The Movember Movement

A few years ago my brother Matthew announced to family and friends that he would be growing a mustache for the month of November. He said he would be raising money for Prostate Cancer and sending us all a link to a website www.movember.com and encouraged us to donate online. And this, my hairy and not-so-hairy friends, was my first introduction to Movember. Now, I don't get to see my brother often, but when I do, I'm accustomed to seeing his face look a certain way. But now I know what to expect during the month of November.

When I first saw my brother rocking his 'stache, not only could I not take him seriously, but I could barely carry on a conversation without my eyes being drawn to the caterpillar like insect above his upper lip. Since then, every year he's been proudly wearing his 'stache during November. And I support him 100%. I mean, if men can profit off their facial hair for a good cause, then why not? I just learned last night that there's actually something like this for women: Julina. Where women adorn their boxes with different shapes and even ornaments.

I have to say that this year the Movember Movement has grown more popular than ever. With mustaches of all thicknesses, colours and styles. Most, I find, look ridiculous. But I've come to think it's more a reason for men to feel like they're a part of some secret club. You know, it's rare to see so many men latch on to a trend. I've always associated trends with women. From Jennifer Anniston's layered hair style to Ugg boots. This right here, ladies and gentlemen, is a true phenomenon for the male species. And it'll only get more popular.

Now, I will officially give you my opinion on the Movember Movement - as it doesn't seem to be going anywhere, that is, until the end of the month when every man's sink pipes will be filled with course facial hair. And every women of theirs will gladly accept offers for oral sex again. So, men, please take notes for next year. As, after discussing with a few worthy women of opinion, we have come up with the following noteworthy requirements you should follow:

1.) If you are going to take part in the Movember Movement, you have to raise money, or at the very least, awareness

This is an important point and it's why I'm listing it as number 1. Because if you don't raise money, well quite frankly to me, and any other woman in the know about Movember, you just look like a white sheep. Even if you don't take a photo of yourself and post it online, it's OK! Just let people know you're doing it, at the very least, and why. To me it's about creating awareness more than just following the crowd. And trust me, we know who you are.

2.) You have to play by the rules. There are no exceptions.

Play by the rules. I've noticed some men with beards before November 1st, who just shaved themselves a mustache on the first of the month. And I'm not exactly sure why? Perhaps to avoid the embarrassment of the inevitable in between stages? Regardless, you're a cheater - plain and simple - so man up and grow through the awkward stages just like the rest of them do. And believe me, you're more of a man for doing it. We commend you for it, guys.

3.) Maintain your mustache!

This last requirement is an integral part of this event. We know you're not used to having a mustache. A beard, perhaps, but probably not a 'stache. As such, you should do a little research, ask some buds, whatever, just maintain the 'stache. Trim it so it's not growing over your upper lip, keep it even and tidy. Nobody likes an out of control mustache. It's a distraction enough. And, look into different styles and consider what would look best for you. 

If you see any mustaches worthy of snapping, please send them my way! 

A Two-Year Anniversary: Puce à la mode

This coming week marks the two year anniversary of when I first moved to Montréal. And the time has flown faster than ever. The move to La Belle Province happened very quickly and unexpectedly. I had just recently moved home to Toronto from Whistler. But there was something in me that knew I wouldn't be staying in Toronto for long. The Great Canadian Adventure I was on was to continue in another Province, I just didn't know it quite yet.

I was having a hard time getting a job interview. The market was tough and things weren't working in my favour. Needless to say, I felt deflated and discouraged. Then my step mother, who works at a placement agency, mentioned a job opening at a finance company. She told me it wasn't a glamourous job, but to give it a shot anyways. So, I did. And I got an interview, and I felt it went pretty well. But I still wasn't really interested in that particular job. Well, I didn't end up getting that job. However, in the interview I met the Director of Marketing at the head office in Montréal. And, about a month later, I got a call from HR saying that there was another opening in Montréal that they thought I would be good for. I didn't waste a second.

Within three weeks I had my car all packed up (again) and was driving my things 5 hours East. I had no idea what I was getting myself into. The first day of work was a shock. Everyone was speaking in French (I mean, I knew it was a French speaking province, but I didn't hear a lick of English ANYWHERE). My computer was in French, phone mailbox and even the signs in the bathroom telling you how to wash your hands. Every day I would come home exhausted. It took a lot of effort to try and figure out what people were saying. I had to tune into my other senses. Watch body language, listen to the change in tone, as the words that were coming out of people's mouths didn't make sense. They just spoke so fast, and the slang, the SLANG.

wow. 

