When Unhappiness Comes Knocking

What do you do when you look in the mirror and all you see id what you used to be not who you are?

What do you do when can't recognize yourself by the things that interest you?
When superficial beliefs and philosophies satisfy you, when before, you searched for a deeper meaning.

What do you do when you're prepared to sacrifice that which you know is right to get what everyone else is hustling for?
When you're prepared to not be that one different person but blend in with the crowd.
What do you do?

What do you do when you're lost in that concrete jungle and because you don't know the way out, you continue walking the way of the zombie, left; right; left; right; left.
What do you do?

What do you do when you wake up in the morning and realize unhappiness is knocking at your front door?

A Look To The Future

It's pretty late right now and I should be sleeping but I managed to open my blog up and glanced to the listing on the left. And it hits me, soon I won't be seeing December 2010 it will be 2011. It is almost one full year since I started this blog. That's pretty exciting!! I mean I haven't gotten quite the response I was hoping for, but I still love my blogs, both of them yes. There are times when I feel like one gets more attention than the other, but then it works out that the other gets attention too later on.

I want to say Thank You to everyone who has supported this venture, those who enjoy reading my blog and follow my activities as well as those who randomly stumble upon it never to look at it again. Thank You to everyone who gives me feedback and say they enjoy reading it.

THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU!

I have plans to have some interesting things in 2011 on the blog. I might have new tabs or not and might just stick to using the labels (e.g. Wonderful, Baking, Money, Green, Opinion...). I am hoping to do more recreational reading, which I have started, and do a book review. I must say from now that this may not end well, but nothing beats a try.

In closing, I would like to wish for everyone a new year filled with true happiness, success, peace, understanding, respect, financial stability and honesty.

Thank You.

Nothing Beats A Try

So I finally started working on being crafty. I haven't made my nephew and/or niece's gifts yet, but I did complete one of my housemates gifts. It was really simple and easy and looks great.

What I used:
* an old/empty tin (I used a hot chocolate tin and a small Tetley tea tin)
* patterned paper of your choice (this is when you can get really creative and use magazine cut outs, old wrapping paper, nice paper from a chocolate, a map or anything that you think will go well with the person's style and taste)
* hot glue gun and glue sticks
* paint (I used black for mine)
* paint brush
* glue and water mixture (one part white glue to one part water)

How I did it:
* I made sure the tins were clean. Rinsed them with water. If you wanted a specific scent I'm sure if you rinse it with the desired scent that would work.
* Using the paint, which I bought at the Dollar Store, paint the tin. I recommend putting two coats just to make sure it's all covered and even.
* Once tins have dried thoroughly, add a line of glue using the glue gun along the edge of the paper (which I should have said earlier was measured to fit the height of the tin) and stick to the tin.
* Fit the paper around the tin making sure that the bottom is lined up (if that is what style you are going for)
* Add a line of glue to the other end of the paper and stick to the tin.
* Finish off with a coat (or two) of the glue and water mixture.
* Let dry thoroughly (a few hours if not days lol) and TA-DA!! There you have it. Your lovely matching tin set :)


Isn't it lovely?! If you're not too sure how it will turn out, I recommend not using the actual paper unless you have enough to spare. You can test drive the method on another tin until you are comfortable with what you're doing. If my instructions suck, I'm sorry...I'm new to this. Maybe the next time I will try to do a video or something...

Please feel free to comment!

Really Now?!

It's flu/cold season here in Canada, and you would think that after the H1N1 scare/threat/epidemic last year people would have developed good habits regarding anything that can transmit these things. Nope. We still have people who cough with their tongues extended out of their mouths instead of covering their cough with their elbow or shirt or something!

It amazes me that university students have to be educated about being clean and staying healthy in that way, or rather not being nasty in my opinion and sharing germs. It surprised me when we were showed how to wash our hands: that you wash the backs of your hands and inbetween your fingers as well. Granted I did not know it should be for 20 seconds but I did know long enough to build a solid lather.

All of this stuff just makes me wonder what do parents teach their children? If you don't show them how to wash their hands properly, or teach them how to sneeze and cough appropriately, what do you teach them?

I like my Caribbean upbringing. If I have children, they're getting it the same way. Now that self is for another post. Coming soon...

What have you read today??

I was listening to the song below and there is a line in the verse that says "read the books your father read" and my initial response was "yow that's a lot of books" but then it hit me, that I am being a stereotypical black person. The saying is "If you want to hide something from a black person, hide it in a book." I don't read enough. Heck, I don't even read the required readings for my courses. So I am going to challenge myself to read, and not tweets or Facebook statuses, but things of actual substance. I complain about Canada messing up my not so extravagant vocabulary. It is my responsibility to ensure that I have not completely destroyed myself and that I am able to have a good conversation with persons of all educational backgrounds. My challenge is to read more.

Enjoy the song =)



Feel free to comment. Thanks.

It's That Time Again

The Christmas season officially began whenever. For me it began as my Saint Lucian tradition has (and should continue) to be on November 23rd, the day after Saint Cecilia's Day. Anyway, everyone loves getting the presents and if you're like me, you adore well wrapped presents. For the past 4 or 5 years I have wrapped all my presents in either newspaper or wrapping paper from previous years or other paper that I am reusing. You think this is so trashy or the present does not look good when wrapped in newspaper but here's my trick to add a little umph to it.

Instead of just using newspaper alone and a bow or some festive ribbon, or even just plain coloured ribbon to the gift. If you want to continue an Earthy recycled theme for the entire gift you can use twine or some organic material instead of the ribbon. Maybe wrap the gift in newspaper, and a few sticks of cinnamon on the top and secure with twine or something like that. Photo taken from http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/wrapping/creative-wrapping-ideas-10000001137821/page4.html.

Another idea I saw was wrapping the gift in fabric. I would suggest if you have left over fabric from some project, use that. To me the options are endless!!

I think this is the time to be frugal and creative. To me there's absolutely nothing wrong with not spending money in getting wrapping paper.

Happy Holidays!

Baron : Christmas Medley

This is by far my favourite track for the Christmas season. For me Christmas begins with Baron's Medley of Christmas songs. They range from your traditional tunes sang worldwide to Caribbean specific tunes. Enjoy.

Joe Boxers

I love well dressed men. It pleasures me to see a man that knows how to dress and carries himself well. I honestly don't have a problem with boxers showing. My thing is how much of the boxer should be showing? The waistband is fine, and maybe 1 inch below that. If I'm seeing half the boxer what the bleep!! You might as well not have pants on! Geez guys. Pull up your pants. I can't even say wear a belt because they wear a belt to hold it up half way down their thighs. Sigh. I can't deal with this. I really can't. It's a good thing the men in my family do not dress like that. I just had to put that out today. What are your views on the matter? Please feel free to share.

Like, I Don't Get It...

Maybe it's my simplistic mentality but why is it necessary for persons and/or organisations to take millions of years pointing fingers and laying blame instead of addressing the real issue? I'm not saying just overlook who is responsible for something, but it seems like it's always a back and forth event of calling names and pointing fingers when all involved can spend less time doing so and more time solving whatever issue it was that is causing the finger pointing. What do you think?

New Years Resolutions

I've never been a fan of having New Years resolutions, but somehow I think this new year I will internally have a few things I want myself to work on.

1. My health: As of recent I have developed a loss in my appetite. I just haven't been craving food as I usually do, and anyone who knows me knows I love food. So my resolution would be to make sure that if not every day at least every week I ate and I eat things I need to eat. Not only starch and dairy but fiber, vegetables, fruits, and drink plenty of water. Drinking water is a bit difficult to do because it's so cold they body doesn't require that much water to cool itself, so I feel thirsty less, but I still need to drink more water. Sometimes days go by and I don't drink water by itself. I might get water fro my food, but to have one glass of water no. Also in the health department - taking multivitamins and cod liver oil and other supplements. A discussion in my Environmental Ethics lecture had me thinking that even if I eat the recommended amounts of everything I probably will still be lacking minerals and vitamins simply because the soils on which our food is being grown has less nutrients in it and hence there are less nutrients in the food itself. So to ensure that at least I will have a little something in me I will take multivits and cod liver oil. And the last thing in regards to health is exercise. Afrobana is done and it seems like my exercise regime is too. I need to continue going to the gym and working out. I think I've plateaued because I saw pictures of myself and thought oh wow my body looks great. So in my mind it's not necessary for me to work out and get a rocking body because I already have one. What I think I'm going to do is get another reason, another motivation. Maybe to tone my body even more. Or to gain strength - do more push ups or whatever. Or for more stamina by doing my cardio. Whatever it is I need to get back into the gym. I noticed a relationship between time spent in the gym and time spent studying/doing homework. The more times per week I worked out the more hours I put into doing school work. And trust me I love that. So I need to get back on that. Now this talk of school has lead me to my second resolution...

