Treat Yourself!

Always remember that you're worth some pampering and love! When I'm feeling down, sometimes I'll run a big ol' bath of bubbles, give myself a facial and pretend that nothing else in the world exists. Are there more important things in the world, yup, there sure are, but if I can't change them in the next fifteen minutes, a bath is a great idea!

You're wonderful. Don't forget!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Weekend Review

I've said this a million times before, but the best weekends are the ones where you end up doing random but simple things.

Highlights:

- Upon realizing that I've gained an inch around my waist, I naturally decided to go on a diet to become a famous model. That lasted about ten minutes before I slipped into a blissful few days of eating cheesecake and spending time with people who love me and make me feel beautiful no matter how many inches I gain on my waist.

- Finally felt well enough to take Oz and Holly out for a really nice walk. I now have some lovely calluses on my hands because they took me for a walk instead.

- Woke up this morning and got breakfast in bed delivered to me by Boyfriend.

- Tried to make some melted crayon art on canvas... I'm pretty I gave myself a crayon tattoo. Also, does anyone have any tips for getting crayon off a hardwood floor? I should have taken some pictures of the end result, because it was hilariously hideous.

- Frightened another pharmacist by trying to be friendly, but being creepy instead. Are there classes I can take to fix this?

- The car started leaking some kind of car juice, so we brought it to a garage. Oddly enough, the guy at the counter had no idea what car juice was.

I hope that everyone had a great weekend!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

How To Be A Friend

Holly's method of helping with depression is to chew on the sad person's face. This method is not for everyone.

One of my most popular posts of all time is Bomb Drop. I'd like to say a big thank you for taking the time to read that giant post, and for giving me so much positive feedback. One person (who happens to be a very lovely friend of mine) mentioned that it's hard to know exactly what to do when you have a friend who is struggling with depression or anxiety, so I thought it would be nice to do a follow up post about just that!

Let me just say that every person is different. What works for some people may not work for others, but one thing's for sure, we all need help sometimes. The suggestions that I make here might not suit everyone's needs, but the imporant thing is to try. If these things don't work, talk to your friend about what might help them out. Communication is key.

Without further delay, here's a list of stuff you can try to make someone's day just a little big better:

Be observant.

When I'm not feeling the best, I tend to cut myself off from friends by declining hang out times and not responding to texts/calls. I also skip the little extras that normally make me feel good about myself (like showering, doing my makeup/hair, putting effort into my outfits, saying big hellos to people at the office, ect.). If you're close to me, you'll notice this stuff pretty quickly just be being observant.

Knowing when someone might need a friend is half the battle. I've lost a lot of friends because I'd cancel plans frequently, and because I found it hard to be in crowded places (like parties and bars). Sometimes, If you can, the best medicine is a night in. A bit of laughing, chatting and a movie can work wonders when you're feeling down in the dumps.

Be available.

When you know that someone's got a big ol' rain cloud over their head, get in there with a mop and some sunshine! I send mixed signals when I'm sad (I know, annoying, right!?). I'll tell people that I'm fine all by myself, but what I really need is a kick in the pants and someone to say "I'm here, I love you, get used to it".
I have no idea why I push people away when I really need them, but I do it all of the time and I can't be the only one!

Be yourself.

Sometimes everyone needs to be asked if they're okay and maybe have a bit of a cry, but a lot of the time your friends just want you to be good old you! When I'm not feeling my best, I love to see my best friends Marissa and Andy because when they show up they don't bring a pity party. Marissa is like a best friend out of a movie who knows everything I like and exactly when to say the right things. Andy talks about Batman with me and regales me with stories that usually crack me up.

Be patient.

Depression and anxiety can make people say and do all kinds of stuff. Try to be patient with your friend.
I get really frustrated with myself because I want to get up and take over the world, but my body won't let me get out of bed to even get a glass of water. This can make me a pretty cranky person. On more than one occassion I've snapped at Boyfriend for no reason at all, just out of pure frustration with myself. I'm not saying to be a doormat, but if your friend snaps at you and says something completely out of character, talk to them about it. More than likely they will follow it up with and apology and maybe an explaination of why exactly they're feeling so testy.

