A Cynic by Nature?

I graduated from Trent University in 1999. In June of that year, I was so optimistic. I was going to change the world. I would continue to protest Tim Hortons (yes.... I attended a rally to protest the introduction of Tims on campus, knowing a mom and pop shop would lose out in the end), corporate takeovers of the world, oh and the list goes on. Almost 8 years later, and I've lost my will. Money talks, without it you might as well be silent because no one is going to hear you. I know what happened to my idealism. The working world, chipped it away. Even though I have worked in the not- for- profit sector, my cynicism level is high, or at least it was. Some of you know that I work with University students. They have incited in me a new level of hope for the future. There enthusiasm is contagious. They discuss current events with vigor and believe they can make a difference. And they will. I am going to try to get back in the game and volunteer my time and believe that what I do for a living does make a difference. It does. Education is one of the greatest gifts anyone can receive. A gift that everyone should have the right to open. With government cutbacks getting larger and larger, philanthropy will play a larger role in university and colleges across the country (for all you cynics out there - this was not presented to me at work as a brainwashing video) I guess what I needed was inspiration. I will take action! I will keep you posted on what happens! So there!

March brings ( a list of the obvious and not so obvious)....

1. CC 'sbirthday...yippee more cake.

2. Time change ... longer days!

3. Spring!

4. My last month working nights!

5. St. Patricks Day

Cooking Tip of the day: Nothing beats a box of mac and cheese. My favs? No name spirals mac and cheese, and PC's white cheddar mac and cheese. Don't eat it every day.. you'll get scurvy!

Because I Said So

Last night I went to see Because I said So. Oh I know what some of you may be thinking... why Kylie why? I enjoy the frivolous, romantic comedy on occasion. I enjoy the clothes and watching people have perfect lives. This movie however annoyed me. The movie is about a turbulent mother daughter relationship. A mother who worries about her daughter because she can't keep a man!! Her mother doesn't seem satisfied that her daughter has a successful business, friends, great apartment and a loving family. The only way her daughter could be truly happy is to have a man. Disturbing. Maybe I am a little agitated because over the last week I must have been asked, 'Kylie do you have a man?' a billion times. When I answered no, most people presented me with a face full of pity. THAT PISSES ME OFF!!!! Why don't people ask how my career is going? What my plans are for the summer?, or even, what I am having for dinner? Please do not feel sorry for me... you crazy people. Feel sorry for people who don't have great friends, a good job, a great family or a kitchen -aid mixer.

Upcoming events in my life:

1. A 3 day course this week, on discovering the leader that I am.

2. Lost Party!

3. OC series finale party

4. Cooking a homemade lasagna (which I am very excited about - I have been researching the recipes for weeks)

5. A haircut

6. A birthday party

7. A birthday dinner

8. The Academy awards

Cooking tip of the day: When selecting ingredients for your recipes, always buy the best quality ingredients you can afford. It will make a real difference. And remember the best quality is not always the most expensive.

A weekly Blog?

Maybe I should call this a weekly blog? I really do intend to update this space more regularly, but time has escaped me. Doing what? I couldn't tell you. All I can remember is work and a delicious Starbucks beverage. Today, however was busy. I really enjoyed my day. It started with brunch and shopping with my brother Peter. I then attended a first birthday celebration. I then made dinner for my family, and finished off the day with dessert with a friend. While my day was jam - packed...I love days like this. Social activity after social activity. If only I could get paid to be a social butterfly.

Things that have bothered me tremendously lately:

1. Ottawa Mayor - Larry O'Brien. I think he may be responsible for making Ottawa a complete mess. He is well on his way to accomplishing his goal.

2. Environment Minister and my MP - Mr. Baird. He is an idiot. According to him, if we follow Kyoto protocols, Canada could become like Moscow. What is that even suppose to mean? Is this a scare tactic from the 1960's. He has no idea what is taking about.

3.The fact that Anna Nicole's death was the most important headline for almost every news source on Thursday.

Cooking tip of the day: For a special and easy breakfast treat. Make a smoothie. Combine fresh or frozen fruit, yogurt, juice and a little honey. Delicious and nutritious.

Some Internet Finds

Hello again. I once again apologize for my lack of posts. I have been feeling a bit negative lately. So I figured if I haven't got anything nice to say I shouldn't say it.
As some of you may know I am new to the world of the Internet at least for my own entertainment.I have come across some sites that I really like, some of you may be aware of them. Either way check it out!

The first two allow you to catch up on any new or old TV shows you may be addicted to. There are also movies. Now the quality is not 100% but it is decent enough to get your fix. Mine is Veronica Mars.

http://www.peekvid.com/

http://www.alluc.org/alluc/

The final Internet site, I love. I listen to it all day at work. It is a website that lets you design your own radio station. You can determine a station by choosing an artist you like or even a song. The station will then play songs for you based on the artist or song you have chosen. You can then rate the songs as they play, and the station will continue to alter itself to your liking. Currently I have a mix of JT, George Michael, U2, the Pernice Brothers and Sarah Harmer radio stations. The only hitch is that you can only be a US citizen to subscribe, the site only confirms this by entering a postal code. I just entered 90210.

http://pandora.com/.

Enjoy!

Adventures I would like embark on in the upcoming year:

1. Go to Beckta.

2. Go out East this summer.

3. Go out West this fall

4. Attend the Toronto International Festival.

The funny thing is I think if I had a choice, and only could pick one I would pick Beckta.

Cooking Tip of the day: Make a soup. It's good for you and not very time consuming. And easy! It's so comforting and delicious!