Silent Sunday #42

14 December 2014

silent sunday

Silent Sunday #42

Read article

4 Years Ago...

10 December 2014

him

4 Years Ago...

Four years ago, I didn't think I'd be where I am today. I am currently in my third year of university, I've accomplished pretty much everything I wanted to accomplish in cadets, I've continued to be the best me I can possibly be. But... today is December 10. Do you know what this day means to me?
4 years ago today, an extremely "shy" boy asked me out. And I use quotation marks around the word shy because well, he wasn't really shy when it came to me. In fact, he was this hilarious guy that everyone was fond about. So, that day he asked me out I was quite shocked to know that he was soon shy that he hung up the phone on me before he could even ask me the question. I eventually pushed him to ask him, and it wasn't the most romantic way or anything, but it didn't have to be. His heart was in the right place, and I think that is all that matters.
Today, I'm here happier than ever with him. Our 4 years together was a short one to be honest. Thinking back, there are so many blurs, yet there are many more great memories. Memories, I must add, that are very well remembered when I go through pictures (so ha! aren't you happy that I took  so many pictures?!) There were also soooo many ups and downs, but I think getting through them all, and together, is what kept us strong.
I don't know what the future holds for the both of us, nor do I want to even think about it. I just want to live everyday with the man I love. I am honestly am in no rush to get hitched, nor do I want to... at the moment. But, still. 4 years... its crazy because sometimes it even seems longer.
What I love the most about the last 4 years, was the person I became. I truly love the person I am today since I've met him. As cheesy as this sounds, he really did change me for good, and for that I am truly thankful to have someone like him in my life. He is definitely one of a kind, and a keeper.
Cheers baby!

Read article

Weekly Wishes #43

08 December 2014

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #43

background image via

Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last week was hectic! I finished all my essays, I packed, I had a great weekend! Like I am just completely satisfied with last week, and I am just ready for this week and the next few weeks to come! Is anyone else counting down to Christmas?  This Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Catch up with all my readings. I have THREE exams next week (Monday, Tuesday and Thursday). Soo, this week is defiantly dedicated to catching up with all my readings!
2. Create a study sheets. I think when I create a study sheet, most of the information will stick to my head, which will make it easier when it comes to reviewing everything 3 days before the exam! 
3. STUDY! This is the priority. 
4. Plan blog prompts. It is December, and I am determined to catch up on all the posting I've missed in November! So, be prepared for that!
5. Hit the gym 4-5 times this week. Yes, I need to make sure I stick to this plan, and actually hit the gym to lose weight and attain my dream body! Also, my birthday is coming up, soooo it would be nice to look great for my birthday weekend! 
6. FINISH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. This is self explanatory...

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

Read article

"I Can't Breathe."

04 December 2014

lifestyle

"I Can't Breathe."

I can't breathe.
I think there was a total of 2 times I said these exact words. And from what I can remember, it was just the scariest feeling. I was in a state of panic, and all I could think about what me not being able to breathe! Fortunately, I was lucky to have others around me who cared about my well being and physically helped me.
Unfortunately, this was not the case for Eric Garner. If you some of you guys don't already know, he was killed in July from a chokehold position from an officer. He died after saying, "I can't breathe" 11 times. How do I know this? How does everyone know this? There is a video on youtube. The worst part of this entire situation was the fact that the officer involved was not found guilty.
I live in Canada... and what scares me the most about this entire situation was how I didn't even hear about Eric Garner until I saw it on social media. In July, I believe I first read about it on twitter. Then about yesterday's verdict on tumblr, only because I saw vines of protests and people shouting out "I can't breathe." And the video of Eric? Well, I saw that on youtube as well.
Is it just me, or do we live in a world where social media brings everyone information that is not shared through news stations? I find this very odd. And I have nothing against Canada, it is probably because it is a U.S. matter... (as I am sure the States hardly have news about us).. but, I think it should matter as there are constantly reoccurring murders being done by people we are suppose to trust. Like common... you cannot expect me to believe that this is the first incident showing clear racism?
I am not African, nor Jamaican, nor Caribbean and I do not have a dark skin complexion.  And although my line of family (that I know of) has not endured the horrible time of slavery, I am still an understanding person. Heck, having a brown dad who is very dark skinned, and I still see the racism that is going around with the way others treat him. It might not be to the same degree, but the behaviour is still present.
I find it extremely sad how the actions of Martin Luther King or Rosa Parks seem to be just a distant memory in so many countries. I find it disgusting how others still see themselves more superior than others based on skin colour, race, age and sex. And I cannot fathom the fact that if it wasn't for social media, a lot of us would be walking around unaware of the struggles that other people are enduring.
R.I.P Eric Garner #icantbreathe

*** disclaimer: please note that this post is not intended to slander one race, or side with another race. I am simply posting my feelings and response to the Eric Garner case. *** 