2. My academic development: An email from my dad kinda shook me [then again most of them tend to do that lol]. But it was that my love for performing has everyone worried about my academics. Yes this makes me wonder why is it that no one will think maybe I'm aiming to work in the wrong profession instead of worrying about how my academic standing is. I don't want to go much further on that last statement but instead want to say that next semester I am going to continue the hard work and dedication to my academics much further. I know it's going to be tough seeing as I am organising the largest show at my university, but I'm not giving up hope on myself. Where there's a will there's a way, right? I believe that combined with the gym I shall be rather satisfied with the level of work I shall put out. I have faith in my abilities to work. Most of the time I don't feel like I have anything to prove to anyone lol. Oh well. Make myself happy and everyone else around me will be happy too.

3. I just thought I'd add this lol...enjoy life. I want to not be afraid of doing what I want, especially if it doesn't hurt anyone else or any other creature/non-human. Do what I want to do.

Yea so my New Years resolutions: Take care of myself. Handle my business. Live life to the fullest.

Love Rain - Jill Scott && Mos Def

Gaga in Jamaica

I suffer from Delayed Reaction Syndrome, which means I'm slow lol. It isn't as far as I know, a real illness, just saying.

Am I the only one who noticed that Spice is wearing those cigarette glasses Lady Gaga is wearing in her Telephone video? Here's a picture of Gaga with the glasses

Total Confusion

I am really wondering what the bleep is wrong with me? I've been feeling so out of it lately. Like I just sit around, blink a lot, breathe when necessary...feel semi-useless. I really don't know how I got into this low point. I'm not really eating, I'm sick; somethings bothering me but I don't know what it is. I need to find out what it is and snap out of this thing really soon before it's too late.

Afrobana 2010

Afrobana 2010 was simply amazing. For those of you who may not know what it is I shall explain. Afrobana is the Trent African and Caribbean Student Association's way of celebrating the cultures of Africa and the Caribbean through the performing arts. This year's theme was "Carisafari" and the storyline was a couple got married. The husband is from Africa and the wife is from the Caribbean. They were trying to decide where to go for their honeymoon. Obviously the wife wants the Caribbean, and the husband wants Africa. So through the show they try to decide then finally the husband presents to his wife two tickets - one to Africa and one to the Caribbean.

Performing in this show was amazing. All the acts were on point and were just fabulous!! Kudos to the organiser of the show - Ashni Ramsammy. She did an amazing job and I tip my hat to you Ashni.

I was going to blog about those people who always have criticisms to give no matter what is done. They walk around like they're untouchable and on a cloud, but I began typing and said no. I'm not going to taint this post with that kind of negativity. You can't please everyone. And some people will never be pleased. So to those I shall tactfully type oh well, (if you know me you know I'm gonna be saying something quite different). Regardless of the minority, the show was beyond a great huge success!!

I'm so proud of everyone who performed and killed it!

Simple Reminders

Sometimes we just need a reminder, whether it's from your body or from someone else, take time to rest. Take time to relax. Take time for yourself. Spend some time alone.

India.Arie

I joined Twitter, as I've said in a previous post, and I'm really enjoying it. I know people usually join and follow "stars" and what not. I decided okay let's search India.Arie, who is my most favourite artist in the world. Sure enough I found her, and I'm following her. She has a link on her Twitter page to her website, so of course I click and peruse it.

I just love this woman. She is brilliant. She is wonderful. She has helped me become the woman I am right now. I'm not one of those "omg im ur biggest fan" kinda person who knows her date of birth and all other information about her. To me that doesn't make you a biggest fan...it makes you the biggest creeper or stalker. Being a fan in my mind is loving and appreciating what the artist produces. There's nothing saying you must love everything s/he produces, but the message in the music, the dance, the poetry, the art form, must be in sync with you. Idk. Maybe I'm just crazy, or maybe not.

In any case, I Love India.Arie as an artist.

Tweet Tweet!!

Yup...I joined Twitter. There is no real reason for joining apart from there are some times I don't want to change my Facebook status but I want to share something. We will see how that goes lol. Maybe when I get my Blackberry up and running again it will be more beneficial. Oh well.

Have a great day! Tweet Tweet!!

Be Prepared!

Today a hurricane hit my country. I am thousands of miles away and not being with my family or friends is making me anxious. I am hoping that all my family members and friends were wise enough to be prepared. Saint Lucians have a history of taking hurricane watches very lightly because of odd diversions that have happened in the past. Better safe than sorry. Some times it's not even the big hurricanes that cause the most damage. It's the tiny tropical storm, case in point Tropical Storm Debbie. One can't be too prepared for something like this, and one should hope for the best but prepare for the worst.

Here are a few hurricane tips that I hope my loved ones did and for the next storm that may be rolling your way:

1. Secure all important documents in a water proof container. This includes passports, birth, death, wedding, divorce, graduation, etc. certificates, photos, letters, cards, anything that may get destroyed by water damage.

2. Have a hurricane disaster kit. This kit should include canned foods, drinking water, medication anyone in the family uses, first aid supplies, and batteries.

3. Listen to official weather advisories. Don't listen to he say she say. I heard it not coming our way. I heard it not going to do anything. If the country is on a hurricane watch, know what that means. If it's under a hurricane warning, know what that means. Better safe and prepared than sorry.

4. Have an emergency plan for your family and your pets. Many people have died trying to save animals/livestock and even other people. Know your nearest emergency shelter. Have a back up place to meet. Make sure everyone in the family knows this as well, especially younger children. It's a good practice not only for a hurricane but for everything that your children know your full name, not mommy or daddy, your home telephone number, your cellphone and/or work telephone number and your home address (or how to get home if you live somewhere like Saint Lucia that doesn't have house numbers lol). In case of accidental separation or something of that sort, you or any member of your family can possibly go to the police station or fire station or somewhere safe and give the relevant authorities some sort of contact information to get in touch with you.

5. Stay calm. I understand that this may be difficult in an emergency, but it is important that you stay calm and you keep everyone around you as calm as possible. There's a difference between being scared and panicking.

There are other tips available, and I'm sure various weather authorities and even government authority or emergency authorities will remind people of in times like these. It's the hurricane season. Be prepared!

A Dance with the Tastebuds

So things did not work out the way I wanted them to. I was going to host a lunch for a few friends this week and I was going to bake my very first cheesecake. It was going to be a lovely white chocolate cheesecake, because yes, I have to add a little extra umph to the challenge of baking. But as I said earlier, things did not work out the way I planned and my lunch had to be sacked as well as my cheesecake. I have however, decided to bake cookies once again. This time I am going to an inverted chocolate chip cookie...well that's what the description said, or something like that. Here is the recipe and instructions taken from http://allrecipes.com//Recipe/white-chocolate-chocolate-cookies/Detail.aspx?washelp=1&rid=281093#281093

Ingredients

* 1 cup unsalted butter
* 1 cup white sugar
* 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
* 2 eggs
* 1 1/4 cups unsweetened cocoa powder
* 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
* 2 teaspoons baking soda
* 2 cups white chocolate chips

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease cookie sheets.

2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter, brown sugar and white sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time, beating well with each addition. Combine the cocoa, flour, and baking soda, gradually stir into the creamed mixture. Finally, fold in white chocolate chips. Drop by rounded spoonfuls onto the prepared cookie sheets.

3. Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, until puffy but still soft. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely.

[Pictures coming soon]


Give them a whirl and let me know how it went!

Maxwell - This Woman's Work

There is just something amazing about this song. Like my spirit connects with it and wants to be free to dance with the spirit of the song. I hear it and I crave movement, expression, passion, art. Enjoy.

