High Heels: My Rant

(Read this first)

I don't wear high heels for the same reason I don't wear jewelry: mostly because I'm lazy.

However, reading that post (ps, Pursuit of Harpyness= a terrific blog) I've decided to officially make a stand on heel wearing. I officially pledge to never wear any. *

* Exceptions: costumes, if I'm in a wedding party and the bride says please, or if I don't own shoes that match a dress so I ask a friend to borrow some and the only one she has that match are heels.

Okay yes, I once was on a quest to find heels. But this quest petered out with me realizing I can get prettier flats for the same price, and also realizing I would never wear any heels that I bought anyway. And so that quest is now officially over.

I can't think of a time when heels would be NECESSARY. Thumbs down to the fashion industry, you guys. Men don't waste their money and time accessorizing; why should we? Other than one necklace that I occasionally wear (my sister made it for me, and it matches with everything) I don't even wear jewelry. I don't have my ears pierced. (Note: I will make an exception to no-ring-wearing when I get my Iron Ring)

Heels are expensive if you get the good ones, and the cheap ones are even worse on your body. Why oh why (other than hot legs or reasons related to fasion) would anybody wear heels? Are hot legs or reasons related to fashion worth foot pain, back pain, and loss of movement? I vote definitely no.

Who are your hot legs even for? Or what's with needing tall shoes to put together a certain look?

I like my height and I have enough leg/back issues as it is. Fuck heels.

Notes for Potential Suitor

I have a new blog and I'm pretty excited for it.

It's called Notes for Potential Suitor and basically I am publicly making known the things I require, anticipate, or look for in a suitor. The thing is that I'm not sure how I feel about the name.

Originally it was called Notes for Potential Lover but as if I can use the term lover without giggling. So I asked my friend Christine to help me brainstorm possible other names.

Boyfriend, sweetheart, beau, significant other, other half, honey, escort, boytoy, flame, male companion, gentleman friend, cohort, romantic companion, sexing partner, inamorato, knight in shining armour, beloved, paramour, stud muffin, dreamboat, mate.

Knight in shining armour was obviously not my input, let the record show.

I think I'm going to stick with Suitor because it's stiltedness lends to the credibility of my writing vaguely addressed tumblnotes.

Anyway, check it out!

Humbleness and Endurance

My BFFL Gillian, who also tore her ACL, told me the recovery process would be very humbling. Yes, yes, I listened.

And of course there were some humbling moments in there. Being taken care of (thanks, mom) is always humbling. Like when I not only sent her running for a barf bag, but then needed help sitting up to barf, and then because the bag had a hole in it, watching her clean up the drips. Barf drips. That woman loves me.

Or not showering for several days after surgery (grody) and then when I did have a shower, the standing up and maybe the steam got to me and when I got out, I collapsed on my bed and my mom had to help me regain energy. Not even having the energy to reach down and adjust my towel so that I was slightly more decent while my mom tried to find me clothes in my closet- that's pretty humbling.

Or the first time at physiotherapy, when I wasn't even able to do a single half squat because my leg just didn't have the strength... okay, that wasn't humbling. That was straight up embarrassing.

However, I don't really think I was TRULY humbled through it all. And now I'm no longer a post-surgery recovery girl. I can't play the "just had surgery" card anymore. I'm just a regular person who has a knee that hurts every so often.

I've started up with my swim coach again. That guy is the best. Other people in the session are all really good swimmers. Lots of Ironmen triathletes, a few ex-varsity swimmers, and one synchro girl. In the best of times (read: two good legs) I'd still probably be the worst swimmer among them, but since I'm not allowed to flutter kick yet (until January 31st) and therefore I'm only using my arms, I'm the slowest BY FAR.

In therapy we've been talking a lot about endurance, and what that term really means. I've always been a long distance athlete but I lost all my fitness over the past few months, since I wasn't allowed to work out for so long. My first therapy session since moving back to Waterloo started well enough, but as soon as I mentioned my knee I just started crying and crying. My surgery was almost 3 months ago, and I didn't even realize I was sad about it. But really, it is a loss. I went from arguably the best shape of my life (end of triathlon season, all summer spent lifting weights and long bike rides and hard swims) to what is definitely the worst shape of my life (I have never gone this long without running in my entire life). And now, starting over, as a very out of shape person, is really frustrating. It's like all my work last summer is just wasted effort.

But, as I've realized, endurance isn't about running far and fast. It's about not stopping. It's not about crossing the finish line first, it's about crossing the finish line. It's about persistence, determination, tenacity, and not looking back. It's about moving to the side to let other swimmers pass you, and then kicking off the wall and doing another lap. And endurance is definitely about being humbled.

