Being an avid public transportation user, I see many different people every day of the week.  Needless to say, I see many different types of facial hair.  Now you may be wondering, “what struck this sudden need to discuss facial hair?”  Well, friends, I will tell you.  This morning, I saw a guy, mustn’t have been more than 19 years old, with what I call… a hillbilly goatee.  You’ve never seen a hillbilly goatee?  Sure you have. 

It starts with mutton chops – then there is a skin break – then what almost looks like the ass end of a handlebar mustache (minus the mustache) but instead of breaking off at the base of the chin, it continues across the chin, then back up to ‘handlebar’ stance.  See, told you you’ve seen it.  My question is this, how do you decide this is what’s going to suit you, and why don’t his friends tell him it doesn’t? 

The majority of my friends are in fact male, and I make sure that whenever their facial hair is out of whack, they know about it.  So why can’t others do that for their male friends?  I can understand if it’s two males, that would be an awkward interaction, but almost every male has a female presence in their life – whether it’s a girlfriend, friend’s girlfriend, friend, or even mom – and it’s time for those girls to start saying what they’re thinking.

That being said, I will give one opinion.  The beard.  In most cases, there really is NO need for one.  They’re not attractive, and all that I can think about when I see one is that there is something hiding in it.  Like that episode of family guy where a bird laid a nest in Peter’s beard.  Do you want that?  Do you want a bird to lay a nest in your beard?  I didn’t think so.  The only acceptance that I can think of when it comes to beards is a playoff beard.  Not that I entirely understand the reason behind it, but you know what, if that’s all you want for an excuse to grow a beastly grouping of facial hair, go for it, just keep it clean, and there are no problems.

Okay, I lied.  There is one other exception I will make when it comes to beards – and that is the ZZ Top beard!!  But at the same time, if you’re going to rock a beard like that, you’re either a) a musician, b) a biker, or c) related to Billy Gibbons. 

 That’s my story for today.  I will try to start posting more regularly.  About what?  Who knows.  I guess we will see what tomorrow brings.

Cheers xo.

Jazz.

GO CANADA GO!!!

Jazz, xo.

With solo albums… it’s always hit or miss – some front men/women just can cut it without their backup – but I was pleasantly surprised!  This new album from Malinowski is what I would call a City & Colour sound-a-like, minus the whiny voice, plus the edgy vocals!  Definitely a different approach from former band Bedouin Soundclash, this new solo album “Bright Lights & Bruises” contains very personal lyrics… lovely acoustic guitar, and other percussion when necessary.  Some songs are folksy, some very slow and intense, but a definite success in my mind.  I may have a bit of a bias opinion, mind you, as I LOVE Malinowski’s voice.  Anything guy who can sport a raspy voice, and have it work for him is cool by me.

If you’re interested in checking out the album BEFORE it’s in stores Tuesday Feb 16^th, check it out online.
 http://www.mtv.ca/music/video_content.jhtml?id=1631577

Happy Listening!

Jazz, xo.

I myself used to share this feeling… but it wasn’t until this Valentine’s Day came around that my feelings changed.  Although Jay and I have our fights, like most couples, we’re truly perfect for each other.  Both stubborn, both moody, but both very outgoing and happy people in general – and now that I’m with him, I have a Valentine.  BUT, that doesn’t mean my opinion has changed completely.  The idea of purchasing a gift over 20$ still seems ridiculous to me.  What’s the point of getting someone a watch or jewelry for Valentine’s Day?  That defeats the entire purpose of the day.  Valentine’s Day is meant to share a day between the two of you, doing whatever you enjoy.  Originally Jay and I were just going to go for dinner and do something else during the day, like Ski, or something else, but today… I thought of the perfect idea: Medieval Times!

Not only is it a dinner event, but it’s a wicked cool tournament!! (lol) I haven’t been since I was about 8 or 9, but he’s never been.  So it’s the perfect idea!  And now… I’m very excited.  As for his present, I’ve decided to bake him some goodies and set them up nicely in a box.  (Unfortunately I haven’t found any nice “heart shaped box” (no Nirvana pun intended), but, if worst comes to worse, at Wal-Mart I found square v-day boxes that I can use, just line with parchment paper, and voila!)  I know it’s not much, but come on, he’s a boy!  Boy’s don’t like teddy bears, or flowers, and even a random box of chocolates seems thoughtless.  This way it shows that I actually put some effort into it… and I think to add some colour to it I may buy some of those cinnamon hearts, or maybe even the little hearts with the writing on them, for filler in the box (if I go with the square one that is, as there’s more room to fill!)  It should be good though, I know I’m looking forward to it… and I think he is as well… because if he wasn’t, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t have asked me this when I told him we were booked…. “Can I pretend I’m the guy from the Cable Guy?”

