And the winner is ..... by far ... a mile ..... The Newsy Neighbor Home Show! There was nothing snotty about this show. I was able to meet some pretty amazing people - it gave me a clear insight to who actually reads my articles and who doesn't. .... A lot of people don't!! HA HA HA ... It's all good though. I don't mind. I'm just happy that Aleesha, Katherine and Denise let me put my writing into their magazine. If you've never read it, I encourage you to check out their website: http://www.thenewsyneighbor.com/
They do advertising for the regional areas east of Calgary. I'm really happy to see their success. From what I was told today, they're expanding their operations down south of Calgary, which is awesome for them... and me! My articles will now be published in that region as well.
I met a lovely lady by the name of Jennifer who operates a home business called Mink & Manure - check her stuff out: http://www.minkandmanure.ca/ - she had the *cutest* shoes EVER. Open toed, high heel, white with pink trim and black polka dots. I'd have bought them if they fit my enormous foot. She also had skinny jeans ... which TOTALLY fit me (size 31!) and looked AMAZING! Why didn't I buy them? Because size 31 isn't my goal. =P Jennifer does home shows, so if you're interested, find her on the website... somehow... Or check out the Newsy Neighbor.
The Home and Garden show in Calgary ... well, it was alright I guess. It would have been better if I was between the ages of 45-85. Nothing there really appealed to me except for the Smooooth Legs booth! [http://www.smoooothlegs.com/] I felt bad for the sales lady. She seriously has the worst job ever - she has to demonstrate how the product works on people's hairy legs. [Gross. The $10/hour couldn't ever be worth it to me!] I, of course, hadn't shaved in about a week and a half, so I was worried for her safety. I asked her if she had a lawn mower .. she didn't get it.
:: blink :: :: blink ::
Anyway ... she used the little thing on my leg, then rubbed lotion on the spot where she'd done the little "exfoliating" thinger ... and I was SOLD! I did both of my legs on the way home in the car.. during rush hour traffic. Amazing. As a "free gift" they gave me a year's supply of the little pad thingers and one for my feet! I'd just been telling the Redneck about how I needed a new pummice block ... Wooo hooo. It's the small things in life that keep me content.
The Redneck managed to find a guy who was selling flourecent light signs and clocks and stuff. But $80 for a clock? Not likely. He ended up getting a sign: "RIDER PRIDE DR" ... heh. I love it. We don't have a spot for it yet, but I'm sure he's going to find a spot in the living room for it. ["Welcome to my frat house....." Before I know it, he's going to have Christmas lights hanging in the living room year round for "ambience" lighting.] :: smirk ::
I entered a couple of contests at the Calgary H&G show - one was for a trip to Vancouver Island [I'd love to get married in Tofino actually] and the other one was to the Yukon on Air North. [Yes, a trip home!] This one guy looked super familiar, and I was filling in the ballot, and I looked up at him and pointed the end of my pen toward him... and he says, "Yeah, I'm thinking too..." I said, "Jamie?" He says, "No, Josh. Clarke."
HAH! Funny.
So I told him I was Kathie ... [yeah, yeah, get it out of your system, it was my fat name. Laugh it up clowns..] and then told him my maiden name. We went to junior and secondary school together back North. It was pretty weird ... and kind of awkward. We didn't really have a whole lot to do with one another back in the day. I was a social activist nerd and he was a jock. You know the kind, he played hockey, therefore was better than me.
Actually, that's not very fair for me to say ... I don't know shit all about him either, I guess, based on the people he spent his time with, I didn't want to. Nothing resonates more with me than a saying my dad used to use with me .... frequently ...
"You're painted with the same brush as those you choose to spend your time with."
It's so true. [Dad, you're so friggin' wise.] For all I knew, he was a great person with a good heart, and actually, I don't doubt that ... but his friends were dicks, so that stopped me from even saying hello to him in the hallway at school..
Oh well... why dwell?
I've had a nice weekend so far and plan on relaxing for the rest of it.
-- Kait --
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Thursday, February 25, 2010
With Glowing Hearts!
I'm so proud to be CANADIAN ... but I'm even more proud to be a Canadian Woman. Once again, Canadian Women have won gold in Canada's sport - Hockey.
Last night, we saw two female bobsleigh teams capture gold and silver... Our sisters are on FIRE at the Olympics!
It makes my skin tingle, my breath catch in my throat and tears come to my eyes to see and hear felllow Canadians sing our national anthem..... and have the opportunity because of the female athletes. ;)
Way to go!