Summer job search begins

Summer job posts just opened on my university's job site this weekend.

Normally during this period I cringe at every job. When I click a posting, I read the job summary and sort of day dream what my life would be like at that job. Usually my day dream ends in me wondering why I ever became an engineer, if most of these engineering jobs don't really appeal to me.

However, I guess after 5 co-op jobs, I've got a handle on what it is I like and what I'm good at, so this term's job search is much more enjoyable.

I originally only planned on looking for jobs in Toronto/Mississauga (so I could move back in with my parents and save money for the summer) or here in Waterloo (where I can find really cheap summer sublets from students going home for the summer, and also being near friends) but there are so many cool sounding placements in the best cities! Example: imagine if I went to somewhere in Japan? Or Chalk River? Or Christchurch, NZ! (Except no thanks to being in NZ during our summer=their winter)

I definitely still crack up when I read job descriptions like "will assist the project engineer in the production of contract documents by preparing schematics, sizing systems, lay out of pipe and duct systems, etc" because preparing schematics seems like something only crazy scientists do. I guess every crazy scientist gets their start on the summer job board!

Worst Job: Junior Sidewalk Inspector. (Every senior sidewalk inspector starts somewhere!) (ps this job involves riding a tricycle around Toronto. No joke)

Right now my short list has 16 jobs:
- 3 in Waterloo
- 7 in Toronto/Mississauga/GTA
- 1 in Mountain View, California (live near oldest sister!)
- 1 in Ann Arbour, Michigan
- 1 in Redmond, Washington (live near second oldest sister!)
- 1 in Calgary, Alberta
- 1 in Chalk River. Imagine?

I'll decide which ones to apply for by Tuesday.

My version of an adventurous haircut

It was time.

I put off getting my hair cut for song long (last time: May) because a) I'm super lazy and b) I really like french braids and you can't do them with short hair.

But long hair is a waste of shampoo and also it takes slightly longer to brush. I am nothing if not cheap and efficient (nothing!) so I booked an appointment with Voila, a hair salon school in downtown Kitchener.

Before shots:
I was really impressed with Voila. If you're from around here, you should go. I mean, you have to sign a waiver saying if they mess up you hair, you won't hold them accountable, or something.. But for only $16 it's pretty worth it.

Plus they came around and gave free hand massages. What? What is the world? It's awesome world.

I've been eyeing bangs for a while. So I got bangs but I already got bored of them so I pinned them back.

I wasn't going to cut so much off but somebody suggested donating it. So I went for the full 8 inches. I'm too chicken to donate blood, so feel obligated to donate my body's other renewable resource.

Anyway, here's my new 'do:

I like it so much! Also she told me I have "wicked curls" which is the nicest thing anybody has ever said about my hair. I am so happy with it!

Feelings are acceptable things

(Cross posted on my tumblr)

My pal KatOLeary said:

Can we please remember that sometimes, sadness is appropriate? For instance, when someone’s loved one is dying. It’s better to ask why someone is sad before exhorting them to be happy.

And in response I say:

Hear hear! Also, can we please remember that often, “not-extremely-cheerful” is appropriate?

For instance, when I’m in line to buy groceries. Or concentrating on my homework. Or waiting for an available computer terminal in the library. It’s better to realize that these activities wouldn’t make a male smile either, and not request a smile from a female.

Being cheap proves more effective than going on a diet

One of my new years resolutions was to spend money more thoughtfully on food.

Basically: this is the most effective diet I have ever heard of.

Not that I've ever dieted. But very frequently I find myself with a mouth full of muffin asking myself "Why am I eating? I am not at all hungry," and even more often I find myself with a mouth full of jujubes telling myself, "no seriously, stop eating. Tummy hurts and your brain is going crazy and won't be able to focus for a long time. No more sugar." I guess I have an over snacking problem.

Anyway now that I refuse to waste money on food, I don't buy stupid snacks. Unless it's nutritional (or, new rule, on sale) then I don't buy it. So as I read blogs today, I ate an orange instead of an entire bag of nachos.

On a side note, isn't fruit so wonderfully serving-sized? You can't eat until you're sick when you're dealing with something that takes a lot of effort to peel. They really should invent candy that hurts your recently-trimmed fingernails and makes your paper cut sting when you unwrap it. That They would be rich off my money alone. Get on it, They.

While I'm not masochistic enough to ever let myself go hungry (exception: being in class. Something about being in class just makes me voracious) I have recently been enjoying the minor self deprivation that is grocery shopping.