Happy Valentine’s Day!  (And if you’re reading this and you’re single…. V-day is the perfect time to hit up a club;])

Everyone has goals, and certain things they want to accomplish before they die… but it’s something I’ve never really thought about.  So today’s post, will summarize my very own list.

Number 1:
To have a pint in at least 5 different pubs throughout the UK (i.e., Ireland, Scotland, and Wales)… and if there’s time, maybe Germany.

Number 2:
To have an article published in a magazine.  Doesn’t matter what magazine, and it doesn’t matter what the article is about.

Number 3:
To learn how to play my guitar.  I got a wicked Acoustic/Electric guitar for Christmas in 2008, and I have yet to play it.  But I want to learn.  There’s no reason not to, and it’s just collecting dust as we speak.  It needs to be played!

Number 4:
To settle down and have a family.  This may be the last thing I accomplish, but it’s an item that I would like to accomplish nonetheless.

Number 5:
To Emcee a concert for someone famous (even if they’re only famous to me).

There, that’s 5 things for now.  I’m sure I will think of more as life progresses… after all, I’m only 22.  But for now, this list will do.
I’ll let you know how it turns out… till then, cheers!

Jazz.

1)      To make myself truly happy.  Not to say that I’m not currently happy, but a lot of my life aspects could definitely use an improvement.  I plan to do so by continuing with my exercise plan (no excuses!!!), eating the foods I love… even if they ARE bad for me, just eating small portions of them, and to try to go to more shows – all things, that will make me truly happy.

2)      I will not let the little things bother me.  Almost everyone I know has this flaw, but we all use it differently.  In my point of view, the flaw is used to criticize the small insignificant things about people and things, which ultimately results in a fight or bad mood.  To prevent this, I will try to see the upside of things, even when things are down.

3)      I will do more activities outside!!  I love love love the outdoors, but for some reason my brain never comprehends that there’s always time to embrace them.  I want to go camping a few times this summer at least, I WILL go skiing before the season is up…. (Maybe this weekend if I can get boots!)… And once the weather warms up, I will find new routes to talk my Morgan on walks.

4)      I won’t let my job get me down.  Between Manitoba living, and being back in Ajax, it’s all been revolved around this one job… but lately I just don’t seem fulfilled.  All I have to do is suck it up, work hard, and do what I can while I’m here…. and keep my eyes peeled for a new job.  I think what I need is a small town radio station job again, and then I will be able to explore the aspects and relive what I love about this industry. 

5)      Last, but not least, I WILL get my license.  I’m already a step ahead as I have my test booked for January 22, but I’m nervous already.  It’s 3 weeks away, but I feel like there’s so much practicing I need to do (and there is!!).  But, I will practice.  I will learn.  And I will get my damn license.  I’ve procrastinated long enough, it’s time to get my license…. and then…. a car!

Okay.  So I did it.  5 highly attainable goals.  And, just in case 5 isn’t enough for you…. maybe I’ll quit smoking.  But we’ll see about that.  One step at a time folks!  (I would like to, but it’s hard.  Because then I’d have to quit drinking beer, and so forth…. maybe I’ll turn to those goals in 2011.)

Jazz xo.    

I can’t wait till this time next week, he’ll be home, and then it will truly feel like Christmas. 

Jazz; xo.

I realize there is still just over 3 weeks of work left before Christmas arrives… but at the same time… that’s only 3 weeks!  I’m almost done my Christmas shopping, but still it doesn’t even feel like its December.  This year has flown by and it feels like everything has just been a huge blur.  I’ve done many things this year that I likely wouldn’t have normally done, which I can thank to my dear Jay, but at the same time, I can’t remember most of it.  It’s weird how as we grow up time seems to fly by, but when we’re younger, time just inches by; even though you want time to fly as fast as it can… it doesn’t seem to budge.  Now it just feels like I don’t have time to do anything.  It’s a good thing and a bad thing; good in the way that I love keeping busy, but bad in the way that I might forget something along the way.  But I guess that’s a part of this life learning objective we all have.  But back to my original point, it’s hard to believe that in a month it’ll be 2010.  And, I’ll be 22.  Eeek. Ha-ha, just kidding, I’m not worried about turning 22, but we’ll talk again when I’m 30… And then I’ll be sad. 