Last night, we saw two female bobsleigh teams capture gold and silver... Our sisters are on FIRE at the Olympics!
It makes my skin tingle, my breath catch in my throat and tears come to my eyes to see and hear felllow Canadians sing our national anthem..... and have the opportunity because of the female athletes. ;)
Way to go!
No Mo' Camel Toe!
Be sure to check out my new website: http://nomocameltoe.yolasite.com
It's a chronical for how I've gotten to where I am with my strength training, cardio and overall well being. I've been on this weight loss journey for a couple of years now and I guess it's time I started writing about it and how I did it. It's a pretty interesting read, and because I think I'm so funny, I'm sure you'll love it too.... That's the total narcissist in me talking (in case you didn't notice). It's not that captivating for some people, and that's fine. That's why I took it away from my personal blog and created a secondary.
But hey .. did you know that camel toe has an evil big sister?
Mooseknuckle..... !!!!!!!
(I know, so wrong ... in so many ways ..... My parents must be proud. **sigh**)
-- Kait --
It's a chronical for how I've gotten to where I am with my strength training, cardio and overall well being. I've been on this weight loss journey for a couple of years now and I guess it's time I started writing about it and how I did it. It's a pretty interesting read, and because I think I'm so funny, I'm sure you'll love it too.... That's the total narcissist in me talking (in case you didn't notice). It's not that captivating for some people, and that's fine. That's why I took it away from my personal blog and created a secondary.
But hey .. did you know that camel toe has an evil big sister?
Mooseknuckle..... !!!!!!!
(I know, so wrong ... in so many ways ..... My parents must be proud. **sigh**)
-- Kait --
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Alphaghetti Girl
This morning I got up (5:30!) and got ready, got R-Spot up and got the Redneck moving...got downstairs and started making lunches. I don't know why I insist on having a couple of days or weeks where I do it at night, and then I just stop - it slips my mind, or I'm too tired, or disengaged with hanging out in the kitchen ... Last night was one of those nights.
So this morning, I started putting our lunches together and had just rinsed my hands off in the sink before grabbing a can of "Sponge Bob Soup" from the pantry. As I was opening it, I thought, it would be a terrible mess to clean up if I dropped it.
I clicked it open and was about to put it down to grab a second tupperware container to split the can up... and it slipped .... and hit the counter top on the island.... And fell on the floor ....
... but not before splattering up all over my clothes ... down my left leg ... all over my face, hair and glasses ... the fridge, stove, floor, cabinetry.... front of the island ... and top of the island.
Stupid effing Sponge Bob.
I muttered some bad words to myself as I turned to grab a paper towel to wipe my face off - only to discover that there was none ....
I tossed my glasses down onto the splashed island and rinsed my hands before going into the laundry room to get some more paper towel ... which, might I add, are ON TOP of the cabinetry. I climbed the washer, leaving a smear of stupid red sauce and went back to the kitchen. I wiped off my face, arms, clothing and glasses and was starting to clean up the kitchen when the Redneck came down.
"Oh oh..." He said ... with a slight smirk in his voice.
"Yeah." I sighed heavily ... bending down to grab a handful of smily, cold Sponge Bob noodles.
"This isn't good...." he said .... trying not to laugh.
"Nope. And what's worse is it's all over my clothes, hair and face!!" I replied, huffing loudly, to which he responded, "ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME LAUGH?!?!?!?!?!"
(Admittedly, it had to have been very difficult for him not to laugh, I knew he wanted to and it made me SO much more angry!)
"No. And if you do.... YOU'LL be wearing SPONGE BOB." was my response. He hid the smile on his face and came into the kitchen and started getting our coffee ready while I finished cleaning up the mess.
We arrived in the city and were on the train and he leaned down and was "inspecting" my face. I said, "You never look in my eyes anymore, just at my big pores and zits!!" Which was when he told me that I had a "big orange one" on my chin......
DAMN ALPHAGHETTI!!!!!!
I rubbed it off, getting grouchy again. He leaned over, laughing heartily, and told me how much he loved me, his "Alphaghetti Girl", which made me laugh. So there we were, both of us laughing our heads off on the quiet c-train.
When we'd met the point of seperation, he leaned down and gave me a kiss, "I love you .... my little Alphaghetti Girl... Have a good day"....
