snap in a zee formation

for your viewing pleasure- PLEASE specifically note Merlin at 1:04. Sass.

"He is the MASTER of sass. Absolute master....I'm not sure if I would've been able to handle a personal sass attack."
-E. Bod.

Lend me your hand and we'll conquer them all

"If people bring so much courage into this world, the world has to kill them to break them, so of course it kills them. The world breaks everyone and afterward many are strong at the broken places. But those that will not break it kills. It kills the very good and the very gentle and the brave impartially. If you are none of these you can be sure it will kill you too, but there will be no special hurry."

-Ernest Hemingway

petite déjeuner

"And these children that you spit on

as they try to change their worlds

are immune to your consultations.

They're quite aware of what they're going through." 

-David Bowie

three blind mice

we can ride bikes without helmets

As I am late getting this response up, the date for Canada’s next federal election has now officially been set for May 2, 2011. Why they bothered calling an election at all, I am not sure because we only ever end up with a minority government anyway, but good on ‘em for trying, right?

However, ignoring the seemingly doomed-to-be-repeated results of past elections and setting aside most negativity and cynicism, I do intend to vote in the upcoming election. Perhaps it is all my early education on what it means to be a citizen of Canada, or the many conversations with my Grandpa in which he pressed the importance of being an active member of society...either way, although I do not typically concern myself with events over in Ottawa any more than they worry about me here in Alberta, on May 2 I will head to the polls and fill out my ballot. 

I believe voting is important for two major reasons 

(as well as a couple less substantial ideas). First, because it is my duty as a citizen of Canada- a democratic nation- to participate in government affairs. Secondly, because it is important for me to have my voice heard by the government and in voting I ensure a better chance that I am represented by someone who shares my opinions and whom I respect. I must also admit there is some subtle gloating after I vote (hence the less substantial bit of rational) because it is such a novelty- how often does the government ask for your opinion on something concerning everyone? Exactly.

I am also a strong believer in the age old phrase “speak now or forever hold your peace”. If you choose not to vote, as far as I am concerned, you opt out of any right to bitch, moan, complain, or grumble about anything the big-wigs in Ottawa do. I don’t care how “it is so unfair” and “if [you] were making the decisions, it would be [like this]...” No. You had your chance to have a say, you chose to not participate, and now you get to watch from the sidelines. You made your bed, now lay in it and watch the news as they tally the results of the vote and don’t you dare say anything because you were too lazy to get up and fill out a couple boxes that morning. 

Although I think it is a vital part of democracy that all eligible people vote, I think it is especially important that young people, specifically students, vote. It is important that we, as young people, take interest in our government because, let’s face it- we’re the ones who will be running it in another 10 years (SCARY THOUGHT). It is also important for us to take interest and participate in our government because as students we have new ideas and wants and dreams for our nation; things that should be heard! The needs of our generation will be different than those of previous ones and it is critical that we be aware of how to have our voices heard and our demands met.

Unfortunately, Canadian students seem to struggle with the execution of this concept. According to Elections Canada not only has general attendance steadily decreased (with voter turnout at only 58.8%) youth attendance at the polls is specifically, disturbingly low. In the federal election of 2000, only 22.4% of 18-24 year olds voted and in 2008 only 35.6% of the eligible electoral population between 18 and 21 years of age voted (Elections Canada). There are many speculations as to why  our generation exhibits such a pathetic sense of duty but regardless of the cause, the consequences are clear: if the youth continue to be unassertive and inactive in government, it spells a long and difficult road for them in both national endeavors and the global community in the near future. 

Assigned Blog Entry #5: ‘Final Blog- A General Election’)

Timbits and Bobbins

I have a talent: I can tell stories. 

Now I don’t mean tales of princesses and frogs and made-up shenanigans that involve heros and dragons, but events that I have witnessed or experienced during my regular-day life.  

Now this is a particularly important skill for an average person, such as myself, to possess because it helps to distinguish me from other members of the roiling sea made up of similarly standard-edition human beings.

I can make an adventure out of nearly anything.I promise- grocery shopping will never have sounded so exciting.

I rejoice in taking the mundane events of normal life and bringing out the excitement and humour in these every-day moments. If nothing else, it gives a bit more light to my life. 

Man-eating, Brazilian Giant Millipede vs. Kamikaze Camel Spider of Afghanistan

Some time ago, Witty Professor posed this question to us:

“Is Alberta doing enough to create a vital and dynamic economy to maintain the kind of standard of living for a similar population when oil starts to become less of a factor?”