But still, the mission remains: when will the spirit of Christmas shine through?  It could be on the first snowfall… it could be Christmas eve with family all around… it could be during the Christmas feast… or, it could be that Christmas night’s sleep.  When the exhaustion hits, and I’m falling asleep in the arms of my one and only.  Hmm… That sounds good; I think I’ll go with the last option.

Jazz xo.

The idea came up again last night, and the boyfriend told me that whatever my decision is, he would stick by me – followed by the question, “Well, where do you see yourself in a few years?” and “What are your goals?” – And for the first time, I was speechless.  Goals?  I haven’t had those since school!  First it was high school where you made goals that no one is likely to follow through, but then there was college where you lay out the goals that you’re “supposed” to complete.  So the question lies, what is a goal? 

By definition, a goal is the purpose toward which an endeavor is directed; an objective; and for someone who’s already graduated college, you’d think they would have their goals set in stone.  Well, maybe not everyone, but I always thought I would.  But, then again, I’m also the same person who dropped everything and moved to a northern town MILES away from home by herself, to pursue what was thought to be my goal.  Tons of lessons were learnt, but never will I ever let myself believe that was towards my goals; it was more of an adventure, one that I’ll never forget.  Nevertheless, everyone needs a goal, or a few goals, or a long page of goals – it doesn’t matter.  Even if you never achieve them, it’s just something to get you through this process called life.  So I’ve decided I will lay out my “goals” and “dreams” as they are right now; better late than never, right?

#1) My interests have always been surrounded by “pop culture” so I know that is in my future somewhere.  Where?  I’m not sure, but at 21, if you’re sure, then you just haven’t lived.  Thus, my first goal: to take night school at Durham College to earn a Business Marketing Diploma, OR, the Marketing Management Certificate. 

#2) For some reason when I’m asked about my future, I can almost picture myself working in a marketing firm, or an ad agency.  A building which is kind of lame, but one with “pizzazz” and one of a kind employees.  Ones with character that I myself can get along with on a day to day basis.

#3) I’ve always, always, ALWAYS, wanted to live in Toronto.  Not for a long time, obviously, but maybe just for the remainder of my 20s?  I know once I have kids… (a dream of mine)… that I won’t want to live in the city. 

#4) raising a family in the country has always been another dream of mine.  I grew up in the city, and I feel I missed out on so much – Life, structure, obedience, and adventure!  Not that I think I was raised improperly by any means, I just think the country has so much more to offer.  Instead of sitting down in front of the TV, you could roam the forest, swim in the lake, fish, play sports; the possibilities are endless.

I think that’ll do for the goal list for now; it’s almost seeming unreachable.  I guess we’ll see.  Maybe the more your goals seem unreachable, the more they’ll come true?  There’s only one way to find out. 

Until next time…

Jazz

Whether it be relationships, friends, or even a certain way you used to dress – they all come back to bite you on the ass eventually, but sometimes it can make for quite the feeling.

Just over a year ago, I moved back to Ontario from my home away from home. I met so many fantastic people out there, who will remain a part of my heart for the rest of my life – as cheesy as that sounds.

Sometimes you may even think that you miss it, and that you would be better off if you still lived in those days, but in reality, you’re better off. Some people can come out of a time period like that wishing that they never experienced it at all, and yes, it definitely can feel like that for the first while. But then you embellish and relive them through simple moments that happen in your future, and you catch a glimpse of your past. Your past plays a valuable lesson in your current life; it teaches you to do things differently if you want a different outcome, or if you want the same experience you can take the exact same route. The worst thing I see today is people that hold grudges on things that happened in the past. So many people I know “hated” a certain person back in the day, and they still feel the same today, likely without remembering why they felt that way in the first place. It’s a shame really. But unfortunately, that’s how life goes. Some days you win, some days you lose, you just have to remember that there’s always another road to stroll down.

Always remember your past, the bad, and especially the good. Everyone deserves a stroll down memory lane every once in a while, I just hope you take it.

Jazz