** happy sigh **
True love at it's best -- someone taking a horrible morning and turning it into a complete laughing matter. <3
-- Kait --
So this morning, I started putting our lunches together and had just rinsed my hands off in the sink before grabbing a can of "Sponge Bob Soup" from the pantry. As I was opening it, I thought, it would be a terrible mess to clean up if I dropped it.
I clicked it open and was about to put it down to grab a second tupperware container to split the can up... and it slipped .... and hit the counter top on the island.... And fell on the floor ....
... but not before splattering up all over my clothes ... down my left leg ... all over my face, hair and glasses ... the fridge, stove, floor, cabinetry.... front of the island ... and top of the island.
Stupid effing Sponge Bob.
I muttered some bad words to myself as I turned to grab a paper towel to wipe my face off - only to discover that there was none ....
I tossed my glasses down onto the splashed island and rinsed my hands before going into the laundry room to get some more paper towel ... which, might I add, are ON TOP of the cabinetry. I climbed the washer, leaving a smear of stupid red sauce and went back to the kitchen. I wiped off my face, arms, clothing and glasses and was starting to clean up the kitchen when the Redneck came down.
"Oh oh..." He said ... with a slight smirk in his voice.
"Yeah." I sighed heavily ... bending down to grab a handful of smily, cold Sponge Bob noodles.
"This isn't good...." he said .... trying not to laugh.
"Nope. And what's worse is it's all over my clothes, hair and face!!" I replied, huffing loudly, to which he responded, "ARE YOU TRYING TO MAKE ME LAUGH?!?!?!?!?!"
(Admittedly, it had to have been very difficult for him not to laugh, I knew he wanted to and it made me SO much more angry!)
"No. And if you do.... YOU'LL be wearing SPONGE BOB." was my response. He hid the smile on his face and came into the kitchen and started getting our coffee ready while I finished cleaning up the mess.
We arrived in the city and were on the train and he leaned down and was "inspecting" my face. I said, "You never look in my eyes anymore, just at my big pores and zits!!" Which was when he told me that I had a "big orange one" on my chin......
DAMN ALPHAGHETTI!!!!!!
I rubbed it off, getting grouchy again. He leaned over, laughing heartily, and told me how much he loved me, his "Alphaghetti Girl", which made me laugh. So there we were, both of us laughing our heads off on the quiet c-train.
When we'd met the point of seperation, he leaned down and gave me a kiss, "I love you .... my little Alphaghetti Girl... Have a good day"....
** happy sigh **
True love at it's best -- someone taking a horrible morning and turning it into a complete laughing matter. <3
-- Kait --
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
I Ate Onion Rings!
And they were sooooooo good! Hey - I'm allowed to poison my body once in awhile ... They were well within calorie range, considering I ate nothing but fruit and a deli chicken sandwich on lite rye without mayo or cheese today...
I spent my day in meetings again.. and then I screwed the dog a bit - but not before I had a wicked work out and then chatted politics with the trainer at the gym. We talked about the content of flouride in water, the lack of inspection that's done by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and TILMA. Yes, I'm still hung up on the Trade Investment Labour Mobility Agreement that Alberta and BC entered into in secret. This conjures thoughts of Special Ed (Stelmach) and Drunkie Magoo ... err... Gordon Campbell having a little ineststeous discussion while they gave each other a little rub-n-tug before topping their night off with a cuddle and a kiss on the doorstep.
Yes, TILMA is that devious in my mind... as are Special Ed and Drunkie Magoo. Neither one of them hold any political prowress with me whatsoever.
The Redneck is very interested in the Wild Rose Alliance - and I would be too, aside from their box minded, anti-female agenda. Yes, yes, I know Danielle Smith is a woman, but the bottom line comes down to the fact that they have strong opinions on abortion (no man, or political party has any right to tell me, as a woman what I can or can't do with my body), strong passion for TILMA and weak policies on health care, child care, equality in the workforce and so on and so forth. They seem to be yet another political party that seems to hang on to the old "grass roots" conservatism. It's good for some, but certainly not for me. The Redneck suggested I write Ms. Smith a letter, indicating my disdain for TILMA and providing some suggestions on how the party could better address social responsibility. Cute, right? That's why I love him so much. <3
I'm feeling slightly jaded with politics right now (I'm sure you couldn't tell??). I don't know who I'll vote for in the upcoming elections over the next few years, but I can tell you that I'd struggle hard to vote Liberal and I'd never vote NDP. I just find the extreme socialism as frustrating as the extreme conservatism.
