6 Things I've learned the first 6 months of 2011

1. Facial piercings are hideous--After watching Judge Judy and 16 & Pregnant faithfully, I now see how ugly facial piercings are.  They are  like a right of passage for the trailer park set. I had a labret and thankfully my body rejected it after a year of almost constant infections. My body was clearly telling me how low-classy it looked. I now have a lovely scar to remind me of my stupidity.
   
   

   

   When did looking like a BULL become desirable?

   
   
2. Be careful who you befriend—I've always considered myself to be a good judge of character. Well, I am clearly delusional because I have chosen some of the shittiest people EVER to be friends with. These people usually ended up stabbing me in the back. There is honestly no more room left on my back to stab so I hope these days are behind me...though I somehow doubt it.
   
   
3. Quinoa rules—This super food is now on my menu daily. I love it with my whole entire heart. If you haven't tried it...get on it!
   
   
4. No-one is more important than family—I've had an extremely rough year and a half. My difficulties have lead to arguments and friendships ending. My family has  stood by me, unconditionally, throughout everything. They are patient with me, understand me better than anyone and have the ability to put my mind at ease when it starts to turn on me. I've learned that personal problems should not be discussed or shared with anyone besides family. I learned this the hard way.
   
   

   

   My amazing family.

   
   
5. It's WHO you know—I had to leave my job due to an extremely negative environment. It took a huge toll on my health and well being. Now that I am well on the road to recovery, I am searching for a new job. I never in my wildest dreams expected it to be this hard to find full-time work. It truly is who you know in this town. And I clearly don't know a fucking soul.
   
   
6. I will not, under any circumstances email or message or text people when I am feeling down or irrational. It almost always leads to a disaster. I wear my heart AND my brain on my sleeve...whatever I am feeling, no matter how outrageous or irrational, will come out of my mouth or fingers without being edited. I've learned, once again the hard way, that I need to somehow restrain myself from rambling incessantly at times. If only there was some kind of “breathalyzer” type of unit that could prevent this. Maybe some kind of electrodes we could wire up to the brain? Hmmm....perhaps I am onto something?
   
   
   I realize I haven't written in a long time. I was thinking about ending my blog. I even posted on Facebook that I was no longer writing. In reaction to that post, a dear friend said that I don't need to put so much pressure on myself. She said I need to "just be". I can't worry about writing the perfect piece or about how many people are reading. I have to write because I enjoy it. I have to just be Stacey writing about Stacey Stuff.
   
   
   Do you still love me?
   
   
   Stacey xo

Hot Flash in the City

I am not one to keep a whole lot to myself. As y'all know, I am somewhat of an open book. When I started writing this blog it was my goal to be honest and truthful. No bull shit. I've been told on countless occasions that I say what other people only think or feel. As you may also know, my blog posts have ranged from sweet to bitchy and back again. No, I don't have dual personalities, trust me. Read on.

It turns out I have a health issue that I'm certain many women out there will be able to relate to. Hormone deficiancy. My hormones have been wreaking havoc on my life for some time now. When tested, both my estrogen and progesterone are very low. As we all know, messed up hormones can cause a whole SCHWACK of other problems. Here are just a few.

First and foremost, mood. I have said before how life is like a roller coaster. If I am to use another amusement park ride analogy, hormones are like the Zipper. We all remember the Zipper. The carnie locks you in a cage that spins wildly around while the apparatus the cage is attached to also spins furiously. A roller coaster is somewhat predictable, up, down, up, down. The Zipper on the other hand, you have no clue which way it is going to spin, how many times or for how long. This, my friends, is what happens when ones hormones are out of whack. I can be busting with joy one day and the next day plotting my revenge against some unsuspecting sucker. I can have boundless energy one minute and hardly be able to get out of bed the next. Because it is so unpredictable, it makes day to day life ridiculously erratic.

The unpredictable Zipper.

