"You see that tower looming over the horizon? Yeah, I think I'll climb it. Why you ask..?"

Sponsor My Canada Life CN Tower Climb and support WWF-Canada

In one week from now I will be preparing to haul my foodie butt up the world’s second largest freestanding structure. In case you’re wondering, that’s a whole 1,776 steps to the top, baby. “Why would you do such a foolish thing, at 7 AM in the morning on a Saturday, might I add?”, you may be asking yourself.

On April 17th, I’ve decided to unselfishly give up my warm bed on a VERY early Saturday morning to support the World Wildlife Federation in their annual CN Tower Climb, which raises money for their campaign against climate change. I’ve chosen to participate because, whether climate change is real or not, it’s always better safe than sorry. I’m dead scared of being all too aware that it’s human nature to act only after tragedy strikes. I’m participating because it’s all too easy to be complacent and place the blame on others, or deny reality altogether.

Please help support this initiative – whether it’s because you admire my courage to get out of bed on a weekend before the sun rises and drag my body up nearly 2,000 steps, or because you realize the immediacy of our need to address climate change for the sake of our lives and those of our children’s – either one will do. Any and all support will contribute to a better tomorrow.

What I Want to Be When I Grow Up – The Real Deal

I used to have this book when I was a kid. Still do actually. I don’t know who gave it to me, or what age I was when I started contributing to it myself (a lot of the parental bookkeeping of cutesy keepsakes fell through when my parents got divorced, and I took up the slack)…anyway, I digress. It was a book that had one page per school grade, with a space for that year’s school photo, a few lines for age, height, school attended, best friend, favourite subjects, etc. etc. At the very bottom, dead centre, it had a space for the scribbled response to the enviable question every child is asked – “what do you want to be when you grow up?”

Not surprisingly, my responses changed by the year, very drastically may I add. For example, in grade 2 my answer was “Nurse – so I can help people” (not sic – my spelling has improved slightly since 1992), and by grade 4 it was “Ballet Dancer”. In grade 7 it was “Radio DJ” – which stayed my goal for a whole 3 years. Now that’s commitment.

Even as children, dreamers as we are with that familiar mantra “you can be anything you want to be” still ringing true, pre-concept of financial obligations, we are presented with a limited range of career options. Ask a group of kids what they want to be – guaranteed you won’t get many answers outside the range of doctor, dentist, fireman/policeman, singer, lawyer (P.S. why do kids say lawyer? Do they even know what that means?!). Point is, it isn’t until you’re well on your way to the end of your education, and into a career choice (forced upon you in grade 9 by career courses and pre-requisites), until you really realize the potential of career opportunities out there. And also when you simultaneously realize the reality that 99% of those opportunities are virtually impossible to obtain, make a life for yourself out of, live happily, retire happily, and be proud of life lived, all at once. Call me a pessimist – I see myself a realist.

That said – I came across a “which career path is right for you?” quiz today. Being bored at work, I figured I’d give it a go, hoping it would recommend me to “unemployed bum that charms the bank into filling her bank account bi-monthly while living a fruitful existence”. I was pleasantly surprised by the twist in this quiz, i.e. what do you REALLY want to be when you grow up? Let’s take a look, shall we?

1. What's on your nightstand? What books and magazines you're reading can be pretty telling about what turns your crank.

Ok, easy enough. A biography called “Rock On” by a young professional that dreams of working for a New York power house record company, but finds out that said record company life is nothing like the life of a rock star. The book is a reflection of the benign, pretentious existence of office life and those who dwell within it. I read the book, saw a reflection of every office job I’ve ever worked staring back at me, and felt sad. I left it in my bad for weeks before I had the courage to face it again.

But wait. That's NOT what turns my crank. What I usually have on my nightstand:

Biographies about people who live crazy, exciting, often drug and alcohol filled existences that allow them to reflect on their life, regret their haphazard existence, but wouldn’t change a thing.

Explanatory and self-help books by psychics who put the meaning of life and death and beyond into perspective.

Historical non/fiction about exciting events that happened at exciting places in history. And often how/when/if I can visit them.

2. Out of all your friends' jobs, which one are you most jealous of? Why?

I’m most jealous of my best friend’s job as a nurse. Because she gets to go to a job every day where, no matter how the day goes down - good or bad, long and tedious, or fast-paced and hectic – she’ll know at the end of the day that she made a difference in people’s lives. And also that there’s crazy demand for those in her field and she won’t likely have to worry about getting laid off or finding a new job.

