Rejuvenated

Wow - can you believe that tomorrow marks the beginning of the year 2008? That said, isn't it just hilarious that people didn't think we'd make it past the year 2000?

You know, this year's Christmas was just fantastic. And actually, the same can be said for the last several months. I can't say that I've had this much fun, nor this much happiness in a long while. Though I have my "down-times" periodically, I generally feel rejuvenated as an individual. And can you blame me? I'm 40lbs lighter now than when I arrived in Vancouver in late February. I look like an entirely different person.

But not one that I don't want to be. Funny though it sounds, I now feel as if I am the person I always wanted to be. Especially concerning how I look - I'm now confident - for the first time in a long time - about the way I present myself to others. I'm comfortable with my body, my face and even my hair. I've never quite been with my hair, but now after 2+ decades, I can say that finally I have a hair style that I am pleased with.

I like the way I look. I like the fact that my personality combined with my looks attracts a certain specific type of girl; girls that I not only find attractive physically, but have the brains to keep my intellectually stimulated. Sure, I'm not in a relationship at the moment, but I've since gotten more "Meet Me" requests on HotOrNot.com. They could all turn out to be nothing...but I'm always hoping for the best. I want a love to spend time with.

That all being said, I truly feel as I'm a different person. It's hard to explain if you haven't undergone a drastic transformation yourself, but the feeling is almost indescribable. It changes your perception of everything around you.

And yet despite my improved appearance, I felt as if I've managed to retain my beliefs and opinions on what-not. In fact, my improved confidence has do nothing but strengthen my enthusiasm and expressive character. I'm greatly proud of who I am, and will not change that for some one's benefit.

Additionally, I'm now at a point in my life where I'm starting to reassemble the shattered pieces. I'm going to get education back on track come the New Year, and that alone, is going to change my life.

I'm in a happy place both physically and mentally. Never in my life have I not only gotten more joy out of listening to music, but being in the public and talking to others. There's something to be said about that.

Christmas Reminder

Just a reminder of what any good Christmas should consist of...


-- Jennifer Lamiraqui

Christmas Eve

Wow. It truly is unbelievable that as I write this message, it is Christmas Eve. Seems like it kind of snuck up out of no where, if you know what I mean.

And you know what? This is the first Christmas Eve in the last seven years that I've actually enjoyed. And ironically, it also happens to be the first one that doesn't feel like Christmas Eve.

As I mentioned some time ago, I have had a string of awful Christmas' over the last several years. And when I say "awful", I truly mean it.

This year is a little different though. I'm feeling fantastic because the today has played out in a manor in which I wanted it to play out, for a change. And I must mention that even despite the horrible cold (throat, nose and head) which I've been fending off for the last three days, my Christmas hasn't been ruined even the least bit.

Woke up at 4:30am, ate and then surfed the net for a few hours. And after I saw that I had a new double-match on HotorNot.com, felt totally confident and happy. Really look forwarding to talk with her.

After that, I spent the entire day with my father around various locations in Vancouver; a few of which included Granville Island, exotic car dealers and Jericho Beach. So, suffice to say, I got lots of exercise today and am feeling completely refreshed.

And for the last couple of hours, I've not only been surfing the net, but rocking out to as much music as I bloody want. And because my house-neighbours went away for Christmas this past Saturday, I get to listen to it at any volume I desire. I've been listening to Rush and Porcupine Tree non-effing-stop. In fact, I'm listening to Rush's 1989 album, "Presto" at the moment...

Essentially what I'm trying to say is that I think what most people fail to recognize, is that Christmas is something different for everyone. While some people's idea of great Christmas consists of a big party, a thousand family members, turkey and a ton of presents, my idea of a great Christmas is a great deal simpler. Hell, I didn't even set up a tree. In fact, my house looks identical to how it did 6 months ago. No decorations, no nothing. And I wouldn't have it any other way. For me, Christmas is best enjoyed with few family members (my dad specifically), food (other than Turkey - perhaps Pizza), loud music and next to nothing when it comes presents. Truth be told, I hardly got any presents for Christmas this year, but couldn't care. I've got my dad, and I've got my music.

And you know what I'm going to do first thing tomorrow morning? I'm going to listen to Rush's "Snakes & Arrows"... And I'm going to enjoy every minute of it. Now this is what I call a great Christmas.

Oh, and here's something that makes me that little bit happier.

My New Watch

Yippe!!! I got myself a new watch today.

Hmm, let's see...The last time that I actually owned (and wore a watch for that matter) was about 4 1/2 years ago. That's no joke either.