Secondly, hot flashes. Yup, I'm having them. My doctors have assured me I am not having menopause...yet. I have never experienced anything so frustrating in my life. Imagine getting ready for a night out and all of a sudden becoming so hot that you'd swear Global Warming has finally turned Canada into the tropics and no-one told you. Your hair is soaked, your make-up ruined and you feel like you are wearing a wetsuit. And for those who have experienced a hot flash, there ain't nothin' you can do to cool down. It stops when it stops. Even blasting the AC at an arctic temperature for quick relief won't work. Why you ask? Because a hot flash burns from the inside out. It makes me want to drink a bottle of automobile coolant. Hey, if it can cool down the engine of your car, why not the body? Besides that pesky little poison part, it sounds like a great idea.

And then we have night sweats. Ever had 'em? Oh, it's lovely. Nothing like waking up in the middle of the night thinking that you peed your pants. Yup, for real. My body is sweating in places I didn't even know had sweat glands. The calves? Really? You would think that with all this sweating I am doing that I would be losing weight but nooooooooo. Of course not. That brings me to...

Weight gain. Because my hormones are so fucked, I have been on a smorgasbord of medications. Of course the number one side effect of ALL of these meds is weight gain. Seriously. Like I'm not going through enough with the moods and sweating, now I have to deal with weight gain? Are we going to find out one day that being a woman was our punishment for bad behaviour in a previous life?

So, there you have it. THIS is what I am currently dealing with. I think we should ALL be grateful that this spinster is not having kids. Can you imagine the hormone fluctuations I would surely have? Yikes. Scary. On that note, because I was up 8 times last night sweating to death, I am going to go crawl into my deep freeze and take a nap.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

I Be Ranting...

Today, I rant. It is LONG overdue and I am busting. Therefore, this opening paragraph will cease NOW because I gots a lot of bitching to do.

1. Lazy delivery drivers—I had some new patio furniture delivered on Sunday. I got a knock on the door only to see two men standing there...with no furniture. They stated that on their last delivery their shoes got muddy and did I want to come down and get the furniture. Ummm...no? Unless they were going to pay ME to carry MY purchase up 3 flights of stairs to my condo...no. I suggested they take their shoes off and get to it. Seriously? What part of "delivery" do they not understand?
   
   
2. Folded shower curtains—Why...WHY do the fold them into little square packages? By time the fold marks come out it is time for a new curtain. Why don't they ROLL them? It's not rocket science.
   
   
3. Male drivers—Okay, let me start off by saying I am not a feminist by any means. I think jokes about bad female drivers are funny. They do not offend me. BUT...let me tell you something I have noticed. The majority of BAD drivers that I encounter are in fact MALE. Trust me, if it were women I would have no problem saying so in this blog. Guys out there, I gotta tell ya...there is nothing more unattractive than a shitty male driver. Go back to Drivers Ed. Just because you are male doesn't mean you were born with mad driving skills.
   
   
4. There, their, they're. THREE different words with THREE different meanings. To quote Brad from 'Fast Times at Ridgemont High', “Learn it. Know it. Live it”. That's all.
   
   
5. Texting people when out with others—This drives me absolutely nuts. Why do people feel the need to incessantly text other people when out with friends? When I go out, my phone stays in my purse. I choose to focus on those I am with. Why? I don't know because everyone else is busy texting so I just end up sitting there looking like a dork. Unless it is uber important, put your fucking phones away. I do not think this is a sign of the times, I think it is rude and makes the people you are with feel like their company is not enough.
   
   
6. THE LEFT LANE IS FOR PASSING.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   
7. Clothing sizes—I am so tired of going shopping, finding something I like only to discover the only size left is extra-small. When are buyers going to get the hint that aside from celebrities, hardly anyone wears extra-small? Is it not obvious when all the mediums, larges and extra-larges are gone and there are 16 extra-smalls left that maybe, just maybe, they need to adjust the shipments?
   
   
8. Lipstick that matches ones skin. How do people think this looks good? Yes, Angelina Jolie wears this look but trust me, she is the only one who can pull it off. Well, her and corpses. Whomever created nude lip colour was clearly colour blind. I have stated before that I believe every woman should wear lip colour at all times but even I would rather see bare lips than lips the colour of foundation.
   
   

   

   Love Jen, HATE the look.