I think a better, surely a simpler question, would be- is Alberta doing anything to create a vital and dynamic economy? 

Any economy for Alberta is vital. In the 2006 census by Stats Canada we boasted a population of 3.2 million people- that’s approximately 5 people per square kilometer of this beautiful and relatively flat province. Lots of people means lots of jobs, lots of money, lots of energy, and lots of resources are needed to keep them happy and keep them here. But how were we able to attract and maintain such an impressive population living with such a splendid standard of living in the middle of the bald-ass prairie? 

Oil, and tons of it.

This begins to address the second part of the question: dynamic. Does Alberta have a dynamic economy? Well, it’s certainly not our strong suit. We’ve got two main commodities in Alberta: beef and oil- dead cows and dead dinos power our economy. And although everyone sees the potential problems this will impose when the one resource runs out (as it inevitably will), no one within the system seems to give two decayed, superheated, compacted and human-refined dino shits about it; so long as they make money, there’s no need to worry. Thus, it is no surprise that there is hardly any investment in non-oil related industries within the province. 

I understand that no one wants to invest in something they will never get any returns on, but in Alberta’s case, procrastination to do so will result in the ruin of our economy. All of our money is tied up in oil and natural gas production, but this is not a renewable resource and some day it is going to run out. For years industry ‘experts’ have been forecasting doom and gloom for the oil sands of Alberta and for years we’ve kept pumping it out- but this can’t go on forever. It is practically guaranteed, at the rate we burn the stuff, that within 50 years the Earth’s oil and gas will be gone. It is even more likely that within 20 years oil and gas will become almost obsolete as the rest of the world proactively gravitates toward new technologies and becomes less dependent on fossil fuels.

So where should people be investing their money to ensure Alberta’s future?

I believe that Alberta’s future lies in its past- in agriculture. For all intents and purposes Alberta is Saskatchewan’s twin because, although slightly bigger and much better looking, we are perfectly equipped to have an agriculture focused economy. Alberta has well established markets for pork, dairy, poultry, eggs, and grains. The beef industry in Alberta is particularly well established, but the problem facing cattle farmers in Alberta is that there is no money in it. It is expensive, both in time and money, to ranch- most ranchers are forced to have a second career so that they can afford to keep even a small herd. It is sad to see their lifestyle reduced to little more than a hobby. More money in this market would not only mean better returns for Albertan ranchers, but it would encourage other smaller, niche markets (such as those for sheep, goats, elk, bison, and deer) to grow and become profitable as well.  

Of course even more concerning than what we are going to do without oil, is what we are going to do with what the big oil companies leave behind once they ditch. The most prevalent concern of environmental groups is the tailing ponds of the oil refineries. They are great vats into which the byproducts from the processing of oil sands are poured. It would be foolish of us to think that these corporations were going to stick around until the very end and clean up every last trace of their work. These biohazardous soup pots, would pose a significant threat to the environment if the containment system were to fail. Not only would the health of wildlife and our own population be at serious risk, but the future of our province’s economy. Alberta would not be able to fall back on agriculture as its main economy if the land were polluted by the leaking toxins of the previous market. 

Now I imagine that when the economy shifts from oil and gas to [insert awesome, new, sustainable, profitable, well-invested economy focus here] there will also be significant changes in the overall lifestyle for Albertans. Without oil there is no way that Alberta could support its current population with the same standard of living as we are all accustomed to. Although I have always imagined myself to be on par with my parents when I reach their age, I realize that is unrealistic for the times in which I will be living my mid-life. But, fear not, for as usual, I thought this one through:

Presenting, Plan A:

I will get an agriculture degree in animal science so as to meet some basic credentials, pair that with my cooking skills, ability to clean a house, and *cough* charm, I will marry a farmer. Or a rancher depending on who is available and dumb...I mean, willing enough to take on a city slicker as a wife. And I get a pony. 

Of course, if this doesn’t pan out there’s is always Plan B in which I take off to India and become a dedicated yogi. I’ll keep you posted on how this goes.  

(assigned blog entry #3: ‘A future for Alberta’) 

we are golden, WE ARE GOLDEN

Happy Pi Day to All!

two ton death trap

Quote of the day:

"three hours of believing in love and I sound like the [goshdarn] dalai lama."

