  An open heart.  Now Charlie... Charlie is great at everything.  In a girls world, I technically should be jealous.  Physically, she's gorgeous, (by the worlds physical standards).  She masters everything she attempts (with ease) and she's as beautiful on the inside as she is on the outside.  The best thing is, I can't find one ounce of jealousy in regards to her.  I am so happy that I have her as my friend.  I definitely won the friend lottery the day we met!  Anyways... great friends bring out the best in each other, they know your strengths, and you know theirs, each striving to let the other person shine.  A friendship is a partnership, a give and take relationship.  It's being equals.

The best thing about this is, that Charlie isn't my only friend like this.  I have met some wonderful women on my path to wherever it is I'm going.  Each enriching my life in different areas by bring such unique qualities and talents to the table.  I feel so blessed that I have been able to meet each and every one.  Friends come from the most unexpected places.  They are my co-workers, my family, people I've met in the most random of situations.   All I know is, I take a piece of each and every one of you with me everywhere I go.  For those of you who are my true friends, I want to thank each and every one of you for inspiring me to be the best "me" I can be.  If there is one thing I can hope for, it is that somewhere down the road, I can do the same for you!

TO NEW BEGINNINGS

Hey Everyone!!!

I've been blogging for a little over a year.  Today I decided that I had enough of the old blog I was writing.  I feel like I limited myself to one kind of thing (beauty), and really, I want to talk about a variety of subjects, not just one.  I want to share recipes, talk about politics, rant about things that drive me insane, and share my random-ness with the world.  I've come along way as a person, and I just don't feel the need to talk about hair and makeup everyday (not that there is anything wrong with it).  I just don't feel like that's me anymore.

The last little while I've done a lot of thinking and I want this year to be all about positiveness.  Yes, I do realize that the new year started a few months ago, but who says I have to start it in January!?!?  I think today is the perfect day for change, as yesterday was the first day of spring.  A day of renewal.  Anyone else see the irony?

Anyways, I just wanted to say Welcome!  I'm really excited to be starting something new.  To be starting a new "blogging" journey.  I'm excited for all of the newness of this!  It feels like a fresh start!