   
   
9. While I am on the topic of beauty, where the HELL did this trend of women shaving off their eyebrows to DRAW new ones on come from? I don't get it. I just don't get it. I had a friend who did this years ago. When she drew her brows on she looked like she was in a constant state of surprise. It. Looked. Ridiculous. If you don't like the look of your natural brows, call me, I have a kick-ass eyebrow girl. She is a miracle worker.
   
   
10. Doctors who make you wait—I am totally fine with waiting for 15-20 minutes. I used to work for doctors. I know all to well how one patient can throw their whole schedule off. What I am talking about is this: I saw a specialist recently. When I got my appointment in the mail I was thrilled to see that I had the first appointment of the day. Awesome...I wouldn't have to wait! Yeah, right. I waited in the 4x4 exam room for an hour and a half. Yup, an hour and a half to see a doctor who spent, literally, 5 minutes with me. There are some doctors out there who need to realize that OUR time is just as valuable as THEIR time.

So, that is it for today. I could keep going but my blood pressure rises with every point I make and I do not feel like spending my day in “the little waiting room” to get it checked out.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

Two's Company, Three's a Crowd

So because I am the eternal single girl, I have been around A LOT of friends and their boyfriends. I can honestly say, witnessing some of these relationships has been one hell of an eye opener. I definitely know the qualities I want and the ones I don't. I also know that if I end up single forever...that is perfectly fine by me.

Over the years I have lost friends because of their boyfriends. They either “weren't allowed” to keep their friends, ditched their friends because they had to spend every waking moment with “him” or their boyfriends did not like me (and God forbid these girls make their own decisions). There have been instances where my friend's boyfriends did not want them going out with me because I was deemed a “troublemaker”. And for the sole reason that I was single. I mean really? I didn't realize that “single” was code for “moral deviant”.

There have also been a few cases where my female friendship ended but I later on renewed a friendship with the ex-boyfriend. I have a few male friends who at one time dated girlfriends of mine. Quite often I become friends with the ex-boyfriends NEW girlfriends! And hey...why not? What an antiquated notion it is that we have to base OUR friendships on the success or failure of OTHER relationships. I've about had it with the “pack mentality”. I will be friends with whomever I please. And unless there is real cause to no longer talk to a friend's ex, I will remain friends with him. Who “wrote” these “unwritten rules” that state when 2 people break up we have to choose sides? Bull shit. It is my experience that the male friendships will outlast the female ones anyway (though I've had a stupid number of shitty girlfriends).

I have also had friends whose dates I can't fucking stand. Whether it is because they treat my friends poorly, I see warning flags popping up, we butt heads or, plain and simple, I don't think they are good enough/classy enough/smart enough/kind enough...etc, etc. This can make things rather difficult. Sometimes it is best to just agree not to discuss the boyfriend (in essence pretend he doesn't exist). Other times the friendship will eventually fizzle out because of it (if that is the case, trust me, the friendship was never real and odds are that relationship won't last either).

From the time we start “liking” boys, in grade 6 or 7 (probably younger now), our relationships with our girlfriends inevitably change. Forever. Priorities shift. Conflicts arise. Friendships suffer. I know it is all part of life and there are some schools of thought who believe we are put on this earth for one reason...to find a life partner and procreate. I, however, beg to differ. I believe we are here to learn from every experience and relationship we have. Whether it is with significant others or friends. What we need to do is start making everyone in our lives a priority. All of our relationships should be of equal importance. And WE should choose who we want in OUR lives. That friendship you end on account of someone else may have been one of the best friends you never had.

And finally, I don't know where this blog came from. I guess I have been thinking about the past a lot lately. NEVER a good thing for me. It is my hope that by purging some of these thoughts publicly, I will finally be able to put these issues to rest. For good. Stay tuned for my blog on friendship. With everything I have gone through with “friends”, I promise it will be a doosy.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

Random Thought

So...my condo backs a park with a man-made lake. As you can imagine, there are TONS of birds that hang out there. I hear everything from little chickadee chirps, to goose honks, to the horrid caw of the crows. 


I also hear some bird sounds that defy explanation. Bizarre squawks that I have never heard before. This leads me to wonder...are random birds "hooking up" in the park and giving birth to strange "mixed race" birds? And on that note...how do birds...uh... "do it"? Does anyone really know?


Have a great LONG weekend, folks.


You know you love me,


Stacey xo

ACK!