There is absolutely nothing you can do to cure depression or anxiety, but you sure can help to make dealing with them a lot easier.

I hope this was helpful! Please remember that this is all based on my own personal experiences, and that the opinions and ideas here are my own. If you have any questions don't hesitate to ask. If you don't want to ask them publically, just shoot me an email :)

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Life Lately

Ever feel like you're stuck in a rut and you just can't get out? I've felt like that a lot lately. I know that this isn't my normal type of post, but I thought that sharing this might make someone who's going through the same thing feel a little less alone.

Sometimes if feels like life isn't really going anywhere and that I'm stuck on repeat. Days start of with breakfast, then work, then supper, and then computer time/TV time before bed. I've also been eating a lot of take-out food lately. I think it's really easy to lose yourself a little bit in times like this.

I almost stopped blogging all together last week because I noticed from my stats that not many people were reading the blog anymore. I though 'what's the point in doing something that a million other people are doing better?'.

Well, here's what I really think.

It's easy for life to seem monotonous, but there's always a brighter side to see. The best things in life really are worth waiting for. I work every day to make money for now, but that doesn't mean that I'll do this one thing forever. Infact, if I really wanted to, I could get a different job and do something I enjoy more. I have that freedom, I just don't want to go that route right now. Also, I blog because I like to. My readers (as few as there may be) mean a lot to me, and if someone doesn't want to read the blog I shouldn't be hard on myself about that. I love having a little space just for my ramblings and pictures!

If anything, things/people that dissapoint you serve a very important purpose in life. They make the positive things in life shine a little bit brighter, and they might even help you to see when you need to make a change.

I hope that everyone's week is off to a great start. Since I've had kind of a rough time lately, I'll be doing a little bit of cookie binging therapy while looking up pictures of kittens and puppies on the internet... like an adult.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Hello Mutant Rulers

Brooch c/o Ovejita Be!

I was flicking through the interwebs the other day and noticed that an awful lot of people are perfect. This seems fishy to me. Where are your wrinkles and rolls ladies? Nobody has pimples or red spots anymore, and they most certainly don't have clumpy mascara! And then it hit me - we've been taken over by mutants! I welcome our new mutant overlords, but I wish I had caught on earlier. I spent years trying to have flawless this and flawless that, when I should have seen that being 'perfect' is an oddity that only mutant powers can beget.

Dress - ModCloth
Sweater - Old Navy
Brooch c/o Ovejita Be!
Tights - ModCloth

I'm not a mutant, so I have wrinkles, pimples and little rolls. I actually named my little belly and love handles Bubba Gus (Bubba being my belly, and the two Gus's being my side rolls). My hair has split ends and I'll probably never be a model, but I think I'm okay with just being a regular, non-mutant human person.

I do kind of wish I could control fire or something though...

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

How To Handle Anxiety At Work

My job isn't particularly stressful, but that doesn't mean that I don't get anxious at work. Anxiety is a strange thing; sometimes it's brought on by absolutely nothing! In my experience, it can be really difficult to handle being anxious at work because I'm surrounded by people who don't understand what's happening to me, and who I'm not comfortable with (which is stressful in itself!).

Here are a few things that I do when anxiety strikes in the office:



Seriously. Get up from your chair (or from wherever you are) and get into a different space. Even if it's only walking into another room, it still helps to move your body and leave the place where your anxiety started. You don't have to run a marathon for this to help; walking a circle around cubicle land helps me.

When you go back to your space, stretch. Let some oxygen move around in your body and shake yourself out. For me, I find sitting in a cubicle very suffocating, so moving my body around and 'freshening it up' is really helpful. It helps me to catch my breath and snap me out of whatever funk I seem to have fallen into.



A nice glass of cold water is like a healing potion when you're starting to freak out.

When you've caught your breath, have a sip of water. I don't know if it's the cold that helps me, or if it's that I'm usually really parched when I get anxious, but I find that having a drink helps me to wake up and snap out of it.



Like I said before, you're surrounded by people who might not understand what you're going through, or who you want to keep a neutral relationship with. If you think hearing the voice of someone who can 'knock your crazies out' will help, call them up! Obviously you can't have a therapy session while you're suposed to be working, but a quick phone call just to hear a reassuring voice can be just what the doctor ordered.