.

ring around the rosy...

wombat vs. porcupine

eye-lash curlers, hardwood floors, and impulsiveness

Today I got thinking about what I would like to do over reading week. You know, those 7 glorious days university students get off that reminds us that there is still hope shimmering at the end of this dark, damp, and otherwise depressing tunnel known as the post-secondary institution? Ya, it used to be called suicide prevention week...I wonder why.

Anyway, in a fabulous world my week of freedom would consist of the following events and other such displays of awesome:

• sign on as a ninja-pirate and stealthily sail around the Galapagos Islands
• crawl into a hole at the end of the rainbow and morph into a unicorn
• lead a legion of evil flying monkeys in conquering the Earth's inhabitants
• grow wings to lead said assault
• throw an un-birthday tea party complete with grandly upholstered chairs, sparkling red wine, and the ultimate meat loaf on toast
• eat deluxe popcorn three meals a day
• crash Prince Charming's birthday ball wearing that wonderfully non-ball-appropriate, polka-dot 80s Nine West dress, blatantly ignoring the now deeply offended, aforementioned prince
• organise and execute a free hugs campaign
• host 'Christmas in July' in February
• document my adventures so as to later sell them, thus making my fortune and allowing me to accomplish my final task:
• comfortably retire by March 1, 2011 at the ripe old age of 19

Phew! I've really got my work cut out for me, so if you'll excuse me, 

I have to go milk a cow.

Nunavut matters

MBF

ya, could my Saturday have been much better?

Oh Frabjous Day! Calooh! Callay!

My very own, super-spectacular, home-made Oreo recipe:

For the chocolate wafers:
1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup plus 2 tablespoons butter
1 large egg

For the filling:
1/4 cup room-temperature, unsalted butter
1/4 cup vegetable shortening
2 cups sifted confectioners’ sugar
2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. To make the wafers: With an electric mixer, combine flour, cocoa, baking soda, baking powder, and sugar. On low speed, add butter and egg. Continue mixing until dough comes together in a mass.
3. To bake the wafers: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, place balls of dough roughly 2 inches apart, and lightly flatten before placing in oven. Bake for 9 minutes, then set aside on a rack to cool thoroughly.
4. To make the cream: Mix together butter and shortening with electric mixer, gradually beating in sugar and vanilla. On high setting, beat for 2-3 minutes, or until the filling is light and fluffy.
5. To assemble the cookies: I don't care how you do it, just make it look like an Oreo. 

note: Makes 25 to 30 sandwich cookies.

Enjoy!

which one is that again?

"It's Oscar season once again. Do the Oscars mean anything to [me]?" 


Evidently the Emmys, the Grammys, the Academy Awards, the Teen and People's Choice Awards, the Golden Globes, MVAs, and some other 'thinger-ma-jigger' called the SAG Awards have all come and gone sometime in the past 365 days and not one of these "momentous" events has made so much as a blip on my radar.

Whoops.

Believe me, I would love to be on top of 'pop' culture and be 'on the in' with all the latest styles, gossip and trending topics...if it weren't so gosh darn uninteresting. Apologies to Elvis (wait, he is dead...) Ellen (she hosted one of these things, right?)... but I just really don't care who wore what, and who's dating who, and which famous face is up for what prestigious award.

Sure, I love clothes and fashion and it is true I spend the better part of most days people watching and absorbing new ideas for my own personal style, but I am also perpetually 6-9 months behind any goings-on concerning my fellow- admittedly more acclaimed- Homo sapiens.

The clothes I wear, the music I listen to, the movies I go see, and the people I admire are influenced by the people around me. I respect that the world we live in is a global village, but my life is most impacted by the people directly in it, not by the day-to-day behaviours and inclinations of celebrities.

So in answer to the question stated above:

Um, no.

it's days like this that make me wonder...huh

 "People seem not to see that their opinion of the world is also a confession of their character."

 -Emerson

In a World of Steel-Toed Boots

I am average. 
As far as people go I am particularly unremarkable. 
I have brown hair. I have brown eyes. I am a white female. 
(Ok, so far I match the description of about half the population of North America. Sweet.)  
I am a mesomorph- average height, average weight. 
I speak English. 
(Great, so I could be any one of a billion or more people.) 
I have no special talents or abilities. 
I play piano, but not fabulously well. 
I am athletic, but I don't excel at any sport. 
I go to university and I do alright.
I am superbly, flawlessly, typical.