I think we need a new voice - something - or someone, who will be willing to be big, bold and hold the House accountable for their actions and reactions. Afterall, if I went to work and called someone a bitch, a whore, flipped someone the middle finger, well, I'd lose my job. No one would put up with that bullshit. But for some reason, in the House, it's allowed. This is stuff that's being recorded into Hansard - it's becoming a piece of history, and it's still allowed. Interesting.
Another thing I'd love to see adopted is recall legislation. This means that when we elect someone, should they choose to leave the party banner in which they were elected, then their riding would automatically go to a bi-election. More often than not, folks are voting for their party of choice, and seldom anymore are they voting for the person - regardless of the fact that the person may be door knocking, have an office and a facebook site (which is terribly overdone!).
The problem lies in the fact that people have become unreliable. You stand in my doorway and feed me the shit with a silver spoon and a smug look on your face, and you expect me to take it..... Right. This, I suppose, is where partisan politics truly play a roll.
Do I think Special Ed will stay around because people love him? No, it's because Albertans don't feel like they have a viable option... and we don't. The Liberal party is as fragmented, in my opinion, provincially, as much as it is federally. These people are unknown, and the only time they show their heads is when the time is right to sling some inappropriate names and demonstrate that they really aren't smarter than a 5th grader. I didn't even know that the leader of the party had changed ...... That's bad, considering that I was a card carrying Liberal activist for about 13 years of my life.
I don't hold any political allegience anymore, I simply make informed decisions when the time is right and necessary. I'll never choose to withhold my vote - I know how valuable my right is.
True story ... all of this came out of a good discussion at the gym and onion rings. Who knew they could be so stimulating!?
-- Kait --
I spent my day in meetings again.. and then I screwed the dog a bit - but not before I had a wicked work out and then chatted politics with the trainer at the gym. We talked about the content of flouride in water, the lack of inspection that's done by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and TILMA. Yes, I'm still hung up on the Trade Investment Labour Mobility Agreement that Alberta and BC entered into in secret. This conjures thoughts of Special Ed (Stelmach) and Drunkie Magoo ... err... Gordon Campbell having a little ineststeous discussion while they gave each other a little rub-n-tug before topping their night off with a cuddle and a kiss on the doorstep.
Yes, TILMA is that devious in my mind... as are Special Ed and Drunkie Magoo. Neither one of them hold any political prowress with me whatsoever.
The Redneck is very interested in the Wild Rose Alliance - and I would be too, aside from their box minded, anti-female agenda. Yes, yes, I know Danielle Smith is a woman, but the bottom line comes down to the fact that they have strong opinions on abortion (no man, or political party has any right to tell me, as a woman what I can or can't do with my body), strong passion for TILMA and weak policies on health care, child care, equality in the workforce and so on and so forth. They seem to be yet another political party that seems to hang on to the old "grass roots" conservatism. It's good for some, but certainly not for me. The Redneck suggested I write Ms. Smith a letter, indicating my disdain for TILMA and providing some suggestions on how the party could better address social responsibility. Cute, right? That's why I love him so much. <3
I'm feeling slightly jaded with politics right now (I'm sure you couldn't tell??). I don't know who I'll vote for in the upcoming elections over the next few years, but I can tell you that I'd struggle hard to vote Liberal and I'd never vote NDP. I just find the extreme socialism as frustrating as the extreme conservatism.
I think we need a new voice - something - or someone, who will be willing to be big, bold and hold the House accountable for their actions and reactions. Afterall, if I went to work and called someone a bitch, a whore, flipped someone the middle finger, well, I'd lose my job. No one would put up with that bullshit. But for some reason, in the House, it's allowed. This is stuff that's being recorded into Hansard - it's becoming a piece of history, and it's still allowed. Interesting.
Another thing I'd love to see adopted is recall legislation. This means that when we elect someone, should they choose to leave the party banner in which they were elected, then their riding would automatically go to a bi-election. More often than not, folks are voting for their party of choice, and seldom anymore are they voting for the person - regardless of the fact that the person may be door knocking, have an office and a facebook site (which is terribly overdone!).
The problem lies in the fact that people have become unreliable. You stand in my doorway and feed me the shit with a silver spoon and a smug look on your face, and you expect me to take it..... Right. This, I suppose, is where partisan politics truly play a roll.