Read article

A Rant About Lazy Students

03 December 2014

a rant

A Rant About Lazy Students

As you guys know, I am currently a third year university student. So, as you can imagine, things are definitely starting to get more tougher - in terms of workload, the weight of our tests, oh and the importance of each course for Grad school in the upcoming years. Like, we've all been there, and I think it is safe to say that as we get closer to graduation, the reality of it sets in, and the unknown future scares us.
I don't know about other students, but the unknown future actually motivates me to do much better in school. Why? Well, right now I am all over the place about career options. But, as we will in a competitive society, I feel like as long as I have a high GPA, I will have many available opportunities. With that being said, you would think that others students also have this mind set... but, I guess I was wrong.
This morning, I received an email from some random guy... and when I mean random, I literally don't know this guy. And his email went a little something like this:

Hey Vanessa!

I was wondering if you could possibly send me ANT211 Lectures, 8, 9, and 10 notes. (last 3 lectures) Nov. 13,20,27.

I was also wondering if you could possibly send me PSY345 Lectures 11, 12 and 13 notes. (last 3 lectures) Nov. 12,19,26.

Thank You!

So, when I saw this, I was actually really upset. Why? Because this wasn't the first time this same person has emailed/fb messaged me asking me for notes.  The first time he asked me for notes was for our second midterm when he messaged me asking for notes. I'm not going to lie, I felt bad for him at the time because he told me how he was sick and had to miss a lecture or 2 for both courses. So, I did send him my notes. 

Like, for that same test, a lot of people in the course sent out mass emails to everyone in the course asking for some notes. Because I did it for one person, I decided to share with others. No big deal. It's whatever. But, it kind of annoyed me when I started to recognize names who also sent these emails from other courses of mine. Clearly there was a pattern here. 

Anyways, I usually do give my notes to those who claim they were sick and missed a class. But, this guy literally missed 3 weeks of class and needed my notes? I mean like common, at least tell me you were wayyyyyyy to sick and couldn't go to school for those three weeks. Like why are you depending on my notes. 

And I really didn't like the fact how this guy sent me an email, as if he was demanding me to send him my notes. Like, you really couldn't get your ass out of bed for an 9am class on a Wednesday, then stay late until a 5pm class on Thursday? 

Like, I really think it is ridiculous and selfish of this guy to even ask me for my notes. I drove to school (and I live in a different city), and I made sure I made it to class to take notes for myself. NO where did I sign up to take notes for lazy students. And I know this because the only thing I signed up for in school was to take notes for those with a disability and unable to take notes in class. And even then, that program keeps me and the other student anonymous from each other. 

Whatever, at this point I don't think I will help me... but knowing me, I'll probably end up sending him the notes. I'm nice like that -.-

Read article

The Liebster Award: Take 4

02 December 2014

The Liebster Award

The Liebster Award: Take 4

Hey everyone! So, believe it or not, I've been nominated for another Liebster award by John from ShoutJohn! But, technically speaking, this is actually my 6th time. I just never got around to writing a post for my other 2 nominations, and I honestly can't even find who nominated me, and which blog post to check out.... But, its all good! Being nominated is still a great feeling! 

The Liebster Award is given by fellow bloggers to new blogs with smaller followings but huge potential; it is a great way to find new blogs as well as support one another.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

the rules of the award are as follows: mention the person who nominated you with a link to their blog answer the eleven questions the person that nominated you asked nominate 11 other bloggers with a followers 200 create 11 of your own questions for them to answer notify your nominees

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Randomly decided to share a picture of me writing this blog post! 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The questions John gave me:
1. My blog is a mixture of everything. But if you had to choose one topic for your blog forever - what would it be?
As you can all tell, my blog is also is mixture of pretty much everything. But, if I had to choose to blog about one topic, it would probably be about my travelling! I used to do a lot of travelling when I was younger, where school didn't require too much of my attention, and it was cheaper, but I don't do so anymore. Being able to travel the world is a dream of mine, and what way to keep its memory alive but by blogging about it!
2. What was the last lie you told? This is actually dumb. Last night, late into the evening, my friend and I were texting each other about our papers due that same night. She told me she finished, and I lied to her saying all I had left was the conclusion. That was a lie. I had to talk about one more primate, and then do the conclusion (it was an anthropology research paper).
3. What question do you hate to answer? Urg, I hate when people ask me about my future plans for careers. Like, I'm the type of person who constantly changes my mind. This is why I won't ever get a tattoo because I probably won't be able to decide to where to put the tattoo. Anyways, I find the question sooo stressful. Like, my goal right now is to graduate university. I'm not ready to be an adult and all on my own and stuff.
4. Which of the four seasons do you love? I absolutely LOVE summer. I never used to like this season, but because Canada gets extremely cold in the winter, I started to dislike the cold, and started to gravitate towards the warmth. So, I love the summer, and I don't care how hot it gets! I'll take hot over cold anytime.
5. What cheers you up? This might sound weird, but singing cheers me up. No, thats not the weird part. The part that cheers me up is where I imagine I'm on broadway, so I sing songs from Wicked, or even Funny Girl. I don't want to be on broadway... but something about it makes me sooo happy! (Maybe that's why I love Glee!)
6. Where is your quiet place? (where you go to think or be alone) If I tell you this, you have to promise not to come find me if you ever feel like I'm missing.... Its the book store Chapters or the library. I don't know what it is, but being surrounded by books just calms me down. I love it!
7. What do you value most in a relationship? Being in a relationship right now, it's difficult to just choose one thing. I think, I would have to say trust and honesty.  I feel like those two go hand in hand as you can't trust someone if they are constantly telling you lies. And a everyone knows a relationship is doom the moment you don't trust your partner and start going through their phone. Trust and honesty is definitely something I value.
8. What is the most played song you listen to?