But being average is not a bad thing! Don't misinterpret this statement as being a negative reflection of my self image. By saying I am average I simply mean that at surface level I am perfectly ordinary; the norm; utterly on par with the next Joe-Shmoe; I am like the standard-edition model of human beings. 
And being average is awesome.
Being average is challenging.
It forces me to seek and develop the qualities that do set me apart from all the other average people. 
And being average also means I have a choice.
I always have the choice to step back and blend in. 
Or I can choose to be amazing, and interesting, and vibrant. 
As I said: awesome.     

apple pie and counting butterflies

I love music.

I love the freedom that music gives us. I love how music allows us to capture and share thoughts and feelings that are otherwise near impossible to express. I love becoming lost in a song- intoxicated by the rhythm, enraptured by the melody, the fundamental connection felt when the words feel like they were plucked directly from my soul. I love the communities built around music: the hazy summer days of folk festivals, the collective breath of a crowd as the performer takes the stage.

 I do not listen to music all the time. When I listen to music that is all I am doing. (This is not only because I am notoriously pathetic at multi-tasking for someone from my generation, but also because music has the power to usurp my brain-waves and redirect all energy towards the song.) I prefer to appreciate music wholly and without distraction and so when I do listen to music I allow myself to be fully immersed.  

I buy CDs. I feel that buying the actual album is a compliment to an artist because it allows me to view their work in its entirety. The cover art, the order of the songs, the lists of thank-yous and credits create the journey that is an album. Taking the time to admire a musician's masterpiece  brings an extra dimension to the connection I feel to many songs. I have never downloaded a song; it feels so wrong to me. It is like eavesdropping- hearing something out of context and not in the form in which the artist intended it to be presented. I feel like it is rude, as if it somehow degrades the value of a musician's work.

That is why it is so disappointing for me to see music stores closing. Sure I can go down to HMV whenever I want, but it doesn't offer the same environment and eclectic vibe that an independent retailer does. Just this past summer my favourite pit-stop on Whyte Avenue, Megatunes, closed down. It was a tragedy in my life because I have found that some of the magic has been lost as the music store middle-man disappears. I crave the meditative act of trolling the isles, waiting for some remarkable, new album to catch my attention. And sure I can hop on the old world wide web...but I don't want to. So rah.

people always think they know what they are getting...and they are always wrong.

I started following other blogs over the past year and although I really wanted to try keeping one of my own, I never knew what to write about. So when 'Witty Professor' instructed us to keep one I was incredibly excited. I thought it would be a fun creative outlet and that maintaining a blog would be easy for me.

I have been proven sorely wrong.

Keeping a blog is difficult. It is not hard to think of things to post, and it is not that I lack things to say, but it is terrifying for me to put my ideas down and allow other people to read them. I am not a shy person. Yet I  have found myself lacking confidence when approaching this assignment.

WHY?!

I have journaled for years and can spend hours lost in my own world of reflection and imagination. And that's just it- it is MY world. When I journal I don't have to worry about other people's opinions, about offending anyone or having my own opinion judged. I don't have to worry about my spelling (which is notoriously atrocious) or grammar (which is stereotypically 'Albertan'). But this uncharacteristic shortage of conviction is driving me a bit crazy.

BUT...this disillusionment is also bringing about positive attitude changes. As I discover the amount of courage it takes to open up to people in this medium, I have developed a great appreciation for people who do blog religiously. And my own open-mindedness to other blogs encourages me to believe that people will be accepting of mine too...

...right?

The Inside of An Oyster Shell

"...I looked into the house and saw this cosmic creature of a young girl. She was walking like some kind of princess, in slow motion, with her hands out to the sides...she had this absolutely bizarre magnetism, walking around and talking purposefully, but slowly, like she was Alice in Wonderland and the rest of the world wasn't...giving off [this]...flamboyance and a brassy, sassy, untouchable vibe.... In a city that was rife with people trying to look different and act different and be all this and all that, here was someone who was accomplishing it with ease, because she was a natural-born super-freak whose tendency in life was to look like the inside of an oyster shell."

-Anthony Kiedis, from 'Scar Tissue'

(I can't help myself, I ADORE this song)

This is a story...

"Do things with 100% of our heart and mind. Whatever they may be. Arete. Merely living is not enough. We must put ourselves into situation and challenge ourselves to bring us to new heights. Never stop learning., never stop growing. This may very well be the only chance we have. Suffer, adapt, grow, repeat."

                                                                                                                        -Ryan Valley