Waste Not Want Not

Ok peeps. It's the end of October and yup you guessed it...It's Halloween time. For those of you who celebrate/commemorate Halloween and do the whole pumpkin carving I found this cool recipe for a pumpkin facial mask that you can use with your pumpkin's gut. Reduce your waste and look good while doing it - now that sounds like a great deal to me. This stuff was taken from http://www.care2.com/greenliving/pumpkin-treats-for-your-skin.html. and the picture from http://www.bharatstudent.com/ng7uvideo/bs/girls/girlsonly/232_p23.jpg The two that I want to share with you are:

Pumpkin Facial Mask
2 teaspoons cooked or canned pumpkin
1/2 teaspoon honey
1/4 teaspoon milk (or whipping cream, if your skin is very dry)

1. Combine ingredients and apply to a clean face with gentle circular motions, avoiding the area around your eyes.

2. Allow mask to remain on skin for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water, pat dry, and apply your usual moisturizer.

Pumpkin, Sugar, and Spice Scrub
1/2 cup cooked or canned pumpkin, pureed
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Combine ingredients in a bowl.

2. Stand in a tub or shower stall and use a damp washcloth to scoop some of the mixture up. Apply to body, starting with your feet and working your way up, but avoiding your face. Scrub gently using circular motions.

3. Rinse with warm water and pat dry

So yes, and I'm sure after doing these you won't need to apply perfume. You will have this awesome scent of pumpkin and spice. How delicious :D

Green Tip of the Day

You've heard it many many times before, I'm sure: turn off your computer at night. So here's the challenge. Keep your television, DVD player, stereo/radio, VHS player and other electronics on a power chord or power strip. At the end of the day, when you're making sure the house is locked up, turn the power strip off and even unplug it. The same in your home office or bedroom. Keep your personal computer, printer, radio/stereo and other electronics you may have on a power strip and turn the strip off at night. Not only will you be saving electricity and saving money, you will also be helping your appliances have a longer life span.

Happy Turning Off!!

Professionalism (part 1)

Maybe I'm just a stick in the mud, but I believe in a high level of professionalism in many things that we do.

One may think "Oh this is just a simple meeting held by students, there's no need to be professional." Uhhh nooo. I'm sorry you did not get the memo, but yes, there still is a need to be professional. As a university student, correct me if I am wrong, you are preparing yourself for the workplace and the world. It is here that one must inculcate good practices in oneself to bring to the workplace.

Growing up in the Caribbean I heard "There's a time and place for everything" so many times that it has become a part of who I am. I love to laugh and give and receive good hearty jokes, but in the middle of a meeting when people are trying to discussion issues and make progress? I'll pass. People are extremely busy and time belongs to no one. Hence, I shall not want to waste the borrowed time of someone else, nor do I want my borrowed time to be wasted.

Now, I must add that not every meeting requires a high level of professionalism. Professionalism varies and can be gauged depending on the physical setting, and the purpose of the meeting among other factors. One must use his/her discretion to decide what level and type of professionalism is needed.

So, the next time you're at a meeting, think before you speak.

Nice Bod ;-)

Winter is coming and people may be tempted to pack on the pounds for insulation. I'm trying not to, and keep fit and in shape even during the winter.

I am also noticing that the exercises I have been doing at the gym and at home are starting to pay off and my body is changing. At this point, I stopped and 1. admired, 2. assessed the change and 3. decide the next step of action. I don't really want to have a 6 pack for my abs, as opposed to just wanting a flat stomach. I also don't want my arms to be big and buff like a guy's arm, I just want a little bit of definition. So, with this said, I am going to change my routine a little and do more cardio and less weights. I am also going to try more exercises using the exercise balls as well.

For the cardio, since I go to the gym with my friends, I am going to develop a session like a dance class with soca music, which we know if you just ordinarily dance to it is a workout. So that's covered.

The exercise ball exercises are what I want to share with you. Just 5 exercises that work well (for me).

Number One: Crunches
Sit on the ball then slide down (moving your feet as you go) til your lower back is supported by the ball. Do ten normal crunches (straight up) and then ten to each side (diagonal if you may).

Number Two: Reverse Crunches with the Exercise Ball

Lie on the floor and place your feet on top of the ball. Use your heels to squeeze the ball against your thighs. Exhale and curl your pelvis towards your chest and left the ball off the floor. Slowly return to the starting position.

Perform 8-15 repetitions.

Number Three: Exercise Ball (Swiss Ball) Exchange between the Hands and Feet

Lie on your back with the exercise ball in your hands and your arms and legs outstretched. Exhale and lift your arms and legs until they meet in the center. Exchange the ball from your arms to your legs and then open your body so that your arms go overhead and your legs lower towards the ground. Reverse directions and take the ball from your legs.

Repeat 8-15 repetitions

Number Four: Exercise Ball Side Rolls for the Oblique Muscles

Lie on your back with your feet on the ball. Use your heels to brace the ball against your thighs. Lift the ball off the floor, and while keeping the ball lifted, slowly lower your knees to the side.

Perform 8-10 repetitions on each side.

Number Five: Plank Pike-Up (This is a real challenge!)
Lie on top of the ball with your shins on it and your palms on the floor under your shoulders. Now use your abs and legs, rolling the ball to your middle, lifting your hips and keeping your head down between your arms. (Your body should be in an inverted "V" shape.) Hold here for 1 count and then roll back to the start.

Perform 8-15 reps. Be sure to pull your abs in and keep your head even with your spine as you move in and out of the "V".

Advance Notice

Hi everyone,

I know I've been lagging in the posts, but let me tell you that it's just the beginning. Things are beginning to get hectic now and I'm not sure if I will be able to update the blog as often as before.

Rest assured, I will not let my blog fall by the wayside. I shall be updating it as often as time, my work load and stress level permit me too, as well as inspiration :)

Keep working hard, living, loving and learning even harder. And drink plenty water while doing so lol.

Help! I'm So Disorganised!!

I have searched and searched and searched for tips on how to be organised because I know that I HAVE to be this academic year. I have way too much on my plate for me not to be organised. Here are a few tips that I have compiled that I think will work for me. The post acts as a reminder for me also as to what I can do if I feel like I'm falling off the barrel.

1. Separate bras and undies with drawer dividers. Home and lifestyle editor Wendy Manwarren uses velvet dividers ($8 for six; organize.com) to sort her lingerie into sections according to type (bras, undies, and camisoles) and function (everyday garments stay up front; strapless bras are tucked in the back).

2. Once or twice a year, host a shop-my-castoffs party. Turn on the tunes, open a bottle of wine, and let friends take what they like — from purses and baubles to frocks and shoes.

3. Get a clutter buddy. "You're a better editor with someone else's stuff," says stylist Christine Cameron, of mystylepill.com, who regularly helps one friend clean out her closet. "I insist she let go of that when-I-lose-five-pounds skirt, and she reminds me that a girl doesn't need 10 pairs of black pants."

4. Dangle necklaces and baubles from pushpins on fabric-covered bulletin boards, as REDBOOK editor-in-chief Stacy Morrison did here. She hung boards on a wall between two windows and now can always find the perfect accessory. (When the curtains are in place, the treasures are out of sight.)

5. Paint-Can Cubbies

Don't let your desktop disappear under piles of paperwork. Inexpensive, unused cans can be purchased at paint stores; lined up on a shelf and anchored in place with Velcro, they become organizing cubbyholes with a modern flair. Assign cans as storage spaces for bills, catalogs, and personal mail, or one for each member of the family. Label the shelf beneath to make sorting easy.

Tools and Materials

Paint cans, without handles
Self-adhesive Velcro strips
Scissors
Labels

Paint Can Cubbies How-To

Line up as many cans as will fit on the shelf. Working from one end of the row, attach them one by one: Cut Velcro strips slightly shorter than the length of the cans. Peel backing from one side and apply strip to a can; remove backing from other side and affix to shelf in desired spot. Center and adhere labels to front edge of shelf beneath cans.

6. Categorize your clothes by purpose, such as work, casual, and formal.

Those are just a few to get you creative and clutter free. Try them out and let me know what works for you, or suggest things that you do that keeps your life clutter free and organised to the T :)

The Dance With The Pap

A friend recently told me she had her first pap smear and at first she was petrified but it turned out a lot less worrisome as she thought. Having had my own done some time a back, I figured I would share some things that my doctor did that helped to make the experience easier.