Remember, you've obviously gotten yourself out and about, and you're at work! Those are some small accomplishments that are actually quite big when it comes to anxiety. Think of every little thing you've accomplished so far and be proud of them. Nothing is too small! I know that this might seem crazy to some people, but if you've ever had anxiety you will know that sometimes the littlest day to day things all of a sudden seem like these huge obstacles!

You've made it this far and you can always go farther, you just need to breathe, pick yourself back up and move on to the next thing.

In saying all of this, I know that these steps might not work for everyone, but they really help me. I also understand that there are days when snapping yourself out of it just isn't in the cards. That's okay too! Sometimes we all need a break, right?

Remember not to take things for granted (even the most annoying chores) because you're actually quite lucky to have those little things to be irritated with!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

How To Survive A Cubicle

Grey walls and frequent trips to a water cooler; two things that would make any art student panic. If you asked nineteen year old Nichole if she'd ever work in a cubicle, she would bluntly tell you that would never happen (she was hoping that she'd be famous by twenty). Well, nineteen year old Nichole didn't have bills and a mortgage to pay, but I sure do now!

I'm really lucky to have a nice office job, but that doesn't mean it suits me. I'm not a cameleon, so there's no way I could change who I am to fit into 'typical' cubicle life, so I changed my cubicle to reflect who I am! I'm going to share a few things that have helped me survive cubicle life, and hopefully they'll be helpful to you too. If the idea of sitting in a tiny desk space for eight hours a day makes you feel twitchy, this is for you.

Bruce and Mr. J, two of my co-workers.

 Treat others how you like to be treated. I know it's a cliche, but it's so true! Be nice to people. Say good morning, smile, and above all DON'T gossip. Save the gossip for personal hours away from the office. You don't need to become great friends with everyone, that's impossible, but you can at least make the effort to be kind to others. Be a part of the morning coffee trip and say happy birthday to your co-workers. If everyone would be polite, there wouldn't be crazy office drama, and everyone could have a comfortable working environment. Sound too good to be true? It is. There's always going to be at least one person who's a total weiner to get along with, but your job is to NOT BE THAT PERSON. Remember this: As long as you're not the weiner, you're the winner. Boom.







I went a little far with this one, but it's what makes me happy. Personalize your space. Bring a bit of what you love to work with you. I couldn't handle the grey walls, so I put large pieces of purple bristol board all over my walls (like wallpaper). I then attached a bunch of pictures, stickers and things that make me smile. The more 'you' the space is, the more comfortable you'll be, so don't be afraid to decorate a little.






Be yourself! Don't feel like you have to be a drone in order to fit in. I have a few things that I do differently than other people in my office. I don't break rules or change how things are done, I just add a little bit of my personality to things. For example, I have my own sticky notes instead of the regular yellow ones, I use pink staples instead of silver ones, and though I make sure I look professional, I still wear the bright colours and patterns that I love so much.




Work hard and be happy. Office life may not be for you, but you have time and options if you want to change things up. Make the best of what you've got and you'll always have a lot!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

A Good Old Fashioned Love Story

Anyone for a cheesy story? (Thanks for this idea, Heidi).

I've noticed that a lot of bloggers include their love stories on their sites. At first it confused me, I thought "why would anyone want to know that stuff about someone they've never met?", but then I read some of the stories and my ovaries took charge. It's kind of like reading a sappy book; you like the characters more when you know more about them, and everyone likes a good love story (stop it, yes you do, don't argue).

Since I've been reading about other people and their mushy love lives, I'm going to share mine and Boyfriend's love story, so that I feel less creepy for reading so many others.

I met Boyfriend in university. I was sitting down with a guy I was dating at the time (his best friend actually, I know, stop judging me), and Boyfriend walked in. He and his friend were talking as Boyfriend and I awkwardly stared at eachother, waiting for an introduction that never came. That dating relationship ended quickly, but we remained friends and I started spending more time with his circle (which included Boyfriend).

Boyfriend made me laugh at lot, and I decided rather quickly that I needed to marry him, so I told him this. I asked him out every single day for an entire summer. He turned me down every time. Eventually I gave up and decided that a friendship with him was great and that it was time to annoy some other boy. I dated someone else and Boyfriend moved away to attend another university. We kept in touch.