3. What's the one thing you've been talking about doing forever that your friends are sick of hearing about?

Probably grabbing a working visa and travelling to Ireland or England and working there for a year or two. But because of the crappy market, my debilitating fear of change, and of not finding a job and having to run home with my tail between my legs, I haven’t done it.

Oh, and getting a dog. Saying how much I like dogs. Saying “I want a dog” over and over at random intervals in the day.

I want a dog.

4. What's the one off-the-wall, pie-in-the-sky job you've always wanted to try that no one knows about?

Being a travel agent. Ok, maybe that’s not off the wall enough. Being a travel writer that has an unlimited travel budget, gets to choose where she travels, stay as long as she wants, and write about whatever she wants.

5. If you could start any business or organization, or sell any service or ware, what would it be?

I’d start a travel company, kind of like Contiki, but one that has buses/trains coming and going through destinations at various times a day, so you’re not forced to leave a place on your tour if you’ve decided you haven’t seen/experienced enough there. The difference is you’d have meet up places with people on your tour, (i.e. booked on the same tour as you), so you can still travel with friends on your tour, but meet up with them on a later date and time if need be, and never feel like you’re missing out on an awesome experience in a foreign place because your tour has decided it’s time to up and leave (Hello, Glasgow. We never had the chance to get to know each other).

6. If you could work anywhere in the world, in any country or organization, where would it be? Doing what?

That’s a hard one. I’d say Dublin, Ireland doing whatever, just because I love it there. In fact, I'm pretty sure I could be a bum sitting on the street just looking around, day after day, watching the world go by, and be absolutely content with my life.

7. If "debt," "years," and "practical" weren't words in your vocabulary, what would you be doing now -- besides sipping margaritas on your own tropical island?

Travelling the world on my own watch, going where I want to and for however long feels right. And when that wore thin, I think I would finally have enough worldly experience to choose which career is right for me. Until then, those evil words “debt”, “bills”, “practicality”, on top of “societal pressure” will continue to push me down the path I’m on now – until, hopefully, a fork in the road presents itself toward some other, more fitting unknown.

Olympic Fever!!

So like all good, proud Canadians, I've been watching the first 6 days of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic games with my eyes glued to the screen, baited breath, rapid pulse, and heart glowing with pride. I've surprised myself. As of Friday afternoon, I answered with a resounding "no" to Sympatico.ca's poll, "will you be following the Olympic games this coming week?". And I believed it.

You see, my fandom of the Olympic Games is newfound. Three years ago, as I stood in Vancouver's city centre gazing up at an icy, translucent rock glowing a blue "3 years, 2 days, 3 hours, 14 minutes", I thought to myself "cool digital display, wonder how it works", and nothing more. As national advertisements went out for an open casting call to carry the Olympic torch in its relay from sea to sea, I never once considered applying, as I knew the experience would mean nothing more to me than maybe getting my (literal) 15 minutes of fame in my community. And when it passed by me in the street outside my workplace in Downtown Toronto, I cheered along with the others in my Olympic red mittens (a practical Christmas gift that do keep my hands toasty warm), I briefly felt a surge of "wow - this is happening in my country", which dimmed as the flame failed to stave off the bitter cold, and I was forced to run for the comfort of the nearest Tim Hortons.

I believe the Olympics are overrated, overvalued, and place emphasis on the less important qualities a country has to offer. What do sports and athleticism have to do with a country's greatness? Why do we place such value on a handful of a country's "elite" being able to bring home a pile of metal because they ran, swam, or jumped through a hoop the fastest, farthest, or highest?

When China hosted the Olympics two years ago, human rights issues were brought to light in the country's treatment of Tibet and its people, as well as human rights issues in its own country. And yet these issues were trumped on the world stage by Chinese athletes earning shiny metals, razzle dazzling the media and viewers all over the globe. My issue is - why do we allow sports competitions to define a nation? Why not social welfare, poltical stability, living conditions, and the humanitarian aid we offer to others in need? Hundreds of doctors, nurses, social work volunteers, and military personell travelled to Haiti in the past month to aid a population in crisis, going unnoticed, and likely uncelebrated - all while a well-to do athlete slips down a mountain, or scores a few goals, or skates the fastest, and becomes infamous and synonymous with a country's high status in the world. One that says, "yes, we're the best".

Ok, so I sound like I'm damning the hard work of athletes who have trained their entire lives to get where they are, and that's definitely not what I'm out to do. Everyone has their calling, and being an Olympian is no small task. I can tell you when my opinion in the Olympics changed, when this Olympics became special for me.