Do I think Special Ed will stay around because people love him? No, it's because Albertans don't feel like they have a viable option... and we don't. The Liberal party is as fragmented, in my opinion, provincially, as much as it is federally. These people are unknown, and the only time they show their heads is when the time is right to sling some inappropriate names and demonstrate that they really aren't smarter than a 5th grader. I didn't even know that the leader of the party had changed ...... That's bad, considering that I was a card carrying Liberal activist for about 13 years of my life.
I don't hold any political allegience anymore, I simply make informed decisions when the time is right and necessary. I'll never choose to withhold my vote - I know how valuable my right is.
True story ... all of this came out of a good discussion at the gym and onion rings. Who knew they could be so stimulating!?
-- Kait --
Monday, February 22, 2010
Bloggity-Blog
I love the fact that I've reconnected with my cousin Lachele.
She was the little girl I met when my mother moved to small town Alberta and I followed her down there. I was 17 and she was 12. I didn't even know she existed until two months before I moved there. She and her sister were super sweet (although Kayla was the most hyper person I'd ever met in my entire life). We didn't hang out much because Lachele was a sweet little LDS girl and I was her weird cousin with a spiked dog collar and a pierced tongue... I had tattoos ... and I smoked. I was super nice; loving and caring, but I was also a bit tough.
I moved back to Whitehorse 6 months after I arrived in small town Alberta. We didn't talk again until I'd moved back to Calgary ... she came to see me when I was 21 and she was 16. I had her and her friend staying with me at my condo for a night until I could take them to the UofC for their camp - I felt really out of place and really uncomfortable bringing her to the campus - I felt like she was ashamed of me - embarrassed because of the rules of the Church. There I was, sticking out like a sore thumb with my tattos and piercings, dropping her off by bus because my ex-husband had the car for work that day.
I was so saddened by that day. I felt unappreciated and frankly, unloved.
Do I blame her? No. I don't.
I remember what it was like to be 16, and to be worried by social stigma.
Did I maybe read too much into it?
Absolutely - she was *16* and was interested in her friends and the cute boys all over the place. I still felt sad though ....
We reconnected just recently; only about 3 or 4 months ago. Sure, we'd spoken on FB when I was a die hard, but when I deleted my account, I lost touch with a lot of people. We started talking on MSN, which then became blackberry messenger, and of course then the family FB site (I know, I know, I'm such a sell out). Then we went for lunch. I brought R-Spot with me and it was the most amazing visit ever. We sat at the Cheesecake Cafe and gossiped and laughed and enjoyed one anothers company. It was the first time she'd ever met the baby (who is 5!)
Any feeling I'd ever had, contrary to cousin-friendship-love had been erased. We kept chatting, more and more - we talked about fitness, goals, weight, food, more weight goals, more food ... what to do, what not to do ... and just this weekend I did some personal training with her. I set her up on a kick ass total body workout with a high intensity interval cardio workout (20 minutes is equivilent to 40 minutes!) and it was AMAZING. I had the BEST time with her and now we're talking every day. We're motivating each other ... it helps a lot ...
The plan I have her on is really fun, but it's hard. I've seen a signfiicant transformation over the last 10 or 12 weeks using it. I'll be launching a web site, specifically around my weight routines, cardio and meal planning - I'll be sure to post it ... there will also be a fitness blog so I'm not boring my normal reader's with my stupid fitness babble! Feel free to leave me comments or send me emails to: kaitaulait@gmail.com for strength, encouragement and tips for what work for REAL people.
Anyway ... I LOVE the relationship I have with Lachele now - and I'm excited to keep it up. We're going to become diva's together .... Besides, R-Spot LOVES Auntie Lachele and can't wait for another lunch date together - (Auntie Lachele snuck her cookies!) .... So, here's to family and friendship.
I love you Lachele and I'm going to see you be successful if it's the last damn thing I do!!!
<3
She was the little girl I met when my mother moved to small town Alberta and I followed her down there. I was 17 and she was 12. I didn't even know she existed until two months before I moved there. She and her sister were super sweet (although Kayla was the most hyper person I'd ever met in my entire life). We didn't hang out much because Lachele was a sweet little LDS girl and I was her weird cousin with a spiked dog collar and a pierced tongue... I had tattoos ... and I smoked. I was super nice; loving and caring, but I was also a bit tough.
I moved back to Whitehorse 6 months after I arrived in small town Alberta. We didn't talk again until I'd moved back to Calgary ... she came to see me when I was 21 and she was 16. I had her and her friend staying with me at my condo for a night until I could take them to the UofC for their camp - I felt really out of place and really uncomfortable bringing her to the campus - I felt like she was ashamed of me - embarrassed because of the rules of the Church. There I was, sticking out like a sore thumb with my tattos and piercings, dropping her off by bus because my ex-husband had the car for work that day.