I know it's been awhile since I last posted a new blog and it's not for lack of trying. Here's the problem...I am officially suffering from my first case of writer's block. It is terrifying, upsetting and, well, a little hard to believe. I mean, I have a lot to say...I always do...I just can't find the words. Dear words: WHERE DID YOU GO???


It is terrifying in the sense that I fear I'll never be able to write again. Can you imagine how horrible that would be for all of you? What if that part of my brain (you know, the witty, charming, opinionated part) has just shut off? What if I am not able to turn it back on? Is it a power failure? A bad connection? Have other parts of my brain revolted against it? Seriously...WHAT?


Anyway, I am working on it and I am hopeful that one day soon, the words will start flowing again. In the meantime, please don't "write" me off!


You WILL love me again...I promise.


Stacey xo

Be Back Soooon!

Just a quick note that I will be blogging again soon. After an exhaustive 9-month search, I have adopted a beautiful 4 year old Siamese cat. She comes to me from Calgary and her name is Roo. I am focused on her at the moment as she is my first child :).


See you SOON!


You know you love me,


Stacey xo

The Royal Wedding...Stacey-style

Well...it is 11pm Thursday night. I am attempting to stay up until the BIG WEDDING. Right now it seems like a piece of (wedding) cake. I am half in the bag from my Splurge group get together. I was tonight’s winner and won $330 and 10 bottles of wine. How many bottles of said wine will I have to consume to stay up until 3? Bets? ;)

11:10pm—Dammit...the buzz is wearing off already. Need energy. Time to carb-load.

11:30pm—Just inserted the Pepsi Cola IV. Why is it every other night I am up 'til all hours and tonight, when I NEED to be up and alert I am suddenly tired as fuck?

12:16am—Just grabbed my tiara out of my costume drawer. Realistically, I should be wearing it every day. Why? Because I'm worth it.

12:17:am—Oh my! How did that wine get into my glass?

12:30am—Only 2.5 hours to go! Should I watch the pre-show? Naw...I'll probably throw myself off my balcony if I watch THAT much Royal shitness. A “commoner” such as myself, can only handle so much pomp and circumstance.

12:45am—I have decided I am going to drink a BEER during the ceremony. Why? Because the Queen deems beer to be too low-classy to be served at the reception. Seriously, Liz? Question: At what age do the Royals get the poles shoved up their asses? Do they have a ceremony to commemorate this occasion? Is it possible to get the pole surgically removed?

2:30am—Uh, yeah, just woke up. Had a great “nap”. Did NOT want to get up. This wedding BETTER be good. Must splash cold water on my face to wake up.

2:35am—Oh, there is Princess Diana's brother. Awww. This must be bittersweet for him, and all of her family.

2:37am—Look at the freakin' hats on some of these birds. Clearly she with the biggest hat wins! On a side note...it looks like my black, “Love Kills” heels may not be appropriate.

2:40am—Jesus...some of these Brits outside in the crowd are drunker than I am. Sounds about right. Cheers!

2:45am—Yikes...Ben Mulroney (host of CTV's Etalk)...could ya cake on a lil' more foundation? That be some scary shit.

2:50am—Oh look...it's the Queen! Oh wait...it's just Elton John. My bad.

2:58am—They just announced “we are one hour away”. WTF? You mean I could've slept for another hour? ARGH. Damn it. You know...they couldn't have had the ceremony a couple of hours later so those of us who are dumb enough to get up in the middle of the night to watch could catch a couple more zzzzz's. RUDE, INCONSIDERATE Royal's.

3:05am—You know, there are those out there who are up in arms that this “event” has had too much media coverage. “They” are angry that we are focusing on something so “trivial” when there are more important issues going on in the world. But you know what? Is it so bad that we briefly turn our attention to a joyous occasion for a change? In the grand scheme of things, time-wise, this is just a mere drop in the bucket. Think about it...one third of the PLANET are watching this. What else could possibly unite the world this way? Meh, I guess the haters are always gonna hate.

3:13am—OMG! Prince William has left the building! This bird is literally covered in goosebumps! I am so glad I got up to watch! Ohhhhhhhhh...Hello HOT HARRY...star of tonight's dream merhaps? God DAMN do these boys look smokin'! William is so calm, cool and collected. Harry on the other hand, looks like he is counting down the minutes before he can tie one on.