After a string of events that I can only describe as unfortunate and poopy, I found myself to be single again, and very damaged. Without Boyfriend I never would have made it through this time in my life. He was always there for me to listen, laugh, and insult people who hurt my feelings. He was my very best friend.

After I graduated, I moved to the same city that Boyfriend lived in. I moved in with him and his friends because one of their roomates had just left. Shortly after this happened, Boyfriend asked me out.

I said no.

He proceeded to call me his girlfriend everyday thereafter (for an entire fall season and into winter) until I finally agreed that yes, I was now his girlfriend. We've been together ever since.

It's strange how a bunch of poorly timed events and awkward moments can lead to finding someone you love so much. I feel lucky to have him here to yell at for getting the bathroom floor all wet when he showers, and to breath morning breath at each day.

 The other day, we were leaving a store when I reached into my purse to grab a piece of gum. Boyfriend looked at me and asked for a piece. I only had one piece (which he didn't know), but I gave it to him and said nothing. Before we walked out the door, he reached up and touched my wet hair. He then took off his hat, plunked it down on my head and said "I don't want you to get cold". As we walked to the car, he with my gum, and me with his hat, I smiled, because it was a moment that really sums up how we feel about eachother. It may not be a super romantic story, but it's a real one, and I wouldn't change it.

Anyone need a barf bag? Yea, me too, but I love him.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Why Pauline Will Never Be Saved

Some people are just not meant to build towers. I may be one of these people. This weekend we played Donkey Kong Jenga, which I've been dying to play for a long time, so I was in serious competition mode. Apparently I need to work on this mode, because I crashed the tower every time we played. *sigh*
We laughed a lot, watched Batman, and ate... a lot. I'm pretty sure that nights like this are the reason that the world still goes round. Great friend, great food, Donkey Kong and Batman. What more could anyone ask for?
Oh, and I've been practicing with the Jenga blocks. I'll be knocking down the tower with style next time!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Simple Smiles

Just thought I'd share a few simple things that are making my day extra lovely. I haven't been regularly making my own jewellery like I used to, but that stops today! My clay and tools out ,and I already have one brooch near done.

Tomorrow is suposed to be a super storm day here, so I look forward to relaxing inside with my favorite roomies and watching the snow outside (oh, and eating my weight in cookies).

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

A Lesson in Common Sense - An Ad Transformed By The Nearsighted Owl

This lovely doodle is from The Nearsighted Owl, I really suggest you guys visit her site for a lesson in self esteem and common sense.

Be happy and confident with yourself (body, mind, style, ect.). You don't have to be a certain weight or have specific measurements to be beautiful. Don't let words like fat, skinny, or chubby define you. Words are only insults if you want them to be.

I've said it before, but beauty isn't confidence, confidence is beauty.

In the long run, your size only matters if it's holding you back. Do what you love and be who you love.

This message brought to you by the sappy and smart parts of my brain.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

5500 Views and 101 Posts!

How many views!?

I can't believe we've hit 5500 views after only a few months! I really appreciate every single viewer, idea, and comment that's made, so a great big thank you to all of you guys!

I had hoped to do some sort of giveaway to celebrate, but alas, the blog is still too itty bitty to attract sponsor gifts, so I thought I'd ask you people at home what you'd like to do to celebrate. I do make jewellery, crochet and various other crafty things, so I could potentially make something for a giveaway if you're interested. Please give me some ideas and feedback, we'll celebrate together and have a merry ol' time!

Thanks again!

Stop posting pictures of me on the internet.

Lots of hugs and poops,

Nichole

Liebster Fever

My lovely friend Stephanie over at Life, Actually nominated me for a Liebster Award. When you're done love spamming Stephanie in her comments section (wait until you see her dog Walter, I want to cuddle the heck out of him), take a look at the rest of this post.

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So, here are the rules for said award:

1. List 11 facts about yourself.
2. Answer the 11 questions given to you.
3. Create 11 new questions for the bloggers you nominate for the award.
4. Choose 11 bloggers with 200 or less followers to nominate.
5. Go to each bloggers page and let them know about the award.
6. Thank the person who nominated you and link back to their blog.

