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.