1. Be calm and relax. Yes it's true that the doctor is sticking a metal machine that open your vaginal walls, but really, if you're having sex a penis does the same...maybe not to the same width but it's a flexible muscle :P
2. Ask your doctor to keep simple conversation with you, to help you not think about what s/he is doing.
3. Ask the doctor to run the instrument (who's name I can't remember) under some warm water.
4. Breath in when the doctor is inserting the instrument and exhale when it is being removed. You can ask your doctor to give you a heads up when s/he is doing it.

Some tips from online about things not to do 2 days before having a pap smear done:
*douching
*using tampons (on that note, you won't get a pap smear done while on your period and you should give yourself a little break before you get the pap smear done if your period just ended)
*using vaginal creams, suppositories, and medicines
*using vaginal deodorant sprays and powders
*having sex.

It's your health and it is your doctor. If you're gonna be paying so much money you might as well get your moneys worth with quality service not only with medical advice but personality and interpersonal skills. Pap smears aren't that bad...jussayin

The Shuttlecock Gets Technical

Okay my lovelies, today is Friday and yes I did go to my badminton session :) T'was a lot of fun although I did not really play any matches. Was more of a practice at hitting lol. My two rules for today have to deal with the court.

This may be a little difficult for me to explain but I will try. So when serving, not only do you serve to the opposite side of the court, you must also serve into the smaller rectangle. After the service the shuttlecock can go anywhere within the larger rectangle.

I hope that's right lol. And those are my badminton rules of the week :)

Side note: I finally went back to the gym to exercise and let me tell you it felt great! I shall be continuing this and getting my body back to the way I like it. Gotta love it!!

The Real Colour of Green

I am glad I am at school. I am glad that I have chosen Environmental and Resource Science as my degree. If I had not chosen this I would not be able to make the following statement:

The first change we, as people, need to make to stop environmental degradation, to stop or make a positive impact on climate change is to stop being consumers. Consumerism governs our lives. Stop and think "Do I need this?" "Why?" "Can I live without this?" We buy and we buy and we buy, and the media makes us believe that by buying some more we are going to save the planet. No. Stop buying for a moment and see what happens.

So from this day on I am going to try my best to truly live the life I believe in. Live to reduce my waste, buy when necessary, and as my mother has raised me - make do with what I have. I believe this will definitely encourage me to be frugal, thrifty and creative. Hmmm should lead to an interesting turn on my blog The Spotted Fashionista. Anywhos. I urge you to make the change too. It's going to be difficult, yes, I don't doubt it. But it will be worth it.

Junior Kelly Smile

I just needed to hear this song. Haven't heard it in years. Smile folks. Smile :)

Going Back To Our Roots?

I understand that not everyone has a "green thumb." My mother pretty much hates dirt. Does not like to be in it, plant, garden or anything of that sort. I, on the other hand, love it! Love getting my hands in there and watching the wonders of the tiny as they hustle and bustle about their business.

I'm taking this course called Waste Management and I'm required to do a research project. Having my little green thumb I have decided (once my profs give me the thumbs up...I'm just using a lot of thumb references tonight lol) to do my project on composting and creating a composting model for secondary schools with agricultural programmes, back in St. Lucia of course. It's due next semester but I really want to try and get everything done ahead of time or at least started as soon as possible. I shall share with you some information about composting as I get it and maybe, you too can get into the groove and use your food and other materials to the fullest.

100!!

I'm super happy to have made it to my hundredth post :D woohooo. Pop some champagne, or if you're like me and don't really like champagne, some wine, or just grab a drink and let's toast to this monumental occasion. I have been thinking about this hundredth post for some time and I've decided to do two things: first, is to thank every one who has ever read my blog especially those who have commented. I really appreciate it. And secondly I want to go through my blog and pick out my favourite pieces. Now favourite does not always mean it's nice and happy, I know I have some deeply opinionated pieces in the blog and I can assure you that at least one is going to make the cut. I'm going to link them so you can read this post and click on them to read them if they sound interesting enough, or you haven't read them as yet.

They are in no special order, just randomly picking while going through the blog.

http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/05/7-ways-to-jump-start-your-savings.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/05/religion-vs-spirituality.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/06/inspirational-quote.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/07/red-sunrise.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/08/all-men-are-dogs.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/08/whos-really-in-control.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/09/be-change-you-wish-to-see-in-world.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/09/things-that-humour-me.html
http://empress-v.blogspot.com/2010/09/where-is-love.html

I hope you enjoy and feel free to comment on any one of them. Thanks for reading pieces of the works of my mind, heart and soul :)

Dancing with Frustration

I am dancing with my life and we're stepping on each others toes. I feel so lost and confused right now and I'm not even sure why. I just feel so out of it. I'm trying to clean my room because I'm frustrated with it being dirty and I feel stuck. I have no space to put my clothes away. Where am I going to put them? What should I do? I just feel out of it. Then I decide okay, I'm going to leave the room and try doing some school work. Try reading, my eyes can't even focus to see the words on the screen. Scrap that. Next option is working on a lab. I'm trying source articles related to the lab and I'm totally lost. Not even sure I know what I'm supposed to be looking for in the lab or anything. I am confused, lost, sad, in a daze, just totally out of it. Sigh. I hope I get over this soon. I really want to get back to being myself, and a good student.

Nomadic Massive @ Trent!

I must say I'm not one to go to concerts or things of that sort at the school; well it depends on what the concert is about to be honest. Anywhos. I'm involved with the World Affairs Colloquium at Trent and our first event was hosting a workshop with some of the members of the band Nomadic Massive.

Now if you haven't heard of them, google and youtube them lol. They are a group based in Montreal and they promote social justice through hip hop. Say word...word! lol. The workshop wasn't as interactive as probably the members would have liked and possibly the audience as well, but that was because of time constraints. I swear they needed to come for about 5 hours or so. It was quite interesting and refreshing to listen to people talk about real life and the real side of hip hop. It's refreshing and inspiring to hear someone say the same thing you've been thinking even though it's related to a different topic. One of the band members, Meduza, said something which I totally agree with and find that Saint Lucians are not doing. There is a vast difference in just sitting and complaining about what is going on and the situation you're in as compared to acknowledging it and moving forward from there. The stories of the work that each member does, how they came together and their very own upbringing is truly amazing and worthy of the hours spent with them. Friendships have possibly been formed through this interaction.

This workshop and concert has reminded me that I should not be living to merely get by or to satisfy the beliefs and desires of others, but to use this life I have to bring about the change I really want to see in this world. It also reminds me that I have the power and there must be people who share the same passion as I do, so I don't have to do it alone. I urge you to find out more info about Nomadic Massive and what they do. Google them ;)

Be The Change You Wish To See In The World

Nomadic Massive is coming to my university this Friday. The World Affairs Colloquium (WAC) is facilitating this event and I am really excited about it. From what I have heard about Nomadic Massive they use hip hop music to promote and raise awareness about social justice. There is going to be a workshop with some of the members in the afternoon and then a concert in the evening, so not only do you get to listen to their music produced by the band, you also get to meet the band members and find out all the nitty gritty details about why and how they got involved with such a cause.

I think the world needs more of this: more people who are not afraid to speak out and let the world know hey this is what's going on and this is what we can do. I know quite a few people who believe they're rappers and singers and I want to challenge them and you too to let your heard voice or seen movements or expressed emotion to make a difference. If there is an issue that affects you, that really gets you riled up write about it, speak about, sing about, dance about it, paint, sculpt about it. Don't sit in the corner and complain or cry about it. Use the skills and resources you have to raise awareness and make a difference. And if for some reason you don't feel that you can, encourage others to do the same, explore avenues that are already present and get information about a wide array of things.

Challenge yourself to be the change you wish to see in the world. After all, it is yours and you do live in it. It should be what you want it to be.

Badminton: The Dance of the Shuttlecock

Today I went to my first badminton session. I didn't exactly play a match but I get to swing at the shuttlecock. I think I'm going to like this game. I think it's a good thing I signed up to join the badminton team (although I have no intention on playing competitively). I think it' a great way to just relax and free up my mind and not think about school, TISA, or any other thing going on in my life.

So I learned two things this evening about the game:
1. When serving, you serve to the person on the opposite side of the court as you. So if you are standing on the left you serve the person standing on the right.
2. If you have an even score you serve on the right side of the court. If it is odd, obviously, you serve on the left.

I am excited to see how much I can learn this semester :)

There are informative and educational things on the internet

I have found myself wondering what people spend their time doing on the internet, mainly because I spent most of my time on Facebook...not much you can do there really. I was craving something more informative and possibly educational.

