Thursday, June 24, 2010

Earthquakes, tornados, G20...oh my!


To say that I am busy right now would be the understatement of a lifetime.


I would, personally, like to reside in the same city for more than an hour at a time. Possible? Probably not until mid-next week. We've got world leaders coming and going, grounds shakings and trees flying everywhere. Not exactly what I would call a boring week. And to think I was only worried about G20 commitments this week...ha!


I couldn't even begin to imagine trying to organize a family while working in this chaos. Thank goodness I just have to answer to myself (and sometimes my parents - like yesterday during the earthquake when all the phone lines were down and my Dad couldn't PIN me). Probably shouldn't have waited three hours to call him - sorry, Dad!


Today, I made the conscious decision to wear my black Tory Burch flats to work today. And boy, was that a good decision. I've stopped trying to call or email people today and have resorted to physically walking to their office (yes, I'm back in Ottawa)!


I'm also having problems communicating via phone because um, well through all the busyness and stress of the past few weeks - I've managed to catch a pretty bad case of strep throat and have zero speaking capabilities. Voice? Dunzo. I'm currently playing the role of silent dictator in the back of all the meetings. Swell. On the plus side, I'm wearing my comfy new sweatshirt (because I have a fever and I'm freezing) from SMU.



Picture: Senate has to meet before they can adjourn for the day and they met on the front lawn post-earthquake evacuation. I thought it was cute.

Friday, June 18, 2010

We actually did it! Bill C-268 PASSES!




Those of you who know me know I have been assisting with Bill C-268 since the dawn of time. I mean, we have been thrown so many obstacles and hurdles and massive bricks that I was beginning to doubt our work and dedication to standing up for the oppressed.

We've written articles, commented on articles, screamed for equality, jumped for equality - I mean, I was starting to loose hope. I couldn't imagine ANOTHER summer of waiting for the House to resume in order for our Bill to be heard. I just couldn't bear the thought of another 3 months with no action.

Which was once deemed the 2010 Olympic Bill, C-268 has been the salvation these women need in order to stand up to their captors. Knowing that these women and children believe they are victims of these horrid actions is the most important thing to me. I can proudly stand here and say that Canada now has a law that assures significant and harsh penalties for those who traffic innocent women and children. Traffickers will NOT have the opportunity to walk right out of jail after being convicted of human trafficking crimes.

From now on, human traffickers will be PROSECUTED and they will be SENTENCED for their crimes. This modern day slavery needs to cease immediately and because of all your assistance, we are finally on the path to a brighter more prosperous future.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank each and every one of you for your support of Bill C-268. Whether you wrote letters or emails to your local MPs/Senators or even just supported the Bill from afar - many thanks. My heart is literally bursting with joy right now.


We finally did it.

I'd especially like to thank MP Joy Smith for her continued assistance and perseverance with Bill C-268. No matter what her colleagues may have said or the anguish she may have felt, she continuously stood up for what she believed in and I truly appreciate it. It is women like this that inspire me and force me to keep fighting for those who are silenced.

This is only the beginning. The Future Group is committed to combating human trafficking until every child and woman is protected and returned to their home.

Many thanks for all your words of encouragement and assistance. While I appreciate it more than you know, those oppressed appreciate it even more!






Wednesday, June 16, 2010

For serious?


We all know how much of a reality tv. junkie I am. It's disgusting.


I mean, I just can't help it. I can't turn away. It's like Justin Bobby's greasy dreadlocks are pulling me in week after week. Olivia's constant attacks against my girl Whit or Kelly's belligerent terror against her staff...the DRAMA. Oh, how I love it.


What I don't love, however, is how my own life this past year has mirrored some of these ridiculous shows. While Alex was screaming at Jill last week on the Real Housewives, I really took what she was saying to heart..."You are in high school and while you're in high school, I'm in Brooklyn."


It's pathetic, but true. I just left a school that has more drama than it knows. For gosh sakes, it was LAW SCHOOL. I expected maturity and discipline, bureaucracy and diplomacy. Instead, I got selfishness and pure hatred. It disgusted me. It still disgusts me. I left that school months ago. Literally packed up my bags and didn't look back. Sure, I visited a few times but it was merely because of prior commitments I had made. Even then, I kept to myself and was afraid to roam the halls. I'm a tough as nails girl, but those kids at that school literally scare the crap out of me. They are not afraid to rip you to shreds for their own personal gain. It's appalling. I was raised in an all girls private boarding school and the drama I experienced these past few months is above and beyond anything I witnessed at the Castle.