3:20am—It is really so tragic that Princess Diana isn't here to witness her firstborn son tying the knot. I sincerely hope Kate doesn't fall prey to the vultures that are the paparazzi.

3:30am—There's Posh and Becks! Poor Posh...I bet she is dying inside over the fact that she is pregnant and not her usual size -2. Biggest social event of her life and she has a swollen belly. That poor kid is gonna have to suffer Mommy's wrath for the rest of her (she is reportedly having a girl) life. Anna Wintour (editor of Vogue who refuses to put Posh on the cover) is loving every minute of it, catty bitch that she is. Is Becks wearing eyeliner?

3:32am—Kate's mum looks great. Understated and elegant. Lovely choice of outfit.

3:34am—I can't imagine what Kate is feeling right now. If it was me I would be popping Imodium and doing Jagermeister shots.

3:36am—Here come Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie. Princess Eugenie's hat is SO fashion forward. Very Gaga! Kudos, girl! How awkward it must feel though, that their mom, Sarah Ferguson, is blacklisted. She got what she paid for though. Considering she tried to SELL media access to Prince Andrew, she is lucky she wasn't beheaded in the town square.

3:40am—There goes Charles and his horse. Oh wait...that's Camilla Parker-Bowles. Ooops.

3:41am—I am in LOVE with all of these crazy hats!

3:42am—Okay, you have to admit...Queen Elizabeth looks remarkable for 85. I swear she hasn't aged in 20 years. It's crazy to think her coronation was at the age young age of 25. I wonder if she ever cuts loose? You know, gets tipsy and dances around with a lampshade on her head? Oh to be a fly on the wall at Buckingham Palace! Holy crap! Prince Philip is 90? Wow...he's a spry old fucker!

3:51am—OMG!!! It's Kate! Finally! She looks breathtaking. Like a Barbie. Her make-up is perfect. She is so confident. So self-assured. So relaxed. She was definitely born to be. This is SO EXCITING!!! I can't WAIT to see the whole dress! History in the making, folks. I am BUSTING!...and suddenly longing to get married.

4:01am—Kate is exiting the car. Awww...she is absolutely beautiful. I wonder how her sister, Pippa, is really feeling right now as she carries the train of Kate's dress (which is from the fashion house of Alexander McQueen, who tragically took his own life last year).

4:04am—Ohhhhhh...there's HOT HARRY again....drooooool. Love the perpetual smirk on his face.

4:05am—This is truly straight out of a Disney fairytale.

4:08am—They are both at the alter now....smiling and whispering away. I wonder what they are saying?

4:10am—Missing my Grandma Sook right now. She would have loved this.

Pausing to watch....

4:16am—I LOVE how Kate's dad put her hand into William's hand. So symbolic and touching. Who am I? Why am I so sappy right now? Snap out of it Sook! Jesus...now I'm crying? I'm gonna have to throw on some Manson after this and try bring myself back to reality.

4:18am—The priest has a very Star Wars-esque voice. I'm not even minding all of the God bullshit he is spewing (don't worry...this will be short-lived).

4:30am—It's official. Please give it up for the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge!

Well kids, daylight is drawing near and it is time I bid adieu. The choir is seemingly never going to stop singing and I am exhausted (and perhaps a little hungover). I truly enjoyed every minute of this spectacular event and really do believe that this marriage will go the distance. We witnessed history today. I only wish the wedding would have been at a time when it could preempt the NHL playoffs!

Good night to all, and to all a good night...er...morning.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

Yeah, I'm a Spinster. Jealous?

I turned 40 this year. I still nearly barf every time I say it out loud. Saying “40” is by far worse than spewing any expletive out there. And here's the kicker, folks. Not only am I 40...I am SINGLE and 40. You know what that means. Yup, I am officially a spinster. An old maid. A creepy cat lady.