It's basically like those email questionnaires I used to do when I was in junior high. I love me a good flashback!

Here goes:

11 Facts about me:

1. I add -asaurus rex to the end of almost every word.

2. I like animals more than I like most people I've met.

3. My favorite season is fall.
4. I fed my boyfriend tofu stir-fry for an entire year and told him it was chicken.

5. I will add glitter to almost anything.

6. I laugh at inappropriate things all of the time.

7. I want to sit down and listen to Joss Wheadon talk about his ideas... forever.

8. I'm really messy. It's disturbing how messy I am.

9. My three female role models are my mom, and my two cousins Vickie and Heidi.

10. It annoys me that pineapple popsicles don't come in the boxes anymore.

11. I dip my french fries in ice cream. I know...I know.

Stephanie's Questions for me:

1. What's your favorite TV show (past or present)?
Seasons 1-3 of Buffy and Firefly... and Grimm.

2. Do you have a degree? If so, what was your major?
I have a BFA in Theatre

3. Do you have any pets? If so, what?
Two mixed dogs named Oz and Holly, and a mixed cat, Harvey.

4. What is your favorite type drink (alcholic or non-alcoholic)?
Chocolate milk!

5. What is your favorite hobby?
I like doing anything crafty that involves creating something.

6. Do you have a significant other or kids...or both?
I have a stinky boyfriend who I love. No kids.

7. What is your favorite night out (or in)?
Friday nights with my furballs eating snacks and watching Grimm.

8. What is your job?
I'm an invoice clerk.

9. What type of books do you like to read?
I love anything by Mary Roach... and also smutty novels.

10. What is your favorite memory from 2012?
Meeting Harvey for the first time.

                                                     11. What do you like to do when you go out with the girls (ladies night!)?
                                                                                                           Staying in and laughing at everything.

Now, I nominate ALL OF YOU GUYS!
Answer these questions in the comment section below (if you have a blog, post them there as well!):

1. What is the funniest thing you've ever seen?

2. Chocolate or chips?

3. What is the best invention ever made?

4. Books or movies?

5. What's your favortie passtime?

6. In your opinion, should magazines be photoshopped?

7. What's the best gift you've ever been given?

8. What's the best gift you've ever given?

9. What was your favorite toy growing up?

10. Fiction or non-fiction?

11. What makes you happiest?

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Phew! That's a long post! Thanks for reading the whole thing if you've gotten this far! I hope to see lots of comments! I'd love to know more about you guys and what it is that you like to read most about!

It's a beautifully snowy day here today, I hope that everyone is enjoying their Saturday!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Hello 2013!

Happy New Year Everyone!

Last year was full of learning experiences and some rough times for me. I like to think that even the worst experiences have something good to take from them, so I'm feeling stronger than I was in January 2012, and I'm looking forward to grabbing 2013 by its proverbial balls!

I've never made resolutions for years past (except for the 'lose weight' mumbo jumbo, boo on that!), but I decided that this year I would write down a list of goals that I think are obtainable and worth the effort.



So, here goes!

1) I'm going to eat more fruits and veggies.
Why? Because my current diet falls somewhere between temperamental picky five year old, and prisoner of war. It's bad. This year I've been so sick that my doctor took me off work. Since I've been stuck in bed, I've gotten into the habbit of only eating things that are quick to shove in my face (sweets, cereal, bread, ect.).  They are just as easy to grab, but I've just not chosen them.

2) I'm going to walk with Oz and Holly everyday.
Why? Because I love them and we deserve it. And who doesn't like picking up fresh dog poop? Oh, and I need the exercise; I have the body strength of an overcooked noodle.

3) Take pictures every day.
I mentioned here how there is a huge gap in the photographic evidence of my life. I want to have more pictures to remind me of the awesome people I know and the grand adventures I've been on.

4) Make a nice dinner at least once a week.
Why? Because it's important to eat well and it feels good to know I made something that doesn't taste like butt juice. Also, when I make something that doesn't come from a can, Boyfriend gets this surprised and excited look in his eyes, like he hasn't eaten before. That's probably not a good sign.

