Getting into little things that will make me a better person.

As I write, I am snifflying and hacking and coughing and sipping tea. I know. On this ridiculous good looking Saturday, I was at home, slaving away at a term paper and nursing whatever sudden sickness has come over me. On the plus side, I've had more than enough naps today and that (combined with the endless mugs of green tea, peppermint tea, blueberry tea...) have been enough to keep me conscious enough to make it half way through my paper.

So you know what's really exciting? Being a grown-up. Well, I guess some of you will argue otherwise... but for me, this is HUGE!

 I turn 20 in May so it's nice to feel like I'm doing something important. Case in point: on Wednesday, I have a meeting with the youth development workers of Richmond to start some concrete planning for this Youth Week show... the benefit show for child soldiers that I keep talking about? Yep, that's the one. Also, earlier that day, I have a job interview with a local community center. The job up for grabs is the position of NightShift Coordinator. NightShift is a youth program that happens on weekends, late-night. Usually, there are local shows and activities going... well, that might be me! And I'm stoked because the two guys interviewing me, I've both known for years. One of them is the guy who posted the job listing and he was worried I wouldn't apply, I've been told. So I'm going to take that as a good sign that he wants me for the job.

That's it. I'm quitting pop. It sucks, kind of hurts in your tummy, and makes my teeth feel gross. So no more pop. Not even once in awhile.

How did I come to this conclusion, you ask? Well, everybody knows that pop isn't the greatest choice of beverage in the first place. But then, you go to a concert and you're thirsty, right? So you go and you get something to drink. I bought a Coke (even though I'm more of a Pepsi person). I had half and my friend had half and then we got back into the concert (ie. mosh pit). That stuff does NOT sit well in your stomache.

I don't know about you other girls out there, but I grew up a tomboy... it's kind of stuck. Even today, I'm still friends with majority guys, can't really put together a girl outfit to save myself, or even apply make-up properly. More often than not, I end up wearing a ripped hoodie, jeans, and sneakers instead. Comfort is so key.

But then I was at True Value Vintage the other day and I saw a bunch of really cute tops by Zachary's Smile. I ended up buying two that were on sale. One is blue and is flouncy, had puffy sleeves, a cap collar and just looks really classy. The other is red and has a plaid collar and waistband and ties in the back and it's super 70's and girly.

My life is a movie.

 Every occurrence is over fuelled by independent thought and subtle meanings. Even when I sit on the bus, I feel as if Mr. Braff is about to appear and deliver some speech about how we never really get the things we want in life but the only thing we can do is to try and change for it.

 How I love Mr. Braff. Note that I call him Mr. Braff and not by his first name. (Simply because I"m unsure as to whether it's a Zack or a Zach. Hang on... yep. It's an H. It's Zach.)

I guess I should've posted this Valentine's-related post BEFORE the actual Valentine's Day... but nonetheless!

 I had a fantastic discussion with another SINGLE friend of mine the other day. She said, "Why is it that so often that us women expect to receive a gesture of love from a GUY on Valentine's Day? Why can't we just turn to our fellow females and just hug someone?" This is a very good point. I'm not gonna lie... I get caught up in the hokey-dokey romance of this Hallmark holiday as well. I mean, how could I not?! I'm a hopeless romantic... and just something about seeing fuzzy stuffed animals holding boxes of chocolates makes me really happy.

Excerpt from the Triage website

We continue to need good used clothing, blankets and towels. Please clean out your closets and drop off your unused items to us at 707 Powell Street, call 604.254.3700 or Email us at donations@triage.bc.ca to arrange for pickup.

Here are some additional resources to help you find a shelter in need near you

I am changing the way I drink coffee.

I am now using a resuable mug everyday. Instead of regular milk, I ask for soy. I am buying more coffee from places that are down with using fair trade beans instead of a certain giant Seattle based green machine... yeah. I am putting less sugar in my coffee. When I drink coffee at the office, I use a mug from the kitchen instead of a paper cup. I use a spoon instead of a stir stick. I stopped drinking frappuchinos (and not just because it's getting colder).

I am the co-editor for a music magazine over at UBC where I am a student. Too often, a record label will send me CDs and half the time, I'll get through the first three songs and then toss the CD aside, labelling it a write-off.

 I really need to quit this.

 All music has some sort of merit to it and all I need to do is spend enough time listening to any given CD, artist, or song and I'll be able to appreciate it better. I think that if I learned to appreciate more songs here and there, maybe my tolerance for music of ALL genres will improve.

I want to quit destroying my hearing.

I love music. Always have, always will. But I've definitely seen one too many rock shows. And it shows in my hearing! So I've decided this summer that I'm going to start using ear plugs whenever I see a concert.

I know it sounds silly but it's actually not so bad. A lot of people use ear plugs at concerts. Which is good because then I don't feel so silly with pieces of stuff sticking out of my ears.