The last watch that I owned was an aqua blue-faced FOSSIL with a fantastic polished silver face and metal linkage. I loved it, but very unforuntately had to pawn it off to get some extra cash. After that happened, I promised to myself that I'd never ever buy one ever again at the risk of once again losing it. As I needn't tell anyone, giving something away that you love can be absolutely terrible.

Anyways, as I had recently recieved an Eddie Bauer gift card from my aunt in Calgary (who will probably read this soon enough - thank's auntie!!), I decided that I'd go to EB and pick out something that I really wanted. Thought about getting a wallet, but most of their wallets were rubbish. And then it hit me - "what about a watch"?

Shortly thereafter, I quickly glanced through their selection and noticed the beautiful piece you see at the top of this post. After eyeing it to death, I eventually asked an employee how much the watch was, and he checked the price tag and came back with a figure of $128.00. Though it was more than half the limit of my gift card limit, I just could not resist the opportunity to have this watch. And then and there, I decided that I'd get the watch with the gift card and offset any remaining balance with my own money.

When I went to the cash register, the cashier said the watch was not $128.00, but was on a bargain blowout sale for just $45.00. Yes, just $45.00 and as that was below my gift card limit, I could get the watch without spending any of my own money.

They had a selection of great watches, but most of which were not only too shiny and polished, but ultimately a bit too garish for my taste. In fact, when I look back at my FOSSIL, I can't help but think that it was a bit garish; a bit too flashy and showy.

One of the things that greatly attracted me to this watch was in fact it's old fashioned allure. The watchi t's self a very classy theme to it; most definitely an old fashion look and style - all of which is accentuated by the conventional brown coloured leather strap.

And don't think for one second that because it was "merely" $45.00 that it's cheap in anyway. It's not only well crafted, but has a ton of features - those which include: a digital time readout (in addition to the conventional hands) with the option to use a 24 hour clock; a lap timer and countdown; a date, month and year readout; an alarm clock and last, but certainly not least, a button which activates a green-faced illumantion so that the watch can be read in the dark. It's all top notch, and I couldn't be happier.

Thanks auntie!

Thanks, Dad

In talking with Kirstin (the cousin I had breakfast with just yesterday and who is truly one of the most wonderful people I've ever met - no joke) about the possibility of spending Christmas with my mother's side of the family, I've been reminded how great my father actually is.

You know, there are many people who have a relationship with their father which is strictly "father and son", but our relationship is so much stronger than that. Thanks to our many adventures - both good and bad - through out the last decade we've grown a bond which is best described as "best friends" first, "father and son" secondly.

It's a bond which I'm undoubtedly proud of. I can not only confide in him, but I can talk to him about anything. Anything means anything - sex (way beyond the "birds and bee's"); girls; racism; my daily thoughts as well my hatred for this and that. They're always discussions which are completely open with little nervousness. Not only can I trust in his knowledge and his advice, but I can always trust that he'll be there for me. If I need him to do something for me I know he'll do it. And that's definitely a two way street - we feed off each other's character

And It doesn't take too long before we're joking, laughing and throwing sarcastic comments around about most everything.

And because our interests are nearly identical, we haven't a problem with spending time with each other. For instance, we like the exact same music. In fact, most of my music taste was inherited from him. And on my side, I was the one who got him onto Rush and just recently, Porcupine Tree. We like the same TV shows too 0 X-Files, Heroes, Curb Your Enthusiasm and naturally, Trailer Park Boys. And there isn't a time when I don't watch Top Gear with him.

And as he is also an automotive enthusiast, It's clearly that I inherited his automotive obsession too. And yes... we like the same vehicles too... We like the same art, the same activities and even have the same taste in women.

And what I have also failed to mention in the past, is that he is essentially my hero. The both of us have been through some really tough times together and even when it looked like all hope was lost, he pulled us through. His determination is second to none.

Thanks pops.

My Christmas Music

As I'm sure you're aware, they're are many who like to get into the Christmas spirit by listening to Christmas music; you know, such songs as "Deck the Halls", "Frosty the Snow Man", "The Twelve Days of Christmas", etc.

Not me though (no surprise, eh), I've always hated Christmas music. Though that's not to say that I haven't got my own type of Christmas music. For the last couple of years my Christmas spirit has always been fuelled by folks singers. They are my alternative to Christmas music, and around this time every year, I'm always listening to our great Canadian folk legends like Gordon Lightfoot and Valdy.

The two have such easy listening, but emotional inspired tunes. Lightfoot's a "Ballad of Yarmouth Castle" and "Pride of Man" are just brilliant, while Valdy's "Weather'd Hands" gives me real feel for Fisher men in Nova Scotia. Whatever the two write about, it's always inspirational.

Valdy