5) Try to be a kind person without being naive.
Why? Because I'm a sucker. Over the years I've gotten into so many stupid (and sometimes dangerous) situations because I didn't question the intentions of someone 'in need'. If someone asked me "Does this washcloth smell like chloroform?", I'd probably take a big whiff.

6) Try harder to see good things about myself. I'm going to compliment myself on something every day.
Why? Because sometimes I look in the mirror and just see a pile of turd with eyes looking back at me. When I see other people being hard on themselves I wish that I could magically change their minds. I realize that it's hard to help other people think happy thoughts when I'm not thinking them myself.

Does anybody else have goals set for themselves this year? Are they like mine?

I hope that everyone is optimistic about this brand spankin' new year, and that you all had a great new years eve! For anyone out there who has a tiny jackhammer being used on their head after a few too many last night, I send you positive thoughts and telekinetic Tylenol.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

The Ghosts Of Time Past

Christmas time can be pretty overwhelming!

The glitter, gifts, friends and family are all amazing, and it's lovely to be reminded of just how much you have to be thanful for, but for some people the holidays can be a very stressful, difficult time.

I myself have had a bit of a hard time being back in the place where I grew up. There are a lot of cues here that remind me of some not so great memories I've had buried in my dusty ol' brain. Since anxiety is such a poweful feeling, it's super easy to wiggle yourself into a rut and get stuck being sad and feeling quite helpless. Though it's harder to be positive and outgoing when you're down in the dumps, it's important that you catch yourself having these feelings and muster up all of your inner Hulk strength to pick yourself up!

Here are a few things that I do to kick those nasty ghosts of the past right in their ghost-y junk:







A smile is like magic on your face. Be kind to people, smile; you have no idea what it might mean to someone. Remember that not everyone has family and shiny gifts waiting for them during the holidays. Be thankful for every little thing you have and don't forget to donate what you can to different shelters and organizations in your area. If you're happy, share it with everyone! Be appreciative and giving of what you've got (even if it's 'only' a smile and a kind sentiment).

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

P.S: I love you guys! Thank you for visiting and always being so kind with your comments :)
Each comment and view is a little internet smile that brightens my day!

Don't Fret My Pets

Yesterday when I was talking to my friend Lauren, she asked me how I was feeling. Over the past few months, I've actually been really sick. I'm doing much better now, but I'm still really weak and haven't reached my full Ultra-Nichole potential. Before I got sick, I would complain about having to clean, cook dinner, do chores and having to take the dogs out in crummy weather. I didn't realize just how lucky I was to be able to do those things until I lost the ability to do even the smallest action by myself. If I've learned one thing from being shriveled up in bed, it's that being able bodied is a super power that I will no longer take for granted. I smile more now than I did, especially when I'm doing the things I used to grumble about doing. I've started being more expressive in almost every aspect of my life, and try to always make my appreciation for people, opportunities and random things in life known.

I know it is a cliche to say, but this time of year is about showing appreciation and spending time with people that make your smile muscles work overtime. This year, I understand what that really means. If you can clean up dog poop, pick your nose, shower, clean the house or even have a hangover, you are lucky to get to do those things. I am fortunate to be able to do any and every little thing I do, and now I really know that.

So, to answer Lauren's question, I'm doing well! I'm happy, healthy(ish) and very lucky. Thanks for asking! :)

I want to say a big thank you to everyone who reads this blog. Being able to write everyday has made a big difference in my recovery, and the unexpected support and interest I've gotten from people has made my heart feel like it's filled with hot chocolate and marshmallow-y happiness. Thank you!

Oh! Before I forget, I know that everyone is kind of freaking out about this whole Instagram debacle, so I wanted to toss in my two cents (well, 99 cents!). About a month ago I purchased a .99 cent app called Afterglow, and since then, I haven't used Instagram. There are tons more editing options and it's really simple to use (all of the photos above were done using Afterglow). I'm really happy with this new acquisition of mine, and I think that all of the little extras make this app worth paying for. I'm not sponsored or payed to say this, it's just my humble opinion.