So, I signed up for French class immediately. I had to learn French and I had to learn it QUICK. I can do this, I thought. I was in French immersion for 8 years in grade school. Piece of cake. Nope. Not at all. The first year was definitely the toughest. Sitting through French meetings, trying to decipher what was being said, being intimidated to express myself in another language and battling communication barriers everywhere I went. It was harder than I could have ever imagined. I have to say, the Québecois went over and above my expectations in making me feel at home. They were patient, warm and welcoming - which made me want to try even harder. I am very grateful to how wonderful all of my colleagues are even to this day.

I'm now onto my 4th French course. Intermediate Level 2. And I will be finishing up that level at the end of December. I still have 3 more levels to go before I can officially call myself bilingual. But, now I can sit through meetings and understand a good 85% of everything. Sure, there are words and expressions I still don't understand. My vocabulary isn't quite as vast as I'd like it to be. And I still can't express myself as much as I'd like. Looking back at how far I've come though, I have to say, I'm pretty proud of myself. It's been a struggle. But through this struggle, I've definitely come out stronger. And it's only going to get better from here.

We loves Pajama Jeans!

https://www.pajamajeans.com/

Wait a sec, what is this? Pajama jeans! It's like a knock off of Hue's jeggings. 

I have to say, I much prefer the name Pajama jeans. Best thing about this site is that it gives you barely any product knowledge. You can't see what they look like close up, at different angles or even the fabric breakdown. Just about anything you click on leads to the ORDER NOW page. I wonder how many suckers have purchased a pair of these laughable pantalons?

Little Miss Independent

No matter what anyone says, 30 marks a significant point in ones life. You cannot help but think that in another 30 years, you'll be 60. And then well, you're practically dead. Well, not really, but you see where I'm going here. What I've noticed a lot in the past 5 years (and I'm sure many of you have noticed the same thing if you're in a similar age bracket), is that, friends are getting hitched and popping babies left, right and center. And you know what? I love it. I don't wish it was me, however. I mean sure, at some level I look forward to doing the same thing one day. It's just not in the cards right now, or even in the not-so-distant future.

When I was about 8 years old, my best friend started telling me ideas about what her wedding would be like. One year she wanted to wear a tux, another a traditional dress. And every year after that, it would change. She would fantasize about what she would wear and how her wedding day would be. I was 25 years old when I stood near her as her Maid of Honour.

It was a great day. 

I, on the other hand, can remember not dreaming about my "big day".  I dreamed about going on adventures, travelling and living in different places. Experiencing as much as I possibly could. I wanted to surf, snowboard - be foot loose and fancy free. And everywhere I seemed to go, my career would always follow. So, I went on adventures, travelled and lived in different places. I surfed, snowboarded. And you can be sure that I was foot loose and fancy free.

And now, at 30, people are starting to make comments about me settling down (and by people, I mean family, for the most part). Or, the familiar "You're not getting any younger" and "You know it can be dangerous to wait that long to have a baby" - but what I ask myself is this: Why is life treated like such a ruler, in that every major step is measured at a certain age? At 20 you should be doing your post secondary education, forget about travelling and exploring the world after school, you can't waste time! And at 25 you should be on the look out for your life mate, because GOD FORBID you get to 30 and aren't married. Then, once you're 30, well, baby plans better be in the making or else you're heading on a highway to Lonelyville, USA.

Am I proud of the things I've accomplished so far? Absolutely. I wouldn't change a thing. Someone recently asked me how it felt turning 30 - and if I had done everything I had wanted to. I said yes, and not only yes, but I had done far more than I dreamed of. He looked surprised - and said most people answered that they hadn't. I couldn't imagine feeling that way. Anyways, the main reason I felt compelled to write about this was because of an article my sister sent me: All the Single Ladies. This meaty, yet very interesting read, speaks about traditional marriage in society today, versus years ago, and the changing attitudes of women.

So, it looks like I'm not alone on this subject, and that there are many other women, at 30, who aren't focused on family and marriage. Well, that's reassuring. Vive l'independence! But seriously, I'm not opposed to marriage. It's a beautiful thing. As is having a family. It's just not on the list of priorities now. And that's okay. Don't worry about me, you coupled up family people, I'll do just fine. Perhaps one day I'll know what it's like to walk in your shoes. One thing I'm certain about is this: I have a set of goals and milestones I want to reach before I do such a thing. And I'm not going to let a pseudo ticking clock get in the way of me attaining them. No sir. Or m'am. Oh, whatever.