I was so saddened by that day. I felt unappreciated and frankly, unloved.
Do I blame her? No. I don't.
I remember what it was like to be 16, and to be worried by social stigma.
Did I maybe read too much into it?
Absolutely - she was *16* and was interested in her friends and the cute boys all over the place. I still felt sad though ....
We reconnected just recently; only about 3 or 4 months ago. Sure, we'd spoken on FB when I was a die hard, but when I deleted my account, I lost touch with a lot of people. We started talking on MSN, which then became blackberry messenger, and of course then the family FB site (I know, I know, I'm such a sell out). Then we went for lunch. I brought R-Spot with me and it was the most amazing visit ever. We sat at the Cheesecake Cafe and gossiped and laughed and enjoyed one anothers company. It was the first time she'd ever met the baby (who is 5!)
Any feeling I'd ever had, contrary to cousin-friendship-love had been erased. We kept chatting, more and more - we talked about fitness, goals, weight, food, more weight goals, more food ... what to do, what not to do ... and just this weekend I did some personal training with her. I set her up on a kick ass total body workout with a high intensity interval cardio workout (20 minutes is equivilent to 40 minutes!) and it was AMAZING. I had the BEST time with her and now we're talking every day. We're motivating each other ... it helps a lot ...
The plan I have her on is really fun, but it's hard. I've seen a signfiicant transformation over the last 10 or 12 weeks using it. I'll be launching a web site, specifically around my weight routines, cardio and meal planning - I'll be sure to post it ... there will also be a fitness blog so I'm not boring my normal reader's with my stupid fitness babble! Feel free to leave me comments or send me emails to: kaitaulait@gmail.com for strength, encouragement and tips for what work for REAL people.
Anyway ... I LOVE the relationship I have with Lachele now - and I'm excited to keep it up. We're going to become diva's together .... Besides, R-Spot LOVES Auntie Lachele and can't wait for another lunch date together - (Auntie Lachele snuck her cookies!) .... So, here's to family and friendship.
I love you Lachele and I'm going to see you be successful if it's the last damn thing I do!!!
<3
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Two Days In a Row?!
Not two days in a row! Unreal.
Today was a long day; even in a job I love. I felt like I spent the entire day spinning my wheels. I go from one meeting to the next and sometimes don't have time to even return my voicemails. How unproductive. I love my job, and I love the people I work with; I'm fully immersed in my role, and can't wait to grow and learn more. I'm eager for further responsibility and engagement with my department, more so than I have already now. I suppose I play a relevant role, but I want a more relevant role.
Did you catch the Olympics? Way to go CANADA! We're kicking some ass on home turf - sure, not as strong as some countries, but we're doing pretty great - Canadian Hockey is the BEST right now - The women are on a streak - but the only problem is that in doing as well as they are, they run the risk of having their sport eliminated from future games. Retarded? Yes. The reasoning behind it is that it's a Canada/US show down - in Canada, we have roughly 13,500 chicks playing hockey - in Slovakia, they have 256, 24 of which qualify for the games. The bottom line is, we're power houses (finally, in something!) and they want to take it away from us because other countries aren't as developed in the sport.
In some ways, I guess I can understand, why would someone want to go somewhere just to get creamed? But on the other hand, why not encourage and nurture this sport for women in hopes of making it bigger and better for our daughters and granddaughters? Why steal their dream - Women's hockey is already, pretty much, a dead end sport. You can't go "pro" as Manon Rheaume really. She was signed to the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 1992 and played one exhibition game in September 1992. She managed to stick around the ECHL for about 4 more years, seeing some success, but then the trail goes a bit cold.
Gay.
I love to see women succeed - and I love to see women fully embrace an opportunity and make something great for themselves, pave the way for others - but it doesn't always happen like that.
Prime example being equal rights in the workplace. One thing I love about my job is my role - and let me tell you, I am nowhere near as educated as the men I work with, I admit that. But I'm a lot smarter than they give me credit for (most of them, most of the time). And frankly, if I were to be in their roles, or a role similar to theirs, you can bet that I would be making only about 87% of what it is they make. It's a reality... and if I hear how I am the "backbone" or the "glue" of my team one more time, I could scream! Some might find that flattering (ahem - vendors are particularly fond of this phrase), but it's an insult, not only to me, but to them too.