I attended a meeting today for the World Affairs Colloquium (WAC) at Trent and the main objective of WAC is to provide a forum by which staff, faculty, students, and possibly even the wider community can come and discuss social issues around the world, but not only isolated to around the world. Local issues can be discussed also. One plan of ours this year is to record the session we have because they provide much needed information on the vast array of topics discussed. The WAC committee spoke about TED.com, which I had heard about in my first year of university during my ERS course and decided today to return to this website and have a look through to see if there was anything that could tickle my fancies. I did come across one video, thus far that I would like to share with you.

Willie Smits restores a rainforest | Video on TED.com

I hope you take some time and visit TED.com. You may find something interesting about a topic you're passionate about.

Circles

I've realised that I have gone around in a circle. Although the intricate details of this circle is different, for example the colour, the width, the speed at which I was traveling to form this circle compared to the previous are different, it's still basically the same circle.

I'm beginning to wonder why do I keep drawing circles as such? Why do I end up in the same situations all the time, even though I believe in my head that I am not going to "make the same mistakes" over again? But they aren't mistakes, they really are lessons. Are these lessons necessary for me to become all the I can be or can I fast forward to the finale where I incorporate and practice these lessons in real life?

I don't want to go into detail about these circles, so I'm just going to let you ponder on what I have said. And if you know me very well, you might be able to decipher what I'm talking about.

Work! Work! Work!

I have entered my third year of university and I must admit that I was not 100% prepared for what I have to do. I was prepared to the extent of knowing that I am going to put my academics first, being committed to my studies, handing assignments on time, attending all lectures, etc. What I was not prepared for was the quantity of work each of my courses have. I feel the pressure but I refuse to get bogged down by it. So what, it's a lot of work, and I have other commitments, I am going to do it and get it done well. I shall keep you posted as to when I start pulling out my locks instead of crying and giving up lol jk.

I am happy with my decision to omit certain activities from my list this year and focus on my academics and vice presidency. I also hope to spend more social time with my housemates and meeting more people. We will see how things work out as time goes by, as I have said before.

Ok, so this is enough dilly dallying...I'm off to be the best student I can be :D

Where is the LOVE?

Raised a Christian I have been taught to "Love my neighbour as myself" however in the world today I see many other Christians doing quite the opposite, creating and promoting hatred to their neighbours of different religious beliefs. Where is the love that I'm sure many religions teach us to have? Why is there such a big hatred for Muslims by Christians in America, and possibly all over the world? There it goes again, I see other Christians doing things that are disgusting and from my understanding of the doctrine, is WRONG!! As a Christian I am expected to LOVE my neighbour even though we are different. Christ himself said "Ye without sin cast the first stone." Yet still we don't even send stones, we send bombs of hatred to persons different from us. God only will judge, but we continue to judge, chastize and discriminate others. Sigh. I think it is beyond a shame. Would it be bad if I say here comes World War III?

You are one, but you are not the only one. Be the change you wish to see in the world, and show some really love to everyone, regardless of their sexual orientation, religious belief, skin colour, or any other form of classification.

Must...Say...NO!

So this year I have decided not to try out for the dance team, because I figured I would not be able to commit. I also decided to cut back on a lot of other activities I wanted to be engaged in...So tell me why on Clubs and Groups Day (which was yesterday) I signed up to learn Mandarin and play Badminton?? This goes alongside me telling the Korean Association that I was determined to learn Korean also, and the fact that I hope to attend at least one event hosted by all the regional groups. Sigh. I need to learn how to say NO! to all these wonderful things and focus on what I can handle. We will see what happens...Who knows, it might not be as bad as I thought it would be :)

...Tick Tock Tick Tock...

As a student, time management is paramount. And a student like me, who is involved in a number of activities including work, studies, and extracurricular activities, I need to be organised and manage my time to the "tee". Here are few tips I have found to help on manage his/her time. I hope they help you as much as they help me.

* Blocks of study time and breaks
As your school term begins and your course schedule is set, develop and plan for, blocks of study time in a typical week. Blocks ideally are around 50 minutes, but perhaps you become restless after only 30 minutes? Some difficult material may require more frequent breaks. Shorten your study blocks if necessary—but don’t forget to return to the task at hand! What you do during your break should give you an opportunity to have a snack, relax, or otherwise refresh or re-energize yourself. For example, place blocks of time when you are most productive: are you a morning person or a night owl?
o Jot down one best time block you can study. How long is it? What makes for a good break for you? Can you control the activity and return to your studies?

* Dedicated study spaces
Determine a place free from distraction (no cell phone or text messaging!) where you can maximize your concentration and be free of the distractions that friends or hobbies can bring! You should also have a back-up space that you can escape to, like the library, departmental study center, even a coffee shop where you can be anonymous. A change of venue may also bring extra resources.
o What is the best study space you can think of? What is another?

* Weekly reviews
Weekly reviews and updates are also an important strategy. Each week, like a Sunday night, review your assignments, your notes, your calendar. Be mindful that as deadlines and exams approach, your weekly routine must adapt to them!
o What is the best time in a week you can review?

* Prioritize your assignments
When studying, get in the habit of beginning with the most difficult subject or task. You’ll be fresh, and have more energy to take them on when you are at your best. For more difficult courses of study, try to be flexible: for example, build in “reaction time” when you can get feedback on assignments before they are due.
o What subject has always caused you problems?

* Achieve “stage one”--get something done!
The Chinese adage of the longest journey starting with a single step has a couple of meanings: First, you launch the project! Second, by starting, you may realize that there are some things you have not planned for in your process. Details of an assignment are not always evident until you begin the assignment. Another adage is that “perfection is the enemy of good”, especially when it prevents you from starting! Given that you build in review, roughly draft your idea and get going! You will have time to edit and develop later.
o What is a first step you can identify for an assignment to get yourself started?

* Postpone unnecessary activities until the work is done!
Postpone tasks or routines that can be put off until your school work is finished! This can be the most difficult challenge of time management. As learners we always meet unexpected opportunities that look appealing, then result in poor performance on a test, on a paper, or in preparation for a task. Distracting activities will be more enjoyable later without the pressure of the test, assignment, etc. hanging over your head. Think in terms of pride of accomplishment. Instead of saying “no” learn to say “later”.
o What is one distraction that causes you to stop studying?

* Identify resources to help you
Are there tutors? An “expert friend”? Have you tried a keyword search on the Internet to get better explanations? Are there specialists in the library that can point you to resources? What about professionals and professional organizations. Using outside resources can save you time and energy, and solve problems.
o Write down three examples for that difficult subject above? Be as specific as possible.

* Use your free time wisely
Think of times when you can study "bits" as when walking, riding the bus, etc. Perhaps you’ve got music to listen to for your course in music appreciation, or drills in language learning? If you are walking or biking to school, when best to listen? Perhaps you are in a line waiting? Perfect for routine tasks like flash cards, or if you can concentrate, to read or review a chapter. The bottom line is to put your time to good use.
o What is one example of applying free time to your studies?

* Review notes and readings just before class
This may prompt a question or two about something you don’t quite understand, to ask about in class, or after. It also demonstrates to your teacher that you are interested and have prepared.
o How would you make time to review? Is there free time you can use?

* Review lecture notes just after class
Then review lecture material immediately after class.
The first 24 hours are critical. Forgetting is greatest within 24 hours without review!
o How would you do this? Is there free time you can use?

Review your ten applications above.
Select one, and develop a new study habit.
Try something you have a good chance of following through and accomplishing. Nothing succeeds like a first successful try!

The Things That Humour Me

Considering those ultra long posts I shared with you yesterday, I thought I'd leave something a lot lighter for your mind to process. My friend Erika and I over the summer texted these crappy but hilarious pick up lines to each other to make each other smile or rather laugh hysterically during the day. Here's one for your laughing pleasure:

"My love is like a diarrhea, I just can't hold it in."

Have a great day!

Sugar and Spice and Everything Nice

To the men who may become slightly uncomfortable by the information shared here, SUCK IT UP!!!. I think men should know about this. What is you have a girlfriend or a wife who needs a second opinion about stuff, or you have a daughter and you're a single father, or your daughter's mother is out of town? Learn about the anatomy that you adore so much.