You know? Like I walked past some All Dressed Ruffles today. This is my favourite kind of chips and they are only sold in Canada so I dreamt about them the whole time I was in Texas. My mouth literally salivated, but I held firm. Childish LFar did her pouty face and Grown Up LFar rolled her eyes. Childish LFar started to whine and Grown Up LFar said shut up. But Childish LFar is a great kid, so Grown Up LFar felt bad so she knelt down and promised we could buy a bag next time they were on sale, okay?

Prior to my new year's resolution I would say that 90% of the time I would have just bought the stupid chips if I wanted them that badly. But post-NYR I refused to buy them. Man, it felt pretty good walking out of that store having conqured a stupid spending (and eating) urge. I am THREE DOLLARS RICHER because of it, you guys!

And my mom would faint with glee if she heard me say this, but there is even something slightly thrilling about walking into a grocery store and hunting the deals. You know? Like needing cheese but cheese is expensive so you wait and OH HOORAY cheese is on sale one week so you buy two huge blocks? That's a gleeful feeling, you know what I'm saying?

(Note. Cheese WAS on a good sale but I only bought one because I already stocked up on cereal sales and my new roommates might not be ready yet for my bargain hunting)

Anyway I'm on track to spend less than $125/month. I have an excel spreadsheet and everything! I promise to keep myself to my word by posting my monthly totals at the end of the month.

The day I decided to be a lawyer

I get to choose an elective this semester. Of the 44 courses I need to get my degree, only 4 are electives so this is kind of a big deal.

My first elective, two years ago, was a Women's Studies course called Gender and Technology. It was WONDERFUL. No lie: life changing. There were about 20 people in the class (including my older sister, Laur) and every topic was relevant and fresh. The course sparked my feminist fire and since then I've been eagerly awaiting my next chance to take an elective.

On Monday, the first day of the semester, I was almost giddy as I walked to class with my good friend and former roommate, Leah. Being on campus with another female that's not my sister! How novel! Oh and look! We arrive at class and it's full of other girls we know! Is this what it would be like to be an arts student? Pick your classes? Go with your friends? How fun!

About five minutes into the start of class I was ready to shoot myself in the head. The syllabus seemed insultingly basic (though to be fair, I do spend quite a lot of time perusing the feminist blogosphere), the prof's pace was slower than a snail's, and the answered provided by other students in the class were shockingly incorrect. I had to hold in giant sighs and eye rolls.

So, obviously, I had to drop it. On the walk back home from class I was fairly sad because I had been looking forward to that class for years. Actual years. And because I was dropping it, I would have to take something else- but what? I had to choose an elective straight away so that I didn't miss the first class.

In a flurry of twittering (this is what the internet is for) I decided upon a political science course: Canadian Criminal Issues running once a week- every Tuesday night. And holy smokes you guys I AM SO INTO THIS COURSE. The syllabus even made me excited, which hasn't happened since high school math, (Remember high school math? THE BEST) when you look at the syllabus and think, "I can't wait to know all of this!"

I got the textbook straight away and I've already read two chapters. Just for kicks. I like the prof too. She's a formal criminial defense lawyer who is now a federal prosecuter. Pretty impressive, right?

Also, I spent all afternoon looking up Canadian law school admissions requirements. I may or may not have even taken a look at some practice LSAT exams (those baby dolls look pretty easy/fun!). I admit that I change my career mind pretty often... but really, wouldn't a lawyer be such a fun job?

Family Photo Shoot

First a sista photo shoot with the mumma:Hey, this one looks like lasts year's!Height order, of course!Then, all the kids (including brother in law, excluding oldest brother):

New Years Resolutions

A little late. Deal with it.

1. Spend money on food more thoughtfully.

Basically, I have to cut back on convenience spending... from baby carrots (instead of the kind that you need to wash and peel) to fast food (plan better! Don't head out the door during a meal time without a snack to tide you over!) Eating out is okay for special occasions. But try to stop it. Also seriously, you don't need Ben and Jerry's. You don't need any ice cream, but if you need a treat then buy the store brand stuff or wait for a B&J sale.

More specifically: Keep all grocery bills and food receipts. Can I do $125 a month? I think I can.

2. Get back into pre-surgery shape

Currently I'm only allowed to bike, but at the end of the month I can run and swim again (slowly to start). This goal includes not over-doing it. My gym membership has been on hold since before I left for Texas, but it re-starts in the middle of this month. I would really like to go spinning twice a week, and then get back into running more slowly. When I'm allowed to swim again, I'd like to go three times a week.

More specifically: last August my 5k time was in the high 26s. By the end of April I will run a 5k less than 27 minutes.

3. Better use my power as a consumer.

Stick to personal boycotts (I'm looking at you, Wal-Mart)