First off, it suggests that they're not "with it" enough to manage their own shit, and secondly, it makes me look like a dickhead for hanging out with folks who think they can't manage their own shit and then mothering them. I don't mind playing political advisor, or making agendas or writing reports or attending meeting after meeting - but I do mind being undermined and spoken to like I'm a moron. Lukily, I work with some pretty fantastic men, who do some pretty fantastic work.
I guess the one thing that bugs me the most is women in power positions ... There aren't enough of them, and even if they are in a power position, they're taken for granted or undermined - well, in some instances, not all. (Just look at my boss' org chart - outside of me (and I totally don't count), he has one female in the first two tiers of his org. Is this an issue in sport? Certainly; unless it's in certain sports, such as figure skating or gymnastics.....
So ... with that said....
COME ON CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY!!! Do it right! Who cares what threats may hang over our heads. We'll stand united and fight that fight when the time comes.
PLAY HARD! WIN BIG and WIN GOLD...!!! Otherwise .. we should just GO HOME.
-- Kait --
Today was a long day; even in a job I love. I felt like I spent the entire day spinning my wheels. I go from one meeting to the next and sometimes don't have time to even return my voicemails. How unproductive. I love my job, and I love the people I work with; I'm fully immersed in my role, and can't wait to grow and learn more. I'm eager for further responsibility and engagement with my department, more so than I have already now. I suppose I play a relevant role, but I want a more relevant role.
Did you catch the Olympics? Way to go CANADA! We're kicking some ass on home turf - sure, not as strong as some countries, but we're doing pretty great - Canadian Hockey is the BEST right now - The women are on a streak - but the only problem is that in doing as well as they are, they run the risk of having their sport eliminated from future games. Retarded? Yes. The reasoning behind it is that it's a Canada/US show down - in Canada, we have roughly 13,500 chicks playing hockey - in Slovakia, they have 256, 24 of which qualify for the games. The bottom line is, we're power houses (finally, in something!) and they want to take it away from us because other countries aren't as developed in the sport.
In some ways, I guess I can understand, why would someone want to go somewhere just to get creamed? But on the other hand, why not encourage and nurture this sport for women in hopes of making it bigger and better for our daughters and granddaughters? Why steal their dream - Women's hockey is already, pretty much, a dead end sport. You can't go "pro" as Manon Rheaume really. She was signed to the Tampa Bay Lightning in August 1992 and played one exhibition game in September 1992. She managed to stick around the ECHL for about 4 more years, seeing some success, but then the trail goes a bit cold.
Gay.
I love to see women succeed - and I love to see women fully embrace an opportunity and make something great for themselves, pave the way for others - but it doesn't always happen like that.
Prime example being equal rights in the workplace. One thing I love about my job is my role - and let me tell you, I am nowhere near as educated as the men I work with, I admit that. But I'm a lot smarter than they give me credit for (most of them, most of the time). And frankly, if I were to be in their roles, or a role similar to theirs, you can bet that I would be making only about 87% of what it is they make. It's a reality... and if I hear how I am the "backbone" or the "glue" of my team one more time, I could scream! Some might find that flattering (ahem - vendors are particularly fond of this phrase), but it's an insult, not only to me, but to them too.
First off, it suggests that they're not "with it" enough to manage their own shit, and secondly, it makes me look like a dickhead for hanging out with folks who think they can't manage their own shit and then mothering them. I don't mind playing political advisor, or making agendas or writing reports or attending meeting after meeting - but I do mind being undermined and spoken to like I'm a moron. Lukily, I work with some pretty fantastic men, who do some pretty fantastic work.
I guess the one thing that bugs me the most is women in power positions ... There aren't enough of them, and even if they are in a power position, they're taken for granted or undermined - well, in some instances, not all. (Just look at my boss' org chart - outside of me (and I totally don't count), he has one female in the first two tiers of his org. Is this an issue in sport? Certainly; unless it's in certain sports, such as figure skating or gymnastics.....
So ... with that said....
COME ON CANADIAN WOMEN'S HOCKEY!!! Do it right! Who cares what threats may hang over our heads. We'll stand united and fight that fight when the time comes.
PLAY HARD! WIN BIG and WIN GOLD...!!! Otherwise .. we should just GO HOME.
-- Kait --
Monday, February 15, 2010
A Healthy House
My excuse for not writing ...