This information was taken from http://my.clevelandclinic.org/healthy_living/womens_health/hic_vulvar_care.aspx

Many women experience uncomfortable, vaginal infections (vaginitis) at one time or another. The area around the entrance to the vagina (vulva) can also become irritated. Steps can be taken to relieve and prevent vulvar discomfort and vaginal infections.

This document has been prepared to provide you with general tips for maintaining a healthy vulva and vagina. Not all vaginal infections are alike and home treatments can worsen some types. If you have any concerns about your vulvar or vaginal health, or notice unusual changes in vaginal discharge, contact your health care provider if the problem persists.
The vulva and vagina

The vulva is the area of female sex organs that lies outside of the vagina. These organs include folds of sensitive tissue called the "labia" (labia means "lips"). There are two sets of labia. The outermost folds are called the labia majora. A second set of folds, called the labia minora, is enclosed within the labia majora. The vulva also contains the mounded area made by the pubic bone (mons pubis), a small, round organ (clitoris), and the openings of the vagina and urinary canal (urethra). The vagina is the passageway that extends from outside of the body to the uterus (womb).
Vaginal infections and vulvar care

Vaginal infections occur when bacteria, funguses or other organisms grow uncontrolled. Some of these organisms already live in the vagina and are kept at healthy levels by coexisting with other organisms. Infectious organisms can also be introduced into the vagina by improper hygiene or unsafe sex.

The goal of vulvar care is to keep the vulva dry and free from irritants. In this way, you can prevent the vulva from becoming red, swollen and irritated. Because many infections are introduced into the vagina, these tips also provide a basis for good, vaginal care.
Tips for vulvar care

* Use only warm water to wash the vulva. Dry thoroughly with a clean towel. (If the vulva is very irritated, you can try drying it with a blow dryer set on cool.)
* The vagina cleanses itself naturally in the form of normal, vaginal discharge. Avoid using douches unless prescribed by your physician. These products can upset the natural balance of organisms.
* Wear only white, 100 percent cotton underwear. Avoid wearing nylon, acetate, or other manmade fibers.
* Avoid wearing thongs.
* Rinse underclothes carefully after washing. Or, double-rinse.
* Wash new underclothes before wearing.
* Use a mild soap (such as Woolite®) for washing underclothes. Do not use detergents (especially Tide) or fabric softeners (including dryer sheets.)
* Use soft toilet tissue (white only).
* Use tampons instead of sanitary napkins to control menstrual bleeding. (Do not use deodorant tampons.) Do not leave tampons in for a long period, due to toxic shock syndrome. Do not leave tampons in all night.
* Take Aveeno® sitz baths daily, if prescribed by your health care provider.
* Don't scratch.
* Avoid wearing nylon pantyhose or panty girdles. They trap heat and moisture, providing an ideal breeding environment for organisms. When nylons or leggings are required, wear cotton or nylons with a cotton panty.
* Avoid these feminine hygiene products, which can irritate the vulva: sanitary pads, feminine spray and deodorants, Vaseline®, oils, greases, bubble baths, bath oils, talc, or powder.

Over-the-counter products for vaginal lubrication

Vaginal moisturizers:

* Replens® (Warner Wellcome) - Using applicator, apply three times a week at bedtime to maintain normal vaginal moisture.
* Gyne-Moistrin® (Schering-Plough)

For use during intercourse:

* Astroglide® (Astro-Lube, Inc.)
* Lubrin® Vaginal Suppository (Upsher-Smith Laboratories, Inc.) - Developed for postmenopausal women
* Condom-Mate® Vaginal Suppository (Upsher-Smith)— Developed for use with condoms; same as Lubrin®, but smaller.
* Today® Personal Lubricant (Made by manufacturers of the Today® Sponge)
* K-Y Jelly® (Johnson and Johnson)

Petroleum-based lotions (such as Vaseline®) are not recommended. They may cause irritation and yeast infections and can weaken condoms to the point of breaking.

Pigs and Snails and Puppy Dog Tails

So how can I forget my male readers. I'm checking for both of you. And women, educate yourself. Know what it's suppose to look like, know what looks weird and even smells weird. Pay attention. Keep the light on (lol but seriously).

This information is taken from http://ca.askmen.com/sports/health_150/186b_mens_health.html. I recommend going to the actual websites, therefor you can get even more information and linked sites.

The penis is easily a man’s most guarded and revered appendage. As such, the penis commands a level of care and respect. We're all familiar with the importance of wearing condoms in certain situations, but proper penis health care certainly doesn't end there. Let’s review some tips on proper care that will keep you -- and your unit -- rising happily each morning.
regular maintenance
Grooming
For many men, genital grooming is a simple part of their penis health care routine, while for others it may be nothing more than a part-time annoyance. Keeping genitals hairless does have its benefits, but there are still definite pitfalls to both shaving and waxing that might not be immediately apparent:

Pros

* Improves cleanliness/reduces moisture
* Inviting/sexually stimulating
* Can increase sensitivity during sex
* Facilitates skin examination
* Can be a fun partner experience
* Makes you look bigger

Cons

* Tedious
* Painful (waxing)
* Expensive (waxing)
* Can cause irritation
* Can cause new or spread existing infection

Some women find a polished, manscaped man erotic and even the act of shaving can be incorporated into foreplay -- with the right gal, of course. You should know, however, that both shaving and waxing can cause irritation or folliculitis, and can spread viral infections, such as genital herpes or molloscum contagiosum. Even nasty bacterial infections, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, have been linked to the use of razors, more specifically, the sharing of razors among sports participants (guys, sometimes sharing is bad). All of this contradicts good penis health care.

If you wish to avoid shaving or waxing, a simple trim with an electric razor is always a safe bet. If you choose to groom, however, which weapons should you choose? You’re probably best off using a simple razor with mild shaving cream or soap followed by a mild moisturizing aftershave lotion or warm salt water. Avoid chemical removal techniques and electric razors if you're opting to take it all off, as with both you risk wreaking havoc on your scrotum. Lastly, you may choose to wax. Wait… what? There’s no need to feel ashamed of a little waxing as part of your penis health care, just know that it can be expensive and painful.
Washing
Your member is a sensitive organ, a point that should always be kept in mind. For some odd reason, many men feel the need to vigorously scrub their units with powerful soaps or disinfectants to keep clean. Guys, simple washing with warm water and, if necessary, a mild soap or non-soap cleanser (such as sorbolene or glycerine cream) is more than satisfactory. Uncircumcised men should slide the foreskin back and wash the head of the exposed penis simply with warm water, not soap. Then, be sure to dry the area very well.

Both infrequent and too-frequent washing have been associated with balanitis (an inflammation of the penis or head). If you do notice irritation, avoid scented soaps or shower gels and try warm salt water instead. New clothes or even new laundry detergents can also cause irritation. If irritation persists, see a doctor.

self-examination
Particularly when sexually active, men should regularly perform genital self-examination to identify testicular cancer or any sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that present themselves visibly. How regularly? Well, there is no golden rule, but once a month should be satisfactory.

For testicular cancer, the American Cancer Society recommends the following:

Once a month, after taking a bath or shower:

* Examine each testicle individually.
* With both hands, hold the testicle between your thumbs and fingers and roll it gently.
* Be on the alert for any hard lumps or nodules (smooth rounded masses) or any change in the size, shape or consistency of your testes.
* Do not mistake the epididymis (a tightly coiled tube on the upper, outer side of each testicle) or the blood vessels and spermatic cord that extend from the testicles as being cancer.

Not only is regular testicular examination a good way to catch testicular cancer early, but it also provides an opportunity to examine the penis and testicles for signs of an STI.
red flags
There are many red flags for STIs. Be vigorous in your self-examinations and know that certain STIs, such as chlamydia, can be completely asymptomatic -- meaning that you may show absolutely no identifiable signs or symptoms of infection. In such cases, it’s important that you keep an open channel of communication with your sexual partners. If your partner develops an STI, there may be a chance that you gave it to them without knowing.

The American Academy of Family Physicians highlights some of the major signs and symptoms of common STIs that you should be on the lookout for:

* Discharge from the penis: The drip could be thick and yellow or it could be watery and very slight.
* Change in smell (including foul odor) or color of semen.
* Blood in the semen or urine (dark color).
* Pain during sex or when urinating or ejaculating.
* Pain in the pelvic area.
* Chancre sores (painless red sores) on the genital area, anus, tongue, and/or throat.
* Flesh-colored or reddish bumps, sores or blisters on the skin of the genitals that may or may not itch.
* Small blisters that turn into scabs on the genital area.
* Soft, flesh-colored, cauliflower-like warts around the genital area.