From lies to anonymous letters, the stories I have could create an entire prime time drama on MTV. Having people you cared so much about spreading vicious lies about you? Doesn't that seem immature for someone over the age of 25? It makes me sick thinking I cared for these people and did everything in my power to ensure only the best for them. They're stuck in this adolescent time warp and it's really scary. The fact that my name is being dragged through the mud AGAIN is ridiculous. I was a quiet shy girl who didn't speak in class and kept to herself. How did I manage to garner this much attention? It's insane. I can't describe it.


I'm not a girl who retaliates or gets revenge. That's just not who I am. You can talk about me all you like, but I will NEVER return the favor. I try to see the best in people, but this is making it really hard. I feel like every time I turn another corner and start heading towards something great - these students knock me back and I'm stuck grasping for air. I can't eat, I can't breathe, I can't sleep. I did nothing wrong, and yet my name is being continuously hit. People I cared about, people I dated, people I considered best friends. It's despicable.


But, you know what? Fine. While they're stuck in high school, I'm going to continue doing the best I can with furthering my career. Yes, their words hurt more than any bruise can, but I'm going to keep brushing away these tears and standing strong. You don't know me, you don't know the person and I am, and truly - I'm not going to waste a single moment trying to explain it to you. My relationships with others, that's my business. You can keep assuming and making up these awful tales, but they're just that - stories. Your words hold very little merit and I need to keep reminding myself of that.


So while you're skipping along campus acting like a twelve year old, I'm going to be mature and ignore as best as I can. Yes, I will probably still burst into tears when I hear these awful stories...but I know I'm the stronger person here. I'm the one who is moving forward as best as I can. Nothing is going to stop me from moving on to bigger and better things. And to the people I considered friends believing these lies? Best of luck to you. I clearly didn't need you in my life.


Moral of this story: you stay in high school, and I'm going to stay in Ottawa.


Monday, June 14, 2010

Your love? It means the world.

But friendship is precious, not only in the shade, but in the sunshine of life; and thanks to a benevolent arrangement of things, the greater part of life is sunshine.

- Thomas Jefferson


Thomas Jefferson? I think you were on to something. I've said it before and I'll say it again. This past year has been the toughest of my life. I know that this is the one main obstacle I was given in life and now, I am happy to report that I can see a light at the end of this tunnel.

There was one constant this year (and no, it wasn't my endless supply of tears)and it was the friendship I encountered throughout this. These amazing individuals who supported me mean the world to me. No matter how grumpy I was or how unhappy I was getting - this amazing group of people reached out to me and held my hand throughout the entire process. I have never realized how blessed I am to have these people in my life until this year. I'm sorry it took a traumatic situation for me to truly appreciate this kindred spirits, but I won't ever forget it.

To my 7R Girls - all I had to say was help and y'all came running. Through your constant emails and texts and words of encouragement, I knew I was going to be okay. Even though we were timezones apart, you held my hand through the tough stuff and relished in the moments of grace with me. And still, no matter what happens - you're always right there with me, encouraging me to continue. I wanted to give up and crawl into a big dark hole so many times this year, but you girls just wouldn't let me. You reminded me of the person I am and the things I want to accomplish. I am NOTHING without you girls, NOTHING. Wherever I am in this world, I know you'll always be right there with me. Teira, Megs, Maris - each and every one of you is incredibly special in my life. Thank you for being my friend when I needed it the most.

Rach & Julie - we started this journey together and as upset as I am that I won't be there to stand on that graduation stage with you, know that I'll be there in the stands cheering you on. You girls have been my rock this year. Any time I needed anything, you were always there. Rach, I couldn't ask for a better best friend. You wipe away my tears and force me to get back up. Your love and support mean the world to me. From trips to holding hands, I turn to you both and you're always there. Friendship like this comes once in a lifetime and I'm so honored to have you in my life. You also introduced me to queso and Dr. Pepper - don't think I can ever repay you for that as they are now practically daily staples in my life. Love you both more than you could possibly imagine.

Chris - you've been a great sounding board and a rock for me this past year. No matter what was being said, you laughed it off and told me to focus on the main journey. You had enough to deal with on your plate and yet you always took the time to comfort me. I'm SO proud of you for overcoming every thing you have this year and know that you're going to do great things in this world.

Amanda - my dear, I wish I could be road tripping back to VA with you. We honestly did start this adventure together and you will forever be known as my first RU friend. When times were tough, you opened your heart to a fellow Canuck and encouraged me to do better, to ignore what was being said and get back to the things that were most important in my life. While we won't get our two years of classes on the same campus, know that I'll visit lots and will come keep you company at sbucks!