I hope that everyone is having a lovely random Tuesday!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Happy Day

Someone told me that you're not supposed to say "merry christmas" to anyone unless you know for certain that they celebrate christmas. This makes sense to me, but it also confuses me. Wouldn't anyone who heard this take it as a gesture of well wishing? Here's the conclusion I've come to: No matter what you celebrate (or even if you don't celebrate anything at all), what I want to say to you is "be happy". Merry christmas, happy hanukkah, happy christmas, happy new year - whatever you do or don't do - be happy! So, everyone reading, happy day to you all, and a very happy day tomorrow as well.

Also, I hope your happy day includes good food and loved ones (but don't mix those two things up... that would not be a happy day).

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Surprise! You're Beautiful!

Today my personal Facebook page blew up with this image:


It was followed by this message:
"An open letter to Loblaws:

I am writing this letter as a customer, a schoolteacher, and a concerned member of society.
This evening, I was in your Dominion location in Conception Bay South, Newfoundland, when I saw an issue of the National Enquirer that I found extremely offensive. The cover story for this particular issue is "Best and Worst Beach Bodies." The magazine displays on its cover numerous photos of women with captions such as "Beauty, blubber and cellulite," "Belly disaster" and "Larger than life."
More and more, we are seeing the detrimental effects of bullying in our school system. These magazines, which are displayed prominently at every checkout, are a very real form of bullying. What's more, they further perpetuate the idea that women should have flawless bodies, thereby exacerbating the problem of negative body image, particularly among female youths, but also among all sexes and age groups.
As a schoolteacher, how am I to demonstrate to my students the importance of treating others with respect when everywhere they look society is sending a message to the contrary? I shudder at the thought of my teenage students seeing such magazines at your checkouts, only to question their own bodies.
I am sure that Loblaws has not fully considered the damaging effects that these magazines can have on teenagers, and society as a whole, and that you will agree that they have no place in your stores. I have recently seen many of your ads which promote your community involvement, including one filmed in St. John's. If your company is truly dedicated to making a positive change in the community, then you will act swiftly to remedy this problem. I believe that as a responsible member of the Canadian business community, it is only prudent for your company to remove these negative tabloids from your stores.
Sincerely,
Brandon Field"

I agree with Brandon. I know that it's only natural to judge others, but this magazine cover is a perfect example of how things can go too far. Personally, when I look at my pictures before posting them here on the blog, I often find myself upset because I don't like the way I look. I'm not alone in this. Is it because of how the media portrays beauty? Maybe, but ask yourself this: Who buys these magazines, and who is the media entertaining? It's us.

'Perfect' and 'beautiful' are whatever we decide they are. No matter what body type, size or weight you are, there's beauty in it. If you don't find someone attractive, that's fine, but we should never let ourselves belittle others just because they don't fit into our 'beauty' spectrum.

You are beautiful. You are handsome. You are someone's favorite.

Give someone else a compliment today, and don't be suprised when it feels like you've given one to yourself.

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

Brain Pain and The Civil Wars

I've been having a couple of bummer days and am currently blowing through my craft room like a tornado trying to find the right amount of glitter to clear away my brain pain. I love listening to music when I'm feeling stressed out, and though the majority of my collection is metal or instrumental, I have my share of ballads and pretty tunes. This is one of my favorties by The Civil Wars. I hope you like it (Sarah, I know you won't, but if you're reading this, I'll buy you cheesecake to make up for it).

Happy Monday, you fantabulous Mooners :)

Hugs and poops,

Nichole

The Test of the Gingerbread

Last night Claudia and I had our sanity and friendship tested by a gingerbread house. I'm happy to say that we passed with flying gumdrop colors (I knew we would!). Has anyone else put together a store bought gingerbread house lately? Holy turd sandwich, that thing did not want to stay together. There was a particulary tense moment (after the house had fallen apart for the THIRD time) when we seriously joked about breaking out the super glue. I think it turned out really well, but we are pretty certain that pictured house on the box is a lie.

Last night was an example of what I really feel this season is about. Dinner/time with friends, laughing, decorating, watching movies, and having the communal strength not to Hulk-out and squash a bunch of gingerbread into dust (I'm not crazy, it was frustrating!). I think I may have had one of those nights that you compare other nights to; it was that nice!

I hope that everyone has nights like these, and as often as possible!

Hugs and poops,

Nichole