I've been super busy in the past 6 months, with being a full time employee (finally!!), Halloween, by 29th birthday (which was terrible, but thanks for asking), Christmas (without R-Spot!), New Years, transitioning R-Spot back from her dad's and now just everything with work - it's been incredibly busy. I'm also the President of the Charitable Fund at work and ran a highly successful campaign in the last quarter of 2009. I've once again developed a strong desire to become a part time volunteer firefighter. The Redneck isn't keen on the idea as a result of the time commitment, but this is perhaps something that we can discuss further.
I keep coming back to the same thing with this idea, the volunteer FF thing, that is. I was working toward going forward with the Whitehorse FD, but, unfortunately, I moved to Alberta - not to mention that there was a specific FF at that department who I pretty much loathe - he's a dirty emmer-effer and I wouldn't want to be associated with him.
The rural FD out here is screaming for people - I'd love to go for it. Even for just a few shifts a week - use my flex days off from work to be on call, that sort of thing. I think there is a perception that the fire halls are marital breakup opportunities, but I think that's such bullshit. It's comradre and friendship, trust and bonds. It's a family. As many friends as I have, I have very few good friends out here - I'd actually suggest that was the truth for both the Redneck and I.
I've been working out a lot again lately - a lot of HIIT for my cardio, which rocks considering I can complete a 40 minute cardio session in 20 minutes (I hate cardio in the gym). Beyond that, I've been weight lifting a lot - it seems to have a greater fat burning impact on my body than those gay little cardio-dance classes. Those just aren't for me. I can't dance around with a rubber band, step plank or a big ball ... I feel like Sponge-Kait-Square-Pants (which is why I'm almost positive I was put on second string for can-can a couple of years ago). I've had a kid, I'm only 5'8".. and I have no formal dance training (unless you count the terrible ballet lessons I went through when I was 6 or 7. Sister-bear got to take JAZZ and I had to go into ballet?! Beyond that, I looked like a little blue hippo in the stupid leotard..) So .. weightlifting it is. I love it - and I've seen amazing results since December - even mitigating the beer I drank every day during the holidays.
I'm not drinking for next 2 quarters in an effort to continue to kick my metabolism's ass - perhaps a glass of wine at Thanksgiving will be my reward. Mmm. Beer. How I miss thee.
I've been super busy in the past 6 months, with being a full time employee (finally!!), Halloween, by 29th birthday (which was terrible, but thanks for asking), Christmas (without R-Spot!), New Years, transitioning R-Spot back from her dad's and now just everything with work - it's been incredibly busy. I'm also the President of the Charitable Fund at work and ran a highly successful campaign in the last quarter of 2009. I've once again developed a strong desire to become a part time volunteer firefighter. The Redneck isn't keen on the idea as a result of the time commitment, but this is perhaps something that we can discuss further.
I keep coming back to the same thing with this idea, the volunteer FF thing, that is. I was working toward going forward with the Whitehorse FD, but, unfortunately, I moved to Alberta - not to mention that there was a specific FF at that department who I pretty much loathe - he's a dirty emmer-effer and I wouldn't want to be associated with him.
The rural FD out here is screaming for people - I'd love to go for it. Even for just a few shifts a week - use my flex days off from work to be on call, that sort of thing. I think there is a perception that the fire halls are marital breakup opportunities, but I think that's such bullshit. It's comradre and friendship, trust and bonds. It's a family. As many friends as I have, I have very few good friends out here - I'd actually suggest that was the truth for both the Redneck and I.
I've been working out a lot again lately - a lot of HIIT for my cardio, which rocks considering I can complete a 40 minute cardio session in 20 minutes (I hate cardio in the gym). Beyond that, I've been weight lifting a lot - it seems to have a greater fat burning impact on my body than those gay little cardio-dance classes. Those just aren't for me. I can't dance around with a rubber band, step plank or a big ball ... I feel like Sponge-Kait-Square-Pants (which is why I'm almost positive I was put on second string for can-can a couple of years ago). I've had a kid, I'm only 5'8".. and I have no formal dance training (unless you count the terrible ballet lessons I went through when I was 6 or 7. Sister-bear got to take JAZZ and I had to go into ballet?! Beyond that, I looked like a little blue hippo in the stupid leotard..) So .. weightlifting it is. I love it - and I've seen amazing results since December - even mitigating the beer I drank every day during the holidays.
I'm not drinking for next 2 quarters in an effort to continue to kick my metabolism's ass - perhaps a glass of wine at Thanksgiving will be my reward. Mmm. Beer. How I miss thee.
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