In addition, many STIs, particularly viral infections like HIV or herpes, induce symptoms similar to the flu that may serve as early indicators of infection. If you notice a sore throat, swollen glands, fever, or body aches in the weeks following unprotected sex, you may want to consider following up with an STI check just to be sure.

Lastly, don’t panic if you do notice something unusual. Pearly penile papules found around the rim of the head of the penis are no need for alarm. Similarly, pimples or irritation from shaving are normal. If you are unsure, it’s always best to see a doctor first to understand what is and isn’t normal. Waiting is the worst thing you can do. If you are a little bashful, just remember: Every man has a penis! Man up and go see a doctor.

Dancing with Money pt 2.

Before I've been frustrated by money. My lack of it, mismanagement of it; everything to do with money frustrated me, except spending it. Well this confusion has led me to that dark road of debt. It's scary, let me tell you, but even with all the fear that I have I am still going to get through this and learn through my mistakes.

I've already began understanding that I don't need to fear money. Money doesn't control me, I control it. Managing money is the best way to go, not saving all or spending all. Right now I have decided that although a cell phone is a necessity in this day and age, I am unable to sustain one at the moment so I will do without. Yes people will say get a cell phone, but I don't live up to their standards. I make things work for myself. It makes no sense for me to have a cell phone and I can't eat. When I become financially stable and comfortable then I shall opt to get a new plan and be connected with the world.

This dance with money has taken a turn. I am now the leader. Money...follow.

Please, Be Selfish

I love having a blackberry, or any other phone for that matter than can play music aloud. I also love having headphones to listen to my music as I travel on the bus or walk down the road. It is a pet peeve of mine when people pass walking on the road, or are on a bus and they are playing music from their phone for the world to hear. NO! HEADPHONES WERE CREATED FOR SUCH SITUATIONS! Yes, please be selfish and keep your music to yourself. Even if I like the song, it doesn't mean that I want to hear it right now. It's even worse when you're on a bus and the bus is providing music and someone sitting on the bus decides that they don't want to listen to that music and everyone else on the bus must listen to what they want, so they start playing music from their phone while the music on the bus still runs. So as a paying customer of the bus you are forced to listen to a clash of musical notes and lyrics. Just in case you didn't get the memo...Headphones were created for situations like that. Please be selfish and keep you music to yourself. I don't want to hear it.

It's A Baking Double Whammiiii

Time is running out on me so I decided to make my last two sets of cookies together. I owe so many people cookies that it's ridiculous lol. So I'm like those Elf cookie guys...you know the ones I'm talking about. Anyways. Here are are the recipes for the cookies made. Unfortunately, my camera is still down and my blackberry was out for a cleaning, so I was unable to take any photos of the cookies. But they came out well and tasted great. I'm having some friends over to taste 'em. I'll encourage them to go give feedback so you know.

Lemon Cookies
Ingredients
3 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
dash of salt
1 1/2 cups cups sugar
3/4 (6 ounces) butter, room temperatue
1 large egg
1/4 cup lemon juice
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon peel

Preparation:
In a mixing bowl, stir together the flour, baking oda and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together 1 cup of sugar with the butter until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, lemon juice and zest, then gradually blend in the flour mixture. Form the dough into 2 rolls about 2 inches wide and 7 inches long. Wrap the rolls in waxed paper and refridgerate until firm, about an hour.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Unwrap the cookie dough and cut into slices about 1/4-inch thick. Sprinkle slices lightly with remaining sugar and place on an ungreased baking sheet. Bake until lightly browned around the edges, about 12 minutes. Cool the cookies on a rack and store in an airtight container.
Makes about 5 to 6 dozen lemon icebox cookies.

Ginger Cookies
Ingredients
2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons ground ginger
1 teaspoon baking soda
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup margarine, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
1 tablespoon water
1/4 cup molasses
2 tablespoons white sugar

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Sift together the flour, ginger, baking soda, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Set aside.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the margarine and 1 cup sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg, then stir in the water and molasses. Gradually stir the sifted ingredients into the molasses mixture. Shape dough into walnut sized balls, and roll them in the remaining 2 tablespoons of sugar. Place the cookies 2 inches apart onto an ungreased cookie sheet, and flatten slightly.
3.Bake for 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven. Allow cookies to cool on baking sheet for 5 minutes before removing to a wire rack to cool completely. Store in an airtight container.

Anoushka Shankar & Norah Jones - Easy

This Is How The World Works (pt 1)

I've trying to think how do I do this post for some time, but somehow the things I wanted to say weren't really gelling together. I think I've finally discovered how I want to express my opinion on how the world works.

Maybe I should be more specific and say by the world I mean North America...or maybe it's just America. I was watching television and the Chef Boyardee ad comes on; you know the one with the mom who is on time out because she almost told the childern that there's a full serving of vegetables in the Chef Boyardee, and I get upset. Why is it so wrong to tell your children that what they are eating is good for them? I guess it's the same way there isn't firm enough discipline to make the children eat their vegetables and other foods that are healthy and good for them. Instead you (the parents) lie and deceive your children, raising them to not eat properly but instead take dietary suppliments like Pediasure. When these children get older now, they are trained to make poor dietary decisions, get obese, get heart disease, have high cholesterol and then they hate their bodies because it is not what they see in the magazines, on tv, or even what it should be so says their doctor. So they diet to lose weight but they take diet pills and diet drinks and diet plans like Jenny Craig and the South Beacch Diet. It's a cycle. Or maybe just a straight obvious line and people don't like straight lines.

This is how I see it: I am a parent. I have a child. My child shall eat properly, with me leading by example. There is nothing wrong with having a snack. There is nothing wrong with having a chocolate or a sweet (or candy as others say), but you eat in moderation. I teach my children that snacking is ok and I can snack on healthy foods too. Along with eating fish, greens and other vegetables, dairy, fibre etc. I take care of by body by being active. Run around and play games with the children. Have a garden and do gardening or housework or something as simple as dancing in our living room. I show my children that the one and only body I have is the one and only body I will take care of. No correction, only good habits from the beginning. After that if my child/children get obese later in life that will be their responsibility but as a parent I would know that I have brought up that child to be healthy.

This is my opinion and if you don't like it...don't read it.

Lie By Omission

I am having some relationship problems with my parents this summer for some, possibly not so odd, reason. I was walking down the hill today to go home and the thought of me always considering what to tell my parents when I get home popped in my head. Do I say a lie or do I say nothing at all? Then the words "lie by omission" came to mind. I decided to really check out what that means, beacuse I remember hearing about it from church lol.

According to Wikipedia, the definition is as follows: "One lies by omission by omitting an important fact, deliberately leaving another person with a misconception. Lying by omission includes failures to correct pre-existing misconceptions. An example is when the seller of a car declares it has been serviced regularly but does not tell that a fault was reported at the last service. Propaganda is an example of lying by omission". With this information I ask myself again, am I still lying to my parents when I don't say exactly where I am going and/or what I am going to do?

What do you think? Let me know. Leave your comments below :)

India Arie-Strength,Courage,& Wisdom

There is no other person in the world who has ever had this title. Jason Mraz came really close, but he's just a bit shy. India Arie is my all time FAVOURITE artiste. Nothing beats India to pick up my spirit and my soul.

Sugar Cookie Party!!

I'm definitely on a roll people. First I made bakes, now I'm baking cookies!!! I don't want to discourage myself, so I'm starting off really simple and easy. I'm making Sugar Cookies. Recipe taken from

Ingredients
2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1 cup butter, softened
1 1/2 cups white sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). In a small bowl, stir together flour, baking soda, and baking powder. Set aside.
2.In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until smooth. Beat in egg and vanilla. Gradually blend in the dry ingredients. Roll rounded teaspoonfuls of dough into balls, and place onto ungreased cookie sheets.
3.Bake 8 to 10 minutes in the preheated oven, or until golden. Let stand on cookie sheet two minutes before removing to cool on wire racks.




Sooo I've got a bit more practice to do with the baking, but I won't stop practicing :)

Yeast! Flour! Sugar!