This song is just absolutely beautiful, and the words just get me every time!

9. If you could choose to stay a certain age forever, what age would it be? I'm currently 20 years old. And I think I would love to stay this age forever! I'm still young and not too old, so I don't have too many responsibilities. Also, high school sucked in comparison to university, I would never want to be in my high school years where all these adults expect so much. I dunno if I'm making sense. But I like being 20.
10. At what age would you say - 'you grew up'? Honestly, I would have to say the whole, "you are legally an adult now" changed me when I turned 19 years old. I don't know what triggered it, but I just decided to get my shit together and "grew up". Hey, I even became a better role model for my sister and little cousins when it came to school, and those of those who looked up to me in cadets.
11. Do you think 'everything happens for a reason'? Yes. And I say it because God has a plan for us. HE would never put us through things he knows we wouldn't be able to handle. This situations/events/things that happen to us tests us, and makes us realize who we really are. 

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I nominate: Nathali @Glorious Peonies Diana @Wonderfully Made KatiAnne @ Raindrops on Roses Kendel @ Little Misadventures Kendra @ Just Add Champagne Kerry @ xo Kerry MK @ EhMKay Morgan @ The Flame Dame Taylor @ Tay Meets World  Coley @ Coley's Opinion Vashelle @ It's Shelly's Cabaret
Here are my questions for you lovely bloggers:

1. What is your biggest accomplishment?
2. Which post have you written that you are most proud of? Share a link!
3. Favourite part of blogging?
4. If you could visit/travel anywhere in the world, where would you go?

5. Biggest celebrity crush?

6. Who is your role model?
7. Do you have any pets? 
8. PLEASE SHARE A PICTURE OF YOUR PET. If you don't have one, what kind of pet would you like?
9. What is your idea of the world in 50 years?
10. Share with us your guilty pleasure!
11. Why did you start blogging?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 Click HERE to see my first take for this award.
Click HERE to see my second take for this award.
Click HERE to see my third take for this award.

Thanks again John!

Don't forget to link back to my blog with the answers to the questions I have for you!
Let me know when you post it! I can't wait to read your answers! 

Read article

Weekly Wishes #42

01 December 2014

Weekly Wishes

Weekly Wishes #42

background image via

Happy Monday bloggers! It is that time of the week to be linking up with Melyssa for Weekly Wishes. This is a great linkup to share weekly goal and receive some encouragement from others who also have wishes/goals for the week!

Last Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I've been extremely busy over the last few weeks.  Last week alone I was hit with 2 tests on Tuesday, and 1 test on Thursday.  I mean, I guess if I studied earlier, then I would have not be as screwed as I was. But, I mean the week before that I had another test.  So, yeah I've been bombarded with test after test. But, it is December and I am determined to change things for the month! This Week's Wishes ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. FINISH MY ESSAYS. For the first time, in a very long time, I have 2 essays due today. I wasn't able to fully start them until after my last test, but I was way behind schedule. I fortunately finished my psychology paper, but I'm a little behind on my anthropology paper. Fortunately, I have until 11pm to submit it online. I should be done by then if I focus! Oh, then I have another one due on Friday. 
2. PACK. This weekend I am celebrating my birthday in another city! Wohooo! Don't worry I'll make a blog post about it next week!
3. Plan blog prompts. It is December, and I am determined to catch up on all the posting I've missed in November! So, be prepared for that!
4. STUDY! I have 3 exams in the same week in December. Just my luck right? Hopefully I'll be able to be ready by the time it comes! 
5. Hit the gym 4-5 times this week. Yes, I need to make sure I stick to this plan, and actually hit the gym to lose weight and attain my dream body! Also, my birthday is coming up, soooo it would be nice to look great for my birthday weekend! 
6. FINISH CHRISTMAS SHOPPING. This is self explanatory...

These are my wishes for the week.  If you're participating and happened to hop onto my blog, leave your link so I can leave some encouragement as well! Have a great Monday, xo

Read article