Now it's not that I'm not in good company being a spinster. Bridget Jones was one (well for awhile anyway). Greta Garbo, Jane Austen and Emily Dickinson were all considered to be spinsters. Those are some pretty impressive women to share a title with. On the flip-side though, Lizzie Borden was an infamous old maid. Yeah, that's who I want to be lumped in with. A hatchet wielding, parent-butchering murderer. There is always one bad apple that spoils it for the bunch. Damn you, Lizzie.

I suppose I've really always been considered a spinster of sorts. I've never had much luck with men and dating. I'm the girl who gets broken up with on the phone to the tune of “New Girl Now” by Honeymoon Suite (true story). I'm the girl who gets cheated on and passed over for a blonde friend. And I can't tell you how many times I have “liked” someone, mustered the courage to talk to them only to have them ask me 20 questions about the friend I am with. Go talk to her yourself, asshole.

At this point, I've kind of accepted my fate. Not to mention I am so set in my ways now that I can't fathom living with someone (besides a cat...or 2...or 3). The mere thought of dirty socks strewn about or the toilet seat left up sends me into a near Lizzie Borden-style rage. And hey, is it really so bad to be able to do whatever I want, whenever I want? To not have to answer to anyone...ever? I see what some of my friends go through with their significant others and let me tell ya, I'm starting to think that I am a bloody genius for staying single for so long.

Spinster Sook

So, let me be your 3^rd wheel. Set a place for me at the singles table. And pick out my bridesmaid dress. This girl is a spinster and proud of it! My only regret is that I am going to miss out on engagement gifts, shower gifts, and wedding gifts. On second thought...my new cat arrives on May 3. Your invitation to my baby shower is in the mail.

At least you love me,

Stacey xo

It's "Easter"!

A day off + chocolate bunnies. It must be "Easter"!


I hope y'all get together with your loved ones to celebrate. Indulge in some good food and a few cocktails. Why not? It's Zombie Jesus Day!

You know you love me,


Stacey xo

Aliens Are Taking Over

The following is my PERSONAL opinion. I am aware there are certain circumstances in which these sorts of things are necessary be it medical or personal. 


Everyone knows my views on plastic surgery and Botox by now. Of course there are always special cases but, for the most part, I think it looks ridiculous. More often than not, it makes a person look like they are trying to stay young (and failing miserably at it). In severe cases, it turns human beings into aliens. Maybe the inventors of all these Botox and Restylane injections actually ARE aliens and this is their way of slowly taking over Earth one sucker at a time. Things that make you go hmmm?

Anyway, here are two examples of ageing. One, gracefully, the other, uhhh, not so much.

Helen Mirren:

Helen Mirren-A Goddess at 65.

This woman kicks ass. She is 65 years old (young?) and seriously, she looks better than a lot of women half her age. She clearly embraces growing older and is doing it with style. She dresses age appropriate with an edge and it WORKS (Hello? Evening gown with a leather biker jacket? Rock on sister!). She is one saucy bird and I admire her to pieces! (She's got a wicked sense of humour too which makes her that much more attractive).

Madonna:

Madonna clinging to her, uhh, youth?

Madge turns 53 this year and look at her. What the bloody hell has she done to her face? I am willing to bet if she would have left it alone, she would be in Helen's category. But noooooooooooo. She now looks like a preying mantis. Madonna was a huge inspiration to me growing up. I learned about individual style from her. Sadly, she has none of it left. She is now just one of the Plastics, desperately trying to be 25 forever.

Praying Mantis devouring it's prey. Could also be a picture of
Madonna disposing of her latest BOYfriend.  

Kids...we ALL get older and we ALL age. Yes, parts of it SUCK but, look at the alternative. Those close to you will always think you are beautiful...no matter what. If you are getting Botoxed and nipped and tucked to please others? Sorry but the joke is on you. If you are doing it to make yourself happy? Well, it makes me sad that so much self-worth is based on appearance. Sign of the times, I guess.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

Happy Birthday Tara!

My sister, Tara, turns 38 in a few days. We are 2 years apart, though honestly, I more often than not feel like the younger sibling. I'm considered to be the “fragile” one in the family. My sister is the strong one. And not just mentally, she could also physically kick my ass!