The moment Alexandre Bilodeau was announced as the gold medal winner of the men's downhill. The moment his Australian counterpart who won Silver visably showed disdain for coming in second and walked away as Alex tried to shake his hand. The moment Alex hugged his disabled brother and said "I did this all for you - you were my inspiration". The moment Alex invited that spiteful Aussie up onto the top of the podium and put his arm around him in celebration. Those were the moments that were truly Canadian for me. I love this country, it's people, it's land, it's hospitality and warmth. Canada, you truly are the best country in the world! Let's show the world who we truly are!

Another One Bites the Dust

Well it's day 10 of the new year, and I've realized I haven't set any New Years Resolutions yet - well, offically that is. How are yours doing? Did you have a left over cookie from Christmas and totally give up on your plan of a healthy diet? Or miss a workout, give in to a cigarette, and tell yourself your whole plan is ruined?

The nature of a new year's resolution is destructive in itself - when we place a giant time stamp on something and don't achieve it, it gives us the excuse to quit, and to accept failure. I remember years ago, I had a piano teacher who mentioned to me that she doesn't believe in new year's resolutions - because if you realize that something in your life needs to be addressed, then why wait until the calendar gives you the go ahead?

Time itself is a human invention and really truly exists in the human mind. Nature knows no concept of past or future, only present. Too we often forget that the minutes, hours, days, and years - those elements comprising the 365 day calendar - are an entirely a human creation. The Earth existed well before, and will exist well after, time is kept by humanity.

In this knowledge, I wonder why we are so keen to place timestamps on goals, or more importantly, how we determine failure. If failure is "I only lost 1 pound this week, instead of the 5 I planned - this is never going to work!", then how can you ever move forward? Do you think your body says "hey, it's January 1st! Better boost my metabolism, another year has rolled around".

Well I believe it's essential to set goals, I don't believe we should use the excuse of a new year, or a new month, or our birthday, etc. to say "it's time to do this". Live every day like it's your last, and work on things day by day to the best of your ability. If it takes you a little longer to accomplish something, so what? It's never too late to accomplish anything, so long as you're alive, and using a calendar to justify giving up or not trying in the first place is simply a cop out.

Christmas Time on the Clock

It's that time of year again! And what a wonderful time it is - that is, if you have the time to stop and smell the holly and the ivy.

Last year was my very first official working world Christmas, and boy did it fly by. Being in school and having the majority of December off for the past 16 years did nothing for my ability to really stop and enjoy the season. Last year came and went like a drop in the frying pan, and with Christmas being my favourite time of year, there was no way I was going to let it happen again. So here is my 12 Ways of Christmas that I've concocted to make sure I make the season bright!

12. Make your own christmas decorations - while rooting through some old boxes of christmas decorations, I found a plain green wreath with no decorations on it, stowed away. So I decided to hit up the dollar store to stock up on everything the glittered and jingled. After spending 3 hours staring intently at the placement of red, green and gold bells, pointsettas, pinecones and bows, I couldn't help but feel a little warmth of the ol' christmas spirit.

11. See the Santa Claus Parade in your town - Every year I make an effort to attend the Santa Clause Parade. In Toronto, we're spoiled to have one of the biggest and oldest parades in the world, but Santa makes sure to stop in, in every little town across the world. And so do a lot of cute kids dressed up as various fairy tale creatures, and marching bands to pump up the volume on the christmas carols. And if it snows - bonus!

10. Go downtown to see the decorations - particularily the mall windows and city hall - the Cavalade of Lights in Toronto is highly recommended by myself - the fireworks display was amazing (what doesn't say Christmas more than a rendition of "Thriller" with human torches running up the side of a massive building?). The trees all lit up and a night-lighed lap or two around the skating rink really sets the mood.

9. Watch every Christmas movie you catch on television - twice. - I will never, ever get tired of the classics like Home Alone (1 and 2. 3 was a disaster.), Charlie Brown's Christmas, A Christmas Story, and my favourite, National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation. I can remember watching these movies as far back as elementary school (I saw Christmas Story for the first time in Grade 2 on the last day of class, and I sincerely reconsidered asking Santa for a BB Gun. Was it too late to change my mind?). Watching these movies definitely brings back fond Christmas memories.

8. Get that Christmas tree up, deck the halls, and the mantle, and the cat - Sure the Christmas tree can be a major hassle to assemble (or cut down, and drag home), each year (hello pine neetles EVERYWHERE), but once it's glittering with lights and decorations, it adds a very nice touch to any room. I also love pulling out the decorations one by one from storage, each one with a story from Christmases past attached. Add wrapped presents, and voila, you have Christmas excitement.

7. Bake Christmas cookies and cakes - Enough said.

6. Make a Christmas-themed cocktail - Ditto.

5. Attend every Christmas party you can - Even if you're not in the Christmas spirit, seeing old friends and singing a couple Christmas carols can really bring the spirits up.