Guess what people, I'm finally back in the kitchen and back cooking. I've learnt from an awesome university course that people should eat their power foods. Power foods are those foods that basically go with your body and have been in your culture for millenia. I study in Canada, but I'm born and bred in the sweet Helene of the West, St. Lucia. The moment I get to eat anything remotely similar to what I eat at home, it lifts my spirit and I feel awesome. So I'm trying to learn how to do a few things that are from home, and possibly, most likely actually, from other Caribbean Islands.

Today I'm going to make bakes. From my discussions is basically a fried bread mixture. I've also decided that I'm going to do it the "real Lucian way" and not use any measurements. I enjoy cooking that way. It makes me feel like I know what I'm doing...although half the times I don't hahahaha.

So here is what I do.
Add flour, baking powder, a little salt and some yeast to a bowl.

In a cup add sugar and dissolve with water.
Pour sugar solution into bowl and fold with spoon until dough is formed. If a bit runny, add more flour. It's easier to add more flour if it's not right (that's what I was told)
Add as much flour is needed to make the dough...doughy lol.
Let sit for a few minutes.

Knead dough.
Roll dough out into a long snake, about an incha nd a half thick and cut sections off about an inch wide.
Take the each cut part (individually) and roll it into a ball, then using a floured rolling pin roll it out to a thickness of one centimeter(ish).


To fry bakes: Add some oil to a pan, with burner on high. WHen oil heats up turn burner down to medium heat. Place a few bakes in the oil. You want them to be a golden brown colour or a little lighter, or darker depending on your taste. When ready and both sides have been cooked, remove from oil and dry on paper towel or cardboard or something to soak up the extra oil. I was told butter cannot be used in place of oil. It won't work.

Ooops...I forgot to turn down the fire lol. But they tasted good for my first try on my own :)

To make roast bakes: Use a dry frying pan, non-stick might be the best but if you don't have a non-stick just add a little flour to the pan. Place the bakes in the pan and let them cook lol. They should rise a little and start turning a bit brown. It may not be perfectly leveled so the entire thing may not start changing colour so you have to be careful. You don't want it brown brown, you want it more white with brown. Cook on both sides. Remove when done.

If you want to jazz up your bake as you take it out, cut it open and slip some cheese in there. Be careful because it will be hot. Mmmm mmmm mmmmm tastes sooo goood. Yummy.

Give it a try and let me know how it goes for you :) Happy cooking!

Traditional Food Remedies

It's not a science to stay healthy. Treating yourself with love and respect is all you need. If you truly love and respect yourself, you will eat right and exercise/take care of your body. Eating right means eating your power foods, eating healthy foods prepared in healthy way and eating appropriate amounts of foods. Exercise is simple. You don't have to do sit ups or push ups to exercise; walk if you can instead of driving or emailing someone, cleaning your house and it's environs (I swear that's exercise, at least when I do it), playing with your children or pets for example all constitute great, easy ways to keep active. Don't just work work work, have time to play also.

My dad has this book entitled "The Top 100 Traditional Remedies: Home Remedies for Health and Well Being." I wanted to share a few with you to help you naturally boost your immune system and make positive change in your life.

Grapefruit
Originatin in Jamaica in 1814, grapefruit shares with other citrus fruits a high level of vitamin C and plenty potassium.
Properties/Actions: boots immunity, lowers cholesterol and supports digestion.
Parts used: whole fruit, peeled.

Chickpea
Chickpeas are grown from the equatorial tropics to the temperate northern latitues of Russia, and are among the most nutritious of pulses.
Properties/Actions: mimics oestrogen, antiseptic, diuretic.
Parts used: whole pulse

Oats
Oats are highly nutritious and are a traditional rememdy for soothing nervous conditions and aiding digestive complaints.
Properties/Actions: nerve tonic, eases digestive problems, anti-depressant, prevents heart disease, anti-spasmodic, emollient.
Parts used: whole grain

Rosemary
A potent, stimulating herb, rosemary is an old-fashioned rememdy for everything from colds and colic, to nervousness and eczema.
Properties/Actions: astringent, anti-spasmodic, invigorating, nervine.
Parts used: leaves
Extra tid bit: used in shampoos, rosemary is also reputed to prevent premature baldness.

Tumeric
Grown for its root, tumeric is the most common flavour and colour present in Far Eastern cooking, and the root has a host of medicinal properties.
Properties/Actions: treats liver, stimulates secretion of bile, analgesic, fights cancer, lowers cholesterol.
Parts used: root

Seaweed
Seaweed is a mrine algae, the oldest form of life on the planet, and it contains a host of health-giving properties, particularly minerals.
Properties/Actions: high in iodine, supports thyroid and metabolism, mucilaginous, clears liver stagnation, lymphatic cleanser.
Parts used: whole plant

Oyster
Oysters are a type of shellfish that is not only a renowed aphrodisiac, but also full of health-promoting vitamins, minerals and other nutrients.
Properties/Actions: high in iodine, enhances the reproductive system, rich in zinc, high in vitamin E and omega-3 fats.
Parts used: oyster.
Extra tid bit: Oysters are bisexual, or inter-sexual, changing from males to females.

Yoghurt
A cultured milk product, yoghurt is positively brimming with "friendly" bacteria and many health-promoting nutrients.
Properties/Actions: contains "friendly" bacteria, fights infections, helps stomach ulcers, rich in calcium.
Parts used: fermented milk
Extra tid bit: Ancient Bedouins discovered that heat and movement fermented the milk to create yoghurt.

Honey
Ancient societies around the world used honey as an energy food. It has evoled as a unique and powerful remedy for a wide variety of complaints.
Properties/Actions: helps insomnia, treats fungla infections, aids healing.
Parts used: bee's honey.
Extra tid bit: In ancient Greece the alcoholic honey drink mead was regarded as the drink of the gods.

Who's Really In Control?

I have always believed that there is a Mother Earth, and her responsibility is to protect and take care of the Earth and it's resources. According to Christian doctrine, human beings were created to manage and care for the Earth and it's resources; so basically humans run tings. For many centries humans have attempted to control and rule over the happenings of the Earth, and now I question, should we?

Mother Nature is not an amatuer, she knows how to tend to the Earth. Every single nook and cranny is known to her intimately as opposed to us humans who are still searching. So when we stop forest fires, are we really doing the environment good? Or are we just tending to ourselves and disregarding the needs of others in the ecosystem? The same goes for disease. What if H1N1 or any other virus discovered was Mother Nature's way of cleansing the Earth? We have however many billions of people living on the Earth and her resources are being used haphazardly, what if a plague, hurricanes, earthquakes, mud slides and other natural disasters are her way to managing the systems on Earth, and we as human are trying to alter it? Who is right? And who is wrong? Who should give in and succomb to the wishes of the other? I wonder.

Death by Cancer

This poem was written by my boyfriend and I. This is the first time I have ever written a poem with someone. It's pretty amazing. Enjoy. Don't forget to comment (if you can :S)

Journey with me
to depths inconceived
as I grow to full blossom.

Explore the realms
of subconscousness
and discover
love and trust along the way.

Raging winds try
to spin us out of control
but despite what may,
we hold on,
grounded,
and continue to explore.

Onward we press
for this journey never ends,
never, but only with death.

But the journey never ends, not even with death
so onward we press
and continue to explore,
yet ungrounded we still hold on,
despite what may, we hold on.

Takin flight into raging winds
for love and trust are etched into our subconcious
and rooted in all its realms to the greatest depths.
There is no fear for you have grown into full blossom.

Calcium Rich Foods

I am just on a roll man! So I had a little problem with my teeth recently and since then have been trying to increase my Calcium intake. We always hear for strong bones and teeth Calcium and Vitamin D. So while looking for a series of things online I stumbled across this list of Calcium rich foods.

The daily recommended amount of Calcium for 19 - 50 year old males and females is 1 000 mg. Below is a list of Calcium rich foods and their Calcium levels:
*Yoghurt - approximately 452 mg in 8 ounces
*Cheese - depends on the type
*Cereal - fortified with a range between 236 and 1043 mg
*Soy Beverage - fortified with 368 mg
*Sardines - 325 mg for 3 ounces
*Skim milk - 306 mg, and if you're like me and obsessed with chocolate :D chocolate milk has 288 mg
*Tofu - 253 mg
*Salmon - 181 mg
*Collard Greens - 178 mg
*Molasses - 172 mg in 1 tablespoon


For more information, you can check out for the associated calories and recipes to use these foods.