Tara--Rider super-fan and Toronto Maple Leaf freak

Because there is only a 2 year difference between us, we spent a significant part of our childhood together. I had one hell of an awesome childhood and that, in part, is because of my sister. Whether it was playing school, playing Barbies or the endless hours spent outside in the backyard we always had fun. She was the first person I applied make-up on (I thought it looked amazing but Mom didn't think the bright turquoise eye-shadow was appropriate for an 8 year old) and the person I made chocolate chip cookie batter with...just to eat (and man did we get sick)! We would dance and sing to 45's (records for those who are too young) on our jukebox in the basement and ride our bikes up and down the block. In fact, I am pretty sure I was the first person she drove over while riding her tricycle like a maniac at warp speed. Oh and while I am at it, the maniac also murdered our Barbie, Julia, by throwing her into the middle of the street in front of oncoming traffic. But, I digress.

The Sook Sisters

As we have grown up, my sister has been a huge support to me, especially last year when I was sick. To this day I don't know where I would have ended up without her guidance and unwavering positive encouragement. Her ability to care for people is second to none. She is one of those rare people who would give the shirt of her back if someone needed it.

We've had our differences over the years but, at the end of the day, my sister is truly my best friend. She knows me better than anyone and has been with me through thick and thin. She gives me tough love when I need it and puts me in my place when I deserve it.

So, to the best sister a girl could ask for....I wish you a very Happy Birthday! I hope this is your best year yet. You have earned it...and you deserve it.

You know you love me,

Stacey xo

The Hate Mail Has Arrived!

So, I have received my first “hate mail” regarding my blog. Whooo hooo! It was from a total stranger and wow...she ripped me a new one! I was thinking about pasting it in it's entirety in this post but decided that the writer doesn't deserve a public forum. This woman (and judging from her email I use the term very loosely) called me pathetic, self-loathing and insecure. Oh. Your. God...my spirit is crushed. I must phone and make an emergency therapy appointment immediately!

It seems the trigger for this hissy fit was my blog on Spring where I suggest that there are only 2 women on the planet who can/should wear “booty shorts”. She said I was (and I quote) “shaming fat people”. What? Where in that blog did I say anything negative about overweight people? There are tons of girls with kick-ass bodies and I still don't think they should wear booty shorts! They are ugly, cheap looking and a crime against fashion! And, why the hell would I make those struggling with weight my target when I have had my own struggles?

Let's get one thing straight. My blog is solely based on my personal opinions and how I see things. I do not set out to personally offend anyone, ever. If that does happen? Well, there's nothing I can do about it. Some people are just overly sensitive and you know what? If you don't like what I have to say? Don't read my blog! Simple as that.

I can't begin to tell you how much shit I don't agree with every single day. Sometimes I voice my opinion, sometimes I think it best to keep my mouth shut. But, I ALWAYS respect the opinions of others. I mean really...wouldn't life be boring if we all had the same views?

Bottom line: I am not going to censor myself or apologize for my opinions. Ever.

“I am who I am and I say what I think.”-Eminem 

Oh yes...you KNOW you love me,

Stacey xo

FUCK censorship

Important Reminders

My cousin, Shauna, lost a dear friend to cancer today. It is usually times like this that we tend to evaluate our own lives. This isn't going to be a full blog post. I just have a few reminders for everyone.

1. Live life to the fullest every single day. We all go through hard times but in the grand scheme of things, those moments are few and far between. Remember what I said about the “roller-coaster” in my blog a few days ago? Life is all about ups and downs.
   
   
2. Love your family. Love your friends. We all get annoyed by those close to us at times but you know what? No-one is perfect. We all have idiosyncrasies and traits that drive those close to us crazy but, it's those little things that make us unique. Be patient. Be understanding.
   
   
3. Don't let petty arguments and disagreements destroy a friendship or relationship. Talk things out, people. We must TALK to each other and practice forgiveness.
   
   
4. Love YOURSELF...for who you are, as you are. Getting down about things like weight or a zit is a waste of precious time (note to self: practice what you preach Stacey). Don't beat yourself up over insignificant things.
   
   
5. And last, be kind to each other. Not just those you are close to, but to strangers as well. You never know what personal battle people are fighting. Your smile or kind words could make someone's day.

You know I love you,

Stacey xo

PS. Don't worry...I'll be back to bitching about something tomorrow ;).