Mallory & Noe - it goes without saying, we're soul mates. A world without the two of you would be a world without living. No matter how far apart we are, we always manage to unite. And when we're in the same city, I can't even explain the joy that brings me. I've known you both since I was a little tot, and I can't imagine two better true blue bestests to have in my life. I know that wherever we go, we go together and that makes everything okay.

And to all my other friends and family, I appreciate your support more than you'll ever know. I know I'm a little quiet sometimes, but trust me when I say that I wish I could scream out my thanks for each and every one of you on a daily basis. You mean that much to me. And now that I've chosen a city for next year, I can't wait to see what life has in store for me. I'm over the moon and can't wait to experience everything.

Always thankful for your undying support.

Much love,

Becky
xxoo

Friday, June 4, 2010

That's all folks..

I could sit here and try to explain to you where I'll be living come August 20th, but the truth is I still have NO idea. Zero. Nothing. Zilch.

Actually, your guess is as good as mine. As in provide me with insight, answers..ANYTHING.

Same old story. Could be DC or Boston or Oklahoma or even Texas. No idea. I've asked for some extensions on deadlines and was reluctantly given an extra week. I have one week to decide. One week is all I'm getting. Don't even talk to me about decision trees because I'm all decision tree'd out. Some nights I dream of Dallas, while other nights I can't stop thinking about DC. Boston would feel so familiar, but Oklahoma would be a new adventure. My parents have convinced me that distance doesn't matter and my Dad has even taken off the first two weeks of August to drive Betsy (my SUV) to any American destination of my choosing. All I have to do is decide...easier said than done.

In the meantime, wouldn't you love to read a useless survey I filled out? Yeah, thought you would. You honestly can stop reading now, unless you have some hidden urge or desire to learn more about me.

1. last beverage → Tim Horton’s XL one milk, two sweetner
2. last phone call → Someone called my office looking for the person who used to occupy this office. It’s an hourly occurrence. No, I don’t have your library books…
3. last text message → Tyler alerting me that he is safe and sound back in Montreal.
4. last song you listened to → Knock You Out, Emily Haines ft. Tiesto
5. last time you cried → last weekend
SIX HAVE YOU EVER:
6. dropped your phone in the toilet → Never, but I’ll always remember that time Alia’s went for a swim in mine.
7. depended on someone → Yes, Rachel. The bestest ever.
8. dated someone twice → Do you know who you’re talking to? I’m a serial recycler
9. been cheated on → Yes
10. kissed someone & regretted it → Never.
11. lost someone special → Yes.
12. been depressed → Yes.
13. been dumped → Yeah, first time that happened. Kinda not cool

LIST FOUR FAVORITE COLORS:
14. Green
15. Golden yellow
16. Coral
17. Black
THIS Semester HAVE YOU:
19. Fallen out of love → Yes, just recently
20. Laughed until you cried → Oh, god yes. It involved a lost wallet, brewsters ice cream, and some highly inappropriate conversations that were hilarious.
21. Met someone who changed you → Yes, I most certainly did.
22. Found out who your true friends were → Unfortunately, yes.
23. Found out someone was talking about you → The whole school was. It was their pastime. Spread vicious rumors about the Canuck game.
24. Kissed anyone on your friend’s list → Yes.
25. How many people on your friends list do you know in real life → 95%
26. How many kids do you want to have → I imagine one hypothetical little adopted girl whom I shall name Yannick or Chanel Dani. Haven’t decided yet.
27. Do you have any pets → Oui oui, Lola and Oprah. Cutest puppies around.
28. Do you want to change your name → Yes, to Yannick. My mom always wanted to call me that and its stuck.
29. What did you do for your last birthday → Went to Catch 31 with an amazing group of girls.
30. what time did you wake up today 5:09 AM. Always before my alarm.
31. What were you doing at midnight last night → Sleeping, soundly.
32. Name something you CANNOT wait for → June 10th. My vacation weekend!
33. Last time you saw your father → Two nights ago?
34. What is one thing you wish you could change about your life → The way things ended in January.
35. What are you listening to right now — Pure silence, which is a hot commodity in this office.
36. Have you ever talked to a person named Tom → Um, yep.
37. What’s getting on your nerves right now → The blisters on my heels. Ouchy.
38. Most visited webpage → cbc.ca/politics
39. Whats your real name — Rebecca-Elizabeth
40. Nicknames — Becky mostly. Some people call me Becs. And if you want to really irritate me, you call me Becca. I hate it.
41. Relationship Status → Absolutely single (and I’ve been single for more than a day, a new thing pour moi)
42. Zodiac sign → Virgo/Libra. I’m on the cusp.
43. Male or female or transgendered → Female
44. Elementary → John XXIII Catholic School
45. Middle School → This is Canadia, we don’t have middle school. Though, I also attended Monsignor Cleary and Knox Christian before high school.
46. High school → Trafalgar Castle
47. Hair color → Blonde
48. Long or short → Normally short, but I’m growing it out. I also have beautiful new extensions to go with the hair.
49. Height → 5’6″
50. Do you have a crush on someone → Yes, yes I do.
51. Have you made up a missing question on a quiz? — No.
52: What do you like about yourself → My wit and sarcasm (and no, this is not a personal ad)
53. Piercings → Ears and belly button.
54. Tattoos → Soon. I have it all designed and ready to go (I saved up all my pennies).
55. Righty or lefty → Weird fact, I’m ambidextrous. I broke my arm really badly when I was younger and had to have surgery and I guess it was during an impressionable age so I learned how to use both.

