Jul
29
I have to say, in the military, we certainly can’t complain about the number of vacation days we get (called ‘Leave’ in the forces). That being said, the time off is usually needed to wind down and recover from the daily work stress, much like any other job. I’ll be taking a full week and this weekend, I’ll be headed to south western British Columbia.
I lived in Vancouver for three months during the Olympics, when I was on task there as part of the security force for the Winter Games. And what a fantastic experience that was (more on that in another post)! Having been an Ontarian my whole life, it was wonderful to see mountains, ocean and less humid weather (my main Southern Ontario gripe). There is something in the water there in Vancouver, that can’t quite be explained. Everyone has this laid back attitude that I can’t get enough of. Essentially, I think that it is the complete opposite to my life back home. Exactly what I want for vacation time.
I quite literally cannot count the number of flights I’ve been on this year, including going back and forth to Vancouver several times last year for the Olympics, a trip to Jasper, a trip to Banff, a trip to Scotland and Ireland, a trip to Cuba (yes, I know it sounds like I’m whining…) and a work related visit to Winnipeg. So to be honest, I could do without seeing another plane for a while, especially since I think my current job will have me travelling quite a bit in the near future. But at the same time, the airport is starting to be a comforting place for me. I usually can read a book in a day, so nothing gives me greater pleasure than getting to the airport early, buying a highly overpriced beverage and sitting curled up on a chair as I get absorbed in a new world of literature. Oddly, I have this penchant for sappy Chick Lit when travelling but hey, I don’t deny myself these small pleasures.
People often ask how I can have two such differing jobs/passions. My job in the military seems a far cry from the literary life I like to surround myself in when I get home. But at the end of the day, what people easily forget, is that soldiers are their own separate people. We, like everyone else, have different hopes and wants and desires outside of the military. But to be honest, my passion for reading and writing outside of the forces is what keeps my Logistics job continually fresh and exciting. My creative mind helps me to think of different ways to solve problems at work. And when all else fails, at the very least, I learn something new from every book I read and every sentence I write.
That being said, it is certainly easy to forget that I am something other than a soldier. While sitting and having my hair done yesterday, my hairdresser said to another client, “This is Kelly. She’s a writer.” I’ve been in the military since I was 18 and have known myself as nothing else except a member of the forces. I was thrilled to hear myself described with this new term! Am I also a writer? Yes, this blog confirms it. It is real. I am not just a soldier. I am a writer too.
And so this weekend, a new world awaits. I’ll have to dust off my civilian clothing from the closet (since I wear my uniform all week and then stretchy pants every evening!) and remind myself that I am both Military Logistics Officer and Writer. And there is quite possibly nothing better than having a job that lets you be both.
Jul
28
The other day I received a press release that Hootie (of The Blowfish) is releasing a solo album and this morning I happened upon the return of another 90s wonder band: Crash Test Dummies. You’ll be happy to hear that famously deep voice is as rich as ever. Check out the new video below and get ready for a fall tour complete with Canadian stops:
Now if Roxette drop a new tune next, my throwback will be complete. —L.L.
Jul
27
With all of the new technologies in health and beauty, sometimes the basic message gets lost: exercise, water, healthy food. Seems so simple, but it’s easy to go off track, especially in these hot summer months when there’s no time to exercise, water is pouring out our pores, and healthy food is missing from the after-work appetizer menu. Luckily beauty expert Cheryl Gushue just gave me a quick reminder that there’s no excuse for forgetting what she calls the “beauty trifecta”. Here are 3 easy things to keep in mind for an overall healthy glow:
1. Drink up. You should be consuming at least 2 litres of water a day – even more if you’re sweating or exercising. Start your day with a tall glass of water to replenish after a dehydrating sleep and keep that pace throughout the day. Add water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber to your diet for even more benefit.
2. What goes in, must come out. There’s nothing wrong with indulging in summer sangria and your penchant for fried food (in moderation of course), but note that when you commit to taking in those toxins and impurities you’re also taking on the responsibility to flush them out. Exercise and the aforementioned 2 litres of water a day are the only way to balance out.
3. The brighter, the better. If colour is missing from your dinner plate, so are the vitamin-rich nutrients your body thrives on. Colourful foods are loaded with anti-oxidants (think of leafy greens and berries), which will fight free radicals that cause aging.
—L.L.
Jul
27
Oh lord, as if there isn’t enough GOOP on earth already.
I just got a press release announcing that Gwyneth’s “Country Strong” will hit country radio this week.
I just listened to the track on Just Jared and it has confirmed my suspicions that most leading ladies just should not sing. That means you too ScarJo.
Listen to the track and let me know what you think. Has my GOOP-fueled distaste of Gwynnie skewed my judgment?
–Jen O’Brien
Jul
27
And no, I don’t mean those itty-bitty short-shorts designed to display your derrière. I’m talking about the exquisitely-tailored, ultra-wearable, super cute slacks that have just hit the shelves at Gap.
Gap’s new line of premium pants have detailed waistbands and are created from bi-stretch materials so they’re flattering on almost every figure. Fits range from “slim cropped” to “really skinny” to “boyfit” and prices range from $59.50 to $69.50.
Personally I’m loving the slim cropped style (photo below) – they’re the perfect pair to transition into fall. Go snap up a pair…then forget I just mentioned fall.
–Jen O’Brien