4. Spend the time to find that great gift for that special someone - it might be hard to get something for that special someone who's very picky, or has everything, or even worse, you've known so long that you swear there's nothing left to surprise them with - but the greatest feeling is getting a gift that you know they will love, and you just can't wait to give it to them and see their face on Christmas day.

3. Give to charity - Those Salvation Army pots are not going to fill themselves! At Christmas it's especially important to remember those who need assistance, and are not in the position to have the luxuries of family, friends, presents, parties, etc. this time of year. Even if it's a few dollars, a toy or a just your donated time, every little bit helps to brighten the season for someone else who may need it. Remember, the true spirit of Christmas is of giving!

2. Attend a Christmas mass or service - Now I know this subject can be a little touchy for those who are not reglious (I'm not much one for religion myself), but the story of Jesus' birth and of the spirit of Christmas is very touching and I believe, still rings true in today's society. The Church service I attend each year is very open and rather than preaching damnnation, tells the story of Jesus' birth through carols, and modern-day tales of Christmas spirit in the city. I look forward to it every year!

1. ENJOY IT - Life is short, and even shorter are the days we are given to celebrate. Enjoy when you can, endure when you must.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2010! May this year be the one where we finally get it right.

Not Eligible in the Province of Quebec

Do you think contests in Quebec are open to all Canadian citizens, excluding the Province of Quebec? Or does all contest small print read "Open to all Canadian citizens, excluding those outside of the Province of Quebec"?

While we don't have Language Police, cancelled historical re-enactments, or the refusal of service in stores if English is not spoken - we can hold a grudge too. Guess you won't be winning that new laptop or seeing Bon Jovi in Vegas this year. Unfortunate.

Convo Du Jour

Facebook Status: Karen just saw a very sad story on the news of the veteran who was largely ignored this year while selling poppies. I am very thankful for their sacrifices and my freedom; we should all take the time to remember and to show our support for our veterans

Richard

On the beach in Santa Monica, the US Armed Forces had planted 4, 000 + crosses in remembrance of Operation Get Oil And Quickly Establish Democracy In Iraq. There I was on a typically gorgeous day in California walking the beach with my friend - a juicy hot dog in one hand and a perspiring drink in the other and I couldn't help but be thankful that where we live, the shit is always in a place somewhere far, far away.

Yesterday at 12:51am · Delete

Richard

Also in regards to veterans: If they were forced to fight through conscription, then it's not their fault but if it was voluntary, then they were just propagating war mongering. Fuck taking sympathy on old people just because they are old.

Yesterday at 1:00am · Delete

Karen

I totally disagree - if someone voluntarily put themselves in the line of danger for your freedom, then they deserve even more praise and recognition for their courage, at any age.

Yesterday at 12:51pm · Delete

Richard

I am not disputing their bravery. I am dismayed at the fact that we commemorate murderers when the countries that have fought Canada, also celebrate theirs. People on both sides are killing people for things they strongly believe in. Oftentimes what they strongly believe in is misguided and gets a lot of people needlessly killed.

War is a choice.

We travel great distances to wage war in the name of freedom while the enemy thinks their cause is as important as ours. ... Read More

War is oftentimes ridiculously hypocritical and political. For example, in the 80's, America supported Al-qaeda and the Taliban financially to drive out the Russians in their invasion of Afghanistan. Now, because of a changing political climate (and putting noses into places they don't belong), North American and NATO forces are fighting people that they used to support. They allege that weapons of mass destruction exist where they do not as a veil for wanting control of oil resources and the like. They use words like 'democracy' as propaganda, as rallying cries. You can't invade a place that hasn't had democracy in forever (or at all for that matter) and expect them to adopt your culture's way of doing things.

Remembrance day isn't only about World War 2. If it was, thinks would be a bit more clear cut because North America was fighting a cowardly lunatic who committed suicide. Even then, it's not black and white because there were all these other fucked up countries involved. The Russian with the funny moustache. The Italian with the missing pizza sauce. The Japanese who have since become pacifists after radiation poisoning.

I'm gonna shut up and let you respond =).

Yesterday at 7:13pm · Delete

Karen

I totally understand your point, but I think what Rememberance Day is about is putting aside the politics and the right and wrong, and simply celebrating those who faught for a cause they believed in and put their own lives on the line for the good of their fellow man. And if that isn't worth spending a day remembering and being thankful for, I don't know what is.

Yesterday at 10:20pm · Delete

Jane

I agree with you completely, Karen.

Yesterday at 10:23pm · Delete