FIRSTS :
56. First love → High school sweetheart.
57. First piercing → My ears
58. First best friends → Rachel, Noelle, Mallory
59. First sport you joined → Soccer, duh.
60. First pet → Cindel, our cat.
61. First vacation → Disney World. I think I was 3 weeks old. The obsession started early.
62. First concert → The Moffats. Best concert ever.
63. First crush → David
RIGHT NOW:
64. Eating — Gum. The new sweet mint kind.
65. Drinking → Nestle water. I’m all rebellious like that.
66. I’m about to → Work on yet another report. After I take this sanity break (which may or may not involve a round of mini-putt)
67. Listening to → Golden silence
68. Waiting for → My pedicure appointment at 3:45

YOUR FUTURE :
69. Want kids → Sure, Yannick.
70. want to get married → Definitely, eventually.
71. Careers in mind → Government employee. Once you’re in, you never leave.

WHICH IS BETTER WITH THE OPPOSITE SEX? :
72. Lips or eyes → Eyes
73. Hugs or kisses → Hugs
74. Shorter or taller → Taller, definitely.
75. Older or Younger → Older, definitely.
76. Romantic or spontaneous — A little of both.
77. Nice stomach or nice arms → Just healthy.
78. Sensitive or loud → In between.
79. Hook-up or relationship → Relationship.
80. Trouble maker or hesitant → I have a big weakness for bad boys and I have no idea why.

HAVE YOU EVER :
81. Kissed a stranger → Yes.
82. Dined Dashed → No, I’m not that rebellious.
83. Lost glasses/contacts → Too many times.
84. Sex on first date → No
85. Broken someone’s heart → Yes.
86. Had your own heart broken → yes.
87. Been arrested → No.
88. Turned someone down → Yes.
89. Cried when someone died → Yes.
90. Liked a friend that is a girl? → No

DO YOU BELIEVE IN:
91. Yourself → Yes.
92. Miracles → Absolutely
93. Love at first sight → I think so
94. Heaven → Yes, of course
95. Santa Clause → What? Santa isn’t real?
96. Kiss on the first date → Yep
97. Angels → Yes, especially ones named Tiny Tim

ANSWER TRUTHFULLY:
98. Is there one person you want to be with right now → Yes – so faaaaar away from me (and refusing to answer phone – not that I’ve called or anything)
99. Had more than one boyfriend/girlfriend at one time → Definitely not
100. Posting this as 100 Truths → Yep yep.

Wednesday, June 2, 2010

And in the end, The love you take, Is equal to the love you make

Fact: I stole this title from Teira. Thanks, Roomie!

I'm kinda in a weird funk today. And yes, I know Glee was titled that last night. Please don't ruin the episode for me. I haven't seen it yet! But, back to my funk. At first, I thought I was grumpy because of I was so tired, but that doesn't seem to be the case after I pumped gallons of caffeine into my body this morning. Then, I thought it was because I was having a weird hair day. My bangs have taken my face hostage and I used smelly boys shampoo this morning. But, I tied it all back (including my precious new extensions) and that seems to have solved my hair panic attack.

I shouldn't be in a crazed funk, I'm leaving town in a week for an extended weekend. That should excite me, but it doesn't seem to be doing the trick. I know I'm anxious about making the BIG MOVE decision, but by Friday I should have something to update y'all with. I just don't want to make a mistake again, but I'm also nervous about moving even further away from all my friends. Texas and Oklahoma sound almost as far as Nunavut at this point. Rach is in Chicago, Noelle is in S. Korea (Niagara in September - fingers crossed), and Chris/Julie/Heather/Amanda/Jamie are in Virginia Beach. Find me a place in between all of that and I'm there.

I'm going to get a sbucks frapp to make this all better.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Missing...



I try NOT to think about this past dreadful year too much, but sometimes I find myself sitting here missing everything. From lunches to libraries, there are certain things I just can't imagine living without and yet I have been, for 5 months now.


  • I miss my best friend. She's my everything and I miss her. She's in Chicago and I just wish I could run and give her a big hug and dance in the car to some crazy Broadway number (or Disney Princess Christmas tunes). I miss laughing over vases at Wal-Mart and watching Oprah on the floor of her room. I love her thissssssssssss much *insert me standing here like a 5 year old*
  • I miss Applebee's and Barb our waitress at Applebee's. I think I spent far too much time there, but it was one of the best studying spots on the weekend. I could have a table for 8 to myself and lay out all 5000 of my flashcards. Barb was really nice and always put extra shrimp on my salad. She also always tried to get me to eat dessert and chatted with us when we looked upset.
  • I miss Jules and our skrimp dates. Nothing said friendship bonding time like the patio at Chick's after class. I also miss sneaking in P.F. Chang's take-out into the library study rooms. Sea bass and spinach, anyone? No one belts out a Celine tune like Jules, no one. I miss that one bunches.
  • I miss the hilariously inappropriate comments Heather and I used to make. Certain things should be kept to yourself, except when Heather and I express them. To this day, I have NEVER laughed as hard as that one night I spent searching the parking lot for my lost wallet. No one should be having that much fun on a Thursday night in law school. She was also my reality tv buddy and my first Regent bestest. Whenever I needed to be defended, Heather was always there and I loved her for it.
  • I miss hanging out at BB's place with Jules and Rach. Having life chats at the kitchen table or Portia falling asleep holding Ellen's hand.
  • I miss going to Catch 31 to hang out with Surfer Babysitters. Yes, we actually met them and yes, we actually hung out with them for an entire night.
  • All roads lead to Hot Tuna and Somalian Pirates and I miss that.
  • I miss watching videos of Lady Gaga performances and Grant's hilarious reactions. Got him every time. I also miss creeping on the People of Wal-Mart site in the Ordinary during lunch. You could hear us throughout the halls, we were that loud.
  • I miss eating lunch on the patio of the Ordinary, while making inappropriate gestures to other law students on the benches across from us. The food wasn't great, but the company always was.
  • I miss how a simple Wednesday evening could start out at Applebee's studying and end at 3am screaming orders through the Taco Bell drive-through. I also miss handing out my number to random construction workers we would meet at Applebee's and then having to ignore calls for weeks.
  • I miss playing wii golf at Nate's or making him listen to my Canadian indie music. I really don't think he appreciated either of these things.
  • I miss pretending to study on the couch while I was actually watching the Habs game and then jumping up every time they scored.
  • I miss pictures of dinosaurs from my little buddy or teaching him how to kick the soccer ball really far or how to make snow angels.
  • I really miss jumping out of certain SUVs to go make snow angels. It was very important for me to utilize any and all snow I saw.
  • I miss airport pick-ups and airport drop-offs.
  • I miss blasting Celine in the car and screaming at the top of our lungs the entire way home.
  • I miss ninja battles in the library or RH lobby or really anywhere. I also miss all ninjas.
  • I miss a lot of firsts. Like my first time to the arcade. I killed it at alpine skiing and refused to leave until we had enough points to win a yo-yo (green, of course). One of my favorite memories from last year.
  • I miss watching V.Beachers try and ward off the cold with simple jackets, while I stayed snuggled and warm in my green parka and canuck mittens. Global warming, anyone?
  • I even miss Noreasters. As petrified as I was (I called my extended French family to let them know I was going to die), I miss being carried around so the wind wouldn't blow me away. I miss running through the puddles with my rainboots and driving through lakes outside Barnes and Nobles so we could buy the new Celine DVD.
  • I even miss my stupid American phone and how it always seemed to come back to life after you chucked it across hard cement in parking lots.

I could go on and on, but as I sit here trying to make this life-changing decision...I can't forget about the amazing friendships I made last year. I don't want to loose what I found and hope these memories will stay with me for many years.



And no, I haven't made any decisions...yet.